Eastern Iowa Community College

06/02/2026

Our hearts are with the Muscatine community following today’s tragic events.

We are thinking of the victims, their loved ones, first responders, and all those affected. Muscatine is home to many EICC students, employees, alumni, and partners, and we know this loss is deeply felt across our MCC family and the broader community.

Please take care of yourselves and one another in the days ahead.

06/01/2026

When students talk about the people who changed their lives, Lori Sheppeard's name comes up often.

As a psychology and sociology professor at Muscatine Community College, Lori has spent years supporting students through challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Whether it's a conversation in the hallway, encouragement during a difficult semester, or helping students connect with resources, her impact reaches far beyond a gradebook.

Recently recognized with both the Pay It Forward Award and the Starfish Award, Lori's story is also one of resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.

Read "What Care Becomes" and learn how one educator's dedication continues to ripple through the lives of her students and community. ❤️

🔗 https://eicc.edu/news/2026-what-care-becomes.aspx

06/01/2026

From CNA to LPN to RN — Dionna Reed’s story is one of determination, resilience, and continuing to move forward. 🩺🎓

A National Guard member, mother, business owner, and now a 2026 EICC Nursing graduate, Dionna balanced work, life, and school to achieve her goal of becoming a registered nurse through EICC’s LPN Bridge program.

Hear her story, her advice for other adult learners, and what this accomplishment means to her. Congratulations, Dionna! 💙

▶️ Watch her interview below.

05/29/2026

This week's Pay It Forward recipient is a Muscatine Community College professor who is turning a personal cancer battle into a message of hope.

05/28/2026

May is National Nursing Month, and we’re celebrating graduates like Dionna Reed, whose story proves it’s never too late to keep learning, keep growing, and keep going after your goals. 💙

After working as a CNA, becoming an LPN, serving in the National Guard, raising a family, and running a business, Dionna returned to EICC through our LPN Bridge program and graduated this month as a Registered Nurse.

Her journey is a reminder that continuing your education can open new doors, strengthen your future, and help you reach goals years in the making.

Congratulations, Dionna, and congratulations to all of our nursing graduates making a difference in healthcare and in our communities. 🩺🎓

Read Dionna’s story and watch her interview: https://eicc.edu/news/2026-05-19-progress-looks-like-this-dionna-reed.aspx

05/27/2026

Happy World Otter Day! 🦦💙

We’re extra excited to celebrate this year as we welcome Eddy the River Otter as the new mascot for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges — and partner with our friends at Niabi Zoo to support otter care and enrichment.

Meet Tina and Louise, Niabi Zoo’s Asian small-clawed otters! Known for their playful personalities, intelligence, and social nature, they spend their days swimming, exploring, foraging, and solving puzzles together.

EICC is proud to support their daily care through a five-year sponsorship helping fund enrichment activities and exhibit support at the zoo.

Be sure to check out Niabi Zoo’s World Otter Day post and show Tina and Louise some love! 🩷

05/26/2026

They did it! 🎓🌟 More than 1,300 EICC graduates walked the stage this spring, flipping tassels, celebrating big, and stepping into exciting new chapters.

The energy? Unforgettable. The pride? Everywhere. The future? Wide open.

From inspiring student speakers and proud family celebrations to Eddy making appearances at his very first commencement ceremonies, this year’s graduations were filled with moments we’ll never forget.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 — we’re proud of everything you’ve accomplished and excited for everything ahead. As Chancellor Dr. Bryan Renfro shared during commencement, your connection with EICC does not end at graduation — you will always be part of the EICC community. 💙

▶️ Watch the official commencement recap video and relive the celebration. ▶️

05/23/2026

A member of our marketing team paid a visit to Eddy’s pals, Tina and Louise, today 🦦💙 Wearing an Eddy shirt, of course! EICC is proud to sponsor enrichment activities for these little ladies at Niabi Zoo. Niabi Zoo

05/22/2026

EICC proudly honored four outstanding faculty and staff members during the 2026 Emeritus Awards Reception on Tuesday evening at the Scott Community College Urban Campus.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
⭐️ Bhaswati Gangopadhyay, Faculty Emeritus
⭐️ Jeff Kaufmann, Faculty Emeritus
⭐️ Patrick Cheak, Faculty Emeritus
⭐️ Ann Eisenman, Staff Emeritus

From inspiring students in the classroom to strengthening programs, partnerships, and communities across eastern Iowa, each honoree leaves a lasting legacy at EICC.

Thank you for the years of leadership, mentorship, creativity, and care you’ve shared with our students and campuses. We’re honored to celebrate you.

05/21/2026

Beneath one of the oldest oak trees at EICC’s Bickelhaupt Arboretum rests Marvin — a giant wooden troll created by internationally acclaimed recycle artist Thomas Dambo.

Built from reclaimed wood alongside local volunteers, Marvin is part sculpture, part folklore, and part invitation to explore.

In our newest feature story and video, Dambo shares how Clinton’s lumber history, the natural beauty of the arboretum, and the idea of giving discarded materials new life helped shape the project.

“Stories are a way to make people listen,” Dambo said. “If you create something magical, they become curious.”

📖 Read the story: eicc.edu/marvin
🎥 Watch the video: https://youtu.be/qxGXYWv2bNg?si=09kF94YBeDTkNV5x
🪾 Then go experience Marvin for yourself beneath the trees at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum.

Step into the world of the Clinton trolls with internationally known artist Thomas Dambo as he shares the story behind these larger-than-life creations in Cl...