Icing on the Holiday Cake For me, the holiday season always takes on added resonance thanks to winter commencement, this year scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Arena. Graduation is a life-changing event. A person can give no greater, longer-lasting gift to himself or herself than a degree or a diploma. Our commencements inspire and move everyone who participates or witnesses. Many graduates are the first in their families to finish college, and do so while raising kids and holding jobs. Our students truly earn graduation; nothing is handed to them. I encourage all faculty and staff members to participate. Your presence makes a special event even more memorable. Michael Cudahy, co-chair of the new Discovery World, will be our commencement speaker. Mr. Cudahy brought together Discovery World and MATC. His civic legacy is formidable. Legendary founder of Marquette Medical Systems, involved in numerous leadership roles, he has earned local and statewide awards. You can count on him having some interesting things to say. I wish each of you a safe and happy holiday. Thank you for your many contributions to MATC in 2006. Look for our next Communique in February. Darnell E. Cole President

December 2006 Issue: A Clear, Straight Path The new Panther Tracks transfer agreement with UWM guarantees admission of our liberal arts and sciences students. NC A&T in the Fold North Carolina A&T State University joins our Historically Black Colleges and Universities transfer program. Hundreds Hop on 'Express Ramp' Recruitment response to our fast-track training project in heavy-plate welding has been phenomenal. Packing the House Our Nov. 11 open house drew more than 1,200 prospective students and parents. Short-Term Training: an Integrated Model We have won a $120,000, two-year grant for a demonstration project that will develop an integrated model for short-term training. Excellence Squared In taking the annual Partners in Excellence banquet to the new Discovery World, the MATC Foundation made a big splash. Click here for top of Communique Click here for a printer-friendly version