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Group of students standing on stairs in Hansen Hall at ECC. Students won awards during annual student art exhibition.

Students Honored for Artistic Excellence

May 13, 2025 | Campus News

East Central College’s 2025 Art & Design Student Exhibition celebrated the creativity and skill of student artists working across a wide range of media—from sculpture and ceramics to digital design and illustration.

Elizabeth Pierce

The exhibition’s reception and awards ceremony took place May 1 in the ECC Art Gallery. Art faculty members Jennifer Higerd and Sean Barton recognized student achievement and presented awards during the event.

Alaina Busse

Top Honors

  • Elizabeth Pierce received Best of Show for Book Flight, which also earned a Patron’s Choice Award

  • Alaina Busse was honored with the Pentamerous Achievement Award for having all five of her submitted pieces accepted into the exhibition, along with multiple awards across categories.


Juror Recognition

This year’s exhibition was juried by Evan Smith, a St. Louis-based artist, educator, and fabricator. Smith selected the Judge’s Choice and Honorable Mention awardees in each category.

Judge’s Awards

3D Design

  • Judge’s Choice – Bryant Main
  • Honorable Mention – Madison Buesking, King’s Tragedy
  • Honorable Mention – Angelique Holtmeyer, Death and Rebirth

Sculpture

  • Judge’s Choice – Kayla Brinkmann, An Extra Pair (Just in Case)
  • Honorable Mention – Lann Remer, Dunkleosteus

Handbuilt Ceramics

  • Judge’s Choice – Adia Percival, Pangolin
  • Honorable Mention – Ariana Farmer, Bubble Blues

Drawing

  • Judge’s Choice – Alaina Busse, Negligence
  • Honorable Mention – Dawson Sztukowski, Angel Fairies Strike Awe in the Godhead

Figure Drawing

  • Judge’s Choice – Zander Remer, Nine Hundred Yard Stare
  • Honorable Mention – Hailey Joyce, Frankenstein Thomas

Illustration

  • Judge’s Choice – Kayla Brinkmann, Entw(eye)ned
  • Honorable Mention – Konner Rainey, Just a Toy

Digital Photography

  • Judge’s Choice – Chae Keeney, Victoria

Digital Design

  • Judge’s Choice – Alaina Busse, Psychedelic Poster

Painting

  • Judge’s Choice – Sarah Summers, Black and White Still Life
  • Honorable Mention – Joshua Hill, Untitled #206

Patron’s Choice Awards
(Selected by gallery visitors. Each recipient received a $100 award.)

  • Elizabeth Pierce – Book Flight (3D Design)
  • Kayla Brinkmann – An Extra Pair (Just in Case) (Sculpture)
  • Adia Percival – Pangolin (Handbuilt Ceramics)
  • Jayde McDonald – Clara Peters Master Copy (Drawing)
  • Salem Pottebaum – Accurate Skull (Figure Drawing)
  • Jay Andrade – Kingly Duty (Illustration)
  • Chae Keeney – Victoria (Digital Photography)
  • Alaina Busse – Psychedelic Poster (Digital Design)
  • Lann Remer – Thomas Cole Master Copy (Painting)

Patron’s Purchase Awards
(Selected works acquired for ECC’s permanent collection)

  • Alaina Busse – Master Study after Gustave Courbet
  • Emma Hansen – Home Away from Home
  • Jayde McDonald – Clara Peters Master Copy and Study of Skull Frontal and Profile
  • Natalee Borgman – Master Study after Theodore Gericault
  • Salem Pottebaum – Anpu

About the Juror

Evan Smith is an artist, educator, and fabricator based in St. Louis. He holds an MFA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a BFA from Webster University. Smith’s work, often created in collaboration with his partner Stacey, explores themes of childhood, memory, and sacred spaces. Their art has been exhibited at the Museum of Art in DeLand, Florida; the Var Gallery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and through the Kranzberg Arts Foundation in St. Louis.

Senior couple in yoga class, stretching arms in a park

ECC Seeks Sponsors & Vendors for Senior Expo

February 16, 2025 | Campus News

East Central College is gearing up for its 17th annual Senior Expo and Health Fair, an event designed to connect area seniors with valuable resources, health screenings, and community organizations. The College is currently seeking sponsors and vendors to participate.

The Senior Expo and Health Fair will take place on Wednesday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Donald Shook Student Center. This free event will feature a variety of local vendors, informative speakers, and opportunities to win prizes.

