From the COVID-19 pandemic to a volcanic eruption that left her island country with little running water and power, SEHHB international student Sorenya Miller has persevered through many challenges since enrolling at SIUE in fall 2020. A native of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Miller has shown grace and determination as she pursues a master’s in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise and sport psychology.

“I aspire to help athletes overcome mental barriers, so they can be successful,” explained Miller, who is a 2021 Alumni Association scholarship recipient. “In the long run, I hope to work with para athletes and help rebuild the sports culture within my country.”

Learn more about Miller.

SEHHB graduate student Zoe Barnes has received the National Association of School Psychologists' (NASP) 2021 Student Leader Champion Award for her work to advance social justice for students, families and schools within the local and broader community. Barnes, of Grand Rapids, Mich., is pursuing the Department of Psychology’s clinical child and school psychology specialist degree program and is slated to graduate in May 2022.

“I am extremely honored to be a recipient of this award,” said Barnes. “Over the past year, I’ve worked to facilitate discussions with those in our program about social justice and injustice, current domestic or international events, experiences that impact our racial identities, and how to lean into the uncomfortable to have productive future conversations surrounding these topics.”

Learn more about Barnes’ work.

In light of varying economic fallout because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dean Robin Hughes, PhD, and the SEHHB associate and assistant deans led the charge to increase the number of scholarship awards given to SEHHB students last spring. More than $26,000 in scholarships were given to over 70 students, which translates to the highest dollar amount and most awards in the SEHHB’s recent history.

“We wanted to boost giving because we recognize our students had financial needs as a result of the pandemic,” said Hughes. “Many college students are essential workers in public places that greatly reduced hours, and they need help.”

Read more about the awards program.

SEHHB alumna Kim Gidley, BS physical education ’89, is among nine remarkable graduates who will be inducted into the SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame this fall. The 2021 ceremony, A Night Among the Stars, will take place on Thursday, Sept. 23.

In Gidley’s 24 seasons as the head coach of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s women’s tennis team, she has recorded 321 career wins, making her the winningest coach in program history. Gidley was named the U.S. Professional Tennis Association’s National Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2020. Formerly a member of the SIUE Women’s Tennis Team, she helped the Cougars win the 1988 and 1989 NCAA Division II national championships. Gidley also excelled academically, and was named an Intercollegiate Tennis Association Academic All-American and SIUE’s top scholar-athlete. She was inducted into the SIUE Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008.

Read more about Gidley and this year’s inductees.

Alumni Happy Hour

Join the SIUE Alumni Association on Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a happy hour on the patio of The Outlet at Edison's in Edwardsville. You'll have the chance to reconnect with former classmates, network with other SIUE alumni and be entered to win an exclusive SIUE Alumni Association prize package. The first drink is on us, and light appetizers will also be provided. No cost to attend, but registration is required. Click here to register.

Sixth Annual Cougars Unleashed Homecoming Run

Join us in supporting scholarships for SIUE students as part of the Cougars Unleashed Homecoming Run! This year’s event offers both virtual and in-person options for the whole family:

• Virtual Run – anywhere, anytime from September 18-25
• In-Person Run – Saturday, September 25

Learn more and sign up today at runsignup.com/cougarsunleashed.

Expand Your Knowledge with the FREE SIUE Alumni Learning Consortium

Check out these upcoming FREE webinars in the SIUE Alumni Learning Consortium. Visit alumlc.org/siue for more details.

• Friday, Aug. 27, 11 a.m. CST: Leading From Anywhere: The Essential Guide to Managing Remote Teams
• Tuesday, Aug. 31, 3 p.m. CST: Understanding Bob Dylan through Five Memorable Songs
• Tuesday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. CST: Beginners: The Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning

SIUE Alumni Perks

The new SIUE Alumni Perks program can save you up to 50% off of top brands, retailers, restaurants, entertainment and recreation – in your area and nationally. Simply search by zip code or by type of discount online or on the mobile app and start saving immediately. Visit siuealumni.enjoymydeals.com, use promo code SIUEPERKS to download the mobile app, and start saving today!

Join Online and Education Outreach as we explore new opportunities both personally and professionally this fall! We are bringing back some old favorites on the personal enrichment side, such as our Artisan Breads series, Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making courses, and our language courses, while also breaking into some new realms with Photography, Gardening and new Holiday Brunch and Cookies courses. On the professional side, we are bringing back our Immigrants in our Midst Conference and our Data Analytics series, while also breaking through the world of leadership with our new Four Fits of Dynamic Leadership course. Lifelong learning and Educard will also be returning to in-person formats this fall! 

Please visit siue.edu/educational-outreach to peruse and register for all of our personal, professional, lifelong learning, Educard and various other offerings the Office of Online Services and Educational Outreach is presenting!

SIUE Student-Athletes Honored with OVC Medal of Honor

Cougar Student-Athletes Recognized on OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll

Fall Sports are Here! Check out the Calendar

Hall Receives Contract Extension