Alumni News Fall 2013

Alumni

NEWS

FA L L 2 0 1 3

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

Homecoming 2013 • Student success strategies • Football, soccer win championships

Alumni

N EW S

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 Stacey Neal ’91 President Daryl Ferrara ’92 President-elect Sally Carlisle ’02 Secretary Stephen Anderson ’87 Treasurer Board Members Melissa Bordelon ’89 Jeremy Adamson ’96 Jennifer Haik ’93 Betsy Hood ’04 Dan Brewer ’69 Jan Labbe ’75, ’91 Josh Taylor ’05, ’06 Chuck Toney ’06 Ricky Masaracchia ’84 Pete Panepinto ’93 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 Head Football Coach Ron Roberts celebrates the Lions’ win against Sam Houston State in the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoff game held Dec. 7 in Strawberry Stadium. Joining the coach in the celebration are linebacker Isiah Corbett, left, and defensive back Cole LeBlanc.

The Lions went to the playoffs for the first time in history as winners of the Southland Conference.

A message from President John L. Crain Ask just about anyone attending this fall’s Homecoming celebration and they will tell you it was one of the best attended, exuberant and exciting events in recent years. With beautiful weather, Southeastern alumni and friends gathered for a day full of events, tailgating, the annual Homecoming parade and football in Strawberry Stadium. Recognized this year were Alumnus of the Year Hamilton “Hammy” Mixon, formerly of Kentwood, who has risen through the ranks of international corporate security, and Young Alumna of the Year Samantha Perez, a Southeastern instructor of history who already has an enviable resume for a young academic.

The Lions football team captured its first Southland Conference Championship title and earned the right to compete in the national football playoffs. Their success, after a 10-2 season and sweep of all Southland Conference games, has generated a contagion of enthusiasm, not just on campus, but throughout the community. Combined with Southland Conference success earned last spring by the golf and tennis teams and this fall by the Lady Lions soccer team, we have every reason to be proud of all of our student-athletes.

Like the successes demonstrated on the athletic fields and courts, we are also proud of the progress and accomplishments of our academic programs, faculty and students. In this issue of Alumni News, we include stories on an enhanced retention program designed to improve the academic success of our students, national accreditations and recognition of several programs, and strengthened relationships with businesses designed to provide our students with ready-to-work knowledge and skills.

In spite of budget cuts over the past five years, Southeastern has continued to progress by placing its vision and priorities in order. It would not have been accomplished without the steady support of our alumni, supporters and friends.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from our Southeastern family to yours!

A message from your Alumni president Homecoming 2013 drew one of the biggest crowds to campus in over 20 years. As President of the Alumni Association, I was delighted to see so many of our alumni back on campus and enjoying all of the festivities. From the crowds of people standing along the parade route, to the tailgating, to standing room only in the stadium, Lion fans were out in full force. A special thanks to our Fe-Lions for being this year’s sponsors.

This year I had the honor of spending some time with our Alumnus of the Stacey Neal, ’91 Year, Hamilton Mixon. Hearing him talk to the students about how his time at Southeastern has shaped his career and his life reinforced my appreciation for my own degree and made me proud to be a Lion! It was wonderful having Hamilton and all of the distinguished alumni on campus visiting with old classmates and current students.

As budget cuts to our university continue, educational opportunities for our community are threatened. This issue will continue to affect not only the students, but our local business environment and our quality of life. I encourage all of our alumni and friends to be the voice and champions for higher education, as Southeastern is your alma mater and has made an impact on all of our lives.

It’s time to Lion Up!

CARIBBEAN SEA Colón Panama City

Panama Canal

PANAMA

GOLF OF PANAMA

PA C I F I C O C E A N

Southeastern inks agreement with Panama’s Free Trade Zone Southeastern is the first U.S. university to enter into an agreement with the Free Trade Zone of Colon, Panama, making the university the zone’s educational partner.

The agreement, signed by College of Business Dean Randy Settoon and Luis G. Gomez, president of the Free Trade Zone Association of Colon, will provide opportunities for executive and professional development for the zone’s more than 3,000 international companies, their executives and 33,000 workers. Other opportunities, according to Settoon, include exchange programs, international internships and trade missions with the second largest free trade zone in the world.

The zone has imports and exports surpassing $5 billion annually and a market of more than 525 million consumers in Central and South America and the Caribbean.

“We are pleased to have Southeastern as a partner,” said Gomez at the signing. “It will provide a new dimension for the association to expand activities for their member corporations and for the country of Panama.”

Settoon noted the Southeastern College of Business has provided professional development training for business and governments in Central America and has served as a liaison for trade missions over the past decade through its Hispanic Business Institute.

He said the new agreement opens the door for greater opportunities for Southeastern students and faculty, especially those interested in international business.

Aristides Baraya, director of the Hispanic Business Institute, said the institute’s mission is to create venues for active engagement between business leaders in Louisiana, Latin America and Southeastern’s business students and faculty.

“This partnership is another of many we have forged with the purpose of creating an appreciation of the diversity of culture, business practice and the importance of social responsibility,” he said.

“To be considered the zone’s educational partner and to provide unique learning experiences first-hand through joint activities with our new international corporate partners — at one of the most strategic points along the global trade route — is without a doubt something of which we are very proud,” Settoon added.

EXCHANGE AGREEMENT REACHED – Southeastern College of Business Dean Randy Settoon, right, and Luis G. Gomez, president of the Colon Free Trade Zone Association, sign a memorandum of understanding that establishes a cooperative program between the two groups. The agreement provides for Southeastern to offer executive and professional development opportunities for the zone's international companies, executives and workers.

1

2013

work of classmates, mentors and others who assisted him throughout a career that started as a trooper with the Louisiana State Police and led to high level security positions with several international firms.

“Southeastern helped prepare me for the road ahead,” said Mixon. “Southeasern gave me the foundation, and I would not be where I am today were it not for that. I am humbled, overwhelmed and surprised by this honor.”

He said that after he left Southeastern he would often call his former professors and other contacts for advice that he knew he could depend on.

“I spent four of the most phenomenal years of my life here,” he recalled. “With no offense to other wonderful universities in Louisiana and throughout the United States, Southeastern just offers a personal atmosphere that you’re just not going to find everywhere.”

Mixon joined the Louisiana State Police following graduation at Southeastern and served in a variety of capacities, including the Criminal Intelligence Unit, commander of the Governor’s Manson; and with the Public Safety Public Information Unit. He retired after 17 years with the State Police and entered the private sector as director of corporate security for Jazz Enterprises, a gaming and hospitality company headquartered in Baton Rouge and Reno, Nev. That experience opened the door for him with Healthcare Security Services in San Jose, Calif.

For eight years Mixon served as director of corporate security for Genetech, Inc., the world’s largest biopharmaceutical company. He also worked for Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston before joining the multi-national computer technology company Oracle.

Homecoming honors distinguished graduates Homecoming 2013 will be remembered as one of the best attended, enthusiastic homecoming events in recent years.

