Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Brianne Guilford, PhD, has been recognized with the Graduate School’s 2018-19 Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award for significant research contributions to her field, respective school and department, and SIUE as a whole.

Guilford is an assistant professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s (SEHHB) Department of Applied Health and the exercise physiology graduate program director. Chancellor Randy Pembrook presented the award to her during a special reception held Wednesday, April 4 in the Morris University Center.

Guilford will receive a combined $12,500 from the SIUE Graduate School and the SEHHB to be used in a one-year period.

“I was pleasantly shocked, ecstatic and honored to achieve this award,” Guilford said. “I am grateful for the recognition and the funding that has been provided by faculty and emeriti, which has afforded me the opportunity to pursue this research. It is wonderful to be a faculty member at SIUE, a teaching-focused institution where research is encouraged and strongly supported by the Office of Research and Projects and the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program.”

Her project, “Do Omega-3-Fatty Acids Hold Therapeutic Potential for the Prevention of Diabetic Neuropathy?” aims to determine if fish oil exerts present beneficial effects on neuropathy by preventing peripheral nervous system inflammation in high fat diet-induced prediabetic mice. The overarching goal of this research is to provide evidence to support the use of omega-3-fatty acids to prevent neuropathy in human patients

“Millions of people suffer from diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise in the U.S.,” Guilford explained. “Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes and is extremely debilitating. Current pharmacological treatments are aimed at relieving symptoms, but do not reverse nerve damage.”

“We need to change our focus from treatment to prevention, and lifestyle medication such as dietary change/supplementation and increased physical activity are key places to start,” she added. “I have three family members who suffer from neuropathy, and I have seen their suffering first hand. This further drives my passion to help people who suffer from this debilitating disease.”

“Building upon her previous results, Dr. Guilford’s research has the potential to open a pathway for the prevention of a devastating condition that impacts millions of people,” said Jerry Weinberg, PhD, associate provost for research and dean of the SIUE Graduate School. “This is exactly the level of significant impact that the award was set up to support, and that honors Dr. Vaughnie Lindsay’s vision for SIUE.”

A talented and impactful scholar, Guilford exemplifies SIUE’s teacher-scholar approach by understanding the value of student participation in research.

“The symbiotic relationship between teaching and research is key to stimulating student interest in research and developing important hypotheses that address current issues in human health and disease,” Guilford said. “I often generate many of my ideas for hypotheses while responding to student questions or leading class discussions. In addition, by discussing current research in class, students become genuinely interested in research and approach me about pursuing their own research projects.”

Stephen Hansen, PhD, faculty emeritus, established the Lindsay Research Professorship Endowment that funds the award in honor of Lindsay, who served as graduate dean from 1973-1986. Lindsay was responsible for creating much of the infrastructure that supports faculty research and scholarly activity at SIUE. Faculty and emeriti faculty at the time of the award’s conception donated the funds to endow the award.

Those wishing to help support new investigators through the award may make a donation to the Graduate School section of the endowment at siue.edu/give/.

Photo: (L-R) SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, 2018-19 Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award recipient Dr. Brianne Guilford, Sandy Doreson, daughter of the late Dr. Vaughnie Lindsay, and Dr. Jerry Weinberg.

The Office of Graduate Admissions launched a new diversity recruitment initiative in hopes of introducing qualified students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and McNair Scholars to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

Nearly 40 students participated in the HBCU Campus Visit on Wednesday and Thursday, April 4-5. The program was a multi-phased initiative focused on building relationships with HBCUs located in states near Illinois. 

“The purpose is for SIUE to build mutually beneficial partnerships with these institutions, and for the University to showcase its graduate degree programs that want to diversify their applicant pool,” said Terra Cole Brown, HBCU/McNair Program coordinator, and student advisor in the Office of Graduate and International Admission. “We invited students from a targeted list of institutions to visit SIUE, to attend the 22nd Annual SIUE Graduate Spring Research Symposium, and to meet with University administrators, program directors, faculty and staff.” 

The students came from Spelman College in Atlanta; Lane College in Jackson, Tenn.; Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss.; LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tenn.; Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo.; and Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis. On Thursday, April 5, five of those students received a Graduate Scholar Award from the SIUE Graduate School for their first year of graduate study. 

“The HBCU Spring Campus visit enlightened me and gave me insight on the program I applied for,” said Lauryn Joiner, one of the SIUE Graduate Scholar Award winners and graduating senior at LeMoyne-Owen College. Joiner, who majored in criminal justice/pre-law at LeMoyne-Owen, plans to earn a master’s in sociology at SIUE. 

 “The information on the SIUE website piqued my interest, but having the student and faculty interaction, along with their personal experiences, confirmed that this was the place I wanted to continue my learning,” added Joiner. 

Photos:
Susan Morgan, PhD, associate dean for research and graduate studies in the SIUE Graduate School, presents one the Graduate Scholar awards to Lauryn Joiner, graduating senior at LeMoyne-Owen College. 

Nearly four years ago, when 11-year-old Edwardsville native Rain Jennings told his mother he wanted to learn how to do ventriloquism, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (ESLC) staff member did not think he would end up on Steve Harvey’s “Little Big Shots” or NBC’s “Show Me St. Louis.” 

Rain’s pre-recorded ventriloquism act will appear on “Little Big Shots” at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 8, according to his mother, Lara Jennings, counselor with the SIUE Upward Bound Math and Science program at the ESLC. Rain’s act supports “America’s Got Talent” winner Darci Lynne Farmer’s performance. 

Rain, an SIUE Early Childhood Center alum, also displayed his ventriloquism skills Friday, April 6 on “Show Me St. Louis.” 

 “I like doing ventriloquism, because I get to make people smile, make people happy and make them feel good,” said Rain, the self-taught ventriloquist. “After I read a book on ventriloquism, I really wanted to try it. I researched it on YouTube and the internet, and then found out I was pretty good at it.” 

Rain makes his own puppets and writes his own scripts. Some of Rain’s puppet characters include: 

• Tomato, a white rabbit who is a Southern Belle and a tomato plant farmer
• Poe the Crow, a black crow who is inclined to poetry and the finer things in life
• Barnacle Jack, a grumpy old man figure who needs lots of assistance to see the bright side of life 

“When Rain first said he wanted to do ventriloquism, I did not really know what to make of it,” said Jennings. “Ventriloquism is not something you can call up the YMCA and sign your child up for.” 

“In the beginning, there was a lot of listening to his skits and watching him put on shows in the house,” Jennings continued. “Then his dad and I realized he was becoming more serious about his craft and started progressing. We started traveling to learn more about ventriloquism and then eventually to perform.”

Rain has performed in Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Kentucky, California and Minnesota. He has taken classes with nationally known ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, has attended two ventriloquist conventions, was featured in the International Ventriloquist Society Magazine as an emerging young ventriloquist and is a member of two professional societies: International Ventriloquist Society and Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis. 

