East Central College has hired experienced collegiate athlete and accomplished coach Luke Miller as the new head coach of the Falcons baseball team.
Coach Luke Miller
Miller is set to bring his extensive expertise and winning record to the program, aiming to elevate the Falcons to new heights.
Miller’s playing career includes stints at St. Louis Community College, Harris-Stowe State University, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he earned a degree in Liberal Arts with a minor in Psychology. A native of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., Miller first made his mark on the high school baseball scene before excelling at the collegiate level.
For the past six years, Miller has served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at St. Charles Community College (SCC), where he specialized in developing hitters and outfielders. His tenure at SCC was marked by significant achievements, including breaking over 20 individual and team offensive records.
The 2024 season, which concluded with a 37-17 record and a Missouri Community College Athletic Conference championship, was one of the best in the college’s history.
In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Miller has been a prominent figure in the St. Louis area select baseball scene for the past 11 years, most recently with the Adidas Athletics. His head coaching record stands at an impressive 321-90, with a focus on the U-18 Athletics team.
Miller’s influence extends beyond the field, having played a pivotal role in advancing over 300 players to the collegiate level. Notably, more than 100 of these athletes have been recruited to NJCAA Division I programs, and four of his players have been selected in the Major League Baseball draft.
As the Falcons prepare for their fourth season since the program’s reinstatement in 2022, Miller’s strategic approach and recruiting prowess are expected to lead the team to remarkable achievements. ECC is confident that his leadership will usher in a new era of success for the Falcons baseball program.
East Central College renewed its partnership with Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation (AWMH), which has already helped 80 students pursue a degree or certificate in advanced manufacturing programs.
ECC is beginning its third year as a Metallica Scholars college. The College has awarded more than $120,000 in scholarships to students in high-demand fields. ECC is the only college in Missouri that is part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative.
“We are thrilled to continue our journey with the Metallica Scholars Initiative for a third year. This initiative has been instrumental in delivering exceptional educational opportunities that lead to rewarding careers. Over the first two years, we have provided scholarships to 80 students, empowering them to succeed and thrive in high-demand fields,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.
Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), MSI began with 10 colleges and primarily manufacturing programs. With steady development by creative and dedicated leadership, MSI offers diverse workforce opportunities for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to find meaningful and well-paying careers.
Additional curricula will include construction, health care, and engineering, contributing to more than 25 fields of study offered within the Initiative. To date, AWMH has invested over $10.5M in the American workforce, reaffirming a commitment to career and technical education at the local level.
At ECC, scholarships are available to students in Welding, Industrial Maintenance and Robotics, HVAC, Applied Technology, and Precision Machining. Metallica Scholarship applications for the fall semester are due Aug. 15.
To find the scholarship application, read testimonies from scholarship recipients, and learn about the Season Kickoff Music Festival, visit the Metallica Scholars Initiative page.
Growing Initiative
James “Papa Het” Hetfield, Metallica’s lead vocalist and guitarist, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative’s growth: “When we launched the Metallica Scholars Initiative, it really spoke to me.”
“A collective goal of breaking the stigma of trade skills. Trade skills are vital to society, and what’s even more important is to support the many folks who are trying to create a career by learning and using these skills. I am so proud – we all are – to see how this program is changing lives by providing much-needed resources to empower students, and it’s great that we’re able to make our biggest grant yet to support these students and the future workforce. We are reaching even further for year six of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. This year, our program will be in 60 schools in all 50 states! All thanks to your support.”
“I am happy to congratulate the newest Metallica Scholarship Initiative colleges. The sustained investment in workforce education by the All Within My Hands Foundation has benefitted thousands of community college students,” said Walter G. Bumphus, president, and CEO of AACC. “This work helps to advance skills education and the nation’s workforce pipeline. We are honored to continue this partnership to provide critical resources that eliminate barriers for students to participate in skills education programs that lead to family-sustaining wage careers.”
By the end of year six, MSI estimates that it will have helped more than 8,000 students with a wide range of backgrounds and ages gain skills to assist in finding meaningful jobs and careers. Metallica Scholars are often considered non-traditional students, as many have families they support or are the first in their families to pursue a college education. AWMH and AACC aim to connect students to skill-building opportunities and bridge the talent needs of the American workforce, all while utilizing the community college system, which is the most affordable, flexible, and industry-relevant applied-learning training provider in the country.
