Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nursing students are rallying around their former classmate Moneer Damra to raise funds that will help keep his legacy alive. Damra was tragically killed in January during a random act of gun violence off campus. The standout student and ROTC Cadet left an indelible mark on all with whom he associated.

The School of Nursing’s Student Nurse Association (SNA) is among many groups and individuals across campus raising funds to support the Moneer Damra Memorial Nursing Scholarship and pay tribute to their friend. The SNA’s Virtual Trivia Night and Silent Auction will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, April 9.

Participation is open to all, with a 300-attendee cap. Registration is required at https://siue.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcr%20duqtrj0jGNWu5lrsAoXtxR716WcLbdvM.

Admission is free. However, the SNA is accepting donations for the Moneer Damra Memorial Nursing Scholarship. Additionally, all proceeds raised during the virtual silent auction will go toward the scholarship. 

The Moneer Damra Memorial Nursing Scholarship aids undergraduate students of nursing who demonstrate the same outstanding personal qualities, emotional success and career goals that Damra held while pursuing his degree.

For more information or to donate, visit siueconnect.org/pages/support-pages/moneer-damra-scholarship.

Please direct any event questions to SNA President Lindsey James at lijames@siue.edu.

To learn more about or for assistance donating to this scholarship, contact SON Senior Director of Development Patti McDonald at pmcdona@siue.edu or 618-632-3906.

Photo: SNA Trivia Night and Silent Auction flyer.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach is thrilled to present guest speaker Dr. Ebony McGee for an important conversation on what it means to be racially marginalized, while minoritized in the context of learning and achieving in STEM higher education and in STEM professions.

The presentation will take place from 2-4 p.m. Friday, April 16 via Zoom. Register at: https://siue.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TqwMB2EpR1S_tWC95zGaMw.

McGee is an associate professor of diversity and STEM education at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College. She studies the racialized experiences and racial stereotypes that adversely affect the education and career trajectories of underrepresented groups of color.

In her book, Black, Brown, Bruised: How Racialized STEM Education Stifles Innovation, McGee advocates for structural and institutional changes to address racial discrimination and hostile environments in an effort to make the STEM fields more inclusive.

“Dr. McGee’s research brings together the voices of hundreds of students and faculty of color who are pursuing education and careers in STEM,” said Carol Colaninno, PhD, assistant research professor in the SIUE STEM Center. “She has brought to light the experiences of racially minoritized students and faculty, and the mental and physical toll that success in STEM takes on groups of color.”

“Dr. McGee’s groundbreaking research has contributed to our understanding of the lived experiences of minoritized groups, and how we can affect change in higher education to increase representation and promote innovation,” Colaninno noted.

The presentation is made possible by funds from the SIUE Graduate School’s Innovation and Excellence in Graduate Education (IEGE) award and the SIUE STEM Center. It aligns with ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of graduate student mentorship.

Photo: Dr. Ebony McGee, associate professor of diversity and STEM education at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.

If there’s ever a day to be skeptical, it’s April Fool’s Day. To help promote skeptical thinking, Stephen Hupp, PhD, professor of psychology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is releasing a fun book for kids called Dr. Huckleberry’s TRUE or MALARKEY? Superhuman Abilities.

The game book offers 50 astonishing claims about human abilities. Some of the claims are true, others are malarkey. Can some people see the future with a crystal ball? Can some people use their mind to bend spoons? Can some people control their own dreams?

Dr. Huckleberry’s TRUE or MALARKEY? Superhuman Abilities answers these questions and more, and provides activities that encourage children to use their intuition and imagination. It even includes ways to test claims through investigation.

“There’s so much malarkey in the world,” said Hupp. “We need to increase our efforts toward educating kids about how to think critically. Malarkey matters. People are getting fooled every day by psychic predictions, quack medicine and other forms of pseudoscience.”

A fictional character, Dr. Huckleberry, keeps this active read fun for everyone. As a game book, the pages encourage drawing and writing in ways that will help create a permanent keepsake for parents. For example, children are encouraged to draw themselves demonstrating amazing abilities. 

Hupp dedicates the book to “The Amazing Randi, who promoted skeptical thinking by being an honest liar and by creating the One Million Dollar Challenge to test anyone who could demonstrate a supernatural ability under controlled conditions,” adding that, “Nobody ever claimed the prize.”

Hupp’s published work includes books for parents and college students. This is his first aimed at children.

Dr. Huckleberry’s TRUE or MALARKEY? Superhuman Abilities is now available on Amazon.

Photos: Stephen Hupp, PhD, professor of psychology at SIUE, and author of Dr. Huckleberry’s TRUE or MALARKEY? Superhuman Abilities.

Dr. Huckleberry’s TRUE or MALARKEY? Superhuman Abilities will be available soon on Amazon.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of Admissions hosted almost 100 admitted minority students during a virtual visit day on Monday, March 29.

Students from as far away as California interacted with current students and representatives from SOAR (Student Opportunities for Academic Results), the Office of Academic Advising, CORE T.E.A.M. (College Readiness: Transition, Engage, Achieve and Mentor), ACCESS (Office for Accessible Campus Community & Equitable Student Support), Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI), the Department of Theater and Dance, and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

According to Kelley Brooks, assistant director for campus visits in the Office of Admissions, this was the first recruitment program held this year which targeted admitted minority students.

“In creating a virtual program of this kind, we wanted to ensure that admitted minority students could login for the day, listen to presentations, and speak with current SIUE students from various support units on campus. We wanted them to leave with enough information to decide if SIUE was the right fit for them,” Brooks said. “Underrepresented students admitted to SIUE are running 15% ahead of 2020. Virtual programs like this are essential, and we look forward to welcoming all students for fall 2021.”

During the virtual program, current students provided short introductions, including their majors and hometowns. Breakout sessions were held to allow admitted students to ask questions about what life is like at SIUE. Current students and SIUE staff provided insightful answers.

Sade Shepherd, academic advisor in the SOAR office, noted how college is different from high school in so many ways. “Our program assists incoming freshmen,” she said. “SOAR is committed to helping students develop the abilities and skills needed to succeed at the University level.”

Shepherd explained how students are assigned to a faculty mentor upon admission. The SOAR office conducts academic advising, while connecting new students to University resources, networking events, scholarship opportunities and support groups like FAME/GAME.

