Month: August 2022

VIDEO: ECC and St. Clair High School Engineering Partnership Continues

August 30, 2022 | Campus News

A collaboration between East Central College and St. Clair High School continues to grow. This year marks the third year of the Project Lead The Way-Engineering (PLTW-E) program — a partnership between the College and SCHS.

The high school’s PLTW-E program, in conjunction with ECC’s advanced manufacturing center, has organically grown into what is now a collaborative lab-sharing project. SCHS students use the labs and equipment at ECC to further enhance their PLTW-E program.

Since 2019, Maurice Gritzman, PLTW-E instructor at SCHS, has jumped on a bus with his students four days a week to make the trip during the fall and spring semesters to the College’s Business and Industry Center (BIC). Gritzman, a former engineer, leads his students through engineering studies at SCHS and at ECC.

While at ECC his students learn to model projects using Solidworks (computer-aided drawing and engineering application) and then they build their projects using Precision Machining equipment. Students in this program also utilize industrial precision machines and other related software. In addition to utilizing equipment and technology that is unavailable at the high school, the SCHS students also earn ECC dual credit courses for college.

This year there are eight SCHS students involved in the PLTW-e. In 2020, all three SHCS grads in the program came to ECC the following year. Last year, there were 15 students, five of whom were seniors in the program — two came to ECC after graduating high school and three went onto Missouri S&T in Rolla.

Collaboration

The collaboration between SCHS and ECC began four years ago, according to Dr. Richard Hudanick, Dean of Career and Technical Education. Gritzman brought students to the BIC labs for ECC’s Annual Manufacturing Days Event in 2019.

The event showcases ECC’s faculty, labs and programs focused on HVAC, Industrials Engineering Technology, Precision Machinery, and Welding.

It was at Manufacturing Days that Gritzman and SCHS Advisor Holly Click met Nathan Esbeck, Industrial Engineering Technology (IET) program director; Curtis Elliott, Precision Machining program coordinator; and Hudanick.

At the time, Gritzman had his eyes on one of IET’s robotic trainers, according to Hudanick. “Maurice said, ‘I wish I had one of these.”

“I told him that ‘our labs are your labs’,” Hudanick added. “At this point the ball was in Maurice’s court and from that moment his relationship with ECC, and Esbeck and Elliott, has been nothing but a success.”

This collaborative project satisfies many needs of the community while allowing students to discover engineering and advanced manufacturing career paths.

ECC’s IET and Precision Machinery programs offer such an opportunity for this discovery.

“Neither of these programs are well known outside manufacturing itself and with good paying careers for those who travel their paths,” Hudanick added. “What a novel way to build a collaborative adventure with high school student’s career-future at the center.”

He explained that the high schools work toward developing pathways, like PLTW, for their students, while trying to engage them is career ideas.

“It’s a win-win when high school engineering and industrials arts programs are supported by their community colleges,” Hudanick added. “ECC has the lab resources to include state-of-the-art equipment and industry software, and we are preparing these high school students for their next step after graduation.

ECC and Lindenwood Agree to Seamless Partnership Plan

August 29, 2022 | Campus News

East Central College and Lindenwood University entered into a partnership Thursday, Aug. 25, to provide resources and opportunities that will serve as a “bridge” to a four-year degree.

The new partnership outlines easily transferable credits that ECC students can earn to obtain an associate degree, while preparing them to succeed at Lindenwood.

The agreement was signed at ECC’s Union campus by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer and Lindenwood University President Dr. John Porter.

“We rely on good transfer partners to provide quality pathways for our students,” said Bauer. “Lindenwood is a great fit for many of our students and the commitment of Dr. Porter and the entire Lindenwood community will ensure a seamless transfer experience. This work is great news for students.”

Also representing ECC at signing event were Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter and Vice President of Student Development Sarah Leassner; and Lindenwood representatives were Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Bethany Alden-Rivers, and Senior Vice President of Lindenwood Global Dr. Joe Sallustio.

“It is important to East Central College that our students are prepared for upper-level coursework when they transfer and, in addition, receive credit for the courses they have completed,” Walter commented. “Lindenwood is a high-quality and student-centered four-year partner, and we are pleased to add this agreement to strengthen our already excellent relationship.”

Dr. Porter noted that the values of ECC and Lindenwood align, making a beneficial partnership.

“Partnering with two-year institutions whose values align with Lindenwood University benefits both schools,” Porter added. “East Central College’s commitment to excellence and community enrichment through education mirrors Lindenwood University. I’m so pleased to work with Dr. Bauer and Dr. Walter on this partnership.”

Washington Scholarship

In addition, Lindenwood University evaluates ECC graduates each year for the opportunity to be awarded an academic bridge “Washington Scholarship” for up to $9,000 annually for full-time, traditional, undergraduate students. Students can earn an additional $2,000 per year for completion of an associate degree and another $1,000 per year if they are a member of Phi Theta Kappa.

