Radiologic Technology program receives full re-accreditation status

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) recently awarded re-accreditation to the Radiologic Technology  program at Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley Health Science Institute.

The re-accreditation was awarded for eight years - the maximum duration that may be awarded by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology in this category.

"Kudos to our Radiologic Technology program for receiving the full eight years of re-accreditation status," says Sandy McIlnay, Health Science Institute director.  "Excellent work from Judy Taylor, Kim Siercks and Scott Sutherland. Thank you for bringing such excellence!"

The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry. Specialized accreditation awarded by the JRCERT offers institutions significant value by providing peer evaluation and by assuring the public of quality professional education in the radiologic sciences.

Gamerz Club at MCC-Blue River active and growing

The Gamerz Club at Metropolitan Community College-Blue River has a great following and offers its members fun and well organized events. The club, under administrator Dee Mathison, offers students the opportunity to enjoy tournaments, on campus competitions, and casual gaming gatherings. The Gamerz Club held an event in the MCC-Blue River Campus Center on March 9, and had a great turn out. Dozens of members and passersby joined in.

The club’s mission statement says it all: “We are a group of gamers that believe in the power of the individual. We strive for improvement within each member, and take pride in our hobby as Gamerz. Meeting new colleagues and enjoying what life has to offer is what this club is about. Our club has one belief: the stereotype of the gaming community and its gamers are simple misinterpretations. Our goal: to change the views of the gaming stereotype that our club battles from day to day. Let’s get started… GAME ON!”

Go to the MCC-Blue River Gamerz Club's Facebook page to find out about upcoming events or how to join.

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.

Students - there's still time to enroll in 2nd 8 week classes

The second session of eight week classes begins Monday, March 21. There is still time to enroll. Search for available classes by logging on to myMCCKC, go to Student Center and in the Class Search section, use the Additional Search Criteria >Session>Eight Week – Second.

Artist to gift sculpture at gala

When representatives from the Francis Family Foundation are awarded MCC’s highest honor at this month’s Five Star Gala, they won’t be presented with a run-of-the-mill trophy or plaque; they will receive a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Kansas City artist E. Spencer Schubert has crafted a unique sculpture to be given as this year’s Five Star Award, a tradition that carries over from last year’s inaugural gala when renowned artist Rita Blitt crafted a metal sculpture to honor Henry Bloch and the Bloch Scholars program.

“With such an array of talented artists in Kansas City–many with a connection to MCC–we saw a unique opportunity to showcase that talent while providing our Five Star honorees with a truly one-of-a-kind token of our appreciation,” said Jackie Snyder, MCC chancellor emeritus, who, together with Foundation Director Vince Anch, hatched the idea to highlight local art in this way.

And this year, the artist and the honoree have a special connection that adds even more meaning to the sculptor's gift: Schubert himself has benefitted from the Francis Family Foundation’s benevolence. He is a graduate of the Arts Incubator, a local business incubator for artists that is partially funded by the foundation. Schubert says he is honored to give back to the organization through the gift of this original sculpture, which is based on the logo of the Francis Institute for Child and Youth Development that the Francis Family Foundation co-founded at MCC-Penn Valley.
Schubert holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in sculpture from the University of Kansas, where he launched an exhibition schedule that has taken him throughout the Midwest. Recent exhibitions include:

• Yankton River Walk, Public Art Exhibition; Yankton, South Dakota (2011)
• Art in R Park, Public Art Exhibition; Roeland Park, Kansas (2010)
• 64 Arts National Juried Exhibition, Buchanan Center For The Arts; Monmouth, Illinois (2010)
• Fall Group Show, Leopold Gallery; Kansas City, Missouri (2009)
• Solo exhibition, Goppert Gallery, University of St. Mary; Leavenworth, Kansas (2009)
• Small Works, Cocoon Gallery; Kansas City, Missouri (2008)
• Solo exhibition: avoidance, Plenum Space; Kansas City, Missouri (2008)

In addition to his fine-art sculpture work, Schubert owns E.S. Schubert Commercial Sculpture Studios, a 3-D fabrication studio in Kansas City’s West Bottoms industrial district. He has served as a guest lecturer for the sculpture program at his alma mater, KU, and has led workshops and panels on a number of arts-related topics. He has won several awards, including the 2008 ArtsKC Fund Inspiration Grant from the Metropolitan Arts Council of Kansas City.

To see a sample of Schubert’s work, join us for the 2011 Five Star Gala, where his original sculpture will be unveiled and presented to the Francis Family Foundation. Regularly priced tickets are $250 each and reduced-price tickets for employees are $100. The event, on Thursday, March 31, will be held at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown–Muehlebach Tower. For more information about the gala or to purchase tickets visit the Five Star Gala web site.

Scholarships to be awarded through FAFSA Frenzy events

Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who come to “FAFSA Frenzy” events to participate and enter the drawing. Metropolitan Community College-Blue River will be hosting two “FAFSA Frenzy” events the weekend of Friday, March 25th and Saturday, March 26th, 2011.

