Now, in addition to picking up their child from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start Discovery Center for Little Scholars, parents can also receive a bag filled with such things as diapers, toiletries and cereal. 

“​I wanted to begin a staff service project this year that everyone could participate in,” said Heidi Eichenseer, Discovery Center coordinator. “We have always talked about hygiene with our families, but I wanted to take it one step further. We agreed that providing the materials for hygiene is beneficial.” 

On the first day of classes, Tuesday, Sept. 3, Discovery Center began handing out the “Happy to Help Bags.” 

“We will continue to do so indefinitely,” said Eichenseer. “We have parents in need of supportive services. Some families need of diapers, wipes and other things. When my children were infants, I remember needing a couple diapers to get through the night.” Eichenseer is the mother of two children, ages 5 and 9. 

Families in need can alert staff during hours of operation, or receive one when they fill out an enrollment application. Families are not limited to as many bags that they can take. Each bag offers variety. 

Some other giveaway items include:

• An inspirational quote
• Bottles
• Wipes
• Baby food
• Lip gloss
• Bottled water
• Lotion
• Waterless bathing wipes
• Dried shampoo 

The donations are made possible Head Start staff, Discovery Center parents and community members. 

Photo:
Staff from SIUE’s Discovery Center Little Scholars Head Start/Early Head Start are giving away an assortment of hygiene products and personal items to families in need. Front row (L-R): are Celestine Stephens, Head Start staff, and Heidi Eichenseer, Discovery Center coordinator. Back row (L-R): Head Start staff Benny Lewis, Curtricia Hudson, Shenette Hubert and Ora Lockett.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD, has been named secretary for the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) as it installed its inaugural slate of officers, approved bylaws and created four working committees to address key statewide priorities during a Sept. 26 meeting of the IIN Council at Governors State University.

The IIN is a group of 15 university-based hubs across the state that aims to boost Illinois’ economy through entrepreneurship, research, education and workforce development. The IIN Council is the IIN’s governing body, comprising a representative from each hub.

“It is so encouraging the way these leaders from the state’s public universities have come together to set the IIN up for success,” said Ed Seidel, University of Illinois System vice president for economic development and innovation, whose office is responsible for development of the IIN and Discovery Partners Institute. “They have prioritized the development of key programs that address state needs and created a clear organizational framework. We have witnessed more cooperation among the state’s public universities in the last two years than many people can remember, and that is very inspiring. The IIN is going to chart a remarkable course forward, which will greatly benefit all of our communities and the entire state of Illinois.”

Cobb is honored to serve the inaugural INN council and looks forward to supporting the new collaboration.  “The IIN has the potential to enable powerful connections among Illinois public universities and all of its members,” Cobb said.  “As we build our hub, SIUE will be able to strengthen our efforts to serve the region and state by fostering economic development and supporting research and innovation that will promote sustainable communities and spur entrepreneurship in the greater metropolitan region. 

“It is a tremendous opportunity to be able to draw on the expertise in this network, contribute to the programming, encourage partnerships, and to advance innovation and discovery. Together, Illinois’ public institutions can leverage our resources and campuses’ expertise to confront the challenges of our region and disciplines to make a difference for our communities and state.”

Chair of the IIN Council is Gerald C. Blazey, vice president for research and innovation partnerships at Northern Illinois University. Vice Chair is Leslie K. Roundtree, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs at Chicago State University. Joseph A. Rives, senior vice president for strategic planning and initiatives at Western Illinois University, is an at-large member on the executive committee. Kyle Harfst, associate vice president for economic development and innovation for the U of I System, will be the IIN’s executive director.

The bylaws approved by the council establish policies around IIN membership, organizational structure, officers, elections, and committees.

Initial working committees created by the council will lead development of programs and initiatives in IIN’s core areas, and will serve as a conduit for the network’s hubs. Committee chairs are:

• Education and Workforce Development - Elizabeth A. Cada, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Governors State
• Entrepreneurship and Corporate Engagement - Bruce Sommer, director of economic development and innovation at the University of Illinois at Springfield
• Research and Collaboration - Ryan C. Hendrickson, vice provost of sponsored research at Eastern Illinois University
• Public Policy - Ryan Spain, vice president of economic development at OSF HealthCare, will chair the committee

The committees will be made up of representatives from the hubs as appointed by each IIN hub leader.

 Photo: SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD. 

Accelerate toward degree completion by enrolling in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s convenient winter session. More than 70 three-week courses will be taught entirely online to provide high-quality learning opportunities in an accessible format.

 Registration begins Monday, Oct. 28. This special session runs Dec. 16, 2019-Jan. 5, 2020. More information is available at siue.edu/winter-session.

 “Winter session supports SIUE’s student-centered mission, as our high-caliber faculty creatively develop and advance excellent academic programming that meets the needs of all students,” said Denise Cobb, PhD, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.

“The flexibility of winter session allows students to enroll in a course they couldn’t build into their fall schedule or take pressure off of a busy spring course load. We are empowering students to move confidently toward degree completion and achieve their full potential.”

Available courses cover a variety of disciplines at the introductory, upper-division and graduate level. Students from other institutions are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to complete credits that can be transferred to their home institutions.

Due to the accelerated timeline, students are expected to dedicate significant time to their coursework each day and to limit themselves to one course in the winter session.

