They have lots of reasons for returning to college. They need a degree to get ahead. They haven’t forgotten their dream to be a teacher, accountant, scientist, nurse. They all share a certain drive and maturity level. They want to finish the job.

At the University of Missouri–St. Louis these returning students make up nearly 75 percent of the student population. And next Tuesday a whole new group of transfer students will take a big step toward those dreams.

Organizers of UMSL’s June 25 Transfer Tuesday event are expecting more than 100 students and 64 family members and guests to attend. It is the second of four Transfer Tuesday half-day orientation events scheduled this summer for students enrolling in fall 2013.

“We compress a lot of information between 1 and 4 p.m.,” said Megan Green, director of New Student Programs. “We will have a big university welcome for everyone and then we break up into smaller academic and college groups where students can meet with faculty and academic advisers to discuss their academic expectations and their schedule. Students will also have time to mingle and talk with various staff members and current students serving as their orientation leader.”

Breakout groups on Tuesday also will address money matters, career development, campus safety, getting involved and other campus essentials. Students cannot register for orientation until the admission process has been completed.

All transfer students are required to participate in orientation sessions. In addition to the June 25 event, Transfer Tuesdays are scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. July 23  and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13.

Visit umsl.edu/orientation for more information and to register for Transfer Tuesdays.

Shweta Galande (left) and Kyle Renaud were recently named UMSL Senior Student-Athletes of the year, while Kelsie Rankin earned the inaugural Inspirational Award.

The University of Missouri–St. Louis Department of Athletics recently honored its 42 graduating seniors at the Fourth Annual Senior Student-Athlete Banquet, held at the Hilton St. Louis Airport in Woodson Terrace, Mo. 

Each senior was individually honored, while two members of the class were also recognized for being selected as Senior Student-Athletes of the Year. The female recipient was women’s golf’s Shweta Galande, while the male recipient was baseball’s Kyle Renaud.

Additionally, Kelsie Rankin of volleyball was honored with the inaugural Inspirational Award.

Galande has left her mark on the women’s golf program, having nearly rewritten the record book single-handedly during her four-year standout career.

During her time as a UMSL Tritons athlete, she has put the program in the national spotlight, guiding UMSL to four straight NCAA Super Regional appearances and twice qualifying for the NCAA Championships as an individual.

She earned All-Great Lakes Valley Conference accolades for the fourth straight year by finishing fifth in the annual league tournament.

Galande is the program’s all-time scoring average leader and shot 77.9 for her career. She has earned medalist honors four times, including winning the individual title as a junior at the GLVC Championship.

This season, she led the team with a scoring average of 77.5, which broke her own single season record, and has finished in the top 10 in eight tournaments, including placing in the top five in seven of those.

A three-time GLVC Pitcher of the Week this season, Renaud has established himself as one of the best relief pitchers in the country this season.

Renaud broke a 20-year-old UMSL single season saves record by recording two saves against the UnIllinois-Springfield. He currently has 16 saves, which ranks as the fifth best single season total in NCAA Division II history.

He also ranked second on the career charts with 17 career saves, one shy of the record of 18 set by Bob Simpson from 1985-87.

This season, Renaud boasted a team-best 1.69 ERA and owns a 3-1 record in 26 appearances. He allowed just nine earned runs in 49.2 innings of work.

Rankin was a five-year member of the volleyball program who had her share of ups and downs on the court. After starting her first three years and helping the 2010 team to the NCAA Tournament as a junior, she suffered a torn ACL that spring. Rankin had a successful surgery and redshirted her fourth year – what would have been her senior season.

Following surgery and rehab, Rankin was ready to come back for her fifth year. However, on the Sunday before the 2012 season was to start, she once again tore her ACL during an open gym. Following another successful surgery, she spent August, September and October, rehabbing intensively with the trainers and through her dedication and hard work, was cleared to play in October.

On October 13th at the GLVC-GLIAC Crossover Tournament, Rankin stepped foot on the court for the first time in nearly two years. She finished out the season as a key defensive player for the Tritons. 

Congratulations and best of luck to all of the following UMSL seniors:

Volleyball: Corinne Hoekstra, Liz Jaeger, Jennie Manis, Kelsie Rankin and Haley Woods.

