Category: Campus News

Seeing the Empire State Building, Times Square, or Statue of Liberty can be an experience of a lifetime. It was no different for East Central College student Sara Hamer.

“It was an amazing experience,” the Labadie native said. “You see these places on TV, but you never think you’ll see them in person. It was a lot to take in, but overall it was amazing.”

Her trip to New York City wasn’t just about sightseeing. She was there to learn. Paying her own way, she attended the DECA Engage Conference in November.

According to its website, DECA “prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.” It’s an organization Hamer was actively involved with in high school, and she wanted to continue her involvement when she came to East Central College.

“I wanted to continue DECA in college because I love it,” she explained. “I know it’s a great way to not only expand my knowledge but also make connections and get more involved.”

At the conference, Hamer was able to network with business professionals from across the country. She heard successes and failures from entrepreneurs and see business operations in action. She also was able to put her skills to the test.

“Sara entered the Entrepreneurship Business Simulation Competition at the conference,” said Steffani McCrary, ECC DECA sponsor. She traveled with Hamer on the trip. “She was paired with two other students, who she didn’t know, and they were given a task relevant to the category.”

Hamer’s team had to navigate through the fashion industry. In their simulation, a large retailer was doing poorly, and they had to figure out how to implement positive change. Her team beat out nearly every team competing – placing third in the national competition. “I was very surprised that we placed,” she admitted, “but in a really good way!”

McCrary knew she was up to the challenge. “Sara is a very dedicated and conscientious student,” she said, “Sara strives to do great in her school work and activities.”

Hamer plans to transfer to a four-year college or university after East Central College to continue her education in Business.

Putting things off is something we all do – getting your oil changed in your car, cleaning out the refrigerator or even going to the doctor for an annual checkup. For Bobby Hinson, it was getting his high school diploma.

“I’m an eighth-grade dropout,” Hinson admitted.

The father of four works for the Missouri Department of Transportation as a maintenance worker.

“On any given day I’m mowing, fixing pot holes, putting up street signs or plowing snow,” Hinson explained.

While Hinson enjoys his job, he wanted more. “I want to become a superintendent at some point,” he said. “They supervise all the work sites. They decide what priority is and how the process should be done.”

Unfortunately, he knew any promotion was out of reach without more education. That’s when he decided to get his High School Equivalency (HSE) through the East Central College Adult Education and Literacy Program (AEL).  It provides free classes to improve a students’ skills in math, reading, writing, social studies and science in order to pass the High School Equivalency Test.

“I didn’t want my younger kids growing up thinking it’s okay to give up,” he explained. “I decided it was time to do something about it.”

He admits he was scared to start the process, but the AEL staff soon put him at ease. Hinson says he tried to get his GED back in the late 90’s through a different program, but he didn’t have much success.

“The program wasn’t focused on the teacher-student relationship,” he explained. “They handed you a book and you were on your own.”

Through the AEL Program, Hinson worked one-on-one with instructors and volunteers, receiving custom instruction and constant guidance. “It was a good surprise,” he said. “It’s not what I was expecting.”

During the process, he also received continuous support from his employer. It helped him stay on track.

“There were a few times [MoDOT] would have something come up at the end of the day,” Hinson said. “I would volunteer to help, but they wouldn’t let me. They didn’t want me to miss class.”

Hinson was a model student. It didn’t take long for him to make it to the finish line.

“The amount of time and effort put into the program and the starting skill levels determine when an individual is ready to take the final test,” said Alice Whalen, Director of AEL. “Despite the number of years he had been out of school, Bobby was determined. He put in the effort and dedicated himself to achieving his goal.”

Hinson passed the final test with flying colors.

“The night after taking the last test, my wife had balloons and a cake waiting for me when I got home. We went out to dinner to celebrate,” he said. “My kids were ecstatic about it!”

He had even more to celebrate when he went back to work – he received a promotion! While he says he’s proud of his accomplishments so far, he knows there is more to come.

“I don’t want to stop with just my HSE,” he said. “I want to keep pushing forward. I want to get a college degree.”

The AEL Program is free to everyone and offers several class locations with morning and evening sessions. To learn more about obtaining your High School Equivalency, email ael@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6533.

Students who have earned a high school equivalency diploma (HiSET) through the AEL program at East Central College are eligible to receive a tuition waiver for a three (3) hour college credit class at East Central College. In order for a student to qualify for the incentive, a student must have completed the HiSET program and/or exam with East Central College within twelve (12) months prior to enrollment and it must be his or her first time attending any college.

Each semester, East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated superior academic achievement.

Upon completion of at least 12 semester credit hours with a semester grade point between 3.50 and 3.84, students are acknowledged by placement on the Vice President’s List. For the Fall 2018 semester, there were more than 160 students on the list!

Each semester, East Central College recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary academic achievement.

Upon completion of at least 12 fall semester credit hours with a semester grade point average of 3.85 or greater, students are acknowledged on the President’s List. More than 120 students made the list for the Fall 2018 semester!

The East Central College Cashier’s Office, located in the main lobby of Buescher Hall, will modify its hours starting on Wednesday, January 9. The new hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The temporary hours will be in effect until Thursday, January 17. The cashier’s office will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Friday, January 18.

Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, January 22. We appreciate your understanding and patience!

East Central College is inviting the community to participate in its Future Summit. The event is designed to address the college’s challenges and search for future opportunities. It will take place in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center from 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 18.

