Keith Womer (left), dean of the College of Business Administration at UMSL, talks with Casey Nolan, host of “Stay Tuned” on KETC, about what students can expect after graduation.

‘Tis the season to graduate. And many young people are looking to make their next move. But what is it?

Three University of Missouri–St. Louis scholars were recently featured on “Stay Tuned,” a weekly live program that airs on KETC (Channel 9). Keith Womer, dean of the College of Business Administration, Alan Byrd, dean of enrollment services, and Carl Hoagland, the Emerson Electric Endowed Professor of Teaching and Learning, took part in the show “Graduation Season: What’s Next?”

The program touched on the value of a college education, internships, marketable skills and dealing with student loan debt.

Media Coverage highlights some of the top coverage, but does not serve as a comprehensive listing. This post will be updated with new highlights throughout the month and beyond.

Edward Bennett, associate professor of optometry, wrote the April 1 Contact Lens Spectrum article “A reporter from the 2013 GSLS meeting.”

Alumnus Aron Blanke, BM 1994 and MME 2004, was featured April 11 in the Ballwin-Ellisville (Mo.) Patch article “Which CCL teacher is Rockwood’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year?”

Amy Broadway, a student pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy, wrote the April 4 Psychology Today article “Living an ‘ordinary’ life with extraordinary abilities.”

Berit Brogaard, professor of philosophy, wrote the April 13 Psychology Today article “When the brain’s biological clock goes haywire.” Brogaard was wrote the April 22 in the Psychology Today article “Do you suffer from emotional pain or anxiety? Pop a Tylenol.” She wrote the April 20 Psychology Today article “Micro-inequities: 40 years later.” Brogaard wrote the April 23 Psychology Today article “‘I can easily beat black jack.’” She wrote the April 26 Psychology Today article “Struck by Lightning.”

Niyi Coker, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of African/African American Studies, was quoted April 14 in the Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World article “Film festival at KU to showcase reality of Africa.”

Julie Dunn-Morton, senior manuscript specialist for the St. Louis Mercantile Library, was quoted April 20 in The Edwardsville (Ill.) Intelligencer article “St. Louis Mercantile Library plans annual show, sale.”

Cynthia Dupureur, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, was quoted April 4 in the Riverfront Times article “Adrenaline boost: Music is more than a soundtrack for sports.”

Tim Eby, general manager of St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU, was quoted April 19 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “KWMU, Beacon online publication merging soon?”

Thomas Eyssell, associate dean of the College of Business Administration, was quoted April 3 in the St. Louis Business Journal article “$1.3 million UMSL study tracks credit report errors.”

Chancellor Tom George was quoted April 18 in The St. Louis American article “AT&T invests in STEM at UMSL.” George was quoted April 24 in the Maryland Heights (Mo.) Patch article “Summer STARS program to draw students from across the nation to UMSL.”

Megan Green, director of new student programs, was quoted in the April 19 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “10 necessities for college students.”

Alumna Kenya Haney, BSN 2010, was featured April 18 in The St. Louis American article “Health salute: Eight excellent awardees.”

Beth Huebner, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, was interviewed on April 1 for a KMOX (1120 AM) story about St. Louis gun crimes and gangs. The story was picked up by the Associated Press, appearing in news media outlets throughout the United States.

Dan Isom, professor of policing and the community, was featured April 3 in the St. Louis Review article “Former Police Chief Dan Isom says Catholic faith has played a role in his career.”

David Kimball, professor of political science, was quoted April 6 in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article “Voting change helped the GOP.”

David Klinger, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, was quoted in the April 16 KTVI (Channel 2) story “Boston bombs meant to maim and kill; easy to build.” Klinger was interviewed for the April 19 KPLR (Channel 11) story “Terrorism expert breaks down Boston bombings.” He was quoted April 23 in The Los Angeles Times article “Women shot during Dorner manhunt to receive $4.2 million from L.A.”

Martin Leifeld, vice chancellor for university advancement, was quoted April 19 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “KWMU, Beacon online publication merging soon?”

