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Category: Inspiring Excellence

Financial Aid Director Named Missouri Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

May 9, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

For the last three decades, Karen Griffin has been helping students figure out how to pay for college.

“I think it’s very important that the financial aid process go smoothly for students,” she said. “If they have difficulty the first time, it can lead to a barrier in pursuing higher education.”

The East Central College Director of Student Financial Aid not only helps students coming through the doors of the college but students in the community. Over the last few years, Griffin has helped coordinate and facilitate the FAFSA Frenzy event at Sullivan High School. The event, partly sponsored by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, is part of a national effort to promote FAFSA completion. It connects financial aid professionals with students in their communities.

Because of her dedication and passion, Griffin was chosen as the FAFSA Frenzy Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for 2018!

“Karen went above and beyond to help make the Sullivan event a success, even helping answer questions for students who were unable to attend,” said Jessica Duren, Missouri Department of Higher Education Communication Specialist. “She was an eager volunteer who recruited other financial aid experts and helped families navigate through complex and unique financial situations.”

She was chosen from more than 400 FAFSA Frenzy volunteers! Congrats!

Student Named National Finalist for Scholar-Athlete Award

May 7, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

The National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) has announced the finalists for the 27th Annual NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete Awards sponsored by Relation Insurance Services.

East Central College is proud to announce Magnus Andersen made the list!

“Magnus is an outstanding soccer player and an outstanding student,” said East Central College Athletic Director Jay Mehrhoff. “He was one of only seven male scholar-athletes chosen as a finalist across the entire country.”

To be eligible, nominees must meet the following criteria: minimum 3.6 GPA on a 4.0 scale with a minimum of 36 semester hours or 45 quarter hours with a minimum of 24 semester/36 quarter hours at the nominating institution; participation in a minimum of one complete season of varsity competition at the nominating institution; outstanding athletics success; and outstanding qualities of leadership and citizenship.

The male and female Scholar-Athlete Award winners will be formally recognized at NATYCAA’s Annual Convention, which will take place June 27-29 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

The NATYCAA is the professional organization of two-year college athletics administrators and membership is open to all two-year institutions throughout the country. It is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

East Central College NEA Honors Inspiring Local Teachers

May 3, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Educators have a profound effect on students in many capacities. The East Central College chapter of the National Education Association (NEA) is honoring those educators with the Inspirers of Excellence Award.

“This award is about teachers who are making an impact on a student’s life,” said ECC-NEA President Sue Henderson. “We want to celebrate their positive influence and dedication.”

Students were asked to nominate former teachers in March. This year, more than 30 recipients were selected!

2018 “Inspirers of Excellence” Award Winners:

  • First Sergeant Connell Anthony, Kershaw City School District
  • Justin Bellows, Pacific High School
  • Melissa Bestgen, Union High School
  • Shonda Boyer (retired), Sullivan High School
  • Christian Buenniger, Washington Middle School
  • Sherry Byram, Owensville High School
  • Jane Curtman-Schroeder, Union High School
  • Rachel Dake, Pacific High School
  • Patrick Dell, Hermann High School
  • Donald Dement, St. Clair High School
  • Brian Elder (retired), The Fulton School at St. Albans
  • Jessica Fitzgerald, Washington High School
  • Lauren Grover, Hermann High School
  • Todd Jones, Bourbon High School
  • Kristen Kloeppel, Dixon High School
  • Carolyn Kluesner, Four Rivers Career Center
  • Ashley Korn, Kingston High School
  • Christina Manolis, Washington High School
  • Ben Martin, St. Clair High School
  • Anna Maschmeyer, Sullivan High School
  • Kelsey McCroskey, New Haven High School
  • Danika Novak, Union High School
  • Ryan Novak, Dixon High School (formerly)
  • Jamie Opfer, Washington High School
  • Leslie Quint, Four Rivers Career Center
  • Jennifer Schwentker, Union High School
  • Kathy Smith, Sullivan High School
  • Ed Stahl , Washington High School
  • Anna Trautman, St. Clair High School
  • Kelly Wood, Washington High School

 

On May 2, teachers were invited to a ceremony at East Central College where they received a certificate acknowledging the achievement. The award corresponded with National Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Appreciation Day.

#InspiringExcellence – Student Wins State Leadership Award

May 3, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

The Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Student Leadership Award is presented annually to an exceptional student leader from each community college campus.

East Central College is proud to announce Michail Ratcliff is the 2018 recipient!

“Michail uses charismatic leadership to mobilize students,” said Campus Life and Leadership Coordinator Courtney Henrichsen. “Michail is charming, humorous and personable – which has aided his recruitment efforts.”

The Washington native has been actively involved with the Student Government Association (SGA) during his time at East Central College.

