Season’s Greetings!

What an exciting time of the year. It’s hard to believe how fast the months have gone by and we are once again preparing for another commencement ceremony. Be prepared for a little extra traffic around campus on Saturday, December 20th as both our August and December graduates and their family and friends make their way to the Mark Twain Building for the festivities.

This month’s newsletter highlights growth and opportunity across our community. We are excited to announce the official opening of our libraries in a newly renovated space. Our students, faculty, and staff, along with community organizations, continue to collaborate with local partners to educate, inspire, and lead initiatives that foster economic development and promote healthy environments for everyone. It’s a great time to be part of this community as we learn and grow together!

Wishing you a wonderful end to the year—I look forward to reconnecting in 2026!

Newly renovated University Libraries ready to support students in their quest for knowledge and career success

More than 100 friends and supporters of the University of Missouri-St. Louis recently gathered to mark the official opening of the newly renovated Thomas Jefferson and St. Louis Mercantile Libraries. Those in attendance had a chance to tour the gleaming and modern spaces, from the welcoming front desk, computer lab and group and individual study rooms to the Mercantile’s new Wallace H. Smith Gallery of Art. “The modernized space and technology we celebrate today will support new ways of learning, engaging in research and collaboration, empowering students, faculty and scholars to connect across disciplines,” Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Steven J. Berberich said during welcoming remarks. “For the broader St. Louis community, these libraries stand as a welcoming hub of knowledge, innovation and opportunity, reflecting UMSL’s role as an anchor for education and progress in the region.” The $12.1 million, 65,000-square-foot renovation – including a new north entrance that connects to the Quad – is a central piece of the $110 million Transform UMSL initiative to remake the campus to serve students for generations to come.

Perhaps no one in the audience was better positioned to realize the significance of that future more than Curator Robert D. Blitz, whose understanding of the university’s past stretches back even before UMSL’s founding in 1963. In 1959, when Blitz was 10 years old, residents and administrators of the Normandy School District formed a committee – eventually known as the Committee of 28 – tasked with developing the first publicly supported higher education institution in the St. Louis region on the grounds of the old Bellerive Country Club... He recalled that UMSL’s original library was housed in Bellerive’s former clubhouse, at the time the only building on the university’s campus. Some early classes had to be held in storefronts that once held restaurants and a laundry mat along Natural Bridge Road.  Read more.

Community learns about data centers and builds civic muscle through dialogue at UMSL forum

The UMSL Forum for Community Dialogue recently brought area residents, UMSL students, faculty and staff members, and regional partners together for a timely conversation on data centers and what their growth means for St. Louis communities. Kate Grumke and Kavahn Mansouri of St. Louis Public Radio offered a grounded introduction to the fast-expanding data-center industry, helping participants understand how issues like community engagement, transparency, governance, sustainability, and local values shape these projects long before construction begins. Attendees explored questions about what responsible planning should look like, how residents can be meaningfully included, and what information public officials and developers owe community members as they weigh environmental impact, energy usage, and long-term equity concerns.

The dialogue went beyond technical details to consider what an ideal or responsible data center could contribute to the region. In table conversations, participants reflected on the kind of community investments that build trust, what clear and accessible oversight might look like, and how data centers could align with shared values around economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, and transparency. It was a powerful example of the community strengthening its civic muscle together as it confronts emerging challenges and opportunities in the region’s future.

UMSL students strengthen local tree canopies on and off campus

UMSL students have been busy putting more green into the region. Last month, volunteers planted more than 135 native trees around the Science Complex thanks to ReLeaf Missouri’s Project CommuniTree. The Environmental Adventure Organization helped lead the effort, turning the area into a healthier, stronger habitat for native species and giving the campus canopy a meaningful boost. It was hands-on work with an immediate impact, and students along with a handful of faculty and staff members showed up ready to dig, plant, and learn.

The same spirit carried into the community as Pierre Laclede Honors College students recently traveled to Vinita Park for their Honors Day of Service. Fourteen students joined Beyond Housing, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and local partners to plant about 20 trees in Virginia A. Bira Park. The project offered a chance to support neighborhood sustainability while deepening students’ connection to UMSL’s mission of service. The day captured what UMSL does well — bringing people together to care for the places we share.

Clean Up Kinloch gets $2 million boost

Spectrum News, November 6, 2025 

Over a dozen businesses and organizations cleaned areas around Boyd O’Guinn Park in Kinloch [last month] to combat an ongoing dumping issue. Urban League says clearing the debris with this large response demonstrates collective action through beautifying properties and improving safety. This was the third phase of the Clean Up, Build Up initiative organized by the Urban League, Regional Business Council (RBC) and STL Partnership. “Not only are we here to transform Kinloch, we are here to bring workforce opportunities to Kinloch,” said Alandon Pitts, RBC Senior Manager of Workforce and Community Development.

