SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE SPRING
NEW BUILDINGS
Campus continues to grow and evolve to meet student needs. NAT GEO FEATURES STUDENT’S WORK
Graduate student Florence Wen’s sea turtle research finds national audience.
LION UP BREW
Gnarly Barley partners with Southeastern to create a new beer.
2018
06 21 32
SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY SPRING
201 8
MAGAZ I N E P RESI D EN T
Dr. John L. Crain PROVOST & VI C E P R E S I D E NT F O R AC AD E M I C A F FA I RS
Dr. Tena L. Golding V ICE PRE S I D E N T F O R AD MI N I S TR ATI ON & F I N A N C E
Sam Domiano V ICE PR E S I D E N T F O R U N I VE R S I TY ADVA N C EM EN T
Wendy Lauderdale, CFRE
Is this you?, pg. 56
VI C E P R E S I D E N T F O R S TU D EN T A F FA I RS
Dr. Eric Summers E XECUTIV E DIREC TO R , P U BLI C & G OVE R NME N TA L A F FA I RS
Erin Moore Cowser S E N I O R D I R EC TO R , U N I VE R S I TY M A RKET I N G
Mike Rivault P H OTO GRA P H Y
Mike Kiral, Randy Bergeron CO N T RI B U TO RS
Ashley Richardson, Tonya Lowentritt, Mike Kiral, Rene Abadie
Letters:
Southeastern Magazine welcomes letters of 300 or fewer words. Letters may be used for publication unless the author states that it is not to be published. Letters may be edited for publication. Send submissions to Editor, Southeastern Magazine, Office of University Advancement, SLU 10293, Hammond, LA 70402 or mrivault@southeastern.edu. Printing and distribution for the Southeastern Magazine provided by the Southeastern Foundation – southeasternfoundation.org.
E D I TI N G A SSI STA N T
Pam Bentivegna COV ER P H OTO : Southeastern’s campus continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of its students and today’s economy.
Contents. 06 14 21 30 NEW BUILDINGS
VISION 2017
Campus continues to grow and evolve to meet student needs.
A progress report on Southeastern’s strategic plan.
NAT GEO FEATURES STUDENT’S WORK
LOUISIANA’S POET LAUREATE
Graduate student Florence Wen’s sea turtle research finds national audience.
Bedell recently named Poet Laureate by Governor John Bel Edwards.
32 36 42 46 LION UP BREW
ALUMNI OF THE YEAR
Gnarly Barley partners with Southeastern to create a new beer.
William Cefalu named 2017 alumni of the year.
$1 MILLION DONATION
Performance Contractors donates $1 million to help Industrial and Engineering Technology program grow.
LADNER SPEAKS
Men’s Basketball coach Jay Ladner reviews successes and looks to the future.
president’s message
&
Alumni, Friends, Supporters, Southeastern’s core values of “caring” and “excellence” are at the very heart of our university and guide everything we do. Marketers call this our “brand,” but I consider these values to be what defines who we are as an institution. The greatness of any institution lies in its people, and that is certainly the case with Southeastern. Our core values guide each of us as members of the Southeastern family. On campus, these values guide our planning and actions as we strive to have a positive impact on the success of students in pursuit of an education that will enhance their lives.
When I interact with alumni, they invariably attribute much of their personal success to Southeastern. Likewise, partners tell me how vital Southeastern graduates are to their businesses and organizations. When we show pride as alumni, when industry partners work to help students, when donors make contributions, and when friends show support, we are all doing our part to bring our core values to life and to showcase Southeastern’s success through enriching the lives of so many. In this issue of the Southeastern Magazine you will read success stories of
students, faculty, alumni and partners. Each of these points to how our core values are realized on our campus and throughout the communities in which we work and live. You will also read about Southeastern’s success in the progress we made toward realizing Vision 2017 – our fiveyear strategic plan. I am happy to report that a great deal of progress was made across all of the strategic initiatives that were part of the plan. Please read this magazine to stay informed about and proud of your university. Share the good news about what is
happening here, and also share how Southeastern has been a part of your own personal success. As a member of the Southeastern family, I hope you will help us spread the pride!
John L. Crain PRES ID EN T
Richard “Bubby”
MATHIS Junior // Marketing
Hometown // Amite, LA How Southeastern changed me Southeastern has changed my perspective on the opportunities that are within my reach. Both professors and fellow students have pushed me to reach outside of my comfort zone. Here at Southeastern, you learn that the more you give to your experience, the more you get out of it!
Favorite spot on campus Strawberry Stadium. Sometimes when I’m stressed, I drive to the top of the parking garage to overlook the stadium and campus, and think about everything I have gained from being a Southeastern student.
Dream job Motivational Speaker and Life Coach
What do you think of Southeastern’s faculty and staff? The best thing about our faculty and staff, especially in Garrett Hall, is that they know my name and they are intent on making sure I fully understand the subjects they teach me. They want you to succeed, and they want to see you walk on stage to get your diploma.
Favorite thing about my major Learning about personal branding. My major lines up perfectly with my career goals in that being a motivational speaker is mainly about personal selling. It’s a very structured major, and it puts you in the right mindset for what you want to achieve.
Current involvement on campus Sigma Tau Gamma, Southeastern Cheer, Toastmasters, Gamma Beta Phi, Orientation Leader, Homecoming Court
In 15 words or less, what is great about Southeastern? At Southeastern, (L)earning (I)s (O)pening (N)ew (U)nderstanding of infinite (P)ossibilities - LION UP!
out & about
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social media
LION UP
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Lovin' on the new Roomie today!!!
“I� love the Lions & 3 game win streaks!!!
#lionup
#LionUp
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My little lion had so much fun giving out free popsicles at Strawberry Jubilee today! Love this campus so much! #slubcm #lastone #strawberryjubilee2017 #littlelion #futurelion
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Taking a break from lesson plans and kindergarteners to lion up with my ladies #gumboyaya
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Ya girls officially a Lion
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HAAAYYY It’s Homecoming Week and I’m ready to LION UP
I hope everyone had a great first day back on campus! I managed to get sick on the first day #justAbbithings but I'm still excited for junior year! #LIONUP #findyourROAR #wemeanbusiness #southeasterncob
#lionup #didyoucatchmypun
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Here's to the best season of them all #lionup
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Congratulations to the 2018 UDA National Champions in Div 1 Hip Hop, our Southeastern Louisiana University Lionettes!
The only thing I love more than my school's band (@spiritofthesouthland) is my school itself #LionUp #WeWon @spiritofthesouthland #BandGeekForLife #AwkwardSmile #SLU #Southeastern
#UDAnationals #LionUp
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LIONS WIN! The River Bell stays in #HammondAmerica! #LionUp @southeasternlafootball
news in learning
Campus Infrastructure Growing to Meet Student Demands
SOUTHEASTERN’S CAMPUS IS EVOLVING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ITS STUDENTS AND TODAY’S ECONOMY. Southeastern Louisiana University has begun construction of two new student housing facilities to meet growing demand for campus living options. The multi-faceted project began in June with residential move-in set for fall 2018.
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“This project is the culmination of an internal goal to provide our students with modern, techfriendly living spaces,” said Vice President for Administration and Finance Sam Domiano. “We are proud to be able to incorporate new facilities on campus that will add to our on-campus housing offerings, enhance programming and benefit our students for years to come.”
The approximate $36 million undertaking is being funded as a third party financing project through University Facilities, Inc., an affiliate organization of the university. The project is supported by self-generated revenues, and is not funded with state dollars. A unique feature of the facility will be the incorporation of a hybrid geothermal system for heating and cooling – the first of its kind in the state. This system is projected to reduce energy costs by more than 50 percent, and will also serve as a learning laboratory for real-world experiences for Southeastern students in various disciplines. Designed with student programming in mind, community corner lounges for socializing, as well as quiet study rooms will be located throughout the buildings. In addition, multipurpose space will be provided on the first floor of each building. The configuration of these rooms and the integrated technology is intended to house classes, as well as host various social, entertainment and other educational events. The full project encompasses several phases and includes the development of green space, configuration of parking lots, paving of walkways and the addition of adjacent plaza areas. Responding to the growth in student numbers and the needs of regional industry, Southeastern has opened the new Computer Science and Technology Building. The new 70,000 square foot facility houses computer science, information technology,
Computer Science and Technology Building Grand Opening
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news in learning
engineering technology, industrial technology, and occupational safety, health and environment programs. Each of these programs has seen significant growth in recent years. The building features modern, high tech classrooms; faculty offices; specialty labs for computer science; construction technology; material testing; machine and manufacturing; automation and robotics; ergonomics; industrial hygiene/fire protection and drafting. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on November 27 with university, regional and state officials present.