“During his time as Public Relations Officer, Michail successfully expanded SGA’s social media presence and created successful marketing materials to promote SGA, the SGA food pantry and clothing closet and helped other clubs create their own advertisements.”

He went on to serve as president for the organization – focusing on improving SGA bylaws, senator recruitment and advocating for new clubs.

“Michail has worked diligently to reach out to other student organizations and provide any support that SGA can,” said Henrichsen. “He has led with the intention of building the confidence of SGA and other ECC student organizations and has been remarkably successful in his efforts.”

#InspiringExcellence – Students Named to 2018 All-Missouri Academic Team

April 27, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, students are selected for All-Missouri Academic Team by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. East Central College is proud to announce three students made the list in 2018!

Jamie Foutch was named to the All-Missouri Second Team. She currently serves as the President of the Union chapter.

“At her time at East Central College,” said Phi Theta Kappa advisor Wendy Pecka, “Jamie has grown as both a leader and a scholar.  One of Jamie’s strengths is her gregarious nature. She effectively serves as the voice of PTK on campus.  She is not afraid of tackling a challenge and doesn’t give up when encountering roadblocks.”

Another All-Missourian Second Team designee, Hannah Bausch-McKellips currently serves as the Public Relations Secretary for the Union chapter.

“Hannah is able to quietly serve as a group leader as we plan fundraisers, campaigns and fellowship events,” said Pecka. “Her passion for helping others is an asset to our chapter.  When I think about Hannah’s impact on our organization, I am reminded of Mahatma Gandhi’s words, ‘in a gentle way, you can shake the world.’”

Sally Cundiff was named to the All-Missouri Third Team this year. Phi Theta Kappa advisor Beth Winters-Rozema says the Rolla student is a valuable, active member who joined in October 2015.

“Sally serves as a link between past and current good ideas,” said Winters-Rozema. “She brings maturity and life experiences to discussions and is very good at applying what she learns in classes to chapter discussions of current issues.”

Members of the All-Missouri Academic Team are selected based on the extent to which they meet the definition of the word “scholar,” which Phi Theta Kappa defines as “one who excels in the classroom, has the intellectual curiosity to pursue an academic career and cultural enrichment outside the traditional classroom, shows evidence of substantial development of talents in academics and technical education and has demonstrated an ability to share this development with others.”

Students from each of Missouri’s 25 Phi Theta Kappa chapters apply to be on the All-Missouri Academic Team. Only 40 students are selected each year. The students are recognized at a Missouri Community College Association luncheon in April in Columbia, MO.

Phi Theta Kappa is the officially recognized honor society for two-year colleges on a national level.

Featured photo: Hannah Bausch-McKellips.
Below photo: Jamie Foutch, left, Sally Cundiff, right.

#InspiringExcellence – Nursing Program Named Top 10 in Missouri

April 20, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

More than 54 nursing programs were ranked in the state of Missouri, and East Central College landed near the top of the list in 2018!

According to RegisteredNursing.org, East Central College is ranked the tenth best nursing program in the state. The methodology used for the rankings was based on the NCLEX-RN exam, which is used by all state boards of nursing across the country to help assess a student’s competency and is required for licensure.

Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Robyn Walter believes the dedication of the nursing faculty truly makes a difference at East Central College.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled by their devotion,” she said, “and students truly feel it. It’s also important to recognize the support staff, because it is the entire student experience that promotes success.”

East Central College offers two programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing. This program prepares students to become registered nurses. The main campus in Union, as well as the Rolla site, offers a complete pre-licensure program (generic) for those interested in becoming a registered nurse. A LPN to RN Bridge program is also available at the Rolla location for LPNs interested in becoming registered nurses.

#InspiringExcellence: How a Love for Photography Led to a Career in Culinary Arts

March 1, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

For Bailey Kirkland, a love for photography led to a career in culinary arts. She hadn’t planned it that way.

Originally from Alaska, Kirkland moved to Union in 2012. Her plan was to finish her online photography degree and eventually move back to her hometown to open a photography studio.

“Things changed,” she admitted. “For the better.”

After her move to Franklin County, she started a food blog online. She featured recipes she cooked for her significant other. “Before starting the blog, I had absolutely no previous experience with cooking,” she explained, “not even in my kitchen growing up!”

In 2014, Kirkland finished her degree in photography, but she decided she wasn’t done with higher education. She enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program at East Central College in the fall.

“My plan was to learn how to create stunning food,” she said. “That way, I wouldn’t have to pay someone for food styling when I began taking photographs of food for websites.”

Once again, things changed. While she still loved photography, she found a new passion – culinary competitions.

“The fear I experienced through competing pushed me to do better and continue to better myself as a person, not only in the way of culinary arts,” she said. “I was hungry for knowledge. I wanted to know where our food came from, how much it cost and what happens when you prepare it differently.”

After graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts in 2016, Kirkland was hired at the Farm To You Market in Washington.

