LSU Alumni Magazine - Spring 2011

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Spring 2011, Volume 87, Number 1

A Message From the

Chancellor

Committing to the Future Recently LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri addressed the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge and mentioned the loss of a highly regarded recruit from Texas due to potential budget cuts at LSU. It seems the prospect’s mother had grave concerns about the future of LSU because she had heard the talk about state funding reductions to higher education in Louisiana.

Like anything related to LSU athletics, Coach Mainieri’s comments generated quite a buzz in Baton Rouge about the residual impact of budget cuts at LSU. We have to consider how many high school prospects highly accomplished in academics are having similar misgivings about committing their future to LSU. The fact remains that some damage has already been done to LSU and, as we work with state leaders to mitigate the current budget issues, we continue to address financial reductions that have already taken a bite out of the University. Don’t forget that we have already incurred $45 million in reductions to state appropriations since January of 2009, resulting in the loss of 140 faculty positions and 236 staff positions. Fewer faculty members result in reduced class offerings, which in turn can slow our students’ progress to graduation.

Universities with more resources than LSU are luring away top faculty. LSU has already lost two deans and faculty ranging from one of the top oboists in the nation to a worldclass chemist whose work brought millions of research dollars to the state every year.

Foreign language offerings have been reduced, and music scholarships have been cut severely, threatening the future of musical instruction at LSU. Funding has been eliminated for the Writing Center, an award-winning tutoring and instruction program that helped LSU students improve their writing skills. State funding has also been eliminated from other programs and centers that support the student experience and impact research.

We remain encouraged that the LSU System, the LSU Board of Supervisors, the Board of Regents, Governor Jindal, and the Louisiana Legislature are working to find solutions for funding higher education in Louisiana. But be reminded that any cut, however big or small, will compound the harm that has already been done. While we address our current budget crisis, we must also seek long-term solutions to keep the best and brightest of our young people coming to LSU.

Michael V. Martin Chancellor

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Publisher Charlie W. Roberts

Contents

Editor Jackie Bartkiewicz Editorial Assistants Ryan Buxton, Ben Wallace Advertising Kay Heath Amanda Haynes

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Features 22 LSU Day As part of the 2010 Sesquicentennial Celebration, as well as the Homecoming Week celebration, LSU opened its doors to the public in November for LSU Day – a free, fun-filled day of exploration and discovery highlighted by performing arts showcases, tours, and exhibitions showing off LSU’s rich history, current offerings, and goals for the future.

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30 Men and Women at Work:

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The Croatian Community in South Louisiana English professors Carolyn Ware and James Catano explore Louisiana’s remote “Lower Coast,” home to descendants of Croatian immigrants who built their community from land that was perhaps the least desirable to early settlers of the area and were able to derive a living from that land, creating a sustainable form of agriculture. They continue to this day to fight coastal erosion and other setbacks to their way of life.

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In Each Issue 1 A Message from the Chancellor

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4 President’s Message 6 Forever LSU

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Spring 2011, Volume 87, Number

48 Locker Room 54 Tiger Nation

Cover: LSU Day wraps ups the University’s Sesquicentennial Celebration Photo by Eddy Perez Design by Chuck Sanchez/STUN Design

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Contributors Ashley Berthelot, Matt DeVille, Shelly Dupre, William Franques, Bud Johnson, Brandon Kane, Brenda Macon, Scott Madere, Norm Marcocci, Holly Phillips, Cam Terwilliger, Will Stafford Photography Meg Birnbaum, Matt Deville, Steve Franz, Larry Hubbard, Scott Madere, Maida Owens, Amy Parrino, Eddy Perez, Lori Waselchuck, Jim Zietz Printing Baton Rouge Printing Editorial and Advertising Office LSU Alumni Association 3838 West Lakeshore Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70808-4686 225-578-3838 • 888-RINGLSU www.lsualumni.org / e-mail: jackie@lsualumni.org LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE is published quarterly in March, June, September and December by the LSU Alumni Association. A contribution of $50 or more for an annual subscription includes membership in the Alumni Association. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Please write to the address listed above. LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE reserves the right to edit all material accepted for publication. Publication of material does not indicate endorsement of the author’s viewpoint by the magazine, the LSUAA or LSU. © 2011 by LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE, 3838 West Lakeshore Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808-4686 The mission of the LSU Alumni Association is to protect, promote, and foster the welfare of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College and to create and nurture mutually beneficial relationships between the University and its alumni and friends. The Association, using the talents and resources of alumni and friends of Louisiana State University, supports the University in pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and public service to future and current alumni.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Guy Campbell III Chair, Monroe, La.

8 LSU Alumni Association News 36 Around Campus

Art Director Chuck Sanchez STUN Design & Advertising

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Michael H. Woods, Chair-Elect, Shreveport, La. Gregory J. “Gregg” Cordaro Past Chair, Baton Rouge, La. Scott L. Anderson, Monroe, La. Jan K. Liuzza, Kenner, La. Jack A. Andonie, Metairie, La. Ted A Martin, Baton Rouge, La. Mary Lou Applewhite, New Orleans, La. Louis R. Minksy, Baton Rouge, La. Jon D. “Jay” Babb, Baton Rouge, La. Charles H. Moniotte, Baton Rouge, La. J. Hals Benhard, Palmetto, La. Richard C. “Ricky” Oustalet, Jennings, La. Patricia C. “Pat” Bodin, Houston, Texas John T. Shelton, Jr., Houston, Texas C. A. “Buddy” Brice III, Biloxi, Miss.

Carl J. Streva, Morgan City, La. John S. “Johnny” Butler, Austin, Texas Susan K. Whitelaw, Shreveport, La. Robert W. Dugas, Baton Rouge, La. Michael H. Woods, Shreveport, La. Theresa M. Gallion, Tampa, Fla. Lodwrick M. Cook, Director Emeritus Ronald M. Johnson, Baton Rouge, La. Sherman Oaks, Calif.

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President/CEO’s

MESSAGE

Imagine the Possibilities What a way to begin 2011 – with an exciting win at the Cotton Bowl over Texas A&M University. Already we have something to talk about as we begin our chapter season and our annual contact with members and donors.

The LSU Alumni Association completed 2010 with increased revenue and decreased expenditures. The absence of hurricanes helped in both situations, and the majority of the staff remained constant, placing us in a position to jump start 2011.

The biggest issue facing the University will be budget reductions. The administration is prepared to handle the budget scenario, whatever it might be. As of this writing, no one knows for certain how or whether actual budget reductions will develop.

The Forever LSU campaign came to a very successful close with the $750 million goal reached and surpassed. To date, donors have contributed $753 million to Forever LSU, and an additional $34 million in state matching funds brings the current total to $787 million.

A tremendous thanks goes to Henson Moore, who served as overall chairperson for the dedicated effort he put forth throughout the campaign. His untiring efforts made the goal a reality.

The Association enters 2011 with a budget in excess of $8.5 million. To achieve this target we will again need the support of our many alumni and friends. We also will need your support at The Cook Hotel. With state travel budgets severely reduced, there will be very little state travel. If you or your business associates will be staying in Baton Rouge, consider The Cook Hotel your home away from home.

As mentioned in our last message, we continue to promote one of our most supportive affinity partners, Bank of America. Many significant projects, such as such as the Lod Cook Alumni Center, The Cook Hotel, and our scholarship program, have been funded through Bank of America’s support. So if you are searching for a credit card provider that directly benefits your Association, I strongly recommend that you partner with Bank of America.

You will immediately support the Association.

We predict another banner year for our chapter program. The annual Chapter Leadership Workshop took place on Feb. 12, and many new chapter ideas and projects were discussed.

From that date, we began attending chapter events throughout the state and across the nation. With 125 chapters – and that number increasing – we are receiving more support than ever from chapters. Recently, the New York Chapter, a fast-growing group, initiated an endowment of $20,000. Wherever you are, support your local chapter, which in turn supports the national Association.

If you are already a member of the Association, thank you. If not, please join today. Your contribution of just $50 provides numerous benefits for you and helps us continue to pursue our primary goal of supporting the University through scholarships, professorships and faculty awards, and providing valuable services to current and future alumni. LSU has more than 200,000 alumni worldwide. Only 12,000 are current members. Think of what we have accomplished with just 12,000 members and imagine the possibilities if more alumni were part of this great organization.

In conclusion, we hope that 2011 will be a banner year for you, and if your travel plans bring you to Baton Rouge, please come by for a visit.

Forever LSU,

Charlie W. Roberts President/CEO LSU Alumni Association

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Student Support – Forever LSU’s #1 Goal

By Scott M. Madere

Each of LSU’s 28,771 students reflects the University’s commitment to the future of Louisiana and the nation. Students are LSU’s most important priority, which is why Forever LSU named student support the first of its four campaign pillars.

Following are a few of the many ways that LSU’s generous alumni and friends support scholarships.

Helping Students in Need

Pelican Promise, the equivalent of tuition and the registration fee, makes attending LSU possible for more than 1,100 students. To be eligible, a student’s family income must be within 150 percent of the poverty line. LSU expects the number of recipients to reach 1,500 by the end of this academic year. Chancellor Mike Martin has identified this scholarship as the University’s number one academic priority.

“The greatest products of LSU are its students and graduates. Pelican Promise provides the opportunity for highly capable students who work hard to achieve an education that they would not otherwise be able to receive. Consequently, it is the highest priority of the University to provide scholarship opportunities,” said Harry Longwell, who has generously supported Pelican Promise.

To contribute to Pelican Promise, visit www.lsufoundation.org/contribute and designate “Pelican Promise” as the beneficiary unit.

Recruiting Scholars and Leaders

The families of Kerry Pourciau and Kirt Bennett were among the donors and friends who helped kick off the leadership award honoring their loved ones. Back, Marco Barker, director of educational equity, Office of Equity, Diversity & Community Outreach; Denise Bennett; Loretta Pourciau; Chaunda Allen, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs; and Katrice Albert, chief diversity officer and vice provost for equity, diversity and community outreach. Front, Kirt and Denise Bennett’s children.

The LSU Alumni Association’s Global Leaders Scholarship (formerly the Chancellor‚s Leadership Scholarship) and Flagship Scholars Award (formerly the Top 100 Scholarship) help attract highly qualified and competitive students to the University. (See story on page 11.)

“LSU was a central experience in my life and has led to many opportunities for me in my career. The LSU Alumni Association scholarship program was very important to me, and I hope that future generations of LSU students can have those same opportunities,” said Larry Franceski, a former Top 100 recipient who recently provided a generous gift to support the program.

To support either scholarship, visit www.lsualumni.org.

Families Helping Families

“The greatest products of LSU are its students and graduates.”

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In addition to providing resources, information, and problem-solving services to students’ families, the LSU Family Association awards scholarships to its members’ students. In the 2010-11 academic year, twelve students from five states received $1,000 scholarships.

Because of its members’ generosity, the association plans to award twenty scholarships for the 2011-12 year. To join the LSU Family Association, visit www.lsu.edu/familyassociation.

Families often choose to honor loved ones through endowed scholarships that provide awards to deserving students year after year. At the suggestion of friends and family, Dr. Terry and Cheryl Latiolais created a scholarship to honor the memory of their son, Brandon, a 4.0 pre-med student who died in 1997 during his senior year at LSU. The

Forever LSU Forever LSU made history in 2010 by exceeding its original goal of raising $750 million for the University. However, LSU’s need for support through private funding has never been greater.

Every Tiger can make a difference at LSU.

Brandon Latiolais Memorial Scholarship celebrates Brandon’s love for LSU by supporting outstanding students in the College of Science. “One of the greatest fears that parents have when they have lost a child is that people have a tendency to forget, and his scholarship will help people for a long, long time,” said Dr. Latiolais.

For information on creating an endowed scholarship in any LSU college, contact the LSU Foundation at www.lsufoundation.org.

Continuing Athletic Excellence The Tiger Athletic Foundation’s focus is leading the University in building a comprehensively superior athletic program. TAF created the Foundation of Champions, a general scholarship endowment fund, to provide a perpetual source of financial support for athletic scholarships in each sport.

“The Foundation of Champions program makes it possible for our fans to enhance the future of LSU athletics,” said TAF Vice President of Development Ben Broussard. “Every dollar that we place in our scholarship endowment puts us one step closer to permanently endowing our athletic scholarships and, in turn, allows our student-athletes to have the best possible experience while on campus.”

To give to the Foundation of Champions program, visit www.lsutaf.org.

Supporting Leadership Development Leadership development initiatives foster personal growth and prepare students for post-graduate success. The Student Life Leadership Award Scholarship awards $500 stipends to students who demonstrate exceptional service to LSU and the surrounding community, such as through leadership in LSU Ambassadors, STRIPES, Student Government, and Greek organizations. For more information about Student Life, visit www.lsu.edu/studentlife.

The Black Male Leadership Initiative, established by the offices of Equity, Diversity & Community Outreach and Multicultural Affairs, improves retention and graduation rates for black male students. MLI fellows connect with faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders through mentoring, leadership development, and academic support. The Kerry Pourciau & Kirt Bennett Student Leadership Award will be awarded to BMLI fellows in honor of LSU’s only two black Student Government presidents, the late Kerry Pourciau (president in 1972) and the late Kirt Bennett (president in 1991).

To support the BMLI, visit www.lsu.edu/bmli.

Scott Madere is the associate director of communications for the LSU Foundation.

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LSU Alumni Association

news

Hall of Distinction 2011 Inductees Seven notable alumni will be inducted into the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction on April 1. The honorees are: Alumnus of the Year, Henson Moore – Former Louisiana Congressman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy, and current Chair of Forever LSU: the Campaign for Louisiana State University, the largest and most successful fundraising campaign in LSU history.

Young Alumnus of the Year, Graham Breedlove – Active composer/arranger and trumpet soloist with the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, part of the U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” in Washington, D.C. Julian E. Bailes, M.D. – A recognized leader in the field of neurosurgery and a founding member of the Brain Injury Research Institute and professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at West Virginia University School of Medicine.

Art E. Favre – Owner and president of Performance Contractors, Inc., a $400 million general industrial services company

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headquartered in Baton Rouge and specializing in construction and pipe fabrication.

Jeffrey K. “Jeff” Carbo – Founder and principal in Jeffrey Carbo Landscape Architects, Alexandria, La., his firm’s work has been featured in such publications as Landscape Architecture, House and Garden, Better Homes and Gardens, and Southern Living.

Gerald S. “Jerry” George – Professor emeritus, Department of Kinesiology, University Louisiana at Lafayette, and an internationally recognized authority in the biomechanics of sport.

