The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is hosting its eighth annual “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, in the SIUE School of Engineering building.

Approximately 250 girls from grades 5-8 are expected to attend the daylong event that offers exposure to the engineering field. Participants will complete a total of five activities, covering the fields of civil, mechanical, electrical, industrial and computer science.

Small groups will use teamwork to design and create their projects. The creative problem-solving aspects of engineering will be discussed and explored. The participants will work collaboratively on projects, be encouraged to ask questions and use their imagination.

Once again this year, professional women engineers and SIUE students will be on site providing support and guidance to program participants. Following the completion of each activity, the professional engineers and the SIUE engineering students will offer analysis and ask the participants probing questions about the project.

Registration is $20 and covers activities, lunch and a t-shirt. For more information, contact the SIUE School of Engineering at swesiue@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/swesiue.

Interested in pursuing a fulfilling career of inspirational student development? Attend the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s College Student Personnel Administration Program’s (CSPA) Visit Day being held Friday, March 6 and consider the possibilities of a career in higher education.

The full-day event begins at 8:15 a.m. in Evergreen Hall on the SIUE campus. It includes a continental breakfast, lunch, networking reception and graduate assistant interview fair. Attendees can speak with program faculty and current students, network with SIUE Student Affairs staff and interview for graduate assistantships with SIUE Student Affairs, as well as off-campus partner institutions.

Pre-register for the CSPA Visit Day at siue.edu/cspa-visit-day.

Priority consideration for graduate assistantships, which provide tuition remission and a monthly stipend, will be given to attendees who interview at the event. The deadline to apply for a graduate assistantship is Friday, Feb. 14.

“The CSPA program has established a reputation for academic rigor, and has a focus on social justice and student development,” said Pietro Sasso, PhD, assistant professor and CSPA program director. “Our diverse program prepares students for entry- to mid-level positions in college administration, such as student affairs, academic advising or admissions. In addition, our experiential learning opportunities allow students to actively engage in contemporary higher education issues facing today’s college students.”

The 39-hour program includes 33 hours of coursework in college student personnel administration, a comprehensive exam, six hours of practicum and a final research project.

The application fee will be waived for prospective students in attendance who apply for admission during the event – a $40 savings. Plus, priority consideration for admission will be given to candidates who attend Visit Day.

While she’s unsure of exactly what her future holds, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumna Amanda Jondro is certain: “I want to keep standing up for those who do not have a voice.”

After earning a bachelor’s in psychology from the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior in December 2019, the St. Jacob native is now in Ethiopia for her fourth visit to offer hope to vulnerable women aging out of the country’s overpopulated orphanage system.

“I could not just sit at home and ignore the heartbreaking things I have seen and experienced there,” Jondro explained. “Ethiopia has an estimated 4.5 million orphans. International adoption is illegal. While domestic adoption is still available, it is extremely taboo in their culture. When these children age out of the system, they are dropped off in the city with little to no resources or life skills.”

For the next six months, Jondro will work with America World Adoption (AWAA) in its new transition home, Bete Hosanna. The two-year program is for 18-year-old females who are aging out of the government-run all girls orphanage.

While in the program, the women will get to finish school, go to a trade school of their choice, learn money management and budgeting skills, engage in a bible study, and learn how to cook and clean. The goal is to equip them with the life skills and resources needed to be successful in society.

“I will be teaching the girls English, while also using my psychology degree to help them talk through some of the trauma they experienced growing up in such a harsh environment,” said Jondro. “I pursued psychology, because I was eager to learn more about how our brains work and why we do what we do as humans. At SIUE, I spent time learning and studying how the brain develops, trauma, emotions, and how they all relate.”

With a heart overflowing with goodness, background in psychology, and a determination to help others, Jondro will surely provide stability in uncertain times, making the world a bit brighter for those lucky enough to cross her path.

“Bete Hosanna translates to save/rescue/savior house,” Jondro added. “Wherever God leads me in life, that’s where I want to go.”

Photo: SIUE psychology alumna Amanda Jondro at December commencement.

In every community there are dark, sordid, heart-breaking stories no one wants to tell, but must be brought to light to help combat the pungent reality of human and sex trafficking. 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Educational Outreach co-hosted a Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar with the Troy Tri-Township Library and Troy-Maryville Chamber on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at the Troy-Township Library. Erin Heil, PhD, author and associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, spoke about human trafficking. Kristen Shinn, director of Community Support Services at Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, addressed the subject of sex trafficking. 

More than 40 people, from surrounding communities that included representation from shelters, hospitals, hotels, non-profit agencies and the Troy Police Department, attended the class. 

“I have done extensive research on the topic of human trafficking,” said Heil, “In 2008, I went to Immokalee, Florida, which is ground zero for modern day slavery. The tomato industry is in the area, and there is much agriculture labor trafficking there.” 

“Some of the many abuses I came across involved one man getting paid $2 for every ton of tomatoes he picked, and someone getting paid with watermelons. Then there were instances when people did not get any time off.” 

Labor trafficking can involve someone having to work to pay off debts or having someone else in control, according to Heil. Labor trafficking can also exist in factories, begging, hotel industry, carnivals, beauty salons and more. 

“Southern Illinois and southern Missouri are hot spots for trafficking because of agriculture,” explained Heil. “Trafficking can also involve bait and switch, where people are promised well-paying jobs and then end up with menial jobs, or not being paid at all.” Heil co-authored the book, “Human Trafficking in the Midwest.” 

