SIUE alumnus Manjit Kang, PhD, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in honor for his noteworthy achievements as a plant geneticist. Kang earned a master’s in biological sciences from the SIUE in 1971.
The Daily Telescope detailed Kang’s professional accomplishments in an article posted Monday, Jan. 29.
Twelve Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students will participate in a five-week travel study to Uganda in June 2018, marking the first experiential and service opportunity for SIUE students in Eastern Africa.
School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) faculty members Michelle Cathorall, DrPH, assistant professor of public health, and Kathryn Brady, PhD, associate professor of speech-language pathology and audiology, visited Uganda in January to finalize plans and discuss goals for potential long-term partnership with Ndejje University.
The two faculty also met with leaders of the Katalemwa Cheshire Home for Rehabilitation Services, a potential site for speech-language pathology students to visit, observe and provide hands-on assistance to staff working with preschoolers with disabilities.
Undergraduates studying public health, speech language pathology and international studies are slated to participate in the global opportunity.
“We are excited about this opportunity for our students, and the potential to develop a viable and sustainable partnership with Ndejje University that could result in the interdisciplinary exchange of faculty and students in the SEHHB Department of Applied Health and beyond,” Cathorall said. “SIUE students will be placed in groups with Ugandan students and will travel with them to outlying communities to complete needs assessments, program planning, implementation and evaluation activities.”
“Speech-language pathology is not common in Uganda,” added Brady. “Tentative plans are for our speech-language pathology students to visit a different facility each week, including primary schools, rehabilitation centers and community organizations working with children with disabilities. We are finalizing plans to ensure that students have appropriate educational and cultural experiences.”
Cathorall and Brady also explored service and sightseeing opportunities for the participating SIUE students. They emphasize that Catherine Keck, founder and director of Edwardsville-based Project Restore, supplied the original connections to people and sites in Uganda, such as the Namulonge Health Center, and was instrumental in the development of the travel study program.
“After this exploratory trip, we determined that SIUE students will spend one weekend painting the Namulonge Health Center, a small underfunded facility that serves a variety of health needs to community members, including HIV education, prevention and treatment, midwife services and more,” Cathorall said.
While in Uganda, SIUE’s public health students plan to keep a blog and video journal of their experiences.
Photos: SIUE’s Kathy Brady, PhD, (far left) and Michelle Cathorall, DrPH, (far right) stand outside Katalemwa Cheshire Home for Rehabilitation Services in Uganda with social worker Jackie Amassee and director Olive Nabiryo, and Project Restore founder and director Catherine Keck (back middle).
SIUE’s Kathy Brady, PhD, and Michelle Cathorall, DrPH, sit alongside dignitaries of Ndejje University.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Women’s Basketball and SIUE Pink Zone joined forces to raise awareness and funds for Susan G. Komen Missouri for the sixth consecutive year. This year’s effort raised a record $10,000 to fight breast cancer under the theme “Together We Are Stronger.”
Fundraising events were capped by the women’s and men’s basketball teams as they played Jacksonville State on Saturday, Feb. 3 in the Vadalabene Center. 
Breast cancer survivors were honored during the women’s game.
Other Pink Zone events held throughout January and February included an on-campus fan reception, coach’s challenge, free-throw challenge, basket raffle, shirt sales and more.
To donate to Susan G. Komen, visit siuecougars.com/promotions/2018PinkZone.
Photos: SIUE Women’s Basketball and the Pink Zone committee present a check for $10,000 to Susan G. Komen Missouri.
SIUE’s Eddie the Cougar dons a pink jersey in support of the 2018 Pink Zone effort.
Breast cancer survivors join the SIUE Women’s Basketball team at the beginning of Saturday’s game.
While her scholarly interests have evolved through her academic career, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Jessica DeSpain’s commitment to work rooted in service and storytelling has not. DeSpain, PhD, is a respected teacher, colleague and community member who learns by doing and ignites in others a desire to get involved and make a difference.
In recognition of her excellence in teaching and scholarship, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has presented its 2018 William and Margaret Going Endowed Professorship Award to DeSpain, an associate professor in the Department of English Language and Literature, and co-director of SIUE’s Interdisciplinary Research and Informatics Scholarship (IRIS) Center.
The Going Award is the College’s most distinguished award and is bestowed upon faculty who have produced outstanding scholarship and have connected that scholarship in fundamental ways to their teaching and transformed students’ lives.
“Dr. DeSpain’s excellent scholarship in the digital humanities, woven seamlessly into her teaching and student mentoring, provides an outstanding example of a true teacher-scholar,” said CAS Dean Greg Budzban, PhD. “As co-founder and director of the IRIS Center, her work in sustaining the digital humanities through external grant activity provides funding support that extends beyond her own department and creative activity.”
From transatlantic book history to digital storytelling, DeSpain leads and contributes to multiple digital humanities projects with funding from such external agencies as the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
One of her latest endeavors in partnership with the Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities Foundation involves the children, parents, and grandparents of Madison County in the creation of digital stories to help them reflect on the value and meaning of relationships that span generations.
Many of her courses also consider issues related to food access and sustainability, and she integrates her commitment to local organizations like the Goshen Market Foundation into her teaching. “I am a strong proponent for service learning,” DeSpain said. “I want to disrupt the stereotype that academics, especially humanities academics, just sit in a room, read books and think. I am always considering how we can interact in the world publically, to demonstrate that we have important things to contribute to society beyond our campus. Academics like myself want to participate in worldly conversations in ways that make us a collaborative force, as opposed to the top-down, ivory tower model.”
“Digital storytelling has become my central focus, because people don’t feel empowered to tell their stories,” she added. “They don’t realize that through their own narrative they can learn about themselves, and what informs how they think about the world and the people around them. We’re also not always good about listening to people’s stories and are quick to make judgments.