President’s Medal Winners Receiving the President’s Awards for Excellence were Associate Professor Ernest Milsted, artistic activity; Thomas Sommerfeld, professor of chemistry, research; Claire Hopson Procopio, professor of communication, teaching; and Todd Delaney, general manager and program director for KSLU radio station, unclassified staff service.
Southeastern opened the 2017-18 academic year Aug. 11 with its fall convocation that included presentation of the President’s Awards for Excellence, the university’s highest honor for faculty and staff. From left are award recipients Todd Delaney, Claire Hopson Procopio, Ernest Milsted and Thomas Sommerfeld. Congratulating them is Southeastern President John L. Crain, far right.
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New Deans Appointed SOUTHEASTERN RECENTLY APPOINTED DEANS TO LEAD THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
Antoinette “Toni” Phillips, a member of the Southeastern Louisiana University faculty since 1990, has been named dean of the College of Business. A professor of management, Phillips has served as interim dean of the college since 2014. Under her guidance, the MBA program underwent changes in curriculum, resulting in a steady increase in enrollment; the college expanded outreach activities and enhanced incorporation of real-world opportunities into classes; helped in the development of Panamá Bilingüe, a program that trains Panamanian teachers in bilingual education; and supervised a refurbishment of the school’s lobby and the installation of a new, privately-funded marketing/analytics lab. Phillips served as assistant dean of the college from 2013 to 2014 and as interim head of the Department of Management and Business Administration. She was appointed a professor in 2000. She is the author or co-author of numerous publications and a member of several academic business and management associations.
Antoinette Phillips
An educator with more than 11 years of college leadership experience, Paula Summers Calderon, has been appointed dean of the College of Education at Southeastern Louisiana University. Calderon most recently served as assistant and associate director of the LSU School of Education. In her administrative positions at LSU, she was responsible for accountability reporting, including program assessments for major accrediting agencies. Calderon was appointed the LSU college’s coordinator of assessment and accountability in 2006, assumed the assistant director position in 2013, and has served as associate director for the past year. She joined LSU in 1999 as a student teaching supervisor and served as program coordinator for world language education and undergraduate secondary teacher education. For eight years prior, she taught French at St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge. She is a graduate of LSU, with doctorate and master of arts degrees in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor’s degree in secondary French education.
Paula Summers Calderon
“We are pleased to have leaders whom are the caliber of Dr. Phillips and Dr. Calderon now leading our Colleges of Business and of Education,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tena L. Golding. SPRING 2018
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news in learning
Enrollment Strong Across the Board
SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY REPORTED THE LARGEST CLASS OF INCOMING FRESHMAN STUDENTS IN 10 YEARS. Incoming freshman students increased by 4.5 percent from 2,617 to 2,737; new transfer students by 24.5 percent from 428 to 533; and new graduate students by 6.1 percent from 198 to 210. In addition, both new and continuing undergraduate and graduate student categories increased, as well as the total course hours taken by all students.
“We are pleased to welcome all our new and returning students to campus. As we continue to impart both the value of a Southeastern degree and the unsurpassed quality of the caring, personal learning environment we provide, we garner more and more interest from prospective students,” said President John L. Crain. “Our university is singularly focused on providing a second-to-none educational experience.”
those attending new student orientation sessions have also continued to grow, averaging five percent growth for each of the past two years. “We also experienced a significant increase in the number of international students,” said Kay Maurin, assistant vice president for enrollment management. “Our campus is currently home away from home for 247 international students.”
In addition to overall growth in the above categories, Southeastern witnessed more interest among new high school graduates. Freshman applications rose 13 percent this year and have increased by 48 percent over the past two years. The numbers of
Roomie Revealed! While Roomie has had many looks throughout the years, this year, Southeastern’s beloved mascot got a refreshed look. The new Roomie debuted at the September 9 home season opener. Welcome Roomie!
Growing with Honors Southeastern Louisiana University welcomed more than 200 new honors students to its campus this fall, the largest number in recent history. The freshman class of 2021 influx has increased the enrollment in honors courses this fall over last fall by 195%. The Honors Program at Southeastern offers high achieving students the challenge of honors level courses, more focused work, independent research, and deeper assignments. Strong students accept this challenge and are rewarded with a close knit group of students and faculty committed to academic excellence and an intense preparation for students’ futures. Program Director Claire Procopio recently took the helm of the program and has been a tireless promoter to new students. “Our program offers a unique environment specifically designed for high achieving students,” Procopio said. This year’s students have a very strong academic profile: 72% started with college credit toward their degrees already under their belt. “One student started with a year’s worth of credit from AP, dual enrollment, and ACT,” Procopio reported. More than 17% of them had ACT Composite scores greater than 30 – a score that places a student in the top 6% of ACT scores nationally. The average ACT score among the students is significantly higher than the average student. The most popular major among the students is biology, with many intending to go on to medical school. Past honors students know the value of the program and are evidence of the reason for its growth. As Kevin Bokun, Honors Outstanding Senior for 2017 who is currently attending LSU-S School of Medicine, said, “An honors education has prepared me to go on to medical school and engage in graduate research.” Honors Program students regularly go to graduate school or obtain high-salary starting jobs upon graduating, significantly due to the program’s rigorous requirements. “The growth this year has been fantastic, but we want this to be the beginning of continued growth. Southeastern has developed many programs that show it is a great destination for high achieving students,” said Procopio. SPRING 2018
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news in learning
International Business Lab Opens
THROUGH THE PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT OF JOSE BARRIOS NG AND HIS WIFE VERONICA, SOUTHEASTERN OPENED ITS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAB. Barrios Ng, a successful business director and entrepreneur in the Republic of Panama with strong ties to Louisiana, is currently president and chairman of the board for one of the largest private universities in Panama, the Universidad Latina de Panama. The institution works closely with the Southeastern Latin American Business and Development Initiative. “The addition of this lab provides new and very significant resources for our students and will better prepare them for the real world of business,” said Antoinette Phillips, dean of the College of Business. “We are grateful to Dr. Barrios Ng and his family for their generosity.”
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The new lab has five workstations with 30 iMac computers and software access to Adobe Creative Cloud, Hootsuite and other resources used in many marketing courses. The lab also features a widescreen, interactive learning system, called ActivWall. Southeastern is the first university in the U.S. to install the system that allows faculty and students the ability to collaborate, connect and share ideas in real time, both nationally and internationally. The lab will also be used to help instruct participants in the Panamá Bilingüe Program, a joint project between Southeastern and the Republic of Panama that teaches English to teachers from the Central American nation in English through several months of immersion in the language. In 2002, Barrios Ng joined the Panama Canal Authority as chief financial officer, and in 2007 he assumed the role of deputy administrator, where he directed the group that managed the financing for the canal’s $5 billion expansion project. He served as the negotiator on behalf of the Panama Canal Authority of the Free Trade Agreement between Panama and the United States. He has served as president of the Panama Stock Market, Optima Insurance, and the media group Nueva Prensa Financiera, which includes the “Capital Financiero” newspaper.
Previous page: Jose Barrios Ng, Panamanian entrepreneur and president of the Universidad Latina de Panama, and his wife Veronica prepare to cut the ribbon on a new computer lab in the Southeastern Louisiana University College of Business. Pictured are, from left, April Kemp, instructor; Russell McKenzie, head of the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management; Barrios Ng and his wife Veronica; Southeastern President John L. Crain; Vice President for Advancement Wendy Lauderdale; Dean of the College of Business Antoinette Phillips; Associate Professor Tara Lopez; and Aristides Baraya, instructor and head of Southeastern’s Latin American Business and Development Initiative.
Delayed Homecoming Roaring Success Homecoming 2017 was originally scheduled for October 7, but due to Hurricane Nate was postponed to October 28. Despite activities being split over the original week and the
rescheduled week, this year’s event was a roaring success. Good weather brought out large crowds for the game against Sam Houston State.
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VISION 2017 Strategic Planning Progress Report
The following is a list of initiatives and endeavors with supporting quantitative data that evolved from Southeastern’s Vision 2017 strategic plan. Although not comprehensive, it serves as an illustration of the myriad accomplishments achieved.
1
TO ENGAGE A DIVERSE POPULATION OF LEARNERS WITH POWERFUL EXPERIENCES
1.1 T he university will provide relevant curricula,
emphasizing scholarship and an innovative, engaging pedagogy that creates an intellectually stimulating environment.
