From learning more about COVID-19, to critical thinking regarding racism, to preparing for college, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Upward Bound (UB) EC/BEM program students delved into these topics and more during Zoom sessions during the summer. 

The sessions, which began Monday, June 15, ended Friday, July 24 with program participants receiving complementary lunches and gift bags in a socially-distanced fashion at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus. The program serves high school students in East St. Louis, Cahokia (EC) and Brooklyn, the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School, and Madison (BEM). Approximately 100 students participated in the summer session. 

“This year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our instructors and counselors conducted online summer sessions,” said UB Assistant Program Director Lenesha Moyegun. “We also visited the homes of our students and left materials they needed on their porches or at their front doors. I’m glad to say things went extremely well for our first online summer session.” 

“Our students were excited and eager to continue their learning through the summer,” said UB Program Director Keith Ware, EdD.  “Our Upward Bound staff delivered sessions that were timely, educational and well prepared.” 

Some summer sessions included:

• “COVID-19: Understanding the Virus,” taught by UB science teacher Akiya Perry. Students analyzed the differences between signs and the symptoms, and safety precautions for the coronavirus and the common cold.
• “Exploring African American Literature from the Harlem Renaissance,” taught by UB African American Literature instructor Cierra Wourman. Students reviewed the writings of Zora Neale Hurston, Ida B. Wells, Langston Hughes and a current Black author of their choice.
• “Race, Class and Gender in Nonfiction,” taught by UB counselor Azizat Danmole. Students looked at how race, class and gender intersect. They discussed such topics as the pink tax, colorism and classism.
• “Mindfulness,” presented by UB counselor/recruiter Gary Traylor. Students discussed and practiced the benefits of “being in the moment” and dealt with such subjects as “My Changing Family,” “Core Beliefs,” “Values Clarification” and “Why Am I Grateful?”
• “Current Events,” presented by UB counselor Norman Robinson. Students looked at topics concerning racial equity, policing of Black Americans, the difference between protestors, rioters and looters, and the shift of some star high school athletes choosing to attend historical black colleges and universities (HBCUs) instead of predominantly white institutions (PWIs).” 

• “Economic Literacy,” presented by UB graduate student Luis Barrios. Students focused on establishing economic goalsthat will provide adequate income and personal fulfillment, understanding personal financial planning and money management skills and understanding personal and societal consequences of financial. 

Each of the students were treated to a gift bag with various items such as gift cards, candy and snacks. Lunch was provided by Vails Brothers Food Truck & Catering of St. Louis, owned and operated by Eric and Wilbert Vails.  

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

Photos:
SIUE Upward Bound EC/BEM student Kennedi Johnson receives her lunch at the end of the summer session. 

UB student Tamyra Hues is delighted to receive her gift bag from UB Assistant Program Director Lenesha Moyegun. 

(L-R): Enjoying the day are Moyegun, Johnson, Hues, UB student Kameron Johnson and UB Program Director Keith Ware, EdD.

As confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Madison County mount to more than 1,800 with up to 75 new cases per day, accessibility to testing is essential to ensure the health and safety of the area. To meet that critical need, institutional collaborators are partnering to bring free testing to various communities twice weekly via Madison County Mobile Testing.

Outreach program team members include Southern Illinois University School of Medicine’s (SIU SOM) M. Rebecca Hoffman, MD, coordinator Erica Austin and fourth-year medical student Tatiana Kelley; the SIUE School of Nursing’s (SON) Valerie Griffin, DNP, and Melissa Bogle, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner DNP students Tyler Tanzyus, Brooke Buffington and Julie Milton; and Director of Public Health Toni Corona and staff from the Madison County Health Department. Lewis and Clark Community College is providing use of its mobile unit.

“This is important to our communities, because there are many individuals who are interested in being tested, but lack the ability to travel to a designated site,” explained Hoffman, program director of the SIU Alton Family Medicine Residency and director of Research and Scholarly Activity at SIU SOM. “In addition, many sites require registration and an appointment ahead of time. We are setting up in areas where a large number of people may have access to our services without needing transportation.”

At the unit, testing is available at no cost for adults and children, ages six months and older. Anterior nasal swabs are performed by a healthcare provider from the SIUE SON or SIU SOM. This involves a cotton swab that is inserted just inside each nostril for five to 10 seconds. According to Hoffman, this is different from the deep test that goes through the nose into the throat.