Featuring a week’s worth of activities for students, faculty, alumni and other visitors, Homecoming this year was sponsored by the Fe-Lions, the alumni chapter of female Lion supporters who infused their unique blend of spirit and enthusiasm.

Among the activities were the Phi Kappa Phi Quiz Bowl, pitting student and faculty teams against each other, the annual Gumbo YaYa Fest, bonfire, tailgating, recognition of donors, Homecoming parade and the crowning of the student king and queen. Capping the festivities was a 56–34 win by the Southeastern Lions over Lamar, extending their winning streak to five straight games.

Highlighting the week was the Alumni Awards Evening, where Southeastern President John L. Crain toasted the Alumni Association and its hundreds of members in attendance.

ALUMNI OF THE YEAR International security consultant Hamilton “Hammy” Mixon was honored as the Alumni Association’s 2013 Alumnus of the Year.

A native of Amite and former Louisiana State Trooper, Mixon, who most recently was director of global security for the popular social media web site Facebook, was recognized at the Association’s Alumni Awards evening.

The 1979 graduate with degrees in criminal justice, psychology and sociology credited his alma mater with providing him a net-

Above: Alumnus of the Year Hamilton Mixon and Young Alumna of the Year Samantha Perez were recognized during Homecoming Week. From left are Alumni Association Director Kathy Pittman, President John L. Crain, Perez, Mixon, and Alumni Association President Stacey Neal.

2

AWARDS PRESENTED – Amite attorney Brad Stevens, left, and Dawn Dottolo Starkey, administrative assistant in the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, were recognized for their services at the the Alumni Association’s Awards Evening. Stevens received the Association’s Distinguished Service Award while Starkey was honored with the L.E. Chandler Award for her work with students.

Also, at the banquet, Southeastern History Instructor Samantha Perez of Violet was recognized as the Young Alumna of the Year. As an undergraduate at Southeastern, she was a double major in history and honors English with minors in creative writing and gender studies.

She was named the Outstanding Graduating Senior in both history and English. Perez graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point average and was a recipient of the President’s Medal for Academic Excellence, which recognizes the top graduate in each college. She was one of 60 students in the nation to receive a Phi Kappa Phi fellowship and among the top five in the South Central Region.

Currently completing a doctoral program at Tulane University, Perez was cited for a 50-minute documentary written and produced by her and her husband Josh Robin about their shared heritage in St. Bernard Parish. The film, Louisiana’s Lost Treasure: The Isleños, led to Perez writing a book, The Isleños of Louisiana: On the Water’s Edge.

OTHER AWARDS PRESENTED Other awards and recipients announced at the event included: Distinguished Service Award – Amite attorney Brad Stevens was honored for his work as president of the North Tangi Alumni Chapter, in helping to organize the fall coaches caravans, and for his service on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Lion Athletics Association.

L.E. Chandler Award – Presented to an alumnus or member of the faculty, staff for their work in assisting students, the Chandler Award was given to Dawn Dottolo Starkey, a member of the staff in the Office of the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.

Director’s Diamond Award – Presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond in their volunteerism to the association, the award was given to Janet Moran of Hammond.

The Friendship Oak Award was presented to the following groups and individuals: • Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; • Rene Abadie, director of the Southeastern Office of Public Information; • Joseph Burns, professor of communication and creator of KSLU radio station’s popular award-winning show Rock School; • Danny Heitman of Baton Rouge for his work as an editorial writer for the Advocate and as a regular contributor of columns to publications such as the Wall Street Journal and the Christian Science Monitor.

ALPHA OMICRON PI HONORED – The ladies of Alpha Omicron Pi were honored by the Alumni Association on the occasion of their 50th anniversary on campus. Pictured are, front row, left to right: Crystal Gonzalez, Taylor Newsom, Anna Elizabeth Espey, Virginia Stevenson, and Miss Southeastern Rene Picou; back row, left to right, Laura Dunlap, President John L. Crain, Gayle Miller, Wendy Caillouet, Pattie Dowie, Janin Johnson, Ava Ladell, Kelsey Dunham, and Ashleigh Balot.

HONOREES RECOGNIZED – The Association recognized several other individuals with special awards. Pictured from left are Professor of Communication Joseph Burns, who received the Friendship Oak Award; volunteer Janet Moran of Hammond, who was presented with the Director’s Diamond Award; Advocate editorial writer Danny Heitman of Baton Rouge and Southeastern Director of Public Information Rene Abadie with Friendship Oak awards.

3

PROVIDING HELP – In the Southeastern Writing Center Thomas Moore, right, gets some assistance on a project from English graduate assistant Rob Carper. The Writing Center is one of a number of resources at the university that students can turn to for assistance in their academics.

Southeastern strenghtens strategies to succeed Southeastern’s newly formed Student Retention and Progression Task Force is examining several new and ongoing strategies designed to identify and help students early on who may be experiencing academic problems.

Using evaluation of data, faculty, staff and administrators are working with students employing a variety of options and best practices that enhance the freshman experience, with a special focus on helping students succeed in the classroom and progress in their selected fields of study.

While Southeastern has resources for established students readily available, the task force is working on determining additional strategies that can be implemented to further help students perform and succeed academically.

At nearly every university, many freshmen face difficulties associated with the transition from high school. Retaining those students while maintaining academic rigor has become an increasingly important concern. A large part of the evaluation of the success of an institution has been placed on its freshmen retention and overall graduation rates.

“Over recent years, our retention and graduation rates have trended upwards, so we were a little concerned when the fall semester showed a downward tick in our freshmen to sophomore retention numbers,” said President John L. Crain. “We’re looking at

expanding what has worked for us in the past, as well as implementing new short-term and long-term strategies that positively impact student retention.”

Certain “barrier” courses seem to present problems for freshmen students. For years, Southeastern’s English and math faculty have provided mid-term grades to students with a grade lower than C.

When my grades were low and I almost quit school, I took part in this amazing program, and that has helped me turn my grades around. I’m actually excited about school now.

– Mia Broussard, Senior

“Our faculty reaches out to students who are at risk of earning an unsatisfactory grade, via email or person-to-person, to ensure they are aware of their situation,” said Tim Hudson, head of the Department of Mathematics. “They can work together to determine strategies or find resources that can help them improve their grades.”

4

“Some incoming freshmen have trouble adjusting to college-level expectations in their first course, so they may experience something of a shock when they take their first test,” added Hudson. “We want to reach these students and encourage them to make significant changes in how they study and prepare for assignments and tests before it is too late. We hope this shows that we value them as students and want them to succeed.”

“For years now, the English Department has been reporting midterm grades for students earning grades below a C in our writing courses,” said Freshman English Coordinator Natasha Whitton.

“We send these students a letter encouraging them to use the many resources that we make available within the department for students to improve their writing. All of our writing faculty use their office hours for one-on-one sessions with students to go over their work. If those hours are not convenient, we have a fully-staffed Writing Center open Monday through Friday. The Writing Center tutors have access to all faculty assignments so they can gear their sessions to the needs of the individual student.”