“If advisors observe that a student is struggling, they will connect them to appropriate resources,” said Shepherd, a two-time SIUE alum, who expressed how much the program has developed since she started in the SOAR Office.

Assistant Director of Academic Advising Kelly Atkins explained that the Office of Academic Advising can help students with any questions they have about attending college.

“Before you even set foot on campus, every staff member highlighted on this call today is excited for you,” Atkins said. “We’re ready to assist, ready to jump in. We understand that your parents are passing the baton to us, hoping we’ll take you all the way through your academic journey. We’re here for you.”

CORE T.E.A.M. Director MaKesha Harris Lee, EdD, described how newly admitted students can find a campus mentor. The CORE T.E.A.M. hosts events through its High School Speaker Series that highlight current students in various majors. She also emphasized the Summer Success Program.

ACCESS Director Dominic Dorsey explained how people have many different ways of arriving at a solution. He explained the many resources and accommodations available for students through the ACCESS Office.

“It is the entire campus’ responsibility to make sure that this campus is welcoming for you,” Dorsey said. “It is our responsibility to make sure that, in terms of your education, you don’t get a one-size-fits-all model. You get an education that fits you.”

CSDI Assistant Director Tarsha Moore described the different ways CSDI is involved in the University. She explained the myriad welcome celebrations and cultural graduation celebrations on campus. She also noted that CSDI holds many collaborations with other organizations, like ACCESS and SOAR, and explained that this is how the University brings diversity and inclusion to all aspects of campus life.

Black Studies Program Director Kathryn Bentley, an associate professor in the Department of Theater and Dance, provided more information about the department. “Black Theater Workshop is a place for your voice to be heard,” she said. “Students can share anything on their hearts as a writer, performer and artist. We welcome you.”

SIUE juniors Heaven Bones and Joseph King performed original pieces written by themselves and other students. Bones’ piece described how society perpetuates stereotypes about Black women, and how she will not be silenced by these stereotypes. The two artists concluded by performing Maya Angelou’s “Caged Bird.”

Another SIUE alum, Chris Wright, assistant director of athletics for annual fund and ticketing, invited the admitted students to become involved with Cougar athletics and stressed that students have free entrance to all games.

“I hope you can see that there are many things to do at SIUE,” Wright said. “St. Louis is also right down the street, and there are many things to do in the City of Edwardsville.”

Photo: SIUE Assistant Director for Campus Visits and Outreach Kelley Brooks.

For the anecdotical purposes of writing the next chapter in the exciting, ongoing partnership between Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Ndejje University (NDE) in Kampala Uganda, two African delegates visited SIUE on Wednesday, March 31. 

Saidah Mbooge Najjuma, PhD, dean of social sciences at NDE, and Mbooge Isa, government official and Mbooge Najjuma’s husband, held several informal meetings with SIUE administrators, faculty and students. Specifically, the delegates met with SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD; Mary Weishaar, PhD, executive director of the Office of International Affairs; and Kathryn Brady, PhD, associate professor of speech language pathology and audiology in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. 

SIUE and NDE signed a formal agreement in 2020 that focuses on student and faculty exchange. Other previous activity between SIUE and NDE includes: 

• 2020 – Michelle Cathorall, DrPH, and Brady began pre-trip meetings with travel-study students in the spring. However, the trip was cancelled due to COVID. 

• July 2019 – Dr. Brady took a second group of SIUE students to NDE on a travel study program. 

• July 2018 – SIUE signed a Letter of Engagement with NDE; Cathorall and Brady took the first group students from the Public Health and Speech-Language Pathology programs to NDE on a travel study program. 

• January 2018 – Cathorall and Brady traveled to NDE to discuss goals and plans for a partnership. 

During the travel study programs, SIUE and NDE students had the opportunity to visit public health and community organizations, and schools in the area to learn about Ugandan public health organizations, education, and potential needs in communication disorders, according to Weishaar.

“NDE is in the process of starting an undergraduate public health program, and they are extremely interested in internationalization in order to promote student and faculty exchanges,” added Weishaar. “They have also expressed interest in starting a speech-language pathology program.” 

The Office of International Affairs builds and nurtures international education at SIUE through:

• Supporting and promoting international student and scholar success
• Opening the world to students through study abroad
• Enriching the campus through international collaboration
• Advancing global perspectives in the academic community 

Photos:
SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook (right) gives a gift to Dr. Saidah Mbooge Najjuma, dean of social sciences at Ndejje University (NDE) in Uganda.

(L-R) Dr. Kathy Brady, Dr. Mary Weishaar, Pembrook, Mbooge Najjuma, Mbooge Isa and Dr. Denise Cobb.  

To better prepare future educators in fostering inclusive classroom environments, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) passed the Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading (CRTL) Standards in February. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) has played a pivotal role in the development of the new standards, and will serve as the pilot program.

By providing a framework of how to better engage and connect with students from different backgrounds, the CRTL Standards aim to improve student outcomes after training new educators to embrace student identities and diversity.

SEHHB’s Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, was a major contributor in the creation of the CRTL Standards. As a member of ISBE’s Diverse and Learner Ready Teachers (DLRT) network, Hernandez assisted in drafting and providing feedback for the new provisions. 

“The primary goal of implementing the CRTL Standards is to create a paradigm shift from teaching a Eurocentric curricula that centers on whiteness and white supremacy into a socially just education that represents all people, and tells the stories of the marginalized people in our national and cultural history,” explained Hernandez.

In compliance with the new standards, culturally responsive teachers throughout the state of Illinois will:

1. Be self-aware and reflective of their relationships with others
2. Be understanding of systems of oppression
3. Value their students as individuals
4. Center learning around student experiences and position them as co-creators
5. Support and create opportunities for student advocacy
6. Collaborate with families and communities to build rapport and engage in effective cross-cultural communication
7. Embrace student identities and prioritize representation in chosen curriculum
8. Ensure diversity in student representation throughout the classroom

Hernandez assisted in writing the fifth learning standard in collaboration with educators, students, administrators and professors from state-wide educator preparation programs. Her role has since evolved to create professional development for ISBE to support faculty in switching to the new standards and provide training for the state’s public schools.

“We have spent the last two years working independently to re-design our current program into a socially just and culturally responsive educator preparation program,” said Hernandez. “We stand to be the first educator prep program to be both socially just and culturally responsive in the state.”

Currently, Hernandez is conducting anti-racism education professional development in local school districts to create field placements for teacher candidates that demonstrate a socially just and culturally responsive pedagogy.

To learn more about the CRTL Standards, visit isbe.net.

Photo: SIUE’s Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, assistant professor in the SEHHB Department of Teaching and Learning.

The Construction Leadership Institute (CLI) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrated 23 graduates on Friday, April 2 as a part of the CLI Graduation celebration. Catherine Taylor Yank, chief executive officer of Taylor Roofing Company, received the Alumni Leadership Award.

Developed by the SIUE Schools of Business and Engineering, the CLI provides the knowledge, skills and strategies that individuals and companies need in today’s challenging construction industry.

Program Co-Directors Chris Gordon, PhD, associate dean of the SIUE School of Engineering, and Kristine Jarden, director of executive education in the SIUE School of Business, oversaw the ceremony.

“The CLI program is designed to align with leadership development needs of the rapidly changing construction industry,” said Gordon. “The CLI Advisory Board takes an active role in helping us continuously update this unique and innovative leadership program to develop future building industry leaders.”

The CLI Alumni Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the St. Louis area building community. Under Taylor Yank’s leadership, Jim Taylor, Inc. (Taylor Roofing) has been recognized by some of the largest roofing products manufacturers in the country (Firestone and Carlisle SynTec), as well as the Southern Illinois Builders Association, the St. Louis Business Journal, and the National Association of Women in Construction. 

Taylor Yank possesses a bachelor’s from SIUE and an MBA from St. Louis University. She is a 2009 graduate of the CLI. She received the American Society of Professional Engineers 1994 National Estimator of the Year award, and is a Fellow Certified Professional Estimator. Her contributions to the community have been recognized with the Carl L. Schweinfurth Rotarian of the Year award in 2000. Jim Taylor Inc. (Taylor Roofing) was honored as the Mississippi Valley Business of the Year in 1998 from the Family Business Forum at SIUE.

“We are pleased to present Catherine with the CLI Alumni Leadership Award,” said Gordon.  “Her sustained commitment to advancing the building industry and community exemplifies CLI’s mission to produce accomplished leaders who will improve the processes and outcomes in the construction industry.”

 CLI is an executive education program jointly developed by SIUE’s School of Business and the School of Engineering’s Department of Construction. It brings together professionals from many sectors of the building industry.

Since CLI’s creation, over 450 emerging leaders and executives have benefitted from the nine-week program that strengthens leadership, strategic thinking, communications and key management skills.

For more information on the Construction Leadership Institute, visit siue.edu/cli or call 618-650-2668.

Photos (L-R): Front Row - Trisha Cobb, Nichole Geiger, Betsy Dean, Kelly Boston, Greta Vetter

Row 2 - Nathan Morries, Eric Ren, Jack Conroy, Josh Ammann, Shannon Carroll, Adam Duke

Row 3 - Peter Moller, Joe Sutherland, Jeremy Boeser, Nathan Gibson, Mark Buerck, Ed Green, Dan Niemeier, Zac Zellars, John Flynn

Row 4 - Lutalo Webb, Brian Wheeler, Mike Wyatt

Bottom Right: Catherine Taylor Yank, chief executive officer of Taylor Roofing Company.

Each semester, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program recognizes outstanding faculty mentors and student researchers through four awards.

The URCA program encourages, supports and enables undergraduate students of all disciplines to participate in research and creative activities under faculty mentorship. These experiences allow undergraduate students opportunities to engage in scholarship, interact with faculty, and fully connect in the educational process of discovering and creating.

The spring 2021 Vaughn Vandegrift URCA Research Mentor of the Semester Award was presented to both Carlee Hawkins, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Psychology, and Brittany Peterson, PhD, assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Department of Biological Sciences. Award winners were nominated by URCA students.

“All URCA assistant faculty mentors have to ‘try out’ each semester, and it is not uncommon to receive over 120 faculty applications for approximately 90 funded positions,” said Laura Pawlow, PhD, URCA coordinator and professor in the Department of Psychology. “Whittling it down to the best 90 applicants is extremely tough. Those who make it are excellent mentors who are very dedicated to helping their students achieve specific learning outcomes through their work together. To be recognized within this fantastic pool as an award winner is incredibly noteworthy.”

A group of URCA students wrote in support for Hawkins, describing her as a passionate, understanding mentor who sets her students up for success.

“While entering an unfamiliar learning environment during a pandemic, Dr. Carlee Hawkins has pushed through to show her passion for education as an extraordinary professor and mentor,” wrote the students. “Dr. Hawkins has shown compassion and understanding for her students and research assistants by creating a comfortable environment in which her students can learn, while not feeling overwhelmed.”

URCA student Kaitlin Goodbrake described Peterson as a reliable advocate for student researchers in her nomination letter.

“Dr. Peterson believed in my capabilities in the lab once I proved to her that I could handle the project she had in mind for me, and I have not been disappointed with my time in her research space,” wrote Goodbrake. “I’m always excited to work in her lab, wondering what new objectives will be directed to me, as well as what data I will be able to collect for my project in the coming weeks. Dr. Peterson is the reason why her lab is one of the busiest with URCA and graduate projects.”

Research Assistant of the Semester Awards were presented to URCA students Lauren Ferris, of Danville, a senior studying psychology, and Vu Dinh, of Bien Hoa City, Vietnam, a senior engineering major.

Ferris has developed a project that investigates students’ perceptions of feeling known by their instructors in online courses and how these perceptions could impact students’ self-handicapping. Faculty mentor Maurina Aranda, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, wrote in favor of Ferris, praising her positive attitude and strong work ethic throughout the project.

“As instructors move to change their pedagogy to teach in online environments and develop compassion for our students who are facing uncertainty during this pandemic, Lauren’s project will provide insight to understanding the impact of our teaching,” wrote Aranda. “Outside of developing a project that could inform teaching and policies at SIUE, Lauren is one of the hardest working undergraduate researchers in my lab. She is motivated and has one of the most impressive self-starter attitudes I’ve seen in a senior biology student.”

Dinh was nominated by Jon Klingensmith, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, after assisting him in building a prototype platform for algorithm development and demonstration.

“Typically, students need quite a bit of guidance before they are productive in contributing to actual feature development,” wrote Klingensmith. “However, Vu developed several new features right away and has subsequently become the main developer of our software tool, Package for Adipose Tissue Segmentation (PATS). He’s already doing work on par with my graduate students, and based on his unparalleled success this semester, I enthusiastically nominate Vu as an outstanding URCA assistant.”

