Five Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering students received $1,500 scholarships from the Illinois Professional Land Surveyor’s Association (IPLSA) Foundation. The awards were announced at the 61^st annual IPLSA Conference in early February at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield.

IPLSA scholarship awards provide financial assistance to undergraduate students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in land surveying from an accredited college or university, or a baccalaureate degree in a related science, including at least 24 semester hours of land surveying courses from the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation Land Surveyors Licensing Board’s approved curriculum at an accredited institution. Applicants must be Illinois residents attending an Illinois school.

Seiler Instrument Scholarship Senior Zachary Bourland, of Staunton, is the president of the Surveyor’s Club and helps arrange volunteer projects for club members. Some of those projects included building a sidewalk at the SIUE School of Pharmacy, roofing a gazebo for the Highland Rotary Club, building a playground for SIUE’s Early Childhood Center and helping the St. Louis Metro Boy Scouts earn their land surveying merit badges. He hopes to own a survey business in the future.

Chicago Chapter Senior Dustin McCurdy, of Columbia, is vice president of the Land Surveyor’s Club. He has been a survey field crew intern since December 2015. He expects to graduate in December 2018 and become a professional land surveyor.

Illinois Professional Land Surveyor’s Foundation Senior Dylan Mueller, of Nashville, is in the process of earning a bachelor’s in construction management with a certificate in land surveying. During recent summer and winter breaks, he has worked with API Survey LLC in Nashville.

Illinois Professional Land Surveyor’s Foundation Senior Michael Firtos, of Granite City, altered his degree program from civil engineering to land surveying.

Little Egyptian Chapter Junior Brittney Koter, of Des Plaines, has worked with Land Surveying Services, Inc., of Lake Zurich, as both a computer-aided design (CAD) technician and field technician since she was in high school. She is a construction management major with a specialization in land surveying and a minor in business.

SIUE construction management and survey specialization alum Quentin Schukar, of Edwardsville, also was recognized for induction as an Illinois professional land surveyor.

Photo (L-R): SIUE construction management and survey specialization alum Quentin Schukar recognized for induction as an Illinois Professional Land Surveyor, current construction major and Survey Specialization students Zach Bourland, Brittney Koter and Dustin McCurdy awarded $1,500 IPLSA scholarships by past president A. Lincoln and SIUE Survey Coordinator David Sherrill.

SIUE researcher Marlon Tracey, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Business’ Department of Economics and Finance, is making headlines for a study published in the January 2018 edition of the Journal of Health Economics.

The article entitled “If looks could heal: Child health and paternal investment” details research results that hold implications regarding “the role of a father’s time in enhancing child health, especially in fragile families.”

A post on Bustle featured the work of Tracey and his co-author Solomon W. Polachek, a distinguished research professor in the Department of Economics at State University of New York at Binghamton.

Photo: SIUE’s Marlon Tracey, assistant professor of economics.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville non-credit Italian instructor, Barbara Klein, has received one of the Italian Government’s highest honors, the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, for her work as president and founder of the Italian Film Festival USA, the largest festival dedicated to Italian film in the U.S.

“When I began a series of Italian film in St. Louis 13 years ago, I would never have imagined receiving this great honor,” Klein wrote in a prepared statement that was read during the award presentation at the Italian Cultural Institute in Chicago. “I accept it on behalf of the Italian Film Festival USA and the many volunteers who help organize the festival every year.

Klein is a long-time resident of the St. Louis area. She has been an adjunct staff member teaching non-credit, Italian courses for the SIUE Office of Educational Outreach since 2005.

“I have taken courses from Barbara Klein for about 10 years, and she is a wonderful instructor,” said Jeremy Jewell, PhD, professor of psychology and graduate program director in the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. “We are fortunate to have such a great leader in our midst. This accomplishment surely deserves recognition.”

The Honorable Giuseppe Finocchiaro, the Consul General of Italy in Chicago, presented the award to Klein. The Order of the Star of Italy was established in 2011 and represents an honor on behalf of all those, Italians abroad or foreigners, who have acquired special merit in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and other countries, and the promotion of ties with Italy.

