Ending With a Flourish
My heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2006. As we approach graduation May 20, the school year climaxes in a whirlwind of events. The rundown below gives you some idea of the energy and excitement on campus. Our mission never stops, but this is the time of year when we feel most fulfilled and alive.
I also want to thank our retiring employees for their years of dedicated service. I hope you feel secure in the knowledge that this was a great place to make your career. You will be missed, but I know that many of you will keep on contributing to MATC in various ways. I look forward to seeing some of you continue in part-time teaching roles, for example. In whatever comes next, all the best.
May 1 - A Culinary Arts student scholarship evening. The local chapter of the Chaine des Rotisseurs sponsored a black tie dinner for scholarships. Area chefs, including MATC graduates, donated their time and talents. Many faculty members and program students also were actively involved. Support from local and national organizations help to keep our program among the nation's best.
May 3 - Key newspaper's "Readers as Writers" reception. Our Pre-College students, especially those who attend Community Based Organizations, were among those honored for their essays, fiction
and poetry.
May 4 - Cinco De Mayo celebration. The Latino Student Organization held its annual celebration at the Oak Creek Campus. An excellent lineup of music, food and activities always draws a large crowd from throughout the district.
May 7 - Lamp of Knowledge Awards Banquet. Sixty-three degree and diploma students were honored for their outstanding academic accomplishments.
May 8 - Partners in Excellence. The Foundation's annual recognition event honors businesses, organizations and individuals who generously support student scholarships. This year, we honor the late Marian Drake Breskvar, a retired elementary school teacher who left the college its largest gift to date.
May 9 - Adult High School graduation luncheon. December 2005 and May 2006 graduates were recognized with an informal event at the Downtown Milwaukee Campus. Thanks to Board Chairperson Jeannette Bell for her participation.
May 12 - Recognition Banquet. We celebrated our 25- and 35-year employees and retirees at this annual banquet. Longtime employees are part of MATC's impressive legacy. I congratulate our honorees. To all retirees, again, my deepest thanks.
May 13 - MATC Times dinner. Held at the Milwaukee Press Club, this annual recognition event for the student newspaper staff took on extra meaning this year. Tom Gould, longtime faculty advisor of the national award-winning MATC Times, is retiring. I wish Tom well and thank him for his outstanding efforts.
May 18 - Teacher Education Program recognition. We celebrated the graduation of our students transferring into four-year college education programs.
May 20 - Graduation. Our spring commencement will be held at the Bradley Center, starting at 11 a.m.
May 21 - Athletic Banquet. We recognize our student athletes for their commitment to academics and athletics.
The above is only a partial list of everything that has been going on. We are ending 2006 with a satisfying flourish and look forward eagerly to the start of a new academic year. Thank you for your continued contributions to our success as a college. I wish our graduating students the best of luck with their careers. To the entire college community, have a great summer.
Darnell E. Cole
President
