Strengthening community impact is a strategic priority at MPTC.
Connecting the college and community for the goals of fostering collaboration and connectivity among business, alumni and community partners, increases the visibility of the college impact to the communities we serve. Moraine Park students and employees are also helping fulfill community needs, sharing their time and talent, connecting and volunteering to help and improve the communities where we live, work and go to school.
Since we started tracking the volunteer and service learning hours that students and staff submitted we have now reached over 8,000 hours with an economic impact throughout the MPTC district of over $200,000. Way to go!
MPTC is pleased to announce we have 2 national scholarship winners!
Jennifer Hakala, Accounting and Kristin Unser, Nursing, are two of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named across the USA, as 2020 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Leaders Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Nearly 700 applications were received.
A total of $207,000 is awarded through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”
The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion, but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.
“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.
Ever wonder how something made from plants could look and taste so good? There is a well hidden treasure in Hartford, Wisconsin called Plantonic Cafe that can make you eat your veggies and enjoy while doing it. Tanya Fransen, creator and owner of Plantonic Cafe was a student of the business series “Starting Your Own Business” taught by business instructor Jeff Stueber and made her dream a reality. Years of allergies and declining health forced Tanya to find naturopathic healing which fueled an already conscious woman on a mission in the kitchen and now she is here to spoil her customers with her delicious smoothie bowls, juices, soups and desserts while only using whole foods, spices and super foods that will help support the body. Her “made from scratch” menu offers something to please everyone.
Tanya joins the ranks of another MPTC student who has made an impact in their local community. For more information about the business series, please contact Laurie Barz at lbarz@morainepark.edu or Jeff Stueber at jstueber1@morainepark.edu
Moraine Park Technical College is committed to community engagement and student success. The College supports these commitments through the opportunity for students to participate in student community impact and apply their classroom knowledge to an applicable, real world environment.
MPTC encourages students to participate in our community impact awards program where students can track their service learning or volunteer hours, submit their reflections, and earn a Bronze Award for 25 hours, Silver Award for 50 hours,Gold Award for 100 hours, or Presidents Award for 200 hours!
In the 2020 spring semester, 24 students earned awards and logged over 1,000 hours of service!
Congratulations to our Spring, 2020 award winners!
Bronze Award Winners
Completing 25-49 hours of service learning or volunteering.
Ashley Ade, Medical Assistant
Breanna Alioto, Medical Assistant
Erica Boehnlein, Medical Assistant
Alexis Darkow, Medical Assistant
Kendra DeJager, Medical Assistant
Molly Donais, Medical Assistant
Taylor Erlauer, Medical Assistant
Kayleigh Gorman, Medical Assistant
Cortland Henning, Culinary Arts*
Ashlee Keller, Medical Assistant
Cheyenne Kohrt, Medical Assistant
Cathryn Kuslits, Medical Assistant*
Abby Muenchow, Medical Assistant
Megan Neu, Medical Assistant
Nora Nuhiji, Medical Assistant
Caitlin Pieper, Medical Assistant
Gina Roll, Medical Assistant
Samantha Schubring, Medical Assistant
Jordan Sterns, Medical Assistant
Bethany Thome, Graphics*
Meghan Thompson, Medical Assistant
Emma Zimmerman, Medical Office
Silver Award Winners
Completing 50-99 hours of service learning or volunteering.
Meghan Griswold, Marketing & Social Media*
Cortland Henning, Culinary Arts*
Ashlee Keller, Medical Assistant
Jordan Sterns, Medical Assistant
Gold Award Winner
Completing 100-199 hours of service learning or volunteering.
Cortland Henning, Culinary Arts*
Our Spring, 2020 Gold Award Winner, Cortland Henning! Cortland is also our 2020-21 Newman Civic Fellow. Cortland volunteered over 100 hours since last summer for the FDL High School Color Guard. “I helped the kids in the high school color guard with their work and drill, as well as helping with a sectional before practice. Helping the color guard is always my favorite pastime. I love helping them because I owe so much to the guard. I honestly had so much fun co-coaching these kids during the season. It has strengthened my leadership skills and it helped me bond a lot with the kids. I have also gained coaching skills that I can use in the future. Jo Ann Hall has really changed my life and made me a strong and responsible young man. I can’t thank her enough for helping me. I will continue to help them into the near future.”
President’s Award Winner
Completing 200+ hours of service learning or volunteering.
