Street Survival Program at MCC-Blue River this weekend

The Sports Car Club of America holds events at MCC-Blue River’s Preceision Driving Course almost every weekend, and the Street Survival Program is hands down their most important event. Eligible students are 16 to 21 years old and hold a valid unrestricted driver’s license or a valid permit. Here’s the schedule, if you’re interested in attending:

It’s not just about Driving, it’s about Living…. 

• The leading cause of death among 13-19 year olds in the US is from a motor vehicle crash.

• 62% of teenage passenger deaths in 2004 occurred in vehicles driven by another teenager.

• Teenagers cause 2.5 million accidents per year.

• In 2007 that resulted in over 6,000 deaths of teens.

Those sobering statistics should be

Earth Day @ MCC-Longview

Campus Life and Leadership invited student to paint a hand-leaf to add to the Earth Day tree in the Campus Center. The tree will collect more painted leaves Friday in the Campus Center cafe.



Of course, no student activity would be complete without a free smoothie!

Check out the rest of the photos here.

MCC Retirement Reception

Friday, May 6, 2011

MCC-Penn Valley Education Center, room 19

Reception at 6:30 p.m.

Program begins at 7:15 p.m.

RSVP to Betsy Upton at 604.1031 by April 22

May 6, 2011 Retirement Reception Honorees

Lights, camera, Fashion!

Oh the fashion, the hair the shoes! Panache, the MCC-Penn Valley student fashion showcase, kicked off today with the first show at 10 a.m. Additional show times are today at noon and 7 p.m. in the Penn Valley Little Theater.


High school students from Lee’s Summit West, Lee’s Summit North, Liberty, Truman, Park Hill South, Park Hill, William Chrisman, Raymore-Peculiar and Blue Springs awed the crowd with their fashion designs. At the noon showing, one high school student will be presented with a scholarship to the Apparel and Textile program at Penn Valley.

Penn Valley students rocked the catwalk with apparel for everyday wear to cutting edge designs even Lady Gaga would be proud of.

Check out the preview here...

Metropolitan Chorale aids Habitat for Humanity with “edgy” Mark Twain barbershop concert

Habitat for Humanity will get a boost from the Metropolitan Chorale of Kansas City’s “Hardhats for Habitat” show for the fifth year in a row at the choir’s April 30, 2011 performance. Last year’s event raised nearly $4,000.00 for Habitat for Humanity, and over the past four years the Metropolitan Chorale has donated over $15,000.00 to the charity. This year the choir will be teaming up with the MCC-Blue River Student Ambassadors to undertake the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home as well.

The benefit concert will feature the barbershop stylings of the vocal group Central Standard, and the narrator will be an irascible Mark Twain, played by Kansas City radio personality Dick Wilson from 94.9 KCMO. Each year

MCC-Longview student feels inspired by Phi Theta Kappa national convention

Through the eyes of our students: Oscar Aguilar and several other MCC-Longview PTK members attended the 93rd international PTK convention in Seattle, Washington. Oscar asked if he could share what the experience meant to him and his peers. This is what he wrote:

Phi Theta Kappa 93rd international convention officially began on April 7 when Dr. Rod A. Risley, the Executive Director of Phi Theta Kappa, set the tone and spirit of the convention by challenging students from all around America to become scholars so they may learn how to lead and serve. His words constantly echoed in the minds of the of the audience present; especially, when Dr. Risly invited the students to be the leaders who galvanize people around them.

Dr. Risley’s words prepared PTK members for a convention whose main focus would be to ingrain tremendous importance of scholarly research in the mind of the students.

For this purpose, several educational forums were held during three days, in which PTK members explored in-depth techniques to approach scholarly research, ways to develop and fulfill a research project, and, most importantly, the importance of reflecting once the project had taken it final form.

MCC-Maple Woods acting students perform Plays in Progress

MCC-Maple Woods Acting I & II students will demonstrate everything they've learned this year in an acting showcase: Plays in Progress, a series of five 10-minute plays written and directed by theater instructor Daniel Wright. The show, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 7 p.m. April 27 in the Student Center Theater. Mature audiences only.

'Tis the season for egg hunting at MCC-Blue River

You like to get hot breakfast anyway, so eat for a good cause.

