New student union, 90th anniversary party, new teachers greet McCook college students

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

McCOOK, Neb. -- A new and improved student union, a new wave of teachers, positive trends in student retention, and a 90th anniversary celebration highlight the start of the fall semester at McCook Community College.

The major renovations this year to the student union -- and in the past couple years at Brooks Hall -- are all part of Mid-Plains Community College's Master Facilities Plan.

The finishing touches to the student union were being completed as the new students arrived on campus over the past several days and it is receiving rave reviews from students, faculty and staff as well.

"We did as much as we could in-house" said Darin Morgan, MCC Director of Physical Resources.

After some input from the college's architect, MCC staff "gutted" the existing facility, designed the interior and exterior layout, and framed the remodel.

Contractors used included: VK Electronics for the audio/video system; Parde Mechanical Electric for electrical/HVAC work; Matson Drywall and All City Glass. All other work was performed and designed by physical plant staff.

The facility's upgrade included new floors, new energy-efficient windows and new walls. The former "fry area" was converted into a convenience store area where students can pick up items to and from class as opposed to driving off-campus. Officials plan to continue opening the union on football Fridays to watch McCook High School games. The facility is expected to be used as an on-campus meeting place as well as classroom space for some of the offerings through the Business and Community Education office.

Morgan said his staff used many of popular features used in the Brooks Hall upgrades including the color pallet and stone facing. MCC officials wanted to create an updated, welcoming atmosphere and hope that in students, faculty and staff will use the union for on-campus meetings and coffee breaks.

The public is invited to an open house for the remodeled student union will be held in conjunction MCC's 90th anniversary celebration Sept. 3

Next Up

Among the next priorities for MPCC is determining the best use for the recently acquired former Elks Club Property, donated from Perry and Vicky Case.

"We are taking time to look at what is the best possible use for that building and continue to seek out community feedback so as anyone has ideas, thoughts, or concerns we want to hear about them," said Andy Long, Vice President of McCook Community College and Student Affairs. His office is in McMillen Hall and his email is longa@mpcc.edu

"Send me an email, give me a call or stop by my office, my door is always open."

Enrollment

Preliminary enrollment numbers show MCC student numbers down a little over last year, but one area where officials are encouraged is in the area of student retention and student housing contracts, where the numbers are pushing past all-time high numbers.

"Keeping students from semester to semester, year-to-year has become a priority for MPCC in the past couple years and we were able to keep 89 percent of our new full-time students from the fall semester to the spring of this year," Long pointed out. In addition, the spring occupancy rate in Brooks Hall was almost 90 percent -- which Long says is easily the highest MCC has enjoyed in a number of years.

"I think the improvements we've made to Brooks Hall and the student union have made a difference as well as the efforts of Erin Query and Kellen Fernetti in our housing staff and Dr. Brian Obert in student services -- we're doing a lot more to engage students and it seems to be paying off."

Long also believes MCC has made improvements in promoting duel credit classes for high school students. Partnerships with McCook High School and other area high schools are bringing a consistent stream of high school students on to the MCC campus to take classes like calculus, English, algebra and psychology. In addition, Long said MCC is seeing a higher level of commitment from high school students who take nursing and EMT classes as well as welding.

As part of MCC's improving partnership with high schools MCC will host its first ever RPAC Leadership Day Sept. 28 on campus. More than 150 area high school students from 15 high schools in the RPAC will have the chance to spend the day on campus developing leadership skills.

New faculty

Among the new faculty this semester, Layne Sarvela has been hired as the new chemistry faculty member; Dr. Leah Christensen as the new biology instructor; Courtney Johnston is the new sociology/criminal justice faculty member; and Lisa Beans was hired to teach English.

All three MCC women's sports begin the school year with coaches in their first year with their respective MCC programs.

Former MCC men's assistant Kellen Fernetti takes over at the top spot for the MCC women's basketball team, which set a school record during the 2015-2016 season with a 29-4 record. Josh Barnes, who was named Lady Indian softball coach in April begins his first full year at the helm. He is also an Area Enrollment Counselor for MCC. Hayley Kobza joins MCC as volleyball coach, she is a North Platte native.

The Lady Indians' first home volleyball match is Monday against Cloud County at 6:30 p.m. The squad returns home Sept. 2 to host Hesston, Kan., Colby and North Platte in the MCC Invite starting at 9 a.m. in the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center. MCC plays Colby at 9 a.m. Hesson at 1 p.m. and North Platte at 7 p.m.

MCC's 90th

MCC will celebrate the start of its 90th year as a college on Sept 3 when former and current students, teachers, staff and friends of the college gather for a day of recollection, reflection and looking forward at the MCC 90th anniversary party.

Officials have also located the "Blue Goose" -- an extended-length 15-passenger, blue, Checker airport limousine, and plans are being made to bring it back on campus for the celebration.

The event kicks off at 8 a.m. at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center for a welcome gathering of coffee and rolls in the VIP Conference Room. Commemorative shirts and coffee mugs will be available to purchase in the lobby. Campus tours -- including the remodeled student reunion -- are set for 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and again from 1-3 p.m. The Alumni and Friends Banquet is set for 6-9 p.m. and anyone is welcome to attend. Cost for the event -- which includes a meal -- is $15. Reservations are requested by Aug. 22. Please call 308-345-8122 to register.

Fall Events

On the humanities schedule this semester are three art exhibits, two theater productions and several concerts set for the fall semester.

The Wrightstone Fine Arts Gallery on campus is hosting the Nebraska Art Teacher's Association exhibition to start off the semester. Two traveling exhibitions from the Museum of Nebraska Art will also be featured later this Fall.

The MCC Theater Department will stage "The Best Christmas Pagent Ever " Nov. 18-20. Auditions are set for mid-September and there will be roles for 40 adults.

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