Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has named James Burgdorf as the associate director of financial affairs for Bursar Operations (SIUE Bursar), effective Tuesday, June 25. Burgdorf takes over the responsibilities of Cathy Foland, who retired June 30 after 25 years of service at the University, including 11 as SIUE Bursar.

Prior to joining SIUE, Burgdorf built an extensive professional background in cash handling and customer service through 10 years of banking experience and 12 years with Student Financial Services and Cashier Operations with the University of Illinois System.

“James brings a tremendous amount of relevant experience from his more than 10 years with the University of Illinois System and his involvement with Bursar operations and other organizations as both a leader and conference speaker,” said SIUE Director of Financial Affairs Rich Hampton. “I look forward to James providing leadership, collaborative communication, and new ideas as SIUE’s Bursar.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to join SIUE’s campus community,” Burgdorf said. “There is no doubt I have big shoes to fill by following Cathy Foland’s footsteps. I look forward to working with and getting to know the great people on the Bursar team. During the next academic year, I will observe, participate in daily operations, work on relationship building across campus, and ask a lot of questions to help determine the best path forward.”

Burgdorf earned a bachelor’s in business administration/economics from Illinois College, and a master’s in accountancy from the University of Illinois Springfield. He has also achieved the Certified Fraud Examiner designation.

Photo: SIUE Bursar James Burgdorf.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy 4th of July from SIUE.

The offices of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will be closed Thursday, July 4, 2019. Offices will re-open Friday, July 5, 2019. 

Healing Naturally Boutique, LLC, an all-natural and organic skincare, clothing, and CBD oil boutique held its grand opening on Sat., July 6 in Lebanon. Owner Kili Green worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and business specialist Marti Guntren to successfully develop a business plan and make Green’s dream come true. 

Green is passionate about providing her customers with all-natural, organic products that promote sustainability and relief to any pain. Her business concept sparked from her personal experience with all-natural products.

“I have always believed in the power of all-natural healing, and this is truly something that I would like to share with everyone,” Green shared, “I am so thankful that Healing Naturally is giving me the opportunity to do just that.”

Guntren assisted Green by providing one-on-one advising, and help with state and federal paperwork and registration, and other information to develop a plan.

“Marti helped in many aspects,” Green said. “My goal is to be successful, and listening to Marti is what has made the overall experience of opening my own business a success

Green also credits her General Manager, Kaylee Gaines, who is currently a student at McKendree University and working part-time at the boutique to help manage the business. Green says, “I have dyslexia, and Kaylee has been a great help to make this business a success despite my challenges.” 

“It has been my pleasure to work with Kili and Kaylee,” Guntren said. “They are enthusiastic and energetic and have tackled all of the business planning hurdles with a great attitude. When faced with a barrier or when things were not as expected, they persevered.  I am honored to have had any part in their success, and I am excited for them as they move forward.” 

Unique partnerships have helped Green create a vibrant style that sets Healing Naturally apart. The boutique offers a variety of skincare, clothing, accessories and CBD products. Some of the brands and partnerships include Just Black Denim, an all-organic yoga line, Koi CBD products and PAWZ, a clothing brand created to bring awareness and raise money for animals in no-kill shelters by donating 10% of its profits to shelters across the U.S.

Green takes pride in her boutique’s natural style – from homemade racks, to a custom counter and a beautiful barn wood mirror. Additionally, she is extremely grateful for three recent Lebanon High School graduates, who hand painted a beautiful dogwood tree surrounded by flowers and butterflies for the boutique. “This mural is quite special to me, as it reminds me of my grandmother,” Green shared.

The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting followed by the opening of the boutique. Customers enjoyed sips and snacks such as popcorn, hot dogs and shaved ice, as well as samples and giveaways throughout the day.

Customers can visit the storefront located at 123 W. St. Louis St. in Lebanon. Business hours are Tue.-Fri. from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Contact Healing Naturally Boutique at 618-808-0288.  For more information, visit healingnaturallyboutique.com/, Facebook or Instagram @healingnaturallyboutique.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures like Healing Naturally Boutique 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 theIL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE, call 618-650-2929.

Higher education has expanded to become a more global endeavor with increased competition. That’s why Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Effie Hortis, assistant director of first year services in the Office of Academic Advising, believes institutions need to be global campuses that connect, network and share resources.

As appointed chair of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA): The Global Community for Academic Advising 2020 International Conference, Hortis is a leader in the global endeavor. She will present on the topic of Student Autonomy: Advisors Creating Positive Change for Students at the 2019 NACADA International Conference being held in Hasselt, Belgium from July 8-11.

Hortis will assume her appointment as chair of the 2020 NACADA International Conference at the close of the Belgium gathering. It will be held in Athens, Greece in 2020.

“I have been part of the global initiatives committee of NACADA since 2014, and am fortunate to meet and work with amazing colleagues from around the world,” Hortis said.

Hortis emphasizes her NACADA involvement aligns with SIUE’s vision “to achieve greater national and global recognition and academic prominence through innovative and interdisciplinary programs that empower individuals to achieve their full potential.”

“The international NACADA conference in Athens puts SIUE in the program and on stage in front of more than 300 advisors, faculty and higher education professionals from more than 20 countries,” Hortis explained. “NACADA is the front-runner in the international education community for the philosophy, delivery, application and improvement of academic advising to enhance student learning and development.”

The academic advising leader will wear many hats in order to plan and implement the international conference.

