July 2013
- Ratliff’s Daughter Takes up Fight Against Diabetes
- Upward Bound Students Examine Forensic Evidence during STEM Camp at SIUE
- SIUE’s Jennings Featured in News-Democrat for Winning Green Thumb Award
- SIUE Alumnus Matt Andrew Takes New Job at St. Cloud State University
- SIUE Alumnus David Marler Writes Book About UFOs
- A “Celebration of Life” Scheduled for Jennifer Ratliff; Was Office Support Specialist for the NCERC
- SIUE Solar Car Team Wins Spirit Award at Formula Sun Grand Prix
- Connie Frey-Spurlock Named the First Faculty Sustainability Fellow at SIUE
- Ruscin Appointed Chair of SIUE Department of Pharmacy Practice
- SIUE Alum Koerkenmeier is New Mascoutah Asst. City Manager
- SIU Trustees Approve Contracts for SIUE Physician Services, Dental Equipment and Plumbing Supplies
- Board of Trustees Approves SIUE Faculty and Staff Appointments
- SIUE’s Davis and Welch are Vaughnie Lindsay Awardees
- SIUE Alum is Jersey Community School District Superintendent
- Fulbright Program Changes Open Options for Scholars, Students
- SIUE Athletics Hall of Fame to Add Six Inductees
- SIUE Student Artist’s Unique Creations Featured in Intelligencer
- SIUE Summer Art Classes Featured in Intelligencer
- SIUE on Track for Dual Diploma Program with Engineering School in Korea
- SIUE School of Pharmacy’s Natural Learning Opportunity
- SIUE Archaeological Dig Provides Insight Into Ancient Cultures
- BND Features SIUE Faculty Sharing Knowledge with Local Educators
- SIUE’s Gregory Fields Wins NEH and Hoppe Awards for Native American Research
- SIUE’s Safe Zone Participates in 2013 St. Louis PrideFest
- SIUE Golf Training Facility Featured in Belleville News-Democrat
- SIUE’s Schultz Discusses Enclave West in Post-Dispatch
- SIU Board Chairman Thomas Profiled in Southern Illinoisan
- SIUE Healthcare Diversity Summer Camp Featured in The Telegraph
SIUE Pharmacy Students Win National Competition
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy students Opal Bacon and Cheyenne Newsome won the clinical skills competition at the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) national meeting last weekend at the New Orleans Downtown Marriott.
The 48-team competition involved writing a pharmaceutical care plan, presenting the case to judges, answering questions to defend their case and a counseling session. It was the first time that a SIUE team participated in the event.
“We are extremely proud of our students, but credit has to go to our faculty for preparing them so well,” said Gireesh Gupchup, dean of the SIUE School of Pharmacy.
“Our ability to work as a team was the reason that we were so successful,” said Newsome, a Belleville native.
The SIUE duo won $750 each, round trip domestic airfare, an iPad mini, Lexicomp (a compendia resource that provides information on drugs and clinical information) subscription for a year and a $175 Amazon gift card to purchase pharmacy reference books. Kroger will provide a $750 grant for SIUE to put on a clinical skills competition on campus during the 2013-14 academic year.
“It was exciting, and we definitely put the SIUE School of Pharmacy on the map with SNPhA nationally,” said Bacon, who is from Decatur.
Newsome also credited SNPhA advisor Dr. Lakesha Butler and the School of Pharmacy faculty. “Dr. Butler’s encouragement and mentoring has been instrumental in my professional development,” Newsome said. “Our curriculum involves many group learning activities, which enhance our abilities to work collaboratively to develop care plans for patients. Each faculty member truly desires to help students achieve success.”
SIUE also captured honorable mention in the Target Business Plan competition. The SIUE team, comprised of Bacon, Emily Donahue and Jessica Kerwin, placed in the top five in a nine-team field and won an additional $250 for the chapter.
Photo: Opal Bacon (2nd from left) and Cheyenne Newsome (3rd from left) receive their SNPhA award from Kroger representatives.
Karnes Named SIUE Director of Student Involvement
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Narbeth Emmanuel has named Kelly Jo Karnes as the new director of student involvement. Karnes succeeds long-time director Steve Sperotto, who retired at the end of the 2013 spring semester. She assumed her new role effective July 1.
Karnes is responsible for directing the Kimmel Leadership Center which provides development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of comprehensive educational, co-curricular and support services. She will supervise more than 200 student organizations and areas including student leadership and organizational development, Greek life, student government, student legal services, and civic and social justice engagement. She is responsible for advising and mentoring students, faculty and staff for the purpose of improving and enhancing campus life.
“Kelly Jo brings an enormous amount of experience in both Greek affairs and leadership programs as well as in campus programming,” Emmanuel said. “She brings the necessary leadership to guide, support and mentor our staff while developing a set of standards and expectations to assure necessary accountability.”
A Lawrence, Kan., native, Karnes comes to SIUE from the University of Iowa where she served as the associate director since 2007 for Student Involvement and Leadership. Her responsibilities included oversight for homecoming, dance marathon, four cultural centers, student legal services, University box office, undergraduate and graduate student governments along with campus arts and entertainment.
Karnes joined Old Dominion University as assistant director in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership in 2002. She was promoted to associate director in 2005.
She began her tenure at the University of Kansas as an assistant complex director in the Department of Student Housing in 1997. As a graduate intern in 1998, she began managing relationships with the Greek programs and was named assistant director for Greek programs in 1999.
Emmanuel also said the search committee highly valued Karnes’ interpersonal skills, commitment to diversity and overall philosophy. He stated that her breadth and depth of experience at both state and private institutions will prove to be a valuable asset.
Karnes is a member of the Association for Fraternity/Sorority Advisors; the National Association of Student Personal Administrators; the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values/National Black Greek Leadership Conference; and the Association of College Unions International.
Karnes achieved a bachelor’s in elementary education from Emporia State University in 1997. She earned a master’s in higher education administration in 1999 from the University of Kansas.
Intelligencer Features Art of SIUE’s Jessica Hatfield
Jessica Hatfield will be a senior at SIUE this fall and will graduate with a bachelor’s of fine arts in 2014. Her artwork has been selected for the student gallery of the Edwardsville Arts Center from July 26 through Aug. 30. The Edwardsville Intelligencer’s Julia Biggs wrote about Hatfield in a story published July 24.
Students in the SIUE Math & Science Program Enjoy Summer Learning
High school students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Upward Bound Math & Science Center program make quick use of their class time. They deliberate and rehearse the elements of simple, compound, complex and compound-complex sentences. Stretching their young minds is David Franke, a longtime Language Arts “coach.”
“Good job, Isaiah! (Ray)” said Franke in response to the teenager’s correct answer to his question, “What kind of sentence do you construct when joining a compound sentence with a dependent clause?”
Franke’s English class is one of a series of courses being offered to 32 students participating in the summer component of the Math & Science program, held on the SIUE campus. Franke is a part-time instructor for SIUE’s Instructional Services and a tutor in the Writing Center.