Men’s Soccer: Jordan Bruce, Ajdin Dedic, Peter Hyde, Thomas Mihalczo, Dan Olwig, Patrick Ream, Gino Valenti and Luc Wells.

Women’s Soccer: Kelly Goehring and Jamie Morton.

Women’s Basketball: Molly Barnes, Angie Johnson and Deaven Omohundro.

Men’s Basketball: Justin Jones, Joshua McCoy, Isiah Nunn and Vinnie Raimondo.

Women’s Golf: Shweta Galande, Chelsea Kellogg and Samantha Pelc.

Men’s Golf: John Neis and Chase Smith.

Softball: Haleigh Jenkins.

Baseball: Nolan Craig, Andy Flett, Tim Hassett, Taylor Holman, Lucas Matecki, Charlie Mohr, Trevor Nathanson, John Pilackas, Kyle Renaud, Drew Standefer and Brett Wolf.

Cheerleading: Danielle Smith, Jennifer Green and Jason Little.

Charles Nowell, a junior majoring in art at UMSL, designed the logos used for Jubilee Brew, an Irish-style red ale created by Ferguson Brewing to celebrate the university’s 50th anniversary. (Photo by August Jennewein)

Ferguson (Mo.) Brewing Company, the closest brewery to the University of Missouri–St. Louis, wanted to do something special to celebrate UMSL’s 50th anniversary. That led to Jubilee Brew, an Irish-style red ale made to honor a half century of education and excellence at the university. It also led to learning opportunities at UMSL. 

Perhaps no one can appreciate this more than Charles Nowell, who parlayed a celebratory beer into a head start on a graphic design career.

The 24-year-old junior studio art major was one of more than 30 students from two UMSL graphic design courses to submit proposed logos to represent Jubilee Brew. Nowell’s design was selected as the winner and is now emblazoned across shaker pints, growlers, coasters and T-shirts at the brewery. If you order a Jubilee Brew at Ferguson Brewing, it’s Nowell’s specially designed tap handle the bartender pulls for your pint pour.

“The coolest part of this is actually seeing somebody purchase the shirt, glass or growler with my design on it,” said Nowell, who’s interested in pursuing a career in motion graphics, print or web design in the St. Louis area.

The Crestwood, Mo., native originally set his career sites on clothing design and applied to faraway programs like the Fashion Institute of Technology at State College of New York, Parsons the New School for Design in New York and the Savannah (Ga.) College of Art and Design. Costs to attend those schools kept him in St. Louis where he matriculated at a community college and another university before transferring to UMSL. Nowell said he couldn’t be happier with the graphic design program he’s enrolled in at UMSL, especially the faculty members.

“They have really high standards, which is good because it pushes you harder,” he said.

For the Jubilee Brew logo design competition, Nowell said he had a little over three weeks to create his concept. He worked his way through four or five versions with various typefaces. After scrapping each of them, he ultimately designed his own font.

Nowell is a fan of fonts used in circus posters. It’s a classic style, he said, historic but timeless and not so serious that it feels stuffy. He paid homage to that in his design.

“When you look at old Ringling Brothers posters, they still feel relevant,” he said. “Like the old Coca-Cola typeface – it’s from a specific time period, but it’s still relevant today.”

For Nowell’s Jubilee Brew logo, he tried to instill St. Louis iconography, like a fleur-de-lis as the backdrop. He pointed to green hexagons and said they were to indicate hops.

Jennifer McKnight, associate professor of art at UMSL, oversaw Nowell’s class. She, along with Bruce Sachs, adjunct assistant professor of art, and representatives from Ferguson Brewing Co. and University Marketing and Communications at UMSL, judged the competition.

“Charles’ logotype is reminiscent of old poster broadsides you might find at the World’s Fair,” McKnight said. “We liked that he didn’t rehash UMSL’s logo, but extended our campus’ energy and spirit with active type.” 

Nowell said he’s learned a lot from the project, especially in working directly with printers in order to see his design come to fruition as Ferguson breweriana. He also enjoyed the experience as a craft beer fan who’s fond of the Schlafly brand and frequents Ferguson Brewing Co.

