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‘Sum of Motion’ headed to Touhill stage

‘Sum of Motion’ headed to Touhill stage

Dance students will put on an eclectic performance when they take to the stage for the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ spring dance concert, “Sum of Motion.”

Musical potpourri coming to Touhill stage

Musical potpourri coming to Touhill stage

Like popular, ethnic and classical music? A concert at the University of Missouri–St. Louis next month will offer a one-stop shop for fans of all three genres. The third annual collaborative event between the University Percussion Ensemble, Afro-Cuban Ensemble and Vocal Point will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 10 in the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.

Former Express Scripts leader to discuss ‘tough calls’

Former Express Scripts leader to discuss ‘tough calls’

As a businessman for more than 20 years, Harlan Steinbaum has made thousands of decisions. However, one call became his career defining moment.Steinbaum, former chairman of Express Scripts, will discuss that moment and his new book based on his experiences, “Tough Calls from the Corner Office” during a Business Forum at 5:30 p.m. April 10 in 126 Social Sciences and Business Building at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Finance student to release gospel CD

Finance student to release gospel CD

Kenya native Joanna Waceke Slaughter, a business administration major at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, has always enjoyed singing in her church but never thought she’d pursue it further.

Mathematicians to gather for MAA event

Mathematicians to gather for MAA event

Mathematicians from throughout the region will gather April 12-14 at the University of Missouri–St. Louis for a pair of major math events. The Deparment of Mathematics and Computer Science at UMSL will host the spring meeting of the Missouri Section of the Mathematical Association of America on April 13 and 14. MAA Vice President Francis Su and David Wright, chairman of the Department of Mathematics at Washington University in St. Louis, will be the keynote speakers at the meeting.

High school students excel in science at UMSL

High school students excel in science at UMSL

Researchers, science teachers and future leaders in science and industry recently convened at the University of Missouri–St. Louis to consider problems and interrelationships of science and society.

MADCO celebrates 35 years of movement

MADCO celebrates 35 years of movement

Known for its fresh, athletic style, it’s hard to believe MADCO, the dance company in residence at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, turns 35 this year. The repertory company will celebrate its anniversary with evening performances March 30 and 31 in the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.

Panel to focus on youth, summer programs

Panel to focus on youth, summer programs

Todd Swanstrom knows the value of communities working together. He is, after all, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Swanstrom put that title to work recently when he met with leaders at more than 30 St. Louis Community Development Corporations to help facilitate collaboration.

Center to kick off National Poetry Month

Center to kick off National Poetry Month

The Center for the Humanities at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will kick off National Poetry Month in April with a pair of Monday Noon Series events. Jeff Friedman, who has been called “the funniest poet in PoBiz” will give a reading April 2 at UMSL. He will explore poems from his most recent collection, “Working in Flour,” and selections from his new manuscript of parables, fables, tales and comic sketches.

Forum to focus on reproductive rights as national debate heats up

Forum to focus on reproductive rights as national debate heats up

Reproductive rights have been a recent hot-button political issue. As the national debate heats up, a forum on reproductive rights at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will explore the issue, why the rights are important and why these issues are in the news now.

Future of state universities in doubt?

Future of state universities in doubt?

Are we observing a downward spiral toward the end of the state university? In the past three years the University of Missouri–St Louis has suffered budget cuts in state appropriations of $2.9 million, $3.7 million and $3 million. In the coming year we are projected to see a $6.8 million cut. This represents a decrease of more than 25 percent of state funding.

Nobel laureate to discuss science education reform

Nobel laureate to discuss science education reform

Reforming science education is a topic on the minds of many educators these days. And several scholars are making things happen. Dudley Herschbach, the Baird Professor of Science and professor of chemistry and biological chemistry at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., and Nobel Prize winner, will discuss “Science Education Reform” at 4:30 p.m. April 3 in Century Room B at the Millennium Student Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Students emphasize annual eye exams at health fair

Students emphasize annual eye exams at health fair

Nearly 70 older adults received vision screenings at a recent health fair organized by the College of Nursing at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the St. Louis Housing Authority.

New environmentalism topic of Jane and Whitney Harris Lecture

New environmentalism topic of Jane and Whitney Harris Lecture

A scientist who extols the controversial concept of collaboration with big corporations and agribusiness to promote environmental sustainability and habitat restoration will be the speaker at this year’s Jane and Whitney Harris Lecture. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on April 3 in the Ridgeway Center’s Schoenberg Auditorium at the Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Character education visionary leaves imprint on UMSL

Character education visionary leaves imprint on UMSL

After leaving his corporate career as chief executive officer of McDonnell Douglas Corp., Sanford Noyes McDonnell could have enjoyed the easy pace of a relaxing retirement. Instead, he began what he called his “retirement career,” and that career has left a lasting imprint on the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the region.

