Women business owners share expertise

MCC-Penn Valley continued its women's history month celebration with "Enterprising Women," a networking showcase of local women entrepreneurs. The event was coordinated by Chris Kelly, MCC supplier diversity program coordinator.

Featured presenters included: Mary Anne Auer of Wexford Labs, Linda Norfleet of Ruth Burke & Associates, Brenda Clark of BC Collection custom jewelry, Lindsay Aydelotte of Herlife magazine, Audrie Seeley of Andrie Seeley Landscaping, and Desta Watson of Divine Floral designs.

Panelists shared lessons learned and gave advice to attendees wishing to start their own businesses.

MCC Faculty honored with Governor's award for Excellence in Teaching

Four Metropolitan Community College faculty members were honored with the Missouri Governor's award for Excellent in Teaching.

The award ceremony, which was part of the Missouri Community College Association's Rally Day in Jefferson City on Wednesday, honored 19 faculty members from community colleges across the state.

"Truly, there has never been a more important time for the work you are doing," Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said to faculty members at the award lunch on Wednesday.

Faculty members honored from MCC were:

George Blomster
Adjunct Instructor of Mathematics
MCC-Penn Valley

Dr. Anne Dvorak
English Instructor
MCC-Longview

Robyn McGee
English Instructor
MCC-BLue River

Stephanie Zerkel-Humbert
English Instructor
MCC-Maple Woods

For more photos from the event, be sure to check out the MCC-Longview photo blog.

Message to Students - Prepare to Enroll

Summer and fall enrollment begins on April 11. This semester, there is a new look in the myMCCKC Student Center that will help navigate students through the enroll and pay process.

Prepare to Enroll

Students are required to complete that step before you can select classes. If not completed ahead of time, you will be presented with Prepare to Enroll when you go to enroll. Once completed, you’ll be able to jump right in and select classes, enroll, and pay.

Prepare to Enroll includes:

• Details about MCC payment options
• Verification/edit options for student contact information, including MCC Notify Me
• A place to inform MCC of your current goal on the Student Profile
• Financial aid status as it relates to Pell grants
• Details of any holds on student records that would prevent a student from enrolling.

NEW STUDENTS should:

 1. Log in to myMCCKC before you come to your enrollment group session.

•  Set up a password you can remember
•  Complete the applicable MCC Notify Me option
•  Set up password help, if not already done on the application for admission

2. “Prepare to Enroll” in your Student Center on myMCCKC beginning April 1st. If this step is completed ahead of time you will not have to do that during your enrollment group session. This will allow staff to spend more time helping you get into the right classes.

 

RETURNING STUDENTS should:

 1. “Prepare to Enroll” in your Student Center on myMCCKC beginning April 1st. If this step is completed ahead of time you will not have to do that before you select classes.

Team MCC wants you!

The countdown is on! Team MCC needs you to help reach their $5,000 fundraising goal for the annual AIDSWalk Kansas City. The team has now surpassed the $3,000 mark - but is still looking for students and employees to walk as one MCC on Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m. at Theis Park.


To join Team MCC visit http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/nancy-harrington/mcc/team

For more information about being part of the team, contact Nancy Harrington at 816.604.4240.

For more general info about AIDSWalk KC: http://www.aidswalkkansascity.org/

MCC-Blue River seeks volunteers for City of Independence Spring Clean-Up

The city of Independence will have receptacles in the parking lot at MCC-Blue River so that people in the local community may dispose of any unwanted items they have accumulated over the winter. The City of Independence Spring Clean-Up is a program designed to aid elderly and handicapped citizens to dispose of unwanted garbage and items.

From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, volunteers will be needed to help unload the items that are collected and possibly to go with city employees who will pick up items from elderly and disabled neighbors who have requested assistance.

It’s a fun, fast paced morning to work, and students, staff, faculty and the general public are all invited to volunteer their help. Watch a nationally recognized community service program at work and be part of the action.

Volunteer Opportunity Saturday, April 2 at MCC-Blue River, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Contact Amy Slater at MCC-Blue River for details, 806.604.6500 or Amy.Slater@mcckc.edu

MCC students shine at PTK honors lunch

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon said it best: "The people sitting in this room today are the future leaders of tomorrow."

That room the governor was addressing was the Phi Theta Kappa awards lunch in Jefferson City honoring some the top faculty and students from community colleges across the state.

As part of the Missouri Community College Association's Rally Day at the state Capitol, the awards lunch highlighted some of the top performing students and faculty that have made a distinct impact on their campus, community and peers back home.

A number of Metropolitan Community College students were named to the All-Missouri Academic Team, which recognizes 35 of the top academic and philanthropic students in the state.

MCC-Penn Valley final exam, commencement schedule announced

MCC-Penn Valley’s commencement ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 19.

As result, the final exam schedule for the day exams has been changed. There will be no reading day for Penn Valley. The final exam schedule for day and evening exams will be Thursday, May 12-Wednesday, May 18.

