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. 

We encourage 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, and President’s Award for 200 hours!

In the 2021 fall semester, despite all the Covid-19 challenges, 15 students earned awards and logged over 1,600 hours of service!  Congratulations to our Fall, 2021 award winners!

Presidents Award

For Fall, 2021, three students earned the President’s Award for over 200 hours of service each in their time at MPTC!  The three students are Corey Koch – Administrative Professional, Heather Quickle – Nursing, and Julianna Stuht – Paramedic.  MPTC President Bonnie Baerwald celebrated with and congratulated each student, stating: “I’m extremely proud of the accomplishments of Julianna, Corey and Heather. Each has their own unique story and came to Moraine Park Technical College to explore and create new career opportunities. In addition to their work and college obligations, their volunteer efforts exemplify the college values of continuous improvement, collaboration, and impactful learning. I can’t wait to see what their futures hold for them!”

President’s Award winner Corey Koch said: “I spent my volunteer internship hours working on the new database/donor tracking system for the FDL Area Women’s Fund.  I was excited to learn and plan how a good database could help bolster the Women’s Fund mission and goals.  I helped with each Women’s Fund fundraising event, and put all previous and new donors into the database.  I also worked on creating a guidebook for the software. I hope this book can be utilized by the next incoming person who will handle software management.  I learned more about working independently and on a team. My Women’s Fund experiences were eye-opening and great practice for my future career.”

President’s Award winner Julianna Stuht said: “Volunteering as an AEMT/firefighter for my community gives me the opportunity to meet the citizens that reside in my service area, as well as further my skills as a healthcare provider. I am so excited to continue learning through this volunteer opportunity.”

Gold Award

Completing 100-199 hours of service-learning or volunteering.

Stuht, Julianna – Paramedic

Silver Award

Completing 50-99 hours of service-learning or volunteering.

Riemersma, Allison – Nursing

Beeks, Tonia – Medical Assistant

Manke, Zoe – Medical Assistant

Stuht, Julianna – Paramedic

Bronze Award

Completing 25-49 hours of service-learning or volunteering.

Beeks, Tonia – Medical Assistant

Moore, Brianna – Medical Assistant

Diaz, Gisselle – Medical Assistant

Manke, Zoe – Medical Assistant

Gerth, Ashley – Medical Assistant

Fassbender, Noelle – Nursing

Koenitzer, Kaitlyn – Medical Assistant

Riemersma, Allison – Nursing

Rogers, Dorothy – Paralegal

Schmitt, Jordyn – Nursing

Stuht, Julianna – Paramedic

Vang-Xiong, Mina – IT Network Specialist

Mueller, Cindy – Leadership Development

Spring 2022 registration is open, and now is the time to start fueling your future. For a limited time, Moraine Park is offering an application fee voucher. Now until Dec. 17, you can apply for free when you meet with one of Moraine Park’s recruiters to review your goals, program requirements and create an educational plan.

To receive and use the application fee voucher, individuals should:

1. Explore Moraine Park programs and Spring class offerings.
2. Schedule an appointment with a Moraine Park recruiter for before Dec. 15.
3. Receive the voucher code at the end of the appointment.
4. Apply to Moraine Park using the code by Dec. 17.

Learn more about the fee voucher and recruiting appointments here.

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.

In honor of Veterans Day, now is an excellent opportunity to learn about our American Flag and the rules and recommendations to display our nation’s symbol of freedom appropriately.

Moraine Park is committed to our military-connected individuals, and this year we would like to honor its employees who have served by exchanging or providing an initial 3×5 outdoor flag of their own.

Design

The United States American flag has 13 alternating horizontal stripes—7 red and 6 white, and a union (the blue field) that consists of white 5-pointed stars equaling the number of states in the Union. According to custom and tradition, white signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag and the language within the federal code clarifies that the flag is a living symbol, so the following are some guidelines to displaying, folding, and disposing of our nation’s flag.

Occasions and Display Basics

The universal custom is to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, a flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. When possible, the flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement unless an all-weather flag is used.
If you choose not to display your flag regularly, here is a list of some of the occasions considered appropriate to fly the U.S. flag –

New Year’s Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and any other days which may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.

