Amanda Kollmorgan, of Fond du Lac, was selected as the 2021-22 Moraine Park Technical College district student ambassador.

Kollmorgan, an active-duty communications security manager for the Army, came to Moraine Park to finish the college degree she started at a four-year university.

“I began my college journey in 2010, right after my deployment to Iraq,” Kollmorgan said. “I didn’t transition well and felt like another face in the crowd. I was not only looking for a great education but also a personalized experience and a place I belonged. I immediately found that at Moraine Park.”

Kollmorgan’s role in the Army prepared her for the Leadership Development program, and she was able to take her classroom knowledge and implement it into her work life. She graduated with her associate degree in Leadership Development in spring 2021 and is now pursuing her accounting, technical education, and training degrees concurrently.

“All of these programs align with my current and future goals,” she said. “In my retirement, I hope to own a bakery. The skills I’m learning in leadership and business will help prepare me for that big-picture goal.”

Kollmorgan is also active on the Fond du Lac campus, where she is a member of the student government, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Student Veteran Association (SVA), and Phi Theta Kappa.

“For more than 14 years my entire identity has been the Army,” Kollmorgan said. “I love being a soldier, but I was also looking to be part of something more. Moraine Park not only made me feel like a welcomed part of their family, but being here has ignited passions and goals that I did not know existed before. I am excited for my future and the opportunities it holds.”

Kollmorgan recently made the decision to end her active-duty service and will remain with the National Guard until her retirement in five years. She made this decision so she could be home with her family and focus on building both her educational and career portfolio. Kollmorgan also accepted an adjunct position with the College’s Economic and Workforce Development department to be a Learning for Independence (LFI) instructor.
 
“I am beyond grateful for all the support I’ve received at the College,” Kollmorgan said. “Specifically, from my instructor, Mary Vogl-Rauscher, who provided continuous guidance and mentorship throughout my career and educational transformations.”

To be eligible for the District Student Ambassador distinction, students must be nominated by a faculty or staff member at the College and give a presentation to a selection committee. There were three students in the final consideration for this role.

As the selected 2021-22 District Student Ambassador, Kollmorgan 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.

“Being named the District Student Ambassador is a huge honor,” Kollmorgan said. “I look forward to advocating for my classmates and sharing the many benefits of Moraine Park and a technical college education.

In honor of Veterans Day, now is an excellent opportunity to learn about our American Flag and the rules and recommendations to display our nation’s symbol of freedom appropriately.

Moraine Park is committed to our military-connected individuals, and this year we would like to honor its employees who have served by exchanging or providing an initial 3×5 outdoor flag of their own.

Design

The United States American flag has 13 alternating horizontal stripes—7 red and 6 white, and a union (the blue field) that consists of white 5-pointed stars equaling the number of states in the Union. According to custom and tradition, white signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the U.S. flag and the language within the federal code clarifies that the flag is a living symbol, so the following are some guidelines to displaying, folding, and disposing of our nation’s flag.

Occasions and Display Basics

The universal custom is to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, a flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. When possible, the flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement unless an all-weather flag is used.
If you choose not to display your flag regularly, here is a list of some of the occasions considered appropriate to fly the U.S. flag –

New Year’s Day, Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and any other days which may be proclaimed by the President of the United States.

When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from a window sill, balcony, or front porch, the Union or stars should be placed at the staff’s peak, unless the flag is at half-staff. If the flag is hung over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the Union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

When displayed on a speaker’s platform, the flag, if displayed flat, should be displayed above and behind the speaker; when displayed from a staff, the flag should be at a position of honor at the speaker’s right as they face the audience with no other flags. Finally, if the flag is displayed on a wall, either horizontally or vertically, the Union should be uppermost and to the flag’s right, or that is, to the observer’s left. The same is appropriate when the flag is displayed in a window, with the blue field to an observer’s left in the street.

Things NOT to do with the American flag:

• The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally but always aloft and free.
• The flag should never be used as clothing, bedding, or drapery.
• The flag should never be part of a uniform, but a flag patch or lapel pin can be part of a police or other uniform.
• The flag should not be used to cover a statue or monument.
• The flag should not be used to cover a ceiling.
• Advertising banners should not be hung from the same staff as a flag.
• The flag should never be used as a decoration. Instead, bunting with blue on top, white, and red is the appropriate patriotic display option.

Flag Disposal

You may often contact your local VFW or American Legion Post, the Girl Scouts, or Boy Scouts of America if you would like assistance with proper flag disposal. Otherwise, a fire must be relatively large and of sufficient intensity to ensure the complete burning of the flag. Note: Make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances.

1. Place the flag on the fire.
2. Individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection.
3. After the flag is completely consumed and the fire has been safely extinguished, the ashes should be buried.

