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Nine Students Inducted in Rolla PTK Chapter

May 26, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

There were nine students from East Central College in Rolla who were inducted into the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society last month.

During an in-person ceremony held Sunday, April 10, the following students were inducted:

Samantha Sophia Britton;
Alyssa Michelle Rinehart;
Lindsey M. Nichols;
Madison P. Jolly;
Shanna Colleen Loughridge;
Benjamin Michael Miller;
Abigail Paige Lutz;
Colby Daniel Elliott;
Ally Renee Wagner.

The keynote speaker for the induction ceremony was Kevin Dixon, ECC associate professor of biology and advisor of the Chi Delta chapter in Union.

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.

Students Named to the Spring 2022 Dean’s List

May 25, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement each semester.

Upon completion of between six and 11 spring semester credit hours with a semester grade point average of 3.5 or greater, students are acknowledged on the Dean’s List.

There were 180 students named to the Dean’s List from the Spring 2022 semester.

Students Named to the Spring 2022 Vice President’s List

May 24, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement each semester.

Upon completion of at least 12 semester credit hours with a Spring semester grade point average between 3.50 and 3.84, students are acknowledged by placement on the Vice President’s List.

For the Spring 2022 semester, there were 183 students on the list.

President’s List for Spring 2022 Semester

May 24, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement each semester.

Upon completion of at least 12 Spring semester credit hours with a semester grade point average of 3.85 or greater, students are acknowledged on the President’s List.

There were 131 students named to the list from the Spring 2022 semester.

Madison Jolly is President’s Spirit Award Recipient

May 20, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The 2022 President’s Spirit of East Central College award was presented to Madison Jolly during the May 14 graduation ceremony.

Jolly, of Rolla, graduated Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts in Teaching. ECC president Dr. Jon Bauer presented her with the award.

The prestigious President’s Spirit of ECC award, formerly the Outstanding Student Award, recognizes one student who demonstrates exemplary academic excellence, and significant student involvement during their time at ECC.

Jolly graduated with a 3.8 GPA and she has been an active member of the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Jolly also is a member of SMSTA, Student Missouri State Teachers Association.

Jolly will attend Missouri S&T in the Fall to finish her bachelor’s in middle school English education. Her goal is to become a teacher, and she believes that ECC has helped her tremendously in achieving that goal.

“My experience at ECC has been phenomenal. When I first started in August 2020, I had only been on my own for about a month,” Jolly said.” I was forced to start fresh with my life and ECC has helped tremendously.”

“Throughout my experience, I have had teachers reach out to me and help me figure out the net steps in my life and for that I am forever grateful,” she added. “I am now in the process of pursuing my absolute dream job of teaching middle school. As I move on to Missouri S&T and eventually my own classroom, ECC will always have a special place in my heart.”

Greg Stotler, assistant professor of education and teacher education coordinator, taught Jolly in several classes.

“Ms. Jolly is one of the most driven students I have had,” he said. “Her passion for the teaching profession is commendable — she will be a future leader in our field.

“I am excited to watch the next chapter of her journey as an S&T Miner.”

Along with Stotler, other instructors agreed that Jolly is an excellent recipient for the award.

“Madison is an excellent student. She attends class religiously, pays attention, asks insightful questions, and completes her work on time,” said Timothy Deerfield, instructor of psychology and sociology.

“More than that, however, she puts effort into her work that is above and beyond what is expected. Even in upper-level courses, her work stands out as thorough and above average,” Deerfield continued.

“She is an excellent example of the quality of thought and work that we hope to see in our ECC students. Without a doubt, she deserves this award.”

Matthew Gifford, instructor of philosophy and religion, said Jolly has a bright future.

“Madison is 100 percent self-made and completely authentic. She will not be held back and will always overcome,” he said.

“Her future is bright; however, you will not find her in the spotlight, she will be helping those in need and doing what is good,” he commented. “If she chooses the life of fame and riches it will not be by chance, she will succeed and pull others up with her.”

Students Recognized at Achievement Night in Union

May 20, 2022 | Art Campus News Media Music

East Central College students were recognized last week for leadership, academic excellence, club engagement and success in the classroom.

ECC’s Campus Life and Leadership annually holds a Student Achievement Night awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of students.

Students are nominated for awards by faculty who recognize academic excellence, perseverance, and contributions to a culture of student success both in and out of the classroom.

Club Officer Awards

These awards are given to student leaders to recognize their contributions as stewards of student engagement on campus. Students are nominated by their club advisors.

The following students were honored for their service as club officers:

Brooklyn Hyatt, Student Government Association, President
Alexis Johnson, Student Government Association, Vice President
Sage Sparkman, Student Government Association, Public Relations Officer
Theo Krummel, Student Government Association, Chief Recording Officer
Dora Bell, Past Student Government Association, Public Relations Officer
Kylee Vawter, Art Club, Secretary
Abby Stanfield, Art Club, Treasurer
Sarah Mier, Phi Theta Kappa, President
Donna Hall, Phi Theta Kappa, Vice President
Caroline Dunne, Phi Theta Kappa, Vice President of Recording and Finance
Dora Bell, Phi Theta Kappa, Vice President of Public Relations
Adrian Smith, Rotaract, President
Samantha Peterson, Rotaract, President and Vice President
Brianna Sullivan, Psychology Club, President
Emma Weston, Psychology Club, Vice President
Alik Callahan, Student-Missouri State Teachers Association
Jennifer Shaw, Student-Missouri State Teachers Association.

