Classrooms without walls - Service learning creates opportunities

Kelsie Woodward was looking for some additional credits when an advisor suggested she try an English class with a service learning component. The freshman from Blue Springs had no idea what service learning was about - classrooms without borders.


Woodward’s group worked with Harvesters, Metro Lutheran Ministry and Kansas City Rescue Mission. The group raised funds, served at fundraisers and interacted with homeless people.

"It was a real eye-opener, talking with those who before were just faceless people who crossed your path," said Woodward. "I learned about myself in many ways and drew upon the values I was raised with. Optimism, caring and willingness to help. As Ghandi said, 'You must be the change you want to see in the world.'"

Service learning allows student to earn credit outside the walls of the classroom. With service-learning courses, students make learning an adventure, experience the real world, serve their community, help others and get credit. Check out the Service Learning facebook page to see students interact with their community.

To see what classes are available, click here.

Open invitation, MCC-Blue River Voice Master Class

Anyone in the community who is interested in improving their singing voice or just taking in a light performance by well trained vocal students is welcome to attend the MCC-Blue River Voice Master Class from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 16. Experienced tenor and UMKC Conservatory of Music professor Robin Griffeath will be on hand to critique student performances in regards to posture and body usage.



Robin Griffeath, tenor



Robin Griffeath is a doctoral candidate at the University of Missouri-Kansas City whom holds a B.M. in vocal performance from Lawrence University and an M.M. in vocal performance from the University of Arizona. Mr. Griffeath recently performed the roles of Ferrando in Mozart's Cosi fan tutte, Gherardo in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi, Fenton in Verdi's Falstaff, and Nanki Poo in Gilbert and

MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy kite festival

The MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy kite festival, presented by Farmers Insurance, is celebrating its 5th anniversary.

Once again, members of the Kansas City Kite Club will have some of the most amazing kites on display at this FREE event for all ages.

Professional kite flyers from around the Midwest will be flying their mega kites and stunt kites all day while the rest of the MCC-Longview campus will be open for public kite flying.

“There is no better way to welcome spring than to spend the day flying a kite on the grounds here at MCC-Longview,” festival manager Jill Ladas said.

As the festival continues to grow, we also continue to offer more FREE activities for kids, including: a bounce house, face painting, balloon artists and much more.

The festival will open at 10 a.m. on the MCC-Longview campus.

MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy Kite Festival presented by Farmers Insurance

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, 2011

MCC-Longview Campus

500 SW Longview Road, Lee's Summit Mo.

For more information, directions or a look at last year's festival, check out the Flights of Fancy website at: http://www.mccflightsoffancy.org/

Suit up for Iron Man 2 @ MCC-Maple Woods!

MCC-Maple Woods Campus Life and Leadership office will host another installment of Movie Night on the Lawn with Iron Man 2 at 8:15 p.m. April 7 on the Campus Center Lawn. This event is FREE so bring blankets, lawn chairs, snacks and friends! Popcorn and water will be provided.

Join Team MCC for Earth Walk 2011

Join the fun at the 15th annual EarthWalk and do your part to help move Kansas City toward a more sustainable future. Enjoy a nearly 3-mile non-competitive walk along Brush Creek from Theis Park west toward the Plaza and back.

Welcome to new MCC employees

MCC Students Win at MO State SkillsUSA Contest

From Left, Kate Douglas, Cisco Networking Instructor and Skills USA judge; Micheal Whited, MCC-BTC student and First place winner in Prepared Speech contest; Dr. Paul Light, Missouri SkillsUSA State Director; David Michael Gray, MCC-LV student and second place winner in Automotive Service Skills; David Patience, LV Automotive instructor.

Students from MCC's SkillsUSA Chapter took home top honors over the weekend at State SkillsUSA competition at Linn State Technical college.  Micheal Whited won first place in Prepared Speech contest and will be representing MCC at national contest in June.  MCC-LV Automotive student, David Michael Gray, took first place in his written event and second in the automotive service skill event.

MCC-Penn Valley presents Financial Literacy Week - check it out!

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, MCC-Penn Valley created a week-long series of events which will take place April 18-21 in the caferteria. Free food and a chance for prizes will be available to those who attend.

Click on the image above for amplified information.

