UMSL Alumni News Fall 2023 Highlights
UMSL Alumni News Fall 2023 Highlights
1970s Karen Johnson, BSBA 1993, was Tawana Lawson, MS 1999, was Felicia Reum, BA 2002, began a new
You Belong
promoted to director of experience promoted to associate director of position as a manager at Everything
Gloria Carter-Hicks, BSAJ, was and research enablement at the Hazardous Material Program at But Water.
sworn in as a commissioner for Edward Jones. Wayne State University. James Ewing, BA 2003, began a
St. Louis County’s Civil Doug Wiese, BS 1993, began a new Brian Price, BA 1999, began a new position as a designer at
Service Commission. position as senior director of security, new position as a sales manager at OneTech Group.
fire and safety at Volkswagen of Renewal by Andersen. Charles Hinderliter, BA 2003,
1980s America, Inc. was promoted to senior vice
Angela Kolkmeier, BSBA 1994, 2000s president of government affairs at
Elizabeth Peterson, BA 1980,
CLASS NOT ES O N E O F US W H ER E I N T H E WO R L D? received the inaugural Dr. Jane A.
began a new position as a sales
engineer at MetalTek International.
Toni Hayes, BS 2000, began a new
St. Louis REALTORS.
Miller Award from UMSL’s position as principal scientist of Julie Mantia, BSAcc 2003, began a
Department of Chemistry. Elizabeth Stonefield, BA 1994, toxicology for preclinical new position as a finance coordinator
began a new position as director of drug development at at the Federal Reserve Bank
Keith Grosz, BSBA 1984, began a
community-based services at Apellis Pharmaceuticals. of St. Louis.
new position as director of business
KVC Missouri. Michelle Buckley, BA 2004, was
development at Gershman Todd Hicks, BA 2000, began a new
Investment Corp. position at Baron Spices. promoted to talent acquisition
director at Renewal by Andersen.
Dr. Vinita HENRY, OD 1985, received the Achievement Kirk KASICKI, MACC 2004,
“
Award in recognition of outstanding long-term contributions to the was promoted to senior vice
optometric profession from the American Optometric Association president, corporate tax at CSI
Contact Lens and Cornea Section Council in June. She was extremely Leasing Inc. Kasicki worked full-time
QUOTABLE honored to be recognized by her peers nationally. “I believe in hard work, while studying for his master’s degree
VINITA HENRY, OD 1985 but you don’t always realize that others might be paying attention or are at UMSL – his daughter was born
I BELIEVE IN HARD affected by your work,” she says. “It is very nice to know that your work three weeks before finals during his
WORK, BUT YOU DON’T has been beneficial to others in your field.” Henry also received the last semester – and he landed his
ALWAYS REALIZE THAT Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Optometric first job out of college with CSI in the
OTHERS MIGHT BE Contact Lens Educators this year and works as clinical professor and income tax department. He considers
PAYING ATTENTION associate dean of clinical operations in UMSL’s College of Optometry. himself lucky to have a boss who not
OR ARE AFFECTED “Working with students is extremely rewarding. To watch their growth only taught him what he needed to learn but also supported him when he
”
BY YOUR WORK. and be a small part of watching them reach their potential is very special. took a position at Enterprise Rent-A-Car to further expand his horizons.
I have had a small role in the education of optometry students for over Kasicki returned to CSI as manager of the income tax department in 2010
35 years, and I get to help many more patients than I would have as a and has been leading the department since. He says he was quite surprised
private practitioner because I have played a role in the education of our and honored to be named among those being promoted this year at CSI’s
alumni who practice optometry all over the United States.” annual company-wide meeting. “It reminded me of the faith that CSI puts
into its people and is just one of the reasons that CSI has so many long-
tenured employees,” he says. “During my time at CSI, I’ve learned about
Renee Hardin-Tammons, BSBA Edward Concannon, BS 1996, was taxing regimes around the world and also had the opportunity to travel to
1986, was sworn in as a judge on the promoted to vice president of IT four continents, getting to know and advising our local teams on tax issues.
Missouri Court of Appeals. systems at CSI Leasing Inc.
