Annual Blue Santa Toy Drive

Calling all elves! Christmas at SLU Children's Party is only 35 days away!

The Blue Santa Toy Drive collects toys for SLU's annual Christmas at SLU celebration, where children from the local neighborhood are invited to come to campus for a night of holiday-themed games, activities, food, and a visit with Santa Claus when each child receives their own present. Toys are collected from University departments for children in primary school, with extra toys being delivered to St. Louis public schools, after school programs, and Center for Service & Community Engagement community partners.

Make sure your office is on Blue Santa’s “Nice List” by participating this year’s toy drive. Toys will be collected from departments in the first week of December so now is the time to start collecting!

Faculty and staff are also invited to bring their families to the Christmas at SLU celebration on December 3.

The Annual Blue Santa Toy Drive is sponsored by the Center for Service & Community Engagement. Please contact Justin Vilbig, Head Elf with any questions (977-4105/jvilbig@slu.edu).

Watch Newlink for more details.

Congratulations, Lei!

Congratulations to Lei Tang, Financial Analyst in the Office of Sponsored Programs, and husband Jiye Cheng on the birth of their first child, a girl, Cayla Cheng.

Cayla was born on August 13 and weighed 6 pounds and 13 ounces.

Randolph World Ministries, Inc. Annual Winter Medical Trip to Haiti

Randolph World Ministries, Inc. will be traveling internationally for its annual winter medical trip to Haiti. Participants will be providing medical services to partner clinics in Haiti. The trip will begin on Saturday, December 26, and participants will return on Saturday, January 9, 2016. All participants should have a normal heat tolerance.

If you are interested in attending the trip, or would like additional information, contact Tim Randolph, Chair and Faculty of Biomedical Laboratory Science Department at SLU and President of Randolph World Ministries, Inc. at randoltr@slu.edu or visit the website www.randolphworldministries.org.

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics to Host 5th Annual Gardens to Table Food Day Event on October 9th

On October 9, 2015, the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Saint Louis University, with partnerships from the City of St. Louis Department of Health and Les Dames d'Escoffier, will celebrate the 5th annual Gardens to Tables Food Day event. This event is to promote sustainable, healthy, and just agricultural practices.  We will be hosting the event in our garden, just a block and a half away from our office in the Allied Health Building at the corner of Compton and Rutger.  Parking is free in the Hickory East Garage!

The event will kick off with a speech from our awesome keynote speaker, Rusty Lee of Lee Farms.  He will begin speaking at 11 am on the bleachers at the SLU track across the street from the garden.  Then, we will all cross the street to the garden where the stations and food will be presented.  For the stations, we will have a variety of experts such as agencies that work with these topics to teach of their individual disciplines.

Along with having stations teaching ways to get involved, we will also be serving an artisanal lunch (menu below) orchestrated by professional chefs and prepared by students for the mere price of $5. for students (with a student ID) or $10 for non-students.  You can pay at the door, or beat the lines and pay online by clicking here!  We hope to see you there!

Date: October 9, 2015
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Gardens to Table Teaching Garden, 3209 Rutger St.

Make A Difference Day is October 24th

Saint Louis University's Annual Make A Difference Day will be on Saturday, October 24th. The annual University-wide service day, sponsored by the Center for Service and Community Engagement, will begin at with a 9:00 AM Kickoff Ceremony at Hermann Stadium and will conclude around 3:00 PM. Service sites for MADD help a wide range of populations, from children to the homeless to hospice patients. Many types of service will be available to volunteers for MADD, from gardening to painting murals to making blankets. There are a multitude of service needs in our community! There are no restrictions to who can serve during MADD. If you do have members of your team who are children or have a physical restriction, please make a note of that and we will assign you to an appropriate site.

Sign up for Make A Difference Day by clicking here.

If you have any questions, contact Justin Vilbig, MADD Co-Chair at 977-4105 or jvilbig@slu.edu.

