Cura Day of Appreciation

Faculty and staff are invited to share stories of appreciation and gratitude for their colleagues on the Cura Day of Appreciation. Each member of the SLU community shares their gifts and talents with the world everyday. These gifts and talents are shared through actions that go above and beyond what is expected. On the Cura Day of Appreciation, faculty and staff will share meaningful positive stories about the impact their colleagues have had.

Beginning at 7am and throughout the morning on December 14, faculty and staff are encouraged to stop by the Allied Health Building Multipurpose Room (south campus) to receive a SLU Sparks notepad and write at least 2 notes to their colleagues. From 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., SLU Sparks notepads and pens will also be distributed at the Wool Center Lobby (north campus).

Electronic SLU Sparks can also be sent by clicking here.

At 12:30pm on December 14, faculty and staff can return to the Allied Health Building Multipurpose Room for a program, at which individuals will have the opportunity to share stories of appreciation for their colleagues. The program will include brief opening remarks and then the floor will be open for faculty and staff to recognize each other by sharing their notes of gratitude with those in attendance. Submit an electronic SLU Spark beforehand and bring a copy of it to the program, or bring the notes written earlier in the day to share. Even if you do not have a story to share, come hear about the outstanding contributions of the members of the SLU community! Light beverages and cookies will be provided at the program at 12:30pm.

The best way to spread workplace cheer is sharing a special note with a peer!
Share what makes your colleagues special on the Cura Day of Appreciation!

Reid Dickerson Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Reid Dickerson, Retention & Academic Success, who received a SLU Spark! Reid was recognized by Jenn Masiulis, Parks Academic Advising, for strengthening our community.

"Thank you so much for talking to time out of your day and coming to speak to my U101 class this semester. I think they enjoyed your tips on time management and hopefully will use them. Thank you, again, and have a great holiday season!"

Scott Fetters Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Scott Fetters, International Services, who received a SLU Spark! Scott was recognized by Jenn Masiulis, Parks Academic Advising, for showing compassion.

"Congrats on your first SLU Spark! Here it is!! I appreciate you!! Thank you so much for providing so much care in your interactions and conversations surrounding a CPT student. The student would be in a tough spot without your assistance. Thank you for working wonders!"

Christy Hicks Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Christy Hicks, Campus Ministry, who received a SLU Spark! Chisty was recognized by Jenn Masiulis, Parks Academic Advising, for strengthening our community.

"Thank you so much for talking to time out of your day and coming to speak to my U101 class this semester. I think they enjoyed your discussion on the Jesuit mission and what it means to be a SLU student. Thank you, again, and have a great holiday season!"

Floyd Welsh Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Floyd Welsh, Career Services, who received a SLU Spark! Floyd was recognized by Jenn Masiulis, Parks Academic Advising, for strengthening our community.

"Thank you so much for talking to time out of your day and coming to speak to my U101 class this semester. I think they enjoyed your tips on resumes and what they can do over the summer after freshman year. I hope that they will use your advice. Thank you, again, and have a great holiday season!"

Rosemary Nagy Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Rosemary Nagy, Pediatrics, who received a SLU Spark! Rosemary was recognized by Maureen Bresnahan, Office of Research Integrity, for strengthening our community.

"Honestly, during Rosemary's tenure at the University, her contributions represent every single SLU Spark Category. She constantly pursues excellence, seeks truth, shows compassion, serves others, strengthens our community, and drives change an innovation. However, this particular Spark is for her effort to strengthen our community (and, really, serve others). A junior investigator new to SLU was looking for guidance (and some mentorship) for a research study. Without any hesitation, Rosemary not only offered to share some of the template material she's created for other studies, but also offered to help with any additional questions he might have - even though this particular investigator was not in her department. Not only is Rosemary helping out a new researcher, she is helping to strengthen the research community as a whole."

Sarah Dawson Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Sarah Dawson, Orthopaedic Surgery, who received a SLU Spark! Sarah was recognized by Maureen Bresnahan, Office of Research Integrity, for pursuing excellence.

"When Sarah was first hired, she was tasked with an enormous feat of getting all of her department's research studies completely up-to-date. She spent hours and hours learning a completely new system, learning new studies, tracking down all of the required documents, and submitting everything to get things back on track. Her drive (and especially her attention to detail) has helped not only her department, but other departments with which she interacts."

Maggie Callon Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Maggie Callon, Public Health, who received a SLU Spark! Maggie was recognized by Kim Donoghue, Public Health, for driving change and innovation.

"Maggie, you always respond to proposed projects and requests with admirable willingness, thoughtfulness and efficiency. Thanks for your team-building spirit!"

Congratulations to those Celebrating Milestone Service Anniversaries!

We would like to congratulate those who are celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service in December 2016 and January 2017.

Thank you for your service at SLU!

