Category: Campus News

Seven East Central College Phi Theta Kappa students pose with certificates and awards earned at the Heartland Region PTK Annual Convention. They are kneeling and standing in two rows in front of a neutral background, proudly holding their certificates recognizing achievements in chapter and individual categories.

ECC PTK Chapter Brings Home Top Regional Awards

March 19, 2025 | Campus News

East Central College’s Chi Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society earned multiple awards at the Heartland Region PTK Annual Convention.

The conference was held March 1-2 in Omaha, Neb., and brought together PTK chapters from two-year colleges in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska to celebrate academic achievement, leadership, and service.

ECC was represented by seven students and two advisors who made the more than seven-hour trip to Omaha. Their dedication paid off as the chapter and its members were recognized in every category they entered, competing against approximately 65 chapters in the region.

These awards reflect the outstanding efforts of ECC students and their commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service. The students dedicated significant time and effort to their nominations, submitting detailed applications highlighting their work throughout the 2024 calendar year.

Chapter Awards:

Distinguished Chapter for the Heartland Region – Third Place
Honors in Action (Research and Presentation Projects) – Third Place
College Project – Honorable Mention (Top 10 in the region)
Five Star Chapter Recognition – Five Star Level (the highest level of participation in PTK)

Individual Awards:

Kylie Napier – Fifth Place, Distinguished Chapter Officer
Ethan Sandstrom – Honorable Mention, Distinguished Chapter Officer (Top 10 in the region)
Kathryn Boenher – Second Place, Distinguished Chapter Member

Distinguished Chapter Officer Team – Third Place in the Region:

Elijah Long – President
Taylor Rowald – Executive Vice President
Kylie Napier – Public Relations Vice President
Ethan Sandstrom – Recording and Finance Vice President

In addition to these achievements, the chapter is preparing for PTK’s annual international convention, which will be held April 3-5 in Kansas City. There, ECC’s Chi Delta Chapter will compete against nearly 1,300 PTK chapters nationwide for additional honors.

“We are optimistic about our chances of earning recognition at the international level, based on our performance at the regional convention,” said Kevin Dixon, PTK advisor. “Our students continue to raise the bar for excellence.”

ECC’s chapter is also proud to support student Ethan Sandstrom, who is running for a vice president position for Division III, representing 13 states in the upper Midwest. The chapter is actively planning campaign efforts for the convention and looks forward to the opportunities this leadership role could provide.

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society for two-year colleges, recognizing academic achievement and providing students with opportunities for growth through leadership, scholarship, and service.

To be invited to join PTK, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 and be enrolled as a full-time student for one semester. After induction, members are required to uphold an overall GPA of 3.2 to remain in the honor society. Membership is open to students of all majors, including those pursuing degrees or certificates.

For more information about ECC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, email Kevin Dixon at kevin.dixon@eastcentral.edu.

Discover ECC’s New Respiratory Care Program—Informational Sessions Available

March 3, 2025 | Campus News

East Central College is hosting two informational sessions to provide details and answer questions about the College’s new Respiratory Care program.

Respiratory therapists play a vital role in patient care, helping individuals of all ages manage breathing conditions and improve their quality of life. With a growing demand for skilled professionals, now is the perfect time to pursue a career in Respiratory Care. ECC’s program offers hands-on training, expert instruction, and a direct pathway to a rewarding healthcare career.

The sessions will be Monday, March 10, at 10 a.m.; and Tuesday, March 27, at 3 p.m.

Join an informational session here during the stated times to learn more, and visit ECC’s Respiratory Care program page for details.

New Coach Brings Championship Pedigree to ECC Women’s Soccer

February 19, 2025 | Athletics Campus News

A familiar face in the local and regional soccer scene is stepping in to lead the East Central College women’s soccer program.

Chris Lanemann, a longtime coach and educator at Washington High School, has been named the Falcons’ new head coach, bringing with him decades of experience in both high school and club soccer.

Lanemann joins ECC after 25 years of teaching social studies at WHS, where he also coached boys’ and girls’ soccer. Beyond the high school level, he has made a significant impact in club soccer, coaching for several well-respected St. Louis Metro area programs, including Panathinaikos Soccer Club, Squadra FC, Real STL Soccer Club, Lou Fusz Soccer Club, and JB Marine Soccer Club.

