Like many students, Tammy Flick of Beaver Dam found Moraine Park Technical College as a place of hope and a promise of a better future. Tammy was a part of the customer service world for over 25 years, and in 2009, as a result of a suffering economy, she found herself unemployed and unsure of where to go next.

“It was a scary time, but looking back on it now, the timing was perfect,” said Tammy. “I wanted my work to be rewarding. I knew if I was going to make a change, I wanted to be in the medical field.”

She sought guidance through Moraine Park’s Career Center in Beaver Dam. The career instructors helped her with program selection, financial aid, grants, and enrollment. Tammy decided to pursue both the Medical Assistant and Medical Coding Specialist technical programs. She was able to take all of her classes at the Beaver Dam campus, right in her hometown, and she completed both degrees in a one-year time span.

Tammy wasn’t just a student in the classroom, she was also active at the College and with her peers. She involved herself in the student senate and helped with many student-life events. Tammy made many connections and lifelong friends during her time at Moraine Park. And, on May 22, 2010, Tammy walked the stage to accept her dual technical diploma at the College’s annual commencement ceremony.

So where has she been since graduation? The question really should be ‘where hasn’t she been?‘

Immediately following graduation, Tammy began her medical career at Dean/SSM Health Dermatology clinic in Madison.  And, when an opportunity became available closer to home, she transferred to the Dean/SSM Health Family Medicine clinic in Beaver Dam.

“I know I’m in the right place,” said Flick. “It is a very rewarding field. If at the end of my day, I can ease a worried mind or a put a smile on the face of a patient, then my job is done.”

Her philanthropic spirit has carried on in her daily work, through the many events she volunteers at locally both through her employer and also through personal endeavors. Tammy has also participated in two mission trips, one to Guatemala in November 2016, where she helped work in a health clinic and built houses for residents.

Then in November 2017, she visited Haiti, where she assisted at a dental clinic and taught CPR to individuals at an orphanage.

“The trips were life-changing,” said Tammy. “It opened up my eyes to the world in a different way, it made me want to give back, and it made me truly grateful for the life I have been given.”

So what’s next for Tammy?

She is currently making plans for a 2019 return to Haiti. She expressed that there is much more work to do, and she wants to help in any way possible.

She accredits many of the opportunities she has been given, to the education she received and the hard work of Moraine Park staff, like Janet Bauer, a medical assistant instructor at Moraine Park.

“Janet is amazing, knowledgeable, and was tough for a reason, we were learning about people’s bodies,” said Tammy. “I am so thankful for the many doors that have been opened as a result of my education.”

Today, Tammy is enjoying her life. On June 16, she celebrated 30-years with her husband Brian, at a small intimate backyard vow renewal.

Around her community, you might find Tammy enjoying everything that Beaver Dam has to offer. From the Kayak launch at Waterworks Park to her grandson’s soccer games, and everything in between. She is also heavily involved in the Swan Park’s Rotary Light show, this winter will be the 2nd annual event.

It’s not hard to see that Tammy is living her best life, and we are proud to be a part of her journey.

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

It has been a long road for Moraine Park Alumna, Ashley Cruz of Fond du Lac, who earned her cosmetology degree in 2004. She came to the College a young expectant mother looking to start a cosmetology career. While many years have passed since she walked the halls of Moraine Park as a student, she still speaks highly of her time at the College.

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When it comes to fun, new restaurants Moraine Park alumna, Allison Gossman, has topped the list. Allison is one of the masterminds behind Fond du Lac’s deliciously unique restaurant, The Sweet & Salty Pig.

As a 2004 graduate of Moraine Park’s culinary program, she is no stranger to the inner workings of the food business. Allison spent 13 years working as a cook at local eateries, a large majority of that time at Backyard Grill & Bar.

Just how did The Sweet & Salty Pig come to be? After her father, a believer in Allison’s talents and drive passed away from an aggressive form of kidney cancer, she decided to join forces with her good friend Janis (also a Backyard employee) and tackle the challenge of restaurant ownership. Together they embraced the opportunity and began brainstorming ideas for a new restaurant.

“I have always loved baking, I knew I wanted to incorporate baked goods somehow, that’s where the ‘sweet’ comes in,” said Allison. “As we were developing the rest of the menu, we noticed that there was a lot of bacon and pork incorporated in our ideas, and that is how The Sweet & Salty Pig was born.”

And, who doesn’t love bacon?

The Sweet & Salty Pig officially opened its doors on February 28, 2018, and when I walked in the doors on May 23 at 2:00 p.m. to meet with Allison, there were very few empty tables.

“It’s been going great,” said Allison.

Not only did it look like it was going great- it smelled like it was going great!

Allison speaks fondly of her time at Moraine Park, her instructors, and everything that she has learned along the way. Her advice to those interested in pursuing a culinary career?

“Have an open mind of where your degree can take you,” she said. “I thought I wanted to be a full-time baker, but after trying new things, I learned that I loved all areas. Have an open mind and don’t limit yourself.”

The fully-stocked bakery case is proof that the “sweet” is a huge part of the business model. She does get the opportunity to bake now and then, but with her other responsibilities, she is learning to delegate tasks as needed.

“I recently hired a baker and she is amazing,” Allison said. “Everything from the waffles, biscuits, and croissants, to the desserts, are all hand-made from scratch, and they’re delicious.”

So, what’s next?

An open house, debuting a new, expanded menu! Allison states that they did a soft launch and then an official open, but never did a ‘grand opening’ event. The open house will take place on June 2, and the new menu will debut some customer requests, as well as new unique items.

As for further down the road, she has her eye on big plans for her sweet & salty business.

“My first step is to incorporate some outdoor seating. I’m working on plans for that now,” said Allison. “Further down the road, I’d love to look into expanding altogether.”

And, just what is her favorite part of owning this unique haven?

“I love coming up with neat ideas to incorporate into the menu, and sampling the creations,” she said.

You can plan to see her at the Fond du Lac farmers markets this summer, looking for fresh produce to use on her menu items, which she plans to update frequently.

“People like to try new food, and I like to make new food!” she said.

And, as if she isn’t busy enough, Allison is also working towards earning her Bachelor’s degree, raising her 8-year old son, and planning a wedding for some time in the future, date TBD.

It’s very evident that she is enjoying her time as a new business owner and grateful for her Moraine Park education and the community support. However, she is also proud to have built a living legacy for her Dad.

“He rode his bike everywhere, which is why I have bike décor, it’s a small reminder of him,” said Allison.  “He would have loved this place.”

The next time you stop in, look around and you’ll find lots of treasures, mementos, and items honoring their “sweet & salty” roots.

And one more tidbit for current students or recent graduates, Allison is hiring! She is in need of line cooks, and currently has 2 Moraine Park graduates on staff! She is truly an alumna who sees the value in Moraine Park’s culinary education, and we are proud to have been a part of her journey!

To learn more about the Sweet & Salty Pig, visit sweetnsaltypig.com.

Are you a Moraine Park Alumni? Interested in sharing your story? Email khaensgen2@morainepark.edu.

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