Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) Culinary instructors and students had to think outside of the box to fill the curriculum for the student-run restaurant, Park Terrace. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, typical food operations had to be altered. 

“During a normal year, we open the restaurant from early October through the end of the fall semester,” James Simmers, Moraine Park instructor, said. “With our campuses closed to the public, we knew that a typical operation wouldn’t be a possibility.” 

The MPTC Culinary instructors presented the second-year students with an idea of running a ghost kitchen for staff on the Fond du Lac Campus. 

“A ghost kitchen is typically a temporary secret-location operation, set up for meal-delivery only,” Simmers said. “It offers the opportunity for very limited contact – if any at all- which was a perfect alternative for our heightened safety needs.” 

With unanimous approval, they developed Casper’s, the Moraine Park Ghost Kitchen. Casper’s accepted pre-orders for delivery at lunchtime on Thursdays during the fall 2020 semester. Simmers worked with his students to design the menu and like the Park Terrace restaurant, it was managed and ran completely by the students. 

 “They had to think outside of the box in many ways,” Simmers said. “On top of the normal restaurant duties, they had to implement an online ordering and payment system, scheduled deliveries, and think of logistics to maintain food quality during delivery.” 

To date, Casper’s is the most successful student food operation, serving over 300 meals. Participating students were Hannah Chipman of LaValle, Dawn Haakenstad of Oshkosh, Cortland Henning of Fond du Lac, Tammy Peak of Campbellsport, Carmen Roeming of Oshkosh, and Akiyoshi Yukioka of Fond du Lac.

“These students found great success with this solution and learned some valuable skills,” Simmers said. “This class has six students who ran the entire operation. They should be very proud of themselves.” 

Simmers is hoping to have the opportunity to reopen Park Terrace to the public next fall. 

“We are eager to welcome the public back to Park Terrace,” he said. “Until then, we hope you frequent your local restaurants- as many of them are either owned by or employ our MPTC culinary alumni.” 

For more information on Moraine Park’s culinary program, visit morainepark.edu.

Hello fellow students! 😊

I wanted to let everyone know that on March 8 you will get a survey link from the College in your student email.

This survey contains useful information that will be used to identify the satisfaction of MPTC students, including how helpful MPTC is, the atmosphere, financial aid, etc. This will only take about 10-15 minutes to complete and will greatly benefit everyone.

I encourage you all to take a few minutes and participate. As an FYI- we have 2 weeks to complete the survey, and every student who participates will be given 75 Max Points, and will be entered to win a $25 MPTC bookstore gift card and a 16 GB iPad!!

**Not familiar with Max Points? These are points you earn for being active with the College on MyMPTCstudent and in student life on campus. You can use your Max Points to get prizes such as Amazon gift cards, free food from our MPTC Café, MPTC bookstore gift cards, and much more!

Be sure to watch your email on March 8 and participate in this important survey.

-Haley

Moraine Park Technical College, in partnership with the Specialty Cheese Co., worked to develop a training to benefit employees. Harley Lemkuil, Training Specialist at Specialty Cheese identified a need for English Language Learning (ELL) classes and began seeking out options in 2019. 

“At Specialty Cheese, we treat language skills like any other skill that an employee may possess,” Lemkuil said. “We know that language can be a barrier to personal growth- and lack of personal growth affects company growth. We want our employees to succeed and helping them to build English speaking skills is one way to do that.” 

Lemkuil worked directly with supervisors to identify employees whose English skills were at a point where they could communicate at work but in a limited fashion. Employees could participate if they wished, but the training was not mandated. Once participants were identified, they assessed everyone by asking a series of questions and ensuring that participants were comfortable through the process. Lemkuil then took the data he gathered from employees and worked with Moraine Park’s Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) department to develop an ELL training plan.  

“Moraine Park helped provide good insight into the different learning styles and were very flexible with the training during the Pandemic,” Lemkuil said. “We initially planned for the training to be in-person, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted that possibility. Moraine Park was able to seamlessly transition the learning material to be done over zoom meetings.” 

As with many industries, the transition to an online platform offered some valuable learning opportunities for the organization as well.  