To register and learn more about winter session at SIUE, visit siue.edu/winter-session. Questions may be emailed to wintersession@siue.edu.

“Do not let circumstances dictate your future.” Southern Illinois University Edwardsville international graduate student Westenior Valmera hasn’t just taken that phrase to heart, he’s using it to inspire and support Haitian children through a non-profit and scholarship program he created.

Valmera launched HAITI-ED: Haitians for Advancing and Improving the Impact of Educational Development in 2017, and has grown the non-profit into a successful endeavor that provides school supplies to Haitian children in need and helps them grow both personally and professionally.

In its first year, the organization donated 24 backpacks with school supplies. Since then, an outpouring of support for HAITI-ED’s efforts has developed, allowing Valmera and his team of other young Haitian professionals to provide backpacks filled with school supplies to 218 kids in 2019.

The backpacks are collected in the U.S. and filled with supplies purchased in Haiti, as a way to support local businesses. In 2019, Valmera notes that HAITI-ED received strong donor support from the SIUE community, as well as two Haitian businesses, including Boukanye Restaurant and HAICOM Cellulaire.

“As life conditions were not toward my advantages nor preferences before traveling to the United States, I told myself I that I do not need to be wealthy to help make an impact in my home community,” Valmera said. “I have chosen to cast down any negative mindset, and have had the willingness and patience to be in control of my destiny by dedicating myself to community service. HAITI-ED has daily made a million dollar smile on my face, because it has become my passion.”

Valmera has expanded the organization’s team to ensure efficiency and broaden its reach. His team of 12 young Haitians, some of whom are studying in the U.S., believe in being part of the change they want to see in their community.

Valmera first came to the United States upon graduating from high school in Cap-Haitien, Haiti and earning a competitive Scholarship for Education and Economic Development (SEED).

“The SEED program is an exchange initiative that provides U.S.-based technical training to youth and community leaders, enabling them to become important players in key development sectors of their home countries,” Valmera explained. “I was among the 28 candidates selected from Haiti, out of hundreds of applicants.”

After achieving a degree from Saint Louis Community College – Florissant Valley, Valmera earned a bachelor’s in political science from SIUE in summer 2018. He is now pursuing a master’s in public administration at SIUE and is slated to graduate in fall 2019.

“SIUE has not only provided me needed knowledge, but also a place to grow and have a second family,” said Valmera, who has been “adopted” during his time at SIUE by Ed Hershberger, PhD, chair of the Department of Management and Marketing, and his wife, Allison. Valmera also credits retired Saint Louis University professor Cecil Thomas, along with Thomas’ wife and family, for supporting him financially along his journey at SIUE.

“Dr. Hershberger always tells me not to let circumstances dictate my future,” Valmera said. “That is incentive for me to create new things and work on new projects with my team members.”

In 2018, Valmera created a second program under the HAITI-ED organization: the Young Achievers Scholarship. The program pays full tuition for Haitian children who obtain the highest grade.

“HAITI-ED has provided 30 scholarships to kids from several localities in the northern part of Haiti, and most of our donors were from SIUE,” Valmera explained. “The remaining donors were other young Haitians, some of whom are HAITI-ED members.”

“My experience at SIUE has been overwhelmed with joy, and the University has played a major role in my success,” he added. “It provides resources and opportunities for international students to get a good career and help make an impact in their country.”

Valmera aspires to help educate children in Haiti and find ways to establish a sustainable program to help Haitians living in poverty. His goal is to obtain a doctorate in political science, with a focus on international relations.

“I want everyone, and mainly young people in Haiti, to understand that the future of our country is in our hands, so they should do something good now for their community,” he said. “Follow your dreams and be a barrier breaker!”

For more information on how to contribute to HAITI-ED’s efforts, contact Valmera at wvalmer@siue.edu.

Photos: A group of benefiting children from one of the HAITI-ED’s target distribution zones display their educational gift.

SIUE international graduate student Westenior Valmera launched HAITI-ED in 2017.

Several area high school students asked how difficult it is to overcome some negative perceptions of being an African American woman and how challenging it is to be a new father. They were participating in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Interdisciplinary Research and Informatics Scholarship (IRIS) Center’s Conversation Toward Brighter Future 2.0 program, which involved talking about age and intergenerational relationships as part of a Human Library Summit, held Oct. 4 at the Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities (MJCH). 

“We created the program in order to help students think about the depth and complexity of people they see or interact with every day, but may not have the chance to really talk to,” said Jessica Despain, PhD, co-director of the IRIS Center and professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Department of English Language and Literature. 

“During the event, high school students, working in groups, checked-out ‘human books’ based on a descriptive term, and the book’s appearance,” added Despain. “Students spent 10 minutes questioning their ‘book’ and learning about their life story and experiences, to challenge their first impressions of the ‘book’s cover.’ 

“This was a fun experience,” said Ronada Hood, SIUE senior. “I kept getting picked first, which I didn’t expect, because my label was African American Woman. The students were interested in hearing how I fought the associations of my label.” 

“I had a different experience at each table,” said Jacob Del Rio, head librarian of Adult Services at the Edwardsville Public Library and new father. “But in each case, our conservation went beyond my occupation as students wanted to learn more about my life and challenges as a new dad.” 

“It was extremely inspiring,” said Abigail Hoepker, of Highland High School. “The human books were more than what they seemed.” 