The 14^th edition of the Italian Film Festival USA will be held in April. The free festival will take place in St. Louis, Detroit, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Portland, Phoenix, Boulder, Memphis, Chicago and Kansas City.

Photo: SIUE non-credit Italian instructor Barbara Klein, founder and president of the Italian Film Festival USA, received the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy.

SIUE alumnus Gloria Gibson, PhD, has been named president of Northeastern Illinois University. Gibson earned a bachelor’s in music performance in 1973 and a master’s in music education in 1978, both from SIUE.

The Chicago Tribune detailed Gibson’s new position and professional background in an article posted Tuesday, March 13.

SIUE alumnus Todd Waletzki has been promoted to president, payroll division at BenefitMall, a leading provider of employee benefits and payroll services.

Waletzki earned a master’s in economics from SIUE in 1989. Details on his promotion are available on MarketWatch.com.

Owner Bruno Nobre of Minas Espresso, Inc., with the guidance of his business partner and father-in-law Norberto Torres, approached the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville (SIUE) late last year about marketing his Brazilian aromatic coffee.

Nobre had been working with the SBDC since November of 2017, so he was able to move quickly through the startup process. Additionally, he has ample experience in farming coffee beans and is eager to get his product to consumers.

The SBDC was able to help Nobre with the content of his business plan. Growing up in Brazil and traveling around the world, he has vastly improved his English, but there were some things with which he still needed assistance. SBDC Director Jo Ann Di Maggio May provided feedback on his business plan and strategies, as well as setting up networking connections. Specifically with marketing, chamber of commerce and insurance referrals, May wanted to get Nobre on the correct path for getting his product and business ready for the market.

“I have enjoyed working with Mr. Nobre,” May says. “He is a hard worker, determined to be successful in his business venture. Bruno is extremely personable and has the skills and motivation to lead his company. I look forward to all of Minas Espresso’s success and supporting them along the way.”

Nobre appreciates how supportive the SBDC has been throughout this process. “Jo Ann was always checking in to offer support and services frequently,” he stated. He is confident that May supports his business and where it will go in the future. He knows that he can count on May and the SBDC with guidance that he may need throughout the business ownership process.

Nobre’s coffee is being imported from his farm in Brazil. The coffee farm has been in his family since 1935 and started with his grandfather, Benedito Inacio.

Nobre grew up on this farm and got his first job there, as well. There are many memories and stories stemming from it. He learned the ropes and the little jobs that help run the farm, such as watering trees or getting water to the workers.

Nobre’s mother managed the farm after his grandfather passed away. He wanted to be able to utilize the farm for his start-up and to not let his grandfather’s hard work and legacy perish. In 1996, Nobre took control of the farm and started from scratch. However, Nobre left the farm to pursue his engineering education and career, but eventually felt as if something was missing.

Though Norberto Torres’ path in life was different from Nobre’s, their beginnings as engineers were quite similar. As Torres pursued his education as a metallurgical engineer, he spent more than 20 years working for the multinational tire manufacturer Pirelli.

Torres’ dedication to Pirelli resulted in moving with his family to Italy, where he gained more experience and learned both English and Italian. When he eventually returned to Brazil, he bought a small farm on the countryside, where he would go with his family whenever possible to relax and take a breather.

In 2015, Nobre and his family moved to the United States for a job, a project manager position for an engineering company. He noticed he was still missing something in his life – part of home. He saw an opportunity to bring his passion for coffee and family together, as well as put his career experiences to the test.

His involvement in the family coffee business was finally becoming tangible. Nobre decided that he was going to start his coffee business and reached out to the SBDC around Thanksgiving. Minas Espresso will help support his family as well as his family in Brazil.

When Torres heard about his son-in-law Nobre’s stories regarding a coffee venture in the U.S., Torres saw an opportunity to start a new business while pursuing something meaningful that connected to his love for the countryside. As a coffee lover himself, Torres decided to support Nobre’s dream, become his business partner and open Minas Espresso.

They believe that Brazilian coffee is the best, and they want everyone to have a taste of it, all while helping out the Brazilian farmers on Nobre’s farm and offering amazing coffee to American families.

Metro East residents enjoy supporting small businesses, especially when they are family owned and this is a perfect example. Customers receive innovative products, support local businesses and their community, explore new shops, and have unique shopping experiences.

