Fall/Winter 2016-17 Southeastern Louisiana University Magazine

Lions in Service Students, faculty and staff aid with flood relief, pg. 13

LI ON OF TH E L EGISL ATU R E

Alumni of the Year Named

John Alario reflects on his career, pg. 17

Southeastern’s Alumni of the Year honored during Homecoming, pg. 36

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M A G A Z I N E P RESI DENT

Dr. John L. Crain IN T E R I M PROVOST & V I C E PR E SI DENT FOR ACAD E MI C A FFA I RS

Dr. Tena L. Golding VIC E P R E SID E N T FO R AD MI N I ST R AT I O N & FI NA NCE

Sam Domiano VIC E P R E SI D E N T FO R U N I V E R S I T Y A DVA NCEM ENT

Wendy Lauderdale, CFRE V I C E PR E S I D E N T FO R ST U D ENT A FFA I RS

Dr. Eric Summers E X EC U T I V E D I R ECTOR, P U B LI C & G OV E R N ME N TA L A FFA I RS

Erin Moore Cowser D IR ECTO R , CO M MU N I CAT I O N S & C R E AT I V E SERV I CES:

Rene Abadie

Students in Service article, pg. 13

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 Letters may be used for publication unless the author states that it is not to be published.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.

D IR ECTO R , MAR K E T I N G & CO MMUNI CAT I ONS

Mike Rivault PH OTOG RA P HY

Randy Bergeron

Printing and distribution for the Southeastern Magazine provided by the Southeastern Foundation – southeasternfoundation.org.

CO NT RI B U TORS

Ashley Richardson, Tonya Lowentritt, Mike Kiral, Madison Chauvin COVE R PH OTO : Texas A&M head basketball coach Billy Kennedy was named Alumni of the Year for 2016 at this year’s Homecoming celebration.

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TOP I N STAT E

Southeastern’s Alumni and Young Alumni of the Year were honored during Homecoming.

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OCC UPATION A L SA F ETY, HEALTH &

The Mane Dish, Southeastern’s

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dining facility earned state and national recognition.

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A LUMNI OF THE YEA R N A MED

SOU T H E AST E R N S U STAI N AB ILITY

ENVIRONMEN T PROG RA M S H INES

C E N T E R W I N S AWAR D

OSHE program continues to grow and earn recognition.

Sustainability Center continues to earn

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awards for its green initiatives.

LI ON S I N S E RVI C E

Southeastern’s students, faculty and staff jumped into action to aid with flood relief.

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STUDEN T ATHLETE STEPS UP

Senior Lady Lion returned to action this year

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to help lead another successful season.

G OODWIN HONORED WITH

LI ON OF T H E LEG I S LAT U R E

SC HOLA RS HIP

President of the Louisiana Senate and Southeastern alumni, John Alario reflects on his career.

Longtime athletic trainer, “Doc” Goodwin, demonstrates the Lion spirit of service.

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president’s M E S SAG E

Alumni, Friends & Supporters, Whenever election year comes around, the issues of leadership and service come to the forefront of our collective minds. We hope that public service at any level will bring about the best in a person and demonstrate the true spirit of doing for others. We expect great things from our public officials.

Reflecting on those expectations, I also expect great things from our graduates.

Happily I can report that Southeastern alumni are recognized leaders in all states, businesses and industries, in public service and non-profit work, and in companies large and small.

Our mission at Southeastern is to help students obtain the education and skills that prepare them for their future; but we also hope to provide the opportunity for each student to develop into the best citizen they can be. That is important because while in our professional lives we are often defined by our expertise and education, we sometimes do our best work with the so-called “soft skills” that demonstrate the best of our humanity.

The spirit of leadership and service is strong at Southeastern. We stress a caring environment for our students and are more like a family than a workplace so students leave here changed. They have their degree in hand, but most have also learned those “soft skills” that are a fundamental part of who they are.

I am always pleased to see our alumni and students serving and leading. In this issue of the Southeastern Magazine, we feature stories that demonstrate this service and leadership. As you will read, there are Lions in public service in government, Lions in leadership roles among peers, and Lions serving those they don’t even know.

One example of this type of service is John Alario, a Southeastern graduate and the longest serving legislator in Louisiana who has been in public service for 44 years. Very few have served Louisiana as he has.

Another example is Southeastern’s response to the recent flood in our area. In this crisis, I have seen the best in our Southeastern family. Before the flood waters had completely receded, our students, faculty and staff organized volunteers to help those affected clean out flooded homes and initiate repairs. Hundreds of students performed thousands of hours of service the week between the flood and the start of classes. Administration, faculty and staff also reached out to the thousands of students affected to understand their needs and help them plan to start the semester.

Leadership and service run deep in the blood of this university, and I am proud to share some of those stories with you in this magazine. Please take these stories to heart and share them!

John L. Crain P RESI DENT 2

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OUT

&

ABOUT

Erin

FERNANDEZ Senior // Political Science

Current involvement on campus How Southeastern changed me Southeastern has changed me so much. I can’t even recognize the person I was before. I’m much more confident and personable, and I’m sure it's because of the experiences I had working for University housing, joining Theta Phi Alpha, and participating in SGA.

Theta Phi Alpha, several University advisory committees, Student Government Association President

Favorite thing about my major As a political science major, my favorite thing is learning about the history of our country’s political system and understanding how that shapes today’s political landscape.

Favorite spot on campus Definitely the Theta Phi Alpha house.

It’s my second home.

Dream job

In 15 words or less, what is great about Southeastern?

The sense of community at Southeastern is unparalleled.

Southeastern feels like a giant family.

I’m not sure about that now, but I don’t want to leave Southeastern in May. I’d actually really like to work here.

What do you think of Southeastern’s faculty and staff ?

I think the faculty and staff here genuinely care about you as a student and a person. Dr. Traylor is one of my favorites!

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SOCI AL

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POSTINGS & COMMENTS FROM YOU

SOUTHEASTERN ON FACEBOOK

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

Welcome back, Lions! Welcome home, Southeastern Class of 2020!

Wishing all of you a great first week and an amazing year!

What advice do you have for our new students as they start their first week as Lions? #FirstDayofClasses #Fall2016 #SoutheasternClassof2020 #LionUp

Chelsea Denee Make a friend in every class. You never know when you may need them Ashelie Blankenship Scope out your classes beforehand and, if you can, try to get to your classes 15 minutes early.

Brittany Lyn Stay off your cellphone in class! I learned this the hard way! It really does help your grades to pay attention!

Chaz Genovese Don’t print to the printer that has 40 people around it Melinda Gray Stretzinger Go to class!

Liz LaPlante Step outside your comfort zone. Join clubs, attend campus events, and make friends.

Alyssa Tudor Join some sort of club, sorority, fraternity - SOMETHING! I didn’t and I absolutely wish I had - also GO TO CLASS! It helps your grades tremendously! Good luck!!

Tia Hauck Try to meet a new person in every class… Join a study group… attend classes DAILY… review daily, helps with quizzes and tests! Best of luck as you venture through this new chapter of your life!

Taylor Westmoreland Don’t forget to have some fun!

Ali Farhat The freshman 15 is real, just because you can eat whatever now doesn't mean you have to.

William O’Rourke Organize your notes in a notebook or laptop, then rewrite them after every new class lecture.

Catrina Scott Do not procrastinate. Stay focused and organized Colt Cutrer Bring an umbrella!

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Email or Phone

Password Log In Forgot account?

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

Southeastern’s Education program earns tops marks as one of the best in the nation. #SuccessMatters southeastern.edu/education

LaRobyn Houston M. Ed Proud

SLU alumni! Current Principal of a K-8 school! The TEC well prepared me.

Martha Holcomb Thornhill

Everybody knows THAT!!!!!

Bridgette L. Davis The BEST! Colleen Klein-Ezell Absolutely!

Shasta Kelly Looper Proud to be a

product of this department!

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

Debra Jo Gifford Hailey Lions

Teach! Way to go team!

Jody Dennis Tish Walters @

A Southeastern degree consistently ranks as one of the best values in higher education. Recently, we were named in the top 100 universities in the nation for low student loan debt.

Heloise Hayden @ Paige Lilley @ Alyson Haynie Mitchell We are so proud of you! What great recognition!

Go Team Ah-Some!

Wong Nu Thanks to book rental.

Catherine Stein Great student worker opportunities and they really work with you on financial aid.

Jonathan Koeppel Yup its true, and I’m graduating debt free! Thank

ya Jesus.

Brenda Van Alphen Graduated with no debt and truly enjoyed going

to school at SLU. Julann Wilkinson Broussard My daughter is thriving there so far.

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College of Business

renovations Garrett Hall, home of the College of Business, recently completed the first phase of renovations that includes an expanded lobby area.

This new space provides a larger updated area for students to study, work together on projects, or just take a break. Funded through private donations, the enhancements included new furniture, flooring and added lighting.

Foundation increases

DONATION TO UNIVERSITY This year the Southeastern Foundation was able to present a check in the amount of $85,000 to Southeastern's Office of the Provost to help support the university’s academic initiatives. The funds were raised through the Foundation’s annual Chefs Evening and its All In for Southeastern day of giving. Both events were very successful.

Chefs Evening raised more money than in any other year, and the day of giving also set a record over last year’s total. Pictured, from left, are former Foundation Director of Annual Giving Lauren Williams, Athletics Director Jay Artigues, Vice President for University Advancement Wendy Lauderdale, and former Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tammy Bourg.

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LION ROAR

AWARDS

Student photographer and assistant editor, William Schmidt was recognized at the 136th Annual Louisiana Press Association Convention held recently in Lake Charles for his work in the studentrun newspaper “The Lion’s Roar.”

The editor and a photographer from Southeastern Louisiana University’s student newspaper, “The Lion’s Roar,” were recently honored in separate events.

Megan Ferrando, a senior English Education major from Mandeville, was honored with a first place award in the College News Bureau category by the Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press Media Editors Conference. She was recognized for her coverage of the earthquakes that struck the nation of Nepal in April 2015.