In 2017, Rain became the sole proprietor and opened his business under the stage name, “Rainy Day Ventriloquism.” Rain books shows, performs, and competes in puppet slams and open mics. 

The young ventriloquist’s next upcoming appearance will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at St. Louis Public Library’s Buder Branch, 4401 Hampton Ave. 

To learn more about Rain, contact RainyDayVent@gmail.com or find him on social media by searching @RainyDayVent. 

Photos:
The ventriloquism act of Rain Jennings, of Edwardsville, will be aired on Steve Harvey’s “Little Big Shots” on Sunday, April 8. 

Lara Jennings, counselor with the SIUE Upward Bound Math and Science program, poses with her ventriloquist son, Rain, and his self-made puppet, Tomato. 

Rain and his handcrafted puppet, Poe the Crow, pose with “America’s Got Talent” winner Darci Lynne Farmer while on the set of “Little Big Shots.”  

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) celebrated the accomplishments of faculty and students during its annual Scholarship and Awards Ceremony held Thursday, April 5.

More than 35 students were honored with 25 scholarships and awards. Student Representative Council President Nikolina Golob, a third-year pharmacy student from St. Louis, served as the master of ceremonies.

“We gather to celebrate the hard work and professional commitment of these outstanding faculty and students,” Golob said. “We thank our generous donors, as well as the families and friends of our worthy student awardees, for your incredible support.”

SIUE SOP Dean Gireesh Gupchup, PhD, FAPhA, emphasized that scholarship gifts are remarkable investments in the future of students and the University.

“Without the assistance of the pharmacy community, our students would be at a loss and we thank all of our generous donors who provide scholarship funds to these future pharmacists,” Gupchup said. “We hope that students form a relationship with their scholarship sponsors and keep them informed of their academic progress.

Gupchup also thanked the ceremony’s sponsor, Walgreens, for its significant support. In attendance were Walgreens Healthcare Supervisor Julie Bickers and Healthcare Specialty Supervisor Heather Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is a member of the SOP’s Experiential Education Committee and Advisory Board.

“The SIUE School of Pharmacy is successful because we receive help from our partners,” Gupchup said. “That help is in evidence every day through the work of the more than 700 alumni employed as pharmacists across the nation.”

Along with the student honors, the SOP also presented its Scholarship Recognition Award to Radhika Devraj, PhD, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences.

Teaching Recognition Awards were presented to Mike Crider, PhD, associate dean for research, and chair and professor of pharmaceutical sciences, and McKenzie Ferguson, PharmD, BCPS, associate professor of pharmacy practice and director of the Drug Information and Wellness Center.

Photos: Student Representative Council President Nikolina Golob, a third-year pharmacy student from St. Louis, served as the master of ceremonies during the SIUE School of Pharmacy’s Scholarship and Awards Program.

Walgreens representatives and award winners (L-R) Julie Bickers, Hannah Seeger, Rebeca Mier y Leon, and Heather Fitzgerald.

(L-R) SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook and the School of Pharmacy’s Mike Crider, McKenzie Ferguson, Radhika Devraj, and Dean Gireesh Gupchup.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology master’s program ranks among the top five in the nation for overall program quality, according to an objective study published by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

SIUE’s I/O psychology program, housed in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB), was tabbed fourth in the national ranking that concentrated on master’s-level programs and applied experiences. Other relevant dimensions considered as strong contributors to overall program quality were curriculum, faculty experience/information, and student accomplishments and information.

“This ranking is an impressive honor, as the data were provided and analyzed by professors who understand what high-quality graduate programs look like,” said SEHHB Interim Dean Paul Rose, PhD. “SIUE’s industrial-organizational psychology graduate program is infused with rigorous hands-on learning opportunities that support nearby organizations. The program faculty are recognized as experts who mentor students skillfully, and our accomplished students are sought after by employers.”

The rankings were published in The Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, which is produced by the premier professional organization of industrial-organizational psychologists.

“Our students greatly appreciate the dedication of our industrial-organizational psychology faculty, as do I,” added Betsy Meinz, PhD, professor and acting chair in the SEHHB Department of Psychology. “I am thrilled to see that their efforts are also recognized by their professional peers.”

SIUE’s I/O master’s program offers a balanced blend of the scientist-practitioner model, requiring students to complete both a research-based thesis and several required practicum field hours. Faculty often incorporate graduate student authors in publications and projects.

“Our program places strong emphasis on experiential learning,” said Joel Nadler, PhD, associate professor and I/O psychology graduate program director. “All of our students complete a supervised practicum, applying what they learned during their first year of study to businesses throughout the St. Louis area. Additionally, the majority of the program’s courses include pro-bono projects working with local, small businesses and non-profits.”

Most graduates of the program leave with a master’s and go to work immediately in a corporate setting, either in a company human resources/personnel department, organizational development/training department, or as an organizational/management consultant.

For more information on SIUE’s nationally ranked I/O psychology graduate program, visit siue.edu/grad/industrial-organizational.

Photo: Graduate students in SIUE’s industrial-organizational psychology program surround faculty members (front center L-R) Elora Voyles, PhD, Catherine Daus, PhD, program director Joel Nadler, PhD, and Lynn Bartels, PhD.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Morris University Center was abuzz on Wednesday, April 4 as some of the University’s finest research and creative activities were showcased during the Graduate School Spring Symposium.

The annual event celebrates the research efforts and accomplishments of students and faculty, featuring research poster displays, creative exhibits and oral presentations. It began with a presentation by 2016-18 Hoppe Research Award recipient Jeremy Jewell, PhD, on his research that considers the effectiveness of compassion meditation with kids.

“Compassion is love and hope for the well-being of others and the self,” Jewell explained. “Through our research, we provide psychoeducation regarding stress and anxiety, anger and physical and psychological consequences. I want to give these kids some basic tools to help them cope with life problems.”

Jewell is a professor and director of the clinical child and school psychology program. He created the Compassion Approach to Learning Meditation (CALM) program, and has used it in juvenile detention and school settings. He is currently studying its use with foster children in East St. Louis. Graduate student and research assistant Taylor Herriman presented alongside Jewell.

In the Goshen Lounge, approximately 43 graduate students from myriad programs had the opportunity to receive feedback from faculty and experience presenting their research publically.

“My project is a proactive approach to eliminating the issue of mechanical bearings going bad in electric motors,” said Jack White, an electrical engineering master’s candidate from O’Fallon, Ill.

“When this problem occurs, machines go down and employers lose time and money. There are solutions to deal with the problem, but we want to stop it from happening in the first place.”

During the symposium, White demonstrated a scaled-down model of a typical variable frequency drive and a motor, illustrating the problem, and a variety of solutions to the problem. He says his hands-on research experience has fueled his passion for electrical engineering.

“Electricity has always wowed me,” he said. “My undergraduate studies in electrical engineering at SIUE were eye-opening and left me wanting to learn more. As a graduate student, I’ve become much more aware of the industry behind power generation, and have had the opportunity to dive in and conduct this important research.”

Stepping from technology to art therapy, Theresa Hitchcock, of St. Louis, hosted an interactive table that described the “SIUE/STL Art Hives: Little Free Art Hive” project that she is helping come to realization.

In collaboration with her research advisor Shelly Goebl-Parker, Hitchcock is helping develop an SIUE/STL Art Hives program to launch locally, based on the open-source Concordia University model pioneered by Janis Timm-Bottos.

“Art Hives create opportunities for anybody to come into a space, have access to materials and be honored as an artist,” Hitchcock explained. “We want to create a therapeutic opportunity, without pressure. Artmaking is a human behavior and we want to make it possible for everyone to find it within themselves.”

Other research projects considered topics of salivary gland cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, family structure and differences in parenting style, the influence of anticipation, anxiety and avoidance on the stuttering experience, cholera in nineteenth century St. Louis and more.

The Graduate School welcomed prospective students who attended the symposium to gain a sense of the research opportunities available at SIUE and speak with current graduate students about their academic experience.

“Our graduate students make significant contributions to their fields of study that is presented in national and international conferences, published in peer-review journals, and contributes to patented discoveries,” said Jerry Weinberg, PhD, associate provost for research and dean of the SIUE Graduate School. “The Symposium is an opportunity to showcase their scholarship, recognize achievement and inspire future scholars.”

The symposium concluded with The Chancellor’s Reception, an event that honored student presenters and faculty and staff who submitted external grants during the year. First time principal investigators received special recognition.

Three prestigious honors were also acknowledged:

• Distinguished Research Professor: Gregory Fields, PhD, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Philosophy
• 2018-19 Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award: Brianne Guilford, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Applied Health, and exercise physiology program director
• 2018-20 Hoppe Research Professor Award: Johanna Schwartz, PhD, professor of theater history in the College of Arts and Sciences

By preparing the next generation of leaders in a knowledge-based economy, SIUE’s Graduate School fulfills the region’s demand for highly trained professionals. Graduate School offerings include arts and sciences, business, education, health, human behavior, engineering, nursing and interdisciplinary opportunities. SIUE professors provide students with a unique integration of theoretical education and hands-on research experiences. Students can obtain graduate certificates or pursue master’s degrees, and be part of a supportive learning and rich intellectual environment that is tailored to the needs of adult learners. The Graduate School raises the visibility of research at SIUE, which ranks highest among its Illinois Board of Higher Education peers in total research and development expenditures according to the National Science Foundation. Doctoral programs are available in the Schools of Education, Health and Human Behavior (EdD) and Nursing (DNP). The School of Engineering and the Department of Historical Studies feature cooperative doctoral programs (PhD), and the College of Arts and Sciences features an environmental resources and policy cooperative PhD.

Photos: SIUE’s Jeremy Jewell, PhD, presented on his research that considers the effectiveness of compassion meditation with kids.

Jack White, an electrical engineering master’s candidate from O’Fallon, Ill., discussed his research project with fellow student Steven Slaby, of Edwardsville, during the SIUE Graduate School Spring Symposium.

Art therapy master’s candidate Theresa Hitchcock, of St. Louis, described “SIUE/STL Art Hives: Little Free Art Hive” to prospective student Gerrod Allen, Jr.

First time principal investigators received special recognition during The Chancellor’s Reception on Wednesday, April 4.

Hard work is something that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 2018 Student Employee of the Year said she learned, practices and relishes. 

“I want to do my best job, and I enjoy helping people,” said Morgan Strom, accounts receivable clerk in the Bursar’s Office and a senior majoring in psychology. “I’m also flexible and dependable.” 

Strom was surprised at work Monday, April 9 with the news. The award is an honor given by the Office of Student Financial Aid. The National Student Employment Association (NSEA) has declared April 8-14 as National Student Employee Week, designed to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of student employees. 

“Morgan is an exceptional employee, extremely courteous, comes up with great ideas and is always helpful,” said Bursar Cathy Foland, who nominated Strom. 

“One of the more challenging things of being a student worker in the Bursar’s Office is answering customer questions over the phone,” added Foland. “Students and parents ask a myriad of questions about their bill or their financial aid and sometimes they are frustrated. Even if Morgan is dealing with an unpleasant customer, she is always patient, never gets flustered and makes every attempt to help the caller with their question or problem.” 

Morgan remembered one instance when she helped a parent resolve a problem. “She said she worked in Human Resources for a living and could tell that I was good at my job,” Morgan recalled. “She asked to be transferred to my supervisor, and told my supervisor how good my skills were and how much she appreciated my help.” 

Morgan said she values having been able to work in the Bursar’s Office for the past four years. 

“The office had an opening when I was a freshman, and I stayed because it’s a good work environment,” said Morgan, who also describes herself as having a good work ethic. 

“But anyone can have a good work ethic,” she continued, “especially if they are in an environment that helps them thrive and teaches them what’s important before they get into the real work force.” 

Photo:
SIUE 2018 Student Employee of the Year Morgan Strom (center) is congratulated by SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook (left) and Bursar Cathy Foland.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Graduate School has presented Johanna Schmitz, PhD, with the 2018-2020 Hoppe Research Professor Award. Schmitz, a professor of theater history in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), is being recognized for her contributions to her field of study.

The Hoppe Research Professor Award recognizes and supports faculty members whose research or creative activities have the promise of making significant contributions to their fields of studies. The award supports a significant and discrete portion of a faculty member’s larger research agenda for a two-year period.

Schmitz’s project, “Building the Rose Theatre Archive (1989-2019): Discovery, Protection and Presentation of the Remains of Shakespeare and Marlowe’s Theater,” involves the creation of a digital archive to showcase the 1989 discovery of the Rose Theatre in London, which operated from 1587-c.1605 at the height of early modern theater in the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.  

“Dr. Schmitz blends her rich knowledge of Shakespeare’s history to this unique archeology find to bring Shakespearean times into our physical world in a way that no other approach to the subject could,” said Jerry Weinberg, PhD, associate provost for research and dean of the Graduate School. “The preservation through digital archiving creates an opportunity for scholars around the world to study these finds and brings international recognition to the high level of scholarship at SIUE.”

“I am grateful to SIUE’s Graduate School and the College of Arts and Sciences for the honor of receiving this award,” Schmitz said. “I am looking forward to using these resources to bring the post-discovery archive to a point where it will serve diverse research interests in Shakespeare Studies including theater history, theater architecture, urban planning, performance and cultural monumentalism.”

“The discovery of the Rose has impacted recent developments in architectural reconstruction including the design of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre,” she continued. “It is not a stretch to say that this archive will preserve 30 years of important developments in our understanding of original practice, historical preservation policies, and even our contemporary sensibilities regarding current performance aesthetics and the construction of memorial spaces.”

Located on the south bank of the River Thames in London, the Rose Theatre was a performance venue that featured the plays of William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe and their contemporaries. Sometime after 1605, the Rose was demolished and its timber was repurposed.

In 1989, during site preparation for the construction of a new high-rise office building, archaeologists discovered the Rose Theatre’s foundation. After months of public protest and construction delays, a new building was redesigned so that the structure would span over the Rose rather than remove it to make space for an underground parking lot. The UK government declared the Rose Theatre foundation an ancient monument in 1992.

Nearly every year since 1990, Schmitz has travelled to London to work and study. In 2001, she became associated with The Rose Theatre Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving the playhouse and began collecting materials for the archive. She will serve as the archivist for the Trust and continue to publish and present her research on early modern architectural reconstruction.

“Since some of the materials that were initially excavated from the Rose Theatre site are mostly in private collections, digitizing the archive is our best hope of making this collection available to the public,” Schmitz said. “The material collection grows every year, and over 450 items have already been uploaded to the online catalog.”

According to Schmitz, this digital archive will preserve the 30 years including the discovery, protest, preservation and ultimate re-opening of the archeological site as a scheduled ancient monument, museum and newly accessible modern performance space.

“Dr. Schmitz’s credentials, long-standing scholarly focus and recognition as an expert in her field deem her highly qualified to complete this project,” said CAS Dean Greg Budzban, PhD. “Her passion for this project, as well as her expertise in the area, undoubtedly indicate that her work will make an important contribution within the field of theater history. It will be exciting to watch the project unfold.”

A loan fund was established in 1976 through the SIUE Foundation by Joseph W. Hoppe, because he believed in SIUE's mission and the value of faculty research. Four years later, the Hoppe endowment became the basis for the Hoppe Research Faculty Award. In 1999, the award was transformed with the help of SIUE academic deans into the current Hoppe Research Professor award program.

Photo: Johanna Schmitz, PhD, professor of theater history in the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Mark Hildebrandt, PhD, associate professor of geography in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has been selected as a candidate to the prestigious Fulbright Specialist roster of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Institute of International Education’s Council. For International Exchange of Scholars.

The Fulbright Specialist Program (FSP) sends faculty and professionals from the United States to businesses and academic institutions in more than 140 countries around the world. Countries eligible to participate in the program include those where there is a U.S. embassy or a Fulbright commission.

Selected specialists serve three-year appointments as expert consultants on research, curriculum, faculty development and related subjects. Hildebrandt, who has visited South Asia more than 12 times over the last 15 years, applied to be an expert on air quality and global climate change. He will remain on the FSP roster until February 2021.

“The Fulbright Specialist Program will provide a great chance to work directly with scientists and government officials on assessing and mitigating air quality issues that are harming citizens and further worsening global climate change,” said Hildebrandt. “I am especially concerned about high concentrations of ground-level ozone and particulate matter in South Asia and looking at ways that the local community can implement strategies for reducing such airborne pollutants and toxins. In addition, I would like to have scientists and students around the world work together to address these concerns.”

Hildebrandt served as a Fulbright Senior Scholar in Nepal and as a Visiting Research Fellow at The University of Manchester (United Kingdom) in 2006. He has already received an invitation for a Fulbright Specialist appointment in Pakistan.

Civil engineering major Dylan Mueth, of Waterloo, captured first place for his Mueth Produce concept in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s eighth annual “TheOther40” Business Plan Competition. The School of Business hosted the competition and held its final pitch event Monday, April 9 at SIUE’s Morris University Center.

“TheOther40” competition offers SIUE students the opportunity to take a business idea through stages needed to launch a product or service. Participants have access to business resources and develop entrepreneurial skills during the three-month process. TheOther40 derives its name from data that shows approximately 60 percent of startups fail within five years. The program’s goal is to find, engage and support “the other 40” percent. 

As the winner, Mueth received $5,000 as part of more than $10,000 in cash prizes awarded to this year’s finalists. Mueth’s concept aims to meet the ever-growing demand for locally grown food. Through its uniquely designed aquaponics system, Mueth Produce will be able to grow fresh produce using less water and less space year-round to supply the local market.

Runner-up Eli Ball of Midway Spark received $3,000. A Rockford native, Ball’s start-up looks to push the limits of human-machine interaction by creating interactive digital systems that use speech, emotions and virtual characters to build engaging experiences. The core technology is re-trainable for different uses and is able to be deployed to phones, mobile apps and websites.

In third place, Preston Walker’s Pursuit Lures was awarded $2,000. Walker, of Edwardsville, makes high quality handmade fishing lures, designed specifically to catch trophy fish. With varying colors, sizes and styles to choose from, every angler can fish in their preferred method.

Remaining TheOther40 finalists in 2018 included Rachael Ostertag (Crafting Frenzy), Galvin Misquith (Fortula), Brooklynn Rosa (Kind Gestures), Gage Thomas (MANCAST Media) and Julian Smith (Tech Fusion).

The on-campus business plan competition is supported in part by an entrepreneurship education initiative gift provided to the SIUE School of Business by the Martinson Foundation.

Photo (L-R): Winners in the 2018 SIUE School of Business’ TheOther40 competition Preston Walker, Dylan Mueth and Eli Ball.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science invites Illinois and Missouri high school students to participate in its unique WeCode event on Saturday, April 21. The educational experience aims to introduce computer programming concepts through collaborative problem solving and building.

WeCode will be held from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21 in the Engineering Building on campus. Applications may be submitted via wecode.cs.siue.edu by Saturday, April 14. The event is free, and lunch will be provided to participants.

“This is an opportunity for young people to expand their knowledge and propel themselves into the world of technology,” said Dennis Bouvier, PhD, associate professor of computer science. “At WeCode, we aim to get high school students interested in the field before they enroll in college by engaging them in a programming project and providing mentorship from SIUE students.”

According to Bouvier, computer science is a growing field with an increasing variety of career opportunities. No coding experience is required to participate in the WeCode event.

“We encourage students who have zero knowledge about programming to come out and learn,” Bouvier added. “We will have a tech workshop in the morning to teach programming, so each team will be able to successfully create and finish their own project by the end of the day.”

Event sponsors include Centene Corporation, AT&T, NiSC, OCI, Enterprise Holdings, T-REX, BJ’s Printables and SIUE.

For more information, visit wecode.cs.siue.edu.