“Some of my main responsibilities include introducing the conference at the closing ceremony in Belgium and attending the annual NACADA conference in October,” Hortis explained. “Additionally, the International Conference Advisory Board Chair and I will oversee approximately 100 peers, who will read and evaluate proposals submitted for the international conference, and will make final decisions on what is accepted for presentations. My responsibilities go from stuffing the bags prior to the conference to greeting delegates at the registration desk, and choosing and introducing the keynote speaker.”

Attending and presenting at conferences greatly contributes to professional development, according to Hortis.

“It’s always an excellent opportunity to collaborate with and learn from fellow higher education professionals and researchers,” she noted. “It’s also an invaluable opportunity to expand your network and share similar interests and expertise on academic advising globally.”

Photo: Effie Hortis, assistant director of first year services in the Office of Academic Advising, has been appointed chair of the 2020 NACADA International Conference.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Art and Design West building is bustling with activity this summer as children grades K-8 are expressing themselves creatively through exciting art lessons in innovative media during Summer Arts camp.

Three Monday-Friday sessions of Summer Arts camp ran June 17-21, June 24-28, and are continuing July 8-12 with themes of 2-D Exploration, 3-D Exploration and Arts and Crafts. The camp is hosting its largest group to date this year, with 62 participants on campus for one of the week’s sessions alone.

“My mom saw this camp, and I thought I might like it, so she signed me up. She was right!” exclaimed Lyvleigh Burgess, of Winter Garden, Fla. “I like that I get to be messy. Working with clay has definitely been my favorite.”

“The most fun has been making alien stuffed animals and puppets,” said third grader Madilyn Cameron, of Maryville. “We used felt. Mine was white, and it had four googly eyes.”

“People often think about art as just the idea of making or producing something, but really it’s honing in on critical thinking skills, which are crucial,” noted Summer Arts Coordinator Annie Darlin. “Artists are essentially taking nothing and making something from it. Those skills can be used in any kind of career, including engineering, math, science and other fields.”

SIUE’s Art and Design West building provides campers with access to state-of-the-art studios, supplies and classrooms.

“It’s cool to come to campus,” said eighth grader Lia Kampwerth, of Edwardsville. “There’s a ton to do here. I like coming to camp, because it’s fun to be with friends.”

Instructors for the three levels, divided as K-2, 3-5 and 6-8, are all licensed education teachers and graduates of SIUE’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior.

“Miss Lizzie is amazing,” said fourth grader Emerson Hyten, of Edwardsville. “My favorite has been creating with clay, because it’s easy to mold, and I’ve never worked with it before. I’ve also liked painting, because you get to express your feelings.”

“I came last year and had a really good time, and I like being with Miss Casey,” added sixth grader Emma Cowan, of Edwardsville. “You can really do anything with art. If you’re not good with one thing, like drawing for me, you can work with clay or paint instead.”

A cumulative art show, “Parent’s Day,” caps off each week, where students showcase their creations. Project examples include outdoor and still-life paintings, large-scale charcoal drawings, handmade pottery, plaster molds, woven baskets and more.

Photos: Lyvleigh Burgess works on an art project during the Summer Arts camp at SIUE.

Brooke Geggus, of Edwardsville, paints her papier mache pop art creation.

Henry Samet, of Edwardsville, (left) and Caleb Peksa, of Troy, examine each other’s animal mask creations during the drying process.

A group of camp participants from Edwardsville work on their papier mache pop art creations during Summer Arts camp. (L-R) Ella Basarich, Caitlyn Dicks, Nola Brandmeyer and Claire Martens.

SIUE alumna Bethany Luebbers is one of three Ameren Illinois employees and 76 individuals nationwide being recognized as an “up and coming professional” on Public Utilities Fortnightly’s “Fortnightly Under Forty” list.

Luebbers earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering from the SIUE School of Engineering in 2012. She works as a supervising engineer in electric project management for Ameren Illinois.

Details on her achievement are available on RiverBender.com.

In a long tradition of providing great jazz music for Southwestern Illinois and the Greater St. Louis region, WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is turning up the heat to the delight of its listeners, increasing its exposure and drawing more support.

The recent improvements are courtesy of WSIE’s new general manager, Jason Church, who came to the station in May of 2018.

“We’ve been steadily making improvements since I arrived,” said Church. “The big change occurred when the station reformatted after an extensive marketing study was completed by master’s candidates in the SIUE Department of Mass Communications. Those results prompted us to add smooth jazz, blues and R&B to the traditional jazz format. We have been fine-tuning the music library and adding some much-needed artists that were previously not included.”

“We have also added more contemporary jazz pieces into the mix,” continued Church, who has worked in jazz radio for more than 20 years. “We offer a balanced mixture of old school jazz for those who have been with us for years and new school jazz and other jazz-related tunes, which helps attract new listeners. Everybody seems quite happy with the mix.”

“(WSIE) plays a wonderful mix of jazz, blues, R&B and contemporary jazz,” wrote Cornelius Osby on the station’s Facebook page. “This station is a welcome to the hearing of its listeners. Thank you WSIE The Sound.”

“Just excellent! I SO miss a great playlist…severely lacking in my town in Southwest Florida!” commented Jill Dunn on Facebook. “Keep it going, and thanks for the great SOUND!”

Another enhancement Church made to the station was adding a new category to the playlist – local and regional musicians.

“Tim Cunningham, Jim Manley, Kim Massie and Dawn Weber are a few local musicians people can now hear regularly on WSIE,” Church said. “We now have over 200 cuts from more than 70 area artists being played on the station. We have so many talented and hard-working jazz musicians in the area. Expanding this category is incredibly important, because it helps solidify our local connection and gives our area’s musicians more exposure. People can listen to us online all over the country and around the world, and hear the awesome musicians we have in St. Louis!”

