NOVEMBER 2021

New partnership helps students when life gets challenging

ECTC and Family Scholar House recently announced a partnership that offers direct support to students facing non-academic barriers. Gov. Andy Beshear joined ECTC and FSH leaders and supporters to celebrate the partnership.

"When students stop out or drop out it is rarely because of the coursework or on-the-job training, but most often because of life,” said FSH President and CEO Cathe Dykstra. “In these situations, Family Scholar House is available to help, providing resources and support and supplementing the efforts of the college."

Nursing students lend helping hands at Baptist Health Hardin

When a surge of COVID-19 cases hit in August, Baptist Health Hardin called on ECTC nursing students to lend a helping hand. Third-semester nursing students Alina Fulk, Kelsey Sullivan, Madisen Campbell and Rachel Wardrip said it was a call they were happy to answer.

ECTC becomes Purple Heart College, establishes new scholarship

ECTC honored veterans and service members with a proclamation designating the college a Purple Heart College in partnership with the Department of Kentucky Military Order of the Purple Heart. In addition, the college announced the new Abound Credit Union Purple Heart Scholarship.

“We are very proud that so many men and women who have served our country choose to further their education at ECTC,” said ECTC Chief Institutional Advancement Officer Megan Stith. “Today’s events are an expression of our deep gratitude and respect for our students and all members of our community who have been honored with the Purple Heart medal.”

Nominations open for ECTC Distinguished Alumni

and Lifetime Achievement awards

Now in its 16th year, ECTC’s Distinguished Alumni program has celebrated the accomplishments of 130 outstanding former students and graduates. These leaders have made noteworthy contributions to their professions and communities, expanding ECTC’s impact across the country. Nominees are now being sought for induction into the 2022 class of honorees.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Veteran entrepreneur credits ECTC with educational foundation, opportunities

U.S. Army veteran and ECTC alumnus Alejandro “Alex” Ramirez recently spoke to students about his experience at ECTC during an alumni panel hosted by the ECTC Office of Career and Professional Development Services. Ramirez said the opportunity was an honor.

“I experienced teamwork here at ECTC in my classes, especially with my instructors and it became my educational foundation so I could get my bachelor’s and master’s degrees,” said Ramirez. “ECTC isn’t just classes, it’s opportunities and community connections.”

Dear friends and ECTC supporters,

With the holiday season upon us, I wanted to stop and let you know that I count you among my many blessings. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, I was able to receive scholarships that allowed me to start my education at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and pursue a career in business management.

Thankfully, because of people like you who have made ECTC the transformative place it is today, I am one step closer to achieving my goals.

My parents came to America from Cuba for a better life, but received little help and had to learn things on their own. I’ve had to overcome many barriers as the first person in my family to work toward a college degree, but the Hudson First Generation Scholarship has helped make my dreams of education a reality. I want to give back in the future like the Hudsons did by investing in me.

ECTC already has made my life better and changed the lives of thousands of others who live and work right here in our community. I look forward to returning the favor and helping other students in need so they can have the same opportunity to pursue their dreams.

Will you consider supporting students like me by donating to ECTC? With over 90% of students staying in the region after completing their studies, we all benefit when ECTC creates more success stories like mine.

Best wishes,

Elizabeth Pino, Business Administration Student

P.S. You can direct your gift to the ECTC program of your choice. Whether you want to provide scholarships, help support students’ basic needs, or give ECTC the flexibility to meet unexpected challenges, your donation matters.