MILWAUKEE (March 30 2011) –The Milwaukee Area Technical College Foundation honored W.W. Grainger, Inc., at the annual Partners in Excellence Scholarship Recognition Banquet March 29.

The Partners in Excellence Award is given annually to a local corporation, foundation or individual who has contributed significantly to the success of MATC and the foundation through support of critical educational initiatives.

Grainger has supported MATC students through the annual Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® Scholarship Program. The "Tools" scholarship recognizes outstanding students with a $2,000 scholarship prior to their second year at MATC. Upon graduation, the students receive a customized tool kit specific to their program of study.

The Partners in Excellence event brings together scholarship recipients, donors and the corporate community to share success stories and learn more about the lasting difference donors make in the personal and professional lives of students. Select scholarship recipients shared their inspiring stories that were made possible because of donors.

Melanie C. Holmes, vice president, World of Work Solutions, Manpower, Inc., and chairperson of MATC’s District Board of Directors, gave the keynote address.

Embassy Homes was the presenting sponsor for the event. Champion supporters were Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin; Harley-Davidson Motor Company; Johnson Controls, Inc.; and Snap-on, Incorporated. Advocate sponsors included the American Federation of Teachers, Local 212; Robert W. Baird & Co.; and RBC Wealth Management.

Founded in 1979, the MATC Foundation, Inc., is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that plays a vital role in supporting the scholarship needs of MATC students and in developing partnerships with business, industry and community-based organizations to further the mission of the college and expand critical resource needs.

Joe Williams, Milwaukee representative for W.W. Grainger, Inc., speaks at the Partners in Excellence banquet as MATC President Dr. Michael L. Burke and Christine M. McGee, director of the MATC Foundation, Inc., look on.