Dear friends, neighbors and community partners,

The trees are finally showing off their fall colors, and with the semester more than halfway through, autumn has truly arrived. This month, we are pleased to share stories about new construction projects, new businesses, and expanded funding that will help grow initiatives that benefit members of our community. You will also find a sampling of upcoming events and activities on campus and in the community. Be sure to check out the Touhill Performing Arts Center at https://www.touhill.org for a full lineup of music and dance performances you will not want to miss.

As we approach the holiday season beginning with Thanksgiving later this month, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you—our wonderful network of neighbors, friends, and colleagues who live and work in our community. Your partnership and support continue to make great things possible, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the months ahead.

Partners Break Ground on $20M Mixed-Use Development at N. Hanley MetroLink Station

Citizens for Modern Transit news, October 24, 2025

Employment Connection and Bywater Development Group hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for University Crossing, a transformative, transit-oriented mixed-use development located at the North Hanley Transit Center on October 24, 2025. With an investment of more than $20 million, the University Crossing development will introduce 60 new mixed-income residential units designed to meet the needs of the St. Louis regional workforce. In addition to high-quality, affordable housing, the development will feature commercial space for an Employment Connection satellite office, strategically positioned to expand workforce development and employment services for residents across North County.

In October 2024, the Missouri Housing Development Commission approved the financing for the University Crossing development. This approval marked the launch of the project at the site....“The North Hanley Transit Center has been on our radar for more than three decades,” commented Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit. “It’s fantastic to see this project get underway. Transit matters. Partnerships matter. This project matters. Congratulations.” Early phases of construction are now underway with completion anticipated fall 2026. Read more.

KPMG Expands Partnership with Beyond Housing with $750,000 Commitment

Beyond Housing website, September 26, 2025

The partnership between Beyond Housing and KPMG continues to grow in ways that are reshaping lives and communities across North St. Louis County. This fall, the KPMG U.S. Foundation announced a $750,000 commitment to further support Beyond Housing’s transformational work in the 24:1 Community. The announcement builds on a three-year, $300,000 grant the Foundation made in 2023 to expand Beyond Housing’s Viking Advantage program, which prepares Normandy High School students for college and career success.

In another sign of the deepening relationship, Dan Lawrence, U.S. Chief of Staff for Government and Healthcare at KPMG U.S., has joined Beyond Housing’s Board of Directors...."Community Vitality is how we’re looking at organizations that are tackling interlocking issues,” said Anita Whitehead, President and Chair of the KPMG U.S. Foundation. “Beyond Housing is an impressive example, focusing on housing, healthcare, education, urban development—all of the things that really impact a community.” Read more.

North County Inc. receives funding to help small businesses

St. Louis County Community News, October 28, 2025

North County Incorporated Regional Development Association’s President/CEO, Rebecca Zoll, recently accepted a $7,500 grant from Midland States Bank. This grant will be used to help fund the North County Small Business Navigator (SBN) initiative....The initiative aims to increase awareness and utilization of existing support structures through collaboration across organizations and municipalities. The main objective is to provide an individualized partnership to businesses by connecting them with a “navigator” knowledgeable about the resources and opportunities available to small businesses in the region.

“The Small Business Navigator initiative is designed to help small businesses and start-ups have a stronger foundation to increase sustainability and growth,” said Rebecca Zoll, North County Inc. Read more.

UMSL awarded $2.4 million grant to continue expanding Succeed Program

The University of Missouri–St. Louis has been a trailblazer in postsecondary education for students with intellectual disability since the founding of the SUCCEED Program in 2013. New federal funding will support the expansion of that vital work. April Regester, associate professor and chair of the Department of Educator Preparation and Leadership, and her co-principal investigators have received $2.4 million in funding from a five-year Department of Education Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) grant. The funding will go toward enhancing and expanding SUCCEED programming, strengthening vocational and academic opportunities, and improving transition services. College of Education Dean Marius Boboc lauded the award. “...The $2.4 million TPSID grant is a testament to the longtime work of UMSL’s Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education that builds on a well-established web of tradition, vision and commitment. Together, we continue to lead the way in creating transformative college experiences for students with intellectual disabilities.”

