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Author: akolb

Alumni Spotlight – A Love for Foreign Languages Leads to an Adventure Abroad

February 26, 2019 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News

This winter, we’ve seen snow, sleet, hail, and ice in the Midwest. It’s enough to make a person want to travel somewhere warm, which is exactly what Brandon Gassei did.

“I decided to go to Costa Rica this semester,” he explained. “I wanted to go to a country filled with beautiful nature.”

The Marthasville native is staying with a host family and studying at the Latin-American University of Science and Technology.

“My host family is amazing,” he said. “Their knowledge of the local culture is so helpful. They know what places are best and which are not recommended. Additionally, they are more than willing to help me with my Spanish skills.”

East Central College Spanish Instructor Ellen Aramburu is not surprised Gassei decided to immerse himself in Latin American culture.

“Brandon always demonstrated a genuine interest in the Spanish language and travel for as long as I have known him,” she said. “I am very happy that he is taking this opportunity.”

Gassei attended East Central College from 2015-2017, transferring to Southeast Missouri State University shortly after to pursue a degree in international business.

“My experience at ECC was really amazing,” he said. “The professors were always willing to help students who were struggling. They do not take their curriculum work lightly and loved to challenge students.”

“Brandon was a very responsible and conscientious person,” Aramburu said. “He was a hardworking and dedicated student who always stayed on task and asked good questions. He shows a genuine concern for other people and his generosity of spirit makes him a pleasure to be around.”

For now, Brandon is enjoying his time in the tropics, but the future is still very much on his mind.

“I am still deciding on the next step to take,” he said, “but I do know that many companies and employers need individuals who are bilingual. Continuing with this skill that I started at East Central College opens up more opportunities for me.”

Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas and Recipes from Chef Mike

February 11, 2019 | Campus News

Are you looking to impress someone special on Valentine’s Day? Chef Mike Palazzola is here to help! He’s offered up his expertise to create an unforgettable meal for the occasion.

“I am a big fan of ‘less is more,’ said Chef Mike. “I have a three-course meal that is somewhat ‘foolproof’ and is guaranteed to make most people happy.”

 

Course One: Caesar Salad with Parmesan Basket

Parmesan Basket: Preheat broiler to high, then scatter a thin layer of fresh Parmesan on a sil-pat (a silicone cooking mat). Cook until golden brown, which should only take about three minutes. Remove the warm Parmesan and put it on the back of an everyday bowl to allow it to form. Allow it to cool before removing it.

Caesar Salad: Cut romaine into half-inch cubes and wash. Be sure the lettuce gets dry!

Toss Romaine, dressing, and croutons in small bowl. Dressing should lightly coat all ingredients.

Serve in Parmesan crisp bowl and top with shaved/shredded Parmesan and croutons.

For the dressing, you can buy it at the store or make it yourself. Here is a recipe I like: Caesar Dressing

 

Course Two: Surf and Turf with Roasted Asparagus and Twice-Baked Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with a little steak and shrimp! For the steak, I like 12-ounce New York Strips or 6-ounce Filet Mignons.

Rub the steaks with ¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce. You’ll also want to sprinkle salt and pepper on the steaks (to taste). Let them sit for about ten minutes. Drizzle the steaks with two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil before hitting the grill or pan.

Sear the steaks in very hot pan/grill for ten minutes on each side. Remove from heat onto baking tray to rest while you finish the rest of the cooking. When you have 20 minutes left on the rest of your meal, pop the steaks in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes. The steaks should be medium-rare at this point. Put two teaspoons of butter on top of the steak and allow it to rest at room temperature for five minutes before eating.

Scampi

  • 8 pieces 16-20 shrimp (raw)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of shallots and garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • 1 cup- 40% heavy cream
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

In a hot Sauté pan add the olive oil and the shrimp, sear one minute on both sides. Remove from pan. In the same pan add garlic and shallots until translucent. Deglaze with wine, add cream and reduce until it coats the back of a spoon. Return shrimp to cream sauce, add juice and zest of lemon, herbs, and salt and pepper to taste.

Twice-Baked Potato

  • 3 medium russet potatoes
  • ¼ cup real bacon bits
  • ¼ cup cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons Scallions or chives
  • salt and pepper to taste

Bake one large russet potato for 45 minutes on 400. Allow the potato to cool, then cut the top and bottom off. Cut it in half (longways) and scoop out the middle.

Peel and boil the remaining potatoes – cook for 45 minutes and mash. Mix with green onions, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stuff scooped potato with filling and top with more shredded cheddar.

Bake for 30 minutes at 325 or until golden brown.

Roasted Asparagus

Cut ends off asparagus and toss with one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper (to taste).

