Month: June 2019

#InspiringExcellence – Athletic Department Claims Conference Academic Award for Record Tenth Consecutive Year

June 26, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

For the tenth year in a row, the East Central College Athletic Department has received the prestigious Harold Oetting All-Academic Award by the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC).

“This is unprecedented by any community college in Missouri,” said Dr. Jay Mehrhoff, athletic director. “Our student athletes in women’s volleyball and softball, as well as men’s soccer, had a combined 3.099 GPA last academic year. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication.”

The award was first established in 1995 as an All-Sports Award – with academics as one component. In 2003-04, the award was renamed to honor longtime conference president Harold Oetting, who retired as athletic director at Jefferson College in 2003. The award is now based on overall athletic department academic achievement.

“Many of the student athletes continue their athletic careers at the four-year level. While many receive athletic scholarship money, a much higher percentage receive academic scholarships. The formula for success starts with recruiting quality student athletes,” added Dr. Mehrhoff.

Dr. Mehrhoff believes the key is setting the tone early. From the beginning, his staff and coaches emphasize the importance of academic performance and give the students the resources they need to thrive.

Heart Attack Doesn’t Stop Student from Pursuing His Dream

June 24, 2019 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Last February, 55-year-old Matt Snodgrass suffered a heart attack. The next week, he was back in class pursuing his Associate’s Degree in Accounting at East Central College.

“I had my mind set on accomplishing a goal,” he explained. “I wasn’t going to let anything stop me – not even a heart attack!”

His educational journey started four years ago, when he made a major life decision. Snodgrass owns Master Auto Tech in Union. He’s been working on cars for nearly 37 years.

“I decided I wanted a career change,” he said. “I’ve been working on cars all my life. After two back surgeries, I knew it was time to do something different.”

He didn’t want to close his shop and just hope for the best. He wanted a plan, and he knew getting an education was his first step. Snodgrass had always enjoyed the bookkeeping part of owning a business. He figured a degree in accounting would be a natural fit, so he enrolled in part-time classes in Fall 2016.

Life in the Classroom

“At first, I thought I would be the only one my age in my classes. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was wrong,” he explained.

He soon felt comfort in sharing his college experience with so many other working adult learners.

“I’m usually still the oldest in the class,” he laughed, “but there are a lot of people closer to my age than I originally thought there would be.”

Snodgrass found time management was his biggest struggle at first. However, like any student, he learned to adapt.

“Dedicating the time necessary to follow through with all your assignments was a big step at first. As I got used to the college environment, things got much easier,” he said.

His dedication and determination helped him excel in the classroom.

“When learning new material, Matt always researches additional information about the subject and then brings the information back to classroom to share with others,” said Lisa Hanneken, accounting instructor. “He has a relentless pursuit of knowledge and shows a tremendous love for learning.”

“My instructors have been great,” Snodgrass said. “They make things so clear and understandable. They have little tips and tricks that I would have never picked up on my own. They always answer my questions without hesitation.”

End in Sight

He’s been at it for more than three years, and now the finish line is in sight. Snodgrass is set to graduate in May 2020. After graduation, he hopes to find an office to set up his own accounting firm where he is looking forward to a more “relaxing” environment.

“I’m tired of breaking my back,” he said, “burning my hands, cutting my arms – I want to get away from the demanding physical aspects from my current profession.”

Along the way, he has had a lot of support – friends, family, fellow students and instructors. He’s also had some naysayers. After his heart attack, some even encouraged him to stop pursuing his dream altogether.

“I’m doing this for me,” Snodgrass explained. “I’m going to finish it no matter what. Heart attack. Back surgery. I’m not giving up.”

“Matt is an inspiration,” commented Hanneken. “He is one of those students every instructor loves to have in their classroom.”

After high school, Snodgrass admits he had no interest in getting a college degree. As he progressed through life, things started to change, and he knew his life needed to change. He hopes his story will inspire others to follow his path.

“If anyone out there isn’t happy with their life the way it’s going – I say stop! Life is too short. Find something you really want to do and educate yourself in that area.”

Trustees Extend Contract for President Dr. Jon Bauer

June 14, 2019 | Campus News

The East Central College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to award a contract extension to President Dr. Jon Bauer at the June 10, 2019 meeting. Approved during an executive session, the extension will run through June 30, 2022. Bauer recently completed his seventh year as ECC president.

