East Central College   

Month: April 2021

Former Students to be Speakers at Commencement

April 30, 2021 | Campus News

Former Students to be Speakers at Commencement

Rich Schwentker, a retired Washington High School science teacher and a 1971 ECC graduate will address the graduates for ceremonies on Saturday, May 15, at 4 p.m.; and Sunday, May 16, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

In addition, Emily Rau, communications executive with Ameren Missouri and Emmy-award winning journalist, will speak at ceremonies on Saturday, May 15, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Rau was scheduled to be the speaker during the 2020 commencement ceremony that was canceled due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

She attended WHS and was enrolled in dual credit courses at ECC. Coincidently, Schwentker taught Rau at WHS.

There will be five commencement ceremonies this year to give an opportunity for members of the graduating Classes of 2020 and 2021 to walk across the stage. The multiple ceremonies also provide room to follow social distancing protocols so family and friends of the graduates can attend the ceremonies.

“Commencement marks the culmination of years of hard work for our graduates at East Central College,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

“We are very appreciative that Rich Schwentker and Emily Rau have agreed to help us celebrate this occasion. These students overcame adversity in the past three semesters to make it to this point, and it is important that we recognize what they have accomplished during unprecedented times.”

Rich Schwentker

Schwentker graduated from New Haven High School in 1969 and then received an Associate of Arts from ECC in 1971. He was part of the first commencement held on the ECC campus in 1971.

He later obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from the University of Missouri-Rolla (Missouri S&T) in 1973.

Schwentker went on to obtain teaching certificates from the University of Missouri- Columbia (math) and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (physical science). In 1994, he obtained a master’s degree in education from Maryville University in St. Louis.

“When classes began at ECC, it took some adjustment on my part, but the dedicated and knowledgeable instructors that I had elevated my abilities, skills and knowledge to successfully continue my education,” he said.

“The presence of a college locally expanded postsecondary educational opportunities to many high school students and adults who would not be able to attend a four-year institution at another location.”

Schwentker taught high school students for more than 35 years, including 22 years at WHS from 1990 to 2012.

He and his wife, Judy (ECC Class of 1972), have two children, Eric and Sarah.

Schwentker helped start, and has been heavily involved with, the Eastern Missouri Dark Sky Observers, which has regularly held astronomy events on the Union campus and was responsible for construction of the observatory.

Emily Rau

Rau is a is well known in the region for her on-camera journalism and connecting with audiences as a news anchor with KMOV, the St. Louis CBS affiliate.

Before making a name for herself through award-winning onscreen journalism, Rau was a WHS student enrolled in dual credit courses at ECC.

“ECC is such an incredible resource and it has had such an impact on the communities in Franklin County,” she said. “No matter what path someone is on, ECC has resources to help them get there.”

Rau went to the University of Missouri-Columbia after graduating from WHS in 2006. She graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism in 2010. She is a fourth-generation Mizzou Tiger.

According to Rau, the ECC dual credit program helped her achieve her goals at a faster pace than many of her classmates.

“(Dual credit courses) really accelerated my undergraduate studies and pushed me toward my journalism career,” she said, adding that earning credits in high school meant she could take fewer general education courses in college, and she could start the Mizzou journalism program earlier.

In 2015, Rau was named a co-anchor on KMOV’s News 4 This Morning. She left KMOV in the spring of 2017 to freelance for ABC News in New York City and Washington, D.C.

At this time, Rau began a consulting firm offering public relations and media training services. She also returned to Mizzou for two summers as a visiting professor in the Missouri School of Journalism.

Rau is a two-time Emmy winner, and received the Best Anchor award from the Missouri Broadcasters Association. She was one of Gazelle Magazine’s “Top 50 Women in St. Louis.”

Rau is the daughter of Dr. Michael and Andrea Rau, Washington. In 2019, she married Mike Colombo, a consumer reporter and anchor with Fox 2 and KPLR 11. They live in St. Louis and visit Franklin County often.