Open to adults 55 and older, the expo focuses on health awareness, education, and prevention, while also highlighting programs and services available in the community. Attendees can take advantage of free health screenings and learn from experts on topics relevant to senior well-being.

The event will be held in the College’s gym, with elevator and shuttle services available for easy access from parking lots.

For more details, contact Cynthia Cubas, External Relations Executive Administrative Assistant, at 636-584-6742.

Information for Vendors

Each vendor is asked to provide informational or educational materials, demonstration, screening, or service. Although vendors may demonstrate products, our Board of Trustee policies prohibit sales on our campus of articles or services.

Vendors are welcome to gather contact information from anyone interested in purchasing products or services later.

The vendor set-up date is Tuesday, May 20, from 2-5 p.m. Staff will be available to assist, and the gymnasium will be locked overnight to protect equipment and materials.

Anyone who cannot set up until May 21 morning, should contact Cubas to make arrangements.

There will be presentation opportunities during the Expo and Health Fair. Anyone with expertise on a subject, or anyone who can recommend someone to give such a talk, are asked to indicate that on the reservation form. A committee will select five presentation topics from those proposed by the vendors to share in a 15- to 20-minute talk on a subject of interest to seniors.

Sponsorships

ECC also is seeking event sponsorships. Listed are the sponsorship levels and what each level will receive:

Gold $500 donation — Sponsorship recognition on ECC’s corner digital sign, KLPW radio interview the day of the event for first five Gold sponsors, sponsorship featured in event radio ad, sponsorship recognition in event advertising, company name and logo on sponsor recognition board, sponsorship acknowledgement on ECC’s website, sponsorship acknowledgement on social media and news releases and gold sponsorship acknowledgement in event program.

Silver $250 donation — KLPW radio i acknowledgment the day of the event, sponsorship featured in event radio ad, sponsorship recognition in event advertising, company name and logo on sponsor recognition board, sponsorship acknowledgement on ECC’s website, sponsorship acknowledgement on social media and news releases and silver sponsorship acknowledgement in event program.

Bronze $100 donation — sponsorship recognition in event advertising, company name on sponsor recognition board, sponsorship acknowledgement on ECC’s website, sponsorship acknowledgement on social media and news releases and silver sponsorship acknowledgement in event program.

To receive sponsorship recognition information must be received by Friday, March 28.

ECC students Claire and Eric smiling together in the Learning Center

Study Sessions to Soulmates — A Love Story Born at ECC

February 14, 2025 | Campus News

When Claire (Smith) and Eric Feldmann first met at East Central College’s Learning Center, romance wasn’t yet in the air. She was an English tutor, he was a math tutor, and their shared shifts were filled with assisting students, sneaking in homework, and plenty of good-natured banter.

But dating? Not on the agenda.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and ECC’s campus is more than just the place where they earned degrees—it’s where their love story began.

Beginning at ECC

Claire, an Owensville High School graduate, started at ECC in Fall 2013 and earned her Associate of Arts in Teaching before transferring to Mizzou in 2015. Eric, who attended Washington High School, began his ECC journey a year later, studying Pre-Engineering before transferring to Missouri S&T in 2017.

Male and female couple kissing outside in the snow following a wedding.
On Nov. 30, 2024, Claire (Smith) and Eric Feldmann married. Photo by Cinthya Navarro Photography.

Their paths crossed in a British Literature course with Dr. Bob Mahon, but it wasn’t until they both took tutoring jobs at the Learning Center in Spring 2015 that they truly got to know each other.

“We were really good friends, and we got along really well,” Claire said. “But we didn’t date.”

However, they did get to know each other during their shifts comprised of helping students navigate everything from math equations to essay revisions. Both credit their time at ECC for providing a strong academic foundation, and they agree that the Learning Center was a highlight.

“We loved working there—the staff was great, and the environment was supportive. Plus, getting paid to help others and do homework on the side wasn’t bad either,” Claire laughed.

Paths Cross Again

After ECC, Claire and Eric pursued their respective careers—Claire as a high school English teacher and Eric as a software engineer. Life took them in different directions, and for eight years, they didn’t speak.

That changed in May 2023 when Eric sent Claire an unexpected message on Snapchat. One conversation led to another, and soon they were meeting at the Washington Riverfront for ice cream and a walk with Claire’s dog, Sarge—who would later become their dog.

From that first reconnection, everything clicked.

