Tag: East Central College

ECC, St. Clair District Team Up on Pilot Program

September 4, 2020 | Campus News

Five St. Clair High School students will explore high-tech, innovative manufacturing through a pilot program that partners with East Central College and utilizes the college’s state-of-the-art equipment.

The SCHS students are enrolled in courses through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) — a national, non-profit organization that provides computer science, engineering and biomedical science instructional programs.

The St. Clair R-XIII School District expanded its PLTW offering this fall by partnering with ECC to use its precision machining lab in ECC’s Business and Industry Center.

The students are using the equipment for a new engineering course, Computer Integrated Manufacturing.

In addition to the hands-on learning in the ECC lab, the five students will also earn college credit hours upon course completion. The students are Austin Hellebusch, Logan Hunter-Cockrum, Sebastion Vitt, Wyatt Strothcamp and Cody Ross.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity our partnership with ECC is providing our students,” said Melissa Husereau, Director of Teaching and Learning with the St. Clair School District.

“This collaboration gives St. Clair students hands-on experiences while studying manufacturing planning, integration and implementation of automation while learning the technical skills needed to be successful in the workforce.”

On Aug. 31, the students and their instructor, Maurice Gritzman, held their first class at ECC. They were welcomed to campus by Vice President of Academic Affairs Robyn Walter, Dr. Richard Hudanick, dean of career and technical education; and Director of Early College Programs Megen Strubberg.

According to Strubberg, this is a great partnership for the students, St. Clair District and the college.

“Pairing incredibly talented PLTW students with state-of-the-art equipment on ECC’s campus allows students to work with equipment and technology resources not currently available at their high school,” Strubberg said. “Students in the program will also be eligible to earn dual credit that can be used toward a certificate or degree program at ECC, upon high school graduation.”

PLTW empowers students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges through computer science, engineering and biomedical science.

The students learn technical and problem solving skills utilizing critical thinking and creativity.

PLTW also provides training, resources and support for elementary, middle school and high school teachers.

Learn more about ECC’s Precision Machining Technology at https://www.eastcentral.edu/business/precision-machining-technology/.

After Devastating House Fire, Student Pushes Forward to Earn Degree

October 2, 2019 | Campus News

She started college when she was 29 years old. For nearly three years, she took online classes to take her general education requirements.

“I couldn’t really leave home,” Angela Trentmann explained. “I had to take care of two kids while my husband worked full time.”

After her children were finally old enough to attend school all day, she made her move.

“I immediately enrolled in the East Central College nursing program,” she explained. “It was close to home, and I could actually afford it!”

During her first semester, tragedy struck. During one of her nursing classes, Angela got a phone call. Her house was on fire.

“My husband had just recently had back surgery and was inside when it started,” she said. “He was only able to get out with the help of a complete stranger pulling him out of the window.”

The house was a total loss. Everything her family had owned was suddenly gone.

“One of my first thoughts was ‘oh no, all my nursing books are gone,” she recalled.

“When I heard about what happened, I called Angela as soon as I could,” said Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences. “I told her not to worry about her books. We would take care of it.”

Two days later when Angela returned to class, a stack of new books was waiting for her. That wasn’t all.

“Throughout the next few weeks I received donations, gift cards, clothes and toys for my children,” Angela said. “It had all come from faculty, staff and my fellow classmates. What happened to my family was a disaster, but the generosity and love we received after the fire was incredible.”

Once the dust had settled, Angela continued pushing forward toward her nursing degree. She admits it wasn’t easy.

“I had many moments when I thought I couldn’t get through it and wanted to quit,” she said, “but there was someone always telling me I could do it!”

Her persistence paid off, and she graduated in 2019. She is currently using the skills she learned at East Central College in the Critical Care Unit at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan.

Get Free Financial Aid Help!

September 30, 2019 | Campus News

Getting financial aid for college can be stressful for many people. What forms do I fill out? What scholarships and grants am I eligible for? When are the deadlines?

East Central College wants to make the process easier! We will be holding a series of workshops to help students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

FAFSA Nights will be held at the Union campus and Rolla Main location from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Tuesday, October 1
Thursday, October 17
Tuesday, October 29
Thursday, November 14
Tuesday, November 26

Students are able to file the FAFSA as early as October 1 for the 2020-2021 school year. The workshops are open to all students – not just those planning to go to East Central College.

What should I bring?

Social Security Number
Driver’s License
W-2 Forms
2018 Federal Income Tax Return
Your Parent’s Federal Income Tax Return (if applicable)
Veterans Non-Education Benefit Records
Child Support Received and/or Paid
Worker’s Compensation
Current Business and Investment Information
Alien Registration or Permanent Resident Card

The FAFSA priority deadline for Fall 2020 is July 1, 2020. In regards to scholarships, East Central College’s priority scholarship deadline is December 1, 2019. However, East Central College Financial Aid encourages students to complete the process sooner than later!

