This summer, teens from the Fond du Lac, Tri-County, and Jackson Boys and Girls Clubs will be learning about various careers through the MPTC Dream Big community service project.

The Dream Big project started in 2017 with  area BGC teens visiting MPTC or MPTC students visiting the Clubs each semester to help teens learn more about the over 100 careers available through MPTC. This past year, due to COVID, no visiting was possible. The MPTC Student Community Impact Team, in partnership with faculty leaders, came up with a plan to offer summer career exploration of welding, blueprint reading, cosmetology, and culinary through interactive videos with fun hands on activities.

Dream Big is a great community partnership opportunity to showcase MPTC careers and for area teens to get excited about career choices! Tri-County Boys and Girls Club Director of Operations Mindy Collado said, “We are so excited for these Dream Big opportunities! Thanks for stopping in today and delivering all the goodies. The teens already had a lot of fun and I am sure we will get good use out of the careers materials all throughout this summer! Thank you MPTC!”

Moraine Park Technical College has selected Nathan Glander of Wabash National, as the recipient of the 2020 Workforce Development Champion award. The College’s Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) presents five Business and Industry partnership awards each fiscal year; Excellence in Partnership, Employer of the Year, Innovation, New Partner of the Year, and Workforce Development Champion. 

The Workforce Development Champion award is given to an individual focused on improving the skills and retention of personnel in the region and has positively influenced workforce issues around recruitment, training, and career development. Glander has been a consistent advocate for the College and the boot camp programs throughout the last year, even when that proved difficult with the pandemic. During the pandemic when others weren’t able to offer internships, he stepped forward to make sure there were internship spots available to provide the students with learning opportunities. In fall 2020, Glander demonstrated his commitment to the College and the program- and provided services as the sole business partnership for the boot camp welders. This semester, Glander has opened nine fulltime positions for the College’s boot camp completers. As a result of his support, students who complete the program have a greater opportunity to obtain fulltime positions in the welding field. Glander was recognized during a small ceremony in late May.  

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing, sponsored by the College Board, allows students to complete exams in a variety of subjects that are generally covered in the first 2 years of college. CLEP Exam results are accepted for college credit at many colleges and universities throughout the United States- including MPTC.

MPTC has a CLEP Testing Center which allows students, as well as our community members, to take the exams at any of the College campuses. 

Now through August 31, 2021, students can save 50% when they register for another CLEP exam.

How to get the discount:

• Students must have taken another CLEP exam this year (or do so by August 31, 2021).
• During registration, students enter code CLEPSUMMER at checkout to receive 50% off one exam. (Code is valid from June 1, 2021 through August 31, 2021.)

Information on MPTC’s CLEP testing process is available via the link here: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/transfer-information/credit-for-prior-learning/credit-by-exam/college-level-examination-program-clep/

For more information about Moraine Park’s CLEP guidelines, contact MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning Specialist at cpl@morainepark.edu or 920-924-3215, TTY/VP: Use Relay/VRS.

Moraine Park Technical College has selected the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as the recipient of the 2020 New Partner of the Year award. The College’s Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) presents five Business and Industry partnership awards each fiscal year; Excellence in Partnership, Employer of the Year, Innovation, New Partner of the Year, and Workforce Development Champion.

The New Partner of the Year award is given to an organization that supports Moraine Park through contributions, sponsorships, or involvement for the first time. Moraine Park Technical College, in partnership with The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Bureau for Drinking & Groundwater, worked to develop and conduct three online training courses comprised of four training modules to aid the DNRs Water Utility Management program. The purpose of these training modules is to increase the technical, managerial, and financial capacity of municipal water systems in Wisconsin, and to help decision-makers at these water systems make informed decisions. These programs are free for participants. This 3-year partnership between Moraine Park and the DNR is a first of its kind in Wisconsin, and its structure paves the way for future training opportunities. In addition, the College supports continuing education training for certified operators of small public drinking water systems and provides 55 continuing education courses around the state each year.

The College presented the award during a virtual ceremony on May 27.