She noted some indicators of human trafficking and victims: 

• Employees live on the premises
• Employees are transported to work by the employer
• No time clock or hours maintained in ledger by the employer
• Avoids eye contact
• Appears malnourished, exhausted, injured
• Appears submissive or fearful of employer 

Many times, there is a crossover between human and sex trafficking, according Shinn. She gave the following definition for sex trafficking: “The recruitment, harboring, transportation, providing, or obtaining of a person for a commercial sex act, in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not yet attained 18 years old.” 

Shinn gave several scenarios of sex trafficking. One involved a 13-year-old boy on the run who needs a place to sleep. A man he meets at a party offers him the use of his couch for the night, if the teen will have sex with him. 

Shinn then showed a film on sex trafficking that interviewed and followed actual sex traffickers and their victims. “This film can be emotionally difficult to watch,” she said. “But the subject matter is important to know, and unfortunately, it is critical that we have this conversation with everyone, especially our youth.” 

There are aspects of our culture that makes human trafficking possible, or ways in which our society promotes or perpetuates exploitation, according to Shinn. 

Some of those listed include racism, sexism and misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, “sexualization” of girls and young women, and glorification of pimp culture. 

Shinn encouraged the audience with things that can be done to help alleviate the problem: strengthen practices and policies, increase awareness among schools, businesses and social service providers, celebrate client’s success in their recovery and prosecute trafficking related charges. 

“We are more reactive than proactive. It’s tough to be proactive,” said Troy Chief of Police B.A. Parsons. “We were finally successful in prosecuting a case involving sex trafficking. This is happening in our community, and we promote education and awareness.” 

“I had a preconceived idea of what sex trafficking was. I thought that it always involved people being taken by force,” said Charmian Aaron, of Edwardsville, sales manager for TownePlace Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Express & Suites and Comfort Inn. “I didn’t realize that young girls can be groomed and manipulated and contacted through social media. 

“The workshop was extremely eye opening for me,” said the mother of four, ages 2-17. “After what I learned today, I will be spreading this information to our staff, my children and whomever else will listen.” 

Linda Alms, of Troy, attended the workshop to gain more information and find out how she could do more. 

“This has been heavy on my heart – human trafficking,” said Alms. She and husband, Maurice, a retired Lutheran minister, have nine adopted children and have fostered 32 children. “I don’t want to walk out of the door and not do anything. I want to see about helping with funding for a women and children’s homeless shelter in Granite City. I also want to tell more people about it in order to generate more interest. 

“Sometimes it looks like a ‘Mission Impossible,’ but you have to try to do as much as you can in this life.” 

Photos:
Erin Heil, PhD, author and associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, speaks about human trafficking. 

Kristen Shinn, director of Community Support Services at Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, addresses the subject of sex trafficking. 

L-R: Troy Patrol Officer Bill Dearworth, Troy Police Chief B.A. Parsons, Heil, Shinn and Troy Patrol Officer Jennifer Hautly.

If a university is committed to diversity, how is that communicated to faculty and hiring committees? How does the school talk about diversity as an asset model versus a deficit one? 

These were just a few of the many questions posed by Cynthia Neal Spence, PhD, associate professor at Spelman College and director of the UNCF/Mellon Programs, who spoke Friday, Jan. 31 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Center for Faculty Development and Innovation (CFDI). 

Jessica Harris, PhD, interim assistant provost for inclusive academic excellence, coordinated Spence’s visit for the purpose of encouraging additional support for the Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) recruitment initiative in graduate admissions and other campus-wide intentional efforts. 

Spence noted and congratulated attendees on SIUE’s Statement on Diversity and Strategic Goals and for the University winning the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award for six consecutive years. 

“It sounds extremely good,” said Spence. “It is clear that you all have been talking a lot about diversity.

What we are here to talk about today is do the words meet the actions, and how do we actualize what we say?” 

Spence, who has served on evaluation teams, informed the audience on some diversity items that are scrutinized:

• How is diversity represented physically?
• What is the number of faculty of color?
• What are retention rates for faculty, staff and students of color?
• What is the tenure track like for people of color?
• Why do people of color come, and why do they leave?
• How does the curriculum reflect diversity across departments? 

She also posed these questions to the audience:

• “When individuals do not stay long, what are you learning from that? What changes are you making?”
• “If you’re interested in diversity in faculty, staff and administrators, what are you doing? Are you just waiting around to see if anyone applies? Are you actively seeking applicants that are more diverse? Where are you publishing your advertisements? How are you letting people know that this might be a good place to work? Is your message to staff that mobility is not just for individuals who look one way? Are you letting faculty know that SIUE is a place where they can do research that will be respected, and they will be able to move to the tenure track?” 

It is critical that the University community not consider or buy into the “deficit model,” according to Spence. 

“Some people believe that if you bring in diverse groups, then they won’t have the same quality as others. And that’s a problem,” she explained. “Because with diversity, you should be looking for the top caliber individual, and there are individuals who meet those criteria who represent people of color. They are all across the universe, and I deal with them on a day-to-day basis. There are highly credentialed individuals who have gone through the same training as everyone else – and that is an asset model.” 

One way to fill the diversity slack, Spence offered, is to form partnerships. 

“Partnerships matter because they can help bridge the gap and provide valuable resources,” said Spence. “HBCUs make for good partners, because they already have excellent track records.” 

