Each semester, East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement.
Upon completion of at least 12 fall semester credit hours with a semester grade point average of 3.85 or greater, students are acknowledged on the President’s List. More than 115 students made the list!
Each semester, East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement.
Upon completion of at least 12 semester credit hours with a semester grade point between 3.50 and 3.84, students are acknowledged by placement on the Vice President’s List. For the Fall 2017 semester, there were more than 180 students on the list!
Each year, the East Central College Foundation awards mini-grants to scholastic departments and programs through The Albert C. Buescher Memorial. In 2017, seven awards were given to help support various initiatives.
The Learning Center was awarded a mini-grant to implement online math and science tutoring through the purchase of Boogie Board Sync.
“This e-writer can be linked to a computer and a whiteboard app,” said Learning Center Specialist Alison Tucker. “Tutors will be able to communicate more effectively with students.”
The Learning Center was also awarded a mini-grant to purchase anatomical models for students and tutors to use.
The Financial Aid Department was awarded a mini-grant in order to purchase a printer and supplies for the new Veterans Lounge in the Donald Shook Student Center.
“The veteran students are very appreciative of the printer,” said Financial Aid Advisor Lorrie Baird. “They sometimes have long stretches between classes and the lounge is a quiet place for them to retreat and do their homework. It is inconvenient for some of the students to complete an assignment and then go over to the Learning Center or Library to print out the work.”
The Theatre Program was awarded a mini-grant for much needed video equipment, lighting, microphones and other items as learning tools for students.
“We recently used the equipment to film I Love New York” (photo), said Theatre Director Grace Austin. “It’s been very helpful for them to be able to view their work on stage.”
A mini-grant is being used to help support the East Central College Career and Transfer Fair in the spring semester.
The Civic Engagement Committee was awarded a mini-grant to host a month of service event for students, staff and faculty.
“Our goal is to provide students, faculty and staff opportunities for personal growth,” explained Communications Instructor Shanee Haynes. “We want to give them a sense of social responsibility.”
The English Department will use its mini-grant to create a writing contest for area high school students.
“The project started as a way to get local schools involved with the college and a way to get them excited for writing,” said ECC English Instructor Josh Stroup. “We are very thankful to the Foundation for helping get this idea off the ground and to help connect us and our programs to the community.”
There is no formula for a “perfect teacher.” It’s a message East Central College Education Instructor Greg Stotler delivers to his students every semester.
“As teachers, we strive to be the best we can and know our limitations,” he explained. “Flexibility is key. No class is the same. Teaching takes a tremendous amount of skill in listening and evaluating.”
It’s also important to have a sense of humor. “Good” teachers, Stotler argues, are not afraid to laugh at themselves or with their students.
“If I had to designate one requirement for teachers it would be the ability to laugh. Life is funny. Some days it may come in the form of joy and others it may come in the form of irony or even discomfort. Laughter helps us survive.”
Stotler practices what he preaches. It’s one of the many reasons he is such a valuable resource to students. It’s also one of the reasons he was awarded the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award in 2017 – an annual recognition of educators in the St. Louis area who are examples of excellence in their field.
According to his nomination form (which is kept anonymous), “Greg Stotler provides a positive and comfortable classroom environment that empowers students to ask questions freely. He consistently engages his students in a manner that forces them to think outside their comfort zone in order to connect their understanding of concepts to their experiences.”
It added that his teaching is not limited to just the classroom. Stotler can often be found around campus engaging students in activities. He continuously pushes students to access their full potential and to test their limits.
Stotler credits his success in education to his upbringing.
“I went into teaching because I was surrounded by amazing teachers, family, friends and colleagues in and outside school,” he said. “A countless number of people believed in me and always supported my path. Those people knew when to push me and knew when I needed guidance, always demonstrating that life is not a solitary endeavor.”
He brings that mentality to the classroom every day.
“I love preparing students for one of their first ‘teaching’ roles through our coursework. During this experience, a wonderful combination of nervousness and excitement resonates from the students,” he said.