Penn Valley students, faculty and administrators will observe this year's commencement exercises on May 19 at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium (13th and Wyandotte).

Blum is a peach…and totally bananas!

MCC payroll manager Stacey Blum is known for two things: being helpful and being wacky. Well, and being the paycheck lady. Now she can add one more moniker to the list: employee of the month.

Blum, who was selected for the honor earlier this month by colleagues at the Administrative Center, is described as “the shining light in her department.” Her helpfulness, responsiveness and dedication have been credited with ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time even when the department was understaffed.

Blum has worked in MCC’s payroll office for

Flag football and Intramural basketball, volleyball at MCC-Blue River

Spring is here, and it’s time again for the sporting life. MCC-Blue River hosts flag football and intramural basketball and volleyball this season. Sign up forms are in the office in the Arts & Sciences building. The deadline to sign up for five on five flag football is Wednesday, April 6, and games begin the following Friday. Intramural sports shall commence soon after.

Football players will convene at the soccer field on the east side of campus after 1 p.m. The season will consist of five games, followed by a playoff for the top two teams. Flag football teams must be made up of at least 50% MCC students.

The free spring intramural tournaments for basketball will be held April 12 and 14 at 2:15 p.m. in the gymnasium. All MCC students are welcome, and each team must include at least two MCC student participants. T-shirts will be available for those who have not already acquired them.

Sport	Dates	Times	Location
Flag Football	Fri Apr 8 – May 6	1:00 p.m.	Soccer Field
Basketball	Tues Apr 12 & 14	2:15 p.m.	Gymnasium
Volleyball	Wed Apr 20	1:00 p.m.	Gymnasium

Contact Dave Owens for more information: 816.604.6426 office, 816.437.1958 cell, david.owens@mcckc.edu

MCC-BTC Students Compete at SkillsUSA State Contest Today

From left, Michael Whited and George Price will compete in state SkillsUSA contest at Linn State Technical College Thursday, March 31.  Michael is competing in Prepared Speech and George is competing in Technical Computer Applications.  Kate Douglas and Ed McCarty, Cisco Faculty, will be judging the Internetworking Contest. 

MCC-Penn Valley to host annual graphic design and digital prepress fair

The MCC-Penn Valley Art Department is hosting its Graphic Design and Digital Prepress Career and Internship Fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 6 in the Carter Art Center.

This annual event invites area high school art students and area college art students as they talk with recruiting colleges who present their graphic design and digital prepress programs as well as guest speakers who discuss the hot trends of these industries and coach students in preparing for careers in these fields. As an added bonus, college graphic design students can have their portfolios reviewed by industry pros who volunteer their time. See schedule below:

This departmental initiative supports students in their career pursuits in the arts. The event grows and evolves each year and receives strong support from the other college programs and the industry members.

Smithville pitcher Grant Woods signs with Monarchs

Smithville High School senior Grant Woods recently signed on to join the Monarchs for the 2011-2012 baseball season.

Read the full interview here!

Points-to-Blue puts money in employees’ pockets

Since the launch of the Points-to-Blue (PTB) program in April 2010, approximately $32,000 of gift cards have been paid out to MCC employees. And that’s not the whole story – thousands more dollars worth of points have been banked, but not yet redeemed.


Tomorrow is the last day to redeem any points banked in 2010. Points banked during 2010 that have not been redeemed will expire on March 31, 2011.

MCC employees love the PTB program. From gift cards as gifts, to treating themselves to a little something special, there is something for everyone. Some employees purchased well deserved spa time, while others tried new restaurants and department stores.

“I redeemed mine at a new store,” said Leawna Parker, module leader for enrollment services. “There’s nothing to lose. It’s like free money for things I’m already doing.”

The PTB incentive program is provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City. The program rewards employees for making healthy choices by providing tools to track participation in activities that improve health or keep employees healthy, while allowing them to choose their own rewards.

Once an employee records 25,000 points or more in their bank, they can redeem those points towards gift cards to more than 350 retail, restaurant, travel and entertainment providers. Gift cards start at $25 and increase in $5 increments.

*Note: due to high volume this time of year, processing of gift cards may take up to 6 weeks.

Chancellor Mark James visits MCC-Business & Technology

Chancellor Mark James visited MCC-Business & Technology on March 29 to have lunch with employees, administrators and students. He talked about MCC's budget looking forward and answered employee and student questions. James will be at MCC-Penn Valley April 26 as part of his informal lunch discussions with each campus this semester to communicate important information and hear feedback about MCC. 

 

Save the Date! BlueKC National Walk at Lunch Day

The MCC Wellness Committee, through the MCC Living Well program, invites employees to attend the Walk at Lunch day on April 27. Details for routes and times are being worked out for each campus and the Administrative Center.

Watch The MCC Insider for more information coming soon.

MCC heads to Jefferson City for MCCA's Rally Day

Students, faculty and staff from all five of Metropolitan Community College campuses are heading to the State Capitol today to talk with legislators about the importance of higher education through the state's community colleges.

