Current students who register for Summer or Fall classes between March 11 – 15 will get the chance to win exclusive East Central College gear!
Lucky winners will get:
The prize package is worth nearly $200 and can be customized with your name, year of graduation or whatever else you want!
The Board of Trustees approved the recognition of the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) as an official College team at the March 4 meeting.
“This team will review behavioral incidents and concerns at the college,” said Heath Martin, Vice President of Student Development. He will chair the BIT. “We want to ensure a systematic response to students whose behavior may be disruptive or harmful to themselves or to campus.”
In addition to Martin, core members will include the director of advising and counseling services, a licensed clinical counselor or social worker, campus police, two faculty members and a representative from the Rolla campus.
“We want our students, faculty and staff to know we are here for consultation when they are concerned about potentially harmful, threatening, or disruptive behavior of a student or students,” said Martin.
The BIT will operate in conjunction with the ECC Cares program, designed to reach out to students who seem to be hurting or struggling. It gives anyone on campus the ability to submit an anonymous and confidential report about a potential situation.
“Once the report is received,” said Martin, “It will be presented to the BIT for an assessment, and they will develop an appropriate response plan based on the nature of the behavior, the severity of the risk and the needs of the student.”
The team will adhere to guidelines of the National Behavioral Intervention Team Association.
The East Central College Scholar Bowl team was one of only 24 teams to be invited to the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) Community College Championship Tournament in Orlando, Florida in March. It’s not too bad for a team that’s only been around a year.
“We ended up with a 6-5 record in the tournament,” said student Joshua German. “We placed sixth overall. We needed to be in the top four to make it to the international competition. We were still really excited when they called out our names at the awards ceremony.”
In January, the team went 9-1 at the NAQT Kentucky Community College Sectional, which gave them the chance to compete in the championship.
“It was honestly more stressful than I had anticipated, but in a good way,” said Courtney Henrichsen, campus life and leadership coordinator. She traveled with the team to Orlando. “Watching them compete was really intense. You could tell how hard they were working to beat the other teams. It was truly impressive.”
Individually, German placed 15 among 103 of his peers from around the country. Teammate Devon Kerckhoff placed 31, with Jeremy Robey and Jackson Ambrose placing 37 and 44, respectively.
Congrats to our students!
Photo: Scholar Bowl Members Rianna Talbott, Joshua German, Devon Kerckhoff, Jackson Ambrose, Gwen Minks and Jeremy Robey in Orlando, Florida. (Not Pictured: Kathy Minks).
The East Central College Community Education Department is proud to announce new offerings for the 2019 Summer Learning Academy!
“All of our classes are designed with curiosity in mind,” said Program Assistant Bonnie Devine. “We want to encourage personal growth and enable students to develop talents and skills. At the same time, we want them to have fun in the process!”
Five new classes will be added for students to enjoy this summer – including the Newborn/Pediatric Nursing: How to Care for a Baby class. It will be taught by East Central College Nursing Instructor Jessica Van Leer and is designed for children ages 5-8 years old.
“This class is perfect for a child that is expecting a new sibling or just loves babies,” Van Leer explained. “Students will learn about changing diapers, swaddling, how to hold a baby properly, when to call 911 and much more.”
Students can also learn about becoming an EMT or Paramedic this year. In this Summer Learning Academy class, students will explore the differences between an EMT and Paramedic and options within the EMS career field. Each student will become CPR certified by the end of class.
East Central College Art Instructor Jenifer Higerd will lead the Clay Creations for Kids class this summer. Students will explore the possibilities in clay using a variety of forming techniques.
“We are going to have a lot of fun in this class,” said Higerd. “Students will be making a monster-face mug, a garden-ready mini gnome home and stenciled plates.”
The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a new Missourian Mammals and More class, exploring the different animals who call Missouri home. A Readers Theatre class for children 8 to 14 will also be offered. The three-day class will increase reading fluency, expression and comprehension skills and will end with a theatrical performance!
Check out the Summer Learning Academy schedule and sign your student up for classes at www.eastcentral.edu/sla. Parents can also call 636-584-6529 for more information.
This winter, we’ve seen snow, sleet, hail, and ice in the Midwest. It’s enough to make a person want to travel somewhere warm, which is exactly what Brandon Gassei did.