Her reporting focused on the effects the disaster had on the Nepalese student population at Southeastern, one of the largest groups of foreign students enrolled at the university.

“As soon as word of the earthquake in Nepal spread, Southeastern became closer than ever as students and staff joined together to raise money,” she said.

“I talked to many Southeastern students from Nepal to learn about their response after hearing

Two photographs of Schmidt’s were awarded second and third place honors in the Best News Photo category.

Schmidt, a history graduate student from Hammond, submitted photos illustrating some of the many challenges facing higher education. One of his winning images depicted a rally that took place last year at the Louisiana State Capitol in which students voiced their displeasure to funding cuts in higher education. The other photograph shows students participating in a protest of the Consuming Fire Ministries during that group’s assembly on Southeastern’s campus last September, an event that sparked discussion on the freedom of speech.

Speaking specifically about Schmidt’s picture of the state capitol rally, judges said, “good catch of a passionate subject in a tense situation.”

“It was an honor to be recognized by the LPA for my photos,” said Schmidt. “I was completely shocked when I first heard the news that my photos were moving forward in competition.

of the earthquake and how the Southeastern

“I am glad that ‘The Lion’s Roar’ has given

community helped raise funds. I was reminded of

me the chance to gain photography skills and

what a family the Southeastern community is.”

experience,” he explained. “I hope to continue

While previously serving as editor in chief at “The Lion’s Roar,” Ferrando left the position in the fall when she began student teaching in Mandeville.

“One of Megan’s greatest abilities as a journalist is in presenting stories that connect with people on a human level,” said Lee E. Lind, director of Student Publications. “It has been a privilege to aid her in growing as a journalist and student leader.”

moving forward with my skill sets as I continue to work for the newspaper.”

“Our students constantly strive to have the highest quality in their photography,” said Lind. "The photographs recognized in this competition showcase not only the skills William has acquired in his time at Southeastern, but also illustrate how important the work of our student journalists is to the community.”

Schmidt was recently promoted and began heading “The Lion’s Roar” as editor in chief with the back-to-school issue of the newspaper this fall.

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Winners

Every fall, several members of Southeastern’s faculty and staff are recognized with President’s Awards for Excellence, among the highest honors the university bestows. Awards are made in several categories: Artistic Activity, Research, Teaching, Faculty Service, and Unclassified Staff Service. Recipients of the 2016 awards are:

PAIGE LILLEY SCHULTE, Excellence In Teaching

DAVID ARMAND, Excellence In Artistic Activity English Instructor David Armand, a dual graduate of Southeastern’s undergraduate and graduate program in English, is making headlines in the literary world and as an up-and-coming young Southern writer. The author of three novels and a book of poetry, his latest work is a memoir, My Mother’s House. A native of Folsom, he frequently uses that area as his “sense of place” in his writing. Armand credits the excellent instruction he received from Southeastern faculty as a key element of his success.

MARGARET GONZALEZPEREZ, Excellence In Research Professor of Political Science Margaret Gonzalez-Perez has earned an international reputation for her work on international politics and especially for her studies of women terrorists. She is the author of the book widely-used as a reference text, Women Terrorists: Female Activity in International and Domestic Terrorism. Gonzalez-Perez sees her research as going hand-in-hand with her teaching; it helps her hone her discipline and prepares her for the classes she teaches, as she works to bring new perspectives to her students.

Referred to by her colleagues as a “teacher of teachers,” Paige Lilley Schulte is recognized for her employment of a variety of techniques to encourage active learning and student engagement. The associate professor of education is an international traveler who takes her professional zeal for teaching wherever she goes, be it Moscow, China, the United Kingdom or Turkey. In addition to her qualifications in social sciences education and science education, she is also certified in teaching English as a second language.

COLLEEN KLEIN-EZELL, Excellence In Faculty Service “Build it and they will come” sums up the spirit of Education Professor Colleen Klein-Ezell.

Head of the Department of Teaching and Learning, she is a special education expert with a passion to help children with special needs. In recent years, she has secured grants that provide services for families of children with special needs, including the establishment of Lekotek (a Swedish word for play library) and Snoezelen, two multi-sensory environments especially helpful for children who have sensory processing disorders. Under her guidance, Southeastern is the only university in the nation to offer both facilities.

MARK WHITMER, Excellence In Unclassified Staff Service In addition to all his duties on campus, Assistant Director of Physical Plant Services Mark Whitmer has been actively involved in his church, Our Lady of Pompeii in Tickfaw, and the community for more than a decade. In addition to voluntarily coaching softball for community teams, he helps with maintenance, construction and yard work for his church and community. Whitmer is a member of the Knights of Columbus, a worldwide Catholic organization dedicated to service and has earned a reputation for taking pride in whatever he is asked to do.

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Governor Edwards Gives

COMMENCEMENT

ADDRESS Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards urged the more than 1,000 Southeastern graduates last spring to never give up on their state and to remain in Louisiana as contributing citizens.

“What makes the state of Louisiana great are the people, and that certainly is true right here in Tangipahoa Parish,“ said Edwards, the first Tangipahoa Parish native elected to the state’s highest office. “And I am going to ask you to make a decision to stay here in Louisiana after you graduate."

“I’m encouraging you to stay right here and take advantage of the opportunities that you are going to have,” he added. “I want you to feel confident that you have been prepared for success here in Louisiana, as evidenced by the degrees you are all getting today,” he said.

He noted there were many reasons that he ran for governor, but a significant one was based on conversations he had with young people over recent years. Some told him they thought it was in their best interest to leave the state for opportunities, to get a good education, to find a good job or have a rewarding career.

“As the governor of this state, someone who was in the legislature for eight years before that, no one is more mindful of what you have done than I am,” he said. “No one is more determined that the state be a better partner in educating our kids."

“You became students at Southeastern at a time when the state of Louisiana was cutting state support for higher education, but you enrolled and succeeded,” he continued. “You didn’t give up on our state, and I’m asking you not to do that going forward either.”

Other advice Edwards had for the graduates was to never give up on themselves or on the basic goodness of others. He cited

Southeastern alumna Robin Roberts as an example. Roberts, he said, beat the odds to become one of ESPN’s first female and AfricanAmerican hosts of ESPN’s Sports Center and other major programs.

The current co-host of ABC-TV’s Good Morning America show, she continued to beat the odds after being diagnosed with cancer and later a rare bone marrow disease.

"Roberts said, 'What makes the difference between success and failure is not whether you have doubts, but what you do when the doubts creep in,’” Edwards commented. “That message should inspire all of us to persevere, to succeed, to not give in to our doubts, fear or anxiety,” he added. “And not always strive for material success merely for a more comfortable life, but for what success allows you to do to make a positive difference in your community and the world.”

In his address, Edwards congratulated the class of 2016 and thanked the families present for their support of the students in good times and bad.

“Don’t forget to take a moment and think back at how hard you’ve had to work over the years,” he said. “Then I also want you to think about all the blessings that you’ve had in your life that have allowed you to be here, and thank God for those blessings.”

He emphasized that the graduates have the opportunity to make a difference in their communities and in the world.

“That is without exception, no matter what degree you are getting or what discipline it is in,” he said. “Each of you will leave here today with the opportunity to make a real, positive difference. I am asking you not to forfeit that opportunity.”

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mane dish STUDENTS’ OPINIONS AND TASTE BUDS EARNED SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY THE 2016 BEST COLLEGE FOOD IN LOUISIANA TITLE AND A NATIONAL TOP 100 RANKING, TOO. The ranking, based on student reviews, takes into account meal plan costs and student access to healthy, quality food across a wide range of cuisines and dietary preferences.

At the national level Southeastern came in at No. 77. No other Louisiana universities made the Top 100 cut.

“With the recent expansion of our Student Union, we set out to completely transform the dining experience on campus,” said Connie Davis, director of the Office of

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AWARD

Auxiliary Services. “After much research, we found that trends in campus dining include a central location that offers both healthy and delicious options with affordable variety for the students and campus community. The Mane Dish restaurant has an ever-changing menu that can be customized to the consumer’s preferences. Located in the new Student Union, it’s a great space to relax and enjoy a meal while on campus.”

The ranking was based on survey responses obtained from students at more than 1,700 public and private traditional four-year colleges and universities across the United States. Among the criteria considered were hours of operation, healthy and organic options, overall quality, and variety of offerings.

Student opinions collected in the survey referred to the many options for campus dining, especially with the addition of the new Student Union; the variety of meals from which to choose; quality and freshness of food; and reasonable prices.

“The food is great and also good for you,” said one student online reviewer. Another said, “The quality is good and we have tons of fruit and desserts.” “There are plenty of options to choose from to eat; I love having so many choices,” said a third.

In addition to its Mane Dish dining facility, which offers all you care to eat meals made on site, Southeastern also maintains a food court in the Student Union, featuring a variety of nationally-based vendors.

he a l th

Grant

A two-year $646,482 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will continue to provide authentic field experiences for Southeastern students, while at the same time increasing the quality of life for Sam Rikers, Administrator of the USDA; Ann Carruth, Dean of the College area residents. The funding will allow Southeastern and its partners, of Nursing and Health Sciences; James E. Cathey Jr., North Oaks CEO, including North Oaks Health System, to expand a highly successful President Crain; Michele Sutton, North Oaks Executive Vice President; and health coaching program that has reduced hospital readmission rates Clarence W. Hawkins, Director of USDA Rural Development by 72 percent among at risk patients since its inception two years ago.

Provided through the Delta Health Care Grant program, the grant will support the Health Transition Alliance, a partnership involving the Southeastern College of Nursing and Health Sciences and North Oaks Health System, which was established in 2014. At that time, the work of Southeastern health coach interns collaborating with the Alliance was supported by a grant of more than $350,000 from the USDA. It focused on the preparation of students to work as health coaches for recently-discharged patients, and has seen success rates higher than those previously recorded with similar programs across the nation.