1.2 T he university will expand an aggressive and
effective recruiting program that attracts and enrolls highly qualified and diverse students.
1.3 T he university will provide programs, services, resources and infrastructure that maximize student success and degree completion.
Opened living-learning communities in Cardinal Newman Hall—STEM; Livingston Hall and Louisiana Hall— Honors; and Tangipahoa Hall— College of Business lounge.
1.4 T he university will recruit, retain, develop,
(1.1)
engage, and support a diverse and wellqualified faculty and staff.
1.5 T he university will create an environment
that promotes accessibility and safety and supports understanding and acceptance of human differences.
1.6 T he university will offer distance learning
courses, programs and technologies that are responsive to student needs.
1.7 T he university will offer undergraduate and
graduate degree programs and post-degree certificate programs to meet regional needs.
Cardinal Newman Hall
+10
Increased Endowed Professorships from 54 to 64, enhancing the university’s ability to recruit and support faculty.
College of Business lounge
(1.4)
Commenced construction on Ascension Hall and Twelve Oaks Hall student housing project
Opened the Student Food Pantry.
(1.5)
(1.3) SPRING 2018
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Student Union
Kinesiology and Health Studies
Faculty Excellence
Computer Science and Technology
Completed Student Union renovation and expansion; constructed Computer Science and Technology Building; renovated/expanded Kinesiology and Health Studies Building; renovated/relocated Center for Faculty Excellence; renovated/ converted Subway CafĂŠ.
(1.3)
Developed and began implementation of a new Marketing and Recruitment Plan that will be in effect through 2022.
(1.2)
455 Expanded online offerings with 455 completely online courses taught in the past five years.
(1.6)
Enrollment Services and Administration and Finance collaborated to create iDashboards, a tool for targeted retention and recruitment efforts.
(1.2)
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Added BS in Information Technology; BS in Health Systems Management; BS in Occupational Safety, Health and Environment with either Safety, Health or Environment minors; post-Master of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice and BS in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
(1.7)
2
TO SPEARHEAD COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS
2.1 T he university will partner with area K-12 schools through programs such as dual enrollment.
Funded by two U.S. Department of Agriculture grants, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences partnered with North Oaks Health System to create a health coaching program that provides authentic field experiences for students. Reduced hospital readmission rates 72 percent among at-risk patients.
2.2 T he university will increase the number of community college transfer students.
2.3 T he university will enhance its partnership with Northshore Technical Community College.
2.4 T he university will expand interaction with
business, community and educational groups.
(2.4) Created Connect to Success, an admissions bridge partnership, with Northshore Technical Community College for students who do not meet university admission standards. Worked with NTCC to grow enrollment in the program to over 600 students.
(2.3) College of Education partnered annually with an average of 359 schools throughout 14 school systems and across 12 parishes for student field experiences.
359
SCHOOLS
14
SYSTEMS
12
PARISHES
(2.1)
3
TO FOSTER A CLIMATE THAT NURTURES RELATIONSHIPS AND ENGAGES PEOPLE IN THE LIFE OF THE UNIVERSITY
3.1 T he university will offer a broad array of athletic, cultural, and community events and programs.
3.2 T he university will enrich relationships through interactive communication.
Lion Athletics completed a Southland Conference-wide record number of community service hours, 4,896, and received the Southland Strong Community Service Award.
(3.1)
4,896 SERVICE HOURS
21%
+
The number of annual community service hours by students increased 21 percent from 4,341 to 5,551.75 hours.
(3.1)
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4
TO PREPARE THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY TO THRIVE IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY
4.1 T he university will increase the presence on
campus of students from outside the region and country.
4.2 T he university will promote student/faculty
Executed 15 additional partnerships with universities across the globe. Our network of partnerships now includes universities in Canada, Colombia, El Salvador, Japan, Panama, Peru, South Korea and Spain.
exchanges with international institutions.
38%
+
5
(4.2)
Increased international beginning freshman applications by 38 percent.
(4.1)
TO INCREASE, DIVERSIFY AND MANAGE FUNDING EFFECTIVELY
5.1 T he university will effectively manage its share of state appropriations.
5.2 T he university will increase alternate sources
100%
+
Increased total Foundation assets 100 percent to reach a record $60 million.
(5.2)
of revenue.
5.3 T he university will expand sustainability efforts as a means of reducing costs and enhancing educational opportunities for students.
Increased Event and Conference rental revenue by 43.3 percent. (5.2)
+43.3%
Implemented Peoplesoft Asset Management system resulting in five consecutive years of reporting decreased unlocated inventory dollars to Louisiana Property Assistance Agency.
(5.1)
Contracted with Peake Sports to administer corporate sales for Lion Athletics, which has seen a 49% increase in revenue.
(5.2)
Reduced annual energy costs by $1.2 million through solar power for heated water and electricity, plant propagation, bio-mass electricity generation and direct digital temperature controls.
(5.3)
6
TO COMMUNICATE THE UNIVERSITY’S IDENTITY AND VALUE
6.1 The university will identify and promote its strengths. 6.2 The university will develop and implement an
integrated marketing and communication plan.
Developed a research-based brand platform to guide communications strategies across all university divisions.
Re-launched Southeastern Magazine with fresh design, content and larger page count. With Foundation support, increased publication from annual to biannual and distribution from 5,000 to 20,000.
(6.1)
(6.1)
Developed campus-wide research-based Integrated Marketing Plan through a Marketing Committee process.
(6.2) University website completely overhauled in 2013. With modern technology trends changing at such a rapid pace, a refresh of the homepage and several top level pages was also completed in 2017.
(6.1)
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A somewhat scientific polling of ALUMNI.
you know it you said it
Walmart, Target, Dollar General or Dollar Tree? Do you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?
WALMART
TARGET
20%
INTROVERT
DOLLAR GENERAL
56.5% HAPPY MEDIUM
40.7%
23.5%
44.3%
10.2%
DOLLAR TREE
4.8%
EXTROVERT
1.2%
35.3%
I’m way too embarrassed to say.
1 to 3 times per week.
How often do you eat at fast food restaurants?
NO COMMENT
3.4%
NO
37.1%
More than 3 times per week.
1 to 3 times per month.
8.8%
54.7%
YES
59.5%
Did you have a job while you were at Southeastern or in college? Have you ever checked out a childhood crush or high school boyfriend/girlfriend on social media?
82.7% YES
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feature story
NAT GEO CHANNEL FEATURES
STUDENT FLORENCE WEN’S EFFORTS BY RENE ABADIE
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HERPETOLOGISTS ACROSS THE GLOBE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF SEA TURTLES.
WITH HUMAN DEVELOPMENT ALONG SHORELINES CONTINUING TO EXPAND, INCREASES IN OUT-OF-THEORDINARY WEATHER EVENTS, RISING SEA LEVELS AND WARMING TEMPERATURES, SEA TURTLES FACE NEW CHALLENGES EACH YEAR. Southeastern’s Department of Biological
Sciences has developed a strong contingent of herpetologist faculty members. This is drawing students from across the nation. Florence Wen is one of those students. Wildlife and nature have always been Wen’s real passions, so it’s not an odd sight to see her immersed in the sands of a beach in Costa Rica studying clutches of sea turtle eggs. A graduate student in Southeastern’s biological sciences program, the New York native is studying the relationship between temperatures and the sex ratio of sea turtles in an attempt to determine what the natural ratio of females to males is among the docile sea creatures that are found worldwide, as well as possible impacts of climate change on the ratio. The research – based in Costa Rica’s Ostional Beach on the Pacific Ocean, an important nesting beach for Olive Ridley sea turtles – is the basis of her thesis for her master’s degree, which she expects to receive next summer. Following her graduation from Syracuse University with a combined undergraduate degree in biology and public relations, Wen started working toward a master’s degree at Columbia University. “Columbia was a dream school, but I had to admit it was not where I wanted to be at that time,” Wen explained. “I wanted more field work experience.” Wen was able to travel extensively and study abroad. She travelled to Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru, where she became fluent in Spanish. In 2010 she took a tropical ecology course in Costa Rica, and – as she says – fell in love with the country. Wen then worked for nearly two years with a New York non-profit organization, where she helped teens gain practical job experience.