“Metallica, through their foundation, is changing how people view and engage with the trades in this country, and it is working,” stated Peter Delgrosso, executive director of All Within My Hands. “Metallica Scholars are diverse, motivated, and ambitious, and we are here to help them reach their goals. I am so proud and honored to be able to announce entrance into all 50 states as this is a significant milestone for not only our foundation but the incredible community we have helped foster and connect.”
For a complete list of all 60 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.
About All Within My Hands
All Within My Hands (AWMH) is a non-profit, philanthropic organization created by Metallica and dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. Since its inception, AWMH has raised over $15 million, providing significant grants to career and technical education programs, combatting food insecurity, and aiding disaster relief efforts.
About AACC
The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the voice of the nation’s community colleges, delivering educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students. AACC advocates for community colleges to ensure they have the resources needed to increase economic mobility for all.
The ceremony was held at the Hasselmann Alumni House Grand Hall at Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla. The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition in nursing programs, signifying the graduate’s initiation into the sisterhood and brotherhood of nurses.
The nine graduates are Shelby Pogue, Alexandra Ferguson, Emma Politte, Cassidy Cunningham, Jessie Ball, Jessica Cook, Samantha Roman, Katelyn Schafer, and Brandy Barnes.
This is the second group of LPN students to complete the program at ECC, which took over sponsorship of the LPN program from Rolla Public Schools in August 2022.
Opening remarks were given by Michelle Chick, Practical Nursing Program Director, followed by a welcome from ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. Student remarks were provided by Katelyn Schafer.
ECC alumna Abby Blanc, RN, and Family Nurse Practitioner with Phelps Health, was the guest speaker. Chick and Jessica Fischer, Practical Nursing Clinical Coordinator, presented the pins to the students.
Alexandra Ferguson
Jessica Cook
The Practical Nursing Program Outstanding Nursing Student Award was presented to Alexandra Ferguson, and the Phelps Health Clinical Excellence Award was presented to Jessica Cook.
Student closing remarks were given by Cassidy Cunningham; and Christina Ayres, Director of ECC Rolla, concluded the program with her comments.
The original Practical Nursing program was established by Rolla Public Schools in 1967. Over 56 years, the program graduated over 1,250 students. The LPN program is an 11-month certificate program, spanning three semesters, and admits up to 20 students each fall semester. Upon graduation, students will take the licensure exam to become an LPN.
Eight students have graduated from the inaugural class of East Central College’s Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC) and have already joined local law enforcement agencies.
A ceremony was held on July 26 to recognize this milestone, marking the culmination of three years of preparation to address the regional need for local officer training.
The graduates, certified by the Department of Public Safety’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST) and having passed the Missouri Peace Officer License Exam, received badges from their hiring agencies during the ceremony. The graduates and their respective agencies are:
Aesa Al-Jurany, Rolla — Crawford County Sheriff’s Department
Luke Carnahan, Crocker — Waynesville Police Department
Michael Davis, Rolla — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department
James Henson, Rolla — Rolla Police Department
Alexander Krakuszeski, Rolla — Rolla Police Department
Hunter Solomon, Waynseville — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department
Stanley Taylor, Jr., Licking — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department
Jay Yelton, Rolla — Phelps County Sheriff’s Department
Since August 2023, the graduates have worked toward a Certificate of Achievement in Law Enforcement from ECC and have the option to complete additional general education requirements to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement.
ECC Rolla Director and LETC Director, Christina Ayres, applauded the graduates.
“I commend you for the dedication and perseverance you have shown to your educational journey. We’ve seen your grit, resilience, hope, and gratitude,” she said. “My wish for each of you is that you wear your well-earned badge with honor and commitment to the department and communities that you serve.”
Meeting Our Mission
ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer emphasized the LETC as a prime example of the college’s mission to meet community needs.
ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer
“The LETC at ECC is the perfect illustration of that mission. Law enforcement officials came to the College with a critical need — there were no good options for individuals to train for a career in law enforcement in this region,” he said.
“Their question was at once simple and profound: Could East Central College help? Consistent with our mission to serve our communities and our strategic priority of expanding in Rolla, the answer was an easy and enthusiastic, Yes!”
The LETC was established through the efforts of Phelps County Sheriff Michael Kirn, Rolla Police Maj. William Loughridge, and Ayres.
Since August 2021, they have worked to address barriers for employers and future officers by reducing travel and lodging costs and decreasing lengthy commutes, allowing students to attend training while maintaining their current responsibilities.
