Student speaker Joseph Balistreri has built bridges at UW-Whitewater

Student speaker Joseph Balistreri has built bridges at UW-Whitewater

April 24, 2026

When he first enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Joseph Balistreri already had significant life experience under his belt - experience that he used to help build bridges to support other students.

The Wisconsin Air National Guard member says his pursuit of a Bachelor of Business Administration in management has been a transformative experience through the organizations and activities he took part in as an undergraduate student.

"I'm really proud to have been a part of this university since the spring of 2023," he said.

Balistreri, a 2021 graduate of Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, will share his inspiring story as the student speaker for UW-Whitewater's May 2026 commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16.

Balistreri was attracted to UW-Whitewater as he considered higher education for a number of reasons: His grandfather graduated from UW-Whitewater, and his father graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

"I think Whitewater is the perfect size," Balistreri said. "It's very beautiful and very historic."

Balistreri has been balancing his schoolwork alongside his military service. After graduating high school, Balistreri went straight into the Wisconsin Air National Guard, working as a vehicle maintainer. He earned three designations during Military Training: Head Airman Leader, Chaplain Assistant and Drill and Ceremony Assistant.

During his time with the Wisconsin Air National Guard, Balistreri also earned a designation that has been a part of his overall mission in life - to help people whenever possible. He has been trained to provide confidential, non-clinical support to the military community as a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate.

Joe Balistreri, second from the right in the first row, celebrates the one-year anniversary of EVOLVE Whitewater - a campus ministry organization that partners with Milwaukee's Evolve Church to promote faith, community, and expressive worship among students - with other members. (Submitted photo)

On the UW-Whitewater campus, Balistreri's heart for service has been demonstrated in a number of ways, including his role as an intercessor with the faith-based EVOLVE Whitewater ministry organization. From 2024 to 2025, he provided one-on-one confidential support in a compassionate manner.

"Building bridges is very important to me," Balistreri said. "Becoming a bridge for others is a big part of my personal philosophy. It's a privilege to be able to help people work through some of their struggles."

Balistreri's commitment to service has been recognized within UW-Whitewater. He was selected as a student speaker for the Boxes and Bridges diversity initiative, where his talk explored what it means to choose connection over distance and to become a bridge for others.

After his first semester at UW-Whitewater, Balistreri became a resident assistant, a role he has continued up through graduation. The leadership role has been another opportunity for him to offer a helping hand at pivotal moments.

Joe Balistreri, a management major from Watertown, uses colored pencils in an anti-domestic-abuse-themed art activity during a Denim Day observation on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The activity was the third Denim Day at Fricker Hall where students promoted the wearing of jeans and denim to support survivors of sexual assault and to spread awareness. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

Balistreri has also been involved with campus life in other ways, including a role in Whitewater Student Government from 2023-25, where he held multiple positions, including senator, associate director of student affairs and, ultimately, director of student affairs.

"I appreciated being able to talk with administrators and advocate for students, all while learning about the university's values and what students are looking for," Balistreri said.

Other campus roles included a four-semester stint on the Chancellor's Student Advisory Council and a role on a search and screen committee to recruit a dean of students in 2025.

Several years ago, Balistreri also helped make his mark on campus in a different way - reviving a club sport.

Joe Balistreri, right, a management student from Watertown, and president of the campus racquetball club, plays racquetball on March 31, 2026. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

"It was nice to be able to bring the university's racquetball club back from dormancy," said Balistreri, who has been serving as the organization's president since 2023. "It's small, but it's great to have it back after about 10 years."

Balistreri might be closing out his time as an undergraduate student, but UW-Whitewater will still remain a part of his life. This fall, he is returning as he pursues an MBA with a planned emphasis in management.

As a dedicated bridge builder, Balistreri has impacted countless lives as a student, but he is quick to point out it has been a reciprocal experience as he reflects on the many people he has crossed paths with who have been sources of inspiration.

"It brings a smile to my face, knowing that people within this university really care about people as individuals," Balistreri said.

Joe Balistreri, a management student from Watertown, performs a percussion improvisation on the handpan during the performance program at the annual International Dinner, which brought food, entertainment and fun from many world cultures to the Hamilton Room of the University Center on Friday, March 6, 2026. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)