In addition, the station increased its social media presence, doubling its likes on facebook.com/wsie887thesound.

“Fundraising is also up, but we still have a ways to go before we get to where we need to be,” Church cautioned. “To achieve our financial goal of self-sustainability, we’re working to increase listener donations, bringing on more underwriters, and beginning the process of grant writing. Our listeners may not know this, but up until July 1, 2018, we were receiving some state support to help offset our costs, but after July 1, 2018, that stipend was discontinued as a result of the Illinois budget crisis.”

“WSIE is St. Louis’ heritage jazz radio station,” Church explained.  “We’re coming up on our 50^th anniversary in less than two years, and we have been St. Louis’ home for this wonderful music for decades. St. Louis is, and has always been, a jazz town, and I have personally been a fan of this music and of this station since I was a kid. I invite everyone to tune in, whether it’s on your FM stereo, online or on your phone, we’re playing this fantastic music every day of the week, and I think you might just love what we’re doing.”

Looking ahead, Church’s mission is to continue to grow the station’s listenership and support to a level and rhythm that will have audiences tuned in for years to come.  

Photos: WSIE 88.7 FM The Sound General Manager Jason Church.

Part of WSIE’s staff includes (L-R front row): Ja’Quis (On-Air), Christiann (On-Air), John Grainey (Co-Host Financial Café), Stephanie Lewis (Account Executive), Kayci (On-Air), Jason Church (General Manager), Carlos Bedoya (Chief Engineer), Dean Greg Budzban, PhD (Dean of SIUE College of Arts and Sciences), Larry Lexow (Co-Host Financial Café).

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) has honored four distinguished students with its annual Dean’s Scholarship. The SDM also announced the Dr. Larry A. Lowe Memorial Scholarship to two recipients.

The Dean’s Scholarship was created with the goal of rewarding academic merit, assisting with financial need and increasing student diversity at the SIU SDM. Recipients include Alexis Polczynski, of Venedy, Adam Falasz, of Bloomington, Mary Beth Di Lisio, of Edwardsville, and Karolina Migus, of Prospect Heights. Each has been awarded $5,000 for the 2019-20 academic year.

“Upon completion of their doctor of dental medicine degrees, these outstanding students most certainly will make significant contributions to the communities they serve,” said SIU SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD.

The Dean’s Scholarship Award is largely supported through the SIU SDM’s annual Dean’s Scholarship Gala. The 2019 gala will be held Saturday, Nov. 2 at The Westin St. Louis.

“We appreciate our alumni, faculty and friends, who have contributed funding for this scholarship, and their continued belief in our high-quality dental students,” Rotter added.

Polczynski was filled with a sense of pride and gratitude upon receiving the award. “This has furthered the belief that my hard work, dedication, and persistence is well-founded, as this achievement will help fulfill my dream of becoming an orthodontist,” she said. “The award is a critical asset to my education, as I hope to start an orthodontic residency following graduation. This will lessen the burden of my application fees to residency programs, and now I can put forth all of my time and energy into applying for residency programs, as I won't have the angst of how to afford the application fees.”

As an orthodontist, Polczynski is passionate about providing healthiness and well-being to her patients. Falasz is also preparing for a future in the same field.

“I hope this award will assist in making my application competitive with other dental students around the country vying for the same few positions in residency programs,” Falasz said. “The funding will make completing the application and traveling to interviews more fiscally feasible. I look forward to finding the program that best suits my professional desires, while worrying less about the financial implications of visiting schools.”

Falasz sees the scholarship as a meaningful recognition of hard work and dedication to the dental profession. “It is reassuring to know that our mentors, faculty, and benefactors appreciate commitment to continuing the art of dental medicine and efforts towards improving patient treatment,” he said. “The award represents an opportunity to interact closely with those who have shaped the practice of dentistry today.” 

Falasz’s long-term goal is to open a private practice specializing in orthodontic treatment to help patients with average and advanced orthodontic needs. “It is my goal that through orthodontic treatment, I can prevent the problems of some patients while relieving symptoms in others,” he said. “It is so rewarding to observe individuals’ increase in self-esteem and confidence as the result of an attractive smile.” 

Di Lisio also weighed in on the award’s impact on her expenses. “I am grateful to be part of a community that invests in the next generation of dentists,” she said. “I am thankful the School of Dental Medicine has this scholarship and for the generosity of the contributors investing in my future. Following graduation, I would like to practice general dentistry and eventually open my own practice.”

Additionally, Claire Willenborg, of Effingham, and Stefanie Curtis, of Bartlett, are the recipients of the Dr. Larry A. Lowe Memorial Scholarship, which is worth $2,500 for the 2019-20 academic year. Sherry Baker established the annual scholarship in memory of her late husband, a SIU SDM Class of 1977 alumnus.

Photo (L-R): (upper right) SIU School of Dental Medicine Dean’s Scholarship awardees Karolina Migus, Adam Falasz, Alexis Polcynski and Mary Beth Di Lisio.

(lower right) Dr. Larry A. Lowe Memorial Scholarship recipients Claire Willenborg and Stefanie Curtis.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Miranda Buiter is one of three students nationally to serve on the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Assembly. Buiter is among the fifth cohort in SIUE’s College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) program through the Department of Educational Leadership.

“This is a unique opportunity to work with peers and colleagues who are passionate about campus recreation,” Buiter said. “Our leadership team’s main focus is on research and development for the greater organization, so that we can give back to the community and build our programs into something greater for our students.”