“This project has been a ‘win-win’ for all involved,” said Southeastern President John L. Crain. “We’ve heard amazing success stories on health care in our community from the first grant. We’re proud of what the university and our partner North Oaks are doing to serve the health care needs of our region.”

USDA Rural Development Business Cooperative Service Administrator Sam Rikkers said Delta Health Care Grants such as this are designed to improve access to health care services in rural areas, where health is most compromised and challenged and providers are not as readily available.

Ann Carruth, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and principle investigator for the grant, said Louisiana has many health challenges, including a near 35 percent obesity rate, high rates of diabetes and heart disease and is ranked 48th in infant mortality and 47th in preventable hospitalizations.

The Health Transition Alliance involves a system-wide, physicianled interdisciplinary program at North Oaks that helps recently discharged patients better manage care in hopes of reducing hospital readmissions. Southeastern students in the health education and promotion program serve as health coach interns and participate in helping patients achieve post-discharge goals by following physicians’ instructions for home care, taking medications appropriately, following a prescribed diet, using appropriate therapies, and scheduling follow up visits with their physicians.

“Health coaches are being used to change behaviors, and this can be the single hardest thing people try to do,” Carruth said. “Our health coaches are learning that some patients simply don’t have the resources to make healthy choices, so we try to work with the clients on that. Patients also will tell students things about their lives and their health that they will not tell to a physician or nurse. That’s an important insight into their care.”

Initiated in 2014, the pilot program has yielded impressive results, Carruth reported. More than 45 student health coaches have been trained, and 65 high risk patients discharged from the hospital have received health coaching.

“We’ve seen readmission rates among at risk patients decrease by 72 percent and a significant decrease in emergency hospital visits as well,” she added. “I have not found any other program demonstrating that kind of success.”

“The reduced readmission rates and visits to the emergency department are important,” said James E. Cathey Jr., North Oaks president and chief executive officer. “But that is minor compared with how these health coaches have impacted people and their lives.

They are making a real difference in the new world of health care.”

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Sustainability AWARDS The Southeastern Louisiana University Sustainability Center has been awarded the Operational Excellence Champion Award by the Louisiana Chapter of U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC Louisiana).

Director of the Southeastern Physical Plant Byron Patterson accepted the award on behalf of his team for its efforts to make the campus as energy efficient as possible.

USGBC is a nonprofit organization that houses Green Business Certification Inc., the only group to administer project certifications and professional credentials and certificates within the framework of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Building Rating System. LEED designation is the international standard for environmentally sound buildings.

The USGBC cited the Southeastern team for implementing energy efficient technologies that are saving energy and money for the university.

“Byron Patterson and his team at Southeastern are dedicated to consistently improving campus facilities, creatively engaging stakeholders and enthusiastically sharing their expertise and sustainability knowledge with students, the regional community and beyond,” said Shannon Stage, executive director of USGBC Louisiana. “They have established a standard of energy efficiency that universities 12

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around the state are trying to emulate. The Sustainability Center on Southeastern’s campus is a teaching tool unlike any other in our area.”

The university instituted the Sustainability Center in order to save operating dollars and reduce waste going to landfills, while at the same time providing an invaluable learning component for students involved in energy, mechanical and construction engineering technology.

Physical Plant Staff: Byron Patterson, Director; Carlos Doolittle; Mark Whitmar; and Chris Aspiron

“Budget cuts over the last several years forced us to think in terms of economics,” said Patterson. “With the strong financial support of our Student Government Association, we’ve started initiatives that have reduced commercial energy dependence and have had a significant return on our investment.”

Among the elements of the Sustainability Center are solar panels on a number of

university buildings that generate hot water, as well as electricity; a strong recycling program designed to reduce waste going to landfills by 80 percent; a tree and plant farm, in which the university cultivates its own plants and trees for landscaping on campus; a composting area that converts landscape waste into usable mulch and compost; and rainwater retention ponds that provide irrigation for plants and support a geothermal system for one of the center’s technology-rich classrooms.

The Environmental Education Development Outreach within the Sustainability Center, which is under consideration for LEED certification, was designed by engineering technology students for use in research, education and other educational activities.

The room includes numerous monitoring tools constructed by students to determine performance of the solar panels, wind turbine, and geothermal system.

“The center provides our students with a hands-on, real-world learning environment and research opportunities,” explained Lu Yuan, interim head of the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology.

“With several types of energy technologies, our students have the ability to make adjustments to these devices and observe in real time how the energy output is affected.

It’s a proving ground to help determine what works best and can be implemented to save energy costs.”

Service STUDENTS IN

LION STRONG IN THE FACE OF FLOODING

by Ashley Richardson

LION FOR LIFE

There is a tradition at Southeastern that 2012 graduate Jessica Province became aware of on her first day on campus: Lion for Life. She believed in it and felt proud to be a part of the Southeastern community. This past August , her home was devastated by the floods, and she learned what Lion for Life truly meant. As seven-months-pregnant Jessica and her husband Chris -- a 2012 alumnus and former Lion baseball player -- worked to remove ruined furniture and items from their home, members of the Southeastern basketball team arrived at their home to help with the cleanup. The next day, the baseball team arrived to continue the process.

“I was in awe of the entire situation. Wonderful memories were made during my four years at Southeastern, but this one takes the cake,” said Jessica. “Thank you, Southeastern, for blessing us beyond words and living out the Lion for Life tradition. It meant more to our family than you could ever imagine.”

Usually the first day of a new semester is full of new classes, new friends, and new possibilities. This year, however, as the flooding started to escalate, many questioned about school starting as scheduled. Those not affected by the floodwaters were searching for a way to help. Led by Communications Associate Professor Amber Narro, Southeastern organized students and community members to send carloads of volunteers to homes that desperately needed help.

Southeastern athletes, members of student organizations, fraternities and sororities mobilized to send out massive groups of volunteers.

Instead of attending their new classes, the students were instead in a stranger’s home, tearing up carpet, hauling boxes and ripping out moldy sheetrock.

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Southeastern promoted its efforts to get as many volunteers as possible.

Community members and alumni reached out and sent their sincere thanks on social media, proud of the efforts of their University:

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS RE: FLOOD RELIEF Jennifer Jarreau, Liberty Mutual Insurance Agent

My heart is so full to see so many people giving back during this difficult time! Proud to be an Alumni of Southeastern Louisiana University!#LionUp #LouisianaStrong Wendy Scott Cascio Very proud of Southeastern. My family in Walker was brought hamburgers by KA members, and my family in Central was assisted with clean up / mud out

by Kappa Sigma members. Very grateful for the help.

Crystal Fletcher My heart

is so full to hear and see these wonderful students helping and lifting those in needs. I am proud to be a Lion. Thank you.

ALL LION PAWS ON DECK As the flooding continued, it was clear the devastation was widespread. Requests for assistance quickly flowed in through a “Team Tangipahoa Volunteers” Facebook group, established by Narro.

Southeastern put out a call to the community to volunteer time and donate supplies. The first day’s effort was organized in less than one day. Volunteers were placed into groups, received instructions, and moved on after getting cleaning supplies that were donated by the community and collected by St. Albert’s Catholic Church.

“Relief organizations needed manpower and cleaning supplies above all else,” said Narro. “Our students were ready and willing to do the physical labor for recovery cleanup, and we had an outpouring of donated supplies to assist them.”

All in all, approximately 3,000 hours of labor were volunteered at 120 home sites in our region by Southeastern students. Some Lions participated through their student organizations, fraternities, or sororities, while others joined the overall volunteer effort. All 15 Southeastern sports teams participated throughout the week, making an immeasurable difference to so many.

SHOW UP, JOIN A TEAM, MAKE A DIFFERENCE One group was sent to Ponchatoula's Country River neighborhood, where they went from house to house offering help. All the homes were affected, and each welcomed the help. Homeowner Nathan Boulet was working by himself when a crew showed up. He called the surprise “a blessing - not even in disguise.”

Another group volunteered all three days to assist homeowners in Independence. Of the group of six students, all were strangers when they showed up to volunteer. In fact, many were freshmen, and their first day of college looked very different than they anticipated. But the group bonded through hard work and concern for the those they were helping. Later in the day, the very grateful homeowners showed their sincere thanks with a meal of jambalaya.

One of the family members, Rebekah Nuccio, thanked the group, stating, "The Southeastern volunteers who came to my grandmother's home did an amazing job. Their willingness to help us

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in our time of need uplifted our spirits and encouraged us to keep going."

Homeowners showed their appreciation for the help with food, hugs, and genuine, but tired smiles. Some took to social media to offer gratitude for effort. One letter from a Hammond resident was shared on Facebook:

Dear President Crain: On August 18, a group of young persons from your university were in the neighborhood of Woodland Crossings in Denham Springs voluntarily assisting flood victims. They came to the residence of my 79-year-old mother and removed furniture, insulation, and cut out sheetrock. Up to that time, it was only my mother, my wife (55 years old) and myself (60 years old) trying to accomplish this task.

They were very hard workers and got a great amount of work accomplished. They would not accept any payment for their efforts.

Nearly all the students who participated believe that serving others can be a great experience, even in the face of disaster. “It shows that we are all together in this,” explained Ferrando.

Jessica and Chris are so thankful they had the Southeastern team with them when they needed it. "I was not surprised when I found the SLU athletic teams standing on our doorstep to help,” said Chris.

“I was surprised to see the number that showed up, and how much sweat and passion was poured into the demolition of our home. The coaching staff and the athletic department personnel are teaching these men and women about more than their sport; they are emphasizing the importance of life lessons and how to take care of their community.”

The Provinces have made great progress on the remodel of their home, but there is still much work to be done - like so many in the devastated areas. Chris and Jessica have now focused their thoughts on current blessings and the hope for the future with their newborn daughter, Hudsyn Marie, born just two months after the flood. Chris and Jessica know that the lasting memory of the assistance from their Southeastern family will forever be embedded in their own family’s journey. As Chris puts it, “Don’t Give Up, Lion Up!”