UMSL signs new agreement with Mineral Area College

UMSL signs new agreement with Mineral Area College

Residents in southeast Missouri don’t have to leave their zip code to receive a serious education at a serious value. The University of Missouri–St. Louis and Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo., signed a new partnership agreement March 19 offering UMSL courses to those enrolled at MAC. Students can choose from the UMSL degree programs offered, including a bachelor’s degrees in liberal studies, bachelor’s or a master’s degree in social work and master’s degree in nursing.

UMSL takes research, technology transfer, economic development seriously

UMSL takes research, technology transfer, economic development seriously

The University of Missouri–St. Louis takes its research, technology transfer and economic development mission seriously. That’s the message Nassar Arshadi, vice provost for research at UMSL, conveyed at a recent meeting of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association’s Energy and Environment Council.

IS professor talks student demand

IS professor talks student demand

Information system jobs in St. louis are on the rise, according to the career site Dice.com. And with rapid and continuous growth over the last two years, the demand for qualified information systems professionals is high.

NSF awards student grant for plant research

NSF awards student grant for plant research

Research taking place at the University of Missouri–St. Louis could render valuable insight into how biodiversity can affect natural ecosystems. Diego Salazar, a PhD candidate in biology at UMSL, has been awarded a $15,000 dissertation improvement grant from the National Science Foundation for his doctoral dissertation which is titled “The effect of plant phylogenetic and chemical diversity on herbivore community structure and plant host herbivore damage.”

Music students perform for UCDC preschoolers

Music students perform for UCDC preschoolers

After a lesson on music, preschoolers at the University Child Development Center received a spontaneous concert from University of Missouri–St. Louis music students. When students in the Discoverers class returned from their motor skills lesson, they were surprised by a string quartet who were there to perform for the two-and-a-half to 4-year-olds.

Eye on UMSL: Olympic interview

Eye on UMSL: Olympic interview

Richard Wright, Curators’ Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at UMSL, interviews Susan Brownell, professor...

Sweating to the symphony

Sweating to the symphony

The speakers are blasting Beethoven, hands are punching the air and sweat is starting to form on brows. This is what learning looks like in Gail Fleming’s music class. “Pretend you’re in sixth, seventh and eighth grade,” Fleming, a lecturer in music at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, instructs her students, all future elementary school teachers.

From start to finish: Creative writing students produce Natural Bridge

From start to finish: Creative writing students produce Natural Bridge

About half a year separate new editions of Natural Bridge, the contemporary literature journal published by the University of Missouri–St. Louis. And it takes every bit of that time for a staff primarily composed of students in the MFA in Creative Writing program to produce the issue in print and – for the first time ever – digital formats.

Education students, ARC members use flash mob to raise awareness

Education students, ARC members use flash mob to raise awareness

Patrons in the Nosh at the Millennium Student Center at the University of Missouri–St. Louis last week got a little more than chips with their lunch. More than 70 people, including UMSL education students and members of St. Louis ARC, took part in a flash mob to spread awareness about a national campaign to end the use of negative words.

Researchers discuss new ‘old’

Researchers discuss new ‘old’

The adage “You’re only as old as you feel” rings true today more than ever. Whether the reason is better health options, working later in life due to economical challenges or just the need to stay active, older adults are not created equal.

Political scientists weigh in on GOP presidential race as Missouri caucuses near

Political scientists weigh in on GOP presidential race as Missouri caucuses near

The focus of the 2012 race to select a Republican presidential nominee will soon shift to Missouri – again. The state held a nonbinding primary last month. The symbolic vote awarded no delegates, but the forthcoming caucuses will yield 52 delegates. The voter turnout, however, might be slim, according to David Robertson, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Most of the Missouri caucuses will be held this Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day.

Education expert talks about school transfer case

Education expert talks about school transfer case

Over the last week, a landmark case has been underway in St. Louis County regarding students’ rights to an accredited education. At issue is the Missouri’s school transfer law, which states that children in unaccredited school systems may transfer to better schools in the same or adjacent county at no cost. The home district is to cover tuition and transportation costs.

Criminology, nursing graduate programs retain top ranking

Criminology, nursing graduate programs retain top ranking

U.S. News & World Report’s latest publication on graduates schools continues to rank the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ criminology and nursing programs among the best. The ranking appears in the magazine’s 2013 edition, “America’s Best Graduate Schools,” available this week. Criminology retains its 2009 ranking and nursing maintains its 2011 ranking.

Biologist to explore shifting paradigms in women, science

Biologist to explore shifting paradigms in women, science

At one time, most practitioners of animal behavior in the U.S. were men, and existing paradigms reflected primarily a male perspective. That changed in the 1970s. The numbers and prominence of women studying animal behavior significantly increased, which led to a re-evaluation of existing assumptions and a reinterpretation of behavior from a more female-centered perspective.

Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band to perform at Touhill

Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band to perform at Touhill

A performance later this month by the University Wind Ensemble and the University Symphonic Band will feature performances of works by two St. Louis composers: Barbara Harbach, professor of music at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Kim Portnoy of Webster University in Webster Groves, Mo.

Trailblazers honored for contributions to women

Trailblazers honored for contributions to women

The five women honored at this year’s Trailblazers Award ceremony March 7 fulfilled the requirement: Women whose extraordinary lives have contributed to the advancement of women. The annual event at the University of Missouri–St. Louis is one of the highlights of Women’s History Month.

Food for thought

Food for thought

For Patrilie Hernandez, a senior at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, food is both a profession and a passion. With an educational background in the culinary arts and hospitality management, Hernandez has spent several years working in kitchens. Throughout her life, feeding others has been a point of pride and something she took great pleasure from.

Art students represent UMSL at exhibition

Art students represent UMSL at exhibition

Two University of Missouri–St. Louis art students have the thrill of their work being on display at Art St. Louis through the end of March. Matt Wahlman and Katharine Stucker, both seniors in studio art were on hand for last Friday’s opening reception for the exhibit, which runs through March 29.

Eye on UMSL: Meet ‘n’ greet

Eye on UMSL: Meet ‘n’ greet

Xavier Robinson, a senior majoring in biology at UMSL, meets with Deborah Horsfall Morley of the Wyman Center, a St. Louis-based nonprofit organization that is nationally recognized as an expert in developing teens. They sponsored a booth at the “Spring Internship & Job Fair 2012” held at the Mark Twain Athletic & Fitness Center. The picture, taken by campus photographer August Jennewein, is the latest to be featured at Eye on UMSL.

Early childhood expert talks child care

Early childhood expert talks child care

Finding quality child care is a challenge every parent encounters. And finding that early childhood care at an affordable price is even more difficult.

Seminar to showcase PPRC director’s research

Seminar to showcase PPRC director’s research

The University of Missouri–St. Louis is a public metropolitan research university. And the university’s Public Policy Research Center will continue to showcase that with the third presentation in its “2012 Spring Applied Research Seminar Series: Applied Research Across the Disciplines.”

Lisa Ling highlights Women’s History Month

Lisa Ling highlights Women’s History Month

Noted journalist and TV host Lisa Ling has traveled the world for the last decade reporting on violence in all its forms and the devastating effects it has on humanity. She often focuses on women and children – bride burning in India, gang rape in the Congo, child trafficking in Ghana. She is also well known for her role from 1999 to 2002 as co-host of the daytime television talk show “The View.”

Biologist elected to Galapagos Islands protection foundation

Biologist elected to Galapagos Islands protection foundation

For nearly 15 years, biologist Patricia Parker has traveled to the Galapagos Islands to conduct research on birds, specifically examining the disease of the birds of the islands. Recently, she was elected a governing member of the Charles Darwin Foundation, whose mission is to conserve the environment and biodiversity in the Galapagos.

Arkansas group helps shatter UMSL Day record

Arkansas group helps shatter UMSL Day record

When the buses arrived Saturday with nearly 100 high school students in them, Alan Byrd broke out in a smile. Byrd, dean of enrollment management at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, had been working with the group’s organizers to attend UMSL Day, the university’s information session for prospective students and their parents.

Early childhood expert talks child care

Alumnus dazzles on new CD

Last February, Brian Owens was feeling frustrated with his music career and like so many musicians do, he put his thoughts to paper. A year later, those thoughts have been transformed into his new single – “I Just Want to Feel Alright.” It’s on his new CD “Moods and Messages,” which comes out this summer.

Education alumna receives Outstanding Dissertation Award

Education alumna receives Outstanding Dissertation Award

After 13 years of teaching at a community college, Juliet Scherer has seen students at all points of the learning spectrum. And when she decided to pursue a doctoral degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, she knew right away that her dissertation work would revolve around developmental education.

Eye on UMSL: Greetings

Eye on UMSL: Greetings

Birgit Noll, associate teaching professor in the Pierre Laclede Honors College at UMSL, leads an information session about the honors college during UMSL Day on March 3. The event brought crowds of prospective students and their families to campus to gather information about the university. The picture, taken by campus photographer August Jennewein, is the latest to be featured at Eye on UMSL.

Economist guests on ‘The Pulse of St. Louis’

Economist guests on ‘The Pulse of St. Louis’

As the region welcomes Joe Reagan, the new president and chief executive officer of the Regional Chamber and Growth Association, a University of Missouri–St. Louis economist had the opportunity to participate in a discussion with Reagan about the region, growth and upcoming developments.