Did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Labor, only 1.7 percent of electricians in the United States are women? In honor of International Women’s Day, read about how Jenny Conrardy, an MPTC electrical apprentice, is sparking change in the trades.

In 2021, Conrrardy began working at Current Electric in Wauwatosa. Soon after she started, Conrardy proved herself a hardworking, dedicated employee and was selected for an apprenticeship to gain electrical training at Moraine Park. She specializes in photovoltaic energy.

“It’s not a secret that trade careers offer high-paying, reliable jobs, and women deserve to have high-paying jobs,” Gus Boyle Gustavus, Moraine Park electricity instructor, said. “My observations have been that many women tend to still believe that trade workplaces are rough and unaccepting. I have been working in male-dominated occupations my entire life and have always had colleagues who want to see me be successful and pave the way for other women.”

Through her apprenticeship, Conrardy earns a wage while she attends her classes, and her employer pays tuition and book expenses. She attends class one full day every other week, making it easier to maintain income and learn at the same time.

“The trades are a great fit for any person who loves to work with their hands and problem solve,” Conrardy said. “The trades have historically been a white, male-dominated industry, but I think there is a lot of room and willingness in the industry to open that demographic right now. Not just for women, but also for people of color and the LGBTQ community. I encourage people to take that first step, don’t let anyone say no and keep moving forward.” 

Conrardy will complete her apprenticeship and earn her journeyworker’s license in 2025. She is the only woman in her class. 

“It’s important for our youth to understand different types of professions available and for our young female students to actually see that women play an active role in trades-related occupations,” Bobbi Fields, Moraine Park dean of applied technology and trades, said. “When kids see someone who they can relate to being successful in a career, it increases the likelihood that they could dream of working in that profession someday.”

Moraine Park hosted a Criminal Justice Exploration event for local high schoolers today, Oct. 6, at the Fond du Lac campus. Students from Fond du Lac, Winnebago Lutheran Academy, Oakfield, North Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, Manitowoc Lutheran, Germantown, and Slinger were in attendance.

“Criminal Justice is a broad service field with a vast number of career pathways for students to explore,” Latisha Spence-Brookens, Moraine Park associate dean of human services, said. “The purpose of the event is to bring awareness to the career opportunities that students can pursue right here within the Moraine Park District with the hope we will be the educational option of choice. In addition, partnering with local agencies sets the stage for the recruitment of local talent, while putting a face to professionals that have committed to seeing the industry progress through relationship building, education, and community involvement.”

The College partnered with criminal justice agencies and departments throughout Moraine Park’s district to provide various hands-on demonstrations for students including a WRAP restraint technique, taser deployment and removal, drone surveillance technology, a K9 apprehension, and more.

“The success of today’s event is a tribute to the strong partnership that exists between Moraine Park Technical College and the many agencies who participated today,” Barb Jascor, Moraine Park dean of health and human services, said.

Jason Walters, Criminal Justice and U.S. History teacher at Fond du Lac High School, attended the event with his students.

“I think this is a beneficial event for everyone involved,” Walters said. “There is a workforce shortage in all areas, including criminal justice. Many of my students have gone on to pursue careers in this field, and an event like this breaks down barriers and allows students a chance to see first-hand all the different opportunities and points of entry into the field.”

Stephanie Martinez, a junior at Fond du Lac High School, tried on riot gear and spoke with Officer Leisure from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections about the tactical unit team.

“I came today because I wanted to learn more about the career field and to see what was out there,” Martinez said. “I had no idea there were so many options, and it was really interesting to try on all of the equipment and see the demonstrations up close. Learning about the tactical unit and how they work in hostage situations opened my eyes to all the different opportunities in criminal justice.”

Participating agencies included the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, Fond du Lac Police Department, North Fond du Lac Police Department, Oakfield Police Department, Ripon Police Department, Waupun Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Department of Corrections–Taycheedah and Dodge County corrections institutions, and Washington County Probation and Parole.

Learn more about Moraine Park’s Criminal Justice program at morainepark.edu/academics/programs/criminal-justice/.

View more photos at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAa1GX.

Moraine Park Technical College hosted a Community Forum on Sept. 15 regarding the College’s referendum in the November election. The forum took place both virtually and on the College’s Fond du Lac campus.

