Eight Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SON) faculty and students were honored as finalists during the March of Dimes’ eighth annual Nurse of the Year Awards Saturday, Nov. 10 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel.

Each year, the March of Dimes presents awards across 20 clinical and practice specialties to extraordinary nurses in the area who go above and beyond to deliver compassionate care. By promoting nurses that exemplify enduring care, compassion, intelligence and unique skills, the organization supports the critical role that nurses play in advancing the mission of the March of Dimes, which is to lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies.

SIUE was a platinum sponsor of the event. Additionally, SON Dean Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN, acted as co-chair.

“It is a great honor to have so many of our SIUE SON faculty and students recognized at this prestigious event,” said Bernaix. “We are proud of their contributions to the nursing profession and for their commitment to the mission and values of SIUE.”

This year, Frank Lyerla, PhD, RN, director of SIUE’s online master’s of healthcare informatics program, was honored as the Nurse of the Year in the category of clinical informatics. As associate professor of primary care and health systems nursing, he specializes in adult medical and surgical nursing, critical care nursing, and nursing informatics. In addition to his expertise, he has contributed to knowledge available within the field by conducting research on nursing clinical decision support systems and nursing electronic medical record usability protocols.

“The March of Dimes is a wonderful organization with several campaigns purposed with improving the lives of infants and children,” said Lyerla. “I am honored to be selected as the nurse of the year for my work in SIUE’s master of science in healthcare informatics. Our program is preparing students to be innovative leaders using technology and information management to improve outcomes.”

Finalists were chosen in April from a pool of 870 nursing nominees within the region. Additional SON faculty and students were recognized among 172 finalists in the following categories:

• Advanced practice: Greg Jennings, lecturer, family health and community health nursing
• Critical care: Wendy Hochreiter, assistant professor, primary care and health systems nursing
• Nursing education: Emily York, instructor, family health and community health nursing
• General medical care: Katie Wollerman, lecturer, primary care and health systems nursing
• Pediatrics: Mollie Ring, lecturer, family health and community health nursing
• Student Nurse: Emily Hartmann, BS Nursing, ‘19
• Student nurse: Grant Herring, BS Nursing, ‘19

To learn more about the event, visit nurseoftheyear.marchofdimes.org.

Photo: Frank Lyerla, director of SIUE’s online master’s of healthcare informatics program.

Handmade jewelry, clothing, soaps, lotions, holiday decorations and more are on sale during Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 48^th annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair. The fair runs from Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec. 3-4 in the Morris University Center Goshen Lounge. 

“I came specifically to find Hanna Herbals,” said Teresa Haas, IT technical associate in the Office of the Bursar. “I like her products. They are very clean and natural. I’ve already bought something from her table for myself.” 

Haas was pouring over the bountiful display of miniature bows at Briana’s Bows Boutique. “I like this table, too. They have a good assortment of bows, and they are nicely made,” said Haas, who purchased two bows for her granddaughter. 

“I enjoy the holiday arts and crafts fair,” said Brianna Lewis, a sophomore majoring in exercise science. She purchased a necklace and had her grandmother’s name engraved on it. For herself, Lewis bought wax warmers for her dorm room. 

“The fair offers different options,” she continued. “Items are affordable for students, and it’s convenient.” 

Twenty-four merchants from the Edwardsville and Greater St. Louis area participated in the annual holiday fair, according to Alexa Bueltel, coordinator of Campus Life at the Kimmel Student Involvement Center. 

“We host the annual arts and craft fair to bring a little holiday spirit to campus,” said Bueltel. “It is also a great way to support our local crafters, and to help relieve some stress before finals for students.” 

Photos:
Emily Diekemper, a freshman anthropology major, considers some handcrafted jewelry. 

Briana Lewis, a sophomore majoring in exercise science, samples on of the products.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Winter Welcome student program will be the pilot event for the University’s Cougars Care Initiative.

Held in January, Winter Welcome’s purpose is to introduce new students to the SIUE community by holding informational sessions and socializing events, among other activities. Winter Welcome 2020 will be the first event on SIUE’s campus that will be a part of the new Cougars Care initiative.

Cougars Care is a low-waste initiative created by New Student Transitions Coordinator Kelly Moroney. The initiative consists of approximately 13 goals that Moroney and her graduate assistant, Josie Clark, developed after researching sustainable practices and event planning tips.

Clark, a Pawnee native and a graduate student in the College Student Personnel Administration program, has been working alongside Moroney to plan the initiative and develop ways to communicate the message to new students.

“This project is important to me, because I believe it is important for us to do our part to be more sustainable,” Clark said. “This project has helped me learn more about what it means to live an eco-friendly lifestyle and given me the knowledge and resources to incorporate more sustainable living practices in my everyday life. I hope that by implementing this initiative during Winter Welcome, we can help teach other students about sustainability, as well.”

 The 13 goals, which can be found on the SIUE Experience website, include objectives such as avoid unnecessary resource usage, avoid single use plastic, buy local when possible and limit amount of printed materials for events.

“Our biggest focus is to reduce all forms of waste wherever possible and to help get our students meaningfully engaged in the different forms sustainability can take,” Moroney said.   

The SIUE Experience team has worked to apply these goals into every aspect of the program. The team met in the summer to discuss the initiative and how they could bring it to campus, and decided that one of the most important actions was to communicate “Cougars Care” with the new students early.

