Provenance, Summer 2023

Summer2023

Provenance:fromtheFrench“provenant”:theplaceoforigin,averificationoforigin

PROVENANCE CONTRIBUTORS

Provenance isastudent-produced publicationofthePierreLaclede HonorsCollege.Itsgoalistohelp keepalumniandfriendsconnected withthecollege,currentstudents, andeachother.

Whichversionof Provenance doyou prefer?Areyoureadingthisonline andpreferphysicalmedia?Areyou readingahardcopyandpreferthe electroniceditionforeasieraccessto weblinks?ContactDanGerthat gerthd@umsl.eduifyouwouldlikea versionofProvenanceotherthanthe formyouarereading.

Winter2023

Jay Widlacki, Computer Science, 2023 Spring

STUDENTS,

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PIERRE LACLEDE HONORS COLLEGE

University of Missouri-St.Louis

Honors 4900: Independent Study in Honors: Provenance ARR

1-3 credit hours

Gerth, D.

Interestedindevelopingyourwriting,communication,ordesignskills?Wanttohelpnurturetherelationshipbetween alumniandthePLHCstudents,faculty,andstaff? Provenance islookingforstudentsforFall2023orSpring2024.Youwillbe partofateamthatdevelopsideasforfuturearticles;interviewsalumni,students,orfacultyforarticles;collaborateson editorialdecisions;andgainsvaluablewritingskillsingenresthatyoumaynotalwaysbeexposedtointraditionalwriting classes.Credithoursanddutiesarenegotiatedsoastoprovideyouwiththebestpossiblelearningexperience.Dutiescan beginimmediatelyorinthespring,dependingonyouravailability.Non-creditvolunteerpositionsarealsoavailable.Contact Danformoreinformation:gerthd@umsl.edu.

LacledeHonors CollegeatUMSL

Congratulations to Honors students and faculty who took home awards at the Office of Student Involvement’s Leadership Awards Ceremony in spring!

Fraternity & Sorority Life Leader of the Year: Addison Vogt - Zeta Tau Alpha

Outstanding Service to the Community: Nora Stith

Faculty/Staff Advisor of the Year: Ann Torrusio, PLHCSA

UMSL Legendary Triton: Jill Alexander (Communication and Media; instructor Honors 3030: So You Want to Be Famous?)

Best Overall Program: Paint-A-Palooza, PLHCSA

New Student Leader of the Year: Center for Teaching and Learning Student of the Year: Meredith Stroud Sam Cook

Student Leader of the Year: Excellence in Civic Engagement: Jarchelle Williams & Jalen Walker-Wright Grace Desjardins

Congratulations to Honors students newly inducted into the Tau Sigma (transfer) and Alpha Lambda Delta (first year student) honor societies!

Tau Sigma: Maddie Damann, Avigail Davidovits, Kaitlyn Heilig, Khadija Tall, and Angel Watson

Alpha Lambda Delta: Tori Bass, Shakinah Clarke, Grace Desjardins, Luisa Gonzalez, Quinten Grubbs, Kiet Ly, Meredith Stroud, Joshua Thompson, Carly Williams, and Sara Williams

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Table

Welcome to our first Provenance dedicated to to alumni updates!

In April 2023, Mimi Bradley (Biology, class of 2023) took on the task of writing to every single PLHC alum whom the College still had contact information for! And then with help from the Office of Alumni Engagement, she was able to contact even more Honors alumni. Her request was simple: can you tell us what you’re doing? And let us share it with everyone? We are thrilled to bring you the results. If you missed your chance at being listed, please do not fret. This will not be the last alumni directory. We hope to begin publishing class notes as a regular feature in upcoming issues. We will get started with some highlights from a few of our most recent graduates…

Class of 2023

Katie Basler, Lauren Polydys, and Jarchelle Williams haveacceptedspots inUMSL’sMBAprogram.

Riley Andreasen hasacceptedaspotinUMSL’soptometryschool.

Mimi Bradley hasacceptedaspotinKansasCityUniversity’smedicalschool.

Bryan Buckley hasacceptedapositionintheICUattheUniversityofMissouriHospital.

Ashton Hartman hasacceptedapositionasaClientIntakeAssistantatStangeLawFirm

Hannah Hook hasacceptedapositionasafamilyadvocatewithRiverbendHeadstartandFamilyServices

Amy Kenney hasacceptedaspotintheUniversityofKansas'Ph.D. programinsocialpsychology.

Shelby Long worksforScribeAmericaandhasrecentlybeenpromotedtoSeniorChiefScribe.

Cynthia Nathan hasacceptedaspotintheMaineCollegeofArtMFAprogram.

Jonathan Prouhet hasacceptedapositionwithRubinBrowninClayton,Missouri,asaTaxAccountant.

Ali Schoon hasacceptedanRNpositionatMercyHospital.

Emily Sigmund hasacceptedaspotinWashingtonUniversity’sgraduateprograminmedicalphysics

Cole Sutterer hasacceptedaspotinSIUC’sphysicianassistantprogram

Faith Van Horn hasacceptedanRNpositionatMizzou'sUniversityHospitalandaspotinUMSL's DNP-Pediatricprogram.

Jarchelle Williams hasalsoacceptedapositionasanAssociateTaxSpecialistatBoeing.

Where are they now? Class of 2022

Sydne Sewald (BA English, 2022) earned her degree along with the Professional Writing Certificate, all whilebeinganHonorsCollegestudent.Shealsoparticipatedinwritingfor Provenance formultipleissuesof thepublication.SydneisnowoneoftheneweradditionstoUMSL’sRegistrationdepartment.Havingstarted onthefirstdayofthesemesterbackinFall2022astheStudentRecordsAssistant,shehasalready beenpromotedtoSeniorStudentSupportSpecialist.

