Edi Gbordzi came to Fond du Lac looking to find a place to call home and an extended family of friends and supporters. In 2001, he immigrated from Ghana, West Africa, to Madison, Wisconsin. There he taught and performed African dance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and throughout the community.

“A goal in coming to the U.S. was to go back to school and become connected in my community,” Gbordzi said. “Teaching the art of African dance allowed me to be surrounded with others who had those same goals. This support group continued to motivate me.”

Gbordzi later relocated to California and welcomed his two children. In 2011, they moved to Fond du Lac to be closer to family. Once Gbordzi got settled in the area, he decided it was time to act upon his goal to pursue higher education. He connected with the Student Success Center at Moraine Park to begin his journey.

I learned that my transcripts from Africa didn’t cover all the areas needed for a GED diploma here in the United States,” he said. “At first, that was frustrating, but the staff were so helpful and great to work with. I ended up learning too much and that prepared me to further my education.”

In spring 2019, Gbordzi earned his GED diploma and decided to enroll in the Business Management associate degree program at the College.

“My parents owned their own business in Africa for many years,” Gbordzi said. “Their years of hard work inspired me to follow in their footsteps and pursue a business degree.”

Gbordzi is embracing the full college experience and has become a familiar face on the Fond du Lac campus.

“I enjoy being involved,” he said. “I am a member of student senate, diversity club and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Club. I also enjoy volunteering and participating in student life events.”

Gbordzi is a dedicated student and was awarded the Basic Education Scholarship for the 2020-21 school year.

“I’m grateful Moraine Park offered me a place to learn and grow,” Gbordzi said. “My overall goal is to find a good job so I can support my family. It is also important to me to continue learning. Moraine Park is helping to prepare me for both my future career and higher educational opportunities.”

Gbordzi is scheduled to graduate in May 2022 and looks forward to influencing the local communities.

Read more stories like Edi’s in our Fall 2021 Next Magazine.

Moraine Park Technical College student Jordyn Schmitt, of Rubicon, found a lasting friendship through her volunteer work at Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County.

Schmitt, a first-year student in the College’s Nursing program, is also part of Moraine Park’s Promise program, an opportunity for debt-free tuition. As part of the program requirements, Schmitt volunteers in her community and selected Interfaith as her service site.

Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County is a community-based nonprofit organization that helps seniors in the county remain independent. Volunteers help with tasks such as transportation and grocery shopping or simply serve as a friendly face checking in from time to time.

“I choose to provide transportation services,” Schmitt said. “I enjoy helping in this way. As a nursing student, I know how essential doctor appointments are and how, at times, transportation is a barrier. I’m glad to help where I can.”

It was through her volunteer work that Schmitt met Carole Banse, of West Bend. Banse is unable to transport herself and relies on the support of Interfaith’s services for her vital doctor appointments.

“I don’t know what I would do without this service. It has really saved me,” Banse said. “It helps my family too. It was hard to always ask them to take me early or pick me up, they have jobs and it is just too much.”

Schmitt and Banse have enjoyed each other’s company so much that they make sure they are paired up in Interfaith’s system.

“Interfaith’s system allows the selection of preferred volunteers and members, and I always select Carole right away,” Schmitt said. “We have great conversations and I enjoy hearing about her life and family. We even found out that we are distantly related! I feel blessed to know her and be part of her life.”

The relationship being cultivated between Schmitt and Banse is exactly what Moraine Park’s student impact initiatives hope to achieve. A seemingly small student contribution within the community that creates a lasting impact.

“Jordyn and I have such good conversations when we get together even with the age difference,” Banse said. “She fits in so beautifully and she doesn’t treat me like an old lady. She is always bubbly and perks me up. I am very thankful.”

The pandemic halted Interfaith’s services for a while, but when they restarted in February 2021, Schmitt and Banse were excited to resume their normal routine.

“I would have never guessed that I would make a lifelong friend through this opportunity,” Schmitt said. “My advice to others is to open yourself up, give it a try and never put an age limitation on friendship.”

Schmitt is expected to graduate in May 2023. She hopes to continue volunteering for Interfaith and driving Banse throughout her schooling.

Read more stories like Jordyn and Carole’s in our Fall 2021 NEXT Magazine.

Pete Rettler, Dean of Moraine Park’s West Bend Campus, made a decision in 1993 to focus on his health. On New Year’s Eve, he made a bet with a friend to run every day for an entire year. Needless to say, he surpassed that goal and hasn’t missed a single day of running for 28 years. He averages 2.5 miles each run.

A few years back, he started using this daily running streak to generate community involvement and giving by hosting a New Year’s Eve 5k run event. The money raised was donated a local non-profit.

At year 25, Pete held a 25 day event, selecting a different non-profit each day- and gathering over $25,000 in donations. 