Please accept my gratitude for the fine, caring community of students under your guidance. You should be very proud of the community contributions they have made.

Sincerely, Matthew Mayer, Hammond

THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE Social studies education senior Riley “Bo” Trisler of St. Francisville understood the devastation, as his home was destroyed in 2008

by Hurricane Gustav. “It is a life changing event to be on the other side, lending a hand of relief,” he said. “Breaking down soaked drywall and pulling up drenched carpet was not the hard part. The most difficult thing was tossing irreplaceable objects into a large pile of ruined items.”

Another student, English senior Megan Ferrando of Mandeville, was amazed by how many people wanted to help. “I was fortunate to not be personally impacted by the flood. However, I saw my community rocked as their childhood homes were destroyed,” she said. “I was so proud to see my school create a way for people to help and so I had to join. I was able to work alongside schoolmates that I have never met and meet people in my community who were incredibly thankful and positive despite losing so much."

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DI D

you K N OW?

By the

NUMBERS

Southeastern in Action After the Floods

2,899 volunteer hours by

All

15

students, faculty and staff

100+

athletic teams participated in flood effort

DIPLOMA

diplomas

(all SLU teams)

replaced for alumni

over

50%

of student body live in flood impacted areas

$80,000+

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5,000+ calls made after flood directly to

affected students

feature S TO RY

Lion

of the legislature

by Erin Moore Cowser

I

t's not about building relationships. Merely knowing people doesn’t cut it.

It’s about building friendships.

If anyone should know what it takes to be an effective public servant, it would be John Alario Jr. His 45 years in elected office include nine terms as State Representative (District 83) and, once term limits were instituted, three terms as State Senator (District 8). They also include two terms serving as Speaker of the House (1984-1988 and 19921996), as well as two consecutive terms as Senate President (2012 – present). Only four others in public service in the nation have held the top leadership roles in both their states’ House and Senate chambers.

He has also earned the distinction as the only Louisiana Legislator to serve twice as Speaker and twice as President.

Needless to say, his political credentials are off the charts impressive.

So, how does the son of a commercial fisherman from Westwego climb to such political heights?

He’ll tell you it’s due to Southeastern Louisiana University.

Recruiters from Southeastern traveled to West Jefferson High School in 1961 and brought with them several current students who were West Jeff alumni. They made an impression with a young John Alario who said he had always heard great things about Southeastern.

Knowing other West Jeff students who were “good guys” who went there sealed the deal for him.

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Well, that and the fact that the school was far enough away yet still close enough to make it home on weekends to visit “my girl (his future wife Ree).”

“I learned solid academics and how to make real friendships,” he said. “Unlike kindergarten, when your mom drops you off and the only expectation is for you to get along with everyone else, this was my opportunity to meet people and make friendships based on trust, respect and appreciation of each others’ viewpoints.

“Those friendships made at Southeastern taught me that people always have more in common than they don’t,” he added. “Over time I learned from them that all people cry when their children hurt. They weep when their parents pass. And they all want things to be better for their own children when they grow up.”

THE OPERATOR Alario has been described as someone who wins votes by winning friends - an excellent listener with an exceptionally calm demeanor even in the face of some of Louisiana’s most “passionate and colorful” elected officials.

“There are always two sides to every issue – sometimes three sides. I listen to all the sides so we can find a way to mold them together,” he said.

“Everybody’s got to be willing to give a little for democracy to work. That’s part of the problem with what we’re seeing today. People are digging in and unwilling to give anything.”

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He added that you’ve got to know the rules and work within the rules. Now, make no mistake: that doesn’t mean he’s a political pushover by any means. In fact, the phrase “timing is everything” lends itself very well to a vote back in 1992. Alario had caught wind of a planned attempt to pull one over on the supporters of legalizing a land-based casino in New Orleans. The plan was for opponents to provide false assurance of its passage. Those against the measure would indicate votes in favor on their voting machines, but planned to switch their votes in the final seconds of voting. This would likely lead some legislators who were in favor -- but would rather not have to take the vote on record -- think it was destined to pass even without their votes. They wouldn’t vote because they thought their votes weren’t needed, and when the opponents switched their votes against it, it would fail. With no specific amount of time for voting prescribed in the House Rules of Order, Alario simply sped up his delivery of the call for votes - after having privately notified the staff that his calls for votes may be more rapid than usual that day. The voting closed before those planning to switch had a chance to do so, and the measure passed.

He was criticized for his swift delivery, but it was well within the rules of legislative engagement.

Of course, anyone in the political spotlight for such a lengthy duration will receive his or her fair share of disparagement from time to time. However, his colleagues will tell you he eventually wins over even his sharpest critics with his self-effacing style, his desire to find middle ground and often even his culinary acumen.

feature S TO RY “If someone votes against something I support, I want to understand their reasons,” he said. “I’ve found that inviting them over to the Barracks for dinner at the President’s Apartment and enjoying an adult beverage or two with them helps us open up the conversation and better understand each others’ sides.”

What’s for dinner? Crawfish etouffee and chicken stew with lima beans are two of his specialties.

Whether over a seafood supper or in the hallways and meeting rooms of the Capitol, Alario practices his belief that one must first listen in order to learn. In fact, in the early 1990s, he was in the position to help facilitate greater opportunity for legislators to hear from the people of Louisiana. So that the public would be able to provide input and better engage with the state’s legislative process, he directed the construction of additional committee meeting rooms at the State Capitol. The House of Representatives applauded him for his foresight by unanimously passing a resolution naming the addition “Alario Hall.”

His penchant for paying attention to all parties involved has earned him a reputation as someone who will give you his word, and, most importantly, keep it. Trust is an invaluable commodity. It’s something he picked up from his Uncle Antoine who was an ice boat runner “back in the day.”

“The fishing crews would stay out for weeks at a time. My uncle would run ice out to the boats and pick up their catches to bring back to the dock and hold for them until they came back in,” he said. “Never once was he accused of shorting anyone even one shrimp. That level of trust would be hard to come by in today’s business world.”

Antoine Alario later served thirty-two years as a Westwego City Council member. His nephew jokingly refers to him as one of the three “rock star politicians” he’s had the opportunity to know over the years – the other two being Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards and President Bill Clinton.

“When we’d walk into a room, people would rush up to actually touch them,” he said. “It was crazy.”

He’s worked alongside no shortage of differing personalities, including seven governors who hail from various points all over the political spectrum. Those are Gov. Edwards, Gov. Dave Treen, Gov. Buddy Roemer, Gov. Mike Foster, Gov. Kathleen Blanco, Gov. Bobby Jindal and Gov. John Bel Edwards.

That’s a highly remarkable list of co-workers and it doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of men and women he is honored to have called colleagues over the past four decades of service. Take – for example – the person who held the title of the youngest legislator in the House of Representatives when Alario was elected at the ripe old age of 28. It wasn’t him. He was the second youngest.

“I honestly can’t remember who was the youngest,” he said. “It must have been either Woody Jenkins or Richard Baker.”

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Which one, of course, matters not, but it’s proof positive that Alario is more often than not, in really good company.

The best company came when he was invited to greet Pope John Paul II at the airport in 1987. “Speaking directly with him was by far the highlight of my 45 years of public service,” he said.

His strong Catholic faith keeps him centered, he said. And he remains grateful for the faith his constituents have placed in him for so many years.

“It may not always appear that a certain vote on its face value is in the best interest of those back home, but they trust me that there’s a bigger picture or a piece of the puzzle that has to be placed,” he said.

“And, of course, I have made my share of mistakes, too. And they have forgiven me for those. I am forever thankful for all their support.”

It’s a reciprocal relationship. Alario has enjoyed their support and his constituents have enjoyed the fruits of having the most senior member of the Legislature hail from their hometown. Over the years his districts have been speckled with construction and projects that add up to more than $1 billion.

With more than 435,000 residents now living and working in Jefferson Parish, it looks quite a bit different than it did when there was no environmental regulation and the Robinson Can Company, known for its canned shrimp product, would dump its remnant seafood hulls directly in the bayou adjacent to its property. It stunk. It really, really stunk, he said.

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That stink is what motivated Alario to first run for public office. But first, he had to navigate newly drawn districts that resulted from the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and the Voting Rights Act, passed in 1965. In 1972 Louisiana replaced at-large seats with singlemember Legislative seats. Previously Jefferson Parish had elected six at-large members of the House of Representatives. Drawing geographic district boundaries insured that for the first time ever some members would have to come from the West Bank. Initially Westwego was split in two different districts, but a court declared that the political districts be re-drawn in order that Westwego could remain whole. Once his hometown was contained within a single district, Alario threw his hat in the ring. He promised voters that he would find a way to stop the stink that was keeping additional economic development at bay.

He won and he kept his word. He was able to secure state funding for a pipeline that ran from the seafood processing plant to the Mississippi River. The company got to continue canning shrimp, the discharge was now flowing into the Gulf where it became food in the ecosystem, and, most importantly, the stink was gone and economic development commenced. It was a win for everyone. And, it was the first of many to come.

DECADES OF CHANGE He associates sports with the votes he is most proud to have cast those repealing Jim Crow laws in Louisiana. He remembers his first encounter with segregation when he went to play ball on the East Bank one time.

feature S TO RY

“In the neighborhood, we played sports outside all day, and would cup our hands to drink from a faucet when we got thirsty,” he said.

“But we went to play once on the East Bank, and I clearly remember there being two drinking fountains. One was labeled ‘White’ and the other ‘Colored.’ “ The ‘White’ fountain wasn’t working correctly so he and his friends drank from the ‘Colored’ fountain.

“It was wonderfully clear and pure water,” he said. It resonated with him that the water from both fountains was the same, and two separate fountains seemed silly.

Other transformations he’s witnessed entail technology and specifically its impact on media coverage of legislative action.