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2021

Hunter Campbell (BS Chemistry, 2021) graduatedfromUMSLinMay of2021withamajorinchemistry,minorsinSpanishandBiology,and anHonorscertificate.HematriculatedtoUMKC'sMDprogramwith earlyadmissionandiscurrentlyinhissecondyearofmedicalschool.In MarchhewenttoWashingtonDCtopresentresearchattheAmerican AssociationofAnatomy'sresearchconference.Additionally,hejust completedaMedicalSpanishcourseoutsideofhismedicalschool courseworkandisnowconsideredaSpanishBilingualAssistant(SBA). Evenmoreexciting,heisgettingmarriedtohisfiance,whoisalsohis highschoolsweetheart,inSeptemberofthisyear.Theyarelivingin NorthKansasCity,MOwiththeirdogArlo.

Sophia (Loban) DeGaramo (Bachelor of Liberal Studies, 2021) - Sophie recently received her MRS degree, as she married Heath DeGaramo of Wyalusing, PA, on October 9, 2022, and moved to Unicoi, Tennessee! She is currently working on opening her Etsy shop, "Stonewatch Crafts,” and will be selling wood-burned crafts inspired by fairytales, forests, and folklore She is an artist advisor, scholarship coordinator, and member of the new professional vocal ensemble "Osanna", located in New York Sophie and her husband hope to start a lavender farm, as well as continue their dream of creating a multigenerationalhomestead.

Danielle Friz (BS Nursing, 2021) is a Gynecologic Oncology Nurse at BarnesJewishHospitalinSt.Louis,Missouri.Intwoyears,shehasraised over $1,500 for Gyn Oncology charities and was awarded Nurse of the Year for her unit in 2022 She also enjoys spending time with her newly adoptedEnglishBulldog,ChubbsFriz

Esther Robinson (BS Civil Engineering, 2021) iscurrentlyworking at a transportation engineering firm calledCBBTransportationEngineersandPlanners.Shehasworkedtherefull-timeforalittleoverayearas aroadwaydesignerandroadwaysafetyanalyst.Sheisalsocurrentlygettinghermaster'spart-timethrough theMizzouonlineprograminCivilEngineering,withanemphasisintransportationengineering Sheisalso currently an EIT (passing her Fundamentals of Engineering exam) and will be getting her professional engineering license (taking her Principles and Practices Engineering exam) after she completes her master's.

Harper Wieldt (BS Chemistry, 2021) is finishing her Masters of Health Administration (MHA) at Saint LouisUniversitythisMay2023.Aftergraduation,shewillbejoiningtheVeteransHealthAdministrationin their Graduate Health Administrative Training Program (GHATP) at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center in California.FollowheronLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/harper-wieldt/

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2020

Nick Barbeau (BS Electrical Engineering, 2020) is an electrical engineer in the Water department at Burns & McDonnell. He worked in California for most of 2022 to oversee electrical construction for a Frito Lay Doritos process line and is now working in Kansas City on water treatment plants for data centers, municipalities, and refineries. Nick received a Blue Quill award at his job for presenting his office and field workexperiencestocollegestudents FollowhimonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-barbeau3/

Kalynn Clinton (BS Business Administration, 2020) transitioned to a full-time role within Cigna's TechnologyEarlyCareerDevelopment Program(TECDP)aftergraduation. Overthe past3years, shehas workedinmultiplerolessuchasaprojectmanagerandresearchanalyst.ShereturnedtoUMSLin2022to pursueherMSISTwithacertificateinCybersecurityandsheplanstograduatethisDecember.Outsideof workandschool,sheenjoystravelingandexercising.

Jenna Haddock (BS Psychology, 2020) -HerplanwastogointoapsychologyPh.D.programrightaway, butthatdidn’thappen,soduringquarantineshedidsomesoul-searchingandrealizedshelovedworking with students This led her to apply to higher education jobs and the MA program at UMSL in Higher EducationAdministration.ShestartedhercareerasanEnrollmentAdvisoratUMSLandthenmovedinto hercurrentpositionastheStudentRecruitmentSpecialistintheHonorsCollege.

Madison Koogler (BS Nursing, 2020) worked at BJC on the Abdominal Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery aftergraduation.SheiscurrentlyaResearchNurseCoordinatoratWashingtonUniversitySchool ofMedicineintheRadiologydepartmentspecializinginTheranostics.SheisalsoworkingonherMaster's inHealthcareInformaticsandwillgraduatein2024.

Bronwyn Miller (BS Sociology, 2020) isa case managerat DOORWAYS in St.Louis,helpingpeoplewithHIVachievelong-termstability.Shelivesinthe city within walking distance of the Botanical Garden with her partner, Cristina, to whom she recently got engaged. She spends her free time traveling when possible, hanging out with her three cats, and of course, doing plenty of reading and writing Feel free to find her on Facebook or LinkedIn

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2019

Meagan Burwell (BS, MA Economics, 2019) - After graduating in May 2019 with her BS and MA in Economics, she started her career at Express Scripts in Specialty Underwriting She has held both Analyst andManagerrolesandrecentlybeganaSenior AnalystroleinSupplyChain FollowheronLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meaganburwell/

Michael Dunlap (Bachelor of Liberal Studies, 2019) -After servingthestudentsofMaryvilleUniversityinSt.LouisasaLife Coachforthepast3years,MichaelisnowanAcademicAdvisorfor theHonorsprogramattheUniversityofKansas.RockChalk!Feel freetoconnectwithhimonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldunlapsfh/

Adéla Rybářová (BA Music, 2019) isaviolinistandmusichistorianbased in Prague, Czech Republic. She is currently studying at Charles University where she is researching music of the Czech Baroque In addition to her studies, she works as a music librarian for the Prague-based NeoKlasik Orchestra, interns at the Antonín Dvořák Museum, and teaches English lessonstoyoungchildren.

