Madison • Fort Atkinson • Portage • Reedsburg • Watertown Fall 2006

MATCProfiles
For Alumni and Friends of Madison Area Technical College

From fryer
to fuel tank
Biodiesel reactor gets
What’sinside enthusiastic reaction

“You want fries with that?”

could soon be heard not just at
2 your favorite fast food drive-
through, but at your neighborhood
Making a spectacle
filling station, too.
Well, maybe not quite. But the
same vegetable oil that makes
french fries fry is being used to
4 make diesel engines run — not
just the same type of oil but
Up close and powerful literally the same oil, drained right
out of the deep fryer, blended
with methanol and recycled into
biodiesel fuel.
This summer’s $3-a-gallon
10 gasoline put a new focus on
Graduating to Overture alternative fuels like biodiesel.
So the timing couldn’t have been
MATC News 3 better for MATC to dedicate its
Alumni News 6 new biodiesel reactor.
Foundation News 12
continued on page 8 >

&more!
 Dear MATC Alumni and Friends,
Don’t Duck
In academia we are often told that we need to know what
it’s like in the real world. Well, our students come from This Alumni
Pitch!
the real world. Most have one foot in the classroom and
the other in the workplace. They pursue their studies while
holding down jobs, raising families, paying the bills and
meeting all kinds of other real world responsibilities.

Why do they perform this balancing act? If you are an

MATC alumnus, you already know the answer: because
real world jobs demand real world skills — and many of
them don’t demand a four-year college degree. MATC’s
more than 140 programs are taught by instructors with real world experience of
their own. Students learn the technical skills for a particular occupation and the
critical thinking and problem solving skills they need to function as productive
employees and citizens.

Do you sense a theme here? So did

we. That’s why this fall, we started
promoting MATC as “Real world smart.”
The whimsical, bespectacled globe in Become an active member of the
our newspaper and billboard advertising MATC community by joining the Alumni
has carried this message to prospective Association. You’ll receive regular news,
students and the broader community. discounts and other valuable services
at MATC’s:
Real life examples of real world smart are all around us. From the shop floor
to the top floor, from the corner store to the corner office, our graduates are • Athletic events
found throughout local business, industry and public service. You would be • Salon
hard pressed to go through a typical day without encountering an MATC alum • Dental Clinic
somewhere. • Career planning & placement office
In fact, alumni are often our best promoters of all. If you are one of the thousands • Fitness Center
of former students who’ve benefited from an MATC education, your success is • Gourmet dining events
persuasive proof of MATC’s value — to students, to the local economy and to • Library and computer labs
taxpayers. Joining your alumni association is a great way to meet and connect
• Optical dispensary
with others who have had positive, life-changing experiences at MATC.
Your membership supports alumni
I encourage you to join the MATC Alumni Association. By becoming an active
programs and scholarships for MATC
member, you will enter a new circle of camaraderie with your fellow alumni
students.
and show your commitment to the

success of future students.
Please keep MATC
a part of your life today!
Sincerely,
MATCProfiles
To join the MATC
Alumni Association,
MATC Foundation & Alumni Association
use the form on page 7.
Robert Dinndorf, Executive Director
Managing Editor: Bill Graf

