Grant Santema

Grant Santema – Alumni Spotlight
Automotive Technology – Class of 2025

When was the last time you visited campus?
2026 Graduation

Why did you choose to attend Lake Area Tech?
Lake Area Technical College had a great reputation of being one of the top tech colleges in the country. My family always said it was the “Harvard of Technical Colleges”. When I toured, the professors I spoke with impressed me, and I enjoyed watching the students do hands-on prep for Robot Games. Getting an excellent, hands-on education with instructors who really seemed to care about their students, were deciding factors.

Where are you employed today?
Ultimate Automotive

What was your favorite thing about Lake Area Tech?
My favorite aspect about Lake Area Tech was the respect and admiration from the community. It felt like everybody cared and wanted success for me wherever I was at.

What was the biggest lesson you learned at Lake Area Tech?
The biggest lesson I learned was valuable life skills that my program provided that can transfer into all areas of my life, such as problem solving, communication, and creativity.

What made you want to continue your education?
I wanted to continue my education to have an environment where I could discover my true passions and learn valuable skills.

What advice would you give a current Lake Area Tech student?
The biggest piece of advice I would give a current or future Lake Area Tech student would be to do a lot of activities and events that force you to be uncomfortable. You will learn a lot about yourself and experience self-growth in all areas of your life during college.

What makes you proud to be an alumni of Lake Area Tech?
I am proud to be an alumni because of the highly respected environment that Lake Area Tech has, as well as the top-level education.

What advice can you give to Lake Area Tech students that will be entering the workforce?
Work hard, be uncomfortable, be the difference.

You can’t expect to change the entire world, but you can make a huge impact in your direct circle of influence — start there!