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College Matters
| December 2011
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OTC Recognizes Turner Family Foundation with Naming Ceremony
Generosity honored in new Turner Family Foundation Student Lounge
 OTC recently recognized the Turner Family Foundation with a ceremony to officially name the Turner Family Foundation Student Lounge. The ceremony was held in the new Lounge, located in the Information Commons West at the OTC Springfield Campus.
"The Turner Family Foundation has made it possible for us to provide a much-needed resource for our students, and we are grateful for their continued support of OTC," said Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of the College. "We are pleased to be able to honor their generosity with the naming of our new student lounge."
Since 1999, The Turner Family Foundation and the Turner family have made 27 gifts to the OTC Foundation, the fundraising arm of the College, with this most recent gift bringing the total to more than $165,000 in support of student scholarships and of outstanding faculty and staff through the annual Excellence in Education Awards. Additionally, in 2008, OTC honored Bill Turner with the OTC Excellence In Business Award for his distinguished service on behalf of the College and to our greater community.
 "The investments that the Turner Family Foundation and the Turner family have made in OTC have helped to provide many financial and facility resources for our students," added Cliff Davis, vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement and executive director of the OTC Foundation. "We look forward to working with them in serving our community for years to come."
Bill Turner, President of Great Southern Bank, and his wife, Ann, have been closely involved with the College and the OTC Foundation for many years. Mrs. Turner served as a founding member of the OTC Foundation Board of Directors from 1996-2006, including one term as president. Additionally, daughter Julie Turner Brown held a position on the Board 2006-2011.
Pictured, from top: Bill Turner speaks during the dedication ceremony; Members of the Turner family with members of the Board of Trustees and Dr. Higdon.
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Excellence in Education Awards Presented
Winners honored with plaques and financial awards  Ozarks Technical Community College has chosen the winners of its 20th annual Excellence in Education Awards, the highest and most prestigious awards that the college confers.
The award recipients are determined by a committee of their peers and were recognized at the October meeting of the College's Board of Trustees. Each winner is presented with a plaque and a monetary award, made possible every year by a donation from the Turner Family Foundation. This year's winners are: - Full-Time Instructor: David Aderhold - retired, Construction Technology/Construction Department Chair
- Adjunct Instructor: Crystal Hofegartner - Social Studies/Humanities
- Administrative/Professional Support Staff: Stephanie Brown - Director of Development
- Clerical/Technical Support Staff: Vanda Chism - Academic Scheduling Specialist
- Custodial/General Institutional Support Staff: Patrick Iver - Extended Hours Support Technician
OTC has conferred 88 Excellence in Education Awards since the program began in 1992. Pictured: Patrick Iver with Dr. Higdon and J. Howard Fisk, president of the Board of Trustees.
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MCCA Annual Convention: Photo Review
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OTC Fine Art Gallery: Student Showcase
A ceramic artist and a mixed media artist will be featuredThe OTC Fine Art Gallery, located on the third floor of the historic Gillioz Theatre, will proudly host an opening reception during the First Friday ArtWalk event on Friday, December 2, from 6-10 p.m. This month, the gallery will feature an exhibition of works from OTC Fine Arts students. The art on display will come from students in the following Visual Art classes: Drawing I, Two Dimensional Design, and Painting I. There will also be a variety of performances throughout the evening from music and theater students. The OTC Fine Arts Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact Kat Allie at 417-447-8977, alliek@otc.edu, or finearts@otc.edu.
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Santa to Make Calls for Relay for Life
Make your request by December 9Through a special arrangement with the North Pole and the OTC & Friends Relay For Life Team, Santa Claus will call children in the Ozarks during this holiday season. For a $5 donation, Santa will call your child or grandchild and talk about his or her wish list, pets, hobbies, and the "naughty/nice" list, or send a letter to your child.
Come by the Information Desk in the IC Atrium at the OTC Springfield Campus and pick up a special form. For both a phone call and a letter, the donation is $10. Santa is very busy this time of year, so you must turn in the completed form and donation by December 9.
For information, contact Elf Mindy by emailing gomezm@otc.edu or calling 447-8176, or Elf Tracy by emailing pondert@otc.edu or calling 447-8173.
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Seen at OTC...
Snapshots of what's been happening around the College 
Students from the OTC Honors Program recently held a luncheon and presentation on Religions of the World. The event, held in the Board of Trustees room and catered by Gem of India, featured statistics, photos, songs and more as the students shared information about the religions and cultures they had researched. 
