ST. CHARLES COMMUNITY COLLEGE Vol. 23, No. 2 | 2011

IN THIS ISSUE ...Commencement photo collage ................PAGE 3

1,100-plus guests attend Rhythm & RIbs ..PAGE 5

SCC Roller Hockey captures ninth title ......PAGE 6

PTK urges students to ‘Commit to Complete’

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon was the keynote speaker at SCC’s 23rd annual commencement on May 14, which celebrated the accomplishments of more than 650 graduates of the class of 2011.

The ceremony took place during SCC’s 25th anniversary year. “For a quarter of a century, graduates of St. Charles Community College have gone on to serve their communities and our state with highest distinction,” Nixon said. “You students are about to become part of that tradition.”

“With the steadfast investment and the leadership and vision of St. Charles County, you have come a long way, from a temporary campus with just 400 students, to this thriving complex,” Nixon said. “You stand on the shoulders of some great leaders.”

The Governor urged graduates to use their education to promote informed, rational debate on pressing global issues from climate change to sustainable economic development. Gov. Nixon also acknowledged the upcoming

retirement of SCC president John McGuire, and thanked McGuire for his 15 years of outstanding service to the college and the community. “I hope that you have the deepest understanding of how many thousands of lives you have directly and dramatically affected, and on behalf of the people of the state of Missouri, I thank you, Sir.” Nixon said.

Also addressing the crowd of nearly 1,500 graduates, faculty, relatives and friends was Sam Imperiale of St. Peters, a returning learner who received an Associate of Arts degree.

On April 28-29, SCC Phi Theta Kappa honor society members encouraged students to sign a pledge to complete their degrees and certifications before leaving the community college to transfer or to enter the job market.

The completion pledge is part of a national community college movement (See www.cccompletioncorps.org/ptk)

Another Signing Day is in the works for the fall semester, said PTK advisor Christy Gant.

In April 2010, leaders of six national organizations representing the nation’s 1,200 community colleges signed the Call to Action, a pledge to increase student completion rates by 50 percent over the next decade.

President Barack Obama has called for community colleges to produce an additional 5 million degrees and certificates in the next 10 years, part of his goal to restore the United States as the world leader in college graduates.

In February, Missouri joined the Complete College America Alliance of States, which makes college completion a top priority. SCC, along with other public institutions of higher education, will track and report degree completion rates.

Gov. Jay Nixon addresses grads at 23rd SCC commencementMore than 650 receive community college degrees and certificates

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon congratulates and shakes hands with a member of SCC’s graduating class of 2011.

SEE A SELECTION OF PHOTOS FROM THE 23RD ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT ON PAGE 3. More on Missouri public college completion initiatives: www.dhe.mo.gov

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Local science teacher receives 2011 SCC Distinguished Alumni Award

The SCC Foundation presented James Hall III, sixth grade science teacher at Orchard Farm Middle School, with the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award at the commencement ceremony on May 14.

Hall’s passion for teaching was ignited during a physics class at SCC, and today Hall is focused on making an impact on his students – both in the

way they understand science, and in the way they view their own career potential.

A scholarship from SCC allowed Hall to attend college full-time, and his experiences in the classroom opened his mind to becoming a teacher. If not for SCC, college would not have been an option, he said.

At SCC, part of the college’s vision is to be recognized as a leader in student success, and SCC students are helping to fulfill that vision.

This spring, SCC students brought home 27 awards for their achievements in journalism, business and overall academics.

Phi Beta Lambda Teammates Peggy Glenn and

Tammy Slayden placed third in Desktop Publishing at the 2011 Phi Beta Lambda Missouri State Leadership Conference. Glenn also placed fifth in Computer Applications and Slayden placed third in Word Processing.

Phi Theta KappaThe SCC Alpha Xi Chi Chapter

received several awards at the 2011 Phi Theta Kappa Missouri Regional Convention, including a Hallmark Award for their developments in science. SCC student Tobi Wilkins was elected

as vice president of the Kappa district in Missouri.

SCCougarThe SCCougar more

than doubled the number of awards won the previous year at the Missouri College Media Association’s annual contest, with 12 SCCougar staff members receiving 21 awards for their work and three students receiving first-place awards.

All-Missouri Academic TeamSCC students Charles Albers

and Peter Gent were recently selected to be part of the All-Missouri Academic Team by the Missouri Community College Association and Phi Theta Kappa for their outstanding academic achievement, participation in campus activities, and service to their college and community.

James Hall III, sixth grade science teacher at Orchard Farm Middle School

More about Hall and the award: stchas.edu/supporting_scc/ distinguished-alumni

Now home to more than 2,000 trees, it’s safe to say that SCC had something to celebrate this past Arbor Day.

The college received its official Tree Campus USA Certification plaque at an Arbor Day Celebration event in April. Sponsored by the SCC Tree Advisory Committee and the Missouri Department of Conservation, Urban Forester Mark Grueber hosted a lecture before presenting SCC with the plaque.

