Open House Posts Record Numbers
In all ways, our Nov. 10 Open House was a breakthrough event. Some of the key numbers:

• 1,800 - Estimated attendance
• 732 - Applications received
• 275 - Faculty, staff and student volunteers
• 100 - Programs and student service areas represented

The diversity of the applicants was another plus, driven by an integrated marketing strategy. We spread the word via urban and suburban newspapers and radio, a direct mail campaign to district high school seniors, and Spanish-language information materials. Among the applicants, 41% were African-American; 34%, white; and 11%, Hispanic.

This was by far the best planned and executed open house event in my tenure as president. Exit surveys of our guests showed a high satisfaction level. Clearly, visitors walked away with an extremely positive impression. They found it especially helpful to be able to talk in-person with teachers. The teachers likewise welcomed the chance. I commend event co-chairs Brunnetta Soward and John Lopez, and everyone who participated. All deserve a big round of applause.

Photo (left to right): Jennifer Shevey, Public Safety; Louise Small-Hamilton, Pre-College; Michele Miller, Business; Liza Larson, Business; Rodney McLain, Student Services; Nicole West, Admissions; Yadira Lopez, Child Care.

Holiday Greetings from MATC
This year's MATC holiday greeting card demonstrates our students' creativity and command of technology. Students and faculty from Visual Communications / Computer Graphics, Music Occupations and Animation collaborated on the project from the drawing board to finished product.

The animated card has original art, music and an interactive feature allowing you to compose your own music with the touch of a mouse. I encourage you to send it to friends and family. Many thanks and congratulations to students Sheree Reed, Eric Lundgren, Meghan Iverson, Katie Olczeck, Julie Lang, Jim Purdy, Theo Coyer, Heather Gergen and Lisa Popodi; and to faculty members David Thomas, Tim Decker, Kate DenDooven and Robbie Heighway.

Woodworking Students Build Wagons for Tots
Woodworking students at the Oak Creek Campus will make the holidays brighter for some lucky youngsters. Under the direction of Instructor Dan Stich, they are building 45 wooden wagons and accompanying 40-piece block sets to be donated to Toys for Tots. The class has been working on the project since before Thanksgiving. Students designed the all-wood toys with safety in mind, including rounded edges on all the blocks and a vegetable oil-based finish.

Photo: Fox 6 News featured our students at work on the holiday project. Click on the photo to see video from the newscast.

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Continuing to Tell Our Story
Influential local organizations remain keenly interested in our workforce development efforts. Following Oak Creek Campus Vice President John Stilp's recent address to the Public Policy Forum, I spoke to the Mequon Rotary (Nov. 20) and the Milwaukee Rotary (Dec. 4), talking up our benefits to the community, especially our partnerships and the future of technical education. A clear need exists for more short-term, targeted training that leads directly to jobs.

On Nov. 19 I also had the privilege to participate in a WUWM (FM 89.7) panel discussion, "Project Milwaukee Forum: Creating a Vibrant Regional Economy." Regional cooperation, transportation and the emerging creative class were among the topics. The underlying theme, though, was education.

The lively 90-minute show featured eight other panelists: Renee Booker, president and CEO, North Avenue Community Development Corporation; Ricardo Diaz, executive director, United Community Center; Mike Eitel, notable restaurateur; John Goldstein, director, Partnership for Working Families; Shelly Jurewicz, vice president of Regional Talent for FUEL Milwaukee; Sheldon Lubar, founder and chairman, Lubar & Company; Richard Marcoux, Milwaukee commissioner of city development; and Julia Taylor, president, Greater Milwaukee Committee.

Photo: Important regional issues were discussed at the forum broadcast on WUWM-FM (89.7). About 100 area residents made up the studio audience. 

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Black Nurses Association Honors MATC
We were honored to receive a Community Partnership Award from the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association at the group's recent annual scholarship dinner. The award, accepted on behalf of the college by MATC District Board chairperson Bobbie Webber, recognizes the long tradition of diversity in our nursing programs.

Photo: MATC District Board chairperson Bobbie Webber accepts the Community Partnership Award from the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association. Also pictured are (left) chapter president Dessie Levy, dean, Health Occupations; and chapter vice president Vickie Hinds, nurse manager, Aurora Health Care.

MPTV Wins Emmy Awards for "Making of Milwaukee"
The awards and accolades for Milwaukee Public Television's landmark documentary "The Making of Milwaukee" continue to roll in. The five-hour program earned two Emmy awards from the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences. It was cited for outstanding achievement in the Documentary of Historical Significance and Music Composition Arrangement categories.

"Making" brought MPTV some of its highest viewer ratings in recent years. It also exemplifies the in-depth, enlightening and significant programming that sets MPTV apart. The program was a team effort, but those most responsible were Bill Werner (executive producer), John Gurda (producer), Claudia Looze (producer) and Maurice Wininsky (music composer and arranger).

