Milwaukee Area Technical College

Leveraging Outstanding Value
TV frequencies licensed for educational use back in the '70s are proving to be a hot commodity. MATC has agreed to lease four such channels to Clearwire Corp. for about $36 million over the next 30 years. The Federal Communications Commission granted approval Jan. 15. Clearwire has not publicly discussed its plans, but the company is a big provider of high-speed wireless Internet service in several regions across the U.S.

This was a package deal in which MATC, Milwaukee Public Schools, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee each agreed to lease their 4 channels of licensed frequency at an identical price. It was highly gratifying to see the partners heralded on the front page of the daily newspaper for leveraging outstanding value. The MATC community should be especially proud that the package deal was our idea.

A New, Innovative Training Initiative
In partnership with Wisconsin Fresh Start and Northcott Neighborhood House, 2460 N. 6th Street, we are helping a group of 23 at-risk young people earn their high school equivalency diplomas and become construction workers. Fourteen students are enrolled with us in cabinetmaking and millwork classes after completing carpentry classes last semester.

They simultaneously are gaining practical, supervised experience at a home site under construction in the neighborhood. At Northcott, they also are taking MATC classes in adult basic education in preparation for their GED/HSED tests. According Dr. David Turner, dean of Technology and Applied Sciences, the students are eager to learn and are doing well. At the end of every course, students receive a certificate of completion, applicable toward future college credits.

"This is a great program," said McArthur Weddle, Northcott executive director. "For young people who otherwise would not have gotten the chance, we have enabled them to further their education and experience the college possibilities offered at MATC."

Volunteers Offer Free Tax Preparation
Those with an annual family income of $45,000 or less can receive free income tax return preparation at the Downtown Milwaukee and Oak Creek campuses. MATC accounting students provide the service as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, sponsored by the IRS and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

The program begins its 26th year at the Oak Creek Campus and its sixth year at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus. Thanks to instructor Jim Benedum and retiree Bobbie Sherrod, who coordinate the activities, and all Accounting students who volunteer for this valuable service to the community.

Photo: Jim Benedum.

An Inspiring Finale for Fall Semester
About 800 students received their degrees and diplomas at our winter commencement Dec. 20 at U.S. Cellular Arena. The event capped a successful year and was an uplifting experience for those who celebrated with our students and their families. My thanks to all faculty and staff volunteers - ushers, marshals, roll callers and musicians. You helped create a memorable evening. Dr. Kevin P. Reilly, president of the University of Wisconsin System, graciously traveled here to give the keynote speech. Donielle Reneau-Zynski, a paralegal graduate, was the student speaker. Her heartfelt comments championed lifelong learning.

Photo: Donielle Reneau-Zynski and Dr. Cole.

Virtually Dazzling
I am very pleased to report that a new MATC-sponsored HIVE pod opened recently at Discovery World. Located on the second floor of the museum's Technology Building, the cave-like chamber plunges you into the center of three-dimensional, simulated worlds. Visitors can walk through, fly over, or examine any object within a scene simply by moving closer to the object and walking around it.

"HIVE" stands for Human Interactive Virtual Education and is the conceptual umbrella for all of our activities at Discovery World. This newest exhibit promises to become a valuable training tool for MATC students. They will
learn in the process of creating fascinating, new interactive experiences for the
general public.

Wind Tower Construction Begins
Construction of our wind tower at the Mequon Campus began the week of January 28. It should start generating electricity this spring. Pouring concrete for the foundation was the first step. We also are moving forward with two other large MATC renewable-energy projects. Rooftop, 17-kilowatt solar panel arrays are to be installed soon at both the Mequon and Oak Creek campuses. Also serving the Oak Creek Campus and fulfilling educational needs, a smaller, mast-mounted solar panel array will be installed outside ECAM, the Center for Energy Conservation and Advanced Manufacturing.

In the News
As you may have heard or read, I am a finalist to become the new president of Lansing Community College in Lansing, Mich. I have not actively sought a new position, being happy and honored to serve in my current capacity at MATC. But I am pleased to be considered for this opening. It is by no means the first one that has been made known to me since becoming president of MATC seven years ago. I was intrigued from the standpoint that I grew up in Michigan and still have family roots there.

WUWM Radio recently did a lively piece on the annual student competition at the NARI Home Improvement Show at State Fair Park. Featured prominently were Interior Design students Kelly Kuehn and Dave Albresch. For winning the contest, congratulations to Kelly, Dave, their teammates and their instructors. Listen to the story

Culinary Arts faculty and students took part in some deep-fried fun with the Journal Sentinel's Wednesday Food Section. They provided the professional kitchen and did the cooking for a "fry-off" of store-bought fish batter mixes. Writer Karen Herzog wrote a delightfully aromatic account. Friday can't come soon enough.
Read the story

Communique is a monthly online newsletter of Milwaukee Area
Technical College.