Students from Phi Theta Kappa will also be honored for their leadership at a lunch and ceremony later in the afternoon.

You can follow the group's activities as they meet with legislators and hear from a variety of speakers throughout the day.

Follow the Rally Day events on Twitter or on Facebook.

New View Career Fair TODAY

Find your perfect job, career path, internship and much more at the New View Career Fair today at the MCC-Longview Recreation Center.

Dress you best and bring your resume as more than three dozen employers will be looking for some of the best. The job fair is open to the public.

New View Career Fair
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. @ MCC-Longview Recreation Center
For more information go to projecthire.net

Employers who will be at the fair include:

MCC-Maple Woods finds innovative ways to reach out to current, prospective students

The days of singular college fairs, large campus tours and broad discussions with admissions reps are quickly becoming outdated ways of keeping in touch with prospective students. A campaign of constant contact, guiding prospective students as they begin to prepare for college until the time they graduate or transfer is part of MCC-Maple Woods’ new campaign to reach out to students in more innovative and interactive ways.

Social media giants like Facebook and Twitter have become the “hangout” for everyone aged 13 and up – students can get news and updates about everything. And we do mean everything. MCC-Maple Woods has stepped up its Facebook presence over the last year, filling Current Students and Prospective Students pages with information about campus activities, high school visits, testing dates,

Career opportunity

CO# 11-043 PV Contract Trainer - ESL

• posted March 29
• will be removed from the website on April 3  for the initial screening.
• For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51302

Phi Theta Kappa induction at MCC-Blue River

A number of new members joined the ranks of Phi Theta Kappa on March 26 at MCC-Blue River with a beautiful candle light induction ceremony. Dean of Instruction Cheryl Carpenter Davis welcomed the students along with President Joe Seabrooks.

After taking the induction oath, the Alpha Pi Sigma MCC-Blue River chapter of Phi Theta Kappa provided a warm reception for the new members.

The inductees honored at the ceremony were:

Mending contaminated recycling stream at MCC-Blue River

Questions have arisen from time to time regarding which items are recyclable. With the recent addition of cardboard bins to the kitchen and mailroom areas, even more questions about MCC-Blue River’s recycling policies have arisen.

The newest problem has been cardboard contaminating the Blue River recycling stream. Facility services superintendent Bob Shrauner recently asked all at Blue River to place any cardboard recycling items between the blue recycling bins and the wall behind.

Says Shrauner:

“Thank you for embracing our recycling efforts here at MCC-Blue River. With your help we are increasing the amount of materials for reuse and

Beta Tau Kappa Chapter Charter Inked - BTC Inducts 13 in Honor Society

With the last member’s signature of the charter document on Friday, March 25, MCC-BTC’s honor society became official.  At the same moment, chapter Beta Tau Kappa joined a network of more than 1,200 Phi Theta Kappa chapters with 2 million members.

“I’m excited and honored to be part of this chapter and I’m really looking forward to the doors PTK will open,” said Judah Schad, electronic engineering technology student.  “I plan to transfer to Rolla when I complete my degree at MCC-BTC.  I’ve already checked and MU Science and Technology offer a PTK transfer scholarship for members that want to study computer engineering.”

MCC-Maple Woods and Dillard's offers tips on 'What Not to Wear'

Do you know how to dress for success? Your first impression says a lot to potential employers, college admissions reps and your new supervisor. MCC-Maple Woods Student Employment Services, along with Dillard's-Zona Rosa, will show students "What Not to Wear" at the 2nd Annual Dress for Success Fashion Show. The show will be held from 2-4 p.m. in the Campus Center Arbor Room and is free and open to the public.

Sign up today for the MCC-Longview Lakers Volleyball all-skills camp

The MCC-Longview Lakers Volleyball team once again will be offering exclusive volleyball camp opportunities.

Coach Rob Kaleikau and assistant coach Marnie Winters, along with the Lakers volleyball team, will demonstrate the fundamentals and basic skills needed for any budding volleyball superstar.

All skill levels are welcome. Send in your sign up sheet today!

Lakers Volleyball All-Skills Camp

June 20 - 24, 2011

Longview Rec. Center

Cost $130/person

Call 816.604.2400 with questions.

Download the application and get signed up today.

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Graduation Fair

MCC-Penn Valley English teacher pens op-ed tribute to neighborhood bar

MCC-Penn Valley English Instructor Anita Leverich shared the sights and sounds of her neighborhood bar in this weekend's The Kansas City Star "Midwest Voices" column. Leverich took readers on a visit to Dotlanders of Wyandotte County, where people from different walks of life gather and enjoy good times. To read the column, click here.

MCC-Penn Valley launches financial aid ad campaign

MCC-Penn Valley recently launched a financial aid awareness promotion campaign. The advertising campaign, funded by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, is aimed at first-generation African-American and Latino prospective students in the Kansas City, Missouri urban core.

Ads are running on the following mediums:

• 13 billboards
• radio stations KPRS FM and KDTD AM
• newspapers: The Kansas City Call, The Kansas City Globe, Dos Mundos, Kansas City Hispanic News.

