Employee Wellness Program Off to a Good Start-Points to Blue earns dollars for you

In April of this year, MCC implemented a new wellness program for employees funded by MCC’s health insurance carrier, BlueCross/BlueShield (BCBS).

Jenny Edwards, health enhancement coordinator, has been meeting with employees on the MCC Wellness Committee to discuss developing and implementing wellness program activities and assist employees with their health and fitness objectives districtwide.

One tool Edwards is using is a BCBS program, called A Healthier You (AHY).One feature of AHY is the Points to Blue Incentive program.

Points to Blue rewards employees who participate in health and wellness activities. Employees earn points for participating in health risk assessments, screenings, classes and contacting a health coach. Points can be redeemed each year for a payout of up to $250.

One way points can be earned is participating in wellness webinars. Each month, Edwards emails information about all the webinars available for that month (watch your email inbox for A Healthier You announcements).

“I signed up for the Cultivating a Stress Resilient Life webinar,” said one employee. “With everything that was going on with me that week, I was glad I signed up. It really helped get me through the week. I also earned 25,000 points towards my $250.”

To sign up for Points to Blue, register at http://www.bluekc.com/ . For more information, email jenny.edwards@mcckc.edu

MCC Panama expedition

MCC creates workforce development program in Panama. MCC representative, Nanette Svenson, helps broker opportunities between MCC and Panama. Watch the video for more details.

MCC leaders honored ar Air National Guard event

To honor the employers of guard and reserve members, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Employer Appreciation Day was held on April 30 at Rosecrans Air National Guard base in St. Joseph, Mo. Andy Forester, evening/ weekend coordinator for MCC-Penn Valley, has served in the Missouri Air National Guard since 2007.

In attendance were: Mark James, MCC chancellor designee; Lisa Minis, Penn Valley dean of students and Muna Dempsey. On Saturday and Sunday, the air show was attended by more than 60,000 people, including visits from U.S. Representative Sam Graves, Governor Jay Nixon and Adjutant General Steve Danner.

The ESGR celebration included a Commander’s Welcome, BBQ lunch and air show headlined by the Blue Angels. During the commander’s welcome, Colonel Mike McEnulty emphasized how critical Reservists and National Guard members are, as they make up 50 percent of the military and are trained to assist in both international combat missions and natural disasters at home and abroad.

After lunch, employers who have signed a statement of support were honored. MCC’s statement of support, along with other companies who offer outstanding support to their employees can be viewed under “Programs” at www.ESGR.org .

The statement of support affirms that as an organization, “We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA); Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve; and we will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

“I’m so proud and privileged to be able to wear the Air Force uniform,” said Forester. “When I graduated from seminary in 2007, I chose to join the Air National Guard as a chaplain because I wanted to address the emotional and spiritual needs of our troops and veterans at a critical juncture in history. I’m very thankful for an employer, co-workers and supervisors who are supportive of our troops and my endeavors.”

Stimac honored at the excellence in education banquet

MCC-Maple Woods student financial aid manager Robin Stimac was recently honored at the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Excellence in Education Banquet, which recognizes outstanding teachers, students, staff, volunteers and local business supporters of education.

Stimac was nominated by the MCC-Maple Woods Staff Association for her dedication and leadership of the Financial Aid department, which is working hard to serve an ever increasing volume of students.

The Northland Regional Chamber Excellence in Education Banquet is the largest celebration of education in the Kansas City area, including all institutions north of the river.

MCC English Instructor - Poet and Educator

“Like a quiet spring morning after a stormy night, writing brings hope to our daybreaks.”
~ Mary Rogers-Grantham

Mary Rogers-Grantham, adjunct English instructor at MCC-Penn Valley, is a published poet. Some of her works have been published in The Kansas City Star as well as other local media outlets. She is the author of It’s Okay: Poetic Memoirs, her first poetry publication. Her latest publication is titled Clear Velvet, and can be purchased at:

Prospero’s Books-1800 E. 39th Street
Rainy Day Books - 2706 W. 53rd Street, Fairway, Kan.
The Good Book - Eden Alley Restaurant, 707 W. 47th Street
To read some of Rogers-Grantham’s poetry visit here.

