Provenance
Provenance:fromtheFrench“provenant”:theplaceoforigin,averificationoforigin
PROVENANCE CONTRIBUTORS
Student staff
❑ ChantelleMcNeil,BusinessAdministration–InternationalBusiness
❑ JadynMullen,Nursing
❑ MadelineParr,English
❑ SyNiaLanier,Engineering
Faculty advisor
❑ DanGerth,TeachingProfessor& DirectorofStudentServices
Whichversionof Provenance do youprefer?Areyoureadingthis onlineandpreferphysicalmedia? Areyoureadingahardcopyand prefertheelectroniceditionfor easieraccessto Provenance?
ContactDanGerthat gerthd@umsl.eduifyouwould likeaformatof Provenance other thantheoneyouarereading.
PierreLacledeHonors CollegeatUMSL
Note from the advisor…
Provenance isastudent-producedpublicationofthePierre LacledeHonorsCollege.Itsgoalistohelpkeepalumniandfriends connectedwiththecollege,currentstudents,andeachother.
Summer2024
Summer2023
Winter2023
Visithttps://issuu.com/pierrelacledehonorscollegeforallpreviousissues of Provenance,aswellasadditionalHonorspublications.
Theendofaneraisuponus,as Provenance 2.0(from2016untilnow)is beingretired. Butdonotfret,aswewillcontinuetobringyounewsand notesabouttheCollege,ourfacultyandstaff,ouralumni,and,ofcourse, ourstudents! Whatwillthatlooklike?Ourdean’sletterontheopposite pagespellsoutsomeofthecooldetails.Andwhetheritwas Confluence in the1990sorthefirstiterationof Provenance intheearly2000sorthe currentversion,welovecommunicatingwithouralumniandfriendsand willcontinuetodoso.Asyou’llsoonseefromtheterrificarticlesfrom ourstudentwriters,thefutureisbright! Thankyouforreadingnotjust Provenance,butallofourothercommunicationsaswell. Ithasbeenmy pleasureleadingthe2015-2025alumnirelationsefforts.
Letter from the Dean
DearHonorsCollegeAlumniandFriends,
Ihopethismessagefindsyouwell!
Iwanttostartbygivingahugeshout-outtoDanGerthandeveryonewhohaspouredsomuchtimeand effortinto Provenance.Themultipleawards Provenance hasreceivedfromtheNationalCollegiate HonorsCouncilspeakvolumesabouttheincredibleworkDanandallthestudentsandalumniwho havecollaboratedwithhimhavedone.It’strulybeenexceptional!
So,what’snext?Theysayimitationisthesincerestformofflattery,andI’vedecidedtofollowthelead ofournewBusinessDean,ShuSchiller.Inspiredbyherapproach,I’llbelaunchingadean’snewsletter featuringbriefvideoupdates,newsabouttheHonorsCollege,andarticlesshowcasingourtalented facultyandstaff.Therewillalsobesomespecialfeaturesfromthecollege,sostaytuned!
Now,letmesharesomeexcitingnewsaboutwhat’shappeningatHonors.Wehaveincrediblesummer internshipprogramsinWashington,DC,andrighthereinSt.Louisthataremakingarealdifferencefor ourstudents.
ThankstothesupportofourHonorsCollegealumniinDC,withaspecialshout-outtoDickJungand KarenGladbach,we’reinourthirdyearofofferinga$5,000stipendtostudentsinterninginDC.This stipendcoversroomandboardattheInternationalStudentHouse,aswellastravelandactivity expenses,allowingourstudentstofullyimmersethemselvesintheDCexperience.It’sanamazing opportunity,madepossiblebytheengagementofacadreofourDCalumniwhoaregivingbothtime andtreasure.Dick’sgenerousgiftgotthisprogramofftheground,buttokeepitgoing andtohelp evenmorestudents weneedadditionalsupport,bothfinanciallyandbyhelpingstudentsfind internships.
We’realsoexcitedaboutafantasticopportunityhereinSt.Louis,thankstothePershingCharitable Trust.ThePershingFellowshipinNonprofitLeadershipoffersapaid10-weeksummerinternship program.EightstudentsfromUMSL,alongwithstudentsfromWashingtonUniversity,Harris-Stowe University,andSaintLouisUniversity,receivea$10,000summerstipendtoworkinSt.Louis nonprofits.Thisprogramnotonlygivesstudentsvaluableworkexperiencebutalsoencouragesthem toexplorecareeropportunitiesintheSt.Louisnonprofitsector,helpingusretaintalentedgraduatesin ourcommunity.
Theseprogramsopendoorsforourstudentsandprovideexperiencesthatshapetheirfutures.Butwe can’tdoitalone.Ifyou’reable,pleaseconsidermakingafinancialcontributiontohelpuscontinue supportingtheseincredibleopportunities.Everygift,nomatterthesize,makesadifference.Ifyou’re abletohelpconnectstudentswithinternships,we’dlovetohearfromyoutoo!
ThankyouforyourcontinuedsupportoftheHonorsCollege.Ifyouwouldliketodonatetoour internshipprogramsoranyofourothergreatinitiatives,pleaseseeourgivingsitehere Andasalways, comevisit!We’dlovetoseeyou.WeareinProvincialHouseuntilourbigmove,likelyinDecemberof 2026 butmorenewsaboutthatinthefirstnewsletter!
ReadABookSTL
AninterviewwithBrianandEllenCheli,owners
MadelineParr
Still reading physical books? Hooray! We are too. And we’re happy to bring you a new possible place to find your next book, as we profile an Honors alumni-owned used bookstore: Read A Book STL.
Dan Gerth: Thank you for sitting down with me! To start, could you introduce yourselves?
Brian Cheli (B): My name is Brian Cheli, and I graduated in fall 2012 with a Criminology and Criminal Justice degree. Ellen Cheli (E): And I’m Ellen Cheli. I graduated in the fall of 2023 with a Psychdegree.
How would you guys describe your bookstore?
B: We definitely put an emphasis on wanting peopletofeellikethespaceistheirownwhenthey are here. We tryto allow the store, and ourselves, to adapt to people meeting people where they are. If somebody comes in and they’re excited to talk about books, we’re going to talk about books withthem,butifsomebodycomesinandthey wanttoshopinsilence,we’regoingtopipedownandfocusonourwork,givingthemthespaceto themselves.Allowingtheenergyofthestoretobe malleablelike that means that wecan connecton a deeper level when that’s what they want. We had been doing this for ten years online, and the store was a chance for us to step away from the number-crunching profit margins, high sales volume end of the business—to put that stuff on autopilot–anddoadifferenttypeofbusinessand let the store grow naturally and just see where it goes.
When did you first start in the resale business?
B: When I was a teenager, buying used CDs for a quarter, discovering music for the first time essentially Iwouldbuydozensatonce,skimthe tracks, set aside what I liked, and then take the onesthatIdidn’twanttoadifferentrecordstore. Once, I ended up selling about 50 CDs for $2 apiece, so turning a $12 investment into $100. Thatwasthelightbulbmomentforme.Irealized
that all around me, people were throwing things outorheavilydiscountingthingsthattheydidn’t wantthatwerestillofvaluesomewhereelse.So, really, its about collecting the things that are beingdiscardedandhelpingthemfindahome.It startedwithCDs,butevolvedtoincludeshopping clearance racks all over the place and thrift stores—eventually it turned into a dependable income.