Academic Awards

Awards of academic distinction are given to students by faculty members in recognition of academic excellence.

Though these students will likely have a high mark in the gradebook, a student chosen for this award should also demonstrate an understanding of the course material, be an active participant in class, and contribute to the larger culture of succeeding and high-level thinking in the classroom.

The following Union students were given awards for academic distinction:

Ashley Foster-Jungfermann, Health Information Management
Julie Krull, The Learning Center/Mathematics
Sarah Harris, The Learning Center/Chemistry
Joe McInnes, The Learning Center/English
Malorie Smiley, Nursing
Ruby Mitchell, English
Vickie Gumpenberger, Business
Candice Whistler, Doyle Stricklin Memorial Award for Outstanding Performance in Accounting
Samantha Loddeke, Reading Comprehension
Emily Moody, Music
Zach Southard, Music
Manny McQueen, Art & Design
Abby Stanfield, Art & Design
Miriam Bondor, Art & Design
Ash Dodson, Art & Design
Chloe Eades, Art & Design
Emma Brown, Art & Design
Emily Knoppe, Art & Design
Donna Hall, Technical Writing
Kar Meyer, English & Humanities
Emma Thomas, English
Riley Klekamp, English
Collin Immekus, Humanities & Media Studies
Dora Bell, Media Studies
Tyler Melvin, English & Media Studies
Emrhys Bradley, English & Humanities
Taylor Duvel, Industrial Engineering Technology
Emrhys Bradley, Philosophy Department Student of the Year

Spirited Falcon Awards

Spirited Falcon awards are given to students by faculty members in recognition of perseverance, a consistent willingness to learn and improve, and measured improvement as deemed appropriate by the faculty nominator.

This award is designed to honor students who, despite any obstacles they may face during their semester, demonstrated a continued commitment to their education and success as a student. The following Union students were given Spirited Falcon awards:

Pierocarlo Previte, The Learning Center/Learning & Athletics
Julio Gonzalez, The Learning Center/Tutoring & Athletics
Miguel Gonzalez, The Learning Center/Tutoring & Athletics
Charlena Borges, Nursing
Lyndsey Graczyk, Nursing
Taylor Kelley, Reading Comprehension
Marin Muster, Art & Design
Sara Carter, Art & Design
Gabby Girardier, Art & Design
Kylee Barton, English
Justin Todd, Philosophy
Claire Smith, Philosophy
Theo Krummel, Philosophy
Abby Stephens, Philosophy
Sarah Sartorius, Paramedic Technology

ECC Nursing Graduates Presented with Awards

May 19, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Five East Central College Nursing Program graduates were recognized during a pinning ceremony May 14 prior to the college’s commencement ceremony.

Two students, Tela Connors, ECC-Rolla; and Charlena Borges, ECC in Union, were presented the Outstanding Nursing Student awards.

To be considered for the ECC Outstanding Nursing Student award, the college has had to make a difference in the life of the student.

For some cases, had ECC not been in their community, they most likely would not have realized the dream of becoming a nurse. The award winners also display success in the classroom and the clinical setting.

Tela Connors

East Central College-Rolla Nursing program graduate Tela Connors was named an Outstanding Nursing Student for 2022. Pictured, from left, are nursing instructors Julie Chirban and Jonathan Elias; Connors and nursing instructor and Rolla program coordinator Joannie Blakely. The award was presented at the Nursing program’s pinning ceremony.

Charlena Borges

East Central College Union Nursing program graduate Charlena Borges is the recipient of an Outstanding Nursing Student award for 2022. Pictured, from left, are nursing instructors Dr. Connie Wissbaum and Brittany Yoakum; Borges, and nursing instructor and Union program coordinator Judy Bieker and nursing instructor Jessica Van Leer. Borges’ award was presented at the Nursing program’s pinning ceremony.

Spirit of Excellence Awards

Three nursing students — Kayce Boeding, Lyndsey Graczyk and James Johnson — were presented with Spirit of Clinical Excellence awards from the college’s community health care partners.

Each year, Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan present nursing graduates with Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards during the pinning ceremony marking the completion of the program.

Boeding received the Phelps Health award, Graczyk received the Mercy award and Johnson received the Missouri Baptist Sullivan award.

The awards were presented to the graduates by ECC Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla.

To be consider for the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards, the graduate nurse must demonstrate: characteristics of caring and compassion; the spirit of inquiry; exceptional critical thinking and decision making; and superior organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize.

Lyndsey Graczyk

The Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award was presented to East Central College Union nursing graduate Lyndsey Graczyk. From left, are ECC Union nursing instructors Dr. Connie Wissbaum and Brittany Yoakum; Graczyk, nursing instructor and Union Nursing program coordinator Judy Bieker; nursing instructor Jessica Van Leer; and Bethany Westlake, chief nurse officer at Mercy Washington.

