Fall Newsletter 2015

TODAY

New Student Support Center at City Campus | See page 2

Fall 2015

ECC and Canalside team up for downtown Learning Garden Semiconductor Manufacturing

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ECC Football ready to roll

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ECC to aid in region’s incoming industries with semiconductor manufacturing courses

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rie Community College will offer training essentials for careers inside new nanotechnology-focused companies and industries opening across Western New York with a one-semester course sequence in Semiconductor Manufacturing, starting in fall of 2015 at the college’s North Campus in Williamsville.

Semiconductors act as essential operational components inside most electronic devices, including such items as smartphones, personal computers and tablets. ECC’s planned courses—including offerings like Electrical Circuits I, Computer Applications for Electricians and Introduction to Nanotechnology—will provide students the fundamental knowledge of semiconductor processing and fabrication, DC electricity, and quality control principles and software.

Professor selected by NASA as national science education ambassador Dr. Robert Campo, professor at Erie Community College, was chosen by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a national science education ambassador, and spent part of this summer 1

Hands-on laboratory courses will not only prepare students to make electrical measurements required for testing photovoltaic cells and panels, but also expose students to a variety of semiconductor fabrication and characterization equipment used in the manufacturing of the type of photovoltaic panels produced for solar energy. And although no math course is required to earn a Letter of Completion for the sequence, a math placement test (with college-level math) will be administered to all incoming students.

Once students complete the semester’s courses—which are drawn from accredited degree programs in Electrical Engineering Technology Associate in Applied Science, Industrial Technology Associate in Occupational Studies and Nanotechnology Associate in Arts—they’ll be able to demonstrate the

ability to use electrical instruments to perform standard tests, measurements and tasks; operate nanofabrication process equipment with a focus on safety, environmental and health issues; and apply quality standards used by industries across Buffalo-set locations at Riverbend and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

Students will also benefit from the sequence’s faculty, who recently augmented their own course training within Penn State University’s Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) Center, which is a National Science Foundation designated National Center of Excellence for Nanotechnology Workforce Development.

For more information, contact Barb Bohlen in ECC’s Office of Transition Programs at 716-851-1239.

studying the administration’s capabilities inside Maryland’s Goddard Space Center for use in his classes at ECC. Campo, an East Amherst resident Dr. Robert Campo who also teaches classes at Hilbert and D’Youville College, earned the recognition through his work in astronomy at both ECC City and South Campus, as well as initiating the gifted science program at St. Peter and Paul Catholic elementary school in Williamsville. Dr. Campo’s educational background in this focus also includes teaching methods of science instruction to

future teachers at D’Youville and Medaille College, as well as lobbying for an honors physics program as a member on the Williamsville School District Curriculum Council.

The prestigious title awards individuals who are responsible for creating science programs that promote science literacy; providing science programs to underprivileged students; and instituting programs that improve a community. In early August, Dr. Campo traveled as an ambassador to Goddard’s Astronaut Training Center in Greenbelt, Maryland and learned about the latest information from the International Space Station, Hubble space telescope and deep space imaging satellites directly from NASA.

ECC aims to improve service with City Campus Student Success Center

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rie Community College officials joined local political leaders, staff and students to open the college’s new City Campus Student Success Center, located inside a reconfigured wing of its 45 Oak Street building—with a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this summer on June 12.

“The name ‘Student Success Center’ is appropriate because that’s what this college is about: student success,” said ECC President Jack Quinn, who was joined by City of Buffalo Deputy Mayor Ellen Grant, New York State Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes and a large contingent of the college’s staff and students. “This revamped facility will certainly improve our customer service for students eager to start at ECC in future semesters.”

The new student-focused center—which

now serves as a one-stop service model to eventually be replicated at ECC’s North and South campuses—was conceived to streamline and strengthen City Campus’s services by consolidating its Admissions, Financial Aid, Registration, Counseling and Career Services offices in one convenient location. Instead of having these needs spread across multiple buildings inside its downtown footprint, visitors can now find friendly student advocates to first assist them through these enrollment processes, then develop a plan essential to their eventual success at ECC, further college education and post-grad careers. It’s a rare consolidation at any college, whether in Buffalo or elsewhere.

“Students will not only leave this center knowing what they’re going to do next

semester, but what they’re going to do five to 10 years down the road,” said Ben Packer, ECC’s executive vice president of student affairs. “This will be the major benefit of the center, and we’re so happy to be able to offer these refined services to our students.”