Every time you take a bite of good-morning Wendy's yumminess on Saturday, April 23, you'll feel the kind of warm fuzzy one can only get by donating ten percent of your breakfast expenditure to

Spring is in bloom at MCC-Longview

Don't let the light rain and gray sky fool you, spring is in full bloom today at MCC-Longview.



Don't forget to check out all the other great campus photos on the MCC-Longview Photo Blog.

MCC participates in HLC conference

Fifteen MCC faculty members and administrators spent part of last week focused on specific tactics to improve quality in higher education when they attended the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association's 116th annual conference in Chicago.

Attendees at the HLC NCA's conference included (back row, l-r) Felipe Leon, Tristan Londre, Kimberly Glackin, Tammy May, Paul Long, Fran Padow, Anne Dvorak, Penny Tepesch and Tom Wheeler; (front row, l-r) Mindy McCallum, Cynthia Proctor, Kristy Bishop and Lisa Bonneau. Not pictured: Greg Sanford and Leo Hirner.

The conference, held April 8-12, provided information on both MCC's quality assurance requirement and training for the district's pathways improvement project for accreditation.

"There was a strong focus on finding systematic, cost effective, sustainable methods for measuring student learning," said Kristy Bishop, MCC's director of research and institutional assessment.

Congratulations Adjunct Academy completers!

Seventeen adjunct faculty were honored at a celebration for the completers of the Adjunct Academy. In its third year, the Adjunct Academy continues to offer professional development workshops to new and returning adjuncts.



Row 1 (left to right): Linda Ornes-LV, Elizabeth Norwat-LV, James Voska-BTC, Wayne Yang-PV, Plarenta Vodo-BR. Row 2: Joseph Volpe-BR, Sook Hee Choi-PV, Cheryl Drown-BR, Matthew Richard-LV, Brent Wilson-PV. Row 3: Donald Lee-PV, Justin Dunham-PV, Robert Dumler-BTC, William Mauzey-LV, Peter Johnson-LV, Steve Murphy-LV. Not Pictured:Mark Beck- MW

The Adjunct Academy was created as a way for MCC to show an investment in our adjunct faculty by providing them opportunities for professional development.

“It’s a place for them to connect with other adjuncts,” said Lori Palmer, program specialist for instructional support. “They like the camaraderie. There is a core group that attends each year, so we try to keep the topics fresh.”

The sessions are offered on a Saturday, so those who attend and complete are really committed says Rich Higgason, director of educational programs. “These adjuncts are dedicated to their craft; dedicated to MCC. Our average attendance is about 30-35 each session.”

The workshops are taught by MCC faculty and employees who represent all campuses from a variety of disciplines. The topics this year included:

• Assessment
• Effective learning environments for stressed students
• Blackboard 1 & 2
• Learning and the brain
• Master faculty workshop

 Those who completed all five workshops received a certificate of completion.

Random Acts of Kindness awards at MCC-Blue River

Amy Slater (ctr) receives Random Acts of Kindess award
from Sara Woodward (left) and Jon Burke (right)

Several MCC-Blue River employees and a student were honored today for their kind hearts. The Random Acts of Kindness awards are given to employees whom are nominated by their peers for going the extra mile or doing something nice for no personal gain.

Those at MCC-Blue River whom were unexpectedly rewarded for their acts of altruism today were: Rowdy Pyle, Meg Holcomb, Jay Imhauser, Scorpio Horn, Bob Florence, Renee’ Tolson, Amy Slater, and student worker Tina Livingston.

The MCC-Blue River Staff Association sponsors this initiative, so

MCC-Maple Woods sponsors 2nd Annual Night of Drag to raise money for AIDS Walk KC

MCC Security Announcement

Today, Monday April 18, 2011 at 11:35 AM the MCC Police department at MCC-Penn Valley received information by phone that a young black male wearing a black shirt and yellow shorts and a box cutter approached a MCC student in the parking garage top level at Penn Valley at 11:15 AM. The unknown person asked the student to come with him and she refused. There were no injuries. MCC Police are searching the area.

Your safety is a top priority. If you see something that looks suspicious or a crime in progress, immediately call the police at 911, and then call MCC police a 604-1200. Do not attempt to apprehend the suspect yourself.

