The Touhill Performing Arts Center will close out its November performances with two free shows featuring UMSL music students. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center will close out its November performances with two free shows featuring students from the Department of Music at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

If you’re in the mood for chamber music, be sure to check out the Student Chamber Music Concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27 in the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. The student ensembles will perform a variety of classical to contemporary pieces showcasing their amazing skill.

The following night promises to deliver an evening of wonderful piano music, featuring the students of Alla Voskoboynikova, teaching associate professor of music and director of keyboard studies at UMSL.

The piano studio recital will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28, in Lee Theater at the Touhill. The students will draw inspiration from composers of the 19th and 20th centuries – a time of big social and stylistic changes. The composers include Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, Alexander Scriabin, Sergey Prokofiev and many others.

Both performances are free and open to the public, and sponsored by the Department of Music at UMSL.

The body-bending dance troupe Pilobolus will perform at 8 p.m. on Nov. 9 and 10, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 10. at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL.

The world-renowned body-bending dance troupe Pilobolus will continue to test the boundaries of modern dance during a trio of performances at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

The avant-garde group of shape shifting dancer-athletes is sure to dazzle audiences. The dance company has been featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” as well as the “Academy Awards.”

They’ll perform at 8 p.m. on Nov. 9 and 10, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 10. The performances will be at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL, and will be presented by Dance St. Louis. Tickets are $35-$55. Call 314-516-4949 or visit touhill.org to purchase tickets.

The show is sponsored by St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Ameren is Dance St. Louis’ 2012-2013 season presenting sponsor. Dance St. Louis is supported by the Arts and Education Council, Missouri Arts Council, Regional Arts Commission, Mid-America Arts Alliance and National Endowment for the Arts.

Click here or below for a preview of Pilobolus’ performance.

Emerging Leader Program Mentor Applications Available
Date/Time: November 12-18, 2011
Location: Office of Student Life, 366 MSC
Audience: Open
Description: Emerging Leaders is a unique opportunity for UMSL students to get on the fast track to student leadership and campus and community involvement. Students participating in the Emerging Leaders Program will receive an insider’s perspective on Student Life at UMSL. Throughout the program, students will have an opportunity to develop their leadership abilities through workshops, activities and reflection in order to prepare them for future leadership experience at UMSL and beyond. Each mentor will be paired up with two participants with the same major. Mentors are trained by the Office of Student Life to develop leadership potential on a peer level. They operate as a campus and community resource for their mentees as well as being an observable example of the qualities, character and actions of a student leader. Applications are available in the Office of Student Life (366 MSC) and are due by 5 p.m. on Nov. 18. Contact Nick Messing at messingn@umsl.edu with any questions.
For Info: Nick Messing at 314-516-5217

Pipeline to Public Office
Date/Time: November 12, 2011 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: J.C. Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Pipeline to Public Office is a nonpartisan program designed to teach participants the personal skills and organization strategies that are key elements in successful campaigns for elected office. Cost: Postmarked by Nov. 4 $75 After Nov. 4 $100
For Info: Raina Traore-Gress at 314-516-5974

Paintball Adventure
Date/Time: November 12, 2011 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Gateway Paintball Park
Audience: Student
Description: Today is Campus Recreation’s PAINTBALL ADVENTURE at Gateway Paintball Park. Fun and excitement for everyone! The cost is only $10/UMSL student and includes a full day of paintball games and gear. *Participants must register and pay in advance. Registration is limited so call the Rec Office, 203MT, 516-5326, to see if spots are still available.
For Info: Campus Recreation Office, 203 Mark Twain at 314-516-5326

Sum of Motion Dance Concert
Date/Time: November 12, 2011 8:00 PM
Location: Lee Theater, Touhill Performing Arts Center
Audience: Open
Description: The Department of Theatre, Dance, & Media Studies presents the Fall Dance Concert. The Sum of Motion featuring choreography from UMSL Faculty and students and guest Modern American Dance Company. The Concert includes a variety of dances from Ballet to Modern. Come join the University of Missouri – St. Louis Department of Theatre and Dance for three evenings of dance and music. Tickets are $5.
For Info: Touhill Ticket Office at 314-516-4949

CNC Thanksgiving Potluck
Date/Time: November 13, 2011 5:30 PM
Location: Catholic Newman Center
Audience: Open
Description: Sign up to bring a dish and join us for a Thanksgiving Feast. Newman provides the turkey.
For Info: Rachelle Simon at 314-385-3455

‘India Night’
Date/Time: November 13, 2011 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: J.C. Penny Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: An evening of cultural performances, dance, music and authentic food. Come and experience Indian culture and heritage. Ticket Price: $10 in advance $12 at the door.
For Info: Nitesh Jain at 314-445-8344

