The Montage

“She helped me through some of the worst moments I had in my time at Meramec. She made such a massive impact on my life, it’s awful to hear she passed away so suddenly.”

“So many students benefited from Kathleen’s wisdom, respect, love, honesty, and genuine care. And I will not ever forget her loving friendship as she helped me through my personal losses. Kathleen, my friend, find your way to all of us and continue to guide the many who need you.”

“This makes me so sad. She was a wonderful counselor and so lovely to work with. I’ll miss her.”

“Kathleen was a generous soul and much beloved. She helped many people in our STLCC community and will be missed.”

“I’m so sad and shocked. She was such a special person and I was so blessed to have known her the 3 short years I worked at the Meramec library. She was so happy for me when I got the promotion to go to the Forest Park library last July and wished me well. That meant so much to me. Prayers for her family, colleagues and all the many students she helped throughout the years. Rest in peace Kathleen.”

- Tami Ulreich, Library Assistant at STLCC-Forest Park

Irreplaceable. Kathleen epitomized warm professionalism. She was a wonderful friend and colleague, and I don’t know what I will do without her. She was who I turned to in counseling with so many needs, and she always had the answer or connection. Her last email sign off to me was so Kathleen: “Take good care, my friend.” She will be missed tremendously but never forgotten for all she did for students and this institution, her community. She truly made the world a better place.

Remembering Kathleen Swyers

Longtime Meramec presence passes away

Jacob Politte MANAGING EDITOR

Longtime STLCC employee

Kathleen Swyers passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 18. For over 20 years, she was a dedicated employee of the St. Louis Community College at the Forest Park

and Meramec campuses as a Professor in Counseling, and was working on campus at Meramec just the day before she passed away, according to her colleague Troy Hansen.

“Our hearts go out to her family and friends, as well as her colleagues and the students she served at the College,” Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Christine Davis said in an email

announcing the news on April 19.

“Kathleen served at multiple STLCC campuses for more than 23 years, counseling students and teaching others the skill and importance of how to counsel others. Her kind words and joyful laugh will be remembered by those who worked with her.”

Counseling services were made available to those who needed it in the

immediate aftermath of this situation.

In addition, tributes were offered to Swyers from many of those who interacted with her at STLCC, both past and present.

Some of these tributes can be viewed above and on page 6, and more can be read at meramecmontage.com or at Facebook.com/meramecmontage.

Continued on pg. 6

Socratic Society hosts first ever conference

Jacob Politte MANAGING EDITOR

The Socratic Society at Meramec hosted its first ever philosophy conference on Saturday, April 15. 85 people attended (71 students, along with 1 administrator, 4 staff, and 9 faculty). Faculty Advisor and Assistant Professor of Philosophy Sohar Joakim says that she hopes it’s the first of many.

This is Joakim’s second year at STLCC. Previously, she taught at St. Louis University, SIUE and Jefferson College. She says that the conference could not have been made possible without the input of two key students.

“We had talked about doing a philosophy conference in my first year here, which was both my first year as a professor at this school and as faculty mentor of the Socratic Society” she said. “But there were about five people who showed up regularly and there wasn’t enough energy and dedication.”

This year was a different story.

“This year, with Eleanor [Grissom] as President,” Joakim said, “we created a system where there was about 12 to 13 students who came regularly. There was a lot of momentum. And Giavarra [Azhar Abdullah] took on leadership roles backing up Eleanor. It’s this duo of students that made this idea from last year a possibility this year.”

Eleanor Grissom, President of the organization, is a second-year student at STLCC. She plans to study philosophy at UMSL during the next school year. Giavarra Azhar Abdullah is in her third semester, planning to pursue a double major in both math and philosophy when the time comes for her to transfer to a different academic institution.

Joakim, Grissom and Abdullah all say that the idea and planning for the conference dates back to the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester.

“In our first meeting as a club,” Abdullah said, “Dr. J mentioned the idea. And after a while, we volunteered to help. And then we started planning.”

“I would say that planning started around November,” Grissom said.

“It took us six months to plan the entire thing,” Joakim said. “And actually, selecting that day was difficult because of all of the limited space. We were ready far in advance, but there wasn’t a room that was going to be constructed and ready for us. And then there was also the month of Ramadan and we were trying to avoid that. We were also trying to avoid midterms, and all of the other major events. That April 15 date was that sweet spot.”

During the conference, Grissom spoke about “the ethics of prescribing death,” while Abdullah spoke on the

topic of selective freedom of speech.

Speaking about her presentation, Abdullah said, “I made a claim. And I argued for this claim that not all Americans really have freedom of speech. My argument was presented through real life examples. I gave how some people may object to it, then I countered that argument by saying ‘The Constitution was written at a time where so many things had gone wrong. So that’s not a good back up for saying that everyone has freedom of speech.”

Grissom also spoke on her

presentation.

“It was an applied ethics paper on euthanasia,” she said. “I looked at the issue of the voluntary act of euthanasia through three different normative theories or different standards in ethics: utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics. I claimed that all three ultimately proved that the voluntary act of euthanasia is ethical and that proves there is therefore solid ground for arguing that euthanasia is actually ethical.”

Continued on pg. 3

THE TREMENDOUS TRIO: Philosophy Professor Sahar Joakim, Giavarra Azhar Abdullah and Eleanor Grissom were responsible for organizing and planning the event, which was months in the making. In addition to preparing for their own presentations, Abdullah and Grissom helped produce shirts, nametags and helped organize speakers for the event.

Photo by Issedah Abdullah.

- Jools Pulcher, Former STLCC student

- Maxine Beach, Professor at STLCC-Florissant Valley

- Teresa Smythe, Disability Support Specialist

- Becky Burns, Former Meramec English Professor

- Juliet Scherer, Meramec English Professor

The Music Program at Meramec offers courses and ensembles for all students. Classes are available for general education credit and the Associate in Arts degree with a concentration in Music to prepare for transfer into a Bachelor of Music program.

