News – Page 37 – The Scene

New program recognizes “emerging” scholars

May 6, 2013

Forest Park recognized 96 students through its new Emerging Scholars program at an awards banquet last week. Students qualified by taking 12 hours of developmental courses, or transitioning into college-level courses after completing two or more developmental courses. They also maintained grade-point averages of 3.5 or higher. Two of the 96 – Sherida Carter and Ina Griesohn – were named Emerging Scholars of the Year. They each received a $500 scholarship. […]

Communications Specialist Lynn Venhaus, left, sits with Police Chief Richard Banahan after the St. Louis Fire Department rescued him from a Student Center elevator. (Photo by Garrieth Crockett)

Blackout disrupts campus activities

April 22, 2013

Some students were enjoying free food and music in the Forest Park cafeteria as part of Sunfest. Others were studying in the library or listening to lectures in classrooms. Then the lights went out. […]

Faculty and staff give advice to grads

April 22, 2013

Graduation is quickly approaching at Forest Park, and that means some students will be starting new chapters of their lives. Several faculty and staff members recently shared their wisdom for students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions. Counselor and associate professor Reginald Johnson suggests doing plenty of research before picking a college or university. “Visit that university, take a guided tour and get familiar with the campus,” he said. “Get familiar with the curriculum and make sure it’s a good fit for you. “Not all campuses or universities are going to give you what you need.” […]

Stephen D. Anderson, 34, Meramac TRIO adviser, rolls his bright green ball down the bowling lane. (Photo by DeJuan Baskin)

Bowlers raise big money for scholarships

April 22, 2013

Forest Park students, faculty and staff came to life at the12th annual Bowling for Scholars fundraiser at Tropicana Lanes this month. “It’s the most fun you can imagine,” said Christy Hart, bookstore manager and event coordinator. Bowlers were raising money for St. Louis Community College scholarships. […]

Slay disappoints debate audience

March 4, 2013

St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay didn’t make any friends at Forest Park last week. He cancelled his appearance at a mayoral debate on campus, disappointing students, staff and other audience members. “The mayor can’t be in two places at once,” said his campaign manager, Richard Callow, when called a few hours before the event. “There is another forum tonight.” […]

Flo Valley student shot near campus

March 4, 2013

A male student at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley was shot near campus on Feb. 20. He is expected to survive. Police aren’t releasing his name, age or any other identifying information. Two men were arrested in connection with the case, including alleged shooter Jeffrey Burnett, 19, of Florissant, and alleged accomplice John Dailey, 20, of Hazelwood. Neither is a Flo Valley student. Kedra Tolson, the college’s coordinator of public information and marketing, emphasized the shooting was an isolated incident. “We are a safe and secure campus,” she said. “We put everyone’s safety first.” Ferguson Police Department is handling the investigation. The victim had arranged to meet the two men for a drug deal, Chief Thomas Jackson said. Shots were fired about 2:05 p.m. in a car near Hudson Road and College Drive. The victim was shot four times in his back and chest, Jackson said. He is hospitalized at DePaul Health Center. […]

Claudia Perry goes through old papers while cleaning out her office on the second floor of the Student Center. (Photo by Garrieth Crockett)

Perry says goodbye to Forest Park

February 18, 2013

Claudia Perry started working in Forest Park community relations in 1985 as a substitute for a woman on maternity leave. The new mother decided not to return, giving Perry an opening. “I think I’d really like to have this job,” she told Vernon Crawley, who was president at the time. “I really like it here.” She sure did. Perry served as campus spokeswoman for 28 years. Her last day was Friday. She’s moving to the Cosand Center, which is St. Louis Community College’s headquarters near Busch Stadium. She’ll serve as coordinator of college relations. […]

Police Chief Richard Banahan advises students to stay aware of their surroundings. (Photo by Brandon Panosh)

College is “prepared for the worst”

February 18, 2013

Forest Park isn’t changing its strategy to deal with potential gun violence in light of recent school shootings in Connecticut and St. Louis. That’s because officials feel they already have strong procedures in place to protect students. “It shocks the system when you see something like (a school shooting),” said Police Chief Richard Banahan. “But it doesn’t change the plan. It’s a great plan.” The campus held an armed-intruder drill in April. Students and staff locked classroom doors and stayed out of sight. President Cindy Hess and other leaders also go through surprise exercises that test their ability to make decisions in a crisis. […]

Professor Ronald Henry gives a lesson on Malcolm X in his African American History II class. (Photo by Garrieth Crockett)

College focuses on black history all year

February 18, 2013

Camel Parks knew about the Rev. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and other legends in the Civil Rights Movement. But an African American history class at Forest Park has taught her about many other “unsung heroes” who struggled through everything from slavery to segregation. “There was just so much more to it, said Parks, 23 a journalism major. “What I learned in high school didn’t even come close. I didn’t realize how many people gave their lives.” […]