Correct Method of Folding the U.S. Flag

Caring for your flag

The life of your flag depends on your care. Dirt can cut fabrics, dull colors, and cause wear, but damaged flags can be repaired and utilized as long as the overall dimensions are not noticeably altered. Most outdoor flags can be washed in mild detergent and thoroughly rinsed, and indoor and parade flags should be dry-cleaned only, and many dry cleaners offer free cleaning of U.S. flags during June and July. Store your flags in a well-ventilated area away from any harsh chemicals or cleaning compounds, and if your flag gets wet, never store it until it is completely dry. Wet folds cause permanent creases, and dampness ruins fabric and causes mildew.

To obtain more details about our nation’s flag, or receive a pdf copy of “Our Flag,” the complete guide to the U.S. Flag, please send your request to spepper1@morainepark.edu

Moraine Park celebrated Fair Trade Month in October by hosting three Pop Up shops (October 25, 26, and 28). A small open shop event for promoting Fair Trade products was displayed in each campus cafeteria. Featured shops included In the Meantime Gifts and Just Fare Market. The event brought in many students, staff, and faculty that shopped the tables filled with beautiful artisan crafts. Highlighted items were Mayan friendship bracelets which are the base of profit for Mayan families, etched gourd ornaments, paper and fabric crafts, and plenty of coffee and chocolates.

It was an enjoyable event for a great cause. Shop Fair Trade so the producers of the goods can earn a sustainable lifestyle, farm better, and secure the rights of the workers.

Visit Just Fare Market or In the Meantime Gifts today!

Written by Laura Steinman, Meeting and Event Planning student

Moraine Park communities will soon benefit from the growing program offerings at the College with the addition of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

With over 100 programs, Moraine Park collaborates with the local business and industry to meet the current needs of our workforce. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program joins a robust group of Health Sciences offerings, giving students interested in health care a wide array of choices.

Registration for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will begin in the fall of 2022. However, the College expects the demand to be very high, and interested students are encouraged to submit applications now to secure a spot for the fall of 2022.

“We are excited to expand our medical imaging programs at Moraine Park,” Ben McKenzie, associate dean of health, said. “Moraine Park’s Radiography program has seen consistent interest in the program annually. The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program that students have expressed interest in for several years and will nicely complement our Radiography program, as well as other Health Science programs.”

Additional program information:

• It’s a 69 credit Associate Degree program.
• The program will be based out of the Beaver Dam Campus with clinicals throughout Dodge, Washington, Fond du lac counties and beyond.
• The Median Annual Salary in Wisconsin for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is $79,300.

Enrollment for new students begins Nov. 16.- get more details here!

What is a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer?

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, otherwise known as ultrasound technicians, utilize soundwave equipment that produces images and videos of the internal body. They also assist various medical professionals in making accurate diagnoses without invasive measures. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are an integral part of the health care system and commonly work in cardiac care, OBGYN, thoracic, and musculoskeletal specialties. In the classroom, the students will learn alongside other health sciences students in our new health simulation center.

The introduction of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will allow Moraine Park students to expand their experiences and pursue a field or specialty that best fits their career interests. 

Submit your application today!

Moraine Park Mechanical Design Technology Instructor, Kim Olson, has been involved in several international presentations for Formlabs, a 3D printing manufacturer.

Earlier this spring, Olson presented for Formlabs about Injection Mold Design. There were 1100 registrants and over 360 live attendants from all around the world. 

In June, he gave his second presentation titled Considerations for Injection Molding with 3D Printed Molds vs. Metal Molds. There were over 300 attendees.

In both of these presentations, there were 90-minute Q&A portions where attendees could ask Olson direct questions about his work and 3D printed molds.

His most recent presentation was last week, Oct. 26-27, for the Formlabs Global User Summit. He was one of 40 presenters from countries all around the world.

“There is additive manufacturing and there is subtractive manufacturing,” Olson said. “Think of subtractive manufacturing as carving away at clay. You keep taking clay away until you’ve created something. Additive manufacturing is creating something by building up from nothing. That’s where Formlabs and 3D printing comes in.”

Olson has been teaching at Moraine Park’s West Bend campus for the past 25 years. Some of his classes include AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Jig and Fixture Design, Tool Design and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance. 

Before bringing his expertise to Moraine Park, Olson designed zinc cast dies for an automotive lock manufacturer in Milwaukee for 15 years.

Over the last 3-4 years he’s gained a significant amount of experience using Formlabs with Moraine Park students.

“We’re all passionate about what we do,” Olson said. “The satisfying part comes when we get the opportunity to share what we do with others.”

For more information on Moraine Park’s Mechanical Design Technology program, visit https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/mechanical-design-technology/.

More than 50 leaders gained practical advice they can use to help build on the success of their businesses and organizations during Moraine Park Technical College’s inaugural Live2Lead event. Leaders from area businesses, as well as non-profit and educational organizations, heard from world-renowned leadership speakers during the live simulcast Oct. 8, 2021.

