The East Central College Testing Center has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence by being recertified by the National College Testing Association (NCTA).
This prestigious achievement is a testament to the rigorous NCTA Professional Standards and Guidelines, designed to ensure the highest quality testing programs at post-secondary institutions. This recertification is valid for five years and can be renewed upon continued compliance with national standards.
Windy Souders, Testing Services Coordinator, along with her dedicated team, Kalyn Meyer, Testing Center Specialist, and Gwendaylyn Betser, Testing Center Clerk, have maintained high standards in test administration and provided exceptional service to a diverse range of students and community members.
The Testing Center first received NCTA certification in 2019 after an extensive 18-month review process. The criteria for certification are based on the NCTA Professional Standards and Guidelines, which guide post-secondary test centers in delivering quality testing programs.
For more information about the numerous testing services provided by the ECC Testing Center, please contact 636-584-6550 or visit www.eastcentral.edu/testing-center. The Testing Center operates within the ECC Learning Center.
The NCTA, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting professionalism and high-quality service in the administration of testing programs, offers certification to college and university test centers that demonstrate exemplary practices. NCTA membership includes over 2,200 testing professionals from 650 colleges and universities, as well as 50 test companies and organizations offering test-related products and services. For more information, visit www.ncta-testing.org.
It’s a homecoming for East Central College’s original Peanuts gang. Charlie Brown, Linus, Peppermint Patty, Lucy, and Schroeder from the 1972 production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will return to ECC to watch the new production of the musical.
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is a 1967 musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. The ECC Theatre Department’s production of the revised version runs from Thursday, July 18, through Saturday, July 20, beginning at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, July 21, at 2 p.m.
Original cast members Jim Eaton (Charlie Brown), Jim Carey (Linus), Susan (Schultz) Peterson (Peppermint Patty), Lucy (Struckhoff) Tobben (Lucy), and Doug Johnson (Schroeder) will attend the Friday, July 19, performance. The late Mike Richardson played Snoopy in the 1972 musical.
The reunion is the idea of John Anglin, the director of both the original and upcoming productions. Anglin, the namesake of the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center, directed “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” in his first year as the ECC Theatre Department director.
“I thought it would be intriguing to see if any of the original cast members could come to the show, and I’m delighted that the five surviving cast members from the 1972 show will be at this production,” Anglin said. “I am excited to see the original cast, but even more excited for you, the audience, to see this 2024 cast bring these iconic characters to life,” he added.
The 2024 cast of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” includes Eli Bray as Charlie Brown, Bethany Herron as Lucy, Ellie Schmidt as Snoopy, Ian McCracken as Linus, Michael Finck as Schroeder, and Mackenzie Emmert as Sally.
Anglin retired from ECC in 2004 and returns every year to direct a summer production.
The Original Cast
Listed below is information about the cast of the 1972 production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”:
Susan (Schultz) Peterson, Jefferson City, MO
Class of 1972 — Associate of Arts Degree
What did you do after your time at ECC? I attended SMSU (now Missouri State University) for one year, then graduated with a degree in music education from Webster College in 1976. Although I taught in several schools for about 10 years, I spent the bulk of my career in social and workforce services, mostly writing public policy. I’m retired now, and I mostly read, walk, volunteer at an art gallery, spend whatever time I can with my granddaughter, and goof off with my twin sister. We travel some, and I love to work with my flowers and tiny garden.
Who was your favorite faculty or staff member at ECC? The biology teacher who I also worked with during the summers.
What are some of your best memories of your time at ECC? Organizing one of the first Earth Day celebrations. The time spent between classes playing cards in the cafeteria.
Fondest memory of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”? As a cast, we were a tight-knit group, as I recall—good friends as well as cast members. That was great.
Did you perform in other theatre productions? I was Martha in “1776” and a cast member of “Rodgers and Hart: A Musical Revue.”
How satisfied are you with your decision to attend ECC? Very satisfied! With two girls of the same age, my family could not afford to send us to a four-year school. So, ECJC (as it was known then) was a great option to get us started.
What advice would you give to someone starting out at ECC today? Get involved. Be more than just a student. Be a member of the ECC community— theater, music, student activities, and campus life in general. It will enhance your time there (and maybe give you the opportunity to revisit that community 50 years later!).
