Morningside Connect

We’re 30 days into the start of a new school year. New faces have mixed in with the returning faces. The campus is full of activity after what seems to be a short pause called summer.

A number of you have asked, “What’s the faculty up to?” Click and see for yourself just how active our great teaching faculty has been: Faculty Achievement Newsletter.

Coming up shortly will be the celebration of Homecoming, October 9-11. There are many changes to be seen along with many opportunities to revisit past beloved areas on campus. If you haven’t made your reservations yet, please send in the RSVP card from the Homecoming brochure. If you can’t find it, call the Alumni Office at 712-274-5293.

I have received several requests to share the short video created by students and staff depicting the tremendous changes on campus over the past few months. When you return for Homecoming, you will be able to see for yourself why we are so proud of what has taken place at the college. It could not have happened without the financial support of alumni and friends. Please view the piece again and share it with your friends.

https://drive.google.com/a/morningside.edu/file/d/0B6Y6gIhnIzsQVEdmU1dzaWZ4Yjg/view?pli=1

Best regards and see you at Homecoming!

Gene Ambroson

The Dimmitt Hall renovation was completed in late August, just in time for the class of 2019 to move in. However, since new students didn’t know Dimmitt Hall before, most of the excitement came from upperclassmen, as they moved in a few days later. Students explored all over the building and were thrilled with their updated home and all of its perks.

In the Business Center, students can study, work on group projects, or just use the printer.

The Fitness Center features various machines and a yoga room.

The Community Kitchen is fully stocked with various pots and utensils, so students have the opportunity to cook some homemade food.

The Informal Lounge remains a primary hangout and study place for students.

The Formal Lounge features multiple areas for students to congregate and study.

At the intersection of every hall is now a lounge for people to study, have hall functions, or hang out with friends.

Not only do the laundry rooms have new washers and dryers, laundry is now free for students living on campus.

Jacob Hecht is one of Morningside College’s sophomores. He traveled from his hometown of Lansing, Kan., to pursue his passion for music education.

At first, Hecht said it was challenging living so far away from home and being unable to visit often, but, eventually, it turned into a positive for him.

“I was unable to visit home often, but at the same time this helped me make some great friends by sticking around on the weekends,” said Hecht.

Hecht can normally be found studying in the library or practicing various instruments in Eppley Auditorium. If he’s not there or anywhere else on campus, there is a good chance he can be found in his room playing Super Smash Bros on the WiiU.

He is heavily involved in the music department. He is this year’s drum major of the Marching Mustangs and will be directing the marching band at halftime of the home football games. Hecht plays tenor saxophone in ensemble and jazz band along with alto and baritone sax in the saxophone ensembles. Besides playing in the musical groups, he is involved in Phi Eta Sigma and secretary of the music educators group CNAFME.

“I enjoy anything that has to do with music because it doesn’t seem like work to me,” said Hecht. “Every class and extra-curricular activity I am in aims to make me a better musician, teacher, and person, and I love that.”

His hard work has been paying off for him. Besides receiving the job of drum major, he was awarded the Berdina Hospers Woodwind Award, which is given to the student judged to have given the best performance of the year. Hecht also had the opportunity to play with The United States Army Field Band during its concert here.

After getting his degree in  K-12 instrumental music education at Morningside College, Hecht plans on getting his master’s in music education and spreading his passion for music through teaching.