Graphic Design: Amy Kittleson

Bettsey L. Barhorst Contributing Writers: Robin Gee,

Janet Kelly, Mark Crawford
MATC President
Communications Director: Janet Kelly

For more information, click on

“Alumni and Foundation” at
matcmadison.edu
2
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
 MATC News
MATC budget invests in student success
Major initiatives to increase student
access and success are included in the
2006-07 fiscal year budget adopted by
the MATC District Board at its June
meeting.
The board made base budget reduc-
tions of $1.3 million and reallocated the
savings to fund emerging priorities. The
$177,617,000 budget will require a prop-
erty tax levy of $78,680,000. Property
owners will pay an estimated $121.95 for
every $100,000 in assessed value — $4.72
less than last year — to support MATC.
More MATC News on page 10 >
The budget initiatives include:
• Staffing to complete a three-year expansion of nursing instruction.
• Adding sections for mandatory student assessment, advising and placement classes.
• Creating a “First Semester Experience” program
focused on the crucial period that often
determines a student’s success in
college.
• More summer school
course offerings.
• Adding classes to reduce
waiting lists in the arts
and sciences, nursing assistant,
college transfer art, welding,
construction and criminal
justice programs.
• New offerings in construction
and remodeling, “FasTrack”
marketing and English as
a Second Language.
3
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
/ Program Profile
Electron microscopists
sweat the small stuff
Imagine trying to diagnose the source
of failure on a computer chip the size
of a pinhead, identify radioactive tags
in cholesterol particles, or examine
nanotechnology devices that manipulate
objects at the molecular level. These
investigative challenges, performed at
magnifications up to 8 million times
the size of the source material, are what
students in MATC’s Electron Microscopy
Program learn to tackle.
“Curiosity — that is the most
important characteristic in our students,
even above and beyond an interest
in science,” states program director
Michael Kostrna. “Satisfying your sense
of curiosity and relying upon your own
problem solving skills – that’s what
makes it exciting.”
“We have been preparing
skilled workers for
nanotechnology since
before it existed.”
MATC’s two-year associate degree
program is one of only two in the U.S.
Kostrna graduated from the other at
Delta College in Stockton, California
and moved to Madison in 1992 to help
start MATC’s program. He gained
work experience in his field (required
of all full-time instructors at MATC)
researching cholesterol in a lab at
Stanford University and later earned a
master’s degree in education. He and
fellow instructor Bill Carmichael share
teaching responsibilities for the program,
which demands significant and intense lab
time from students.
4
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
“Our program is all about gaining
real world skills and knowledge to
use powerful tools, prepare delicate
samples and diagnose findings
of materials, minerals, plants and
tissue,” states Kostrna. “You also
get to ‘play’ with a lot of great toys
— these tools are amazing,” He
gestures toward the $5 million worth
of high-tech equipment, some secured
from generous donors such as Dow
Chemical, and the vivid, colorful
images that adorn the program’s suite
of labs at MATC’s main Truax facility.
Kostrna explains that electron
microscopes use a beam of electrons
rather than light and magnetic lenses
rather than glass. “With this technology,
you can magnify an atom to the size of a
nickel.”
Students learn to use several types of
microscopes, some of which are large
enough to fill a closet. The other key
skill learned is the often challenging
preparation of biological and material
samples. “Our students must develop the
patience and manual dexterity to slice
tiny, wafer-thin segments from a variety
of materials, some of which are very
fragile. They use sharp tools made of
diamond and often need to repeat, repeat
and repeat the same process until they
master enough techniques to select which
one to use and how to use it.”
The electron microscopes that students
learn to master are the same tools used
in the emerging field of nanotechnology,
which focuses on devices, sometimes
biological, that are only a few nanome-
ters in size — one billionth of a meter, or
one millionth the size of a pinhead. Stain
resistant pants, flat panel televisions,
non-skid tires, and artificial organs all are
enhanced by the use of nanotechnology
— and electron microscopes.
“We have been preparing skilled
workers for nanotechnology since before
it existed,” laughs Kostrna. “Electron
microscopes have been an important tool
for varied types of analysis since the
1970s and the new ‘nano’ applications
make our graduates even more
employable.”
Students in the program also build
skills in communication, computer-
image processing, diagnosis, X-ray
microanalysis and equipment maintenance.
“Communication skills, both verbal and
written, and the ability to work as part of a
team with composure and confidence are
extremely important,” explains Kostrna.
“Microscopists must keep accurate,
scientifically valid lab notebooks. And
often, our graduates work closely with
eager engineers and Ph.D. level scientists
who may appear suddenly at their sides
asking for a diagnosis to be explained on
the spot.”
The program boasts a 100% graduate
employment rate with grads working for
computer chip and high-tech equipment

