Community Winter 2015

OMAHA'S New DIGITAL Library City's first digital library opens page 17

CONTENTS 2

Program Spotlight: Design, Interactivity and Media Arts Designing your future

3

Doing your part

We all play a role in keeping the College safe

5

Feed your creative spirit

MCC’s Gallery of Art and Design

6 Opportunity

11

Scholarship matching fund helps fulfill community needs

7

Strengthening the mind, body through yoga

Q & A with yoga instructor Ruth Bailey

9

Preparing for winter

The need-to-knows to stay safe on the road

11

Under the hood for good

13

Industrial partnership to lead to long-term success for students

12

Reaching potential through partnership

Entities come together to raise scholarship funds

13

MCC featured at Omaha’s new digital library

City’s first digital library opens

15

How to write a résumé

Get ahead of the competition with these tips

16

17

Expansion Project update

An update on the Fort Omaha Campus expansion

17

Recipe for success

Student shapes her future one dish at a time

19

Try something new this holiday

Delight your dinner guests with pâte à choux crème puffs

21

23

A path spurred by education

Re-Entry Program helps released inmates achieve quality life

22

Dedication beyond the classroom

MCC graduate benefits from instructor’s commitment

23

Here to serve

The Military/Veterans Services supports student veterans

25

Around the College

1 • community • mccneb.edu

Winter 2015

Volume 4, Issue 2

“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.

G I T C A ER T IN S , T N R G A I S A E I D Dture E u M rf u Ding yo N ADesign

Y T I V

oing to work every day and doing what you love is the dream for many of us. Those talented in art, creativity and technology might find just what they’re looking for at Metropolitan Community College. The Design, Interactivity and Media Arts program at MCC provides a creative environment where students develop their visual problem-solving skills through the study of media, theory and practices. The program curriculum emphasizes a visual and conceptual approach to image construction and manipulation on the computer through a foundation of courses that include art, computer graphics and typography. This core provides a basis for choosing an area of concentration for further study.

The program awards a customizable associate in applied science degree. Students may tailor their degree to emphasize 3-D animation and games, 2-D animation, interactive media and web design, motion graphics or graphic design. Students may also follow a generalist path by choosing a variety of courses and media.

The program at MCC also offers students the ability to earn three separate certificates of achievement as well as two different career certificates.

To find out more about this program and other programs, visit mccneb.edu/future.

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Doing your Part

We all play a role in keeping the College safe

A

s a college with such a diverse student body attending multiple campuses, safety is always a top priority.

The MCC police force and planning and sustainability staff take precautions and considerations to make sure all bases are covered, from assisting with disabled vehicles and escorting students, staff and faculty to their vehicle upon request to managing potential threats.

The MCC police department has officers at MCC locations and work in conjunction with local police departments.

They are required to undergo the same training and held to the same standards as city police departments. For instance, if 911 is dialed at the Fort Omaha Campus, it goes directly to the Omaha Police Department and to the computer and cellphones of the MCC police staff. MCC police are able to listen to the call in real time and are able to see exactly where the call is coming from if made from a landline.

The ability to pin point a caller’s location isn’t the only technology utilized on campus. More than 100 security cameras college-wide are recording day-to-day activities as a means to protect people and property on each of the campuses. “We want people to feel safe and valued, and to know they are being protected,” MCC police chief Dave Friend said. He also pointed out that the MCC police force as a whole strive to create a zone of comfort with students, faculty and staff as a means to enable information sharing.

Friend added, “If you see something, say something,” explaining that it is the sharing of information with the police force that allows them to practice proactive intervention when managing potential threats.

The police force and security cameras are just two parts of a multi-layered means of safety and security. Communicating with students, staff and faculty is of the utmost importance in promoting safety. This is done using several forms of communication that help promote safety through each of the campuses and include the Alertus system, text alerts, televised

messages, the computer override message and outdoor sirens.

The Alertus system is a wall-mounted unit found throughout all campuses that emit flashing lights, sirens and a scrolling message alerting the building’s inhabitants of a potential threat. Text alerts, a valuable form of mobile communication, can be subscribed to on My Way and are utilized in conjunction with the Alertus system. Another means of alert is through televised messages that are broadcasted on television monitors throughout campus. Emergency information is also transmitted on all computer screens utilized on campus. Outdoor sirens are in place to warn of weather-related emergencies.

There may be times the emergency at hand is of the medical kind. It’s important to be familiar with where the automated external defibrillators are located throughout each campus.

Jerome Patten, assistant director of Campus Planning and Sustainability pointed out the importance of being trained on how to perform CPR and using an AED, “The skills developed during First Aid/CPR/AED combination training enable an individual to swiftly respond within the first few critical minutes of an injury or illness, potentially saving a life.” Studies have shown the chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest diminish by 7-10 percent for each minute without receiving CPR or the aid of an AED. For more information about the MCC police department and how they serve the College, visit http://www.mccneb.edu/police.

