MATC Matters

Dear Faculty and Staff,

It’s blustery out there! Special thanks are in order for the facilities staff for keeping the buildings and grounds clean and safe during all the inclement weather.

I had the opportunity to attend the Portfolio Show last Tuesday at the Brink Lounge. What a wonderful display of student artwork! I commend each and every student and in particular the teachers of the Portfolio class this semester, Penny Aguilera and Deb Vogt, for guiding the students in their selections and managing the process. Congratulations on a wonderful event!

Last week I also dropped in on Mark Kern’s College Physics 2 class during a demonstration of “single slit defraction pattern,” the bright and dark “fringe” pattern created by light once it passes through a small slit. Many of the students plan to transfer to a four-year university and continue studies in biology and health care fields. They were very intrigued and involved in the experiment as was I.

The Technical Services staff will be busy this week with a system upgrade for our Time Entry System. The system will be down from Dec. 13 through Dec. 16, so full-time PSRP staff is asked not to record time after Wednesday, Dec. 12. For important details, see the MATC Matters story on the Time Entry System upgrade.

You’re invited! MATC holiday events
I hope you will be able to attend a President’s Holiday Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch held at your work location the week of Dec. 17 and the MATC Holiday party is on Friday, Dec. 21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I hope to see you there!

MATC Marvels
Here are this week’s “favorite teachers,” mentioned to me by students:
Ingrid Slamer, commercial art
David Zentner, commercial art
Maria Tuduri, Spanish
Mary Savage, anatomy/physiology
Michael Lussenden, communication arts
Cherif Correa, English

Other MATC Marvels
The Office of Diversity & Community Relations coordinated the MATC presence at the Hmong New Year’s event held at the Alliant Center late last month. MATC was a sponsor, and our booth featured program, service and employment information. Kou Her, ABE instructor, and Hmong students staffed the table. Zong Her, from the Institutional Research and Effectiveness Office, presented on the social, economic and educational state of the Hmong population in Wisconsin. Hmong are the largest Asian subgroup in Wisconsin. MATC enrolls about 1,500 (degree and nondegree) Hmong students each year.

Although I wasn’t able to attend this year, the student-organized Breakfast with Santa held Saturday was again successful. Thanks go out to Lori Erickson, campus life and enrichment program coordinator; Doug Davis, food service associate; “Santa” David Hendrix Jr., groundskeeper; Marty Crabbs, learner development administrative planner; DTEC Facilities staff and Paul Algiers, food service supervisor, for another wonderful event for our students and their families.

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recently reviewed and commented on the MATC budget document. The reviewers were so impressed they voted to award our budget document the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the current fiscal year. The review process is a year-by-year evaluation that measures against a very high standard for the industry. The award is directly attributable to the hard work and dedication of Sarah Hart McGuinnis, budget manager, and Roger Thompson, budget advisor.

Inside Higher Ed

I’ve found the free online publication, Inside Higher Ed to be a great resource for those of us interested in higher education issues and the role and growth of technical and community colleges. I urge everyone to subscribe. Check out the recent article “Shining a Spotlight on 2-Year Colleges” appearing in the December 11, 2007, issue: “Community colleges have been slowly creeping into more and more policy discussions at the state level, with governors and legislators increasingly recognizing the key role that two-year institutions play in developing workers, educating adults and, to a larger extent every day, serving as an entry point for traditional age students. . .”

Highlights of my week:

• attended the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Collaboration Council and Regional Economic Development Entity (REDE) meeting;
• hosted the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce Chamber Café (on a very snowy Wednesday morning!) headlined by Tim Lightner, Two Men and A Truck’s 2005 International Franchisee of the Year and president of the Madison franchise;
• met with Nancy Gasser, adult continuing education part-time faculty coordinator, and Helen Aarli of “Senior Beatâ€? to talk about the concept of MATC working together with UW–Madison’s Participatory Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO);
• heard UW Professor Len Kaplan talk about cultural issues in the workplace at the Rotary Club of Madison;
• attended the 2008 Alumni Cast Calendar reception honoring 12 successful Madison area alumni;
• dropped in at Kalleen Mortensen’s retirement reception and wished her well!
• met with UW–Madison staff regarding a graduate leadership program;
• presented at First Friday; what a wonderful group of new employees we have!
• attended MATC night at the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday extravaganza; and
• hosted a holiday reception for district board trustees and foundation board members.

With Old Man Winter blowing his winds this past week, it brought to mind this quote by Mike Krzyzewski:

“Courage gives a leader the ability to stand straight and not sway no matter which way the wind blows.�

Stay warm! We’re almost there!

Bettsey