Brett Hebert, Criminal Justice*
Our amazing President’s Award winner, Brett Hebert! Brett volunteered over 200 hours during his 2 year associate degree at MPTC. Most of his hours were spent at FDL Boys and Girls Club and helping the Criminal Justice Club showcase careers in the Dream Big service project. “The power of the human mind is truly breathtaking. The mind itself can adapt to any situation it is put in and can give the power to the rest of the body to survive. The most amazing thing about the mind is that with all the power it has, it still takes nearly 20 years to end growing. While it is growing your thoughts can completely change from one year to the next. Any troubled child can completely flip a switch in the matter of a year due to the power of the human mind and possibly a little help from others. This is what my goal is with volunteering at Boys and Girls Club in FDL. It has taught me that there is no such thing as a bad child, there are just children that take a little bit more time to mature. When I see children like this, that tells me they are vulnerable to all types of things, good or bad. So, I must be the one to guide them to the light of success. Volunteering at Boys & Girls Club is by far the best decision I have ever made. It has truly given me a new meaning to life. Those kids are my meaning of life. I would do anything to protect them from any dangers and I am 100% certain that I will do everything in my power to let them know there are dangers in this world, but also so much love all around them, and that is what matters most. I am so grateful that because of the Promise Program having these requirements I now live a different life because of it. A much happier life.”
“Congratulations Brett! Thank you for being an amazing mentor for our kiddos at the Boys & Girls Club, this is a well deserved award!!” Karissa Schneider, Director of Operations Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac
This year, over 800 Moraine Park Technical College students completed their college education and earned their Associate of Applied Science degree or Technical diploma. This semester introduced new challenges and opportunities for both students and staff as they adapted many changes, including a virtual learning environment and the cancelation of the 2020 commencement ceremony.
Recently, the College made accommodations for small, socially distant classes to temporarily resume and complete face-to-face labs and coursework. The hard work and patience by staff and students resulted in the ability for all spring semester classes, including contract training, to be completed.
“Our students’ ability to persevere and continue to work toward their college degree during such uncertain times is something that they should all be very proud of,” Baerwald said. “We are grateful for their tenacity and patience, and we are proud that they have stayed committed to their educational goals and the College. I have no doubts that our communities will be greatly influenced by their skills.”
Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, shared a personal message with the graduates in May that acknowledged their accomplishments, congratulated them on their graduation, and detailed how the College plans to help them celebrate from a distance. Additionally, she invited them to participate in the 2021 commencement ceremony.
What happens when you are required to do 40 hours of service learning to complete your practicum course and your college and community are locked down for Covid? You get creative! That is just what MPTC Medical Office student Emma Zimmerman did this spring. Emma looked on the MPTC online volunteer system to see what safe volunteer from home opportunities there might be. She found creating cards for seniors at the Cedar Community and Gardens of Hartford through the Washington County Volunteers posting and got started on her project!
Emma reflected, “MPTC has offered me the ability to give back to the community for the experiences I have gained through going to college. However, due to COVID-19, my community service is different from what others have experienced face to face. Nonetheless, it has enhanced both my career and the care I have for the communities I’m around.”
“For my service learning, I wrote cards for the Cedar Community in West Bend and became a part of the Pen Pal program for The Gardens of Hartford. Each card had a unique quote and message from me personally. I also included adorable stickers and drawings. Because of this, I believe I provided a therapeutic effect on the community. Due to COVID-19, many seniors are separated from their family and friends. Their loneliness can negatively effect their health and can cause a pessimistic view on their life and the current situation.”
By writing inspirational messages to the seniors of the Cedar Community and The Gardens of Hartford, I was able to provide much needed happiness for those in need. While I might not have cured their loneliness, I hopefully gave someone a smile or reminded them that they are not alone. My community service may not have been the most exciting. However, I believe I provided an important service by interacting with people who may have needed it the most. I believe it strengthened my communication abilities and allowed me to impact the community in a way I was unable to before.”
Emma is planning to complete her practicum this spring and graduate to go out to work in her community as a Medical Office Specialist. She has also earned the Bronze Student Community Impact Award for serving 25-49 hours. Way to go Emma!
Moraine Park Technical College is celebrating its first class of Promise Program graduates who have now completed their college degrees and will begin working in their respective fields. The program offers five consecutive semesters of debt-free college tuition, as well as additional services including mentoring, tutoring, career guidance, financial aid workshops, and counseling to eligible high school seniors. The purpose of the program is to offer the opportunity for a college education to individuals who otherwise couldn’t afford it. It will also help to address the employment gaps across the workforce by supplying businesses with skilled and educated individuals.
The first class of Promise program graduates are Logan Brue of Hubertus, CNC Tool & Die; Taylor Frank of Campbellsport, Graphic Communications; Gabrielle Green of Hartford, Early Childhood Education; Brett Hebert of Rosendale, Criminal Justice; Shayenne Jaffke of Hartford, Criminal Justice; Gavin Lund of Rosendale, Welding (2019 Graduate); Melannie Martinez of Waupun,Criminal Justice; Roberto Mondragon of Ripon, IT Software Developer; LaToya Singleton of Kewaskum, Early Childhood Education; Bethany Thome of Mt. Calvary, Graphic Communications; and Tania Torres of Horicon, Graphic Communications.