This Student Success Center is just one of the many initiatives ECC has recently undertaken to make enrolling at the college more convenient, as well as increase recruitment and retention efforts. Other initiatives include its new START orientation program; implementation of early-alert software over the next calendar year; and revamping recruitment efforts to reach both traditional and nontraditional students throughout Western New York.

“Students will not only leave this center knowing what they’re going to do next semester, but what they’re going to do five to 10 years down the road,” said Ben Packer, ECC’s executive vice president of student affairs

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ECC and Canalside team for d

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aculty from Erie Community College’s Culinary Arts Department have wanted to incorporate farm-totable teaching into their program’s curriculum for years. But without adequate outdoor space near its City Campus operation, prospective courses sat waiting—until this summer.

With June’s opening of the Learning Garden at Canalside—located at the corner of Main and Marine, and nestled in the looming shadow of HARBORCENTER’s brand new Marriott—ECC’s faculty finally realized their goal of bringing award-winning instruction to the bucolic space they’d always imagined.

And on August 4, representatives of the college and Canalside applauded the literal fruits (and vegetables) of their labor when all

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gathered at the now-blooming expanse for a lunchtime Summer Harvest celebration.

“This was the vision I had for this program five years ago,” said Kristin Goss, assistant professor of Culinary Arts at ECC and driving force behind the Learning Garden’s establishment. “These are the classes I wanted to teach, and this was the environment I wanted to host them. It’s beautiful, and I couldn’t be happier with what’s now surrounding us.”

ECC’s Learning Garden—constructed by the college’s Building and Grounds crew, facilitated through the college’s Service Learning Initiative, aided by donations from Home Depot, and green-lit by Canalside management—has been used as a lab for a series of gardening classes as part of the college’s Culinary Arts Program throughout the summer.

Classes have been conducted with students interested in learning about the integral relationship between people, land and food, as well as the biological, chemical and physical need for green spaces. The garden features several different types of plant propagation methods for soil-based growing systems, including open field, square foot vertical, and greenhouse gardening, and is now bearing its first rewards. And with its student-constructed oversized yellow Adirondack chair (see photo), the Learning Garden is now one of two successful projects completed by two of Buffalo’s newest collaborators, ECC and Canalside.

“This is a perfect example of the type of partnership that makes Erie Community College so special,” said ECC President Jack Quinn. “Our faculty and staff did a tremendous job to link with representatives at Canalside.

And thanks to their work, the college has been able to deliver an immersive learning experience for our students, as well as show thousands of downtown visitors the type of education available through ECC.” Along with its current yield of tomatoes, cucumbers and broccoli, the garden features full-grown swaths of thyme, tarragon, cabbage and kale. Visitors at the event were able to sample fruits and vegetables from the garden, as well as taste iced tea with freshly grown lemon verbena and celebrate the garden’s first year of success with a ceremonial melon and vegetable carving.

downtown Learning Garden

“We’ve been able to deliver an immersive learning experience for our students, as well as show thousands of downtown visitors the type of education available through ECC.”

– ECC President Jack Quinn 4

Foundation scholarship assists nursing student and others

Antwon Burton ‘02 (far right) along with ECC teammates and coaching staff

Successful offseason recruitment has Kats football ready to roll

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fter finishing their 2014 campaign 2-7, ECC football spent the offseason making a series of major changes, whether with a renamed home field at Orchard Park’s West Herr Stadium, brand new South Campus locker rooms or the program’s

ECC Hall of Fame Induction: Antwon Burton Saturday, October 10, 2015 Homecoming Football Game: ECC Kats vs. Dupage Chaparrals 12 p.m. Kickoff West Herr Stadium, South Campus Induction Ceremony Saturday, October 10 3:30 to 6 p.m., South Campus cafeteria Information: Ernewein@ecc.edu or 851-1748

ECC Hockey Championship Recognition Day Saturday, October 31, 2015 1 p.m., HARBORCENTER A celebration of the 2011 and 2015 NJCAA hockey championship teams and 40th year of ECC hockey 1 to 2 p.m.: Open Skate for ECC students, alumni, staff and friends, Rink 1 1 to 3 p.m.: Reception, Rink 1 2:45 p.m.: Pregame Ceremonies 3 p.m.: Hockey Game - ECC Kats vs.