I,II,III,IV

Meetings every Tuesday at 1 PM via Zoom or in Student Center, Room 220A

I,II,III,IV

MUS 150 Fundamentals of Music Technology

MUS 152 Audio Engineering

MUS 154 Music Recording with ProTools I

MUS 211 212 Music History I II

Interested in performing in an ensemble?

All Meramec students may participate. No audition is required! MUS131, 132 and 134 are CORE42 performance courses!

ENSEMBLES

Music 131 – Concert Choir

Music 132 – Orchestra

Music 134 – Symphonic Band

Music 138 – Jazz Improvisation

All ensembles hold a seat/part assignment hearing during the first rehearsal. Members of the Concert Choir may audition for the Chamber Singers

For more information, contact Music at Meramec Dr. Jerry Myers, Program Coordinator, gmyers34@stlcc.edu, (314) 984-7638

To get you where you need to go, PTK offers opportunities to help you develop and discover your personal, academic, and professional potential.

Contact Shannon Philpott-Sanders at ssanders147@stlcc.edu

Honors offers qualified students a variety of opportunities in and outside the classroom, including honors classes, special projects, workshops, and mentoring. New students can qualify through high school GPA, ACT score, or Accuplacer. Returning students qualify through their college GPA. Once admitted, honors students are never obligated to pursue a minimum amount of honors work each term.

PHI THETA KAPPA - XI LAMBDA CHAPTER

INTERNATIONAL

HONORS SOCIETY FOR TWO-YEAR COLLEGES

Phi Theta Kappa is an international honors society for two-year colleges. It’s mission is to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students, as well as to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service, and fellowship programs.

To be eligible to join Phi Theta Kappa - Xi Lambda, Meramec’s local chapter, students must have a GPA of at least 3.5, have taken 12 or more credit hours, and must be enrolled in at least one course currently at Meramec.

If you are interested, contact Chapter Advisor Jerry Meyers at gmyers34@stlcc.edu or 314-984-7638.

If you are interested, contact Chapter Advisor Jerry Myers at gmyers34@stlcc.edu or 314-984-7638

If you are interested, contact Chapter Advisor Professor Rich Peraud in CN 217 or go to PTK.org for more information.

Humanities

Shannon Philpott-Sanders Faculty Adviser

Facebook.com/ meramecmontage/ Instagram.com

Nicole Robinson Joins STLCC Board of Trustees

Robinson replaces Pam Ross on Current Board

lydia howden staff writer

Nicole Robinson, Ed.D., has taken a position as part of the Board of Trustees in subdistrict 2 after winning the April 4 election. She was sworn in at the STLCC Board of Trustees Meeting April 20 at the Corporate College.

Robinson has a history in banking, which she said forced her to think about what her next career step would be. Her current position is as Vice President of public policy and community solutions for a local developer. In addition, she has a history in housing. Robinson has a nonprofit for breast cancer survivors. “I’m all things breast cancer,” Robinson said, as she is currently a breast cancer survivor and patient and working to advocate for those going through chemotherapy and losing their hair.

During the pandemic and working remotely, Robinson said that she and many others had to think to themselves, “What kind of impact will I have?” This question is what drove her to begin this nonprofit.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Robinson did not expect to wind up back here after moving around and going to school in other cities such as Los Angeles. She was focused on advocacy work when she had met a woman from St. Louis who convinced her to volunteer for her and deal with health and families. Robinson

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Editorial views expressed or content contained in this publication are not necessarily the views of St. Louis Community College, the Board of Trustees or the administration.

The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semester at St. Louis Community College - Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., Kirkwood, Mo., 63122.

One copy of The Montage is free of charge. Up to 10 additional copies available, $1 each, at the office of The Montage, SC 220. Bulk purchases may be arranged with circulation manager. Editorial policy: All letters should be no longer than 500 words and must include identification as a student or faculty member, phone number and address for verification purposes. Phone numbers and addresses will not be published. All letters are subject to editing for content and length. All letters submitted will be published in print and online.

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said that volunteering is what she loves and continues to do whenever she can. Eventually, she was faced with the question of moving to St. Louis permanently. She took the opportunity to have a positive impact on communities.

To Robinson, being on the Board of Trustees means “having a voice” and “having a seat at the table.” She hopes to help communities who are “not really being served and who are being missed out on.” She wants those communities to be able to have the programming, jobs, and funding needed, because “those all impact the community.”

Her short-term goals include student enrollment, as it is dropping in colleges. She said she wants underserved communities to be aware of the opportunities around them and to promote the advantages of STLCC. She wants to “revive the visibility of community college.” As she said, “We know it’s there, but not what it offers us.”

Her passions are in “serving others.” She said she has always loved leadership positions because the most satisfying accomplishment is to have given back and see someone succeed. A good example of this to her is how she mentored a young woman in her church and now that woman is all grown up and they went on a vacation to Brazil together. The woman used to be a troubled teen and now they talk

about those memories together and Robinson said she loves to see how people succeed in life.

Today, Robinson has two children and six grandchildren. One of her grandchildren is in community college. She has dedicated much of her time outside of work and volunteering to her new pug puppy, Lovey, and to spending time with family, trying out new restaurants. As a nontraditional student and teen mom raised in a family who struggled economically, Robinson got her doctorate and hoped to be a “beacon in the community, saying ‘you can do it, too.’” She wants students to know that “all things are possible.”

Socratic Society Conference (continued from pg. 1)

Abdullah and Grissom both said that preparing for their presentations while planning the event was a bit challenging, but preparing for the actual presentation wasn’t too nerve wracking.

