Note: UMSL Events contains information about events that will occur in the seven days following publication (Friday-Thursday). It contains information compiled from the UMSL Campus Calendar. No submissions are accepted, and since the calendar is self-populated, University Marketing and Communications is not responsible for the content that appears here or its accuracy. If you would like to receive UMSL Events via e-mail, you can subscribe to UMSL Daily or UMSL Daily Events.

Benefit Concert for UMSL Catholic Newman Ctr: Peg Roach Loyd
Date/Time: May 24, 2013 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: UMSL Catholic Newman Center, 8200 Natural Bridge Rd
Audience: Open
Description: Suggested Donation of $10 benefits the UMSL Catholic Newman Center. UMSL alumna, author and singer-songwriter will present a concert of original & traditional Irish/Celtic songs from her CD, Carving in Stone and new book, The Path – Songs and Stories to Quiet the Mind, Calm the Heart & Inspire the Soul.
For Info: Peg Roach Loyd at 501-920-8534

Gypsy Caravan
Date/Time: May 27, 2013 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: UMSL North Campus
Audience: Open
Description: This annual Saint Louis Symphony Volunteer Association’s fund-raising event is the Midwest’s largest antique, craft and flea market. General admission – $10: Early Bird admission (7-9 a.m.)-$20. Children under 12 free at all times. Gypsy Hotline – 314-286-4452
For Info: Cindy Vantine at 314-516-5442

Weight Watchers at Work
Date/Time: May 28, 2013 11:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Location: 225 MSC, Conference Room
Audience: Open
Description: Come join Weight Watchers at Work on-campus any Tuesday. A group of faculty and staff meet with a Weight Watchers facilitator on a weekly basis. To initiate the process, follow these instructions: Go to https://wellness.weightwatchers.com Enter Company ID: 46814 Enter Company Passcode: WW46814 Register as a new member GENERAL INFORMATION: Meeting Times are Tuesdays 11:30am-12:30pm in 225 MSC $39.95/month Includes free access to E-Tools, an on-line resource to help with your success Questions or interest in the program? Contact Teresa Balestreri (ext. 5002; tkb@umsl.edu)
For Info: Teresa Balestreri at 314-516-5002

Spring Training Institute
Date/Time: May 29, 2013 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, Missouri
Audience: Open
Description: This conference is designed for anyone interested in behavioral health. You may view the program schedule,find other info or register at: www.mimhtraining.com
For Info: Karen Rhodes at 314-877-6411

Mindfulness Meditation
Date/Time: May 29, 2013 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM
Location: Center for Student Success conference room– 225 MSC
Audience: Open
Description: Mindfulness Meditation is a proven—and increasingly popular—method for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and a variety of medical conditions. Incorporating Mindfulness into your schedule can enhance your overall well-being and allow you to live your life more fully. These weekly guided Mindfulness activities are free and open to beginning as well as experienced meditators.
For Info: Jamie Linsin at 314-516-5711

What’s a Bylaw? Why they are needed, and how to draft them
Date/Time: May 29, 2013 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: J.C. Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Are you attempting to draft bylaws for a nonprofit corporation? Does your existing Nonprofit Corporation have a set of bylaws that could use a review, or overhaul? Are you interested in learning more about how a well-crafted set of bylaws can lead to good governance and management of your nonprofit organization? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should attend this class on “Understanding and Drafting Bylaws”. Samples and examples will be provided during class, as will a list of other helpful sources of information that will guide your organization towards an effective and well-crafted set of bylaws. Cost to attend is $25. For more information, call Dan Sise at 516-6378
For Info: Dan Sise at 314-516-6378

What’s a Bylaw? How Does My organization Need Them
Date/Time: May 29, 2013 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: JC Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Whether you’re trying to draft, revise or just learn more about bylaws for a nonprofit organization, you should attend this class. Samples and examples will be provided during class as will a list of helpful sources of information that guide your organization towards an effective and well crafted set of bylaws.
For Info: Mattie Lewis at 314-516-5655