“I decided to go to Costa Rica this semester,” he explained. “I wanted to go to a country filled with beautiful nature.”
The Marthasville native is staying with a host family and studying at the Latin-American University of Science and Technology.
“My host family is amazing,” he said. “Their knowledge of the local culture is so helpful. They know what places are best and which are not recommended. Additionally, they are more than willing to help me with my Spanish skills.”
East Central College Spanish Instructor Ellen Aramburu is not surprised Gassei decided to immerse himself in Latin American culture.
“Brandon always demonstrated a genuine interest in the Spanish language and travel for as long as I have known him,” she said. “I am very happy that he is taking this opportunity.”
Gassei attended East Central College from 2015-2017, transferring to Southeast Missouri State University shortly after to pursue a degree in international business.
“My experience at ECC was really amazing,” he said. “The professors were always willing to help students who were struggling. They do not take their curriculum work lightly and loved to challenge students.”
“Brandon was a very responsible and conscientious person,” Aramburu said. “He was a hardworking and dedicated student who always stayed on task and asked good questions. He shows a genuine concern for other people and his generosity of spirit makes him a pleasure to be around.”
For now, Brandon is enjoying his time in the tropics, but the future is still very much on his mind.
“I am still deciding on the next step to take,” he said, “but I do know that many companies and employers need individuals who are bilingual. Continuing with this skill that I started at East Central College opens up more opportunities for me.”
The wait is over! Students can now check out the 2019 Summer and Fall Class Schedule!
Registration for current East Central College students starts on March 11. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with their advisor to sign up during the first week of registration.
Registration for future East Central College students starts on March 25.
Since 1968, the Distinguished Service Awards Banquet has recognized outstanding individuals in the Union area community. Sponsored by the Union Area Chamber of Commerce, only six people are chosen each year in six categories.
This year, East Central College had ties to half of the award recipients! Board of Trustees President Ann Hartley received the Distinguished Service Award, presented to a man or woman over the age of 41 who has made a true impact in the community. Journalism instructor Leigh Kolb was honored with the Outstanding Educator Award, presented to an educator who teaches school at any age level in the city of Union. Former EMT Instructor Ken Koch received the Shield Award for First Responders, presented to a member of a Union-based first responder agency.
“During the opening remarks, East Central College was also singled out for our 50th Anniversary and the impact the college has had on the region,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer. “It was truly a special and humbling night for ECC.”
According to the Union Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished Service Award winners are chosen based on achievements or contributions in three or more of the following areas: Personal improvements or accomplishments, social improvement to major contemporary problems, philanthropic contribution or voluntary service, politics or government service, scientific or technological contributions, cultural achievement (including contributions in literature, history, education, or art), academic leadership or accomplishments, moral and religious leadership, any other important contributions to the community, state, or nation and professional achievement.
Each year, the East Central College Foundation hosts its largest fundraiser to provide scholarships for students. In honor of East Central College’s 50th Anniversary, the 2019 Friends of the Foundation event was held at the Union City Auditorium on Friday, February 1.
“The auditorium is special place for the college,” said President Dr. Jon Bauer. “East Central College got its start in that building. Our first classes were held there back in 1969 before we had a campus to call home.”
History was a dominant theme at the Friends of the Foundation Gala.
“We had several interactive displays at the event,” said Angie Siebert. “It’s always enjoyable to see an old photo of someone you know or of an event that sparks a good memory.”
More than 200 people attended the annual gala, raising $32,150 for student scholarships.
“Every dollar committed to the Foundation helps strengthen our communities for all of us,” said Dr. Bauer, “and enhances the lives of our students forever. It is an economic and a human investment.”
The East Central College Foundation solicits and receives tax deductible gifts which are managed for the benefit of the college and its students. It is chartered as a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization for educational purposes.
Photo: Dr. Raymond and Brenda Ker, supporters of the East Central College Foundation, at the Friends of the Foundation Gala.
Are you looking to impress someone special on Valentine’s Day? Chef Mike Palazzola is here to help! He’s offered up his expertise to create an unforgettable meal for the occasion.
“I am a big fan of ‘less is more,’ said Chef Mike. “I have a three-course meal that is somewhat ‘foolproof’ and is guaranteed to make most people happy.”
