MATC

Madison
Area
Technical
College

For Alumni and Friends of Madison Area Technical College

WINTER 2003•2004

What’’s inside... Dr. Rose Ann Findlen:

New Alumni Relations
Coordinator 3 Building Bridges to the Future
Scholarship Matching
Challenge 3
Alumni Profile:
Mark Schmitz ’87 4
Alumni Updates 6
Program Profile:
Electron Microscopy 8
Special Recognitions 9
Calendar of Events 10
Gift Form and
Personal Info Form 11 Dr. Rose Ann Findlen, who has officers on U.S. military bases,
served as MATC provost for teachers in Yugoslavia, Native
learning since January 2002, has Americans in government-spon-
been named acting president of sored programs, business execu-
the college. She also will tives at a private institute in Paris
continue in her role as provost. and grads and undergrads in
Findlen’s diverse management, Missouri and Louisiana. She has
teaching and academic back- held staff positions in student
ground provides her a unique per- services at several colleges and
spective as a college president. as an academic dean and chief
With a Ph.D. from the operating officer at MATC.
University of New Mexico, Her broad background in edu-
Findlen has taught ESL and cation is responsible for her deep
English to students as diverse as appreciation of a gift she received
continued on page 2 >
Rose Ann Findlen… (continued from page 1)
from colleagues soon after stepping into her new
role. The gift was a framed photograph of the
Brooklyn Bridge by Walter Evans that now hangs
in her office. Findlen says it’s a great representation
of her philosophy and vision for the college.
“The form and function of great architectural
works are so melded, so harmonious, that they can-
not be effectively separated. The design is elegant
and suited to its environment; the engineering com-
ponents ensure its functionality. What we need to do
here at MATC is to make sure the underpinnings are
in place, so that our students, our community, can
walk across the bridge to the future. We must strive
for quality that will stand the test of time,” she says.
“All the lines of the bridge in the photograph
seem to converge and that is what I want to see
happen here,” she says. “We have a lot of wonder-
ful energy, some great initiatives and projects but
sometimes we need a little more work to bring
them together, to create the leverage we need to
get to the next level of excellence.”
For example, a joint work team composed of
college and high school leaders has developed a
mission and vision statement for the future of high
school/college interactions and partnering. This
statement creates a basic framework to guide the
action plan to be established in the spring semester
and is strategically related to the college’s
commitment to access and excellence.
Madison Fire Department
Donates Fire Engine to
MATC Fire Programs
The Madison Fire Department kicked off its annual
October activities for National Fire Prevention Month
by donating a fire engine to MATC. City of Madison
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Fire Chief Debra
Amesqua presented the gift to college officials.
2
Another instance of this bridge-building activity
is the college’s emphasis on using assessment prac-
tices to enhance the institution’s quality. Explains
Findlen, “Beginning with faculty and staff develop-
ment sessions at the beginning of fall semester, we
are committed to a year-long series of planning and
learning activities to enhance our knowledge and
skill in using data and assessment techniques to
make decisions and improve processes.
“We also are establishing basic systems to provide
students the information and guidance they need to
achieve their academic goals. Our extensive student
success project will result in assessment and place-
ment of students into the appropriate level of math,
reading and writing coursework, which will improve
the quality of student learning. It will also provide a
more integrated and accessible approach to the many
pathways students take at MATC to reach their goals.”
For these and other initiatives, Findlen says,
“A master planning design team and an economic
development work team will forward recommenda-
tions to create the systems and processes
for action planning and implementation at the
institutional level. The architectural blueprints
they provide will lead the way to MATC’s
future development as a college. Together, all
of MATC’s stakeholders—board members,
community members, alumni, staff and students
will be working with us to create the systems
we need to take us into the future.”
MATC Appoints New Annual Giving
and Alumni Relations Coordinator
MATC has appoint-
ed Sarah Fowles as
annual giving and
alumni relations
coordinator. Ms.
Fowles will focus
on increasing the
MATC Foundation’s
$1+ million annual
giving campaign
and growing its alumni relations programs.
Fowles’ key objective will be to generate sup-
port for the MATC Foundation from alumni, cur-
rent donors, MATC faculty and staff and other
friends of the college. She also will play a role in
helping link the school’s market-driven learning
programs with the business community by offer-
ing companies and organizations the opportunity
MATC Foundation Board Announces
$40,000 Scholarship Matching Challenge
This year donors can double their impact at
MATC by making a new or increased gift to
the MATC Foundation! On July 1, 2003, the
Foundation Board announced a new initiative:
All new or increased gifts designated for student
scholarships or the Forward Fund between July
1, 2003, and June 30, 2004, will be matched
dollar for dollar.
To date, the MATC Foundation has raised
over $25,000 towards this matching challenge.
We need your support! A full 100% of your gift
to the MATC Foundation is tax-deductible and
100% is used to directly support student scholar-
ships and key learning initiatives. No portion of
your gift is used for administrative expenses.
3
to provide a wide array of scholarships, facility
enhancements and additional support.
Fowles previously worked as development
officer for New York University, a private
research university located in New York City.
