Saint Louis Science Center announces next president

Science and Health

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4)—The Saint Louis Science Center has announced its next president and CEO. Dr. Ray Vandiver will succeed Todd Bastean at the helm of the organization on Feb. 28. Vandiver will come to the Saint Louis Science Center from the Discovery Lab in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he served as the founding Executive Director for over 12 years. “We are thrilled to bring an executive of Ray’s stature to the Science Center,” said Dr. Mark Wrighton, chairman of the Science Center’s Board of Commissioners and chairman of the CEO search committee. “Not only is he a strong leader with well-versed knowledge of STEM, informal learning and leading science centers and museums, but he also is returning to his roots, as he was born and raised in St. Louis and holds a B.A. in physics from Saint Louis University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in physics from Missouri University of Science and Technology.”After more than five years as President and CEO of the Saint Louis Science Center, Bastean is retiring. Copyright 2025 KMOV. All rights reserved.

Kennedy College Breaking Ground on Olney Science Center Expansion

Science and Health

01/21/2025

By Ed Brennen

UMass Lowell’s largest building, the Olney Science Center, is getting even bigger — and better.
Construction work is about to start on a $127 million expansion and modernization of the Kennedy College of Sciences building on North Campus.
The 2½-year project begins in February with the demolition of the Olney 150 lecture hall. 
In its place will rise a three-story wing that includes a dozen new physics, chemistry and weather labs, a 160-seat auditorium, a Starbucks cafe and plenty of common space for students to hang out and study.The 51,300-square-foot addition is expected to open for the spring 2027 semester. 
The project also includes the renovation of 44,600 square feet of classroom, lab and office space on the first and second floors of the existing Olney building. That work is scheduled to be completed in time for the fall 2027 semester.
“This renovation represents a transformative step in how we teach and inspire our students in the sciences,” says Kennedy College Dean Noureddine Melikechi. “By creating state-of-the-art learning environments, we will provide hands-on experiences that mirror real-world scientific challenges. Our students will have access to cutting-edge tools and collaborative spaces that prepare them not just to learn, but to innovate and lead in STEM fields.”

Image by Goody Clancy

The atrium of the expanded Olney Science Center will serve as a vibrant new entry point to North Campus for students, faculty and staff.

During construction, the area between Olney, Pinanski Hall and the Costello Athletic Center will be fenced off. The primary pathway to and from the North Campus bus stop, parking lots and garage will be through the existing Olney entrance. During athletic events, a temporary covered walkway will provide access from the parking areas to Costello’s main entrance. 
“This is a sizable project in a very tight site,” says Rupinder Sembhi, director of capital projects for Facilities Management.
The Olney addition will feature a dramatic, two-story, cantilevered wing extending over the bus loop and sidewalk below. The exterior of the addition will be patinated brass with a greenish-blue hue.
From the accessible ground-floor entrance, students, faculty and staff will be greeted by an airy, skylit atrium with a grand staircase to the first and second floors. (There will also be a new elevator servicing all three levels.)
The ground floor will include the new auditorium and a 24-seat classroom, as well as new chemical handling facilities and a loading dock for the Environmental Health and Safety Department.
The first floor will feature five teaching labs and a prep lab for the Physics and Applied Physics Department. It will also be home to the Starbucks, which will face a redesigned plaza between Olney and Pinanski halls.

Image by Goody Clancy

The Olney Science Center expansion project includes a new Starbucks cafe facing a redesigned plaza adjacent to Pinanski Hall.