The program also ensures that quality candidates familiar with the community are trained locally, fostering greater interest and retention. LETC students benefit from federal financial aid, scholarships, and support services, and the program exceeds state requirements by offering more training hours.
Alexander Krakuszeski
Student Awards
LETC graduate Alexander Krakuszeski received the 2023-2024 Outstanding Law Enforcement Student Award for his professionalism, positive attitude, work ethic, and teamwork.
A faculty member noted, “Throughout the entire academy training, he consistently stepped up into a mentor role, he encouraged teamwork from all recruits, and whenever he noticed someone struggling with PT or one of the other core classes or assignments, he always stepped up. He showed true professionalism, he led by example, he offered encouragement, support, and he demonstrated to his classmates how to be more successful.”
Luke Carnahan
Additionally, Krakuszeski was presented with the Marksmanship Excellence Award and Academic Excellence Award. Luke Carnahan received the Physical Fitness Excellence Award, and Hunter Solomon and Stanley Taylor, Jr. were recognized for perfect attendance.
For more information about the program, visit our Law Enforcement program page, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.
East Central College graduate Abigail Kleekamp is the recipient of the inaugural WINGS (Washington’s Investment in Great Schools) Educational Foundation ECC Scholarship.
Kleekamp, from Washington, graduated Summa Cum Laude from ECC in May with an Associate of Arts degree and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. This fall, she will attend St. Louis University to study Criminology and Pre-Law. Plans call for the $1,000 Scholarship to be offered annually.
Kleekamp was an Early College Academy student, attending classes at both ECC and Washington High School for the past two years. She holds cherished memories of her time with the WHS Band.
“I have so many great and amazing memories from my time in band, from winning competitions to making lasting longtime friends from this experience,” she said. “Being able to perform at football games was always fun as it got the student section and cheerleaders involved as well, which gave a positive atmosphere for the football season.”
During the ECC Class of 2024 Commencement, Dr. Jon Bauer, college president, highlighted Kleekamp’s achievements as an ECA student—graduating from both high school and college and actively participating in both communities.
“When Dr. Bauer mentioned me in his speech, I was very shocked because I had no idea that it was coming,” she commented. “I got very emotional because I thought it wasn’t a big deal, the accomplishments that I had just completed, but now I know that my accomplishments were a big deal if Dr. Bauer himself thought that they were.”
Memorable Faculty
Kleekamp noted that she enjoyed every class taught by Matthew Gifford, philosophy and religion instructor at ECC.
“I had taken all three of the classes that he teaches in Union during this past fall and spring semesters, and I did not regret it,” she added. “He made teaching fun and enjoyable, and I looked forward to his classes each week because of all the funny things that he says.”
Kleekamp said she learned a lot from Gifford about the subject matter of each class and life lessons she’ll carry with her.
“Getting the students involved in the lesson allows them to remember the topic of discussion better, and that is what Matthew Gifford did for me, and he will continue to do it for his other students.”
WMS Instructor
Kleekamp also made lasting memories in her 7th-grade history class, taught by Ben Hornback.
“He made class fun for his students — we went outside to make a spray-painted map of the world that included all of the major history moments that we had talked about,” she remembered. “Mr. Hornback was a very approachable teacher, and he would always help me with anything that I was struggling with.”
The WINGS Educational Foundation ECC Scholarship will be awarded to a student who attended school in the Washington School District and graduated from ECC. Applications, submitted anonymously, are reviewed by the College president, who makes the final selection.
The East Central College Testing Center has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence by being recertified by the National College Testing Association (NCTA).
This prestigious achievement is a testament to the rigorous NCTA Professional Standards and Guidelines, designed to ensure the highest quality testing programs at post-secondary institutions. This recertification is valid for five years and can be renewed upon continued compliance with national standards.
Windy Souders, Testing Services Coordinator, along with her dedicated team, Kalyn Meyer, Testing Center Specialist, and Gwendaylyn Betser, Testing Center Clerk, have maintained high standards in test administration and provided exceptional service to a diverse range of students and community members.
The Testing Center first received NCTA certification in 2019 after an extensive 18-month review process. The criteria for certification are based on the NCTA Professional Standards and Guidelines, which guide post-secondary test centers in delivering quality testing programs.
For more information about the numerous testing services provided by the ECC Testing Center, please contact 636-584-6550 or visit www.eastcentral.edu/testing-center. The Testing Center operates within the ECC Learning Center.