Broome Community College Hornets Information: Jerebko@ecc.edu or 851-1221

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biggest addition, a new head coach in former University at Buffalo assistant Scott Pilkey.

But through offseason recruitment— highlighted by two on-campus signing events that welcomed a fleet of local talent to this year’s Kats fray—ECC is ready to chart a new course for their football future when they start away against Brockport’s JV squad on September 14.

“It’s always a great day when we can welcome new student athletes to our college community,” reiterated Quinn.

“These young men will certainly add to that community, and we’re ecstatic that they’ve decided to join our team.”

Top-flight talent on this year’s team hails from all corners of Western New York, whether a large contingent from the Buffalo Public School system via Burgard and South Park, or top performers from nearby programs at Amherst, Depew, International Prep, Kenmore East, Sweet Home, Williamsville East, and Williamsville South high schools. 16 of this year’s incoming players also competed in July’s venerable Kensington All-Star Game, providing an on-the-field indication of the level of performance to be expected this season.

“This is a great opportunity for these young men, and even greater opportunity for our college,” said ECC President Jack Quinn. “To have the chance to train and educate players who previously starred in our backyard is a thrill, and I can’t wait for the season to get started.”

This fall, Erie Community College will welcome a kaleidoscopic cohort of new students, with backgrounds as differentiated as Western New York’s annual snowflakes—and all eligible to take advantage of ample scholarship aid.

Bangladesh-born Wahida Dipa is one of these incoming freshmen, and her entrance into the college’s Nursing Program will be assisted by ECC’s Commitment to Excellence scholarship, a two-year award that Wahida Dipa covers the complete cost of attendance (and includes an additional stipend for books) for students who exhibit excellence both in and out of the classroom.

The valedictorian of her Class of 2015 at the International Preparatory School at Grover and former intern at Buffalo General Hospital, Dipa is entering ECC to both excel inside one of Western New York’s best career-focused training programs and to advance into a field she’s passionate about.

“I want to be a nurse because I have always been interested in the medical field, and I want a career that allows me to influence other people in a good way,” wrote Dipa in her scholarship application essay. “In nursing, I can even save lives. I love helping people. It’s the most gratifying thing in the world, and nursing will allow me to do this on a daily basis.”

During the last five years, the ECC Foundation has awarded more than 750 scholarships totaling almost $1.1 million to students like Dipa looking to start, re-start or redirect their education.

ECC’s minimum scholarship award is $500, and more than 25 percent of the college’s student scholars have received multiple scholarships.

And although these students’ studies, career pursuits and family backgrounds are quite varied, one constant remains: ECC scholarship opportunities help students avoid rising costs and debt, all while proceeding toward a promising future.

Interested in pursuing a scholarship?

Website: www.ecc.edu/scholarships Address: City Campus, room 110 Phone: 716-851-1990 Email: scholarship@ecc.edu

ECC earns reaccreditation of Advanced Studies Concurrent Enrollment Program Earlier this summer, the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) announced national accreditation to concurrent enrollment programs offered by Erie Community College’s Advanced Studies Program to provide college credit-bearing courses to high school students taught by college-approved high school teachers.

“ECC’s Advanced Studies college courses taught by approved adjunct high school teachers are as rigorous as the SUNY courses offered on the college campus,” said Deborah Schmitt, coordinator of Advanced Studies and Four-Year Articulations at ECC. “The high school adjuncts follow the college syllabus and attend professional development activities to stay current in their field. NACEP helps these programs adhere to the highest standards so students experience a seamless transition to college and teachers benefit from meaningful, ongoing professional development.”

As the only national set of quality standards applicable to concurrent enrollment partnerships, NACEP’s standards serve as the model criteria for ensuring that the course content and expectations for student work in high schools match the standards of the sponsoring college or university. ECC—known locally and previously recognized for its college creditbearing courses for Western New York high school students—earned reaccreditation along with 11 other national colleges and universities, including Indiana’s Ball State University, Missouri’s St. Louis University and New York’s Corning Community College.

To earn accreditation from NACEP, concurrent enrollment programs conduct a self-study, document how their programs adhere to NACEP’s seventeen standards, and undergo a rigorous peer-review process conducted by reviewers from NACEP accredited programs. NACEP’s standards were developed and refined over many years, serve as a model for quality standards in sixteen states, and are implemented by a wide range of higher education institutions.

