Moraine Park
Technical College students have selected their 2019-2020 student government leadership
representatives to serve the Student Senate, District Student Government (DSG),
and Wisconsin Student Government (WSG).
Student Senate is a
local campus group that is open to the entire student population. This group
provides individualized attention to campus issues and activities. Each year,
members have the opportunity to vote for their peers to represent the College
in the leadership opportunities within the Student Senate, as well as the DSG
and WSG.
The DSG provides a forum to
share opinions on college issues and offers opportunities to get involved in
college life. Students work with each other, plan student development
opportunities, act as liaisons amongst the student body, and interact with
faculty and the administration in the promotion of student rights. The WSG
consists of student representatives from all 16 Wisconsin Technical Colleges.
Their mission is to represent, promote, advocate and protect the interests of
the technical colleges and their students establish positive relationships with
state legislators in support of the needs and interests of WTCS students and
colleges, communicate relevant information to legislators at the state level,
and garner support for the WTCS.
The individuals
selected to represent the Moraine Park student government leadership roles for
Student Senate are Abby Muenchow of Horicon, Beaver Dam president; Koy Straks
of North Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam vice president; Caitlin Pieper of Burnett, Beaver
Dam secretary; Izzy Clark of Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac president; Mollea
Greylord of Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac vice president; Maurice Artiles of
Campbellsport, Fond du Lac secretary; Cortland Henning, Fond du Lac community
manager; Anthony Fiore of Waupun, West Bend president; Lauryn Slade of Hartford,
West Bend vice president; and Brisa
Vasquez of Allenton, West Bend secretary.
The students
selected to represent leadership roles for DSG are District Student Government,
and Wisconsin Student Government for 2019-20 are Koy Straks of North Fond du
Lac, President; Tom Martin of Fond du Lac, Vice President; Trina Anderson of
Fox Lake, Parliamentary; Nicole Nowicki of Burnett, Secretary.
Representing student
leadership roles for WSG are Queenie Weesen of Mequon, WSG governor; Barbara
Turner of Beaver Dam, WSG lt. governor.
For more information on Moraine Park’s student government offerings and opportunities, visit morainepark.edu.
Moraine Park Technical College
students and staff will host a Christmas in a Shoebox drive, collecting items
for our local troops who are serving our country overseas and away from family
during the holiday season.
Donations will be accepted
until Friday, Nov. 8, and can be dropped off at room K-323 on the Beaver Dam
campus, or with the Student Veteran Specialist in room C-003.3 at the Fond du
Lac campus Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Moraine Park’s goal is to
collect enough items to fill 200 postal service large flat rate boxes and have
them in the hands of our troops stationed overseas by the holidays.
The packages will be assembled
on Nov. 13 on the Beaver Dam campus, and students and staff will also have the
opportunity to fill out note cards to send a personal message of encouragement,
or holiday wishes.
Donations should be new and no
larger than shoebox-sized. Some suggested items are personal hygiene products
like deodorant, eye drops, Q-tips, and baby wipes, or snacks such as beef
jerky, sunflowers seeds, nuts, granola bars, and flavored drink mixes.
Additionally, miscellaneous items like current magazines, batteries, paperback
books, and small travel games are great ways to let the service members know
they’re remembered and help to bring some joy to their holiday season.
For questions on Christmas in a Shoebox, contact Steve Pepper, student veterans specialist, at spepper1@morainepark.edu or 920-924-3489.
The hard work and academic
achievement of Moraine Park Technical College students was recognized during
the College’s annual Student Awards Banquet held at The Golf Club at Camelot in
Lomira on May 10.
Moraine Park presented the 2019
Student of the Year Award to Ashley Martin of Fond du Lac. The Student of the
Year Award is designed to recognize a student who excelled in and outside of
the classroom and has taken full advantage of the opportunities that Moraine
Park has made available for them.
The 2019-20 District Student
Ambassador Award was presented to Barbara Turner of Beaver Dam. The Moraine
Park District Student Ambassador Award identifies outstanding students in the
technical college system, with nominations solicited from faculty and staff in
the spring semester of each year.