Pole Field Lab installed at MCC-BTC

Instructor Ed Budy guides students as they install a
new pole field lab behind MCC-Business & Technology. Until
recently, students in the Electric Utility LIne Tech program
used a pole field owned by Kansas City Power & Light,
located about a five miles from campus.
Beginning in fall of 2010, line tech students will enjoy a
new lab right outside the back door. About 50 poles will be
installed, according to program coordinator, Susan Blaser.

MCC-Penn Valley Honors Convocation 2010

MCC-Penn Valley held its 32nd Annual Honors Convocation on April 22, 2010. The event honored several students, staff and faculty who have made outstanding contributions to Penn Valley this past year.

Maureen Kennedy received the Outstanding Contribution to the College award while Vicki Raine and Andy Forester received the President’s Appreciation award.

The event drew more than 150 attendees. Congratulations to all award recipients!

For more photos click here.

Flights of Fancy videos

Here are a few of the great videos taken at the MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy Kite Festival on April 17.


Flights of Fancy Kite Festival 2010 from Mike Ekey on Vimeo.


And of course look at those crowds enjoying the day on the lawn!


Flights of Fancy Kite Festival 2010 from Mike Ekey on Vimeo.

Record Breaking Crowds Attend Flights of Fancy Kite Festival

It seemed every inch of the sky above MCC-Longview was filled with kites, banners and wind socks as the 4th Annual Flights of Fancy Kite Festival took flight over the campus on April 17.

Along with the professional demonstrations by the Kansas City Kite Club, thousands of families also came out on the gorgeous Saturday to fly their own kite and enjoy the spring weather.

“We could not have asked for a better day,” said festival chairwoman Jill Ladas. “It really is just perfect for sitting outdoors and enjoying every second of the kite displays.”

By the end of the day, more than 14,000 people had come to the lawn to check out some of the one-of-akind kites by Sean Beaver, president of the KC Kite Club. By mid afternoon,Beaver cleared an area in the professional flying field and unleashed the world’s largest windsock kite to the amazement of the spectators. When fully filled the windsock is as large as a three-story
building and has enough turning force to lift a 200 pound man 50 feet into the air.

“This is not some delicate box kite or something,” said Beaver. “This is something you have to tell others ‘don’t try this at home.’”

For a full photo album from the kite festival, click here.

Congratulations to Adjunct Academy Completers

Front row: Joseph Volpe, BR; Rosalee Northway, LV; Karla Horkman, LV; Linda Ornes, LV; Courtney Kilgore, MW; Alice Faust, LV; Carlye Banks, MW; Terry McNamara, MW.
Back row: Debra Taylor, MW; John Lyon, BR; Bill Mauzey, LV; Elizabeth Norwat, LV; David German, BTC; Justin Dunham, PV; Teresina Bradley, MW; Ron Akins, LV; Claudette Akins, BR.

MCC professional development offered five workshops for adjunct faculty this academic year. The workshops were held on Saturday mornings and were facilitated by MCC faculty and administrators. The average attendance at the workshops was 40, which attests to the commitment to excellence by our adjunct instructors.

Workshop topics included: The Learning Process, Engaging Students in the 21st Century; Cool Cats in the Classroom: Avoiding a Classroom Catastrophe; Teaching in an Anxious
World and the Master Faculty Workshop.

Seventeen adjunct faculty members were honored with a celebration breakfast on Saturday,
April 10 for having completed the entire workshop series. Congratulations!

Inaugural MCC Gala a Success

The goal of this year’s MCC Five Star Gala was to honor Henry Bloch and raise funds to help support MCC students in providing scholarships, emergency book funds, and special educational programs. On both fronts, the gala was a success.

Over 400 guests attended, raising $160,000, of which approximately $40,000 will go towards scholarships and programs. The event also honored Bloch, co-founder of H&R Block, for his foundation’s efforts in establishing the Bloch Scholars Program at MCC.

The event was emceed by Mitch Holthus, the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, and entertainment was provided by the Metropolitan Chorale of Kansas City. A light show highlighted the event on the side of the Marriott on 12th Street and an illuminated blue MCC ice sculpture was a lobby centerpiece. MCC alumni and Henry W. Bloch Scholars greeted and thanked guests for their support.

The Chorale, directed by Dr. Rebecca Johnson, includes the ensemble group Vox Luminese. They performed four numbers, including the world premiere of Spirit of Saints, written by award winning composer-in-residence, Ryan Main. Main presented Mr. Bloch with the sheet music as a special gift from the Bloch Scholars and MCC.