Aleathea Williams (BA Political Science, 2019) isathird-yearlawstudent at Chicago-Kent College of Law. She will be graduating in May of 2023. She currently serves as the President of Chicago-Kent’s Black Law Students Association and the Director of Advocacy and External Affairs for the MidwestRegionofBLSA.Intheseroles,sheisresponsibleforprogramming and setting forth initiatives to enhance the development of professionally competent, legally trained individuals responsive to the needs of the Black community. She has spent her time in law school interning for public interestnon-profitlegalorganizationsandtheCookCountyPublicDefender. Aleathea is passionate about the advancement of equity and economic opportunity for historically marginalized communities. She hopes to work within the public interest sector upon graduating. Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleathea-williams/

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2018

Katie Allensworth (BS Accounting, 2018) -DuringhertimeatUMSLandthePLHC,KatiewasPresidentof BetaAlphaPsi,amemberoftheAccountingClub,aSMART mentor,aCampusAmbassadorforBecker,a Supplemental Instruction Leader for the Fundamentals of Financial Accounting course, a Financial Accounting Tutor for the Accounting Department, and participant in two internships. She graduated in December 2018 as Summa Cum Laude and represented the College of Business Administration at Commencement as the Student Marshall. Since graduation, she has worked full-time for Bayer's Crop Science Division, EyeCare Partners, and now Centene Corporation. She primarily supports the cash, investment, and payables accounting for Centene's Georgia Medicaid health plan. She also completed her Master'sdegreeatUMSLlastyear

Ariel Brown (BS Business Administration, Finance, 2018) is an Analyst at Edward Jones in Wealth Management, Advice and Solutions, currently working in asset allocation and master data management.ShecompletedherMasterofScienceinDataAnalytics in 2021 from Maryville University. Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arieljefferybrown

Lori Dresner (BA Psychology, 2018) is working as a contractor at NestlePurinainSt.Louis.Shewasheavilyinvolvedinvariouswriting publicationswhileatUMSL,including The Current andthe Provenance alumni newsletter. She continues to write freelance. Follow her on LinkedIn:

http://linkedin.com/in/lori-dresner-8472b3153

Stephanie Faulkingham (BA Psychology, 2018; BS Nursing, 2021) is currentlyearningaDoctorateinNursingPracticespecializinginpsychiatry mentalhealth(PMHNP)throughUMSL’sCollegeofNursing.Sheearnedherfirst bachelor’sdegreefromUMSLin2018andshortlyaftergraduationwasaccepted intoUMSL’sacceleratedBachelorofScienceNursingprogram.Post-graduation shewasacceptedintothePMHNPprogramandexpectstograduatein2025.In additiontoeducationalendeavors,sheownsandoperatesakarate dojo (school) inthearea.Sheispleasedtoannouncethather dojo movedtoanewlocationin August2022afterbeinghousedinalocalcommunitycenterforyears.Sheand herstudentsareenjoyingthenewspacethatisdesignedaroundtheirtraining needs

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2018

Zachary Lee (BA English, 2018) isafunctionalanalystworkingfor theCityUniversityofSeattle.TheygotthehelloutoftheMidwestin 2018andhavelovedeveryminuteofit.(ExceptfortheSt.Louis Symphony;noothercity'ssymphonyreallycompares.)Whenthey're notscramblingthroughthemiddleofaPNWdownpour,Zachworks onlittlevideogameprojects,crossstitching,playinggameswith friends,andplayingtheirElectronicWoodwindInstrument,which theyimpulseboughtlastyearwithnoregrets.They'removinginwith theirpartnerMatthewnextmonth(picturedontheleft)withplansto adopttwocatstogetherlaterthisyear.FollowZach'sgame developmentjourneyontheirItch.iopage(leezachary.itch.io/),or theirgeneralPNWadventuresonInstagram(@zachleemypoint).

Marco Pipoly (BS Psychology, 2018) is a 5th-year doctoral candidate at the University of Iowa studying whysomeolderadultsmaintainbettercognitivefunctionlaterinlifecomparedtoothers.Heisparticularly interested in understanding which factors modify the course of brain aging and disease on cognitive function.Heplanstograduatein2024tocontinueworkingasanacademicscientistonquestionsrelatedto hisdissertationtopic.

Thomas Poon (BS Mechanical Engineering, 2018) is working at BoeingasaStructuralAnalysisEngineer.Heisnotengagedormarried, butheisdatingalovelywomannamedLaurenPearman,whomhemet at UMSL. After undergrad, he took a short break from school and is nowfinishingaMaster'sinRoboticsatWashingtonUniversity Hehas continued his passion for line dancing, and even competed at the YESSS!! convention, winning first place among the guys in which he receiveda shinybelt buckle. He lovestotravelaroundeverysooften, dancing at different events or bars. He has danced in Omaha NE, Chicago IL, Raleigh/Jacksonville NC, Nashville TN, Baltimore WA, and Indianapolis/Ft.WayneIN.Healsorecentlyboughtanewbike!

Adam Thompson (BA Biology, 2018) - He worked in Dr. Aimee Dunlap’s fruit fly cognition lab from January 2015 to May 2017, worked as an Honors Peer Mentor from July 2016 - May 2018, worked as a student instructor for biology for the fall 2017 semester, and was the president of the Pre-Dental Society and the vice-president of the Biological Society. He got into dental school at UMKC but left the following semester.Afterhemovedbackhomeinthespringof2019,hestartedworkingasanEnvironmentalPublic HealthSpecialistattheJeffersonCountyHealthDepartment HelivesinArnold,MOwithhiswifeandthree dogs

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2018

Carly Vogel (BA Psychology, 2018) - After graduating from UMSL in 2018, she pursued a PhD. in Aging SciencesfromtheUniversityofSouthFlorida.ShegraduatedwithherdoctorateinDecember2022.Shenow works as a Research Associate for a non-profit organization called Pharmacy Quality Alliance where she conductsresearchrelatedtomedicationusequalityandpatientadherence.

