SCC Chaz, Vol. 24, Issue 01

Follow the Cougars on their journey for SCC’s 10th national title: stchas.edu/rollerhockey

Do you have a fun SCC photo to share? Post it on the college Facebook wall: stchas.edu/facebook

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF ST. CHARLES COMMUNITY COLLEGE Vol. 24, No. 1 | 2012

Members of the SCC Cougars Roller Hockey Club A team (Junior College Division) gather behind their new trophy after winning the regional championship in March.

SCC hockey club triumphs at regional tournament netminder Joe Colmo stopped 37 shots en route to a 4-2 victory and the regional title. Team captain Jaron Lutz helped seal the deal with two goals in the first period, putting the game out of reach for Meramec.

The B-Division Cougars lost their semi-finals match-up against St. Louis Community CollegeMeramec 8-7 Sunday afternoon, putting a potential end to their quest for the cup.

“I would like to thank all teams, coaches, league staff and fans for an excellent season,” said Tom Fussner, Great Plains Collegiate Roller Hockey League director. “All division champions receive an auto-bid to Nationals.”

NEW NAME!

NEW EVENT!

7:30-11 a.m. APRIL 28

stchas.edu/run

In Memoriam The college was saddened by the loss of SCC student Amanda J. Moon of Clarksville, Mo., who died in an auto accident on Feb. 13. Amanda was in her second semester at the college in the pre-nursing program. Amanda’s funeral service was held Feb. 18 in Clarksville.

SCC Cougars Rebecca Zalabak and James Obermark

Cougar baseball, softball teams are young, but strong The SCC Cougars men’s baseball and women’s softball teams are off to a fresh start in the 2012 season. Both teams welcomed several new transfer and freshmen players, but the coaches say sophomore leaders provide a strong foundation.

The men’s team added 24 new players, including 10 transfer players, to a team of just seven returning sophomores.

Five of the returning players are pitchers.

The other two returning sophomores, first baseman Justin Hennig and shortstop Jimmy Obermark, will be counted on as key offensive contributors. The 2012 season is already under way, and Head Coach Chris Gober believes the Cougars are headed in the right direction.

“It’s all about preparation, repetition and execution,” Gober said. “If we can do those three things well, we will have a successful season.”

The women’s softball team returns to the field after a third place finish in the Region XVI Tournament in 2011, the highest they’ve placed since 2004.

Leading this year’s squad are three returning sophomores who all broke individual offensive records last season. This core of sophomores hopes to guide a young team of three sophomore transfers and 10 freshmen to another postseason run.

“We’ve been looking forward to starting this softball season since the first day our girls set foot on the field in August,” Head Coach Jenn Beckmann said. “They’ve spent countless hours on the field, in the gym and in the batting cage – all in preparation for this season.”

2012 season schedules: stchas.edu/athletics

Chaz is a publication of the SCC Marketing and Communications Department for SCC students, employees and friends. Heather McDorman, co-editor/writer • Ben Munson, co-editor/photographer/designer • Peggy Schreiner and Kanna Taylor, writers

3/2012

In a best-of-three regional championship series against crosstown rival St. Louis Community College-Meramec, it took the SCC Cougars all three games to skate away with the Great Plains regional championship trophy Feb. 25-26. With the win, the Cougars are guaranteed a spot at the NCRHA National Championship tournament April 11-16 in Salt Lake City.

SCC lost the first game 6-5 after leading the Magic through the first two periods of the game Saturday. In game two, the Cougars snagged a 4-3 sudden-death OT win to force a game three on Sunday. In the final game Sunday evening, SCC

Yvette Sweeney, April Hoekenga and Kathy BrockgreitensGober, of the SCC Office of Academic and Student Affairs, along with Lindenwood University representatives Barry Finnegan, dean of academic services, and Jann Weitzel, vice president for academic affairs, join SCC president Ron Chesbrough and Lindenwood president Jim Evans for the reverse transfer agreement signing between the schools.

SCC president Ron Chesbrough (right) congratulates Michael Banks, vice president for academic and student affairs, at Banks’ farewell celebration in February. After almost 18 years at SCC, Banks will take over as president of Blue River Community College in Independence, Mo.

Michael Banks departs SCC to take helm at Blue River CC After nearly 18 years at St. Charles Community College, Dr. Michael Banks, vice president for academic and student affairs, is leaving March 9 to become president of Blue River Community College in the Metropolitan Community College District in Kansas City, Mo. His first day at Blue River will be March 26.