Reflecting back to his second-grade years, Ethan Stahl remembers his love for Nickelodeon.
“The Naked Brothers Band was my favorite show. It was the coolest thing to me back then,” he explained. “It inspired me to form a band with one of my pals.”
After a promising start, the band eventually fell apart due to creative differences. While Ethan didn’t end up a rock star, he did come away from the experience with something more meaningful – his love for piano.
“It’s a place I go in my head, and the escape that it provides is fantastic,” he explained. “I also just love the process of making a piece of music fulfill its potential.”
He’s taken his passion for the piano to East Central College, where he is studying piano performance and music theory. “The nuances of playing the piano have become so complex and full of such detailed characteristics that it has become an entire world for me,” he said.
In November, he got to put his skills to the test at the Missouri Music Teachers Association (MMTA) annual competition. It was his first competitive event, and he admits it started off a bit rocky.
“I didn’t get a chance to soak much of it in,” he said. “I was terribly sick the whole time.”
Despite his ailment, he pushed forward. It was a good thing he did.
Ethan took home first place in the Collegiate Honors Audition Lower Division for freshmen and sophomores. He competed against students from community colleges and four-year institutions across the state.
“When I performed, I knew I played well,” he admitted, “but I made a major fumble at the end. I assumed botched the whole thing. I left with a less-than-lukewarm feeling, which contributed to my surprise at the results!”
Ethan plans to transfer to a four-year university after East Central College and continue his studies in music.
Happy Holidays from East Central College! Enjoy a beautiful song from the ECC Choir!
Going to college can be a life-changing decision. No one knows that better than Ronda Esparza.
“Ronda came to the Financial Aid department in the summer of 2013,” said Barb Kuelker, East Central College financial aid specialist. “I could tell she was a bit nervous.”
Ronda had never gone to college. In fact, at the age of 14, she dropped out of high school. For years, she battled substance abuse until it eventually landed her in prison.
“She found solace in the prison ministry,” said Kuelker. “This led her to obtain her high school equivalency and come up with a plan for her future.”
That plan led her to East Central College.
“She didn’t want to ignore her past. She wanted to use it to help others, “explained Kuekler. “Ronda wanted to become a substance abuse counselor.”
With the help of the East Central College Financial Aid department, Ronda figured out how to pay for college. She took out student loans and worked part-time jobs. She also obtained Pell grants, scholarships and Access Missouri grants to help cover costs. Her schedule only allowed her to take 6-9 credit hours each semester, but Ronda never gave up.
“When she needed help, she asked for it. She tackled each class with sheer determination. It took four long years, but she did it,” said Kuekler.
During that span, she began interning at The Freedom Center for Recovery in Union, where she managed to earn her credentials as a Recognized Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (RASAC) and a Missouri Associate Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MAADC).
In May 2017, Ronda graduated with an Associate’s of Arts. She is currently enrolled at Central Methodist University working towards a degree in psychology.
“I am so proud of Ronda. She is making a difference in our community, and it’s something she could not have done without her education and the financial aid she received,” Kuekler said.
Ronda was recently recognized at the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel (MASFAP) 50th Anniversary Celebration with the Student Success Story Award – focusing on individuals who truly benefited from receiving financial aid.
Sullivan-based Aerofil Technology Inc. competes on the global market, and maintaining a developed workforce is crucial to keeping up with demand.
“The industry keeps changing, and we have to change with it. You have to keep getting better as a company, and training employees is a part of that,” said Aerofil CEO Bob Dunaway.
The company reached out to East Central College in Union for help.
“East Central College is proud to be the workforce training provider for the area,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer, “and we credit Aerofil for dedicating its time and resources to its employees. It makes the workforce stronger, and it makes the local economy stronger.”
East Central College instructors are currently delivering training to Aerofil employees in manufacturing maintenance and logistics at the Aerofil facility. It’s being made possible through a U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship grant – tasking institutions to design programs to help close the skills gap in their area.
“Our country faces a chronic shortage of skilled laborers,” said HBM Holdings CEO Mike DeCola. The company recently acquired Aerofil. “We have to close that gap. As employers, it is our responsibility to train our workers, and no one is training employees better than Aerofil and East Central College.”