manufacturers, as well as in laboratories
that conduct biological, clinical pathology
and materials research.
Dr. Jesse D. Olson, vice president
of engineering and development at
Madison’s Imago Scientific Instruments,
says his company has been very satisfied
with the six graduates it has hired.
“There are a limited number of
locations nationwide where students
can get an education in microscopy of
the caliber offered by MATC. Since we
directly compete with semiconductor and
nanotechnology development strongholds
in locations far distant from the Midwest,
it is very valuable to us to have such a
strong program producing a skilled talent
pool right here in Madison,” Olson says.
Jay Campbell, who had earned a
bachelor’s degree in conservation biology,
turned to MATC’s Electron Microscopy
Program to build marketable skills in his
field.
“While I was well prepared for
graduate school, I wasn’t well qualified
for the job market,” he states. The
program turned his job prospects
around so quickly that he was hired
The program:
Electron Microscopy
The degree:
Two-year associate in applied
science degree
Career potential:
Integrated circuit and failure
analysts, research technicians,
diagnostic pathology, sales
representatives. Current
employers of MATC graduates
include Imago Scientific
Instruments, UW–Madison,
Boston Scientific, Intel, Micron
and Motorola.
Typical starting salary:
Entry level, $35-40,000;
some highly skilled employees
earn $70-80,000
For more information:
Call (608) 243-4309
for a biological research position at the too difficult. “Yes, it is challenging but the
University of Wisconsin-Madison even knowledge and skills can be learned with
before graduating from MATC in 2001. practice and commitment.” He believes the
“Without my specialized electron real question for prospective students is,
microscopy knowledge, I never “Are you ready to do the work?”
would have been qualified to fill the “Our first graduate was a truck driver
position,” Campbell says. “Whether it’s and he’s now worked for many years as
troubleshooting a non-functional piece a professional microscopist at Micron.
of equipment or doing routine sample Many people can be successful in this
preparation, I learned most of what I do field. If you come to our program with
from the Electron Microscopy Program.” curiosity and commitment, we’ve got the
One misconception Kostrna would like courses, tools and support to help you
to change about his program is that it is succeed.”
5
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
 Alumni Profile
Mike Elliott presses ahead in printing industry
Mike Elliott, senior
vice president with
Suttle-Straus printing
in Waunakee, always
knew he wanted to
be in sales — and it
started at an early age.
“My dad was in
sales, and I used to ride with him as
a kid when he made his calls,” Elliott
remembers. “I really enjoyed that.”
By the time he graduated from
Madison Edgewood High School in 1977,
the desire was just as strong as ever.
“Unlike many of my classmates, I
knew exactly what I wanted to do,” says
Elliott. “I knew at MATC, I’d earn my
degree in marketing and sales in two
years instead of four and be able to start
my career that much sooner.”
6
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
Twenty-seven years later, Elliott still
relies on principles he learned from his
MATC instructors, including Jack Bannon
and Robert Piacenza. “They were very good
teachers who brought a real life perspective
to the courses they taught. I wasn’t just
memorizing books and taking tests. I still
remember many of the examples they used
— it was a great way to learn how to apply
these ideas in an ever-changing business
environment.”
“Students who go to
MATC know what they
want to do from the start —
that’s a big plus.”
Elliott also made an impression on his
teachers. “Mike had all the things you look
for in a student,” recalls Piacenza. “He was
goal-oriented. He was very presentable,
very attentive, an excellent communicator
and great to have in class.”
When he graduated in 1979, Elliott
took a job with Straus Printing selling
advertising for Curtain Call, a magazine
published for the newly opened Madison
Civic Center. He worked his way up
through various sales positions to
general manager. After the company
was purchased by Suttle, Elliott became
vice president of marketing and sales
for Suttle-Straus and then senior vice
president. Much of his work today
involves business development and
strategic planning.
In the midst of his career, Elliott
returned to school, receiving a four-year
degree in business administration and
marketing from Upper Iowa University.
“All of my MATC credits transferred over
to Upper Iowa, so I received my four-year
degree in only two years.”
With today’s technology, the printing
industry is rapidly evolving. “Companies
can’t just be printers anymore,” Elliott
explains. “To be competitive they must be
communication solutions providers.
As an example, Suttle-Straus provides
web-enabled solutions, print and
production services, and warehouse/
distribution and mailing services.”
Finding qualified workers for the
printing industry is tough, especially in
Madison’s tight labor market. “MATC has
always had very strong graphic arts and
printing programs, so their graduates are
in high demand,” says Elliott.
To build a qualified labor force for
printing, Elliott believes schools and
companies must demonstrate to high
school and postsecondary students that the
printing industry offers viable, rewarding
careers. To help achieve this goal, Suttle-
Straus hosts student tours of its facilities
on a regular basis and participates in
“shadow” days, when printing and graphic
design students shadow employees to
learn more about the business.
“Students who go to MATC know what
they want to do from the start — that’s a
big plus,” concludes Elliott. “They tend to
be driven and career-oriented. The quality
of education at MATC is excellent. By the
time they graduate two years later, they’ll
have a solid foundation of knowledge that
they will rely on throughout their career
— I know I have.”
 Alumni Notes
Ellen Powers, a 1996 graduate of the Barber-
Cosmetology Program, has opened Powers
Hair Studio at 5440 Willow Road, Westport.
After working at a west side Madison salon for
10 years, she decided to start her own business.
The salon features works by local artists and
will eventually become a full-service spa.
“My MATC experience was great,” Ellen says.
Ellen Powers
Annette Aeschbach was featured in an
August 23 Wisconsin State Journal story
about her work at the Emergency Clinic for
Animals Wildlife Rehabilitation Program in
Madison. A 2003 graduate of the Veterinary
Technician Program, Annette and other clinic
staff volunteer their time after hours to care
for injured, newborn and otherwise vulnerable
wildlife.
Denise Anderson has accepted a position in
administrative/accounting support for Store-
N-Save Self Storage, a subsidiary of Trachte
Building Systems of Sun Prairie. Denise holds
an associate of applied science degree in
finance from MATC.
Amy Atalla-Hill, a graduate of the MATC Julie Wilke, who received her MATC degree
Photography Program, is working in the in medical office mid-management in 1979
editorial department of In Business magazine and a bachelor’s
in Madison. “I loved my time at MATC and degree from Cardinal
feel that it was even more valuable than my Stritch, has earned an
time at my four-year college,” Amy writes. Executive MBA from
UW–Madison. Julie
Jason Neuerburg is a trial technology
is vice president and
consultant at Prolumina Trial Technologies in
chief financial officer
Seattle, Wash. A 1999 Visual Communications
at Monroe Clinic &
Program graduate, Jason’s work involves the
Hospital. Her twin sons,
use of visual and information technology for
Adam and Jonathan
presentations in court proceedings.
Huffman, are current students at MATC,
Christine Rolli, a 2005 graduate who studied where Jonathan played on the tennis team and
art and design at MATC, was one of 100 participated in the national meet in Texas.
artists chosen to decorate cow sculptures
Commercial art graduate Eli Quinn is working
installed around Madison for Cow Parade. The
at Madison’s Human Head Studios, where he
painted cows are auctioned off to benefit local
had a hand in development of the just-launched
charities. Christine is working as a freelance
“Prey” video game as a student intern. His
graphic designer and illustrator.
internship led to a permanent position as a
texture artist at the studio, which employs a
number of MATC graduates.
Ryan Yates has joined
the Neckerman Agency
in Madison as a
commercial insurance
agent. Ryan, who holds
an associate degree in
marketing from MATC,
has been in the insurance
business since 2004 and
formerly worked as a mortgage consultant.
Christine Rolli (center) with the “Cowlorful Zebra”
she painted for Madison’s Cow Parade.

