May 22 was a momentous day for the Moraine Park graduates who participated in the College’s limited access in-person commencement ceremony, held at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Fond du Lac. In total, Moraine Park had over 800 graduate candidates eligible to receive an Associate of Applied Science degree or technical diploma.

President Bonnie Baerwald presided over the ceremony and extended her congratulations to the graduates and gratitude to the commencement speakers, Moraine Park District Board, Moraine Park faculty, and the President’s Cabinet.

“We are gathered to honor the students of the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021. Those students whose desire for learning and aspirations for a better life led them to enroll at Moraine Park Technical College,” Baerwald said. “For more than a year, the pandemic has disrupted our lives and eliminated or altered the way we live, socialize, celebrate, work and learn. Despite all those challenges, you have succeeded! Today, we recognize and celebrate your perseverance and dedication. Today, we celebrate you!”

Becky Glewen, Mayor for the City of Beaver Dam served as the keynote speaker. Haley Van Raden, Moraine Park’s 2020-21 District Student Ambassador was the student speaker, and Steve Peterson, a 1969 Moraine Park alumnus and the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus award recipient served as the alumni speaker.

Dr. James Eden, vice president of Academic Affairs, presided over the presentation of candidates and President Baerwald conferred degrees and diplomas. Graduate candidates were announced by Brenda Raad, dean of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Fred Rice, dean of Applied Technology and Trades.

Moraine Park District Board members in attendance were Bur Zaratsky, chairperson; Candy Fields, secretary; and Renee Almeida, employee member.

“It was wonderful to have an in-person ceremony,” Eden said. “While it looked different, the peer support was palpable. The strength and courage the students demonstrated in their academic studies carried through to the commencement ceremony. These graduates are all shining examples of what it means to be part of the Moraine Park family. Congratulations to the classes of 2020 and 2021!”

To view photos from the 2021 Commencement Ceremony, visit facebook.com/moraineparktech.

The spring/summer 2020 NEXT magazine is filled with student, alumni, and faculty stories.

You view the online magazine here.

Don’t forget to participate in the trivia contest by June 30 for a chance to win some great prizes!

The Moraine Park NEXT magazine is released twice a year. Please send story suggestions to khaensgen2@morainepark.edu.

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.

Moraine Park Technical College has made the difficult decision to cancel Tech Knowledge College (TKC) 2020, originally scheduled for August 4-6. The COVID-19 situation is still very fluid, and the safety and well being of our entire communities are our top priority throughout this difficult and rapidly changing times.

We appreciate the continued community support around this great summer camp opportunity, and stay tuned for information on TKC 2021.

Sign up for the our newsletter at morainepark.edu/tkc to receive information on TKC 2021 as it develops.

Moraine Park Technical College has named Kevin Piotrowski, of Kewaskum, as their 2020 Student of the Year. 

Piotrowski, a student in the CNC/Tool and Die Technologies program, came to the College looking for job stability and the possibility of a future career. 

“I initially came to Moraine Park to earn my GED,” Piotrowski said. “I spent years working jobs that didn’t require much training and offered no stability. As a result, I had little motivation to excel in my career.”

He earned his GED in April 2018 and decided to enroll in the CNC/ Tool and Die Technologies program. 

“A majority of my classmates are much younger than me,” he said. “After the first few days, the age differences didn’t seem to matter. We all work together and want to see each other succeed. It’s a very positive atmosphere.”

Piotrowski took this opportunity to redefine his life and excelled with it. He has gleaned knowledge from his peers and teachers, involved himself in clubs and activities, and been a Dean’s List student with an impressive 3.9 GPA throughout his college journey. 

“It hasn’t been easy,” he said. “I was fortunate to find a job that offered me weekends and holidays, so I could attend school during the week. I look forward to transitioning to a more steady schedule.”

It is because of his dedication, academic achievements, and involvement at the College that Piotrowski earned a nomination for the Student of the Year award.  

Criteria for Student of the Year nominations include demonstrating excellence in and out of the classroom while modeling Moraine Park’s core abilities to communicate clearly, act responsibly, work productively, think critically and creatively, adapt to change, demonstrate integrity, and work cooperatively. There were five candidates this year, all of whom excel both academically and in their service-learning. There are very few student honors that exceed this award at Moraine Park, and to even be nominated is a tremendous accomplishment. Other nominees include EnLeigh Dobyns-Schuetter of Fond du Lac, Allyson Engel of Beaver Dam, Gretchen Rauls of Fond du Lac, and Alex Tischendorf of Kewaskum.

“I was surprised to learn that I had been selected for this award,” he said. “I’m sure that the other nominees were highly qualified, which makes the selection an extreme honor.” 

Piotrowski will receive his award at the Student Awards Banquet on May 8.

 “I appreciate the real-world approach to education that Moraine Park has provided me,” he said. “My instructors had their own way of teaching and motivating me, and I benefited from each one of them.” 

Piotrowski will graduate on May 16. His goal is to find a stable career in the CNC/Tool and Die industry.

For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.