Students from Civic Memorial and Triad high schools were also at the Human Library event. Other high schools who are participating in the program, but not able to attend Friday’s event include Collinsville, Edwardsville, Madison and Granite City.  

“The goal of the human library event is to help students learn how to listen in conversations, think critically about their own skills of listening and empathy, and prepare them to begin a year of work of telling the stories of community members,” said Despain. “It helps students think about how complex people are, and why stories are important to our daily lives.” 

The program is being held in collaboration with the SIUE IRIS Center, the MJCH and area teachers. 

Photos:
SIUE senior Ronada Hood talks to students who have “checked her out” during a Human Library event. 

Jacob Del Rio, head librarian of Adult Services at the Edwardsville Public Library and new father, shares different elements of his career and life with students.

A series of events will be held this month to celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

“At SIUE, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) and campus partners want to celebrate and educate the University community about the importance and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Miriam Roccia, associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, “and provide spaces for members of the community and their allies to come together for learning and engagement.” 

 Remaining events planned this week include: 

• A Space for Healing: A Film and Discussion at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 in the CSDI, Morris University Center, Second Floor. Please join us for a screening of “The Miseducation of Cameron Post.” The film is based on the novel by Emily M. Danforth and follows the main character, as she is sent to a gay conversion therapy center. Discussion will follow, led by Dr. Courtney Boddie, director of Counseling Services. 

• Coming Out Cupcakes with CSDI from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 in the CSDI. Stop by and celebrate Coming Out Week with CSDI and cupcakes! Grab some free sweet treats and gather together to learn more about LGBTQIA+ History Month events. 

• National Coming Out Day from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 in the Morris University Center, Goshen Lounge. Please join us for an opportunity to tell your coming out story on National Coming Out Day! Students, faculty and staff are welcome to stop by the Goshen Lounge to share their story on one of the poster boards. 

“LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive acronym that represents the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans+, Queer/Questioning, Intersex community,” said Roccia. “The ‘+’ provides greater visibility and recognition to identities that are not specifically represented in the acronym. The SIUE Safe Zone (siue.edu/lgbt/) and the Gay-Straight Alliance student (getinvolved.siue.edu/organization/gsa) are great resources for members of the communities and allies to connect and find support.”  

LGBTQIA+ History Month began in 1994 in U.S. by Missouri high school teacher, Rodney Wilson. 

Photo:
Renowned jazz musician Bryan Carter was the featured speaker at SIUE’s LGBTQIA+ History Month Celebration. Carter shared his personal coming out story, and the role that jazz played in teaching him about love and self-acceptance.

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) first-year students, along with students in the International Advanced Placement Program (IAPP) received the traditional coat of medical professionals, during the School’s 19^th annual White Coat Ceremony held Friday, Oct. 4 in the Hatheway Cultural Center at Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey.

The first-year cohort of 50 students, and seven IAPP students, took the professional oath of ethics and committed to uphold the School’s values of service, respect, integrity, compassion and competence.

“The White Coat Ceremony is an important event in the lives of our first-year dental students,” said SIU SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD. “The ceremony signifies the official entry into the profession of dentistry and is based on the students’ understanding of the ethical codes that direct us as a profession. As dental practitioners, it is incumbent on each of us to treat our patients in an ethical manner, as well as with integrity and respect.”

The keynote speaker was Dr. Timmothy Schwartz, Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) interim executive director and ISDS Foundation treasurer. Schwartz graduated from University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1979 and has more than 30 years of private practice experience. He has served on the Illinois State Board of Dentistry and is a Fellow in the International College of Dentists, as well as the American College of Dentists. He is also active in the American Dental Association and the Peoria District Dental Society. He received the ISDS President’s Award in 2014 for his dedication and commitment to the ISDS.

The SIU SDM White Coat Ceremony was sponsored by the Central Illinois Academy of General Dentistry, Illinois Section of the American College of Dentists, Illinois State Dental Society Foundation and the Eighth District of the International College of Dentists.

 Photo: SIU School of Dental Medicine first-year students, along with students in the International Advanced Placement Program (IAPP) received their traditional coat of medical professionals.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) third-year Emily Rousseau has been elected to the Society of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacists (SPPCP) board of trustees as the student trustee. 

“Student members make up 15 percent of the more than 300 SPPCP members, and it is vital that we have strong student representation on our governing board,” said SPPCP President Chris Herndon, PharmD, and professor in the SOP. “Emily ran against students from Ohio State and University of Maryland.”

The SPPCP promotes exceptional patient care by advancing pain and palliative pharmacists through education, development, and research in collaboration with the transdisciplinary team.

 Photo: SIUE School of Pharmacy third-year Emily Rousseau.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus Jacob Carlson was selected to participate in the first Rural Teacher Leader Collaborative. 

Carlson, a Civic Memorial High School English teacher, earned both his bachelor’s and master’s in English from SIUE in 2009 and 2018, respectively. 

Read the story in the RiverBender.com.  

Hundreds gathered on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on a crisp, pleasant and beautiful evening of Friday, Oct. 4 for the popular annual tradition, where SIUE student artists are leaders in a guided tour of their impressive, original large-scale artwork. 

