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SIDE HUSTLES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
A CAREER TO REMEMBER David Hanlon puts 36 years of photos on display.
How are your classmates making extra PAGE 4 cash? PAGE 3
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2026
ATHLETIC FIELDS TO GET AN UPGRADE New fields and dugouts coming to Meramec.
Volume 62 Issue 1
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STORY ILLUSTRATION BY BRINN SMITH
AI in the Online Classroom STLCC introduces BoodleBox BRINN SMITH
so they do have access to the premium version, with additional features.
T
“You don’t have to pay for it, and you get access to a lot more advanced models than you would, if you were using the free version,” Professor Reno said,. “It has access to many different things that you can do with it, including image generation, like Claude or ChatGPT.”
NEWS EDITOR
he fall semester of 2026 has begun, and with it brings changes to STLCC’s online classroom, namely the addition of the AI tool BoodleBox to the college’s list of online resources. When students log on to Canvas, they will be greeted with a large text box introducing BoodleBox as well as a course in Canvas that is dedicated to “Navigating AI with Integrity.” The announcement on the Canvas dashboard encourages students to sign up for BoodleBox with STLCC credentials in order for students to have access to the programs that STLCC has paid for.
Even with all of these features, some professors might not be able to use BoodleBox in every situation they have, and it won’t be applicable for students in every situation either.
AI as an outright positive, or might not feel comfortable using a relatively new technology, might not use BoodleBox. “Because it’s so new and so unregulated. I think a lot of us are having a hard time. Feeling like we don’t know the best ways to implement it yet, and so I think a lot of folks have felt safer,
is probably different than using it in an educational situation; there you might be having it do some of your work, but here it should only be used to support you in doing your work,” Reno said. The primary goal is to showcase appropriate use of AI with human feedback remaining in the classroom.
“It’s not usable in all situations. The that I do with my m a i n p ro b l e m w i t h A I fo r u s i n a n writing students is have a conversation. education situation is that we don’t want In fact, one of the it to interfere with your learning. I’m only things that we put in the online course, is going to use it if it is helping you learn.” have a conversation
“BoodleBox is set up for education, and it gives access to a lot of AI models,” English Professor Shaun Reno said., “You also have access to what are called bots, which are pre-programmed prompts, and faculty can create bots for students as well.”
“It’s not usable in all situations. The main problem with AI for us in an education situation is that we don’t want it to interfere with your learning. I’m only going to use it if it is helping you learn,” Reno said. “So if it’s at any point doing the work for you, then it’s probably not going to be very useful.”
BoodleBox is a free resource for students, paid for only by the college,
There is a level of apprehension from some faculty, those who might not view
“One of the things
with students about where they have used AI and what they think at can be used for in writing,” Reno said. “We also have them read something, it talks about the importance of getting human feedback, but also the importance of creative thinking, and that part of education is developing critical thinking skills, developing your own thoughts, figuring out how important that is.”
- English Professor Shaun Reno just not touching it,” Student Activities Specialist, Melody Walkenhorst said. Even with some of this sentiment, the college has encouraged students and faculty to use BoodleBox, as well as take the online course for using AI responsibly on Canvas. “The goal of using AI in a work situation
meramecmontage.com S er ving the St. L ouis Communi ty Colle ge - Me ra me c Ca mpus c o m m u n i t y s in c e 1 96 4
NEWS | 2
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Sept. 2026
New Semester, New Staff CALEB CARR STAFF
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ith the new semester, a new group of staff has joined St. Louis Community College.
Vanessa Okwuraiwe, a principal at Edward Jones, was appointed by Missouri’s Coordinating Board for Higher Education to the St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees. She previously served on the STLCC Foundation Board (including as president from 2020–2022). Since 2001, Okwuraiwe has been the principal of Edward Jones Financial Services. S everal others have been appointed to leadership positions, including Kate Harrell, who will be the campus president for Wildwood. Adam Watkins will be the Division Dean of Math and Engineering. Faith Barnes is now the Executive Director of STLCC Foundation. Andrew Soll is the Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management. Patrick Mallory is serving as the interim campus president at the Florissant Valley campus, Jill Vaughn is now the dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Transportation and Hospitality Studies and Jeffrey Schneider moved into the role of the dean of Technology, Engineering and Math.
Faith Barnes
Adam Watkins
The St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees appointed Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, EdD, as the next vice chancellor for academic affairs and Rob Lee, as the new associate vice chancellor of the Employer and Workforce Solutions division.