Billikens in Haiti

Thirteen SLU Students spent eight days in June near the city of Cap-Haitien in Northern Haiti. The SLU Students tutored more than 160 Haitian students in the town of Plaine-du-Nord, using “toys” that were designed to stimulate interest in science and engineering, impromptu lessons in English-Creole, and soccer games. Additional, the SLU Students spent time at Meds & Food for Kids, the University of Haiti in Limonade, and World Vision. Following a week of work, the SLU Students visited the Citadel and San Souci Palace in Milot, attended Mass at the Cathedral in Cap-Haitien, and spent a morning at the beach in Cormier before flying back to the US. They were accompanied by Westenior Valmera, a Haitian who plans to return to St Louis for a degree in Business, and by Cecil Thomas, professor in Biomedical Engineering.

The group of Billikens in Haiti included Justin Bell, Marissa Carletta, Alexandra Carlson, Julia Ceglenski, Colleen Cole, Alex Dieckmann, Andrea Fischer, Jane Lee, Joao Lopes, Molly Meyer, Sydney Neal, Kara Tsuzaki, and Kyle Vogt. They were accompanied by Westenior Valmera, a Haitian who plans to return to St Louis for a degree in Business, and by Cecil Thomas, professor in Biomedical Engineering.

The Billikens returned from Haiti with fond memories of a unique adventure in Haiti, but that is not the end of the story. The experiences spawned ideas and new collaborations at the University of Haiti, including projects that address specific issues in Haiti.

The Billikens in Haiti. Sitting are (left to right) Kara Tsuzaki, Kyle Vogt, Jane Lee, Andrea Fischer, Alex Dieckmann, Colleen Cole, Marissa Carletta, Joao Lopes, Sydney Neal, Alex Carlson, Molly Meyer, and Julia Ceglenski. In back are Justin Bell (left) and Cecil Thomas (right).

Congratulations, Mackenzie!

Congratulations to Mackenzie Burns, Program Coordinator in the Office of Admissions, and Andrew Payton, who were married on July 18. The couple was married in Steamboat Springs, CO at Holy Name Catholic Church. The couple met at the wedding of Andrew's cousin, who is Mackenzie's best friend from high school.

Congratulations, Lindsay!

Congratulations to Lindsay Dencker, TRIO SSS Program Coordinator in Student Educational Services, who was married to Trevor Gonterman on August 15. The couple was married in St. Louis at the Highlands Golf & Tennis Center. Lindsay said "Our wedding day was bursting with love, laughter, family and friends. We got married on my parent's 40th wedding anniversary and surprised them with their own cake at the reception. All in all, it was the best day ever!"

ITS Staff Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity

On April 21, 5 staff members from the ITS team helped build a house through Habitat for Humanity.

David Hendel, Director, Dave Reddick, Quality Assurance Analyst, Justin Linn, Information Security Architect, Kitty Berra, Information Security Analyst, and Jennifer Shacklady, IT Compliance Analyst, worked on the framing and raising of the walls of Pope Francis House.

The Pope Francis House is located in the Tiffany neighborhood, behind Cardinal Glennon and Saint Louis University Hospitals. The two-story house is being built “to honor Pope Francis for his commitment to social justice and reinvigorating the Catholic Church and to provide a unifying, celebratory opportunity for both Catholic and non-Catholic volunteers to work together toward a common goal.”

For more information about Habitat for Humanity’s Pope Francis House, click here.

Congratulations, Danielle!

Congratulations to Danielle Mungenast, HR Associate in HR Services, who was engaged to Feysel Abdulkaf on August 24th before a twilight plane ride over Dallas, TX. The couple first met at SLU through the APO Service Fraternity and then again two years later through a mutual friend. Danielle and Feysel are planning a Fall 2017 wedding.

Congratulations, Ann!

Congratulations to Ann Wainscott, Assistant Professor in the Political Science Department, who was married to Alexander Thurston on June 13. The couple was married in St. Louis at St. John's Episcopal Church.

