Moraine Park Technical College has named Stephen Peterson, of Fond du Lac, as the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus.

Peterson, a 1969 graduate from Moraine Park’s Mechanical Technology program, spent his entire career working for companies headquartered in Fond du Lac. With his college degree as a foundation, he was able to develop his leadership and technical skills while serving in domestic and international manufacturing positions.

After graduation, Peterson completed an engineering apprenticeship at Giddings & Lewis Machine Tool Co. in Fond du Lac. Throughout his 36-year career, he served in many capacities, eventually becoming the President and CEO in 2000. He retired from Giddings & Lewis in 2005 and joined Mid-States Aluminum Corp. as President and CEO. He retired from Mid-States Aluminum in 2016.

“My time in college offered me the opportunity to mature before entering the workforce,” Peterson said. “In addition to the technical classes I was studying, I was able to develop my interpersonal skills as well as my problem-solving skills in a structured environment.”

Peterson is also well known throughout the community as a generous contributor. Currently, he serves as a board member for Agnesian HealthCare and Mid-States Aluminum Corp., and as the board chairman for Society Insurance. Some of his past service work includes Fond du Lac Area Foundation board member and chairman, Fond du Lac Association of Commerce board member and chairman, Fond du Lac STEM Academy, and STEM Institute board member, and National Exchange Bank & Trust board member, as well as various industry organizations in leadership and support committee activities. Peterson was also the recipient of the 2009 C.L. Greiber Award of Merit for Outstanding Support of Career and Technical Education and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation in 2018.

“I am proud to be among the thousands of students who have used MPTC as their first step in the lifelong learning process,” he said. “The education I received opened the door for me to enter into the local workforce and have an interesting and stimulating career at world-class manufacturing companies in my hometown.  I also recognize the responsibility to support this fine institution so that it can continue to provide much-needed technical training to the next generation of workers in our community.”

Peterson’s drive, dedication, and contributions made him an obvious choice for Moraine Park’s 2021 Distinguished Alumnus distinction. He will accept his award at the May 22 commencement ceremony, where he will also serve as the alumni speaker.

For more information on Moraine Park’s Alumni Association, visit morainepark.edu/alumni.

82% of middle-level careers are considered digitally intensive (Bradley, Restuccia, Rudnicki, & Bittle, 2017).  The proficient use of technology is required in almost all careers and is essential to upward mobility.  Jobs with digital skill requirements are “growing faster, pay more and offer greater opportunity for career advancement than jobs without those requirements” (Bradley, Restuccia, Rudnicki, & Bittle, 2017). 

Earning micro-credentials is a quick, valuable way to provide employers with evidence that applicants possess these digital skills.  Micro-credentials are defined as “mini-qualifications that demonstrate skills, knowledge, and/or experience in a given subject area or capability” (SUNY, 2017). These credentials can be earned in shorter time, are often more focused, and can be a stepping-stone toward a degree.

Why is it so important to be technologically proficient?  Let’s consider our own work experiences.  Most of us have collaborated on projects with co-workers who are less efficient than they might be if they learned to digitally collaborate, utilize file sharing, and collectively edit documents. We may have worked with someone who took longer to write a report than necessary because they did not learn new technology.  We have felt frustrated by a co-worker who could not interpret numerical data or share it in a manner that was easily understandable.  We have sat through bad presentations that leave us feeling disengaged.  We have experienced working with someone who cannot pull data into a comprehensive and easy to interpret report.  This results in an inefficient use of time and results in lack of productivity. Learning to utilize collaborations tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access can make our workplaces more effective and efficient. 

Today’s workplace requires the ability to pivot, work remotely and collaboratively, and adapt to change.  Moraine Park offers many classes that build and enhance skills in technology.  Our Office Software Suite Certificate is available in a hybrid format and builds essential skills in collaboration, word processing, working with spreadsheets, creating engaging presentations, and utilizing databases.  Badges earned in these classes can be shared electronically with co-workers, social media, and potential employers.  More information is available here: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/office-software-suite-certificate/

Written by Stephanie Murre Wolf, Moraine Park Technical College, Business Technology & Software Applications Instructor, Information Technology Academics

References
Bradley, B., Restuccia, D., Rudnicki, C., & Bittle, S. (2017). The Digital Edge: Middle Skill Workers and Careers. Boston, MA: Burning Glass Technologies. http://www.burning-glass.com/wp-content/uploads/Digital_Edge_report_2017_final.pdf​ 
SUNY. (2017, October 24). What are micro-credentials and how can they benefit both businesses and employees? Retrieved from Deakin: https://www.deakinco.com/media-centre/article/Benefits-of-micro-credentials-for-business-and-employees#:~:text=Micro%2Dcredentials%20are%20mini%2Dqualifications,qualifications%20like%20diplomas%20or%20degrees. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Moraine Park would like to extend a sincere thank you to those who devote their career to the fight against cancer.

