Community - Fall 2014 by Metropolitan Community College

BUILDING THE FUTURE Fort Omaha Campus expansion announced page 3

CONTENTS 2

Location spotlight: Fort Omaha Campus North Omaha location a fortress for education

Jobs for today and tomorrow Fort Omaha Campus expansion announced

Running down a dream Culinary student opens Florence restaurant

A job that delivers

Alumnus finds fulfilling career in logistics

Link to the future MCC to build private network

Acting on instinct

The three amigos

Student saves woman’s life while shopping

ATC programs band together

Going places Travel Academy helps Singapore native’s career take off

A pathway forward New educational model benefits veterans, service members

Teaming up MCC, TeamMates partner to impact youth

Giving back MCC students help market North Omaha nonprofit

Faculty insights New video series spotlights unique faculty experiences

Constructing the community Students help woman in need

Eclipsing 100

Instructor passes century mark in quarters taught

Behind the FOC expansion Q&A with Tom Pensabene

Around the College Fall 2014

Volume 2, Issue 3

“Community” is a quarterly publication of Metropolitan Community College. Contact the editor at 402-457-2414 or marketing@mccneb.edu. Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Statement—Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees.

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FORT OMAHA CAMPUS North Omaha location a fortress for education

n MCC location with a deep history, the Fort Omaha Campus has roots that go back to the 1860s when Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman wanted to build a barracks near Omaha, giving troops a better strategic location. Fort Omaha underwent transformations through two world wars, and in 1974, the College received the deed to the 70-acre site. In the 40 years that have followed, MCC has preserved Fort Omaha’s historic look while creating an environment for a growing two-year college.

The Fort is home to the FabLab as well as the Horticulture, Land Systems and Management program, among many others.

That progressive nature can be found today in the Institute for the Culinary Arts, a center for specialization, on the south end of campus as well as in the recently announced Fort Omaha Campus expansion project, which will be geared toward meeting the needs of students and communites.

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Jobs for today and tomorrow Fort Omaha Campus expansion announced

hree new buildings will soon dot the landscape at the historic Fort Omaha Campus. MCC announced the $90 million expansion project at a groundbreaking ceremony in June, detailing plans for the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology, Construction Education Center and Academic Skills Center.

President Randy Schmailzl presided over the groundbreaking and thanked college personnel and leadership, along with community and philanthropic partners, for embarking on the public-private partnership that will advance shared efforts to prepare a skilled workforce. The project highlights a new era of investing in students and communities via the new facilities, designed to accommodate changing needs and innovative approaches to learning. The concept behind the project is to create centers of specialization, like the Institute for the Culinary Arts that opened in 2010, all designed to grow the College and respond to community training needs. The expansion comes at a time when the demand for skilled workers is increasing.

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The new buildings will be on the corner of 30th and Sorensen.

“Ongoing workforce innovation is the driver behind our campus expansion,” Schmailzl said. “These academic facilities will provide seamless education to our students from entry- to highlevel skills.”

Ongoing workforce innovation is the driver behind our campus expansion.”

The project is funded by generous philanthropic investments and a progressive funding commitment of the MCC Board of Governors that represents a 50:50 public-private partnership. The three buildings are designed to train students for today’s jobs, prepare students for tomorrow’s jobs, and provide students with tools and opportunities for lifelong learning. Geared toward addressing current economic needs, the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology will be home to the MCC FabLab and feature advanced manufacturing studies and automation systems as well as other technology- and transportation-related fields. The Construction Education Center will provide students the ability to learn about fields such as architecture and design, civil engineering, construction technology, electrical technology, electrical apprenticeship, HVAC, industrial and commercial trades, plumbing apprenticeship, sustainability, weatherization and welding.

From left to right: Terry McMullen MCC Foundation Board of Directors

The Academic Skills Center will be a hub for student-centered, first-year educational experiences with focus on career navigation, small group communication, general education courses, ReadRight® curriculum and active learning.

Cory Johnson AIT Worldwide

Mike Abramson President of MCC Foundation Board of Directors

From left to right: Gov. Dave Heineman and MCC President Randy Schmailzl

The expansion project is expected to be finished in spring 2018. For more information, visist mccpromise.org.

