Alumni News Fall 2012

ALUMNI NEWS

Fall 2012

• A l u m nu s o f th e Ye a r h o n o re d • Sw a b b i n ’ 4 R o b i n c a m p a i g n l a u n c h e d • Me di a A n i m a ti o n p ro g r a m n a m e d o n e o f b e st i n th e So u th

Alumni

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Southeastern Louisiana University Dr. John L. Crain ’82, ’84 President Dr. Tammy Bourg Provost/Vice President, Academic Affairs Sam Domiano, Jr. ’95 Interim 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 Dick Covington ’71 President Stacey Neal ’91 President-elect Emily McNeely ’02 Secretary Stephen Anderson ’87 Treasurer Board Members Melissa Bordelon ’89 John Watson ‘82 Cindy Faller ’73 Betsy Hood ’04 Dan Brewer ’69 Brad Stevens ’01 Josh Taylor ’05, ’06 Chuck Toney ’06 Tony Licciardi ’93 Josie Mercante ’69, ’74 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 Murphy Oil Corporation President and CEO Steven Cossé was honored as this year’s Alumnus of the Year during Homecoming Week in October. A 1969 graduate of Southeastern, Cossé has spent his entire professional life in the oil business, holding numerous positions with ODECO and Murphy Oil.

A message from President John L. Crain This year, the Southeastern Alumni Association reached another milestone, celebrating its 85th anniversary. Founded only a few years after Southeastern opened its doors as Hammond Junior College in 1925, the Association has served as a valuable link between the university and its former students, graduates and friends. With more than 60,000 alumni in all 50 states and as many foreign nations, the impact of a Southeastern education is felt worldwide.

Starting with five faculty members and 40 students, Southeastern cultivated from the outset an atmosphere of close student-faculty interaction in a family style environment, qualities of the institution that students and graduates continue to experience today. As much as things have changed over the years, it’s refreshing to note the original character of Southeastern continues to thrive.

At the university’s recent Homecoming, two accomplished graduates were recognized: Steven Cossé, president and CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation, as the Alumnus of the Year, and John Lejeune Jr., North Shore entrepreneur and actor, as the Young Alumnus of the Year. Both expressed their fond memories of the university, the faculty who had instructed, encouraged and mentored them, and the foundation they gained at Southeastern that allowed them to flourish in their respective careers.

Those comments were neither unexpected nor surprising. Despite the challenges brought about as a result of dwindling state resources, the university’s focus to help our students achieve their educational goals while solidifying a foundation for their future growth remains paramount.

A message from your Alumni president This fall we experienced a fantastic Homecoming and the perfect culmination of the 85th Anniversary of the Alumni Association. It was reminiscent of many years ago when football was at its peak, and alumni flocked to campus.

The Alumni Awards Evening was outstanding, as Alumnus of the Year Steven Cossé spoke to a sold-out crowd. He was an inspiration to both our students and alumni and epitomized what success can come when caring faculty members, like those we have at Southeastern, nurture young students. They do Dick Covington, ’71 indeed make a difference.

On Saturday, our campus hosted Lion Pride Preview, enveloping 800 prospective students and their parents, and presented itself in the warm and friendly environment for which Southeastern is known. We were all entertained by the Spirit of the Southland Band, which instilled that excitement in all of us as our cheerleaders, Lionettes and flag corps led the way for a great parade and the football game. It took the efforts of many individuals and groups coming together to make this Homecoming Week such a successful event. Your attendance and that of so many old friends reunited again made me remember why I love Southeastern so much.

New media - animation program cited as one of best in the South

courses in the concentration. “As the film industry grows in this region, they need talented and technically trained artists to meet production needs.”

He said the university is working to enhance its relationship with area digital media and film post-production companies to provide students with internships and other practical experiences that open the doors to career opportunities.

According to ACR’s post, the program “encourages students to leverage media and materials outside of their comfort zone, while still taking coursework in 2D and 3D animation, digital video and computer art technologies. Recent graduates exhibit a balanced approach indicative of the program’s objectives.”

ACR formulates its rankings by considering academic reputation, feedback from industry firms on which programs they value, the depth and breadth of the program, and geographic proximity to the industry’s leading firms. The full review of the top programs in the South can be found at animationcareerreview.com.

The New Media and Animation program at Southeastern has been recognized by Animation Career Review as one of the top such programs in the South.

Initiated only a few years ago in the university’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts, the program was ranked 20th by the web site.

“This extraordinary recognition of Southeastern’s New Media and Animation concentration is most deserved,” said Ken Boulton, interim head of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. “The faculty and students associated with this program represent some of the most inventive and imaginative individuals in our department.”

Nearly 75 students are majoring in the program.

Associate Professor John Valentino said the computer studios and other equipment available for student use are among the best, providing students with valuable experience that easily translates into workforce skills. The program, he said, combines artistic talent with technical proficiency.

“With Louisiana’s tax incentives attracting movie production and digital media companies to the state, there are increasing employment opportunities for our students and graduates,” said Valentino, who, with Assistant Professor Cristina Molina, teaches most of the

Assistant Professor of Art Cristina Molina, left, discusses a project with student Abby Morrow of Covington, a junior studying in the New Media and Animation program. The program was recently rated one of the best in the South by Animation Career Review.

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Homecoming

2012

audience. “I later learned from my boss that it was the reputation of Southeastern’s accounting program that had a major influence in my getting the job.”

After receiving his law degree from Loyola University in New Orleans, he gradually rose through various positions at Murphy Oil, including executive vice president, senior vice president, and principal financial officer while also serving as general counsel throughout most of his career there.

Cossé praised the quality of education and the values he learned as a student at Southeastern.

“The hallmark of any learning institution is the quality of its teachers,” he said. “At Southeastern, I had many great professors. Not only did Southeastern give me a great jump in my initial career, but it also gave me lifelong values, and for that I am forever grateful.”

He said those values he learned include concern for others.

“Our parents brought us up to realize that life isn’t just about you, it’s not just about me, it’s about other people as well,” he said.

“You have to look to your neighbor and you have to help others as much as you can.”

At the event, the Association announced the establishment of the Murphy Oil Endowed Scholarship, funded by Cossé and the corporation.

Cossé serves on the boards of the Arkansas Research Alliance, Simmons First Bank of El Corado and Simmons First National Corporation. He is a member of the board of the SHARE Foundation, a not-for-profit public charity focused on building a healthier community by improving health and wellbeing through

The Southeastern Alumni Association celebrated its 85th anniversary with a week’s worth of activities for students, faculty, alumni and other visitors.

Activities included the usual events for students, faculty and staff, including the Phi Kappa Phi Quiz Bowl pitting student and faculty teams against each other, the annual Gumbo Ya Ya fest, bonfire and block party, tailgating, recognition of donors, Homecoming parade, and crowning of the student king and queen.

Highlighting the week was the Alumni Awards Evening, where Southeastern President John L. Crain toasted the association on its milestone anniversary and assisted in the recognition of several major award winners.

ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Recognized as the 2012 Alumnus of the Year was Steven Cossé, a native New Orleanian who rose through the ranks of ODECO and Murphy Oil Corporation over 41 years to his current position as president and chief executive officer of the El Dorado, Ark.-based oil giant with 10,000 employees worldwide.