Kristian Marlow, a student pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy, wrote the April 10 Psychology Today article “OCD, Tourette’s syndrome and addition: A real distinction?” Marlow wrote the April 17 Psychology Today article “Does colorblindness discriminate?”

Stephanie Merritt, assistant professor of psychology, co-wrote the April 8 St. Louis Post-Dispatch letter to the editor “Workplace smoking: The cost of perceived fairness and performance.”

Matthew Milunski, research assistant in the College of Nursing, co-wrote the April 8 St. Louis Post-Dispatch letter to the editor “Workplace smoking: The cost of perceived fairness and performance.”

Deb Moberly, adjunct associate professor of secondary and K-12 education, was featured April 22 in the Creve Coeur (Mo.) Patch article “Ask the Patch pro: Early childhood development expert to answer questions Thursday.” Moberly was featured in the article “Ask the Patch pro: Early childhood development expert to answer questions,” which appeared April 25 on several St. Louis-area Patch websites.

Charles Nowell, a junior majoring in studio art, was mentioned April 11 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Beer love goes from Soulard to Edwardsville and beyond.”

Hannah Perryman, a freshman softball player majoring in criminology and criminal justice, was featured April 6 in the Elgin (Ill.) Courier News article “College report: Hannah Perryman in top form at UMSL.”

Andrea Purnell, communications coordinator at Missouri Institute of Mental Health, was featured April 4 in the Ladue (Mo.) News article “2013 Visionary Awards.”

J. Martin Rochester, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science, wrote the letter to the editor “Terrorist require different treatment than garden-variety criminals,” which ran April 24 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Rick Rosenfeld, Curators’ Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, was quoted April 20 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Success of Boston surveillance photos cited in support for broader system here.”

Vicki Sauter, professor of information systems, was interviewed for the April 29 KTVI (Channel 2) story “Contact 2: Schnucks Cyber Attack.”

Staci Shelton, a junior majoring in public policy and administration, was quoted April 6 in the St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU story “At global conference, students inspired to tackle local problems.”

Helene Sherman, associate dean of the College of Education, discussed why improving math literacy in the U.S. is important at a young age on the April 9 episode of “St. Louis on the Air,” a program on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

Matt Taylor, assistant professor of psychology, was interviewed for the April 29 KSDK (Channel 5) story “Professor talks about affect Collins will have on athletes.”

Kenneth Thomas, professor of political science, was quoted April 3 in the Florida Watchdog article “Not everyone agrees with Scott’s corporate tax cuts.” Thomas wrote the April 10 U.S. News & World Report column “Want jobs back? Axe business tax subsidies.” He wrote the April 11 Business Insider article “Obama could undo all progress made against senior poverty since 1965.” Thomas was quoted April 12 in the Moneynews.com article “Using chained CPI risks a senior poverty crisis.” He wrote the April 14 Business Insider article “There’s been a big global move against tax havens in the past week.” Thomas wrote the April 24 U.S. News & World Report column “The beginning of the end for austerity” He wrote the April 26 Business Insider article “Germany’s aggressive hunt for tax evaders is paying off.”

Whittney Thompson, a junior majoring in psychology, was quoted April 14 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Reality of clean-up eclipses excitement from Hazelwood tornado.”

Mark Tranel, director of the Public Policy Research Center, was quoted April 21 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Sales taxes in St. Louis relentlessly on the rise.”

Student performance group Vocal Point was featured in an Associated Press photograph while singing by a makeshift Boston Marathon bombing memorial in Boston. The photo ran in newspapers and media websites throughout the United States.

Alumnus Brant Walker, BSBA 1987, was quoted April 10 in the Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat article “Write-in candidate defeats Alton mayor.”

Eamonn Wall, Smurfit-Stone Corporation Professor of Irish Studies, was featured March 27 article “Wall sees parallels in our two Wests.” Wall was quoted April 23 in The Portland (Maine) Daily Sun article “Spring poet at UNE raises timely issues of identity and place.”