E: AndIwassickofworkingretail,sowhileBrian focused on the electronic media, I figured out howtosellbooksonline, whichturned out tobe isolating quickly And the dream behind selling booksstartedtoevolveintohavingabookstore
B: And I thought that a physical storefront was justcompletelyimpossibleatthetime.Iwaslike “That’s the dream, I would love to own a bookstorewithyou,butthere’snowaywecando that!” and Ellen said “I’m not going to run a bookstoreinourbasement,likewarehousestaff.” Thingsstartedtoevolvefromthere.
E: At this point, I also wanted to go back to school for psychology and later counseling. I got my psychology degree, but I didn’t get my master’s–yet. Whenweopenedourbookstore,I planned to return for my next degree about a year later, but I’ve learned that I’m actually already doing what I want to do with the bookstore. We know people by name, we get to help people daily, and we’re immersed in this community that maybe wouldn’t have those resources I get to do help people in so many of thewaysIoriginallywantedto,justhereinstead
How did you guys choose this location?
B: This is the area I worked in when I was a police officer. The name of the store alludes to thattimebecauseIwasworkingat aprotest site and somebody yelled “read a book” at us. I had been someone who considered themselves a frequent reader already, but something about hearingthatmademequestionwhatthatperson thought I needed to know. I started reading and revisitingmycriminaljusticedegree readinga
lot of stuff that wasn’t assigned in my four years and refreshing some really useful, critical stuff like Crime and the American Dream. Eventually I quit my job because I realized there weremoreeffectivewaysformetohelppeople. I needed to leave and figure out another way to serve my community and that iswhy we opened up in a neighborhood where I used to work a neighborhood that is one of the most densely populated in the city. It didn’t have a walkable library or bookstore, but it is so dominated by foot traffic, which is one of the things that bookstores rely on window shoppers, people who don’t necessarily realize that’s what they’re going out to do today That’s my favorite kind of peopletohaveinthestore
Who designed your logo, or how did you come up with it?
B: Hersisterdesignedthat!
Is she a professional graphic designer? Want to plug her work for our readers?
E: Sheis!HernameisJessicaBayer. Andyes!Her websiteiswww.jessicabayer.com.
To wrap things up, what are you reading right now, or what would you most recommend?
E: I just read All About Love by bell hooks, and I recommendthateveryonereadsit!Ithinkwewould have a better world if everyone read that book I’m alsoreading Somewhere Beyond the Sea byTJKlune, which is the second book to The House in the Cerulean Sea It has LGBTQIA+ themes, and I think that it is extremely relevant to the current political climate.
B: One book I loved this year was Parable of the Sower byOctaviaButler. Itwaswritten30yearsago, butissetin2025,andishighlyprescientintermsof predicting what our world looks like. I also recommend An Inconvenient Cop by Edwin Raymond. It’s the memoir of a Haitian immigrant who becomes a police officer and later a whistleblower exposing unfair practices within his department. I’m currently reading Can’t Pay Won’t Pay bytheDebtCollective,whichisaboutorganizing solidarity around our debt and using that to wield poweragainstcreditorsandbanks.
NewFacesAroundtheMainOffice
byMadelineParr Alexandra Gresick
PleasejoinusinwelcomingnewadministrativestafftoHonors!AlexandraGresick,JoannWestbrook, and Rachael Carpenter bring a blend of fresh perspectives and extensive experience to our main office. Inthesebriefinterviews, Ihadthepleasureofspeakingwiththemtolearnmore abouttheir pathstoUMSL,theirnewroles,andtheirvisionsforthefuture.
Alexandra Gresick has built herself a robust career in higher education. In 2018, she joined UMSL as a BusinessSupportSpecialistintheCollegeofEducation, where she managed payroll, processed hiring documents,andassistedinadministrativetasks During her time in this role, she discovered a passion for supporting educational institutions in administrative capacities, particularly in ways that allowed her to enhancethestudentexperience.
Alexandra’s extensive educational background holds a focus on communication and leadership. She attended Maryville University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis on Strategic CommunicationandJournalism,andwentontopursue a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership.DuringhertimeasaStudentSupport
Specialist at UMSL, she completed a Graduate Certificate in Student Affairs Administration and Leadership, allowing her to gain deeper insights into thechallengesandopportunitieswithinstudentaffairs
Today,AlexandraservesasaSeniorBusinessSupportSpecialistintheHonorsCollege. Her responsibilities are varied, reflecting her diverse skill set and experience. She handles everything from human resources and payroll to event planning and student support. Essentially, Alexandra is tasked with keeping the Honors College running smoothly.OneoftheaspectsthatAlexandraenjoysmostaboutherroleisthevarietyit offers. She is involved in numerous facets of the Honors College including but not limitedtoeventplanning,alumniengagement,andoperationalsupportforfacultyand staff.
As she looks to the future, Alexandra is committed to continuing her professional development and expanding her expertise in higher education administration. She is passionate about making a lasting impact on the university community through her workatHonors,andweallbelievethatshewill.AudriAdamscommented:“Whileher workisexceptional anddeserves muchpraise, heroverallkindness iswhattrulysets her apart. She is a genuinely amazing person who brightens the lives of myself, the main office staff, and the College in general. I am so happy she came to the Honors College, and I look forward to seeing all the wonderful things she accomplishes with us. ” PS – she is on Team Cat! Like A LOT on Team Cat! Woo!
Joann Westbrook
JoannWestbrook’sjourneyatUMSLspansover 43years,beginningin1970whenshejoinedas part of a high school co-op program. Starting out in the Food and Nutrition Department, Joann quickly became a fixture at UMSL, moving into the University of Missouri Extension before finding her long-term career homeintheHumanResourcesDepartment.
In HR, Joann worked under six different directors, eventually becoming the Managerof EmployeeBenefits.Shewasknownasthego-to person for faculty and staff, offering guidance oneverythingfrompayrolltopersonalmatters like marriage, birth, and death. Joann often jokesthatshe“grewup”atUMSL,spendingher entire career helping employees navigate both work and life. Even after retiring in 2016, employees would still call her for help— sometimes even refusing to contact the benefitsofficewithoutherontheline.
Today, Joann has returned to UMSL, part-time as a Business Support Specialist I in the Honors Collegemainoffice.Inthisrole,sheassistswithvariousadministrativetasksaroundthebuilding.
She works closely with Alexandra Gresick, supporting daily operations and helping students with anyissues theymayencounter. Joann findsjoyin interacting withthe student workers,whomshe describesasa“fantasticgroup. ”TheyremindherofthestudentworkerssheoncesupervisedinHR, and she often expresses how much she enjoys fostering the same sense of camaraderie she experiencedthroughouthercareer.