The 18^th annual Sculpture Walk featured eight sculptures by the following artists:

• “See Me Rise,” by Lizzi Reinard
• “Revival,” by Abbi Ruppert
• “Inside/Outside,” by Vincent Stemmler
• “Seven Cows,” by Haley Clancy Inyart
• “Katherine Dunham: Perpetual Motion,” by Allena Marie Brazier
• “Journey,” by Sutton Allen
• “Stay in Schools,” by Mikala Kozuszek
• “Pathos,” by Joseph J. Ovalle 

“Each sculpture walk is different,” said Thad Duhigg, sculpture area head professor in the Department of Art and Design. “This year’s group had all first-time sculptors, except one. I was extremely pleased with all of the students and their dedication to the process and their art.” 

Each student gave a brief overview on the meaning and work that went into their individual creation.

The audience, which consisted of University and community members, had an opportunity to quiz the sculptors afterwards. 

The walk concluded with an awards ceremony where Brazier received the first place prize. This year’s guest juror was Cal Lane, who selected the award recipients. 

“We’re all connected, and we’re all affected by everyone who crosses our paths in one way or another,” said Reinard, during her outdoor exhibition. “‘See Me Rise’ is a woman of steel, discovering herself and all that lies within her. She is strong, powerful and has pulled herself up.” 

“My sculpture is abstract, and I see it as representation of the process of leaving a toxic relationship,” Ruppert interpreted. “My sculpture celebrates the freedom and empowerment that follows.” 

“I made my sculpture so you can see what’s going on inside and outside at the same time,” explained Stemmler. “While the structure is desolate and some may think of loss, I’ve also planted a lot of native plants within the structure itself. There is also the idea of resilience in this piece.” 

“This sculpture is intended to critique the meat industry,” Inyart said appraisingly. “The largeness in size speaks to the impact meat has on our environment. Beef is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases. We go to the store and buy a piece of meat without thinking of the energy and resources that went into it.” 

“Katherine Dunham was a professional dancer, choreographer, anthropologist and social activist,” said Brazier. “I admire her courage to follow her passion, which was dance. She decided to focus her passion and develop her own dance technique that captures the essence of communication, spirituality and anthropology all in one. My piece is all steel. I chose it, because it is a strong material, and it references both her and her spirit.” 

“My exhibit is a glass case resting upon a steel pedestal. Within the glass case rests a plastered cast of a human jaw, teeth, rocks and a meteorite fragment,” said Allen. “They are solar-powered LED’s, so at night the objects glow from within. When I present them in this pseudo museum context with the lights at night, I give them a presence that may be shocking, and I hope powerful.” 

“I wanted my piece to be happy, whimsical and fun,” said Kozuszek. “It’s about community and working together as a group.” 

“I have two other pieces across campus – ‘Ethos and Logos,’” Ovalle said standing at his “Pathos” sculpture. “They are a story of crucifixion. My work is a contemporary narrative. I am asking questions about theology and religion. What is real, and what is not real.” 

“Selecting winners among the eight contestants was hard work,” Lane said of the award selection. “I tried to approach it with a completely open heart. I also looked for uniqueness and confidence.” 

“I was surprised that I won,” said Brazier. “I viewed this as an experience and not a competition.” 

“I want people to know of not only the continuous energy that Katherine Dunham put into her dances, but also of all the energy that she put into the people she helped,” added Brazier. “Not everyone will know who Katherine Dunham was, but they are going to see energy, and I think that will touch them.” 

Other award winners included Inyart, second place; Ruppert, third place; Reinard, Nathan Miller Award; and Ovalle, Alumni Award. A monetary prize was also included with each award. 

Photos:
Allena Marie Brazier, first-place winner of the 18^th Annual Arts Sculpture Walk, discusses her artwork,   “Katherine Dunham: Perpetual Motion.” 

Art enthusiasts survey “Revival” by sculptor Abbi Ruppert.

Mikala Kozuszek is the creator of “Stay in Schools.”

The words “new and improved” may seem cliché and trite in some instances, but they are the most accurate way to describe the progress at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Learning Resource Center (LRC). 

LRC’s evolving story has become more compelling because of the advancements in recent years, according to LRC Director Rebecca Harper. She divides LRC’s improvements into the following categories: updates, programming and staff. 

Getting better equipment and access to quality materials for LRC patrons were high on Harper’s list. “About a month after I started working here, we updated the entire computer lab with 21 brand new computers. We had 20 computers at the time, but a lot of them didn’t work,” said Harper, who began at LRC on Dec. 4, 2017. “Then earlier this year, we got 13 new computers, 10 for public access and three for circulation and the staff.” 

What also grabbed Harper’s attention was the lack of reading material for children.  

“There was one shelf with about 30-40 children’s books behind the counter. I got on Facebook and posted a picture of the shelf and asked for more children’s books,” noted Harper, a former K-12 schoolteacher. “Approximately 3,000 books were donated, and we kept 2,000. We used the others for giveaways during student activities. Today, we have more than 3,500 children’s books.” 

LRC staff weeded approximately 6,000 items that were outdated and worn. Currently, the LRC has a total of 12,000 books and materials, with plans to include more from increased allowances in the budget allotted to the LRC from its grantor, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). 

With the increased number of materials, the Center has also seen a higher number of usage in various forms, according to Harper. 

“There were approximately 150 people with active library cards when I started,” she explained. “Now, we have 494 active library cards.” 

Programming at the LRC has also seen an upsurge. “This summer we incorporated (SIUE East St. Louis Center’s) Upward Bound, Project Success and Head Start, and a community church group, Delight Enrichment Camp, into our programming,” said Harper. “We did story time, activities, programs, an ice cream social and more.” 

