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.