Southeastern has launched reimagined branding to better reflect and communicate who we are today as one university.
Dr. Tena L. Golding
VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Wendy Lauderdale, CFRE
VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS Dr. Eric Summers
SENIOR DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Mike Rivault
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sheri Gibson
PHOTOGRAPHY Randy Bergeron
Vic Couvillion, Calmer Dighton, Olivia Graziano, Kati LeBreton, Tonya Lowentritt
See Yourself?, pg. 52-53
Submissions: Southeastern Magazine welcomes photographs, alumni news, story suggestions, and letters of 300 or fewer words. Items may be used for publication unless the author requests otherwise and are subject to editing. Send submissions to Editor, Southeastern Magazine, Office of University Marketing and Communications, SLU 10880, Hammond, LA 70402 or editor@southeastern.edu
Southeastern Magazine Online: Visit southeasternmagazine.blog to view and share the stories in this magazine or explore past issues.
Printing and distribution for the Southeastern Magazine is provided by the Southeastern Foundation—southeasternfoundation.org
From our language to our logos, graphics, colors, type, photos, and videos, Southeastern is reimaging a unified brand to better communicate who we are with all audiences. Learn more on pages 16-23.
Southeastern has launched reimagined branding to better reflect and communicate who we are today as one university.
A new U.S. patent has been awarded to Southeastern, with potential medical and
The Alumni Center has been extensively renovated to better serve alumni and the entire Southeastern community.
From screen to the most eminent stages, music and theatre alumni and students are excelling across the globe.
A new book explores the storied history of the beginnings and legacy of Southeastern Athletics.
A Southeastern alum has transformed his life-long love of Scotch into one of the most awe-inspiring collections in the region.
Two recent bequests, a major part of philanthropic support, are leaving a lasting impact on Southeastern and its students.
Returning students are settling into a new academic year, knowing they will soon be one step closer to achieving their future dreams, while first-year students are experiencing for the very first time all that college life and Southeastern have to offer. There is a fresh yet comforting feeling in the air that is uniquely Southeastern.
Watching the new year begin to unfold for our students is always enjoyable, and as we launch this one, several important developments across campus are making this a truly unforgettable time.
After extensive market research, planning, and work, we have begun implementing new branding that more effectively portrays who Southeastern is today. These efforts will be reflected in the look and language used in all communication platforms and mediums, including this magazine.
Our physical facilities are also seeing several exciting changes. One of these will transform the core of campus as D Vickers Hall undergoes a complete renovation, including the addition of a state-of-the-art broadcast media center.
Lion Athletics will be enhanced by the addition of a new end-zone facility that will house football and soccer. This facility will also serve as the future home of Southeastern’s new master’s program in athletic training.
Our Nursing Center in Baton Rouge will undergo extensive renovation, including the addition of new simulation labs, allowing for expansion of
Southeastern’s award-winning nursing program. Along with other healthrelated programs, nursing will also benefit from a new Nursing and Health Sciences building that will be constructed on campus.
Finally, the Alumni Center is being extensively renovated and enhanced to provide our alumni with new programming opportunities, as well as to serve as a welcome center for campus visitors.
Southeastern is a great place to be right now. Of course, as always it is our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends who make it great. From performing on national stages to producing world-class research and rising to the top of their fields, there are limitless stories of awe-inspiring accomplishments and impacts from across our University community. In this issue of the Southeastern Magazine, I am excited to share a few of these stories with you, along with more details on our other aforementioned developments.
Please take time to explore this issue and learn more about what makes our University such a special place. When you are finished, please be an advocate for Southeastern by passing it along to someone else. You can also read and share these stories digitally, as well as access additional content, including accompanying videos, by visiting southeasternmagazine.blog
John L. Crain PRESIDENT
My life has been changed by coming to Southeastern from the various people I have met along my journey. These individuals were supportive and embodied what it means to be part of a loving college community.
Friendship Circle
Sports psychologist for a college’s various athletic teams or for a professional sports team
Member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity: current vice president and former housing/grounds manager, road chairman, and pledge educator
They are incredibly welcoming and supportive.
Southeastern is a true home away from home.
Alexia
David Wyld
Two weeks out from the Wyld Wedding Day! On Macey's first visit to Hammond in 2020, I related the story about the Southeastern legend that if a couple kissed under the Friendship Oak that they would be destined to be married. She told Spencer, "Let's go!!!"
kristiannnnnnnn
It's been a longgg weekend. Lion up.
lionupwbb
It's always a great time at Helping Hands. It was our pleasure to help out. #GivingBack
Stephanie Stafford Kropog of Hammond has been elected president and chair of the 2022-2023 board of directors for the Southeastern Alumni Association. A 1986 graduate of Southeastern with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, she is the physician services director at North Oaks Health System.
Kropog is a member of the Hammond Kiwanis Club, where she served on the board of directors in 2005; the FeLions, where she is a Champagne Bingo committee member; and the Chamber of Commerce.
Joining her on the Executive Committee is President-Elect Michelle Blum Gallo, of Albany, with Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Inc.; Treasurer Shane Purvis, of Mandeville, with Fidelity Bank; and Secretary Bridget Bankston LaBorde, of Tickfaw, with Northshore Technical Community College.
Executive Director of Alumni Relations Michelle Biggs said board members commit their time and expertise to fulfill the association’s mission of strengthening ties between the university, alumni, and community.
Also serving on the board as new members are Scott Adams, of Denham Springs, with Dow Chemical Company; Amy Caron Gowland, of Mandeville, with St. Tammany Health System; Kenneth Terrell, of Cedar Hill, Tex., with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office; Donna Graham Wallette, of Hammond, with Holy Ghost Catholic School; and Joel Klein, of Covington, with Joel Klein Insurance Agency.
Returning board members include Makeitta Darbonne Citizen, of Lake Charles, with Southwest Louisiana Credit Union; Michael DuBois, of Hammond, owner of DuBois Resources and Solutions; and Nakia Merrill, of Addison, Tex., with Cedar Valley College.
Biggs said that as part of Kropog’s incoming presidential duties, she has appointed two one-year termed board members to round out the alumni representation in the year ahead. Those include Taylor Anthony, of Ponchatoula, with the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Ashley Williams King, of Baton Rouge, with BXS Insurance.
“The board is composed of a wide range of individuals who represent the entire alumni base. Each member serves a two-year term, and his or her job is to assist in promoting the mission of the Alumni Association in tandem with that of Southeastern,” said Biggs. “They promote pride, help in student recruitment efforts, act as mentors, preserve traditions of the University, and encourage active participation in the association.”
Above Image: The Southeastern Alumni Association has announced its 2022-2023 Board of Directors. Pictured, back row left to right, are Makeitta Darbonne Citizen, Donna Graham Wallette, Michelle Biggs, Scott Adams, Ashley Williams King, and Mike DuBois. In the front row, left to right, are Gina Giacone Laird, Stephanie Stafford Kropog, Michelle Blum Gallo, and Shane Purvis.
news in learning
During the 2022 Legislative Session, Southeastern received approval for significant incremental capital outlay funding to enhance current building projects and start planning on a brand new project. Partial support for these projects is also being provided by donors and the Southeastern Foundation.
The D Vickers Hall renovation, an ongoing project to update and upgrade one of campus’ main classroom buildings, received added funds. The funds will help defray the costs of inflation for the years-long project. Communication and Media Studies Department Head James V. O'Connor said the renovations will bring positive change for video production and television instruction on campus.
“The renovation will create a high-visibility state-of-the-art television and video production teaching space that will position Southeastern as a cutting-edge media program that will educate students for meaningful work in the 21st century,” he said.
