Molly Bauer Receives 2025 President’s Spirit of ECC Award

Molly Bauer, a standout music student at East Central College, was named the 2025 recipient of the President’s Spirit of East Central College Award—an honor recognizing a student who exemplifies ECC’s core values through leadership, academic excellence, service, and integrity.

The award was presented during the 55th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 17, where Molly graduated with an Associate of Fine Arts in Music.

With a 3.95 GPA, Molly made a remarkable impact at ECC both academically and artistically. She served as principal clarinetist for the ECC Band and performed in the ECC Concerto Concert.

Her musical achievements extended well beyond campus—she earned coveted spots in the All-Collegiate Band, the St. Louis Wind Symphony Youth Ensemble, and the St. Louis Youth Orchestra—a rare distinction for a student from a two-year college.

Molly was also a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member and a dedicated volunteer. She frequently performed at community and college events, including the ECC Patrons Donors Social, the Union Christmas Parade, and services at St. Peter’s UCC Church. She also shared her talents as a piano instructor at the Washington Academy of Music, inspiring the next generation of musicians.

“Molly’s professors describe her as positive, respectful, hard-working, and someone who always looks out for others,” said Sarah Leassner, Vice President of Student Development, who presented the award.

This fall, she will attend Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) in Cape Girardeau.

Molly is the daughter of ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer and his wife, Barb, of Washington. While Dr. Bauer became aware of her selection after the decision was finalized, he was not involved in the nomination or selection process.

The award was based solely on her merit and determined independently by a committee of ECC faculty and staff.

Molly’s pursuit of growth, willingness to serve, and deep passion for music left a lasting impact at East Central College. She is a most deserving recipient of this year’s President’s Spirit Award.