Tag: Phi Theta Kappa

Molly Bauer Receives 2025 President’s Spirit of ECC Award

May 20, 2025 | Campus News

Molly Bauer, a standout music student at East Central College, was named the 2025 recipient of the President’s Spirit of East Central College Award—an honor recognizing a student who exemplifies ECC’s core values through leadership, academic excellence, service, and integrity.

The award was presented during the 55th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 17, where Molly graduated with an Associate of Fine Arts in Music.

With a 3.95 GPA, Molly made a remarkable impact at ECC both academically and artistically. She served as principal clarinetist for the ECC Band and performed in the ECC Concerto Concert.

Her musical achievements extended well beyond campus—she earned coveted spots in the All-Collegiate Band, the St. Louis Wind Symphony Youth Ensemble, and the St. Louis Youth Orchestra—a rare distinction for a student from a two-year college.

Molly was also a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member and a dedicated volunteer. She frequently performed at community and college events, including the ECC Patrons Donors Social, the Union Christmas Parade, and services at St. Peter’s UCC Church. She also shared her talents as a piano instructor at the Washington Academy of Music, inspiring the next generation of musicians.

“Molly’s professors describe her as positive, respectful, hard-working, and someone who always looks out for others,” said Sarah Leassner, Vice President of Student Development, who presented the award.

This fall, she will attend Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) in Cape Girardeau.

Molly is the daughter of ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer and his wife, Barb, of Washington. While Dr. Bauer became aware of her selection after the decision was finalized, he was not involved in the nomination or selection process.

The award was based solely on her merit and determined independently by a committee of ECC faculty and staff.

Molly’s pursuit of growth, willingness to serve, and deep passion for music left a lasting impact at East Central College. She is a most deserving recipient of this year’s President’s Spirit Award.

Six people stand in front of a blue Missouri Community College Association backdrop. From left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, PTK Rolla Advisor; David Harper, Coca-Cola New Century Workforce Scholar; Mae May, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Latisha Graham, All-USA Transfer Pathway Scholar; Kylie Napier, Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar; and Kevin Dixon, PTK Union Advisor. Several individuals are holding PTK folders and wearing medals. Not pictured are Phillip North and Moriah Mankin, also recognized at the PTK Catalyst convention in Kansas City.

ECC Students Earn Coca-Cola, All-USA Academic Awards

April 21, 2025 | Campus News ECC Rolla

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.

Seven ECC Phi Theta Kappa students pose with certificates and awards earned at the Heartland Region PTK Annual Convention

ECC PTK Chapter Brings Home Top Regional Awards

March 19, 2025 | Campus News

East Central College’s Chi Delta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society earned multiple awards at the Heartland Region PTK Annual Convention.

The conference was held March 1-2 in Omaha, Neb., and brought together PTK chapters from two-year colleges in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska to celebrate academic achievement, leadership, and service.

ECC was represented by seven students and two advisors who made the more than seven-hour trip to Omaha. Their dedication paid off as the chapter and its members were recognized in every category they entered, competing against approximately 65 chapters in the region.

These awards reflect the outstanding efforts of ECC students and their commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service. The students dedicated significant time and effort to their nominations, submitting detailed applications highlighting their work throughout the 2024 calendar year.

Three East Central College Phi Theta Kappa students pose on stage with certificates

Chapter Awards:

Distinguished Chapter for the Heartland Region – Third Place
Honors in Action (Research and Presentation Projects) – Third Place
College Project – Honorable Mention (Top 10 in the region)
Five Star Chapter Recognition – Five Star Level (the highest level of participation in PTK)

Individual Awards:

Kylie Napier – Fifth Place, Distinguished Chapter Officer
Ethan Sandstrom – Honorable Mention, Distinguished Chapter Officer (Top 10 in the region)
Kathryn Boenher – Second Place, Distinguished Chapter Member

Distinguished Chapter Officer Team – Third Place in the Region:

Elijah Long – President
Taylor Rowald – Executive Vice President
Kylie Napier – Public Relations Vice President
Ethan Sandstrom – Recording and Finance Vice President

In addition to these achievements, the chapter is preparing for PTK’s annual international convention, which will be held April 3-5 in Kansas City. There, ECC’s Chi Delta Chapter will compete against nearly 1,300 PTK chapters nationwide for additional honors.

“We are optimistic about our chances of earning recognition at the international level, based on our performance at the regional convention,” said Kevin Dixon, PTK advisor. “Our students continue to raise the bar for excellence.”

ECC’s chapter is also proud to support student Ethan Sandstrom, who is running for a vice president position for Division III, representing 13 states in the upper Midwest. The chapter is actively planning campaign efforts for the convention and looks forward to the opportunities this leadership role could provide.

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society for two-year colleges, recognizing academic achievement and providing students with opportunities for growth through leadership, scholarship, and service.