Robert McGehee “Mac” Wallace – A trustee and officer of the Clayton Foundation for Research and its supporting groups, which are engaged in medical research at eleven institutions in the United States and Switzerland.

For information on the 2011 Hall of Distinction, contact Brandli Roberts at 225-578-3852 or brandli@lsualumni.org.

2011 Calendar of Events March 13

April 1

May

3 5-6 19-20 20

June

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July

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August 5

Third Annual Bridal Show Hall of Distinction Banquet Senior Ring Ceremony Alumni /Hotel Board of Directors Meeting Golden Tigers Reunion Spring Commencement Retired Faculty/Staff Independence Day Celebration Alumni/Hotel Board of Directors Meeting/Annual Meeting/Past Presidents and Chairs Lunch Summer Commencement

September 3

10 14 15 19-20 24 30

October 1 8 15 21 22

LSU vs. Oregon at Dallas (Cowboys Stadium, Arlington) LSU vs. Northwestern State (H) FreshFest LSU vs. Mississippi State at Starkville Senior Celebration LSU vs. West Virginia at Morgantown (Traveling Tigers) Band Reunion LSU vs. Kentucky (H) LSU vs. Florida (H) LSU vs. Tennessee at Knoxville (Traveling Tigers) Golf Tournament LSU vs. Auburn (H)

November 5 10 11 12 15 19 26

LSU vs. Alabama at Tuscaloosa (Traveling Tigers) Scholars Banquet Alumni /Hotel Board of Directors Meeting LSU vs. Western Kentucky (H) – Homecoming Senior Ring Ceremony LSU vs. Ole Miss at Oxford (Traveling Tigers) LSU vs. Arkansas (H)

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Retired Faculty/Staff Christmas Party Fall Commencement

The LSU Alumni Association invites you to attend the

2011 Annual Meeting 12:00 noon Friday, July 22, 2011 Noland-Laborde Hall, Lod Cook Alumni Center RSVP to Amy Parrino at 225-578-3835 or amy@lsualumni.org

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LSU Alumni Association News

By Matt Deville Photos by Matt Deville and Larry Hubbard

Alumni Swing into Action at Annual Golf Classic Clear skies and cool temperatures greeted the field of golfers for the 15th Annual LSU Alumni Association Golf Classic at the recently renovated Oaks at Sherwood Golf Club.

This year’s tournament came on the heels of the biggest football weekend in years as the Alumni Golf Classic teed it up on Monday, Nov. 8, two days after LSU’s epic upset of defending national champion Alabama.

“We were very happy to have our tournament played at the Oaks this year,” said Jason Ramezan, vice president of alumni relations. “Blaine Patin, Daniel Preston, and the rest of the Oaks staff made us feel very welcome.”

More than eighty golfers turned out for the event. Prizes were awarded for first, second, and third places in both low gross and low net categories, and winners earned custom-monogrammed luggage from OGIO. In the low gross division, Gil Brassard, Jason McKenzie, Mary Rogers, and Brad Taylor brought home first-place honors.

Second-place winners were Donnie Chatelain, Blaine Patin, Gordy Rush, and Chris Walling. Wesley Gifford, Mike Price,

LSU Alumni Association Executive Vice President/ COO Cliff Vannoy visits with LSU President Emeritus William Jenkins.

Mark Wilson, and Scott Wilson ranked third in the low gross category.

Matt Boyles, Chris Jones, Tab Ballard, and Ryan Frith finished first in the low net division. Ali Momenzadeh, Greg Patterson, Greg Cole, and Darrell Ange were second followed by Joe Ridando, Scott Vankerkhova, Kyle Klien, and Buster Mooneyham.

LSU President Emeritus William Jenkins won the long drive contest.

The $1,000 putting contest came down to an exciting finish with seven finalists participating in a putt-off for all the cash.

Ryan Frith, Donnie Chatelain, and Gil Brassard finished in a three-way tie in the putt and split the purse.

Gil Brassard, Donnie Chatelain, and Ryan Frith finished in a three-way tie in the putt and split the putting contest purse.

Seven finalists took part in the $1,000 putting contest.

Thanks to our generous sponsors!

AT&T Title Sponsor • Woodrow Wilson Construction Major Sponsor • Coca-Cola and Mockler Beverage Corporate Sponsors • Premier Sports Putting Contest Sponsor • Gerry Lane Enterprises Hole-in-One Sponsor • Action Advertising • Baton Rouge Printing • Burkhead and Wheelahan Families • Cypress Title • D&H Sports • Gil Rew • Eddie and Diane Harmon Eric Spiritas • Glenn Guimbellot • Ivy and Archer Frierson • Jeff Segura, Jr., Attorney-at-law Jerry Shea, Jr. • John Shelton • Benny’s Get-N-Geaux and KaJohn Oil Co. • Liberty Mutual Lyons Specialty • Patricia Bodin • Ramezan Family • Unique Cuisine • Walk-Ons

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Scholarship Changes New Names Reflect Flagship Status, Global Reach The LSU scholarship program has been restructured following a comprehensive study comparing the University’s scholarship offerings with peer institutions to determine how well LSU competes in recruiting outstanding students. The changes and upgrades to the program, which apply to both in- and out-of-state scholarship awards, take effect in the fall of 2011.

Two LSU Alumni Association scholarships – the Top 100 Scholarship and Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship – were revamped to align with the University’s primary scholarship goals. According to Cliff Vannoy, executive vice president/COO of the Association, the Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship is now called the LSU Alumni Association Global Leaders Scholarship and the Top 100 Scholarship is now known as Flagship Scholars Award.”

“One of the recommendations from the study was to improve the Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship program by providing a globally based educational experience for the best fifty students,” says Association Executive Vice President/COO Cliff Vannoy.

“To honor the University’s request, the Association is amending its scholarship program to accommodate the new criteria.”

Global Leaders LSU Alumni Association’s Global Leaders awards are given to the top fifty entering freshmen (both residents and nonresidents not selected as Chancellor’s Alumni Scholars) based on ACT/SAT scores and a computed, six-semester high school GPA of at least 3.0.

The one-time award provides a $2,000 study abroad stipend and the chance to earn up to an additional $1,550 per year by participating in the Chancellor’s Future Leaders in Research Program, which offers a unique opportunity for students to conduct research early in their college careers. Students are partnered with a faculty member in the field of their choice to work side-by-side in a research setting. As a member of the research team, students receive guidance and support to expand their knowledge and skills.

Flagship Scholars To be considered for a Flagship Scholars award, students must have an ACT score of 33 to 36 or a critical reading and math SAT score of 1440 to 1600 and a 3.0 cumulative computed, six semester high school GPA (and not be selected as a Chancellor’s Alumni Scholar). The $2,000-per-year award also includes the opportunity to earn up to an additional $1,550 by participating in the Chancellor’s Student Aide Program in a campus department.

Other Association Awards The Association also funds the Chancellor’s Alumni Scholars awards, given to the top ten entering freshmen (both residents and nonresidents). A student must have a minimum ACT of 33 or critical reading and math SAT of 1440 with a computed, six-semester high school GPA of at least a 3.0. Students receive a tuition exemption, on-campus room and board scholarship, a one-time $2,000 study abroad stipend, and the opportunity to earn up to an additional $1,550 per year by participating in the Chancellor’s Future Leaders in Research Program. The annual figure for resident students is $16,510 plus the $1,500 job; for nonresident students it is $31,294 plus the $1,550 job.

ON THE WEB www.lsu.edu/financialaid

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LSU Alumni Association News

Dr. Jack Andonie

Snapshots

Robert “Mac” Wallace

Beth Tope

LSU Notables Honored – Three of the University’s notable benefactors and distinguished alumni were recognized as part of the Peoples Health Illustrious Alumnus program at Tiger home football games last fall. Peoples Health Executive Director George Bucher, a left in photos, presented the awards to Dr. Jack Andonie, of Metairie, La.; Robert “Mac” Wallace, of Houston; and Beth Tope, of Baton Rouge, at the Alabama, ULMonroe, and Ole Miss Games, respectively. The award recognizes LSU graduates who have demonstrated the value of their educations by a history of achievement throughout their careers. Also pictured in each photo is LSU Alumni Association Executive Vice President/ COO Cliff Vannoy.

Photos by Matt Deville Cordaro’s Chair – LSU Alumni Association President/CEO Charlie Roberts presents outgoing National Board of Directors Chair Gregg Cordaro an official Association chair at the November 19 board meeting. Guy Campbell III, of Monroe, La., assumed chairmanship in January.

Photo by Amy Parrino

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Upcoming Chapter Events March 5

Northeast Oklahoma Chapter Mardi Gras Part James Phillips, jphillips106@cox.net

April 2

Dallas Crawfish Boil Harriet Robinette, harrietrobinette@yahoo.com

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Jackson, Miss., Chapter Crawfish Boil Heath Aucoin, lsujacksonalum@gmail.com

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Austin, Texas, Chapter Crawfish Boil Will Washington, willylongwood@gmail.com

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Atlanta, Ga., Chapter Crawfish Boil Del Moon, gamoon@ bellsouth.net

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Houston, Texas Chapter Crawfish Boil Claire Crye, clairhatty@yahoo.com

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Orlando, Fla., Chapter Crawfish Boil Toni Harrell, tharr@cfl.rr.com

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Tarrant Tigers (Fort Worth, Texas) Chapter Crawfish Boil Gary Taylor, lsutarranttigers@sbcglobal.net

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Las Vegas, Nev., Chapter Crawfish Boil Kathy Fives, kathy.fives@sincitytigers.com

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Northeast Oklahoma Chapter Crawfish Boil James Phillips, jphillips106@cox.net

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Wilmington, N.C., Chapter Crawfish Boil Angie Ball, ball@industrialpumpservice.com

May 7

Nashville, Tenn., Chapter Crawfish Boil Liz Hartzog, liz.hartzog@gmail.com

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Richmond, Va., Chapter Crawfish Boil Sam Rosenthal, samlsu@rcn.com

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Raleigh, N.C., Chapter Crawfish Boil Paul Heroy, pheroy@yahoo.com

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Panhandle Bayou Bengals (Pensacola) Chapter Crawfish Boil John Spurny, lsupanhandle@hotmail.com

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Los Angeles, Calif., Chapter Crawfish Boil Paul Dietzel, pauldietzel@gmail.com

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St. Louis, Mo., Chapter Crawfish Boil Marc Tenholder, marctenholder@gmail.com

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Sunday San Diego, Calif., Chapter Crawfish Boil Dave Vaz, dcvaz@sbcglobal.net

July 8-9

DeSoto Parish Golf Classic and Banquet Gil Rew, gillisrew@aol.com

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LSU Alumni Association News

Snapshots Football Saturdays – Taking part in traditional gameday autograph sessions at The Cook Hotel and the Jack and Priscilla Andonie Museum, were former LSU greats Jimmy Taylor and Ronnie Estay, who greeted fans before the Alabama game, and Billy Cannon and Tommy Casanova, who signed autographs before the Ole Miss game.

Photos by Larry Hubbard

Ronnie Estay

Jimmy Taylor

Billy Cannon

Tommy Casanova

At the Andonie – Former LSU AllAmerican and National Coach of the Year Jerry Stovall, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Dec. 7, 2010, poses with a statue of Abner Wimberly, former LSU great and assistant coach, outside the Andonie Museum.

Stovall was recruited by Wimberly out of West Monroe, La., in 1958.

Jerry Stovall

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Photos by Matt Deville

3838 West Lakeshore Drive • Baton Rouge, LA 70808 • 888-RINGLSU • www.lsualumni.org LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010 15

LSU Alumni Association News

Snapshots Best of the Best – Four of the greatest

Chancellor Mikel Martin and Dr. Jack Andonie.

figures in LSU football history were honored at a reception at the Jack & Priscilla Andonie Museum on the eve of the LSU vs. Ole Miss game. College Football Hall of Famers Billy Cannon and Tommy Casanova joined Pro Football Hall of Fame members Y.A. Tittle and Jimmy Taylor for the most memorable event in the museum’s history. More than Billy Cannon, Y.A. Tittle, Tommy Casanova, and Jimmy Taylor.

100 guests packed the museum for the rare opportunity to interact with the football legends, who visited and posed for pictures with all who were in attendance.

Photos by Matt Deville

Ho! Ho! Ho! – The LSU Alumni Association kicked off 2010 holiday festivities by welcoming retired University faculty and staff to the Lod Cook Alumni Center for a Christmas celebration that included dinner, door prizes, Christmas caroling, and a visit from Thom “Santa Claus” Fronek, manager of the Cook Hotel & Conference Center, and Beti “Mrs. Claus” Pekmezi, director of hotel housekeeping.

Photos by Larry Hubbard

Santa and LSU Alumni Association President/CEO Charlie Roberts welcome Bert and Ellen Gremillion to the Lod Cook Alumni Center.

Santa pauses for a photo with Jean and Odrie Ortego.

LSU Alumni Association Senior Vice President Amy Parrino congratulates Induk Suh, left, and Margie Whitehead, who tied for the Best Dressed award.

O’Keefe Visit – Former Chancellor

Jim Wharton, Sean O’Keefe, Cliff Vannoy

Sean O’Keefe visited with Chancellor Emeritus Jim Wharton and LSU Alumni Association Executive Vice President/COO Cliff Vannoy at The Cook Hotel on Dec. 9 before taking part in a construction tour of the Business Education Complex, or BEC, future home of the E.J. Ourso College of Business. The BEC fundraising effort, part of the Forever LSU campaign, kicked off during O’Keefe’s tenure as chancellor.

Photos by Matt Deville

Holiday Dinner – The Jerry Shea family of New Iberia, La., treated LSU Alumni Association staffers to a holiday outing in Acadiana on Dec. 15, 2010. The group gathered for libations and shopping at Kimberly’s Interiors, Inc., & Fine Wines and visited historic downtown New Iberia then headed to Mr. Lester’s Steakhouse for dinner.

Photo by Amy Parrino

Harriet Shea, Charlie Roberts, Jerry Shea, Sr., and Jean Nelson.

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LSU Alumni Association News

Chapter Events High Cotton –Dallas and Fort Worth alumni took part in several events before LSU’s matchup with the Texas Aggies in the Cotton Bowl, including a visit to Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital with Coach Les Miles and the team, where they handed out Mardi Gras beads and cups; a student reception and pep rally – the largest ever!; the Chancellor’s Reception; and a pregame party at Humperdinks in Arlington, Texas, with more than 1,000 Tiger fans in attendance. According to Linda Taylor, the chapter raised more than $2,000 for scholarships. And, says Harriet Robinette, “We’re already working on plans for a massive tailgate party on Sept. 3, when LSU meets Oregon at Cowboys Stadium.”

