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. 

 

Tech Effect on Hospitality

I have to extend a big thank you to our Culinary Arts students for the delicious tapas they provided during the Wisconsin Technical College System’s (WTCS) Hospitality Event on September 24.  The event was held at Lakeshore Culinary Institute, and students and faculty in Moraine Park, Fox Valley and Lakeshore’s culinary programs all did a spectacular job of showcasing their culinary talents! This was a great opportunity to share the important role technical colleges play in Wisconsin’s $17 billion tourism industry with local restaurant owners, legislators and many other community leaders. And, of course, getting to enjoy the fantastic food was a wonderful perk. I have to give extra kudos to the Moraine Park students that made the pumpkin cheesecake.  That pecan crust sure was a lovely addition! 

Thanks again to the Moraine Park Culinary Arts program! What a great way to show the community how our graduating students impact Wisconsin’s booming hospitality and tourism industry. Check out a few of Moraine Park’s graduate success stories at http://bit.ly/1rndzbg.

Culinary Arts Instructor James Simmers (left) and student Cody Feist took a quick break from the crowd to snap a photo with Stan Cram (right), vice president of student affairs, and me.

Joseph Yagler, Moraine Park Culinary Arts student, serving that amazing pumpkin cheesecake!