To be invited to join PTK, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 and be enrolled as a full-time student for one semester. After induction, members are required to uphold an overall GPA of 3.2 to remain in the honor society. Membership is open to students of all majors, including those pursuing degrees or certificates.

For more information about ECC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, email Kevin Dixon at kevin.dixon@eastcentral.edu.

All Phi Theta Kappa winner certificates lined up on carpeted floor

A group of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) inductees and advisors from East Central College's Chi Delta Chapter stand together holding white roses. They are positioned in front of a blue PTK banner, smiling as they celebrate the Fall 2024 New Member Induction Ceremony at ECC Union.

Sixty-Two Students Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

November 5, 2024 | Campus News

Sixty-two students were inducted this fall into the Chi Delta Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at East Central College in Union.

Four Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) members from East Central College’s Chi Delta Chapter stand at the front during the Fall 2024 Induction Ceremony. One member, wearing a pink shirt and gold PTK medallion, speaks at a podium, while the others stand beside a table draped with a blue PTK cloth, adorned with white roses and gold tassels.

The chapter held its Fall New Member Induction Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 18, featuring guest speaker Daniel Cider, a member of the Ozarks Technical College PTK Alpha Psi Tau chapter and PTK Heartland Region Vice President of Service. East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer also addressed the inductees, their families, and supporters, while ECC PTK Advisor Kevin Dixon led the ceremonies.

Special recognitions were given during the ceremony: Wendy Pecka was honored for her 10 years of service as a PTK advisor, and Melanie Dixon was recognized for her retirement after 15 years as an ECC PTK advisor.

The 2024-25 PTK officers include Elijah Long, president; Taylor Rowald, executive vice president; Ethan Sandstrom, vice president of recording and finance; and Kylie Napier, vice president of public relations.

To be invited to join PTK, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 and be enrolled as a full-time student for one semester. After induction, members are required to uphold an overall GPA of 3.2 to remain in the honor society. Membership is open to all majors across the college, including those pursuing degrees or certificates.

Students who are eligible but have not yet joined can still do so through the end of the year. For more information about PTK and to contact chapter advisors, visit www.eastcentral.edu/student-activities/clubs-and-organizations/.

Chi Delta Chapter Inductees:

Kayla Adams, Genevieve Alexander, Skylar Allen, Zander Arnold, Natalie Bell, Catherine Birmes, Kathryn Boehner, Isaac Buhr, Rachael Burton, Logan Campbell, Cierra Clonts, Barbara Corbalis, Hannah Cordell, Elizabeth Coyne, Mackenzie Czeschin, Neil Declue, Drew Fischer, Josiah Frame, Koen Gemeri, Toby Goodwin, Latisha Graham, Matthew Harp, Haley Hawk, Abigail Hawkins, Layni Heidbreder, Isabella Hill, Reyna Hoeft, Taylor James, William James, Juan Justiniano, Jacob Kluba, Julie Knight, Rayana Light, Avery Little, Ryleigh Long, Bailee Luttrell, Jayde McDonald, Christina McKean, Violet Melchior, Calogero Melia, Clayton Miller, Lacy Monzyk, Samantha Nickerson, Kaden Patke, Dalton Pealer, Adia Percival, Kara Potter, Jadyn Quattlebaum, Jenifer Rhodes, Macee Ritter, Jordan Rodrigue, Leah Schunemeyer, Hali Smith, Michelle Smith, Gabriel Soest, Addyson Steele, June Steinman, Adam Stevens, Hannah Stoker, Maggie Stubenrauch, Chloe Studdard, Sarah Summers, Mia Wallen, Brooke West, Hailey White, and Truman Wyatt.

Group of Phi Theta Kappa inductees holding candles and roses during an induction ceremony at Rolla 31 School District, part of East Central College's Rolla campus events.

Rolla Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Welcomes 22 New Members

November 5, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at East Central College in Rolla proudly inducted 22 new members this fall.

Lulu McGowan, PTK Heartland Region President, serving as the keynote speaker, stands at a wooden podium with pink hair, addressing an audience. She wears a black, square-necked top and appears focused on delivering her speech. The background includes framed artwork and a Missouri state flag.

Lulu McGowan, PTK Heartland Region President, served as the keynote speaker at the Fall New Member Induction Ceremony held on Oct. 20. Attendees included the 2024-25 PTK Beta Omicron Phi Chapter President Mae May, Rolla PTK advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema, and ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for two-year colleges, where members engage in activities reflecting the organization’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. To qualify for induction, students must achieve a GPA of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA thereafter. PTK membership is open to students across all majors, degrees, and certificates.

Students who are eligible but have not yet joined still have the opportunity to do so through the end of the year. For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact Dr. Winters-Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

The inductees who attended the ceremony were Victoria Parks, Victoria Owens, Carter Hayesk, Nichole Turner, Felicity Taylor, Tabitha Brown, Ciara Lunsford, Shylah Ragan, and Haley Breen.

