Vondera’s mother, Robin, passed away in 2022 before Tonya entered the ����vlog���� Nursing program. A 1984 graduate of the Washington School of Practical Nursing, Robin spent nearly 40 years caring for patients in nursing homes, clinics, home health settings, and correctional facilities.

To honor her mother on graduation day, Tonya, of Union, planned to recreate Robin’s graduation photo while wearing her cap and gown and holding her mother’s portrait.

What she didn’t expect was a surprise from ����vlog���� Dean of Nursing Dr. Nancy Mitchell and Union Nursing Program Coordinator Dr. Brittany Clark.

The two located a vintage nursing cap from the nursing department that closely resembled the one Robin wore in her graduation photograph more than 40 years ago.

“The nursing cap was actually found in the depths of the nursing program closet,” Vondera said. “Dean Mitchell and Dr. Clark dug for it so I could match my mom in her graduation picture.”

With the cap in place, Tonya was able to recreate the photograph and honor the woman who inspired her nursing journey.

“I know how excited she would have been to be right there with me,” Tonya said. “She was my best friend. I wanted her there to see it. They made this picture perfect for me.”

Following in Her Footsteps

Tonya was able to share the news that she planned to become a nurse before her mother passed away.

“She was so excited she bought an IV practice kit for me that had a whole fake arm in it,” Tonya recalled.

More than anything, Tonya remembers the example her mother set.

“My mother poured herself into her patients, family, and friends,” she said. “She often left little for herself. She carried burdens she never talked about and pushed through exhaustion because someone else might need her.”

Tonya said her mother viewed nursing as more than a profession.

“She saw caring for others as a privilege, not an obligation,” she said.

A Lasting Influence

Those lessons stayed with Tonya as she worked through the challenges of nursing school. She credits her mother with teaching her perseverance, compassion, and the importance of advocating for both patients and her.

“She taught me to keep going when things get difficult,” Tonya said. “She taught me to care deeply for people and to speak up when something isn’t right.”

As she completed the nursing program at ����vlog����, Tonya found support from faculty members who understood the significance of her mother’s influence and helped make graduation day even more meaningful.

The nursing cap was a small gesture, but one that carried tremendous meaning.

“It meant everything to me,” Tonya said. “They went out of their way to help me honor my mom.”

Now, as she begins her own nursing career, Tonya carries with her the lessons her mother taught and the example she set through a lifetime of caring for others.

Thanks to a vintage nursing cap, a cherished nursing pin, and a graduation photo recreated more than four decades later, she also has a lasting reminder of the bond they shared and the legacy she now carries forward.

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The event will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. at the ����vlog���� Training Center. Networking and refreshments will begin at 4 p.m., followed by presentations at 5 p.m.

Open to the public, the meet and greet is intended for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, chamber members, business leaders, and community organizations from across the region. RSVPs are not required.

Representatives from the Missouri APEX Accelerator and the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Missouri S&T will be available to discuss available services and answer questions from attendees.

The Missouri APEX Accelerator helps businesses pursue government contracting opportunities and navigate the government supply chain.

Services include no-cost guidance, contract support, registration assistance, market research, proposal development, networking opportunities, and bid identification.

The program also works with federal, state, and local partners to help businesses strengthen their competitiveness in government marketplaces and expand economic opportunities.

The Missouri Small Business Development Center at Missouri S&T provides consulting, coaching, training, and business information services to existing and emerging businesses throughout Missouri.

SBDC services include no-cost counseling in business planning, financial analysis, marketing and social media strategy, customer discovery, cybersecurity, government contracting, and disaster preparedness.

The organization also assists businesses pursuing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding opportunities for technology research and development.

The event is open to businesses, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and community partners interested in learning more about regional business resources and support services.

For more information, contact Todd Tracy, Executive Director of Workforce Development, at 636-649-5807 or todd.tracy@eastcentral.edu. Learn more about the ����vlog���� Center for Workforce Development at www.eastcentral.edu/cwd.

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A Washington native, Unnerstall earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from ����vlog���� in 1984 before continuing his education at Missouri University of Science and Technology, formerly the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Community Impact

Today, he serves as president of KJU Construction, helping shape communities across Franklin County through residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. His work has contributed to subdivisions, athletic facilities, parks, streets, bridges, and community improvement projects throughout the region.