Currently, his JB Marine squad is the No. 1 ranked team in Missouri, a two-time finalist in the Missouri State Cup, and has qualified for USYS Soccer Regionals and Nationals.

A St. Louis native, Lanemann developed his skills playing for Pepsi, Voyagers, Spirits SC, and Skateland before continuing his career at St. Louis Community College–Forest Park, where he played under Hall of Fame coach Pat McBride and Tony Kuester. He later earned his undergraduate degree from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and a master’s from William Woods University in Fulton.

Off the field, Lanemann enjoys an active lifestyle, including running half marathons, hiking, trail running, and working out. He and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, Mia, 21, and Avery, 19.

With deep roots in the region and a track record of success at the highest levels of competition, Lanemann is set to bring his winning mentality to ECC Women’s Soccer and build upon the program’s foundation.

ECC Seeks Sponsors & Vendors for Senior Expo

February 16, 2025 | Campus News

East Central College is gearing up for its 17th annual Senior Expo and Health Fair, an event designed to connect area seniors with valuable resources, health screenings, and community organizations. The College is currently seeking sponsors and vendors to participate.

The Senior Expo and Health Fair will take place on Wednesday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Donald Shook Student Center. This free event will feature a variety of local vendors, informative speakers, and opportunities to win prizes.

Open to adults 55 and older, the expo focuses on health awareness, education, and prevention, while also highlighting programs and services available in the community. Attendees can take advantage of free health screenings and learn from experts on topics relevant to senior well-being.

The event will be held in the College’s gym, with elevator and shuttle services available for easy access from parking lots.

For more details, contact Cynthia Cubas, External Relations Executive Administrative Assistant, at 636-584-6742.

Information for Vendors

Each vendor is asked to provide informational or educational materials, demonstration, screening, or service. Although vendors may demonstrate products, our Board of Trustee policies prohibit sales on our campus of articles or services.

Vendors are welcome to gather contact information from anyone interested in purchasing products or services later.

The vendor set-up date is Tuesday, May 20, from 2-5 p.m. Staff will be available to assist, and the gymnasium will be locked overnight to protect equipment and materials.

Anyone who cannot set up until May 21 morning, should contact Cubas to make arrangements.

There will be presentation opportunities during the Expo and Health Fair. Anyone with expertise on a subject, or anyone who can recommend someone to give such a talk, are asked to indicate that on the reservation form. A committee will select five presentation topics from those proposed by the vendors to share in a 15- to 20-minute talk on a subject of interest to seniors.

Sponsorships

ECC also is seeking event sponsorships. Listed are the sponsorship levels and what each level will receive:

Gold $500 donation — Sponsorship recognition on ECC’s corner digital sign, KLPW radio interview the day of the event for first five Gold sponsors, sponsorship featured in event radio ad, sponsorship recognition in event advertising, company name and logo on sponsor recognition board, sponsorship acknowledgement on ECC’s website, sponsorship acknowledgement on social media and news releases and gold sponsorship acknowledgement in event program.

Silver $250 donation — KLPW radio i acknowledgment the day of the event, sponsorship featured in event radio ad, sponsorship recognition in event advertising, company name and logo on sponsor recognition board, sponsorship acknowledgement on ECC’s website, sponsorship acknowledgement on social media and news releases and silver sponsorship acknowledgement in event program.

Bronze $100 donation — sponsorship recognition in event advertising, company name on sponsor recognition board, sponsorship acknowledgement on ECC’s website, sponsorship acknowledgement on social media and news releases and silver sponsorship acknowledgement in event program.

To receive sponsorship recognition information must be received by Friday, March 28.

Study Sessions to Soulmates — A Love Story Born at ECC

February 14, 2025 | Campus News

When Claire (Smith) and Eric Feldmann first met at East Central College’s Learning Center, romance wasn’t yet in the air. She was an English tutor, he was a math tutor, and their shared shifts were filled with assisting students, sneaking in homework, and plenty of good-natured banter.

But dating? Not on the agenda.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and ECC’s campus is more than just the place where they earned degrees—it’s where their love story began.