Employees: Banked points from 2010 Points to Blue will expire March 31

Don't forget to reward yourself for hard work and healthy choices made last year in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Points to Blue (PTB) program. Any previous points banked during 2010 that have not been redeemed will expire on March 31, 2011. If you have 25,000 or more banked points from 2010, redeem them by either clicking the Redeem button or the My Rewards button on your PTB account and choose Redeem My Points.


Points to Blue is the reward system offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City which allows employees to track healthy behavior and choose the rewards in a gift card format.

MCC welcomes new employees

Trisha Barb, LV Student Employment Services Specialist

John Moyer, BR Senior Campus Police Officer

Laures Simmons, IWI Program Specialist

Scott Patterson, BR Public Information Specialist

Michele Simmons, MW Learning Specialist

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Motorcycle Safety Classes

To sign up for classes, register online here or contact the Community Education office at 816.604.3011.

Play at MCC-Penn Valley showcases women of courage

In commemoration of women's history month, campus life and leadership at MCC-Penn Valley will host a powerful stage performance. “Stories from Da Dirt,” a one-act play, performed by MC Players, Inc. that tells a tale of the lives of three African American women who escaped from slavery using their own skill and ingenuity.

DATE: Tuesday, March 29
PLACE: ST 101 Little Theater
TIME: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The women in this play are nameless because the trials and tribulations surrounding their lives can apply to many enslaved women living during that time period. The only character which has a name is Elizabeth Thompson, which happens to be a depiction of the playwright, Dr. Nancy J. Dawson’s, grandmother, who actually escaped from Missouri and fled to Kansas (a free state) and settled in a town known for its Underground Railroad connection called Quindaro, Kan.

Employee training for New Payment Model

Approximately 200 employees have attended training for MCC's New Payment Model (NPM). If you still need training, there are 3 more chances to attend a session. Registration for these sessions is not required:
• TODAY, March 28 from 2 - 4 p.m., LV CEC Conference Room
• Thursday, March 31 from 2 - 4 p.m., MW CC0102
• Friday, April 8 from 9 - 11 a.m., PVEC006

Information is also available on the InfoExchange under Business Procedures and Payment for Classes.

The MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy kite festival needs YOU!

The fifth annual MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy kite festival, presented by Farmers Insurance, needs your help. 

To make this amazing all-day festival a huge success we need volunteers like YOU. As we invite close to 15,000 people to the MCC-Longview camps we need ambassadors to help represent MCC, to answer questions, to man the entrances and exits, and much more.

This festival can not be a huge success without your help and support. 

If you would like to volunteer for this event, contact Kimberlee Thomasson at 816.604.2205.

Volunteers will be broken into three shifts (morning, noon and evening shifts) - but feel free to stay the whole day and experience some of the most amazing kite displays in the Midwest.

Flights of Fancy kite festival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 16

MCC-Longview

http://www.mccflightsoffancy.org/

Classroom doors to get new locks

Classrooms across MCC will soon become a little more secure, thanks to a measure just approved by the board of trustees that calls for installation of more than 500 new door locks.

The locks, which will be installed beginning in May, are intended to protect students, faculty and staff in the event of a public safety emergency involving an intruder or other threat to personal safety. Once installed, the doors will be lockable from both inside and outside of the room. Currently, most classroom and conference room doors can only be locked and unlocked from outside of the room and require the use of a key.

“We want to give students, employees and guests peace of mind,” said Bill Hudson, chief of campus police. “If there is a safety threat in the building or anywhere on campus, people will be able to close and lock the door to protect themselves from danger.”

MCC’s construction and maintenance crews will be manually installing the new knobs and handles on a schedule that will not interfere will classes or other college business. Installation will begin in May and is expected to be complete by the middle of the fall 2011 semester, according to MCC’s construction superintendent Richard Hill.

Shakespearian delirium for MCC-Blue River Theatre Troupe

An incredible feat of theatrical prowess will be presented by MCC-Blue River’s thespians as they perform all 37 of The Bard’s plays in just 97 minutes! What’s more, the performance is open to the public and proceeds benefit Harvesters. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is a magnificent and comical paring-down of all of Shakespeare’s theatrical works into a hilarious and manageable high speed histori-dromedy.

To quote Shakespeare’s Polonius from Hamlet, our MCC-Blue River actors must prove themselves to be "The best actors in the world, either for tragedy,/comedy, history, pastoral,/pastoral-comical,/historical-pastoral, tragical-historical, tragical-/comical-historical-pastoral, scene individable, or/poem unlimited: Seneca cannot be too heavy, nor/Plautus too light." 

The group will touch on all of those styles, though with a particular flair for comedy, considering the thumb-in-the-eye and tongue-in-cheek that such a hilarious undertaking

MCC-Penn Valley hosts Alta Vista Early College Day

About 80 students from Alta Vista Charter School visited MCC-Penn Valley on Thursday to participate in Early College Day.