Tests are bagged and transported directly to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) the same day. Report time depends on the IDPH lab, but generally take 5-7 days. Results are delivered via phone by the Madison County Health Department.

“We started this effort with Madison County Housing Authority sites with high perceived need and low access to testing,” Hoffman said. “We have now branched out into other areas and have tested more than 1500 individuals around the county in the communities of Granite City, Venice, Madison, Fairmont, Collinsville, Glen Carbon and Alhambra.”

“This is a wonderful interdisciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration that meets the needs of our communities by providing education and service,” said Griffin. “Additionally, this experience allows our students clinical time in underserved and rural health regions, as well as training in COVID-19 education.”

Daily updates on COVID-19 cases and contract tracing data, along with a location posting for Madison County Mobile Testing is available at www.co.madison.il.us/departments/health.

The mission of SIU School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community. SIU Medicine, the health care practice of the school of medicine, includes clinics and offices with more than 300 providers caring for patients throughout the region. 

The SIUE School of Nursing’s programs are committed to creating excellence in nursing leadership through innovative teaching, evidence-based practice, quality research, patient advocacy and community service. Enrolling more than 1,700 students in its baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders in pursuit of shaping the nursing profession and impacting the health care environment. SIUE’s undergraduate nursing programs on the Edwardsville campus and the regional campus in Carbondale help to solve the region’s shortage of baccalaureate-prepared nurses and enhance the quality of nursing practice within all patient service venues. The School’s graduate programs prepare nurses for advanced roles in clinical practice, administration and education.

Photos: SIUE’s Melisa Bogle, DNP, performs an anterior nasal swap on a community member during a Madison County Mobile Testing site visit.

Serving the community via the Madison County Mobile Testing unit are (L-R) SOM’s fourth year student Titiana Kelly, SIUE’s Melisa Bogle, DNP, SIUE SON FNP DNP student Brooke Buffington, SOM’s Rebecca Hoffman, MD, and SOM’s Erica Austin.

SIUE’s Melisa Bogle, DNP, places a completed test in a bag held by SON FNP DNP student Brooke Buffington for transport to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The DREAM Collective at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville invites the public to a live recording of its first podcast in a new series titled Blacktivism in the Academy.

“Sankofa, which in conventional translation means “go back and fetch it,” “return to your past,” and “it is not taboo to go back and retrieve what you have forgotten or lost,” has emerged as a Diasporan practice among Blacks in the United States” (Temple, 2010).

“Why I am Anti-racist,” a virtual Sankofa-hour with the DREAM Collective, will take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, July 31. Register at https://siue.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__m7xPB5sRv-QXAFE_8D9OQ 

View the live stream via the DREAM Collective’s YouTube channel.

During the podcast, scholar-activists will share “Why I am an Anti-racist” through a casual conversation that details their journeys toward this work, and how the DREAM Collective operates as an organization focused on Dismantling Racism through Education, Advocacy and Mobilization.

Featured speakers will include DREAM Collective core members Robin Hughes, PhD, dean of the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB), and SEHHB faculty members Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, Jessica Krim, EdD, J.T. Snipes, PhD, and Nate Williams, PhD.

For more information on the DREAM Collective, visit siue.edu/education/dream-collective.

Photo: DREAM Collective at SIUE.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougar tennis team received the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA)  All-Academic Team award for the second time in as many years under head coach Adam Albertsen.

Five Cougars made the ITA Scholar-Athlete list including Jill Lambrechts, Vanessa Reinicke, Caitlyn Sporing, Lara Tupper and Melissa Vizcardo.

“I am extremely proud of our team as well as these five individuals. They work tremendously hard in the classroom and always push for greatness as student-athletes,” Albertsen said.

The Cougars finished the spring season with a 3.689 grade point average (GPA). The Cougars also had a 9-2 record before the season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.

To be named an ITA Scholar-Athlete, a player must have a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for the current academic year.

In order to be named an ITA All-Academic Team, programs must meet the following requirements; have a team grade point average of 3.2 or above on a 4.0 scale and all varsity letter winners should be factored into the cumulative team GPA for the current academic year.  

The ITA is the governing body of college tennis, overseeing men’s and women’s varsity tennis at all levels – NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and Junior/Community College.

Highlights of lessons learned and rewards for learning exploits took center stage at a summer awards ceremony hosted by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Collinsville Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program. UBMS held its Zoom Showcase and Awards Banquet on Thursday, July 23. 

