East Central College student Kylie Napier has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is one of just 50 students nationwide to earn this prestigious recognition, which is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.
Kylie Napier, left, has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and awarded a $1,500 scholarship for her academic achievement and leadership. She is pictured with ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.
Napier, a student at ECC’s main campus in Union, was selected based on scores earned in the highly competitive All-USA Academic Team competition, which drew nearly 2,100 applicants nationwide. As a Gold Scholar, she was recognized during the Parade of Scholars at PTK Catalyst, the organization’s annual convention, held April 3–5 in Kansas City, Missouri.
In addition to Napier’s recognition, several other ECC students were named to the All-USA Academic Team and honored by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and PTK for their academic and leadership excellence:
David Harper, Union – Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar
Phillip North, Union – All-USA Workforce Pathway
Latisha Graham, Union – All-USA Transfer Pathway
Mae May, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway
Moriah Mankin, Rolla – All-USA Transfer Pathway
These students were selected for their outstanding academic records, leadership, and community involvement. ECC annually nominates students from its campuses for the All-USA Team, which automatically qualifies nominees for the All-Missouri Academic Team. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that includes academic achievements, campus and community involvement, and a detailed account of a significant endeavor during their time at ECC.
All-state honorees are recognized at a ceremony sponsored by the MCCA and receive a commemorative medallion and certificate, along with a $250 scholarship funded by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA).
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually to PTK members through the Coca-Cola Academic Team program, celebrating students who are leading the way in their communities and academic programs.
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.
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.
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.
A local industry with an international footprint was recognized by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) for its work with East Central College
WEG Transformers USA, based in Washington, was presented a Distinguished Business and Industry Award on Nov. 9 during the MCCA annual conference. WEG was nominated for the award by ECC because of the industry’s work with the College’s Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) program.
A Distinguished Business and Industry Award was presented by the MCCA to WEG Transformers, an international company based in Washington, Mo. WEG was nominated for the award by ECC because of the industry’s work with the College’s Adult Education & Literacy program.
WEG is an international company that operates at three locations in Washington designing and producing electrical transformers and substations. In 2021, the company hired 30 immigrants from St. Louis to work at their facilities and wanted them to enhance their English language skills to better understand the culture and their workforce.
That’s where the relationship between WEG and ECC’s AEL began.
The employees, immigrants from across the world, that includes India, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Afghanistan, were placed with WEG through the International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL) — an immigrant and job placement service/information hub which connects refugees and immigrants to a variety of opportunities in the St. Louis region.
Beginning February 2022, the AEL program worked with the new WEG employees to further develop their English language skills that included specific lingo and language used in the Manufacturing industry.
The English Language Acquisition classes were taught by ECC at the WEG facilities before or after the employees’ regular work schedule. As a result, 12 of 30 employees successfully completed the. Several of them were honored by the College during the Student Achievement ceremony held April 2023.
The unique public/private partnership has resulted in more qualified employees for WEG Transformers and maintains their competitive edge and enhances the lives of a group of workers as they adapt and adjust to their new homeland.
Melanie Dixon, ECC Early College and Admissions Specialist, is recognized by her colleagues for her supportive nature and positive spirit.
That’s just one reason why she received the Classified Staff Achievement Award from the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) during its annual conference. Dixon, who has dedicated 17 years to ECC, goes above and beyond her day-to-day responsibilities by serving as an advisor for the ECC Union chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.
Dixon is one of two employees selected among her peers from the 12 community colleges in Missouri to receive the award. It was presented during a banquet held on Nov. 9 in Kansas City.
Each year, the MCCA Annual Recognition and Excellence Awards program acknowledges individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year.
In addition to Dixon, ECC Trustees Ina “Cookie Hays” received the Distinguished Alumni Award, and WEG Transformers, nominated by ECC, received an MCCA Distinguished Business and Industry Award. Other ECC employees were finalists for 2003 MCCA awards:
Tracy Mowery, Associate Professor of Biology — Excellence in Teaching Award nominee.
Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences — Administrative Professional Leadership Award.
Lisa Hanneken, Accounting and Business Instructor and Programs Director, and Tanner French, Accounting and Business Instructor — Innovation Award.
Dixon’s Award
As one of three advisors on the award-winning PTK team, Dixon works diligently to ensure the chapter’s success and longevity.