TEXT ALERTS CAN BE SUBSCRIBED TO IN MYWAY

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Feed your creative spirit at MCC’s Gallery of Art and Design

L

ocated at the Elkhorn Valley Campus, MCC’s Gallery of Art and Design is a beacon of the College’s diverse learning environment and creative spirit. The goal of the gallery is to provide a creative and academic experience for students, faculty, staff and public visitors in an intimate campus setting, where all exhibits and events are free and open to all. The gallery is not unlike many seen around the area, with spacious room for visitors and impressive works of art.

MCC adjunct instructor Jewel Hosman manages the gallery and is excited for the upcoming exhibition “AIGA Nebraska’s Show,” which is Nebraska’s largest and most prestigious annual juried competition honoring and showcasing the year's best design. The exhibition celebrated its 24 year anniversary this year at the Kaneko Gallery in Omaha. Professional designers as well as design students from across Nebraska submitted work in a variety of categories, including corporate communications, illustration, information design, logo and identity systems, packaging and web design. The exhibition begins in December and ends January 9.

“There are always unique perspectives and art at the gallery,” said Hosman. “The new exhibition will be no different. The gallery is something the College should be proud of because it includes some of the gifted talents that our students possess.”

Past exhibits in the gallery include ceramics, illustrations, paintings, historical perspectives as well as the work of famous local artist Mary Zicafoose. Exhibitions also include art talks at the opening of each exhibit as well as an opening reception.

“The exhibition opening receptions and art talk give attendees an opportunity to connect with the artists featured in the exhibit and share ideas,” said Hosman.

For more information about the gallery schedule, visit mccneb.edu/humanitiesvisualarts/gallery.asp 5 • community • mccneb.edu

Gallery hours

Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

The Gallery of Art and Design is located at the Elkhorn Valley Campus and is free and open to the public.

OPportunity

Scholarship matching fund helps fulfill community needs

A

growing number of community partners want to help students build their career skills at Metropolitan Community College. Many organizations are joining MCC in providing matching scholarships, which cover the full cost of education at the College. The intended goal is to better prepare students for careers in fields like construction, health, information technology and other in-demand industries.

Students with these needed skills will then be able to compete in the job market and fulfill workforce needs in the Omaha metropolitan area.

In order to achieve these goals, it’s important students have the financial means to attend school. These scholarship partnerships set students on solid career pathways with no-debt, leading to a better quality of life and improving the community around them.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit mccneb.edu/mccfoundation.

95 percent

of

MCC students

stay in Nebraska

for their career community • mccneb.edu • 6

Q & A with yoga instructor Ruth Bailey How long have you been doing yoga and what do you love about it?

I have been practicing yoga for 15 years. I love the discipline of yoga. The practice brings my mind, heart and body into alignment. Having experienced a chaotic childhood, my body was very disconnected from my mind and heart. Practicing yoga brought the fragmented parts of my life, values and personality into harmony. On another note, it helps keep off weight, strengthens the body, improves balance and flexibility, sense of humor and keeps me humble.

What would you recommend beginners do?

If a person has an interest in trying yoga, I recommend they find a teacher they are drawn to and want to be around. A skilled teacher can help a student find their own way to what is best for them. Finding a teacher you respect is very important. Fortunately, there are wonderful instructors abound in the area. You can also find excellent yoga instructors through Metropolitan Community College, at gyms and community centers, churches or outdoor classes at a local park.

What are some of the benefits of yoga?

Yoga strengthens the body, brings flexibility, mental endurance and physical stamina. But I say yoga is good for whatever ails you from the inside out! Yoga helps reduce and relieve symptoms experienced from insomnia, high blood pressure, PTSD, childhood traumas, aching joints, some injuries, poor posture, grief, anxiety and even a broken heart.

What are some of the common myths associated with yoga?

A very common myth about yoga is that it is a religion.

It is not. Although the Western practices of yoga derive from Eastern philosophies, I believe the reason it is most often wrongly interpreted as a religion is because of the meditative aspect of it. Yoga is a quiet discipline. No matter how rigorous or gentle the class, there’s no chatting in a yoga class. You are quiet and you listen to your body, pay attention to yourself and stay inward. Once you’ve learned to control the mind from running rampant from your to-do list to the day of work you just experienced, then you can begin to gain the benefits of the meditative aspects of yoga. That is when you begin to see the deepest and most awesome benefit of yoga. A yoga posture practice on the mat can become a way of living off the mat; nonharming, honesty, simple living, peace of mind, acceptance, kindness and compassion towards yourself and others.

What are the yoga classes like that you teach?

My classes are gentle, meditative and they turn the student’s focus inward. Modifications are given in the postures to allow students of all levels to practice together.

