Dear friends, neighbors and community partners,

June is the month that heralds the beginning of summer—a time of celebrating, connecting and taking time to refresh and renew. This month will also serve as my last in the role of Chancellor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. As I reflect on my over 9 years at UMSL, I am so proud of the advancements we have made together—elevating research and workforce training, supporting new businesses and local nonprofit agencies, celebrating accomplishments, and launching the Transform UMSL initiative to create a university to serve the needs of our community both now and into the future. I am confident that more great things are in store for our university and this community. Even though I will no longer be leading the efforts, in my role as Chancellor Emerita I will continue to support, watch and cheer you on. I will always love UMSL and this community!

Chancellor Kristin Sobolik will close out her tenure leading the University of Missouri–St. Louis at the end of June as she moves into a position as chancellor emerita. Recently, she was honored for the legacy she’ll leave behind. Regional development organization North County Inc. presented Sobolik with its Visionary Leadership Award at its 49th annual Leadership Breakfast.

The award is meant to honor individuals whose work has been intentionally transformational and whose vision has helped improve connection, collaboration, equity, leadership and growth in the community….“Chancellor Kristin Sobolik has driven UMSL toward significant growth and transformation throughout her tenure, and her service to the university and her positive outlook on education have made a lasting impact on our North County region,”  North County Inc. President and CEO Rebecca Zoll said. “She has also been a great partner and supporter of North County Inc., and we are pleased to celebrate her today and express our gratitude for her commitment to fostering meaningful, large-scale, visionary progress.” Read more about this recognition and the Chancellor’s accomplishments. 

The University of Missouri–St. Louis continues to receive strong support from the St. Louis business community as it grows its School of Engineering.  Ameren has pledged $1 million to support construction of the Ameren Electrical Engineering Lab, currently being built in the UMSL Science Complex, along with additional funding for scholarships and programming to provide experiential learning opportunities for engineering students. This investment comes at a critical time, as demand for skilled engineers continues to grow across Missouri’s energy, infrastructure and technology sectors….Additionally, Ameren will continue to invest in the UMSL Bridge Program’s Saturday and Summer Academies, which provide STEM-focused instruction and college preparation to more than 2,000 middle school and high school students and their families across the St. Louis region each year. Read more about this pledge.

Good News Brewing has officially opened its doors in the old Ferguson Brew House building completing the transition announced last fall that Ferguson Brewing would close in December, but that Good News Brewing, an O’Fallon-based brewery known for its craft beer and wood-fired pizzas, planned to take over the space.  While some elements have changed, others remain. In a recent interview with new owners Rodney and Julie Fickas, they shared that the Gorilla is staying noting, “It will be part of the atmosphere.” The new menu includes sourdough wood-fired pizza, salads, burgers, chicken wings, and other “pub grub" along with regular and specialty sandwiches. Also, the plan is for two taps to feature throwback Ferguson brews. Currently the Pecan Brown Ale is available—brewed from Ferguson Brewing Co.’s original recipe and described on the menu as “toasty, nutty, smooth and delicious.” The restaurant is located at 418 S Florissant Rd. Ferguson 63135  is open daily with weekend lunch hours. Read more about the plans for this new Good News Brewing location.

_{Normandy Connections newsletter, Normandy Schools Collaborative, May 14, 2026}

Nine Normandy High School students are participating in the prestigious Charles Evans Jr. Scholars Caddie Program, which provides full tuition and housing for up to four years of college. Through caddying, students develop leadership, responsibility, communication skills, and strong work habits while gaining mentorship and earning an income. Four Normandy students were also invited to attend an Advocates Professional Golf Association Youth Clinic and Dinner at Glen Echo Country Club.

Founded in 1929, the Evans Scholars Program supports students with academic, professional, and social resources and maintains a 98 percent graduation rate among scholars. The program continues to create valuable opportunities for youth development, education, and future career pathways.

_{Beyond Housing website, April 27, 2026}

At Beyond Housing’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, the most powerful moments came not from the stage or the program, but from the people living the work every day. Two residents—Adrianna Hudson and Tawanna Gandy—shared their stories, offering a firsthand look at what becomes possible when individuals and families have access to stable housing and consistent support over time.

Adrianna Hudson’s journey with Beyond Housing began in 2014, at a time when she needed stability—a safe place to live and an opportunity to move forward. What she found was more than housing. Through Beyond Housing’s homeownership and savings programs, Adrianna began to build a plan for her future, developing the habits and confidence needed to take the next step. Within five years, she transitioned from renter to homeowner in the same community. That shift represented more than a financial milestone—it marked a turning point in how she saw herself and her future. Read more about Adrianna and Tawana’s accomplishments partnering with Beyond Housing.

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Civic Collaboration Fellows new cohort recruitment
June 1 - July 10, 2026  

Applications are being accepted through July 10 for the next cohort of Civic Collaboration Fellows (CCF). The program, launched in 2025 by MU Extension and the University of Missouri–St. Louis with funding from the James S. McDonnell Foundation, is a yearlong fellowship designed to strengthen civic infrastructure and advance economic mobility in the St. Louis region. Fellows engage in collaborative leadership and economic mobility workshops, collaborative planning, and an experiential learning trip to a city that exemplifies innovative economic mobility successes that are relevant and relatable to the St. Louis region. Contact CivicCollaborationFellows@missouri.edu with questions.

Night at the Apollo
Saturday, June 20, 2026  5:30 - 9:30 PM
UMSL Touhill Performing Arts Center

Culture Collective StL presents The Yah Yah Apollo Night St. Louis County Juneteenth Celebration! Hosted buy Tru Wag the comedian, appearances include 2Kiddslimm, Slowspread Music & Dobbs, Artbyrell, among others. Vendors, and art displayed and a show will cap the event. Tickets: $35 - $100.

Electronic Recycling and Paper Shredding
Saturday, June 27, 2026
9:00 AM — Noon
Beverly Hills Shopping Center, 6370 Natural Bridge Road 

This event is sponsored by St. Louis County and proof of residency of the county may be requested. Drop off any electronic item with a cord or powered by a battery. All personal information on devices is securely destroyed. Onsite document shredding will be available (3 banker-sized boxes/household). This is a free event, but there may be a small fee for some items.

MetroMarket hosted by the Community Impact Network
Fridays through Nov. 20, 2026
3:00 - 5:00 PM
1623 Kienlen Ave., 63133

The Network is hosting the Operation Food Search Metro Market days where community residents in the 24:1 can shop for fresh and affordable food. Cash, debit/credit cards and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) will be accepted forms of payment. 

We'd love to hear your questions and comments about UMSL and stories about great things happening in our communities. Your thoughts will help shape content covered in future newsletters to be pertinent to you and your neighbors. Leave any suggestions, questions or stories on Community Connection's feedback form. Thank you!