MATC Matters

Dear Faculty and Staff,

WELCOME BACK! I hope you had a wonderful holiday break, took time to relax, and to reflect on the new semester. I look forward to seeing you at Convocation tomorrow morning. We will have updates on the college’s financial status and our master facilities plan.

Commencement
Our mid-year commencement went off without a hitch. We were concerned about an approaching snowstorm possibly canceling the ceremony, but fortunately the snow held off until after commencement. If you weren’t able to attend the ceremony—you’re in luck! You can watch a replay of the entire commencement on our website. Kudos to Keith Cornille, Mary Robbins and everyone else who helped with the ceremony.

Jam the Gym!
We hope you can join us for the third annual MATC Jam the Gym celebration this Saturday, January 10, 2009. The event will feature a great day of MATC basketball, friends, food and fun. RSVP by Wednesday, January 7 and get one FREE admission to the game and lunch at the Tailgate Party!

MATC Marvels
When I talk to students and hear about their favorite teachers, I also ask them to tell me about anyone at MATC who has especially helped them or been kind to them. Here are the names mentioned to me most recently:
Chris Kirsch, quilting (Watertown)
William Padley, accounting
Karen Redfield, English
William Bedker, Jr., paralegal program
Gail Bailey, business (Watertown)
Jacob Eapen, electronics
Renee Cairns, English
Neil Diffenbaugh, marketing

Other MATC Marvels
We’re used to having them pat us on our backs—now it’s time to pat our Therapeutic Massage faculty and students on their backs. We recently received the National Certification Exam Report for January-July 2008, and I’m happy to say our Therapeutic Massage students had a 100 percent pass rate! Congratulations to Amy Connell and her staff for a job well done.

Speaking of health, MATC has been awarded a Governor’s Worksite Wellness Award. The mission of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health is to inform, promote and encourage healthy eating and physical activity behaviors for life. Congratulations to Employee Wellness Coordinator Cindi Rutten for encouraging all of us to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Metalworking Instructor Tony Stute recently stopped by an area Zimbrick Dealership to go over some basic/refresher training with their staff, which just purchased a new welder. 
 
Highlights of my last couple weeks:
• spoke with Darnell Cole, Milwaukee Area Technical College President, regarding a cooperativeve effort;
• traveled to Watertown, Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg, and the Downtown Education Center to participate in holiday brunch/lunch events;
• participated at the holiday breakfast at Truax;
• spoke with Paul Gabriel, District Boards Association Executive Director, regarding legislative issues;
• met with the executive board of our Paraprofessional and School Related Personnel (PSRP) union;
• participated in a meeting of the Collaboration Council, a group of Madison Region leaders from across business, nonprofit, education and government that meet twice annually to dialogue about our region (district board trustees Jan Bultema, Jon Bales and Jim Cavanaugh also attended);
• joined Bob Dinndorf and Terry Webb at a meeting with Jim Woodward, CEO of Meriter Hospital, and other hospital administrative staff to discuss our relationship and future partnerships;
• attended a visitation for Al Studesville’s mother;
• participated at the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce board meeting;
• participated at a meeting of the East Madison Community Center;
• presided over the 2008 Mid-Year Graduation ceremony;
• participated in the Facilities Master Planning Steering Committee meeting; and
• attended the holiday party at Door Creek Golf Course. Thanks to committee members Shana Kuehn, Tricia Weisheipl, Carmen Lucey and Patty Prihoda.

As we kick off a new semester, here’s a quote by Vista M. Kelly that shows we make a difference when we work together!

“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.�

Here’s to a new semester!

Bettsey