4-1-25 moraine park earns veterans service award

Fond du Lac, Wisc.: Moraine Park Technical College has been named the top Wisconsin public sector employer, earning the state Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Pro Patria Award from the Secretary of Defense for the second consecutive year. The College will be recognized on May 12 at the Breakfast with Leaders event in Milwaukee.   The ESGR Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee to one small, one large, and one public sector employer in their state or territory– and is the highest level award given at the state level. Recipients demonstrate the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through their leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.    “It is an extreme honor to be recognized two years in a row,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, said. “Our commitment to our employee veterans is something we are very proud of, and Scott has personally taught us so much about the transition from military to civilian life and the struggles that some individuals might encounter. Together, we have built a process that not only supported him through his deployment and return but will also serve as a strong foundation for future National Guard and Reserve member employees.”   Moraine Park’s award nomination was submitted by MPTC employee, Scott Lieburn, retired Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force (USAF), who served on a recall to active-duty order for nearly five years. Before his deployment, Lieburn served as Moraine Park’s dean of students for more than 10 years and was a resident of the Kiel area, where he actively served on the school board, local chamber and throughout the community. In 2019, Lieburn received his first order to serve, which was expected to span six months at his Air National Guard unit, the 115th Fighter Wing, Truax Field, in Madison. Shortly before the end of his term, his active-duty assignment was extended–lasting nearly five years. In June 2024, he returned to Moraine Park, assuming his dean of student role and duties for six months. He credits Moraine Park’s leadership and Human Resources team for their endless accommodation and support throughout his deployment and as he made his return. Lieburn retired from the College in December 2024.   “I’m forever grateful for my time at MPTC and the opportunity to serve students with such awesome staff,” Lieburn said. “The staff at the College, including some I had never met, welcomed me back with open arms. This allowed for less anxiety and a seamless transition coming back to a civilian environment after being on active duty for five years. I’m confident that current and future employees of MPTC who are in the guard and reserve will have the support needed from the College to find success juggling two careers.”    Winners of the Pro Patria Award automatically advance to the national level and are placed in the running for the ESGR Freedom Award. The ESGR Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers for their exceptional support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Last year, Moraine Park was among the top 10 nationwide considered for the ESGR Freedom Award.   Moraine Park Technical College is among the top ten percent of all employers nationwide recognized with this award. The Department of Defense will announce the 15 employers selected to receive the 2025 ESGR Freedom Award early this summer. The awards will be presented in August at the Pentagon.