Dear friends, neighbors and community partners,

March has arrived, bringing longer days and the promise of warmer weather. This month we have several exciting developments to share. UMSL has been awarded federal funding to launch a Geospatial Workforce Development Pilot Program, and we have also received a grant from The Cigna Group to support the St. Louis MAP – Medication Access Project. These initiatives will strengthen regional partnerships and deliver meaningful benefits to communities across the St. Louis area.

Our Transform UMSL initiative is also progressing. As construction continues, additional renovated spaces will be opening soon. We recently held an open house to showcase our library renovations, including new gallery and exhibition space in the historic Mercantile Library. It is an energizing time on campus, with many activities and events planned in the weeks ahead. Please check the UMSL events calendar regularly for the latest opportunities. Also, remember that UMSL will serve as a St. Louis County polling location for the April 7 election.

UMSL receives federal funding to launch Geospatial Workforce Development Pilot Program

The University of Missouri–St. Louis announced the launch of a new Geospatial Workforce Development Pilot Program. The comprehensive initiative through UMSL’s Geospatial Collaborative is designed to accelerate education, training, certification and research in geospatial science and technology throughout the St. Louis region. The program supports the mission of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and strengthens the nation’s geospatial workforce at a pivotal moment for U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.

U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt introduced the National Geospatial Innovation Hub Advancement Act during the 118th Congress to strengthen America’s geospatial intelligence workforce and support the Department of Defense’s mission. The legislation was incorporated into the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act and signed into law...Following that authorization, Congress provided $5 million in federal funding through the Department of Defense to support this initiative. That funding is now being deployed to launch the Geospatial Workforce Development Pilot Program at UMSL in partnership with NGA and T-REX. Read more.

UMSL Addiction Science Team receives $250,000 grant from The Cigna Group Foundation to advance health equity

The University of Missouri–St. Louis Addiction Science Team has been awarded a $250,000 grant through The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund by The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group. This funding will support the creation of the St. Louis MAP – Medication Access Project – that aims to reduce barriers to methadone treatment for opioid use disorder by providing individuals seeking treatment with medication lockboxes and transportation assistance, including bus passes and rideshare vouchers. The project is focused primarily on communities in St. Louis where overdose rates are highest, and it aligns with The Cigna Group Foundation’s goal of strengthening community-based programs designed to reduce long-standing health disparities and expand access to essential resources for underserved populations.

“We are really grateful to The Cigna Group Foundation for this funding,” said Rachel Winograd, who leads the UMSL Addiction Science Team... “This allows us to build on some informal activities and community partnerships that we’ve had in recent years to make something more rigorous and robust that we can actually plan out intentionally and draw solid learnings from.” Read more.

The renovation of UMSL’s Mercantile Library brings more visibility to the august institution

Rubenstein, Megan, St. Louis Magazine website, Feb. 16, 2026

The Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri–St. Louis has emerged from a major renovation with a renewed sense of presence—both architecturally and culturally. The transformation, which concluded last fall, brings expanded gallery space, increased visibility and access, and redefines how the historic institution fits into daily life on the UMSL campus. 

A central goal of the renovation was to bring more visibility to the multi-level Mercantile Library by putting more public-facing work on the same level as the main entrance….That shift resulted in an exhibit of rare books in the display cases and the addition of the Seifert Gallery on the entrance level–the building’s third level. Currently, students, faculty, and visitors to campus can experience an exhibit on female fine-press artists in those two areas. 

One of the most significant changes, however, took place downstairs on level two, where staff offices and work spaces were converted into the Wallace H. Smith Gallery of Art—the first fully dedicated exhibition gallery in the history of the Mercantile. “It’s the first opportunity the Mercantile has really had to have a dedicated exhibition gallery, especially for artwork,” museum curator Julie Dunn-Morton. Read more.

Normandy School Collaborative's Dr. Payne featured in VoyageSTL

North County Inc., Feb. 2026 newsletter

Dr. Lanor Payne, Principal of the Normandy Early Learning Center, has been recognized as a Rising Star in the latest issue of VoyageSTL. Dr. Payne recently shared the core motivations behind his work as an educator and leader. Driven by a mission to build unbreakable foundations for our youngest learners, he believes the key to student success lies in a deep partnership with families. By nurturing confidence and curiosity, Dr. Payne’s leadership continues to ensure that every child at our Early Learning Center is empowered for a lifetime of achievement. Read more.

St. Louis County Port Authority Awards Nearly $5 Million to Grant Recipients

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership

The St. Louis County Port Authority (Port Authority) recently awarded grants to 38 local nonprofit organizations serving St. Louis County that totaled more than $4.9 million. The assistance to the organizations comes from the Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund, a grant program that supports economic and community development projects in St. Louis County. The fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations for projects aligned with the Port Authority’s investment priorities, such as business expansion, neighborhood development, entrepreneurship and real estate redevelopment, with a focus on underserved communities. Among others, organizations being funded include:

Read more.

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Events & Resources

Swan Lake Ballet 

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

7:00 PM

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle

Experience a timeless tale of love and magic brought to life through choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, featuring all new hand painted sets, over 200 custom scenery elements, and world renowned ballet artists from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including Principal Dancers from Ukraine. Tickets $38-$100 with discounts available. Click here for information. 

Arianna String Quartet Touhill Concert Series: “Home”

Friday, March 20, 2026

7:30 PM 

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle

Join the Arianna String Quartet for an evening of innovation, inspiration, power and beauty, as they present an eclectic program by Mozart, Brahms, and St. Louis-born American composer, Kevin Puts.Tickets $10-$33. Click here for details.

Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák 8

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

7:30 PM

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle

Join the UMSL Symphony Orchestra and Conductor David Wacyk for an evening music centered around Dvořák's Symphony no. 8, a stunning example of the composer's iconic style. His Symphony no. 8 is rooted in classical structure but presses the boundries of 19th century artistry in its folk-like material, and exuberantly joyful expression. Click here for more information.

American Patchwork Quartet

Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026

8:00 PM

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle

American Patchwork Quartet (APQ), led by multi-GRAMMY® award-winning guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, binds timeless American folk songs with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornamentation. APQ’s sound is a masterful confluence of tradition and innovation, transcending culture, politics, and ideology. Tickets $10-$30. Click here for details.

“Hope for Tomorrow” mural artist reception

Monday, Apr. 6, 2026

5:00-7:00 PM

UMSL Millennium Student Center

3rd floor hallway

17 Arnold Grobman Dr.

Visit the UMSL campus to view and learn about “Hope for Tomorrow,” a digital mural designed by artist Brock Seal. The mural was inspired by conversations with local community members about the role of art in community healing and transformation. It was supported by an initiative of the Missouri Institute for Mental Health at UMSL with the department of Art & Design.

St. Louis County Board of Elections Polling Place at UMSL

Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026

6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

UMSL Millennium Student Center

17 Arnold Grobman Dr.

Any registered St. Louis County voter will be able to cast a ballot at UMSL for the April general elections. Click here for more information from St. Louis County Board of Elections, see what’s on the ballot, and learn about early voting options.

Free Tax Preparation Services

Thursdays (Walk in)

through  Apr. 9

5:00 - 8:00 P.M

UMSL Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center

35 Performance Dr.

Individuals and families earning under $69,000 are eligible for Free Tax Preparation Services. This is a walk in opportunity. For different days or location, GECC operates nearly 30 VITA Sites across the Metro Area. For more information, click here or contact vita@umsl.edu.

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.