I have always loved to cook, and my father got a degree from MATC. He told me the college has one of the best culinary programs around.
MILWAUKEE – Nevaeh Henson is cooking up big plans to be a great chef someday. And perhaps open her own restaurant showcasing a wide range of international cuisine.
A senior at Milwaukee Public Schools’ Project STAY High School, Henson knew exactly where she needed to go to start her journey — Milwaukee Area Technical College.
“I have always loved to cook, and my father got a degree from MATC. He told me the college has one of the best culinary programs around,” Henson said. “Plus, it’s near my house, it’s in the state and it’s affordable.”
Henson was one of the nearly 200 high school seniors who committed to attend MATC at the college’s second Senior Signing Day on Thursday, April 18. About 100 students attended last year’s event.
In Cooley Auditorium at MATC’s Downtown Milwaukee Campus, students signed letters of intent to attend MATC while they enjoyed music from DJ L. Boogie, heard from representatives from all seven of the college’s Academic and Career Pathways, got some MATC swag, and enjoyed refreshments.
MATC’s Drumline gave the event a thundering start, pounding out several tunes. Greg Ware, the college’s manager of quality improvement projects and planning, served as the emcee.
“MATC is the greatest technical college in the state. No, in North America. No, in the entire world,” Ware, who is also known as Sir G, told the crowd. “Data shows our graduates are getting jobs quicker and are getting paid more than graduates from four-year colleges. You are on your way.”
The students signed their letters of intent on the auditorium stage after Pathway deans and associate deans talked about the future and gave the signal to “get ready, get set, sign.”
Henson signed her letter with six other students in the Creative Arts, Design and Media Pathway, which Associate Dean Mark Boergers, noted is “by far the most fun Pathway.”
Henson said she plans to earn her associate degree in Culinary Arts and then return to MATC to take business classes to help her start a restaurant. “That’s the ‘someday’ dream,” she said.
At the end of the event, students feasted on cupcakes, snapped selfies and received Stormers swag.
“We want to make this a fun activity that relieves the stress students have been under throughout their decision-making process,” said Marwill Santiago, MATC’s director of student recruitment. “It provides recognition of the accomplishments, which builds self-confidence. We hope it inspires younger kids who will witness the occasion to set high expectations for their own futures.”
About MATC: Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 30,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 180 academic programs — many that prepare students for jobs immediately upon completion and others that provide transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.