Holly Luehring, of Fond du Lac, has the motivation to move mountains. She came to Moraine Park in 1995, with a determination to find success, and turned what could have been a roadblock into a driving force for her educational, professional, and community pursuits.  

“During high school I was told I wasn’t college material,” Luehring said. “I couldn’t believe that anyone would say something like that, but I used that as motivation moving forward.”

Determined to prove her capabilities rather than let someone else limit them, Luehring enrolled at Moraine Park and graduated two years later with an associate degree in marketing. She then transferred to Marian University, graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. In May, she will graduate from Concordia University with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Luehring’s education at Moraine Park helped launch her career. After graduation, she worked as a teller and marketing intern at American Bank (now known as National Exchange). Her all-in attitude and solid work ethic further influenced her rise to her current position as Director of Marketing and Communications at Michels Corporation. This role allows her to develop and guide a nine-member team that oversees all marketing, public relationships, events and culture management for the company.

“I have an incredible team,” she said. “We share a vision, and together we have worked to make that vision a reality. I am proud of how we have grown.”

Luehring’s leadership extends into the community as well, where she volunteers her time on the YMCA Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Membership Committee; Fond du Lac Charity Club; Fond du Lac Festival’s Board of Directors; and Fond du Lac Marketing Professionals, which she helped to establish. In 2016, she was honored as the Fond du Lac Young Professional of the Year.

She also remains committed to Moraine Park, serving as a speaker at the 2017 Commencement Ceremony, and currently serves on the Foundation Advisory Committee. Luehring’s drive, dedication, and contributions made her an obvious choice for Moraine Park’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni. She will accept her award at the May 17 recognition reception.

 “Don’t let someone tell you that you can’t do something,” Luehring said. “Had I believed in my doubter’s vision for my future, I’m sure my story would be much different. I’m proud of where I am, and I hope I can inspire others to set the course for their journey.”

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

The Moraine Park Foundation has received support from their long-time partner, Follett, with a $50,000 donation to benefit students. Follett’s contribution to the Foundation was given to the unrestricted fund, meaning it can be used to support students not only with affording tuition but also with personal emergencies that limit their ability to continue attending classes.

“I am so grateful to Follett for their generous and loyal commitment to Moraine Park students,” Dana Bourland, director of college advancement at Moraine Park said. “Their annual gift to the Foundation helps needy students afford an education through scholarship support.  Their generosity also helps students stay enrolled by providing grants for unexpected emergencies.  Our partnership with Follett will impact students’ lives for generations to come.”

The Moraine Park Foundation works to make education accessible and affordable for current and prospective students. Thanks to community partners, like Follett, the Foundation was able to help a total of 237 students with financial support in 2017-18.

“Follett’s long-standing commitment to the communities we serve is actively cultivated in a spirit of giving that’s present throughout all our campuses,” Aaron Bladorn, Follett multi-store manager said. “At Follett, our purpose has always been to improve the world by inspiring learning and shaping education. Follett’s yearly donation to the Moraine Park Foundation focuses on empowering students through scholarships and various other financial support initiatives. We are thrilled to have an amazing partnership with Moraine Park, and we look forward to helping drive student success for years to come.”

Follett is a national partner for schools, districts, and college campuses, providing education technology, services, and print and digital content to nearly 1,200 local campus stores and over 1,600 virtual stores. Their mission is to work as a trusted partner and help educators drive success for students from their first day of school through college graduation and beyond.

The Moraine Park Foundation lives the mission of partnering with joyful givers who believe in the power of education to transform lives, families, and communities. Annually, the Foundation’s community partners help provide students with scholarships, books, program support, and emergency financial assistance.

For more information on the Moraine Park Foundation, visit morainepark.edu/foundation.

Moraine Park Technical College Foundation will be able to award 15 students with one-time scholarships thanks to the success of The Ledge Games 2018, which raised $7,500.

This family-friendly competition, held in Eden, challenges participants in a series of lumberjack activities such as caber toss, hammer toss, archery, keg toss, speed chop, and ax throw. One hundred percent of event proceeds support The Ledge Games scholarship, established through the Moraine Park Foundation, which focuses on engineering, manufacturing, and technology programs at Moraine Park. The event is co-founded by Josh Michels, of Fond du Lac and Tyler Oestreich, of Eden.

“Both Josh and I are in the manufacturing industry, ” said Tyler Oestreich, co-founder of The Ledge Games. “We are proud to contribute the proceeds to Moraine Park. Our local economy greatly depends on manufacturing skill sets, and we see the value in educating and supporting the manufacturing workforce locally. Moraine Park’s students take the skill sets they learn to local manufacturing companies in Fond du Lac and the surrounding areas to continue to innovate and keep the local economy strong.”

Students enrolling in engineering, manufacturing or technology for the 2019-2020 school year are eligible to apply for this scholarship. To be considered for a Foundation scholarship, students must have a Moraine Park Technical College cumulative or high school GPA of 2.75 or higher and enroll in a minimum of six credits per semester. Application deadline is April 15 for high school seniors and May 26 for all other applicants.

To apply for The Ledge Games scholarship, or for more information on other Moraine Park scholarships, visit morainepark.edu/scholarships.

The 2019 Ledge Games are scheduled for Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on this event and how to help benefit this scholarship, visit theledgegames.com.

The Moraine Park Foundation will host its annual Gourmet Dinner on Friday, April 26, at the Fond du Lac campus. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. 

This year’s theme is speakeasy soiree, and guests are invited to dress in 1920’s style attire.  Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items, try the wine cork pull, an event favorite, and participate in the 50-50 raffle.

The event features a six-course meal that Moraine Park culinary arts students and instructors create, prepare, and serve. The dinner experience will start with an appetizer of lobster cocktail with fennel and shaved horseradish, followed by cream of fresh asparagus soup and a classic caesar salad with black pepper Bellavitano crouton and fresh anchovy dressing. A Campari sorbet will be the intermezzo. The main entree will feature a grilled filet of beef, topped with wild mushroom and fresh herb ragout, paired with a side of Grande Prima Dolce ricotta smashed potatoes and garlicky spinach. The meal will conclude with a bourbon black bottom pie for dessert.

This Gourmet Dinner is an annual fundraising effort, with proceeds benefiting the Moraine Park Foundation scholarship and student emergency fund.  Each year, nearly $300,000 in funding is required to aid students in need of financial assistance.

Tickets are $100 per person or $800 a corporate table of eight people. Reservations are limited. To make reservations, contact Joan Brezinsky at 920-924-3281 or jbrezinsky@morainepark.edu.

For more information, visit morainepark.edu/gourmet-dinner.

Moraine Park Foundation’s Promise program has met its $1.2 million fundraising goal, thanks to community generosity.

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Moraine Park Technical College students can apply for a scholarship for books and necessary supplies, thanks to the generosity of community supporter Judith Berger O’Brien.

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Giving Tuesday is a nationwide philanthropic movement, inspiring communities to support local non-profits. This day of giving happens annually on the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It serves as a reminder that giving is the greatest gift of all.

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“I’m a second year student at Moraine Park Technical College in the Mechanical Design Technology program.  I’m interested in designing mechanical components and products for machines and equipment through computerized drawings for the manufacturing industry.

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To learn more, visit morainepark.edu/promise.