The Moraine Park Technical College District Board passed a resolution in June stating an intent to borrow $55 million to enhance campus learning spaces to meet future student and regional workforce needs through four projects across Moraine Park campuses and communities. In August, the Board approved the final ballot language, allowing the College to move forward with a referendum in the November election. Under state law, technical colleges must hold referendums before completing capital projects with a cost of more than $1.5 million.

Moraine Park’s Community Forums are an opportunity for the public to ask questions and learn more about the referendum. Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald presented about the referendum, and the forum ended with a Q&A. 

“Education is the key to economic growth in any community,” President Baerwald said. “Workforce growth is what will change our community. As a tech college, we are the change agents–a referendum is a way to make change and growth happen at a time when technology and automation is influencing industry so rapidly.”

The College will soon host Community Forums on the Beaver Dam and West Bend campuses. See the dates below.

• West Bend – September 26, 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.; 2151 N. Main St.
• Beaver Dam – October 3, 9 – 10 a.m.; 700 Gould St.

Learn more about the referendum at morainepark.edu/future.

The Moraine Park Technical College District Board voted to approve the final ballot language Wednesday, allowing the College to move forward with a $55 million referendum in the November election. 

The referendum would allow Moraine Park to borrow funds to update and expand Moraine Park facilities to meet the needs of business and industry in the region through four major projects between 2022 and 2025. 

• Advanced Manufacturing and Trades – Fond du Lac County – Enhancement 
• Manufacturing, Automation and Robotics Lab – Washington County – Expansion 
• Fire Training Facility – Location TBD – New Construction 
• Health and Human Services Facility – Fond du Lac County – Enhancement 

“Education is the key to economic growth in any community,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, said. “Workforce growth is what will change our community, and as a technical college, we are the change agents. This referendum is vital to making change and growth happen at a time when technology and automation are influencing industry so rapidly.”  

Moraine Park intends to update and expand facilities to: 

• Respond to the growing workforce shortages.  
• Accommodate evolving industry expectations.  

• Address evolving technology, including in the areas of automation and robotics.  
• Provide greater access to all district communities.  
• Align with community expectations and workforce training requirements.  
• Prepare students and workforces of the future.  

The funding request by MPTC is spread out across the four major district counties, making the financial impact per taxpayer minimal; the adjustments are not permanent, making the impact a temporary adjustment for taxpayers. Under the proposed $55 million facilities enhancement plan, annual property taxes would increase by .21 cents per $1,000 of property value or $21 per $100,000 of property value ($1.75 per month) for no more than 20 years.  

“We need to invest in this kind of growth either way,” Jim Eden, Moraine Park vice president of teaching and learning, said. “If a referendum passes, we will accelerate Moraine Park’s ability to grow by about 15 years. If it does not, it will take the College 15 years to catch up.”  

Under state law, technical colleges must hold referendums before completing capital projects with a cost of more than $1.5 million. The referendum must earn a majority vote across all four major district counties, which include Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Washington. 

For more information on this project, visit morainepark.edu/future. 

Moraine Park Technical College and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh signed an articulation agreement today allowing students pursuing Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) liberal arts degrees to seamlessly transfer from Moraine Park and continue their education at UW Oshkosh with confirmed junior status.

The agreement was signed by Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald and UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andy Leavitt today, Aug. 12 at Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac campus.

“This agreement represents only the latest of many collaborations between UW Oshkosh and MPTC,” UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andy Leavitt said. “It is another example of our long-term and ongoing partnership with the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Northeast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance (NEW ERA) and MPTC. In effect, it strengthens our relationship with MPTC and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enhancing opportunities and access to higher education for citizens of northeast Wisconsin and, specifically, those in Fond du Lac.”

Moraine Park will offer AA and AS liberal arts degrees beginning this fall.

“The agreement demystifies transfer and creates a smoother transition from the technical college to the university by guaranteeing that not only certain courses transfer but also that they count toward the university’s general education requirements,” Leavitt said. “This helps students complete their bachelor’s degree in a timely manner. And it, ultimately, helps us in our critical efforts to raise the level of educational attainment in the region.”

The agreement between Moraine Park and UW Oshkosh is Moraine Park’s second AA and AS degree partnership. Earlier this year, the College signed an articulation agreement with Lakeland University. College leaders will continue to add partnerships with other local universities, giving district students more options and control when it comes to their education and making the future transfer process easier and more streamlined.