Faculty, staff, students and community members gathered on Friday, November 11, to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The 2011 Veterans Day ceremony was held in the Information Commons Atrium on the OTC Springfield Campus, and featured the presentation of colors and several special speakers.
 OTC was the final stop on a whirlwind day for a group of 30 area high school students participating in the year-long Leadership Springfield Academy. The program is sponsored by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. As a part of the annual Education Day, the students also attended sessions at Drury, Evangel and MSU.
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The Same 10 Questions We Always Ask
Ida Guynn, Instructor, Dental Assisting Hybrid Program
 Describe what you do at OTC in 50 words or less.
I am an instructor in the Dental Assisting Program - Hybrid Track. I am currently writing the program and have started our pilot class for the Spring 2012 semester.
How long have you been at OTC, and where were you immediately prior?
I have been at OTC as a fulltime faculty member since the fall of 2008. Prior to that I was a Certified Dental Assistant for Dr. John Heard.
What do you hope to accomplish in your position or department in the coming year?
I hope to complete the hybrid curriculum and graduate all nine of our students.
What is your favorite thing about working at OTC?
OTC has a lot of great qualities. I love being trusted by those I work with to do my job without a lot of interference, but with great guidance.
What is your favorite thing about living and working in the Ozarks?
The outdoors and small town feel.
Tell us about one person who had a significant impact on your professional life or career choice.
I don't know that there is one significant person. I have been blessed with numerous friends and colleagues who have encouraged and believed in me when I did not. The patients I served I think have had the biggest impact on what I do. They are the ones who have made my profession fun and worthwhile.
What do you have on the walls of your office?
I have pictures that I took around our farm in Marshfield and few awards.
If you could have dinner with three famous people, alive or dead, who would they be?
God, and then anyone who wanted to hear what He had to say.
If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
I doubt I will ever go down this road. Maybe if I could have that dinner with God I would write about that.
What were the last three songs played on your iPod?
Chris Tomlin's "Sing, Sing, Sing/Jesus Messiah/You Lifted Me Out," and there was probably some good 70's and 80's rock in there, too.
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Campus Notes
- As you enjoy the holiday season, here are just a few dates to keep in mind:
Holiday Reception
Friday, December 16: The retirement reception will be in the IC Atrium at 11:30 a.m., with the holiday buffet following at noon.
Holiday Break
Wednesday, December 21: We will have regular office hours on this day.
Thursday, December 22 through Monday, January 2, 2012: Holiday break/College Closed.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012: College will open with regular office hours.
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The OTC Fine Arts Department will close out the semester with two special events:
Thursday, December 8
An Evening of Music featuring the OTC Performance Choir
Ellis Recital Hall at MSU
Concert is free; begins at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 9
Open Mic Night
Open to all students and faculty
6 - 9 p.m. in ICW 108 ABC
Event is free
Anyone who would like to perform can register at otcfineartsopenmic.eventbrite.com
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Local Happenings
- December 2: Evangel University's 28th Annual Christmas Concert to Benefit the Salvation Army. This 75-minute program, hosted by KY3's Steve Grant and Brandon Beck, will include performances by Evangel's Orchestra, Chorale, Jazz Band, and more. Admission is a donation of non-perishable food items or cash for the Salvation Army. For details, call (417) 865-2815, ext. 7292, or visit www.evangel.edu.
- December 2-11: A Christmas Story at the Springfield Little Theatre. The perennial holiday favorite, a tale of a boy and his wish for a Red Ryder BB gun, comes to life on stage at the historic Landers Theatre in downtown Springfield. For show times and ticket information, call (417) 869-3869 or visit www.springfieldlittletheatre.org.
- December 2-31: Civil War Christmas Tours at Smallin Civil War Cave, Ozark. You will be treated to hot chocolate around a campfire, storytelling, and a lantern-light tour of the cave, with Christmas lights twinkling along the way! Fridays and Saturdays only. To make your reservation, call (417) 551-4545 or visit www.smallincave.com.
- December 2-3: A Christmas Carol at the Skinny Improv, Springfield. Have fun with the holidays as the Skinny Improv presents a comical reading of Dickens' timeless classic. For more information, call (417) 831-5233 or check out www.theskinnyimprov.com.
- December 3-11: Christmas at the Farm, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. Make a visit to the farm one of your holiday traditions! Learn what happens on a farm during the winter months, and how the animals cope with the cold. You can also make holiday crafts, get your picture taken with Santa, or warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. For details, call (417) 864-1049 or visit www.parkboard.org.
