Alumni News Fall 2009

Alumni News S o u t h ea s t e rn L o uisi a na Uni ve rsit y • Hammond

INSIDE • • • •

Crain invested as president Homecoming 2009 highlights Naquin Center dedicated ACT scores up, enrollment steady

Fall 2009

Alumni News Southeastern Louisiana University Dr. John L. Crain ’82, ’84 President Dr. Tammy Bourg Interim Provost/Vice President, Academic Affairs Stephen Smith ’76, ’82 Vice President, Administration & Finance Dr. Marvin L. Yates Vice President, Student Affairs Wendy Johns-Lauderdale '93 Vice President, University Advancement Alumni Association Kathy Locascio Pittman ’71 Director B.J. Lorio ’68 President Rita Bertolino ’78, ’96 President-elect Tony Schillage ’88 Treasurer Steve Parrill ’96, ’98 Secretary Board Members Gwen Barsley ’73, ’76 Dick Covington ’71 Marcia King Galatas ’79 Richard Himber ’00 George Ibert ’70 Pat Macaluso ’70 Emily McKneely ’02 Bill Murray ’76 Gayle Neal ’74 Stacey Duvic Neal ’91 Reggie Sanders, ’93

A message from President John L. Crain Southeastern celebrated one of its most successful Homecomings ever last month, an event that demonstrated just how special our institution is for our many alumni and friends of the university.

Certainly one of the highlights was a visit by our Alumnus of the Year, Mr. H. Roger Wang. A graduate of Southeastern’s Master of Business Administration program, he is now one of the most successful businessmen in our country as well as in China. Mr. Wang generously spent considerable time with our faculty, students and alumni in a variety of venues: meetings with graduate and undergraduate business students; conversing with members of the administration and faculty as he endeavored to learn more about how Southeastern has progressed since he was here in the ‘70s; and, of course, addressing our alumni directly at the Alumni Awards Evening.

His message of success is simple: work hard, build relationships, and maintain a balanced life – principles he began to form as a young graduate student and has continued to refine during his remarkable career.

Mr. Wang is an example of what we try to instill in all of our students – the knowledge and skills to pursue their chosen work, an awareness of the need for lifelong learning, and the importance of maintaining and enhancing the relationships that contribute to our personal and professional lives.

As we begin this new year – one already stressed by budget cuts with more looming in the future – it’s important to keep in mind the fundamentals that make Southeastern the great institution it has become. Despite the challenges we face, Southeastern will maintain its focus on time-tested core values and the success of its students.

A message from your Alumni president Thank you for a great Homecoming 2009. All the planning, the activities, and the game are wonderful but they mean little without the participation of our alumni and friends – it’s your presence that makes the difference. Seeing the faces of old friends and classmates who haven’t visited in years adds special sentimentality that strengthens the rich traditions already embedded in our alma mater.

The Southeastern Louisiana University Alumni News, published four times annually by the Association, was entered as third-class matter, May 9, 1949, at the Post Office in Hammond, LA, under the amended act of June 11, 1934. The office of publication is Hammond, LA 70402. Annual dues of $30 include subscription to Southeastern Alumni News.

Produced and edited by the Southeastern Louisiana University Office of Public Information.

cover H. Roger Wang, one of China's most respected businessmen, was named 2009 Alumnus of the Year. Chairman and CEO of Golden Eagle International Group, Wang also served as Grand Marshal in the Homecoming parade and was recognized at half-time of the Lions’ game with Sam Houston State.

The success of our alumni is a true example to the hundreds of potential students that visited us Homecoming Day. They too will be following in your footsteps, guided by faculty and staff that will help them make mature academic and career choices.

B.J. Lorio '68

Southeastern is more than an institution of higher learning – it is a special place in our hearts that made a difference in our lives. These are the memories that we will cherish forever. Help us to keep your university alive by taking a vested interest in the upcoming decisions of the Louisiana Legislature. Our current and future students deserve those same memories.

Crain Invested as Southeastern’s 14th President PAST PRESIDENTS GATHER FOR PRESIDENTIAL INVESTITURE: Four of Southeastern’s former presidents attended the university’s Presidential Investiture to present John L. Crain, Southeastern’s 14th president, with the President’s Chain, a symbol of the authority of the position. Congratulating Crain, far right, are Clea Parker, J. Larry Crain, G. Warren Smith and Randy Moffett, now president of the University of Louisiana System.

John L. Crain was invested as Southeastern’s 14th president in August in ceremonies held at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts.

The investiture was combined with the university’s annual fall faculty/staff convocation, which precedes the start of the institution’s new academic year.

Crain invoked Charles Dickens’ opening lines in A Tale of Two Cities – “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” – to describe the extraordinary contradictions Southeastern and Louisiana higher education face today.

At the ceremony, he was presented with Southeastern’s President’s Chain, a symbol of the authority of the position, by four of the university’s five former living presidents: Randy Moffett, now president of the University of Louisiana System, G. Warren Smith, J. Larry Crain, and Clea Parker. Also attending the event were representatives of the UL System Board of Supervisors and the Louisiana Board of Regents.

Former Southeastern President and current Commissioner of Higher Education Sally Clausen was unable to attend the investiture, but sent her congratulations to Crain.

“Dr. Crain assumes the presidency of Southeastern during a transformational time for higher education, a time when we must be unrelenting in our goals of investing in quality research and producing more graduates to fill the jobs of today, and the jobs of the future,” said Clausen.

“His knowledge of Southeastern’s strengths, his strong relationships with faculty, and his love for students will allow him to play an important role in achieving these goals, and he will un-

doubtedly do it with passion, vision and ingenuity,” she added.

In his remarks, Crain noted that Southeastern “has grown and prospered, achieved great results, and been widely recognized for its successes... surely the best of times. Yet, despite this, we were recently forced to cut $10 million from our budget, and we face future budget prospects that may be even more dire... certainly the worst of times.”

He emphasized that even with challenges, good things can still happen, citing the university’s recent academic and student successes, “producing record numbers of graduates who are well prepared and anxious to make their mark on the world.

Even as our budget is being cut, we are attracting record numbers of well prepared new students.”

Crain urged faculty, staff, students and alumni to pull together as a team and to face the challenges necessary to help the university move beyond the current financial crisis. He urged legislators and state leaders “to stand tall and defy conventional wisdom by helping to find solutions to the state’s financial challenges beyond just cutting the budget.” Of higher education leaders, he asked that they champion fair and equitable funding for all institutions that successfully execute their missions.

He pledged he would continue to be honest and straightforward in communicating with the campus and community constituents.