“Digital storytelling puts the person telling the story in front, in order to let them think about what their own narratives mean and to try to understand emotions in new ways. Technology is a facilitator of that.”
Students play a vital role in DeSpain’s work as they inform and contribute to her innovative ideas. Since her SIUE arrival in 2008, she has continuously mentored and collaborated with undergraduate and graduate students. Participants in the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program have gained experience in their work with DeSpain on The Wide, Wide World digital edition.
“Working in close-knit, mentor-based, team environments with my students influences how I think about my work,” she explained. “Students should not only be in the center of it, but also have a voice as producers of it.”
“Many of the students I work with are English majors, who may not feel as comfortable with technology,” DeSpain continued. “The IRIS Center and my digital storytelling focus reframe the situation. Instead of teaching students how to use the computer, we begin with content that interests them and presents a problem that needs solving. This has made them more willing to reach out and interact with technology in ways that they wouldn’t otherwise, because they’re passionate about the content.”
With support from DeSpain, co-founder Kristine Hildebrant, PhD, associate professor in the Department of English Language and Literature, and project manager Katie Knowles, the IRIS Center has expanded its multi-modal approach and grown its community engagement not only locally, but also on an international scale.
“The IRIS Center has a complementary goal of increasing access to technology and engaging in the humanities,” DeSpain said. “When we began the Center in 2009, we wanted to create a space for faculty and students to share ideas, and we knew we needed a vision that matched SIUE as an institution. Recently, we have come to realize how central the community is to that vision, and we are excited to begin new projects that engage people of all ages in using technology to share their stories with one another.”
As part of her receipt of the Going Award, DeSpain will present a public lecture entitled “Life Courses” in fall 2018. She plans to present in a gallery space where she will share stories that students and community members have been working on through her digital storytelling projects.
Photo: SIUE College of Arts and Sciences Going Award recipient Jessica DeSpain, PhD, associate professor in the Department of English Language and Literature and co-director of the IRIS Center.
Dr. Jessica DeSpain (second from right) sits in the SIUE IRIS Center with student researchers and colleagues (L-R) Michaela Justus, Katie Knowles, Sarah Burt, Allyson Taylor and Ben Ostermeier.
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Department of Historical Studies and Emeriti Faculty Association will host the Inaugural Abraham Lincoln Memorial Lecture at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28 in Lovejoy Library’s Abbott Auditorium.
Renowned Civil War historian Edward L. Ayers, PhD, president emeritus and Tucker-Boatwright Professor of the Humanities at the University of Richmond, will present “Lincoln, Race, and Slavery,” with a reception to follow.
The presentation is free and open to the public. Interested community members may park for free after 5 p.m. in the lot behind Lovejoy Library.
“We are excited to have such a distinguished scholar of the United States and the Civil War as Ed Ayers visit our campus,” said Erik Alexander, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Historical Studies, 
who teaches courses on the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. “Ed is among the preeminent Civil War historians writing today, and anyone interested in Abraham Lincoln or the Civil War will find his talk relevant and interesting.” As part of the event, Ayers will also visit with SIUE students in Alexander’s Civil War and Reconstruction course.
“Dr. Ayers’ scholarship concerning the Civil War and Reconstruction provides a critically important perspective that remains deeply relevant for our society,” added CAS Dean Greg Budzban, PhD. “As one of the pioneers of the digital humanities, his insights in this area will be extremely valuable to us in the College of Arts and Sciences.”
Ayers is the author and editor of 10 books. He has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book award, was the Carnegie Foundation’s National Professor of the Year in 2003 and was awarded a National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama in 2013. He is the current president of the Organization of American Historians.
His first book on the Civil War, “In the Presence of Mine Enemies,” won the Bancroft prize in 2004, awarded annually to the best books published on American history. The second half of his two-volume study of the Civil War and Reconstruction, “The Thin Light of Freedom,” appeared in 2017.
Photo: Renowned Civil War historian Dr. Edward Ayers will present the Inaugural Abraham Lincoln Memorial Lecture at SIUE on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
The second half of Dr. Edward Ayers’ two-volume study of the Civil War and Reconstruction, “The Thin Light of Freedom,” appeared in 2017.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the Goshen Market Foundation, with support from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the Edwardsville Community Foundation, have partnered to deliver delicious nutrition via a Market on Wheels to local individuals who have little or no access to healthy produce.
Goshen Market on Wheels will bring affordable produce from local farmers and SIUE’s rooftop teaching garden to neighborhoods, schools and community centers whose residents lack access to fresh produce as a result of food-desert conditions. Two SIUE students will travel in the mobile market, making three to four local stops a week, to deliver fresh produce and provide education on nutrition and food sustainability.
SIUE’s Jessica DeSpain, PhD, associate professor in the Department of English Language and Literature and president of the Goshen Market Foundation, is spearheading the effort with the help of 12 undergraduates in her spring 2018 Literature and Sustainability course.
“This class has a high-impact service learning component that is teaching students the value of hard work, a commitment to the betterment of area communities, and how literature and sustainability intertwine,” DeSpain said. “There is a lot of literature on agriculture, life on a farm and food insecurity. Through this literature, we discuss cultural implications of our relationship to food and how those impact the environment.”
The high-impact community engagement practice (HICEP) received approximately $5,000 from CAS’ 2018 Targeted Funding Initiative toward the rooftop garden and securing of a mobile market vehicle.
Other fundraising efforts are underway through Friday, March 16 to achieve a goal of $20,000. The Edwardsville Community Foundation has agreed to match up to $1,500 in private donations made to the project by March 16. To donate, visit app.donorview.com/M5wD.
