The Spirit of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is a celebration of commitment and leadership at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.<\/p>\n
This year’s virtual event was emceed by Kathleen \u201cKay\u201d Quinn-Malone, \u201999, Emmy Award-winning anchor and reporter at KSDK 5 On Your Side.<\/p>\n
Attendees enjoyed award presentations honoring some of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½\u2019s most outstanding alumni and friends, including the inaugural Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Learning Award. The award, new in 2020, recognizes online graduates and others who bring distinction to their profession, to their community and to Ä¢¹½´«Ã½.<\/p>\n
“This is a very special time to salute the outstanding achievements of our alumni and everyone who has done so much during this most difficult of times,” said Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ President Mark Lombardi, PhD. “This year’s Spirit of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is especially dedicated to all the heroes in the St. Louis community and throughout the nation who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe during the pandemic.”<\/p>\n
The evening also featured a Q&A session with President Lombardi and Director of Athletics and Recreation Lonnie Folks, \u201982, \u201998. They discussed how the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ community responded with innovation and creativity to the unique challenges presented during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
The celebration concluded with a special preview of plans for the celebration of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½’s 150th anniversary. The year-long celebration will kick off this September at Homecoming 2021. All students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are invited to enjoy the festivities this fall, and throughout 2022.<\/p>\n
Watch the full Spirit of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ program below.<\/p>\n