Month: September 2017


#InspiringExcellence – EMS Instructor Wins Statewide Award


September 26, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Over the last 41 years, East Central College Instructor Lora Copeland has given her expertise on cardiac rhythm interpretation to more than 750 paramedic students.

“She actually helped create what is now the Paramedic Program at the college back in 1976,” said EMS Program Coordinator Tom Fitts, “just two years after receiving her Registered Nurse license!”

During the day, she acts as the critical care manager of the Mercy ICU in Washington. At night, she spends her time in an East Central College classroom. Her dedication to teaching students is remarkable.

“When we decided to offer a day class regarding rhythm interpretation,” said Fitts, “Lora said she ‘probably had enough vacation time’ to take off to teach those classes. I let her know I could not, in good conscience, let her use her vacation time for our students!”

Her lifelong dedication to the classroom is now being recognized at the state level. She was awarded the Jack Lyon Memorial Award by the Missouri EMS Association – presented to an outstanding instructor of an ongoing EMT-B, EMT-P or continuing education program that is accredited by the Missouri Bureau of EMS.

“Lora’s impact on the program has been huge,” said Fitts.  “Students may not know her by name, but they certainly know her by reputation.”

“I was fortunate enough to have Lora as my cardiology instructor when I took my paramedic training at East Central College in 1982,” said Union Ambulance District Chief Ken Koch, “and I still remember the lessons learned.”

This will be Copeland’s last year with the college. She plans to retire from the classroom to spend more time with her grandchildren. It is without a doubt – she’ll be missed.

“Lora’s expertise in the subject matter, as well as her calm, thoughtful demeanor made her a favorite of the students,” said St. Charles County Ambulance District CEO Taz Meyer. “The students always knew they could have confidence in Lora as a trusted resource.”

“I wish that every school had Lora as one of their teachers,” said EMS Adjunct Janet Fitts. “Not only would our cardiac care be better, but our patients would benefit from the compassion she has modeled for all of us.”

She was recently featured in The Missourian for her years of dedication. Read the article.


Get Help Writing Transfer and Scholarship Essays!


September 20, 2017 | Campus News

So you’ve filled out all the paperwork for a scholarship or transfer application, and now you’ve reached a part many dread – the essay. Don’t worry! The Learning Center is here to help!

On Monday, September 25 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, September 28 at 10:30 a.m., The Learning Center will offer a free workshop on writing transfer and scholarship essays. We know East Central College is often the first stop on a student’s educational journey, and we want to help them move forward!

The workshop will focus on proven strategies for writing essays that stand out from the rest. Topics will include:  knowing your audience, creating a thesis, telling your story and addressing any issues in your record.

We hope to see you there!


Course Schedule Available for Winter/Spring Oct. 9


September 20, 2017 | Campus News

We know, we know…

How are we talking about next semester classes already? We just started Fall Semester!

Time flies when you’re having fun (or studying really hard).

On October 9, students will be able to view the course schedule for Winter Intersession and Spring Semester. This can be accessed on the East Central College homepage in the top right corner, or you can look under Registration & Student Records on the Student Page. Once you take a look, be sure to make an appointment with your academic advisor.

Registration begins on October 23.


#InspiringExcellence – Organization Makes Donation to Help Women in Need at ECC


September 13, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Going to college can be a balancing act. For some women attending East Central College, juggling a full-time work schedule and a family can make it difficult. Financial burdens can also bring on added stress. With the help of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) International Sisterhood, these women have a helping hand toward earning a degree.

Chapter NA of Franklin County serves local women by providing grants, scholarships and low-interest loans to those in financial emergencies. The group is one of many PEO Sisterhood chapters throughout the country and Canada.

As part of their local efforts, the group donated a thousand dollars to the East Central Financial Aid Department for the 2016-17 academic year. Student Financial Aid Director Karen Griffin hopes the funds will prevent local women from dropping out of school when facing a hardship.

“The fund gives women in need at East Central College a helping hand,” Griffin said. “We are so thankful we have an organization in the community that supports our students in this way.”

PHOTO: Franklin the Falcon, Jean Bennett, Barb Schroepfer, Karen Griffin and Missy Lochirco

 



Fall Writing Contest Now Open


September 7, 2017 | Campus News

Are you a talented storyteller? Until Tuesday, October 31, current ECC students can submit their stories and/or essays to the Annual ECC English Department’s Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction Writing Contest.

“We received amazing entries every year,” said English instructor Josh Stroup. “I feel it is extremely important our students get a real audience to read their work, not just family or friends. We should celebrate writing, and this contest does just that.”

Each student is allowed a maximum of three entries, and each entry must be no longer than 20 pages.

Additionally, submissions should be in size 12 Times New Roman font and single spaced. Please include a cover sheet with your name, phone number, email, mailing address and entry titles. As for individual stories or essays, only the title in a header is needed. Entries should be submitted as a Microsoft Word attachment to Joshua.Stroup@eastcentral.edu.

Winners will be announced via email on November 15. First prize is $100, second prize is $50 and third prize is $25.

For more information about this contest, contact Josh Stroup at Joshua.Stroup@eastcentral.edu.