Following his graduation from Southeastern in 1969, he was hired as a junior accountant at ODECO in New Orleans, a subsidiary of Murphy Oil. “My job with ODECO was a direct result of the company’s previous experience with other Southeastern graduates,” he told the

Above: Alumnus of the Year Steven Cossé, and Young Alumnus of the Year John Lejeune Jr. were recognized during Homecoming Week. From left are Alumni Association Director Kathy Pittman, Lejeune, Cosse and President John L. Crain.

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access to primary health and dental care, medication assistance and health education for low income populations. A member of the SHARE board since 1998, he has been recognized by the Foundation for his business acumen and legal expertise, as well as a deeply held compassion for the less fortunate.

OTHER AWARDS At the banquet, North Shore entrepreneur John Lejeune Jr. of Bogalusa was recognized as the Young Alumnus of the Year, while Louisiana appeal court Judge James E. “Jimmy” Kuhn was honored with the association’s Distinguished Service Award Lejeune started his own disc jockey business as a teenager, working dances at area high schools. He now owns and operates Rock-It Productions, a high-tech DJ company he founded shortly after his graduation from Southeastern in 2002. Shortly afterward he started See Hear Productions, a company that offers lighting, sound and staging for large events such as festivals, concerts and the Super Bowl.

Lejeune was the co-star of the VH1 reality television show “Tough Love” that was set in New Orleans, and he has appeared in HBO’s popular “Treme” series. In 2007 he opened a Snap Fitness center in Bogalusa and added a second Snap Fitness franchise in Lacombe.

Kuhn, a 1968 Southeastern graduate, was elected to the First Circuit Court of Appeal in 1994 and re-elected in 2005. He began his public service career in 1980 as an assistant district attorney in the 21st Judicial District. He was elected a district judge in 1990.

Prior to his public service, Kuhn practiced law, representing clients in the insurance industry, as well as agencies such as the Livingston Parish Police Jury. A member of the board of the Southeastern Foundation, he was honored with the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences’ Alumnus of the Year Award in 2010.

He is an active member of both the Sigma Tau Gamma and Ponchatoula alumni chapters.

President Crain presented the first Loyal Lion Award to Dennis James, a former president of the Alumni Association and the Southeastern Foundation. He praised James for his williness to assist Southeastern whenever asked.

The L.E. Chandler Award, which goes to faculty, staff or alumnus for his or her work in assisting students, was presented to Amanda Robbins, assistant director for residential life.

The Association’s Friendship Oak Award was presented to English Instructor Alan Marsh in recognition of his playwriting accomplishments, and to Theta Xi fraternity and Phi Mu sorority in honor of their 50th anniversaries.

HONOREES RECOGNIZED – President John L. Crain, center, recognized two other alumni at the Awards Evening: Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals Judge James “Jimmy” Kuhn, left, with the Distinguished Service Award, and Dennis James with the first Loyal Lion Award.

Above: Alumni Association President Dick Covington leads the annual Homecoming parade through Friendship Circle.

Right: A special quilt designed and made as a gift to the university by alumnus Kim Howes Zabbia is on the Louisiana Quilt Trail. The pattern features an abstract Roomie with eight claws and five teeth, commemorating the Alumni Association’s 85th Anniversary and is in the university colors of green and gold. The lion’s nose doubles as Friendship Oak, while the roar signifies the association’s passionate support of the university. It also features mortar boards and the Alumni Center. The quilt will ultimately be displayed outside of the Alumni Center.

Alumni Association announces Eternal Chapter During Homecoming, the Southeastern Alumni Association announced the organization of the Eternal Chapter, a living web site designed to preserve the memories of deceased Southeastern family members.

Association Director Kathy Pittman said the web site allows family members to record information on the passing of Southeastern alumni as a way of sharing with other members of the Southeastern family. Names recorded during the year will be read at the association’s annual Golden Silence ceremony held each spring in the War Memorial Student Union Park.

“We like to think that every person who has passed through Southeastern leaves a part of themselves that makes our university special,” she said. “With this web site, they will always be remembered.”

Visit southeastern.edu/alumni/eternalchapter for more information.

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Student leaders gather under Friendhship Oak to send a message of support to alumna Robin Roberts.

Project initiated to recruit potential bone marrow donors When senior organizational communication major Whitney Christy heard about an effort forming on the Southeastern campus to help recruit potential bone marrow donors in honor of alumna Robin Roberts, she was eager to get involved.

A native of Donaldsonville, Christy had personal reasons to join the effort, called Swabbin’ 4 Robin. Her father and namesake, Whitney Joseph Christy, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia and received a bone marrow transplant from his sister. The successful transplant was performed in 2002.

Student leaders at Southeastern are joining with Be the Match, a national bone marrow donor program, in a year-long effort to educate the public and recruit potential donors for patients diagnosed with leukemia and other life-threatening blood diseases.

The program is being conducted in honor and support of Roberts, the Good Morning America anchor and Southeastern commu-

nication major and basketball star who recently underwent a bone marrow transplant to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a disease also known as pre-leukemia. Roberts’ sister, WWL-TV morning anchor Sally-Ann Roberts, provided the marrow for the transplant procedure.

The Swabbin’ name refers to the DNA collection method that requires a simple, painless cheek swab. There is no need to draw blood or any other samples.

“Our goal is to help educate the campus and the general public about the need for potential donors and to sponsor at least one DNA collection event at competitions of all Southeastern athletic teams,” said Christy. “We will also sponsor collection events on campus where students will be encouraged to participate.”

Whitney and senior organizational communication major Chris McKinley of Baton Rouge are spearheading the student-led project.

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Both have undergone training to be DNA collectors and have trained other student leaders from various fraternities, sororities, student organizations and athletic teams.

“It’s a very simple process, just a matter of swabbing the inside of the cheek to collect cells for DNA analysis and typing,” McKinley said.

Once the swabs are collected, the information will be coded into the national database of potential donors. There is a particular need for African American donors.

“African Americans are more genetically diverse than those of other heritages, so it’s more difficult to find a donor match,” Christy said. “And while the registry has more than nine million potential donors in its database, only about seven percent of these are of African American or black heritage. Only about 66 percent of African American patients ever find a donor match. In fact, the database needs more representation from all minorities.”

According to Be the Match, patients are most likely to match someone who shares their racial heritage.

McKinley said the goal is to collect as many strongly committed donors as possible from all ethnic groups, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 44. He emphasized the importance of recruiting strongly committed potential donors.

“The cost of processing the DNA is expensive, about $100 per sample, so it’s not anything to be considered lightly or on a whim,” he added.

On-campus partners include the Southeastern Foundation, Athletics Department, Student Government Association, Greek and other student organizations. The campaign plans to also include T-shirt sales and fund raising activities to help offset costs for Be the Match.

The goal for the yearlong campaign is to have a collection event held at one athletic event for each team, as well as periodic swabbing collections in the Student Union and other locations. The most successful event yet was held at the Lions’ final home football game Nov. 10. Teams of student volunteers from Sigma Alpha Pi National Society for Leadership and Success and the Lady Lions women’s basketball team staffed booths at Strawberry Stadium before and during the game, registering 97 people for Be the Match. The

Students, alumni and friends line up in Friendship Circle on Homecoming day to sign an over-sized “Get well, We missed you” card for Robin Roberts, 1983 alumna and host of Good Morning America who recently underwent a bone marrow transplant to treat myelodysplastic syndrome, also known as pre-leukemia.

Swabbin’ campaign is approaching nearly 250 people in the database through several events this semester.

Be the Match is the world’s largest, most diverse registry of potential marrow donors and has facilitated more than 50,000 transplants since 1987.

