MATC Mequon Campus Vice President Is Ozaukee County NAACP’s First Education “Game Changer”

Wilma Bonaparte. Photo courtesy of MATC.

MEQUON, Wis. (Dec. 5, 2017) – Dr. Wilma Bonaparte, vice president of Milwaukee Area Technical College’s Mequon Campus, was recently honored as the first education “Game Changer” award winner by the Ozaukee County NAACP.

Education is one of six “Game Changer” categories for the NAACP nationally – priority issues to address inequality facing African Americans.

When it came to picking a winner locally, branch secretary and MATC instructor Myra George said the choice was easy. Bonaparte won unanimously.

“There are a lot of people doing positive things in education in Ozaukee County,” George said. “But hands down, she was the winner.”

Branch leaders praised Bonaparte’s work at the college to make higher education accessible and affordable to people of color in Ozaukee County, to bring in new programs, strengthen existing programs and to work collaboratively with the community.

“It’s a very humbling experience,” Bonaparte said, acknowledging the work of others who have been recognized for their efforts by the chapter in years past as role models in the community.

She called the work for which she was honored part of the college’s mission – and her own.

“I came to this country not knowing any English and have a great appreciation for education as a gateway to both personal and professional opportunities,” she said. “I am honored every day to be able to support those with the same dreams.”

In receiving the award, Bonaparte told the Ozaukee County NAACP she would continue to be “here, ready and proudly willing to serve you, the community and our society.”

Wisconsin’s largest technical college and the most diverse two-year institution in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. Approximately 37,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers 200 academic programs; transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with 50 four-year colleges and universities; and a Pre-College Education division that assists people to complete high school, prepare for college or enter the workforce. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, the national standard for academics and student services.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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