Performance Management (Management)
Date/Time: May 30, 2013 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: Arts Administration Building, HR Training Center (Room 222)
Audience: Faculty/Staff
Description: Monthly classroom training sessions are offered to staff on a first-come-first-serve basis. Participants can sign up and find a schedule of courses through myLearn. To enroll in this course, view the catalog and select UMSL Instructor Led Training. Select desired course. For other training opportunities, please visit: http://www.umsl.edu/services/hrs/Current%20Employees/training.html
For Info: Tara VanDeVoorde at 314-516-5258

Audio Engineering II
Date/Time: May 30, 2013 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: University of Missouri-St. Louis & Notifi Records
Audience: Open
Description: The certificate program is designed to prepare participants to develop technical skills related to the production of high quality sound recordings. Through a mix of lecture-based courses and hands-on studio training, participants will learn to use audio technology, including recording consoles, microphones, and the widely used audio software program Pro Tools. In addition, the program will feature an Introduction to Music Business course. Fee: $375
For Info: Jennifer Clemente at 314-516-5994

What started out as just an idea of Dance St. Louis Artistic and Executive Director Michael Uthoff has exploded into one of the hottest dance festivals in the country. Thirty professional dance companies, three nights, $15 tickets – the Memorial Day Weekend phenomenon, Spring to Dance Festival, returns for its sixth year at the University of Missouri–St. Louis with a smorgasbord of dance styles, including everything from cutting-edge contemporary dance and tap to classical ballet, modern and more.

Dancers from 30 companies across the country will gather at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL for three nights of nonstop performances. It’s the best opportunity of the year to see all types of dance, varying in style and repertoire, from nationally touring professional dance companies in the Midwest and on the East and West Coasts. Presented by Dance St. Louis, the Touhill Performing Arts Center, Edward Jones and Whitaker Foundation, the sixth Annual Emerson Spring to Dance Festival will take place May 23 through May 25.

Spring to Dance has two notable highlights this year: over half of the 30 companies have never participated in the festival and, back by popular demand, St. Louis native, dance extraordinaire and principal dancer of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Antonio Douthit, is performing a duet with the talented and breathtaking Alicia Graf Mack, another Ailey principal who once resided in St. Louis with her husband, a native St. Louisan.

“What’s unique about this year’s Spring to Dance is that 16 of the companies are new to the festival,” Uthoff said. “So while there are some returning favorites like Chicago Human Rhythm Project and MOMENTA, there are also new participants like Camille A. Brown from Durham, N.C., and Robert Moses’ Kin and others from San Francisco.”

Uthoff, who created Spring to Dance in 2008, developed a formula for the festival’s program whereby participating companies are a mix of those that appeared the year before, those that did not appear that year but did appear in previous festivals, and those completely new to St. Louis. This formula ensures the return of audience favorites while keeping the mix constantly fresh.

“Audiences flock to the performances — the price is right and the offerings are generous,” stated Time Out Chicago. “Dance St. Louis has just the ticket,” hailed Dance Magazine.

“Spring to Dance is the most popular event of the season because of its affordability, accessibility and variety, which attract a wide mix of people from the greater St. Louis area and beyond,” Uthoff said. “It’s also a fun and upbeat festival with a convivial atmosphere, making it the perfect way to wind down the season.”

Each evening’s $15 ticket covers three sets of performances. Interactive demonstrations from St. Louis-area arts groups, ranging in style from Irish and African dance to hula and hip-hop, will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Touhill’s Terrace Lobby. Performances by four different professional companies will start at 6 p.m. in the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater, followed by the 7:30 p.m. mainstage performances by another six professional dance companies in the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall. A total of 10 professional dance companies will perform each evening of the festival.