This year’s schedule consisted of geometry, algebra II, English/literature, computer science, anatomy and physiology. Students also had the opportunity to participate in three workshops on graph theory and networks. Volunteering to teach the workshops were Gunes Ercal, assistant professor in SIUE’s Computer Science Department; Xin Chen, assistant professor in SIUE’s Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department; and John Matta, a graduate student in the School of Engineering.
Other volunteers adding to the educational benefits of the summer program were scholars Karina Arroyo and Liz Howze from the nonprofit organization Golden Apple. Golden Apple’s mission is to “inspire, develop and support teacher excellence in Illinois, especially in schools of need.”
The Math & Science summer program ends Friday.
“For students to give up their summer to participate in the program,” said program director Elke Harris-McIntosh, “shows how much they value this educational opportunity.
“This summer program can be intense, but fun!” Harris-McIntosh continued. “Students are learning new concepts and reviewing some old ones. These are concepts and values that they will be able to use throughout their lives.”
One lesson on values was taught through “The Reality Store” workshop presented by the SIUE Career Development Center. The students took turns at a roulette wheel. Each was assigned a job and an associated income as a result of having been a high school dropout or having earned a high school diploma, an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree.
Students used their monthly income to pay for housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, child care, clothing and more. The game was revised and coordinated by Robin Kilpatrick, counselor, SIUE Career Development Center.
“My reality goal has been to get a good education and make use of all the opportunities that come my way,” said 16-year-old Martell Cotton, a math and science student. “I plan to be prepared, get a good ACT score and a good education.”
In “The Reality Store” game, Martell spun the wheel and learned her fate: a high school dropout with three children and a husband. Martell’s assigned employment was a pizza delivery person with a monthly net pay of $1,015.
“I was devastated,” Martell said of her fictitious job. “I want to be an anesthesiologist.”
“This is a good program,” said Martell, a junior at Cahokia High School who has been a Math & Science student since the 9th grade. “I have learned a lot in these past years. I expect to do well on my ACT because of it.”
Sixteen-year-old Marcus Brown commented specifically on the English class with Franke. “I like this English class,” said the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School student. “Mr. Franke makes it so I can better comprehend the information. He is a good teacher.”
Franke has been a language arts instructor with the Math & Science summer program for five years, said program counselor Judith Sams. Franke graduated from SIUE in 1974 with a bachelor’s in elementary education. He received a master’s in education from SIUE in 1984.
“Mr. Franke has such energy and love for the subject and the students,” Sams said. “The students can tell how much he cares about them.”
Seventeen-year-old Brian Brown has participated in the Math & Science summer program for the past three years and realizes how helpful it has been.
“When talking about my future,” said the junior at East St. Louis High School, “I no longer say if I go to college. I say when I go to college.
“Upward Bound has taught me that if I apply myself and do my best in high school,” said Brian, who is the top 10 percent of his class, “the sky is the limit for me. I know I have a very bright future as an engineer.”
Also expressing his gratefulness for the program and the program director was 16-year-old Darwin Harris.
“This summer session has been great for me. Mrs. McIntosh (affectionately known as Mrs. Mac) has taken care of everything,” said Harris, a junior at Cahokia High School. “She really cares about us. After high school, I plan to attend Grand Valley State University and major in communications and geography to become a broadcaster or a meteorologist. My Upward Bound experience has shown that I can do it.”
The SIUE Upward Bound Math & Science program is designed to prepare participants for post-secondary education and motivate their exploration of science, mathematics and related education professions. Participants receive tutorial instruction in science, math, language arts, foreign language and computer/laboratory instruction. The program also offers a six-week summer residential component, where University faculty members instruct introductory courses in science, math, language arts, foreign language and computer literacy.
Photo Information: Martell Cotton, Upward Bound Math & Science student, works on an exercise in her English composition class.
David Franke, part-time instructor/writing tutor with SIUE Instructional Services and English teacher for the Upward Bound Math & Science summer program, makes a grammatical point to a class of attentive high school students.
Golden Apple Scholar Karina Arroyo reviews English reading material with Upward Bound Math & Science students Donovan Crowder and Marcus Brown (foreground).
Private Sector Partnerships Help NCERC Break New Ground
The NCERC at SIUE is again reaping the benefits of its partnerships with the private sector in the form of donated equipment that enables the Center to conduct advanced biofuels research.
In June, Littleford Day, Inc. provided the Center with its Littleford DVT-130 polyphase system via a 90-day, no-cost lease. The Center leveraged the value of the no-cost lease as matching funds for research grants from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board and Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity. As a result, the Center was able to expand upon its ground-breaking investigation of new pretreatment technologies for cellulose and biomass cellulose used in the production of advanced biofuels.
“This reactor enables NCERC to continue its grant-funded research at a scale not currently achievable in a laboratory setting,” Research Engineer Terry Lash said. “We’ve also had interest from the private sector in this type of work, and the Littleford reactor allows us to draw those clients in the door. In fact, simply having the equipment in the facility has already generated new opportunities and interest from clients for research beyond the purposes we anticipated.”
The DVT-130, marketed as a mixer, dryer and reactor, is primarily used by the Center for the investigation of new pretreatment technologies. The DVT-130 is also designed for medium and high intensity mixing of liquid and dry ingredients, low temperature vacuum drying, sterilization using steam injection, and high temperature drying and reacting.
Center Director John Caupert said the reactor contributes to the Center’s scope of advanced biofuels research capabilities and is a prime example of the types of public private partnerships the Center has excelled at creating.
“The NCERC is the only facility in the world at which corn ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, advanced biofuels, and specialty chemical research is conducted simultaneously,” Caupert said. “Partnerships with companies like Littleford Day enable us to continue offering our clients maximum flexibility and diversity in our research capabilities, while simultaneously advancing our own research for the public sector. We are fortunate to be uniquely equipped to bring the public and private sectors together for these mutually beneficial collaborations.”
Exposure to the NCERC’s vast array of clients and visitors is one of the primary motivations for companies such as Littleford Day to install their equipment at the Center at no cost.
“We are excited by the opportunity to gain valuable exposure of our process technology to the advanced biomass industry,” Littleford Day North Central Sales Manager Shawn Hearn said. “The Center has incredible relationships within the industry, and partnering with them allows us the opportunity to introduce our technologies to new audiences.”
The reactor is not the first equipment donated to the Center by private clients, who have installed process instruments, electrical control systems and many of the components of the Center’s unique fermentation suite. In 2011, NCERC installed a corn fractionation system valued at $4.5 million, of which Cereal Process Technologies donated $1 million of equipment and services. In addition, Siemens donated a $1 million distributed process control system during 2006.
Littleford Day and other donors benefit from their partnerships with the Center through technology demonstrations that provide exposure to potential clients, tax benefits for the value of the donation and attribution in any public research or scholarly articles published on experiments using the equipment.
“When we conduct client research using Littleford technology, the client is likely to go to Littleford to invest in the equipment when they decide to scale up their process,” Lash said. “Furthermore, Littleford is privy to any public research we accomplish using their technology and will be cited in any scholarly literature we publish as a result of that research. “
Photo: Center Director John Caupert conducts a tour of the NCERC facility.
