Tag: Missouri Community College Association

ECC Students and Grads Recognized at MCCA, PTK Event

May 3, 2022 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Four current East Central College students and two graduates were recognized for academics and leadership during the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Student Leadership and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society Awards Luncheon.

ECC students Donna Hall, Arica Doerr, Brooklyn Hyatt, and Brandon Morrow; and graduates Kya Nilges and Dora Bell, each were recognized during the April 28 event held at Stephens College in Columbia, Mo.

Hyatt, ECC Student Government Association vice president, was a recipient of an MCCA Student Leadership Award. These awards are presented annually to one exceptional leader from each community college.

PTK Honor Society Awards

Each year the PTK Honor Society, along with participating corporate partners, sponsors the Academic All-USA competition for students attending two-year colleges.

PTK ranks applicants nationally, then forwards results to MCCA. The top 40 students statewide are then named Academic All-State award winners, with 10 first-team, 10 second-team, and 20 third-team winners.

Bell and Hall were both named to the All-Missouri Academic First-Team. Doerr and Morrow were named to the All-Missouri Academic Team Third-Team.

Bell also was recognized as a Phi Theta Kappa Coca-Cola Scholar, a distinction only given to students with the top 150 scores from across the country. Bell was a Bronze Scholar, and she received a $1,000 scholarship.

PTK All-Missouri Team

The PTK All-Missouri Team recognizes high-achieving two-year college students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual rigor, leadership, and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.

Each of the students receives a cash scholarship from MCCA along with a medallion and certificate honoring their academic achievement.

There are two “competition” levels, one for transfer-track students and one for students who are in workforce preparation programs (AAS and certificate-level programs). ECC is allowed to nominate up to two students for each pathway from both Union and Rolla.

To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and be on track to graduate or complete their programs by the end of the fall semester. Students also are required to submit a lengthy application that involves writing essays and getting letters of recommendation to support their applications.

Breckenkamp Presented State-Level Distinguished Alumni Award

December 8, 2021 | Campus News

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.

Bieker Recognized for 26 Years of Outstanding Service to ECC

November 23, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College faculty member Judy Bieker recently was recognized for more than 26 years of outstanding service.

Bieker, nursing program coordinator and associate professor, received the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Senior Service Award for longevity and distinguished service to the College and program.

According to Bieker’s peers who nominated her, she has educated more than 500 nursing students in her career.

“Judy’s teaching style is engaging. Before the ‘flipped classroom’ was a buzz word, she was already utilizing this active learning strategy in her obstetrics and cardiology classes,” her nomination reads.

“Over the course of her tenure, Judy has the privilege to teach both theory and the clinical didactic. This combination has led to the success of the ECC nursing program and the success of our students.”

During her time at ECC, Bieker has participated on various committees. Most recently she led the team responsible for overhauling the faculty evaluations and improving the College’s portfolio process. The portfolio of a faculty member is a collection of information about a teacher’s practice, which includes lesson plans, student assignments and formal evaluations by supervisors.

Bieker has also mentored numerous master’s degree-seeking students and new faculty members over the years without hesitation.

“Judy mentors new faculty and assists them in their professional development through their first five years of teaching through her dedicated work on the portfolio committee,” her colleagues said. “She values teaching and learning and has great interest in assisting newer faculty.”

Bieker is a role model to students and others through her spirit of inquiry and educational excellence.

“She never turns down a challenge and approaches her dedication to students and to the college with great vigor,” the nomination reads. “Judy is extremely deserving of this award as she embodies the true spirit of nursing, nursing education, and the community college mission.”

Tom Fitts Receives Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

November 19, 2021 | Campus News

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.

Dr. Blackmore Receives Outstanding Adjunct Award

November 19, 2021 | Campus News Music Performing Arts

East Central College music adjunct instructor Dr. Lisa Blackmore recently received a Missouri Community College Association Adjunct Faculty Award.

Blackmore teaches Music History, World Music and trumpet lessons at ECC. She also teaches at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Missouri Baptist University, and plays with the St. Louis Wind Symphony, Compton Heights Band, and many other ensembles.

She is highly respected within higher education institutions and the region’s music community, according to those who nominated her for the MCCA award.

“Dr. Blackmore is a talented artist and a dedicated teacher. She epitomizes excellence as a university professor,” the nomination reads. “She always goes above and beyond to give herself to her students, her colleagues, and the community.

“She fosters positivity, inspiration, and professionalism among those she works with. She serves the college and her students with uncompromising integrity. Her dedication and commitment to her students is exemplary.”

Blackmore regularly attends ECC’s Music Department evening concerts to support her colleagues and her students.

One example of her commitment to educating the next generation is her involvement in the ECC Instrument Petting Zoo Project, which features hands-on experiences with real instruments. Through the project, Blackmore performs and demonstrates instruments for area school children.

“Her technique of introducing the horn instruments by blowing through a seashell demonstrates her ability to immediately engage her student’s attention and make learning music fun.”

A former student testified to the impact Blackmore had on her higher education and life when she said:

“Dr. Blackmore pushed me to be the best I could be, holding me to a high standard of scholarship at the community college I attended, while at the same time always being there with any help she could give.