Performances in the Lee Theater will begin at 6 p.m. Due to the intimate and limited seating in the Lee Theater, its performances are only open to ticket holders who have special Lee Theater passes. The Lee Theater passes are free and will be handed out in the Touhill’s Upper Lobby beginning at 5 p.m. on the night of the show until all passes are gone. If guests are not able to secure a pass, they can enjoy the interactive performances by local dance troupes in the Terrace Lobby, which will run continuously from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. until the mainstage performances begin in the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per night and available at the Dance St. Louis box office at 3547 Olive Street in the Centene Center for Arts and Education in Grand Center in St. Louis, by calling 314-534-6622 or by visiting dancestlouis.org.

Note: UMSL Events contains information about events that will occur in the seven days following publication (Friday-Thursday). It contains information compiled from the UMSL Campus Calendar. No submissions are accepted, and since the calendar is self-populated, University Marketing and Communications is not responsible for the content that appears here or its accuracy. If you would like to receive UMSL Events via e-mail, you can subscribe to UMSL Daily or UMSL Daily Events.

Textbook Sell Back
Date/Time: May 17, 2013 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: UMSL Bookstore
Audience: Student
Description: It’s Textbook Sell Back time! Stop by the UMSL Bookstore to sell back your Textbooks. Guaranteed buyback; receive a minimum 5.00 for each textbook you sell. Enter to win a iPad, each textbook you sell enters you to win! For more details visit umslbookstore.com
For Info: Stephanie Eaton at 314-516-5763

MFA Graduate Readings
Date/Time: May 17, 2013 7:30 PM
Location: Lee Theater, Touhill Performing Arts Center
Audience: Open
Description: The University of Missouri – St. Louis’s Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing invites you to experience original fiction and poetry authored and read aloud by our MFA graduate students.
For Info: Touhill Ticket Office at 314-516-4949

Writing for the Net
Date/Time: May 18, 2013 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: 403 JC Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Publish your work instantly. Be your own columnist. Sell your work. Establish a Web presence. Writing for the internet is easier than normal writing, and a fun challenge. We will practice “translating” prose into internet prose. Fee: $65
For Info: Mary Gough at 314-516-5974

Spring Commencement
Date/Time: May 18, 2013 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Mark Twain Building; Touhill Performing Arts Center
Audience: Open
Description: Ceremony I (10:00 a.m.; Mark Twain Building) – Nursing, CoFAC, Social Work, MPPA Ceremony II (2:00 p.m.; Mark Twain Building) – Arts & Sciences Ceremony III(6:00 p.m.; Touhill PAC) – Optometry
For Info: Cindy Vantine at 314-516-5442

Spring Commencement
Date/Time: May 19, 2013 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Mark Twain Building
Audience: Open
Description: Ceremony IV (2:00 p.m.; Mark Twain Building) – Education Ceremony V(6:00 p.m.; Mark Twain Building) – Business, Engineering
For Info: Cindy Vantine at 314-516-5442

Textbook Sell Back
Date/Time: May 20, 2013 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: UMSL Bookstore
Audience: Student
Description: It’s Textbook Sell Back time! Stop by the UMSL Bookstore to sell back your Textbooks. Guaranteed buyback; receive a minimum 5.00 for each textbook you sell. Enter to win a iPad, each textbook you sell enters you to win! For more details visit umslbookstore.com
For Info: Stephanie Eaton at 314-516-5763

Textbook Sell Back
Date/Time: May 21, 2013 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: UMSL Bookstore
Audience: Student
Description: It’s Textbook Sell Back time! Stop by the UMSL Bookstore to sell back your Textbooks. Guaranteed buyback; receive a minimum 5.00 for each textbook you sell. Enter to win a iPad, each textbook you sell enters you to win! For more details visit umslbookstore.com
For Info: Stephanie Eaton at 314-516-5763

Weight Watchers at Work
Date/Time: May 21, 2013 11:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Location: 225 MSC, Conference Room
Audience: Open
Description: Come join Weight Watchers at Work on-campus any Tuesday. A group of faculty and staff meet with a Weight Watchers facilitator on a weekly basis. To initiate the process, follow these instructions: Go to wellness.weightwatchers.com Enter Company ID: 46814 Enter Company Passcode: WW46814 Register as a new member GENERAL INFORMATION: Meeting Times are Tuesdays 11:30am-12:30pm in 225 MSC $39.95/month Includes free access to E-Tools, an on-line resource to help with your success Questions or interest in the program? Contact Teresa Balestreri (ext. 5002; tkb@umsl.edu)
For Info: Teresa Balestreri at 314-516-5002