Some HBCUs facts that Spence noted:

• HBCUs enroll 20% of all African American college graduates
• HBCUs account for 17% bachelor degrees and nearly 25% of African Americans with STEM degrees
• There are 106 historically black colleges and universities in the U.S.
• Nine of the top 10 colleges that graduate most of the African American students who earn PhDs are HBCUs 

“SIUE has a distinguished faculty member, Dr. Howard Rambsy, and an interim assistant provost, Dr. Jessica Harris, who are both HBCU alums—Tougaloo College and Dillard University, respectively— and a testament to the possibility, credibility and importance of diversity in higher education,” said Spence. 

“I am inspired and encouraged by the reactions to Dr. Spence’s visit,” said Harris. “I am eager to collaborate with our provost, deans, faculty and staff to identify opportunities for us to partner with HBCUs and other minority serving institutions, and look forward to SIUE making a lasting contribution to the diversification of the academic pipeline.” 

Photos:
Cynthia Neal Spence, PhD, associate professor at Spelman College and director of the UNCF/Mellon Programs, talks about partnerships with historically black colleges and universities. 

(L-R): Jessica Harris, PhD, interim assistant provost for Inclusive Academic Excellence; Spence; and Howard Rambsy II, PhD, professor in SIUE’s Department of English Language and Literature.

In the pharmaceutical world, ensuring safety in the way in which prescription drugs are distributed and understanding their adverse effects, is of the utmost importance for patient protection.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) Clinical Assistant Professor Fred Gattas, PharmD, BCNP, FAPhA, will share his expert knowledge on the topic of pharmacovigilance with the nearly 6,000 pharmacists and student pharmacists attending the American Pharmacists Association’s (APhA) Annual Meeting and Exposition March 20-23 in National Harbor, MD.

The event unites “pharmacists from all experience levels and practice settings, including community, independent ownership, research, academia, government and health system.”

Gattas specializes in nuclear pharmacy, and is director of Medical and Safety Affairs for North America at Curium, a radiopharmaceutical manufacturer. At the APhA event, he will discuss the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects and other drug-related events.

“As a profession, we need to be ever attentive to the safety of the drugs we are dispensing, “Gattas explained. “Pharmacovigilance is every healthcare practitioners’ job. Pharmaceutical manufacturers obtain safety information from a variety of places, including the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), other health authorities and literature, but probably the most important is direct and spontaneous reporting from practitioners and clinicians. If manufacturers do not receive these reports from the field on the use and adverse effects of the drugs they manufacture, it inhibits their ability to detect important signals to continually assess the drug’s safety profile.”

In the SOP, he offers students the opportunity to dive deep into the niche specialization of nuclear pharmacy.

“Dr. Gattas is respected in the field of nuclear pharmacy, both regionally and nationally,” said Mark Ruscin, PharmD, professor and chair in the SOP Department of Pharmacy Practice. “Nuclear pharmacy is highly-specialized. The SIUE School of Pharmacy is fortunate to have Dr. Gattas as part of its program, and our students have the incredible opportunity to benefit from his expertise.”

Gattas is a firm advocate for continuing education, noting that after earning a degree, information on pharmaceutical care is no longer “force fed.” Practitioners need to make a concerted effort to advance their education and understanding of care or risk falling behind in knowledge and doing patients a disservice.

“I feel a calling to help promote the profession by being active in educating and performing duties on behalf of various state and national organizations,” he concluded.

Photo: SIUE School of Pharmacy Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Fred Gattas will present on the topic of pharmacovigilance at the 2020 APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition.

Such current events topics as the Coronavirus, the presidential impeachment trial, Harvey Weinstein and R. Kelly offer ample content for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Dr. Timothy Lewis’ political science classroom discussions.

Lewis, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, specializing in identity politics. He is adamant that political stances should be developed from an informed position. That’s why he begins each of his political science courses with a group discussion, aiming to make politics more relatable for students.

“I tell my students, ‘I’m not trying to make you think one way, or to accept or reject a particular notion,’” Lewis explained. “I just want them to know that when they have political conversations and develop positions, that it’s important to do so from an informed position. I encourage them to follow a news source on social media, whether its CNN, MSNBC or Fox News, and whatever they find interesting, bring that to class and let’s discuss. This process makes politics more relatable to them.”

Lewis asserts that politics is not an abstract concept, rather it’s day-to-day interaction and decision-making, and ranges across a host of issues.

“When they bring in these stories and we discuss them, I try to inform them of the political implications and realities behind them,” Lewis said. “At that point, students are more willing to discuss the checks and balances concepts of government, because they’ve already been opened up to this beauty of politics that may have been hidden from them.”

In addition to teaching Introduction to Political Science and American National Government, Lewis leads the University’s identity politics courses, such as African American Politics, Women and Politics in America, Gay and Lesbian Politics, and Modern Political Theory.

“Identity looks at how people identify, and then how those mental constructs shape their political thought and behavior,” Lewis said. “What I see missing from the research in political science is the question ‘why?’ Even when you watch the news, they’ll tell you 62% of this demographic approves of a certain issue. But, they rarely dive into why these people feel this way. Any elected official will never truly be able to appease the desires and needs of their constituency if they don’t delve into why their constituency thinks the way they do.”

Lewis sees himself as part of the larger picture of the SIUE community, and is involved in numerous campus organizations and events, including the Black Faculty and Staff Association, the steering committee for the upcoming Women’s Consortium Conference, and a contributor to Diversity Day and the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion.