For more information on SIUE’s URCA program, visit siue.edu/URCA.

Photo: (L-R) Vaughn Vandegrift URCA Research Mentor of the Semester Awards were presented to both Carlee Hawkins, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, and Brittany Peterson, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

(L-R) Research Assistant of the Semester Awards were presented to URCA students Lauren Ferris, a senior studying psychology, and Vu Dinh, a senior studying engineering.

Consider the day-to-day ways of diminishment and disregard. Add to that covert and overt discrimination because of sexual preferences and identity. Then mix in a tumultuous racial state of affairs, all while masking up to stave off lethal health threats. 

For those who identify as Black and LGBTQI+, when dealing with the dual pandemics of racism and COVID-19, more strain can be infused into their existing challenges, according to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Courtney Boddie, PhD, associate dean of students for diversity and inclusion and director of Counseling Services. 

“Between the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and public indications from various groups hinting at the possibility of another civil war,” explained Boddie, “one might imagine that this is a lot to navigate simultaneously, while also having a life that is markedly less socially normal.” 

While Counseling Services makes its resources available to all, Boddie added that his office wants Black LGBTQI+ students to know that they are seen, can expect to be heard and will receive empathy. 

“We are a University entity devoted to the provision of culturally-attuned mental healthcare,” he offered. “As such, students working with us can expect to be fully humanized while doing so. Students can rest assured that our providers are skilled and ever-committed to offering clinical services that strive toward cultural competency and humility.” 

However, Counseling Service providers will not pre-decide or pre-package what a client/patient needs, explained Boddie. “Instead, there is preparatory work that goes into considering how salient cultural identities and experiences may inform factors that affect clinical process and outcomes.” 

Boddie also offers a further look into how Counseling Services is available to help LGBTQI+ students who seek assistance, by listing a few common occurring themes and concerns among members of this group: 

• Support for gender affirmation. 
• Support with “inviting in.”
  “A reframe on the notion of ‘coming out’ from the heteronormative assumption that queer and trans folx owe it to, or must share their identity in a society where the same isn’t expected of everyone,” said Boddie, “to a queer-centered idea of selectively and intentionally allowing others access to information about self, such as one’s identity as a member of the greater LGBTQ+ community.” 
• Identity development, which typically takes one of two approaches: a person is in a questioning phase, warranting affirmative, bias-managed exploration of self; or an identity as a complex whole that evolves over the lifespan.
• Internalized stigma, which involves social messaging that communicates derogation, minimization, and dismissal of Black, queer and trans bodies, lives, lived experiences, and realities which have the potential to become internalized.  
• Enhancing capacity to cope with life’s challenges, paired with exploration of personal and professional advocacy to dismantle oppressive structures that maintain inequity and psychological pain. 

There are things that students can do to cope with and help mitigate the stressors of dealing with the two pandemics of racism and COVID-19, according to Boddie. 

• Develop a healthy and affirmative knowledge of the past and present by learning about such people as Marsha P. Johnson, Bayard Rustin, Audre Lorde and Langston Hughes; places and events such as Stonewall; and legislation such as repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
• Engage in self-advocacy.
  “There’s nothing quite like finding one’s voice and learning how to use it constructively,” he said.
• Locate and nurture support.
  “For psychological stability and personal protection, it is imperative to have a community of support,” he added, “that involves those with like experiences and accomplices who don’t share those lived experiences.”

Boddie also listed the following few resources for students: the Metro Trans Umbrella Group, the Steve Fund and the National Data Source on LGBTQ+ demographics. 

Photo:
SIUE Counseling Services staff (front row from left to right): Lisa M. Thompson-Gibson, coordinator for Outreach and Prevention Initiatives and staff counselor; Taylor Rogers, triage and assessment counselor; Alyssa E. Loman, Laura Baker and Katie Kirby, all staff counselors. (Left row from left to right): Barry McClintock, staff counselor; Jessica A. Ulrich, associate director; and Courtney Boddie, PhD, director.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SON) and Joliet Junior College (JJC) have agreed to offer an accelerated path to a bachelor’s in nursing (BSN). The partnership would allow students to complete their general education courses at JJC, earning an associate in nursing, then complete their baccalaureate nursing coursework online through SIUE.

Students can take classes at JJC and begin a job in their profession, while working online to obtain their BSN from SIUE.

The SON accelerated registered nurse to Bachelor of Science (RN to BS) in nursing option is offered in a flexible, entirely online format to accommodate the needs of working registered nurses (RNs). The program format consists of eight-week courses, and can be completed in one year (three semesters) if most of the general education requirements are met at the time of admission. A student’s academic progression plan is customized to meet their individual needs. Those interested in attaining an RN to MSN or DNP may apply for accelerated graduate nursing options.

“The SIUE School of Nursing is excited to enter into this long-term partnership with Joliet Junior College,” said Sheri Compton-McBride, DNP, RN, assistant professor, and director of the SON RN/BS Nursing Program and Contract Management. “We are dedicated to a partnership that positively impacts access to nursing education and growth within the nursing profession, as well as contributes to a diverse, productive nursing workforce. Together, we will work with students to provide a seamless transition to obtain their bachelor’s degree, and for those interested, access to graduate nursing program options.”

“The mission of Joliet Junior College is to transform students’ lives with a vision to cultivate pathways to success. This partnership with SIUE provides an option for students to further their education at the baccalaureate level at a time when the demand for nurses is high,” said Jorie Kulczak, interim dean of nursing health and public services. “JJC is proud to support the nursing profession and nursing workforce in Illinois through this partnership.”

For more information, contact JJC at 815-729-9020 or jjc.edu/choose-your-path/ or visit siue.edu/nursing/academic-programs.

Photo: SIUE School of Nursing’s Sheri Compton-McBride, DNP, RN, assistant professor and director of the RN/BS Nursing Program and Contract Management.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Marketing and Communications Department received 10 awards in the 2020 Collegiate Advertising Awards (CAA) competition.

The CAA program is an elite national program created to honor today’s most talented marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in all forms of advertising, marketing and promotion specific to higher education products and services. The Collegiate Advertising Awards allow for marketing and advertising efforts to compete against similarly sized colleges, universities and other educational organizations nationwide.