Beginning at ECC

Claire, an Owensville High School graduate, started at ECC in Fall 2013 and earned her Associate of Arts in Teaching before transferring to Mizzou in 2015. Eric, who attended Washington High School, began his ECC journey a year later, studying Pre-Engineering before transferring to Missouri S&T in 2017.

Male and female couple kissing outside in the snow following a wedding. — On Nov. 30, 2024, Claire (Smith) and Eric Feldmann married. Photo by Cinthya Navarro Photography.

Their paths crossed in a British Literature course with Dr. Bob Mahon, but it wasn’t until they both took tutoring jobs at the Learning Center in Spring 2015 that they truly got to know each other.

“We were really good friends, and we got along really well,” Claire said. “But we didn’t date.”

However, they did get to know each other during their shifts comprised of helping students navigate everything from math equations to essay revisions. Both credit their time at ECC for providing a strong academic foundation, and they agree that the Learning Center was a highlight.

“We loved working there—the staff was great, and the environment was supportive. Plus, getting paid to help others and do homework on the side wasn’t bad either,” Claire laughed.

Paths Cross Again

After ECC, Claire and Eric pursued their respective careers—Claire as a high school English teacher and Eric as a software engineer. Life took them in different directions, and for eight years, they didn’t speak.

That changed in May 2023 when Eric sent Claire an unexpected message on Snapchat. One conversation led to another, and soon they were meeting at the Washington Riverfront for ice cream and a walk with Claire’s dog, Sarge—who would later become their dog.

From that first reconnection, everything clicked.

Years in the Making

On Nov. 30, 2024, Claire and Eric officially tied the knot. ECC may not have been part of the wedding planning, but it was part of their journey.

“The Learning Center is where we really got to know each other,” Claire said. “It’s where we learned how similar our senses of humor are and how aligned our values and goals were. Even though life took us separate ways for a little while, ECC was the foundation for our relationship.”

Looking back, they wouldn’t change a thing about their time at ECC.

“It was financially smart, academically beneficial, and gave us opportunities we wouldn’t have had at a larger school,” Claire said. “And, of course, the Learning Center just might help you find the love of your life.”

ECC has played another role in their story: Claire’s mother, Dr. Michelle Smith, is the College’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness. A role she assumed in 2018 after Claire and Eric had graduated.

For current ECC students debating whether to take advantage of tutoring services, Eric and Claire have some advice: “Go to the Learning Center! You never know who you’ll meet.”

From study sessions to career success, and eventually finding each other again, Claire and Eric’s journey proves that sometimes, the best love stories aren’t the ones that happen instantly—they’re the ones that take time. And for these two, it all started at ECC.

The photographer at the Feldmann wedding was Cinthya Navarro Photography.

Group of high school students in school colors and casual clothes after academic challenge at ECC.

Scholars Put to the Test in Engineering & Science Challenge at ECC

February 12, 2025 | Campus News

More than 50 students from three high schools competed in the annual Academic Challenge for Engineering and Science on Feb. 5.

The competition is designed to challenge the best and brightest high school students. This year, varsity teams from Washington High School and Warrenton High School competed in the 1,500-school category. Washington High School secured first place, with Warrenton High taking second.

In the small (300) school category, the Houston High School varsity squad claimed the top spot.

All three varsity teams will advance to the sectional competition, which will be held online in March. In addition to the varsity teams, junior varsity—or at-large—teams from Washington and Warrenton also participated in the Academic Challenge. Several at-large students will advance independently of the varsity teams.

About the Challenge

The Academic Challenge is a series of in-person, high school competitions organized by The School of Extended Learning at Eastern Illinois University, with assistance from ECC and other institutions in Missouri and Illinois.

Students participated in a series of tests across seven subject areas: biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics, and physics. The tests are designed to challenge top-performing high school students with material drawn from high school senior and college freshman curricula, helping bridge the gap between secondary and higher education.

Tests are taken individually, and prizes are awarded for the highest individual scores in each subject area, as well as for top team scores. Alison Tucker, STEM Recruitment & Success Coordinator, who organizes the ECC event, explained that the tests are written by college-level faculty and designed to provide a rigorous challenge for students.