The team has created a list of the 13 goals on the school’s website and will also be using the SIUE app to keep the initiative and its goals alive with students. Aside from pre-event goals, the team has many sustainable activities planned for students attending Winter Welcome. Some of these activities include informational displays and discussions about leading a sustainable lifestyle and participating in a temporary compost.

Moroney was motivated to create the initiative after attending a sustainability workshop by Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Sociology.

“This was an incredible session presented by Dr. Frey Spurlock, where I learned so much about not only how to make a low waste event, but also what an enormous impact we can have if we teach our students how to live sustainably,” said Moroney. “This session provided the tools I needed to put all that motivation to use. Since then, I have had a lot of support from the campus community, which has been a great motivator.”

Moroney plans to implement the sustainability initiatives at other events, as well. Using this year’s Winter Welcome pilot, Moroney and her team plan on taking feedback from students to learn how to improve the initiative in preparation for other events.

 “As I learn more from this experience, I would love to incorporate this knowledge into other events I either coordinate or assist with such as Ask Me and Student Affairs initiatives both here and on the Alton Campus,” Moroney said.

For more information on the Cougars Care goals and to learn more about sustainability at SIUE, visit the SIUE experience page. 

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) Board of Trustees, at its regularly scheduled meeting on the Carbondale campus today, approved the budget for the SIU School of Dental Medicine’s (SDM) Advanced Care Clinic (ACC) on the Alton campus, along with an honorary doctor of humane letters to Lawrence B. “Larry” Heitz and a distinguished service award to Shirley J. Portwood, PhD.

The SDM project’s estimated cost is $11.5-million with funding from grants, SDM reserves, University plant funds, and internal or external financing. The debt service will be repaid with SDM clinic operation revenues, equipment usage fees, and future donations and grants.

The ACC project will involve demolishing the existing MDL Building 283, which is no longer in use. The new clinic will be constructed on that site, and serve dental students and residents. The clinic will serve a comprehensive range of patient dental needs through existing, expanded and new post-doctoral programs.

By adding general anesthesia capabilities in two medical operating suites, the SDM will be able to offer more comprehensive, predictable and safe treatment, allowing for the timely completion of care, particularly for children and patients with special dental care needs.

The board also recognized Heitz and Portwood for their outstanding contributions to the Edwardsville campus and SIUE community. Both will be honored at the May 2020 commencement exercises at First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center.

Heitz is the first student to graduate with a master’s of business administration from the SIUE School of Business. Throughout his lengthy, successful career, he has served as an engineer with Owens, Illinois, program manager at Emerson Electric Aerospace, president of Tubular Steel, Inc., and owner/developer of several hi-tech manufacturing businesses. In 2016, he established the Lawrence Institute, an organization dedicated to helping individuals permanently improve their lives.

Meanwhile, Portwood is an SIUE Distinguished Emerita Professor, who earned a bachelor’s in history and a master’s in history with a specialization in Russian history from SIUE. She also earned both a master’s and doctorate in history with an emphasis in African American women, American women and modern Russia from Washington University in St. Louis. She served on the SIU Board of Trustees from 2013-19, and continues to serve SIUE and its surrounding communities.

SIUE alumnus Kevin Blankenship, PhD, has been named the 2020 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Administrators. Read more in the State Journal-Register.

Blankenship earned a doctorate in educational leadership from SIUE in 2017. He is the dual superintendent of Scott-Morgan CUSD #2 and Winchester CUSD #1.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook will oversee the 2019 fall commencement exercises Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14. Ceremonies in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center on campus for the 1,186 eligible graduates will be Friday at 2 p.m., and Saturday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

SIU System Board of Trustees member John Simmons will address all three sessions, beginning with the School of Nursing (SON) at 2 p.m. Friday. Rebecca Phillips, who earned a bachelor’s in nursing, is the student speaker.

The Saturday morning student speaker is Kaylynn Woolfolk, who earned a master’s in education from the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). The morning session also features the Graduate School and the School of Business.

Andrew Greenwood, assistant professor of musicology and graduate program director in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), is SIUE’s 2019 Teaching Excellence Award winner. He will address graduates during the Saturday afternoon ceremony that features the Graduate School, CAS, and Schools of Engineering and Pharmacy.

The Saturday afternoon student speaker is Sydney Daniel, who earned a bachelor’s in mass communications from CAS.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville was not Kaylynn Woolfolk’s choice her first time around, nor was it her second time around. However, after twice being suspended from SIUE, the Chicago native decided to enroll at the University a third time – because she wanted to demonstrate something to herself and to others. 

Woolfolk will graduate with a master’s from SIUE in college student personnel administration and will be the student speaker at the 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 commencement ceremony in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center.  

“I wanted to get my master’s, and I felt like I had failed here,” explained Woolfolk. “I didn’t think I would be accepted at SIUE (Graduate School). Once I was, then I had a point to prove.” 

Woolfolk’s on-again, off-again relationship with SIUE began in 2011, when her mother, Robin Allen, encouraged the first-generation student to attend the nearby SIUE. 

“I didn’t know anything about college, or what this journey was going to be like,” began Woolfolk, who graduated from Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing with a 3.0 grade point average. “I didn’t feel I was guided to the right resources. I did not know how to make connections. I felt unsupported. 

“I also didn’t have the best studying habits, and family problems at home began distracting me. My grade point average was 1.9, and I was suspended from school.” 

Woolfolk went back to Chicago and enrolled part-time at South Suburban College in South Holland. 