I’ve worked on a vast array of projects from structuring opportunities for our
Tim Jordan, BSBA 1986, began a Rebecca Boyer, BSAcc 1997, was customers to due diligence on acquisitions as CSI has continued to grow,
new position as director of delivery honored at the Salute to Business
especially internationally.”
excellence at Trace3. Achievement Awards.
Patrick Chunn, BSBA 1987, was Ernest P. Williams III, BGS 1997,
honored at the Salute to Business began a new position as supplier Vince DeBlasi, BA 2001, was Elijah Davis, BSEd 2004, began a
Achievement Awards. diversity program manager honored as West Newsmagazine’s new position as an IPS supervisor at
at bioMerieux. Educator of the Year. Preferred Family Healthcare.
Sam Ganga, MBA 1989, was
Sarajeni Hammond, BSBA 1998, Stephanie Gifford, BSEd 2001, Kelly Griffon, MSW 2004, began
honored at the Salute to Business
was honored at the Salute to Business began a new position as an a new position as a business
Achievement Awards.
Achievement Awards. enablement analyst at Ameren. development specialist at MapHabit.
Jeff Henderson, BS 1989, began
Douglas Harrison, BA 1998, was James E. Jordan Jr., BSAcc 2001, Angela Smith, MEd 2004, began a
a new position as senior manager
appointed associate dean for the DBA 2020, began a new position as new position as a disciplinary
of supplier quality at Kindeva Drug
Division of Applied Undergraduate acting associate deputy director at education program coordinator at
Delivery Systems. Studies in the School of Professional USDA Rural Development. Valley View Public School.
Studies at New York University.
1990s Lori Bryan, BS 2002, began a new Sima Eghbal, MBA 2005, began
Emmanuel Kalogerakis, BS 1998, position as a regional re-entry a new position as manager of
STAY CONNECTED LET US KNOW WHAT YOU'RE UP TO! began a new position as the head of coordinator at Centurion Health. strategic accounts at Cedric Millar
Cathy Arshadi, BSBA 1992, was
Se nd cl ass no te s and l ife update s to : honored at the Salute to Business controlling and accounting at RLE Integrated Solutions.
We wa n t to h ea r from you ! Sh a re yo ur Jen Caby, BA 2002, began a new
n ews, p h otos a n d follow u s a t @UMSL. alumni@[Link] u [Link] 314-516-5833 Achievement Awards. International Group.
position as DevSecOps department
leader at Edward Jones.
LONDON
She began her career at Boeing in
2016 as a procurement agent and Essential Network Technologies.
Ryan Morse, MAcc 2017, was
support supervisor at Compass
Health Network.
inspires
worked at the company for more
than four years before making
the hard decision to leave in 2020
promoted to senior analyst
in corporate development at
John Tegethoff, BSAcc 2018,
began a new position as a property me
Core & Main. accountant at InnVentures IVI LP.
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sarah An Myers, BA 2017, MA 2021, Nilkumar Thanki, BS 2018, began
with Veronique DiVoire, MBA 1994
She was excited to return to the company early last year and to have been
began a new position as a contributing a new position as an analytical and
promoted this spring. “I’m most excited about learning the SBLO side that writer at the Center for Inquiry. formulation scientist II at Thermo
I wasn’t able to learn in my previous time on the team,” she says. “I’m also Fisher Scientific.
Raven Pugh, BA 2017, began a new
excited about learning more about some of the cross-functional teams that position as an associate project Amanda Vanderheyden, MEd
I get to work with in this role, which will further expand my understanding manager at Urban Strategies, Inc. 2018, was promoted to UX architect
of how Boeing does business outside of just supply chain.” Mekdes Sirage, BSN 2017, began a at Bayer. RIGINALLY from Lyon, France (a twin city
new position as nursing manager Menasha Adams, BSME 2019, began to St. Louis!), Veronique met her husband and fellow
in perioperative services at a new position as an application UMSL alum, Subhojit Chakraborty, MS 1995, while
Methodist Hospital. engineer at Hitachi Energy. earning her MBA. Together, the couple moved to
Amanda Tran, BSEd 2015, began a Terrell Jones, BA 2016, began a
Selena Smith, BSCIE 2017, began Danielle Brickey, BS 2019, began a London, where Veronique now works as the head
new position as a junior kindergarten new position as a claims generalist
a new position as a senior engineering new position as an executive assistant of human resources for Freedom from Torture, a
teacher at Rohan Woods School. associate at Progressive Insurance.
designer at Lee Engineering LLC. at VetBiz. not-for-profit human rights organization.
