MONTAGE
The
Serving the St. Louis Community College - Meramec community since 1964 • ACP Award Recipient VOLUME 57, ISSUE 1
SEPT. 2, 2021
WWW.MERAMECMONTAGE.COM
THE RETURN: Is It Safe to Be on Campus?
Many Meramec students return to campus as the Delta variant looms Jacob Politte MANAGING EDITOR
O
n Monday, Aug 23, more students returned to campus at St. Louis Community College (STLCC) than prior to March 13, 2020. While the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread across the region and the pandemic is still a concern, STLCC and the Meramec campus continue to have safeguards and procedures in place to ensure a safe return to in-person learning for students. Why return now? “St. Louis Community College decided to move forward with more on-campus classes at the request of students,” said Nez Savala, communications manager for St. Louis Community College. “The College offers different formats for learning, and in-person classes are what many students prefer and want. STLCC is in alignment with many other colleges in the area such as University of MissouriSt. Louis, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, Webster University and St. Charles Community College who are welcoming students to in-person classes for 2021-2022.” STLCC has made a few revisions to it’s COVID policies in the last few months; for example, mask usage was no longer required at STLCC starting on June 15, but that mask policy was reinstated the following month, regardless of an individual’s vaccination status. “As we have since spring 2020,” Savala said, “the College will make adjustments for the health and safety of our campus communities based on guidance from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention and local public health departments. That could mean moving some courses to a virtual learning format, but again, those decisions are made under careful guidance.” Savala continued, “Throughout the pandemic, the College has made revisions to policies and operating procedures based on CDC and public health guidelines. For example, we know that wearing a mask is effective in minimizing the spread of COVID-19, so masks are required indoors at all STLCC locations. We also know that surface transfer of COVID-19 is not as high a risk factor as it was thought to be, so we’ve made adjustments. Again, the College will continue to make adjustments or changes based on guidance from public health departments and the CDC.” Administration Reactions
Felicca Moore-Davis is in her third year as president of the Meramec Campus and said she is excited to have students back once more. “I am very excited to have students on campus,” she said. “The campus is vibrant again, and I’m loving it. Students are the reason we are here, and their presence reminds me of the mission of our campus community.” STLCC’s Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Andrew Langrehr, in his sixth year in the role, also concurs. He said he’s “extremely excited” to have students back on campuses. “I have been on a couple campuses or centers this [past] week,” he said, “and seeing more activity has been a welcome sight. I helped a few students find their classrooms, and the excitement was obvious in the conversation.” Moore-Davis said that for the last 17 months, the campus has been quiet. “Staff were working primarily fixed hours and remotely,” she said. “Nonetheless, we were still working to support our students and give everyone a great learning experience. It felt like a long winter on campus; but we were able to see and engage with each other frequently online and remained connected.” Moore-Davis says that the pandemic has led to some changes and some The Meramec Lecture Hall is currently under renovation and physical obstacles at will remain closed until early October, according to Campus STLCC. For example, President Felicca Moore-Davis. a construction project
Photos by Jacob Politte. Students gather in the Library Quad Tuesday, Aug. 31. The Meramec campus is hosting more face-to-face classes this semester with masks mandated indoors.
