Dear friends, neighbors and community partners,

With the new semester underway, the university is alive with energy and activity. We recently welcomed not only new students, but new faculty and staff, and we continue to celebrate the progress of our construction projects that are part of our Transform UMSL initiative. This month, we are pleased to share information about an array of partnerships and agreements that will provide better services to the community. One I want to highlight is the opening of a new CommunityAmerica Credit Union branch on campus which is open to the broader community.

As we recognize Missouri Good Neighbor Week later this month, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support as neighbors and friends of the university. With the arrival of cooler weather, we look forward to seeing you at the many events happening throughout our community. We also hope you will sign up to join us once again for the annual UMSL 5K Run/Walk on our beautiful campus, taking place this year on October 18. It’s always a great time!

CommunityAmerica Credit Union branch opens in MSC as part of larger partnership with UMSL

Members of the University of Missouri–St. Louis community and its neighbors have a convenient new place to access their banking needs. Chancellor Kristin Sobolik gathered with leaders from CommunityAmerica Credit Union recently to commemorate the opening of the credit union’s new branch in the UMSL Millennium Student Center with a ribbon-cutting. “I really welcome having your presence here in our Millennium Student Center so that you can help with services for our faculty, staff and students in their own financial lives,” Sobolik said. “It’s easy, accessible and community-focused. That’s fantastic, especially as we create and continue to expand on the vibrancy of our in-person campus here at the university.”

The MSC branch, located across the hall from the Triton Store, is part of CommunityAmerica’s ongoing expansion in St. Louis with currently eight locations across the region and a new regional headquarters on track to open next year in Des Peres. The branch will operate from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Saturdays with additional access to a video teller seven days a week.

“Opening the branch and collaborating with the University of Missouri–St. Louis, is really just an extension and further evolution of our commitment in the St. Louis market,” said Kathy O’Neill, who serves as the St. Louis market president at CommunityAmerica. “Our goal, as we’ve said, is to improve the financial lives and to meet people where they are, and what better place to do that than in the Millennium Student Center, where students or people from the community can come in? So, this partnership really helps us live our mission....This partnership really is about building a stronger future together and ensuring that everyone who’s connected to the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the surrounding community has the financial support and expertise to thrive.” Read more.

North County Voters OK New $2M Funding Pool to Maintain Local Transportation Infrastructure

Beyond Housing website, August 26, 2025

After more than three years of work by 17 municipalities in North St. Louis County, a new transportation development district (TDD) received a green light in the Aug. 5 election. Voters signaled their support for a 1% capital improvement sales tax to fund public infrastructure, with 74% voting in favor. The tax will create a pool of approximately $2 million annually for 40 years to help the communities maintain their streets, sidewalks and curbs. “The vote was an excellent showing… Passing the TDD was tremendous, and I’m very proud of Beyond Housing for being able to support that,” said St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Days. Beyond Housing assisted the municipalities with expenses related to the TDD initiative, from legal counsel to election canvassing, and donated staff time to keep the project moving.

Beyond Housing President and CEO Chris Krehmeyer noted the process was complex because the TDD will cover 17 cities representing 31,000 residents. “First the contiguous municipalities had to pass resolutions and ordinances… The ballot language had to be written and sent to the board of elections, then voted on—and the measure had to win.” The TDD is structured so 80% of the funds go toward general maintenance and 20% into a pool for joint projects. The sales tax will start to accrue on Jan. 1, 2026, with the first quarterly payment April 1. A 19-member board of directors, made up of each mayor plus representatives from St. Louis County and Bi-State Development, will hire an administrator. The 17 cities in the district are Bellerive Acres, Bel-Nor, Beverly Hills, Greendale, Hanley Hills, Hillsdale, Normandy, Norwood Court, Pagedale, Pasadena Hills, Pasadena Park, Pine Lawn, Uplands Park, Velda City, Velda Village Hills, Vinita Park and Wellston. Read more.

Dr. Triplett Drops "The Power of Words" Rap Video to Promote Literacy

The Normandy Schools Collaborative Newsletter

Normandy Schools Collaborative Superintendent Dr. Michael Triplett is turning heads with a new rap video that delivers a powerful message: literacy changes lives. What began as a conversation with Alandon Pitts, CEO of Mentors In Motion, quickly became a creative collaboration. Pitts asked, “Are you still a strong advocate for literacy?”—and the rest was history.

The two agreed that a video was the best way to spread the message. Dr. Triplett wrote the lyrics, Pitts handled production, and within days the rap was born. “We wanted something catchy and impactful—and I think we nailed it,” said Dr. Triplett. Click here to watch the video.

Affinia Healthcare earns 100 percent on federal operational site visit  

St Louis Community News, August 25, 2025 

Affinia Healthcare has earned a score of 100 percent on a recent operational review by the Health Services and Resources Administration (HRSA). HRSA surveyors conducted a site visit to review critical operational areas to ensure high quality care for patients. With the 100 percent rating, there were no findings or follow-up visits required. “This is the best OSV outcome our organization has ever received — a testament to our staff’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to our mission,” said Dr. Kendra Holmes, Affinia Healthcare President & CEO....