Using Cognos Student Reports
Date/Time: May 21, 2013 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: 65 JCP
Audience: UMSL Only
Description: This session is intended for individuals interested in using the student reports available via Cognos. These reports contain data at the student or course level and are operationally-oriented, rather than high-level summaries. The goal of this session is to familiarize UMSL faculty and staff with the Cognos environment and available student-oriented reports. Topics in this hands-on session include: set-up activities; signing on; setting the default folder; effectively navigating in the application; an overview of the reports; how to run reports; and where to find documentation. There will be ample time for questions. Verify your access to Cognos by following the directions at: http://www.umsl.edu/~ir/files/pdfs/VerifyCognosAccess.pdf
For Info: Larry Westermeyer at 314-516-4010 or Carol Sholy at 314-516-4148

Mindfulness Meditation
Date/Time: May 22, 2013 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM
Location: Center for Student Success conference room– 225 MSC
Audience: Open
Description: Mindfulness Meditation is a proven—and increasingly popular—method for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and a variety of medical conditions. Incorporating Mindfulness into your schedule can enhance your overall well-being and allow you to live your life more fully. These weekly guided Mindfulness activities are free and open to beginning as well as experienced meditators.
For Info: Jamie Linsin at 314-516-5711

UMSL Toastmasters Club
Date/Time: May 23, 2013 12:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: UMSL Alumni Center, 101 Woods Hall
Audience: Open
Description: This is the initial, founding, meeting for an UMSL Toastmasters Club. Come and explore Toastmasters. It can be a life-changing experience.
For Info: Ron Gossen at 314-516-5776

Critical Conversations (Management)
Date/Time: May 23, 2013 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: Arts Administration Building, HR Training Center (Room 222)
Audience: Faculty/Staff
Description: Monthly classroom training sessions are offered to staff on a first-come-first-serve basis. Participants can sign up and find a schedule of courses through myLearn. To enroll in this course, view the catalog and select UMSL Instructor Led Training. Select desired course. For other training opportunities, please visit: www.umsl.edu/services/hrs/Current%20Employees/training.html
For Info: Tara VanDeVoorde at 314-516-5258

(Photo by Danny Reise)

For the second time in three years, the University of Missouri–St. Louis men’s golf team has earned a spot in the NCAA Division II Championship.

The UMSL Tritons recorded a third-place finish at the NCAA Midwest/Central Regional, held last week at Strawberry Creek Country Club in Kenosha, Wis., and are one of five teams from the regional advancing to the NCAA Championship May 20-24 at the Hershey (Pa.) Country Club.

It marks the eighth NCAA Championship appearance for the program. UMSL recorded a 15th place finish in 2011, which also came under the direction of fourth-year head coach Troy Halterman.

UMSL finished with a 54-hole score of 866 (283-290-293), seven strokes behind team champion University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg) (287-287-285 – 859). The Mules used a late surge to fend off University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond) (289-294-291 – 864), who placed second.

Fellow Great Lakes Valley Conference member Bellarmine University (Louisville, Ky.) (285-294-295 – 874) and Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Weatherford) (295-287-293 – 875), placed fourth and fifth, respectively, and also advance to the national championship.

Junior Joe Atkisson, who competed in last year’s regional as an individual and placed 95th, took home a third place finish this year, carding a six-under par 210 (68-70-72), bettering his own 54-hole school record of 214, set at the GLVC Championship earlier this season.

Medalist honors went to the University of Central Missouri’s Ryan Hughey, who finished 13 strokes under par with a 203 (65-69-69) to lead the field of 108 competitors. 