Over the years, he has donated equipment, labor, expertise, and resources to support schools, churches, parks, and nonprofit organizations throughout the area. At St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, KJU Construction donated equipment and labor to help build a regulation football field and track. He also has supported projects at Veterans Memorial Park, the Washington Elks Lodge, and the All-Abilities Park.

Unnerstall said his approach to service was shaped by his father, Elmer, who often told him, “Whatever you give to others, you get back tenfold.”

That philosophy has guided his consistent support of projects that strengthen local communities and improve quality of life for area residents.

College Ties

His ties to ����vlog���� have remained strong since graduating more than four decades ago. Unnerstall has volunteered his expertise on campus projects, donated space for college events, supported the ����vlog���� Baseball Campaign, and he is a Patrons of the Arts member.

The Outstanding Alumni Award is traditionally presented during the College’s commencement ceremony. Because Unnerstall was unable to attend this year’s ceremony, he accepted the award during a plaque presentation May 26 at ����vlog����’s Taco Bell Field.

The award is the highest honor bestowed upon an ����vlog���� alum by the ����vlog���� Foundation. It recognizes individuals who have brought honor to the College through their professional accomplishments, leadership, and community impact.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Unnerstall has remained active in numerous civic and community organizations, including the Mercy Foundation Board, St. Francis Borgia Parish Council, St. Francis Borgia High School Athletic Association, Knights of Columbus, and the Washington Elks Lodge. He also serves as president of the SITE Improvement Association and chairman of the board for Heritage Community Bank.

Unnerstall’s career, generosity, and dedication to service reflect the spirit of the Outstanding Alumni Award and the lasting impact ����vlog���� graduates continue to make throughout their communities.

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The educators were presented Inspirer of Excellence Awards on May 7 by the ����vlog���� chapter of the National Education Association (NEA). ����vlog���� students nominated their former high school teachers who made an impact in their lives and educational journeys.

����vlog���� faculty members Jenifer Goodson, EMS Program Director; Lisa Hanneken, business instructor; and Katie Holtmeyer, English instructor, served as co-chairs of the Inspirer of Excellence Teacher Recognition Award Ceremony held in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center.

In the nominations, students wrote about their former teachers and why they should be recognized as Inspirers of Excellence.

The following educators and retirees were recognized:

• Ginny Pope
• Diane Shoemaker
• Michael Orf
• Dustin Howard
• Tyler Ahring
• Amy Quertermous
• Sarah Manno
• Vicki Harvey
• Susie Ashby
• Kevin Daharsh
• Emily Mullen
• Bonnie Hall
• Logann Cardin
• Elizabeth Hogan
• Kandice McCuskey
• Carmen Ruszala
• Drew Reed
• Renee Kruse
• Valerie Foster
• Tim Karth
• Sandra Dews
• Valarie McEuen
• Melissa Bestgen
• Alicia Schoonover
• Tina Kluesner
• Claire Smith
• Michael Underberg
• Kyle Ellrich
• Jessie Katz
• Karen Fixsal
• Jim Parsons, retired
• Jessica Fitzgerald
• Chris Lanemann
• Nathan Cabot
• Mike Olszowka

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The 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony was held May 16 in the Donald D. Shook Student Center gymnasium at ����vlog����’s Union campus. The event included remarks from ����vlog���� President Dr. Jon Bauer and ����vlog���� Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing Dr. Nancy Mitchell.

Student welcome remarks were delivered by Olivia Reed, and student closing remarks were presented by Adrianne Case. The keynote address was delivered by Trista Elias, nursing instructor at ����vlog���� Union, and ����vlog���� Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter offered closing remarks.

Ceremony Meaning

The pinning ceremony is a longstanding tradition in the nursing profession and at ����vlog����, symbolizing the completion of rigorous coursework and clinical experiences. Each graduate was presented with a nursing pin and participated in the candle-lighting ceremony, signifying their commitment to compassionate patient care.

The following graduates were recognized during the 2026 pinning ceremony:

Riley Alexander, Melissa Bono, Ava Brand, Annalee Brooks, Dakota Cartwright, Adrianne Case, Abby Duncan, Norah Evans, Tara Flynn, Summer Glastetter, Grace Halmick, Kya Harbour, Kallie Harmon, Devon Kerckhoff, David Knorr II, Olivia Long, Moriah Mankin, Amanda Midyett, Addyson Murphey, Olivia Reed, Audrey Revelle, Harper Rollins, Allison Sauceda, Anna Scanlon, Audrey Schroeder, Toni Sells, Christabel Southards, Jacey Spurgeon, Amy Studdard, Shelbi Tittel, Tonya Vondera, and Melissa Winters.

