The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business hosted representatives from Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) in Heidenheim, Germany, on Monday, March 19.

DHBW guests met with SIUE faculty, staff and administrators to discuss a formal partnership agreement that would facilitate student and faculty exchanges, special short-term academic programs, and collaborative academic and research projects.

“Through international partnerships, both domestic and international students and faculty share their unique culture and introduce new perspectives to SIUE,” said Executive Director of International Affairs Mary Weishaar, PhD.

Exposure to global business practices better prepares students for the workforce upon graduation, according to School of Business Associate Dean Janice Joplin, PhD.

“Having the opportunity to live and study in another culture brings the concept of working in a global economy to a personal level,” Joplin said. “St. Louis businesses, including small-to-medium enterprises, have global aspects of their operations. International experience makes SIUE business graduates especially attractive to hiring firms.”

For more information on the SIUE School of Business International Program, visit siue.edu/business/international.

Photo: (L-R) SIUE School of Business Associate Dean Dr. Janice Joplin; Dr. Simone Maier, Head of DHBW Study Program, business administration and international business; Brigitte Ilg, Head, DHBW International Office; SIUE School of Business Interim Dean Dr. Tim Schoenecker; and SIUE International Affairs Executive Director Dr. Mary Weishaar.

Prospective students are invited to explore the possibilities of an advanced degree at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Graduate Admissions Spring Open House from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 in the Morris University Center’s Meeting Room A.

According to the Council for Graduate Schools, an advanced degree can:

• Influence how fast and far you can advance in your career
• Increase your earnings and the amount of responsibility you assume
• Enhance decision-making responsibilities
• Provide greater career flexibility

The open house will feature information on SIUE’s more than 100 graduate programs, which include master’s degrees, post-baccalaureate certificates, specialist degrees, doctoral degrees and cooperative doctoral programs. Information will also be available on graduate admission requirements and financial support.

“SIUE’s diverse array of programs make it an excellent option for the pursuit of an advanced degree,” said Jim Monahan, director of graduate admissions at SIUE. “We invite prospective students to discover the many opportunities for educational advancement during our open house. Graduate admissions representatives will be onsite and happy to discuss the admission process.”

During the Graduate Admissions Spring Open House, the graduate school application fee will be waived for prospective graduate students who apply at the event—a savings of $40.

For additional information or to pre-register for the event, please visit siue.edu/graduate-admissions. Interested students may also call (618) 650-3705 or email graduateadmissions@siue.edu.

Photo: SIUE alumnus and prospective graduate student Jantzen Rosales visits with Mike Costigan, PhD, accounting professor emeritus, during the 2017 Graduate Admissions Open House.

It takes a lot people linking resources together to help people close in on their dreams. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s (ESLC) Vera Jones is one of such dream catcher, as she provides coaching, resources and referrals to people transitioning into education and employment. 

Jones, a career counselor with the ESLC Metro East Accelerated Training & Career Hub (MATCH), was named a 2018 Tribute to Success honoree by Connections to Success. Tribute to Success is an annual fundraiser and community-wide celebration of achievements that recognizes individuals who have inspired others through stories of passion, hope, collaboration and leadership. 

“I help identify barriers that may prevent someone from taking the next step toward achieving their life plan,” said Jones. “Through collaboration and partnership with local social service agencies, many of the barriers are removed, which allows an individual to concentrate on completing short term certification or a training program, register for school to further their educational goals, or work towards obtaining full-time sustainable employment.” 

SIUE and Connections to Success collaborate to provide services to meet the parental needs of youth served in SIUE East St. Louis Center programs and residents throughout the Metro East community. MATCH assists individuals with identifying short–term training and educational programs that lead to living wage employment opportunities. 

“Success in the workplace relies heavily on employees having soft skills, such as literacy, reliability, problem solving and the ability to work in teams,” said Jones. “Connections to Success recognizes these needs. They use the approach of meeting people where they are. They encourage clients to plan and develop smart solutions to the complex issues around poverty. In addition, they have a lifelong commitment to mentoring individuals as they transition from poverty to independence.” 

“Vera has a unique ability to connect with people,” said Johanna Wharton, director of Workforce Development and Strategic Partnerships. “She earns their trust and motivates them to accomplish things they didn’t think possible. Vera is a key component to the MATCH program’s success, helping 95 individuals secure employment in the past year.” 

With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals - from pre-school through adult - in the Metro East. Head Start/Early Head Start and a charter high school are among the programs that offer the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. The Center also assigns first priority to encouraging, supporting and improving the educational success of the residents of East St. Louis and surrounding urban communities. The Center provides comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts. 

Photo: Vera Jones, a career counselor with the ESLC Metro East Accelerated Training & Career Hub (MATCH), was named as a 2018 Tribute to Success honoree by Connections to Success.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Native American Studies program, the University Museum, and the Edwardsville Arts Center (EAC) welcome internationally renowned Urban Iroquois photographer Jeff Thomas to Edwardsville for a series of events, including an exhibit entitled “Birdman Rising: Conversations beyond Colonialism.”

On Wednesday, March 21, a showing of the documentary Shooting Indians: A Journey with Jeffrey Thomas (1997) will be held at 6 p.m. in SIUE’s Peck Hall, room 2304. Thomas will give a lecture, “A Necessary Fiction: An Urban Indian in the Archives,” from 7-8:45 p.m. in that same room following the film.

An opening reception for “Birdman Rising” will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 23 at the EAC, with Thomas in attendance. The show runs through April 20. It is free and open to the public.

The exhibit will feature photographs Thomas took during his last visit to the area, including photographs of Native American artifacts from the University Museum collections and landscapes at local Native sites such as Cahokia Mounds. It is curated by Thomas, and Cory Willmott, associate professor in the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences Department of Anthropology.