Kayla Young, BS 2015, began a Sean Marshall, BS 2016, began a
Gaylon Via, MBA 2017, began a Hannah Briner, MSW 2019, began a ASSOCIATE DEAN EMERITUS
new position as a project/program new position as a convention services
new position as vice president new position as an adjunct instructor DAVID GANZ AND DR. EKIN
coordinator II at Washington manager at the Chase Park Plaza.
of strategic planning at UWG with the Cincinnati State Technical first job in England to secure a
University in St. Louis. PELLEGRINI BOTH TAUGHT
Huy (Ben) Nguyen, BS 2016, MS, PhD Advertising Services. Community College. role that wouldn’t require me to
Jaymi Brooks, BIS 2016, began a new 2022, started as an adjunct instructor ME TO NEVER GIVE UP
Alicia Walker, MSW 2017, MEd 2021, Rhonda Clayton, MEd 2019, began a
do another master’s in England.
position as a senior brokerage partner at Maryville University. I achieved that and moving roles AND ALWAYS PERSEVERE.
began a new position as a fifth grade new position as manager of business WHAT BROUGHT
at DTSpade Specialized Real Estate. Josiah Perkins, BS 2016, began after that was a lot easier as THROUGHOUT EVERY PHASE
teacher with the Hazelwood administration at University of YOU TO LONDON?
Tiffany Brown, BA 2016, began a new a new position as an account I had professional experience OF RESEARCH, YOU OFTEN
School District. Missouri Extension. My husband getting
position as a qualified mental health development representative III in England. MAY COME UP AGAINST
Amanda Carr, MEd 2018, began Ehsan Davarzany, MA 2019, began a a job in London. He
professional at Integral Care. at Samsara. SOME TYPE OF HINDRANCE.
a new position as a member of the new position as a project manager at is from India and
Kayla Cambron, BSBA 2016, began Emma Seidel, BSME 2016, began a WHERE TO STAY MY RESEARCH STARTED
Board of Directors at Kids in Morcom International, Inc. graduated from
a new position as a lead customer new position as a mechanical design In the Docklands by the Thames
the Middle. Kevin Flood, BSBA 2019, began a UMSL too, earning a RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING
resolution representative at engineer at Stereotaxis. River. It is a brand-new area
Kyle Cope, BSBA 2018, was promoted new position as a financial services master’s degree in OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC,
Wells Fargo. Cassie Starrett, BSN 2016, began
of London that has developed in
to senior program manager at Boeing. representative at Charles Schwab. physiological optics the past 25 years. BUT I WAS ABLE TO
Brianda Cepeda, BSIS 2016, began a a new position as a certified registered
Phillip Deters, BSBA 2018, began a Drew Foster, BSW 2019, began a and vision science. UNCOVER TWO NOVEL
new position as a senior data analyst nurse anesthetist at Metro-West MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
new position as senior financial new position as an urban garden VARIABLES OF
at Network for Good. Anesthesia Group, Inc. BIGGEST SURPRISE The London Eye, Trafalgar Square,
planning analyst in BDS Mobility, coordinator at The Fit and ABOUT LIVING ORGANIZATIONAL PRIDE
Sean Curd, MA 2016, was promoted Audri Adams, BA 2017, MA 2020, Surveillance and Bombers at Boeing. Food Connection. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and
to director of admissions at began a new position as a senior
AND WORKING AND 360 COMMUNICATIONS,
Westminster Abbey. Also, the
Kimberly Falls, BA 2018, was Heather Lange, BS 2019, began a IN ENGLAND? AND IT IS MY HOPE THAT
Stephens College. academic advisor at the University wonderful museums, such as
promoted to store manager at new position as a trust associate with How expensive
Chandler Duchaine, BSBA 2016, of Missouri–St. Louis. the British Museum and Science THESE FINDINGS WILL
Scandinavian Designs. Central Trust Company. London is, in particular
began a new position as a senior Storme Burt, BSBA 2017, began a Museum, to name a few. STIMULATE FUTURE
Alexander Friedman, BSME 2018, Elise McMindes, MFA 2019, was accommodations! I
product manager at Klein Tools. new position as an associate event RESEARCH AND CONTRIBUTE
began a new position as a sustaining promoted to a senior graphic designer was also surprised HIDDEN GEMS
Nousheen ‘Bri’ Ehsan, BS 2016, accountant at Maritz Global Events. TO AN ENHANCED
engineer III at Essex Industries. at Optum. when looking for jobs. Greenwich and its meridian.