“Our summer awards program highlighted the amazing job our students, teachers and staff did this year – and all online,” touted UBMS Program Director Desiree Tyus. “I am extremely proud, and our awards ceremony provided a forum to celebrate the summer accomplishments of our staff and students.” The UBMS summer session was held from Monday, June 15-Friday, July 24. 

Students presented an overview of study from each course – math, STEM, English and foreign language:

• John Easley and America Gutierrez talked about the stock market and personal finance – math instructor Robert Scott.
• Abby Bertubin spotlighted zoology, microbes, chemistry, immunology and engineering – STEM instructor Harben Branco Filho
• Danajah Willis, Juliana Sotelo and Sierra Hoffman outlined readings and poetry, including excerpts from actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith’s “Fires in the Mirror” – English instructor Dr. Sarah Hobson
• Sandra Delacruz, Anjelica Gonzalez and Ija’Nae Williams and Herica Campos displayed knowledge in Portuguese, Japanese, German and Korean – foreign language instructor Melissa Bidinger 

A total of 40 awards given to UBMS students, including:

• Excellence in Foreign Language – Carly Walden
• Excellence in math – America Gutierrez (upperclassman) and Paulina Gutierrez (underclassman)
• Excellence in science – Donald Thomas (upperclassman) and Paulina Gutierrez (underclassman)
• Excellence in English – Thomas and Gabriela Hernandez (underclassman)
• Most Leadership – Danajah Willis
• Best Prepared – Sierra Hoffman
• Hardest Worker – Anjelica Gonzalez
• Most Initiative – Fatima Gutierrez

“The students enjoyed working together on teams and creating research after collecting many perspectives,” said Hobson, PhD, also president and founder of Community Allies. “They also appreciated learning how to use online digital tools that will streamline their research going into high school, college and different fields.” 

“My favorite part of our summer academy was participating in our STEM workshops,” said UBMS sophomore Tremonte Dickerson. “Mr. Harben made the class interactive and fun. My favorite unit was mechanical engineering week, where we constructed hydraulic robotic arms.” 

“This summer program has taught me some highly important set of skills needed for life,” said Anjelica Gonzalez, a UBMS junior. “I’ve learned about being self-motivation, practicing self-care and how to do taxes!” 

“This program has impacted my life positively,” said UBMS junior Jennifer Carrillo. “I’ve learned new cultures and languages and am glad I know how to communicate with new people. I’ve learned so much this summer.” 

“The summer program has impacted me in a way that I am extremely grateful for,” said UBMS teaching assistant Robert Scott, an SIUE Master of Business Administration graduate student. “It yielded consistent human interaction during a time where that no longer seems common. More than that, it allowed me to work closely with a group of students who are passionate, and teach them topics that will hopefully be useful in their futures.” 

The SIUE Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) program helps youth prepare for higher education and serves students from Collinsville. Participants receive instruction in literature, advanced mathematics and science during the school day, homework assistance and hands-on STEM workshops twice a week after school, and cultural, career and college preparation on Saturdays. During the summer, students participate in a six-week residential program that allows participants to reside on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s campus and undergo college preparedness. Services provided prepare students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs. The program is designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12. For more information about how you can get involved in our program, please visit us at collinsvilleubms.com. 

Photos:
SIUE East St. Louis Center’s Collinsville Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program students celebrate during the summer awards ceremony.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville volleyball has been recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) with the USMC/AVCA Academic Team Award. The Cougars finished the 2019-20 academic year with a 3.506 combined grade point average (GPA). SIUE is one of 227 Division I women’s programs honored by the AVCA.

“We are so proud of our team for earning the 2019-20 USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award,” SIUE Head Coach Kendall Paulus said. “They are dedicated to their education and are always students first. Our team sets very high standards for themselves, so it’s always special to have them recognized for that. It’s not easy.

“SIUE offers a high-level, quality education. Moving to online for the last half of the semester provided new challenges, but our student-athletes know firsthand that the faculty’s expectations and the quality of their coursework remained unchanged.”

The team also was recognized for meeting its Dig Pink fundraising goal. The Dig Pink program raises funds to help with research and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. SIUE surpassed its goal of raising $525.

“Dig Pink is a very special event for our program,” Paulus added. “To know that our fundraising efforts go toward research and supporting current breast cancer patients is really meaningful to us. Not only are we fundraising for a great cause, we are also raising awareness and doing it for our loved ones. It’s a time for our team to remember and honor special people in our lives who have both won and lost battles with breast cancer. It’s really a magical time where we come together and play for something bigger.”

