Human Services

The recipient of the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Distinguished Alumni Award in 2000, Karen continued her education at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She loves community service and has served on the boards of Easter Seals of Southeastern Wisconsin, Planning Council for Health and Human Services and Professional Dimensions.

Karen also served as Board Chairman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors for six years.

"My experience at MATC prepared me for my early career as a child care teacher," Karen recalls. "Not only did I receive the practical skills needed from outstanding faculty, the MATC experience opened my eyes to the community, its diversity, and opportunity in the field I was pursuing."

Bishop McClelland completed an associate degree and began working as a Social Worker with the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services. Since 1982 he has served as Pastor of Holy Cathedral Church. He retired from social work in 1993 to focus on the ministry of the church.

"The education I received at MATC provided a solid academic foundation upon which I have built a promising future of service to others as well as my continued education," he says. Bishop McClelland earned a bachelor's degree at Marquette University and went on to found Word of Hope Ministries, Inc., a non-profit, faith-based community organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services to individuals and families.

After graduating from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech), Deb transferred to Upper Iowa University where she completed her bachelor’s degree. As a Disability Benefits Specialist, she provides benefits counseling to adults with physical disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. She is putting her passion to work through the support she gives to others.

"My Southwest Tech education allowed me to make a career advocating for the causes I had passionately promoted for years," Deb states. "Even the small things we do can make a difference. It’s a joy to see a deserving person get something that will help them through life."

For full-service salon owner Cassie Rosenmeier, her Moraine Park Technical College education was a cut above the rest. The hands-on learning, caring instructors and practical training gave her the tools to develop her own personal style and ultimately, her own Aveda-concept salon, called Adeva.

Cassie credits Moraine Park for her personal and professional growth. "Moraine Park prepared me to be the current salon owner and woman I am today by challenging me to look outside the box and ask myself questions as a young woman I had not asked myself," Cassie states.