Minas Espresso, Inc.’s current goals are to sell online and to local stores. This includes, but is not limited to, restaurants, hotels, grocers and more. Nobre is in the process of trying to finalize plans for Coffee Tours at Minas Espresso warehouse. Patrons will be able to take a class, taste test, experiment with tastes and see the entire process of making coffee – similar to a brewery tour, but for coffee! Nobre and Torres’ long-term goal is to open local coffee shops.

Minas Espresso, Inc. will have its Grand Opening on Saturday, April 28 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The warehouse is located at 4767 Signature Industrial Drive, Unit C, in Edwardsville.

The first 100 individuals to pre-order five or more bags will receive an electric grinder. Pre-order Minas Espresso Coffee at minasespresso.com.

Contact Minas Expresso, Inc. at 888-916-4627 or at info@minasespresso.com.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures like Minas Espresso, Inc. as well as existing businesses headquartered in the nine-county region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIUE as a service to Illinois small businesses.

By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining new jobs and encouraging new investment. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large.

To learn about the SBDC, contact the IL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE at (618) 650-2929.

Personal drive and community involvement, supported by strong mentorship, have been the cornerstones of success for senior Keelah Washington during her academic journey at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

In her four years on campus, the English major with a concentration in secondary English language arts, has tallied a long list of achievements. Maintaining a spot atop that list is the personal growth she has gained by having strong mentors by her side, and her influence in others’ success by being mentor herself.

“Mentor relationships often unfold naturally,” said the Chicago native. “It’s important to have that person in your life, or those people, because they will help support and cultivate your strengths and push you to strive for more. They adapt to your needs and help you find resources.”

SIUE’s Arielle Weaver, assistant director of Residence Life for Community Standards, has been one such advocate for Washington. She says her sincere hope is that all SIUE students will find a positive mentor during their time on campus.

“It’s incredibly valuable for students to see people, especially people who look like them, being successful,” said Weaver. “They need someone who can answer their questions, provide advice and be there to push them to reach their goals and graduate.”

“Keelah is one of the hardest working student leaders on campus,” she added. “She does a ton to improve the student body. She’s passionate about issues facing students of color, and I know she wants to use that passion for good as she goes into education.”

Washington has been involved or worked in Student Government, Black Girls Rock, the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Dean’s Dozen, University Housing, Dining Services and Campus Recreation, among others. In November, she received the esteemed Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award, on behalf of SIUE, for her leadership, service and overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities.

“My involvement on campus has helped me in more ways than I can count,” Washington said. “Each activity or job has opened doors to more involvement opportunities. I’ve met friends, mentors and created a network that will help me after graduation, too.”

“My best advice to other students is to not give up,” she added. “As you go through your journey, not everything is going to be easy. You have to work hard. I’ve been rejected for things, too, but with those rejections have come better opportunities that have helped me get to where I am now. A ‘no’ is just for now. It’s not always the end.”

With the permission of school administrators, approximately 30 students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) assembled at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14 to memorialize the 17 victims of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. 

CHS senior student leaders organized a balloon memorial and moment of silence from 10-10:17 a.m. at the Of the River Mounds and Bridges stainless steel statue on the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus. Seventeen students each held a balloon. The name of each victim of the Parkland school shooting was read before the balloons were released. Students also carried posters protesting gun violence and supporting gun reform. 

 “Our students assembled peacefully, and the memorial was well organized,” said CHS Director Gina Jeffries. “I support the students. They have to have a platform.” 

“This is an issue that is critical to them, as well as to myself,” continued Jeffries. “I commend their efforts to honor the 17 victims. Our students’ display also shows that school safety is not just a suburban issue, but an urban one, too. It is an issue that affects the entire nation.” 

The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students' talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century. 

Photo:
SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School students honor the 17 victims killed in the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

Mike Marchal, president of Holland Construction Services, is the recipient of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 2018 Construction Leadership Institute (CLI) Alumni Leadership Award. The ceremony was Friday, March 9 as a part of the CLI Alumni Day and Graduation celebration.

Program Co-director’s Chris Gordon, PhD, associate dean of the SIUE School of Engineering, and Kristine Jarden, director of Executive Education in the SIUE School of Business, presented the award.

