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!

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!