McKinley said more than 10,000 patients a year are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases such as leukemia, and for many of these individuals a marrow transplant from an unrelated donor may be their best hope for a cure.

For more information, go to the web page southeastern.edu/ swabbin4robin or on Facebook at facebook.com/Swabbin4Robin.

Christopher McKinley demonstrates the swabbing technique for DNA collection for fellow student Whitney Christy as they prepare to launch the Swabbin’ 4 Robin campaign designed to increase awareness and the number of potential bone marrow donors.

Junior nursing student Charles Fahrenholtz of New Orleans swabs his cheek at Homecoming as part of the Swabbin’ 4 Robin campaign. Sophomore nursing student Taylor Daigrepont of Baton Rouge completes necessary paperwork under direction from Natalie Rowe of Be the Match.

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CAMPUS NEWS Enrollment, retention rates increase in fall The overall student headcount at Southeastern this semester shows an increase over last fall, while the university appears to be on track to meet important student success targets established by the GRAD Act, according to the university’s fall semester report.

The total headcount this semester, including all classifications, is 15,602, compared to last fall’s 15,414, a 1.2 percent increase. New freshmen increased three percent, rising from last fall’s 3,376 to this year’s 3,476. An increase among high schools participating in Southeastern’s dual enrollment program helped to boost the overall figures.

President John L. Crain said he was pleased to note the university seems on track to continue meeting its GRAD Act goals in the area of student success. Under the GRAD Act, Louisiana universities are evaluated on several performance measures, including improvement in graduation rates, student retention rates, and a number of other benchmarks related to success of students.

Meeting the goals allows universities additional autonomy in setting tuition rates, while failure to reach the goals can result in significant penalties in the institution’s funding.

Southeastern named Military Friendly School For the second consecutive year, Southeastern has been named a Military Friendly School by Victory Media, publisher of G.I Jobs, the premier magazine for military personnel transitioning to civilian life.

According to the company, the 2013 listing honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace the nation’s military service members and veterans as students and to ensure their academic success.

“Southeastern is proud to be recognized for the second time as a Military Friendly School,” said President John L. Crain. “Members of the military and our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our state and nation. We are honored to be recognized as an institution that makes a strong effort to embrace them and assist them in reaching their educational goals.”

At Southeastern, more than 350 veterans, veterans’ dependents and members of the military are currently enrolled.

THANKS, ENTERGY – Entergy Customer Service Manager Craig Schimpf, right, accepts thank you cards created by students at the Southeastern Lab School in appreciation for a $10,000 grant to the Southeastern College of Education and Human Development to assist in follow up meetings to its Education Summit held in October. Presenting the cards are, from left, John Fischetti, dean of the college; Mary Ballard, associate dean; and Southeastern President John L. Crain. About 400 stakeholders from across the region gathered at Southeastern for the summit, which focused on the conditions of children, families, schools and society in southeast Louisiana. Attendees included educators, counselors and social workers, non-profits that provide services for children, government officials and concerned community members.

University approved by SACS to offer advanced nursing practice doctorate The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges has approved Southeastern to offer its nursing doctoral program.

The university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is offered in partnership with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Southeastern began enrolling students this fall and currently has 11 participants in the program.

“This program is an important element in helping to meet Louisiana healthcare workforce needs, particularly in the southeast region of the state. The SACS approval demonstrates the university has met the accrediting agency’s various requirements intended to ensure academic quality,” said President John L. Crain.

He said the program prepares professionals to provide hospital and communitybased care for patients and families, redesign and evaluate nursing and health care systems, and address severe shortages of faculty to mentor and educate new nurses.

The program, in which courses are delivered totally over the Internet, accepts nurses who have already earned master’s degrees as nurse practitioners or nurse service administrators, explained Ann Carruth, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Under the partnership with ULL, students can take courses at either institution with the degree being awarded by the home university.

Carruth said the program builds on a highly successful masters in nursing practice program that the two institutions have offered for years in a consortium that also includes McNeese State University and Nicholls State University.

“The partnership allows Southeastern and ULL to combine the strengths and resources of each institution, including faculty in various specialties and library support services,” said Carruth. “This represents an excellent use of limited state resources and allows us to offer a much-need program in a cost effective manner.”

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Nursing program receives grant to target medically underserved areas Southeastern’s School of Nursing is now offering an Advanced Education Nurse Traineeship Program (AENT) for nursing students pursuing a graduate degree.

The AENT is made available through a $637,350 grant awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to university officials.

“Through this grant, we can completely support 15 students for two years,” explained Graduate Nursing Coordinator Lorinda J. Sealey. “Once students apply and we make the awards, it will be retroactive for the fall 2012 semester, starting September 1.”

Sealey said the impetus behind applying for the grant was the need to increase the number of healthcare providers in Louisiana’s underserved areas.

“With the Affordable Care Act, we’re predicting a greater demand for primary care providers because more people will be eligible for healthcare,” Sealey said. “The federal government determines where there are professional health care shortages. This includes almost all of Louisiana, particularly rural areas.”

Sealey said the funding should provide enough financial support for graduate nursing students to complete the program at a fulltime pace, rather than extending their studies over a longer period.

Interested applicants must show interest in working in rural and medically underserved areas. The program encourages applications from veterans who are registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees and are looking to become nurse practitioners, said Sealey.

Additional information on the scholarship is available at southeastern.edu/graduatenursing.

Chefs Evening gets new look Southeastern’s major public fundraising event, Chefs Evening, will be sporting a whole new look for 2013.

While the popular auction and dining event will maintain the concept that brings people back year after year, invitations, posters and other materials will reflect a new logo and identity created by Andre Ladegaillerie, a senior graphic design student from Mandeville.

His design is in black and white with simple, clean lines similar to silver on a white tablecloth. That was the image, he says, that inspired him.

“I chose white as a background because it gives the design a clean, upscale, modern look,” he said. “They were looking to reach out to a younger audience, and I wanted to create an identity for Chefs Evening that everyone could relate to.”

The new logo and materials resulted from a design contest in faculty member Gary Keown’s class in advanced print design. University Advancement, which hosts Chefs Evening, asked Keown to partner with them to help develop a fresh look for the event, while providing a hands-on learning experience for his 15 class members.

The students met with university staff to find out what they were looking for, created design ideas based on what they heard, and then presented those ideas back to the clients.

“This was a complex design assignment in which there were multiple parts,” said Keown. “The students had to be extremely organized and focused to complete the job. They had to work at an expedient pace with a deadline that was similar to what they will experience in the real world. Presenting their ideas to the client was important for coherent communication skills and professionalism.”

Ladegaillerie will graduate in May with a concentration in graphic design. He said this kind of assignment helps students build a portfolio of work and learn to work effectively with clients.

TESTING AIR QUALITY – Ephraim Massawe, center, assistant professor of occupational, safety and health, checks a monitoring device designed to test the quality of indoor air in the cafeteria of Woodland Elementary School in Hammond. Assisting are Sharon Watkins, technology specialist, left, and Southeastern graduate assistant Laura Vausut. With a $38,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Massawe and his team are working in area schools to develop an air quality improvement program based on the EPA’s “Tools for Schools” Program.

“Louisiana has a relatively high rate of lung diseases, which is made worse by poor indoor air quality,” said Massawe. “Poor air quality has been highly correlated with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, and affects children, elderly and the infirm more than healthy individuals.” The intent is to identify cost effective measures designed to improve the quality of indoor air, he said.

