Month: November 2021


College Gifted Steinway Grand Piano


November 23, 2021 | Campus News Music Performing Arts

It was the generosity of an area woman and her connection to East Central College Foundation Patrons of the Arts members that facilitated a historic donation to the ECC Music Department.

The department recently received a 7-foot Steinway and Sons Model B grand piano, which matches a performance piano currently used by students and faculty at ECC.

According to Dr. Jennifer Judd, music professor and program coordinator, this is the first time the college has had two performance pianos the same size, which will greatly benefit instruction and performances.

The Steinway piano was donated by Joan Kerr, of Wildwood, who had inherited the instrument from musician Preston Bowling.

Since she does not play, Kerr felt it would be appropriate to donate it to a worthwhile recipient to honor Bowling.  Her neighbors, who have been ECC Patrons of the Arts members for many years, heard about the instrument and asked Kerr d if she would be willing to donate the Steinway piano to the ECC Music Department.

“It is good to pass the legacy of a wonderful instrument from musician to musician,” Judd said. “We all appreciate her generosity.”

Judd added that the Patrons who helped facilitate the gift to ECC asked to remain anonymous. She added that Patrons of the Arts have been incredibly generous to the college’s music department.

“I would like to thank our Foundation and Patrons of the Arts for their tireless support,” she said.

“All of the other grand pianos in the music department were purchased by contributions from our patrons. ECC patrons play a vital role in the success of our program.”

Students, Teachers Benefit

ECC student Zacharias Sourthard, of Rolla, said he sees great benefits from having matching performance pianos on campus.

“This is a great benefit to the department, and I have found that the piano sounds much richer than others I have practiced on,” he said.

Sourthard added that the opportunity to play on the Steinway piano is a great experience for his future endeavors.  He is slated to graduate in the Spring 2022 with an Associates Degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in piano.

Sourthard has been accepted to the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, where he will study piano pedagogy — the study of teaching piano.

He said he is still exploring his options to teach after he graduates with a bachelor’s degree, and he ultimately would like to teach piano at a university.

“I aspire to teach music theory and performance,” Sourthard said.

He already is gaining experience in teaching piano at Watson School of Music in St. James where he teaches piano lessons.

“It is giving me the opportunity to start teaching instead of learning second hand,” Sourthard said.

In addition, he also will be the accompanist to solo and ensembles this spring during the Missouri High School Sports and Activities recitals.


Bieker Recognized for 26 Years of Outstanding Service to ECC


November 23, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College faculty member Judy Bieker recently was recognized for more than 26 years of outstanding service.

Bieker, nursing program coordinator and associate professor, received the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Senior Service Award for longevity and distinguished service to the College and program.

According to Bieker’s peers who nominated her, she has educated more than 500 nursing students in her career.

“Judy’s teaching style is engaging. Before the ‘flipped classroom’ was a buzz word, she was already utilizing this active learning strategy in her obstetrics and cardiology classes,” her nomination reads.

“Over the course of her tenure, Judy has the privilege to teach both theory and the clinical didactic. This combination has led to the success of the ECC nursing program and the success of our students.”

During her time at ECC, Bieker has participated on various committees. Most recently she led the team responsible for overhauling the faculty evaluations and improving the College’s portfolio process. The portfolio of a faculty member is a collection of information about a teacher’s practice, which includes lesson plans, student assignments and formal evaluations by supervisors.

Bieker has also mentored numerous master’s degree-seeking students and new faculty members over the years without hesitation.

“Judy mentors new faculty and assists them in their professional development through their first five years of teaching through her dedicated work on the portfolio committee,” her colleagues said. “She values teaching and learning and has great interest in assisting newer faculty.”

Bieker is a role model to students and others through her spirit of inquiry and educational excellence.

“She never turns down a challenge and approaches her dedication to students and to the college with great vigor,” the nomination reads. “Judy is extremely deserving of this award as she embodies the true spirit of nursing, nursing education, and the community college mission.”


ECC Offering Program to Earn CNA Certificate at No Cost


November 19, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) is offering a unique opportunity to earn certification to begin a career in health care.

The CWD is rolling out a new, free pre-apprenticeship program for anyone interested in obtaining Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification. The health care “boot camp” begins Dec. 2 and will run through March 24.

In addition to the CNA certificate, students will gain skills that area health facilities need for their employees, such as customer service, behavioral health review and CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation), according to Terri Warmack, health care coordinator for the CWD.

“The curriculum is specifically designed with our area health care facilities in mind,” she said.

A key to the program’s success is the engagement and involvement of local employers, such as Sunset Health Care Center, in Union.