As far as craft beer design aesthetics, he lists St. Louis’ Urban Chestnut Brewing Company and Rogue Ales in Newport, Ore., among his favorites. He also really liked the Jubilee Brew designs concocted by his fellow classmates and said many of them could have easily been chosen as the winning design over his. Nowell remains grateful for the opportunity and experience gained, as well as the additions to his portfolio.

“I know he’s learned a lot from it,” McKnight said. “The design department is also pleased to have our work serving the community we live and work in.”

Nowell and his classmates weren’t the only UMSL students to learn from the Jubilee Brew. Josh Wilson, brewmaster at Ferguson Brewing Co., discussed the science of beer and gave members of the UMSL Chemistry Club a tour of the brewery in the fall. The club president and faculty adviser, Erin Lowry and Mike Nichols, respectively, returned this spring to help Wilson brew a batch of Jubilee Brew. And communication majors wrote about the beer in the quarterly UMSL Jubilee newsletter. 

Visit the UMSL YouTube page to view a video by Alicia Hottle-Sippy of Lowry, Nichols and Wilson’s brew day at Ferguson Brewing Co.

Matthew Diamond, a senior anthropology major at UMSL, sifts through dirt looking for artifacts while excavating the former homestead of Daniel Boone Hays, grandson of the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone. (Photo by Myra Lopez)

Equipped with trowels, brushes and plenty of mosquito spray, a group of University of Missouri–St. Louis students recently worked to unearth St. Louis history.

The students, led by Patti Wright, associate professor of anthropology at UMSL, spent about two weeks excavating a cabin and out building at the former homestead of Daniel Boone Hays, grandson of the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone in rural St. Charles County near Defiance, Mo. The cabin dates back to 1812.

“It’s been really great,” said Matthew Diamond, a senior anthropology student from Lemay, Mo.

He was excited to get his first field-work course under his belt.

“I’m really glad to be out here and learning how things happen in the field,” he said. “It’s really cool to be finding something that no one has seen for so long. That’s really neat.”

The students cordoned off areas in the dirt and meticulously dug straight down 10 centimeters at a time. The dirt they collected was then sifted. Items unearthed by students included animal bones, old nails, ceramic pieces and bottles.

Last year, students excavated remains of the cabin as well as several units placed outside the main house on the property, built in 1830. The 2012 dig yielded nearly a thousand items including a $10 gold piece from 1879.

St. Charles County owns the property and plans on developing the area into a park and converting the main house into a museum. The items recovered by the students will be exhibited in the museum.

The students who took part in the dig were enrolled in ANTHRO 4100, Field Methods in Archaeology, a course offered by the anthropology program through the School of Professional & Continuing Studies at UMSL.

Hannah Perryman is a pitcher on the UMSL softball team. (Photo by Danny Reise)

Freshman pitcher Hannah Perryman of the University of Missouri–St. Louis softball team has been named a 2013 National Fastpitch Coaches Association Softball All-American. Perryman was selected to the third team and is just the fourth player in program history to be named a NCAA Division II All-American. She was also named a Third Team All-American by Daktronics, Inc.

Allyson DeFosset was the last player to earn All-American status, doing so in 2009, while Lisa Houska was tabbed to the second team in 1989 and was a first-team all-American pick in 1991. Laurie Aldy was a second-team all-American in 1987, becoming the program’s first player to earn the honor.

Perryman, who was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year and earned NFCA and Daktronics, Inc., First Team All-Midwest Region honors, led NCAA Division II in strikeouts with 352. Her 12.2 strikeouts per seven innings also topped the national rankings. Additionally, Perryman ranks fifth nationally in hits per seven innings, allowing just 3.78 and is eighth with nine shutouts.

The young hurler posted a 24-6 record in the circle with a 1.55 ERA.

Perryman twice recorded a career-best 18 strikeouts in a single game this season, including once in a seven-inning 6-1 win over Drury University (Springfield, Mo.), which ties the third best total in any seven-inning game in NCAA Division II history. Her 12.3 strikeouts per seven innings this season also ranks sixth all-time in NCAA Division II history.

Perryman is a criminology and criminal justice major.

Adnan Smajic, a student pursuing a master’s degree in psychology and a student adviser for New Student Orientation at UMSL, talks with a prospective student during NSO on June 6. (Photo by August Jennewein)

When Emma Daus was a student at Rosati-Kain High School in St. Louis, she attended Extreme IT Summer Academy at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. She credits the camp with helping her make a decision about where to go to college.