Park Named Outstanding Alum for 2021

April 27, 2021 | Campus News

Dr. Eric Park, of Washington, will receive the East Central College Outstanding Alumni Award at the commencement ceremonies in May.                                       

This is the highest award presented to an alum by the ECC Foundation. It recognizes an alum who has brought honor to the college through professional achievement, leadership, and community impact.

“Eric’s commitment to not only the college, but his career and community is truly outstanding. He is such a deserving honoree,” said Bridgette Kelch, executive director.

To be considered for the award, nominees must have completed a college credit course at ECC at some point in their educational journey.

Park attended East Central College (ECJC at the time) after he received his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. He earned an associate degree in May 1982. He then continued his education, earning an undergraduate degree in business, two master’s degrees, one in finance and one in personal financial planning, and his PhD in Economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2014.

In addition to being a student at ECC, Park once served as an instructor. He also is a founding board member of the ECC endowment program. Currently, Park serves on the East Central College Board of Trustees and Foundation Board.

Park also promotes education through his participation on the board of the Franklin County Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association.

A successful investment advisor for more than 35 years, Park is co-founder of LPL Financial, Eric Park & George Meyer, investment firm in Washington. He has received several national industry awards for his dedication to quality investment management. He was named the Registered Rep’s Outstanding Broker of the Year in 2005 and was admitted to Research magazine’s Advisor Hall of Fame in 2007.

Outside of work, Park is past president of the Franklin County Humane Society and the Washington Rotary Club. He also is past district governor of Rotary International and helped with international poverty relief efforts in developing nations.

Additionally, he has served on the Missouri State Commission charged with regulatory oversight of credit unions and as a member of the St. Francis Borgia parish finance committee.

Park is currently a representative of the Association of Financial Educators and provides educational programs to area companies to help them and their employees better understand how retirement plans can benefit them.

Park is married to Dr. Rui Yao. He has one daughter, Samantha Park Alexander, and one grandson, Mac Alexander.

ECC is planning to hold five commencement ceremonies the weekend of May 15-16 to accommodate social distancing for both 2020 and 2021 graduates and their guests. Scott Breckenkamp, the 2020 Outstanding Alumni honoree, also will be honored at the ceremonies.

ECC to Offer Summer Learning Academy at No Cost

April 27, 2021 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College will once again hold its Summer Learning Academy (SLA) and this year there is no cost to participate.

The academy, facilitated by the ECC Community Education division, will provide a unique, fun experience for area youth on the Union campus or the ECC Rolla site this summer. This is the first year there will be classes offered in Rolla.

There are a variety of classes geared toward children ages five to 16 including, archery, science rocks, robotics and computer programming, soil science, nursing, junior welding, theatre, cheerleading and more.

To sign up or see a class schedule, visit Summer Learning Academy.

Summer Learning Academy Orienterring

SLA classes are designed with curiosity and creativity in mind — letting students develop talents and encourage exploration and personal growth.

“We have the opportunity to offer these classes at no cost to families to enrich children within the communities we serve,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Any chance we have to provide a service like this to our community fits well with our mission.”

Students or parents will be asked to prioritize their interests while registering. After registering for three courses, they will be placed on a waiting list if they choose to sign up for a fourth course. Participants can register for a maximum of four classes.

For more information, people may email Pam.Kaiser@eastcentral.edu or call 636-649-5803.

ECC All-Missouri Academic Students to Be Recognized

April 20, 2021 | Campus News

Four East Central College students will be recognized Wednesday, April 21, for being named to the All-Missouri Academic Team.

Each year Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, along with participating corporate partners, sponsors the Academic All-USA competition for students attending two-year colleges.

PTK ranks applicants nationally, then forwards results to the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA). The top 40 students statewide are then named Academic All-State award winners, with 10 first team, 10 second team, and 20 third team winners.

The students are:

Gabrielle Campbell – Academic All Missouri Second Team (Transfer pathway – nominated by ECC-Rolla).

Summer Thorp-Lancaster – Academic All Missouri second Team (Transfer pathway – nominated by ECC-Rolla).