SCC earned Tree Campus USA Certification from the Arbor Day Foundation in February for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship in 2010.

SCC also sponsored its first-ever “It’s Easy Being Green Expo” on campus in April. This family-friendly, community event featured environmentally friendly vendors, educators and presenters sharing information

on renewable energy efficiency, green products, food and gardening, as well as The Home Depot’s Kids Workshops.

SCC celebrates green achievements on national Arbor Day, hosts Green Expo

SCC is one of the first three colleges to be Tree Campus USA-certified in the state of Missouri.

SCC students bring home 27 awards in journalism, business and academics

Discover more about SCC green initiatives at “A Greener SCC” online: stchas.edu/green

Read the SCC Vision: stchas.edu/about-scc/ mission_vision_values

Now there’s a new way to stay connected to SCC – The Friends and Alumni program, where any of SCC’s 78,755 alumni can join, as well as “friends,” like parents, families, supporters, community members – even faculty and staff. It’s free to join, and members will receive invitations to events, discounts/offers to local retailers, networking opportunities and college updates. Make sure you’re a part of the group by emailing your name to lpowell@stchas.edu.

CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!

SCC graduate Zachary Schmutz sports a splash of school spirit, donning a maroon tie under his black gown at the 23rd annual SCC commencement.

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Friends & AlumniCALLING ALL SCC

Staff take the trophy (barely) in HLC/NCA Faculty-Staff softball showdownThe SCC Faculty team took their opponents to

seven full innings before the Staff claimed victory in the HLC/NCA Faculty-Staff Softball Game, 17-15. Held April 15 on the SCC softball field, about 40 employees braved the dirt and the diamond as more than 60 people cheered from the stands.

The game brought faculty, staff, and students out to the field, while the HLC/NCA Communications Committee offered up free

treats including Cracker Jacks, Texas Roadhouse Peanuts and more – all featuring a fast-fact about accreditation, our mission, vision or values. Team rosters explained the significance of each player’s jersey number in relation to accreditation and the college history.

“After such a positive response, we may just have a rematch this fall,” said Heather McDorman, HLC/NCA Communications Committee chair.

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Scooter McCougar joins SCC Faculty and Staff team captains Cassandra Samson, Hal Berry, Joe Hartnett and Mike Buda before the two teams’ head-to-head matchup on April 15 in the HLC/NCA Faculty-Staff Softball Game at SCC.

mascot, a campus-wide party with live music and games, an all campus anniversary photo, a scavenger hunt, an egg hunt, kite flying, baseball tailgate party, and a movie night featuring the 1986 box office hit Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. There were also lunch specials,

SCC kicked off its 25th anniversary with a weeklong celebration of events beginning April 1, the official day voters created the St. Charles Community College district 25 years ago in 1986. Events included a birthday party for Scooter McCougar, SCC’s

Bookstore specials, and lots of free Chick-fil-A sandwiches.

SCC will celebrate its 25th anniversary through June 2012. You can help raise awareness at your event or occasion: A seven-foot banner and podium banner are available in MAC to be checked out, the 25th

anniversary logo is available for download at https://intranet.stchas.edu/intranet/docs/mac/weblogos.shtml#logo25 and 25th anniversary seals will be available this summer for letters and mailings. For more information: stchas.edu/25th or pschreiner@stchas.edu.

25th anniversary kicked off in April, continues through June 2012

Even as he invades the office of SCC President John McGuire and various campus classrooms, Scooter McCougar makes friends and celebrates with them during the college’s 25th anniversary kick-off celebration April 1-8. One of the week’s events included an outdoor portrait session (above, far right) near the Administration Building for faculty, staff and students whose images would later be included in a commemorative mosaic display.

To prepare for the HLC/NCA Team Visit in November ask yourself these questions:

• What is the college mission?

• How does my role at the college contribute to our mission?

• Why is the Self Study process valuable to the college?

• What are the college’s strengths and challenges?

• How am I involved in the college planning process?

If you feel like you need help answering any of these questions, be sure to talk to your supervisor.

Spring 2011 was a busy one at SCC! From recognizing student success to celebrating cultural diversity, with a mix of performing arts, athletics and music concerts in between – SCC experienced it all!

The Mystical Arts of Tibet (a) shared their culture on the campus of SCC in March for a 4-day stay in which they spent 31 hours working on a Mandala Sand Painting. They hosted an opening ceremony, 2 lectures and a closing ceremony, where they distributed 157 bags of the

dismantled Mandala sand to the audience, which was made up of more than 100 SCC faculty, students and staff.

Center Stage Theatre (b) performed Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead April 13-17, which is an unauthorized parody of 8 characters from a popular comic strip who have become teenagers.

Despite the bad weather, Spring Fling (c) still managed to bring out 2,612 attendees over 2 days, who enjoyed 192

veggie burgers, 1,320 hamburgers and 1,100 hot dogs. There was live music by Green River Ordinance, and there were about 40 different booths with games and giveaways for students.

