Category: Campus News

Financial Aid Director Named Missouri Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

May 9, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

For the last three decades, Karen Griffin has been helping students figure out how to pay for college.

“I think it’s very important that the financial aid process go smoothly for students,” she said. “If they have difficulty the first time, it can lead to a barrier in pursuing higher education.”

The East Central College Director of Student Financial Aid not only helps students coming through the doors of the college but students in the community. Over the last few years, Griffin has helped coordinate and facilitate the FAFSA Frenzy event at Sullivan High School. The event, partly sponsored by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, is part of a national effort to promote FAFSA completion. It connects financial aid professionals with students in their communities.

Because of her dedication and passion, Griffin was chosen as the FAFSA Frenzy Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for 2018!

“Karen went above and beyond to help make the Sullivan event a success, even helping answer questions for students who were unable to attend,” said Jessica Duren, Missouri Department of Higher Education Communication Specialist. “She was an eager volunteer who recruited other financial aid experts and helped families navigate through complex and unique financial situations.”

She was chosen from more than 400 FAFSA Frenzy volunteers! Congrats!

ECC Foundation Announces Sandy Upchurch Memorial Nursing Scholarship

May 9, 2018 | Campus News

The East Central College Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Sandy Upchurch Memorial Nursing Scholarship for the 2018-2019 school year.

The Pacific native and East Central College alumna was known as a caring, passionate person. She spent more than 30 years as a registered nurse in labor and delivery at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield – often caring for children in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Sandy was stricken with cancer and passed away on October 12th, 2016.

Through the scholarship, the family hopes it will encourage and instill the spirit to deliver compassionate care.

Students can apply for the scholarship on the ECC Foundation website. Two awards will be given annually to deserving students.

While the first award has been endowed by the family, donations can be made for the second award. All donations are tax-deductible. Please email foundation@eastcentral.edu for more information or call 636-584-6506.

Student Named National Finalist for Scholar-Athlete Award

May 7, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

The National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) has announced the finalists for the 27th Annual NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete Awards sponsored by Relation Insurance Services.

East Central College is proud to announce Magnus Andersen made the list!

“Magnus is an outstanding soccer player and an outstanding student,” said East Central College Athletic Director Jay Mehrhoff. “He was one of only seven male scholar-athletes chosen as a finalist across the entire country.”

To be eligible, nominees must meet the following criteria: minimum 3.6 GPA on a 4.0 scale with a minimum of 36 semester hours or 45 quarter hours with a minimum of 24 semester/36 quarter hours at the nominating institution; participation in a minimum of one complete season of varsity competition at the nominating institution; outstanding athletics success; and outstanding qualities of leadership and citizenship.

The male and female Scholar-Athlete Award winners will be formally recognized at NATYCAA’s Annual Convention, which will take place June 27-29 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

The NATYCAA is the professional organization of two-year college athletics administrators and membership is open to all two-year institutions throughout the country. It is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

East Central College NEA Honors Inspiring Local Teachers

May 3, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Educators have a profound effect on students in many capacities. The East Central College chapter of the National Education Association (NEA) is honoring those educators with the Inspirers of Excellence Award.

“This award is about teachers who are making an impact on a student’s life,” said ECC-NEA President Sue Henderson. “We want to celebrate their positive influence and dedication.”

Students were asked to nominate former teachers in March. This year, more than 30 recipients were selected!

2018 “Inspirers of Excellence” Award Winners:

