It has become another divisive subject in American politics and culture, so much so that legislation and other measures have been taken in more than 40 states to ban or restrict the teaching of Critical Race Theory (CRT).

This recent body of scholarship interrogates the role of race and racism in society and how it impacts U.S. systems and structures. SEHHB CRT scholars, like their colleagues across the country, are not only persuaded of its validity but also of its necessity.

“Critical Race Theory is, within this academic world, a framework that demands a fully activated comprehension of racism and its devastation on individuals, communities and broader society,” explained Natasha Flowers, PhD, SEHHB assistant dean of anti-racism, diversity and inclusion, and associate professor.

Learn more about the SEHHB's CRT scholars.

SIUE awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Henry L. (Roddy) Roediger III, PhD, during its May 2022 commencement exercises. Roediger is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished Professor of psychology at Washington University in St. Louis. A world-renowned cognitive scientist, Roediger has more than 50 years of experience studying how the human mind works with a special interest in learning and memory.

“Dr. Roediger’s extensive research on learning and memory has inspired students and faculty at SIUE and around the world,” said SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD. “Our mission to provide students with a transformative educational experience relies on the work of such scholars as Dr. Roediger. We are pleased to honor Dr. Roediger with this honorary degree in celebration of his valuable contributions to the field of psychology.”

Learn more about Roediger.

When the COVID-19 pandemic caused the Peace Corps to evacuate more than 7,000 volunteers from countries around the world in March 2020, Britney Dawkins, BS public health '15, had a difficult decision to make. If she evacuated Madagascar as instructed, she would leave behind a country and a partner she loved. But if she chose to stay, she would face field termination, meaning she would give up her Peace Corps-issued passport and forfeit her flight home.

"I couldn’t sleep due to the anxiety of it all — the anxiety of being left behind while all my fellow volunteers evacuated, the anxiety of giving up my passport, and of not knowing when I would see my family again," recalled Dawkins. "So why did I do it? I did it for love. For the love of the country I served in, yes. But also the love of my partner. I knew I needed to stay if I wanted to be with the person I loved."

Fast forward to today, and Dawkins is still living with her partner in Madagascar, teaching English at a private school and living a life of which she is both passionate and proud.

Read about Dawkins' journey.

SIUE is partnering with colleges and universities across the state to support the Illinois Tutoring Initiative. Overseen by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, this program will provide tutoring for students in school districts disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

The SEHHB is seeking summer tutors for individual and group tutoring sessions with third- through eighth-grade students in the Cahokia Unit School District 187. Other districts plan to join the project this fall. Tutors will provide either literacy or mathematics tutoring, primarily in person, for at least three hours per week. The sessions will be held for at least eight weeks but could continue for an entire semester.

College students, retired teachers and community members are invited to apply for tutoring positions. Contact Natasha Flowers, PhD, at nflower@siue.edu, or view the flyer for more information.

Save the Date — Chicago-Area Alumni Happy Hour
Thursday, June 16
5-8 p.m. at Punch Bowl Social

The Alumni Association’s Chicago Chapter is thrilled to host its first event in over three years with a happy hour at Punch Bowl Social. Registration is $25 per person and includes a drink ticket, delicious appetizers and access to fun games including giant Scrabble, billiards and karaoke all in our private event suite! Space is limited, so register today! Click here for more details.

Save the Date — St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs
Thursday, Aug. 4 at Busch Stadium

We are thrilled to host alumni for an evening of baseball with the Cardinals vs. Cubs, all in air-conditioned suites with unlimited food and drinks. More details to come!

If you’re looking for activities for the whole family this summer, come back to SIUE! You’ll find something for everyone, including camps, classes and activities. Learn more at siue.edu/summer.

Lifelong learning opportunities, including personal and professional development courses, are also available through the Office of Online and Education Outreach. Sign up for a class today at siue.edu/educational-outreach.

2022 Red and Black Benefit Enjoyed Record-Setting Success

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