I have people take their postures to the most rigorous level while others are practicing with or in a chair. The simple, warm, clean room I was seeking for my students to practice in has turned into a beautiful sanctuary studio, drawing the kindest and most lovely students and friends I’ve ever met. I enter every class I teach with the deepest love and gratitude for my students.

To learn more about yoga and other noncredit courses at MCC, visit mccneb.edu/ce.

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What are some of the basic poses of yoga that someone can do?

I love forward bend. It is simple and has wonderful calming benefits. Simply fold forward from the waist and allow the top half of the body to hang loose, releasing tension from the neck and arms. This posture has wonderful benefits. It’s very calming as it brings blood to the brain and stretches the hamstrings. Another simple and calming pose is lying on your back with your legs up the wall. Additionally, standing upright and bringing clasped hands behind the back and lifting the arms, the heart, and the chin is great for lengthening the pec muscles. This pose is very beneficial for good posture.

Poor posture brings pressure to the lungs and heart and pulls the entire torso out of alignment. Gaining better posture through lengthening and straightening the spine is one of the hugely beneficial aspects of yoga.

Are there certain kinds of mats or equipment that you recommend for people who do yoga?

No. That is another wonderful part about yoga. No special equipment needed. Wear comfortable clothing and show up. A yoga studio or gym will have mats for you. At a certain point, when you’ve established your practice and are sticking with it you’ll probably want your own mat, and sometimes buying a mat might be an incentive to keep practicing! Some classes may require that you bring a mat, so always check with your instructor first.

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Preparing for

The need-to-knows

to stay safe on the road

W

ith the winter season upon us, the colder temperatures and the threat of icy roads are here. While we are reminded of such tasks like turning back the clocks or changing furnace filters, we don’t always remember that we need to also prepare our vehicles to endure the extreme weather that comes with living in the Midwest or the supplies needed in case of a roadside emergency.

There are a number of items to check off your vehicle winterization to-do list. The first and most critical being to check the coolant levels in your radiator. If this is a task you plan to tackle yourself, the most important factor to consider is the ratio of water to coolant.

“Having the correct temperature coolant mixture is important, because if you don’t, not only can it damage your engine, but also result in your heater and defroster working improperly. Be sure you have a 50:50 ratio of coolant to water,” said Al Cox, automotive technology instructor at MCC. If you are more comfortable leaving this work to a professional be sure to use a reputable mechanic and ask the technician if they checked all your fluid levels and if they followed the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The second item to check is your tire pressure. Vehicles 2006 or newer will be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. This is a system that monitors the amount of air in the tires and alerts you if more air is needed for tires to be properly inflated. If your vehicle is equipped with TPMS, you can check that the warning light positioned on your dashboard is working properly by simply turning the key forward, causing all the warning lights to briefly light up.

If your car is not equipped with this system, you should periodically check the air pressure in your tires using a tire air pressure gauge. Should you see the TPMS warning light or find that you have low tire pressure, fill your tires with enough air to satisfy the recommended PSI found on the outer wall of your tire.

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“It is important that your tires are properly inflated so the vehicle handles better in the snow or ice in terms of traction, steering, acceleration and braking,” Cox said.

Check that the TPMS warning light positioned on your dashboard is working properly by turning the key one position forward.

The final items on the list are your wipers and lights.

Wipers are an easy piece of equipment to check. If the wipers do not clear your windshield in two passes, it’s time for replacements. When checking your lights, be sure the high and low beam headlights are working, as well as the blinkers, brake and reverse lights.

The final winter preparation and safety tips Cox offered were, “If you get stuck, don’t try to drive yourself out. Doing so can result in the costly repair of the transmission or differential.

It’s best to have the phone number for two or three tow truck operators you can call if you do find yourself in such a predicament.”

You have now completed your check list and can consider your vehicle winterized. All you need to do now is drive safely and stay warm!

To learn more about the automotive technology classes offered at MCC, visit mcc.edu/future.

W inter To prepare for a roadside emergency, be sure to have the following items:

• Blanket • C andle, matches and coffee can or similar container to hold candle. A single candle can warm in the inside of a stranded vehicle.

• Road flares • K itty litter, which can be used to provide traction when poured over snowy, icy terrain • Collapsible shovel • Ice scraper • Extra set of gloves and warm clothes • Cellphone charger

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Under the hood for good Industrial partnership to lead to long-term success for students

The goal of the Mopar CAP program is to train approximately 1,000 students annually in more than 100 colleges across the nation. The program builds on the existing FCA US Mopar CAP program by providing a larger geographic footprint to serve more dealers in a highly scalable, online certification model.

“We look forward to building strong, strategic partnerships with the participating local dealerships, including their active participation in the Automotive Technology Advisory Board and ongoing automotive technology student activities,” said Randy Schmailzl, president of MCC. The College’s participation began with a meeting with local automotive industry leaders and representatives from Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles and NC3 at the College’s South Omaha Campus in November. MCC students are already jumping on the opportunity, participating in Mopar CAP program training this winter quarter.