FANFARE LECTURE SERIES HONORS MOFFETT – History and Political Science Department Head William Robison, left, presents a plaque to former Southeastern and University of Louisiana System President Randy Moffett as the annual “Then and Now Lecture Series” kicked off its 12th presentation. The free series was dedicated to Moffett, who recently retired after a 41-year career in education.

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FACULTY/STAFF NEWS COWSER CITED BY CITYBUSINESS AS ONE OF WOMEN OF THE YEAR Erin Cowser, Southeastern executive director of public and governmental affairs, was named one of New Orleans CityBusiness’ Women of the Year.

Cowser is a recipient of the Hammond Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Chairman’s Award and the 2009 Community Service Award. Named a member of the “Northshore’s Finest,” she is a recipient of the Edwin Crawford National Award for Leadership in State Relations and Institutional Advocacy.

ENNIS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF REGIONAL EDUCATION GROUP Willie Ennis III, associate professor of educational technology leadership, has been elected president of the Southern Regional Council on Educational Administration.

Ennis is a specialist in educational technology and mass communication. His research interests include technology integration, multimedia production and design and computer lab development and design.

Michael D. Richardson, professor and head of the Department of Educational Leadership and Technology, was recognized at the same meeting for service to the organization. He received the Jack Greer Lifetime Achievement Award for his long time contributions to SRCEA, including serving as president and conference program director.

HYDE ELECTED PRESIDENT OF HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION Professor of History Samuel C. Hyde has been elected president of the Gulf South Historical Association.

Southeastern’s Leon Ford Endowed Chair in Regional Studies and director of the university’s Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, Hyde was elected at the recent Gulf South History and Humanities Conference held in Pensacola, Fla. The conference is an annual event sponsored by the GSHA and explores all

aspects of the history and cultures of the Gulf South and the Caribbean Basin. GSHA is a consortium of universities and historical organizations and agencies in the Gulf South and Latin America.

CHEMISTRY PROFESSOR RECEIVES PHI KAPPA PHI LITERACY GRANT Linda Munchausen, professor of chemistry, has been awarded a Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Grant.

One of 14 recipients nationwide to receive the award, Munchausen is president of the Southeastern chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. As part of the grant, the Phi Kappa Phi chapter at Southeastern has partnered with

the Kiwanis Club of Hammond and the Zeta Kappa chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an education honor society, to provide “Blessings in a Backpack” to students at Woodland Park Elementary Magnet School.

The “Blessings in a Backpack” program is a national movement that provides snacks and reading material to low-income children.

“Poverty affects a child’s physical, social and academic well-being,” said Munchausen. “When children, especially young children, experience poverty, they are at great risk for difficulties throughout life.”

Currently, the Southeastern collaboration of “Blessings in a Backpack” provides 80 at-risk students at Woodland Park Elementary Magnet School with backpacks filled with healthy snacks and meals each weekend.

Southeastern Channel honored with Emmy Southeastern’s educational access television station has been recognized with another regional Emmy Award.

A promotional spot for the Southeastern Channel-produced “Strength, Endurance, Tradition” image campaign won the prestigious award in the “Commercial” category. Channel Operations Manager Steve Zaffuto produced, directed, videotaped and edited the commercial.

The National Academy of Manager Rick Settoon, right, and Operations Manager Steve Zaffuto display Television Arts and Sciences the regional Emmy Award won by the Southeastern Channel. made the award after reviewing nominations from entries submitted by television stations and production companies in the Suncoast Region, which includes Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Puerto Rico.

The Southeastern Channel has now won eight Emmys and received 31 Emmy nominations for both professional and student productions in its 10-year history and is the only college television station in Louisiana to have won the award.

“The Emmy is the most prestigious and sought-after award in television; it means your're producing at the highest level,” said Rick Settoon, general manager. “It's a terrific honor to again receive such unique acclaim for a university television station among large commercial and public stations and production companies.”

The spot promotes academic areas, such as physics, education, communication, nursing, digital arts and theater. Elements of the commercial include faculty and student interviews, along with footage used in the recruiting video “Strength, Endurance, Tradition.”

“Some spots, such as the one promoting the nursing program, utilize footage from actual hands-on classroom situations,” Zaffuto said. “When promoting artistic achievements, I thought it important to show material actually produced by the students themselves.”

The Southeastern Channel has won more than 150 national and international awards in the last 10 years. It’s been named “Best College Television Station in the South,” and its student programs have been selected as among the top three in the nation.

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FAUST HONORED WITH PHI KAPPA PHI LOVE OF LEARNING AWARD Joan Faust, professor of English who also serves as the English Department’s undergraduate coordinator, has been presented with a Love of Learning Award

by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

She was one of 140 recipients nationwide to receive the award and a $500 stipend, which helps fund post-baccalaureate studies and career development. She plans to use the award to help fund reproduction rights for a book project on 17th Century British poet Andrew Marvell.

Faust was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi as an undergraduate student at Nicholls State University.

She has held numerous offices in the Southeastern Chapter, including president, and currently serves as chapter secretary. Faust is the founder of Southeastern’s annual Quiz Bowl Tournament, which pits student teams against faculty teams during Homecoming week. The event has been recognized nationally by the honor society.

NEW TEXTBOOK ON ACTING PUBLISHED BY JAMES WINTER James Winter, assistant professor of acting and directing, has had a new textbook on acting published. Act One; Scene One: An Actor’s Workbook marks Winter’s first acting textbook and his third textbook overall. The work was published and released by Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.

“Of the three books I’ve written, I’m most proud of this one because I think it’s unique to what it is,” said Winter, the 2011 recipient of the Southeastern President’s Award for Excellence in Artistic Activity. “From what I’ve heard from my peers in both acting and education, there really isn’t another acting text like it.”

Act One; Scene One lives up to its name. The work includes monologues and scenes from a variety of plays but includes space for students to record personal observations and reflections.

The book will be used in acting courses at Southeastern. Royalties from the textbook sales help fund Southeastern’s James Winter Endowed Theatre Scholarship and The Hymel Falgoust Jr. Scholarship in Technical Theatre.

ALUMNI CENTER NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS Call 985-549-2150 for information.

Rock School host and Communication Professor Joseph Burns, left, and Chad Pierce of KSLU review notes for another episode of the award-winning radio program.

KSLU’s Rock School wins award for excellence To former disc jockey and rock music historian Joseph Burns, the only thing that matters in the world of radio is the next show.

Although the Southeastern communication professor no longer sits at a mic full time, he gets his weekly fix spinning records and hosting Rock School, a program on rock n’ roll history that airs twice weekly on the university’s public radio station, KSLU90.9 FM. What started as a fund-raising gimmick several years ago — Burns donated $50 for an hour to talk rock music on the station — has evolved into a highly anticipated weekly broadcast in which Burns and his sidekick and former student Chad Pierce focus on little-known facts around a topic, group or artist and showcase associated classical rock music. The program this year has been recognized with an International Communicator Award of Excellence.

The Communicator Awards is a competitive awards program honoring creative excellence by communication professionals. The awards are judged and overseen by the International Academy of Visual Arts, an organization of more than 200 professionals.

“When Chad invited me to participate in a fund drive, I had not been on the radio for a long, long time,” said Burns, who started as a freshman DJ at WWNW, the student-staffed radio station at Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa. “I attacked it. I played the music I wanted to play and talked about the songs. It all came back to me. When it’s in your blood, you have to do it. It’s the heroin of media.”