Joann’s typical day in the Honors College involves managing projects and ensuring that tasks are completedwithaccuracyandefficiency Shepreferstohandletasksherself,rarelydelegating,asshe believes that her extensive experience allows her to contribute effectively Whether it’s setting up rooms for events or assisting students, Joann approaches every task with a hands-on attitude, reflectingthesamededicationsheexhibitedthroughoutheryearsinHR
Despite these uncertainties, one thing is clear: Joann has no intention of slowing down any time soon. She is driven by a love for her work and the sense of community she has found at UMSL. As she says, “I don’t want my journey to end,” and her dedication to helping others ensures that she willremainaninvaluablepartoftheUMSLcommunityforaslongasshechooses.
And if you’re thinking, hmmm, Nancy Gleason couldn’t retire, Bob Bliss couldn’t retire, seems like Joann is in good company, and another major part of the “UMSL Lifer” club,wearetoo!
Rachael Carpenter
Rachael Carpenter is not a new face around the Honors College. Starting out at Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) right out of high school, Rachael found herself unsure of her path and decided to step away from the academic world After meeting her husband during her time at school, Rachaelshiftedherfocustoraisingherfamily,spending over 20 years as a full-time volunteer and stay-at-home parenttohertwochildren,AnyaandIsaac.
During this time, she held various leadership roles in Girl Scouts, where she trained in organizational and leadership skills. She worked closely with her scouts, helpingthemnavigatechallengesanddeveloplifeskills. This experience with mentoring and guiding young people helped solidify Rachael’s passion for working in educational environments, where she could help studentsrealizetheirpotential
She returned to higher education, attending UMSL as an Honors student and earning Bachelor’s Degreesin PublicPolicyAdministration and Data Science, withminorsin International Relations and Economics. Her focus was on international food policy, an area of deep personal and professional interest.
Currently, Rachael is pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at UMSL. Her commitment to education, combined with her deep passion for academic environments, has been a driving force throughout her career. She works now as a Student Recruitment Specialist in the main office, where shemanagesrecruitmenteffortsandservesasakeypointofcontactforprospectivestudents.
Her role involves overseeing the entire recruitment process, from responding to initial inquiries, to guidingstudentsthroughapplicationsubmissions,andbeyond.Oneofherfavoriteaspectsofthejobis the opportunity to manage social media for the Honors College, where she creates content to engage bothcurrentandprospectivestudentsandfamilies.
Rachael is currently balancing her recruitment job, a research job, and 9 graduate credit hours with incrediblegrace,claimingtohandleeverythingby“goinghomeandcryingtearsofcoffeeeverynight”.
HercommitmenttoherworkinHonorsismadeevidentbytheincrediblequalityofherwork, which her colleagues have noticed Audri Adams commented: “Rachaelis extremely passionate about theHonorsCollege,andherdeepknowledgeaboutandenthusiasmforourprogramwillsurelybefelt byeverystudentshehelpsrecruit.ItiswonderfultohaveherbackintheCollege,andIamgratefulfor theopportunitytoworkwithheragain”.
Looking ahead, Rachael’s primary goal is to complete her Master’s in Political Science and eventually pursueaPhD.HerdreamistojointhefacultyatUMSL:“Ireallydoplantofigure out how to steal Charlie Herrick’s job and teach international political economy. So, sorry, Charlie!” Assuming UMSL reopens its PhD program in Political Science, Rachael hopes to remain at the universityforthelongterm,contributingbothtoitsacademicandstudentrecruitmentefforts.
Bellerive Celebrates 25 Years
By Chantelle McNeil
The 25th anniversary of Bellerive at the University of Missouri- St. Louis symbolizes a remarkable milestone in the institution’s history, reflecting a quarter-century of academic excellence, community collaboration, and institutional development. Bellerive, as an intrinsic part of UMSL’s campus and has played an essential role in elevating the university’s educational environment and cultivating a vibrant creativecommunity Incelebration,weareproudtobringyoualittlebitofhistory,aswellasreflections fromtheBellerivestudentandfacultystaff
Established through the Pierre Laclede HonorsCollegein 1999 byAssociate Dean, Nancy Gleason, Bellerive has become a key initiative that was designed to support the university’s strategic goals in providing an innovative platform for students, faculty, and staff campus-wide to submit their creative works each year for potential publication.
In preparation for Bellerive’s 25th anniversary, I had one of the most wonderful opportunities to speak with Associate Teaching Professor, Geri FriedlineandSeniorAcademicAdvisorand Success Coach/Faculty Advisor for the Bellerive publication, Audri Adams. In 2010, Geri Friedline directed her first Bellerive seminar in the Pierre Laclede HonorsCollege.WhenGeriretiredin2022, Audritookoverthepublication.
She explained submission processes for thepublication: Inagiantworkshop,first, studentsfromtheHonorsCollegeenrolled in the seminar blindly read, review, and listen to all submissions-- poetry, prose, academic essay, art, photography, and music. Next, the students discuss all submissions more thoroughly and give everything an initial score After discussing and reviewing, the students voteonallsubmissionsasecondtime The highest-ranking pieces from each category make it into the final manuscript– around 112pagesintotal.
Bellerive wins the National Collegiate Honors Council student newsletter award in 2023.
Additionally, Audri discussed how her shift from a Bellerive student to a teacher allowed her to gain insightintotheextensivebehind-the-sceneseffortsinvolved,particularlyinsolicitinganddocumenting submissions. She explains that a significant amount of unplanned work goes into the class throughout theyear.
Geri and Audri both highlighted that one of the most significant changes in recognition of Bellerive’s 25thanniversaryistheshiftfromoriginallycollectingpapersubmissionsinredboxesacrosscampusto trackingthemelectronically,whilemaintainingthecoreprocess Newonthehorizon,Audrimentionsa push for more academic essay submissions and efforts to enhance Bellerive’s presence on UMSL’s campus and in the community. The Public Relations committee aims to build campus partnerships, increase social media marketing and promote the publication on UMSL radio and through a short documentary.
In another interview I spoke with alum and Marketing and Media Specialist for United Bank of Union, IsaacBaker,whoseprosepiece“ChoosingMyself”waspublishedinthe23rdissuein2023.Asaformer Belleriveclassmemberandpublishedwriter,heservedastheChairofthelayoutcommitteeduringhis seniorsemester. Motivatedby Bellerive’shistoryandthelimitednumberofhardcopies,Issaccreateda digitalreplicaofallpublications,makingthepublicationmoreaccessibletoall.
Isaac reflected on his experience as a student and described the importance of considering the overall vision of the publication while working on specific committees, especially in layout. He noted Bellerive felt like an amalgamation of all the things together -all differentcreativepursuitsthathewasinterestedin.
He also expressed that his marketing classes helped him further enhance in his contributions to Bellerive. Isaac highly encouraged students to submit their work frequently, becauseit isonlynatural tobe selfconscious aboutyourwork,butmorelikelythannot,someoneelse will appreciate it more than you do! Reflecting on the 25thanniversary,Issaccelebrated Bellerive asanamazing milestone, highlighting the university’s commitment to providing resources that create opportunities for studentstolearnpublishingskillsandsharetheirwork.
