President's Message: November 1, 2010

Dear Faculty and Staff,

We’re now just one day away from the general election! Please remind everyone you know—neighbors, friends and relatives—to vote tomorrow. It’s crucial that we continue to get the word out about the importance of the referendum.

In case you haven’t heard—the referendum has received a lot of media and community support. The Capital Times says “Madison Area Technical College is a vital force in our local economy that must be strengthened if we are going to meet the challenges of the future." And the Wisconsin State Journal says the College is "on the front lines of putting people back to work and helping others keep their jobs in this challenging economy...” The last time the College went to referendum was more than 35 years ago!

Looking for a place to watch the election results? Stop by the Board Room beginning at 8 p.m. tomorrow night for updates on the referendum and other elections.

College Marvels
When I talk to students and hear about their favorite teachers, I also ask them to tell me about anyone at Madison College who has especially helped them. Here are the names mentioned to me most recently:
• Christopher Syrnyk, English
• Gerald Lehman, accounting/finance
• Mara Eisch-Schweitzer, ADN
• Rebecca Parish, architectural tech
• Betsy Krieger, microbiology

More Marvels
Maria Banuelos is receiving the 2010 Roberto G. Sanchez Award for promoting educational opportunities in the Latino community! Maria is the Associate Vice President for Learner Success/Diversity and Community Relations at Madison College. Maria will receive her award at Centro Hispano’s Annual Banquet on Friday, November 5, at the Concourse Hotel. Contact Tina Ahedo at (608) 246-6461 to reserve a seat. Congratulations Maria!

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has presented Madison Area Technical College with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. Congratulations to Roger Price, Sarah Hart McGuinnis and the entire budget department.

Highlights of My Week:
• took part in monthly meeting with PSRP Union leadership and Executive Team;
• participated at a United Way of Dane County Board meeting;
• hosted two President’s Table luncheons in the Gourmet Dining Room, along with Ellen Foley, Bob Dinndorf and Tricia Weisheipl. Guests included Jac Garner from Webcrafters, John Larson, Mark Solverud, Sherri Kliczak and Kathy Johnson from National Guardian Life, David Villa from the State Investment Board and Vickie Wenzel of Target Commercial Interiors;
• welcomed Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin to an event sponsored by the Student Democratic Club;
• along with Sandy Docter, addressed the Blooming Grove Town Board with a  presentation on the Smart Community Plan;
• participated in a WTCS Presidents Association conference call entitled “New Energy Economy and Sustainability Education and Training”;
• attended a Smart Community presentation given by Keith Cornille at the Cannery Grill in Sun Prairie;
• welcomed Senator Russ Feingold to a rally sponsored by the Student Democratic Club;
• briefly attended the 2010 State of the Downtown at the Concourse Hotel, sponsored by Downtown Madison, Inc.;
• participated in a Wisline phone conference with members of the WTCS New Energy Economy Jobs Steering Committee;
• welcomed a group of visitors from Wisconsin and Manitoba, Canada who toured our College to experience our green skills training programs. Thanks to Deans David Shonkwiler and Ken Starkman for leading the visit;
• welcomed State Representative Joe Parisi and State Senator Mark Miller to a legislative forum sponsored by WISPIRG, the Student Senate and the Wisconsin Student Government.

In closing, I leave you with a quote from John Quincy Adams:

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

As always, thanks for all you do for our students!
Bettsey