The Moraine Park Technical College District Board passed a resolution Wednesday stating an intent to borrow $55 million to enhance campus learning spaces to meet future student and regional workforce needs.

The resolution is the first formal step toward a potential referendum in the November election. Under state law, technical colleges must hold referendums before completing capital projects with a cost of more than $1.5 million.

If successful, the $55 million referendum will allow Moraine Park to borrow funds to enhance and grow Moraine Park facilities to meet the needs of business and industry in the region through four major projects. Additionally, this proposal will allow Moraine Park to:

• Respond to the growing workforce shortages.
• Accommodate evolving industry expectations.
• Address evolving technology, including in the areas of automation and robotics.
• Provide greater access to all district communities.
• Align with community expectations and workforce training requirements.
• Keep the region competitive by preparing students and workforces of the future.

“Many of our district employers are fueled by Moraine Park graduates. Our goal is to continue to meet the needs of our local business and industry partners by leveraging our updated and growing facilities and equipment to expand technical college opportunities,” Moraine Park’s President, Bonnie Baerwald, said. “It is our responsibility to continue planning for growth that aligns with our local needs—and investing $55 million into enhancements, expansions and new construction projects over the next few years will help us do just that.”

The district board supported a request to explore growth opportunities at a board workshop in November 2020. Since then, Moraine Park leaders and internal teams have gathered research, held partnership meetings, explored district opportunities, prioritized projects, and obtained cost information related to architecture and construction. In April, the College surveyed a random sampling of 10,000 district community members to gauge community support. The survey results indicated voter support for a $55 million referendum. Additionally, the Moraine Park Foundation has raised nearly $2 million in donation pledges to help offset the costs.

“In the coming months, our work at Moraine Park will revolve around informing our communities of the importance of technical education in our district and the impact this referendum will have on the future of our district,” Baerwald added.

Under the proposed $55 million facilities enhancement plan, annual property taxes would increase by $21 per $100,000 of property value ($1.75 per month) for the next 20 years. The next step for Moraine Park is a public hearing in which district community members are welcome; the public hearing will be held at 5:15 p.m. Monday, July 11, on Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac campus, 235 N. National Ave.

The Moraine Park District Board will vote in August on the final referendum question language, which will solidify a path forward to the November election. If approved, this will be the first time Moraine Park has financed projects using a referendum.

The Moraine Park district includes Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Washington counties and small portions of surrounding counties. The College, with campus locations in Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, and West Bend, plays a critical role in training more than 12,000 students each year for industry-critical jobs. Moraine Park students pursue degrees in many high-demand areas, including information technology, cybersecurity, accounting, nursing, respiratory therapy, advanced manufacturing, and website and graphic design.

For more information on this project, visit morainepark.edu/future.

Moraine Park Technical College has announced Jim Spannbauer, of Fond du Lac, as the keynote speaker for the 2022 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 21 at the Fond du Lac High School.

Spannbauer has held various positions with progressive experience during his 33-year tenure at Fives Giddings & Lewis in Fond du Lac. He started as a Machinist Apprentice, then advanced to many positions including Application Engineer, Technical Writer & Instructor, Six Sigma Black Belt, Director of Assembly, Director of Sales and International Sales, VP of Operations and finally VP and General Manager of the Fives facility in Hebron, Kentucky. The last 6 years, he served as the President and CEO of Mid-States Aluminum in Fond du Lac, growing the business while always putting people first. Spannbauer retired on April 1.

Spannbauer is a Moraine Park Alumni, where he holds a diploma in Machine Tool Operations, an associate degree in Industrial Engineering and completed a 4-year apprenticeship to become a Journeyman Machinist.

Outside of work, Spannbauer belongs to the Fond du Lac Yacht Club and Knights of Columbus. He has served on the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corp. and Envision Greater Fond du Lac boards and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Fond du Lac Boys and Girls Club and the Columbian Club. Spannbauer is a native of Fond du Lac, married to the love of his life Debbie, and has two beautiful grown daughters, Katie and Melissa. In his free time, he enjoys boating, fishing, woodworking and traveling.

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.

Moraine Park Community,  

The prevalence of cyberattacks has been heavy in the news, and at Moraine Park we want to take all necessary steps to ensure your data is protected.  

Earlier this year, we recommended all students and employees set up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) to access the College computer systems and networks. MFA is an additional layer of security that makes it harder for hackers to log in to your account. With MFA, you will use something you know (your password) with something you have (your phone) to confirm your identity when signing in.  

