Month: November 2018

Top 5 Tips to Help Lower Your Utility Bills this Winter from HVAC Dave

November 27, 2018 | Campus News

With winter right around the corner, it’s a good idea to make sure your house is prepared for the cold! East Central College HVAC expert and faculty member David DeArmond has some tips that could save you money on your utility bill.

Tip 1 – Get a Tune-Up

HVAC systems often become more inefficient over time, which is why performing regular maintenance on your system is so important! It can help save you money on a daily basis, and it can help prevent problems from happening when you least expect it. Do this every spring and winter. Many HVAC companies offer seasonal specials!

Tip 2- Plug the Leaks – Insulate Your Home

It’s always a good idea to check the weatherstripping around your doors and the caulking around your windows this time of year. Small leaks can lead to big utility bills, as your HVAC system is constantly having to fight the cold air coming into the house. You also want to check the insulation inside your attic. Insulating an attic is fairly easy and inexpensive, and it can make a big difference.

Common places air leaks occur:

Electrical outlets
Switch plates
Door and window frames
Electrical and gas service entrances
Baseboards
Weatherstripping around doors
Fireplaces
Attic hatches
Window air conditioners
Cable and phone lines
Dryer vents
Bathroom/kitchen vents and fans

Tip 3 – Get a Programmable Thermostat

Make your HVAC system work less when you aren’t at home! New thermostats can also connect to your smartphone, allowing you to control the temperature from anywhere.

Tip 4 – Look to the Sky

Even in the winter, the sun can help warm your house. Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day. This will allow sunlight to natural heat your home. Close them at night to block the cold coming from the glass!

Tip 5 – Replace Your Air Filter

Make sure to change your air filter at least once every three months, if not sooner. Dust gets trapped in the air filter over time – which blocks the flow of air to the rest of your house. This can make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to!

The East Central College Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Program offers an Associates of Applied Science or Certificate of Specialization. Students learn the basics of installation, maintenance and repair, preparing them to enter the workforce as technicians. Learn more about the program!

Job Opening: Executive Director of East Central College Foundation

November 20, 2018 | Campus News

East Central College has an immediate opening for an Executive Director, Foundation/Director, Institutional Development.

The Executive Director is responsible for leading and strengthening a comprehensive fundraising program in support of East Central College Foundation’s mission and goals. Specific emphasis is focused on annual giving, major giving, planned giving, grants and fundraising events.

The Executive Director will strive to build a greater understanding and support for Foundation’s mission, vision and goals in the region. The Executive Director is an ex-officio member of the East Central College Foundation Board of Directors and is also a member of the President’s Cabinet of East Central College.

For more information about the position, please visit the Job Openings page.

The East Central College Foundation was established to support the growth and development of East Central College in whatever ways might be beneficial to our students, our staff and our facility. It solicits and receives tax deductible gifts which are managed for the benefit of the college and its students. It is chartered as a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization for educational purposes.

Every dollar committed to the ECC Foundation helps strengthen our communities for all of us and enhances the lives of our students forever. It is an economic and a human investment.

Foundation Awards 2018 Mini-Grants

November 20, 2018 | Campus News

The East Central College Foundation awards mini-grants each year to scholastic departments and programs through The Albert C. Buescher Memorial Fund. In 2018, four awards were given to help support various initiatives.

The Math Department was awarded a mini-grant to purchase new TI-84+ graphing calculators for students to use in class.

Student Services will use its mini-grant to pilot a text messaging system for student communication.

“Research has shown that students do not respond well to phone calls, letters, or emails. They respond best to text messages,” said Stephanie Hebert, Enrollment Management Systems Manager.

If the six-month pilot program goes well, the system could be permanent at the college.

“This project will assist our students by providing them with just-in-time information regarding enrollment, tuition, and financial aid as well as advance the college by increasing enrollment and decreasing bad debt,” Hebert explained.

Phi Theta Kappa will use its mini-grant to help fund a trip to Montgomery, Alabama to see the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

The Institutional Research Department was awarded a mini-grant in order to provide training for its staff for Microsoft Power BI, a data presentation tool.

“Our hope is this tool will assist our department in presenting data in a simplified and easy-to-understand way,” said Bethany Lohden, Director of Institutional Research. “In turn, it will encourage employees to use the institution’s data when making decisions.”

Over the past ten years, the ECC Foundation has awarded more than $90,000 to various college departments and groups.

Paramedic Program Now Offering Distance Learning at ECC-Rolla

November 20, 2018 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Starting in 2019, East Central College-Rolla will utilize interactive distance technology to better serve students in its paramedic technology program. Students will also have access to on-location lab assistants who will be based on the Rolla campus.

“Previously, we partnered with the Rolla Technical Center to provide the paramedic technology program to area students,” said Tom Fitts, Associate Professor of EMT and Emergency Medical Services. “We are now offering the program just through East Central College.”

While students will need to complete some coursework at the Union location, using interactive distance technology will save time and be more convenient for students.