40 Years

• Patricia Galati

35 Years

• Barbara A. Nagel 

30 Years

• Mark A. Hoyer 
• Peggy A. Suzor

25 Years

• Robert S. Andersen, M.D.
• Donita L. Bing
• Ronald Crown, Ph.D.
• Qi Gan
• Charles E. Graves, Ph.D.
• Regina F. Leeders 
• Luis A. Santiago

20 Years

• Maureen J. Donlin, Ph.D.
• John P. Encarnacion, Ph.D.
• Sara R. Enlow 
• Olivera Jandrasevic 
• Virginia K. Kettenbach, Ph.D.
• Carolyn M. Merkel 
• Janet E. Neuhaus 
• Nicole Thompson 
• Travis T. Threats, Ph.D.
• Pamela Whisenhunt 
• Mary White, PA-C

15 Years

• Paul R. Black
• Gary G. Dickey  
• Brian E. Dowell 
• Nancy Esparza-Lang 
• Krystal M. Gates 
• Kerry M. Guilliams, M.B.A.
• Mona L. Hebert, B.A.
• Yvonne C. Hill 
• John R. Martin III, Ph.D.
• Tracy M. Pfeifer
• Rae Jean Pieper  
• Jeremy J. Schierhoff 
• Scott E. Sewell 
• Joyce M. Tageson
• Cotina L. Taylor  
• Debra L. Wilson 
• Felicia L. Wingo 

10 Years

• Mary C. Anderson 
• Alan R. Felthous M.D.
• Shay C. Hietpas 
• Lindsey M. Jones 
• David V. Meconi, S.J.
• Adriana M. Montano, Ph.D.
• Shannon M. Morse 
• Yelena G. Osipova 
• Ann M. Schmitt 
• Libby D. Ullo 
• Thomas J. Wessel
• Abuduwasiti Wulamu, Ph.D.
• Yanping Zhang, M.D. 

5 Years

• Mary G. Acton
• Joseph S. Ahearn  
• Patricia Anderson
• Lauren D. Arnold, Ph.D. 
• Kira H. Banks, Ph.D.
• Matthew J. Bauer, D.M.D.
• Debra T. Cashion, Ph.D.
• Guilan Chen M.D.
• Michelle M. Cohen 
• Cory T. Cullen 
• Bretton M. DeLaria 
• Ashlee Dorsey 
• Scott A. Fetters 
• Kelli M. Fuller, D.N.P.
• Darren F. Gaertner 
• Carol J. Hall 
• Jennifer A. Heckel 
• Ramona I. Hicks 
• Martha A. Kennedy, M.A.
• Jack M. Lionberger, M.D., Ph.D.
• Lisa L. Masters 
• Helen M. McCormack 
• Carole H. McKinstry 
• Patricia E. McQueen 
• Jyssaka R. Meyers 
• Victoria Moreland 
• Scott A. Nyberg 
• Helga L. Oestreicher 
• Michelle M. Peltier 
• Pshonda Perkins-Bass 
• Jeanette Petty 
• Edward Phillips
• Robert R. Robbins  
• Julie L. Schuette
• Deborah E. Seale, Ph.D.
• Emily Seitz  
• Konstantin Serednikov 
• Maria A. Totoraitis 
• James A. Turner 
• Vijayalakshmi Vallurupalli, M.D.
• Robin W. Warchol 
• Tatiana N. Zaboikina 

Development's Halloween Costume Contest Winners

The division of Development's Stewardship Committee held a Halloween Costume contest. It was a great opportunity to build camaraderie and see how creative our co-workers could be! 1st place and 2nd place champs won Golden and Silver pumpkin trophies respectively (as well as bragging rights).

1st Place: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs portrayed by: Rob Curtin, Sue DeBarry, Maggie Dermody, Debbie Dill, Brittany Ford, Kari Hinkle, Laura Kleinschmidt, and Annelise Pivin

2nd Place: Medusa portrayed by: Sophia Toumbalakis

Meribeth Broadway Supports Dogs on Duty

Vesting of St Charles Police K9's Red and Tank by Dogs on Duty pictured left to right\Chief Todd, Officer Spiess and K9 Tank, Meribeth Broadway founder of Dogs on Duty, Officer Wilkins and K9 Red, Sgt Kinkade

Meribeth Broadway, Senior Research Assistant in Comparative Medicine, is the founder of Dogs on Duty, an organization that supports K9's who work in public service. On December 3, Dogs on Duty donated a Kevlar vest (bullet/stab resistant) to K9 Red and a Cooling vest to K9 Tank from the St
Charles County Police; the vests are to help protect the K9s while they do their jobs.