Jim Widner, director of jazz studies, discussed the 10th annual Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival April 12 on “Cityscape,” a program on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU. Widner was quoted April 17 in the St. Louis Beacon article “Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival celebrates a strong decade.” He was interviewed on April 17 by KPLR (Channel 11) about the Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival.

Abigail Wood, a junior, was featured on April 15 by West Newsmagazine (St. Louis County).

Ron Yasbin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted April 5 in the University City (Mo.) Patch article “U City student receives award from UMSL.” Yasbin was quoted April 12 in the Town and Country-Manchester (Mo.) Patch article “Parkway South student honored for foreign language excellence.” He was quoted April 5 in the Sunset Hills-Crestwood (Mo.) Patch article “Student’s foreign language achievement leads to award at UMSL.”

Dan Younger, professor of art, was featured April 12 in the University City (Mo.) Patch article “U City resident, UMSL professor to appear on C-SPAN.”

Carl Hoagland is the Emerson Electric Endowed Professor of Teaching and Learning at UMSL.

Carl Hoagland is a visionary. As the Emerson Electric Endowed Professor of Teaching and Learning at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Hoagland not only imagined a more technologically engaged campus and curriculum, but also turned his vision into reality.

He led the effort to create the E. Desmond Lee Technology and Learning Center, a facility where students and faculty explore emerging technology in a comfortable environment. The center offers individual workstations for both Windows and Mac users. It also houses labs and conference rooms equipped with instructor workstations, interactive white boards, Polycom devices for video conferencing and video operation systems to record class sessions.

Hoagland, a 25-year resident of University City, Mo., also helped the College of Education by integrating electronic portfolios into the curriculum, allowing students to digitally compile their coursework and materials for future teacher certification.

In cooperation with the Department of English, he helped develop UMSL’s Second Life Writing Center, a virtual tutoring and learning space. The center was the first of its kind in Missouri and one of only four nationwide when it opened in 2011.

So it seems Hoagland is always up to something.

“He is truly an explorer, infinitely curious, enthusiastic and always looking for ways to improve education in public schools, colleges, universities and in the community,” said William Klein, teaching professor of English at UMSL.

Hoagland has fans among his students, too.

“I have been lucky to have Dr. Hoagland as an advisor and professor,” wrote Christopher Schott, a doctoral student in the College of Education, in a nomination letter for Hoagland. “His work and teaching has changed the way I look at education.”

Students are challenged to use new technologies in Hoagland’s classes. Projects take on other forms besides traditional paper writing. Students write blogs, produce videos on software like iMovie and Xtranormal, write music on Garageband, interview outside experts via Skype and dialogue on discussion boards via Blackboard.

For his outstanding and innovative teaching, Hoagland is being honored by the four-campus University of Missouri System with the UM President’s Award for Innovative Teaching.

“I am humbled and very excited,” Hoagland said. “Teaching is such an important part of my job, and I am very happy to be recognized for such a prestigious award.”

The Academic Affairs Office at the UM System administers a total of six UM President’s Awards. The annual, systemwide awards are open to faculty from UMSL, the University of Missouri–Columbia, the University of Missouri–Kansas City and Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.

In addition to Hoagland, four UMSL faculty members won a UM President’s Award this year: Rita Csapó-Sweet, associate professor of media studies, for cross-cultural engagement; Susann Farberman, associate teaching professor of nursing, for inter-campus collaboration; Dawn Garzon, teaching professor of nursing, for inter-campus collaboration; and Vicki Sauter, professor of information systems, for university citizenship (service).

Hoagland and his colleagues will receive their awards June 13 at a celebration in Columbia, Mo.

Carole Basile, dean of the College of Education at UMSL, talks to KSDK about education changes.

Schools throughout the United States will soon see standardized education changes with the incorporation of what is called the “Common Core Curriculum.”

Carole Basile, dean of the College of Education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, talked with KSDK (Channel 5) education reporter Sharon Stevens about the changes and how it will affect the way educators are trained.

