Safety and security is everyone’s responsibility. If you see suspicious activity at MPTC or in your community, report it to a person of authority using the “5W’s”:
WHO did you see?
WHAT did you see?
WHEN you saw it
WHERE it occurred
WHY it’s suspicious
Whether you are at school, on your way to work, walking in your neighborhood, or out and about in your community, remember: We all play a role in keeping our communities safe. Remember to stay vigilant and say something when you see signs of suspicious activity. It’s easy to overlook these routine moments, but as you’re going about your day, if you see something that doesn’t seem quite right, say something. Help protect your school, family, neighbors and community.
The “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign works year-round to empower and educate the public on suspicious activity and how to report it. The campaign has designated September 25 as “If You See Something, Say Something®” Awareness Day, also known as #SeeSayDay.
“If You See Something, Say Something®” is more than a slogan. It’s how we protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. You play a key role by recognizing and reporting suspicious activity. This September, we encourage you to build awareness at MPTC and in your community about what suspicious activity is and how to report it.
Pictured above: Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald (right) presents the 2022 Community Partnership Award to Rebecca Rapp (left) of Ascendium Lawyers for Learners.
Moraine Park Technical College has presented Ascendium Education Group and Legal Action of Wisconsin with its 2022 Community Partnership Award for their work on Lawyers for Learners. This award recognizes a community partner organization who has gone above and beyond in the role of working with Moraine Park students in student community impact opportunities.
Lawyers for Learners helps students and community members overcome legal obstacles, empowering them to move forward with their lives and achieve educational and career goals. Legal Action of WI and other legal-aid partners provide free legal services to students and low-income community members who would otherwise be unable to secure legal help. Since 2020, MPTC has partnered with Lawyers for Learners to offer free legal clinics for our students and community members, service learning opportunities for paralegal and criminal justice students, and student internships.
MPTC Dean of Technology & Trades Bobbi Fields expressed gratitude for this 2022 community partnership:
“While there were many, many wonderful student reflections and contributions from community partners this past school year, Legal Action and Ascendium did an amazing job providing opportunities for students across multiple programs to engage in a positive service-learning experience. More so, these students worked with the community partner to provide a very impactful legal service to our extended MPTC community! They truly were, and continue to be, excellent partners. I am happy that we are acknowledging them and hope that our collaborations continue to grow.”
Rebecca Rapp, General Counsel for Ascendium noted, “This is such an incredible honor! Thank you! The Lawyers for Learners and Moraine Park partnership have been so gratifying. Moraine Park’s tremendous team is fabulous to work with and such an important reason for Lawyers for Learners’ success at Moraine Park. This award really means a lot.”
Megan Sprecher, Attorney at Law for Legal Action of WI said, Wow, what an honor! Thank you so much. We truly appreciate your partnership and welcoming us into the MPTC fold!” Megan also shared, “Recently, through our Legal Action/Lawyers for Learners work, an MPTC student obtained expungements for their two felony convictions, making it easier for them to find work in their field of study upon graduation. Another Moraine Park student’s driver’s license was reinstated, allowing them to drive to and from work and school lawfully and stop racking up expensive tickets.”
Back Left to Right: MPTC Associate Dean Deb Clarke, Jasmine Loera – Ascendium Paralegal, MPTC Associate Dean Latisha Spence-Brookens, MPTC President Bonnie Baerwald, MPTC Community Impact Coordinator Anne Lemke, MPTC Dean Bobbi Fields, MPTC Equity and Engagement Specialist Jackie Morgan, Katie Chu – Ascendium Legal Project Specialist. Front Left to Right: Rebecca Rapp – Ascendium General Counsel, Claire Silverstein – Legal Action Paralegal, Megan Sprecher Legal Action Attorney
Some student words of reflection include:
“Before logging any service learning hours for this project, I recall being very nervous and doubtful. I did not know what to expect, and I felt that I was not capable of working side by side with a real attorney, and I remember that intimidated me a little bit! Then, I volunteered for the first time. I volunteered for the Urban Expungement Clinic, and worked with many of my peers, which put me at ease. Some of these clients were convicted of a crime they did not deserve in my opinion, and they were now facing some life barriers because of it. Overall, after my first clinic, I felt 100% more at ease and confident, and I really learned a lot more than just law. I learned the importance of empathy when working with these clients, and the importance of being a good listener to the troubles they have faced, because those barricades will help the case.”