The CLI Alumni Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the St. Louis area building community.

Marchal was a member of CLI’s 2006 class. An SIUE alumnus, he has over 23 years of building industry experience. He joined Holland Construction in 1997 as a project manager. As president, he oversees construction operations, and is involved in strategic planning and overall direction of the company. Marchal has been involved in many professional organizations and held positions in several community activities.

“CLI’s mission is to produce accomplished leaders, who will improve the processes and outcomes in the construction industry,” said Gordon. “Through his work in advancing the building industry, and his commitment to the building industry and community, Mike Marchal exemplifies our mission.”

CLI alumni representing 15 years of the program and the Class of 2018 participated in the festivities.

CLI is an executive education program jointly developed by SIUE’s School of Business and the School of Engineering’s Department of Construction. It brings together professionals from many sectors of the building industry.

“The CLI program is designed to align with leadership development needs of the rapidly changing building industry,” said Gordon. “The CLI Advisory Board takes an active role in helping to continuously update this unique and innovative leadership development program to develop future building industry leaders.”

Since CLI’s creation, approximately 370 emerging leaders and executives have benefitted from the nine-week program that strengthens leadership, strategic thinking, communications and key management skills.

For more information on the Construction Leadership Institute, visit siue.edu/cli or call 618-650-5440.

Photo: Mike Marchal, president of Holland Construction Services.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Black Theater Workshop’s (BTW) first ever reunion, “Sankofa: Reclaiming Our Time,” will be a time for dance, learning and celebration. The event will run from Friday-Sunday, March 16-18 at SIUE’s Metcalf Theater. 

“Current SIUE BTW members and alumni will perform original pieces that celebrate the spirit of Sankofa-fetching from the past that which is good and bringing it to the present to evoke positive change,” said Kathryn Bentley, associate professor in the Department of Theater and Dance and BTW artistic director. “The alumni are looking forward to coming back and performing with the current students. This will be a wonderful celebration.” 

This year’s event is under the artistic direction of Bentley and her student assistant, Myy Moffett. Performances will be at 7:30 p. m. Friday-Saturday, March 16-17 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 18. A reception will follow Friday night’s performance. 

A portion of the event is being funded by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Targeted Funding Initiative (TFI). CAS Dean Greg Budzban, PhD, first created TFI grants in 2016. The program offers a way to continuously innovate and find novel ways of doing things. It utilizes funding acquired through the College’s Winter Session courses and is supplemented with other internal CAS funds. 

Thanks to the TFI grant, Bentley has been able to bring the Black theater experience to 53 students at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) through the Sankofa Residency. The eight-week residency includes a near-peer mentorship model where Bentley is assisted by two of her theater performance students, Justin Truman and Michael Watkins. The grant enabled two SIUE alumni, Joel King and Curtis Lewis, to participate as special guests performers, where they will bring BTW to the CHS on Friday, March 16 – performing and leading master classes with the high school students. 

The following workshops and alumni presenters are scheduled for Saturday:

• 12-1:15 p.m. - Auditioning with Josh Douglas, who received a bachelor’s in theater and dance/performance in 2009
• 1:30-2:45 p.m. - Storytelling and Improv with Ashley Bland , who earned a bachelor’s in theater and dance in 2013
• 3-4:45 p.m. - Master Class, Acting for the Stage: Scene and Monologue Study with Curtis Lewis and Joel P.E. King
• 5-6:30 p.m. - Panel Discussion, “Black Theater Today: Is It Still Relevant?” 

      Lewis, received his bachelor’s in theater performance in 2011 from SIUE. He is an actor, writer, director and producer. Lewis founded Journey Live Production in 2008. He formed the traveling theater company after writing his first play, “Beauty Inside and Out” in 2006. 

King earned a bachelor’s in art/art studio with a minor in music in 2003. He is an entrepreneur, performer, writer, director and producer. King’s production company, JPEK CreativeWorks Theatre has had great success after bringing quality, original productions to the area and abroad. 

The late Lisa Colbert started the BTW in 1999 as an avenue for students to create and perform theatrical work of the African-American theater canon, according to Bentley. 

