Milwaukee Area Technical College will host its 2025 Spring Commencement at noon on Saturday, May 17, at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena.
Nearly 1,700 students are eligible to receive their associate degrees, technical diplomas, apprenticeship diplomas and adult high school diplomas.
In addition, 28 candidates for graduation who have served in the U.S. military will receive red, white and blue cords from the college. About 580 students are graduating with honors.
“This commencement marks a significant transition for the graduates as they embark on their future endeavors,” said MATC President Dr. Anthony Cruz. “I am confident they are prepared for the next stage, which may involve a new career, continued education at a four-year university or both. I am happy for them, and I believe the knowledge and skills gained at MATC make achieving their aspirations possible.”
Shakiela Riley, who will graduate with an Early Childhood Education associate degree, will kick off the ceremony by welcoming students and staff into the arena.
The President’s Award winner is Warren Murphy. The award recognizes student achievement and contributions to the college and the community. Murphy is receiving an Associate of Arts degree and plans to transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to work toward becoming an immigration attorney. He made the college’s honor roll four straight semesters. His work and volunteer engagement aided in his award selection.
Murphy served as managing editor of the MATC Times, the student newspaper; chaired the District Student Association; and worked part time in the Student Life office at the college’s Oak Creek Campus. He volunteers at the Milwaukee Justice Center, where he supports low-income Milwaukee community members going through divorce or custody issues, and staffs the sexual assault hotline at Aurora Sinai Medical Center’s Healing and Advocacy Services.
In both volunteer roles, he regularly interacts with people who are having the worst day, or days, of their lives. “To put your hand out for someone in a time of crisis is beyond stressful, but there is a major sense of fulfillment that comes with being able to help others,” he said. “These life experiences have positively impacted me by allowing me to be useful and allowing me to be a part of teams that are actively involved in trying to better their community.”
MATC’s student speaker is Yeng Tha “Cloud” Vue, who received the Outstanding Associate Degree Graduate award. Vue, who is graduating from the Web & Digital Media Design program, will speak about his personal life experience and how it shaped his journey.
“During those lonely years, my suffering taught me to put myself first because no one will love me the way I can,” Vue will share with the graduates. “This has carried me through my darkest times, and I hope it resonates with you too.”
Keynote Speaker
Lauren Feaster will serve as keynote speaker for the commencement. Feaster is the CEO of Professional Dimensions, a powerhouse network of women leaders in Milwaukee dedicated to advancing equity, innovation and collective progress. Feaster believes true progress happens when women — especially women of color — are seen, supported and fully empowered to lead.
Previously, she has led at City Year Milwaukee and Teach For America Milwaukee, where she drove community partnerships, fundraising, strategy and talent development. She also is a local DJ under the stage name “DJ LoLo,” merging her personal passion for music with her mission to create inclusive communities.
Feaster is a Milwaukee native and a proud alum of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a bachelor’s degree with majors in Spanish and pre-med, and MATC, where she earned a technical diploma in the Emergency Medical Technician program.
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.