Jim Carey, Nixa, MO
Class of 1973 — Associate of Arts Degree
What did you do after your time at ECC? Earned a BA from Mount Marty University, Yankton, SD, in 1975. Taught at St. Francis Borgia Regional High School from 1975-1979. Directed “Oliver,” “Charlie Brown,” “The Odd Couple,” “110 in the Shade,” “Never Too Late,” and “Godspell.” Taught at LOGOS School, St. Louis, from 1979-1981. Directed “Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feelin’ So Sad.” Earned a master’s degree from Webster University in 1992. Worked at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 1982-2011 in St. Louis, Minneapolis, and San Diego. Retired in 2011.
Who was your favorite faculty or staff member at ECC? John Anglin, Chip Boyer, and Lee Adams.
What are some of your best memories of your time at ECC? Student Senate, Cheer Team, “Oliver.” Moving to the new campus. Student newspaper and Literary Magazine. Friends.
Fondest memory of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”? The cast’s group dynamic, making a small, intimate show work in a large auditorium.
Did you perform in other theatre productions? “Oliver.”
How satisfied are you with your decision to attend ECC? ECC was the perfect choice for me at the time, just coming out of four years of military service. The student/instructor ratio was optimal, and the sense of commonality in the growth of a new college added extra excitement.
What advice would you give to someone starting out at ECC today? Take advantage of every possible opportunity.
Jim Eaton, Dawsonville, GA
Class of 1972 — Associate of Arts Degree
What did you do after your time at ECC? Graduated from Maryville University, St. Louis, in 1974 with a degree in Fine Arts. Then obtained a degree in Mortuary Science from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science, Indianapolis, IN. Worked in the family business (Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan) from 1975-2016. Purchased the business in 1984. Married Mary Ann (Cukrowicz) Eaton in June of 1976. Two daughters, Addie (and husband Matt Walters) and Erin (and husband Cole Wilkins), and two grandkids, Adelyn and Erin Wilkins.
Hobbies include boating, painting, reading, and Civil War Studies. Member of the Dawson County Rotary Club, advisor to The Bowen Center for the Arts in Dawsonville, and member of D-MORT (a federal disaster Mortuary Response Team).
Who was your favorite faculty or staff member at ECC? Larry Pogue.
What are some of your best memories of your time at ECC? The art shows and music concerts.
Fondest memory of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”? We were all like family. The interaction between all of us was amazing. We were all so close.
Did you perform in other theatre productions? No, but have attended many productions at the Holly Theater in Dahlonega, GA, of which Mary Ann and I are members.
How satisfied are you with your decision to attend ECC? ECC was an important step towards achieving a four-year degree. All the instructors were personable and provided a great learning experience. It’s a good introduction to the college world. You receive your basics here and then continue to your major. I found it a great steppingstone in furthering your education.
Lucy (Struckhoff) Tobben, Washington, MO
Class of 1973 — Associate of Arts Degree
What did you do after your time at ECC? I transferred to St. Mary College, Leavenworth, KS, and continued to study, graduating in May 1975 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Dave Tobben and I celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage in August 1975 and moved to Columbia, MO, where he was finishing law school. I worked part-time as a music director at The Newman Center and gave private piano lessons for that year. In August 1976, we moved back to Washington to stay.
I began volunteering my music services at St. Francis Borgia parish in 1977 and have served since then. In 1996, I became the accompanist/organist for the parish choir and presently serve as the music coordinator for the parish. I began teaching vocal music at St. Francis Borgia in 1982. I retired from classroom teaching in 2016.
There were a few years off as we raised our six children. We now have 11 grandchildren who live all around the country. My hobbies over the years included playing slow-pitch softball till age 50, golf, watching grandkids’ sports, quilting, travel, and attending high school and college musicals.
Who was your favorite faculty or staff member at ECC? Carl Walker.
What are some of your best memories of your time at ECC? Attending a “new” college was exciting as we were making history every day. Homecoming, starting Drama Club, moving into the Administration building after Freshman year were just some events that stick out in my mind. I worked as the SOAR (Summer Orientation and Registration) coordinator after Freshman year. Getting to meet almost all of the incoming freshmen that summer was a fantastic experience. It was part of my work-study job.