Join the fun! Become a member of the MATC Alumni Association.

Name _______________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
City ________________________ State _______ Zip _______________
Phone _____________________ Email __________________________
Membership: _____ $25 annual _____ $100 lifetime
Payment Method:
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Expiration date ________________________________________________
Cardholder’s name _____________________________________________
Mail this form with your payment to:
MATC Foundation • 3550 Anderson St. • Madison WI 53704
Or make your credit card payment by phone: Call (608) 246-6440
What’s New? Let Us Know!
We would love to publish your special news in Profiles.
Please share your information in the space below, or email
it to rdinndorf@matcmadison.edu.
______________________________________________________
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7
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
 From fryer to fuel tank
(continued from page 1)
“I think biodiesel has a great future,”
says MATC student team leader Dan
Jonovic. “It’s a domestic product, so we
don’t need to go overseas. And it can
replace current fuel. There’s really no
need to modify vehicles, you can just use
a diesel vehicle and then biodiesel fuel.”
The reactor was designed and built
by UW–Madison engineering students at
the request of MATC’s Diesel Equipment
Technology Program. It will be used to
educate MATC students in the production,
use and quality control of biodiesel fuels
and the maintenance of biodiesel-fueled
engines.
At an August dedication ceremony,
students and faculty from the two colleges
demonstrated how the reactor removes
glycerin from vegetable oil or animal fat
to create fuel. A semi truck running on
a biodiesel blend (see cover photo) was
then driven through a ceremonial banner,
officially dedicating the reactor.
“The goal is for students to synthesize
and study various biodiesel fuel blends,”
explains project director Ken Walz, an
MATC chemistry instructor. “The reactor
will allow students to experiment with
different feedstocks, catalysts and pro-
cessing temperatures to optimize biodiesel
production. Students will then character-
ize the fuel that they produce to measure
various properties, such as specific grav-
ity, viscosity, flash point and oxidative
stability.”
The biodiesel product will fuel station-
ary diesel engines and diesel powered
vehicles operated by MATC students.
These engines will be monitored for oil
sampling, emissions testing and engine
wear.
“Biodiesel has some unique proper-
ties,” notes MATC diesel instructor Paul
Morschauser. “The lubricity of biodiesel
is greater than that of conventional fuel
8
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
and it has a very low sulfur content. We
expect that the biodiesel fuel will reduce
the concentration of hydrocarbons, par-
ticulate matter and sulfur oxides in engine
exhaust.”
“Biodiesel is also an environmentally
friendly fuel,” adds Stephanie Britton, a
UW materials science graduate student
who is completing a teaching intern-
ship at MATC. “Because the oils used to
make biodiesel come from agricultural
crops, combustion of the fuel has zero net
carbon dioxide emissions. This reduces
greenhouse gases and helps address glob-
al warming.”
“This is an exciting project, not only What is CERET?
because it advances a promising energy
The Consortium for Education in
technology, but because it’s a timely col-
Renewable Energy Technologies (CERET)
laboration between the UW and MATC
is a National Science Foundation-funded
to address a statewide concern,” says
initiative to develop curriculum for renew-
UW–Madison Chancellor John Wiley. able energy instruction in colleges and high
Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Rod schools and provide hands-on renewable
Nilsestuen has put biodiesel on his front energy workforce training.
burner. “Biodiesel is a key part of state
government’s strategy to promote clean, MATC is a founding partner in CERET. With
renewable energy alternatives that will a new NSF grant awarded in 2005, the
consortium received $500,000 for member
generate jobs and reduce our dependence
colleges to develop online courses and full-
on fossil fuels. Our university and techni-
fledged certificates available to two-year
cal college systems are important partners
college students.
in that effort,” Nilsestuen says.
The biodiesel reactor project was con- Courses include renewable energy
ceived by the Consortium for Education management, alternative transportation,
in Renewable Energy Technology photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind power
(CERET). MATC and UW–Madison and biomass technology. MATC also plans
instructors started the collaboration last to create a series of web-based interactive
“learning objects” to provide students
year. After the UW engineering students
virtual access to renewable energy
designed the reactor, MATC students
technologies.
showed them how to actually build it.
“There was one UW student who had CERET’s web site showcases MATC’s own
never used a drill before and, by the end use of renewable energy, including photo-
of the project, she was welding steel,” voltaic panels, a microturbine used in the
Walz recalls. “She was real excited. She Industrial Maintenance Program, a photo-
said, ‘I called my dad and told him I voltaic installation for a new transit shelter
learned how to use a MIG welder!’ ” and, of course, the new biodiesel reactor.
To learn more about renewable energy
at MATC, see the CERET web site at
matcmadison.edu/ceret/.
MATC on
leading edge
of renewable
energy trends
Rising fuel costs and concerns about
our environment have made the renew-
able energy field a promising area for
job growth. Technical colleges will have
a major role in training the workforce for
these new technologies, some of which
are still being developed.