Technical Achievement Awards were
presented to 33 students. To receive this award, recipients must be enrolled in
a technical diploma program and have maintained a 3.25 GPA. They are judged on
classroom participation and other contributions and characteristics that exemplify
an outstanding student. The 2019 recipients were August Baumgartner of West
Bend, Alex Canfield of Jackson, Calin Eigner of Iron Ridge, Zach Fahrenkrug of
Campbellsport, Zach Franck of Prairie du Sac, Ben Henriksen of Beaver Dam,
Aaron Hess of Richfield, Genevieve Hicks of Beaver Dam, Keisha Krezman of Fond du Lac, Mitch Lochen
of West Bend, Nicholas Martinez of Fond du Lac, Nic Nielsen of West Bend,
Nicole Nowicki of Beaver Dam, Hunter Scannell of West Bend, Isaac Schrage of
West Bend, Zachary Wilson of Adell, Pete Cruckson of Fond du Lac, Brady Detert
of Beaver Dam, Troy Essmann of Oconomowoc, Thomas Freiberg of Campbellsport,
Nick Giudice of Waupun, Alexander Hoepfner of Fond du Lac, Zac Hoogeveen of
Randolph, Joe Jasinski of Adell, Michael Moon of Beaver Dam, Derek Mueller of Port Washington, Melanie
Pitr of Slinger, Mitchell Regan of Hartford, Andrew Robinson of Cedarburg,
Michael Schaefer of Juneau, Alex Sippel of Saint Cloud, Daniel Sowin of
Sheboygan Falls, and Anastasia Szczesny of Iron Ridge.
The Campus Impact
Award recognizes students who have served the College by participating in a
college focus group, a college-related function, or a club/student government
activity or project. Other considerations include GPA, reliability and
follow-through. In total, 18 awards were presented, recipients were Trina
Anderson of Fox Lake, Alizabeth Barnes of Waupun, Noah Bille of Brandon, Isabel
Clark of Chilton, Kevin Fritsch of Fond du Lac, Christine Gil of Randolph,
Thomas Holman of Hartford, Joe Jasinski of Adell, Sheri Laidler of
Campbellsport, Bekah McCardell of West Bend, Ashton Mislivecek of Hillsboro,
Abby Muenchow of Horicon, Peggy Rider of West Bend, Isaac Schrage of West Bend,
Jerod Splan of Iron Ridge, Anastasia Szczesny of Iron Ridge, Queenie Weesen of
Mequon, and Janine Williams of Fond du Lac.
The Meritorious Service Award is
granted to students who have served the College through their leadership and
participation in co-curricular activities such as student clubs, student
government or other volunteer opportunities. This year’s 45 recipients include Alyssa
Ahlstrom of Van Dyne, Austin Barber of Fond du Lac, Danielle Barron of Berlin,
Maurice Beck of Campbellsport, Jacob Berger of North Fond du Lac, Taylor
Branski of West Bend, Kerwana Clayborn of Fond du Lac, Deborah Davis of
Oshkosh, Derek DeChant of Randolph, Brady Detert of Beaver Dam, Calin Eigner of
Iron Ridge, Tamara Freeman of Beaver Dam, Nick Giudice of Waupun, Eileen
Grammas of Beaver Dam, Connor Gray of Cottage Grove, Mollea Greylord of Fond du
Lac, Derek Jackson of Rubicon, Mitch Jacobs of Slinger, Shayenne A. Jaffke of
Hartford, Ty Kaage of Oshkosh, Corina Kanwischer of Hartford, Brittany Kjell of
Rubicon, Kelsey Kliefoth of Menasha, Jay Kroncke of West Bend, Kaleb Krueger of
Mayville, Jessica Leibham of West Bend, Heidi Lucas of West Bend, Jesse Mack of
Beaver Dam, Christian McCreary of West Bend, Jodie Meyer of Oshkosh, Rebecca Moreno
of West Bend, Kellie Murray of West Bend, Nicole Peterson of Eldorado, Zack Petit
of Watertown, Melanie Pitrof of Slinger, Zack Rabideau of Jackson, Gretchen Rauls
of Fond du Lac, Susan Rodencal of Fond du Lac, Patrick Rupprecht of Randolph, Lauryn
Slade of Hartford, Amy Spiekerman of West Bend, Alex Tischedndorf of Kewaskum, Nicole
Toombs of Ripon, Alyssa Wescott of Theresa, and Christina Whitehouse of Waupun.