Questions? 636.584.6588 or FinAid@EastCentral.edu

Early College Programs See Growth in 2019

September 30, 2019 | Campus News

It’s been a year of growth for the East Central College Early College Program. Compared to September of last year, student headcount has increased nearly 23 percent!

“We’re seeing substantial gains in Union, Washington, Owensville, St. Francis Borgia and Cuba,” said Megen Strubberg, Director of Early College Programs. “We also recently partnered with Nichols Career Center in Jefferson City in culinary arts, which is a first.”

More than 540 students are taking advantage of earning college credit in high school in 2019.

“Dual credit is a great way to immerse yourself in the college course in a high school environment,” said Jake McNiel, Washington High School junior. “I previously took college algebra over the summer my sophomore year through the Three for Free program. It was and still is a very good experience for me.”

“We have worked very hard to communicate the benefits of early college programs, including dual credit and dual enrollment classes,” said Strubberg,” especially with regard to Missouri’s CORE 42 initiative, which guarantees credit transfer for general education courses at all public higher education institutions in the state.”

Developing an early college program is part of East Central College’s new strategic plan, SOAR to 2024.

“Our goal is to increase the headcount of our early college students to 660 by 2024,” said Heath Martin, Vice President of Student Development. “We are almost halfway to that goal in the first year, which is very exciting.”

Working and communicating with high schools is key to growing the program.

“Our long-term goal is to work with local districts to create a true Early College Program, which will allow students to graduate high school with a post-secondary credential, up to an associate’s degree,” said Strubberg.

Additionally, East Central College is making it easier financially for high school students to get college credit.

“We will offer the Three for Free program again in 2020, which allows students to take one course tuition free over the summer,” said Martin.

Rolla Business Leaders Complete ECC Supervisor Leadership Class

September 24, 2019 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Nearly a dozen local business leaders from LMI, American Precision Die Casting, Rawlings and Brewer Science attended the East Central College Supervisor Leadership Certification class in Rolla in September. The two-day workshop was facilitated by the Center for Workforce Development.

“I was surprised with several things – in a good way,” explained James Levin, American Precision Die Casting. “The class definitely will give me direction moving forward. I believe this is something every manager, including upper management, should attend.”

The Supervisor Leadership Certificate focuses on several key areas in order to improve managerial skills. The goal is for managers to become aware of their strengths and weaknesses and implement new strategies to improve the workplace.

“Much of the material was a breath of fresh air,” said Robert Williams, LMI. “It truly encouraged me to create a more balanced environment for my coworkers and peers.”

“In order for businesses to be competitive in the global economy, they need leaders who can empower and motivate employees,” said Dr. Edward Shelton, Executive Director of Workforce Development. “The Supervisor Leadership Certificate is designed to instill a culture of shared trust and communication between supervisors and their employees.”

The workshop was held at East Central College in Rolla, 2303 North Bishop. For more information about workforce development and training, visit eastcentral.edu/cwd.

New Online Workforce Training Available for AEL Students

September 23, 2019 | Campus News

Students preparing to pass the High School Equivalency Test through the East Central College Adult Education and Literacy program will now get a new opportunity to strengthen their workforce skills.

“In September, we started offering new, online training programs for our students,” said Alice Whalen, Director of Adult Education and Literacy. “These courses allow students to gain the knowledge needed for high-demand jobs in the area.”

There are currently 15 new online workforce training options, ranging from advanced manufacturing to safety technician to child development associate. Two additional on-site classes, Introduction to MIG Welding and Certified Nursing Assistant, are also available to AEL students.

“The courses are self-paced,” said Whalen. “The classes are a great compliment to our students preparing for the HiSET or learning English as a second language.”

Right now, the classes are not free. However, Whalen says many adult students may be eligible for substantial financial assistance through AEL’s partnerships with the Missouri Job Centers in Rolla and Washington. Scholarships may also be available.

Pun and Meme Student Contest – September 25

September 22, 2019 | Campus News

Join us for some fun puns and silly memes at Pundememium on September 25 from 12 – 2:30 p.m. in Cafe Central! The pun and meme competition is open to all students enrolled at East Central College.

Pundememium consists of two competitions: Pun Pro and Meme Master.

Pun Pro

This competition is limited to 15 contestants. Contestants can pre-register here by September 20 with your name, preferred time (30 minute slots between 12 – 2:30) and T-shirt size. Students may also register the day of the event beginning at 11:30 a.m. in Cafe Central.