Starting June 20, MFA will be required for everyone accessing Moraine Park online systems; this includes Canvas and the Microsoft online environment. Faculty will need to establish MFA in both the staff and student environments.   

It is strongly recommended that you set up MFA now to avoid any interruption in access. A step-by-step guide has been prepared to assist you. You can view the guide here.  

If you encounter any issues or questions during the setup, contact the Help Desk by phone at 1-877-230-3509 or email at AskIT@morainepark.edu. 

Moraine Park has named James Flood as the College’s 2022 Distinguished Alumnus.

Flood grew up on a farm in the countryside of Eden and graduated from Campbellsport High School in 1969. He went on to pursue a marketing degree at the College, then known as Moraine Park Technical Institute, and graduated with his associate degree in 1972. 

“My time at Moraine Park gave me my education, but it also provided me with contacts and a network that opened up doors I would never have dreamed of,” Flood said. 

Flood has spent almost 50 years living, working and serving in the Fond du Lac area. 

After earning his associate degree, he began selling cars at Holiday Olds in Fond du Lac. In 1979, he was able to buy into the business with two partners and became Vice President of Holiday GM until 2002, when he sold his shares to his business partner, Mike Shannon. Soon after, he bought shares of Holiday Dodge, became President, and expanded the business by adding Chrysler and Jeep franchises. 

Flood retired in 2015 but has remained active in serving his community. He served on the Moraine Park Technical College Foundation Board for 10 years in various positions, spending his final two years as board president. Most notably, he served on the Moraine Park Promise program campaign cabinet that raised $1.2 million for student scholarships. 

Outside of the College, Flood has served multiple positions on the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Board, including the president. Flood is currently a member of the North Fond du Lac Optimist Club, the Wisconsin Auto and Truck Dealers Association Board, and is a long-standing leader at his church. 

“My advice to current students who are entering the workforce is to find a career you enjoy,” he said. “And when you do, find the courage and the ambition to take on opportunities that will grow and advance your career.” 

Flood’s drive, dedication, and contributions made him an obvious choice for Moraine Park’s 2022 Distinguished Alumnus. He will accept his award at the May 13 student awards banquet. 

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

Dear Moraine Park Graduate Candidates,

Your momentous day is fast approaching. Make sure you’re ready for our in-person commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 21 at 10 a.m.  
Things To Do Now:

• If you haven’t already- order your regalia (cap and gown) at https://morainepark.shopoakhalli.com/ by April 30. No late orders will be accepted.
• As a reminder, we have new regalia colors; our cap and gowns are now black.
• Honors cords will be distributed at commencement to students who qualify for the distinction. 
• Invite your family and friends.
• There are no COVID-19 capacity restrictions!
• The event will still be live-streamed at morainepark.edu/commencement.

On Commencement Day:

• Report to the Fond du Lac High School by 9 a.m on May 21.
• Don’t forget your cap and gown!
• Make arrangements for your personal belongings. We will not have access to the staging rooms after the ceremony.
• Share your day on social by using #HomeGrownGrad.

More details can be found online at myMPTC Student.
For questions regarding the 2022 commencement ceremony, contact the Planning Team at mptcgraduation@morainepark.edu. 
We look forward to celebrating together soon.  

Moraine Park Technical College has selected Wesley Kane, of Fond du Lac, as their 2022-23 District Student Ambassador. 

Kane transferred to Moraine Park from the University of Wisconsin System after realizing he desired a more hands-on learning experience. He started Moraine Park’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) program this year and will graduate in 2023. 

“My goal after I graduate is to work for a company that cares about me as a person,” Kane said. “The thing with learning a trade is once you gain the skill, you can do side work. So, I hope to work full-time during the week, do my own work on the side, and eventually open my own business.” 

Kane is active on the West Bend Campus where he is Vice President of Student Senate, a member of District Student Government, and a member of Veterans Club. 

Outside of Moraine Park, he is passionate about giving back to his community. Kane was part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fond du Lac County for three years. He joined the Marine Corps Reserves where he helped with military funerals, color guard, events and other community service efforts. 

“I’ve been way more involved here than I would have if I stayed at a bigger university,” he said. “The instructors here are super outgoing and are always reaching out. It feels very student-centric, and the size of the school allows for more face-to-face time and mentoring.” 

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

As the selected 2022-23 District Student Ambassador, Kane will actively serve as a member at the College, 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 chosen as Moraine Park’s District Student Ambassador is a great responsibility, and the chance to be a role model is really cool,” Kane said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to network on behalf of Moraine Park and make connections with people and students from other areas.” 