The NCTA, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting professionalism and high-quality service in the administration of testing programs, offers certification to college and university test centers that demonstrate exemplary practices. NCTA membership includes over 2,200 testing professionals from 650 colleges and universities, as well as 50 test companies and organizations offering test-related products and services. For more information, visit www.ncta-testing.org.
It’s a homecoming for East Central College’s original Peanuts gang. Charlie Brown, Linus, Peppermint Patty, Lucy, and Schroeder from the 1972 production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will return to ECC to watch the new production of the musical.
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is a 1967 musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. The ECC Theatre Department’s production of the revised version runs from Thursday, July 18, through Saturday, July 20, beginning at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, July 21, at 2 p.m.
Original cast members Jim Eaton (Charlie Brown), Jim Carey (Linus), Susan (Schultz) Peterson (Peppermint Patty), Lucy (Struckhoff) Tobben (Lucy), and Doug Johnson (Schroeder) will attend the Friday, July 19, performance. The late Mike Richardson played Snoopy in the 1972 musical.
The reunion is the idea of John Anglin, the director of both the original and upcoming productions. Anglin, the namesake of the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center, directed “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” in his first year as the ECC Theatre Department director.
“I thought it would be intriguing to see if any of the original cast members could come to the show, and I’m delighted that the five surviving cast members from the 1972 show will be at this production,” Anglin said. “I am excited to see the original cast, but even more excited for you, the audience, to see this 2024 cast bring these iconic characters to life,” he added.
The 2024 cast of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” includes Eli Bray as Charlie Brown, Bethany Herron as Lucy, Ellie Schmidt as Snoopy, Ian McCracken as Linus, Michael Finck as Schroeder, and Mackenzie Emmert as Sally.
Anglin retired from ECC in 2004 and returns every year to direct a summer production.
The Original Cast
Listed below is information about the cast of the 1972 production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”:
Susan (Schultz) Peterson, Jefferson City, MO
Class of 1972 — Associate of Arts Degree
What did you do after your time at ECC? I attended SMSU (now Missouri State University) for one year, then graduated with a degree in music education from Webster College in 1976. Although I taught in several schools for about 10 years, I spent the bulk of my career in social and workforce services, mostly writing public policy. I’m retired now, and I mostly read, walk, volunteer at an art gallery, spend whatever time I can with my granddaughter, and goof off with my twin sister. We travel some, and I love to work with my flowers and tiny garden.
Who was your favorite faculty or staff member at ECC? The biology teacher who I also worked with during the summers.
What are some of your best memories of your time at ECC? Organizing one of the first Earth Day celebrations. The time spent between classes playing cards in the cafeteria.
Fondest memory of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”? As a cast, we were a tight-knit group, as I recall—good friends as well as cast members. That was great.
Did you perform in other theatre productions? I was Martha in “1776” and a cast member of “Rodgers and Hart: A Musical Revue.”
How satisfied are you with your decision to attend ECC? Very satisfied! With two girls of the same age, my family could not afford to send us to a four-year school. So, ECJC (as it was known then) was a great option to get us started.
What advice would you give to someone starting out at ECC today? Get involved. Be more than just a student. Be a member of the ECC community— theater, music, student activities, and campus life in general. It will enhance your time there (and maybe give you the opportunity to revisit that community 50 years later!).
Jim Carey, Nixa, MO
Class of 1973 — Associate of Arts Degree
What did you do after your time at ECC? Earned a BA from Mount Marty University, Yankton, SD, in 1975. Taught at St. Francis Borgia Regional High School from 1975-1979. Directed “Oliver,” “Charlie Brown,” “The Odd Couple,” “110 in the Shade,” “Never Too Late,” and “Godspell.” Taught at LOGOS School, St. Louis, from 1979-1981. Directed “Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feelin’ So Sad.” Earned a master’s degree from Webster University in 1992. Worked at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 1982-2011 in St. Louis, Minneapolis, and San Diego. Retired in 2011.
Who was your favorite faculty or staff member at ECC? John Anglin, Chip Boyer, and Lee Adams.
What are some of your best memories of your time at ECC? Student Senate, Cheer Team, “Oliver.” Moving to the new campus. Student newspaper and Literary Magazine. Friends.
Fondest memory of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”? The cast’s group dynamic, making a small, intimate show work in a large auditorium.
Did you perform in other theatre productions? “Oliver.”