Inductees not at the event include Hannah O’Connor, Angela Barnes, Viridiana Balbontin, Jonah Bartle, Dylan Brown, Ashton Chambers, Ariana Hoevel, Madison Kossuth, Cynthia McCormick, Harper Rollins, Sofai Tilei, Noah Valkenaar, and Aleksa Vanbladel.

The East Central College Chi Delta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with award

Union Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Earns Top 100 Honors

May 28, 2024 | Campus News

The East Central College Chi Delta chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society boasted amazing accomplishments this year, including being named a Top 100 Chapter.

The chapter earned Top 100 honors during the annual PTK Catalyst (International) Convention held in April in Orlando, Fla. Phi Theta Kappa has about 1,300 chapters across the globe, placing the Chi Delta chapter in elite company.

Although this is not the first time the ECC Union chapter has earned this distinction, it is the first since PTK changed program formatting several years ago, said Chapter Advisor Kevin Dixon.

“This is a goal that ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer asked us to work toward in a meeting with the advisors a few years ago, and we were honored and proud to achieve that status once again,” Dixon said.

The Top 100 status is earned through a combination of the scores from the students’ work on the Hallmark Awards for their College Project and Honors in Action programs.

Melanie Dixon, also a chapter advisor, attended the PTK Catalyst Convention with students Kylie Napier, Elijah Long, Ethan Sandstrom, and Nicholas Rucker.

Additionally, the Chi Delta chapter received a Hallmark Award for College Project, a recognition given to only the top 30 chapters in PTK each year. It is the first International Hallmark Award under the current format. The college project was developed by the chapter officers and spearheaded by Maxwell Reeves, chapter vice president.

ECC PTK member Nicholas Rucker received an individual award, the Distinguished Chapter Member, an accolade that just 30-40 members in all of PTK earn. Rucker was nominated by chapter officers in recognition of his participation in chapter programming last year.

The Chi Delta student officers for the 2023-24 academic year were Mary Daily (President), Maxwell Reeves (Executive Vice President), Sarah O’Bannon (Vice President for Public Relations/Fall 2023 graduate), and Enoch Schloeman (Vice President for Chapter Programs/Spring 2024 graduate).

In addition to Kevin and Melanie Dixon, Dr. Wendy Pecka also served as an advisor for PTK at ECC.

About PTK

Students must have at least a 3.4 GPA and be a full-time student for one semester to be invited into PTK. Members must then maintain an overall GPA of 3.2 once they are inducted into the honor society. Membership is open to all majors throughout the college, including anyone working toward a degree or certificate.

To learn more about PTK and to find contact information for advisors, visit www.eastcentral.edu/student-activities/clubs-and-organizations.

All-Missouri Academic Teams students with Dr. Robyn Walter and Kevin Dixon

ECC Students Named to All-Missouri Academic Teams

May 17, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Four standout students from East Central College have been recognized for their exceptional academic achievements by being named to the 2024 All-Missouri Academic Team.

The honorees are Hayden Loeb of Owensville, Donna Neulinger of Rolla, Chloe Nissen of Union, and Jagger Wood of Washington. These students were recognized by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) and the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) National Honor Society during a special ceremony sponsored by MCCA in April.

In recognition of their accomplishments, each student received a medallion, a certificate, and a cash scholarship sponsored by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA). The PTK, in partnership with corporate sponsors, organizes the Academic All-USA competition for students from two-year colleges across the nation.

The selection process is rigorous. PTK evaluates applicants on a national scale and forwards the top Missouri candidates to the MCCA. From there, the 40 highest-ranking students in the state are designated as Academic All-State award winners. These include 10 students on the first team, 10 on the second team, and 20 on the third team.

East Central College nominates two to four students from each campus annually for the All-USA Team, making them automatic contenders for the All-Missouri Academic Team. The nomination process requires a comprehensive scholarship application, detailing the nominees’ campus and community activities and including a letter of recommendation that highlights a significant endeavor they accomplished during their time at ECC.

ECC Students named All-Missouri Academic Teams — Pictured are three of the four East Central College students named to the All-Missouri Academic Team. From left, are Jagger Wood of Washington, Donna Neulinger of Rolla, and Chloe Nissen of Union. Not pictured is Hayden Loeb of Owensville. Wood and Nissen attend classes at the Union campus, while Neulinger and Loeb are based at ECC in Rolla.

ECC Phi Theta Kappa Chapters Excel at Heartland Regional Convention

March 22, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Students and advisors from Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at East Central College were recognized for their hard work and dedication at a regional convention where they received chapter and individual awards. The Chi Delta PTK Chapter at the Union campus and the Beta Omicron Phi Chapter at ECC in Rolla earned “5-Star Status” with recognition as Five Star Chapter programs during the Heartland Regional Convention in Overland Park, Kan.