Additionally, Dewey’s Pizza in Edwardsville is hosting a fundraiser for the Market on Wheels from 4-10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27. Up to 20 percent of all food and beverage purchases, dine-in or carry-out, will be donated to the project when customers show the Market on Wheels flyer either on their phone or in hand. The flyer can be accessed on Facebook.
DeSpain’s students will grow the produce on the University’s rooftop teaching garden throughout the semester. They plan to have a mobile market purchased and outfitted by May.
“I’m passionate about helping people gain access to healthy, nourishing foods,” said Olivia Russell, a junior English major from Granite City. “This project requires giving our time and effort to something much more important than ourselves. Helping others and trying to make the world a better place to live is most important. I’m glad to be in a class that finds value in that.”
Zack Gondek, a senior integrative studies major, with focus areas in biological sciences and creative writing, has found the literature and sustainability course to be a perfect blend of his interests and desire to solve issues such as food insecurity.
“Dr. DeSpain has selected some great creative works that emulate farm life,” said Gondek, of Carol Stream. “I’ve always had an interest in agriculture and botany, and this project is helping me understand more about my community. I never realized food deserts were an issue in Madison County.”
Gondek and classmates will collect data to determine which crops will be most marketable locally. Their goal is to expand the rooftop garden by adding more growing soxx, a trellis to grow vine plants and other structures for potatoes, tomatoes and herbs. The students will also develop nutritional content to share with customers.
The project connects directly to sophomore Lydia Friz’s aspirations to write about environmental issues. The Collinsville native emphasizes the project management, team aspects of this endeavor as great preparation for her future career.
“This class offers experience planning a complicated project involving various stakeholders, teamwork opportunities with a tangible, shared goal, and important lessons in problem-solving,” Friz said. “I’m finding myself worrying less about grades and thinking more about what needs to be done to successfully accomplish this important project.”
Photo: SIUE’s Dr. Jessica DeSpain (far right) stands with students who are helping make the Market on Wheels come to fruition in her literature and sustainability course. (L-R) Kenyatta Simpson, Zack Gondek, Lydia Friz, Olivia Russell, Luz Martinez and Steven Shouldis.
Fact or fiction? African Americans have disproportionately higher rates of cardiovascular disease-related risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes. A group of students attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Black Heritage Month community health fair on Tuesday, Feb. 13 were split in their responses. The answer is true.
“Studies show that African Americans are at a higher risk of hypertension, obesity and diabetes than someone of Caucasian descent because of culture, lifestyle, and healthcare options and opportunities,” said Maree Slack, sophomore in the SIUE School of Nursing and president of its Student Nurse Achievement Program (S.N.A.P).
Medical Facts for African Americans was one of four stations at the community health fair, “It Happened One Night.” The title of the health fair came from an episode of the television series, A Different World. In the episode, one of the characters wrongly believes she is pregnant, because she did not take protective cautions, according to Marissa Williams, Black Heritage Month chair. This year’s Black Heritage Month’s theme is named after the TV series.
“We wanted to have a community health event, because there are so many stereotypes and myths around black health in general,” said 
Williams. “The number one myth we want to debunk is that African Americans are invincible and don’t need as much medicine or healthcare as other ethnicities do. Another myth is that black people don’t have mental health problems.”
The other three stations at the community health fair included HIV testing, yoga and relaxation, and arts and crafts.
“HIV testing is critical to the African American community,” said Jasmond Hansborough, community education specialist with the East Side Health District, which sponsored the anonymous testing site on campus. “It’s important to your health and well-being to know your status. I cannot stress how critical it is for people to be tested. Everything is confidential.”
“Yoga is a good way for people to heal themselves, through the use of the movement of the body in proper form, meditation and general breath work,” said Meredith Brunner, a certified yoga instructor who conducted the yoga station at the health fair. Brunner, a senior majoring in psychology, is a yoga instructor with SIUE Campus Recreation. “Yoga deals with proper nutrition, diet and sleep.”
At the arts and crafts table, Amelia Williams passed out markers, colored pencils, small blocks of wood in the shape of the continent of Africa and coloring sheets of such notable African Americans as Madam C.J. Walker, Dr. Maulana Karenga, Mae C. Jemison and George Washington Carver.
“This is a ‘de-stress’ table. Coloring helps you relax,” said Williams.
For more upcoming events, visit SIUE Black Heritage Month.
Photos:
Maree’ Slack, sophomore in the SIUE School of Nursing and president of its Student Nurse Achievement Program (S.N.A.P), share some facts about black health at the SIUE Black Heritage Month community health fair.
Meredith Banner, a certified yoga instructor, helps Nea Sails, a senior majoring in public health, with some yoga moves.
Jasmond Hansborough, community education specialist with the East Side Health District, talks to a student about the importance of being tested for HIV.
Former Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift, PhD, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from SIUE at its May 2018 commencement. The SIU Board of Trustees approved the presentation during its December meeting on the Carbondale campus.
Including his eight years as SIUE’s chancellor, Vandegrift committed 38 years of service to higher education with stops at Illinois State University, Murray State University, Montclair State University and Georgia Southern University.
As the SIUE chancellor from 2004-2012, Vandegrift was a catalyst for change. His vision was for SIUE to be nationally recognized as a premier University for the excellence of its programs, and development of professional and community leaders. His efforts in promoting SIUE to even higher levels of academic excellence are still being felt.
Under Vandegrift’s leadership, SIUE experienced significant growth. More than $300 million infrastructure and building projects were realized, including a new residence hall, Evergreen Hall; the Science Building Complex; Student Success Center; Lukas Annex; the School of Dental Medicine Laboratory; the School of Pharmacy building; and renovations to the Vadalabene Center, Engineering Building, and Art and Design Building. With his focus on the University competing nationally, he transitioned SIUE to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics with memberships in the Ohio Valley, Missouri Valley and Southern Conferences.
