Current, October 23, 2017 University of Missouri-St

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Current (2010s) Student Newspapers

10-23-2017 Current, October 23, 2017 University of Missouri-St. Louis

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This Newspaper is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Newspapers at IRL @ UMSL. It has been accepted for inclusion in Current (2010s) by an authorized administrator of IRL @ UMSL. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Vol. 51 Issue 1544 The Current October 23, 2017 UMSL’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWS Haunt 'Til You Drop Halloween Guide *Note not all events are on campus and not all events are free. Please look up events to see if there is a cost.*

Booterfly House Hurricane Kirkwood shows, face painting, storytelling, Spooky Shoot and more. There will be canine October 1 through 31 Maria Trivia Halloween Walk performances and adoptable dogs October 31 10 a.m. at the show. 7 p.m. Butterfly House Night Fundraiser October 26 at 5 p.m. UMSL Community Garden (South Stop by the Butterfly House to Downtown Kirkwood Campus) see some slightly scary bugs and October 25 Kids will enjoy dressing in costumes Legends Stop by the community garden for botanicals. 7 to 10 p.m. and trick-or-treating at participating a spooky photoshoot with your MSC Nosh merchants in Downtown Kirkwood. & Lanterns costume. All proceeds donated to the Hur- Boo at the Zoo ricane Maria Relief Fund. Tables October 27 through 29 of 10 for $100. Halloween costume Halloween 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. October 17 through 30 contest and gift basket raffle. Regis- Saturday, 12- 5 p.m. Sunday Haunted Honors 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. ter on Triton Sync. Storytelling 230 S. Main Street, St. Charles, MO St. Louis Zoo 63301 October 31 Children are encouraged to wear A little silly, a little macabre, but 8 p.m. costumes. Children 12 and under Don’t Be a Scaredy October 28 all in fun, Legends & Lanterns will Provincial House (South Campus) will receive a treat bag, but the 10 a.m. allow visitors to get in the "spirit" Tour UMSL’s most haunted build- event is not a trick or treating event. Cat Blood Drive Pavilion at Lemay for All Hallow's Eve. The festival ing on Halloween. This will be a kid-friendly event will feature scarecrows, hayrides with Halloween storytelling and through history, and ghostly guests Fabulous Fox October 26 crafts. Kids will be welcome to with historic Main Street as its Halloween 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. wear costumes to add to the fun. backdrop. Ghost Tours MSC Century Rooms or Ed Boo-nanza Collabitat (South Campus) October 23 First time Mississippi Valley Re- Central West End Trunk-or-Treat October 31 6 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:45 gional Blood Centers (MVR- 6 p.m. Fox Theater BC) donators will be entered to Halloween Party October 28 North County Recreation Complex Tickets are $40 each and include a win an UMSL hoody. All dona- October 28 12 to 2 p.m. This will be a family-fun event fea- one-hour guided tour of the Fabu- tions go to benefit the MVRBC. 11 a.m. MSC South Garage turing hayrides, a bonfire, and a lous Fox and parking. Maryland and Euclid Avenue Open to campus and community. marshmallow roast. Kids will have Trick-or-treating at businesses in Kids can trick or treat in a safe en- fun with a costume contest, crafts, the neighborhood will begin at vironment from the student groups and Haunted Caverns. PLHCSA Hayride Science noon. The dog costume parade and and campus departments at UMSL. part will begin at 1 p.m. There will Trick or Treaters must be 12 years October 24 Spooktacular also be kid-friendly live entertain- old or younger. Halloween Hoopla 5 to 7 p.m. ment and music. At 6 p.m., the event Check out PLHCSA’s first ever October 26 will turn into an adult only party. at Frontier Park hayride. Bring an in-kind or mon- 5 p.m. Fabulous Fox etary donation for Gateway Pet St. Louis Science Center Guardians and get a free hayride This will be a family-friendly Hal- Haunted Hayloft at Ghost Tours October 31 to or from Oak Hall and Provincial loween celebration with spell-bind- 3 p.m. House. ing science and fun with learning. Purina Farms October 30 Frontier Park in St. Charles Activities will include Spooky Sto- 6 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:45 Halloween Hoopla will be a free rytime, Halloween themed showed October 27 through 29 Fox Theater family-friendly event featuring in the OMNIMAX Theater, hands- 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 each and include a family activities. You can drop by on activities and more. Purina Farms Visitor Center one-hour guided tour of the Fabu- while trick-or-treating along Main This will be a not-so-scary event lous Fox and parking. Street. with entertainment for kids, including trick-or-treating, magic

What’s Inside:

Amazon Bid pg. 3 'Wizard of Oz', pg. 5 Contamination, pg. 9 Ameren Accelerator, pg. 11 2 October 23, 2017 CURRENT STAFF

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Michael Plumb Managing Editor Kat Riddler News Editor Aubrey Byron Features Editor Now hiring! Sports Editor Roderick Wilbon A&E Editor Chris Zuver Opinions Editor Kyle Mannisi Copy Editors Janeece Woodson

Staff Writers Harold Crawford Mike A. Bryan Trevonte Harris

Staff Photographer John Deasy DESIGN Production Editor OPEN Photo Editor OPEN Math Problem of the Week Web Editor OPEN Multimedia Editor The first correct answer was given by John Beck. Roderick Wilbon Cartoonist/Artists Amanda Royer Mike Diliberto This week’s puzzle: A farmer goes to the market BUSINESS Business Manager and buys a hundred animals for a total cost of Cassandra Filip Advertising Director $10,000. If cows cost $500 each, pigs cost $100 Michael Plumb Ad Representatives each, and Rabbits cost $5 each, how many of each

Now hiring! OF FLICKR COURTESY Distribution Manager animal did he buy? Chris Zuver Social Media Director Email solutions, guesses, comments to [email protected]. Aubrey Byron Archivist Steven Doerhoff

388 MSC, 1 University Blvd St. Louis, MO 63121-4400 [email protected] thecurrent-online.com Newsroom 314-516-5174 presents [email protected] Business/Advertising 314-516-5316 [email protected] Fax 314-516-6811 Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Internships and Volunteer Positions Diminutive (adjective): small; little; tiny. [email protected] Letters to the Editor [email protected] Sentence: UMSL families with diminutive humans should Twitter @UMSLTheCurrent join the trunk-or-treat fun on Saturday, October 28 in the Facebook /TheCurrentStudentNews MSC South Garage, 12-2. Costumes! Candy! Can't miss it! how can you be Involved? • Get even More News and Content online at thecurrent-online.com