“Melanie has been a highly active PTK advisor for many years, and students speak highly of her, regarding her as kind, caring, and supportive,” her nomination reads. “She is a reliable and knowledgeable colleague who always offers help when she can.”
The continued time and energy Melanie dedicates both in her role in the Department of Early College & Admissions and as a PTK advisor exemplify the criteria of the Classified Staff Achievement Award.
“Melanie’s service to the College has a positive impact on the student experience at East Central College, whether they are new or prospective students or enrolled students joining Phi Theta Kappa. It is an honor to recognize Melanie for her work and dedication.”
East Central College Trustee and graduate Ina “Cookie” Hays received a Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Each year, the MCCA Annual Recognition and Excellence Awards program recognizes individuals and institutions that have set the standard of excellence during the year. The award recipients were announced during a banquet Thursday, Nov. 9, in Kansas City.
Hays’ recognition comes on the heels of Hays receiving the ECC Outstanding Alumni Award presented in May by the ECC Foundation — the highest award presented to a graduate. It recognizes a graduate who has brought honor to the college through professional achievement, leadership, and community impact.
Hays was both a student and student employee when she graduated from ECC in 1973. Since then, she has dedicated more than 50 years of service to the College as an employee and trustee. In fact, she is the only person to be a graduate, a support staff member, a professional staff member, an administrator, and a trustee at ECC.
Beginning at ECC
As part of an early graduating classes at ECC, Hays was initially taking classes in Union Memorial Auditorium before and then moving to the current campus to take courses.
After graduation, she began her professional career that would extend 41 years at ECC. Hays began as an administrative assistant, a role she served for 15 years. She then moved into the position of assistant to a vice president for a year.
In 1989, she became an academic advisor, a position she held for 9 years. Hays served as the interim director of counseling services for a year until she was appointed to that position, serving for another year.
Hays’ next step at ECC was as the dean of student development, a role that she served in for eight years. Then, in 2009 she was named the vice president of student development. She retired from the College in 2014 while serving as the vice president of student development.
President’s Remarks
“Cookie’s involvement has included being a student, student-worker, classified staff, professional staff, administrator, and trustee,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, college president. “Along the way she has impacted thousands of lives and fulfilled the dream the college’s founders had in mind when East Central College was established in 1968. Our college and community are better because of Cookie’s service and leadership.”
Hays collaborated with every department on the Union campus and at the College extension sites. Her position at ECC took her to every high school district throughout the service region.
“I loved working with the faculty and staff, but my greatest reward came from working one-on-one with the students, where I grew to understand what they need and expect from their community college,” she said.
While employed at ECC, Hays earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Maryville University, and then received a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
In 2016, two years after retiring from the College, Hays was elected to her first six-year term on the ECC Board of Trustees. She was re-elected in 2022 and serves as Board Secretary.
East Central College Trustee and alumni Dr. Eric Park and Adult Education Program Director Alice Whalen were selected among their peers to receive 2022 Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) awards.
Park was presented with the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award for his service to ECC, his community and growing his professional career with roots planted at ECC where he graduated with an associate degree in May 1982.
Whalen was selected as the 2022 Administrative Professional Leadership Award recipient for her work in expanding adult education services throughout the ECC service region and for her dedication to adult education at the state level.
In addition, ECC student Carly Hamlyn spoke during the closing event of the convention. Carly is an Early College Academy student attending Washington High School and ECC. She also is president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at ECC.
The MCCA Annual Convention was held in St. Louis Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. In addition to Park and Whalen, three others from ECC were nominated for awards.
Leigh Kolb, associate professor of English and Journalism — Excellence in Teaching Award nominee.
Amy DeMiere, Division of Arts and Sciences program assistant — Classified Staff Achievement Award nominee.
Jill Harrison, nursing adjunct — Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award nominee.
The MCCA is a statewide organization representing the 12 Missouri community colleges and their faculty, staff, students and administrators.
MCCA provides services to its member institutions in four main areas – advocacy, education, information and networking
Dr. Eric Park
East Central College Trustee and alumni Dr. Eric Park, right, received the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award at the Missouri Community College Association annual convention. He is pictured ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.
For more than 35 years, Dr. Park has been a successful investment adviser. He is a co-founder of LPL Financial investment firm in Washington. He has received several national awards for his dedication to quality investment management.