More than 100 registered apprenticeships are being created through the partnership, and it’s getting noticed at the national level.
“Not only is East Central College a leader in Missouri, but no other community college in the United States provides more registered apprenticeships than they do,” said Neil Perry, Missouri State Director of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Missouri now ranks third in the country in registered apprenticeships. “Community colleges like East Central College are a big part of the reason why,” said Perry.
After completion of an apprenticeship, Aerofil employees will receive a Certificate of Specialization in Industrial Maintenance Technology and will receive industry credentials. “East Central College figured out how to make this partnership work,” said Dunaway. “So far, it has been fantastic.”
East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) launched the program with Aerofil in April 2017. In addition to 31 credit hours, the program also consists of 3,900 hours of structured, on-the-job training. CWD spent nearly two years researching and designing the apprenticeship program before its launch.
“This is a great example of collaboration and innovation,” said Dr. Bauer. “Many departments at East Central College came together to deliver programming that specifically meet the needs of Aerofil.”
It is being fully funded by the DOL grant program and Aerofil at no cost to the student. The funds are paying all costs for industry credentials, program administration, tuition, fees, books, supplies and apprentice wages.
“These types of partnerships don’t happen in a vacuum. They don’t happen overnight. Hard work got us here, and hard work will keep this partnership strong,” said Missouri Director of Workforce Development Mardy Leathers.
The grant program was originally scheduled to expire in April 2018. Due to the success of the program, it has been extended an additional year. “Programs such as this will give more businesses the chance to work with colleges like East Central to train their employees for the future,” explained Leathers.
The event coincided with National Apprenticeship Week – a national celebration that offers leaders in business, labor, education, and other critical partners a chance to express their support for Apprenticeship.
Kevin Ijames Sr., Audrey Freitag, Kevin Dixon and Karen Butterfield were honored at the 2017 Missouri Community College Association in November.
Ijames, President of Ace Manufacturing, was honored with the Distinguished Business and Industry Award. It is presented annually to individuals and/or businesses that have engaged in significant partnerships with their local community college to stimulate economic activity and support community college students and programs.
Audrey Freitag received the Distinguished Alumni Award. It is presented annually to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. Primary criteria for selection include outstanding professional accomplishments and outstanding contributions to his/her community.
Kevin Dixon was honored with the Senior Service Award. It is presented annually to a long-serving employee from each of Missouri’s community colleges/campuses. Recipients are recommended for the award by their campus president/chancellor. To receive this award, the employee must have worked at a community college for 20 years or more.
Karen Butterfield, Union Editor of The Missourian, received the News Media Award. It is presented annually to members of the media whose work promotes understanding and appreciation of community colleges’ mission, students, faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities facing community colleges.
Photo: Front, left to right: Dr. Jon Bauer, Audrey Freitag, Karen Butterfield, Keven Ijames Sr., ECC Board of Trustees President Ann Hartley.
Back, left to right: ECC Board of Trustees Secretary Don Kappelman, ECC Board of Trustees Member Dr. Eric Park, ECC Board of Trustees Vice President Dr. Joseph Stroetker and ECC Board of Trustees Member Cookie Hays. Not pictured: Kevin Dixon.
The Chi Delta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa welcomed new members during its annual Fall Induction Ceremony. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the international honor society for the two-year college. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.
“Phi Theta Kappa membership is by invitation only,” said PTK Advisor Kevin Dixon. “Students must have a 3.4 GPA as a full time student for a semester. Once they are inducted into PTK, students have to maintain an overall GPA of 3.2.”
“The college is extremely proud of the new Phi Theta Kappa members,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer. “These students and the organization represent a very important part of campus culture.”
Membership is open to all majors throughout the college, including anyone working toward a degree or certificate.
Rachel Reagan-Purschke, an ECC alumna and former chapter president was the keynote speaker at the event. She shared her story of becoming a successful nontraditional student and successful local attorney.
Congrats to the new members!