Entries are judged on creativity, layout/design, typography, production, quality and overall effectiveness. All entries are centralized for judging (per category) by a panel of design and education marketing professionals with decades of combined experience.

SIUE earned six Gold awards for:

• Research & Creative Activities: Mormon Cricket in the Photo/Illustration-Single category
• SIUE Athletics Pandemic Return to Operations Plan in the Crisis Management (COVID-19, etc.)-Single category
• SIUE  I Tomorrow in the TV/Video Advertising/PSA-Single category
• SIUE Virtual Commencement Website in the Website Design category
• The “e” Monument Series in the Photo/Illustration-Series category
• SIUE Alumni Keyboard Stickers in the Advertising Specialty category

SIUE earned two Silver awards in publications for its SIUE Chancellor’s Report in the Annual Report category and the eConnection Magazine in the Publication External category.

SIUE collected an additional Silver award for its Professors and Pups Social Media Marketing-Series:

• 11, 2020:facebook.com/133651255069/videos/426344805443545
  • com/watch?v=GpnOc1fsrNw
• 14, 2020:facebook.com/133651255069/videos/783540608867112
  • com/watch?v=Xm-3wgKxlxg
• 15, 2020:facebook.com/133651255069/videos/251700219713673        
  • com/watch?v=LHlJI3iAzYk

SIUE earned a Bronze for its SIUE Athletics Wordmark in the Logos/Trademarks/Mascots category.

The 2020 CAA program received entries representing small community colleges to large schools and universities from the United States and Canada. SIUE competes in the school group of 10,001-20,000 students. View the entire list of winners at CollegiateAdAwards.com.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering (SOE) is hosting its third ‪‪SIUE Energy Symposium at noon Wednesday, April 21. This year’s theme is Sustainable Campuses.

“We have focused on creating an annual event to become the top-of-mind institution when people talk about energy, climate change, and sustainability topics in the region” said Serdar Celik, PhD, professor and graduate program director in the SOE Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. “We hope to increase understanding of regional and global energy issues and promote awareness on various energy topics. With this year’s theme focusing on sustainable campuses, we decided to bring together experts in sustainability from both U.S. and European sides.”

Celik is also chair of SIUE’s Climate and Sustainability Advisory Board, which provides leadership for SIUE’s sustainability initiatives.

The Symposium will begin with welcome addresses from SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD, and SOE Dean Cem Karacal, PhD, followed by presentations from the distinguished speakers. The event will conclude with a question and answer session and closing remarks.

The symposium hosts internationally recognized experts from different institutions in the U.S. and in Europe. The panelists are:

• Riccardo Guidetti, coordinator of the Città Studi-Sustainable Campus Project, University of Milan, Italy
• Pinar Menguc, director of the Center for Energy, Environment and Economy, Ozyegin University, Turkey
• Merry Rankin, director of sustainability, Iowa State University
• Ugur Soytas, head of Climate Economics and Risk Management, Technical University of Denmark
• Connie Frey Spurlock, director of the SIUE Successful Communities Collaborative
• Phil Valko, assistant vice chancellor for sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis

Sustainability awareness and activities at SIUE have been constantly gaining momentum over the past decade. Some of the sustainability achievements of SIUE include:

• A 30-kilowatt solar array installed atop the new Science Building
• Founding Member, St. Louis Higher Education Sustainability Consortium
• Faculty initiated Green Roof Environmental Evaluation Network (G.R.E.E.N.)
• Recognized as one of the four Living Architecture Regional Centers of Excellence nationally by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the Green Infrastructure Foundation
• Established bike share program

“With the increase in both global population and our changing habits in consuming energy, the need for sustainability has become more important than ever,” Celik said. “Awareness is the first step to managing these challenges for a more sustainable future.

“We decided to focus on campuses this year to approach the problem at a specific scale. I believe hearing the experiences of the professionals will be a great step for all institutions involved in terms of understanding and enhancing campus sustainability. SIUE has been a strong advocate for sustainability in the region and we are proud to be hosting such an event and bringing these experts together.”

For more information, contact Celik at scelik@siue.edu.

Photo: Serdar Celik, PhD, professor of mechanical engineering in the SIUE School of Engineering.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the National Guard and Reserves have courageously served as essential workers to assist relief efforts. Units across Illinois are continuously working to assist in vaccinating the public as safely and efficiently as possible.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Audrey Stark, of Clinton, and Lucas Maue, of Maryville, are two of many student members of the National Guard currently deployed to vaccination sites.

Stark, a sophomore pursuing a bachelor’s in political science, was unsure of her plans upon high school graduation before enlisting in the National Guard.

“A week before I decided to enlist in the National Guard, I had never even heard of it,” admitted Stark. “Now, the National Guard is affording me a way to serve my country like I’ve always wanted, while giving my mom the college graduate she always wanted.”

Now, Stark is serving on her first deployment in Tinley Park, where she assists in registering patients receiving the vaccine.

“We are helping with almost every step of the process in administering vaccines, from checking temperatures when you come through the door to registering you for your second dose as you leave,” said Stark.

Although Stark is not a trained medic, she noted that there are many Army and Air Force medics working alongside Cook County health professionals to administer vaccines.

Stark described the process of the vaccination site to be painless and efficient, noting the lack of supply as the only major setback.

“Most of our complaints have been about struggles with getting appointments, but we can only schedule as many appointments as we have vaccines,” she shared. “As of right now, we are administering anywhere from 1,000-2,500 vaccines a day at this site alone, with the capability to do 3,000 a day if we had enough vaccines.”

Maue, a junior majoring in business finance, is serving on his second deployment to aid in COVID-19 efforts. As a member of a mobile vaccination team (MVAT) in Springfield, Maue conducts registration form checks for all patients processing through the facility.

“I verify that all the information patients write down matches with their ID,” explained Maue. “My job is to ensure that a patient is processed and ready to go before they reach the step of sitting down with our medics and receiving their vaccination.”

Maue began his 90-day deployment on March 10. He has spoken with many satisfied patients who are happy to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“It feels good to see the excitement on an elderly patient’s face when they tell you how much they appreciate the opportunity to receive their vaccination,” he shared. “I have had the opportunity to speak with many individuals who haven’t seen their grandchildren or other loved ones since the onset of the pandemic. It’s these conversations that make it 100% worth having to work harder to stay on track academically.”

