Scholarship programs, math and science education to benefit
Edward Jones, the Monsanto Fund and Boeing recently made significant donations to various programs at University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Edward Jones donated $542,000 to enhance its scholarship program with the College of Business Administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
“We think this is a win-win-win situation,” said Steve Novik, BSBA 1972, a principal and chief financial officer at Edward Jones.
“It’s a win for students, because the money will be used to offer terrific scholarship opportunities. It’s a win for the university, because it creates another tool to attract the best possible students. And it’s a win for Edward Jones, because it provides a way to help the firm continue to attract graduates who are among the best and the brightest.”
The company is a large employer of UMSL graduates, with UMSL alumni accounting for more than 460 of the company’s local employees, according to Keith Womer, dean of the business college.
Contributions for the scholarship program initially were raised by UMSL alumni employed at Edward Jones. The company then donated matching funds.
The existing Edward Jones scholarship program at UMSL awards two to three scholarships and corresponding summer internships each year. The recent contribution will enable the university to increase the number of awarded scholarships. The program also is open to UMSL students outside the College of Business Administration.
Jim Weddle, managing partner at Edward Jones, said, “UMSL makes a difference in the lives of its students and the St. Louis community, which is reflected in the fact that nearly 70 percent of graduates live and work in St. Louis. Because Edward Jones is focused on attracting talented people that possess the desire and ability to make a contribution to our firm, the connection between our organizations will continue to grow.”
The Monsanto Fund, a charitable arm of the Monsanto Company, has contributed $250,000 to the College of Education at UMSL to support the establishment of the Science and Math Education Central.
“One of our goals is to help people realize their dreams by bridging the gap between their needs and available resources,” said Deborah Patterson, president of the Monsanto Fund.
“Through our contribution to UMSL, and the creation of the new Science and Math Education Central, we are furthering that goal by providing current and future educators the tools needed to train the work force of tomorrow.”
The Science and Math Education Central, which will be located in Marillac Hall on UMSL’s South Campus, will feature a science laboratory, library with resources for science learning, mathematics education lab, rooftop observatory for astronomy, mobile science outreach van and updated computers with Internet access.
Boeing also has contributed $180,000 to the College of Education that will support the establishment of the college’s Science and Math Education Central.
“The Boeing Company believes our commitment to this important project is an investment in the future of not just our company, but the St. Louis region,” said Randy Maier, Boeing’s education relations manager. “The future competitiveness of our economy depends on producing students who have critical technical skills to fill the demands of our future work force.”
The College of Education at UMSL is known for its innovative community partnerships and extensive undergraduate and graduate programs. It’s the largest preparer of educators in Missouri. The college has 14 endowed professors, and it’s accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs.