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UMSL Alumni News Fall 2023 Highlights

The document provides updates on various alumni from UMSL, highlighting their new positions, promotions, and achievements across different decades. Notable mentions include Karen Johnson, Tawana Lawson, and Dr. Vinita Henry, who received awards for their contributions in their respective fields. The document encourages alumni to share their news and stay connected with the university.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
17 views4 pages

UMSL Alumni News Fall 2023 Highlights

The document provides updates on various alumni from UMSL, highlighting their new positions, promotions, and achievements across different decades. Notable mentions include Karen Johnson, Tawana Lawson, and Dr. Vinita Henry, who received awards for their contributions in their respective fields. The document encourages alumni to share their news and stay connected with the university.

Uploaded by

brunnafennix2020
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ALUMNI NEWS

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.

32 | UMSL FALL 2023 | 33


ALUMNI NEWS Colleen Songer, BSEd 2005, MEd June Christian, PhD 2011, began Matt Lewis, MEd 2012, began a new Chris Johnson, MBA 2014, began a
2010, began a new position as a a new position as an inclusion and position as a human resources advisor new position as a senior manager
special education resource teacher diversity manager, learning and at Novaspect Inc. of Phantom Works Advanced
with Francis Howell School District. education at Starbucks. Weapons at Boeing.
Amanda McCrary, BA 2012,
Kiet Dinh, MBA 2006, began a Aya Finley, BSAcc 2011, MA 2012, began a new position as a resident Lyla Kolar, BSBA 2014, was promoted
new position as a product began a new position as an audit and physician at SSM Health to vice president of marketing at
portfolio manager at Enterprise compliance senior project manager at Saint Louis University Hospital. Omni Logistics.
Fleet Management. World Wide Technology.
Marie Steinbach, MBA 2012, Vance Lewis, OD 2014, began a new
Rachel Fick, MA 2007, was promoted Talia Gholson, MBA 2011, began a began a new position as a licensed position as an optometrist at Swagel
to senior vice president of global new position as a senior human massage therapist at Massage Envy. Wootton Eye Institute.
marketing at CSI Leasing Inc. resources consultant at the University
Brett Alexander Evans, BSBA Carmen Stayton, MEd 2014, began
Aaron Golchert, BSBA 2007, was of Missouri–Columbia.
2013, began a new position as vice a new position as a program manager/
promoted to vice president of sales at Adam Moss, BSBA 2011, began a president of sales at Carbon Direct. math instructional specialist with the
Mana Supply Company. new position as an operations Institute for School Partnerships at
John Felchner, BSBA 2013,
Kelcy Siddall, BS 2008, began a new associate-Addepar/BETA at Stifel Washington University in St. Louis.
began a new position as a
position as a grants administrator Financial Corp.
transportation manager at Nestle Michael Walker, BSIS 2014, began
at DOORWAYS. Mary Risler, BA 2011, was promoted Purina North America. a new position as an assistive
Dan Brugere, BSBA 2009, began a to MP&P technical analyst (chemical/ technology analyst at World
Samuel Fredeking, BA 2013, was
new position as a Content Center of contamination) at Boeing. Wide Technology.
promoted to vice president of
Excellence leader at Edward Jones. Shakina Sheppard, BA 2011, began operations at BHR. Joe Atkisson, BSBA 2015, began a
a new position as a clinical support new position as a financial advisor at
Anthony D’Agostino, MPPA 2009, Sarah Gamblin, BA 2013, MA 2018,
supervisor at CenterPointe Hospital. Benjamin F. Edwards.
began a new position as chief began a new position as director of
executive officer at Peter & Paul Eboni Sterling, BSEd 2011, began systems change-community An Cao, BSBA 2015, MBA 2019, began
Community Services. a new position as the director of information exchange at the United a new position as a senior accountant
research and evaluation at Area Way of Greater St. Louis. at Medrina.
Mark Kostedt, BSAcc 2009,
Resources for Community and
began a new position as global supply Melissa Kaelin, MBA 2013, began a Matthew Coker, BSBA 2015, began
WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW Human Services.
chain and integration manager at new position as the director of a new position as a solutions
THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW Phantom Works Advanced Weapons Janelle Stowers, MEd 2011, was executive staff integration, US architect at OSF Digital.
WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT? at Boeing. named to St. Louis Business Business Unit at Edward Jones. Liz Drennan, BSBA 2015, began a
As an undergraduate, I always Journal’s 2023 list of “Most
Chris Paasch, BSBA 2009, began a Christian Power, BSBA 2013, new position as a finance manager
approached college and my time at Influential Business Women.”
new position as a program leader at began a new position as a business at Stryker.