Data show that barrier courses are not limited to English and math, so the university is now notifying students in all freshman-level courses of mid-term grades lower than C. Faculty contact those students to discuss possible reasons for their unsatisfactory performance and ways to improve their performance. Associate Professor of Communication Claire Procopio said faculty in the Department of Languages and Communication are making a special effort to let students know the help that is available to them, whether it be tutoring services through the Center for Student Excellence, Counseling Center services, or financial aid assistance, to name a few.

“Our faculty members are letting these students know when we see they are in trouble,” she said. “We’re asking them, ‘What can we do to help you?’ It’s also very motivational. We are reminding them that we value them and want them to do well.”

In addition to providing mid-term grades and faculty outreach to at-risk students, Southeastern offers a variety of other resources.

Among these are intensive labs for math assistance, learning communities in residence halls, departmental student lounges where

students can address academic and other problems, and the Center for Student Excellence, which provides advisers, tutors, and supplemental instruction for students in a wide range of disciplines.

The College of Business instituted two programs to assist students experiencing academic difficulties: the Academic Success Plan for students readmitted on academic appeal, and a specially-designed program that targets business majors who have been placed on academic probation. The programs — which address issues such as time management, strategic selection of course combinations, and achieving balance in school, work and life — have proven to be successful. Students completing the Academic Success Plan program show a 70 percent rate of success in remaining in school compared to only 28 percent who don’t participate.

“We’re now getting requests from students who are not at academic risk to be a part of these programs as well,” said Lynn Stirling of the College of Business. “They have heard about the successes of students in the programs and even though they are not at-risk students themselves, they see an opportunity to improve their performance through these programs.”

Senior finance major Mia Broussard says the program turned her academic career around.

“When my grades were low and I almost quit school, I took part in this amazing program, and that has helped me turn my grades around,” Broussard said. “I’m actually excited about school now.”

“Southeastern faculty, administrators, and staff recognize the importance of reaching out to students and providing academic support to help us perform well,” said SGA President Greg Crovetto.

“Students today face many challenges. Time for study has to be squeezed into a full schedule of courses often accompanied by a full-time or part-time job and perhaps family responsibilities.

“Southeastern cannot do our work for us,” he added. “We appreciate the university providing resources to facilitate student success and going the extra mile to make sure students are aware of those resources.”

Above: Lynn Stirling, chief officer for Academic Programming and Student Affairs in the College of Business, conducts a session in the college’s Academic Success Plan.

Above, right: Student Mallory Wollfarth of River Ridge, left, gets some assistance with her psychology course from tutor Lane Fryou in the Center for Student Excellence.

5

CAMPUS NEWS Accelerated program launched in information technology Looking to meet a growing area demand for computer science and information technology professionals, Southeastern is launching its Accelerated Computing Engagement program that enables qualified students to graduate within three years with a bachelor’s degree in information technology.

The program will require formal internship coursework, ensuring students complete degree requirements with close industry ties and real-world experience, said Sebastian van Delden, head of the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology.

“The internship is an essential part of the curriculum,” van Delden added. “From our conversations with employers, we know they are looking for personnel who are ready to hit the ground running. The ACE program provides students with the kind of hands-on, practical experience that makes them ready for the workforce.”

Currently, 12 area information technology, software development and other computer-related firms have signed on with the university to serve as internship sites for students in the ACE program.

“Southeastern’s ACE program is a perfect marriage between an aggressive curriculum and the IT (information technology) overachiever,” said Calvin Fabre, chief executive officer at Envõc, a software development firm located in Baton Rouge and Hammond that already hires Southeastern student workers and plans to participate in the internship program. “Technological immersion is the plan and reward of the program, with the outcome being a skilled craftsman.”

Southeastern named Military Friendly again For the third 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. The listing honors the top 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 success on campus.

“This is an indicator of our commitment to our veterans and their educational success,” said President John L. Crain. “It is an honor to be among the top institutions helping these individuals who have made great sacrifices in service to our state and nation.”

NEW MEDIA PROGRAM NAMED ONE OF BEST IN THE SOUTH Southeastern’s New Media and Animation program was named one of the best programs in the South for the second year by Animation Career Review.

Initiated only a few years ago, the program was ranked 15th by the website, moving up from its 20th position last year. Rankings are based on academic reputation and feedback from industry firms and employers.

6

Chemistry program receives NSF grant for new spectrometer The Southeastern chemistry program will add a new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer to its equipment arsenal, thanks to a $274,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.

The unit is arguably the most powerful and important piece of equipment used to determine the structure of molecules, explained Debra Dolliver, associate professor of chemistry. She and Jean Fotie, assistant professor of chemistry, were the primary applicants for the device, in collaboration with chemists Bill Parkinson, Zhengrong Li and Thomas Sommerfeld and physicist David Norwood.

“Essentially, this is an MRI for molecules,” said Dolliver. “A molecule is placed in a large magnetic field, allowing the scientist to interpret signals from the molecule when it is subjected to relatively low energy electromagnetic waves.

From these signals, we can detect a surprising amount of information about the types of bonds and the order of connections between atoms.”

The new NMR will replace one that had been donated to the university several years ago by an area industrial plant.

“This new unit has a higher magnetic field strength and therefore will give us greater detail about compounds,” she added.

Dolliver said several Southeastern chemists are involved in making new compounds as part of their research. The new NMR will allow the scientists to better clarify these compounds and to see the finer structure in the molecules. In addition, the instrument will produce images of a higher resolution that are of publication quality.

She said that almost all students working in research within the chemistry program will be trained to independently use the instrument and to fully interpret the data it produces.

“This makes our students ready for the workforce or graduate studies when they leave Southeastern,” Dolliver said. “We pride ourselves in the fact that our students get extensive hands-on experience using the most important instrumentation, and this is rare for an undergraduate.”

She said the NMR will also be used by Southeastern’s SEAL program, which links selected students with area businesses and industry to solve a specific industrial problem or to develop new compounds useful to industry. SEAL stands for Student Entrepreneurs as Active Leaders and was created to encourage economic development activity by connecting students with business and industry.

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS STUDENT RATING SITE RANKS BASS AMONG TOP PROFESSORS Anna N. Bass, an instructor in the College of Business, was ranked No. 25 in the nation for 2013 in the popular student ranking service Rate LAITRAM PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR IT PROGRAM Southeastern industrial technology students tour one of Laitram’s plants. The global manufacturing company has entered into a partnership with Southeastern’s engineering and industrial technology program to provide financial support and internships for students. The company is contributing an initial $5,000 per year to the program to assist students in purchasing materials and equipment for senior engineering projects. Laitram also committed to providing meaningful, paid internships, giving the students the opportunity to work in an advanced manufacturing environment.

The partnership was forged by the College of Science and Technology and Greater New Orleans, Inc.

Programs accredited by national agencies Southeastern degree programs in computer science and in counseling have been nationally accredited.

Accreditations of the bachelor of science degree programs in computer science and in information technology were awarded by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

“Accreditation means the programs meet set national standards of academic quality, including faculty qualifications and facilities,” said Daniel McCarthy, dean of the College of Science and Technology. “It is one of the primary factors that employers use when deciding which graduates they want to hire.”