In the academic arena, Vandegrift led development of new degree programs, including a master’s program in industrial engineering, doctoral programs in educational leadership and nursing practice, and a dual diploma program with Istanbul Technical University. His efforts led to establishing a University-wide advising plan, organizing the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program, and developing a new general education plan.
Vandegrift was also essential in branding SIUE. He led a marketing initiative to develop and promote the lowercase red “e” at SIUE as a hallmark of the University. His efforts resulted in increased exposure for the institution, including record enrollment in fall 2011, which was later surpassed in fall 2015.
Vandegrift served the St. Louis metropolitan area through involvement on several boards. He was a member and past president of Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois. Additionally, he served as a member of St. Louis Civic Progress, Innovate St. Louis, St. Louis Regional Chamber, United Way of Greater St. Louis and the Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market.
Vandegrift received numerous awards, including the St. Louis Business Journal Influential St. Louisan award (2006-2012); the 2011 Lewis and Clark Council: Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen award; the 2009 Freedom Fund Higher Education Leadership Award; Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois awards in 2007, 2010 and 2012; and the 2012 Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce Synergy Award.
Vandegrift earned a doctorate in chemistry from Ohio University in 1974 after achieving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry from Montclair State University in 1968 and 1970, respectively.
Former Granite City steelworker Christopher Wense is making headlines after being awarded a scholarship from the Renewable Fuels Association, a national trade organization for America’s ethanol industry. Wense joined biofuels industry leaders from across the United States in San Antonio this week as he accepted the 2018 National Ethanol Conference Scholarship Award.
While Wense is now finding success in the ethanol industry, his future wasn’t always so clear. In April 2015, he was one of nearly 2,000 workers permanently laid off from U.S. Steel, as a result of illegal steel dumping by foreign nations. As a 41-year old husband and father of two boys, he was forced to start over, beginning with a return to the classroom for retraining.
Due to support from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act and the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) through the Madison County Employment and Training Department (MCETD), Wense was able to pursue his degree in process operations technology at Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC).
“Going back to the classroom was intimidating, but after doing my research and learning about the PTEC program and the job opportunities it prepares you for, I decided to dive in and give it my best,” Wense said. “Thankfully, with the support of incredible faculty, staff and case managers, I didn’t just pass, but finished my degree with honors.”
Wense credits MCETD and the work of his dedicated case managers at LCCC and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for supporting him through the program, including helping him to receive an extension of unemployment benefits through the Trade Act to complete his degree.
MCETD Director Tony Fuhrmann said Wense’s achievements were supported by the very types of job training programs highlighted in the State of the Union address earlier this month.
“We are so proud of Chris, who embodies the positive impact workforce training programs can make when you bring together the right combination of support systems, positive attitude and demand-driven training,” Fuhrmann said. “While returning to the classroom can be daunting, MCETD and our education partners like Lewis and Clark, and SIUE are committed to providing the financial, logistical and moral support students need to succeed. From tuition and fees to transportation, tutoring and professional development skills, we try to address all of our customers’ needs, so that they can get back to work in not just a job, but a career.”
During his last semester in the PTEC program at LCCC, Wense started an internship at the NCERC at SIUE. There, he was able to put his classroom knowledge to practice in an applied, hands-on environment that replicates industrial conditions. Today, Chris is pursuing his bachelor’s in industrial technology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, while working full-time as an operating technician at the NCERC.
Courtney Breckenridge, project manager for the Building Illinois Bioeconomy (BIB) Consortium, said Wense’s story exemplifies the consortium’s mission.
“Job training programs like TAACCCT were created specifically for this purpose: to ensure that workers like Chris are able to quickly retrain, and gain critical technical and soft skills that make them competitive for careers in the bioeconomy,” Breckenridge said. “Through hands-on education and training programs, and strong partnerships with industry, we are filling the jobs of today and preparing the workforce for tomorrow.
“I hope Chris’ story gives others hope, and raises awareness about the resources available locally at MCETD, Lewis and Clark, and SIUE for people to get the skills they need to start a new career.”
The BIB Consortium was launched in 2014 through a $10 million Dept. of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College Career Training grant. Led by SIUE with four community college partners, LCCC, Southeastern Illinois College, Lincoln Land Community College and Carl Sandburg College, the BIB Consortium provides more than 30 education and training programs in bioprocess, restoration ecology, and water industries ranging from one-year certificates to four-year degrees.
For more information about the Building Illinois Bioeconomy consortium visit www.buildillinoibio.com.
Photo: RFA Board of Directors Chairman Mick Henderson (left) awards the 2018 Renewable Fuels Foundation scholarship to NCERC Operating Technician Christopher Wense.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville honored University Housing residents who achieved the fall 2017 Dean’s List during a special reception attended by more than 130 students and their families.
Campus administrators, faculty and staff celebrated the academic accomplishments of the remarkable students. The ceremony included remarks from Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD, and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD.
“You are examples and role models for other students,” Pembrook said. 
“You are representatives to our surrounding community, and we are proud of your wonderful achievements.”
In fall 2017, 732 University Housing residents made the Dean’s List, the criterion for which is a 3.5 or higher GPA. An overwhelming 203 of those students have maintained a cumulative 4.0 GPA while at SIUE.
When asked what being on the Dean’s List meant to her, Haylee Lutz said, “All the stress and tears have paid off. I am taking 18 credits, so it is a lot of work!”
University Housing Director Michael Schultz stated, “We look forward to the continued success of our residents during their academic journey here at SIUE. It is our priority to support their academic success, and we are glad to honor their commitment to achieving their goals.”
