McKendree student named 2016 Newman Civic Fellow

McKendree University sophomore Shaquille Armstrong has been recognized nationally for his motivation and commitment to social change.

As a 2016 Newman Civic Fellow, he is one of 218 inspirational college students honored by Campus Compact, a nonprofit coalition made up of nearly 1,100 college and university presidents, representing 6 million students.

Students are nominated by their college and university presidents.

McKendree University President James Dennis described Armstrong as “an outstanding student leader who is firmly aware of social justice issues nationally and internationally.”

Dennis continued: “His drive to help others is boundless, and he will be a terrific agent for positive change.”

Armstrong, of East St. Louis, is studying sociology and criminal justice, with minors in legal studies and leadership studies. He is a student ambassador for McKendree’s Social Justice and Equity Committee; a Connection group leader; a volunteer event coordinator for the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service; and vice president of McKendree’s Black Student Organization.

In January, he received the university’s Humanitarian Award for demonstrating understanding, tolerance, and humanitarian principles and ideals. Armstrong often donates his time and money to others with less privilege and volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Center and local nursing homes.

“I’m not sure what inspires me to work so hard for social change, but I just do it,” he said. “I believe that we should not judge someone based off their ethnicity or economic status, but embrace them because we all have a story to tell. Just because your story is different than mine, that should not mean that you are any less than I am. We should embrace the difference, celebrate each other, and become united.”

After he graduates in 2019, Armstrong plans to enter law school and pursue a career as a public defender.

SIUE names Karacal Dean of School of Engineering

Cem Karacal is the new dean of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering.

He served as the school’s interim dean since December. The permanent appointment is contingent upon SIU Board of Trustees approval.

Karacal, professor and former associate dean in the School of Engineering, replaces Hasan Sevim, who retired in December after serving as dean for 10 years.

“I am impressed by Dr. Karacal’s commitment to SIUE and the School of Engineering, and I look forward to our continued work together,” said Denise Cobb, SIUE interim provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “It is clear to me that he is a strong advocate for the school, and his collegiality and collaborative approach are highly valued. He has spent his entire SIUE career working to assure that the school is recognized for the powerful educational opportunities offered to its students and the significant impact of its faculty scholarship in the field and the region.”

Karacal said he will work hard to keep an already strong program on the right track.

“I am counting on the support of the School of Engineering family to not only maintain the momentum gained in every front over the recent years, but also take us to new heights in educational and scholarly achievements,” Karacal said. “Our main focus is to exceed the expectations of our students and prospective employers by becoming the most preferred engineering school in this region.

“Through the dedication and collective effort of everyone in the school, we will create a welcoming environment for the academic and personal development of our students, faculty and staff to the fullest extent. I strongly believe that the best days of the SIUE School of Engineering are yet to come.”

Karacal joined the School of Engineering faculty in 1993 and has served in several school and university-wide capacities. He is the principal investigator for the five-year, $830,000 National Science Foundation STEP grant. The grant’s goal is to improve engineering graduation rates at SIUE via a holistic approach that includes mathematics enrichment sessions, mentoring, tutoring and student engagement. He is also a member of several engineering professional and honor societies, such as the American Society for Engineering Education, Institute of Industrial Engineers, Tau Beta Pi and Alpha Pi Mu.

SWIC brings back Average Joe welding class

Selsius Corporate & Career Training at Southwestern Illinois College is once again offering its popular Welding for the Average Joe workshop.

This three-session workshop is at the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, 4950 Maryville Road. Gailyn Cornell will bring her 30-plus years of welding experience to the lab, providing training for artistic creations, repairs and welding as a career.

Welding for the Average Joe introduces the most common forms of welding and provides the basic training needed to weld safely and effectively. It is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon on April 23, 30 and May 7.

The fee is $99, which includes the use of gloves, safety glasses and helmets.

For more information or to register, visit selsiustraining.com or call 618-222-5688.

This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 1:22 PM with the headline "McKendree student named 2016 Newman Civic Fellow."