Service-Learning Celebration

On Thursday, May 1, I attended our Service-Learning Celebration Breakfast on the Fond du Lac campus.  This has become an annual event to learn about the community service-learning projects our students, or in some cases, entire classes, participated in.  Students from Accounting, Building Trades Construction Worker, Business and Event Planning, Corrections, Introduction to Sociology and Introduction to Ethics presented their projects.  I am so proud of all of these students and the leadership from their instructors to engage them in such wonderful hands-on experience and learning about the community project.  All of the students spoke about what a great opportunity this was to get involved and engaged. 

 
I had the chance to talk with Building Trades Construction Worker students Tim Milligan, Nate Stockhausen, Mike Schmid, Dillon Pufahl, Luke Breuer and their instructor Don Enders, about their Habitat for Humanity of Washington and Dodge Counties home building project in West Bend.  When I asked the students if everything with the project had gone as planned, their response was, “No. We learned to adapt to change.”  When they shared how rewarding it was to add their names to the footings of the home, I could see their pride knowing this would be a project that would “last a lifetime.” 

The Business and Marketing Events class along with Instructor Jeff Stueber are planning a Pink Pumpkin event on the Fond du Lac campus, Saturday, Oct. 18.  As this team noted during their project presentation, “it is about making a positive impact in our communities.”

I encourage you to learn more about MPTC’s Service-Learning classes and projects and see how you might be able to get involved.  With so many opportunities, I’m sure you will find something you are passionate about that will engage you to help others!

Moraine Park celebrates Career and Technical Education

During the month of February, Career and Technical Education (CTE) is celebrated throughout the state and nation. Even though February is the shortest month of the year, Moraine Park is incorporating many activities over the next few weeks to recognize the importance of CTE.

Moraine Park kicked off CTE month by hosting Discover Moraine Park on each campus. This annual event is for anyone wanting to get a jump start on the admissions process and learn more about the different programs at Moraine Park. We are hosting many events for the public to attend throughout the month. For event details, visit morainepark.edu and check out the Events Calendar.

On February 19, I will join some of our students at the State Capitol to demonstrate the impact technical education has on our State. This Celebration of Student Engagement event is something Wisconsin’s 16 Technical Colleges participate in annually and I’m looking forward to getting involved again this year.

CTE month will wrap up with the Moraine Park Association of Career and Technical Education (MPACTE) annual awards banquet on February 21. I’m excited to help MPACTE recognize individuals for their dedication to and excellence in career and technical education.

Why do you think Career and Technical Education is important? Please share any comments below as I always enjoying hearing from you! Also, check out this video on exploring your options in the many emerging and in-demand career fields!

Welcome back students!

It was a week of excitement and vibrancy as students returned for spring semester classes. Hopefully everyone had a restful winter break and feel ready to get back into the swing of things with their new classes.

I had the opportunity to be a “semester greeter” where I helped answer questions and direct students to their respective classrooms.  As I assisted with this task I was impressed with how students helped the president learn things that I still have not had the opportunity to learn or inquire about.  The enthusiasm from students returning to the Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam and West Bend campuses is great to see as we begin another academic term.

One way students and staff were welcomed back was with lunch events on the three campuses. There were comedians, an interactive inspirational speaker, Lunch n’ Learn event, and opportunities for students to stuff and bring home their very own gray wolf mascot. What a fun way to kick off the new semester!

Students, how did the first week of classes go for you? Do you have anything that you are especially looking forward to this semester?

Tech Knowledge College: Providing a path to the future

Last week, Moraine Park hosted Tech Knowledge College (TKC), a three-day opportunity for middle school students to get a hands-on, interactive look at the skills and careers in our world. The students got to choose two sessions to attend from over 20 options including: Build a Robot!, Auto Techs, Hostess with the Mostess, Good Eats Bistro, Hair Techniques and The Art of Architecture. There was an abundance of energy and fun filling the halls of Moraine Park for three days!

I was cordially invited to attend a tea party hosted by the ladies of “Hostess with the Mostess.”  They did a wonderful job setting the table and preparing delicacies to serve. Students in the class learned napkin folding, proper dining etiquette and party planning.  These ladies are well on their way to being the “perfect hostess” and I learned some techniques to help me!

TKC allows students to learn about career opportunities and the education and training required.  Students get a chance to experience a college atmosphere and see the value of career and technical education at a young and critical age.  Moraine Park has been hosting TKC for over 20 years and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow.