Month: November 2015


$600,000 in Tax Credits Approved for ECC Project


November 24, 2015 | Campus News

East Central College has been approved to receive up to $600,000 in tax credits from the Missouri Development Finance Board to assist with fundraising efforts to create the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Training adjacent to ECC’s main campus in Union.

The tax credits will be available to individuals, corporations and funders that contribute to the ECC Foundation campaign to raise $1.2 million to renovate the former Gala Center into a facility for technical education and workforce training.

“We thank the Missouri Development Finance Board for their support of this project,” noted Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president.  “This speaks volumes about the enormous benefits this project will have for our area.”

Bauer noted that any taxpayer – including any charitable organization that is exempt from federal income tax and whose Missouri unrelated business taxable income, if any, would be subject to the state income tax – would be entitled to the tax credit.

Contributors will receive a 50 percent Infrastructure Development Fund Tax Credit based upon their contribution.  A $20,000 contribution would result in a $10,000 tax credit which could be used by the contributor to pay certain taxes due to the State of Missouri.

The credits may be used to offset income tax, franchise tax or financial institution tax.  They can also be transferred to another taxpayer.

The tax credits issued by the Board cannot be refunded or carried-back.  They can be carried forward to offset future tax liabilities for up to five years and could be applicable when filing a 2015 tax return. The tax credit certificate need not be completely used on one return. Portions of the credit can be used in each of the succeeding five years to pay tax liabilities owed to the State of Missouri.

Shannon Grus, executive director of the ECC Foundation, stated that the tax credits will allow the Foundation to engage the civic and business community to help support the continued growth of East Central College.  “People can begin making donations immediately, with the minimum donation set at $1,000,” noted Grus. “Donations can be in the form of a check, wire transfer, or marketable securities, but must be made by December 31, 2017.”

Complete details are available at the ECC Foundation website.

ECC purchased the former Gala Center in April for $1.2 million. The renovation of the property will allow the college to expand its technical education programs in Industrial Engineering Technology and Precision Machining which are currently housed at Four Rivers Career Center in Washington.  ECC’s Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning program will be relocated from the main campus to the renovated facility. The Center for Workforce Development, as well as labs and classrooms dedicated to workforce training, are also planned for the renovated space.

In September the college was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration. “Combining the EDA grant funds, tax credits, institutional resources, and other donations through the ECC Foundation will make it possible for us to renovate the space into almost 22,000 square feet of up-to-date facilities that will benefit ECC students and the regional economy for years to come,” noted Bauer.

This fall ECC trustees authorized college administrators to apply for the MDFB’s “Tax Credit for Contribution” program which encourages private contributions toward public projects across the state.

Bauer stated that renovations should begin early next year, with the relocation of the programs expected before the start of 2016 fall semester classes.


Registration Continues for Spring Semester


November 23, 2015 | Campus News

Registration is still open for new and returning students for the spring semester at East Central College. Complete schedule of classes

The schedule contains pertinent details for every class offered through ECC for the 2016 spring semester which begins Wednesday, January 13.  This includes classes held at the main campus in Union and satellite sites in Rolla, Sullivan and Washington. Prospective students will also find a variety of classes offered online for those who need more flexibility with their schedule.

Student Services staff will be available at the main Rolla location at 500 Forum Drive Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to assist new and returning students.  Friday hours are 8 a.m. until noon.

Christina Ayres, director of ECC sites in Rolla and Sullivan, noted that advisors at ECC’s main Rolla location will be available until 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 9.

Student Services staff at the Union campus will be available Monday through Thursday until 6 p.m. to assist new and returning students.  Shelli Allen, vice president of student development at ECC, noted that general advisors at the Union campus will also be available Saturday, December 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Enrollment Center staff will handle registrations and cashiers will be available to process payment until 2 o’clock.  Placement testing will begin at 9 a.m.

”Students can still apply for financial aid for the spring semester, but they will not receive authorization until after the holiday break,” said Allen.  “To hold their enrollment, students can pay with cash, check or credit card.  We also have a payment plan option to spread the cost out over several months.” Allen encourages prospective new students to bring their 2014 tax documents along when they visit campus to make the financial aid process easier.

Allen emphasizes the range of classes offered at the college, from basic to transfer-level.  “We have classes available in math and English which are designed to meet the needs of new students no matter what their skill level,”  Allen notes. “Students can work their way up from the basic skills through transfer classes which can be applied toward a degree at a four-year school.”

Career and technical education courses are available for students seeking employable skills with a certificate or degree from ECC in fields such as nursing, graphic design, precision machining, industrial engineering technology and culinary arts at the Union campus.
Career and technical education programs are available in Rolla for students seeking employable skills with a certificate or degree from ECC in fields such as nursing, business management/technology, and early childhood education.  ECC also has partnership programs with Rolla Technical Center and Rolla Technical Institute to offer degrees in auto technology, building construction, EMT/paramedic, radiologic technology and respiratory care.

