East Central College is organizing a series of public forums to offer residents the opportunity to stay informed and ask questions about Proposition ECC. These forums will delve into the details of the tax levy transfer and its benefits for both the community and the College.
The plan includes six in-person public forums in communities within the ECC Taxing District. Additionally, there will be a Facebook Live forum on April 1 from 6-7 p.m. on the ECC Facebook page, featuring ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.
ECC is seeking voters’ approval for a levy transfer on the April 2 ballot that would result in no increase in the College’s property tax levy.
The forums are scheduled at the following locations:
New Haven Library — Monday, March 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
St. Clair Regional Library — Monday, March 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Meeting Room B)
ECC Union Campus — Tuesday, March 26; 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Conference Room B)
Bourbon Community Center — Wednesday, March 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Washington Public Library — Wednesday, March 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Sullivan Regional Library — Thursday, March 28; 5:30-6:30 p.m.
The levy transfer is expected to generate $2.2 million annually for:
Enhanced safety and security measures on the Union Campus.
Necessary upgrades to modernize aging buildings, including the replacement of older HVAC units and repairs to campus parking lots and roads.
Renovations to campus spaces for the Early College Academy, STEM/Engineering lab, and a Veterans Lounge.
Assistance with rising health care, insurance, and salary costs.
Maintenance of affordable tuition and fees.
For more information about Prop ECC, please visit the Prop ECC page.
The first Information Technology-focused apprenticeship was recently completed through a partnership between East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD) and WEG Transformers USA. Erick Voss, a network and computer systems administrator at WEG, successfully finished a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship program tailored to IT positions, marking the first of its kind at ECC.
Voss acquired proficiency in Microsoft Azure tools and online Azure programs, emphasizing the significance of cloud computing. Additionally, he received training in cybersecurity tools provided by Cisco. Voss highlighted the opportunity to select training that would be most beneficial for his role at WEG USA.
“I learned commands and tools for troubleshooting and networking, and I gained insights into detailed cybersecurity threats and the best ways to combat them,” he stated.
WEG’s human resources department recommended the apprenticeship to Voss and collaborated directly with the CWD. “I highly recommend this to my coworkers in IT because it can be tailored to any skill set,” he added.
Melissa Richards, ECC’s CWD apprenticeship and business training program coordinator, mentioned that CWD partnered with SAFAL Partners, a DOL intermediary offering training resources and apprenticeship expertise for sponsors like ECC. She highlighted that ECC utilized DOL funding to create this customized apprenticeship, with registrations and validations provided by the DOL.
“Industry partners like SAFAL enable ECC to expand into new areas of training and study, as we are primarily involved in manufacturing apprenticeships,” Richards explained. “We are always seeking to broaden our apprenticeship offerings and fields of study for all industries in our service region.
“Programs like this enable us to customize and tailor training to a company, a department, or a specific employee so they receive the training they need in an area of study relevant to their work or career advancement.”
To learn more about registered apprenticeships through ECC’s CWD, visit our Registered Apprenticeships page or call 636-649-5800.
East Central College is preparing for its 16th Senior Expo and Health Fair and is seeking sponsors and vendors for the annual event.
The Senior Expo and Health Fair will be Wednesday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Donald Shook Student Center. This free event will feature many local vendors.
The purpose of the event is to provide information to adults 55 years old and over, promote health awareness through education and prevention, and to provide information about available programs and services in our area.
Area seniors, who are 55 and older, can receive free health screenings, listen to speakers on various topics and win prizes. The event is in the College’s gym. Elevator and shuttle services from parking lots to the building will be available for our patrons.
For more information, contact External Relations Executive Administrative Assistant Cynthia Cubas at 636-584-6742.
Information for Vendors
Each vendor is asked to provide informational or educational materials, demonstration, screening, or service. Although vendors may demonstrate products, our Board of Trustee policies prohibit sales on our campus of articles or services.
Vendors are welcome to gather contact information from anyone interested in purchasing products or services later.
The vendor set-up date is Tuesday, May 14, from 2-5 p.m. Staff will be available to assist, and the gymnasium will be locked overnight to protect equipment and materials.