inside the Lecture Hall building that was approved in early 2021 by our Board of Trustees was delayed due to global supply chain issues; MooreDavis says that the project should be completed in early October, but it was originally planned to be complete before the start of the fall semester. “We are very excited about the renovations happening in the Lecture Halls,” she said. “It was long overdue. We want to improve the student experience in all of our classrooms [and] the Lecture Halls will have updated furnishings and 21st century technology.” Moore-Davis also spoke about a major change to the campus: the disbanding of the Meramec Campus cafeteria. “Our contract expired with the vendor,” she said. “This gave the college an opportunity to assess and rethink the area and our service to students. Our assessment revealed students didn’t spend a lot of time in the area and many of the food items were not affordable.” The Meramec Bookstore has since moved into the space; the atrium of the area still exists as it did before. Fountain sodas are still available for purchase, and a new Kaldi’s coffee kiosk is also set to be installed in the space this week. “We decided to bring in more affordable and a greater selection of items for our students and employees,” Moore-Davis said. When asked what would happen to the old bookstore space, Moore-Davis said that had not yet been determined. “We will be reviewing the bookstore space and making plans to better serve our students,” she said. “We will look for renovations that will make sense for how our students
want and need to use that space.” A more detailed look at the new Meramec Bookstore can be found on page 5 of this issue. Faculty Reactions Faculty reaction to STLCC’s observance of social distancing and COVID protocols has been mixed. Ruth Eilerman has been teaching at STLCC since 2007. She is excited to be physically in front of students again. “[I’m] 100% excited and 0% nervous.” She clarified, “I’m not nervous health-wise. I’m nervous that the bottom might fall out, I’m nervous that things might happen. I’m nervous because I always get nervous the first day before the first day of class, because it’s a brand new situation. So I’m only as nervous as I ever was. Health-wise, I’m not nervous. I’m vaccinated, I feel really good about that and I just really missed being here, so I’m just so excited to be back.” When asked about the difference between teaching courses in a Live Virtual Lecture (LVL) format and teaching in a classroom again after 17 months, Eilerman said the biggest difference concerns the aspect of student participation. “People are much more likely to participate in an on-campus class,” she said. “A lot of it is non-verbal cues [...] I don’t see that if I just see your initials up on a screen. So being able to see if [students are] looking at me confused, or if you’re looking at me looking like you’re nodding, I can tell whether or not I’m covering the material effectively.” Eilerman continues, “People were
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NEWS 3
Sept. 2, 2021
THE RETURN: Can Instructors Ask About Vaccination Status?
STAFF JACOB POLITTE MANAGING EDITOR MAX WILSON STAFF GENEVA LEE STAFF SAMANTHA MCCATHY STAFF ADELAINE TUDOR STAFF
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really hesitant to speak up in a Live they allow more introverted students not instructors can ask students Virtual class; I had a very small pod of to participate via the chat function. about their vaccination status. kids that would speak up, [and] most But Beach isn’t opposed to on- Savala says that they can not. people didn’t. So I was unable to know campus classes. “I do like working with “Faculty cannot ask students about if they were getting anything out of it.” students in person, though,” she said. their vaccination status,” Savala said. She does believe that students like When the pandemic shut down “Everyone in the classroom should be the LVL format. When talking about STLCC in March of 2020, Beach said wearing a mask, vaccinated or not. The the number of students that signed up that she was impressed by the college’s only faculty who can ask students about for her Introduction to Criminal Justice prompt handling of the situation. their vaccination status are health classes, she said, “I think that students “I thought it was the absolute science faculty who are designated to liked the Live Virtual [format]. They right thing to do,” Beach said. “I review vaccine verification records and liked the convenience of it. They liked was paying close attention to the any requests for exemption. But, to be listening to me with one ear while news and was aware that we had clear, generally speaking, faculty cannot watching TV or not putting on pants or a global pandemic on our hands.” ask students about vaccination status.” that part of it. So the Live Virtual classes In the time since, however, Beach Savala’s statement directly are actually the ones that were better.” says she’s not pleased with how the contradicts what Meramec faculty None of Elierman’s classes are at return to on-campus classes has was told in meetings prior to the full capacity this semester. Most of her been handled by the college. When school year. Beach was present elective classes have lower enrollment, asked if she believes that social at some of those meetings. but she says that the college isn’t distancing protocols are currently “We were told we could ask students canceling those smaller classes at the being observed when students are if they are vaccinated,” Beach said. “We rate they normally might right