Thanks to live streaming, video conferencing and even archived video recordings of committee meetings and legislative action in both chambers, journalists no longer must be physically present in order to report on the news of the day. However, he feels they should be present in order to more accurately and effectively do so.

“The cameras face toward us [the legislators] most of the time.

People who aren’t there in person don’t get to see the body language or reactions of people in the audience or even of other legislators who aren’t in the frame all the time,” he said. “There is a lot lost. It can lead to things being reported without proper context.”

He added that there are still some who hold true to the higher journalistic standards and even some who still know how to properly use “those small reporter flip notepads.”

LOOKING FORWARD There is fear that legislative decorum has lost a bit of its luster.

The waning minutes of the First Legislative Special Session of 2016 stand out as one of the most telling of such statesmanship decline.

Described as chaotic and embarrassing, the final minutes saw reams of documents and legislators flying back and forth from the Senate and House with legislation in order to meet the deadline for sine die – the closure of a legislative session as set by the Louisiana Constitution.

“We [the Senate] received seven or eight Conference Committee reports in the final seconds. If we wanted the funding to plug the budget hole, we had to vote without even reading the reports,” he said. “That’s not the way for a state to do business. It upset me greatly.”

He added that he feels members of the Legislature learned a great lesson that day, and that they have collectively moved forward in a manner more befitting an elected body of the Great State of Louisiana.

“Of course, nothing’s perfect,” he quipped. “Democracy is supposed to operate within rules. The problem is there is no 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct in the Legislature.”

At 73 years old, Alario has spent more than half his lifetime as a team leader in the Legislature. He’s also been busy on the homefront.

He and “his girl,” who was the motivation for weekend trips home from Southeastern, married and had four children. He became a widower in 2006 when his wife of 40 years, Ree, passed away after battling cancer. At present he is the proud grandfather of three boys and three girls – “a grandkid six-pack” - who range in age from nine-months-old to 18-year-old Allison, who is a freshman at Southeastern this fall majoring in kinesiology.

What advice would he give her and her fellow classmates?

“The world doesn’t owe you a whole lot. You can only earn respect through service,” he said. “Make sure you take some courses that give you a broad education so you can see the big picture. History is very important, so we can try to learn from the past, too.”

If you hope to one day run for office, he advises students to get involved in the local community so they can learn its various needs.

“Volunteer at a Chamber [of Commerce] to learn about the business community’s needs. Be a volunteer fireman to find out about emergency response needs. Donate your time at a nursing home to find out what senior citizens need,” he added. “Oh, and don’t forget to study!”

Wise words from a true Lion of the Legislature.

Due to term limits that he helped pass, however, he is currently serving his final term as a State Senator.

“At this point I’m more concerned about the BIG term limit than any political term limit,” he said with a grin. “I had seven by-passes 18 years ago when I had a heart attack. The doctor tells me those usually last about 10 years. As best I can tell, I’m about eight years past my warranty right now.”

So what’s next?

He says he’s leaving his options open.

“Three years is a LONG TIME when it comes to politics,” he said.

He could run for the House of Representatives again in 2020. He could retire and relax. He could also retire and go back to school.

Really? Back to school?

“Yes, I need to see if any of my old credits would still apply toward another degree,” he said with a smile. “I may very well go to Southeastern again and make more friends.”

At Southeastern's Fall Commencement in December, Senator Alario was presented with the Southeastern Louisiana University Lifetime Achievement Award.

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media SHE L F

SOUTHEASTERN POET PUBLISHES

W

Alison Pelegrin

aterlines, a new book of poetry by Southeastern English Instructor and poet Alison Pelegrin, has recently been published.

Pelegrin’s fourth full-length poetry collection describes the terrible power of nature even as the poems underscore Louisiana’s beauty.

Water, even the threat of hurricanes and floods, can sustain people as they settle into the casual beauty of their everyday lives, the poet said.

When asked what she wanted to communicate in Waterlines, Pelegrin said that as a poet she has the benefit of living the world of lyric rather than narrative.

“My poems may communicate the impression of a story, but more than that I would hope they communicate the flash of awareness

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or awe that overcame me as I wrote about something I witnessed or experienced,” she said.

One of the hardest things Pelegrin said she has had to learn as a writer is not to choose her themes.

“Work that aims at a particular theme or set of emotions runs the risk of sounding hollow and untrue—there will be something ‘not right’ about it,” she said. “Theme is always something that I discover in my work and think about after I have written the poems.

“The theme of Waterlines operates on many levels—flood waters rising and falling and leaving a stain behind, as well as impermanence of ourselves and the things we create on this earth,” Pelegrin added. “In a flood ravaged area, like the many floods of my youth, or New Orleans after Katrina, a waterline is the first thing I notice—the faint underline it leaves behind seems to punctuate

Waterlines

everything it has touched. While this is a destructive image, there is an element of beauty to it.”

American poet Sheryl St. Germain said about Pelegrin, “I love her bold and impudent voice, her unflinching vision. I would trust her to take me anywhere.” David Kirby, author of Get up, Please, said “Pelegrin stays close to her roots yet journeys out and back, ranging widely and then coming back home to tap strength and sustenance.

In the end Waterlines is a big, big book.”

by Tonya Lowentritt

A past recipient of the President’s Medal for Artistic Activity, one of the highest honors Southeastern bestows on faculty, Pelegrin has received fellowships from the Louisiana Division of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts and was a Tennessee Williams Scholar at the Sewanee Writers’ Conference.

The book is available through Amazon.com, at local bookstores or through the LSU Press, www.lsupress.org or 1-800-848-6224.

A resident of Covington, Pelegrin also is the author of The Zydeco Tablets, Big Muddy River of Stars, Hurricane Party, and three chapbooks: Squeezers, Voodoo Lips and Dancing with the One-Armed Man. Her poems have been featured in Poetry Daily, The Writer’s Almanac, as well as various other literary journals.

Bogue Falaya Death Barge In another life, in Japan, I could write that I have begun the descent down Mt. Fuji, only to find that snow is the same on both sides.

Here, I’m bound to heat and words of water, Because even as the world loosens its hold on me, the rivers are slow to release.

What else is worth saying?

The days wind down, I drag my hand through the moon’s golden scribble on the river.

I’m amazed yet again by frog song and snowfall stars, but there’s no more changing the words inked on my paper boat.

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LOOK AT

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us N OW

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The new COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUILDING is already changing the look of campus for the better.

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by Ashley Richardson As the University with the largest percentage of students from areas impacted by the unprecedented flooding, the uncertainty of so many variables for so many Southeastern students, faculty and staff in mid-August was incalculable.

Compounding the unknown factors was the fact that the flooding ensued less than a week before the scheduled start of classes for the fall semester.

"As a regional university, many of our students hail from the parishes that were hardest hit by the flooding," said President John L. Crain. "Almost half of our students call four of the most impacted parishes home - Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Tangipahoa."

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REACHING OUT The first concern was to reach out to students to check on their status and assess any needs they might have had. Faculty and staff quickly launched a phone bank. Callers answered questions and assured students that help would be available for them. “I shed tears while speaking to many of these students,” said Carrie M. Edwards, instructor in Kinesiology and Health Studies. “I am so very happy Southeastern treats our students like family!” In all, more than 5,000 calls were made.

The Southeastern administration then made accommodations for affected students. The first day of classes was pushed back.

Deadlines for financial aid, course selection and payment of fees were extended, and additional payment options were made available. Special consideration was given to those unable to move into residence halls prior to the start of classes or attend the first day of class. Textbook Rental replaced hundreds of textbooks free of charge for students. Parking passes and Southeastern IDs were also re-issued at no cost.

For alumni, Southeastern replaced scores of ruined diplomas as well.

"Faculty and staff expended extraordinary effort," Crain said. "Some were making calls and helping make accommodations for students even while they were waiting for water to recede in their own houses.

It is times like this that the Southeastern Family truly pulls together, and I am humbled to work alongside them."

President Crain checking in with Southeastern deans, senior officials, faculty members and staff as they reach out to students today to assess their needs before coming to campus to start the semester.

LION STRONG Beyond the more technical but necessary items, such as adjustments to the academic calendar and the corresponding changes needed to meet financial aid disbursement regulations, members of the university also stepped up to volunteer their personal time and energy to assist with clean-up efforts.

Students and student-athletes proved to be "Lion Strong," volunteering close to 3,000 hours of service to help with recovery efforts throughout the region. They helped rip out sheetrock, move water-logged furnishings, and whatever else needed to be done in well over 100 homes.

Likewise, many faculty and staff helped friends and neighbors with recovery efforts and donated money and supplies for disaster relief assistance. The Southeastern Food Pantry, which usually serves only the student population, opened its doors to families of students and those in the community in need of provisions.

The town of Franklinton was one of many groups that donated to Southeastern's Food Pantry, providing this much needed load of food items in the early days after the flood.

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PROVIDING RESOURCES Many students who experienced flooding lost vehicles and their transportation to and from campus. The Lion Ride Share program was conceived and implemented online in order to help commuting students, faculty and staff members who lost vehicles in the flooding. Those in need of a ride or those able to offer a ride were able to connect in a safe, convenient way.

Southeastern also created a regional flood relief web portal with resources to assist flood victims and ways for the community to assist with recovery efforts.

Additionally, the Southeastern Foundation established a Disaster Relief Fund to assist in meeting the short term needs of as many students, faculty, and staff as possible. Staff secured a grant from the Northshore Community Foundation to supplement the funds donated by individuals, for a total of over $80,000 to help hundreds of students with flood assistance. Impaired Faculties, a rock band whose members are Southeastern professors, donated proceeds from the sale of their original song, Waterline, to the Southeastern Disaster Relief Fund.

One student who received grant funding responded with a thank you note:

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"In August of 2016, the month I started my first semester of college, my home was flooded. I lost personal belongings, including clothes, shoes, pictures of me and loved ones who are no longer with us, etc.

To be part of a wonderful university that was able to collect money for students like me warms my heart. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity. This truly means so much to me."