“Carrollton Bank and Prosperity Connections held financial workshops this summer, and a financial coach continues to hold office hours each Tuesday year-round to offer free help for the staff and the public,” she continued. 

Another popular part of LRC’s offerings this summer was free computer basic instruction and resume building workshops. 

“I’m extremely pleased with the entire LRC staff,” said Harper. “We have a phenomenal group of people.” 

“I enjoy working here, because we are helping the community, staff and students broaden their horizons,” said LaAris Crumer, library operations associate hired in September 2018. “I love getting resources into peoples’ hands that will inform, educate and entertain. We’ve got one patron addicted to Amish fiction audio books.” 

“Another great thing about working in a library is that you never know what will happen from one day to the next,” said Jayme Abbott, library operations associate who was hired in November 2018. 

“I like the library, because everything here is free, convenient, and it’s a community library,” said 19-year-old Renee Wells, who began working as a page at LRC in 2018. “It’s easy to get a library card and access our resources.” 

The SIUE East St. Louis Learning Resource Center (LRC) is organized as a full-service public library focusing on youth and adult community outreach, programs, and collections. The library also contributes to the success of higher education opportunities and career development provided by the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus (ESLHEC). The LRC supports the diverse range of students and public patrons on the ESLHEC, and encourages them to succeed and learn new skills provided by the LRC community collection and programs.  

Photo:
The SIUE East St. Louis Center’s Learning Resource Center (LRC) staff has made tremendous changes in recent years. L-R: LaAris Crumer and Jayme Abbott, both library operations associates; and Rebecca Harper, LRC director. Seated is Renee Wells, LRC page.

Recent Southern Illinois University Edwardsville master of arts graduate Patrick Ayres has received the 2019 Lewis E. Atherton Prize for his thesis “Embattled Conservatism: Hamilton Gamble and Conservatism in Civil War Missouri.” The prize is awarded annually by the State Historical Society of Missouri to the author of an outstanding thesis on a Missouri history or biography topic.

            The award consists of a $500 prize and an invitation to the State Historical Society of Missouri’s Annual Meeting on Nov. 2 at the Center for Missouri Studies in Columbia.

“This award means a lot to me,” Ayres said. “It is nice to have the hard work that went into my thesis recognized.”

             Throughout his thesis, Ayres analyzed the career of Missouri Civil War Governor Hamilton Gamble as a case study on conservatism in the border states and the larger West during that era. He defended his thesis last May, and his committee consisted of the Department of Historical Studies’ Erik Alexander, PhD, associate professor and co-director of graduate studies, Jason Stacy, PhD, professor, Bryan Jack, PhD, associate professor, and Buddy Paulett, PhD, associate professor.

            “The committee unanimously agreed that Patrick’s thesis was an exceptional piece of scholarship,” said Alexander. “It is gratifying for Patrick and the department to have that assessment validated externally, and we imagine this is just a preview of more excellent work to come.”

            “I would like to thank my chairperson, Dr. Erik Alexander, and my committee,” said Ayres. “They gave many great critiques and suggestions that I incorporated into my final project. Additionally, I would like to thank my family for their tremendous moral support.”

            Ayres’ research involved many trips to the Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center, along with other research institutions. While collecting sources for his thesis, he also visited history museums in Columbia, a trip made possible through funding from the department.

            “One of the joys of history is searching though archives and finding often overlooked letters and documents,” noted Ayres. “Likewise, SIUE helped with many opportunities to examine documents, newspapers and letters that I may not have had access to otherwise.”

            In addition to receiving the Atherton Prize, Ayres’ thesis was awarded the Graduate School’s Outstanding Thesis Award, which recognizes and rewards a graduate student whose thesis has been identified by the School as outstanding among all those submitted during the previous academic year.

            Ayres graduated from SIUE with his bachelor’s in history in 2016 and his master’s in history earlier this year. This fall, he enrolled as the newest member of the department’s cooperative historical studies PhD program with SIU-Carbondale.

            “The graduate program is a great testament to the SIU faculty,” Ayres said. “The PhD is a wonder, also. By linking SIU Carbondale and SIUE in the PhD program, a great network is available for students.”

“The program has many of the finest professors in the state and region,” Ayres added. “It is my hope to continue working with the faculty here and at SIUC to produce the best work that I possibly can.”

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Department of Theater and Dance (DOTD) opens its 2019-20 main season with “She Kills Monsters,” written by Qui Nguyen, directed by SIUE’s Tress Kurzym and performed by SIUE students. Critics have called this show, “A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games.” 

“She Kills Monsters” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. from Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 16-19 in the Dunham Hall Theater, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. 

General admission is $15 for adults, 18 and older; $12 for SIUE faculty, staff and retirees, senior citizens, and non-SIUE students with school identification. SIUE students with valid school ID are admitted free. 

To purchase tickets, visit the DOTD Box Office located inside Dunham Hall, or call 618-650-2774.  SIUE students should present their school ID for their complimentary ticket. One ticket is provided per student and per production. For directions and parking, visit siue.edu\maps. 

“She Kills Monsters” tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio, following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons and Dragons notebook, she stumbles into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was Tilly’s refuge. In this high-octane, dramatic comedy, laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and ‘90s pop culture, acclaimed young playwright, Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. 

