UMSL’s Rita Csapó-Sweet (left) receives a letter announcing her University of Missouri President’s Award for Cross-Cultural Engagement by Chris Weisbrook, director of academic programs at the University of Missouri System.

Rita Csapó-Sweet grew up a first-generation Hungarian-American. Her parents came to the United States after World War II. Because of her ethnic background, she felt a little out of place growing up in America. But a college trip to Hungary remedied her feelings of alienation and carved out a path that saw her become a cultural ambassador of sorts.

“Suddenly, I understood why I had always felt myself an outsider,” said Csapó-Sweet, associate professor of media studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. “My year abroad put the narrative of my life into context. A foot in both worlds has served me well during the past 40 years.”

In late April, Csapó-Sweet, of St. Louis, was honored by the four-campus University of Missouri System with the UM President’s Award for Cross-Cultural Engagement. The award recognizes her efforts to build cultural and educational exchange projects with Eastern European universities. She established institutional links with the University of Debrecen in Hungary, University of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina and University of Dubrovnik in Croatia.

“Rita is more than deserving of this prestigious award,” Barbara Harbach, professor of music at UMSL, wrote in a nomination letter for the award. “She has worked passionately in helping victims of war in several of these countries but most importantly in cultivating exchanges for faculty and students that can benefit from the understanding of learning to appreciate different cultures with their unique ethnicities and customs.”

In 1995, Csapó-Sweet developed an educational and cultural exchange program with the University of Debrecen in Hungary, with a grant from the U.S. Department of State and International Studies and Programs at UMSL.

For decades, Csapó-Sweet’s international research has been funded by the Soros Foundation, IREX, and the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.

And she recently received her third UM Research Board grant to curate a program of films from the former Yugoslavia at the 2013 St. Louis International Film Festival. Her documentaries have been broadcast nationally and internationally, and she is the faculty adviser for the UMSL Film Production Society.

Through the efforts of Csapó-Sweet, UMSL signed student-faculty exchange agreements in 2007 with the Universities of Sarajevo in Bosnia and the University of Dubrovnik in Croatia. In 2010, UMSL students began taking classes in Sarajevo, and this fall two students from Sarajevo will study at UMSL. Csapó-Sweet will donate funds from her UM President’s Award to bring the two students to St. Louis.

Since making her first trip back to Hungary in 1973 to study at the  Royal Academy of Fine Art and discover her heritage and family roots, Csapó-Sweet has frequently visited Eastern Europe.

“That one year of being abroad completely changed my life,” she said. “I realized I had this whole other part of me that I didn’t really know existed.”

For Csapó-Sweet, creating UMSL’s cultural exchange programs is a career highlight. She said the programs can be a salve for young people experiencing similar emotions, and even if students aren’t looking to fill a void, exchange programs are a unique and valuable experience.

“It’s easy for a child to feel like an outsider if you have cultural roots elsewhere,” Csapó-Sweet said. “You never really feel completely 100 percent part of this society. If there’s some chance you can go back to a place where you have family, where you have another language, students should grab the opportunity. Because after college you might never have a chance again.”

This summer, she’ll return to Hungary, Sarajevo and Dubrovnik to continue her research and strengthen ties on behalf of UMSL.

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 Csapó-Sweet, four UMSL faculty members won a UM President’s Award this year: Vicki Sauter, professor of information systems, for university citizenship; Susann Farberman, associate teaching professor of nursing, for inter-campus collaboration; Dawn Garzon, teaching professor of nursing, for inter-campus collaboration; and Carl Hoagland, the Emerson Electric Endowed Professor of Teaching and Learning, for innovative teaching.

Csapó-Sweet and her colleagues will receive their awards June 13 at a celebration in Columbia, Mo.

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.

“Commitment Statement: Eddiesha Turner” by Tristian Montgomery is part of the latest PPRC Photo Project exhibit at UMSL.

Past and present students of the Normandy (Mo.) School District are both the subjects and photographers for a new University of Missouri–St. Louis exhibit. Participants included Normandy High School alumni and current students at schools in the Normandy district. Their photos resulted in an exhibit that is the latest in the Public Policy Research Center Photography Project series. 

Mel Watkin, director of the PPRC Photography Project at UMSL, pointed out that the school district is home to many dedicated teachers, students, staff and alumni. And the school district is working hard to regain its accreditation, she said.