How satisfied are you with your decision to attend ECC? ECC was the perfect choice for me at the time, just coming out of four years of military service. The student/instructor ratio was optimal, and the sense of commonality in the growth of a new college added extra excitement.
What advice would you give to someone starting out at ECC today? Take advantage of every possible opportunity.
Jim Eaton, Dawsonville, GA
Class of 1972 — Associate of Arts Degree
What did you do after your time at ECC? Graduated from Maryville University, St. Louis, in 1974 with a degree in Fine Arts. Then obtained a degree in Mortuary Science from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science, Indianapolis, IN. Worked in the family business (Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan) from 1975-2016. Purchased the business in 1984. Married Mary Ann (Cukrowicz) Eaton in June of 1976. Two daughters, Addie (and husband Matt Walters) and Erin (and husband Cole Wilkins), and two grandkids, Adelyn and Erin Wilkins.
Hobbies include boating, painting, reading, and Civil War Studies. Member of the Dawson County Rotary Club, advisor to The Bowen Center for the Arts in Dawsonville, and member of D-MORT (a federal disaster Mortuary Response Team).
Who was your favorite faculty or staff member at ECC? Larry Pogue.
What are some of your best memories of your time at ECC? The art shows and music concerts.
Fondest memory of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”? We were all like family. The interaction between all of us was amazing. We were all so close.
Did you perform in other theatre productions? No, but have attended many productions at the Holly Theater in Dahlonega, GA, of which Mary Ann and I are members.
How satisfied are you with your decision to attend ECC? ECC was an important step towards achieving a four-year degree. All the instructors were personable and provided a great learning experience. It’s a good introduction to the college world. You receive your basics here and then continue to your major. I found it a great steppingstone in furthering your education.
Lucy (Struckhoff) Tobben, Washington, MO
Class of 1973 — Associate of Arts Degree
What did you do after your time at ECC? I transferred to St. Mary College, Leavenworth, KS, and continued to study, graduating in May 1975 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Dave Tobben and I celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage in August 1975 and moved to Columbia, MO, where he was finishing law school. I worked part-time as a music director at The Newman Center and gave private piano lessons for that year. In August 1976, we moved back to Washington to stay.
I began volunteering my music services at St. Francis Borgia parish in 1977 and have served since then. In 1996, I became the accompanist/organist for the parish choir and presently serve as the music coordinator for the parish. I began teaching vocal music at St. Francis Borgia in 1982. I retired from classroom teaching in 2016.
There were a few years off as we raised our six children. We now have 11 grandchildren who live all around the country. My hobbies over the years included playing slow-pitch softball till age 50, golf, watching grandkids’ sports, quilting, travel, and attending high school and college musicals.
Who was your favorite faculty or staff member at ECC? Carl Walker.
What are some of your best memories of your time at ECC? Attending a “new” college was exciting as we were making history every day. Homecoming, starting Drama Club, moving into the Administration building after Freshman year were just some events that stick out in my mind. I worked as the SOAR (Summer Orientation and Registration) coordinator after Freshman year. Getting to meet almost all of the incoming freshmen that summer was a fantastic experience. It was part of my work-study job.
Fondest memory of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”? I was just so excited to be chosen to be in the production. Never mind that we didn’t really have dressing rooms (they also served as faculty office space for Coach Dyson, Terry Zanin, and Tom Neal) or lighting, or mics, etc. Truly innovative theatre.
Did you perform in other theatre productions? I was one of the orphan boys/Fagin’s boys in “Oliver” during my sophomore year. Around 1985, I was a “Pick-a-little-talk-a-little lady” in “The Music Man” production in the ECC Theatre.
How satisfied are you with your decision to attend ECC? Attending ECJC was one of the best decisions I have made. In the ’70s, there was always a concern that credits would not transfer to four-year colleges, but St. Mary accepted all my hours. With scholarships and work-study money, my biggest expense was transportation.
What advice would you give to someone starting out at ECC today? Take advantage of the opportunity to take classes outside of your major, especially those in the practical arts. Expand your horizons. We need citizens now who are well-rounded individuals, able to reason logically and engage in conversation without hiding behind technology. Don’t be afraid to take classes in classical philosophy.
Doug Johnson, Lake of the Ozarks
Associate of Arts Degree
What did you do after your time at ECC? I went to the University of Missouri (Mizzou) and after college, I owned my own heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) business for 7 to 8 years. Then I worked for Jacuzzi and Magnetek hired me away, and that’s how I got in the motor industry — I was in that industry for 30 plus years.