Left: Nolan Schexnayder, Bob Brown, and Gary Taylor.

Mike Whitman, Colt David, Barry Willett, and Ciron Black.

Above left: Doyle Wilson and Linda Young.

Above right: Cassandra and Tamara Trotter.

Left to right: Barry Willett, Harriet Robinette, Bob Brown, and Fred Burley. Chapter President Ken Hill visits at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital. Daniel and Maryann McGehee and Charles and Robert Taylor.

D.C. Chapter Wrap Up

By Norm Marcocci

Washington, D.C., alums at the chapter’s wine and cheese party held in September 2010.

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LSU faithful in the Washington, D.C., area gathered at Bailey’s in Arlington, Va., and the 18th Amendment on Capitol Hill, for Tiger football view-ins last fall. Before the LSU vs. Alabama game, alums attended a pre-game happy hour at the Old Dominion Brewhouse and gathered with the Texas A&M alumni at RFD prior to the Cotton Bowl.

A wine and cheese party took place at Bell Wine and Spirits in September, and in October alumni represented LSU at area college fairs. They will represent LSU at the Northern Virginia Regional College Fair this spring. In December LSU joined alumni from other Southeastern Conference universities at the RRA Irish Pub to help collect toys for the Marine Corps annual Toys for Tots Drive and also manned a water station at the Marine Corps Marathon. Washington alums met with the Central Virginia Chapter in Charlottesville

to watch the basketball Tigers play the University of Virginia in January.

The chapter’s annual crawfish boil is scheduled for June 5, from noon to 5 p.m., at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria, Va. Tickets are $45 for chapter members and $55 for nonmembers. There will be 15,000 pounds of crawfish, 2,000 pounds of jambalaya, potatoes, ice cream, southern snow-cones, Zydeco music by the Dixie Power Trio, a moon bounce for the kids, and free shuttle bus service to and from the Huntington Metro Station. More information is available at www.lsudcalumni.com and www.dccrawfish.com.

Chapter officers are Clay Duarte, president; Kelle Strickland, presidentelect; Marissa Thibodeau, vice-president; Norm Marcocci, secretary; Justin Hayden, treasurer; Lon Keely, sports chair; Alexandra Russell, events chair; and Joe Landry, Web master.

To join the chapter’s e-mail mail list, visit dclsualumni@yahoo.com.

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LSU Alumni Association News

2010 Legends Forum Tureaud Chapter Legends Discuss Leading Change

By Dana Tumblin

A.P. Tureaud, Jr., Huel Perkins, Mamye Hall, and Ulrick JeanPierre admire Ulrick’s portrait of the late A.P. Tureaud, Sr. Photo by John Bagneris

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The sesquicentennial LSU Homecoming celebration provided an exceptional backdrop for a discussion of the continuing strides of African American students at the 2010 Legends Forum hosted by the A.P. Tureaud, Sr., Black Alumni Chapter.

“Leading Change” was the theme for the Nov. 12, 2010, forum, which included the recognition of LSU Legends Huel D. Perkins and Mamye L. Hall, both of Baton Rouge, and an intergenerational panel discussion featuring African American alumni whose history covers only sixty of LSU’s 150 years.

More than 175 attendees enjoyed networking at the forum’s opening reception, sponsored

by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, in the Atchafalaya Room of the LSU Student Union. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a portrait of late New Orleans civil rights attorney A.P. Tureaud, Sr., for whom the alumni chapter is named. Painted by Haitian-born New Orleans artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre, the portrait captured the essence of the man who successfully led the legal battle to admit black students to LSU during the 1950s. A.P. Tureaud, Jr., LSU’s first African American undergraduate, was present to unveil the portrait in honor of his father’s legacy.

One of few African Americans in the ranks of faculty and administrative staff when his tenure begin in 1978, Perkins, LSU professor emeritus of humanities, encouraged black students to attend the University. An organizer and the first president of the Alexander Pierre Tureaud, Sr., Chapter of the LSU Alumni Association chartered in 1989, Hall was chair of the first LSU black alumni reunion held in November 1988. The service of both honorees helped achieve a more inclusive environment for African Americans on the LSU campus.

While at LSU, Perkins was also assistant vice chancellor of academic affairs, as well as executive assistant and special assistant to the chancellor. A doctoral fellowship program

Legends Forum participants, front row, left to right, Gina Swanson, Mamye Hall, Huel Perkins, and Dorothy Davis; back row, John Butler, Damon Hewett, Todd Schexnayder, and Lora Hinton.

Photo by Faye Hinton

is named in his honor, and in May 2005, he was awarded the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his service to education and to the University.

Hall earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1975 and an M.S.W. in 1979 from LSU. While an undergraduate, she was an active member of the Dormitory Council, serving as vicepresident and president. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta’s Iota Theta Chapter and now serves on its advisory council as primary adviser.

Forum panelists, who discussed how their LSU experiences and education have assisted them in leading change in their professional careers and public service endeavors, were Dorothy Davis, representing the 1950s, who when she earned a master’s in library science in 1958 was the third African American to earn a degree from the LSU School of Library Science; John S. Butler, 1960s, the Herb Kelleher Chair for Entrepreneurship and Business University of Texas at Austin; Lora Hinton, 1970s, the first African American to receive an LSU football scholarship; Todd Schexnayder, 1980s, senior vice president of human resources at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and member of the company’s foundation board; Damon Hewett, 1990s, director of education practice for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.; and Gina Swanson, 2000s, reporter for WDSU-TV, New Orleans.

Panel moderator Jan Barker-Alexander, forum co-chair, chapter board member, and 1989 alum, prompted an intriguing exchange by asking panelists to give three words to describe their time at LSU. “Challenging” and “rewarding” were two of the most used words. While all panelists expressed encounters with discrimination and confusing moments at LSU, they also stated that there were many positive consequences from the challenges they faced.

Hewitt explained how a discriminatory practice by a University official encouraged him to rally fellow African American students to protest. Through this experience, the attorney learned the strength that a united group of people could possess.

Additionally, he was led to pursue a law degree at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and focus on social justice issues in his career.

By Dana Tumblin (2008 BACH MCOM), a communication specialist at Premier Soccer Center in Baton Rouge, is working on a master’s degree in mass communication.

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LSU Day

Wraps Up

Sesquicentennial Celebration

By Aaron Looney Photos by Jim Zietz and Eddy Perez

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For 150 years, LSU has worked to open doors in the realms of education, research, and community engagement both in Louisiana and around the world.

As part of the Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2010, as well as the Homecoming Week celebration, LSU opened its doors to the public on Nov. 13 for LSU Day – a free, fun-filled day of exploration and discovery highlighted by performing arts showcases, tours, and exhibitions showing off LSU’s rich history, current offerings, and goals for the future.

An opening ceremony was held on the event’s main stage, located at the University Recreation Complex, dubbed for the day the Field of Excellence. WBRZ-TV on-air personalities Whitney Vann and Michael Marsh served as emcees, and the Tiger Band, Golden Girls, cheerleaders, and Mike the Tiger helped to kick off the day with a rousing performance.

LSU Day experiences took place at three areas of campus – the Field of Excellence; the South Campus Promenade, located along South Campus Drive east of Highland Road; and the Union Square, located in and around the Student Union.

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LSU Day was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to see what the state’s flagship University has to offer to prospective and current students, the Baton Rouge community, the state of Louisiana, and beyond. While we reflected on the impact LSU has had over the past 150 years, we also celebrated what makes LSU such an outstanding home for education, research, and community involvement. It also was a time to re-emphasize our commitment to remain a powerful force in changing the future of Louisiana.

Chancellor Michael Martin

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Field of Excellence

University colleges and departments showcased activities on the Field of Excellence, the area that housed the majority of LSU Day experiences and offered both fun activities as well as educational opportunities for all ages. Experiences included the LSU AgCenter’s AgMagic animal farm; presentations by LSU Athletics studentathletes and coaches past and present; examples of increased sustainability efforts at LSU; disaster-preparedness lessons from the Stephenson Disaster Management Institute; presentations

by Professor Emeritus Ed Overton concerning the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and LSU’s involvement in the cleanup and restoration efforts; the College of Engineering’s annual Engineering Extravaganza and a Storytime Village; face painting; and a ceramics and painting sale, among many others.

The main stage featured Tai Chi demonstrations; international student performances by the Department of Foreign Languages & Literature; a performance by Capital Gains, a rock cover band featuring students and faculty from the E.J. Ourso College of Business; a Homecoming pep rally, and LSU Athletics interviews and autograph sessions.

South Campus Promenade

Experiences at South Campus Promenade included the LSU AgCenter Mobile Operations Vehicle, the School of Veterinary Medicine Mobile Emergency Response Unit, the Louisiana Business

& Technology Center mobile incubator, and firefighting and prevention demonstrations by representatives of the LSU Fire & Emergency Training Institute.

LSU’s Residential Life department offered tours of some of the newly renovated residence halls, and, Honors College advisers were on hand to meet with those interested in Honors College programs, the college’s Residential College program, and admission requirements for high-achieving students.

TOP Left to Right: Chancellor Mike Martin welcomes guests to the Field of Excellence as LSU opened its doors for LSU Day, and the crowd gathered at the main state as the Tiger Band, Golden Girls, cheerleaders, and Mike the Tiger helped to kick off the event.

Union Square

Volunteers cut and served hundreds of portions of a record-sized King Cake produced by LSU Dining and the Student Sesquicentennial Subcommittee.

Located in the heart of campus, Union Square featured tours of the Student Union and campus; a portable planetarium demonstration; prospective student sessions; airings of LSU’s 150th anniversary documentary, “Forever LSU”; LSU Press book signings; a “Best of the Fest” collection of entries in the Red Stick International Animation Festival; a chronicle on the history of Mike the Tiger, LSU’s live tiger mascot; and the creation and presentation of a record-sized King Cake.

The College of Music & Dramatic Arts conducted performances and held discussions in the Union Theater and in Free Speech Alley. Exhibitions included Department of Theatre students presenting theatrical scenes, performances by various musical groups, dance and stage combat demonstrations, live opera scenes, and improvisational theatre games.

Lagniappe

Other LSU Day-related events taking place in the area included a celebration of The Southern Review and one of its founders, Robert Penn Warren, at the Old President’s House; an International Expo at the International Cultural Center; demonstrations on energy efficiency in the home at the LSU AgCenter’s LaHouse; and tours of the Andonie Museum. The LSU Museum of Art, located in the Shaw Center for the Arts in downtown Baton Rouge, offered free admission for viewings.

Youngsters were able to up close and personal with animals of all sorts, thanks to the School of Veterinary Medicine and LSU Ag Center AgMagic Animal Farm experiences.

The Tiger Girls show off a mini-race car designed by College of Engineering students, and a group of students enjoy jambalaya while gathering for a group shot.

Bottom Left to Right: Visitors took part in various experiences in science, technology, and research; saw Tai Chi demonstrations sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology; viewed fashions through the ages displayed by the School of Human Ecology; enjoyed face and mask painting, and much, much more.

The Homecoming Parade rolled at noon on LSU Day, with LSU Alumnus of the Year Billy Cannon tossing throws to the crowds. LSU Homecoming Queen Kristin Davis and King Stuart Watkins, pictured with National LSU Alumni Association President Gregg Cordaro, were crowned at halftime of Homecoming football game at Tiger Stadium, and Cordaro presented them with their LSU class rings.

Chancellor Michael Martin, center, stands with sponsors, from left to right, Clint Penfield, Raising Cane’s; Jeff Holeman, Entergy; Darian Chustz, Baton Rouge CocaCola; Julius Bedford, ExxonMobil Port Allen Lubricants; Cathy Miller, AT&T Baton Rouge; and John Milazzo, Campus Federal Credit Union on the Field of Excellence main stage. LSU Day and other Sesquicentennial-related events throughout the year were made possible thanks to generous donations of these sponsors.

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Great Impact Chancellor's Sesquicentennial Service Award

By Holly A. Phillips | Photos by Eddy Perez

The Chancellor's Sesquicentennial Service Award was created as part of the sesquicentennial celebration to honor those who went beyond the scope of their jobs or organization requirements to contribute their time and talents to LSU and/or the community in ways that benefit the common good. Ten winners were selected and were recognized in Tiger Stadium at the LSU vs. UL-Monroe Homecoming game on Nov. 13, 2010.

Claire Biggs

LSU Community Playground Project

A senior in public relations, Biggs has served in the Residence Hall Association; Helping Others Promote Empowerment, HOPE; Student Athletic Advisory Council; Manship Match; Youth Oasis; Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity; Honors College; To Write Love On Her Arms; and Tigers Against Trafficking.

LSU-CPP began in 1998 to provide children enrolled in Baton Rouge public schools and surrounding communities with safe and fun playgrounds. Through the program, nearly twenty playgrounds have been built in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas.

Pinki Diwan Director of research and prospect management for the LSU Foundation, Diwan is involved in the LSU Libraries Book Bazaar, LSU Union Art Gallery, Staff Senate, LSU Women's Faculty Club, LSU Fall Fest, Battered Women's Program, Hospice of Baton Rouge, Hope Village, Arts India Council, American Red Cross, Folk Life Festival of Louisiana, Asian Pacific Society, and Indian Women's Association of Louisiana.

Del H. Dugas A community leader, Dugas has served and supported the College of Engineering's diversity efforts for more than twenty years. A member of the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation since 1999, she has held leadership positions with Quota International of Baton Rouge and volunteered in public schools. She serves on the LSU Engineering Diversity Advisory board and on the ExxonMobil Scholar's Program Advisory Board.

Focusing on College and Unlimited Success - Focus The student-run FOCUS program involves local high school students and LSU students in the Honors College in a summer seminar modeled after the college experience. LSU students plan the entire curriculum and coordinate an annual fundraiser. In the future, FOCUS hopes to have a 100 percent rate of participants attend college.

W. Henson Moore Since 2006, Moore has served as chair of Forever LSU: The Campaign for Louisiana State University. He was the primary volunteer spokesperson and led campaign operations, including managing the Campaign Cabinet and steering committees, collaborating with volunteers on fundraising efforts and volunteer activities, and coordinating and attending campaign events.

Melissa Blaise Seanard In 2009, Seanard proposed the first eco-friendly football season at LSU, coordinating the event and managing groups of volunteers to implement the recycling program. Since then, the recycling tonnage on football game days has increased by more than 50 percent.

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Acknowledging extraordinary commitment to the community, making a positive difference.

