The centerpiece of the annual tradition was a carnival on the East Lawn outside the Recreation and Wellness Center with games, rides, face painting and more.

The program provides a direct path from 68Charlie to BSN and is the only one in the nation to offer coursework in a traditional classroom.

The award, from UMSL’s Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center, recognizes distinguished individuals for their efforts to protect biodiversity and promote ecology and conservation around the globe.

While earning her EdS, Rose has contributed to research in areas such as Developmental Delay policies and presented at conferences across the country.