Sigma Phi Epsilon Golf Fundraiser Seeks Players
Sigma Phi Epsilon, Il Eta Chapter at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is sponsoring its Fifth Annual Open Golf Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Fox Creek Golf Course in Edwardsville.
All funds raised will benefit the Lyle W. Ward Balanced Man Scholarship. The scholarship program provides annual $1,000 awards to SIUE incoming freshmen who have excelled in the areas of scholarship, leadership, athletics, community service, and exemplify the Balanced Man ideals of sound mind and sound body.
“Sigma Phi Epsilon’s mission is scholarship, leadership and service,” said Cliff Kinnuenen, tournament chairman. “We are happy to assist SIUE in a small way to attract quality students”.
This is one of three annual Sigma Phi Epsilon events for alumni/active student interaction. A year ago, the event drew 60 golfers and nearly 100 participants, which involved alumni and actives covering 40 years including 1973 charter members. The fraternity has 500 alumni in the region.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch is included, and additional prizes will be awarded.
Cost is $70 per person or $280 per team with advance registration required. Checks are payable to the SIUE Foundation with a notation “IL Eta Golf Benefit” in the memo section.
For more information visit http://www.sigepsiue.com. Interested players also may contact Cliff Kinnuenen at cakjr@lycos.com or iletaalumni@gmail.com.
Upward Bound Students Examine Forensic Evidence during STEM Camp at SIUE
High school students from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Upward Bound EC and BEM programs investigated clues from a fictitious crime case during a recent two-day enrichment camp. Forty students were selected to attend the camp sponsored and hosted by the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach at SIUE.
The programs service students in the East St. Louis Charter and Cahokia high schools (EC), and Brooklyn, East St. Louis and Madison high schools (BEM).
“The purpose of the workshop,” said Carmille Johnson, Upward Bound teacher, “was to expose the students to how science, math and technology work together.”
Students from the SIUE Upward Bound EC-BEM programs were selected for participation based on their grades and interest in science or math as a career goal, said Johnson.
The STEM Center created the camp, under the guidance of its director, Dr. Sharon Locke, associate professor. The primary instructors for the camp included Matt Johnson, teacher at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School, and Candace Johnson, who is currently involved with outreach at the St. Louis Zoo. Matt and Candace are both graduates of SIUE’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. Also serving as instructors were Dr. Kelly Barry, associate professor of biological sciences at SIUE; and Sean Herberts, program coordinator for the STEM Center.
On the first day, the students were introduced to the details of the “crime.”
The scene: “Alexis Dent’s” birthday party held in room 2010 of the SIUE Science Building.
The crime: Stolen was “Alexis’” birthday present, a Galaxy S7 telephone.
The suspects: Her father, Mr. Dent; her ex-boyfriend, Giovanni DeSoto; her brother, her best
friend and the janitor.
The evidence: Finger prints, foot prints, fake blood and a witness statement.
On the second day, the students were divided into four groups to survey the evidence. The teenagers also had a chance to interview all five of the “suspects,” each played by Matt Johnson.
Each group created a poster that displayed the rationale of their conclusion and presented their evidence to Herberts, Barry, Matt Johnson and Candace Johnson. The winning team consisted of the following students: Grace Harris, Re’On Wilson, Shontanae Johnson, BreAnn Roberson, Jermisha Davis, Darnisha Peterson, Dejanae Jackson and Curwin Jimerson, all of Upward Bound EC; and Brenisha Robinson and John Wicks, both of Upward Bound BEM.
“They never found the phone,” said Carmille Johnson. “It was a mystery in the end. However, the students were able to show how the forensic science part help lead them to a better investigation.
“The evidence did point to the brother. He had Galaxy S3 and was jealous.”
The Upward Bound programs are committed to the goals of developing a year-round education program which will excite, motivate and prepare target area, school district secondary students and provide quality services to all participants, thus preparing them for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs.
Photo Information: Chandlier Jack Jr., an Upward Bound EC student, looks at some evidence in the case of “The Missing Phone.” Chandlier is a junior at Cahokia High School.
Andrea Hyde, an Upward Bound EC student, presents forensic information during the STEM Center enrichment camp. Andrea is a freshman at East St. Louis Senior High School
SIUE’s Jennings Featured in News-Democrat for Winning Green Thumb Award
SIUE’s David Jennings, assistant professor of biological sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, recently won an Edwardsville Green Thumb Award. Belleville News-Democrat writer Teri Maddox wrote about Jennings and his wife Randi Papke in an article published July 21. Their yard is one of 11 properties that received Green Thumb Awards from the Edwardsville Beautification and Tree Commission.
SIUE Alumnus Matt Andrew Takes New Job at St. Cloud State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus Matt Andrew has been selected as the new vice president of University Advancement at St. Cloud (Minnesota) State University.
For the past six years, Andrew has served as associate vice president of Alumni Engagement at Webster University in St. Louis. Andrew has a bachelor’s from SIUE and a master’s from Webster.
More information may be found in the St. Cloud Times online, the sctimes.com.
SIUE Alumnus David Marler Writes Book About UFOs
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus David Marler has had a fascination with unidentified flying objects ever since he was a child.
Marler’s 40-year interest in and investigation of UFOs has produced his book, Triangular UFOs: An Estimate of the Situation.
“I was not looking for an alternative religion or spiritual path as many have attempted through the vehicle of the UFO subject,” Marler said in an interview with The Belleville News-Democrat online, BND.com. “Rather, I was interested in following the evidence to where it may or may not lead. I wanted to ascertain whether or not there was truly something behind this mystery.”
“Rather, I was interested in following the evidence to where it may or may not lead. I wanted to ascertain whether or not there was truly something behind this mystery.”
Marler, who has a degree in psychology from SIUE, has been featured in the online story since July 13. The book is published by Richard Dolan Press and is available at bookstores or on the web.
A “Celebration of Life” Scheduled for Jennifer Ratliff; Was Office Support Specialist for the NCERC
A “Celebration of Life” service has been scheduled for Jennifer L. Ratliff, 44, an office support specialist at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, who died Saturday, July 13, at her home in Edwardsville.
Ratliff, who worked a total of 13 years at the University, worked most recently for the National Corn-To-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at SIUE. An SIUE alumna, Ratliff earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University.
A memorial visitation will be conducted from 9-11 a.m. Thursday at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville, where arrangements were made. The celebration service will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
For more information, visit the online obituary.
SIUE Solar Car Team Wins Spirit Award at Formula Sun Grand Prix
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Solar Car Club won the Spirit of the Event Award at the American Solar Challenge Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) in Austin, Texas, during the last week of June.
SIUE claimed the Spirit award for persistence and dedication throughout the event which endured through high temperatures of 108 degrees and track temperatures exceeding 140 degrees.