As part of a $500,000 National Science

Foundation grant awarded through the
Consortium for Education in Renewable
Energy Technologies (CERET), the col-
lege has developed a Renewable Energy
Technology Certificate.

“The certificate is designed to give people

interested in renewable energy a solid
overview,” says Anne Scott of the MATC
Grants Office. “All the courses are avail-
able online to accommodate people
who can’t necessarily attend traditional
classes.” Face-to-face weekend seminars
are planned for some courses in the spring
semester.

Students complete a class on the theoreti-

cal underpinnings of renewable energy
management and at least eight additional
credits in photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind,
alternative transportation or biomass ener-
gy. Courses are developed by renewable
energy experts from businesses, utilities,
government agencies, associations and
educational institutions across the U.S.

9
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006

Commencement moves
to Overture Center
MATC recognized 1,963 graduates in May during
two commencement ceremonies at the Overture
Center for the Arts. It was the first downtown
Madison commencement since the 1960s, when
ceremonies were held at the Orpheum Theater and
the Central High School auditorium. Dayton Street
was flooded with blue caps and gowns as hundreds
of graduates paraded to the Overture Center.
10
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
MATC News continued from page 3
On-ramp to UW–Madison gets an express lane
At a news conference announcing the
transfer agreement, MATC graduate and
UW–Madison doctoral candidate Marjorie
Cook said the change will help more stu-
dents reach their potential for academic
success.
“It sends a very strong message that
UW–Madison welcomes our students
from MATC and that they know they can
succeed at ‘the big school,’ as some of us
call it,” Cook says. “Coming to MATC
was the second chance that allowed me
to continue my education. A clear path,
MATC President Barhorst and UW–Madison
support through advising, college services
Chancellor Wiley sign the transfer agreement.
and encouraging faculty make all the
The on-ramp to the UW is about to get an difference in the world,” she adds.
express lane. MATC and the University Reggie Williams, an MATC liberal
of Wisconsin have signed an agreement arts student who is planning to pursue an
guaranteeing admission to UW–Madison education degree at the UW, adds: “I’m
for qualified MATC liberal arts students. excited to see this happening for students
“I’ve often called MATC an afford- like myself who are going back to school
able on-ramp to UW–Madison for our and having options solidified before they
students,” says MATC President Bettsey even start. I think it’s going to be a great
Barhorst. “Now I can also say it is a thing.”
guaranteed on-ramp. Students will know
exactly what classes to take, how many
credits to earn and what grade point aver-
age they need to maintain to be accepted.”
Under the “Transfer Contract”
program, MATC Liberal Arts Transfer
Program students completing 54 credits
in specified areas with a 3.0 GPA will be
granted admission to UW–Madison as
juniors. The goal is to expand access to
the UW and ultimately, increase the per-
centage of bachelor’s degree holders in
Wisconsin’s workforce.
“MATC does an exceptional job of
preparing students to transfer to UW–
Madison,” says Chancellor John Wiley.
“The Transfer Contract provides detailed
guidance for students to establish the aca-
demic momentum that will assure their
admission to UW–Madison. It takes the
guesswork out of their planning.” MATC liberal arts student Reggie Williams
Truax Turns
20
This fall marks the 20th anniversary
of MATC’s Madison campus at Truax.
Named after neighboring Truax Field,
where two Air National Guard units
are based, the building opened for
its first classes in 1986.
Top and bottom right: Construction
workers add finishing touches,
inside and out. Far right: Then-
MATC District Board Chair Gerald
Thomas speaks at the Truax
groundbreaking ceremony.
District board organizes
for 2006–07 term
Three members have been reappointed
to three-year terms on the Madison Area
Technical College District Board. The
12 county board chairs in the MATC
District, meeting as the District Board
Appointment Committee, approved the
new members for terms that will continue
through July, 2009. They are:
• Dr. Jon Bales, DeForest, superintendent
of the DeForest Area School District;
• Janice Bultema, Stoughton, vice
president of human resources at UW
Hospitals & Clinics; and
• James Cavanaugh, Madison, president
of the South Central Federation of
Labor.
The board has re-elected Dr. Gerald
McGowan, retired superintendent of
the Fort Atkinson School District, as
chair. Newly elected officers are Janice
Bultema, vice chair; Dr. Carolyn Stoner,
Helenville, secretary; and Dr. Robert
Elkins, New Glarus, treasurer. The board’s
other members are Carousel Andrea
Bayrd, Madison; John Ashley, Sauk City;
and Dr. Vera Riley, Cross Plains.
Degrees of success: earn right back into the local economy.
proof is in the paychecks Another 16% are working elsewhere in
Wisconsin; only 3% are out of state.
The impact of MATC graduates on
They’re happy. Of the 2005
the local economy shows up in high
graduates responding, 97% are “satisfied”
employment rates and high earnings,
or “very satisfied” with their MATC
according to the latest MATC Graduate
education.
Employment Report.
The report is based on responses
Each year, the college surveys its
from 63% of the 3,144 individuals who
alumni six months after they receive their
graduated in 2005 from MATC degree,
degrees. Here is what our 2005 graduates
certificate and diploma programs.
are telling us:
They’re working. More than nine out