Nursing Student Awards

Each year, ����vlog���� recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement, clinical excellence, leadership, and professionalism.

The Outstanding Nursing Student Award, selected by ����vlog����’s nursing faculty, is given to graduates who have excelled both in the classroom and in clinical settings. These students often credit ����vlog���� with helping them realize their dreams of becoming nurses.

The Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award is presented by ����vlog����’s healthcare partners, including Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla, and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan, to students who demonstrate exceptional care, compassion, inquiry, critical thinking, and organizational skills.

����vlog���� Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla campuses presented the awards, recognizing the graduates’ dedication and achievements.

This year, four students received special recognition:

Ava Brand — Outstanding Nursing Student (Union)

Amy Studdard — Outstanding Nursing Student (Rolla)

Shelbi Tittel — Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Union)

Jacey Spurgeon — Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Rolla)

Ava Brand, center, received the ����vlog���� Outstanding Nursing Student Award for the Union program. She is pictured with, from left, Trista Elias, nursing instructor; Jessica Van Leer, nursing instructor; Dr. Brittany Clark, Union nursing program coordinator; and Andrea Bailey, nursing instructor.

Amy Studdard received the ����vlog���� Outstanding Nursing Student Award for the Rolla program. Pictured, from left, are Julie Chirban, nursing instructor; Jon Elias, nursing instructor; Studdard, and Jeannie Miles, nursing instructor.

Shelbi Tittel, center, received the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award for Union. She is pictured with, from left, Trista Elias, nursing instructor; Jessica Van Leer, nursing instructor; Andrea Bailey, nursing instructor; and Dr. Brittany Clark, Union nursing program coordinator.

Jacey Spurgeon received the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award for Rolla. Pictured, from left, are Julie Chirban, nursing instructor; Jon Elias, nursing instructor; Spurgeon, and Jeannie Miles, nursing instructor.

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The award was presented to the Warrenton resident by ����vlog���� President Dr. Jon Bauer during the College’s Commencement ceremony on May 16.

“Lindsey is the kind of student who represents the very best of ����vlog����,” said Kim Daman-Scheel. “She has shown tremendous dedication and perseverance while balancing a full life outside the classroom.”

While working full time, raising four children, selling two homes, and building a new one, Womack maintained a 3.7 GPA and completed her Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management at ����vlog����.

Womack also earned a Certificate of Achievement in Health Information Management and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Her nominators praised her persistence, time management, and ability to balance the demands of family life, full-time employment, and full-time coursework.

In addition to her academic and professional responsibilities, Womack remained actively involved in supporting her children’s activities, including high school band and travel basketball.

“Even with family responsibilities, full-time work, full-time coursework, and major life changes, Lindsey stayed focused on her goals and continued to excel,” Daman-Scheel added. “She is very deserving of this recognition.”

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Instead, the Union student found her fit in ����vlog����’s Health Information Management (HIM) program, a field that blends healthcare, technology, and data management behind the scenes of patient care.

A conversation with her boyfriend’s grandmother first introduced White to the field. After learning about HIM, she began researching the career path and quickly realized it aligned with her interests and long-term goals.

“I value healthcare, data integrity, and helping others,” White said. “I can still work in the health field and make a difference behind the scenes.”

One year into ����vlog����’s associate degree program, White expects to graduate in spring 2027 and says the program has helped strengthen both her knowledge and confidence in the field.

HIM combines healthcare, information systems, and technology. Professionals in the field help organize and protect patient information, manage healthcare records, oversee coding and billing processes, and support the accuracy of medical data used throughout the healthcare industry.

For White, one of the biggest surprises has been the number of career opportunities connected to the field.

“HIM is not just one set in stone job,” she said. “You can be a medical coder, medical biller, health data analyst, clinical documentation improvement specialist, clinical informatics specialist, and more.”

She said she especially enjoys learning about the technology and information systems used in healthcare settings. One of the most meaningful parts of the program, she said, has been working with AHIMA Virtual Labs (V-Labs), which allow students to gain hands-on experience using healthcare systems like those used in hospitals and clinics.

“I find the V-Labs very meaningful for experiencing scenarios and working with systems that are similar to what I will be working with daily,” White said.

