NCMC Celebrates Savannah Campus May 18

North Central Missouri College celebrated the completion of phase 1 of the Savannah Campus on May 18 with a ribbon cutting, touch-a-truck event, and tours of the renovated McCarty Motors. Savannah Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Eric Kurre welcomed guests and shared details on the partnership between the school district and the college before introducing NCMC President Dr. Lenny Klaver.

Dr. Klaver expressed gratitude to everyone for attending and acknowledged several in the crowd for their support and involvement with the campus.

Klaver also announced the naming of phase 1 as the Dan Hegeman Center for Career and Technical Edu- cation and thanked Mr. Hegeman for his work in the Missouri Legislature, representing the 12th Senatorial District from 20152022. Hegeman thanked NCMC for the honor and what it means to the region for this additional campus in Savannah.

NCMC Foundation Executive Director Alicia Endicott shared updates of the Transforming Lives, Empowering People major gifts campaign. She said, to date, over $7.7 million has been raised of the $9.9 million goal. She encouraged the community to get involved and bestowed appreciation to those who have already pledged their support.

The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting by Dan Hegeman with members of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, NCMC, and Savannah School District.

Jenna Stevens Graduates from MCCA Leadership Academy

Jenna Stevens, Director of Advising and Retention at North Central Missouri College, recently participated and graduated from the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Leadership Academy. During her involvement in the academy, Jenna attended sessions on leadership aspects, presentations from community college administration, visited community colleges to gain hands-on perspective, and various other sessions on leadership growth. Jenna has been employed at NCMC for eight years and oversees retention efforts and the advising department.

“Participating in the MCCA Leadership Academy was a great op- portunity,” said Jenna. “The program allowed me to connect with colleagues from all twelve of the community colleges around the state, visit several campuses, and learn about leadership within higher education through various lenses. Our class really connected with one another, making the experience fun every time we met!”

The Leadership Academy is an annual event organized and sponsored by MCCA with assistance from all Missouri Community Colleges to provide workshops, presenters, locations, and other logistical aspects. One participant is selected from each community college to participate.

President of NCMC, Dr. Lenny Klaver, said, “This is a great experience for those in leadership positions to grow in their role, connect across the association, and learn more about the inner workings of leadership at a collegiate level.”

MCCA is Missouri’s largest advocacy group for community colleges and, according to their website, www.mccatoday.org, “is where the state’s 12 community colleges come together to share ideas and advance common goals.”

Photo Courtesy of North Central Missouri College

The North Central Missouri College AG Club/PAS chapter has elected officers for the 2023-24 school year. Elected to office were, from left, front row, second vice president Blake Eitel of Milan, president Joshua Eckert of Chillicothe and first vice president Maddi Michael of Gallatin; back row, secretary Olivia Morris of Green City and student representatives Tyler Dove of Caulfield and Kaden Garrison of Boss.

The National PAS Organization was founded in 1980 in Kansas City. Its mission is to provide opportunities for individual growth, leadership and career preparation. North Central Missouri College is a charter member of both the Missouri and National PAS organizations.

Photo Courtesy of North Central Missouri College

North Central Missouri College student members of the First Generation Club (First Gen Club) participated in service work

April. Members chose to volunteer with the Church Women United Thrift Shop as the organization provides crucial community support, including funds for area schools and for scholarships at NCMC. The members participating were, from left, Hannah Gryder, Becky Schroeder, Hailey Lipai and Finley Williams. They organized and sorted donations while visiting with Church Women United members and long-time NCMC supporters, Jackie Soptic and Barbara Spencer.

First Generation Club, also known as First Gen, was established to provide peer support for first generation students, whose parent(s) have not attained a 4-year college degree. The club is dedicated to developing ways to support NCMC first generation students as they adjust to a new environment, lifestyle, and academic traditions. The First Gen Club is free for students to join and is open to all students, regardless of first-gen status.

"First-generation students possess a unique strength and resilience, paving their own path towards success,” said Tocarra Williams, First Gen Club Advisor. “Together, in the First Gen Club, we celebrate our shared journey, lift each other up, and develop a sense of community and belonging on campus."

Monday, May 22 is known as Harvey Milk Day the LGBTQ+ Community. We use this day to honor his fight for equal rights.”

In the 1970s, Milk became the first openly gay elected official in California. He became a symbol of hope and inspiration for the community. Milk tirelessly fought for anti-discrimination laws and better representation, using his platform to raise awareness and mobilize support. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was assassinated on November 27, 1978, but his legacy as a fearless advocate continues to inspire and shape the ongoing fight for equal rights for all. Gay-Straight Alliance, often referred to as GSA, was re-established at NCMC in 2022 to create an accepting environment and a positive outlet for LGBTQ+ students and their supporters. This club is free for all students to join and provides a casual space where students can plan fun activities and support state-wide initiatives that further the education and the equality of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Much like Harvey Milk's advocacy and promotion of equality, I hope that NCMC's GSA can continue to make a positive impact on students and break down misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community” said Angela Heins, GSA Staff Advisor. “Our goal is to help everyone feel empowered and proud of who they are!” Also pictured are Willow Tilley, left and Robyn Snuffer, right.