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Category: Campus News

Engineering Students Explore Largest Particle Accelerator in North America

April 19, 2018 | Campus News

Just outside of Chicago, there is a 6,000 acre preserve that houses something magnificent. As East Central College Engineering/Math Academic Advisor Linda Arrington puts it – it merges science and architectural beauty.

“We raised funds for two years to go on this trip. It is something students really looked forward to,” said Arrington.

It’s called the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and it is home to Tevatron – the largest proton accelerator in North America.  After the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland, it’s the second largest in the world.

According to its website, the purpose of the facility is to expand humankind’s understanding of matter, energy, space and time, capturing imaginations and inspiring future generations.

During Spring Break, students from East Central College took a peek inside.

“I learned there are a lot of things particle accelerators can do for us,” said engineering student Zachary Bartels. “We were told someone was working on a particle accelerator to harden asphalt quicker. I had no idea.”

Though Tevatron was shut down in 2011 after 26 years of colliding particles, the facility is still home to seven other particle accelerators used for research and development.

“This visit was pure science,” said Arrington. “Students were able to see the scale and scope of the super magnets the accelerator used. They also got to experience what it would be like to work in an environment where exciting and innovative research takes place.”

“The trip gave us insight about the applications of a particle accelerator,” said engineering student Cody McWay. “While learning about these applications, we observed how we, as future engineers, could possibly be integrated into that environment. A plethora of electrical, mechanical and civil engineers are necessary for the physicists to be able to build these machines, buildings, and circuits to be able to study how these particles interact at velocities near the speed of light.”

Students also visited an Exxon Mobil Refinery in Joliet, Illinois during the trip.

“This was a rare opportunity,” said Arrington. “A refinery is not usually open for visitors. Students got a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see major unit operations in real-time.”

Ann Schroeder Named 2018 Commencement Speaker

April 11, 2018 | Campus News

East Central College is proud to announce that Ann Schroeder will serve as the 48th Annual Spring Commencement on May 12, 2018.

“Ann has made a significant impact in Franklin County throughout her career,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “We are honored to have her be a part of the ceremony.”

A lifelong resident of Union, Ann attended Union High School before pursuing an Associate of Arts from East Central College. She later transferred to the University of Missouri where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration.

In her professional career, Ann served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for Union for nearly 20 years. She also spent seven years as the Recreation Director for Webster Groves, where she helped complete the construction of a community center, ice rink and outdoor aquatic center.

In 2001, she made a career change and ran for public office as the Second District County Commissioner in Franklin County. She served in this role, as only the second woman ever to hold the office as County Commissioner, until 2012.

“I am most proud of the Putting Kids First tax initiative,” Ann explained. “It helped fund comprehensive school-based prevention programs, initiated professional mental health service providers to move to Franklin County and created temporary shelter for abused, neglected and homeless people.”

Outside of her career, Ann has dedicated her time to making a difference. She brought her leadership skills to the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association (MPRA), where she served as a board member, state conference chairperson, secretary and president. She also received the Associate Fellow Award and the Fellow Award for her work on the MPRA. Additionally, Ann spent a decade as a board member for the Missouri Association of Counties and served as a board member for the Great Lakes Region of the National Parks and Recreation Association. She was named a board member for the Franklin County Youth Fair and Franklin County Children’s Resource Board. She is also a member of the Union Kiwanis, Daughters of Isabella and Immaculate Conception Parish Choir.

She has been honored by the Union Chamber of Commerce with the Distinguished Service Award and by East Central College with the Outstanding Alumni Award. She is married to her husband Norman and has two daughters, Kate and Abby, as well as two granddaughters, Kassidy and Elly.

ECC Month of Service in April

April 10, 2018 | Campus News

Make a difference in the month of April and join our cause! We are challenging our campus to participate in at least one service project during the month of April.

East Central College has partnered with several local agencies and community groups to expand volunteer site offerings.

2018 Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Cedarcrest Manor
  • Children’s Advocacy Center
  • Exceptional Equestrians of MO Valley
  • Victorian Place of St. Clair
  • Franklin County CASA
  • Union Food Pantry
  • Grace’s Place Crisis Nursery
  • Willow Brooke by Americare
  • The Road Home Event
  • ECC Beautification Day

Volunteers can sign up here: signup.com/go/rqYTLMQ

Each volunteer will receive a free T-Shirt! Email Shanee Haynes with any questions.