Who was your favorite faculty or staff member at ECC? Carl Walker, music director, and Ed Conway, Business Instructor.
Fondest memory of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”? First off, John Anglin was an amazing director. He really related to us. The cast itself was amazing, and we all got along so well.
How satisfied are you with your decision to attend ECC? I am very satisfied with my decision to attend ECC. There are lifelong friends I acquired there. A lot of friends from high school participated in sports and music at ECC. It was a very friendly atmosphere.
What advice would you give to someone starting out at ECC today? ECC is a great place to get you prepared for a four-year school. But don’t overlook tech programs. Tech job opportunities (like welding, machining, industrial engineering, etc.) are immense, and the salaries are very attractive.
Funeral services for longtime Union Fire Protection District firefighter and Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben will be held at the East Central College Union campus on Saturday, July 13, beginning at 11 a.m.
Prior to the funeral services, a procession of fire service apparatus and other public safety vehicles will travel from Oltman’s Funeral Home to ECC. Motorists should be aware of potential congestion and delays on Highway 50 and near the college campus. Union police will be on campus Saturday to assist with traffic control.
Upon arriving at the campus, attendees will be directed to designated parking areas. Signs will direct attendees to the appropriate entrances.
The funeral service will be held inside the Donald D. Shook Student Center gym, located on the second floor. Plans call for the service to be livestreamed into ECC’s cafeteria on the first floor of the DSSC.
The Boone County Fire Protection District, the Union Fire Protection District, and the Missouri Fire Service Funeral Assistance Team are jointly planning and coordinating these services.
Tobben was an esteemed alumnus of ECC who earned fire safety certifications from ECC. He worked closely with the College to bolster our emergency preparedness during his time with the Union Fire Protection District.
Two Clemco Industries employees recently completed the Industrial Maintenance Technician (IMT) apprenticeship program and are already experiencing the positive impact on their careers.
In February, Washington residents Gabe Altemeyer and Caleb Gildehaus completed the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) IMT apprenticeship through East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development. They both earned an Industrial Engineering Technology Certificate of Achievement from ECC, as well as DOL IMT Certificates of Completion.
Altemeyer said he has already seen the substantial impact of the apprenticeship program on his career and noted the ease of starting the program, thanks to the support from Clemco advisors and Melissa Richards, CWD Apprenticeship & Business Training Coordinator.
Gabe Altemeyer
Altemeyer gained valuable skills, including wiring, programming, schematic reading, and the use of motors and drives.
“I also learned to problem-solve using different methods,” he shared. “The biggest strength for me was the labs. Working on something physical and seeing operations is the best way for me to learn.”
The structured program not only provided clear expectations but also accommodated Altemeyer’s work schedule, allowing time off to attend classes and complete his studies. He noted that his journey into the apprenticeship program began with a conversation with his supervisor and HR person, leading to meetings with Richards to explore available programs.
Caleb Gildehaus
With three years at Clemco, Gildehaus found the program easy to begin through the partnership between Clemco and ECC. He quickly signed up and began learning essential skills like reading wiring schematics, understanding electrical concepts, pneumatics, PLC programming, and robotics.
Caleb Gildehaus
Gildehaus said anyone interested in industrial work, machinery, or maintenance should consider this apprenticeship to cultivate growth in their own careers.
“The instructors are all very knowledgeable in the field of industrial engineering and maintenance. They have practical experience as well as theory-based knowledge to back up their skills,” Gildehaus explained.
The program’s structure allowed Gildehaus to balance work and study effectively, providing a clear roadmap to success.
“The program fit very well around my workday to allow me to get my working hours in as well as my homework and class work done,” he noted.
Both Altemeyer and Gildehaus’s stories underscore the value of the Industrial Maintenance Technician apprenticeship program. Their experiences highlight how such initiatives can enhance employees’ skills, advance their careers, and contribute to the growth and success of their companies.
Impact of CWD Programs
CWD apprenticeship programs do more than just improve productivity—they also enhance the bottom line for companies, offering opportunities for tax credits and employee benefits.
Currently, ECC offers DOL-registered apprenticeship programs in various technical occupations, including Industrial Engineering Technology, Welding, Precision Machining, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Richards emphasized the extensive reach of DOL-registered apprenticeship programs, which span over 1,000 occupations and continue to grow. These apprenticeships are accessible to both union and non-union organizations.
