The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, hosted by Neighbors United — Undoing Racism in conjunction with the ECC Film and Lecture Series, will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21, at East Central College in Union. The free event will take place in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center and is open to the public.
This year’s featured speaker is Kenneth W. Wheeler, a retired ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Wheeler is a sought-after preacher, public theologian, and writer. He serves as a guest lecturer on pastoral leadership in the 21st century at Wartburg Theological Seminary, where he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree.
Wheeler often delivers sermons for the National observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Most of his writings, sermons, and lectures focus on faith, race, and social justice. He is a respected elder and mentor to young pastors and seminarians.
A native of Jackson, Miss., Wheeler earned a B.A. in Religion from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and a Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.
The Rev. Eric Moeller of St. Peter’s UCC, Washington, will be performing original music as part of the program.
Neighbors United – Undoing Racism has been an active group in the Franklin County area, well-known for their Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations that bring together church and social groups to celebrate and work toward King’s legacy of equality and community. Church groups and individuals from across the area have joined forces to expand their reach and build relationships in the community. The Civic and Community Engagement Committee at East Central College co-hosts the event.
For more information, contact Aimee Appell (Neighbors United chairperson and pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Washington) at pastoraimee@gmail.com or Leigh Kellmann Kolb, Associate Professor of English, at leigh.kolb@eastcentral.edu.
East Central College’s financial aid department will hold a series of workshops aimed at assisting students in completing the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The workshops will take place in Buescher Hall, Union, room 182, from 5-6:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Tuesday, Jan. 16
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Tuesday, Jan. 30
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Tuesday, Feb. 20
These FAFSA Nights are designed to guide students through the application process and ensure they have the necessary support to access financial aid opportunities.
To attend the workshops, interested students must RSVP. To secure your spot, please call 636-584-6574 or email FinAid@EastCentral.edu.
For an effective workshop experience, students are encouraged to bring essential documents, including their Social Security number, driver’s license, W-2 forms, 2022 federal income tax return, and information on bank account balances, investments, and business or investment farm values.
ECC is committed to providing valuable resources to students as they navigate the financial aid application process. These workshops aim to simplify the FAFSA completion and ensure that every student can access the financial support they need for their education.
The East Central College Foundation is on the lookout for exceptional alumni who have left a lasting impact on their communities and beyond. Nominations are now open for the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award, a prestigious recognition reserved for those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership.
Nominees must have completed a college credit course at ECC during their educational journey. Foundation Executive Director Bridgette Kelch said that nominees should be recognized as leaders in their respective fields, showcasing a dedicated commitment to community service. Residency within the college district is not required.
“Our annual Outstanding Alumni award serves as a fitting tribute to acknowledge the remarkable dedication of our alumni to both their careers and communities,” Kelch said. “We know that many of our alumni are deserving of this prestigious award, and we are reaching out to the community for assistance in identifying these outstanding contributors.”
Nominees are expected to showcase exceptional contributions to ECC or the community, with a sustained commitment to the college, she added.
Nomination Guidelines
Current candidates for public office and past recipients are not eligible for the award.
To nominate a former ECC student, write an explanation in 500 words or less as to why the person is worthy of consideration. The explanation should accompany the nomination. Nominations must be received by April 10, 2024. All nominations received within the last three years are eligible.
The nomination form can be accessed from the webpage: www.eastcentral.edu/alumni/alumni-of-the-year/. People also can email foundation@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6505 to request the form for more information.
The recipient will be selected by the ECC Foundation Alumni Committee. A formal invitation to the 2024 Commencement Ceremonies will be sent to the honoree and a plaque will be displayed at the ECC Union campus in his or her honor.
Three East Central College Rolla nursing graduates were recognized for outstanding work in clinicals and in the classroom.
Kathrine Crider, Jessica Veloz and Brianna Courtney each were recognized Dec. 12 during a pinning ceremony for LPN to RN Bridge graduates.
There were 11 nursing graduates taking part in the pinning ceremony, which is held to recognize licensed practical nurses who continued their education to become registered nurses:
Stevie German, Shelly Gibson, Tina Feth, Jessica Veloz, Amy Hiatt, Kathrine Crider, Shelby Marler, Brianna Courtney, Emily Chastain, Tara Smith and Tanya Bausch.
Outstanding Student Nurse
Kathrine Crider received the ECC Outstanding Student Nurse award.
“She is an extraordinary person who is organized, determined, efficient, and well rounded. She is willing to adapt and jump into new learning experiences and push herself to have clinical experiences that are different than was she is used to,” Crider’s nomination read.
“She seeks out learning experiences that will help her grow and succeed in the field of nursing. She is highly successful in the clinical setting. She is a phenomenal addition to this clinical rotation and is always willing to ask questions to improve her learning.
“She is kind and willing to help a fellow student when needed. For these reasons and many more, this student will succeed and be a wonderful asset to the profession of nursing.”
To be considered for the Outstanding Nursing Student award, ECC has had to make a significant difference in the life of the student.