Also, three counseling programs were accredited by by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

The programs, each leading to a master of education degree, are offered in clinical mental health counseling; marriage, couple and family counseling; and school counseling.

“This is affirmation the programs meet standards of quality and demonstrate a commitment to the highest academic standards,” said Ann Carruth, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “It is an important part of the reputation of a program, and it is what students frequently look to when selecting a program for advanced study.”

My Professors.

The web site RateMyProfessors.com is the largest online destination for college and university students to rate their instructors on categories such as helpfulness, clarity of instruction and overall quality.

“Ms. Bass is an exceptional teacher.

She is an inspiration to our students and positively impacts their lives,” said Randy Settoon, dean of the College of Business. “I know this because her students tell me so.”

BEACHY APPOINTED NEW HEAD OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Christopher K. Beachy has been named head of the Department of Biological Sciences at Southeastern.

Previously a professor of biology at Minot State University in Minot, N.D. since 2005, Beachy specializes in herpetology with a particular interest in salamanders. A member of the faculty there since 1998, he served as chair of biology from 2004 to 2007. He also served on the faculties at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa, Jamestown College in Jamestown, N.D., and Western Carolina in Cullowhee, N.C. “We are delighted that such an accomplished scholar and educator as Dr. Beachy has chosen to lead the department,” said Daniel McCarthy, dean of the College of Science and Technology. “I am confident his energy and talents will be a great asset to the department.”

“I am excited about the opportunity here at Southeastern,” said Beachy.

“The biology faculty at Southeastern is well recognized for the good scientific work they do, and I see my role as helping them make things happen, including finding new and diverse funding opportunities.”

7

CARRUTH APPOINTED LIAISON FOR NATIONAL NURSING GROUP Ann Carruth, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, has been appointed to serve as the grassroots liaison for Louisiana for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

AACN, a nonpartisan organization, works to educate and advocate for education, research and practice.

Carruth is one of a group of 78 nurses in the nation selected to help keep the organization informed on state legislative issues related to nursing education and research and advise the group on educational needs of the profession. She will serve a two-year appointment in the position.

She recently participated in the organization’s fall meeting, in which the participants visited the offices of members of Congress to educate their staffs on funding in support of nursing education and research.

ECHOLS HONORED NATIONALLY FOR MULTICULTURALISM EFFORTS Celina Echols, professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, has been awarded the 2013 Carter Goodwin Woodson Service Award in recognition of her work in multiculturalism and service-learning.

The award is sponsored by the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME) and was presented at the organization’s national conference held Nov. 6–10 in Oakland, Calif.

The award is named for Woodson, who is credited with establishing the origins of the multicultural movement and as creator of Black History Month.

Echols is a specialist in educational psychology and has served on the Southeastern faculty for 16 years. At Southeastern, she has coordinated numerous forums focused on race, culture, social equity and multiculturalism. She supervises a service-learning project at a local middle school with a significant number of at-risk students, where teacher candidates mentor

African-American middle school students in preparation for high stakes tests.

“Dr. Echols is a positive role model and mentor, not just for our student teachers and others, but also for middle school and high school students,” said Cynthia Elliott, head of the Department of Teaching and Learning, who nominated Echols.

SOUTHEASTERN PROFESSOR RECEIVES PHI KAPPA PHI LITERACY GRANT Cynthia Elliot, a professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, has been awarded a 2013 literacy grant of $2,500 from Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest collegiate honor society for all disciplines.

Elliot is one of 14 recipients nationwide to receive the award. The grant will be used to support the Imagination Library Project, an early literacy initiative. As part of the project, children living in Tangipahoa Parish receive a new, age-appropriate book each month. The program encourages parents to read with their children during the preschool years and to foster a love of reading.

“The Phi Kappa Phi grant is a wonderful contribution to the larger Tangipahoa community endeavor to provide young children from birth to age five with their own library, at no cost to the family, regardless of income,” she said.

HYDE NAMED GSHA FELLOW, HONORED FOR PRESERVATION WORK Professor of History Samuel C. Hyde has received the Fellows Award from the Gulf South Historical Association.

Hyde, who holds the Leon Ford Endowed Chair in Regional Studies and is director of the university’s Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, is only the third individual selected for the prestigious honor in the 31-year history of the GSHA. The award was presented at the organization’s annual meeting Oct. 11 in Pensacola.

He also was honored by the Foundation for Historical Louisiana at the organization’s annual awards dinner in Baton Rouge.

Hyde was cited in part for his efforts as chair of the West Florida Republic Bicentennial Commission.

SOUTHEASTERN PROFESSOR RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED HERPETOLOGY AWARD Snake and salamander expert David Sever has been honored with the Distinguished Herpetologist of the Year Award presented by the international association Herpetologists’ League.

Sever, the Kenneth Dyson Endowed Professor and former head of the Department of Biological Sciences, was presented the award at the annual Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists held in Alberquerque, N.M. At the meeting he

ON THE BOOKSHELF PROFESSOR’S NEW BOOK PROFILES MAJOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERS James Kirylo, associate professor of teaching and learning, has had a new book released profiling prominent educators and other leaders involved in the political nature of education and policies that affect civil society.

A Critical Pedagogy of Resistance is an edited book that presents 34 highly diverse individuals whose leadership focuses on exposing injustices, improper practices and unsound policies that adversely affect segments of people.

“Critical pedagogy is an endeavor that examines the political nature of education and its impact on those who have historically been marginalized due to such factors as race, gender, poverty, religion, class, sexuality or ethnicity,” said Kirylo.

PSYCHOLOGIST LINKS ANDES SURVIVAL TO HUMAN EVOLUTION IN NEW BOOK The story of the Uruguayan rugby team, whose airplane crashed in the Andes Mountains in 1972 and had to resort to cannibalism to survive until their rescue, has strong roots in the history of human evolution, according to a psychology professor.

8

presented an invited address and has been asked to author a paper in a future issue of the League’s journal Herpetologica.

“The recognition of Dr. Sever as the Distinguished Herpetologist of the Year is well-deserved,” said Christopher Beachy, head of the Department of Biological Sciences. “Sever’s international expertise in reproductive anatomy of vertebrates is unquestioned. In terms of number of scientific publications and grants, he is simply prolific. I consider Dr. Sever one of the most important salamander biologists in history.”

A member of the Southeastern faculty since 2004, Sever is known widely for his research into the sexual characteristics of salamanders and snakes.

The 16 young men — who endured 72 days of bitter cold, a lack of food and other resources — saw their lives suddenly reduced to the basics of daily survival. The men, members of the Old Christians Rugby Club from Montevideo, Uruguay, were on their way to play a rugby match in Chile, and were the only survivors of the crash that carried 45 people.

“They survived by accessing the resources of their own human legacy, which was enhanced because they were already a team,” said Matt J. Rossano, author of the book Mortal Rituals: What the Story of the Andes Survivors Tells Us about Human Evolution.

He said the group was saved through teamwork, faith and a well-organized social system that was reinforced by ritual.