now. present in the classroom, she said no. were told this in a couple of different “Normally, [the college] would want “My in-person class has 25 meetings during Service Week. We a class to be at least 13 people. The students and there are 25 seats,” were told this via email. We were administration decided definitely told this, and so I not to cut classes that asked my students in my inwere low. So they person class to let me know if recognized that some they are not vaccinated and people either like the two people answered. I have convenience of the to trust people are telling LVL, they got enough the truth as I cannot ask for out of the LVL, or that proof of vaccination, though.” they’re nervous [about When asked about the returning to campus].” matter, Eilerman did not Eilerman says that recall whether or not faculty Maxine Beach, English Professor the college did a great was told that they could job last year with question students on their the change-over to online learning. Beach said. “They can’t practice vaccination status. “I think because “I think they have been very social distancing because there is no we’re masked right now,” she said, responsive as far as making sure that room. Fortunately, so far my students “I think it’s kind of a non-issue. If they’re doing things safely and always are being good about keeping their and when the masks come back off, to the benefit of the students,” she masks on and over their noses. It’s I’ll make sure that I clarify that.” said. “You guys really are the number still a bit unnerving to be teaching in When asked, Langrehr did not one priority of the college, 100%. I a room where social distancing isn’t comment on the matter, but is seeking really admire this institution for that.” possible, especially now with Delta clarification on it himself as of press time. Professor Maxine Beach has a and the breakthrough infections. I do While STLCC is not requiring mostly contrasting view. She has been enjoy seeing my students in person, students and faculty to get vaccinations, teaching in the English department but right now I think it’s risky.” they hosted two different vaccination at STLCC-Meramec since fall 2008, Beach said she thinks that events on various campuses in addition to periodically serving as STLCC may have returned to in- last Wednesday and Thursday. the faculty advisor for “Currents.” person classes a little too quickly. “We know that there are plenty of “I like teaching Live Virtual Lecture, “I think we could have delayed options for students to get vaccinated and I know many students prefer it packing in-person classes until the if they choose,” Savala said, “but it now that we have this option,” Beach pandemic is no longer a pandemic,” made sense for us to offer STLCC said. “Many students work full-time she said. “I think we could have met students free COVID-19 vaccinations. and can’t carve out time to come to with students in person safely if we Planning for the on-campus campus, but also don’t do well with had smaller class sizes, but we have vaccination events started in July. The online asynchronous classes, so the packed classes, not all students are vaccination incentive for students was LVL option is the perfect option for vaccinated, and Missouri’s hospitals made a possibility in recent weeks.” these particular students. I like LVLs, are overwhelmed right now,” she said. Savala revealed that STLCC is because when I teach from home, I “I hope we don’t have any outbreaks able to pay for a $100 incentive for use the time when I normally would and don’t contribute to the problem, students who get a complete COVID-19 have been commuting to research, but what we’re doing right now seems vaccination with money from the plan lessons, grade, meet with very very risky [...] there are better Higher Education Emergency Relief students, etc. I also think LVL type ways to safely meet in person. First and Fund. This fund is a part of the U.S. classes are the future of education.” foremost, we need smaller class caps Department of Education’s Coronavirus Beach says that LVL’s cut down so we can practice social distancing.” Response and Relief Supplemental on pollution from commuting, they Appropriations Act 2021 (CRRSAA). create a safer space for study (as Vaccination Questions Data on how successful Covid-19 isn’t necessarily the only Another potential issue that needs these vaccination events were danger with in-person classes), and clarification considers whether or has not yet been released.
“We were told we could ask students if they are vaccinated. We were told this in a couple of different meetings during Service Week. We were told this via email.”
NEWS BRIEFS Archer Day at Busch Stadium All STLCC faculty, staff and students are invited to watch the Archer Baseball team on Sunday, Oct. 3 at Busch Stadium. Tickets are $35 and include the 2:15 p.m. game against the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, as well as the Archer game vs Missouri Baptist
University 30 minutes after the MLB game. The deadline to order tickets is Sept. 30. Tickets can be purchased for both games at the following link: http://commerce.cashnet.com/fnd2. Tee for Tuition Fundraiser The STLCC Foundation will host the 10th annual STLCC Tee for Tuition Golf
Tournament on Sept. 27 at Tapawingo National Golf Club. Proceeds from the Tee For Tuition golf tournament help support St. Louis Community College students and programs. Register your foursome at stlcc.edu/ golf.
4 ART & LIFE I
Jacob Politte MANAGING EDITOR
t’s finally time for the majority of STLCC students to formally return to in-person learning.
