The University of Missouri-St. Louis has an unofficial motto: “We educate St. Louis.” That motto was on display Friday at the Renaissance Grand Hotel in downtown St. Louis as the St. Louis Business Journal presented its annual Most Influential Business Women awards.

Among the 25 awardees were six women with direct connections to the university. Five are alumni: Janice Cataldi, BSN 1983, chief executive officer of Strictly Pediatrics in Maryland Heights, Mo.;Deborah Douglas, BSBA 1973, founder and managing director of Douglas Group in Frontenac, Mo.; Debra Hellweg, BSBA 1993, vice president of operations for Reliv International in Chesterfield, Mo.; Charlotte Martin, MS biology 1988, president and chief operating officer ofGateway EDI in St. Louis; and Karen Rosen, OD 1984, co-owner of Rosen Optometry Associates in south St. Louis County. The sixth award recipient is Ann Hendrich, vice president for clinical excellence at Ascension Health in north St. Louis County. Hendrich works with the leadership council at the College of Nursing.

“These women are shining examples of the impact of UMSL on the St. Louis community,” said Glen Cope, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UMSL. “Five of these very influential women got their start at UMSL, confirming our often repeated axiom that UMSL educates St. Louis, and one is a community partner serving on a leadership council. We’re proud that our alumni and friends dedicate their time and talents to making St. Louis a great place to live and work. Congratulations to these wonderful women.”