“As we continue our pursuit of excellence,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, East Central College President, “we are in the process of designing a new strategic plan. Community input is an invaluable resource in creating that plan.”

East Central College’s Strategic Plan Initiative, SOAR to 2024, will help it identify and define the experience it provides to its students. The Future Summit is an integral part of the strategic planning process.

The conference-style event will happen on the Union campus and will feature a keynote speaker and topics that will form the foundation of the event including:

• Creating a Culture of Change and Building Trust
• Aligning School Districts, Colleges and Employers for Long-Term Success
• Maintaining a Personal Touch in a High-Tech Learning Environment
• The Power of Data to Support Learning and Student Success

Following these talks, community members will have the opportunity to join small group discussions. The input from these discussion groups will inform the college’s strategies for the next five years and beyond.

“The Future Summit is designed to bring all constituents together for learning and discussion,” said Dr. Bauer. “It is an opportunity to jump-start future planning for business and industry and community organizations.”

Find out more about the SOAR to 2024 initiative and RSVP for the Future Summit!

She has taught in West Africa. She spent several years tutoring hearing-impaired high school students. She even spent a year as a Spanish instructor. No matter the setting, Jennifer Higerd loves to teach.

“I’ve really been teaching for most of my adult life,” she said. “I love watching and guiding the transformations and growth in students – the look on their faces when they ‘get it.’”

For the last eight years, Higerd has been educating East Central College students in design and ceramics. She also is the curator for the East Central College Art Gallery.

“I really enjoy getting to know students – helping them to find their voice and then to find the medium to share their story,” she explained. “I love to see the new and innovative things they come up with.”

Her passion for teaching hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2018, she was awarded the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award! Sponsored by Emerson, the award program annually recognizes more than 100 educators in the St. Louis area who are examples of excellence in their field.

“It is so nice to be appreciated! I am thankful for wonderful colleagues who’ve helped me to grow and improve as a teacher and mentor,” she said. “I’m so thankful to work with so many talented and inspiring colleagues doing such great things on our campus.”

East Central College will host Walk-In Weekend on Saturday, January 5 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at its Union campus. This is an opportunity for current and prospective students to get ready for the Spring 2019 semester.

At the event, students will be able to apply to East Central College, register for classes, take a placement test, receive assistance with financial aid and meet with an advisor. The Bookstore and Learning Center will also be open during the event.

No appointment is needed. Students can walk in at any time during the event.

On Wednesday, January 9, East Central College in Rolla will extend its hours until 7 p.m. to help students prepare for the Spring 2019 semester.

Students Affected by the Vatterott/L’Ecole Culinaire Closing

East Central College is ready to help Vatterott College students in the area who have been affected by the closure of all Vatterott and L’Ecole Culinaire locations.

East Central College has created a resource team to help displaced students continue their education. They will be available at the Walk-In Weekend event.

East Central College is ready to help former Vatterott College students in the St. Louis area. The college sent a letter to students Monday to inform them of the decision to close all Vatterott and L’Ecole Culinaire locations suddenly and permanently.

“We understand the impact this decision has on students and the uncertainty they now face,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “In this anxious time, East Central is ready to help these students transition and continue their pursuit of their degree and career.”

East Central College has created a resource team to help displaced students continue their education. Students interested in transferring can contact admissions@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6500.

When Madison Caldwell received the Jeff Maune scholarship at East Central College, she was thrilled.

“I was honored to be chosen,” said the Pacific native. “The scholarship helped me financially but also mentally. It made me feel like there is someone out there cheering me on – someone who wants to see me succeed.”

Open to all students from Franklin County, the scholarship is helping Madison achieve her dream – becoming a teacher.

“I am going into education because I love children,” she said. “I want to be someone a child feels comfortable going to in a time of need.”

While most college students don’t often get to meet their scholarship benefactors, East Central College makes it a priority.

“We believe it is important to bring our scholarship supporters together with the students they are directly impacting,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Through the annual East Central College Foundation Scholarship Breakfast, we make it possible.”

For Madison, it was a chance to thank her benefactor in person.

“I loved getting to meet Jeff and his wife Beth,” she said. “They made me feel like I had known them my entire life. It was such an honor to be able to express my gratitude to them in person, rather than through a letter or thank you card.”

“We were both so impressed with Madison,” said Jeff. “She is a well-rounded, down-to-earth person. She has a plan in place for her future, and I just hope the scholarship helped her in at least a small way.”

The scholarship is in dedication to Jeff’s late wife, Patsy, who passed away in 2012.

“There is a need for caring, dedicated teachers,” Jeff explained. “Patsy couldn’t have become a teacher without financial help. When the East Central College Foundation Board approached me about setting up a scholarship, I wanted to help.”

Madison was one of 201 students who received more than $100,000 in scholarships through the ECC Foundation this fall.

“Our community is very supportive of the ECC Foundation,” said Dr. Bauer. “Every dollar donated helps enhance the lives of our students forever and strengthens our community. It is an economic and a human investment.”

The East Central College Foundation solicits and receives tax-deductible gifts which are managed for the benefit of the college and its students. It is chartered as a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization for educational purposes. It currently supports more than 200 scholarships for students.

Those interested in donating to the ECC Foundation or establishing a scholarship can visit www.eastcentral.edu/foundation or email foundation@eastcentral.edu.