Honoring a legacy of leadership and service: Langer receives 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award

Joe Langer will be honored with the 2025 NWTC Distinguished Alumni Award during Alumni Night on November 19. For the first time in the College’s history, two graduates will be recognized with the distinction which celebrates outstanding personal and professional achievements, commitment to the College’s values, and community involvement.

Langer, a 1974 NWTC Data Processing program graduate, is a long-time supporter of the College. He has served on the NWTC Educational Foundation Board since 2005, helping to establish the Student Emergency Fund, grow scholarship giving, and secure a major donation for the Transportation Center. He also personally gives to the Foundation to make college possible for students.

“I’m really proud to be a donor to the NWTC Foundation which does so much good work when it comes to scholarships,” he said. “It helps students who are really struggling financially to get through and graduate. I’d encourage everybody else to be a donor as well.”

In addition, Langer is a strong advocate for NWTC, often sharing how the College helped pave his own path to career success.

After graduating from NWTC – or NWTI (“I” for “Institute”) as it was called in 1974 – Langer secured a position as a computer programmer for a local paper converting company. In that role, he advanced into more complex programming, developed project leadership skills, began pursuing his undergraduate degree by attending evening classes while working full time. Learn more about NWTC's information technology and other College of STEM programs. 

After earning his four-year degree, Langer became general manager of a small paper business that expanded into technology services and grew from 12 to nearly 150 employees and $25 million in revenue over 17 years. During that time, he earned his MBA from UW-Oshkosh. He later joined Schneider National, where he advanced through several leadership roles in marketing, technology, and global planning, ultimately retiring as director of global planning and support. He also served on the Schneider Foundation, supporting local nonprofits.

Pathway to success

“My story is one of overcoming challenges to succeed,” said Langer, who grew up in Marinette. “Working on local farms at an early age taught me the value of hard work and a commitment to grow.”

Langer planned to further his education after high school and had some savings, but he was hoping for support from his parents. Unfortunately, in November of his senior year, his father passed away suddenly, and any thought of family support was gone.

“I knew it was up to me to make it happen. That is when I found NWTC,” he said. “I was able to find an in-demand degree program that aligned with my interests. Program costs were much less than a four-year institution making my education affordable.”

By working two part-time jobs, and with the help of scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, Langer graduated without any student loans. In addition, he found the support from NWTC faculty and staff to be invaluable.

“NWTC was committed to helping me graduate to begin my career,” he said. “From helping map out course schedules, arranging internships, or getting help in difficult subjects, the instructors and staff were willing to do whatever was needed to support me as a student.”

“I want this story to be an inspiration to others. Even in the face of adversity, with a sense of commitment and the support of the College, you will achieve your goals and contribute to a thriving community.”