Students toured MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute, then came to the main campus for lunch and presentations by Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) and current early college students attending MCC-Penn Valley.


Alta Vista students participating in an Early College Program at MCC-Penn Valley share their experiences with future program participants.





Job fair at MCC-Penn Valley attracts more than 800

More than 800 students and community members attended the Employment Guide Job Fair at MCC-Penn Valley on Wednesday. The event represented the third job fair hosted at the campus during March.

"As always, we could not put on this event without the help of Jon Hopkins, Emit Bowman, Kelly Price, and the facilities staff members," says Melanie Bowman, student employment services coordinator. "Gary Wilson and the MCC police officers go above and beyond to help us assist visitors to Penn Valley."

Kudos were also given to Robin Harris and student workers who held down the fort in the Career Center during the event.

MCC-Maple Woods Fitness Center presents Fitness Friday!

MCC-Longview Faculty Art Exhibit Reception TONIGHT

Opening Reception

March 25, 5-8 p.m.

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

The MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center is proud to present the work of our art faculty in the 2nd Metropolitan Community College-Longview Art Faculty Exhibit.

Tonight you can meet with those faculty members and artists who have help make this show such a success.

“We’re very fortunate to have with us an exemplary group of instructors who are not only excellent educators but also artists and designers active in their own practices as well,” said Daniel Reneau, MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center gallery curator.

The exhibit runs through April 23. There will be a reception with the artists on March 25 from 5-8 p.m.

The gallery hours are 12-4, Wed.–Sat. and is located at 500 SW Longview Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

MCC-Longview Faculty Art Exhibit

Gallery Days and Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 12-4 p.m.

Artist featured are: Jay Hunt, Amy Kephart, Kim Lindaberry, Nancy Morrison, Sydney Pener, Daniel Reneau, Scott Seebart, Jim Smith, Susan Speck and Dee Washer

New MCC-Blue River faculty and staff book discussion group grows

The staff and faculty book discussion group recently formed by the MCC-Blue River library has been filling up with founding members. There are still about a dozen copies left in the library of The Secret Life of Bees and enough reading time to prepare yourself for the first meeting for anyone who is interested in joining. If the book club membership grows any more, an additional Wednesday group will be formed.

MCC-Blue River librarian Susanne Boatright says, “Our first read will be the best-selling novel The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. The novel was later made into a movie starring Dakota

Students - new payment options when you enroll

When you enroll at MCC, you must choose one of three payment options:

• apply financial aid that's been awarded
• sign up for the MCC payment plan
• pay in full.

If you don't, you'll be dropped from class.
Watch the video for more information.

Lakers baseball shuts out Rockhurst JV

A great story from The Longview Current about the Lakers' recent outing against Rockhurt.



From The Current:

The Longview Lakers swept Rockhurst JV in a doubleheader Tuesday afternoon on the MCC-Longview Campus. The Lakers rolled, thanks in large part, to great pitching outings from virtually everyone who touched the mound. Kyle Thornton was sensational, setting the tone at the start of the first game. Thornton put on a clinic, changing speeds and locations, keeping Rockhurst hitters guessing all afternoon.

Check out the story and more photos over on The Current's website.

FREE Kansas City Ballet performance Thursday at MCC-Longview

Using simple lighting, the narrated INFORMances will feature excerpts from Kansas City Ballet's varies and eclectic repertory, which ranges from the classic story ballet, 'Giselle', to the upbeat jazz work, 'Hey, Hay, Goin' to Kansas City', and bits of the ever-popular The Nutcracker and much more.

Ballet professionals will be available following the demonstrations for Footnotes, a question-and-answer session for audience members.

The event if FREE and all donations will benefit Hope House.

Talking Pointes: a behind-the-scenes glimpse of dance

Thursday, March 24

Two free performances

5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

For reservations, call 816.604.2200

Student grievance policy revised

As part of Chancellor Mark James’s plan to revise and update MCC’s policies and procedures, the chancellor last week lodged a revision to the student grievance policy with the board of trustees.

The amendment to Board Policy 7.30030 includes a change to both the name and the nature of the policy. Currently named “Student Grievance,” the policy will be renamed “Student Discrimination and Harassment Grievance.” Revisions to the policy will provide a more structured response to student complaints of discrimination and harassment.

Click here to view the full text of the proposed new policy.

The board of trustees is expected to approve the amendment at the April 14 board meeting.

James formed the Chancellor’s Policy Review Committee, composed of members of the three shared governance groups and representatives from the Administrative Center, to undertake a complete updating and revision of MCC’s policies. The student discrimination and harassment grievance policy is the first of many policies expected to be developed and then adopted by the board of trustees.

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Roving Reporter and the FAFSA Challenge

All OTA graduates pass national certification exam

The 2010 graduates of the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program at MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute earned a 100 percent pass rate on the national certification exam.  The graduates averaged a passing score of 515 which is above the national average passing score of 495.  Congratulations to Amber Jenkins, Theresa Chop and all the OTA graduates!