A shared academic and athletics building was approved in 2020 and is in the initial phases of planning. It received added funding to ensure the facility is a state-of-the-art shared space. The building will be a multi-purpose facility encompassing numerous programs, one of which is athletic training.
“Athletic trainers are highly trained healthcare professionals that support the sports medicine team,” College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean Ann Carruth said. “As such, a strong partnership with athletics to provide real-world experiences is
integral to the success of the program. We are very fortunate to have these new resources as we launch this new program.”
The most notable funding will come in the building of an entirely new Nursing and Health Sciences building. This multipurpose healthcare related building will include expanded classroom space and a rural health clinic for the public, as well as labs and other needed spaces. Carruth said she is very excited about housing all health and human sciences degree programs on the north corner of campus.
“This new building will allow several of our high-demand programs to expand and increase enrollment,” she said. “We envision a rural health academic clinic providing care through significant partnerships. Our students will gain multidisciplinary real-world experiences, while providing care alongside community care providers. These resources will allow nursing to increase student simulation experiences, as well as allow counseling and communication sciences, for example, to design a unique, state-of-the-art community-based clinic space.”
Vice President for University Advancement Wendy Lauderdale also shared optimism after the legislative session. “Working with our legislative delegation from the region, Southeastern was able to ensure more of its facilities will meet the needs of students for another generation,” she said.
The Southeastern Channel has once again been recognized as best in the nation by College Broadcasters, Inc. The channel was honored at CBI’s National Student Production Awards with first place in the nation for Best Video Newscast for its Nov. 11, 2020, episode of the student newscast, Northshore News. It marks the 11th time that the Southeastern Channel has won first place in the nation honors in college television from College Broadcasters, Inc.
The Southeastern Channel also won five other national honors from CBI, including second place in the nation for Best Hard News Reporting, Best Feature News Reporting, Best Video Promo, and Best Video PSA. The channel also won a thirdplace award in the Best Hard News Reporting category.
The channel won its awards from the over 1,000 entries submitted by the top broadcasting schools from throughout the nation. Its six national awards were the most of any other college television station in the country.
The College of Education started a new tradition by hosting its first-ever pinning ceremony. Held July 25, the event celebrated 43 teacher candidates entering their final semester of yearlong residency placements. The pinning ceremony is vital to continue prioritizing the principles of the profession of teaching, while simultaneously elevating it.
Two Southeastern alumnae and previous Resident Student Teachers of the Year, Makenzie Plaisance and Robin Henderson, addressed the attendees who included faculty, staff, mentor teachers, family, and friends.
“It was special to have an event that celebrates our achievements as future teachers,” said early childhood education candidate Casey Ferguson. “I was happy to be able to share this milestone with my friends and family.”
TARA’ LOPEZ , a member of the Southeastern faculty for 15 years, has been named dean of the College of Business. Her appointment is pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.
“Dr. Lopez is a hands-on, visionary leader who understands the needs of our students, faculty, and external stakeholders,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tena L. Golding. “She has a tremendous work ethic, a strong commitment to collaboration, and an appreciation of the power of communication. I am confident that Dr. Lopez is the right choice for leading our College of Business now and well into the future.”
Lopez, a professor of marketing, has served as interim dean of the college since Aug. 1, 2021. As interim dean, she implemented the Fall Business Browse event in conjunction with Meet the Firms, which 26 employers attended; secured a $40,000 grant for the Global Learning Classroom installed this spring; secured a $13,000 donation for the Multimedia and Distance Learning Studio installed this spring; and developed a community sponsorship program that raised $15,000 supporting College of Business scholarships, internships, and events.
She is also co-founder and has served as co-director of the Professional Sales program from 2018-2021, served as director of the Panama’ Bilingue Program at Southeastern from 20142020, and is the co-founder and has served as co-director of the Business in Panama’ International Study Abroad program since 2008.
A new vanity license plate featuring Southeastern’s spirit graphic and bold, updated colors is now available.
Following the release of the University’s new logos last year and reimagined branding this fall, the Southeastern license plate’s rejuvenated look provides an enhanced way for members of the Southeastern community to show off their Lion Pride, whether on campus or afar.
The plate, designed by Southeastern’s Office of University Marketing and Communications, also provides an easy way for alumni, students, employees, and friends to be an advocate for the University wherever the road takes them.
Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the license plates goes directly to strengthening student educational opportunities and success. For each plate sold, $25 is channeled from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles into a University fund. Money from this fund is used to directly support student scholarships. This helps students stay on their chosen paths to success and complete their degrees with needed financial support.
The Southeastern license plate is available through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles: expresslane.org/vehicles/plates/
Southeastern was admitted as a member institution to the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED)—a consortium of over 125 institutions around the world focused on transforming the advanced preparation of educational professionals to lead through scholarly practice for the improvement of individuals and communities. Southeastern is the first university in Louisiana to be selected for membership in this prestigious organization.
The doctor of education in the educational leadership program, housed in the Department of Educational Leadership and Technology in the College of Education, will work diligently to ensure program alignment with the mission and values of CPED. Students will enjoy a streamlined educational experience and will graduate with the skills necessary to lead organizations in solving complex problems in educational settings.
As a new member of CPED, faculty and students in the Department of Educational Leadership and Technology will have opportunities to present, publish, and network with others seeking to advance the education doctorate, while leading the state of Louisiana in improving educational practice.
Southeastern has been named a Military Friendly® School for 2022-2023. This is the 10th consecutive year Southeastern has received this recognition.
Southeastern continues to strive to be one of the best military and veteran friendly institutions in the state of Louisiana and in the nation. Viqtory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse magazine, states the listing honors the top colleges, universities, and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace the nation’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and to ensure their success on campus. This year Southeastern was awarded Gold Status, which is the highest award currently in the state of Louisiana. No other university or college achieved a designation this high by the publication this year.
“We are proud of our consistent listing, as it illustrates Southeastern’s continued commitment to serve active military, veterans and their families. It also places us among some of the top universities in the nation,” said President John L. Crain. “Most importantly, we know the designation means we are doing our best to serve those who have made many sacrifices in service to our nation.”
In addition to this honor, Southeastern was also named by Viqtory Media a Military Spouse Friendly® School for 2022-2023.
Southeastern enrolls 591 veterans, dependents, and military service members. The University maintains a Veterans Upward Bound program; provides academic and other counseling services; offers scholarships specifically for military students and veterans; and maintains a wide range of online and distance learning programs that provide students with flexibility in scheduling.
Southeastern’s ROTC program, which is a sub-unit of the Southern University Army ROTC program, returned to Hammond in 2016 after more than a 20-year hiatus. Fifty-five students now participate in the program.
Southeastern also serves as a resource center for thousands of Louisiana veterans in an effort to help active-duty military service men and women successfully transition to college through a new program called LaVetCorps.
Additionally, Southeastern now has an Office of Military and Veteran Success. The new office includes two college employees, a LaVetCorps employee and 10 veteran ambassadors and student workers. The office offers help with academic advising related to VA education benefits, processing VA education benefits, counseling on VA education benefits, programs, events, and priority registration.
“Southeastern has made a concerted effort in the past several years to focus on military service members, veterans, and their families,” said Chief Enrollment Management Officer Dr. Kay Maurin. “Southeastern has created innovative programming, services, events and resources for our veterans, dependents, and military population. All of our staff members feel there is no greater calling than serving those who have served us.”
A recent addition to campus is the Southeastern Student Veterans and Military Interest Association, a group open to veterans, reservists, spouses, dependents, and ROTC participants attending both Southeastern and Northshore Technical Community College. The association was founded to help the school administration better understand and meet the needs of veterans; offer advice from experienced to incoming veterans; help civilians better understand the military experience; and provide opportunities for veterans to meet one another and connect.