“Michael is one of the finest academic administrators whom I have had the privilege of working with in my career,” said Ron Chesbrough, SCC president. “He will be an outstanding president and I look forward to our continued friendship and colleagueship within Missouri community college leadership,” Banks was hired in 1994 as division chair for arts and humanities; in 2003, he was named SCC’s vice president for academic

affairs. In 2007, the college reorganized and he became VP for academic and student affairs, taking on the area of student services.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to spend the last 18 years of my career at SCC,” Banks said. “I especially appreciate having had the opportunity to learn from the wisdom, insight, and collegiality of our faculty, staff and students.”

INTERIM ASSIGNMENTS Chris Breitmeyer, dean of math, science and health, has been named interim vice president for academic and student affairs where he will serve until a new VP is hired.

In the interim, John Bookstaver, professor of chemistry, will serve as dean of math, science and health.

Students will benefit from reverse transfer agreement between SCC, LU Ron Chesbrough, SCC president, and Jim Evans, Lindenwood University president, signed an agreement Thursday, Feb. 23, at SCC that will allow more students to complete an associate’s degree.

“For various reasons, students are interrupted from the long-term goal of a baccalaureate degree and sometimes stop short of completion,” said Yvette Sweeney, SCC dean of student development.

The reverse transfer agreement allows students who transfer to Lindenwood before they complete an associate’s degree at SCC to be eligible to receive their associate’s degree upon completion of the additional courses at Lindenwood.

Students who complete a minimum of 15 hours at SCC and transfer without an associate’s degree and then go on to complete the additional requirements at Lindenwood will be notified of their eligibility to receive an associate’s degree from SCC. With a push from state and national government to increase graduation rates, this unique partnership will allow students to gain important credentials needed for jobs in today’s workforce.

The

Campus SCC oop

SCC English instructor garners international PTK recognition

ging mission by providing life-chan e leg col the ng livi is ily fam tes Discover the ways the SCC y ... Reading time: 4.5 minu da ry eve ies nit rtu po op al tur educational and cul 4

2 1

The popularity and buzz over SCC Continuing Education summer camps have opened the doors for more educational, kid-friendly programming this spring.

the first ory Month in of four events to celebrate Black Hist story with 116 February at SCC. Meeink shared his ut his descent people at SCC on Feb. 7. He talked abo his ultimate into America’s Nazi underground and The Maryland triumph over hatred and addiction. posted a Heights Patch, an online news source, him before h wit w video of a one-on-one intervie his lecture. wn Bobby Norfolk, an internationally kno SCC on at ple peo storyteller, visited a crowd of 147 life through Feb. 8. He made characters come to , while imaginative and creative storytelling erience. exp an highlighting the African-Americ concert by The last two events included a free s reggae singer David Kirton, a vibrant/modern root showing of free from Barbados, on Feb. 15, and a film in English, “Throw Down Your Heart,” an African own banjo on Feb. 23. The film followed well-kn ca. player Bela Fleck on his travels to Afri 1 Frank Meeink, a former skinhead, was

2 With help from the SCC Department of Instructional Media, the Marketing and Communications Department helped fulfill a recommendation from TEAMVision, photographing more than 240 college employees.

Website editors can add the images to employee profiles on the Web directory. Employees may also use the photos to personalize their own Outlook profile, or for LinkedIn and Facebook, or award nominations, etc.

Web-ready photos will be available for download from the SCC Intranet under the “Resources” header after April 1. High-resolution copies will be stored in the Marketing and Communications Department. For access, email mac@stchas.edu.

3 SCC Friends & Alumni, Charter Business and the Greater St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce launched the Leadership & Strategy Speaker Series in February.

Next up, Erin Cox and Todd Thomas of EnterTraining International will present “Finding Creative Business Solutions,” at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, at the St. Charles Convention Center. More than 60 people attended the inaugural meeting, “DIY Marketing and Branding,” presented by Ed Mayuga, AMM Communications principal. Registration is required for these free events. For more information, visit stchas.edu/speakerseries.

didate Rick Santorum 4 Republican presidential can at SCC on Monday, chose to make a campaign speech -room only crowd Jan. 31. His speech drew a standing open to the in the SSB auditorium. The event was staff and students. community, as well as SCC faculty, ke to a gathering of Following his speech, Santorum spo drew attention to people outside the building. The visit activity and coverage the college, including social media er media, local and by the Associated Press, CNN and oth national.

