“Every woman has a story,” attests Denise Fitzsimmons ’81, Moraine Park Technical College’s 2015 Distinguished Alumnus. As publisher of “InSpire Magazine” – a monthly rag dedicated to empowering women – Fitzsimmons showcases such stories. In doing so, she helps connect women with each other, as well as with resources and support geared to improving their lives.

Fitzsimmons, of Beaver Dam, Wis., graduated from Moraine Park with a degree in fashion merchandising and marketing before enjoying a successful career in publishing and co-founding “InSpire.” It turns out, design, fashion and publishing work well together.

“I started out after college in retail, then moved to a newspaper in Portage designing advertisements,” she said. “I ultimately moved to Conley Publishing Inc., where I worked from 1985-2004 and ended up as advertising director.

Still, Fitzsimmons craved more. A desire to empower others, especially women, spurred her to co-launch “InSpire.” She did so with two other women – 2006 Moraine Park Distinguished Alumnus Mary Beth Bockhorst and sister-in-law, Jill Huizenga. Eleven years later, “Inspire” touts a readership of 10,000 throughout the Wisconsin counties of Fond du Lac, Dane, Jefferson and Dodge. Since the magazine’s founding, it has donated $150,000 to area charities and nonprofits.

“I believe in helping out and giving back to the community,” she said. “I do it because it’s the right thing to do.” As such, Fitzsimmons is an active volunteer. She is a member of the Second Christian Reformed Church, in Randolph; the Beaver Dam Rotary Club; the Beaver Dam Community Hospitals Inc. Foundation Board; and the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee, among many others. She’s also given back to her alma mater through the years. She has served as celebrity chef for the Moraine Park Foundation and showcased many “InSpire” stories featuring Moraine Park programs, students and staff.

Fitzsimmons, who believes wholeheartedly in the value of a technical education, maintains she draws daily from the skills and life lessons learned while studying at Moraine Park. “The skills I learned at school in fashion merchandising helped me get where I am today,” she said.

After graduating in 1978 from Central Wisconsin Christian School, in Waupun, Fitzsimmons attended a four-year college in Iowa before transferring to Moraine Park. “It was a better fit for me,” she said. “I enjoyed Moraine Park’s small classes and very informative instructors. They wanted to help students learn and often invited us to their homes for dinners and study sessions.” In addition to developing critical marketing and business skills, Fitzsimmons honed her communication, problem-solving and leadership proficiency.

As a result of her experience, she urges high school graduates to consider Moraine Park as their next step in learning and life. Simultaneously, she encourages Moraine Park graduates to enthusiastically go after their dreams.

After graduating in 1978 from Central Wisconsin Christian School, in Waupun, Fitzsimmons attended a four-year college in Iowa before transferring to Moraine Park. “It was a better fit for me,” she said. “I enjoyed Moraine Park’s small classes and very informative instructors. They wanted to help students learn and often invited us to their homes for dinners and study sessions.” In addition to developing critical marketing and business skills, Fitzsimmons honed her communication, problem-solving and leadership proficiency.

As a result of her experience, she urges high school graduates to consider Moraine Park as their next step in learning and life. Simultaneously, she encourages Moraine Park graduates to enthusiastically go after their dreams.

Fitzsimmons will address students and graduates at the Moraine Park Student Awards Banquet, May 8, where she’ll share a favorite quote by inspirational author Martha Bolton. “There is nothing sadder than an unfulfilled life,” said Bolton. “Dreams don’t come with expiration dates.”

“Education is a gift,” says Lisa Karst ’12, Moraine Park Technical College’s 2014 Distinguished Alumnus and the 28th recipient of the award. “As with all things, you get out of it what you put into it. How you choose to apply yourself will directly impact what you receive. That applies to everything in life – your family, job and relationships.”

A lifelong learner, community service advocate, mother and wife, Karst is the assistant vice president/regional operations leader at National Exchange Bank and Trust, in Beaver Dam. She holds a number of Moraine Park certificates, including Principles of Management, 2001; Organizational Management, 2007; and Human Resources Development, 2009. Additionally, Karst earned her Leadership Development associate’s degree in 2012.