Spirit of Clinical Excellence
The awards for Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing are presented to graduating nurses who demonstrate characteristics of caring and compassion, the spirit of inquiry, exceptional critical thinking and decision making and have superior organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize.
MoBap Spirit of Excellence
Brianna Courtney received the Missouri Baptist Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award because she is a great example of a compassionate nurse both in the classroom and clinical setting.
“She has excelled with showing care and compassion from day one. She has incredible critical thinking and is able to successfully prioritize all the many demands of life and nursing school,” her nomination read.
“This student was great to work with and is very eager to learn and doesn’t shy away from the new or intimidating stuff. This student was very comfortable at the bedside and took great care when communicating with patients. For these reasons and for many more there is no question that this student will make an excellent RN and be a lovely addition to any nursing unit.”
Phelps Spirit of Excellence
Jessica Veloz is the recipient of the Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award due to her compassion, commitment, eagerness, and integrity to the profession of nursing.
“She is quietly assertive and develops a rapport with her patients, their families, and the staff making sure that their needs were met. She did not shy away from challenges, but rather exceled when the opportunities arose,” states her nomination form.
“She has displayed an abundance of compassion and patient- centered care in all areas of clinical rotations. She is dedicated to quality, and safe patient care, and insists on the patients receiving this. She does a great job with putting knowledge into clinical practice and she is a good team player. Her kind, positive attitude, desire to seek out learning experiences, and following protocol are great attributes that she possesses.”
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.
Back row, from left, are Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences & Director of Nursing, Joannie Blakely, Rolla nursing coordinator, Stevie German, Shelly Gibson, Tina Feth, Jessica Veloz, Amy Hiatt, and Julie Chirban, LPN to RN Bridge instructor. Front row., from left, are Lavonda Lawson, Rolla administrative assistant, Kathrine Crider, Shelby Marler, Brianna Courtney, Emily Chastain, Tara Smith, Tanya Bausch, Trista Elias, nursing faculty.
East Central College has been awarded funds aimed at reducing training costs for individuals entering apprenticeships or enrolling in career-ready programs.
Those who qualify for programs could be eligible to receive up to $1,000 to cover the expenses associated with their training or courses. These funds are applicable to both pre-apprenticeship programs and Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship programs, as well as career technical for-credit programs.
This state funding provides valuable support for individual students looking to acquire new skills and businesses interested in enrolling employees in apprenticeship programs for skill development.
The pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeship programs are offered through ECC’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD). Learn more here: www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.
To learn more or participate in the funding program, please contact CWD Apprenticeship & Business Training Coordinator Melissa Richards at 636-649-5806 or melissa.richards@eastcentral.edu.
Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All credit career and technical classes begin the week of January 16, 2024, and all forms or applications must be completed before classes start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pre-apprenticeship program?
Pre-apprenticeships are specifically designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) or other job opportunities. These programs, customizable to fit industry needs, may last from a few weeks to a few months. They provide a chance for companies to assess the abilities and commitment of new or existing employees before committing to a more extended training program.
What is a registered DOL apprenticeship program?
Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways offering paid work experience, classroom instruction, mentorship, and a portable credential. ECC can assist in establishing companywide apprenticeship programs, guiding employers through the entire process.
How to participate in the funding program?
Employers should identify a training area from the list above, and ECC will collaborate to schedule the training program. Each trainee, whether sponsored by a business or an individual, will need to complete a registration packet and provide forms of identification.
How to register a DOL apprenticeship program?
ECC will partner with employers to create a comprehensive apprenticeship training program, including standards, training requirements, and on-the-job competencies. With partnerships already established with 30 area businesses and the training of over 100 apprentices, ECC is well-equipped to guide this process.
Benefits of a DOL registered apprenticeship program:
A registered apprenticeship program provides clear expectations and pay advances for apprentices and participating employers. ECC and the company will collaboratively design a training program ensuring competency in the field upon completion. These programs offer mentorship opportunities, allowing individuals to earn income while acquiring hands-on skills relevant to their daily work.
East Central College is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
East Central College will be hosting information sessions for SNAP (food stamp) recipients to learn more about the opportunity to receive an education for free.
The sessions will be held Dec. 12-14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Washington Job Center, 1108 Washington Square Center. Eligible SNAP recipients will be able to use the SkillUp program that provides free tuition and support services to complete a short-term (12 months or less) training program at no cost. The programs will provide individuals with a new career path and the opportunity to begin a career in a high demand industry.
ECC offers several SkillUp eligible programs, including Fast Track Welding, Heating and Air-Conditioning, Industrial Maintenance, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Certified Medication Technician (CMT) and Medical Assistant. The Welding, CNA and CMT programs can each be completed in 16 weeks or less.
No reservations are needed for the sessions. Those interested need to ask for Melissa Schall-Willmore at the Washington Job Center.
East Central College soccer player Jules Denommee has been named 3rd Team All-American for the 2023 season by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) DII Men’s Soccer committee. Denommee, a freshman defender from Montreal, Canada, was honored on Nov. 28 for this achievement.