Anyone who cannot set up until May 15 morning, should contact Cubas to make arrangements.
There will be presentation opportunities during the Expo and Health Fair. Anyone with expertise on a subject, or anyone who can recommend someone to give such a talk, are asked to indicate that on the reservation form. A committee will select five presentation topics from those proposed by the vendors to share in a 15- to 20-minute talk on a subject of interest to seniors.
Sponsorships
ECC also is seeking event sponsorships. Listed are the sponsorship levels and what each level will receive:
Gold $500 donation — Sponsorship recognition on ECC’s corner digital sign, tabletop gold sponsor sign, KLPW radio interview the day of the event, sponsorship featured in event radio ad, sponsorship recognition in event advertising, company name and logo on sponsor recognition board, sponsorship acknowledgement on ECC’s website, sponsorship acknowledgement on social media and news releases and gold sponsorship acknowledgement in event program.
Silver $250 donation — KLPW radio acknowledgement the day of the event, sponsorship featured in event radio ad, sponsorship recognition in event advertising, company name and logo on sponsor recognition board, sponsorship acknowledgement on ECC’s website, sponsorship acknowledgement on social media and news releases and silver sponsorship acknowledgement in event program.
Bronze $100 donation — sponsorship recognition in event advertising, company name on sponsor recognition board, sponsorship acknowledgement on ECC’s website, sponsorship acknowledgement on social media and news releases and silver sponsorship acknowledgement in event program.
To receive sponsorship recognition information must be received by Friday, March 29.
The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, hosted by Neighbors United — Undoing Racism in conjunction with the ECC Film and Lecture Series, will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21, at East Central College in Union. The free event will take place in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center and is open to the public.
This year’s featured speaker is Kenneth W. Wheeler, a retired ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Wheeler is a sought-after preacher, public theologian, and writer. He serves as a guest lecturer on pastoral leadership in the 21st century at Wartburg Theological Seminary, where he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree.
Wheeler often delivers sermons for the National observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Most of his writings, sermons, and lectures focus on faith, race, and social justice. He is a respected elder and mentor to young pastors and seminarians.
A native of Jackson, Miss., Wheeler earned a B.A. in Religion from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and a Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.
The Rev. Eric Moeller of St. Peter’s UCC, Washington, will be performing original music as part of the program.
Neighbors United – Undoing Racism has been an active group in the Franklin County area, well-known for their Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations that bring together church and social groups to celebrate and work toward King’s legacy of equality and community. Church groups and individuals from across the area have joined forces to expand their reach and build relationships in the community. The Civic and Community Engagement Committee at East Central College co-hosts the event.
For more information, contact Aimee Appell (Neighbors United chairperson and pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Washington) at pastoraimee@gmail.com or Leigh Kellmann Kolb, Associate Professor of English, at leigh.kolb@eastcentral.edu.
East Central College’s financial aid department will hold a series of workshops aimed at assisting students in completing the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The workshops will take place in Buescher Hall, Union, room 182, from 5-6:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Tuesday, Jan. 16
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Tuesday, Jan. 30
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Tuesday, Feb. 20
These FAFSA Nights are designed to guide students through the application process and ensure they have the necessary support to access financial aid opportunities.
To attend the workshops, interested students must RSVP. To secure your spot, please call 636-584-6574 or email FinAid@EastCentral.edu.
For an effective workshop experience, students are encouraged to bring essential documents, including their Social Security number, driver’s license, W-2 forms, 2022 federal income tax return, and information on bank account balances, investments, and business or investment farm values.
ECC is committed to providing valuable resources to students as they navigate the financial aid application process. These workshops aim to simplify the FAFSA completion and ensure that every student can access the financial support they need for their education.
The East Central College Foundation is on the lookout for exceptional alumni who have left a lasting impact on their communities and beyond. Nominations are now open for the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award, a prestigious recognition reserved for those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership.
Nominees must have completed a college credit course at ECC during their educational journey. Foundation Executive Director Bridgette Kelch said that nominees should be recognized as leaders in their respective fields, showcasing a dedicated commitment to community service. Residency within the college district is not required.