Karst, who resides near Beaver Dam in the Town of Burnett, insists her Moraine Park learning experiences enlivened her 25-year career in the financial services industry. “When I first enrolled at Moraine Park, I wasn’t necessarily looking for a degree,” she admits. “I just wanted to improve my skills and knowledge of human relations, personal interaction and leadership. I liked Moraine Park because it offered a broader focus than other colleges, so if I wanted to change direction, my education would better serve me.”

As Karst’s education and professional on-the-job experience meshed, she leaped the corporate ladder – jump- ing from administrative assistant to customer service officer/branch manager, and finally to assistant vice president/regional operations leader.

“Her journey through her degree gave her a great complement to her experience in banking,” says Nicole Wiese, Karst’s supervisor. While Karst possessed most of the skills needed for advancement, those skills were further strengthened and broadened through her educational experience, according to Wiese.

Karst wholeheartedly agrees. “In the Leadership Development program I explored more about myself and ap- plied what I learned where I worked,” she says. Karst gained knowledge and skills enrichment that boosted her personal and professional growth.

In particular, she mastered the tools and skills necessary to effectively manage staff and related challenges. “I learned the human behavioral aspects of leading people; how to facilitate employee development; conflict resolution skills; and the value of continuous learning,” says Karst.

A stellar student and role model, according to Leadership Development Instructor Mary Vogl-Rauscher, Karst attended Moraine Park while working full-time, volunteering in her community and juggling family life. Once again, Karst “put into it what she wanted to get out of it …”

While pursuing her education, one of Karst’s daughters, Emma, was also pursuing a college degree. “It was kind of cool being in school at the same time,” Karst remembers. Today, Karst and her husband, Don, enjoy three grandchildren. Their daughters, Emma and Sabrina, are 25 and 28.

Karst, who loves her family dearly, also relishes her community and alma mater. She’s an active member of Beaver Dam Noon Kiwanis, Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce, Church Health Services Inc. and Moraine Park’s Leadership Development Advisory Committee. In this role, Karst works with other business and organi- zational leaders to continually improve and mold Moraine Park’s Leadership Development program.

“I value the education I received at Moraine Park and I enjoy helping others in the program by assisting with the review of curriculum in an ever-changing business environment. Service is important,” Karst maintains. “I find it gratifying to give back to the community in which I live and work.”

Karst offers simple advice to graduates. “You get out what you put in.”

Moraine Park Technical College provides an education aimed at developing the full person, according to Mike Staral ’78, of West Bend. As Moraine Park’s 2013 Distinguished Alumnus, he should know. A 1978 graduate of Moraine Park’s Tool and Die Technologies Apprenticeship program, Staral serves as vice president at Willer Tool Corp., in Jackson, Wis. He is also a member of the Moraine Park CNC/Tool and Die Technologies Advisory Committee and in July, will become one of two new members on Moraine Park’s District Board.

He’s dedicated a large part of his life to spreading the good word about technical education. It’s no wonder, then, that 65 percent of Willer Tool Corp.’s 60 employ- ees are Moraine Park graduates. “They receive hands-on experience, learn to deal with others outside the classroom and are well prepared for the job field,” said Staral. “Not only does Moraine Park provide employer contacts for graduates –connections that help them land jobs – the College teaches soft skills, including communication, teamwork and problem solving.”

Graduates of Moraine Park, according to Staral, are ready for employment in the real world. He knows this from experience. He remembers well the lessons gained as a student. “We learned the big things, like math and machining,” said Staral. “One of the main objectives of our teacher, Ken Nelson, was to get graduates jobs.”

Thirty-five years later, Staral has helped grow Willer Tool Corp. from the six-person operation he originally joined to one of 60. During his journey to vice president, he’s remained committed to his Alma Mater and its graduates. “We have three to six Moraine Park graduates going through the apprenticeship program,” said Staral. “They take two years of school, then work with us for 10,400 hours during an apprenticeship.” Each ap- prentice then becomes a journeyman tool and die maker. “The industry is really strong,” added Staral. “Right now, I could place 20 graduates in the tool and die field within Washington County.”