Downcast Derek Rife
Telephone wires wrapped in flesh
Electricity bleeds into the atmosphere
Lightning strikes weathered veins
Burning wind whips paper leaves
Clouds spit rain onto iron lungs
Hail falls like teeth chewing glass
Memories of the sun haunt the pale city
Held beneath the shadow of the storm
From Archipelago,Issue#10
Inmyfinalinterview,Ispokewith Bellerive alumniandprofessionalContentMarketingStrategistforEtrailer, Amber Scholl. Amber contributed to the 16th Bellerive issue with her 2015 piece titled “The Time Keeper” and worked on the layout team for issues 15 and 17. She shared a fond memory of taking a horror class with Professor Dan Gerth, where she wrote an essay titled Calpyst. In her essay she explored the family dynamics in The Shining and The Exorcist, focusing on how societal views of familystructuresinfluencedyouthinasupernaturalcontext.
Departures
Nancy Gleason
From Altered States, Issue#1
It moved so slowly — Ticking off the movements of the day.
Hanging there – suspended –And then, I moved to the shore.
It dropped below
Gone –
Like the Golden Day it left behind. I stood smiling for a moment –Then, I, too, disappeared. Beneath it all.
Gone –
HonorsatMidnight
Kimberly Cowan
Puck, in pseudo darkness, mumbles secrets
she – who, from a window, questions souls, malignant cells, empty rooms, and if Puck knows other saviors –hears
AlmondBlossoms From Solipsist, Issue#15
William Morris
Roaring waves of cherry-white and geometry that recalls Van Gogh’s StarryNight the blossoms rise before summer falls and heavy heat’s throbbing blight stifles all which spring enthralls.
Amberhighlightedvaluableskillsshelearned at Bellerive, particularly in communication and professionalism She emphasized the importance of productive conversations, improving writing and editability, and respecting others’ opinions citing Geri Friedline’s influence. Amber shared her personal experience as a creative writer, discussing the potential challenges in submitting work. She highlighted her struggle with the tendency to hide her creativity and how she overcame this by submittingapieceshefeltconfidentabout.
Ambersharedthatherexperienceat Bellerive hasbeenoneofher bestatUMSL. She encouragedyoungartistsandwriterstostay persistentdespiterejection,emphasizingthe importanceofstayingtruetowhatresonates withthem.
The evolution of UMSL represents a remarkable journey of transformation and growth; a “whole new world” of endless, imaginable possibilities. From red boxes to electronic digital submissions, Bellerive has continuallyadaptedtoprovideadynamicand supportive environment for its students and alumni. This ongoing evolution not only highlights our university’s dedication to innovation and community engagement, but alsounderscoresitsroleinshapingthefuture of its graduates. As Bellerive moves forward, it will undoubtedly continue to build on its rich legacy, fostering new opportunities and achievements while remaining the cornerstone of educational excellence within theUMSLfamily
Atthistime,Iwouldliketogiveaspecial thankstoDanGerth,AudriAdams,Geri Friedline,IsaacBaker,andAmberSchollfor providingmewiththesupportand opportunitytoshareyourpersonal experiencesandthoughtswithme.
Iamtrulyinspiredandgrateful!
Longavailableonlyinpaperback,weareproudtobringyoutheresultsofourdigitization project. Every Bellerive isnowavailableonlineatnocost. Clicktheindividualissuesbelow! Infact,therehasneverbeenmoreaccessto Bellerive. IthasbeenpartoftheSt.LouisCity Library’s“TakeaZine,LeaveaZine”project,andbackissuesarenowforsaleatReadA BookSTL,(seepages3-6). Plus,youcanalwayscontactAudriAdamsat adamsaud@umsl.eduforpurchaseonline.
We hope to see you at the 25th anniversary launch on February 28.
NewCurriculumProfile:HonorsandNursing
byJadynMullen
“New? What do you mean new? I was an Honors nursing major!” If that’s your response to this headline, that’s entirely understandable. Unlike many honors programs and colleges, which often do not include paths for nursing majors because of their unique degree requirements, including clinical rotations,nursingmajorshavealwaysplayedalargeroleinthePierreLacledeHonorsCollege. Infact, formorethanfiveyears,nursingmajorshavebeenoneofthefivelargeststudentcohortsintheHonors College. But where once Honors students completed almost entirely general education requirements (suchasHonorspsychology), a newagreement between the PLHCandUMSL’s CollegeofNursinghas expandedthenumberofunique, nursing-specificcoursesthatmajorscompleteintheHonorsCollege, includingCultural Diversity in Healthcare, Communication for the Health Care Professional, Nutrition andHealth,andPrescribingthePast:AHistoryofAmericanHealthcare Andalongwiththosecourses come nursing faculty new to Honors and the unique Honors seminar style of teaching In this Provenance featurewegettoexploretheexperienceofteachingHonorsbasedcoursesversusteaching in the Nursing College We interviewed two faculty members who have taught in both Honors while havingfull-timefacultyappointmentsintheCollegeof Nursing
Meet Professor Paula Prouhet,anAssociateTeaching ProfessorandtheAcceleratedBSNProgramDirector. ProfessorProuhetiscurrentlyteachingmultipleclasses intheCollegeofNursing andoneclassintheHonors College.SheteachesPediatricNursing,Health Assessment,Pathophysiology,andinHonorssheteaches PrescribingthePast.ShehasbeenaprofessoratUMSL for12years.BeforecomingtoUMSL,shetaughtat LutheranSchoolofNursingandworkedPRNatSt.Louis Children’sHospitalintheNeonatalIntensiveCareUnit, orNICU.
ProfessorProuhetgivesusinsightonteachinginthe HonorsCollege,wheresheenjoysworking.Herclass provideslivelydiscussionduetoitsdiverseand interdisciplinarynature.Sheisalsoappreciativeofthe flexibilityoftheHonorsCollegeandtheabilitytobe creativeandpitchherideastotheDeanoftheHonors College,EdMunnSanchez,andbringthemtolife.
AnotherthingthatshelovesaboutteachingatHonorsisthediscussionstylewearefamouslyknown for.Itismorelaidbackthansometraditionallectureclasses,anditincludeswonderfulsharingofideas andstudent-leddiscussions.SheindicateshowthatisthemaindifferencebetweenHonorsclassesand traditionalclasses,whichoftenneedtofocusprimarilyonmaterialsandpreparationsforstudentstoto takeTheNationalCouncilLicensureExamination.ShealsoenjoystheHonorscommunity,describingit asacohesivegroupwithstrongfocusoncommunitybuildingties.Nothavingtouseexamsisalsoone ofthebestpartsoftheHonorsCollege.Shestates,“...ontheontheinstructorsideofthat,whenyou haveanexam-basedcourse,itisveryintensebecauseyouknowyoudotakesomeownershipwhen studentsdon’tpassexams.”Itisnotonlyalotofhighpressureonthestudents,butontheprofessorsas well.