“I will continue to strive to be innovative and creative in helping to identify and implement solutions to our challenges,” Crain added. “And I will remain dogged and persistent in championing the cause of this great institution and its people.”

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H. Roger Wang, second from right, was recognized as Southeastern’s 2009 Alumnus of the Year. With him at the awards event are, from left, Kathy Pittman, Alumni Association director, B.J. Lorio, Alumni Association president, Wang's wife Vivine and President John L. Crain.

Wang recognized as Alumnus of the Year H. Roger Wang, one of China’s most respected businessmen and a graduate of Southeastern’s MBA program, was honored as the university’s 2009 Alumnus of the Year during Homecoming activities.

Chairman and CEO of Golden Eagle International Group, Wang received his award at the Alumni Association’s Awards Evening. He also served as Grand Marshal in the Homecoming parade and was recognized during half-time at the Lions’ game with Sam Houston State.

“I am humbled by this generous award,” Wang said in his acceptance speech. “A lot of things have changed at Southeastern, but some things have not: the hospitality, the sincerity, the spirit of togetherness – those have not changed.”

While on campus, Wang met with a large group of business students who posed questions about preparation for the world of business and Chinese-American relations. The question and answer session touched on many aspects of international business and multicultural communication.

“Mr. Wang is not only a highly successful businessman, his philanthropy and active support of numerous civic and charitable concerns highlight why he is truly an example of the best of Southeastern,” said President John. L. Crain. “We are honored that he is part of our Southeastern family.”

Wang, a U.S. citizen since 1978, came to the United States in 1970 with a degree in economics and entered Southeastern’s Master of Business Administration program. He graduated in 1973 and became a manager for Thrifty Drug Stores on the West Coast. Later he became involved in the insurance industry, retail operations, and residential and commercial real estate development.

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He opened his first department store, Golden Eagle, in the city of Nanjing, where he emphasized the U.S. principles of customer satisfaction and service. The approach was highly successful and led to a chain of 16 department stores in three Chinese provinces. Wang currently spends half his time in California and the other half in China where he oversees the department store chain and the Golden Eagle Real Estate Group, which has developed over 1.26 million square meters of commercial and residential space.

Also recognized at the awards event were Kay Harrison Maurin, Southeastern’s director of disability services, who received the L.E. Chandler Award of Excellence, presented annually to a member of the faculty, staff or Alumni Association for service to students in their extracurricular activities; Dick Covington of Amite, who received the Distinguished Service Award, recognizing outstanding service to the Alumni Association; and Dr. Barbara Allen, dean of the Division of General Studies, who received the Director’s Diamond Award.

Friendship Oak awards were presented to Delta Tau Delta fraternity on its 40th anniversary; Sigma Tau Gamma on its 70th anniversary; the Department of Music and Dramatic Arts in recognition of its 75th anniversary; KSLU 90.9 FM for its assistance to the Alumni Association; and for outstanding accomplishments on behalf of the university Sandy Summers, assistant director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southeastern; Dennis Sipiorski, head of the Department of Visual Arts; and Byron Patterson, director of the Southeastern Physical Plant.

Alumnus Roger Wang, left, answers questions from Southeastern business students during his visit on campus. With him is his friend and associate Michael Fong. Wang visited with both graduate and undergraduate students, answering questions about entrepreneurship, building business relationships, and international business.

Right: Wang served as Grand Marshal of the Homecoming parade, greeting crowds of enthusiastic Lion fans in Friendship Circle.

Alumni Association Service Awards

Right: Southeastern Alumni Association recognized two individuals for their service to the university and the association. Dick

Southeastern Alumni Association recognized two individuals for their service to the university and the association. Dick Covington of Amite received the Distinguished Service Award, and Kay Harrison Maurin received the L.E. Chandler Award. From left are B.J. Lorio, Alumni Association president, Covington, Maurin, President John L. Crain and Alumni Association Director Kathy Pittman.

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Members of the 2009 Homecoming Court are, front row, from left, Brett Farlow of Denham Springs, Shelby Driscoll of Hammond, Casey Thomas of Laplace, Ashley Lemoine of Greenwell Springs, Eric Davis of Baton Rouge, Angelle Harris of Boutte, A.J. Calderone of Kentwood and Molly Fenton of Houma. Second row, left, Kirk Dixon of Harvey, Terica Anderson of New Orleans, Brandon Odom of Baton Rouge, Marjorie Parker of New Orleans, Janee Ratelle of Baton Rouge and Dave Cavell of Thibodaux. Third row, left, President John L. Crain, 2008 Homecoming King Brad Cascio of Hammond and 2008 Queen Megan Faunce of Loranger.

SOUTHEASTERN HOMECOMING 2009

Football coach Mike Lucas pumps up his players and the crowd at the pep rally, which was moved indoors due to the weather.

Marjorie Parker of New Orleans, a senior organizational communication major and Anthony "A.J." Calderone of Kentwood, a senior industrial technology major, were named Queen and King of Homecoming 2009.

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The Spirit of the Southland Band proudly led the way through Friendship Circle for the annual Homecoming Parade.

Many Southeastern alumni enjoyed the food and fun of tailgating throughout the day in Friendship Circle.

Southeastern cheerleaders lead the charge at the indoor pep rally.

Roomie the Lion waves to the crowd during the parade.

Left: President John L. Crain throws Southeastern cups to enthusiastic Lion fans during the Homecoming Parade. Right: Children enjoyed the many crafts and activities prior to the football game.

Vice President for Student Affairs Marvin Yates and 2008 Homecoming Queen Megan Faunce of Loranger, help cut the cakes as part of the Gumbo YaYa fest for students. The cakes followed the Homecoming theme "Roomie's Got Game."

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Campus Headlines ACT scores continue to rise, fall enrollment remains strong The ACT scores among Southeastern incoming freshmen this fall continue to climb, a sign the university is attracting increasing numbers of highly prepared students.

Average composite ACT scores for new freshmen reached 21.7, an increase over last year’s 21.4 average. The score is above both state (20.1) and national (21.1) averages.

“On a 36-point scale, this is significant,” said Stephen Soutullo, assistant vice president for enrollment management. “It’s an indication more and more highly prepared students are choosing Southeastern, which has been the focus of our recruitment strategies in recent years.”

Highly qualified students – those with ACT composite scores of 24 and above – showed an increase of nearly 10 percent, rising from 634 to a record 696, according to the university’s official enrollment report.

“The number one indicator of a student’s potential success in college is his or her preparation in high school,” said Southeastern President John L. Crain.