Mass on Campus
Date/Time: November 13, 2011 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Provincial House Chapel
Audience: Open
Description: Our Mass is student centered and built to empower and engage college students to be able to understand and share the gospel with their lives. Remember we have a Mass Guide online for anyone unfamiliar with Liturgy or anyone who wants to bring their friends who might be, too. All are welcome! Check our website for directions.
For Info: Rachelle Simon at 314-385-3455

Spring Tai Chi Class Registration Begins Today
Date/Time: November 14, 2011
Location: 221 Mark Twain Building
Audience: Open
Description: Registration for the Spring Tai Chi class begins today. A modified Yang-style 24 Form Tai Chi and 18 Motion Tai Chi Qigong will be taught. This class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30PM to 6:30PM beginning January 24 through March 15. There is a one-time fee for the eight-week session: ($10 for UMSL students) ($30 for UMSL alumni, faculty, & staff) ($40 for all others). CLASS SIZE LIMITED TO 20.
For Info: Linda Gatson at 314-516-5091

Sentence Structure and Transitions
Date/Time: November 14, 2011 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: SSB 222
Audience: Open
Description: Grammar workshop on enhancing the flow and logic of a paper. Longer sentences pose challenges. Learn how to use transition words.
For Info: Nancy Mayer at 314-516-5182

The Major Challenge: Choosing a Major that Fits Who You Are
Date/Time: November 14, 2011 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Location: Center for Student Success – Millennium Student Center 225
Audience: Student
Description: Have you ever questioned your major choice or wondered if you will find a major that’s right for you? In this workshop, we will debunk common myths such as “There is only one right major for me,” or “A major is the same as a career.” You will learn how to identify majors and career paths that are a good fit for your personality, interests, strengths, and values. Students may follow-up with individual assistance.
For Info: Antionette Sterling at 314-516-5300

PRIZM Meeting
Date/Time: November 14, 2011 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Location: 3rd floor of MSC Meeting Room
Audience: Open
Description: Meeting for anyone interested in or a member of PRIZM- Queer Straight Student Alliance at UMSL.
For Info: Adie Bennett at 314-516-5013

International Students Studying in America: Let’s Talk
Date/Time: November 14, 2011 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM
Location: Center for Student Success – Millennium Student Center 225
Audience: Student
Description: In this workshop, you will meet other international students, discuss issues relating to adjusting to college and living in the U.S., discuss customs and language and learn how to manage stress of living abroad and learn how to succeed in American classrooms.
For Info: Antionette Sterling at 314-516-5300

Information Systems Mentor/Protégé Event
Date/Time: November 14, 2011 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: 204 ESH
Audience: Open
Description: The topic will be “Building Apps for Business Advantage”
For Info: Dr. Joseph Rottman at 314-516-6286

UMSL Gospel Choir’s Evening of Thanksgiving Concert
Date/Time: November 14, 2011 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: MSC – Pilot House, 1st Floor
Audience: Open
Description: You are invited to our 2nd Annual “Evening of Thanksgiving” concert! Come and be uplifted through spiritual song and praises with the UMSL Gospel Choir and special guest speaker Pastor McCaa from the New Life Fellowship Church. Cost: $3 with a canned good donation, $5 without a canned good donation.
For Info: Dasma Hopkins at 314-516-4432

Intramural Basketball Contests
Date/Time: November 15, 2011 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Mark Twain Rec Center (GYM)
Audience: Faculty/Staff/Students
Description: Campus Recreation is sponsoring two basketball skill competitions this week, a HOT SHOT TOURNEY and a FREE THROW CONTEST. Competition will take place daily in the Mark Twain Gym, 11:00am-1:00pm (Nov. 15-18). These fun basketball contests are free and open to students and fac/staff. T-shirts awarded to top shooters. Drop by any of the 4 days and give it your best shot!! No advance registration is necessary.
For Info: Campus Recreation Office, 203 Mark Twain at 314-516-5326

Word Forms and Articles
Date/Time: November 15, 2011 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: SSB 222
Audience: Open
Description: Grammar workshop on word forms. Learn to avoid sending a noun to do a verb’s job. Also: when to use “a,” when to use “the,” and when to use neither.
For Info: Denise Mussman at 314-516-5186

Lunch and Learn: The Ethics of Love and Sex
Date/Time: November 15, 2011 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Century Room C
Audience: Open
Description: Come to a Q&A session with John Brunero, Brit Brogaard, and Eric Wiland to figure what is naughty and nice in life. Also come enjoy free lunch.
For Info: Erin Potts at 314-516-5531

Travel and Expenses – Reimbursement & Approval
Date/Time: November 15, 2011 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: 65 JCP (formerly U. Center)
Audience: UMSL Only
Description: This session will cover entering travel and expense information, attaching receipts electronically, and approving expense reports. – This session is for the College of Education.
For Info: Mary Brown at