The event was offered in partnership with The John Maxwell Company, which helps individuals and companies reach their full potential through leadership coaching.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was thrilled with the depth of the information shared by leaders that spoke that day,” said Shari Buerger, human resources manager at Marchant Schmidt, Inc. “Each speaker shared their leadership journey with passion and excitement.  It was impossible not to get excited about the opportunity to bring back these experiences and try to live them in my workplace.  I will definitely attend again in the future!”

Each speaker brought their leadership journey to life through shared personal stories and lessons learned:

• John Maxwell shared two of the laws discussed in his book and online course, “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”. The Law of the Inner Circle says those closest to you help determine your level of success—they can be a great asset or a great liability. The Law of Legacy helps leaders understand that they will be valued by the legacy they leave in people rather than in the organization.
• “Know What You’re FOR” author and entrepreneur Jeff Henderson asked participants two questions: What are you known for? What do you want to be known for? To succeed as an organization, Henderson said, you have to switch from self-promotion to showing care and being an advocate for your customer, for your team, for your community and for you.
• IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima used her rags-to-riches story to help those whose success may be stymied by self-doubt. To succeed, it takes belief in yourself, grit and listening to your gut, rather than listening to those who tell you no, she said.
• Certified personal and executive coach Valorie Burton walked attendees through questions that would help them define their vision and values so that they could lead authentically. Burton said opportunities, challenges and relationships—today and in the future—will guide leaders toward their vision.
• Author and host of the top-rated “Max Out Your Life” podcast Ed Mylett encouraged everyone to be an evangelist for their cause and their company. People don’t have to believe what you’re saying, he told the audience, but they have to believe that you believe what you’re saying.

After the simulcast, existing and senior leaders had the opportunity to share ideas and discuss how they could use what they learned within their businesses. Some of the discussions centered around cultivating employee and customer advocates, enhancing company cultures, defining what success looks like and opportunities for future growth.

MPTC’s Economic and Workforce Development division was able to bring the Atlanta-based live simulcast to Fond du Lac through generous sponsorships from Marchant Schmidt, Inc., Presenting Sponsor; J.F. Ahern Co., Book Sponsor; Kondex, Wabash National and Fortfi Bank, Lunch Sponsors; Apache Stainless Equipment and Envision Greater Fond du Lac, Value Sponsors.

If you missed the live event on October 8th, you can now watch every minute of the 2021 Live2Lead Leadership event virtually! This virtual rebroadcast option gives you 3-days of on-demand access starting the moment you activate your pass. To learn more about the event and how to register for the virtual rebroadcast, visit morainepark.edu/live2lead.

Need some extra help with classes? Moraine Park offers NetTutor, an online tutoring service, free to all MPTC students via Canvas.

NetTutor can help you with many different classes and topics such as Writing, Nursing/Health, Math, Chemistry, Computer Science/IT, Business and more.

To access NetTutor, follow the steps below.

1. Open Canvas
2. Click on a class
3. Click the link on the left-hand side for NetTutor

For any questions about Net Tutor or any other Moraine Park tutoring services, please contact Tutoring Services Specialist, Mary Daley at 920-924-6488 or mdaley1@morainepark.edu.

Last year, the Phi Theta Kappa (Beta Mu Kappa chapter) students were able to ensure warm hands for 55 area children during the cold Wisconsin winter via our Mitten Tree Drive.  We’re doing it again on all three campuses and need YOUR help to decorate our trees and spread some love!  Let’s do even better this year! The donated mittens we collect will be delivered to the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac, Boys & Girls Club of Washington County and the Boys & Girls Club of the Tri County Area at the end of the drive. Donations are being accepted November 1 – 22.

Mitten trees will be located outside the libraries on each of our campuses. Whether you donate one pair or many, each will touch a heart!

In addition to Phi Theta Kappa, Moraine Park has a NEW Academic Honor Society. Students who maintain a 3.5 GPA or above after obtaining at least 12 college credits towards an associate degree are invited to join the honor society. Check out our web page for more information on PTK and AHS.

Written by Linda Huckaby

We are very excited to partner with Fond du Lac, Dodge, and Washington County United Ways on this upcoming literacy event!

In celebration of Every Child a Reader – Children’s Book Week, student volunteers at each MPTC campus library will sticker, bookmark, and pack 1,500 books for rural elementary and middle school children in our district. Each child will receive their very own new book focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“Moraine Park students and employees are committed to helping fulfill community needs, sharing their time and talent, connecting and volunteering to help and improve the communities where we live, work and go to school,” MPTC Communications Manager Kristina Haensgen said. “This United we Read with MPTC project is the perfect way for our community engagement sponsorship dollars to have a great impact for 1,500 kids across our district!”

“When I contacted my friends at our United Ways this summer to talk about possibilities for a fall student volunteer project, I never imagined what a wonderful idea they would have; and how wide our impact could be!” Student Community Impact Coordinator Anne Lemke said. “Thank you so much for all the collaboration and teamwork to make this great project successful! Also a shoutout to 4imprint for their generous donation of bright green MPTC logo gift bags for each book!”

Sign up to volunteer here!

For more information on community engagement at MPTC.