SIUE finished eighth in a field of 12 teams by completing 10 laps and finished ahead of Georgia Tech, Northwestern University and Missouri S&T. Oregon State University (193 laps) won the event with Illinois State University (192 laps) as runner-up and Iowa State University (191 laps) finishing third.
The University of Texas at Austin hosted the event which ran Monday-Friday, June 24-29, with the final three days spent racing at the Circuit of the Americas. The event drew record crowds for a FGSP track event estimated at 1,600 people.
The FSGP is a biannual track race that is held on grand prix or road style closed courses. This unique style of solar car racing is open to teams from around the world and tests the limits of the vehicles in handling curves, braking and acceleration. Driver training, passing strategy, and quick pit stops are crucial for teams racing in FSGP.
Graduate Student and Rockford native Amy Sunderlin was the team captain. She was joined by:
Alumni: Alex Wolff of Ferguson, Mo., and Derek Freiburghaus of Columbia, Ill.
Seniors: Nate Fox of Columbia, Ill., Travis Powers of Houston, Texas, Mark Matthews of Swansea, Marc Wilmsmeyer of Edwardsville and Matt Boone of Belleville.
Juniors: Zachary Crawford of St. Elmo, Ill., Louie Neumeyer of Millstadt, Nic Meyer of Bloomington and Curtis Mueth of St. Peters, Mo.
Sophomores: Edwardsville’s Lisa Smith.
Sunderlin was most proud of her group’s teamwork. “Despite the outrageous heat, lack of sleep, and 18-hour days, we persistently worked together towards getting our car on the track every race day,” she said. “I am proud to be a part of a team that continues to strive to complete our goals, despite the challenges it takes to accomplish them.”
One of those challenges was the time crunch spent in three days of preparation, called “scrutineering.” The car had to meet a variety of structural, electrical, mechanical and functional standards before being allowed on the track. The crew beat the clock in several instances to address issues or make repairs to stay in the race.
Despite the competitive nature of the event, the teams were extremely collegial. “We all helped each other out whenever we could,” Sunderlin explained. “We received help from Oregon State, where they gave us critical fasteners that we needed to pass scrutineering. I worked with Missouri S&T to help them with their battery management coding problems. There is a very long list of people who helped us, and who we have helped, and it happens across all of the teams.”
Dr. Andy Lozowski, assoc. professor of electrical and computer engineering and faculty advisor on electrical systems, and Steve Muren, manager of electrical and computer engineering, served as advisors.
“The students deserve all the credit for building the car and getting it to the race.” Lozowski said. “This has been years of work and fund raising that they had to do. The entire car was designed and built by the students.”
He believes the future is bright for the Solar Car Club. “We have a number of team members who have been through a race and are here to stay for another two or three years,” Lozowski said. “They will be able to train the incoming students and get the solar team through the next two or three races. One problem in the past has been continuity in the team.”
Lozowski said the most challenging part of the endeavor is funding. “Our students could build a nice looking car that is way more competitive, but that costs about $300,000.” he noted.
Connie Frey-Spurlock Named the First Faculty Sustainability Fellow at SIUE
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is continuing important and comprehensive work in sustainability by offering its first-ever faculty sustainability fellowship to Dr. Connie Frey-Spurlock, thereby advancing one of the chancellor’s global initiatives.
The associate professor selected to the three-year assignment has already incorporated sustainability into her life and her classroom. “I grow some of my own food, and I started raising chickens,” said Frey-Spurlock, associate professor and graduate program director in the department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies. “This summer, I taught “Humans and the Environment,” a sustainability course offered in my department.
“In the class, I gave my students an assignment to plan a day’s worth of meals with seasonal fruits and vegetables that are locally produced, and to minimize waste and cost. The exercise touches on all three components of sustainability – people, profits and planet. It requires a new and better way of thinking about things, but it can be done.”
The fellowship’s purpose, according to Kevin Adkins, SIUE sustainability officer, is to assist and support the integration of sustainability concepts and practices into SIUE teaching and scholarship.
“The administration’s role is to support these initiatives and practices,” said SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe. “We anticipate positive results as our faculty and students put these initiatives into action.”
Frey-Spurlock said she first became interested in sustainability in 2008, when Adkins was a student in one of her classes. “His passion for sustainability reflected in his coursework, and led to my own study of sustainability,” the associate professor wrote in her fellowship application letter. “Since then, I have had opportunities to explore sustainability with students in and out of the classroom.”
The Fellow’s primary responsibilities, Adkins said, will be to increase awareness of sustainability among faculty, promote the inclusion of sustainability into SIUE’s curriculum, encourage original research in related fields and conduct scholarship in the area of sustainability. The Fellow receives funding for a one-course release per semester, a $4,000 summer stipend and a one-time $6,000 allotment for supplies, travel and other expenses related to sustainability research.
Frey-Spurlock plans to accomplish several objectives over the next few years, including:
• Develop a Mississippi Project website where workshop materials can be shared with others. The Mississippi Project is a workshop that is nationally recognized for its innovative approach to curricular change through the integration of sustainability into the classrooms.
• Develop an online sustainability literary assessment for students, faculty and staff.
• Offer assistance to SIUE faculty exploring and or implementing sustainability in their curriculum.
• Work closely with SIUE’s Sustainability Advisory Group (SAG) and Student Organization for Sustainability (SOS).
• Report on research and findings at the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) conferences.
“Sustainability is about a lifestyle and a quality of life,” Frey-Spurlock said. “My job as a Fellow will be to introduce this message more into the minds and hearts of the SIUE community.”
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottom land and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 14,000.
Photo Information: Pictured is Dr. Connie Frey-Spurlock, photo courtesy Regina Junk
Ruscin Appointed Chair of SIUE Department of Pharmacy Practice
Dr. J. Mark Ruscin, PharmD, professor of pharmacy practice, has been appointed chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the SIUE School of Pharmacy, effective immediately. Ruscin has been serving as the interim chair of the department since March 2012.
The announcement was made by Dr. Gireesh Gupchup, dean of the School of Pharmacy, after conducting a national search.
“Dr. Ruscin has done an admirable job developing our presence at the School of Medicine in Springfield and most recently as acting chair,” said Gupchup. “Dr. Ruscin is well respected nationally, and I am confident that he will lead the Department of Pharmacy Practice successfully.”
Ruscin, who joined the School of Pharmacy in 2008, is an expert in geriatric pharmacy practice. He is a fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (FASCP) and is to be inducted as a fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (FCCP) in the fall of 2013. He holds an adjunct clinical appointment with the SIU School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine in Springfield.
A native of central Illinois, Ruscin returned to the region after spending 13 years with the University of Colorado-Denver School of Pharmacy and Center on Aging. He graduated with his doctor of pharmacy from the University of Illinois Chicago. After completing a pharmacy practice residency at the University of Illinois Hospital and Clinics, he completed a geriatrics fellowship at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy.
“I am very excited and proud to be named the second chair of pharmacy practice at the SIUE School of Pharmacy,” Ruscin said. “I look forward to leading the department as we continue to strengthen our program and reputation, and attract the best and brightest students from central and southern Illinois.”
