Honoring our Past & Celebrating our Future
The Investiture of
Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia
The Eleventh President of Chippewa Valley Technical College
Watch the Investiture Ceremony
Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia
Dr. Beaton-Garcia is an experienced educator and administrator with a passion for technical education. She holds a Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University and has spent over 25 years in academia, serving as a professor, department head, and dean.
Dr. Beaton-Garcia’s commitment to technical education is evidenced by her extensive involvement in the development and implementation of innovative curricula that integrate industry-recognized certifications and practical, hands-on training. She has also been a strong advocate for partnerships between educational institutions and industry, facilitating opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and for faculty to engage in innovative practices.
Dr. Beaton-Garcia is a passionate advocate for the community and the College, exemplified through her service on various local, state, and national boards. She is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students and faculty alike, where innovation, creativity, and excellence thrive.
As President of Chippewa Valley Technical College, Dr. Beaton-Garcia has led the institution through a period of growth and transformation, expanding program offerings, improving student outcomes, and strengthening relationships with industry partners. She has also prioritized the use of technology to enhance the student experience, investing in state-of-the-art labs and classrooms, and implementing online learning platforms to increase access and flexibility for students. Under her leadership, CVTC has been recognized as a military-friendly college and one of the top 150 two-year colleges in the nation by the prestigious Aspen Institute.
A Week-long celebration of CVTC
Honoring Our Past and Celebrating Our Future is more than just a theme for this special week. It is an acknowledgment of our roots and traditions as an institution while also recognizing the potential and possibilities for growth and innovation ahead. We invite you to join us in celebrating our shared history and bright future.
Celebrate a new chapter in our College's history with the investiture of Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia as the eleventh president of Chippewa Valley Technical College. Join us for a week-long celebration featuring community events, industry appreciation, and much more the week of September 10 – 15, 2023.
Tailgate Party & Mobile Lab Showcase
Sunday, September 10
Noon – 2 p.m.
River Falls Campus | South Education Center
View CVTC mobile labs and get a sneak peek at the newly renovated South Education Center! Meet and greet with Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia, eleventh president.
Voices of the Valley Gallery Walk
Monday, September 11
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Business Education Center - Commons
Step into the shoes of a diverse group of adults who find themselves learning English at CVTC, carving out their place in Western Wisconsin, and sharing their journeys. Enjoy excerpts of Voices of the Valley, a book written, designed, and published by CVTC students and guided by their instructors. Books available; donations encouraged.
A short program will take place at 11:30 am.
business community campus showcase
Monday, September 11
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Chippewa Falls Campus
Join us at the Business Community Campus Showcase, a unique opportunity to network while discovering CVTC at Chippewa Falls. Hear from Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia, and immerse yourself in a showcase featuring the Anatomage table display, captivating safety demonstrations, and insightful presentations on our apprenticeship programs, all underlining our commitment to excellence in education and industry collaboration.
Eau Claire Area Chamber Business Community Breakfast
Tuesday, September 12
7 – 8:30 a.m.
Business Education Center
Join us at CVTC's Business Education Center to engage in insightful discussions and hear from Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia as she shares an update from the college. Explore our Business and Health Education Centers and explore the new IT program and esports spaces designed to meet both student and workforce needs.
*Registration is required.
Tribute Circle Dedication
Tuesday, September 12
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Emergency Service Education Center
The Emergency Service Tribute Circle was built in honor and remembrance of emergency service personnel who currently serve or have served our communities. As part of the CVTC Emergency Service Education Center referendum project renovations, the flagpoles and commemorative bench honoring Chippewa County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Zunker have been relocated. We invite you to join us in dedicating this new space.
ESports Day
Tuesday, September 12
10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Business Education Center
Get ready to unleash your inner gaming champion! A Super Smash Bros Ultimate tournament will be taking place throughout the day in the newly renovated cybersecurity/esports classroom. See you at the tournament – let the games begin!
*Registration required.
Student Welcome Back Bash
Wednesday, September 13
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Eau Claire West Campus
Welcome back to fall semester, students! The CVTC West Campus Welcome Back Bash will be a progressive style event with music, food, and fun. Stops include appetizers at the Emergency Service Education Center, main course and music at the Transportation Education Center, and ice cream at the Energy Education Center.
River Falls South Education Center Ribbon Cutting
Wednesday, September 13
1:30 – 3 p.m.