For more information on the Dean’s List or other academic initiatives in University Housing, please contact Vicky Dean at 650-5296 or vdean@siue.edu.
Photos: (L-R) Morgan May, of Geneseo, and Morgan Lindsey, of Jacksonville, celebrate their Dean’s List achievement at the SIUE University Housing Dean’s List reception.
Tia Grant, of Fairview Heights, and her guests enjoyed the celebratory University Housing Dean’s List reception.
(L-R) Matthew Hopkins and Austin Uhls, of West Frankfort, were among those honored during the University Housing Dean’s List reception.
Men crammed their feet into red high heels and walked on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Tuesday, Feb. 13 to support women and to bring attention to gender-based violence. It was the University’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes activity.
“This event was an opportunity for us to start having those hard conversations about gender relations and men’s sexualized violence against women,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, PhD.
Waple led the walk from the Morris University Center and around a section of the SIUE campus. The men ended their high-heeled trek at the SIUE Cougar Statue.
“Our goal was for men to appreciate women’s experiences, thus changing perspectives which will help to improve gender relationships and decrease the potential for this type of violence,” said Waple.
“The Walk a Mile event has traditionally been an event to engage men as allies against sexual violence and supporters for survivors,” said Samantha Dickens, Prevention Education and Advocacy Center (PEACe) coordinator. “We also asked men to be active bystanders and prevent violence before it begins by stepping in when they see problematic behaviors that could lead to violence.”
PEACe facilitated the walk in collaboration with the SIUE Campus Activities Board (CAB).
Photo:
A group of male SIUE students, staff and faculty participated in the University’s annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes activity on Tuesday to bring attention to sexual violence against women. Shown in the center is Jeffrey Waple, PhD, SIUE vice chancellor for Student Affairs, who led the march.
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering (SOE) is celebrating strong alumni representation on the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018. Honorees include Jonathan Fowler of J.F. Electric, Devin Gates of Paric Corporation and Ryan Poettker of Poettker Construction Company.
Also receiving recognition on the competitive list was SIUE College of Arts and Sciences, and Graduate School alumna Theresa Schwartz, MD, MS, FACS, an associate professor of surgery and breast surgical oncologist with SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.
The 40 Under 40 list celebrates “rising stars” in their respective fields, who have been nominated among approximately 500 of their peers. They will be featured in the SBJ on Friday, Feb. 16.
Fowler, vice president of J.F. Electric, earned a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the SOE in 2010. He remains a strong supporter of the School, serving as an advisory board member and on the committee raising funds for the new Student Design Center. His family annually presents the James C. Fowler Scholarship to a deserving SOE student.
“I am honored to be a part of this group,” Fowler said. “My mission is to help people achieve their full potential and provide the best value in everything that we do. As a company, you are only as good as the people who represent you. My goal is to continue to grow my family’s business in the St. Louis region and continue to provide a safe and enjoyable workplace for generations to come.”
A frank conversation with SOE’s Brad Noble, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, strengthened Fowler’s involvement and dedication.
“People like Brad and the relationships that you can build at SIUE help shape students into successful professionals. The School of Engineering impacts so much in our city and region. It attracts new people to the area, and many of them remain here after graduation. I plan on raising my children and living the rest of my life in this city, and as long as education thrives, I believe the community has a chance to thrive as well.”
Gates achieved a bachelor’s in construction management from the SOE in 2010. Gates is an avid community and industry volunteer, working with Habitat for Humanity International, Engineers Without Borders and AGC Construction Leadership Council.
“It is a tremendous honor to have been nominated and selected,” said Gates, a project manager at Paric Corp. “I’m passionate about building more than brick and mortar structures. I love building relationships, careers and our community.”
“I was fortunate to study in the SIUE School of Engineering during a transformational period for the construction management program,” he added. “Chris Gordon started as an associate professor the same semester I started as a student. He mentored and guided me as he worked to his current role of associate dean.”
Poettker Construction Vice President of Project Management Ryan Poettker, LEED, AP, remains involved in the SOE and, as an employer, has found great value in the Department of Construction’s internship program. He received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the SOE in 2013.
“My mission is to create lasting relationships with coworkers, owners, architects, subcontractors and suppliers built on trust, honesty and the highest level of ethical values,” Poettker explained. “The Department of Construction’s internship program is a great value for students to get first-hand knowledge, along with the School’s Industry Days. I have found that SIUE students are eager to contribute from the first day.”
Schwartz earned a bachelor’s in biological sciences/medical science, with a minor in chemistry, from SIUE in 1999. In 2000, she achieved her master’s in biological sciences from the University. She provides surgical care in St. Louis for women with breast cancer and benign breast disease.
“As a physician and surgeon, it is a tremendous privilege to be acknowledged by the St. Louis Business Journal, as this list tends to have very few representatives from my field,” she said. “In addition to giving me the educational foundation needed to successfully navigate medical school curriculum, my undergraduate and graduate years at SIUE helped me to be an organized and efficient lifelong learner.”
An awards dinner for the 40 Under 40 Class of 2018 will be held Thursday, Feb. 22 at America’s Center in St. Louis. For a complete list of honorees, click here.
Photo: Jonathan Fowler of J.F. Electric, Devin Gates of Paric Corporation, Ryan Poettker of Poettker Construction Company, and Theresa Schwartz, MD, MS, FACS, an associate professor of surgery and breast surgical oncologist with SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.
This Valentine’s Day, students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville shared what they love most about SIUE during the Campus Activities Board’s I Heart SIUE event held in the Morris University Center Goshen Lounge Wednesday, Feb. 14.