You may be familiar with the FAFSA application. It’s the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and it’s one of the first steps any college student should take toward obtaining financial assistance to fund their higher education. All colleges and universities consider the FAFSA when determining who should be awarded need-based financial aid. The Missouri Department of Higher Education urges students to complete their FAFSA as early as possible and most certainly before April 1st to receive timely consideration.

Participants are asked to bring these items to the “FAFSA Frenzy” at MCC-Blue River:
· 2010 W-2 forms
· Copies of 2010 tax forms, if they are ready, or any year-end pay stubs, statements of interest earned in 2010, 2009 tax forms, 1099 forms, and any other forms required to complete taxes
· Student PIN and parent PIN. These can be obtained at http://www.pin.ed.gov/

Students who attend a “FAFSA Frenzy” event will be entered into a drawing to win one of four $1,000 scholarships to be awarded to four attendees who participate in one of the many FAFSA Frenzy events that are being held this winter at several locations across Missouri. All students receive gift bags with helpful information for planning and paying for college.

“FAFSA Frenzy” at MCC-Blue River, Friday, March 25, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Scholarship and Financial Aid deadlines are almost here!

April 1, 2011, is MCC's and Missouri's deadline for financial aid and scholarships. Students: fill out your FAFSA and apply! Faculty and Staff: encourage your students to get to the Financial Aid office!

MCC-Maple Woods' Financial Aid office is dedicating every Friday in March to helping students fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is mandatory for all students who wish to receive any kind of financial assistance for upcoming semesters. FAFSA Fridays are held on a first come-first served basis and the are FREE!

MCC-Blue River gets visit from Czech Republic official

The MCC- Blue River campus recently had the honor of a visit from an international expert in the training of public safety officers, Dr. Zdislava Tesařová of the Czech Republic. Tesařová had learned from the Grandview Fire Department that MCC-Blue River’s public safety training is instrumental to successful performance in the field for working fire fighters in Grandview, so she visited  Blue River  to take in a personal view of the training procedures that take place here.

According to Mike Hendershot, the MCC-Blue River Public Safety Institute director, Tesařová “was looking at our training. It was my understanding that she heads up a multi-country task force similar to what FEMA is trying to do here in the states for disaster response.”

Also present for the visit was the doctor’s son, a governmental fire fighter working for the state in the Czech Republic.
For more information about the MCC-Blue River Public Safety Institute, visit their website.

Fitness Day at MCC-Maple Woods - healthy snacks and flavored... air?

MCC-Maple Woods students got a taste of something they didn't expect at Fitness Day - air. Students were able to sample different "flavors" of oxygen, each with a different aroma-therapy effect.

Students also competed for passes and 3-month memberships to the Maple Woods Fitness Center with a hula hoop competition and a plank contest.

Parking at MCC-Penn Valley on St. Paddy's Day

The Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be marching up Broadway on March 17, 2011 (same route as last year). The staging of the parade will begin at 7:30 a.m. along Broadway from 31st to 33rd streets and between Pennsylvania and Main Street on 33rd (Linwood). This area will be closed to traffic from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.


To access the MCC-Penn Valley parking garage on that day, employees and visitors will need to drive east from Southwest Trafficway on to 31st street or access 33rd street to Pennsylvania. The employee B Lot will  be accessible from 33rd Street. The D Lot parking garage will be closed except through the Pennsylvania entrance.

The parade will commence at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of 33rd (Linwood) and Broadway, and proceed south on Broadway to 43rd. Those streets will begin closing at 10:30 a.m.

Plan to leave earlier than normal if your destination for the day involves Penn Valley, Broadway Plaza or the Administrative Center.

MCC-Longview students win PTK regional elections and top awards

Congratulations to Kelly Lucas and Robert Gaines who both won their respective elections to the Phi Theta Kappa Regional Office.

Lucas and Gaines will now represent MCC-Longview at the higher regional level with PTK helping shape the organization state-wide.

"I am incredibly proud that our MCC-Longview team totally rocks. Their numerous awards and roles are well-deserved," PTK adviser Jan Rog said.

Along with the recognition, MCC-Longview's PTK chapter and officers took home several awards that highlighted the outstanding work that Longview students have put into the organization.

Lais da Silva won Distinguished Chapter Member.
J.R. Byers won Distinguished Chapter Officer.

Career opportunity

CO# 11-035 AC Public Information Coordinator

• posted March 7
• will be removed from the website March 20 
• For more information or to apply: www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51294

MCC-Maple Woods Motorcycle Safety Program now enrolling for spring classes

Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods is now enrolling for its 2008 motorcycle safety classes. The classes are available each weekend and on selected weekdays until the end of October and are taught by licensed Motorcycle Safety Foundation instructors. The three-day basic rider courses are $215 and registration may be completed online or over the phone. For more information, or to register, contact MCC-Maple Woods Community Education at (816) 604-3011 or visit http://www.mcckc.edu/mwcycle.