“That camp was really fun, and the people at UMSL were so nice,” Daus said. “Then I received an Opportunity Scholarship and visited the campus a lot for interviews. I knew then UMSL was for me.”

Daus was one of more than 175 students on campus last week for New Student Orientation. There are six more orientation sessions remaining for new students this summer.

NSO is a one-day, mandatory program designed to help incoming students make a comfortable transition to university life at UMSL. All first-time freshmen and students with 30 or less transferable credit hours must attend orientation. Transfer students applying to UMSL can attend one of three Transfer Tuesday half-day sessions offered on campus.

Family members are invited to orientation sessions. They attend some meetings with their students and other meetings dealing with issues such as the benefits and costs of a university education, campus life and helpful tips for supporting an emerging adult child.

April Sanders attended NSO with her son, Justin, who also gave several reasons for choosing UMSL. He will be attending the Pierre Laclede Honors College and living on campus thanks to several scholarships.

“And it’s just a really good fit for him,” Sanders said. “Our daughter goes to a much bigger university, and that’s not what he wanted. UMSL’s classes are small and he’s close enough to home to visit often.”

Dave Guntli was eating lunch with his daughter, Anna, who has already decided on a career in Optometry. UMSL’s pre-professional honors program in optometry allows students to complete their undergraduate and professional studies in seven years through the Pierre Laclede Honors College and UMSL’s College of Optometry.

“I like Anna’s choice because the tuition is much more affordable than other schools,” Guntli said. “My two brothers graduated from here. And it’s kind of nice to have her close to home for a while longer.”

Samuel Choe graduated from Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, Mo., and is enrolled in the Pre-Med program. Proximity dominated his reasoning for attending UMSL.

“It’s close to home, which means I’ll be close to some of my friends at Mizzou, and I can visit them,” Choe said. “And I’m very active in my church and didn’t want to leave that.”

Visit New Student Programs for details on orientation, Transfer Tuesdays, the upcoming Family Weekend and Weeks of Welcome in August.

Alumnus Steve Albart, MPPA 1997, was featured May 6 in The Lincoln County (Mo.) Journal article “Albart ‘Champion of Kids’ recipient.”

The Arianna String Quartet, artist-in-residence, performed the concert “Voices of Spring,” which was selected on May 3 as an “Editor’s pick” and “Best Bet” by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Jason Atkins, research associate for the Center for Nanoscience, was featured May 24 in the St. Louis Business Journal article “Arch Grants winners receive additional grants from UMSL.”

Ryan Barrett, interim director of the Veterans Center, discussed the struggles and opportunities to help veterans who are transitioning back into civilian life on the May 28 episode of “St. Louis on the Air,” a program on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

Carole Basile, dean of the College of Education, was quoted May 2 in the KSDK (Channel 5) story “Common core curriculum meetings begin in Missouri.” Basile was quoted May 6 in the St. Louis Beacon article “New university for Missouri gets big backing.” She was quoted May 7 in the St. Louis Beacon article “Western Governors U. gets warm welcome in Missouri – mostly.”

Edward Bennett, associate professor of optometry, co-wrote the May 1 Contact Lens Spectrum article “Paying tribute to Sheldon Wechsler, OD, FAAO.”

Alumnus Michael Benz, BA English 1993, was featured May 15 in the St. Louis Review article “Six new priests ordained for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.”

Kathleen Burns, academic director of the School of Professional & Continuing Studies, was featured in the May 19 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “AP courses vs. dual credit: What’s best for high school students?”

Alan Byrd, dean of enrollment services, discussed what’s next for students after they graduate on the May 9 episode of “Stay Tuned” on KETC (Channel 9). Byrd was interviewed May 20 for the KSDK (Channel 5) story “For-profit colleges investigation.”

Sarah Caudill, a junior chemistry major, was quoted May 31 in the KSDK (Channel 5) story “Student loan debt struggles; little known govt program could help.”

Rita Csapo-Sweet, associate professor of media studies, was featured May 30 in the University City (Mo.) Patch article “U City resident/UMSL scholar wins award for cross-cultural engagement.”

Serene Darwish, a junior biology major, was featured May 16 in the Hazelwood (Mo.) Patch article “Hazelwood West graduate awarded grant to study birds in South America.”