SIUE faculty and staff have worked diligently with deployed students to ensure they can meet education requirements.

“In my experiences, SIUE has been very accommodating to student-military conflicts,” said Maue. “I couldn’t be happier about the way they treat their students who are called to serve.”

Both students praised Kevin Wathen, director of Military and Veteran Services, for making the transition to deployment as easy as possible.

“Kevin Wathen was instrumental in helping me during all three of my deployments,” added Maue. “He works relentlessly as an advocate for members who must deploy mid-semester. After speaking with Kevin, I always sit down to craft a professional email that I send to all my instructors. Being honest about my impending situation has always yielded great results with my professors regarding their abilities to help me still succeed.”

For more information on SIUE Military and Veteran Services, visit siue.edu/military.

Photo: (L-R) Currently deployed SIUE students Audrey Stark, a sophomore pursuing a bachelor’s in political science, and Lucas Maue, a junior majoring in business finance.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Art and Sciences’ (CAS) Department of Political Science, encouraged by a campus-wide anti-racism initiative, started on the road to affect positive change with a series of conversations about race and racism. 

A year later, the department presented its final discussion entitled, “Are We There Yet?: A Conversation of Anti-Racism at SIUE,” which was a virtual dialogue moderated by Timothy Lewis, PhD, assistant professor of political science, held Wednesday, April 7. Panel members included Lakesha Butler, PharmD, BCPS, director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the SIUE School of Pharmacy (SOP); Dominic Dorsey, director of the Office for Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS); and Kevin Leonard, PhD, CAS dean. Providing opening and closing remarks was Kenneth Moffett, PhD, chair and political science professor. 

“Is SIUE an anti-racist campus?” Lewis asked the panelists. 

“No” was the short answer that each respondent gave. 

“We have to remember that SIUE was established some years ago, in wake of the Jim Crow era, and we have not necessarily made tremendous change where racist individuals feel uncomfortable,” Butler expounded. “Almost a year ago, SIUE had its initial focus on racism with the anti-racism task force (ARTF), and it was a huge undertaking. Still, we have much work to do at the root of what is creating a non-inclusive, non-equitable environment for individuals – and that is racism. 

“There is a collective on campus who have experienced racism, and another who have undergone an awakening and are actively educating themselves on what racism is and how it manifests. However, there is another collective on campus who don’t believe and potentially don’t want to understand that racism actually does exist, because it doesn’t affect them directly.” 

The CAS dean noted an institution of higher learning where he once worked. Leonard said the school had a history of segregation, and now Blacks make up one-fourth of its student population. 

“I don’t want to make excuses for why SIUE is not progressing as rapidly towards its goal of anti-racism,” explained Leonard, “but I find it refreshing to be here, where we are at least talking about racism explicitly and honestly. In looking at ARTF recommendations, I see real progress such as bringing in more speakers to speak about racism, and there are other places where we have made some progress. But we come up against a lot of barriers because of the history of racism, not only in the institution, but ain the larger society.” 

“Not only is the answer, no, we’re not an anti-racist campus, but the question is why,” challenged Dorsey. “This institution operates as a ‘We’re not a racist campus.’ As opposed to being an anti-racist campus. A lot of institutions operate the same way. It’s about the publicity, the perspective and the perception of those on the outside looking in. It’s not enough to profess that we’re anti-racist, if we’re not doing the things that anti-racism demands. If we espouse to and profess to be anti-racist, when are we going to start taking on an active role of calling racism out for what it is, and not penalizing individuals when they do so? 

“How are we doing something tangible, not performative, to address the issues that are impacting our students? We can’t allow racism the space to breathe, to grow and to expand. We have to be like ghostbusters, and when we see racism happen, we have to attack it, eliminate it, remove it and be transparent about the process. If we pretend like our hands are clean and nothing has ever happened like that on this campus or ever will again, that is being disingenuous and people don’t believe it or trust it.” 

Moderator Lewis posed another question: “Who and what are the barriers between this campus being anti-racist?” 

“We have individuals in power and who have currency,” noted Butler. “The individuals in power, who are not necessarily spending their currency, because it may make them lose some of their power and lose some of their currency. Then there is the situation that we are so used to being in a culture that is racist, that we allow things to happen and accountability is not there. Also, the idea of addressing racism or even accepting that racism exists is new for a lot of people. 

“I want to echo what Dr. Butler said about a lot of white people on campus who have not been asked before to think carefully about the history of racism, and how it carries forward into our present,” said Leonard. “But we have to push back against racist history and policies, and the fact that there are a lot of assumptions that people don’t question. There is resistance to the concept of white privilege and the idea that there is systemic racism. 

“I see evidence of systemic racism, and I struggle with my own racism. I grew up in a racist society, with lots of assumptions of what it meant to be white, and how other people didn’t deserve what I had because of race. Thankfully, I’ve been challenged by a lot of people who care about me as a person, who intervene and hold me accountable. I appreciate when people say we need to do that with administrators. I hope I will be open to being confronted and to have people say, ‘This is what you’re doing that perpetuates racism. What are you going to do to end racism and to be anti-racist?’” 

Photos:
Panelists from left to right: Lakesha Butler, PharmD, BCPS, director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the SIUE School of Pharmacy (SOP); Dominic Dorsey, director of the Office for Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS); and Kevin Leonard, PhD, CAS dean.

(L-R): Timothy Lewis, PhD, panel moderator and assistant professor of political science; and Kenneth Moffett, PhD, chair and political science professor.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) Clinical Associate Professor Kate Newman, PharmD, has donated $5,000 to the SOP as a result of selling 52 of her paintings.

Newman sold the paintings on Facebook as a fundraiser for SOP scholarships. All of her paintings and an additional 11 custom house portrait commissions sold in less than 24 hours.

Newman was slightly stunned by the sale’s overwhelming success. “I honestly wasn’t sure if much would sell at all and was a little nervous to put it out there so publicly,” she said. “My hope was to raise $1,500, but never did I imagine we’d raise this much. So many friends, alumni, faculty and staff supported the sale – I’m extremely grateful.”

SOP Dean Mark Luer, PharmD, FCCP, calls scholarship gifts remarkable investments in students, the School and the University. “Dr. Newman was able to channel her passion for art into her passion for supporting students, all while others were able to gain a piece of her heart,” Luer said. “Everyone wins in this remarkable scenario.”