“We’re pleased to see that our incoming freshmen ACT scores have shown steady increases in recent years. As greater numbers of our new students are highly prepared to be successful, we should continue to see further increases in our retention, progression and graduation rates.”

“In fact, the number of continuing students increased significantly, almost 6 percent, over last year, a clear indication our retention efforts are effective in providing the support students need to stay in school and make progress toward their degrees,” stated Soutullo.

“The enrollment report shows increases in the number of sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate student classifications,” he added.

Crain said Southeastern’s enrollment profile shows a record number of students attending on the state’s TOPS program, 3,974 students compared to last year 3,795, a 4.7 percent increase.

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Enrolled students fill the student union during one of the five orientation sessions at Southeastern. The sessions are just one way to help incoming frehsmen acclimate to college life.

The university’s overall headcount remained roughly steady at 15,160, a slight 0.4 percent decrease from last year’s numbers. Student credit hour production increased this fall as more highly prepared students tend to enroll in more courses, Crain added.

Compared to last fall’s record freshmen headcount, the number of incoming freshmen declined slightly, which Soutullo attributed to a decrease in the number of Early Start students registered for fall classes.

Changes in the state’s funding of the Early Start program, which enables qualified high school students to take college credit courses at no cost to the student, impacted freshman numbers, he said.

“Since state funding for this program was reduced to one course per semester, we decided to schedule most of the Early Start English classes in the spring and the college algebra sections in the fall,” he added.

“As a result, the enrollment of approximately 150 students, whose only class this year will be the Early Start English course, has been deferred to the spring semester.”

He added that because of the shift in enrollment patterns of the Early Start students, the annual freshmen enrollment numbers, including fall and spring

semesters, should be consistent with annual freshmen numbers Southeastern has seen since the Early Start program began two years ago.

The enrollment profile showed a two percent increase over last year in graduate students with 1,376 students enrolled, and the number of new students seeking a second degree increased from 158 last year to 180, nearly a 14 percent increase.

The profile shows a 2.8 percent increase in the number of students from St. Tammany Parish, up from 3,230 last year to 3,320 this year. Other top feeder parishes and their enrollment numbers include: Tangipahoa, 2,587; East Baton Rouge, 2,136; Livingston, 1,845; Jefferson, 1002; and Ascension, 846.

JOB HUNTING? Southeastern current and nontraditional alumni can use the free services of the university's Office of Career Services.

985-549-2121 • selu.edu/career

Campus Headlines Chalmette Refining donates equipment to Southeastern Chalmette Refining, operated by ExxonMobil Oil Corp., recently donated approximately $40,000 in monitoring equipment and instruments to Southeastern’s Occupational Safety, Health and Environment program.

The equipment includes microscopes, a gas chromatograph and other instruments for the collection and analysis of hazardous agents in the workplace and environment. The equipment was presented by ExxonMobil industrial hygienist Wayne Lacombe, left, to OSH&E coordinator Lawrence Mauerman and Cris Koutsougeras, head of the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology.

Southeastern environmental documentary wins award A Southeastern-produced video has been named “Best Environmental Documentary” in both national and international competitions by the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival.

American Crisis, American Shame: The National Consequence of Coastal Erosion, a co-production of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies and the Southeastern Channel, was officially recognized at a ceremony in New York Oct. 22 prior to the festival’s second screening of the documentary. The documentary was also screened at the festival’s Los Angeles showing last July.

The documentary – which premiered at Southeastern’s Fanfare last year – is the product of three years of research and writing by Samuel Hyde, Leon Ford Professor of History and director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana

Studies, and Keith Finley, assistant director. Using scores of photographs housed in the center’s collection, the film is part of a larger project that includes a traveling exhibit and lecture series, all funded by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant written by Hyde and Finley with the assistance of biology professor Nick Norton.

Hyde said the documentary is designed to highlight consequences of the methodical coastal erosion that is erasing the Louisiana coastline.

The Southeastern Channel, the university’s educational cable channel, coproduced the 30-minute documentary, which also recently received awards from the Twin Rivers Media Festival in North Carolina and a Gold Award for editing in the national Aurora Awards competition.

Four-day work week yields energy savings Going to a four-day work week the past two summers has helped Southeastern realize significant cost savings, an important factor with declining state budgets.

“Southeastern saved approximately $300,000 this past summer by going to a four-day work week,” said Assistant Vice President for Operations Sam Domiano. “While much of the savings was realized in energy costs, the four-day work week also provided a direct benefit to employees, as it reduced gas and other costs associated with commuting one less day each week.”

For the past two summers, Southeastern employees worked Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with Fridays off. In summer 2008, the policy was implemented as a way of addressing the rising cost of gasoline that brought about the change. Ultimately it resulted in a significant cost savings, with air-conditioning and other energy needs shut down in many buildings on Fridays.

KSLU wins award for Rock School Southeastern’s public radio station, 90.9 KSLU, has received an Award of Distinction from the International Communicator Awards.

This is the second time the station was honored with an International Communicator Award for Rock School, a weekly one-hour show that features classic rock music and little-known facts about legendary artists. Hosted by Chad Pierce, KSLU underwriting representative, and Southeastern communication professor Joe Burns, the show was first broadcast in spring 2007 and has since aired programs covering over 145 original topics.

“KSLU plays an important role as the only public radio station on the north shore,” said Southeastern President John L. Crain. “The fact that its programming is available online gives it an even wider presence. The Communicator Award recognizes the innovative and entertaining programming that KSLU produces.”

Rock School, Crain said, shows how collaboration of faculty with broadcasting experience, professional staff and student assistance can contribute to an award-winning, entertaining project with a strong educational component.

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Faculty and Staff News Students and faculty unveil listening station Gautreaux receives Louisiana Writer Award Southeastern writer-in-residence and professor emeritus of English Tim Gautreaux received the 2009 Louisiana Writer Award this fall from the Louisiana Center for the Book, part of the state Library of Louisiana.

Citing Gautreaux for his extraordinary contributions to the state’s literary heritage, Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu said “Tim Gautreaux is part of the tradition of exceptional writers who call Louisiana home.”

The award is given periodically to recognize outstanding contributions to the literary and intellectual life of Louisiana.

“We reserve the award for those extraordinary authors whose entire body of literary work stands out,” said State Librarian Rebecca Hamiliton.

“Through his considerable talent and his dedication to his craft, Tim Gautreaux has contributed significantly to Louisiana’s rich literacy legacy.”

Born in Morgan City, Gautreaux began teaching creative writing at Southeastern in 1972. His published fiction includes two collections of short stories and three novels.

