My MPTC Graduation

Lisa and me after graduation

Step 1: Bring your cap and gown.

Step 2: Leave your house early.

Thank goodness I followed step 2, because I forgot step 1 and had to turn around half way to Fond du Lac to get my cap and gown on the morning of my graduation. Other than that, the day went on without a hitch. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect; not too hot, not too cold; just nice and sunny.

When I got into the building, I checked in at the table where I picked up my white Student Senate cord. They directed to me to my “pod,” which is another check-in table in the building. Sam and Lisa, the student life advisors from Fond du Lac and Beaver Dam campuses, greeted me there, found my name on an index card, and gave it to me. I lined up alphabetically with other graduates from my program.

We entered the gymnasium filled with family and friends. There were too many people to locate my party, but I knew they were in the crowd somewhere. The college president, Dr. Sheila Ruhland, and the commencement speaker James A. Wessing of the Kondex Corporation spoke to us before we walked across the stage.

After the ceremony there was time to socialize with family, friends, other graduates, and the instructors. I introduced my parents to some of the instructors I was fortunate enough to have during my time at Moraine Park. They were also my brother’s instructors when he attended MPTC. I hugged the friends I had made over the past couple of semesters and made tentative plans to meet up with them soon. I spotted Lee, MPTC’s Fond du Lac student blogger, and congratulated him.

Congratulations to Mary, Sarah, Tami, Paul, John, Hannah, Lee, Rochelle, Jenny, Juan, Stephanie, and all the other 2013 Moraine Park Technical College graduates!

A Visit from the President

MPTC's West Bend Student Senate received a visit from Moraine Park's president Dr. Sheila Ruhland during our last meeting. She wanted to know how things were going for us and if we had any concerns or questions for her.

Being a part of Student Senate gives me many opportunities to meet and speak with the administration of MPTC. It really is the kind of extracurricular you want to be involved in if you want to make an impact on student life.

After our discussion with Dr. Ruhland, we had a few things to talk about since the end of the semester is almost here. Traditionally, Student Senate likes to give something back to the campus at the end of the academic year. This year we are talking about installing two drinking fountains (or what you may call "bubblers" if you're from Wisconsin). I was told that the Beaver Dam campus already has them and they are popular. There's a dispenser on it that you can use to fill up your own reusable bottles.

What would you like to see Student Senate give to the campus?

Second West Bend Student Senate Meeting of the Year

Our officers for the Moraine Park Technical College West Bend Student Senate were elected this week during the second meeting of the semester. I’ve been appointed as one of the members at large, which means I’m a general member of Student Senate. I’ve also decided to be part of the Student Senate Activities Committee this semester. This is a group of students who plan, organize, and run special events on campus.

During the meeting we discussed some of the upcoming events. Next week Wednesday, September 28, is BINGO in the MPTC West Bend cafeteria at 4 p.m. I remember there were BINGO events a few times last year, but I had class at that time. This semester I don’t have class on Wednesday nights, so I’m going to try to go. It’s only $5 to play, and there are prizes to win.

On October 21, Chad Calek will be giving a free presentation called “Trail of the Dead” at 6 p.m. with dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. He’s a ghost hunter who has captured footage of paranormal activity, and he’s been on several TV shows. Adam Ninmann, who’s in charge of Student Life at the West Bend Campus, told us that people must pre-register with him if they are interesting in attending.

At the Senate meeting we also discussed APCA (Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities) conference this October. Two of our members are going. It sounds really interesting. I’m unable to go to the conference, but hopefully I will be able to go to a conference in spring.

During our next meeting, October 6, Moraine Park President Dr. Sheila Ruhland will be there to speak with us. Student Senate really is a great way to get involved, find out what’s going on, and have an impact on the college’s future.