Louisiana College 2020 Honors Convocation

Fifty-Ninth Annual Honors Convocation of Louisiana College

April 2, 2020 11:00 a.m.

Guinn Auditorium

HONORS CONVOCATION Student Government Association Senior Awards Makayla Anderson, Abigail Constant, Jada Ford Josh Hargrave, Tyler Jacks, Abigail Jones Asha Meilstrup

American Southwest Conference Scholar Athlete Medal of Honor MySherie Johnson and Caleb Nunez

Recognition of Honor Societies

Dr. Cheryl Clark, Vice President for Academic Affairs Alpha Chi (Jr./Sr. Honor Society) Dr. Julie Driessen & Ms. Jill Reid Alpha Epsilon Delta (Biology) Dr. Sarah Payne & Dr. Wade Warren Alpha Mu Gamma (Foreign Language) Ms. Cécile Barnhart & Dr. Nancy Whitlock Delta Mu Delta (Business) Mr. David Culp Nu Tau-Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing) Ms. JoAnn Brown Omicron Delta Kappa (Leadership) Ms. Tabitha Huffman, Dr. Kate Rawls, Dr. Tylitha Whatley, Ms. Sheri Duffy Phi Alpha (Social Work) Ms. Bobbye Roberts & Ms. Maggie Bridges Phi Alpha Theta (History) Dr. Christine Reese Psi Chi (Psychology) Dr. Jerry Pounds & Dr. Bayne Pounds Sigma Tau Delta (English) Ms. Kim Harper, Dr. Neil Johnston, Dr. Lillian Purdy, & Ms. Jill Reid

Presentation of Awards Visual Art

Mr. Tim Roper, Coordinator, Department of Art

Central Louisiana Ad Club Scholarship Award Amanda Johnston

Established in 1990 by the Central Louisiana Ad Club, this scholarship is awarded yearly to aid and assist a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Graphic Design, Commercial Art, or Photography.

Thilo Steinschulte Scholarship Award Sarah Brooks

Established in 1989 by Mr and Mrs Thilo Steinschulte. Mr. Steinschulte was a German immigrant to America in the 1950’s. He received distinction as a partner at the architectural firm of Barron, Heinberg, & Brocato, as the architect of record at Louisiana College, and as a strong patron of the arts in Central Louisiana. The award is named after their daughter, Nora E. Steinschulte, a graduate of Tulane and Columbia in the field of marketing.

Grady Harper Scholarship Award Madeline Slawson

In 1955, Dr. Harper received a B.A. degree from Louisiana College in Pineville, where he studied art and in 1957 was awarded a M.Ed. degree with an emphasis in art education from Northwestern State University, in Natchitoches. In 1959, he leapt at the challenge to teach college design and art education at his alma mater, Louisiana College, where he was assistant professor until 1969 and served as chairman of the Art Department from 1964 - 1969. During this time he attended University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi for additional graduate school credit, and in 1969, he was awarded a Ph.D. degree in education from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Dr. Harper then went on later that year to complete a second master’s degree, this one in fine arts from Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas. As a professor, artist, watercolorist, adventurer, and collector, he guided and helped shape the knowledge and talents of thousands. This award was established by Dr and Mrs Grady Harper to assist a Louisiana College student majoring in Visual Art.

Business

Dr. Adena LeJeune, Chair, Division of Business Mr. David Culp, Associate Professor of Business

Outstanding Junior in Business Administration Briley Johnston

The Outstanding Junior in Business Administration Award is given to a junior Business Administration major who has shown outstanding performance in academics and involvement in divisional affairs and possesses potential for excellence.

Outstanding Graduating Senior in Business Administration Joshua Spurgeon

The Outstanding Graduating Senior in Business Administration Award is given to a graduating student who has shown outstanding performance in academics and involvement in divisional affairs and possesses potential for excellence.

ACBSP Student Leadership Award Erin Higgins

The Division of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The ACBSP Student Leadership Award is given to a student who exemplifies leadership excellence.