Photo: SIUE’s WeCode event will be held Saturday, April 21.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty, staff and student volunteers provided expert knowledge, confidence-boosting encouragement and inspiring advice to 32 of the 54 students from St. Clair County participating in the NAACP’s East St. Louis ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, Scientific Olympics) program.

Known as the “Olympics of the Mind,” ACT-SO is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African American high school students.

“We, the East St. Louis ACT-SO Committee, know that it is important to invest in our youth,” said Ronda Franklin, ACT-SO chair. “This program promotes academic and artistic excellence, and provides enrichment opportunities and mentorship for high school students. These experiences can be used throughout their life and educational career.”

SIUE’s involvement in the ACT-SO enrichment sessions marks the start of a new partnership in which academic experts are serving as volunteers, coaches, role models, professors and mentors who nurture student talent through interaction and direction.

The East St. Louis Local competition was held Saturday, March 31, with 12 gold medalists advancing to the national competition being held July 11-16 in San Antonio, Texas. Volunteering SIUE faculty members and students coached the students on their projects in health sciences, entrepreneurship, writing and the arts.

“These high school students bring a lot of talent to their projects, but most are nervous about being judged in a competition,” explained Paul Rose, PhD, interim dean of the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. “SIUE volunteers offered good advice about competing under pressure, thereby helping the students achieve success. We are proud of all the student participants and excited for those who have advanced to the national competition.”

Volunteer mentor Shadrack Msengi, PhD, associate professor of clinical literacy in the SEHHB Department of Teaching and Learning, prompted and encouraged students to creatively engage in the writing process of short stories, poetry and original essays.

“My original essay is titled Redefining Representation and is about the importance of diversifying the media and Hollywood to include more ethnic minorities,” said one of Msengi’s mentees Lauren Evans, a sophomore at Belleville East. “Dr. Msengi helped me add crucial ideas to my essay to further emphasize my point.”

“I enjoyed working with these young adults, as they were anxious to search, discover and utilize their potential through writing,” Msengi said. “Participation in the ACT-SO program offers students a platform and unique opportunity to express ideas, not only to peers, but also to a large audience at the local and national levels.”

“These students have tremendous academic potential,” he added. “They are diligent, dedicated and extraordinarily gifted. They fundamentally need someone to ignite and treasure their intellectual light, and guide them on the right educational path.”

After successfully advancing to nationals last year, Belleville West junior Dominick Oranika entered two categories in this year’s local competition: engineering and photography.

“Science and technology are a real passion of mine, so this year I created a MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) controller,” Oranika explained, while meeting with three SIUE mentors. “I’m also competing with multiple pictures that I took last summer. Last year, I just turned my pictures in a week before competition and went. This year, I wanted to utilize these mentors’ expertise by attending an ACT-SO enrichment session.”

Faculty volunteers embodied the University’s core values of diversity and inclusion, and emphasized how mentorship and community engagement practices such as this provide valuable recruitment opportunities.

“As director of SIUE’s Student Nurse Achievement Program (SNAP), I am dedicated to mentoring and recruiting minority and disadvantaged students who are interested in nursing,” said Jerrica Ampadu, RN, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Nursing. “The students who participated in the ACT-SO program were enthusiastic and curious about the nursing profession. Participating in this program reinforces the need to continuously engage high school students in intentional learning, as it improves student outcomes.”

Community support and engagement are critical to ACT-SO’s success, according to Franklin. Its mission includes:

• Mobilizing the adult community for the promotion of academic and artistic excellence
• Recognizing creative talent and academic achievement
• Providing and assisting students with the necessary skills to establish goals, and acquire the confidence and training to make a successful contribution to society

“I would like to personally thank SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, Erin Behnen in the Office of the Provost and University faculty, as well as SIUE East St. Louis Center Executive Director Jesse Dixon and his staff for the help they provided in supporting the efforts of the ACT-SO program,” Franklin said.

Photos:
SIUE’s Shadrack Msengi, PhD, associate professor of clinical literacy in the SEHHB Department of Teaching and Learning, worked with Belleville East’s Lauren Evans (front right) and other ACT-SO participants during an enrichment session. 

Belleville West junior Dominick Oranika demonstrates his ACT-SO engineering entry to a group of mentors, including SIUE’s Dr. Chaya Gopalan, (front L) Maracus Scott, (back L) Dr. Jerrica Ampadu, (back R) as well as Keelara Gopalan.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Engineering (SOE) celebrated the outstanding achievements of students and faculty, and recognized generous donor support during its annual Honors Day program held Sunday, April 8.

The program honored 60 students receiving scholarships worth $63,850. It also celebrated the School’s 290 Fall 2017 Dean’s List recipients, and acknowledged faculty members for outstanding teaching, research and service.

“I am proud to lead a School that has continuously strived to distinguish itself as a center of excellence in engineering education in the region,” said SOE Dean Cem Karacal, PhD. “This academic year was one of record high accomplishments for our School with increased enrollment comprising high-quality students, many of whom we are honoring today.”

“We sincerely appreciate the generous contributions of our community partners and individual donors, who provide valuable support for our students, as they develop into innovative and effective future engineering professionals,” Karacal added.

Honors Day addresses were presented by the School’s 2018 Outstanding Researcher Mark McKenney, PhD, associate professor of computer science, and Patrick Biby, of Fairview Heights, a senior studying mechanical engineering.  

Alumna Megan Harris was also a featured speaker. She earned a bachelor’s in industrial engineering from SIUE in 2005. Harris has worked at Boeing for the past 12 years in numerous capacities and is an active SOE alumna who has mentored many SIUE students.

Steve Muren, adjunct lecturer and lab manager in electrical and computer engineering, was acknowledged for his outstanding service to the SOE.

Outstanding faculty members from each area of study were also recognized during the Honors Day program, including:

• Jianwei Huang, PhD, PE, assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering
• Thoshitha Gamage, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science
• Anne Werner, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Construction
• Jon Klingensmith, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Xin Chen, PhD, associate professor of industrial engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
• Soondo Kweon, PhD, associate professor of mechanical engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Among the student awards was the new Dean’s Society scholarship that provided $1,000 each to industrial engineering majors Raillane Kamdem and Taylor Pyzynski.

The Dean’s Society was developed to recognize donors who wish to make an investment in the School’s vision to provide the highest quality education and maintain innovative resources that support the region’s technical growth and economic development.

To become a member of the Dean’s Society, contact SOE Director of Development Chandler Vandenberg at cvanden@siue.edu or 618-650-5020.

At the event, Karacal also announced the current SOE campaign aimed at raising funds for SOE advancements. This $1.3 million campaign is for the completion of the SOE Student Design Center’s second floor, which has an expected completion of early 2019. The funding for this project has been recently secured due to generous donors coming forward.