Kaili Edler – Academic All Missouri Third Team (Transfer pathway – nominated by ECC-Union).

Jenna Meintz — Academic All Missouri Third Team (Transfer pathway – nominated by ECC-Union).

The students will be recognized during a virtual celebration.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The event is sponsored by the University of Missouri.

Each of the students will receive a cash scholarship from MCCA along with a medallion and certificate honoring their academic achievement.

There are two “competition” levels, one for transfer-track students and one for students who are in workforce preparation programs (AAS and certificate-level programs).  ECC is allowed to nominate up to two students for each pathway from both Union and Rolla.

To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and be on track to graduate or complete their programs by the end of the fall semester. Students also are required to submit a lengthy application that involves writing essays and getting letters of recommendation to support their applications.

Tongan-American Players Share Tradition, Court with Teammates

April 19, 2021 | Campus News

Every player brings their unique talents to an athletics team.

And for three Tongan American players on the East Central College Volleyball Team it is no different — they not only perform on the court, but they also share their traditions.

Sophomores Teena Lutui, Leanata Leakehe, and Vaimoana Mo’ungaafi, all from Utah, have a family background from Tonga, Oceania.

“I came to Missouri because I received a scholarship for volleyball,” Lutui said. “And I’ve never been so, I took the chance.”

Along with being on the same volleyball team and being from the same state, the girls also knew each other before coming to ECC.

“We all played at the same club in Utah, Club Union.” Mo’ungaafi said. “I played with Teena my first year there and then I played with (Leanata) last year.”

In addition to sharing court time in their home state, the trio also shared Tongan traditions. With the season coming to an end, the girls made traditional leis for their teammates for their last game.

“We made candy and flower leis for the sophomores and the coaches. The Lei is a common symbol for celebration, honor, friendship, greeting or love,” Lutui said.

Leis Meaning

Although the tradition of giving leis is new to their teammates and the coaches, the girls’ heritage consists of celebrating many things in that fashion, according to Mo’ungaafi.

“Lei’s have different meanings to it. For example, if one were to graduate school, then candy leis, money leis, flower leis, and any type of lei you could think of is what we would make by hand and lay it on them, she said. “and that’s kind of our way of saying we’re proud of your accomplishments and this is a gift from us.”

“The leis just signify the accomplishments one has been able to finish — it’s a celebration of one’s affection to another as well,” Mo’ungaafi added. “For example, if a guy were to take a girl to a school’s dance, he would come to the girl’s house with a lei and lay it on her as a sign of affection, appreciation and thanks.”

With this unique tradition being brought to the team, everyone embraced this form of celebration.

Mo’ungaafi said the leis were given to the players, coaches, including head coach Lisa Mathes-Peters; Athletic Director Jay Mehrhoff, and the parents as well

“Without them we wouldn’t have been able to compete,” she said, adding that initially the recipients were “astonished, amazed and shocked at the same time.”

Although their teammates and coaches didn’t expect the gift, it is commonplace in the Tongan culture.

“I guess you could say that it was a surprise, but for us it was normal and that’s what we normally do, Mo’ungaafi said.

“All in all, the leis represent affection, appreciation, and thanks from the person who is giving the lei and it shows with how the lei looks, the hard work and hours put into making that lei or multiple leis for one,” she added.

Playing Together

As with many new teams at the start of the season, it takes time to gel with teammates as they learn to work together. The ECC volleyball team figured it out quickly and ended the season with a 13-6 record and as Region 16 DII Champions.

“I’m not going to lie,” Leakehe said, “the beginning of the season was pretty rough for us in my opinion.

“Us girls were still trying to learn how to play with each other, but as we played more games and had practice every day, we learned where everybody on the court works best and all in all, we made new friends when we weren’t on the court.”

As their volleyball career at ECC ends, the three Tongan Americans will carve out new paths.

“My plans are to maybe get transferred to another school for volleyball,” Leakehe said, “but if that doesn’t work out then I plan on going home to work and start on my ‘adult’ life.”