Lysa Young-Bates (BS Business Administration, 2018) isaseniormarketing manageralignedtothehealthcareandlifesciencesindustriesatPerficient,aglobal digitalconsultancy.In2022,shewasinductedintotheorganization’sRedJacket Club,whichrecognizesleaderswhohavegreatlyimpactedbusinessgrowth.She alsoco-leadsprogrammingandeventsforthePerficientGivingemployeeresource group(ERG).LysalivesinSt.Louiswithherhusbandanddaughter.Followheron LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lysayoungbates/

Ari Zakroff (BA Biology, 2018) -In 2021, he lefthisposition asa naturereserve technician withForest Park Forever (a fantastic organization) to begin a master's in Biology. His thesis work focused on bugs, plants,andbugsonplants Now,heisinthefinalstagesofwritinghisthesis Soon,hewilldefendhisthesis withhislife Assuminghesurvives,hewillbeginhisPhD atGeorgeWashingtonUniversityinWashington, D.C.There,hewillonceagainstudybugs,plants,andbugsonplants, but in even greater detail.Thatshould keephimmoderatelybusyfor5years(+/-1year).

Class of 2017

Audri Adams (BA History, 2017) is an academic advisor and success coach at UMSL’sHonorsCollege.Inadditiontoherstaffposition,shealsohasthepleasure of teaching the Bellerive seminar every fall semester. She graduated with her MA inhistoryatUMSLin2020whileworkingasthecollege’sadministrativeassociate ShewasawardedtheChancellor’sAwardforStaffExcellence(2021)andtheUMSL Hero Award (2022). She was recently promoted to Senior Advisor. Audri is on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/audri-lynne-adams/ Rachel Eikmann (BSEd, BA English, 2017) - Since graduating with her Bachelor of ScienceinSecondaryEducationandBachelorofArtsinEnglishin2017,shehasexplored whatitisliketoliveandteachinBrooklyn,NY,onlytobepulledbacktoTheLouin2018. Currently, she works as an Instructional Coach at Lift for Life Academy, where she supports the teachers (4-12) in the humanities department She is also finishing up her MEdatUMSLwhere,uponcompletion,shewillbeacertifiedreadingspecialistandplans todirectlysupportstudents(again)inadditiontoadultsinthecomingschoolyear.While shedidgetmarriedinSeptemberof2022,shedidnotletthepatriarchywinandhaskept herlastname.SheandherhusbandliveinSouthCitywiththeirtwodogsandloveit!

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2017

Mel Fagerlin (BA, MA Criminology and Criminal Justice, 2017) isaProject ManagerintheTechspace.Shehasfoundherpassionconnectingteamsand improvingprocesses.Currently,she’satSpectrumMobilegettingintroverted developerstotalktoeachotherandfortheloveofeverythingholyputnotes inJIRA.Duetothetechbubble,shewasabletosomehowgetahouseinthis economyandissteadilypaintingmostwallspurple,accompaniedbyGreg Hartl(SignificantOther/printmaker),andtwotinydogs,Rascal (Beagle/Daschund)andDannyDeVito(YorkshireTerrier).Feelfreetoreach out:https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-fagerlin-114850116

Kaitlin Henning (BA Psychology, 2017) worksinthefrontofficeofWholesalePlumbingSupply.Shelives inSt.Charles,Missouriwithherhusband,Phil.Outsideofwork,sheenjoysbookclubsandvideogames.

Meghan Littles (BS Psychology, 2017) -Followinggraduation,shewasacceptedintotheClinical Psychology-ChildTrackdoctoralprogramatSIUCarbondalewhereshehasbeencompletingherMAand Ph.D.Herworkingraduateschoolincludescompletingpsychologicalassessments,providingindividual andgrouptherapy,teachingundergraduateandgraduatecoursework,andconducting/publishing research.ShehasacceptedajobwithCardinalGlennonChildren’sHospitalwhichshewillstartthisfall aftergraduatingwithherdoctorateinAugust.FollowheronLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-littles-a9334b108/

Ellen (Vehige) Prinster (BS Civil Engineering, 2017) is a supervising engineeratAmeren.SheearnedherProjectManagementProfessional(PMP) certificationin2020andherProfessionalEngineer (PE)licensein2021 She graduated with her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2021 Ellen welcomed her first baby boy, Archie, in 2022. Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-prinster-95903b88/

Briana Robertson (BA Biology, 2017) isanAssociateProductionScientistatMilliporeSigmainSt.Louis. She recently returned to UMSL, completing an MS Biology in 2022. Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briana-q-robertson/

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2016

Marie Kenney (BA English, 2016) - After graduating in May 2016, she was accepted into the MFA program at UMSL and was awarded a graduate assistantship. She completed her second UMSL degree in December 2018 and her assistantship in August 2018. After that, she joined the Office of Alumni Engagement andAnnual Givingasan Advancement Officer, where sheworkedbefore joining Washington University.AskheraboutthevibrantSaintLouiswritingcommunityandyouropportunitiestogetinvolved inallthingsliteratureandwritingoncampus!

Kristin Ranker (BS Biology, 2016) worked as a keeper at the Saint Louis Zoo for 5 years after graduation. She went back to UMSL for a master's in biology on the ecology, evolution, and systematics track and willgraduateinDecember2023.Shespentayearasagraduateassistant in Honors! Most recently she is working as a force-free dog trainer teachingobedience,tricks,dogsports,andcooperativecare Shehopesto comebacktotheHonorsCollegetoteachsomeanimalbehaviorclassesin thefuture!

Hannah E. Stowe (BS Biology, 2016) iscurrentlyaGraduate ResearchAssistantpursuingherPh.D.inEntomologyatthe UniversityofNebraska-Lincoln.ShegraduatedwithanMSin EntomologyfromKansasStateUniversityinAugust2019with researchexamininghowladybeetlesrespondtodifferentdiets. Her researchonpredatorecologyaimstoincreasesustainabilityand ecosystemhealthinmidwesternagriculture. Followherpublications throughGoogleScholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=2gWAr3IAAAAJ

Lindsey (Smith) Warner, OD. (BA Biology, 2016) -In2021, LaurengraduatedfromIllinoisCollegeofOptometrywithher DoctorofOptometrydegree.Aftergraduating,sheandher husbandmovedtoIdaho.SheiscurrentlyworkingatHometown FamilyEyecareinMiddleton,IDandspendingherfreetime exploringthenewstate.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-warner-a5550a213

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2015

Elizabeth (Fitzpatrick) Bianchi (BS Biology, 2015) - After graduation, Elle was offered a position working at a radioactive chemical company by one of the contacts she made as an undergraduate at an UMSL event. She worked there for a year, then went back to Indiana/Purdue University's medical school for Histotechnology. While attending school there, she worked as a laboratory associate at Barnes Jewish Hospital,andupongraduation,shebecameaboard-certifiedHistotechnologist.Shehassincemovedupto hercurrentpositionastheleadhistotechnologistoverBarne'sSpecialStainsaswellastheClinicalLiaison fortheIndiana/PurdueUniversityMedicalSchool'sHistologyPrograminconjunctionwithBarnes.

