Bonnie Behnke, former vice president of development for a Fox Valley elder care facility, has been named recipient of the Fox Valley Technical College 2020 Outstanding Alumni Award.

A 1981 graduate of the Accounting program, she 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.

At the age of 17 and after losing her father, the ninth of 11 children went on to become the first member of the family to earn a college degree. Behnke’s pathway since graduating from FVTC has included a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from then-named Lakeland College in 2015 and leadership roles in both the financial services and health care industries.

In addition to a successful career as a vice president overseeing the launch the first U.S. Chapter of Cycling Without Age program and pet therapy activity in an elder care setting, Behnke’s service in the community is second-to-none. She currently serves on the FVTC Oshkosh Area Advisory Committee, the Oshkosh Community Foundation Basic Needs Grant Committee, and has been a PALS volunteer for over 20 years.

Behnke is also past president of the Oshkosh Women's Fund and Southwest Rotary. As an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, she also finds time to serve on the board of Excellence in Leadership. She is Six Sigma LEAN certified, a graduate of Leadership Oshkosh, and is a past recipient of Ambassador of the Year by the Oshkosh Chamber.

Finally, her long list of impressive leadership and volunteerism to our region includes service on the DARE advisory board, serving as a Sunday school teacher, and helping Meals on Wheels and Junior Achievement.