William & Christel Slaughter The Slaughters have served on and volunteered for numerous organizations, boards, and advisory councils – Alzheimer’s Services Board, Dean's Advisory Council, Metro YMCA Board, Advance Baton Rouge, Audubon Elementary School, Baton Rouge Ballet, Baton Rouge Green, Baton Rouge Symphony, Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce, East Baton Rouge City-Parish Citizens Task Force, and Community Fund for the Arts, among many others.

Jan Shoemaker Shoemaker has improved service-learning at LSU and, because of her efforts, students accomplish approximately 24,000 volunteer hours each year. She taught service-learning courses, crafted the infrastructure for the service-learning program, and assisted in developing the Service-Learning Advisory Council and ServiceLearning Faculty Fellow award.

Annette Zacharia A medical student at LSUHSC School of Medicine in New Orleans, Zacharia was recognized for her work in Alpha Epsilon Delta, the Health Professional Honor Society. She is vice president of Community Affairs for the class of 2013 and served as director of Camp Tiger 2010.

Holly A. Phillips is a writer/editor for Web and new media development in the Office of Communications & University Relations.

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2011 Touring Tigers

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LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

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omen wMEN and

at work

The Croatian Community in South Louisiana

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By Brenda Macon | Photos by Lori Waselchuk and Maida Owens

W

hen Carolyn Ware set out to explore the culture and foodways of Plaquemines Parish, she discovered a treasure she shared with colleague James Catano. Intrigued by the culture and history of the little-known Croatian community in Lower Plaquemines, Ware,

an associate professor of English, makes the argument that this relatively remote spot in Louisiana is its own distinctive region.

The area, sometimes called the “Lower Coast,” constitutes the last ninety miles of land before entering the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana’s endangered coastal region. The Lower Coast has long been a “gateway for immigration,” becoming, over the course of more than 300 years, the home for many ethnic groups, including French Creoles directly from Canada and France, African Americans influenced by either French Catholics or English Protestants, Italians, Southeast Asians, and, of course, Croatians.

After Ware shared her findings with Catano, a professor of English and director of the Film & Media Arts program, he developed plans for documenting the effects of devastating storms and coastal erosion on the community, which had long ago established oyster farming in the Gulf. Ware and Catano were captivated by the Croatians’ hospitality and intrigued with the community’s strength and determination. These are the descendants of immigrants who built their community from land that was perhaps the least desirable to early settlers of the area and were able to derive a living from that land, creating a sustainable form of agriculture. They continue to this day to fight coastal erosion and other setbacks to their way of life.

Opposite Page: Neda Jurisich with oyster tongs. WPA photo courtesy Library of Congress.

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The Jurisich family oyster camp in the 1930s. WPA photo courtesy Library of Congress.

Hard Work, Adverse Conditions Early immigrants to South Louisiana from Croatia were familiar with deriving their living from the sea. Many of these early settlers came from Dalmatia, along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, and were accustomed to hard work in adverse conditions, so the marshes of Louisiana weren’t intimidating. Members of the community in Plaquemines Parish built fishing camps and fleets, making the most of the natural resources around them. A primary example of the community’s resourcefulness is evident in their development of the oyster beds. Rather than simply taking oysters from the Gulf, they created farms, which allowed the fledgling industry to replenish itself. The oyster industry that has arisen from the community’s aquiculture

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is one of Louisiana’s most famous and productive economic enterprises.

Another fascinating aspect of the community for Catano is the back-and-forth migration to and from Croatia.

Relatives from Croatia routinely come into the area to help with the oyster farms, and residents go to Croatia to visit and stay in touch with their families. Because of this constant flow of people between the Lower Coast and Croatia and because of the relative isolation of the area on this spit of land on the Gulf, Croatian traditions are kept alive rather than being lost in the assimilation within a larger culture.

Though they adhere to traditional roles in the division of work, both and men... respond to the difficulties involved in the fishing industry, which means that women have at times taken on traditionally masculine responsibilities.

women

Unloading the Olga. WPA photo courtesy Library of Congress.

Capturing Life on Film The competing forces in this rural community, between the dependency that develops because of the remoteness of the area and the influx of people to and from Croatia, piqued Catano’s interest. He also wanted to expose how the damage caused by recent storms endangers not only the terrain but also the lives of people. He is filming a documentary, After the Aftermath: Croatian Fishing Families in Louisiana, that explores how long-term coastal erosion and the more recent spate of powerful hurricanes have affected the oyster industry, and, consequently, the community itself. Ware’s work complements this initiative, as she focuses on the foodways, cultural, and domestic customs of the community.

“One of the things I hope this film will do is to show not only what the men in the community do, but also what the

Croatian-American women do,” Ware commented.

One area of particular interest to both Ware and Catano is the way in which the division of labor in the community reflects both Eastern European culture and modern economic necessity in South Louisiana. Though they adhere to traditional roles in the division of work, both women and men recognize and respond to the difficulties involved in the fishing industry, which means that women have at times taken on traditionally masculine responsibilities, such as serving temporarily as deckhands on fishing boats in hard times.

“I’ve met some amazing women in this community,” Ware elaborated. “In fact, women are the main support for the Croatian American Society, which is a cornerstone of the community.”

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Marinating Culture

Peter Vujnovich on his oyster boat.

The Croatian American Society maintains the culture through celebrations such as St. Anthony’s Day.

The Croatian American Society maintains the culture through celebrations such as St. Anthony’s Day and Croatia’s unique Christmas traditions. The society also promotes informal activities, such as that of the Croatian men in Belle Chasse, La., who gather at a local donut shop on weekday mornings to “gossip” in their native language.

“Cultural maintenance,” Catano added, “depends heavily upon the women in the community. The women keep the traditions alive. While their roles are primarily traditional, these women are tough, strong for their husbands and children. They are the backbone of the culture.”

The strength and resourcefulness of these Croatian Americans will, in the long run, help their community to survive. Technology is also playing a role in helping these people, beginning with electric motors for small fishing boats, and moving forward into cell phones use, GPS systems, and computer mapping of the beds and fishing areas. On land, Internet connectivity has opened new ways to communicate while strengthening the sense of place among the residents, both within the state and abroad.

Especially since Hurricane Katrina, technology has served a positive function in bringing the Croatian community together.

Brenda Macon, former associate director for communications and development for the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, is a writer and editor in Baton Rouge. This article appeared in the Spring 2010 Kaleidoscope, which she edited.

During the last week in June 2010, the Cibilich family’s three fishing boats were finally contracted for oil spill clean-up from the April BP oil spill. Domenica Cibilich’s brother, John Tesvich, had to close his oyster processing company, AmeriPure, because of a shortage of oysters and funds. Hopefully they can re-open when things get better.

CNN had an interview on June 29, 2010, with Mitchell Jurisich, a third-generation oyster farmer. He’s one of the larger and more successful oyster farmers in the region, and the news footage showed him raking up some of the oysters on his lease to check them. Some were good (Anderson Cooper was shown slurping one down); others were not oiled but just didn't look right, according to Jurisich. He explained that the oysters are spawning now, and if the oil kills the spawn (spat), it could take not just three years – but six or more years – to grow a new crop. Like everyone else, they are frustrated with the uncertainty of it all.

In a more upbeat development, twenty-two people from Louisiana's Croatian American Society attended a dinner hosted in Biloxi by the local Slavonian Society, which has been in existence for many years and has hundreds of members, and a beautiful cultural center. The Biloxi group was excited to meet “real” Croatians who can speak the language, and the Louisiana group was eager to learn more about how to develop their own cultural center. Both associations plan to invite each other to their cultural events, such as an annual Croatian American dinner dance. There was singing, laughing, food (including some yummy Croatian desserts), and the evening was very moving and upbeat. It takes a lot to keep these people down. – Carolyn Ware

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Around

campus

Noteworthy

Gaines Foster

Gary C. Sanger

Andrew Burstien

Nancy Isenberg

T. Harry William Professor of History Gaines Foster has been named dean of the LSU College of Humanities & Social Sciences. He had served as interim dean since July 1, 2009. Foster, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Wofford College and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has been at LSU since 1982. Prior to being appointed interim dean, he served as chair of the Department of History. Foster has written two highly acclaimed books on southern history: Ghosts of the Confederacy: Defeat, the Lost Cause and the Emergence of the New South, 1865-1920 and Moral Reconstruction: Christian Lobbyists and the Federal Legislation of Morality, 1865-1920.

Gary C. Sanger, Distinguished Chair of Finance in the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business and director of the college’s Securities Markets Analysis Research and Trading Lab, received the 2010 C. Stewart Sheppard Award from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts. This award is presented annually to only one of the more than 88,000 CFA charter holders in recognition of outstanding contributions through dedicated effort and inspiring leadership, in fostering the education of professional investors through John Hawke advancement of the Body of Knowledge, and development of programs and publications to encourage continuing education. The award was established to honor C. Stewart Sheppard, the founding executive director of the institute.

History professors Andrew Burstein and Nancy Isenberg, who co-authored the dual biography Madison and Jefferson (Random House), held their official book launch at Monticello’s Jefferson Library in Virginia in October. The event was taped for CSPAN2’s “Book TV” and aired multiple times. Burstein is the Charles P. Manship Professor of History and Nancy Isenberg is a professor of history.

John Hawke, professor of pathobiological sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine, received the S.F. Snieszko Distinguished Service Award at the Sixth International Symposium on Aquatic Animal Health in September. The award, the highest honor in the Fish Health Section, recognizes individuals for outstanding accomplishments in the field of aquatic animal health and is only awarded when a suitable candidate is nominated. Hawke is studying pathogens new to the aquaculture industry in Louisiana and, with assistance from the LSU Office of Intellectual Property, has filed a patent application for a vaccine that has proven to be effective against Francisellosis in tilapia. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University and his Ph.D. from LSU.

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Leigh Clemons, Gresdna A. Doty Associate Professor of Literature, Theory, and Criticism in the Department of Theatre, earned high praise in the Winter 2010 issue of the East Texas Historical Journal for her book Branding Texas: Performing Culture In The Lone Star State (University of Texas Press 2008). Clemons has received the LSU Phi Laurence Kaptain Leigh Clemons Kappa Phi Non-Tenured Faculty Award in Creative and Performing Arts, the 2008 Tiger Athletic Foundation Undergraduate Teaching Award for the College of Music & Dramatic Arts, and the Robert L. Amborski Distinguished Honors Professor Award from the Honors College. She teaches courses in the undergraduate and Ph.D. programs and is a faculty member of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program. Clemons received her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.

College of Music and Dramatic Arts Dean Laurence Kaptain recently took office as the new president of the Association for General and Liberal Studies, or AGLS, after serving two years as the group’s president-elect. He will serve a two-year term. Kaptain, the Penniman Family Professor of Music, also chairs the College Music Society Music in Higher Education Committee and is co-editor of the Journal of Performing Arts Leadership in Higher Education. He consults and makes presentations internationally on numerous topics in creativity, higher education, communication, and improving faculty teaching and student learning. He is the founding chair of the College Music Society’s Committee on Music in Higher Education.

Researchers at LSU, together with those at universities across the state, recently received one of Louisiana’s largest grants ever from the National Science Foundation, or NSF. The Louisiana Alliance for Simulation-Guided Materials Applications, or LA-SiGMA, received $20 million in NSF support. The alliance is led by LSU Professors Mark Jarrell of the Department of Physics & Astronomy and Randall Hall of the Department of Chemistry, Louisiana Tech University Professor Ramu Ramachandran of chemistry and Tulane Professor Lawrence Pratt of chemical and biomolecular engineering. Centered in the Louisiana Optical Network Initiative, LA-SiGMA includes twenty-three faculty members from physics and astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, mechanical engineering, biological and agricultural engineering, and the Center for Computation and Technology.

The Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture has the best undergraduate program in the nation, according to national rankings released today by DesignIntelligence, the leading journal of the design professions. In addition, the school’s graduate program is ranked No. 2 in the nation, according to the 2010 survey. The school has consistently ranked among the top five programs in the country since the rankings were devised nearly a decade ago.

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LSU Alumni Around Campus Association News

Revisiting Flaherty’s Louisiana Story Revisited

By Brenda Macon

“It’s about learning while creating… literacy in the rhetoric and performance of documentary is best learned in the active mode.”

The Robert J. Flaherty company on the porch of the house in Abbeville, La., where they stayed while filming the highly acclaimed documentary Louisiana Story. Photo by Todd Webb (1947), courtesy of Standard Oil (New Jersey) Collection, Special Collections, University of Louisville.

Putting theory into practice – providing students with hands-on experiences to facilitate learning – is one of the hallmarks of a high-quality education.

Projects that allow students to develop their own creative ideas while employing techniques they use in the classroom have the advantage of helping students retain what they learn. One such project, completed several years ago but still resonating with potential, is Revisiting Flaherty’s Louisiana Story, an ambitious enterprise that brought together faculty, students, residents of South Louisiana, and renowned artists.

In late April 2010, the film was selected

by Southern Spaces (www.southernspaces.org) for the series “Documentary Expression and the American South.” According to the journal’s Web site, the series is “a collection of innovative, interdisciplinary scholarship about documentary work and original documentary projects that engage with regions and places in the U.S. South.”

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Revisiting Flaherty’s Louisiana Story is the brainchild of Patricia Suchy, associate professor of communication studies; James Catano, professor of English; and Adelaide Russo, professor of French studies, all of whom serve as faculty in the interdisciplinary Program for the Study of Film & Media Arts. In the context of teaching students about documentary film and the culture and heritage of Louisiana, Suchy, Catano, and Russo employed Robert J. Flaherty’s highly acclaimed 1949 documentary, Louisiana Story, for academic exploration. The three, along with renowned international documentary filmmaker Rob Rombout, guided the group of students, divided into six teams, on this unique multidisciplinary journey through South Louisiana.

“It’s about learning while creating a project,” Suchy explained recently. “Jim [Catano] and I share the conviction that literacy in the rhetoric and performance of documentary is best learned in the active mode.”

The six teams each decided on a focus for their filmmaking efforts and began assembling their footage with interviews, information, and relevant scenes. Those six short films were then framed by an introduction and conclusion that both acknowledged Flaherty’s work as the inspiration for the project and expanded upon Flaherty’s vision through the eyes of these young Louisianans. Cajun folklorist Barry Ancelet and historian Carl Brasseaux appear in the film to provide background information for the documentary.

Ancelet, a University of Louisiana at Lafayette faculty member, has been involved in a number of documentary film projects, including Against the Tide, which his team at ULL created with Louisiana Public Broadcasting. One of the courses he teaches at ULL is on the image of Cajuns and Creoles in film and fiction.