PROFESSOR OFFERS INSIDER SECRETS TO ACHIEVING SUCCESS IN COLLEGE A Southeastern professor has authored a book containing straight-forward advice for students entering college. College Success 101: A Professor’s Insider Secrets to Help You Succeed in School was written by Professor of Management David Wyld. The e-book, he said, is geared to “helping students have the most successful college experience possible.”

The book features 24 chapters that provide advice into areas such as choosing and changing your major, devising optimal class schedules, working with technology in and out of the classroom, how to score best on tests, and the importance of developing the correct attitude.

STUDENT NEWS

CHANNEL NAMED ONE OF NATION’S BEST – The Southeastern Channel was honored by College Broadcasters, Inc. as one of the top four college television newscasts in 2013. Members of the Northshore News team pictured are, from left, Shelby Haws, General Manager Rick Settoon, Erika Ferrando, Valerie Ponseti, supervisor John Reis, and Nicholas George.

Computer science senior lands prestigious leadership spot with GE Capital A Southeastern graduating computer science student has earned one of only five spots open in GE Capital’s prestigious Information Technology Leadership Program.

Chase Dupré of Hammond competed against a large number of other candidates nationwide who were considered for the positions to start in January with GE Capital, one of the world’s leading financial services institutions.

What started as an introduction to a recruiter at Southeastern’s annual Career Fair led Dupré into a screening process that involved 14 students, several with master’s degrees from well-established university computer science and related programs.

“It was extremely competitive. After interviews in New Orleans, they flew me to Connecticut for more interviews,” said Dupré, who at 35 is an admitted non-traditional student.

GE’s ITLP is a two-year leadership program. Over a two-year period, participants undergo initial training in Michigan, then are assigned to four rotations at different locations throughout the United States and advanced training at a foreign site. After program completion, participants usually join the company, which has a strong history of promoting from within.

“ITLP is the premier entry-level leadership program for business technology professionals,” said Bill O’Neill, ITLP program leader at GE Capital. “We interview hundreds of students at campuses across the U.S. We are excited to welcome Chase to ITLP. He matched our need for passionate technologists interested in solving business problems in a collaborative culture.”

The GE program is considered the cream of the crop for entry level leadership programs in computer science, said Sebastian van Delden, head of the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology.

“GE Capital is an upper echelon company with high standards,” he said. “It’s a testament to the quality of education Southeastern is providing in this competitive field. “We’re tremendously proud of the accomplishments of our students.”

Dupré credits his success with the hands-on approach of Southeastern faculty.

“Dr. Daniel McCarthy (dean, College of Science and Technology) engages students and ensures we get the support we need,” he said. “Dr. van Delden is readily available for advice, teaches a number of classes and is very approachable. We have great teachers who make sure students learn what they need to be successful.”

Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., said the organization adds its congratulations to Chase and hopes he has continued success.

“GE’s decision to offer a local graduate a spot in its prestigious Information Technology Leadership Program is proof positive that Louisiana’s higher education institutions are producing high quality graduates who can compete on a national stage.”

9

Student cited by magazine for essay highlighting international challenges Priyanka Singh, an international student from Nepal, has been awarded a scholarship for an essay contest she wrote for International Student Voice (ISV) magazine.

An orientation leader who guides new students coming to Southeastern, Singh won the scholarship for her essay about international student challenges. It was the only such scholarship offered by the publication.

ISV Magazine Editor in Chief Carrie Circosta said, “All of the essays were spectacular and really captured the students’ challenges. We selected Priyanka because she really showed us the journey of her challenges from beginning to end, before she left home to the point where she is now as a confident international student helping others.”

CRYSTAL GONZALEZ RECEIVES MISS SOUTHEASTERN CROWN Renee Picou, Miss Southeastern 2013, left, crowns Crystal Gonzalez of Hammond as she is named Miss Southeastern 2014 in November.

ALUMNI NEWS FeLions Chapter thanked for Homecoming support The Southeastern Alumni Association expressed its appreciation to the FeLions (Female Enthusiasts for Southeastern Athletics) for their financial support of Homecoming 2013. The chapter provided the Association with their generous donations in support of Homecoming activities.

“This was one of our most successful Homecomings in recent memory,” said Association Director Kathy Pittman, “and the support from the FeLions went a long way to ensuring that success.”

Convocation Picnic The Alumni Association held its Convocation Picnic on August 16.

The event is an annual tradition that welcomes Southeastern faculty and staff back to campus for the start of the fall semester. Thanks to our sponsors Aramark, First Guaranty Bank and North Oaks Health System for making this event possible.

Grad Fair held for seniors

The FeLions Chapter of the Alumni Association hosted the annual “Salute the Lions” dinner for all Lion student athletes in August.

Over 300 athletes enjoyed a meal highlighted by homemade desserts prepared by FeLion members. Special thanks go to chairs Kelly Coudrain and Suzanne Gautier and to sponsors First Guaranty Bank and Cypress Pointe Surgical Center.

Graduating seniors came to the Alumni Center in October for a one-stop shop to purchase all their graduation supplies for the upcoming December graduation. Students were able to purchase caps and gowns, invitations, class rings, and even have their graduation pictures taken, all in one convenient location.

Greek Appreciation

Rock ‘n Roar scheduled Feb. 22

Salute the Lions

Southeastern’s annual Rock ‘n Roar fest, held in conjunction with the state’s Regional Literary Rally testing held at the university, will be early next year. The event, sponsored by the Alumni Association in cooperation with the Office of Admissions, is scheduled Feb. 22.

Rock ‘n Roar will be celebrating its 18th year in providing a daylong atmosphere of education and entertainment for the more than 2,500 students who are visiting the campus.

The Alumni Association hosted Greek organizations for a special reception to say “thank you” for all the groups did to make Homecoming a success. During the party, there was a check presentation to the Homecoming Sweepstakes winners Kappa Alpha and Phi Mu.

Washington Parish Alumni gather for fair

University Alumni Chapter formed for faculty and staff

Southeastern alumni in Washington Parish joined the Alumni Association at a special parade tailgate on the lawn of Ms. Janice Branch before the annual Washington Parish Free Fair on October 16. Alums enjoyed refreshments during the parade and received information about the crawfish boil to be held on March 22 in Angie.

The Alumni Association has formed a new chapter designed to provide faculty and staff the opportunity to participate in Alumni Association activities and events.

“The new University Chapter was developed to allow our campus alumni and those members of the faculty and staff who are not official Southeastern alumni to become members of the Association,” said Association Director Kathy Pittman.

Chapter officers include Richard Himber, president; Kevin Brady, vice president; and Lori Davis Jones, secretary.

Tri Sigma to celebrate 50th anniversary in May Southeastern’s Gamma Mu Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority will celebrate its 50 years of sisterhood on May 3, 2014. A house viewing will be followed by a banquet at Michabelle Inn in Hammond at 6:30 p.m. Southeastern Tri-Sigma alumni interested in attending should contact the chapter at gammamu1964@gmail.com.

Tailgating in the Circle – The Alumni Association teamed up with the Lion Athletic Association to tailgate in Friendship Circle at this fall's football games. Thanks go to the African American, Sigma Tau Gamma, Tangi, Red Stick, and Ponchatoula chapters for hosting the tailgates, along with Holiday Inn of Hammond, which served as special host during Homecoming.