UMSL as an acute exercise because Edward Jones. Christian Williams, BA 2011, execution consultant for the Research Naomi Green, MBA 2015, began a
I juggled working full-time with began a new position as a youth and Diagnosis team at Wells Fargo.
Nicole Pacheco, BSBA 2009, new position as marketing manager of
academics, and time was always community behavioral health liaison
was promoted to director of strategic Bri Pumphrey, BA 2013, began a association and events at MCI USA.
a challenge. I think as a student, at BJC HealthCare.
business initiatives, GFS at new position as a behavioral Taniza Haq, BSME 2015, began a new
especially a nontraditional student, Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. Salih Buric, BSBA 2012, began a health specialist with the Texas position as an engineering manager at
I always felt like I had to hurry ... new position as a project manager at National Guard. Nidec Motor Corporation.
“catch up!” Now I know that I was 2010s Enterprise Fleet Management.
Jill Rogers, MBA 2013, began a new Greg Helton, BSCIE 2015, began a
exactly where I needed to be to get position as a community manager at
ONE OF US new position as an aviation project
where I am now. I didn’t need to The Commons. manager at Hanson Professional
catch up to anyone or anything. I’d Daman Singh, BA 2013, began a new Services Inc.
love to go back in time and enjoy the Angela PERKINS, MEd position as a VDI and managed Nathan Johnston, BM 2015, began a
Toni Hayes, BS ‘00 Toni Hayes is fulfilling her dream of making a difference through process, take my time, get better
grades, make more friends, join
2010, was recently promoted to endpoint engineer at Capgemini. new position as a senior IT assurance
her passion for science. After serving in the United States associate director of talent Majed Alam, BSBA 2014, started as analyst at Centene Corporation.
more clubs. acquisition at Ginkgo Bioworks, a GA staff advisor at Aramco.
Marine Corps, Hayes knew she wanted to obtain a four-year Alicia Kemp, BA 2015, began a new
HOMETOWN: St. Louis degree and ultimately chose UMSL because it was a flexible WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST a platform company in the Samir Alic, BSBA 2014, was position as a small business banker at
option that would allow her to continue working while pursuing ABOUT YOUR JOB? biotechnology space focused on promoted to financial analyst at Bank of America.
CURRENT LOCATION:
I love that the work I do every day synthetic biology. Perkins learned Cushman & Wakefield. Carissa Lyle, BSBA 2015, began a new
Pepperell, Massachusetts her interest in biology. She had her sights set on a career
has the ultimate goal of bringing as an undergraduate resident Andrew Berhorst, BSBA 2014, position as a cost accountant at World
OCCUPATION: Principal Scientist of working in the sciences, either in academia or industry, and has
therapies to people suffering from assistant just how fulfilling it was to began a new position as the director Wide Technology.
Toxicology for Preclinical Drug certainly accomplished that. After completing her bachelor’s at
rare diseases. help students on their journey and of accounting at Foster & Adoptive
Development at Apellis UMSL in 2000, Hayes went on to earn her master’s in toxicology Katie Mocivnik, BA 2015, began a
Care Coalition. new position as a prospect
Pharmaceuticals from Northeastern University in 2006. She is a 2015 diplomate HOW DID YOUR TIME AT UMSL turned that passion into a career
PREPARE YOU TO BE A LEADER? helping students develop the Paige Clark, BBA 2014, began a researcher with the Donald
of the American Board of Toxicology and a 2022 diplomate of new position as a client success
The degree I earned from UMSL was Danforth Plant Science Center.
competencies that employers are looking for. To advance in her career,
the Safety Pharmacology Society and currently works at Apellis consultant at Ad Astra.
my pivot toward the kind of work that she took advantage of the flexibility UMSL provides for working Kent Morgan, BS 2015, began a new
Pharmaceuticals as principal scientist of toxicology for Cynthia Holman, BA 2014, began a position as a corporate process
I was really passionate about doing. professionals juggling their home life, their career and their academic
preclinical drug development. She looks back fondly on her It’s enabled me to be a leader within new position as an FP&A analyst at engineer at Aurorium.
goals to pursue her master’s. After earning her degree, she was promoted
time at UMSL, giving a lot of credit to former professor Godfrey the STEM community and a voice Commerce Bank. Anita Moudgal, MD, MEd 2015,
and has continued to advance in her career in university relations within
Bourne. “He was so inspiring and motivating,” she says. “He for minorities and women who are Natalie Jaggie, BA 2014, began a new began a new position as instructor,
corporate talent acquisition.
really encouraged me when I didn’t think I would make it through underrepresented in the sciences position as a corporate attorney at medicine-hospitalist at the University
the program, and I’m forever grateful for that.” in general. Stock Legal, LLC. of Colorado Anchutz Medical Campus.