“Louisiana Story is one of the foundation films for considering those issues,” he explained recently. “And one of the major issues this film evokes is the aftermath of the oil industry, both good and bad. I have had many similar experiences with documentary teams. In this case, the collaboration was particularly rich and easy. The students brought a fresh, new perspective on the film, one that was not encumbered by preconceived notions concerning what Louisiana Story was supposed to mean They were very receptive to reconsiderations of the long-term impact of both the film and the industry it portrayed.”

The producers, director, editor, and graduate assistants of “Revisiting Flaherty’s Louisiana Story” on the same porch.

Photo by James Peck.

Brenda Macon, former associate director for communications and development for the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, is a writer and editor in Baton Rouge.

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LSU Alumni Around Campus Association News

By Ben Wallace Photos by Larry Hubbard

“Dedication has turned LSU rowing into a crew to be reckoned with.”

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Rowing It’s 5:58 a.m. and there’s still no sign of Apollo’s chariot charging over the horizon.

A single star is still visible, even through Baton Rouge’s factory-polluted skies.

It’s freezing, and – “rowing in two: one, two,” – a splash of cold water abruptly awakens the drowsy members of the LSU Rowing Club.

Rowing practice, led by Coach Clark Lanius, begins at 6 a.m. every weekday during the fall and spring semesters. Dedicated rowers meet at the Lutheran church parking lot on Dalrymple Drive before they hit the water. Usually five to six boats take off from the club’s shoddy dock that stays afloat most likely because of the hope and dedication deeply entrenched in LSU rowers rather than the engineering of its construction.

“Honestly, you do get used to it,” says Emma LaBlanche, the club’s vice president and recruiting and publicity director. “I’m not much of a morning person, but you become motivated by the fact that you love what you’re waking up to.”

The rowers spend about fifty minutes in the water, completing specific drills and tasks. “Showing up to practice means not only more time for you to train but also more time for your boat to improve as a whole,” says LaBlanche.

A boat cannot go into the water unless each member of the team for that boat is present. “[Rowing] is the most team-dependent sport I can think of,” says LaBlanche. “In a boat with eight seats, there’s no such thing as a stand-alone rower. Each person in the boat plays a key role to the success of the crew.”

A bystander would only see a rower’s flexed arms churning through the water, but LaBlanche insists rowing is a full-body sport. “Really, your legs provide your power and your torso provides a lot of strength in your stroke,” she explains.

LSU rowing began about fifteen years ago, but because of budget problems and other issues – including Hurricane Katrina – the rowing club has at times had trouble staying afloat. The extremely high costs of rowing equipment provide major problems for the expansion of the club – oars cost about $3,500 each, and newer boats usually run about $30,000. The high costs can be attributed to a sort of monopoly in the boat- and oar-production market since only about three companies exist, according to Lanius.

Even if the rowers did possess the finest equipment, it’s a tough decision whether to launch in University Lake or not. In fact, the club’s two nicest boats, which they bought from Yale, are reserved for competition only. “If you stay away from the shallow ends and sticks, you’re fine,” Lanius says. “You have to use it as a trolling motor until you get out in the middle.”

When it comes to obstacles, “it’s always something,” says Lanius. Trash, stumps, and even a sewer pipe get in the way of the rowers’ boats and Lanius’ small motorboat that he uses during practice.

But budget and lake issues aside, dedication has turned LSU rowing into a crew to be reckoned with. With more than sixty members last fall, the team has plenty of boats to fill.

Competitions serve two boat sizes of four and eight rowers, respectively, with novice and varsity (3+ semesters experience) levels both competing.

Last fall, the Women’s Novice 8+ A team took home gold, Women’s Varsity 4+ team took home silver, and the Men’s Varsity 8+ took home bronze at the Hobb’s Island Regatta held on the Tennessee River in Huntsville, Ala. In previous seasons the team made consistent appearances at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships and also competed at the American Collegiate Rowing Association Championships.

Lanius says he didn’t want the team to grow too fast and be unprepared for the higher level of competition and expectations that come with it. But interest levels have risen each semester, and LSU rowing hit the water this spring with a full fleet of competitors thirsting for victory.

Ben Wallace, a broadcast journalism major in the Manship School of Mass Communication, works with TigerTV and The Daily Reveille.

ON THE WEB www.lsu.edu/urec/

LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

41

LSU Alumni Around Campus Association News

Photo Ops LSU Salutes – As the nation prepared to celebrate 2010 Veterans Day, LSU paid tribute to its military history at LSU Salutes, sponsored by LSU and Cadets of the Ole War Skule. As part of the weekend-long celebration, Nov. 4-6, 2010, six distinguished alumni were inducted into the military Hall of Honor during ceremonies at the LSU War Memorial on the Parade Ground. The inductees were, left to right, retired Army Col. William S. “Bill” Orlov, of Lansing, Kan.; Joe Morrison, who accepted for his late father, Army National Guard Col. Farnham Libby “Ham” Morrison; retired U.S. Air Force Col. Charlie B. Moore, of Monroe, La.; retired Air Force Col. John T. “Jack” Twilley, of Blanco, Texas; Norma Gerace, who accepted for her late husband, Army Col. Joseph Gerace; and Col. Michael B. Stupka, of Mandeville, La. Photo by Ray Dry

42 LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

When you’re away from your lair, stay in ours.

Enjoy the ultimate Tiger Experience at The Cook Hotel, located on the campus of LSU. Call for rates and availability, or visit us online.

and Conference Center at LSU 3848 West Lakeshore Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 1-225-383-2665 ♌ www.thecookhotel.com

LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

43

LSU Alumni Around Campus Association News

Photo Ops Power of 50 Kickoff – The LSU Black Male Leadership Initiative, or BMLI, Fellows Program Friends and Donors Breakfast, held during Homecoming weekend, kicked off the BMLI Power of 50 Campaign and the Kerry Pourciau and Kirt Bennett Leadership Award. Among those attending the event were, left to right, Perry Franklin, CEO and president of Franklin Industries and board president of the A. P. Tureaud, Sr., Black Alumni Chapter of the LSU Alumni Association; keynote speaker Donald Cravins, Jr., staff director and chief counsel for the U.S .Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Marco Barker, director of educational equity for the Office of Equity, Diversity & Community Outreach; Denise Bennett, special honoree and engineer; Loretta Pourciau, special honoree and healthcare administrator; Katrice Albert, chief diversity officer and vice provost for equity, diversity and community outreach; and Chaunda Allen, director for the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Middleton Visit – During a visit to campus in November 2010, Troy Middleton III, grandson of former LSU President Lt. Gen. Troy Middleton, and his family visited Hill Memorial Library to view photos, military medals, swords, and personnel files.

LSU’s Middleton Library is named for Lt. Gen. Middleton. The group also stopped by Memorial Tower.

Photo by Eddy Perez

44 LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

CFCU Recognized – LSU paid tribute earlier this year to Campus Federal Credit Union for its major contributions during the Forever LSU campaign and its other initiatives supporting University programs. Campus Federal routinely replaces the U.S. Garrison Flag flown at the LSU War Memorial on the Parade Ground, and during a ceremony at Memorial Tower on Jan. 18, a granite marker recognizing CFCU’s perpetual gift and its commitment to honor LSU’s rich military tradition was unveiled. The marker will be installed on the War Memorial. Among those taking part in the presentation were, front, left to right, LSU Foundation President/ CEO Maj. Gen. Bill Bowdon, LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson, Campus Federal Credit Union CEO John Milazzo, Chancellor Mike Martin, Forever LSU Chair Congressman Henson Moore, and LSU Foundation Vice President for Development Jeff McLain; back, Campus Federal Credit Union employees and board members.

Photo by Scott Madere

Photo by Jim Zietz

LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

45

Focus on

Shaking Things Up

Research

Seismeauxbile is Serious Science

By Ashley Berthelot Photo by Jim Zietz

Juan Lorenzo and graduate student David Smolkin with Seismeauxbile, Lorenzo’s mobile lab, in the background.

“Juan Lorenzo studies the processes that formed the Earth, applying them to everything from finding valuable mineral deposits to helping identify weak spots in the New Orleans levee system.”

46 LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

If you’ve ever been on LSU’s campus, you probably noticed the Seismeauxbile.

It’s hard not to. Parked behind the Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex, its purple-and-gold body draws quite a few confused glances. And its “Cajun-ized” spelling evokes laughter and some University pride. But most are unaware of the Seismeauxbile’s true purpose – and of the mind behind the machine, Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics Juan Lorenzo.

Though its spirited décor is fun and lighthearted, its mission is serious science – structural seismology, the forms and faults of Earth. “Since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by earth processes. Everything is governed by them, whether you’re looking for oil or studying how the Earth began,” says Lorenzo. “It’s all based on the same fundamental processes.”

It’s the mystery behind these ancient processes, primarily the fact that no one truly understands why most of the activity below the Earth’s crust happens, that really piques Lorenzo’s curiosity.

“Think about it,” he says. “After all this time and all this research, we still don’t know exactly why earthquakes happen. Plates move almost constantly, but earthquakes are relatively rare. They only happen when the moving rocks hit a snag. But why doesn’t that happen more often?”

Although not an earthquake specialist, Lorenzo does study seismology, using sound waves (up and down) and shear waves, which travel side to side, to “see” from tens to thousands of feet below the Earth’s surface. This is useful for determining what lies beneath — whether it’s valuable minerals, water deposits, or even underground caverns and valleys. “We use explosions, which vary in size from being quite modest to pretty impressive, to generate recordable movement below ground,” says Lorenzo. “It works a bit like medical imaging does. We use sound to measure solids ­— when the waves run into liquid, or perhaps empty space, our readouts indicate as such.”

Lorenzo and his team of students travel widely to put their skills to good use. They have traveled often to study a giant fault line in central Chile. Recently, their work was supported by a national copper company there. “The copper deposits in Chile are generally found next to great faults, pathways for crustal water. So, the company hires us to find the buried fault. The students benefit from learning how and why water moves from depths of forty miles or more, and the company benefits from learning where deposits might be located.

It’s definitely a win-win,” Lorenzo explains.

Lorenzo’s most recent research focuses on something of a Louisiana icon – the New Orleans levees.

After Hurricane Katrina and the failure of the city’s barrier levees, the levee boards charged with their upkeep were reorganized, and new legislation dictated that a geologist sit on each one. After that, Lorenzo and his team started work. “This is an instance where good government and legislation fueled good science, which leads to the development of better tools, which in turn leads to the ability to ask more, and better, questions,” says Lorenzo.

He and his team travel to the levees frequently. Using the Seismeauxbile they distribute “geophones,” small sensory devices that translate ground movement into seismic readings.

These geophones are so seismographically sensitive that they will record the movement of an ant along the area of interest. Using an ATV, they string out several geophones, then place a metal plate on the ground and essentially hit it with a hammer to create sound waves. Shear waves are created by shaking it from side to side. Sounds simple, right? Wrong.

“It’s not just that the equipment is so sensitive,” says Lorenzo. “It’s that it’s also relatively delicate, extremely heavy, and there’s a lot of ground to cover. We have managed to speed the process by connecting the geophones together into a long seismic snake which we pull slowly behind our ATV.” It’s a slow and tedious project, especially during hot Louisiana summers. But the work is important, and knowing that problems cannot be addressed until they are identified keeps

the group motivated. “There is a direct relationship between natural soil makeup and the strength of a levee system,” says Lorenzo. “When a levee is so vital to a city’s survival, it necessitates lots of upkeep and maintenance. Our job is to get a ‘picture’ of the problem early on and define its boundaries.”

Once their seismic readings have identified the size and scope of a potentially problematic area in the levee, the information is passed to the levee board so the appropriate preventative measures can be taken. “We’re not solving problems,” he cautions.

“We’re identifying them. It’s the first step in a complicated process.”

Since Lorenzo’s methods are comparatively quick and inexpensive, they are of immense value to the area. Natural subsidence and slumping are ongoing problems in levee systems, and maintenance, which traditionally includes rigorous visual inspections and protection of the groundcover, can be difficult and time-consuming. But in New Orleans, where the annual threat of hurricanes is never far from thought, time is a precious commodity.

“As a seismologist, simply working in Louisiana is a learning experience,” he says. “Here, sound travels faster in the air than it does in the ground. But to work in such a unique climate and geographical location and also have the opportunity to make a real impact with research is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Ashley Berthelot is a research editor in the Office of Communications & University Relations and editor of LSU Research. This article appeared in the Fall 2010 issue of that magazine.

ON THE WEB www.geol.lsu.edu

LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

47

Mainieri’s Men

Locker

ROOM

New Bat, Top Recruits Dominate LSU Outlook

Junior all-America right-hander Matty Ott.

By William Franques Photos by Steve Franz

“The 2011 club blends established players with a highly skilled group of rookie performers.”

48 LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

Senior right-hander Ben Alsup.

Junior outfielder Mikie Mahtook.

Fifth-year coach Paul Mainieri likes the makeup of a 2011 LSU club that blends established players with a highly skilled group of rookie performers.

“The bats we begin using this season perform almost just like wood bats,” Mainieri explains, “so there will be a greater emphasis placed on running and hitting line drives. We will have to be adept at that type of game.”

The pitching staff is led by junior allAmerica right-hander Matty Ott, who has twenty-seven career saves, just two shy of the all-time LSU saves record of twentynine held by Rick Greene (1990-92). Ott is joined by an excellent group of hurlers that includes senior right-handers Ben Alsup and Daniel Bradshaw, sophomore left-hander Chris Cotton, sophomore right-hander Michael Reed, and redshirt freshman lefthander Forrest Garrett.

“Our pitching was outstanding throughout our fall intrasquad games, and it’s evident we have several talented arms,” Mainieri says. “I thought the pitchers made great strides during fall practice, and we’re looking forward to seeing that development continue this spring.”

The LSU veterans are complemented by a talented class of eighteen newcomers, including seven players selected in the 2010 Major League Draft. The Tigers’ incoming class was voted No. 1 in the nation in the annual Collegiate Baseball recruiting survey.

“We have a tremendous class of new players that will significantly impact our

“We’re especially excited about this season because we feel like our program is entering a new era with a great mix of veterans and newcomers,” Mainieri says.

“We’re extremely optimistic about this season, and we can’t wait to get started.

This appears to be a very athletic team. We have a lot of guys that run fast and look to be in great shape.”

The LSU roster includes sixteen lettermen from the 2010 club, including eight position players with starting experience and eight pitchers that recorded innings last season. Junior outfielder Mikie Mahtook, junior shortstop Austin Nola, and junior second baseman Tyler Hanover are two-year starters that form the core of LSU’s veteran leadership. Other Tigers returning that made significant contributions in 2010 include junior outfielder Trey Watkins, junior utility player Grant Dozar, sophomore outfielder Mason Katz, and sophomore infielders Alex Edward and Beau Didier.