10

KEEPING IN TOUCH ’61 Wayne Newsom of Fulton, Miss., was named to the Itawamba Community College Athletic Hall of Fame. He retired in 1998 after 23 seasons as head coach of the Indians basketball team. ’79 Barry L. Brown has joined Texas Bank and Trust as president of its new Dallas market, where he will lead the Longviewbased bank’s expansion into the north Texas metroplex. He previously worked as president of the Bank of the Ozarks’ Manatee-Sarasota market on the Florida Gulf Coast. He serves on the board of the Southeastern Foundation. ’80 Trena Wilkerson, professor in Baylor University’s School of Education, has been elected to the board of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

She will serve three years on the board of the organization, which supports teachers and works to ensure high quality mathematics education for all students.

She serves as graduate program director for the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Baylor. ’83 Robin Roberts of ABC’s Good Morning America will be inducted as one of seven members into the 2014 Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. A basketball star at Southeastern, she is originally from Pass Christian, Miss.

Frank Smart, M.D. — Bringing engineering know-how to cardiology (adapted from Cardiology Today) Dr. Frank Smart always had an interest in how things work. The 1978 Southeastern graduate in zoology originally planned on an engineering career when a particularly tough course with high level calculus made him reconsider his options and focus on medicine instead.

That appeared to be a good decision. Dr. Smart was recently listed among the best cardiologists in the region by New Orleans Magazine.

He graduated from LSU School of Medicine, completed his residency at Ochsner Foundation Hospital and a fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. He has held positions at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, the Texas Heart Institute and Tulane University.

Today Dr. Smart is professor and chief of cardiology at LSU Health Sciences Center, where he also serves as director of Clinical Science Research.

“I’ve always loved design and devices,” he recently told the publication Cardiology Today. “One of the reasons I’m a cardiologist is because of the engineering component of hemodynamics and flow dynamics. I am good at systems development and have enjoyed creating systems of patient-directed self management.”

’94 Kathy Lynn Kinnison has received her doctorate in physical therapy from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va.

’95 Michelle Gallo has been named advertising director for the Hammond Daily Star.

‘95 Chad Booth, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Texas State University in San Marcos. He specializes in interdisciplinary research that often involves working with companies from the surrounding area.

’95 Leslie Martin, principal of Marigny Elementary School in Mandeville, La., was named a regional winner and state finalist in the 2013-14 Principal of the Year recognition program of the Louisiana Department of Education.

’86, ‘97 Deborah Brown of Conroe, Tex., has been appointed principal at Sacred Heart School in Conroe.

She has more than 27 years of experience as a teacher and principal and previously worked in the Huntsville Independent School District as a fourth-grade teacher.

’95 Lisa Clark, M.D. of Destin, Fla., has written a handbook of weight management tips entitled Lighten Up America, based on information she distributes to her patients. “I’ve taken advice and practices I’ve leared from 15 years in family medicine and presented it in an entertaining and humorous fashion.”

’91, ’93 Andrea L. Jones, assistant director of LSU University College’s Center for Advising and Counseling, has been selected as the Outstanding Advising Award Winner from the National Academic Advising Association.

’95 Amy DiCarlo, principal of Little Oak Middle School in Slidell, has been named a regional winner and state finalist of the Principal of the Year (Middle School/ Junior High Division) recognition program of the Louisiana Department of Education. She has been at Little Oak since 2005.

11

’96 Charles Dean Smith of Chesapeake, Va., has been promoted to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. He is currently assigned to the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation in Norfolk, Va., where he serves as a project manager for NATO Communications and Information Services. ’99 Brett K. Duncan of Hammond, an attorney and member of the Tangipahoa School Board, has been named the 2013-14 chairman of the Louisiana Accountability Commission, which reviews proposed state rules or regulations dealing with Title 1 compliance and advises the state Department of Education on policy related to the state, district and school accountability programs.

’99 Terran Perry, principal of Hammond Junior High Magnet School, received the Enos F. “Jake” Bailey Above-and-Beyond Award from the Tangipahoa Parish School Board in October for his successful efforts in revitalizing the school. ’01 Glenn D. Bridges of Ponchatoula, La., has written Peacock Angel: Rise of the Decarchs, a novel set within the time span of 5799 BC to 1994. Blending Jewish folklore, the apocrypha, and ancient oral tradition, the story is a tale of a modern day prison guard thrust into the middle of an ancient battle. ’01 David Fahr has been promoted to director of technology at Louisianabased Community Coffee Co. He has been with the company for nine years, serving as project manager and enterprise application manager. ’01 Kenneth Gay, Ed.D., has been appointed principal of John Tyler High School in Tyler, Tex. He most recently worked as an assistant principal in Houston.

‘01 Paul Jones has joined Florida Parish Bank as a loan officer and vice president.

He also serves as a member of the board of directors of the Hammond Downtown Development District.

’02, ’06 Rev. Augustine (Michael) DeArmond was ordained a Catholic priest in Memphis. He has been assigned to St. Peter Catholic Church in Memphis.

pher. He recently completed an assignment for Asia Life Magazine documenting the Thao Dien district of Ho Chi Minh City.

’04 Gary Porter has been appointed principal of Amite Elementary Magnet School.

He previously was the assistant principal at Hammond High Magnet School.

’12 Danielle Saucier has been appointed youth coordinator at the Hammond Recreation Center. She will coordinate regular monthly events, as well as work with after school initiatives and summer programs.

’06 Kevin Diemont is currently serving as project cargo sales manager with CGB Enterprises in New Orleans. He is responsible for developing new business opportunities for stevedoring, barging, truck, rail and vessel chartering. ’06 James Gumm has been appointed the new district ranger for the 160,000-acre Croatan National Forest in North Carolina. He was previously a district ranger in New Mexico. ’06, ’11 Alicia Oalmann has been promoted to vice principal of St. Thomas Acquinas High School in Hammond. ’07 Hugo Leon, a former Southeastern golfer, earned his second career PFA Tour Canada victory in August at the great Waterway Classic at the Upper Canada Golf Course. At Southeastern, he was a threetime All-Southland Conference performer.

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

The official Southeastern ring and pendant Order yours today.

1-866-Balfour or balfourcollege.com

’10 Nguyen (Tom) Nguyen is working in Vietnam as a freelance editorial photogra-

Show your Southeastern pride… on the road Alumni and friends can show their support for the university when they take to the streets and highways with a Southeastern Louisiana University state license plate on their vehicles.

In addition to helping enhance the university’s image, funds raised through the promotion help support scholarships for deserving Southeastern students.

Ask for the Southeastern plate when you purchase your new automobile or exchange your existing plate. Cost of the plate is $26 above the regular vehicle registration fee charged every two years.

For more information, call the Prestige Plate Unit of the Department of Motor Vehicles at 225-925-6371 or visit the web site at expresslane.org.

Remember… $25 of the fee benefits the Southeastern Prestige Plate Scholarship Fund.