To qualify for the scholarship, ECC students must come directly to Lindenwood from ECC within one academic year. Traditional undergraduate students must be full-time students at Lindenwood to receive Bridge Scholarship opportunities.

Evening and online undergraduate students can be part-time students at Lindenwood to receive Bridge Scholarship opportunities.

Must obtain an associate degree from East Central College to receive the Bridge Scholarship opportunities.

Summer Learning Academy Grows in 2022

August 26, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College’s Summer Learning Academy (SLA) saw a significant increase in students this year compared to 2021.

There were 566 students in classes during this year’s offering — 418 in Union and 148 in Rolla. That’s compared to 320 students last year, including 198 students at the Union campus and 112 in Rolla classes.

Through the SLA, children and teens ages 5 to 18 were in classrooms on the Union campus and Rolla sites exploring fun and creative activities. SLA ran from July 5 through Aug. 12.

The goal of academy was to provide a wide array of enriching and exciting classes for the entire college service region, according to Pam Kaiser, program coordinator for the Center for Workforce Development.

“Every class is designed to be fun and exciting for whatever age group it is geared toward — these classes can be enriching and empowering,” she said. “It is an opportunity for students to develop talents and encourage exploration, and personal growth.”

SLA was Facilitated by ECC’s Community Education program. Kaiser organized, advertised and oversaw the entire Academy. She was assisted this year by Jennifer Eagan.

SLA Sponsors

SLA was free for participants this year thanks to the generosity of sponsors, including Edward Jones offices in Washington, Union and Rolla; local Jimmy John’s restaurants and the ECC Foundation.

“Sponsors made a world of different this year, and they are a reason that we had so many participants,” Kaiser added.

There was a wide selection of varying classes, including some unique classes. Students participated in classes like, Nursing (how to care for babies), Science by Brewer, Hogwarts Wizardry, Junior Welding, Youth Theatre, Fishing, Robotics, Computers, Cheerleading and a Cardboard Sculpture class.

Kaiser noted that the cardboard sculptures showed just how creative and talented SLA students can be. The class was taught by Miguel De Aguero, who recently retired from ECC. He worked with the students to use their imagination and create animals, masks, vehicles and many other things from only cardboard, tape and a few other supplies.

Kaiser added that a large amount of cardboard was donated to SLA by Short Run Boxes, a Union area store that specializes in custom and stock cardboard boxes and moving supplies.

SLA featured new classes this year, including multiple Escape Rooms, two culinary arts classes, Pizza from Scratch, and baking class Decorating Fun Foods; Laugh Your Way to Improv and Forensic Camp, all in Union.

In Rolla, new classes included: All Things You Cannot See, a class where students worked with microscopes; Exploring Egyptology, Winter Sowing and WEDO Robotics.

Rolla ELA Student and Husband Sworn in as U.S. Citizens

August 25, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Ramaz and Tsiala “Manana” Alaverdashvili were sworn in as U.S. Citizens Friday, Aug. 12, during a ceremony at the Old St. Louis Courthouse.

Since 2016, Manana has been attending English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes in Rolla through East Central College’s Adult Education and Literacy program — her primary goal was to become a U.S. citizen.

“American people love family,” she said. “I love the friendly relations in the USA.”

Manana grew up in Gori, Georgia and then moved to Tbilisi with her husband, Ramaz. Georgian is her native language, and she also speaks Russian fluently and can read and write German.

Ramaz, her husband, works at Missouri State University. He is a physicist who works in Science and Technology.

Life In Georgia

While living in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, Ramaz worked as a physicist and Manana was the principal librarian for 56 branches of libraries. She held this position from 2004 to 2015.

Prior to this, she worked as a kindergarten teacher and held various positions at Tbilisi State University.

Since moving to Rolla in 2016, Manana has also worked to serve those in need. From 2016-2017, she worked with the Salvation Army. Since March 2018, Manana has volunteered at the Rolla Mission.

At the Rolla Mission she helps serve breakfast and lunch. She washes the dishes for 30-35 people and cleans the facility. At times, she helps sort the items that are donated to the Mission.

Manana genuinely cares about the welfare of others.

“There are homeless people at the Mission. Some of them have physical or mental disabilities, therefore they need help,” she said. “I like very much when I am helping people in need.”

Manana and Ramaz have two children, a daughter, Elene, who is a Chemist living in Georgia and a son, Bachana, who is a Physics professor living in Santa Clara, Calif.

They also have two grandchildren living in Georgia, Andrea who is 7 and Anastasia who is 4. Although the couple do not get back to visit them, they often see one another remotely online.

Manana’s story was featured in the Phelps County Focus, which was noticed by State Rep. Don Mayhew. Mayhew sent Manana a note in recognition of her hard work and determination.

Learn more about or sign up for the AEL program.