“When I went to the community college, I actually used the resources,” remarked Woolfolk. “An advisor instructed me on how to arrange my class schedule, so as not to take demanding courses all at once. I improved my GPA. Still, I was embarrassed, because I had flunked out of a university.” 

Through her mother’s urging, in 2013 Woolfolk enrolled a second time at SIUE as a student on academic probation. 

“I wanted to finish school, and I didn’t want failure to be my legacy,” she said. 

However, it seemed like deja vu, when Woolfolk found herself in the same academic predicament. At the end of the semester, her grade point average was 1.8. Woolfolk was expelled again. 

“I was at home from July-December 2013. That was probably the worst six months of my life,” recalled Woolfolk. “I was in an extremely bad place. I felt like a failure every day. I had disappointed my mother, my father, my family and myself. I could see my friends away from home, in school, doing well and having fun. I was super ashamed.” 

“I started going to my mother’s church, and my mother introduced me to a woman named Samantha Thomas,” said Woolfolk. “Samantha told me about her trials and tribulations in achieving her college success. She had obtained a lot of accolades at Lincoln University of Missouri (Jefferson City), and she encouraged me to give college another try.” 

Woolfolk enrolled at Lincoln in 2014. 

“It was a different world. Every goal I wanted to accomplish I achieved and surpassed,” continued Woolfolk. “I was on the Dean’s List and graduated with a 3.5 grade point average.” Woolfolk earned her bachelor’s in kinesiology in 2017 from Lincoln University. 

The college graduate then said she felt ready to tackle a master’s degree – at SIUE. While studying at SIUE, Woolfolk worked as a graduate assistant in the SIUE East St. Louis Center Upward Bound Program, under the supervision of Director Keith Ware, EdD. 

“I fell in love with this program. I enjoyed working with students who were just like me – first generation and low income,” she said “It was a great feeling having students depend upon me as a resource, and having them share their successes with me.” 

Woolfolk plans to work in higher education in student support services with Upward Bound programs or work in the area of diversity and inclusion. 

“If I could give my 17-year-old self some advice,” commented Woolfolk, “it would be that all your tests and trials will only make you stronger.”  

Photo:
Kaylynn Woolfolk will graduate with a master’s from SIUE in College Student Personnel Administration and will be the student speaker at the 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 commencement ceremony in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center. 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrated the new Harry Gallatin SIUE Golf Practice Facility with a ribbon-cutting today at Sunset Hills Country Club (SHCC) in Edwardsville.

The indoor practice facility is named in honor of legendary SIUE coach and supporter, the late Harry Gallatin, who envisioned a first-class facility that would increase student-athlete training opportunities.

The development cost approximately $500,000. The 1,840-square-foot facility includes three indoor hitting bays, a golf training simulator room, an indoor putting surface and the ability to open the doors to hit out into a redeveloped driving range.

Having jumped into the project near its end as he moved into Cougar Athletics in August, SIUE Director of Athletics Tim Hall focused on the power of togetherness and putting others before ourselves. “Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds makes a tremendous difference in projects like these,” he said. “People coming from different backgrounds, finding a way to say yes to a project and initiative that is going to benefit so many going forward, and knowing that with collaboration, the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts. I take great satisfaction that my wife and family have moved into a community that is so caring, where partnering for mutual benefit is not an outlier, but the norm.”

SIUE Men’s Golf Coach Derrick Brown emphasized the immediate impact the facility will have on his student-athletes, as it will expand their ability to train year-round and amplify their advancement as a nationally recognized team.

“This new facility will provide the tools for our student athletes to continue to grow and develop their games, but most importantly throughout the winter months,” Brown said. “I want to thank the many people at SIUE and Sunset Hills CC who helped make this project a reality. Coach Gallatin was a wonderful man, coach and supporter of our program and our team will be proud to practice in the Harry Gallatin SIUE Practice Facility.”

“I am incredibly happy with this project, not only for what it provides for our club and the University, but also because of what it represents,” said SHCC President Cory Darr, CPA. “It shows that our community can work together to accomplish great things and to make dreams happen. It will serve as a guide for future projects and partnerships, and I am extremely proud of that. 

“I am excited to see the new facility and the new range in 2020, and can’t wait for the team and the members to see it all come together. These are exciting times for our community and this, along with all of the construction and additions to our area, are fantastic to see.”

“This project is a fantastic example of how community/university partnerships can benefit our area. We hope it can serve as a model for other possibilities in the future,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. “The facility will be a wonderful recruiting asset and allow our golf team members to practice year-round to maximize their skills. I want to thank so many individuals at SHCC who were part of these discussions, and Corey Darr specifically, for the commitment that brought this project to fruition.”

Major donors who have contributed 100 percent of the project’s construction costs include John Simmons, Tom Allen, and Mike and Corey Wenzel. Other significant backers are Bev and Harry Gallatin, TheBANK of Edwardsville, the Lukas Family, and the SIUE Foundation along with in-kind contributors Tom Cissell, Alan Grammer and Dale Keller.

“We’re here today on this cold winter morning to dedicate this facility in honor of a great man, exceptional athlete, husband, father of three, teacher, coach and mentor to many,” said Jim Gallatin. “Anyone who spent time with my dad grew to understand his honest, candid nature and fiercely competitive spirit. He was both a professional and a champion in sport and in life.