Institutions competed for inclusion on the Military Friendly Schools list based on such categories as military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and career and job counseling services. The firm Ernst and Young independently tested the data provided by schools.
Each year, Southeastern President John L. Crain bestows the University's most prestigious honor, the President's Award for Excellence, to faculty and staff excelling in the areas of research, teaching, artistic activity, faculty service and staff service. Meet this year's recipients.
A University Counseling Center
employee for the past 18 years, Annette Baldwin has always looked up to those who have served Southeastern beyond what was necessary. She is now helping those within the community as well as excelling professionally by initiating and overseeing the Terrell Conference, which provides continuing education to mental health professionals, and Lion Up Recovery, a collegiate recovery program that is the first of its kind in Louisiana.
Dr. Alan Cannon’s life-long love of math shows in his passion for his work— and in his extensive list of renowned contributions to and publications within his field. A 27-year Southeastern employee, the mainstay of his research has focused on nearrings, which provide the analogue for nonlinear functions. He additionally mentors junior faculty and undergraduate students to make their own impact by helping them hone their research skills.
As a faculty member since 2013, Skip Costa has made huge strides regionally, nationally, and internationally for artistic innovation within his InterARTS™ approach to dance and movement studies. Costa, who is director of dance and instructor of contemporary dance, choreography, and performance, has mesmerized viewers across the globe with his choreography, while also demonstrating outstanding leadership and abundant energy for Southeastern’s dance program.
For Laura Fazio-Griffith, service is more than mere child’s play. A faculty member since 2010 and a registered play therapist, she has worked diligently to enrich the profession of counseling and the professional development of counseling students and the mental health practitioner community at large. Her efforts have led to Southeastern being named an Approved Center of Play Therapy Education and Training Site, making it one of only three such sites in the state.
Aileen Mootoo-Robertson
Aileen Mootoo-Robertson began her career as an instructor of French at Southeastern in 1994, consistently striving along the way to offer the best learning experiences for her students and inspiring them to achieve success in all that they do. Exemplifying Southeastern’s cornerstone of caring, she also seeks to enrich students outside of the classroom by coordinating the Foreign Language Festival and Black History Month, serving as the French Club advisor, spearheading French Study Abroad programs, and more.
How many other countries have you visited?
or white wine?
When going on vacation, how do you prefer to get to your destination ?
What’s your favorite type of cold sweet treat ?
How many other people in your family have attended Southeastern ?
When did you get your first job ?
Since 1925, Southeastern has continuously evolved as a strong academic institution while simultaneously staying committed to its two main pillars of excellence and caring. As we now look forward to celebrating our first 100 years, Southeastern is reimagining a unified brand that resonates with all audiences.
Globally and across the nation, higher education has become increasingly competitive, and students have more and more choices. Southeastern understands how important it is to communicate to its students, potential students, alumni, and supporters how unique our University is.
Because of this, Southeastern recently embarked on a concerted effort to discover the best ways to communicate
our brand. Starting with market and identity research, our brand concept was turned into an action plan that is now being carried out across the University.
This is unfolding on all fronts, from our language to our logos, colors, type, photos, and videos. The following pages demonstrate these new elements in use.
One prominent aspect you will notice is our implementation of storytelling through student, alumni, and faculty profiles. These profiles do not tell what Southeastern offers and the monumental impact it can have—they show it. They help convey that it's all about the path you take, the actions that make up your experience, and the destination you seek.
These profiles also help highlight what makes our University such a special place and how exceptional our students and alumni are, and they are just a sampling of the countless stories of determination, excellence, resilience, and persistence from across our University community. Using great storytelling, these stories can all join together to become the story of Southeastern.
Several of these profile stories, along with our other new brand elements, are featured in the following pages.
When put into action, this new rebrand concept elevates Southeastern as a strong academic institution with highly competitive degree programs, inspiring career experiences, and caring faculty and staff.
Watch our new brand video.
“Get There” is at the core of our new brand concept. It’s a bold, straightforward, confident, uplifting, and supportive message that conveys “wherever you want to go, Southeastern can help you get there.”
Political science major Caroline Watson once hesitated to major in political science, settling on communication sciences and disorders as her major at first. But now she’s at the epicenter of politics, advocating for Louisianans as an intern for U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy.
From impersonating George Washington in a mock Constitutional Convention to chairing the SGA appropriations committee, Caroline’s Southeastern experiences fuel her desire to pursue law school and become a criminal prosecutor.
Join a pre-law student association. Represent 500 political science students as an SGA senator. Intern for a U.S. senator. Mentor underclassmen as an honors ambassador. Volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen. Assist with hurricane relief efforts in Louisiana and Texas. Take the LSAT.
Our brand attributes are the characteristics that describe our personality. These are: diverse, friendly, pragmatic, supportive, empowering, and competitive.
Our brand promise is a succinct and powerful statement about who we are and the pledge we make to our students:
“Through our highly competitive degree programs, inspiring career experiences, and the support of talented and caring faculty, Southeastern prepares students for their best futures.”
get there
Communication graduate Kourtney Williams ’16, now a morning news TV anchor in Baton Rouge, begins her workday at 2:30 a.m. It’s a lifestyle and work ethic she gained experience with while at Southeastern.
Not only was she a reporter and anchor for Southeastern Channel’s Emmy award-winning news program, Northshore News, she also interned for TV stations in two different markets.
Kourtney’s action plan Report for the award-winning Southeastern Channel. Intern at WDSU in New Orleans and WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge. Join the Broadcast Education Association, National Society of Leadership and Success, and Society of Collegiate Journalists. Win the annual lip sync competition at homecoming. Volunteer with Student United Way.
Demille Davis—a tuba player in the Spirit of the Southland marching band and a euphonist—is expanding his repertoire to include all concert instruments. He’s setting a high bar to reach his goal of becoming a high school marching band director.
Known around campus for his school spirit and enthusiasm to motivate others, he goes over the top to build people up.
Win the statewide Lewis Scholarship alongside 17 other Black scholars.
Join Phi Mu Alpha—a brotherhood of music students.
Take piano lessons to build a repertoire of instruments.
Become Southeastern’s mascot for a day—his ultimate Southeastern experience.
Mentor freshmen as an orientation leader.
Referee intramural volleyball games in the Rec Center.
In 2021, new University and Athletics logos became the first reimagined brand elements to be unveiled. University logos show respect to the past, represent the present, and point to the future. They also reflect Southeastern’s character, strengths, excellence, and values in a consistent way.
While volunteering at a summer camp with children who had struggled with various issues in school, Lucy Bateman saw firsthand the impact education and learning could have on students. She decided then that she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.
Combining this calling with her love for arts, she is on course to realize that dream as an art education major.
Energize Saturdays in Strawberry Stadium as a member of the Spirit of the Southland Marching Band drumline. Help new students find their path as an Orientation Leader. Win Miss Spirit of Grace and compete in the Miss Louisiana Pageant.
Make life-long friends and serve the community as a member of Theta Phi Alpha sorority. Bring student-focused initiatives to life as a member of the Student Government Association. Network with peers in the Honors Program.
To complement Southeastern’s familiar green and gold, a secondary set of colors was adopted. This set includes expanded hues of green and gold, as well as the addition of orange and salmon. Together, the secondary palette allows for greater creativity when telling Southeastern’s diverse stories.
The photography and video style is halfway between posed portraits and photo documentary shots. This creates a sense of things happening, telling a story through action, and using messaging as content. Southeastern has also created a series of studio portraits on colored backgrounds to show students as bold brand heroes with a style that sets us apart from other universities.