“Miranda’s recent professional success is reflective of her drive to further the profession of student affairs and the functional area of college recreation,” said Pietro Sasso, PhD, CSPA program director “She has a strong personal orientation toward service to the profession and is definitively a leader as an emerging professional.”

The NIRSA Assembly is a forward-thinking leadership group that focuses on the hot topics impacting the collegiate recreation profession currently and in the future. Comprised of NIRSA professional and student members, as well as non-NIRSA members, the assembly is an important mechanism for creating new ideas and shaping the future of collegiate recreation on NIRSA member campuses and beyond. Whether they are examining how to articulate the value of campus recreation or exploring collaborative relationships within higher education and the recreation industry, assembly members vet concepts in highly participatory idea exchanges, and desire to be catalysts for action and results.

Buiter will contribute her personal experience to the research team and offer a different perspective as to how campus recreation can be a vital resource for colleges and universities. “Having this opportunity to give back to the industry by devoting my time and resources to research and recognition of current and future issues will help institutions nationally.”

Each assembly member is selected for their unique perspective, experiences and passion for the profession. As a member of the assembly, they have a chance to bring topics forward for consideration deemed relevant to the future of collegiate recreation. They actively research ways that institutions across the membership have been successful in approaching issues, and finding ways to provide findings to the membership. The assembly shares its findings by developing panels or educational sessions at the NIRSA Annual Conference & Campus Rec and Wellness Expo, NIRSA regional conferences, creating a resource guide, disseminating NIRSA news articles, and facilitating discussion with members through open online connections and communities.

 “Miranda is an extraordinary young professional,” said Natalie Hawkins, assistant director of SIUE Campus Recreation. “In her involvement in the Campus Recreation department, she works as the aquatics graduate assistant, gaining personal hands-on experience that will prepare her for a career. She has demonstrated great management capability in leading and developing aquatic special events and student-centered programs. Her greatest attribute is her ability to collaborate with campus partners in Student Affairs to assist with the promotion of Campus Recreation programs and services to our students.”

A northwest Indiana native, Buiter’s career goal is to own an aquatics program and create institutes for educating others for aquatics programs worldwide. She earned a bachelor’s in sports management with a minor in business administration from Valparaiso University before joining SIUE.

The University of Houston’s Claudia Cooper and The Ohio State University’s Karen David join Buiter on the council.

Photo: Miranda Buiter, SIUE Campus Recreation graduate assistant.

Queen Beedz, a client of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville since 2017, celebrated its second anniversary on July 1, much to the delight of owner Susan Hackney.

Hackney started her jewelry business as a hobby, with the simple intention of making bracelets to fit her wrists - she never dreamed it would flourish and grow as it has over the past two years. This success has filled her with happiness and excitement as she looks forward to the future.

Over the last year, Hackney has continued to grow and expand through different craft fairs and maker’s markets, as well as working with Restoration Alley in Ellisville, Mo, where her jewelry is available for sale. Additionally, she has started selling her jewelry through her own Etsy shop, which she started in April 2019.

Hackney feels extremely grateful for the consistent support she has received from the SBDC and Director Jo Ann Di Maggio May throughout her entrepreneurial endeavor.

“Jo Ann has been such a mentor to me. She has always advised me in the best way and has put me in touch with the people I need to talk to in order to solve any problems I may have. The SBDC has helped me in so many ways, from learning record keeping through Quickbooks, to launching my Instagram and setting up my Etsy shop,” Hackney said.

“Susan works hard and is eager to learn. I enjoy seeing all her success and am glad the events and networking we discuss are paying off. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Queen Beedz,” Di Maggio May said.

Hackney hopes to secure studio space for her work by early 2020. She also plans to expand her Etsy shop by adding new products, and is open to expanding into another boutique that aligns with her values and jewelry style.

Hackney plans to continue to find new vendors and learn new techniques, as she hopes to evolve her style of jewelry to provide a range from casual to fancy.

Queen Beedz can be contacted at 618-877-3341. For more information, visit Facebook @QueenBeedz, Instagram @queenbeedzdesigns, or Etsy etsy.com/shop/QueenBeedzDesigns. Visit Restoration Alley DIY Studio & Handmade Market at restorationallydiy.com or on Facebook.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures like Queen Beedz 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: Queen Beedz owner Susan Hackney.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduate student Sydney Boschert, of Alton, has been named a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholar and will receive a $10,000 scholarship to be used in the 2019-20 academic year. Boschert is pursuing a master’s in accountancy (MSA) in the SIUE School of Business.

The SIUE accounting program is a qualified PCAOB Scholarship Nominating School. Boschert secured the national scholarship after first being chosen as SIUE’s representative, and then competing with other top applicants from all nominating schools in the U.S. This marks the second consecutive year an SIUE student has earned the competitive scholarship.

“Sydney has been successful academically while also being engaged in the SIUE accounting program,” said Gregory Sierra, PhD, associate professor and MSA program director. “Her commitment to her career and the success of classmates made her application stand out. We are extremely proud of her accomplishment, as she competed with dozens of applicants from high-caliber programs across the nation.”

Boschert earned a bachelor’s in accountancy from SIUE in May 2019. With the pursuit of a master’s, she is earning both the industry-noted advanced degree and fulfilling requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. She works full-time as a staff accountant at a local company.

“I was overwhelmed with joy and surprise when I found out I won this scholarship,” Boschert said. “The $10,000 will cover a majority, if not all, of my graduate school tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year, leaving me almost debt free during my last year of schooling.”

“I give all credit to the faculty and staff at SIUE for my academic success,” she added. “Without the professors and the resources provided, I would not have achieved this scholarship. I love every minute of my time on SIUE’s campus.”

