Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2022

22 23 SPRING 2022 EDITION SPRING 2022 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD COLLEGES COLLEGES COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND HEALTH PLASTER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Lindenwood successfully hosted the Region 6 Science Olympiad competitions on campus Saturday, February 12. This is the thirteenth year the tournament has been held on campus. This year there were approximately 180 high school students from nine area schools, and 130 middle school students from seven different middle schools. Each competed in 22 different STEM based events and activities. Each level of competition advanced four teams to the state competition that will be held on April 9 at Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. The event was designed to be an in-person experience, with students performing experiments in the laboratory, testing devices they made, and in general experiencing a fun day on campus, something that was not possible the year prior. This events success was due to the 45 Lindenwood faculty, students, and alumni as well as scientific professionals from the St. Louis community who volunteered to assist with the Science Olympiad for the day. The volunteers from the community came from Boeing, Ameren, Washington University, Missouri S&T, Goldfarb Nursing, St. Louis University, Senior Insurance Concepts, and retired scientific professionals! The volunteers were thrilled to engage the students in their area of expertise. Adapt. Build. Engage. These three key words describing Lindenwood University’s strategic planning approach are also reflected in a timely partnership between the Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship (PCB&E) and ITEN (Innovation Technology Entrepreneurs Network). ITEN helps tech entrepreneurs launch successful new business ventures by offering educational programs and services. Since its founding in 2008, ITEN has worked with almost 2000 startups and has approximately 150 entrepreneurs actively engaged in programs and events. “ITEN is a key player in the development of the innovation ecosystem in St. Louis,” ITEN Executive Director Quentin Ortega said. “It utilizes a pool of 60-plus volunteer mentors from a variety of areas of expertise to help support entrepreneurs in one-on-mentor relationships.” The PCB&E values a culture of entrepreneurship. As a result, the partnership with ITEN was natural, with the two coming together in May of 2020. “Lindenwood is committed to helping students approach their careers and futures utilizing an entrepreneurial mindset,” Dean of the PCB&E Molly Hudgins said. “The addition of ITEN to the PCB&E provides students with new and innovative opportunities to realize their entrepreneurial passions and to engage with the start-up ecosystem of greater St. Louis.” ITEN has been integrated throughout the PCB&E, exposing students to the entrepreneurial mindset through classes, guest speakers, and projects, while also collaborating with Career Services to connect students to startups offering internship opportunities. In addition to serving as a resource for future entrepreneurs, ITEN serves as an avenue for all of the Lindenwood community to engage in ideation and explore innovation. “It’s our way to adapt, build, and engage Lindenwood students with the innovative and entrepreneurial world they will be working and living in the not-too-distant future,” Hudgins said. Providing real experience to local students Congratulations, champions! Hands-on STEM based activities for all participants ITEN supports Missouri entrepreneurs Integrating entrepreneurship in the classroom