New staff at MCC - welcome!

First row:
Allen Cassity, MCC-Longview
Amber Wiggins, MCC-Blue River
Benton Dick, MCC Administrative Center
Brian Hurley, MCC Administrative Center
Christopher Parrett, MCC-Maple Woods
Second row:
Erwin Brown, MCC-Longview
Heather Boell, MCC Administrative Center
Jana Osborn, MCC Administrative Center
Julie Ingwerson, MCC-Maple Woods
LeAnn Bradberry, MCC-Business & Technology
Third row:
Liz Miller, MCC-Business & Technology
Melissa Giese, MCC Administrative Center
Paul Bradley, MCC Administrative Center
Ricky Rapp, MCC Administrative Center
Roger McDougle, MCC-Penn Valley (Don Bosco)
Fourth row:
Sharon Soares, MCC Administrative Center
Tami Knight, MCC Administrative Center
Tiffany Timmons, MCC Administrative Center

MCC-Longview July employee of the month: Arlene Arel

Please join me in congratulating Arlene Arel, Longview Café Chef, as July Employee of the Month.

Arline Arel moved to Grandview from Haverhill, Massachusetts, and then built a house in Lee’s Summit.  She began working as a chef in Longview’s kitchen more than 25 years ago — and also was the fry cook when needed.  She cooked up a storm for the employees and the students, enjoying every minute of it.  The last four years she has been the head cashier.  

Last summer, when Longview decided to close the kitchen. But it shortly reopened because Arline was willing to prepare hot food and the salad line by herself.  Again, this was a labor of love.

She maintains that she will never retire because she enjoys the company of Longview’s employees and students.  She says, “I love the students—seeing their growth and achievements."

She still finds time between semesters when the café is closed to go camping, boating, and swimming.  She has nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren with whom she enjoys her vacation time.

Congratulations Arlene!

MCC-Longview Summer Meet and Greet

Kicking off the summer semester, students staff and faculty set up outside the Campus Center to offer answer to any new student with a question.

Be sure to check out the photos from the sunny day activity.

MCC-Longview Employee of the Month: Willis Cole

Please join me in congratulating Willis Cole, Custodian, as June Employee of the Month.

Here is what others on campus are saying about Willis:

“He is dedicated and does an excellent job.”

“He has significantly improved the look of the Campus Center.”

“Willis has a pleasant and respectful attitude. He speaks to all with dignity and respect.”

“Willis is phenomenal.”

“You only have to ask Willis one time for something you need, and it gets done.”

“He’s a very good example to us all.”

Capt. Chuck McMullin to lead MCC-Longview PD

After 25 years with the Kansas City Police Department and 10 year working as a private security consultant, Capt. Chuck McMullin is now leading the Police Deaprtment at MCC-Longview.

MCC Police Chief Bill Hudson announced that MuMullin would be taking over the department on Tuesday saying that he was proud to have McMullin at the helm on campus.

"I have known Captain McMullin for many years," Hudson said. "He is a professional, engaged and extremely competent leader. I believe you will find him approachable and committed."

During his his time at KCPD, McMullin was assigned to several units, including: Patrol, Drug Enforcement Unit, Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Forgery Unit, Fraud Unit and the Property Crimes Division. As a private security consultant, he worked with major clients such as The American Royal, Kemper Arena and IBM to create and implement security plans.

I have been afforded the opportunity to be a part of many challenging projects throughout my career," McMullin said. "I know Chancellor Mark James, Chief Bill Hudson and the college staff and educators have a vision to make MCC a safe, friendly place and the best educational institution in the nation. I am honored to be a part of this organization and look forward to working with each of you."

On Tuesday, Hudson also announce that Lyle Koch, former head of Longview's public safety department will be directly involved with the communications unit downtown as they transition into a full blown dispatch center.

"I have no doubt that his many years of experience will be an asset to that process, Husdon said.

Did You Know? Don Buschhorn pitched for the Kansas City Athletics baseball club

Don Buschhorn knows baseball. He knows stats, names and can even analyze the pitching styles of many of the guys that take the mound each day in today MLB games.