Linda McDermitt, chair of MCC Board of Governors

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RUNNING DOWN A DREAM Culinary student opens Florence restaurant

n the heart of historic Florence, the South meets the Midwest at Mouth of the South: Southern Grub, a restaurant that culinary arts student Ryan Ernst founded this spring. With ties to Louisiana and Omaha’s Florence district, Ernst realized his ultimate dream when he opened the restaurant, which serves southern-inspired cuisine.

The program brought out my creativity and gave me the tools I needed.”

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“Creating a restaurant like this was always a dream of my father’s,” says Ernst, 29. “I feel like I’m fulfilling that dream of his by opening a restaurant that serves food with quality, fresh ingredients.” Ernst’s cooking background runs deep. He began honing his craft at Cunningham’s, Ingredient and Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano, where Ernst says he learned a lifetime’s worth of knowledge from the Losole family.

“My nickname was ‘Mouth of the South’ while I worked with the Losoles,” Ernst says. “I knew that’s what I had to call this place when I came up with the idea.” Another part of Ernst’s culinary history that he says played a key role in the creation of the restaurant was his culinary arts experience from MCC. “The program brought out my creativity and gave me the tools I needed to take the risk of opening a restaurant,” he says. While Ernst gets some culinary inspiration from Cajun-style food, he incorporates cuisine from across the Southeast. Gumbo, po’boy sandwiches, crab cakes and blackened yellow fin are just a few of the dishes that guests can sink their teeth into. While just a few months into operation, Ernst knows his restaurant has staying power. “There isn’t a place like this around here,” he says. “I feel like with my education, background and culinary skills, we can continue making this place a destination for area residents to come and enjoy southern dishes.” To learn more about the Culinary Arts and Management program, visit mccneb.edu/chrm.

Ernst’s culinary idols include Justin Wilson and Emeril Lagasse.

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A job that delivers Alumnus finds fulfilling career in logistics

sk Cory Johnson what he does for a living, and he will tell you his company is “a travel agent for boxes.” But that’s just skimming the surface. The MCC alumnus wears many hats — from sales and account management to Foreign Trade Zone administration and special projects. As the business development manager at Cargo Zone LLC and AIT Worldwide Logistics, Johnson has helped with some high-profile events, including the Olympic swim trials, College World Series and the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. “I get to be part of some unique projects,” he said. Take, for example, the iconic Road to Omaha sculpture. Cargo Zone held the 1,500-pound bronze statue until it was ready to be installed at the new TD Ameritrade Park. Another case: storing 75 dump-truck loads worth of dirt for an equestrian show at the CenturyLink Center. “I enjoy the diversity of my workload,” he said. “I’ve had so many opportunities.”

CORY JOHNSON, 29 Business development manager, Cargo Zone LLC and AIT Worldwide Logistics -President, Nebraska Logistics Council -Associate in business management, MCC -Bachelor’s in marketing, Bellevue University

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Other days, Johnson’s responsibilities range from traveling to sales calls, filling out customs paperwork and driving a forklift. “Everyone pitches in around here,” he said. The work is so varied because his employer, T.L.K. Air Care Inc., operates four different yet interrelated businesses: transportation, warehousing, global logistics and convention services. In 2005, Johnson started driving a forklift in the warehouse, Cargo Zone, to pay for his MCC classes. “I figured that would be my job to get me through college,” he said. The convenience and cost were what attracted the Omaha native to MCC, allowing him to work full time and go to school. “For the working adult, attending MCC is about the best option out there,” he said. Nearly 10 years later, his college job has transformed into a career. “In our industry, we joke that people get into logistics by chance and not by choice — that’s how I ended up here.”

I enjoy the diversity of my workload. I’ve had so many opportunities.”

As president of the Nebraska Logistics Council, Johnson is working to change that, especially for the younger generation. This year, the organization awarded $1,500 in scholarships for high school students and endowed the MCC Foundation with a $10,000 scholarship. The council also hosts seminars and networking events to stimulate interest in logistics-related careers — projected to grow much faster than average, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Recognizing the need for training in this growing field, MCC partnered with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, equipping students to earn national credentials through two fast-track certificates in logistics. Johnson explained that Omaha’s location along I-80 and I-29 makes it the “perfect corridor for logistics.” He’s pleased the state, including MCC, has embraced the industry’s potential and bolstered training programs in transportation, warehousing, distribution and logistics. “Logistics has become a more frontline field than what it was before,” he said. With a solid education, worth ethic and a little luck, Johnson is thankful to be working in such a thriving industry. It’s safe to say he’s in it for the long haul.

