Like other colleges and universities, MATC provides multiple resources for students to expand their learning experiences. Accelerated programs, libraries on all campuses, academic support centers, service learning projects, Panther and Badger Tracks (which effectively catapult MATC students into the University of Wisconsin system) just to name a few. Yet, some of these opportunities have been left vacant for years; some of these programs have a thick layer of dust caked on them. The Honors Track that MATC provides sets high standards for students that accept the challenge yet due to the unique paths that many MATC students take, and the lack of recognition the Honors Track gets, few students have done so. Accelerated Liberal Arts student Veronika Greco has stepped forward to accept and successfully complete the Honors Track challenge.
Considering Greco’s ambition in and out of the classroom, the Honors Program has been a perfect fit for her high caliber motivation. “I have to do my best no matter what and set an example for my kids. I’ve homeschooled them for the last thirteen years, and have taken online courses at MATC to fit earning a degree into my schedule.” Further, “I found out about the program on my own, online, and contacted Dr. Christine Ryan for more information,” Greco says.
Dr. Christine Ryan has coordinated MATC’s Honors Track students for the last three years. “There hasn’t been a big effort to build the program. We are trying to make it more prominent. I send out emails to professors at the beginning and middle of the semester to bring light to this opportunity. MATC students have different situations; some have done the Honors Track to challenge themselves only to transfer near the completion of the associate degree. Others just don’t know about it. Another reason is because MATC has done a great job helping the students that need help over the years, but in lieu of that, MATC has paid little attention to the students that perform at a higher level,” Dr. Ryan explains.
In this highly competitive job market, employers are hunting for distinguished candidates. “Completing the Honors Track gives our students a competitive edge. It shows that the student has depth,” states Ryan. According to www.matc.edu, “The purpose for the Honors Contract is to specify the requirements of an independent study project engaged by the Honors student under the guidance of the instructor of the course… the Honors Coordinator reviews and approves all contracts.

“A copy of the contract is given to the student, the instructor and the Honors Coordinator.” Along with distinguished recognition, Honors Track students are given a medallion upon graduation.
Greco states, “Not all instructors are willing to give you a contract. Being an accelerated student and maintaining the requirements within the Honors Contract has been extremely intense.
Thankfully, Professor Larry Vance  (History department), Betsy Stern (psychology) and Dr. Herbert Flaig (economics), have been there to encourage me to advance my degree after I leave MATC. I plan to go on to UW- Milwaukee in the fall to take the online communications degree. After that I plan on enrolling in the Mount Mary/Alverno Urban Fellows program, to receive a master’s in education and teach urban middle school students.”
It’s important to note that the honors program is separate from the President’s, Provost or Dean’s list; the Honors Track is a separate beast. Further, it’s also important to note the difference between the Honors Track and the Honors Program. Dr. Ryan explains, “Everything needs to go through the state to be eligible to become a program. MATC currently has an Honors Track. The state has specific guidelines to abide by before we can call the Honors Track the Honors Program.”
Regardless of the complexities between Honors Track and Honors Program, MATC is filled with an inspiring list of students from diverse backgrounds, loaded with profound work ethic and respect for each other.
Many strive to maintain good grades and are potential candidates for the Honors Track. And, some set the standards for academic success.
Greco’s strong ambition to complete the Honors Track is one example of the motivation found within the many halls of MATC.
Hopefully, with her success, students – both present and future – shall become aware of this profound opportunity provided by MATC.