Moraine Park Technical College’s winter commencement was a momentous day for the nearly 90 graduates who participated in the ceremony, held at the Fond du Lac Campus Conference Center on Dec. 15. In all, the College had almost 200 graduate candidates eligible to receive their associate of applied science degrees and technical diplomas this winter. Mailia Bachleitner, Moraine Park’s District Student Ambassador, was the student commencement speaker. She will graduate from Moraine Park’s IT Software Development program in spring 2024. “Today we are gathered to celebrate a remarkable journey,” Bachleitner said. “We have grown, learned and shown determination to get here. Thank you teachers, advisors, parents, friends, loved ones and everyone here at Moraine Park for being our pillars of support and believing in our goals. As we move forward, let’s chase our dreams, be kind to others and stay strong when things get tough. Each of us has the power to make the world a better place. So go out there, make your mark, and I do not doubt that the class of 2023 will achieve great things.”
Dr. Alan Patterson, founder and president of Mentoré, served as the keynote speaker. He encouraged graduates to build relationships, foster connections, chart their own paths to success and leave their mark on the world. “When you talk about making a difference and putting a dent in the world, you have my full, undivided support,” Dr. Patterson said. “So grab a shovel and dig in. We’ve got a lot of work to do, so let’s go change the world.” Dr. Douglas Hamm, vice president of Academic Affairs, presided over the presentation of candidates with the conferring of degrees and diplomas done by Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald. Lane Holte, dean of General Studies; Barb Jascor, dean of Health and Human Services; and Dr. Bobbi Fields, dean of Applied Technology and Trades announced the graduate candidates. Amanda Fryman, Vice President of commercial loan operations for National Exchange Bank and Trust, served as the alumni speaker. Fryman graduated from Moraine Park’s Supervisory Management program in 2011. “Even after graduating, I have continued to find my way back to Moraine Park,” Fryman said. “As my professional responsibilities and career path broadened, MPTC was right there to offer the training I needed to expand my knowledge and deepen my skill set to help me advance to the next level. I encourage you to invest in yourselves and never stop learning. Never be afraid to take on challenges or head back to the classroom, and please find ways to stay connected with MPTC.” President Baerwald congratulated the graduates and extended her personal gratitude to the commencement speakers, Moraine Park District Board, Moraine Park faculty and the President’s Cabinet. “Today you join many graduates of Moraine Park Technical College who have been successful in their own unique way,” Baerwald said. “Our graduates are the key to our community’s highly trained workforce and future economic growth, and our state could not move forward without you. I extend my congratulations to each and every one of you.”
