The Moraine Park Technical College alumni network is helping graduates build careers long after they leave the classroom. At Watry Industries, three Moraine Park alumni are connected not only by their employer, but also by the education and relationships that helped launch their careers.
Taryn Reese and Colton Spranger, both 2025 graduates of Moraine Park’s Quality and Advanced Manufacturing program, now work as manufacturing engineers at Watry under the leadership of fellow alumnus Ryan Silva, the company’s general manager.
Silva began his educational journey at Moraine Park in 2005, earning degrees in engineering technology and supervisory management before continuing his education and advancing into leadership.
“I interviewed Taryn and Colton on the same day,” Silva said. “They started within a couple weeks of each other, and they’re superstars.”
Both students worked part time at Watry while completing their degrees at Moraine Park and transitioned into manufacturing engineer roles after graduation.
The company manufactures aluminum components used across a variety of industries, from agriculture and marine to transportation and semiconductor manufacturing. Reese and Spranger support projects throughout the facility, including machining, assembly, robot programming, tooling design and process improvements.
Both graduates credit Moraine Park’s hands-on approach for preparing them for their careers.
“My first week in class, I was already on a mill and lathe,” Reese said. “When I got into industry, it wasn’t really stressful because I’d already been working with those tools.”
Colton agreed, noting that access to equipment in Moraine Park’s Advanced Manufacturing Center helped him gain experience with a variety of manufacturing processes before graduation.
The pair also valued the College’s small class sizes and instructors’ industry expertise.
“You can get really personal with the teachers,” Spranger said. “They’re always willing to help solve problems and aren’t afraid to learn alongside students when they’re exploring something new.”
Silva believes Moraine Park’s greatest strength is its instructors’ real-world experience and commitment to student success.
“They focused on competencies and the skills you needed to learn,” Silva said. “Moraine Park has always done a really good job of hiring people who are enthusiastic about what they teach and who have experience in the field.”
Looking ahead, both graduates are eager to continue growing in their careers. For Silva, helping employees develop is a way to give back.
“I started as a second-shift CNC operator,” Silva said. “The company supported my education and my growth. Now it’s my turn to help create those opportunities for others.”
Moraine Park education extends beyond graduation. Through strong industry connections and an engaged alumni network, graduates continue to support one another, opening doors for future professionals and helping shape Wisconsin’s manufacturing workforce.
Learn more about Moraine Park’s Quality and Advanced Manufacturing program.