But that is because Don himself used to be a pitcher for the original hometown team, The Kansas City Athletics.

From Independence, Mo., Don says he has been playing baseball (or some form of the game) since childhood. It was, as he said, "Something he has always done and loved doing."

Through high school and farm leagues Don became not only a fearsome pitcher, but also a switch hitter that connected with the ball half the time he went up to bat.

In 1965, The A's, playing at Municipal Stadium, signed Don to pitch for the team during one of its toughest seasons.

Today, Don works with in the Facility Services department at MCC-Longview. In May the Kansas City Royals, along with the Kansas City A's Historic Society, honored the A's past players at a ceremony and reception at Kauffman Stadium.

Later this month, The A's and Don will once again take to the field as the T-Bones also honor the players of Kansas City's first professional ball club.

In Memorium: MCC-Maple Woods honors colleagues

The MCC-Maple Woods family would like to take a moment to remember the following colleagues who passed away during the previous year.

Katherine Fausset-Brock
Katherine was a learning specialist at MCC-Maple Woods. She passed December 10, 2010.

Marialice Estopare
Marialice served in the Advising and Counseling office at MCC-Maple Woods for several years, also volunteering her time to serve the Maple Woods Staff Association and the District Staff Council. She passed on April 16, 2011. A service is planned in her honor at 9 a.m. June 18, 2011 at the One Community Spiritual Center.

Dr. Ron Brink
An instructor of speech and theater, Dr. Ron Brink was a charter member of the faculty at MCC-Maple Woods, beginning in 1969 until his early retirement in 1998. After retirement, Dr. Brink continued to be active at Maple Woods, and he wrote much of the curriculum still used by the department today. In addition to his love for teaching, Dr. Brink was also a very talented artist, and his work is displayed all over the campus. He passed May 19, 2011.

MCC-Maple Woods Graduates: Walk On!

MCC-Maple Woods recently conferred degrees to its newest class of graduates at a ceremonay May 19, 2011, at the MCC-Business & Technology campus. President Merna Saliman, as well as Maple Woods alum Bob Rennison, addressed the graduates.

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Employee Survey: MCC's Fitness and Recreation Centers

As part of MCC’s continued commitment to review programs and services, Vice Chancellor Tuesday Stanley has charged a committee, composed of staff, faculty, and administrators, to review MCC’s fitness and recreation centers.

A survey was recently distributed to students in order to obtain their input. At this time we would like to hear from MCC employees. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey that can be accessed from the link below. No personal information will be shared with anyone.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2GVWYF3

Thank you in advance for your participation and taking time to complete the survey.

- Mary Truex, Co-Chair

- Brian Bechtel, Co-Chair

MCC-Maple Woods honors 2011 Retirees

MCC-Maple Woods recently honored its 2011 retirees for their dedicated service to the campus and the college. Lynn Barron, Nancy Morton, Terry Morton, Kenny Stubbs, Connie Stockmyer, Paula Cooley, Jennie Frederick and Lola Newton all bid farewell to the Woods at the spring Retiree Reception.

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MCC-Longview bids farewell to its outstanding retiring staff and faculty

On Thursday, MCC-Longview celebrated six outstanding staff and faculty members who will be retiring this semester.

The reception, which included plenty of cake, gave administration and supervisors a chance to talk glowingly about these dedicated members of the Longview Laker family.

From top left: Beth Lindquist, Corrine Josten, Kay Kozak, Kim Lindaberry, Pam Weston, Ted Dinges.

Congratulations on your success and here is to many more years of enjoyment.

For more photos from the reception, check out the MCC-Longview Photo Blog.

MCC-Longview to honor top students, faculty and staff at Sunday reception

As the campus nears the end of the semester, we take a moment to reflect on some of the success and accomplishments of our students, staff and faculty that have worked so hard this year.

This sunday, MCC-Longview president Fred Grogan will honor those top individuals at a reception and awards ceremony at the Mel Aytes Education Center.

Some of the award recipients include Longview's top academic achievers, top athletes and faculty members whose contributions this year could not go unnoticed.