In preparing for the show, Burns works up a play list of at least 14 songs, knowing he’ll probably play nine or 10. While avoiding a script, he arms himself with facts and figures about the artist and group being profiled or the topic up for discussion.

“Joe is a preparer, a musical encyclopedia,” explained Pierce. “I purposefully don’t prepare for the show. We find our delivery works best when I sit down not knowing what we’re talking about because you get an honest to goodness reaction from me.”

Rock School has aired nearly 285 shows with no duplication of topics. Many are tied to events such as the anniversary of Woodstock or holidays like Halloween. Burns has notes and ideas for many more in his briefcase and on sticky notes throughout his office. Occasionally he gets topic suggestions from fans, especially through the Rock School page on Facebook. In addition to the KSLU broadcast, the hour-long program is streamed live over KSLU.org every Thursday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. (CST).

It airs on four affiliate stations, including the LSU radio station, KLSU in Baton Rouge, and a station in Salamanca, Spain.

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STUDENT NEWS Miss Southeastern 2013 crowned in pageant

Members of a Southeastern public relations class put together a 30-second public service announcement on voter registration that won a competition sponsored by the Louisiana Secretary of State. Pictured are, front row, from left: Anna Guillot, Melissa Daigle, Stephony Mark, Rachel Montoya, Adrienne Rousse, Maya Miller and Marco Scott; back row, from left: Taylor Thornton, Dan Marchese, Megan Romaire, Stephani Holloway, Hillary Cowart, Regan Lesaichere, Nikki Cowart, Malik Harness and Ryan Zellner.

Students win state PSA contest A team of Southeastern communication students took first place in a statewide competition to produce a 30-second public service announcement encouraging citizens to register to vote.

Amber Narro, associate professor of communication, received a notice about the contest from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office, the agency in charge of elections, and presented it to the students in her public relations writing class as an optional project. The students elected to accept the challenge and began brainstorming ideas for the PSA. “I am so proud of the students at Southeastern Louisiana University for submitting the winning entry in our Voter Registration and Participation PSA competition,” said Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “The public service announcement they submitted was informative, creative, and well-produced. I hope this learning experience enhanced the students’ interest in the Presidential Election and will inspire them to become lifelong voters.”

“I was very excited about participating in the contest,” said senior Malik Harness of New Orleans, who is majoring in organizational communication and public relations.

“I’m a firm believer that people remember things they see a lot longer than things they hear. Registering to vote is so important and it affects everyone.”

Narro said the group had limited time to brainstorm, consolidate their ideas, and then produce the video. She challenged them to find a way to work together under the stress of a tight deadline.

The video features students writing various issue-related key words — such as health care, defense, and national debt — on their hands, while a narrator emphasizes that “when you vote, everything is in your hands.” The video can be seen on YouTube under the key term “Southeastern Voter Registration” and has been distributed to media statewide by the Secretary of State’s Office.

HOMECOMING ROYALTY CROWNED – Shawndreka Gatlin, a senior fashion merchandising major from New Orleans, and Brandon Nettles, a junior communication major from Baton Rouge, were crowned 2012 Homecoming Queen and King during half time of the Southeastern vs. Central Arkansas football game.

Gatlin is president of the NAACP Southeastern Chapter, an Orientation Leader for 2012, and a member of Gamma Beta Phi and Sigma Alpha Lambda. Nettles is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a 2012 Orientation Leader, and a mentor for Project Pull.

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Southeastern sophomore biology major Reneé Picou of Livingston has been chosen Miss Southeastern for 2013.

She received her crown from Miss Southeastern 2012 Jennifer Jarreau at the annual pageant in

September.

Picou also received the Evening Gown Award, the Lifestyle and Fitness Award and the “People’s Choice” Award. She will advance to the Miss Louisiana pageant, which will be held in Monroe in June.

First runner up was Erin St. Pierre, junior kinesiology major from Larose, who also received the Miss Congeniality Award, the GPA Award for the highest grade point average, and the Miracle Maker Award for her fund raising efforts in connection with the Miss America Pageant’s charity, the Children’s Miracle Network.

Crystal Gonzalez of Hammond, a sophomore kinesiology major, was second runner-up.

Third runner up was freshman communication major Hailee Webber of Destrehan, who also won the Talent Award for her lyrical dance routine to “Turning Page” from the well-known movie “Breaking Dawn.”

National award presented for community service A Southeastern student is one of 40 college students across the nation to receive a scholarship for her dedication and efforts to better her community.

RBS Citizens Financial Group awarded Sonya Davis $2,500 as part of the TruFit Good Citizen Scholarship challenge. She was the first runner up to the grand prize in the competition that attracted more than 5,000 applicants.

Davis grew up in Bayou Goula in Iberville Parish and is currently enrolled at Southeastern as she applies to nursing school. She previously earned a degree in psychology at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Upon her return to Louisiana, Davis devised a plan to help teenaged mothers. She designed a curriculum with information on Medicaid, medical insurance and family planning. She started an ACT prep class to help high schoolers prepare for the test and later launched a similar initiative for younger students practicing for LEAP tests.

CHAPTER NEWS THETA XI CELEBRATES 50 YEARS – Fifty years ago, the Theta Xi Fraternity was founded on the Southeastern campus, and the group celebrated the anniversary in the Student Union Ballroom Oct. 20. Since its founding at Southeastern, the fraternity initiated 777 men, many of whom reside and or work in the Hammond area.

Approximately 185 members and their wives attended the event, where brothers Jim Faust, Howard Nicholls, and Chris Miaoulis were honored with the Order of the Golden Star.

Coaches Caravan

“Salute the Lions” dinner for all Lion athletes. Over 300 athletes enjoyed a meal that included homemade desserts prepared by FELions members. Special thanks go to Kelly Coudrain and Suzanne Gautier for their help in coordinating the event.

Alumni and fans of Southeastern Athletics gathered in Amite, Baton Rouge and Mandeville this year for the Alumni Association’s annual Coaches Caravans. Attendees heard from Southeastern coaches about their programs and enjoyed Enjoying the Coaches Caravan in Bavisiting with new football coach ton Rouge were, from left, U.S. Judge Ron Roberts. Many thanks to James Brady, Head Football Coach Ron Brad Stevens and the North Tangi Roberts, Glen Bowman and Earl Baron.

Chapter, Mike Hackler and the Red Stick Chapter, and Denis Bechac and the St. Tammany West Chapter for helping to organize and welcome the coaches to their areas.

Alumni Goes to the Fair The Alumni Association joined Washington Parish alums as they celebrated at the 101st Annual Washington Parish Free Fair. Alumni and their families stopped by the Association’s tent October 17 and enjoyed delicious refreshments during the parade. They also cheered for Roomie and Miss Southeastern Reneé Picou, who rode in the parade. The Association thanks Pam Cook Forrest and Jan Branch for hosting Southeastern alumni and friends.

Convocation Picnic The Alumni Association welcomed Southeastern faculty and staff back to campus for the start of the fall semester with the annual Convocation Picnic on August 10. The picnic was possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Aramark, La Capitol Federal Credit Union, First Guaranty Bank and North Oaks Health System.

New Orleans Chapter meets The New Orleans Area Alumni Chapter hosted alumni and friends at Bozo’s Restaurant in Metairie. Alumni enjoyed getting together again with great food and lots of fun. Thanks go to Chapter President Beth Ebberman and chapter members for a great event.