For more information, visit siue.edu/give/campaignfunds/school_of_engineering.

Photos:
SIUE School of Engineering Dean Cem Karacal, PhD. 

SIUE School of Engineering Honors Day student speaker Patrick Biby, of Fairview Heights, encouraged  his fellow students to continue working hard to achieve academic and professional success.

(L-R) Kay Guse, a School of Engineering alumna, and member of the Dean’s Society and the School’s Advisory Board, stands with Taylor Pyzynski, a Dean’s Society scholarship recipient.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of the Provost announced that Sandra Weissinger, PhD, is the recipient of the annual Teaching Excellence Award for tenure-track faculty. It is the most prestigious teaching award for an SIUE faculty member. Three additional faculty members were saluted for their teaching skills and accomplishments with Teaching Distinction Awards, and seven more received Teaching Recognition Awards.

Weissinger, PhD, is an assistant professor of sociology and graduate program director in the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). She received a $2,000 prize as part of the award.

“This award provides encouragement, that my observations of what it means to be a professional and a professor are accurate, and that my skills as a sociologist are sharp,” said Weissinger, who joined the SIUE faculty in 2012. “To the best of my ability, I provide students with the type of education I would want - knowing what I know now, as a person with three degrees.

“This means that I am straight forward. I illuminate facts. I tell students where to find facts, and I provide learners with solutions, as I see them. I give students the opportunity to consider alternative solutions, too.”

Weissinger will be recognized during SIUE’s May commencement ceremony and speak at the 2018 fall commencement ceremony. The Upstate New York native will be nominated for the Council of Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for the National Professor of the Year Award.

Teaching Excellence Awards committee chair Kelly Gable, PharmD, an associate professor and coordinator of global partnerships in the SIUE School of Pharmacy, cited Weissinger as representing all of the qualities and characteristics of an exceptional educator. The committee noted her ability to bring delicate topics on race, class, gender and sexual orientation into classroom discussion with sensitivity and professionalism.

Weissinger impressed the committee with her utilization of practical, real-world examples within her teaching style, while keeping students actively engaged as her enthusiasm and passion shine through to students. The committee called her an inspirational teacher that encourages students to dig deeply and think critically about current events. Her teaching style is expected to have a strong and long-lasting impact on student learning and professional growth.

“Dr. Weissinger’s outstanding scholarship connects perfectly with her excellence in the classroom ,” said CAS Dean Greg Budzban, PhD. “Her ability to unite critically important ideas with real and significant events in our society provides a wonderful example of an ideal teacher-scholar, and provides our students with the exceptional educational experience they deserve.”

Weissinger’s teaching areas include African American communities, race and ethnic relations, urban sociology and qualitative research methods. Her research areas focus on African American communities and institutions, inequality and intragroup marginalization. She was the lead editor on two books “Law Enforcement in the Age of Black Lives Matter” and “Violence Against Black Bodies.”

Weissinger earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2005, 2008 and 2010, respectively.

 In addition, the $1,500 Teaching Distinction Award went to Barbara Gillian, instructor in the Department of Educational Leadership within the School of Education Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). Teaching Distinction Awards valued at $500 were awarded to Kathryn Brady, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Applied Health, Speech Pathology and Audiology Program within the SEHHB, and Junvie Pailden, PhD, assistant professor and graduate program director in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in CAS.

The committee noted Gillian’s ability to successfully bring her professional experience and skill into the classroom. They pointed to her long history within school system education as standing out and clearly enhancing her teaching style, as well as student learning. She impressed the committee with her ability to utilize a variety of teaching strategies to keep students engaged in course content. Her comfortable and enriched learning environment is highlighted by a perfect combination of practical experience and teaching that encourages thoughtful discussion.

The committee acknowledged Brady as a wonderful educator who actively engages students in a variety of ways through large group, small group and individual student teaching. She impressed the committee with her ability to connect previously taught material and new course content in a clear way that allows for improved and active student learning. Particularly remarkable was her ability gain a high level of quality student participation.

Pailden moved the committee with his ability to teach challenging topics, yet make the topics interesting and easy to understand. He utilizes multiple modes of classroom teaching, including active demonstrations. His teaching style is described as flexible, allowing for thoughtful and educational on-the-fly topic discussions. According to the committee, student evaluations of his teaching were phenomenal, and his passion for teaching is clearly evident.

Teaching Recognition Awards were bestowed upon Ari Belasen, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Economics and Finance within the School of Business (SOB); Katherine Robberson, instructor in the Department of Management and Marketing within the SOB; Jocelyn DeGroot, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Applied Communication Studies within CAS; Jianwei Huang, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering within the School of Engineering; Sophia Wilson, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science within CAS; Kevin Rowland, DMD, associate professor in the School of Dental Medicine; and Michelle Ertel, DNAP, assistant director in the Nurse Anesthesia Program in the Department of Primary Care and Health Systems Nursing within the School of Nursing.

All Teaching Recognition awardees receive $250.

One of the most critical issues of our time will be highlighted from Monday-Saturday, April 16-21, according to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Sociology. SIUE will join the worldwide observance of Earth Week with informational, enlightening and fun activities leading up to Earth Day on Sunday, April 22. 

 “We’ve worked intentionally to make sure we have a range of events that appeal to both the campus and the local community,’ said Frey Spurlock, SAG steering committee chair. “Earth Week’s events offer fun and engaging ways to learn about some of the environmental challenges we face as well as what we can do to address those challenges.” 

• Monday, April 16 – The Wheel of Green Living Choices from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. outside of the Morris University Center. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the environmental problems posed by single use plastics, such as straws and disposable beverage bottles. Student Government and SOS will give away reusable straws and bottles to facilitate behavior changes. 

• Tuesday, April 17 – Edwardsville’s Land of Goshen Community Market is collaborating with SIUE to bring local produce to campus from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Quad. 

• Wednesday, April 18 – BYO Glen Ed and SOS are hosting a screening of “Bag It: Is Your Life Too Plastic?” Attendees will have an opportunity to donate and upcycle T-shirts into reusable shopping bags, from 5-8 p.m. in Fixins’ University Restaurant. 

• Thursday, April 19 – A day in The Gardens at SIUE will allow participants to plant native prairie grass seeds and Bur Oak tree seedlings from 10-11:30 a.m., and 12:30-2 p.m. 

• Friday, April 20 – Eleanor Schumacher, a resource conservationist with the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District, will lead a program at The Gardens from 12-5 p.m. She will lead a series of discussions and activity on spring flower identification, hold a seed collection competition, discuss pesticide training and certification process, among other things. The fee is $5.                                                                                 
• Saturday, April 21 – E-Waste Collection Drive from 9 a.m.-noon in the visitor’s lot near the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability. 

