Jeffrey Kern is driving over 1,200 miles from State College, PA, to walk the stage at Moraine Park’s Commencement Ceremony this Saturday.

Kern, originally from Hurley, WI, is graduating from Moraine Park’s online Small Business Entrepreneurship Program. He is also enrolled in MPTC’s online Business Analyst program and is set to finish in May 2023.

“There was a significant amount of global insecurity at the start of 2020,” Kern said. “This uncertainty fueled personal anxiety and depression, but it also provided a reason to further my education.”

In 2017, Kern launched a fitness application called BOSS Running. Unfortunately, he did not find as much success as he had hoped. He was able to financially rebuild from 2018-2020 working in other jobs, but his mind always remained on his app.

“BOSS Running was always on my mind,” Kern said. “I wanted to know what I did wrong and how I could prevent making similar mistakes in the future. Knowing this, I began researching schools that offered degrees in Entrepreneurship.”

He found Moraine Park through researching various universities and programs.

“Moraine Park Technical College offered was the best option from the schools I researched,” he said. “MPTC had positive online reviews, the highest graduation rate, a simple application process, and offered an online program in Entrepreneurship with specific prescribed classes with minimal electives.”

Kern started a new job at Travelers Insurance as a Software Engineer earlier this year. In June, he will make the move to Hartford, CT, to start his next chapter and work with his colleagues in person.

“Despite the challenges thrown at me, I’ve never lost sight of who I am as a person or what makes me unique,” Kern said. “Not only that, I’m thriving. I lost 35 lbs of weight during the pandemic, but I have gained the ability to be assertive and to argue for what is right and kind. Walking the stage signifies the start of a new chapter in my life, one where past trauma can no longer hold me back.”

Learn more about Moraine Park’s Small Business Entrepreneurship program.

Edi Gbordzi came to Fond du Lac looking to find a place to call home and an extended family of friends and supporters. In 2001, he immigrated from Ghana, West Africa, to Madison, Wisconsin. There he taught and performed African dance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and throughout the community.

“A goal in coming to the U.S. was to go back to school and become connected in my community,” Gbordzi said. “Teaching the art of African dance allowed me to be surrounded with others who had those same goals. This support group continued to motivate me.”

Gbordzi later relocated to California and welcomed his two children. In 2011, they moved to Fond du Lac to be closer to family. Once Gbordzi got settled in the area, he decided it was time to act upon his goal to pursue higher education. He connected with the Student Success Center at Moraine Park to begin his journey.

I learned that my transcripts from Africa didn’t cover all the areas needed for a GED diploma here in the United States,” he said. “At first, that was frustrating, but the staff were so helpful and great to work with. I ended up learning too much and that prepared me to further my education.”

In spring 2019, Gbordzi earned his GED diploma and decided to enroll in the Business Management associate degree program at the College.

“My parents owned their own business in Africa for many years,” Gbordzi said. “Their years of hard work inspired me to follow in their footsteps and pursue a business degree.”

Gbordzi is embracing the full college experience and has become a familiar face on the Fond du Lac campus.

“I enjoy being involved,” he said. “I am a member of student senate, diversity club and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Club. I also enjoy volunteering and participating in student life events.”

Gbordzi is a dedicated student and was awarded the Basic Education Scholarship for the 2020-21 school year.

“I’m grateful Moraine Park offered me a place to learn and grow,” Gbordzi said. “My overall goal is to find a good job so I can support my family. It is also important to me to continue learning. Moraine Park is helping to prepare me for both my future career and higher educational opportunities.”

Gbordzi is scheduled to graduate in May 2022 and looks forward to influencing the local communities.

Read more stories like Edi’s in our Fall 2021 Next Magazine.

Moraine Park’s Online Accounting program was ranked #11 in best online accounting programs in the nation by University HQ, a leading independent education organization providing students with resources to prepare them for their career and educational journeys. 

“Moraine Park’s ranking reflects our faculty, staff and management’s dedication to helping students master the skills necessary to reach their education and employment goals,” Joan Falter, Moraine Park Accounting Instructor, said. “The accounting team works with our advisory team to ensure that our program meets current needs. Online students have shared surprise in their ability to interact one-on-one with the accounting faculty.” 