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Link to the future MCC to build private network

ecognizing the need to keep students, faculty and staff relevant in today’s digital world, MCC developed a plan to upgrade its wide area network with a long-term lease for the effective useful life of the fiber optic cable to serve MCC locations. MCC selected the Omaha company Pinpoint Broadband Inc. to complete the construction of the private network, connecting several of MCC’s locations and upgrading the current network to meet the College’s growing needs. “The new network will provide our students the kind of technology that will help them with their coursework and aid them in reaching their academic goals,” said Randy Schmailzl, president of MCC. “The technology that Pinpoint Broadband Inc. provides makes this a great investment well into the future.” The estimated project cost is $2.5 million, with an annual maintenance cost of $30,000 for subsequent years. Given the cost of acquiring comparable services, the project is expected to pay for itself after the first five years. Typically, a business or organization has two options for Internet access and bandwidth: Lit Services and Dark Fiber IRUs. Pinpoint Broadband Inc.’s Enterprise Fiber Leasing gives MCC the best of both worlds — low upfront costs combined with unlimited bandwidth and network control.

Construction of the network has begun, and the network should be fully operational by spring 2015.

“We are excited to be the first company to offer this solution,” said Mike Urdahl, president of Pinpoint Broadband Inc. “We are proud to be able to work with MCC to find a custom solution to address their diverse network needs.” The network will be used in classrooms and to support class activities at MCC’s multiple locations for decades to come.

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ACTING ON INSTINCT Student saves woman’s life while shopping

arah Maxey’s instructors said she’d run across a lifeor-death situation at some point in her career, but she didn’t think it’d be so soon. While shopping at Kohl’s, the nursing student heard a crash and screams coming from across the store. After hurrying to the scene, Maxey noticed a middle-aged woman lying over a rack of clothes having just suffered a seizure. “My instincts kicked in almost immediately upon seeing the woman,” Maxey said. She and a Kohl’s employee didn’t waste any time and moved the woman to the ground while trying to keep her head elevated.

Maxey says she was born to be a nurse and expects to graduate from MCC in 2015.

“My instructors at MCC teach us to take charge of the situation and give direction to others around,” Maxey said. “So I told someone to call 911 while I attended to the woman.” After seeing the woman’s face turn from blue to gray to colorless, Maxey knew she couldn’t wait for an ambulance to arrive. “I was checking her pulse, and soon I felt no pulse at all,” she said. After taking a deep breath, Maxey began CPR and completed 10–15 compressions before the woman regained her pulse. “I saw her regain her color, and it was the biggest relief in the world,” Maxey said, smiling. “I always felt I’d be at the right place at the right time, and I am sure glad I was.”

I was checking her pulse, and soon I felt no pulse at all.”

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The three amigos ATC programs band together

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ometimes the answer is right under your nose. At the Applied Technology Center, three programs — utility line, CDL truck driving, and construction and building science — worked together to create concrete barriers that act as weights for the CDL program’s truck beds, simulating a real freight load for the student drivers. The concept began when the CDL truck driving program needed to replace its old, declining barriers that were becoming a safety risk. Hoping to replace them soon, CDL instructor Darryl Partner approached construction technology instructor Trevor Secora about the idea of construction students creating the barriers in a concrete block mold.

“Sometimes we obtain the barriers from a third party, but I thought, we have talented students here on campus who can construct them,” Partner said. The idea not only provided the barriers but also a project that allowed students to attain hands-on experience. “I wanted to find the construction students a project where they could create something that they might find in the real world. This opportunity provided that,” Secora said. Due to the barriers’ size and weight, a crane was needed to hoist them on the truck beds. That is where the utility line program’s new boom came in handy. “Utility line workers sometimes have heavy loads to lift in the field with cranes, and there wasn’t a better way to test the skills of the boom operators than to precisely place the barriers onto the truck bed,” said Rich Newcomer, utility line instructor.