MCC-Maple Woods offers the courses in conjunction with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, a national non-profit organization designed to improve motorcycle rider education. Maple Woods is one of only three locations in the Kansas City metro area to offer both basic and advanced rider courses. Students encompass a wide range of ages from 16 on up and includes both males and females, making it one of Maple Woods’ most diverse programs.

“MCC-Maple Woods has been offering motorcycle safety classes for more than 15 years,” said Claudia Mekins, who works in the community education department and also is a licensed instructor for the program. “As the first permanent training site in the state of Missouri, we have a long history of training individuals to operate their motorcycles safely and efficiently. With more and more motorcycles on the streets today, the skills learned in this program help save lives.”

Over the course of three days, basic riders learn the rules of the road, including proper attire and safety equipment, and practice basic riding and maneuvers on a bike supplied by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The advanced rider course, for those who own a motorcycle and have at least one year of experience, focuses on trickier moves like high-speed braking and turning. An advanced rider course will be scheduled into the season if there is enough interest to fill a class. To inquire about advanced motorcycle training, contact the community education office at (816) 604-3011.

Once students have successfully completed both a written and practical test, they receive certificates of completion. The certificates can be presented to the Department of Motor Vehicles as a waiver for the driving portion of the licensing test.

Discover the World: Japan @ MCC-Longview

It was a night of performances that were rhythmic and powerful as the MCC-Longview Discover the World international art series opened once again for a stunning look into the art and culture of Japan.

Inviting Japanese Drummers and musicians, the MCC-Longview Cultura Arts Center offered an exciting look into old customs and rituals as performed by area residents.

For more photos from the evening, be sure to swing by the MCC-Longview photo blog.

Job fair at MCC-Penn Valley attracts more than 300 participants

More than 350 job seekers participated in the United Services Community Action Job Fair at MCC-Penn Valley on March 3.

"We had an overwhelmingly positive response from all of the employers who were impressed with our students and the hospitality of our employees," said Melanie Bowman, student employment services coordinator. "Several employers want to come back and attend future job fairs which is always a good sign."

MCC-Longview Library celebrates Women's History Month

The MCC-Longview Library is proud to present the stories and fascinating history of the accomplishments and achievements of women in america.

As we celebrate Women's History Month in March, the MCC-Longview Library has complied an extensive display of photos, literature and other items highlighting the stories and people who have influenced and help fight for the rights of women in the past century.

Swing by the MCC-Longview Library and take a peak back into history at some of the courageous women who have helped shaped this country.

Temporary changes to scholarship process

Plans are underway for a major process improvement that will make it easier for students to apply for MCC Foundation scholarships – a process that in the past has been difficult for students to navigate. The system enhancement will be implemented in 2012.

In the meantime, the scholarship process is temporarily being scaled back.

Temporary changes: For the 2011-12 academic year, the MCC Foundation will award the Bloch Scholars and the Fran and Wally Good scholarships and will grant renewals to students who remain eligible for scholarships they currently receive. Also, the process for requesting support from the Student Book and Emergency Fund will remain the same. While this represents a majority of the funding currently distributed by the MCC Foundation, some scholarships that have historically been managed by the foundation will not be awarded during this period. In a few specific cases, other scholarships deemed necessary by a campus will be administered by campus officials directly.

Permanent improvements: The streamlined scholarship-application process, which will be available for students enrolling for fall 2012, is designed to make the application process easier for both students and staff with the ultimate goal of awarding more scholarships. Further, the MCC Foundation has established a $250 minimum for awardable scholarships, another change designed to provide additional support for deserving students who need financial assistance. Currently, approximately one percent of MCC students receive MCC Foundation scholarships.

MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute featured in KC Star

Simulation is what makes classes at MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute a realistic experience. The program's simulation approach was recently profiled in the Kansas City Star. To read more, click here

Penn Valley chemistry instructor commits to teaching science to youth all over the world

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Mike Sweetland serves his students and country with pride. Sweetland teaches chemistry at MCC-Penn Valley and serves in the Missouri National Guard.

Sweetland goes above and beyond with his military duties and recently committed to improving science education for children in other countries. His latest initiative is a fundraiser to raise money for a chemistry course designed to bond Serbian and Albanian youth.

To learn more about this awesome initiative, click Mike Sweetland article

Gabrielle Moore-Jones selected as Penn Valley employee of the month

Everyone who enters the Student Development offices at MCC-Penn Valley is greeted with a smile from Gabrielle Moore-Jones.

"Gabrielle Moore-Jones is a dedicated, outstanding employee," says her co-worker Jim Nichols. "She has demonstrated this through her daily punctual opening of the Student Services front desk facilities and her appearance, bearing, and demeanor."

Counselor Dachia Scroggins agrees. "She is very professional and patient with students. We sometimes have to force her to leave work because she always has 'one more thing to do or check on' before leaving her desk."

This devoted staff member's good deeds have not gone unnoticed and make her the employee of the month for March. Congratulations Gabrielle!