“I have a background of public speaking in general,” Abdullah said. “I’ve done many public speaking events. So it wasn’t too hard to prepare for. You always have to put in a little practice where you’re not reading off a paper, which was kind of difficult with all the planning in the background. But in general, if you know your topic and you know what you’re talking about and you're passionate about it, the speaking part shouldn’t be too hard. It’s just making sure your thoughts are organized, having an outline, and maybe having notecards to help. That all goes into play.”

Grissom actually had given her presentation previously last month at a philosophy conference held at Webster University.

“I had actually given this talk at Webster’s philosophy conference about two weeks prior,” she said, “so I already had kind of a test run, which was nice. I’d say that practice though is really key, because obviously we adapted these presentations from papers. And figuring out how you want to say things, how you want to talk about things [...] just talking through the presentation once a day for a couple of weeks before the actual conference was helpful for me.”

Each presentation had a “commentator” who provided feedback

to the presentation.

When explaining that role, Grissom said they were students in the club who were interested in philosophy.

“Once we had all of their papers and their presentations, we also knew that we wanted to get more students involved in the conference,” Grissom said. “So we sent everyone who was interested a paper, and they had a chance to read our papers ahead of time, and they could prepare a comment to respond to our presentations. And they delivered their comments at the conference right after our presentations to kick off the Q&A’s sessions.”

Joakim elaborated further. “We asked the commentators to read the paper in advance and to prepare a fiveto-ten minute response where they first summarized the main points from the speaker’s presentation, and then generate some kind of comment where they express their views, or generate some kind of question to challenge the speaker to think further about it.”

While Abdullah and Grissom will be at their new schools next year, there are already hopes for another conference next year, and even potential collaborations with other Socratic Society’s at different institutions.

“We were thinking about a collaboration between Webster, UMSL, SLU, Washington University and STLCC,” Joakim said. “I think that would be interesting to have, say, two students from each school showcasing their work, but again, that depends on the students. It’s students first here.”

Joakim says that if future

conferences are held, she would like to see more administrators and faculty attend.

“Keith Ware was the administrator who attended,” Joakim said, and she noted that his secretary Myrtle attended as well, in addition to other faculty and staff.

“For the students to write an essay for fun, and then share it with other students and workshop it together [...] the collaboration with the students, on their own, extracurricularly for no points or no money was extraordinary for me to be able to witness," Joakim said. "And the offstage, background work that Eleanor and Giavarra conducted [...] to get all of that together in a six hour, one day conference, and have people who are important at the school show up just to witness to glory, that’s all we can ask. More faculty, staff and administrators to just come and sit and eat the food and listen to the conversations? That would be ideal.”

Grissom thanked Joakim and Abdullah for everything they did working alongside her, saying, “I’ll cherish this experience for a long time.”

Abdullah said, “The goal of the conference was to have students share their ideas, their thoughts, their presentations and their views with the STLCC community. And they did. We had a great amount of engagement and enthusiasm by the attendees of the conference. They made it all happen, if it wasn’t for the attendees, there wouldn’t have been a conference at all. The conference was a success.”

photo courtesy of stlcc

New Avenues Toward A College Education

STLCC’s new program supports St. Louis County Jail residents through college-credit courses

morgan daniels staff writer

At the beginning of this year, STLCC and the St. Louis County jail partnered to provide college credit courses for jail residents through the Progress Attained through College Education (PACE) program.

The initiative strives to expand St. Louis Community College’s commitment to “empower students, expand minds, and change lives” to the jail population.

The program started its first eight-week semester in January, offering ten residents two in-person courses in History 101 and Reading 079 or 100. The college decided to start students with a civics course because of Missouri’s civics requirement. They then paired history with reading to provide the foundational college-level skills and techniques students need to continue their education.

Following the first semester, students could choose from additional courses, including English 101. The program currently has 17 students enrolled. This summer will mark the beginning of the third cohort, and STLCC will provide two new classes for students in communications and philosophy. By the fall, the college expects to offer even more options as more teachers participate in the program.

To effectively implement the PACE program, STLCC had to ensure they could provide as much support to the jail residents as possible.

The administration worked closely with the Department of Affairs, the registrar’s office, student services, and faculty to provide an impactful experience. Like traditional STLCC students, jail residents can access academic success and tutoring centers. Tutors visit the jail weekly, providing study and tutoring sessions to participating residents. Students in the program also use the same software as STLCC students, including Canvas and Banner Self-Service, to track their progress.

From the perspective of the STLCC administration, the PACE program is committed to reducing jail recidivism rates by providing college education to jail residents. In a conversation with Florissant Valley Campus President Dr. Elizabeth Perkins, her decision to become a facilitator originated from her passion for educating justice-system-involved individuals.

Dr. Perkins said she heard about the program through a colleague and knew she wanted to participate in an initiative that strives to meet the community’s needs.

Dr. Perkins said she and other STLCC faculty are committed to the learning happening within the County Justice Center. They were eager to conduct welcome sessions before the start of the program to develop interpersonal connections with the students.

When visiting the center, Dr. Perkins intentionally lets the residents know they have a community there for them. “I like them to know who I am too and tell them that everyone at the college, from the chancellor on down, is supportive of the work you’re doing,” she said.

In a comment about why the PACE program means so much to her and the college, she said, “If you tell somebody: ‘You are a college student, you are college material, you are going to be successful. You are going to have an associate degree, and then you will have a career. Then you will be able to take care of your family and uplift your community.’ A lot of folks don’t get to hear that. It’s all about changing the

A Letter from a Student at the St. Louis County Jail

I would like to say first off how grateful and appreciative I am for all of the opportunity in being afforded the change to better myself while here at the St. Louis County Justice Center. It is my goal to achieve and acquire as much advancement as possible to betterment for my future for myself, my kids, and grandchildren. I have received more support and encouragement here than I ever have in my entire life and never dreamed I would ever get into college and become successful. I am very thankful that I was chosen to participate in these courses and would like for everyone involved to know that I am embracing this opportunity and putting my efforts into being successful. As I prayed about this tonight, it was on my heart to write this letter and say that for everyone involved in the program I am very excited to become a true asset to my family, my church, and to society. This is a huge thank you to the ones who made this possible and believe in me. I am worth the chance and God know my heart is pure.