Green Committee Celebrating Earth Day Throughout April

April 15, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College is expanding its celebration of the Earth this year and promoting education and awareness on environmental issues throughout April.

The ECC Green Committee, which is part of the Civic and Community Engagement Coalition, holds an annual Earth Day event on campus. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was no event in 2020.

Dr. Parvadha Govindaswamy said the committee adjusted this year and has spread its celebration of Earth to an entire month.

“Last year around this time when COVID hit full swing we were caught off-guard and were unable to do any Earth Day celebration because in-person celebrations were out of the question and we didn’t have enough time to pivot, in order to keep everyone safe we canceled,” Govindaswamy said.

This year, the Green Committee had more time to plan and prepared a month-long celebration focusing on its goals of promoting education and awareness about environmental issues and championing green initiatives.

International Mother Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22. ECC has held an event on a Saturday near that date.

“We were determined to work with what we have and decided to embrace the unlimited virtual world we have at our fingertips,” Dr. Govindaswamy said. “While ensuring safety we are immensely excited to continue to celebrate Earth Day virtually and disseminate fun and educational resources to our community. “

The committee already has been sharing videos and information from its Earth Day partners on college social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter.

“Our online presentations have been created by students, staff, faculty and community members,” Govindaswamy commented. “And they cover various topics such as conservation, history, poetry, pollution awareness, animal welfare, human health and more.

“The goals of the Earth Day activities promoted at ECC are to engage students and the community in learning about the environment,” she added.

The Green Committee strives to develop an appreciation for the impact humans have on the natural world, highlight various local and global efforts that together make huge impacts on the environment, and help spread the idea of stewardship to better preserve the environment.

“As educators and community members ourselves, we are keen on sharing knowledge and resources in whichever way it benefits the community we live in and we serve,” said Govindaswamy. “Our Earth Day celebration is one such opportunity.”

She noted that the committee plans to resume the in-person Earth Day event once it is safe to do so.

Sinks Cancels Vaccination Clinic at ECC

April 13, 2021 | Campus News

Sinks Pharmacy has canceled a COVID-19 vaccination clinic that had been scheduled for Monday, April 19, at East Central College.

On Tuesday, the state of Missouri suspended authorization to administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  Sinks planned to offer either the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or the two-dose Moderna vaccine during the April 19 event.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was suspended out of caution due to a “rare and severe” type of blood clot possibly caused by the vaccine.

Sinks is sending emails to anyone who had registered for the April 19 clinic, offering them the option of receiving the Moderna vaccine at any of their stores.

The pharmacy is offering the Moderna vaccine on a walk-in basis at all of its Sinks, Medley or Towne locations in the region. For store locations, visit https://sinkspharmacy.com/.

This would have been the second clinic that the college and Sinks partnered in to vaccinate the public. The second-dose clinic, slated for April 27, will continue without any changes.

Board of Trustees Approve Faculty Promotions

April 8, 2021 | Campus News

Five East Central College faculty members recently were promoted in rank.

The ECC Board of Trustees approved recommendations by the college’s rank and promotion committee. The new rank goes into effect in the Fall 2021 semester.

Listed below are the faculty members approved for promotion, their current rank and the rank when the promotion goes into effect:

  • Dr. Reginald Brigham — instructor, assistant professor

  • Dr. Elizabeth Cantrell Flotte — instructor, assistant professor

  • Dr. Russ Henderson — associate professor, professor

  • Dr. Wendy Pecka — assistant professor, associate professor

  • Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema — instructor, assistant professor

Faculty members must follow a process to be promoted in rank, including the submission of an application to seek promotion. The application is then reviewed by the ECC Rank and Promotion Committee.

The committee reviews all submitted portfolios and makes a recommendation to the college vice president of academic affairs and the college president for a final decision. The process is rigorous, and promotion is not automatic.

College, Pharmacy to Hold Second Vaccination Event

April 7, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College will again partner with Sinks Pharmacy for a community COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

The clinic will be Monday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Donald Shook Student Center (DSSC) Gym at ECC.

