SPOTLIGHT

Larine Y. Cowan
Make a Difference Award

The Larine Y. Cowan Make a Difference Award was presented to ESLARP Director Laura Lawson and FAA Dean Robert Graves earlier this month during the 24th Annual Celebration of Diversity breakfast on November 11, held at the I Hotel. Presenting the award to ESLARP was Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Robert Easter, and Menah Pratt-Clarke, Interim Assistant Chancellor and Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.

 ESLARP in Action Blog

Billie Turner

Billie Gloria Turner

Having lived and worked in East St. Louis all my life, I am considered family among community members in East St. Louis.  However, my position with ESLARP has taken me to another level in the community-as a helper or someone who is trying to make a positive difference in the community.  As the ESLARP Community Liaison, I attend neighborhood, agency, community and governmental meetings and workshops.  I work with individuals and organizations in East St. Louis to achieve their goals, as well as assist ESLARP in achieving its vision.  I try to understand both the needs of the University and the needs of the community, and then communicate with both.  This position enables me to come in contact with dedicated, committed people at the University and in the community, and their perseverance helps to make me want to go the extra mile.  These two partners are able to work together and bring me into both of their worlds.  The professors, staff, and students are able to gather pertinent research and data, and the community is able to receive services that would not otherwise be available to them.