This year, his donations will be given to the Wisconsin Remembers 9-11 Memorial in Kewaskum to assist their efforts to bring awareness, and honor and remember local victims.  https://www.wisconsin911memorial.com/about.html

You can register for the run at: Rettlerrun.com.

Here’s a message from Pete:

“Another year has passed by and I am very grateful that my streak is still alive. This year the Streak Run will once again be held at the Kewaskum Annex located right next to the Memorial. The date is December 31^st the event starts at noon. This year we will return back to normal but you still don’t have to be present to win any of the 28 door prizes. We will be LiveStreaming the door prize drawings. The door prizes this year are phenomenal, 28 hand selected Bourbons worth over $2200. Each run entry equals an entry into the door prize drawing. Enter as many times as you wish. This year we will have subs provided by Cousins Subs and also coffee cider and hot chocolate from Dunn Brothers. We are very fortunate that Fr. Pat Heppe has recovered from the horrible Waukesha parade tragedy and will once again join us to do a New Year’s blessing. Following the blessing will be a very non-competitive, fun 5k that you can walk, run, walk your dog, skip, or just skip the entire run. After the race we will give away the 28 door prizes plus a 200 piece Craftsman tool set.”

Amanda Kollmorgan, of Fond du Lac, was selected as the 2021-22 Moraine Park Technical College district student ambassador.

Kollmorgan, an active-duty communications security manager for the Army, came to Moraine Park to finish the college degree she started at a four-year university.

“I began my college journey in 2010, right after my deployment to Iraq,” Kollmorgan said. “I didn’t transition well and felt like another face in the crowd. I was not only looking for a great education but also a personalized experience and a place I belonged. I immediately found that at Moraine Park.”

Kollmorgan’s role in the Army prepared her for the Leadership Development program, and she was able to take her classroom knowledge and implement it into her work life. She graduated with her associate degree in Leadership Development in spring 2021 and is now pursuing her accounting, technical education, and training degrees concurrently.

“All of these programs align with my current and future goals,” she said. “In my retirement, I hope to own a bakery. The skills I’m learning in leadership and business will help prepare me for that big-picture goal.”

Kollmorgan is also active on the Fond du Lac campus, where she is a member of the student government, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Student Veteran Association (SVA), and Phi Theta Kappa.

“For more than 14 years my entire identity has been the Army,” Kollmorgan said. “I love being a soldier, but I was also looking to be part of something more. Moraine Park not only made me feel like a welcomed part of their family, but being here has ignited passions and goals that I did not know existed before. I am excited for my future and the opportunities it holds.”

Kollmorgan recently made the decision to end her active-duty service and will remain with the National Guard until her retirement in five years. She made this decision so she could be home with her family and focus on building both her educational and career portfolio. Kollmorgan also accepted an adjunct position with the College’s Economic and Workforce Development department to be a Learning for Independence (LFI) instructor.
 
“I am beyond grateful for all the support I’ve received at the College,” Kollmorgan said. “Specifically, from my instructor, Mary Vogl-Rauscher, who provided continuous guidance and mentorship throughout my career and educational transformations.”

To be eligible for the District Student Ambassador distinction, students must be nominated by a faculty or staff member at the College and give a presentation to a selection committee. There were three students in the final consideration for this role.

As the selected 2021-22 District Student Ambassador, Kollmorgan will actively serve as a member of student government, advocate for Moraine Park and the Wisconsin Technical College System as a whole, assist with college activities and events, and represent the student body within the community.

“Being named the District Student Ambassador is a huge honor,” Kollmorgan said. “I look forward to advocating for my classmates and sharing the many benefits of Moraine Park and a technical college education.

Moraine Park communities will soon benefit from the growing program offerings at the College with the addition of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

With over 100 programs, Moraine Park collaborates with the local business and industry to meet the current needs of our workforce. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program joins a robust group of Health Sciences offerings, giving students interested in health care a wide array of choices.

Registration for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will begin in the fall of 2022. However, the College expects the demand to be very high, and interested students are encouraged to submit applications now to secure a spot for the fall of 2022.

“We are excited to expand our medical imaging programs at Moraine Park,” Ben McKenzie, associate dean of health, said. “Moraine Park’s Radiography program has seen consistent interest in the program annually. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that students have expressed interest in for several years and will nicely complement our Radiography program, as well as other Health Science programs.”

Additional program information:

• It’s a 69 credit Associate Degree program.
• The program will be based out of the Beaver Dam Campus with clinicals throughout Dodge, Washington, Fond du lac counties and beyond.
• The Median Annual Salary in Wisconsin for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is $79,300.

Enrollment for new students begins Nov. 16.- get more details here!

What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, otherwise known as ultrasound technicians, utilize soundwave equipment that produces images and videos of the internal body. They also assist various medical professionals in making accurate diagnoses without invasive measures. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are an integral part of the health care system and commonly work in cardiac care, OBGYN, thoracic, and musculoskeletal specialties. In the classroom, the students will learn alongside other health sciences students in our new health simulation center.

