Moraine Park Technical College has been named the top Wisconsin public sector employer, earning the state Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Pro Patria Award for the second consecutive year. The College was recognized at a Nov. 11 award ceremony.
The Pro Patria Award is presented annually to one small, one large and one public sector employer in the state. This is the highest award given by an ESGR State Committee, and recipients have demonstrated the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through their leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.
Moraine Park’s nomination was submitted by MPTC retiree Scott Lieburn, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force (USAF), who retired from service in June of 2024. During his employment at Moraine Park, Lieburn was called to serve an active-duty order that spanned five years.
“The College went above and beyond in supporting me,” Lieburn said. “They kept my title the same, asked for my input on coverage for my duties, allowed me to keep my college email and correspond with others, and even involved me in hiring decisions. I truly felt like I was still part of the team.”
Lieburn retired from Moraine Park in December 2024, six months after returning from active duty, but his impact on the College, employee veterans and our communities will remain for years to come.
“Scott taught us so much about what is needed to support an employee during deployment,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, said. “So much of this work was simply what we felt was the right thing to do. We are grateful to Scott for his service, both at the College and for our country, and we are honored to once again receive the Pro Patria Award.”
In addition to the ESGR Pro Patria Award, the College was recognized as a Top 10 Finalist for the Freedom Award for the second year in a row. The Freedom Award is the highest national recognition for employers supporting Guard and Reserve employees.
“The last two years, Moraine Park has not only been the top public institution in Wisconsin, but they were also one of 10 national finalists for the Freedom Award,” Jim Malcolm, State Chair for ESGR Wisconsin, said. “Pro Patria is a Latin phrase that means ‘for the country’ and is often used to express patriotism, duty and commitment to one’s country–this unquestionably describes Moraine Park.”
Moraine Park is the only Wisconsin Technical College to be publicly recognized with the ESGR Pro Patria award and as a Top 10 finalist for the nationwide Freedom award.
“Our longstanding commitment to both employee and student veterans is a great source of pride for Moraine Park,” Baerwald said. “I hope that our continued support serves as a reminder that at Moraine Park, both educational and professional careers can be shaped to meet the unique needs of veterans and their families.”
For more information on the awards, visit esgr.mil. For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.