Dorothy Denny, a social worker with Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis, was quoted May 2 in the KMOV (Channel 4) story “Father accused of abusing infant out on bond for previous child abuse allegations.”

Perry Drake, assistant professor of business administration, was quoted May 3 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Bonfyre, a local startup and app, offers a more private way to share.”

Julie Dunn-Morton, senior manuscript specialist for the St. Louis Mercantile Library, was quoted May 3 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “3 tips for buying art on a budget.”

Chancellor Tom George was quoted May 6 in the West (St. Louis County) Newsmagazine article “Hands-on Learning.” George was featured May 10 in the St. Louis Beacon article “UMSL at 50: Value given.”

Alumnus Paul Hackbarth, BA communication 2008, was featured May 8 in The Rolla (Mo.) Daily News article “Q&A with the new Rolla Daily News managing editor.”

Carl Hoagland, Emerson Electric Company Endowed Professor in Technology and Learning, discussed what’s next for students after they graduate on the May 9 episode of “Stay Tuned” on KETC (Channel 9).

Alumna Vanessa Howard, MEd 2000, was featured May 22 in The St. Louis American article “Vanessa Howard is Ferguson-Florissant’s 2013 Teacher of the Year.”

Dan Isom, Endowed Professor in Policing and Community, was featured May 20 in the CNN iReport story “St. Louis initiative to reduce violence.” Isom was quoted May 20 in the St. Louis Beacon article “Coalition of city and county groups strives to tackle violence, uplift poor communities.” He was featured May 20 in the KPLR (Channel 11) story “Hot spot policing initiative expands to county.” Isom was featured May 20 in the St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU story “St. Louis initiative to reduce violence focused on community support for sustainability.”

Sharon Johnson, associate professor of social work, was quoted May 23 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “$7 million more in mental health funding could go to St. Louis County children.”

Terry Jones, professor of political science, was interviewed May 16 for the “Missouri/Illinois legislative wrap up” episode of “Stay Tuned” on KETC (Channel 9). Jones discussed what happened during the 2013 Missouri legislative session during the May 20 episode of “St. Louis on the Air,” a program on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

Alumnus Orvin Kimbrough, MBA 2002, was featured May 15 in the Associated Press article “Orvin Kimbrough to take over St. Louis United Way.” Kimbrough was featured May 15 in the St. Louis Business Journal article “United Way names Kimbrough president and CEO.” He was featured May 15 in the KTVI (Channel 2) story “Orvin Kimbrough named new president & CEO of United Way.” Kimbrough was featured May 15 in The St. Louis American article “Orvin Kimbrough to lead United Way of Greater St. Louis.” He was featured May 16 in The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.) article “United Way reaches inside for new boss.”

Tony Kimple Jr., a freshman theatre and dance major, was featured May 30 in the Ladue (Mo.) News article “Volunteer Spotlight: Tony Kimple Jr.”

David Klinger, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, was quoted May 14 in the KOMU (Channel 8) (Columbia, Mo.) article “Target 8: Digging into law enforcement homicide of Timothy Simpson.” Klinger was quoted May 20 in the NBC News story “Cop in NY shooting that left hostage dead faced split-second decisions.” He was quoted May 21 in the CBS News story “Andrew Rebello update: Family of accidentally slain Hofstra Univ. student criticizes police.”

Edward Lawrence, professor of finance, was quoted May 3 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Too-big-to-fail problem may have a capital solution.”

Brian Levin, head coach of the softball team, was quoted May 6 in the Examiner (St. Louis) article “Woods’ walkoff lifts UMSL softball to first GLVC Championship.”

Kristian Marlow, a student pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy, wrote the May 3 Psychology Today article “Sloppy psychology and Zero Tolerance Policies.”

Brenda McPhail, associate vice chancellor for development, was quoted May 30 in the University City (Mo.) Patch article “UMSL donors create 19 scholarships; 35 more in the works for next year.”

Tom McPhail, professor of media studies, was featured May 21 in the University City (Mo.) Patch article “U City resident joins advisory group at Peruvian University.”