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MON 70 TUE 52 WED 59 THU 71 FRI 52 SAT 49 SUN 50 47 38 45 46 35 33 34 October 23, 2017 news 3 Governor Eric Greitens Makes the Case for Amazon’s HQ2 in Missouri Aubrey Byron source. News Editor It is unlikely gimmicks will play any role in the company’s choice. mazon has been accepting Location, housing, cost and impor- Abids for their second head- tantly tax incentives will be logi- quarters (HQ2) plans. The online cal factors to consider. The winner retailer giant plans to open a second of the bidding war by the company headquarters somewhere in North will be decided on sometime next America and is letting cities bid for year with a promise of $5 billion in the opportunity to host the expan- investment and at least 50,000 jobs, sion. St. Louis and Kansas City have according to Amazon. put together their own proposals, University of Missouri System but Missouri Governor Eric Greit- President Mun Choi said, “This is ens pitched a third concept—to uti- an outstanding proposal, and we’re lize the entire I-70 corridor in the very excited to be a part of the state state of Missouri. of Missouri’s proposal to create an The corridor is the highway innovation corridor from St. Lou- system which connects Kansas is to Kansas City by way of Colum- City, Columbia, and St. Louis. The bia that benefits the entire state of details of the proposal have been Missouri. Attracting Amazon to the made public and do not favor one state of Missouri at this time in our COURTESY OF HYPERLOOP ONE OF HYPERLOOP COURTESY major Missouri city over the other Hyperloop One is a mode of transportation developed by Elon Musk. It travels up to 700 miles per hour above land or underground history will transform our econom- but pushes for a statewide initiative. via a system of tubes. ic, housing, health, communication The twelve page proposal contains ten routes selected around the contender for the bid. However it Denver to be the most likely. Other and transportation infrastructure, everything from statistics on college world. Winning corridors included did highlight the key reasons one predictions pointed to Washington leading to more innovations and graduates to touting the award for Orlando to Miami, Florida, as well Missouri city could be attractive. D.C. because of the opportunity for high paying job growth in the Show “Best Ice Cream” referring to the as Edinburgh, Scotland to London, Being centrally located, Mis- lobbying. Me State. Our campuses are dedicat- well-loved Ted Drewes Frozen Cus- England in the United Kingdom. souri is in an ideal location for na- There have been no shortage in ed to preparing future leaders who tard in St. Louis. However, private funds are paying tionwide shipping. Most of the odd tactics during the race to re- can meet Amazon’s unique work- The state bid also included a Hy- for a feasibility study of the technol- continental United States is within cruit. Tucson, Arizona sent Amazon force needs. We join Gov. Eric Gre- perloop One proposal. Hyperloop ogy. According to developers, they a day’s drive. It also has some of the a cactus, according to the company’s itens in support of this innovative One is a new mode of transporta- believe a route could allow riders lowest cost of living in the country, Twitter page. Amazon claimed they proposal to secure Amazon’s new tion developed by Elon Musk, CEO to travel the 240 mile distance be- 6th lowest in the nation to be exact. “unfortunately can’t accept gifts” headquarters.” of SpaceX. The Hyperloop plans tween Kansas City and St. Louis in Missouri has successfully courted and donated it to the Desert Muse- to travel up to 700 miles per hour as little as 28 minutes. major corporations in the past, such um instead. Kansas City Mayor Sly above land or underground via a The new high speed technolo- as Express Scripts and Boeing. James ordered 1,000 amazon prod- system of tubes. Air inside the tubes gy is a key component of how Am- Austin, Denver, and Raleigh/ ucts and reviewed all of them with will be removed so the electromag- azon might “unleash the combined Durham are among other major five stars and included reasons to netic rotor can move at incredible strength of the entire State of Mis- contenders across the nation, along move to Kansas City in each review. speeds with minimal energy. souri” in Greitens’ proposal. Since with several others. Publications One town in Georgia near Atlanta Missouri did not win the “Hy- the proposal launch was intended have begun to speculate winners, even offered to change its name to perloop One Challenge” which will for cities, it seems unlikely the re- with New York Times predicting Amazon, according to local media explore its new technology through gional proposition will be a serious

Aubrey Byron News Editor

he following is a series of dai- students and their guest regarding Tly crime and incident reports the odor of marijuana coming from issued by the University of Missou- their apartment.

ri-St. Louis Police Department be- October 16: At 1:20 a.m. a PUBLIC RELATIONS OF RUBENSTEIN COURTESY

