College is often a balancing act for students with classes, jobs, and other commitments. Now imagine doing all this on an empty stomach.
Food insecurity is a real issue and one that East Central College is trying to address, said Bridgette Kelch, executive director of the ECC Foundation.
The Foundation office this week launched a four-week trial program, Food for Falcons, to provide one free meal each school day, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for all students at its Union campus. Students only need to show their ID in the school cafeteria and can choose from a variety of breakfast or lunch options.
“We know some of our students are skipping meals due to limited resources,” said Kelch, who credits ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer with the idea of providing complimentary meals.
Dr. Bauer had learned about a similar program being offered by Ozark Technical Community College which provides a free breakfast for students.
“There is a need, we just don’t know to what extent,” said Kelch. “This pilot program will give us a better idea on the needs and costs.”
Kelch said students will be able to choose breakfast or lunch, whichever fits best with their schedules.
“Our goal is to help students succeed at East Central,” said Dr. Bauer. “Something as simple as a meal is one way we can support our students and empower them to succeed in the classroom.”
The Foundation will fund the four-week trial, which ends April 14, and then a determination will be made on whether to continue it next fall and how to fund it. Also under consideration will be a program to benefit Rolla students.
Kelch said offering food assistance should lead to better and more successful outcomes for students, which benefits the greater community. Hunger can force students to drop out of school to work more, or perform poorly in their classes, she said, all of which inhibits academic success.
ECC also offers a food pantry on campus which students can access at no cost.
Tutoring services at East Central College in Rolla are easy to sign up for, offered for a variety of subjects, and really help students succeed.
That’s according to Chrizma Boswell, a first-year student at ECC, who has used the tutoring service.
“The process to sign up was super easy. I knew about tutoring through the weekly emails we get, and the information is on Canvas,” Boswell said. “I just called and made an appointment.”
Boswell, of Newburg, explained that she was failing an online history class. It was her first semester of college and she didn’t know how to study or take tests for online classes. After attending tutoring sessions with tutor Kirby Moreland, however, she was able to turn her grade completely around.
“I went from failing history to getting an A in the class and it was my highest percent grade,” she said. “Kirby was really nice and friendly and helped me so much.”
Boswell mentioned that Moreland often in the library and she can just go in and ask for assistance.
Moreland said Boswell is a bright student, she just needed to learn how best to study.
“Helping students figure out how to find the information they need is sometimes more helpful than giving them the actual information,” said Moreland.
“My favorite part about tutoring is that moment when I can see the understanding sink in for a student — a few sessions in, I got to see this in Chrizma,” he added. “I made study suggestions and she actually used them which ended up helping her a great deal.”
Boswell wants other students to take advantage of the excellent tutoring services on campus.
“I 100 percent recommend tutoring to other ECC students. I don’t just get tutoring because I’m not doing well in a class, but also for classes that I’m doing okay in but just want a boost in my grade,” Boswell commented.
“I feel like people are afraid to get tutoring because they feel embarrassed, but it is so helpful,” she noted. “You have a teacher who is going to teach you the same way all year round, and then you have a tutor who can show you a way to better understand it.”
East Central College is inviting homeschooled students to the Union and Rolla locations to let them know what the college has to offer, including dual enrollment opportunities.
Megen Strubberg, director of early college and admissions, said there are many avenues for homeschoolers to earn college credit while still taking high school-level classes.
“ECC is a great option for homeschool students to get a jump on their college coursework,” she said. “That’s why we are inviting them to campus to talk about the programs we have and show them around.”
Strubberg added that once homeschool students complete their high school studies, there is an easy transition to attend ECC full-time.
ECC Homeschool Day is Friday, March 25, in Union and Rolla. The locations and times are:
Union, Health & Science Building, Room 100, 2-4 p.m.
Rolla, Rolla Technical Center, Room 121, 9-11 a.m.
For more information or with questions, call ECC in Union at 636-584-6588, or ECC in Rolla at 573-466-4100.
Strubberg added that students do not need to bring anything with them that day, and they will be given information on how to start their college journey at ECC.
Dual Enrollment
Strubberg explained that many in the community may not be aware that they can take college-level courses before completing their high school studies, and through ECC, students can explore more rigorous coursework while doing so.
“Homeschool students work right alongside adult students and other dual enrollment high school students,” she further explained. “Students interested in STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields sometimes crave the increased rigor of upper-level math and science course content — it helps to be a part of a community of students going through that same experience.”