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.

Justine’s mom wanted her to earn a diploma- she was Justine’s biggest supporter and best friend.

Justine was working toward earning her HSED in the 5.09 program, an option from the state of Wisconsin that allows a student to earn a high school diploma without taking the timed tests. Instead, students work through each competency in the curriculum at their own pace. There are no deadlines or due dates.

Justine was not in good health. She experienced many health concerns and underwent a surgery during the pandemic that did not work. It was very frustrating to have to go through doctor visits and surgery without a support system and then to receive no relief from her pain felt overwhelming. There were extra hoops to jump through because of COVID. Family had to drop her and leave.

Justine worked in a medical health facility and lost her job during the pandemic. Everything was so much harder without an income. Trying to find a job in pandemic circumstances was very difficult.

Her mom had been sick for awhile and passed away as the fall semester was beginning. She was worried she would not be able to finish her goal of earning her diploma. Then her stepdad passed away unexpectedly, too! Justine was devastated! How would she go on without her mom? She was the one that supported Justine the most. It seemed like an impossibility. She was thrown into a world of estates and moving her family’s belonging while mourning her losses. It was difficult to mourn her family properly with social gathering restrictions and everyone so fearful of being in groups.

But Justine came to class whenever she could even if she wasn’t feeling well. She was also a role model to other students. She was kind to them and helped them with their problems and even their homework. They looked up to her. She kept trudging forward, motivated by the knowledge her mother wanted her to take this step. She was doing it in her mother’s memory, no matter how difficult it was.

Justine graduated last month. When her instructor told her she was done, she was incredulous. She couldn’t believe she had made her dream come true. She had been trudging for so long she lost site of where she was on the journey. It was bittersweet without her mom. She couldn’t share in person the joy of her achievement but she knew she honored her mother by graduating.

Next Thursday, Justine will attend her graduation ceremony. Her children and her boyfriend, Mike, will be watching the event live-streamed. Just like during the rest of her journey, she will walk the last bit by herself. But everyone who loves Justine will be watching and celebrating her success with her, including her mom! She is a graduation speaker at this year’s ceremony. She will dedicate her speech to her mom, telling her mom, “This one’s for you!”

If you, or someone you know, is interested in this alternative to earning a GED or HSED, visit morainepark.edu/ged-hsed/ for more information.

May 22 was a momentous day for the Moraine Park graduates who participated in the College’s limited access in-person commencement ceremony, held at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Fond du Lac. In total, Moraine Park had over 800 graduate candidates eligible to receive an Associate of Applied Science degree or technical diploma.

President Bonnie Baerwald presided over the ceremony and extended her congratulations to the graduates and gratitude to the commencement speakers, Moraine Park District Board, Moraine Park faculty, and the President’s Cabinet.

“We are gathered to honor the students of the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021. Those students whose desire for learning and aspirations for a better life led them to enroll at Moraine Park Technical College,” Baerwald said. “For more than a year, the pandemic has disrupted our lives and eliminated or altered the way we live, socialize, celebrate, work and learn. Despite all those challenges, you have succeeded! Today, we recognize and celebrate your perseverance and dedication. Today, we celebrate you!”

Becky Glewen, Mayor for the City of Beaver Dam served as the keynote speaker. Haley Van Raden, Moraine Park’s 2020-21 District Student Ambassador was the student speaker, and Steve Peterson, a 1969 Moraine Park alumnus and the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus award recipient served as the alumni speaker.

Dr. James Eden, vice president of Academic Affairs, presided over the presentation of candidates and President Baerwald conferred degrees and diplomas. Graduate candidates were announced by Brenda Raad, dean of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Fred Rice, dean of Applied Technology and Trades.

Moraine Park District Board members in attendance were Bur Zaratsky, chairperson; Candy Fields, secretary; and Renee Almeida, employee member.

“It was wonderful to have an in-person ceremony,” Eden said. “While it looked different, the peer support was palpable. The strength and courage the students demonstrated in their academic studies carried through to the commencement ceremony. These graduates are all shining examples of what it means to be part of the Moraine Park family. Congratulations to the classes of 2020 and 2021!”