Shawntelle L. Fisher (Bachelor Educational Studies, BS Media Studies, 2015) istheFounder/CEOofa nonprofit.TheSoulFisherMinistries.Theorganization'smissionistorespondtotheneedsofyouthwith incarceratedparentsandtopromoterestorativejusticeforthosecurrentlyorformerlyincarcerated.In additiontoherCEOrole,shegivesbacktotheUMSL'sHonorsCollegestudentbodyasanadjunctprofessor. ShegraduatedwithherMSWandMDivfromBrownSchoolofSocialWorkatWashingtonUniversityinSt. LouisandEdenTheologicalSeminary,respectively.ShewasrecognizedasoneofUMSL'sDistinguished Alumni(2022)andasoneofUMSL'sWomenTrailblazers(2023).FollowheronLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawntelle-fisher-0b075752/,Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawntelle.fisherandInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfisher/.

William Morris (BA English, 2015) is the lead writer and editor for the marketingand communications team in the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He earned an MFA in creative writing at UMSL and received the Graduate Fiction Award in 2017. Follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-ashley-richard-morris/

Melissa Somerdin (BA English, 2015) has been professionally writing and editing for various companies and clients in healthcare, immigration, real estate,STEMdisciplines,andmoresincegraduatingfromUMSL.Inadditionto education, UMSL gave Melissa an addiction to Einstein’s hot chocolate, which she always drank during her morning Latin classes. Einstein’s hot chocolate now fuels Melissa’s passion projects outside of work With the power of perfectlybrewedhotchocolate,Melissaparticipatesinfanprojectsasaneditor to produce English patches for unlocalized Japanese video games and sews award-winningcostumesforanimeandgamingconventions.Currently,sheis also learning violin as her first instrument and is preparing for a one-month expeditiontoAntarcticain2024.

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2015

Chris Sudlik (BS Mechanical Engineering, 2015) is head of Mechanical EngineeringatImpossibleSensing,astart-uponCherokeeStreetthatworkson optical sensors for space, deep ocean, agriculture, and mining Previously he workedasaprojectengineeronautomationofR&DatBayer(labandfield),in asteelpartsmanufacturingplant,andascampaignchairofapoliticalcampaign. Hedoesphilosophypart-timeaspartofthemetamodernistmovement.

Marlee Thomas, DO (BA Biology, 2015) iscurrentlyanemergency medicine resident at Doctor’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Much of hertimeisstillspentstudying,assheworkstowardscompletingher medicaltrainingasaphysician.Inadditiontocaringforpatients,she participates in the wilderness medicine track and the residency program’s recruitment committee. Though many of her days are spent in the walls of the hospital, you can occasionally find her enjoying a cocktail at Watershed Distillery, savoring new fare near Bridge Park, or embracing the live music scene in Columbus. In recentyears,shehasunpluggedfromsocialmedia,butshecontinues tohave Spotify. Some supervisingdoctorshave gone asfarastosay she has the best musical taste out of all of the residents. Most eveningssheislisteningtofolksongshumminginthebackgroundof the“docbox”betweenseeingpatients.Dr.Thomascanbecontacted viaemailatmarleethomasmdt@gmailcom

Hey! Did you miss your chance at being listed in this special alumni directory edition of Provenance? Do not worry! The winter 2024 issue comes out in January, and there’s plenty of time for your information to become a part of that issue!

Just send your information to Dan Gerth at gerthd@umsl.edu.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2014

Katie Lynn (BFA Drawing, 2014, and BS Biology, 2017) is a Supply Chain Specialist at Bayer in Creve Coeur. She is currently working to expand in this role by attending UMSL for graduate studies in Supply ChainAnalyticsandSupplyChainManagement.Shespendsherpersonaltimedoingphotography,painting, andreadingsupplychainnews.

Liz Miller (BA English and BA Psychology, 2014) -AftergraduatingfromUMSL,sheattendedOhioState toearnherPh.D.inEnglish,withherworkfocusingonrhetoric,composition,anddisabilitystudies.Shestill teachesonlinewritingclassesforOSU,thoughsheisexcitedtocontinueteachingfortheHonorsCollege.She alsodoessomefreelanceeditingandaccessibilityreviewfromtimetotime

Samantha Pinkley (BA English, 2014) is an Assistant Director with the Scholarship Advancement office at the ASU Foundation (Arizona State University) She graduated with her Masters of Public Administration in spring 2023 from Arizona State University. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Arizona and hiking with her amazing dog, Maggie, and husband, Mike. Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-pinkley6303919a/

Jacob Riess (BM Music, 2014) isacreativeanalyticaldreamer,multi-mediaartist,andexplainerbasedin the state of Missouri. He is the owner of Viola’s Legacy Creative Studio and is an assistant guide with Guidepost Montessori. When he is not at his day job of wrangling kids, he plays violin, viola, piano, or ocarina;composesinstrumentalmusic;andwritescreativeworks.Checkouthismusicstudiowebsiteat <https://violaslegacycreativestudiocom>