Newman is director of experiential education and teaches in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. The Streator native earned a PharmD from the SOP in 2010. She completed a pharmacy practice residency at the Tuscaloosa (Alabama) Veterans Affairs Medical Center before joining the SOP faculty in 2013. Her research interests include self-care initiatives, professional development of students and preceptors, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. 

Newman’s philanthropy was motivated by her love of art and hard-working SOP students. “For many years, I have used painting as a way to relax and recharge,” Newman said. “Life got busy, and I stopped painting for a while, but the pandemic brought me back to making art as a stress reliever.

“I have accumulated a lot of finished art during the past several years and didn’t know what to do with it. A colleague in the school suggested selling it as a part of a fundraiser.

“We have the very best students in the School of Pharmacy. They are hardworking in the classroom and outside of it, too. They are incredibly giving, always organizing events and volunteering their time. I know how vital scholarships can be for students, and I was happy to find a way to support them!”

Newman describes her artistic style as expressive, colorful and infused with joy. “I paint a lot of florals but truly enjoy landscapes, too,” she said. “I like to try a variety of new things just to have fun. But when in doubt, a painterly, bright floral bouquet usually emerges.”

Would Newman do another fundraising sale? “If there’s interest, I’d be glad to put together another sale,” she said. “I certainly haven’t stopped painting … though I can’t imagine anything topping this one!”

Graduates of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Pharmacy (SOP) Class of 2020 have exceeded both state and national averages, boasting a first-attempt board pass rate of 94.87% on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam^® (NAPLEX). These results place SIUE in the Top 25 of the 139 pharmacy programs in the country, and first among all programs in Illinois and Missouri.  

The NAPLEX is a requisite component of the licensing process for pharmacists in the United States.

SIUE SOP graduates have the highest board pass rates of any program in Illinois or Missouri, and exceeded both the 2020 NAPLEX state and national averages of 81.83% and 88.43%, respectively. Considering all 12 graduating classes from SIUE (2009-20), the SIUE graduates rank No. 1 among the eight pharmacy programs in Illinois and Missouri with a 95.76 percent first-attempt pass rate on the NAPLEX. When the blueprint for the NAPLEX was updated in 2016, there was a dramatic decrease in pass rates among most of the pharmacy schools.  However, SIUE continues to rank in the top 20 nationally, since the implementation of the new NAPLEX blueprint.

“We are extremely proud of our program’s graduates,” said SOP Dean Mark Luer, PharmD. “Our academic program is geared to prepare practice-ready pharmacists upon graduation, and the continued success on the NAPLEX reflects that effort.  

“These pass rates are indicative of the exceptional educational experience offered by our faculty and staff. Having earned their Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, our graduates are quite deserving of the title, registered pharmacist.”

Photo: SIUE School of Pharmacy class of 2020.

Breast Cancer awareness will be heightened and access to services increased for underserved populations thanks to a $20,000 grant from Komen Missouri to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing’s WE CARE Clinic, located in East St. Louis.

“Susan G. Komen is not only dedicated to finding the cures for breast cancer through research, but also making an impact directly in our communities,” said Komen Missouri Acting Executive Director Dawna Currigan. “Our contribution to the SIUE WE CARE Clinic will help patients overcome barriers in the healthcare system by having access to breast screenings and educational information that could save their lives. We’re proud to support the breast health services provided by the clinic in East St. Louis and surrounding counties.”

The funding will expand the WE CARE Clinic’s services, which will include clinical breast exams, mammograms (screening and diagnostic), ultrasounds, biopsies, transportation, and additional support services such as mastectomy bras upon review of cost and need.  

“There are limited resources for breast cancer awareness and services in this area,” said Chaney Bell, a nurse practitioner at the WE CARE Clinic. “Our collaboration with Komen will assist local women in learning about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, obtain access to preventative breast services and reduce barriers to care.”

WE CARE Clinic Director Jerrica Ampadu, PhD, RN, CCP, notes research has shown that although Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, they are 40% more likely to die from it than white women. This funding will help bridge the gap in care for Black women and women of low socioeconomic status.

“Our WE CARE Clinic practitioners understand the benefits of preventative health services and the needs of the community,” Ampadu said. “Our goal is to increase access to care for our population. This partnership allows us the resources to educate the community. These services are available to qualifying women in East St. Louis and surrounding cities.”

To access breast cancer services, please contact the WE CARE Clinic at siue.edu/nursing/we-care-clinic or 618-482-6959.

Photos: (L-R) SIUE School of Nursing (SON) Dean Laura Bernaix, WE CARE Clinic Nurse Practitioner Chaney Bell, WE CARE Clinic Director Jerrica Ampadu, Senior System Counsel Phyleccia Reed Cole and Komen Missouri Acting Executive Director Dawna Currigan.

SIUE WE CARE Clinic Nurse Practitioner Chaney Bell hosts a telehealth appointment with an on-screen patient.

The DREAM (Dismantling Racism through Education, Advocacy and Mobilization) Collective at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville continues to raise its voice against white supremacy in its second season of the “Blacktivism in the Academy” podcast. The first episode will feature “The Great Eight,” the story of eight Black women who completed their doctorates at the same time and at the same institution. The episode will go live at 6 a.m. Thursday, April 22. 

Hosting the 25-minute podcast that airs on Spotify, Apple and Stitcher will be J.T. Snipes, PhD, DREAM member and assistant professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s (SEHHB) Department of Educational Leadership. Season two of “Blacktivism in the Academy” is slated to have 10 episodes that will air weekly. 

“I’m extremely excited to kick off the second season of the podcast,” said Snipes. “In the first season, we were able to explore what anti-racism work looks like within the field of education. 

“In this second season, we take a much more expansive approach to anti-racist work and connect with scholars who aren’t faculty, but are still making an impact within the academy. This season, we will also take on a range of topics, some serious like colorism within Black communities, and some lighthearted like Black joy with our podcast friends from Scholar Tea. Our goal is to have a blend of informative, fun and engaging podcasts episodes. 

“We are proud to present our second season,” said Jennifer Hernandez, PhD, DREAM member and assistant professor in the SEHHB’s Department of Teaching and Learning, “because we remain committed to our mission and work of eradicating white supremacy.” 

Other DREAM Collective members include education faculty Jessica Krim, EdD, Nate Williams, PhD, and SEHHB Dean Robin Hughes, PhD. 