Fitts Recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award

August 24, 2022 | Campus News

Tom Fitts, who served as East Central College’s EMS Program Coordinator, was recognized by the Missouri EMS Association (MEMSA) with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Fitts was ECC’s EMS coordinator at ECC for nearly 20 years. He passed away Nov. 10, 2021, after battling cancer.

MEMSA President Justin Duncan announced Fitts as the award winner at the Missouri EMS Conference & Expo on July 26. MEMSA Vice President John Romeo presented Tom’s wife, Janet, with the award.

“Tom made the world a better place,” Duncan said. “Tom saved lives and eased suffering. Both directly and indirectly through the countless clinicians you helped to build — for this, we are eternally grateful.”

Duncan added that Fitts’ career spanned decades, serving in various roles such as paramedic, nurse, educator, program director for ECC EMS Education and Board Chairman at Meramec Ambulance District.

Fitts was a life-long EMS clinician, educator, and staunch patient advocate. He began his career in the 1980s as an advanced first aid provider and volunteer. As an instructor, Fitts continued to advocate for the EMS community.

Duncan noted that Fitts was an incredible teacher who drew upon his experience to help guide students.

“You can teach just about anyone to memorize an algorithm or to start an IV. But the real gifted educators instill values in their students,” he said.

“They give a bit of their soul to their students in hopes that it will carry on to said students’ patients. Tom was one of those — He helped his students to learn empathy. He taught his students to walk a mile in the patients’ shoes. He gave a little piece of his soul to each and every student he taught,” Duncan added. “And he could roll his eyes and make a sarcastic comment better than just about anyone.”

In September 2021, Fitts received the MEMSA Jack Lyon Memorial Instructor/Coordinator of the Year Award. He was nominated by Jenifer Goodson, ECC EMS Program Coordinator. The award was presented at ECC.

Teaching Background

In 1984, Fitts received his Emergency Medical Technician license while attending nursing school. He began working for the 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 with his wife.

Fitts obtained his paramedic license and then started working full-time for the Washington Area Ambulance District. He also was helping his wife, who was the paramedic program director at ECC.

In January of 2002, Fitts was hired as the EMS Program Coordinator at ECC and occasionally he assisted with the nursing programs.

ECC to Host High School Manufacturing Day

August 18, 2022 | Campus News

East Central College is hosting a High School Manufacturing Day Thursday, Oct. 6, to showcase its career-ready programs.

The event will be at the College’s Business and Industry Center (BIC) from 8 a.m. to noon, and will feature information about Precision Machining and Technology, HVAC/R, Industrial Engineering Technology and Welding programs.

In addition, prospective students will learn about ECC’s Metallica Scholars initiative, a funding opportunity for students going into the career-ready programs at ECC.

The college is utilizing scholarship funding through the Metallica Scholars partnership for student in advanced manufacturing programs, with the goal to elevate students’ skill sets by meeting industry standards and raising the level of academic programs offered.

For more information about High School Manufacturing Day, or to find out how to participate, contact Dr. Richard Hudanick at 636-584-6635 or richard.hudanick@eastcentral.edu

ECC’s Metallica Scholars initiative is a partnership with All Within My Hands (AWMH), which has been working with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to provide direct support for career and technical education programs across the U.S.

Benninger Named Men’s and Women’s Soccer Head Coach

August 3, 2022 | Athletics Campus News

Joseph Benninger is taking over as the full-time combined men’s and women’s head soccer coach at East Central College.

He had been serving as an assistant coach under Coach Martin Clayes, who recently took a position to coach professional soccer.

According to ECC Athletic Director Dr. Jay Mehrhoff, Benninger is ready to take the helm and lead a talented group of young men and women into the 2022 NJCAA fall campaign.

“Benninger has been instrumental in helping build the program at East Central College,” Mehrhoff said. “The women’s program has been a tough climb since the 2020 COVID season, but the roster looks ready to compete this year.

“Benninger’s hopes are to elevate the women’s program to compete for the region title in the same way he feels the men’s program is ready to compete each and every year,” Mehrhoff added.

He further added that Benninger has “a gift” when it comes to recruiting, along with a strong passion for soccer.

Benninger is a native of St. Louis and he played club and high school soccer under the rich traditions in St. Louis. He played high school soccer at De Smet Jesuit High School.

He then attended Truman State University, Kirksville, where he was a member and captain of the Bulldogs volleyball squad, during their most successful run in school history.

Along with his college experience, Benninger has coached and worked in administration in the USL League Two (USL2), formerly the Premier Development League (PDL), with the St. Louis Lions. He has also spent time coaching at the youth level.

Benninger has a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Truman State University.

“As the 2022 season approaches, Benninger hopes to fill an entire roster for the women’s team at ECC and build the men’s team into a contender right away,” Mehrhoff said. “Time will be of the essence as Coach Benninger works diligently to complete the 2022 schedule and get the Falcons soaring on the pitch.”