The Cougars finished with a 9-7 Ohio Valley Conference record in 2019. SIUE will play an abbreviated, OVC-only schedule in 2020, set to begin in mid-September.

“There are two public health crises going on in this country—COVID-19 and racial injustices.” This is the viewpoint of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy’s (SOP) Lakesha Butler, PharmD, a national leader in conversations related to the growing relationship between the pandemic and the racial divide.

As president of the National Pharmaceutical Association, Butler recently led a joint coalition of 14 national pharmacy organizations in taking a collective stand against racial injustice with a statement release. The united statement is available in full at NationalPharmaceuticalAssociation.org.

“For both crises, we have a subset of people who are disproportionately suffering,” Butler said. “We see that with COVID-19, as it is plaguing underrepresented minority populations. Because of the lack of opportunities for Black people or other underrepresented minorities, oftentimes they have to go out and work at potentially lower-paying jobs. They are potentially right in the face of many people in the public, being exposed to COVID-19.”

Butler is the SIUE SOP’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and a clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. She is leading the School’s efforts to address such disparities and take action outside of and within the SOP.

“We are committed to taking a more intentional and deeper dive into the topic of racial inequities in healthcare,” Butler emphasized. “The foundation of all of this is systemic racism. We’ve seen this woven throughout the fabric of our country for hundreds of years, and unfortunately, the Black community has been a recipient of this treatment resulting in a higher prevalence of specific disease states.”

Expanding on its strategic goal to cultivate diversity and inclusion, the SOP is bolstering curriculum to directly address racism. Faculty has traditionally discussed racial disparities in clinical trials and within disease states, such as the higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among Latinx and Black people. They will now delve deeper into the disparities throughout the curriculum.

This fall, Butler will begin teaching topics of systemic racism and social determinants of health in Pharmacy and Population Health, a newly required third-year course. Butler also teaches the required second-year Health Promotion and Literacy course, which will further explore systemic oppression and racism, toxic stress, and the negative health outcomes associated with chronic trauma in the spring.

“We will specifically discuss the historical and current context of why these inequities exist,” Butler said. “It is important for us to make it known that racism, not race, significantly contributes to health inequities."

Photo: SIUE’s Lakesha Butler, PharmD, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice.

The DREAM Collective at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is hosting a webinar, entitled “Who’s on First? Student Athletes, Social Justice, Safety and Health” from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CDT Tuesday, Aug. 4. 

Registration is available at https://siue.zoom.us/webinar
/register/WN_F5rJdtcGQNuB4pnnl0kGhw.
College athletes, administrators, presidents and others are invited to join.

Former athletes, scholars and academics will discuss the impact of the unprecedented move by PAC 12 student-athletes announced Sunday, Aug. 2 to opt-out of practices and games if demands around health and safety protection, protection of all sports and individuals involved, ending racial injustice in college sports and society, and economic freedom and equity are not met.

Featured speakers will include Eddie R. Cole, PhD, associate professor of higher education and organizational change at UCLA; Tomika L. Ferguson, PhD, assistant professor and EdD coordinator in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University; James Satterfield, EdD, department head of Counseling, Leadership and Special Education at Missouri State University; and Earl Smith, PhD, who is an American sociologist, currently the Rubin Distinguished Professor Emeritus of American Ethnic Studies at Wake Forest University.

A team of faculty activists from the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior launched the DREAM Collective in June. The group is building on decades of scholarship to conduct the important work of Dismantling Racism through Education, Advocacy and Mobilization.

For more information, contact the DREAM Collective at TheDREAMCollective@siue.edu and follow the DREAM Collective on Facebook @dreamcollective20, Twitter @DREAMcollect20 and Instagram @DREAMcollective20.

Photo: The DREAM Collective.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougar Village resident Hayleigh Lutz, of Decatur, has been selected as the recipient of the 2020-21 James R. Anderson Housing Scholarship. 

The James R. Anderson scholarship is awarded annually to an academically motivated student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, who has demonstrated civic leadership in community service and University Housing activities. Lutz will receive a $1,000 per semester stipend.

Lutz is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon, Student Government and the National Residence Hall Honorary. Lutz also volunteers with HIS KIDS, Amazing Grace at Logan’s Place, Restore Decor, Metro East Humane Society, Collinsville Food Pantry and Glen Ed Food Pantry.

“Thank you for helping make my educational goals a reality and for believing in me,” said Lutz. “I hope I can be in a position to pay this forward to someone else and make a difference in their lives, as you have made in mine.”