Southeastern also assisted the business community through resources available at the university’s Small Business Development Center. In fact, Southeastern’s Livingston Parish Literacy and Technology Center housed the first recovery center to open in Livingston Parish in the aftermath of the flooding, providing a wide range of services to impacted businesses.

The Southeastern Counseling Center provided support groups to address the stress and anxiety that can come with a natural disaster, as well as its regular private sessions.

Southeastern and University of Alabama volunteers unloading U.S.A. donations

OTHERS SHARE THE GIVING SPIRIT

LOOKING AHEAD

The Southeastern Family was certainly touched by the generous acts of support of our students and donations for our community from other universities.

While some students were not able to attend this semester, the Enrollment Office reports the vast majority of students who were unable to enroll this fall indicate they plan to sit out one or two semesters and re-enroll.

The University of South Alabama Jaguars delivered five trucks of donated water, food, baby supplies, pet food, cleaning materials and other items courtesy of the people of the Mobile area. This special delivery was organized by USA Athletic Director Joel Erdmann, who served as athletic director at Southeastern from May 2007 to August 2009.

When Jamene Dahmer of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana saw the trucks loaded with supplies, her first words were, “This is so heartwarming. It is an example of the best of human kindness.”

The much-needed supplies were distributed to area churches and organizations.

The University of Alabama Capstone School of Nursing reached out to students through a special disaster fund scholarship.

Southeastern School of Nursing students Seth Crnko and Morgan Mincey, both of Denham Springs, received the scholarships. Eileen Creel, head of the Southeastern School of Nursing, said the act “was incredibly uplifting at a difficult time for so many students and faculty.” Recipient Seth Crnko said, “The gift gave me reassurance that everything is going to be okay.”

“We understand many students suffered tremendous losses and were not able to start the semester as they planned,” said Dr. Crain.

“We will work with them every possible way to help them continue their higher education and return to Southeastern whenever they’re ready.”

As this semester draws to a close, the memories of how it started will not soon be forgotten. Freshmen spent their would-be first days of college instead learning lessons in the benefits of service, working in flooded homes. Faculty and staff banded together to do all they could to help each other and their students. The Southeastern family is proud to be a part of regional recovery and humbled by the generosity shown by so many to our students and community.

Detective Thomas D. Wheeler Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff 's Office, his wife April and their children Thomas and Gabby enjoy the great weather at the Southeastern Salute event.

SAYING THANK YOU Southeastern also sought ways to give back to the outside organizations that provided safety, support and resources to the community in the immediate aftermath of the flood. The university sponsored a “Southeastern Salute” party complete with food, drinks, games, entertainment and prizes to thank first responders in Tangipahoa Parish for their extraordinary efforts. Co-hosts Aramark, Southeastern’s food service provider, and Tangipahoa Parish Government brought in law enforcement, fire, emergency workers, National Guardsmen, other first responders and their families for the event and the Southeastern-McNeese football game later that evening.

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Young Lions In

HIGH PLACES

by Madison Chauvin

DAVID CAVELL ’11 - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

GEOFFREY GREEN ’10 - POLITICAL SCIENCE, MINOR IN HISTORY

Southeastern alumni go in many different directions after graduation, and a number have chosen to serve in political roles ranging from local to national levels. Not all of them run for office, however, or seek the public spotlight. Many choose to serve behind the scenes in the kind of roles that don’t often get attention but are the boots on the ground type of work that keeps a representative democracy functioning. We talked to two of these recent graduate public servants; each attributed their time at Southeastern as key to their desire to serve.

For David Cavell (’11), politics is in the family genes. Both his father and his uncle were student body presidents in college, and another uncle is Louisiana Supreme Court Judge John Weimer. Following in their footsteps, he was elected the SGA president. After graduating with a degree in business administration and management, he was approached by Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne to serve as his campaign manager in Dardenne’s re-election race. Cavell had known Dardenne since meeting him while still in high school. In his new position, Cavell supervised campaign workers and volunteers,

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sought donations and contributions, and managed a $1.5 million budget. After Dardenne won the race, Cavell moved on to serve as district representative for then Congressman Bill Cassidy for several years and now serves as district director for Congressman Garret Graves.

Geoffrey Green (’10) got his start in politics as many do, in “menial” positions. Beginning as a driver for a local candidate, he worked his way onto Capitol Hill. In his time in D.C., he has served as a professional staffer for a senator and as a legislative correspondent and legislative assistant for a congressman. Currently, he is a senior legislative assistant to Steve Scalise, the House Majority Whip. In this position, his main policy issues are focused on the Army Corps of Engineers, Surface and Maritime Transportation, Homeland Security and FEMA. In this capacity, Green serves as the staff expert and key advisor to Scalise in these areas.

Though both of these alumni graduated in different fields, each is passionate about the way Southeastern prepared them for careers in politics and for the world in general. SGA was commonly cited as a key starting point. Cavell said, “My experience with the student government provided me with the skills necessary to succeed, while working with diverse individuals. It gave me the ability to lead an organization to achieve a common goal.”

Cavell and Green also agreed that Southeastern gave them great opportunities to be well-rounded students and individuals.

Whether it was due to close relationships with professors and academic programs, or involvement in Greek life and the Hammond community, being an involved and active student pushed them into their ultimate role as public servants.

While both were active students, they are all also active alumni.

Neither have lost touch with their alma mater, and both agree this maintained connection often comes with the job.

Each acknowledged that helping people is their favorite aspect of their job. As advice for any Lions hoping to get into politics they offered advice accordingly – by having the mindset of a servant and the willingness to help people and be a problem solver, the field of politics can always use you.

While Lions are in service in all sectors of the economy, public service brings forth the special opportunity of helping others. It gives Southeastern alumni the unique opportunity of showing what it really means to be part of the Southeastern family.

Green in meeting with Louisiana Congressman and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise

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FINDING THE PAST WITH

Mike Budden

By Rene Abadie

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after O FFI CE H O URS “I’ve gone back to the Spanish Fort area numerous times over the past six years,” Budden said.

“We know the neighbors on both sides of the property, and they allow us to hunt there.

We’ve found artillery shells and mortar balls, most of which are from the Union army. But we’ve also found Confederate coat buttons, cannon igniters and over 600 bullets and musket balls, which were used in the rifles. It’s a real sweet spot. “ In addition to the Spanish Fort area, Budden has hunted in Pensacola and other parts of Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana, especially the area around Port Hudson just north of Baton Rouge.

When Connie Budden gave her husband Mike a metal detector six years ago, it triggered a new interest in the Southeastern marketing professor‘s life.

Like a kid with a new toy, Budden learned the technique of using the instrument and quickly became absorbed in a new hobby with a strong historical link – studying the history of the Civil War in Louisiana and nearby states while searching for Civil War artifacts.

“I wasn’t very successful when I first started in Baton Rouge a few years ago and searched an empty lot; my first finds were buried beer cans,” he recalls.

Budden’s family owns property in Alabama’s Spanish Fort area, not too far from Mobile, which was a hotbed of Civil War action. He began searching the property with his brother Eric and a friend, Dan Fontenot of Slidell, a retired FBI agent.

“Dan got the first signal, started digging and pulls out a mine ball bullet. Next, Eric dug up a bullet. I then got a signal and pulled out a 3 by 8-inch Union artillery shell in perfect shape. It was probably from the battle with Union Soldiers there, one of the last in the Civil War just days before General Lee surrendered at Appomattox,” Budden said.

“I try to go out every three months or so for one to three days at a time,” he said.

He even hunts areas in Hammond, Denham Springs and Baton Rouge.

By law, hunters cannot work the national or state parks, so Budden and Fontenot get permission from people who own property near the parks.

“People are generally very nice about letting us work on their property,” Budden said. “We take care of the property and haul out any trash, such as cans, screws and nails that we unearth. And we replace the plugs of grass and soil in the areas we dig up.”

Budden also provides the owners with a shadow box, containing some of the items collected in the hunt, such as mine balls and bullets. “They really appreciate that,” he said.

“It never gets old,” he said, “because you never know what you are going to find.”

Budden said 17,000 Union troops advanced from Pensacola, while 10,000 mobilized from the Mobile area with the purpose of taking out Spanish Fort and nearby Fort Blakely. The Spanish Fort area – which is really six separate forts that were set up to defend the Bay of Mobile – was occupied by only 2,500 Confederate troops. The battle saw 12 days of fighting and 1,400 total casualties before the Confederate troops were ordered to retreat. His family’s property is in an area called Red Fort.

He owns several Civil War books and atlases on Civil War battles that he often uses as references.

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Southeastern professors complete special fellowships in

CHINA

By Rene Abadie

Southeastern professors Margaret Gonzalez-Perez and Kent Neuerburg arrived in the People’s Republic of China this past summer on the first day of the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

It would mark the beginning of three weeks of intense exposure to Chinese culture, geography, politics, and education -- information that would be used in their professional duties at Southeastern.

The two had been awarded Zhi-Xing China Academic fellowships to study in China as part of the China Studies Institute, a cooperative program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the Chinese Education Association for International Exchange. They were two of only 14 university faculty members chosen from the United States as a formal U.S. delegation to China and the only ones to represent Louisiana since the program started several years ago.

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Gonzalez-Perez and Neuerburg are a married couple who had independently applied for the program and were accepted separately.

She teaches comparative politics and international relations in the Department of History and Political Science, while he is a professor of mathematics and former director of Southeastern’s International Initiatives Office, responsible for coordinating study abroad opportunities for students.

“What I learned on the trip dovetails perfectly with the classes I teach,” Gonzalez-Perez said. “It gave me a different perspective and considerable insight into Chinese politics, culture, and economics.”

She said that China, while a communist nation, has strongly embraced capitalism and the free market, something most in the West do not fully understand.

“That said, there is a lot of government intervention, regulation, and control around the market,” she said.

And even though China has a reputation of disregard for the environment, she observed a lot of public support for a cleaner environment.