Over the past decade, inclusive education programming at UMSL has grown rapidly, to  now include the SUCCEED, SUCCEED+ and LINK, helping students develop academic, social and vocational skills while earning certificates or credentials. Read more.

Good News Brewing to take over former Ferguson Brewing space 

Jordan Palmer, St. Louis Magazine, October 13, 2025 

The O’Fallon-based brand hopes to maintain the landmark building’s role as a neighborhood gathering place. 

Ferguson Brewing Company (418 S. Florissant, Ferguson) plans to close on December 20, after more than 15 years in business. Now comes the good news: The building is slated to reopen early next year as Good News Brewing Ferguson, a locally owned franchise of the O’Fallon-based brewery known for its craft beer and wood-fired pizzas. “Ferguson Brewing has been a cornerstone for connection and conversation in this city,” Ferguson Brewing owner Robb Wiesen said in statement released on social media. “We’re proud of what we’ve built and grateful for the community that supported us. It’s exciting to know that this space will continue to serve Ferguson in a meaningful way.”

Good News Brewing Ferguson will be operated by Rodney and Julie Fickas, longtime Ferguson residents and founders of Soulcraft, a local nonprofit workshop where neighbors come together to learn woodworking, design, and hands-on craft. Through Soulcraft, the couple has mentored hundreds of residents in building skills and confidence—a community-first approach they plan to bring to the new brewpub. “Good News Brewing shares our belief that gathering matters,” says Rodney Fickas. “Ferguson Brewing laid a foundation as a welcoming local spot. We want to build on that—creating a place where the community feels at home, where stories and good news are shared.” Read more.

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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 Forum for Community Dialogue

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025

4:00 – 6:00 PM
RCEW Building
8225 Florissant Rd., 63121

Join UMSL students, faculty, staff, and St. Louis area community members for a conversation about data centers. "What are they? Why do we need them? What are the challenges?"

St. Louis Public Radio reporters Kate Grumke and Kavahn Mansouri will provide context to guide small-group discussions about what data centers are as well as considerations on the impacts and implications of data center developments. The forum offers participants and opportunity to share thoughts, ask questions, and engage with others to build understanding and strengthen civic dialogue. Light refreshments will be served. Click here to register.

KYKLOS - 20 Years of an Athenian Olympic Tribute Born in St. Louis

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025

3:00 – 6:00 PM

UMSL Millennium Student Center Century Rooms

17 Arnold B Grobman Dr.

This year, the annual Dr. Nicholas Matsakis Memorial event at UMSL will celebrate two decades of the KYKLOS - Circle of Glory tribute art at the 2004 Athens Olympic Stadium! Be part of this historic occasion filled with memories, awards, entertainment and honor. Tickets are free, and all are welcome to attend this event co-organized by the Greek Studies professorship at UMSL with the Hellenic Spirit Foundation. Click here for free tickets. Reservations are required.

Overland Senior Residents' Thanksgiving Luncheon

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025

12:30 – 2:30 PM
9225 Lackland Rd., 63114

The Overland Community Center will host a Thanksgiving Day Luncheon exclusively for Overland residents aged 55 and older. Click here for more information.

DESE Hearing for Normandy Schools Collaborative

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

5:30 – 7:00 PM

Normandy High School

6701 St. Charles Rock Rd.

Normandy Schools Collaborative and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education invite families and community members to take part in an open public hearing to share feedback, discuss key issues, and learn about district updates. This is an opportunity for the community to engage in meaningful dialogue and help shape the future of local education. 

Jazz for the Holidays

Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025

3:00 PM

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

1 Touhill Circle

UMSL proudly presents an afternoon of LIVE holiday music at the annual "Jazz for the Holidays" event. This concert features the UMSL Alumni Jazz Orchestra, University Orchestra, Vocal Point, UMSL Alumni Percussion Ensemble, Voices of Jubilation, and the Arianna String Quartet. It's a show not to be missed! Tickets are $11.70 for General admission or $6.35 for students and seniors. Click here for tickets.

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 brings the magic of The Nutcracker to life with stunning choreography, dazzling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless 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. Click here to learn more and to register.

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.