Mainieri says with the new NCAA bat standards in place for the 2011 season, a premium will be placed upon speed and hitting into the gaps.

program,” Mainieri says. “I think our fans will really enjoy watching these young men perform throughout their careers.”

Mahtook, a 2011 preseason all-America selection, helped lead the U.S. Collegiate National Team last summer to the silver medal at the World University Championships in Tokyo. The Lafayette, La., native batted .335 (80-for-239) last season for LSU. Nola is back for his third season after earning the starting shortstop role forty games into the 2009 schedule. The Baton Rouge native was named second-team All-SEC in 2010 and voted Most Valuable Player of the 2010 SEC Tournament, batting .438 (7-for-16).

Hanover, who started fifty-three games in 2009 at third base, moved to second base last season and batted .332 (82-for-247). The product of Kernersville, N.C., was named

to the 2010 SEC All-Tournament squad, batting .526 (10-for-19) in four games.

Ott, a product of Chalmette, La., entering his third season as LSU’s closer, was a 2009 second-team All-American and the SEC Co-Freshman of the Year, The weekend starting rotation will be anchored by Alsup, who emerged as one of the Tigers’ best pitchers over the second half of last season. The product of Ruston, La., was 5-1 with a 3.88 ERA and thirtythree strikeouts in 48.2 innings. Alsup fired a brilliant one-hit shutout to defeat Ole Miss in the semifinals of the 2010 SEC Tournament.

William Franques is senior associate athletic director.

ON THE WEB www.lsusports.net

Junior shortstop Austin Nola.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

49

LSU Alumni Locker RoomAssociation News

By Will Stafford

“The L Club provides past letterwinners the opportunity to strengthen relationships across sports, generations, and geographical locations and remain involved in LSU athletics.”

Members of the LSU National L Club march down Victory Hill for the 2010 LSU vs. Ole Miss game.

50 LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

The National L Club Tradition The sights and sounds of a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium are legendary.

From the moment the Tigers start their march down Victory Hill with the cheers of the faithful and those old familiar songs of the Golden Band from Tigerland setting the stage, a crowd of 92,000 strong reaches a fever pitch as darkness falls and the unmistakable “Pregame” melody cuts through the night.

And as the team emerges from the shadows ready for battle, the masses erupt as their heroes take the field through a tunnel trimmed in purple and gold for what is sure to be another of college football’s classics.

While it is an experience envisioned by all, only a select few have the opportunity to enjoy one of the great traditions of LSU football. That includes members of the LSU National L Club, an organization open to all certified letterwinners through the storied history of the LSU athletic program, which supports LSU’s varsity athletes, athletic trainers, equipment managers, and cheerleaders. The organization provides past letterwinners the opportunity to strengthen relationships across sports, generations, and geographical locations, and remain actively involved in LSU athletics.

“The LSU National L Club created the Letterwinners Tunnel in 2009 to support outgoing seniors for their final home football game,” explains Ashley Winning, special events and community relations coordinator. “It’s important that all of our athletes know they have a support system after they leave LSU. Our past letterwinners have laid the foundation of success for the LSU athletics programs we enjoy today and created the rich tradition that Tiger Nation is so proud of.”

For the past two football seasons, members of the LSU National L Club have been invited to unite in both the Letterwinners Walk and Letterwinners Tunnel as part of Senior Day festivities.

As part of the Letterwinners Walk, L Club members walk down Victory Hill with Mike

the Tiger and the Golden Band from Tigerland while wearing their letter jackets from the different eras of LSU athletics. They then join their fellow letterwinners on the field of Tiger Stadium for the Letterwinners Tunnel to welcome LSU’s senior football players into L Club membership.

Eric Reid, Sr., is an LSU legend who enjoyed the festivities for the first time during the 2010 season when the Tigers battled Ole Miss in their home finale on Nov. 20. Reid was a three-time All-America hurdler during his four-year career as a member of the LSU men’s track and field team from 1984-87. The 1987 NCAA 110-meter hurdles champion was honored for his effort as a student-athlete and earned induction into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2005.

“As a member of the L Club, I have enjoyed connecting with former athletes for the first time and reconnecting with other former athletes I have not seen since my college days,” Reid said. “I will always remember my first time walking down Victory Hill before the Senior Day football game and being on the Tiger Stadium field to be recognized as an L Club member.”

And the elder Reid has had the unique opportunity this season to watch his son, Eric Reid, Jr., develop as one of the nation’s top young safeties while helping the Tigers to an 11-2 campaign and Cotton Bowl win.

“My son rejected all other scholarship offers across the nation to be an LSU Tiger,” Reid says. “I’m humbled and proud that he will join me as a letterwinner his freshman season and am looking forward to him joining me as a future LSU Athletics Hall of Fame member after his college career.”

The Reid family is just one of many wonderful examples of the power of the LSU National L Club as it strives to unite the LSU athletics family for seasons and generations to come.

Will Stafford is associate sports information director for LSU Athletics.

ON THE WEB www.lsusports.net/lclub

Buddy Hair Former Flying Tiger Grounded at Third

By Bud Johnson Photo by Steve Franz

Tiger Trivia 1. How many times have the Tigers played in the Cotton Bowl?

2 3

4 5

2. When was the Tigers’ first appearance in the Cotton Bowl?

1947 1963 1966 2003

3. Who was the Tigers’ head coach in their first Cotton Bowl appearance?

Charles McClendon Bernie Moore Nick Saban Les Miles

4. In what sport was LSU the last participant in the SEC?

Wrestling Tennis Swimming Boxing

5. What is the architectural style of the original campus buildings (buildings around the Quad, Memorial Tower)?

Atomic Ranch Spanish Mission Italian Renaissance Bauhaus

Hair served LSU as an airline pilot. Business, recruiting, and team trips were among the tasks that Hair Flying Service of Baton Rouge performed for the LSU Athletic Department for twenty-four years.

Hair was paid for his services as a pilot, but he is just as proud of his volunteer jobs. His concentration level at third base is just as intense as if he were in the pilot’s seat of a Cessna 411 or a DC-3.

Groundskeeper is not his only Tiger volunteer activity. For more than twenty years, Hair took Polaroid photographs from the north end zone of Tiger Stadium to help the coaching staff identify the line splits of opposing teams during a game.

LSU purchased a DC-3 in 1968 to provide team travel. Hair provided the maintenance for the aircraft and was the pilot on many memorable trips around the United States.

“The Pete Maravich years were exciting,” Hair recalls. “No other college team except Kentucky or UCLA created such enthusiasm for basketball as LSU and Pistol Pete did in those years.

One of Hair’s noteworthy assignments for LSU was a short flight from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.

In 1970, ABC Sports developed a college football highlight show that was shown on Sunday mornings. It was no problem for most college teams to supply the network with game film. Their games were played on Saturday afternoons. LSU played night football, which presented a serious logistics problem. Getting the film to New York in time to be processed and edited for a Sunday morning TV show was one of the more interesting challenges given to Hair by the athletic department.

This is how Hair remembers it: “A motorcycle policeman picked up the film at the base of the press box elevator and with his siren blaring drove it to the LSU golf course where I was waiting in a Piper Cub. I flew the film to New Orleans and put it on a commercial flight to New York. We never missed a connection. I felt like I was doing my part to ensure LSU got national TV exposure. I don’t believe any other team playing night football ever had their highlights on that show.”

6. What was the first building constructed on the present campus?

The Dairy Barn The Memorial Tower Tiger Stadium Coates Hall

7. Which LSU president was the son of a Confederate general?

Thomas Duckett Boyd Harold Walter Stoke William Preston Johnston Campbell Blackshear Hodges

8. Which former LSU president and longtime dean of the Law School served as a judge in the Nuremberg war crimes trials following World War II?

Ira Flory Paul Hebert Troy Middleton Robert Tullis

9. When did The Reveille begin publication?

1893 1900

1906 1897

10. What event did LSU celebrate in 1935?

The Diamond Jubilee, The first football game in LSU’s 75th anniversary Tiger Stadium The grand opening of Alex Box Stadium The cafeteria would no longer

serve liver and onions 11. For whom is Mike the Tiger named?

Football coach Mike Donohue Athletic trainer Mike Chambers

Quarterback Mike Miley No one in particular,

the students thought Mike was a good name for a tiger 12. How many alumni have served as Commandant of the United States Marine Corps?

0 1 2 3

Answers: 1.d, 2.a, 3.b, 4.d, 5.c, 6.a, 7.c, 8.b, 9.d, 10.a, 11.b, 12.c

Buddy Hair grips the rake and vigorously makes indentions in the soil before him. At 79, his intent shaping of the dirt is a labor of love. This is his eighteenth season tending to the ground around third base at LSU’s home field.

Oops!

To readers puzzled by the supposedly correct but very odd answers to some of the questions the Trivia 150 quiz in the Winter 2010 issue, apologies. Author Barry Cowan provided the correct answers, but they didn’t make it into print! Here they are: 1.C; 2.C; 3.D; 4.A; 5.B; 6.C; 7.A; 8.B; 9.A; 10.B; 11.A; 12.B

LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

51

Focus on

Cecil L. Eubanks

Faculty

Class of 1942 Alumni Professor of Political Science

By Ben Wallace Photos by Larry Hubbard

“The class is a sanctuary where we’re free to inquire and where there are no silly questions.”

52 LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

Since his first day on the job as a teaching fellow at the University of Michigan in 1963, Cecil Eubanks knew he made the right career choice.

“It was exciting, it was exhilarating, it was challenging – it was an epiphany for me. I knew at that moment that was what I wanted to do. I love what I do,” says Eubanks.”

His fellowship started a chain of events that led to an award-winning teaching career, which, according to Eubanks, was unofficially capped when he was designated an Alumni Professor in 1992.

“That represents the pinnacle of my career,” he says. The award’s significance was heightened because it was the first time an entire class – the class of 1942 – had sponsored the prestigious professorship, and Eubanks was able to meet many of the donors. “That was cool,” he adds.

The road to LSU began after Eubanks received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from the University of Michigan in 1962 and 1963, respectively. After several teaching jobs at his alma mater and at Eastern Michigan University, Eubanks received a call from a respected mentor, Professor Frank Grace, who asked the young teacher if he’d be interested in a job at Louisiana State University down in Baton Rouge. Eubanks responded, “I don’t know. Should I be?”

Turns out, he was interested. The three classes he would be teaching – History

of Political Thought, Introduction to American Government, and Contemporary Political Thought – fit perfectly with his interests. “In terms of fit, it was perfect,” Eubanks recalls.

And although Baton Rouge was a minor culture shock at first after living his entire life in Michigan, Eubanks says he loves “what it has grown into – a diverse city of cultural and professional attractions.”

When asked if he is a Wolverine or a Tiger, Eubanks responds with a smile, “I’m a Tiger.”

Eubanks has a wide range of interests outside of teaching including nature, photography (which he hopes he can delve deeper into when he retires), computers, and especially baseball. “I love baseball and played it for many years,” Eubanks says. He started in Little League play and continued throughout his school years, playing on city league teams and intramural softball teams. In fact, he says, his team once won the intramural softball championship here at LSU. Eubanks has a general teaching platform, he says: “The class is a sanctuary where we’re free to inquire and where there are no silly questions. Expectations are high, but the unexpected is always welcome.”

Ben Wallace , a broadcast journalism major in the Manship School of Mass Communication, works with TigerTV and The Daily Reveille.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

53

Tiger

NATION

1970s

David Bondy, Jr. (1974 BACH BUS), founder and CEO of LUBA Workers’ Comp, Baton Rouge, accepted the Better Business Bureau’s 2010 Torch Award for Ethics in Business on LUBA’s behalf in October 2010. The award was made in the 100-300 employee category at a ceremony hosted by the BBB of South Central Louisiana.

Torch Awards honor companies that exhibit the highest standards of integrity and ethics in business. Bondy, who established LUBA in 1991, was involved in the passage of legislation that reformed Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system and pioneered the creation of group selfinsured funds. He has been instrumental in establishing and servicing self-insurance plans throughout the Southeast and is a founding member and past president of the Louisiana Association of Self Insured Employers.

Degrees BACH MAST PHD DVM JD

MD

DDS

Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctorate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Juris Doctorate (LSU Law School) Medical Doctor (LSU School of Medicine) Doctor of Dental Science (LSU School of Dentistry)

Colleges/Schools AGR A&D HSS SCI BUS EDUC ENGR M&DA MCOM SCE

SVM SW

Agriculture Art & Design Humanities and Social Sciences Science Business Education Engineering Music & Dramatic Arts Mass Communication School of the Coast & Environment School of Veterinary Medicine Social Work

54 LSU Alumni Magazine | Winter 2010

George H. Robinson, Jr. (1970 BACH BUS, 1974 JD), of Liskow & Lewis, New Orleans, has been named “New Orleans Best Lawyers 2011 Environmental Lawyer of the Year.” Best Lawyers designates “Lawyers of the Year” in high-profile legal practice areas in large legal communities. Only a single attorney in each area of practice in each community is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year.” Those honored have received particularly high peer review ratings for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

Roger L. Swanson (1974 BACH ENGR) retired as a U.S. Naval civilian engineering manager in April 2010 after more than thirty years of service, during which time he served in several weapons and ordnance engineering, logistics, management, and senior leadership positions. His last position was director of weapons assessment for the Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity (NOSSA), after which he moved to Belgium to take an international management position with NATO. He is currently project manager/technical director of the NATO Munitions Safety Information Analysis Center (MSIAC). He is an internationally recognized expert in energetic (propulsive and explosive) materials, test and evaluation, safety/risk analysis, and systems engineering, reliability, and safety for weapons and ordnance systems.

Swanson earned a master’s in engineering administration from George Washington University and also studied law at LSU and management at Smeal College of Business

at Pennsylvania State University and the Darden School of Business Administration at University of Virginia. He is a graduate of the U.S. Defense Acquisition University/ Defense Systems Management College (DSMC), Naval Air Systems Command Senior Executive Managers Development Program (SEMDP), and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Federal Executive Institute (FEI), as well as a member of Alpha Chi Sigma professional fraternity, the Naval Institute, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

In October 2010, he was named as a visiting professor to Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.

Swanson and his wife, Bonnie, live in Brussels, Belgium, and have three sons, Christopher, an LSU student; Matthew, a junior at the University of Maryland; and Andrew, who will transfer to LSU in the fall of 2011, to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. His wife, Bonnie, is completing her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Roberta Vicari (1978 BACH SCI, 1982 MD), a Baton Rouge pediatrician, was named the 2010 Health Hero at the annual meeting of Health Centers in Schools in December 2010.