Snacky Hour with Dr. Bauer

April 9, 2018 | Campus News

East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer invites students to enjoy some free snacks and get their questions answered about the recent Higher Learning Commission (HLC) visit to campus.

Come to Cafe Central from 12 – 1 p.m. on April 11 in Union or Rolla Technical Center, Room 147  from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. on April 16 as we dive into various topics like:

  • Will the HLC visit affect my financial aid?
  • Will my credits still transfer?
  • Will it affect my degree?
  • What else do I need to know?

No need to RSVP – just show up! We hope to see you there!

New Apprenticeship Grant Will Help Businesses Train Area Employees

March 28, 2018 | Campus News

Thanks to a grant from the Missouri Department of Workforce Development, East Central College will be able to help local businesses train dozens of highly-skilled workers through the Missouri Registered Apprenticeship program (MORAP).

ECC’s Center for Workforce Development will receive $239,550 to develop apprenticeship programs with area manufacturers including Aerofil Industries, ATRO Engineering Systems, Clemco Industries, Graphic Packaging, G.H. Tool and Mold, Homeyer Precision and Texwrap Packaging Systems.

MORAP is designed to provide workers with on-the-job training at their current employer, in addition to classroom and hands-on training through one of three ECC programs; Industrial Engineering Technology, Precision Machining or Welding.

“ECC is in the position to provide the state-of-the-art training for our area,” says Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations. “We are fortunate to have the state recognize the importance of retaining and training a vibrant workforce.”

Participants will have the opportunity to complete a certificate or degree at East Central College.

“We’re fortunate to have an opportunity for our employees to sharpen their workforce training skills,” says Karen Dierking, human resources manager at Homeyer Industries in Marthasville, “and having our employees complete their apprenticeship in a short amount of time is important to maintain our workflow and projects.”

Employees in the program will complete classroom and lab work outside normal working hours. As a condition of the grant, each will receive an increase in their compensation once they complete the program.

“Apprenticeships develop a higher performing workforce with the skills our company needs,” says Dave Graves, president of G.H. Tool and Mold in Washington. “We believe our employees will feel valued with this investment in their skills.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, for every dollars spent on apprenticeships, employers receive $1.47 in increased productivity and greater front-line innovation.

The ECC Center for Workforce Development is housed in the Business and Industry Center at East Central College. The Center works with nearly 50 area businesses to develop workforce training programs with business and industry throughout the ECC service region.

The Biggest Falcon Fest Ever on April 3!

March 27, 2018 | Campus News

To help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of East Central College, FalconFest is going BIG! Join in on the fun April 3 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Donald Shook Student Center Gym and Cafe Central.

Compete and Win!

Our theme for FalconFest this semester is Go For The Gold!, and it’s all about games, games and more games! Grab a scorecard outside the gym, go inside to play games and win prizes! Each booth will have a different event for students to play – from inflatable games to timed events. At the end of the day, we’ll tally up the scores. The students with the top points will win gift certificates to local restaurants, gas cards and ECC gear! Did we mention we will have a mechanical bull?

Food Frenzy!

Stop by Cafe Central to check out the Food Frenzy! Sugarfire Smoke House, The Barnyard Cafe, Big Boys Grilled Subs and Wings, Imo’s Pizza, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt and Ronnoco Coffee will be on hand serving up food for campus. Additionally, Cafe Central will have specials and the East Central College Faculty Association will host its famous BBQ! As you enjoy the food, stick around for trivia, held at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and bingo, held at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Guess what? We’ll have prizes for those too!

Petting Zoo and Rescue Dogs!

We are excited to welcome A Zoo For You as they bring the most adorable, affectionate animals straight to our campus for students, faculty and staff to enjoy! The petting zoo includes a variety of gentle farm animals that are specially raised and socialized to interact with people (weather dependent). FalconFest will also feature the Franklin County Humane Society and some adoptable dogs!

4K TV Giveaway!