Put the asparagus on a baking sheet and roast at 425 for 10 minutes.

On a sheet tray roast asparagus at 425 for 10 minutes.

 

Course Three: Flourless Chocolate Cake, Macerated Berries, and Vanilla Ice Cream

If you aren’t too full after the first two courses, there is a Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe that is a perfect end to a perfect meal. You’ll want to serve it with macerated berries and ice cream.

Macerated Berries:

  • 4 strawberries, cut into ¼ pieces
  • 10 blueberries
  • 10 raspberries
  • 5 leaves mint, chopped
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp triple sec, Quantro

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes. You’ll watch the berries transform into a juicy sauce. Place the cake in the center of the plate, and put a small pile of berries and juices on either side of cake. Top with a scoop of ice cream.

 

Tips

Go ahead and get the grocery shopping out of the way as soon as you can. You can also go ahead and make the Caesar dressing and chocolate cake ahead of time. The cake can easily be warmed up in the microwave for about 20 seconds before you serve it. You’ll can also make the twice-baked potato ahead of time. This saves you some time on Valentine’s Day and a little bit of stress!

On February 13, go ahead and prepare the asparagus and scampi sauce. You’ll also want to thaw and peel the shrimp and cut and wash the lettuce.

On the day of the meal, finish what you started! Also, don’t forget to tell the person enjoying the meal with you how special they are!

An Entrepreneur in the Making – Student Places in National Competition

January 10, 2019 | Campus News

Seeing the Empire State Building, Times Square, or Statue of Liberty can be an experience of a lifetime. It was no different for East Central College student Sara Hamer.

“It was an amazing experience,” the Labadie native said. “You see these places on TV, but you never think you’ll see them in person. It was a lot to take in, but overall it was amazing.”

Her trip to New York City wasn’t just about sightseeing. She was there to learn. Paying her own way, she attended the DECA Engage Conference in November.

According to its website, DECA “prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.” It’s an organization Hamer was actively involved with in high school, and she wanted to continue her involvement when she came to East Central College.

“I wanted to continue DECA in college because I love it,” she explained. “I know it’s a great way to not only expand my knowledge but also make connections and get more involved.”

At the conference, Hamer was able to network with business professionals from across the country. She heard successes and failures from entrepreneurs and see business operations in action. She also was able to put her skills to the test.

“Sara entered the Entrepreneurship Business Simulation Competition at the conference,” said Steffani McCrary, ECC DECA sponsor. She traveled with Hamer on the trip. “She was paired with two other students, who she didn’t know, and they were given a task relevant to the category.”

Hamer’s team had to navigate through the fashion industry. In their simulation, a large retailer was doing poorly, and they had to figure out how to implement positive change. Her team beat out nearly every team competing – placing third in the national competition. “I was very surprised that we placed,” she admitted, “but in a really good way!”

McCrary knew she was up to the challenge. “Sara is a very dedicated and conscientious student,” she said, “Sara strives to do great in her school work and activities.”

Hamer plans to transfer to a four-year college or university after East Central College to continue her education in Business.

Community Invited to ECC Future Summit on January 18

January 2, 2019 | Campus News

East Central College is inviting the community to participate in its Future Summit. The event is designed to address the college’s challenges and search for future opportunities. It will take place in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center from 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 18.

“As we continue our pursuit of excellence,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, East Central College President, “we are in the process of designing a new strategic plan. Community input is an invaluable resource in creating that plan.”

East Central College’s Strategic Plan Initiative, SOAR to 2024, will help it identify and define the experience it provides to its students. The Future Summit is an integral part of the strategic planning process.

The conference-style event will happen on the Union campus and will feature a keynote speaker and topics that will form the foundation of the event including:

  • Creating a Culture of Change and Building Trust
  • Aligning School Districts, Colleges and Employers for Long-Term Success
  • Maintaining a Personal Touch in a High-Tech Learning Environment
  • The Power of Data to Support Learning and Student Success

Following these talks, community members will have the opportunity to join small group discussions. The input from these discussion groups will inform the college’s strategies for the next five years and beyond.

“The Future Summit is designed to bring all constituents together for learning and discussion,” said Dr. Bauer. “It is an opportunity to jump-start future planning for business and industry and community organizations.”

Find out more about the SOAR to 2024 initiative and RSVP for the Future Summit!

ECC Foundation Scholarships Continue to Change Lives at East Central College

December 5, 2018 | Campus News

When Madison Caldwell received the Jeff Maune scholarship at East Central College, she was thrilled.

“I was honored to be chosen,” said the Pacific native. “The scholarship helped me financially but also mentally. It made me feel like there is someone out there cheering me on – someone who wants to see me succeed.”