Free Wednesday Workouts at MCC-Blue River

Metropolitan Community College-Blue River students and staff members who are ready to get in shape will have plenty of opportunities. Every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. they can enjoy a free beginning level guided workout in the MCC-Blue River gymnasium (Arts & Sciences 100).

The schedule of workouts is a diverse selection that should give participants a taste of many different styles of exercise. The activities will include Zumba®, dancing and martial arts among other workouts.

Dates	Activities
3/30 and 4/13	Zumba®
4/6	Cardio Interval Training
4/20	Hoop Dancing
4/27	Martial Arts
5/4	P90X Strength Training

For more information about Free Wednesday Workouts, contact David Owens at David.Owens@mcckc.edu or by phone at 816.604.6426.

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Collegiate Activities Board Update

Coming to MCC-BTC? Work at I-435 and Front Street to Begin Early April

Work will begin soon to replace the current overpass at I-435 and Front Street with a diverging diamond intersection.

According to MoDOT's website, the diverging diamond's "...innovative new alignment design will accommodate more traffic in a safe and efficient pattern.  Diverging diamond interchanges shift traffic to the left side through the interchange to allow vehicles to complete through movements and left turns without encountering oncoming traffic. Once through the interchange, traffic shifts back to the right side."

 

While MoDOT is hailing the diverging diamond as an innovation in traffic efficiency, it will be several months before travelers will experience time saved at the interchange. 

Nighttime and weekend lane closures and other restrictions will be in place at various times during construction. Traffic updates will be posted on www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity as well as views from a still camera, updated every few minutes, to show construction progress and timely traffic conditions at the job site.

For more information about other MoDOT projects, please visit MoDOT's Website at www.modot.mo.gov/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on Twitter or send questions and comments to kccommunityrelations@modot.mo.gov.

MCC-Maple Woods Baseball Alum Stephen Ross (2010) finds success at Marshall

Former Monarch outfielder Stephen Ross (2010) was recruited by Marshall University in Huntington, WV, and is enjoying a successful season.

Read the full story here!

Career opportunites

CO# 11-037 LV Dean of Instruction

* posted March 18
* will be removed from the website on April 10 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51296

CO# 11-038 MW Associate Dean
* posted March 18

* will be removed from the website on April 3 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51300

CO# 11-039 PV Lead Groundskeeper
* posted March 18

* will be removed from the website on April 3 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51298

CO# 11-040 AC Senior Campus Police Officer
* posted March 18

* will be removed from the website on March 27 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51297

CO# 11-042 PV Performance Manager - Economic Development
* posted March 18
* will be removed from the website on April 3 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51301


CO# 11-041 BT Enrollment Manager (Internal Only)
* posted March 18
* will be removed from the website on April 3 for the initial screening.
* For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51299

BTC President and MW Lead Counselor Invited to National Discussion about Community College

Debbie Goodall, president of MCC-BTC and Barbara Cooke, lead counselor MCC-Maple Woods, will be part of a national discussion today in Indianapolis on how community colleges work with business and industry to educate students and provide a highly skilled workforce.

Goodall and Cooke are part of a group of leaders in education, philanthropy, business, and labor that was gathered by Martha Kanter, U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary for Postsecondary Education Initiatives. The summit on March 23 at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis is one of four regional summits aimed at significantly increasing the number of college graduates prepared for the twenty-first century workforce, with the ultimate goal of meeting President Obama’s challenge to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.

The group will develop recommendations on ways industry-education partnerships can help students get high-quality credentials from community colleges. The recommendations will be presented at a national virtual symposium in April.

Joining Goodall and Cooke at the summit will be other Missouri community college leaders; representatives from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Lumina Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the National Science Foundation; and experts in workforce and economic development.

Goodall and Cooke were nomitated to participate in the summit by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA).

Physical therapist assistant students pass licensure exam with 100 percent success rate!

Students in the physical therapist assistant program at MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute recently passed the license exam. What's even more amazing, all 21 students took the exam and 100 percent of them passed on the first attempt!

Congratulations to these brilliant students as well as Gwen Robertson, program coordinator and faculty members Randy Leighton and Pam Stockman!

Customer Appreciation Night at MCC-BTC

The MCC Institute for Workforce Innovation and Business & Learning Solutions is hosting its annual Customer Appreciation Night at the Business & Technology Campus. MCC is proud to honor its long-standing business associates from the Kansas City community, such as Ford, GM, Honeywell, Harley-Davidson, Cerner, and many others. Meet the people who make MCC and MCC students a success.

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Gay Straight Alliance

Kelsey Smith Foundation presents Safety Awareness Seminar at MCC-Blue River

The Kelsey Smith Foundation will present a Safety Awareness Seminar at Metropolitan Community College-Blue River at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13. Guest speakers at the seminar will be the foundation’s own Rep. Greg Smith and his wife Missey, parents of the teen Kelsey Smith whose tragic abduction and death made national news in 2007.