SIUE Alum Koerkenmeier is New Mascoutah Asst. City Manager
Lisa Koerkenmeier took charge as that Mascoutah’s assistant city manager on July 1. Herald Publications reporter Pamela Rensing wrote of the SIUE alum’s new position in an article published July 11. Koerkenmeier has a master’s in geographical studies with a special degree in urban planning from SIUE.
SIU Trustees Approve Contracts for SIUE Physician Services, Dental Equipment and Plumbing Supplies
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees at its regularly scheduled meeting today on the Springfield campus approved contracts worth more than $2.4 million to provide services and equipment to the Edwardsville campus.
SIUE Health Services has contracted for one year with a four-year renewal option with Dr. Rod Hartzel of Sorento, Ill., and TTG Locum Tenens, Inc. of St. Louis. Each vendor will receive $110,000 annually. The total value of the agreement is $1.1 million. The services are funded by Student Health Services fees.
SIUE Health Services contracts for physician services to provide advisory, consulting, reporting and related services to SIUE students. Services include diagnosis, treatment, emergency care, physical examinations, referrals, minor surgery and related medical services within the scope of the Health Services mission statement.
The Board also approved a contract with A-Dec, Inc., of Newburg, Ore., to purchase multi-discipline laboratory simulator equipment at a cost of $593,207.35. The equipment is for the SIU School of Dental Medicine’s new Multi-Discipline Laboratory in Alton.
The equipment will include 63 pre-clinic patient simulators ($6,558.45 ea.), 65 dental LED lights/bench top mounts ($1,655 ea.) and 63 simulator phantom heads with face masks and mounting rods ($1,150 ea.). The purchase is funded from University Plant funds, an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant, donations and equipment user fees.
In addition, SIUE Facilities Management has contracted with Connor Co., of Collinsville, to provide for the purchase of plumbing supplies to make routine repairs. The contract is for a twelve-month period beginning July 12, 2013. The University reserves the option to renew the contract for up to three additional years. The estimated cost of the four-year agreement is $788,000. The actual cost will depend upon the University’s plumbing supplies needed for repairs. The contract is funded from state appropriated funds and departmental auxiliary funds.
Board of Trustees Approves SIUE Faculty and Staff Appointments
The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees at its regularly scheduled meeting today on the Springfield campus approved two faculty appointments and one staff promotion. The Board also approved the naming of the new Harry Gallatin Golf Training Facility.
The Board confirmed the appointment of John Navin, Ph.D., as interim dean of The SIUE School of Business. Navin stepped into the role when former dean Gary Giamartino resigned effective June 30 to assume the same duties at La Salle University in Philadelphia.
A professor of economics and finance, Navin has been a member of the School of Business faculty since 1991 and served as chair of his department. At the University level, he has held key leadership roles as chair of the University Planning and Budget Council (UPBC) from 2007 to 2010; chair of the chancellor’s Search Advisory Committee in 2011-2012; and chair of the Salary Equity Task Force from 2009-2010.
Dr. Mark Ruscin was confirmed as chair of the department of Pharmacy Practice in the SIUE School of Pharmacy effective July 12. A professor of pharmacy, Ruscin has served as acting chair of the department of Pharmacy Practice since March 2012. He was selected from a pool of seven candidates for his wide range of experience in education, research, service and administration.
Scott Belobrajdic was promoted from assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management to associate vice chancellor for Enrollment Management. During his six years leading prospective student recruitment, Belobrajdic’s team has seen record-setting growth. SIUE’s enrollment peaked at 14,255 during the 2011-12 academic year, while the University’s largest freshman class arrived in Fall 2012 with 2,070 new students.
The Board turned to intercollegiate athletics and approved naming SIUE’s new indoor golf practice facility and outdoor driving range as the Harry Gallatin Golf Training Facility. Official ground-breaking for the project, which is 100 percent privately funded, occurred on June 24. The naming recognizes $350,000 in gifts secured in Gallatin’s name. He is a long-time SIUE coach and faculty member.
SIUE’s Davis and Welch are Vaughnie Lindsay Awardees
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Dr. Georgiann Davis and Dr. Dan Welch are the 2013 Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator awardees. Jerry Weinberg, associate provost for research and dean of the SIUE Graduate School, presented the awards which are worth $12,500 to each investigator.
Dr. Vaughnie Lindsay-Skinner is an emerita professor of the SIUE School of Business. The internal grants are made to tenure-track SIUE faculty members in order to recognize and support individual programs of research or creative activities. The awards recognize faculty members whose research or creative activities have the promise of making significant contributions to their fields of study and to SIUE in general.
Davis is an assistant professor in the department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies in SIUE’s College of Arts and Sciences. Welch is an assistant professor in the department of Growth, Development and Structure in the SIU School of Dental Medicine.
Davis is one of a few sociocultural scholars specializing in intersex studies. Her new project, “Children with Intersex Traits,” focuses on a group whose voices often go unheard in the medical world.
“Children are, quite simply, not included in research studies on intersexuality, but they are the ones most affected by medical protocols,” said Davis, a Chicago native who resides in Edwardsville.
Her study offers children with intersex traits a chance to be heard from a social scientific platform. She will gather data on how children with intersex traits understand and experience sex, gender and sexuality. She also will question how they relate to (and are constrained or empowered by) others in their lives, as well as how they understand the medical interventions suggested for or performed on them. Davis anticipates that this perspective will contribute to the understanding of how intersexuality is experienced and aid in assessing evaluation and necessity of medical interventions in contemporary society.
Davis joined SIUE in fall 2011 after earning a doctorate in sociology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Since joining SIUE, Davis has published five peer-reviewed articles and presented at national academic and intersex conferences. Her first book, tentatively titled The Dubious Diagnosis: How Intersex Became a Disorder of Sex Development, is under contract with New York University Press.
Welch currently serves as the course director for neuroanatomy and his current research project is “Underlying Central Nervous System Etiology of Bruxism.” It presents a foundation for research on bruxism, the involuntary gnashing and grinding of teeth.
According to Welch, untreated bruxism can lead to worn teeth, lost fillings, fractures, headaches and numerous types of temporomandibular disorders. As a pathway to understanding bruxism, he is examining the physiological mechanisms underlying chewing.
Welch hypothesizes that the network of nerve cells involved in regulating muscles during chewing might be shared with those that produce bruxism and that certain pathological conditions can affect the regulation of those movements. He will use intramuscular electromyogram (EMG) recordings and sonomicrometry measurements to create a detailed analysis of jaw movement in rats during mastication and bruxism. The results will create a behavioral assay to observe detailed jaw movement. These results will further Welch’s research toward determining the mechanisms involved in the causes of bruxism.
A Santa Monica, Calif., native, Welch resides in Edwardsville. He joined SIUE in 2011 after earning a doctorate in neuroscience from the University of California Riverside. He has two peer-reviewed articles submitted for publication. Welch has previously published in the Journal for Experimental Biology and has presented research findings at several neuroscience conferences.