Women’s Networking Series
Date/Time: November 15, 2011 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Millennium Student Center
Audience: Open
Description: This program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of women students about networking. It is open to all students of any major. It includes a panelist of women professionals discussing practical ways to network effectively. Other women professionals and women students are also invited to discuss real-world experiences and engage in networking exercises, followed by a power networking session. Students are encouraged to dress in business attire and bring business cards.
For Info: Dr. Malaika Horne at 314-516-4749

Test Taking Strategies
Date/Time: November 15, 2011 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM
Location: Center for Student Success – Millennium Student Center 225
Audience: Student
Description: Get ready for FINALS! Learn tips about taking certain formats of tests (multiple choice, essay, true/false, etc). Get information to make your test preparation more productive and how to better manage test-taking jitters.
For Info: Antionette Sterling at 314-516-5300

Mass and Soup
Date/Time: November 15, 2011 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Catholic Newman Center
Audience: Open
Description: Every Tuesday we have 5:30pm Mass here at the Newman Center in our Living Room. All are welcome, we are a friendly group and would love to see you. The 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 after Mass.
For Info: Rachelle Simon at 314-385-3455

University Percussion, Afro-Cuban Ensembles
Date/Time: November 15, 2011 7:30 PM
Location: Lee Theater, Touhill Performing Arts Center
Audience: Open
Description: The University Percussion and Afro-Cuban Ensembles, under the direction of Matt Henry, assistant professor of percussion, perform their annual fall semester concert in the Lee Theater. Look forward to an exciting evening of twentieth century compositions written expressly for percussion instruments, as well as transcriptions of more well known works
For Info: Touhill Ticket Office at 314-516-4949

Faculty & Staff Flu Shots & Health Screenings
Date/Time: November 16, 2011 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: JC Penney Building, Room 72
Audience: Faculty/Staff
Description: The University of Missouri Total Rewards invites you to join Healthy for Life, an incentive-based wellness program designed to help you actively manage your health. By completing a personal health assessment and health screening, primary subscribers to the UM Health Care plan will receive $100 in a tax-favored account to use for medical expenses in 2012 Benefit Plan year. Go to wellness.umsystem.edu for details. FREE flu shots will be provided for those 12 years and older enrolled in a UM Health Care plan–bring your health insurance card & a completed Flu Vaccine form. Those not enrolled in a UM Health Care plan can receive a shot for $15 cash or check.
For Info: Healthy for Life: TE Atkins UM Wellness at 573-884-1312

Intramural Basketball Contests
Date/Time: November 16, 2011 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Mark Twain Rec Center (GYM)
Audience: Faculty/Staff/Students
Description: Campus Recreation is sponsoring two basketball skill competitions this week, a HOT SHOT TOURNEY and a FREE THROW CONTEST. Competition will take place daily in the MT Gym, 11:00am-1:00pm. T-shirts awarded to top shooters. Drop by today and give it your best shot!! No advance registration is necessary.
For Info: Campus Recreation Office, 203 Mark Twain at 314-516-5326

Mindfulness Meditation
Date/Time: November 16, 2011 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, 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

SisterScholars-In-Training
Date/Time: November 16, 2011 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: MSC Room 313
Audience: Faculty/Staff/Students
Description: As part of the Access to Success (A2S) Initiative, the purpose of this group is to provide a space for African American female students to enhance their intellectual and personal identities as they work toward degree attainment.
For Info: Dr. Angela Coker at 314-516-6088

UMSL Veterans Fall Welcome/ Meet and Greet Luncheon
Date/Time: November 16, 2011 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Millennium Student Center. Room 315 (3rd Floor of the MSC)
Audience: Open
Description: Did you have a great Veterans Day? We hope so! This informal luncheon is a great time to meet with other Veterans on campus. All Veterans, their families, those receiving GI Bill benefits at UMSL, UMSL Faculty and Students are invited to attend. Please join us as we celebrate our shared sacrifices. This event is sponsored by the UMSL Veteran Students Organization and the Office of Student Life.
For Info: Joseph Gomez (VSO President) at 314-516-4036

Staff Association – Staff Council Monthly Meeting
Date/Time: November 16, 2011 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: JCP 222
Audience: Open
Description: Meetings open to all UMSL staff members.
For Info: Sandra Crawshaw at 314-516-7298

‘Biblical and Constitutional Arguments for Free Press’
Date/Time: November 16, 2011 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: McDonnell Conference Room (331 SSB)
Audience: Open
Description: Marvin Olasky is editor-in-chief of WORLD Magazine and dean of the World Journalism Institute. He was provost of King’s College in New York City from 2007 to 2011, and a professor in the University of Texas at Austin journalism department. He is also a senior fellow of the Acton Institute and a prolific author on the topics of conservative and social policy, American culture and Christian journalism. Olasky graduated from Yale University in 1971 with a B.A. in American Studies and he earned his Ph.D. in American Culture at the University of Michigan in 1976. On August 22, 2011, Patrick Henry College announced Olasky’s appointment to its newly created Distinguished Chair in Journalism and Public Policy beginning in the fall semester of 2011.
For Info: Debra Garcia at 314-516-5353