More help to transform Kinloch is on the way. Missouri lawmakers, Brian Williams and Raychel Proudie, announced at the event that Missouri is investing $2 million into cleaning up Kinloch to address abandoned buildings and dumping sites. “We are so grateful for all the help that we have here today and hope that this continues to go on,” said Mr. Brown, Kinloch citizen’s spokesman. Kinloch is the first African-American city in Missouri. “When I was a kid, we didn't have to leave the city for nothing. We had everything we needed right here in the city of Kinloch and I pray to God that these days return again….

Clean Up, Build Up began in March with phase one. Crews removed overgrown brush, debris and widespread illegal dumping. Over a dozen properties were cleared at that time, numerous streets unblocked and restored access to public spaces long neglected. The second phase, in May, focused on improving home and neighborhood safety. Since August, Saint Louis County police assigned an officer, Graham Heidemann, to specifically crack down on dumpers with a zero tolerance approach. Heidemann credits Kinloch for the progress being made thus far…. “We’re trying to kill that stigma and make sure that the word is changed in Kinloch. We’re trying to bring it back to the day it was.” Read more.

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Events & Resources

Gen Horiuchi's The Nutcracker Saint Louis Ballet

Nov. 29 to Dec. 23, 2025

Various performance times

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle

Saint Louis Ballet’s The Nutcracker has become a cherished holiday tradition for thousands of families across the region. Each December, audiences are swept away by this magical production—filled with glorious dancing, dazzling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

Tickets range from $39 to $115. Click here for more information.

Sounds of the Season

Dec. 12 to 14, 2025

Various performance times

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle

The Ambassadors of Harmony return to the Touhill Performing Arts Center with their annual "Sounds of the Season" concert, filling the stage with powerful harmonies and holiday spirit.
This spectacular performance showcases world-class a cappella music and festive favorites that capture the joy and warmth of the season. Whether someone is a longtime fan or attending a first concert, this year’s holiday show is not to be missed. Full of heart, humor, and holiday charm, it’s a celebration of the season unlike any other and one that will leave attendees smiling, singing, and rediscovering the holiday spirit. Ticket prices range from $22 to $50. Click here to learn more and find tickets.

Ugly Sweater Day at St. Vincent Community Center

Friday, Dec. 19, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 PM

St. Vincent Park Community Center

7335 St. Charles Rock Road, 63133

Everyone is welcome to bring family, invite friends, and join in on a festive day full of fun and holiday cheer! Enjoy a variety of activities for all ages, groove to seasonal tunes, and snack on light refreshments and treats (while supplies last). Admission is just $4 per person—and attendees are encouraged to wear their most outrageous ugly sweater! For more information, call 314-615-8788.

Ferguson Winter Wonderland

Friday, Dec. 19, 2025
5:00 - 8:00 PM

Ferguson Community Center

1050 Smith Ave.
 

The community is invited to attend this annual FREE holiday
celebration featuring photos
with Santa, The Grinch, a
Vendor Village, Carolers, Hot
Chocolate, a Balloon Twister, and 
Lots of Lights! Click here for
more information.

Holiday Chill

Thursday, Dec. 22, 2025
10:00 AM
SLCL Natural Bridge Branch
7606 Natural Bridge Rd.

The St. Louis County Library Natural Bridge branch is offering an opportunity to unwind with holiday-themed stress relief activities and festive refreshments to help participants relax and prepare for the season. This event is part of the BJC Community Wellness Hub series.  Click here for more information and to register.

Ferguson Farmers Winter
Market

Third Saturdays,
Now through April
9:00 AM - Noon
St. Stephen's Episcopal
Church
33 N. Clay Ave., Ferguson

Find a variety of vendors
including the EarthDance
farm "Pay what you can" for
produce booth.

AfterSchool Refuel Meals

Monday - Friday

3:30 – 4:30 PM 

St. Louis County Library Natural Bridge branch

7606 Natural Bridge Rd.

Offered in partnership with Operation Food Search, this AfterSchool ReFuel program provides nutritious “super snacks,” which include a fruit, vegetable, protein, dairy and whole grain to help kids and teens stay focused and active through the afternoon and into the evening. Youngsters ages 5-18 can stop by after school and enjoy a nutritious meal along with fun activities for kids. Meals must be eaten on-site and will be available free of charge.

MLK Day Observance

Monday, Jan. 19, 2026

11:00 AM

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle

Save the date for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday observance at UMSL. Every year, hundreds of community members gather for an inspirational keynote address, remarks and presentations, along with outstanding musical performances. Be sure to add this important and uplifting event to the calendar.