Junior Warren Crow (68-74-77) and senior Chase Smith (73-72-74) tied for 18th place, each shooting a 219, while freshmen David Abolt tied for 24th place with a 221 (74-74-73). Freshman Colby Yates rounded out the scoring with a 225 (74-77-74), tying for 53rd place.

A day before they graduate from the University of Missouri–St. Louis with an MFA in creative writing, nine students will read their original works. The semiannual MFA Graduate Reading will begin at 7:30 p.m. May 17 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL. The reading is free and open to the public.

Students scheduled to read include Sara Ross, Sarah Gray, Jessyka Lee, Adam Hayward, Amy Milton, Ryan Smith, Lauren Wiser, Kerstin Parmley and Ryan Trattles. John Dalton, director of the MFA in Creative Writing program, will give an introduction to the event. Faculty members from the program will then introduce each student.

The MFA in Creative Writing program is part of the Department of English. The program provides opportunities for growth in the writing of fiction and poetry. It also provides practical training in literary editing.

Call 314-516-5574 for more information. Visit the MFA in Creative Writing website to hear past graduate readings.

Media Coverage:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch 

UMSL Chancellor Tom George gives his annual report to the community on May 10 at America’s Center in downtown St. Louis. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis looks pretty good from where UMSL Chancellor Tom George stands. Fifty years ago, the university’s founders crammed 672 students and 32 faculty members into what was the clubhouse of the former Bellerive Country Club. Today, UMSL has nearly 17,000 students, more than 85,000 alumni and an outstanding reputation regionally and nationally. The university is also celebrating its Jubilee with events throughout 2013.

“During the last 50 years, hundreds of thousands of people helped build the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and despite the challenges and its youth, UMSL has become a most highly regarded and essential community asset,” George said May 10 at the annual Chancellor’s Report to the Community.

Nearly 800 business and community leaders, alumni, faculty, students and staff attended the annual event at America’s Center in downtown St. Louis. The CRC is a tradition that began in 1976 with Arnold Grobman, UMSL’s fourth chancellor.

Among the report’s highlights:

• The seven-year Gateway for Greatness Campaign raised a record $154 million.

• For the 10th year in a row, U.S. News & World Report ranked UMSL’s Undergraduate International Business 15th. The publication also ranked the doctoral program in criminology and criminal justice fourth.

• Forbes Magazine ranked UMSL one of “America’s Best Colleges.”

George also announced several university enrollment records:

• The university achieved its largest incoming class of new students since 1999 – nearly 2,000 transfer students and 535 freshmen.

• The average ACT score has risen to 24, a campus record.

• The Pierre Laclede Honors College now enrolls 600 students.

• Undergraduate  enrollment in the College of Nursing rose 20 percent over last year.

• The UMSL/WUSTL Joint Undergraduate Engineering Program has grown to 426 students from 326 students since 2008.

The building and renovation report included:

• The $30 million renovation of the Benton-Stadler science complex is scheduled for completion in 2015.

• The $36 million recreation and wellness center is also scheduled to open in 2015.

• Funding for the new College of Business Administration building, Anheuser-Busch Hall, has reached $15 million.

• The $20 million MODOT/East-West Gateway “Great Streets” project will transform Natural Bridge Road between Hanley and Lucas and Hunt roads into a vibrant destination site. It is scheduled for completion in December 2014.

A 2.6 MB Adobe PDF copy of the report is available to download.

Media coverage:
St. Louis Beacon

“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.

Jim Henry, director of choral studies at UMSL, conducts University Singers, a UMSL choral group. Henry also serves as the Acappellooza Summer Camp’s men’s chorus and mixed group director. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The College of Fine Arts and Communication at the University of Missouri–St. Louis has announced Acappellooza Summer Camp, an a cappella music camp for students in grades 9–12. For four days, from July 16–19 students will be immersed in singing led by some of the world’s most prominent names in a cappella music, including members of the internationally famous Ambassadors of Harmony and Jim Henry, director of choral studies at UMSL.