“We are extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to collaborate with Jeff Thomas,” Willmott said. “As an urban Indian today, he identifies strongly with the urban nature of Mississippian society. The exhibit represents one step in Mr. Thomas’s journey to find the Mississippian Birdman and bring the significance of this indigenous icon to the public.

“Here in the shadow of Cahokia Mounds, the center of the Mississippian urban complex and trade network, Mr. Thomas brings fresh and different vision to precolonial North America. The dual voices in this exhibit, the indigenous artist and the anthropologist, raise questions and open up space for viewers to explore their own ideas.”

“As SIUE is located adjacent to one of the largest sites of ancient Mound culture, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with a Native artist who is engaged with our collection,” added University Museum Collections Manager Erin Vigneau-Dimick.

“The exhibit juxtaposes the contemporary and prehistoric local environments, and the peoples who interacted with them,” she explained. “It looks into and beyond colonialism to the pre-colonial glory of the Mississippians in order to create a dialogue about living in a world beyond colonialism through Thomas’s focus on portraiture in Amerindian stone carvings, colonial photography, and his own original photographic works.”

Thomas’s visit is exemplary of the strong collaborations forged between SIUE’s University Museum and the EAC. While here, Thomas will meet with students from Edwardsville High School to discuss his work.

Additionally, he will meet with SIUE students in the museum studies and Native American studies programs, providing an invaluable opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience with indigenous art and curation practice.

The production of the exhibit and associated series of events is supported by the College of Arts and Sciences’ Targeted Funding Initiative.

While they may not be prominently known, seen or heard, these exceptional women are making Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the region better in the area of diversity and inclusion. Seventeen women were honored on Wednesday, March 21 at SIUE’s Fourth Annual Phenomenal Women’s Luncheon in the Morris University Center. 

“During Women’s History Month, this is an opportunity to recognize the hidden figures at SIUE, and the work they are doing behind the scenes,” said Venessa Ann Brown, PhD, associate chancellor and chief diversity officer, who hosts the annual luncheons. “We have many unsung heroes at SIUE who never get recognized.” 

Seventy-three women from SIUE and the Metro East community were nominated this year and 17 of those were selected to attend the luncheon. All nominees will receive certificates signed by SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook and Brown. 

Pembrook congratulated the women at the luncheon for doing their part to fulfill part of the University’s mission. 

“I love how we have different groups of people who are shaping a changing world,” said Pembrook. “We have students, faculty, staff and people from the community who are making a difference. Thank you for all you do.” 

“The luncheon honors and celebrates women from all walks of life who have made contributions to diversity and inclusion at SIUE, the region, nation and world,” said Brown. “Through the annual recognition of these contributions, the Phenomenal Women’s Luncheon hopes to inspire others to embrace and promote diversity within their own lives and the lives of others.” 

Those honored at the luncheon include:

• Rima Abusaid, graduate student in the College of Arts and Sciences
• Fannie Acoff, admissions counselor
• Lakesha Butler, PharmD, clinical associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice
• Kimberly Carter, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Social Work
• Jennifer Cline, assistant professor and honors coordinator at Lewis & Clark Community College
• Jennifer Harbaugh, associate director of admissions
• Latavia Jo Harley, senior in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior
• Efrosini “Effie” Hortis, academic advisor
• Michelle Hudson, doctoral candidate in the School of Nursing
• Husna Ibrahim, general assistant in Disability Support Services
• Suman Mishra, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Mass Communications
• Tarsha Moore, program student advisor
• Alison Reeves, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership
• Anne Runde, senior in the School of Business
• Elizabeth Stygar, instructor in the Department of Sociology
• Silvia Torres-Bowman, director of the SIUE International Trade Center
• Sandra Weissinger, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology

“Phenomenal women are those who are inclusive of everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, etc.,” said Stygar. “In my classrooms, I make efforts to make everyone feel included.” 

“Being a phenomenal woman is trying new things and understanding that you are capable, compelling and captivating as a human being,” said Ibrahim. “You appreciate who you are. When you make mistakes along the way, you learn from them.” 

“We often think about a phenomenal woman as someone who has achieved big things, which of course needs to be celebrated,” said Mishra, “but I think a phenomenal woman who pushes boundaries and challenges norms in small ways to bring about positive changes in the lives of people around her.” 

“A phenomenal woman doesn’t know what it means to have an empty cup,” said Moore, “because we continue to give. When you give to others, it replenishes you. We are truly invested in how we make people feel. I try to live my life by one of Maya Angelou’s quotes that says: ‘At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.’” 

Photos:
Nine of the 17 SIUE Phenomenal Women selected for 2018 attended the Fourth Annual Phenomenal Women’s Luncheon on Wednesday, March 21. Shown from left to right: Jennifer Cline, Elizabeth Stygar, Tarsha Moore, Lakesha Butler, Suman Mishra, Michelle Hudson, Husna Ibrahim, Alison Reeves and Kim Carter. 

Husna Ibrahim, general assistant in Disability Support Services, gives her definition of a phenomenal woman. 

Shown are Venessa Ann Brown, PhD, associate chancellor and chief diversity officer (far right) and seven of the 17 Phenomenal Luncheon Women honorees and those who nominated them.

More sports. More play time. More fun. The increase in activity will be the result of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s new turf fields at the Outdoor Recreation Complex on campus. 

SIUE displayed its weather resistant fields during an open house on Tuesday, March 20. 

“The new fields will allow more opportunities for participation by our students, because the turf is more tolerant to usage in any season as opposed to natural grass that might be dormant or too wet at certain times of the year,” said Keith Becherer, director of Campus Recreation. “The fields are under lights, so theoretically activities could occur 24 hours a day.” 

The new turf fields are for student recreation play, including informal recreation, Intramural Sports, Club Sports and student organization reservations, according to Becherer. 

“We expect a wide range of students to use the fields, including groups like the Color Guard, Quidditch Club, soccer clubs, Ultimate Frisbee Club and more,” he said. 