Written on hearts pinned to a festive backdrop, students love for SIUE included “free t-shirts and my friends,” “campus,” “great teachers,” “food at the MUC” and “the diversity and care they give to students.”
“SIUE is always offering activities to get students involved and come together, so I thought it would be good to participate in I Heart SIUE during my free time between classes,” said freshman mass communications major Brenden Canada.
Eddie the Cougar handed out valentines to students as they enjoyed other I Heart SIUE activities such as hopscotch, pin Edwardsville on an Illinois map (a spinoff of pin the tail on the donkey) and guess the amount of skittles and m&m’s in the jar.
“Eddie is so sweet, and no one ever gives him a valentine, so I thought I’d return the favor by giving him one,” said sophomore nursing major Maree’ Slack as she completed activities to earn a free SIUE t-shirt.
“I’m happy SIUE’s doing something for those who may not get a gift otherwise,” added Alison Okeke, a senior studying electrical engineering. “I always watch for opportunities to get free SIUE shirts. I’ll be graduating soon, so I want to leave with a good supply.”
“This is cute and fun,” said Karlee Stapf, a freshman elementary education major. “It’s nice to do something in our home away from home to celebrate the holiday.”
Photos: Maree’ Slack (left) and friends pose with Eddie the Cougar after he offered them a valentine.
Sophomore chemistry major Maya Sante guesses the number of m&m’s in the jar during the I Heart SIUE event.
Kaitlyn Brimmage closes her eyes as she tries to pin SIUE on an Illinois map as CAB Graduate Advisor Casey Vaclavik looks on.
From future educators, accountants and social workers, to those still undecided about their future profession, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students involved in the Project Advance - America Reads program are gaining invaluable professional skills and developing as engaged, thoughtful citizens.
Project Advance - America Reads is an AmeriCorps program run through the Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House. SIUE has been a program partner since 1997, coordinating tutoring opportunities for its students at locations spread throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties.
The federal grant provides approximately $23,000 in annual funding to support some 55 SIUE students, who upon completing 300 service hours, earn an AmeriCorps education stipend.
“Just by showing up to help at a school for a few days a week, I’m making such a difference in the lives of local children,” said Tashawna Nash, a senior studying accounting, and three-year America Reads program participant. “I get to see their confidence grow as they begin to understand math better and transition from needing help to being more independent.”
The Peoria native tutors third and fourth grade students in South Roxana. Fellow SIUE students are making a similar impact at the approximately 14 other sites SIUE partners with to provide tutoring. Preschool through middle school students in communities such as Collinsville, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, East St. Louis, Bethalto, Alton, Granite City and O’Fallon are also benefiting from the program.
SIUE program coordinator, computer science instructor and University alumnus Erin Harris emphasizes that the America Reads program is a win for all involved.
“Some of our community partners couldn’t offer this kind of service, if not for SIUE students,” Harris said. “They rely on the students’ help to keep some programs going. SIUE is putting federal work study money back into the community through this program. And, students are getting paid for their hours and receiving the education stipend. America Reads is truly a win-win.”
“This partnership with SIUE has enhanced our services by providing the additional hands needed to help children with their homework or sit and read a book with them,” said Fairmont City Library Center Manager Katie Heaton. “Many passionate students have come through the America Reads program. They’ve spent countless hours with children at our library forming personal relationships, reading, assisting in homework, listening to family issues and playing educational games.”
America Reads is sophomore Donnie Bland’s first job. The Belleville native couldn’t think of a better organization to join to make such a positive impact on multiple communities.
“I love working with kids,” Bland said. “I work at two sites in Collinsville to support a diverse age group, and help with mostly math and reading. This program has provided me with the opportunity make money during college, and refine certain values, such as patience, respect and open-mindedness.”
Personal growth and strengthened confidence are common benefits of the program, enjoyed by both the tutors and the students.
“These children can be coming home from school to an empty house,” Heaton explained. “But, coming to the library to see friendly faces and spend quality time with an SIUE student can change their lives. I have seen growth on both sides of the group, especially with tutors majoring in education or social issues.”
Photo: SIUE senior accounting major and Project Advance - America Reads participant Tashawna Nash helps a fourth grade student with a math problem during a tutoring session in South Roxana.
The legacy of legendary 20th century architect and inventor Richard Buckminster Fuller will take on even larger life at the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (CSS-Dome), located on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, with the donation of a portfolio of the artist’s prints.
The Estate of Buckminster Fuller and Allegra Fuller-Snyder (Fuller’s daughter) donated “Twelve Around One” to the CSS, which Fuller designed.
“These 13 prints are rare artifacts and some of Fuller’s most iconic drawings,” said Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Rachel Stack. “Receiving this donation is just tremendous.”
“The donation was a way of honoring the good works being done by the Center on the SIUE campus,” said Benjamin Lowder, creative consultant at Fuller Dome SIUE and board member on the Fuller Dome Home at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
When Lowder learned that Fuller’s estate wanted to donate the prints to SIUE, he contacted the SIUE Foundation and the University Museum, where the prints are currently being stored until they are ready to be displayed.
“The silk screen prints are 30 inches by 40 inches,” according to Erin Vigneau-Dimick, collections manager at the University Museum. “SIUE has one of Buckminster Fuller’s own signed artist’s proofs of ‘Twelve Around One.’ A few notable other institutions which hold this portfolio include the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum in New York City and Stanford University.”
Lowder and Vigneau-Dimick have written a grant proposal for a Meridian Award seeking funding to frame and display the prints, which are expected to be hung in November, according to Vigneau-Dimick.
“I hope that by displaying these prints, and having co-curricular activities and information to go along with them, it will make people more aware of a bona fide genius, who was a part-time faculty member at SIUE, although he had a full time appointment at (SIU) Carbondale,” said Stack.