Gary Meier, who’s pursuing an MEd, was featured May 17 in the Riverfront Times article “Father Gary Meier, St. Louis Catholic priest, announces he is gay.” Meier wrote the May 21 Huffington Post commentary “No longer anonymous: Why I decided to come out as a gay priest.” He wrote the May 30 Huffington Post article “Questions after coming out as a gay Catholic priest.” Meier was featured May 25 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “In coming out as gay, Catholic priest sparks debate about church stance.”

Jean Miller, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, was featured May 9 in the St. Louis Business Journal article “Jean Miller | People.”

Mohit Patel, research associate for the Center for Nanoscience, was featured May 24 in the St. Louis Business Journal article “Arch Grants winners receive additional grants from UMSL.”

Hannah Perryman, a freshman on the UMSL softball team, was featured May 1 in the Daily Herald (Arlington, Ill.) article “Elgin grad Perryman sets UMSL strikeout record.”

Alumnus Jerry Rabushka, BA political science 1983, was featured May 19 in the Vital Voice (St. Louis) article “Rabushka’s ‘Star Bryan.’”

Robert Ricklefs, Curators’ Professor of Biology, was quoted May 20 in the New Scientist article “Why penguins dumped flight for flippers.” Ricklefs was quoted in the May 21 Wired UK article “Study: Penguins stopped flying to perfect diving ability, saving energy.” He was quoted May 20 in the NBC News story “Penguins have flightless wings, all the better to swim with, my dear.” Ricklefs was quoted May 20 in the Discovery News article “How penguins lost their ability to fly.” He was quoted May 20 in the Science article “Why penguins don’t fly.” Ricklefs was quoted May 20 in the Nature article “Why penguins cannot fly.” He was quoted May 21 in the Scientific American article “Why penguins cannot fly.” Ricklefs was quoted May 21 in the LiveScience article “Why penguins quit flying.”

Dave Robertson, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science, was quoted May 18 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Conflict-ridden Missouri legislation session could lead to more Nixon vetoes.” Robertson was quoted May 19 in the Associated Press article “Analysis: Missouri GOP success in eye of beholder,” which numerous media outlets ran, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Kansas City (Mo.) Star and St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

J. Martin Rochester, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science, wrote the May 30 St. Louis Jewish Light article “Aftermath of Boston Bombings: Thoughts on fighting ‘War on Terror.’”

Richard Rosenfeld, Curators’s Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, was quoted May 3 in the KOMU (Channel 8) (Columbia, Mo.) story “Homicides in Missouri cities surpass mass shootings.” Rosenfeld was quoted May 15 in the Columbia Missourian article “ANALYSIS: Blacks ‘overrepresented’ in Columbia traffic stops and arrests.” He was quoted May 18 in The Times-Picayune (New Orleans) article “Crime experts question NOPD stats that paint New Orleans as a safe city with a murder problem.” He was quoted May 23 in The Times-Picayune article “New Orleans’ murder problem is its crime problem: Jarvis DeBerry.”

Wendy Saul, the Dr. Allen B. And Helen S. Shopmaker Endowed Professor for Education, was quoted May 4 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Book bank finds better ways to help developing countries.”

Wally Siewert, director of the Center for Ethics in Public Life, wrote the May 20 St. Louis Beacon commentary “Is political ethics an oxymoron?” Siewert wrote the May 28 St. Louis Beacon commentary “Ethics survey: Good news and bad.” 

Natissia Small, assistant dean of students and head of precollegiate programs, was quoted May 30 in The St. Louis American article “UMSL’s Bridge program helps students prepare.”

Bob Sunvold, head coach of the men’s basketball team, was featured May 28 in the Journal Gazette & Times-Courier (Mattoon, Ill.) article “UMSL calls Sundvold back into head coaching.”

Todd Swanstrom, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration, was quoted May 22 in the St. Louis Beacon article “City officials see promise – and peril – in changing block grant process.”

Don Sweeney, associate director of the Center for Transportation Studies, was quoted May 6 in the Reuters article “Amid budget cutbacks, U.S. shipping sector seeks more federal funds.” He was featured May 20 in The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer article “Charlotte looks to airport rail yard as engine for growth.”

Kenneth Thomas, professor of political science, discussed the topic “fixing the debt” May 2 on the nationally syndicated television show “The Big Picture.” Thomas was quoted May 5 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “While CEO pay climbs, average workers tread water.” He wrote the May 24 Business Insider commentary “Mississippi sets a record for unreported subsidies.”