Once the pre-apprentices finish the program, they will have the opportunity to continue their education into a registered Certified Medication Technician (CMT) apprenticeship program at ECC.

“At a time when facilities are in desperate need of workers, our program provides the entry-level skills and certifications for the pre-apprentice to be successful, as well as helping the area’s facilities start workers at a higher level of competency,” Warmack said.

She added that the curriculum will prepare people to care for clients in long-term care facilities, hospitals and home health agencies.

Pre-apprenticeship program classes will be in the held in the ECC Training Center (ECTC) on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Participants must be 18 years or older at the start of the program. For more information or to sign up, email Gretchen Pettet at Gretchen.Pettet@eastcentral.edu or call 636-266-2181.

The program is funded as part of a $75,000 MO Apprenticeship Ready Program grant from the Missouri Office of Workforce Development.


Tom Fitts Receives Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching


November 19, 2021 | Campus News

Tom Fitts’ approach to instruction was to always think outside of the box and challenge his students.

That’s according to his colleagues and peers at East Central College who nominated the EMS Program Coordinator for the Missouri Community College Association Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching for the College.

“Tom was able to acquire a used ambulance to simulate learning outside of the classroom,” the award nomination form reads. “He is able to set up scenarios on campus to simulate real-life situations such as cardiac arrests at the sports fields or accidents out on the prairie. Students are then able to evaluate and treat those patients in the field just as they will in real life. He brings the classroom to life in many ways.”

Additionally, “During his time at ECC, Tom has not only excelled in the classroom but also as a member of the ECC community on and off campus,” his nomination reads.

The award was presented during the MCCA’s annual conference Nov. 10-12. Unfortunately, Fitts passed away Wednesday, Nov. 10, after battling cancer.

Fitts became the EMS coordinator at ECC in January 2002 where taught courses in the nursing program as well.

In addition to his work at the college, Fitts was part of the Washington and Meramec Ambulance Districts.

While at ECC, he served as president of the ECC faculty association and the college’s National Education Association. Each year, Fitts attended the Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP) conference for professional development. For several years, he offered refresher Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) courses to help fund an ECC student scholarship.

“Tom’s dedication to his program and ECC is evident. He is an ambassador for ECC and the EMS community.”

In September, Fitts received the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association (MEMSA) Jack Lyon Memorial, 2021 Instructor/Coordinator of the Year Award.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Fitts; and three children, Megan, Adam and Jacob.

Background and Education

In 1984, Fitts received his Emergency Medical Technician license while attending nursing school. He began working for Meramec Ambulance District and volunteered for the Eureka Fire Department.

After nursing school, he worked as a cardiothoracic nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital and then in the emergency room at St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital, where he was head nurse. He also worked at Mercy Hospital Washington.

Fitts obtained his paramedic license and then started working full time for the Washington Area Ambulance District.

He served as the Missouri State EMS testing coordinator for many years. As an American Hospital Association (AHA) instructor for all disciplines and state Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) coordinator, he impacted innumerable patients’ lives through educating for understanding. Tom’s impact on EMS and nursing education has been unmeasurable.


Dr. Blackmore Receives Outstanding Adjunct Award


November 19, 2021 | Campus News Music Performing Arts

East Central College music adjunct instructor Dr. Lisa Blackmore recently received a Missouri Community College Association Adjunct Faculty Award.

Blackmore teaches Music History, World Music and trumpet lessons at ECC. She also teaches at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri Baptist University, and plays with the St. Louis Wind Symphony, Compton Heights Band, and many other ensembles.

She is highly respected within higher education institutions and the region’s music community, according to those who nominated her for the MCCA award.

“Dr. Blackmore is a talented artist and a dedicated teacher. She epitomizes excellence as a university professor,” the nomination reads. “She always goes above and beyond to give herself to her students, her colleagues, and the community.

“She fosters positivity, inspiration, and professionalism among those she works with. She serves the college and her students with uncompromising integrity. Her dedication and commitment to her students is exemplary.”

Blackmore regularly attends ECC’s Music Department evening concerts to support her colleagues and her students.

One example of her commitment to educating the next generation is her involvement in the ECC Instrument Petting Zoo Project, which features hands-on experiences with real instruments. Through the project, Blackmore performs and demonstrates instruments for area school children.

“Her technique of introducing the horn instruments by blowing through a seashell demonstrates her ability to immediately engage her student’s attention and make learning music fun.”

A former student testified to the impact Blackmore had on her higher education and life when she said:

“Dr. Blackmore pushed me to be the best I could be, holding me to a high standard of scholarship at the community college I attended, while at the same time always being there with any help she could give.