“I’m humbled and honored to continue my tenure as president,” said Dr. Bauer. “It is an exciting time to be at East Central College. We are currently celebrating our 50^th anniversary, enrollment numbers are strong and we will soon launch our new, five-year strategic plan.”

Board of Trustees President Ann Hartley commented that Dr. Bauer has provided outstanding leadership in his tenure at the college. “Dr. Bauer has a passion for East Central College and the community it serves,” said Hartley. “He brings integrity, dignity and accountability to the position, and the Board of Trustees believes he will continue moving the college in a positive direction.”

Bauer is the college’s sixth president, succeeding Donald Shook, Charles Novak, Dale Gibson, Karen Herzog and Ed Jackson. On two occasions Fred Davis served as interim president of the college.

Alumni Spotlight – Chef Wins National Competition, Will Compete on World Stage

June 10, 2019 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News Inspiring Excellence

He graduated from the East Central College Culinary Program in 2018, and Nathan Yount is already making a name for himself. Yount spends his days working under award-winning chef Paul Kampff at the St. Louis Country Club. Outside of work, he is an active competitor in culinary competitions.

“I love the pressure of the kitchen,” Yount said, “especially a competition kitchen.”

When he was selected to participate in the 2019 National Jeune Commis Competition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in June, he was taken aback.

“It was like nothing I had ever done before. You have to do a three-course meal from a mystery basket that can consist of anything,” he explained, “but every competitor gets the same basket and you get thirty minutes to write out a menu you want to prepare. You then have three and a half hours to cook it.”

“The competition is organized by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs organization, which is the oldest food and wine society in the world. It’s a great honor to be selected to compete,” said Chef Mike Palazzola, East Central College culinary program coordinator. “Competitions of this magnitude require the highest standards of culinary skill and execution of dishes.”

Yount said he understood what was at stake and used his knowledge from East Central College and his real-world experience to create something impressive and unique. When he got his basket at the competition, he got to work.

“I got parsnips, hickory maple syrup, trout, a two pound strip steak, granny smith apples, and hog jowl,” he said. “For my first course I did a hickory glazed trout with celery leaf and apple slaw, sautéed Bok Choy and a lemon buerre blanc.”

It only got better from there.

“For my second course, I did a roasted strip loin with parsnip puree, glazed carrots and parsnips, a braised potato with a hog jowl ragout and a red wine reduction,” he said. “My dessert was a glazed chocolate Bavarian with an orange sponge cake, a marinated fruit salad, raspberry sauce and strawberry sorbet.”

The judges were impressed. He took home first place.

“When they called my name, I had a huge feeling of relief,” Yount said. “It was a feeling like ‘this is why you cannot ever give up on yourself. You always have to push through.’ All of my hard work had paid off. When I walked across the stage to accept my award, I felt like a new person.”

“Nathan has incredible drive,” said Palazzola. “He was the type of student who would never shy away from a challenge. I’m very proud of this young man.”

He’s not done competing yet. Yount will now represent the United States in the International Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition in Calgary, Canada in September. According to its website, it is “a challenging competition that helps the development of the young chefs by showcasing their talents and creativity in an international arena.”

“This will be my first time out of the country,” explained Yount. “I’m going to practice every second I get. It is truly the biggest competition of my life.”

“Getting to compete in this competition is an incredible accomplishment itself,” said Palazzola. “No one can ever take from you what you learn on a journey like this one. It sticks with you for life.”

New Member Elected to East Central College Foundation Board

June 7, 2019 | Campus News

The East Central College Foundation elected a new board member at its April meeting. David Kell, owner of Legacy Embroidery and Screen Printing, said the decision to get involved with the organization was an easy one.

“I was asked to joined by Janet Hoven, who is President of the Foundation,” Kell explained. “That in itself was enough for me to say yes, but after doing a little research about the organization and seeing the people who are involved, the decision was really a no brainer.”

Kell was born and raised in Washington. After attending Washington High School, he attended East Central College. He later transferred to Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University).

“I actually played on East Central College’s first soccer team,” Kell said. “I feel like I have a special connection with the school and surrounding communities, as I’ve owned and operated my business here for the last 25 years.”

Kell and his wife of 17 years have two teenage boys, ages 13 and 16. He has coached local youth sports for the last 12 years and has been active in the community.