On the second floor, there will be five teaching labs and a prep lab for the Chemistry Department, as well as a new weather lab for Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences students.
Each floor will have study nooks and seating areas with whiteboards to encourage student collaboration.
“We want to make it a vibrant place for students to gather and use their creativity — and also make it a true gateway to North Campus,” Sembhi says.
The Einstein Bros. Bagels on the first floor of Olney will close and be replaced by a student “living room” with flexible seating and whiteboards. 
Six classrooms will be renovated in the existing Olney building, including three that will become Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) classrooms. TEAL classrooms are equipped with six-person tables centered around 55-inch touchscreen monitors, making it easier for students to collaborate and participate in group work.
Built in 1974, Olney is the largest building on campus at 232,600 square feet — just ahead of University Crossing (232,476) and Fox Hall (227,004). It is named for Louis Atwell Olney, who chaired Lowell Textile School’s chemistry and dyeing department for 47 years, from 1897 to 1945.
With UML’s pending rise to Research 1 status, the highest level awarded by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Melikechi notes that investments such as the Olney expansion “reflect our commitment to advancing teaching, research and discovery.” 
“These enhanced facilities will not only enrich the student experience but also attract leading faculty and researchers, and better position us as a hub for groundbreaking scientific inquiry and discovery,” he says.
Elsewhere around campus, construction continues on the new esports arena on the lower level of University Crossing, downstairs from the River Hawk Shop. Expected to open in the fall, the space will include a gaming arena, a broadcast room, a dedicated audio/visual room, a team room and a lounge area.
On South Campus, the opening of the renovated quad has been postponed until spring. According to Leanne Peters, executive director of planning, design and construction for Facilities Management, ongoing delays in material deliveries and adverse weather conditions have forced postponement of project activities, including the pouring of concrete, which has impacted the overall timeline. The plaza will remain closed during this time. Construction activities will resume as soon as the weather allows.
At the Campus Recreation Center, temporary repairs to the roof over the basketball courts and indoor track will soon get underway. That section of the roof is slated to be replaced this summer.
Also on East Campus, infrastructure preparations continue for the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor, or LINC, a public-private venture that plans to add over 1 million square feet of new lab and office space, hundreds of units of housing, new retail and entertainment venues and thousands of jobs.
Back on North Campus, renovation of the Ball Hall 214 lecture hall is underway. It is scheduled to reopen this fall with new seating, audiovisual projection, lighting and HVAC.

Kennedy College Breaking Ground on Olney Science Center Expansion

Science and Health

01/21/2025

By Ed Brennen

UMass Lowell’s largest building, the Olney Science Center, is getting even bigger — and better.
Construction work is about to start on a $127 million expansion and modernization of the Kennedy College of Sciences building on North Campus.
The 2½-year project begins in February with the demolition of the Olney 150 lecture hall. 
In its place will rise a three-story wing that includes a dozen new physics, chemistry and weather labs, a 160-seat auditorium, a Starbucks cafe and plenty of common space for students to hang out and study.The 51,300-square-foot addition is expected to open for the spring 2027 semester. 
The project also includes the renovation of 44,600 square feet of classroom, lab and office space on the first and second floors of the existing Olney building. That work is scheduled to be completed in time for the fall 2027 semester.
“This renovation represents a transformative step in how we teach and inspire our students in the sciences,” says Kennedy College Dean Noureddine Melikechi. “By creating state-of-the-art learning environments, we will provide hands-on experiences that mirror real-world scientific challenges. Our students will have access to cutting-edge tools and collaborative spaces that prepare them not just to learn, but to innovate and lead in STEM fields.”

Image by Goody Clancy

The atrium of the expanded Olney Science Center will serve as a vibrant new entry point to North Campus for students, faculty and staff.

During construction, the area between Olney, Pinanski Hall and the Costello Athletic Center will be fenced off. The primary pathway to and from the North Campus bus stop, parking lots and garage will be through the existing Olney entrance. During athletic events, a temporary covered walkway will provide access from the parking areas to Costello’s main entrance. 
“This is a sizable project in a very tight site,” says Rupinder Sembhi, director of capital projects for Facilities Management.
The Olney addition will feature a dramatic, two-story, cantilevered wing extending over the bus loop and sidewalk below. The exterior of the addition will be patinated brass with a greenish-blue hue.
From the accessible ground-floor entrance, students, faculty and staff will be greeted by an airy, skylit atrium with a grand staircase to the first and second floors. (There will also be a new elevator servicing all three levels.)
The ground floor will include the new auditorium and a 24-seat classroom, as well as new chemical handling facilities and a loading dock for the Environmental Health and Safety Department.
The first floor will feature five teaching labs and a prep lab for the Physics and Applied Physics Department. It will also be home to the Starbucks, which will face a redesigned plaza between Olney and Pinanski halls.