“Students from all academic disciplines have participated as writers, performers, designers and audience members in BTW. They have engaged in writing original work, as well as performing work by noted Black playwrights,” added Bentley. “Students have also collaborated with professional artists from St. Louis, such as Hassie Davis (BS ‘92), Fannie Lebby and David A.N. Jackson. BTW alums are professional playwrights, directors, performers and producers.” 

The reunion performance will be a time to award current BTW members and honor BTW alumni. 

Avalon Palmer and Kiara Ulmer will receive the Rudy Wilson Griot award. The late Rudolph “Rudy” G. Wilson, former assistant provost for cultural and social diversity at SIUE, was a BTW supporter who performed several times with students. The award recognizes students who embody Wilson’s love of storytelling. 

Theodore H. Jamison, SIUE alumnus known around the world for his masterful work in dance, will receive special recognition for his commitment to the arts. Jamison received a bachelor's in theater from SIUE in 1977. 

“Baba Theo has generously impacted so many lives, and I want us as an artistic community to take a moment to recognize his tireless contributions,” said Bentley. 

On Sunday, the Colbert Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to students who exemplify Colbert’s commitment to upholding the diverse voices in theatrical expression. Colbert was a professor, actor, director, poet and activist whose vision continues to reach students. This year’s awardees are Luis Castro, Mitanesha Moffett, David Zimmerman and Michael Watkins. 

“This reunion is a celebration of the power and beauty that Black Theatre Workshop has been and continues to be for countless students,” said Bentley.

Photos:

L-R: SIUE alumni Joel King and Curtis Lewis will teach a master class at Black Theater Workshop Reunion on Saturday, March 17. 

L-R: Shown rehearsing are Shane Signorino (MA ’13) lecturer in the Department of Theater and Dance; and mass communications majors Ebone’ Knowles, a senior; and Michael Watkins, a junior.

The SIUE Student Fitness Center is featured in Campus Rec Magazine March/April 2018 edition. Writer Bobby Dyer focused on the weight room expansion project, which was opened to students in spring 2016. Read the story “Rec Center, Times Two” at campusrecmag.com. Director Keith Becherer is quoted extensively throughout the piece.

Whip out your dancing shoes and boogie through the ‘70’s during the second annual Decades Dash hosted by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Morris University Center (MUC)!

The 5K run through campus begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 24. Entry fees are $15 for SIUE students, $25 for SIUE faculty, staff and alumni, and $35 for the general public. Register now at decadesdash.com.

“We are thankful for the tremendous support we received during our inaugural Decades Dash in 2017,” said Karen Swanner, of MUC Marketing. “This year, runners will enjoy remnants of the ‘70’s as they enjoy our beautiful campus. Our musical disco tunnel will surely provide the boost they need to finish strong!”

Each participant will receive a shirt, goody bag and finishers medal. Awards will be given for the top three overall finishers, top three in each age group and the best dressed of the ‘70’s.

For more information, visit decadesdash.com or contact Swanner at 618-650-2178.

Photos: Two runners stretch before the 2017 Decades Dash.

Glen Carbon’s Jorge Garcia, an SIUE School of Business alumnus, took first place in the men’s division during the 2017 Decades Dash.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nontraditional student Danielle Smith is gaining invaluable research experience as an undergraduate in the College of Arts and Sciences.

She has received $500 from the Illinois Groundwater Association (IGA) in support of her important work studying the groundwater, waste water treatment plants and soil in and around Madison and St. Clair Counties.

The Collinsville native is pursuing a bachelor’s in chemistry with a specialization in forensic chemistry and is a participant in SIUE’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program. As an URCA assistant she works closely with faculty mentor Kevin Tucker, PhD, assistant professor of chemistry.

“We have been testing to determine how much of certain antibiotics are present in these areas,” Smith explained. “This research is close to home. The presence of antibiotics in the ecosystem directly impacts antibiotic resistance in bacteria in our area.”

The funding she received from IGA supported the purchase of necessary disposable items used for collecting and processing samples within the research laboratory.

“I was ecstatic when I learned that Danielle received this award,” said Tucker. “It is a valuable learning opportunity and a recognition of success for an undergraduate to write research proposals and receive funding for their work.”