E

ver taken your car to get repaired at a car dealership and wondered what type of training the technicians must have to work on a piece of technology that is the modern car?

While automotive technology students at MCC train on all of the modern equipment found in shops, the training needed to set them apart from their competition in the job market may have to come after school. Not anymore.

To better train students for today’s jobs, MCC has become a participant in the Mopar Career Automotive Program, a partnership between Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles and the National Coalition of Certification Centers. The College’s participation in the program will allow students in select twoyear programs at the College to earn valuable training as well as give them the opportunity to be certified as a Mopar Level 1 technician, increasing their employability after school.

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“This new collaboration is a great benefit to our students,” said Kirk Ahrends, dean of applied technology. “We are always looking for ways to better equip our students with enhanced knowledge so once they graduate they are able to earn a good paying job.”

Automotive technicians and mechanics jobs are expected to grow by nine percent by 2022 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau also lists the industry as having a great job outlook.

Reaching potential through partnership Entities come together to raise scholarship funds

E

ducation is often the key to a better life. It can be difficult enough to make it in a country that is not your birthplace, and for young immigrants this holds true. But with an affordable, quality education, the pathway to a good paying job with benefits isn’t far away with the True Potential Scholarship. The scholarship seeks to create opportunities for Mexican immigrants who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival immigration status. This means that they do not qualify for public benefits, including financial aid for college or the many scholarships available.

The True Potential Scholarship began with the vision and guidance of Ross Pesek, an Omaha area private attorney with Pesek Law, LLC, who has a passion for education and bettering his community. The scholarship has awarded financial aid to students with an interest in attending a community college for the past couple of years.

Pesek, a community college graduate himself, was happy to see Metropolitan Community College and the Consulate of Mexico in Omaha come together to match funds. The three organizations matched the scholarship funds to pool into the True Potential Scholarship, helping increase opportunities for students.

“Recipients of the scholarship are interested in learning trades often times,” said Pesek. “I can’t think of a better place to learn those skills than at a community college.”

Applications for the 2016/17 academic year are now available. The due date to submit an application is March 1, 2016.

“The scholarship is relatively new,” said Pesek. “It’s a great entry point for students who want to learn and discover their talents while graduating with minimal debt.”

Looking for more information on the True Potential scholarship?

Visit mattersontomorrow.org/project/subsidiary/truepotential

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MCC Featured at Omaha's NEw Digital Library City's first digital library opens

D

id you ever imagine having a 3-D image of yourself printed out in a library? That doesn’t sound like typical library activity. Well, in a former bookstore, a new digital library is paving the future with free resources and services that intend to enhance community learning and improve Omaha’s educational landscape with modern technology like 3-D printers and much more. Located on 72nd and Dodge streets in Omaha, Nebraska, the Do Space opened its doors to visitors in November during a grand opening, giving a glimpse at the types of things they can expect at the new facility for years to come.

Funded by Heritage Services, a nonprofit philanthropic organization based in Omaha, the Do Space features computers, 3-D printers, tablets and the latest software like image manipulation programs that will give visitors of the Do Space the ability to work with the latest technology.

The library will be open daily and is intended to reach underprivileged youth and elderly as well as all in between.

The first floor features more than $3 million in technology that includes 56 computers, gigabit bandwidth internet as well as rooms designed for both teens and kids that will house age-appropriate learning activities.

“Whether you have never used a computer before or you want to learn a new programming language, there is an opportunity here for you at the Do Space,” said Do Space executive director Rebecca Stavick. “I really don’t know of any place in the country that has the caliber of technology and equipment that we have available here for the public.”

On the second floor, Metropolitan Community College will host a variety of noncredit courses as well as house a number of educational resources beginning in 2016. While MCC doesn’t officially offer services at the Do Space until January, visitors to the grand opening were able to tour a number of the College’s noncredit offerings like guitar making, culinary arts, photography, bicycle workshops as well as give their ideas for what they would like to see offered.

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“Our area at the Do Space will be a hub for active, innovative learning. With this centrally located facility, we will be able to offer classes and workshops for learners of all ages and ability levels,” said Randy Schmailzl, president of MCC. “We strive to make education accessible to anyone who wants to participate. The new digital library allows us to reach people who might not otherwise be able to take advantage of our services."

The College’s space is also intended to be fun. With large white walls available to draw and conduct works of art on, this isn’t your average college facility. With more than 10,000 square feet of space, the second floor also features small meeting rooms, a kitchen area, testing and studying areas and elevator access.

The collaboration of area organizations like MCC and Community Information Trust, a nonprofit arm of Heritage Services, at the Do Space will allow for services like job skills initiatives, workshops focused on STEM careers, technology demonstrations, group discussions, community events and youth workshops.

Davis Slosburg, director of Community Information Trust and Heritage Services stated, “The 72nd and Dodge streets location provides everyone with easy access to the building.

