May 18 was a momentous day for the nearly 350 graduates who participated in Moraine Park Technical College’s 2024 commencement ceremony, held at the Fond du Lac High School Field House. In all, the College had nearly 800 graduate candidates eligible to receive their associate of applied science degrees and technical diplomas.
Angelia Foster, regional president for Marshfield Medical Center in Beaver Dam, served as the keynote speaker. She shared how roadblocks in her early career led her to starting over, and how life is full of unexpected twists and turns.
“My hope for you graduates, is that every time you hear or say Moraine Park Technical College, you will have a swell of pride in your chest for what you, along with your extended family have done in the days leading up to today to enhance your life and to impact many folks around you,” Foster said.
Reegan Groenewold, Moraine Park’s Student of the Year and 2024 graduate, was the student commencement speaker. Groenewold graduated from Moraine Park’s Nursing program and will start her career as a labor and delivery nurse.
“One of the great things about Moraine Park is that everyone has their own stories, and no two are exactly alike,” Groenewold said. “Second-grade me would have never pictured herself standing behind this podium, but she definitely saw nursing as her future. Moraine Park has provided me with the perfect experience from the day I enrolled to graduation today. There is nothing more reassuring of my future than knowing I was taught by all Moraine Park nursing alumni. I credit my instructors for providing me with more than just the knowledge that backs up a nurse, but the representation of heart and passion that it takes to become a successful one.”
Dr. Douglas Hamm, vice president of teaching and learning, presided over the presentation of candidates with the conferring of degrees and diplomas done by Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald. Dr. Bobbi Fields, dean of applied technology and trades, and Dr. Chris Schatz, dean of health and human services, announced the graduate candidates.
Alex Prunty, a 2013 graduate from Moraine Park’s Engine Research & Development program, served as the 2024 alumni speaker. For the past three decades, the Prunty family been synonymous with asphalt short track racing in Wisconsin. It was Prunty’s interest in racing that led him to enroll in the engine research and development program.
“Moraine Park equipped me with the knowledge and the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving engineering field,” Prunty said. “Just one month after graduation, I found myself in the exciting position of having several job offers. As I stand before you today, I am proud to say that I will be celebrating my 11 year anniversary with Briggs and Stratton this July. As you venture forth into the world, never forget the lessons learned, the friendships made and the memories cherished during your time here at Moraine Park.”
President Baerwald congratulated the graduates and extended her personal gratitude to the commencement speakers, Moraine Park District Board, Moraine Park faculty and the President’s Cabinet.
“You should be very proud to have reached this milestone in your lives, and I am certain there are many great opportunities ahead of you,” Baerwald said. “Our graduates are the key to our community’s highly trained workforce and future economic growth—our communities and our state could not move forward without you. Congratulations, graduating class of 2024.”
