Hired Before Graduation “Where Are They Now?”: Miguel Aranda

August 20, 2025

Miguel Aranda truly embodies what it means to be a Warhawk for life.

He earned both his bachelor’s and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and worked as a custodian for the university until making his way into his current role as associate director of PreCollege Programs.

“Stay close, go far,” he says, reciting a former university slogan that resonates with many Warhawks.

UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics — famous for its rigorous curriculum and tradition of excellence — motivated Aranda to stay close to home.

Throughout his time, Aranda served in many leadership roles on campus through Latinos Unidos, Greek life, and other multicultural efforts.

“I had so many opportunities to meet many people, learn about different cultures, and the environment,” said Aranda.

Despite Whitewater being Aranda’s hometown, the university felt to him like being in a different world, allowing him to make many new memories.

Before graduating with a BBA in international business in May of 2013, Aranda was hired as an assistant manager for Walmart. He then moved to working in the private sector before finally committing to work at UW-Whitewater, proudly doing custodial work.

Aranda has built resilience and found his strengths as he persisted in his decade-long career with UW-Whitewater. His wife, Fabiola Aranda, works as a financial specialist in UW-Whitewater’s Continuing Education office, and the couple has three children. Aranda currently serves on the Whitewater Unified School District School Board and is a key figure in other important local campus and community initiatives.

“I feel very privileged to be living the American dream. I feel like I’m in a really good place in life,” he said.

It’s why he has such a passion for the PreCollege Programs — so young students are able to get to the same point in life that he is.

To graduates, Miguel shares these words of wisdom: “You’ve made it this far and put in a lot of sacrifices and commitment. Don't give up, be resilient, keep dreaming. You have to be optimistic.

“If you want to go further, it's going to get difficult. Realize that you will have to put in the work if you want to go further. It won't be easy, so find where you fit to flourish.”