Patricia Kopetz, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor in Education for Children with Disabilities at UMSL, leads Project SEARCH, an initiative that helps recent high school graduates who have learning challenges transition to the work force. (Photo by August Jennewein)

Patricia Kopetz is a crusader. She’s a relentless and tireless advocate for the empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

For the past five years, Kopetz has thrown her energy behind her position at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. She holds the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professorship of Education for Children with Disabilities. Her professorship, housed in the College of Education, is part of the Des Lee Collaborative Vision in connection with Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis.

Kopetz’s latest endeavor, the Project SEARCH high school transition program, is a collaboration with Epworth Children & Family Services in Webster Groves, Mo. Epworth provides services that have helped thousands of children overcome severe emotional and behavioral challenges.

Kopetz learned of Project SEARCH – a national program that provides real-life work experience to help youth with significant disabilities make the transition from school to the work force – when the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provided startup grants for such initiatives in early 2012. After repeatedly reading data from the DESE website that showed individuals with emotional disturbance and autism had the poorest outcomes of all individuals with disabilities, meaning they had the most disheartened futures after high school, she and others approached Epworth for the partnership.

“We realized there was a huge need for something to help transition students with significant learning challenges from school to the work force,” Kopetz says. “We wanted to fulfill that need and offer a place that could help these students learn the skills that help them become more independent and gainfully employed.”

Early in 2012, UMSL partnered with Epworth. That fall, eight Epworth students, ages 17 to 21, who were in their last year of high school, started the yearlong Project SEARCH school-to-work preparation program at UMSL. The students – all of whom were diagnosed on the autism spectrum and with related learning differences – became interns.

The interns partner with UMSL graduate students to learn specific, essential job skills. With the help of the graduate students, each intern applies for a job at various offices and departments throughout the UMSL campus. Once hired, they work 20 hours a week under the supervision of the graduate students and a job coach from Epworth and Vocational Rehabilitation of Missouri.

“Not only is Project SEARCH a wonderful asset to the students from Epworth,” Kopetz says. “But this project gives UMSL graduates in special education a wide variety of experiences and the opportunity to work directly with these individuals with disabilities, their parents, Epworth high school personnel and local agencies as they set up the students’ jobs and see to their needs throughout the program.”

Three graduate students work with Project SEARCH. Nelli Phiri, Emily Durning and Chelsea Davis are in the UMSL master’s of education program in special education, with an emphasis in autism and developmental disabilities.

“UMSL is providing authentic opportunities, and I have witnessed real transformation with some of the interns participating in Project SEARCH,” Phiri says. “Every person regardless of ability, has the potential to learn, grow and become an expert in what they do best; even if what a person does entails mopping the floor, cleaning dishes or folding towels in a laundry.”

With a successful first year of the project nearing its end, Kopetz says she’s excited.

“I’d like to see Project SEARCH grow,” she says. “Graduate students can be benefiting from these valuable learning experiences. The more graduate students we have to support the program, the better equipped we are to provide these interns with a life-altering opportunity that encourages them to grow and thrive.”

This story was originally published in the spring 2013 issue of UMSL Magazine.

UMSL science scholars James Wilson (left) and George Gokel were honored by the Academy of Science of St. Louis. (Wilson photo by Michael Butler. Gokel photo by August Jennewein)

Two University of Missouri–St. Louis scholars were honored for their innovative work in the sciences by the Academy of Science of St. Louis.

George Gokel, the Distinguished Professor of Science and director of UMSL’s Center for Nanoscience received the James B. Eads Award. James Wilson, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor in Experiential and Family Education at Forest Park Forever, received the Science Educator Award. Both were honored during the 2013 Outstanding St. Louis Scientists Awards dinner on April 24 at the Chase Park Plaza in Clayton, Mo.