tween October 5 to 11. metrolink passenger requested an OF FLICKR COURTESY Governor Eric Greitens turned in a state- October 12: At 9:27 a.m. an ambulance after experiencing chest Amazon sent out nation-wide call for bids on their second headquarters location. Many wide bid to Amazon that would focus UMSL student reported receiving pains. cities applied. To stand out, Missouri Governor Eric Greitens submitted a bid that on Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis a check from a possible fraudulent October 17: At 12:15 p.m. an would help more of the state instead of one or two cities. collaboration. job application site. The student UMSL student was transported to was referred to the police depart- the hospital via ambulance after suf- ment where they reside. At 9:40 fering a fall from a bicycle. At 12:25 p.m. UMSL PD contacted an UMSL p.m. an UMSL student was con- Currently Involved Column student and four guests regarding cerned that another student they the odor of marijuana coming from have an ex-parte order was present. his week in the Office of Stu- treats. We hope to see you there. • Decision Point! An Interactive their apartment. There was no contact and all was Tdent Involvement at the Uni- • The Emerging Leaders pro- Play on Interpersonal Violence, Oc- October 13: At 4 p.m. in the Mil- in order. At 2:36 p.m. UMSL PD re- versity of Missouri-St. Louis: gram is now accepting applications. tober 24, 7 p.m., J.C. Penney Audi- lennium Student Center a non-af- sponded to a verbal dispute between • UMSL Students of Service Emerging Leaders is a unique op- torium. When you arrive, the story filiated person was warned of Sodexo employees in the MSC At presents its 8th annual Trunk or portunity for undergraduate UMSL has already started but you will de- trespassing and escorted from cam- 2:23 p.m. UMSL faculty member re- Treat event, happening October 28 students to get on the fast-track to cide how the story continues. This pus. At 4:45 p.m. a found cell phone ported receiving unusual mail. At from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Millenni- student leadership, campus and interactive stage performance will was turned in to UMSL PD and later 4:12 p.m. UMSL PD arrested an in- um Student Center South Garage. community involvement. Students provide education and information retrieved by the owner. dividual for tampering with a motor Trunk or Treat is a service event participating in the Emerging Lead- about the complexity of relation- October 14: At 2:28 a.m. an vehicle and an outstanding warrant geared toward UMSL families and ers program will receive an insider’s ship violence, actions to take, and UMSL student was arrested for as- from Jefferson County. The indi- the surrounding community. It is perspective on Student Involvement how to reach out to a friend. Trig- sault following a minor altercation. vidual was transported to St. Louis intended to provide a safe and fun at UMSL. Throughout the program, ger warning: Scenarios will include The student was released pending County Intake services. At 4:28 p.m. way for families to enjoy Halloween students will have an opportunity discussions around relationship and application of warrants. At 2:09 p.m. a found Visa card was turned in to festivities, early exposure of a colle- to develop their leadership skills sexual violence. UMSL PD responded to a report of UMSL PD. A message was left for giate environment to children, and through workshops, activities, and The Office of Student Involve- a couple arguing. All was in order. the owner and it was held for safe- increase the community’s knowl- reflection in order to prepare them ment can be contacted at 314-516- October 15: At 8:16 p.m. UMSL keeping. At 8:05 p.m. an UMSL stu- edge about the campus. Attendants for future leadership experiences at 5291 or studentinvolvement@umsl. student was transported to the hos- dent reported unknown persons had will enjoy various activities and in- UMSL and beyond. Interested stu- edu. pital via ambulance after express- been in their car. Nothing was taken. formational booths, followed by dents can learn more, and apply, by ing suicidal thoughts. At 11:52 p.m. “trunk-or-treating,” which means visiting the Emerging Leaders por- UMSL PD contacted two UMSL they go from trunk to trunk getting tal in TritonSync. 4 features and news October 23, 2017 #MeToo Goes Viral as an Effort to Show the Severity of Sexual Assault Aubrey Byron speak out about their abuse. Actor a bill that would result in fines for News Editor James Van Der Beek admitted to as much as ¤5,000 for engaging in having been harassed and assaulted street harassment. n the wake of the numerous by “older, powerful men.” It is doubtful any such legisla- IHarvey Weinstein allegations, To a lesser extent, the hashtag tion will be put forth in the United a movement began to increase the #HowIWillChange has also been States, in spite of the hashtag pop- awareness of sexual assault. Ac- trending. The response is a call for ularity. The visibility of the move- tress Alyssa Milano tweeted a call men to be more accountable and to ment is happening amidst a recent for women to use a simple hashtag, expose predatory behavior among rollback in Title IX protections for #MeToo, to indicate they had been peers. victims of sexual assault on college sexually assaulted or harassed. While Milano had a huge role to campuses. On September 22, Edu- The tweet was posted on Oc- play in making the hashtag go viral, cation Secretary Betsy DeVos over- tober 15 and its caption read, “Me the original movement was created hauled the guidelines put in place Too. Suggested to me by a friend, ‘If ten years ago by a woman named Ta- by the Obama administration. The all the women who have been sex- rana Burke. Burke is the founder of a move recently prompted a lawsuit ually harassed or assaulted wrote youth organization, Just Be Inc. She from a women’s rights group, Equal ‘Me too.’ as a status, we might give created the campaign as an effort to Means Equal. people a sense of the magnitude of reach out to and express solidarity University of Missouri-St. Louis the problem.’” Within 24 hours the with sexual assault survivors in un- Chancellor Tom George responded tweet had been posted more than derprivileged communities. to the move via a campus-wide email 17,000 times on Twitter alone. It The widespread hashtag has stating, “...So while the Department quickly gained steam on Facebook had reiterations in other countries, of Education develops definitive and around the world. According including France’s #BalanceTon- direction on compliance, our com- to CBS News, the phrase was used Porc, translating to “Expose Your mitment remains to create a safe en- more than 12 million times in Face- Pig.” While the movement gains vironment, to provide fair treatment book posts, comments, and reac- steam, the French Gender Equali- for faculty, staff and students, and to tions in the first 24 hours. ty Minister Marlène Schiappa, has both work on preventative measures While Weinstein’s alleged sys- proposed a bill to fine aggressors and respond aggressively to reports tematic assault on women inspired for street harassment. Her anti-ha- of sexual assault.” OF WIKIMEDIA COURTESY Milano’s call to action, men have rassment campaign is her signature Alyssa Milano tweeted the #MeToo initiative to show how many women experience also began using the campaign to issue, and she hopes to put forward sexual harassment and assault. Part Two: Information Systems Offers International Experience to Students Kat Riddler ricultural industry in Guinea. While ments in Senegal. The assignments Website for the Ministre de l’Agri- pend.The project will also collabo- Managing Editor I was not training, I learned about offered by Winrock International culture et de l’Equipement Rural in rate with Metemamen MFI staff to the culture. The level of respect and allow faculty to work directly with Dakar, Senegal. assess the existing gaps in the staff rom 7 to 9 p.m. in Express hospitality I received while in Con- a Ministry of Agriculture or gov- Assignment number ET-103 will knowledge on mobile banking and FScripts Hall 005, Information akry was absolutely unprecedented. ernment entity. These projects can be the first assignment with Cath- look for the best practices. Systems students Ashley Moss, The meals were amazing and the range from application development olic Relief Services (CRS). The Dawson said, “Many of their senior; Damon Walker, graduate, food was fresh; especially the fruit.” to implement document manage- assignment will improve the live- IT assignments are very technical. business administration; Omar Sa- Walker gave some advice for ment systems for large universities. lihoods and nutritional status of I will be the person going to work lif, senior; and former cybersecurity those looking into joining the pro- In collaboration with Dakar, significant numbers of low income with the bank. This will coincide student Dan Redden described their gram. He said, “This assignment Senegal, Dawson was assigned households by broadening their after completing half of a Fulbright work that they completed in Africa has provided multiple opportu- the Training-of-Trainers in Man- participation in established com- Grant to Prince Sultan University while receiving a stipend, travel, and nities for both professional and agement Accounting Tools for the modity value chains as producers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. My expec- accommodations. personal growth. Professionally, Horticulture Initiation Center of and services providers, strengthen- tation is that after this assignment From November to December I’ve leaned on my leadership, re- St. Louis in January this year in St. ing community resilience to shocks that students also have the oppor- 2016, Redden was assigned Agricul- search, and communication skills. Louis. In July 2016, he was assigned such as droughts that adversely af- tunity to do work with CRS as they ture Programs Software Training In regards to the personal impact, I the Assistance of the Office of Vo- fect livelihoods, and preserving and have assignments mainly in East for the Institut Supérieur Agro- would categorize this experience as cational Agriculture Education for enhancing natural resources upon Africa.” nomic et Vétérinaire de Faranah and transformational. The way I look at the Establishment of Functional which most rural communities de- Students in Faranah, Guinea. Red- the world, humility of man, and the den provided technical assistance at notion of community has evolved Guinea’s largest agricultural univer- tremendously. I know that this ex- sity by training professors to use an perience is just the beginning for my online open source database system. future volunteer endeavours.” This system was to allow the univer- Moss was assigned to the Ag- sity to go from a paper to a paper- riculture Technical High School less environment. The systems that Emile Badiane of Bignona in Big- Redden implemented provided two nona, Senegal. Her assignment different options to the university consisted of a 20-day journey to to be able to store their documents. Senegal, West Africa to help and Redden also provided hardware and train the host to develop a website software needed for the assignment and a database for monitoring and that was not available at the univer- tracking graduates. The Agriculture sity to allow for an easier integration Technical Highschool of Bignona of the new applications. and The Ziguinchor Horticulture Walker was in Guinea, Conakry Initiation Center staff and teachers for two weeks. His assignment was attended Moss's workshop learning to train the Agriculture Trainers and to acquire and manage a website. Specialized Technicians in Com- Also, she developed a methodology puter Information Technology. His and database to track employment tasks included the familiarization of of graduates. hardware and basic software, docu- Salif was assigned the Training ment and file classification, Micro- of Trainers in Computer Informa- soft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and tion Systems & Information Tech- using the Internet as a research tool. nology in Agriculture Schools in Walker said, “The experience Dabola, Guinea. enabled me to contribute to the Dr. Maurice Dawson, Jr., pro- global society through job-related fessor in information systems, was CURRENT MICHAEL PLUMB/THE training for the betterment of the ag- the faculty member for both assign- Maurice Dawson (left) facilitated the student presentations about their experiences working on their assignments in the program. October 23, 2017 arts & entertainment 5 UMSL and greater St. Louis Gather at Touhill for 'The Wizard of Oz' Chris Zuver A&E Editor

