DON ROCHLEAU II has joined the investment firm Alvery Bartlett Group as a registered representative. Rochleau earned a B.S.B.A. in finance from Lindenwood University.

A truly great song can break and warm your heart simultaneously. Despite her age—or perhaps enhanced by it—7-year-old cancer patient Arianna has created just that while in the hospital. The opportunity wasn’t a musical miracle: It was Maryville University’s Kids Rock Cancer.

MAY

Caroline Kennedy will be in town next Wednesday, April 3, for the ninth annual Family Read Night at St. Louis County Library headquarters to discuss her new book.

What do Mikhail Gorbachev, Madeleine Albright, Frank McCourt and Walter Cronkite all have in common? They’re among the many famed past speakers at the St. Louis Speakers Series, presented by Maryville University. We spoke with Bill Conrow, the originator of the series, about how it emerged, some memorable moments, and a sneak peek at the 2013-2014 season.

We now have the names for the upcoming Maryville University St. Louis Speakers Series. The 2013-2014 season at Powell Hall begins Oct. 8 with former Greek Prime Minister GEORGE PAPANDREOU. The rest of the lineup includes: A Walk in the Woods author BILL BRYSON, Former U.S. Defense Secretary ROBERT GATES, Apple co-founder STEVE WOZNIAK, historian/author DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN and journalist DAN RATHER, whose March 25, 2014, appearance will be sponsored by LN. For subscription information, visit stlouisspeakersseries.org.

For those facing illnesses or disabilities, ‘alternative’ therapies—such as laughter, music or animal therapy—can offer a range of benefits. These local programs are doing their parts to make a difference.

Maryville University doesn’t have the ancient ivy-covered walls or Greek columns. It doesn’t have a 100,000-seat football stadium or hold on a spot in the Final Four. You might even overlook it when considering some of the other colleges in St. Louis, and yet Maryville is consistently gaining national honors. In 2011, Forbes ranked Maryville one of America’s Best Colleges; Kiplinger’s followed, calling it one of the nation’s best values in private colleges; and now, U.S. News & World Report has declared it the No. 1 ‘over-performing’ university in the nation.

Be a part of goodwill and good cheer! LN’s Holiday Wish List Drive for NURSES FOR NEWBORNS continues through Monday, Dec. 24. The organization, which helps at-risk young mothers and their babies stay healthy, as well as offering other means support to their families, is experiencing even greater need this holiday season. Suggested donation items include boys’ and girls’ clothing (infant to size 8), toys (newborn to age 8), non-perishable food, diapers, infant formula, baby wipes and grocery/Walmart/Target gift cards. Collection boxes are available at our offices, 8811 Ladue Road (Ladue and 170), Suite D. For the complete Wish List, visit laduenews.com.

2013 Charitable Events & Fundraisers

Jeannette Walls lived a nomadic childhood, setting up precariously with her family in small towns throughout the country, until each time her father decided it was time to ‘skedaddle.’ As an adult, she examined her childhood in the memoir, The Glass Castle. Walls will visit St. Louis on Tuesday, Oct. 23, as part of Maryville University’s St. Louis Speakers Series. LN sat down with her in advance of her speaking engagement.

When RALPH CLAYTON and his neighbors donated 104 acres of farmland to build a courthouse and county seat more than 130 years ago, they had no inkling that the rural outpost would evolve as a progressive metropolitan hub in the century to come. A newly released book, Clayton, Missouri: An Urban Story, chronicles the making of the city through the people who helped build the community. Written by veteran journalist MARY DELACH LEONARD, the book is filled with historical anecdotes, nostalgic photographs and modern street scenes. The book is available online through reedypress.com and at several local bookstores.

Jon Huntsman Jr. is most widely known for his bid to become the Republican presidential candidate in this year’s primary season. However, he has spent more than a decade in public service, and during his tenure as governor of Utah, the state was named the Best Managed State in America by the Pew Center. He also has served as the U.S. ambassador to China and to Singapore. LN caught up with Huntsman just after he arrived in St. Louis this week, for his Maryville University St. Louis Speakers Series appearance.

GERMAN SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF GREATER ST. LOUIS

Invitations are in the mail for one of St. Louis’ biggest events of the year: the Sneak Peak @ Saks to benefit SITEMAN CANCER CENTER takes place Oct. 25 at SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. The event will offer attendees an exclusive peek inside the store’s new main floor featuring 10022 Shoe, Saks’ signature ladies shoe salon, as well as a redesigned accessories and handbags department. For more information, call 935-5511. Event co-chairs are MILLIE CAIN and ALAN E. BRAINERD.

On a recent sunny afternoon, the Maryville University community gathered on campus in front of Donius University Center for commencement. It was not only a celebration of the graduating class, but of the exciting path the school is on, as well. “The word is getting out about Maryville, and we’re very thrilled about how much more buzz there is about the university in St. Louis and around the country than ever before,” says president Mark Lombardi.