Gokel is an expert in the area of supramolecular chemistry. He has published more than 400 peer-reviewed papers, authored, co-authored or edited 10 books and is named as an inventor on more than 15 patents. Gokel sits on the editorial boards of numerous scientific journals and was named to a scientific review committee at the National Institutes of Health through 2013. He came to UMSL in 2006 after 13 years at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis where he was a professor of molecular biology and pharmacology. Gokel earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Tulane University in New Orleans and a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship at UCLA. His research took him to some of the nation’s top universities.

The award’s namesake, James B. Eads, was one of the academy’s founders. He was a self-taught engineer, who built the Eads Bridge over the Mississippi River. The award recognizes a distinguished individual for outstanding achievement in engineering or technology.

Wilson has dedicated his career to science and environmental outreach and education. He is an expert in environmental interpretation, experiential education and the interrelationship of people and the land. He works with Forest Park Forever to develop education programs that will better connect people to nature in the 1200 acre urban park in the greater St. Louis region. Those programs include a nine-day teacher training workshop, outdoor programs for about 240 urban youth and a Youth Corps program for 18 to 22 year olds in Forest Park. He  earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and education from Northeast Missouri State and his master’s and doctoral degrees in plant ecology from Iowa State University in Ames.

The award recognizes a distinguished individual or organization on the basis of outstanding contributions to science education or to the public understanding of science, engineering or technology

The Academy of Science of St. Louis promotes the recognition of the impressive scientists of St. Louis. Each award winner represents both an extraordinary caliber of expertise and a dedication to fostering science literacy.

Media Coverage highlights some of the top coverage, but does not serve as a comprehensive listing. This post will be updated with new highlights throughout the month and beyond.

Melanie Adams, a student pursuing a PhD in Education, was featured March 5 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “They call her the ‘Crock-Pot queen.’”

Teresa Balestreri, director of career services, was quoted March 8 in the KTVI (Channel 2) story “Hundreds turn out for UMSL spring job fair.”

Deborah Balser, director of the Public Policy Administration program, was quoted March 15 in the Times Record (Fort Smith, Ark.) article “Town talk: Miller attends national meeting.”

Berit Brogaard, professor of philosophy, co-wrote the March 8 Psychology Today article “Is autism a perceptual disorder.” Brogaard was quoted March 28 in the Courrier International (Paris) article “Et le genie jaillit du cerveau [And the genius springs from the brain].”

Niyi Coker, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of African/African American Studies, discussed the Africa World Documentary Film Festival on the March 1 episode of “Cityscape,” a program on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

Tony D’Souza, adjunct instructor in the Pierre Laclede Honors College, wrote the March 23 St. Louis Post-Dispatch commentary “Do students need to read ‘On the Road’?”

Tim Eby, general manager of St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU, was quoted in the article “UMSL’s grand presence at Grand Center,” which appeared in the March/April issue of St. Louis Construction News and Review.

Gail Hagler Fleming, lecturer in music, wrote the March 23 Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat commentary “Point; Passing school tax increase helps keep O’Fallon attractive to home owners.”

Chancellor Tom George was quoted March 8 in the KTVI (Channel 2) story “Metro upgrades nears UMSL campus complete.” George discussed UMSL’s 50th anniversary with Charlie Brennan on March 13 on KMOX (1120 AM). He was quoted March 15 in The St. Louis American article “UMSL honors Normandy mayor.”  George was quoted March 26 in the St. Louis Business Journal article “AT&T Foundation gives $200,000 to UMSL program.” He was quoted in the article “UMSL’s grand presence at Grand Center,” which appeared in the March/April issue of St. Louis Construction News and Review.

Alumna Jamie Jordan, MEd 2002, was featured March 21 in The St. Louis American article “U. City educator named Principal of the Year.”

David Kimball, professor of political science, was quoted March 7 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Slay’s path to victory ran through southwest and central areas of St. Louis.”

David Klinger, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, was quoted March 4 in the San Francisco Chronicle article “4 days, 5 deaths after officer-involved shootings.”

Kristian Marlow, a student pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy, co-wrote the March 8 Psychology Today article “Is autism a perceptual disorder.” Marlow wrote the March 1 Psychology Today article “What is consciousness?”