“The media often focuses on Normandy’s problems, which tend to overshadow its accomplishments; this is discouraging for all involved,” Watkin said. “To offset this negativity, the goal of the ‘Normandy Proud’ photography project was twofold: to connect accomplished Normandy staff and alumni with youth currently in the school system and to give the people of Normandy a chance to reflect positively on their community.”

Lois Ingrum, a photography project instructor and NHS alumna (1976), trained Normandy students and alumni in digital photography and interview techniques. The participants then photographed and interviewed each other in a series of sessions.

The sessions resulted in the exhibit “PPRC Photography Project: Youth and Alumni – Normandy Proud!” is on display May 14 to Sept. 9 at the PPRC Photography Project Gallery, south end of the fourth floor hallway in the Social Sciences & Business Building at UMSL, 1 University Blvd. in St. Louis County (63121). Gallery hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. An opening reception will be from noon to 1 p.m. May 14 at the gallery. 

A duplicate of the exhibit is on display May 14 to June 29 at the Natural Bridge Branch of the St. Louis County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge Road in Normandy, Mo. The exhibit can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 14 at the library.

Admission to both exhibits is free. 

The pioneering community photography programs established by artist and teacher Wendy Ewald serve as the model for the PPRC Photography Project. Several volunteer St. Louis-area community groups participate in the PPRC Photography Project each year. They learn the basics of photography and then are asked to document efforts to improve their neighborhood’s quality of life. 

The Public Policy Research Center’s goal for the project is twofold: to highlight the undertakings of local organizations working toward the greater good and to inspire people to take a closer look at and get involved with their communities.

The Photography Project is co-sponsored by the Public Policy Research Center at UMSL, Missouri Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts and Regional Arts Commission.

On April 20, more than 150 alumni, faculty and friends attended “50 Years of Great Chemistry,” a Jubilee event celebrating the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Chemistry alumni included (from left) Joseph Bono, BS 1969; Michael Finkes, BS 1973 and MS 1978; Yanina Levchinsky-Grimmond, BS 1997 and MS 1999; Jim Grib, BS 1976 and MS 1982; and Ken Henderson, BS 1972. (Photo by Dan Younger)

Joseph Bono graduated from the University of Missouri–St. Louis in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He shares many of the same memories that others have of UMSL’s early years. So, when he traveled from his home in Virginia last week to attend the reunion “50 Years of Great Chemistry,” Bono recalled the old clubhouse, classes in the laundromat and the opening of Benton Hall.

“After this visit, I realized my fondest UMSL memory is the camaraderie,” Bono said. “You were never just a number. The advanced chemistry students were all pretty tight. The faculty cared, not only about those students at the top of the class, but everyone. We all cared about each other. And that’s what we’re remembering – how much fun it was back then.”

UMSL’s Great Chemistry event was held as part of the UMSL Jubilee, a yearlong celebration of UMSL’s founding in 1963.

Bono also earned a master’s degree in political science in 1979. He recently retired from a long and distinguished career, most of it spent as a forensic scientist with the federal government. He was director of the forensic science laboratories for the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Naval Criminal Investigative Services in Washington, D.C., and the St. Louis County Police Department. He also taught in the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.

Lawrence Barton, professor emeritus of chemistry and biochemistry, arrived at UMSL in 1966. He served as chair of the department from 1980 to 1998 and as director of the Center for Molecular Electronics until 2006. As the unofficial historian of the department, he served as one of the organizers of the event, which attracted more than 150 people.

“It actually exceeded my expectations,” Barton said. “Alumni came from all over the country.”

With his history collection, Barton provided materials for slide shows and posters. He had a display of departmental milestones, a timeline of chemistry faculty and staff over 50 years, memorabilia and listings of alumni who had received Distinguished Alumni Awards.

For the record: From 1971 to present day, 48 major awards were presented to faculty for research and teaching, some of them multiple times. Eight chemistry alumni received Distinguished Alumni Awards, and delivered 25 Distinguished Alumni Lectures.

“I dug out lots of old stuff, things nobody else wants,” he said. “It all added to the camaraderie.”

Barton recalled the earliest days of the university when he was brought in by Charles Armbruster, the division director, to help build the science program. It was top-notch, right from the start, he said.