Dr. Park was elected to the ECC board of trustees in 2016 and reelected in 2022. Dr. Park attended ECC after serving in the U.S. Army. He earned an associate degree in 1982 followed by a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
He also has served as an adjunct instructor at ECC and has long been active with the ECC Foundation board.
ECC president Dr. Jon Bauer, said Dr. Park epitomizes the best of community college alumni.
“Eric used his academic foundation at East Central to earn advanced degrees in his field, become a leading professional in the investment world, yet has always made it a priority to give back to his community, his college, and those around him,” Bauer said.
Alice Whalen
East Central College Adult Education Program Director Alice Whalen, center, received the 2022 Missouri Community College Association Administrative Professional Leadership Award. She is pictured with ECC Vice President of Eternal Relations Joel Doepker, left, and ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.
Whalen has been the AEL director at ECC since September 2014. Since then, she has expanded the program from offering programming in six communities to 13 communities throughout the ECC service region.
The AEL program offers day and evening HiSET classes and English Language Acquisition courses at an average of 150-200 hundred students per year.
In 2015, under her leadership and direction, Alice worked with the South Central Missouri Literacy Council in Phelps Country to add four counties, Crawford, Gasconade, Franklin, and Montgomery, to create the East Central Literacy Council. The council also has its own county committees, which include an advisory council and fundraises for the ECC AEL program to cover additional AEL student expenses.
Overall, Alice knows the importance of community involvement and understands how multiple barriers effect a student’s ability to start and complete their education. Alice’s positive energy at the college and throughout the ECC service region is contagious as she strives to make sure anyone who wants to enhance their lives through education can do so.
East Central College alumnus Scott Breckenkamp recently was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) for his contributions to the college and his community.
ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer recently presented Breckenkamp with a plaque to commemorate the accomplishment.
“Scott truly exemplifies what it means to be a leader in his field and community,” Bauer said. “He is a very well-deserved recipient.”
Breckenkamp, Washington, is the First State Community Bank (FSCB) president of the Washington and Pacific markets.
He attended ECC in 1988-89 and earned an Associate of Arts Degree before transferring to Missouri State University, Springfield, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in finance.
Breckenkamp paid his way through college by working part-time jobs during summer months and throughout the year while attending classes.
ECC Alumni Award
He was chosen as the 2020 East Central College Outstanding Alumni for his professional accomplishments and service to the community. The award is presented by the ECC Foundation.
According to Bridgette Kelch, ECC Foundation executive director, the award is presented annually by the ECC Alumni Association to honor an ECC graduate who has used his or her education and been of service to the community.
“Scott is a wonderful example of an ECC graduate who has gone on to become a successful community member and volunteer,” she said.
After receiving the College’s alumni award, Breckenkamp applauded ECC as an affordable option that enabled him to begin his education beyond high school.
“I had to pay for my own college, so this allowed me to stay local, live at home, continue to work and take the courses I needed,” he said.
Breckenkamp graduated from St. Francis Borgia Regional High School.
ECC played a vital role in his education because he still could work to pay tuition while taking classes. It was easy to then transfer to MSU to attain a four-year degree.
Banking Career
After graduating from MSU, Breckenkamp worked at US Bank in Washington. He also had been employed at the Bank of Washington, US Bank in St. Louis and Merrill Lynch.
Breckenkamp returned to Washington and became vice present and later president of US Bank. In 2005, he became the first president of the new Washington branch of FSCB.
He noted that his former economics teacher and advisor at ECC, Brian Hickey, helped guide him toward a finance degree and set him down a career path in finance/banking.
Community Service
Breckenkamp is married to Julie Pogue Breckenkamp and they have three sons: Tyler, Connor and Spencer.
He has been very active in the community and in the county by serving on the ECC Foundation Board, Mercy Hospital Board of Directors in Washington, Washington Rotary Club, Franklin County Area United Way Board and Washington 353 Corporation.
Breckenkamp also has coached Little League football for one of his three sons and coached basketball at Our Lady of Lourdes. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Borgia Athletic Association and has been chairman of the Borgia Dinner Auction. He is a Washington Town and Country Fair volunteer, among many more volunteer jobs.
Tom Fitts’ approach to instruction was to always think outside of the box and challenge his students.
That’s according to his colleagues and peers at East Central College who nominated the EMS Program Coordinator for the Missouri Community College Association Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching for the College.