The convenient location also helps bridge the digital divide of available technology in Omaha so that these critical resources are available to everyone.”

Visitors to MCC’s area of the Do Space can expect active learning opportunities for all types of learners including; older adults, job seekers, incumbent workers, emerging entrepreneurs, parents with young children, teens and college-bound students now and in the future.

For more information about MCC’s services at the Do Space, visit mccneb.edu/campuslocations/dospace.asp.

MCC’s space at the new digital library is roughly 10,000 square feet and is featured on the second floor. community • mccneb.edu • 14

How to write a résumé Get ahead of the competition with these tips

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ooking to land your dream job? You might be going up against some stiff competition. Utilizing these helpful tips from MCC career exploration and development manager Monique Cribbs just might put you ahead of your peers.

Do's and don'ts

o Do:

• Take your time when creating your résumé.

• Customize content to the job you are applying for.

• Be honest.

o Don’t:

• Send it in without using grammar check!

• Embellish or make yourself out to be somebody you’re not—this will come back to haunt you if you land the job and find out it’s something you aren’t comfortable with.

• Be late to your job interview.

Frequent mistakes others make

• Typos—have a close friend or a parent review your work before sending in the final version.

• Being too wordy on your work experience.

• Writing with abbreviations—make sure abbreviations are spelled out.

Utilize your resources

• Visit MCC career services or writing center for help at the Fort Omaha Campus, South Omaha Campus and Elkhorn Valley Campus.

• Seek additional advice from references or teachers.

• Bring a copy of your résumé and portfolio with you to your job interview • Conduct your research on the organization you are applying with and cater your résumé to their products, services and culture.

• Create an elevator pitch in your head after writing your résumé to help prepare you for the interview.

“Your résumé should be no longer than two pages,” Monique Cribbs, MCC career exploration and development manager 15 • community • mccneb.edu

expansion update

The latest on the Fort Omaha Campus expansion

W

ork continues on the $90 million Fort Omaha Campus expansion project and many visitors to the campus have probably noticed differences in parking lots, building foundations and traffic patterns.

“That’s when we really start to see the buildings take shape,” said Jim Grotrian, executive vice president of MCC. “Those who drive by our campus as well as students and visitors alike will really get an understanding of the project’s impact for the College and the community.”

To the northeast of the three main new buildings; the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology, Academic Skills Center and Construction Education Center, a foundation and concrete blocks have been completed for the Central Utility Plant, a facility that will house the necessary equipment to sustain the new expansion. Other updates include the addition of a parking lot south of the Institute for the Culinary Arts, shifting traffic to the south at the Sorensen Parkway entrance. The new lot will replace the temporary one north of the ICA, which will become part of the construction site. Access to the ICA will be from the south lot in order to maintain a safe environment for all.

The footings and foundation for the Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology are in place as well as the utilities necessary for the facility. Additionally, the Academic Skills Center pad has been leveled off, which included a different foundation system than that of the other two primary buildings.

Construction will progress through the winter months before developing procurement packages for furniture, fixtures and equipment in spring 2016.

Construction on the three main buildings continues to take shape. The elevator tower is under construction, with work continuing around the perimeter of the building as steel beams are being erected in the coming weeks.

Looking for more updates? Check out mccpromise.org/construction for more information as well as a live webcam of the primary construction site.

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for success Student shapes her future one dish at a time passion for cooking dates as far back as childhood for MCC culinary student Sheri Potter. The oldest of 11 children, Potter began helping her mom in the kitchen at nine years old. Her love of cooking evolved into collecting cookbooks and making big family meals, which she did for her family while taking graphic design classes at MCC. With her graphic art and photography skills, Potter embarked on a new journey – she started her own creative design agency, Designing Impressions Creative Services.

The agency has grown from designing catalogs to an agency that designs marketing materials and offers photography and food styling services.

With more than 15 years of graphic design and photography experience, in addition to styling food, Potter was looking for more. That’s when she met with a consulting firm and evaluated the direction she wanted to take her career. One thing was certain, her zest for cooking meant the only road that would make sense was one heading more deeply in the culinary field – specifically one that would allow her to be an asset to the restaurant community. This would require a culinary degree. Potter had already taken graphic design classes at MCC and knew she liked the small classes and diverse student body. It was without much hesitation that she took the plunge and returned to school to pursue a degree at MCC’s Institute for the Culinary Arts. And while balancing a full-time job, school and family was a heavy load, she hasn’t looked back once.

doing recipe development for a client. This is now a service I offer to all clients,” Potter said. She eventually would like to add menu engineering, which will enable her to develop menus based on what dishes are most profitable. “I’d ultimately like to evolve into a full-service marketing company serving the hospitality, food and beverage community,” said Potter of her ambitions.