He has been recognized with numerous awards, including a National Magazine Award, the Southeastern Booksellers Award for Best Novel and the John Dos Passos Prize. He has also served as the John Grisham Visiting Writer in Residence at the University of Mississippi.

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Students and faculty members unveil a listening station titled “Narrating the Silences” as part of a collaborative project between Southeastern’s Department of Communication and the Greater Tangipahoa Parish NAACP. Funded by a University of Louisiana System Learn and Serve Grant, the station features interviews from individuals involved in southeastern Louisiana’s early Civil Rights movement. Interviews were collected in a communication special topics course taught by professor Amber Narro during the class’s “Right to Remember” Civil Rights project. The station is located on the second floor of Sims Memorial Library. Unveiling the station are, from left, Narro; Suzette Bryan, interim head of the Department of Communication; Jade Coleman, New Orleans; Rev. Chipps Taylor of Hammond; Tiffany Baptiste, New Orleans; Megan Mosher, Loranger; Chaucer Tademy, Baton Rouge; and Amanda Cantrell, Bogalusa. Several other students not pictured were involved in the project.

Baraya named to international council Aristides Baraya, director of the Southeastern Hispanic Business and Leadership Institute, has been selected to serve on the National Scientific and Academic Council of the University of Distance Learning of Costa Rica.

One of seven members in the world asked to serve on the panel and selected from over 170 international applicants, Baraya was named to the council based upon a year-long evaluation that looks at scientific and academic qualifications, as well as service to the Latin American community.

“Dr. Baraya’s selection to serve on this prestigious council is a testament to his dedication to international, cooperative education,” said Southeastern President John L. Crain. “His work in bringing business professionals, educators, elected officials, and entrepreneurs to Southeastern for specialized studies has had tremendous influence on professional development for many Latin American nations, while also exposing our faculty and students to the diversity of our international economy.”

UPD's De Noux publishes audio short story O’Neil De Noux, Southeastern police officer and award-winning short story writer, has published “Ankle Biters of Old Arizona; or Attack of the Wild Chihuahuas,” as an audio short story on Sniplits.com.

“Ankle Biters,” slightly more than 21 minutes, is the story of a crusty trail guide who leads a tenderfoot dime-novelist from Tombstone, Ariz., on a fool’s errand – a search for the elusive wild Chihuahuas in the badlands of the Dragoon Mountains. Written in the vein of the half-dime – or “penny dreadfuls” of the 19th Century – the story is a cross-genre piece, a westernhumor story.

Sniplits publishes downloadable audio short stories for devices that play an MP3 file, which includes most PCs and all Macintosh computers. The stories range from five to 45 minutes and cover genres like suspense, romance, humor and adventure.

Faculty and Staff News Division of Extended Studies launches new Web site

The Division of Extended Studies launched its newly designed Web site (www.selu.edu/es) that will allow the division to better serve students, faculty and the community across three locations: Hammond, Mandeville, and Walker. Developed by Branan Steib (seated) with assistance from Nicole Hilliard (standing), both Southeastern students, and Coordinator of Special Projects for Extended Studies Tom Dawsey, (left), the site provides details about the various program offerings through Extended Studies.

Southeastern Community Counseling Center opens Community members may now seek low-cost counseling at Southeastern’s new Community Counseling Center.

Developed by the Department of Counseling and Human Development, the CCC serves as a clinicallearning environment for graduate students working to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT).

Graduate students must finish 100 hours of practicum before a twosemester internship in their specialization. The CCC provides the students with an opportunity to earn practicum hours, while providing affordable, quality counseling to the community.

“Going to class is one thing but now it’s real-life clients with real-life situations,” said graduate student Elizabeth Berniard of Kenner. “I am a lot more comfortable in that environment, and it has been helpful to use the skills we have been taught.”

Interim CCC Director Terry Pertuit said that while a professional counseling session can cost over $100, a 50-minute session at the CCC costs up to $15.

Special financial circumstances may be accommodated.

“Counseling is not scary,” Pertuit said.

“You don’t have to be sick. You could be struggling with an aspect of life or a developmental issue. Counseling provides help, direction and hope.”

Services offered at the CCC include marriage and family, individual, child and adolescent, parent and career counseling. The center also hosts a Narcotics Anonymous meeting twice a week.

Interim Assistant Dean of the College of Education and Human Development Mary Ballard said the center is something the university has been developing over the past several years.

“We have a state-of-the-art facility,” she said. “The equipment the university provided is great. The idea of the Center started out with Dr. Moffett who had a vision to see this open, and Dr. Crain continued to push for it.”

Pertuit, a Southeastern graduate, returned to the university to start the center after receiving her doctorate from Pennsylvania State.

“What is really neat is that when I was doing my practicums here in 1998, it was very difficult to get clients,” Pertuit said. “To come back and create an opportunity (for students) is great.”

For more information about the CCC or to schedule an appointment, call (985) 549-3457.

Southeastern offers male health clinic After research conducted by Southeastern nursing faculty revealed the need and desire for a clinic geared toward men, the university has opened a male health clinic.

Results of the study were published in the August regional edition of Advance for Nurses magazine, an industry publication for health care managers and providers.

Designed to meet health care needs specific to college men, the clinic was established after surveys completed by Southeastern male students revealed the need. The research, conducted by School of Nursing professor Barbara Hyde and instructor Michele Ellis, found that college males often neglect their health by ignoring yearly physicals.

“Male college students do not usually come to the university Health Center unless something is wrong like the flu or unless they are an athlete who is required to get a physical,” said Hyde, a nurse practitioner. “They do not get yearly check-ups like they should, even though a person’s health can change a lot from year to year.”

“We would like to see our male students experience the benefits of regular contact with a healthcare provider, such as the nurse practioners available at the Health Center,” Ellis said.

Like females, college men are at-risk for a number of serious health problems, including cancer, cardiac conditions and sexually transmitted diseases.

Ellis and Hyde’s research also showed that typical masculine traits like dominance and strength play a significant role in why college males forgo yearly checkups.

“Sometimes it’s like pulling teeth to get them to the doctor,” Hyde said.

“What they don’t realize is that they need the same medical attention as women.”

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Association News

Southeastern High Reunion Graduates of Southeastern High School enjoyed their largest reunion to date at Twelve Oaks. The reunion paid special honor to the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1959. Many thanks go to Linda Tarzetti, who served as reunion chairperson. Front row, from left, are Catherine Distefano Milone, Linda Lambert Tarzetti, Billy Bennett, and Bonnie Leslie. Back row, from left, Steve Boudreaux, David Rouse, A.C. Powell, Carl Schneider, Gerald Bauerle, Patsy Lockhart Wells, Edward Amar, Billie Jean Wickivire Lofton, Marvin Poole and Edward McGehee.