“She saw me as an individual and encouraged me not to just settle for being average. That prepared me well for my transfer to UMSL (University of Missouri-St. Louis) later,” the student added. “Even now, in a career role as a music school director, I value her professional input, and am privileged to call her both former professor and friend.”​

The MCCA conference was held Nov. 10-12 in Branson.


Children’s Factory Partners with ECC, Quality Coach for Apprenticeship Program


November 18, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College is collaborating with the Children’s Factory, Union, and Quality Coach Consulting to establish a new apprenticeship program to enhance the leadership and job skills of employees.

According to Fatma Khemiri, senior human resources manager at Children’s Factory, the manufacturer worked with the college’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) to navigate the funding process and coordinate with Quality Coach.

“The program is under way and all the participants are fully engaged and eager to learn,” Khemiri said. “Our partnership with ECC is a recognition of the great role that the college is playing in Franklin county and particularly in the community of Union.”

He added that the leadership training program will provide new skills so Children’s Factory leaders will become more successful in their roles.

“This collaboration will allow Children’s Factory to not only provide outstanding products for children, but also add to an outstanding work environment where everyone thrives,” Khemiri said.

He went on to thank Melissa Richards, ECC’s apprenticeship and business training program coordinator, for her work in making the partnership a success.

ECC is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) Nov. 15-21. NAW is a celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education and government leaders showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeships.

To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities at ECC, visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/registered-apprenticeships/.

About Children’s Factory

The Children’s Factory is a manufacturer and distributor that consists of three brands: Angeles, Children’s Factory and Learning Carpets. Its broad assortment provides learning spaces with a cohesive look including storage, seating and floor coverings in addition to unique play equipment that encourages discovery, motor development and social interaction.

To learn more about the manufacturer, visit www.childrensfactory.com or www.excelligence.com.


Students Praise ECC Apprenticeship Program During National Apprenticeship Week


November 17, 2021 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The students enrolled in the Industrial Maintenance Specialization apprenticeship course at East Central College in Rolla have nothing but great things to say about their experience.

“I’m glad ECC does this. It’s nice having the equipment here to physically work on instead of just listening to someone talk about it,” said student Brandon Iske.

An apprenticeship is on-the-job training with job-related instruction intended to develop new skills and to increase employee wages.

“This apprenticeship program is for those in manufacturing who are looking to progress. Our students learn the skills and knowledge necessary for promotion,” Duane Clonts, Industrial Engineering Technology instructor, explained. “One of my students started as a lineman, and after taking last semester’s classes, he was promoted and is now in maintenance.”

ECC Rolla employees are working with Royal Canin, Rolla, and Cohen Architectural Woodworking, St. James, for this apprenticeship program. There are five students enrolled. The specialization takes two years to complete. These students started in January 2021 and are expected to complete the program in December 2022.

“A lot of what I have learned in this program has helped me in my job and will help me in the future,” accounted student Gerald Pulliam.

The program’s instructor has much to do with his student’s success and high praise of the course.

“Duane is very knowledgeable. You wonder how he can keep all that knowledge in his head. It takes a special type of person to teach this class because you have to be so well rounded and know so much,” explained Pulliam. “Duane is very smart and truly one of a kind. I would recommend him specifically because he is such a good teacher.”

Iske had similar sentiments.

“He’s really good. He’s laid back, yet stern. If we need help, he will help us but won’t just come out and say the answer. He guides us there,” he added.

National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 15-21, celebrates the programs devoted to people evolving their skills in the workplace through an “earn while you learn” model.

For more information on apprenticeships through East Central College, visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/registered-apprenticeships/.


College Launches Online Holiday Apparel Store


November 10, 2021 | Athletics Campus News

The East Central College Bookstore’s holiday online apparel store is now open.

The store offers holiday-themed clothing including “ugly Christmas sweaters,” and “vintage truck” apparel.

Visit the store at https://eccholiday2021.itemorder.com/.

The online store will only be open for a limited time, and it will close Tuesday, Nov. 23, at 11:59 p.m.

The college partnered with MVP Apparel, a Legacy Company located in Washington.

Customers will have access to several holiday items, including:

  • ECC Holiday T-shirts
  • Vintage Truck Long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts
  • Vintage Truck fleece hooded sweatshirts
  • Holiday crewneck sweatshirts
  • “Ugly sweater” long sleeve t-shirts
  • “Ugly sweater” fleece crewneck sweatshirts

Traditional apparel items include:

  • ECC Fan Favorite T-shirts
  • Pullover hoodies
  • Fleece crewneck sweatshirt
  • One-quarter zip pullover fleece sweatshirts

Women’s apparel includes:

  • Flannel plaid pants
  • French terry hoodies
  • Soft shell vests

Accessories include:

  • Soccer scarf
  • ECC pom beanie

Trustees Approve Concrete Pedestrian Bridge


November 10, 2021 | Campus News

The East Central College Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to a concrete pedestrian bridge to replace the current bridge in the center of campus.