She was also a development manager at the Lark
Theatre Company in New York City, develop-
ment assistant for the Madison Civic Center and
coordinator for Sunday Afternoon Live at the
Elvehjem at the Elvehjem Museum of Art in
Madison, Wisconsin.
Born in Germany and raised in the Midwest,
Fowles earned her bachelor’s degree from
Grinnell College (IA) and master’s degree in
business from the University of Wisconsin–
Madison. She lives on Madison’s east side
with her husband, Matthew Poulson.
She can be contacted at 608-243-4334 and
sfowles@matcmadison.edu.
Join hundreds of other generous donors who,
last year alone, funded over 1,000 scholarships
to deserving and needy students. Our goal for
the 2004–2005 is to provide at least 100 more
scholarships to students in critical programs,
particularly those studying in the Health
Occupations division. The need for qualified
personnel in the health industry is extreme;
MATC is going to meet that need and we need
your support to help us.
Please note, if you contributed to a scholarship
account or the Forward Fund last year and increase
your gift this year, the amount by which your gift
increases will be matched by the Foundation.
 ALUMNI
Art Graduate Mark Schmitz Designs for Success
Interview by Sarah Fowles
Mark Schmitz, a 1987 graduate of MATC’s
Commercial Arts program, is the owner and
creative director of ZebraDog Studios, a design
firm specializing in visual brand imaging. Clients
include Miller Brewing Company, Lambeau
Field, Westin Hotels and Resorts and the 1,500-
acre Pabst Farms development near Milwaukee.
He is currently working on several projects,
including the logo and accompanying brand
graphics for State Street, Noodles & Company
and Camp Randall Stadium. You may have
already seen the new Lambeau logo and visual
images throughout the entire stadium, from the
concession stands to the stadium restrooms. Keep
an eye out for a new look on State Street — his
brand design will include public signing, kiosks,
way-finders and a unique banner program.
4
PROFILE
SF: What is the story behind the name of
your company, ZebraDog?
MS: The formal name of the company is ZD
Studios. Ten years ago I was spelling the name
to an insurance agent on the phone and said “Z
as in Zebra, D as in Dog.” I thought, “That’s it!”
I quickly drew a ZebraDog. Later I took a rubber
stamp of a chow-chow and cut zebra stripes in it.
Our name is what makes our company fun.
It doesn’t mean anything deep or magical.
SF: What inspired you to start your own
company?
MS: After MATC, I worked at several
advertising agencies for a few years and was
disappointed at the lack of focus given to our
clients’ corporate identities, their logo and
image. Most ad agencies don’t specialize in
image development. I wanted to start a business
where designers want to work, where the visual
would be the focus and where we would create
long-lasting visual identities. In second grade,
my first drawing was displayed in a glass case
outside my classroom — that’s when I first knew
that I wanted to work with visual graphics.
SF: How would you define branding?
MS: Brand development is creating all the
visual and written pieces that are out there
describing a company’s or entity’s promise.
When we create a plan for a visual brand, we’re
creating a kind of window to the soul of
that company or entity. We have
great allegiance to certain
brands. For example, every-
one has their favorite sham-
poo. The goal in public and
private America is to create
equity in brands, whether the brand is trees on State Street.
Madison’s State Street or a resort hotel. Time Ingrid McMasters
and frequency build a brand. We have to make was instrumental in
things feel authentic. helping to achieve the
lightscape; Ken Saiki
SF: What is your favorite brand? Design in the overall
MS: Volkswagon. It appeals to the streetscape and visioning.
demographic I’m in right now. Their brand is
a modern classic and very creative. I also like SF: Can you describe how
the Miller Brewing brand — it’s a very good MATC played a role in
visual brand. I was involved in developing your career?
a lot of it, so I have to like it. When I was MS: It wasn’t until I
younger, we called Miller beer the “beer of went to MATC that I
the future.” realized that I could be
in this art world at a
SF: Can you describe your inspiration business level. That’s
for the new State Street look? what MATC really taught
MS: What a tough topic. State Street is the me — how to practice cre-
core of our city, county, state. It ties our great- ative talents and get paid for it.
est academic institution to our greatest political I wasn’t the best student. I did a
institution. It’s really difficult to begin creating lot of stuff the night before it
a visual brand for that street, which is really a was due. I still do. I think
district. The State Street Corridor is what we’re I graduated with a 3.7
calling it. I lived on State Street for six years GPA, however. Good
while trying to get a four-year degree, and I under pressure!
think that my inspiration comes from years of
living on the street, being part of the fabric of SF: What advice
that street. I wanted to create a timeless icon for do you give to 2003
the district. graduates of the Graphic
Design program?
SF: Can you describe the new look MS: Learn how to draw, then, learn how
for State Street? to build a website. Drawing skills are critical.
MS: It’s modern classic, art nouveau, If you cannot pick up a pencil and draw, you
contemporary but with a nod to the historical cannot be in this industry. You will be busted.
district that State Street really is. Timeless. Kids in design classes talk about their favorite
We’re finally creating a banner system for filter — it’s all digital stuff. If you’re going to
State Street that is maintainable and change- interview with my studio and you can’t draw,
able. There also will be a gorgeous lightscape forget it. Drawing and compositional skills are
— lighting design is a really big part of this. It the keys to success.
will be reminiscent of the twinkle lights in the