Parents of current and former students enrolled in ECC courses commented on how seamless the enrollment process is, and the benefits of dual enrollment.
Parent Testimonies
Jennifer Schneider, the mother of two ECC graduates who were homeschooled, saw many benefits to her children taking courses at ECC as they took high school-level courses.
“They get challenged and encouraged and it is a huge motivator to allow your student to succeed in a college environment while still at home,” she said.
Schneider, of Washington, said it was simple for her children to enroll in courses and the ECC staff was incredibly helpful navigating them through the process.
“I only wish we would have learned about it sooner,” she said, encouraging other parents to contact ECC.
“If you are considering it, don’t wait,” Schneider said. “If you feel the process is overwhelming, know that Megen (Strubberg) will walk alongside you to help make your child’s transition smooth.”
Jennifer Steinman, Labadie, has two children enrolled in dual enrollment courses at ECC.
“It was an easy transition (to ECC) from a homeschool environment,” she said. “We were used to choosing curriculums and activities that fit our schedules, so it’s great to have the option of online or in-person courses.”
Steinman agreed that the ECC staff has been very supportive, and the testing center enables her to know her children are in the right classes that are appropriate for their level.
“There’s so much academic support from teachers, tutors and counselors to help students succeed, including support with their specific needs,” she said.
“My students can be dual-enrolled with ECC, giving us the flexibility to use the curriculums we choose at home while also having access to courses at ECC that fill in the gaps.”
According to Steinman, when her children were entering high school age, she wanted to be sure they were enrolled in the right classes to challenge and prepare them for college.
“Another homeschool family had told me how well their daughter was doing at ECC and encouraged me to call,” she said. “My first phone call to ECC answered all of my questions.”
East Central College will hold a virtual informational session to highlight health care careers, and the programs ECC offers to prepare students for those fields.
Director of Nursing Nancy Mitchell, MSN, RN, will be the keynote speaker for ECC’s Health Care Career meeting March 22 from 6-7:30 p.m. Mitchell also is the College’s dean of health science and a nursing instructor.
The health care careers event is geared toward students, families, adult learners and anyone else considering a health care career but are unsure of what field they would like to pursue or what degrees are offered at ECC.
Mitchell’s presentation will be about 30-40 minutes, and she has prepared a power point that will discuss all Allied Health and Health Science pathways that ECC has to offer, including new programs that will begin in the fall 2022.
Mitchell noted that participants will be able to ask questions during the session. The Zoom link for the presentation is https://zoom.us/j/95410267857.
Under the Allied Health Pathway, there are degree and certificate options for multiple areas of study, including Nursing, Medical Lab Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, Radiological Technology, Paramedic Technology and Surgical Technology.
“We will provide an overview of our program offerings, discuss the opportunities and health care workforce needs, prerequisites and program application requirements and processes,” Mitchell said.
“I will also discuss how they can start researching and preparing for these programs.”
Mitchell added that she will provide websites for students to find more information about the programs and careers, as well as sites that provide virtual excursions, which guides participants through a virtual hospital setting.
Last year, East Central College graduate Benjamin Schwanitz received a rootEd Community College Transfer Scholarship that changed the trajectory of his college career.
Schwanitz, who is now a student at Truman State University, Kirksville, was awarded up to $10,000 through the scholarship, which provided the funding necessary to attend the university.
“I am attending Truman State University thanks to this lifesaving scholarship,” he said. “It was truly remarkable that I was able to receive the scholarship.”
That same opportunity is available to ECC students who are poised to graduate this May.
The rootEd Undergraduate Scholarship is a renewable grant of up to $12,000 per academic year. Last year, the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis awarded 10 students, including Schwanitz, with the rootEd Community College Transfer Scholarship, totaling $80,850.
Launched in 2018, the Alliance addresses the most challenging obstacles to success after high school for students in rural America.
The organization partners with local and national organizations working to improve postsecondary and career outcomes with advice, exposure and access to financial resources — meaning all students in rural areas can pursue their dreams.
The rootEd Alliance is a collaborative philanthropic effort that grew out of a collective belief in the power of education to change lives and an understanding of the unique needs of rural America.
This year, students transferring from any community college in Missouri, who also graduated from a rural high school in Missouri over the past five years, are eligible to apply for the rootEd Community College Transfer Scholarship.
The scholarship application and all supporting materials must be submitted by midnight on April 15.
ECC staff will assist students and their families as they navigate this application process. Anyone who wants to connect with their advisor or success coach, can do so through our AVISO retention system.