Month in 5 SCC will celebrate Women’s History Learn: “Iron Jawed March with events such as Lunch and in the SC Private Angels,” at noon Tuesday, March 21, estic violence will Dining Room. A lecture about dom y, March 22, in the be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesda about overcoming CC Rotunda. Stacey Lannert will talk rsday, March 22, childhood sexual abuse at 7 p.m. Thu St. Louis Women’s in the SSB Auditorium. And CHARIS, y, March 27, in the Chorus, will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesda SSB Auditorium.

N O T E S of D I S T I N C T I O N The SCC Foundation and Board of Trustees Scholarship Program will award nearly $250,000 in scholarships to SCC students for 2012-13. Scholarship packets are available at stchas.edu/scholarships.

Packets are due April 2, 2012.

SCC alum Danielle Qualley was one of 16 Phi Theta Kappa members to be named a “Nota Bene” author. Her essay, “In the Face of Adversity,” was chosen from among 950 entries for publication in the 2011 edition of “Nota Bene,” the society’s honors anthology.

A scholarship for dependents of military personnel attending SCC was recently announced. The scholarship is part of a new “military one-stop shop” in the SCC Enrollment Services Department for students to receive financial and academic guidance from one counselor starting in the Fall 2012 semester enrollment period. Application deadline is April 2. For information, visit stchas.edu/militaryfamilies.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ...

Continuing Education offers new kid programs this spring The SCC Continuing Education Department is expanding classes and camps for kids this spring with two new programs: “Friday Night Kids and Teens Zone” and “Spring Break Camps.”

Modeled after the summer camp program, Spring Break Camps offers similar subjects and themes in a shorter time period. The camps will be March 19-23 and April 2-5.

“These camps are great for parents who don’t have a family trip planned for spring break,” said Amy Fitzwilliam, continuing education program assistant. “There are full-day and half-day camps, plus before- and after-care for working parents.”

The camps include topics like dance, music, theater, science, movie making and culinary arts. Cost varies from $95 to $209.

Parents in need of a less expensive option may consider the Friday Night Kids and Teens Zone program. These one-night classes are focused on culinary arts, jewelry making and yoga just for kids or teens on Friday evenings. Cost ranges from $29 to $59.

“Kids can learn something new in these classes while having fun,” Fitzwilliam said. “And it gives parents a chance to enjoy a night out.”

Check out the new Continuing Education blog to see what else is new: stchas-coned.blogspot.com.

Registering for classes is easy: stchas.edu/LearnForLife

Follow CED on Facebook: facebook.com/WeRConEd

CHRISTINA GANT SCC English Instructor

Christina Gant, English instructor, was one of 25 community college instructors chosen from among nearly 3,000 chapter advisors, to serve as Phi Theta Kappa’s 2012 Faculty Scholars.

Gant attended the annual Faculty Scholar Conference, sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, at Phi Theta Kappa’s Center for Excellence in Jackson, Miss., Feb. 1-5.

During the conference, the scholars will prepare to serve as facilitators during Phi Theta Kappa’s Honors Institute, to be held in June 2012.

Gant, of Wentzville, has been an advisor for SCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges, since 2003. An SCC alumna, Gant also is a former PTK chapter president.

Rep. Anne Zerr (R-18) talks with members of SCC’s Student Senate on Rally Day, Feb. 22, at the Missouri State Capitol.

SCC Team Takes Part in MCCA Rally Day About 150 students, trustees, employees and other supporters of Missouri’s community colleges rallied at the Missouri State Capitol on Feb. 22.

“Rally Day” provided an opportunity to meet with legislators and to urge support of Missouri’s community colleges.

Twelve representatives from St. Charles Community College participated, including faculty, staff and students. The team met with Representatives Kurt Bahr (R-19), Kathie Conway (R-14), Doug Funderburk (R-12), Chuck Gatschenberger (R-13), Vicki Schneider (R-17), Chrissy Sommer (R-15), Anne Zerr (R-18), and Senators Tom Dempsey (S-23) and Scott Rupp (S-2).

“It’s important for our legislators to hear from our faculty, students and staff about the value of a community college education and the impact that has on individual lives, families and our communities,” said Ron Chesbrough, SCC president.

Discussion topics included operations funding, the A+ scholarship program, capital projects, workforce competitiveness and training, and a strong nursing workforce.