Alumnus Tyrone McNichols, MEd 1991 and EdD 1999, was featured March 8 in The St. Louis American article “Normandy Schools selects new superintendent.” McNichols was featured March 7 in the KSDK (Channel 5) story “Ty McNichols named superintendent of Normandy School District.”

Ray Mundy, director of the Center for Transportation Studies, was quoted March 13 in the Boston Globe article “Taxi fleet in Boston sues over app that hails rides.”

Alex Permann, second-year optometry student, was featured March 10 in the Yahoo! Sports story “Fan at Missouri Valley tournament hits half-court shot but misses out on $50,000 prize.” Permann was featured in the March 11 United Press International article “Skipped shot costs student $50,000.” He was featured March 11 in the Associated Press article “Fan hits half-court shot, misses $50,000 jackpot.” Permann was featured March 10 in the USA Today article “MVC fan’s $50,000 shot that doesn’t pay – in cash, that is.” He was featured March 13 in The Daily Caller (Washington, D.C.) article “Student makes half-court shot for $50k, basket doesn’t count.” Permann was featured March 11 in the Fox Sports Midwest segment “MVC fan hits half-court shot – but misses $50K.”

David Robertson, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science, was quoted March 5 in the KMOX (1120 AM) story “Slay defeats Reed, Matthews in bid for fourth term.” Robertson was quoted March 6 in the Reuters article “St. Louis mayor headed for Democratic primary victory.” He was quoted Jan. 6 in the St. Louis Beacon article “Asked and answered: Five lessons from Tuesday’s Democratic primary.” Robertson wrote the March 11 History News Network commentary “Compromise as the Constitution’s Foundation.” Robertson discussed his new book, “The Original Compromise: What the Constitution’s Framers Were Really Thinking,” on the March 19 episode of “St. Louis on the Air,” a program on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU. He was quoted March 31 in the St. Louis Public Radio story “Political heavyweights Cunningham, McNary clash in race for … Monarch Fire Board?” Robertson was interviewed for the March 14 episode of “The Riggins Report” on the Radio 2000 Network.

J. Martin Rochester, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science, discussed ACT scores at schools in the St. Louis area on the March 5 episode of “The Charlie Brennan Show” on KMOX (1120 AM).  Rochester wrote the March 13 St. Louis Jewish Light commentary “Our kvetching culture.” He was featured March 18 in the Education News article “An interview with Martin Rochester.”

Richard Rosenfeld, Curators’ Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, was quoted March 6 in the KMOX (1120 AM) story “City’s criminologist calls crime ranking ‘baseless.’” Rosenfeld discussed new crime numbers in St. Louis on the March 5 episode of “Total Information PM” on KMOX (1120 AM). He was quoted March 9 in the Rockland County (N.Y.) Times and Huffington Post article “Crime rates are down – but why?”  Rosenfeld discussed with Charlie Brennan the success of New York’s stop-and-frisk program in high crime areas and whether it would work in St. Louis on March 20 on KMOX (1120 AM). He was featured March 1 in the Associated Press article “Researcher: Hot-spot policing works in St. Louis,” which ran in publications across the United States. Rosenfeld discussed hot-spot policing on March 1 with Mark Reardon on KMOX (1120 AM).

Stephanie Ross, professor of philosophy, was interviewed for “The Philosophy of Gardens,” the March 10 episode of the online program “Why? Radio” (Grand Forks, N.D.).

Todd Swanstrom, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration, was quoted March 13 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “St. Louis and the Home Matters movement.”

Don Sweeney, associate director for the Center for Transportation Studies, was quoted March 22 in the story “Mississippi River mayors call for more dam, lock funding,” which aired on “Marketplace,” an American Public Media program.

Eamonn Wall, Smurfit-Stone Corporation Professor of Irish Studies, was quoted March 15 in the South (St. Louis) County Times article “For Irish: Choosing parades.”

Sophomore student Abigail Wood was featured March 26 in the Eureka-Wildwood (Mo.) Patch article “One of 50 national Gold Scholars lives in Eureka.”