Open to all students from Franklin County, the scholarship is helping Madison achieve her dream – becoming a teacher.

“I am going into education because I love children,” she said. “I want to be someone a child feels comfortable going to in a time of need.”

While most college students don’t often get to meet their scholarship benefactors, East Central College makes it a priority.

“We believe it is important to bring our scholarship supporters together with the students they are directly impacting,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Through the annual East Central College Foundation Scholarship Breakfast, we make it possible.”

For Madison, it was a chance to thank her benefactor in person.

“I loved getting to meet Jeff and his wife Beth,” she said. “They made me feel like I had known them my entire life. It was such an honor to be able to express my gratitude to them in person, rather than through a letter or thank you card.”

“We were both so impressed with Madison,” said Jeff. “She is a well-rounded, down-to-earth person. She has a plan in place for her future, and I just hope the scholarship helped her in at least a small way.”

The scholarship is in dedication to Jeff’s late wife, Patsy, who passed away in 2012.

“There is a need for caring, dedicated teachers,” Jeff explained. “Patsy couldn’t have become a teacher without financial help. When the East Central College Foundation Board approached me about setting up a scholarship, I wanted to help.”

Madison was one of 201 students who received more than $100,000 in scholarships through the ECC Foundation this fall.

“Our community is very supportive of the ECC Foundation,” said Dr. Bauer. “Every dollar donated helps enhance the lives of our students forever and strengthens our community. It is an economic and a human investment.”

The East Central College Foundation 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. It currently supports more than 200 scholarships for students.

Those interested in donating to the ECC Foundation or establishing a scholarship can visit www.eastcentral.edu/foundation or email foundation@eastcentral.edu.

East Central College Hosts Event to Assist Food Stamp Recipients

December 5, 2018 | Campus News

East Central College is hosting an event to help food stamp recipients find out more about the state of Missouri’s SkillUp program, which provides additional access to childcare, housing assistance, job skills training, job placement, and more.

SkillUp services are offered at no cost to eligible participants and are designed to promote employability and self-sufficiency. The program is offered through East Central College and area Job Centers at no cost and offers food stamp recipients the opportunity to gain skills, training, or work experience.

“The college provides short-term training programs in health care, computer science, and welding, to provide food stamp recipients with unique job skills,” says Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations at East Central College. “We purposely schedule programs that can be completed in less than 16 weeks, so the food stamp recipient can quickly secure a job and begin a career.”

The event, named “SkillUPalooza”, will be held Thursday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the East Central College Training Center.  East Central College will have staff on hand to help participants decide what job training program is the best fit for them. Other agencies, such as the Missouri Job Center, Goodwill, Missouri Community Action Network, and Better Family Life, are also participating.

Questions? Contact Melissa Willmore at 636.584.6530 or Melissa.Willmore@eastcentral.edu.

 

Top 5 Tips to Help Lower Your Utility Bills this Winter from HVAC Dave

November 27, 2018 | Campus News

With winter right around the corner, it’s a good idea to make sure your house is prepared for the cold! East Central College HVAC expert and faculty member David DeArmond has some tips that could save you money on your utility bill.

Tip 1 – Get a Tune-Up

HVAC systems often become more inefficient over time, which is why performing regular maintenance on your system is so important! It can help save you money on a daily basis, and it can help prevent problems from happening when you least expect it. Do this every spring and winter. Many HVAC companies offer seasonal specials!

Tip 2- Plug the Leaks – Insulate Your Home

It’s always a good idea to check the weatherstripping around your doors and the caulking around your windows this time of year. Small leaks can lead to big utility bills, as your HVAC system is constantly having to fight the cold air coming into the house. You also want to check the insulation inside your attic. Insulating an attic is fairly easy and inexpensive, and it can make a big difference.

Common places air leaks occur:

  • Electrical outlets
  • Switch plates
  • Door and window frames
  • Electrical and gas service entrances
  • Baseboards
  • Weatherstripping around doors
  • Fireplaces
  • Attic hatches
  • Window air conditioners
  • Cable and phone lines
  • Dryer vents
  • Bathroom/kitchen vents and fans

Tip 3 – Get a Programmable Thermostat

Make your HVAC system work less when you aren’t at home!  New thermostats can also connect to your smartphone, allowing you to control the temperature from anywhere.

Tip 4 – Look to the Sky

Even in the winter, the sun can help warm your house. Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day. This will allow sunlight to natural heat your home. Close them at night to block the cold coming from the glass!

Tip 5 – Replace Your Air Filter

Make sure to change your air filter at least once every three months, if not sooner. Dust gets trapped in the air filter over time – which blocks the flow of air to the rest of your house. This can make your HVAC system work harder than it needs to!

