Presidency Reflections

In my January 16 blog, I shared with you that I will be departing as president of Moraine Park Technical College. I’m excited to begin my presidency at Tacoma Community College (TCC) on March 9, although it also comes with great sadness to be leaving such an extraordinary group of students, who are not only committed to their education but also committed to their community and serving others.  I treasure the times spent with each and every one of you. It was a joy to attend student government meetings, campus events and, even more so, to listen to your stories. Moraine Park is very fortunate to have students who want to learn firsthand the importance of team work and collaboration—to have students that are truly making a difference, not only within the Moraine Park community, but also within the Wisconsin Technical College System.

As I leave Moraine Park, I hope that one statement I made during a GED graduation ceremony resonates with you -- “If you believe it, you can achieve it.” Remember this motto when you are approached with great opportunities but also when you are faced with challenges. Each one of us has a different picture of success, so first determine what that looks like to you and then establish your path.

I want to thank the College and the community for an incredible 3½ years. The opportunity to become the next president at TCC would not have been possible without my experiences at Moraine Park. I will reflect often as I look back at my wonderful collection of photos and remember the stories you have shared with me. 

I do hope that if your schedule permits you will join me and others from the college community at the President’s reception on February 16 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. in the Fond du Lac cafeteria. Best of luck to you and please contact me if you are in the Tacoma area!

New Opportunites in 2015

As we embark on a new year, I am confident in saying that 2015 will be a year of new adventures for me. As some of you may already know, I have accepted a presidency position at Tacoma Community College in Tacoma, Washington, and soon I will be leaving Moraine Park and heading west. I have had some remarkable experiences at Moraine Park and have seen the college achieve amazing goals, with some of the most recent highlighted in our newly released 2013-14 Annual Report. I am also thrilled to have one more opportunity to wish our students good luck as we begin another new semester. So whether you are just starting your college career today or you are a seasoned veteran, best wishes to you this semester and into the future. May you always be driven to do great things, find opportunities that challenge you and be proud of your accomplishments.

 

 

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season!

At the close of another year, it’s a wonderful time to pause and reflect on accomplishments. We have much to be proud of at Moraine Park. To name a few, we broke ground on a new Student Services addition on our Fond du Lac campus, were awarded $1.2 million in Wisconsin Fast Forward grant dollars to train workers, and hosted a very successful inaugural Pink Pumpkin 5K Run/Walk.

I am especially proud of our student’s accomplishments throughout the year. We have seen the Health Science Program achieve outstanding national exam pass rates, students from many different programs represented the College at SkillsUSA competitions, and our service-learning efforts were showcased at our State’s capitol. 

As I mention service-learning, I want to give special recognition to the students who have been volunteering this holiday season. Students in Moraine Park’s Electrical Power Distribution Club rang bells for the Salvation Army, many students spent time at local nursing homes and coordinated toy drives, while the Radiography Club adopted a family during the holiday season. I am always moved by the caring hearts of our students at Moraine Park. You really are making a difference!

We have much to celebrate at Moraine Park and to look forward to! Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a very Happy New Year! http://youtu.be/WgIRgTn25Uc 

Beaver Dam Student Senate making washcloth bunnies for Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam. Each bunny is tied with a ribbon and tag that reads “Hoppy Holidays! Wishing you peace and joy throughout this season and into the New Year! – Moraine Park Beaver Dam Student Senate”

Moraine Park Scholarships: It’s all about our students

The Moraine Park Foundation is dedicated to helping students attain scholarships to meet their educational goals, and one way is through identifying and soliciting scholarships from a variety of outside organizations and businesses. 

Thanks to the generosity of our many Moraine Park Foundation donors, in 2013-14, the Foundation awarded nearly $130,000 to many deserving Moraine Park students. And, each year, the Foundation hosts events at each of our three campuses to bring together scholarship donors and recipients. The event gives both parties an opportunity to meet and talk about school and goals and just get to know each other. This year, I had the chance to meet many of our donors and students at the Fond du Lac event, and below are some pictures from that event as well as our Beaver Dam and West Bend events.

Don’t forget! Spring semester registration is underway, so be sure to explore the different scholarship options available.  

Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients!

Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s the week before the Thanksgiving holiday, and what a great time to reflect on what we are grateful for and also to take a look at our goals for the future. It won’t be long until we will be setting those New Year resolutions! 

Is owning a business your goal? This week we are celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week and, together with the Wisconsin Technical College System, Entrepreneurship and Business Intelligence for the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) and IGNITE entrepreneurs group, Moraine Park is raising awareness of the support and resources available for startup companies. FCEDC Director Jo Ann Giese-Kent and IGNITE Representative/Moraine Park EWD Coordinator Laurie Barz have been going into classrooms this week giving presentations to students to get them thinking about the possibilities. 

Jo Anne and Laurie preparing for their entrepreneurship presentations.

Is being a renowned chef your goal? Our culinary students this week got a taste of what it would be like to be on a cooking show. Emily Deem from FOX 11’s Good Day Wisconsin was on our Fond du Lac campus taping live segments with students and staff from the Culinary Arts program. They sure were cooking up some delicious Thanksgiving dishes! 

 

 

 As I watched the culinary students (who were such naturals on the camera) cook turkey and other holiday treats, I began to think about how much I enjoy the start of the holiday season, as it brings quality time with my family and friends. I’m also always grateful for the invitation to Thanksgiving dinner, as most of my family knows that I do not have the “culinary skill.” Next week, I hope all of you take time to enjoy Thanksgiving and reflect on the many things you are thankful for.