 Monday and Wednesday’s events are in keeping with this year’s Earth Day theme of plastic pollution. 

“We’re excited about this year’s celebration, because in keeping with sustainability principles, it is the result of a number of collaborative efforts,” said Frey Spurlock. “We’re especially excited to have the Goshen Farmer’s Market and student government as two new co-sponsors for Earth Week.” 

Sponsoring Earth Week events are SIUE’s Sustainability Action Group (SAG), Student Organization for Sustainability (SOS), the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability, SIUE Student Government, The Gardens at SIUE, The Goshen Farmer’s Market and BYO Glen Ed. 

The International Trade Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (ITC at SIUE) welcomes existing and future exporters to participate in “Discover Mexico,” a four-day trade mission to Mexico from Monday-Thursday, July 23-26.

The Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council (SWITIC) will lead the trade mission with the full support of the ITC at SIUE, the Office of Trade and Investment of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“This trip is a critical part of the SWITIC mission, which is to raise awareness of global exporting and foreign direct investment as an opportunity for economic stability and growth in Southwest Illinois,” said Silvia Torres Bowman, director of the ITC at SIUE.

Mexico is the second-largest goods export market for the U.S. and Illinois and the second largest economy in Latin America. According to Torres Bowman, the ITC at SIUE is creating customized connections and one-on-one conversations for Southwest Illinois mission participants.

Torres Bowman will represent the ITC and SIUE, as she travels with the delegation, assists the group with all involved details and provides consulting support during the trip.

“We know this trip will be one of many that our organization spearheads as a means of helping companies in our region develop long-term relationships with their global customers and partners,” Torres Bowman said. “The International Trade Center at SIUE will be involved in every step of the mission, including collaborating with The State of Illinois Latin America Office in Mexico City and other main economic development corporations to establish mutually beneficial relationships for our region and our businesses.”

The four-day trade mission is unique to other opportunities as participants will spend their first full day in Mexico holding discussions with various professionals who have expertise in trade, logistics, e-commerce, Mexican law and other areas. This differs from most missions’ traditional one to two-hour briefing session.

“This trade mission to Mexico creates an unparalleled opportunity for businesses to gain expert assistance and guidance in developing long-term international opportunities and connections,” said David Kniepkamp, president of the SWITIC Board of Directors and president of Smart Controls, LLC.

Each participating company will have an interpreter and driver. Locations visited will be customized to fit the specific needs of individual participants, and the ITC at SIUE will provide follow up consultation services.

The trade mission is open to Southern Illinois businesses from all industries and sectors with an interest in:

• Exploring export opportunities for their products and services
• Finding or expanding distribution channels
• Getting first-hand market information
• Experiencing the business environment in Mexico

Each mission participant will have the opportunity to join in a series of pre-trip programs, including a webinar “Doing Business with Mexico,” hosted by the ITC at SIUE and PricewaterhouseCooper S.C. in Mexico City. The webinar is scheduled for Monday, May 14.

A limited number of companies will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Recruitment ends Monday, April 30.

Torres Bowman urges interested businesses to indicate their interest now so organizations have time to prepare and support them in mission planning. For information on how your company can participate in Discover Mexico, contact Torres Bowman at sitorre@siue.edu or call the ITC at SIUE at 618-650-2452.

The Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council (SWITIC) has been in existence since 2015. The nonprofit organization educates, equips and connects area businesses with the expertise and contacts to begin and expand exporting their products.

The International Trade Center at SIUE serves businesses in Southern Illinois by providing individualized, no-cost export consultation, identification of foreign buyers, agents and/or distributors through trade leads, international market analysis, and more.

The ITC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It has a longtime partnership with the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment (OTI), which maintains a full-time staff of both foreign and domestic-based international trade and marketing experts. OTI also manages 7 foreign trade offices located in Belgium, Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico, Canada, China and Israel.

Photo: Silvia Torres Bowman, director of the International Trade Center at SIUE.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance in partnership with award-winning playwright and librettist E.M. Lewis will present her new play, The Great Divide, opening at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18 in the Katherine Dunham Hall Theater. The show will also be on stage at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 19-21 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 22. 

The production is directed by department chair Chuck Harper and performed by SIUE performance students within the Department of Theater and Dance. 

“This is the story of the longest, angriest, strangest presidential election this country has ever seen,” said Lewis. “This is a story about America, in this divided moment.” 

“I am thrilled that we will be working with Ms. Lewis on a project this timely,” said Harper. “She will be writing this play as we rehearse, so our students will be a part of the writing process.” 

General admission is $12 for ages 18 and older, $10 for ages 65 and up, and $10 for non-SIUE students with valid school identification, as well as SIUE faculty and staff. SIUE students with valid identification are admitted free. 

Tickets are available at the Theater and Dance Department box office in Katherine Dunham Hall, room 1042b. Credit cards are accepted at (618) 650-2774 or toll free at (888) 328-5168, extension 2774. 

For more information, email theater-tickets@siue.edu. For directions and parking information, visit siue.edu\maps. 

Lewis was awarded a Hodder Fellowship at Princeton University, the 2016 Oregon Literary Fellowship in Drama, and a Playwriting Fellowship from the New Jersey Council for the Arts, and was a finalist for the Shakespeare's Sister Fellowship. She received the Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award for Song of Extinction and the Primus Prize for Heads from the American Theater Critics Association. Her work has been produced around the world.  

Many noted theater companies and organizations have supported and encouraged Lewis in her work, including: The William Inge Center for the Arts, The Lark, Page 73, Project Y, Ashland New Plays Festival, Arkansas New Play Festival, PlayFest Santa Barbara, EcoDrama Festival, HotCity Greenhouse Festival, Great Plains Theater Conference, Last Frontier Theater Conference, TimeLine Theater, Playwrights Theater of New Jersey, Theatre Latte Da, Moving Arts, Passage Theater, and 16th Street Theater. 

SIUE’s Department of Theater and Dance presents four plays and one dance concert during its October through April season.  All productions are open to the community at large.  The Department of Theater & Dance is part of the College of Arts and Sciences.    

Photo courtesy of Valerie Goldston: The cast of the Great Divide.

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved contracts to provide infrastructure improvements for the Edwardsville campus and support marketing efforts to sustain undergraduate and graduate student recruitment during its regularly scheduled meeting on the Carbondale campus. The board also approved contracts for supplies and dental lab services for the SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) in Alton.

Beginning with Phase I of the Student Success Center renovation, the board awarded a $246,000 contract to R&W Builder’s, Inc., of O’Fallon, Ill., for general work and a $134,982 contract to Pyramid Electrical Contractors, Inc., of Fairview Heights, for electrical work. The renovation will focus on expanding the Disability Support Services (DSS) office to accommodate the approximately 700 students that require assistance for testing services, and relocating the smart seminar room and computer lab space to service that growing population. The renovation will be funded from the Student Success Center repair and replacement reserve funds.