“Student response thus far has been very positive,” said Tom Dougherty, coordinator of Intramural Sports. “Many are happy to see the investment the University is making to increase their SIUE experience.” 

“Our department believes word will continue to spread to students around campus,” continued Dougherty, “and aid as a positive recruitment tool for prospective students.” 

“This enhancement reaffirms our commitment to providing quality facilities and programs for our students,” added Becherer. “Gauging by the number of student requests we already have on the books for the remainder of the spring semester, the fields are going to be extremely well utilized.” 

Photos:
The SIUE Color Guard, a new student group, gets in some practice on the new field. 

Members of the Quidditch get some playing time in.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business recognized record donor support with scholarships worth more than $200,000 during its 14^th Annual Scholarships and Awards Program held Wednesday, March 21.

Awards were presented to approximately 100 students pursuing degrees in accounting, business administration, computer management and information systems, economics and finance, and marketing.

School of Business Interim Dean Tim Schoenecker, PhD, welcomed sponsors, faculty, administrators, student recipients, parents and guests. He expressed gratitude for the generous donors who play a vital role in student success.

“Today we celebrate the academic achievements of the School of Business’s finest students,” Schoenecker said. “We are confident these students are going to achieve great things.”

“We appreciate our donors’ friendship and generosity,” he added. “It is crucial that we continue to secure scholarships, both annual and endowed, to attract and retain outstanding students by offering the highest quality business education.”

The program’s guest speaker was Robert Schwartz, senior vice president of retail banking at TheBANK of Edwardsville and SIUE School of Business Advisory Board member.

“The quality of SIUE students is at a high level, particularly in intelligence, desire and work ethic,” Schwartz said. “You should be proud that you were chosen to receive a scholarship for your scholastic achievements, extra-curricular involvement or because someone sees potential in you.”

Schwartz underscored SIUE’s positive impact on the local economy, regional growth and quality of life. He closed by reading thank you notes he recently received from scholarship recipients.

“For donors, the real return on investment is you, the students, who will become productive, creative, successful members of the workforce and society,” he added. “We want you to maximize opportunities, strive to be active and engaged students, focus on your studies, embrace diversity and lend a helping hand to those who need it. When you achieve success, I encourage you to pay it forward by helping the next generation.”

SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook also extended his heartfelt thanks to the donors who support SIUE students as they develop skills that will help them shape a changing world.

“Access to a college education in the 21^st century is everything,” Pembrook said. “A college degree is the best determiner for how you will do financially. Reflect on the gift you have received today and remember to pay it forward. I challenge you to make a difference in your community, your profession and the world.”

Photos: TheBANK of Edwardsville’s Robert Schwartz (far left) stands alongside all 10 SIUE students receiving TheBANK of Edwardsville Scholarship, as well as School of Business Interim Dean Tim Schoenecker, PhD (back right).

Pictured left to right are Brad Reed, PhD, CPA, professor and chair of the Department of Accounting; SIUE junior accounting major Mckinley Vickers, of Streator, the inaugural Wenzel CPA Scholarship recipient; and School of Business Interim Dean Tim Schoenecker, PhD.

Three students earned the Delta Sigma Pi (DSP) Key Award for achieving a 4.0 GPA. (L-R) Scholarships and Awards Committee member Michael Hair, PhD, DSP President Joseph Bledsoe, student recipients Brian Watson, of Franklin, Rachael Ostertag, of Dupo, Simone Gianette, of Rivoli, Italy, and School of Business Interim Dean Tim Schoenecker, PhD.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SIUE SON) and BJC HealthCare today announced a new academic opportunity for BJC HealthCare nurses, offering two online Master of Science nursing degrees (MS) and a post-master’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) beginning immediately.

Under the agreement, online Master of Science-Nurse Educator and Master of Science-Health Care and Nursing Administration programs will be available to BJC HealthCare nurses throughout its network. In addition, BJC HealthCare nurses will be offered the post-master’s DNP. SIUE’s DNP equips nurses with a sophisticated blend of interpersonal, practice, organizational, business and leadership skills. This agreement represents the first time SIUE has offered any of its doctoral programs through a corporate academic partner. 

SIUE’s collaboration with BJC HealthCare began in 2010 when the SIUE Office of Educational Outreach developed a master’s in healthcare informatics exclusively for BJC employees. In spring 2017, the SON introduced an accelerated online RN to BS program for BJC nurses seeking the baccalaureate degree.

“Through this latest agreement, BJC HealthCare leaders once again demonstrate their dedication to ensuring lifelong learning for their employees, as well as their commitment to the development of nursing leaders,” said Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN, dean of the SIUE SON.

“Expanding our agreement to include these offerings provides an additional format for BJC nurses to continue their education in a more flexible format,” said Beth Camp, MA, senior learning and development consultant-academic partnerships at the BJC Institute for Learning and Development. “SIUE has proven to be an excellent partner for BJC employees interested in completing their degrees online. Many of our nurses are SIUE alumni and this partnership allows them to receive the additional benefits that can be extended to employees who choose one of our Academic Partnership schools while continuing with a school that has already served them well.”

“We are excited to add BJC as a partner in our growing graduate programs,” said Andy Griffin, PhD, BSN, assistant dean of graduate programs. “We have made many recent changes to meet the needs of our dynamic student population, including the addition of two master educators, Drs. Anne Perry and Kay Gaehle, as leaders in our Nurse Educator program.”  

Perry is renowned for co-authoring one of the best-selling books in nursing education, “Fundamentals of Nursing,” by Perry and Patricia Potter. A former SON interim dean, Perry joined the SIUE faculty in 2004 and has served in numerous teaching and administrative roles.  Co-author Potter was a nurse and educator at BJC’s flagship adult academic medical center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, for more than 40 years.