“By starting an education at Moraine Park, students can get their general studies completed for a fraction of the cost, with smaller class sizes, extensive student support, and guaranteed transfer credits to one of our partner schools,” Dr. Fred Rice, associate vice president of academics at Moraine Park, said. “The College currently offers a wide variety of Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degrees, Technical Diplomas, and career pathway certificate opportunities. Adding the liberal arts degree programs will provide a more robust slate of offerings to Moraine Park students and will also help guide those who are unclear as to their occupational path to achieve an associate degree that is transferable to a 4-year university.”

Individuals interested in exploring this opportunity at Moraine Park are encouraged to start conversations early by connecting with admissions@morainepark.edu.

View more photos of the event at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjA2KP3.

Moraine Park Cosmetology students hosted their Express Yourself Fashion Show to showcase their final projects. Each student styled a model from head to toe including hair, makeup, and an outfit inspired by a theme of their choosing.

“We started discussing the theme of the fashion show last term in March,” Moraine Park Cosmetology Instructor, Eileen Bouchard, said. “With 15 different personalities, it is not always easy coming to an agreement. They all had different ideas about what they wanted to do. So, after some collaboration, this group picked the theme Express Yourself. This way they could all just express themselves however they wanted, instead of choosing one single category.”

The themes chosen ranged from time periods and events, to mythological creatures and abstract concepts, allowing each student to fully express themselves in their final projects.

“I was inspired by the gender-atypical themes we’ve been seeing in fashion and on celebrities, as well as a lot of the androgynous styles of the 80s,” Moraine Park Cosmetology student, Eva Knappenberger, said. “So, I wanted to play with a lot of the different textures, patterns, colors, and styles that are typically associated with traditional gender norms to create a runway-worthy look that is fun, bold, and a blend of masculinity and femininity.”

Congrats to all of Moraine Park’s Cosmetology students on stunning fashion show!

Moth Eck – Renaissance Elf

Emmy Gall – 80’s Denim

Danielle Hackbart – Grandma on her wedding day, 1960s

Cora Huizenga – Purple Garden Fairy

Eva Knappenberger – Runway Rockstars

Alissa Kruger

Kylie Kultgen – Back to the Future

Emily Ludwigson – Summer Vibes

Kaitlynn Miller – Country Girl

Tabitha O’Toole – Gold and Glitter

Mary Pirc – Greek Goddess Aphrodite

Abigail Prim – Red Carpet

Lina Rincon – 2000s

Brittany Wenzlaff – Brittany Spears, Hit me Baby One More Time

View more photos at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzYLzw.

Grant Maniér is many things: a talented artist, passionate advocate, creative illustrator, poised public speaker, dedicated student and great friend.

He also lives with autism.

“I have autism, but I do not let it define me,” Maniér said. “I define my autism through my talents and my skills.”

Maniér is 26 and a first-year student in Moraine Park’s Graphic Communications program.

In 2021, he moved to Fond du Lac from Houston, TX, after accepting a job at the Treffert Center as a behavioral treatment technician and enrolling at Moraine Park. He and his mom, Julie Coy, were eager to take on this new adventure.

“Through Covid, the art world was shut down,” Maniér said. “I used to travel the country raising awareness, acceptance and promoting inclusion for people with disabilities. I would meet hundreds of people at events and take pictures with my art. After that stopped, we got an exciting opportunity to move, and we took it.”

Unlike traditional artists, Maniér constructs ecological, environmentally friendly art as an ‘eco-artist’.

“An eco-artist is not a normal artist,” Maniér said. “Being an eco-artist is taking recycled materials like paper from magazines, discarded puzzles, old calendars and wallpaper, and turning them into something beautiful. If it is recyclable, I can create eco-art out of it.”

Eco-friendly projects can also be made using materials such as old metal or scrap wood. Maniér gets his materials through direct donations, at thrift stores, and garage sales. Some of his pieces include an owl made from old movie posters, a dragon made with contact lens cases, dolphins made from applesauce lids and a giraffe made with jigsaw pieces named Jigsaw Grant.

Jigsaw Grant started out as one of Maniér’s many animal projects, but for this piece he decided to do something different. Instead of regular giraffe spots, he made the spots look like jigsaw pieces. His mom loved it so much that she coined it, Jigsaw Grant, after her son.