Next year is expected to be a big one for Potter as she plans to finish her culinary arts associate degree. “Dreams do come true, which is evident in that I am fulfilling my life’s passion. If you are thinking about pursuing your education, don’t wait any longer than necessary. MCC is a melting pot for students of all kinds, whether you are just beginning or embarking on a second career.”

So the next time you are flipping through a magazine and see a photograph of a beautiful cake and a delicious plate of appetizers, you might be looking at the work of Sheri Potter, MCC Institute of Culinary Arts student.

Since returning to school, Potter has started a second business, Di Tendenza Food Stylists. She has already had the opportunity to style food used in two televised commercials. And now with the classes she is taking as part of the culinary arts program, the course work has continually proven to be applicable to what she does in her career on a weekly basis. “When I was taking Culinary Math, learning recipe writing, cost and conversion I was able to put my knowledge to work

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TRY SOMETHING

NEW

THIS HOLIDAY Delight your dinner guests with pâte à choux crème puffs

I

n the midst of the holiday season we often seek the perfect dish to share when gathering with friends and family. We turned to MCC’s Institute for the Culinary Arts graduate Kyle Shoemaker for inspiration. Shoemaker, who is a pastry chef at local bakery La Petit Paris French Bakery, suggested pâte à choux crème puffs, as they are versatile and can be used as a savory appetizer or a sweet dessert. The crème puffs he prepared had a festive appearance and were perfectly sweetened with a whipped pastry crème. Bake these impressive puffs by following the recipe provided.

INGREDIENTS

Short dough (Yields 4 lbs, 14 oz) 12 oz. granulated sugar 1 lb., 12 oz. soft, unsalted butter or margarine 2 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 lbs., 2 oz. bread flour * Food coloring can be added for desired color

Tools needed: Piping bag, round tip (Wilton size 805), round cutter, parchment paper and food coloring

Pâte à choux (Yields 2 lbs, 12 oz) 4 oz.

5.5 oz.

1 pt.

6 oz. ½ tsp.

1 pt.

To learn more about the culinary courses offered, visit mccneb.edu/future.

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cake flour bread flour water unsalted butter salt eggs

CRÈME PUFFS DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven at 425 degrees.

• Begin with the short dough ingredients by placing sugar, butter or margarine, eggs and vanilla into a mixing bowl. Mix at low speed using a dough hook just until combined.

• Add the flour and mix only until dough is smooth.

• Place dough on a paper-lined sheet pan.

Press out as flat as possible so dough takes up less space and cools quickly.

• Cover and refrigerate until firm enough to work with – about 30 minutes.

• M ix in eggs, two at a time, using the paddle attachment on low or medium speed. Add as many eggs as paste can absorb and still hold its shape when piped.

• U sing a permanent marker or pen, trace the round cutter to make a sizing guide for piping. Flip parchment paper over and place on greased sheet pan.

• D ust workspace with bread flour and roll short dough 1/8-inch thick. Chill in refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before cutting.

• U sing a round cutter, make an equal number of cutouts as what you have traced on parchment paper. Set aside.

• While dough is cooling begin preparing the pâte à choux dough by sifting the flours together on a sheet of baking paper and reserve.

• P lace pâte à choux dough in piping bag and pipe onto parchment paper, using your traced guide. Place short dough cutouts directly over pâte à choux prior to baking.

• Heat water, butter and salt to a full, rolling boil. The fat should disperse throughout the liquid rather than floating at the top.

• B ake at 425 degrees until fully puffed and starting to show some color – about 10 minutes.

• Form the ends of baking paper into a pouring spout. Using a heavy wooden spoon, stir the flour into the liquid, adding it as fast as it can be absorbed. Avoid adding all flour at once.

• Cook, stirring constantly and breaking up lumps by pressing them against side of pan with the back of spoon. Continue this method until mixture comes away from sides of pan – about 2-3 minutes.

• T ransfer the paste to a mixer bowl. Let the paste cool slightly to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.

• R educe heat to 375 degrees and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, depending on size.

• Let pastries cool to room temperature. Do not place in refrigerator to speed cooling process, as this can result in pastry collapsing.

Cooled pastries can be carefully sliced in half to fill with any number of fillings, including pastry cream, pudding, chocolate ganache or jam.

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A path spurred by education

Re-Entry program helps released inmates achieve quality life

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ow does someone begin anew in a society that has continued while they have stood still? For many recently released inmates, this can be a problem. Earning a job, assimilating back into society and living a quality life is harder than it sounds. But for inmates of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, they can take a step while incarcerated that will help them along this path.

The MCC Re-Entry program allows currently incarcerated individuals to take both credit and noncredit courses that will help them either earn a degree or certificate or learn the skills they will need after being released. The program doesn’t stop once inmates are released, however. The program offers post-release services like skills and interests tests, career counseling, transition preparation, financial and scholarship assistance, referrals to agencies, transportation support, skills training, credit analysis and transfer guidance as well as college registration assistance.