The 3rd Annual Student Film Festival Awards Ceremony (d) was held on April 28 and included 5 categories: documentary, comedy shorts, drama shorts, music video and experimental/animation. 13 awards were given out, including an Overall Winner and the Audience Favorite.

The following night, a total

of 165 students received 175 awards at the Student Awards Banquet (e) on April 29.

On April 30, the 19th Annual SCC Spring Wellness Festival (f) brought more than 1,000 area residents to campus. The 10K Race, 1-Mile Fun Run and 3-Mile Walk included 565 runners/walkers and 70 volunteers. A total of 85 trophies and medals were awarded to the winners of their category and event.

More than 1,100 area friends and neighbors gathered on campus on May 20 to “Eat, Drink, Rock ... for education,” raising more than $43,000. Proceeds benefit SCC scholarships and educational programs.

“Events like this are a great way to bring the community together,” said Kasey McKee, executive director of the SCC Foundation. “It also ensures a

a b c

ef

SPRING SEMESTER WAS PACKED WITH AWARDS, EVENTS, EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

Rain and wind no match for Rhythm and Ribs as 1,100-plus guests attendhigh-quality college education remains within reach for thousands of students.”

After enjoying the smooth sounds of the St. Charles West Jazz Band, guests rocked out to The Smash Band and enjoyed ribs from Ethyl’s Smokehouse and Saloon in O’Fallon and Mannino’s Market in Cottleville.

d

SPRING 2011 ... BY THE NUMBERS

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See who else was involved at this year’s big event: Rhythm-And-Ribs.com

Chaz is a publication of the SCC Marketing and Communications Department for students, employees, and friends. To suggest items, call 636-922-8080.Heather McDorman, co-editor/contributing writer • Ben Munson, co-editor/photographer/designer • Peggy Schreiner and Kanna Taylor, contributing writers 5/

2011

SCC defeats home-town rival Meramec for 9th national roller hockey title

It took seven months of preparation but just 12 seconds of overtime for St. Charles Community College to bring home its second consecutive collegiate roller hockey national championship title on April 10.

The No.-2 seeded SCC defeated top-ranked St. Louis Community College-Meramec 3-2 to capture the title.

Freshman Todd Hoeferlin scored the game-winner 12 seconds into sudden-death, notching a hat trick in the

process, on a pass off the draw from line mate Tommy Wilson.

“We went into the game knowing we could (win). It was just a matter of finding the right moment and the right shot to get it past (Meramec’s goalie),” Hoeferlin said.

It wouldn’t be easy, though. The SCC Cougars had lost all three of the teams’ previous

head-to-head contests, including two in St. Louis at the regional tournament and one in Wisconsin in a non-elimination contest. But in a game where both teams entered eager but fatigued, previous meetings between the rivals meant little.

“The way our games were scheduled, we ended up playing four games in less than 24

hours and six in 36 hours. Both teams were spent, so we knew it would come down to a chess match,” said Cougars head coach Pat Ramshaw.

Now, that coveted, oversized “chess piece” is on display in the SCC trophy case in the College Center. “It’s back in its rightful spot,” said Kelley Pfeiffer, SCC coordinator of student activities.

Brea K. Herod, SCC student of O’Fallon, passed away on March 30. Brea attended SCC this spring and was in her fourth semester. Funeral services took place on April 2.

In Memoriam ...

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The SCC Cougars baseball and softball teams ended postseason play on a high note. The men’s baseball team upset a No.-2 seed, and the softball team finished better than they have in seven years.

BASEBALLThe Cougars finished the

season at 12-38, losing the majority of their games by just a few runs. The highlight of their postseason was upsetting No.-2 seed Mineral Area College. But it was too little, too late.

“We had the potential and talent to be a great team,” said Head Coach Chris Gober. “We turned it on at the end of the season, but we came up just a little short.”

Sophomore catcher Nate Smith won the team’s Outstanding Defense award, sophomore pitcher Brian Burwell won Outstanding Pitcher and freshman outfielder

Ryan Abernathy won the team’s MVP award.

SOFTBALLThe women’s softball team

placed third in the Region XVI Tournament this year, the

Baseball, softball spring seasons conclude on similar, positive noteshighest they’ve placed since 2004. Although they finished the season with a record of 21-24, the Lady Cougars were happy with how their season ended.

“This team made it their goal to improve upon last season, and they did that,” said Jenn Beckmann, head coach. “It was a great season, and the girls really came together as a team.”

Sophomore Chelsea Zerrer earned All-Regional First-Team and All-Conference First-Team honors, and broke the SCC career homerun record this season with her seventh homerun.

Sophomore Nate Smith (left) will transfer to Northwest Missouri State and sophomore Alexis Baez will be attending Missouri Baptist University in the fall.

Visit Cougar Athletics online to see all the awards the softball team won: stchas.edu/athletics