Commencement
Commencement 2022 – Information
May 21, 2022 at 10 a.m. – Fond du Lac High School, 801 Campus Drive, FDL WI 54935
Your momentous day is fast approaching. Make sure you’re ready for our in-person commencement ceremony. For questions regarding commencement, please contact mptcgraduation@morainepark.edu.
The 2022 Commencement Ceremony live stream can be accessed at 9:55 a.m. on May 21 using the link above.
On the day of the ceremony graduate candidates should arrive at least one hour prior to the start time to check in (9 a.m.) and get lined up for the processional.
Please stop by the registration table for directions to the appropriate Pod. Instructions will be given to the graduate candidates by the Pod Leaders on the day of commencement. Please be sure to follow the directions of the ushers and platform guests (speakers) during the commencement ceremony.
Graduate candidates should not bring valuables to the commencement ceremony as there is no place to store/secure these items. Purses, coats, cell phones/electronics and similar items should not be brought into the event space.
Graduate candidates are expected to remain in their designated seat throughout the ceremony. Graduate candidates who leave the commencement ceremony will not be allowed to rejoin the ceremony while in progress.
Share your day on social by using #HomeGrownGrad.
Commencement Speaker
Jim Spannbauer is a forty-plus year veteran in the manufacturing industry. Jim held various positions with progressive experience during his thirty-three year tenure at Fives Giddings & Lewis in Fond du Lac. He started as a Machinist Apprentice, then advanced to many positions including Application Engineer, Technical Writer & Instructor, Six Sigma Black Belt, Director of Assembly, Director of Sales and International Sales, VP of Operations and finally VP and General Manager of the Fives facility in Hebron, Kentucky.
During the past 6 years, Jim has been the President and CEO of Mid-States Aluminum in Fond du Lac, growing the business while always putting people first. Jim recently retired on April 1st.
Jim is a MPTC graduate, “several times”! He holds a diploma in Machine Tool Operations, completed a 4-year apprenticeship to become a Journeyman Machinist, and earned an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering.
Outside of work, Jim belongs to the Fond du Lac Yacht Club and Knights of Columbus. Jim has served the on the boards of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corp and Envision Greater Fond du Lac, and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Fond du Lac Boys and Girls Club and the Columbian Club.
In his free time, he enjoys boating, fishing, woodworking and traveling.
Jim is a native of Fond du Lac, married to the love of his life Debbie, and has two beautiful grown daughters, Katie and Melissa.
Alumni Speaker
Cory Bennett of Beaver Dam is a two-time Moraine Park alumni. He first came to the College in 2010 after spending years in the workforce. He graduated in 2014 with an associates degree in Mechanical Design. Bennett continued to grow in his career and came back to the College in 2016 to evolve his skills. In 2020, he graduated with an associates degree in Electromechanical Technologies. Since then, Bennett has taken many certificate programs to continue to advance his learning and career potential.Bennett is employed at Centro, Inc in Beaver Dam as a Business Process Leader. He also serves on Moraine Park’s Quality and Advanced Manufacturing Technology advisory committee.
Student Speaker
Ryan Riley, of Oshkosh, is an MPTC alumni who returned to step into a new career field; Electrical Power Distribution (EPD). As a 2009 graduate from the Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)/Tool and Die Technology program, Riley was familiar with the College and the opportunities that a degree can offer.Riley has been active at the College, excelling both inside and outside the classroom, and his dedication, humility and authenticity earned him the 2022 Student of the Year award.
Empire Photography has been photographing our commencement ceremonies for many years. Each graduate is photographed as they receive their diploma and a solo portrait is also taken after they exit the stage. Proofs will be sent to graduates and their families within 48 hours of the ceremony. If you have any questions, please email Empire Photography at customerservice@empirephotos.com.
Graduates requiring disability-related accommodations to attend commencement must request accommodation(s) by contacting an Accommodation Specialist in Disability Resources by May 1, 2022 through https://morainepark-accommodate.symplicity.com/public_accommodation/.
Guests requiring disability-related accommodations to attend commencement should contact Bonnie Bauer, Director of Student Support at 920-924-3361, TTY/VP: Use Relay/VRS, or bbauer@morainepark.edu to make arrangements by May 6, 2022.
Graduate candidates will receive a diploma cover when they cross the stage during commencement. Only those students who participate in the commencement ceremony will receive a diploma cover.
After all grades have been submitted, the Registrar’s Office will complete final degree audits. Successful completion of all program requirements will result in the official program award being posted to the student’s transcript and a printed diploma will be mailed.
Regalia
If you haven’t already- order your regalia (cap and gown) by April 30. As a reminder, we have new regalia colors; our cap and gowns are now black.
Honors Cords
Honor cords will be distributed at commencement to students who qualify for the distinction.
Guests
Invite your family and friends. There are no COVID-19 capacity restrictions! The event will also be live-streamed at morainepark.edu/commencement.