“Chemistry was there from the beginning, followed quickly by biology and physics,” he said. “UMSL’s first graduating class in 1967 had 10 chemistry majors, and all but one of them went on to graduate school.”

Chemistry alumni came from all over the country to celebrate – Oregon, New York, and the mountains of northern Georgia. Most alumni have remained in the St. Louis region developing careers in chemistry with companies such as Mallinckrodt, Sigma, Pfizer and Steris. Some went on to medical and dental school. Others are teaching.

Michael Finkes, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1973 and returned to get his master’s degree in chemistry in 1978, was one of those alumni. He recently retired from Monsanto after 35 years, a job he got, thanks to UMSL.

“I came back to UMSL because I needed to learn more lab skills,” Finkes said. “I worked with David Garin in chemistry doing some research, honed my skills and when I interviewed, they wanted to know all about that research.”

Finkes has remained very active with the chemistry department and has served on the executive committee of the Alumni Association for many years. Among alumni groups, chemistry stands out as a very active one. They recently developed a LinkedIn group page that numbers more than 300. Finkes says there’s a formula for their success.

“It doesn’t happen by itself,” he said. “The faculty respected us, showed a lot of interest in us and they developed that culture. And once we left, they kept up with us. It takes the existence of that culture and work of several key faculty like Lol Barton.”

Twenty members of UMSL’s Catholic Newman Center spent their spring break completing community service on Bethlehem Farm in Talcott, W.Va.

By ALLISON JOSTRAND

While most University of Missouri–St. Louis students spent spring break on icy cold slopes or hot sandy beaches, twenty members of the Catholic Newman Center at UMSL felt compelled to do otherwise. Nineteen students and Rachelle Simon, the CNC campus minister, chose to spend their break completing community service on Bethlehem Farm.

Bethlehem Farm is a Catholic community located in rural Talcott, W.Va. There are a total of nine caretakers that live and work on the farm, as well as provide community service to the people of Appalachia. The farm operates on four cornerstones of living: prayer, service, community and simplicity.

Lucy Ellerman, president of the Catholic Newman Center, described the experience as life changing and heart fulfilling. Even though the work seemed daunting, and the students were all physically exhausted, Ellerman said the students began to appreciate what their bodies could accomplish.

Tina Ingoldsby, a member of the Catholic Newman Center and Bethlehem Farm visitor, recalled some of the service as frustrating.

“But when you step back and imagine the larger picture of what your hard work really means in someone else’s life, the peace of God fills you and gives you the strength to continue,” Ingoldsby said.

She also enjoyed living off of the land, having no concept of time and having no access to technology. She shared that the students felt as though these parameters helped to build stronger bonds within the Newman community.

All students that spent time on Bethlehem Farm recalled the experience as incredibly humbling and unforgettable, and “would definitely go to Bethlehem Farm again.”

Allison Jostrand is a senior communication major at UMSL.

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.”

Moving academic technology into an arena that benefits the public and your bottom line is the focus of an upcoming daylong symposium at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Being the benefactor of several universities and a talented work pool, St. Louis is fast becoming a hot spot for scientific research. Moving those ideas from academia to the market place is the next logical step, and a potentially lucrative one.

The St. Louis Institute of Nanoscience & Nanomedicine will host a symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 4 in the Century Rooms of the Millennium Student Center at UMSL. The overall theme of the symposium is “Translating Science into Economic Development.” SLINN 2013 is a joint venture sponsored by UMSL, Saint Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis.

The goal of the scientific symposium is to bring together academic and industrial scientists, entrepreneurs, inventors, service providers and investors, as well local and federal legislators to showcase and to promote the region’s resources and research in nanoscience and nanomedicine.

One breakout session will focus on “elevator pitches.” Individuals with ideas for a startup or hoping to expand on an existing business will have the opportunity to share their vision with audience members, composed of scientists, entrepreneurs and investors, who in return, will advise, suggest and encourage developing technological enterprise.

The day will also consist of panel sessions with the key themes being investors, regional business development and regulatory issues. Experts in those fields will lead the discussions.