MCC’s Re-Entry program currently serves more than 700 individuals, including inmates at state and county facilities as well as those who have been released or paroled. The excellent work of the program was recently highlighted by an award presented to Diane Good Collins, MCC’s Re-Entry program manager. The partnership award was presented to Good Collins at the State Capitol Rotunda in Lincoln, Nebraska, by NDCS.

coordinating educational services and resources for inmates paroling or discharging from state facilities.

Frakes stated, “Collins encourages inmates to be accountable to themselves and to make positive changes in their lives.”

That dedication is seen in the program’s various faculty members and services.

“The partnership award I received is a wonderful way to be recognized. It also highlights the wonderful work we have been able to conduct at the College to help this population acquire necessary life skills and receive training and education to become gainfully employed and not become a recidivist statistic,” said Good Collins.

The program doesn’t offer just any credit course inside facilities. The courses offered are specially designed courses teaching skills that are in higher demand.

Credit courses in information technology, business and entrepreneurship, as well as other trades are offered.

These career pathways can help lead to credentials in financial literacy, human relations, business, introduction to trades, process operations and other areas.

For more information about the program, visit mccneb.edu/reentry.

NDCS director Scott Frakes cited Good Collins for her outstanding work as a liaison between the College and the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility as well as for her work over the past several years

MCC’s Re-Entry program offers noncredit courses teaching individuals to lead a healthy lifestyle and reintegrate into society.

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Dedication beyond the classroom MCC graduate benefits from instructor’s commitment

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aving just graduated from the MCC Financial Planning program, Aaron Winters was prepping for the certified financial planning exam, an arduous task even for Winters, a dedicated student throughout his life. With a strong desire to become a certified financial planner, he sought the help of Lori Lothringer, an MCC Financial Planning program instructor who had a strong influence on him during his time at the College. That call for help is what he says propelled him to success, highlighting the positive influence a teacher can have on a student’s success in and out of the classroom.

After the mock exam, Lothringer critiqued Winters on areas he could improve. She even gave helpful tips on test taking strategies like how much rest to get and what foods to eat prior to the exam.

“She told me that if I wanted to do a real-time mock exam, she’d be happy to proctor it for me. And boy did she,” stated Winters. “Two weeks prior to the exam, we did a full prep.

We did it over the course of two days, totaling 10 hours.”

A few months after all the prepping for the exam, Winters discovered he had passed. Think you could pass? The exam is 10 hours long and contains nearly 300 questions. The exam also includes case studies, problem-solving scenarios and other problem sets. The passing rate? It hovers between 42 percent and 66 percent. As if becoming a certified financial planner wasn’t enough, he decided to pursue a master’s degree. And guess who was there to help him apply to various schools? MCC instructor Lori Lothringer. Winters reached out to her for recommendations and help with the applications, applying to various schools like the University of Missouri and Kansas State University.

“Aaron is an outstanding student. He goes beyond expectations required and displays a huge desire to employ knowledge,” said Lothringer. “He really embraces the learning experience. He also has a wonderful desire to help people and it would not surprise me to see him teach someday.”

“I think he was accepted to every master’s program he applied to,” said Lothringer.

Winters is currently working as a financial advisor in the wealth management group of a local bank and is attending Kansas State University for that master’s degree in financial planning. He typically has homework every day. Some things never change.

“I’m living proof a teacher can change someone’s life.”

– Aaron Winters, MCC graduate

“I don’t even think I can begin to describe what my education means to me. My education is more than learned concepts, theories or equations. What my education has provided me are thought processes and a mental framework to analyze and problem solve,” Winters said cheerfully. “I’m living proof that a teacher can change someone’s life.” community • mccneb.edu • 22

David Bickley, MCC student

Here to Serve

The Military/Veterans Services support student veterans

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iving up to its dedication to our nation’s veterans, the College’s Military/Veterans Services hosted a Veterans Day ceremony at the South Omaha Campus to honor service men and women who have made so many sacrifices for our country. The ceremony featured MCC faculty member Gary Sparks as emcee and keynote speaker Command Sergeant Master Marty Baker as well as a formal ceremony to honor veterans who have served or are currently enlisted. The ceremony highlighted the loss of members of our military with a special presentation. In addition, U.S. Congressman Brad Ashford also attended the ceremony after meeting with a group of student veterans in the Military/Veterans Services office for a roundtable discussion about their experience at the College.

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Military/Veterans Services serves activeduty, reserve and guard service members, veterans and their families. The guidance MVS provides to these students enables them be successful with their educational, and ultimately, career goals through advising, counseling, career coaching and support events. The advising provided by the office includes guidance regarding educational benefits for Veterans Administration-eligible students who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in courses at MCC. One student veteran who can be found in the MVS office is David Bickley. After spending more than 20 combined years in the Marines, National Guard and Army, Bickley retired and is now attending classes at MCC. He is also participating in the VA work-study program, which provides funds for part-time positions at various locations on campuses serving veterans. In addition to the work-study program, Bickley is using the post-9/11 GI bill available to those who served after 9/11.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, more than one million veterans and their families are using the GI Bill. He plans to use the mentoring skills he gained while serving when he eventually graduates with a teaching degree. Because Bickley underwent years of military training and experience, some of the skills he learned while serving may transfer into credit hours.