The Leadership & Service Award is reserved for
members of Moraine Park’s Student Government. A student’s comprehensive
level of commitment to the College and their representation of the student body
through their attendance and engagement in Student Government and its related
opportunities are taken into consideration during award selection. The 12
award recipients include Alden Broome of Beaver Dam, Dominic DeLaura of
Slinger, Zach Fahrenkrug of Campbellsport, Thomas Freiberg of Campbellsport,
Brad Hetzel of Lowell, Ashley Martin of North Fond du Lac, Michael Moon of
Beaver Dam, Leah Pietrangelo of West Bend, Joshua Strnad of Rio, Jonathan
Szczesny of Iron Ridge, Sam Turner of Baraboo, and Elizabeth Wustrack of Fond
du Lac.
Student government leadership
recognition included Jonathan Szczesny of Iron Ridge, Beaver Dam Student Senate
president; Elizabeth Wustrack of Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Student Senate
president; Leah Pietrangelo of West Bend, West Bend Student Senate president; Kevin
Fritsch of Fond du Lac, District Student Government president; Queenie Weesen
of Mequon, Wisconsin Student Government lt. governor; Joshua Strnad of Rio, Wisconsin
Student Government governor.
Jerod Splan of Iron Ridge is a student unlike any other. He was born completely deaf, but it is clear that he has the determination to face any challenge on this path. As a student in the automotive program, Jerod has spent the past 2-years perfecting his life-long passion.
“I’ve been around cars all my life,” Jerod said. “My Dad and Grandfather both enjoy working on cars as a hobby. I knew from a young age that this was my life calling.”
Jerod is a 2008 graduate from Lomira High School, and after graduation, he enrolled at Moraine Park in the CNC/Tool & Die program at Moraine Park. He enjoyed the program, and learned a lot, but couldn’t deny that his mind always drifted to back to automotive. So, Jerod enrolled at Moraine Park again in 2016. He came into the program already familiar with cars and the automotive industry but was looking to build upon those skills.
“The program gives a good introduction to the industry,” he said. “I’ve learned the right way to do things and how to perform my job safely. My instructors Jim, Frank, Craig, and Tim are great. I’ve learned a lot.”
In fact, for the automotive instructors, Jerod was their first deaf student, offering learning opportunities all around, such as introducing deaf culture, visual aids, and supplying a videophone to call customers.
“Moraine Park has worked hard to accommodate my learning,” Jerod said. “I’ve had my interpreter, Tammy, by my side daily, and the learning is very visual. English is not my first language, American Sign Language (ASL) is, but I’ve found the transition to learning here to be very easy.”
There’s no denying that Moraine Park is working to fill employment gaps in the industry, but there is also an overall goal to make sure learning is possible for all who aspire to earn it. Of course, Jerod didn’t stop with just utilizing the classroom, he also involved himself in student life.
“Jerod has brought such a fun dynamic to the student life department,” Sam Saeger, student involvement specialist said. “He has made the most of his college experience by joining student senate, attending conferences, and being a part of the Automotive Club. ”
Jerod can be found around Fond du Lac’s campus, participating in activities or simply enjoying the company of his friends at the College.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting new people,” he said. “I’ve made some great friendships, and have been given opportunities to grow.”
Jerod will be graduating on May 18 with his automotive technician associate degree.
“I’m proud that I have faced the challenges,” Jerod said. “I could have been afraid or have hidden, but instead I embraced it. I have been given many opportunities and am happy with my experience at Moraine Park.”