This clinic is open to the public, adults 18 years old and up, and those who attend can choose between manufacturers Moderna or Johnson & Johnson. Appointments are required.

The clinic offers a first-round inoculation using the Moderna vaccine. It is not the second round for the clinic held on March 30.

The second dose for the Sinks’ April 19 clinic will be administered May 17, also in the ECC gym. There is no second dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccination.

According to Dr. Michelle Smith, executive director of institutional effectiveness at ECC, this is the second vaccination clinic that ECC is holding in conjunction with Sinks Pharmacy.

“We encourage you to consider the personal benefits of vaccination, as well as the benefits for all of us in battling this pandemic,” she said.

Dr. Smith, who is a COVID-19 contact at the college, noted that the first vaccination event was run smoothly, and 1,380 people were vaccinated.

 

ECC Nursing Alum Earns Jeff City ‘Best Nurse’ Award

April 6, 2021 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News

East Central College Alumna Erica Scott has been working as a nurse with veterans for nearly six years.

This year, her hard work and dedication was recognized by the Jefferson City community.

In March, Scott was named the “Best Nurse” in the Jefferson City Magazine “City’s Best Directory 2021.”

“I was shocked, surprised and completely humbled,” she said.

Scott is a care coordinator with a primary care physician in a Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital Community-based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). A CBOC is a clinic in rural areas where veterans do not have to drive hours to see a primary care physician.

She added that the City’s Best Directory 2021 award is nomination based, but she was not told who nominated her.

“I presume it was one of the veteran patients, but nobody will tell me,” Scott said.

According to Scott, she works with about 1,000 patients.

“I don’t know that I deserve this,” she said. “There are so many nurses helping COVID patients all year — they really deserve it.”

Scott noted that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, her work with patients looks different. Over the past year, instead of seeing her patients in person, she primarily talks with them over the phone, gathering information and forwarding it to a physician.

“Since COVID, everything switched in the blink of an eye,” she said. “It is a huge honor that I made that much of a difference to someone and they thought of me for the award.

ECC Graduate

Scott, who is married with two children, is originally from the Hermann area and she graduated from Crosspoint Christian School in Villa Ridge in 2002.

She began prerequisites at ECC in 2002 and graduated with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing in 2005.

“I always knew that I wanted to go into the health care field,” she said. “But I was never sure exactly what I wanted to do.”

Scott noted that she took the prerequisites for a health care degree and eventually landed on nursing.

“The nursing program at ECC is phenomenal,” she said. “The teachers made sure that we were exposed to and had experience in everything — we were sent to a diverse selection of locations. That was very important.”

“The instructors wanted us to succeed and be safe as nurses,” she added.

Scott took a job with Boone Hospital in Columbia one month after she graduated from ECC. She left to work for the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital after a few years at Boone Hospital.

To learn more about the ECC Nursing and Allied Health program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/nursing/, or contact Nancy Mitchell at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.

During the Pandemic

Scott explained she has watched the health care field change dramatically over the past year.

“We have had to completely redo how we view and respond in health care to keep everyone safe,” she said.

Scott noted that in the height of the COVID pandemic, it was spreading to the older populations at a high rate.

“That required a lot more triaging over the phone, but we still gave a high level of care,” she said. “We were constantly updated on CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines and talking with patients to keep them educated about COVID, and how to keep safe.”

For the older veterans she worked with, Scott said, there was a constant fear of getting COVID.

“Once they are diagnosed, it could go downhill very quickly,” she said. “Even if there was a slight decline, many patients were taken to the emergency room.”

According to Scott, oftentimes veteran patients were scared about how they would continue to get care during the pandemic.

“We let them know that we were still there for them, but that we had to do things differently,” she said. “Even though everything changed very quickly, we would take care of them, it was just in a different manner than before.”

Scott added that Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital staff have always done everything they can for their patients.

“In a pandemic or not, we are always doing the best we can for our patients,” Scott said. “It has been a really hard year and to get this kind of recognition makes me realize our patients recognize that.”