How’s Your Financial Fitness?
Date/Time: November 16, 2011 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM
Location: Center for Student Success – Millennium Student Center 225
Audience: Student
Description: Are you concerned about having enough money to cover everything? Do you know the impact of student loan payments on your credit scores? Learn how to create a personal budget to help manage your college expenses and prepare for your financial future beyond college.
For Info: Antionette Sterling at 314-516-5300

P & Z: Ethics and Effective Public Hearings
Date/Time: November 16, 2011 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: 202 J.C. Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Address ethical considerations in the duties of commissioners, elected officials and staff including conflicts of interest and responsibility to the community and petitioners. Learn about the appropriate role and conduct of commissioners, staff and attorneys in maintaining objectivity and decorum in public hearings and meetings. Discuss fact-finding and conflict resolution. A panel discussion will be included in this session. Fee: $70.
For Info: Jennifer Clemente at 314-516-5994

Comedic College Date Coaching
Date/Time: November 16, 2011 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Pilot House
Audience: Open
Description: College dating coaches Dave and Ethan think our college dating scene is weak and in turn want to help out. Come join UPB in watching this hilarious duo as they share their own funny double dating experiences and complement this by pulling students on stage to show them how it’s done. This event is free for people of all ages, so come and hangout. You never know what you could learn.
For Info: Scott Morrissey at 314-516-5531

Information Systems Programming Club
Date/Time: November 16, 2011 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: ESH 107
Audience: Open
Description: Speaker: Elonka Dunin, executive producer and general manager of Online Community, Simutronics Corporation. Topic: Kryptos: The Unsolved Enigma at the center of CIA Headquarters.
For Info: Dr. Dinesh Mirchandani at 314-516-7354

Faculty & Staff Flu Shots & Health Screenings
Date/Time: November 17, 2011 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Millennium Student Center
Audience: Faculty/Staff
Description: The University of Missouri Total Rewards invites you to join Healthy for Life, an incentive-based wellness program designed to help you actively manage your health. By completing a personal health assessment and health screening, primary subscribers to the UM Health Care plan will receive $100 in a tax-favored account to use for medical expenses in 2012 Benefit Plan year. Go to wellness.umsystem.edu for details. FREE flu shots will be provided for those 12 years and older enrolled in a UM Health Care plan–bring your health insurance card & a completed Flu Vaccine form. Those not enrolled in a UM Health Care plan can receive a shot for $15 cash or check.
For Info: Healthy for Life: TE Atkins UM Wellness at 573-884-1312

Intramural Basketball Contests
Date/Time: November 17, 2011 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Mark Twain Rec Center (GYM)
Audience: Faculty/Staff/Students
Description: Campus Recreation is sponsoring two basketball skill competitions this week, a HOT SHOT TOURNEY and a FREE THROW CONTEST. Competition is taking place daily in the MT Gym, 11:00am-1:00pm. T-shirts awarded to top shooters. Drop by today and give it your best shot!! No advance registration is necessary.
For Info: Campus Recreation Office, 203 Mark Twain at 314-516-5326

Newman goes to the Zoo!
Date/Time: November 17, 2011 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: St. Louis Zoo
Audience: Open
Description: Join Newman as we take a trip to the zoo and do some awesome photo scavenger hunting! Bring a camera and a jacket!
For Info: Rachelle Simon at 314-385-3455

Pricing Products and Services
Date/Time: November 17, 2011 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: J. C. Penney Conference Center
Audience: Open
Description: Learn how to price products and services profitably by calculating your own overhead percentage. This percentage takes into consideration all the costs of doing business and provides a means for factoring them into your selling price. You will learn how to analyze and monitor costs; measure their collective impact on the price of your products and services; and use the pricing template to make your calculations on an Excel spreadsheet. Cost: $95
For Info: Erica Candela at 314-516-5908

Targeted Resume Writing
Date/Time: November 17, 2011 2:00 PM
Location: 278 Millennium Student Center
Audience: Student
Description: Your resume is an important job-hunting tool; its purpose is market yourself to potential employers. Learn how to write a job specific resume. Bring your resume for a quick resume review after the workshop. To register for this event please visit: umsl.edu/depts/career/students/workshops.
For Info: Career Services at 314-516-5111

Communication, the University and You
Date/Time: November 17, 2011 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Location: Center for Student Success – Millennium Student Center 225
Audience: Student
Description: This is an interactive presentation that will require participants to evaluate their true understanding of effective communication and its many elements. This workshop will decode the art of communication by identifying participant’s communication style, and verbal vs. written communication
For Info: Antionette Sterling at 314-516-5300

SisterScholars-In-Training
Date/Time: November 17, 2011 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: MSC Room 313
Audience: Faculty/Staff/Students
Description: As part of the Access to Success (A2S) Initiative, the purpose of this group is to provide a space for African American female students to enhance their intellectual and personal identities as they work toward degree attainment.
For Info: Dr. Angela Coker at 314-516-6088