God bless you all!

Respectfully, Randol

full mindset.”

Unlike other colleges and universities focusing their college credit opportunities on the prison system, PACE is available to the underserved jail population. Since jails are short-term situations with residents who have yet to face conviction of a crime, the community receives less attention.

Even though many jail residents typically stay for a few months, STLCC wanted to provide college credit programs outside of the Justice Center’s traditional HiSET exam prep and training programs.

have this faculty who were not just willing, but eager and enthusiastic to provide education in the Justice Services building,” said Perkins.

History teacher Jamie Christy was among the first teachers to volunteer as a program professor, teaching History 101 with the first cohort of students. In an interview with the St. Louis County Department’s Deputy Chief of Communications, Elizabeth Eisele, Professor Christy shared her experience.

When describing her cohort, she said, “They’re very dedicated and almost perfectionists to a fault…I had one student turn in three versions of an assignment. An example of them really wanting to do their best.”

When asked about how she perceives her impact on teaching history to the residents, Professor Christy said, “On an individual level, it is giving a lot of hope to people who have perhaps not felt a lot of hope. It is transporting them back in time through history so that they have something to think about—something to strive for. There could be a lot of negativity, so why not replace it with gaining knowledge and some positivity.”

The PACE program exemplifies STLCC’s commitment to sharing its quality faculty and educational resources with underserved communities.

- Dr.

In a statement shared by Forest Park Campus President Dr. Julie Fickas, “There is very little ability to fund individuals who are incarcerated but not convicted of a crime. This was one of the challenges that we have faced as we have worked to set this program up.”

In Dr. Perkins’s experience with the program, she mentioned that, at first, it was difficult to anticipate the needs of the justice system residents. STLCC wasn’t aware of the technology shortage at the center but could adapt quickly and provide more computers. These challenges prompted Dr. Perkins to consider how she and the college can best support all its students.

Equally significant to the program are the teachers involved. The passion and dedication of STLCC’s participating professors are integral to the program’s success, said Perkins.

“We could never do this program if we didn’t

In reflection of the program’s current progress, Dr. Fickas shared, “I think it is important for our community to understand that by supporting programs such as this through our tax dollars, etc., we hope that we can help reduce recidivism and make our community safer with far fewer people incarcerated.”

Having the support of the STLCC community means a lot not only to participating faculty and administration but also to the jail residents, said Perkins. In a letter to those involved in the PACE program, jail resident Randol McCabe shared his appreciation.

To him, pursuing a higher education offers him a brighter future—a future where he can provide for his family, church, and community. PACE meets jail residents where they are, and, as Dr. Perkins puts it, “PACE is what it is. It is about making progress and the credits that they earn.”

McCabe

“We could never do this program if we didn’t have this faculty who were not just willing, but eager and enthusiastic to provide education in the Justice Services building.”

Elizabeth Perkins

STLCC Professor Walks To Save Lives

A Walk to Spread Awareness For Suicide Prevention

lillian jackson Contributor

Since 2004, the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention has hosted community walks in hundreds of cities around the country. In St. Louis, The Out of The Darkness Community Walk is held yearly at Creve Coeur Lake Park where more than 2,000 people walk six miles together to remember those who were taken too soon by suicide.

Patti Trares, a current English professor at Saint Louis Community College - Forest Park attends The Out of The Darkness walk every year, fighting for awareness and prevention so that no one has to endure the pain of losing a child in the face of suicide again.

“I know my son would want me to find a way to help others, like him, before they made that final decision,” Trares said.

Trares’s son, Shawn Trares suffered from severe depression and passed away from suicide in 2011 at the age of 31. For the past 11 years, Trares and her family honor the memory of her son, by raising money for the AFSPs mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

“I have raised $25,000 in the past eleven years and this Wednesday, April 19 will be the twelfth year without him,” Trares said.

When Trares began raising money for AFSP, she didn’t expect the outcome she got. “I emailed people and posted on Facebook, and people came through with donations that took my breath away,” she said with a smile.

All the money raised at the Out of The Darkness Walk is invested in life-saving research, education, and support programs that help survivors. “I found out about this program through a support group for survivors

SARC Offers Students Support for Basic Needs

FAWWAZ ASHRAF STAFF WRITER

The Student Advocacy & Resource Center, known more commonly as SARC, helps students meet their basic needs, so they can focus on their education. The Meramec coordinator for SARC, Mayuko McGuire, spoke about the service in an interview.

McGuire had worked with younger students in the past and decided to move on to higher education. She has a bachelors in communications, a masters in education, a masters in social work, and has studied sociology extensively.

SARC’s goal is to support students and help them meet their basic needs. “33% of college students … aren’t meeting basic needs. Our goal is to meet their needs, so they can keep coming to school, finishing their degree, to change their lives,” McGuire said.

In collaboration with the St.

Louis Area Foodbank and through their own funding, SARC has a food bank on campus. “We have the part where students can take food back home and cook. We also have the grab & go,” she said. The grab & go section provides snacks and other ready-toeat food. SARC also provides other essential goods such as diapers and feminine hygiene products.

Regarding qualifications to receive aid, McGuire said “They just need to be in need.” All students need to do is provide their A-number. If students need additional support, they can reach out via email, phone, or an outreach form.