There were Eight teams from six schools in the region that came to East Central College to compete in the annual Academic Challenge.
There were about 100 total competitors who came to the College to compete in the competition, which was designed to challenge the best and brightest high school students.
Teams from Linn, Washington (varsity and junior varsity), Sullivan, Warrenton (varsity and junior varsity), Houston and St. Francis Borgia Regional high schools attended.
The students participated in a battery of tests in seven subject areas: math, biology, chemistry, physics, English, computer science and engineering graphics.
The tests are taken individually, and prizes are awarded for top individual scores in each subject area and for top team scores.
Linda Arrington, academic advisor/instructional for engineering at ECC, noted that the tests are written by college-level faculty, and they are designed to present a challenge to the brightest students, calling it a “bridge between secondary and higher education.”
The Academic Challenge is in Missouri with about 40 to 50 high schools participating, but over 6,000 students from 400 high schools in Illinois participate in the annual event. This is the 22nd year ECC has hosted the regional challenge.
The Challenge is divided into large (1,500), intermediate (700) and small (300) school categories, with the top team and individual winners from the competition at ECC advancing to the sectional competition.
Winners
The overall team winners for each school category, are:
300 Category
Houston High School, first place, 500 points; and Linn High School, second place, 421 points.
700 Category
Saint Francis Borgia Regional High School, 499.2 points, first place; and Sullivan High School, 493.6 points, second place.
1,500 Category
Warrenton High School, 490.5 points, first place; and Washington High School, 482.2 points, second place.
Individual winners from each category and in each subject, are:
300 Category Biology — Alex Swallow, Houston, first; Maggie Ribaudo, Linn, second; and Miah Bressie Houston, third.
Chemistry — Devon Sawyer, Houston, first place; Nick Washko, Houston, second; and Gibson Tschappler, Linn, third.
Computer Science — Levi Crane, Linn, first; Brody Adkison. Houston, second; and Austin Blankenship, Houston, third.
Engineering Graphics — Sierra Pollard, Linn, first; Nick Washko, Houston, second; and Marrisa Ghelert, Linn, third.
English — Andy Durham, Houston, first; Maggie Ribaudo, Linn, second; and Austin Blankenship, Houston, third.
Mathematics — Devon Sawyer, Houston, first; Marissa Gehlert, Linn, second; and Gibson Tschappler, Linn, third.
Physics — Andy Durham, Houston, first; Alex Swallow, Houston, second; and Emma Fennell, Linn, third.
700 Category
Biology — Jackson Hamblin, Sullivan, first; Drew Eckhoff, St. Francis Borgia, second; and Emily Lowe, Sullivan, third.
Chemistry — Adam Snider, St. Francis Borgia, first; Loren Halmick, Sullivan, second; and Elle Webers, Sullivan, third.
Computer Science — Joshua Gollaher, Sullivan, first; Jackson Comely, St. Francis Borgia, second; and
Connor Skornia, St. Francis Borgia, third.
Engineering Graphics — Hannah Menges, St. Francis Borgia, first; Mary Daily, Sullivan, second; and Sam Dunard, St. Francis Borgia, third.
English — Brandon Jones, St. Francis Borgia, first; Loren Halmick, Sullivan, second; and Adia Halmick, Sullivan, third.
Mathematics — Adam Snider, St. Francis Borgia, first; Walker Hardy, Sullivan, second; and Jackson Hamblin, Sullivan, third.
Physics — Lexie Meyer, St. Francis Borgia, first; Ben Lause, St. Francis Borgia, second; and Walker Hardy, Sullivan, third.
1500 Category
Biology — Samantha Pyatt, Washington, first; Abi Waters, Washington, second; and Grant Beuchner, Warrenton, third.
Chemistry — Vincent Hoang, Washington, first; Luke Rausch, Warrenton, second; and Lilly Schmitt, Washington, third.
Computer Science — Roy Briggs, Warrenton, first; Ben Oesterly, Washington, second; and Isaac Lough, Washington, third.
Engineering Graphics — Tyler Eckelkamp, Washington, first; Sam Stewart, Washington, second; and Ethan King, Warrenton, third.
English — Elena Roewe, Washington, first; Roy Briggs, Warrenton, second; and Leah Wheeler, Washington, third.
Mathematics — Ben Oesterly, Washington, first; Ian Vacek, Warrenton, second; and Tyler Eckelkamp, Washington, third.
Physics —Andrew Meyer, Washington, first; Micah Gargrave, Washington, second; and Ian Vacek, Warrenton, third.