To view photos from the 2021 Commencement Ceremony, visit facebook.com/moraineparktech.

Each year, Moraine Park Technical College recognizes the hard work and academic achievement of students throughout the year.

The 2021-22 District Student Ambassador Award was presented to Amanda Kollmorgan of Fond du Lac. Haley Van Raden of West Bend, the 2020-21 District Student Ambassador was also recognized. The Moraine Park District Student Ambassador Award identifies outstanding students in the technical college system, with nominations solicited from faculty and staff in the spring semester of each year. Finalist for the District Student Ambassador Award were McKenna Draves of Fond du Lac and Kaci Wendt of Waupun.

The Leadership & Service Award is reserved for members of Moraine Park’s Student Government. A student’s comprehensive level of commitment to the College and their representation of the student body through their attendance and engagement in Student Government and its related opportunities are taken into consideration during award selection.  This year’s recipients were Avery Aarmga of Waupun, Alan Bago of Menomonee Falls, Michael Breitzka of Waupun, Jacob Bryant of Beaver Dam, Amanda Burg of Appleton, Anna Callies of West Bend, Kenzie Croce of West Bend, Austin Duller of Germantown, Brent Fassbender of Fredonia, Melissa Haase of Beaver Dam, Gretchen Kirchberg of Columbus, Emily Klemm-Jacoby of Port Washington, Payton Kollmann of Malone, Brent Kroll of Crivitz, Ashley Kwakkel of Waupun, Ashley Lambert of Fond du Lac, Al Loveland of Eden, Alex Lutz of Campbellsport, Abbie Meier of Ripon, Willy Millard of Fond du Lac, Ethan Rens of Rosendale, Leonardo Sanchez of West Bend, Katie Schultz of Lomira, Barbara Turner of Beaver Dam, Haley Van Raden of West Bend, Emily Vick of Beaver Dam, Josh Wolf of West Bend, Katrina Wolfe of West Bend, and Seth Woodke of Cascade.

Student Senate leadership recognition included Dylan Jordan of Woodruff, Beaver Dam Student Senate President; Willy Mallard, Fond du Lac Student Senate President; and Haley Van Raden of West Bend, West Bend Student Senate President.

Student Government leadership for District Student Government (DSG) and Wisconsin Student Government (WSG) was Barbara Turner of Beaver Dam, DSG President.

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.

Moraine Park Technical College’s Culinary Arts students are working to prepare meals for local non-profit organizations for their end-of-semester projects. Program instructor, Chef James Simmers, is guiding the students in this final project- all of whom will be graduating this May.

“The students selected an organization of their choice and then a meal or food that would be appropriate,” Simmers said. “These aren’t your typical boxed lunches. As soon-to-be culinary graduates- they are providing delicious treats and flexing their skills.”

The students participating, as well as their organization, are Hannah Chipman of LaVelle prepared an upscale version of MRE meals for Moraine Park Veterans; Dawn Haakenstad of Oshkosh prepared lasagna, salad, and cannolis of Generations Hospice; Cortland Henning of Fond du Lac prepared Italian Beef and Chicken Sandwiches with firehouse themed sides for the Fond du Lac Fire Department #2; Tammy Peak of Campbellsport prepared little brown box hors-d’oeuvres for Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts; Carmen Roeming of Oshkosh prepared dog, cat, bird and rodent treats for the Oshkosh Animal Shelter; and Akiyoshi Yikioka of Fond du Lac prepared a delicious lunch for the teaching staff at Chegwin Elementary School in Fond du Lac.

The organizations received their meals between May 6 and May 12.

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.

We are just days away from our 2021 Commencement Ceremony!

Family, friends and supporters of our graduate candidates are invited to watch the virtual ceremony at morainepark.edu/commencement.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. The livestream will begin around 9:50 a.m.

As a reminder- guest will not be permitted into the event space.

Congratulations graduates- and welcome to the Moraine Park Alumni family!