“They are trying to address green initiatives and have signed the European Commission’s Paris Agreement and the U.N.’s Copenhagen Accord,” she explained. “They are suffering with a health care crisis, however, and 80 percent of their ground water is not good for drinking. While there, we would only drink bottled water.”

Neuerburg’s focus was on higher education in China with an eye toward developing student and faculty exchange programs between Southeastern and institutions in China. Southeastern has sponsored study abroad trips to the People’s Republic of China for several years now.

Photo courtesy of Discovery Channel.

“China has been looking to Western-style higher education since the 1980s,” he said. “The country sends about 350,000 students abroad for studies each year, and we are looking for some particular institutions that could be partners in international education. They are interested in setting up cooperative programs where students get dual degrees from each institution.”

He said the Chinese government is especially interested in science and technology disciplines. This would match well with Southeastern, he said, which offers programs in engineering technology, computer science, biological sciences, wetlands research and other areas of interest, such as business.

While language presented some challenges, especially in some areas they visited and at hotels, there was generally a tour guide there to provide interpretation when needed. In addition, Neuerburg and Gonzalez-Perez found the people very friendly and welcoming.

“The Chinese recognize that English is the international language, and they know that students have to become fluent and able to communicate in English and other languages,” Gonzalez-Perez said.

As part of the fellowships, participants are required to produce a final report to be submitted to AASCU, the CEAIE and the Chinese Ministry of Education. Gonzalez-Perez’s report, “The China Dream: Zhi-Xing Academic Leaders Fellowship Report 2016", details how her China experience directly integrates into her teaching; Neuerburg’s report addressed the many opportunities and challenges in developing formal exchange agreements with partner institutions in the People’s Republic of China.

The couple visited universities in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing and met with government officials, business leaders, faculty and administrative professionals in higher education. Among the sites visited on weekends were the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the National People’s Congress and the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi’an.

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Southeastern honors alumni at

During Homecoming Week 2016, Southeastern honored a trio of distinguished alumni - one of the winningest basketball coaches in Lion history, the other two young entrepreneurs making their mark in the craft beer industry.

Honored at the annual Alumni Awards Evening was Billy Kennedy, the 2016 alumnus of the year. Head basketball coach at Texas A&M University for the past five seasons, Kennedy has been successful at all levels in his basketball coaching career, having earned Coach of the Year honors from multiple athletic conferences.

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Kennedy is a 1986 graduate of Southeastern, where he played basketball, earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies education and served as the university’s winningest basketball coach. A native of Metairie, he attended Holy Cross High School in New Orleans before heading to Hammond to continue his education.

“Anyone who has ever met Billy Kennedy can attest to the fact that he is a class act in every way,” said Mayson Foster of Hammond, president of the Southeastern Alumni Association. “His focus, wherever he has worked, has been on the success of his student-athletes, both on the court and in the classroom. We’re proud that Billy was

able to return to his alma mater to accept this honor, and see his many friends in the Hammond and New Orleans communities.”

for District 8 in back-to-back years. The Southland Conference named him Coach of the Year in 2004.

Kennedy joined Southeastern as head coach in 1999 and served until 2005, leading the Lions to two Southland Conference regular season titles and the school’s first-ever trip to the NCAA tournament. He was named Coach of the Year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches and the National Association of Basketball Coaches

After last year’s successful season that saw the Aggies earn a share of the Southeastern Conference Championship and advance to the Sweet 16, Kennedy was named SEC Coach of the Year and garnered the District 21 Coach of the Year honor from the National Association of Basketball Coaches. His team climbed to No. 5 in both the Associated Press Top 25 and the USA Today/Coaches

Also honored by the university were Zac and Cari Caramonta, owners and operators of the Hammond-based craft beer production company Gnarly Barley, who were tapped as the 2016 Young Alumni of the Year.

as undergraduates. He was a general studies major, while Cari was studying family and consumer sciences majoring in merchandising with a minor in marketing.

They married in 2009 and now have a oneyear-old daughter named Stevie.

“Zac and Cari are true entrepreneurs who met at Southeastern and have made Hammond their home,” said Foster. “Their company, Gnarly Barley, and the quality products they are crafting are being distributed throughout the Northshore and helping to contribute to the local economy.”

The couple — Zac from Mandeville and Cari from Covington — met at Southeastern

What started as a home-based hobby in their garage became a passion for crafting small batches of beer that received rave reviews at area festivals. That passion led to the formation of a corporation in 2011.

Poll to mark the school highest-ever national ranking.

Kennedy has also held assistant coaching positions at Northwestern State University, Tulane, Creighton University, and the University of Miami. In addition to his positions at Texas A&M and Southeastern, he has served as head coach at Centenary College and Murray State University.

their brewing company. They successfully released their first beers in 2014 from a 10,500 square foot location on Corbin Road.

Gnarly Barley now produces three flagship beers and two specialty beers, which are distributed at approximately 300 locations throughout nine parishes. The company plans to start offering the product in cans in time for Mardi Gras next year.

The Caramontas served as Grand Marshalls of the Homecoming Day Parade.

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OSH&E

PROGRAM GROWS IN NUMBERS AND PRESTIGE

By Rene Abadie

W

hen Southeastern’s Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (OSH&E) four-year degree program started in 2005, it had an initial class of just 10 students.

What started as a two-year associate degree program has grown in numbers and prestige. The current bachelor’s degree program now has approximately 150 students this semester.

More students are learning about the program’s quality and the strong likelihood of a career with high starting salaries with national and international companies, explained Lu Yuan, interim head of the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology, associate professor and certified safety professional.

Southeastern’s program is one of the few of its kind in the nation in terms of its academic scope. It is the only OSH&E program in Louisiana accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, the primary international accrediting agency for the field. And this year it was recognized by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as an exceptional program holding “superior program accreditation.” Southeastern’s program was the only Louisiana institution awarded this designation and one of only 26 recognized nationwide.

!

by the American Society of Safety Engineers.

“The majority of our graduates are able to receive very good job offers upon graduation.

Surveys of new graduates of our program in recent years show beginning salary ranges from $50,000 to $54,000.”

“One of the truest measures of the success of a program is the success of its graduates, and the graduates from the OSH&E program are highly sought after by industry,” said Daniel McCarthy, dean of the College of Science and Technology.

Graduates typically enjoy numerous lucrative job offers, and the industry representatives keep saying the same thing to us: ‘please graduate even more.’”

Using an advisory committee comprised of managers at area industries — as well as representatives from government agencies and professional safety, health, and environmental organizations — to ensure the curricula is up-to-date and meeting industry standards, the program prepares students for a variety of positions in industry, including roles of environmental, health and safety engineers, safety and industrial hygiene technicians, and safety supervisors.

Among the companies hiring Southeastern graduates are Axiall Corporation (now Westlake), Barriere Construction, CB&I, Performance Contractors, Textron Systems and Turner Industries.

“There is a strong demand for professionals in OSH&E,” said Yuan, a recipient of the Outstanding Safety Educator Award given

“The knowledge I gained from this program is essential to my current job position and has helped in the development of my

Shaine Babineaux, a Southeastern OSH&E graduate and the associate safety engineer with Valero Energy Corp., said the program provided him with the resources he needed to develop aptitude in the safety field.

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Associate Professor Lu Yuan, center, observes students Tam Nguyen and Oleg Balaban as they set up ground testing monitoring equipment.

professional career,” Babineaux added.

“With more industrial companies and plants starting operations in Louisiana, I think we will see more students enrolling in the program and more employment opportunities in the near future,” Yuan said.

Last year, the Southeastern program was ranked 19th in the nation as one of the best values in OSH&E programs by the website collegevaluesonline.com. The ranking is based on the quality of academics; value, which includes tuition affordability and financial aid; and the calculated average return on investment data, a guide to the

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success of students graduating from the program.

gateway to earning Certified Safety Professional certification.”

“We are very proud of this honor,” said Yuan. “Our primary goal is to provide area employers with highly qualified professionals who can fill much-needed positions in Louisiana industry. All our students who graduate with the OSH&E degree automatically earn the designation of Graduate Safety Practitioner, which is a

In 2014, the program expanded to include three new minors designed to complement the existing degree program. The program now includes minors in diverse areas of the OSH&E discipline: safety, health, and environment.

Yuan said the safety minor includes coursework on laws and regulations, construction and chemical safety, product and system safety, fire protection and prevention, and behavioral aspects of safety.

The health minor addresses ergonomics,

industrial hygiene and toxicology, while the environment program covers environmental laws and regulations, hazardous materials management, and pollution control technology.

The program has caught the eye of industry professionals trying to keep up with the demand for qualified employees.

“Louisiana is currently experiencing the biggest industrial building boon since the 1980s, and there is a huge need for educated safety personnel to help keep workers safe,” said Lance Roux, a certified safety professional and principal consultant at SafetyPro Resources, a Baton Rouge-based consulting firm. “Southeastern offering a

minor in OSH&E is an excellent way to help develop safety expertise in our state. It’s a win-win for both students and industry.”

Craft Workforce Development Excellence Award for contributions to business and industry.

Southeastern students see the minors as a valuable addition to the degree they are working toward in the fields of industrial technology, including engineering and industrial technology. The minor provides those students with even greater opportunities when they graduate and start looking for a career.

“Southeastern’s Occupational Safety, Health and Environment program is a step above others in providing training for careers in the demanding field of safety,” said Chris Newton, coordinator of workforce development at Cajun Industries, a nationally recognized leader in the construction field.

“They routinely produce quality students through the usage of accredited curriculum and industry experience. They use a realworld learning model, where teams of students visit companies to shadow safety professionals and review safety programs.”

The Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance, an association with membership from 60 industrial facilities located in the Baton Rouge area, recently recognized Yuan and the Southeastern faculty with the Annual

Lu Yuan, left, instructs students Grant Von Rosenberg of Zachary and Denise Breard in using a dynamometer, which helps to determine hand strength.