Fuller had this to say about his work at the Center’s dedication in 1971, “A sense of orientation of each human individual within the profound magnificence of Universe is provided by the Center's miniature earth.”
“The comprehensive scope of Fuller’s intellect makes his world view uniquely impressive in the 20th century,” said Lowder. “The modern era has been a time of specialization with great thinkers, and the public at large, choosing a limited field of expertise in which to specialize. Fuller bucked this modern trend by resisting specialization and maintained a globally expansive vision.”
“Through his observation and understanding of nature, Fuller was able to see the impending ecological crisis that we are currently experiencing,” said Lowder. “This vision had Fuller promoting a package of concepts that have come to be known as ‘sustainability’ as early as the 1920’s.”
“Fuller epitomized the ability of being able to take STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math) and make it STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math),” said Vigneau-Dimick.
“Fuller was an artist, engineer, mathematician and visionary, among other things,” she continued. “The Dome is not just a feat of engineering but is a feat of aesthetics, as well.”
The Center for Spirituality and Sustainability is an independent, not-for-profit organization located in the geodesic dome designed by Fuller on land leased from SIUE. Fuller worked as a professor in the SIUE Department of Design from 1959 to 1972, and since 1971 the SIUE Fuller Dome has served the University and area communities as a place for multi-faith and interfaith activity. A variety of educational, cultural and social events are held throughout the year inside this landmark structure. Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Baha’i and Native American faith traditions hold devotions, celebrations and public programs at the Center. The Center’s vision is to preserve the Buckminster Fuller geodesic dome in Edwardsville, Illinois, as the physical embodiment of Fuller's philosophy. The Dome’s translucent “miniature Earth” is a beacon for global unity, providing a place for connecting the world’s cultural and spiritual traditions through their common concern for the planet.
The University Museum of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, founded in 1979, is a repository and interpretive center whose interdisciplinary collections include more than 30,000 two- and three-dimensional objects of fine art, architecture, history, ethnology, archaeology and the natural sciences. The University Museum supports the instructional, research and public service functions of SIUE through the collection, interpretation, preservation, presentation and exhibition of objects which relate to the academic programs offered by the University to its students and the greater community which it serves.
Photo:
Erin Vigneau-Dimick, collections manager at the University Museum, shows one of Buckminster Fuller’s prints of ‘Twelve Around One.’
The SIUE University Marketing and Communications Department received seven awards from the 2017 Collegiate Advertising Awards competition. SIUE matched its standing from a year ago when it also received seven total awards.
With entries judged on creativity, layout/design, typography, production, quality and overall effectiveness, SIUE earned gold awards in three categories:
SIUE also earned silver awards in three categories:
SIUE also earned a bronze award for the International Viewbook in the Recruitment category.
The Collegiate Advertising Awards is an elite national program seeking to recognize today’s most talented marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in all forms of advertising, marketing and promotion specific to higher education products and services. The Collegiate Ad Awards allows institutions’ marketing and advertising efforts to compete against similarly sized colleges, universities and other educational organizations from across the nation.
All entries are centralized for judging (per category) by a panel of design and education-marketing professionals with decades of combined experience. Gold, silver and bronze certificates are issued by both group and category. SIUE competes in the school group of 10,001-20,000 students.
Throughout February, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students in the organization Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) are joining hundreds of educational institutions worldwide to participate in Student Engagement and Philanthropy Month.
SIUE STAT is hosting a Thank-A-Giver (TAG) social media-driven scavenger hunt across campus this month, representing the tangible impact donors have on the University. Additionally, STAT will host a weekly information table in the Morris University Center (MUC) to raise awareness about the importance of private giving.
On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the organization will also hold a “Tanks for Thanks” day at the MUC where students can earn a tank top for filling out donor thank you cards.
“It’s important for students to understand the value of our institutional supporters and express appreciation for the opportunities their donations have helped provide,” said Cathy Taylor, director of constituent relations. “The goal of this global program is to enhance student involvement and engage these future alumni in all areas of advancement, such as fundraising and alumni relations.”
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education and its CASE Affiliated Student Advancement Programs organize the global initiative. Institutions from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and more participate in the month-long event by creating student activities thanking donors and raising awareness about the importance of giving back to their institutions while building community on campus.
For more information, contact Taylor at 618-650-5176 or cattayl@siue.edu, or Julie Babington, director of annual giving, at 618-650-2378 or jbabing@siue.edu.
Photo: Members of SIUE’s Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) organization stand on campus, as they promote the February Thank-A-Giver campaign.
Theo Jamison, known around the world for his masterful work in dance, including being a certified Katherine Dunham Technique instructor, was honored at the Lulu Washington Dance Theatre’s (LWDT) 30th Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance held Jan. 23-28 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Jamison, former program director of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (ESLC) for Performing Arts, was one of seven LWDT honorees that included actor, dancer, choreographer, television director and producer Debbie Allen.
“I am proud to be in such marvelous company,” said Jamison. “I was taught by legendary dancer, choreographer, educator and social activist Madame Katherine Dunham. She taught me that dance, activism and self-development are a way of life. I have committed myself to not only live that way, but to pass it on.”
“Theo is a jewel in the Metro East community and around the world,” said Jack Williams, program director of the ESLC for Performing Arts. Williams danced and worked with Jamison for more than 30 years. “He’s an extremely well-trained dancer, especially under Katherine Dunham and her original company members. He learned Dunham Technique ballet, jazz, tap and West African. He’s an expert in the Haitian Movements, which is the core of Dunham Technique.”
“Theo speaks Spanish, which he learned while abroad,” continued Williams. “Learning Spanish was an outgrowth of his commitment to studying dance and immersing himself in the culture of primitive rhythms. As an artist, Theo has outstanding choreography skills, having worked with professional companies nationwide.”