“I greatly appreciate Dr. Tucker, as he has supported my educational aspirations and provided advice on how to pursue a successful career,” Smith said.

For more information on SIUE’s unique and innovative URCA program, visit siue.edu/urca.

Photo: SIUE’s Danielle Smith received funding for undergraduate research.

Diana Nastasia, PhD, Faculty Fellow at the NCERC at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, presented research on gender and the media at the 62^nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) of the United Nations (UN) on Wednesday, March 14 in New York City.

At SIUE, Nastasia works on the project management team of the Building Illinois’ Bioeconomy Consortium, a U.S. Department of Labor grant having SIUE as its lead institution. The consortium provides educational programs leading to careers in the growing bioeconomy, with a focus on training underserved populations, including laid off workers, veterans and minorities. 

Nastasia’s presentation was featured in the panel “Beyond a Pretty Face: Tackling Gender Bias in Media Industries,” co-sponsored by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) and Zonta International. The panel also included Patricia Sierra-Sampson, the founder of Voice Latina, Vanessa Tyler, anchor and reporter for FIOS1 News, and Michelle Ferrier, PhD, from Ohio University. The panel was moderated by Sonja Hönig Schough, president of Zonta International.

“I was delighted to be a presenter at UN CSW 62, especially this year when one of the themes was participation in and access of women to the media,” Nastasia said. “Another important theme was information and communications technologies, and their impact on and use as an instrument for the advancement and empowerment of women.”

Nastasia’s presentation focused on the unequal distribution of narrative resources, with a gender bias, which continues more than two decades after the adoption at the UN of the Beijing Declaration for increasing the participation of women in the media and eliminating the stereotypical portrayal of women through the media. The presentation is based on media monitoring research in eight countries on four continents. At SIUE, Nastasia has presented her research to women’s studies, anthropology and international studies classes.

At UN CSW 62, Nastasia also represented IAWRT as one of the organization’s elected board members, and as a member of the Research and Policy Committee of the Global Alliance on Media and Gender (GAMAG).

About UN CSW 62

The 62nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women is taking place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City through March 23. Representatives of member states, UN entities, and non-governmental organizations from all regions of the world are attending the session.

About SIUE

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose to shape a changing world. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of nearly 14,000.

About IAWRT

IAWRT is a global organization with a mission to strengthen initiatives towards ensuring women’s views and values are integral part of media programming and to advance the impact of women in media. IAWRT has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Students who have not declared or decided on a major may feel pressure or anxiety about not having chosen a path, according to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of Academic Advising’s Maureen Bell-Werner. And, at least two-thirds of students change their majors at least once during their collegiate studies.

Bell-Werner has spent her professional career supporting those students as they explore the opportunities available to them and determine which academic programs best fit their strengths and aspirations. Bell-Werner, assistant director for first year services in the Office of Academic Advising, has been elected Undecided and Exploratory Student Commission Chair within NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising.

“This is an exciting opportunity to lead and aid colleagues across the globe who work with exploratory students,” she said. “Academic advisors strive to assist students in choosing the best classes and opportunities for their interests and strengths. One of the primary goals of this commission is to increase involvement and promote presentations and research related to undecided student advising.”

As chair, Bell-Werner plans to boost the commission’s social media initiatives to build connections between institutions and advisors, promote events and research opportunities, and share resources.

“I love that NACADA is an organization that shares knowledge,” Bell-Werner said. “Since joining in 2004, I have developed research and presentation skills, learned about the field of academic advising and gained knowledge about how to best work with specific student populations.”

“Being elected to this NACADA leadership position is not only a fine tribute by one’s peers, but also recognition of significant professional contributions to and excellence in the field of academic advising,” wrote NACADA President Amy Sannes in an official announcement. “The impact of advising on student satisfaction and retention is documented, and it is through NACADA that we are able to share new advances with others.”

The NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising was chartered as a non-profit organization in 1979 to promote quality academic advising and professional development of its membership to ensure the educational development of students. Since that beginning, NACADA has grown to over 13,000 members consisting of faculty members, professional advisors, administrators, counselors, and others in academic and student affairs concerned with the intellectual, personal, and vocational needs of students. In addition, NACADA is the representative and advocate of academic advising and those providing that service to higher education.

Photo: SIUE’s Maureen Bell-Werner, assistant director for first year services in the Office of Academic Advising.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Campus Recreation is hosting an Open House from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20 at its new turf fields at the Outdoor Recreation Complex on campus.

SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple will be in attendance. Various activities will be on display such as Quidditch, soccer, flag football and ultimate Frisbee. Campus Recreation will also sponsor promotional items, food and open recreation activities for students who choose to attend.

The intramural and club sports program annually engages approximately 4,000 participants. In addition, a multitude of student organizations reserve the fields for their own events throughout the academic year.

Dylan Verret, a senior criminal justice major from Columbia, likes the new field, because it is “a great effort from the University to help increase the student experience at SIUE.” He also added that the new fields could help increase the perception of how SIUE is viewed by prospective students.

The project entailed replacing the natural grass surface with a synthetic turf on the soccer/football and softball fields. The synthetic turf’s durability and rain tolerance allows for extended playing and practice seasons for club sports teams and intramural sports activities.

Casey Cooper, a sophomore exercise science major from Forsyth and intramural sports official, is excited about the new turf. She believes once students see the fields, it will add to the participation within Campus Recreation programs.

Byrne and Jones Construction, of St. Louis, completed the $1.1 million dollar project that was funded through University student recreation operations and reserve funds. The SIU Board of Trustees approved the project in September 2017.

Students interested in participating in an intramural sports or club sports programs can contact the Recreational Sports Programming Office at 618-650-3274.

The Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is collaborating with The Alternative Board (TAB) and SCORE of Southwest Illinois to present the High Impact Knowledge workshop series from 9 a.m.-noon Friday, April 6. The event takes place in the SIUE Morris University Center, and brings local business resources to support area entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The workshop will include a number of topics:

• Business Plan 101 – Presented by The SBDC at SIUE
• Market-Based Management and Cash Flow Assessment – Presented by Patrick Werner and Rick Cottrell of TAB
• Marketing topics – Presented by Amy Thompson of Hy-Viz Marketing
• Creating your Cash Flow Projections – Presented by Debi Corre, B2B CFO
• Financing Your Business – Presented by Rob Pickerell of Midwest Regional Bank
• Hiring that First Employee – Presented by Belinda Chester, CBIZ Employee Services Organization

 “This is an opportunity entrepreneur and business owners will not want to miss,” said Jo Ann DiMaggio May, SBDC director, and small business specialist. “Business-building and networking organizations are asked to invite their members.” 

The attendance fee is $25. All attendees will receive giveaways and tools to take back to the office. For more information and to register, visit commerce.cashnet.com/siuebus. Sign in begins at 8:30 a.m. the day of the event. A complimentary continental breakfast and coffee will be served during the event.

The Metro East SBDC assists existing companies as well as new businesses headquartered in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is a no-cost service to the community supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIUE. 

   By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining jobs and encouraging capital investment. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large. To learn how the SBDC can help your small business, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Mass Communications will continue its tradition of inviting top industry professionals to share pioneering research and discuss the evolving media landscape during Mass Communications Week being held Monday-Thursday, March 26-29 in the Morris University Center. This year’s theme is “Swiping Right on Media Convergence.”

“The goal of Mass Communications Week is to introduce our students to cutting-edge topics, and also inspire them to think about global issues and set high goals for themselves,” said associate professor Suman Mishra, PhD. “We chose topics that are relevant to other units, departments and the community as the media has become central to everyday life.”

“Our theme revolves around the thought that today’s professionals must have a wide variety of skillsets and need to be eager to learn continuously across the length of their careers,” added instructor Ashton Speno, PhD.

Students have been actively engaged in the planning and promotion of this years’ conference. They have assisted in coordinating schedules and developing promotional materials, while learning problem solving, leadership and other management skills.