“We are also hoping to add additional clinical sites in the area,” said Fitts. “Our students will have more options closer to their home. Right now, students will only be on the Union campus an average of five times per semester.”

East Central College offers a program of study leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree and Certificate of Achievement in Paramedic Technology. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions. It is also accredited by the Missouri Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

Please contact Tom Fitts, Thomas.fitts@eastcentral.edu, or call 636-584-6616/636-584-6623 with any questions.

National Apprenticeship Week Celebration at Business and Industry Center

November 16, 2018 | Campus News

Business leaders and community members were welcomed into the East Central College Business and Industry Center on Friday, November 16 for a National Apprenticeship Week Celebration.

The event featured two keynote speakers – Wade Johnson, U.S. Department of Labor, and Mardy Leathers, Missouri Department of Workforce Development.

“Missouri is dedicated to investing, expanding and sustaining apprenticeships in the state,” said Leathers. “Educational institutions like East Central College are going to help lead the way forward.”

Those in attendance at the event were also able to hear directly from a panel of local businesses and employees who are currently participating in an apprenticeship program.

“I’m getting something tangible from the apprenticeship program through East Central College,” said apprentice Neil Chapman. He works as a quality technician at Homeyer Precision Machining in Marthasville. “I’m allowed to learn in a classroom environment where I can learn from my mistakes and grow as a professional.”

“We have four apprentices right now,” said Lou Ann Feldman, Clemco Vice President of Manufacturing, “and they are very diverse. Only one had any welding experience before entering the program.”

While East Central College provides many registered apprenticeships to area manufacturers, the program can be applied to all industries. Significant talent shortages and skills gaps can limit the ability of a business to expand, innovate and excel. Apprenticeships can help close that gap.

“There is currently a funding opportunity for apprenticeships,” said Joel Doepker, East Central College Vice President of External Relations . “East Central College can help area businesses create successful credit or non-credit programs on any scale and for any industry.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 150,000 employers and labor management organizations benefit from apprenticeships every year. Workers who complete apprenticeship programs earn $300,000 more over a career than their peers who don’t.

5 Tips for Preparing Your Thanksgiving Dinner from Chef Mike

November 14, 2018 | Campus News

So you’re cooking Thanksgiving dinner at your house this year? East Central College’s Chef Mike Palazzola has some tips on how to make it go smoothly!

THE TURKEY

As turkey is arguably the backbone of most Thanksgiving meals, it only makes sense we start there for the first three tips!

TIP 1 – Brine Your Turkey– Brining is simply submerging your protein (the turkey) in a salt, sugar and water solution. Use a basic poultry brine and add some culinary flair!

Basic Poultry Brine Yield: 3 Gal
- 8oz Kosher salt
- 12oz sugar, honey, or brown sugar
- 1T garlic powder
- 1 gal water
- 2 gal ice water

Bring 1 gallon of water and all ingredients above to a simmer. Cool with remaining 2 gallons of ice water. Submerge the turkey in clean cooler for 2-3 days. You’ll want to make sure to check the ice daily. This will also free up refrigerator space! Now, remove from the liquid and place in cooler uncovered to develop a skin (this step is crucial if you want a nice crisp skin!).

Turkey can then be smoked, roasted or fried and enjoyed by the whole family. Brining may be used for any protein (meat) and is a must for keeping the final product nice and juicy. The amount of time will vary based on the size of the product.

TIP 2 – Separate Thighs and Legs from Breasts– As white meat and dark meat cook at different rates, it is very easy to see why “Mom” always ends up cooking a dry turkey. Do yourself a favor – separate the white and dark meat and check temps on each. When you hit an internal temperature of 162 (not when the little popper deal that comes standard with every turkey says it’s done), the turkey can be pulled and allowed to rest. Don’t worry – it will still continue to cook when you take it out. You’ll still hit the necessary 165 degree temperature for turkey in what is called “carry-over cooking.” This will cut down on the amount of time you need to have an oven available for a turkey.

TIP 3 – Allow Turkey to Rest– Now after spending 2-3 days in a salt bath, 1 day being allowed to dry and however long your turkey spends in the oven to reach 165, it is going to be tired….LET IT REST!!! Resting is a practice that chefs use to ensure that a carved piece of meat will be juicy once it is cut. Ideally, once your bird reaches 165 degrees allow it to “rest” (meaning “cool down”) to 145 degrees before ANY cutting is done.

THE SIDES

TIP 4 – Make Your Own Green Bean Casserole- Before Campbell’s even thought of dumping cans of tasty cream of mushroom soup into green beans and topping them with fried onions, people were enjoying the homemade version of this traditional favorite. Check out Chef Mike’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe below!

TIP 5 – Salad Bar Sous Chef- Much of the nitty gritty prep-work involved with Thanksgiving can be lessened by taking a trip to your local grocery store’s salad bar. Having your eggs already hard boiled and sieved for potato salad, bacon cooked and diced, onions diced, mushrooms sliced for green bean casserole, all of these items will give you back valuable prep time that you can better spend with your guests!