We had the opportunity to speak with a couple of our alumni who work at the Agensian Cancer Center- here’s what they had to say:

Kelly Hagner- Nurse Practitioner

2006 MPTC Graduate-nursing

“Working at the cancer center is like no other job, I feel. Every single day you come to work you have the opportunity to make a difference in someone lives. Whether it be the lives of the patient or the family members. When cancer is diagnosed to a patient, it doesn’t just affect the patient. It affects everyone from spouses, to children, to mother and fathers. I have had the opportunity to cry with patients, laugh with patients and jump with joy with patients. Often people think that cancer is always such a negative thing, unfortunately that is incorrect. We have treated hundreds of people and saved their lives. We have helped patients live longer, and not be scared. We have held their hands and listened to their stories while supporting them. Every day is not guaranteed but with amazing staff we at the cancer center make the journey less scary. We treat everyone like family!”

Annice Klapperich, RN

2016 MPTC Graduate- nursing

” I work as an RN in Radiation Oncology at the Agnesian Cancer Center. At the cancer center, I work with an incredible team and technology to treat patients with various cancer diagnoses. Radiation Oncology is a fascinating field to work in and I am lucky to have an opportunity to learn something new everyday. However, the best part of my job is the opportunity to build relationships not only with the patients, but with their family as well. I hope to make a positive impact in my work and to make a difference in the lives of others, as the patients and their families have made such a difference in mine. ” 

Denise Schwoch, RN

2009 MPTC Graduate- nursing

“When I decided to become a nurse, oncology was always my motivation.  This is a tough field but I find it extremely rewarding. I love the relationships that develops with patients and their families during their most vulnerable time.  I am forever grateful to be a medical oncology infusion RN!”

Finding the time to go back to school can be difficult, especially when you have other life responsibilities.

If there’s a will, there’s a way, and Brad Hetzel, of Beaver Dam, kept his goals as his main focus during his schooling. Before enrolling at Moraine Park, Brad did some general factory work but was looking for a career he could be passionate about, and that offered a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

As a father of three young children, he knew his family needed him to provide a stable life. He decided to pursue a career in Electrical Power Distribution (EPD), which offers a secure job with exceptional earning potential.

“When I started college, I had a family to support, a house, and a full-time job. I had to stay focused, dedicated, and keep at the forefront of why I was there.”

Brad graduated in May 2019, with his family cheering him on at the commencement ceremony. He was offered a job at Alliant Energy two weeks before graduating and today serves as a line apprentice.

“I know someday I’ll get to work a power outage in my area, and when the lights go back on, my kids will say ‘my Dad did that’. I look forward to that opportunity.”

Keisha Krezman, of Fond du Lac, is a survivor of many things; the struggle of possible infertility, the diagnosis and treatment of stage 3 ovarian cancer, and her miracle pregnancy with twins are just a few. Through it all, she remained an example of strength and tenacity, and always kept her educational goals in sight. Before the birth of her twins, Keisha worked in management and found success in that role. She decided to step away from work and focus on raising her children, but she had a clear goal to one day earn an accounting degree.

When her twins turned four, she decided that it was time for her to act upon that goal. Keisha enrolled in the Accounting program at Moraine Park Technical College and immediately knew she was where she was supposed to be. She leaned heavily on her advisors, tutoring services, and her accounting instructors to ensure success in the program.

Her determination helped to pave a solid career path, and it should come as no surprise that she was hired in the accounting field before her graduation in May. Keisha’s long term goal is to one day be managing an accounting department at a local company.

“Enrolling in college as an adult is scary, but it was totally worth it. Moraine Park helped to support me throughout my education and has given me the tools to find success.”

morainepark.edu/ican

The Wisconsin Technical College System’s (WTCS) District Board Association (DBA) has named Moraine Park Technical College alumnus, Stephen Peterson, of Fond du Lac, as the 2020 Distinguished Alumni award winner.

Each year, the DBA accepts Distinguished Alumni nominations from all of the Wisconsin Technical Colleges. From the nominations, they select their winner based on five criteria: the role that a technical college education played in the nominee’s career and personal life; the nominee’s accomplishments in his/her professional field; the nominee’s community involvement; his or her support for the technical college system; and, finally, the nominee’s commitment to continuing education and life-long learning.

