MATC remembers Mary Teske

by Stephanie Geisler

November 3, 2010

Some of the members of the team (not all were able to meet that morning). Front row (L to R)

A cherished member of MATC’s faculty was honored with a Tree Dedication Ceremony on October 15 at the Oak Creek Campus. Mary Jo Teske passed away August 28, of breast cancer. She worked for MATC for over 30 years, beginning her career at just 22 in 1980.

She was employed in various positions throughout her career, ultimately settling into the Student Services department as a scheduler.

Mary had a lasting and profound impact on everyone that she encountered, which was evident at the Dedication Ceremony. In attendance were family, friends and colleagues, many wearing pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

“It means a lot. MATC was Mary’s life. She was a very dedicated employee and loved her job and the people she worked with,” stated Mary’s sister, Gayle Teske, who is also employed at MATC.

The ceremony was located in the courtyard and included key speakers Vicki Martin, Executive V.P. and Provost and Vice President of the Oak Creek Campus, John Stilp.

The speeches consisted of fond words and memories. “If everyone had the disposition of Mary the world would be a better place,” said Stilp after the ceremony. “This [memorial] will be here for a long time.” The Student Services Department hosted a reception following the ceremony

Mary Teske was also the inspiration for the assembly of Team MATC Oak Creek for the Susan G. Komen Walk/Race for the Cure. Twenty-five team members plus many additional friends and family members walked along Milwaukee’s Lakefront on September 26 in honor of Mary.

In less than 30 days, the team raised $2,775 for the Komen Fund. The team plans to make this an annual event.

A Ribbon for Mary’s Tree – Phyllis Teske (center), Mary Teske’s mother, hangs a ribbon on Mary’s tree at the dedication ceremony. (Bob Hanson)

About the Contributor

Bob Hanson, Adviser MATC Times Newspaper

My philosophy: I believe my ultimate goal is to create a safe atmosphere of engaged learning. This is done with excellent communication skills and sound journalism practice by students. I believe that student media should always consist of student work. I have an obligation to defend and teach without censoring, editing, directing or producing the students’ rights to free expression. My background: I started out my career as a printing press operator and soon learned design and layout. I have been employed at MATC for 30 years and I have had the pleasure of working as the Times Adviser since 2006. I have had several jobs while here at MATC but none have been more satisfying than being the Times Adviser. Other things that I find important: I have the pleasure to work with some of the best students here at MATC. This continually inspires, re-energizes me and sometimes challenges me to always work at my best and strive to give the staff of the MATC Times the best possible learning experience. I have an open door policy and strive to make myself available to students. If you interested in joining our great staff please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me at 414-297-7824.