Andrew Soll
Vanessa Okwuraiwe Patrick Mallory Kate Herrell
Elizabeth Perkins Rob Lee Jill Vaughn Jeffrey Schneider
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ART & LIFE | 3
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Side-Hustles for College Students How Archers Pad Their Wallets LILLY BURRUS
ART & LIFE EDITOR
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ILLUSTRATION BY BRINN SMITH
ART & LIFE | 4
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Professor David Hanlon poses next to his exhibit poster on Aug. 27, at the opening of his exhibit in the Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery.
PHOTO BY: LILLY BURRUS
A Career To Remember David Hanlon shows off his work from the past 36 years LILLY BURRUS
ART&LIFE EDITOR
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t the 13th Annual Peterson Photography Lecture Series slated for Sept. 16, STLCC-Meramec’s own David Hanlon hosted a solo exhibition, “Borrowed Time: Photographs by David R. Hanlon, 1990-2026.” Hanlon’s exhibition, on display at the Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery through Sept. 22, features works from four portfolios spanning 36 years of teaching photography. Using film and extended exposures of up to 30 seconds, Hanlon’s photographs capture the
“quietness of spaces” and the “evidence of the past in the present lives of people.” The exhibition brings together prints from four distinct series: interior spaces, forest landscapes, global culture, and sites connected to historical Mississippian and Late Woodland cultures. David R. Hanlon is a professor in the STLCC School of Communication, Design and Creative Arts. He joined STLCC in 1990 as an adjunct instructor at Florissant Valley before becoming a full-time faculty member at Meramec, where he has also served as art department chair and gallery director.
PHOTOS BY: LILLY BURRUS STLCC staff, students and community members browse the opening of David Hanlon’s exhibit on Aug. 27 at the Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery.
MONTAGE
ART & LIFE | 5
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PHOTO BY: LILLY BURRUS STLCC-Meramec students browse booths in Science South on Sept. 1. Campus Life hosted its bi-annual Campus Expo, introducing students to clubs and organizations active on campus. 8/31/26, 10:06 PM
World Geography - Crossword Labs
World Geography 1 2
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4 5 6 7
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Across
Down
1. Country that has the most pyramids
1. Biggest lake in the United States
2. Continent wider than the moon
3. Most populated continent
4. longest river in the world
5. Second biggest country in the world
6. Ocean starting with I
8. Longest mountain range
7. Paris, but not France 9. Capital of California
Answers on page 7
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Sept. 2026
Sound Check: Reviewing the Summer Hits ELIZABETH CLEARY MANAGING EDITOR
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both have that explosive energy that Rodrigo fans are familiar with. They’re fun, upbeat and a little angry – easily sticking out from the rest of the album. If I had one critique, it would only be that I wish there were more like these.
While none of these albums quite shook the culture like “BRAT” by Charli xcx did in the summer of 2024, all of them had their moment, and I have plenty to say on each.
Well, I do have one other critique. Robert Smith’s feature on “what’s wrong with me” left me disappointed. I like “The Cure” as much as the next person, but something about his voice mixed with Rodrigo’s didn’t work. The chorus felt almost muffled with them both singing, and Smith’s verse sounds out of place. To me, his feature is akin to Sabrina Carpenter putting Dolly Parton on “Please Please Please.” Not a good vocal mix.
t was a good summer for people who like pop music. Olivia Rodrigo’s “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” soundtracked June; “Daughter from Hell” by Gracie Abrams dropped mid-July, and “Chuck Timely & The Hourglass” by Role Model and “Lost Weekend” by Phoebe Bridgers closed out August.
Rodrigo’s “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” traces the entirety of a relationship, from tracks discussing first-infatuation to portraying a slow heartbreak. Upon release of her first single, “drop dead,” in April and her second single, “the cure,” in May, Rodrigo quickly set the tone for the album. Moving away from the fiery punch of her earlier work, the album is more subdued and thematically focused. Tracks such as “purple,” “the cure,” “begged” and “what’s wrong with me” move the album seamlessly from seeming-love songs into the broader themes of anxiety and loss of self that permeate the entire work. I love sad songs and music that makes me think, but I will admit that “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” didn’t immediately grab my attention because of its subdued nature. In my first couple of listens, the songs that stood out to me most were “expectations” and “my way” (and not for nothing). These songs
“Daughter from Hell,” Gracie Abrams’ third album, discusses personal growth, heartbreak and the transition from youth to adulthood. Known for her confessional lyrics and softer indie-pop sound, Abrams continues to deliver songs that are lyrically rich and full of raw emotion. Songs such as “Daughter from Hell,” “Humming” and “Cold Goodbyes” emphasize this depth on the album. That said, it seems to me that Abrams has started running out of unique ways to express her emotion. Throughout the album she relies on tired metaphors (such as sinking ships or twisting knives). Some of the songs on the album feel unnecessary because of this, and I wonder if it could have been strengthened by dropping or combining tracks.