Live, learn, and embrace fresh starts. That was the exact mindset that Josh Strnad, of Rio, had when he came to Moraine Park. As a first-generation college student, with a lifetime of real-world experiences and circumstances under his belt, he knew that the opportunity of obtaining a degree was his ultimate goal.
“I’ve lived a rough life,” Josh said. “I’ve made choices
that haven’t always had a positive result, but when I came to Moraine Park, I
immediately felt welcomed, regardless of my past.”
Josh found the College through the Department of Vocational Rehab, as he was transitioning from his life in prison back to civilian life. He was able to meet with the Career Center staff at Moraine Park and take a career assessment. Through that, he discovered that the civil engineering path would be a good fit for him.
When he began classes that fall, it didn’t take long for him to find a second home at the Fond du Lac campus. He joined the Student Senate and the District Student Government, where he served as Lt. Governor and then Governor. It was through these groups that he developed a strong support system.
“We are like a family,” Josh said. “Moraine Park and my
peers have helped to give me a new life direction.”
Josh will graduate this May with his associate degree in Civil Engineering.
“I’m proud of myself,” he said. “Everything I’ve done up
until this point, I’ve never finished. I now can eliminate that negativity and
say that I’m a college graduate!”
Josh’s college journey wasn’t always easy. He utilized many
resources, from the student success center to student life, to help make graduation
possible.
“I’ve learned so much more than I ever thought,” Josh said.
“Overall, I’ve learned how to be a team player, a good communicator, and how to
adapt in different work atmospheres.”
Anyone who knows Josh understands that his life
transformation didn’t happen by chance. He was given opportunities and took
advantage of them all, from college courses in prison to opportunities to give
back today.
“I believe that everyone deserves a second chance,” he said.
“According to most statistics, I shouldn’t be where I am today. Now, I’ve
learned not only how to be successful, but that I deserve to be.”
At the College, Josh is known to many as a father figure, giving endless advice, guidance, and a shoulder to lean on if necessary.
“Surround yourself with good people,” Josh said. “Ask for
help, never give up, and focus on what motivates you. One of my main
motivations is my daughter, Emma. I hope one day that she will see what I’ve
done and be motivated to do well her life, too.”
Josh has aspirations to continue his education, with an
overall goal to work as a plumbing design engineer.
“You never know the
best you, until you’ve seen the worst you,” Josh said. “I’m proud to say, that
today I’m the best version of me.”
Change is scary, and those who are
working to pursue their educational goals know this all too well. Ashley Martin
of Fond du Lac recognized that fear when she found herself at the front steps
of Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac campus in 2017.
As a mother of four, she had been working
two jobs to make ends meet, but she had aspirations of finding her dream
career.
“I wanted to better my life,” Martin
said. “When I walked through the front doors of the College I was so scared. I
didn’t know if I could go back to school after all this time.”
Like many returning students, she was
looking for a career that would work well for her life and fulfill her goals.
Moraine Park’s Student Success Center helped her with a career assessment.
Through that, she discovered the Substance Abuse Counseling program. She
enrolled immediately and began her college career in fall 2017.
“I instantly felt welcomed,” Martin said.
“I have found great friends and supporters who are more like family, and they
always give me a reason to keep coming back.”
One of those connections was with Sam
Saeger, a student life specialist at Moraine Park.
“Ashley is one of a kind,” Sam said. “She
is driven and focused. Not only is she an exceptional student in and out of the
classroom, but her commitment and enthusiasm towards the College are
unmatched.”
Since enrolling at Moraine Park, Martin
has served on the Student Senate as secretary and vice president, and the
Diversity Club as the vice president. She founded the Substance Abuse
Counseling Club, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and has served the College on
cross-functional collaboration teams as a student representative. She is also a
part of a work-study with Sam and can be found all around the Fond du Lac
campus and in the community, helping with student life events and advocating
for the College.
“It’s incredible to know that as
students, our voices are valued and heard,” Martin said. “Moraine Park is my
college, and it will always be my college. I find such value in the fact that
my opinion matters.”
