Moraine Park has named over 1,100 students to the Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester.
Are you one of them? Click here to find out!
Continue readingMoraine Park has named over 1,100 students to the Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester.
Are you one of them? Click here to find out!
Continue readingMPTC is pleased to announce we have 2 national scholarship winners!
Jennifer Hakala, Accounting and Kristin Unser, Nursing, are two of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named across the USA, as 2020 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars. Each will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Leaders Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Nearly 700 applications were received.
A total of $207,000 is awarded through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students.
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”
The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion, but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.
“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.
To find out more about PTK at MPTC contact Anne Lemke, Student Community Impact Coordinator at alemke2@morainepark.edu or Amy Harmsen, Business Instructor at aharmsen@morainepark.edu
Join our Beta Mu Kappa facebook page today!
In the Fall of 2019, Welding Instructor Steve Henderleiter began planning a service learning project for his Spring, 2020 students. Sandy Paws, the new dog park in West Bend, needed a sign.
Four students took on the project this spring, using geometry and rigging skills, as well as the welding they learned in fall semester. When COVID caused schools to shut down from mid March until mid May, it put extra pressure on Steve and his students to meet the June 30 completion deadline on their project.
Students were committed and worked hard and fast to make it happen! They put in extra volunteer hours to get the PAWS project done, plus made sure to get all their regular assignments completed.
Steve is super proud of his students! “Many students don’t get real world experience on their resume. Having this service project helps out their community, and gives them the hands on experience they need, prior to graduation. Now they will be able to find a job and handle issues that come up in welding project situations.” Associate Dean of Manufacturing Marcia Arndt stated, “So proud of the work that these students have accomplished under the constraints of limited classroom time. Steve as always you have done amazing work with giving these students real world experience and pride in helping the community. “
Steve himself is a dog lover. Sadly, his own dog passed away during the project before the sign was complete. Students added her name and birthday onto the sign in special memory.
For more information on MPTC welding programs
Moraine Park Technical College’s nursing program is working to help students adapt to the increased utilization of telehealth technology. The Wisconsin Technical College System identified this need in 2013 and approved a grant to help implement this learning into the curriculum.
Today, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought forward the importance of offering patient care remotely, and Moraine Park continues to utilize this vital technology. To aid in these efforts, Moraine Park partnered with GrandCare, a provider of telehealth systems, in 2013.
The College’s partnership with GrandCare is coming to an end this year. However, GrandCare made a generous contribution to aid telehealth education for both present and future students. The original grant afforded the College the usage of GrandCare’s telehealth unit, and this last fall, GrandCare donated the unit to Moraine Park, allowing students the opportunity to continue to interact with the equipment.
“We are grateful to GrandCare for their partnership,” Kelly Shafaie, Associate Dean of Nursing at Moraine Park, said. “They have been a vital part of our telehealth teachings, and our faculty and students will benefit from their generosity for years to come.”
For more information on Moraine Park’s nursing program, visit morainepark.edu/nursing.
Rob Johnson of West Bend and Katharine Schlieve of Waupun were welcomed as the newest members of the Moraine Park Technical College District Board on July 13. Both Johnson and Schlieve will serve as additional member representatives, with terms expiring in June 2023.
Johnson serves as the CEO of Kettle Moraine YMCA, and through his career experience, has seen first-hand the value of technical education.
“Moraine Park plays a vital role for our youth looking to continue and expand their learning and seasoned professionals looking to refine and develop new skills applicable to the ever-changing job market,” Johnson said. “Our current economic conditions have put incredible pressure on employers like the Kettle Moraine YMCA, and having Moraine Park Technical College as a partner is critical to our success and the success of other businesses in our region.”
Johnson has been an active part of the West Bend community for many years. He currently serves as a non-profit representative for West Bend Community and as a board member for the Historic West Bend Theatre. He previously served as the president of United Way for Washington and Dodge Counties. Additionally, he served as president for the Noon Kiwanis Clubs in both Beaver Dam and West Bend.
“I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Moraine Park to engage students either in practicum or internships with the YMCA,” Johnson said. “I am proud to now be part of the District Board and look forward to but the opportunities the lie ahead.”
Schlieve serves as the city administrator and director of economic development for the City of Waupun. As a second-generation technical college graduate, she understands the benefits that the Wisconsin Technical College System brings to our local economy.
“My commitment to higher education formed when I watched my mother pursue her nursing degrees from Moraine Park,” Schlieve said. “Then again, as a young adult, when I graduated from MATC-Milwaukee. That was just the start of my educational journey. I truly believe that technical education is a pathway to opportunity and a strong quality of life.”
Schlieve is an active community member throughout Fond du Lac and Dodge counties. Currently, she serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Envision Greater Fond du Lac, Destination Lake Winnebago Region, and the Waupun Area Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she serves as an adviser for the Dodge County Manufacturing Business Alliance and a business coach for the IGNITE! Network in Fond du Lac County. She previously served on the Waupun Area School District Board of Education, among other boards and committees.
“It is my strong belief in the transformative power of technical education that will help me support the advancement of Moraine Park’s mission as a member of the District Board,” Schlieve said. “From my viewpoint, the college is uniquely positioned to strengthen economic prosperity, and I am proud to commit my time to support its mission.”