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is the national regulator of public auditors. The PCAOB oversees the audits of public companies and SEC-registered brokers and dealers in order to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate and independent audit reports.

Photo: SIUE accounting graduate student Sydney Boschert.

A team of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville mass communications students and alumni, under the direction of instructor Cory Byers, proved victorious at the St. Louis 48 Hour Film Project held in June.

The crew of 10 and cast of nine created Recipe for Disaster, a spy/espionage film. The short film took home awards for Best Film, Best Actress, Best Make Up and Group C Audience Choice.

The 48 Hour Film Project starts on a Friday evening when every team is given the same character/job (Sam/Samantha Cantwell, a chili contest winner), prop (a towel), and line (You and I need to talk.). Each team randomly draws two genres. They choose to use one or the other, or both. Each team then has 48 hours to write, shoot, edit and submit a four to seven-minute film.

“We already do quite a bit of hands-on work in our mass communications production classes,” explained Byers, “but this is another way for students to learn by doing. The film project offers first-hand experience working with a crew from concept through completion. The two biggest factors in the film-making industry are who you know, and what you can do. This project allows students to network and collaborate with others, and gives them real experience fulfilling a particular crew or cast role.”

Senior mass communications major Emily Rork, of Hillsboro, was the assistant editor and worked on the credit sequence and craft services.

“This was such a cool experience, and I’m excited to be a part of more projects in the future,” Rork said. “Our team was fun, talented and easy to work with, which made the win even more exciting! There were a lot of fantastic films submitted, so I was over the moon to have won.”

Chicago native and mass communications senior Michael Watkins played the role of Vic in the spy film.

“Working with Cory and the whole New Sequence team was an amazing experience, and I’m reminded why I love this work so much,” Watkins said. “This experience taught me that something great can be accomplished in just 48 hours.”

“One of the things that went into developing our idea was understanding what plays well with 48 hour film audiences, which is comedy, action and horror,” Byers explained. “We also had to think about what other teams may be doing since we all had the same elements. It’s hard to do a straight-up drama or action movie with a chili contest winner, so we liked the idea of setting up the story as a serious action/espionage film, then adding a few twists for humor at the end. Overall, we wanted to make a fun, entertaining film that didn’t overstay its welcome.”

Crew members included Byers (producer, director, editor), Rork (assistant editor, credit sequence, craft services), alumnus Eric Peterson (director of photography), alumna Kiara Laack (assistant camera), student Tyler Pearl (audio), Kevin Minor (boom operator), alumna Ashley Mitchell (production designer, makeup artist), alumna Rachel Rogers (still photographer), alumnus Levi Malan (music) and Scott McCall (writing team).

Cast members included Watkins (Vic), alumna Monica Buschor (Samantha), alumna Jennifer Hodges (Aphrodite), Kevin Minor (spy), and Tyler Pearl, Ashley Mitchell, Rachel Rogers, Nathan Cox and Nicolas Cox (guards).

Photo: Celebrating their 48 Hour Film Project success are team members (front L-R) Eric Peterson and Cory Byers, and (back L-R) Michael Watkins, Monica Buschor, Kiara Laack, Ashley Mitchell and Emily Rork.

SIUE alumnus Bill Bass, an innovation coordinator for technology integration, information and library media in Missouri’s Parkway School District, is serving as president of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). In this role, he is leading his professional peers in helping to reshape educational experiences for students around the world.

“I’m excited to help craft the vision and future of the ISTE organization,” Bass said. “Serving as president has been an amazing experience that has challenged me professionally and personally, and given me the opportunity to reflect on my leadership approach.”

Bass earned a master of science in education, instructional technology in 2002, and a post baccalaureate in education, web-based learning in 2013, both from SIUE. In the Parkway Schools, he serves as district administrator responsible for the instructional technology and the library program.

“I credit much of the success that I have had as a tech integration specialist and tech coordinator in my district, as well as my work with the ISTE, to the base that I got in my program at SIUE,” Bass said. “SIUE’s program helped me find my passion for bringing technology to students all over the world and helping teachers use that technology in meaningful ways.”

“As a leader, I focus on the authentic, meaningful use of technology in classrooms to help prepare our students for their futures,” Bass continued. “I hope to create conditions where innovative instructional practices can be explored and fostered by our teachers and administrators. I want our students to ask questions and solve real-world problems, and be empowered to make their own informed decisions surrounding their education.”

In 2019, SIUE’s instructional technology program, housed in the Department of Educational Leadership, was nationally ranked as a top 25 affordable master’s degree in teaching. The program is offered 100 percent online, and has been lauded for its excellence and affordability.

SIUE’s program sharpens individual’s abilities to critically and creatively analyze performance problems. Students are prepared to envision flexible solutions to those problems, design creative strategies to bring their vision to life, produce multimedia innovations and evaluate the value add for their employers.

“SIUE’s program focuses on instruction and learning,” Bass explained. “While the technology was critical and I got a strong basis of technical understanding from the program, it was always focused on student learning, and that’s what I was looking for. As a high school English teacher, I wanted to engage my students in what I thought would be an integral part of their future.”

“It became clear that SIUE’s faculty would push my thinking, challenge my ideas and support me both in my studies and my career,” he added. “My biggest takeaway from the program was a strong understanding of the impact of technology in schools. It helped me look outside, beyond my current reality and expanded my mindset, so that I could focus on the long-term impacts of technology in schools, while recognizing the opportunities that were in front of me.”