Fondest memory of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”? I was just so excited to be chosen to be in the production. Never mind that we didn’t really have dressing rooms (they also served as faculty office space for Coach Dyson, Terry Zanin, and Tom Neal) or lighting, or mics, etc. Truly innovative theatre.
Did you perform in other theatre productions? I was one of the orphan boys/Fagin’s boys in “Oliver” during my sophomore year. Around 1985, I was a “Pick-a-little-talk-a-little lady” in “The Music Man” production in the ECC Theatre.
How satisfied are you with your decision to attend ECC? Attending ECJC was one of the best decisions I have made. In the ’70s, there was always a concern that credits would not transfer to four-year colleges, but St. Mary accepted all my hours. With scholarships and work-study money, my biggest expense was transportation.
What advice would you give to someone starting out at ECC today? Take advantage of the opportunity to take classes outside of your major, especially those in the practical arts. Expand your horizons. We need citizens now who are well-rounded individuals, able to reason logically and engage in conversation without hiding behind technology. Don’t be afraid to take classes in classical philosophy.
Doug Johnson, Lake of the Ozarks
Associate of Arts Degree
What did you do after your time at ECC? I went to the University of Missouri (Mizzou) and after college, I owned my own heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) business for 7 to 8 years. Then I worked for Jacuzzi and Magnetek hired me away, and that’s how I got in the motor industry — I was in that industry for 30 plus years.
Who was your favorite faculty or staff member at ECC? Carl Walker, music director, and Ed Conway, Business Instructor.
Fondest memory of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”? First off, John Anglin was an amazing director. He really related to us. The cast itself was amazing, and we all got along so well.
How satisfied are you with your decision to attend ECC? I am very satisfied with my decision to attend ECC. There are lifelong friends I acquired there. A lot of friends from high school participated in sports and music at ECC. It was a very friendly atmosphere.
What advice would you give to someone starting out at ECC today? ECC is a great place to get you prepared for a four-year school. But don’t overlook tech programs. Tech job opportunities (like welding, machining, industrial engineering, etc.) are immense, and the salaries are very attractive.
Funeral services for longtime Union Fire Protection District firefighter and Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Matthew Tobben will be held at the East Central College Union campus on Saturday, July 13, beginning at 11 a.m.
Prior to the funeral services, a procession of fire service apparatus and other public safety vehicles will travel from Oltman’s Funeral Home to ECC. Motorists should be aware of potential congestion and delays on Highway 50 and near the college campus. Union police will be on campus Saturday to assist with traffic control.
Upon arriving at the campus, attendees will be directed to designated parking areas. Signs will direct attendees to the appropriate entrances.
The funeral service will be held inside the Donald D. Shook Student Center gym, located on the second floor. Plans call for the service to be livestreamed into ECC’s cafeteria on the first floor of the DSSC.
The Boone County Fire Protection District, the Union Fire Protection District, and the Missouri Fire Service Funeral Assistance Team are jointly planning and coordinating these services.
Tobben was an esteemed alumnus of ECC who earned fire safety certifications from ECC. He worked closely with the College to bolster our emergency preparedness during his time with the Union Fire Protection District.
Two Clemco Industries employees recently completed the Industrial Maintenance Technician (IMT) apprenticeship program and are already experiencing the positive impact on their careers.
In February, Washington residents Gabe Altemeyer and Caleb Gildehaus completed the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) IMT apprenticeship through East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development. They both earned an Industrial Engineering Technology Certificate of Achievement from ECC, as well as DOL IMT Certificates of Completion.
Altemeyer said he has already seen the substantial impact of the apprenticeship program on his career and noted the ease of starting the program, thanks to the support from Clemco advisors and Melissa Richards, CWD Apprenticeship & Business Training Coordinator.
Gabe Altemeyer
Altemeyer gained valuable skills, including wiring, programming, schematic reading, and the use of motors and drives.
“I also learned to problem-solve using different methods,” he shared. “The biggest strength for me was the labs. Working on something physical and seeing operations is the best way for me to learn.”
