Category: Campus News

Friends of the Library Book Sale Open to Public

September 21, 2016 | Campus News

ECC is holding its annual “Friends of the Library Book Sale” on Oct. 10-12 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The sale helps raise funds for college activities and provides affordable reading options for the public.

Rather than paying full price for a used book online, ECC Library Services Director Lisa Farrell encourages students and community members alike to stop by. “We’ve seen many great fiction titles go quickly for 50 cents a paperback and $1.00 for hardbacks, including textbooks – it’s quite a steal.” The cost of each book ranges from 50 cents to one dollar. Sale items range from fiction and non-fiction books, recent magazines, and popular movies.

Donations from the public are being accepted through Sept. 30 with a request that Readers’ Digest or Encyclopedia sets not be sent. Various donations include fiction and non-fiction books, recent magazines, and popular movies.

Friends of the Library allocates book sale funds to support free raffle drawings during Falcon Fest, snacks during finals week, and additional movies for the circulating collection.

For more information about the event, visit eastcentral.edu or call 636.584.6560.

#InspiringExcellence – Culinary Arts Instructor Awarded Chef of the Year

September 21, 2016 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

#InspiringExcellence – Culinary Arts Instructor Awarded Chef of the Year

Chef Mike Palazzola, Certified Executive Chef (CEC), competed in the Chef of the Year Culinary Challenge on August 21, where he placed first. He was one of three chefs nominated to compete by the ACF committee out of the pool of CECs in the St. Louis Chefs de Cuisine. With his achievement, the ACF St. Louis Chefs de Cuisine Association awarded him with the title 2017 Chef of the Year.

“I was honored to even be nominated to compete,” Palazzola said. “It wasn’t going to matter to me if I won or not anymore because I had made it this far. I thank everyone that brought me closer to my success.”

Palazzola began his fourth year as a culinary instructor this year at ECC. In addition to this award, he has won Internationale Kochkunst Ausstellung (IKA) gold and silver medals from the 2008 International Culinary Exhibition in Germany. Palazzola has also competed in numerous regional and national competitions around the country.
A gala dinner honoring Palazzola for his achievement will be on Sunday, November 13 at 7 p.m at the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis.

Preparing for the Future – Students Come to ECC for College Fair

September 21, 2016 | Campus News

Nearly a thousand students descended on East Central College on September 20 to get a glimpse into the future. Seventy-five colleges and universities took part in the annual ECC College Fair, giving students a chance to get information about furthering their education after high school.

“It’s not just about getting information,” said ECC Director of Admissions Nathaniel Mitchell. “It’s about exploring options and learning the culture and values of each institution.”

At ECC, we pride ourselves on meeting the needs of our students and ensuring their successful transition after they graduate. We want to thank Cuba, Bourbon, St. Francis Borgia, Steelville, Union, St. Clair and Washington high schools for taking part in the event.

As a public, co-educational community college, ECC maintains an open-door policy of accepting all students interested in obtaining a college education. We offer a select group of academic programs where admission is limited and competitive.

Find out more about why East Central College might be right for you.

Falcon Spirit Week – September 23-30

September 16, 2016 | Campus News

We will be celebrating our ECC pride, with Falcon Spirit Week September 23 – 30 !

There will be a Student / Staff / Faculty Photo Contest held throughout the week ! … Look for the photo contest posters around campus. Use #InspiringExcellence on social media to participate and win!

Scheduled Events:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 – FLANK THE FIELD 2:45PM – Lower Parking Lot – Tailgate with us before the ECC Men’s Soccer Game vs. JeffCo! Free t-shirts, food and a few prizes!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 -BIG MACHINES 4 8:00AM-2:00PM – Lower Parking Lot – Check out trucks, tractors, police cars and more at this free library sponsored event.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – FALCON SPIRIT DAY All Day – Campus Wide ! – Get caught wearing ECC’s logo by faculty and staff and win prizes!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – FALCON FEST HERO 12:00PM – Shook Lawn – Try your luck at a physical and mental obstacle course!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 – FALCON FEST 10:00AM-2:00PM – Shook Lawn – The theme for this year is “Comic-Con.”Dress up in your best cosplay outfit, play games and win prizes!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 – JAM THE GYM 5:45PM – Gym – The Lady Falcon’s Volleyball team vs. the STLCC Archers! Come support the team and get free refreshments and a t-shirt!