Image by Goody Clancy

The Olney Science Center expansion project includes a new Starbucks cafe facing a redesigned plaza adjacent to Pinanski Hall.

On the second floor, there will be five teaching labs and a prep lab for the Chemistry Department, as well as a new weather lab for Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences students.
Each floor will have study nooks and seating areas with whiteboards to encourage student collaboration.
“We want to make it a vibrant place for students to gather and use their creativity — and also make it a true gateway to North Campus,” Sembhi says.
The Einstein Bros. Bagels on the first floor of Olney will close and be replaced by a student “living room” with flexible seating and whiteboards. 
Six classrooms will be renovated in the existing Olney building, including three that will become Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) classrooms. TEAL classrooms are equipped with six-person tables centered around 55-inch touchscreen monitors, making it easier for students to collaborate and participate in group work.
Built in 1974, Olney is the largest building on campus at 232,600 square feet — just ahead of University Crossing (232,476) and Fox Hall (227,004). It is named for Louis Atwell Olney, who chaired Lowell Textile School’s chemistry and dyeing department for 47 years, from 1897 to 1945.
With UML’s pending rise to Research 1 status, the highest level awarded by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Melikechi notes that investments such as the Olney expansion “reflect our commitment to advancing teaching, research and discovery.” 
“These enhanced facilities will not only enrich the student experience but also attract leading faculty and researchers, and better position us as a hub for groundbreaking scientific inquiry and discovery,” he says.
Elsewhere around campus, construction continues on the new esports arena on the lower level of University Crossing, downstairs from the River Hawk Shop. Expected to open in the fall, the space will include a gaming arena, a broadcast room, a dedicated audio/visual room, a team room and a lounge area.
On South Campus, the opening of the renovated quad has been postponed until spring. According to Leanne Peters, executive director of planning, design and construction for Facilities Management, ongoing delays in material deliveries and adverse weather conditions have forced postponement of project activities, including the pouring of concrete, which has impacted the overall timeline. The plaza will remain closed during this time. Construction activities will resume as soon as the weather allows.
At the Campus Recreation Center, temporary repairs to the roof over the basketball courts and indoor track will soon get underway. That section of the roof is slated to be replaced this summer.
Also on East Campus, infrastructure preparations continue for the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor, or LINC, a public-private venture that plans to add over 1 million square feet of new lab and office space, hundreds of units of housing, new retail and entertainment venues and thousands of jobs.
Back on North Campus, renovation of the Ball Hall 214 lecture hall is underway. It is scheduled to reopen this fall with new seating, audiovisual projection, lighting and HVAC.

Trump’s Immigration Battle Could Cause U.S. Population To Shrink As Migrants Are Targeted

2024 Election

LOADINGERROR LOADING In only eight years, America’s population growth will stop, barring one factor: migration from outside U.S. borders. That’s the finding from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office in a little-noticed report released Jan. 13. The CBO, Congress’ in-house budget and economics experts, compiles annual demographic updates as part of its broader work. Advertisement The…

St. Louis Science Center names Ray Vandiver new CEO

Science and Health

Daniel Neman

ST. LOUIS — Ray Vandiver will be the new president and CEO of the St. Louis Science Center beginning Feb. 28, officials announced Tuesday.He will be replacing Todd Bastean, who is retiring after more than five years in the position.Vandiver comes from the Discovery Lab in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was the founding executive director for 12 years. But he may be a familiar face in the St. Louis area. He was born and raised here, and received his undergraduate degree from St. Louis University.His masters and doctoral degrees in physics came from Missouri University of Science and Technology.“Leading the St. Louis Science Center is particularly meaningful to me, as it allows me to return to my hometown — a city that shaped both my personal and professional life. I spent my formative years immersed in the unique culture and community of this city, and I am elated to lead this prized educational institution that inspires everyone to be curious and engaged in science,” he said in a statement.