The James R. Anderson Housing Scholarship Award was created in memory of Anderson, a former associate director of University Housing at SIUE. 

For more information regarding the scholarship, contact Mallory Sidarous, director of University Housing at (618) 650-4630 or msidaro@siue.edu. 

Photo:
SIUE student Hayleigh Lutz, of Decatur, is University Housing’s 2020 James R. Anderson Scholarship winner.

Online learning and alternative credentials such as digital badges are increasingly in the spotlight, as higher education administrators and learners seek a path forward during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Mary Ettling, director of Online and Education Outreach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, joined a global panel to discuss the University’s innovative education and workforce training efforts on Tuesday, July 21 during a Blackboard webinar, titled “Continuing Education: Emerging Trends and Accelerating Demand.” 

“Blackboard is a global leader in education,” said Ettling, “and we are excited by the opportunity to join other continuing education innovators in sharing our efforts to better serve adult learners during these unprecedented times. 

“Now, more than ever, it is critical for higher education to provide flexible pathways for students as they transition to online learning, while supporting efforts to deliver exemplary services for the entire campus community, whether in-person or virtually.” 

SIUE’s online degree completion programs were designed for students with associate’s degrees. Students from any state may participate and receive transfer evaluations for bachelor’s programs in applied communication studies–public relations track, business administration, criminal justice studies or integrative studies–emphasis on leadership in organizations. 

During the panel, Ettling emphasized the need for increased innovation and partnerships with state and local workforce agencies, employers and industry organizations, as institutions strive to meet new educational challenges in light of the pandemic. 

“Even prior to the pandemic, SIUE was strategic in serving adult learners seeking a quality avenue to a baccalaureate degree through our new online degree completion program and industry-aligned credentials,” Ettling offered. “These programs allow SIUE to serve students who have some college but no degree, through a flexible, online format that helps learners achieve their education and professional development goals.” 

In addition to online degree completion, Ettling emphasized the importance of alternative credentials, such as digital badges, in closing the perceived gap between the skills sought by employers and those possessed by candidates entering the workforce. 

“Digital badges and related alternative or micro- credentials demonstrate great promise as a strategy for closing the skills gap, and supporting the alignment of industry skills with traditional and nontraditional higher education programs,” she continued. “We look forward to continuing our work with local workforce agencies and employers on the launch of an innovative series of digital badges, leading to industry-aligned credentials in high-demand jobs such as quality assurance, and chemical and food science technicians.” 

For more information about SIUE’s online degree completion programs or to apply for a program of study, visit siue.edu/academics/bachelors-degree-completion/index.shtml. 

Photo:
Mary Ettling, director of Online and Education Outreach at SIUE.

Beth Schwarz and her family have opened a Tropical Sno at 2134 S. Morrison Ave. in Caseyville. Schwarz has worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Director Jo Ann Di Maggio May since early June to successfully plan and start the business, which officially opened Thursday, July 2.

The Caseyville/Collinsville location, “Where the last spoonful is just as good as the first!”, provides all Tropical Sno products, consisting of shaved ice with a variety of 35 flavors and 140,000 concoctions. The menu has numerous options, including sugar free choices, and customers can choose flavors to create their own shaved ice blend as well.

“Our family has always loved Tropical Sno, and we have great memories there,” Schwarz shared. “The Caseyville/Collinsville area did not yet have a Tropical Sno, so we knew it would be a perfect location.”

With the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Schwarz knew opening a business at this time was a gamble, but an opportunity they could not turn down, especially since opening the location has provided job opportunities for younger family members.

Di Maggio May provided advising to help with registering the business, and to assist with marketing and networking.

“Working with Jo Ann has been absolutely amazing,” Schwarz said. “I felt like I had my own personal consultant, and she was there to help with whatever I needed every step of the way.”

“It has been a pleasure working with Mrs. Schwarz. She is eager to learn and willing to reach out for assistance,” says Di Maggio May. “I look forward to assisting the Schwarz family further!”

Schwarz also shared that they have been extremely happy with the Caseyville/Collinsville community, and are grateful for the welcoming support they have received, as they look forward to continuing to fulfill the community’s shaved ice cravings.

Tropical Sno Caseyville/Collinsville can be contacted at 618-593-5683 or treattimellc@gmail.com. For more information, find them on Facebook and Instagram at Tropical Sno Caseyville/Collinsville, as well as on Google and Yelp.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures like Tropical Sno in Caseyville as well as existing businesses headquartered in the nine-county region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIUE as a service to Illinois small businesses.

