Moraine Park Technical College is proud to announce Kristina Haensgen, of Beaver Dam, as its 2025 Distinguished Alumna.
Haensgen is a strategic communications leader with over a decade of experience shaping marketing communications within public and nonprofit sectors. As a young single mother balancing work, school and parenthood, she developed a passion for servant leadership and a desire to create opportunities for others facing similar challenges.
Haensgen began her career in healthcare marketing, where she spent formative years learning from others and honing her expertise in strategic communications. In 2018, she transitioned to higher education, joining Moraine Park Technical College’s marketing communications team. Today, she serves as the College’s Communications and Content Manager, leading internal and external communications, public relations and community engagement. Throughout her career, Haensgen has remained focused on building strong connections, amplifying impactful stories and driving engagement to create meaningful opportunities.
“It is an incredible honor to be named the 2025 Distinguished Alumna,” Haensgen said. “Moraine Park isn’t just where I began my education—it’s where I found my confidence, my direction, and the belief that I could build something more for myself and my daughter. This College has touched every stage of my journey: first as a student, then as an alumna, and now as someone who proudly works to serve its mission. Being recognized by the place that helped shape who I am is one of the most meaningful milestones of my journey.”
She holds an associate degree from Moraine Park, a bachelor’s degree from Lakeland University and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Haensgen credits Moraine Park for providing a strong educational foundation and opening doors to opportunity, Lakeland University for offering a flexible program that supported the demands of life and UW Oshkosh for helping her complete her educational journey with confidence and fulfillment.
A dedicated member of the Beaver Dam community, Haensgen is committed to giving back and supporting others—particularly women—as they navigate their paths to success, even in uncertain circumstances. In 2021, she established the Haensgen Family Scholarship, which awards two annual scholarships to Moraine Park students, with a focus on empowering women and young mothers through education. Beyond her local impact, she also contributes to higher education marketing communications efforts across the Midwest, serving on the executive council and as District 3 associate director for the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations.
Outside of her professional and philanthropic work, Haensgen enjoys hiking and exploring Wisconsin with her husband, Ryan, and their two golden retrievers, Crimson and Clover. She is a proud mother to Emma, a talented art major who has grown into a strong, independent woman and continues to be the inspiration behind Haensgen’s career and life successes.
Her recognition as the 2025 Distinguished Alumna celebrates the lasting impact she has made both at the College and in her community. Haensgen will speak at Moraine Park’s Student Awards Banquet on May 8, offering her inspiring story and valuable insights to empower the next generation of students.