First Sergeant Connell Anthony, Kershaw City School District
Justin Bellows, Pacific High School
Melissa Bestgen, Union High School
Shonda Boyer (retired), Sullivan High School
Christian Buenniger, Washington Middle School
Sherry Byram, Owensville High School
Jane Curtman-Schroeder, Union High School
Rachel Dake, Pacific High School
Patrick Dell, Hermann High School
Donald Dement, St. Clair High School
Brian Elder (retired), The Fulton School at St. Albans
Jessica Fitzgerald, Washington High School
Lauren Grover, Hermann High School
Todd Jones, Bourbon High School
Kristen Kloeppel, Dixon High School
Carolyn Kluesner, Four Rivers Career Center
Ashley Korn, Kingston High School
Christina Manolis, Washington High School
Ben Martin, St. Clair High School
Anna Maschmeyer, Sullivan High School
Kelsey McCroskey, New Haven High School
Danika Novak, Union High School
Ryan Novak, Dixon High School (formerly)
Jamie Opfer, Washington High School
Leslie Quint, Four Rivers Career Center
Jennifer Schwentker, Union High School
Kathy Smith, Sullivan High School
Ed Stahl , Washington High School
Anna Trautman, St. Clair High School
Kelly Wood, Washington High School

On May 2, teachers were invited to a ceremony at East Central College where they received a certificate acknowledging the achievement. The award corresponded with National Teacher Appreciation Week and National Teacher Appreciation Day.

#InspiringExcellence – Student Wins State Leadership Award

May 3, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

The Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Student Leadership Award is presented annually to an exceptional student leader from each community college campus.

East Central College is proud to announce Michail Ratcliff is the 2018 recipient!

“Michail uses charismatic leadership to mobilize students,” said Campus Life and Leadership Coordinator Courtney Henrichsen. “Michail is charming, humorous and personable – which has aided his recruitment efforts.”

The Washington native has been actively involved with the Student Government Association (SGA) during his time at East Central College.

“During his time as Public Relations Officer, Michail successfully expanded SGA’s social media presence and created successful marketing materials to promote SGA, the SGA food pantry and clothing closet and helped other clubs create their own advertisements.”

He went on to serve as president for the organization – focusing on improving SGA bylaws, senator recruitment and advocating for new clubs.

“Michail has worked diligently to reach out to other student organizations and provide any support that SGA can,” said Henrichsen. “He has led with the intention of building the confidence of SGA and other ECC student organizations and has been remarkably successful in his efforts.”

2018 Commencement Information

April 29, 2018 | Campus News

Commencement is right around the corner! We are so excited to celebrate your big day with you and your families. Below is some important information about this year’s ceremony.

When is it?

The 2018 commencement ceremony will take place Saturday, May 12th, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. in the Donald D. Shook Student Center, located on the Union campus. Rehearsal for commencement will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 11. The rehearsal is not mandatory, but it’s a good idea to show up!

What should I wear?

When you are putting on your cap and gown, remember that tassels are to be worn on the right side of the cap. Please wear a white or light colored dress shirt and tie. Although some consider the tie optional, the shirt collar and tie are visible at the throat of the gown. The gown is black and therefore dark dress slacks or a skirt that does not show below the gown’s hemline look best. Do not wear a boutonniere on your gown.

Ceremony rules (Yes, there are rules)

Looking your best and conducting yourself in a manner appropriate to the decorum of this time-honored ceremony are ways you can show pride in your accomplishment. Please leave the beach balls, confetti, and silly string at home. Even if you may not personally care about preserving the dignity and decorum of the commencement ceremony, please do not spoil it for those who are proud of their accomplishment. It also can create a trip hazard. No one wants to trip.

Guest information

Seating is on a first-come basis. Doors open at 10:30am. Seating on the floor will be initially reserved for guests needing special physical accommodations or wheel chair accessible arrangements. Commencement guests are requested to remain in their seats during the entire ceremony, which lasts approximately 80 minutes. Overflow seating will be available in the cafeteria. The seating in the cafeteria also provides guests with space to move around if needed.

A reception will be held in the cafeteria at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Facilities will run several golf carts around the parking lots to pick up any guests who may need a lift to the building entrance. Wheelchairs will be available to transport guests to and from the parking lot if needed. There will be personnel available to assist with wheel chairs just inside the doors of Loading Dock 1 in front of the entrance to the Bookstore in the Donald Shook Student Center (DSSC). Elevator access is available from any level of the DSSC.

Professional photos will be taken at the ceremony and will be available for purchase through Grad Images.