“As an African American male at SIUE, I’ve found my experience at times to be jarring, but also simultaneously rewarding,” Lewis noted. “I’ve grown in a way that I didn’t imagine. When you first come into a position as a professor, there’s a little hubris involved, and you see yourself as this infinite well of knowledge that you’re going to give to your students, and they’ll surely absorb your words like a sponge.

“You never expect that you will learn just as much from your students as they will from you. That has been an immensely rewarding part of being at SIUE.”

Lewis is also an active scholarly member of the American Political Science Review, Northeastern Political Science Association and the National Conference of Black Political Scientists.

Photo: SIUE College of Arts and Sciences Department of Political Science Assistant Professor Dr. Timothy Lewis.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U8UPE3ogYY&feature=youtu.be

Pride, excitement and interest drew people to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s opening ceremony of Black Heritage Month, themed “Black and Unified,” on Monday, Feb. 3 in the Morris University Center, Meridian Ballroom. 

“I am unapologetically black 365 days a year, and 366 days in a leap year,” said Dominic Dorsey, director of the Office of Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) and emcee for the opening ceremony. “Black history is an opportunity for me not just to talk about the accomplishments of my people, but also to educate others about the exploits of our people. It is a time to acknowledge that black history is not just history for black people, but history for the nation and the world. We want to take this opportunity to celebrate, uplift and inspire!” 

SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook welcomed the crowd and offered encouraging remarks. “We look forward to celebrating Black Heritage Month. I encourage and invite you to attend all the events going on this month,” he said. “There are activities that focus on how African Americans have contributed in so many areas such as the military, business, education, law, government, arts, science, sports and religion. The diversity of the sessions is amazing.” 

“I am honored to have collaborated with many campus partners to develop this year’s Black Heritage Month calendar. Some of them have included the SIUE Black Studies Program, the Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR) office, the SIUE Black Faculty and Staff Association, and the Campus Activities Board,” said Tarsha Moore, co-chair of the Black Heritage Month Committee and assistant director of the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI). Also serving as co-chair is Kathryn Bentley, director of the SIUE Black Studies Program and associate professor in the Department of Theater and Dance. 

“This year, the committee wanted to make a conscious effort to gather the voices of black students, faculty, staff, and allies to assist with the planning and implementation of Black Heritage Month,” continued Moore. “With this goal in mind, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion hopes that our efforts to develop a unified voice and vision for Black Heritage Month will further contribute to SIUE’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.” 

The opening celebration featured two Black Table Talk guests: Robin Hughes, PhD, dean of SIUE’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB); and Kyle Williams, adjunct lecturer in the SEHHB’s Department of Educational Leadership, and assistant director of student conduct and community standards at Washington University in St. Louis. Serving as moderator was Prince Robertson, student conduct advisor in the Office of Student Affairs. 

Robertson said, “Our theme is Black and Unified. We wanted to include ‘and’ because we wanted to acknowledge that being part of the black race does not mean everyone is the same. We also wanted to stress that being unified is of great value to our community. How does that resonate with you in terms of what you do and where you come from?” 

Hughes said, “I bring myself and my history into whatever space I am in, and that includes being unapologetically black. It also means being supportive to a community of black people and scholars. We have to affirm ourselves and receive affirmation from our supporters. I do take the month of February as a time to refocus on blackness, and who I am as an African American female.” 

In other highlights: 

• Mustafa (MJ) Abdullah Jr., coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life in the Kimmel Student Involvement Center, introduced the Black Greek Letter Organizations on the SIUE campus. Abdullah acknowledged history through the existence and contributions of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. 

• Sigma Gamma Rho sorority member Naja Gbala performed an original number, where she sang and rapped about black history. 

 “Black Heritage Month is a great time each year for SIUE to rededicate itself to the spirit of diversity that is on this campus,” said Pembrook. “We realize that we are in this together, and we can learn from each other. Diversity makes our campus stronger.” 

For a complete list of Black Heritage Month events, visit Black and Unified.  

Photos:
Prince Robertson, student conduct advisor in the Office of Student Affairs, (left) interviews School of Education Health and Human Behavior Dean Robin Hughes, PhD. 

Dominic Dorsey, director of the Office of Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) and emceed the Black Heritage Month opening ceremony. 

Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council represented their individual black fraternities and sororities.

A Season for the Child, the family-oriented live theater season sponsored by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friends of Theater and Dance (FOTAD), will present THE EVER AFTER, by Nathan Hartswich, on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 6:30 p.m. in SIUE’s Dunham Hall Theater. The performance time has been updated from 2 p.m. as originally scheduled.

The production will be performed by Curtain’s Up Theater Company, a nonprofit community theater company which provides a variety of theatrical experiences in the Madison County area, primarily in Collinsville and Edwardsville. 

In THE EVER AFTER, a cheesy talk show host invites traditional fairy tale characters who have been estranged for 20 years to reconcile on live TV. From Snow White and the Evil Queen to Cinderella and her middle-aged ugly stepsisters, this parody asks the question, “Can’t we all just get along?” The play, which features a cast of local elementary and middle school students, provides an opportunity for young children to experience live theater.

Individual tickets for THE EVER AFTER are $7 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets will be available for purchase in the Dunham Hall Theater lobby beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 29.