Alongside the Meramec office, there are locations at the Florissant Valley and Forest Park campuses. They offer all of the same resources, and they also have a clothing closet. For students who can’t make that commute, McGuire said, “If students need clothing, we will connect them to different campuses. We can get

[clothes] from the different campuses.” Many four-universities, such as UMSL and SLU, also offer similar services, so students can continue to receive help meeting basic needs as they finish their education.

One lesser-known service that McGuire wanted to share was that they can help students get connected with government support. “We have a state benefits specialist, Kathy, that’s here every Thursday during school. If anyone is interested in applying for food stamps, any state benefits, she’s here to support the student,” she said.

Additionally, alongside the counseling department, McGuire is a confidential resource, meaning she isn’t required to disclose many sensitive conversation topics that a professor or other staff member would have to report.

If you want to help,

and I knew right away I wanted to do this for Shawn,” Trares said.

Trares describes Shawn as having been a wonderful son, husband, dad and brother. He had a dry sense of humor and was always making everyone laugh.

“He was married and had two children as well as a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University in Industrial/ Organization Psychology,” Trares said. “He had his entire future ahead of him, and his family loved him so much, but the pain and depression took him from us forever.”

Trares first and oldest daughter, Melissa Jackson had a hard time losing her little brother. “I was nine months pregnant with my third child at the time of Shawn’s passing,” Jackson said. “I really didn’t think I could get through the pregnancy after that, but I did and I know he was helping me every step of the way in spirit.”

Trares has been an advocate on suicide survivor panels telling her story of Shawn and has been interviewed by other foundations like The United Way raising money for suicide prevention.

She also is open with her students at STLCC bringing awareness to the issue. “I will always be transparent with what happened, I have never been ashamed to share his story, and my students will at times come to me about their own struggles with depression. I let them know there are counselors at STLCC who can help them find resources to get the help they need,” Trares said.

Trares will never stop telling Shawn’s story with the hope that it will help others get through what she had to experience.

“Shawn was robbed from this life too early, and I would give my life to have him back just one more day. Remember If you’re going down this path, you are not alone, and your life is worth living,” Trares said as a tear fell down her cheek.

they have events that students can volunteer at. They also take donations in the form of cash or items. To learn more about SARC or set up a meeting with them, one can visit stlcc.edu/sarc, scan the QR code below, or visit their office in the Administration building in room 130.

Patti Trares poses in front of a photo of her son, Shawn Trares, at the Out of the Darkness Community Walk for Suicide Prevention.

SUBMIITTED PHOTO

Meramec family pays tribute to Swyers

Continued from pg. 1

Swyers is survived by her mother, Nancy Creel (Robert Chartier), loving husband Stephen Swyers, sons Sean Swyers and Zachary Swyers (Clair), sisters Maureen Fulton (Robert) and Carolyn Dixon (David), nephew Alexander Dixon and niece Christina Dixon; loving wife, mother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend. The family will hold a private celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Stray Rescue of St. Louis (www.strayrescue.org/donate) would be appreciated.

During the pandemic some of us met regularly in the park, instead of going out to lunch, to sit socially distanced and share stories and provide each other moral support. Kathleen’s warmth and welcoming smile reached across that distance and helped create an important respite during that especially difficult time. She was so very dedicated to the STLCC community, her colleagues, and her students, showing up for us in so many little and big ways. STLCC won’t be the same without her. I will miss her so very much.

- Sophia Pierroutsakos, Professor of Psychology, Colleague and friend

It is with a heavy heart that I pay tribute to a dearly loved friend and colleague, who has left us way too soon. Kathleen was a person of exceptional character and radiated kindness, compassion, and empathy toward everyone she met. I met her when she first transferred to Meramec from Forest Park, and I knew immediately we would be great friends because of her generous kindness, her contagious optimism, and her joy of life.

She spread happiness wherever she went, and always left me a more caring person any time I spent time with her. Kathleen had a way of making everyone feel better about themselves and was always willing to lend a listening ear. Her smile lit up a room and could brighten the darkest of days.

Her presence was a ray of sunshine, and her attitude of positivity was contagious. She was not only a lovable friend, but also a knowledgeable and resourceful colleague. Her input was always insightful and helpful, and her problem-solving skills were unparalleled. She had a natural ability to connect with people and provided comfort, guidance, and support to countless individuals in need.

As I reflect on Kathleen’s life, I am grateful for the time we shared. Her memory will remain a source of inspiration and encouragement, as well as a reminder to keep returning those smiles I know she will continue to send our way, until we meet again.

- Patty O’Hallaron Keller, Former Psychology Professor

Macy gillick Staff writer

*Make a study schedule- To avoid procrastination, make yourself organized by making a schedule of when your final is and plan how much you need to study each day.

*Set a timer for breaks while studying- after a certain time of studying set a timer for yourself so after studying for that time, you can give yourself a certain amount of time to relax/do what you want. Then, after that timer goes off you start studying again. Repeat.

*Establish a good routine-while studying is important, sleep is also important. Get the rest you need so you can focus in class and also retain the information needed for the final.

*Find a distraction-free location- find somewhere where no one can bother you. Places like outside, in the basement or the library are great hideaways where you can go study.

*Avoid disruptions- To have effective studying, you need to turn your phone on silent and place it down away from you. And, tell people not to disturb your study time.

*Choose the best way you study- put your best foot forward with your favorite way to study. Whether it’s flashcards, quizlets or writing it over again, see what works for you so you can retain information the best.

YOU CAN DO IT HERE

About 50% of Webster University’s undergraduate students join our community with transfer credit from accredited institutions and military training. We offer guaranteed admission for students with an associate degree from a community college. Our transfer scholarships make earning a degree from an independent university affordable. We understand the needs of transfer students and are here to support your success.

ART & LIFE 7

Shining a Light on the Latest Happenings at Meramec

Dakota Pulcher PHOTO EDITOR

New Student Programs hosted a Summer Time Management Seminar from 11-12 p.m. April 27 in SC 125.