Alumni Tailgating in the Circle

Lone Star Chapter at the Ballpark

The Alumni Association brought back its tailgate in Friendship Circle with a new format and help from the chapters. Thanks go to the following chapters for sponsoring tailgates during home football games this season: African American, North Tangi, Alpha Sigma Tau, Sigma Tau Gamma, Tangi, and Red Stick Chapters. We could not do what we do without your help.

The Lone Star Alumni Chapter enjoyed an evening at Houston’s Minute Maid Park in August during the Astros vs.

Diamondbacks baseball game. Alumni connected with each other and cheered former Southeastern pitcher Wade Miley as he led his team to a victory. Southeastern fans were treated after the game with a special visit from Wade and Katie Miley.

FE-Lions Host Luncheons The FE-Lions have had lively luncheons this fall during their 10th anniversary year. Every luncheon has been packed with activity and fun. Football Coach Ron Roberts has joined them and filled them in on the Lions’ progress each week. Thanks so much to President Bettye Magee and the officers for their hard work putting together great programs.

Above: Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher and former Southeastern baseball star Wade Miley, left, poses with another strikeout leader from Southeastern, Bob Hardy.

FE-Lions Salute the Lions The FE-Lions Chapter of the Alumni Association hosted the annual

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KEEPING IN TOUCH ’54, ‘65 Hubert Polk, a member of the Southeastern Athletics Hall of Fame, was recognized recently when the football stadium at Silliman Institute in Clinton, La., was dedicated in his honor.

‘62 Frank Misuraca, a member of the Southeastern Hall of Fame, was recently inducted into the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame in New Orleans. He has served as athletic director at Jesuit High School in New Orleans for 25 years.

‘68 Clark Forrest Jr. has been appointed director of the Hammond Area Economic and Industrial Development District.

Previously he worked with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development in various positions. ’75 Mignhon Tourne, president and CEO of ASI Federal Credit Union, was profiled in the New Orleans CityBusiness feature on 2012 Moneymakers.

‘79 Michael Skalos has been named to Stanford Who’s Who, a network of leading professionals in various fields. For the last 13 years, he has served as district sales manager with the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, covering the region from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. ’82 Mark Rosa, CEO of Jefferson Financial Credit Union, was profiled in the New Orleans CityBusiness feature on 2012 Moneymakers.

‘87 Patsy Powell Lofstrom of Norwood, La., has been named director of Lane Nursing Home at Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary. She is responsible for coordinating all aspects of nursing care for the facility. Prior to her appointment, she was a coordinator at Lane Rehabilitation Center. ’87, ’99 Melissa Stilley, the former chief academic officer at the Tangipahoa Parish School System, has been named a network director in the Louisiana Department of Education. She will lead a team of 13 people in working with superintendents, principals and teachers in the transition to common core education and in the implementation of a new evaluation system.

Alumnus Donald George presents masterclass Operatic tenor and Southeastern alumnus Donald George (’69) returned to his alma mater during Fanfare, where he performed in concert with Lucy Mauro on piano and later conducted a masterclass for students. The former 2010 Alumnus of the Year also presented the first Donald George Vocal Scholarship to student Sarah Bertrand. George is an associate professor of voice at The Crane School of Music at State University of New York in Potsdam.

’89, ‘90 J. Steven Covington has been appointed director of the Office of Stewardship and Development for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He has held senior fundraising positions with the LSU College of Music and Dramatic Arts, Loyola University in New Orleans, and the University of Alabama.

‘89 Nanette Greer McCann, principal of Baton Rouge Magnet High School for the past 11 years, was named the Louisiana Department of Education High School Principal of the Year. She will be entered in the MetLife National Association of Secondary School Principals competition for Principal of the Year. ’92 Regina “Ginny” Galloway Crow has been named chief nursing officer at River Region Health System in Vicksburg, Miss., after previously serving as assistant chief nursing officer. Before joining River Region, she served as vice president of clinical services/director of nursing for North Oaks Health System in Hammond.

‘92 Carole Elliot has been named the new central office liaison for elementary schools by the Office of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Orleans. Previously she served as an associate superintendent.

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‘95 Maria Mateu Ward has been named principal of St. Isidore School in Danville, Calif. She joined the school’s staff 10 years ago as a fourth grade teacher and most recently served as the school’s vice principal. ’98 Tyler Smith, an instructor of voice and vocal pedagogy at Loyola University in New Orleans, recently sang the title role in the New Orleans Opera’s production of Pagliacci.

He has presented recitals throughout the United States, South America and Europe.

‘99 Nancy Boutte has joined Apex Innovations of Lafayette as director of clinical compliance. With more than 37 years of clinical and administrative health care experience, she has worked in hospital administration, perioperative management and nursing services. She holds her master’s in nursing from Southeastern.

‘99 Richard Palisi Jr. of Hammond, former postmaster of the Covington Post Office, has been named the new postmaster for Hammond. ’00 Erin Bendily has been named assistant superintendent for policy and external affairs at the Louisiana Department of Education.

‘00 Daniel Edwards has been appointed principal of Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge. He previously was assistant principal at McKinley Middle Academic Magnet School.

‘01 Myles B. Gill has been promoted to the rank of major in the U.S. Army Reserve. He is an operations engineer staff officer assigned to the 377th Theater Sustainment Command in New Orleans. ’02, ‘06 Michael DeArmond, formerly of Hammond and Tickfaw, was ordained into the Dominican Order of Deacons in St. Louis on Sept. 15. ’02 Krassen Karagiozov is a resident principal artist with Opera San Jose and has also sung with New York City Opera and at the Caramoof Festival, among others. This year he will make debut appearances with Liverpool Opera and Opera Santa Barbara. ’03 Angelina Drago, the ProStart instructor at Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville, was awarded the James H. Maynard Excellence in Education Award in Chicago. She was one of two ProStart educators to receive the $5,000 cash prize from the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation and Golden Corral. ProStart is a high school program that offers training in the restaurant industry.

‘05 Essie Cockrell, academic adviser and recruiter for the LSU Health Science Center School of Nursing, has retired after 17 years of service. “The pre-nursing students who interacted with her on a regular basis can certainly attest to her value,” said Paul Ivey, executive director of LSU University College.

‘05 Dawn Long, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, is working on Slidell Memorial Hospital’s Pediatric Patient Care Unit. She previously worked with Children’s International Group, a pediatric practice in Slidell. ’07 Dustin “Dusty” Thomas is the kitchen manager for Mr. B’s Bistro in New Orleans.

’08 Freddie McClendon has been named a partner at Faulk & Winkler accounting firm in Baton Rouge.

He oversees the Client Accounting Services Department and provides consulting services to many of the firm’s governmental organizations.

High School. He is currently working on his doctorate in educational leadership at Southeastern. ’11 Gary Marlbrough, a former teacher in the St. Tammany Parish School System, has been promoted to principal of Chahta-Ima Elementary School in Lacombe.

ROOMS AVAILABLE IN JAMESTOWN AREA

‘08 Mike Sevante, who has served as St. Tammany Parish Council administrator since 2000, has been appointed deputy council attorney. In addition to an MBA from Southeastern, he holds a law degree from Southern University. ’08 Athen Sweet has been named a partner at Faulk & Winkler accounting firm in Baton Rouge, where he leads the firm’s health care consulting practice. ’09 Lacey Pyle of Atlanta is currently graphic designer and web coordinator for North Georgia College and State University of Atlanta, where she is responsible for maintaining the visual identity of the university.

‘10 Ashley Lemoine, a Southeastern organizational communication graduate, has been appointed public relations coordinator for Zehnder Communications, an advertising agency with offices in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Nashville. She recently earned a master’s degree in mass communications from LSU.