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Generosity Shines Through at Community Thanksgiving
We served almost 400 area residents at our first Community Thanksgiving, Nov. 22. This successful event at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus was made possible through volunteer efforts of our culinary programs faculty, staff and students, and many other college employees. More than 100 volunteers worked in shifts throughout the day. Special thanks to Tom Surwillo, Culinary Arts faculty member; Gloria Pitchford-Trice, dean, Pre-College Education and Rich Busalacchi, associate dean, Business.

We also thank the American Culinary Federation/Chefs of Milwaukee for their involvement and contributions. We invited Community Based Organization partner clients and our students and their families who might not otherwise have the means to celebrate Thanksgiving. All food was donated by Reinhart Foods, Sysco East Food Service and Testa Produce. Extra food after the event was donated to St. Vincent DePaul Society of Milwaukee. The great number of volunteers again showed the generous spirit of MATC employees.

Photo: Faculty, staff and student volunteers spent their holiday preparing and serving meals at our Community Thanksgiving. 

New Academic Plan Forges Paths to Success
With district-wide input from faculty, staff and advisory committee members, an academic plan is being developed. The academic plan aligns with MATC's strategic plan and will focus on four major themes:

• Creating pathways to success
• Developing relevant curriculum
• Student learning
• Utilizing technology

In January, the goals based on these themes will be sent to the college community for feedback. Implementation of the academic plan will follow. Thanks to the many faculty and staff members who participated in the process through meetings and online surveys. Thanks as well to the Academic Plan Steering committee, headed by Dr. Vicki Martin, provost.

AHS Projects Highlight Technology Showcase
Our Adult High School students and faculty demonstrated their leading-edge teaching and learning at the AHS Technology Showcase Dec. 5. Visitors experienced students'  technology-based class projects. The event showed how technology is used across the AHS curriculum, highlighting the many AHS learning opportunities.

Thanks to all who organized the event, including Pre-College Associate Dean Pat Kappel and AHS instructors and North Central Association coordinators Jill Crowder, Karen Gaskin and Patrick Hanson.

Photo: AHS faculty members Roosevelt McKinney (left) and Charmaine Kuczmarski (right) with AHS student Loretta Smith at the Technology Showcase.

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Partner in Excellence: Helen Bader Foundation
We are fortunate to have many strong partnerships throughout the region. Our collaborations with individuals, businesses and organizations help us to better serve students, especially as budgets become ever tighter. The MATC Foundation's biannual Partners in Excellence event gives special recognition to our exceptional partners. It also recognizes student scholarship recipients and donors.

On Dec. 11, the Foundation presented its Partners in Excellence award to the Helen Bader Foundation. Its far-reaching contributions to the Milwaukee area include support for MATC through programs and activities such as the 21st Century Urban Technical Education Project, the Workforce Development Initiative and our Black Student Union. Bader Foundation's 10-year partnership with MATC goes a long way to ensure our students'  future success.

Accepting on behalf of foundation President Daniel J. Bader was Kathryn Dunn, community investment officer. Thanks to all who braved the icy weather. Our planned keynote speaker never reached Milwaukee due to a canceled flight. However, two other special honorees stepped up with inspiring stories of their own.

Jim Wozniak, first vice president - financial consultant for RBC Dain Rauscher, was recognized for 21 years on the foundation's board of directors. He talked proudly and passionately about how his journey of lifelong, life-changing education began at MATC. Entrepreneur Michael Dillon, another former MATC student, testified eloquently to the skills and competence of the MATC students he mentors and hires at every opportunity. Among other things, we learned from him that one of our graduates in his employ designed the logo for Miller Park.

Top photo: Dr. Cole presents the Partners in Excellence Award to Kathryn Dunn of the Helen Bader Foundation. Bottom photo: WIN Scholarship recipient Juan Ortiz speaks at the event. Also pictured (from left) are James Wozniak, former MATC Foundation Board member; Karen Coy-Romano, Foundation executive director; and Jeannette Bell, vice chairperson, MATC District Board.

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Alumnus Earns Prestigious Fellowship
MATC graduate William Campbell (Liberal Arts and Sciences, 2005) has done what only 20 students nationwide accomplish each year - he received a Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship. A graduate student at Marquette University, Will is a part-time staff member with our Just One Mentoring program.

After he earned his associate degree here, he completed an undergraduate degree at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. The Pickering Fellowship gives Will a full academic scholarship and is based on academic excellence and commitment to public service. He was selected from hundreds of nationwide applicants.

Rose Massey, one of Will's former instructors, calls his accomplishment "incredible" and adds, "MATC helped to lay the foundation for what this young man is all about."  I'm happy to concur. Congratulations, Will.

Photo: Will Campbell, LaToya Sykes of the Great Lakes Higher Education Guarantee Corp.; Rose Massey.

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December Graduate Earns Leadership Certification
December graduate-to-be Jason Wargolet (Liberal Arts and Sciences) earned Certified Student Leader credentials at the recent National Student Leadership Conference. The certification exam tested his skills in student organization leadership, running effective meetings, resolving conflicts, creating an inclusive and diverse environment and more. Congratulations to Jason, who will transfer to UW-Madison for the spring semester.

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