Moraine Park Technical College’s winter commencement was a memorable occasion for nearly 90 graduates who participated in the ceremony at the Fond du Lac Campus Conference Center on Dec. 13. In total, nearly 250 candidates were eligible to receive their associate of applied science degrees and technical diplomas this winter.
Charles Dreher III, a CNC/Tool & Die Technologies student and Moraine Park’s District Student Ambassador, served as the student commencement speaker. Dreher, who will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in May 2025, shared his gratitude for the opportunities provided by technical education.
“I want to express my gratitude for the opportunities technical education has provided me,” Dreher said. “It has allowed me to combine my passion for craftsmanship with practical skills and knowledge. I am confident that the skills I have acquired and the experiences I have gained will continue to shape my life and career moving forward. I am positive many of you share this sentiment tonight. You are the future of Wisconsin and America, and I look forward to joining you as an alumnus in the spring.”
Mike Phelan, President and CEO of BCI Burke Co., delivered the keynote address, encouraging graduates to focus on what they can control, embrace lifelong learning, avoid self-limiting definitions, and strive for excellence over mediocrity.
Dr. Douglas Hamm, vice president of academic affairs, presided over the presentation of candidates, while President Bonnie Baerwald conferred the degrees and diplomas. Dr. Chris Schatz, dean of health and human services, and Peter Rettler, dean of the West Bend Campus, announced the graduate candidates.
Carrie Kasubaski, vice president of finance and administration at Moraine Park, was the alumni speaker. Kasubaski reflected on her deep connection to the College, which spans over 20 years, transitioning from student to faculty member and now to an administrative leadership role.
“I have had the privilege of being a member of the Moraine Park Technical College community for over 20 years,” Kasubaski said. “This journey has been more than just an academic and professional experience—it has been a profound part of my life. I am proud to be one of three generations of women in my family to be MPTC students, alongside my mother and daughter.”
President Baerwald congratulated the graduates and extended her gratitude to the commencement speakers, the Moraine Park District Board, faculty, and the President’s Cabinet.
“On behalf of everyone here at Moraine Park, I would like to extend our congratulations and best wishes to all of you. You should be very proud to have reached this milestone in your lives,” President Baerwald said. “Our graduates are the key to our community’s highly trained workforce and economic growth. Our state could not move forward without you.”