Herfavorite partaboutteachingin theprogram iswhat shecalls“thelightbulbmoment.” Withthe classes that she teaches, she sees students in the beginning of the program as well as towards the end.Sheenjoysseeingtheimprovementofthestudents,fromnotevenknowinghowtoproperlyuse a stethoscope, to taking care of a team of patients. Seeing the growth in critical thinking skill is the thingshelovesmostaboutteachingintheprogram.Sheenjoysseeinghowcreativethestudentswho areintheprogram.
Now, let’s meet Professor Christina Castellano, Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing, who has also recently begun teaching nursing courses in the Honors College. Professor Castellano started teaching as an adjunct in 2018, continuing until Augustof2023 at UMSL,whileshewascompleting her PhD. Since then, she has become a full-time assistant professor. Prior to coming to UMSL, Professor Castellano was also a nurse educator on the Labor and Delivery unit at Barnes Jewish Hospital. Now at UMSL, she currently teaches Psychology of Mental Health and Care of the Dying Patient In Honors, she is able to offer our nursing majors’ their communication proficiency required course
Professor Castellano loves getting students out of their comfort zone. A favorite assignment of hers is nurseandpatientroleplaying.
She does this in order to teach her students how to be comfortable with uncomfortable situations, because in life, not justnursing, they are going to be presented with many uncomfortable situations that they will be forced to become comfortable with She also describes how important it is for students to focus on how they are communicating and being perceived in their work It is a terrific assignment,whichletsherseemanydifferentpersonalities,somewhocancomfortablychanneltheir inner actor, andsome whomay be shy. Bythe endof the semester, sheisable tosee these students progress,becomingmorecomfortableandmoreintuitive
LikeProfessorProuhet,ProfessorCastellanolovestheabilitytoteachcontent,ratherthanteachingto a test, and enjoys the flexibility that the union between the nursing curriculum and Honors curriculumcreates.ShealsoenjoystheclassdiscussionstylesoftheHonorsCollegeandwouldloveto incorporateclassdiscussioninmorecourses,stressingthatitgiveseveryoneanopportunitytolearn fromeachother.
Prescribing the Past: The History of American Healthcare
Prof. Paula Prouhet
This course examines the historical, social, and cultural meanings of disease and healthcare in the United States. Students will explore topics such as historical and current beliefs about the body, the human experience of illness., the role and image of healthcare professionals and delivery of compassionate care, and the rise of medical organizations and the impact of public and government institutions on healthcare delivery
Communication for the Healthcare Professional
Prof. Christina Castellano
This course focuses on the development of communication skills utilized in professional healthcare. Topics include the individual’s relationship with the self, individuals, and communities; and communication and collaboration concepts in nursing are introduced to develop effective human caring relationships with diverse populations.
HonorsandNursing,partII:AlumniReflections
byJadynMullen
InJune2024,JadynMullen(NursingClassof2025)askedNursingAlumnifrompreviousyearstoreflect ontheirjourneythusfar.WegottolookathowtheHonorsCollegeaidedintheircareerpathsnow,what theirnextstepisintheirjourney,theirrewardingandchallengingtimes,andweevengotsomeadvice forcurrentstudents!
Class of 2016
Melissa (Schnefke) Hickerson~ MelissaisaNurseCaseManager.Sheworks forCignaremotelyandhasnoplansonchangingherpathinthefuture.Asa new mother, she plans to stay at her job. She explains that the lower stress andworkfromhomeisvitalforhercurrentstageoflife.Themostrewarding part of nursing for her is making a difference in her patients’ lives Melissa reflectsonhertimeintheHonorsCollegeaswell:“Honorsisoneofmymost dearly-heldexperiencesfromcollege Ilovedhavingclasseswithpeopleofall majorsandbackgrounds Thenursingprogramissospecific,andIdidn’tlike only being around nursing students. I think Honors helped me become a morewell-roundednurseandappreciatealldifferentviewpoints&aspectsin healthcare/nursing.” Lastly, some helpful advice that she leaves future Nurseswithistobeawarethatittakestimetobuildyourexperience.There is so much you can do with this career. Don’t get scared away by one experience–thereareothersahead!
Kelsi Ream~ Kelsi is a staff RN for OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio. In the futuresheplanstomovebacktoSt.LouisfromOhioinhopesofdoingmore in the nursing education side of Oncology. Kelsi expresses that “The most rewardingparts arethe little moments where Ican make mypatient’s day better.” Her biggest challenge has been the emotional toll that comes with nursing. “I've definitely had my share of burnout and compassion fatigue.” Looking back on her Honors College experience and how it aided in her career path today, she says that the Honors experience gave her a more well-rounded approach to patient care Kelsi leaves us with a meaningful message:“Youcandoit Andit'sworthit”
Class of 2017
Emily (Hummel) Kearns~ EmilyisaCathLabRNforBJCatBarnesJewishHospitalinSt.Louis.Sheis notsurewhathernextstepswillbe;however,sheisgrateful thatnursingisaverydiversefieldwith aneasetoswitchingspecialties.ThemostrewardingpartaboutbeingaNurseforEmilyisbeingable tobethereforpeopleduringsomeofthetoughesttimesintheirlives.Themostchallengingaspectfor her:“Doingthingsthatmake patientsuncomfortable ormad(likestartingIVs)butknowingthat you have to do it to help them.” For Emily, there were some Honors courses that were essential to her nursingstudies,suchassomephilosophyandEnglishclasses.ShebelievesthattheHonorsmadeher essay-writingskillsmuchstronger.Someadvicethatshegivesis“Enjoythesmallerclasseswhereit’s easiertoconnectwithteachersandstudents.IlovedthataboutmyHonorsclasses.Thesmallerclass sizeshelpedmefocusandlearn.”
Class of 2020
Madison Koogler~ Madison is a Research Nurse Coordinator at Washington University in St. Louis- School of Medicine. She graduatedinMay2024withanMSinHealthcareInformatics.She ispassionate about workingclosely withpatients, asit brings her joy: “I work in a department that gives research medications to patients with cancer. Seeing their positivity despite all the hardships they are going through is most rewarding to me They make me a better person Also, seeing positive outcomes of treatment and seeing them start to feel better with less pain and moreenergytodothingstheylovemakesmesohappy”Themost challenging part for her is losing patients. She explains how she builds a rapport with them as she sees them weekly, sometimes for many months. It never gets easier for her. Madison believes that the Honors shaped her nursing career. “I think the Honors CollegereallyallowedmetovoiceopinionsandbeheardifIhada thought,whichisimportantinmycareertoday.Iworkwithmanyotherprofessionals,andhadInot had the experience that I did in Honors, I may not have felt as comfortable speaking up. The same goes for listening. Honors really made me stop and listen to other's thoughts and opinions which is just as important.” Lastly, she leaves us off with a meaningful thought: “You are in a tough season right now. College is hard! It is time-consuming and you feel like you are in the trenches trying to balanceitall.ButIpromiseyouitisallworthit.TheHonorsCollegewillprepareyoutobethebest nurse in ways you never would have expected. I owe a lot of my current career successes to the HonorsCollege.”