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

Moraine Park Technical College has named Ryan Riley, of Oshkosh, their 2022 Student of the Year. 

Riley, a student in the Electrical Power Distribution program, came back to Moraine Park after completing the Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)/Tool and Die Technology program in 2009. 

“I really like working in the trades, and after working as a CNC machinist for over 10 years, I wanted a change and more opportunity for my family,” Riley said. “I was always interested in electricity, so I decided to come back to Moraine Park, and I started my program in 2021.” 

Riley will graduate from the EPD program on May 21 and will speak at both the Student Awards Banquet and Moraine Park’s Commencement Ceremony. 

It is because of his dedication, humility and authenticity that Riley earned a nomination for the Student of the Year award. 

“Being nominated for Student of the Year was very unexpected,” he said. “It was not on my radar or anything I was expecting to get. I know there are so many other great students, so it’s really an honor to be chosen.”

Criteria for Student of the Year nominations include demonstrating excellence in and out of the classroom while modeling Moraine Park’s core abilities to communicate clearly, act responsibly, work productively, think critically and creatively, adapt to change, demonstrate integrity, and work cooperatively. There were five candidates this year, all of whom excel both academically and in their service-learning. There are very few student honors that exceed this award at Moraine Park, and to even be nominated is a tremendous accomplishment. Other nominees include Diego Barragan of Sun Prairie, Collin Sauer of Oconomowoc, Mina Vang-Xiong of Fond du Lac, and Haley Van Raden of West Bend.  

Riley will receive his award at the Student Awards Banquet on May 13. 

“I’m hoping to leave a positive message with the other students,” he said. “I’m probably a decade older than anyone in the program, and I want to show them that it’s okay to run your own race. Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to what everyone else is doing. I’m 32 and just went back to college. It’s okay to not have everything figured out. Just do you.” 

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

Moraine Park Technical College can now offer Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Sciences (AS) liberal arts degrees, as part of a historic decision made by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today.

The new Liberal Arts program approval today has been long desired by Moraine Park and other technical colleges in the Wisconsin Tech College System (WTCS), as it offers a clearer pathway for those with associate degrees to seamlessly continue their education at a four-year partner institution with a confirmed junior status.

“By starting an education at Moraine Park, students can get their general studies completed for a fraction of the cost, with smaller class sizes, extensive student support, and guaranteed transfer credits to one of our partner schools,” Dr. Fred Rice, associate vice president of academics at Moraine Park, said. “The College currently offers a wide variety of other Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degrees, Technical Diplomas and certificate opportunities. Adding the liberal arts degree programs will offer a more robust slate of offerings to Moraine Park students and will help guide students who are still undecided on their program of study to simply achieve an associate degree without a specified area of focus.”

Moraine Park is finalizing their agreement with Lakeland University and is working with regional University of Wisconsin institutions within the Northeast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance (NEWERA) on pre-major pathway agreements. College leaders will continue to add partnerships with other local universities, giving district students more options and control when it comes to their education and making the future transfer process easier and more streamlined.

“Congratulations to Moraine Park Technical College and their stakeholders who supported this effort,” Dr. Morna K. Foy, WTCS president, said. “In response to the needs of local employers, K-12 partners, and economic and workforce development organizations, Moraine Park will provide expanded educational opportunities for students in their communities.”

The College will offer AA and AS liberal arts degrees beginning this fall. Students who elect to pursue an associate degree at Moraine Park as the first step of their education will save thousands annually compared to a private or public 4-year college.

Individuals interested in exploring this opportunity at Moraine Park are encouraged to start conversations early by connecting with admissions@morainepark.edu.

Moraine Park Technical College will again offer Tech Knowledge College (TKC) from August 9-11 at the Fond du Lac Campus. TKC is a three-day summer camp at the Fond du Lac Campus for students entering grades 6 to 8. This hands-on event gives participants an interactive look at the skills and careers needed today and in the future.

About 2022 TKC:

• Registration Open May 2.
• Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. each day.
• The registration is $115.
• The participants will select two sessions.
• There will be a family open-house from 2:15-3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Aug.11.

Important:

• All TKC campers will need to be dropped off at the Fond du Lac Campus C-1 entrance. Bussing is not available this year.
• Lunches and snacks will be provided.
• Registrations are final. Refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, including a full list of sessions, visit morainepark.edu/tkc.