Hot August Night - Lionpawlooza Lion fans and the Hammond community kicked off football season at Lionpawlooza held this year in conjunction with Hot August Night. The Lionpawlooza pep rally, where Coach Mike Lucas spoke, was a highlight to the annual downtown event. The Alumni Association shared in the fun and helped represent Southeastern with a table at the community gathering.

Slidell hosts event From left, Southeastern student Nathan Taylor, Southeastern alumni Bob and Helen Taylor, and hosts Robert & Kay Taylor.

The East St. Tammany Chapter held a “potato bar party” on Sept. 24 at the home of alumnus Dr. Robert and Kay Taylor on Doubloon Bayou.

Southeastern alumni and friends enjoyed a relaxing evening on the bayou with live jazz entertainment from Southeastern’s music students. Chapter President Dianne Baham welcomed guests and expressed appreciation to the Taylors for opening their home for the event.

Ponchatoula hosts president

The Ponchatoula Chapter honored President John L. Crain on Sept. 29 at Le Fleur de Lis in Ponchatoula. Many well wishers visited with Crain, and Mayor Bob Zabbia was on hand to greet the crowd. Thank you to hosts John and Gwen Babin, Gwen Barsley, A.J. Bodker, Brenda Harris, Rachel Harris, Ricky Howes, Emily McKneely, Amber Narro, Rep. Steve Pugh, Noelle Vaughan, Pat Williams, and Bob Zabbia.

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Photo: Lisa von Eberstein

Coaches Caravan covers area Amite was the first location in this year’s Coaches Caravan tour with an event, sponsored by the North Tangi Chapter, held at La Caretta restaurant. Following Amite, the caravan’s next stop was Baton Rouge at Superior Grill for a noon luncheon sponsored by the Red Stick Chapter.

Sponsored by the West St. Tammany Chapter, the Lakehouse in Mandeville was the final stop. At this event the Alumni Association presented a special award to Coach Sean Brady for being named Southland Conference Coach of the Year.

Another highlight was Tim Baldwin’s first appearance as new interim athletic director.

Each event was well attended, and everyone enjoyed hearing from coaches Mike Lucas (football), Julie Langford (volleyball), Jay Artigues (baseball), Sean Brady (track) and Tim Baldwin (golf).

Convocation Picnic Southeastern faculty and staff celebrated the new school year with the annual Convocation picnic on Aug. 14 hosted by the Alumni Association. This year was particularly special because it honored the investiture of President John L. Crain, which happened earlier in the day. The picnic was made possible through the generous contributions of sponsors Aramark, La Capitol Federal Credit Union, First Guaranty Bank and North Oaks Health System.

FE-Lions salute athletes

Football brings tailgating

On Aug. 24, members of the FE-Lions chapter of the Alumni Association hosted the Salute the Lions dinner to show their support for all Lion athletes. Over 325 athletes enjoyed a delicious meal that included homemade desserts specially prepared by FE-Lions members. Special thanks go to chairperson Josie Mercante and committee for coordinating this successful event.

The first two home tailgates of the season were hosted by the Red Stick Chapter and Ponchatoula Chapter. Phil’s Grill, a new restaurant in Hammond, catered the tailgates and featured a variety of unique dishes, including gator burgers. Congratulations to the Lions for defeating both Texas A&M Commerce and Union College to start the season.

Keeping in Touch what are you doing? ’60 Mark J. Solomon Sr., Richardson, TX, was recently elected to a two-year term on the Richardson City Council. ’67 Bill Walker, Ocean Springs, MS, received the Julius A. Stratton Award for leadership in coastal management. He serves as executive director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. ’77 John Giler, Bowie, MD, recently retired after a 31-year career with the Federal Grain Inspection Service in Washington, D.C. ’78 Joan Kathmann, Kenner, LA, was recently named principal at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School. ’80 Frances Rush, New Orleans, LA, is the new principal at Green Park Elementary School in Metairie. ’82 Norman Spivey, State College, PA, recently performed the original one-man show, “Ecoute: Pieces of Reynaldo Hahn” at Appalachian State University’s Hayes School of Music. He is currently a voice professor at Pennsylvania State University. ’84 Julie Johnson-Busbin, Clyde, NC, has received a Board of Governors’ Creative and Innovative Teaching Award from Western Carolina University’s College of Business. ’84 Stephen O’Neill, Birmingham, AL, recently joined Sterne Agee Financial Services as director of business development. ’85 David Frady, Mandeville, LA, has joined Whitney National Bank as senior vice president to lead the commercial banking division. ’86 Danny Heitman, Baton Rouge, LA, recently published an op-ed piece in the New York Times in which he speculated about the possibility that poetry might help the ailing American car industry. He is a 23-year veteran of the Baton Rouge Advocate, where he currently serves as a columnist and editorial writer. ’87 Staci Sullivan, Zachary, LA, has been promoted to vice president of infant/pediatric services at Women’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. ’89 George Hebert, Lafitte, LA, is Louisiana’s 2010 High School Principal of the Year. He currently serves as principal of Fisher Middle-High School in Lafitte. ’94 Dawn Lenox, Ponchatoula, LA, was recently promoted to assistant vice president/compliance officer for North Oaks Health System. ’94 Brian McCormick, Tickfaw, LA, has been promoted to sergeant with the Hammond Police Department. ’98 Edwin Bergeron, Independence, LA, was recently named to the detective division of the Hammond Police Department. ’98 Sharolyn Harry-Clark, Clemmons, NC, is the new principal at Southwest School in Lexington, NC. ’99 Danielle Boudreaux, Gonzales, LA, has been recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for Excellence in the area of creative writing for her book, Degrees of Deceit. ’00 Corey Doughty, Greensburg, LA, was recently named director of contracts and risk management for Baton Rouge General Hospital, First Care Physicians and General Health System. ’00 Dr. Edward J. Fuselier, Jr., Greensboro, NC, has been hired as assistant professor of mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at High Point University in High Point, NC. ’00 Casey Gleason, Mandeville, LA, is principal of Chahta-Ima Elementary School in Lacombe. ’02 Melissa Anglin, Bush, LA, teaches first grade at Ruby-Wise Elementary School. ’03 Jivka Jeleva, Hammond, LA, finished second place in the 30th annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship at the Natchitoches-Northwestern State University Folk Festival. ’05 Antoinette “Toni” Robinet, LaPlace, LA, has been named principal of the new Emily C. Watkins Elementary School in LaPlace. ’07 Betsey Baldwin, Gonzales, LA, was named one of the 2009 winners of the Angel Award, which is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and honors people who have positively impacted the lives of Louisiana’s children.