Congratulations, Tiffany!

Congratulations Tiffany Helms, Senior Billing Representative of Neurosurgery, and husband Thomas on the birth of their first child, a boy, Noah Thomas.

Noah was born on August 11 and weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces. Tiffany says "This is our first child. A mighty blessing. We call him our Noah Bear!!"

Congratulations, Shawn!

Congratulations to Shawn McCaw, Assistant Director of Student Financial Services, and wife Katie, on the birth of their son, Brennan Michael.

Brennan was born on September 12 and weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces. He joins older sibling Emery at home.

The Emerson Leadership Institute in the John Cook School of Business

The John Cook School of Business will sponsor the Emerson Leadership Institute Inauguration and Dedication on October 7, 2015. The event will bring together leaders in business, government, and non-profit organizations to celebrate the official launch of the Emerson Leadership Institute and recognize Emerson's ongoing support of Saint Louis University. This evening's leadership program features presentations and a panel discussion on ethical business and responsible, service-oriented leadership.

This is a one-time inauguration and dedication event to celebrate the official launch of the new Emerson Leadership institute, made possible by Emerson's generous support. Attendance is by invitation only.

Shawn Steadman Participates in St. Louis Fire Chief's Association 9/11 Stair Climb

Shawn Steadman, lead instructor of Emergency Management at Saint Louis University, along with members of the fire service and EMS convened on Clayton on September 13th to pay tribute to their fallen brethren by participating in the fourth annual St. Louis Fire Chief's Association 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Over 300 participants climbed 110 stories in the Pierre Laclede Building to replicate the climb of the 343 firefighters that lost their lives in the World Trade Centers on September 11, 2001. The Clayton Fire Department hosted the event, which benefited the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and other local charities. Some participants carried breathing apparatuses, fire hoses and other firefighting equipment; many were in full turnout gear. Each participant carried a photo and biographical sketch of one of the 343 FDNY firefighters lost at the World Trade Center collapse on September 11, 2001.

Congratulations, Sherry!

Congratulations to Sherry D. Wright-Gully, Administrative Assistant in Physician Assistant Education, on the birth of her grandson, Mason Isiah Christmas. Mason was born on May 21. His parents, John and Diamond Christmas, were high school sweethearts, and are planning an upcoming wedding renewal ceremony where Mason will serve as the ring bearer.

Congratulations, DeSheila!

Congratulations to DeSheila Howlett, Public Safety Officer, who was engaged to Andrew Hatcher on August 25th. The couple worked as St. Louis City police officers in the 6th district before DeSheila resigned to work for Saint Louis University.

Congratulations to Those Celebrating Service Year Milestone Anniversaries!

We would like to congratulate those who are celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 years of service in October and November 2015.

Thank you for your years of service at SLU!

40 Years

• John R. Harris

 30 Years

• Dorothy J. Marshall
• Robert D. McDonald, M.S.
• Pamela F. Scholl

25 Years

• Brenda S. Coker
• Jeffrey Hovey
• Michael R. Smith

20 Years

• Edith E. Arnold
• Katherine H. Maxwell
• Lynda A. Morrison, Ph.D.
• Gwen B. Pendleton
• Gregory S. Smith, Ph.D.
• Julie L. Ulkus
• Jacqueline L. Waltz

15 Years

• Teresa B. Borowiak
• David S. Brink, M.D.
• Anne E. Coleman
• James A. Greathouse
• Carmen E. Haynes
• Darah Hoog
• Florence S. Jeffreys
• Christopher K. Klein
• Elena Lomonosova, Ph.D.
• Joan K. Lurkins
• William F. Maze
• Donna Neely
• Rudy M. Prowl, Sr.
• Vijayalingam Selvamani, Ph.D.
• Erin N. Williams