Donations totaling over $5,000 dollars in materials to the East Central College Welding Program are providing much-needed metals for hands-on learning in the welding lab.
But the donations provide much more than materials — it also builds relationships.
That’s according to Bobby Bland, welding program instructor, who said the donations have sparked communication and collaboration among the students and local industries.
Five industries, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, Blazer Boats, Baker Products, WEG Transformers USA, and Rivercraft Trailers are companies that Bland has partnered with in the past.
“These donations allow for collaboration with our industry partners to build a strong bond among our students and the community,” he said.
The donations include metal supplies, such as stainless steel and aluminum.
“We are always appreciative for the kind generosity of our industry partners,” added Dr. Richard Hudanick, dean of career and technical education at ECC. “I look forward to further expanding these relationships and building career pathways for our students.”
Listed below are the names of the companies making donations, their location, and the value of the gifts:
Nestle Purina Support Center, St. Louis, $1,000;
Blazer Boats, Ellington, Mo., $1,000;
Baker Products, Ellington, Mo., $5,000;
WEG Transformers USA, Washington, $1,000; and
Rivercraft Trailers, $1,000, Van Buren, Mo.
Bland explained that while students work with the donated materials, they learn about the company that donated the metals.
“This creates a great pathway to the companies,” he added. “It also creates a pool of future employees for these industries.
“The students learn the real-world application of the materials and hear about the industries to learn what they actually do.”
According to Bland, the generosity of the donors provides great assistance to the program due to the costs of metal.
“If we were to purchase new metal, the program would be much more costly and we want to continue to provide a top-notch program at a low cost,” he said. “The cost of materials is why many welding schools charge so much for enrollment.”
Bland noted that the donated materials directly impact both current and future students.
“For example, the Baker Products donation will last for four semesters and will be used by welding students over the next few semesters,” he explained. “This is a huge benefit for our students and the entire program.”
Welding Program
The ECC welding curriculum is built to meet industry needs, and it exceeds it in ways that separate it from welding programs at other colleges, Bland said.
Each year, there are career opportunities lined up for ECC welding students because there is a large demand for qualified welders in the area and across the state.
According to Bland, his program at ECC provides a positive learning environment for students.
“We have fun and energetic lecture and lab environments,” he commented. “Our students work in teams and groups, and individually, which helps prepare them for what they will encounter in the workforce.”
In addition, Bland said, the ECC welding program offers training in Lean manufacturing and teaches students how to communicate with engineers and designers. Lean manufacturing is a process that reduces waste and maximizes productivity.
The Welding program also offers flexibility so students can learn the different welding processes such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding, Bland further added.
East Central College art students Madison Barbarick and Emily Knoppe will show their works in the 26th annual “Varsity Art” exhibit presented at Art Saint Louis.
Barbarick, Washington, and Knoppe, New Haven, were selected by the ECC Art Department to show at the “Varsity Art XXV,” a multi-media invitational visual art exhibition, from March 4-31.
They have been invited to show their pieces alongside 42 other regional artists at the multi-media exhibition. The artists all are undergrad and grad level art students representing 23 St. Louis regional colleges and universities from Missouri and Illinois.
This year’s exhibit presents works in a variety of media, including ceramics, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and video. The themes represented in this show are representative of contemporary art and trends.
Madison Barbarick
To create “Beauty in Nature” Barbarick applied oil paint as a base and used colored pencil on top.
“I wanted to create a piece that embodied self-love and acceptance,” she said. “I, and most females, struggle with their body image.
“It hurts to see society not represent every body type,” Barbaric added. “We are a part of nature and we deserve to accept ourselves because everything in nature is perfect.”
She further added she is grateful for being selected to exhibit in “Varsity Art XXV.”
“I have been working hard on my art and being selected is very rewarding,” Barbarick commented. “It gives me confidence that I am on the right path.
Barbarick is working toward an Associates in Fine Art degree at ECC and after graduating this May, she plans on transferring to the Kansas City Art Institute.
Emily Knoppe
Knoppe’s piece, titled “Aerial Witchcraft,” is watercolor and acrylic on illustration board.
“What inspired this piece was a connection I made to witches flying on broomsticks, and aerial skateboard tricks,” Knoppe said. “The image popped up in my head of a witch riding her broom like a skateboard, and I just had to create it.”
She drew inspiration from St. Louis architecture.
“The buildings behind the witch are, loosely, based off buildings in the Delmar Loop in St. Louis, to keep her connected to our area in some way,” Knoppe noted. “This piece was a great opportunity for me to flex my creative muscles and make something fun.”
