Due to the still-evolving COVID-19 pandemic, Moraine Park Technical College has decided to postpone its 2020 commencement ceremony, originally scheduled for Saturday, May 16.
While the situation is still fluid, the College is moving forward with a new commencement date of Saturday, June 27, at 10 a.m. The College is also hoping to utilize a new location for this year’s ceremony, the Beaver Dam High School Field House, 500 Gould St., Beaver Dam.
Regalia (caps, gowns and tassels) will be available for purchase through the College bookstore online. More information, including purchase dates, will be available on the student portal in the coming weeks.
The College has invited Beaver Dam Mayor Becky Glewen and Moraine Park graduate Barbara Turner to participate as speakers at the ceremony. Commencement is expected to last approximately one and a half hours.
College officials continue to monitor state and national regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If social distancing guidelines are still in place, further extended or enhanced, the commencement ceremony would then be canceled. If cancellation occurs, graduating students will be offered the opportunity to participate in the 2021 commencement ceremony and celebrations.
“We recognize how significant the commencement ceremony is to our graduates,” Bonnie Baerwald, president at Moraine Park Technical College, said. “Commencement is also an opportunity for families, friends, and Moraine Park employees to surround our graduates with support and offer congratulations for this momentous achievement. For these reasons, we are hopeful that by postponing the date, it will allow all of us to celebrate together.”
For Moraine Park’s COVID-19 updates, visit morainepark.edu/coronavirus.
We can’t stop celebrating commencement and the many accomplishments that happened at Moraine Park this last year. To keep the party going, we have included links to all of the celebration photos.
Are you dreaming of accomplishing your educational goals? Moraine Park has many options to get you into your dream career. Find out more at morainepark.edu.
Graduate candidates can purchase their graduation regalia (cap, gown and tassel) at any Moraine Park Campus bookstore beginning on April 10. Honor cords, Military and Veteran cords, and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) cords/stoles will be available for purchase.
Wearing of Honor and High Honor cords are based on cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) as of the end of the 2018 fall semester. No exceptions to this will be made.
Honors is 3.5 to 3.74 GPA
High Honors is 3.75 GPA and up
Graduation Regalia
Phi Theta Kappa
Cap/Gown/Tassel Package – $27.80
PTK Cord (Blue, Gold) – $15.00
Honors Cord (Silver) – $10.00
PTK Tassel (Gold) – $10.00
High Honors Cord (Gold) – $10.00
PTK Stole (Gold) – $26.00
Individual Tassel (Blue, Gold) – $4.20
NOTE: Commencement is a formal academic ceremony. The decorating of cap and gown is discouraged.
May 19 was a momentous day for the nearly 350 graduates who participated in Moraine Park Technical College’s commencement ceremony, held at the Fond du Lac High School Field House. In all, the College had nearly 800 graduate candidates eligible to receive their associate of applied science degrees and technical diplomas.
Keynote speaker, John Torinus Jr., praised students for their impeccable timing, stating that the job market is heavily looking for skilled and educated workers. He also impressed on the graduates to never stop learning and challenged them to always keep moving forward.
“To be adaptable, you will need to keep on learning. Your degree is a couple of steps toward first base, but there will be other bases to round, either at the same company or in a new career choice,” said Toriunus. “Learning is fun, it keeps us young in mind and at heart. I thoroughly believe that the day you stop learning, is the day that you start hearing harp music from afar. For that reason, I never intend to retire.”
Joseph Jaeger, a nursing graduate and Moraine Park’s 2017-18 Student of the Year, was the featured student speaker at the event. He also encouraged graduates to keep learning, and through telling his own story, reminded everyone that it’s never too late to go after your dream career.
“We work too long and too hard in this world to be doing something we don’t find joy in. Every day isn’t going to be great, but why not go to work with an honest smile on your face because you really don’t mind being there,” Jaeger said. “I have come to realize that if you want something bad enough, and are willing to dedicate the time and energy it takes, you really can accomplish anything. I urge everyone to dig deep and stop ignoring the truths you know about yourself. It’s never too late to find yourself. It’s never too late to try something new.”
Dr. James Eden, vice president of Academic Affairs, presided over the presentation of candidates with the conferring of degrees and diplomas done by Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald. Dr. Kristen Finnel, dean of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Fred Rice, dean of Applied Technology and Trades, announced the graduate candidates. From the Moraine Park District Board, Chairperson Mike Staral, Employee Member Cindy Fields and Additional Member Cindy Laubenstein recognized the graduates.
Staral, who welcomed the Class of 2018 and their guests to the ceremony, congratulated the graduates and their families on their accomplishments and encouraged them to keep moving forward.
“This ceremony is symbolic in many ways. It does mark the fulfillment of your commitment to earn a credential. It proves that the hard work, perseverance, and dedication has paid off. It does mean a lot to those who have supported you through this journey. They’re proud of you, and today is a celebration for them as well,” said Staral. “This ceremony does not end your education. Moving forward in your career means constant learning and growing. Work hard, be open, and embrace this! You’ll be surprised where it will take you!”
President Baerwald extended her congratulations to the graduates and extended her personal gratitude to the commencement speakers, Moraine Park District Board, Moraine Park faculty and the President’s Cabinet.
Moraine Park Technical College was established in 1912 and is one of 16 technical college districts that make up the Wisconsin Technical College System. With campuses in Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac, and West Bend, the College offers more than 100 associate of applied science degrees, technical diplomas, apprenticeships and certificates delivered in a variety of formats — classroom, online and blended. Training and technical assistance for businesses are also offered.
Congratulations to Moraine Park Technical College’s Class of 2017 – and best wishes in your journey ahead! In honor of your accomplishments, here’s 217 pics of our 2017 Commencement! Do you recognize any familiar faces? Continue reading
Within a profound scene of smiles, laughter, joyful tears and dreams come true, Moraine Park Technical College hosted its 2017 Commencement Ceremony in the Fond du Lac High School Field House on Saturday, May 20.
Nearly 350 graduates took part in the event. In all, the Class of 2017 had nearly 800 graduate candidates complete their studies to receive associate of applied science degrees and technical diplomas.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Morna Foy, impressed upon graduates the need to enjoy the moment, but also look to the future.
“You have definitely arrived at an important milestone, and you’re to be recognized and celebrated for that. That’s why we’re together. But I’d offer that there’s now much more to be done,” Moy said. “Think of it this way: You’re like a coiled spring, or a sling-shot pulled back. You’re ready for launch. That’s what scientists call “potential energy.” It’s the energy an object has because of its position, rather than its motion.
Moraine Park Technical College has announced John Torinus Jr. as the keynote speaker for its 2018 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 19.
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