TRC packs job fairs with students, booths

Three Rivers College put on a series of job fairs across three locations in the month of October. Division Chair of the Career Studies and Workforce Development Department William Cooper presented the results of the Oct. 22 fair to the TRC board of trustees on Nov. 20.

“It worked out really well. We had about 130 people come through,” he recounted.

Cooper added 23 employers from state agencies to construction filled booths for prospective applicants.

Practical Nursing Program Director Andrea Pierce detailed the nursing job fair held in Sikeston on Oct. 29. She said 38 students had the chance to network with 26 employers.

“Many of those employers have reached out…and told them they’ve already sent offers to students through that job fair,” Pierce informed.

University Center Director Gail Tinsley said over 100 people from the school and community cycled through the college’s Career and Transfer Center two-day open house.

President Wesley Payne elaborated on the success of the various job fairs, “The general feedback we get from participating employers is very good.”

Next, professors Cindy and William “Buddy” White presented an update to the board on the school’s fine arts events. They recounted the success of the Fall Showcase on Oct. 29 with its Halloween theme and the Nov. 19 Fall Concert.

The Whites said the concert featured performances from the TRC jazz band, choir, and symphonic band. They also informed trustees of TRC student Antony Hawks’ creative endeavors in composing his own music. The fine arts program will hold a third musical event Dec. 8 to showcase Hawks’ original work. TRC graduate Mason German will play the organ for the concert.

Next, Payne reported on the success of two endowment trust fundraisers. The Nov. 2 murder mystery dinner raised $7,500 and the Kennett trivia night garnered $2,400.

Lastly, he congratulated Accreditation Coordinator Ashely Vernon for receiving the statewide classified staff achievement award from the Missouri Community College Association at its conference Nov. 14.