East Central College   

Category: Campus News

Education Instructor Receives Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award

December 19, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

There is no formula for a “perfect teacher.” It’s a message East Central College Education Instructor Greg Stotler delivers to his students every semester.

“As teachers, we strive to be the best we can and know our limitations,” he explained. “Flexibility is key.  No class is the same. Teaching takes a tremendous amount of skill in listening and evaluating.”

It’s also important to have a sense of humor. “Good” teachers, Stotler argues, are not afraid to laugh at themselves or with their students.

“If I had to designate one requirement for teachers it would be the ability to laugh.  Life is funny.  Some days it may come in the form of joy and others it may come in the form of irony or even discomfort.  Laughter helps us survive.”

Stotler practices what he preaches. It’s one of the many reasons he is such a valuable resource to students. It’s also one of the reasons he was awarded the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award in 2017 – an annual recognition of educators in the St. Louis area who are examples of excellence in their field.

According to his nomination form (which is kept anonymous), “Greg Stotler provides a positive and comfortable classroom environment that empowers students to ask questions freely. He consistently engages his students in a manner that forces them to think outside their comfort zone in order to connect their understanding of concepts to their experiences.”

It added that his teaching is not limited to just the classroom. Stotler can often be found around campus engaging students in activities. He continuously pushes students to access their full potential and to test their limits.

Stotler credits his success in education to his upbringing.

“I went into teaching because I was surrounded by amazing teachers, family, friends and colleagues in and outside school,” he said. “A countless number of people believed in me and always supported my path.  Those people knew when to push me and knew when I needed guidance, always demonstrating that life is not a solitary endeavor.”

He brings that mentality to the classroom every day.

“I love preparing students for one of their first ‘teaching’ roles through our coursework.  During this experience, a wonderful combination of nervousness and excitement resonates from the students,” he said.

#InspiringExcellence – East Central College Student Wins State Music Competition

December 12, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Reflecting back to his second-grade years, Ethan Stahl remembers his love for Nickelodeon.

“The Naked Brothers Band was my favorite show. It was the coolest thing to me back then,” he explained. “It inspired me to form a band with one of my pals.”

After a promising start, the band eventually fell apart due to creative differences. While Ethan didn’t end up a rock star, he did come away from the experience with something more meaningful – his love for piano.

“It’s a place I go in my head, and the escape that it provides is fantastic,” he explained. “I also just love the process of making a piece of music fulfill its potential.”

He’s taken his passion for the piano to East Central College, where he is studying piano performance and music theory. “The nuances of playing the piano have become so complex and full of such detailed characteristics that it has become an entire world for me,” he said.

In November, he got to put his skills to the test at the Missouri Music Teachers Association (MMTA) annual competition. It was his first competitive event, and he admits it started off a bit rocky.

“I didn’t get a chance to soak much of it in,” he said. “I was terribly sick the whole time.”

Despite his ailment, he pushed forward. It was a good thing he did.

Ethan took home first place in the Collegiate Honors Audition Lower Division for freshmen and sophomores. He competed against students from community colleges and four-year institutions across the state.

“When I performed, I knew I played well,” he admitted, “but I made a major fumble at the end. I assumed botched the whole thing. I left with a less-than-lukewarm feeling, which contributed to my surprise at the results!”

Ethan plans to transfer to a four-year university after East Central College and continue his studies in music.

Student Artwork to Appear in New York City Art Gallery

December 4, 2017 | Art Campus News

Seven East Central College students will soon have their artwork displayed in a New York City art gallery.

“Any time our students can show work it is important,” said Adam Watkins, fine and performing arts program coordinator. “It is exposure on one hand and a resume builder on the other.”

It is part of the Postcards from the Edge exhibit, a display of nearly 1400 postcard-sized pieces of art from internationally renowned and emerging artists. The identity of the artist is revealed only after the work is purchased. All proceeds go to the Visual AIDS organization –a group who utilizes art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting HIV+ artists and preserving a legacy.

“Participating in this charity is important to me because it helps artists who suffer from the disease get back on their feet,” said student Kyle Herbert. “My postcard design was a golden skeleton on top of a coffin. I called it ‘Rebirth.’ I chose this image to give support to the other artists who suffer from the disease.”

Mary Sleeper took a different approach with her postcard. “My postcard was a photograph of a car mirror that says ‘OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR ARE LOSING.’ Whatever seems to be a problem, you just have to keep driving, keep going and overcome your problems.”

