MATC Matters

We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend EMS instructor Mark Coyne, a well-respected member of our teaching staff since 1987. As most of you know, Mark was a victim in this weekend’s crash of the UW Medflight helicopter while on a mission near LaCrosse.

It is no surprise Mark was on duty, doing his part as a Med Flight emergency nurse. Yet, here at MATC he will be remembered best as a dedicated, top-notch educator who has trained thousands of emergency personnel throughout the area.

MATC faculty, staff and students met on Sunday at Commercial Avenue to console each other and talk about Mark. HPS Dean Kathy Sellnow, EMS Program Director Deb Crawford and EMS faculty spoke with the press and the students. President Barhorst came to talk to students and faculty as well.

At the news conference, his friend Todd Cole shared something Mark had said recently when the two were discussing their careers. He quoted Mark: “Teaching really means something. I’ve really affected a lot of people.”

For more info on on Mark’s life and work, see the recent local media reports in The Capital Times, Wisconsin State Journal, WKOW and Channel 3000.

Memorial for MATC faculty, staff and students at Commercial planned
Please join us as we take time to reflect, to share thoughts, stories and memories of the 21 years that Mark has been with us here at MATC.

Where: MATC’s Commercial Avenue Campus, Octagon Room
When: Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Time: 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Hors devours will be served. Please RSVP to Joanna Schmidt by Friday, May 16. Should you have any questions, please contact Linda Pace.

VISITATION INFO:
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 19, 2008 at CROSSROADS CHURCH, 3815 South Dutch Mill Road in Madison, from 3 to 5 p.m. with a memorial service following at 5 p.m., Pastor Doug VanEssen presiding. A reception will follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund for nursing/EMS will be established in Mark’s name.