of 10 (92%) of the graduates who sought Graduate Employment
employment found it — 74% of them, in Report on the Web
a job related to their field of study.
They’re earning. Associate degree
grads are earning average annual
wages of $32,700, with fields such as
nursing, dental hygiene and supervisory
management typically paying well over
$40,000. The median salary for all 2005
graduates, including degree, certificate
and short-term diploma recipients, is
$29,940.
They’re here. Graduates are repaying
the taxpayers’ investment in MATC by
keeping their earning power here. An matcmadison.edu
overwhelming 81% of the employed 2005 Use the A–Z Index and select
grads are working in the 12-county MATC Graduate Employment Report
district — pumping the higher wages they
11
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
 Foundation News
Coke pours dollars
for MATC scholars
Billy Jack Houston and Penny Bykowski
are this year’s MATC winners of $1,000
scholarships from the Coca-Cola Scholars
Foundation. The awards recognize their
academic success and community service
during the past year.
Rockin’ Roberts
Robin Roberts threw the first pitch
and caught the first pitch at a Madison
Mallards game this summer. Robin #1
(below center), the Hall of Fame pitch-
ing ace of the Philadelphia Phillies, and
Robin #2, an MATC Athletics Hall of
Famer from the 1973-75 MATC baseball
teams, chat with current WolfPack pitcher
Craig Meier, who spent the summer play-
ing for the Mallards. MATC’s Robin
is the owner of Roberts Construction
in Madison and serves on the MATC
Foundation board.
12
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
A classic hole-in-one
The Doug Redsten Golf Classic XI, which
sold out for the third consecutive year,
was held at the Bridges Golf Course,
headed by club pro and MATC golf coach
Jim Thomas. Tim Sackett of MetLife
(below left, with MATC President Bettsey
Barhorst and foundation director Bob
Dinndorf) aced #16 to win a golf vacation
in Acapulco, courtesy of Zimbrick Buick.
THANK YOU to all the generous
sponsors and participants who
teed it up for MATC:
Paragon Development Systems
Mortenson Matzelle Meldrum
American Family Insurance
LaFollette Godfrey & Kahn
Border Patrol Wisconsin
Roberts Construction
Zimbrick of Madison
The Redsten Family
Hewlett Packard
Jacobs Electric
The Shoe Box
Chase Bank
Provident
US Bank
Covance
Culvers
MetLife
Novell
WPS
Mark your calendar!
May 21, 2007
Doug Redsten Golf Classic XII
Gifts to foundation make
career dreams come true
Recent new accounts to support learning
and special programs through the MATC
Foundation:
Batien-Carlson Memorial
EMT Scholarship
David Batien and his daughter, Lori Batien
Carlson, emergency medical service
providers in Fort Atkinson and Fitchrona
(Fitchburg and Verona), died one month
apart in March and April 2006. The
Batien-Carlson Scholarship is intended
to assist EMT students who do not have
access to other funds. In the first year,
preference is for Fort Atkinson students.
Jackson Foundation Scholarship
The Jackson Foundation funds medical
research and education. This scholarship
covers tuition, fees and books for two
associate degree nursing students.
Kraft Foods Minority Administrative
Assistant Scholarship
This scholarship aligns with Kraft’s
commitment to diversity in the company
and community. Participants also have
the opportunity for summer internships at
Kraft’s Madison facilities.
MATC Retirees Association
Retired faculty and staff have created an
account to fund activities and student
learning. For information about the
association, contact Peg Jensen at
mjensen@matcmadison.edu.
SME Madison Chapter Scholarship
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers
Madison Chapter 75 has established a
scholarship for students in machine tool
and other pre-engineering programs to
support the next generation of skilled
workers.
Wisconsin Mid-State Two Cylinder
Club Scholarship
Dedicated to the preservation and display
of two-cylinder John Deere tractors and
implements, this scholarship is designated
for students enrolled in agriculture-related
programs.
Gifts to these and all of the
MATC Foundation’s scholarship
accounts are tax-deductible.
Contact the foundation
at (608) 246-6441 or
rdinndorf@matcmadison.edu.
 Are you in John’s will?
New employees help Future MATC students are!
foundation reach out
Annual Giving: Name: John Lalor
Tricia Weisheipfl Education: marketing degree
joined the MATC from MATC; Ph.D. in educational
Foundation staff in administration
September as annual Career: 32 years in higher
giving and alumni education; dean at three
relations coordinator. Wisconsin technical colleges;
Weisheipfl comes to joined MATC staff in 1985
MATC from the Wisconsin Restaurant Estate plan: recently updated to
Association (WRA) Foundation. A UW– include an endowment gift to the
Madison graduate, she has experience MATC Foundation
running events ranging from golf outings
“In appreciation of all that
to scholarship programs.
MATC has done for me,
Regional Campus Development: Former I wanted to make a special
Campus Administrator Lyn Hertel, who gift in addition to my regular
built a substantial scholarship program donations to the MATC
at MATC Watertown, has joined the Foundation. Working with
foundation staff to focus on development my attorney, I found it very
work in and around our regional campus easy to update my estate
communities. plan to benefit students long
into the future.”
The goal is to have ongoing gift programs
in the Fort Atkinson, Portage and For more information about
including MATC in your estate
Reedsburg areas as well as Watertown.
plan, contact Bob Dinndorf
Hertel has relocated to the foundation
at the MATC Foundation,
office at MATC Truax to have central (608) 246-6440 or
access to our northern and eastern regions. rdinndorf@matcmadison.edu.