He would consider this facility to be a fitting tribute, a functional cooperative effort, designed to allow many others the opportunity to develop their talents, their drive to compete, and their potential in both golf and life.”

Oates and Associates, of Collinsville, is the design firm for the project, while Limbaugh Construction Co., Inc., of Granite City, is the contractor.

Photo: Bev Gallatin cuts the ribbon at the dedication of the new Harry Gallatin SIUE Golf Practice Facility at Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville.

Reading, writing and angelic donations? Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students can expect to experience all three – with the latter one arriving Thursday, Dec. 19. 

For the past month, CHS has been accepting donations and funds for its sixth annual Angel Tree giving campaign to benefit students. The donation drive will end Friday, Dec. 13. 

“The CHS staff would like to ensure that all of our students experience the joy of the holiday season,” said Anne DeToye, CHS treasurer. “To that end, we are asking people to participate in our Angel Tree giving program.” 

“This year, we are giving out a uniform sweatshirt and school supplies to all students,” said Pamela Saffore, CHS guidance counselor. “Extra gifts and additional winter gear will be given to our neediest students.” 

“Because students need school supplies, school uniforms and other school related items year-round, CHS is asking people to consider making a recurring donation,” added DeToye. 

Checks should be made payable to SIUE Foundation and sent to Anne DeToye at Campus Box 1049.  Please drop off any cash donations to DeToye in Alumni Hall, room 1134. The SIUE Foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. 

For more information, contact DeToye at anmoore@siue.edu or 650-3354. 

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

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Hearthstone team has advanced to the semifinals of the Fall 2019 Hearthstone Collegiate Championship. The group is one of the SIUE Esport Club’s many varsity teams and is the first to make it to the semifinals in their respective game’s championship bracket.

“This is a huge deal for Esports at SIUE,” said Jordan Kramer, Esports Club president. “This accomplishment allows us to showcase how Esports is more than just playing video games. This is the farthest that any of our teams have gotten. Just like any other varsity team, our players have put in a lot of time practicing with their team to get ready for their matches.”

The tournament features matches of Hearthstone, an online, turn-based card game created by Blizzard Entertainment. In Hearthstone, players can choose one of nine classes to play, such as warlock, priest or rogue. Every class has special attributes and skills, and players create their own decks to suit their class and outsmart their opponents. Throughout the tournament, players compete in teams of three while discussing and performing the optimal play for each turn.

SIUE’s Hearthstone Team consists of Esmir Karabas, Brad Johnson and Bryan Dinman. The team is ranked among the top four in the tournament and will be heading to Full Sail University near Orlando to compete in the upcoming championships.

“We have been together as a team since the beginning of 2018,” explained team captain Karabas. “During our first semester together, we made it past the competition’s qualifying stage, but lost the next bracket. Since then, we have become a much more cohesive unit by working together outside of our scheduled matches and preparing properly. Through these preparations, we were able to put ourselves in the semi-finals of this tournament. I am proud of what our team has become.”

“It’s always great to have our club teams get regional or national recognition,” said Philipp Leyerer, club sports coordinator. “This is especially exciting with how much exposure and interest our Esports Club has gotten over the last several months with our new Esports arena coming to Bluff Hall. Events like this are exactly why we have been pushing to get an Esports arena on our campus. We’re all very proud of our Hearthstone team and are excited to see what they can accomplish in Florida. Go Cougars!”

The team will be competing in semifinals on Saturday, Dec. 14 at noon against Simon Fraser University. Leyerer encourages the community to support the team by viewing the matches, which will be streamed live at twitch.tv/playhearthstone.

Tournament prizes consist of:

• First place: $2,000 per player in scholarships and an invitation to the Hearthstone Masters Tour
• Second place: $1,200 per player in scholarships and an invitation to the Hearthstone Masters Tour
• Third and fourth place: $700 per player in scholarships

The Hearthstones Masters Tour will take place in Arlington, Texas, where players compete for a share of a $250,000 prize pool. Unlike the collegiate tournament, Masters Tour competitors consist of the top players around the globe in Hearthstone Esports.

The collegiate tournament is sponsored by Tespa, an Esports organization that sponsors multiple yearly tournaments for colleges across the North American region. Since its inception, over 40,000 students have participated in the organization’s tournaments and over $3 million has been awarded in prizing and scholarships.

To learn more about the Fall 2019 Hearthstone Collegiate Championship, visit compete.tespa.org/tournament/140.

Intelligent.com has recognized the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Schools of Nursing (SON) and Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) for having Top 20 programs nationally in online nursing master’s degree and exercise science bachelor’s degree programs, respectively. 

SIUE was listed among hundreds of other competing institutions. Intelligent.com’s student-focused comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,604 accredited colleges and universities. 

The SON’s online nurse educator master’s program was ranked 17^th. See all the rankings here. Earlier this year, Affordable Schools’ list of 25 Best Affordable Master’s of Nursing Education Online Degrees ranked the online nurse educator master’s program #1 in Illinois and #5 in the nation for affordability.

“School of Nursing leadership has worked intensely in to find the perfect balance for our graduate programs,” said Andrew Griffin, PhD, CRNA, APRN, SON assistant dean for graduate programs. “We provide high-quality courses and curricula, while maximizing learner flexibility and affordability. As a result, we have seen tremendous growth in our graduate student population and consistently high ratings from such entities as US News and World Report and AffordableSchools.net.”

The SEHHB’s exercise science program, housed within the Department of Applied Health, was ranked third among the best sports medicine degree programs. See all the rankings here.