“Theo has impacted the lives of countless people and students with the arts,” Williams concluded.
The SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts has a long, rich history. The legendary dancer, anthropologist, and social activist Katherine Dunham founded the Center for Performing Arts at the SIUE East St. Louis Center in 1967. At its peak from 1970-90s, the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts provided year-round instruction to more than 1,000 youth and became a training ground for professional artists of all disciplines. For decades, the East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts provided performing arts classes to students and community members to develop local talent and to cultivate a love of the arts. Classes often culminated in musical and theatrical productions.
Photo:
Theo Jamison is a master dancer, a certified Katherine Dunham Technique instructor and former SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts program director.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville improved freshmen retention from fall 2017 to spring 2018 by two percent to reach a record 92 percent. A 4.25 percent increase in African American retention led the way as African American retention matched overall student retention for the first time.
Kevin Thomas, EdD, SIUE director of retention and student success, pointed to a change in campus culture during the past six years with regard to student retention. “As a whole, the campus has shown a ‘culture of care’ that has enhanced the experience that students have on our campus,” he said.
Thomas described a variety of impactful strategies that have factored into the improvement:
Fifth Week Freshmen Assessment: During the fifth week of the fall semester, faculty provide information regarding first-year student attendance and academic progress. The information allows advisors and staff from the Office of Retention and Student Success to follow up with intervention strategies, including tutoring, study skills development, and time management growth.
Caseload Advising Systems: Established caseload advising systems throughout campus, but specifically for exploratory/undeclared students prior to declaration of their major. Each advisor has a caseload that allows for more direct support and intervention on the students’ pathway into a major.
Learning Support Services Supplemental Education Opportunities: On an annual basis, more than 30,000 usages occur with students for tutoring, the Writing Center, the Speech Center and Supplemental Instruction (SI). One-on-one tutoring with our student tutors has begun, allowing for a more focused conversation and learning pattern to develop between the tutor and the student. The SI program has grown over the past few years and provides direct support, in collaboration with the faculty members of those courses, for difficult first and second year courses.
Taking Aim Program: Each fall and spring semester, students who have not registered for the upcoming semester are contacted by the Office of Retention and Student Success, the Office of Academic Advising and professional advisors throughout campus who have an established relationship with the student. These conversations typically focus on the roadblocks to registration, questions the students may have and resources that could support the student in registering for classes for the upcoming semester. In the past few semesters, the collaboration between these offices, as well as Student Financial Aid, the Bursar’s Office, SOAR (Student Opportunities for Academic Results), the Office of Admissions and the Service Center have aided in overall retention growth.
GRASP Program: Spring 2018 pilot program for exploratory/undeclared students who are on academic probation. These students are working with graduate student mentors from SIUE’s College Student Personnel Administration program on the students’ academic growth. The probationary students meet with their GRASP mentor and have conversations about their academic progress throughout the spring semester as well as work with strategies to overcome the obstacles that an academic semester may provide.
Student Academic Success Sessions (or SASS): These sessions have become incredibly popular with students throughout their time at SIUE. Since the sessions began in the fall 2014 semester, there have been 3,170 attendees at sessions focused on time management, test anxiety, utilization of health and fitness resources on campus, and academic success.
Thomas acknowledges that retention is a campus-wide effort. “There are teams throughout campus that are impacting student success every single day,” he said. “Our retention growth comes from the work of academic advisors, Financial Aid, the Bursar’s Office, SOAR, the Service Center, University Housing hall professional and student staff, Counseling Services, Health Service, Campus Recreation, Veteran Services and many other offices.
“Our faculty play a significant role in our success, as well. Faculty members reaching out to a struggling student and supporting that student make all the difference in the world.”
Thomas believes that to improve upon the current success, the campus must continue to enhance the student experience. “Those enhancements are happening in course redesigns, curriculum reviews, conversations and growth in our diversity and inclusion efforts, and more,” he said. “Those enhancements will continue to move our retention and ultimately our graduation rates to reach the goals we set forth.”
Other spring 2018 enrollment highlights included:
Photo: Kevin Thomas, EdD, SIUE director of retention and student success.
Creativity and innovative thinking abounds at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, but during the Illinois budget crisis, it has been challenging to provide monetary support for numerous innovative and impactful faculty-proposed projects.
That’s why College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Greg Budzban, PhD, launched the CAS Targeted Funding Initiative (TFI). The program utilizes funding acquired through the College’s Winter Session courses and is supplemented with other internal CAS funds. Now in its third year, the 2018 CAS TFI funded 36 projects totaling $200,000.
“It’s exciting that we have found a mechanism to fund the immense faculty creativity throughout the College of Arts and Sciences,” said Budzban. “It’s heartening that we received so many proposals and were able to fully or partially fund almost all of them. Our Targeted Funding Initiative offers a way to continuously innovate and find novel ways of doing things. This is how an institution renews itself.”
This year’s criteria for the CAS TFI included projects focused on interdisciplinary cooperation, collaboration with the SIUE East St. Louis Center and community organizations, faculty mentoring, external speakers and conferences, and instructional innovation.
“Today’s complex ideas exist at the margins of disciplines,” Budzban explained. “Finding ways to enhance collaboration and interdisciplinary work will always be a focus. It’s also important for us to continue to interact and innovate with the SIUE East St. Louis Center to provide services and programs to the students it serves.”
The funded projects span CAS’ diverse programming from music, historical studies, foreign languages and literature, biological sciences and physics to mass communications, geography and applied communication studies.
A sampling of the 2018 CAS TFI projects include:
Photo: SIUE College of Arts and Sciences Dean Greg Budzban, PhD.