“I saw the great diversity of life in Costa Rica; I was surrounded by wildlife and nature, all the things I had dreamed about in my life,” she said. The desire to study biology in the field led her to Southeastern. The Department of Biological Sciences has a strong reputation for its dynamic research on amphibians and reptiles, and Professor Roldan Valverde has spent several years there studying the nesting patterns of hundreds of thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles. “Southeastern has a strong herpetology community, which makes this biology graduate program so interesting and dynamic,” she said. Wen contacted Valverde about possibly doing research in his lab as she worked on her advanced degree. Valverde is internationally recognized for his research on sea turtles,
serves as scientific director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy and is a former president of the International Sea Turtle Society. He and several other faculty served on Wen’s thesis research committee and helped her develop her project during her first year as a graduate student. “Florence is the perfect student to undertake this project,” Valverde said. “She has worked in the area for a long time, is familiar with the Costa Rican and local cultures, and is well trained on the techniques needed to bring this project to a successful completion.” Wen selected Ostional Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica as her research base where she had developed valuable contacts who could help with her work. Ostional Beach is one of the most prominent locations for the Olive Ridley turtle “arribada,” Spanish for “arrival,” in which thousands of female sea turtles nest and lay their eggs. To do her research, Wen had to apply
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for government permits while seeking grant funding to cover travel, equipment and other research expenses. Among the awards she received was a $5,000 Young Explorers Grant from National Geographic. “The Olive Ridley turtle is one of seven species of sea turtles in the world, and all are considered threatened. Sea turtles nest year-round at Ostional, and the arribada happens about once every month,” she said. "Sea turtle sex is determined by incubation temperature and not by sex chromosomes like humans,” Wen said. “Warmer temperatures produce more females, and cooler temperatures produce more males. It’s easy to remember: ‘cool dudes and hot chicks.’ I am trying to determine what the natural sex ratio looks like. Many studies have found populations where the sex ratios are female-based, and I am developing a baseline for long-term study of climate change effects on the Ostional sea turtle population and to help research in the future.” As global temperatures increase, researchers expect to see a higher proportion of female hatchlings being produced, she said. This could become a problem if a population only produces females and disrupts the natural ratio of females to males. Extremely high temperatures can also increase the embryo mortality rates. In extreme scenarios, it is possible that no hatchlings will be produced.
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SOUTHEASTERN MAGAZINE
Hatchling sea turtle sex is currently determined by sacrificing the animal and doing a histological examination of the gonads. An additional aspect of Wen’s research is the development of an alternative technique to sex hatchlings using sex steroids obtained through blood sampling rather than sacrificing the turtle. “Our lab at Southeastern is equipped to measure testosterone and estrogen,” explained Valverde, “and we think we could provide the scientific community with a non-lethal technique to predict sex ratios. This is critical as the world’s temperatures are rising and are expected to continue to rise over the next decades. This could jeopardize sea turtle populations, not just at Ostional Beach but elsewhere in the world.” To perform her research, Wen set up a hatchery with five different thermal zones using shading levels and watering of the areas to help control the temperatures of the nests. Sensors placed in the nests logged the temperatures every two hours. Local inhabitants of the area are the only individuals legally allowed to harvest eggs for food and sales. Wen purchased 2,500 eggs from the residents, relocating the eggs in five thermal zones with five nests of 100 eggs each.
HERPETOLOGY A Southeastern Specialty
Southeastern has become well known for its remarkable number of faculty that would include “herpetologist” as a description of their work and research. Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles. Collectively, these faculty members have published hundreds of scientific papers, received millions of grant dollars, and occupied important positions in international scientific societies. In 2017 alone, this group published over 20 papers, served as presidents of two major scientific societies, and as editor of an international journal of herpetology. This collection of experts is unique in that it developed not from a specific strategy to focus on herpetology, but on its own, almost organically. There are many reasons this group of faculty coalesced around Southeastern. First, once an initial group forms, it tends to attract others with similar interests. For example, Christopher Beachy, department head for biological sciences, says “I wasn’t really looking to become a department head anywhere, but when I saw the position at Southeastern, it was too hard to not apply because I knew of the area and the group here.” Another reason is that the Florida Parishes are incredibly rich in “herp” diversity and provides an attractive area in which to work. Additionally, since so many courses in the biological field naturally cover vertebrate animals - amphibians and reptiles are among the vertebrates (the others are birds, mammals, and fish) - the coursework attracts specialists that just happen to include amphibians and reptiles in their expertise. For example, Raul Diaz is a developmental vertebrate morphologist who happens to study chameleons and snakes, and April Wright is a computational biologist who has worked on salamanders. The list of faculty that call themselves herpetologists and/or publish research about “herps” includes both new faculty (April Wright, Raul Diaz and Jennifer Lamb) and those that have been at Southeastern for years (Clifford Fontenot, Mary White, Brian Crother, Roldan Valverde, Dave Sever and Chris Beachy). There are few universities in the world with as many herpetologists. It is not an exaggeration to state that there is no better place to study herpetology than Southeastern.
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In the wild, only about 10 percent of the eggs hatch successfully, and only half of these actually make it to the water. “ Only about one in 1,000 baby sea turtles will reach adulthood,” she said. “Many die due to oil spills, fishery bycatch and predation by ants, raccoons, fish and others. Dogs on the beach also present a problem.” With her controlled nesting environments, Wen sees an 80 to 90 percent success rate in hatching. The baby turtles are released on the beach and make their way to the sea. It’s important to place the baby turtles on the beach rather than directly in the ocean, she explained, because this allows the turtles to imprint their birth place and for their lungs to develop. After they reach sexual maturity in 12 to 15 years, many of the females will return to establish their own nests and lay up to 100 eggs. While doing her research in the summer of 2017, Wen became a "star" on the National Geographic Channel in a live web stream featuring her work. "NAT GEO" wanted to film sea turtle hatchlings in Costa Rica, and we coordinated for them to film at my field site," she said. "We decided to do the live stream video during a morning hatchery check so that people could see what sea turtle work was like. They were really excited to know that I had been awarded the Young Explorers Grant." Wen is currently looking at pursuing doctoral studies when she completes her work at Southeastern and hopes that her work here will have a long term impact on global sea turtle populations.
Southeastern herpetology graduate student Florence Wen observes a sea turtle nesting area in Costa Rica.
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look at us now
SO U TH E A ST ER N EX P ER IEN C ED
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THE DECEMBER SNOWFALL TURNED CAMPUS INTO A TRUE WINTER WONDERLAND.
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media shelf
Southeastern Professor Named
LOUISIANA POET LAUREATE BY RENE ABADIE
SOUTHEASTERN PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH JACK BEDELL OF HAMMOND HAS BEEN NAMED THE NEW POET LAUREATE FOR THE STATE OF LOUISIANA BY GOV. JOHN BEL EDWARDS. 30
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Through a process coordinated by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the governor tapped Southeastern Professor of English Jack Bedell to succeed Professor Peter Cooley of Tulane University, who served in that position since 2015. Nominees must have published works in books, anthologies, literary journals or magazines. The committee is charged with selecting nominees who reflect the diverse cultures and heritage of Louisiana.
“Jack Bedell’s love for Louisiana is evident in his work, and I’m confident that he will serve honorably as the state’s poet laureate,” said Gov. Edwards. “I want to thank the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for leading this search, and I congratulate all of the nominees whose writings capture the heart of the people and places that make our state a unique and wonderful place to call home.” From Bedell’s upcoming book.
Dark Current Stranded in our yard by backwash of river and a foot of rain, a snapping turtle rolls on its shell, perpetual as if fallen in a dream. Its claws cannot find river bottom for purchase, and nothing in the sea foam of leaves gathering around its body can satisfy its chomping jaws. No wind to carry it where it must go, no light bright enough to dry this mess, no brother, this storm.
“I am stunned and honored by Gov. Edwards naming me Louisiana Poet Laureate,” said Bedell. “Knowing the quality of the writers who have preceded in the post, I have a hard time seeing myself as a member of the group. I owe Louisiana a profound debt. I think my work shows the love I have for my native state and for the people, places and traditions that have formed such a beautiful life for me and my family. I cannot wait to get started serving my term so I can repay a little of that debt by shining a light on the great poetry that is being produced all over Louisiana.” “The selection of Professor Bedell for State Poet Laureate is an honor well deserved,” said Tena L. Golding, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “His work reflects the hard working people of Louisiana and their culture. Southeastern is proud to share his talents with so many others through this selection.”