One of my favorites from the album is “Minibar.” In this track, Abrams shows off her witty and verging-on-silly lyricism, showing that she can have fun amidst an emotionally rich time in her life. But because “Minibar” is the only track on “Daughter from Hell” that does this, it may have been better as a standalone single. “Chuck Timely & The Hourglass” by Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury) explores the intricacies of timing and the highs and lows of singledom. Relying on an alter ego, Chuck Timely, Pillsbury showcases these themes in the album through this invented persona. The tracks on the album lean more Americana and country-pop than his previous works, establishing a playful charm. In “Love I You,” this playfulness is seen in the spoken back-and-forth bit featuring Dakota Johnson. The singles for the album, “High Hopes 3000” and “Joy,” also have a breezy and upbeat energy to them that is reminiscent of “Sally When The Wine Runs Out,” one of Pillsbury’s breakout songs. I found this album to be very fun. Pillsbury started leaning into countrypop in his previous album with songs like “The Longest Goodbye” and “Old Recliners,” and it seems to be working for him. Not only did he create a cohesive sound for the album, but in putting together a character and narrative, he brought a concept to life. Now, could some of the tracks be shortened? Absolutely. The amount of four minute and 30 second songs threw
me off on my first couple of listens. With many of the tracks keeping the same mid-tempo pace and heavy romantic themes, there was a slight drag near the end of the album. But “Chuck Timely & The Hourglass” definitely caters to a specific vibe, and it hits how it aims to at the end of the day. Phoebe Bridgers’ “Lost Weekend” came after a six-year gap since her last solo album. The record centers around grief, love and acceptance. The album is dedicated to her late father, and songs such as “Lost Weekend (Reprise)” and “Still Standing” reflect on her relationship with him and the reality of death. Bridgers’ also brings her relationship with Bo Burnham into the album, featuring his contributions on various songs and heavily referencing him in “Bobby.” The album makes use of effects and vocal layering to set it apart from previous works and evoke feelings of detachment. This can be seen in “The Outside” and “Never Going Back!” After Bridgers’ long-awaited return to solo work, she has more than delivered. “Lost Weekend” is an experience through-and-through. Listening from top to bottom, the organization of the album is clear as songs blend into one another and serve to carry the listener through complicated relationships and emotions. I have no notes. I am happy to report that pop music is alive and well. Summer may be over, but these albums are sticking around on my Spotify.
A Tribute to Legends The impact Dolly Parton and Tim Curry left CARRINGTON DAVIS
GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR
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n the same recorded day of Aug. 25, 2026 America has lost two legends at the age of 80 years old. One the beautiful, heartfelt, southern belle, who was and is best known for being a beloved global entertainment icon, as well as selling more than 100 million records along with her songwriting prowess and who has reshaped the face of country music, popular music and the entertainment industry at large. This beautiful woman is the late Dolly Parton. The other, the talented, wide ranged comedian, known for his iconic roles as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (a role he actually originated on stage in Richard O’Brien’s original play) and Pennywise the Clown from Stephen King’s “It,” more specifically the 1990 miniseries.
OPINIONS | 7
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In this short synopsis of their lives and talents I want to cover the impacts they’ve had on the world, but more specifically on two groups in it: children and the LGBTQ+ community. With the way everything’s been lately, with the heat of the weather, the fighting of politics and just everyday stressors, losing two lights like this feels hard. But these two have lived incredible lives and that should be remembered, not the pain of losing them. So here we are. Dolly Parton is and will always be one of the most true and giving celebrities of our time. In her life she has accomplished so many good deeds through a form of charity that Billboard, a music and entertainment website, has even crafted an up-to-date list of them. A prime example is The Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library, an organization that sends one book per month to each enrolled child in Sevier County from birth until their first year of school. The library was founded in honor of Parton’s father, who was unable to read himself. And in a time where it feels like everything from free and reduced lunch to early education for lower income children is being taken away, this being something that fights to continue is so powerful to me. You
want your community to have the opportunity to be literate members of society. For Parton to have the chance and ability to see a problem like that, have the funds to make a difference, and then to actually do it says so much about her character.
Aside from being a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, Tim Curry’s portrayal as Dr. Frank-NFurther, along with Rocky horror as a whole, has become a staple of campy horror in the media.
“We should never forget that Dolly Parton chose to not be a billionaire… But instead she chose to reinvest in people and her community and today when I went to my mail box, on the day she died, there was proof of that sitting right there waiting for me,” said TikTok influencer Pearlmania about the Imagination Library.
D o l l y Pa r to n i s a n d w i l l always be one of the most true and giving celebrities of our time.