Alumnus Grayling Tobias, BSEd 1980, was featured May 2 in The St. Louis American article “Native son superintendent leads Hazelwood Schools.”

Erin Vasconcelles, counseling psychologist for University Health, Wellness, Counseling and Disability Access Services, was quoted May 25 in The State Journal-Register (Springfield, Ill.) article “Group helps growers share passion for orchids.”

Alumnus Brant Walker, BSBA 1987, was featured May 9 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Alton swears in new mayor.”

Judith Walker de Felix, vice provost for academic affairs, was quoted May 7 in the St. Louis Beacon article “Western Governors U. gets warm welcome in Missouri – mostly.”

Mel Watkin, director of the Public Policy Research Center Photography Project, was quoted May 29 in The St. Louis American article “’Normandy Proud’ photo exhibit.”

Tobi Williams, a senior psychology major, was featured May 30 in The St. Louis American article “UMSL’s Bridge program helps students prepare.”

Peter Wolfe, Curators’ Professor Emeritus of English, wrote the May 4 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Moral darkness covers le Carre’s new spy novel.”

Keith Womer, dean of the College of Business Administration, discussed what’s next for students after they graduate on the May 9 episode of “Stay Tuned” on KETC (Channel 9).

Véronique LaCapra, science reporter at St. Louis Public Radio, will travel with two UMSL graduate students to the Galapagos Islands for radio features produced through the PRX STEM Story Project. (Photo by August Jennewein)

St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU science reporter Véronique LaCapra is one of the winners of a competition sponsored by the Public Radio Exchange, or PRX, to fund public radio stories about science, technology, engineering and math.

LaCapra’s project, “Following in Darwin’s Footsteps,” was among those chosen from over 100 proposals that were submitted to PRX. For the story, LaCapra will travel to the Galapagos Islands with two graduate students studying ecology and evolution at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Her feature will weave together their research — on a type of malaria that affects birds — with a profile of the two young women scientists, one from Ecuador, the other from Papua New Guinea.

“I think the story will highlight some interesting science, but as importantly, it will show the changing face of who is doing scientific research, and why,” LaCapra said. “The Galapagos Islands, which were Darwin’s inspiration and a touchstone in the history of evolutionary biology, will serve as a sound-rich backdrop.”

The radio features produced through the PRX STEM Story Project will be distributed by PRX and are being funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Adam Tiemann, a senior secondary education major at UMSL, plays his original instrumental “When the Sun Comes Out” on a picture-perfect afternoon on the Quad at North Campus while fellow student, Jamahl McBean, a senior business administration major, listens in.

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

Kyle Renaud (left) is a senior relief pitcher on the UMSL baseball team and Tyler Bunge is a junior utility player. They recently were honored for being among the best baseball players in the Midwest region.

Senior relief pitcher Kyle Renaud of the University of Missouri–St. Louis baseball team has been named the Daktronics, Inc., Midwest Region Pitcher of the Year, as selected by the region’s sports information directors. Additionally, junior utility Tyler Bunge was selected to the second team.

Renaud, who was also named to the Daktronics, Inc., First Team All-Midwest Region team and earned ABCA/Rawlings First Team All-Midwest Region accolades, recorded an NCAA Division II best 16 saves this season, which also ranks as the fifth best single season total in DII history.

A First Team All-GLVC selection earlier this season and a three-time GLVC Pitcher of the Week honoree, Renaud also broke a 20-year-old UMSL single season record with 16 saves and finishes with 17 in his two-year career, which ranks second all-time in program history.

He also posted a 3-1 record on the mound in 25 appearances this season and posted a team-best 1.54 ERA, allowing just eight runs in 46.2 innings of work.

Bunge split time at second base and third base as well as the designated hitter spot this season. He started 43 games and finished second on the team in hits with 42, including eight doubles, and recorded 21 RBIs, while batting .323. He was also a First Team All-GLVC selection earlier this season.

The Daktronics, Inc. all-region teams are nominated and voted on by sports information directors from schools in the respective regions. It is sponsored by Daktronics, Inc., and focuses on awarding outstanding performances by student-athletes at the NCAA Division II level.