Students celebrate Springfest 2023 in the libary quad on May 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Campus Life sets up bouncy houses and a bull ride for Springfest 2023 May 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Quad.

Shelby Schuster plays Beth and Ethan Wichmann plays the lion in a production of the Wizard Of Oz on April 21 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Jack Cooper plays Aleksander Cvetkovic and Cody Dilber plays Drazen Erdermovic in a production of “A Patch Of Earth” on April 21 in the Meramec Theatre.

Students participate in Earth Day events hosted by Campus Life from 10 a.m. 1 p.m. on April 20 in the Student Quad.

Students and staff browse the selections at the STLCC Horticulture plant sale held on April 27 and April 28 from 2PM to 6PM in the west parking lot. K.

Lydia Smith plays Sara Hutchinson and Jarek Templeton as Steve Hutchinson in the production of “Grace” on April 21.

Students and Staff set up a plant store for the STLCC Horticulture club. The sale was set from 2-6 p.m. on April 27-28 in West Parking Lot K.

Christina Kayira portrays Bev Davies and Lily Ragan as Rootie Mallert in the production of Graceland on April 21 at 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Students participate in Earth Day events on April 20 in the Library Quad.

Macy Gillick PHOTOGRAPHER

ART & LIFE

A Library Love Story

Before the library is demolished, one couple looks back at the story that began there

ELIZABETH NAGUDI STAFF WRITER

What started as two strangers in the Film Appreciation Class in 1991 grew to become a library love story, evolving into two children and a happy ever after.

“He always knew where I would sit in the library,” says Brenda Westermayer about Steve, her now-husband. “I used to sit on the first floor to the left as one moved up the stairs. So it was easy for us to see each other.”

Steve Westermayer, who has worked in the Communications department at STLCC-Meramec for more than 30 years, said, “Sadly, the Library is coming down, and a new one will soon be established.” In 1991, while pursuing his undergraduate degree, he met his future wife in that Film Appreciation class.

Brenda Westermayer, who was outspoken, clearly drew most people to her, he said. Her friendliness toward everyone soon drew Steve to ask her impolitely, “Do you know me?” a question that rather became a lifetime’s response. After this class, they found themselves chatting more in the library after the film professor, Mrs. Carson, suspended them from her class for continuous chit chatting while she taught.

Carson’s role in the relationship cannot be underestimated, as the “phone exchange” in class made communication easier for them, and the Westermayer’s family has met with her over the years. After leaving Carson’s class, they went to the library together. Westermayer learned that Brenda had a boyfriend then, and he was so disappointed.

“During Carson’s class, she had encouraged us to share numbers with our neighbors for purposes of discussions or in case one missed class. I shared with Steve and Eric (he used to sit behind me while Steve sat beside

me).” During that semester, they became fonder of each other to the point of Steve giving her a ride back home.

One day, she called her father using the landline phone in Communication South to ask her father if someone else could drop her home. She had wrecked her car, which was one wreckage away from getting abandoned by the insurance company; hence she would have to wait for her father to pick her up every evening and drop her at school every morning. It was a bold move by Steve to drop her at her parent’s home, considering the fact that he was 5 years older than her, said Brenda Westermayer.

In the earlier days, with Steve growing a stronger admiration for her, he feared that the age gap may be an issue, and she looked pretty young to be above 18. He jokingly asked her, “Can I see your driving permit?”

On the other hand, she was equally worried about the age gap and innocently asked her father, “Is it fine if I date someone 5 years older than me?” His response was, “Does he treat you right?” This led to their first date, where Steve took her and a couple of her friends to bowl in Kirkwood.

It was not all rosy, though, said Brenda Westermayer. She was still haphazardly in a high school relationship at the time, but she was mentally done with it. She knew she wanted to be with Steve, but physically, the high school boyfriend was still in the picture.

Regardless of all his efforts to get her attention, she seemed indecisive, while at the same Steve feared he could never have her for a girlfriend. He often surprised her with gifts anonymously, which she sometimes thought were from her high school boyfriend. One day, she received a box of assorted gifts, and one interesting item was a rattle doll that would say her name when she shook it.

She wrote a note to Eric asking who had placed the gift box at her place, and he responded with an arrow pointing to her right side. Steve, it was.

That same evening, her high school boyfriend came by, and they left while holding hands. To Steve’s dismay, he disappointedly screamed across the compound, “Bye, Brenda.”

A few days later, while in the library, Steve walked up the stairs simultaneously with another girl, but Brenda, who was seated at their usual meet-up library spot, saw him and teased him that he did it on purpose to make her jealous, she said.

That cold evening, Steve Westermayer received a call on the home landline phone. “Who is this?” So rude of him to respond to a phone call like that, she remarks. “It’s Brenda.”

“What do you want?” Westermayer responded.

Silence prevailed for a moment before she gathered all the courage to respond. “I saw you with somebody,” she said.

“But you are also with someone else. What does it matter to you?” Steve responded.

“I am not with him anymore. I like you,” she said.

His heart racing, he still questioned, “But you are still with your high school boyfriend.” That was the last time the high school boyfriend would be heard of, as these love birds never looked back.

The relationship also strengthened their academic journey, contrary to the belief that relationships deter growth in certain areas: “After the first semester, once we started dating, our academics greatly improved. We both became 3.5 GPA students as we competed against each other,” Brenda Westermayer said.

Down the road, they traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, and other states before the three weeks they spent in California traveling the whole coast.

“It’s at this point that I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her,” Steve Westermayer said.

On June 19, 1999, they said their vows, a union that has blessed them with two beautiful children; their son is currently a sophomore while their daughter is in eighth grade. Steve’s father was a truck driver, which stuck with him as he loves traveling and always looks forward to hitting the road with his wife to any state.