Vicari is associate program director of Our Lady of the Lake Pediatric Residency Program and is developing the first Lakesponsored residency program and the community relationships to support the endeavor. As part of community support, she chose Health Centers in Schools as one of the entities to which the medical residents rotate, creating a mutually beneficial relationship in which HCS helps educate the residents while the residents help treat the children HCS serves in East Baton Rouge public schools.

Editor’s note: The name of the College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) has been changed to College of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS); the College of Basic Sciences (BASC) is now the College of Science (SCI).

living in Ventura, Calif., he is pictured with his wife, Debbie Bergevin, left, and granddaughter Sydney Ruzicka.

1980s

David Yates (1975 BACH HSS) has launched a new Web site – www.cancersucksatruestory.com – dedicated to those with cancer and/or undergoing chemotherapy treatment, and for those who have survived cancer and are still suffering the side effects of chemotherapy. The blog is the forerunner of the book Cancer Sucks ­— A True Story, which will be published this year. A Vietnam veteran, Yates worked extensively in the construction and elder-care fields and is a pioneer in the development of “intergenerational care,” structured programs with preschool children and dependent elders living in the same building, with centers in California, Colorado, and Connecticut. Retired and

Kevin Hayes (1987 BACH HSS), a partner in Adams and Reese law firm’s Baton Rouge office, was elected president of the Association of Louisiana Lobbyists in November 2010. The A.L.L. is made up of more than 160 registered lobbyists, and Hayes will serve a two-year term as president of the group. A former legislative staffer and lobbyist, he previously served as general counsel to Louisiana State Sen. Ken Hollis and the Louisiana State Senate Commerce Committee. He focuses his law practice on governmental relations, administrative law, and regulatory matters and has successfully represented professional and trade

associations as well as clients in the health care and insurance industries.

Brian P. Quirk (1984 BACH BUS), managing partner of Irwin Fritchie Urquhart & Moore LLC, New Orleans, was installed as president of the New Orleans Bar Association in November 2010. Quirk is a member of the New Orleans Bar Association, American Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association and is an elected member of its House of Delegates, Federal Bar Association, Defense Research Institute and its Drug & Medical Device Committee, Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, and New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel. He is active in the American Inns of Court (New Orleans chapter) and has served on the boards of various non-profit and community organizations in the New Orleans area, including the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, and the New Orleans Bar

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Tiger Nation Association board. He received a Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law in 1989.

in health care services consulting on operational, compliance, and revenue cycle matters.

Fred J. Rubin (1983 BACH HSS) has joined Access National Bank in Reston, Va., as senior vice president and chief credit officer responsible for credit policy, monitoring, and reporting the bank’s credit risk activities.

Rubin has more than twenty-five years experience in banking companies as well as banking and financial regulatory bodies.

Kim Wargo (1990 BACH A&S) has been appointed headmistress of the Hockaday School, a PreK-12 girls’ school in Dallas.

Just the eleventh person to head the school since its founding in 1913, she assumes her new duties on July 1. Wargo is currently head of the Katherine Delmar Burke School, a K-8th grade girls’ school in San Francisco, and was previously head of the upper school at the Louise S. McGehee School, a girls’ school in New Orleans. She earned a master’s degree in history from Tulane University.

Phil Turnipseed (1986 MAST ENGR) has been named director of the U.S. Geological Survey National Wetlands Research Center in Lafayette, La. He previously served as principal USGS water resources liaison to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, International Joint Commission, and Environment Canada Ministry. In his twenty-five years of federal service, Turnipseed has worked at USGS water science centers in Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia and authored numerous reports, posters, and scientific papers. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a Diplomate of the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers.

He served in the Peace Corps Smithsonian Institution Environmental Program in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador, speaks fluent Spanish, and has lived on five continents in the past thirty years. Turnipseed earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry and wildlife management from Mississippi State University in 1977. He and his wife, Cindy, have one grown daughter, four sons, and one grandson.

Sharon Walden (1982 BACH A&D) has joined the Baton Rouge office of HORNE, LLP, one of the nation’s top fifty accounting and business advisory firms, as manager

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1990s

Jeffrey N. Aucoin (1999 BACH BUS, 2000 MAST BUS) has joined the Baton Rouge office of HORNE, LLP, one of the nation’s top fifty accounting and business advisory firms,

as senior manager in fraud, forensic, and litigation services.

Katherine Binns (1994 BACH HSS, 2000 JD) has been elevated to partnership status with Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold LLP in the firm’s Dallas office. Binns focuses her practice on product liability, toxic torts and asbestos, business litigation, and construction cases. She is also a registered patent attorney and defends infringement, trade secret litigation and related matters. She is known for her use of out-of-the-box trial strategies that persuasively convey trial themes to juries through the use of technology in the courtroom.

Diana Coe (1993 BACH HSS) has joined the law firm of Adams and Reese as regional office manager of the Baton Rouge office.

From 2002 to 2010, she was the human resources manager for AllFax in New Orleans, and prior to that was an account executive at West Group Publishing and a training and development coordinator with Dynergy and Anadarko Petroleum

News from China We just received the alumni newsletter. I wanted to tell all of my friends and the class of 1959 that I am now living in Shenyang, China, and have recently married my fiancée of three years, Ms. Li Na Yang. Ms. Yang manages her family’s restaurant chain, Lao Zai Tai, of Shenyang. I also have a new Chinese daughter, sixteen-year-old Jing Jing, who is hoping to attend LSU when she completes her high school education in China.

We had our honeymoon in Bangkok, Thailand. I am retired, but I am enjoying teaching English to children, ages three to five, as well as university students and adults. It has been a very rewarding experience for me.

We now live in the far north of China, north of North Korea. I served in the U.S. Marines and fought in the Korean Conflict from 1953 to 1955 before attending LSU and never dreamed I would live north of the North Korean Yalu River.

It is nice to be able to share my news with my many friends of the geology department and the class of 1959. I would love to hear from any LSU alumni.

My address in China is: No. 138-11 Changjiang Jie, Apt. 371, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, Peoples Republic of China, 110000. Or you can contact me at gene_j_s@hotmail.com.

Gene Senat 1959 BACH SCI

Gene and Li Na receive the marriage book.

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Tiger Nation Corporation, all in Houston. From 1993 to 1997, she worked with Regions Bank in Baton Rouge as a human resources representative. Coe earned a master’s degree in human resources management from Houston Baptist University in 2001.

Monica Griffith-Braud (1995 BACH BUS), a May 2010 magna cum laude graduate of Southern University Law School, has joined Derren S. Johnson & Associates, APLC, as a practicing attorney serving bankruptcy and Social Security clients. She has worked with the firm as a paralegal and law clerk since 2003. At Southern she served as president and representative of the Student Bar Association Division and was an editor for the Southern University Law Review for two years. She earned seven CALI awards,

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which recognize excellence achieved by law students in their studies and are awarded to the student with the highest grade in the class. In January, she was selected for a oneyear term as a Junior Honorary member of Louisiana State Law Institute. She and her husband, Curtis, have been married since 1998.

Kyle W. Harvison (1999 BACH HSS) was awarded board certification in clinical neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology in November 2010. Harvison earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Louisville in 2006 and also completed a pre-doctoral internship at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and a postdoctoral residency in neuropsychology at Indiana University

School of Medicine in Indianapolis. He now practices as a clinical neuropsychologist at Abbott Northwestern Hospital/Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Minneapolis.

Jeremy W. Henderson (1998 BACH SCI, 2004 MD) completed pathology medical training at the University Alabama at Birmingham in June, as well as fellowship training in hematopathology and surgical pathology. In July he joined a private practice pathology group in Livingston, La., as an anatomic and clinical pathologist. He serves on the CAP 15189 Committee of the College of American Pathologists and was elected to the Fellow Council of the American Society of Clinical Pathology, on which he will serve a three-year term.

In Memoriam 1920s

1960s

Beryl Kemp, 1929 BACH, Oct. 15, 2010, Lafayette, La.

Carl Marcus Andrews, 1961 BACH, 1967 MAST, April 28, 2010, Orlando, Fla. André C. “Andy” Broussard, 1967 BACH, 1971 JD, Oct. 21, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Marion “Mike” Blass Couvillion, 1964 BACH, 1968 MAST, Sept. 29, 2010, Starkville, Miss.

Bryan Edward Bush, Jr., 1957 JD, Dec. 4, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Frances Davidson Cole, 1968 BACH, 1970 MAST, Jan. 15, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Michael Crespo, 1969 BACH, Professor and Director, LSU School of Art, Nov. 14, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Jeffrey W. Dalton, 1961 BACH, Nov. 12, 2010, Natchitoches, La Joyce Hubbs Thornhill Day, Jan. 13, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Ardie Vincent Dauzat, 1960 BACH, Dec. 23, 2010, Marksville, La. Edith Douglas Doherty Drew, 1969 BACH, Dec. 6, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Harris John Ducote, 1964 MLS, Dec. 29, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Patricia Flanagan Faser, 1962 BACH, Nov. 20, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Russell Joseph Henderson, 1968 BACH, Jan. 3, 2011, New Orleans, La. Celeste Frances Cavell Jack, 1960 BACH, 1977 MAST, Nov. 5, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Harry James Moreau, 1965 BACH, Jan. 4, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Lawton J. “Coach” Raymond, Jr., 1962 MAST, Jan. 10, 2011, Plaquemine, La. Agnes Mae Berthier Schlatre, 1968 BACH, 1975 MAST, Dec. 7, 2010, Port Allen, La. Ernest Edward “Ed” Skillman, Jr., 1960 BACH, Nov. 21, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Sidney Denis Thibodeaux, 1968 BACH, 1972 PHD, Nov. 28, 2010, Dutchtown, La. Helen Ann Behrman Wall, 1960 MAST HSS, Dec. 6, 2010, Pasadena, Texas Janice Turner Westbrook, 1967 MSW, Nov. 14, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Ronald Keith Zimmerman, 1963 MAST, 1966 PHD, Nov. 13, 2010, Baton Rouge, La.

1930s Jesse Homer Bankston, Sr., 1933 BACH, Nov. 25, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Lillian Claire Tillery Cutrer, Jan. 3, 2011, Bogalusa, La. Rhoda Bess Reddy Goodson, 1934 BACH, Dec. 21, 2010, Pensacola, Fla. Bernadine Coco “Bird” Laborde, 1935 BACH, Oct. 21, 2010, Rexmere, La. Doris Mary Little, 1934 BACH, Jan. 3, 2010, Baton Rouge, La.

1940s Durward Paul Babin, Jr., 1948 BACH, Dec. 10, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. James Perry Brandao, 1948 BACH, 1956 MAST, 1984 PHD, Nov. 23, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Robert Warren Christopher, 1949 BACH, Jan. 4, 2011, New Roads, La. William Dean “Rip” Dobbins, 1948 BACH, 1951 MAST, Nov. 7, 2010, Wolf Laurel, N.C. Andrew Ralph Fletcher, 1948 BACH, Founder, Puerto Rico Alumni Chapter, Dec. 29, 2010, San Juan, Puerto Rico Richard Ellis Foster, Sr., 1948 BACH, Nov. 16, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Wilbur Douglas “Doug” Fugler, Jr., 1942 BACH, Nov. 18, 2010, New Orleans, La. Wayne W. Landry, Sr., 1949 BACH, Jan. 14, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Julius Andrew LeBlanc, Jr., 1944 BACH, Oct. 23, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Ruth Papizan, 1948 BACH, Dec. 21, 2010, Little Rock, Ark. Marvin Walter “Ray” Rachal, 1949 JD, Oct. 31, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Loyd J. Rockhold, 1946 BACH, Nov. 26, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. James Q. Sylvest, 1949 BACH, 1953 MAST, 1966 PHD, Former faculty, College of Education, Division of Continuing Education, Baton Rouge, La.

1950s Frances June Gaudin Allor, 1951 BACH, Dec. 29, 2010, Austin, Texas David Perez Banowetz, 1952 MAST, Dec. 11, 2010, Bethesda, Md. Dan Barbee Burden, Jr., 1954 BACH, Oct. 22, 2010, Shreveport, La. John P. Campbell, 1950 BACH, Nov. 7, 2010, Slidell, La. Calvin Clary, 1956 BACH, Dec. 25, 2010, Denham Springs, La. David Giles, 1952 BACH, Dec. 10, 2010, Bedford, Texas Russell Lee Miller, 1958 PHD, Former Professor of Agronomy, Jan. 4, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. James Ray “Jim” Lyle, 1951 BACH, Oct. 30, 2010, Mandeville, La. Louise Guthrie McDonough, 1953 BACH, Dec. 12, 2010, Huntsville, Ala. Abram Pratt Miller, 1956 BACH, Oct. 26, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Frederick Hall Schneider III, 1958 BACH, Nov. 6, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Henry Cook Taylor, Sr., 1959 BACH, Nov. 12, 2010, Natchitoches, La. Herbert Frank Termini, 1953 BACH, 1958 MAST, 1986 BACH, 2010 BACH, Nov. 27, 2010, Baton Rouge, La.

Donald H. Kupfer Professor Emeritus of Geology Nov. 20, 2010 Powell, Wyo.

1970s Fred B. Alexander, Jr., 1970 BACH, Oct. 31, 2010, North Potomac, Md. Janet Lynn Barnes, 1973 BACH, Jan. 2, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Geoffrey George Cadby, Jr., 1976 BACH, Nov. 3, 2010, Livingston, La. Anne Marie Reinhart Eberly, 1974 BACH, November 2010 Baton Rouge, La. Neal Douglas Molloy, Jr., 1973 BACH, Sept. 26, 2010, Vienna, Va.

1980s Lewis Edward Moore, 1981 MBA Dec. 26, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Donald Wayne Hull, 1982 BACH, 1989 MAS, Dec. 15, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Gary E. Joye, 1987 PHD, Jan. 11, 2011, Lafayette, La.

2010s James Clifton de Brueys, 2004 BACH, Nov. 26, 2010, Baton Rouge, La. Memorial Donations Donald H. Cummings by Dale and Kate Cummings

Spencer John Maxcy Former Professor of Education Nov. 22, 2010 Baton Rouge, La.

Frances Griffin Roper Former Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jan. 17, 2011 Baton Rouge, La.

If you would like to make a gift to the LSU Alumni Association in memory of a family member, friend or classmate, please contact our office for additional information at 225-578-3838 or 1-888-746-4578.

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Tiger Nation Carey L. Menasco (1999 BACH BUS, 2002 JD) of Liskow & Lewis law firm, New Orleans, has been selected to New Orleans CityBusiness’ Leadership in Law 2011, She is one of fifty area attorneys, court-associated professionals, and educators profiled in the publication for distinctive professional contributions and community involvement.