Class of 2021
Danielle Friz~ DanielleisaGynecologyOncologyStaffNurseat BarnesJewishHospital.“I’mcurrentlyapplyingtomedicalschools. I’mhopefulmyexperienceasanursewillhelpmethriveasa physician.I’mverygratefulfortheclinicalexperience,knowledge, andotheropportunitiesI’vegainedthroughnursingsofar.”The mostrewardingpartofnursingforheristakingcareofpatientsthat shehasbuiltaconnectionwithovertime:“Whenpatientsrecognize meandcommentthatthey’recomfortedthatI’mtheirnurseagain,I knowIimpactedtheminapositiveway.”Thebiggestchallengefor Danielleisadjustingtostaffingchangesandfloatingtootherfloors sheisnotasfamiliarwith.Thecommunicationtechniquesandsoft skillsthatshedevelopedintheHonorsCollegehavehelpedherbe abletoconnectwithpatientsandtheirlovedones.Someadvicethat Daniellegivesis:“Tryanddosomethingsyouenjoyoutsideof schooltogetthroughit!Nursingclassescanbetough,especially whentryingtobalanceclinicalhourswithothercoursework,soit’s importanttofindwaystorestandrecharge.”
Class of 2022
Abigail Anderson~ Abigail is an Interventional Radiology Department Coordinator/Charge RN at SSM Health, DePaul Hospital, in Bridgeton MO. “I’m currently in the process of obtaining my Masters in Nursing Education! My goal is to slowly ease into education. After completing my schooling, I would like to start with new graduate nurse education programs at a hospital. My eventual end goal is to become a professor in a college of nursing to help guide and inspire nursing students!” The most rewarding part of her job is the connections that she gets to make with her patients. Abigail feels that it is an honor to be able to hold people’s hands as they enter the procedure area, which can be incredibly intimidating.Themostchallengingpartofherjobisthatitcan be high stress and emotionally exhausting. Her department works with every other department in the hospital, so maintainingpositiverelationshipswithotherdepartmentsand withinherowndepartmentwhileperforminglifesaving procedures can be challenging and stressful, but the reward of good relationships is worth the effort to her. Her advice to Nursing Students is: “Buckle down and hang in there. Lean into the suckiness of this partofyourjourney.Itgetsbetter.Youtrulywillonlygetoutasmuchasyouputintoyoureducationand skills Iknowitisextremelychallengingnow,buttherewardontheothersideisworthit Thefirst6-12 monthsofyourjourneyasanactualnursewillbechallenging,buthanginthere,itgets better Ipromise! Beinganurseisresponsibilityandanhonor,andIhopeyouwillgetthechancetohaveexperiencesthat makeyoufeelthiswayaswell”
Class of 2023
Bryan Buckley~ BryanisaRegisteredNurseat the University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia, MO. In the future he plans to get his CCRN(certifiedcritical carenurse)anda jobas a flight nurse. The most rewarding part of nursing for Bryan is making a change in a patientsstayduringoneoftheworsttimesthey might ever face. However, he states that the most challenging aspect is “taking care of patientsduringtheendoftheirliferightbefore they pass ” Bryan believes that the Honors College impacted his career today: “I believe so becauseithelpedmelearnhowtocommunicate betterwithdifferentindividuals.”Bryansadvice to upcoming nurses is: “Never be afraid to ask questions, because someone’s life is in your hands!!”
Class of 2023 (continued)
Lauren Bearden-Kyser~ Lauren isan Emergencydepartment RNatMacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, IL. In the future, Lauren plans to get CCRN, TNCC, and PHRNcertifiedandadvancetoCCTandthenflightnursing.Herbiggestreward is seeing someone get visibly better than when they came in. The most challenging part for her: “[D]oing CPR on someone’s loved one. ” As far as her experience learning in the Honors College, it has helped her understand a biggerpictureofbothhumanityandindividuals,aswellastounderstandhow differentsocio-economicfactorsimpactpeople’shealthandhealthliteracy.Her advice to future and new Nurses is: “No matter how irrelevant a class may seem,alloftheclasseshelp!Youjustdon’trealizeityet.”
Faith Van Horn~ Faith is a University Hospital Staff Nurse in Columbia, MO. In the near future, she plansonbecomingaDNPandiscurrentlyworkingonthedegreeatUMSL.Themostrewardingfactorof herjobiswatchingchildrenrecover.Themostchallengingaspectofherjobisseeingchildrencomein fromunsafehomelives.ShestronglybelievesthattheHonorsCollegemadeanimpactonherjourney: “A big part of my job involves communication. I think the Honors College helped me become a better communicator.Italktopatientsfromvariouscultures,backgrounds,andsomewhohaveverydifferent beliefsthanme.TheHonorsCollegegavemealotofpracticetalkingaboutdifficulttopicswithvarious differentpeopleandthereforeperspectives.”Herbiggestadviceistogetinvolvedinanexternship!
Class of 2024
Brandon Pasley~ Brandon is a Cardiovascular RN at St. Luke’s East in Lee’s Summit,MO.“IpassedtheNCLEXon6/12,soIwillbeginmynursingcareerin early July. I’m excited to start this chapter of my life and possibly return to school later on down the road.” Being able to see how much of a difference nursescanmakeinthelivesofthosetheyserveisveryrewardingtoBrandon: “Our patients and their families are already dealing with lots of stress and anxiety,sotobeabletoguidethemandadvocateforthemissorewarding.”The most challenging part for him is having to transition from student nurse to registered nurse He explains that it’s a daunting shift and that he has an understanding that he will need to continue to ask questions and learn to be betterforhispatients Brandongivessomeexcellentadvice:“Makefriends,ask questions,doeverythingyoucantobeinvolvedinpatientcarebecauseitWILL make you a better nurse. Also, just relax. Don’t stress yourself out so much aboutgrades.Juststudy,doyourbest,anditwillallbeokay!”
Remarks
Thank you to each and everyone one of you that took the time out of your day to answer these few questions. I appreciated seeing your responses, and as a nursing major, it was a motivation to me. If you missed this opportunity to share, do not worry, there will be plenty of more to come as the years go on. Thank you again to all that participated! –Jaydyn Mullen
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
By SyNia Lanier
Ournewestfacultymember, Dr. Lesley Sieger-Walls (assistantteachingprofessorinHonorssince Fall 2023), has a journey as diverse as it is inspiring. Her teaching is enriched by her love of literature, often incorporating classics like Chaucer and Shakespeare in ways that make these timelessworksaccessibleandengaging.Outsidetheclassroom,sheisapassionatethriftshopper,a taco enthusiast, and a dedicated pet parent. Driven by the close connections she builds with students and the joy of helping them navigate the ups and downs of college life, get to know Dr. Sieger-Walls whowilldareyoutobeordinary.
Can you tell us about your educational background?
For my undergraduate degree, I received a bachelor of science in education, and that was in English. I was doing secondaryeducation,grades7through12.ThenItaughthigh school for a couple of years, but I wanted to really go back andpursueEnglishasacontentarea.So,Igotmymaster'sin English,andthenIwentontogetmyPhD,inEnglishfromthe University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. A lot of what I specialized in was literary studies, but also, I did some work in medieval studies and medieval history, which is a bit of a side interest. I am grateful to be able to bring some of those interestsintoourclassroomshereandIenjoytryingtofigure out ways of making those texts more accessible and interestingtostudents.