The Academic Challenge is divided into large (1,500), intermediate (700), and small (300) school categories. This year, schools competed in the 1,500 and 300 divisions at ECC, with the top teams and individual winners advancing to sectionals.

300 Division

1st Place – Houston High School, 500 points
Team members: Ben Steelman, Gracyn McNiell, Hudson Volk, Kendal Johnson, Brody Adkison, Kristen Ely, Adyson Dailing, and Owen Wells.

1500 Division

1st Place – Washington High School, 493 points
Team members: Nathaniel Oreskovic, Grace Gargrave, Adam Kassebaum, Eleanor Raeker, McLaine Graham, Luke Mauchenheimer, Cooper Guss, Sarah Stewart, Colton Warnecke, Peter Bush, Phineas Schneider, Christain Rennick, and Thomas Enkvetchakul.

2nd Place – Warrenton High School, 444 points
Team members: Alice Briggs, Jeremiah Hunn, Malia Hopper, Jadyn Hopper, Bradyn Sanders, Rylan Arndt, Mykenzy Sebastian, Wade Petersmeyer, Becca Spencer, Shamad Henry, Joe Buechner, and Charlotte Sibert.

At-Large Competitors Advancing

Amelia Hux (Warrenton) – Chemistry
Brennan Sullivan (Washington) – Computational Science
Daniel Middleton (Warrenton) – Engineering Graphics
Brooklyn Wells (Warrenton) – Physics

Individual Results

300 Division (All from Houston High School)

Biology

1st – Ben Steelman
2nd – Owen Wells

Chemistry

1st – Kristen Ely
2nd – Hudson Volk
3rd – Adyson Dailing

Computational Science

1st – Brody Adkison

Engineering Graphics

1st – Owen Wells

English

1st – Gracyn McNiell
2nd – Adyson Dailing
3rd – Kendal Johnson

Mathematics

1st – Kendal Johnson
2nd – Gracyn McNiell
2nd – Hudson Volk

Physics

1st – Kristen Ely
1st – Brody Adkison
3rd – Ben Steelman

1500 Division

Biology

1st – Jeremiah Hunn (Warrenton)
2nd – Cooper Guss (Washington)
3rd – Wade Petersmeyer (Warrenton)
3rd – Amelia Hux (Warrenton)

Chemistry

1st – Eleanor Raeker (Washington)
1st – Nathaniel Oreskovic (Washington)
2nd – Amelia Hux (Warrenton)
2nd – Charlotte Sibert (Warrenton)

Computational Science

1st – Adam Kassebaum (Washington)
2nd – Phineas Schneider (Washington)
2nd – Brennan Sullivan (Washington)
2nd – Rylan Arndt (Warrenton)

Engineering Graphics

1st – Malia Hopper (Warrenton)
2nd – Peter Bush (Washington)
2nd – Daniel Middleton (Warrenton)

English

1st – Alice Briggs (Warrenton)
2nd – Nathaniel Oreskovic (Washington)
3rd – Cooper Guss (Washington)

Mathematics

1st – McLaine Graham (Washington)
2nd – Joel Eckelkamp (Washington)
2nd – Alice Briggs (Warrenton)

Physics

1st – Rylan Arndt (Warrenton)
2nd – McLaine Graham (Washington)
2nd – Brooklyn Wells (Washington)

Detainees in orange jumpsuits sit at white tables in a classroom setting, working on laptops. Two instructors, one wearing a pink sweater and another in a brown cardigan, oversee the session. The Crawford County Sheriff's Office partners with East Central College’s Adult Education and Literacy program to provide educational classes at the detention facility, allowing detainees to work toward earning their GED while incarcerated.

ECC, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Provide GED Program for Detainees

February 3, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Crawford County detainees now have a new opportunity to turn their time behind bars into a steppingstone for success.

Through a partnership between the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and East Central College, detainees can work toward earning their GED while incarcerated, equipping them with valuable skills for a fresh start after release.

Administered through ECC’s Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program, the initiative helps detainees prepare for and take the Missouri Department of Education’s HiSET exam. Participants are tested in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Writing—core subjects required to earn a high school equivalency diploma.

Jail Administrator Lt. Tammy Peart, who is spearheading the program, emphasized the importance of education in reducing recidivism and improving employment prospects.