Gaehle, associate professor and coordinator for the Nurse Educator program, is recognized for her exceptional abilities as a scholarly and dynamic teacher. She has been honored as a March of Dimes’ Nurse Educator of the Year, and received the SIUE Teaching Excellence award.

The two seasoned educators join a team of faculty specially trained to deliver online education, which provides working nurses with flexibility on when and where coursework is completed. For more information, visit siue.edu/corporate/bjc.

About BJC HealthCare

BJC HealthCare is one of the largest nonprofit health care organizations in the United States, delivering services to residents primarily in the greater St. Louis, southern Illinois and mid-Missouri regions. Serving the health care needs of urban, suburban and rural communities, BJC includes 15 hospitals and multiple health service organizations. Services include inpatient and outpatient care, primary care, community health and wellness, workplace health, home health, community mental health, rehabilitation, long-term care, and hospice. BJC’s nationally recognized academic hospitals, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s hospitals, are affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine.

Photo: Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN, dean of the SIUE SON.

Sitting in a circle in a nondescript classroom, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students are introduced to Aunt Ester, Citizen Barlow and the City of Bones. 

The 16 students are reading scenes from the famous playwright August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean under the direction and animation of Kathryn Bentley, associate professor in the Department of Theater and Dance, and artistic director of SIUE’s Black Theater Workshop (BTW). 

The CHS theater class is being offered through Sankofa Residency: A Black Theater Program, which began Feb. 19 and ends April 13. 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 College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Targeted Funding Initiative (TFI) funds the program. 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. 

“I want to participate in acting,” said Jessie Bady, a CHS sophomore, who wants to be a therapist. “Acting allows me to express myself in different ways. It allows me to be in different situations, though while they are not real, I would not have found myself in otherwise.” 

CHS senior Seth Luster wants to act as a hobby. “I enjoy reading August Wilson’s work,” he said. “I’ve read Gem of the Ocean before. It is a moving play. It’s good to be exposed to the theater and performing.” 

Bentley agrees, which is why she wrote the Sankofa Residency proposal. “All students can learn and be enriched by the theater regardless of what they plan to study or pursue as a career.” 

Some of the residency’s objectives include:

• Introduce students to Black Playwrights
• Introduce fundamental concepts of acting
• Teach participants to better appreciate theatrical performance events as an audience member
• To communicate creative ideas clearly
• To improve a student’s concentration, focus and confidence as a performer and an individual
• To introduce a holistic approach to learning that engages the body and mind 

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. 

Photos:
Kathryn Bentley, associate professor in the Department of Theater and Dance and artistic director of SIUE’s Black Theater Workshop (BTW), listens to students read as part of her Sankofa Residency: A Black Theater Program at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School. In the background is the theater performance student Justin Truman. 

Charter High School sophomore Jessie Bady answers in the affirmative to a question of who enjoys going to the theater.

The Gardens at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville invites the public to “Grow the Gardens” from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 13 at The Wildey Theatre located at 252 N. Main Street in Edwardsville.

The fundraiser event promises an evening of networking, food and engaging entertainment from The Dueling Pianos, featuring Mike Sonderegger and Cam Brown. Attendees will enjoy heavy appetizers from Wang Gang, and a cash bar will be available.

Tickets are $50 per person and include a 2018 Friends of The Gardens membership. Get your tickets now at siue.edu/gardens/grow.

“The Gardens at SIUE are a beautiful treasure of the campus and the Edwardsville community,” said Master Gardener Marian Smithson, chair of The Gardens at SIUE Advisory Board. “Funds raised at this event will support the vitality of this natural gem, as The Gardens relies on private funding. It provides a rare opportunity for donors to support education, the environment, the community and the future.”

A team of four SIUE Applied Communication Studies undergraduates pursuing their senior assignment project in public relations helped coordinate the Grow the Gardens event. The students are Alyssa Almasalmeh, of Creve Coeur, Mo., Luke Jansen, of Effingham, Ethan Massey, of Marine, and Matthew Zahn, of Belleville. The team is coordinated by Sorin Nastasia, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Applied Communication Studies, who teaches the public relations senior assignment course.

“When presented the opportunity to work with Marian and The Gardens at SIUE, we saw a chance to make a marked difference in the community before we graduate in May,” said Almasalmeh. “Our primary goals include creating a lasting support system for The Gardens, raising funds to help make necessary improvements and repairs, raising awareness of The Gardens current status and needs, and sharing future plans.”

Promotion of this faculty-guided student effort was also supported by an SIUE Meridian Society Award.

“The awareness campaigns that student teams organize for community clients such as The Gardens at SIUE constitute a high impact community engagement practice and contribute to the growth of our region” said Nastasia. “Through their senior assignment projects, students gain valuable experience that is the last step in their preparation for the profession, while the community clients increase their organizational capacity.”

“Community collaboration is crucial for this living laboratory and gorgeous venue to flourish,” added Zahn. “Donations, grant funding and volunteer efforts will keep The Gardens growing and thriving in the future. We hope the community will join us for this exciting event to show their support and appreciation for The Gardens at SIUE.”

For more information on The Gardens at SIUE, visit siue.edu/gardens.

Photos: The Gardens at SIUE in late spring 2013.

Four SIUE Department of Applied Communication Studies undergraduates pursuing their senior assignment project in public relations helped coordinate the Grow the Gardens event. The students are (L-R) Matthew Zahn, of Belleville, Alyssa Almasalmeh, of Creve Coeur, Mo., Luke Jansen, of Effingham, and Ethan Massey, of Marine.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s newly formed food sustainability consortium is bringing together multiple independent initiatives to maximize student impact by better coordinating sustainability access and education. The consortium is supported, in part, by a $14,224 SIUE Excellence in Undergraduate Education (EUE) grant.