Going forward, for at least the foreseeable future, that in-person learning is going to feel just a tad bit different. The pandemic is still very much a real threat, even if steps and precautions are being taken to minimize the risk. While the world struggles to return to normal, here are some tips to not help you struggle in this altered, COVID-19 world of learning. Wear Your Mask! Pandemic fatigue is a real thing, and the fact that mask wearing is still required is likely disheartening to the majority of people on campus, especially if they have been fully vaccinated. However, with the continuing threat of the Delta variant, it’s more imperative than ever to continue to wear your mask the proper
way. STLCC does a good job cleaning and sanitizing the classrooms, but you never know what might happen. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Put space between your classmates (if possible) As highlighted by Professor Maxine Beach in this issue’s lead story, it may not always be possible to social distance inside a packed classroom. But if your class size is alot smaller, and the room is fairly large, sit a couple of desks away from your other classmates to minimize the potential risk. Stay home if you feel ill Now more than ever, instructors understand if you need to take a sick day. Most class work can be done remotely, after all. Just keep them in the loop, and all should be well.
in accordance with COVID protocols, and hand sanitizer stations are present in multiple locations in every building. However, it never hurts to have your own personal stash, particularly of the latter item, and especially if you’re weary of touching something that a lot of other people may have touched. And disinfecting your classroom desk and/or the area in which you choose to study is never a bad idea. Bare with your professors For many of your STLCC instructors, this semester consists of the first face-to-face classes that they’ve taught in at least 17 ½ months. No matter how experienced a person is, getting jitters and being nervous are always real possibilities.
Carry disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer on you for personal use.
Add in trying to project your voice to an entire classroom while wearing a mask, not to mention projecting that voice for an incredibly long period of time. This likely isn’t the return to campus that they imagined either.
The college does a great job cleaning the buildings and classrooms
So listen carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask them to say something
Sept. 2, 2021
again if you couldn’t quite understand them. Ask if they have lecture notes available as well… those really can help fill in potential crucial blanks. Focus! Being back in an environment with other students after so much time away may feel a little overwhelming, and it can be tempting to let your eyes wander off of your studies. It’s good to be around people again, but don’t let your academics start to slip in all of the excitement. Be prepared to move online at a moment’s notice STLCC’s response to COVID-19 is continuously evolving, as the pandemic itself also is. While STLCC likely doesn’t anticipate a return to virtual learning in the near future, it is always a possibility. For many, online learning can be a real challenge, although hopefully one that students have mastered during their pandemic exile.
Three books Meramec students should read now Max Wilson STAFF Whether you have a love for reading or you are looking for something interesting to add to your book collection, you can’t go wrong with these three books that explore power, purpose, relationships and more.
#1 “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy This novel follows a father and son as they attempt to hike through a deserted, dystopian landscape. McCarthy doesn’t say what event happened to cause most life to disappear, leaving readers’ imaginations to do the work. The book is hard to put down, simultaneously disturbing and intriguing readers. (There’s also a 2009 movie adaptation by the same name.)
#2 “Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America” by Stacey Abrams Stacey Abrams’ list of accomplishments are too lengthy to list in this piece, so let’s just all agree: she is an icon. In “Our Time is Now” she takes on topics such as voter suppression and inequality, weaving in powerful vignettes to illustrate her points. With the midterm elections nearing, it’s a perfect time to read it.
#3 “Monster” by Walter Dean Meyers “Monster” is a young adult novel, but that doesn’t mean that adults can’t read it. The 1999 book features a teenager on trial for his alleged involvement in a murder. Meyers writes the book in the format of a script, allowing it to stand out from other novels. Meyers discusses complex, systemic issues like the justice system and racism, while still managing to have the book accessible to teenagers. (There is a 2018 movie adaptation by the same name, available on Netflix.)
Sept. 2, 2021
ART & LIFE 5
English professor explores her passion for literature and language A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Pam Garvey Max Wilson STAFF
M
eramec professor Pamela Garvey didn’t always know she’d be teaching literature and composition to college students. “I went to college as an undergraduate and had no idea what I would do, and I loved a lot of things. But what I really loved was to read literature, and I loved literature and language,” she said. Garvey decided to major in English with a minor in Spanish. “In both cases, I focused on literature,” Garvey said. After graduation, Garvey worked in insurance. “I hated it. I liked the salary; I hated the job. It was very soulless. And I’m not criticizing people who do it, it just wasn’t me.” Garvey quit and got a job at a bookstore. “I got in trouble all the time for reading books at work, which I thought was funny, because it was a bookstore,” Garvey said. After getting in touch with some professors, an English professor recommended Garvey go to graduate school to study English. “A few months later, I ran into my favorite Spanish professor,” Garvey said. The professor told Garvey she’d seen some information about getting a PhD in Spanish literature at Georgetown university. “If I had talked to her [the Spanish professor] before I talked to my English professors, I would have done that [the Spanish literature PhD]…I loved both. I really loved both.” Not wanting to take on any
more debt, Garvey knew she’d have to get a full scholarship. “When you get these assistantships and fellowships in graduate school, you either teach or you tutor or you do some kind of editing work with academic journals, and that’s what I really wanted to do,” Garvey said.