“I love to play. I love imaginary play, board games, card games and sports,” said Kurzym, DOTD lecturer. “I make a living teaching people how to play. So, it is no surprise that I would be drawn to a script that focuses on a game. What is surprising, is that the game in the script is a game that I had never played prior to preparing for this production. Like our protagonist, Agnes, I didn’t think it was a game for me. 

“But the script called like a siren song. It is an adventure—a fantasy adventure with a female protagonist!” continued Kurzym. “I wanted a chance to tell this story. If you don’t know anything about Dungeons and Dragons or 1995, it’s okay. Stay seated. I bet you do know about family, love, loss and monsters.” 

For more information about SIUE’s production “She Kills Monsters,” visit the DOTD website at siue.edu/artsandsciences/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. DOTD is part of the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences. 

Central to SIUE’s exceptional and comprehensive education, the College of Arts and Sciences has 19 departments and 85 areas of study. More than 300 full-time faculty/instructors deliver classes to more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty help students explore diverse ideas and experiences, while learning to think and live as fulfilled, productive members of the global community. Study abroad, service-learning, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities better prepare SIUE students not only to succeed in our region's workplaces, but also to become valuable leaders who make important contributions to our communities. 

Photo courtesy of Theresa Kelly:
(L-R) SIUE actors senior Sam Dietiker and sophomore Montana Hughey-Takacs.

One in three college students reports having symptoms in line with at least one mental health disorder, according to a 2018 World Health Organization study. Marked on Thursday, Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day is promoting global awareness and education of mental health. The day aims to bring attention to the reality of mental health and advocate against stigma.

 “Mental health is not a supplemental or ancillary aspect of the human experience,” said Courtney Boddie, PhD, director of SIUE Counseling Services. “Instead, it is a core element of being that enables functioning and is necessary for success in the classroom. When students are psychologically well, they can perform academically, integrate socially and persist to graduation.”

According to the 2019 Healthy Minds Study, nearly half of American college students believe that there is a perceived public stigma against those who seek mental health treatment. The same study reported that mental health issues are on the rise in college students, reporting that 23% of college students are taking psychiatric medication, an increase from 18% in previous years.

“We are seeing the cumulative effect of having spent the past 30-40 years destigmatizing mental health and strengthening help-seeking behavior among students without having simultaneously prepared for the necessary increases to systems of care,” explained Boddie. “When paired with the challenges of life in the 21^st century, it is clear that there is a crisis, but it is likely one of supply, not demand.”

While providing mental health services to SIUE, Counseling Services strives to deliver evidence-based clinical practices, create a University-wide culture of mental health awareness and wellness, and promote an awareness of the mental health resources available on campus.

Counseling Services is actively engaged in national dialogues about the best clinical practices regarding mental health on campus, and is continuously evaluating best practices and implementing new ways to support SIUE students. By developing and enforcing clinical benchmarks such as visits per week, as well as quality assurance and outcome metrics, the staff hopes to combat growing mental health issues among students while continuing to decrease the stigma.

Among its initiatives, Counseling Services is transitioning to a model of stepped care and a brief, by-the-SMART Goal approach to care. Services will begin with the most effective but least resource intensive treatment for students, and will “step up” to more resource intensive, specialized treatments only when necessary. According to Boddie, treatment goals will be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.

Additionally, Counseling Services has created the following positions to strengthen its services and enhance operational efficiency:

• Behavioral health case manager
• Coordinator for outreach and prevention education
• Associate director

In conjunction with these changes, Counseling Services has expanded the internship program to have social services and assessment tracks, in addition to the existing clinical track, in order to increase provider clinical availability for new clients.

Student-readiness is central to Counseling Service’s approach to providing psychological care on campus, and staff, and providers wish to remain attuned to the campus experience while ensuring professional development. Boddie states that a goal for Counseling Services is to enhance their alignment with Enrollment Management to be better connected to themes in future student enrollment and trends.

On World Mental Health Day, and every day, Boddie urges individuals to remember, “an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.”

For more information about SIUE Counseling Services, visit siue.edu/counseling.

Photo (L-R): Front - Lisa Thompson-Gibson, coordinator for Outreach and Prevention Initiatives/staff counselor; Taylor Rogers, behavioral health case manager; Jessica Ulrich, associate director; and staff counselors Alyssa Loman, Laura Baker and Katie Caul.

Back - Barry McClintock, staff counselor; and Courtney R. Boddie, director.

Food and drink – of various kinds, textures and origins – were available for the sampling at the annual Taste of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Thursday, Oct. 10 in the Morris University Center Ballroom. 

“Taste of SIUE allows us to solicit feedback from the University community about menu items to see what they would like to have offered,” said Melissa McEldowney, associate director of SIUE Dining Services. “It also allows us to introduce new food items for people to taste at no cost to them. Moreover, the vendors are able to interact with the University community and discover their preferences.” 

More than 1,700 people attended Taste of SIUE to enjoy samples from 15 food vendors. 

“A wide range of food was offered, with more than 100 different food products,” said McEldowney. “Some of the food included beverages, street tacos, desserts, craft sandwiches, gluten free and healthy items, along with more traditional fair like Nacho-style chicken tenders and breaded avocado slices.” 

“We are all extremely passionate about the Taste of SIUE experience and are committed to making the event enjoyable,” she continued. “We give away awesome grand prizes and free food!” 