Years in the Making

On Nov. 30, 2024, Claire and Eric officially tied the knot. ECC may not have been part of the wedding planning, but it was part of their journey.

“The Learning Center is where we really got to know each other,” Claire said. “It’s where we learned how similar our senses of humor are and how aligned our values and goals were. Even though life took us separate ways for a little while, ECC was the foundation for our relationship.”

Claire and Eric smiling and holding hands in the Learning Center

Looking back, they wouldn’t change a thing about their time at ECC.

“It was financially smart, academically beneficial, and gave us opportunities we wouldn’t have had at a larger school,” Claire said. “And, of course, the Learning Center just might help you find the love of your life.”

ECC has played another role in their story: Claire’s mother, Dr. Michelle Smith, is the College’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness. A role she assumed in 2018 after Claire and Eric had graduated. 

For current ECC students debating whether to take advantage of tutoring services, Eric and Claire have some advice: “Go to the Learning Center! You never know who you’ll meet.”

From study sessions to career success, and eventually finding each other again, Claire and Eric’s journey proves that sometimes, the best love stories aren’t the ones that happen instantly—they’re the ones that take time. And for these two, it all started at ECC.

The photographer at the Feldmann wedding was Cinthya Navarro Photography.

Tip of pen writing on ruled paper

Fall Writing Contest Winners

December 18, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The East Central College English and Humanities Department has announced the winners of this fall’s Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction Writing Contest.

“Stories, whether they are true or not, can be a kind of nourishment when life looks like a lonely trail,” said Josh Stroup, Assistant Professor and English Department Chair. “The stories that our students shared with us kept our judges full, and we hope to share this bounty with you all in the Spring 2025 edition of the Literary and Art Review.”

The department encourages readers to recognize these students for their dedication to crafting thoughtful and compelling work. While many stories were submitted—and all had something unique to offer—the winners are:

Fiction Winners

First Place — Lauren Hoey’s “Night Shift” — $100
Second Place — Hope Bratch’s “The Classic Chevrolet” — $50
Third Place — Mary Misener’s “The Kingdom of Ozymandias” — $25

Creative Non-Fiction Winners

First Place — Nicole Pope’s “Expanding Limitations” — $100
Second Place — Madeline Johnsen’s “Big Bad Love: Love Drives Purpose” — $50
Third Place — Kaylee Wonder’s “The Twins” — $25

The department extends its gratitude to the contest judges: John Hardecke, Assistant Professor; Linda Barro, Associate Professor; Dr. Aurelia VonTress, Instructor; and Dr. Kami Hancock, instructor.

Additional opportunities to showcase student creativity are on the horizon. The department will announce details for the upcoming Poetry and Research Writing Contests this spring.

Biologist Raenhard Wesselschmidt and students in biology lab

Biology Students Gain Hands-On Experience in Wildlife Conservation

December 13, 2024 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News

East Central College students are taking their biology studies to new heights through hands-on learning opportunities—made possible by resources just steps away from campus.

As an official Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) collection site, ECC has partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to support white-tailed deer testing, giving students a front-row seat to real-world conservation efforts.

Biology instructor showing students deer head

For the past two deer seasons, ECC has served as a drop-off location where hunters can leave harvested deer heads for free CWD testing. Samples collected are sent to testing facilities, including the University of Missouri-Columbia, with results available online within weeks.

This year, Principles of Biology I and II students from Dr. Parvadha Acosta’s classes joined a critical wildlife monitoring project under the guidance of Kevin Dixon—ECC biology associate professor, experienced MDC volunteer, and avid deer hunter.

During three sessions so far, students have participated at varying levels, from observing the process to receiving hands-on guidance. Students involved include Ethan Agren, Alyvia Helm, Katelyn Temples, Addison Imhof, Trinity Morgan, Lily Purschke, and Adam Stevens. Instructor Dr. Clarissa Brown also took part in a testing session.

MDC biologist and ECC alumnus Raenhard Wesselschmidt introduced students to the impacts of CWD and demonstrated essential techniques, such as lymph node extraction, estimating deer age based on tooth growth and wear, and completing lab submission documentation.

Under his supervision, students practiced these techniques, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Together, Wesselschmidt, Dixon, and the students processed 17 deer during one session. With deer hunting season running through January 15, students will have additional opportunities to participate before the 2024-2025 season concludes.

This partnership highlights ECC’s dedication to providing students with unique, experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom concepts to real-world challenges.