When people asked about Jigsaw Grant and Maniér’s other art pieces, Coy made-up stories about who the characters were and where they came from. Eventually, she started writing them down, and that is how Grant the Jigsaw Giraffe children’s book series was born.

There are five books in the collection, with more coming soon. Some of the topics include dyslexia, the autism spectrum, childhood cancer and the pandemic.

“I have come to know a lot of people and make many friends who have different challenges or disabilities,” Maniér said. “We figured if we talked about them in a children’s book format, we could help teach people from an early age about disabilities and how they can support people with differences.”

When it comes to sharing the work of writing and illustrating the books, Maniér describes it as an 80-20 percent split. His mom is the author, and he is the illustrator, but they both have their own opinions and give each other feedback as they create.

Maniér and Coy hope to publish more books and eventually bring their characters to life through animation.

When asked about his mantra, “’Autism does not define me, I define autism,’” Maniér said, “It’s basically asking the question: how do I live with it? It is something I cannot change. It is like having black hair. I don’t know what it is like to not have black hair, so I maintain it and keep it healthy, which is a lot like how I view my autism.”

Read more stories like Grant’s in our Spring 2022 NEXT Magazine.

Mina Vang-Xiong was married at 17 and graduated from Fond du Lac High School in 2005. She went on to pursue nursing at UW-Oshkosh, later becoming a certified ophthalmic assistant. After seven years and having three children, she felt a pull to spend more time with her family and in her community.

“I wanted to be able to spend more time with my children,” Vang-Xiong said. “In the medical field, I
knew I wouldn’t be able to live the life I wanted. Information Technology (IT) is something learnable and will allow me to be more flexible. I know that after I graduate, I’ll be able to work in any industry I want, and I am really excited about my future.”

Vang-Xiong enrolled in Moraine Park’s dual-degree IT program in spring 2020 and will graduate in 2022 with both IT Network Specialist and IT Technical Support Specialist associate degrees. After graduating, her future goals include getting a job at an IT company and working toward a bachelor’s degree.

By enrolling at Moraine Park, Vang-Xiong found not only more time to spend with her family, but also more time to engage with her communities. She is vice president of Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac Student Senate, president of the IT Club, a member of Phi Theta Kappa Academic Honor Society and had the opportunity to work with Moraine Park’s IT department as a technical support assistant.

“Being involved and volunteering is an emotional experience that allows me to be more aware of
the needs in my community,” Vang-Xiong said. “I believe when schools, parents and communities partner together, great things can happen in the lives of children and young adults.”

Outside of Moraine Park she volunteers at her children’s school events, engages with her local Hmong community and enjoys practicing her hobbies of fruit carving and baking. Recently, she was awarded a Bronze MPTC Student Impact Award for completing more than 25 hours of volunteer work.

“Stepping outside of my job and into volunteering has given me the chance to learn new professional skills while sharpening others including public speaking, managing teams, fundraising and coordinating events,” she said.

Vang-Xiong’s proudest moment was volunteering as a traditional Hmong dance instructor with the Fond du Lac Nkauj Hmoob Kaj Siab dance team to help younger generations learn more about
their culture, become more engaged in their community and build self-esteem.

“Career transitions are like onions,” Vang-Xiong said. “They are complex and there is usually more to them than what we see on the surface. This career switch has kept me on my toes, and this new chapter in life has created a network of new relationships, broader access to new information, career advice and community support.”

Read more stories like Mina’s in our Spring 2022 NEXT Magazine.

Moraine Park Community,  

The prevalence of cyberattacks has been heavy in the news, and at Moraine Park we want to take all necessary steps to ensure your data is protected.  

Earlier this year, we recommended all students and employees set up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) to access the College computer systems and networks. MFA is an additional layer of security that makes it harder for hackers to log in to your account. With MFA, you will use something you know (your password) with something you have (your phone) to confirm your identity when signing in.  

Starting June 20, MFA will be required for everyone accessing Moraine Park online systems; this includes Canvas and the Microsoft online environment. Faculty will need to establish MFA in both the staff and student environments.   

It is strongly recommended that you set up MFA now to avoid any interruption in access. A step-by-step guide has been prepared to assist you. You can view the guide here.  

If you encounter any issues or questions during the setup, contact the Help Desk by phone at 1-877-230-3509 or email at AskIT@morainepark.edu.