Happy Holidays and end of the semester!

I hope the end of the fall semester went well for everyone last week! With final exams and projects over, I hope the holiday season and Winter Break is a nice respite before the spring semester begins on January 21. We’re looking forward to seeing returning students and new faces on campus for the spring semester!

The semester came to a close with Moraine Park hosting a Veteran’s Job fair on Wednesday, Dec. 12, organized by the Department of Workforce Development Office of Veterans Services. I joined Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefish and Department of Workforce Development Secretary Reggie Newson in speaking with employers and student veterans attending the fair. The event was an excellent way to connect job seeking veterans with new employment opportunities.  

Pictured on the far left is MPTC Dean of Students Scott Lieburn, Secretary Newson, Dr. Ruhland, and Lt. Governor Kleefisch on the far right.

 

Many student and College-wide accomplishments took place over the Fall Semester, and I’m excited to see continued successes in the second semester.  Again, have a safe and happy holiday! You can view a holiday greeting from Moraine Park by visiting this link: http://morainepark.edu/holiday. I’ll be continuing to blog throughout the spring semester so be sure to follow along for updates!

Moraine Park students are giving back this holiday season

December is a busy time for Moraine Park students, balancing many end-of-the semester commitments like final projects and exams with preparing for the upcoming holidays. Despite their ongoing responsibilities, many students have found time to give back this holiday season. Student clubs and organizations on all three campuses are devoting time for local families in need. 

The Radiography Club was one of the many student clubs and organizations who gave back this holiday season. 

Pictured is the club getting their Adopt-a-Family gifts wrapped and ready to donate.

In Fond du Lac, the Straight and Gay Alliance club (SAGA) helped St. Paul’s church with over 900 families who preregistered to receive food for the Thanksgiving holiday. They assisted with registration, handed out turkeys, and helped carry food to vehicles. Other student organizations on the Fond du Lac campus are adopting families, and participating in food, toy and clothing drives. 

In Beaver Dam, the Student Senate held a silent auction to benefit the Dodge County Humane Society and Clothes for Kids. The Multicultural Club is sponsoring a toy drive, and the Electrical Power Distribution Club is ringing bells for the Salvation Army.

In West Bend, the Student Senate is holding a toy drive this holiday season to provide for local youth and the ARTS (Adults Returning to School) Club adopted a family. 

Students are not only giving back locally, but their efforts are reaching overseas. The Student Veteran’s Association (SVA) is running a Christmas in a Shoebox campaign by packaging and mailing donated items to deployed troops.

I’m proud of the way Moraine Park’s student clubs and organizations have taken time out of their busy schedules to help make this holiday season a little brighter for families in need. For more information on student clubs and organizations at Moraine Park, visit: http://morainepark.edu/services/student-life/student-clubs/#student-life

Are you giving back this month to help your community? Please share what you are doing in the comment section below!

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all enjoy the break from classes to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. One of my favorite childhood memories growing up in a family of nine was waking up on Thanksgiving morning to the aroma of the turkey in the oven.  My dad was an avid deer hunter so my mom would be up early to prepare a full breakfast before they ventured out.  She then would proceed to prepare the turkey, make the stuffing, and of course, the homemade pumpkin pie.  

Our family tradition as we sat down for Thanksgiving dinner later that day was to all share one thing that we were most grateful for.  Today, in the spirit of continuing that tradition, I share with all of you how grateful I am to be leading a college filled with great students who have chosen Moraine Park and the staff dedicated to meeting the needs of our students. Happy Thanksgiving!  

What are you most thankful for this year? Please comment below to share your thoughts! 

Thanksgiving-themed tablescape created by Lois Zingsheim, culinary arts instructor at Moraine Park, for a live broadcast with Green Bay news station FOX 11. See more Thanksgiving tips and tricks from MPTC’s culinary arts team here: http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/good_day_wi/festive-thanksgiving-ideas-from-mptc