The annual convention provided a platform for members to learn about Phi Theta Kappa programs, hear from esteemed guest speakers, and delve into the new Honors Study Topic, “The Power of Stories,” said Kevin Dixon, Union PTK advisor.

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

Throughout 2023, both chapters dedicated themselves to activities aligned with these core hallmarks. Members engaged in comprehensive research on the previous Honors in Action topic, “The Art and Science of Play,” and undertook a community service project.

Additionally, they collaborated with college leadership to design and execute a College Project aimed at directly benefiting ECC students. In mid-January, after meticulous preparation during the semester and holiday break, the chapters submitted their Hallmark Awards applications.

With 64 chapters in the Heartland Region, spanning Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, the competition was formidable. Alongside nominations for officer and member awards, chapters had the opportunity to submit various art and media items for recognition.

Union Chapter

The Union Chi Delta Chapter earned first-place honors for their College Project Award and a second-place Distinguished Chapter award for the Heartland Region. The Chapter received an Honorable Mention for the Honors in Action Project Award.

Distinguished Chapter Officer awards were presented to Chi Delta members Sarah O’Bannon, second place; and Nicholas Rucker, fourth place.

The East Central College Phi Theta Kappa Chi Delta PTK Chapter was recognized as a Five Star Chapter program during the Heartland Regional Convention in Overland Park, Kan. The Chapter also earned first-place honors for their College Project Award, the second-place Distinguished Chapter award, and Honorable Mention for the Honors in Action Project Award. Distinguished Chapter Officer awards were presented to Chi Delta members Sarah O’Bannon, second place; and Nicholas Rucker, fourth place. Front row, from left to right: Ethan Sandstrom, Katelyn Rice, Dr. Wendy Pecka (advisor), Melanie Dixon (advisor), and Kylie Napier. Back row, from left to right: Elijah Long, Taylor Rowald, Maria Guevara, Nicholas Rucker, and Kevin Dixon (advisor).

Rolla Chapter

Beta Omicron Phi chapter advisor Dr. Elizabeth Rozema was recognized as a 5-Star Advisor and for completing the PTK Advisor Edge program.

Individual awards were presented to members Justin Heberlie: Achievement in Photography, fifth place; and Briannah Tiarks: Distinguished Chapter Member, Honorable Mention.

“Congratulations go to the students who put in so much time and dedication to prepare these award applications, and a big thank you goes to my fellow advisors for all the work they’ve done on behalf of our Phi Theta Kappa students,” Dixon commented.

In addition to Kevin Dixon, Wendy Pecka and Melanie Dixon advise the Union Chi Delta Chapter.

To be eligible for PTK, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

To learn more about PTK and to find contact information for advisors, visit East Central College Student Activities.

Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema with students Mae May and Justin Heberlie — Pictured from left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema (advisor), Mae May, and Justin Heberlie, members of the Beta Omicron Phi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa at East Central College in Rolla. During the Heartland Regional Convention, Rozema was recognized as a 5-Star Advisor and for completing the PTK Advisor Edge program. Individual awards were presented to member Justin Heberlie for Achievement in Photography, fifth place; and Briannah Tiarks for Distinguished Chapter Member, Honorable Mention.

PTK Honor Society at ECC Rolla Inducts Members

November 21, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

The Beta Omicron Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at East Central College in Rolla inducted several new members into the organization.

An induction ceremony recognizing the new members was held in October. Cole Halfaker, ECC student services specialist, was the keynote speaker during the ceremony.

New members are:

Mikayla Bigler, Amy Hiatt, Mary Howard, Kiernan Twyman, Molly Linkeman, McKenzie Burns, Karen Deardeuff, Alexia Govero, Justin Heberlie, Madyson Helmuth, Autumn Hoevel, Kristen Kibbons, Mae May, Emily Neulinger, Babajide Olatunbosun, Alisha Paradise, Philip Riche, Christabel Southards, Allister Hawkins, Jonathan Metzen, Nathanael Horton, Emma Willison, Isabella Wingard and Gage Klossner

PTK is an international honor society for two-year colleges. Members pursue activities that fall under the direction of the society’s hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship.

To be eligible for induction, students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.4 for one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA after their induction. Students can be pursuing any major, degree or certificate.

Other students could still be eligible to join but haven’t yet. Students invited to be in the PTK can still do so through the end of the year. For more information about PTK in Rolla, contact PTK advisor Dr. Elizabeth Winters-Rozema at 573-466-4084 or elizabeth.rozema@eastcentral.edu.

ECC Advisor Selected for Missouri Community College Award

November 16, 2023 | Campus News

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.
Susan Giesing, Elementary Education adjunct — Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award nominee.
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.”