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Students back on campus for orientation, fall classes at MCC
McCOOK, Nebraska -- McCook Community College kicked off the start of fall classes Monday with a summer bash orientation.
"Our mission is to help these students feel welcome and familiarize them with as many people and services as we can," said Jon Froelich, member of the MCC orientation committee.
Monday's activities included campus tours, surveys, "Minute-To-Win-It games," ice-breakers, lunch with faculty advisors, and a campus business/community organization fair.
"Every positive interaction we have with these students is one more step in retaining them and helping them achieve their goals," said Kelly Rippen, orientation committee member.
CAMPUS
IMPROVEMENTS
In addition to major renovations at True Hall, converting it into the new home of college's physical resources, MCC maintenance staff completed improvement projects in most every building in campus over the summer.
A new roof was installed in Brooks Hall. A new boiler system will serve the south side of the residence halls with a new energy-efficient hot water system to serve the north side of the dorms. New carpet was added to the women's dorm rooms and hallways in addition to new furniture.
New carpet was also installed on the first floor of von Riesen Library with basement carpet scheduled to be installed over the Christmas break. New windows are also slated for the library in the 2013-2014 budget year.
New computer desks were added to Room 203 of Walsh Brady Hall this summer with additional furniture upgrades planned in the next 12 months.
Down the main campus walkway, new LED pole lights have been installed as well as new LED exterior building area and entry lighting.
"These improvements have energy efficiency benefits and as part of the installation we received a rebate from NPPD's programs of just over $1,300 for the exterior lights poles and True Hall lighting upgrades," said Darin Morgan, director of physical resources at MCC.
NEW FACES
New full-time staff at MCC this year include: Andy Long, MCC Vice President; Jon Froelich: Student Success and Retention Coordinator and MCC Women's Basketball coach; Dan Sewell: Area Technology Specialist, Information Services Department, McCook campus; Clay Grizzle: Theater and Speech instructor; and Randy Chambers: welding instructor at the Center for Applied Science and Technology.
CAMPUS EVENTS
Jon Olsen, who serves as instructor, Athletic Director and Baseball Coach, also begins the semester as the interim Dean of Student Life and has helped line up the following events on campus this semester:
Maximize Your Buzz (Weeth Theater) Alcohol Education -- Tuesday, 9 p.m.
Bouncy House Waterslide (Outside Brooks Hall) -- Wednesday, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Bongo Ball Mania (MCC Events Center) -- Sept. 24, 11a.m.-5 p.m.
Put-It-Where-You-Want-It Free T-Shirts (Student Union)- Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oct, 31 (Student Union) -- Halloween Dance 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
CoMeTrY (Weeth Theater) -- Nov. 6, 9 p.m.
Thanksgiving Break -- Nov, 27-Dec. 1
Finals Week -- Dec. 16-19.
MCC ARTS
AND MUSIC
A visual styles exhibition will initiate the fall arts schedule at the Wrightstone Fine Arts Gallery on the MCC campus. It starts this week and runs through Oct. 1.
On loan from the Museum of Nebraska Artists this exhibition showcases all styles and media from the permanent collection from MONA.
In October, the Wrightstone will feature the works of former "Life" magazine photographer Bill Ray. The Wrightstone Gallery Is Open from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 9 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays.
On the music scene, MCC music Instructor Tiffany Gapp plans a mid-semester concert as well as a December concert. She said she'll determine concert dates after meeting with her students later this week.
MCC Choir will meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1-1:50 p.m. and is open to anyone in the community. This semester, she opened up a section of Select Choir which is by audition only for show choir and other "pop" music. This choir will meet Tuesday and Thursday from 1-2:15 p.m.
"I am looking forward to a great year and would welcome anyone looking to study music, or just interested in what we have to offer in our music program. Call me to find out more or to schedule an appointment, I would love to visit with you."
Scholarship money is available for many students interested in taking music classes. For more information you can visit Gapp in her office in Tipton Hall, call her at 308-345-8187 or email at gappt@mpcc.edu
MCC Band is scheduled to meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.-10:20 a.m., but for those who can't meet on those dates, she said she's looking to work with student schedules to accommodate more. She welcomes any community member or student to join the band, which is in need of trumpets, and electric guitar.
MCC SPORTS-EVENTS CENTER
MCC's first home volleyball matches are set for this weekend during the MCC Invitational Friday and Saturday. Friday's first game is set for 6 p.m. against Eastern Wyoming, followed by an 8 p.m. game against Garden City. On Saturday, the Lady Indians take on Southeast CC at noon and at 2 p.m. against Lamar CC.
The Event Center and The McCook Chamber of Commerce will host the Harlem Ambassadors exhibition basketball game Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.
The first fall home baseball game is set for Oct. 5 against Seward County CC at the Jaycee Sports Complex.
The first men's basketball games will be played Nov. 1 and 2 as part of the McCook CC Classic, and the first women's basketball game is set for Nov. 9 against the Adams State JVs.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so Oct. 23 is the date for the annual Pink Out during the McCook/North Platte volleyball game starting at 7 p.m. All funds from ticket sales, T-shirt sales, and concessions will be donated to Breast Cancer Awareness. People can pre-order T-shirts to wear to the event in September. Please call 345-8142 Shannon Schaben, Phi Theta Kappa advisor if you would like to help with the event or pre-order your shirt.
Phi Theta Kappa at MCC will host the event in the Event Center.