May 17 was a momentous day for nearly 350 Moraine Park Technical College graduates who participated in the College’s Spring 2025 commencement ceremony at the Fond du Lac High School Field House. In total, nearly 800 graduate candidates were eligible to receive associate of applied science degrees and technical diplomas.
Ryan Reigle, CEO of Regal Ware, Inc., delivered the keynote address.
“You’ve reached an incredible milestone,” Reigle said. “One that is marked by perseverance, hard work and determination. Your achievement today is not just an academic success, but a personal triumph. You should be very proud of what you have, and will, accomplish.”
He encouraged graduates to build meaningful connections, lead with compassion, take accountability and strive to be the best version of themselves.
Ella Purvis, Moraine Park’s Student of the Year, served as the student speaker. A graduate of the Criminal Justice program, Purvis will begin her career as a police officer with the Oshkosh Police Department in October.
She urged her classmates to seize opportunities, face challenges head-on and always look for the good in others.
Dr. Fred Rice, associate vice president of academics, presided over the presentation of candidates with the conferring of degrees and diplomas done by Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald. Dr. Chris Schatz, dean of health and human services; Emily Hayes, dean of adult and general education; and Joe Desiderio, dean of business, IT and AI innovation, announced the graduate candidates.
Isaac Schrage, a 2019 graduate of Moraine Park’s CNC Tool & Die Technologies program, served as the alumni speaker. Schrage is a CNC machinist and Owner/Operator of IMS Machine LLC in Marshfield.
“Growth will not always be linear, and that is okay,” Schrage said. “You will face challenges and make mistakes—that’s what makes us human. Navigating through those moments with determination and resilience will make you a better employee, colleague, boss, spouse, parent or friend.”
President Baerwald closed the ceremony with congratulations to the graduates and thanks to the speakers, District Board, faculty and President’s Cabinet.
