For more than 110 years, Moraine Park Technical College has been a beacon of opportunity and transformation, known for its commitment to not only providing academic excellence but also serving those who have served our country. This commitment to veterans has been longstanding, serving as a reminder that at Moraine Park, an educational or professional career can be tailored to fit the unique needs of veterans and their families.
Scott Lieburn
This dedication to veterans is embodied by individuals like Scott Lieburn, Moraine Park’s dean of students, who joined the college in 2011. Lieburn was an active reserve member of the Air National Guard and has a unique military experience that has helped bring leadership and resilience to his role at Moraine Park.
In 2019, Lieburn received a call to serve at his unit in Madison—an active-duty assignment expected to span six months. Three months into his assignment, he was placed on a recall to the Air Force active-duty list—extending his call.
“After I received the recall, it was unknown how long my activation would be,” Lieburn said. “Everyone at the College was supportive and understanding. My team stepped up to fill in for me when I was away and stayed connected with me, making me feel like I was still part of the team.”
His active-duty assignment ended up spanning nearly five years. Lieburn retired from the United States Air Force on June 1, 2024, officially ending his 36-year military career.
Military-friendly Employer
“Moraine Park has been a perfect example of a military-friendly employer,” Lieburn said. “My experience as a deployed employee veteran was wonderful, and I decided to show my gratitude by nominating the College for an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) award.”
The ESGR awards are nominated at the state level, and Lieburn submitted three different award nominations—the College received word in April that all three had been selected as winners.
The College received the Pro Patria Award, the highest recognition given by an ESGR State Committee to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve; the Student Services team received the Seven Seals Award, recognizing their organizational achievement, stepping up to fill in for Lieburn’s extended leave; and, Kim Schwamn, who covered Lieburn’s duties as dean of students, received the Patriot Award, which recognizes the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures.
“The initial plan was to maintain the status quo. However, as his absence extended, I stepped into the role and began to make it my own,” Schwamn, director of student development/Title IX coordinator, said. “Receiving the Patriot award was absolutely humbling. I was astounded when I found out about it, as I believe there are many others more deserving. I just stepped in and did what needed to be done.”
The College was also nominated for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, a national recognition, and was among the top ten nationwide.
Supporting Deployed Employee Veterans
Lieburn hopes more employers will look to Moraine Park to navigate the relationship and support a deployed employee veteran.
“It is important for employers to understand being in the guard or reserve means you could be called at any time, and I was a perfect example of that,” Lieburn said.
Lieburn returned to the College in June 2024 to reinstate his employment, part of the ESGR agreement between an activated guard or reserve member and their employer.
“The College is thrilled to welcome Scott back after his military service leave, and we are grateful to have his expertise on campus once again. We were proud to support him during his service to our country,” Beth McCreary, associate vice president of talent, said.
While each veteran’s experience is unique, a lot was learned from Lieburn’s deployment.
“Scott has personally taught me about the transition from military life to civilian life and the struggles that some individuals might have,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, said. ”I wanted him to feel welcome, have a sense of belonging and stay connected to the College. I made a point to reach out to him during his deployment because not only has he mentored me about military life, but he is also a dear friend.”
Lieburn’s journey emphasizes the importance of communication, understanding and support from employers, setting a standard for how institutions can positively impact the lives of all military-connected individuals. Moraine Park will continue to embrace the unique requirements so that all can come to the College to work, study and learn.