In-district students pay just $95 per credit hour for tuition and general fees.  The rate for out-of-district students is $130 per credit hour.  Some courses also have additional lab and technology fees.

For enrollment and assessment information, individuals can contact ECC at 636-584-6588 or 573-466-4100.  Details are also available by emailing admissions@eastcentral.edu.  People interested in courses in Rolla should email  eccrolla@eastcentral.edu.


International Education Week 2015 graphic

International Education Week Nov. 16-20


November 20, 2015 | Campus News

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.  This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of the efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.

East Central College  will host a variety of  International Education Week activities Monday-Friday, November 16-20, at the Union campus.

Ellen Aramburu, ECC Spanish instructor, noted that International Education Week is an avenue for ECC students, faculty and staff to invite community members to campus so everyone can become more aware of and better understand cultural similarities and differences that make up the world at large.

“We encourage community members to come to campus to participate in any of the cultural or educational events that we have scheduled,” said Aramburu.

All events are free.

Monday, November 16

Soup and Stories: Learn about the lives of two international students from England, and an instructor who studied in London for several years. Free soup, prepared by the Culinary Arts program, will be available.  Dessert will be provided by Café Central.

Café Central: noon – 1 pm

Adam Watkins, art instructor

Students:  Umoh Ufot and Darren Hamilton

 

Immigration Issues – A presentation by Kenneth Schmitt, an immigration attorney from St. Louis, will also include a Q and A session.

Health & Science Building, Room 127: 2 – 3 pm

 

African Drum Circle –  Adjunct music instructor Damon Van invites the public to join him and the ECC Percussion Ensemble for a hands-on performing experience.

Hansen Hall, Room 105: 7 – 8 pm

 

Tuesday, November 17

Soup and Stories: Learn about the travels of a faculty member and the journey of two international students to ECC.  Enjoy free soup prepared by the Culinary Arts program and dessert prepared by Café Central.

Café Central: noon – 1 pm

Ellen Aramburu, Spanish instructor, will talk about her travels to Peru.

Students: Archie Dark-Boateng from Ghana and Jindu Israel-Bolarinwa from Nigeria

 

internationalflagsWednesday, November 18

Soup and Stories:  Learn about the culture of two students and experiences of an ECC faculty member who studied abroad while enjoying free soup prepared by the Culinary Arts program.  Café Central will provide dessert.

Café Central: noon – 1 pm

Students: Alejandro Garcia and Angel Herrera will speak about their experience as Mexican Americans.

John Hardecke, English instructor, will talk about his experiences in Vietnam.

 

The Book of Life – Students in ECC’s Spanish Club will host the screening of this film.  Manolo, a young man torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears.

Buescher Hall, Room 229: 5 pm

 

Thursday, November 19

Immigration in St. Louis – Suzanne LeLaurin, senior vice president for programs at the International Institute of St. Louis, will discuss the history of immigration in St. Louis and the current situation. The Institute’s mission is to strengthen the St. Louis community by helping immigrants and their families become secure and successful Americans and by promoting the value of ethnic diversity in the social, cultural and economic life of the region.

Health & Science Building, Room 100: 3 pm

 

Friday, November 20

Documentary on the Lost Boys of Sudan – Following the documentary three of the “Lost Boys” will talk about their experience.sudan

Hansen Hall, Room 286: 6 pm

For information about International Week activities, call 636-584-6603 or email: ellen.aramburu@eastcentral.edu.

 


Volleyball Season Ends at Region 16 Tournament


November 9, 2015 | Campus News

The Falcon volleyball season wrapped up Saturday (November 7) with a straight set loss to Metropolitan Community College-Longview: 19-25,21-25, 23-25. in the semifinals of the NJCAA Region 16 tournament in Lexington, Missouri.   ECC defeated St. Louis Community College in straight sets:  25-14, 25-5, 25-11 Friday to advance to the semifinal round.

Coach Lisa Mathes Peters and her team finish with a 24-20 record.

 


The East Central College seal with the words: board of trustees meeting below it

Filing Date Set for April Trustee Election


November 9, 2015 | Campus News

Filing dates for the April 5, 2016, East Central College board of trustees election have been set.  Filing will open on Tuesday, December 15, at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19.

The terms of Jim Perry and Tom Dill from sub-district three expire next April.  College trustees are elected to six-year terms.

Sub-district three includes all of the Washington School District, excluding that portion located in Boeuf and Lyon Townships.