34 | UMSL FALL 2023 | 35


O
Brittany Hafford Smith, BSW 2017, Katy Robertson, MBA 2018, began a
MSW 2020, began a new position as new position as the director of
Nicole LOGRASSO, BSBA
2013, was recently promoted
a development manager at The
ALS Association.
development and community
engagement at Rung for Women.
faculty
to small business liaison officer
on the Global Supplier Diversity
Wade Justice, BSBA 2017, was
promoted to senior AML and fraud
Blaire Stillwell, BA 2018, began a
new position as digital product owner member
investigator at Edward Jones. of MySoftware at Emerson. WHERE IN THE WORLD?
who
team at Boeing supporting the Air
Dominance Division in St. Louis. Mirzet Mandzic, BA 2017, began a Amanda Sylcox, BA 2018, began a
new position as a sales manager at new position as a community

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.

36 | UMSL FALL 2023 | 37


ALUMNI NEWS Anna Bass, BS 2021, began a new Annie McClain, BSBA 2021, began a Dasia Williams, BSAcc 2021, began
position as a research technician II at new position as a financial analyst at a new position as a substitute teacher
Washington University in St. Louis. Bank of America. at Kelly Education.
Nathan Bauer, MEd 2021, began
a new position as an elementary
Samantha McClure, BSN 2021,
began a new position as a registered
Ebonee Allen, BSBA 2022, began a
new position as a marketing outreach
favorite
spot on
school teacher with the Kirkwood nurse at CareRev. coordinator at Novick Orthodontics.
School District. Angelique Mellas, BSBA 2021, Abigail Anderson, BSN 2022, began
Mitchel Becher, BSN 2021, began a began a new position as a marketing a new position as a registered nurse at
new position as a home health nurse
at Deaconess Health System.
consultant at High Five Strategies. SSM Health. campus
Elma Mujezinovic, BS 2021, began Sydney Byrd, MEd 2022, started
Alex Bower-Leet, BES 2021, began a
new position as an assistant guide and
a new position as an employer
branding and culture communications
a new position as a mental
health counselor at the Megan
as a
student
learning specialist at Villa di Maria specialist at Lexicon. Meier Foundation.
Lindsey Sieve, BSBA 2019, began a Montessori School. Winnie Needham, PhD 2021, was Nick Classen, BSAcc 2022, began a
new position as an AP supervisor at Mulugeta Chekol, BLS 2021, began promoted to director of faculty new position as an internal auditor
Enterprise Fleet Management. SEEN AND HEARD
a new position as a system analyst at development at Principia College. at Bunge.
Helena Spikes, BS 2019, began a new CHR Solutions. Sam Poisson, BSAcc 2021, began a Justin Hercher, BS 2022, started a
position as a process development
scientist at MilliporeSigma.
UMSL Alumni Association 2023 Distinguished Alumni Mydah Choudhry, BSN 2021, began new position as an accountant at new position as lead systems support
a new position as a surgical nurse at Tech Electronics. analyst at Behavioral Health Response.
Zack Stahr, BSBA 2019, began a The 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award winners are transformational leaders in special education, Eye Surgeons of Indiana. William Pryor IV, MEd 2021, began a Christina Karam, BS 2022, began a
new position as a regional construction law, business, media, philanthropy and cybersecurity. They also continue to support Kendra Clark, BS 2021, began a new new position as a medical assistant at
new position as teaching assistant and
marketing manager at Live UMSL with their time and talent. This collective impact can be felt from our campus to the St. Louis position as an associate training and English teaching fellow at the National Evora Women’s Health.
Nation Entertainment. region to the larger world, driving positive change for a better tomorrow. development analyst at Constellation. Tapei University of Technology. Mallory Mason, BA 2022, began a
Ashleah Summers, BA 2019, began a The 2023 honorees are (pictured from left) Petra Baker, MEd in educational administration, 2003, EdS Naoufel Farid, BSEE 2021, began a Muhammad Qayyum, BSIS 2021, new position as a preemployment
new position as a senior technician at in administration, 2008; Joseph C. Blanner, BS in public policy administration, 1998; Gloria Carter-Hicks, new position as a strategic account started a new position as a technical instructor at Easterseals Midwest.
Valvoline Inc. BS in administration of justice; Kevin Killeen, BA in communications, 1982; Mary McMurtrey, MPPA, manager at Nidec Motor Corporation. consultant at Perficient. Peter Rees, MEd 2022, began a new
Andrew Tipping, BA 2019, MA 2019, 2006, GC in nonprofit management and leadership, 2006. The 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni honoree Olivia Frank, BA 2021, began a Ryan Rawlings, BSIS 2021, began a position as a school therapist with
began a new position as manager on is Bharath Mukka, MS in cybersecurity, 2021. The honorees were celebrated at the annual Founders new position as a youth market new position as a quality assurance Saint Louis Counseling.