“Since 1942, the post of the State Poet Laureate has been occupied by writers whose poetry reflects the region’s unique and rich culture,” said David Hanson, head of the Southeastern Department of English. “Jack Bedell’s poetry sustains that tradition with unfailing skill, thoughtfulness and engaging language. He well deserves his place in this historic success of admired writers.” The author of nine books of poetry, Bedell teaches creative writing to Southeastern students. He is a native of the Houma-Thibodaux area and joined the Southeastern faculty in 1992. In addition to teaching, he is editor of “Louisiana Literature,” a literary journal published by Southeastern, and serves as director of Louisiana Literature Press. Among his works are “Come Rain, Come Shine,” “What Passes for Love,” “At the Bonehouse,” and “Revenant.” Due to be released in 2018 is his new book “No Brother, This Storm.” Bedell has had numerous poems published in anthologies and journals. Bedell is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including having been nominated to serve as state Poet Laureate four times. He was honored with the Governor’s Award for Artistic Achievement in 2007, earned the 2005 Special Humanities Award from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and was honored with Southeastern’s President’s Award for Excellence in Artistic Activity in 1997, one of the highest awards presented by the university to faculty and staff. Bedell received his doctorate in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a master’s of fine arts degree in creative writing from the University of Arkansas, and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in English from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.
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SOUTHEASTERN and GNARLY BARLEY
partner in new brew SOUTHEASTERN, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GNARLY BARLEY BREWERY, NOW HAS ITS OWN BEER – LION UP AMERICAN WHEAT ALE. BY RENE ABADIE
n recent years, Louisiana has become the center of a new trend – that of universities partnering with breweries to produce a university-branded beer for sale to the public. While UC Davis licensed its name for a short period in 2011, the real development started with University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2015. At the time, ULL’s Ragin' Cajuns Genuine Louisiana Ale was the claimed to be “the first officially licensed college beer” according to the Collegiate Licensing Company. Since then others – mainly in Louisiana – have become part of a unique trend. Not to be outdone, LSU decided to be the next player in the beer game the following year with its own Bayou Bengal Lager. LSU had attempted an earlier version of a branded beer, but the project never fully got off the ground. This past summer, Tulane University announced its Green Wave Beer. According to a recent Food and Wine Magazine article, “In the past few months, the University of New Mexico (Lobo Red Ale), New Mexico State University, (Pistol Pete's 1888 Ale), the University of Montana (Griz Montana Lager) and Purdue University (Boiler Gold-American Golden Ale) have all announced school-branded beer collaborations—almost doubling the number of such brews on the market.” Colorado State University and the University of New Orleans also just announced plans for university-branded beers. Into this trend comes Southeastern’s own offering. Something new for Southeastern Lion fans is now brewing at Gnarly Barley Brewery. Lion Up™ American Wheat Ale is now available at restaurants, stores and entertainment venues across the Northshore region, including Strawberry Stadium on Lion home game days. 34
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“Being that the university has been such a huge part of our lives since we both started in the early 2000s and met while students there, we feel this is an amazing opportunity for us to team up with Southeastern,” said Zac Caramonta, Gnarly Barley co-founder along with his wife Cari. “We love our alma mater, and it’s just so cool that we are able to do something like this.” This licensing endeavor is a great match because Zac and Cari are able to combine their passion for craft beer with their Lion pride, and Lion fans enjoy the end result. While alumni-owned Gnarly Barley’s connection to Southeastern was an important part of the decision to partner with Zac and Cari, it was also important that the beer be unique and excellent to reflect the personality of the university. Southeastern knows the quality of Gnarly Barley’s product and previously Zac had explained why their beer is so good: “We don’t take any short cuts. Our beer goes from grain to keg in about 28 days. We could do some things to trim that time down to about half as many days – as many of the larger and more typical breweries do – but to me that just wouldn’t be doing it right,” explained Zac. "It all starts with grain, yeast and water. I build my own water. I get water to 99.9% pure and then build it up from there with careful mixes of minerals.” Gnarly Barley orders grains from various global regions depending on the beer, as well as any specific type of yeast needed. Most of the barley they use is bought directly from farmers in Oregon and of the highest quality. “They grow the best,” said Zac. Instead of a more efficient barley that grows more on each plant, they use one that grows less on each plant, but is more flavorful.
LION UP LION UP WITH THIS GNARLY AMERICAN WHEAT ALE!
ABV: 4.5%
IBUS: 32.5
FERMENTABLES: WHEAT, 2-ROW, PILSNER
HOPS:
AMARILLO
Zac has been honing his recipes and craft much longer than the establishment of the company in 2014 in order to create the level of taste and quality. Gnarly Barley Brewing is located in a 10,500 square foot facility in Hammond and its products are distributed in nine parishes and over 500 establishments. “Look for us on the shelves at your local grocery and favorite watering hole,” said Cari Caramonta. “We work hard to identify the best accounts for our products - retailers that make local products and craft beer priorities.” She added, “And if you don’t see it there, be sure to speak up and ask for Gnarly Barley!”
In addition to the highest quality ingredients, building each component and input from the ground up and not rushing the process, the last ingredient is the “care” put into it all. Zac runs the operation of the brewery himself and supplies the majority of the labor. He wants to ensure the quality meets his high standards, and generally does it himself. The partnership has resulted in a crisp American wheat ale that is light bodied and great tasting. According to Caramonta, beer enthusiasts can expect a refreshing wheat malt flavor and crisp floral hop notes. “It’s light bodied and easy to drink - perfect for Lion tailgating,” he said. American Wheat Ales are related to German Weissbiers and Belgian Witbier, in which a proportion of wheat is added to the recipe. This type of beer is known for its light and flavorful tones. Lion Up™ was officially launched at a party at Gnarly Barley in early August. It will be brewed exclusively during fall semesters and sold in 12 oz. recyclable cans only. It has been served at all Southeastern Alumni Association tailgating events this fall and had a very positive response. “Our tailgaters have really enjoyed Lion Up,” said Southeastern executive director for alumni relations, Michelle Biggs. “It has quickly become a fixture at our events, and we have been thrilled with the partnership and added ‘flavor’ of our very own beer.”
Louisiana Economic Development recently honored the company as one of the state’s 2017 Lantern Award winners. Lantern Award winners demonstrate excellence in manufacturing and outstanding service to their communities through the involvement of their businesses and employees. Lion Up™ American Wheat Ale will be sold by Champagne Beverage, the official beer distributor of Southeastern Athletics. Erin Cowser, Southeastern’s executive director for public and governmental affairs, added that a portion of the proceeds of the new craft beer’s sales will be dedicated to student alcohol abuse prevention efforts on campus.
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CEFALU SELECTED AS SOUTHEASTERN
Alumnus of the Year
AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED PHYSICIAN AND SCIENTIST IN THE FIELD OF DIABETES WAS SELECTED AS THE SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S 2017 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR.
William T. Cefalu, M.D., chief scientific, medical and mission officer for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and a 1975 zoology graduate of Southeastern, was honored at the Alumni Association’s annual awards evening in October as part of Southeastern’s Homecoming Week. “We are pleased to honor Dr. Cefalu as our 2017 Alumnus of the Year,” said Brad Stevens, president of the Alumni Association. “Dr. Cefalu is recognized worldwide for his clinical and basic research into a disease that is fast becoming an epidemic in the United States and other nations. Throughout his more than 30-year career as a physician, scientist and health care leader, he has demonstrated his commitment to the research needed to help reverse the everincreasing incidence of diabetes and to improve the lives of millions living with and affected by the disease.” Born in New Orleans and raised in Amite, Cefalu was appointed to his current position with the ADA earlier this year and leads the association’s efforts to drive discovery within the world of diabetes research, care and prevention; to raise voice to the urgency of the diabetes epidemic; and to provide support and advocacy for the millions of Americans living with the disease and those at risk of developing diabetes, as well as the health professionals who care for them. He previously served as the executive director of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, where he also held the George A. Bray, Jr. Endowed Super Chair in Nutrition and served as a professor. At Pennington Biomedical, he directed the center’s basic, clinical and population science research functions, supported the training and educational missions, and served as a mentor to medical and graduate students, medical residents and junior faculty. Cefalu also was editor-in-chief of the ADA’s journal Diabetes Care, the highest-ranked, peer reviewed journal in the world specifically devoted to diabetes. His research has focused specifically on interventions to improve the metabolic state of individuals with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. He had research support from the National Institutes of Health for more than 25 years and was the principal investigator for two NIH-funded research centers. At Pennington Biomedical, he directed the NIH-funded Botanical Dietary Supplements Research Center, as well as the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center, a consortium of eight academic institutions and health care systems across the state. He served as principal investigator for several multi-site trial studies, including the NIH-funded Grade study. Following his graduation from Southeastern, Cefalu earned his medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and completed his residency at the University of California-Irvine, Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System where he also served as chief resident. He completed a fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He has held academic appointments at Tulane University School of Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the University of Vermont College of Medicine. The author of more than 280 manuscripts and 25 book chapters, he has also served as the editor of five books on the management of diabetes.