People are also reading…

Vandiver has also held executive positions at the Center for Learning Experience at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden, Missouri.

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St. Louis Science Center names Ray Vandiver new CEO

Science and Health

Daniel Neman

ST. LOUIS — Ray Vandiver will be the new president and CEO of the St. Louis Science Center beginning Feb. 28, officials announced Tuesday.He will be replacing Todd Bastean, who is retiring after more than five years in the position.Vandiver comes from the Discovery Lab in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was the founding executive director for 12 years. But he may be a familiar face in the St. Louis area. He was born and raised here, and received his undergraduate degree from St. Louis University.His masters and doctoral degrees in physics came from Missouri University of Science and Technology.“Leading the St. Louis Science Center is particularly meaningful to me, as it allows me to return to my hometown — a city that shaped both my personal and professional life. I spent my formative years immersed in the unique culture and community of this city, and I am elated to lead this prized educational institution that inspires everyone to be curious and engaged in science,” he said in a statement.

People are also reading…

Vandiver has also held executive positions at the Center for Learning Experience at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden, Missouri.

0 Comments

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6 Business Etiquette Tips Every Professional Should Know

Business News

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Etiquette in the world of business should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Every now and then, I encounter a situation where business etiquette is nonexistent. It leaves me to wonder if this is due to the parties being inconsiderate or a lack of knowledge.If it is the latter, this article will illuminate six business etiquette topics that are of utmost importance to me. Mastering these principles not only enhances personal professionalism but also fosters stronger relationships and mutual respect in the workplace.Related: Business Etiquette Doesn’t Have to Be Boring — Here’s How to Navigate It With Sass and Style

1. Size of email attachmentsOne of my big pet peeves is receiving an email with a large file size. There are so many tools out there — many being free — that allow one to compress a file easily. Large files take longer to open, and many email providers have storage limits.If I receive a file that is 10 MB or larger and I know it could have been compressed by at least 50%, I tend to think the sender either lacks technical knowledge or is being inconsiderate. If you’re unfamiliar with how to compress files, I recommend taking the time to learn. It’s an easy process and should be done whenever possible.

2. Be mindful of meetingsIf you are calling a meeting, always have an agenda! One of my pet peeves is attending a meeting that has no order. In general, I am not a meeting person, and if a meeting does not accomplish the task I thought it was supposed to accomplish, I am not a happy camper.Having a clear agenda for meetings helps us stay focused and reach our goals more effectively. It’s crucial for me that meetings begin and end at the scheduled times, as I believe it’s important to respect everyone’s time.It’s also essential not to make others wait without reason. I once had a former colleague who mentioned that she kept people waiting to feel important. I found that to be quite arrogant and it’s definitely not a practice I would adopt.3. Silence devices and ignore your cell phoneThis one seems obvious, but unfortunately, I am often in meetings where cell phones ring by accident. People in the meeting may be distracted, on their phones, and not paying attention. Not only is this rude to the meeting host, but it also puts you at a disadvantage in regards to effectively participating in the meaning.

Remember, you can always catch up on your calls and texts after the meeting.Related: How I Turned Cell Phone Addiction Into a PR Opportunity4. Turn on your videoVideo meetings have become standard practice, whether we’re using Zoom, Teams or a different platform. I’ve found that in many of these sessions, numerous participants choose not to activate their cameras. I’d guess this is often because they’re multitasking.Not turning on your camera is just as bad as not silencing your phone. It is disrespectful and avoidable. I have actually been in meetings where I am the only person with my camera on. I still leave my camera on, but I typically ask the other parties to turn on their cameras as well.

