MATC Matters

Dear Faculty and Staff,

The House passed President Obama’s economic recovery plan stimulus package last week and now we have to see if the Senate will do the same. Please know that we have been working with proposals and contacts in the federal and state government to bring resources to MATC so that we can continue to assist the increasing population of dislocated workers coming to us. Please contact my office if you have anecdotes about students we’re helping or any stories of interest during this time.

New Lease Agreement
I attended the WTCS State Board meeting where we received approval for a seven-year lease of portions of the former Famous Footwear corporate headquarters on Mineral Point and Odana Roads. The building will be used for three things: a temporary location for Protective Services, temporary/surge space as needed, and as a center to develop programs for the West/South areas of our district. Facilities tells me we should be able to occupy the space by July and start classes in August. As we’re able to enlarge other areas, we intend to use this site for temporary quarters.

Governor’s Proclamation
Governor Doyle has proclaimed February as National Career and Technical Education Month in Wisconsin. The theme for the month is “Building Blocks for a Successful Career�. The governor’s proclamation says “career and technical education supplies our country with a strong, well-trained workforce, which enhances America’s competitiveness in business and industry within the international marketplace.�

Global Warming and You
On Thursday, MATC’s Environmental Sustainability Alliance (MESA) is hosting the National Teach-in on Global Warming Solutions. It’s your chance to learn more about renewable energy, green jobs, green business, global warming, and our government’s response to these important issues. State Representative Spencer Black and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk are among the guest speakers.

I Love You…Now Change
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, MATC is putting on the musical comedy revue “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.� The comedy kicked-off this past weekend and has shows this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It traces the stages of relationships throughout a life span. The Isthmus called the comedy revue “a pleasant artistic surprise.� Thanks to Patrick Barlow, Corey Helser, Mike Lussenden, Robin Fonfara, Rick Graves and the entire production staff for putting on a great show.

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:
Mary Bartholomew, math
James Magruder, English
Arsenio Cicero Sancristobal, Spanish
Eric Frey, accounting
Ramon Figueroa, math
Jon Christian, metal working
Charles Schneider, music

More MATC Marvels
Fire Science part-time faculty George Burke was quick to react to a MATC facilities truck fire at the Fire Training Center. George grabbed an extinguisher and full-time faculty John Spohn assisted with a hose to cool the vehicle down after the flames were finally under control.

MATC’s Free Tax Help is off  to a great start. MATC Accounting students helped nearly 30 people this past Tuesday. The free tax service is open to everyone. Special thanks to Maria Banuelos, Tina Ahedo, Bill Padley, Turina Bakken, Mark Finger, Renee Alfano, and the MATC Foundation.

Highlights of my week:
• met with Phyllis Wilhelm, director of economic development at Madison Gas and Electric, and representatives of the Hammes Co.;
• attended the Leadership Brown Bag;
• met with the Facilities Master Plan Steering Committee;
• attended a meeting with the WTCS presidents and WTCS state board and staff;
• attended the United Way of Dane County Board meeting;
• met with Pat Schramm, executive director of the workforce development board of south central Wisconsin;
• stopped in at the Private-Public partnership of Dane County, “Ready your Business-12 Point Program� workshop;
• attended the Rotary Club of Madison where Brad Hutter, president of MIG, a local commercial real estate and private investment firm, spoke;
• met with Rick Fetherson and Mary Schmoeger from American Family Insurance regarding foundation possibilities;
• attended the MATC District Board meeting where they discussed components of the proposed Facilities Master Plan;
• attended the governor’s post State-of-the-State event; and
• attended the UW-Madison women’s basketball game and reception hosted by Biddy Martin.

In closing, here’s another quote from Governor Jim Doyle’s Career and Technical Education Month Proclamation:

“A strong career and technical education program planned and carried out by trained career and technical educators is vital to the future economic development of our state, communities, and the well-being of its citizens.�

Thank you for all you do for our students!

Bettsey