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CHUCK TONEY, PROSECUTOR FOR THE JEFFERSON PARISH DISTRICT ATTORNEY, WAS NAMED SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY’S 2017 YOUNG ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR.
“We are pleased to honor Chuck Toney as our Young Alumnus of the Year,” said Alumni Association President Brad Stevens. “Chuck has seen that once you join the Southeastern family, you are a Lion for life. He never misses a chance to tell others all the benefits of the unique university where his journey started, and he proudly gives back as a donor, volunteer, and board member.” Toney graduated from Southeastern in 2006 with a bachelor of arts in political science. His passion for advocating for others led him to become an attorney, graduating from Southern University Law Center in 2011. While a student at Southeastern, Toney was a member of the Student Government Association, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., and served on the Judicial Board and as a graduate assistant in the Division of Student Affairs. He worked with fellow student government members and the university’s administration to facilitate the building of the new Student Union and the Katrina-Rita Memorial Fountain. He was also involved with the return of the football program and re-establishment of the Homecoming celebration. “All of my Southeastern experiences helped shape me into the leader that I am today and prepared me for my role as an advocate for my clients,” he said.
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COMMUNITY LAWYER TAPPED AS SOUTHEASTERN
Young Alumnus of the Year
SCIENCE AT THE NEXT LEVEL – Southeastern biology instructor Tara Turley-Stoulig observes Lakeshore High School juniors George Stokes, left, and Andrew Jones as they perform a lab experiment testing for genetic modification in snack foods at the NTCC STEM campus laboratory.
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High School Students on Northshore Receive INTRODUCTION TO GENETICS, STEM OPPORTUNITIES FROM SOUTHEASTERN BY TONYA LOWENTRITT
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) job growth has been double that of all other fields in recent years. STEM worker wages are on average 25 percent higher than those of non-STEM workers and see half the rate of unemployment. STEM degree holders earn more than non-STEM degree holders, even if they do not work in the STEM fields. The picture is clear both nationally and within Louisiana: the STEM fields are where the growth is in terms of advancement, employment and earnings. The future lies in the STEM fields. Louisiana faces this future as well. A recent report found that triple-digit growth will be necessary in order for supply to satisfy workforce demand. In Louisiana’s metropolitan areas, STEM-related jobs will continue to be the fastest growing because of the industry mix of construction, health care, and computer and mathematics occupations. Southeastern is well aware of this growing need and can uniquely serve the state’s fastest growing region by providing unique opportunities in these disciplines to high school students. Students at several high schools on the Northshore are receiving intensive instruction in genetics and introductions to possible scientific careers thanks to Southeastern’s Department of Biological Sciences. Titled “Branching Out with STEM,” the new program involves Southeastern biology students and students from Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) who serve as teaching assistants under the direction of Tara Turley-Stoulig,
Southeastern instructor of biological sciences. Partnering with her on the program is NTCC Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives Tina Tinney. The program is funded by a two–year enhancement grant of $52,288 from the Louisiana Board of Regents.
“We are trying to stimulate greater interest in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) by exposing students to genetics concepts and activities they would not ordinarily encounter in their high school courses,” said Turley-Stoulig.
The four-day programs include two lecture modules in the high school classrooms on human genetics, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), genetic engineering and biotechnology, along with two days of hands-on activities in a lab at the NTCC STEM campus in Lacombe or on the Southeastern campus, where students are able to practice modern laboratory techniques. The project introduces high school students to STEM-related programs offered at the college and university levels.
similar number of NTCC students from various majors to help with the project. NTCC student Alexander Call of Mandeville participated in the program by assisting Turley-Stoulig in a laboratory presentation for Lakeshore High School students held at the community college’s new STEM campus in Lacombe. The experience has Call thinking that teaching may be a career choice that he would consider. “I see that the kids really like the program. The hands-on work they’re doing in the lab gets them involved in studying genetics,” Call said. “That is the intent of the program, to take a unique approach to provide a range of students’ exposure to technologies in a rapidly advancing field of science,” Turley-Stoulig said. “Dr. Turley-Stoulig is a great teacher,” said Lakeshore student Andrew Jones. “She teaches at our level and makes the subject understandable.” Lakeshore junior George Stokes added, “This is awesome; I learned a lot in this class.” In addition to Lakeshore, Northshore high schools participating in the program include Hammond High Magnet School, St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School and Northlake Christian School.
To help teach the approximately 130 participating high school students, Turley-Stoulig recruited 20 Southeastern students from the university’s biology programs to serve as teaching assistants. The Southeastern students then instructed a
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giving back
BY MIKE RIVAULT
“This is really a win-win for all parties. The students benefit with greater opportunities, the university benefits with expanded enrollment and industry benefits with more highly qualified graduates.�
PERFORMANCE CONTRACTORS MAKES A SIGNIFICANT DONATION TO EXPAND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM The Southeastern United States has a significant industrial presence. From oil and gas to chemical refineries to manufacturing, this region of the country has a growing need for a workforce with specific industrial and construction skill sets. Southeastern's industrial and engineering technology programs have been helping students build careers in these fields through strong academic preparation and practical, real-world experience. Graduates regularly have job offers in their field before graduation earning above average salaries. As the industrial sector continues to expand and grow, of particular need are professionals to inspect and manage welding efforts. While welders are always in high demand, an even more specific skillset is needed. “Every time you connect two pieces of metal, you need a weld,” said Anthony Blakeney, instructor of industrial technology specializing in materials and processes. New construction and industrial facility maintenance require experienced welders, who are traditionally trained at community colleges. But there is also a growing need for welding inspectors, supervisors and managers. On a nationwide basis, those occupying these types of positions are retiring, creating an acute need. Through direct industry investment, involvement and guidance, Southeastern will soon expand its industrial technology offerings and occupy a unique niche in the industrial sector to produce more graduates in this field. Performance Contractors, an industrial construction, management and fabrication firm headquartered in Baton Rouge, is partnering with Southeastern to create a new academic concentration in welding inspection and supervision. Louisiana’s industry-heavy economy is in constant need of industrial professionals, and this partnership will enable Southeastern’s Industrial Technology program to further develop the concentration and increase enrollment to help meet workforce demands. The concentration will be named the Performance Contractors Welding Technology Program.
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Co-founder and President of Performance Contractors Art Favre has made a $1 million donation to Southeastern in support of the initiative. Favre said he hopes this partnership with Southeastern will encourage other companies to do the same, making the university a major hub for producing much needed industrial specialists to meet Louisiana’s workforce needs. He stated, “Southeastern's current and developing programs will help boost the workforce expertise in these important areas. We need well-prepared and trained industrial team members at the professional level, and Southeastern is committed to providing opportunity to students to become job-ready in those areas." The development of the welding inspection and supervision academic program is seen as a significant partnership between industry and higher education to ensure future workforce needs are met and economic development in the industrial sector continues to grow. Louisiana is regularly listed as being in the top five states in need of welders, welding inspectors and associated supervisors. “An important part of Southeastern’s mission is to lead the economic development of this region. We strive to work directly with business and industry partners on an ongoing basis to determine their employment needs in the future and to develop curricula to meet those needs. Our board of advisors for industrial and engineering technology has a significant hand in creating areas of academic focus,” said John Crain, Southeastern president. “Partnership with industry and economic development entities is key to being responsive to the needs of the marketplace, as well as to offer students the most in-demand fields of study.” Blakeney noted that while many of the state’s technical and community colleges are graduating certified welders, there is a significant need for graduates at a more advanced level, professionals trained in supervision and inspection. “Our Industrial Technology degree program is accredited by ATMAE, the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering, and once this concentration is in place, we will be the first university in the country to have it as part of an ATMAE accredited program.” “There’s no working fast on critical welding work,” Blakeney said. “Each weld must be 100 percent correct, 100 percent of the time.” “Each weld needs inspection and must be correct. Southeastern will produce those Professionals.” The new program will also provide options for current welders and those graduating from welding programs to further their education. “Our intent is to use this opportunity to renovate our classroom and laboratory space, upgrade equipment, and increase student capacity,” said Dan McCarthy, dean of the College of Science and Technology. “With the new academic concentration, Southeastern expects demand for this program to increase. “This is really a win-win for all parties. The students benefit with greater job opportunities, the university benefits with expanded enrollment, and industry benefits with more highly qualified graduates,” concluded McCarthy.