 A Season for the Child, which premiered in 1990, features adaptations of various children’s stories using interactive techniques that not only delight children and parents, but also provide a thorough learning experience.

FOTAD, a support group for the SIUE Department of Theater and Dance, uses A Season for the Child proceeds to help fund merit awards for talented SIUE theater and dance students. Each year, FOTAD awards over $6,000 in merit scholarships and travel funds to qualified students, also funding scholarships for new freshmen entering the theater and dance programs.   

Photo: The cast of THE EVER AFTER.

The Friends of Art and the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Art and Design will hold their 43rd annual art auction at 7 p.m. Friday, March 20. The auction will be held in the Art West Gallery located in the Art and Design West building on the SIUE campus.

Since l977, the Friends of Art, a non-profit, self-supporting organization, has assisted the SIUE Department of Art and Design with this event. The 2019 auction allowed the department to invite 17 local, national, and international artists and scholars to SIUE, in addition to providing funds for 30 students to attend a national conference.

The 2020 auction will offer original artworks donated by faculty, visiting artists, alumni, friends and advanced art students. A silent auction with a cash and carry area will also be available. Doors open at 6 p.m. Ahrens & Niemeier auctioneers will start the bidding at 7 p.m.

The auction is a spirited event featuring friendly competition that provides participants a great deal of fun and excitement in bidding and acquiring artwork. Images of the artwork to be auctioned can be viewed on the Friends of Art SIUE Facebook page, at foasiue.org, or by attending the preview in the gallery from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19.

Complimentary food and a cash bar will be provided. Complimentary parking will be available in SIUE’s Lot B. A drop off and pick-up area is next to the back entrance of the Art and Design West building.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and can be purchased at the door. Admission is free to all students, auction donors and members of the Friends of Art.

For more information on the Friends of Art, visit siue.edu/artsandsciences/art or foasiue.org, the Friends of Art Facebook page or by email at friendsofart.siue@yahoo.com.

Photo: “Fire” by Laura Strand.

Kindred Hospital of St. Louis’ gift to keep children warm was something that warmed the hearts of staff and administrators at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start Discovery Center. 

Hospital representatives visited the Discovery Center on Thursday, Jan. 30 and donated 17 coats and three sets of gloves. 

“We operate by six core values at the hospital,” said Kindred CEO Kevin Shrake. “These values are important internally, but we felt we needed to extend them outside of the four walls of our organization.” 

Kindred’s core values are:

• Be kinder than expected
• Create Fun in What You Do
• Respect Individuality to Create the Team
• Give Your Best
• Stay Focused on the Patient
• Do the Right Thing Always 

“In working on community programs and projects, we partnered with some businesses in the Central West End to do a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk last month,” said Shrake. “During the walk, we distributed coats and gloves to adults. Then the National Council of Jewish Women of St. Louis donated children’s coats to the hospital.” 

Making the connection to children who could use the outerwear was former Head Start family engagement specialist Alex Minor. 

“I worked for two years for SIUE Head Start and was always checking on families to see what their needs were,” said Minor, Kindred patient relations representative. “I thought Head Start would be the perfect place for us to donate the coats.” 

“We knew we wouldn’t have enough coats and gloves for every child,” said Yolanda Miller, Kindred administrative assistant, “but every child received a Valentine’s gift bag.”

“This was awfully nice,” said Michelle Batee, of East St. Louis, mother of Discovery Center student three-year-old Ariyah Tolden. “I was so grateful when I got the text that they would be giving out coats. Head Start is always doing something to help parents out.” 

“We are always excited when organizations partner with us to generously give to our families and children,” said Discovery Center Coordinator Heidi Eichenseer. “The coats are greatly appreciated, and the children’s smiles definitely show their appreciation. Thank you, Kindred Hospital!” 

Photos:
Kindred Hospital of St. Louis gave free coats and gloves to children at the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Discovery Center. 

Three-year-old Ariyah Tolden (right) holds a thank you sign and four-year-old Jordan Martin holds on to his new coat.

It takes bold leadership and sound, research-based insight to foresee what grand challenges may unfold in the future. In an attempt to get in front of and counteract those potential challenges, the National Science Foundation (NSF) launched its inaugural 2026 Idea Machine Contest: “a competition to help set the U.S. agenda for fundamental research in science and engineering.”

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach entered its compelling idea for future investment, “STEM Education Transitions,” which rose to the top 100 of approximately 800 entries from nearly every state in the U.S.

Under the direction of Sharon Locke, PhD, the Center asked: “What types of educational systems not yet imagined promote effective STEM learning in complex transitional spaces, such as learners moving across grades, disciplinary boundaries, or into the virtual?”

“We are thrilled to have been recognized among the top 100 submissions in the National Science Foundation’s important and exciting Idea Machine competition,” said Locke, director of the SIUE STEM Center and associate professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences. “The grand challenges of science and engineering require teams that represent a diversity of fields. When people of different disciplines come together, a dynamic space is created.”

SIUE’s proposal noted the puzzling and surprising nature of transitional spaces which arise as learners go through formal schooling, move from one type of content to another or encounter changing identities and roles.

“This is a rich domain for research that we deemed substantial enough in scope to be a big idea in STEM education,” Locke noted. “In a world increasingly dependent on science and technology, STEM education is important for all, not just for those who will go on to become professional scientists and engineers. Despite many millions of dollars invested in STEM education, we continue to fall short in ensuring broad scientific literacy, and in enabling anyone, regardless of their background, to have equal access and opportunity for success in a STEM career.”

