Gateway serves its communities

Gateway Technical College is often thought of for the educational opportunities provided through diplomas and degrees. But that is not the only gateway our students and employees provide for the communities we serve.

Each year, Gateway students and staff invest and support the many community based organizations that are critical to building a stronger community. Organizations such as the United Way, Boy & Girls Club, Red Cross, homeless shelters and food pantries are just a few of the organizations that serve as gateways to a better life for thousands of our friends and neighbors.

For more than 105 years, Gateway has been grounded in service. This year I encourage you to join our effort and open the gates to a brighter future.

Respectfully,

Charles Portis’ “True Grit” is a great novel for Gateway Technical College and its NEA Big Read partners to feature as a way to bring communities together under the umbrella of reading a great American novel, said kickoff celebration speaker Jay Jennings.

“It’s a book that can resonate across all generations,” says Jennings. “It has the 14-year-old narrator, who appeals to children. It’s sophisticated enough that an adult can get a lot out of the nuances of the literature, and it’s fast-paced enough that somebody who wants to read a good Western for the plot will enjoy it.”

Jennings said for all these reasons, he believes that’s why “True Grit” is such a popular choice for groups across the country engaging in the NEA Big Read.
Jennings highlighted the October event which celebrated the kickoff of a monthlong celebration in Kenosha County, Walworth County and Racine County.

Gateway Technical College and Cardinal Stritch University signed a first-of-its-kind agreement which will provide a way for Gateway nursing students to be concurrently enrolled at Cardinal Stritch University and earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as one semester after earning an associate degree in nursing.

Gateway students can more affordably and quickly earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing by paying a reduced tuition rate for much of their educational career, and earning their bachelor’s degree so quickly after their associate degree. Students are concurrently enrolled, meaning they are earning Gateway credits as well as Stritch University credits at the same time.

Gateway student Heather Rupp took first place in the professionals division of the floral centerpiece design challenge at the annual winter wedding design competition hosted by United Wholesale Flowers in mid-September in San Jose, Calif.

Rupp earned two Gateway Horticulture program degrees in Spring 2016 and is a member of the college’s Student chapter-American Institute of Floral Designers. She is currently enrolled in another Gateway program.

The Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce awarded Gateway with the Ascension Health Connections Award at its annual awards banquet recently for the college's efforts and commitment to implementing wellness initiatives in the workplace.

The college was recognized for its commitment to wellness initiatives such as an all-employee health fair, health assessments for employees and spouses and its robust wellness committee.

Gateway opened its bee barn at the Joseph and Kathy Madrigrano-supported Center for Sustainable Living on its Kenosha Campus, a building which will be a focal point on the college’s effort to raise awareness of the dramatic expiration of millions of bees in the last decade.

The project includes a new garden which attracts pollinators such as bees, informative signage, a bee activity curriculum, teaching aids and a remodeled barn which will become the center for all the bee activities. Activities will be open to community members as well elementary- through high school-aged students.

Gateway Technical College President and CEO Bryan Albrecht was presented by the Racine County Economic Development Corporation with a recognition award for his 10 years of service on the group’s board.

Albrecht has served six of those years as chairman of the RCEDC board.

U.S. House Speaker and Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan was named Boy Scouts of America-Three Harbors Council Distinguished Citizen 2016 for his community leadership and civic dedication.

The event was held at the Kenosha Boys & Girls Club.

Bryan Albrecht, Gateway Technical College president and CEO, serves as one of the event leaders.