Music and learning tracks will be sent to participating students in advance so that they can come together to perfect their skills in preparation for a one-of-a-kind a cappella concert featuring all Acappellooza Summer participants sharing the stage with the world-renowned a cappella ensemble Vocal Spectrum.

In addition to the intense rehearsals, this will be an opportunity for students to have fun with a pool party, karaoke party, movie night and more.

Jim Henry is Acappellooza Summer Camp’s men’s chorus and mixed group director. Henry holds degrees in vocal music education, music theory and music composition. As director of choral studies at UMSL he conducts University Singers and Vocal Point and teaches choral methods, choral arranging and choral conducting. In addition, Henry is the musical and artistic director of the Ambassadors of Harmony, a 160-voice men’s a cappella chorus that performs barbershops, jazz, and light classical music.

Debbie Cleveland, choral director at Gaither High School in Tampa, Fla., is the camp’s women’s chorus director. Debbie serves 165 students each year with a full program that includes three choruses, and SHOWCASE, a pop music ensemble consisting of 16 singers accompanied by a live 10-piece band. Debbie currently performs as lead singer of the 2005 International Champion Quartet the BUZZ and is a studio singer for Warner Bros. promotional materials for educational choral publications.

The registration fee for the four-day camp is $225 through May 31 and $250 after. This fee includes admittance to the camp, professional instruction, fun activities, a T-shirt and lunches and dinners. A housing and meal option can be purchased for $94. Housing will be at Oak Hall, a residential hall on UMSL’s campus, featuring four-bedroom suites with a shared full bath. The meal option includes breakfast. Limited partial scholarships are available.

For more information and to register, call 314-516-6590 or visit acappelloozasummer.com.

About the University of Missouri–St. Louis School of Professional & Continuing Studies: The University of Missouri–St. Louis School of Professional & Continuing Studies provides courses, programs, conferences, and events that fulfill degree completion, professional development and personal enrichment goals for the lifelong learner. For more information, visit pcs.umsl.edu.

UMSL Chancellor Tom George will be the guest monologist for the May 15 performance by The Improv Shop at the Touhill Center at UMSL. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The Improv Shop, featuring guest monologist Tom George, chancellor of the University of Missouri–St. Louis, will bring its improvisational comedy to UMSL. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. May 15 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. 

Founded in 2009, The Improv Shop is St. Louis’ only long-form improvisational comedy training school and theater. This performance will feature the Armando format – Tom George will tell a personal tale about summer vacation, and the improv troupe will build a series of hysterical vignettes that interweave characters, plot, story and other details.

George is a community leader and fundraiser. As a professor of chemistry and physics at UMSL, he’s an internationally recognized as an active researcher specializing in chemical-materials-laser physics and nanoscience, including nanomedicine. 

George is also an accomplished jazz pianist, who has performed extensively at venues throughout Missouri and Illinois, as well as universities in China, Hungary, Romania, Kuwait, Bosnia and Croatia.

The Improve Shop performance is for mature audiences. Tickets for the show are $10-$15 and can be purchased at the box office, online at touhill.org or by phone at 314-516-4949.

Note: UMSL Events contains information about events that will occur in the seven days following publication (Friday-Thursday). It contains information compiled from the UMSL Campus Calendar. No submissions are accepted, and since the calendar is self-populated, University Marketing and Communications is not responsible for the content that appears here or its accuracy. If you would like to receive UMSL Events via e-mail, you can subscribe to UMSL Daily or UMSL Daily Events.