Escutia to play soccer for Monarchs

Francisco Escutia, the first recruit of the 2012 season for the Monarchs soccer team, hales From East High School in Kansas City, Mo. According to head coach Todd Logan, he will bring great skill and speed and is very excited to be joining some of his team mates that are already here from East High School, including Juan Vargas,  Victor Contreas, and Kitlyn Caton. Francisco will be pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering.

The MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy kite festival 2011 soars to new heights

The weather might have started cool, but it did not stop people from coming out to MCC-Longview's front lawn to watch some of the most amazing kite displays in the Midwest.

Preliminary numbers indicate that more than 15,000 people packed the festival grounds for the fifth annual Flights of Fancy kite festival. But kite flying was not the only thing going on on campus as the festival also hosted a kite historian in the Cultural Arts Center showcasing kites from the past.

The Kansas City Kite Club once again also put on an amazing display of mega kites and stunt kites.

One of those kites flying overhead also had a camera attached shooting some amazing photos of the festival from several hundred feet in the air.



Be sure to check out all of Thomas's photos on his photos blog.

Be sure to check out ALL of the festival photos over on the MCC-Longview photos blog.

We want to thank Farmers Insurance, our presenting sponsor for helping us put together another successful festival.

This also could not have been done without the help of Kiewit and Truman Medial Centers.

Mrs. Kansas shares cancer experience with nursing students

Senior students in the associate degree nursing program got a chance to hear about patient care from a breast cancer survivor. The presenter was none other than Brandi Palmer, Mrs. Kansas 2011. Palmer shared her story and how compassionate care from nurses helped ease the burden of enduring treatments.

Tammy Greathouse, nursing instructor, organized the presentation for students enrolled in RNUR 244 Adult Med-Surg III.

Career opportunities

CO# 11-044 MW Administrative Assistant - Level 4 - FPT

• posted April 15, 2011
• will be removed from the website on May 1
• For more information or to apply:

www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51303

 CO# 11-046 PV Dental Assisting instructor

• posted April 15, 2011
• will be removed from the website on May 15
• For more information or to apply:

www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51313

  

 CO# 11-047 MW Learning Center Instructor-SCF

• posted April 15, 2011
• will be removed from the website on May 1
• For more information or to apply:

www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51306

 CO# 11-041 LV Campus Police Captain (Internal Only)

• posted On April 15
• will be removed from the website on April 24
• For more information or to apply:

www.mcckcjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=51307

Award winning design team

Campbell, award in background, holds his
 submission to the Paragon Awards.

MCC’s marketing team designer Matt Campbell was awarded the Bronze Paragon Award for his design of the MCC-Maple Woods Monarchs program. He was acknowledged during the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations convention. The Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in communications at community and technical colleges.

Campbell began his career at MCC in June of last year and has already made a great impact; winning a Paragon Award on his first submission is no small feat. The competition level is high. “It’s the first thing I was able to submit,” said Campbell. “I wasn’t here in time to submit for the regionals.”

Spencer Chapin

And speaking of regionals, MCC took home six regional awards, including gold, by designer Spencer Chapin.

“It’s nice to be honored for the work we’re doing, especially on a large scale,” said Chapin. “Just to get recognized, it’s cool.” Chapin has been with MCC for three and a half years.

Other regional awards presented:

• 2 Poster single category – Gold – Spencer Chapin
• Poster series category – Silver – Spencer Chapin
• 2 PR campaign-recruitment category – Bronze - Monica Stevens and Spencer Chapin
• Logo design - Bronze

Left to right: Portal campaign, Recruitment, MLK Day, CTE campaign

Congratulations to all!

Megan Moore and Amy Wendleton commit to Monarchs softball for 2010

 Megan Moore, a recruit from Topeka, KS, was the first official Class of 2011 signee for the Monarchs, is a talented outfielder and first baseman. According to softball head coach Kerry Kasper, Moore will "bring lots of energy and leadership to the team.  She will certainly lead by example on and off the field, as she also plans to work hard off the field towards a degree to get her into pharmacy.  She will help us out in the outfield as well as the busy corner of first base."

Amy Wendleton joins the Monarchs from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Mo. and is a versatile hitter and fielder. Kasper expects her to contribute a lot, noting that "Amy will be an extremely versatile player for us.  She will bring speed to our lineup and has numerous skills that will be a threat at the plate.  I am anxious to see her display her skills and cross the plate for us many times in 2012!  She will be working on a degree in education, and will help us out in the outfield and middle infield positions."