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.

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!

Moraine Park Technical College has received a Gold Well Workplace Award from the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), with local affiliate Wellness Council of Wisconsin (WCWI). This award recognizes an organization for its commitment to the health and well-being of its employees.

“Well Workplace Award winners have systematically and deliberately created an environment for employees to work in that is going to help them thrive and flourish as humans. These organizations have taken a whole systems approach by investing in the humanity of their people”, Sara Martin, WELCOA Interim CEO said.

Moraine Park first earned the Well Workplace distinction in 2015 through the Well City Fond du Lac initiative. This subsequent award is a three-year distinction and ranks the College among America’s healthiest companies.

“We are committed to the overall health and wellbeing of our employees; mental, physical, emotional, financial, and environmental,” Lori Schrage, benefits coordinator at Moraine Park, said. “Overall health is far greater than just physical health. The College is continuously looking at ways to grow and adapt to meet our employee’s needs.”

Moraine Park was notified of their award in April, and the current recognition plaques that are on display at each campus will be updated to represent the current award.

The Well Workplace Awards initiative is driven by a rigorous set of criteria outlined in WELCOA’s seven benchmarks to a results-oriented Well Workplace. Since its inception in 1991, over 1,000 organizations, ranging from educational institutions to non-profit and profit sectors, have received the Well Workplace Award.

To learn more about Moraine Park’s employee benefits, visit morainepark.edu/jobs.

Moraine Park Technical College has announced Becky Glewen, City of Beaver Dam Mayor, as the keynote speaker for the 2021 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 22.

Glewen has served as mayor for the City of Beaver Dam since April of 2017 and as Dodge County Supervisor for 4 years. She also held the position of Beaver Dam alderperson for Ward 8 in 2016 for one year.

Before entering public service she was a manager for Green Valley Enterprises, Director for a multi-school district federal grant, Program Director/Community Outreach Manager for the Beaver Dam School District, and Field Site Coordinator for the University of WI-Madison, for an epidemiologic study.

Mayor Glewen received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bemidji State University.

She is actively involved in numerous civic and non-profit organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for Church Health Services, the Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation board of directors, as an advisor for the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, the Beaver Dam Business Networking Group, the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization), and Grace Presbyterian Church as Elder and Deacon. She has also led the ImpACT Coalition (alcohol/drug abuse prevention group) and is a Leadership Beaver Dam alumni.

Mayor Glewen has led various volunteer groups such as the Beaver Dam Community Meal Coalition, school supply collections for students in need, Thanksgiving day meal distribution, and the 175th Picnic in the Park Celebration. She was also a Positively Hoops basketball coach for six years.

During her time in public service, Mayor Glewen has focused her efforts on addressing the eminent major shifts in the workforce shortage and how the city’s initiatives attract and recruit new individuals to Beaver Dam and the Dodge County region. She has successfully researched and obtained numerous grants and private investment for funding of community revitalization projects, enhanced recreational activities and energy conservation projects.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Moraine Park’s 2021 Commencement Ceremony event is open only to graduates but will be live-streamed at morainepark.edu/commencement. Nearly 800 graduate candidates will be receiving Associate of Applied Science degrees and technical diplomas, with over 350 graduate candidates expected to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, will preside over the ceremony.

morainepark.edu/commencement.

STORY FEATURED IN THE SPRING/SUMMER 2021 NEXT MAGAZINE

Kelly Hagner, of Fond du Lac, has always desired to care for others and make a difference in the world. This is what drove her to pursue a nursing degree at Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC).

“When I first came to the College in 2005, there was a waitlist for nursing,” she said. “I knew MPTC was going to be a vital steppingstone for me, and I wanted to take advantage of my time at the College. So, I enrolled in the Supervisory Management program, and then the Nursing program when a spot opened.”

Hagner graduated from the Supervisory Management and Nursing associate degree programs in 2009.

“After my graduation, the economy was not great, and I had difficulty finding a job as a registered nurse (RN) in a medical clinic setting,” she said. “I took a job as an RN in one of Agnesian HealthCare’s nursing homes, which was another choice that proved to be a valuable career step.”

A few years later, Hagner accepted a position as an RN at the Agnesian Cancer Center.

“I love my work at the Cancer Center,” Hagner said. “Both the patients and people I work with are uplifting and bring me so much joy. They make me want to be better and do better.”

Hagner became settled in her career but had aspirations for higher education. She decided to make a goal to earn a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) and become a nurse practitioner (NP) before the age of 40.

“I knew I wanted to continue my education, but it was also scary in so many ways,” she said. “I have a family with young children and didn’t think I would have the time. However, after some encouragement from friends and peers, I decided to have a conversation with the admissions department at Marian University.”

During that time, she also got an email from her employer that detailed both a tuition discount program with Marian and a tuition reimbursement employee benefit.

“I took that as a sign from God and began my next educational journey,” she said.

Hagner graduated with her MSN last May and is living out her career dreams as an NP with the Medical Oncology team at the Agnesian Cancer Center.

“I am so grateful to Moraine Park,” she said. “They offered me the opportunity to stay local, have a family, and live life to the fullest— all while getting an education. The College opened my eyes to both the educational and career opportunities right here in my community, and I’m honored to have Moraine Park as part of my journey.”

Did you know MPTC has transfer agreements with nearly 50 different colleges/universities and in more than 100 program areas?

This means, you can earn your associate degree at Moraine Park for a fraction of the cost and then transfer your credits to earn a bachelor’s degree or beyond!

View our transfer agreements by program or college at morainepark.edu/transfer.

Moraine Park Technical College student, Jared Ott of Fond du Lac, placed first in the NEW Ideas Pitch Challenge, a collaborative regional pitch event, on April 29.

The NEW Ideas Pitch Challenge is an opportunity for area technical college students to display their entrepreneurial skills. Students interested in participating were required to apply by March 26. The entries were evaluated on content, delivery, visual aids, creativity, and overall persuasion. From there, the top entries advanced to the challenge event on April 29. This year’s event was held virtually. 

The students selected to represent Moraine Park at the NEW Ideas Pitch Challenge were Ott and Abby McGeehen of Berlin. Jared is a high school senior from the Fond du Lac STEM Academy who is currently enrolled as a business student through the Start College Now program. Abby is a current student, enrolled in the Business Management and Small Business/Entrepreneurship programs. Moraine Park instructor Jeff Stueber worked with the students and provided coaching.

“This event is a valuable learning opportunity for our students,” Bobbi Fields, associate dean of business and IT at Moraine Park said. “I am grateful for the many individuals at the College who helped ensure this was a successful event. Jared and Abby did an excellent job representing the college. We are proud of their efforts and wish them the best in their entrepreneurial endeavors.” 

Ott’s winning pitch was his specially designed fishing hooks that help secure live bate. Ott’s fishing hooks are already secured by a U.S. patent.

The other participating colleges were Fox Valley Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and Lakeshore Technical College.

morainepark.edu