For more information, visit the DREAM Collective on Facebook at @DREAMCollective20, Twitter at @DREAMcollect20 or Instagram at @DREAMCollective20, or email TheDREAMCollective@siue.edu. 

Visits to the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, National September 11 Memorial and Museum, National Civil Rights Museum and Slave Haven Museum were educational, exciting and all virtual for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center Collinsville’s Upward Bound Scholars Academy (UBSA) program students.                                

USBA students traveled virtually to Tennessee on Monday, March 1 and to New York City on Monday, April 5 for cultural tours that provided students with information and enrichment, according to Yvonne Hart, UBSA program director. 

“We learned about the diversity of New York City,” said Hart. “Queens has 48% of its residents who are immigrants, and in the Jackson Heights neighborhood more than 100 languages are spoken. We learned how the Statue of Liberty was brought to New York City, and that Joseph Pulitzer, a major newspaper publisher, raised money for the pedestal by asking readers to donate change. 

“We learned about the competition to build the world’s tallest building in New York City and saw images of the Sky Boys, who were mostly Italian and Irish immigrants, building the Empire State Building without any safety harnesses. We also learned that the New Year’s Eve celebration at Times Square started in 1904 by a German Jewish immigrant who wanted to celebrate the new construction of the headquarters of The New York Times newspaper, which he owned.” 

In March, UBSA students headed south to Tennessee by virtue of an online jaunt. 

“Students were immersed into the rich and complex civil rights history of Memphis and Nashville,” said Hart. “They learned the impact of the Mississippi River upon economics and enslaved people, took a ride along a Mississippi Riverboat and visited the Slave Haven Museum. 

“They discussed how the sanitation workers strike of ‘I Am A Man’ protests parallel today’s protest movement. We listened to excerpts of Dr. King’s last speech, ‘I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,’ before entering the National Civil Rights Museum to see Dr. King’s guest room and the balcony at the Lorraine Motel, where he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.” 

“I enjoyed the fact that you could walk in and see the room where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stayed while at the hotel,” said UBSA student Jynicia McDonald, a sophomore at Collinsville High School who attended both the March and April virtual tours. “I learned that the people who worked together to build buildings in New York, only worked if their whole crew was present. There were no replacements if someone was absent. The 9/11 Museum is what stuck with me the most because of the events surrounding it.” 

“Jynicia is a great student, and it was good to have her participate in the tours,” said Hart. “Jynicia was the February UBSA Scholar of the Month. She joined UBSA in January 2021. In only a couple of months, she has excelled and showed an amazing commitment to her academics, Upward Bound and her personal growth.” 

Upward Bound Scholars Academy (UBSA) is a TRIO program federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. UBSA serves Collinsville High School students, ages 14-19, from low-income families and from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. 

Photo:
Jynicia McDonald, SIUE Upward Bound Scholars Academy student and sophomore at Collinsville High School.

A longstanding Collinsville-based manufacturer of industrial ink jet printers and other products is expanding its exporting to three additional countries, thanks to funding and expertise via the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Marsh Shipping Supply Co., LLC (MSSC) – the maker of industrial printing, marking, sealing and stenciling products – has been exporting its products for decades to more than 250 distributors worldwide.

In 2019, MSSC connected with ITC Director Silvia Torres Bowman and joined a trade mission to Chile and Peru. Financial support from the Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program equipped MSSC with the expertise and funding necessary to participate in the trade mission, which resulted in the company adding two distributors – one in Santiago, Chile and one in Lima, Peru.

The 30-employee manufacturer now exports to 57 countries. According to MSSC President and CEO Craig Eversmann, approximately 30% of the company’s sales come from outside the U.S.

“Thanks to the ongoing help and expertise of the International Trade Center at SIUE, we’ve successfully leveraged CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act and ISTEP funding to work with a global website consultancy firm,” Eversmann said. “We’ve begun 2021 with four new websites, each one speaking to the specific country to which we’re now exporting. This funding covered the entire cost of designing these new, localized websites.”

“Thanks to the State of Illinois, the ITC and Silvia, we’re now talking about next steps in our marketing efforts to find customers and distributors,” he added. “We’re growing our markets in the United Kingdom, Brazil and Mexico, and our new websites and one-on-one relationships are making that possible.”

Last summer, MSSC was also granted ISTEP funding to recertify one of its products to comply with the new UL safety specifications effective in 2020. This will allow the ITC’s longtime client to enter the European market with the product.

“The ITC has been working with Craig and the MSSC for the last 20+ years,” Torres Bowman said. “Craig is not only our client, but also an outstanding partner and longtime supporter of the ITC, serving as a mentor to other small businesses in the region by providing valuable guidance on how to develop an active export business while navigating the unique challenges of selling abroad. The pandemic provided an opportunity for this southern Illinois exporter to study how to scale its exporting strategies and increase its overall reach. We’re delighted to be able to tap into vital funding for small businesses to assist him and many others in any way we can.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented disruption to the global economy and world trade, as production and consumption are scaled back across the globe,” noted Eversmann. “My business, along with many others in the region who depend on foreign customers to flourish, need help to survive and continue to be profitable during these trying times. ISTEP funding, along with continued support and encouragement from the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE, have positively impacted my company’s success in the global marketplace.”

Eversmann is president of the Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council, an organization that has spent the past few years working in concert with the ITC to build local business by establishing markets for trade internationally and at home. He also collaborates with Torres Bowman as a regular cohost and speaker at the ITC’s monthly Virtual Trade Roundtable series. In December 2020, he shared his experience as an ITC client. View an excerpt of his presentation at siue.techsmithrelay.com/Tr4a For more information on MSSC, LLC, visit msscllc.com.

For more information about the ISTEP program or CARES Act funding, contact the ITC by email at International-Trade-Center@siue.edu or phone at 618-650-3851, or visit siue.edu/business/itc.

The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE serves businesses in Southern Illinois by providing individualized, no-cost export advising, identification of foreign buyers, agents and/or distributors through trade leads, international market analysis and more. The ITC is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, as a service to the region’s entrepreneurial and business community. As a key member of the Illinois SBDC Network, the ITC delivers these important services to its clients while supporting the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large. 

Photos: Marsh Shipping Supply Co., LLC (MSSC) President and CEO Craig Eversmann.

Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Director Silvia Torres Bowman.