Panel Sessions Speakers:

Investors

• Mike Nichols, University of Missouri System
• Bill Simon, consultant
• Vicki Gonzalez, Nidus
• Bill Anderson, Missouri Technology Corporation

Regional Business Development

• Dennis Lower, Cortex
• Derek Rapp, Monsanto
• Eric Gulve, BioGenerator

Regulatory Issues

• Kevin Kercher, Thompson Coburn
• Matt MacEwen, Retectix
• Tara Nealey, Polsinelli Shughart PC

Attendees will hear from UMSL Chancellor Tom George and Nasser Arshadi, vice provost for research at UMSL, as well as a number of academic and local leaders in economic development, nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Science in Missouri Speakers:

• Ken Harrington, managing director, Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Washington University in St. Louis
• Gregory Lanza, professor of medicine and bioengineering, Division of Cardiology, Washington University School of Medicine
• Shashi Jasty, director, global government/hospitals sector, Sigma-Aldrich
• Xuemin (Sam) Wang, holds joint appointment as member of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor in Plant Science at UMSL

The symposium is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register online at chemistry.slu.edu/SLINN/registration.php. For more information on the symposium, including the full conference schedule, visit chemistry.slu.edu/SLINN/index.php

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander talks with UMSL student-veterans Wednesday in the university’s Millennium Student Center. (Photo by August Jennewein)

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander visited with student-veterans at the University of Missouri–St. Louis on Wednesday.

Kander, 31, of Kansas City, is a former U.S. Army captain who served as a military intelligence officer in Afghanistan. From 2009 to 2013, he was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, where his work focused on campaign reform and ethics reform.

He encouraged UMSL student-veterans to take action in their careers and lives.

“I think, certainly, in the mostly peaceful politics under which we operate, we should muster the courage to do what’s right and not just do what’s easy,” he said. “Particularly for those of us who are veterans, I think it is what is expected of our generation, and it’s how we’re going to help our country and our communities moving forward.”

Kander met with the students, as well as faculty and staff members, in the Millennium Student Center. He fielded questions there and went on to tour the Student Veterans Center.

Housed on the second floor of Clark Hall, the Student Veterans Center opened in December. The renovated space includes the university’s ROTC office, a gathering area, benefit forms and other information. Kander said veterans, like all professionals who change from one occupation to another, need help with career transition.

“That’s why the veterans center for students is so important – making sure people have access to education that can help them use their skills,” he said. “But the other piece of it is making sure employers understand that [military service] is not a dark spot on a resume that they skim past. It’s something that they need to work hard to understand – what those bullet points on a [veteran's] resume mean and how [those points] apply to an employer’s business.”

Jim Vanderbeck was one of the student-veterans who attended Kander’s talk and toured the center with him. Vanderbeck, 47, is a senior majoring in history at UMSL. He works full time in the Department of Public Works for the city of Creve Coeur, Mo., and served for nearly 21 years in the U.S. Army. He said the center has helped student-veterans build a community at UMSL.

“It’s having that space where you can go and have a cup a coffee,” Vanderbeck said. “If you’re having a bad day, the center is a place to go. If you need to know about medical issues or ask questions about getting paperwork filled out or veterans’ benefits, it’s a place to go. Before, there was no place to go to ask questions.”

The center is located in 211 Clark Hall and is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Call 314-516-5705 or visit umsl.edu/veterans for more information.

University of Missouri–St. Louis research associates and alumni Jason Atkins (left) and Mohit Patel examine a petri dish on March 26 in the university’s Center for Nanoscience.

Atkins and Patel research ion channels – proteins that act as pores within cell membranes and enable electrical currents to pass in and out of cells. The researchers treated bacteria on the dish with chemical compounds and observed the compound’s antimicrobial activity.

Atkins, BS biology 2011, and Patel, BS biochemistry 2011 and MS biochemistry 2012, work in the laboratory of George Gokel, director of the Center for Nanoscience.

The photograph was taken by UMSL photographer August Jennewein and is the latest to be featured in Eye on UMSL.

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.

Peter Abel, senior lecturer in communication, wrote a commentary titled “Setting a better example for the younger generation” that he read Feb. 6 on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

Theodora Binkholder, a junior majoring in anthropology, was featured Feb. 10 in the Sullivan (Mo.) Journal article “BHS grad studying in Costa Rica.”

Alumna Rebecca Boyer, BS accounting 1997, was featured Feb. 1 in St. Louis Business Journal article “Rebecca Boyer – CFO and vice president, KellyMitchell.”