Kathy Leiva Rosario Founds Pour Favor

Kathy Leiva Rosario, Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs, has founded a non-profit that is now successful and recognized by the Saint Louis Business Journal, Pour Favor. Pour Favor sells unique handcrafted one-of-a-kind products handmade in Central America to raise funds for empowerment and education of women living there. For more information please visit www.pourfavor.org

A Sample of Pour Favor's Unique Products

Music & Medicine

On January 26, Medical Center Development in partnership with the Cancer Center will host the Music & Medicine event. This event will celebrate the powerful, positive impact music therapy has on the patients in treatment. The event will include refreshments, a musical performance by our music therapists, and comments from SLUCare physicians celebrating the Music Therapy Program.

The event will be from 4:30-6:30pm on January 26 at the Allied Health Building Multipurpose Room. Although the event is free, please RSVP to Stacey Hutchens by January 20 at shutchen@slu.edu or 314-977-3287

Click here to view the flyer.

TRiO-SSS Supports The Humane Society of Missouri

TRiO-SSS Shelter Buddies Service Team (l-r):  Chau Truong, Jennifer Lu, Leana Wu, Yamily Tito, Maria Garcia and Makailya Pickrell

On Saturday, September 24, six SLU TRiO-Student Support Services students and one staff member participated in the Shelter Buddies Reading Program, sponsored by the Humane Society of Missouri. The service team received classroom training on how to read to shelter dogs in order to help comfort and socialize them in preparation for adoption. They were then able to apply that knowledge by reading to actual dogs at the shelter. As a result of having completed this training, each member of the service team will be able to return to the Humane Society and participate in the Shelter Buddies Reading Program on their own time.

The service team, led by TRiO-SSS Academic Counselor, Jamie D. Motley, also consisted of Maria Garcia, Jennifer Lu, Makailya Pickrell, Yamily Tito, Chau Truong and Leana Wu.

This was part of an ongoing initiative within TRiO-SSS to provide service learning experiences for students in the program. Other organizations that program participants have provided service to include Almost Home, Earth Day Network , Greenway Network, Let's Start and the Sierra Club. TRiO-SSS is a federally funded program designed to provide a variety of support services to first-generation college students, as well as students who are from modest-income households or have disabilities. The program, led by Lindsay Gonterman, is part of Student Educational Services and housed in O'Brien Hall.

ITS SaLUting You Recipients

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

• September 2016: John Heartlein, Manager, ITS-Enterprise Resources
• October 2016: Jeff Abernathy, Manager, ITS-Enterprise Resources

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, Bruce!

Congratulations to Bruce O'Neill, Assistant Professor in Sociology, and wife Helen Human, on the birth of their first child, a girl, Rosemary Clare O'Neill.

Rosemary was born on September 20, weighing 7 pounds and 12 ounces.

Congratulations, Nancy!

Congratulations to Nancy Barker, Patient Account Rep in PMO, on the birth of her third grandchild, Aleczander Michael Brown. Aleczander was born on September 20, weighing 9 pounds and 9 ounces.

Aleczander joins big sister Annabelle at home with parents Andrea and Michael Brown of Millstadt, Illinois.

Congratulations, Amelia!

Congratulations to Amelia Blanton, Program Coordinator in the School of Social Work, and husband Nathaniel Hibner, Ph.D. student in Health Care Ethics & Moral Theology, on their marriage. Amelia and Nathaniel were married on October 8 at St. Margaret of Scotland and Lumen Church in St. Louis. Nate and Amelia originally met in Boston, MA at Boston College where they both pursued graduate school. They were engaged in May 2015 in Forest Park. The Blanton Hibners are excited to start their journey as husband and wife!

David Webb Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to David Webb, John Cook School of Business, who received a SLU Spark! David was recognized by Wendy LaBenne, College for Public Health & Social Justice, for pursuing excellence.

"David and I worked on a Growing SLU business plan together, and I had an opportunity to experience the excellence David devotes to his work. As we worked together, I observed the thoroughness and care he puts into a project. It was never do the bare minimum with him. It was let's do this business plan the right way with the best information we can obtain. As we developed the business plan, we also added people on to the project, and David took the role as team lead. Through this, I saw his natural leadership ability and outstanding capability to manage a team to get a job completed well and by a deadline. He was always considerate with his suggested changes and provided praise for the work individuals contributed. David works with integrity and lives SLU's mission through his work and consideration of those with whom he collaborates."

Kathy Michael Received a SLU Spark!

Congratulations to Kathy Michael, Office of the Provost, who received a SLU Spark! Kathy was recognized by Lori Corzine, Center for International Studies, for serving others.

"Mrs. Kathy Michael is the epitome of all of the categories to receive a SLU Spark, but the reason I chose "Serving Others" is because Kathy is always willing to go the extra mile to help anyone who needs help. She even goes out of her way to help people that she even thinks might need help - she is a star and a true example of the Jesuit Mission and I am proud and honored to work with her."