Alumnus D.B. “Bert” Gray and his wife Vickie, who live just across the James River from Jamestown and Williamsburg, Va., are offering free rooms to friends of Southeastern who are visiting the area.

Their home is approximately three hours south of Washington, DC, and includes a two-acre stocked pond and 1,500-acre lake. For information, contact Bert at dbgray@hughes.net

The official Southeastern ring and pendant Order your’s today.

1-866-Balfour or balfourcollege.com

’10 Chris Mycoskie has been appointed assistant commissioner of the Southland Conference, where he has administrative oversight of the Southland Conference Television Network, managing game production and affiliate relations. ’11 John Favaloro has been named a financial services representative with Creative Financial Solutions in Lafayette.

‘11 Lance Harrell has been named principal of O.W. Dillon Elementary School in Kentwood. An educator for 13 years, he previously served as assistant principal and disciplinarian at Ponchatoula Junior 13

Rec Sports – Join now!

Now is the best time for alumni to sign up at Southeastern’s state-of-the-art fitness center featuring exciting new renovations and equipment to whip you into shape!

Visit the Pennington Student Activity Center or call the Membership Desk at 985-549-5734.

PHILANTHROPY AT&T, Whitney Bank support new Completer Scholarship initiative More than 80 percent of Southeastern undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. In some instances, that aid is exhausted before students are able to complete their degrees. Southeastern is embarking on a major initiative with donors to provide “completer” scholarship aid for students who may be unable to finish school without financial assistance.

Two corporate donors have stepped up to provide initial funding for completer scholarships. AT&T has provided a $43,000 gift, and Whitney Bank has given $10,000. Both companies are generous supporters of Southeastern that wanted to focus their gifts on one of the university’s highest priority initiatives.

“It is vitally important to both our students and the university that we continue to grow our graduation rates,” said President John L. Crain. “We want our students to know that if they make academic progress, they can afford to complete their degrees.”

A number of demographic factors make it challenging for many students to complete in four years: • 67 percent of our students work at jobs outside the classroom • 32 percent are working more than 30 hours a week while attending college • 20 percent are married and 22 percent have dependent children under the age of 18 • 37 percent commute 30 or more miles one way to campus to attend classes • 26 percent are first generation college students who may have fewer support systems at home.

Extending completer aid through support from private, foundation and corporate gifts is one of the university’s financial priorities.

Together, Southeastern and our donors can address the need for a highly skilled and educated workforce in Louisiana.

Several donors have also contributed to completer aid specifically for studentathletes, who lose their athletic eligibility and scholarships after four years. These include the Marcia & Cameron Barr Fifth Year Aid to Athletes Endowment, the Daigle Fifth Year Aid to Athletes Endowment and the Trapp Fifth Year Aid to Athletes Endowment.

For information about how you can support students at Southeastern in completing their degrees, contact the Foundation at 866-474-4438. Your gift will truly change a student’s life for the better.

The Smith Family: Support from parents key to Southeastern success Southeastern is fortunate to count the parents of its students as some of the university’s strongest supporters. With the continuing decrease in state financial support, the university must depend even more on the parent members of the Southeastern family for its future success.

Mike and Pamela Smith, parents of junior kinesiology major Abbey Smith, are highly involved parents Southeastern parents Mike and Pamela Smith pose with their daughter, Abbey, a member of the Queen’s Court during who believe strongly in helping to Homecoming 2012. The Smiths have made several financial give back what their daughter is gifts to Southeastern to help other students receive the high receiving from Southeastern. The quality of education the university has provided to Abbey.

Smiths note that Southeastern was Abbey’s first choice because she loved the campus and she was treated like an individual.

“She chose Southeastern,” said Pamela Smith of Abbey. “She had a high GPA and SAT score so doors were wide open for her, but she wanted to go here. She loved the beautiful campus and the modern student housing, and it’s been very easy for her to have access to her professors. Southeastern is a hidden jewel.”

Abbey Smith has taken advantage of all of the opportunities Southeastern has to offer and has been very involved on campus. She was named Southeastern Freshman Woman of the Year, Alpha Omicron Pi’s New Member of the Year, and she received the Southeastern Green “S” Award. This year, she was a member of the Homecoming Court. The Smiths credit Southeastern with providing a welcoming and encouraging environment in which Abbey has thrived, and they want to preserve that legacy for other students through their philanthropic gifts.

“It’s all about relationships,” said Mike Smith. “Southeastern does a great job of that.

When we see how well Abbey has done here and the quality of education she has received, we want to help make that happen for other students. It’s so easy to give back. It doesn’t take much time, just a little effort.”

The Smiths have made several gifts to Southeastern in support of student scholarships.

To find out how you can make an impact for students at Southeastern, call 985-549-2239 or email advancement@southeastern.edu.

Watch for Swabbin’ 4 Robin events on campus and like us on Facebook!

Southeastern is in the midst of a student-led campaign to educate people about the critical need for bone marrow donors, particularly minority donors, and to register people for the National Marrow Donor Database through the nonprofit Be the Match. (See story in this issue on page 4) Watch for a listing of Swabbin’ 4 Robin events on campus in the spring, and come support this effort on behalf of Southeastern alumna and Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, who is currently recovering from a bone marrow transplant. Be sure to “like” Swabbin’ 4 Robin on Facebook (facebook.com/ swabbin4robin) and check the website (southeastern.edu/swabbin4robin) frequently for updates as the campaign continues through May 2013.

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Southeastern alumni strongly represented at First Guaranty Bank Alumni of Southeastern can be found across the country and around the globe. However, many graduates have also found successful positions close to home. One major employer is First Guaranty Bank, which employs 44 of our alumni or current students.

“Southeastern graduates are not only well educated, but they are also well prepared for the business world, enthusiastic, dependable and innovative,” said Alton B. Lewis, First Guaranty’s chief executive officer. “They provide leadership at all levels of the bank and offer a wide range of perspectives.”

Recently, Dean Randy Settoon of the College of Business visited with the Southeastern alumni at First Guaranty, updating them on

activities within the college. Settoon noted that the college strives to bring a balance between theory and practice to its curriculum, and he welcomed the input and participation of regional businesses.

“It’s so important that we constantly communicate and engage in substantial ways with the business community,” he said.

Southeastern and First Guaranty Bank have a mutually beneficial longstanding relationship. The bank partners with Southeastern to support a number of programs and initiatives, including Business Perspectives Week, Chefs Evening, Columbia Theatre and Athletics.

First Guaranty also provides internship opportunities for Southeastern students through the College of Business.

Project Friendship bricks placed during Homecoming The first set of personalized engraved bricks, part of Southeastern’s Project Friendship brick campaign, were laid in Friendship Circle during Homecoming 2012.

It’s not too late to purchase a brick and have your name and message, or that of a loved one, forever preserved on campus.

Proceeds from Project Friendship support Southeastern’s programs through the Annual Fund and are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Bricks are priced at $100 for a 4" x 8" (three lines) or $250 for an 8" x 8" (six lines). For more information or to order a Friendship brick, call 985-549-3770 or visit southeastern. edu/projectfriendship.

Sunday, March 3, 2013 CHEFS EVENING • 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Pennington Student Activity Center PRESIDENT’S TOAST • 4 – 5 p.m. featuring Chefs Marc Lyons and Jenna Pecoraro of Covey Rise Lodge sponsored by La Capital Federal Credit Union Hosted by the Southeastern Foundation, Chefs Evening provides financial support for the university’s five colleges.