ECC Athletic Director Dr. Jay Mehrhoff stated that Denommee’s exceptional work on the field was recognized by the Region 16 coaches, who voted him 1st Team All-Region and 1st Team All-Conference for his accomplishments and gameplay throughout the 2023 campaign. He was the No. 2 ranked player in the region.
Denommee’s statistical numbers were impressive for a left-back with 7 assists in a position that rarely gets into the offensive attack. He also scored one goal and started 17 of 18 games in the season.
With a team record of 10-6-2, the year was highlighted by good defensive play, and Denommee stood out as the most shutdown defender in NJCAA Region 16, in addition to his offensive prowess. Denommee scored 9 points during the season, took 5 shots, and had a shot percentage of .200. He also secured a game-winning goal this season.
The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at East Central College in Rolla inducted several new members into the organization.
An induction ceremony recognizing the new members was held in October. Cole Halfaker, ECC student services specialist, was the keynote speaker during the ceremony.
New members are:
Mikayla Bigler, Amy Hiatt, Mary Howard, Kiernan Twyman, Molly Linkeman, McKenzie Burns, Karen Deardeuff, Alexia Govero, Justin Heberlie, Madyson Helmuth, Autumn Hoevel, Kristen Kibbons, Mae May, Emily Neulinger, Babajide Olatunbosun, Alisha Paradise, Philip Riche, Christabel Southards, Allister Hawkins, Jonathan Metzen, Nathanael Horton, Emma Willison, Isabella Wingard and Gage Klossner
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.
To be eligible for induction, 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.
Other students could still be eligible to join but haven’t yet. Students invited to be in the PTK can still do so through the end of the year. For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact PTK advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.
A local industry with an international footprint was recognized by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) for its work with East Central College
WEG Transformers USA, based in Washington, was presented a Distinguished Business and Industry Award on Nov. 9 during the MCCA annual conference. WEG was nominated for the award by ECC because of the industry’s work with the College’s Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) program.
A Distinguished Business and Industry Award was presented by the MCCA to WEG Transformers, an international company based in Washington, Mo. WEG was nominated for the award by ECC because of the industry’s work with the College’s Adult Education & Literacy program.
WEG is an international company that operates at three locations in Washington designing and producing electrical transformers and substations. In 2021, the company hired 30 immigrants from St. Louis to work at their facilities and wanted them to enhance their English language skills to better understand the culture and their workforce.
That’s where the relationship between WEG and ECC’s AEL began.
The employees, immigrants from across the world, that includes India, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Afghanistan, were placed with WEG through the International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL) — an immigrant and job placement service/information hub which connects refugees and immigrants to a variety of opportunities in the St. Louis region.
Beginning February 2022, the AEL program worked with the new WEG employees to further develop their English language skills that included specific lingo and language used in the Manufacturing industry.
The English Language Acquisition classes were taught by ECC at the WEG facilities before or after the employees’ regular work schedule. As a result, 12 of 30 employees successfully completed the. Several of them were honored by the College during the Student Achievement ceremony held April 2023.
The unique public/private partnership has resulted in more qualified employees for WEG Transformers and maintains their competitive edge and enhances the lives of a group of workers as they adapt and adjust to their new homeland.
Melanie Dixon, ECC Early College and Admissions Specialist, is recognized by her colleagues for her supportive nature and positive spirit.
That’s just one reason why she received the Classified Staff Achievement Award from the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) during its annual conference. Dixon, who has dedicated 17 years to ECC, goes above and beyond her day-to-day responsibilities by serving as an advisor for the ECC Union chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.
Dixon is one of two employees selected among her peers from the 12 community colleges in Missouri to receive the award. It was presented during a banquet held on Nov. 9 in Kansas City.
Each year, the MCCA Annual Recognition and Excellence Awards program acknowledges individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year.
In addition to Dixon, ECC Trustees Ina “Cookie Hays” received the Distinguished Alumni Award, and WEG Transformers, nominated by ECC, received an MCCA Distinguished Business and Industry Award. Other ECC employees were finalists for 2003 MCCA awards:
Tracy Mowery, Associate Professor of Biology — Excellence in Teaching Award nominee.
Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences — Administrative Professional Leadership Award.
Lisa Hanneken, Accounting and Business Instructor and Programs Director, and Tanner French, Accounting and Business Instructor — Innovation Award.
Dixon’s Award
As one of three advisors on the award-winning PTK team, Dixon works diligently to ensure the chapter’s success and longevity.
“Melanie has been a highly active PTK advisor for many years, and students speak highly of her, regarding her as kind, caring, and supportive,” her nomination reads. “She is a reliable and knowledgeable colleague who always offers help when she can.”
The continued time and energy Melanie dedicates both in her role in the Department of Early College & Admissions and as a PTK advisor exemplify the criteria of the Classified Staff Achievement Award.
“Melanie’s service to the College has a positive impact on the student experience at East Central College, whether they are new or prospective students or enrolled students joining Phi Theta Kappa. It is an honor to recognize Melanie for her work and dedication.”