“Sometimes we obtain the barriers from a third party, but I thought, we have talented students here on campus who can construct them.”

Scan to watch an Omaha Morning Blend segment about the CDL truck driving program.

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GoinG places

Travel Academy helps Singapore native’s career take off

unice Lim traveled halfway across the globe — 9,236 miles — to start a new life in Omaha. Four years later, the Singapore native has turned her love of traveling into a career. Lim, 26, keeps busy booking business trips for clients at Travel and Transport. Last year, MCC partnered with the travel management company, the fifth largest in the U.S., to help meet a nationwide demand for qualified travel counselors. The pioneering program includes a Travel Academy and option to earn an associate degree in corporate travel management. Lim’s mother-in-law saw an ad in the paper and encouraged her to explore. “I was curious,” Lim said, noting her affinity for travel and, at the time, undecided major. Already an MCC student, Lim decided to take a detour. She started the academy in June 2013 and had a job offer a mere 10 months later.

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“I learned a lot about the travel industry,” said Lim, who plans to build a career at the company. Coursework focuses on travel industry basics, geography geared toward travel professionals, customer service skills and a reservation software system — all of which came naturally to Lim. “Eunice was a quick learner and always had a great attitude,” said Katie Malcom, senior corporate trainer. “Now that Eunice is employed with Travel and Transport, we still see her passion in her work every day.” In addition to working full time, Lim is five classes shy of an associate degree and plans to graduate from MCC next spring.

Learn more about the partnership: travelandtransport.com facebook.com/travelandtransporttravelacademy

A pathway forward New educational model benefits veterans, service members

“

roud to serve,” a motto the College’s Military/ Veteran Services office is honored to have. And with the office’s new educational model designed to meet the needs of the growing number of veterans seeking an education, it is living up to that motto. Stationed at the South Omaha Campus and Offutt Air Force Base, MVS offers comprehensive services that provide veterans and active duty personnel assistance in meeting their educational goals. Benefits of the new MVS model include an academic learning center and a commons area where students can visit with other veterans or military members. “The new model the MVS office has adopted is a great fit for veterans and active duty personnel because skills acquired during military service align well with what the College offers,” said Wilma Hjellum, director of financial aid and veteran services. “Trades such as welding, HVAC and diesel technology are all skills that can be learned during military service and furthered at MCC.” Under the new model, military service experience can now be converted into credits, putting students on the fast track toward a degree. Military educational benefits also go further thanks to MCC’s affordability, lessening the financial burden and making the transition to civilian life more comfortable.

For more information, visit mccneb.edu/mvss.

“MVS completes more than 2,000 certifications per quarter and is the largest public institution in Nebraska serving military veterans,” said Armando Perez, veterans certifying official at MCC. “All of the leading staff members in the office are military veterans themselves, which allows us to understand a student’s academic goals better and be able to provide them the kind of guidance that can make them successful.”

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Tom and Nancy Osborne founded the TeamMates Mentoring Program in 1991 to provide support and encouragement to youth.

Tracy MCTavish-Mlady, institutional effectiveness coordinator, volunteers her time as a mentor.

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Teaming up

MCC, TeamMates partner to impact youth

CC and the TeamMates Mentoring Program have partnered to support area youth and their aspirations of furthering their education by offering two full-tuition scholarships. The scholarships are open to all mentees and will cover all tuition and fees for up to eight quarters at MCC. The announcement came as part of a special event hosted at the Swanson Conference Center where current TeamMates mentors learned about the programs and benefits that the College offers their mentees when choosing a higher education institution after high school. Those in attendance also heard from TeamMates founder Tom Osborne and MCC President Randy Schmailzl. “As a TeamMates mentor and an MCC employee, I have experienced the impact both organizations have on our community,” said Tracy McTavish-Mlady, institutional effectiveness coordinator. “The partnership is a natural fit, and the MCC scholarships are a wonderful way to give young people support as they pursue their goals at a postsecondary school.” Scholarship applicants must have a minimum of two years in the TeamMates program. The new scholarships join the growing list of scholarships offered through the TeamMates central office. Additionally, the TeamMates Mentoring Program’s Post-Secondary Support initiative gives mentees and mentors knowledge on career planning, application processes, college entrance requirements and college prep. Youth who receive such support and guidance show significant improvement in their academic goals and achievements.