“The food sustainability consortium will dismantle knowledge silos and foster cross-disciplinary collaborations involving both academics and student affairs,” said Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, principal investigator of the EUE grant and associate professor in the Departments of Sociology and Criminal Justice.

Among the consortium’s initiatives is the upcoming SIUE Goshen Farmer’s Market. The community-campus collaboration will bring local vendors to the Stratton Quadrangle on campus from 3:30-5:30 p.m. every Tuesday in April and in mid-August through October.

“It’s important for students to have access to fresh, local produce and goods,” said Tara Pohlman, manager of the Goshen Market. “Besides local produce, there will be vendors with meat, eggs, flowers, baked goods, honey and soap. Local artists will also feature their creative works.”

Last fall, the Land of Goshen Community Market visited the SIUE campus with great success.

“We had an incredible number of people attend last fall,” said Chad Verbais, assistant director of Supplemental Education/Learning Support Services at SIUE, and chair of the Edwardsville/SIUE Community Destination Committee. “To see this effort flourish is truly remarkable. This collaboration complements the goals of our committee, as we feel this is a wonderful way to bring an important piece of Edwardsville to the campus center.”

Other consortium initiatives include:

• Market on Wheels: A collaborative effort between SIUE and the Goshen Market Foundation that provides greater access to affordable, healthy produce in food insecure areas of the region
• Rooftop Teaching Garden: A vegetable garden on the patio of the University restaurant, Fixins’, that will be used as a teaching site for courses and that will supply the Market on Wheels
• Student Food Pantry: A pantry located in the Morris University Center to help students who may lack access to healthy food
• Community Garden: Coordinated by the student organization Natural Connections, students have their own vegetable plots in The Gardens at SIUE

Faculty in SIUE Departments of Sociology, English Language and Literature, Historical Studies, Applied Health, Geography, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Anthropology, and Philosophy are among those whose courses, often containing service learning components, will be strengthened by the consortium.

These academic endeavors, in collaboration with numerous existing service-oriented, extra-curricular programs run through the Kimmel Student Involvement Center, will maximize student and community impact.

“To understand fully the implications of the means that end up on their plates each day, students must learn about biological diversity, urban and rural landscapes, cultural foodways, and the social and nutritional implications of food quality and scarcity,” Frey Spurlock explained. “The work of faculty, staff and students has reached a critical apex wherein to continue to develop, we need this consortium which ensures a continuing set of courses, resources and student support.”

“In its first year, the consortium intends to engage approximately 300 students in high impact community engagement practices,” added Jessica DeSpain, PhD, associate professor in the Department of English Language and Literature and president of the Goshen Market Foundation. “SIUE’s food sustainability consortium could provide a model for how other cross-disciplinary interests could be organized.”

The consortium will include a coordinator for activities, a sustainable system for sharing project resources, planning of a steady slate of courses integrating these projects into the curriculum, and a food sustainability competency badge to reach new audiences with the innovative food-related work underway at SIUE.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) Dean Gireesh Gupchup, PhD, will step down effective June 30, 2018 for family reasons. He will continue as an SOP faculty member to assist in the School’s continued success.

“While the School of Pharmacy is in an extremely strong position, I have carefully reflected on my challenging personal circumstances and the demands of the dean’s position, and have made a career decision to provide more flexibility for my family,” Gupchup said. “It has truly been an honor to serve as dean since 2010, and to help the School achieve the accolades and prominence that it has rightfully garnered.”

“We want to thank Dr. Gupchup for his years of dedicated service to the SIUE School of Pharmacy and his student-centered philosophy,” said Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD. “Provost Denise Cobb and I have great confidence in the SIUE School of Pharmacy, its leadership and its future We will be working closely with the School’s faculty and staff to determine a succession plan that will capitalize upon the School’s tremendous momentum.”

“Dean Gupchup has been a driving force in the School’s rise to regional, national and international prestige,” Cobb said. “Along with excellent outcomes for students, the School’s commitment to experiential learning, global initiatives and innovative research flourished during his tenure.”

“I want to express my gratitude to the SIUE School of Pharmacy community and the SIUE administration for the support that the school has received during my tenure,” Gupchup added. “Our students, alumni, faculty and staff are second to none. I am confident that the SIUE School of Pharmacy will continue to thrive.”

The School’s excellence was once again underlined as graduates of the School’s class of 2017 exceeded both state and national averages, boasting a first-attempt board pass rate of 92.86 percent on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX). The graduates’ combined score was the highest board pass rate of any program in Illinois or Missouri, and exceeded the 2017 state and national averages of 84.52 percent and 87.95 percent, respectively. The NAPLEX results place SIUE in the top 30 percent of all pharmacy programs in the country.

In February 2017, the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) selected Gupchup for its Outstanding Dean Award. The award recognizes school or college of pharmacy deans who have made significant contributions to APhA-ASP chapters and who have promoted, with distinction, the welfare of student pharmacists through various community service, leadership and professional activities

Photo: SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Gireesh Gupchup, PhD, FAPhA.

In addition to their regular class schedules, many East St. Louis Senior High School students are making time to attend a course that will help them better prepare for college. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s (ESLC) Upward Bound Scholars Academy is a new program that for the first time brings college instruction to students during class hours. 

“College is a little scary. I don’t know what to expect,” said 15-year-old Taylor Ackins, a freshman at East St. Louis Senior High who is enrolled in the ESLC’s Upward Bound Program. “But I plan to go, and I want to learn what I can now.” 

“Upward Bound Scholars Academy is a college-preparatory program,” said Salim Kenyatta, Upward Bound Scholars Program educational advisor. “Its purpose is to create in program participants, the skills and motivation necessary to complete a program of secondary education and succeed in college.” 

“The SIUE East St. Louis Center has been providing college access programming through Upward Bound for more than 50 years,” said ESLC Executive Director Jesse Dixon. “We are thrilled to be providing this new Upward Bound Scholars Academy program that works with students during the school day and allows our team to do it on a daily basis.” 