That’s why maintaining an influx of highly trained graduates is critical to the growth of the tool and die indus- try. As a CNC/Tool and Die Technologies Advisory Committee member, Staral and other industry experts, work with Moraine Park instructors to ensure students learn the industry’s most critical skills and use the latest technologies. Similarly, as a Moraine Park District Board Member, Staral works to make decisions regarding the budget, new program implementation, and more. “Manufacturing is big in Wisconsin, so we have to con- tinue investment in programs, machines and tools,” he said.

“I’m Moraine Park’s biggest fan,” admits Staral. Aside from himself, three other members of his family are graduates of Wisconsin technical colleges, including his wife, Kate, with a degree in interior design; his son, Jason, with a tool and die degree; and a daughter-in-law, Krista, with a dental hygiene degree. Staral’s other son, Chad, received an accounting degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A committed family man and contributor to his community, Staral also enjoys two grandchildren, Addison and Blake.

A lifelong West Bend resident, Staral is president of Friends of West Bend Parks and serves on the West Bend Baseball Association Board of Directors and the West Bend Park and Recreation Commission.

“Be a team player and have a positive attitude,” Staral advises new Moraine Park graduates. “If you do that, people will notice you and you will go places. What made me successful is that I never said ‘no’ to hard work.”

Mark Hopper’s Moraine Park Technical College roots were planted in the early 1970’s when he was a business marketing student at Moraine Park Technical Institute, as it was then called. As a Fond du Lac resident and 1974 graduate, Hopper has witnessed growth and change in his alma mater, so it’s especially appropriate that Hopper is honored with the Distinguished Alumnus award this year, as Moraine Park celebrates its 100th anniversary.

“It is truly an honor to be able to award Mark the Moraine Park Distinguished Alumnus award,” said Kelly Norton, Moraine Park Alumni and Foundation director. “Mark is extremely dedicated to the community; selflessly giving his time and talent to other organizations to ensure that Fond du Lac continues thrive. More so, Mark is a champion of Moraine Park having served on the Foundation Board and newly developed Alumni Advisory Committee. He is a true testament to the caliber of students here at Moraine Park.”

“It’s wonderful to be recognized by an institution that has helped make me what I am today. I’m humbled by this award that so many are worthy of. It’s nice to see that, almost 40 years later, Moraine Park is still a valuable resource for continuing education in the Fond du Lac area.”

A valuable resource thanks in part to alumni like Hopper who give back their time and resources. “Maintaining my involvement with Moraine Park is my way of giving back to the community. Moraine Park is crucial to my success story and it’s important for me to give back to students today,” said Hopper.

Hopper is the CEO/president of Hopper’s Silk Screening Inc., nestled in downtown Fond du Lac. He established his business with his wife Kim in 1978, a few years after graduating from Moraine Park. Since then, Hopper’s Silk Screening, Inc. has grown from a small, community-based business into one that serves customers all over the world. Hopper’s dedication and commitment to quality and service has made Hopper’s Silk Screening Inc., the largest area screen printer.

According to Dave Hopper, Mark’s son and business associate, “Moraine Park gave Dad the ability and confidence to face the challenges of the entrepreneurial world.  Even in today’s economic times, he looks back and uses the tools and lessons from his education and applies them to the current business landscape.”

Moraine Park helped Hopper target special skills like business planning, economics, financial planning, forecasting, accounting, marketing and communications to compete in the workforce and empowered him with the confidence to move forward.

One of Hopper’s favorite quotes is, “Bring your passion to your career and success will follow.” Hopper credits his instructors and education at Moraine Park for planting seeds to grow for a lifetime of success. work.”

Mark Wildman ’96 – Moraine Park Technical College’s 2011 Distinguished Alumnus – works to help better the lives of others. His passion for learning, which ignited as a Moraine Park corrections science student, spurred him on to earn several degrees; participate in multiple behavior workshops; and become deputy institution superintendent for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Ethan Allen Schools, a juvenile corrections facility in Wales, Wis.

It took him awhile, however, to realize his potential. While in high school, Wildman remembers a teacher saying, “Don’t expect too much of yourself.”

“I remember not liking what she said, but I partly believed it,” admits Wildman, who grew up as a farm boy. “It wasn’t until I made my way to Moraine Park that I realized I could do more, and in the process, help others.”