Central Louisiana Chapter of Society of Louisiana CPAs Scholarship Dylan Fuselier, Briley Johnston, Anthony Work The Central Louisiana Chapter of the Louisiana Society of CPAs awards a $500 scholarship to a junior or senior accounting major each year. The award recipient is chosen based on a resume and mock interviews with employers from the Central Louisiana area.

Education

Dr. Amy Craig, Dean, School of Education Dr. Marion Skiles, Professor of Teacher Education

Avis L. Trahan Outstanding Elementary Education Student Helena Murdock

Avis L. Trahan Outstanding Secondary Education Student Baylee Stewart

The Avis L. Trahan Outstanding Education Awards are given in memory of Avis L. Trahan by his wife Rachel Trahan. A.L. Trahan was an educator for over 30 years in Elton, Louisiana.

These awards go to two outstanding education majors who excel in their education coursework and teaching. The recipients are chosen by the education faculty

L. E. Beatrice McKenzie May Scholarship Award Paige Kimball

The L.E. Beatrice McKenzie May Scholarship is given to an outstanding student in methods courses with high academic achievement and excellence in teaching.

Education Achievement Award Nathaniel Kimball

The Education Achievement Award is chosen by the education faculty. This award is given to an upper level education major who exemplifies the attributes of a dynamic educator through mastery of subject matter, highly effective instruction, and service to others.

Delta Kappa Gamma Award Rebecca Prosperie

Beta Xi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International, provides the Cleta L. Dewitt Excellence in Student Teaching Award to an outstanding education student. The monetary award is to be used for purchasing classroom supplies. The recipient possesses the knowledge, skills, and positive attitude needed to become an effective educator.

Health & Exercise Science

Mr. Jason Tinsley, Assistant Professor of Health and Exercise Science

Outstanding Graduating Senior in Exercise Science Isaac Smith

This award is presented to a graduating senior majoring in Exercise Science, based upon faculty recommendations and academic achievement. The recipient is chosen from students who have at least a 3.0 grade point average

Health & Physical Education Merit Award Allie Liles

This award is presented to an outstanding physical education major, based upon faculty recommendations, academic achievement, and potential to become an exemplary physical education teacher.

Courtney Butler Scholarship Natonio McGhee

This award is given by the Louisiana Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (LAHPERD) to honor exemplary students majoring in Physical Education. The mission of LAHPERD is to improve the quality of life for the people of Louisiana through health, fitness and recreational activities. LAHPERD is an affiliate of the national organization, Society for Health and Physical Educators.

History and Political Science

Dr. Christine Reese, Chair, Division of History and Political Science

Outstanding Upper-class Student in History & Political Science Joshua Hargrave, Quinn Sipsy

This award is presented to a Junior or Senior student who has demonstrated a talent for scholarship or other outstanding achievements in history or political science.

Human Behavior

Dr. Joshua Dara, Dean, School of Human Behavior

Alpha Tau Gamma Omega “Dedrick Cole” Scholarship Sevanah M. Howard

The Alpha Tau Gamma Omega (ATGO) Scholarship, given by criminal justice, was established in 2012 when ATGO was chartered. This student-led criminal justice organization is designed to establish excellence in the study and field of criminal justice. ATGO raises money each year to provide for an annual scholarship. The student receiving this scholarship must be a junior or non-graduating senior majoring or minoring in criminal justice with the highest GPA.

Psychology Student of the Year Makayla Anderson

The Psychology Student of the Year Award was established to recognize an outstanding student majoring in psychology. This student must be a member of both the Louisiana College Psychology Club and Psi Chi. Psi Chi is the International Honor Society in psychology and LC’S Chapter of Psi Chi was chartered in 1949. This student must also maintain a 3.0 or higher overall GPA, at least a 3.5 GPA in all psychology courses, and be active in the LC community and beyond.

Ann McAllister Excellence in Social Work Award Megan Mahler

The Ann McAllister Excellence in Social Work Award goes to a graduating social work senior and the Ann McAllister Excellence in Social Work Scholarship goes to a junior social work major. Both of these awards were established by Dr. Ann McAllister who served the college for many years as a social work professor and as chair of the Division of Human Behavior.