12

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 Scholarship program provides assistance to students transferring to Southeastern Since the fall of 2008, enrollment in Louisiana’s technical and community colleges has increased by a remarkable 47 percent. Each year more students are entering college by starting with a technical and/or community college. Most of the student growth in higher education in Louisiana has occurred in these institutions.

Many in this population will continue to pursue Carter Smith a four year degree after they have completed their program at the community college. Two Southeastern supporters have recently acknowledged this group through endowed scholarships.

George Ann Smith and Helen Carter are two women who have funded transfer scholarships for students who complete their community college program and ready to move on to Southeastern. Mrs. Smith founded the Ray Smith Memorial Endowment in honor of her husband.

“My husband, Ray, started as a student at the Greensburg Campus of the now Northshore Technical Community College,” Smith said. “That provided him with the foundation of his career. It showed him he could achieve something with hard work.”

Ray and George Ann went on to build an international oil supply company, Smitty’s Supply, Inc., from that humble start. Mrs. Smith’s scholarship is for a student attending the Greensburg Campus and transfering on to Southeastern.

“I wanted to memorialize the hard work of my husband by helping someone else begin their career success.”

Helen Carter, a current member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Board, spent the last 15 years of her teaching career at the former Florida Parishes Vocational School and knows how important education is to so many. Mrs. Carter’s husband, Judge Burrell Carter, wanted to honor her commitment to education through a named scholarship, the Helen Bridges Carter Endowment.

“Southeastern is very dear to me and my family, and I know how important it can be for many to complete a four year degree,” Carter said. So she decided to have the scholarship support a deserving student who moves from a community college to Southeastern.

“This opportunity can mean so much to those who’ve achieved an associate’s degree and are ready for the next step,” she added.

Support such as that from Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Smith helps because it not only gives opportunity to these students, but it also responds to the changing realities of the educational systems and populations of today.

An evening to remember The highly anticipated tradition of Chef’s Evening continues! This year, the annual fundraiser is sponsored by LaCapital Credit Union and will be hosted in the new Southeastern Student Union Ballroom. Local restaurants and chefs are preparing for what is sure to be the best Chef’s Evening yet! Don’s Seafood, Cocoa Bean Bakery, and Acme Oyster House have all participated, and this year is looking great as well.

Buying a ticket to Chef’s Evening not only means a guaranteed evening filled with friends, good food, and good times, but also that scholarship and academic programs Southeastern students depend upon will receive much needed support.

Several ticket options are available.

CHEFS EVENING PATRON TABLE 6 tickets to Chefs Evening – reserved table 6 tickets to President’s Toast 6 signature Southeastern wine glasses Name listed in event program CHEFS EVENING RESERVED TABLE 6 tickets to Chefs Evening Reserved table at event

Leave your legacy through a bequest

Individual Chefs Evening Ticket

YOU CAN MAKE AN IMACT With little effort, you can make a long-lasting impact on Southeastern by endowing a scholarship, professorship, or faculty enrichment program. Bequest benefits provide a flexible way to create an enduring legacy while allowing you full use of assets during our lifetime. It is a simple way to control distribution of your assets with tax advantages for both you and your loved ones A gift to the Southeastern Foundation gives you the immediate satisfaction of knowing your life’s work will make a difference in the lives of so many people for generations.

FIND OUT MORE

Help us create new opportunities. For more information on gifts that fit your financial and philanthropic goals, contact Katherine Rose, Director of Development, at (toll-free) 866-474-4438 or e-mail krose@southeastern.edu.

13

Ticket to Chefs Evening and signature Southeastern wine glass Ticket to President’s Toast, Chefs Evening & Southeastern wine glass The event will be held on Sunday, March 23 from 5:30–8 pm, with the President’s Toast beforehand at 4 pm. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased by visiting our website at southeastern.edu/chefsevening or by calling Tasha Cooper at the Southeastern Foundation at 985-549-2420.

THE STORE IS OPEN – Wielding an oversized pair of scissors, Southeastern President John L. Crain cuts the ribbon to officially open the university’s food pantry for students.

Joining in the ceremony are, from left, Jackie Dale Thomas, volunteer; Tasha Lamb Cooper, assistant director of annual giving; University Advancement Vice President Wendy Lauderdale; Crain; Brendan Daigle, coordinator in the Office of Multicultural and International Student Affairs; and Marcia Barr, volunteer.

Southeastern launches food pantry for students Southeastern has a decades-long history of and is known for its caring and student centeredness. A new program launched by the Southeastern Foundation and supported by the Multicultural and International Student Affairs Organization will take that reputation to a new level. Southeastern is one of the few universities in the nation with a food pantry for students. The food pantry is located in room 234 of Mims Hall, and opened prior to Thanksgiving. It will be open two days a week for a few hours during the day. If any students feel uncomfortable going to the food pantry, they can come to the Alumni Center on North Campus and talk to Tasha Cooper for special assistance.

This program was put into motion after a survey was sent out to Southeastern students. The results were shocking, but not out of line with national findings. One of the findings was that 60% of the students asked knew someone who had missed a meal in the last 30 days because they couldn’t afford to buy food. Another finding

showed that 37% of the students who responded had missed or skipped a meal themselves because they couldn’t afford to buy a meal, and 25% have used the services of a food pantry to fill in the gaps. The problem can be very acute for international students who have less flexibility and no family support network nearby. A separate, national survey shows that over 17% of Americans will suffer from food insecurity at some point. Southeastern is working hard to fight against these statistics.

Donations for the food pantry are currently being accepted.

Simply bring your packaged, non-perishable foods to the Alumni Center. In the future, there will be a refrigerator to accept items such as milk, eggs, etc.

You can volunteer for this fantastic program! Due to student privacy concerns, we are only asking any alumni and retirees interested to help in this effort. For more information, contact Tasha Cooper at 985-549-3771, or email her at t.cooper@southeastern.edu.

Let’s Phil the Pig! Through the generous support of First Guaranty bank, Lion Legacy, Southeastern Foundation’s student philanthropy initiative, is proud to announce a new campaign called ‘Phil the Pig’!

The campaign is designed to raise awareness about student giving, build a culture of giving back, and to ensure that students see how their financial support directly affects Southeastern’s campus.

You can help by picking up a small, green piggy bank from the Alumni Center, filling it with spare change, and then dropping it off at one of the change drops. The money raised from these drops will fund various student programs which range from student scholarships and events to the newly launched food pantry. Watch for upcoming change drops on Phil the Pig’s Facebook page. Upcoming drops will specifically help fund the Southeastern Food Pantry.

14

ATHLETICS Top conference honors go to Bennett, Hubert, Roberts

CHAMPIONS ON THE FIELD – Holding the trophy symbolizing possession of the 2013 Southland Conference football championship are, from left, head coach Ron Roberts, President John L. Crain and Athletics Director Jay Artigues. The Lions defeated all seven conference foes on their way to a university-best overall 10–2 regular season record. The championship earned the Lions a slot in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, where they advanced to the quarter-finals, losing to the University of New Hampshire Wildcats 20–17 in Stawberry Stadium Dec. 14.