“Many detainees lack basic academic credentials, which hinders their ability to obtain stable employment or pursue higher education,” Peart said. “By introducing the GED program, our office aims to help them achieve personal and professional goals, including securing full-time employment and reducing recidivism rates.”

Since its launch, the program has seen strong participation, with five students currently prepared to take the HiSET exam. Due to high demand, a waitlist has formed. To expand access, study guides and mock exams have been added to detainee tablets, allowing individuals to study at their own pace.

ECC’s AEL Director Alice Whalen highlighted the transformative power of education in rehabilitation efforts.

“Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of incarceration,” Whalen said. “This program is more than just earning a diploma—it’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and providing a second chance for those who need it most.”

Sheriff Layman has prioritized programs like this to address the root causes of repeat offenses, recognizing that providing detainees with educational resources before reentering society is a proactive approach to reducing recidivism.

“The ultimate goal is to give detainees the tools they need to build a stable and self-sufficient future,” Peart added. “By investing in their personal development, we are not only helping individuals but also contributing to safer communities.”

This collaboration between ECC and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office underscores a shared commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. By offering detainees the opportunity to earn their GED, the program serves as a critical steppingstone toward employment, education, and a brighter future beyond incarceration.

Sheriff Layman has prioritized programs like this to address the root causes of repeat offenses. Providing detainees with educational resources before reentering society is a proactive approach to reducing recidivism.

This collaboration between ECC and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office reflects a shared commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. By providing detainees with the opportunity to earn their GED, the program offers a critical steppingstone toward employment, education, and a brighter future beyond incarceration.

To learn more about ECC’s AEL program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/ael/, email ael@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6533.

$110.9 million per year" is displayed in large, bold navy blue text on the left side. On the right side, there is a simplified map of Missouri with a highlighted region in dark gray representing the ECC Taxing District. Below the map, the text "The ECC Taxing District" is written in small black font.

Report Highlights ECC’s $110.9M Impact to Local Economy

January 29, 2025 | Campus News

East Central College plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s economy, contributing $110.9 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year and supporting nearly 1,900 local jobs.

That means one out of every 26 jobs in the ECC Taxing District is connected to the college, underscoring ECC’s role as a key driver of economic growth through job creation, business investments, and student success.

These findings come from a newly released economic impact study, which highlights how ECC creates jobs, boosts local businesses, and increases earning potential for students and graduates. The independent study was conducted by Idaho-based Lightcast, using objective third-party data to demonstrate the economic and social benefits of ECC.

“This study reaffirms ECC’s role as a vital economic engine—strengthening our workforce, fueling businesses, and driving regional growth,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

Alumni Contributions

Since ECC was founded in 1968, thousands of alumni have entered or re-entered the workforce, securing jobs and contributing to the regional economy. Today, many of these former students are employed throughout the area.

The net impact of ECC alumni currently working in the region totaled $90.5 million in added income during 2022-23. Their success strengthens businesses, fuels industries, and ensures a skilled workforce remains in the community—showcasing ECC’s lasting impact beyond the classroom.

Job Creation

ECC employs 453 faculty and staff members, with a payroll of $18.2 million. Most of that money stays in the community, spent on housing, food, and other essentials.

The college also invested $8.7 million in facilities, supplies, and services, generating $10.9 million in added income for the local economy last year.

Many ECC students relocate to the area for school, while others choose to stay local instead of leaving for college elsewhere. Their combined spending on housing, food, and transportation added $9.5 million to the local economy in 2022-23, benefiting landlords, businesses, and service providers across the region.

For more data and the full economic impact study, visit: www.eastcentral.edu/about-ecc/economic-impact

An older male worker wearing glasses and blue overalls instructs a younger male worker in a hard hat and plaid shirt in a manufacturing setting. They are reviewing a technical document together, symbolizing training and skill development in the workplace.

ECC Receives $1.2 Million for Area Manufacturers

December 30, 2024 | Campus News

The East Central College Center for Workforce Development (CWD) has received $1.2 million in customized training funds to support leadership development and workforce training for employees at several area manufacturers in the region.