’08 Navy Seaman Derek M. Roth, Kenner, LA, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.

deceased ’36 Mary Catherine Redmond, Aug. 10, 2009 ’39 Bernard Eugene Elbe II, Aug. 19, 2009 ’46 Pearl Drumwright Orton, Aug. 18, 2009 ’49 Dorman Roderick Fendlason, Aug. 8, 2009 ’49 Thomas Glennon Murphy, Feb. 22, 2009 ’50 Norman H. Husser, Sr., June 6, 2009 ’50 Carol Rosentreter Rodgers, July 16, 2009 ’56 Cleon Thomas Hutchinson, Jr., July 28, 2009 ’56 Charles Filmore Moulliet, Feb. 20, 2009 ’56 Wayne Douglas Shows, Aug. 15, 2009 ’63 James E. Morris, Aug. 8, 2009 ’68 Maxie Williams, July 7, 2009 ’70 Robert James Gilpin, Sept. 8, 2009 ’71 Marjorie F. Byrd, April 16, 2009 ’72 Greg Jungeblut, July 3, 2009 ’74 Richard Arthur Franz, Sept. 14, 2009 ’80 Tracy Ivy Williams, Aug. 1, 2009 ’92 Joseph DeForrest “Joe” Marvin, Jr., June 6, 2009 ’98 Earl Michael Boyd, Aug. 14, 2009 ’02 James Brian Kerr, Sept. 11, 2009 ’09 Alan Collier, Sept. 13, 2009

weddings ’97 Rebecca Lynn Sherman and Jeffrey Neal Boudreaux, Sept. 18, 2009 ’04 Carrie Mire and David Poston, Oct. 17, 2009 ’04 Matthew Sims and Amanda Treat, Sept. 18, 2009 ‘04 Melissa Anne May and Orian Anthony Gulotta Jr., Oct. 23, 2009 ’05 Meghan Mitchell and Scott Marcotte, Sept. 25, 2009 ’06 Courtney Hope and Derek Bourgeois, Aug. 14, 2009 ’06 Anna Kathryn Percy and Bradley Winston Richmond, May 2, 2009 ’07 Christie Lee Chavers and Timothy Felton Kinchen Jr., Aug. 8, 2009 ’08 John Nicholas Amorello and Kacey Lynette Ferrera, Sept. 25, 2009 ’08 Miranda Kay Lee and Craig Craft, Aug. 1, 2009 ’08 Jordan Thomas Millard and Kayla Elizabeth Grisaffe, Oct. 24, 2009 ’08 Lindsay Merkel and Glenn Anderson, Aug. 15, 2009 ’08 Jarad Joseph Scelfo and Ashley Brandt Lavigne, Aug. 1, 2009 ’08 Lindsey Charest Songy and Brett Anthony David, July 31, 2009 ’09 Christopher Donald Henderson and ’09 Jennifer Lynn Duplessis, August 8, 2009

It's never too late Order your official Southeastern ring today.

1-866-Balfour or balfourcollege.com

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Development Neill-Baker supports Project Friendship Debra Neill Baker, chairman of Neill Corporation, is supporting Southeastern Development Foundation’s Project Friendship. The project plaques and bricks support the Annual Fund and provide an opportunity to recognize individuals or an organization that has made a significant impact on one’s own life or to the life of the university.

A bronze plaque recognizing her late

husband, Edwin Neill, will be placed on the sitting wall surrounding Friendship Circle. She chose this opportunity to support the university as a public and visible way to express her former husband and the Neill Corporation’s alignment with the university.

“Southeastern is a critical co-destiny partner in contributing to the quality of life in our community,” Neill Baker said.

Project Friendship plaques and bricks may be purchased through the Development Foundation at 985-5493771 or on-line at www.selu.edu/give.

Making a Difference The Settoon Family For over 80 years, Southeastern has focused on the communities it serves.

Southeastern’s mission – to lead the educational, economic and cultural development of the region – ties the university intimately to the lives of area residents. The mission comes to life by focusing The Settoon family, from left, Cheryl and Rick Settoon, Barbara and Pat Settoon, Randy and Susan Settoon, and intensely on the success of John and Noelle Settoon Vaughn. students and on service and outreach to the region.

One Southeastern family that has supported the university yesterday, today and tomorrow is the family of Pat and Barbara Settoon. Dr. Pat Settoon, Provost Emeritus and former dean of the College of Science and Technology, shares his reasons for giving to the university.

“Southeastern is one of the most important resources of the north shore region, educationally, culturally and economically,” he said. “During my 32-year tenure at the university, I taught many students who earned degrees leading to successful careers, primarily because Southeastern was a locally available and affordable institution. Investment in the university is an investment in the future of our area and our entire state.”

His daughter, Noelle Settoon Vaughan is the immediate past president of the Alumni Association. The Settoon sons, Randy and Rick, are Dean of the College of Business and General Manager of the Southeastern Channel, respectively.

Together the Settoons have established an endowed scholarship, served on the Alumni Board, served in administrative and leadership positions for the university and given in every way to advance the goals and mission of the university. Giving back is a defining characteristic of who they are as members of the Southeastern family.

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African American Alumni endow new scholarship Members of the African American Alumni Chapter recently established the African American Alumni Chapter Endowed Scholarship intended to provide financial support to a deserving African American student attending Southeastern. The Chapter raised funds through various fundraisers and donations. Chapter members, from left, are Duane Donald, Donnice Hunter, Wanda Evans, Terry Brown (behind Evans), Scherry Ferrill, Ron Valentine and Aron Walker.

Rose appointed to development post Katherine Rose, a fundraising professional with more than 13 years of nonprofit and higher education experience, has been named senior director of development for the Office of Development at Southeastern.

Rose will direct all fundraising efforts, including planned giving, major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, and capital campaigns.

“I am very pleased to welcome Katherine Rose to our team,” said Vice President for University Advancement Wendy Johns-Lauderdale. “With her proven track record, she will add another dimension of expertise that can help bring Southeastern to new levels in fundraising and community support.”

Development LifePoint Community Foundation

Development Foundation announces President’s Council The Development Foundation has established the President’s Council to identify and recognize a unique group of alumni and friends who choose to contribute annually to the future of Southeastern. These leaders support the university in ways that are very personal and meaningful to them. Whether funding student scholarships, providing annual funds for immediate needs, or supporting capital building projects, the common mission of the membership is to empower Southeastern in all of its endeavors. President’s Council members embrace and embody preeminence.