At ����vlog����, students in the HIM program study subjects including medical terminology, pharmacology, healthcare technology, coding, billing, healthcare quality management, and health data analysis. The program also includes opportunities for students to gain practical experience in professional healthcare environments.

White said the coursework has helped her better understand both the technical and healthcare sides of the profession.

“So far, I have learned a lot of fundamentals about information systems and technology in healthcare, pharmacology, legal aspects of healthcare, the history and basics of HIM, and more,” she said. “This knowledge will be extremely helpful for my second-year classes and my future in HIM.”

White hopes to begin her career in HIM after graduation, while continuing to expand her skills through additional certifications and specialized training opportunities.

She encourages anyone considering the program to explore the field and ask questions before making a decision.

“Do your research, talk to your advisor, and make sure it is what you want to do,” she said. “Once you have decided it is what you want to do, enroll.”

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For 12 ����vlog���� students, spring break meant exploring historic landmarks, viewing famous works of art, and experiencing live theatre across the pond.

The Arts and Humanities trip to London, England, was led by Leigh Kolb, associate professor of English; Katie Holtmeyer, English instructor; and Haley Walter, enrollment counselor.

The students who participated in the trip are:

The group visited renowned sites including Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern and Tate Britain galleries, the British Library, and the Tower of London.

They also experienced a live performance of “Oh, Mary!” in London’s celebrated West End theatre district.

In addition to their time in the city, the group took a day trip to hike along the White Cliffs of Dover and tour Canterbury Cathedral.

The London Spring Break experience has a rich history at ����vlog����: it was originally initiated for art students in 2008. Since then, the program has expanded to include a broader range of disciplines. Kolb began serving as co-advisor in 2016, opening the experience to English and Media Studies students alongside Art students.

Today, the tradition continues with participants from the Arts and Humanities Pathway, Art Club, Student Publications, and others with an interest in these fields making the annual journey.

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Kestrels have returned to two nest boxes, one at Hansen Hall and another at the Health and Science Building. Bluebirds are active as well, with nests in and around the prairie area.

The first kestrel chicks of the season have already arrived, and they are growing quickly.

Last year, two American Kestrel families became well-known on campus when their nest boxes were livestreamed. The new avian families can also be viewed via livestream by searching “eccbirds” or “����vlog���� Kestrels” on YouTube.

All nine kestrel eggs have now hatched between the two sites, according to Associate Professor of Biology Kevin Dixon, who monitors the nests.

At Hansen Hall, all five eggs have hatched.

“I grabbed a screenshot from the box a couple of minutes ago, and there’s quite the puddle of fuzz there,” Dixon said.

“The female is spending pretty much all of her time tending to the little ones,” he added, with the male bringing in food in what he calls “prey drops.” In one instance, that included a lizard for the chicks.

At the Health and Science Building, the three chicks are approaching a week old and continue to do well. The camera feed there has still been a bit cantankerous, but Dixon said he has been able to check on them and confirm their progress. One egg may remain unhatched, though it is difficult to see beneath the nestlings.

These early days matter. Newly hatched birds cannot regulate their own body temperature yet, so the female stays close, keeping them warm while they grow.

The activity is a good reminder that while Franklin may be the most visible falcon on campus, he’s not the only one. And he’s not the only bluebird making noise this spring.

Bluebird activity continues, though it has shifted in recent days.

Two of the three bluebird boxes in the prairie plot are showing nesting activity. One appears to be a wren nest, while the other may be bluebirds, though neither currently has eggs. The box where an earlier brood was lost has not yet seen new activity.

“Bluebirds often raise two or three broods, so I’m still hopeful they’ll come back for another try,” Dixon said.

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During the induction ceremony, Dr. Bauer shared remarks, and ����vlog���� English instructor Katie Holtmeyer delivered the keynote address. The ����vlog���� PTK–Chi Delta Alumni Chapter provided refreshments.

The Chi Delta chapter co-advisors are Lindsay Riegel and Leigh Kolb.

For more information about PTK–Chi Delta, reach out to co-advisors Leigh Kolb and Lindsay Riegel.

To be invited to join PTK, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 and be enrolled as a full-time student for one semester. After induction, members must maintain an overall GPA of 3.2 to remain in the honor society.

Membership is open to students in all majors across the college, including those pursuing degrees or certificates.

For more information about PTK and to contact chapter advisors, visit .

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