By Paytan-Mae Ruppel Staff Writer
East Central College’s Student Government Association (SGA) welcomed students to its first Fall meeting of 2025 with excitement and enthusiasm. The meeting included introductions to SGA leaders, proposing upcoming events, and initiating a bold campaign on human trafficking awareness.
SGA’s presence on campus allows every student, known as “senate members”, a voice to be heard by their fellow class leaders and campus clubs. ECC’s board members are made aware of these initiatives through SGA officers, who act as the official voice of students on campus.
SGA is dedicated to advocating for student needs, ideas, and campus improvements. This term’s SGA officers, include Caleb Gunn as President, Sarah Scharfenberg as Vice President, Megan Lackey as Chief Recording Officer, and Kristopher Berry as Public Relations Officer (absent). This cabinet is advised by ECC staff member Andy Klingensmith, Campus Life & Leadership Coordinator.
An emerging campaign against human rights violations was introduced by Joe Lechten. A movement was sparked in the room to the students’ surprise. Lechten presented statistics from the state of Missouri: Human Trafficking cases in Missouri are higher than one might expect: “272 cases were identified in 2024; 539 victims were involved in these cases. Cases can involve multiple victims. As for who was involved in these cases, “Adults (180) and minors (94) were among the victims, with a majority being female”.
Members discussed ways students can raise awareness, support prevention efforts, and partner with local organizations. By proposing campus-wide campaigns, educational events, and outreach collaborations with local and national organizations.
Various members engaged in efforts to advocate against this newly discovered pain point in the community.
Joe’s vision is to raise awareness on human trafficking in Missouri by starting a club or space focused on the issue here at East Central. A proposed timeline consists of: Year One – Awareness (events, infographics, and media) followed by fundraising in year two. After two years of hard work, he aspires to develop a non-profit in his efforts. Professor Theodore Coburn was mentioned as an influence on Joe’s passion and initial awareness of Missouri’s heightened human trafficking from a video shown in criminal justice class.
Joe Lechten: email Wyatt.Lechten@student.eastcentral.edu. People can also contact the Human Trafficking Hotline by phone: 1-888-373-7888, text: “BEFREE” or “HELP” to 233733, or email: Help@humantraffickinghotline.org.
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) was represented by its elected officials: Dalton Pealer as President, Kathryn Boehner as Executive Vice President, Taylor James as Vice President of Public Relations (absent), and Bailey Weber as Vice President of Records. PTK represents an invite-only national honor society for two-year colleges. ECC’s requirements for student invitation includes: a 3.5 GPA and 12 college credit hours or more. For further information, contact PTK advisor Leigh.Kolb@eastcentral.edu.
Around the table, upcoming events were discussed. Falcon Fest is coming to ECC campus on Oct. 16th, with a prospective theme of “Spooktacular”. The Campus Life & Leadership Department is accepting applications from external partners who would like to sponsor this event. For recommendations and sponsorship packages, contact Andy.Klingensmith@eastcentral.edu. The upcoming pumpkin roll caught much attention for those wanting to paint pumpkins, compete in rolling them down a hill, then partaking in throwing them off a bridge. The psychology club also brought to light a prospective movie night, featuring the film Gaslight (1944).
For more information, about student events and clubs around campus contact: Andy Klingensmith – Campus Life & Leadership Coordinator, Andy.Klingensmith@eastcentral.edu.
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