Zac ’07 and Cari ’06 Caramonta, who met as Southeastern undergrads, began brewing beer in their garage. With her background in merchandising and marketing and his knack for concocting award-winning brews, this husband and wife team turned a hobby into Hammond-based Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.—one of the 50 fastest growing breweries in the nation.
Earn a degree with flexibility to thrive long term. Turn a side gig into a full-fledged business.
Get recognized as Southeastern’s Young Alumni of the Year.
Partner with Southeastern on a one-of-a-kind brew: Lion Up American Wheat Ale.
“Pathways” are important new graphic elements that serve as a visual representation of each student's unique path to success—and Southeastern’s determination to help each and every student get there.
Learn more about our reimagined brand.
Brandon An was sparked to restore quality of life for others while conducting military search and rescue operations. Getting to know elderly orthopedic patients as a kinesiology and health studies undergraduate Southeastern student triggered a passion to do even more.
Brandon is now one step closer to helping people get moving pain free as a physical theripist.
Earn a GI Bill scholarship by serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Support fellow veterans as a student liaison at the Office of Military & Veteran Success. Make the President’s List. Work directly with patients at physical therapy and general orthopedic clinics. Apply to grad school.
Southeastern has been awarded a U.S. patent for a new compound—with potential applications that could impact both the medical and industrial worlds.
BY TONYA LOWENTRITTThe patent was awarded to Southeastern in conjunction with Fort Hays State University, located in Hays, Kan., for use of pnictogenium compounds in carbon-carbon bond formation. A pnictogen is any of the chemical elements nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth, belonging to group 5A of the periodic table.
The patent is the collaborative work of Benjamin F. Wicker, formerly of Southeastern, and Bruce A. Atwater, formerly of Fort Hays State University. Also working on the project was Skyler A. Markham, then an undergraduate student with Atwater and now a graduate student at Colorado State University.
The project began as an outgrowth of research into the applications of phosphonium compounds—compounds that incorporate a phosphorous atom that holds a formal positive charge. The initial attempt was to utilize the phosphonium compounds to create “coordination complexes” that incorporate a metal center. Similar coordination complexes are used as catalysts for polymer manufacturing, medical treatments and imaging, and solar cell developments.
This research led to the development of phosphonium compounds known as “bipyridines.”
“You can imagine these compounds as two rings connected by a line, much like frames of eyeglasses, but without the part that goes over the ear. This was an exciting discovery for several
reasons,” Wicker said. “First, the reaction involved carbon-carbon bond formation without the metal being directly involved, which is interesting to the academic sector. Second, bipyridines are used in the formation of many industrially relevant coordination complexes, which is interesting to the industrial sector. Third, the reaction takes place at low temperatures, for example, room temperature and lower, which is of great interest to the industrial sector. And finally, the bipyridines can be created asymmetrically, which is of very great interest to academic and industrial sectors.”
The last point is where the invention has the greatest potential, and since this reaction involved organic transformations, Atwater was enlisted for help in developing the technology further.
“As mentioned before, bipyridines are used throughout the chemical industry to create coordination complexes. However, one of their specialties is in generating complexes that are good at absorbing light and transmitting the energy via electron transfer, critical for solar cell applications for renewable energy sources,” Wicker explained. “Different bipyridines allow chemists to ‘tune’ complexes to absorb different wavelengths of light, making them more efficient and cost-effective for solar cells.”
Attempting to modify bipyridines asymmetrically—that is only changing one ring—to effect finer tuning or broader range of wavelengths is currently an expensive and challenging process.
“The lack of readily accessible asymmetric bipyridines means that there are no ‘bifocals’ for bipyridine complexes that are cost-effective for use on an industrial scale. With our invention, we install the pyridine rings onto the phosphonium individually, so the generation of asymmetric bipyridines are essentially as easy as making symmetric ones,” he said. “Combine this with the low temperature of the transformation, and this invention could become a source of asymmetric bipyridines for a whole host of industrial and medical applications.”
Southeastern recently received its second U.S. patent in its 97-year history.
Resting on the corner of McClimans Hall, one Southeastern’s oldest buildings, the Southeastern clock has become a campus legend. But before it even came to campus in 2005, it already had a long, nearly 90-year life as a downtown Hammond landmark, quietly playing witness to a world of change.
Warmly effusing Southeastern’s signature colors and former emblem, it is a steady reminder of both where our University and community have come from and what exciting things the time ahead may bring—an enduring beacon in the heart of Southeastern’s campus.
After an extensive renovation, the Alumni Center is now reopened and ready to welcome back alumni and all members of our Southeastern community.
BY OLIVIA GRAZIANO
The Alumni Center has been a respected landmark on Southeastern’s campus since it was erected in 1994. Proudly overlooking the main campus from West University Avenue, the 12,700-square-foot building serves as a hub for returning alumni, touring visitors, and the Hammond community. From phonea-thons to networking events, reunions and more, the Alumni Center has experienced its fair share of campus happenings, and while it has always been home to the department’s staff, it has also served as an office space for various staff members from the University Advancement division of Southeastern. If walls could talk, the Alumni Center’s would have a rich history to tell!
Over the years, the activity and staff focuses within the building have adapted to remain relevant with Southeastern’s constituents and their needs. On February 7, 2022, after weeks of archiving and cleaning, the staff vacated the Alumni Center in preparation for the latest shift, a complete renovation and modernization of the space. Thanks to partial funding from the Southeastern Foundation, in six short months the Alumni Center was refreshed into a reimagined environment that has provided Southeastern and the Alumni staff the opportunity to better welcome alumni and guests onto our campus.
A fresh, distinguished façade imagined by the architects at Holly and Smith proudly displays Southeastern's new shield logo. Upon entering the building, guests are now greeted by an open, inviting space. Vibrant greens paint the wall with pride. To the left of the lobby area lies the Alumni Association staff offices, and to the right and on the newly furbished second floor you’ll find members of the University Marketing and Communications team. The well-known banquet hall has been updated to better suit the wide variety of events and occasions it has traditionally been used for, and that space will soon be married with a unique outdoor kitchen crafted by Angelo’s Landscape Group. Together, the hall and new outdoor area will allow the Alumni Association to host more events and opportunities for our alumni, growing chapters, and the Hammond community.
Physical and metaphorical walls have been removed through this renovation, and we are excited for the future of the Association and the University. We invite you back to experience the improvements and hear about what’s on the horizon for Southeastern from the Alumni Association and University Advancement team. Visit us today at 500 West University Avenue!
Recently, students have been making headlines nationally and internationally by performing and following their dreams.
Each one has a unique story and something special that inspires them, whether it be a childhood dream, a past teacher, or the feeling you get knowing you're doing what you love. Here are a few that have been taking the world by storm.
By BCalm y Calmer Dighton
SOUTHEASTERN PRIDES ITSELF ON INSPIRING ITS STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY TO DREAM BIG.
Southeastern's Community Music School offers private music lessons on various instruments and voice. It provides an opportunity for both children and adults within the community to learn to play the violin, cello, guitar, piano, and more—allowing them to gain access to professional instruction from Southeastern’s distinguished music faculty members, regardless of age or level of experience. Everyone who wants to embark on a musical journey or enhance their skills is able to at Southeastern’s Community Music School.
At the end of each semester, participants are also able to showcase what they have learned and practice performing in
Anna has been taking lessons at the Community Music School for the past seven years with Mrs. Duke, the director of the Community Music School, whose pride in the youngster’s talent and accomplishments is evident. “Anna is a very dedicated and hard-working violin student, constantly looking to learn more difficult pieces and seeking to excel at the violin more every day. Her love for the art of music performance, her drive, and her talent is remarkable.”
