Dear friends, neighbors and community partners,

January is a season of possibility—a moment to honor where we have been and embrace the opportunities ahead. When you take a few minutes to read our “UMSL: Year in Review,” you will see the transformative changes shaping our campus and the momentum that is moving us forward. So much has been accomplished, and there’s more exciting transformation ahead.

In this month’s newsletter, we are also featuring the 50th anniversary of our valued community partner, Beyond Housing, along with other highlights that reflect the strength of collaboration and shared purpose. As we step into 2026, we are energized for what is to come! Next week, we begin a new semester with our annual holiday observance honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 19 at 11:00 AM in the UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center. We hope you will join us for this inspiring event.

I am grateful to be part of our incredible community. As we work together, we can continue to create meaningful connections, spark new ideas, and make a lasting impact.

Year in review: UMSL continues building for a stronger future

In 2025, the University of Missouri–St. Louis continued to bring transformative change to campus and the St. Louis region. Despite the many challenges facing higher education institutions today, UMSL is committed to meeting the needs of its students and the region through first-class academics, trailblazing research and state-of-the-art facilities. “Here at UMSL, we are not standing still in the face of these challenges,” Chancellor Kristin Sobolik said during her annual State of the University Address. “Sustainability and innovation are guiding our ability to adapt and thrive.... we are managing resources wisely, navigating the evolving landscape of higher education, and – above all – remaining steadfast in our commitment to deliver high-quality academic programs that transform lives.” This past year, UMSL expanded its academic programming, welcomed the first named college in university history, continued to renovate campus and enjoyed incredible athletic success. Look back at 2025 with a selection of UMSL Daily’s top stories.

The Story of Good: A 50-Year Lookback

Beyond Housing

For fifty years, Beyond Housing has been driven by a simple idea—that good grows when we choose it. Beyond Housing has:

 As they celebrate their 50th anniversary, Beyond Housing created “The Story of Good,” a video that is a tribute to the power of neighbors coming together to create lasting change.

 Beyond Housing’s new 50-Year Anniversary Report further captures their journey of transformation—showing how good grows in homes built, families supported, children empowered, and neighborhoods renewed. It includes milestones from their five-decades, stories of individuals and partners who made their transformational journey possible, and how investing in good makes a stronger St. Louis for everyone. Read “The Story of Good: A 50-Year Lookback” to learn more about this important organization.

UMSL’s Advanced Workforce Center delivers diverse pathways to prepare the workforce of tomorrow

With a new 6,000 square foot hub on the campus, the UMSL Advanced Workforce Center is designed to lead the region in skilling, reskilling and upskilling through flexible HyFlex classrooms and a professional testing center.

Through its partnership with the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers now have access to 100 percent tuition covered pathways into high demand degrees like criminology and criminal justice. At the same time, major employers such as Amazon, BJC HealthCare, Scale AI and World Wide Technology are using the Center to build tuition backed pipelines into tech, health care and AI jobs, creating clear ladders of opportunity for working adults across North County and the broader region. Supported by Missouri’s MoExcels Workforce Initiative, the AWC gives county and regional leaders a ready-made partner for workforce development. Read more.

UMSL Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center welcomes newest Anchor Accelerator cohort

UMSL recently unveiled the latest cohort of the Anchor Accelerator in the newly renovated UMSL Innovation Center. UMSL’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center is awarding a total of $90,000 in competitive grants to nine emerging St. Louis-area businesses that have demonstrated exceptional potential for innovation, growth and community impact. The 2026 cohort, the program’s sixth since it launched in the fall of 2020, features founders from Unique Visions, Timebolt, OpsCompanionAi, Venture Beyond Aspirations, Blue Reason, Raknida, ASL Aspire, SugarBot and Cheryl’s Herbs. The EIC selected each business via a referral-based nomination process designed to elevate high-potential founders and connect them to resources needed to scale.

The 2026 cohort will be among the first to take advantage of the university’s newly renovated Innovation Center, which reopened after a $3 million transformation....“Supporting innovation, collaboration and regional growth lies at the heart of UMSL’s mission,” Chancellor Kristin Sobolik said. “Through the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, we are cultivating an environment where emerging business leaders can access the knowledge, resources and partnerships needed to drive meaningful economic and social impact across our community.” Read more.

Deaconess Foundation announces $450,000 in grants supporting seniors, youth

St. Louis American staff, December 22, 2025

The Deaconess Foundation has announced $450,000 in grants to community-led organizations serving seniors and young people across the region. Of the total, $350,000 was awarded through the Seniors Community Revitalization & Development Fund, also known as the Seniors Community Fund, while $100,000 was invested in five youth-serving projects through the NextGen Grantmakers initiative.

“The future of philanthropy must reflect the lived experiences of the people and communities it serves,” said Bethany Johnson-Javois, Deaconess Foundation president and CEO. “We take the time to listen to and learn from the members of our community. The Seniors Community Fund and NextGen Grantmakers embody Deaconess’s larger commitment to setting an intentional intergenerational strategy.”

Grant recipients for the 2025-26 Seniors Community Fund include:

NextGen Grantmakers was launched in 2025 in partnership with Vision for Children at Risk and the Deaconess Foundation. Funding was awarded to:

 Read more.