Menasco, a member of the firm’s business litigation and bankruptcy sections, was recently elected a shareholderin the firm and is also chair of the Young Lawyers Section (YLS) of the New Orleans Bar Association. At the Paul M. Hebert Law Center she was selected to Order of the Coif and was a member of Louisiana Law Review.

Christine Navarre (LSU SVM 1990), professor of veterinary science and extension veterinarian for the LSU AgCenter, has been named president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. The international association of veterinarians works to enhance the professional lives of its

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members through relevant continuing education that will improve the well-being of cattle and the economic success of their owners, increase awareness and promote leadership for issues critical to cattle industries, and improve opportunities for careers in bovine medicine.

2000s

Nicole Hall-Mitchell (2000 BACH EDUC), a social studies teacher at Destrehan High School in Destrehan, La., received the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History 2010 Preserve America History Teacher of the Year award in October 2010. She is a candidate for national board certification in adolescent/young adult social studies and history and teaches sophomore- and junior-level American history. In addition to teaching, HallMitchell serves as a teacher leader and trainer at Destrehan High and as a literacy trainer in the St. Charles Parish school system. She has created and presented several innovative programs in her school district and at state and national conferences. Nominated by her colleagues for the award, Hall-Mitchell was also named “Teacher of the Year, 2009-2010” and in the 2008-2009 academic year was

voted “Best Teacher” by the junior class at Destrehan High.

Michelle Mouton (2003 BACH MCOM) recently co-chaired a team of professionals at the University of Nevada Las Vegas Foundation in a publications project that received a Grand Gold Award from CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) International Circle of Excellence Awards. The project included a series of donor recognition materials related to a successful fundraising campaign. Mouton is assistant director of development at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.

Share Your News Share news of your new job or promotion, your wedding, honors, awards, new babies, and other celebrations with fellow alumni. To submit an item and photos for publication, e-mail jackie@lsualumni.org or call 225-578-3370.

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Tiger Nation

2010s

Suzanne Carpenter (2010 PHD AGR), a professor at Our Lady of the Lake College, was named 2010 Educator of the Year by the National Organization for Associate Degree Nurses (N-OADN) at the group’s national convention in Atlanta last year.

The award recognizes educators who motivate students, work cooperatively with colleagues, use innovative teaching strategies, and are involved in professional and community activities. Carpenter has also earned the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) Excellence in Caring Practices Award and the Baton Rouge District Nurses Association Outstanding Nurse Award.

BABY

BENGALS

Robert James Broussard II (2005 BACH ENGR) and his wife, Molly Kinchen Broussard (2005 BACH BUS), of Carrollton, Texas, announce the birth of their Baby Bengal, Rhett Joseph, born on December 1, 2010. “We are looking forward to his first two LSU games in being played in Dallas – the 2010 Cotton Bowl, and LSU vs. Oregon 2011 season opener,” Broussard writes.

Jonathon A. Szymanski (2007 MAST EDUC; 2010 PHD EDUC) and his wife, Lisa, proudly announce the birth of their son, Ty Zurek.

Baby Bengal Ty was born at 2:59 p.m. on Nov. 15, 2010, at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. Dad says, “Please tell Coach Miles and Coach Mainieri that Ty is ready to schedule his future official visits!”

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Tigers in Print Lawrence Salone, 2010 MBA Instant America-Money and It’s Influence Over Family In his second book, Instant America-Money and It’s Influence Over Family, author and war veteran Lawrence Salone narrates personal revelations and motivates Americans to renew family values among a corporate nation. Salone documents his life-changing discoveries throughout his transformation from aggressive businessman to active husband and father and offers American families tactics to avoid financial pressures, encouraging people to be aware of what is influencing their lives. Instant America is a short, reflective book guiding readers in prioritizing values.

Rob Lilieholm, 1984 MAST AGR Wildlands and Woodlands: A Vision for the New England Landscape Over the past twenty years, development has perforated forests and farms in every New England state, endangering the contiguous landscapes that are the center of the region’s local resource base, cultural heritage, and regional resilience to dramatic environmental change. Rob Lilieholm’s Wildlands and Woodlands: A Vision for the New England Landscape (Harvard University Press) presents an ecologically salient call to action grounded in the scholarship of

nineteen of the region’s leading experts in ecology, forestry, and agriculture. The book’s vision seeks to preserve and enhance the many ecological, socioeconomic, and cultural benefits of forested landscapes for everyone in the region, from our most densely settled cities to our most heavily wooded lands, by building a strong case for a collaborative endeavor to conserve 70 percent of the New England landscape in forest in perpetuity.

Vincent A. Cellucci, 2008 MFA An Easy Place / To Die The first poetry collection by Vincent A. Cellucci, An Easy Place/To Die, is a poetic journey through New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The first section wakes with city, culture, and mythmaking as introductions into poetry and a life. The second section wanders through the social world, specifically the defenses and offenses of lovemaking. The intensely personal third section examines uncontrollable events. For the penultimate section, the lyric returns as an elixir to extinction, and the book climatically concludes with a long, projective finale that emphasizes presence. These poems spring out of the “nagbu,” or well of poetic history, answer Eliot’s “The Waste Land,” and allude to both as “beginning” and “ending” epic poems in the book’s Joycean scaffolding.

Where Are You? Who are you? Where are you? What are you doing?

Tell us and share news of your new job or promotion, your wedding, honors, awards, new babies, and other celebrations with fellow alumni. Send your information, news items, and photos for publication to jackie@lsualumni.org or call 225-578-3370.

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Profile

Tiger Nation

LSU Collection Grows Bigger Every Year Story and Photo by Brandon Kane Staff Writer, Erwin (Tenn.) Record

“Since 1958, when he first listened to football games on the radio, Frank Kelley has had…

A Tiger by the Tail“

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Telltale signs are there – a flag on the front porch and a tiger statue outside the door – that he is a fan, but when Frank Kelley opens the door to his home it becomes obvious that his passion for Louisiana State University football runs a bit deeper.

With a smile on his face and an outstretched hand, the Erwin native appears in the doorway, covered from head to toe in purple and gold. Everything is LSU, from the purple sandals on his feet to the ball cap on his head. “I have about 80 shirts and 100 hats,” Kelley says.

It may seem strange that a native Tennessean would have such a connection to a school more than 750 miles away, but, for Kelley, his nearly lifetime connection to Louisiana’s famed football team goes directly back to his childhood. He and his father listened to games on the radio starting in 1958 during LSU’s first national championship run, and he has been hooked ever since. “Back then, LSU was the only

team on the radio,” Kelley says. “I’ve picked it up ever since.”

Over the years, the rabbit hole of fandom only got deeper – as a tour of his home proves. If Kelley himself is not recognizable, the two LSU-themed vehicles in his garage may be. Sitting side by side are a purple truck and a yellow SUV. The truck, in modest comparison, has gold pinstripes to complete the LSU theme while the SUV is completely, for lack of a better term, tigerstriped. “I saw a lady at a game ten years ago, and I said one of these days I’m going to do that. And that,” Kelley says, pointing to the SUV, “was five years ago.”

Completely through the looking glass, Kelley walks to his utility garage to show off another prized vehicle. His LSU-themed tractor sits in front of a tiger mural on the utility room door, and Kelley points out he added the tiger steering wheel and tail – yes, it has a tail – to the tractor himself. “They get a kick out of it when I’m on it,” Kelley says of his neighbors.

He laughs and jokes about some of his more interesting lawn decorations, such as purple-and-gold flamingos and the LSU weather vane that he found in Texas, but he becomes almost reverent and proud when he enters his basement door and turns on the lights to his “man cave.” It’s a shrine to LSU, plain and simple, adorned with decades of memorabilia that Kelley has collected. Like a kid at show and tell, Kelley enthusiastically moves from one piece to the next, rattling off when and where it was acquired.

Sitting in a chair designed to resemble an LSU football helmet, Kelley jokes the chair was probably not a big seller in a state dominated by the orange and white of the Tennessee Volunteers. The tour comes full circle, though, when Kelley, knowing exactly where it was located, shows off the first LSU item in his collection. “It was a pennant. I cut all of the other teams off – I just wanted the LSU flag,” Kelley says.

The pennant is almost as old as his first memories of listening to football games with his father. His collection started in the 1960s during elementary school. He received items as birthday and Christmas gifts, but the connection to the team was truly forged in 1967. “My dad and brother bought me a ticket in ‘67 for my high school graduation,” Kelley says. “I just fell in love with it.”

He says he really began to collect after his service in the U.S. Navy ended in 1973. Kelley served as a bosun’s mate from 1969 to 1973 in Antarctica, and returned home to become a letter carrier for more than 30 years. He has been to at least one LSU game every year since he returned, and his collection continually grows as he adds his used ticket stubs to the mix. “The only thing I don’t have is a tattoo,” Kelley says. “ Now retired, Kelley says he plans to continue going to games every year, as long as his health permits. And he doesn’t care much what people think about his passion and collecting. He just cares about his beloved LSU. “I’ve got it,” Kelley says, “in my skin.”

Editor’s note: Frank Kelley is an Alumni-by-Choice member of the LSU Alumni Association. This article was reprinted with permission of the Erwin Record.

Alums Named to Honors College Council

Looking for the

PERFECT GIFT for GRAD, MOM or DAD?

Remember your special Tiger with a personalized Tiger Tile and make them a permanent part of LSU history.

Tiles are available on Tiger Walk, the entrance to the Lod Cook Alumni Center, and Tiger Plaza, in front of the Andonie Museum.

The LSU Honors College Advisory Council, a group of distinguished community leaders who serve as ambassadors for the college, recently inducted five new members into its ranks.

LSU alumni inducted were James A. Brown (1981 BACH HSS, 1984 JD), an Honors College alumnus and an attorney with Liskow & Lewis in New Orleans, serving as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and as its Loss Prevention Partner; Sean Pfifer (1998 BACH ENGR), a consulting sales manager with Oracle Health Sciences, North America; and Dr. Charles Wood (1998 BACH SCI), a radiation oncologist with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

Also joining the council are Dr. Roger “Field” Hadfield Ogden II, a graduate of the LSU Medical School and chief of orthopedic surgery at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center in New Orleans, and Deborah Sternberg, senior vice president of Starmount Life Insurance Company in Baton Rouge.

Contact Brandli Roberts at 225-578-3852 or order online at www.lsualumni.org.

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Profile

Tiger Nation

Alum Turns Penchant for Healthy Living Into Booming Empire

By Shelly Dupre

John Havens (1978 BACH SCI) wears many hats – husband, father, executive, spa owner, world traveler, runner, and Tiger fan. As president of Seismic Exchange, Inc. (SEI), a Houston-based company founded by his father, Havens and SEI market geophysical data to the oil and gas industry that helps pinpoint the location of natural resources.

SEI, one of the largest licensing data brokers, is the prime broker for more than 170 exploration companies.

Havens’ role as spa owner began when he and wife, Terri (1982 BACH A&D), first visited luxury health spa Cal-a-Vie in 1998 after John completed a marathon in San Diego. The Havens had purchased a week at Cal-a-Vie at an auction to benefit Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, where they lived at the time. Committed to the

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healthy lifestyle the spa promotes, the couple purchased the property in 2000 and began significant renovations.

Today, Cal-a-Vie one of the country’s top spas. It is an intimate and luxurious retreat where guests are inspired to make positive, healthy lifestyle changes as trained staff help put them on the path to a balanced future.

The Havens live in Houston and have three children. In November 2009, John’s interests and passions were highlighted in ForbesLife Magazine. Included in the article was their love for LSU football. They attend or watch every game. The Havens also enjoy traveling, collecting antiques, and restoring historic homes.

Shelly Dupre is a communications consultant for the College of Science.

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Profile

Tiger Nation

The Fantasy Life

By Cam Terwilliger Photo by Meg Birnbaum

Ethan Gilsdorf at the "office" – the local cafe True Grounds in Somerville, Mass., where some of Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks was written.

Last spring writer Ethan Gilsdorf (1992 MAST HSS) returned to LSU after almost twenty years away. He came to read from a new book, Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks, in order to celebrate twenty-five years of LSU’s creative writing program.

“It was a nice surprise that I could come back on my book tour,” Gilsdorf said. “I got a chance to catch up with some old friends.”

Trained as a poet, Gilsdorf has become well known for his skill with words since graduation. His journalism now appears in places like The New York Times and the Boston Globe, and his poems are published in a slew of magazines, including LSU’s own The Southern Review. Now in Boston, Gilsdorf makes his way as a freelance correspondent, book reviewer, and teacher of creative writing.

Gilsdorf has always had the storytelling bug. Growing up in New Hampshire, he spent days assembling a newspaper about his family, as well as an eight-page “novel” made from construction paper – a book, he said sheepishly, about kittens. In college, he studied film and afterward became more interested in poetry, ultimately leading him to LSU. Afterward, he worked in public relations at Vermont’s Marlboro College, which provided a few challenging years when Gilsdorf had to learn to balance his passion for creative writing with the needs of day-to-day life. He stuck by it though, his first published piece appearing in a food co-op newsletter.

“It was about tuna,” he said with a laugh.

Still, it was a brick in the road of a literary career that would grow to impressive proportions.

In the nineties, Gilsdorf moved to Paris, where he wrote journalism and guidebooks, eventually becoming an expert on the ex-pat community. According to Gilsdorf, this time also coincided with the release of The Lord of the Rings movies, which got him thinking about a subject matter he’d loved as a kid: tales of sword and sorcery. After a few freelance articles on the topic, the idea for Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks took shape, a book that would mix memoir with pop culture journalism on fantasy and escapism.

Published in 2010, the book received rave reviews and led universities and radio programs across the country to invite Gilsdorf to speak. Still, Gilsdorf says the most memorable part has been readers’ responses.

“I’ve received a lot of powerful e-mails,” he said. “People have written to let me know they were moved by it and felt it gave them courage to admit that things they enjoy aren’t something to be ashamed about.”

Cam Terwilliger is a literary journalist in Boston, where he teaches at Emerson College and Grub Street, Inc.

Vet School Alumni Recognized – Dr. J. Trenton McClure (1989 SVM) and Dr. Sherril Green (1985 DVM) each received a LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award from Dean A. Peter F. Haynes, center, recognizing their outstanding professional and personal achievements. Green is a professor and head of the Department of Comparative Medicine at Stanford University, and McClure is head of the Department of Health Management at Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

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PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAI D Baton Rouge, LA PERMIT 159 Louisiana State University and A&M College 3838 West Lakeshore Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70808