“At the end of the day, dating and marriage are not easy, and honestly, we have had tough times, but we have stuck together,” said Brenda Westermayer. “I always jokingly tell Westermayer that he has a barcode and one day it will expire because I have been only with him and no one else after my high school boyfriend.”

The Westermayer family poses in the STLCC-Meramec library during Spring Break before it was officially closed. The building where Steve and Brenda Westermeyer began their love story will be demolished later this year.

SUBMIITTED PHOTO

Brenda and Steve Westermayer pose in 1991.

SUBMIITTED PHOTO

ART & LIFE

‘RINGMASTER’ exposes Vince McMahon’s grift

Mr. McMahon is not what he seems

Jacob Politte MANAGING EDITOR

Vince McMahon is an almost mythical figure to many professional wrestling fans, and even perhaps to those who may not like his brand of “sports entertainment.”

While his antics on television and even in the boardroom are widely accessible public knowledge, the private musings and daily activities of McMahon have largely remained a mystery, even after this last year when the 77 year old monopolizer was briefly forced into exile over various misconduct allegations. While many figures in the industry have told their own personal stories about him over the years, no one has ever truly dove into McMahon’s personal interests, and he’s only talked extensively about his childhood once over the years in a rare candid Playboy interview from 2001.

Among other topics discussed in “RINGMASTER,” author Abraham Josephine Reisman does what no journalist has ever been able to do: they expose McMahon’s lies in that Playboy interview, explaining how he took significant amounts of creative liberty when sharing his past. McMahon didn’t have the greatest childhood, and Reisman makes the case that his childhood definitively shaped who he was to become as a person in all of the wrong ways. But through extensive research, Reisman tracked down several notable figures from McMahon’s pre-wrestling past who are somehow still alive, and they all say that McMahon was not nearly the rebel he has proclaimed to be.

The revelations on McMahon’s upbringing already help the book stand

out from your typical professional wrestling tale. But there is plenty of wrestling business itself discussed. If the reader is a fan of the industry, much of this information may not be groundbreaking news, even if it has a fresh coat of paint attached to it. But for those relatively unexposed to the business, it is an eye-opening look into the formations and continuous survival of McMahon’s empire through all of its highest highs and lowest lows.

Admittedly, one of the book’s biggest shortcomings is the fact that it arguably stops a bit too early. The main narrative of RINGMASTER stops in June of 1999, although there is a lengthy coda that covers everything after that. A lot of this may have to do with the sources that Resiman was able to accumulate, many of whom worked for McMahon during his initial rise to power. For example, the circumstances around the infamous “Montreal Screwjob” incident of 1997 warrant an entire chapter, and while that event has arguably been analyzed to death, screwee Bret Hart was a major source for the book, speaking with Reisman for over 8 hours of interviews. Many sources in the current era of the business did not wish to speak to Resiman, and those who did were not willing to say anything to make McMahon look bad despite evidence of his misdeeds.

Arguably, McMahon’s most insane and noteworthy exploits (both in real life and on camera) took place post1999. Perhaps if Reisman wants to expand further on McMahon and the events covered in the coda, there can be a second book, as it doesn’t appear as if McMahon will ever stop giving him new material to explore.

A recurring person of interest in RINGMASTER, of course because he seems to wind up everywhere, is

Donald Trump. Trump and McMahon have a noted history of doing business together dating back to the fourth annual WrestleMania that was held at one of Trump’s casinos, and that relationship seems to remain strong today, with the book revealing that Trump always took Vince McMahon’s calls in private during his time in the Oval Office. Not to mention, Vince’s wife Linda has worked directly for Trump in the past, even serving as a member of his Presidential Cabinet.

Resiman has told readers of this

book that he wants people to see the rise of American fascism through the lens of “kayfabe” [fake and made up stories] and be better able to resist it. That’s a daunting task, and Resiman may not have been able to fully accomplish that feat.

But what Resiman delivers is a fresh, much needed look at one of America’s longest employed, and shockingly perseverant businessmen. Not many people take professional wrestling very seriously, and RINGMASTER makes the case for why you should.

SHUT for SHOT

‘So, how come you speak English?’

ELIZABETH NAGUDI MANAGING EDITOR

The first time I came to the U.S.A., Summer of 2022, I was shocked by the question, “How come you speak good English?” At first, I would innocently respond and tell the person about our English curriculum back home. But with time, it became a repetitive question that felt like someone kept drumming it in my head every couple of days.

With my return to the U.S.A., I have been faced with the same question over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over (I bet Grammarly will not be handy in editing how often I have been asked that.) I am not the only African student that gets asked this every time. Recently another person remarked, “You have been in the U.S.A. for such a short period, and you are already this good at speaking English. You are a fast learner.”

Sometimes I defer correcting some people since they already have wellestablished beliefs about your identity.

My mentor often reminds me to extend all my grace towards myself and the people who ask me such questions as it is the best they know.

They are asking from a point of ignorance, and at times, you get amused at how they are honestly interested in knowing about the languages you speak.

I have learned to use such questions

to get a shining moment.

Of course, it feels tough when someone says, “Your accent is so deep. I am finding it hard to comprehend what you are saying.” Within your innermost being, you respond, “Your accent is so deep as well, and I am finding it hard to comprehend what you are saying.”

I have often shied away from saying some words, but I recall that a shut mouth cannot be fed.

I am slowly learning to call water (wara), shot (shut), and hot (hut), among others. I am learning that it is “in regard,” not “in regards,” or “toward,” not “towards.” A lot of differences between American English and British English we were taught in school.

“So, how come you speak English?” I am from a British Protectorate, and our education system uses British English. However, I have over 43 languages in my country, and I can comprehend at least four languages and speak at least two. “Oh wow!” they say, surprised. In my mind, “We are that unique, and oh yes, wow!”

