The nomination form can be found here. Once completed, email to foundation@eastcentral.edu. You can also call 636-584-6505 or email to request more information.

There are many great East Central College alumni making a difference in their communities, and throughout the world.

The Outstanding Alumni Award was created to recognize those former students. The award is presented by the East Central College Foundation.

To be considered for the award, nominees must have completed a college credit course at ECC at some point in their educational journey.

Nominees must have completed a college credit course at ECC during their educational journey. They should be recognized as leaders in their respective fields, showcasing a dedicated commitment to community service. Residency within the college district is not required.

Nominees are expected to showcase exceptional contributions to ECC or the community, with a sustained commitment to the college.

Guidelines

Current candidates for public office and past recipients are not eligible for the award.

To nominate a former ECC student, write an explanation in 500 words or less as to why the person is worthy of consideration. The explanation should accompany the nomination. Nominations must be received by April 10, 2024. All nominations received within the last three years are eligible.

People also can email foundation@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6505 to request the form for more information.

The recipient will be selected by the ECC Foundation Alumni Committee. A formal invitation to the 2024 Commencement Ceremonies will be sent to the honoree and a plaque will be displayed at the ECC Union campus in his or her honor.

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‘Cookie’ Hays Named Outstanding ECC Alumni

Ina “Cookie” Hays is the only person to be a graduate, support staff member, professional staff member, administrator, and trustee at East Central College, giving her a unique perspective of the College.

And now, she can add Outstanding ECC Alumni award recipient to the list.

Hays was presented the award at the ECC Commencement on May 13 by President Dr. Jon Bauer. This prestigious award is given annually by the ECC Foundation and is the highest award presented to an alum.

“I have experienced ECC as a student, graduate, support staff, professional staff and I retired as an administrator,” Hays said after accepting the award.

“Now it’s my honor to serve our community as an elected trustee,” She added. “In that role, I hope to ensure that East Central continues to provide an excellent learning environment and opportunities for generations to come.”

Hays has dedicated more than 50 years of service to the College as an employee and Trustee.

“When I graduated from Washington High in 1970, I didn’t see many options for young women like me,” she said. “I dreamed of going to college, but higher education seemed out of reach for someone whose family had never attended.”

“Thanks to the forward thinking of several community leaders,” Hays continued, “East Central Junior College became a reality, and our community was transformed.”

She noted that her husband, Don, and two children graduated from ECC.

Addressing the ECC Class of 2023, Hays said, “Today we can all be proud to call ourselves graduates of ECC.”

Hays was both a student and student worker when she graduated from “East Central Junior College” in 1973.

She was in one of the first graduating classes, initially taking classes in Union Memorial Auditorium before moving to the current campus to take courses.

Career at ECC

After graduation, she began her career at ECC that would span 41 years. She held several positions until she became the Vice President for Student Development in 2009.

Hays worked in or with every department on the Union campus and the College extension sites. Her position at ECC took her to every high school district throughout the service region.

“The faculty and staff I have met over the years have inspired me to grow professionally and helped me gain confidence in my abilities,” she said. “Many have become lifelong friends.”

Her first position at ECC was an administrative assistant role, a position she served in for 15 years. She then moved into the position of assistant to a vice president for a year.

In 1989, she became an academic advisor, serving 9 years in that office. Hays then was named as the interim director of counseling services for a year, until she was appointed to that position, serving for another year.

Her next step at ECC was as the dean of student development, a role that she was in for 8 years.

Then, in 2009 she was named the vice president of student development. She retired from the College in 2014 while serving as the vice president of student development.

Hays earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Maryville University while employed at ECC, and then she recieved a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

In 2016, two years after retiring from the College, Hays was elected to her first six-year term on the ECC Board of Trustees. She was re-elected in 2022 and she continues to promote and guide ECC.

Past Recipients

(Year, Name, Community, Profession)

2022 – Tim Unnerstall – Washington – Business Management

2021 – Eric Park – Washington – Financial Planning

2020 – Scott Breckenkamp – Washington – Banking

2019 – Dorothy Schowe – New Haven – Public Relations

2018 – Ron Unnerstall – Washington – Engineer

2017 – Audrey Freitag – New Haven – Nurse

2016 – Dave Arand – Union – Attorney

2015 – Anthony “Tony” Kreutz – Union – Business Admin

2014 – Amy Wildhaber – Beaufort – ER Dept Manager

2013 – Joseph Purschke – Union – Attorney at Law

2012 – Linda Mahon – Union – History/Educator

2011 – Ted Coburn – Villa Ridge – Probation & Parole

2010 – Ann Schroeder – Union – Political Science

2009 – Chris Stuckenschneider – Washington – Journalism

2008 – Ken Schmidt – Union – Engineering

2007 – Tammy Watz – Sullivan – Allied Health

2007 – Dr. Frank Miller – Washington – Allied Health

2006 – Deborah Koelling – Washington – Education

2005 – Chris Manhart – Union – Education

2004 – Tom Robertson – New Haven – Engineering/HVAC

2003 – John Griesheimer – Washington – Elected Official

2002 – Tonya Voss – Sullivan – Education