5. Respond promptly to communicationsOccasionally, I run into people who have very poor communication skills — I really don’t know if they have poor communication skills or are just inconsiderate. Whether it is a phone call, text or email, it is important to respond promptly.Even if you are not able to provide a full response, then acknowledging receipt is essential. Let the other person know that you have received their message, and you will get back to them as soon as possible. Showing this respect to your colleagues and customers is business etiquette that I feel is essential.Related: 9 Best Practices to Improve Your Communication Skills6. Proofread and double-check your workPeople are busy! But being busy is not an excuse for errors. Especially when the errors can be avoided. The protocol I like to follow is to read each email twice before sending it and also confirm that the email is sent to the appropriate parties.

If you are emailing someone an attached file, open the attachment before sending it to confirm you attached the right file. Try not to rush since rushing through your work is when I often see mistakes being made. If necessary, create checklists for detailed tasks. This way, you can make sure you have done everything you need to do and that no steps are left incomplete.Embracing good business etiquette can really elevate your professional standing. When you make an effort to stand out — for instance, by being the one to turn on your camera in video conferences when others don’t — you demonstrate commitment and engagement. By doing some of these simple things, you open the door to greater respect and increased business opportunities.

This dark comedy thriller is the No. 1 movie on Max — and it’s 92% on Rotten Tomatoes

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

“A Different Man” hit Max on Friday and it’s already the top movie on the streaming service. Of course, maybe that shouldn’t be a surprise. The dark comedic thriller has been praised by almost everyone who has watched it, earning a 92% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Our entertainment editor even called it “one of the best thriller movies of 2024.”It’s not just critics here and elsewhere who are raving about the movie, either. The movie’s star Sebastian Stan has earned several awards nominations and even a Golden Globes win for his performance in this movie and it’s likely that either it or his performance in “The Apprentice” as Donald Trump will earn him his first Oscar nomination.But maybe you missed “A Different Man” in theaters or when it became available to rent or buy on premium video-on-demand (PVOD) services and now that it’s on Max you’re curious as to what it’s about. Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about “A Different Man.”What is “A Different Man” about?

A Different Man | Official Trailer HD | A24 – YouTube

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“A Different Man” stars Sebastian Stan as Edward, a struggling actor who suffers from neurofibromatosis. This condition causes benign tumors that disfigure his face, causing him to be socially awkward. To finally live the way he thinks he deserves, he undergoes a secret procedure to cure his condition. Once he’s sure it works, he fakes his own death and assumes the false identity of “Guy Moratz.”Things initially go well. “Guy” gets a role in an off-Broadway play about Edward where he plays his old identity and starts a relationship with its producer Ingrid (Renate Reinsve), who he had secretly been attracted to when he was Edward. But then Oswald (Adam Pearson), a man with neurofibromatosis just like Edward had, appears and starts succeeding where Edward had failed. He even starts taking away the spotlight from “Guy,” which launches Edward/Guy into a downward spiral.Here’s what critics are saying about “A Different Man”As mentioned, this dark comedy thriller has been getting rave reviews from critics across the board. Most seem to praise it for its “surreal” examination of very serious themes. Writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, critic Sandra Hall praised the movie for exactly this, calling it “An audacious and mordantly funny attempt to analyse a subject that’s so often regarded as taboo.”Of course, the film also garners praise for its twin performances at the movie’s core. John Anderson of the Wall Street Journal says “Yes, there’s a sermon of sorts at the center of A Different Man. But the message arrives post-movie, thanks to a narrative that is consistently compelling in its novelty, and twin performances that really do get under the skin.”Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.And while Stan’s performance as Edward/Guy is currently the one garnering the awards season buzz, Pearson’s performance also garners plenty of praise. It should — Pearson suffers from neurofibromatosis in real life, and without his authentic experience with this subject matter, it’s very likely that the movie wouldn’t resonate the way it has.Finally, the movie excels thanks to its ability to move through and defy genres. In his review for Tom’s Guide, our own Rory Mellon dubbed it “genre-hopping genius” and praised the thriller for its ability to flow from comedy to drama to thriller in an “appealing package.”So if you’re now sold on this dark comedy thriller — and you should be — then you’ll need to head over to Max to watch it.