“But they had me tutor, and that was my entry into the classroom.” After getting an MFA, Garvey did freelance work. “[I did] All sorts of weird kinds of jobs, from corporate to science writing.” Garvey also taught part time, and says while the freelance work paid well, it didn’t feel “like I
was having an impact on the world.” After moving to St. Louis for her ex-husband’s job, she taught at Washington University for two years before getting a job at Meramec. “I set a goal for myself that I had five years to get a permanent tenure track position, or I would go into
students, we get a lot of students who have a lot of different things going on in their lives…which can at any point pull them away from school and what school has to offer them.” She also said she enjoys the opportunity to share poetry. “If you ask me, who do I want to share poetry with? I want to share it with people who might not find it if they didn’t come to Meramec. I want to share it with people who are hungry for it. I want to share it with people who say, ‘Oh my God, this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,’” she said. She said she also enjoys inspiring students. “I want to see students walk into a poetry writing class, and walk out and feel proud of something that they didn’t even know they could write,” she said. “My job is one of empowering other people. By giving them access to language, and literature, and tools that can open up more doors than I’m even aware of.” Outside of school, Garvey is passionate about “my kid, of course, and parenting. I’m passionate about travel and cultures, in particular Spain and Latin America.” Garvey described herself as a ‘health food fanatic’ and said she loves to cook. “I love cooking Submitted photo curries. Indian food is my favorite.” another field,” she said. “I got my job at After the pandemic, when Meramec and I’ve been here ever since, Garvey feels comfortable, she and I have no regrets. It is infinitely wants to go back to the theater. more meaningful and purposeful “Some of my favorite theaters from than what I was doing before.” around the country have done things Garvey said teaching at Meramec through Zoom. And I’ve watched it, and is especially meaningful because “we I’ve enjoyed it. It’s not the same. I want get a lot of first generation college to be in my seat watching it,” she said.
A look at the new Meramec Bookstore Jacob Politte MANAGING EDITOR As mentioned in this issue’s lead story, the Meramec Bookstore has moved from its long-standing location in the Student Center. As of this semester, the bookstore is now located in the space formerly known as the cafeteria kitchen. In accordance with the change, the bookstore will now also serve fountain drinks as the cafeteria once did, and a new Kaldi’s coffee kiosk is set to be installed this week. However, textbooks and access codes must now be purchased exclusively online. Currently, the bookstore’s hours are 9am-2pm, every Monday through Friday. Meramec Campus President Felicca Moore-Davis said that she nor the college know what will eventually become of the old bookstore space. According to bookstore employees, the old space is currently still being used for storage of textbooks. That area is blocked from view by a curtain. Photos by Jacob Politte
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OPINIONS 7
Sept. 2, 2021
Jake’s Take: Enough is Enough
Living through the pandemic has taken its toll
O
jacob politte managing editor
n Tuesday, Aug. 24, I walked back into a classroom on the Meramec campus for the first time in a year and a half. Just after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 12, 2020, Professor Chris Smejakl told our class that he wasn’t sure when he would see us again. I’m sure he thought we’d be back in the classroom in two or three weeks. I’m sure every student thought that. A year and a half later, I sat in a classroom for the start of a Criminal Justice class led by Professor Ruth Elierman. In that year-and-a-half, I’ve lost a lot, including my own stepfather from the virus that shut everything down. I talked about that particular topic back in the March issue, but the effects of it continue to resonate. Sitting in a classroom again, with my circumstances having completely changed, felt extremely surreal. Even now, eight months later, everything just felt off. I’m not entirely sure when those feelings will go away. I’m not entirely sure when I’ll feel like I’m not sleepwalking through my academics (it’s a miracle I got through the last semester, because I can’t recall a single thing I learned). I’m positive that I’m not the only Meramec