The funds are provided through the Missouri One Start program, a part of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Ranging from $8,000 to $65,000 per company, the funds will help manufacturers enhance employee skills, foster leadership growth, and strengthen the region’s workforce. A total of 32 area manufacturers are receiving funding.

“This funding is a significant investment in our local economy and workforce,” said Todd Tracy, CWD Executive Director. “We are proud to partner with area businesses to provide tailored training programs that meet their specific needs and drive success.”

Impact Locally

According to Connie Rasmussen of Bugeye Technologies in Union, the company is using the training funds to provide leadership development for its management team and technical training for its employees. The training focuses on building management skills, achieving IPC certification, and improving proficiency in Excel—all critical for their operations as a smaller company.

“The training funds have allowed us to complete training for our managers and employees that we would have otherwise not been in our budget,” Rasmussen said. “The majority of our management team are younger employees and have not been in a managerial position previously, so the additional training has been beneficial in helping develop good Managers.”

She added that training funds like these are crucial to small businesses with limited training budgets.

“It is also helpful that ECC supports the growth and development of smaller businesses in our area,” Rasmussen said. “The grant funds are a tremendous help to small businesses.”

Kayla Whitcraft, Operations Analyst and Project Manager at Enjet Aero, shared that the company has benefited from customized training in leadership development, CNC programming, and CMM statistical analysis. This training has equipped their team with specialized skills necessary for success in the aerospace industry.

“Leadership development is crucial for fostering a strong, capable management team that can drive the company forward,” Whitcraft said. “The training provided has equipped our leaders with strategic thinking, decision-making, and people management skills, which are essential for guiding their teams and achieving our business objectives.”

Invaluable Partnership

Whitcraft noted that working with ECC’s CWD for customized training funds allows local employees to develop skills tailored to their needs.

“Partnerships with ECC’s Center for Workforce Development are invaluable as they provide access to high-quality, customized training programs that meet the specific needs of our company,” she added. “These collaborations also support the local workforce by enhancing their skills, making them more employable, and contributing to the economic growth of the region.”

Lacey Oswald, with WEG Transformers USA, explained that the Washington-based manufacturer has used the funds to enhance technical abilities, gain industry-specific certifications, and improve soft skills such as communication and teamwork. These targeted efforts have led to increased productivity, better employee retention, and greater overall competitiveness.

“Our company has significantly benefited from the Missouri One Start program through tailored training solutions that address our specific workforce needs,” she said. “This has led to increased productivity, improved employee retention, and enhanced overall competitiveness in our industry.”

The College’s CWD plays a key role in connecting local businesses with the resources and training they need to thrive. By leveraging Missouri One Start funding, ECC ensures that area manufacturers can continue to innovate and lead in their industries while creating opportunities for employees to grow professionally.

To learn more about CWD industry training and consulting, visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.

Fall Writing Contest Winners

December 18, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The East Central College English and Humanities Department has announced the winners of this fall’s Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction Writing Contest.

“Stories, whether they are true or not, can be a kind of nourishment when life looks like a lonely trail,” said Josh Stroup, Assistant Professor and English Department Chair. “The stories that our students shared with us kept our judges full, and we hope to share this bounty with you all in the Spring 2025 edition of the Literary and Art Review.”

The department encourages readers to recognize these students for their dedication to crafting thoughtful and compelling work. While many stories were submitted—and all had something unique to offer—the winners are:

Fiction Winners

First Place — Lauren Hoey’s “Night Shift” — $100
Second Place — Hope Bratch’s “The Classic Chevrolet” — $50
Third Place — Mary Misener’s “The Kingdom of Ozymandias” — $25

Creative Non-Fiction Winners

First Place — Nicole Pope’s “Expanding Limitations” — $100
Second Place — Madeline Johnsen’s “Big Bad Love: Love Drives Purpose” — $50
Third Place — Kaylee Wonder’s “The Twins” — $25

The department extends its gratitude to the contest judges: John Hardecke, Assistant Professor; Linda Barro, Associate Professor; Dr. Aurelia VonTress, Instructor; and Dr. Kami Hancock, instructor.

Additional opportunities to showcase student creativity are on the horizon. The department will announce details for the upcoming Poetry and Research Writing Contests this spring.