UMSL Jazz Combos
Date/Time: November 17, 2011 7:30 PM
Location: Lee Theater, Touhill Performing Arts Center
Audience: Open
Description: Join us as the UMSL Jazz Combos take the stage at the Touhill. These versatile groups will take you from Miles Davis and John Coltrane to Weather Report in a night of unforgettable jazz.
For Info: Touhill Ticket Office at 314-516-4949

2011 International Business Conference
Date/Time: November 18, 2011 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Busch Student Center – Saint Louis University
Audience: Open
Description: Global Business Outlook Conference: Challenges and Opportunities Growing Globally. Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. Exhibitor tables are available. Contact Karen at 314-977-3630 or email her at schneikl@slu.edu. Schedule: 7:30 a.m. ­– Registration and continental breakfast with networking and exhibitor displays. 8:30 a.m. to noon – Morning session. Noon-2 p.m. – Luncheon session registration. The conference sells out every year, so reserve early. Tickets are $105 per ticket ($800 for a table of 8). For more information, email biib@slu.edu or call 314-977-3898. Website for registration: slu.edu/x53220.xml.
For Info: Boeing International Institute at 314-977-3898

IC Short Course – Adobe Photoshop Basics Session 1
Date/Time: November 18, 2011 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: SSB 102
Audience: UMSL Only
Description: This course is designed to teach you the basic beginning steps of Adobe Photoshop. Learn how to use this application for image editing and more that may be required for classes, your job or for your own website purposes. Topics include: opening an image, merging images, adding text to an image, copyright responsibilities, personalize your photographs, improving the colors of an image, etc.
For Info: Dale/ Instructional Computing Staff at

Intramural Basketball Contests
Date/Time: November 18, 2011 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Mark Twain Rec Center (GYM)
Audience: Faculty/Staff/Students
Description: Campus Recreation has sponsored two basketball skill competitions this week, a HOT SHOT TOURNEY and a FREE THROW CONTEST. Today is the final day of competition. T-shirts awarded to top shooters. Drop by the gym and give it your best shot!! No advance registration is necessary.
For Info: Campus Recreation Office, 203 Mark Twain at 314-516-5326

IC Short Course – Adobe Photoshop Basics Session 2
Date/Time: November 18, 2011 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: SSB 102
Audience: UMSL Only
Description: This course is designed to teach you the basic beginning steps of Adobe Photoshop. Learn how to use this application for image editing and more that may be required for classes, your job or for your own website purposes. Topics include: Liquefying an image: or modifying an image to have a different profile. Transforming an image on top of a background, blending of that image on to the background, tools to change the colors of an image to the colors of the background, and using various drawing tools such as the paintbrush and pencil to draw by hand onto different layers.
For Info: Dale/Instructional Computing Staff at

IC Short Course – Macintosh Basics and UNIX Commands
Date/Time: November 18, 2011 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: ESH 107
Audience: UMSL Only
Description: This course is designed to teach you the basic beginning steps of a UNIX or a Macintosh OS. Learn how to use these OS’s that may be required for classes, your job or for fun. Basic terms, navigation tools, term definitions and helpful insights into both of these operating systems will be offered.
For Info: Dave Gellman/Staff at

Concerto Competition Final Round Concerts
Date/Time: November 18, 2011 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Location: Lee Theater, Touhill Performing Arts Center
Audience: Open
Description: The University of Missouri–St. Louis Department of Music hosts the Fourth Annual Concerto Competition at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Open to the public, the final round is an exciting chance to hear the university’s top musicians compete for an opportunity to perform as soloist with one of the UMSL’s premier ensembles.
For Info: Touhill Ticket Office at 314-516-4949

Joshua’s Boots Presented by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Date/Time: November 18, 2011 7:00 PM
Location: Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall, Touhill PAC
Audience: Open
Description: Joshua’s Boots, commissioned in 1998 by Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the Kansas City Opera, was created to give young audiences a positive first experience with opera. With the allure of a cowboy story, Joshua’s Boots illustrates a tale of unexpected heroism amid realities of the American “Wild West” that generally go untold. We invite children to join us dressed in their cowboy finery. They’ll have so much fun they won’t even notice that it’s good for them. UMSL student discounts are available for this performance.
For Info: Touhill Ticket Office at 314-516-4949

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.

Dr. Edward Bennett, associate professor of optometry, wrote a Contact Lens Spectrum article remembering optometrist Newton Wesley, which ran Sept. 1. Visit bit.ly/pHnOes to read the article.

The Gallery 210 exhibit “Exposure 14” was reviewed Sept. 8 by the Riverfront Times and Sept. 12 by the St. Louis Beacon. Visit bit.ly/qe4L8V to read the RFT review and bit.ly/pa2Mgb to read the Beacon review. The Gallery 210 exhibit “Southern Journeys: African American Artists of the South” was previewed Sept. 8 by the Riverfront Times and The St. Louis American. Visit bit.ly/nfo2ex to read the RFT preview and bit.ly/oItDnh to read The St. Louis American preview.