ECC students can earn an Associate of Arts degree in Biology and transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue careers in wildlife conservation, environmental science, zoology, public health, genetic research, ecology, biomedical research, and science education.

Learn more about ECC’s Biology pathway at www.eastcentral.edu/science/biology/.

Ellen Aramburu, Elisha Chaney, Dr. Robyn Walter, and Jon Noelker gather at the Missouri Community College Association's 60th Anniversary event with MCCA Administrative/Professional Award.

ECC Employees are MCCA Award Finalists

December 2, 2024 | Campus News

East Central College faculty and staff members were recently named finalists for Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) awards. The recognition highlights their dedication to students, excellence in their fields, and contributions to the ECC community.

Aramburu Nominated for Excellence in Teaching

Ellen Aramburu, assistant professor of Spanish, was named a finalist for the MCCA Excellence in Teaching Award. She was recognized for her innovative approach to language instruction, fostering a dynamic and supportive classroom environment that encourages students to embrace the challenges of learning a new language. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aramburu implemented advanced online learning tools to ensure student success. She also led ECC’s Global Education efforts, organizing events such as International Education Week and International Day to bring cultural insight to campus.

Noelker Recognized for Classified Staff Achievement

Jon Noelker, a Learning Center specialist and longtime adjunct faculty member, was a finalist for the MCCA Classified Staff Achievement Award. With more than 30 years of service to students, Noelker is known for his tireless commitment to academic success. He has tutored hundreds of students in math, science, and other subjects, even taking additional courses to better meet student needs. Noelker also played a vital role in ECC’s Summer Bridge program, which helps students prepare for college-level coursework.

Chaney Honored as Outstanding Adjunct Finalist

Elisha Chaney, an adjunct nursing instructor, was a finalist for the MCCA Outstanding Adjunct Award. Chaney was celebrated for her high standards and unwavering support of her students. She excels as both a classroom and clinical educator, balancing the rigor of nursing education with individualized assistance to help students succeed. Chaney’s positivity and flexibility have made her an integral part of ECC’s Nursing program.

Illustrated graphic of ECC campus parking lots.

Parking Lot Closures Near Hansen Hall

November 30, 2024 | Campus News

Due to a water main repair to take place on Monday, Dec. 2, Parking Lots E and F, located behind Hansen Hall on the Union campus, will be closed when students return from Thanksgiving break. The lots are expected to reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

These lots are situated on the southwestern side of campus between Hansen Hall and the Union Police Substation and College maintenance building.

Students and visitors accessing Hansen Hall are advised to use Parking Lots G, H, I, J, K, and L. Those visiting Buescher Hall should utilize Parking Lot D.

For a detailed view of parking lot locations and campus layout, please refer to the East Central College campus map below.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve campus facilities.

Illustrated graphic of ECC campus.
A group photo featuring ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres, Rolla Police Department Assistant Chief William Loughridge, Phelps County Sheriff Michael P. Kirn, and ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, standing together with awards in hand. The awards recognize the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Police Department for receiving the 2024 MCCA Business & Industry Award for their collaboration with East Central College in forming the Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC). An "MCCA" backdrop is visible behind them.

MCCA Business Award Highlights ECC’s Law Enforcement Partnership

November 25, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

In July, eight new certified peace officers graduated from the inaugural class of East Central College’s Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC), marking the culmination of a partnership between the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, the Rolla Police Department, and East Central College.

The dedication of these law enforcement agencies to building a well-qualified pipeline of peace officers and enhancing public safety earned the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and Rolla Police Department the prestigious 2024 Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Business & Industry Award, presented at the annual convention in Branson.

The award recognizes the pivotal role these departments have played in the ECC – Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center, a Department of Public Safety Peace Officer Standards and Training Program (POST)-accredited academy designed to meet the region’s demand for law enforcement training.

In 2021, ECC Rolla Director Christina Ayres, Phelps County Sheriff Michael P. Kirn, and Rolla Police Department Assistant Chief William Loughridge began developing a shared vision of a local training center. Their initiative became a reality in January 2023 when the center was officially licensed, and by the following August, the inaugural cohort embarked on their yearlong journey toward becoming licensed peace officers.

“The college would not have been able to solely develop and sustain a law enforcement training program and this essential continuing education pathway for our region without the comprehensive and collaborative support of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Rolla Police Department,” Ayres said. “This exemplary community partnership fully maximizes ECC’s mission of serving our communities through education.”