When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from a window sill, balcony, or front porch, the Union or stars should be placed at the staff’s peak, unless the flag is at half-staff. If the flag is hung over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the Union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

When displayed on a speaker’s platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker; when displayed from a staff, the flag should be at a position of honor at the speaker’s right as they face the audience with no other flags. Finally, if the flag is displayed on a wall, either horizontally or vertically, the Union should be uppermost and to the flag’s right, or that is, to the observer’s left. The same is appropriate when the flag is displayed in a window, with the blue field to an observer’s left in the street.

Things NOT to do with the American flag:

• The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally but always aloft and free.
• The flag should never be used as clothing, bedding, or drapery.
• The flag should never be part of a uniform, but a flag patch or lapel pin can be part of a police or other uniform.
• The flag should not be used to cover a statue or monument.
• The flag should not be used to cover a ceiling.
• Advertising banners should not be hung from the same staff as a flag.
• The flag should never be used as a decoration. Instead, bunting with blue on top, white, and red is the appropriate patriotic display option.

Flag Disposal

You may often contact your local VFW or American Legion Post, the Girl Scouts, or Boy Scouts of America if you would like assistance with proper flag disposal. Otherwise, a fire must be relatively large and of sufficient intensity to ensure the complete burning of the flag. Note: Make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.

1. Place the flag on the fire.
2. Individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
3. After the flag is completely consumed and the fire has been safely extinguished, the ashes should be buried.

Correct Method of Folding the U.S. Flag

Caring for your flag

The life of your flag depends on your care. Dirt can cut fabrics, dull colors, and cause wear, but damaged flags can be repaired and utilized as long as the overall dimensions are not noticeably altered. Most outdoor flags can be washed in mild detergent and thoroughly rinsed, and indoor and parade flags should be dry-cleaned only, and many dry cleaners offer free cleaning of U.S. flags during June and July. Store your flags in a well-ventilated area away from any harsh chemicals or cleaning compounds, and if your flag gets wet, never store it until it is completely dry. Wet folds cause permanent creases, and dampness ruins fabric and causes mildew.

To obtain more details about our nation’s flag, or receive a pdf copy of “Our Flag,” the complete guide to the U.S. Flag, please send your request to spepper1@morainepark.edu

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!

Moraine Park Technical College has selected eCampus.com, an online bookstore model, as the new campus bookstore provider.

The College initiated a request for proposal (RFP) process as the current five-year contract approached its expiration. A team of individuals from across the College evaluated the responses.

“This role of this team was to select and implement a bookstore model that both best aligns with the needs and strategic direction of the college and provides support and affordable options for our students,” Carrie Kasubaski, vice president of finance and administration at Moraine Park, said. “In total, we had four responses to our RFP. We appreciate all of the submissions and their interest in doing business with Moraine Park.”

The partnership with eCampus.com will focus initially on online access and presence, coupled with key system integrations to provide students with an intuitive purchasing experience. With single sign-on, users can enjoy instant access to a customized list of professor-selected materials, with the ability to choose from a wide selection of course material format options including new, used, eBook, rental, and Marketplace at significant savings. Further complementing the solution for students is the convenience of on-campus package pickup as well as onsite buybacks.

“We not only reviewed student needs but involved students in the process as well,” Kasubaski said. “It became evident that having the option to purchase or rent books and obtain materials online is highly important.”

As a result of this change, Moraine Park’s partnership with Follet will end, and the three campus bookstore locations will close effective Nov. 9.

“We appreciate Follet and the level of commitment they offered to our students and employees for more than five years,” Kasubaski said. “Moving forward, a transition and implementation plan is underway to ensure a smooth transition for the remainder of the fall semester and into the spring semester.”

The College will continue to explore options for smaller and more accessible on-campus bookstore services such as spirit stores and onsite textbook pick-ups and returns.

“We applaud Moraine Park Technical College for their commitment to improve student outcomes by removing barriers to affordability and accessibility with an innovative online bookstore solution,” Matt Montgomery, eCampus.com President and CEO, said. “We look forward to aligning with Moraine Park’s strategic direction that continues to build a path for student success.”

Students will utilize eCampus.com for their fall book buybacks and spring textbook and course material purchases. Additional details regarding the transition to eCampus.com will be sent directly to students and staff.

