UMSL freshmen (from left) Marlo Shivers, Taylor Moore and Kauthar Hammad stand on stage to be recognized on Saturday night at The St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala. (Photo by Taylor Marrie/The St. Louis American)

Three University of Missouri–St. Louis students were recognized as Donald Suggs Scholars at The St. Louis American Foundation’s 38th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala held last Saturday at America’s Center in downtown St. Louis.

First-year students Kauthar Hammad, Taylor Moore and Marlo Shivers were all graduates of UMSL’s Bridge Program as high school students before enrolling at the university this fall. Channon Peoples, the executive director of the Bridge Program, nominated all three for the scholarship.

“Kauthar, Taylor and Marlo each represent the very heart of what the UMSL Bridge Program stands for – academic excellence, leadership and empowerment,” Peoples said. “Through their curiosity, compassion and commitment to growth, they have not only excelled in the classroom but also inspired those around them to dream bigger. Their journeys reflect the mission of Bridge – to prepare and embolden students to transform their communities through education and purpose.

“It’s this same spirit of determination and veracity that aligns so beautifully with the Suggs Scholarship, which honors students who turn potential into promise and promise into impact.”

Learn more about UMSL’s newest Suggs Scholars:

Kauthar Hammad

A proud St. Louis native and graduate of Hazelwood West High School, Hammad exemplifies academic curiosity and leadership. As a National Honor Society member and founder of her school’s book club, she fostered a love of learning among her peers while also contributing through student council, debate and Key Club. Beyond the classroom, Hammad devoted time to volunteering at her local mosque and participating in the UMSL Bridge Program, where she deepened her academic engagement. Now a student in UMSL’s Pierre Laclede Honors College majoring in criminology and criminal justice, Hammad aspires to a career in law or social work, with a steadfast commitment to advocacy and justice.

Taylor Moore

Moore, also a St. Louis native, is a graduate of Lutheran North High School, where she distinguished herself through involvement with the National Honor Society, becoming the president of multiple clubs and participating in a slew of college preparation programs, including the Bridge Program. She also actively participated in student government and represented her school at investment events across the city. These experiences reflect Moore’s dedication to academic excellence but also her commitment to community involvement. With a strong passion for international business, Moore plans to pursue a career as an international relations consultant, aiming to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.

Marlo Shivers

Hailing from St. Louis and a graduate of Ritenour High School, Shivers brings practicality and curiosity to all he does. His time in the RHS Orchestra and the College and Career Ambassadors Program reflects his commitment to both the arts and academic excellence. A high school engineering course first sparked Shivers’ fascination with design and innovation, leading him to join the robotics club and explore the practical side of problem-solving. Now majoring in civil engineering as part of the inaugural class in the UMSL School of Engineering, Shivers looks forward to building a career that combines his technical skills and passion for creating structures that improve communities and enhance everyday life.