Ritenour’s 2025 food drive exceeds 9,700 items for Ritenour co-care food pantry

Ritenour School District website

Thanks to the selfless generosity of students, families and staff, the Ritenour School District’s 2025 food drive resulted in the delivery of 9,757 items to the Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry on Nov. 24, exceeding the 2024 collection. Overland Public Works Department employees picked up nearly 5 tons of food from Ritenour schools and delivered everything to the Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry at the Ritenour Husky Support Center. The food pantry provides free fresh, frozen foods and shelf-stable items to Ritenour School District households that experience food insecurity. In November alone, the food pantry has served almost 1,400 households....Ritenour Superintendent Dr. Chris Kilbride said he is humbled by the way families, staff and students support each other. “The success of our food drive is a testament to the hundreds of families and staff members who remain committed to supporting one another and ensuring that no one is left behind in challenging times.” Read more.

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Events & Resources

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance

Monday, Jan. 19, 2026

11:00 AM

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle

Everyone is welcome to attend the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday Observance at UMSL. Each year, hundreds of community members gather for an inspiring program featuring remarks, presentations, and powerful musical performances. This year’s event will be emceed by Travis Cummings, the 5 On Your Side reporter and multimedia journalist at KSDK in St. Louis. The keynote speaker is Mary Elizabeth Grimes, president of Marian Middle School in St. Louis. This event is free and open to the public.

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NSC Celebrates the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Prayer & Leadership Breakfast
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
10:00 AM

Normandy High School
6701 St. Charles Rock Rd

MLK Parade and Program
Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
10:00 AM – Noon

Parade begins at Normandy High School, 6701 St. Charles Rock Rd concluding at Barack Obama Elementary School, 3883 Jennings Station Rd, where a special program will follow at noon.
 
 

Normandy Schools Collaborative partners with the community for the Mid-St. Louis County Prayer & Leadership Breakfast honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The celebration continues with the Mid-St. Louis County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade and program, bringing the community together for reflection, leadership, and unity. The parade will begin at 10:00 AM at Normandy High School concluding at Barack Obama Elementary School  with a special program at noon.          ____________________

MLK: Mentoring the Dream
25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
Reception: 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Program: 6:00 – 7:00 PM

Terry M. Fischer Theatre at

SLCC-Florissant Valley

3400 Pershall Rd

St. Louis Community College–Florissant Valley and North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice host an in-person celebration honoring 25 years of Mentoring the Dream. The evening features a keynote by Kimberly Norwood, JD, Washington University professor of law Kimberly Norwood, inspiring speeches, and a formal award presentation recognizing community excellence. Click here for more information.

FeverUp: The Jury Experience - Death on the Port Side

Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026

Friday, Apr. 23, 2026

6:00 and 8:00 PM

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle

Step into a thrilling courtroom drama where the audience is the jury. Listen to testimonies, analyze evidence, and ultimately decide… guilty or not guilty? Attendees to this live theatre courtroom drama are so involved with the production that they decide the final verdict. Tough decisions are made throughout the show—and participant votes steer the story. Tickets range $58 - $70. Click here for more information. 

Great Artists Series '26: Ballaké Sissoko, kora and Derek Gripper, guitar

Saturday, Feb. 1, 2026

7:00 PM

E. Desmond Lee Technology and Learning Center at UMSL

2985 South Dr., 63121

Malian virtuoso Ballaké Sissoko has taken over the mantle of the greatest touring kora player, joined by South Africa’s leading guitarist Derek Gripper, whose love of the kora led him to transcribe and record some of its greatest works. In the complex web of themes and variations spun by Sissoko’s twenty-two strings and Gripper’s six, a new African string theory is elaborated. Click here for more information.

Saint Louis Ballet: Call It Love!

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026

6:00 PM and

Sunday, Feb.15, 2026

2:30 PM

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle

This powerful collection of ballets explores the intersection of classical technique, modern rhythm, and emotional depth. From Gen Horiuchi’s St. Louis Blues, a vibrant tribute to the roots of American jazz featuring live music and vocals, to the kinetic energy of Peter Martins’ Hallelujah Junction and the bold, theatrical flair of The Chairman Dances, both set to the driving scores of John Adams—each work pulses with musical innovation. Adding to the program’s richness, Christopher Wheeldon’s hauntingly beautiful Liturgy offers a meditative pas de deux that is both intimate and transcendent. Tickets range $35 - $89. Click here for more information.

Triton Toastmasters

First and Third Thursdays
Noon – 1:00 PM
Online

Looking to improve and become more confident with public speaking in 2025? The Triton Toastmasters club presents an opportunity for people to learn to communicate more effectively, improve confidence and develop their leadership skills to better serve their employers and their communities. The club is open to local community members. Visitors welcome! To learn more, click here.

Ferguson Winter Indoor
Farmers Market

Third Saturdays of the month
November - April
9:00 AM – Noon
St. Stephen's Episcopal
33 N. Clay Ave., 63135

Find fresh produce all year long. Includes pay what you can for produce at the Earthdance booth. To learn more, click here.