At such a young age, Anna is still unsure of what career she would like to pursue, but she doesn't see herself quitting
“I want to use music to go to college, but I have other interests. I do hope to continue performing. Music brings joy
“I have been performing since I was six years old, and what really sparked my love for it is the pride I feel just after I have finished performing a piece of music in front
Jaren Mitchell, a class of 2011 general studies alum with a concentration in theatre, credits Southeastern as the spark that ignited his passion for acting. Now he is regularly seen by hundreds of thousands of people as a television and film actor.
“I always loved to act, but it wasn't like I had to do it until I got to college. Southeastern and the instructors had a big impact on me. They made me believe that I could actually act outside of just a hobby,” Jaren said.
Jaren spent much of his time at Southeastern on the stage. “All I really did was theatre. I think the thing I did the best in regards to school was actually anything to do with the theatre department.”
During his time at Southeastern, Jaren worked with many different faculty members and built relationships with other students in the program. “My favorite thing about working with the faculty at Southeastern was the trustworthy and collaborative properties. It wasn't just the director telling us we had to do it their way. It was an extremely collaborative experience.”
Jaren shared that the program was very helpful in getting him connected with people in the industry. “I was getting access to people from all over while still being in Hammond.”
The theatre program at Southeastern continues to offer students unparalleled hands-on experience from industry professionals, and recently it has expanded even further. During the 2021-2022 academic year, Southeastern began offering a bachelor of arts in theatre in addition to the general studies degree with a minor in theatre and an art degree with a theatre design concentration. This new program provides for the study of theatre with a focus on acting, stage
management, and directing within a liberal arts environment, preparing students for successful entry into careers in theatre and film, as well as advanced academic study. There are also opportunities throughout the year to participate in productions at the beloved Vonnie Borden Theatre, which allows other Southeastern students to attend high-end performances free of charge.
Southeastern’s new bachelor of arts in theatre is the only program in the state with a theatre design concentration within the Visual Art Department, and the theatre budget is dedicated completely to undergraduate education.
Since graduating, Jaren has been a part of multiple film projects. Most recently, he has been working on the seventh and final season of acclaimed OWN series Queen Sugar, which began airing this September. He also has another project coming out later this year called The Channel.
“I enjoyed all of the experiences,” Jaren said of his career so far. “Most memorable would be The Purge TV series, or Queen Sugar, which is the first project with a recurring character that I have been able to stick with over multiple years. I really enjoy stage combat and using the weaponry, a lot of action stuff, and I got to do some of that with The Purge .”
From the Vonnie Borden Theatre’s stage to screens across the world, today Jaren is following and achieving his dreams—and he encourages others to have the determination to do the same.
“My favorite thing about working in film is the freedom,” he said. “It is a blessing to be able to wake up and act. I know I am very fortunate that, at the end of the day, I am getting paid to do what I like to do. When you find something you love to do, commit to it, and don't worry about the outcome. Just keep going. You are going to find forks in the road, but just pivot around them and keep moving forward.”
“I started acting in elementary school and did musical theatre leading up into high school,” he explained. “I came to Southeastern and took my first theatre class, and I just caught the bug!”
Natalia Turchin, a Southeastern master's student majoring in music with a concentration in performance and a native of Moldova, has always had a special place in her heart for the performing arts. Through intense determination and support from the Southeastern and local communities, she recently traveled to Italy to perform and enhance her skills as a professional opera singer.
Although still a student, Natalia's childhood dream of performing opera has already become a reality, and she is loving every minute of it. “Music is where I can create, be free, and take on roles. It's all about acting; you can become anyone you want to be on the stage.”
“There are a lot of different feelings when you are on the stage, when you can share something and give back. There is a contact and connection between you, the audience, and the rest of the people on the stage,” she added. “When you are on stage, you are a team.”
Her love of performing has led her to strive to find ways to continue developing her talent, and all the way from Moldova to Hammond, La. “My friend from school back home had graduated from Southeastern, and I asked her, ‘do you think I could get a master's degree there?’” After applying, Natalia started her master’s in August of 2021.
Southeastern's music graduate program helps students to advance their performance skills; strengthen their abilities to investigate, organize, integrate and evaluate information; and develop their overall professional expertise. Students in this program possess the selfmotivation and discipline to complete the individual study, research, and project preparation that constitutes the majority of the degree program.
Shortly after arriving in Hammond, the faculty took her in and were like a second family. “Dr. Mouledous is like a mother to me,” Natalia said. “She is an example, open to help, open to giving to people. Two weeks after arriving here, Hurricane Ida was coming, and she asked me how I was preparing for it. She offered to let me to stay with her at her house. Before even meeting me in person, she also met me at the airport to welcome me and help me get settled.”
Natalia was selected and invited to attend the Festival of International Opera Italia this summer, a month-long experience for vocal performance students to have intensive training in Italian, workshops with opera masters, and a final collaborative performance.
However, when the turmoil between Ukraine and Russia began earlier this year, Natalia's family back home in Moldova, a neighboring nation to Ukraine, started to feel the effects financially. Natalie sent all of the money she had saved for the program back to her family to help support them through this time. At a loss for how to come up with the funds, Natalia started to lose hope of attending the program.
“When I was a child, I had a dream. I saw clearly my time spent on stage wearing the 18th- and 19th-century dresses, and that is how I knew I was meant to sing opera.”
“I was very close to giving up, but so many people were telling me not to give up.”
Then one of the professors suggested she organize a benefit concert series. “I connected with a church, and then they connected me to another church, and the church connected to people,” she explained. “And it became not just my goal, but it became a group accomplishment. I would like to thank all of the sponsors for me to be able to go to the program and the people who encouraged me to do the benefit concerts.”
Through the benefit concerts and a GoFundMe, Natalia was able to raise enough to be able to still attend her program in Italy.
Once there, she had a very busy yet extremely organized schedule. “We had lessons in Italian. We had lessons with the pianists, and we were taught how to sing the song and diction. We had voice lessons with our preferred professors, and there were rehearsals with the whole ensemble.”
The program performed a total of four shows in three cities in Italy, with ensemble participants coming from different universities all around the world. “Even though we were all totally different, we were able to come together and work together far from home,” she said.
One aspect that made these performances unique for Natalia was that the singers got to perform with a full orchestra. “It was my first time working with a full orchestra with a great conductor maestro, Joseph Rescignio.”
Natalia loved her time working with the program and shared that it was a great experience. “I would encourage anyone pursuing music to go, and it is always good to have more operas for your resume.”
Even though the experience of performing in Italy was so unique, when asked about her favorite performance she has participated in, Natalia said, “I have one; it was not a performance, but I was singing a song with a group of friends, and when I began to sing, one of my friends was so moved that they began to cry. My favorite performances are when I touch someone's soul.”
Top image: Anna Johnson poses with her violin in Friendship Circle before heading to her New York City performance at Carnegie Hall.
Middle image: Alum and professional actor Jaren Mitchell gets into character as Doug Vargas in The Purge TV series.
Bottom image: Natalia Turchin performs in Italy during the 2022 Festival of International Opera Italia. Photograph courtesy of Robert Breault.
BY VIC COUVILLION, CONTRIBUTING WRITER FOR THE ADVOCATE
athletics
Throughout most of Southeastern’s 97-year history, intercollegiate athletics have played a prominent role in campus life. Now, the athletes, coaches, administrators, fans and all others who have an interest in what sports has meant to the University have a thorough accounting of much of that history with the publication of 70 Years: Southeastern Lions Athletic History by Larry Hymel.