“Our annual Outstanding Alumni award serves as a fitting tribute to acknowledge the remarkable dedication of our alumni to both their careers and communities,” Kelch said. “We know that many of our alumni are deserving of this prestigious award, and we are reaching out to the community for assistance in identifying these outstanding contributors.”
Nominees are expected to showcase exceptional contributions to ECC or the community, with a sustained commitment to the college, she added.
Nomination Guidelines
Current candidates for public office and past recipients are not eligible for the award.
To nominate a former ECC student, write an explanation in 500 words or less as to why the person is worthy of consideration. The explanation should accompany the nomination. Nominations must be received by April 10, 2024. All nominations received within the last three years are eligible.
The nomination form can be accessed from the webpage: www.eastcentral.edu/alumni/alumni-of-the-year/. People also can email foundation@eastcentral.edu or call 636-584-6505 to request the form for more information.
The recipient will be selected by the ECC Foundation Alumni Committee. A formal invitation to the 2024 Commencement Ceremonies will be sent to the honoree and a plaque will be displayed at the ECC Union campus in his or her honor.
Three East Central College Rolla nursing graduates were recognized for outstanding work in clinicals and in the classroom.
Kathrine Crider, Jessica Veloz and Brianna Courtney each were recognized Dec. 12 during a pinning ceremony for LPN to RN Bridge graduates.
There were 11 nursing graduates taking part in the pinning ceremony, which is held to recognize licensed practical nurses who continued their education to become registered nurses:
Stevie German, Shelly Gibson, Tina Feth, Jessica Veloz, Amy Hiatt, Kathrine Crider, Shelby Marler, Brianna Courtney, Emily Chastain, Tara Smith and Tanya Bausch.
Outstanding Student Nurse
Kathrine Crider received the ECC Outstanding Student Nurse award.
“She is an extraordinary person who is organized, determined, efficient, and well rounded. She is willing to adapt and jump into new learning experiences and push herself to have clinical experiences that are different than was she is used to,” Crider’s nomination read.
“She seeks out learning experiences that will help her grow and succeed in the field of nursing. She is highly successful in the clinical setting. She is a phenomenal addition to this clinical rotation and is always willing to ask questions to improve her learning.
“She is kind and willing to help a fellow student when needed. For these reasons and many more, this student will succeed and be a wonderful asset to the profession of nursing.”
To be considered for the Outstanding Nursing Student award, ECC has had to make a significant difference in the life of the student.
Spirit of Clinical Excellence
The awards for Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing are presented to graduating nurses who demonstrate characteristics of caring and compassion, the spirit of inquiry, exceptional critical thinking and decision making and have superior organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize.
MoBap Spirit of Excellence
Brianna Courtney received the Missouri Baptist Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award because she is a great example of a compassionate nurse both in the classroom and clinical setting.
“She has excelled with showing care and compassion from day one. She has incredible critical thinking and is able to successfully prioritize all the many demands of life and nursing school,” her nomination read.
“This student was great to work with and is very eager to learn and doesn’t shy away from the new or intimidating stuff. This student was very comfortable at the bedside and took great care when communicating with patients. For these reasons and for many more there is no question that this student will make an excellent RN and be a lovely addition to any nursing unit.”
Phelps Spirit of Excellence
Jessica Veloz is the recipient of the Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award due to her compassion, commitment, eagerness, and integrity to the profession of nursing.
“She is quietly assertive and develops a rapport with her patients, their families, and the staff making sure that their needs were met. She did not shy away from challenges, but rather exceled when the opportunities arose,” states her nomination form.
“She has displayed an abundance of compassion and patient- centered care in all areas of clinical rotations. She is dedicated to quality, and safe patient care, and insists on the patients receiving this. She does a great job with putting knowledge into clinical practice and she is a good team player. Her kind, positive attitude, desire to seek out learning experiences, and following protocol are great attributes that she possesses.”
To learn more about the ECC Nursing and Allied Health program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/nursing/, or contact Nancy Mitchell at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.
