Dear Faculty and Staff:

I hope everyone stayed warm and safe during the winter storm last week. If you have been following the weather, the forecast calls from more snow beginning Wednesday afternoon. Vice President Galbierz and his team will closely monitor conditions and we will alert you as soon as possible to any schedule changes.

It is my pleasure to announce a new initiatives at SCC. To become better acquainted with our newest employees, I will be holding a Lakeside Chat several times during the semester. This informal meeting will allow participants an opportunity to share information about each other and to meet and interact with me and Cabinet members. The first Lakeside Chat will be held on March 16 at 3:30 p.m. in SSB 1102.

This year SCC received additional American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding that covers eligible expenditures, including the use of funds to address students’ basic needs which can include food, shelter, and clothing. To this end, on February 28 SCC will launch a free breakfast program for our students. Students will have the option of three different combos that will be served out of the coffee shop from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. Combo 1 includes a bagel, cream cheese, and fruit. Combo 2 includes cereal, milk, and whole fruit. Comb 3 includes a yogurt berry parfait with granola and whole fruit. There will also be options available at the Wentzville Campus and the Dardenne Creek Campus. We appreciate your assistance in helping spread the word so that our students will be able to take advantage of this wonderful new program.

Enjoy the retelling of the classic by Louisa M. Alcott! Opening morning performance for Center Stage Theatre's Little Women is on Thursday, February 24, at 10:00 a.m. Performances continue throughout the weekend on February 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. and February 27 at 2:00 p.m. Students and SCC employees can receive free tickets at www.stchastickets.com.

The Foundation is currently accepting nominations for the 2022 Distinguished Alumni. Many outstanding people have come through SCC’s doors, from inspiring professionals to industry leaders to leading academic. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes these stars among our alumni. If you know an alumni that has done exceptional work and shown exemplary dedication to their community, please submit a nomination for consideration.

Did you know that SCC has a professional development book club? If you are interested, please check out their recent announcement on the portal. “Come and participate in the inaugural Professional Development book club, “SCC Reads: Employee Edition.” The first book we’re discussing is “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg. Copies are easily requestable through MOBIUS (and the Librarians are here to assist you with that, if needed).” Please see the announcement here. You can also contact Rebecca Klemme-Eliceiri (rkeliceiri@stchas.edu) or Julia Wilbers (jwilbers@stchas.edu) for more information.

Have a great week. And, stay warm!