Class of 2013

Jessie Bleile (BA Mathematics, 2013) worksattheNationalGeospatial-IntelligenceAgency(NGA)inSt. Louisandcurrentlysupportsuniversityoutreachfortheagency,includingworkingpart-timeatUMSLasa ProfessorofPracticewiththeUMSLGeospatialCollaborative.Aftergraduatingin2013,Jessiewentto graduateschoolattheUniversityofMissouri,earningherMSinAppliedMathematicswhileworkingatNGA inthesummersasanintern.SheandherwifeliveinSt.LouisCity.Whensheisn'tworkingorteaching,she istraveling,gardening,cooking,orservinghertwocats.FollowheronLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-bleile/

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2013

Darrick Curtis (BS Criminology and Criminal Justice, 2013) iscurrently theAssistantChiefofPoliceintheCityofHillsboro,Missouri.Heis responsibleforpublicinformation,professionalstandardsandcompliance, recruitmentandhiring,andfiscalmanagementofthedepartment.Hehas spenttimeasaroadpatrolofficer,detective,andnegotiator,andis currentlyanadjunctinstructorwiththeJeffersonCollegeLawEnforcement Academy.https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrick-curtis-47834064

Ken Earley (BS Media Studies, 2013) is an Associate Creative Director at St Louis CITY SC Before working in sports to build their hometown MLS club, Ken spent years at advertising and marketing agencies as a writer. At UMSL, Kenstarted as a pre-med Bio major before pivoting to Media Studies. Ken says“It'sokayifyou'restillfiguringitout.”

Elizabeth Eikmann (BA English, 2013) isaPostdoctoral FellowintheStudyofSt.LouisinAmericanCultureStudies atWashingtonUniversityinSt.Louis.InJanuary,shewas thefeaturedhistorianonLivingSt.Louisdiscussingsocial documentaryphotographyandSt.LouisProgressiveEra reformer,CharlotteRumbold.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eikmann/ PBS link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1zziPBiHbc/

Tedan (Hu) Henkel (BS Biochemistry/Biotechnology, 2013) is a physician associate (PA) student at Yale University, expected to graduate in 2024. After receiving an MS degree in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St Louis, she worked in various engineering roles in the medical device industry. Inspired by many dedicated healthcareprovidersshecollaboratedwithinthoseroles,shechangedher vocation to become a PA after 5+ years of an engineering career. After graduation, she hopes to practice in hospital medicine or cardiothoracic surgery.Whensheisnotbusystudyingorinclinicalrotations,sheenjoys spendingtimewithherhusbandanddaughter,reading,oroilpainting.

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2013

Lee Sellars (BA Economics, 2013) is a Grant Specialist in the Infectious Diseases department at WashingtonUniversitySchoolofMedicine WhenLeeisnotbusypreparinggrantproposals,hespendshis timetraveling,aswellasdabblinginpainting,fiberarts,andcreativewriting;todate,hehasdraftedseven novels.ConnectwithhimonLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-sellars-89a12ab0/

Nick Shea (BM Music Education, 2013) is an assistant professor of music theory at Arizona State University. After working as an elementary strings teacher in the Parkway School District, he moved to Massachusettstogethismaster'sinmusictheoryfromUMassAmherst.HethenreceivedhisPh.D.inMusic Theory from Ohio State University before landing a position at ASU. As an interdisciplinary researcher, he primarily investigates how musicians and listeners understand popular music's organizational features in cross-domaincontextsthroughcognitive-behavioralandpedagogicalmethods.Outsideofwork,hejustran hisfirsthalf-marathoninJanuary2022,gotmarriedinMay2022,andhastwoblackcatsnamedBuckyand Sushi.

Patrick Ward (BS Biology, 2013) is a scientist at Aetion, a healthcare technology start-up. Patrick completed a Ph.D. in Biostatistics at the UniversityofKentuckyin 2021, where he developedstatisticalandmachinelearning methods to help combat the drug overdose epidemic. Previously, Patrick has worked for state government and academic public health organizations. Patrick is married to a fellow UMSL alumnus and currently livesinNorthCarolina.

Class of 2012

Sophia Halloran Ritter (BA Business Administration, 2012) is a Senior Quality Manager at The Boeing Company. She leads a large multi-site team of qualityengineers,specialists,andinspectorsforacomplexportfolioofproducts Inadditiontoherposition,sheisalsoco-chairfortheBoeingSt LouisChapterof Women in Manufacturing. She has her MBA (2020) with a supply chain management emphasis from Saint Louis University. Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-ritter-34992516b

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2012

Sarah Hyde (BA Psychology, 2012) is a Technical Training Analyst (Technical Writer) for Express Scripts/Cigna She earned her Master of Science in Learning Technology and Design from Mizzou in 2022. Passionateaboutanimalwelfareandrescue,inherfreetimesheworksasa volunteeratCARESTLhelpingtoprovidecareforthehomelessanimalsof St.Louis.

Vivial Lopez (BA Psychology, 2012) is a first-generation college student. Soon after graduation, she acceptedapositionwithalocalnon-profitorganization.Vivialservedastheregionaltrainingmanagerand the Program Coordinator for a Professional Women's Group. Her experiences and relationships developed at the non-profit organization led her to consulting work for workforce development with Missouri Probation and Parole. She is currently an independent consultant for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and accessibility.

Ryan Newcomer (BSED, BA Math, 2012) is a Business Intelligence Manager at NFP Rx Solutions in St Louis. Having begun in the pharmacy industry as a certified pharmacy technician with Walgreens through highschoolandundergrad,RyanwentontoteachhighschoolMathematicsfor8years,marryfellowUMSL PierreLacledeHonorsgraduateAdrienne(Barr)Newcomer,andreceivehisMAinAppliedStatistics.During his time in education he taught all levels from Pre-Algebra to Calculus II as well as Statistics and Game Theorycoursesatthecollegelevel. Overthepastdecade, Ryanhasmanaged/createdseveralBeerFestival fundraisers for charity which allowed him to form relationships withmembers of the brewing community acrossStLouis.HealsoactedasbarmanagerfortheAmericanCzechEducationalCenter.Afterthebirthof his children Abby (2018) and Felix (2022), Ryan left teaching for a business apprenticeship through Launchcode with Valued Pharmacy Services After 2 years he was promoted to manager of the Business IntelligencedepartmentofNFPRxSolutionswhereheistoday.

