Sometimes we get caught up and lose sight of the connections we can make by simply sharing time with each other.
What better way to start a college presidency than with a hot cup of coffee and some pleasant conversation?
That’s exactly how Dr. Anthony Cruz began his tenure as Milwaukee Area Technical College’s 11th president this week — by pouring coffee and chatting with students, faculty and staff.
On Tuesday, July 16, nearly 100 people gathered at the MATC Education Center at Walker’s Square to meet and greet Dr. Cruz, who previously served as president of the Kendall Campus of Miami Dade College in Florida.
The visit was the first of five Coffee With Cruz sessions scheduled during his first two weeks on the job.
“It’s wonderful to be in Milwaukee, finally,” Dr. Cruz said. He also delivered his remarks in Spanish and praised the work being done at Walker’s Square, located on National Avenue in the heart of Milwaukee’s Hispanic/Latino/a community.
“This location has had such an impact,” Dr. Cruz said. “So much important work is happening here, and I am looking forward to continuing that. For us, meeting the needs of the community is extremely important, along with meeting the needs of students, faculty and staff.”
“He seems like a great fit,” said Elena Ceja, who works as an assessment center technician at Walker’s Square and attended the coffee chat. “I am very impressed with the experience he has and that he speaks Spanish. I think that’s a very important skill to have, especially in this neighborhood.”
When she saw the four finalists, Dr. Nicole Tanner, the college’s director of admissions and testing and interim executive director at Walker’s Square, knew Dr. Cruz was the right person for the job. “He is very engaged, and I think that’s what we need right now,” she said.
Showing his ‘service to students’ persona, Dr. Cruz insists on pouring all the coffee at these meet-and-greet sessions.
“I’m here to serve you,” Dr. Cruz said. “Plus, it gives me the opportunity to share a few words with you and that helps bring our community together. Sometimes we get caught up and lose sight of the connections we can make by simply sharing time with each other.”
After Walker’s Square, Dr. Cruz met another 100 students and staff members at MATC’s West Allis Campus on Tuesday afternoon.
Dr. Cruz said he plans to hold the coffee sessions at least once a semester.
This month, additional Coffee With Cruz sessions will be:
- Wednesday, July 17, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Mequon Campus, Room A129
- Thursday, July 18, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Oak Creek Campus, Room A119
- Tuesday, July 23, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Downtown Milwaukee Campus, Room M605
The sessions for students and employees are informal and no RSVP is required. Opportunities for the broader community to connect will be announced in the coming weeks.
About MATC: As 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.