rom October 19 through 22, the FBlanche M. Touhill Perform- ing Arts Center put on a show that brought both nostalgia and fascina- tion to all who attended, with the fall-season staple: “The Wizard of Oz.” The theatre was packed with people of all ages. Some were coming to relive the timeless story from their childhood while others were experiencing the story for the first time. The tale of Dorothy’s journey through the Land of Oz was pre- CHRIS ZUVER/ THE CURRENT sented in the style of the famous Dorothy and her friends running into the Wicked Witch of the West in the forest. 1939 film. The actors were beyond The play was divided into two for Theatre Arts. The orchestra con- abilities both onstage and backstage. group works with children ages 7 convincing, speaking all of the fa- acts. The first featured Dorothy’s sisted of members of Musicians’ As- The integration was done fantasti- through 21. mous lines as well as adding some trip to the Land of Oz and her trip sociation Local 2-197 as well as a few cally, with every actor and actress For decades, this has been the more modern phrases and jokes to down the yellow brick road where members of the University of Mis- helping to create the cast of Oz. time of year that the classic 1939 connect to the audience. Most nota- she meets her friends. The second souri-St. Louis Orchestra. Variety created the Children’s film has been watched on TV’s na- bly, the Witch of the West was cru- act starts with the arrival at the Costumes were made and pro- Theater nine years ago. Since then, tionwide. This live performance el, but also self-absorbed and sassy. emerald city, the group's final con- vided by the Kansas City Costume they have worked hard to perform a was a great chance for both young Her iconic laugh was enough to elic- frontation with the Witch of the Company. different production each year. Past and old to experience a now-tradi- it goosebumps. West, and finally Dorothy’s return The play was presented by the productions include “The Adven- tional tale of over a hundred years Special effects mostly relied on to Kansas. Variety Children’s Theatre, which tures of Tom Sawyer,” “Annie,” “Pe- in-person. actors and a background screen. The play starred Elizabeth Tee- featured some 58 children with dis- ter Pan,” and “Mary Poppins.” The There were also some minor fire ter as Dorothy, Drew Humphrey as effects and wires used occasion- Hunk/the Scarecrow, Martin Fox ally for Glinda the Good Witch as as Hickory/the Tin Man, Patrick she flew on and off stage, or in the Blindauer as Zeke/the Cowardly famous tornado scene where both Lion, and, of course, Nessa as Toto. Dorothy and Miss Gulch are flown The music was provided by two into the sky by the wind. Overall, ensembles and an orchestra. The the scenery brought the story to the ensembles included one for adults audience in a larger-than-life sort and one for kids and teens. The of way. The colors ranged from lush adult ensemble consisted of mem- and vibrant, to dark and disturbing. bers of the Actors’ Equity Associa-