SIUE’s STEM Education Transitions initiative would block the “leaky pipeline” present in STEM disciplines and prevent the loss of individuals at critical points along their educational path.

“When this initiative is successful, the critical junctures in time and place that are currently barriers to progression will instead be spaces where STEM learners find opportunity for new directions and a springboard to advancement,” Locke explained. “As innovators in the public and private sector accelerate progress on virtual learning environments, intelligent tutors and adaptive learning, promising approaches are emerging for supporting educators and students at critical points. Now is the time to capitalize on the ideas of researchers, educators, entrepreneurs and communities to reimagine STEM education systems.”

The NSF 2026 Idea Machine concluded its competition in February 2020 after narrowing the research submissions to the top seven entries. Details on contest winners are available at nsf.gov.

Photo: SIUE STEM Center contributors include (back L-R) Manuel Gomez, Ben Scamihorn, Candi Johnson, Matt Johnson, Georgia Bracey, PhD, Morgan Tallman, (front L-R) Sami Murphy, Dawn Olive, Carol Colannino, PhD, Sharon Locke, PhD, and Henriette Burns. Not pictured are Colin Wilson and Katrina LaCombe.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of Admissions is celebrating School Counselor Week Feb. 3-7 by bringing treats and posters to a variety of regional schools and their counselors. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) annually sponsors the event each February. 

“SIUE is actively recognizing the significant role that school counselors play in our recruitment of new students and how valuable those counselors are to our office,” said Todd Burrell, SIUE director of undergraduate admissions. “While we won’t be able to reach out to all school counselors, we truly appreciate each one’s efforts to support students considering SIUE for their collegiate home.”

Burrell pointed out that school counselors have always been considered most influential as students consider institutions and are valuable to students transitioning to post-secondary institutions. 

“The important work and relationships school counselors make with not only their students, but also the universities, allow for many opportunities for those students,” Burrell said. “They are an essential part of why students select certain institutions and are therefore major stakeholders in SIUE’s enrollment efforts. 

“We are proud to celebrate the numerous school counselors, who help us recruit students who will shape a changing world.”

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose to shape a changing world. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 13,000.

Photo (L-R): (Upper Right) – SIUE Admissions visits Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto with Regiere Lovett (SIUE), Registrar Trisha Diveley, school psychologist Julie Baker, school counselors Emily Kisro and Anita Steinman, social worker Katie Wooldridge, Principal Justin Newell, and SIUE’s Rachel McClery and Jennifer Harbaugh.

(Lower Right) – SIUE Admissions visits Lewis and Clark Community College with Dave Shifflett (SIUE), Advisors Ann Wilson and Matt Murphy, Assistant Director of Academic Advising Kate Kessler, Advisor Rhonda Hampton, and SIUE’s Jennifer Harbaugh, Regiere Lovett and Rachel McClery.

With a focus on quality and affordability, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville foresees a promising incoming freshman class, according to early data for the fall 2020 recruitment cycle.

SIUE freshman applications for fall 2020 have reached an all-time record of 10,860 students. The previous high of 10,735 applications occurred at the end of the recruitment cycle in August 2015.

Applications are up 1,895 (+21%) from a year ago, and admitted freshmen have increased by 1,010 students (+20%). Springboard (freshman registration and orientation program) deposits are running 65 students (+27%) ahead of the same date last year. More than 300 have committed to attending this year compared to 238 (+27%) a year ago. The average ACT for committed students is 24.

The largest percentage increases in Springboard deposits result from students interested in the Schools of Engineering (+55%) and Nursing (+47%). Growth is also coming from Chicago students (+187%), Springfield (+35%), and SIUE’s local region (+27%). Deposits from students with diverse and underrepresented backgrounds are also up 33%.

“Increased interest in SIUE’s engineering and nursing programs is driving the application surge along with more interest from St. Louis, Chicago, and both local and rural Illinois students,” said Todd Burrell, director of undergraduate admissions. “We’ve been recruiting many of these students since their sophomore year in high school. We have also introduced new technology to the recruitment and application process, which has been particularly beneficial for typically underrepresented student populations. Applications from African American students are up 12% and Latinx student applications are up 68%.”

“Our challenge now is to stay connected with applicants and their families as they move through the next 90 days and make their final decisions about where to attend college,” said Scott Belobrajdic, EdD, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management. “As a research institution, we are committed to making our academic resources as financially accessible to students as possible.”

Graduate enrollment has increased for the fourth straight spring semester, improving by 177 students (+9%) compared to spring 2019. Graduate enrollment has increased in the Schools of Business (128 students / +52%), Nursing (43 students / +14%), Engineering (14 students / +7.2%), and Education, Health and Human Behavior (19 students / +4%).

International enrollment also continues to grow as 388 international students are enrolled, marking the largest overall headcount since fall 2016. This runs counter to the national trend of decreasing international student access to and interest in U.S. institutions. 

With the SIU Board of Trustees proposing a second consecutive year without a tuition increase, SIUE will continue to deliver a high-quality academic experience at a consistently affordable price to its students and their families.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) students welcomed an anonymous donor on Wednesday, Feb. 5 in their first gymnasium, which was made possible by a generous gift. 

“Your gift makes such a difference, and one thing we value at SIUE is partnerships,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. “You can see how the Multipurpose Room looks and feels different.” 