Hymel’s book is the first full accounting of Southeastern's athletic history published. Through prodigious research conducted over about three years, Hymel recounts the wins, losses and so much more that occurred on the playing fields, arenas, courts, tracks and courses where the athletes who chose to wear the green and gold wrote their part of the story that was sports at Southeastern for the first 70 years of the school’s history.
Hymel, who has spent almost all of his adult life on the campus, brought to his task an intimate knowledge of the University’s athletic history.
Not long after graduating from Southeastern, Hymel was hired as the school’s first full-time sports information director, a position he filled for more than 30 years. He later served as director of the University Center and ended his long and distinguished career on the campus as alumni athletic coordinator.
He spent more than 40 years actively engaged on the Southeastern campus.
Through all those years, the athletes, coaches and administrators came and went, but Hymel was always there watching the school’s sports history unspool as the years spun by. Assessing the task he brought on himself, writing a thorough history of the first 70 years of sports at Southeastern, Hymel said, “there had never been a complete history of Southeastern athletics, and for many years one of my goals was to compile an accounting of the athletics history. When I started out on this project, I didn’t necessarily know that it would turn out to be a book. However, the more I researched the history of athletics, the idea of a book began to develop."
He said he had a reason for limiting his tale to about the first 70 years of athletics at Southeastern. “I realized at one point that I had to stop somewhere. … After all, the story continues to be told year after year. … It is still being told almost every day on the campus. Intercollegiate athletes became part of the school about 1930, when what would eventually become a university was a
small little school that was really just getting established. "By 1999, Southeastern had grown to become a large university with thousands of students and athletics had grown with it," he said. "I had to stop somewhere, and 1999 seemed the perfect place to stop."
The story starts in the fall of 1930 when then Southeastern Louisiana College fielded its first football team. That team beat Amite and Independence High Schools but later lost to other high schools and junior colleges. The long story ends in chapter 9 when Hymel sneaks into 2003 when Southeastern restored football after a long, painful time for many, when the campus was bereft of football starting in January 1986 when then University President J. Larry Crain announced that football would be dropped as an intercollegiate sport at Southeastern.
Hymel offers that the loss of football for so many years, along with shutting down the basketball team for one season, were among some of the low points in the history of sports in Lion land. However, those two chapters
in sports history are offset by the many victories recorded by Southeastern athletes and the winning of conference and national championships.
Through his painstaking research, Hymel recounts the results of almost every football, basketball and baseball game. As more sports teams were added through the years, those contests found their way into his accounting of the school’s sports history. Eventually, Southeastern would field men’s teams in track, golf and tennis along with football, basketball and baseball. With the coming of Title IX in the 1970s, Southeastern, as did all other colleges and universities in the nation, hastened to bring intercollegiate athletic programs for women onto their campuses.
Hymel became sports information director in 1966 and from that point on he was, literally, “sitting on the bench” at almost all sporting events. About the years that came before his time on campus, Hymel said that he had to dig through old accounts of athletics to learn about the very early development of sports on the campus.
“What I learned was very important to telling the whole story, and those early, formative years proved to be of great interest," he said. "Athletic involvement at SLU started slowly in the 1930s; was interrupted to an extent in the early 1940s when World War II drew so many young men away from the campus; and rebounded with some great teams, especially in football, when the veterans returned to the campus after the war.”
Hymel’s book recounts that Southeastern was a leader in encouraging women’s athletics on campus, and the 19761977 Lady Lions basketball team, under the leadership of coach Linda Puckett, won a national championship. Women’s softball was started in the early 1980s, and eventually the school added women’s volleyball, beach volleyball, track, tennis and soccer.
Much of the information in the book was gleaned from copies of The Lion’s Roar, the student newspaper for many years; LeSouvenir, the University yearbook; accounts of sporting events that filled the pages of local and regional newspapers over the years; and interviews that Hymel conducted during his years of research. He recounts that he spent many hours on campus at Sims Memorial Library poring over sources related to athletics now on file in the library.
For many local athletes, Southeastern afforded them a chance to continue their athletic careers hatched and then nurtured at area high schools.
A good example of that local touch involves the first Lady Lions softball team. Glenda Gauley, of Denham Springs, was among the first to try out for the school’s first softball team. She recalls in an interview with Hymel that the team did not even have uniforms for the first year, and the girls were only given matching shirts with numbers on them. Over the next two seasons, Gauley was the only pitcher the team had, and she pitched doubleheaders on numerous occasions.
Alum and former sports information director Larry Hymel shows his new book, 70 Years: Southeastern Lions Athletic History
Recalling those years at Hymel’s recent book signing, she said, “I never got tired. … I don’t remember the wins and the losses that much, what I remember is the joy of playing at the collegiate level and the fun I had with my teammates. Those were some great years.” She attended a book signing for the launch of the publication with Cindy Smith and Missy Smith, also from Denham Springs, who were on that first team. Cindy Smith scored the first run ever for the Lady Lions.
The interview with Gauley is just one of numerous such interviews in the book. Hymel interviewed many of the athletes, coaches and administrators who had a part in Southeastern’s sports history, and these interviews add a special feature to the long account of sports in the land of the Lions.
Readers will also find the names of a number of athletes who had distinguished careers during and after their playing days were over. Robin Roberts, now host of Good Morning America, was a star basketball player at Southeastern. Jim Corbett, who will long be remembered as a successful athletic director at LSU, had his start as a student at Southeastern. DD Breaux, the legendary gymnastics coach at LSU, was a gymnast and assistant coach at Southeastern. It also covers the exploits of outstanding athletes such as All American football player Huey Husser and his fellow Southeastern stars Ray Porta and Oscar Lofton.
Among the highlights in athletic history that Hymel cites were the undefeated football teams in 1946 and 1954; baseball and basketball teams that won conferences and advanced to national tournaments; and outstanding individuals in such sports as tennis, track and golf.
Hymel has won numerous writing awards during his long career. He was awarded the Mac Russo Award presented by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 1994, was elected to the Southeastern Athletic Hall of Fame in the same year, and was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame for Distinguished Service to Journalism in 2011.
Copies of the book are available at Southeastern’s University Bookstore, along with Bayou Booksellers in downtown Hammond, or through email at lhymel@southeastern.edu
In addition to Larry Hymel, several alumni and members of the Southeastern Family contributed to bringing this publication to life, including former staff member Vic Couvillion for editing, former staff member Judy Couvillion for general assistance, alum and current staff member Randy Bergeron for photographic assistance, faculty member Dr. Sam Hyde for historical expertise, and Sims Memorial Library staff for microfilm assistance. The book was Published by Southeastern alum Corky Barras at Jefferson Printing and includes a cover designed by Southeastern student Jacie Ferlandy.
Every fall semester, Southeastern celebrates our "Golden Graduates," those who have reached their 50-year graduation anniversary. This year we are proud to recognize our 2022 honorees, the Class of 1972, at this year's celebration! Mark your calendar to reunite with former classmates, rediscover the beauty of campus, and reminisce over memories shared with friends who became family.
Enjoy lunch with old friends, new acquaintances, University officials, and receive your honorary diploma. Those participating in commencement will also receive their golden robe.
Friday, December 9, 2022
Coffee & Conversation at 11:00 a.m.
Doors open and lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m.
Student Union Ballroom, 3rd Floor
303 Union Avenue, Hammond
Cost: $35 per person
After a light breakfast, be in the group photo with the University President then lead the class of 2022 during the commencement procession and be recognized as a Golden Grad. You are welcome to stay for the graduation ceremony, but it is not required.
Saturday, December 10, 8:30 a.m.
University Center, St. Tammany Room
800 W. University Ave, Hammond
Cost: Complimentary with your Luncheon ticket purchase.