The

Campus SCC oop

SCC English instructor garners international PTK recognition

ging mission by providing life-chan e leg col the ng livi is ily fam tes Discover the ways the SCC y ... Reading time: 4.5 minu da ry eve ies nit rtu po op al tur educational and cul 4

2 1

The popularity and buzz over SCC Continuing Education summer camps have opened the doors for more educational, kid-friendly programming this spring.

the first ory Month in of four events to celebrate Black Hist story with 116 February at SCC. Meeink shared his ut his descent people at SCC on Feb. 7. He talked abo his ultimate into America’s Nazi underground and The Maryland triumph over hatred and addiction. posted a Heights Patch, an online news source, him before h wit w video of a one-on-one intervie his lecture. wn Bobby Norfolk, an internationally kno SCC on at ple peo storyteller, visited a crowd of 147 life through Feb. 8. He made characters come to , while imaginative and creative storytelling erience. exp an highlighting the African-Americ concert by The last two events included a free s reggae singer David Kirton, a vibrant/modern root showing of free from Barbados, on Feb. 15, and a film in English, “Throw Down Your Heart,” an African own banjo on Feb. 23. The film followed well-kn ca. player Bela Fleck on his travels to Afri 1 Frank Meeink, a former skinhead, was

2 With help from the SCC Department of Instructional Media, the Marketing and Communications Department helped fulfill a recommendation from TEAMVision, photographing more than 240 college employees.

Website editors can add the images to employee profiles on the Web directory. Employees may also use the photos to personalize their own Outlook profile, or for LinkedIn and Facebook, or award nominations, etc.

Web-ready photos will be available for download from the SCC Intranet under the “Resources” header after April 1. High-resolution copies will be stored in the Marketing and Communications Department. For access, email mac@stchas.edu.

3 SCC Friends & Alumni, Charter Business and the Greater St. Charles Area Chamber of Commerce launched the Leadership & Strategy Speaker Series in February.

Next up, Erin Cox and Todd Thomas of EnterTraining International will present “Finding Creative Business Solutions,” at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, at the St. Charles Convention Center. More than 60 people attended the inaugural meeting, “DIY Marketing and Branding,” presented by Ed Mayuga, AMM Communications principal. Registration is required for these free events. For more information, visit stchas.edu/speakerseries.

didate Rick Santorum 4 Republican presidential can at SCC on Monday, chose to make a campaign speech -room only crowd Jan. 31. His speech drew a standing open to the in the SSB auditorium. The event was staff and students. community, as well as SCC faculty, ke to a gathering of Following his speech, Santorum spo drew attention to people outside the building. The visit activity and coverage the college, including social media er media, local and by the Associated Press, CNN and oth national.

Month in 5 SCC will celebrate Women’s History Learn: “Iron Jawed March with events such as Lunch and in the SC Private Angels,” at noon Tuesday, March 21, estic violence will Dining Room. A lecture about dom y, March 22, in the be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesda about overcoming CC Rotunda. Stacey Lannert will talk rsday, March 22, childhood sexual abuse at 7 p.m. Thu St. Louis Women’s in the SSB Auditorium. And CHARIS, y, March 27, in the Chorus, will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesda SSB Auditorium.

N O T E S of D I S T I N C T I O N The SCC Foundation and Board of Trustees Scholarship Program will award nearly $250,000 in scholarships to SCC students for 2012-13. Scholarship packets are available at stchas.edu/scholarships.

Packets are due April 2, 2012.

SCC alum Danielle Qualley was one of 16 Phi Theta Kappa members to be named a “Nota Bene” author. Her essay, “In the Face of Adversity,” was chosen from among 950 entries for publication in the 2011 edition of “Nota Bene,” the society’s honors anthology.

A scholarship for dependents of military personnel attending SCC was recently announced. The scholarship is part of a new “military one-stop shop” in the SCC Enrollment Services Department for students to receive financial and academic guidance from one counselor starting in the Fall 2012 semester enrollment period. Application deadline is April 2. For information, visit stchas.edu/militaryfamilies.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ...

Continuing Education offers new kid programs this spring The SCC Continuing Education Department is expanding classes and camps for kids this spring with two new programs: “Friday Night Kids and Teens Zone” and “Spring Break Camps.”

Modeled after the summer camp program, Spring Break Camps offers similar subjects and themes in a shorter time period. The camps will be March 19-23 and April 2-5.

