When you meet Colton Leman, you notice his grounded nature and determination. Whether he’s talking about helping others through financial planning, mentoring fellow students, or spending time outdoors, there’s a deep sense of purpose behind everything he does.
In May, Colton graduated from UW–Whitewater as a first-generation college student with a degree in Finance and an emphasis in Financial Planning. But the journey that brought him there was shaped by personal loss, resilience, and a scholarship that changed the course of his life.
Finding his path
Colton grew up in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, surrounded by the outdoors he still loves today. Fishing, golfing, hiking, and trips to places like Devil’s Lake became some of the constants in his life.
In high school, he discovered another passion: business and finance.
“I loved learning about finance,” Colton shared. “I wanted to help others.”
As he started thinking about college, he knew he wanted something different from the life he had always known in the Northwoods.
“I knew if I stayed around home, I would be home all the time,” he said. “I wanted to make my own path.”
That decision led him to UW–Whitewater, where he found independence and opportunity.
A turning point after freshman year
College was exciting, but it also became unexpectedly difficult. After Colton’s freshman year, his father passed away — a loss that forced him to grow up quickly and take on more responsibility alongside his brother and sister.
“I wasn’t sure if I was coming back after my freshman year,” he admitted.
During that uncertain time, the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars scholarship became more than financial support. It became the reason he could continue pursuing his degree.
“I wouldn’t have come back without the FFWS Scholarship,” Colton said.
The scholarship email he’ll never forget
Like many FFWS scholars, Colton still remembers the moment he learned he had received the award.
“I won’t ever forget the ‘spam email,’” he laughed. “I honestly thought there was no way this could be real.”
After reaching out to confirm the message was legitimate, the reality finally sank in.
“At the end of the first semester, seeing the zero balance was unbelievable,” he said.
The relief of knowing college was financially possible allowed Colton to become more involved on campus in meaningful ways.
Becoming a leader through mentorship
One of the biggest parts of Colton’s college journey was serving as a Resident Assistant for three years — a role that connected him to fellow FFWS scholars. Through those experiences, he discovered a passion for mentorship and leadership.
During his sophomore year, Colton met FFWS founders John and Tashia Morgridge, an experience he describes as deeply meaningful.
“I was so lucky to meet them and thank them,” he said. “They became role models for how they’ve changed other people’s lives.”
Inspired by the mentorship he received, Colton became a Peer Mentor himself. For Colton, being a mentor became one of the most rewarding parts of college.
“It is one of the single best opportunities you could have,” he said. “You become a guide. People genuinely want you around for help. You’re part of something that creates bigger change than you expect.”
Growing beyond the classroom
Outside of academics and leadership roles, Colton embraced the experiences that helped make Whitewater feel like home. He stayed active through pickleball and golf, built lifelong friendships, and found balance in the outdoors whenever he could.
Most importantly, college helped him grow into someone more confident in his ability to lead and support others.
“Completing four years and growing as a person — I’ve learned how to be a leader,” he said.
Looking ahead
After graduation, Colton plans to return home for the summer and work at a water treatment company while continuing to explore opportunities in finance and financial planning.
No matter where his career takes him, he knows the experiences and relationships built through FFWS will stay with him.
A message of gratitude
When asked what he would want the FFWS Board and founders John and Tashia Morgridge to know, Colton’s answer was immediate.
“Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this program,” he said. “It has made more of an impact on my life than I expected it to. Without this opportunity, I don’t know where I would be. Thank you for giving me a chance.”
He also shared appreciation for the mentors and staff members who supported him throughout his journey, including John Dominguez and Jacky Thompson from UW-Whitewater and Angie Swenson-Holzinger and Kelly Ruppel from FFWS.