“I found purpose at Farm To You Market,” she said. “Getting my degree, I spent significant time learning how to craft a business plan, manage a kitchen and balance budgets. Those skills helped me get promoted from kitchen staff to Executive Chef and Manager of Barnyard Café.”

Though the eatery was in its infancy when she took over, Kirkland saw its potential for growth.

“When I first started, it was essentially a deli counter,” she explained. “We now serve breakfast, lunch and farm-to-table dinners.”

Kirkland is now helping spearhead an event that will put East Central College Culinary Arts students into the spotlight. On Thursday, March 8 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., Farm To You Market will host a free sampling event for the community.

“It’s an opportunity to meet the local farmers and producers who sell items at the market,” Kirkland said. “This year, we are also donating free product for the East Central College students to create something unique that will be offered for sampling. They will have the opportunity to experience using quality, locally-sourced products and really show off what they can do.”

Part of Farm To You Market’s mission, Kirkland believes, is to support and educate the next generation and make sure that there is a continued appreciation for where food comes from.

“As a prior ECC culinary student, I can say it is fantastic knowing the program is supported by local small businesses,” she said.

Kirkland also currently serves on the advisory board for the East Central College Culinary Arts Program.

#InspiringExcellence – Bauer Receives National Recognition

February 22, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer was honored with the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society in February. He was one of 35 recipients to receive the accolade nationwide.

“The Phi Theta Kappa chapter at East Central College congratulates Dr. Bauer on this honor and thanks him for the support and dedication he has given and continues to give every semester,” said ECC instructor and Phi Theta Kappa advisor Kevin Dixon.

Each year, Phi Theta Kappa recognizes college presidents who have demonstrated outstanding effort toward promoting the goals of the organization. The award is named in honor of the late Dr. Shirley B. Gordon, longtime chair of the PTK Board of Directors and president emeritus of Highline College.

“I am proud to support Phi Theta Kappa’s mission. They are a very important part of East Central College’s campus culture,” said Dr. Bauer. “I was actually inducted to PTK when I was a community college student, so this award is especially meaningful.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations.

#InspiringExcellence – Students to Perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City

February 7, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Since opening in 1891, Carnegie Hall has set the international standard for musical excellence as the aspirational destination for the world’s finest artists. In March, nearly two dozen East Central College students will become part of its storied history, joining the likes of George Gershwin, Judy Garland and The Beatles.

“Performing at Carnegie Hall is the ultimate stage for vocalists,” said student Jennifer Komo. “It’s a huge honor. I’m beyond thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait for the experience.”

The March 19 concert is being made possible by MidAmerica Productions, the foremost independent producer of choral concerts at Carnegie Hall. It will be an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students but also for East Central College Choral Director Dr. Tim Sexton.

“The Director of Choirs at the University of South Carolina, where I did my graduate work, was asked to submit a few names of choral directors he believed would be worthy of conducting an ensemble at Carnegie,” explained Dr. Sexton.  “Dr. Larry Wyatt submitted my name. I was then asked to contact other choral directors that I know to recruit singers.”

The East Central College students, alongside singers from St. Clair High School, Florida, Michigan, Arizona and New York, will perform Fern Hill by John Corigiliano.

For student Kassidy Forbus, it’s an opportunity she almost missed.

“This will be my first time to New York,” she said. “I know if I hadn’t went back to college, this opportunity would’ve never been made available to me in any other way.”

Music has become a big part of her college experience and her life.

“With words or not, one song can transport your mind to a time of your life when you were happy or sad,” Forbus asserted. “It’s truly amazing.”

The feeling is similar for Komo.

“Music is my safe haven,” she explained. “It doesn’t require anything from you. It doesn’t judge you for who you are. It is the ultimate unplug from the world.”

To go on the trip, each student has to pay their own way.  They are holding two fundraising events in February to help cover costs. On Saturday, February 10, the students will host a Valentine’s Dinner at Holy Trinity Lutheran in St. Clair. On Saturday, February 24, the Sons of the American Legion are hosting a Jazz and Dinner event from 5 – 7 p.m. in Union.  Following the dinner, Voce Blue, Jazz Band and Jazz Combo will perform their annual swing concert in the American Legion Hall. Tickets can be purchased at the door for both events!

Picture – Back: Caleb Sankey, Nick Rost, Gabe Loaiza, Noah Currier, Mason Witte, Daniel Nuener, Middle: Jimmy Maynard, Rachael Engelbrecht, Alex Gansmann, Toby Loaiza, Jennifer Komo, Garrett Smith, Front : Carolyn Allgaier, Mikayla Grable, Larissa Grable, Crystal Reed.

Students not pictured but attending: Courtney Burris, Sabyrn Smith, Kassidy Forbus, Jess Brown, Josh Adams, Robyn Miche.