The NACEP Accreditation Commission manages NACEP’s accreditation process, reviews Peer Review Team reports and makes accreditation decisions.

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Alumni Spotlight

Carl Stokes '01

fter graduating from ECC in 2001 with an A.A. in Liberal Arts – Humanities and Social Science, Carl Stokes started working with disadvantaged youth at Baker Victory Services in nearby Lackawanna.

It was there that Stokes provided guidance to young people of various backgrounds, disabilities and diagnoses, and eventually earned the Residential Treatment Facility Employee of the Year award in 2006.

The next year, he decided to expand his work in human services with a position in supported employment at Heritage Centers (NYSARC – Erie). While assisting individuals with disabilities in developing work skills and finding jobs in the community, Stokes continued his ECC education at Buffalo State College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology (2009). Along the way, he was honored as the recipient of the David

Vernon Bullough Memorial Award & Scholarship for Outstanding Minority Student, earned for his expansive paper entitled, “From the Stoop to the Big Back Yard (A Young Black Man’s Journey from the Inner City to the Suburbs),” which he presented at the NYS Sociological Association conference at St. John Fisher College that year.

While working his way up to management at Heritage Centers, Carl continued his education further, eventually earning a Master’s in Social Work from SUNY at Buffalo in 2013 before being certified as a licensed New York State social worker the next year. In addition to his current position as team leader of youth services of the L.I.F.E. Program for Heritage Centers, Stokes is now an assistant professor in the Social Science Department at ECC City and North Campus, and was honored as a member of ECC’s Distinguished Alumni in 2015.

Savings earned after one year at ECC Versus a public four-year college: $4,544 Versus a private four-year college: $26,636 *Information from College Board’s Trends in Pricing, 2014-15

Distinguished Alumni nominations sought for 2016 Celebrate ECC The ECC Foundation is accepting nominations for this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards, to be presented at Celebrate ECC on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the City Campus Atrium. The Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented annually to ECC graduates who have achieved success in their chosen careers and have made significant contributions to the community. For more information or to submit a nomination, please contact the Alumni Office at 716-851-1999 or alumni@ecc.edu or visit www.ecc-foundation.com.

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n behalf of the students, faculty and staff of Erie Community College, I would like to thank you for reading about some of our recent achievements. Since arriving at this venerable institution in 2008, I’ve been consistently amazed at not only the good news we’ve been able to share, but also at the focused educational and professional opportunities we’re able to provide for incoming students, year after year.

We offer more than 100 degree and certificate programs in the areas of Business and Public Service, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts and Engineering and Technologies, designed by an award-winning faculty with the purpose of advancing students forward. Our three-campus college provides an accommodating environment, and is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top associate degree producers—as well as the number one choice of Western New York high school students and veterans.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center, our college’s average net price is the lowest in New York.

Students can enter ECC, endure through their first college classes, then continue toward a one-year certificate, two-year degree or utilize our comprehensive transfer agreements with a litany of colleges or universities—all while saving on tuition costs. How much can a student save by attending ECC? Look up the tuition cost of your local public and private universities.

Compare these totals with the cost of a year at our college—taking the same classes offered at a traditional four-year—and you’ll see why an ECC education makes sense.

Do these savings come at the expense of opportunity?

Absolutely not. Aside from our associate degree-related successes, the college boasts more than 25 one-year certificate programs, all crafted to train students for sustainable professions in the region. And, when it comes to connections, the college currently boasts more than 300 partnerships with area businesses like Delaware North, Moog and M&T Bank, all knowledgeable of ECC’s career-focused curriculum.

I, along with every member of our college community, am dedicated to continuing this momentum of good news. Until next semester, stay tuned for more exciting details for students interested in starting, restarting or redirecting their academic journey at Erie Community College.

E RIE C OMMUNITY C OLLEGE

City Campus

North Campus

South Campus

121 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203

6205 Main Street Williamsville, NY 14221

4041 Southwestern blvd.

Orchard Park, NY 14127

(716) 851-1ECC www.ecc.edu

Sincerely,

Jack Quinn, President of Erie Community College

ECC Today is produced by the ECC Public Relations Department.

Please contact their office at 716-851-1866 with questions, comments or submissions.