SIUE Alum is Jersey Community School District Superintendent
Lori Franke-Hopkins has earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SIUE and is working on a doctorate. She is the new superintendent for the Jersey Community School District. Telegraph reporter Kathie Bassett profiled Franke-Hopkins in an article published July 10.
Fulbright Program Changes Open Options for Scholars, Students
Changes to rules governing assignments of Fulbright scholarships have created more opportunities for faculty members and students.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has had about a dozen professors and students receive Fulbright awards through the years. Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe was recently selected as a Fulbright Scholar and assigned to work with a new university in Azerbaijan through the Fulbright program. Greater flexibility when it comes to the time required for individuals to study abroad, and an increase in the types of programs offered make the prestigious, coveted awards more accommodating for busy schedules.
The awards are sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It provides a diverse audience of professionals around the globe the chance to engage in travel abroad opportunities.
SIUE Director of International Programs Ron Schaefer, a Distinguished Research Professor of English and past Fulbright scholar, highly recommends that individuals apply for awards. View this video for more information about SIUE’s study abroad program.
“Opportunities are available for college and university faculty and administrators, as well as for professionals, artists, journalists, scientists, lawyers, independent scholars and many others,” he said. “In order to meet the changing needs of academia and develop new options to better accommodate the interests and commitments of today’s scholars, the program has introduced several innovations.”
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers fellowships for U.S. graduating seniors, graduate students, and young professionals and artists to study abroad for one academic year. The program also includes the English Teaching Assistant component, which accepts applications from graduating seniors.
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program sends American scholars, professionals and artists abroad to lecture and/or conduct research for up to a year.
The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program brings foreign scholars, professionals and artists to lecture and/or conduct post-doctoral research for up to a year at U.S. colleges and universities.
Fulbright opportunities are available in more than 150 countries. The 2014-2015 Academic Year Fulbright Scholar Program competition opened to applicants in February. The deadline for applications will be Aug. 1, 2013. For more information, visit the Institute of International Education’s website that lists information about Fulbright opportunities. Interested faculty members and professionals are encouraged to learn more about these opportunities, and hundreds of others, by visiting the Catalog of Awards.
U.S. citizenship is required. For other eligibility requirements and detailed award descriptions visit the Fulbright website at http://www.cies.org/us_scholars/us_awards/ or contact Fulbright at scholars@iie.org.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottom land and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis, the SIUE campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 14,000.
video for more information about SIUE’s study abroad program.
SIUE Athletics Hall of Fame to Add Six Inductees
Six individuals will be inducted in September into the SIUE Athletics Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place Sept. 14 at SIUE’s Morris University Center. Reservations for the event can be made by calling SIUE Athletics at 618-650-2871. Tickets are $30. A social for all inductees will be held at 5:30 p.m. followed by the induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s honorees include Michelle (Gilman) Cox (volleyball), LeAnn (Bryan) Harris (women’s basketball), Dion Joannou (men’s tennis), Bob Kessen (men’s soccer), Marco Winter (men’s tennis), and Michelle (Wreen) Staroba (women’s tennis). This the ninth class to be inducted. The inaugural SIUE Athletics Hall of Fame class was inducted in 2005.
A brief sketch of each inductee follows:
LeAnn (Bryan) Harris, Women’s Basketball (Carlyle, Ill./Mater Dei HS)
Bryan led the Cougars in scoring for three consecutive seasons and helped the Cougars to its first-ever NCAA Division II postseason appearances during the 1993-94 season. An All-American during the 1993-94 season, she was the first player in school history to record 1,500 points in three seasons. The fourth all-time leading scorer with 1,518 points, she set the school record in 1994 with 40 points in a single game against Southern Indiana.
Michelle (Gilman) Cox, Volleyball (Springfield, Ill./Lutheran HS)
Gilman put the SIUE volleyball program on the map as the school’s career leader in kills (1,898), attempts (4,340), service aces (156), points (2,593.5), points per game (5.28), blocks per game (1.54), and total blocks (756). A two-time Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year, she was inducted into the GLVC Hall of Fame in 2011. A starter on SIUE’s first intercollegiate volleyball team in 1995, she helped the Cougars to their first NCAA Tournament appearance and victory in 1998.
Dion Joannou, Men’s Tennis (Overland, Mo./Ritenour HS)
A three-time All-American, Joannou kept the SIUE men’s tennis program in the national conversation with a seventh-place finish at the 1989 NCAA Division II Championships. He earned All-American status as a singles player in 1988. He joined teammate Marco Winter as double All-Americans in 1988 and 1989.
Bob Kessen, Men’s Soccer (St. Louis, Mo./Rosary HS)
A member of the 1972 national championship team, Bob Kessen helped SIUE men’s soccer make the jump to Division I status. In his four seasons, the Cougars advanced to the NCAA Tournament all four years. Appearing in 52 games as a midfielder, Kessen would be honored in 1974 as an All-American. He completed his career with seven goals and eight assists, including two goals and four assists in his All-American season.
Marco Winter, Men’s Tennis (Heemstede, Netherlands/Hageveld)
A five-time All-American, Winter helped keep the SIUE men’s tennis program in the national spotlight with a seventh place finish at the 1989 NCAA Division II Championships. He joined numerous other Cougars with multiple All-American finishes, including three straight singles All-American finishes from 1987 to 1989. He joined with teammate Dion Joannou for back-to-back doubles All-American finishes in 1988 and 1989.
Michelle (Wreen) Staroba, Women’s Tennis (Philadelphia, Penn./Lincoln HS)
A member of three national championship teams from 1986 to 1988, Michelle Wreen helped provide needed depth for some Hall of Fame teams. She and her doubles partner Sandi Stace provided the deciding point for the 1988 national championship victory over Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. It would be the third of SIUE’s four consecutive national title runs. Wreen played just behind fellow Hall of Famers Christina Bokelund and Portia George and earned doubles All-American status in 1987.
Photo: LeAnn Harris.
SIUE Student Artist’s Unique Creations Featured in Intelligencer
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student Gwendolyn Porter has created a series of artwork of feet currently being featured at the Edwardsville Art Center’s (EAC) Student Gallery through July 19. The Edwardsville Intelligencer featured Porter’s work in an article published July 5. The EAC Student Gallery features an SIUE student artist during the summer months.
SIUE Summer Art Classes Featured in Intelligencer
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Summer Arts Program offers a variety of art and design classes for first through 12th grade students. The Edwardsville Intelligencer featured the program in an article published Saturday, July 6. The classes are held at the new SIUE Art and Design building. SIUE alum Andrea Kumlin, a former teacher of the arts program, serves as the art program’s coordinator.
SIUE on Track for Dual Diploma Program with Engineering School in Korea
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s good name and reputation is growing in parts of Asia. The University recently entered into an agreement to bring more Asian students to campus through a dual diploma program with Tongmyong University in Busan, South Korea.