In its inaugural year, the program has 50 students enrolled, consisting of freshmen and seniors. Only students in good academic standing can apply for the program, which is taken as an elective course, according to Kenyatta. 

Some of the program’s services include:

• Personal college, career and life counseling
• Academic advisement and assistance
• Tutorial support
• Leadership development
• A six-week summer program filled with academic workshops and enrichment activities 

“Salim Kenyatta has built great relationships with the young people at East St. Louis Senior High,” said David L. Shanks Sr., assistant principal at East St. Louis Senior High. “He has inspired them to work on building their personal skills, to broaden their academic potential and to actualize their goals.” 

During one class session, Kenyatta is giving the students a personality test.

“It’s good to get to know yourself and your strengths and weaknesses,” he tells the students. “At college, you will come in contact with a lot of different personalities. You can learn how to work successfully with different people and not be in conflict.” 

“I’m not scared about going to college. I’m looking forward to it,” said 15-year-old Lorrionna Fields, who wants to be a pediatrician. 

“Because inner city students need as much college exposure as they can get to be successful, it is great to have the Upward Bound Scholars Academy in our school,” said Shanks. “The program gives our students an engaging weekly college lecture hall experience.” 

“I hope the program helps our students become lifelong learners,” he added, “with a drive to become great at whatever they want to do in life.” 

Upward Bound Scholars Academy (UBSA) is a TRIO program federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. UBSA serves high school students from low-income families, and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. 

With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals—from pre-school through adult—in the Metro East region. The Center offers programs that give the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. It does so by providing comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts. 

Photos:
East St. Louis Senior High School freshmen talk about their views on college. Shown from left to right are Torreyon Hobson, Shonte Bazile, and Rickelle Wilson. 

 Salim Kenyatta, Upward Bound Scholars Program coordinator, helps some East St. Louis Senior High school students explore what college will be like. 

Salim Kenyatta, Upward Bound Scholars Program coordinator.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) will engage 5^th and 6^th grade students in discussions about prescription drug abuse and the associated dangers during a free overnight education event.

“Locked in to Stay Out” will take place from 8 p.m. Saturday, April 21 until 7:30 a.m. Sunday, April 22 in SIUE’s Vadalabene Center. Registration is available through Tuesday, April 10 at siue.edu/pharmacy/events.

“Research shows grade school students who participate in programs focused on prescription drug misuse are less likely to abuse prescription medications as adults,” said Dr. Jessica Kerr, professor and assistant chair of the SIUE Department of Pharmacy Practice. “We presented this novel overnight event last year and received incredible feedback that proved the positive impact this active learning opportunity had on participants.”

The event is hosted by the SOP American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP). Its Generation Rx patient care project aims to provide education to people of all ages about the potential dangers of misusing prescription medications.

The SIUE APhA-ASP chapter sought great involvement from other student chapters and individual students in the SOP to create interactive sessions and games that will provide active learning opportunities on the health, social and legal consequences surrounding misuse and abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Students will engage in activities such as a rock wall, volleyball, racquetball, wallyball, basketball, indoor soccer, arts, crafts and music.

In addition to educating the students, parents are encouraged to stay for a 20-minute orientation on Saturday, April 21. Parents will be provided information regarding statistics of the opioid problem, what their children will engage in during the lock-in, and how to continue the discussion with their children after the event and throughout the challenging times during young adulthood.

The need for drug education is critical. During the past decade, there has been an increase in the number of cases documented for the misuse and abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications among adolescents. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey reports 16.8 percent of high school students (grades 9-12) nationally use one or more prescription medications (opioids, stimulants or anti-anxiety drugs) in non-medical manners.

The 2017 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Monitoring the Future (MTF) assessment shows a decline in prescription drug misuse/abuse, however it is still alarmingly high. The statistics demonstrate that high school students are at high risk for abusing medication and illicit drugs. 

The NIH funded a longitudinal analysis of three trials evaluating the implementation of a universal preventative intervention on prescription misuse in middle school students from small towns and rural communities. All three studies demonstrated that students are less likely to abuse prescription medication as a young adult (17-25 years old) if they attended a community-based prevention program. The interventions in the studies addressed general risks and protective factors for substance abuse, much like the Locked in to Stay Out event.

Other organizations or initiatives assisting with the program include the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP), Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPAG), Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), and the SIUE School of Pharmacy Class of 2021.

For more information, visit the Locked in to Stay Out Facebook page at facebook.com/SIUELockinToStayOut, email generationrx.siue@gmail.com or contact Dr. Jessica Kerr at 618-650-0630.

Photo: The SIUE School of Pharmacy will host “Locked in to Stay Out,” a drug education event.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville summer session 2018 offers a quality education that features flexibility and convenience. Nearly 1,000 courses are available, with more online options than ever.

Register now and enjoy summer at SIUE!

A variety of introductory general education and required upper-division classes are offered during summer session. Most courses meet for five weeks or less, and classes begin Monday, May 7.

“Summer session provides students an important opportunity to make progress toward their degree,” said Denise Cobb, PhD, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Our faculty members offer courses in a variety of accelerated, on-ground and online formats.

“The courses reflect the same quality and excellent instruction our students have come to expect. Summer session offers flexibility and a chance for students to stay part of SIUE, even if they are not on campus.”

The SIUE campus is abuzz throughout the summer as the University offers a variety of active and engaging academic, sports, music and theater camps for youth of all ages.

The University’s beautiful campus also features The Gardens at SIUE, sand volleyball courts, a disk golf course, Cougar Lake and Cougar Lake Pool, Cougar Lanes Bowling and miles of scenic bike trails.

A complete list of activities and registration details can be found at siue.edu/summer.

Photo: SIUE Summer Session 2018.