Martin has also maintained a 4.0 and been
on the Dean’s List her entire college career. It is because of her drive,
determination, and all-around positive spirit that Martin has been named as
Moraine Park’s 2019 Student of the Year.
“I’m still in shock,” she said. “I never
thought this was possible for me. I have worked hard, and I am proud of
myself.”
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 ten 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. Martin will receive her
award at the Student Awards Banquet on May 10.
“We all celebrate with Ashley on her
success at Moraine Park,” Sam said. “However, it is her heart and generosity
that stand out the most. She is very deserving of the Student of the Year
award, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Martin will graduate on May 18, and it
will be her first time walking a commencement stage.
“Moraine Park has given me unlimited
opportunities,” Martin said. “I’m proud of my school, and I look forward to
serving as an alumnus.”
She has goals to continue her education,
with an overall goal to be a mental health counselor.
The finalist include Dominic
DeLaura of Slinger, Troy Essmann of
Oconomowoc, Justin Kraus of Fond du Lac, Alex McCleary of Fond du Lac,
Christian McCreary of West Bend, Michael Moon of Beaver Dam, Jonathan Szczesny
of Iron Ridge, Sam Turner Baraboo, Elizabeth Wustrack Fond du Lac.
For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.
Good Luck to Moraine Park Students participating in The Pitch entrepreneurship competition this Thursday, April 11 in Green Bay.
The Pitch was created by the Fox Connection, a collaboration of the premier colleges and universities in northeast Wisconsin to enhance entrepreneurial education and opportunity for area students.
Students Shae Stangl, Kristen Westlake, and Patrick Rupprecht will be presenting their ‘pitch’ under team name Emergent Technologies.
Moraine Park Technical College and Marian University student
veteran organizations will hold their third
annual 22 No More ruck march/walk for veterans on Saturday, April 20.
This event is intended to raise awareness of the 20-22
suicides committed by veterans every day and form a strong community around those
who have served or currently serving. The
event begins at 9:00 a.m. with registration in the B parking lot of MPTC’s Fond
du Lac campus, located off
Campus Drive across from the VUE housing,
followed by a 2.2 mile walk around the Fond du Lac Soccer Complex at 10 a.m. The
walk ends with an opportunity to
meet with area veteran resource providers,
National Guard, and ROTC service members and enjoy a free lunch provided by the
student veteran groups of both college.
A backpack is not required to participate, but everyone who
attends is encouraged to honor a service member by carrying a photo of them
during the walk. The first 100 individuals who register and take part in the
event will receive a free water bottle or small nylon backpack while supplies
last and “22 No More” t-shirts from last year’s event will be available for a
small donation.
The event is free, but
donations are encouraged, with proceeds going to support the Student Veteran
Organizations of both colleges and Salute the Troops. To pre-register, please click here
and for more information on the 22 No More ruck march/walk please contact Steve
Pepper, Student Veteran Specialist for Moraine Park Technical College at
920-924-3489 or Maranda Abitz, Coordinator of Veteran Services at Marian
University, at 920-923-8641.
Graduate candidates can purchase their graduation regalia (cap, gown and tassel) at any Moraine Park Campus bookstore beginning on April 10. Honor cords, Military and Veteran cords, and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) cords/stoles will be available for purchase.
Wearing of Honor and High Honor cords are based on cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) as of the end of the 2018 fall semester. No exceptions to this will be made.
Honors is 3.5 to 3.74 GPA
High Honors is 3.75 GPA and up
Graduation Regalia
Phi Theta Kappa
Cap/Gown/Tassel Package – $27.80
PTK Cord (Blue, Gold) – $15.00
Honors Cord (Silver) – $10.00
PTK Tassel (Gold) – $10.00
High Honors Cord (Gold) – $10.00
PTK Stole (Gold) – $26.00
Individual Tassel (Blue, Gold) – $4.20
NOTE: Commencement is a formal academic ceremony. The decorating of cap and gown is discouraged.
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