5
 ALUMNI UPDATE

2003

Nicole Peterson ’’03 (Liberal

AlumniUpdate Arts) will be attending UW-

Milwaukee in the Fall of 2003
to study English.

Diana Schramer ’’03 (Liberal

Arts) is currently a full-time
student at UW-Madison pursu-
ing a bachelor’s degree in legal
studies.

2002

Erin Cipra ’’02 (Interior

Design) will attend Arizona
State University in the Spring
of 2003 to work towards a
bachelor of arts degree in
interior design.

Kay DeWaide ’’02 (Human Paula Swanson, Motorcycle,

Services) works as a family
advocate for Community
Partnerships, Inc. and attends
Edgewood College, majoring
in art therapy.
Vicki Gullickson ’’02 (Medical
Coding) works as an outpatient
coder and data analyst for
Meriter Hospital.
Elizabeth (Swenson) Helt ’’02
(Human Services) had a baby
boy and is a homemaker.
Ruth Holden ’’02 (Accounting)
works as a coordinator for
REM of Wisconsin.
Patricia Kranz ’’02 is working
part-time as a line therapist for
Wisconsin Early Autism Project
and working part-time as a
freelance photographer.
Marine, Outdoor Power
Products, Graduate 2002
Stacey (Lepple) Kuehn ’’02
(Business Mid-Management)
was married on September 14,
2002.
April Lee-Pertzborn ’’02
(Dental Hygienist) was married
June 2, 2003, to Mark
Pertzborn. They live in
Madison with their two-year
old daughter Raechell. She
works as a registered dental
hygienist with Dental Health
Associates in Madison.
Katrina Parker ’’02 (Nursing
Assistant) has been working as
a personal living assistant for
the Community Living Alliance
since February of 2003.

6
Matthew Schaalma ’’02
(Printing and Publishing) works
as a pressman for Conley
Printing in Beaver Dam.
Kim (Schiltgen) Truog ’’02
(Dental Hygienist) works as
a dental hygienist for Dr. Lord,
DDS.
Stacy Zimmer ’’02 (Dental
Assistant) is a dental assistant
and scheduling coordinator with
Fitchburg Dental Clinic.
2001
Heather Baehmann ’’01
(Recreation Services) works as
a front desk reservationist for
Clarion Suites in Madison.
James Garwo,
Associate
Degree Nursing,
Graduate 1999
Marisa Braun ’’01 (Liberal Todd Jones,
Arts) is pursuing the doctor Liberal Studies
of naturopathy degree and is 1998 (currently
Disability
working as an executive/special Resource
events assistant for United Specialist
Cerebral Palsy in Madison. at MATC)
Pam Korte ’’01 (Nursing) has
worked as a registered nurse at
Watertown Hospital since
March of 2001. She is also a
charge nurse and preceptor.
Angela Martin ’’01 (Veterinary
Technician) wrote an article
titled “Head of the Class” for
the October 2003 issue of the
Veterinary Technician journal,
a national publication. 2000
Phillip Savidusky ’’01 (Visual Blair Walker ’’00 (Liberal Arts)
Communications) has been will finish her bachelor’s degree
working as a desktop publisher in anthropology this fall.
at CopyMax in Madison for
1995
more than a year. He also has
established a freelance video Sara Shackelford ’’95
and graphic design business (Veterinary Technician) wrote
called Dream Big Productions. an article titled “Surgical Scrub
His freelance work has been Nursing” for the September
used in ANEW magazine and 2003 issue of the Veterinary
he has produced two national Technician Journal.
television commercials.
We’d love to include your
Jaimi Sheil ’’01 (Liberal Arts) news! Please fill out the form
will graduate from Edgewood included with this newsletter
College in December 2003 with or simply email your news to
a bachelor’s degree in sociology. sfowles@matcmadison.edu.
Lisa A.Z. Wilson ’’01 (Nursing
Assistant) works as a home
health aide in Cambridge, WI.
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 PROGRAM PROFILE