During her tenure, Dr. McAllister was instrumental in gaining accreditation (1993) for the Bachelor of Social Work program. The recipients of each of these awards must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above and a 3.5 GPA or above in all social work courses. Each of these students must also demonstrate a cooperative attitude when working with others, serve as a sincere and caring advocate, demonstrate interest in creating resources for unmet human needs, appreciate human diversity, and adhere to social work values and ethics

Ann McAllister Excellence in Social Work Scholarship Ashley Parish

The Ann McAllister Excellence in Social Work Award and the Ann McAllister Excellence in Social Work Scholarship were both established by Dr. Ann McAllister who served the college for many years as a social work professor and later as the chair of the Department of Human Behavior. During her tenure, Dr. McAllister was instrumental in gaining accreditation (1993) for the Bachelor of Social Work program. Each of these awards are presented to a junior or senior social work major with an overall GPA of at least a 3.0 and at least a 3.5 GPA in all social work courses. The student must also demonstrate a cooperative attitude when working with others, serve as a sincere and caring advocate, demonstrate interest in creating resources for unmet human needs, appreciate human diversity, and adhere to social work values and ethics.

Social Work Student of the Year Award Jordyn Merchant, Courtney Cook

The Social Work Student of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding social work major who demonstrates excellence in scholarship, service, and leadership within the Social Work Program and extending to the community. This student must be a member of the Social Work Club, Phi Alpha Honor Society, and maintain a 3.5 GPA or above in all social work courses.

Language and Literature

Dr. Jeannie Gauthier, Chair, Division of Language and Literature

George Amos English Scholarship Delaina Coyle

The George Amos English Scholarship was established to honor Dr. George Amos who chaired the LC Department of English from 1970-1979. Through partnerships with area businesses, Dr. Amos became the first to provide LC students an opportunity to study in London. This scholarship is awarded to the freshman English major with the highest ACT score and a minimum of a 3.0 high school grade point average.

Mary Kate Bailes Freshman Essay Award Hollen Meyers

The Mary Kate Bailes Freshman Essay Award was established to honor Mrs. Bailes, a 1936 graduate of Louisiana College, who taught English in Vernon Parish for 34 years. This award is given to the freshman with the best argumentative essay in Composition I during the fall semester.

Ada Osborne Scholarship Caroline Pierrotti

The Ada Osborne Scholarship was established to honor Dr. Rosanne Osborne’s mother. Dr. Osborne served as chair of the Department of English, Journalism, and Languages from 19802002. Students receiving this award must display a love of learning and a passion for education.

Ellander Ridge Scholarship Breland Morris

The Ellander Ridge Award was established by her son as a memorial to Ms. Ridge, who graduated from LC in 1927. This award is presented to a student who demonstrates outstanding scholastic achievement in English composition, literature, or English education.

Mayme Hamlett English Scholarship Eden Sliman

The Mayme Hamlett English Scholarship was established to honor Ms. Hamlett, who taught at Southwest Baptist College, Union University, and Louisiana College. This scholarship is given to the sophomore English major with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average and the greatest academic potential for the study of literature.

English Faculty Scholarship Baylee Stewart

The English Faculty Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student who has a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average and who has excelled in the field of Language and Literature with at least 6 hours above the sophomore level in English.

Ivey Gravette Scholarship in English Amber Hale

The Ivey Gravette Scholarship in English is awarded to the highest ranking junior majoring in English with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average.

Carson Scholarship in English Jada Ford

The Carson Scholarship in English is given to the highest ranking senior majoring in English with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average.

Inez Parker English Education Scholarship Hannah Milstead

The Inez Parker English Education Scholarship is given in honor of Ms. Parker, who taught at both Bolton High School and Louisiana College. This scholarship is awarded to the outstanding English education major.

Alpha Mu Gamma Outstanding Member Eden Sliman

Alpha Mu Gamma Senior Grace Miller

The Alpha Mu Gamma Outstanding Member Award and Outstanding Senior Award are given to members for exemplary scholarship and service to this national foreign language honor society. Members must have earned an A in at least one foreign language course, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and be committed to continued, life-long language study.