MCC scholarships are a wonderful way to give young people support as they pursue their goals at a postsecondary school.”

Founded by Tom and Nancy Osborne, TeamMates works to positively impact youth and encourage them to reach their full potential. TeamMates currently has more than 7,000 youth in 117 communities across Nebraska, Iowa and California.

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GIVING BACK

MCC students help market North Omaha nonprofit

o you NONA? It’s the new slogan for the North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance — a slogan creatively coined by a student in Terrie Miller’s marketing class. Miller’s students had only a few weeks to compile a comprehensive marketing campaign for the small North Omaha nonprofit — a feat for any professional agency considering the timeframe. The students, enrolled in a marketing principles course, spent the spring quarter working as a class on the realworld project. Using their individual talents and drawing from course concepts, the students created a marketing plan, logo, brochure, fliers and several social media sites for NONA.

“MCC is big on service-learning,” Miller said. “It’s rewarding for the students to work with a real business and have a hand in its progress.” A former NONA employee, Miller saw the potential for a project aimed at building awareness of the two-year-old organization, which serves six ZIP codes. Working for a real client made the experience more meaningful, said student Melissa Wever. The handson project culminated in a presentation to NONA board members, who plan to implement some of the ideas. Student Jesus Solis even volunteered to work with NONA through the summer, helping grow its social media presence and train volunteers to manage the sites on their own. The project was a win-win for students and the organization. “It’s a great way of giving back to the community,” Miller said.

facebook.com/nona.omaha

@NONA_Omaha

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FACULTY INSIGHTS New video series spotlights unique faculty experiences

ulinary instructor Brian O’Malley studied architecture before deciding on a career in the kitchen. Horticulture instructor Kris Engler worked in environmental education and the biomedical field before discovering her passion for landscape design. CDL truck driving instructor Darryl Partner spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy before driving trucks cross country. Behind every great instructor are the experiences he or she brings to the classroom. A new video series — “Faculty Insights” — aims to unearth these experiences, educating others about instructors’ unique journeys to MCC.

Several instructors have shared their stories. Topics range from the instructor’s background, a memorable mentor or teacher, favorite thing about teaching, words of wisdom and more. Program areas include horticulture, hospitality, culinary arts, truck driving, diesel technology and utility line. Cogar said there are plans to shoot additional segments. The series airs on The Knowledge Network (Cox channel 109) and is also available on MCC’s YouTube channel. View the TKN schedule at mccneb.edu/metrovision.

Watch the series now on YouTube!

“You hear some really cool stories,” said Charlie Cogar, who produces the series, which sheds light on the wealth of diversity and industry expertise MCC offers students. “The idea is to show that MCC instructors come from many walks of life and bring their professional experience to the classroom.” I love the raw enthusiasm that’s there, the passion that’s inside them…students always have that passion.”

-Brian O’Malley

I really take an active role in making sure my students have all of their needs taken care of so they can focus on learning to be a truck driver.”

-Darryl Partner

Whenever my students are trying something new, I always tell them, ‘don’t be afraid of failure.’ Failure is a learning opportunity.”

-Kris Engler

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Constructing the community Students help woman in need

etting muddy, sweating under the spring sun and digging postholes. Four students did this and more while rebuilding a deck under the guidance of industrial and commercial trades instructor Dave Horst during a communitybased education project. At a northwest Omaha home owned by a 67-year-old grandmother, the deteriorating wooden deck was starting to become a safety hazard. Applying the skills learned in class, students, along with Horst, began the project by tearing down the ragged deck and preparing to construct a new one. “Community-based education projects are a great way for students to get hands-on experience and implement the skills they have learned in class,” Horst said. Shannon Snow, assistant director for long range planning and community engagement at MCC, echoes that sentiment. “The importance of getting our students involved in the community is an invaluable lesson. It provides experience in the real world while giving back to the community.” The students at the northwest Omaha home labored through two days of hard work before finally seeing the finished product. “The homeowner was very grateful for the work that was done, but the students got even more out of it by knowing they helped out,” Horst said.