Terry Jones, professor of political science, participated Sept. 6 in a live “St. Louis on the Air” discussion about the special session of the Missouri State Legislature. Visit bit.ly/p6tQzh to hear the discussion, which aired on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

Marilu Knode, professor of art history, is the executive director of Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills, Mo. She was quoted in an STLtoday.com article about three new addition’s to the parks board of trustees. Visit bit.ly/mYOdtv to read the article.

Timothy Maher, associate teaching professor of criminology and criminal justice, was quoted in a story about conducting a survey for St. Louis County Police about police-involved car chases in the county. The story ran Sept. 6 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Visit bit.ly/rndLAV to read to the entire story.

Student Jonathan McMiller participated Sept. 7 in a live “St. Louis on the Air” discussion with local young people about coming of age in a post-9/11 world. Visit bit.ly/pgbi5l to hear the discussion, which aired on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

Dave Robertson, professor of political science, discussed the prospective length of the Missouri special legislative session for a St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU story that aired Sept. 2. Visit bit.ly/rfJJZL to read the story.

Jay Rounds, director of the Museum Studies program, was quoted in a story about area museums preparing for fall exhibits. The story ran Sept. 7 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Visit bit.ly/pCAyme to read the entire story.

Terry Suhre, director of Gallery 210, was mentioned in a St. Louis Beacon review of the gallery’s “Exposure 14” exhibit that ran Sept. 12. Visit bit.ly/pa2Mgb to read the article. Terry Suhre, director of Gallery 210, was quoted Sept. 1 in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch article about the gallery exhibit “Southern Journeys: African American Artists of the South.” Visit bit.ly/oc4m2f to read the article.

Todd Swanstrom, professor of political science, participated Sept. 7 in a live “St. Louis on the Air” discussion on the role of social justice in modern American cities. Visit bit.ly/qcw9Pq to hear the discussion, which aired on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

Kenneth Thomas, associate professor of political science, conducted research comparing labor protection efforts by country, which was sited Sept. 6 and Sept 14 in posts on the blog Think Progress. Visit bit.ly/re7kDn to read the first post and bit.ly/pLBWbI to read the second post.

Cathy Vatterott, associate professor of teaching and learning, was quoted in a story about the right balance of homework for students. The story ran Sept. 7 in the Omaha World-Herald. Visit bit.ly/oZxVHi to read the entire story.

Keith Womer, dean of the College of Business Administration,  was interviewed about the possible benefits the American Jobs Act introduced by President Barack Obama could have to the region’s economy. The story aired Sept. 12 on KMOV (Channel 4). Visit bit.ly/nITPj3 to view the story.

George Gokel (third from left) is a distinguished professor of science at UMSL and recipient of the 2011 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research and Creativity. He was presented the award by Jimmy Liu (far left), director of the Center for Nanoscience at UMSL; Nasser Arashadi (second from left), vice provost for research at UMSL; and UMSL Chancellor Tom George (far right).

George Gokel, associate director of the Center for Nanoscience and distinguished professor of science at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, received the 2011 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research and Creativity.

During an impromptu meeting last week, UMSL Chancellor Tom George, Vice Provost for Research Nasser Arshadi and Director of CNS Jimmy Liu surprised Gokel with the award.

“Your commitment and dedication to your students and the university through your research is well documented and proves your eminence in your field,” George said.

The award was set up to honor a full-time faculty member who has demonstrated superior research or creative contributions to the university. It includes a cash stipend to be presented as part of the State of the University Address in September.

Gokel is interested in new, synthetic compounds that can form tunnel-like pathways (channels) in membranes – the barriers that surround cells. These channels typically help nutrients enter and waste products exit cells. His recent work is focused on creating pathways that will assist the entry of drugs into cells.

Gokel has graduated 40 doctoral and master students, he has supervised more than 30 post-doctoral fellows and about that number of undergraduates have passed through his lab. Many of those undergraduates co-authored papers. He has published more than 400 peer-reviewed papers, authored, co-authored or edited 10 books and is named as an inventor on more than 15 patents. He co-founded two journals and a series of monographs. He has been invited to present lectures on his work more than 350 times in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. He has supported his research effort continuously for more than 30 years with grants from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and the Petroleum Research Fund, as well as numerous industrial contracts.

Gokel was appreciative and said he would set up a scholarship at UMSL.

“I am very honored by this award,” he said. “UMSL is a tremendous place for research. The caliber of students and my colleagues continues to inspire me.”

Gokel has been with UMSL since 2006. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Tulane University in New Orleans and a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Zhi Xu, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, has developed a portable, inexpensive noninvasive blood glucose detector for people with diabetes.