“These camps are great for parents who don’t have a family trip planned for spring break,” said Amy Fitzwilliam, continuing education program assistant. “There are full-day and half-day camps, plus before- and after-care for working parents.”

The camps include topics like dance, music, theater, science, movie making and culinary arts. Cost varies from $95 to $209.

Parents in need of a less expensive option may consider the Friday Night Kids and Teens Zone program. These one-night classes are focused on culinary arts, jewelry making and yoga just for kids or teens on Friday evenings. Cost ranges from $29 to $59.

“Kids can learn something new in these classes while having fun,” Fitzwilliam said. “And it gives parents a chance to enjoy a night out.”

Check out the new Continuing Education blog to see what else is new: stchas-coned.blogspot.com.

Registering for classes is easy: stchas.edu/LearnForLife

Follow CED on Facebook: facebook.com/WeRConEd

CHRISTINA GANT SCC English Instructor

Christina Gant, English instructor, was one of 25 community college instructors chosen from among nearly 3,000 chapter advisors, to serve as Phi Theta Kappa’s 2012 Faculty Scholars.

Gant attended the annual Faculty Scholar Conference, sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, at Phi Theta Kappa’s Center for Excellence in Jackson, Miss., Feb. 1-5.

During the conference, the scholars will prepare to serve as facilitators during Phi Theta Kappa’s Honors Institute, to be held in June 2012.

Gant, of Wentzville, has been an advisor for SCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges, since 2003. An SCC alumna, Gant also is a former PTK chapter president.

Rep. Anne Zerr (R-18) talks with members of SCC’s Student Senate on Rally Day, Feb. 22, at the Missouri State Capitol.

SCC Team Takes Part in MCCA Rally Day About 150 students, trustees, employees and other supporters of Missouri’s community colleges rallied at the Missouri State Capitol on Feb. 22.

“Rally Day” provided an opportunity to meet with legislators and to urge support of Missouri’s community colleges.

Twelve representatives from St. Charles Community College participated, including faculty, staff and students. The team met with Representatives Kurt Bahr (R-19), Kathie Conway (R-14), Doug Funderburk (R-12), Chuck Gatschenberger (R-13), Vicki Schneider (R-17), Chrissy Sommer (R-15), Anne Zerr (R-18), and Senators Tom Dempsey (S-23) and Scott Rupp (S-2).

“It’s important for our legislators to hear from our faculty, students and staff about the value of a community college education and the impact that has on individual lives, families and our communities,” said Ron Chesbrough, SCC president.

Discussion topics included operations funding, the A+ scholarship program, capital projects, workforce competitiveness and training, and a strong nursing workforce.

Follow the Cougars on their journey for SCC’s 10th national title: stchas.edu/rollerhockey

Do you have a fun SCC photo to share? Post it on the college Facebook wall: stchas.edu/facebook

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF ST. CHARLES COMMUNITY COLLEGE Vol. 24, No. 1 | 2012

Members of the SCC Cougars Roller Hockey Club A team (Junior College Division) gather behind their new trophy after winning the regional championship in March.

SCC hockey club triumphs at regional tournament netminder Joe Colmo stopped 37 shots en route to a 4-2 victory and the regional title. Team captain Jaron Lutz helped seal the deal with two goals in the first period, putting the game out of reach for Meramec.

The B-Division Cougars lost their semi-finals match-up against St. Louis Community CollegeMeramec 8-7 Sunday afternoon, putting a potential end to their quest for the cup.

“I would like to thank all teams, coaches, league staff and fans for an excellent season,” said Tom Fussner, Great Plains Collegiate Roller Hockey League director. “All division champions receive an auto-bid to Nationals.”

NEW NAME!

NEW EVENT!

7:30-11 a.m. APRIL 28

stchas.edu/run

In Memoriam The college was saddened by the loss of SCC student Amanda J. Moon of Clarksville, Mo., who died in an auto accident on Feb. 13. Amanda was in her second semester at the college in the pre-nursing program. Amanda’s funeral service was held Feb. 18 in Clarksville.

SCC Cougars Rebecca Zalabak and James Obermark

Cougar baseball, softball teams are young, but strong The SCC Cougars men’s baseball and women’s softball teams are off to a fresh start in the 2012 season. Both teams welcomed several new transfer and freshmen players, but the coaches say sophomore leaders provide a strong foundation.

The men’s team added 24 new players, including 10 transfer players, to a team of just seven returning sophomores.