- December 7-10: Scholastic Book Sale, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Just in time for Christmas shopping! Books for all ages and reading levels will be available. For details, call (417) 833-2660 or visit www.scholasticbookfair.com.
- December 10: It's a Wonderful Life, Gillioz Theatre, Springfield. Nominated for five Oscars, recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 films of all time and the most inspirational film of all time, and a timeless holiday favorite, "It's a Wonderful Life" will be shown on the big screen for one night only! For details, call (417) 863-7843 or visit www.gillioztheatre.com.
- December 10: Springfield Christmas Parade. This annual holiday event will begin at 1 p.m. in downtown Springfield. The theme of this year's parade is "Rockin' Around the Square." Featuring over 60 floats, 10 marching bands, and Santa himself, the parade will wind around the newly renovated Park Central Square. For more information, check out www.itsalldowntown.com.
- December 16-18: The Nutcracker, Landers Theatre, Springfield. Presented by the Springfield Ballet, this annual holiday treat is perfect for the whole family. For details, call (417) 862-1343 or visit www.springfieldballet.org.
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Birthdays
December
2 - Barry Hall
4 - Annette Burtin
5 - Ginger Smith
6 - Staci Burton
Kathy Perkins
Kayla Porter
7 - Jon Herbert
J'Neal McCoy
Jayna Spindler
8 - Jennifer Snyder
10 - Anita Maylee
11 - Vivian Elder
12 - Carol Brand
13 - Nancy Sanders
15 - David Walker
Trisha White
16 - Jennifer Dunkel
17 - Daniel Gutirrez
Sheila Taylor
19 - Rosalind Pride
20 - Donna Bryant
21 - Jeff Ford
23 - Angela Shreckhise
24 - James Borowiec
Phillip Litton
25 - Laraine Bauer
Dana Gambriel
Linda Johns
27 - Brian Brooks
Robert Leone
28 - Kevin Buening
Jan Fleischman
29 - Vicki MacDonald
30 - Karen Foresee
John Landon
January
1 - Dana Patterson
2 - Rebecca Dalton
Samuel Thomas
4 - Chris Austin
Philip Bowles
Joseph Siler
5 - Linda Berger
Thomas Buckley
Paul Trout
6 - Christopher Przybylski
7 - Sue Moore
10 - Lisa Marks
Max Trader
12 - Terry Pridgeon
13 - Lesley Cash-Moore
Lisa Tessier
14 - Vasile Iacob
15 - Douglas Dashnaw
16 - Marylynne Abbott
18 - Michael Adamek
Trixie Braden
Dana Mason
Sheila Sperry
19 - Phillip Arnold
Cheryl Feller
Kelly Hampton
Bill Miller
20 - Marla Moody
24 - John Boburka
Janet Sell
25 - Randy Brock
Christie Cathey
Glynette Hubach
26 - Kelly Anthony
Gabriela Florea
Lisa Jacks
Bradley Maples
Pam Vokolek
27 - Bera Nichols
28 - Gary Burns
Jonathan Drozdowski
29 - Vanda Chism
Gary Dollens
Doran Woods
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New Employees, Transfers and Promotions
New Full-Time Permanent Employees:
- Kara Starnes, Lebanon Center Secretary. Began November 7.
- Bradley Maples, User Support Technician. Began November 14.
- Eric James Freeman, User Support Technician. Began November 14.
- Linda Dyer, Remote Site Technician. Began November 28.
- Lyndsey Fronterhouse, English Instructor - OTC Richwood Valley. Begins January 11, 2012.
- John Curtis, Middle College At-Risk Specialist. Began November 28.
- Danny Akers, Custodian. Begins December 13.
- Craig Granger, Science (BCS) Instructor - OTC Richwood Valley. Begins January 1, 2012.
- Lisa Hamilton, Accounting Technician - OTC Lebanon Center and OTC Waynesville Center. Begins December 12.
- Betty Denson, Grant Accountant. Begins January 3.
Transfers/Promotions:
- Katie Brady, Assistant to the Registrar - Communications. Began new position November 14.
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Next Newsletter Deadline: Wednesday, January 25
The employee newsletter is sent out on the first of each month. The deadline is one week prior, so mark your calendars if you have news you would like us to include. The deadline for the February newsletter is Wednesday, January 25.
Since there will be no newsletter in January, be sure you are putting your events on the campus calendar for inclusion in the weekly "Upcoming Events" emails!
Send your newsletter submissions to either of the following email addresses, and we'll get the word out!
clips@otc.edu
masond@otc.edu
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