To better accommodate the physical needs of CHS students and to expand the use of the space, the Multipurpose Room at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus was renovated into a Multipurpose Room/Gym, according to Vice Chancellor for Administration Rich Walker. 

Other SIUE officials attending the program, “A Gift That is Shaping a Changing World Right Here at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School,” included: Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD; Vice Chancellor for Advancement Rachel Stack; Associate Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer Venessa A. Brown, PhD; School of Education, Health and Human Behavior Dean Robin Hughes, PhD; Chief of Staff and CHS Board Chair Kim Durr; CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD; and SIUE East St. Louis Center Director (ESLC) Timothy Staples, EdD.

During the program, the donor was updated on the advancements and resources made possible by the gift. Joel Scott, who has a 3.5 GPA, and Allen Williams, who has a 3.2 GPA, both received scholarships to SIUE funded by the donor. Each wrote a letter conveying their thanks and progress in school. 

In other highlights, several students expressed appreciation for having the use of a state-of-the-art STEM lab and being gifted with chrome books. Johnathan Tate, CHS STEM chair, provided a robotics update. 

“We wanted you to see the impact your family’s gift is having on our students,” said Jeffries. “I promise you that at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School amazing things are happening, and that is because of you.” 

“The idea for converting the Multipurpose Room from a meeting space to a recreation space was suggested at one of the Chancellor’s East St. Louis Question and Answer sessions,” noted Walker. “The only place for ball activity was outdoors, and not useful for much of the year due to weather. 

“The new space can still be used as a meeting space for both on- and off-campus groups, but its retrofit will also allow it to be used for basketball, and any other sport that uses court space. The space will benefit the ESLC grants programs, Charter High School, and various other on- and off-campus organizations. It can now be used for recitals, meetings, banquets and recreation.” 

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

Photos:
SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School sophomore Chaquana Gomiller explains her robotic invention to SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook.

Johnathan Tate, CHS STEM chair (left) with CHS sophomore Nathaniel Brewster.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s LaShatá Grayson is casting aside personal doubt and growing as a leader, all while pursuing her passion for student advocacy, accessibility and development, as a graduate student in the College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA) program.

“I previously worked as an elementary special education teacher, but found myself on a soul-searching journey, trying to figure out what was best for me and my future,” Grayson, of Gary, Ind., recalled. “That’s when I came across information on SIUE’s College Student Personnel Administration program. Suddenly, everything began to fall into place.”

Grayson was invited to join the thriving program by director Pietro Sasso, PhD, who assured her a graduate assistantship would be the final piece she’d need to be able to afford an advanced degree and pursue her dreams.

“One of the primary things that caught my attention was Dr. Sasso, and how he was truly invested in helping me get to where I wanted to be,” she said. “This program has made me face many fears and self-doubt, and gain opportunities to develop as a young professional. I love our course discussions on social justice, inclusion, research and assessment.”

Grayson has boosted her academic experience by earning two competitive national internship placements, which have offered abundant experiential learning opportunities. She has also served as a graduate conference staff member for the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors and the Association for Fraternal Leadership and Values, which gave her the opportunity to present at her first national conference.

“LaShatá is extremely professionally-focused and has demonstrated significant leadership in her time as a CSPA student,” Sasso said. “Her success in obtaining graduate staff positions at national conferences is a testament to her capacity to seek out professional development and learning experiences that will advance her competencies in working with fraternity and sorority student leaders. The professional opportunities that she has earned are highly competitive, prestigious and sought after by other students nationwide.”

Grayson is known on campus for her vibrant personality and dedication to students through her work as a graduate assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life in the Kimmel Student Involvement Center. She oversees the Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council, and advises students to reach their highest potential.

She credits mentors Tiffany Reed, CSPA Assistant Professor J.T. Snipes, PhD, and ACCESS Director Dominic Dorsey for pushing her to achieve great things. Ultimately, Grayson attributes her success to her spiritual faith, beliefs and family. Now, she’s paying that support forward through her blossoming career in student affairs.

“I truly believe fraternity and sorority life is leadership development at its finest,” Grayson exclaimed. “I am a huge advocate for inclusion and an architect of experiential learning. My passion for developing students is ever-growing. The sky is truly the limit.”

“LaShatá is a phenomenal member of the SIUE Fraternity and Sorority Life team,” said Mustafa Abdullah Jr., coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life. “Her passion for student development and programming has helped revamp existing programs and sparked ideas for new initiatives. LaShatá goes above and beyond to challenge and support students. Our entire team is proud of her accomplishments. I know she will make a positive, lasting impact on whatever campus she touches throughout her career.”

Grayson aspires to travel the world and facilitate sessions to students in fraternity and sorority life around the values of inclusion, recruitment, organizational and program development, leadership and membership retention.

The CSPA program will host a Visit Day on Friday, March 6. Pre-register at siue.edu/cspa-visit-day.

Prospective students interested in applying for graduate assistantships, which provide tuition remission and a monthly stipend, can apply by Friday, Feb. 14. Priority consideration will be given to attendees who interview at the event.

Photo: SIUE College Student Personnel Administration Graduate Student LaShatá Grayson.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36fT3AqONl0&feature=youtu.be

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SDM) faculty member Dr. William Seaton received the Greater St. Louis Dental Society’s (GSLDS) Award of Merit at the Society’s Annual Installation of Officers and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 25 at The Legends Country Club in Eureka, Mo.