Bon Appetite and I hope these tips serve you well so that you may in turn, serve your guests well – Chef Mike.

Alumni Spotlight – “ECC Will Always Have a Special Place in My Heart”

November 14, 2018 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News

Like many high school seniors, Rick Briggenhorst had no idea what he wanted to do after graduation back in 2011.

“On my last day in high school, I had a conversation with my marketing instructor and my art instructor,” the Union-native said. “They told me ‘math teaches you how to succeed. Art teaches you how to live.’”

The next week, he enrolled at East Central College with the intent of exploring the arts.

“I was the first in my family to go to college,” he said. “East Central College was incredibly accessible to me. It was easy to get information, and I knew I could walk to class if I really wanted to!”

He started his journey to obtain an Associate’s of Fine Arts, but the degree wasn’t nearly important to Rick as something else.

“I wanted to focus more on the knowledge I could gain and the personal development I could achieve,” he said. “The arts are about expressing yourself. It’s about doing something you truly love.”

Rick now calls Springfield, Missouri home. After ECC, he transferred to Missouri State University where he received his bachelor’s degree. He is now a working artist and full-time museum assistant at the Springfield Art Museum. Established in 1928, the museum is dedicated to enhancing the education and documenting the cultural heritage of the people of southwest Missouri through the collection, preservation and exhibition of art objects.

“East Central College will always have a special place in my heart,” he said. “There was a thriving arts community that was the perfect blend of competitiveness and compassion. My instructors were of the highest caliber in all facets of promoting growth and success.”

Alumni, Faculty and Staff Recognized at Missouri Community College Association Awards

November 13, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, the Missouri Community College Association recognizes individuals at its annual convention. Awards are given to alumni, faculty and staff who are making an impact in their local communities.

In 2018, the Distinguished Alumni Award was given to Ron Unnerstall. The award is presented to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. It is one of the most prestigious awards presented by MCCA. Although it is not required that the recipient be a graduate of a community college, preference is given to those who have earned a certificate or completed a degree program.

Nearly 30 years ago, Ron Unnerstall helped found Washington Engineering and Architecture. Today, the company’s influence can be seen around Franklin County and beyond. Unnerstall has used his engineering knowledge over the years to help serve the community. His firm has donated services to help local organizations with projects big and small. Outside of work, he volunteers his personal time to help those around him. Congrats!

Accounts Payable Specialist Sharon Jost received the Senior Service Award which recognizes a long-serving employee for their service and dedication to the college. Sharon has been employed at ECC for 27 years.

Other winners included Connie Lutz for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty, Mike Palazzola for the Mel Aytes Faculty Innovation Award and John Hardecke for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Award.

We are very proud of all our honorees!

Veterans Day Events on Campus

November 5, 2018 | Campus News

Please join East Central College as it honors and celebrates the men and women who have served their country on Friday, November 9. The day will begin with a flag raising ceremony outside of Buescher Hall at 9 a.m.

Please join us afterward for the unveiling of Offering Our Best, an original art piece by veteran artist and East Central College alumni Dan Clark. It will take place outside the Veterans Lounge on campus located on the second floor of the Donald Shook Student Center. A reception will follow with light refreshments and an opportunity to speak with the artist.

#InspiringExcellence – Adjunct Honored with Statewide Award

November 5, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

When it comes to teaching math, it’s hard to find someone with more experience than Connie Lutz.

“I spent 44 years as a high school math teacher,” she said. “My first semester as an adjunct professor at East Central College was in 1980.”

She’s still going strong.

“I enjoy mathematics,” Lutz explained, “the problem solving which makes you think logically but often requires a creative approach. I want to develop an appreciation of the power and beauty of mathematics in my students. I want to find a way to make the course content relevant to my students, to see beyond the manipulations.”

She believes in one simple notion – do math and you can do anything.

“Being able to ‘handle the math’ opens so many doors for students. Consequently, there is an urgency to help students develop good math sense and succeed in math class,” she said.

Her dedication to her students in the classroom is why she has been named the Missouri Community College Association Outstanding Adjunct Faculty for 2018! Only one award winner is chosen each year. It doesn’t come as a surprise to one of her former students.

“I had Connie Lutz as a math instructor when I returned to college,” said Peggy Reeves. “I had not been a student for several years, and she made returning not as intimidating as I thought it would be. She not only is an excellent teacher, but she also cares deeply about her students.”

It’s a sentiment shared by those who work with her as well.

“Connie has the ability to inspire and engage all of her students,” said Ann Boehmer, East Central College Dean of Instruction. “She passionately works with every student who has entered her classroom. She is a role model for all of us when she is in the classroom through her ability to teach all students and emphasize the importance of mathematics.”

She will be honored at the Missouri Community College Association Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony in Branson in November.

Congrats Connie!