Rangel appointed to Guadalupe Center's Board of Directors

Juan Rangel, director of community engagement at Metropolitan Community College, was recently appointed to the Guadalupe Center's Board of Directors. Rangel joined MCC in 2006 as director of business development for the district.

"It is a real honor to serve on a historical Latino organizational board that is creating change with many,” said Rangel. “MCC wants to continue building strong relationships in the community. Being a conduit to the Latino community along with others can keep supporting MCC’s strong mission to benefit everyone."

Rangel is a known local and regional public speaker and he has developed and delivered motivational programs and specialized trainings for a number of area organizations. He also serves on the boards of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Truman Medical Centers, UMKC Women’s Center, NWMSU Foundation Board and Heartlands Men’s Choir.

MCC employee develops new talent

Peoplesoft applications developer Alicia Lawlor recently decided to take advantage of one of the many cultural opportunities Kansas City has to offer. A few months ago, she enrolled in a pastel class offered at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Now, her completed work is on display at the Nelson through June.

“The class was very rewarding to me – good for my soul,” said Lawlor.

Students not only learned different techniques of pastel drawing, but also studied art by some of the masters to get inspiration.

Her son Ryan, age eight, is pretty excited his mom has art on display. “We are going to take the next art class together,” Lawlor said.

What do you do outside of MCC? Let us know.

Face-to-Face Coaching, round 2

The second round of Face-to-Face Lifestyle Coaching for MCC employees is being offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BC/BS) in conjunction with the MCC Living Well program. Employees who are members of the BC/BS insurance plan can meet monthly, at no cost, with a certified health coach, who is trained in psychology and health management.

The health coach will work one-on-one with employees in 25 minute

Connect with the community - attend Lead KC event April 14

Kansas City Mayor Elect, Sly James, has pledged to appoint young professionals and young adults to 90 boards and commissions within Kansas City.

Lead KC in the Mix provides the opportunity for those interested to connect with political and civic leaders and express their interest and desire to serve.

Students and employees who are interested in serving on a board or commission, or have an interest in networking with their community leaders, should plan to attend the Lead KC event on April 14 from 5-7:30 p.m. at Union Station. RSVP at engagekc@kcmo.org or call 816.513.1378.

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."

Change in the enrollment process

MCC has made changes in the steps students take to enroll. Check out all the information here.

Stars shine brightly at MCC gala

More than 425 people attended MCC's second annual Five Star Gala on Thursday, raising tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships, academic coaching, emergency book funds and special projects.

The event, held at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown-Muehlebach Tower, honored the Francis Family Foundation with the Five Star Award.

Known throughout the region for its commitment to creating brighter futures for all generations, the Francis Family Foundation has been a pioneer in education for young children, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond

MCC-BTC HVAC Instructor Receives Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching

Dick Decker, HVAC instructor at Metropolitan Community College’s Business & Technology Campus, was honored as a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in Jefferson City on Wednesday, March 30.  The award was presented at a luncheon sponsored by the Missouri Community College Association.

MCC-Longview students keeping KC parks clean

MCC-Longview students were featured over the weekend in The Kansas City Star as they worked all day Saturday to clean up Blue Valley Park.

The park, notorious for being an illegal dumping ground for tires and other trash in Northeast Kansas City, got some much needed attention as dozens of students from MCC spent the morning clearing out rubbish.

This is the 21st annual park clean up led by MCC-Longview and instructor Keet Kopecky's service learning program.

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!

Use Facebook, Twitter to keep up with MCC-Blue River

MCC-Blue River is on Facebook.com and Twitter.com

Keeping up with events and news at MCC-Blue River is easier than ever because Blue River is posting up to the minute news and campus related articles from The MCC Insider on Facebook and Twitter. Up to the minute events are posted right when they are happening.

Anyone with an account on Facebook.com can “like” MCC-Blue River to see campus related posts in their news feed. Following MCC-Blue River on twitter.com delivers all of the campus “tweets,” letting Twitter users know instantly when MCC-Blue River has news.

Read reports of staff and faculty awards and honors and keep up with groups like Phi Theta Kappa, MCC-Blue River clubs and student activities, organizations, and

MCC-Maple Woods Fitness Center presents Fitness Friday!