“The exercise science faculty work hard to provide numerous hands-on learning experiences for the students,” said Bryan Smith, PhD, CSCS, associate professor and exercise science undergraduate program director in the Department of Applied Health. “Combined with the experiences they gain during their internship and senior assignment projects, students graduate from the program with the skills and knowledge that they need to succeed both in the marketplace and in graduate school.”

The 2020 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system, which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third-party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed hundreds of schools with comparable programs on a scale of 0 to 100, with SIUE twice making it to the final list. The methodology uses an algorithm that collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each university’s degree program.

About Intelligent.com

Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs, as well as information about financial aid, internships and study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students.

Photo: SIUE’s Bryan Smith, associate professor, works with a student in an exercise science lab.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, PhD, has named Mallory Sidarous as director for University Housing. Sidarous has served as interim director since July 2019 and will assume her new role on January 2, 2020.  

Sidarous brings more than 11 years of professional experience in higher education to the position. Since 2008, she has served as a member of the University Housing staff in the Central Housing Office. Prior to her interim appointment, Sidarous served as associate director, providing leadership in the areas of occupancy management, financials and marketing.  

“Mallory has provided many years of quality service to our campus community, and has been instrumental in creative occupancy solutions and meeting residents’ needs,” said Waple. “During the past few months serving in the interim role, she has exceeded the expectations that were set for her, and I have no doubt she will continue to work collaboratively across campus to ensure students have a positive experience living on-campus.”

As an active member of the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I), Sidarous has served in a variety of roles including chair of both the ACUHO-I Business Operations Conference and the Marketing and Communications Committee. She has also presented at a variety of regional and national ACUHO-I conferences and authored articles on topics including brand identity, marketing strategies, occupancy management, roommate matching and supervision. 

“I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to serve the department in this capacity,” Sidarous said. “The University housing team continues to be creative, innovative, and provide a high quality of care and service in all areas. It is a privilege to work alongside this committed group of individuals who care about students and their success."

As director of University Housing, Sidarous provides leadership to approximately 80 staff and 160 student employees in three operating units:  Residence Life, University Housing Facilities Management and Central Housing. University Housing serves up to 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students and their families in four residence halls and one apartment community.

University Housing fosters an environment that promotes opportunities for students to become civically, socially and academically responsible individuals who are engaged members of their current and future communities.

Sidarous earned a bachelor’s in business from Eastern Illinois University in 2007 and a master’s in business administration from SIUE in 2011.

Photo: Mallory Sidarous, SIUE Director for University Housing.

Accolades and affirmation were given to more than 100 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students who chose to participate in special graduation ceremonies during the past week. 

SIUE students were applauded in the following ceremonies:

• Rainbow Graduation, Monday, Dec. 2 in the Morris University Center, Oak/Redbud Room
• Black Graduation, Tuesday, Dec. 3 in the Morris University Center, Conference Center
• Latinx Graduation, Wednesday, Dec. 4 in the Morris University Center, Oak/Redbud Room
• Gateway/Office for Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) Graduation, Thursday, Dec. 5 in the Morris University Center, Maple/Dogwood Room
• Nontraditional Graduation, Friday, Dec. 6 in the Morris University Center, Fixins’ Restaurant
• International Graduation, Tuesday, Dec. 9 in the Morris University Center, Meridian Ballroom  

The events were not actual commencement ceremonies, but served to celebrate the various groups of students. 

“It was so moving to see such a large showing of faculty, staff and administration present at the celebration,” said Nick Niemerg, assistant director of constituent relations and co-chair of SIUE Safe Zone with Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning. “I’m so grateful for the support of these initiatives. Hosting a Rainbow Graduation is a special way to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our LGBTQIA+ students during their time at SIUE.” 

Guest speakers at the Rainbow celebration included Chancellor Randy Pembrook, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple and Director of Undergraduate Admissions Todd Burrell. 

Special speakers at the Black Graduation included Rae’Jean Spears-Alford, who received her master’s in English Literature, and Kelly Atkins, assistant director of Transition Services. 

“Rae’Jean gave extremely moving remarks centered on the Shirley Chisholm quote: ‘If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,’” said Earleen Patterson, PhD, director of Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR). “Kelly Atkins motivated the students in her remarks about empowerment, determination and perseverance. The ceremony is an opportunity for underrepresented students to be acknowledged and honored for the hard work they have achieved.” 

Latinx students were also congratulated for their academic fortitude, according to Kelly Jo Karnes, director of the Morris University Center, Student Success Center and the Kimmel Student Involvement Center. 

“The Latinx Graduation Celebration is a pre-commencement celebration to honor Latino, Latina, and Latinx students who, through unyielding determination and academic achievements, have successfully completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from SIUE,” said Karnes. “It is an opportunity to also wish them well in their next adventures.” 

Guest speakers at the Latinx ceremony included Waple and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Miriam Roccia. 

SIUE alumna Wendy Settles, of Impact Center for Independent Living, was the keynote speaker for the inaugural Gateway/ACCESS graduation. 

“Settles discussed the next phase after college, including self-advocacy, accommodations within the workforce and allowing passion and persistence to lead, regardless of limitations imposed by others,” said ACCESS Director Dominic Dorsey. 