A local landmark helped spur the idea for Danika Donatti’s postcard. “My design is the St. Louis Arch with a sunset in the background. My goal is to show how widespread this project is and that every artist in the world wants to make a positive impact.”

Last year, the exhibit raised more than $94,000. Student Travis Fischer hopes his contribution can help make a difference this year.

“One of the most important things someone can do in this world is support people in need,” he said. “In the end, my hope in helping out one person, or one group, is that they can be in a healthier place in life.”

Students Azusa Lloyd and Kiersten Engel, as well as Watkins, are also submitting artwork to the exhibit. It will all be on display January 19-21 at Gallery 524 in New York City.

Board of Trustees Election Set for April 3, 2018

December 4, 2017 | Campus News

Two trustees for the East Central College Board of Trustees will be elected on April 3, 2018, for terms of six years each.

One trustee shall be elected from sub-district one, which includes the school districts of Crawford County R-1 (Bourbon), Sullivan C-2, Strain-Japan R-16, Spring Bluff R-15, Franklin County R-2, New Haven, and the portions of Lyon and Boone Townships as well as the Beaufort-Union precinct in the Union R-11 School District.  Also included in sub-district one are the portion of the Boeuf and Lyon Townships in the Washington School District.

One trustee shall be elected from sub-district two, which includes the school districts of Lonedell R-14, St. Clair R-13, and Union R-11 excluding the Lyon and Boone Township portion of Union R-11 and that portion located in the Beaufort-Union precinct.

Trustees are elected by voters in the college district at large.  A candidate for the board must be a citizen of the United States, at least 21 years of age, a voter of the district for at least one year preceding the election and a resident of the sub-district for which he or she files for at least one year preceding the election.  A candidate must not have been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony or misdemeanor under the federal laws of the United States; must not be delinquent in the payment of any state income taxes, personal property taxes, municipal taxes, real property taxes on the place of residence (as stated on the declaration of candidacy); and must not be a past or present corporate officer of any fee office that owes any taxes to the state.

Declarations of candidacy may be filed with Bonnie Gardner, Executive Assistant to the President, during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the President’s Office (BH254), located in Buescher Hall, East Central College, 1964 Prairie Dell Road, Union, MO, 63084.  Filing will open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, and will close on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 5 p.m.   Please note that candidates filing on the first day of filing will be listed on the ballot in random order.  The College will be closed from 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 through Monday, January 1, 2018 and will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.  The College will also be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 15, 2018.

Food, Games and Massages – Finals Week Fun to Help Students Relax!

November 28, 2017 | Campus News

Finals can be stressful. To help students relax, Campus Life and Leadership has planned a week full of fun activities!

When you need a study break, check out one of these FREE events on campus Dec. 4 – Dec. 7:

Monday, Dec. 4

  • Grab & Go Breakfast: Join us in the The Learning Center Lobby from 7:30-10:00 a.m. for free food courtesy of DECA
  • Balloon Stress Busters: Join us as we pop and smash balloons in the cafe from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. courtesy of The Learning Center

Tuesday, Dec. 5

  • Sheba the Comfort Dog: Come see our furry friend in The Learning Center from 11 – 1 p.m.
  • Nacho Bar: Grab some free nachos in the cafe from 12 – 1 p.m.

Wednesday 12/6

  • Massage & Skincare: Come get free hand and neck massages as well as facial masks and peels from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in The Learning Center courtesy of ECC student and licensed esthetician Betty Cattinari
  • Bingo: Join us in the cafe to play the classic game and win some great prizes from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. courtesy of The Library.
  • Dodgeball: Do you have what it takes to win? Enter the S-MSTA Dodgeball Tournament in the gym at 3:30 p.m. Entry fee per team (5 per team) – $20.  All proceeds will go to help: All Abilities Athletics

Thursday 12/7

  • Massage & Skincare: Come get free hand and neck massages as well as facial masks and peels from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in The Learning Center courtesy of ECC student and licensed esthetician Betty Cattinari
  • Massage & Skincare: Come get free hand and neck massages as well as facial masks and peels from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. in The Learning Center courtesy of ECC student and licensed esthetician Betty Cattinari

Other goodies:

  • Central Methodist University will also be passing out kettle corn throughout the week.
  • The Student Government Association will have tables set up with “survival bags” around campus.
  • The Learning Center will have snack and study sessions throughout the week.
  • Rotaract will be sponsoring a Grab & Go Breakfast during the actual week of testing (December 13-16).