It seems like a long answer, but what you ask is what you get. This is just one of those questions that soon starts to pound and get stamped in your brain each day with all the inquisitive minds around. Accompanied by this is the accent statement, as talked about above. At this point (about accent), I wonder if the person asking knows that Boris Johnson of the U.K. sounds different from Donald Trump of the U.S.A.

We are who we are because of the environment we were raised in and the experiences we have had. Accents change from region to region, and it shouldn’t be a question of wonder why I sound different from you.

If we exchanged locations for a day, you would probably get more frustrated in my country trying to pronounce all syllables of the local foodstuffs or locations. Calling a boda boda guy and heading to the market to buy some matooke will be on your list of extreme sports. Accents are different, and so are dialects.

Before you ask another African student why they are good at speaking English, remember most countries (apart from Ethiopia and Liberia) are former colonies of the British or

Jake’s Take: Bye Bye Tucker

Fox News makes headlines

Jacob Politte MANAGING EDITOR

It’s the end of the school year, and it’s been an eventful year. I’m not sure I would have much to say that would make people think, or maybe I just really ran out of things to say.

But after the events of last week, there is one thing I would like to mention: Tucker Carlson is out of a job at Fox News, and that’s hilarious. It truly could not have happened to a nicer guy. I mean that sarcastically of course, because he is for all intents and purposes a white supremacist. Note to Tucker: if a bunch of white

supremacists watch your show to refine their talking points, you are a white supremacist no matter what you think.

But Tucker is gone, finally having done enough to get his bosses at Fox to man up and sever ties. It took two years after he was seemingly cool with an insurrection on the U.S. Capitol Building, but better late than never.

Fox shouldn’t be applauded for doing the right thing after all of the awful things they allowed him to say on camera over the years. But Tucker Carlson being deplatformed, at least temporarly, is a step in the right direction. Good riddance to bad rubbish and ugly bowties.

French Empire. Civilization does not stop in the Red Sea. It flows all the way through the River Nile and spreads across Africa. African kids do go to school and study.

They sing A, B, C, D,.. like you did. They learn vowels as well. They know how to write letters first by writing to imaginary pen pals and soon plow their new skill in writing love letters. They do speak English but sound different. I would say eight; my brother from West Nile will say height, and my cousin from Kabale will say pararerogrom, but it remains that it is a parallelogram. It’s just the accent BUT…

Africans speak English but remember they have additional unique indigenous languages they use as well.

St Louis Community College strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for every student. This includes the students and staff who are part of the LGBTQ community.

Therefore, we stand with the transgender Community of STLCC in condemning bill SB49 which seeks to ban doctors from prescribing gender affirming care to minors and adults. The bill still needs full approval from the senate and the house. It originally went into effect April 27th. However, the bill as of May 1st was blocked by a Missouri judge. It will now go into effect May 15th.

This bill’s blatantly transphobic rhetoric adds to the list of ways in which the trans community is currently being targeted in our country. Denying gender affirming care to trans individuals is an incredibly dangerous thing and is a violation of human rights. STLCC Meramec Pride Alliance strongly condemns these bills and the messaging behind them.

- Lydia Sheehan, Meramec Pride Alliance

Biundo’s Photography Makes It To The Museum

Former Montage Editor has work featured in new exhibit at History Museum

Jacob Politte MANAGING EDITOR

as a Coach for women’s soccer. She also does media for both men and women’s soccer.

Former

STLCC student and Montage Editor-In-Chief

Ashley Biundo is one of many photographers whose work is featured in the Missouri History Museum’s ongoing “Soccer City” exhibit.

The exhibit, located on the first floor of the museum across from the “Color STL” installation, first opened on April 8 and runs until Feb. 18 of next year.

It focuses on the history of soccer in our region, leading up to the formation and founding of the STL City Soccer league by Major League Soccer.

“They were doing this thing at the History museum [last November],” Biundo said, “and I got invited by the soccer coach, Ricardo Garza. He was talking to Sharon Smith, who was the curator, and she was wanting more photos of girls playing soccer. He referred me to her.”

Biundo, who has an extensive sports photography portfolio composed of both STLCC sports and otherwise, says that she sent Smith, the museum’s curator of civic and personal identity, “a bunch” of photos, some of which feature STLCC Archers in action.

Biundo’s photos are featured throughout the exhibit, appearing on multiple panels within the space. These photos are all recently taken as well.

“I think that pretty much all of the photos I submitted were taken within the last two years,” Biundo said.

While Biundo is no longer an STLCC student, she is still involved with Archer’s Athletics, volunteering

Admission to the “Soccer City” exhibit is free. It can be visited during the entirety of the museum’s operating hours, which are 10 a.m.-

5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. every Wednesday.

ABOVE: One of the many panels/ installations within the exhibit that features Biundo’s work.

RIGHT: Another of the many panels/ installations within the exhibit that features Biundo’s work. This one is attached to a turf surface.

STLCC Archers Baseball/Softball

2022-2023 Statistics*

*as

LEFT: A plaque indentifying what photos in the exhibit that Buindo took.

of press time

Archers Softball Season Wrap-Up

Archers Softball played St. Charles Community college on Tuesday, April.6, pulling out the win with a score of 9-1 in the first game and a 3-2 loss for the second game.

Top Left: Mackenzie Caudill pitching for STLCC

Top Middle: Morgan Sheilds hitting first a bat

Top Right: Dorothy Wunderlitch

Middle Left: Morgan Sheilds

Bottom Top Left: Lexi Martinez

Bottom top Right: Dorothy Shields

Bottom Croner Left: Lexi Martinez

Bottom Cormer Right: Dorothy Shield

Photos by: Elizabeth Nagudi

DAKOTA PULCHER PHOTO EDITOR