River Falls Campus | South Education Center
Experience the unveiling of River Falls South Education Center, a hub for Emergency Service and Residential Construction programs, and Welding High School Academy. Engage with stakeholders from the school district, workforce development team, and faculty during the ribbon-cutting event, as they highlight the center's role in education and community growth.
Alumni Social Hour
Wednesday, September 13
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Menomonie Campus
CVTC alumni are invited for an engaging gathering of yard games, networking, reminiscing, and celebrating the past, present, and future of CVTC. Join us for a campus tour and get a sneak peek into the future improvements planned for the CVTC at Menomonie Campus while enjoying complimentary snacks and refreshments.
CVTC Employee & Retiree Picnic
Thursday, September 14
4 – 7 p.m.
Carson Park | Eau Claire
CVTC employees and retirees are invited to come together for an evening of camaraderie and fun hosted by CVTC Foundation, Inc. Attendees are invited to bring supply donations that will benefit our student food pantry. Requested donations include toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, deodorant, and other personal hygiene products.
Investiture Ceremony of Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia
Friday, September 15
10 a.m. | Reception to Follow
Business Education Center, Room 103A/B
The investiture of Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia marks a significant milestone in the history of Chippewa Valley Technical College. Since its establishment in 1912. CVTC has been guided by visionary leaders, each leaving an indelible mark on the institution and the communities it serves. Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia's investiture represents a continuation of this tradition of excellence and commitment to the college's mission and values.
Attendance by invitation only. A livestream of the event will be available 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Watch now.
What Is an Investiture?
An investiture is a formal ceremony marking the official transfer of leadership at an institution of higher education, originating from English universities and adapted from the dignified ceremonies associated with knighthood. Traditionally, this event happens within the first two years of a president’s tenure.
The investiture of Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia acknowledges and celebrates her as she leads the institution forward while representing and paying homage to CVTC's longstanding values, past leadership, and traditions. During the ceremony, the official chain of command will be bestowed upon Dr. Beaton-Garcia by the President of our District Board, Timothy Benedict. Speakers and other special ceremonial proceedings will be part of the ceremony. Multiple events during the week prior to the ceremony will be held so different audiences have the opportunity to welcome Dr. Beaton-Garcia. The official ceremony will be live-streamed to allow for the College and greater communities to participate in this momentous occasion.
The investiture of Dr. Beaton-Garcia marks a significant milestone in the history of Chippewa Valley Technical College since its establishment in 1912. CVTC has been guided by visionary leaders, each leaving an indelible mark on the institution and the communities it serves. Dr. Beaton-Garcia's investiture represents a continuation of this tradition of excellence and commitment to the College's mission and values.
Honoring Our Past
Chippewa Valley Technical College has enjoyed the courageous leadership of visionary presidents since its inception in 1912. Each leader has embodied CVTC’s mission and vision and shaped the College in their unique ways. Their challenges were different, but their goals were the same: to create a learning environment to prepare students for success.
- Director William Dixon, 1914-1916
- Director Milton Towner, 1916-1917
- Director Charles Beardsley, 1917-1927
- Director Harley Brook, 1927-1940
- Director Sam Davey, 1940-1944
- Director William Enge, 1944-1963
- Director Cecil Beede, 1963-1974
- Director Norbert Wurtzel, 1974-1994
- President Dr. Bill Ihlenfeldt, 1994-2008
- President Bruce Barker, 2008-2021
- President Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia, 2021-present
Celebrating Our Future
Under Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia's visionary leadership, we developed the CVTC 2022 – 2027 Strategic Plan. This comprehensive roadmap serves as a guiding light, leading our institution toward a future brimming with promise and potential. Our unwavering commitment to innovative, applied, and adaptable education forms the cornerstone of this strategic endeavor, igniting a spark of empowerment within learners and sparking a cascade of positive change throughout communities.
Together, as a College community, we will spend the next several years working toward four priorities:
- Culture of Innovation Through Teaching and Learning
- Culture of Student Success
- Culture of College-wide Collaboration and Engagement
- Culture of Community Engagement
As we navigate the path ahead, we extend an invitation to all who share our passion for a brighter future. We welcome the collaboration, guidance, and expertise of our employees, students, alumni, donors, partners, and our entire community to make these dreams a reality. We thank you for your continued support and collaboration on this journey toward educational excellence, community enrichment, and a future illuminated by the power of knowledge and innovation.