student who this pandemic has affected in a major way; I’m just privileged enough to get to write through my feelings. And while I have to remain unbiased when writing other stories for The Montage, I’m not entirely sure about the return to on-campus learning as the Delta variant continues to wreak havoc on the St. Louis area, even if I think STLCC has done a good job handling the pandemic on a surface level. Remaining unbiased about things I don’t agree with regarding COVID-19 has been a real challenge. It’s extremely frustrating to see people refuse to get vaccinated for whatever reason they choose to give; most of them don’t have good reasons. And I realize that given what my family and I have been through, I’m probably not going to be a person that a lot of people listen to, no matter what I write or how horrific what I saw was. But I’ll say this. Everyday, I think about my stepdad and what he went through. I think about
his last days on this earth, and the sounds of him struggling to breathe. And I think about how wrong it is that he’s not here, and how avoidable it all was. If you’re hesitant to get the vaccine because you fear it will make you sick, or don’t trust the science, I’d like to address you directly. First of all, I can personally assure you, one or two days of feeling awful is absolutely nothing compared to what getting COVID is actually like. It’s not even comparable. I realize some people may have bad reactions to some vaccines, and if
Also, and this is just a little bit biased, but if you work in healthcare and don’t think getting vaccinated is a good idea, then you have no business being in healthcare. Second of all, the companies making the vaccine have been very transparent about the process of making them. And it is safe to take for most (again, consult your doctor if you’re not sure and, for the love of God, listen to your doctor). “Emergency Authorization” would not have happened if the vaccines were not safe to take; the people making said vaccines are not amateurs. Thirdly, I would like to remind everyone that getting a vaccine is not only about you. It’s about everyone around you. The federal government is not trying to track you, they’re not trying to infect you with another virus that could only be dreamed up on “The X Files.” They are trying, very hard I might add, to end this pandemic. At the end of the day, that’s what everyone should want. COVID should not be a political issue, and the fact that it still is one is disgraceful. The day before I returned to in-person classes, the Pfizer vaccine (which, for the sake of full transparency, is the one I personally received) gained full approval from the Food and Drug Administration. While the vaccines have always been safe, this should be the final stamp of approval needed to trust the science. This pandemic sucks. If you’re not already vaccinated, it’s time for you to do your part to end it.
VACCINATION SITES AROUND KIRKWOOD:
Photo by: jacob politte you feel like you might, consult a medical doctor. No, not your chiropractor. Your actual doctor whose job it is to know every medical thing about you. Your chiropractor is an idiot if he tells you not to get the vaccine, just as much of an idiot as every politician or personality who has nothing to do with and no experience in healthcare.
CVS Pharmacy, 1042 S Kirkwood Rd. Walmart Pharmacy, 1202 S Kirkwood Rd. Sam’s Club Pharmacy, 10248 Big Bend Rd. Walgreen’s Pharmacy, 441 N Kirkwood Rd.
8 SPORTS
Sept. 2, 2021
Archer Athletics Bring it Home
Four Teams Play to Win at Home in September
Volleyball
Mens Soccer Sept. 4: East Central College Sept. 15: St. Charles Community College Sept. 18: State Fair Community College Sept. 22: Lewis & Clark Community College
Sept. 8: Missouri State University - West Plains Sept. 11: Southeastern Illinois College Sept. 22: East Central College Sept. 29: Jefferson College
Womens Soccer Sept. 7: John Wood Community College Sept. 9: Southwestern Illinois College Sept. 16: St. Charles Community College Sept. 18: State Fair Community College Sept. 22: Mineral Area College
Find Complete Archer Schedules online at: .archerhighathletics. com
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Baseball Sept. 16: Mineral Area College Sept. 18: Bible Baptist Sept. 25: Missouri Baptist University
St. Louis Community College Day at Webster University Tuesday, October 5, 10 a.m – 1 p.m. CST Webster Preview Day: On-Campus or Virtual Friday, October 8, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. CST
Learn more and register today at webster.edu/admissions/ugevents
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