MPTC Graduation Ceremonies Held

Anticipation filled the air as the Moraine Park Technical College Class of 2014 adjusted their caps and gowns; hugged family, friends and instructors; and prepared themselves to become the newest members of Wisconsin’s workforce.

Nearly 350 commencement participants filled the Fond du Lac High School Field House for Moraine Park’s May 17 commencement ceremony as the graduates prepared to receive their diplomas and become Moraine Park alumni. A quote by an unknown source — “May the dreams you dream be the future you find.” — was the class motto adopted by the graduates from the College’s Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac and West Bend campuses. More than 760 graduate candidates completed their studies receiving associate of applied science degrees and technical diplomas. 

Dr. James Eden, vice president of Academic Affairs, presided over the presentation of candidates with the conferring of degrees and diplomas done by Moraine Park President Sheila Ruhland. Kristen Finnel, dean of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Fred Rice, dean of Applied Technology and Trades, announced the graduate candidates. Dr. Richard Zimman, Moraine Park District Board chairperson and Lisa Mader, District Board treasurer, recognized the graduates.

Keynote Speaker Trisha O’Callaghan, a 1997 Moraine Park graduate and owner/stylist of Benesseŕe Salon and Spa in Fond du Lac, shared her story, speaking of how life’s circumstances taught her responsibility, how to overcome challenges and the importance of taking care of others at an early age. She encouraged the graduates to be active and giving members of their communities, and to dig deep, dream big and work hard. “My journey didn’t end at a graduation ceremony at MPTC,” said O’Callaghan. “In reality, that is when my journey just began. Anyone can climb a mountain, but it is those who do it without stepping on others along the way who will feel the greatest sense of accomplishment.”

Zimman, who welcomed the Class of 2014 and their guests to the ceremony, expressed to the graduates how their hard work, perseverance and determination had gotten them to this point. “Commencement is a time to celebrate your successes and laugh at your failures,” he said, “because together, they have gotten you where you are today – earning your degree or technical diploma.”

Ruhland extended her congratulations to the graduates wishing them success on their new journeys. “Our communities and our state could not move forth without you,” she said. “You are the future to a highly trained workforce and to economic growth, not only in the communities served by Moraine Park but statewide. Congratulations.”

 Moraine Park’s graduation processional was led by bagpiper Mike Dickinson, with the ceremonial music performed by Brassination, a brass quintet from the Fond du Lac area. Shady Grove, also from the Fond du Lac area, provided the pre-ceremonial music.     

Moraine Park Technical College was established in 1912, and is one of 16 technical college districts that make up the Wisconsin Technical College System. With campuses in Beaver Dam, Fond du Lac and West Bend, Wis., Moraine Park offers more than 100 associate of applied science degrees, technical diplomas, apprenticeships and certificates delivered in a variety of formats — classroom, online and blended. Training and technical assistance for businesses is also offered.

Above Picture:Moraine Park Technical College students took part in the College’s 2014 Commencement Ceremony, Saturday, May 17. Shown from left, are: Heather Sprifke, Brad Evans and Jessica Schoofs all Business Management graduates and all from Fond du Lac.

MPTC President Dr. Sheila Ruhland and Commencement Speaker Trisha O’Callaghan.