People with diabetes could soon have a pain-free way to check their blood glucose levels. Researchers at the University of Missouri–St. Louis have developed a portable, inexpensive noninvasive blood glucose detector; the university has licensed patent rights for the device to St. Louis Medical Devices, Inc., a Missouri company headquartered at UMSL’s own startup company incubator – IT Enterprises, to bring the device to market.

The small monitor will allow for pain-free, convenient detection of glucose levels in capillaries of the finger with no waste (strips, lancets, etc.) and no need to draw blood. It tests blood characteristics by shining near-infrared light through the finger, detecting the light transmitted through the targeted area, and generating an output signal. A processor receives the output signals, calculates a change in the magnitude of light power transmitted through the finger and determines a characteristic of blood – in this case glucose. Future applications of the device could include other blood analytes such as cholesterol.

Zhi Xu, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UMSL, is lead researcher for the project, and notes that many researchers and companies have worked to develop a noninvasive glucose monitor, especially since the mid-1980s. Xu said this technology overcomes the obstacles others have faced trying to measure blood glucose optically through the skin.

“Unlike other noninvasive monitors in development, this technology provides for detection in just one second; it’s portable, accurate and inexpensive; it measures glucose in blood rather than interstitial fluid without the need to average multiple readings; and it does not require any moving parts,” Xu said. “There have been 25 years of attempts to create such a noninvasive glucose monitor. I think we’ve done it.”

Diabetes is a disease in which the body either does not produce insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or does not properly use insulin (Type 2 diabetes). Blood glucose monitoring plays a critical role in the treatment of diabetes, and frequent measurement has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of negative health outcomes such as damage to the nerves, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and heart.  Approximately 24 million people in the U.S. had diabetes in 2007, according to the National Institutes of Health. The disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.  Worldwide, 180 million people have diabetes; the World Health Organization estimates that number will grow to 366 million by 2030.

“We are thrilled this technology is licensed and well-positioned to be brought to market by a Missouri company,” said Tamara Wilgers, director of technology commercialization and economic development at UMSL. “St. Louis Medical Devices will take the device into the next stage in clinical testing and approvals, as well as produce and sell the product to get it into the hands of those who need it most.”

Nasser Arshadi, vice provost of research administration at UMSL, said this is the perfect example of how academic technology transfer works to benefit the public.

“The ingenuity began with researchers here at UMSL, discoveries were then licensed to a start-up company, and now the work will benefit not only the St. Louis region, but potentially millions of people around the world,” he said.

The noninvasive glucose monitor is based upon multiple inventions from Xu’s lab that are either patented or pending patents in the United States and other countries

David Klein, BSBA 2010, was the first UMSL student to become Louie, the university's mascot. He and Elishia Seals, a senior art history and photography major and UMSL Tritons cheerleader, say they enjoy boosting the excitement of fans at basketball games and other campus events.

Although the University of Missouri–St. Louis cheerleaders and Louie, the university’s mascot, were introduced to the campus just last year, both are already two of the university’s most recognizable assets.

Under the direction of Sandra Ray, the squad’s coach, the cheerleading program has grown to include eight cheerleaders and Louie, who was developed under the leadership of Curtis Coonrod, vice provost for student affairs at UMSL.

Louie made his debut at the university’s annual “Pack the Stands” event in January of last year. David Klein, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in December, had the unique opportunity to don the Louie suit for the big reveal. The squad wheeled him into the gym in a large box. As soon as the near sellout crowd realized Louie was in the box, they erupted.

“They went crazy,” Klein said. It’s a night he said he won’t forget.

Elishia Seals, a senior art history and photography major at UMSL, was one of the cheerleaders who coordinated Louie’s debut. She said it was amazing to see the crowds’ reaction and know she was part of making the reveal happen.

“I think of Louie like my little brother,” she said. “We helped create him.”

Louie is a member of the squad and assists cheerleaders in stunts. Louie and the cheerleaders appear at every home basketball game and at many other campus events.

And to anyone who tells her that cheerleading is not a sport, Seals has a standard answer.

“Come out and try it for a day, then tell me it’s not a sport,” she said. “It’s physically wearing, and just like athletes have to remember plays, we have to remember dances, routines and cheers. You need to be passionate about it or you won’t like it, and you have to like sports, because you are going to be at a lot of games. One of the hardest things to do is to keep smiling even when your team is losing.”

Being a mascot takes effort, too. First and foremost, a mascot has to be someone who loves people and loves to have fun with them, Klein said.

“A mascot can’t be easily embarrassed,” he said. “The crowd doesn’t want you to be perfect. They want the mascot to be silly and crazy. You have to be able to grab props. There is not a set structure on how to interact with people.”

Both Klein and Seals said one of the best things about their jobs was the excitement of the fans.

“No matter how my day was going, when I’d put on the suit it became exciting,” Klein said. “It was not about me becoming my alter ego. It was me becoming the fans’ perception of Louie.”