Media, Communication, and Theatre Dr. Elizabeth Christian, Chair, Division of Media, Communication, & Theatre

Wildcat Debate Top Novice Award Trinity Baugh

Wildcat Debate “And Then Some” Award Jada Ford

Convergence Media Senior Leadership Award Chloe Warren Berthelot

Media and Communication Senior Excellence Award Haleigh Lachney, Maycee Lachney

Media & Communication Outstanding Freshman Journalist Award Aaron Quartemont

Media & Communication Outstanding Freshman Production Award Brandon Brown

Outstanding Media and Communication “And Then Some” Award MySherie Johnson

Oscar Hoffmeyer Endowed Scholarship in Journalism Kylei Cornelison

The Oscar Hoffmeyer Endowed Scholarship in Journalism is awarded to a full-time student who represents strong Christian work and maintains a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Ethel Holloman Memorial Journalism Scholarship Alena Noakes

The Ethel Holloman Memorial Journalism Scholarship is awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior major or minor who demonstrates talent in feature writing and maintains a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Fred Kendrick Memorial Journalism Scholarship Jerry Clark

The Fred Kendrick Memorial Journalism Scholarship is awarded to a full-time, senior journalism major who has a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Fred Lollar Scholarship in Public Relations Emmi Cougle

The Fred Lollar Scholarship in Public Relations is awarded to a full-time junior or senior who is planning to pursue a career in public relations and maintains a GPA of 3.0 or above.

Ortis Journalism Scholarship Joel Thompson

The Ortis Journalism Scholarship awardees must be convergence media majors with at least a 2.5 GPA and who are student leaders in their concentrations.

Richardson-Burton Endowed Scholarship in Convergence Media Charlie Pamplin

Richardson-Burton Endowed Scholarship in Communication Studies Victoria Anderson

Richardson-Burton Endowed Scholarship in Theatre Hannah Wagner

The Richardson-Burton scholarships are awarded on the basis of being in the top 15 percent of students in the major, demonstrating academic excellence and strong moral character and being voted on by the division faculty. A student may receive this award only once.

Frank & Helen Bennett Endowed Scholarship in Theatre Samantha O’Banion

Missions and Ministries

Dr. Justin Langford, Assistant Professor of New Testament Greek Dr. Stewart Holloway, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Pineville

Zondervan Greek Award Drake Barnhill

Each year Zondervan Publishing Co., a world-leading publisher in Christian resources for both the academy and the church, recognizes students who exhibit outstanding achievement in the study of Biblical Greek. Recipients of this award demonstrate excellence through precision and skill in the translation and interpretation of the New Testament text. Zondervan provides the recipient with a congratulatory letter from the editor and a free academic book for studying the Greek language. The recipient also receives a commemorative plaque from the School of Missions and Ministries.

Zondervan Hebrew Award Drake Barnhill

The Zondervan Hebrew Award is given each year to a student who demonstrates excellence in understanding, exegesis, and application of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Zondervan TheologyAward Nathaniel Gardner

The Zondervan Theology Award is given to a student who demonstrates excellence in understanding theological concepts of the Bible.

Christian Studies Award Shea Smith

The Christian Studies Award recognizes a Missions and Ministries major who is a graduating senior and who exhibits academic achievement while also actively serving in a church or ministry as a volunteer or paid staff member.

Music

Mr. Cameron Weatherford, Chair, Division of Fine Arts

Pierre Valmont Blanchard Award for Vocal Achievement Nathaniel Kimball

The Pierre Valmont Blanchard Award for Vocal Achievement celebrates the memory of Pierre Valmont Blanchard who served the Department of Music as its Chairman from 1935 until his retirement in 1959. He originated LC’s all-male chorus, the Louisianians. His door was always open to any student in need. The winner of this award is selected by vote of the Department of Music faculty and must be a graduating senior.

Bob Brian Church Music Endowed Scholarship Kyle Dupre

The Bob Brian Church Music Endowed Scholarship is granted to a student in the Music and Worship Leadership degree program. The student must have shown significant work ethic, musical involvement and service to the Department of Music, and leadership in the area of Worship Leadership.