The Kelsey Smith Foundation began as “Kelsey’s Army” in 2007 when she went missing. The group was dedicated to finding the young kidnapping victim; however, when her demise was confirmed, Kelsey’s Army reorganized to become the Kelsey Smith Foundation. The group’s new mission is to do everything in its power to insure that Kelsey Smith is the last person to ever meet with such an unfortunate end, by educating people about safety measures that could potentially save their lives.

As the daughter of a police officer, Kelsey Smith was not the most likely target of abduction. Furthermore, she was taken in broad daylight from a seemingly safe area in the public parking lot of a Target store. The abduction took only nineteen seconds, and Kelsey was missing for four days before her cell phone provider was finally convinced to locate her electronically. Her body was found using the cell phone data. This apparently impossible scenario illustrates just how unaware we all are of threats that

MCC-Longview's "Afterlife: Where do we go from here?" class/discussion begins TONIGHT.

What happens after we die?

This March, MCC-Longview is proud to present "The Afterlife: Where Do We Go From Here?" A three-night discussion and roundtable program that will bring together leaders from various religious backgrounds and cultures to explore and talk about what the afterlife means to them.

Each week different area religious leaders will sit down with MCC-Longview counselor Jim McGraw as moderator and explore some of the most vexing aspects of what happens to us after we die.

"We are excited to offer this opportunity to our community, and we anticipate that we will have persons of all ages (16 and over) and religious backgrounds present," Community Outreach Manager Jill Ladas said.

The event is scheduled for three separate evenings - March 22, March 29 and April 5 - from 7 to 9 p.m. at MCC-Longview's Campus Center, 500 SW Longview Road, Lee‚s Summit MO.

The schedule of presenters is:
March 22 - Eastern Orthodox, Hindu, Mormon, Agnostic/Atheist
March 29 - Judaism, Protestant, Islam
April 5 - Roman Catholic, Unity, Buddhist

Each panel member will make a presentation followed by questions from the audience.

Fee: $29 for all three weeks.

To reserve a seat in the class, contact the MCC-Longview Community Education office at 816.604.2030. For more information about the class, contact Jill Ladas at 816.604.2213

Last chance to buy gala tickets

With MCC's second annual Five Star Gala right around the corner, seats are filling up fast. Don't forget to visit the gala web site to buy your tickets.

The gala, themed Creating Bright Futures, will honor the Francis Family Foundation for their commitment to early childhood education and their support of MCC. Gala co-chairs David Disney, Kathy Disney and Carolyn Watley cordially invite MCC employees to attend. Proceeds from the fundraising event benefit MCC students through scholarships, academic coaching, emergency book funds and special projects throughout MCC’s five campuses.

MCC Five Star Gala
Thursday, March 31
5:30 reception, 6:30 dinner and program
Downtown Marriott Hotel - Muehlebach Tower
MCC employee tickets ~ $100
MCC alumni and retiree tickets ~ $125
Regular tickets ~ $250

For additional information or to order tickets, visit the Five Star Gala website.

Graduation Fair at MCC-Blue River

It is time to get fitted. Metropolitan Community College-Blue River is holding a graduation fair on two dates this week. On Wednesday, March 23, go to the Campus Center to get your cap and gown between the hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

If you’re in the market for a class ring, Jostens will be at the Campus Center on Thursday, March 24 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

You can get your cap and gown on either date, or if you cannot make it to the graduation fair then you will be able to get a cap and gown from the business office after March 24.

Graduation Fair, March 23 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and March 24 from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Campus Center

Video update from MCC-Longview, Missouri Department of Conservation's Grow Native workshop

Several weeks ago, MCC-Longview's agribusiness/grounds & turf program hosted the Missouri Department of Conservation's Grow Native workshop.

Experts, authors and speakers from Powell Gardens, the Missouri Department of Conservation and Shaw Nature Center spent two days showing professional landscapers and home gardeners how to use native Missouri plants in their own plantings.

The MCC-Longview campus joined the MDC's Grow Native program last fall and seeded the south-east corner of campus with native grass seed and flowers in an effort to join the native plant program.

MCC-Maple Woods Baseball Alum Logan Morrison interview!

Logan Morrison, a former MCC-Maple Woods Monarch (2006) and current member of the Florida Marlins, gives an interview to "Answer Man" David Brown.

Check it out here!

Walmart Foundation grant benefits MCC

Through its partnership with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), MCC is participating in a research project that is being funded through a two-year, $500,000 grant by the Walmart Foundation's America Works Initiative. The MARC project builds on the 2005 WIRED program, whose purpose was to analyze prominent industry sectors and develop training to address workforce needs.

The new funding will support a variety of workforce initiatives, including a survey of five hundred area businesses designed to determine Kansas City hiring and training needs. Research findings will benefit MCC in developing relevant courses for in-demand jobs, as well as continue to strengthen community ties. The MARC research committee is made up of a comprehensive group of educational institutions, industry experts, workforce investment boards and government entities concerned with workforce development. Pat Lees, performance manager for the MCC Institute for Workforce Innovation (I.W.I.) serves on MARC's coordinating committee.