By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining new jobs and encouraging new investment. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large.

To learn about the SBDC, contact the IL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE at (618) 650-2929.

Photo: Beth Schwarz (far right) and her family have opened a Tropical Sno at 2134 S. Morrison Ave. in Caseyville.

Offices and departments at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville are preparing to connect with students this fall semester by offering videos of their services online. 

The 2020 Cougar Welcome Resource Fair will be virtual this year, according to Alexa Bueltel, coordinator of Campus Life in SIUE’s Kimmel Student Involvement Center (KSIC). The deadline for SIUE offices and departments to submit their interest is 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7. They do not have submit videos at that time.

“It is traditional for offices and departments who offer services to and for students to participate in the annual Resource Fair,” explained Bueltel. “This year, we are asking those interested in participating to submit a video up to five minutes long to our office. We plan to have all the videos uploaded by the first week of fall semester, beginning on Monday, Aug. 24.” 

After the offices and departments have expressed interest, Bueltel will email detailed instructions the week of Monday, Aug. 10. Once all of the videos are received, KSIC will edit them for closed captioning. The virtual welcomes will be uploaded to Flipgrid, a website for social learning. 

“The virtual fair allows students to get important information that will be readily available,” said Bueltel. “We want to make sure our students feel connected to our institution, and recognize that they are supported at SIUE. The site could potentially be available for the full semester.” 

To express an interest in participating in the virtual fair, contact Bueltel at albuelt@siue.edu.

The pursuit of higher education and journey toward achieving personal and professional aspirations of three Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students is being supported and amplified by SIUE’s University Staff Senate. The Staff Senate awarded summer scholarships to seniors Grace McBride and Avalyn Mosby, and sophomore Samantha Segrist. 

“By awarding me the Staff Senate Scholarship, you have lightened the financial burden that allows me to look at the most important side of education, learning,” said McBride, who is majoring in psychology and minoring in educational studies and analysis. “I look forward to being able to give back to the community, once I begin practicing in my career.” McBride is the granddaughter of Sandra Compton, retiree from SIUE’s School of Nursing. 

“As I complete my education at SIUE, I am extremely thankful for your thoughtful gift,” offered Mosby, who is majoring in early childhood education. “This scholarship will help to financially benefit me in my educational endeavors.” Mosby is the daughter of Almetta Mosby, office support specialist in the Department of Health Service. 

“Thank you so much for your generous scholarship and your dedication to the SIUE community,” exclaimed Segrist, who is majoring in applied communications studies. “I appreciate your gift and look forward to using it to further my education at SIUE.” Segrist is the daughter of Brenda Klostermann, academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Scholarship awards are given to qualifying SIUE students who meet such criteria as:

• Be a son, daughter, grandchild, spouse or civil union partner of a presently employed or retired civil service (excluding non-status) or professional staff employee (excluding appointments of less than 50% and term appointments of less than six months) of SIUE.
• Meet admissions requirements of undergraduate requirements at SIUE and be enrolled for the fall 2020 semester
• Applicants with fewer than 12 earned college semester hours must have an ACT composite of 19 or above (unless exempt because of SIUE’s admission standards)
• Applicants with more than 12 earned college semester hours must have at least a college GPA of 2.5 

“We are always excited to award deserving students with the means of furthering their education at SIUE,” said Angela White, Staff Senate secretary. “The Staff Senate has been awarding students scholarships annually for many years. It is the highlight of our year!” 

Staff Senate awards scholarships annually in the fall and summer to qualified SIUE students. To donate to the Staff Senate Scholarship award, visit http://siue.edu/give-now/. 

Photos:
SIUE senior Grace McBride, right, is majoring in psychology. She is the granddaughter of Sandra Compton, retiree from SIUE’s School of Nursing. 

SIUE senior Avalyn Mosby, right, is majoring in early childhood education. She is the daughter of Almetta Mosby, office support specialist in the Department of Health Services. 

SIUE sophomore Samantha Segrist, left, is majoring in applied communications studies. Segrist is the daughter of Brenda Klostermann, academic advisor in SIUE’s College of Arts and Sciences.

In light of the drastic changes and fluidity of circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Office of Admissions is giving students more time to contemplate their educational plans and consider enrolling at SIUE in the fall. 