“I found this clinic to be very interesting and eye-opening. I enjoyed it so much. I worked with Jim’s team. He had so much insight and knowledge on different laws and how certain options could be more beneficial to the clients. It was amazing to see someone with so much passion for what they do. I didn’t realize all the different ways certain situations could put different resources at play for individuals. It was refreshing to see how people can come together and use their skill set to help another person. I think the experience was very enlightening and gave me a good glimpse at what I could possibly be doing in a future career. I am excited to go forth in the community and put my knowledge to use helping people.”
“I feel like the work I did actually does help the client I did the records request for. Rather than spending hours doing in class work which has a very limited impact on the real world. Of course, they’re preparing us for the real world but the work I do for class has no impact on anyone. Volunteering my time in the legal clinics actually does help someone. It fills me with a certain pride knowing that I’m applying the skills I’ve learned in class to real-life scenarios. For me, it’s hard to gauge whether I’ve actually taken something away from classes or if I just memorized information to pass the class. But I feel like through this simple exercise I’ve actually learned a lot from my classes and applied that knowledge. I’m excited to continue to volunteer at the clinics.”
“I also really appreciated the attorney’s advice about looking for jobs after graduation. It was also really inspirational to see someone successful in the legal field who still took the time to volunteer their free time to help others.”
In July, Moraine Park Technical College’s Fond du Lac Campus had the distinct pleasure of hosting the Wisconsin Auto and Truck Dealers Association (WATDA) Summer Training Institute.
The purpose of the Summer Training Institute is to bring together automotive instructors and industry representatives to explore and train on new concepts that can be brought back to the instructors’ individual classrooms. This event began over 20 years ago, and was started by our own Jim Eden (Moraine Park VP of Teaching and Learning) and Carl Hader (Retired Germantown High School Auto Instructor/ WATDA Representative),
Summer Training Institute, which hosted over 40 high-school automotive instructors from throughout the state, began on July 18 with a guided tour of Wells Vehicle Electronics. The attendees were able to view the plant and assembly areas, as well as the technical services garage. The day ended with a reception and welcome event at the Crystal Ballroom, located in the Retlaw Hotel.
The following days, attendees gathered on Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac campus to attend training and educational sessions. Representatives from the parts and automobile industry, as well as our own automotive instructors Jim Daniels and Francesco Corrente, led the sessions. Topics covered included:
Battery Technology & Charging Systems
Light Diesel
Evolution of ADAS Repair Technology (Levels 1-6)
Evaporative System Concepts and Diagnosis
Direct Fuel Injection
Adding Auto Body Programs to Curriculum
Breakfast and lunch were supplied by the wonderful Eden Catering in our cafeteria. Those meals allowed our attendees to mingle and further share ideas and new concepts learned. Both lunch sessions included speeches from WATDA representatives Dan Klecker (State Education Director) and Brent Kindred (Vice President). There was also a roundtable panel discussion about the future of the automotive industry that culminated in an enlightening and thought-provoking Q and A session with everyone in attendance.
Summer Training Institute was a great opportunity for industry members to get together, network, and share ideas. MPTC hosted this event for the first time in nine years, and we look forward to hosting it in the future. Talking with the attendees, almost all were delighted with both the event coordination and the detailed level of instruction that was given during the breakout sessions.
This truly was an event that was worth the effort and time that went into planning it. Moraine Park would like to thank everyone who attended, as well as the trades and facilities staff that spent time planning and executing the WATDA Summer Training Institute. Excellent work, everyone!