Back row, from left, are Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences & Director of Nursing, Joannie Blakely, Rolla nursing coordinator, Stevie German, Shelly Gibson, Tina Feth, Jessica Veloz, Amy Hiatt, and Julie Chirban, LPN to RN Bridge instructor. Front row., from left, are Lavonda Lawson, Rolla administrative assistant, Kathrine Crider, Shelby Marler, Brianna Courtney, Emily Chastain, Tara Smith, Tanya Bausch, Trista Elias, nursing faculty.
East Central College has been awarded funds aimed at reducing training costs for individuals entering apprenticeships or enrolling in career-ready programs.
Those who qualify for programs could be eligible to receive up to $1,000 to cover the expenses associated with their training or courses. These funds are applicable to both pre-apprenticeship programs and Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship programs, as well as career technical for-credit programs.
This state funding provides valuable support for individual students looking to acquire new skills and businesses interested in enrolling employees in apprenticeship programs for skill development.
The pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeship programs are offered through ECC’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD). Learn more here: www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.
To learn more or participate in the funding program, please contact CWD Apprenticeship & Business Training Coordinator Melissa Richards at 636-649-5806 or melissa.richards@eastcentral.edu.
Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. All credit career and technical classes begin the week of January 16, 2024, and all forms or applications must be completed before classes start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pre-apprenticeship program?
Pre-apprenticeships are specifically designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) or other job opportunities. These programs, customizable to fit industry needs, may last from a few weeks to a few months. They provide a chance for companies to assess the abilities and commitment of new or existing employees before committing to a more extended training program.
What is a registered DOL apprenticeship program?
Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career pathways offering paid work experience, classroom instruction, mentorship, and a portable credential. ECC can assist in establishing companywide apprenticeship programs, guiding employers through the entire process.
How to participate in the funding program?
Employers should identify a training area from the list above, and ECC will collaborate to schedule the training program. Each trainee, whether sponsored by a business or an individual, will need to complete a registration packet and provide forms of identification.
How to register a DOL apprenticeship program?
ECC will partner with employers to create a comprehensive apprenticeship training program, including standards, training requirements, and on-the-job competencies. With partnerships already established with 30 area businesses and the training of over 100 apprentices, ECC is well-equipped to guide this process.
Benefits of a DOL registered apprenticeship program:
A registered apprenticeship program provides clear expectations and pay advances for apprentices and participating employers. ECC and the company will collaboratively design a training program ensuring competency in the field upon completion. These programs offer mentorship opportunities, allowing individuals to earn income while acquiring hands-on skills relevant to their daily work.
East Central College is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
East Central College will be hosting information sessions for SNAP (food stamp) recipients to learn more about the opportunity to receive an education for free.
The sessions will be held Dec. 12-14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Washington Job Center, 1108 Washington Square Center. Eligible SNAP recipients will be able to use the SkillUp program that provides free tuition and support services to complete a short-term (12 months or less) training program at no cost. The programs will provide individuals with a new career path and the opportunity to begin a career in a high demand industry.
ECC offers several SkillUp eligible programs, including Fast Track Welding, Heating and Air-Conditioning, Industrial Maintenance, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Certified Medication Technician (CMT) and Medical Assistant. The Welding, CNA and CMT programs can each be completed in 16 weeks or less.
No reservations are needed for the sessions. Those interested need to ask for Melissa Schall-Willmore at the Washington Job Center.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is providing East Central College with funding to offset 90 percent of the program costs for students looking to complete the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program at the College.
Interested students need to be 18 years of age and employable. Eligible students will be required to pay $150 to enroll in the 16-week program.
The DHSS is providing the funding to help fill the large vacancies found in a profession that is drastically understaffed. A majority of long-term care facilities and hospitals rely heavily on CNAs to help patients with everyday activities such as getting dressed, eating meals and bathing.
According to a 2023 workforce report by the Missouri Hospital Association, there are 826 vacant CNA positions in the St. Louis region, 2,360 in the state of Missouri.
This round of funding is available until May 31, 2024. For more information, contact Terri Warmack, Health Careers Outreach Coordinator, at 636.584.6531 or view the CNA webpage.