Purchase your ticket today by calling the Southeastern Alumni Association at 985.549.2150, visiting southeastern.edu/goldengrads, or stopping by the Alumni Association office at 500 W University Ave, Hammond, LA 70401.
Alumnus and owner of Bracy’s Nursery Randy Bracy has turned his passion for Scotch into a gallery of liquid treasure.
Many people collect things. It’s a part of human nature—that sentimental desire to create an assortment of objects that are loved. Whether it’s stamps, dolls, vinyl records, or even Pokémon cards, most people have started a collection of some sort. But a few have turned their collecting into an art form, and Randy Bracy is one of those collectors.
Randy, a 1974 Southeastern graduate, collects Scotch. Enough to need a small fortress to house it all, complete with museum-quality shelving displays, LED lighting, and climate control. And don’t forget the vault door and bulletproof windows!
Once you’ve had a moment to take it all in (the sheer number of Scotch bottles, the 3,100 feet of wooden shelving, the mood-setting lighting, the deep leather chairs, the impressive mahogany table, and more), Randy will kindly pour you a glass of his favorite Scotch (Highland Park, neat) and happily regale you with the story of how it all started: with a fifth of Scotch in Friendship Circle.
Randall “Randy” Bracy was born a third-generation dairy farmer and majored in animal science at Southeastern in the early 1970s. He felt right at home and made friends quickly.
“The thing I loved about Southeastern was that it had a small-town feel with all the amenities of a much larger university,” explained Bracy. “We knew all of our teachers really well. Classes were small and we had good relationships with everyone.”
The combination of a quality education and familiar social aspect on campus is what Randy cherishes the most about his time at Southeastern. “It was and still is a true community,” he said.
After graduation, Randy intended to return to the dairy business. But he soon realized that his knack for business and background in science could go beyond the sale of just dairy cows.
“My father-in-law was a horticulturist in Hammond,” says Randy. “He had a chance to get some peach trees. Turns out, I was much better at selling fruit trees. Each year after that, we started to sell more and more. Then we realized we could sell more than just fruit trees because of our big customer base.”
Those few peach trees turned into the booming horticultural hub that is now Bracy’s Nursery in Amite, La. Randy and his wife Dr. Regina Bracy, who is also a graduate of Southeastern, have overseen the enterprise of nearly 250 acres and approximately 130 employees for over 30 years. Bracy’s Nursery proudly serves as one of the largest wholesale nurseries in the South, shipping from Oklahoma to the Carolinas.
Randy is a heart-warming example of the phrase “hard work pays off.” The son of Louisiana dairy farmers took the skills, connections, and degree he earned at Southeastern and used them to create his own little corner of paradise. And as the years passed, he got to enjoy the fruits (and trees and plants) of his labor every evening over a good glass of Scotch.
“I love the idea of Scotch in that it’s so simple,” says Randy. “It’s only made of three things: barley, water, and yeast.” His love for this simple beverage, which turned into a not-sosimple hobby, began over 50 years ago with a group of friends at a Southeastern football tailgate.
Here in South Louisiana, it’s no secret that football fans (those of-age, of course) can be found enjoying the adult beverage of their choice at a tailgate. Randy and his buddies were no exception. But none of them had any idea that a simple change in libation would have such an effect on their lives nearly fifty years later.
“My friend Ernie Bush (also class of ’74) and I used to go to Southeastern Football games,” Randy chuckles. “We’d bring a fifth of Bourbon—but by halftime, it would be gone. So, he got smart and brought a fifth of Scotch to the next game. No one wanted to drink it, so it lasted for several games.”
The Scotch became a tradition for them, one that Randy carried with him for the rest of his life. And every time he sits down in his favorite leather chair, drink in hand, Randy fondly recalls the good friends he made at Southeastern and the memories they made together.
Randy has simple advice for current and future students: ““Enjoy it. Southeastern will be the greatest time of your life.””
Savor it, perhaps, like a good glass of Scotch-all the way down to the last drop.
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Music student Timofei Kunin performs, thanks to support from the Stetzel Scholarship.
Gaylord Bickham has made a lasting impact on Southeastern by creating a bequest.
Bequests (also called planned giving or legacy giving) to non-profit organizations have been growing in recent years. According to Giving USA, bequests reached over $42 billion dollars in the United States in its most recent report on 2020. These are gifts that are made as part of a will or trust.
In a surprising fact, bequests amount to more than 2.5 times the total donations from corporations. Since Giving USA began tracking the sources of charitable gifts in 1975, bequests have provided more funding to nonprofits than corporate giving in every year except one (1984). Moreover, while the total dollar amount of corporate and estate giving used to be roughly equal, the value of bequests began to pull steadily ahead in the 1990s and over the last decade has continually outpaced corporate donations by about 60 percent.
This growing form of charitable giving has many benefits for estate planning, including flexibility, tax benefits, recognition (leaving a legacy), and efficiency in distribution of assets.
In recent years, Southeastern has been the recipient of several bequest gifts. To date, the largest one ever given to Southeastern was a bequest made by Mr. Seth Ryan in the name of his wife, Thelma Ryan. Mr. Ryan was a Southeastern graduate who wanted to provide scholarship opportunities for female students who may need a little help reaching their goal of a college education—something that Mrs. Ryan was not able to do.
Two other recent bequests have helped Southeastern students, as well as raise the profile of planned giving on campus.
A large bequest by Ronald Stetzel, a retired Southeastern faculty member, endowed and boosted the impact of the Ronald and Mildred Boyl Stetzel Endowed Scholarship in Piano.
Dr. Ronald D. Stetzel was a Southeastern music professor who taught for 33 years and who was also co-founder of the Louisiana Music Teachers Association state-wide piano rally in 1970. A composer in his own right, he loved to write music for two pianos. He and his wife Mildred performed together on a regular basis. They were known as a great two-piano team. Both were also committed to spreading the joy of music and music education. Mildred was a long-time piano teacher to generations in the region.
Dr. Stetzel was a WWII veteran who served in the Eighth Air Force. He taught at Southeastern from 1948 to 1981, making an impact for decades. In retirement, he stayed involved in music in both Sun City, Ariz., and Rochester, N.Y., and was a world traveler. He was preceded in death by his first wife Mildred and his second wife Mary Ann Woodworth. He passed away at the age of 97 in 2017 after a long and active retirement. The gift of the scholarship will aid music students in perpetuity— yet again spreading the joy of music.
Current Stetzel scholarship recipient Timofei Kunin has been a pianist for over 15 years. He has competed and won many national and international competitions, performed in prestigious venues, and is a composer as well. After having moved to the United States several years ago, some friends recommended Southeastern with its strong music program. Kunin said, “I instantly connected with the faculty, and the scholarship helps a great deal since finances are sometimes a problem for international students at first.”
Another recent gift was received from the bequest of Mr. Gaylord Bickham. While not an alumnus of Southeastern, he was a strong believer in the mission of the University. The Franklinton, La., native was aware of Southeastern’s impact, and he always noted that he was very fond of Southeastern because, from its earliest days, it offered area students a quality education, which was especially crucial for those who could not attend a university far from home. It didn’t hurt that his cousin Bruce Bickham played football at Southeastern.
For many years he owned and managed the Bickham Oil Company in Franklinton, serving Washington and surrounding parishes. He served as a director on the boards of numerous financial and business institutions. He was an active member of the Franklinton Rotary Club, a conservationist, an animal lover, and a “tender hearted” man according to family members.
Already a donor who created a scholarship in his parents’ name for a student who graduated from a Washington Parish high school, he left a large bequest for general University support. This allowed the funds to be utilized in the most impactful way.
A planned gift can extend one person’s legacy to many others. Southeastern is fortunate to have donors who’ve had the forethought to place the University as a beneficiary and help it continue to provide an excellent and caring education to students for decades to come.