Peterson, a 1969 graduate from Moraine Park’s Mechanical Technology program, spent his entire career working for companies headquartered in Fond du Lac. With his degree from Moraine Park as a foundation, Peterson was able to further develop his leadership and technical skills while serving in domestic and international manufacturing positions.

After graduation, Peterson completed an apprenticeship at Giddings & Lewis Machine Tool Co. in Fond du Lac. Throughout his 36-year career, he served many capacities, eventually becoming the President and CEO in 2000. He retired from Giddings & Lewis in 2005 and joined Mid-States Aluminum Corp. as President and CEO. He retired from Mid-States Aluminum in 2016.

“My time in college offered me the opportunity to mature before entering the workforce,” Peterson said. “In addition to the technical classes I was studying, I was able to develop my interpersonal skills as well as my problem-solving skills in a structured environment.”

Peterson is also well known for his continued community involvement. Currently, he serves as a board member for Agnesian HealthCare and Mid-States Aluminum Corp., and as the board chairman for Society Insurance. Some of his past service work includes Fond du Lac Area Foundation board member and chairman, Fond du Lac Association of Commerce board member and chairman, Fond du Lac STEM Academy and STEM Institute board member, and National Exchange Bank & Trust board member, as well as various industry organizations in leadership and support committee activities. Peterson was also the recipient of the 2009 C.L. Greiber Award of Merit for Outstanding Support of Career and Technical Education and named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation in 2018.

“I am proud to be among the thousands of students who have used MPTC as their first step in the lifelong learning process,” he said. “The education I received opened the door for me to enter into the local workforce and have an interesting and stimulating career at world-class manufacturing companies in my hometown.  I also recognize the responsibility to support this fine institution so that it can continue to provide much needed technical training to the next generation of workers in our community.”

Peterson’s drive, dedication, and contributions made him an obvious choice for the DBA’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni award. He will accept his award at a virtual award ceremony.

“Steve has been a champion of technical college education all of his career and knows first-hand how education changes lives,” Dana Bourland, Moraine Park’s director of college advancement, said. “He used what he learned at Moraine Park and through his mentors to become a true servant leader.  Steve believes strongly in investing in people and communities, and I am so pleased he was chosen to receive this award.”

For more information on Moraine Park’s Alumni Association, visit morainepark.edu/alumni.

POW/MIA Recognition Day September 18, 2020

National POW/MIA (Prisoner of War/Missing in Action) Recognition Day is September 21 (annually the third Friday in September) and I thought this would be a great opportunity to provide some of the history on the flag you may have seen, featuring a silhouette of an individual before a guard tower and barbed wire in white on a black field with the words “You Are Not Forgotten”. 

In 1970, Mrs. Michael Hoff, the wife of a service member who was missing in action (MIA) and a member of the National League of POW/MIA Families, recognized the need for a symbol of our POW/MIAs. Mrs. Hoff contacted Norman Rivkees, Vice President of Annin & Company which had made a banner for the newest member of the United Nations, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), as part of their policy to provide flags of all United Nations member states. Mrs. Hoff found Mr. Rivkees very sympathetic to the POW/MIA issue and together with graphic artist Newton F. Heisley, a World War II Veteran, designed the flag choosing the image of a gaunt man in profile, with a guard tower and a strand of barbed wire in the background. Heisely, a pilot, said, “I used to fly within range of the Japanese and wondered how I would hold-up if I ever got captured. When I did the design, I thought how easy it would be to forget those guys.” The slogan “You are not forgotten” came from that reflection and the flag you see today still represents our missing service members.

Following approval by the League’s Board of Directors at a meeting held January 22-23, 1972, POW/MIA flags were manufactured for distribution.  Wanting the widest possible dissemination and use of this symbol to advocate for improved treatment for and answers on American POW/MIAs, no trademark or copyright was sought.  As a result, widespread use of the League’s POW/MIA flag is not restricted legally.

In 1979, Congress proclaimed the first National POW/MIA Recognition Day to acknowledge those families’ concerns and to never forget those who gave up their freedom protecting ours.

On March 9, 1989, an official League flag – flown over the White House on National POW/MIA Recognition Day 1988 – was installed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda as a result of legislation passed overwhelmingly during the 100th Congress.  In a demonstration of bipartisan Congressional support, the leadership of both Houses hosted the installation ceremony, at which League Executive Director Ann Mills-Griffiths delivered remarks representing the POW/MIA families.

The League’s POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever displayed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda where it stands as a powerful symbol of America’s determination to account for U.S. personnel still missing and unaccounted-for. 