Artigues named Athletics Director Following a national search, Southeastern named Jay Artigues as Director of Athletics in October.

Artigues joined the Southeastern athletics staff in 2005, serving eight seasons as the university’s 15th head baseball coach, compiling a 276–188 win-loss record, and earning the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Co-Coach of the Year Award in 2010. He has served as athletics director on an interim basis since June.

“Jay Artigues has demonstrated great leadership abilities, strong administrative skills, and tremendous dedication to Southeastern athletics,” said President John L. Crain at the announcement press conference. “His work performance has been exemplary, and he is well respected by student-athletes, coaches, university faculty and staff and members of the community.”

Contract extended for football coach Southeastern has extended the contract of head football coach Ron Roberts through the next three seasons.

“Getting Ron a contract extension was a high priority for our athletic program,” said Athletics Director Jay Artigues. “He is a proven head coach and has demonstrated his skills in the short time he has been here. Ron and his entire staff are huge assets to the university and excellent mentors for our student-athletes.”

“I sincerely thank the administration at Southeastern for having confidence in me,” Roberts said. “I look forward to continuing to build something special for the Lion nation.”

Roberts is now in his second year as head coach, and has led the Lions to its most successful season since football was returned to the campus.

15

After helping the Southeastern football team to its firstever Southland Conference championship and berth in the NCAA Division I Football Championship, Lion junior Roberts quarterback Bryan Bennett, senior linebacker Cqulin Hubert and head coach Ron Roberts claimed top Southland Conference honors .

Bennett, a Granada Hills, Calif. native, was named the Bennett league's Player of the Year, while Hubert, who hails from Houston, was tabbed the Defensive Player of the Year.

Second-year head coach Roberts earned Coach of the Year accolades.

Hubert Bennett and Hubert were joined on the All-Southland first team by senior offensive linemen Gasten Gabriel and Marshall Paris, senior placekicker Seth Sebastian and sophomore defensive back Harlan Miller. Sophomore running back Xavier Roberson earned two first team All-Southland nods — as the all-purpose offensive player and kick return specialist.

Six other Lions earned second team allleague accolades. That contingent included sophomore running back Rasheed Harrell, senior wide receiver Tony McCrea, junior defensive lineman Jacob Newman, junior linebacker Isiah Corbett, senior safety Theo Alexander and senior punter Matt McCormick.

A total of 11 Southeastern players earned notice as honorable mention selections.

Bennett, a Walter Payton Award candidate, is the first Lion to earn league player of the year honors. The Lion first-year starter is sixth in the nation with a league-best 157.0 passing efficiency. Hubert is the leader of a defense that allowed a league-low 22.4 points per game during the regular season. He is second on the team with 66 tackles, to go with nine tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception.

Roberts has been the engineer of a terrific turnaround in the Southeastern football program. In his two seasons in Hammond, he has posted a 15–8 overall record and a 12–2 mark versus Southland opponents. The coach is also a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, which is given to the top coach in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Basketball Schedules 2014 Men’s Basketball JANUARY 4 at Nicholls State 9 INCARNATE WORD 11 ABILENE CHRISTIAN 16 SAM HOUSTON STATE 18 LAMAR 23 Texas A&M – Corpus Christi 25 Houston Baptist 30 NEW ORLEANS

Soccer team wins conference, advances to playoffs Southeastern claimed the Southland Conference Tournament championship Nov. 10 after outscoring top seed Stephen F. Austin 3–1 on penalty kicks.

“We kept battling against a very tough Stephen F. Austin team,” Southeastern head coach Blake Hornbuckle said. “I’m so proud of the effort of our team.”

The championship earned the Lady Lions a second NCAA Tournament appearance, where they lost to No. 10 Nebraska 4–0 in a match held on the Nebraska Socceer field.

The team finished the season with a 14–4–5 overall record.

“We were able to create some opportunities but were not able to capitalize,” Hornbuckle said. “When playing a team the caliber of Nebraska, you have to have all the little things go in your favor and those little things did not work out for us. Hope Sabadash was tremendous in goal, and we were also very pleased with the work rate of Alexsis Cable and Kelsey Salcido.”

Following the season, three members of the team were named to the 2012 National Soccer Coaches Association of American/Continental Tire Women’s All-Central Region Teams.

Representing Southeastern were freshman goalkeeper Sabadash (first team), senior midfielder Salcido (third team) and senior defender Shanyce Shaw (third team). In the past four seasons, six Lady Lions have earned All-Central Region honors.

Soccer team earns NSCAA academic award Excellent performance in the classroom earned the Southland Conference Tournament Champion Southeastern women’s soccer program the Team Academic Award from the National Soccer Coaches Association Christ Peacock Villaescusa of America.

Southeastern was one of 593 women’s soccer programs nationwide to receive the honor, which is handed out if a team finishes with a team grade point average of 3.0 or above. Led by All-Southland Conference selections Erin Christ and Chelsea Villaescusa with plus-3.0 grade point averages, as well as Academic All-District selection Casey Peacock, the Lady Lions posted a 3.16 team grade point average at the end of the 2012–13 academic year.

Southeastern has earned the Team Academic Award in each of the past seven seasons.

A total of nine members of this season’s Lady Lion roster carried 3.0 GPA’s or above into the fall semester.

16

FEBRUARY 6 Central Arkansas 8 Oral Roberts 13 McNEESE STATE 15 NICHOLLS STATE 20 New Orleans 27 NORTHWESTERN STATE MARCH 1 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 6 Sam Houston State 8 Lamar

Women’s Basketball JANUARY 2 McNeese State 4 Nicholls State 9 INCARNATE WORD 11 ABILENE CHRISTIAN 16 SAM HOUSTON STATE 18 LAMAR 23 Texas A&M – Corpus Christi 25 Houston Baptist 30 NEW ORLEANS FEBRUARY 6 Central Arkansas 8 Oral Roberts 13 McNEESE STATE 15 NICHOLLS STATE 20 New Orleans 27 NORTHWESTERN STATE MARCH 1 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 6 Sam Houston State 8 Lamar ALL CAPS – Home Games All games are Southland Conference games For a complete schedule, go to lionsports.net

3

4 1 2

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.

5

6

7

r Get you

&

Green

Gold !

For the Lion Fan on your gift giving list...

Items available at Douglas Kent Jewelers include: (1) Southeastern dangle charm, $73; (2) Football necklace, $68 and (3) Green braid bracelet, $75. Available at Walmart (4) Southeastern Santa hat, $9.97. Items available at the Bookstore include: (5) Southeastern championship hooded sweatshirt, $35; (6) Southeastern water resistant pullover jacket, $62 and (7) Southeastern all weather blanket, $42.

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

y p p a H

s y a olid

H

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

from your friends at

Southeastern

Choral performers usher in holiday season The Southeastern Chorus, Concert Choir and Women’s Chorale joined with the Northshore Choral Society with a free performance for the community in the First Baptist Church Hammond on Dec. 8. Sponsored by the Department of Fine and Performing Arts and led by Director of Choral Activities Alissa Mercurio Rowe, the annual event helps launch the holiday season in the community.