The structured program not only provided clear expectations but also accommodated Altemeyer’s work schedule, allowing time off to attend classes and complete his studies. He noted that his journey into the apprenticeship program began with a conversation with his supervisor and HR person, leading to meetings with Richards to explore available programs.
Caleb Gildehaus
With three years at Clemco, Gildehaus found the program easy to begin through the partnership between Clemco and ECC. He quickly signed up and began learning essential skills like reading wiring schematics, understanding electrical concepts, pneumatics, PLC programming, and robotics.
Caleb Gildehaus
Gildehaus said anyone interested in industrial work, machinery, or maintenance should consider this apprenticeship to cultivate growth in their own careers.
“The instructors are all very knowledgeable in the field of industrial engineering and maintenance. They have practical experience as well as theory-based knowledge to back up their skills,” Gildehaus explained.
The program’s structure allowed Gildehaus to balance work and study effectively, providing a clear roadmap to success.
“The program fit very well around my workday to allow me to get my working hours in as well as my homework and class work done,” he noted.
Both Altemeyer and Gildehaus’s stories underscore the value of the Industrial Maintenance Technician apprenticeship program. Their experiences highlight how such initiatives can enhance employees’ skills, advance their careers, and contribute to the growth and success of their companies.
Impact of CWD Programs
CWD apprenticeship programs do more than just improve productivity—they also enhance the bottom line for companies, offering opportunities for tax credits and employee benefits.
Currently, ECC offers DOL-registered apprenticeship programs in various technical occupations, including Industrial Engineering Technology, Welding, Precision Machining, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Richards emphasized the extensive reach of DOL-registered apprenticeship programs, which span over 1,000 occupations and continue to grow. These apprenticeships are accessible to both union and non-union organizations.
“We have excelled in technical apprenticeships for over five years, and we are now expanding to register more apprenticeship occupations in health care and information technology,” she stated.
The CWD is at the forefront of creating industry-leading and adaptable training solutions to meet both national and local needs. It’s important to note that for every $1 invested in an apprenticeship, employers can expect approximately $1.50 in return on investment, Richards added.
For more information about apprenticeship programs, contact the ECC CWD at Training@eastcentral.edu or 636-649-5800, or visit www.eastcentral.edu/cwd/.
Layla Watson enrolled in East Central College’s Surgical Technology program in Rolla because she always wanted to be part of an operating room team.
“I’ve always been intrigued by surgery,” she said. “The surgical tech classes at ECC explore all the different types of surgeries in depth, and they have so much class participation.”
Watson, 21, of Waynesville, is conducting clinicals at Lake Regional Hospital, where she plans to remain and begin a career as a certified surgical technician. From there, she plans to continue her education and eventually return to a surg tech classroom to teach future members of operating room teams.
Watson and her classmates in ECC’s Surgical Technology program are poised to enter the workforce with many occupational options. Jennifer Wall, Surgical Technology Program Director, said there are numerous openings in the field, giving surg tech graduates various job opportunities.
“Most of our hospitals have more openings than any one program could fill in the next five years,” Wall said, adding, “With the nationwide shortage, our program is an integral part of the community.”
Additionally, Wall said there are many areas in health care that surgical technicians can pursue, including hospital surgery units, outpatient surgery centers, labor and delivery, dentists or oral surgeons, veterinary offices, or traveling companies. Some graduates, like Watson, will pursue an advanced degree.
“Surgical technologists can obtain a position that allows for an accommodating schedule that makes further education possible,” Wall commented.
Surge Tech at ECC
Surgical Technology is a “1 plus 1” degree program that requires one year of general education, followed by three semesters of surgical technology courses and clinicals. In the program, students learn concepts of aseptic technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures, and patient care. They are trained to anticipate the surgeon’s needs and assist throughout the procedure, making them a vital member of the operating room team.
Clinical sites ECC students attend extend across the state, including hospitals and surgery centers in Jefferson City, Columbia, Osage Beach, Springfield, Lebanon, Rolla, Sullivan, Washington, Festus, Farmington, and St. Louis.
The Surgical Technology program, under ECC since Fall 2022, is taught at the Rolla Technical Center under the guidance of two full-time certified instructors. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the national licensure exam by the NBSTSA.
Wall said she’s proud of the program’s perfect pass rate on the certification exam last year and 100 percent job placement over the past decade.