In 1990, Congress passed U.S. Public Law 101-355 designating the POW/MIA flag as, “the symbol of our Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still held prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia.” As of June 20, 2018, and reported by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency we still have 82,334 missing and unaccounted for from WWII forward, the most being from WWII at 72,906. We may never know what happened to all of them but we can continue to remind our citizens that their freedom comes at a very dear price.

The importance of the POW/MIA flag lies in its continued visibility, a constant reminder of the plight of America’s unreturned veterans.  Other than “Old Glory,” the League’s POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever to fly over the White House, displayed since 1982 in this place of honor on National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Passage by the 105th Congress of Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act required that the League’s POW/MIA flag fly six days each year: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Veterans Day.  It must be displayed at the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Departments of State, Defense and Veterans Affairs, the headquarters of the Selective Service System, major military installations as designated by the Secretary of Defense, all Federal cemeteries and all offices of the U.S. Postal Service.  In addition to the specific dates stipulated, the Department of Veterans Affairs voluntarily displays our POW/MIA flag 24/7.  The National Vietnam Veterans, Korean War Veterans, and World War II Memorials are now also required by law to display the POW/MIA flag daily. 

For some time, there had been debate over when the POW/MIA flag should be flown, whether daily or on the specific six days noted in federal law. While not addressing the question of posting the flag at the national/federal level, League members at the 32nd Annual Meeting in June 2001, voted overwhelmingly in favor of the following resolution: “Be it RESOLVED that the National League of POW/MIA Families strongly recommends that state and municipal entities fly the POW/MIA flag daily to demonstrate continuing commitment to the goal of the fullest possible accounting of all personnel not yet returned to American soil.”

If you would like to learn more about the protocols on how to properly display the POW/MIA Flag of The National League of Families please e-mail your requests to veterans@morainepark.edu.

Reference

National League of Families. (n.d.). ​Protocol for the POW/MIA Flag of The National League of Families. In National League of POW/MIA Families. Retrieved July 31, 2018, from http://www.pow-miafamilies.org/protocol-for-the-powmia-flag-of-the-national-league-of-families.html

The History of the Vietnam War POW/MIA Flag. (n.d.). In US Flag. Retrieved August 2, 2018, from http://www.usflag.org/pow.mia.html

It’s always fun to get updates from our alumni! We recently heard from Sandra, class of ’81.

“I am many years beyond my education at Moraine Park, but I still embrace the memories. I graduated in 1981 with an associate degree in Food Manufacturing Technology – Dairy, the same year that my daughter graduated from high school!  My 26 registered classmates were 20+ years younger than me.  Sadly, only 6 of us graduated.  Some of us earned a trip to the state of Washington to compete in dairy judging. What a wonderful experience!

“After graduating from Moraine Park, I worked at Hillshire Farms in New London in quality control, research and development, and other food-related industry positions. In 2010, I retired from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection – Division of Food Safety after 15 years of service where I was a Laboratory Evaluation Officer. 

“I couldn’t have done it without my degree and the staff and instructors at Moraine Park Technical College. I like sharing my Moraine Park Story. I hope to encourage potential students of all ages to attend and get a degree.”

Sometimes where you start, isn’t where you are destined to end up, and Catherine Holmes of Fond du Lac knows that first-hand.

Her educational journey began after she earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology and started her career working with special needs children. She left the workforce for a short time when she relocated to Fond du Lac and began raising her family. Catherine then joined the team at Agnesian HealthCare in Fond du Lac, where she has been an employee for over 10-years. It was there that she was introduced to the business analyst career field, a high demand job that is considered one of the best-kept career secrets.

The beauty of this career path is that it wears many hats. In fact, you may have never actually seen the job title of business analyst. However, jobs like project manager, business systems analyst, functional analyst, process analyst, market research analyst, or management consultant, are all actually business analysts.

Catherine enrolled in Moraine Park’s business analyst program in August of 2017 and was hired as a business analyst for Agnesian prior to graduating.

“I love that no two days are the same,” Catherine said. “We call ourselves the engineers of change, but my role is to reevaluate processes and offer guidance.”

More specifically, she is helping to navigate a change in computer systems by holding conversations and being the liaison between her employer and the computer system company.

One of the best parts of this career path is that it is considered in high demand by many industries, including healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, finance, and retail. Employers throughout the United States will need 861,400 analysts by 2024. That is a growth of 14% compared to all occupations at 6.5% growth. In Wisconsin, employers will need 13,151 analysts by 2024, and the median annual wage is $71,230 for an experienced analyst. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections).

Today, Catherine is a college graduate, with goals to continue her educational journey.

“I highly recommend this career field,” she said. “My instructor, JoAnn, was supportive and flexible, and set me up for success in the field.”

morainepark.edu