Katie Rynkiewich (BA Anthropology, 2012) has moved states to Florida, where she is now Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Florida Atlantic University. She is currently writing a book based on her dissertation research on antibiotic use and decision-making among medical professionals in the United States Besidesthat,sheteachesglobalhealth,medicalanthropology,andinfectiousdiseasesinsociety

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2011

Leonardo Severino (BS Business Administration- Finance, International Business, 2011) istheHead of Private Equity and Venture Capital at Kontora Family Office, an asset management company based in Hamburg, Germany. In 2013, he moved from St. Louis to Germany with his wife, Franziska Severino (nee Weissgerber),whoisalsoaUMSLAlumni(MSW,2012).ThetwohavebeentogethersinceLeonardo'sfirst semester at UMSL in 2008, and are proud parents of two beautiful daughters: Louisa (6) and Carolina (7 months) FollowhimonLinkedIn:https://wwwlinkedincom/in/leonardoseverino/

Class of 2010

Amanda (Duckwall) Barnard (BS Biology, 2010) works as a Senior Instructional Designer for Mercy, designing clinical, diversity, and regulatory training for healthcare. In 2022 she earned a PhD in Higher Education Administration, and she also holds master's degrees in Workforce Education and Development (adulteducation)andMolecularPhysiology.Amandaismarriedto John Barnard (BA History, 2009), who she met at the Honors College, and they have a young daughter named Rosalind. Follow heronLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabarnard/

Class of 2009

Abigail Kleinsmith (BA Biology, 2009) isanassessmentspecialistatPearson Education.SheiscurrentlypursuingherMaster’sinEducationfromTexasLutheran University.Shetaughthighschoolsciencefor7yearsinAustin,Texas,andcurrently livesincentralTexas.FollowheronLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/abikleinsmith/

Jeanne (Patrick) Norris (BS Secondary Education, 2009) is a Medical Advancement Writer at Washington University in St. Louis. Before that, Jeanne served diverse roles in science education, from teacher to regional K-8 curriculum program developer, to national professional learning provider - the latter two roles as part of research-practice partnerships at Washington University in St Louis and the UniversityofWashington-Seattle Sheledthedevelopmentofacurriculumthatearnednationalrecognition andco-authoredseveralSTEMTeachingandClimateEducationToolsfocusedonteachercollaborationand practical ways to implement climate education research and resources. Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-norris-ba9aa81a/

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2009

Emily Horsford (BA, History, 2009; MA, History, 2011) graduatedfromSaintLouisUniversitySchoolof Law in 2021 with her JD. She joined the Missouri State Public Defender's Office working in Jefferson County.

Justin Riddler (BLS Psychology & Theater, 2009) completed his MEd in AdultEducation in 2011 at UMSL, before moving to Seattle, WA. He is currently a Producer with the Age of Empires game franchise at World's Edge Studio. In April he celebrated 9 years of marriage with his husband Ryan and recently purchased their first home. Follow him on LinkedIn

Kate (Blankmeyer) Votaw (BA Psychology, 2009) followed her bachelor’s with a master’s (2011) and PhD (2016)fromSaintLouisUniversity,bothinthefieldofSocialPsychology Alongtheway,shemarried UMSL alumnus, Michael Votaw (BS Computer Science, 2010), with fellow UMSL and PLHC alumni Dr. Kristin (Sopko) Hinrichs (BA Psychology, 2009) and John Barnard (BA History, 2010) in attendance as MaidofHonorandBestMan,respectively.KateandMichaelcurrentlyenjoythecompanyoftheirmultiple pets at their home in South City, St. Louis. Kate is now an Associate Teaching Professor at the Pierre LacledeHonorsCollegeatUMSLandcreatedandoccupiesthepositionofUMSL UndergraduateResearch Coordinator

Class of 2008

Holly Pope, Ph.D. (BS Biotechnology/Biochemistry and BA Biology, 2008) isaMedicalWriterandProject ManageratSuperiorMedicalExpertsandservesonthe Honors College Alumni Affinity Group planning committee. HollyismarriedtoHonorsCollege alumJB Carroll, PhD (BS Chemistry, 2008; PhD Chemistry, 2013) and they have a goal of making their home net zero for carbon emissions They are also avid gardeners growing a variety of vegetables and herbs Holly would love to talk with anyone interested in learningabout the fieldofmedical writing. Feelfree to contact her at: holly.m.pope@gmail.com or find her on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollypope/

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 2007

Patricia Lee Galli (BA Communication, 2007) istheSeniorDirectorof DigitalCommunicationsatCenteneandaBoardMemberat socialmedia.org,anorganizationforpeopleleadingsocialmediaatthe world’sbiggestcompanies.Aftergraduating,shecompletedherMBAat WebsterUniversityandcontinuestobeinvolvedatlocaluniversitiesasa guestlecturerandspeakeratvariousmarketingandcommunication classes.FollowheronLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricialeegalli/

Class of 2004

Jeffrey Eckerle (BS Business Administration, Management Information Systems, 2004) istheDirector ofBusinessIntelligenceandisresponsibleforsupportingallaspectsofthemarketing,communication,and business development efforts of the firm. Mr. Eckerle started at Kennedy as an intern in 2003. Jeff graduatedmagnacumlaudeearningaB.S.inBusinessAdministrationwithanemphasisinMarketinganda B.S. in Management Information Systems from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. In addition, Mr. Eckerle attended the Pierre Laclede Honors College at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Jeff has been working at Kennedy Capital for 20 years, has been married for nearly 12 years, and has 3 wonderful children(2girls/1boy)whichincludesasetofboy/girltwins.

