Dear friends, neighbors and community partners,

This is an exciting month for us at UMSL as we prepare to welcome new and returning students to campus for the start of the fall semester. Classes begin on August 25, so you may notice a bit more traffic than usual that weekend. Summer is certainly flying by, but it's not too late to register for classes if you've been thinking about returning to school to start or finish your degree. You are always welcome at UMSL! Applications are also being accepted for our outstanding Bridge Saturday Academy which serves area high school students with enriching educational opportunities. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t personally invite you to participate in our upcoming UMSL 5K Run/Walk. Registrations are now open, and we would love to see you there.

In this month’s newsletter, we are pleased to share recent updates on exciting businesses developments and initiatives taking place in our community. You’ll also find information about a great opportunity for residents in the 24:1 geography to have new trees planted, helping to build a stronger, more resilient tree canopy. Enjoy the read, and I hope to see you on campus or out in the community sometime soon!

JSMF unveils inaugural annual report under new mission, deepening St. Louis investments

James S. McDonnell Foundation updates, July 2025

The James S. McDonnell Foundation (JSMF) is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Annual Report, marking the first full year under its revitalized mission focused solely on improving economic mobility for St. Louisans facing the starkest disparities. This comprehensive report highlights the foundation's deepened commitment to its hometown, showcasing significant investments exceeding $70 million since its strategic shift in 2023. These efforts lay crucial groundwork for lasting prosperity, supporting organizations and initiatives that are actively creating economic opportunity and building regional capacity across the St. Louis area.

A cornerstone of JSMF's impactful work includes vital collaborations with the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). The report spotlights key UMSL-related initiatives such as the St. Louis Anchor Action Network, the UMSL Bridge/School of Engineering, and the UMSL Civic Collaboration Fellows program. These partnerships underscore JSMF's dedication to fostering a more inclusive and prosperous St. Louis by investing in education, workforce development, and civic leadership that directly benefits the community. Click here to read more.

New federal food safety lab opens in north St. Louis County

Rachel Lippmann, St. Louis Public Radio, July 15, 2025

St. Louis-based scientists who help test the domestic meat, poultry and egg supply are celebrating the opening of a new lab. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins joined Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe on Tuesday, July 15 in promoting the Food Safety and Inspections Service regional lab in Normandy.

Construction on the 84,000-square-foot facility began in 2021 under the administration of President Joe Biden, though planning for the new lab began in President Donald Trump’s first administration. It replaces a 1960s-era building in north St. Louis that was contaminated with lead and asbestos. About 75 staff members work at the lab, which is located on the site of a former convent. “This moment isn’t just about celebrating a new building, although we’re excited about that,” Rollins said. “It’s about recommitting to a shared mission – protecting America's food supply with science, embracing technology, and modernizing our food safety system to ensure that every American has access to the safest, the most affordable and the most abundant food supply in the world.” Read more.

A Mother’s Determination to Build a Better Future

Beyond Housing website, July 2, 2025

When Michelle Byrd faced challenges that could have held her back, she chose to keep moving forward for herself and her two daughters.

Today, Michelle (who is a local community member and UMSL graduate) works with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and has launched her own growing hair braiding business. She recently shared her inspiring story in a new “Dear Lou” video about overcoming obstacles and building stability for her family. Watch the video here.

St. Louis County debuts naloxone vending machines

Olivia Mizelle, St. Louis Public Radio, July 16, 2025 

St. Louis County announced that it will place 44 free naloxone vending machines in high-need areas across the county through its new “I Carry for My Community” campaign. Naloxone, also known by its brand name Narcan, is a nasal spray that reverses opioid overdose. … Jenny Armbruster, executive director at the local substance use-prevention nonprofit PreventEd, said everyone should carry Narcan. “It’s kind of like a fire extinguisher,” she said. “You should have one. You hope you never have to use it, but if that circumstance were to arise, you need to have it available and ready to go." …

Six initial locations will kick off the rollout of the eventual 44 vending machines. One is at the 24:1 Cinema in Pagedale. … Narcan can also be accessed at all three DPH health centers, any St. Louis County library or by mail to any county address. St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said more vending machine locations will be announced on the county website. The Department of Public Health will be responsible for ensuring the machines remain stocked. Read more.

New restaurant openings

Fufu n' Sauce, a beloved West African food truck, has also opened its flagship restaurant at 8100 Page Avenue in Vinita Park. They are serving up authentic dishes and vibrant flavors Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. These new additions offer diverse and flavorful culinary options for the community to explore and enjoy.

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We'd love to hear your questions and comments about UMSL and stories about great things happening in our communities. Your thoughts will help shape content covered in future newsletters to be pertinent to you and your neighbors. Leave any suggestions, questions, or stories here. Thank you!

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Events & Resources

UMSL Saturday Academy for high school students

Applications due by September 5, 2025 (session starts October 4)

Saturday Academy students are immersed in math, science, communication, career research, personal and professional development and college planning. This intensive ten Saturday course of study for students in grades 9 through 12 is held on the first two Saturdays of each month, October through February from 7:45 AM to Noon. For more information about this free program and to register, click here.

Ferguson Concert Series

Friday, August 15, 2025
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Plaza at 501
501 S. Florissant

Admission to each concert is FREE! Attendees should bring their own lawn chairs. Coolers are welcome (no glass) and food will be available for purchase. Click here for more information. 

North County Golf Tournament

Tuesday, September 2, 2025
10:00 AM
Glen Echo Country Club

3401 Lucas and Hunt Road

The North County Golf Tournament offers various sponsorship opportunities and individual player packages, with prices ranging from $150 to $3,700. Benefits across these packages can include foursomes, logo visibility, advertising, and meals. An individual player package is available for $225. Click here for more information.

Future Focus by TEDxStLouis Women

Friday, September 5, 2025
3:00 PM

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center
1 Touhill Circle

TEDxStLouis Women events bring together cutting-edge leaders who approach their fields from new directions – crafting opportunities and meeting challenges in fields as diverse as they are. An amazing lineup of speakers and performers deliver their ideas worth sharing in less than 15 minutes each followed by time for networking with speakers and other attendees. Tickets range from $42 to $78. For information and tickets, click here.

A Red Circle's Good Food Fridays

Every Friday through October 

3:00 – 5:00 PM

North Co. Agricultural Ed Center

4521 Hamilton Avenue

Good Food Fridays are back! North County residents can stop by each week to pick up a free bag of fresh, local produce along with seasonal recipes and storage tips. The farm includes five revitalized residential lots, fruit trees, chickens, bees, and a greenhouse to support year-round growing. Click here for registration.

Free Trees for 24:1 Residents

Residents in the 24:1 area can get a free tree planted in their yard this year. Beyond Housing’s Department of Forestry will provide a complimentary tree for those who sign up! Trees offer shade that helps reduce heat gain in homes, while also enhancing the comfort of patios and landscaping. There are a variety of trees from which to choose and the tree will be planted in the fall. Click here to sign up for a free tree.

UMSL 5K Run and Walk

Saturday, October 18, 2025
9:00 AM
Starts and finishes on UMSL North Campus

UMSL's 5th annual 5K Run/Walk is open to students, alumni, families, and friends, both in person and virtually. Registration is $15 for current students and children (ages 5–17), and $30 for alumni and others, with prices increasing after September 18. All participants receive a shirt, medal, and extras. Registration closes October 16. Click here to learn more and to register.