Electron Microscopy: The World Up Close

MATC’s Electron Microscopy program is one
of only two programs in the nation to offer a
two-year associate of science degree. In the pro-
gram, students learn the operation of electron
microscopes, sample preparation and image inter-
pretation for both biological and materials types
of samples. The program has a job placement rate
of 99% and starting salaries of $40,000.

Sarah Fowles interviewed Michael Kostrna,

lead instructor in Electron Microscopy.

SF: What is an electron microscope?

MK: An electron microscope uses a beam of
electrons, instead of light, to magnify a biologi-
cal or material specimen. To give you an idea of
how powerful electron microscopes are, we can
magnify a specimen a million times or more.

SF: How many students are currently enrolled

in the program?
MK: We currently have 30 students in the
program between the first and second year.
SF: Which companies are the primary employers
of your graduates?
MK: There are many local employers, including
the UW, Alfalight, Endpoint and Imago
Scientific Instruments. Many of our graduates
work for computer chip manufacturers, such as
Micron Semiconductor, Motorola, IBM, Intel
and Texas Instruments. Graduates who choose to
work with biological materials often work for
major research hospitals and clinics.
SF: Can you share some alumni success stories?
MK: Sure. One student, a 30-year-old male,
entered the program after six years in the army
with no background in science. After his first year
in the program he got a summer internship at
Argonne National Lab in Illinois, where he made
a favorable impression. During his last semester,
Advanced Micro Devices flew him to Austin,
Texas, for an interview and offered him a job
paying $50,000 per year. However, Argonne was
so impressed with him that a new government
position was created for him and they offered
him $54,500 per year to work on a new nanotech-
nology project. He took Argonne’s offer.
Another student, an older female, entered the
program with a background in ecology. She did
very well in both the biological and materials
aspect of the program and served as a mentor for
younger students. Upon graduation, through our
contacts at Duke University, a new position in
the field of infectious diseases was opened up
for her at the Center for Disease Control in
Atlanta.
continued on page 10 >

8
 SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Recent MATC Honors and Awards

Foundation Honors Three Faculty Members BPAC Helps Businesses Garner $132 Million
in Government Contracts

In September, the United States Department of

Sonja Hansard- Jo Ann (Jody) Mark Finger
Weiner Thrush Withers
The MATC Foundation honored three faculty
members during the college’s spring commence-
ment ceremony on May 17, 2003. English
instructor Sonja Hansard-Weiner, Spanish
instructor Jo Ann (Jody) Thrush Withers and
Accounting/Business instructor Mark Finger
each received the Distinguished Teacher Award
for 2003.
Defense awarded MATC a grant for $348,054,
a 65% increase over last year, to provide
Wisconsin businesses free technical and market-
ing services to help them compete for govern-
ment contracts. The grant issued to MATC
continues the efforts of the college’s Business
Procurement Assistance Center (BPAC). BPAC
helped Wisconsin businesses earn more than
$132 million in government contracts during
the 2002–2003 fiscal year.
English Instructor’s Book Begins
a Fly Fishing Mystery Series

Dr. Simone’s Legacy

Dr. Simone’s “Legacy of

Growth” was celebrated with a
special reception for communi-
ty leaders on October 21 at the
Madison Club. Over 150 atten-
dees enjoyed music provided
Dr. Beverly Simone by members of the Madison
Symphony Orchestra and a
video presentation developed by Maureen
Kennedy of Boelter & Lincoln Communications English teacher John Galligan published The
of Madison. A tribute fund, “The Beverly S. Nail Knot, the first installment in the Ned Oglivie
Simone Fund for Staff Development” was Fly Fishing mystery series, in October. He is also
established in the MATC Foundation to promote the author of Red Sky and Red Dragonfly. He
learning and leadership development opportuni- was a presenter at the Wisconsin Book Festival,
ties for faculty and staff members. Over $12,000 which took place in October in Madison.
in gifts has been received to date. Copies of The Nail Knot are available at
www.bleakhousebooks.com; also at Barnes &
Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com.