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David Helveston, president of the Associated Builders and Contractors - Pelican Chapter, which focuses efforts on workforce development in the region, said, “This investment will lead to great careers for Southeastern’s students and future industrial growth in the state. A highly trained professional workforce is essential for economic development opportunities in the area.” Favre concluded, "Due to the heavy industrial presence in the Southeastern United States, we have unique workforce needs. I hope that this partnership will produce supervisory and managerial industrial professionals with greater skill sets which should help the economic expansion continue.” The announcement of the partnership gained attention among those concerned with economic development and workforce training. “Well-trained workers in welding and welding inspection are critically important to the future of Louisiana’s metallurgical industries,” Louisiana Economic Development FastStart Executive Director Paul Helton said. “Workers educated in these fields have outstanding career prospects in industrial construction, shipbuilding, oil and gas-related manufacturing, and railcar and machining assembly across Louisiana. The Performance Contractors donation to Southeastern will provide invaluable funding as we prepare future welding leaders for some of the more than 16,000 jobs in our state that require this vital skill-set.” LED FastStart® is the No. 1 state workforce training program in the U.S., with a focus on customized training for expanding employers in Louisiana. Southeastern’s ongoing desire to work directly with industry partners produces strong and in-demand academic programs that will have an impact on the university, its students and the region’s economy.
Performance Contractors, Inc. President Art Favre presents his $1 million in support to President John Crain with university and Performance representatives. Left to right are – front row: Kevin Courville, Performance Executive Vice President, Art Favre, Dr. John Crain, Wendy Lauderdale, VP for University Advancement and Lynn Horgan, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations; back row: Dr. Lu Yuan, Department Head, Computer Science and Industrial Technology, William "Willie" Lefever, Performance Vice President, Dr. Roy Bonnette, Professor of Industrial Technology, Anthony Blakeney, Instructor of Industrial Technology, Dan McCarthy, Dean of the College of Science and Technology, Jerome Mabile, Performance Corporate Quality Control Director
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athletics
Jay Ladner is in his fourth season as the head basketball coach at Southeastern Louisiana.
MAKING LIONS A
REMAINS LADNER’S GOAL BY MIKE KIRAL
When Jay Ladner was named the 12th Southeastern Louisiana men’s basketball coach in 2014, he made it a goal to make the program competitive as quickly as possible. Ladner and the Lions have lived up to that promise, going from nine wins his first season to 12 his second before recording its first winning regular season since 2010-11 in 2016-17. Southeastern was expected to continue that improvement pace in 2017-18 after being picked to finish third in the Southland Conference. Ladner recently sat down with Assistant Sports Information Director Mike Kiral to discuss the state of the program.
Q:
What progress have you seen in the program in the past four years? We’ve won nine games, then 12 games, then 16 games and then certainly got off to a good start this season. But we have to keep things in perspective. We have to do a lot of traveling to make ends meet financially, so it’s a big deal to have the first winning season in several years. We have to play paid games against strong competitors. That makes it more satisfying when you build a competitive program despite not being on an even playing field with some of the top level schools you play.
A:
Our goal is to become a national brand. We have a strong university, and the same thing can be said about the basketball program. We have been able to build and all of our indicators are strong. The public has faith in the program and wants to be a part of it. Season ticket sales, donations, and our basketball camps have all grown exponentially. We’re certainly happy with the progress, but we still have a long way to go. We want to be recognized on a national level for having an outstanding basketball program.
do that, you have to have success Q : To recruiting. How has that aspect changed
important area is fund-raising. Q : Another You’ve been known as a coach who goes far
with the growth of the program on the court?
and wide to promote the program. What results have you seen from those areas?
Our former and present staff is incredibly A : Unbelievable. talented and skilled, particularly in recruiting. We are in
more high-level living rooms than ever. I can give you example after example of guys that were seriously considering us, but have gone on to sign with a Power Five school. When a team begins to recruit at a much higher level, we’re going to lose more than we win. We understand that, but it’s a great sign that the level of player has gotten better every year. Our team this year is a great example. It is better and more talented, and we’ve had more success. Recruiting is a 365 day, 24 hour, seven day a week job. There is no down time. We have to work harder than most others to get where we want. It’s exciting to see the progress. After all, we know we can’t be successful without good players.
told (Southeastern Director of Athletics Jay) Artigues A : Iwhen he hired me, I would never turn down a speaking
engagement on behalf of the university. I have accepted every one. That is absolutely critical to us building our program. The more people we can get in to see our product, the more support we have. In our fund-raising arm, the Hardwood Club, membership has quadrupled. But we need to continue to grow that. Of course, the more success we have on the floor makes that a lot easier. We have to continue to sell and promote our program so people will understand that you can have fun and watch high level basketball right here on campus. They will support that.
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have mentioned in the past one way to Q : You sell the program is to play teams local fans recognize. In your four years here, Southeastern has scheduled more Louisiana teams. Is that something you see continuing?
think our fan base really enjoys seeing us play regional A : Iteams. For instance, next year, UL Lafayette is going to
come here to play and that will be the most attractive nonleague home game we’ve had since I’ve been here. We’ll open next season with LSU and when we do, we would have played every four-year school from the state of Louisiana on campus. Our fan base likes it more and it has some rivalry implications that make it more fun. It excites fans more and gives us some bragging rights, and it helps with recruiting.
general, scheduling seems like it has Q : In gotten tougher for you over the years. are many factors that complicate scheduling. A : There I don’t think anyone in the country would accuse
Southeastern of not playing a high-level schedule. Each year we play against some of the most high-profile teams in the country. But first and foremost, we need to be educating these young men. We want to prioritize academics first to the best we can and juggle that with the fact we have to raise funds through paid out of town games to help fund our program. It’s part of the process. As our program continues to grow, and the better we do, the harder it is going to be to schedule. It certainly has this year. We’re having a real hard time finding teams that are willing to come to Hammond and risk a loss. It was reflected in this year’s schedule and was one reason we only had four home games and three of those were nonDivision I’s. I hope within another year or two, it gets to be almost an impossible challenge for us because that means we would have continued to succeed and be known for it.
In our league there is no team that we know we can circle on the schedule and know it’s a win. But I will also say this, there is no team that we’ll say there’s no chance of winning either. That makes it exciting. It’s a continuing challenge for our coaching staff to stay on top of our schemes and tactics and strategies to create success. It’s also a challenge to our players. You can’t let up. Basketball is a long, long season. All we can do is focus in on the one ahead of us.
has life been like in Hammond the Q : What past four years? am a life-long Mississippi resident, but I can’t say A : Ienough about my feelings and love for the folks here in
south Louisiana. They are very warm and have a lot of life to them. They have welcomed me, my family and my staff with open arms. I will be forever indebted to this community and the way we have been welcomed here.
is the future of Southeastern Q : What Louisiana men’s basketball? the $64,000 question. We want to continue to A : That’s do what we have been doing – work hard. There is rarely
a day that goes by that our coaches are not out recruiting. It’s certainly not a 9-to-5 or Monday through Friday-type job. If we can continue to make positive steps, we will become that national power. We’ve established the fact that we can win. Now we need to find a way to get into a major postseason tournament. That would certainly help recruiting and it helps the exposure of our name brand across the country as well. As of press time, the Men's Basketball Team finished the season 21W - 10L with 15W - 3L in conference play.
We work hard to strike the right balance.
also playing in a conference Q : You’re that has increased parity. This year for instance, there were just two undefeated teams remaining following the first week of league play. think that is a great point. For anybody who doesn’t A : Ifollow college basketball, this makes it exciting. It’s very
difficult to win inside your league on the road. The teams that can do that, the ones that prove they can win those games, are the teams that will have a chance to make postseason play. The Southland Conference has as much parity as any league in the country.
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Jordan Capps – Southeastern Louisiana senior forward Jordan Capps returned for the 2017-18 season after playing just two games due to an injury in 2016-17. Joshua Filmore – Southeastern Louisiana senior guard Joshua Filmore is a fifth-year senior in 2017-18 after missing the 2016-17 season due to an injury. Moses Greenwood – Southeastern Louisiana junior forward Moses Greenwood has been one of the most consistent scorers and rebounders for the Lions. Marlain Veal – Southeastern Louisiana head coach Jay Ladner has called 5-foot-9, 145-pound Lions junior guard Marlain Veal, “poundfor-pound, the best player in the country in Division I.” He earned preseason All-Southland Conference second-team honors going into the 2017-18 season.