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athletics

STUDENT ATHLETE

TURNS ADVERSITY INTO

O P P O RTUNIT Y

By Mike Kiral

Senior Lady Lion returned to action this year to help lead another successful season.

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Numerous student-athletes have had to deal with missing a season to injury. Southeastern’s Casey Peacock, unfortunately, has had to do it twice.

The senior forward/midfielder on the Lady Lion soccer team suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament her junior season in 2014, then had to sit out the 2015 season as well after tearing the same ACL. But Peacock was back on the pitch this fall, helping lead Southeastern to its league record 19th Southland Conference Tournament appearance.

one of our team captains, but she is also one of our leaders, on and off the field. It has been a pleasure coaching and being around Casey, as she has been the epitome of what it means to be a Lion."

Peacock said there were a few moments of concern when she returned to practice this year, wondering if the knee would hold up.

But, she said, she has gotten past them.

“The first week of preseason, there wasn’t any hesitation but it was scary,” Peacock said. “But soccer is like riding a bike: once you get back out there, you pick it back up. I’m good now. I’m ready.”

Peacock has shown few effects from the injury thus far this season.

She earned Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors after scoring twice and adding an assist in a 3-1 win over McNeese in the conference opener. She drilled a shot in from outside the box to put the Lady Lions up 2-1 in the 66th minute, then headed in a corner shot with less than seven minutes left for her first since she scored one in a 2-0 win over Incarnate Word on Sept. 27, 2013.

Peacock assisted on Southeastern’s first goal by sophomore Sofia Olsson in the third minute, then scored the final goal in a recent 3-0 win over Sam Houston State. She was named honorable mention AllSouthland Conference after tying for the team lead in points (13) and assists (five) and finishing second in goals (four) and shots (46). She was tied for ninth in the conference in assists and 10th in shots taken.

Peacock, who was born in Baton Rouge but grew up in Georgia, was a standout in soccer, softball and basketball at Robert S. Alexander High School, where she was the team MVP her final two seasons and the Douglas County Player of the Year in 2011.

Not that it has been an easy journey back for the Douglasville, Ga., native.

“I’ve had so many ups and downs,” Peacock said. “There were moments I didn’t want to play anymore and moments I’ve been super high and said, ‘I can’t wait to get back out there.’ It’s definitely been a learning process, and it’s definitely helped me a lot in life. I’m glad to be back, and I’m so thankful for Southeastern, my coaches and my teammates. I couldn’t have made it without them. They are family, and I’m happy to be out there again.”

Peacock said it was her teammates who helped her through the trying times.

“One hundred percent my teammates," she said. “Having been at every practice and watching them work hard, even on days I didn’t want to work hard, that made me want to work hard. We’re family and if they are going to do it for me, I have to do it for them.”

Southeastern interim head coach Matt Muia said that, in turn, Peacock has been an example for her teammates.

“Casey has made a huge impact on our program over the last five years,” Muia said. “She has overcome multiple injuries while still maintaining an excellent standing in her academics. Casey is not only

As a freshman at Southeastern in 2012, Peacock played in 20 matches with nine starts, finishing the season with a pair of goals and two assists. She then broke out as a sophomore, scoring seven goals and ranking fourth in the Southland Conference with six assists and eighth with 20 points. Peacock was also eighth in the league with 53 shots while finishing as one of three Lady Lions to start all 23 matches.

Peacock went on to earn All-Southland Tournament honors after recording two assists in a first-round win over Central Arkansas. The Lady Lions went on to defeat Oral Roberts and Stephen F. Austin in a pair of shootouts for the tournament title and a berth in their second NCAA Regional where they lost to Nebraska in the opening round.

Peacock also excelled in the classroom, becoming in 2013 the first Lady Lion since 2009 to earn first team CoSIDA Academic AllDistrict VI honors. She was also a first-team Southland All-Academic selection that season and has been named to the Southland Fall Commissioner’s Honor Roll each of the past three years.

“Everyone in and around our program, knows what a rock Casey has been for us,” Muia said. “We are truly going to miss her after this year, but the progress and legacy she has left behind will never be forgotten.”

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CLASS

notes

K E E PI N G

in touch

‘6 6 | D OLLY H AI K-ADA MS B ERTHELOT, ED.D., of Pensacola, Fla., has released a new e-book, Perfectly Square: A Fantasy Fable for All Ages. The book is available through Energion Publishers. She is a specialist in the field of human communication.

’7 9 | R I C K W E N TZ E L has been named the new superintendent of schools by the Livingston Parish School Board. He has worked as a classroom teacher and coach, assistant principal, principal and most recently as human resources director at the public school system.

’8 2 , 8 4 | M AR K W H I TEHEA D of Denham Springs has been named the new director of basketball officials for the Southeastern Conference. He has worked regularly as an official in the SEC, Big 12, Big 10 and other conferences and has worked the NCAA’s men’s tournament 22 consecutive years.

’8 4 , 8 8 | M I C H E LLE KIDD S UTTON has been appointed the new president and CEO of North Oaks Health System based in Hammond. She has worked for North Oaks for 28 years, including serving as chief operating officer and executive vice president.

’91 | COLE T TA BAR R ETT of Baton Rouge has received the Community Champion Award from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber for her outstanding contributions to her company and above and beyond leadership in the community. A former Southeastern Alumnus of the Year, Barrett is vice president of mission at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

‘9 9, 0 1 | SON YA JARVIS has been named the new president and CEO of ASI Federal Credit Union with branches on the north and south shores of greater New Orleans. She previously worked eight years as an executive at Business First Bank in Baton Rouge.

’0 1, 0 5 | J E R R I LY N SWETT, a third grade teacher at Lancaster Elementary School in Madisonville, was named the 2016-17 District Teacher of the Year in the elementary division by the St. Tammany Parish Public School System. She serves as the school’s community education chairperson and is a Southeastern “Cooperating Teacher.”

‘0 3 , 0 4 | AARON CA N C IENNE, CPA has been named a director of the accounting firm Postlethwaite & Netterville, where he leads the New Orleans market employee benefit plan audit practice. A member of the River Region Chamber of Commerce, he joined the firm in 2008.

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’0 4 , 11 | F N U M I H I R has been named the new assistant vice chancellor of institutional effectiveness at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He previously worked at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith as director of institutional effectiveness.

’0 4 | JAR E D S M I T H has been appointed the chief operating officer for the Las Vegas (Nev.) Global Economic Alliance. He previously served as director of business development for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and chairman of the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport Commission.

' 0 7, 11 | PAU L M U R P H Y has been named chief information officer at Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary, La. He previously worked at Geocent as IT project manager.

’0 8 | TAM AR A PALM E R has been appointed treasury management sales officer for Investar Bank. She is responsible for the development of treasury management services for businesses in the greater Baton Rouge market.

‘10 | TOD D R H OD E N has been named the new executive director of the Bryant (Ark.) Area Chamber of Commerce. He previously worked in sales for the Washington Business Journal and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce in Virginia.

’13 | DAM ON C U T N O has joined WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge as a sports reporter and multi-media journalist.

’ 14 | J OR DAN E LS B U RY , who works in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for the mayor of Jacksonville, Fla., has been named one of 30-under-30 Rising Stars by the publication Florida Politics.

’ 14 | E R I K A F E R R AN D O has been hired as a news reporter with KTHV-TV, the CBS station in Little Rock, Ark., after having worked at KPLC-TV in Lake Charles. As a student she worked at the Southeastern Channel and earned the 2014 Student Broadcaster of the Year award presented by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters.

’ 14 | JAS M I N E TAT E of Hattiesburg, Miss., who just earned her master’s degree in public relations at the University of Southern Mississippi, received the prestigious National Gold Key Award from the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) at the group’s national conference in October.

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giving BACK

Giving Encourages Giving Back

By Mike Rivault

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Ron Anderson and Goodwin at the announcement of the endowment

The idea of “giving back” to one’s university usually focuses on an alumnus who supports, helps or donates to a university after they have graduated. However, there are those among the Southeastern family that do not wait to give back; they give their support while they are here. Robert “Doc” Goodwin is one of those examples.

Doc started his career as a high school teacher and coach in the Baton Rouge area. He came to Southeastern in 1975, starting a 31year career that would touch the lives of thousands of student-athletes.

When talking about his career, he often, in his humble manner, gives credit to all those he worked with and who helped build the university’s athletic training program from humble beginnings. As those who worked with him know, Doc was the significant driving force in expanding facilities, obtaining equipment, and getting the staffing and medical support needed over those years to make the program successful. His vision of a true athletic training program came to fruition over the decades and remains in place today.

Southeastern is now honoring Doc by establishing an endowment in his honor.

Southeastern graduate Ron Anderson of Hammond is leading the effort to establish the endowment, which will be used for general support of the athletic program. Anderson, who owns Collegiate Consulting, LLC, was a student-athlete on Southeastern’s track team in the early 1990s when Goodwin was head trainer.

Athletic Director Jay Artigues praised Goodwin for his service to the university, including the instrumental role he played in helping to create the university’s athletic training program and the North Oaks Sports Medicine program.

An alumnus of Southeastern, Goodwin has received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award, the L.E. Chandler Award for service to students, and Southeastern’s President's Award for Excellence in Service, one of the university’s highest recognitions for faculty and staff.

Goodwin also has been inducted into the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame and has received the Louisiana Sports Medicine Society’s Jim Finks Award and the National Athletic Trainers Association District Service Award.

At a surprise reception held recently at the university’s Dugas Athletic Training Room, a group of lead donors made the announcement of the endowment in recognition of his more than 30 years of “giving” as head athletic trainer at the university and for his support of Southeastern Athletics and mentorship to its students.

More information on the fund can be found at southeastern.edu/ goodwin.

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NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 51 HAMMOND, LA

Office of Advancement, SLU 10293 Hammond, LA 70402 southeasternfoundation.org

SUCCESS: Southeastern’s new freshmen class size grew

by 14.5% this year.