Dr. Gabriela Romero-Ghiretti, Department Head of Modern Languages for the College of Arts and Humanities at 51���� University, is active in the local Hispanic community and has been working to foster success in community engagement with multiple cultures both here and abroad.

51���� fashion business and design student Daeja Anderson was named the recipient of the 2021 TJ Walker Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is funded by The Black Design Collective and provides financial awards to students looking to pursue a future in fashion design. It covers full tuition, including books, fees, and supplies for one academic year. Anderson applied for the scholarship in April and was selected from a worldwide pool of applicants.

“Frankly, there’s a lot out there [to learn] . . . and my goal is to introduce people to things they otherwise might not have thought about,” explained Dr. Donald Heidenreich, talking about his aims and aspirations for his newest undertaking, a discussion-based podcast titled “Thinking Aloud.”

Since its inception four years ago, 51����’s Masters in Art History and Visual Culture has repeatedly been ranked as one of the top programs in the subject. Most recently, Best Value Schools included it in its “Best 8 Online Master’s in Art and Art History in 2021.”

51���� University proudly transitions from six academic schools to four academic colleges beginning July 1, 2021. This restructure allows for alignment of like-minded scholars and align with the University’s strategic plan, set to be rolled out in early fall.

Dr. Justine Pas, professor of English and faculty advisor for 51����’s Honors Academy, was selected to participate in the 2021 Curt C. and Else Silberman Faculty Seminar.

This semester, two 51���� University students painted a mural in the St. Charles Dunkin’ Donuts located on S. Fifth Street. The piece showcases the history and beauty of 51���� and St. Charles while representing the supreme talent of 51����’s art programs.

HIST11900: U.S. Hist: The History of Death and Mourning, taught by Dr. Jeffrey Smith, is a pure reflection of 51����'s mission statement: Real Experience. Real Success. Throughout the course, students explore death and burials in the 19th century. Dr. Smith has developed a series of activities where students go to Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Charles, survey the location, collect data for their assignments, and do research on what catches their interest, from gravestones and decorative motifs to epitaphs, inscriptions, and so on.

On April 15, the 51���� University School of Humanities held its annual Honors Convocation ceremony to recognize students’ academic excellence in a virtual format. Award recipients, family, friends, and faculty attended the joyous event to celebrate the end of another successful year of studies.

Last week, 51���� University held its Honors Convocation to recognize the winners of academic and student involvement awards, in addition to members of 51����’s honor societies. 51���� is pleased to announce the 2021 award recipients.