Class of 1996

Quahana Hendree, ThD (BS Business Administration- Marketing, 1996),Art Consultant and Theological Art Historian is the owner of Saint Louis-based Q. HendreeArtConsultingandhasdelightedinadvisingcorporate,commercial,and organizationalclientsontheirartworkpurchasesand/ormanagingtheirnewor existing artwork collections since receiving her Masters in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University and navigating along a circuitous multiindustry, multi-location professional path After completing her Doctorate in Theology, Quahana has also been privileged to serve others as a licensed and ordainedChristian Ministerandequip, empower, edify, andencourage othersin theirfaith.FollowheronLinkedIn:http://linkedin.com/in/qhendree

ALUMNI DIRECTORY

Class of 1996

Thompson Knox (Bachelor of General Studies, 1996) - Thompson is one of the employee owners at SteadyRain, a digital agency headquartered in St Louis where he is the Chief Strategy Officer After workinginenvironmentswhereemployeeswerenotthefocus,heisdedicatedtoensuringthathisteams never experience that and spearheaded the conversion of SteadyRain into the first digital agency in Missouri to become Employee-Owned by forming an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) for the company. When he’s not championing people and culture or driving digital strategy, he works as an accomplished comic book creator with credits on projects published by Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, IDW Publishing and Image Comics through his company, Brain Studio. He can be reached at his alwayspreferredemailaddress: thompson@brainstewcom

In Loving Memory of Nancy Gleason

DearHonorsCollegecommunity,

Asmanyofyoualreadyknow,NancyGleason,emeritaassociatedeanandteachingprofessorinthe HonorsCollegeandformerfacultymemberintheEnglishdepartment,passedawaypeacefullyonApril 3rd,2023.

Nancy’scareerineducationstartedimmediatelyafterreceivingherBSED–EnglishfromUMSLin1972. Aftersixyearsasahighschoolteacher,NancytooktimeofftostartafamilywithherhusbandPat,before returningtoUMSLin1983tobeginworkonherMaster’sdegree. NancyjoinedUMSL’sEnglish departmentasalecturerin1988,winningUMSL’sLectureroftheYearawardin1993andthe Chancellor’sAwardforExcellenceinTeachingin1999. ShefirstmetDeanRobertBlissin1997,andvery soonafterherecruitedhertocreatetheHonorsCollegeWritingProgram,whichwasupandrunningway aheadofschedule,intrueNancyfashion. In1999shejoinedtheHonorsCollegefull-timeasdirectorof writing,whereshewasalsoabletoworkagainwithherclosefriendandformerEnglishdepartment colleague,DennisBohnenkamp(bestknownasthePLHC’sLordofMisrule,despiteNancy’seffortsat keepinghiminline). Nancybecameassistantdeanin2004andassociatedeanin2005. Shetriedretiring in2014,butasmanysuspectedatthetime,retirementdidnotsuitNancy. Hersecond,somewhatmore successfulretirement,tookplacein2019. HeremploymentatUMSLwas,inthewordsofBobBliss,“the mostprofitable,bestinvestmentevermadebytheUniversityofMissourisystem.” Nodisagreements fromus!

BesidescreatinganddirectingtheHonorsCollege’sWritingProgram,Nancy’samazinglegacyincludes startingourannualliteraryandartisticanthology, Bellerive,whichcelebratedits23rd anniversarythis pastFebruary;servingformanyyearsonUMSL’sGeneralEducationCommittee,includingco-authoring theGeneralEducationframeworkthatguidedUMSLuntilrevisionin2015;winningUMSL’sWomen TrailblazerawardandLegendaryTritonaward;foundingourannual Celebrating the Arts competition andexhibition;servingformultipletermsonUMSL’sAccreditationSteeringCommittees;teaching Bellerive,BusinessWriting,WritingforTeachers,WritingtheCity,MethodsofTeachingEnglish,aswell ascoursesonEudoraWelty,EmilyDickinson,andothers;servingontheFacultySenate,includingterms ontheCommitteeonCommitteesandtheCurriculumandInstructionCommittee;supervisingHonors Collegeadmissions,curriculum,academicadvising,andearlyalerts;andservingonmoreEnglish department,HonorsCollege,andUMSLcommittees,subcommittees,taskforces,andinitiativesthan anyonecouldkeeptrackof(includingher). ShewasalsothefirstadministratorforUMSL’sOpportunity ScholarsProgram,stilltodayUMSL’smostprestigiousandvaluablescholarship,providingfullcostfor tuitionandfees,housing,mealplan,andtextbooks,aswellaspeerandfacultymentoring,forunderrepresentedandfirstgenerationcollegestudentsinthemetroarea. OutsideofUMSL,Nancystill somehowmanagedtoalsoworktirelesslyfornumerouscauses,particularlyinherchurch,whereshe taughtRitesofChristianInitiationforAdultsatSt.MaryMagdalenparishandrantheirCAREprogram, dedicatedtoservingthoseinneedexperiencingfinancial,medical,personal,andotheremergenciesor hardships.

Butmostimportantly,Nancywasourfriendandthemostgenerouspersonyoucouldimagine. There wasneveraphonecallsheignored,anemailshedidn’trespondto,acrisisshewouldn’thelpyou manage,oranyrequestforadviceorassistancethatshedidnotworkendlesslytomeet. Shewas compassionate,courageous,tireless,andamazinginallways. BeyondwhatshedidforUMSLasawhole iseverythingshedidforeveryindividualstudent,faculty,orstaffmembershemet. Shenevergaveyou thetimeshehadforyou;shealwaysgaveyouthetimeyouneededfromher. Andwhilethatmeantthat shewasalsoneverontimeforanythinginherlife,weareallthebetterforit. NancyGleasonwastruly theHonorsCollege’sNorthStarandwhileshewillbedearlymissed,herefforts,kindness,andintegrity imbueeverysinglethingwedohere. ShetrulyremainsthespiritoftheHonorsCollege.

Ourwinter2024issueof Provenance willfeatureextensivecoverageofNancy’scareer,including reflectionsfromcolleaguesandalumni. Ifyouwouldliketoshareanyofyourfavoritememoriesabout Nancy,pleaseconsidersendingthemtogerthd@umsl.edu.

Sincerely,

DanielGerth DirectorofStudentServicesandAlumniRelations