She considers selection to the Art Saint Louis exhibition an honor.
“I’m thankful to my instructors for having faith in me and allowing me to be a part of this,” Knoppe said.
She is working toward an Associate of Fine Arts at ECC, then she will transfer to Webster University to get a Bachelor’s degree in Animation.
Collaboration
This annual exhibit is a collaboration between Art Saint Louis and the participating collegiate institutions, their art faculty, and students.
Art Saint Louis’ Artistic Director works closely with art Professors and faculty at the area’s colleges and universities, inviting the professors to select two outstanding art students to represent their art department and institution in its annual show.
Learn more about the annual exhibit at www.artstlouis.org or on its Facebook page.
East Central College nursing student Tela Connors is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from the Missouri League for Nursing (MLN).
Connors, of Salem, is studying to be a Registered Nurse and is slated to graduate in May.
She will be recognized at the ninth annual Student Nursing Convention April 6-7 in Osage Beach. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books and supplies.
ECC nursing program instructor Joannie Blakely was Connors’ clinical and course instructor last year. She said Connors received an “exemplary performance award” for her clinical performance.
“She is a true advocate for her patient’s and provides quality safe patient care,” Blakely said. “She will be a great asset to the healthcare system.”
According to Julie Chirban, also an instructor in the college’s nursing program, Connors’ personality and work ethic is very well suited for a nursing career.
“Tela is a confident student with years of health care experience that has enhanced her ability to perform at a high level,” Chirban said.
“She is kind to patients as well as to her co-students. She has gone out of her way to help fellow students during this program, and she is a pleasure to have in class and clinicals,” she added.
“Tela will be a wonderful addition to the nursing profession.”
MLN is a not-for-profit organization established in 1953 to support the delivery of quality health care by nurses and other health care providers through education, collaboration and information.
It is the leading organization for promoting excellent health care through programs designed to meet members and health care professional’s continuing educational needs.
MLN is committed to collaboration and networking with other professional organizations and coalitions across the state. It is one of the top constituent leagues in the nation.
East Central College nursing student Tela Connors has been selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Missouri League for Nursing. Pictured, from left, are ECC nursing program instructor Julie Chirban, Connors; and instructors Jon Elias and Joannie Blakely.
Tsiala “Manana” Alaverdashvili began attending English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes in Rolla in 2016.
Her instructor, Jean Craft, said that she studies very hard.
“She studies all the time, especially for the citizenship test. I think she knows all of the answers,” asserts Craft.
In English class, Manana works on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
“(English) speaking and yes, listening, they are very hard things,” she admitted, with a little laugh.
Manana grew up in Gori, Georgia and then moved to Tbilisi with her husband, Ramaz. Georgian is her native language and she also speaks Russian fluently and can read and write German.
While living in Tbilisi, where her husband worked as a physicist, Manana was the principal librarian for 56 branches of libraries. She held this position from 2004 to 2015.
Prior to this, she worked as a kindergarten teacher and held various positions at Tbilisi State University.
Since moving to Rolla in 2016, Manana has also worked to serve those in need. From 2016-2017, she worked with the Salvation Army.
Since March, 2018, Manana has volunteered at the Rolla Mission.
“There are good people at the Mission – friendly people,” expressed Manana.
At the Rolla Mission she helps serve breakfast and lunch. She washes the dishes for 30-35 people and cleans the facility. At times, she helps sort the items that are donated to the Mission.
Manana genuinely cares about the welfare of others.
“As it is known, there are homeless people at the Mission. Some of them have physical or mental disabilities, therefore they need help. I like very much when I am helping people in need.”
“She is a very kind person and makes friends wherever she goes,” Craft said. “It is very easy to like her.”
Manana has two children, a daughter, Elene, who is a Chemist living in Georgia and a son, Bachana, who is a Physics professor living in Santa Clara, Calif.
She has two grandchildren living in Georgia, Andrea who is 7 and Anastasia who is 4. Although she doesn’t get back to visit them, they often see one another remotely online.
Family ties are very important to Manana. One of the things she likes so much about the U.S. is linked to this.
“American people love family. I love the friendly relations in the USA.”
Ramaz, her husband, works at Missouri State University. He is a physicist who works in Science and Technology.
“He is retired but still works,” Manana added.
She noted that her plan is to become an American citizen.
“This is my dream and goal.”
There are those in the world who inspire and support others’ opportunities to grow and transform. Manana is a great example of that kind of consideration.