The ECC board consists of six trustees, two each from three sub-districts of the college district.  Trustees are elected at large, but a candidate must be a resident of the sub-district he or she represents.

Perry, current board president, is completing his third term on the East Central College board.  He was first elected in 1998 and was re-elected in 2004and 2010.  He served as board vice president for four years beginning in 2002 and has been president of the board since 2006.

Dill is completing his second term since first being elected in 2004.  He is the current board secretary, a position he has held since 2011.

Declaration of candidacy forms must be filed in the President’s Office located in Room 254 in Buescher Hall on the ECC campus in Union, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  Filings will not be accepted during the holiday break which starts at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23.  Filing will resume Monday, January 4, at 8 a.m.  No filings will be accepted on Monday, January 18, when the college will be closed to observe the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

A candidate for the ECC board must be a citizen of the United States, at least 21 years of age, a voter of the college district for at least one full year preceding the election date, and a current resident of the sub-district for which he or she files.   The board of trustees is the sole statutory legislative governing body responsible for the control and operation of East Central College.  Neither state statutes nor district policy limits the number of terms a member may serve.  Regular monthly meetings of the ECC board are normally held on the first Monday of the month.

Other trustees include Ann Hartley – Union, board vice president; Prudence Fink Johnson – Union, board treasurer; Don Kappelmann – New Haven, member; and Dr. Joe Stroetker – Sullivan, member.

Insurance Coverage for 2016 Approved by College Trustees

Health insurance for full-time East Central College employees will be provided by the same carrier in 2016 with no change in rates or plan design.  College trustees approved the renewal of coverage with Anthem at their November 2 meeting.

“Anthem’s original renewal included a proposed 13.6 percent increase,” stated Scott James with J.W. Terrill, insurance broker for the college.  “We negotiated for no increase or plan changes to the Anthem medical insurance premium by moving basic life/accidental death and dismemberment/long-term disability coverage from Guardian to Anthem,”  James noted that the change will result in annual premiums approximately $5,700 lower than Guardian’s proposed renewal for basic life/AD & D and long-term disability.

ECC employees will continue to have a choice between BJC and non-BJC networks, an option to purchase dependent coverage, as well as an option to select the high deductible plan that includes a health savings account.

“The college will fund the HSA for a maximum of $2,000 annually for employees selecting the HSA option rather than funding the difference between the base plan and high deductible plan premiums,” said Wendy Hartmann, ECC’s director of human resources.  “ECC will continue to purchase a health reimbursement account as part of the plans.”

The health reimbursement account allows the college to pay the difference between the deductible required by the plan and the deductible amount paid out-of-pocket by employees.

Total cost to the college for employee medical insurance in 2016 will total over $1.5 million.

Vision insurance will again be provided through VSP with no change in the rate of $6.04 per employee each month.

The College pays the vision insurance premium for all full-time employees, with employees able to add spouse and/or children at an additional cost.

The group Medicare Part C plan offered to ECC retirees will continue with  United Healthcare Medicare Advantage PPO.  The plan involves no premium for either the college or the individual. 


Soccer Ends Season With Loss in Region 16 Championship


November 6, 2015 | Campus News

East Central soccer ended the season with a 4-3 loss to Jefferson College in the championship match of the NJCAA Region 16 tournament Saturday (October 31).  The Falcons got on the board early with two quick goals but Jefferson came back and tied the game before the half.   The Vikings kept the momentum going to start the second half pulling ahead 3-2, but Coach Kean Barclay’s team came back to tie things up.  Jefferson scored the go-ahead goal late in the second half and held on for the win.

ECC ends the 2015 campaign with a record of 16-4-1, three of the losses being to Jefferson.

ECC's Joe Drake scored the first goal in the Region 16 semi-final match

ECC’s Joe Drake scored the first goal in the Region 16 semi-final match played October 27 at East Central.

The Falcons soccer players versus St. Louis Community College
The Falcons soccer players versus St. Louis Community College

 

Freshman Umoh Ufot contributing to ECC's second half offense
Freshman Umoh Ufot was one of three freshmen contributing to ECC’s second half offense against McKendree JV.

ECC sophomore defender AJ Bannister and St. Louis Community College's Steve Lilako
ECC sophomore defender AJ Bannister and St. Louis Community College’s Steve Lilako go for the ball during the September 29 match at ECC.

ECC freshman defender Darren Hamilton controls the ball at midfield
ECC freshman defender Darren Hamilton controls the ball at midfield during a match against the St. Louis Community College Archers Tuesday, September 29

ECC sophomore Gavyn Prsha controls the ball against Maple Woods player
ECC sophomore Gavyn Prsha (#13) controls the ball against a Maple Woods player during action September 22 at East Central College.