Seven students from East Central College embarked on an enriching Arts and Humanities Spring Break experience in London, England.
Led by ECC Associate Professor of English, Leigh Kolb, and ECC Title III Program Coordinator, Carson Mowery, the group delved into a nine-day exploration of London’s cultural landmarks and artistic treasures. The group left for the trip on March 6 and returned March 15.
The students who went on the trip are: Sabren Mastin, Lauren Hoey, Max Johnson, Hallelujah Medlock, Nicole Pope, Elijah Long, and Shayne Harrington.
During their time abroad, the students visited iconic attractions such as Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, Tate Modern and Tate Britain galleries, the British Library, and the historic Tower of London.
They also had the opportunity to witness a production of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” in London’s esteemed West End theater district.
The students and their advisors ventured beyond the city limits to explore the picturesque landscapes of Canterbury and White Cliffs of Dover, adding a touch of natural beauty to their journey.
ECC Early College Academy alum Melaina Pellin, who is pursuing studies at Aberystwyth University in Wales, joined the London group and provided valuable insights and perspectives on life as a student abroad.
The London Spring Break experience has a rich history at East Central College, originally initiated by former ECC Art Professor Adam Watkins in 2008.
Over the years, the program has evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of disciplines, with Kolb assuming the role of co-advisor in 2016, welcoming English and Media Studies students to join Art students on this journey.
Mowery, who participated in the London trip as a student in 2018 and 2019, now serves as co-advisor alongside Kolb, continuing the tradition of offering this unique opportunity to students in the Arts and Humanities Pathway, the ECC Art Club or student publications.
East Central College’s Marketing team was honored with a prestigious national award for their postcard featuring photos of a local graduate taken during the College’s 2023 Commencement. The team clinched the 2023 Gold Paragon Award in the “Postcard” category from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) at the council’s annual conference in Seattle on March 15.
The award-winning postcard was mailed to potential students who had initiated the application process to ECC but had yet to submit their completed applications. It featured three photos of ECC graduate Carly Hamlyn as she crossed the stage to receive her diploma.
Hamlyn, an ECC Early College Academy and Washington High School graduate, symbolized the journey prospective students could embark on.
NCMPR judges praised the postcard with “Great photography! Strong message and visuals.” They particularly commended the call to action, emphasizing its role in motivating prospective students to take the next step toward their academic goals.
Gregg Jones, Director of Communications and Marketing, accepted the award at the NCMPR conference, acknowledging the collective effort of ECC’s communication and marketing team.
The 2023 Paragon Awards received over 1,500 entries from 210 community and technical colleges nationwide, highlighting the stiff competition.
Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations
Gregg Jones, Director of Communications and Marketing
Andy Kolb, Coordinator of Web Services
Abby Stanfield, Multimedia Assistant
Amanda Studdard, Multimedia Specialist
The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) is dedicated to communication professionals at two-year community and technical colleges, providing invaluable opportunities for professional growth, advocacy, and recognition of excellence.
Students and advisors from Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at East Central College were recognized for their hard work and dedication at a regional convention where they received chapter and individual awards. The Chi Delta PTK Chapter at the Union campus and the Beta Omicron Phi Chapter at ECC in Rolla earned “5-Star Status” with recognition as Five Star Chapter programs during the Heartland Regional Convention in Overland Park, Kan.
The annual convention provided a platform for members to learn about Phi Theta Kappa programs, hear from esteemed guest speakers, and delve into the new Honors Study Topic, “The Power of Stories,” said Kevin Dixon, Union PTK advisor.
PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.
Throughout 2023, both chapters dedicated themselves to activities aligned with these core hallmarks. Members engaged in comprehensive research on the previous Honors in Action topic, “The Art and Science of Play,” and undertook a community service project.
Additionally, they collaborated with college leadership to design and execute a College Project aimed at directly benefiting ECC students. In mid-January, after meticulous preparation during the semester and holiday break, the chapters submitted their Hallmark Awards applications.
With 64 chapters in the Heartland Region, spanning Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, the competition was formidable. Alongside nominations for officer and member awards, chapters had the opportunity to submit various art and media items for recognition.
Union Chapter
The Union Chi Delta Chapter earned first-place honors for their College Project Award and a second-place Distinguished Chapter award for the Heartland Region. The Chapter received an Honorable Mention for the Honors in Action Project Award.
Distinguished Chapter Officer awards were presented to Chi Delta members Sarah O’Bannon, second place; and Nicholas Rucker, fourth place.
The East Central College Phi Theta Kappa Chi Delta PTK Chapter was recognized as a Five Star Chapter program during the Heartland Regional Convention in Overland Park, Kan. The Chapter also earned first-place honors for their College Project Award, the second-place Distinguished Chapter award, and Honorable Mention for the Honors in Action Project Award. Distinguished Chapter Officer awards were presented to Chi Delta members Sarah O’Bannon, second place; and Nicholas Rucker, fourth place. Front row, from left to right: Ethan Sandstrom, Katelyn Rice, Dr. Wendy Pecka (advisor), Melanie Dixon (advisor), and Kylie Napier. Back row, from left to right: Elijah Long, Taylor Rowald, Maria Guevara, Nicholas Rucker, and Kevin Dixon (advisor).
Rolla Chapter
Beta Omicron Phi chapter advisor Dr. Elizabeth Rozema was recognized as a 5-Star Advisor and for completing the PTK Advisor Edge program.
Individual awards were presented to members Justin Heberlie: Achievement in Photography, fifth place; and Briannah Tiarks: Distinguished Chapter Member, Honorable Mention.
“Congratulations go to the students who put in so much time and dedication to prepare these award applications, and a big thank you goes to my fellow advisors for all the work they’ve done on behalf of our Phi Theta Kappa students,” Dixon commented.
In addition to Kevin Dixon, Wendy Pecka and Melanie Dixon advise the Union Chi Delta Chapter.
To be eligible for PTK, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema (advisor), Mae May, and Justin Heberlie, members of the Beta Omicron Phi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla. During the Heartland Regional Convention, Rozema was recognized as a 5-Star Advisor and for completing the PTK Advisor Edge program. Individual awards were presented to member Justin Heberlie for Achievement in Photography, fifth place; and Briannah Tiarks for Distinguished Chapter Member, Honorable Mention.
East Central College is organizing a series of public forums to offer residents the opportunity to stay informed and ask questions about Proposition ECC. These forums will delve into the details of the tax levy transfer and its benefits for both the community and the College.
The plan includes six in-person public forums in communities within the ECC Taxing District. Additionally, there will be a Facebook Live forum on April 1 from 6-7 p.m. on the ECC Facebook page, featuring ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.
ECC is seeking voters’ approval for a levy transfer on the April 2 ballot that would result in no increase in the College’s property tax levy.
The forums are scheduled at the following locations:
New Haven Library — Monday, March 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
St. Clair Regional Library — Monday, March 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Meeting Room B)
ECC Union Campus — Tuesday, March 26; 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Conference Room B)
Bourbon Community Center — Wednesday, March 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Washington Public Library — Wednesday, March 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Sullivan Regional Library — Thursday, March 28; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The levy transfer is expected to generate $2.2 million annually for:
Enhanced safety and security measures on the Union Campus.
Necessary upgrades to modernize aging buildings, including the replacement of older HVAC units and repairs to campus parking lots and roads.
Renovations to campus spaces for the Early College Academy, STEM/Engineering lab, and a Veterans Lounge.
Assistance with rising health care, insurance, and salary costs.
Maintenance of affordable tuition and fees.
For more information about Prop ECC, please visit the Prop ECC page.