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.

Summer Enrollment Increases 30 Percent – Three for Free Program Successful in First Year

June 5, 2019 | Campus News

The classrooms of East Central College are full this summer, thanks in part to Three for Free – an initiative giving area high school students a chance to take a tuition-free summer course.

“Students were only responsible for course fees and textbooks,” said Heath Martin, vice president of student development. “We felt this was a great way for area students to get a feel for what East Central College has to offer.”

Classes started June 3, and the experience is already going well for Jadyn Chirico. The St. James High School student is taking a general psychology course this summer through the Three for Free initiative. “The class work is very interesting,” she said. “I’ve already learned a lot more than I knew before. I’m highly interested in psychology, but taking a class at my high school isn’t something I am able to do. Getting to learn about the subject through East Central College is a great opportunity.”

She’s one of nearly 100 students enrolled in tuition-free courses this summer at East Central College in Union and Rolla.

“From Borgia to Owensville to Vienna, we have students from more than 20 high schools enrolled in Three for Free this summer, as well as several homeschooled students,” said Megen Strubberg, director of early college programs.

Angela Kuhlmann is one of nine Union High School students who decided to enroll in courses this summer. When she heard about the Three for Free initiative, she jumped on the opportunity. “I thought it was a great chance for me to get college credit while still in high school,” she said. “If it wasn’t offered tuition-free, I’m not sure I would have taken a college class this summer.”

She plans to attend East Central College after graduation to take her general education requirements. “After ECC, I plan to transfer to a university to study pre-law.”

Along with the hard work of the East Central College Student Services Department, the Three for Free program helped boost summer enrollment in a big way.

“Enrollment for the summer semester is up more than 31 percent over last year,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, president. “The number of credit hours those students are taking is up nearly 26 percent. We are excited to have so many students taking advantage of our summer offerings.”

Alisa Glore is one of those students. The Bourbon High School student is taking a communications course through the Three for Free initiative. “I wanted to get a college class out of the way while I could,” she said. “I probably would have taken the class eventually, but getting the class tuition-free was a big help!” Glore plans to attend East Central College after high school to pursue a degree in nursing.

While many students will visit campus this summer, some won’t ever have to leave the comfort of their homes – like St. Clair High School student Emma Hinson. She’s taking general sociology online through East Central College.

“I want to get my prerequisites out of the way as fast as I can,” she said. “I don’t think I would have taken a summer class if Three for Free wouldn’t have been offered!”

What other students are saying about Three for Free:

–“I wanted to get my prerequisites out of the way,” said St. James High School student Jersey Moreland. “I probably wouldn’t have been able to take a college class this summer without Three for Free, because I wouldn’t have been able to afford it.”

–“I am going to be a senior in high school this upcoming fall, and I decided to participate in this program because I wanted to get a head start on my college credits,” said Eureka High School student Noelle DeRennaux. “I do not think I would have thought to take a summer class if it was not offered for free just because I would rather spend my money on other things!”

–“It seemed like a great opportunity to get a head start on some college classes,” said Union High School Student Sydney Eads, “and my parents encouraged me to! I probably would not have been so ambitious without the incentive program. It definitely helps.”

–“I took this class to get an early start on my career,” said Cuba High School Student Janell Light. “Though I still would have taken this class one way or another, it’s nice that it was free!”

–“I was able to use my summer science class as dual credit for my high school,” said Washington High School student Zach Miesner. “Plus, I’m able to get a head start on college credit. I wouldn’t have signed up for a class if it wasn’t for the discount and the dual credit opportunity.”

–“I decided to take a Three for Free class at East Central College because I believed it would help me in my future with becoming a nurse,” said Owensville High School student Paige Bossaller. “I will be honest with you, I probably wouldn’t of known about it or chosen to take the class if it wasn’t a Three for Free class!”

–“I wanted to take the a Three for Free class at East Central college to help me prepare for college,” said St. James High School student Sylvia Austin. “I would not have been able to take the class if it wasn’t for free. I have tried saving up for college and this is a great affordable way for me to get a head start on my classes.”

–“Taking a Three for Free class at ECC was really easier on my family at this time,” said Bourbon High School student Shanadoah Keckler. “This program was just one of those opportunities I couldn’t pass up!”