To learn more about legacy giving opportunities, contact Katherine Rose at 985.549.2239 or krose@southeastern.edu.
“I am incredibly grateful to be the recipient of the scholarship the Stetzels set up,” he added. “It is a great opportunity.”Dr. Ronald D. Stetzel teaches music during his tenure at Southeastern.
A judge on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana in New Orleans, the Hon. Carl J. Barbier has been selected as the Southeastern Alumni Association 2022 Alumnus of the Year.
A New Orleans native and 1966 Southeastern graduate, Barbier was nominated by President Bill Clinton in April 1998 and sworn into office on Oct. 12, 1998.
“Judge Barbier is well respected in the legal community, a brilliant and accomplished judge who has had an exceptionally dynamic legal career,” said Executive Director of Alumni Relations Michelle Biggs. “He has been so supportive of the University that the Awards Committee felt very strongly he deserves this honor.”
Barbier is a past president of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, now the Louisiana Association for Justice; past president of the New Orleans Bar Association; and past president of the Thomas More Loyola Inn of Court. He has served on the board of the Federal Bar Association.
As a federal judge, Barbier has handled a number of large, complex cases, including the Deepwater Horizon oil spill litigation that involved tens of thousands of cases arising from the largest oil spill in the history of the United States.
Barbier served for seven years as a member of the Judicial Conference Committee on Defender Services, which oversees the operation and budgets for all the Federal Public Defender Offices in the United States. He previously served as a member of the Fifth Circuit Judicial Council. He also serves on the Judicial Advisory Board for the Emory Institute for Complex Litigation and Mass Claims.
Honors for Barbier include the Thomas Jefferson Justice by the People Award, presented by the American Board of Trial Advocates; the St. Ives Award as the Loyola Law Alumnus of the Year; and the Distinguished Jurist award, presented by the Louisiana Bar Foundation.
The true measure of a university’s greatness can be found in the achievements of its alumni, and Southeastern is certainly known to develop leaders across all fields. To celebrate this and honor some of our outstanding graduates, the Alumni Association established its awards program in 1969, which has since become a Southeastern tradition.
Honored at our annual Alumni Awards Evening on Oct. 6, 2022, as part of Homecoming week, this year we celebrate all of our outstanding alumni along with our top Alumni of the Year recipients: Carl Barbier as Alumnus of the Year and Ebony Morris as Young Alumna of the year.
New Orleans Attorney Ebony Morris has been named Southeastern’s 2022 Young Alumna of the Year.
Morris graduated from Southeastern in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She is an associate attorney with Phelps Dunbar, LLP.
“Ebony has always been a top tier student and professional, from graduating cum laude at Southeastern to achieving a top 20 percent recognition among her law school graduates at Southern University Law,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Summers. “Heavily involved in her sorority on our campus and the Southern University Law Review, she has taken that leadership knowledge to her field of law and is quickly becoming one of the top attorneys in our state.”
Morris is a member of the North Tangi Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which works with Southeastern’s chapter of the sorority in various services, mentorship, and leadership capacities. Her service continues at Southeastern, where she is a mentor and role model for students.
In her chosen field of law, Morris has been recognized by the 2020 and 2021 Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, Lawyers of Color 2020 Hot List, 2020 Outstanding Young Woman Lawyer Award from the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division (NBA WLD), and NBA WLD’s Young Lawyer of the Week. She has also been recognized by The National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.
Scan here for the video stories.DION GROSSNICKLE is the owner of North Cypress Fitness in Hammond, where he has grown membership from 734 to 10,000 members. He was recently recognized by the Junior Auxiliary of Tangipahoa as 2021 Man of the Year.
NATHAN GOLDSTEIN was named director of sales for Wolters Kluwer, a global provider of professional information, software solutions, and services for clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax professionals.
CRAFT JACKSON is operations manager for Amazon in Dallas-Fort Worth. He has over 25 years of experience in asset and inventory control management.
KEVIN DIEMONT is the chief operating officer for Deep Fried Advertising, a creative branding and interactive agency in New Orleans. With a background in international business, he manages business development, finances and operations.
PAUL DONALDSON was named associate provost of academics and transfer pathways for Northshore Technical Community College.
MATT MOLINE is a senior business intelligence developer for LCMC Health in New Orleans.
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MEGAN AGAISSE is a project manager in advancement information systems and support services for Tulane University in New Orleans.
LAKEISHA WEBER has been promoted to Senior HR compliance analyst for Tesla in Reno, Nev. She has been with the company for over four years.
CHRIS MYCOSKIE, a freelance sports broadcaster, was recently awarded first place for Best Live TV Broadcast Team by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. This is the third consecutive year he's received this award.
SARAH HILL was named manager of marketing strategy and brand content for the St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission.
ELISE KITTRELL is the sustainability coordinator for PBS Engineering and Environmental in Portland, Ore. She has over six years of experience in design and implementation of water, sanitation, and renewable energy projects.
DANTE BIDWELL was recently appointed chief of staff for the Office of the Mayor-President for the City of Baton Rouge.
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EMILY MCDONALD is a research analyst in the Office of Research and Evaluation for AmericCorps in Washington, DC.
LAUREN BROUSSARD has been named associate director of peer to peer fundraising for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
LANCE HARDMAN is a strength and conditioning coach team lead for Pivot Health Solutions, where he works with athletes to understand the importance of diet, recovery, strength training, and injury prevention.
TYRE’ JENKINS is a regional literacy specialist for The Center of Literacy in Learning in Metairie, La.
SNEHA SHARMA is a senior risk manager, credit risk strategy for American Express, where she is responsible for developing risk-based strategies for non-card lending Kabbage Line of credit products.
COREY ROGER has been named district sales manager for Cook Medical, which invents, manufactures, and delivers a unique portfolio of minimally invasive medical devices to healthcare systems around the world.
SARAH CRADEUR is a registered nurse at Cornerstone Healthcare Group in Lake Charles, La.
GRACE BABIN has joined Sazerac as a market development representative covering territory in La.
Students have been forging their own path at Southeastern for 10 decades, encountering unforgettable experiences and life-changing friendships as they leave their mark. These historic photos provide a peek at some of their stories.
If you know the names or details behind any of these snapshots, please share them by emailing editor@southeastern.edu
Betty and Ernie Bryant, the latter a veteran who attended Southeastern after serving in WWII, are leaving their on-campus married student apartment for their 1950 graduation ceremony. Alvaro Hunt (class of ’51) said of the couple, “Ernie and Betty were excellent students…wanting only to finish, graduate, and continue their lives” following the war.
The students in the foreground, performing during 1969 Homecoming, were part of the popular singing group Students of the States which was sponsored by music faculty member Robert Priez. Martie (far left in white) and her twin sister Artie Fellom (two places to Martie’s right) opened the famous dance studio just off campus, Fellom Ballet. The blond-haired man in the center back is Leif Pederson, who became a big band singer and a member of the Southeastern Music Hall of Fame. The group of four people lined up in back of them were alumni being honored, with Francis Bickham at the far left and Lloyd Brandt at the far right.
From Howard Nichols (class of ’46 and professor of history ’58-’98), Dan Keen (class of ’72 and ’83), and Judy Couvillion (retired staff)
Thank you to our readers who wrote in to share the backstory on photos in our Spring 2022 issue.
Office of Advancement, SLU 10293 Hammond, LA 70402 southeasternfoundation.org
Southeastern’s occupational, safety, health, and environment bachelor’s degree program is ranked among the top in the nation. The University earned this honor based on data collected by BestHealthDegrees.com related to cost, accreditation, reputation, and graduates’ salary potential.