Guests enjoyed a video presentation of the history of MCC, and heard personal stories from past and current Bloch Scholars. The Bloch Scholars later joined Mr. Bloch on stage when he was presented the Five Star award, specially-designed and donated by artist Rita Blitt.

MCC-Longview turns 40

MCC-Longview turned 40 this past weekend, but the campus on the hill is anything but over
the hill.

Close to 200 people celebrated the Lakers’ ruby anniversary at the Longview Mansion in a party that encompassed fundraising, an awards ceremony and a retrospective look on the past 40 years of success and achievement.

“This is a celebration not just for the college and everything we have accomplished since its founding, but also a celebration of the people who have held us up each year and made us truly great,” said MCC-Longview President Fred Grogan.

Grogan, who received an award for his leadership at Longview, presided over an evening where past faculty, current campus innovators, students leaders, prominent alumni and local community advocates all shared the stage. Each group was recognized for the work they have done to help the campus grow since its founding in 1969.

The awards ceremony honored a variety of people who have touched MCC-Longview in some way in the past 40 years including the staff and faculty that oversee the Writing Across the Curriculum program, which vaulted MCC-Longview into a position to be named TIME Magazine/The Princeton Review ‘College of the Year’ in 2001.

The evening also included a silent auction with all of the proceeds from the event going to benefit the Student Emergency Fund on campus.

Of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without cake and a round of Happy Birthday led by MCC-Longview’s own choir director, Cathy Hardy.

For a full photo album from the evening, Click here.

MCC Introduces Employee Wellness Program!

Beginning April 1, MCC implemented a robust wellness program for employees enrolled in the medical plan to utilize. The program, funded completely by BlueCross/BlueShield (BCBS), is a turn-key operation provided by MCC’s health insurance carrier.

The program provides MCC with a health enhancement coordinator from St. Luke’s Health System, Jenny Edwards, whose position is also included in the funding. Edwards has over 12 years experience in training and athletics and holds a masters in higher education and physical education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Edwards’ part-time time position allows her to be at MCC full days on Wednesdays and
Thursdays and a half day on Fridays. As the health enhancement coordinator, she is responsible for developing and implementing wellness program activities and assist employees with their health and fitness objectives.

“One goal is to create a stand-alone program that utilizes the wellness products provided
through BlueCross,” said Edwards.

The BCBS program, called A Healthier You (AHY), has been successfully used by other BCBS
clients, and includes many features such as:
• health risk assessments
• onsite classes
• biometric screenings
• health coaching
• weight management program

“One great benefit for employees is the Points to Blue Incentive Program,” said Brandi Fockler,
benefits manager at MCC. “Points to Blue rewards employees who participate in health and wellness activities.”

In the Points to Blue Incentive Program, employees are able to earn points for participating
in health risk assessments, screenings, classes and contacting your health coach. Points can be redeemed each year for a cash payout of up to $250. If giving is what you have in mind, choose from a list of 350 charities to donate your payout to, including the MCC Foundation.
This benefit adds no additional cost to employee insurance premiums. The incentive program
could actually reduce premium costs in the long run, if employees utilize the program and become healthier.

Students host walk for autism at MCC-Longview

Inspired by a class project, one English class asked how they could do more.

What was only supposed to be a class project for one MCC-Longview English class has now blossomed into a Metro-wide fundraising Walk for Autism.

On Saturday, April 10, dozens of students from Casey Reid’s English class will be hosting a
mile-long walk at Longview as they raise money to help the Kansas City-based Sherwood Center, an autism education center that focuses on programming and classes.

“Our assignment was to write about something in our lives. One student wrote about his son
and how he was growing up with autism,” student organizer Jessica Rushton said. “From there we all decided we wanted to do something to help.”

The public is invited to walk with students to help raise money for the Sherwood Center.

Braam Elected to School Board

Annette Braam, director of the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center at MCC-Business & Technology, has been elected to the Lee’s Summit R-7 Board of Education. Braam, who also served on the school board from 2002 through 2005, will serve a 3-year term beginning April 15.

Braam joined MCC in 2009 to broaden the scope of the OTI Education Center, which provides training and consulting services for businesses so they can maintain the highest standards of safety, as outlined by OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

Braam and other MCC Business & Learning Solutions performance consultants provide training and consulting for industrial and business clients across Greater Kansas City as part of the MCC Institute for Workforce Innovation.