The ranking is based on unbiased government reports that analyze admission, retention, graduate rates, diplomas awarded, programs offered, graduate salaries, loan default rates and the percentage of students receiving financial aid. 

“This ranking in addition to the fact that we don’t charge higher out-of-state tuition will continue to build our out-of-state student body,” Falter said. 

Moraine Park’s Online Accounting program was an early adopter of online learning and has been quick to increase synchronous online options. 

“Consistency among modalities and instructors ensures a cohesive learning experience throughout the program,” Julie Dilling, Moraine Park Accounting Instructor, said. “This minimizes students’ cognitive load because they know what to expect as far as cadence and requirements in each of the program courses.” 

Moraine Park provides many resources for students to aid in their successful learning outcomes such as academic advising, counseling, disability services, student life, employment services, tutoring and more, which are all available to online students. 

“In the future, we expect to build on past success,” Falter said. “We will continue implementing new modalities such as synchronous online classes in order to provide online learners with a remote ‘face-to-face’ option.” 

Moraine Park’s Online Accounting program was also ranked #4 in the nation by The Best Schools, an educational and professional resource for students. 

My name is Kerry Sauer.  I have lived in the Kohlsville area my entire life. 

After I graduated from high school, I attended Moraine Park Technical College and enrolled in their Legal Secretary Program.  I graduated with an Associate Degree in May of 1992.

Since my graduation, I have worked in various office environments, all of which I enjoyed.  During my career, I noticed that larger companies were a good fit for me.  Larger companies provide more opportunities for advancement and give you the opportunity to work with diverse people.

I got to a stage in life where I decided that it was time to go back to school and further my education. I knew that it would not be easy, but I could do it.

In the fall of 2018, I enrolled in the Office Assistant program (now called the Virtual Assistant program).  I chose this program to update my skills and open new opportunities.  This program allows me to utilize my strong skills such as customer service and organization.  When I graduate in the spring of 2020 with my Office Assistant Technical Diploma, I want to focus on finding employment in the health care, insurance, or manufacturing fields. 

Working at Salem United Methodist Church as Administrative Coordinator allows me to use my current skills and apply what I have learned in school.  I can also focus on my customer service skills when dealing with parishioners.

I chose Moraine Park because it has convenient locations which allow me to go to school and to work.  The entire staff is helpful.  I can communicate with my instructors through phone calls or emails to assist me with any assignments or questions that I have.  I would encourage anyone to attend and capture the Moraine Park experience. Moraine Park offers students the opportunity to join a variety of clubs.  By joining a club, students can interact with their peers that work in the same business area.  You can discuss similarities and difference of where you work.  You can also discuss potential employment opportunities.

–Written by Kerry Sauer

What could be more hands-on than students working with local companies to fulfill their needs?

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According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), only half of business start-ups survive more than 5 years (https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/FAQ_Sept_2012.pdf).  Success is never guaranteed, but risk can be reduced by applying some basic accounting and financial tips.

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Moraine Park has several business degree and certificates programs.  Student enjoy many opportunities within our business programs.   If you spend any time on our West Bend campus, chances are you have seen Shelia Delvaux, one of our students  studying business management and small entrepreneurship.  Here is some insight on her journey at Moraine Park and plans after graduation. Continue reading

Many schools claim to provide real-life experiences, but it is unusual when a class project leads to a job.

Moraine Park’s Associate of Science in Accounting degree provides a career preparation project within Accounting 3.  Students create a professional résumé and cover letter and practice interviewing skills based on an actual job posting.

Initially, student Allysa Larsen picked a general accounting position. Eventually, she decided to a select a position that better matched her goals.   Continue reading

Before you buy a house, before you apply for a job, before you take a trip … what do these things all have in common? The word “before.” Before is the time that you gather information. Before is making sure you understand what is about to happen. Before is when you analyze data and then use that to make a decision.

In the world of business, decisions can be the difference between success and failure. The before scenario in the workplace is where a business analyst shines. Continue reading