The completion and opening of the Business and Industry Center at East Central College was the most significant accomplishment of 2016, said College President Dr. Jon Bauer.A ribbon cutting was held in October, officially opening the center that houses precision machining, industrial engineering technology and HVAC programs, in addition to lab and classroom space to accommodate short-term welding programs. The Center for Workforce Development also is located in the building.“I think it’s significant from the standpoint of the impact it’s going to have on students in those programs, the impact it’s going to have on the entire region in terms of workforce development and the significance to the college — to be able to add to the campus and really demonstrate a commitment to career and technical education,” Bauer said.The college purchased the building in April 2015.The college received a $1.2 million grant from the Economic Development Administration. The ECC Foundation launched a capital campaign to help raise $1.2 million, and the Missouri Development Finance Board issued $600,000 in tax credits, which are still available. Additionally, the college secured a $1 million USDA Rural Economic Development loan.The college received the largest contribution in its history for the project from Ace Manufacturing and a precision lab was named in honor of Ace.Bauer said the donation illustrates the importance of the building to the employers in the region, as well as the importance of the Foundation to the college.SecurityIn terms of security, the college formed a cost-share agreement with the Union Police Department to have two officers patrol the campus and help with training. Officer Tommie Lowe began in August and Officer Todd Schlitt is expected to begin in January.“Times have just changed,” Bauer said. “It’s important for us to do everything we can to provide a safe environment for students, and this is just the latest iteration of that.”A security fee was approved by the board of trustees in March.Bauer said the college will focus on training for students and staff in the coming year, as well as continue working to keep a safe campus environment.Other HighlightsIn January, Bauer was selected to lead the Missouri Community College Association.Another highlight of 2016 was a revamping of the course schedule, which focused on streamlining and flexibility for students.A committee worked through the fall to help improve the schedule.Bauer said that at a recent pizza with the president event he mentioned schedule changes to current students.“It was clear that the students could see the difference in the ability to get a complete, coherent, cohesive schedule,” he said, adding that spring registration is underway. “They could see that there were more offerings, they were able to get the classes they needed and they were able to sequence their courses.”Two new board members were elected in 2016, including Cookie Hays and Dr. Eric Park.Jim Perry, former board president, and Tom Dill both retired from the board. Perry was on the board for 18 years and Dill was on the board for 12 years and spent his career as a faculty member.Bauer thanked both for their significant contributions to the college. There were 495 candidates for graduation at the college’s 46th commencement in May.The college also celebrated the expansion of the A+ program to parochial schools. St. Francis Borgia Regional High School is working toward A+ certification.“We’re very interested in working with any private or parochial school in our region,” Bauer said.The college’s student center was named after Karen Wieda, the longest-serving employee of the college. Wieda was a registrar and worked at the college from 1969 to 2013.“It’s a privilege to be able to permanently and significantly recognize someone who has been so devoted to the college and our students.”Many students and staff members were recognized throughout the year. Looking ForwardIn 2017, Bauer said work will continue on the schedule to make sure students stay enrolled and on a path to graduation. Another goal is to increase enrollment and dual credit to area high school students.The college also will be in an accreditation cycle, which it will prepare for institutionally.The college also will begin planning for its 50th anniversary, which is in April 2018.East Central College