What classes do you teach in Honors? What duties do you have besides teaching?
I teach Cultural Traditions, both I and II, which are our freshman first year experience classes, as wellasthegeneraleducationhumanitiesrequirements.I'malsosupervisingtheculturaltraditions program and the peer mentors. So that's a big part of my life, and I really enjoy that. I also teach writinginthesciences,oneofthejuniorlevel,advancedcompositioncourses.
What has been your favorite part of being an Honors professor so far?
IjustlovethecloserelationshipsIgettohavewithstudents.Becauseofthesmallclasssizeshere,I think that's possible for any professor. They can make that opportunity happen. I really like the smallclasssizesandknowingthatIgettohavethosestudentsinmultipleclassesoverthecourseof theirtimehere,evenfromwhenIwasteachingpart-time
What challenges have there been in your new role?
Therearealwayschallengesinmyroleasthesupervisorofthepeermentors Ireallywantthemto feel that I can provide something of benefit in terms of leadership without taking over their responsibilities or dictating what they do My goal is to be a good resource and a good model for them Its always a challenge to make sure I’m giving what they need The same applies to my students;eachnewgroupisdifferentfromthelast,evenifI’mteachingthesameclass.Thereareso many more personalities, so the very thing I love is also a challenge I have to reckon with and be mindfulof.
Can you tell me about a moment in your journey that you are most proud of?
Reflectingonmyownjourney,Ileftajobthatinallotherways,seemedperfect,butitjustwasn’tthe rightfitforme Iwantedtoexploresomethingentirelydifferent,soIstartedmyownsmallbusiness anddidsomethingdifferentforawhile.Eventually,Ifoundmywaybackintobeingaprofessor,now teachingattheHonorsCollege.Whileitwasn'tnecessaryformetofindmywayback–Icouldhave donesomethingentirelydifferent,andthatwouldhavebeenfine I’mproudofmyabilitytoleavea secure position andtake a riskon somethingnew. In allseriousness,steppingawayforatimewas thebestwaytocomebacktoit.Noteveryonehastheopportunityoroption,butI’mproudoftaking thatriskandthankfulforhowitbroughtmebacktowhereIwanttobe.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would say Prince Edward Island because it has a connection to my favorite childhood literary figure, Anne of Green Gables. Those books were formational for me, shaping my love of literature, reading, writing, and teaching. The author, who is from that area, set many of her books in Prince EdwardIslandandotherpartsofCanada. Iwouldlove toretrace the stepsofthosecharactersand author
Is there anything that you want us to know about you that I didn't ask?
It isan amazingexperience tobe a partoftheHonorsCollege,thoughI'mstillfindingmy way. AsI mentioned,challengeswillcontinuetobethere,butI'meagertoseehowthingsdevelopthisyearas we move forward. I often share a phrase a phrase that I love with my students, especially students herewhofeelthatpressuretobeperfect:"daretobeordinary."Itcancatchthemoffguardatfirst, like whywouldIwanttobeordinary?Butitservesasareminderthatit'sokaytokeepimproving andknowyou’renotgoingtobeperfect.Sothat’showI’vegrown,byacceptingthatmore.
In addition to her teaching duties and administrative duties in our First Year Experience Program, Lesley is also an academic advisor for the Honors College’s English, Modern Language (Japanese, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language), Political Science, International Relations, and Public Policy majors.
Honors Writing in the Sciences Professor Lesley Sieger-Walls
Are you frustrated by traditional composition courses and modes? Would you like an alternative that is geared directly to your major and career needs? In this course, we will concentrate on particular types of writings encountered in scientific fields – including abstracts, reports, lab notes and forms, grant proposals – as well as on skills and techniques associated with scientific writing, such as synthesis, evaluation, precision, and more. The semester culminates in a research project that asks students to investigate relevant and contemporary topics with their majors.
Supporting Honors
PleaseconsidersupportingHonorsfinancially. Yourgiftbringsmanygoodresults. Scholarship supporthelpsusattractmoreandstrongerstudentsandencouragesthosesamestudentstorealize theirfullpotentialatSt.Louis’sveryownpublic,researchuniversity.Giftshelpusseizeunexpected opportunitiesforourstudents’benefit. Giftsworktogethertomakeoursmallseminarshum,multiply ourindependentstudyandresearchprojects,andensurethecontinuedrelevancetoourstudents’ livesofaliberaleducationandtheattitudestolearningitembodies.
Ifwecanprovideyouwithfurtherinformationabouthowweuseyourgiftorabouttheinstitutionin whichyou’veinvested,pleaseask. Ourconversationswithourfriendsareamongourverygreatest treasures. Someoftheoptionsforgivinginclude
The Gleason Fund. WecontinuetosupportourWritingProgram–includingcompositionclasses, creativewritingclasses, Brain Stew, Bellerive,and Provenance –throughthisfundnamedforour emeritaassociatedeanandwritingdirector,whosebeautifullife,spirit,andcontributionstoHonors areresponsibleforthiseditionof Provenance.
Dean’s Pierre Laclede Honors College Fund. Thiscriticallyimportantfundsupportsallpartsof collegelife,particularlytheoneswhereuniversityfundsfallshort. Fundsfromthisaccount,for example,havehelpedourstudentstravelto,andparticipatein,theNationalCollegiateHonorsCouncil conference. A special request for donations here, as this is where we can fund scholarships for summer coursework!
The Bellerive Fund. Bellerivecelebratesits25thanniversaryinFebruary!Yourfinancialsupportfor thepublicationismuchappreciated. Inrecentyears Bellerive hasexpandedtoacceptmusical contributions(publishedviaQRcodes)andaswellasalumnisubmissionstoo. Yoursupporthelps ensurethepublicationcancontinuetoflourish.
The Robert and Paulette Bliss Study Abroad Scholarship. Namedafterouremeritusdeanandhis spouse,thisfundprovidesscholarshipsforHonorsstudentsstudyingabroad–includingprograms thatassistourstudentsincompletingourindependentstudyrequirement.
To make a donation, online,pleaseseeourgivingsitehereor contactDeanEdMunnSanchezatmunne@usmsl.edu.
2024 WashingtonDC Summer interns. LefttoRight: LiaJackson, KhadijaTall, KaleyWare, Janiah Henderson,Sam Avillar
PlantingSeedsofImpactThroughCommunity
Engagement
AssistantTeachingProfessorRobWilsonjoinedthe HonorsCollegefull-timein2020,aftermanyyearsas anadjunct,andanUMSLcareerthatbeganin Admissionsin1998,withastopintheOfficeof StudentInvolvement. Alongwithhisteachingand advising,RobisthecoordinatorforthePLHC’s communityengagementefforts,anoutgrowthof communityengagementcourseworkhebegan teachinginHonorsasapart-timeprofessor. Forour finalProvenancefeature,hewasgraciousenoughto sitdownanddiscussthisworkwithus.
Can you describe the Honors community engagement program?
