More than 700 students graduate at MATC winter commencement ceremony

Milwaukee Area Technical College held its winter commencement Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013 at the U.S. Cellular Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Ave. More than 700 students graduated from associate degree, technical diploma, apprentice and adult high school programs.
Spencer Coggs, City of Milwaukee treasurer and former Wisconsin state senator, served as the keynote speaker. Coggs graduated from MATC in 1975 with an associate of arts degree. He also earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He encouraged the Class of 2013 to “enrich, empower and transform” because MATC has given them “a great foundation.”
Dr. Michael L. Burke, MATC president, officially conferred the degrees. He shared with graduates “how proud the entire MATC community” was of their accomplishments. Burke also told the graduating class that they were ready for “the next step on your journey because your time at MATC has prepared you well.”
Silvia Cisneros, who graduated with an associate degree in meeting and event management, delivered the student speech. Cisneros also received the Outstanding Associate Degree Graduate Award. She shared with her fellow graduates that “it is never too late to do something great!”
Adam Joseph Anderson, who graduated with a technical diploma in machine tool operations: CNC machine setup and operations, received the Outstanding Technical Diploma Graduate Award.