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.”

morainepark.edu

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.

For more information on the event, visit https://thepitchfoxcities.com/the-event/.

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu

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

NOTE: Commencement is a formal academic ceremony. The decorating of cap and gown is discouraged.

Morainepark.edu/gradchecklist

Promoting growth and self-improvement is at the core of Moraine Park’s mission. International student Barbara Turner immediately identified this and set her sights on being a Moraine Park student.

Barbara, a current resident of Beaver Dam, came to the College from Israel. She first toured Moraine Park in the summer of 2015, when she was visiting Wisconsin to explore educational options.

“Obtaining a quality education is one of my top priorities,” Barbara said. “My parents are both highly educated and instilled in me the value of having a degree.”

She is no stranger to hard work. In Israel, she served in the army for two years and then worked in the quality control field. She was exploring local academic resources when she found the opportunity to study internationally.

“Moraine Park was an easy choice for me,” Barbara said. “There are multiple programs to choose from, the location is convenient, and the pricing is extremely reasonable.”

Since arriving in 2016, she hasn’t stopped exploring her opportunities and takes each experience as an invitation to grow and improve. She has benefited from the support of the Student Success Center and Moraine Park counselor, Karla Donahue, who has helped with her transition to life in the United States and at Moraine Park.

Barbara has also made quite an impact on her classmates and instructors at the College.

“It has been fun to watch her advance,” Mary Vogl-Rausher, an instructor at Moraine Park said. “There have been significant challenges she has had to overcome, but she always has a smile on her face. Her warm personality draws others to her.”

For these reasons and more, Barbara was selected as the 2019-20 Moraine Park District Student Ambassador. In this role, she 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.

“It is an extreme honor,” Barbara said. “I look forward to making more connections and networking with my community and peers.”

For more information, visit morainepark.edu.

Enjoy your Spring Break!

See you back on campus or online on March 25!

student.morainepark.edu

Moraine Park students recently participated in the Wisconsin Student Government Legislative Seminar and student showcase at the capital in Madison. Through this event, they had the opportunity to meet with several state legislators and share the importance of a technical college education.

Congratulations to all involved!

morainepark.edu.