In other words, the environments tion, The Big Muddy Dance Co., and THE CURRENT JOHN DEASY/ matched the mood. Webster University’s Conservatory Dorothy landing in Oz and meeting Glenda. New Wu-Tang Clan Album is Led by Mathematics and Method Man Mike A. Bryan Asian-inspired violins, sparse keys, style, a divergence from RZA’s re- Staff Writer soul and funk-inspired horns, all lay- cent more esoteric and experimen- ered over dark, moody drums. But it tal style, than it has to do with the ong-time producer Mathe- seems that the vocals are just main- MC’s energy. Their lyrical style and Lmatics and the majority of the taining the status-quo. There are not composition are reminiscent of that Wu-Tang Clan are back again with many memorable bars here, and the earlier work, showcasing at least another Staten Island-style album— subject material is tried and true. some of that lyrical wizardry for sample-heavy with funky horns, The true stand-out MC here is which the Wu-Tang Clan is so well- sparse piano, and Asian-influenced Method Man; he carries multiple known and revered. strings. tracks, appearing on five of the eigh- For true fans of the Wu, this Unfortunately, due to legal com- teen on the album. Other than that, album will be a renewal of earli- plications, member U-God does not “generic” is a word used to describe er beats; for those who are new to appear on this album, so they mod- OF WIKIPEDIA COURTESY this album by other reviewers, and the Clan, it may be a bit much to ified the group name to “Wu Tang” Members of the Wu-Tang Clan and their affiliates performing at the Virgin Festival in it is an ample descriptor. The mu- bite off. The music of the Wu-Tang Baltimore. (no hyphen and no “Clan”) to in- sic is not boring, offensive, or both- Clan exists in its own hip hop gal- dicate the change. As usual, RZA’s ticular, “People Say” is a standout Swnkah. The album has the consis- ersome in any way, it just does not axy, and they have never paid at- influence stands out—music that due to its sampling of the classic tent Wu-Tang sound, and is a good hit like those classic Wu-Tang Clan tention to current hip hop trends. is spooky, groovy, and cinemat- movie, “The Warriors.” follow-up to “A Better Tomorrow,” albums, even though this album is They make the music that is true to ic-sounding. Redman appears on Well-known former NYC rap even though neither album is really slightly reminiscent of the 1993 de- Staten Island, RZA’s influence, and both of the radio singles, “People personality Sean Price appears on breaking any new ground. It is ad- but album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 their upbringing. In the end, the al- Say” and “Lesson Learn’d.” This is one track, “Pearl Harbor,” along mirable that longtime production Chambers).” bum is the best work that Wu-Tang no surprise, when considering his with Ghostface Killah, Meth, and collaborator Mathematics can con- This connection has more to do Clan has put out in years, but it still strong connection to the group, and RZA. Other notable guests include sistently produce this RZA-inspired with Mathematics’ attempt at rec- does not come close to their former especially to Method Man. In par- Hue Hef, Mzee Jones, Streetlife, and combination of Kung-Fu samples, reating the earlier Wu-Tang Clan greatness. 6 sports October 23, 2017 St. Louis Symphony and St. Blues Sports Present Athletes of the Orchestra Calendar Roderick M. Wilbon October Sports Editor Monday, 10/23 All Day Men's Golf Away n October 15, the Saint Louis OSymphony Orchestra and The Tuesday, 10/24 All Day Saint Louis Blues presented the Men's Golf Away Athletes of the Orchestra. The media support of the concert was pro- Wednesday, 10/25 1 p.m. vided by St. Louis Public Radio 90.7 Men's Soccer Home KWMU and NineNetwork. Ath- letes of the Orchestra is a concert Wednesday, 10/25 3:30 p.m. and event, part of the family series Women's Soccer Home of concerts at the Saint Louis Sym- Friday, 10/27 5 p.m. phony Orchestra. It is a celebration of sports, athletes, and family time. Men's Swimming Home The evening started with an Friday, 10/27 7 p.m. hour of kids play time. The symphony had stations setup for each Women's Volleyball Home instrument group so that children Saturday, 10/28 1 p.m. could try them out. The string sta- Women's Swimming Home tion included: cello, violin, and vio- la. The woodwind station: included Saturday, 10/28 3 p.m. RODERICK WILBON/THE CURRENT RODERICK clarinet, flute, saxophone, and bas- Women's Volleyball Home soon. The brass section included: Louie quizzing kids on the instruments and introducing the next song at the symphony. trombone and trumpet. Finally, loves hockey, plays the saxophone, school and attended Marquette many Saint Louis Symphony Or- Sunday, 10/29 TBA the percussion section included: and loves blues music. This is why University. Kilcoyne has covered chestra members met with fans, Men's Soccer Home tambourine, maracas, cymbal, and the home of the St. Louis Blues is Brett Favre’s win in Super Bowl friends, and family. The Blues had snare. perfect for him. On October 10, XXI, Mark McGwire’s homer pur- a merchandise table set in the lobby Sunday, 10/29 TBA Lee Mills is the conductor for 2007 Louie was introduced to Blues suit of Roger Maris, the St. Louis and many people and children spent Women's Soccer Home the afternoon event. Mills is a res- fans and on November 3 Blues fans Rams improbable run to the Super time taking photos with Louie. It Monday, 10/30 All Day ident Conductor of the Brazilian gave him the nickname and his own Bowl XXXIV title, and the Cardinals was a great event, for fans of Classi- Symphony Orchestra and winner of game jersey. Louie had quizzes be- World Series win in 2006. cal music and sports fans alike. For Women's Golf Home the Solti Foundation U.S. 2014 Ca- tween the songs for the kids to pick After the concert Louie, the more info on the Family Concert Se- Tuesday, 10/31 7 p.m. reer Assistance Award. Mills is an the right musical instrument. The President of the St. Louis Blues ries see https://www.slso.org/en/ internationally recognized as a pas- right answers from the crowd gar- Chris Zimmerman, Lee Mills, and tickets/family-concerts/. Women's Volleyball Home sionate, multifaceted, and energetic nered the goal sound heard from all conductor. He has led performanc- St. Louis Blues goals. es with the Brazilian Symphony The songs that the orches- Orchestra that have been hailed as tra played were: “The Star-Span- having a “Sonority of unequalled gled Banner,” “Festive Overture,” liveliness and quality,” said Andre “Rigaudon from Le Tombeau de Effgen from Movimento.com. Mills Couperin,” “Unter Donner und has also conducted with the Na- Blitz,” “Casey at the Bat,” “Frolic- tional Symphony Orchestra (USA), some Finale from Simple Sympho- the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the ny,” “Canzon per sonar septimi toni Sao Paulo State Symphony Orches- a 8, No. 2,” “St. Louis Blues March,” tra, and the Baltimore Symphony and “Olympic Fanfare and Theme.” Orchestra. Martin Kilcoyne of Fox 2, Sports Louie the bear from the St. Louis Anchor since 1997 narrated the “Ca- Blues helped introduce the songs for sey at the Bat” song. Kilcoyne a St. the orchestra. Louie the bear is blue, Louis native, went to CBC high RODERICK WILBON/THE CURRENT RODERICK Kids could test the different instruments of the orchestra during the play time portion of the event before the concert. RODERICK WILBON/THE CURRENT RODERICK Louie posed with families after the concert. October 23, 2017 opinions

COMMENCEMENT 7

Are you planning to graduate in December??? How Did Hillary Have you applied for graduation??? If not, visit your academic adviser today!!! Hijack the Weinstein Story? University of Missouri–St. Louis Aubrey Byron include Senator Elizabeth War- News Editor ren, Senator Al Franken, and former President Barack Obama. None ast week, The New York Times of which have been implicated to 2017 Lbroke the story that Harvey the same extent in similar media Weinstein had sexually harassed coverage. several women in Hollywood. Several of the people closest to Fall Weinstein, a well-known produc- Harvey have expressed ignorance of er behind renowned films such as his behavior, including his brother, a “Gangs of New York,” “Pulp Fic- partner on the board, and longtime tion,” and “Shakespeare in Love,” co-workers such as Ben Affleck and faced allegations from a wide swath Matt Damon. Harvey’s wife, Geor- of accusers, including stars Ashley gina Chapman, has left him in the August & December Graduates Judd and Rose McGowan. wake of these allegations. The story, which is now being Hollywood giants stayed most- referred to as an “open secret” in ly silent on the accusations as they December 16, 2017 the industry, has been followed up emerged last week. Brie Larson, a on by more accusations from stars long time sexual assault victim ad- like Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina vocate, released a statement early Each ceremony will be approximately 11⁄2 hours long. Jolie, as well as more severe allega- on. It wasn’t until more accusations No tickets required. tions of sexual assault. He has now came from more well-known names been fired from his own company, that other actors started chiming in. The Weinstein Company, by fellow So what is the responsibility board members. Yet there is another of a former candidate and private Mark Twain Building name making headlines in the wake citizen in the midst of accusations of these allegations- Hillary Clinton. of someone she knows? There are 10 a.m. Ceremony Weinstein donated a significant none. Clinton, for her part, has ex- – College of Education amount to Hillary’s presidential pressed shock and disgust. On CNN, campaign in 2016 and has thrown she stated, “I was just sick. I was – College of Nursing lucrative fundraisers for Democrats shocked. I was appalled." Like her – School of Social Work in the past. Somehow these politi- other Democratic colleagues, she – Master’s of Public Policy Administration cal contributions have led to accu- has pledged to donate the money he sations of Hillary’s culpability or at gave to her to charity. least knowledge of Harvey’s crime. Harvey Weinstein’s alleged 2 p.m. Ceremony Other recipients of his donations crimes are disgusting and unforgiv- – College of Arts and Sciences able. But why is it that as a society we latch onto a woman to blame the crimes of men? Clinton is no 6 p.m. Ceremony stranger to this phenomenon, often – College of Business Administration blamed in her career for Bill’s accusers and sexual deviances. – UMSL/WU Joint Undergraduate The depth and sheer number of Engineering Program allegations has raised an important question in the industry of “Who knew?” Several accuser have alleged that Harvey lured them to ho- tel rooms by masquerading the calls as important business meetings. Sometimes he would send the fax Wednesday, November 1 request through agents, according to claims in The New York Times. & Thursday, November 2 It is almost certain in a pattern of behaviors that was this systemat- Triton Store, 209 MSC ic, that he had enablers and perhaps even accessories, the possibility 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. of which should be thoroughly in- vestigated. However the connection to Clinton is a stretch at best * Purchase your cap, gown and tassel (this registers and downright distracting from the you for the ceremony) point at worst. * Order or purchase announcements After all the reprehensible na- ture of the allegations all but mir- * Look at class rings ror those of the accusations that 1. Visit the Triton Store have previously been directed at President Donald Trump. So what 2. Go online at umsltritonstore.com exactly is it that conservatives are celebrating with this story? Please note: Oak Hall Cap & Gown is the official UMSL vendor for caps and gowns, and Jostens is the official vendor for announcements. If you purchase from another company, UMSL cannot help you if you are not satisfied.