Sue McGahey Elgin Endowed Scholarship Nathaniel Gardner

The Sue McGahey Elgin Endowed Scholarship was established in her memory by Mrs. Josephine M. Ellis. The recipient, who is to be a music major, is selected by vote of the Department of Music faculty.

Richard Hill Endowed Scholarship Sarah McCollough

The Richard Hill Endowed Scholarship was created by Mrs. Marilyn Hill. It is to be awarded to any fulltime music major who maintains a 2.5 GPA. Mr. Hill was full of life. He loved his Lord and he was very active in his church’s music program. The recipient of this scholarship is selected by vote of the Department of Music faculty.

Gloria Joy Moore Scholarship Danielle Lanham

The Gloria Joy Moore Scholarship was established by Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Hall Summit, LA, in honor of their very capable and dedicated pianist of 60 years, Gloria Joy Moore. The recipient of this scholarship must be enrolled as a full-time student studying music, have a 2.5 GPA, and be preferably from Red River Parish, but if not, should be from the State of Louisiana. The recipient of this scholarship is selected by vote of the Department of Music faculty.

Music Service Award Sarah Kelly

The Music Service Award was established by Mary Vance, a 1977 Louisiana College graduate, who wanted to recognize a quality student in the Department of Music for their time and service. This award is presented to a graduating senior, or a deserving underclassman, as designated by the Chairman of the Department, who has given outstanding service to the Department of Music.

Natural Sciences

Dr. Wade Warren, Coordinator, Department of Biology Dr. Sarah Payne, Associate Professor of Chemistry

Outstanding First Year Chemistry Award Harrison Bieber

The Monroe Hilburn Award Asha Meilstrup

The Monroe Hilburn Award is given to the graduating Chemistry major who has performed with excellence throughout the four years of study in Chemistry. The recipient is selected by the Chemistry faculty.

Jarrell Memorial Award Asha Meilstrup

The Jarrell Award is given each year to the top pre-medical student as determined by the evalua- tion of the science faculty during the application process to medical school. It is given in honor of Dr. Jarrell, Sr., his son Dr. Marion Jarrell, and his wife by their four daughters.

J. F. Richie Memorial Award Annie Logan

The J.F. Richie Memorial Award is given to the senior biology major with the highest GPA. The award is cash earnings each year on an endowment provided by the Richie family as well as a plaque.

Hansel B. O’Quinn Award Ragan Delrie

The Hansel B. O’Quinn Memorial Scholarship is given to the junior biology major with the highest GPA. The award includes a plaque and the earnings each year on an endowment provided by the Mrs. Ruth O’Quinn. She established this award in honor of her husband and son. The recipient has the award applied to the senior year’s academic work.

Carol Anne O’Quinn Award Allison Mayes

An endowed award has been established in honor of Ms. Carol Anne O’Quinn and in celebration of her 38 years of teaching excellence. This endowed scholarship is given each year to the sophomore biology major with the highest GPA. The award includes a plaque and the earnings each year on the endowment.

Rocky Vidrine Memorial Award for the

Outstanding Freshman in Pre-Med Harrison Bieber

The Rocky Vidrine Memorial Award is given each year to the top freshman pre-med/pre-vet major by a vote of the science faculty. Guidelines for selection of the winner require that the individual “demonstrates Christian character and has a GPA above 3.5” The award is provided by Ms. Mary Crump, a retired distinguished Louisiana College professor of music, and her daughter Dr. Melanie Firmin, an LC graduate and local anesthesiologist. The award is given in honor and memory of Mr. Rocky Vidrine, a young man who displayed the finest qualities of academic excellence and Christian character.

Nursing

Dr. Marilyn Cooksey, Dean, School of Nursing & Allied Health

Courage in Nursing Award Katie McKee

This award honors William Harry Martin. Mr. Martin was a World War II veteran. During his military service he was assigned to the Medical Detachment of the 482nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion (self-propelled). Entering service in January 1943 from Havana, Hale County, Alabama, he served in the European Theater from August 1944 January 1946. During the Battle of the Bulge and the defense of Bastogne December 1944, he was recognized for assistance in providing first aid and care for the wounded. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy in Belgium. Mr. Martin returned home, and in July 1947 married Eleanor Ambrose.