There’s nothing better than busy hallways and full classrooms on Moraine Park campuses! Last week was full of excitement as we welcomed both new and returning students to the fall 2022 semester.
Some highlights included Casino Day, ‘Get the Scoop’ Information Fairs, comedy lunch hours, welcome breakfasts, bumper cars, and so much more. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the semester will bring!
Pictured above: MPTC Cosmetology Student Abby Prim
On Thursday, Aug. 25, Moraine Park Cosmetology students and their instructor traveled to the Washington County West Bend Boys and Girls Club’s Back to School Event. In total, 12 kids got a new hairdo to help them get ready to head off to elementary or middle school this fall.
“This event is a wonderful service learning experience for our students,” Eileen Bouchard, Moraine Park Cosmetology Instructor, said. “Our students set up a mini salon in the BGC Computer Lab, where they are able to connect with parents and kids, help each child decide on a hairstyle, and practice their hands-on skills.”
Max Roy, Director of Operations for Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, said, “It was great to see you all today! Thank you for the haircuts and being another valuable back to school community resource for our families.”
Governor Tony Evers hosted a roundtable discussion on Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac campus today, Aug. 24. He was joined by local leaders and stakeholders to discuss the high costs of insulin and the barriers surrounding accessible and affordable childcare and caregiving.
“Wisconsin families have been through a lot over the past few years, and we know that while our state and economy continue to recover, folks are still worried about rising costs and making ends meet,” Gov. Evers said. “My plan to use our state’s latest projected surplus builds on our work to cut taxes for working families by providing more than $600 million in tax relief while capping the copay cost of insulin, lowering prices at the pump, and helping defray the cost of childcare and caregiving to help reduce barriers to entering our workforce.”
Organizations in attendance included Lily Pad Learning Center, the Fond du Lac Senior Center, the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Fond du Lac County, Family Connections Inc., Mercury Marine, SSM Health, and a student from Fox Valley Technical College.
“The topics of discussion at the Community Roundtable with Governor Evers are issues that deserve diverse input and thoughtful consideration,” Bobbi Fields, dean of applied technology and trades at Moraine Park, said. “Our communities express concerns associated with childcare, elder care, and high costs of insulin. Our Moraine Park community, including students, staff, and graduates are equally affected. The college is committed to exploring options and initiatives we can lead and support in an effort to help meet the underserved needs of the communities we serve.”
Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald; Dr. Fred Rice, associate Vice President of academics; and Bobbi Fields, dean of applied technology and trades, participated in the discussion.
“Moraine Park continues to work with area partners to find ways to help meet the needs of our communities,” Rice said. “Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program are well trained and prepared for jobs as child care teachers, assistant teachers, family care providers, infant or toddler caregivers, in-home caregivers, and early childhood special needs assistants. Providing care for our younger population has never been more in demand. The same is true for those who provide care for older adults and the elderly. The Nursing and Nursing Assistant programs are especially in high demand. Graduates work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, at-home care, and other settings to provide vital care to those in need in our communities. In these and many other program areas, students can start taking classes even while in high school to accelerate along their academic and career paths.”
The Moraine Park Technical College District Board voted to approve the final ballot language Wednesday, allowing the College to move forward with a $55 million referendum in the November election.
The referendum would allow Moraine Park to borrow funds to update and expand Moraine Park facilities to meet the needs of business and industry in the region through four major projects between 2022 and 2025.
Advanced Manufacturing and Trades – Fond du Lac County – Enhancement
Manufacturing, Automation and Robotics Lab – Washington County – Expansion
Fire Training Facility – Location TBD – New Construction
Health and Human Services Facility – Fond du Lac County – Enhancement
“Education is the key to economic growth in any community,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, said. “Workforce growth is what will change our community, and as a technical college, we are the change agents. This referendum is vital to making change and growth happen at a time when technology and automation are influencing industry so rapidly.”
Moraine Park intends to update and expand facilities to:
Respond to the growing workforce shortages.
Accommodate evolving industry expectations.