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Visit the UMSL commencement website at umsl.edu/commencement for more information and to pre-register for your commencement photos with GradImages™. COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COURTESY Harvey Weinstein at the 2010 Time 100 Gala. October 23, 2017 YOU AND A GUEST ARE INVITED TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF

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*Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No purchase necessary. While supplies last. One admit-two pass per person. This film has been rated R by the MPAA. SuburbiconMovie.com IN THEATRES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 October 23, 2017 featuressection 9 Contamination 6 The Mutation: Convention Extending Halloween in St. Louis

Roderick M. Wilbon less business for fans and more of a Sports Editor true experience.” This year Contamination 6 is the ave and Susan Dyer were both weekend after Halloween, so it will Din the convention business as have a larger Horror theme. Novem- vendors for many years. As vendors, ber 4, the first day of the convention, they worked conventions all over is free. The Haunted House and the the United States. After attending so Movie room will be the only things many different events they learned open and available to everyone. The the business of producing a conven- movie room will be centered around tion. They examined the pros and the celebrity guests coming. They cons of the business and decided will be showing horror, sci-fi, and to start their own: Contamination. pop-culture movies and tv shows. Their sixth version happens No- On November 6, the con will fully be vember 4 and 5 at Crowne Plaza St. open including the show floor with Louis Airport. vendors, artist alley, and celebrity In 2005, the Dyers came up with guests. There will be a big cosplay/ the general ideas of Contamination. costume contest for prizes on Satur- They are big fans of pop-culture and day. “We are encouraging everyone noticed an absence of it in the Mid- to cosplay and dress up this year,” west. Their vendor experience lead said Susan. “Especially for the cos- to them building relationships with play contest.” celebrity guests. They lean more to Some of the celebrity guests at the Sci-fi and Horror side, but over- OF CONTAMINATION COURTESY this point are Ann Robinson, most all love pop-culture. They finalized Meet famous voice actor Mark Dodson at Contamination 6. known for portraying Sylvia Van the roadmap and started the com- partnership with Susan being the Every year Contamination has a small intimate con with a big con Buren in the movie, “The War of pany Dyer Straits Productions. This behind the scenes manager. “I’m to- an overall theme based off the time feel. They like to keep the con-go- the Worlds;” Naomi Grossman, move lead to Contamination’s first tally more of the fanboy between the of year and celebrity guests that are er in mind for every year. “It’s more most known for portraying Pep- version that would come to life in two of us,” said Dave. “I really love introduced. The promoters build than a con, but a large meetup of per in, “American Horror Story;” 2010. Dave is the frontman of their Sci-fi and Horror.” the lineup with the mindset to have like-minded people,” said Dave. “It’s Felix Silla, who portrayed Cousin Itt in “Adams Family,” an Ewok in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” and Dink in “Spaceballs;” Deborah Es- telle Philips, who portrayed Katie on, “Power Rangers Time Force;” George P. Wilbur, who is a stuntman and actor and known mostly for role as Michael Myers in, “Halloween.” There are more celebrity guests on the roster and the possibility of more on the way. For more information and tickets on this year’s Contamination 6 The Mutation visit www.con-tami- nation.com COURTESY OF CONTAMINATION COURTESY COURTESY OF CONTAMINATION COURTESY One of the stars that will be at Contamination Pase 6. 10 features andsection opinions October 23, 2017 Sammi Risius Encourages Leadership with SGA

Harold Crawford has moved several times around this this year’s Senate and I’m real ex- Staff Writer globe. She has lived in Saint Louis cited about that.” Risius continued, the longest amount of time. “I get a lot of practice with public ice President of Student Gov- Risius stressed the importance of speaking especially with SGA.” Vernment Association Sammi Ri- taking an extra step while at UMSL. Risius has dyslexia which is a sius, junior, media studies, has been She said, “Yes, of course education disability that can make people con- serving the students of the Univer- is first but just going to school just fuse the sound of words and makes sity of Missouri-St. Louis for several going to class can be really boring. reading difficult. Risius makes no years now. Risius was a senator and It’s proven that students who get in- excuses and meets with teachers a secretary for a year before she ran volved are more likely to graduate. and uses special methods. Risius for Vice President of SGA. People that have classes with you said, “I think that dyslexia is a weak- Risius said, “I joined UMSL be- are people you can network with.” ness. I have difficulties of reading cause I really love UMSL.” She was She explained her first expe- and writing. I might trip over words, already very involved with the pleth- rience coming to UMSL. She said, so I try to stay calm. I have people ora of organizations on campus. She “When I came to UMSL, I came the check over my work. Risius works said, “I knew that things were not day before classes started. If I didn’t hard and keeps over a 3.O grade perfect on campus, so I decided to get involved I wouldn’t know a sin- point average.” help out as much as I could.” gle person.” After college, she said she will Risius said, “When I came to Along with being part of SGA, still be involved. Risius said, “I’m UMSL, I did not know anybody Risius is a member of the Alpha not going to do something as seri- here. An alumni told me about his Xi Delta sorority and is the reign- ous as the United States but I will experience at UMSL so I choice the ing White Rose Queen of Sigma be a part of my kids PTA. I like keep- trident.” Tau Delta. She loves being part of ing busy, one of my biggest fears is It was not the first time Sammi the student groups, especially SGA. after college not having anything to was the new kid on the block. Sam- Risius said, “One of the best things do. So, local politics is already in the