Helping students succeed is a matter of “will” power

Support student success. Make a gift to the MATC Foundation

I will contribute $_____________ to the following fund(s): Payment Method
$_________ Forward Fund (scholarships and grants) ______ Personal check (payable to MATC Foundation)
$_________ Specific MATC program: ____________________ ______ Visa / MasterCard ______ Discover

Credit card # ______________________________________

Name ____________________________________________
Expiration date _____________________________________
Address __________________________________________
Cardholder’s name __________________________________
City _____________________________________________

State _____________ Zip ___________________________ Mail this form with your payment to:
MATC Foundation • 3550 Anderson St. • Madison WI 53704
Phone ___________________________________________
Or make your credit card payment by phone:
Email ____________________________________________ Call (608) 246-6440
13
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
 Program News
New certificates offer
quick skill upgrades
CNC Specialist
Industry advisory boards provide vital
support and guidance to keep MATC pro-
grams current, identify industry needs and
help revamp or develop new programs to
meet those needs.
A partnership with experts in the
machine tool industry led to the develop-
ment of MATC’s new CNC Specialist
Certificate program. “CNC” stands for
Computer Numerical Controls, technol-
ogy that reads computer instructions to
drive a machine tool to create parts.
“We discovered that a lot of busi-
nesses still use manual machinists who
have been doing the job for years but who
need training in the latest CNC technol-
ogy,” explains machine tooling instructor
Harlan Vangen. “The reaction by industry
to the certificate is very enthusiastic.”
The certificate is open to machinists
with at least 4,000 hours of industry
experience.
14
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
‘Ruby’ course is a gem
This fall, MATC became one of the first
colleges in the world to offer a class in
Ruby on Rails, an
open source frame-
work that makes
developing web
Automotive Custom Painting applications signifi-
cantly faster and
Hot cars with swirling flames on their
more efficient.
sides, vans sporting backwoods dioramas,
Eric Knapp, an
or subtle pinstripes on a luxury sedan —
MATC information
all of these images were hand painted or
technology instructor, tracked the growing
hand stenciled, a craft that combines basic
interest in Ruby on Rails and developed
auto refinishing knowledge with creativity.
his own expertise. He created the initial
MATC has developed a short-term
curriculum and teaches the new course,
Automotive Custom Painting Certificate
which is for IT professionals with prior
for those interested in gaining the skills to
web development experience.
transform their ideas into custom vehicle
Knapp says the skills students learn will
art. The certificate is designed for students
make them uniquely employable. “Ruby
who have completed at least the one-
on Rails is hot with employers all around
year Auto Collision Repair and Refinish
the world because it dramatically improves
Program or have two or more years of
the productivity of web programming,”
refinishing experience.
Knapp explains. “I know of a least four
“We’ve had a considerable amount
employers locally who are just waiting for
of student interest, and in recent years
our fall semester to end so they can hire
we’ve heard from employers looking for
our first class of students.”
people who can do this specialized work,”
instructor Rod Kolhepp reports.
More new certificates
• Basic Medical Reception Skills
• Biotechnology Post-baccalaureate
• Foundations of Early Childhood Education*
• IT–Cisco Certified Networking Associate
• IT–CompTia A+ Computer Essentials
• Language Interpreter for Health Services
• Paralegal Post-baccalaureate
• Project Management
• Renewable Energy Technology
• Small Business*
• Supervisory Management*
Tornado trees conserved
*bilingual certificates in Spanish and English
Wood technics instructors Patrick and
Jeff Molzahn use a new outdoor sawmill to
create lumber from tornado-damaged trees.
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation
(WECC) donated the sawmill to MATC. In return,
students will use the trees to build office
furniture for WECC’s new greenbuilt headquarters
on Madison’s west side.
1 Faculty Profile
MATC’s 2006 Distinguished Teacher Award Winners
Redfield uncovers
the possibilities
Emily Dickinson once wrote, “I dwell
in possibility/A fairer house than prose.”
Karen A. Redfield feels that she has
“taught in possibility” during her 18 years
at MATC. In settings from homeless
shelters to a tribal college as well as tradi-
tional classrooms, Redfield has been ener-
gized by the possibilities of her students.
“Like many of our students, I am a first-
generation college student in my family,
and I worked to put myself through school.
My family life was also similar to many
students’ families, so I can relate in that
way as well,” Redfield says.
“Teaching gives me
a chance to combine
a passion for writing
and literature with
my delight in working
with people in
creative ways.”
Karen A. Redfield
Education
• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees,
State University of New York (SUNY)
• Studied at University of Nottingham, England
• Completing Ph.D. at University of
Wisconsin–Madison
Professional
• Chaired English Literature Department,
Universidad Mayor de San Simon, Bolivia
• Has taught English as a Second Language,
English composition and Native American
literature at MATC
• Founding member of MATC’s first Advising
Task Force
• Has facilitated diversity workshops and
conversations about college values
• Three-time Phi Theta Kappa mentor
Mary Severson, who enrolled at
MATC 30 years after she last attended
school, credits Redfield with giving her
the guidance and support she needed as
a returning adult student.
“She saw my potential and challenged
me to set higher goals for myself,” said
Severson, who went on to become a Phi
Theta Kappa honor society inductee.
A freshman English class can be the
moment of truth for students who are
new to college life. “Many students do
not know how to articulate who they are
or how much they have to say until their
first college writing course, and I have
felt privileged to be part of this process,”
Redfield says.
Redfield considers herself a “lifelong
advocate” of MATC students and says
choosing to work with them was the best
decision she ever made.
Bakken makes
the connections
Turina Bakken’s teaching philosophy
involves a firm belief in the notion of
connections.
“Helping each student find a connec-
tion within the field is important. But
teaching also requires that I connect with
them — knowing a bit about their lives,
caring about them really matters,” she
explains. “If you can make that connec-
tion, the learning flows from there.”
In eight years as a marketing instructor
at MATC, Bakken has excelled at making
those connections, both in the classroom
and beyond. In addition to delivering
instruction, she participates in depart-
ment and college-wide strategic planning
and has taken part in faculty and student
exchanges to Northern Ireland, Holland,
Germany and Nepal.
But it’s what happens in class that makes
Bakken truly stand out. “She makes class
fun and interactive, yet very educational —
“My job is really that
of a connector —
connecting theory to
application, but also
connecting students to
their own talents, ideas
and interests.”
Turina Bakken
Education
• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees,
University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Played international soccer as college
student in France
• Certificate in French and International
Business, Universite de Provence, France
Professional
• Directed marketing, promotions, programs
and communications at organizations
including Funjet Vacations, UW-Madison and
Madison Area Quality Improvement Network
• Lead teacher in marketing at MATC
• Active in department and college-wide
strategic planning and global initiatives
• Leads Marketing Advisory Board
• Phi Theta Kappa mentor
just a great overall learning environment,”
says student Katie Taggart.
Her students benefit from Bakken’s
deep professional experience in market-
ing and communications in the public
and private sectors. Not only does her
background provide her with a wealth of
relevant knowledge; it allows her to open
doors to the field for others.
“To be a good teacher, I have to be up
on the latest and greatest theories, tools,
cases going on in the ‘real world.’ It’s fun
being a learner every day. Plus, it’s great
just seeing students succeed in so many
ways, both professionally and personally.”
15
MATC Profiles • Fall 2006
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Madison, WI
Permit No. 1389
Resource Development
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Alumni Office
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Madison WI 53704-2599