Members of the President’s Council exhibit a strong sense of pride through their generosity and develop friendships with other Southeastern leaders-ingiving that lasts a lifetime. Donor courtesies include: • Invitations to President’s Council special events • Opportunities to interact with the president • Interaction with deans, faculty, staff, and students

• Direct access to Southeastern information through President’s Council staff members • Fellowship with Southeastern supporters • Special time spent and memories made with the Southeastern family

President’s Council members show their commitment to Southeastern by providing an annual gift of $1,000 or above to the university. This financial support provides greatly needed resources to a multitude of university programs.

President's Council Levels of Giving Partners $10,000 + Fellows $5,000 – 9,999 Patrons $2,500 – 4,999 Associates $1,000 – 2,499 For more information on becoming a member of the President’s Council, please contact the Office of Development at 984-549-2239. Your consideration and support is greatly appreciated!

Chefs Evening

A fundraser in support of Southeastern Athletics

Sunday, March 14, 2010 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Pennington Student Activity Center

Charlotte Dupre’, chief executive officer of River Parishes Hospital in LaPlace, recently presented a $5,000 check from the LifePoint Community Foundation to the Southeastern Development Foundation to benefit the College of Science and Technology. The funds are for academic programs in health-related fields at Southeastern. The LifePoint Community Foundation, through River Parishes Hospital, has contributed $10,000 to Southeastern. On hand to accept the donation are, from left, Adrianne Roques, coordinator of donor relations, Wendy Johns-Lauderdale, vicepresident for university advancement, Southeastern President John L. Crain, Dupre’, and Dan McCarthy, dean of the College of Science and Technology.

Ponchatoula Lions Club Southeastern congratulates the Ponchatoula Lions Club on their twenty-fifth anniversary. Along with significant community service projects, the Ponchatoula Lions Club has supported the academic needs of many Southeastern students through their generous scholarship program.

Since the Ponchatoula Lions Club established their scholarship in 2000, over $91,000 in scholarships has been awarded to outstanding students graduating from Ponchatoula High School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The university and its students are fortunate to have the friendship and financial support of the generous Ponchatoula Lions Club.

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Athletics Naquin Conditioning Center dedicated

Hammond businessman Ray Naquin cuts the ribbon officially dedicating the Naquin Strength and Conditioning Center at Southeastern. Participating in the event are, from left, strength and conditioning coach Scott Reeves, Marcus Naquin, Interim Athletic Director Tim Baldwin, Naquin and his wife Ruth, Michelle Naquin Cartier, President John L. Crain, and Anna Woodall, assistant to the athletic director.

Southeastern recently cut the ribbon to officially dedicate the Naquin Strength and Conditioning Center, the latest addition to the university’s athletic facilities.

With a lead gift donated by Southeastern alumni Ray and Ruth Naquin, construction of the 6,000-square foot facility was funded entirely through private donations. The center is being used by the student-athletes on all of the university’s 15 intercollegiate men’s and women’s teams.

Decked out in the university colors of green and gold, the center is located next to Strawberry Stadium and the Dugas Athletic Center building.

Southeastern President John L. Crain said the Naquin family supports the university and community in every way. “The saying, ‘Put your money where your mouth is,’ epitomizes the Naquins,” Crain said. “Ray and the Naquin family believe if something is important, then you should do something about it, not just talk about doing so. The Naquin family’s philanthropy not only benefits Lion athletics and Southeastern, but also the Hammond community as a whole. We are extremely proud to add the Naquin family name 14

to this facility.”

Naquin noted that Southeastern has grown and changed tremendously from when he first started at the university in 1952 as a freshman from Thibodaux.

After playing on the football team in 1952 and 1953, he entered military service and returned to Southeastern to graduate in 1958.

“It gives me a great deal of warmth, pride and satisfaction to be a part of Southeastern and what it is doing for the area,” Naquin added.

Prior to the opening of the Naquin Center, student-athletes worked out in the university’s Recreation Center, a building built in 1940 and affectionately known as the “Old Men’s Gym,” which operated with no air conditioning.

“It’s huge what this new center has meant to our players,” said Scott Reeves, head strength and conditioning coach.

“The air conditioning alone is a tremendous boost to the ability to maximize their training and conditioning.

“Our student-athletes really appreciate this facility,” he added, “and see it as support from the community and the university for our programs. They see it as a privilege to be able to work out in a center like this.”

Southeastern inducts five into Hall of Fame Southeastern enshrined five members into its Athletics Hall of Fame during halftime of the Lions’ Oct. 31 game against Southland Conference rival Central Arkansas.

Named to the Hall of Fame were Christine Amertil (Track and Field), Dr. Billy Bond (Distinguished Service), Gavin Fingleson (Baseball), Kim Kwolek (Soccer) and Anthony Vereen (Football).

Amertil, a native of the Bahamas and the 2001 Southeastern Female Student-Athlete of the Year, is a three-time Olympian specializing in the 400-meter dash. She currently holds seven Southeastern and a pair of Southland Conference records Bond, who joined the faculty in 1967 and retired in 2008, served as the first Faculty Athletic Representative for nearly 20 years and as the Faculty Athletic Committee Chair for more than 20 years. He played an instrumental role as the Steering Committee chair in Southeastern's first two cycles of NCAA certification.

Fingleson, who played from 1998-99, posted a career batting average of .370, currently the best in school history. The Sydney, Australia, native was a two-time All-Southland Conference selection. He played professionally before earning a spot on the Australian Olympic Team.

Kwolek twice earned first-team All-Southland Conference honors.

A three-time selection on the AllAcademic Team, she received the McDonald Academic Scholarship given to the conference female student-athlete with the highest GPA. Vereen was a first-team All-Gulf States Conference selection in 1978.

An NAIA honorable mention AllAmerican, he ranks second in school history with 12 interceptions and was drafted in the 9th round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1981.

Athletics Ex-Lion Lofton travels the world in 'Amazing Race'

Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS (c)2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Former Southeastern men’s basketball standout and current Harlem Globetrotter Nate Lofton, pictured far right, is part of the cast for CBS’ reality show, “The Amazing Race 15.”

Lofton, a New Orleans native who keyed Southeastern’s run to a pair of Southland Conference regular-season championships and the school’s firstever appearance in the NCAA Championships in 2005, is teamed with current Globetrotter teammate and former Centenary standout Herbert Lang.