After serving four years in the U.S. Army and then working as a nursing assistant, he decided to attend a criminal justice presentation at Moraine Park. Martin Potter, a corrections instructor – then and now – led the presentation. “The message inspired me and drove me into the field of corrections science,” says Wildman. “Marty talked about being confident and learning to understand. He stressed applying that knowledge to your personal and professional life to positively impact others’ lives.”

At the time, Wildman believed his education would end with a corrections science associate degree. In reality, his learning experience had just begun. He credits Moraine Park for nurturing his lifelong love for learning.

Wildman went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice and a master’s degree in organizational leadership and quality from Marian College, in Fond du Lac, Wis., as well as a doctorate in human services from Capella University, in Minneapolis. All the while, he climbed the corrections ladder.

“Mark started out in the trenches so to speak, as a corrections officer,” says Potter. “He then progressed and became a correctional sergeant and psychiatric care supervisor. This was followed by another progression as a unit manager, and ultimately, he earned his most recent promotion as deputy superintendent of a juvenile institution.”

During all of this, Wildman also served a year stint as an adjunct criminal justice instructor at Moraine Park, and today, teaches courses such as cultural diversity, criminology, and ethics and administration of justice for Axia University of Phoenix Online. Additionally, at the University of Phoenix Online’s School of Advanced Studies, Wildman instructs doctoral level courses and mentors doctoral students on their dissertations.

Giving back, Wildman also serves as a panel member at Moraine Park’s “Careers and Corrections,” a culminating event for criminal justice-corrections students. Featuring a panel of professionals representing law enforcement, parole, corrections and education, the event highlights a variety of industry occupations, along with a question-and-answer session. “We also conduct and provide feedback on mock interviews with students,” Wildman says. “I often encourage them to elaborate on what they learned at Moraine Park, and how they might apply that knowledge within a particular occupation.”

His advice makes an impact, according to Potter, who taught Wildman at Moraine Park. “Mark is both a work- force and educational inspiration to all students in all programs at Moraine Park,” Potter says. “He is a class act with a very humble ego, who has accomplished incredible work and educational goals while supervising people who are incarcerated. He is a very good role model for all of our students to reach for the stars …”

Wildman – a counselor and mentor to hundreds of inmates over the years – strives to help them enjoy enriched lives. “I communicate the same message I learned at Moraine Park,” he says. “I stress the importance of self-confidence and lifelong learning.” Wildman urges them to read Gifted Hands – The Ben Carson Story, an autobiography of a poor child living in inner-city Detroit, who grows up to be a leading pediatric neurosurgeon.

“I tell people that they can become more than what they are, so long as they are dedicated to self- improvement and learning,” says Wildman. “Learn not for the sake of learning,” he advises, “but learn to understand and apply that understanding to life.”

Wildman practices what he preaches. His thirst for information seems never-ending, having participated in more than 30 training and workshop sessions focused on a variety of topics, including suicide prevention, motivational interviewing, disruptive personality disorders, coaching, mentoring and team building, children of prisoners, and guiding others through stressful times. By taking in training opportunities, Wildman maintains it makes a person better all the way around.

His advice to Moraine Park students is clear … “The road isn’t always smooth,” says Wildman. “Sometimes you hit bumps. But, if you keep moving forward, remain confident and continue to learn and grow every day, you’ll be amazed with what you can achieve.”

At least once a week, learn something new.

That’s the personal motto and advice of Barbara Brown of Mayville, Moraine Park Technical College Class of 1981 and winner of the College’s 2010 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

A registered nurse with 30 years of clinical experience, Brown has served as a Nursing Assistant program instructor at Moraine Park since 2007 and as a part-time instructor since 2000. Whether in a classroom, clinical setting or community venue, Brown generates an enthusiasm for learning and nursing by engaging and mentoring students.

“I am a first-generation college graduate and was guided by my instructors at Moraine Park who helped me overcome personal obstacles, one of which was my fear of making mistakes,” said Brown. “I have since become aware of how making mistakes can help determine who you are, and what your strengths are. … we have to get over our fear of the unknown and start saying yes to new challenges and opportunities that come our way.”

She credits Moraine Park for helping her find her way in her career path. After high school she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to pursue. “Moraine Park offered immediate training and was less expensive than most colleges,” said Brown. “I became a nursing assistant first, went to work, and returned to Moraine Park to be- come a licensed practical nurse (LPN).”
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