The departments not only supported the academy’s development but also contributed significant resources, including facilities, equipment, and ongoing recruitment programs. They provided use of specialized training tools such as the VirTra law enforcement simulator and vehicles for driver training, ensuring students receive high-quality, hands-on instruction.

Their commitment to workforce development has made the training center an indispensable resource for the region, strengthening the pipeline of licensed peace officers while reducing costs and travel burdens for local agencies.

For more information about the program, visit our Law Enforcement program page, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.

Dr. Robyn Walter, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at East Central College, holding the 2024 MCCA Administrative/Professional Award, standing alongside ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer at the MCCA 60th Convention and Trade Show in Branson, with an "MCCA" backdrop behind them.

Dr. Robyn Walter Honored with MCCA Award for Vision and Dedication

November 25, 2024 | Campus News

Dr. Robyn Walter’s leadership and dedication to academic excellence have been instrumental in fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and improving student success at East Central College.

Walter, Vice President of Academic Affairs, was recognized for her contributions to advancing the College’s mission with the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Administrative/Professional Award during the MCCA 60th Convention and Trade Show in Branson on Nov. 14.

Dr. Robyn Walter, wearing a patterned blouse and a conference name badge, smiles and stands to acknowledge applause after being announced as the recipient of the Administrative Professional Award during the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) convention. The background shows a room filled with attendees seated at tables.

Each year, the MCCA Annual Recognition and Excellence Awards program acknowledges individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year.

Walter was honored for her leadership in transformative initiatives at ECC, including the development of a consortium-based Respiratory Therapy program in collaboration with four other Missouri community colleges. Walter and her team successfully achieved program accreditation and secured a $5.5 million federal training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

“As ECC and others identified respiratory care as a critical need, she refused to take no for an answer when it came to developing a consortium-based solution,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “Her singular efforts led to the decision by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care to change its stance and consider approval of a consortium-based program.”

In 2023, ECC was awarded a $2.1 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve retention, persistence, and completion rates, particularly among underrepresented student populations.

“Dr. Walter led this grant initiative and, despite the highly competitive nature of this program, was able to deliver with approval on our first submission,” Bauer said. “Throughout that process, I witnessed again her ability to lead others, delegate appropriately, empower those involved, and maintain focus on the overarching goal.”

In addition to her institutional impact, Walter serves as chair of the MCCA Council of Chief Academic Officers and collaborates with statewide groups addressing issues such as transfer and articulation, and adult learners.

Walter was selected for a two-year Chief Academic Officers cohort sponsored by the Gardner Institute, bringing a national perspective to her work in Missouri.

“She became a leader in this cohort and has brought this national perspective back to Missouri,” Bauer added.

Walter’s contributions also include serving as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, a board member for the Missouri College Access Network (MOCAN), and a mentor to health careers faculty and staff. With over 20 years of experience in the community college sector, her influence is felt both locally and nationally.

“She is active in the community both professionally and personally. With over 20 years of experience in the community college sector, she is well qualified and richly deserving of this recognition,” Bauer further commented.

East Central College logo

ECC President to Chair National Advocacy Group for Rural Colleges

October 6, 2024 | Campus News

East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer was elected Chair of the Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) Board of Directors.

President Jon Bauer headshot

RCCA is a national organization with members in 35 states, led by a board of community college presidents and other leaders in the field. It is the only organization devoted to rural-serving community colleges. Additionally, RCCA lobbies in state legislatures and Washington, D.C., as a voice for institutions often neglected in higher education.

Bauer was elected by the full RCCA Board during the 2024 RCCA annual conference, held Sept. 18-20 at SUNY-Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, New York.

“I am honored to be named Chair of the RCCA Board of Directors. Rural community colleges are essential to the success and growth of our regions, and I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to champion the unique needs and opportunities in rural education,” he said. “Together, we can continue to expand access, promote innovation, and strengthen the impact of community colleges across the country.”

The Board Chair serves a two-year term. Seth Carter, president of Colby Community College in Kansas, is the outgoing Chair.

The RCCA assists member institutions that serve the 89.3 million people who live in rural America. Bauer has served on the national board since September 2020.

The Alliance promotes a more economically, culturally, and civically vibrant rural America through advocacy, convening, and leveraging resources. The RCCA also serves as a “clearinghouse for innovative practice, policy, and research.”

The RCCA strives for increased state support and federal impact aid for community and tribal colleges and helps member institutions find new funding sources. ECC will serve as the host for next year’s conference, taking place Sept. 17-19, 2025.