“The genesis of this event came from student Alex Mitchell, who noticed how we had graduations for other cultural affinity groups and inquired about a graduation for students with disabilities,” added Dorsey. “We chose the word ‘Gateway’ as a double entendre. Symbolically because the St. Louis Gateway Arch is a significant monument, but also because academia and society have presented a significant amount of gatekeeping when it comes to individuals with disabilities. This celebration symbolizes a fair passage with no one deciding who does or does not have access or rights, and who does or does not belong either by exclusion or by design.” 

Nontraditional students, who are generally older, were also celebrated. “It was important to show nontraditional students that SIUE cares and appreciates their journey to obtain their bachelor’s degree,” said Karnes. 

Waple and Roccia welcomed nontraditional students at the ceremony. 

Students from the countries of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Nigeria and South Korea were honored during the International Graduation. 

“In Chancellor Randy Pembrook’s speech, he highlighted the diversity of the group, and how it embodies SIUE’s mission to ‘prepare leaders to shape a changing world,’” said Gabriela Renteria-Poepsel, international student programming advisor. “These students will return to their home countries and share their experiences at SIUE. The chancellor also emphasized that international students have made SIUE a better place, because they were here.” 

Other speakers and participants at the International ceremony included Mary Weishaar, director of the Office of International Affairs, and Kim Browning, Study Abroad advisor. 

“The Office of International Affairs held the first International Graduation Celebration in 2016 to honor and celebrate the achievements of international students graduating from SIUE, and to highlight the sacrifices made by international students and their families,” said Renteria-Poepsel. “Since many international student families are unable to attend the commencement ceremony, this celebration also serves as an opportunity to take photos of each student that can then be shared with their families abroad via our Facebook page.” 

Photos:
SIUE held special graduation ceremonies for LGBTQIA+, black, Latinx, ACCESS, nontraditional and international students during the past week. 

One year after Southern Illinois University Edwardsville opened the first Motion Capture and Analysis Laboratory (MOCAL) in the Southwestern Illinois and Eastern Missouri area, the lab is now engaging in its first research study and is seeking participants.

The lab, which was funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Major Research Instrumentation program, contains a comprehensive motion capture and analysis system. This system records movement from objects and people, which then is analyzed, studied or modified using computer software. This technology has proven useful in fields such as the military, healthcare, sports and videogaming, among other fields.

Sinan Onal, PhD, lead principal investigator and associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, is spearheading a new research study that uses the motion capture systems to determine the presence of movement differences in children with obesity and identify improvement through a resistance training program.

Other project team members include Sohyung Cho, PhD, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Bryan Smith, PhD, associate professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior.

According to Onal, the child obesity rate for the United States is 18.5% in children under the age of 19 and 39.6% in adults, which are both rates that are reaching epidemic status.

“Such obesity rates result in increased healthcare costs associated not only with cardiometabolic issues but also with musculoskeletal problems involving the back, hip, knee, ankle and foot,” Onal said. “These problems affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system in places such as muscles, tendons and discs.”

Weight loss can improve gait pattern and improve balance but does not address concerns regarding muscle loss. Onal’s study proposes resistance training for balance recovery and muscle strengthening.

Currently, the project team is looking for participants from 5-12 years of age with an existing diagnosis of obesity (BMI at or above the 95^th percentile). Volunteers are asked to attend one 60-minute assessment, have walking patterns assessed through motion capture system and have at least one parent present. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, contact Dr. Sinan Onal at (618)-650-5889 or at sonal@siue.edu.

Photo (L-R): Drs. Bryan Smith, Sohyung Cho and Sinan Onal.

Cartoons, games and jokes were used to illustrate the importance of healthy nutrition as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville sociology and environmental science graduate students explained how fresh food would soon take root in The Tiny Children’s Garden designed for the Village of Washington Park. 

Students from Sociology 515, taught by Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Sociology, made a presentation on Monday, Dec. 9 to third-fifth grade students of James Avant Elementary School in Washington Park. SIUE students explained the origins of the Tiny Children’s Garden, which was the brainchild of James Avant’s own third grade teacher, Derissa Davis. Quanshanda Nicholson is the principal at James Avant. 

Elementary school children saw photos of the stages of the cleanup of a vacant lot, which began Sept. 28, and is now the site of the garden. A student-created cartoon explained how SIUE collaborated with Davis to begin the journey of creating it. 

“Professor Connie and her students are doing public sociology and dedicating course research to answer the Washington Park community question, ‘How can we secure fresh vegetables and fruits for our community?’” relayed the cartoon. “The Tiny Children’s Garden is the answer to that question.” 

“The garden was created to improve the quality of life for Washington Park residents,” the cartoon says. “By building a community garden that will provide fresh and healthy food for community members, it helps to beautify the land and ensures a sustainable solution that secures the community’s needs for generations to come.” 

SIUE students and James Avant Elementary teachers quizzed the elementary students on the descriptions of fruits and vegetables by playing a game. When holding a picture of a certain fruit or vegetable, the person had to guess its name by asking the audience questions. 

“Do you like to eat me?” asked Davis, holding a picture of Brussel sprouts.

“No!” groaned the audience. 

“Am I green?” 

“Yes!” roared the students. 

“Why did the mushroom get invited to the all the parties,” asked Amy Yates, a graduate student majoring in sociology. “Because he is a fungi!” 

Other students working with Frey Spurlock include Arieanna Morris, Rachel Green, Breanne Burton, Linda Aguirre, Scott Antrobus, Hayley Winker and Nikolle Sanguinette, all majoring in sociology; and Razan Abulola, Danielle Kulina and Suprassana Aryal, all majoring in environmental science. 

