A Message from the Dean - May 2022
May 2022 saw the end of an unusual and eventful semester. When the semester began in January, the nation and the campus were reeling from the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Most classes began meeting remotely. We soon transitioned to face-to-face learning, with face masks required. Later in the semester, as the number of COVID cases declined dramatically, masks became optional in most campus spaces. By April, lectures, musical and theatrical performances, and other events returned to campus.
The easing of mask requirements and the resumption of events reflect a significant reduction in the public health threat posed by COVID. Vaccines have protected us from serious illness and prevented countless deaths, and newly developed treatments have eased symptoms. However, we are still living through this horrible pandemic. Earlier this month the United States marked a grim milestone: the one millionth death from COVID was reported. Globally, more than 6 million deaths have been recorded. I know you will join me in remembering all the people who have lost their lives to this disease.
This month also brought fresh reminders of the ongoing need to confront and eliminate systemic racism in the United States. Ten Black people were shot and killed in a racially motived hate crime at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, on May 14.
In another horrifying act of violence, 19 children and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, last week. As we hold the victims of the shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde and their loved ones in our thoughts, I encourage all students, staff, and faculty in CAS to learn more about mass shootings and gun violence in the United States, to talk with others, and to take action to make our society safer and more equitable.
Before the violence of the past two weeks drew our attention away from campus, we were able to celebrate the outstanding work of CAS students, alumni, and faculty. Many students from the College presented their research and creative activities in the Undergraduate Scholars Showcase. International Studies majors presented their senior assignments at International Studies Days, which also featured panel discussions and a keynote lecture on the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on higher education.
The 2021-2022 academic year culminated with commencement exercises at the Vadalabene Center’s First Community Arena in early May. Josie Pauley, who received a bachelor’s degree in applied communication studies, spoke at the 9 a.m. ceremony on May 7, and Elizabeth Semande, who received bachelor’s degrees in geography and anthropology, spoke at the noon ceremony.
At the May 6 Graduate School commencement ceremony, SIUE honored Shirley Portwood, PhD, with the Distinguished Service Award. Portwood, a professor emerita of history, also served on the SIU Board of Trustees.
Other notable news from CAS includes:
- Samantha Gallatin, of Machesney Park, who received her bachelor’s degree in May, was recognized as a 2021 Student Laureate by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
- Emily Love, a graduate student in the Department of Sociology, was a recipient of the 2022 SIU System Distinguished Student Service Award.
- Rodrick Whetstone, MFA, assistant professor in the Department of Art and Design, was named the URCA Creative Activities Mentor of the Semester. Natalie Karibian, a junior in the Department of Biological Sciences, was presented the Research Assistant of the Semester Award, and Alex Okenfuss, a junior in the Department of Art and Design, was presented the Creative Activities Assistant of the Semester Award.
Please read more about these people and their accomplishments in This Month in CAS, and tune in to Segue at 9 a.m. on Sundays to learn about people and events on the SIUE campus.
Kevin Leonard, PhD
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