“Since this certification is national, our students can go anywhere in the United States and find employment,” she added. “Our graduates typically have many offers before graduation.”
Procedural drop-in that students use when training with the positioning and procedure manikin
State-of-the-Art Training
The Surgical Technology program recently received a new Positioning and Procedure Manikin to simulate the use of surgical tools in a lifelike model. The manikin’s realistic surface closely resembles the layers of human skin and is reinforced for suturing, allowing students to train with scalpels and other tools.
The manikin features an adhesive mixture within the skin that closes a “wound” and allows for additional training for many years to come. Additionally, the program received a flat abdominal skin topper, a procedural drop-in, and an insufflated skin topper to simulate laparoscopy.
Watson was the first Surg Tech student to use the new manikin.
The manikin’s realistic surface closely resembles the layers of human skin and is reinforced for suturing, allowing students to train with scalpels and other tools.
“It gives us a real sense of human anatomy during surgery and the layers of skin when opening and closing,” she said. “The laparoscopic belly is pretty accurate too, which is good because a lot of belly cases in real-world scenarios are done laparoscopically.”
Watson noted that the equipment provides additional functions that previous equipment could not.
“We’ll be able to actually move the manikin’s extremities for draping techniques,” she added. “Overall, it’ll give a better idea of patient handling in the operating room and the steps during procedures.”
The manikin was purchased through a Vocational Enhancement Grant.
‘Truly Flourishing’
Watson will be the first on her mother’s side of the family to graduate college — an accomplishment she and her family are proud of.
“Maintaining the work/life balance while still trying to reach my goals has been a challenge,” she noted. “It is worth it though.”
“I love everything that I have been taught and I am continuing to learn. My motivation within the program is to better myself and to go the extra mile,” Watson added. “I feel as though I am becoming the person I am meant to be — I am truly flourishing in this program.”
For more information on the Surgical Technology program, visit eastcentral.edu/pathway/ or contact Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6619.
East Central College has joined Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national leading higher education reform network of more than 300 community colleges across the country.
As one of eight institutions joining the organization as part of its 2024 cohort, ECC will enter ATD’s Foundations of Transformation core engagement, an intensive three-year program. College leaders will collaborate with ATD’s expert coaches to develop essential capacities for student success. These capacities will focus on data analysis, teaching and learning, leadership, community partnerships, student support, and more.
“Joining the Achieving the Dream marks a pivotal moment for ECC’s commitment to student success. We aim to provide students with strengthened individualized attention they deserve,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC President.
“Additionally, ECC’s partnership with Achieving the Dream will empower us to address the unique challenges faced by our low-income and rural student populations; ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
ECC, along with fellow cohort colleges and six other institutions new to the ATD Network, will convene at ATD’s Kickoff Institute, an annual event to welcome incoming Network colleges, which will be held this year from June 12-14 in New Orleans.
During the Kickoff Institute, colleges will establish partnerships with ATD and become acquainted with the organization’s Institutional Capacity Framework. This framework offers a comprehensive assessment designed to cultivate a student-centered culture and enhance student success.
ECC secured the funding to join ATD through a federal Title III grant, awarded through the Strengthening Institutions Program administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
ATD is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership and data to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more.
ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for economically vibrant communities. ATD knows that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream website: www.achievingthedream.org.
More than 20 employees at Hodges Badge Company recently completed a Front-Line Leader apprenticeship program, equipping them with increased confidence and contributing to the development of a more skilled and forward-thinking workforce.
That’s according to Rick Hodges, President of Hodges Badge Company, who credited a partnership between East Central College’s Center for Workforce Development (CWD), Missouri Apprenticeships in Manufacturing Program (MoAMP) in collaboration with the state and his Washington-based manufacturer of custom awards.
The Front-Line Leader apprenticeship program is a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship program tailored to the employees at Hodges Badge. The ECC CWD’s role was to ensure the seamless execution of the program, providing invaluable support and guidance throughout the process.
Employees who engaged in the year-long apprenticeship have displayed notable enhancements in their abilities, leading to a workforce that is better prepared to tackle challenges and seek out process improvements, Hodges explained.
