Student Services Center to be Named for Long Time Employee

The East Central College board of trustees unanimously resolved at their December 7 meeting to name the Student Service Center in  Buescher Hall after Karen S. Wieda.  She faithfully served the institution for 44 years, the longest tenure of any ECC employee.

A naming policy instituted in 2009 states that the board may consider naming honors for an individual who had a significant, lasting and measurable impact on the college.  Board president Jim Perry noted that it’s appropriate to honor Wieda in this manner based on her decades of commitment and service to the college.

Wieda started working at the college in 1969 before the first classes were held.   Her first position was faculty secretary, but she was soon promoted to registrar – the job she held until her retirement in June 2013.

As registrar she took innovative steps to improve student services and in 2006 she was recognized by the Missouri Community College Association with the Technology Innovation Award for adopting an electronic document imaging system.  She devoted many hours to redesigning student services into the one stop model in place today.

“I am very pleased the board took this step which allows the college to permanently honor Karen’s dedication to ECC,” stated College President Jon Bauer. “Through her tireless dedication and positive spirit, thousands of students benefitted from the education they received and the credentials they earned.”  Bauer noted that numerous employees hired and mentored by Wieda followed her lead by completing lengthy tenures with the college.

Jim Perry, president of the ECC board, noted that Wieda truly represents the best of East Central College.  “Karen led by example through her quiet grace, poise, and vast knowledge,” he said.  “With the Student Service Center on the Union campus bearing her name, all who enter will know about the positive impact she had upon the college.”

Prior to her retirement, fellow employees and the ECC Alumni Association established the Karen S. Wieda Scholarship through the ECC Foundation.  Contributions can be made to that scholarship by calling 636-584-6506 or online.

A ceremony will be held in the spring to honor Wieda and formally name the area.  The student service center houses admissions, registration, advising/counseling and financial aid.