High school jazz ensembles throughout the region will swing their way onto the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to participate in the 4^th Annual St. Louis Jazz Club Essentially Ellington Festival, a day of performances and workshops on Friday, March 30. The concluding concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Dunham Hall Theater is open to the public and will feature participating bands, clinicians and The SIUE Concert Jazz Band.

Co-sponsored by New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center and The St. Louis Jazz Club, the regional festival is a non-competitive, education-focused festival designed to offer high school jazz bands of all levels the opportunity to perform the music of Duke Ellington and other seminal big band composers and arrangers.

Each band will receive feedback from clinicians in a dress rehearsal, directly followed by written feedback in performance. “We have a group of true all-star
clinicians this year,” said Jason Swagler, SIUE director of jazz studies. “We hope the students leave the festival inspired by the experience.”

Thanks to the St. Louis Jazz Club’s support, additional clinicians
have been added while keeping the event free of charge for
participating schools. The primary goal of The St. Louis Jazz
Club is to support live traditional jazz performance and broaden the understanding of the music.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Clinicians

• Terell Stafford - Trumpet, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, director of jazz studies at Temple University
• Dennis Mackrel - Drums, former director of Count Basie Orchestra
• Reggie Thomas - Piano, Count Basie Orchestra, director of jazz studies at Northern Illinois University
• Jeff Campbell - Bass, director of jazz studies at Eastman School of Music
• Rodney Whitaker - Bass, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, director of jazz studies at Michigan State University

SIUE Jazz Faculty Clinicians

• Rick Haydon - Guitar
• Jason Swagler - Saxophone
• Garrett Schmidt - Trumpet

• Cody Henry - Trombone

• Brett Stamps - Trombone

• Adaron Jackson - Piano

• Miles Vandiver - Drums

If you ask Francesca Barbieri what her career aspirations are, she’ll answer with a heartfelt, “to teach children with disabilities and give them hope for a bright future.” To achieve that worthy goal, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville senior is pursuing a bachelor’s in special education with a minor in Spanish.

“I want to be the person that changes a student’s life, by not only helping him or her succeed as a student, but also giving him or her hope about having a future to look forward to with post-secondary education or a job,” Barbieri said.

Her passion aligns with the motto of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) Chapter 203, “let the love of learning rule humanity.” PKP has awarded Barbieri its 2018 Undergraduate Scholarship worth $750 in support of her academic journey.

A native of Saluzzo, Italy, and graduate of Mascoutah High School, Barbieri says the scholarship is incredibly helpful, since her parents have made huge sacrifices to allow her the great opportunity of studying in the U.S.

“I am honored, thankful and proud to have won this scholarship, as it proves my hard work has paid off,” she said. “This scholarship will help me pursue my life goals and acquire my dream job.”

PKP also named three student winners of its 2018 Undergraduate Paper Competition. Senior social work major Kali Baum, of Mount Vernon, won first place and $200 for her paper, “Perception of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder by University Students.”

Edwardsville native Nicole Arnold, a senior studying art, earned second place and $100 for her work entitled, “Jacques Callot and the Miseries and Misfortunes of War.” Third place and $50 went to Brentwood Mo.’s Madison Aunger, a senior studying art education, for “Negar Ahkami: Bridging the Gap between the East and the West.”

The award recipients will be honored during Phi Kappa Phi’s annual initiation ceremony taking place Tuesday, April 3 in the Meridian Ballroom. For more information on PKP, visit siue.edu/pkp.

Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 203: The primary objective of the national Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the recognition and encouragement of superior scholarship in all academic disciplines. The Society is convinced that in recognizing and honoring those persons of good character who have excelled in scholarship, in whatever field, it will stimulate others to strive for excellence. Moreover, the Society serves the interests of the student capable of excellence by insisting that in order to acquire a chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, an institution provide the means and atmosphere conducive to academic excellence.

Photo: SIUE senior Francesca Barbieri has earned Phi Kappa Phi’s 2018 Undergraduate Scholarship.

Their job was to keep America strong and safe. Now, for the first time, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center has a program whose mission is to help veterans. 

“Our Veterans Upward Bound Program is going to help the men and women who put their country’s needs ahead of themselves,” said Calvin Yancey, program director and retired U.S. Army Lieut. Col. 

The program will serve 125 adults in St. Clair, Madison and Monroe counties in Illinois, St. Louis City, and St. Louis and St. Charles counties. First generational or low-income students, who are also veterans, will have an opportunity to achieve their career and academic aspirations through the program. The program based out of the ESLC, works in partnership with the Office of Veterans Services on the Edwardsville campus. 

“Specifically, we are going to help veterans obtain their associates and bachelor’s degrees,” said Yancey. “Some statistics say that only 25 percent of all veterans have post-secondary education. One reason is that many veterans are discouraged with the bureaucracy of applying for and finding loans to go to college.” 

“There are monies available for veterans and other monetary assistance they can use,” he added, “and we help them navigate the financial difficulties and other potential roadblocks.” 

“This Veterans Upward Bound program is an exciting opportunity for the SIUE East St. Louis Center to combine our demonstrated success in college access programming and workforce pathways to advance the education and career goals of veterans throughout the region,” said ESLC Executive Director Jesse Dixon. “We believe that with Mr. Yancey's leadership, this program can be a game-changer for our local veterans.” 

 “We do assessments to determine what type of educational field they want to pursue,” said Yancey, who has worked with veterans support services for more than seven years. “We will assist the veteran in whatever endeavor he or she wishes to pursue.” 

“These veterans may not see themselves as college eligible without the case management, counseling and tutoring that this grant will provide,” said Johanna Wharton, director of Workforce Development and Strategic Partnerships, and interim program director of Veterans Upward Bound. 

“I am a first-generation college student, and I am from the Darst-Webbe Housing Complex in St. Louis,” said Yancey. “I want to give back to my community and working to assist veterans is one way I do that.” Yancey has a bachelor’s in printing management and technology from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and a master’s in human resource management from the Webster University School of Business and Technology in St. Louis. 