 

 

 

Finals Week Information for Students

November 27, 2017 | Campus News

Finals week is around the corner! The Learning Center and Testing Center in Union are extending their hours to give students more opportunities to study and take exams!

  • December 9 – 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • December 11-14 – 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • December 15 –  7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • December 16 –  8 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Testing Center only)

Students do not need to make an appointment to take a test at The Testing Center in Union. However, students who have accommodations on record and need an individual testing room need to make an appointment by calling 636.584.6550.

Meanwhile, The Testing Center in Rolla will also extend its hours during finals week:

  • December 9 – 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • December 11-14 – 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • December 15 – 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

For any exams taken between December 4 – 16, students will need to make an appointment by calling 573.466.4076.

Please bring valid identification to take an exam at either location! Students without proper identification won’t be allowed to take a test.

“As the semester comes to an end,” said The Learning Center Associate Director Kristin Milligan, “there will be many students taking exams during finals week. The wait may be a longer than anticipated. Please do not wait to the last day to test nor the last minute to visit the Testing Center in Union or Rolla!”

The last test will be administered an hour before close at both locations. Please arrive early and give yourself the full allotted time for your exam.

Join us for Adult Learner Night on December 7

November 20, 2017 | Campus News

East Central College serves a diverse population that reflects our entire community, throughout all life stages. Nearly 25 percent of our students are non-traditional, adult learners!

Whether you are going to college for the first time as an adult or returning to college after a long absence, East Central College wants to help.

Join us on December 7 at the Union or Rolla location from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. for Adult Learner Night! Learn about degree options, financial aid, career services, learning resources and more.

Free Textbook Giveaway Winner!

November 17, 2017 | Campus News

After high school, Michael Davis started a career in construction.

“It just wasn’t for me,” Davis explained.

So, he started working in hardware retail.

“I figured I would work my way up to management,” he said, “but I wasn’t very happy at that job either.”

Davis was missing something in his life. He wanted a career that was fulfilling – something that would make him happy.

“I’ve always liked helping people,” he said, “so I decided I wanted to become a counselor. I would love to be able to get involved in youth ministry.”

His first step was enrolling at East Central College. The St. Clair resident is now working toward an Associate’s of Arts in the social sciences pathway.  He plans to transfer to a four-year institution after graduation to pursue a degree in psychology.

Because Davis signed up for classes between October 23 – November 10, he was entered to win free textbooks for the Spring 2018 semester. More than 1,200 students were eligible to win, and Davis was chosen!

“I was really excited when I found out,” he said. “This is going to help tremendously.”

Congrats and thank you for enrolling early!

#InspiringExcellence – Receiving Financial Aid a Life-Changing Event for East Central College Student

November 17, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Going to college can be a life-changing decision. No one knows that better than Ronda Esparza.

“Ronda came to the Financial Aid department in the summer of 2013,” said Barb Kuelker, East Central College financial aid specialist. “I could tell she was a bit nervous.”

Ronda had never gone to college. In fact, at the age of 14, she dropped out of high school. For years, she battled substance abuse until it eventually landed her in prison.

“She found solace in the prison ministry,” said Kuelker. “This led her to obtain her high school equivalency and come up with a plan for her future.”

That plan led her to East Central College.

“She didn’t want to ignore her past. She wanted to use it to help others, “explained Kuekler. “Ronda wanted to become a substance abuse counselor.”

With the help of the East Central College Financial Aid department, Ronda figured out how to pay for college. She took out student loans and worked part-time jobs. She also obtained Pell grants, scholarships and Access Missouri grants to help cover costs. Her schedule only allowed her to take 6-9 credit hours each semester, but Ronda never gave up.

“When she needed help, she asked for it. She tackled each class with sheer determination. It took four long years, but she did it,” said Kuekler.

During that span, she began interning at The Freedom Center for Recovery in Union, where she managed to earn her credentials as a Recognized Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (RASAC) and a Missouri Associate Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MAADC).

In May 2017, Ronda graduated with an Associate’s of Arts. She is currently enrolled at Central Methodist University working towards a degree in psychology.

“I am so proud of Ronda. She is making a difference in our community, and it’s something she could not have done without her education and the financial aid she received,” Kuekler said.

Ronda was recently recognized at the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel (MASFAP) 50th Anniversary Celebration with the Student Success Story Award – focusing on individuals who truly benefited from receiving financial aid.