For more information about The Tiny Children’s Garden, visit iris.siue/ttcg/, facebook.com/tinysgarden618 and Instagram @tinysgarden618. 

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James Avant teacher Asheley Browning tries to guess her fruit – a mango. 

Talking to elementary students is Danielle Kulina, a graduate student majoring in environmental science. In the background is Hayley Winker, a graduate student majoring in sociology. 

James Avant teacher Keeva' Johnson celebrates after guessing his fruit – a pineapple.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Police Department added officer Ashley Narup Wednesday, Dec. 11. Narup’s addition continues the University’s quest to add both diversity to the force and individuals with connections to the Metro East.

Narup was sworn in by Chancellor Randy Pembrook. Vice Chancellor for Administration Rich Walker and Chief of Police Kevin Schmoll also participated in the ceremony in Rendleman Hall. 

“We are pleased to add more diversity to our pool of officers, as the Police Department attempts to reflect our University community, we welcome Ashley to the team,” said Walker, who noted the SIUE force employs 43 officers, including nine female officers.

An Evansville, Illinois native, Narup graduated from the Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) Police Academy on Nov. 8 and received the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association’s Most Outstanding Officer Award. She is also a volunteer firefighter with the Village of Evansville.

Previously, Narup was a human services caseworker for the Illinois Department of Human Services, where she provided supplemental nutrition assistance and Medicaid benefits for under-represented families in Randolph and Monroe Counties.

Narup earned a bachelor’s in secondary education/history from SIU Carbondale in 2011.

Photo (L-R): SIUE Chief of Police Kevin Schmoll, Vice Chancellor for Administration Rich Walker, Officer Ashley Narup,  and Chancellor Randy Pembrook.  

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has gone to the dogs – but in a good way. Four-legged friends are helping take some of the stress out of finals week for students by making themselves available for petting, hugging and a lot of smiling.

Got Your Six Support Dogs made its semester visit from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Dec. 9-12 in Lovejoy Library. 

“Got Your Six has been coming to Lovejoy Library during finals week in the fall and spring semesters for two years,” said Lydia Jackson, interim dean of Library and Information Services. “This year, there has been two different dogs visiting each time period, for a total of 16 dogs.” 

His or her owner accompanies each dog. Some of the owners and their dogs who visited this semester include Donna Bardon (Woody), Kelly Felax (Izzy) and Gail Chapman (Bosco). 

“So far, we have averaged approximately 70 students at each two-hour session, which is an all-time high,” reported Jackson. “Many students stop, pet the dogs and relax for a few minutes. They also ask questions and share stories of their own pets.” 

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Gabriella Marchiori, a sophomore majoring in nursing, takes time out with Frank the Boxer.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook is overseeing the 2019 fall commencement exercises today and tomorrow. Ceremonies in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center on campus for the 1,186 eligible graduates began this afternoon, and continue Saturday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“On behalf of SIUE, I want to extend our excitement for the nearly 1,200 students graduating this weekend,” Pembrook said. “At this very special time of year, the accomplishments of these students add to the joy that family and friends are feeling. We know that in joining over 100,000 fellow Cougar alums, these graduates will become an essential part of the workforce in the Metro East. Congratulations and best wishes for commencement and the holidays.”

The SIU System Board of Trustees was represented by SIUE alumnus John Simmons and SIUE student trustee Mackenzie Rogers, who addressed the School of Nursing (SON) graduates Friday afternoon. Rebecca Phillips, who earned a bachelor’s in nursing, was the student speaker.

Phillips had specific advice for the SON grads. “Have integrity, always do the right thing even when no one is watching,” she said. “Have accountability to those you serve. It will build your character as a nurse and your relationships with your patients. Don’t let the stress of the day derail you from doing the right thing. There will be days that will test you in every possible way. 

“Ask questions, the wisest people I know ask questions. Questions open doors to learning. Wisdom allows you to apply knowledge in a manner that promotes wellness and good into your role as a nurse. Keep learning, you may be the next Florence Nightingale.” 

Phillips also encouraged her peers to be open to change and to be inclusive. “Healthcare is constantly changing, growing, and developing,” she said. “Change can open new doors that you thought originally had no purpose. Healthcare is a team environment, include your team and support each other. Open yourself up to other cultures, beliefs, and practices. You will meet many people in your profession, from all over the world, and there will be so much you can learn from them. Challenge yourself to learn something each and every day.”

The Saturday morning student speaker is Kaylynn Woolfolk, who earned a master’s in education from the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). The morning session also features the Graduate School and the School of Business.

Andrew Greenwood, assistant professor of musicology and graduate program director in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), is SIUE’s 2019 Teaching Excellence Award winner. He will address graduates during the Saturday afternoon ceremony that features the Graduate School, CAS, and Schools of Engineering and Pharmacy.

The Saturday afternoon student speaker is Sydney Daniel, who earned a bachelor’s in mass communications from CAS.

Photo: SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook congratulates School of Nursing graduate Virginia Williams.

Unwrap You with Coach Melody owner Melody McClellan has worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May since 2015 to grow her passion for health and wellness.

Based in O'Fallon, Illinois, Coach Melody’s goal is to educate and improve health outcomes. She creates and implements corporate wellness programs, develops personalized workshops, facilitates challenges and workshops, and is a dynamic speaker. Her programs engage all ages in a variety of topics related to health and wellness.