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Save the earth: Recycle your stuff

Each month, MCC generates 62 tons of waste that goes to the landfill – but not for long. An expanded districtwide recycling program aims to reduce MCC’s footprint by making it easier for students and employees to recycle.

The expansion effort, coordinated by the MCC Green Initiatives Committee, means you’ll have more accessible and convenient ways to recycle, including small bins for individual office use and large bins in common areas.

The large bins will not only be easier to find – there are 215 new bins districtwide – but they will also allow for co-mingling of materials, which means you can toss all recyclables in one place.

Specifically, items collected in the bins include:
• newspaper
• catalogs
• ad inserts
• magazines
• phone books
• brochures
• office paper
• manila folders
• junk mail
• aluminum cans
• plastic containers numbered #1 through #7 (water bottles, yogurt tubs, takeout containers)
• carrier stock cardboard (soft drink cartons)
• chipboard (cereal boxes, shoe boxes)
• NOTE: corrugated cardboard (shipping boxes, paper-ream boxes) is NOT accepted in the co-mingled bins. Separate receptacles are used for this; check with your custodial service department to find out where.

For more information on materials that are and are not accepted, click here.

This recycling program is done in conjunction with Deffenbaugh Industries and is implemented by MCC custodial services.

McGee hired as employee relations manager

On March 22, MCC human resources department welcomed Christina McGee, as the employee relations manager.

The employee relations manager plays a key role in overseeing various personnel policies and acts as a liaison for MCC employees. Some of McGee’s duties include facilitating mediation for complaints and investigations; ensuring that policies are being followed; and working with various committees, including the office of inclusion and diversity on matters of recruitment and availability.

McGee received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue University and a master’s
degree in business administration from Missouri State University (formerly Southwest Missouri
State University). She has three years experience in human resources in the areas of employee
relations matter, recruitment, diversity and training.

“I hope to be able to increase a better working environment,” said McGee. “It’s so important
that our employees are happy. I want to do want I can to create a positive work environment at
MCC.”

MCC receives $2.2 million grant

At a press conference held at MCC-Maple Woods on Wednesday, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon announced a $2.2 million grant that will be given to MCC as part of the state’s Training for Tomorrow initiative. The grant, funded by the Department of Economic Development, will cover curriculum development for both new and existing programs in four areas: animal health, supply chain integration, healthcare and small business operations.

The Training for Tomorrow funding, intended to help community colleges grow and create programs that will prepare students for jobs in high-demand fields, was open to community colleges across the state. MCC’s request was coordinated in partnership with a coalition of leaders from Cass, Platte and Buchanan counties, the local counties that were eligible for the funding.

Planning and development for the new programs is already underway. Over the next two years, more than 20 credit and non-credit courses, certificates and degree programs will be created across the district. Pat Lees, coordinator of the grant and manager of special projects for the Institute for Workforce Innovation, anticipates working with every campus on this project.

"We will be working together to develop the new curricula and grow some of our existing programs," said Lees. "This funding gives us the opportunity to create programs in emerging fields, like those that can serve the rapidly-growing businesses in the logistics industry and the Animal Health Corridor, as well as in existing in-demand fields, like nursing and allied health."
To view the article from the Kansas City Business Journal click here.

On March 3 and 4, 2010, MCC will host the second annual Careers Unlimited exploration and career fair at the MCC-Business & Technology exhibit hall.

On the first day, March 3, the event will feature our 80 career and technical degree and certificate programs which blend classroom instruction with hands-on skill development. Nearly 3,000 area high school students are expected to be in attendance. Students will be able to see our programs in action and explore six career paths: arts and communication; business management and technology; health services; human services; industrial and engineering technology; and natural resources and agriculture.

On March 4, MCC will host a job fair in partnership with Job News, a well-respected source for job seekers and employers. MCC’s own continuing professional education programs will also be present to provide job seekers with information on programs that will develop their skills. MCC’s goal in hosting this job fair is to share information about in-demand careers and the education and training necessary to get started in those fields.

During the event, attendees on both days will have the opportunity to interact with MCC industry-experienced instructors and talk to admissions staff.

MCC is dedicated to serving our community, and this event, in part, was our response to the economic downturn. MCC is a resource for community members as they look to build their skills and acquire new ones through career education and training.