Admission and scholarship deadlines for fall 2020 have been extended through Wednesday, Aug. 12. Additionally, the application has been waived. 

“We know there are students who are still uncertain about their plans for school, or their plans at another institution has changed, and they may want to take advantage of SIUE being a local, affordable and high-quality institution,” said Todd Burrell, director of Undergraduate Admissions. 

“We will still have time to review students’ applications, and if they are admitted, the students will have time to meet with an advisor to get registered for their appropriate course load,” explained Burrell. “This is the first time we’ve extended the registration deadline this late. We recognize the conditions surrounding the pandemic, and we want to let students know we’re still here for them.” 

SIUE’s fall semester begins Monday, Aug. 24. To apply to SIUE, visit siue.edu/apply/, where students can also access a mobile friendly application. 

For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at 618-650-3705 or admissions@siue.edu.

Photos:
Dr. Scott Belobrajdic, associate vice chancellor for Enrollment Management, talks with a student. 

Daina Wertman, Office of Admissions office support associate, brings a sign to a student. 

Lindsay Winkeler, Office of Admissions counselor, hands a sign to an eager student.

At long last, Jennifer Pendergraft, is able to pick back up her educational pursuits because of a Folds of Honor scholarship. The wife and mother paused her schooling to care for her husband, who was wounded in the Marines.  

Pendergraft is now enrolled at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she is majoring in English and minoring in rhetoric and writing. 

For more details, visit ksdk.com.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has selected Mary Ettling as the director of the Office of Online Services and Education Outreach following a national search. After serving as the interim director since 2017 and at the conclusion of a search, Ettling assumed her new responsibilities on May 26, 2020.

Ettling and her staff work to provide community programs and continuing professional education, while also providing support to academic units offering online, off-campus and corporate-sponsored educational activities.

“Mary brings a wealth of experience in understanding SIUE, and our commitment to the community and the region,” said Associate Provost Elza Ibroscheva, PhD. “She has offered steady leadership, especially during the unexpected disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to seeing her grow the University’s footprint as a key partner, and a vast resource for the growing educational needs of our community and the region.”

A Northeastern Ohio native, Ettling attributes her passion for education and service to non-traditional students to her early experiences. “Watching the steel mills in my area close down had a profound impact on me as a child,” she said. “Men and women without college degrees were, quite suddenly, without work or transferrable skills. Most who were laid off didn’t talk about the experience, but their obvious anxiety spoke volumes.

“There was a moment where it became quite clear that if I could help people upskill, prepare for the next job, or reach the dream of earning a degree, I would be personally and professionally fulfilled. I am truly honored to serve SIUE and the community in this role.”

Ettling’s team has recently collaborated on an initiative to launch additional online degree completion programs. The Office of Online Student Services has opened to support four completion programs. In collaboration with county workforce boards, the office intends to offer several new digital badges in support of emerging workforce needs.

“In spite of COVID-19 and in response to our current climate of civil unrest, the Office stands ready to support responsible, relevant programming to enrich lives of our diverse society,” Ettling said.

With more than a decade of experience at SIUE, Ettling has also held positions at Saint Louis University, the University of Oklahoma and the Geilenkirchen Army Education Center, as well as several elementary teaching positions. 

Ettling earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from Kent State University, a master’s in adult and higher education from the University of Oklahoma, and most recently earned a post master’s certificate in enrollment management from Capella University. 

Photo: Mary Ettling, SIUE Office of Online and Education Outreach director.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to support its client, Profile by Sanford, in the opening of a new location at 146 Junction Drive West in Glen Carbon.

Owner Kevin Hill announced, “We’re extremely excited to bring this new weight loss and health coaching program to the area. Sanford Health is a well-known, highly-respected organization, and its team of health experts has pioneered this program, which focuses on nutrition, activity and lifestyle.”

Profile by Sanford’s program pairs a scientific approach to weight loss combined with one-on-one nutrition coaching. Profile designs a personalized weight-loss plan based on each person’s goals, health conditions, personal preferences and DNA. Each Profile member works closely with a certified health coach who guides them through their weight loss journey and helps members incorporate long-lasting lifestyle changes. Profile’s plan includes proprietary, nutrient-rich foods combined with widely available grocery items from day one. Over time, as members change their approach to nutrition, more grocery foods are added, to replace the Profile foods.

Profile is also at the forefront of utilizing technology as part of the program, including the use of 3D body scans, DNA testing, a WiFi Smart body scale for every member, and a members-only progress tracking mobile app. Although originally developed as an in-person coaching platform, Profile has adapted during the pandemic by offering virtual coaching sessions, contactless body measurements, curb side pick-up and delivery.