After working the curricula details with the South Korean school for nearly six months, SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe signed a memorandum of understanding on June 11 with Tongmyong University. SIUE also expects to finalize negotiations sometime in August for a dual diploma program with Shenyang Aerospace University in Liaoning in northeastern China.
Furst-Bowe was part of an SIUE contingent visiting South Korea and China from June 7-18 that included School of Engineering Dean Hasan Sevim, School of Education Dean Bette Bergeron and Center for International Programs Director Ron Schaefer.
“Our trip to Asia was for the purpose of strengthening and promoting our dual diploma programs and for broadening our global presence,” said Furst-Bowe.
The South Korea dual diploma program is the second that SIUE has established. The agreement involves Tongmyong University officials selecting a group of students who will begin the program at their university as freshmen and sophomores. The students transfer to SIUE to complete their junior and senior years.
Upon graduation, the South Korean students will receive their respective diplomas from both Tongmyong University and SIUE. Students can major in mechanical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering and industrial engineering. The first group of an expected 40-50 South Korean students are expected in fall 2014.
“This is a huge step for the internationalization of our campus,” said Sevim. “These students will bring their unique culture, new perspectives and high level of academic potential. This is very rewarding for both SIUE and our partners.”
In addition to sharing students, the dual degree program agreement also offers opportunities for faculty exchange, summer programs and cooperative research.
“Some of their junior faculty can come to SIUE and benefit from research and teaching,” Sevim added. “We hope to send some of our faculty there, as well.”
While in China, SIUE officials were hosted by Shenyang Aerospace University and the School of Engineering staff worked on common curricula with their counterparts similar to South Korean curricula in various engineering disciplines.
Sevim said three other universities also were visited in China for potential international cooperation: Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology and Shenyang Jianzhu University.
SIUE currently has a dual diploma program with Istanbul Technical University. The joint-diploma program in industrial engineering is the first of its kind in the United States and Turkey. Students from Turkey earn a bachelor’s in industrial engineering, and diplomas from each University.
During the trip, Bergeron visited with officials to discuss the School of Education’s successful International Training Program in Pedagogy, through which faculty members from international institutions stay on the SIUE campus for a semester to learn American style pedagogy through active participation in classes and focused seminars.
Bergeron also discussed possible expansions to leadership training programs for university administrators as well as potential areas of collaboration including student exchanges and 1+1 programs for graduate students. She also visited with representatives at Shenyang Normal University and explored a range of options for possible future partnerships.
Photo: SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe signs a memorandum of understanding with Tongmyong University
President Dong-kun Sul in Busan, South Korea.
SIUE School of Pharmacy’s Natural Learning Opportunity
Before big pharmaceutical companies, small town pharmacists made medicines from scratch using basic practices like drying, grinding and boiling to draw the healing properties from various types of plants and trees. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy believes in the importance of knowing and understanding the history of pharmacy and the origins of medicine.
As a bridge between the past and future, the first School of Pharmacy class planted a medicinal garden in the spring of 2006. Medicinal gardens, also known as herb gardens or “gardens of simples,” can be traced back as far as the middle ages and primarily feature plants used for treating the symptoms of a variety of common ailments.
The 450 square-foot garden located near the School of Pharmacy serves as both an aesthetically pleasing addition to the University Park landscape and a teaching opportunity for the PharmD students. View the medicinal garden video.
“It’s important to remind students that plants carry out complex syntheses that create potentially helpful drug molecules,” said Dr. Mike Crider, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences chair and associate dean of research. “Those processes can be very difficult to duplicate in a lab. The medicinal garden creates an opportunity for students to understand this first-hand.”
Some of the plants in the School of Pharmacy medicinal garden include:
- St. John’s Wort – A shrubby perennial plant with bright yellow flowers used to treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
- Willow bark (willow tree) – A tree whose bark is used to treat pain and fever due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vinca – A small plant known for its light pink flowers from which up to 86 chemical compounds are extracted and used in chemotherapy to treat several types of cancer.
- Horehound – An herbaceous perennial plant, somewhat resembling mint, known to aid digestion and sooth sore throats.
The medicinal garden is cared for by volunteers from the Edwardsville Garden Club. Students, faculty and community members are encouraged to volunteer their time or make a donation to the garden.
SIUE Archaeological Dig Provides Insight Into Ancient Cultures
In a 35-acre farm field on the west side of the SIUE campus, history is literally unearthed every summer. Amidst the growing corn, anthropology students dig well-defined, carefully smoothed holes in the ground. In these holes, students and faculty have found axes, arrowheads, Hopewell pottery, figurines and more that were left behind by Native Americans as long ago as 10,000 years.
Since 2009, SIUE anthropology professors have worked alongside students during these digs. This opportunity is part of the field school program, which offers anthropology students the chance to gain hands-on experiences in their areas of study. Because of the importance of their discoveries, the field was taken out of agricultural production and dedicated solely to archeological digs.
Each summer, 10 students interested in archaeology get the opportunity to excavate the soil in search of Native American artifacts and structure locations. Students spend their time delving into the earth under their professor’s direction and supervision, sifting soil through screens, mapping the dug areas and washing artifacts in the lab. Each finding has led them and anthropology faculty to learn more about the culture of people who once inhabited what is now the Metro East.
Anthropology professor Dr. Julie Holt led the five-week summer 2013 archaeological dig. “Since we began digging in this area in 2009, we have found more than 30,000 artifacts,” said Holt. “We have found items that are common to the period and location, as well as more rare pieces, like mica and a ‘Casper the Ghost’ style figurine.”
The dig findings are mostly from the Woodland and Mississippian periods. The Woodland period lasted from 1000 BCE to 1000 CE and involved hunter-gatherer and agricultural Native Americans. Mississippian culture thrived from 1000 CE to 1400 CE and is centered on mound-building Native Americans, like the Cahokians. Artifacts from earlier periods have also been found – perhaps as much as 10,000 years old.
During the 2013 archaeological gig, anthropology senior and Edwardsville native, Courtney Reiter, found the figurine and mica. Mica is a shiny mineral that Holt believes could have been used for ceremonial objects, and the figurine is a small ceramic doll. Reiter participated in the archaeological dig as part of her undergraduate requirement but also because she plans to be an archaeologist.
“Finding the figurine was really exciting,” Reiter said. “Going on this dig has made me even more enthusiastic about pursuing my career.”
What makes both the mica and the figurine especially unique is that they are not common for the southwestern Illinois area. Holt says the figurine is 2,000 years old and that only one other “Casper” style figurine has been found in the American Bottom. Mica is also not locally found. Holt believes the mineral was brought to the site from the Carolinas.
“These finds tell us that the people who lived here may have migrated,” said Holt. “They may have come for a winter hunting trip. However, if they had mica and other ‘fancy’ pottery or ceremonial objects, they may have stayed here longer.”
Photos: 1) Professor Julie Holt holds a figurine unearthed from the archaeological dig on the SIUE campus. 2) Holt stands in front of the archeological dig.