Alumnus Keith Zoromski, MA history 2009, was featured March 15 in the Carthage (Mo.) Press article “VFW honors Zoromski as Teacher of the Year.”

(Photo by August Jennewein)

You might think an accomplished athlete like Bob Bone (pictured) looks back on his college days as a series of memorable achievements. It’s understandable. There are many accomplishments to remember.

With 2,678 career points, Bone is the all-time leading basketball scorer at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. He’s a three-time All-American and holds the university’s career records for field goals (947) and assists (446) and single-season records for points (787) and points per game (30.3) for his 1976-77 season.

He was an Academic All-American three times in basketball and two times in baseball, where he started at second base for a team that amassed a 30-13 record and finished third at the NCAA Division II College World Series.

But Bone puts his stats and records aside. His time at UMSL was special for other reasons. Among them are Grayling Tobias and Jim Goessling. Bone, Tobias and Goessling played basketball together on the 1975-76 and 1976-77 teams, and all three are members of the UMSL Sports Hall of Fame.

“For me, the people I got to meet stand out more than any specific memories,” Bone says. “I was developing friends for a lifetime.”

In addition to the relationships he formed with his teammates, he says the campus had an intimate nature, and his teachers were more than accessible.

“There were so many instructors who were willing to have a personal relationship with the students,” Bone says. “To have a visit with an instructor or have a conversation away from class was a common thing.”

Bone earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1977. He spent 21 years at Collinsville (Ill.) High School, where he served as athletics director and boys’ basketball coach. Under his leadership, Collinsville won 10 Southwest Conference championships and 13 Illinois High School Association Regional championships.

Bone was named director of athletics at Clayton (Mo.) High School during the 2006-07 school year, and he’s a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

This story was originally published in the spring 2013 issue of UMSL Magazine.

Helene Sherman, Founders Professor of Education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and author of “Teaching Learners Who Struggle with Mathematics,”talked recently about the importance of STEM education with Don Marsh, host of “St. Louis on the Air” on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

“People often say I wasn’t good at math and I’m not a math person … yet they won’t say, ‘I can’t read,’” Sherman told St. Louis Public Radio.  “(I agree that children) are hard-wired to understand and succeed (in math), the problem is that as they move along in the system, they are often hearing messages from everyone that they know, perhaps at home, that they’re not good at math.  So that love and that desire to learn diminishes as the years go by.”

Sarah Jamison, corporate resources manager at LMI Aerospace, a company involved in UMSL’s Students and Teachers as Research Scientists program, and Robin Kinman, fourth grade teacher at the Community School in Ladue, Mo., were also guests.

UMSL students (from left) Lindsey Laird, Bekah Cripe and Kaitlyn Hanlin support the UMSL Seriously Tobacco-Free campaign with educational fliers and a cutout of tobacco-free Louie near the south entrance of the Social Sciences & Business Building. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis fired up the second week of its UMSL Seriously Tobacco-Free campaign on Monday, and administrators weren’t the only ones taking the university’s tobacco-free policy seriously. Volunteer students handed out fliers with tobacco facts, cessation resource information and copies of the university policy during high-traffic hours in the Quadrangle on North Campus.

Lindsey Laird, a volunteer and junior psychology major, said she felt compelled to help make the campus a healthier place.

“I hate getting hit by smoke as I walk on campus,” she said. “Besides, it’s such an unhealthy habit. I should know. My parents are smokers.”

Her fellow volunteers agreed.

“Not only is it bad for the users, but it’s bad for others around as well,” said Bekah Cripe, a sophomore special education major.

Over the next two weeks, students will continue providing support information and raising awareness for the university’s tobacco-free policy – rules that students pushed for and were adopted in January 2012.

Call 314-516-5671 or visit umsl.edu/services/health for tobacco cessation assistance.

To learn more about UMSL Seriously Tobacco-Free or to get involved, visit umsl.edu/smokefree or send a message to Alexis Nugent, senior information specialist at UMSL.