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Coming up at MATC
For details on these and more MATC events,
visit matcmadison.edu, click on A-Z Index
For Mitby Theater information
and select Calendars. Events are at
and tickets, visit the box office
MATC Truax unless noted.
October 27
or call (608) 243-4000.

October
7 Dance Wisconsin New Works Concert
7:30 p.m., Mitby Theater 4 “Junie B. Jones”
2 p.m., Mitby Theater (ask about special offers)
11 Jim Wand, Hypnotist
7 p.m., Mitby Theater 9 College Spotlight
Free for current MATC students 4–7 p.m., Truax. New event!
For prospective or returning students to learn
Career Planning Workshop about their options at MATC. For more info,
Explore careers, research schools and more. see matcmadison.edu/collegespotlight.
Requires pre-registration; call (608) 243-4271.
(also Oct. 16 & 30; Nov. 13, 15, 27 & 29; 10 “Barefoot in the Park”
Truax Studio Theater Dear Profiles Reader,
Dec. 4, 13, 18 & 20)
(also Nov. 11 & 12, 17-19) We hope you like the improvements
27 The Wailin’ Jennys in this issue of Profiles. We’ve added
8 p.m., Mitby Theater color throughout — at no additional
cost, thanks to advances in printing
28 Broadway Showstoppers
8 p.m., Mitby Theater technology — plus bolder section
December 9

headings, revamped alumni updates

November and expanded event listings. The

changes are intended to better
reflect the vibrancy of MATC and
1 Uncovering the Hidden Job Market
make your alumni and foundation

December
Creative job search strategies. Requires
publication more enjoyable to read.
pre-registration; call (608) 243-4271.
Mitby Movie Night Let me know what you think. And if
9 Breakfast with Santa
you prefer to read Profiles online, go
“Some Like It Hot” 9 a.m., MATC Downtown Cafeteria.
2, 5 and 8 p.m., Mitby Theater. Free! to matcmadison.edu and click on
Free for children!
(also Dec. 6, “Rudy”) Alumni & Foundation.
14 Holidays Around the World
Bob Dinndorf, Executive Director
(time and place to be announced)
MATC Foundation &
Alumni Association