Soft skills development has been particularly remarkable. Apprentices have demonstrated a keen willingness to share ideas and knowledge for the collective benefit of their colleagues and the company.
“Employees completing the apprenticeship program are more adept at communicating effectively, including navigating difficult conversations with ease,” Hodges commented. “They are better equipped to handle tough personnel issues, leading to increased trust and respect among peers.”
As the second round of apprenticeships concludes successfully, Hodges Badge Company looks ahead to further advancements and achievements from its workforce, buoyed by the ongoing support from East Central College and the State of Missouri.
“We are thrilled with the outcomes of the apprenticeship program and the dedication shown by our employees,” added Hodges. “Their enthusiasm for continued learning and improvement bodes well for the future of Hodges Badge Company.”
For over a century, Hodges Badge has been a premier manufacturer of custom awards, including ribbons, rosettes, medals, and badges, serving customers nationwide. Learn more about the company and its commitment to employee development, visit the company’s website or contact them directly.
To learn more about registered apprenticeships through ECC’s CWD, visit the Registered Apprenticeships page or call 636-649-5800.
Each year, East Central College recognizes the commitment and hard work of its employees for their dedication to students’ needs and educational goals, and to the community ECC serves.
The Annual Service Awards Recognition banquet is an opportunity to honor those who have been with ECC for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. There were 28 employees recognized during the banquet held in October.
“These achievements symbolize a collective commitment of 335 years to both our college and the students,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, the president of East Central College. “The Board of Trustees and I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the devoted faculty and staff of this institution.”
Service Award Winners:
25 Years — Lisa Epple, Bonnie Gardner and John Hardecke
20 Years — Sean Barton and Dr. Robyn Walter
15 Years — Aaron Bounds, Anne Estes, Leigh Kolb, Tracy Mowery and Brad Wallach
Pictured, seated from left, are Lisa Epple, Bonnie Gardner and John Hardecke, each recognized for 25 years of service. Back row, from left, are ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, Anne Estes, 15 years; Dr. Robyn Walter, 20 years; and Tracy Mowery and Leigh Kolb, recognized for 15 years of service.
10 Years — Julie Beck, Coreen Derifield, Tim Derifield, Michelle Deuser, Shanee Haynes, Doug Houston, Dr. Richard Hudanick, Michael Palazzola, Dana Riegel, Max Schaefer and Terri Warmack
Pictured are ECC employees recently recognized for 10 years of service. Front row, from left, are Coreen Derifield, Julie Beck, Terri Warmack, Chef Mike Palazzola and Michelle Deuser. Back row, from left, are Timothy Derifield, Doug Houston, Shanee Haynes and Dr. Robert Hudanick.
5 Years — Lauren Bauer, Julie Chirban, Duane Clonts, Adam Fitts, John Luechtefeld, Dr. Michelle Smith and Adisa Velic
Pictured, from left, are ECC employees who were recognized for 5 years of service at the College, Lauren Bauer, Julie Chirban, Adam Fitts, Dr. Michelle Smith and John Luechtefeld.
East Central College alumna and aspiring elementary school teacher, Katie Rushing, has been awarded the first-ever Gulstad Full-Tuition Transfer Scholarship to Central Methodist University (CMU).
Rushing, of Washington, who graduated from ECC in May with an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree, is the recipient of this prestigious scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition. The Gulstad Full-Tuition Transfer Scholarship is exclusively available to students attending one of CMU’s extended sites, such as the ECC campus in Union.
“Katie is a driven and remarkable student,” stated ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “We are immensely proud of her accomplishments, and we have no doubt that she will continue to excel at CMU.”
The scholarship is named after longtime CMU Provost Dr. Rita Gulstad, who emphasized that the full-tuition scholarship was established with students like Rushing in mind.
“This scholarship was created to recognize excellence among our community college graduates,” noted Rita Gulstad. “Katie is seeking a bachelor’s degree in elementary education because she is passionate about working with children and she desires to make a positive impact on students’ lives.”
Gulstad also highlighted Rushing’s active involvement in her community, including her role as a certified substitute teacher and her volunteer work in her church parish.
“Katie says she chose East Central because it is friendly and affordable, but also to stay close to home so she could continue to support her community,” she commented. “That is why she also chose CMU.”
