Ginny Gnadt 
Senior Public Relations Specialist
(414) 297-6770, gnadtv@matc.edu

MILWAUKEE (May 10, 2011) – Milwaukee Area Technical College held spring commencement May 20, at the U.S. Cellular Arena. More than 1,400 students graduated from associate degree, technical diploma, apprentice and adult high school programs.

Dr. Robert M. Davis, president and CEO of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, served as the keynote speaker. He observed that the graduates were "trailblazers" and encouraged them to "leave their path." Davis also told the graduates they were "transformed into the person you are because of MATC" and called for all at the ceremony to realize their ultimate destiny and purpose.

MATC President Dr. Michael L. Burke officially conferred the degrees and told the graduates that "... the ceremony culminated years of hard work and dedication by the graduates."

Burke also acknowledged the graduates were "committed to advancing their lives through the education provided by MATC."

Melanie C. Holmes, vice president of ManpowerGroup and chairperson of the MATC District Board, addressed the assembly and shared the graduates were "living proof" of the college's commitment to being one of the nation's premier technical colleges.

Sonia Rivera, who graduated from the Teacher Education Track, received the Outstanding Associate Degree Graduate Award and delivered the student address. She remarked to her fellow graduates, "We have committed, succeeded and decided. MATC can help keep us on track throughout our lives."

Mark Weinfurter, who graduated from the Welding Program, received the Outstanding Technical Diploma Graduate Award. Lae Loe received the Outstanding Adult High School Student Award.