“Tom was able to acquire a used ambulance to simulate learning outside of the classroom,” the award nomination form reads. “He is able to set up scenarios on campus to simulate real-life situations such as cardiac arrests at the sports fields or accidents out on the prairie. Students are then able to evaluate and treat those patients in the field just as they will in real life. He brings the classroom to life in many ways.”
Additionally, “During his time at ECC, Tom has not only excelled in the classroom but also as a member of the ECC community on and off campus,” his nomination reads.
The award was presented during the MCCA’s annual conference Nov. 10-12. Unfortunately, Fitts passed away Wednesday, Nov. 10, after battling cancer.
Fitts became the EMS coordinator at ECC in January 2002 where taught courses in the nursing program as well.
In addition to his work at the college, Fitts was part of the Washington and Meramec Ambulance Districts.
While at ECC, he served as president of the ECC faculty association and the college’s National Education Association. Each year, Fitts attended the Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP) conference for professional development. For several years, he offered refresher Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) courses to help fund an ECC student scholarship.
“Tom’s dedication to his program and ECC is evident. He is an ambassador for ECC and the EMS community.”
In September, Fitts received the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association (MEMSA) Jack Lyon Memorial, 2021 Instructor/Coordinator of the Year Award.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Fitts; and three children, Megan, Adam and Jacob.
Background and Education
In 1984, Fitts received his Emergency Medical Technician license while attending nursing school. He began working for Meramec Ambulance District and volunteered for the Eureka Fire Department.
After nursing school, he worked as a cardiothoracic nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital and then in the emergency room at St. Luke’s Des Peres Hospital, where he was head nurse. He also worked at Mercy Hospital Washington.
Fitts obtained his paramedic license and then started working full time for the Washington Area Ambulance District.
He served as the Missouri State EMS testing coordinator for many years. As an American Hospital Association (AHA) instructor for all disciplines and state Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) coordinator, he impacted innumerable patients’ lives through educating for understanding. Tom’s impact on EMS and nursing education has been unmeasurable.
Mercy Hospital Washington has been recognized for its outstanding commitment to the community and continued support to East Central College.
Mercy was the recipient of the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Distinguished Business/Industry Award, which was presented at the organization’s annual convention in November.
The hospital was nominated by ECC for its leadership within the Franklin County area, and throughout the region.
On Feb. 5, ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer presented Mercy Hospital Washington President and CEO Eric Eoloff with a plaque recognizing the institution for the award.
“For over 30 years, Mercy Hospital Washington has supported health care programming at ECC, including sharing qualified staff to serve as adjunct faculty,” Dr. Bauer said.
“While Eric Eoloff and his leadership team have led the hospital, ECC has expanded the scope of support and partnerships through the shared common vision of the college and hospital for healthcare in the community.”
Mercy Hospital is committed to quality health care for its service area of more than 150,000 residents. More than 800 employees and 233 physicians serve the Washington hospital.
Eoloff, began his career with Mercy Health Systems over 15 years ago and has been in his current role since August of 2016.
“East Central College is proud to nominate Mercy Hospital for the Distinguished Business/Industry Award,” Dr. Bauer added. “Mercy is an outstanding example of a corporation on a regional stage while providing outstanding local community leadership.”
Mercy Hospital Washington, founded in 1926, is an acute care hospital offering comprehensive medical, surgical, obstetric and pediatric services.
The ECC Nursing program continues to grow by sharing scarce human resources, such as adjunct instructors, with the hospital. In addition, Mercy has made great strides in creating a student-centered approach during clinical education and externships.
Mercy has initiated a summer student nurse extern program in which nursing students can work flexible hours to maintain school, home and work balance. This paid externship program provides ECC students with additional opportunities to learn skills and excellent mentorship provided by professional nurse role models.
In the spring of 2020, Mercy Hospital Washington collaborated with ECC on the “Earn While You Learn to be a RN” model. The model is an avenue to combat the nursing shortage and new nurse turnover rates. Real world clinical immersion is the first step in this pathway.
These partnerships offer the student the opportunity to be fully immersed in the nursing culture earning full-time wages while they learn. ECC and the hospital are leaders in innovation. Mercy Hospital Washington welcomes all ECC students from a variety of health care programs.
In addition to health care programming partnerships, Eoloff and his team are truly interested in the success of the community and in ways in which the College contributes to the community. The hospital administrative team has actively participated on advisory boards and, most recently, in ECC’s strategic planning initiative.