9
 Calender of Events
January 27, 2004 Live broadcast of nationally recognized Patch Adams,
“Having Fun Working for Peace, Justice and Care,” 6 p.m.,
Truax campus, Room TBA. FREE. Call 608-243-4334 for
reservations. Please note this is a broadcast of a live talk —
Patch Adams will not be at MATC in person.

April 29, 2004 Annual Scholarship and Alumni Awards Breakfast, 7:30–9:00 a.m.

May 15, 2004 MATC Commencement. Alliant Energy Center Veterans Memorial
Coliseum, 10 a.m.

May 17, 2004 H. Douglas Redsten Golf Classic IX. Call 608-243-4334
for more information.

Electron Microscopy… (continued from page 8)

SF: What are two challenges

facing MATC’s electron
microscopy program?
MK: Attracting students to
the program and finding the
money necessary to buy
equipment.
A new transmission electron
microscope, which can mag-
nify small samples a million
times or more and produce
two-dimensional images,
costs $250,000. A new scan-
ning electron microscope,
which can magnify samples
and physical ability to perform small scale,
half a million times and produce stunning
detailed procedures. Should someone be interest-
three-dimensional images, costs $150,000.
ed in attending MATC’s electron microscopy
SF: What advice would you give to someone program, class attendance and good social skills
interested in entering this field? are strong requirements.
MK: People entering the field of electron
For more information about the program, visit
microscopy should have a strong interest in
http://matcmadison.edu/electronmicros/
science, good observational skills, written and
oral communications skills and the patience

10
Make a Gift Amount:
$ ! $25 (Donation amount suggested to join Alumni Association)
I would like my tax-deductible gift to apply to: ! $100 ! $300 ! $650
! Forward Fund: scholarships, innovation growth ! $1,000 ! $5,000
and special projects ! Other $ ________________________________
! One of the following divisions or campuses:
I will make this gift in:
! Agriscience, ! Health, Human and ! A single payment, OR ! Multiple payments.
Apprenticeship, Protective Services
! Please contact me to discuss arrangements.
and Technical & Division
Industrial Division ! Downtown Campus Payment Method: ! VISA/MASTERCARD
! Alternative Learning ! Discover
! Fort Atkinson
Division Campus ! Personal Check (mailed to
MATC Foundation,
! Arts and Sciences ! Portage Campus
Division 3550 Anderson St.,
! Reedsburg Campus Madison, WI 53704)
! Business & Applied
Arts Division ! Watertown Campus Credit Card # _______________________________
Expiration Date (Month/Year) __________________
! I am interested in endowing a scholarship.
Please contact me. Card Holder’s Name _________________________
! I would like information about including MATC You may mail your form and payment to us at MATC
in my will. Please contact me. Foundation, 3550 Anderson St., Madison, WI 53704.
! Other, please describe: ______________________ You may also call us to make a credit card payment at
608-246-6294. You will receive an acknowledgement letter
___________________________________________ that provides your tax-deduction receipt for IRS purposes.

Send Us Your Contact Information and Class Notes

First Name ______________________________ M.I. _______ Last Name ____________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________

City __________________________________________________ State_____________ Zip ______________________

Phone __________________________________________ Email ______________________________________________

Years of attendance at MATC _______________________ Year(s) of graduation ________________________________

Which program(s) did you graduate from? __________________________________________________________________

Employer _______________________________________ Title _______________________________________________

Employer Address _____________________________________________________________________________________

City _____________________________ State _______ Zip ______________ Work Phone _____________________

Did you recently start a new job? Get promoted? Achieve a career goal you are proud of? Get married? Have your first
(or second or third, etc.) baby? We would love to publish your special news in Profiles, MATC’s alumni publication.
Please share any news or comments in the space below.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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11
 Want more information?
See the MATC Foundation web
pages on the MATC Website. Go
to www.matcmadison.edu and
under “Community Resources,”
click on “Alumni and Friends.”
MATC
Or call the Alumni and Foundation
Office at (608) 246-6441.
WolfPack
Writer: Sarah Fowles
Athletics
Graphic Design: Meri Annin
and Amy Kittleson

Contributing Writer:
Robert Dinndorf Curious about how the WolfPack teams are doing?
Proofreader/Support Work: The MATC Athletics Department has unveiled a new
Robin Gee, Janet Kelly
website design at www.matcmadison.edu/athletics.
Alumni Association Coordinator:
Check the website regularly for game information,
Sarah Fowles, (608) 243-4334
sfowles@matcmadison.edu the latest scores, and special events.

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