the Health Data Science Team at the Celebration held at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center on Sept. 21. development coordinator at the analyst I at Charter Communications. Mollie Shoemaker, BSN 2022, MY FAVORITE PLACE
Missouri Institute of Mental Health. American Heart Association. Tatiyahna Richardson, MSW 2021, was awarded the DAISY Award, AT UMSL WAS A
Matthew Walker, BSBA 2019, began Haley Geiser, BSBA 2021, began a began a new position as a staff which is a special honor given to
MULTIPURPOSE
a new position as a technical specialist new position as a tech data associate therapist at Washington University extraordinary nurses for the
compassionate contributions they
QUIET ROOM IN THE
at Edward Jones. at Gulfstream Aerospace. in St. Louis.
Selmedin Esmerovic, BSBA 2020, Chris Little, BSBA 2020, began a Mary Kate Soule, BSBA 2020, began make every day by going above and FRONT OF THE
Grace Gresick, BSBA 2021, started a Marissa Smithinsky, MEd 2021,
2020s began a new position as a safety new position as a staff accountant at a new position as a procurement new position as a marketing specialist began a new position as an ESL beyond expectations in science MILLENNIUM
specialist at Alcatraz LLC. Charter Communications. trainee at Bunge. at Ad-Venture Promotions. resource teacher at KIPP Kansas City. and sensitivity. STUDENT CENTER.
Keonna Artis, BSBA 2020, began a
Jeffry Faulkner, BSCIE 2020, began Carly McPherson, BSAcc 2020, Brianna Stanfield, BS 2020, began Gabrielle Hancher, BSN 2021, began Mary Alice Swann, BS 2021, began Ashley Starmer, BA 2022, began a I LOVED TO SIT NEAR
new position as a customer service
a new position as an engineer I at began a new position as a staff a new position as a clinical research a new position as a registered nurse at a new position as senior facilities new position as a data entry clerk THE FIREPLACE AND
representative at Wells Fargo Advisors.
Parsons Corporation. accountant at Oral Surgery Partners. coordinator at the Institute for Family Care Health Centers. coordinator at Cushman & Wakefield. at Lincare. STUDY THERE.
Tanvi Bhandary, BSBA 2020, began Medical Research Inc.
Daisha Holmes, BSBA 2020, began Madeline Morrison, MSW 2020, Daniel Hearst, BA 2021, began a new Sam Taglia, MEd 2021, began a new Shawanda Martin, BS 2023, THERE WAS NOTHING
a new position as a corporate banking
a new position as a specialized grant began a new position as a preschool Kayla Stecker, BS 2020, MSW 2022, position as development officer in the position as an assistant manager at began a new position as an LIKE SIPPING A
analyst at Barclays Corporate and
programs manager at Johnson County teacher at Youth in Need. began a new position as a hospice Youth Professionals Division at the Edgeworks Climbing + Fitness. operations research analyst at US
Investment Bank. PUMPKIN SPICE
Community College. social worker at Visiting Nurse Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Transportation Command.
Autumn Nelson, BA 2020, began a Nick Tzianos, BSBA 2021, was named FRAPPÉ AND
Savannah Boehlein, BES 2020, Association of Greater St. Louis.
Richard Hua, BSAcc 2020, new position as project coordinator in Ericka Jones, BSW 2021, began talent acquisition coordinator for Jaqui Rogers, PhD 2023, was named
began a new position as an STUDYING NEAR
MS 2022, began a new position as a client services at RubinBrown LLP. Lorenzo Streeter, BSBA 2020, a new position as a social services Lutheran Church Extension Fund. to the board of directors of Pedal
elementary school teacher with the THE FIREPLACE ON
development operations engineer began a new position as a buyer at coordinator with the City of Maryland the Cause.
School District of University City. Sally Nguyen, BS 2020, began a new Michael Watson, BES 2021, began a
at Boeing. Gulfstream Aerospace. A FALL DAY!
position as a business product owner Heights, Missouri. new position as a teacher with East Abhishek Solomon, MS 2023,
William Brewer, BS 2020, began a
Kyle Jakubeck, BSAcc 2020, at Cigna Healthcare. Courtney Taylor, BA 2020, began Matthew Juergens, PhD, MBA 2021, Greenbush Central Schools. began a new position as a product
new position as a career and transfer
received the Elijah Watts Sells Award a new position as an operations began a new position as senior owner at Bunge. Ketisha Harris Anderson,
skills development specialist at Fatima Omerovic, BSBA 2020,
from the American Institute of began a new position as a senior specialist at ATIS. financial analyst-soybean strategy BA 2014
Dallas College.
Certified Public Accountants. account representative at USI Emma Whewell, BSIS 2020, began at Bayer.

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.

38 | UMSL FALL 2023 | 39

Common questions

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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 .

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