JOSHUA FILMORE
JORDAN CAPPS
MOSES GREENWOOD
MARLAIN VEAL
KEEPING
class notes
’ 55 LE E G RAY of Amite, a certified public accountant for more than 60 years, was awarded the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants. He taught accounting at Southeastern for several years and wrote a chapter in the original Louisiana Government Audit Guide.
‘64 RO G ER S P O P E, former superintendent of the Livingston Parish Public School System and currently a Louisiana representative from District 71, has been named to the Denham Springs High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
‘ 91
‘93
RA N DA LL BO RD ELO N
G U Y MI S T R ETTA has
has been appointed chief financial officer for JB James Construction LLC of Baton Rouge. He previously worked at CB& I where he served as a controller for one of its business lines.
been named the new head football coach and athletic director at Dutchtown High School in Geismer. He previously taught and coached at Redemptorist High School and The Dunham School in Baton Rouge and most recently at Livonia High School.
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SOUTHEASTERN MAGAZINE
in touch ’ 78 & ‘ 8 0
‘80
STEVE GAFFNEY has
GAY E MORRI SON
joined the new Baton Rouge branch of Alliant Insurance as senior vice president. He has extensive experience in high risk property and casualty accounts.
SANDOZ is director of the
‘ 97 VIVIAN B ENNETT has been named the new principal at Anthony Middle School in Cypress, Texas. She has served 19 years in education, most recently as director of instruction at Cypress Ranch High School.
LSU AgCenter Food Incubator. She previously worked for Cajun Injector and then started her own businesses, Clever Kitchen and Sandoz Marketing, which offered food product development and consulting services.
’ 01 & ’0 3 R EAGAN B ATTLE JOHNSON of Hammond, rehabilitation outpatient operations manager at North Oaks Health System, was named a North Oaks Leader of the Month. She originally joined North Oaks in 2006 as a speech pathologist.
'02
‘02
’ 02 & ‘ 12
‘ 03
J E AN E N N E BRIG N AC ,
PAU L C ATA L A N OTTO
JUL IAN SUR L A has been
ANGEL INA DYE
M.D., a board-certified family
of Natalbany, La., a selfemployed, full time filmmaker, recently completed work on the documentary When the Rivers Rise, a film about last year’s flooding from the perspective of the Springfield Fire Department. The film was accepted into the Louisiana International Film Festival and has been recognized with an Award of Recognition by Impact Docs Awards.
named principal of the Ascension Public Schools Early College Option Program. He has spent the past 10 years in Ascension Parish Schools.
DR AGO, ProStart instructor at
‘ 07 & ‘ 09
‘ 08
medicine physician, is now with Ochsner Health Center in Central, La. She previously worked as a primary care physician in urgent care and a rural community health clinic.
‘03
‘07 & ‘09
AM Y G A S S E N F RE SH
ED D I E B R ESC HER
W HITNEY STATHAM,
has been named executive director of the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany located in Covington. She previously worked in the banking industry and in education. She will manage the business operations of the museum and its staff and oversee educational program.
captured the Mississippi PGA Trustmark Invitational in mid-July. A native of Ponchatoula, La., he is the current assistant golf coach at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.
superintendent of Parks and Grounds for the City of Hammond, was named the city’s Employee of the Year, an award sponsored by the city and the Hammond Rotary Club. She has been with the City of Hammond for more than seven years.
Hammond High Magnet School, won the Louisiana State High School Teacher of the Year award. She started the ProStart program at HHMS, which teaches culinary arts and food service to students, and is certified at the state and national levels by culinary education organizations.
JESSICA ASL IN of Zachary has been named the LSU Adviser of the Year by LSU’s University College. She is a counselor in the Center for Advising and Counseling. The award is presented to academic advisers who provide exceptional service for students.
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class notes
’ 08 CA M E RY N BL ACK M O RE, who is working on her doctoral degree in political science at the University of Alabama, has been named a recipient of a national fellowship award from the American Political Science Association. She is one of 23 students nationwide named to receive the honor.
’08 & ‘ 12
‘ 09
R AYMO N D MOR R IS has been named a Principal of the Year for 2017-18 by St. Tammany Parish Schools. He has served as principal of Bayou Lacombe Middle School since 2015 and was a parish-wide assistant principal before that.
ANNE COLWART is a nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine and adult health at Ochsner Health Systems family medicine clinic in Destrehan.
‘1 0
’ 11
‘ 10 CH R IS M YCOS K I E has been named associate commissioner for broadcast and new media for the Southland Conference, located in Frisco, Texas. A member of the Southland staff since 2011, he will lead the conference’s television, radio and digital platform streaming efforts.
52
K ER R I SO O has been named principal of Mayfield Elementary School in Slidell, La. She has been an assistant principal at the school for the past four years while serving in several parishwide administrative roles.
SOUTHEASTERN MAGAZINE
‘1 0 R HONDA GI LLARD has been appointed principal of G.W. Carver Primary School in Gonzales, La. She previously served as assistant principal at Sorrento Primary School.
’1 1
TOMMY CONNOR S
GARY MARLBROU GH
has been named head football coach at his high school alma mater Archbishop Shaw in Marrero, where he has served as defensive coordinator for the last two seasons. At Southeastern, he was a four-time All-Southland Conference defensive back.
has been named a Principal of the Year for 2017-18 by the St. Tammany Parish Public School System. He has been principal of Chahta-Ima Elementary School since 2012.
' 12
'12
‘ 13
‘ 14
S T E V E N BA N of New Orleans placed fourth in Battlefest of New York, one of the biggest street dance competitions in the nation. He has previously appeared in the movie Pitch Perfect 2 and with the So You Think You Can Dance Experience.
B R A N D O N S MI T H has been named manager of safety health and security at the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance, Inc.
SUSAN FISHER B AIL EY
JESSICA R AUCH-
has been named the director of the Louisiana Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. She is a registered paramedic with nearly three decades of EMS experience in rural and urban settings. She is pursuing a master’s degree in emergency management.
B L ESSING, a nurse at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, received the Nurse Excellence Award in June from North Oaks. She was also recognized as the North Oaks Employee of the Month.
‘ 14
'15
' 16
' 17
E LIZ A BE T H H Y N E S
HU TC H G O N Z A L ES of
ANDR EA R ENEE
JAMES ANSTISS qualified
has been promoted at Zehnder Communications to social media community manager, developing content for social media clients. She joined Zehnder in 2015 as social media coordinator.
Covington, La., has been named head football coach at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School in Hammond. Previously he played wide receiver for the CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Arena Football League’s New Orleans VooDoo before becoming an assistant coach at Lakeshore High School and Fontainebleau High School.
VIL L AR R EAL of Monterrey,
for the 2017 U.S. Amateur Golf Tournament after tying for medalist honors at Tchefuncta Country Club in Covington, La. A native of Queenstown, New Zealand, he was a second team All- Southland Conference selection in 2017.
Nuevo Leon, Mexico won her first title as a professional tennis player. She won the Encore FX Victoria International in Victoria, Canada.
SPRING 2018
53
I CHOSE
to include Southeastern in my estate plans. After a meaningful 30 year career at the university, I understand the many needs for private support. I consider it an honor and a privilege to do my part in supporting our great university and its students. JUDY COUVILLION
Longtime Southeastern Employee
BY MAKING A PLANNED GIFT TO SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY, YOU ENSURE THAT YOU LEAVE A LEGACY THAT LASTS BEYOND YOUR LIFETIME.
Your support can be designated to any area of the university that has been meaningful to you. Students for generations to come will benefit from your personal generosity.
southeastern.planmygift.org / 985.549.2239 / plannedgiving@southeastern.edu
2018 Alumni Association COMING EVENTS To register visit southeastern.edu/alumni or call 800-SLU-ALUM
MARCH SAT
24
APRIL MON
Dallas Chapter - Social
OCTOBER FRI - SAT
12-13
SAVE THE DATE Southeastern Homecoming
16
FRI
LAA and Alumni Association Golf Tournament Chateau Country Club, Kenner
20
Golden Grad / Class of 1967 Luncheon Alumni Center
See Yourself? These historic photos are a snapshot of a different time at Southeastern. Let us know if you know anyone seen here. We would love to have names and stories to go with these photos. Email editor@southeastern.edu.
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SOUTHEASTERN MAGAZINE
SPRING 2018
57
NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 51 HAMMOND, LA
Office of Advancement, SLU 10293 Hammond, LA 70402 southeasternfoundation.org
Success: Southeastern received a new cutting-edge nursing simulation laboratory as a gift from John Manzella in honor of his late wife, Beverly Manzella. This lab will boost the hands-on preparation of nursing students significantly.