MCC-Longview Awards Reception

The Mel Aytes Education Center

Reception 2 p.m.

Awards 2:30 p.m.

Be sure to check here next week for photos and a list of all the award winners.

New PTK inductees at MCC-Longview

MCC-Longview's Phi Theta Kappa chapter inducted 73 new members into the campus honor society this past month. Those new members were surrounded by family and supporters who packed the MEl Aytes Education Center for the ceremony.

Here is what PTK's co-sponsor Jan Rog said about the event:

"The Mel Aytes Education Center was literally buzzing because of all the energy and intelligence this group brought.  When the inductees stood up to sign the Phi Theta Kappa book and then light a candle of knowledge, they truly surrounded everyone in the audience.  That was a a lovely moment."

Genea Wilson: MCC-Longview April Employee of the Month

Please join me in congratulating Genea Wilson, social science administrative assistant, as MCC-Longview's April Employee of the Month.

Along with being a diehard KU fan, here is what her co-workers are saying about Genea.

“While Judy Smith was gone, Genea went above and beyond to help those of us in the Humanities.”

“As a new instructor, she’s been super helpful to me with procedural questions.”

“Genea checks in on me to see how I am doing despite being incredibly busy herself.”

“I’m so grateful for her friendliness and assistance.”

CONGRATULATIONS, Genea, on a job well done!

African American Faculty & Staff Association Established

The MCC board of trustees in February approved the establishment of the MCC African American Faculty and Staff Association, a new group that will provide information, support, resources and advocacy for African American faculty and staff.

The association, proposed by MCC-Penn Valley staff and faculty members and African American community leaders from the Greater Kansas City community, “has organized to initiate inquiries and provide recommendations to the college community regarding ethnic and African American issues on the campus of Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley,” according to the group’s by-laws.

Association membership is open to all staff and faculty members on all MCC campuses who value the mission and purpose of the association. Organizers are planning the group’s first meeting for later in the spring semester and expect to meet at least twice per semester going forward. For information on joining the association, contact Lyle Gibson, Penn Valley history instructor.

MCC-Longview March employee of the month

Please join me in congratulating Debi Callahan, Academic Advisor , as March Employee of the Month.

Here is what people have been saying about Debi:

“Debi has been instrumental in improving services to students through support of instructional services.”

“Debi volunteers to head a team that calls students in courses that are cancelled in order to re-enroll them on the phone.”

“Debi participated in outreach activity in Belton, to provide information to the community regarding courses and programs at MCC.”

“Debi was chosen to advise students who qualified for FEC training in GIS.”

CONGRATULATIONS, Debi, on a job well done!

MCC-Maple Woods March Employee of the Month: Tiffany Chapman

Tiffany Chapman, student services technician in the Admissions & Records office, has been chosen as MCC-Maple Woods' March Employee of the Month. Tiffany served as Staff Association president and gave 110% to make sure that the staff was kept in the loop about changes and governance issues happening at MCC and Maple Woods. She was also the driving force behind starting MCC-Maple Woods' Employee of the Month program in August 2010.

MCC-Maple Woods Spotlight: Chuck Carter, Public Safety Officer

MCC-Longview employee of the month

Congratulations to Sandy Findley, MCC-Longview Library Specialist, as February's employee of the month.

Here is what her co-workers are saying about her:

“When we had the flood Sandy was the first to offer help”

“Sandy is always smiling and gives great customer service to our students”

“Sandy is always willing to offer help to cover shifts when needed”

CONGRATULATIONS, Sandy, on a job well done!

Congratulations on your degree!

On behalf of the MCC-Maple Woods family - Congratulations!

The following staff, faculty and administrators earned a higher education degree in the fall of 2010:

Rosemary Asta, student services specialist, earned her bachelor's degree in Communication Arts, Theory and Human Relations from Park University.

Chad Montuori, Spanish instructor, successfully defended his disseration "Gendering Migration from Africa to Spain: Literary Representations of Femininities and Masculinities."

Brian Bechtel, associate dean, received his Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis from University of Missouri-Columbia. His disseration was titled "An Examination of the Leadership Competencies Within a Community College Leadership Development Program."