Kayce Boeding

East Central College Rolla Nursing program graduate Kayce Boeding was presented the Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing. From left, are ECC Rolla nursing faculty member Julie Chirban; Boeding; ECC Rolla nursing faculty member Jonathan Elias and nursing instructor and Rolla program coordinator Joannie Blakely.

James Johnson

A Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing was given to East Central College Union Nursing program graduate James Johnson. From left are ECC Union nursing instructor Jessica Van Leer and nursing adjunct Heather Sluis, Johnson, Union nursing instructors Brittany Yoakum and Dr. Connie Wissbaum; and nursing instructor and Union nursing program coordinator Judy Bieker.

Johnson Receives Collaborative Excellence Award

May 19, 2022 | Campus News

East Central College Nursing program graduate James Johnson was the recipient of the Collaborative Excellence Award.

The award highlights a student leader who may not always want to be at the forefront as a leader, but whose collaborative spirit proves essential to the success of the club and the maintenance of an encouraging environment.

Johnson was presented the award May 11 during the Campus Life and Leadership annual Student Achievement Night awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of students.

Students are nominated for awards by faculty to recognize academic excellence, perseverance, and contributions to a culture of student success both in and out of the classroom.

Johnson, Marthasville, is a member of the Chi Delta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in Union. He was nominated for the Collaborative Excellence Award by PTK advisors Kevin Dixon, Melanie Dixon and Dr. Wendy Pecka.

“James has consistently participated in PTK activities since joining the chapter during the Fall 2019 semester,” PTK advisors said. “This has continued throughout the time he has been a full-time nursing student at the Union campus.”

He worked with the officer team and fellow PTK members on both Honors in Action and College Project programs, as well as chapter and college activities.

Johnson was chosen by PTK officers and advisors as the honor society’s “Distinguished Chapter Member” for our Hallmark Awards entries, and he won that award at both the regional (state) and the international levels.

Johnson graduated May 14 with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.

Donna Hall Named Outstanding Student Leader

May 18, 2022 | Campus News

Donna Hall, Warrenton, was presented with the East Central College Outstanding Student Leader for Spring 2022 for her leadership in the ECC Union Psychology Club and Chi Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

Hall was presented the award May 11 at the Campus Life and Leadership’s Spring 2022 Union Student Achievement Night.

Nominations for this award are submitted by club advisors, and the winner is chosen via committee. The award recognizes one student annually from Union and Rolla for exceptional leadership skills and abilities.

Hall was nominated by Dr. Rachel Howard, instructor of psychology and sociology, and the club co-advisor for the Union Psychology Club. She was selected for her exceptional leadership skills and abilities.

“She collaborated with both clubs to work on events like Kindness Week activities, and made and handed out the Hugs bags,” Howard said. “She was instrumental in the psych clubs service project when we made ornaments and cards for individuals in nursing homes.”

“(Hall) helped collect, deliver and even brought in many of the supplies used for this activity,” she added. “She often takes the lead on many of the projects or activities we plan.”

Hall also has been heavily involved as an officer with the PTK. She has worked on many PTK projects, including the gathering and packing of items for people experiencing homelessness in Franklin County; and the collection and distribution of snacks, books and may other items for soldiers serving overseas.

Hall graduated Magna Cum Laude May 14 with an Associate of Arts Degree.

Immekus Receives VP’s Academic Excellence Award

May 18, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla Media

Collin Immekus received the 2022 Vice President’s Academic Excellence Award.

This prestigious award recognizes one student annually who demonstrates exemplary academic excellence during their time at ECC. It was presented by Dr. Robyn Walter, vice president of academic affairs.

The award was presented to Immekus, of Sullivan, May 11 at the Office of Campus Life and Leadership’s Spring 2022 Union Student Achievement Night.

Academic Excellence Award recipients must maintain a minimum of a 3.4 GPA, and they must be nominated by a department chair. All nominations were submitted to the vice presidents for consideration, and one student is chosen.

Immekus was nominated by Leigh Kellmann Kolb, associate professor of English; and Josh Stroup, English and humanities department chair.

“Collin has been an exemplary student in his time at ECC. His transcript and GPA illustrates his consistent and impressive class performance,” Kolb said.

“In the humanities classrooms, he was always curious, studious, analytical, and thoughtful.”

According to Kolb, she noticed right away that Immekus has a great interest in, and knowledge of, film.

“His passion for film and film history was one of the first things that stood out about him,” Kolb said. “His knowledge and interest were such that I assumed that he had taken a class in high school or had some other kind of formal academic experience.”

However, she added, he had “independently devoured a CNN series on film history” and was inspired to watch and learn so much, by his first semester in college, he was “engaging in a way that one might expect from a long-time film student.”

“Too often, students who are passionate about a discipline are not always excited about learning more about what they don’t know,” Kolb said. “It has been such a pleasure and privilege to work with Collin over the years, because he wants to read more and watch more so he can engage with the humanities on a deep and holistic level.”

Immekus graduated Cum Laude May 14 with an Associate of Arts. He also is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.