The 6-foot-9 Lofton, who lettered at Southeastern from 2003-05, was twice named first-team All-Southland Conference and was a two-time AllNABC District 8 selection. He led the Lions in rebounds both seasons, including 10.9 in 2004-05.

After helping lead Southeastern to a 20-9 record and a share of the Southland Conference title in 2003-04, Lofton helped Southeastern to a 24-9 record and a win over Northwestern State in the championship game of the 2005 Southland Conference Tournament.

Lofton ranks third in school history in field goal percentage (56.9) and blocked shots (99), is eighth in steals (104) and ninth in total rebounds (553).

In the 15th edition of the Emmy-winning series, 12 teams will cross eight countries in 21 days, with the winning duo claiming a $1 million prize.

Southeastern Basketball 2009-10 MEN'S Home Schedule Date Opponent

Nov. 28 Millsaps Dec. 1 Spring Hill Dec. 16 Southern Jan. 2 William Carey Jan. 9 Lamar* Jan. 16 Sam Houston State* Jan. 27 Central Arkansas* Feb. 3 Texas State* Feb. 13 Nicholls State* Feb. 20 Stephen F. Austin* March 3 McNeese State* March 6 Northwestern State*

Time 3 pm 5:30 pm 7 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 7 pm 7 pm 3 pm 3 pm 7:30 pm 12 pm

WOMEN'S Home Schedule Date Opponent Time Nov. 28 Centenary 3 pm Dec. 1 UNO 7:45 pm Dec. 5 Louisiana-Lafayette 3 pm Dec. 17 Spring Hill 7 pm Dec. 19 Millsaps 3 pm Jan. 4 Tulane 7 pm Jan. 13 Northwestern State* 7 pm Jan. 20 McNeese State* 7 pm Jan. 23 Stephen F. Austin* 3 pm Jan. 30 Nicholls* 3 pm Feb. 6 UTSA* 3 pm Feb. 17 UT Arlington* 7 pm Feb. 24 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi* 7 pm Feb. 27 Central Arkansas* 3 pm

For ticket information, contact the Southeastern Athletic Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466.

All times listed are Central; dates and times are subject to change. * Southland Conference game Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/SLUAthletics | Facebook: Southeastern Louisiana University Athletics

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Student Highlights Student-produced documentary highlights Islenos community

Communication student Josh Robin and history and English student Samatha Perez, both of St. Bernard Parish, show some of their work to William Robison, head of the Department of History and Political Science, and Karen Fontenot, interim dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Though Samantha Perez and Josh Robin always knew their hometown of St. Bernard was special, it wasn’t until they began a documentary class at Southeastern that they realized a large part of Louisiana heritage, history and culture was at their front door.

In their original documentary “Louisiana’s Lost Treasure: The Islenos,” senior history and English major Perez and senior communication major Robin explored the cultural identity of the Islenos people, who migrated from Spain to the Canary Islands and later to southeast Louisiana in the late 1700s.

The 50-minute piece was produced last spring as part of a co-departmental independent study. Shown as part of Fanfare, the documentary tells the story of the Spanish Islenos and their resiliency through many tribulations, including the American Revolution, the Battle of New Orleans, the Civil War and Hurricane Katrina.

Robin said the short 1762-1800 Spanish rule of Louisiana is often overshadowed by Louisiana’s strong French influence, most often associated with 16

New Orleans culture, food and history.

“Most people only tend to remember French Louisiana, so I thought the Islenos would be something interesting that people could really latch on to,” he said. “We have something special in St. Bernard Parish that most people know nothing about.”

Robison said when he and Fontenot first got the idea to create a co-departmental documentary course, they were initially looking for a topic that would be easily accessible to students.

“But to have students come in and say, ‘No, I want to do something harder,’ you usually say okay,” Robison said. “We really don’t deserve much credit for this.

They came up with the subject, ran with it and produced a great piece of work.”

Perez and Robin said they used the documentary as an opportunity to learn more about their own backgrounds.

“We grew up with the culture but we never knew all of the historical facts,” Perez said. “It was the greatest thing listening to what our families have been through. The history has been retold in stories that have been passed along and

engrained in our culture.”

Melding the two disciplines (communication and history), Fontenot said, really moves people by making the historical events meaningful.

“It surprised me how this documentary struck a chord in so many people,” Fontenot said. “During the showing, I was looking around the room and everyone was so engrossed in it. Many people were there because it was their heritage, but afterward I had so many people tell me they learned new things.”

Perez and Robin also explored how the Islenos adapted from island life in the Atlantic Ocean to the Louisiana marsh, where they learned to earn a living through fishing and animal trapping.

“What a lot of people don’t know is that the Islenos were responsible for the cuisine that made Louisiana famous in the 1920s,” Robin said. “They were the ones that supplied the fish and the game that let the New Orleans chefs experiment.”

Living off the land and resourcefulness, Perez said, are some of the strongest Isleno traits – traits that helped them survive numerous wars, diseases, hurricanes and floods.

“The Islenos are very proud of everything they have gone through,” Perez said.

Although thousands of Islenos ancestors remain in Louisiana today, Perez said the heritage has been declining in recent years.

“I want to get my PhD in history and concentrate a lot of my time on local history,” Perez said. “I love this university. My dream would be to come back here and teach.”

As for Robin, he is interested in pursuing a communications or property rights law degree and said his experience producing the documentary taught him a lot of new things.

“I learned that someone is always willing to tell you their story, and I learned how to make a documentary,” he said.

“The Communication Department has everything a person needs to become a budding journalist.”

Green & Gold Holiday Gift Ideas

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SHOW YOUR LION PRIDE! This holiday season, shop local! Southeastern merchandise makes great gifts. Please consider these local merchants that carry Southeastern merchandise when making purchasing decisions. 1. Austrian crystal denim jacket $65, available at Gator Graphics and Design. 2. Southeastern Fleur de Lion personalized jumper $48, available at Lisa's Childen's Shop. 3.

Southeastern Lion jacket $56.95, available at C.I. Sports.

Southeastern is proud to showcase merchandise from our retail partners. If you would like to include merchandise in a future edition of Alumni News, contact Executive Assistant to the President Erin Cowser at (985) 5495861.

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Miss Southeastern

2010 Southeastern biology major Lacey Sanchez of Baton Rouge has been chosen Miss Southeastern 2010.

Sanchez, a pole vaulter on Southeastern's women's track team, received her crown from Miss Southeastern 2009 Jessica Poumaroux of Baton Rouge at the annual pageant Sept. 26 at Southeastern’s Pottle Music Building Auditorium. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, the Miss Southeastern pageant is affiliated with the Miss America Pageant system.

Photo: Rande Robinson