Join us for a wonderful evening featuring many of the area’s top chefs serving their best dishes, a live band, and live and silent auctions with spectacular prizes.

Projec�

Friendship

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities visit southeastern.edu/chefsevening • 985-549-2420

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ATHLETICS All-Southland soccer team features 8 Lady Lions

HALL OF FAMERS RECOGNIZED – Southeastern honored three new inductees into the Athletics Hall of Fame earlier this season. Shown, from left, are Athletics Director Bart Bellairs, President John L. Crain, and honorees Donald Dykes, Kim McNally and Kendra Oney.

Three are named to Athletics Hall of Fame Three former Southeastern athletes were inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in September at halftime of Southeastern’s 25-24 win over McNeese State.

Entering the Hall of Fame were former soccer players Kim McNally and Kendra Oney, along with two-sport standout Donald Dykes. The induction of the trio increased the all-time membership to 128. They were formally inducted in an afternoon ceremony in the Hall of Champions at the University Center before being introduced at halftime of the football contest.

The addition of McNally, who played for the Lady Lions from 2002-04, and Oney, who played from 2000-03, marked the first time two players from the same sport were inducted in the same year since former Lady Lion basketball players Queen Brumfield Nard and Pam Cook Forrest were enshrined in 1998.

In a brilliant three-year career in which she was a first-team All-Southland Conference selection each season and 2002 SLC Newcomer of the Year, McNally set Southeastern and SLC career records for points scored (127), goals (55) and hat tricks (7).

She scored a single-season school-record 52 points in 2002 for the Lady Lions, which included a school-record 21 goals. McNally added school career records in shots taken (272) and game-winning goals (15).

Oney teamed with McNally to help Southeastern to a pair of Southland Conference regular-season titles (2002 and 2003) and was the league’s Player of the Year in 2003. She concluded her Lady Lion career second in points scored (93), goals (38), game-winning goals (13) and shots taken (240). A two-time All-Southland selection, Oney recorded seven game-winning goals in 2003 to set a school and SLC singleseason record.

Dykes, a Hammond native, excelled both on the track and the football field. A four-year letterman in football, Dykes blocked 12 kicks and recorded six interceptions during his career that saw him become a third-round draft choice by the New York Jets in the 1979 NFL Draft. Dykes played four seasons in the NFL, including three seasons with the Jets (1979-81) and one with the San Diego Chargers (1982).

In 1980, he was third on the Jets’ team with five interceptions and added an interception in the 1981 NFL Playoffs against Buffalo.

On the track, Dykes was an eight-time All-American and was one of the top long jumpers in the world. He won three national championships at Southeastern, including twice in the long jump, and helped the Lions to the 1975 national championship. In 1977, he set a school and the state record with a long jump of (26 feet, 3 inches), which was 17th best in the world at the time. He was also an NAIA outdoor champion in the event posting a mark of 25-11 at the 1977 meet. He also holds the outdoor record in the triple jump (52 feet, 9.5 inches) and the indoor school record in the long jump (24 feet, 7 inches) that he set at the 1975 NAIA Indoor Championships.

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Southeastern senior forward Maiya Cooper and senior goalkeeper Lacey Bockhaus were named to the first team to highlight an eight-player Lady Lion contingent on the 2012 All-Southland Conference Soccer Teams.

Cooper and Bockhaus were joined by second team selection and junior midfielder Kelsey Salcido. Senior midfielders Karly Dagys and Lauren Stillians, junior defender Shaynce Shaw, freshman defender Cheyenne Maxwell and freshman forward Kayla Vera were named to the Honorable Mention team.

Cooper, of Hawthorne, Calif., is the second Lady Lion and fifth player in Southland history to earn first team AllConference honors four times.

The first player in school Cooper history to post four seasons of double-digit goals, she leads the team with 10 goals and ranks second in school history in career goals (47).

Bockhaus made history of her own with her third firstteam All-Southland nod and her fourth All-Southland selection overall. She is second in the Southland with nine Bockhaus shutouts.

Salcido earned a second All-Southland nod.

The Lakewood, Calif., native is second on the team with five goals and three assists.

Highlighting the honorable mention selections is Dagys, who was named All-Southland for the fourth consecutive year. With two goals and two assists on the season, the Oakville, Ont., native is the school’s career leader with 27.

Stillians was selected All-Southland for the second time in her career. The versatile Manhattan Beach, Calif., native ranks fifth in school history with 19 career assists.

Shaw also is a two-time All-Southland Conference honoree. The Ajax, Ont., native led a defense that shutout five of its final six opponents of the regular season.

Making their first appearance on the team are freshmen Maxwell and Vera. Maxwell, of Sacramento, Calif., led a 4-1-1 stretch to close the regular season. Vera rounds out the Southeastern All-Southland contingent. The Vancouver, Wash., native was an immediate impact player up top during the regular season, sitting at second on the team with five goals to go with a team-high six assists.

1

Schedules

2012 – 2013

Men’s Home Basketball DATE

OPPONENT

DECEMBER 29 SPRING HILL JANUARY 3 ORAL ROBERTS* 5 CENTRAL ARKANSAS* 12 NICHOLLS STATE* 24 SAM HOUSTON STATE* 26 TEXAS A&M

-CORPUS CHRISTI*

TIME

4 pm

7:15 pm 4 pm 4 pm 7:15 pm 4 pm

2

3

FEBRUARY 14 NORTHWESTERN STATE* 7:15 pm 16 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN* 4 pm MARCH 7 MCNEESE STATE* 9 LAMAR (SENIOR DAY)*

7:15 pm 4 pm

4

Women’s Home Basketball JANUARY 3 ORAL ROBERTS* 5 CENTRAL ARKANSAS* 12 NICHOLLS STATE* 24 SAM HOUSTON STATE* 26 TEXAS A&M

-CORPUS CHRISTI*

5 5:15 pm 2 pm 2 pm 5:15 pm 2 pm

FEBRUARY 14 NORTHWESTERN STATE* 5:15 pm 16 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN* 2 pm MARCH 7 MCNEESE STATE* 9 LAMAR (SENIOR DAY)*

5:15 pm 2 pm

r Get you

&

Green

Gold !

For the Lion Fan on your gift giving list... Items available at RaceTrac * Southland Conference game All times Central For a complete schedule, go to lionsports.net

include: (1) I am a Lion message bracelet, $1.50. Items available from Mandeville Party Company include: (2) assorted bottle cap jewelry, $9.99. Items available from Connie's Impessons and C.I. Sports include (3) Southeastern hat, scarf and gloves set, $19.95; (4) Southeastern flannel pajama pants, $15.50; and (5) Southeastern wind resistant jacket, $56.95.

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 Director of Public and Governmental Affairs Erin Cowser at 985-549-5861.

Southeastern Louisiana University Alumni Association 500 West University Avenue Hammond, LA 70401 southeastern.edu

Non-Prof. Org. U.S.Postage Presorted Standard Permit No. 54 Hammond, LA

Pardon our progress Southeastern students and staff dedicated the construction of a new $32 million renovation and enlargement of the War Memorial Student Union during Homecoming Week. Phase I construction, which is scheduled to conclude in November 2013, occurs in the background. The project is being funded through a self-assessed student fee and revenues obtained from participating commercial providers that occupy space in the building. The project is expected to be completed in late 2014 and will add approximately 90,000 square feet of new construction and renovation of a similar area of the current structure.