“Bill was one of those great students who truly invested himself in the process of our program,” recalled Dave Knowlton, EdD, graduate program director and professor of instructional technology. “We are incredibly proud of his success and delighted that he sees us as an abiding piece of that success.”

For more information on SIUE’s instructional technology program, visit siue.edu/education/edld/it or contact Knowlton at 618-650-3948.

Photo: SIUE alumnus Bill Bass.

During its regularly scheduled meeting on the Springfield campus, the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees (BOT) today approved Mark Luer, PharmD, FCCP, as dean of the SIUE School of Pharmacy (SOP) and Robin Hughes, PhD, as dean of the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB).

Luer steps into the role after serving as interim dean since July 2018. A longtime contributor to the SOP’s success, he is highly regarded as a collaborative and inclusive leader who is strongly committed to the SOP’s advancement.

Under Luer’s leadership, the SOP has continued to produce pharmacy candidates that are among the nation’s best in board pass rates and assessments, ranking number one among the eight programs in Illinois and Missouri for first attempt North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX) board pass rates. Among the School’s other major accomplishments have been advancements in the areas of diversity and inclusion.

Hughes will assume her new role at SIUE on Thursday, Aug. 1. She arrives on campus after serving as professor of higher education and student affairs, and professor of urban education at Indiana University (IU) School of Education, Indianapolis. Hughes was appointed as senior advisor to the chancellor of Indiana University, Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI) and vice president of IU for Race and Accountability in Campus Programs in August 2018.

Hughes brings to SIUE her scholarly expertise in African American students and faculty experiences, African American students’ educational success, critical race theory and educational and social settings, and student-athletes and supports, specifically identity, experience and history.

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees today approved contracts for the Founders Hall Swing Space renovation, established open-service contracts to retain general contractor services and purchased the Blackboard course management software license for the Edwardsville campus during its regularly scheduled meeting on the Springfield campus.

The board approved contracts worth $795,222 for the phase 2 Founders Hall renovation, swing space fit-out and relocation services as part of SIUE’s 21^st century buildings plan. Limbaugh Construction Co., Inc., of Granite City, will manage the general work for $160,143. Pyramid Electrical Contractors, Inc., of Fairview Heights, will execute the electrical work for $71,679. Fry-Wagner Moving & Storage, of Earth City, Mo., will handle the relocation activities for $563,400.

Founders Hall’s original primary electrical, lighting, plumbing, window and mechanical systems require updating as they no longer meet current safety, energy and seismic codes. The renovation requires occupants of the two lower floors to be temporarily relocated to the Science East building and the Vadalabene Center. Once the renovation is complete, the occupants will return to Founders. The renovation is funded by facilities fees.

The board also approved open-service contracts with Holland Construction Services, of Swansea, Interior Construction Services, of St. Louis, Limbaugh Construction Co., Inc., and R & W Builders, Inc., of Belleville. The vendors are retained for various small SIUE projects, which would include various building and utility systems, on the Edwardsville, Alton and East St. Louis campuses. The contract amounts will be based upon actual need for the services at the time of any work.

The first contract will become effective July 22, 2019, with renewal options for up to five consecutive one-year periods beginning July 1, 2020. The contracts allow the approved vendors to furnish all labor, equipment, tools, and materials for the small construction projects. While the individual vendor contracts may provide services up to $500,000 annually, the individual projects will not exceed $100,000. Work will be funded through the project budget requiring the service.

The board also approved a five-year, $1,300,676 contract with Blackboard, Inc., to purchase the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) license through June 30, 2024. The LMS is currently used by an average of 3,400 courses, 13,000 students and 800 faculty each semester in traditional, hybrid and online courses. The five-year license ensures uninterrupted service for SIUE. ITS student fee accounts will fund the contract.

The LMS provides faculty with a consistent, adaptable teaching and learning environment to create, maintain and deliver course material. Blackboard’s mobile applications also provide faculty and students with a link to their courses and learning tools through mobile devices. Blackboard analytics help with enrollment, retention, student success and degree completion.

Photo: SIUE’s Founders Hall.

It was surprising to watch students rein in their excitement during the summer program, listen and follow instructions, work together, and focus to complete a work of art.

Students, ages 5-14, from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s (ESLC) Project Success program participated in The Children’s Quilting Project: Healing through Art, made possible through a grant from the SIUE Meridian Society. The creative activity was a collaboration between SIUE, Project Success and the Greater East St. Louis Community Fund (GESLCF).

Celebrated artist and SIUE alumna Edna Patterson Petty, of East St. Louis, led the summer art classes at the ESLC campus. Assisting Petty were author Linda Jones, former GESLCF executive director, who read quilting books by national painter and mixed media sculptor Faith Ringgold.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how well the students took to the art project. They were not bustling around. They were excited, but concentrated on their task at hand,” said Precious Grimes, Project Success director and licensed clinical therapist.

This year was the fourth quilting project for Project Success students, according to Pamela Coaxum, GESLCF executive director. Previous quilting classes have been funded through the GESLCF, St. Louis Arts and Education Council and other private donations.

“The purpose of the project was to introduce a little bit about measuring and understanding of how quilts are made,” remarked Coaxum, a longtime quilter. “Students traced hearts from paper templates. They were given three layers that make up a quilt and traced a heart onto the facing. Then they cut it out and stuck it onto a background square.”

“Edna will take all the squares and sew them into a quilt,” she continued. “The quilt is expected to be completed by the end of July and later displayed somewhere on the East St. Louis campus.”

“What’s great is that the students get to see their finished project. A lot of these children don’t get to see that, because they are so transient,” said Grimes. “The students’ success in completing the quilt speaks to their ability to be resilient in life, which was the theme of the project.”