#InspiringExcellence – Students Named to 2018 All-Missouri Academic Team

April 27, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, students are selected for All-Missouri Academic Team by the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. East Central College is proud to announce three students made the list in 2018!

Jamie Foutch was named to the All-Missouri Second Team. She currently serves as the President of the Union chapter.

“At her time at East Central College,” said Phi Theta Kappa advisor Wendy Pecka, “Jamie has grown as both a leader and a scholar. One of Jamie’s strengths is her gregarious nature. She effectively serves as the voice of PTK on campus. She is not afraid of tackling a challenge and doesn’t give up when encountering roadblocks.”

Another All-Missourian Second Team designee, Hannah Bausch-McKellips currently serves as the Public Relations Secretary for the Union chapter.

“Hannah is able to quietly serve as a group leader as we plan fundraisers, campaigns and fellowship events,” said Pecka. “Her passion for helping others is an asset to our chapter. When I think about Hannah’s impact on our organization, I am reminded of Mahatma Gandhi’s words, ‘in a gentle way, you can shake the world.’”

Sally Cundiff was named to the All-Missouri Third Team this year. Phi Theta Kappa advisor Beth Winters-Rozema says the Rolla student is a valuable, active member who joined in October 2015.

“Sally serves as a link between past and current good ideas,” said Winters-Rozema. “She brings maturity and life experiences to discussions and is very good at applying what she learns in classes to chapter discussions of current issues.”

Members of the All-Missouri Academic Team are selected based on the extent to which they meet the definition of the word “scholar,” which Phi Theta Kappa defines as “one who excels in the classroom, has the intellectual curiosity to pursue an academic career and cultural enrichment outside the traditional classroom, shows evidence of substantial development of talents in academics and technical education and has demonstrated an ability to share this development with others.”

Students from each of Missouri’s 25 Phi Theta Kappa chapters apply to be on the All-Missouri Academic Team. Only 40 students are selected each year. The students are recognized at a Missouri Community College Association luncheon in April in Columbia, MO.

Phi Theta Kappa is the officially recognized honor society for two-year colleges on a national level.

Featured photo: Hannah Bausch-McKellips.
Below photo: Jamie Foutch, left, Sally Cundiff, right.

Cashier’s Office Schedule Change April 30 – May 3

April 26, 2018 | Campus News

The East Central College Cashier’s Office will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. April 30 – May 3. On Friday, May 4 the Cashier’s Office will be open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hours will resume as normal on May 7. We appreciate your flexibility and patience!

Earth Day Celebration at ECC

April 23, 2018 | Campus News

Many hands-on activities for children will highlight the Earth Day celebration at East Central College on Saturday, April 28. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Donald D. Shook Student Center.

Children will have the opportunity to plant seeds, dissect owl pellets, play with water bugs, create fairy gardens, dive into strawberry DNA, build bird feeders and much more!

Donations of old crayons will be accepted at the event, as well as HALO blankets.For more information about Earth Day activities at ECC call 636-584-6627.

#InspiringExcellence – Nursing Program Named Top 10 in Missouri

April 20, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

More than 54 nursing programs were ranked in the state of Missouri, and East Central College landed near the top of the list in 2018!

According to RegisteredNursing.org, East Central College is ranked the tenth best nursing program in the state. The methodology used for the rankings was based on the NCLEX-RN exam, which is used by all state boards of nursing across the country to help assess a student’s competency and is required for licensure.

Dean of Nursing and Allied Health Robyn Walter believes the dedication of the nursing faculty truly makes a difference at East Central College.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled by their devotion,” she said, “and students truly feel it. It’s also important to recognize the support staff, because it is the entire student experience that promotes success.”

East Central College offers two programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing. This program prepares students to become registered nurses. The main campus in Union, as well as the Rolla site, offers a complete pre-licensure program (generic) for those interested in becoming a registered nurse. A LPN to RN Bridge program is also available at the Rolla location for LPNs interested in becoming registered nurses.