10 Years

• Michelle J. Ayers
• Mary S. Burton, M.D.
• Hai M. Duong
• Felicia C. Echols
• Lois K. Hebel
• Anne M. Imlay
• Lolita D. Jones-Fulton
• Krista M. Karwoski-Siebert
• William L. Kinealy
• Brian P. Kunderman
• Janel M. Lucas
• Julie K. Martin
• Amanda M. Partee
• Allison C. Roba
• Daniela Salvemini, Ph.D.
• Thomas R. Sanford, M.D.
• Petra Swidler, M.D.
• Julie M. Taylor
• Kay E. Theobald
• Kathleen A. Toennies
• Mary L. Walley
• Laurence D. Washington
• Pamela K. Xaverius, Ph.D.

5 Years

• Samantha E. Anderson
• Andre D. Benson
• Bram Boettge
• Joshua D. Booth
• Kenneth C. Bouzek
• Kimberly L. Brown
• Alicia Casabar
• Sonia M. Chacko, M.D.
• Madelyn T. Claybon
• Alice H. Dickherber
• Marcia L. Dillard
• Teresa L. Dunleavy
• Uthayashanker R. Ezekiel, Ph.D.
• Kellisa L. Fiala
• Melissa A. Fitzgerald
• Irma L. Fletcher
• Patrice B. French
• Theresa A. Friederich
• Tyler M. Garland
• Myrinda L. Grantham
• Cindy J. Gross
• Sarah E. Halstead
• Melissa L. Hance
• Patricia A. Hoffarth
• Elizabeth K. Holzer
• Margie S. Hunter
• Timothy J. Lewis
• Sheila M. Manion
• Rosie L. Mitchell
• Rabia S. Rahman, M.S.
• Marc R. Scheessele
• Angela M. Sharkey, M.D.
• Karen A. Swearingen
• Melody D. Swehla
• Karen Trueblood
• Tina R. Vandever
• Emad M. Zakhary, M.D., Ph.D.
• Joan K. Zawin, M.D.
• Constance L. Zeltmann

ITS SaLUting You Recipients

Congratulations to the following members of ITS for being recognized with the "SaLUting You" award.

• August 2015: Shawn McIver, Oracle Database Analyst, ITS Enterprise Products Group
• September 2015: Glenn Vaughn, Multimedia Support Analyst, Sr., ITS Academic Technologies Group

The program is meant to promote and formally reward employees’ contributions to the overall objectives of ITS.  As part of the program, one employee is chosen from nominations each month to receive the “SaLUting You” award.  The award is designed to recognize employees for excellence in customer service, financial efficiency, and creative ingenuity.

Congratulations, Maury!

Congratulations to Maury Rich,  Custodian, and wife Crystal on the birth of their first child, a boy, Maurice James Rich. 

Maurice was born on September 25 at 2:07am. He weighed 8 pounds and 10 ounces and was 20 inches long. 

Make a pledge for United Way campaign!

Saint Louis University's United Way Campaign is underway!

Last year, the United Way helped more than 1 million persons – that’s 1 of every 3 persons in the region. The organization provides funds to more than 170 local health and human service agencies in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. In fact, more than 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to programs in the St. Louis region that help families, neighbors, and co-workers.

Saint Louis University employees are known to be committed to social justice and getting work done. Our Jesuit Mission calls upon us to be “men and women for others”. Your contribution to the United Way will provide families and individuals who need help with crisis support, mentoring, early childhood education, disaster relief, employment, and financial literacy programs.

In the 2014 campaign, SLU faculty and staff opened their hearts, giving more than $111,000 to the United Way. Thank you for supporting the United Way of Greater St. Louis last year.

Our goal for this year is $115,000. Please join your fellow Saint Louis University employees who live United. All SLU employees received a personalized link to make a donation. Email reminders with individual's personalized links will be sent throughout the month of October.

If you have any questions, please contact Carolee Patek at 314-977-3949 or cpatek@slu.edu or Rita McMillan at 977-2254 or rmcmilla@slu.edu.

Please help the United Way make a difference.