Any current student attending FalconFest will be able to enter into a free 4K TV Giveaway! Come find us in the Gym or Cafe Central to put your name in the hat.

Want more entries? Donate items at the Franklin County Humane Society booth for more chances to win!

  • 1 extra entry
    • single cans of Hill’s A/D dog food
    • single cans of Iams cat food
    • washable dog and cat toys
    • blankets or quilts
  • 5 extra entries
    • rubber-backed rugs (new or in good condition)
    • pelleted cat litter
  • 10 extra entries
    • bag of Purina Kitten Chow
    • bag of Iams Kitten Chow
    • bag of Purina Puppy Chow

Taking Care of Loved Ones – Home Care Workshops Starting in April

March 27, 2018 | Campus News

According to the AARP, more than 40 million people give unpaid care to their loved ones in the United States. Caring for a family member or close friend is both important and complicated. It can happen suddenly, with an accident or illness, or it may happen gradually. When the time comes, will you be prepared?

“We know many people are put into a home care role without any formal training,” said Terri Warmack, East Central College Health Careers Outreach Coordinator. “They are entering unfamiliar territory and have lots of questions.”

In April, East Central College will offer Home Care Assistant Workshops through its Center for Workforce Development.

“These are classes designed to help not only paid home health care workers but family members and caregivers,” said Warmack.

Held every Wednesday evening from April 11 – May 16, the classes focus on topics like CPR, first aid, transferring loved ones safely and promoting independence. In cooperation with the East Central College Culinary Department, two of the classes will focus on dietary restrictions and healthy eating habits. Participants will learn how to cook easy, healthy meals in the sessions

The Home Care Assistant Workshops are $40 per class or $200 for all six classes. Contact Terri Warmack to sign up 636-584-6534 or terri.warmack@eastcentral.edu.

Classes are held in the East Central College Training Center located at 1964 Prairie Dell Road in Union.

ECC Spirit Week – April 2-5!

March 26, 2018 | Campus News

To help kick-off the 50th Anniversary of East Central College, we will be holding a Spirit Week April 2-5! This will be a week to celebrate, have fun and show school spirit for students, faculty and staff!

50th Anniversary Spirit Week – April 2-5

  • Monday: Falcon Spirit Day – Get caught wearing ECC gear and win a prize!
  • Tuesday: Go for the Gold Day – Get into the Falcon Fest spirit and wear your favorite athletic/Olympic gear!
  • Wednesday: Alma Mater Day – ECC is made up of many people from many places. Show us where you are from!
  • Thursday: Decades Day – Dress up like your favorite ECC decade – 1968 – 2018!

On April 2, 1968, voters approved the establishment of the Junior College District of East Central Missouri. On September 15, 1969, nearly 17 months later, the first classes were held in temporary facilities at Memorial Auditorium in downtown Union. Today, we are proud to continue our mission as a dynamic entity within the local region, offering excellent educational opportunities and program partnerships between the College, other educational organizations and local business and industry.

Learn more about the 50th Anniversary Celebration!

Register for Classes Early and Win Free Textbooks!

March 26, 2018 | Campus News

One lucky current student who registers for Summer or Fall 2018 classes between March 26 – April 6 will win free* textbooks for next semester!

The course schedule is available March 12 for students to view. You can check it out on the Student Services page under Registration and Student Records.

Enrolling for classes early allows East Central College to better plan for next semester – students should schedule an appointment with their advisor today!

*up to $500

Nominate a Local Teacher for an “Inspirers of Excellence” Award

March 20, 2018 | Campus News

Educators have a profound effect on students in many capacities. However, they aren’t always thanked for their hard work and dedication.

The ECC – NEA “Inspirers of Excellence” award honors teachers in the community who have had an impact on current East Central College Students.

“We want to know what teacher inspired you to become the person you are today,” said ECC-NEA President Sue Henderson. “There are so many talented, hardworking educators in our service area. The Inspirers of Excellence award is one small thing we can do to recognize their dedication.”

Nominations are open until March 30. Please include the teacher’s name, school and include a brief description of how he or she has inspired you. The ECC-NEA will hold a recognition ceremony for the award recipients in May.

Nominate a teacher today!