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Two Morris University Center (MUC) staff members have been acknowledged for their continuous work at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

Cathy Passananti, MUC associate director, and Jamie Matthews, MUC assistant director, have for several years directed their efforts in improving the programming, student initiatives and more at the MUC. 

In recognition of their recent endeavors, each has been named to serve in various capacities with the Association of College Unions International (ACUI).                 

Passananti will serve on the ACUI Region V Leadership Team as the educational program coordinator. Matthews will be chair of scholarships and fundraising on the ACUI Region II Conference Planning Team. 

“We will look at what kind of programming we can do considering the budget limitations,” said Passananti. “We need to provide professional development to the leadership team and could possibly do that through a newsletter, regional college tours, webinars and more.

“We will continue to brainstorm ideas, because we want to educate all year round,” said Passananti, who has been attending regional conferences for the past four years.

Region V serves colleges and universities in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and Manitoba, Canada.

Matthews is helping coordinate a silent auction, live auction and other fundraising activities. These funds will help support students across the region in attending ACUI conferences and institutes. 

“It is important to raise money to help get students to conferences in order for them to learn more and develop their leadership skills,” Matthews said. “It is great to get people involved and giving back to the association to ensure everyone has access to future professional development opportunities.”

This year’s ACUI Region II Conference will be held from Nov. 6-8 at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Matthews will also speak at the session and be assisted by Jenny Bivens, MUC graduate assistant. Matthews will showcase what the MUC does in reference to training.

“Jenny Bivens and I will present: ‘Achieving Staff Excellence: Onboarding and Beyond, ’” Matthews added. “Our program will showcase what we created in the MUC to onboard new employees and to continue development within their positions.”  

This past summer, Matthews was selected to participate as a facilitator in the ACUI’s annual I-LEAD student leadership institute at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.  

“I am proud of the accomplishments and recognition received for Cathy and Jamie,” said Joseph Pearson, MUC director. “The work they are doing at SIUE is making a positive impact on our students, and now they are taking their commitment to excellence and student development skills on the road to share with our colleagues across the profession!”

Photos:

Jamie Matthews, SIUE Morris University Center assistant director

Cathy Passananti, SIUE Morris University Center associate director