Hill credits the assistance he received from the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East and Director Jo Ann Di Maggio May. “Starting a new business venture is challenging enough, never mind trying to get one off the ground during a pandemic,” he said. “Jo Ann and her staff have been great at providing guidance and pointing me in the direction of additional information and resources. The SBDC at SIUE is a phenomenal asset. My only regret is not introducing myself and working with them sooner.”

“Mr. Hill came to us eager to learn and open to ideas that could help his company,” Di Maggio May shared. “His energy and positive attitude made it easy to work with him, and I immediately was drawn into his business. It is a pleasure to work with Kevin. I look forward to seeing his establishment grow!”

“Thousands of people have seen success on the Profile Plan, myself included,” Hill concluded. “The partnership between our members and coaches helps develop skills and behaviors for long term success. We’re looking forward to bringing this new weight-loss concept to the Glen Carbon/Edwardsville area. Our store is conveniently located at 146 Junction Drive West between PetSmart and Office Max.”

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Marketing and Communications (UMC) has received two University & College Designers Association (UCDA) awards.

The UCDA Design Competition recognizes the best of the exceptional design work by communication professionals to promote educational institutions (secondary, vocational or higher education), and supports the exchange of ideas and information relating to the unique role of these designers. For more information, visit: ucda.com/designawards.

The following earned UDCA awards: 

Impacting Community Health Through Breastfeeding Initiative Photo
Award: Honorable Mention
Category: Photography-Science and Research 

SIUE Homecoming Website
Award: Honorable Mention
Category: Website-Departmental

Earlier this year, the UMC team earned four awards in the 2019 Collegiate Advertising Awards competition and received eight awards in the 35th annual Educational Advertising Awards competition.

About UDCA

The UCDA inspires designers working in academia in North America and around the world by delivering relevant programming and benefits in a personal and thoughtful way. The organization provides for the professional and personal growth of its members, and advocates for designers’ and educators’ roles within their institution. UCDA works to elevate the importance of design overall.

SIUE alumna Susan Converse, BS '92, MEd '01, has been named principal of Woodland Elementary School's in Edwardsville. According to The Intelligencer, she was a special education teacher at Edwardsville High School with about 20 years’ experience and founder of the Tiger Den. She was also named 2019 Illinois Teacher of the Year.

Read the article written by Tyler Pletsch on TheIntelligencer.com here.

Women can share a host of experiences – marriage, parenting, work/life balance, service in the armed forces. But it’s the latter that brings its own set of challenges and accomplishments, and leaves some women veterans needing special services and/or wanting to close ranks among themselves. 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) at the East St. Louis Center (ESLC) has formed Women Veterans of the St. Louis Area, a group that gives women veterans the opportunity to access more services and provides a time of bonding. The group started in March. 

“From my experiences, women veterans are underserved,” said Yasin Jackson, VUB program coordinator who served 12 years in the Army and retired as 1^st Lt. Promotable. “For instance, there are few shelters in the area for homeless women veterans. Women also have different counseling needs, and there are less services for them and their children. Services that are available are inaccessible to many Metro East women veterans.” 

 “I wanted to start the women’s group to meet some of their needs, and for us to be able to connect and help each other through our experiences, knowledge and networks,” continued Jackson, who holds a master’s in business administration and also serves as a VUB counselor. “There are different ways of communicating in the military. Being with another female who understands you is comforting.” 

The VUB has four other staff members, all of whom are veterans and can also counsel both men and women veterans: Jim Robbins, program director; Jeremy Bailey, program coordinator; Tahji Bradley, program specialist; and Amanda Depew, work study student. 

“Women veterans have made significant contributions to the safety and security of the United States throughout its history and in every conflict,” said Robbins. “Women veterans are an expanding group with unique experiences, but unfortunately underrepresented in traditional veterans’ groups and organizations. I’m pleased the we have this group to help meet the needs of women veterans in the Metro East. The goal of the group is to cultivate a network for women veterans to provide peer-to-peer counseling and camaraderie.” 

For more information, contact Women Veterans of the St. Louis Area Facebook page or Jackson at yasjack@siue.edu. 

Photo:
L-R: Part of the SIUE Veterans Upward Bound’s Women Veterans of the St. Louis Area are Senoria Brown PhD, Yasin Jackson and Amanda Depew.