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With Rocky Horror turning 50 last year, the influence and culture that has hit not only the theatre community, but the queer community as well, has been great. That aside from being a strong
supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, his portrayal as Dr Frank-N-Further, along with Rocky horror as a whole has become a staple of campy horror in the media. And while yes some of the language in that movie, and the actions, have not held up the test of time, I can say with my heart that the character has. “From the ’70s to the early 2000s, there was almost no queer representation in the media. If there was, we were victims, like in the film ‘Cruising,’ or so bland we vanished into the background, like on shows such as ‘Melrose Place,’” said writer Eric Diaz of the Nerdist. To see Frank as not just an openly queer character but someone that puts his foot forward and stands out amongst the rest is truly eye opening to a viewer.
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ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD ON P. 5: ACROSS - 1) SUDAN, 2) AUSTRALIA, 4) NILE, 6) INDIAN, 7) TEXAS, 9) SACRAMENTO DOWN - 1) SUPERIOR, 3) ASIA, 5) CANADA, 8) ANDES
He was a first in a way, and without the incredible acting of Tim Curry, we probably wouldn’t have had as iconic of a character as Frank-N-Further. “Curry’s Frank-N-Furter portrayal represented something else. He hit us like a lightning bolt. When he sang ‘Don’t dream it, be it,’ he was giving us permission to be ourselves. Whether that was gay, lesbian, bi, trans, crossdressing, whatever. He was saying, ‘Be yourself, and be fabulous. Even if the rest of the world doesn’t get it, or sees you as the bad guy,’” Diaz said. And in close I want to thank them both from the bottom of my heart. These two truly helped me find myself, and I really believe that the world will miss them forever.
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SPORTS | 8
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PHOTOS BY: ZACH EDGAR Pictured is the current state of the Meramec soccer field before any renovations are set to start. While there isn’t an exact start date fpr the makeover, ongoing meetings with contractors are sure to provide more information in the coming weeks.
What is Happening to the Fields? The athletic department releases plans to completely renovate the athletic fields on the STLCC Meramec campus for better quality and easier use RICKY MEHRLE STAFF
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n the past few years, the Meramec campus has gone through updates and improvements, starting with the new Financial Services and Emerging Technologies buildings, in addition to the new greenhouse and remodeled student center, to more convenient areas for students to study and hang out around campus. With these updates, not much focus was put on the three on campus sports fields. But as of the start to this semester, plans to renovate the three existing fields are underway and are to be completed by spring 2027. Athletic Director Sharon Marquardt is pleased the athletic department is finally able to do these renovations, as plans have been in the works for the past two years.
“The chancellor has been so gracious to work with us. He has graciously supported this project and is allowing us to not only update the fields here at Meremec, but also do some interior work at Forest Park, which will be a new floor, bathrooms, a concession stand and the athletic training space,” said Marquardt. In the process of planning, the athletic department is working with the campus’s general contractor, SM Wilson, while meetings with other contractors are ongoing, to finalize designs and ensure the renovations are in budget. The first update to start is turfing the fields since it doesn’t require as much maintenance and is easier to prepare with weather changes in the region aside from cancellations due to wet conditions. “Right now we pay an outside contractor to come in and treat the fields. Our internal staff mows and maintains the
The softball dugout in its current condition on the STLCC-Meramec campus features cones and overgrown weeds while waiting for construction.
fields, but it costs a fairly significant amount of money to come in and have those fields treated with all the pre-treatment, pre-emergents and everything to maintain a grass field,” said Marquardt.
renovations such as repositioning the fields, installing new fencing, dugouts, seating, press boxes, concession stands, lighting and restrooms, plus a new four tunnel batting cage for softball and baseball to share.
According to Marquardt, the cost of turf is going to be less than the current grass management. There may be people that agree or disagree with the idea of having turf fields, but the athletics department feels it will ensure more successful sporting events.
“This project is all encompassing because we have the opportunity to have this money now, and we don’t know what our funds are going to be in the future, so we took it upon ourselves to put everything into this project, not just the fields.” Marquardt said.
“We can hold more recruiting events, bring in unsigned seniors, our coaches can hold clinics and camps and one-onone sessions with potential students, so there’s a lot of advantages to having turf,” said Marquardt. “There’s benefits of savings for the college and also recruiting tools for our coaches.”
Practices will still take place as renovations begin, but won’t be on campus. Anyone interested in watching practices, softball will be located at Lindbergh Highschool, Baseball at the Chesterfield Athletic Complex and Soccer at the Florissant Valley campus.
Along with the turf installation, the campus is going all out with other
The state of the current baseball dugout will soon be improved to meet the standards of other athletic college fields.