In 2007, Seaton became a full-time SDM faculty member after 25 years of private practice. He is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Clinical Dentistry and is the course director for Dental Morphology, teaches in Occlusion, and works with third- and fourth-year students in the clinic. He continues to practice one day per week at Healthy Smiles of St. Louis.

“Dr. Seaton has been a valuable faculty member at the SDM,” said SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD. “He is highly student-centered and is always willing to assist the students in any way possible. We are fortunate to have such dedicated faculty members such as Bill.” 

Seaton has been active in organized dentistry since graduating from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry in 1982. He has served on the MDA House of Delegates since 1984, and has been on several councils and committees with the GSLDS, including the board of directors. He is a GSLDS past president and has served on the Council of Scientific Sessions as both chair and co-chair. He has also served on the Peer Review Committee and was chair from 2015-2019. 

About GSLDS

The GSLDS is a non-profit organization with more than 1,000 members in the St. Louis Metro area, representing all areas of dentistry. The GSLDS provides support to member dentists, helping them in their commitment to improve the dental health of St. Louis area residents. The organization’s mission is to lead, educate and advance the profession of dentistry for its members and the public. The GSLDS is a component of the Missouri Dental Association and the American Dental Association.

Photo: SIU School of Dental Medicine (SDM) faculty member Dr. William Seaton

• There were 255 African Americans who earned degrees in FY18, compared to 244 in FY17
• There were 43 black faculty in FY18, with two new faculty hires, compared to three new hires in FY17
• There were 323 black staff in FY18, compared to 307 in FY17
• There were seven black executive administrators and managers in FY18, compared to three in FY17

• Strategic hiring for faculty and staff
• Strategic planning/transparency/accountability in professional development and advancement
• Innovation grant to incentivize the individuals doing the work
• More contact with and training of middle managers in matters of equity, inclusion and welcoming work spaces
• Mentor and develop student impact scholars
• Racial ally training

International travel and service are life-changing experiences for those aspiring to shape a changing world. Embarking on such a journey as a college student is perhaps the best time in life to gain cultural experience and undergo personal transformation. But, funding such expeditions can prove challenging.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville senior public health major Tatyana Curtis, of Sycamore, is now able to fulfill her global travel dreams and build skills toward a career as a nurse epidemiologist thanks to her receipt of a Global Engagement Award from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE).

The $2,000 award will support her five-week trip to Uganda in summer 2020 through a unique travel study offered by the public health, and speech-language and audiology programs in the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior.

“I am amazed to have received this scholarship, as I’m certain there were plenty of deserving applicants,” shared Curtis, who has interest in working with Doctors without Borders. “I want to become a nurse epidemiologist. Going to Uganda will allow my cultural competency to expand drastically.”

This marks the second consecutive year an SIUE student has received a NADOHE Global Engagement Award, the first time was a joint global scholarship with NADOHE and Insight Into Diversity. The award opens opportunities for traveling abroad.

“We are delighted and grateful to have our students benefit from this opportunity,” said Venessa A. Brown, PhD, founding associate chancellor and chief diversity officer in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. “Many thanks to SIUE’s study abroad advisors for encouraging students to apply, and to our faculty for writing letters of support. The more our students can go abroad, the richer our campus will be as we unite in our mission to shape a changing world.”

Public health graduate program director and associate professor Michelle Cathorall, DrPH, MPH, strongly supported Curtis’ award candidacy, highlighting her as one of the program’s top students, and applauding her commitment as an executive board member of the Health Education Honorary Society.

“Our trip to Uganda is truly once in a lifetime for participating students, and, unfortunately, I have seen too many students with a desire and interest not be able to go due to costs,” Cathorall said. “We have worked hard to develop an academically challenging research experience for participants, combined with a unique cultural experience that includes working with Ugandan college students, living in the dorm, and both cultural and sightseeing excursions, including a safari as the trip’s finale.”

“Funds from this award will give Tatyana the opportunity to work with a community in rural Uganda collecting epidemiological data on malaria, moving her one step closer to her career goal,” she added.

Curtis will receive her Global Engagement Award during the NADOHE Awards Ceremony being held Friday, March 13 in San Diego.

Photo: SIUE public health major Tatyana Curtis has received a $2,000 award to support her participation in a summer travel study in Uganda.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach will present a free planetarium show for the schools of two lucky winners of its Astronomy Essay Contest.

Students grades 3-8 are invited to write an essay answering the question: What Experiments Should Be Part of the First Human Mission to Mars?”

Essays are due by Saturday, Feb. 29 at stemcenter@siue.edu. One winner will be chosen among the entries from students grades 3-5 and one among submissions for students grades 6-8.

“Mars has long been a source of fascination for us Earthlings,” said STEM Center Instructor and Outreach Specialist Colin Wilson. “A mission with actual people seems the stuff of science fiction, but multiple space agencies and private companies worldwide are actively pursuing it. NASA itself has a goal of landing humans on Mars by 2033. Now it’s students’ chance to enter the active debate surrounding what experiments are critical to understanding Mars.”

Papers will be judged by the author’s understanding of Mars and the scientific merit of their arguments. Winners will be announced in early March. A thrilling experience in the STEM Center’s amazing new Star Lab will be scheduled with the winners’ schools, normally a program costing $250.

Contest details are available at siuestemcenter.org/starlab-contest/.

Photo: SIUE STEM Center.