ECC and CMU have maintained a strong partnership, providing educational opportunities for Franklin County area residents for three decades. Central Methodist University has been operating on ECC’s campus since 1992.
“Central Methodist has been an outstanding partner for 30 years,” Bauer remarked. “Countless individuals have earned their bachelor’s or master’s degrees in the area without having to leave, which is a tremendous benefit.”
To learn more about scholarship opportunities at ECC, including the Central Methodist University Gulstad Transfer Scholarship, visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/finaid/scholarship-opportunities/.
East Central College Class of 2023 graduate Katie North was recognized for her success in an international business simulation that had her competing against students from colleges and universities across the globe.
North, St. Clair, graduated from ECC Summa Cum Laude in the spring with an Associate of Science in Accounting. She is returning to ECC this fall to earn an Associate of Science in Business.
During the Spring semester, North and her peers in a Business Capstone class participated in a simulation, in which each student becomes the person in charge of all business decisions for a globally active company and must make decisions about labor, funding, social responsibility and marketing.
According to Lisa Hanneken, ECC Business and Accounting programs coordinator, during the “Business Strategy Game” by GLO-BUS Software, Inc., students must determine the type of product to sell, the product marketing and its pricing, and many more factors, including how to sell the products, retail, wholesale or online.
ECC students are measured against other students in the simulation from colleges and universities throughout the world. Each student has the potential to rank among the top 100 companies of the week.
“Occasionally, we have a student who places in the rankings one, or maybe even twice a semester, but Katie did so six weeks in a row,” Hanneken said. “This means she competed against tens of thousands of other students globally from mostly four-year institutions.
“Essentially, all 50 states are represented numerous times, but also Canada, Germany, China, Japan, Italy, Argentina, Spain, the Netherlands — it’s a really big picture,” she added.
Invitational Simulation
Because North fared so well during the capstone class, she was named an “Industry Champion” by GLO-BUS Software, Inc., and she participated in an invitational with other students who also have exceptional business and accounting skills.
“I have really enjoyed being part of the original simulation and the invitational,” North said. “It was such a privilege to be invited to participate in the invitational alongside other industry winners from all over the world.”
She continued to show her business acumen throughout the invitational, where she placed fourth overall.
“I enjoy the challenge of matching wits with others in academic settings,” North said.
She added that the invitational was much faster paced than the original simulation and there was a deadline every weekday for two solid weeks.
“This simulation was a great way to cap off my academic journey at ECC,” North commented. “It required me to draw on what I had learned in a multitude of other classes, including Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Fundamentals of Management.
“Through the simulation, I learned several lessons about managing a business that are hard to teach in the classroom, making it a useful tool to simulate the decisions that a CEO must make in running a business in the corporate world,” she added.
ECC Accounting Award
North also was named ECC’s Doyle Stricklin Memorial Award recipient for Outstanding Performance in Accounting.
The Stricklin Award is given annually by ECC’s Accounting Program. North was presented the award by Tanner French, Business and Accounting programs instructor.
“I have had the privilege of having Katie in several classes during her time at ECC and she has been an awesome student,” French said. “When Katie is in a class you definitely notice, she is like a force of nature, it doesn’t matter what is on a test or assignment – nothing slows her down much.”
He added that North is organized and the “paragon of professionalism.”
“I’ve also noticed that Katie is virtuous and caring, and she’s been an absolute joy to have in class,” French said. “Wherever her life takes her next, I am confident that not only will Katie do well, but that wherever it is she lands, they are not ready for the force of nature that is about to walk through that door.”
ECC Experience
North said she received tremendous support from her business and accounting instructors, Hanneken and French, over the past two years at ECC.
“I have had an incredible experience at ECC, primarily due to the amazing professors,” she said. “My accounting and business professors were incredibly supportive and always available to answer questions.
“They made sure that all of their students understood the concepts of the class and they got to know me on a personal level,” North added. “I always looked forward to being in their classes each semester, and I’m thankful for everything they taught me over the past two years. I can confidently say that they made a positive impact on my college experience.”
North noted that she is spending the summer working part-time at a local company, and volunteering more than 50 hours a month as a Jehovah’s Witness.