RW: Whatwe'vedecidedtodoistrytogetstudents outoftheclassroomtoparticipateincommunity partnerships.It’snotjustaboutvolunteering, althoughthatispartofit.Thegoalistofindmutually beneficialsolutionstoacommunityneed.Atthe sametime,itgivesstudentstheopportunitytoapply whatthey'relearningintheclassroomtoreal-world situations.Wedothisinanumberofways,from coursesgearedpredominantlytowardcommunity engagement,suchasBeyondtheBuildingsorWhere WeLive,butalsowithelementsinterwoveninother classes,likeanassignmentonenvironmentalracism orpovertyorworkingwithorganizationslike LifeWiseSTL.Theserangefromsmallassignmentsto larger,moreinvolvedprojects.Myaimistohelpgrow thisinitiativebyworkingwithotherfacultymembers toexpandourfootprintintothecommunitiesaround UMSL.
bySyNiaLanier
Can you tell us about some of the communities you've been involved in?
RW: We'veworkedwithawidevarietyof communities.Currently,we’reshiftingoneofour programs,BeyondtheBuildings,tofocuson immigrantcommunities,specificallyworkingwith AfghanandHungarianpopulations.Inthepast, I’vecollaboratedwithvariousothergroups, includingBel-Nor,Normandy,Pagedale, Florissant,UniversityCity,SpanishLake, Crestwood,Maplewood,andWellston,justto nameafew.
What are the mission and values of Honors community engagement?
RW: Themissionistogivebacktothecommunity wherewelive,work,andplay.Ibelievethat’san importantaspectofwhatwedo.Asforourvalues, Iemphasizetothestudentsthattheyrepresent UMSL,theHonorsCollege,andthemselves.Weset veryhighstandardsandexpectationsforthe students,andforthemostpart,theyalwaysriseto theoccasion.It'sincredibletoseesomeofthe thingstheycomeupwith. Ourvaluesalsofocuson beingagoodcommunitypartner.Westriveto communicateeffectively,treatourpartnerswith respect,honortheirrequests,andupholdthe standardsoftheHonorsCollege.
Have you seen any long-lasting relationships with the communities you've engaged with?
RW: Absolutely.I'vehadstudents whobecameinternsandworked forWellston,whichwasreallyneat Wealsomaintainedarelationship withNormandyforthreeyears, buildingontheprojectswehad completedinthepast.Oneofthe mostrewardingexperienceswas workingwithSpanishLakeduring COVID.Evenamidsttheshutdown, wecontinuedourprojectsand presentedthemviaZoom.
Can you tell us about a proud or favorite moment you’ve experienced while leading this program?
RW: We'vehadseveralnoteworthymoments. Forinstance,studentshavewonawardsatthe UndergraduateResearchSymposium.I’ve witnessedastandingovationfromtheWellston CityCouncilforthestudents'contributions.I’ve seen80peopleshowuponaTuesdaynightin Bel-Nortowatchthestudentpresentations. Buthonestly,it’sthehugsexchangedbetween thestudentsandcommunitypartnersafter presentations.EverytimeIwitnessthose connections,Iamveryproud.It’sthe conversationsthatariseafterward,where communitypartnersexpressinterestinour studentsandaskquestions.So,whileIdon’t haveasingleproudmoment,Iamproudevery timeourstudentsdothis.
Has community engagement been incorporated into additional Honors classes since you became coordinator?
RW: Yes,we’vehadseveralprofessorswhohave comeintoteachcommunityengagementclasses, andwe’veintegratedelementsintoCultural Traditionsclasses.We’realsoworkingon communityengagementinthebusinesswriting classandtryingtoaddittootherthejunior-level writingclassesaswell.Althoughdifficult,I’mhere tosupportthemthroughtheprocess.Iftheystart withjustoneelementorasingleassignment,it canquicklybecomemanageableandeven enjoyable.Forinstance,Ihadafacultymember whoconductedavoterregistrationinitiativefour yearsago,andonceIconvincedthemtodoit,they endeduphavingawonderfulexperience.So, whileitisalotofwork,therewardsareworthit.
Do you feel proud, like a seed has been planted within the Honors College?
RW: Absolutely.Wetalkaboutcommunity engagementduringfacultymeetingseveryyear andatorientation.Today,oneofthefull-time facultymembersapproachedmeforideason incorporatingcommunityengagementintotheir class.So,Idofeelit'sgrowing.Theconceptof
communityengagementwasnewtomanyfaculty members,andtheyweren’tfamiliarwithitinitially. Butastheyseethesuccessofourprojects,they becomemoreinterestedinincorporatingthese elementsintotheirownclasses.I’malsopartofa cohortoncampuswhereImeetwithfacultymonthly toprovideworkshopsonimplementingcommunity engagement.Forexample,I’mcollaboratingwith someonefromthebiologydepartmentonaprojectto cleanupinvasiveplantsatalocalrainforestarea betweenBelleriveAcresandUMSL.We’llbeinvolving boththeSt.LouisScholarsandOpportunityScholars, alongwithsomehonorsstudents.Thispartnership extendsbeyondjusttheHonorsCollege;itshowcases abroadercommitmenttocommunityengagement acrosstheentirecampus.
How can the larger campus community get involved?
RW: Wetrytoraiseawarenessamongstudents aboutcommunityengagement.Duringournew studentorientationfortheHonorsCollege,wesetup atablewhereIcanmeetstudents,explainwhat communityengagementis,andshareexamplesof studentprojects,likethepamphletwecreatedfor Pagedale.Additionally,PatriciaZahn,thedirectorof communityengagement,workscloselywithfaculty acrossthecampustoconnectthemwithcommunity partners.Forinstance,IrecentlyworkedwithLead St.LouistohosthighschoolstudentsattheHonors Collegeforaworkshoponenvironmentalracism. Thisinitiativewaspartofhelpingthesestudents learnaboutcollegewhileengagingthemin communityissues.Wewanttoengagestudentsfrom differentbackgroundsandlevels.Recently,we workedwithhighschoolstudentswhowere outstandingandeagertolearn.Wespentawhole Sundayafternoondoingaworkshop,whichwasa greatexperienceforeveryoneinvolved
Advice to someone who wants to start their own program or a non-profit?
RW: Mybestadvicewouldbetofind someonewho’salreadydoingsimilar workandseektheirguidance.WhenI firststarted,Ihadthisideaofworking with18communitiesandhaving18 differentstudentsinvolved.Idiscussedit withmymentor,andheadvisedmeto scaleitbackandstartwithjusttwo communities.
Honors 3030: Beyond the Buildings: Immigrant Cultures
Professor Rob Wilson
The story of a city begins with the neighborhoods and the people who live in them. Immigrant groups such as Irish, Bosnians, Italians, Germans, and many others have all contributed to the growth of St. Louis. While part of the larger culture of the city, the individual immigrant groups have their own changing history that is part of public memory. This course will incorporate community engagement with historic preservation, working in connection with UMSL’s digital humanities, to help preserve these shared memories of immigrant groups that live throughout the area. Projects include oral histories, short documentaries, podcasts, digital exhibits and more.