The four-day conference is free and open to the public. It will feature five top communications professionals from around the United States:

• Brittany Richter, vice president and head of social media for iProspect in New York City, oversees the vision and strategic activation of paid and organic social media across iProspect’s U.S. offices. 
• Brooke Huntley, director of Cox Analytics for Cox Media Group in Atlanta, is a digital native with extensive experience leading integrated advertising campaigns.
• Schron Jackson, SIUE mass communications alumnus and public information manager for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, is a driven and accomplished public relations professional with 28 years of experience within diverse media environments. Jackson will be joined by St. Louis Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Chief of Police John Hayden. 
• Chris Kilcullen, vice president and digital director of H&L Partners, and president of the Advertising Club of Greater St. Louis, ensures his clients like McDonalds, Toyota, Missouri Division of Tourism, St. Louis Tourism and Touchstone Energy, are delivered top-of-class digital marketing tools, applications and campaign support.
• Daphne Valerius, filmmaker, producer and journalist out of Columbia, Mo., has journeyed into a successful pursuit of redefining the media landscape. She has set out to influence, empower, uplift and serve females through positive and inspirational television, fashion and film projects, including her award-winning documentary, “The Souls of Black Girls.”

A full itinerary is available at siue.edu/MassComm/MCW2018.

“Support from the College of Arts and Sciences’ Targeted Funding Initiative has allowed us to invite these award-winning professionals to our campus,” said Speno. “Offering our students exposure to these professionals’ knowledge cannot be understated. Conversely, it allows those professionals to get to know SIUE, our department and our students.”

Mass Comm Week participants are also invited to donate goods for the Metro East Humane Society.

“Our students are eager to engage with this local nonprofit organization to support the Metro East Humane Society’s immediate need for supplies. This will also help to create awareness for the no-kill animal shelter and may even result in adoptions of pets in dire need of their forever homes,” Mishra said.

Items such as paper towels, dog and cat treats or toys, fleece blankets, trash bags and cleaning supplies can be donated in specially marked collection boxes on March 22 and 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and March 29 from 2:30-5:30 p.m. in the Morris University Center.

Photo: (L-R) Brittany Richter, vice president and head of social media for iProspect; Brooke Huntley, director of Cox Analytics for Cox Media Group; Chris Kilcullen, vice president and digital director for H&L Partners; Schron Jackson, public information manager of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department; Daphne Valerius, journalist, producer and director of “The Soul of Black Girls.”

As the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Softball team takes the field for its first home game of the season versus Illinois on Wednesday, March 21, its biggest fan and newest recruit will be there cheering.

In early February, Karlie Maine, a six-year-old from Alhambra, signed a National Letter of Intent with the Cougars, coordinated by Team IMPACT after having battled myriad medical issues.

Since then, she’s visited the team at practice and has been working on her own softball skills. View a video of her with the team here.

“I like coming, because I get to meet all my friends, and I get to swing the bat and use my new glove,” Karlie said.

“When we found out we were going to have this opportunity to not only get to know Karlie, but also get to know her family, it was a huge deal for our entire team,” explained Zoe Schafer, a redshirt sophomore from Noblesville, Ind. “The SIUE Softball program is all about family. We are so excited to have her join us.”

Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 1,300 children facing serious or chronic illnesses with more than 500 colleges and universities in 47 states, reaching more than 35,000 participating student-athletes.

According to her mom, Marsha, Karlie was born premature at 24 weeks. Since then, she has undergone heart surgery, Lasik eye surgery, and battled various lung and leg issues.

“The interaction with the SIUE Softball team has been really good for her,” said Marsha, who works in the SIUE Office of Admissions. “When we got the call from Team IMPACT and Shriner’s Hospital to see if she would be interested, we thought it would be a good opportunity for her to become a team player and interact with different people. This is her first try at playing ball.”

The players affectionately call their new teammate “Karlie Bug,” and smiles are shared all around when she comes to visit.

“She brightens all of our days,” Schafer said.

“As college students, we’re juggling a lot with studying, practice and games,” added Alana Cobb-Adams, a freshman from Kapolei, Hawaii. “Karlie makes us forget about everything, and we have so much fun with her!”

“We’ve extended the invitation for Karlie and her family to be at as many events as she wants, whether it be practices, games or team meals,” said SIUE Head Coach Sandy Montgomery. “We expect her to be a fixture around our clubhouse and around our team for the next two years. At that time, she will get to experience ‘Senior Day’ with her teammates.”

If you know a child who may be interested in Team IMPACT, visit www.goteamimpact.org for more information.