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 – FACULTY/STAFF VS. STUDENTS KICKBALL GAME 3:30PM – Shook Lawn – Students will square off against the faculty and staff in the Falcon Spirit Week Kickball Game! Sign-up by emailing courtney.henrichsen@eastcentral.edu.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 – GOLF TOURNAMENT 12:00PM – Off-campus – Join the ECC Alumni Association and Athletic Department for the annual golf tournament

Big Machines Appear on Campus – September 24

September 16, 2016 | Campus News

ECC Library and Scenic Regional Library (SRL) invites community members of all ages to their annual “Big Machines” event on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. – noon in ECC’s east parking lot. The free event will showcase bulldozers, cement mixer, lumber trucks, emergency vehicles and more.

ECC Library Services Director Lisa Farrell expects another large crowd this year. “The big hit last year was the sewer truck,” Farrell said. “Kids had a blast interacting with the truck’s camera that was in the drainage system.”

New to the event this year will be a passport that acts as a check list with all showcased vehicles. Passports will be provided for spectators who wish to mark-off vehicles as they make their way around the parking lot.

“Big Machines” won’t be the only attraction at ECC. The SRL is bringing the library to the event with their bookmobile. Visitors are welcome to walk through the library-on-wheels and check-out books with a valid library card.

Friends of the Library will sell popcorn, hot dogs and drinks, and 99.9 KFAV FM will provide music. ECC students will help assist children and offer face painting.

SRL encourages visitors to bring an ID and proof of residency to sign up for a library card. Individuals with big or unusual vehicles may volunteer by contacting the Union Branch Library at (636) 583-3224 or ddisbro@scenicregional.org.

ECC Reaches Out to Prospective Students

September 14, 2016 | Campus News

This October and November, the ECC Union campus will be hosting Falcon Days. During any one of these four events, prospective students can tour campus and meet with faculty members. They also have the opportunity to learn about admissions, scholarships, the A+ Program, student activities, and other information about the college.

“I strongly encourage prospective students to attend one of the events, ” said ECC Director of Admissions Nathaniel Mitchell, “The best way to learn about a college is to visit and see it first-hand.”

The events will be held Thursday, October 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, October 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, October 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday, November 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There is limited seating at these events- those interested should RSVP to the office of Admissions at: Admissions@eastcentral.edu.

Information about the events can also be easily accessed by calling 636.584.6588 or by visiting www.EastCentral.edu/Admissions

Financial Aid Assistance to be Offered at ECC

September 12, 2016 | Campus News

On select Thursday evenings during this Fall semester, East Central College will be holding FAFSA Nights. These public sessions will assist students and their families in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is an online form where students who will be attending college apply for financial aid. Filling out the form is a requirement for any student that needs financial aid for the coming school year.

The sessions will be held in Buescher Hall, Room 182 from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on October 6 and 20, November 3 and 17 and December 1.

Those attending the sessions need to bring a Social Security Number, driver’s license or government issued ID, W-2 forms and records of other income and a 2015 Federal Income Tax Return of both the student and the parent.

Other important documentation includes untaxed income records, veteran’s non-education benefit records, child support received and/or paid, worker’s compensation and any investment records. Those who are not U.S. citizens should bring an alien registration or permanent resident card.

Those who are unable to attend these sessions can also receive assistance during normal business hours at the Union and Rolla campuses. It is important to note that anyone wanting to attend this event is not required to enroll at ECC; FAFSA Nights were designed as a public service.

Information about FAFSA Nights can also be easily accessed by calling 636.584.6588 or by visiting www.EastCentral.edu/FinAid.

Long-Serving ECC Employee Receives Board Recognition

August 25, 2016 | Campus News

East Central College trustees recognized recently retired ECC Director of Public Relations Dot Schowe during its August 29 meeting. The board presented her with a formal resolution expressing its sincere gratitude and appreciate for her 36 years of service to East Central College.

During her career at ECC Schowe had a variety of roles. She started as a temporary secretary, to secretary/writer in the Community Relations department followed by a promotion to the Community Development Representative in the Single Parent/Displaced Homemaker program and then Coordinator of Adult Programs, and then became an academic advisor. Schowe was named ECC’s Director of Public Relations in 2005, a position she held until her retirement in August 2016.

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer praised Schowe’s devotion to the college. “I had the pleasure of working with Dot for 20 years and have never worked with anyone who so tirelessly worked to promote East Central College in a positive light. She took pride in her work every day and it showed. Her influence and knowledge will be missed on campus.”

Schowe also spearheaded ECC’s United Way campaign. In 2014 she received the Senior Service award from the Missouri Community College Association.

She plans to spend retirement with her husband and family including a new grandchild expected later this year.

ECC Board of Trustees present Dot Schowe with resolution expressing gratitude for her 36 years of service to East Central College. Back Row (L to R) ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer; Board Treasurer, Prudence Fink-Johnson; Board Vice President, Dr. Joe Stroeker; Board Secretary Don Kappelman; Board Member, Dr. Eric Park. Front Row (L to R) Board President Ann Hartley; Dot Schowe; Board Member, Cookie Hays.