“The online format made it more difficult than usual to keep the employees engaged with grammar material,” he said. “Jennifer Elliot, the Moraine Park ELL instructor, made some innovative changes such as finding a printed publication that included the employees, to heighten engagement. Through that, we learned that the more personal the material, the more likely the students are to engage and practice their grammar skills.” 

The goal of providing this round of training was to help employees who wanted to grow their language skills. For this reason, Lemkuil relied on anecdotal feedback from the employee participants to access effectiveness, rather than testing each participant. However, he is hoping that future ELL programming will include a more subjective analysis of the program.  

Lemkuil is looking at program growth the same way he approached the start of this training- slow, thoughtful, and taking into consideration the needs of employees.  

“It’s very important to not only have the commitment of your employees but to also create an environment where the employees are free to practice their skills,” Lemkuil said. “This is a crucial step in getting the learning process. If an employee uses new grammar topics and is made to feel embarrassed by native English speakers, that employee isn’t going to want to practice their skills ever again.” 

By creating an atmosphere that fosters growth and inclusivity, Lemkuil is opening the doors of possibility for his employees.  

“In the coming years, Specialty Cheese would like to provide this opportunity to all employees who are interested in learning English,” he said. “The goal is to provide a more convenient class location which helps improve attendance to the program. It’s an ambitious goal, but we are confident that this continued training will be a benefit all around.” 

For more information, visit morainepark.edu/training. 

Moraine Park’s Virtual Assistant program is working to help fill the increased need for remote workers. This technical diploma program is offered online and provides the tools and skills needed to excel in a work-from-home career. 

This program, formerly the Office Assistant program, was modified last year before COVID-19, to address the increased virtual needs all around. 

“There was an increased need for virtual careers well before COVID-19,” Amy Harmsen, an instructor at Moraine Park, said. “Now with the changes that resulted from the pandemic, I feel this program will help many individuals find employment options that work for their new reality.” 

The Virtual Assistant program is a one-year program and opens the doors of opportunity in many areas. 

“The Virtual Assistant program prepares you to work in just about any industry,” Harmsen said. “Fields such as healthcare, insurance, information technology, hospitality, retail, and more, need virtual support. This program is also a stepping stone for the Administrative Coordinator two year associate degree.” 

Students in this program learn a broad range of skills that will help address the needs of local businesses.

“This degree isn’t just for virtual careers. It helps to prepare business professionals all around,” she said. “Our students leave this program prepared to be problem solvers and flexible, and they have the tools needed to adapt to changing needs.” 

This year’s students have had to make some significant adjustments to their meeting and event planning class, which is usually centered around planning the in-person Portfolio Showcase event for the College. Instead, they are moving forward with the same event- except it will be delivered as a virtual event this year which provides a great opportunity for deeper learning.

“This class is getting real-world experience on how to be flexible and learn as they go,” Harmsen said. “I’m proud of their professional solutions. They will be entering the workforce at the end of this semester, and I am confident that they are prepared for what may lie ahead in their careers.” 

Moraine Park’s Virtual Assistant program is the only program of its kind offered in the state, and its virtual classroom setting offers an ideal learning environment for busy schedules. 

“If you’re interested in finding a career that offers the work from home flexibility or if you simply want to advance your skillset- this program is a great option,” Harmsen said. “This program can help prepare you for an assistant role. Employers can utilize this program to prepare employees and provide them with opportunities for growth and advancement internally.” 

For more information on Moraine Park’s Virtual Assistant program, visit morainepark.edu/virtual-assistant.

Moraine Park Technical College is committed to community engagement and student success.  The College supports these commitments through the opportunity for students to participate in student community impact and apply their classroom knowledge to an applicable, real world environment. 

In 2018, MPTC started a community impact awards program where students can track their service hours, submit their reflections, and earn a Bronze Award for 25 hours, Silver Award for 50 hours, Gold Award for 100 hours, or Presidents Award for 200 hours of service learning or volunteering.

This fall we have awarded our third President’s Award Winner – Barbara Turner! Barbara earned the President’s Award with over 240 volunteer hours. For her exemplary service, Barbara was also recently honored with the Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leader Award.