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Other MCC community engagement projects include working with AmeriCorps, Good360, Siena/Francis House, Habitat for Humanity and more.

Eclipsing 100 Instructor passes century mark in quarters taught

ith English as her passion, adjunct instructor Elaine Heath has joined elite company at the College, having now taught more than 100 quarters. Heath began teaching at MCC 27 years ago in secretarial sciences, but the last 25 years have seen her employ her drive for teaching as an English instructor, and she doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. Her longevity in years taught is backed up by her weekly commitment of leading class. “I have never been absent a single class in all my years at the College, and I plan to keep that focus,” Heath said. Heath’s perfect attendance record has made an impression on her students. “You really helped get me motivated to improve my work,” one student told Heath in a quarterly assessment that Heath encourages her students to complete. “I enjoyed every comment I received from you. That kind of advice really gave me motivation,” another student said. Heath concluded with, “The greatest student strengths are knowledge and willingness, and then I enhance the learning process by encouraging self-discipline and confidence for ultimate success.”

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BEHIND THE FOC EXPANSION Q&A with Tom Pensabene executive director, Workforce Innovation Division, and dean, Information Technology and E-Learning mccneb.edu/wid

Workforce Innovation Division and Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology building traits • Leverage existing MCC resources through collaborative strategies

• Work closely with Adult Education/GED to make direct connections between specific companies and specific students to clarify the pathway to jobs while enhancing motivation for employability skills • Corporate training and exhibit space, creating a place to teach new technologies faster and smarter for industry • Embrace both industry and instructional innovations

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What is your history with the College? I came to MCC in spring of 1999 as director of technology-enhanced learning. Before that, I ran a small contract shop at the University of Oklahoma. My first assignment at MCC was coordinating the rollout of our first online courses. What is your role in the new Fort Omaha Campus project? I have been the champion for the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology building. Omaha is an IT-enabled city. My vision for CAET is to bring industry, faculty and students across all sectors together at MCC to leverage this synergy for economic development. What do you think this new technology center will provide? Our vision has always been to co-locate industry on campus, working side by side with students and faculty. For example, companies can establish a training base with the satellite economic development office, train new employees and prototype new models. Our goal is for students to engage in real-world experiences while working with specific companies.

AROUND THE COLLEGE Students take home top honors at national competition Twenty-four students participated in the 50th annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference June 23–27 in Kansas City, Missouri. Of the 10 competitions, three were won by MCC students. In the TeamWorks competition, gold medalists were Jonathan Herrmann, Alex Schincke, Joel Ramirez and Ben Stigge.

Instructor receives international teaching award The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs named Steven Nichols, management instructor, a 2014 International Teaching Excellence Award recipient. Two recipients were selected from the 10 global regions, one from a baccalaureate/ graduate degree-granting institution and one from an associate degree-granting institution, and were recognized at a special Salute to Regions luncheon in Chicago. Nichols was a 2014 Teaching Excellence Award recipient for ACBSP Region 5 in April, which qualified him for the international award.

International company’s training comes to Applied Technology Center MCC hosted PotashCorp’s Agriculture and Feed Group’s training in July for the company’s annual safety rodeo. Using the College’s modern fire science facilities, the competitors practiced live fire exercises and search and rescue simulations. Teams from PotashCorp’s plants in Weeping Water, Nebraska; Joplin, Missouri; and Marseilles, Illinois., trained at the Applied Technology Center for the national competition held in Georgia, where 10 teams from various divisions compete to see who can perform the given tasks the most safely and efficiently.

Nationally renowned chef showcases skills at MCC Renowned Certified Master Chef Frederic H. “Fritz” Sonnenschmidt shared his knowledge at a public event Aug. 5 at the Institute for the Culinary Arts. Sonnenschmidt prepared a five-course wine dinner based on his experiences in Africa. A noted author and television personality, the chef frequently demonstrates modern cooking applications and trends to consumers, chefs, culinary educators and students throughout the United States and around the globe. He is one of fewer than 70 chefs certified as a master by the American Culinary Federation.

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