James Kilsdonk, market president at Old National Bank and 2008 marketing graduate, is the recipient of NWTC’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award. Kilsdonk is a young professional soaring through the banking ranks, giving back to his community, championing two-year education, and embodying the core values of NWTC in his work.
Kilsdonk began college pursuing mechanical design but soon found a passion for marketing that changed his major and career trajectory. For him, NWTC was about more than obtaining a degree; it was about having “a place to help you find yourself while earning an exceptional education to prepare a person for their career.”
Giving back
For over 10 years, Kilsdonk has been an advocate for technical and two-year education. He has given annual presentations on college readiness and financial planning to high school seniors and has helped NWTC create alumni spotlight video footage. He also gives back to his community through volunteer work. Kilsdonk has been a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin since 2008 and now sits on its board of directors. He is also on the board for the Pulse Young Professional Network.