Parmesan Basket: Preheat broiler to high, then scatter a thin layer of fresh Parmesan on a sil-pat (a silicone cooking mat). Cook until golden brown, which should only take about three minutes. Remove the warm Parmesan and put it on the back of an everyday bowl to allow it to form. Allow it to cool before removing it.
Caesar Salad: Cut romaine into half-inch cubes and wash. Be sure the lettuce gets dry!
Toss Romaine, dressing, and croutons in small bowl. Dressing should lightly coat all ingredients.
Serve in Parmesan crisp bowl and top with shaved/shredded Parmesan and croutons.
For the dressing, you can buy it at the store or make it yourself. Here is a recipe I like: Caesar Dressing
You can’t go wrong with a little steak and shrimp! For the steak, I like 12-ounce New York Strips or 6-ounce Filet Mignons.
Rub the steaks with ¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce. You’ll also want to sprinkle salt and pepper on the steaks (to taste). Let them sit for about ten minutes. Drizzle the steaks with two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil before hitting the grill or pan.
Sear the steaks in very hot pan/grill for ten minutes on each side. Remove from heat onto baking tray to rest while you finish the rest of the cooking. When you have 20 minutes left on the rest of your meal, pop the steaks in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes. The steaks should be medium-rare at this point. Put two teaspoons of butter on top of the steak and allow it to rest at room temperature for five minutes before eating.
Scampi
In a hot Sauté pan add the olive oil and the shrimp, sear one minute on both sides. Remove from pan. In the same pan add garlic and shallots until translucent. Deglaze with wine, add cream and reduce until it coats the back of a spoon. Return shrimp to cream sauce, add juice and zest of lemon, herbs, and salt and pepper to taste.
Twice-Baked Potato
Bake one large russet potato for 45 minutes on 400. Allow the potato to cool, then cut the top and bottom off. Cut it in half (longways) and scoop out the middle.
Peel and boil the remaining potatoes – cook for 45 minutes and mash. Mix with green onions, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stuff scooped potato with filling and top with more shredded cheddar.
Bake for 30 minutes at 325 or until golden brown.
Roasted Asparagus
Cut ends off asparagus and toss with one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper (to taste).
Put the asparagus on a baking sheet and roast at 425 for 10 minutes.
On a sheet tray roast asparagus at 425 for 10 minutes.
If you aren’t too full after the first two courses, there is a Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe that is a perfect end to a perfect meal. You’ll want to serve it with macerated berries and ice cream.
Macerated Berries:
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes. You’ll watch the berries transform into a juicy sauce. Place the cake in the center of the plate, and put a small pile of berries and juices on either side of cake. Top with a scoop of ice cream.
Go ahead and get the grocery shopping out of the way as soon as you can. You can also go ahead and make the Caesar dressing and chocolate cake ahead of time. The cake can easily be warmed up in the microwave for about 20 seconds before you serve it. You’ll can also make the twice-baked potato ahead of time. This saves you some time on Valentine’s Day and a little bit of stress!
On February 13, go ahead and prepare the asparagus and scampi sauce. You’ll also want to thaw and peel the shrimp and cut and wash the lettuce.
On the day of the meal, finish what you started! Also, don’t forget to tell the person enjoying the meal with you how special they are!
The Restaurant at Prairie Dell will once again open its doors to the public this spring. Join the East Central College Culinary Department for gourmet food, top-notch service and a small bill!
The limited-run restaurant will be open March 26 – May 2 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Reservations are required. Please email restaurantatprairiedellreservations@eastcentral.edu to reserve a table. They go fast!
“This is a great opportunity for our students,” said Chef Mike Palazzola, Culinary Arts Program Coordinator. “They not only get to demonstrate their skills in the kitchen but also learn how to take orders, wait tables, handle special dietary requests and, of course, practice good customer service.”
Along with cash and check, patrons can pay using a credit card.
“Our menu has something for everyone,” said Palazzola, “and our prices are meant to only cover the cost of the food. It’s the cheapest gourmet meal you’ll ever have!”
The Restaurant at Prairie Dell is located at the East Central College Training Center, 1964 Prairie Dell Road in Union.