MSOE prepared Stephanie Johnson ’00 for a great career and connected her to classmates who have become lifelong friends. These are two of the biggest reasons why she has stayed connected to MSOE and believes it is important to give back, which she has been doing since 2004.

“I’m reminded often of how much MSOE gave me, so I want to ensure I’m helping other students receive the same amazing experience I did.”

The industrial engineering major says her involvement with the women’s volleyball and basketball teams helped her learn about teamwork and build friendships.

“I have so many memories of spending time with teammates and studying while we were traveling to a game. I’m so lucky to have them in my life,” she said. “Giving to the Fund for MSOE and women’s basketball allows me to invest in my passion while also making it possible for other student-athletes to create and enhance their own MSOE experiences.”

Of all her transformative moments at MSOE, meeting the John Deere team sticks out the most.

“I still remember the day the rep from John Deere came to campus and interviewed me. I knew the minute I talked with their team I wanted to work there.”

Johnson graduated from MSOE and started working as a manufacturing engineer for John Deere in 2000. Since then she has worked in multiple roles for the company that have taken her across the country and the globe. “I have lived in many places for John Deere, including Wisconsin, Kansas, Tennessee and as far away as Singapore.”

After attending graduate school, Johnson’s role at the company evolved further and today she works as director of B2C marketing at John Deere’s Cary, North Carolina office.

Even though she lives over 900 miles from Wisconsin, Johnson has made it a priority to stay connected to MSOE. When she visits Milwaukee, she enjoys catching up with friends, attending an alumni event, or going to a basketball game at the Kern Center.

“Stephanie’s support of women’s basketball has helped us alleviate travel costs and invest in equipment and resources to continue to improve our program and the student-athlete experience at MSOE,” said Brian Miller, athletic director and head men’s basketball coach.

“I am so lucky for all the experiences and places I have been, and it’s all because of MSOE. I am glad I can help pay it forward.”