Textbook Sell Back
Date/Time: May 10, 2013 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: UMSL Bookstore
Audience: Student
Description: It’s Textbook Sell Back time! Stop by the UMSL Bookstore to sell back your Textbooks. Guaranteed buyback; receive a minimum 5.00 for each textbook you sell. Enter to win a iPad, each textbook you sell enters you to win! For more details visit umslbookstore.com
For Info: Stephanie Eaton at 314-516-5763

Chancellor’s Report to the Community
Date/Time: May 10, 2013 11:15 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: America’s Center – Downtown St. Louis
Audience: Faculty/Staff
Description: In the largest external event put on by the University of Missouri–St. Louis, the Chancellor will be reporting to attending community leaders and benefactors. Reservations are required.
For Info: Cindy Vantine at 314-516-5442

Exam Preparation-Relaxation Training
Date/Time: May 10, 2013 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: MSC Rm. 314
Audience: Open
Description: Learn relaxation techniques to manage stress and maximize test performance.
For Info: Rochelle DeClue at 314-516-5532

Information Systems Advisory Board Meeting
Date/Time: May 10, 2013 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: 104 Express Scripts Hall (ESH)
Audience: Open
Description: The meeting begins at 3:00 pm in 104 ESH.
For Info: Dr. Vicki Sauter at 314-516-6281

New Works: Contemporary Choreographer’s Series
Date/Time: May 10, 2013 8:00 PM
Location: Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall, Touhill PAC
Audience: Open
Description: Four new works mark the return of Saint Louis Ballet’s spring repertory program, co-presented with the Touhill Performing Arts Center. This exciting mixed-bill lineup features world premieres by renowned artist Christopher d’Amboise and Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi that will highlight the dancers’ artistry and technique. The program also features a comedic duet to Rossini’s William Tell Overture choreographed by Dance St. Louis’ Michael Uthoff, and Reflections by The Joffrey Ballet co-founder Gerald Arpino, whose work has had a major impact on Four new works mark the return of Saint Louis Ballet’s spring repertory program, co-presented with the Touhill Performing Arts Center. This exciting mixed-bill lineup features world premieres by renowned artist Christopher d’Amboise and Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi that will highlight the dancers’ artistry and technique. Discounted SNAP student and faculty/staff tickets available – hurry, quantities are limited.
For Info: Ticket Office at 314-516-4949

Weekend Tour – Broad Horn Flat Boat
Date/Time: May 11, 2013 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: St. Louis Mercantile Library
Audience: Open
Description: Join us at the Mercantile Library at UMSL for a free, docent-led tour which focuses on a specific aspect of St. Louis or Missouri history. Our weekend tours provide a wonderful opportunity for lively discussions about topics ranging from the founding of St. Louis to the Mercantile’s art collections, plus much more! No reservations are required. Please call 314-516-7248 for more information.
For Info: Valenda Curtis at 314-516-7248

New Works: Contemporary Choreographer’s Series
Date/Time: May 11, 2013 8:00 PM
Location: Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall, Touhill PAC
Audience: Open
Description: Four new works mark the return of Saint Louis Ballet’s spring repertory program, co-presented with the Touhill Performing Arts Center. This exciting mixed-bill lineup features world premieres by renowned artist Christopher d’Amboise and Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi that will highlight the dancers’ artistry and technique. The program also features a comedic duet to Rossini’s William Tell Overture choreographed by Dance St. Louis’ Michael Uthoff, and Reflections by The Joffrey Ballet co-founder Gerald Arpino, whose work has had a major impact on Four new works mark the return of Saint Louis Ballet’s spring repertory program, co-presented with the Touhill Performing Arts Center. This exciting mixed-bill lineup features world premieres by renowned artist Christopher d’Amboise and Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi that will highlight the dancers’ artistry and technique. Discounted SNAP student and faculty/staff tickets available – Hurry, quantities are limited.
For Info: Ticket Office at 314-516-4949

Textbook Sell Back
Date/Time: May 13, 2013 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: UMSL Bookstore
Audience: Student
Description: It’s Textbook Sell Back time! Stop by the UMSL Bookstore to sell back your Textbooks. Guaranteed buyback; receive a minimum 5.00 for each textbook you sell. Enter to win a iPad, each textbook you sell enters you to win! For more details visit umslbookstore.com
For Info: Stephanie Eaton at 314-516-5763