began a new position on the expert Alex Fischer, BSAcc 2017, MSAcc UNDERSTANDING OF GEN X
Mohammed Khider, BSBA 2018, Kimberley Preston, BSBA 2019, England has its own It’s not as popular as the other
witness team at Maune Raichle 2019, began a new position as AND MILLENNIALS BUILDING
began a new position as a human MEd 2021, began a new position as a human resources attractions and often forgotten
Hartley French & Mudd, LLC. supervising senior tax associate at
resources specialist at Wataniya fifth grade teacher with the professional body, THEIR CAREERS IN THE
Armanino LLP. by tourists, but it sits in a
Olivia Foster, BSN 2016, began a Insurance Company. Hazelwood School District. the CIPD, and most FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
new position as a psychiatric nurse Christina Floyd, BA 2017, began a
beautiful park by the Thames
Sammie Lienhard, BSBA 2018, Kaitlin Riesmeyer, BA 2019, began
human resources jobs outside of the intense central
practitioner at SSM Health. new position as a chemistry lab
began a new position as controller a new position as a senior associate require a master’s or London life. James E. Jordan Jr.,
Aeisha Johnson, MEd 2016, began a supervisor at Infinity Laboratories.
for Regional Health Services of scientist at Pfizer. bachelor’s accredited BSAcc 2001, DBA 2020
position as a senior auditor at Nicole Gaehle, BSIS 2017, MS 2019, Howard County. by the CIPD. I fought FOOD TO TRY
BJC Healthcare. began a new position as a Koltyn Schilly, BA 2019, began a new
the job market hard Fish and chips or bangers and
technical supporter at UMSL position as team manager in investor
services at TD Ameritrade. when looking for my mash, of course!
Women's Hackathon.
In Memoriam
Ivory Clark, MA 2020, started a new
Johne'e Johnson, BA 2020, began a Insurance Services. a new position as a procurement Jena Karam, MBA 2021, began a
position as assistant curator at the
new position as a care coordinator at Selma Omerovic, BSAcc 2020, coordinator at Cushman & Wakefield. new position as a sales coordinator at
National Blues Museum.
St. Luke’s Hospital. started a position as a business analyst Chris Allensworth, BSME 2021, DriveCentric.
Kalynn Clinton, BSBA 2020, began
Ronald Jones, BS 2020, began a new with Oral Surgery Partners. began a new position as a mechanical Marissa Knapp, BA 2021, began a
d — 1960s Dennis McCarthy, BA 1968, on Oct. 9 — 1970s Thomas Villa, MEd 1971, on Jan. 20;
a new position as TECDP program
position as a code enforcement officer engineer at Engenuity.
project management lead analyst at Bailey Pinette, BS 2020, began a new position as a legal administrative Michael J. Olds, BA 1973, on Aug. 19 — 1980s Virginia Wurthmann, BA 1982, on March 11;
with the City of Dellwood, Missouri. new position as a supervisor at Bailey Barry, BA 2021, began a assistant at Thompson Coburn LLP.
Cigna Healthcare.
