Moraine Park Technical College has named Ryan Riley, of Oshkosh, their 2022 Student of the Year. 

Riley, a student in the Electrical Power Distribution program, came back to Moraine Park after completing the Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)/Tool and Die Technology program in 2009. 

“I really like working in the trades, and after working as a CNC machinist for over 10 years, I wanted a change and more opportunity for my family,” Riley said. “I was always interested in electricity, so I decided to come back to Moraine Park, and I started my program in 2021.” 

Riley will graduate from the EPD program on May 21 and will speak at both the Student Awards Banquet and Moraine Park’s Commencement Ceremony. 

It is because of his dedication, humility and authenticity that Riley earned a nomination for the Student of the Year award. 

“Being nominated for Student of the Year was very unexpected,” he said. “It was not on my radar or anything I was expecting to get. I know there are so many other great students, so it’s really an honor to be chosen.”

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 Diego Barragan of Sun Prairie, Collin Sauer of Oconomowoc, Mina Vang-Xiong of Fond du Lac, and Haley Van Raden of West Bend.  

Riley will receive his award at the Student Awards Banquet on May 13. 

“I’m hoping to leave a positive message with the other students,” he said. “I’m probably a decade older than anyone in the program, and I want to show them that it’s okay to run your own race. Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to what everyone else is doing. I’m 32 and just went back to college. It’s okay to not have everything figured out. Just do you.” 

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

Finding the time to go back to school can be difficult, especially when you have other life responsibilities.

If there’s a will, there’s a way, and Brad Hetzel, of Beaver Dam, kept his goals as his main focus during his schooling. Before enrolling at Moraine Park, Brad did some general factory work but was looking for a career he could be passionate about, and that offered a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

As a father of three young children, he knew his family needed him to provide a stable life. He decided to pursue a career in Electrical Power Distribution (EPD), which offers a secure job with exceptional earning potential.

“When I started college, I had a family to support, a house, and a full-time job. I had to stay focused, dedicated, and keep at the forefront of why I was there.”

Brad graduated in May 2019, with his family cheering him on at the commencement ceremony. He was offered a job at Alliant Energy two weeks before graduating and today serves as a line apprentice.

“I know someday I’ll get to work a power outage in my area, and when the lights go back on, my kids will say ‘my Dad did that’. I look forward to that opportunity.”

The growing opportunities in Wisconsin’s energy industry were the focus of a special event at Moraine Park Technical College on Thursday.

Area students were given a chance to get “hands on” with technical college students and instructors in an energy career preview day at the College’s Beaver Dam campus. The event also was punctuated with a special “Careers in Energy Kickoff” ceremony. Continue reading

The Electrical Power Distribution (EPD) field has a great job outlook and salary prospects. And Moraine Park Technical College can get you on this path!

Take Kyle Mader for example. Kyle not only prepared for and got a diploma in the EPD field at Moraine Park, he got hired before graduation as well.   Continue reading

Does the thought of going to school – or going back, for some of you – make you a little nervous?

If so, you’re not alone! Cody Serstad had those same uneasy feelings swirling in the pit of his stomach, too.

Fast forward, though, and Cody found himself not only with a diploma in his chosen field – Electrical Power Distribution (power line construction and maintenance, for those unaware!), he had an amazing time at Moraine Park Technical College in the process, and even landed a job before graduation, too! Continue reading