mi is the daughter of Marines. She about our SGA is the diversity in cul- plan.” ANSELM OF CORINNE COURTESY was born in Okakanwia, Japan. She ture and age. We have a freshman on Risius has been invovled with SGA as a Senator last year and now as Vice President. GPU Prices Soar at Gamer's Expense Matt Gryzmala GPU for short. To her surprise, the form of online currency, much like ly benefits the creator of said cur- Therein lays the answer that Chel- Guest Writer card that she had previously quot- Bitcoin. There is a process called rency, and in turn, they miners get sea may or may not have wanted to ed eight months prior had a price “mining” that allows users to farm paid for it. hear. With this many high end GPUs hinking about building tag that increased by nearly 40 per- cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurren- The only way that the miners being bought up in massive quanti- Tthat new rig that you’ve been cent. “I have been waiting months cy mining is an extremely stressful can make any money mining Ethe- ties for these wretched mining rigs, dreaming of? The kind of PC that for this. I finally reached the home computational task that requires reum is to build a rig specifically gamers are left with the scraps, and will bring your gaming experience stretch and now it looks like I’m go- massive amounts of time and pro- designed to process Ethereum trans- brother those scraps are expensive. to unthinkable new heights, and ing to have to wait, or settle for less, cessing power. According to Rosic’s actions. To do all that processing, With demand for high end GPUs be- effortlessly showcases its stunning and I just don’t understand why,” article in the Huffington Post, the the computers need to have enor- ing driven into the stratosphere by power and unrelenting endurance? said Mees. I think that I may have makers of cryptocurrencies can- mous amounts of processing power. cryptocurrency miners, the price of If you are, then you are not so dif- discovered the answer. not handle the processing require- Now, down to the meat and pota- these GPUs increased drastically. ferent from gamer, Chelsea Mees. The booming PC gaming hard- ments of making every transaction toes. These rigs that the miners use “Actually now would be the Like many of us, she is a gamer who ware industry is suffering from execute seamlessly and fast. Miners require GPUs. A lot of GPUs. Com- best time to buy a card before they is seeking to get the most power- a new parasitic menace that has are there to help the Ethereum is- puter companies like ASUS have go back up again, which is sad be- ful components for her new build, emerged from the far reaches of the suer process all the “blocks” in the actually released motherboards for cause it’s still much higher than while not pipe-bombing her bank Internet to wreak havoc on pricing transactions occurring using their mining with a whopping 13 slots for normal. They are right around 400 account. She has gathered together and availability of graphics cards. currency. As a reward for all the GPUs as reported by Sexton in his to 450 bucks for a good one at the almost all of the pieces to the puz- Hruska’s article on extremetech. miner’s processing work, they are article he wrote for tomshardware. moment. But I was seeing the same zle…except one. com explains that this menace is compensated with Ethereum it- com. Now let’s do the math. That is cards going for well over 550 dollars September 8 was the day she de- none other than the new cryptocur- self. Essentially, these miners cre- 13 GPUs for every mining rig. Now no more than a few weeks ago, and cided to purchase that final piece; rency, Ethereum. If you have not yet ate a program that will help process multiply that by tens of thousands Continued at the graphics processing unit, or heard about Ethereum, it is a new Ethereum transactions which great- of miners using these special rigs. thecurrent-online.com Trump’s War on Women Trevonte Harris come, and African-American women part. Trump recently signed or- get the best of him and is in essence, and 21,700 women dying in preg- Staff Writer en. If that is not racism, I do not ders that drastically reduce women’s killing people. If he calls himself nancy or childbirth. know what is. American history healthcare in a room full of men. pro-life he is simply wrong. More America was founded to be the he world recently laid wit- shows us that our government con- How can a room full of men tru- people will die because they don’t land of the free and that should not Tness to the Women’s March, in sistently fails to prioritize the rights ly understand a woman’s struggle? have access to quality healthcare, stop with Trump. Women should which over 3.2 million people par- and autonomy of non-white wom- You would not ask only white peo- and without treatment for various have the right to choose whether or ticipated. It was perhaps one of the en. Even as recently as the 1970s, as ple their opinion of how to respond conditions, people will die. Marie not to have a baby, and they should biggest protests of our time. Seas of many as 32 federally-funded clin- to issues that the Black Lives Mat- Stopes of Marie Stopes Interna- be able to easily afford and obtain women and allies came out togeth- ics performed coerced sterilization ter campaign addresses. You need tional, says that if she cannot secure quality healthcare. Stand up for er in solidarity, confirming that they disproportionately to African Amer- some diversity, you have to have replacement funding, there may be what you believe in, that is what I will never bow down to the reigning ican and Puerto Rican women in the people of different races, different as many as 6.5 million unintentional try to do and you should, too. dictator, President Trump. United States. ages, different backgrounds to truly pregnancies, 2.2 million abortions, Trump is a figure who poses a Other ways women will be af- understand the everyday struggle of threat to democracy and to women’s fected are curbed access to cancer discrimination in America. ability to be autonomous. I am start- screenings, and soon may expand I believe that room should have ing to think even Hustler Magazine to vaccinations, and will affect HIV been full of men and women of CEO and Founder Larry Flynt may and Zika virus support. Planned different ages and cultural back- have been a better president, at least Parenthood claims that abortion-re- grounds. The President’s job is to act he says that he has “always cele- lated services account for only 3 as a public servant, and a true pub- brated” women. But Donald Trump percent of their business, and block- lic servant would want to include sees women as subservient to man. ing women’s access to the other vi- everyone in their decision-making Donald Trump plays with women’s tal services performed by the clinic process. health care access the way a child will undoubtedly leave thousands of When women are forced into a would play with a toy. poor, vulnerable women dead. corner, many of them will try to sur- This week, Trump signed an or- According to Nicholas Kristof vive the best way they know how. der that will cut off access to con- of The New York Times, Trump is Some will take increasingly risky traception, allowing companies to trying to focus the country’s energy methods to abort their pregnancies opt-out of coverage for birth con- on trivial things like building walls, which can put them in tremendous trol. The people who will be most and expediting oil pipelines, all the danger of complications. COURTESY OF THE WHITE HOUSE COURTESY affected by this are probably the while screwing women, although I Trump fails to realize that he is President Trump meets with advisors at the Oval Office. He has been criticized over his vast numbers of women, low-in- may have added the screwing wom- hurting people. He is letting his ego failure to include women in his healthcare decision-making process. October 23, 2017 featuressection 11 Ameren Accelerator And Alumni Association Engage Regional Legislators Kat Riddler Managing Editor

he Alumni Association of the TUniversity of Missouri-St. Lou- is hosted their first Celebrating Entrepreneurship and Innovative Thinking event on October 18. This event was focused on bringing legislators to Cortex to see what the university system and UMSL have been doing to work with business start- ups, encourage innovation and help the citizens of Missouri as a whole. The event started at 5:30 p.m. with guests checking in at the Ha- vana Room in the innovation and technology district of Cortex at the MICHAEL PLUMB/THE CURRENT MICHAEL PLUMB/THE