Photos:
(L-R): Enjoying Taste of SIUE are Justin Huff and Elise Harvey, both College of Arts and Sciences’ advisors.

The subject of cultural appropriation will be discussed at the campus of Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) on Tuesday, Oct. 15 during Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s second annual Diversity Day celebration. 

 The celebration will be held on all three campuses, which also includes Edwardsville and East St. Louis, and will involve educational and active engagement sessions. 

The topic of cultural appropriation will be presented by one of SIUE’s experts on the subject, alumna Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, associate professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). Hernandez’s keynote address, “Commercializing Culture: Culture Out of Context,” will be given at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 in Building 280 on the SDM campus, with questions and answers to follow. 

Members of another culture define cultural appropriation as the adoption of elements of one culture. 

At the conclusion of her presentation, Hernandez says she hopes:

• Participants will have a working comprehension of cultural appropriation as seen on college campuses, holiday celebrations and in popular culture
• Participants will make connections to cultural appropriation and microaggressions
• Participants will analyze their own thinking around implicit bias, and its impact on holidays, cultural customs and in popular culture 

“Dr. Hernandez is a dynamic and engaging speaker who is extremely knowledgeable about many aspects of diversity and inclusion, especially as it relates to education,” said Jessica Hinz, PhD, SDM director of Campus Wellness, Culture Awareness, Diversity and Ethics. Hinz is co-coordinator of Diversity Day in Alton with Cornell C. Thomas, DDS, assistant dean for admissions and students services. 

“Diversity Day at SIUE brings us together and gives us the opportunity to share and appreciate each other,” said Thomas, “as well as show mutual respect and tolerance. Diversity enriches us in so many ways. It truly makes us better.” 

“I hope we all take away something from Diversity Day that we can apply in our lives,” reflected Hinz, “in order for us to be more welcoming and open to people from all walks of life.” 

“I also hope that we can view our differences as strengths,” she concluded, “and that make us unique and interesting.” 

The theme for Diversity Day is “From Awareness to Action, SIUE Shaping a Changing World.”  

A complete Diversity Day schedule of events, including details on the array of engagement sessions, is available at siue.edu/institutional-diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-day. 

SIUE Athletics officially dedicated the Student-Athlete Nutrition Center Thursday, Oct. 10. The Nutrition Center was constructed inside the Cougar Pavilion housed inside the Lukas Athletics Annex.

Made possible through a philanthropic gift from Carol and Dr. Paul Nativi, the Nutrition Center is a self-service option for SIUE student-athletes offering choices including fruit, granola bars, yogurt, recovery drinks, shakes and smoothies.

“What made the Nutrition Center an attractive project was the fact that it benefits all of the student-athletes,” Carol Nativi said. “The ready-access to healthy food choices is paramount to good performance. And I see it as a recruiting tool, as well.”

“We”re at a time in our lives where it is time to give back,” Dr. Paul Nativi said. “Carol holds SIUE close to her heart. You won’t find a much bigger proponent of SIUE’s.”

 Mark Jamison, SIUE assistant athletic director for high performance, spoke about the benefits of good nutrition.

“I can cite any number of studies linking improved performance with proper nutrition,” Jamison said. “No other school in the Ohio Valley Conference has this.”

Women’s basketball junior Zaria Whitlock, who spoke on behalf of SIUE student-athletes, thanked the Nativi family, and cited the convenience and location of the Nutrition Center on campus.

“We can come in between classes or before practice,” Whitlock said. “It also is something we can show recruits. It is an advantage for us.”

SIUE Director of Athletics Tim Hall thanked the Nativi family as well as Deputy Athletic Director Jason Coomer and former SIUE Director of Athletics Brad Hewitt, PhD, for their work on the project.

“This was in motion before my arrival,” Hall said. “As I got to know the Nativis, it became clear how much they wanted and enjoyed being able to do this for our student-athletes.”

The Nutrition Center is open to student-athletes weekdays 7:15-10 a.m. and again 2:30 to 4:15 p.m.

Photo (L-R): SIUE Director of Athletics Tim Hall with Paul and Carol Nativi.

At first glance you might categorize her as Caucasian. However, if you look closer, listen more intently and observe longer, you will arrive at a different conclusion, and possibly a respect and appreciation for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumna Jennifer Hernandez, PhD. 

“I define myself as a Latina female who passes for a white woman in most settings,” said Hernandez, associate professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). She earned her bachelor’s in special education/emotionally disturbed in 2000 from SIUE. 

“I am extremely aware of the privilege I carry when I am assumed to be white,” she said. “Once my ethnicity is known, my experience shifts greatly. I also define myself as a mother, a forever student, teacher and scholar, and a passionate social justice advocate. I have been protesting injustice since my early childhood, and I continue to advocate for those who are marginalized in our society.” 

As SIUE prepares to observe its second annual Diversity Day to be held Monday-Tuesday, Oct. 14-15, several University students, faculty and staff discuss the meaning of the phrase, “I Am SIUE.” 

Hernandez came to SIUE in 2017 with a curriculum vitae loaded down with special education and social justice experience. She is a veteran special education teacher, who has primarily taught students with emotional disturbance, mental illness and incarcerated youth in secondary alternative settings. She was a special education administrator in the Ferguson-Florissant (Mo.) School District, and a witness and student advocate in the aftermath of the fatal shooting death of Michael Brown. Hernandez worked as an ally for the Ferguson community and the local Black Lives Matter organizers. 