East Central College Receives Largest Donation In History

August 12, 2016 | Campus News

A gift of $250,000 has been presented to East Central College from Ace Manufacturing and Parts Co., Sullivan, Mo. The gift was made to the East Central College Foundation’s Building for Success campaign — An Initiative for Tomorrow’s Workforce — which is raising funds to help the college renovate a building adjacent to the main campus in Union into a Business and Industry Center.

The new 28,388 square foot center will house the Precision Machining, Industrial Engineering Technology and Heating and Air Conditioning programs. The Center for Workforce Development also will be located there, as well as a welding lab for support of other academic programs and short-term workforce training.

A manufacturing lab in the new center will be named after Ace in recognition of its gift. The ECC foundation is seeking to raise $1.2 million toward the renovation project and tax credits are available to individuals and corporations who want to contribute. More than $5 million will be invested through various funds to purchase and renovate the new center that’s scheduled to be completed in late September.

Kevin Ijames Sr., Ace president, is proud to make this investment. “We often look to East Central College to provide training for our employees as well as new skilled employees from its manufacturing programs. This gift is an investment in our area’s youth, community and the manufacturing industry.”

Diana Ijames, Ace public relations director and an ECC Foundation board member, said the company is extremely excited and proud to partner with ECC on the project.

East Central College president Dr. Jon Bauer said he’s deeply grateful for this investment in the college’s students. “We are thrilled about this commitment from Ace Manufacturing and the Ijames family,” Bauer said. “This project is based on the need to provide highly qualified, highly skilled and highly needed graduates in these career and technical programs. This commitment shows that our employers share this vision.”

Shannon Grus, ECC Foundation executive director, said the Ace donation is the largest gift received so far in the campaign. “This gift is truly a testament of the commitment the Ijames family has to not only ECC, but to manufacturing in our community,” Grus said. “We are so grateful for their incredible generosity and their continued support of our students, faculty, facilities and programs.”

About the Building for Success campaign — An Initiative for Tomorrow’s Workforce

East Central College is approved to receive up to $600,000 in tax credits from the Missouri Development Finance Board to assist with fundraising efforts. Any taxpayer is entitled to the tax credits. Contributors will receive a 50 percent tax credit for their donation.

A donor can donate in three calendar years — 2016, 2017, and 2018 — and receive the credits. Each year’s credit can be carried forward for up to five years. All donations are tax-deductible and donors can make a one-time donation or pledge an amount to be paid over one to five years. Pledges, matching gifts from an employer, planned gifts in memory or in-kind donations will be accepted.

Capital donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized in a permanent location in the building. In addition to the naming opportunity for major gifts, the campaign has established additional contribution levels: $25,000 to $100,000, major gifts; $15,000 to $24,999, leadership gifts; $5,000 to $14,999, special gifts; and up to $4,999, general gifts. Visit www.eastcentral.edu/foundation for more information.

Photo Caption

Ace Manufacturing and Parts Co. in Sullivan donated $250,000 to the East Central College Foundation’s campaign to renovate the former Gala Center adjacent to the Union campus into a Business and Industry Center. Kevin Ijames Sr., second from right, Ace president, and his wife Diana, right, Ace public relations director, along with Kevin Ijames Jr., Administrative Manager, and his wife Stephanie, look over construction plans for the facility. Also pictured is Dr. Jon Bauer, East Central College president. The donation is the largest ever made to the college.

Police Officers Assigned to Union Campus

August 11, 2016 | Campus News

East Central College will begin the 2016 fall semester with a Union police officer permanently assigned to the Union campus.

Union police officer Tommie Lowe is assigned to work primarily on campus during the daytime. Union police officer Todd Schlitt will be scheduled during the evening once his replacement completes his training as a traffic officer later this year.

The college agreed to a contract earlier this year with the Union police department to have the 2 school resource officers permanently assigned to the campus.

East Central College president Dr. Jon Bauer said the officers will enhance the safety and security of the campus. “The safety and security of our students and employees is paramount. Having officers on our campus enhances the safety of our students and staff.

“Our first goal is deterrence and prevention. But in the event of an incident on campus, the officers will be able to respond in minutes,” Bauer said.

In addition to patrolling the campus, the officers will help the college with emergency planning and training.

In an effort to keep start-up costs manageable, the Union police department will pay half of the officer’s salaries and equipment costs for the first two years of the agreement.

Union police chief Norman Brune said having the officers on the east side of Union cuts down on the department’s response time to the area. “In the event we have a serious situation on the east side of town, the campus officers will be able to respond to that incident much faster. We will have officers cover the campus while the campus resource officers respond.”