The introduction of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will allow Moraine Park students to expand their experiences and pursue a field or specialty that best fits their career interests. 

Submit your application today!

In celebration of Manufacturing Month-here’s an exciting opportunity to help start your career in manufacturing.

Moraine Park is helping combat the skilled worker shortage by providing skill development through the Manufacturing Skills Academy.

This program, also known as manufacturing boot camps, offers the opportunity to explore a unique career pathway. The manufacturing boot camp is a 3-month training program in either CNC Machining or welding. During the program, you are part of a paid internship with a local employer. This means you’ll be paid while you learn! At the end of the program, you’ll have a college certificate and, in most cases, the opportunity to turn your internship into a full-time career.

Your first step toward your new career begins at our information sessions this November– offered both in-person and online. Here, you’ll learn about each career, meet the instructors and get the next step enrollment information.

One more great feature, Moraine Park’s boot camp programs are tuition-free. The tuition and materials costs are covered completely by grants and community support.

No previous manufacturing experience is necessary and there are no income limitations.

So, what are you waiting for? Space in the program is limited- sign up for your information session today to get started!

Information sessions are on Nov. 9 at the Fond du Lac campus and Nov. 17 online. Registration is required and information can be found here.

More information on Moraine Park’s boot camps can be found here.

Congratulations to the 2021-22 Moraine Park Student Senate Officers.

Beaver Dam

Pictured left to right:

President: Jeffrey Bemis of Beaver Dam – Electrical Power Distribution

Secretary: Garrett Nesheim of Madison– Electrical Power Distribution

Vice President: Izak Gruber of Elmwood- Gas Utility

Fond du Lac

Pictured left to right:

President:  Eva Knappenberger of Oshkosh – Cosmetology

Vice President: Mina Vang-Xiong of Fond du Lac – Information Technology (Network and Technical Support Specialist)

Secretary:  Emily Vick of Beaver Dam – Criminal Justice

West Bend

Pictured left to right:

Vice President: Wesley Kane of Fond du Lac– HVAC

President: Aspyn Koslowski of West Bend – HVAC

Secretary: Haley Van Raden of West Bend– IT Web Design

Moraine Park Technical College will be hosting its annual community event, Discover Moraine Park, to help attendees jump-start their education and career. High school students, displaced workers, and individuals looking for a career change are encouraged to attend.

Discover Moraine Park event is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the West Bend campus; Tuesday, Oct. 12 at the Beaver Dam Campus; and Thursday, Oct. 14 at the Fond du Lac Campus. Space is limited, and those interested in attending must pre-register.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore different programs of study offered at the College and tour the campus, labs, and classrooms. Program instructors and staff will be available to explain program details, admissions requirements, and more.

The event is also designed to familiarize attendees with resources outside the classroom, including diversity relations, student life, veteran resources, tutoring, and counseling. One-on-one assistance from Financial Aid specialists will be available to help attendees submit their FAFSA. 

Face coverings are required for participation in the Discover Moraine Park event. As a reminder, Moraine Park requires face coverings on all of its campuses.

A virtual option is available on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 5:30 -7 p.m. Registration is also required. 

For more information or to register, visit morainepark.edu/discover. 

Moraine Park Technical College has earned the eighth spot on the Military Times Best for Vets college rankings as a Midwest, 2-year College. This honor recognizes colleges across the country for their commitment to educating and providing opportunities to America’s veterans.

Moraine Park has made this list for more than six years and serves as one of two technical colleges in Wisconsin to earn a place on this list. The Military Times surveys colleges and universities annually, and more than 350 schools participated in the latest Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges survey, which seeks details about the school’s costs, programs, policies, and services that impact military-connected students. Federal data from the U.S. Departments of Education, Veterans Affairs and Defense, were also considered.

“The College is committed to making sure every veteran who steps onto our campuses are provided everything they need to be successful,” Steve Pepper, student veteran specialist said. “I truly believe having someone our veteran students can turn to who can speak their language or understand some of their frustrations is important to their college experience and overall success.”

Moraine Park offers many programs that qualify under Veteran Administration (VA) benefits, with flexible scheduling options. The College is continuously working to maintain a culture that supports the challenges that veterans may encounter.

“This nationwide recognition confirms the proactive work Moraine Park has been doing,” Lt. Col. Scott Lieburn, U.S. Air Force, and dean of students at Moraine Park said. “As both a veteran and current active-duty service member, I am thankful to be part of a team of staff at the college that truly cares about creating and preserving a supportive campus culture for our student veterans.”

The College also ranked 31 among all public colleges and universities in the Midwest and 38 among all colleges and universities in the Midwest.

The “Military Times Best” ranking is published in the Military Times magazine and is available to subscribers, as well as online at MilitaryTimes.com and other affiliated websites.