Five of the returning players are pitchers.

The other two returning sophomores, first baseman Justin Hennig and shortstop Jimmy Obermark, will be counted on as key offensive contributors. The 2012 season is already under way, and Head Coach Chris Gober believes the Cougars are headed in the right direction.

“It’s all about preparation, repetition and execution,” Gober said. “If we can do those three things well, we will have a successful season.”

The women’s softball team returns to the field after a third place finish in the Region XVI Tournament in 2011, the highest they’ve placed since 2004.

Leading this year’s squad are three returning sophomores who all broke individual offensive records last season. This core of sophomores hopes to guide a young team of three sophomore transfers and 10 freshmen to another postseason run.

“We’ve been looking forward to starting this softball season since the first day our girls set foot on the field in August,” Head Coach Jenn Beckmann said. “They’ve spent countless hours on the field, in the gym and in the batting cage – all in preparation for this season.”

2012 season schedules: stchas.edu/athletics

Chaz is a publication of the SCC Marketing and Communications Department for SCC students, employees and friends. Heather McDorman, co-editor/writer • Ben Munson, co-editor/photographer/designer • Peggy Schreiner and Kanna Taylor, writers

3/2012

In a best-of-three regional championship series against crosstown rival St. Louis Community College-Meramec, it took the SCC Cougars all three games to skate away with the Great Plains regional championship trophy Feb. 25-26. With the win, the Cougars are guaranteed a spot at the NCRHA National Championship tournament April 11-16 in Salt Lake City.

SCC lost the first game 6-5 after leading the Magic through the first two periods of the game Saturday. In game two, the Cougars snagged a 4-3 sudden-death OT win to force a game three on Sunday. In the final game Sunday evening, SCC

Yvette Sweeney, April Hoekenga and Kathy BrockgreitensGober, of the SCC Office of Academic and Student Affairs, along with Lindenwood University representatives Barry Finnegan, dean of academic services, and Jann Weitzel, vice president for academic affairs, join SCC president Ron Chesbrough and Lindenwood president Jim Evans for the reverse transfer agreement signing between the schools.

SCC president Ron Chesbrough (right) congratulates Michael Banks, vice president for academic and student affairs, at Banks’ farewell celebration in February. After almost 18 years at SCC, Banks will take over as president of Blue River Community College in Independence, Mo.

Michael Banks departs SCC to take helm at Blue River CC After nearly 18 years at St. Charles Community College, Dr. Michael Banks, vice president for academic and student affairs, is leaving March 9 to become president of Blue River Community College in the Metropolitan Community College District in Kansas City, Mo. His first day at Blue River will be March 26.

“Michael is one of the finest academic administrators whom I have had the privilege of working with in my career,” said Ron Chesbrough, SCC president. “He will be an outstanding president and I look forward to our continued friendship and colleagueship within Missouri community college leadership,” Banks was hired in 1994 as division chair for arts and humanities; in 2003, he was named SCC’s vice president for academic

affairs. In 2007, the college reorganized and he became VP for academic and student affairs, taking on the area of student services.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to spend the last 18 years of my career at SCC,” Banks said. “I especially appreciate having had the opportunity to learn from the wisdom, insight, and collegiality of our faculty, staff and students.”

INTERIM ASSIGNMENTS Chris Breitmeyer, dean of math, science and health, has been named interim vice president for academic and student affairs where he will serve until a new VP is hired.

In the interim, John Bookstaver, professor of chemistry, will serve as dean of math, science and health.

Students will benefit from reverse transfer agreement between SCC, LU Ron Chesbrough, SCC president, and Jim Evans, Lindenwood University president, signed an agreement Thursday, Feb. 23, at SCC that will allow more students to complete an associate’s degree.

“For various reasons, students are interrupted from the long-term goal of a baccalaureate degree and sometimes stop short of completion,” said Yvette Sweeney, SCC dean of student development.

The reverse transfer agreement allows students who transfer to Lindenwood before they complete an associate’s degree at SCC to be eligible to receive their associate’s degree upon completion of the additional courses at Lindenwood.

Students who complete a minimum of 15 hours at SCC and transfer without an associate’s degree and then go on to complete the additional requirements at Lindenwood will be notified of their eligibility to receive an associate’s degree from SCC. With a push from state and national government to increase graduation rates, this unique partnership will allow students to gain important credentials needed for jobs in today’s workforce.