“We have excelled in technical apprenticeships for over five years, and we are now expanding to register more apprenticeship occupations in health care and information technology,” she stated.
The CWD is at the forefront of creating industry-leading and adaptable training solutions to meet both national and local needs. It’s important to note that for every $1 invested in an apprenticeship, employers can expect approximately $1.50 in return on investment, Richards added.
For more information about apprenticeship programs, contact the ECC CWD at Training@eastcentral.edu or 636-649-5800, or visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.
Layla Watson enrolled in East Central College’s Surgical Technology program in Rolla because she always wanted to be part of an operating room team.
“I’ve always been intrigued by surgery,” she said. “The surgical tech classes at ECC explore all the different types of surgeries in depth, and they have so much class participation.”
Watson, 21, of Waynesville, is conducting clinicals at Lake Regional Hospital, where she plans to remain and begin a career as a certified surgical technician. From there, she plans to continue her education and eventually return to a surg tech classroom to teach future members of operating room teams.
Watson and her classmates in ECC’s Surgical Technology program are poised to enter the workforce with many occupational options. Jennifer Wall, Surgical Technology Program Director, said there are numerous openings in the field, giving surg tech graduates various job opportunities.
“Most of our hospitals have more openings than any one program could fill in the next five years,” Wall said, adding, “With the nationwide shortage, our program is an integral part of the community.”
Additionally, Wall said there are many areas in health care that surgical technicians can pursue, including hospital surgery units, outpatient surgery centers, labor and delivery, dentists or oral surgeons, veterinary offices, or traveling companies. Some graduates, like Watson, will pursue an advanced degree.
“Surgical technologists can obtain a position that allows for an accommodating schedule that makes further education possible,” Wall commented.
Surge Tech at ECC
Surgical Technology is a “1 plus 1” degree program that requires one year of general education, followed by three semesters of surgical technology courses and clinicals. In the program, students learn concepts of aseptic technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures, and patient care. They are trained to anticipate the surgeon’s needs and assist throughout the procedure, making them a vital member of the operating room team.
Clinical sites ECC students attend extend across the state, including hospitals and surgery centers in Jefferson City, Columbia, Osage Beach, Springfield, Lebanon, Rolla, Sullivan, Washington, Festus, Farmington, and St. Louis.
The Surgical Technology program, under ECC since Fall 2022, is taught at the Rolla Technical Center under the guidance of two full-time certified instructors. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the national licensure exam by the NBSTSA.
Wall said she’s proud of the program’s perfect pass rate on the certification exam last year and 100 percent job placement over the past decade.
“Since this certification is national, our students can go anywhere in the United States and find employment,” she added. “Our graduates typically have many offers before graduation.”
Procedural drop-in that students use when training with the positioning and procedure manikin
State-of-the-Art Training
The Surgical Technology program recently received a new Positioning and Procedure Manikin to simulate the use of surgical tools in a lifelike model. The manikin’s realistic surface closely resembles the layers of human skin and is reinforced for suturing, allowing students to train with scalpels and other tools.
The manikin features an adhesive mixture within the skin that closes a “wound” and allows for additional training for many years to come. Additionally, the program received a flat abdominal skin topper, a procedural drop-in, and an insufflated skin topper to simulate laparoscopy.
Watson was the first Surg Tech student to use the new manikin.
The manikin’s realistic surface closely resembles the layers of human skin and is reinforced for suturing, allowing students to train with scalpels and other tools.
“It gives us a real sense of human anatomy during surgery and the layers of skin when opening and closing,” she said. “The laparoscopic belly is pretty accurate too, which is good because a lot of belly cases in real-world scenarios are done laparoscopically.”
Watson noted that the equipment provides additional functions that previous equipment could not.
“We’ll be able to actually move the manikin’s extremities for draping techniques,” she added. “Overall, it’ll give a better idea of patient handling in the operating room and the steps during procedures.”
The manikin was purchased through a Vocational Enhancement Grant.
‘Truly Flourishing’
Watson will be the first on her mother’s side of the family to graduate college — an accomplishment she and her family are proud of.
“Maintaining the work/life balance while still trying to reach my goals has been a challenge,” she noted. “It is worth it though.”
“I love everything that I have been taught and I am continuing to learn. My motivation within the program is to better myself and to go the extra mile,” Watson added. “I feel as though I am becoming the person I am meant to be — I am truly flourishing in this program.”
For more information on the Surgical Technology program, visit eastcentral.edu/pathway/ or contact Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.