The site visit occurred over a three-day period in early April. The auditors evaluated multiple areas, inlcuding: clinical staffing, services and patient care; financial management and accounting systems; governance and board authority; emergency preparedness and continuity of care; billing, collections, and sliding fee policies; and quality improvement and compliance procedures. The HRSA team surveyed two Affinia Healthcare locations — 1717 Biddle Street near downtown and the new Ferguson health center at 3396 Pershall Road. The HRSA review occurs every three years. Read more.

Spread Kindness—Missouri Good Neighbor Week Kicks Off Sept. 28

Residents of Missouri are encouraged to participate in events and activities to help establish positive connections with their neighbors during the fourth annual Missouri Good Neighbor Week from Sept. 28 to Oct 4, 2025. Missouri Good Neighbor Week was established by legislative action in 2022 and signed into law by Missouri Governor Mike Parsons.

Last year, over 31,000 acts of neighboring were reported across Missouri, 20 individuals were recognized as “Missouri’s Most Engaged Neighbor” and five cities earned the title of Missouri’s Most Neighborly City: Houston, Excelsior Springs, Sikeston, Springfield and Ferguson.

Cities and neighborhoods are encouraged to organize events, block parties, volunteer clean-up days, or neighbor meetups to build lasting connections during Good Neighbor Week. Nominations are also being accepted for the 2025 "Most Engaged Neighbor" Award. Everyone is encouraged to report their acts of neighboring because “people are inspired to action by action,” and sharing even small acts may inspire many others. Learn more and check out the video.

Share with Us!

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!

UMSL Community Connection newsletter

Received this as a forward?
Click here to subscribe.

UMSL Community Card

Register for a community card to receive benefits and discounts at UMSL events and facilities.

UMSL Careers

Click here to learn about job opportunities at UMSL. Check back regularly for new listings.

UMSL Contracts

Interested in bidding on projects at UMSL?

Procurement Bids

Construction Bids

Community Connect

Click here to learn about UMSL resources, services and programs available to the community.
 

STL Community LAB

Click here to learn about community development trainings and programs.

Events & Resources

Bel-Nor Fall Plant Sale

Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025

8:30 AM – Noon

Clearview Park

The Bel-Nor Beautification Committee will be pruning and thinning the islands and offering a variety of plants for sale, including irises, bee balm, peonies, allium, and more. Mums and pansies will also be available for purchase.

Those planning to thin, prune, or save seeds are invited to donate to the Plant Sale. Donations will be accepted from September 9th to 11th.

Click here for more information.

RefreshED STL

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025

8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
UMSL Millennium Student Center

17 Arnold B Grobman Dr.

RefreshED STL is a free day of wellness and appreciation for anyone who works in schools. Educators, administrators, bus drivers, custodial staff, counselors, and other school staff members devote themselves to making sure kids are well throughout the school year. 

Attendees can relax and recharge with fun and restoring wellness sessions, connect with their community at a resource fair, and fill their cup by enjoying breakfast and lunch – all provided. This is a free event. Click here for more information.

EarthDance Organic Farm Pawpaw Fest

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
8:00 AM – Noon
Ferguson Farmers Market

501 S Florissant Rd.

Visitors can enjoy fresh pawpaws in multiple varieties, learn from EarthDance growers and Forest ReLeaf of Missouri experts, pick up seedlings, and discover the fruit’s ancient history dating back over 50 million years. The fest will also feature pawpaw ice cream sandwiches from Sugarwitch, pawpaw beer from Natural History Brewing, pawpaw kombucha from Confluence Kombucha, and more pawpaw-inspired treats, along with kids’ activities, folklore, and fun.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Click here for more information.

Neighbor Fest at New Awakening

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

New Awakening

8000 Natural Bridge Rd.

In celebration of National Good Neighbor Week, and as part of a commitment to fostering community connections, New Awakening invites the community for an afternoon filled with free food, games, and fun activities for the whole family. This year's theme is “We’re Better Together!”

UMSL Music Wind Ensemble Concert: Patchwork

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

The UMSL Music Wind Ensemble will perform Patchwork in concert, featuring a variety of works for wind band. The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to enjoy an evening of live music on campus. Click here for free tickets.

UMSL 5K Run and Walk

Saturday, Oct. 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 Sept. 18. All participants receive a shirt, medal, and extras. Registration closes Oct. 16. Click here to learn more and to register.

A Red Circle Harvest Hootenanny and Festival

Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

North Co. Agricultural Ed. Center,

4521 Hamilton Ave.

The event will feature an old-fashioned party with cider, a pig roast and smores, along with a festival with carnival games and food trucks.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children in advance, with prices increasing on the day of the event.

Click here for more information.

After School Meals

Monday to Friday,

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

St Louis. County Library,

7606 Natural Bridge Rd.

The St. Louis Public Library will offer free after-school meals for children ages 5–18 at local branches. Meals will be served Monday through Friday throughout the 2025–26 school year. In addition to nutritious meals, students can enjoy fun, engaging activities after school. No registration is required.