BND Features SIUE Faculty Sharing Knowledge with Local Educators
Belleville News-Democrat education reporter Jamie Forsythe wrote about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty sharing their science knowledge with local teachers in a story published June 21. Eighteen teachers participated in a two-week professional development program at Henry White Research Farm. The program is provided by SIUE faculty to learn about the Next Generation Science Standards.
SIUE’s Gregory Fields Wins NEH and Hoppe Awards for Native American Research
The National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded a summer stipend to a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Professor Gregory Fields to pursue a passion that has framed his career for the past 20 years.
Dr. Fields, professor of philosophy at SIUE, will continue collaborating on two books with two native elders of Washington State: Pauline Hillaire, Scälla, of the Killer Whale, (Lummi Coast Salish) and Johnny Moses, xWistemeni, Walking Robe (Nuu-chah-nulth and Tulalip Coast Salish).
Moses and Hillaire are traditionally trained oral historians. In 2012, Moses received Washington Governor’s Heritage Award, the state’s highest honor for perpetuation of cultural heritage. Hillaire has just been named a 2013 National Heritage Fellow, the nation’s highest honor for perpetuation of cultural arts.
Fields submitted a competitive application which landed him in the top 8 percent acceptance rate. The NEH stipend provides $6,000 for two months. This year, the NEH gave 78 awards from a pool of nearly 1,000 applications. Fields’ proposal was the only one funded in Native American Studies. Fields also was awarded SIUE’s Hoppe Research Professor Award to continue his research of Pacific Northwest culture. From July 1, 2013 through July 1, 2015, the professor will receive half-time release from teaching to work on significant research.
The professor met the now 84-year-old elder Pauline Hillaire at a gathering on the Tulalip Reservation six years ago. Their first collaboration was a book and media collection that will be available from University of Nebraska Press in December. A Totem Pole History documents the work of Ms. Hillaire’s father, renowned carver and cultural leader Joseph Hillaire (1894-1967).
Their second publication is Rights Remembered: A Salish Grandmother Speaks on American Indian History and the Future. It is also from University of Nebraska Press and will be released within the next two years. Its media collection contains songs in the virtually extinct Lummi dialect, and tribal history narrated by Hillaire, along with archival images.
“Most Indian history is written by non-Indians.” Fields said. “Rights Remembered is the work of a native person who has lived for nearly a century as an engaged citizen of her tribal nation and of the United States. Scälla worked on this book for 45 years, based on Salish oral tradition and primary source documents of the U.S. government. The book is about U.S. Indian policy and how Indian lands, lives and cultural knowledge were lost. It calls for reconciliation between Indian and non-Indian people, based on the truths of history.”
It was 1992 when Fields met Moses, of the Tulalip Reservation in Marysville, Wash. (near Seattle), at a conference at University of Hawaii, where Fields was completing his doctorate in comparative philosophy. “Johnny has a tremendous knowledge-base of oral history, oral literature and medicine songs.” Fields said. “He was trained by his great grandparents and other elders born in the nineteenth century and he carries knowledge that is very ancient.”
The book by Moses, edited by Fields, is entitled Sacred Breath: Pacific Northwest Culture and Medicine Teachings. It will also be published by University of Nebraska Press with an estimated release date of 2016. The book is based on recordings of Moses. A portion is cited below:
To the native people who lived here –the first people– the forest land, the flowers, the rocks, the water, all the elements: that was our library. That was our library: the forest. It stored all the knowledge that we needed to live upon the earth. It stored all the teachings… This is why the old people used to always say, “Go out into the woods. Go out to where there is a river or an ocean, to find time to be with the spirits; to have time with our ancient ancestors, the Living Breath.” Our teachings, our stories, are called ‘the Breath of our Ancestors.’ It is the breath that has been passed on to us: important teachings. I’m so thankful that these teachings have survived, and they have survived for thousands of years, even before they were written down. Now they are being preserved in another form, by writing these teachings down; recording them. I’m just so thankful to the Spirit.
The DVDs and audio CDs that will accompany Sacred Breath contain songs, stories, oral history and spiritual teachings. “Multimedia suits oral tradition better than print alone,” Fields said. “With a CD, you can hear the native language and the tone of voice. With video, you can see gestures and facial expressions. It convey much more than words on a page.”
Fields’ work is cultivating new ground in digital scholarship and his collaborations with Hillaire and Moses will produce a trilogy of books and recordings representing three generations of noted Salish culture-bearers. “Non-native scholars and institutions have misappropriated native peoples’ cultural property and have produced writings that sometimes distort or dilute native traditions,” he said. “When native and non-native specialists cooperate, they can produce works that are representative of native views and voices.
“Cultural preservation is crucial,” the professor added. “There is no substitute for living teachers, but books and media that preserve the knowledge of today’s elders can provide tribal members of the future with sources to help sustain ancestral knowledge and practices. In addition, loss of languages and cultural knowledge is a loss for all of humanity. I hope to help preserve indigenous knowledge as part of the legacy –and the future– of global knowledge.”
Photo Information: Pictured is Dr. Gregory Fields.
SIUE’s Safe Zone Participates in 2013 St. Louis PrideFest
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Safe Zone participated for the first time in the 2013 St. Louis Pride Festival and Parade this past weekend. The annual event was held at Soldiers’ Memorial in downtown St. Louis.
SIUE hosted an informational booth where Safe Zone representatives gave away SIUE promotional items and brochures, talked with many alumni along with current and prospective students.
“It was an amazing experience to represent SIUE for the first time ever in the St. Louis Pride parade, especially during this historic week for LGBT people’s rights,” said Vicky Dean, SIUE assistant housing director. “Safe Zone hopes to continue the advocacy work we do on campus as the nation continues to advance toward full equality for everyone. We are really looking forward to going again next year!”
PrideFest officials estimated that more than 100,000 people participated this year, exceeding last year’s attendance of 85,000. The festival included a variety of acts and performances, including music, dance and visual arts.
Safe Zone’s mission at SIUE is to develop a campus community of allies and provide support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students, faculty, and staff with the ultimate goal of developing SIUE as a safe and welcoming place for LGBT people.
Photo: SIUE Safe Zone contingent marches at the 2013 St. Louis Pride Festival and Parade.
SIUE Golf Training Facility Featured in Belleville News-Democrat
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Athletics broke ground for its new Golf Training Facility on Monday, June 24. The Belleville News-Democrat focused on the project in this article published June 25. Pending final approval from the SIU Board of Trustees, the facility will be named for legendary SIUE coach and supporter Harry Gallatin.
SIUE’s Schultz Discusses Enclave West in Post-Dispatch
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Director of Housing Mike Schultz was quoted in the June 28 edition of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Developer Corey Wenzel, a SIUE alum, is racing the clock to finish the Enclave West apartments for the start of the 2013 fall semester. Schultz describes the development’s impact on University housing in this article by Robert Kelly.
SIU Board Chairman Thomas Profiled in Southern Illinoisan
Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees Chairman Randal Thomas met with The Southern Illinoisan editorial board on Thursday, June 27, in Carbondale. Caleb Hale profiled the SIUE alum in an article published Friday, June 28.