The guidelines are based on recommendations by the American Council of Education.

“When I was serving, I consistently mentored others and I find this role to be extremely gratifying, particularly when I get to see someone have that ah ha moment. That’s exactly why I am going to school to be a math teacher,” Bickley said. He chose MCC for the same reason many do – the smaller classes, lower cost and variety of class times and locations. He also finds MVS to be very helpful due to the access to counselors at all times. “MVS has provided me with excellent veteran services and seems to be better publicized than I saw at other schools. It was easy for me to find the help I needed and I always feel like they are here for me,” said Bickley.

To learn more about Military/Veterans Services, visit mccneb.edu/mvs.

U.S. Congressman Brad Ashford meeting with MCC leaders.

Of the veterans pursuing higher education, 43 percent choose a public 2-year college. *National Conference of State Legislatures

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AROUND THE COLLEGE New truck drives the way to safety and skill As part of the alternative fuels grant awarded to the College in the Fall quarter, MCC received a new, modern tractor trailer for its CDL Class A Truck Driving program. Manufactured by Kenworth, the truck is one of three that will be used to enhance the student experience in the Truck Driving program. The truck, which runs on cleaner fuel, is equipped with five seats and has four doors, as well as increased sightlines for the vehicle’s occupants. These physical characteristics will increase student safety as well as the learning environment.

“These new trucks will give our students and instructors a great learning atmosphere due to their spacious cabs and modern technology they come with,” said Daryl Partner, CDL Class A truck driving instructor at MCC. “Safety is very important to us as well. With four doors, students are able to enter and exit the vehicle in a timely manner in case of an emergency, making this the perfect truck for our program.”

All came aboard for free books at Books are Treats Metropolitan Community College, the Old Market Business Association and Metro came together for Books are Treats, a Halloween-focused book giveaway event held in the Old Market in October. Books were brought to the event aboard a Metro bus. The public was invited to browse the books on the bus in a library-like setting and take home up to three books for free, resulting in hundreds of fiction and nonfiction books given away to all ages and reading levels. MCC encourages literacy among adults and families through events like Books are Treats.

“Literacy is one of the important factors of education and through events like this we hope to strengthen literacy in the surrounding community,” said Jim Grotrian, executive vice president at MCC. The book donation stems from work done by MCC Foundation board member Terry McMullen, a branch owner of AIT Worldwide Logistics/Omaha and president of Cargo Zone LLC. MCC’s community engagement department assisted in organizing the books for the event, and was staffed by volunteers from MCC and the Lutheran Family Services AmeriCorps program.

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Program blazes trail for students to careers in EMS and fire science fields The Junior Firefighter Cadet Program hosted its first graduation and second induction ceremony at the Howard Kennedy Elementary School in September. The program is a partnership between the D.R.E.A.M. afterschool program at Howard Kennedy Elementary School, the Omaha Fire Department, and the EMS and fire science programs at MCC. Omaha Fire Department chief Bernie Kanger and battalion chief Tim McCaw along with other members from participating organizations presented cadets with rank badges, certificates and recognition for their hard work at the ceremony.

“The graduation ceremony showcased the students’ hard work and great teamwork they displayed throughout their first year,” said McCaw. “We hope it has given them some interest in the public service field and allowed them to have some fun along the way.”

Raymone Sazone, site director for the D.R.E.A.M. after-school mentoring program said, “The program has been a perfect addition to our programming at Howard Kennedy Elementary School because it teaches students to work together and help the community.” The Junior Firefighter Cadet Program gives students an opportunity to learn about fire science and EMS fields. It provides a clear pathway from 4th grade through college for students participating in fire department operations, fire safety, discipline, physical fitness, citizenship, volunteerism and career planning.

Election brings in new student ex-officio Newly elected Board of Governor student ex-officio Kristen Carroll-Clark will be begin her one-year term in December. She was preceded by Tera Kucera who said of her role as student ex-officio, “Serving on the board helped sharpen my ability to effectively communicate information to a governing board and connect the board to what's happening in the student body.”

The ex-officio is elected annually for a one-year term from among the members of the newly elected college-wide Student Advisory Council. The role was added in 2000 by the BOG to enhance the flow of communication and information among students, the board and the College administration. The ex-officio member of the BOG sits with the board and participates in the discussion of agenda items as well as provides updates regarding student interests and issues at meetings held once a month, in addition to special meetings and retreats held throughout the year.

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Metropolitan Community College P.O. Box 3777 Omaha, NE 68103-0777

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