“This unique opportunity to earn a college degree without the burden of tuition expenses has helped to set these students up for success,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president said. “They have excelled both inside and outside of the classroom, and soon our generous community donors will begin to see the value in their investment as we continue to welcome more graduates, who in turn will help influence and grow our local economy.”
The Promise Program was introduced in 2018 and was funded through the generosity of individuals and community partners. The Moraine Park Promise program donor partners are: Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, Agnesian HealthCare, Allan C. Kieckhafer, Alliance Laundry Systems LLC, Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation, Baker Cheese, Beaver Dam Community Hospitals Foundation, Inc., Beaver Dam Community Hospitals, Inc., Bonnie Baerwald, C.D. Smith Construction, CampusWorks, Capelle Bros. & Diedrich, Inc., Countryside Auto Group, Dana Bourland, Dick and Joan Kleinfeldt, Duane & Kathleen Foulkes Foundation, Excel Engineering, Fox Valley Savings Bank, Horicon Bank, J. F. Ahern Co., James and Catherine Barrett, Jet Stream Car Wash, Jim and Judy Flood, John and Eileen Pfeifer, John and Joan Shanahan, John and Sally St. Peter, Johnson School Bus, Kondex Corporation, Manowske Welding Corporation, Mayville Engineering Company, Inc.(MEC), Mercury Marine, Mike and Nancy Berg (Summit Automotive), Mike Shannon Automotive Foundation, Muthig Industries, Inc., National Exchange Bank Foundation, RAM Tool, Inc., Richard Zieman, Rick and Joni Parks, Rodney and Kim Miller, Russ Darrow Group, Sadoff Family Foundation, Serigraph Inc., Silica For Your Home, Society Insurance Charitable Fund, Steve and Karla Peterson, Sure-Fire, Inc., Ted and Grace Bachhuber Foundation, Inc.,The Grande Foundation, Tobin Machining, Tom and Carrie Kasubaski, Tom and Nan Baumgartner, Tom and Sally Herre, Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, Inc., Van Horn Automotive, West Bend Community Foundation’s Ziegler Family Foundation Fund, and Westbury Bank Charitable Foundation.
In fall 2019, Moraine Park introduced a second debt-free tuition program called Promising Futures. This program was created to benefit adults in Moraine Park’s district who need access to affordable education.
Cortland Henning of Fond du Lac has been selected to be a part of the 2020-21 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellows cohort.
Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has announced the 262 students from across the U.S. who will make up this year’s cohort. The Newman Civic Fellowship is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth for students who have demonstrated a capacity for leadership and an investment in solving public problems. The fellowship provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities, including a national conference in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston, access to exclusive scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities.
Henning, a first-year generation college student, took advantage of Moraine Park’s Promise program to achieve his career goals. He graduated from Fond du Lac High School in spring, 2019 and enrolled in the College’s culinary program this past fall.
“I always wanted to go to college but never knew if it was a possibility for me,” Cortland said. “My family isn’t able to help contribute to my tuition, and I knew that my part-time job wasn’t enough to live on and pay for school.”
Henning is also actively involved at the College. He is an active part of the Student Senate, where he serves as the community manager, and he volunteers at many of the student life events. Also, as part of the Promise program, Cortland is required to volunteer in the community for a minimum of eight hours. To date, he has volunteered over 80 hours of his time at the Fond du Lac High School, where he helps coach the color guard team. Cortland has won a Bronze and Silver Student Community Impact Award for the 2019-20 academic year!
Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald said, ” From the first time we met, it was clear to me that Cortland is a goal-driven, passionate, and engaged young man. He is ambitious and an outstanding ambassador for MPTC and higher education. Cortland is always willing to lend a hand no matter the task or the commitment. He has excellent time management skills which allows him to balance work and school while maintaining high academic honors. With over 80 hours of community service already accrued this school year, Cortland is the model of citizenship that the rest of us hope to emulate in our own lives. I am proud to be his mentor and look forward to the community and college impact he will demonstrate during his academic journey.”
In total, there were 12 students selected from Wisconsin to participate in the 2020-21 Newman Civic Fellows cohort, and Henning represents one of four technical college students in the group.
“I truly believe education inspires us to be better, and it increases overall societal values,” he said. “Moraine Park has opened so many doors for me, and I look forward to continuing to grow with this new opportunity.”
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