“Veterans go through a lot. They raised their hands to make the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country,” declared Yancey, “and being able to assist them, and keep them on the right track means a lot to me.”

With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals - from pre-school through adult - in the Metro East. Head Start/Early Head Start and a charter high school are among the programs that offer the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. The Center also assigns first priority to encouraging, supporting and improving the educational success of the residents of East St. Louis and surrounding urban communities. The Center provides comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts. 

Photo: Calvin Yancey, Veterans Upward Bound Program Director and retired U.S. Army Lieut. Col. 

“The day I quit learning is the day I need to retire,” said Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumna Kelly Carpenter, EdD, emphasizing her strong belief in the value of continued learning.

She’s proven that commitment by completing her master’s in special education in 1998, specialist degree in educational administration in 2015 and doctorate in education leadership in 2017, all from SIUE. While soaking in new knowledge and strengthening her leadership skills, she has climbed the K-12 educational system’s professional ranks, being named Dupo School District’s superintendent in 2017.

Carpenter joins numerous School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) Department of Educational Leadership alumni who have secured high-level administration positions upon completing a graduate degree or endorsement from SIUE.

“We strive to prepare competent leaders for both building and district level leadership who are job ready upon graduation to lead in today’s dynamic and challenging K-12 environment,” said Alison Reeves, PhD, associate professor and educational administration program director. “Leadership is one of the most important aspects of a quality school system. Excellent leaders promote positive school climates; hire, retain and develop exceptional teachers; and advocate tirelessly for students and families.”

Recent SIUE alumni administrative hires include:

• Emily Warneke, superintendent at East Alton Elementary School District
• Casey Adam, principal at Pana High School
• Dustin Foutch, EdD, principal at Central High School in Breese
• Chris Becker, EdD, principal & Caleb Houtchins, assistant principal, both at Highland High School
• Jessica Miller, principal at Taylorville High School
• Tiffany Zobrist, principal at Dupo High School
• Rachel Leckrone, principal at Bethalto East Elementary School

“The State of Illinois recognizes that public schools now face growing challenges, which include teacher shortages, funding uncertainties and students’ growing needs for social services,” said SEHHB Interim Dean Paul Rose, PhD. “Challenges like these have prompted SIU System President Dr. Randy Dunn to launch the Great Schools Southern Illinois initiative.”

“The state and nation’s need for wise school leaders is as strong today as it has ever been,” he continued. “We are proud to offer rigorous educational administration programs within our school and equally proud of our highly successful graduates.”

SIUE’s educational administration program balances experiential learning with theory and research in order to develop leaders who are committed to ensuring all students reach their potential.

“I pursued a master’s in educational administration at SIUE, because I wanted to make a greater impact in the educational world and help other teachers become better teachers,” said Adam. “I love being able to go home every day knowing I have lifted up and empowered my staff to be the best versions of themselves, so that they may go on to empower their students.”

For more information on the SIUE educational administration graduate program, visit siue.edu/education/edld/edad.

Photo: (L-R) Kelly Carpenter, EdD, Dupo School District superintendent and Casey Adam, Pana High School principal

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine’s (SIU SDM) Alexandra Nash has been appointed as an editorial board contributing editor by the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) for 2018-19. Nash received the appointment at the January meeting of the ASDA Board of Trustees.

“I am thankful for this appointment, and look forward to representing both my class and school on a national level,” said Nash, a Lebanon native.

Nash was elected in August 2017 to a four-year term as the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Representative for the SDM Class of 2021. Later in the fall 2017 semester, the SDM’s fourth-year representative asked if Nash would be interested in writing for ASDA’s print publication, Contour, and she eventually wrote two articles. After thoroughly enjoying the experience, she asked a then-contributing editor about becoming more involved, and he encouraged her to apply for the contributing editor position.

Nash completed an application process consisting of several essay questions focused on her leadership concepts and the skills she possesses to be an editorial board member, including past experiences that equipped her for the job. She also submitted three pieces featuring different writing styles.

Nash is now one of five contributing editors on the editorial board that is also comprised of the editor-in-chief and two electronic editors. Contributing editors are responsible for recruiting and contacting authors for publications, and writing articles as needed along with various other duties.

Nash is looking forward to working with and learning from her fellow editors, as well as dental students across the country to both uncover and share hot topics within the profession. “While all of my fellow classmates are enrolled in ASDA, I would like to boost our local chapter’s involvement and excitement for ASDA and organized dentistry,” she said. “I plan to increase communication with other chapter leaders to fulfill these goals.”

Dedication to giving back to both her community and her profession is a motivational force for Nash. “I can see myself getting involved with both the American Dental Association (ADA) and Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) after graduation,” she said. “I have had opportunities to volunteer and actively participate as both a dental student and dental assistant through events such as Give Kids A Smile Day and Illinois Mission of Mercy.”

“While many dental students have the opportunity to become involved in the local chapters of their professional organizations, fewer are able to become active on the national level,” said SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD. “Fewer still are availed the opportunity to enter leadership at the national level. Accepting such a position places Alexandra in a select group of dental students.

“The opportunities she will have will help to build her experience level, exposure and credibility within the profession. I have every confidence that she is up to the task. Her involvement also positively reflects on the School of Dental Medicine. She has the opportunity to become yet another successful student ambassador for the School.”  

The ASDA is a national student-run organization that attempts to protect and advance the rights, interests and welfare of students pursuing careers in dentistry. It introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, recreation, representation and limited amounts of advocacy.

ASDA was established to connect, support and advance the needs of dental students. ASDA represents 90 percent of all students from 66 U.S. dental schools. Since 2011, dental student membership has averaged more than 19,000.

Photo: Alexandra Nash, SIU School of Dental Medicine first-year student.