Jes Borland, Field Engineer for Microsoft, has been named the recipient of the Fox Valley Technical College 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award.

 Borland, a 2008 graduate of the Software Developer program, earned the award for demonstrating the value of technical education through career advancement, community service, continued personal and educational growth, and support of the Wisconsin Technical College System.  In this role, she provides support, training, and education to Microsoft’s premier customers.  Borland travels the globe while working from home, an arrangement that gives her the best of both worlds in terms of  rewards and flexibility.  She moved into her current role at Microsoft after earning the company’s prestigious international MVP award.  This prestigious award is given  to roughly 4,000 people worldwide each year.  

Jes has a passion for sharing knowledge!  Her blog has over two million views and she has contributed to two technical books.  She has presented at technical group conferences, PASS Summit, DevConnections, and SQLintersection.  The three largest SQL conventions in the country.  This led her to start MADPASS, FoxPASS, and Tech on Tap groups in Wisconsin, while also serving on the Board of Directors.  She currently serves as Membership Director for the Women in Technology Wisconsin Board, and is past President of the Oshkosh Jaycees.  Jes has also taught programming classes at GirlTECH, served on the panel and as a mentor for Explore IT events, and served on the FVTC IT Advisory Committee.  

When asked about what the outstanding alumni of the year award means to her, Borland humbly said with tears, “I wouldn’t be where I am at without Fox Valley Technical College. The critical thinking skills and working together on teams complemented my knowledge of technology, enabling me to work confidently and efficiently.”