One hundred years may seem like a long time to many people, but to MATC it is only the beginning. From September 2011 to September 2012, MATC will be celebrating 100 years of changing people’s lives.
A year long celebration may seem like a long time to show recognition, but to Kathleen Hohl, Director of Public Relations, a year is just what we need. “We need to ensure we commemorate 100 years in a number of ways to include the many different stakeholders – current and former students, current and former faculty and staff, community partners. Spreading our celebrations over a calendar gives us that opportunity.”
And this opportunity is not just for the staff, but also for the students. Hohl added, “Students will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the college and, hopefully, appreciate the contributions of former students, faculty and staff made to creating a premier technical college.” Right now, we see MATC the same way many men and women saw it when it first started: a great opportunity for many Milwaukee residences. The only difference between current students and past ones are the changes that we have seen at MATC as a school. Back when MATC was starting off in 1912, many students were learning the same things current students are learning right now.
However, thanks to current technology, our current process of learning has become more advanced and hands-on. Hohl has been at MATC for only 3 years, and she herself has seen many changes besides the improvements in the classrooms. She goes on to say: “…I have seen a number of changes. Namely, our growth area of “green” operations and academics. The college is becoming a regional and national leader in sustainability and renewable energy.” Additionally, Hohl went to say how MATC will continue to change for the better: “One of the hallmarks of MATC is our ability to recognize the needs of our students and meet them. The college is extremely nimble and that allows us to best serve our students.”
MATC tends to put their students first, and in this celebration, past students will also be a part of it as well. There are currently activities being planned right now that will be held at all MATC campuses, but there are some events that have already been planned and scheduled. There are 3 main dinners and luncheons planned for this celebration. Besides dining, it has been said by Hohl that “people have been asked to share reflectionson the contributions MATC has made to the community over the past 100 years.” The first major event will be The Centennial Kick off Dinner on Saturday, September 24th at Tuckaway Country Club, Franklin. Reservations can be made for this event and the other dinners and luncheons by going to MATC.edu/MATC100.
This celebration is more than just a reason to hold fancy dinners.
This event is a great way of showing recognition, not only to the students and staff, but to the founders of MATC. During an e-mail interview with Hohl, she was asked the following question: “Do you think that anyone thought that MATC would have been such a big success as it is now?” She went on to answer it by saying: “I think the founders of MATC were visionaries and always believed that the college would play an important role in the lives of area residents and businesses. I think the founders would be proud of how the college continues to respond to the needs of our community.” MATC encourages the students, staff, faculty, and local residents of the past and present to participate in the upcoming campus events and activities, as well as make reservations to the up and coming dinners and luncheons. Help us raise our glasses in honor and pride to 100 years of changing people’s lives, and to 100 years more.