Berit Brogaard, professor of philosophy, wrote the Feb. 24 Psychology Today article “Remembering things from before you were born.” Brogaard wrote the Feb. 6 Psychology Today article “When 3 is cobber green and ‘kiss’ tastes of tomato soup.” She wrote the Feb. 23 Psychology Today article “How smart is your cat?”

Alumnus Steven Clark, BA English 1980, was featured Feb. 1 in the Maplewood-Brentwood Patch article “Maplewood author’s screenplay takes 2nd in regional competition.”

Alumnus Frank Cusumano, BA speech communication 1984, was featured Feb. 1 in the KSDK (Channel 5) story “UMSL celebrates 50th anniversary.”

John Dalton, director of the MFA in Creative Writing program, was quoted Feb. 7 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Tips on publishing in literary journals at Natural Bridge party.”

Erika Gibb, associate professor of physics and astronomy, was quoted Feb. 16 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Earth sees meteor and asteroid on the same day.”

Daniel Isom, professor of policing and the community, co-wrote the Feb. 6 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Gun crimes in St. Louis deserve special treatment.”

Alumnus Rick Jordan, BGS 2001, was featured Feb. 5 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “A passionate affair with chocolate.”

David Klinger, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, was interviewed about the dangers of searching for an ex-cop on Feb. 8 on CNN.  Klinger was quoted Feb. 19 in The Capital Times (Madison, Wis.) article “No comprehensive, reliable database of police shootings exist.”

Janet Lauritsen, professor of criminology and criminal justice, was mentioned Feb. 13 in The Christian Science Monitor article “In US, big strides in reducing domestic violence.”

Alumna Natasha Jenkins Long, OD 2007, was featured Feb. 25 in the Star-Herald (Scottsbluff, Neb.) article “Scottsbluff Vision Clinic gets new partner.”  

Haim Mano, associate professor of marketing, was quoted Feb. 15 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Walmart’s pricing comparison doesn’t sit well with Schnucks.” Mano was quoted Feb. 22 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Hardee’s, Panera take very different paths to sell sandwiches.”

Kristian Marlow, a student pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy, wrote the Feb. 5 Psychology Today article “Learn to be a Synesthete.”

Jennifer McKnight, associate professor of art, discussed graphic design as communication on the Feb. 1 episode of “Cityscape,” a program on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

Joe Parks, director of the Missouri Institute of Mental Health, was quoted Feb. 6 in The New York Times article “Smoking, once used to reward, faces a ban in mental hospitals.”

Alumnus T. Christopher Peoples, BS civil engineering 2008, was featured Feb. 1 in the St. Louis Business Journal article “T. Christopher Peoples – president, Pitzman’s Co. of Surveyors and Engineers.”  

Dave Robertson, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science, was quoted Feb. 13 in the KMOX (1120 AM) story “Expert: Slay likely will win fourth term.”

Rick Rosenfeld, Curators’ Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, co-wrote the Feb. 6 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Gun crimes in St. Louis deserve special treatment.” Rosenfeld was quoted Feb. 23 in the St. Louis Beacon article “After Newtown, local church remembers 41 young people killed by gun violence.” 

Todd Swanstrom, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration, was quoted Feb. 27 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “St. Louis mayoral campaigns clash as election day nears.”

Kenneth Thomas, professor of political science, was quoted Feb. 6 in The Capital Times (Madison, Wis.) article “Did Scott Walker’s budget cuts hurt economy? Some economists think so.” Thomas wrote the Feb. 6 Business Insider article “Washington could turn the retirement crisis into a disaster.” He wrote the Feb. 19 Business Insider article “Republicans can’t win the minimum wage fight.”

Mary Troy, professor of English, was quoted Feb. 7 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Tips on publishing in literary journals at Natural Bridge party.”

Mel Watkin, director of the Public Policy Research Center Photograph Project, was quoted Feb. 1 in the Riverfront Times (University City, Mo.) article “Angel Baked Cookies: Teens use photography to put the art of baking on display.”

Alumnus Richard Williams, BA anthropology 2011, was featured Feb. 20 in the St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU story “St. Louis’ Prince Ea emerging from the hip-hop underground.”

Will Winter, research associate in the Public Policy Research Center, was quoted Feb. 12 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “McKee to make case for keeping Missouri tax credits coming.”

Ron Yasbin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted Feb. 24 in the Eureka-Wildwood (Mo.) Patch article “Eureka student only Rockwood recipient of UMSL science award.”