The board also awarded a $275,000 contract to R&W Builder’s, Inc., to replace the existing skylight system in the Morris University Center (MUC). The original skylight system has deteriorated and is leaking.  The MUC repair and replacement reserve fund will support the project.

The SIUE exterior water distribution system Phase II plan to replace valves and fire hydrants includes a $482,900 contract to Haier Plumbing and Heating, Inc., of Okawville. The replacement of more than 300 valves and hydrants is planned through multiple phases, and Phase II addresses priority valves. The cost is covered by facilities management plant funds.

In Phase II of the campus sidewalk replacement plan, the board awarded a $374,500 contract to Stutz Excavating, Inc., of Alton. Replacement of the current deteriorating asphalt sidewalks with concrete pathways will be completed during summer 2018. The Phase II cost is covered by facilities management plant funds.

As the renovated Science East Building is coming into full use, the board approved a $606,463 contract with Modern Business Interiors, of St. Charles, Mo., to provide furniture for the common-use areas, classrooms and offices. The contract includes delivery and installation. Facilities fee revenue will provide the initial funding with reimbursement arriving from the Capital Development Board through an inter-agency agreement.

In a School of Engineering building project, the board gave project and budget approval to Phase II of the Student Project Design Center. The $1.2-million project cost is funded through private donations. It will include construction of additional faculty offices to accommodate growth, student design lab spaces, restrooms and a conference room on the building’s second floor.

In a bid to bolster its master’s of business administration (MBA) program, the SIUE School of Business has contracted with Academic Partnerships, LLC, of Dallas, for seven years to develop and grow an accelerated online MBA program. The goal is to build the program by at least 750 students over the life of the contract. The contract’s estimated cost is $6,907,681 during the seven-year period, and the cost will be funded from 50 percent of the tuition and fees derived from the newly enrolled students.

In the traditional recruitment of undergraduate students, University Marketing and Communications is renewing two contracts with current vendors. Burns and Associates Management, LLC (BAM), of Edwardsville, received a one-year, $757,270 contract with annual renewal options for four years to manage traditional media management and placement for television, radio, print, outdoor and sponsorship opportunities. BAM also serves as a media consultant for the SIUE Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and WSIE-FM Radio, 88.7 The Sound.

In addition, the board approved an initial one-year, $645,000 contract with annual renewal options for four years to ReelEyez Media, LLC, of St. Peters, Mo., to manage digital media buys, analyze various digital media opportunities and evaluate various emerging digital media.

For the SIU SDM, the board approved $150,000 in annual contracts to Biomet3i, Inc., of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and Dentsply Sirona, of Waltham, Mass., to purchase dental implant parts and supplies. It includes three one-year renewal options. The cost is funded by dental clinic operation funds.

The board also awarded a $400,000 one-year contract to Dental Arts Laboratory, Inc., of Peoria, for dental lab services. The contract contains three one-year renewal options. The cost is funded by dental clinic operation funds.

In 2017, Tara and Jacob Lowry established a partnership with Karen McGarvey and David Wiegand to expand their business with a new brand, The Wealthcare Group, offering services in navigating through insurance benefits and financial planning for the Riverbend area. They know that investments, insurance and employee benefits can be complex. Their teams of advisors are here to assist each client in fulfilling their specific needs.

The Wealthcare Group reached out to the Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for guidance in the middle of 2017. They have been working with the SBDC and receiving one-on-one counseling with Director and Business Specialist Jo Ann DiMaggio May.

Tara is extremely appreciative of Jo Ann’s availability and how much she cares about the Lowry’s business. Tara stated, “Jo Ann has given us a tremendous amount of feedback. She’s reviewed all of our concerns and strategies, which will help us be more successful.”

DiMaggio May also discussed a variety of areas to assist the Lowry’s and their partners in succeeding with their next business chapter. These areas ranged from strategizing their goals, networking, marketing, offering advice on how to leverage under one name to Tara’s attendance at SBDC training and resource seminars.

Tara was involved in the SBDC and Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac Growth Venture eight-week seminar series from January-March. The series assisted businesses in developing a growth plan, as well as the creation of a framework to better utilize decision-making and improve business performance.

“Tara and Jacob are dedicated to exceptional client service, as well as educating their clients in the process,” said DiMaggio May. “With their care and motivation, I am confident they will be successful, and I look forward to supporting them further.”

 The Wealthcare Group’s mission is to illustrate integrity, knowledge and trustworthiness as they enable clients to achieve greater financial success and peace of mind. The team is focused on earning clients’ trust every day. Both financial planning and insurance require proactive preparation to offer each client clarity and customization to achieve the most benefit.

The Wealthcare Group welcomes the Riverbend community to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1 at 2 Terminal Dr. in East Alton. The Wealthcare Group can be contacted at 618-259-8920.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures like The Wealthcare Group 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. 

Photo (L-R): David Wiegand, Karen McGarvey, Tara Lowry and Jacob Lowry.

In a new musical tradition that displays orchestra as at its best, the combined orchestras of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Southern Illinois University Carbondale will spotlight internationally acclaimed concert violinist Rachel Barton Pine. The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 23 in Dunham Hall Theater. 

Michael Mishra, professor of music and director of Orchestral Studies at SIUE, and Edward Benyas, music director of the SIUC Symphony Orchestra, will conduct the concert. 

Pine has an extensive repertoire that includes classical and contemporary works. She has appeared as a soloist with many of the world’s most prestigious ensembles and holds prizes from several of the world’s leading competitions, including a gold medal at the J.S. Bach International Violin Competition in Leipzig, Germany. 

“The combined orchestra concerts have been some of our most popular Arts & Issues events,” said Grant Andree, director of the Arts & Issues series. “And this season we have another outstanding guest artist in violinist Rachel Barton Pine.” 

“Credit should go to our conductors Michael Mishra and Edward Benyas for creating these excellent concerts and choosing our guest artists,” Andree added. “This is also a great experience for our music students to have an opportunity to work with a larger ensemble and a musician of Rachel Barton Pine’s caliber.” 

Tickets, which range from $15-$20, can be purchased at artsandissues.com, by phone at 1-866-698-4253 or at the Morris University Center (MUC) Welcome Desk. 

The show is sponsored by TheBank of Edwardsville. 

The Arts & Issues series brings artistic excellence to the SIUE campus through an eclectic blend of speakers and performers. For more than 33 years, SIUE’s Arts & Issues series has highlighted some of the world’s finest artists. Each season, thought-provoking speakers inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks to the underwriting of SIUE, corporations, foundations and individual donors, tickets are often discounted as much as 50 percent. 

Photo: Internationally acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton Pine.