 

The East Central College Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Program offers an Associates of Applied Science or Certificate of Specialization.  Students learn the basics of installation, maintenance and repair, preparing them to enter the workforce as technicians. Learn more about the program!

High Demand, High Reward – Preparing the Next Generation of Medical Assistants

October 30, 2018 | Campus News

The growth of the aging baby-boom population continues to increase demand for medical services across the state. The demand for highly-skilled workers has grown with it.

St. Robert native Morgan White had always been drawn to the medical field, but she had a hard time trying to figure out the right path forward.

“I tried other programs – surgical technician and LPN – but becoming a medical assistant really caught my eye,” she said. “It is such a hands-on occupation. You really get to know the patient as a person.”

She enrolled at East Central College in Rolla and started taking classes.

“East Central College has been a great experience,” White said. “If I am ever struggling, my instructors spend extra time with me to make sure I am feeling comfortable and confident with the assignment. They are truly preparing me for the real world.”

One of those instructors is Courtney Baxter. She’s been teaching core medical assistant classes for the last three years, and she’s seen the impact the program can have.

“The medical assistant field is growing fast, so with this program, there are many job opportunities,” said Baxter. “This program is the door to endless possibilities in the medical world.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs available in the field will jump nearly 29 percent by 2026. East Central College is helping train the next generation of workers to meet the demand.

“I love preparing students like Morgan with the knowledge, practice, and supplies to perform important clinical duties. There is nothing better than watching students become proficient in these skills and build confidence. It makes teaching worthwhile,” said Baxter.

Available at its Rolla (evening) and Union (day) locations, the medical assistant program trains competent professionals to meet the needs of an ever-expanding allied health field. It combines both formal education and practical experience to help participants master the complex body of knowledge and specialized skills necessary for a successful career. Students can pursue an associate’s degree or a one-year certificate.

The East Central College Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board.

Enrollment for the spring semester is now open! Check out the medical assistant program, apply online or meet with your advisor today!

Alumni Spotlight – Starting Out Strong: Recent Graduate Already an Award-Winning Journalist

October 16, 2018 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News

She came to East Central College to play volleyball and use A+ Scholarship funds. She left East Central College with more than just a degree. She found a passion.

“East Central College provided me with countless opportunities to become a better learner,” said alumna Ginny Ward. “I became friends with dozens of international athletes who educated me on their home country and culture.”

The Walnut Shade native became more curious every day of the world around her. Growing up, she never connected with mathematics or science but was hungry for information. Even though she started college without much of an idea of what she wanted to do with her life, it quickly became apparent.

Finding a Path Forward

“During my freshman year, I enrolled in African American literature to fulfill my humanities requirement,” she explained. “That’s when I met Leigh Kolb, and I wouldn’t have even considered journalism if she hadn’t pointed me in the right direction.”

“It is important to show students how being open to new experiences and thinking critically about the world can transform their lives,” said Kolb. “Ginny is the type of student who leaps into every opportunity and has ambition to change the world by telling stories that matter. Journalism was a natural fit.”

Kolb invited Ward to get involved in the East Central College Student Newspaper on campus, The Cornerstone. That’s when she discovered her love for journalism, and she dove right in.

“Alongside the introductory journalism courses I took, I was able to apply critical thinking skills that my instructors had fostered in me at East Central College,” she said. “I learned to ask more questions and become more involved in class discussions.”

Aside from her coursework, newspaper assignments and volleyball practice, Ward kept searching for more opportunities to put her skills to work. She interned at a local news station and the college public relations department.

“By forming relationships with my professors, I was given unique opportunities to build my resume,” she said.

Moving on to Mizzou

Ward graduated from ECC in 2016 and transferred to the University of Missouri, where she was accepted into the prestigious journalism program. She is now working toward her bachelor’s degree, spending much of her time at the Columbia Missourian newspaper.

“Journalists wouldn’t exist without the communities they serve. I want to help make newsrooms more transparent by interacting with readers through social media and community events,” she explained.

She’s already making her mark in the field. Ward recently won first place in the Missourian Press Association awards in the Best News or Feature Obituary. Her touching story was about Brian Simpson, a beloved coach who tragically died in a car accident. Read the story.

Outside of her coursework, Ward stays busy volunteering. She has participated in several service trips to underserved areas of the United States. This November, she will get the chance to lead a service trip to the Women’s Intercultural Center in Anthony, New Mexico. The organization helps women learn English and attain technical skills, higher education or employment. Next semester, she will travel abroad and work at a data visualization internship in Brussels, Belgium.