Hernandez’s doctorate from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2013 was in educational leadership and policy studies, with a minor in social justice. The crux of her doctoral research included the critical analysis of racialized policies that facilitate the school-to-prison pipeline. 

At SIUE, Hernandez teaches anti-bias/anti-racism instruction for teacher candidates and supports the secondary education program with state licensure. 

“I view myself as an advocate for all students by supporting teacher candidates in creating inclusive, democratized classrooms that minimize bias within the learning community,” said Hernandez. “I am extremely happy that SIUE welcomed me home to share my experiential learning and expertise. I want to make great change in the institutional racism, sexism, classism, heteronormativity, Christian hegemony and language oppression in our public schools, in order for every student to feel valued, accepted, and have access to equitable opportunities for high quality education.” 

Whether it is inside or outside of the classroom, Hernandez says diversity is critical. 

“Diversity is always a positive thing, because the more points of view at the table, the more clear the solutions become,” she illuminated. “Diversity can cause fear because of our individual need to control outcomes. In contrast, fully inclusive spaces create a balcony view for all to see the inequity and the possible remedies.” 

Photo: SIUE alumna Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB).

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Upward Bound (UB) program will receive $5,000 in award money, thanks to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) winning the grand prize in the 2019 America’s Transportation Awards, which is the top honor for state departments of transportation. 

IDOT secured the prize because of its joint effort with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to improve mobility and access throughout the Metro East region. The award marks the second consecutive year IDOT has won the distinction, presented at the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) annual meeting in St. Louis. IDOT’s portion of the prize was $5,000. 

“While we are happy to bring home this award once again, we are even more proud of the work we do every day on behalf of Illinois,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “These are more than just projects to us, but ways to make our communities even better places to build a career, grow a business and raise a family.” 

“We at the SIUE East St. Louis Center (ESLC) are thrilled that IDOT selected our Upward Bound program to be a recipient of the award money,” said ESLC Executive Director Tim Staples, EdD. “We have great plans for the money, and they all entail better serving the young people in our program. 

“I am an alumnus of the SIUE Upward Bound program,” continued Staples. “I am well aware of the benefits and tools the program gives to low-income, first-generation college students.” 

“We are helping to change the lives of our students for the better,” added Keith Ware, EdD, UB program director. “Upward Bound offers quality services and programming to prepare students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs. The donation of this prize money will assist us in our tradition of preparing students for college and life.” 

The partnership between Illinois and Missouri produced several bridge projects over the past decade to improve connections to jobs and tourist destinations in the metropolitan area. 

The nomination, selected from a field of 81 nominations from 39 states, also was in the running for the People’s Choice Award determined by online voting. The project received 12,443 votes, the sixth-highest total in the contest. 

“All of these projects demonstrate the many ways transportation improves the quality of people’s lives,” said Jim Tymon, AASHTO’s executive director. “Some of these projects increased mobility by giving commuters more travel options, including biking and walking. Others spurred economic development, cut traffic congestion or improved safety. And while we honor today’s champions, the biggest winners are by far the American people.” 

SIUE’s Upward Bound program provides educational opportunities for middle and high school students in East St. Louis, Cahokia, SIUE East St. Louis Charter, Brooklyn, Madison and Collinsville, with a focus on encouraging low-income, first-generation college students to seek post-secondary education. Upward Bound and IDOT have long partnered to teach kids about engineering careers. 

The SIUE East St. Louis Center Upward Bound programs help youth prepare for higher education and serves students from East St. Louis and Cahokia (EC), and Brooklyn, East St. Louis Charter and Madison (BEM), High Schools. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition and STEM subjects on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. The quality services provided will prepare the students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs. Upward Bound is a college-preparatory program designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12.

Photo:
SIUE East St. Louis Center Executive Director Tim Staples, EdD.

Several members of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s LGBTQIA+ community celebrated National Coming Out Day on Friday, Oct. 11. 

National Coming Out Day is held each year on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, held on Oct. 11, 1987. This year was the 31st annual celebration. SIUE’s observance of National Coming Out Day concluded weeklong events celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month. 

“It is important to hold this event at SIUE, because it promotes a safe campus for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to live truthfully and openly,” said Miriam Roccia, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs. “It allows LGBTQIA+ individuals, who have already come out, to step up and speak out.  It allows those individuals, still grappling with coming out, a space to do so. It also offers allies a chance to provide advocacy around LGBTQIA+ rights.” 

“By celebrating National Coming Out Day, it is our hope that LGBTQIA+ individuals, who are part of the SIUE community, will feel supported and seen,” added Roccia. “We hope that SIUE students, faculty and staff will celebrate together and demonstrate their commitment to protecting LGBTQIA+ rights, and that members of the SIUE community will recognize there is still much work to be done to break down the myths, stereotypes and distortions that exist.” 

SIUE celebrates Diversity Day, Monday-Tuesday, Oct. 14-15 on all three of its campuses, which also includes Alton and East St. Louis. It will involve educational and active engagement sessions. 

A complete Diversity Day schedule of events, including details on the array of engagement sessions, is available at siue.edu/institutional-diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-day. 

Photos:
SIUE freshmen Lilly Fleming makes her entrance through the rainbow curtain. 

Callie Finley, a junior majoring in psychology, comes through the rainbow curtain in style.