“She saw me as an individual and encouraged me not to just settle for being average. That prepared me well for my transfer to UMSL (University of Missouri-St. Louis) later,” the student added. “Even now, in a career role as a music school director, I value her professional input, and am privileged to call her both former professor and friend.”

The MCCA conference was held Nov. 10-12 in Branson.

Board President Receives Leadership Award

January 25, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College Board of Trustee’s President Ann Hartley officially received an award last week recognizing her service to the College, and for embracing ECC’s mission.

Dr. Jon Bauer, ECC president, presented the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Trustee Leadership Award to Hartley. She was announced the winner of the award at the MCCA annual convention, held virtually, in November.

Hartley has served on the ECC Board of Trustees since 2012. She is actively engaged with the work of the college, and she serves as board liaison on the Strategic Planning and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Advisory committees.

In addition, Hartley has worked with the college president to develop a formal orientation process for new board members, and she has developed an evaluation instrument and process that enables the board to collectively participate in the annual evaluation of the president.

“Ann embraces the community college mission, understands the important role of the board in the effective governance of the college, and works devotedly as an ambassador of East Central,” said Dr. Bauer.

The other MCCA award winners who are associated with ECC are:

Dot Schowe, former director of public relations, Outstanding Alumni Award.
Stacy Bellville, executive administrative assistant for the office of academic affairs, Certified Staff Award.
Joshua Stroup, English instructor, Excellence in Teaching Award.
Jeff Parsons, adjunct history instructor, Adjunct Award.
Nancy Mitchell, Laura McDonald and Judy Bieker, nursing faculty, Mel Aytes Award.
Laura Deason, associate registrar, Senior Service Award.
Mercy Hospital, Distinguished Business Award.
State Sen. Dave Schatz, who represents the district where ECC is located, Distinguished Legislator Award.

ECC Employees, Advocates and Partners Receive Awards

November 13, 2020 | Campus News

East Central College had a strong representation in the awards portion of the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) annual convention.

This year’s convention was held virtually Nov. 11-13.

On Thursday, Nov. 12, ECC Board of Trustee’s President Ann Hartley was presented the Trustee Leadership Award; and Dot Schowe, former director of public relations, was presented the Outstanding Alumni Award.

In addition, Mercy Hospital Washington was recognized with the Distinguished Business/Industry Award. The hospital was nominated by ECC as an outstanding example of a corporation on a regional stage while providing outstanding local community leadership.

ECC employees Stacy Bellville, executive administrative assistant for the office of academic affairs; Joshua Stroup, English instructor; Jeff Parsons, adjunct history instructor; ECC Nursing faculty Nancy Mitchell, Laura McDonald and Judy Bieker; and Laura Deason, associate registrar, were all recognized the final day of the convention, Friday, Nov. 13.

State Sen. Dave Schatz, who represents the district where ECC is located, was also recognized by the MCCA as a Distinguished Legislator.

Trustee Award

Hartley has served on the ECC Board of Trustees since 2012. She is actively engaged with the work of the college and serves as board liaison on the Strategic Planning Committee and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Advisory Committee.

Hartley has worked with the college president to develop a formal orientation process for new board members, and she has developed an evaluation instrument and process that enables the board to collectively participate in the annual evaluation of the president.

Alumni Award

Schowe graduated from ECC in 1977 and transferred to Central Missouri State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in public relations in 1979.

She returned to ECC and worked in many areas of the college over the next 36 years. She retired in 2016 as the as the director of public relations.

Schowe is a quintessential college ambassador and a tireless advocate for East Central. She has spent a lifetime and career championing her alma mater, contributing to the community, and serving as the quintessential living example of the community college mission.

Distinguished Business

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.

For over thirty years, Mercy Hospital Washington has supported health care programming at ECC, including sharing qualified staff to serve as adjunct faculty.

While President and CEO 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.

Classified Staff Award

Bellville has held the position of Classified Staff Association (CSA) President for the past eight years, and she has been an exceptional leader in that role.

She encourages CSA members to attend MCCA events and webinars. Bellville is an ECC Patrons of the Art member and actively contributes on college-wide committees, including the Higher Learning Commission Task Force.

Her dedication to the faculty, staff and students’ needs inspires others to commit to ECC’s mission of empowering students and enriching communities through education.

Excellence in Teaching

Stroup began his full-time teaching career at ECC in 2007. Prior to that, he was an adjunct instructor for many years.

He has played major roles in the ECC International Festival and the college Humanities Festival. Stroup sponsors the ECC Lit Review Club and encourages hundreds of students to develop their creative abilities. He is larger than life in the classroom, pushing students to think deeply and creatively.

Stroup also built the technical writing program at ECC from scratch and ran the program for years.

Adjunct Award

Parsons has been an adjunct history instructor at ECC since 2007. He is excited about history and works diligently to instill that excitement in his students. His boisterous, enthusiastic voice can be heard halfway across campus as he teaches his classes.

