Higher Education: SIUE gets funds to promote science, engineering, math
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Science and Engineering Research Challenge is the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund.
The regional competition has been held on the SIUE campus since 1984. It provides local students from fifth grade through their senior year of high school an opportunity to showcase their skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.
“We thank Monsanto Fund for this generous gift that will allow the Challenge to continue for its 32nd year,” Kyle Moore, director of development for the SIUE Graduate School, said. “Their support of the Research Challenge greatly aids in our goal of empowering young students and sparking their curiosity and interest in STEM.”
The annual event is open to nearly 60,000 young students in the Southwest Illinois counties of Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, St. Clair and Washington. Students compete in the areas of applied math and physics, biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, earth sciences and consumer sciences.
“Expertise in STEM is central to meeting many of the global challenges society faces today, Michelle Insco, Monsanto Fund Program Officer, said. “The Monsanto Fund is honored to work with SIUE in our home community of St. Louis to cultivate student interest in science and engineering careers.”
Beyond helping local students, helping to encourage studies in key subjects is good for the economy and for the country, according to Sharon Locke, director of the SIUE Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach.
“Participation encourages students to follow through on STEM majors in college,” Locke said. “Students are also more likely to be successful in classes having seen the scientific method in action.
“Encouraging individuals into STEM classes is critical to the U.S. economy as the number of STEM jobs is growing and providing great opportunities for career advancement,” Locke said.
The Hills Golf Club at McKendree University in Lebanon will host a tournament on Saturday, Aug. 1, with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. It is open to the public. Proceeds benefit the BackStoppers, which provide financial assistance and support to the spouses and children of local police officers, firefighters and first responders who have lost their lives performing their duty.
Cost is $65 per golfer, $260 for a foursome, or $360 for a foursome plus hole sponsor.
The tournament features an 18-hole, four-person scramble; longest drive, closest to the pin and a putting contest; and dinner. Various sponsorship opportunities are available.
“The Hills is thrilled to host a golf tournament benefiting this organization. Police, firefighters and EMTs are vital to our communities and we’re proud to support them and their families,” Mikal Guffey, director of golf at The Hills, said. For more information, call 618-537-4590 or email mwguffey@mckendree.edu.
Lindenwood University will sponsor Lou Brock bobblehead night later this month at Busch Stadium.
A limited edition Lou Brock bobblehead will be distributed to the first 25,000 fans 16 or older at the St. Louis Cardinals game against the Colorado Rockies July 31.
Brock’s wife, Jackie, is a member of the Lindenwood University Board of Directors, and she and Lou can be found at numerous Lindenwood events throughout the year.
The baseball and softball complex at Lindenwood’s main campus in St. Charles is named after Lou, and he and Jackie designate revenue from the Lou Brock Golf Tournament for Lindenwood scholarships.
For discounted field box tickets to the game and for a chance to receive a special edition Lou Brock Bobblehead, go to cardinals.com/lindenwood.
This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 2:36 PM with the headline "Higher Education: SIUE gets funds to promote science, engineering, math."