They are parents to Terry and Cathy. Terry is presently the Director of Learning Resources at Louisiana College. Cathy is a public school teacher in Alabama. Mr. Harry Martin was an ordained deacon and active leader in his local church. The student’s name is engraved on the Courage of Nursing Plaque and displayed in the Division of Nursing Office.

The winner of this award must have a GPA of 2.75 or better and must show commitment to the profession of nursing; excellent technical, communication, and critical thinking skills; self confidence; and Christian service.

Division of Nursing Award Cody Crews

This award is given to a graduate student who displays professionalism, character, scholarship, and potential for future leadership and who demonstrates a caring attitude toward clients.

This award honors the graduating senior nursing student with the highest Nursing GPA who holds these qualities.

Jean I. Livley Excellence in Leadership Senior Nursing Award Autumn Crews

This award is given to the senior student who most exhibits potential for leadership ability in the field of nursing; one who strives for excellence in personal and professional endeavors and exhibits an innate ability to touch the lives of others positively.

Nursing Association for Students Recognition Award Garrett Biggs

This award is given to a senior nursing student who has made an outstanding contribution to the association at Louisiana College

Donies & Novie Magee Scholarship Award Dr. Cheryl Clark, Vice President for Academic Affairs

This award was established to honor the memory of Dr. Donies and Mrs. Novie Eldridge Magee.

Staunch advocates of Christian education, they sent all of their five children to Louisiana College, and they always encouraged literary and artistic pursuits and scholarly endeavor of a high order. This award is presented to an outstanding senior who demonstrates good moral character and scholastic excellence and who shows promise of future scholarly achievement.

This years Donies & Magee Scholarship Recipient is Jada Ford

Eminent Scholars and Professorships Lillian Purdy

The J.E. Hixson Professorship in English

Wade Warren*

The C. J. Cavanaugh Chair in Biology

Tylitha Whatley

The James A. Young Professorship in Religion

David Elliott

The George F. Kirby Professorship in Chemistry

Arthur Mazhambe*

The Ray Frye Professorship in Business

Sheri Duffy*

The Erroll Dawson Distinguished Professorship in Social Work

Nancy Whitlock*

The Bell South Professorship (Liberal Arts)

David Culp

The Hubert & Madolene D. Reding Professorship in Business

Tabitha Huffman*

The Claude & Lois Colvin Endowed Professorship in Theatre

Jill Reid*

The McCormick-Huie Professorship in English/Journalism

WangLing Chou*

The Eugenia Dawson Professorship in Art

Cheryl Clark, VPAA

The Olive Ann Rau Chair in English

Philip Caples*

Lyndon E. Dawson Professorship in Religion

Adena LeJeune

The Durham Family Professorship in Business

Christine Reese

The Richard L. Crowell Professorship in Pre-Law

Justin Langford

The W. Peterson Carter, Jr. Professorship in Biblical Studies

Scott Pickard*

The L. P. Dawson Professorship in History

Elizabeth Christian

The E. O. Wood Professorship in Communication Arts

Marilyn Cooksey*

The Coughlin-Saunders Foundation Chair in Nursing

Henry Robertson*

The Hogan Family Professorship

Sonia Tinsley*

The Claude Kent Kirkpatrick Professorship in Health and Exercise Science

* denotes endowed chairs and professorships established in conjunction with the Board of Regents Support Fund (BoRSF). The Support Fund is constitutionally dedicated to promote excellence in higher education, which includes the endowment of chairs and professorships.

BoRSF faculty endowment programs are designed to provide matching resources to non-State donations, the earnings from which support the productivity and performance of superior faculty.

The mission of Louisiana College is to provide liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs characterized by devotion to the preeminence of the Lord Jesus, allegiance to the authority of the Holy Scriptures, dedication to academic excellence for the glory of God, and commitment to change the world for Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.