Milwaukee Area Technical College will host its 2025 Fall Commencement at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Fiserv Forum.
Nearly 1,200 students – 1,178 – are eligible to receive their associate degrees, technical diplomas, apprenticeship diplomas and adult high school diplomas.
In addition, 21 candidates for graduation who have served in the U.S. military will receive red, white and blue cords from the college, and 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.”
Luis Pozos, who will graduate with a technical diploma in the Auto Collision Repair and Finish Technician program, will start the ceremony by welcoming students and staff into the arena.
The student speaker will be Sumanpreet Kaur, who is graduating with an Associate of Science degree. For her extensive academic achievements and exemplary involvement at the college and in the community, Kaur was selected as the college’s Outstanding Associate Degree Student for the Fall 2025 semester.
Kaur was born in Punjab, a state in northwestern India that borders Pakistan. Her family came to the United States when she was 2 years old. Today she is on the path to become a naturalized citizen, but she doesn’t see herself much different from any other American.
“I have the same hopes and dreams as everyone else,” Kaur said. “We have the same ambition and drive to create a meaningful impact on our families and communities. Yet, we are often judged not for our character or abilities, but for the paperwork we were born into.”
After graduating from MATC, Kaur plans to attend a four-year university to study political science or international affairs. She has applied to intern at the Legislative Reference Bureau in Madison in the spring.
Keynote Speaker
LaNelle Ramey, Executive Director MENTOR Milwaukee, will serve as keynote speaker for the commencement.
Ramey says having positive mentors in your life guarantees you that you give yourself an opportunity for growth, positive support, and consistent encouragement. “Make sure your circle isn’t limiting your growth, but helping you make your dreams become reality,” he said.
Ramey was one of the founding Directors for the Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement for Milwaukee Public Schools. Prior to that, he spent 14 years working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee serving in roles as Executive Branch Director, Area Director and Senior Director of Programs.
Ramey holds a bachelor’s degree in pre-law/criminology and a Master in Public Administration from Marquette University. He also is a graduate of the African American Leadership Program.
Ramey also serves as a commissioner on the City of Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission, and is on the board of numerous community organizations, including the inaugural City of Milwaukee Health Board, Our Next Generation, American Red Cross, PEARLS For Teen Girls and MKE Fellows.
The MATC President’s Award winner is Vida Bridges. The award recognizes student achievement and contributions to the college and the community. Bridges is receiving an associate degree in Business Management.
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.