 “The art project allowed them to be mentally stimulated and focused on a task, which is very important in education,” noted Grimes. “It was therapeutic and educational, and provided an opportunity for socialization.”

The Project Success Program is a comprehensive after-school tutorial enrichment childcare program, which services children ages 5-14. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services funds the program. It is designed to serve children who are in protective custody and are referred by the Department of Children and Family Services caseworkers. The program provides services to children living within the St. Clair County and Madison County areas. 

Photo:
Noted artist and SIUE alumna Edna Patterson Petty, of East St. Louis, helps a Project Success student with quilting.

Two leading early childhood experts and faculty members in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) Department of Teaching and Learning have been competitively selected to serve as Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Faculty Fellows.

As Faculty Fellows, Stacie Kirk, PhD, professor and early childhood education program director, and Anni Reinking, EdD, assistant professor, will help shape how early childhood professionals in Illinois will be evaluated for years to come.

The Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies worked with the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) to arrange Illinois faculty into teams that will improve assessments pertaining to credentials for early childhood professionals. The assessments will focus on seven Gateways Content Areas. The initiative began in May 2019 and will conclude in May 2020.

In a letter to the chosen Faculty Fellows, ICCB Executive Director Brian Durham, EdD, and IBHE Interim Executive Director Nyle Robinson wrote: “Funded by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, the groundbreaking work you are undertaking with other early childhood experts from public and private institutions of higher education across Illinois will result in a suite of well-designed assessment tools and practices to support a competency-based system of preparation, credentialing, and professional development for the field of early childhood care and education. The import of this Fellowship initiative cannot be overstated.”

Reinking will serve as a Faculty Lead Fellow, utilizing her expertise in authentic technology-embedded assessment. Reinking will oversee the technology implementation of all of the groups, and will serve on the leadership team for the Gateways to Opportunity initiative.

“I am excited to have been recognized for my hard work in the field of early childhood education, and my focus on implementing useful practices utilizing technology,” Reinking said. “This opportunity will expand my networking and work with technology from the viewpoints of many individuals from around the state. It will also help us as a program as we consider and/or expand some of the credentials we offer at SIUE.”

Kirk will boost her team’s efforts through her expertise related to supporting health, wellness and physical activity in young children, supporting young children with disabilities in inclusive settings, and early intervention with infants and toddlers with, or at risk for, development delays.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with this esteemed group of 40 early childhood education faculty from across the state,” Kirk explained. “I am part of the team looking at assessments for the content areas of health, safety and well-being; human growth and development; curriculum or program design; and family/community relationships.”

Kirk credits retired early childhood education faculty member Martha Latorre, PhD, for her work in initializing the process of establishing SIUE as a Gateways Entitled institution on behalf of the early childhood education program. 

“Involvement in this work adds greatly to my knowledge of initiatives that are underway across the state and in other programs,” Kirk added. “This work also adds to the tools that the SIUE early childhood education program uses to assess the competency of our students who go on to become quality early educators across the state, serving children and families in important ways.”

For more information on the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Fellowship program, visit ilgateways.com.

To learn more about SIUE’s early childhood education program, visit siue.eduacademics/degrees-and-programs/undergraduate/early-childhood-education.

Photo: (L-R) Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Faculty Fellows and SIUE early childhood education faculty members Stacie Kirk, PhD, and Anni Reinking, EdD.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook today named Tim Hall as the eighth director of athletics in University history. Hall arrives on campus after serving as director of athletics at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC) and is expected to assume his new duties in August. The appointment is subject to approval by the SIU Board of Trustees.

“Thanks to search committee co-chairs Bill Retzlaff and Katie Zingg for coordinating a national search that  produced an outstanding pool of candidates, including four distinguished finalists,” Pembrook said. “Tim has a passion for working with student-athletes and helping them achieve academically, socially and competitively. He also brings a track record of successful fundraising at both UMBC and UMKC (University of Missouri-Kansas City). We look forward to his experienced leadership making an impact as Cougar student-athletes compete in the Ohio Valley and Mid-American Conferences.”

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the next director of athletics at SIUE,” Hall said. “During my visit, it was clear to me that SIUE is a wonderful place with special people. I believe in Chancellor Pembrook’s vision for both the institution and the Department of Athletics. I look forward to working with and serving all constituencies to build on the foundation that is in place and take intercollegiate athletics to unprecedented heights. The Hall family is excited to be a part of the SIUE and City of Edwardsville communities.”

Hall served UMBC since July 2013. During his tenure, the Retrievers posted nine conference championships that encompassed men’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s cross country, swimming and diving, and baseball. After reaching the 2017 College Insider Tournament, the Retrievers men’s basketball program made history by becoming the first 16-seed to upset a No. 1 seed when UMBC stunned Virginia in the 2018 NCAA Tournament.

Also on Hall’s watch, UMBC opened a $90-million events center during winter 2018, which serves as the home for the basketball and volleyball programs and the Department of Athletics.

Hall has an extensive history in intercollegiate athletics administration nationally. In summer 2017, he was appointed president of the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (ADA), an organization composed of Division I athletics directors and administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). He previously served the ADA as first vice president in 2016.

Hall was selected as chair of the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics (CWA) for fall 2014. He began serving the multi-divisional committee in 2011 and chaired the CWA/Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee (MOIC) Disability Subcommittee from 2012-14. He has also served on the NCAA volleyball rules committee.