Textbook Sell Back
Date/Time: May 14, 2013 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: UMSL Bookstore
Audience: Student
Description: It’s Textbook Sell Back time! Stop by the UMSL Bookstore to sell back your Textbooks. Guaranteed buyback; receive a minimum 5.00 for each textbook you sell. Enter to win a iPad, each textbook you sell enters you to win! For more details visit umslbookstore.com
For Info: Stephanie Eaton at 314-516-5763

Weight Watchers at Work
Date/Time: May 14, 2013 11:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Location: 225 MSC, Conference Room
Audience: Open
Description: Come join Weight Watchers at Work on-campus any Tuesday. A group of faculty and staff meet with a Weight Watchers facilitator on a weekly basis. To initiate the process, follow these instructions: Go to wellness.weightwatchers.com Enter Company ID: 46814 Enter Company Passcode: WW46814 Register as a new member GENERAL INFORMATION: Meeting Times are Tuesdays 11:30am-12:30pm in 225 MSC $39.95/month Includes free access to E-Tools, an on-line resource to help with your success Questions or interest in the program? Contact Teresa Balestreri (ext. 5002; tkb@umsl.edu)
For Info: Teresa Balestreri at 314-516-5002

Reception: PPRC Photography Project – Normandy Proud!
Date/Time: May 14, 2013 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM
Location: Social Sciences/Business BLDG, 4th floor hallway
Audience: Open
Description: Join us for an opening reception to launch this photo exhibit! The Normandy Proud Photography Project connected Normandy staff and alumni with youth currently in the school system and to gave the people of Normandy a chance to reflect positively on their community. The exhibit are on view through September 9 in the PPRC Photography Gallery.
For Info: Becky Pastor at 314-516-5277

Mass and Soup
Date/Time: May 14, 2013 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Catholic Newman Center
Audience: Open
Description: Every Tuesday we gather at the Newman Center in our Living Room. All are welcome, we are a friendly group and would love to see you. This Mass is very relaxing, so you should check it out if you need some quality time with God. Also, we have a simple but delicious meal of homemade soup and bread available afterwards.
For Info: Rachelle Simon at 314-385-3455

Textbook Sell Back
Date/Time: May 15, 2013 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: UMSL Bookstore
Audience: Student
Description: It’s Textbook Sell Back time! Stop by the UMSL Bookstore to sell back your Textbooks. Guaranteed buyback; receive a minimum 5.00 for each textbook you sell. Enter to win a iPad, each textbook you sell enters you to win! For more details visit umslbookstore.com
For Info: Stephanie Eaton at 314-516-5763

Mindfulness Meditation
Date/Time: May 15, 2013 12:15 PM to 12:45 PM
Location: Center for Student Success conference room– 225 MSC
Audience: Open
Description: Mindfulness Meditation is a proven—and increasingly popular—method for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and a variety of medical conditions. Incorporating Mindfulness into your schedule can enhance your overall well-being and allow you to live your life more fully. These weekly guided Mindfulness activities are free and open to beginning as well as experienced meditators.
For Info: Jamie Linsin at 314-516-5711

The Improv Shop
Date/Time: May 15, 2013 7:30 PM
Location: Lee Theater, Touhill Performing Arts Center
Audience: Open
Description: This hilarious, Chicago-style improv will feature the Armando format – a monologist tells a personal story based on the evening’s theme and the troupe then builds a series of hysterical vignettes that interweave characters, plot, story and other details. St. Louis’ own Improv Shop is known for creating dynamic comedy improv. Discounted SNAP student and faculty/staff tickets available – Hurry, quantities are limited.
For Info: Ticket Office at 314-516-4949

Textbook Sell Back
Date/Time: May 16, 2013 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: UMSL Bookstore
Audience: Student
Description: It’s Textbook Sell Back time! Stop by the UMSL Bookstore to sell back your Textbooks. Guaranteed buyback; receive a minimum 5.00 for each textbook you sell. Enter to win a iPad, each textbook you sell enters you to win! For more details visit umslbookstore.com
For Info: Stephanie Eaton at 314-516-5763