CIC@4240 Building. Guests were CURRENT MICHAEL PLUMB/THE invited to speak with the Ameren Ameren Accelerator cohort members answered questions about their startup Attendees could speak with the Ameren Accelerator cohort members before their Accelerator Cohort, with alum- companies. demo day. ni, faculty, staff, and students of behalf of the university I would like certificate in entrepreneurship for startup and to get that intimate this region. That is what makes me UMSL, and to see the UMSL Accel- to express our heartfelt and sincere the first time ever. One of the won- that quick with a big company” so proud.” erate and Ameren Accelerator space appreciation for all that you do for derful things about it is that it is Warner Baxter, who gave the There were several State Represen- in Cortex. our state and for the great citizens taught by practicing entrepreneurs main address to those attending tatives from around the region who The Ameren Accelerator is a in our state. You know that in many and we start with intro to entrepre- the event, summed up his feel- attended: Gretchen Bangert, Donna unique partnership between public ways your job is a thankless job and neurship and end with a capstone ings about why the program is so Baringer, Doug Beck, Jean Evans, and private institutions and is one it requires a lot of hours, hard work, where we want the students to important to him and why UMSL David Gregory, Kirk Mathews, Kar- of the first of its kind in the United and sacrifice so we really appreciate have a viable product.” made a difference in his life, and la May, Gina Mitten, Jay Mosley, States and the first in the St. Louis what you do for the state and for the Lauer emphasized the com- is making a difference in the lives Becky Ruth, Fred Wessels, Peter region to focus on energy technolo- university and we really appreciate munity engagement with UMSL of others, “I am very proud to be Meredith and Kathie Conway. Bri- gies. The partnership with the Uni- that you are here tonight.” Accelerate. Lauer said, “We have a University of Missouri-St. Louis an Williams from the Office of U.S. versity of Missouri System, UMSL Blanner noted that there are 68 students enrolled in these alumni and being able to partner Congressman William Lacy Clay Accelerate, Ameren and Capital In- 98,000 alumni of UMSL and 72 courses. If you know entrepre- with a university that has done so was also in attendance. novators was created to assess, men- percent of them live and work in neurs, you know they don’t want to much for me is actually quite spe- Representative Beck said, “The tor, and invest in energy technology Missouri. Blanner said, “They are be in a classroom. Immediately we cial. They have not only given me UMSL Ameren Accelerator pro- startup companies. Seven startup working here, they are spending go from the rigour of classrooms to the opportunity that I had, but by gram is an exciting collaboration companies were chosen out of the here, they are part of the economy.” out of classroom learning. We have instituting this collaboration and between a state institution of high- 200 applications from 31 countries Kristin Sobolik, vice provost for a host of innovative courses— this giving students at the University er education and private industry and 22 states who applied. There academic affairs, spoke about the is where we need legislators and of Missouri-St. Louis an opportu- that is opening new doors for was an intense selection process in- diversity of the student population. alums— to help us invest, to help nity to have an internships, we are entrepreneurs. I believe we must cluding their own “Shark Tank” like She cited that of the 17,000 students, us invent, but we are off to a great giving back. I’m also convinced support innovation and business presentations to the selection team. there are representations from 44 start. We have an entrepreneur in that together we will do something start-ups to keep Missouri’s econo- Each of the winning groups received states and more than 100 countries, residence program. We have 37 special— not just for the students, my moving forward.” $100,000 in seed capital to partici- but there are still many from Mis- students in under a year… and more not just for the university, but for pate in the 12-week program. souri. In fact, over 85 percent from to come. It’s a great program. We UMSL Alumnus Warner Bax- Missouri. have an entrepreneurial scholars ter, chairman, president, and CEO Dan Lauer, founding executive and interns program. It is system of Ameren, said, “This partnership director of UMSL Accelerate, spoke wide and it is a cohort. You have with the University of Missouri Sys- about the accelerator process and to win...We go to each campus to tem and UMSL Accelerate is a great the founding of UMSL Accelerate. assist them from a collaborative partnership because it is all about Lauer said that the idea of UMSL perspective in a cohort way so we the St. Louis region. It’s all about Accelerate was a collaboration be- can learn more together as peers.” the corporation like us collaborat- tween UMSL College of Business Lauer focused a little more on the ing with a public university to not Administration Dean Charles Hoff- new cohort and collaboration with only create jobs but also innovation man and himself in 2013. Lauer said, the Ameren Accelerator. He said, in an area that frankly, is incredibly “We do three things really well. We “One of the many unintended ben- innovative. I’m proud to be part of educate, innovate, and collaborate.” efits of the Ameren Accelerator is that. Ameren is proud to be proud He went on to explain some of the that we were able to engage 10 stu- of that. We are going to make a dif- programs and successes UMSL dents and give them $2500 to be in ference in the St. Louis region with Accelerate is engaged in doing, “In the cohort with these accelerator…. this collaboration.“ the entrepreneurial journey from Ameren chose 3 or 4 senior leaders Baxter continued, “The whole the educative perspective, we are for each of these seven companies Ameren Accelerator is truly about proud to say now we are offering a to engage with. Imagine being a identifying innovative ideas, but also mentoring these companies to accelerate their products and ulti- mately implement those. Because when I look at the energy future of our country, we need innovation. So what we are looking for much as the demo day but going forward is for these startup companies, they have the opportunity to show their wares, show their talent, to get more investors so we can accelerate their products to get it to our customers and the constituents in this community to make their energy future brighter.” Alumni Association Vice Presi- dent Joe Blanner, BSPA 1998, wel- comed everyone that evening to start the program. He thanked the

number of elected officials who CURRENT MICHAEL PLUMB/THE attend to speak with the start up Elected officials were able to speak with the Ameren cohort at Cortex. Pictured (from companies and learn more about left to right) State Representative Doug Beck, State Representative Peter Merideth, the partnership. Blanner said, “On and State Representative Jean Evans. section October 23, 2017 12

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