Moraine Park Technical College is proud to announce Ella Purvis of Beaver Dam as the College’s 2025 Student of the Year. Purvis stands out for her dedication to academics, leadership in student organizations and strong commitment to a future in law enforcement.
This May, she will graduate from Moraine Park’s Criminal Justice program—a path inspired by her passion for serving her country and protecting her community. One of her favorite classes was Emergency Response/Operations, where she participated in hands-on training involving take-down tactics and live scenario simulations.
Outside the classroom, Purvis has been a driven leader on the Fond du Lac Campus. As president of the Criminal Justice Club, she organized fundraisers, led volunteer efforts and actively contributed to the local community. She also serves in Student Senate, continuing her dedication to student engagement and campus involvement.
Purvis has accepted a police officer position with the Oshkosh Police Department and will begin the police academy in June. She is eager to start her career as a patrol officer and plans to pursue specialized opportunities within the department as she gains experience.
“For anyone interested in the Criminal Justice field—try it,” Purvis said. “Introductory courses can help you discover where you fit. Volunteering, attending career fairs and doing ride-alongs are excellent ways to explore the profession.”
She also encourages others to consider becoming a community service officer, sharing that the hands-on experience was invaluable in preparing her for her career.
“I simply had no words when Lucas called to congratulate me on being selected as Student of the Year,” she said. “I am very grateful for this acknowledgment.”
Purvis credits her success to balancing life as a full-time student, employee and leader—all while maintaining academic excellence. She will be recognized at the 2025 Student Awards Banquet on May 8 and will serve as the student speaker at Moraine Park’s spring commencement ceremony. The College is proud to celebrate her achievements and looks forward to the positive impact she will continue to make in her community and beyond.