Participants are asked to create and share original work that incorporates as many puns related to one specific topic or theme. The work must be original! Contestants are encouraged to memorize their work, but they can read from notes or flashcards if needed. Costumes are optional (but encouraged!).

The performance should be between 60 – 90 seconds. There is a ten-second grace period for those who go over the 90-second limit. Participants who go past the grace period will be disqualified.

A panel of ECC faculty and staff will rate each performance on a 10-point scale. The highest and lowest scores will be thrown out, and the remaining scores will be added together for the overall total.

All contestants will receive a Pundememium T-Shirt. Other prizes will be awarded to the top three performers.

Meme Master

No advance registration is required for this event. There will be approximately ten rounds, and each round is its own competition! You can stay for as many rounds as you want.

Students will be shown an image. Then, they will have one minute to write text that corresponds to the visual. Judges will collect the captions, review them and share the top three memes submitted each round. The winner of each round will a prize!

Winners of the individual rounds will then compete in the final round. The top three memes will receive a special prize.

NOTE: Winners who cannot stay for the final round may complete an on-site absentee meme. Additionally, students who cannot make it to the competition can still compete! Between September 18 – 24, students can stop by the Student Government Office, the library, the English Department (HH 251), and pick up a worksheet that contains six images. Email your completed form with your best meme work to eccstudentactivities@gmail.com by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25.

The event is sponsored by the ECC Faculty Association, Student Government Association, English Department and Library.

Culinary Department Teams Up With Missouri Department of Conservation for “Venison: Freezer to Fork” Class

September 18, 2019 | Campus News

With hunting season underway, East Central College Chef Mike Palazzola is lending his expertise to the community on unique and delicious ways to prepare venison.

The Venison: Freezer to Fork class will be held on Saturday, October 26 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the East Central Training Center located at 1964 Prairie Dell Road in Union.

“I will demonstrate the basics of market butchery and preparing venison for the dinner table,” said Palazzola. “We will use nearly 100 percent of a deer donated by MDC to make something everyone can enjoy.”

Seating is limited to 15 for this free event and registration is required. To register, please visit the Missouri Department of Conservation Website or call East Central College Community Education at 636-584-6529.

Public Relations Director Named Finalist for National Competition

September 17, 2019 | Campus News

Each year, the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations recognizes newcomers who have demonstrated special creativity or ability in marketing and public relations and show evidence of a promising future in the field. The “Rising Star” award is given annually in each of NCMPR’s seven districts, and district winners automatically qualify for consideration for the national award.

In 2019, East Central College’s Director of Public Relations, Jay Scherder, was named a District 5 “Rising Star!”

“Jay has a positive energy that radiates in his work,” said Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations. “He is open to new ideas, eager to innovate and willing to work with anyone. His passion for education drives him to be the best.”

During his three-year tenure, the East Central College Public Relations Department has received several national and regional awards for social media, photography, writing and video. He has also been actively involved in NCMPR and the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA).

“Over the last three years, Jay has been a trusted resource for MCCA concerning our marketing and public relations strategy,” said Brian Millner, MCCA President. “We value his knowledge and experience and appreciate his desire to help Missouri’s twelve community colleges come together to share ideas and advance common goals.”

The “Rising Star” national award winner will be announced at the NCMPR National Conference in Orlando, Florida in March.

The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations is a professional organization for individuals involved in marketing, communications, public relations and enrollment management at community, junior and technical colleges. NCMPR provides professional development opportunities, advocates on behalf of the profession and the institutions it serves, and recognizes professional excellence.

East Central College Mosaic Project Nears Completion

September 17, 2019 | Campus News

There were many activities on campus during the 50^th Anniversary Celebration on September 15, but one particular activity gave community members the chance to leave a lasting impression on the college.

“We are constructing a series of ‘rose’ windows on campus,” said Adam Watkins, Assistant Art Professor. “It’s called the East Central College Mosaic Project.”

Throughout the project, several students and staff members have decorated different pieces to be included in the art installation, including hexagons.

“The hexagon is found in nature and creates a sense of natural harmony,” said Watkins. “Overall the design is split into six wedges or regions that represent the six board members and the regions they represented of the college’s service area.”

Other shapes has also been a part of the project, including a house shape, circle shape and a plus sign. At the 50^th Anniversary Celebration, more than 100 people stopped by to check out the project. Some 60 people actually took part in creating mosaic pieces.

“It was a very fun and active day!” said Jennifer Higerd, Assistant Art Professor. She has been planning, researching and preparing the project with Watkins. “We are intending for this to eventually be installed in The Learning Center for the next 50 years. We feel this spot is the hub of what we do at East Central College.”