Parsons’ lectures are packed with movie, music and video clips that give students every opportunity to make a connection to the material being taught. He provides vivid classroom discussions, and encourages and celebrates every individual student voice.

Mel Aytes Award

The ECC Nursing faculty received the Mel Aytes Faculty Innovation Award for encouraging educators to develop new and innovative ways to get more qualified nursing graduates into the workforce.

Director of Nursing Nancy Mitchell, and Nursing Program Coordinators Laura McDonald and Judy Bieker developed the “Earn While You Learn to be an RN” pilot program to facilitate learning for nursing students which acclimates them to the healthcare environment while earning a salary.

This pilot project was approved by the Missouri State Board of nursing and it has paved the way for replication at other community colleges.

Senior Service Award

ECC Associate Registrar Laura Deason started her employment ECC as a student worker in the library. She graduated from ECC in 1989.

She began her vocational career at East Central in 1994. Deason has been a GED instructor, a test proctor, a tutor, an adjunct developmental mathematics instructor and an academic advisor.

Throughout her career, she has selflessly worked to support others as they pursue their goals in higher education. She does not seek recognition for herself; she is always first to celebrate a student’s accomplishment.

Deason inspires excellence both in students and in everyone who works alongside her.

Alumni, Faculty and Staff Recognized at Missouri Community College Association Awards

November 13, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, the Missouri Community College Association recognizes individuals at its annual convention. Awards are given to alumni, faculty and staff who are making an impact in their local communities.

In 2018, the Distinguished Alumni Award was given to Ron Unnerstall. The award is presented to exceptional individuals who have attended a Missouri community college. It is one of the most prestigious awards presented by MCCA. Although it is not required that the recipient be a graduate of a community college, preference is given to those who have earned a certificate or completed a degree program.

Nearly 30 years ago, Ron Unnerstall helped found Washington Engineering and Architecture. Today, the company’s influence can be seen around Franklin County and beyond. Unnerstall has used his engineering knowledge over the years to help serve the community. His firm has donated services to help local organizations with projects big and small. Outside of work, he volunteers his personal time to help those around him. Congrats!

Accounts Payable Specialist Sharon Jost received the Senior Service Award which recognizes a long-serving employee for their service and dedication to the college. Sharon has been employed at ECC for 27 years.

Other winners included Connie Lutz for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty, Mike Palazzola for the Mel Aytes Faculty Innovation Award and John Hardecke for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Award.

We are very proud of all our honorees!

#InspiringExcellence – Adjunct Honored with Statewide Award

November 5, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

When it comes to teaching math, it’s hard to find someone with more experience than Connie Lutz.

“I spent 44 years as a high school math teacher,” she said. “My first semester as an adjunct professor at East Central College was in 1980.”

She’s still going strong.

“I enjoy mathematics,” Lutz explained, “the problem solving which makes you think logically but often requires a creative approach. I want to develop an appreciation of the power and beauty of mathematics in my students. I want to find a way to make the course content relevant to my students, to see beyond the manipulations.”

She believes in one simple notion – do math and you can do anything.

“Being able to ‘handle the math’ opens so many doors for students. Consequently, there is an urgency to help students develop good math sense and succeed in math class,” she said.

Her dedication to her students in the classroom is why she has been named the Missouri Community College Association Outstanding Adjunct Faculty for 2018! Only one award winner is chosen each year. It doesn’t come as a surprise to one of her former students.

“I had Connie Lutz as a math instructor when I returned to college,” said Peggy Reeves. “I had not been a student for several years, and she made returning not as intimidating as I thought it would be. She not only is an excellent teacher, but she also cares deeply about her students.”

It’s a sentiment shared by those who work with her as well.

“Connie has the ability to inspire and engage all of her students,” said Ann Boehmer, East Central College Dean of Instruction. “She passionately works with every student who has entered her classroom. She is a role model for all of us when she is in the classroom through her ability to teach all students and emphasize the importance of mathematics.”

She will be honored at the Missouri Community College Association Annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony in Branson in November.

Congrats Connie!

John Hardecke Honored with Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

October 24, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

He considers his job, quite literally, as one of the best in the world.

“I have always seen East Central College as the jewel in our community crown,” explained John Hardecke. “We support our students in innumerable ways – encouraging them to enhance their lives through education and cultural experiences.”

For more than 20 years, Hardecke has shared his expertise to hundreds of students in English Composition, Literature and Developmental Writing as a faculty member.

“Good teachers engage their students enthusiastically,” he said. “We are here to help them understand the real value of the subject they are studying and how such knowledge can be applied to improve their understanding of the world and themselves.”

In his classroom, it’s easy to see the respect and admiration he receives from his students. Outside the classroom, he is revered by fellow faculty members and staff at East Central College. For those that know him well, it came as no surprise when he was selected for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2018!

The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching is presented to an outstanding faculty member from each participating higher education institution in Missouri. Winners are chosen based on effective teaching, effective advising, service to the college community, commitment to high standards of excellence and success in nurturing student achievement.

Hardecke will be presented with his award at the annual Missouri Community College Association Awards and Recognition Ceremony in Branson in November.