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.

 

 

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!

Glen McClyman, Rotary College Student of the Month

Each month the Fond du Lac Morning Rotary Club acknowledges a college student for his/her achievements, and this month a Moraine Park student is in the spotlight! Jim Eden, VP of academic affairs, and I were proud to have the opportunity to join the Rotary Club in recognizing Glen McClyman of Fond du Lac as the November Rotary College Student of the Month.

 

Glen describes himself as a nontraditional student. He said that working to support his family trumped higher education earlier in his life, and now, after a 20-year manufacturing career, he has decided to go back to school. Glen is pursuing an associate of applied science degree in Process Engineering Technology and will graduate next spring. On campus, he serves as president of the MPTC Student Society of Manufacturing Engineers Club, and he is also a representative to the MPTC Student Senate. Glen is undoubtedly keeping busy and not letting anything stand in the way of his achievements – he is carrying a 4.0 GPA, as well as working part time, coaching his daughter’s sports and serving as vice president of the North Fondy Soccer Club. 

Congratulations to Glen McClyman! 

Students are nominated by MPTC faculty and staff.  The recognition allows students to attend a Rotary meeting and learn more about civic organizations and giving back to the community. Maybe you will be the next Student of the Month!

Batter Up

On Friday, Sept. 26, I joined the Beaver Dam Student Life group on the ball field and cheered on their softball game. It was a beautiful day to be outside and see the excitement and team spirit from the students participating. It was a fun event, and it wasn’t about who was scoring the most runs, who missed the ball or how fast the students went from first, to second, to third base and then home! There was no shortage of talent at the game and, at times, I even got to be the umpire!

I also got to join the batting team and attempt to hit the ball, and “attempt” is exactly what it was. I was grateful for the pitcher who graciously tried to oblige when I would ask him to “pitch it so I can be sure to hit it.”  The students on the sideline offered excellent advice, with the most important being, “keep your eye on the ball!”

If opportunities are there for you to participate in Student Life activities, I encourage you to do so. It is a great way to build new friendships, and you never know when you might see me at that next event!