A mascot’s work is completely nonverbal, which means the person inside the suit must focus on his or her body language at all times, but Klein said that didn’t stop him from smiling at the camera, even though his face was obscured by Louie’s head.

“People don’t know how hot it is inside the suit,” he said. “It’s a foam sauna in there.”

The role of university mascot requires absolute secrecy, and only a few of Klein’s closest friends and family members knew about his job. He even took great care to disguise his walk as he entered the gym in street clothes, and Seals said the cheerleaders had to hide Klein several times to keep his identity a secret.

But no matter how hard it was or how much work it took, neither student would change a thing. “It was worth every minute,” Klein said.

More information:
umsltritons.com
rays@umsl.edu
314-516-5661

Nasser Arshadi, vice provost for research at UMSL, joins international editorial board.

Nasser Arshadi, vice provost for research and professor of finance at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, has joined the editorial board of the international research journal “Public and Municipal Finance.” The journal addresses theoretical and empirical issues related to public and municipal financial management, financial systems, government budget and budgets of the municipal units, among others.

“With the recent economic recession in the U.S. and rest of the world, public finance issues and problems have once again become urgent topics in light of stimulus spending, budget deficits and unemployment,” Arshadi said. “This journal provides a global perspective on the topic. I am happy to contribute to this effort.”

More information:
tinyurl.com/4rkqkxn

UMSL senior Kristin Jordan plans to start law school and a sustainable farm after she graduates from the university in May.

If you have a humanities degree, you’ve likely been asked by someone at some point: “What are you going to do with that?” Senior Kristin Jordan knows exactly what she’s going to do after she earns diplomas in English and philosophy from the University of Missouri–St. Louis this spring. She plans to attend law school and start a sustainable farm with her husband. Both speak to her commitment to learning and leading a meaningful life.

The idea for law school stemmed out of a job she had as a legal administrative assistant at a law firm.

“I fell in love with the job and found myself wanting to do more and more. So, I decided to go to school and pursue that career,” said Jordan, 30, who lives on seven acres outside of Troy, Mo.

She’s interested in constitutional law and has set her sights on becoming an appellate judge.

But running a sustainable farm is a dream she shares with her husband, Ken, a network engineer for the U.S. Air Force. It will have a dairy herd, beef cattle, chickens, sheep and pigs – and it will be run as a fully sustainable operation. That means Jordan and her husband will use the best practices in farming to ensure proper irrigation, that chemicals are not used, and that healthy crops are used for feeding livestock, enriching the soil and stopping erosion.

“Right now the farm we are trying to buy is in Foristell, Mo. We are working on a partnership plan with a buy-out option (with the current owners),” Jordan said.

The idea behind buying the farm started after Jordan and her husband bought horses.

“We wanted to do what was best for them, so we learned about natural horsemanship,” Jordan said.

Natural horsemanship centers on the horse’s instincts and communication style.

After learning about their horses, they started to ask questions about the humane and ecologically sound way to raise other animals.

“The more knowledge we gained, the more horrified we became regarding the conditions of food animals,” she said. “Fortunately, we learned about how things can be done properly, to the benefit of us and our food resources.”

While she doesn’t have farming experience, she is currently helping at the farm and learning the ropes. The plan is to help her husband run the farm until she starts law school in the fall.

“By then, most of the heavy summer work will be completed, since chickens, eggs and even milk are all seasonal products,” Jordan said.

The couple’s hope is that the summer will be profitable enough for Ken to scale back hours at his current job and devote more time at the farm.

Jordan credits her time at UMSL for nurturing her curiosity and teaching her how to research.

“I think the greatest contributions I’ve received from my education are both the desire to ask questions and the ability to find good answers,” Jordan said. “For example, what is the best way to raise cattle?  I didn’t know, so I researched information, picked out the answers that I think make practical and ethical sense, and learned how to put those ideas into practice.”

Members of University Singers perform in the spring at a UMSL concert at the Touhill.

University of Missouri–St. Louis choir groups University Singers and Vocal Point will perform a range of songs by Johannes Brahms, Woody Guthrie, the Beatles, Queen and Jamiroquai. The concert will begin at 7:30 Nov. 15 in the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. It is free and open to the public.

Led by James Henry, director of choral studies at UMSL, and accompanied by Donna Pyron, specialist in music at UMSL, the groups will perform “Virtual Insanity” by Jamiroquai, “Blackbird/I Will” by the Beatles, “Seaside Rendezvous” by Queen, “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie, Three Gypsy Songs from “Zigeunerlieder,” Op. 103 by Johannes Brahms and more.

Vocal Point is a 21-person a cappella group. University Singers is a 51-person chorus.

The Touhill is on UMSL’s North Campus, One University Blvd. in St. Louis, Mo. 63121. The concert is sponsored by the Department of Music at UMSL.

More information:
http://www.umsl.edu/~umslmusic/
http://www.touhill.org/