Also sworn in alongside Johnson and Schlieve was Mike Schwab of Jackson, retaining his spots on the board as an elected official member, respectively. His new term will also expire in June of 2023.
Leaving the Moraine Park District Board are Lowell Prill and Cindy Laubenstein. Prill, a member since 2011, served as the Vice-Chairperson and, most recently, Secretary of the Moraine Park Technical College District Board, and member of several committees of the District Boards Association. Laubenstein, a member since 2017, served as the Moraine Park Technical College District Board representative to the Moraine Park Foundation Board, as well as a member of the Internal Best Practices Committee of the District Boards Association. Prill and Laubenstein were honored for their service to the College at the June board meeting.
“We are grateful to both Lowell Prill and Cindy Laubenstein, for their years of loyal service, leadership, and friendship,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president said. “They have promoted technical and adult education to meet the educational and training needs of our district, and we thank them for their commitment to Moraine Park Technical College and its communities.”
The 2019-20 District Board members for Moraine Park were also nominated into office during the meeting. The following board members will serve as officers: Bur Zeratsky, chairperson; Mike Schwab, vice-chairperson; Bob Lloyd, treasurer; Candy Fields, secretary.
For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.
Ever wonder how something made from plants could look and taste so good? There is a well hidden treasure in Hartford, Wisconsin called Plantonic Cafe that can make you eat your veggies and enjoy while doing it. Tanya Fransen, creator and owner of Plantonic Cafe was a student of the business series “Starting Your Own Business” taught by business instructor Jeff Stueber and made her dream a reality. Years of allergies and declining health forced Tanya to find naturopathic healing which fueled an already conscious woman on a mission in the kitchen and now she is here to spoil her customers with her delicious smoothie bowls, juices, soups and desserts while only using whole foods, spices and super foods that will help support the body. Her “made from scratch” menu offers something to please everyone.
Tanya joins the ranks of another MPTC student who has made an impact in their local community. For more information about the business series, please contact Laurie Barz at lbarz@morainepark.edu or Jeff Stueber at jstueber1@morainepark.edu
Business analysis is becoming a fundamental skill in many technology and business careers, according to the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). As a result, the demand is growing quickly for business analysts and related positions. The U.S. Department of Labor shows that jobs related to business analysis are projected to increase 14% nationally from 2018-2028 compared to the average growth rate of all occupations of 5%.[1] According to a LinkedIn study, business analysis skills ranked #6 in the top in-demand hard skills companies are seeking in 2020.[2] In Wisconsin, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) also mentions that a management analyst type position is a hot job based on projected openings and wages to the year 2024.[3]
With all this growth, the number of jobs may outnumber qualified candidates. To help close this gap, Moraine Park recently partnered with the International Institute of Business Analysis or IIBA to enrich the Business Analyst associate degree program. Bobbi Fields, Associate Dean of Business and IT states, “As a member of the NEW IT Alliance and advisory committee leader for Business and IT career paths, I have the opportunity to connect with many industry professionals. Frequently, conversations emerge surrounding an industry demand for individuals with the skillset one would acquire through completion of the Business Analyst program.”
The Moraine Park Business Analyst program launched fall 2017 and has had steady growth in enrollments each year. The new IIBA affiliation allows Moraine Park to align all of the business analyst core courses to the globally recognized standard, the BABOK Guide and be endorsed by IIBA. IIBA also offers colleges’ access to other valuable curriculum materials, books and case studies for business analysis. By aligning the curriculum with IIBA standards, MPTC graduates will also be prepared to take the next step and obtain the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) credential. Fields added, “Industry-recognized preparation provides graduates with a competitive advantage, while certification demonstrates competency and a commitment to the profession.”
Jo Ann Giese-Kent, Business Analyst Instructor, noted that “Employees who do business analysis primarily help identify business needs and solve problems to produce better business outcomes. They help organizations add value to customers, suppliers, or end users of a process or system. They are often known as the liaison or agent to enable change to occur.”
The online MPTC business analyst program prepares students to decipher organization structure, policies, and operations. Graduates will be prepared to define problems, scope, and learn to gather business and stakeholder requirements or needs. They will explore the use of a variety of best practice techniques, analytics, and relevant technologies to validate, analyze, and synthesize information to gain insights and connect the dots. The Moraine Park Business Analyst training also includes strategy analysis and solution evaluation to assess performance and value.
If you’re ready to enhance your skills and be part of a fast growing career, apply now at morainepark.edu.
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.
MPTC encourages students to participate in our community impact awards program where students can track their service learning or volunteer 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!
In the 2020 spring semester, 24 students earned awards and logged over 1,000 hours of service!
Congratulations to our Spring, 2020 award winners!
Completing 25-49 hours of service learning or volunteering.
Completing 50-99 hours of service learning or volunteering.
Completing 100-199 hours of service learning or volunteering.
Completing 200+ hours of service learning or volunteering.
*Promise Scholar students
In July, Moraine Park’s libraries will be staffed for appointments with students and staff to return and pick up materials or other tasks, such as purchasing a GED voucher or taking a typing test. Appointments are to take care of quick library business only, and at this time, the facilities remain closed to the public. Please see the limitations here.
Staffing will be limited due to construction.
Library staff will be available from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on the following days:
Starting July 6, both libraries will be staffed from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
To schedule your library appointment, contact your preferred library location directly at the number below:
For more information, visit morainepark.edu/library.
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