Since founding Unwrap You, LLC in 2013, Coach Melody has transformed well over 3,000 lives, including adults and youth.

The SBDC has assisted Coach Melody with business strategy, refining her niche market, and making valuable connections.

“I absolutely love working with Jo Ann,” McClellan said. “She is extremely responsive and always makes herself available to offer guidance and support. She follows through.”

“Coach Melody is a true inspiration and is driven to help others reach their goals,” said DiMaggio May.  “She incorporates her teachings into how she approaches her business every day. She is highly motivated and works hard to make her business grow. I look forward to seeing what 2020 and the future brings for Unwrap You with Coach Melody.”

Unwrap You places a focus on wellness for companies, youth and individuals. She creates and implements programs focusing on educating, changing mindset and behaviors, and allowing people to stress less and live a more practical way.

“Individual’s lives will not change without lifestyle change,” McClellan said.

The workplace wellness program focuses on decreasing stress and boosting employee engagement, both of which studies have shown to help companies. The youth division focuses on empowering sixth grade to college age students and educating them on nutrition, self-care, body image and other valuable skills to help build positive self-esteem.  

Furthermore, she has recently incorporated her work into local school districts, corporations and universities.

Coach Melody has more than 18 years of experience in the health field, with specific focuses on weight management, obesity, cholesterol and diabetes. She has seen people suffer and always wanted to do more by giving individuals a plan focusing on lifestyle changes and not just medication.

Using herself as an example, Coach Melody practices what she teaches. As a dedicated employee a few years ago, she was stressed and failed to take enough time for herself. Now, she encourages people to make themselves a priority, starting with 30 minutes daily.  

Her goal is to help people manage life situations by stressing less, learning their triggers and understanding how to boost energy.

Coach Melody is a published author of Unwrap the New You Interactive Wellness Journal and Ohhmazing Wellness. In October, she traveled to Washington, D.C. to launch her third collaborative book, Releasing the Superwoman Mentality.

Coach Melody gives back through her annual Family Fun 3K Walk to Fight Childhood Obesity. Last September was the third annual event that focused on the entire family and community. The idea came to her in 2014 after going to Missouri for walks and not seeing events on the Illinois side. She set a goal to change the narrative and it is now growing annually.

She also recently taught Nutrition 101 to a community health system in St. Louis, instructing more than 300 individuals on how to prepare for the holidays.

Coach Melody also offers an online program, the 21-Day shape up, on her website. The course focuses on learning practical ways to create lifestyle change and alter health outcomes.

In addition, through her interactive wellness journal, she gives clients the blueprint to success by helping them build a wellness plan based on goals and accountability. Clients are able to journal, track their weight and eating habits, and are provided with daily motivations, including meditation and mindfulness.

Coach Melody is accepting participants for her 2020 New Decade New You 21-Day Challenge. The program begins Saturday, Jan. 4, and spaces are limited.

As 2020 nears, Coach Melody looks forward to growth and opportunity as people will begin taking the New Year to focus on themselves. She plans to build a larger online presence, travel more and spread wellness around the world.

For more information, visit unwrapyou.com, Facebook, Instagram @coachmelody, LinkedIn and YouTube at Coach Melody.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures like Unwrap You with Coach Melody 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 theIL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE at 618-650-2929.

Photo: Unwrap You with Coach Melody owner Melody McClellan.

It was readily apparent to see that Darryl Tyler was popular with the crowd who had assembled in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Learning Resource Center (LRC). However, the room full of women were not focused on the tall, stylish SIUE alumnus for his fashion sense alone – but for his vital business advice. 

Tyler, vice president/commercial banking officer at Carrollton Bank and owner and designer of Tailored Gents Custom Clothiers in Clayton, Mo., presented “How to Start a Business: A Step-by-Step Guide” at LRC’s Lunch and Learn workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 10. 

“I want to help you establish or develop your business. It takes diligent research, good information and hard work,” said Tyler, who earned his bachelor’s in business administration with a marketing concentration from SIUE in 2003 and has served on the School of Business Advisory Board for the past four years. 

Tyler enumerated 10 business steps as written by Andreas Rivera, staff writer for the Business News Daily:

• Refine your area
• Write a business plan
• Assess your finances
• Determine your legal business structure
• Register with the government and IRS
• Purchase an insurance policy
• Build your team
• Choose your vendors
• Brand yourself and advertise
• Grow your business 

Tyler told the audience how he started his company, learned how to grow his clientele and how to market his business. 

Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May, who was part of the audience, also offered sage bits of business advice. 

“He was extremely informative and easy to understand,” said Ora Lockett, counselor for the SIUE East St. Louis Center’s Building Futures and CEO and founder of The Gr8full Company. “I have my LLC, but I did learn a few things on how best to set one up. I also learned some good marketing strategies. 

“My company can be found online at www.gr8full.club and focuses on health and wellness business. We provide all things natural pertaining to hair care, skin care, men’s care and body supplements.” 

Photos:
SIUE alumnus Darryl Tyler, vice president/commercial banking officer at Carrollton Bank and owner and designer of Tailored Gents, talks about how to start a business at the SIUE East St. Louis Center Learning Resource Center’s Lunch and Learn.

Ora Lockett, counselor for the SIUE East St. Louis Center’s Building Futures and CEO and founder of The Gr8full Company, plans to put some of the information presented by Tyler to good use.