LUXEMBURG, Wis. – Laura Andre, a 1996 graduate of Luxemburg-Casco High School, is the recipient of the 2024 Luxemburg-Casco School District Distinguished Alumni Award. She has been a trailblazer for women, personally and professionally, as a student at L-C and since in her professional career at Oshkosh Defense, where she is a Chief Principal Engineer.

The Luxemburg-Casco School District annually recognizes a past graduate at its graduation ceremony. Among the criteria in selection of the Distinguished Alumni Award are achievement in high school or beyond, community service and the ability to serve as an inspiration to L-C students. The 2024 commencement will be held May 22.

 

 

“Our graduates go on to accomplish great things in the professional world and in the community,” says Principal Troy Haws. “Laura has broken new ground, particularly for women, both during her time at L-C High School and today in her career. What she has done throughout her life was not easy, but she was undeterred and showed what is possible. She is a great example for our graduates!”

Following her graduation from L-C, Andre attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on a full athletic scholarship for the track team. She graduated in December 2001 with a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering, and accepted a position with then-Oshkosh Truck Company, now known as Oshkosh Defense.

Over a 22-year career with the company, Andre has been promoted on multiple occasions. Today, she serves as a Chief Principal Engineer for Oshkosh Defense. Her responsibilities have exposed her to multiple projects on behalf of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Joint U.S. Department of Defense, plus military programs of the United Kingdom, Australia and other allied forces.

She began with Oshkosh Truck in product development design. Through demonstrated excellence in technical writing, Andre was promoted to a product safety and reliability position.

Pursuing a leadership track within Oshkosh Defense, Andre earned a Master of Science degree in engineering management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 2013, along with certifications in project management, new product management and knowledge management.

Andre subsequently was promoted to Lead Engineer for Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health (ESOH) programs on all of the company’s Defense Product Development projects, a role which later expanded to include Human System Integration (HSI) programs. She currently oversees all ESOH and HSI programs and engineers.

Andre notes that, “I am very honored and blessed to have broken the glass ceiling on several barriers commonly set against women during my life.” Among these, she shares, are being the first girl to be an altar server at St. Hubert Catholic Church (in Rosiere), becoming only the second female in school history to be a member of the Luxemburg-Casco football team (and the first to play offensive/defensive tackle), and being accepted into engineering school.

“I am fortunate to have experienced my pursuits without any resistance or opposition, but rather with support and encouragement,” says Andre.

While a student at Luxemburg-Casco High School, Andre was involved in a wide range of activities. Athletically, she participated in track (named MVP), basketball and football. Musically, Andre was part of the band and solo ensemble, receiving the Musicianship Award for percussion. Her extracurricular activities also included Forensics, FBLA, Conservation Club, World Affairs Seminar, and Class Comedian.

Andre enjoys a wide array of hobbies and interests, including playing golf, nature walks, prescribed prairie burns, deer hunting, target pistol shooting, small-craft woodworking, traveling, storytelling and volunteer work. She says that she has “a passion to help others,” and has supported multiple events of the Dyckesville Lions Club, including its Labor Day Rodeo, Fish and Win Challenge, Vision Screening and the Fright House. Her volunteerism with the Fright House led to the creation of the L-C Leos Club, of which she was a founding member.

Away from work, she describes herself as “rocking the single life and being a good Aunt.”

Bob Miller, a 1965 Luxemburg graduate, was the 2023 winner of the Distinguished Alumni Award.