Barbara plans to graduate in May 2021 with her Associate Degree in Business Management. She has already earned an associate degree in Leadership Development.

Upon receiving the President’s Award, Barbara stated:  “I am very grateful and honored to receive this award. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Mary Vogl-Rauscher, Leadership Development Instructor in MPTC, and Tracy M. Propst, the Executive Director in Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce, for the volunteering opportunity.” President Bonnie Baerwald said, “Barbara consistently demonstrates that she is a committed, dependable, hard-working individual with a high degree of integrity. She brings a positive attitude and a natural curiosity to plan, learn and do – no matter what the task or project. She has a tenacious gift to persevere and a real desire to make a difference in this community. Barbara has a proven track record for success and has demonstrated her commitment to lifelong learning and volunteerism.”

Congratulations Barbara!

Moraine Park student, Cortland Henning of Fond du Lac, recently executed a project for his Newman Civic Fellow national membership that displayed great strength, leadership and encouraged unity among community members. The Newman Civic Fellowship, part of the College’s membership with Campus Compact, is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth. As part of this role, Henning was required to complete a community project. 

“The purpose of the project is to encourage civic engagement,” Henning said. “I had three topics to choose from and being passionate about politics and the future of our country, it made sense to select a project that aligned.” 

Henning’s project, called A House Divided, was staged as a deliberative dialogue, and centered around the topic “What would we have to give up to get the political system we want?” 

“The purpose of a deliberative dialogue is to offer a safe and open environment for conversations, like this, to happen,” Henning said. “To achieve this, I set ground rules so that all participants were heard equally, there was no bullying or domination during the conversation, and there was respect all around- regardless of differing opinions.” 

Participants were encouraged to bring forward their thoughts, feelings, and personal life experiences that helped shape their political beliefs. Discussion topics around requiring more accurate, respectful discussion in the media and online, and reforming politics and government to encourage compromise, among others, were discussed at length. 

“It’s clear our country is currently divided,” Henning said. “However, this project opened my eyes to our many commonalities. We are more alike than what we are led to believe right now.” 

Henning’s project was presented to student peers, a community group, and a group of educators, in three separate sessions. In total, he had over 50 participants, and each conversation was civil, respectful, and provided a wealth of insight. 

“I hope that participants walked away with a greater understanding of each other and our role in shaping our government,” Henning said. “I know I’m guilty of making assumptions and jumping to conclusions- this project has helped me to slow down, listen, try to understand, and if not- find peace in the ability to disagree. I am, by far, a better citizen because of what I learned through this process.” 

As a result of this project, Henning has paved the way for future deliberative conversations. 

“MPTC is interested in convening other conversations and civil dialogues around controversial topics,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, said. “We acknowledge everyone’s first amendment rights to be heard and to share knowledge in a format that broadens our understanding of various local, regional, national or global issues and concerns in a civil way.  We are exploring opportunities and topics to host such sessions in virtual and face-to-face formats in the future.”

Henning is also part of Moraine Park’s Promise program and is scheduled to graduate with his associate degree in Culinary Arts this May. He is currently employed at a local country club and has goals to be an executive chef. 

“Moraine Park has opened up so many doors of opportunity for me,” he said. “I look forward to continuing my civic work within my community as an MPTC alumnus.”

For more information on the work of Moraine Park students, visit morainepark.edu.

Project management skills are sought after and across the globe, an increasing gap between employers’ need for skilled project management workers and the availability of professionals to fill those roles. The Project Management Institute (PMI) forecasts that by 2027, employers will need nearly 88 million individuals in project management-oriented roles. A project management skillset pays off. PMI’s research of wages in the United States in 2017 for workers with a project management skillset reported premium wages and those who obtained certification through PMI reporting earnings 20 percent higher (PMI, 2017).