During the Nov. 8 meeting, trustees opted for the concrete structure over a steel truss structure after viewing renderings presented by Cochran, the engineering firm providing construction services for the bridge replacement project.

Trustees agreed that the concrete bridge fits the architectural style of the buildings on campus.

Board members also voted in favor of a partially covered bridge to limit the amount of chemicals used to melt ice on the bridge deck, which can deteriorate the surface of the structure. Cochran will now move into the design phase of the project following the decisions by trustees.

The bridge connects Buescher Hall and the Donald D. Shook Student Center. The new structure will have a life expectancy of over 50 years.

The bridge will cost approximately $1.5 million and construction will be funded with federal dollars earmarked for the maintenance and repair of campus facilities.

According to ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, bids will be sought early next year, and construction would likely start in the late spring of 2022 and continue through most of the 2022-23 academic year.


College and MDC Partner on Venison Processing and Cooking Videos


November 9, 2021 | Campus News

A partnership between East Central College and The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has produced a series of videos that takes hunters from the harvest to the meal.

The goal of the “Field to Fork” videos is to teach hunters the proper way to field dress and process deer, and to show creative and delicious ways to cook venison.

The first two videos in the series of seven focus on field dressing and skinning a deer, which was demonstrated by Kevin Dixon, associate professor of biology at ECC, and avid hunter.

The third video features Chef Mike Palazzola, culinary arts program coordinator at ECC, butchering the venison and describing each cut of meat.

In the final four videos, Palazzola cooks the different cuts making venison dishes, including fajitas, a double cut venison chop, bacon-wrapped backstrap and Cajun country-fried steak.

The videos were produced by East Central College in partnership with the MDC. They can be viewed now at on the East Central College YouTube channel and the Missouri Department of Conservation YouTube channel.

ECC also will promote a video each week on its social media channels. A link to the list of ingredients and directions are in the description of the YouTube videos.

Processing Venison

According to Kyle Lairmore, education section chief at the MDC, discussions about teaching the public to process their own deer were spawned by the challenge to find processors.

He explained that the past few years, it has been difficult to find a processor with openings or willingness to process hunters’ deer harvests.  Many hunters were on a waitlist for processing that was six to nine months long.

“It became apparent that many hunters would need to process their own harvests which led to a partnership between the MDC and ECC, who stepped up and offered their expertise through their culinary arts program,” Lairmore said.

He approached Dixon, who he knew was a biology professor and long-time hunter education instructor and asked him to share his knowledge about field dressing deer and preparing it for processing.

“As a biologist and deer hunter I understand the importance of proactively managing the state’s deer population through regulated hunting,” Dixon said.

“With my experience of having taken many deer over the years, I hope to help someone new to the sport on how to properly take care of their deer once it’s been harvested,” he added. “This begins with field dressing the animal and taking care to skin it properly to be able to enjoy the healthy meat options venison provides for the freezer.”

Recording the processes provides an educational tool to reach new hunters or teach hunters new skills.

“In some cases, it may be too expensive for someone to take a deer to a processor, and this can help them properly prepare the animal for butchering,” he said. “In other cases, folks may want to be do-it-yourselfers and need guidance on how to get started, and I hope that I can help in some way.”

In the Kitchen

Meanwhile, when the hunting and processing portion of the project was discussed, Conrad Mallady, conservation educator with the MDC, asked Palazzola if he would participate.

“The thought of a sustainable food source right in our back yards and being able to remove some of the intimidation of trying new things for people has always been one of my motivators,” Palazzola said.

“Much of our produce is either harvested from our greenhouse or foraged locally,” Palazzola said. “If you make food approachable and necessary, it will bring family’s back to the dinner table together.”

For the venison recipes, Palazzola said he wanted to create recipes with ingredients people will recognize while teaching them something new.

“I tried to include recipes that were familiar, but just outside people’s comfort zone for a challenge and to highlight all the wonderful ingredients we were fortunate enough to have,” he said.

“I also wanted to shed a different light on how people regard venison in the kitchen, both professionally and recreationally.”

Palazzola encourages anyone who follows the recipes to keep an open mind and make adaptions to their liking.

“I encourage everyone to approach these recipes as a guideline for what the dish could be rather than what it has to be,” he said. “Don’t rely on these recipes to be 100 percent correct for you. I am cooking with all my senses when I approach a dish in this way.

“It’s a bit cliché, but let the ingredients tell you what to do.”