“We are excited to partner with eCampus.com and move into the new age of online bookstores,” Kasubaski said. “We know that this change will help our continued goal to ensure classroom success for our students.”

More on eCampus.com:

eCampus.com is a premier online retailer of textbooks and digital course materials. Consistently exceeding industry standards, eCampus.com’s mission is to provide the easiest, fastest, and most affordable way for K-12 and higher education students to buy, rent, or sell textbooks and digital content. The company launched on July 2, 1999, the birthday of original investor Dave Thomas of Wendy’s. From the beginning, their driving force has been meeting the needs of the customers they serve. Remaining an innovative leader in the course materials industry, eCampus.com serves over 300 academic institutions through an innovative course material solutions suite, including full-service Online Bookstores and the eCampus.com ALL Access program. eCampus.com’s mission enables institutions to increase course material affordability, serving millions of students to date. Through products that simplify the adoption, management and procurement of course materials, eCampus.com propels student success by delivering the right course materials, at the right time, at the right price. Learn more at https://www.ecampus.com/. 

Nursing School can be challenging and overwhelming, but also rewarding and fulfilling. The pressures associated with class load, clinicals, exams, and job availability can make it easy to lose sight of the art of caring while learning the science of nursing.

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students was created to recognize and celebrate nursing students for the above-and-beyond care and compassion shown to patients and their families. The DAISY Foundation hopes that this program will inspire and motivate students to provide the best clinical skills possible and to impact patients and families with human spirit and kindness. 

Nominations for this award can come from any patient, staff nurse, fellow nursing students, faculty, or member of the community that the student has had a positive impact on.

The nomination period is now through December 1, 2021. The review committee will meet in mid-December and reveal the recipient at Moraine Park’s Pinning Ceremonies. The review committee has specific criteria for the selection committee that can be found on their website. The committee will include the following:

Kelly Shafaie (Representative from Dean’s office) 

Barb Brown (Alumni and retired faculty) 

Kelli De Ruyter (Partner facility, Cedar Community Advisory Member) 

Anne Lemke (Leadership at MPTC) 

Student life representatives will take turns on panel (Lisa Manuell, Sandy Botham for this academic year) 

Nominate here.

Any questions about the DAISY Award can be directed to the Student Nurses Association (SNA) advisors on each campus:

Beaver Dam- Grace Rommelfanger

Fond du Lac- Melissa Rodriguez  and Michelle Mengert 

West Bend- Karrie Bruegman-May

Educational partners from throughout West Bend came together on Oct. 12, to host U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin on the Moraine Park Technical College campus in West Bend. 

The visit featured stories on the partnerships between Moraine Park, the West Bend School District and the Kettle Moraine YMCA. The three community partners work to educate students and families from before primary school through graduation from college—all focused on meeting community workforce needs.  

“West Bend has deep roots as an educationally rich, collaborative community—with many educational touchpoints dedicated to efforts that build and grow the regional and state workforce,” Peter Rettler, dean of Moraine Park’s West Bend campus, said. 

During her visit, Baldwin participated in a roundtable meeting with students, faculty and teachers, administrators, industry partners and education supporters. The visit highlighted the facilities and people who educate the future workforce in West Bend, Washington County and beyond.  

“The needs surrounding education are continuously evolving and we have to plan for the future,” Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald said. “It’s important Senator Baldwin not only sees the important work we are all doing now, but also understands the needs we will face in the future as we work to help influence the future workforce.” 

Handshake is Moraine Park Technical College’s new job search platform where employers are able to seek out and hire college students and new graduates. The platform was created in 2014 and has over 9 million active student users. Around 1,200 colleges and universities and 550,000+ employers utilize the platform nation-wide. All 16 of the Wisconsin Technical Colleges use Handshake, as well as many of the UW schools and the private consortium. 

Handshake is unique from other job search platforms in that all jobs are posted specifically for students, and employers will be able to actively recruit from Moraine Park. 

After creating an account profile, students can then upload their resume, cover letter, transcripts, references and even a profile picture. Students are able to receive updates on their application status, research employers, connect with peers and participate in virtual career fairs and events. 

Login or sign up for Handshake at joinhandshake.com. 

For more information, contact Michele Sabel, Moraine Park’s Employment Services Specialist at (920) 924-3205 or msabel@morainepark.edu.