Kellen King, BSBA 2020, began a new Eurofins Environment Testing. new position as a retention specialist Marie McCormick, BGS 1989, on Nov. 1, 2022 — 1990s Thomas Ford, MBA 1993, on July 11; Fern
Matthias Dunville, BSBA 2020, was Mike Kohne, BSEE 2021, began a new
promoted to portfolio administration
position as an associate at Ally Scheidt, BSBA 2020, started at CarShield. position as a staff electrical engineer Branchfield-Mreen, BGS 1999, on June 9 — 2000s Joshua Bolds Stegeman, BA 2001, on Dec. 29, 2022;
Greentech Renewables. a new position in Government Cost at Burns and McDonnell.
associate manager with Cushman
Michael Henry Grady, BA 2004, in Aug. 2023; Orinthia T. Montague, PhD 2011, on Sept. 22.
& Wakefield. Accounting with Boeing.
Flexibility and perseverance significantly affect the professional growth of alumni like Nicole Lograsso and Angela Perkins. Nicole demonstrated perseverance by returning to Boeing during challenging times and was excited to learn new aspects of the business. Angela relied on the flexible opportunities provided by UMSL to further her education while maintaining a career, allowing her to advance in talent acquisition roles. Both showcase how adapting and persisting through challenges enable professional advancements .
The educational and career paths of individuals like Rebecca Boyer and Christian Williams demonstrate the impact of flexibility and diversity in professional roles. Rebecca's recognition for business achievements and Christian's role in community health illustrate how varied professional experiences, from financial management to behavioral health, enable individuals to apply a broad skill set to address distinct challenges within their fields. Their diverse roles highlight the significance of adaptability and continuous learning in achieving long-term career success .
Alumni like Elma Mujezinovic and Talia Gholson have leveraged their education to transition into new industries or roles by applying transferable skills such as project management, strategic planning, and human resources expertise. Their ability to move between fields like marketing communications and human resources consultancy reflects the versatility of their educational backgrounds, which equip them with broadly applicable skills and adaptability to navigate industry changes successfully .
Community-based services play a crucial role in enhancing professional development by fostering environments that encourage the application of interdisciplinary skills. Elizabeth Stonefield's position as director of community-based services at KVC Missouri exemplifies how engaging in community outreach can enhance leadership skills, policymaking abilities, and social impact awareness. This engagement allows professionals to address community needs directly while contributing to personal growth and broader societal advancements .
Awards and recognitions, such as those received by Dr. Vinita Henry, elevate the perception of an individual's professional achievements by affirming peer acknowledgment and contributing to industry standards. Such honors enhance the recipient's credibility and highlight significant contributions to the field, encouraging ongoing excellence and innovation. They can also inspire other professionals to strive for similar recognition while enhancing professional networks .
Toni Hayes managed to excel as a nontraditional student by juggling her full-time work with academic commitments, treating her college experience as an 'acute exercise' where time management was crucial. She wishes she had known earlier about the balance and strategies required to handle both responsibilities effectively, which she realized in retrospect given the challenges she faced during her undergraduate studies .
Factors contributing to the recognition of alumni like Mollie Shoemaker with awards such as the DAISY Award include their dedication, competence, and compassion towards their roles. Such awards honor extraordinary contributions and outstanding care, further enhancing professional credibility by highlighting a commitment to excellence and patient advocacy. Recognition through these awards also evidences peer validation and fosters a positive reputation within the healthcare field .
Dr. Vinita Henry believes that her work has significantly affected the optometry profession, evidenced by her recognition with multiple awards for her outstanding contributions. She feels honored that her peers recognized her efforts. Her role in education, particularly as a clinical professor and associate dean, has allowed her to influence the growth and potential of optometry students and alumni, thereby indirectly helping many more patients than she might have as a private practitioner .
Geographic relocation significantly impacts career opportunities by exposing individuals to new markets and challenges. Nicole Lograsso's experience in London highlights the complexities of international job markets, including recognition of qualifications and adjusting to cultural differences. Her return to the U.S. and reconnection with Boeing demonstrate how relocating can reshape career trajectories by offering new roles that fit within a global context. The challenges and benefits of such moves can deepen professional insights and broaden experience .
Angela Perkins' career has been positively influenced by her educational experiences at UMSL, where she learned about helping students develop competencies. Utilizing the flexibility offered by UMSL, she advanced her education while juggling professional and personal life, which propelled her career in corporate talent acquisition. Her undergraduate experience as a resident assistant sparked a passion for helping others, which she transformed into a career advantage .