Address evolving technology, including in the areas of automation and robotics.
Provide greater access to all district communities.
Align with community expectations and workforce training requirements.
Prepare students and workforces of the future.
The funding request by MPTC is spread out across the four major district counties, making the financial impact per taxpayer minimal; the adjustments are not permanent, making the impact a temporary adjustment for taxpayers. Under the proposed $55 million facilities enhancement plan, annual property taxes would increase by .21 cents per $1,000 of property value or $21 per $100,000 of property value ($1.75 per month) for no more than 20 years.
“We need to invest in this kind of growth either way,” Jim Eden, Moraine Park vice president of teaching and learning, said. “If a referendum passes, we will accelerate Moraine Park’s ability to grow by about 15 years. If it does not, it will take the College 15 years to catch up.”
Under state law, technical colleges must hold referendums before completing capital projects with a cost of more than $1.5 million. The referendum must earn a majority vote across all four major district counties, which include Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Washington.
Moraine Park Technical College and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh signed an articulation agreement today allowing students pursuing Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) liberal arts degrees to seamlessly transfer from Moraine Park and continue their education at UW Oshkosh with confirmed junior status.
The agreement was signed by Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald and UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andy Leavitt today, Aug. 12 at Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac campus.
“This agreement represents only the latest of many collaborations between UW Oshkosh and MPTC,” UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andy Leavitt said. “It is another example of our long-term and ongoing partnership with the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Northeast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance (NEW ERA) and MPTC. In effect, it strengthens our relationship with MPTC and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enhancing opportunities and access to higher education for citizens of northeast Wisconsin and, specifically, those in Fond du Lac.”
Moraine Park will offer AA and AS liberal arts degrees beginning this fall.
“The agreement demystifies transfer and creates a smoother transition from the technical college to the university by guaranteeing that not only certain courses transfer but also that they count toward the university’s general education requirements,” Leavitt said. “This helps students complete their bachelor’s degree in a timely manner. And it, ultimately, helps us in our critical efforts to raise the level of educational attainment in the region.”
The agreement between Moraine Park and UW Oshkosh is Moraine Park’s second AA and AS degree partnership. Earlier this year, the College signed an articulation agreement with Lakeland University. College leaders will continue to add partnerships with other local universities, giving district students more options and control when it comes to their education and making the future transfer process easier and more streamlined.
“By starting an education at Moraine Park, students can get their general studies completed for a fraction of the cost, with smaller class sizes, extensive student support, and guaranteed transfer credits to one of our partner schools,” Dr. Fred Rice, associate vice president of academics at Moraine Park, said. “The College currently offers a wide variety of Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degrees, Technical Diplomas, and career pathway certificate opportunities. Adding the liberal arts degree programs will provide a more robust slate of offerings to Moraine Park students and will also help guide those who are unclear as to their occupational path to achieve an associate degree that is transferable to a 4-year university.”
Individuals interested in exploring this opportunity at Moraine Park are encouraged to start conversations early by connecting with admissions@morainepark.edu.
It’s been an exciting week on Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac campus! Our Tech Knowledge College campers had a blast flying drones, giving facials, getting CPR certified, making chocolate pasta, fighting lego robots, fighting court cases, and so much more.
With 58 kids in attendance, this hands-on event gave campers an interactive look at the skills and careers needed today and in the future. Each camper attended a morning session and an afternoon session. The sessions for 2022 were Lego Sumo Robots, The Business of Drones, Foods from Around the World, Courtroom in Session, All About Healthcare, Salon Techniques, Rescue 911, and Law Enforcement.
On the last day, the campers were celebrated with a pizza party and an open house to showcase their work.
“My favorite park of TKC was doing CPR on the baby dolls,” Liam Garcia-Chavez, a Rescue 911 and Lego Sumo Robots student, said. “It was also fun to fight the robots.”
Thank you to all of our amazing TKC instructors!
Foods from Around the World – James Simmers
Salon Techniques – Sherri Theisen and Jennifer Wirkus
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