4 Business Principles That Can Turn Your Marriage into a True Partnership

Business News

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Running a successful business and having a strong marriage have similar key ideas that can create a happy relationship. Both need good planning, some flexibility and a lot of dedication to do well. A business that grows doesn’t just happen quickly. A good marriage also requires clear goals and steady work to thrive. What’s interesting is that the ways to succeed in business can also help build joy and balance in a relationship.By using the skills learned in the boardroom, married business owners can build a stronger connection and lay a strong base for their marriage. By using careful planning and smart thinking that help their business grow, couples can improve their relationship and form a lasting partnership.Here are four important lessons from the business world that can greatly enhance the quality of your marriage.

1. Clarify your shared visionKnowing your purpose is very important in business. Companies with clear mission statements and common goals usually get better results quickly. This idea is true for marriage, too. When you and your partner have a common goal, you work better together and deal with fewer issues.A shared vision not only strengthens your bond but also gives you direction and unity in your relationship. It helps you connect more deeply and understand each other better, making your partnership more satisfying and lasting.

How to apply It:Spend some time talking about what success means for your marriage. Think about the life you want to create together. What are your long-term dreams about money, feelings, and family?Change those dreams into clear goals. This might mean having a date night every month, planning trips each year, or working toward a big goal like buying your dream home.Why it matters:A common goal helps both partners feel like they are a team.It is easier to get through hard times when you both look forward to a shared future.You feel more connected when you know you are aiming for the same thing.Related: 4 Truths Married Entrepreneurs Need to Believe in Order to Build Success at Work2. Communicate like a high-performing teamStrong communication is the key to successful business growth. Leaders ensure that communication is clear and open and happens often. They share clear expectations, provide regular updates and tackle issues immediately. Communication in marriage works the same way. It is the core of the relationship and is very important for maintaining a strong and lasting connection between partners.

How to apply it:Have regular “check-ins” about your relationship. Just like you review business performance periodically, discuss what’s working in your marriage and what needs to improve.Handle conflicts with curiosity, not blame. Instead of saying, “You never help,” ask, “How can we feel more supported when things get busy?”Talk about your feelings and what you expect. If you keep things inside, it can confuse. Honest talks help build trust.Why it matters:Open and honest conversations help build a relationship based on understanding and respect. They let both partners feel acknowledged and appreciated. This makes their bond grow stronger as time goes on.3. Play to your strengthsIn business, the best teams are those where everyone knows what they are good at and uses that skill well. When people try to do every task the same way or take on jobs that are not right for them, it can create problems and extra stress.

This idea of knowing and using strengths is just as important in marriage. It is key for partners to understand their own strengths and weaknesses and also those of their partners. This helps create a strong and happy relationship. By focusing on this idea, couples can work together to build a lasting and rewarding partnership based on help and understanding.How to apply it:Look at what you are both good at — in your home and life. One of you might be good at organizing schedules. The other might enjoy planning trips or managing money.Divide tasks fairly, making good use of your skills. You do not have to make everything perfectly equal. Focus on what works best for the two of you.Get help for tasks you both do not like. You might hire someone to clean your home or use apps to manage your finances. Letting others handle difficult work can give you more time together.Why it matters:When you focus on your strengths, your partnership gets better and more enjoyable. This helps lower stress and allows you to see what everyone brings to the table.