Taking over as director of athletics at UMKC in February 2007, Hall led the Kangaroos to unprecedented NCAA Division I heights in competitiveness, academic success, fund-raising and community service efforts. He also led UMKC into a new era, as it joined the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) on July 1, 2013.

In 2008, UMKC received a $5-million pledge from the Stanley H. Durwood Foundation, the largest gift for the Department of Athletics and the fifth-largest gift in university history. The Stanley H. Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field debuted in August 2009 as one of the premier soccer facilities in the Midwest. 

Hall’s career began with a foundation in development, as he was an assistant director of athletic development at Youngstown (Ohio) State in 1997 before moving to Saint Xavier (Illinois) University as assistant director of development in 1999.  

Hall brings previous experience in the OVC at Eastern Kentucky University, where he began as the university director for development in 2000. He later was promoted to director of major gifts and special projects, and raised more than $4.6 million for the institution, including $1.3 million for intercollegiate athletics.

Hall moved to UMKC after serving as the associate athletics director for development at Kent State (Ohio) University from 2003-07.

Hall earned a bachelor’s in sports administration from the University of Toledo in 1994 and achieved a master’s in sports administration from Kent State University in 1998. He and his wife, Beth, have four children.

Hall succeeds Brad Hewitt, who retired at the end of the 2019 spring semester.

All-Time SIUE Cougars Directors of Athletics

Harry Gallatin (1967-72)*

Bob Guelker (1972-78)*

Ed Bigham (1978-83)

Jim Buck (Acting) (1983-85)

Lynn Lashbrook (1985-88)

Cindy Jones (1988-02)*

Brad Hewitt (2002-19)

Tim Hall (2019-present)

*Members the SIUE Athletics Hall of Fame.

 Photo: Tim Hall, SIUE director of athletics.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Terri Poirier, PharmD, MPH, FASHP, FCCP and professor of pharmacy practice and senior scholar in the School of Pharmacy (SOP), received the 2019 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Distinguished Teaching Scholar Award at the AACP Annual Meeting in Chicago on Sunday, July 14.

The criteria include candidates being a current full AACP member with cumulative membership of least 10 years; having at least 10 scholarly works related to teaching and learning accepted in peer reviewed forums; being the first/primary author or creator of at least five scholarly works related to teaching and learning; having at least 10 years of experience in pharmacy education with sustained, consistent contributions; and holding a faculty, administrator or staff appointment at a school of pharmacy.

The AACP Distinguished Teaching Scholars receive an award and are invited to submit a Viewpoint article to the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education (AJPE).

Poirier is grateful for the national recognition that has been bestowed upon eight pharmacy faculty in the academy since the award’s inception in 2016. “Recognition by one’s peers for excellence as a teacher-scholar is humbling,” she said. “The recognition of a 40-year teaching career in pharmacy education, and the impact made on teaching and the pharmacy profession is greatly appreciated.”

The AACP previously honored Poirier in 2017 for Excellence in PharmD Program-Level Assessment. That award recognized outstanding doctor of pharmacy assessment programs for their progress in developing, and applying evidence of outcomes as part of the on-going evaluation and improvement of pharmacy professional education.

About the AACP Distinguished Teaching Scholar Award

The AACP Distinguished Teaching Scholar Award is designed to recognize excellence by academic pharmacy faculty engaged in and/or supporting scholarly teaching, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. In recognizing service and outstanding contributions to the academy, pharmacy education and schools, the AACP Distinguished Teaching Scholars raise the bar for scholarly teaching and the scholarship of teaching and learning. The AACP Distinguished Teaching Scholars are models for advancing the profession of pharmacy through education by enhancing student learning and the knowledge base of teaching and learning in professional and/or graduate pharmacy education.

Photo: Terri Poirier, professor of pharmacy practice in the SIUE School of Pharmacy.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering’s (SOE) solar car team received the battery pack design award at the 2019 Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) held July 1-8 in Austin, Texas.

As the American Solar Challenge (ASC) and FSGP are transitioning to featuring a 4-wheel class of
“cruiser” (a multi-occupant vehicle with doors) and a “challenger” (a standard single-occupant vehicle with canopy access), the SIUE team presented its 3-wheeler, which was grandfathered in for the last year for such models. SIUE was the only car in this category.

“Our car was upgraded with a new battery pack with a fresh set of lithium-ion cells in a new configuration,” said SIUE solar car team advisor Andy Lozowski, PhD, professor of electrical and computer engineering in the SOE. “The team received the scrutineer’s award for the battery pack design, and various other teams took pictures of SIUE’s battery for future inspiration.”

“During track racing, the new battery provided more power, and the team discovered that a crack in the motor windings, which was not bothersome last year due to the weaker battery, became troublesome this year,” Lozowski added. “Accelerating uphill on the first turn of Circuits of the Americas demands lots of torque from the motor. This limited the number of possible laps our car could make each day as we experienced multiple protective motor shutdowns. Still, we successfully passed all scrutineering and were happy to keep the wheels on the track every day.”

The SIUE solar car will be retired from racing, and will become a fundraising and training vehicle. SIUE’s team has been working on the new cruiser vehicle to be presented at the 2020 ASC.

“Cruiser is a larger and more expensive project,” Lozowski noted. “But it looks more like a useable car with four seats and trunk space.”

The FSGP is a track event that is held on grand prix or road style closed courses. This unique competition tests the limits of solar cars in handling curves, braking and acceleration. Strategy applied during the three-day event is different than what is applied on the cross-country event.

The ASC is a competition to design, build and drive solar-powered cars in a cross-country time/distance rally event. Teams compete over a 1,500-2,000-mile course between multiple cities across the country. The event has had more than two decades of organized events in North America.