Moraine Park Technical College is proud to celebrate SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac’s recognition as the recipient of the Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association’s Technical Education Champion (TECh) Award for its longstanding support of technical education, workforce development and community well-being.
Nominated by Moraine Park, the award recognizes organizations that demonstrate exceptional partnership with Wisconsin’s technical colleges to advance education and economic development. For decades, SSM Health has supported Moraine Park through student clinical experiences, workforce development initiatives, advocacy and philanthropy.
Mason Gravelle, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation philanthropy director, and Shane Smith, SSM Health Fond du Lac Market president, accepted the award on behalf of the organization at the Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association’s fall meeting in West Bend this October.
“We believe one of the most effective ways to strengthen health care is by investing in its future,” Gravelle said. “The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation is proud to support MPTC as it prepares the next generation of health care professionals and helps students succeed in pursuing careers dedicated to caring for others.”
SSM Health has contributed more than $518,000 to the Moraine Park Foundation through scholarships, capital campaigns and equipment support, helping students access educational opportunities and pursue health care careers. The organization also provides clinical placements for students in programs such as Nursing, Medical Assistant, Radiography, Surgical Technology and Emergency Medical Services.
“Preparing for the future starts with innovating workforce development,” Shane Smith, SSM Health Fond du Lac Market president, said. “Community partnerships are just one of the ways we strive to give back and create a successful career for anyone pursuing a path in health care.”
Beyond supporting students, SSM Health invests in workforce development by hiring Moraine Park graduates and participating in the Reach for the Stars employee continuing education program. The organization also strengthens local communities through its hospitals, clinics and community benefit initiatives.
Through its continued partnership, financial support and commitment to education, SSM Health is helping prepare the next generation of health care professionals while making a lasting impact on the communities both organizations serve.
As Moraine Park and technical colleges across Wisconsin continue to face increasing pressures related to funding, workforce shortages and the rising cost of delivering hands-on education, strong employer partnerships like SSM Health are more important than ever. Through advocacy, workforce collaboration and direct investment in students, organizations like SSM Health help amplify the value of technical education and strengthen Moraine Park’s ability to prepare the skilled workforce Wisconsin employers need. Together, these efforts expand opportunities for students, strengthen Wisconsin’s workforce and deliver lasting value to the communities Moraine Park serves.