Related: Being Married Makes You a Better Entrepreneur — Here’s Why4. Celebrate wins, big and smallIn business, every step matters. When you get a big client or reach a financial goal, good leaders understand that celebrating success is key. In marriage, celebrating together brings happiness and strengthens your bond. It’s important to notice and value the small wins as they help the relationship grow.Taking time to mark milestones, whether big or small, creates lasting memories and deepens the connection between partners. By honoring each other’s successes, couples can develop a strong support system, which helps keep their relationship strong for many years.How to apply it:

Celebrate the small stuff: Did you make it through a hard day? Did you deal with a tough moment with the kids? Recognize it. Tell yourself, “I’m proud of you.”Create traditions for special occasions: For anniversaries, job wins, or personal achievements, celebrate these times. You might go out for dinner or write a nice note.Change problems into opportunities: Not every goal will happen when you wish. Instead of letting problems push you away from each other, use them to think and become stronger together.Why it matters:Celebrating together improves relationships. It helps you remember the good things in your life instead of what you lack. This practice builds gratitude and brings you closer to one another.Related: How to Supercharge Your Brand With Celebrity and Influencer PartnershipsThe bottom lineMarriage and business partnerships need a few important things. You must have a clear vision and communicate openly. Everyone involved should have roles that work well together. It’s also important to celebrate your progress. By using these four business lessons, you can build a strong partnership. This will help you face challenges and learn from them.

Your marriage is similar to running a business. It is a project that needs care and attention over time. When you take the right steps, you can create a strong and happy relationship. This will turn into a true partnership in all aspects.Entrepreneurs often think about growing their businesses, but they sometimes overlook an important relationship that can help them succeed. By focusing on your marriage and using these business lessons, you can build a strong partnership. This will ultimately bring success to your personal life and your work.

See the Books Jenna Bush Hager Has Gifted Her Today With Jenna & Friends Celebrity Co-Hosts

Arts & Culture, Books

Jenna Bush Hager is full of sweet surprises!
The news personality, 43, surprised each of her celebrity co-hosts on Today with Jenna & Friends with a new book based on their personality. The line-up — following the exit of longtime co-host Hoda Kotb whose final episode was Jan. 10 — includes Scarlett Johansson, Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, Keke Palmer and Michelle Buteau. 

Bush Hager shared her picks in a joint Instagram post with her Read with Jenna book club on Tuesday, Jan. 21, writing in the caption that she left the books in the dressing room of each new co-host.

All of the books were previously featured on Read with Jenna, a book club she founded in 2019.

First up, she gave Johansson a copy of Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. The book is about two twin boys who spontaneously combust into flames whenever they are upset, which the journalist thought was fitting for the Marvel actress, who has a twin brother in real life. 

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson.

For Henson, Bush Hager chose Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown, a drama about four generations of Black women living under a devastating family curse. 

The former first daughter selected The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez for Longoria, a fictional story about the construction of the Panama Canal, and The Wedding People by Alison Espach for Palmer, a laugh-out-loud novel about a solo traveler who gets swept up in a random wedding party that destroys her own dark plans. 

Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown.

Lastly, Bush Hager selected Maame by Jessica George for Buteau. The story follows a woman as she leaves her family home and navigates a series of firsts after having spent her young adulthood as her father’s caretaker.

On Jan. 13, the “Love Comes First” author joked about being in her “dating era” as she welcomes new co-hosts to the show.

The Great Divider by Cristina Henriquez.

When asked how she was feeling about it all, the host quipped that she was a “child bride” having married her husband Henry Hager when she was 26 years old.

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“And so I haven’t dated, and this is kind of my dating era, and you’re my first date,” Bush Hager told Henson, who kicked off the succession of celebrity co-hosts.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach; Maame by Jessica George.

And that’s not all Bush Hager has going on to start the year. The noted bookworm recently launched a new publishing initiative of her own. The new imprint, called Thousand Voices Books, “will work with storytellers writing in a wide range of genres, including romance, suspense, romantasy, literary fiction, historical fiction and memoir,” according to a press release shared with PEOPLE. 

Bush Hager will collaborate with editors from Random House Publishing Group to identify emerging voices and guide them through the process of publishing their books.

“This new venture is a natural extension of my passion for books and reading, and an existing collaboration with writers and publishers, but still entirely new and exciting,” she said in a statement.