Chuck Breithaupt is an IT Project Manager at Moraine Park Technical College. He is a member of the PMI and holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential. He shared his thoughts on the importance of the project management skillset and the Project Coordinator Certificate that is offered at MPTC.  “MPTC’s objective is to provide you with foundational education and practical skills for your profession; consider this training a step in a journey to career success. Additional training for certifications and accreditations like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) awarded by the PMI can be the difference between getting a job, succeeding in a job, and advancing in your career. The project management courses at MPTC go beyond mere practical exercises; they also provide the theory to achieve professional accreditation to start a fulfilling career”.

Project management skills are needed in all industries. Manufacturing, construction, Information Technology, Financial and Insurance services are among the industries seeking those with project management skills. Chuck weighed in on his career in Information Technology. “If your chosen profession is Information Technology, project management training helps you function as a project team member or in the project manager’s role. It is common for an IT specialist to perform as a technology resource, business analyst and project manager in many organizations”.

The Project Coordinator Certificate at Moraine Park Technical College prepares students for entry-level positions that require project management skills, and introduces skill-sets for project management professionals.  Students who complete the certificate are eligible to write PMI’s CAPM certification exam. All courses in the certificate directly transfer to the Business Management, Business Analyst, Leadership and Organizational Development, and Administrative Coordinator Associate Degrees.

If you are interested in learning more about the Project Coordinator Certificate, visit our Admissions page online by visiting https://www.morainepark.edu/admissions/new-student/how-to-apply-for-admissions/

References

PMI (2017). Project Management Job Growth and Talent Gap 2017–2027. https://www.pmi.org/learning/careers/job-growth

Hello Soon-to-be-Grads!

Believe it or not, we are about 3 months away from the end of our semester and our annual commencement ceremony. 

As expected, the College has had to implement changes and make hard decisions to allow for an in-person event to be executed safely.  

As previously announced, we are planning for a limited-access in-person 2021 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 22, at 10 a.m. While we are thrilled to make plans for an in-person celebration, the event will undoubtedly look different.  

Important details to note:   

• Commencement will be held at the Radisson Conference Center, 625 W. Rolling Meadows Dr., Fond du Lac.  
• To abide by local and state guidelines and to maintain appropriate distancing, guests will not be permitted into the conference center— only graduates and Moraine Park staff executing the ceremony will be permitted into the event space.  
• Family and friends will be able to view the ceremony live. An invite with the event link will be coming soon.  
• Graduate candidates must RSVP to the event. Students who are applying to earn a Technical Diploma or Associate Degree must apply for graduation by March 15 to participate in the ceremony.  
  • When applying for graduation, participation in the ceremony must be indicated on the form.  
  • College officials will monitor the participation numbers and adjust the ceremony as needed to follow appropriate safety guidelines.  
  • If you already applied, and would like to change your RSVP response, email hclark4@morainepark.edu by March 15. 
• Face coverings and temperature checks are required to enter the facility.  
• More details can be found online at MystudentMPTC. 

Please know the final details will ultimately depend on the status of COVID-19 and the recommendations from our local and state public health departments as commencement day nears. We will plan to connect with graduation applicants by early April with additional details and decisions. 

In the meantime, reach out to Heather Clark at hclark4@morainepark.edu with any questions regarding the 2021 commencement ceremony.  

Moraine Park Technical College nursing students will be assisting Dodge County Public Health and Advocate Aurora Health to administer the COVID-19 vaccination to eligible individuals. 

“Our nursing students have experience in helping to distribute vaccines,” Heidi Martin, Moraine Park nursing instructor, said. “We have worked with Dodge County for the past two years, helping at their flu shot clinics for students in grades K-12. We have a great relationship with the County Public Health Nurses and our local healthcare facilities, and currently, they really need our help.”

The Moraine Park nursing students participating are doing so on a volunteer basis. Their volunteer time will count toward community impact requirements at the College.  

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our nursing students to give back to the community,” Martin said. “They have the skills needed to truly impact the health of our families, neighbors and friends. My students are excited to be an active part in helping to decrease the severity of this pandemic and ultimately save lives.”

Moraine Park continuously looks for ways to offer hands-on opportunities for students in our local communities. 

For information regarding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and distribution, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health at dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19.

For more information, visit morainepark.edu. 

**Photo is not from current vaccine event, and was taken pre-COVID-19.