The five hundred-company survey will commence by the end of this month, with results compiled in May. Plans are also underway to host an upcoming workforce summit this summer.

For more information about MARC or MCC research initiatives, please contact Pat Lees.

Blood Drive at MCC-Maple Woods!

MCC-Maple Woods will be sponsoring a blood drive from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Student Center. Cookies and juice will be provided, and all donors will be gven a free t-shirt and be entered to win one of 3 $50 gift cards. The Community Blood Center is really in need, so please consider donating!

MCC-Longview Faculty Art Exhibit: March 25

The MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center is proud to present the work of our art faculty in the 2nd Metropolitan Community College-Longview Art Faculty Exhibit.

The exhibition opens March 23 and will feature sculpture, digital prints, handmade jewelry and other media from our talented art faculty.

“We’re very fortunate to have with us an exemplary group of instructors who are not only excellent educators but also artists and designers active in their own practices as well,” said Daniel Reneau, MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center gallery curator.

The exhibit runs through April 23. There will be a reception with the artists on March 25 from 5-8 p.m.

The gallery hours are 12-4, Wed.–Sat. and is located at 500 SW Longview Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081

MCC-Longview Faculty Art Exhibit

March 23 - April 23

Gallery Days and Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 12-4 p.m.

Opening Reception

March 25, 5-8 p.m.

MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center

Artist featured are: Jay Hunt, Amy Kephart, Kim Lindaberry, Nancy Morrison, Sydney Pener, Daniel Reneau, Scott Seebart, Jim Smith, Susan Speck and Dee Washer

MCC-Maple Woods Fitness Center presents Fitness Friday!

Severe Weather Week video from MCC-Blue River students

This hilarious yet informative video from the students at Metropolitan Community College-Blue River discusses the FEMA building on campus and what to do in case of dangerous meteorological conditions.

MCC-Maple Woods celebrates Women's History Month with open mic night

Calling all performers! MCC-Maple Woods is hosting it's fourth installment of the Evening of the Arts and Coffeehouse - "A Night About the Ladies - Celebrating Women's Herstory" - from 6-9 p.m. March 30 in the Student Center. All performances are welcome from a variety of genres - poetry, prose, storytelling, music, dance, film, etc., and stories about women are preferred. Participants may also display original artwork at the event. The Collegiate Activities Board will host the Women's Herstory Trivia Challenge, and as always, there will be FREE coffee provided by the Maple Woods Bookstore!

Janet L. and Richard D. Rees Veterinary Technology Scholarship awarded the MCC-Maple Woods Vet Tech program by

The MCC-Maple Woods Veterinary Technology program recently received a monies to continue to support vet tech students over the coming years. The Janet L. and Richard D. Rees Veterinary Technology Scholarship, endowed at $25,000, will be awarded in the one-time amount of $750 to one student each spring.

The scholarship will be awarded to a full-time student enrolled in the veterinary technology program with recommendation from a vet tech instructor or a counselor at a 2.8 or greater GPA.

The gift was awarded by Dick Rees in memory of his late wife, Janet. Janet had been a member of the HoAKC for 30 years, including serving as secretary and board member for the last 13. She dedicated much time and effort to involvement with several specialty clubs for Boston Terriers, her favorite breed. She also participated in dog shows with her own animals all over the country.

The Reeses were also a dedicated part of Goodin Heart of America Kennel Club Scholarship, which, along with awarding a $250 scholarship to a vet tech student each semester, also presents engraved stethescopes to each incoming student.

Dick and Janet Rees, pictured with MCC-Maple Woods President Merna Saliman, Dean of Instruction Mindy McCallum, Vet Tech Coordinator Chris Morrow, Natalie Short and Jessica Ramirez.

MCC-Maple Woods' Movie on the Lawn offers free family fun

Need something to do on a Thursday night besides catch Frasier reruns?MCC-Maple Woods will be showing Toy Story 3 beginning at 8:15 p.m. outside on the great lawn - bring some snacks and blankets or lawn chairs and make an evening of it! This event is free and open to the public, so take advantage of the non-Seattle related entertainment and enjoy the spring weather at the same time.

MCC-Longview presents guest director for summer theatre workshop

Theatre instructor Ryan Morehead has big plans for his summer.

In May, Morehead will be at the helm of MCC-Longview's newest theatre program and summer workshop that will transform the MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center into a dynamic space where students will learn about every facet of the theatre.

"This is going to be a new opportunity for students to learn not only about acting, but also lighting design, scenic and costume design, music, and everything that goes into the creation of a play," said Morehead.

The summer theatre workshop and classes are a new collaboration between the college and Morehead, who is the Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan.

Morehead will teach two acting classes (Acting I and II) and the new summer theatre workshop at Longview this summer. All of the work done in those classes and on stage will culminate into a series of final performances of the hit musical Songs for a New World in late July, by and for the students of Longview.