Southeastern Magazine - 2013

AUGUST 2013

SOUTHEASTERN M A G A Z I N E

Saving the sea turtles: a professor’s passion President’s Awards for Excellence Sustainability: a campus-wide initiative Alumni News

President’s Message Over the past year, the Southeastern family of administrators, faculty, staff and students has taken an up-close view of who we are as a university and what we mean to our various constituents, especially our students. Using the business approach of a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), we evaluated our student recruitment efforts, academic offerings, competition with other institutions, and a stagnant economy — all factors that influence enrollment. We incorporated elements of this review into discussions by the University Planning Council as this body developed Southeastern’s strategic plan, Vision 2017.

Part of this self-study was an honest evaluation of the perceptions of the university — both positive and negative — by those close to the institution, as well as others with no specific ties to Southeastern. Many of us have preconceived notions and sentiments related to personal experiences: a sense of the institution as one that is student-centered in a caring, family atmosphere that offers excellent academic programs and value. It was a pleasure to see those perceptions confirmed through focus groups and other research.

The results of this work will be seen in coming months, as we unveil a newly-redesigned website created to be highly user-friendly and easily adaptable to all forms of modern communications technology.

In addition, the university is developing an updated branding and positioning program that will better highlight Southeastern’s strength

John L. Crain, President Southeastern Louisiana University

in the region.

I continue to marvel at the endurance of faculty and staff who, in spite of many challenges, always begin a new academic year with a renewed sense of optimism and the promise we traditionally make to our students: to provide them a welcoming environment where they can pursue their academic, social and career goals.

In this issue of the Southeastern Magazine, we highlight some of the many great things about our university: faculty dedicated to teaching and performing high quality research, highly involved students in all disciplines, news regarding award winning programs, innovations at the university, and enhancement to the campus itself.

Printing and distribution costs for Southeastern Magazine were paid by the Southeastern Foundation and Southeastern Alumni Association.

AUGUST 2013

SOUTHEASTERN M A G A Z I N E

features

Southeastern Louisiana University A member of the University of Louisiana System President Dr. John L. Crain Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Tammy Bourg Interim Vice President, Administration/Finance Sam Domiano, Jr. Vice President, Student Affairs Dr. Marvin L. Yates Vice President, University Advancement Wendy Lauderdale, CFRE Executive Director of Public and Governmental Affairs Erin Moore Cowser

Editorial Office of Public Information Director and Editor Rene Abadie Coordinator of Promotions Tonya Lowentritt Graphic Designer Michael Trahan Photographer Randy Bergeron

departments

[ 2 ] Turtle research ongoing

[ 20 ] Year at a Glance

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Roldán Valverde, current president of the International Sea Turtle Society, continues to study the impact on marine animals, particularly sea turtles, three years after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion.

A quick review of the highlights at Southeastern in the 2012–13 academic year.

[ 5 ] Website receives makeover

[ 22 ] Columbia/Fanfare Preview

Southeastern launches its redesigned website, featuring improved functionality, modern design and interactive tools. The new website will help to communicate Southeastern’s identity as a leading regional university and serve as a recruiting tool for future students.

Preview the Columbia Theatre 2013–14 season and Fanfare, Southeastern’s fall festival of the arts, humanities and social sciences.

[ 6 ] Sustainability = Green and Gold Precise building energy management, solar panels to generate electricity and hot water, biodiesel to power vehicles and equipment, major increases in recycling, and wise use of rainwater runoff are some of the elements of the new Sustainability Center, considered one of the most advanced in the state.

[ 8 ] Business Center celebrates milestone

[ 21 ] Homecoming 2013 Reunite with old friends at Homecoming Week scheduled October 21–27.

[ 23 ] Campus News Southeastern is recognized among the most affordable universities; new degrees offered this fall address workforce needs; nursing graduate program is lauded; and specialists work with area schools to study air quality.

[ 28 ] Alumni News A special section for our alumni: meet the new president and officers of the Alumni Association and those selected as college-level alumni of the year; news of chapter activities and individual alumni are listed.

The Southeast Louisiana Business Center celebrates its 10th anniversary this fall of helping to coordinate business development and expansion in the region after compiling an impressive array of accomplishments in the past decade.

[ 31 ] University Advancement News

[ 9 ] President’s Awards for Excellence

[ 35 ] Athletics

The 2013 recipients of the President’s Awards for Excellence are profiled: Jaqueline Guendouzi, research; David Wyld, teaching; Alissa Rowe, artistic activity; Joseph Burns, faculty service; and Marcus McMillian, staff service.

Three Lion alumni are slated for induction into the Athletics Hall of Fame; Head Baseball Coach Jay Artigues is appointed interim athletics director; and a new video display scoreboard makes its debut in Strawberry Stadium this fall.

A message from the Vice President for University Advancement; Lady Lions benefit from PRIDE Scholarships; two recent graduates show appreciation to their alma mater; and a prominent alumnus is profiled.

Graduate Assistant Kaitlin Kisela

On the cover: Hundreds and possibly thousands of sea turtles are known to have been killed in 2010 in the Deep Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. One Southeastern biologist, currently serving as president of the International Sea Turtle Society, is working with other scientists, students and conservationists around the world to assess the impact environmental stressors are having on the marine animals.

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“After the oil spill, many turtles were brought to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and other Gulf sites to recover,” said Valverde. “Many of these turtles were covered with oil, and many had ingested the oil. But, if we tell BP they are responsible for the turtle deaths, BP will ask how many. Nobody really knows because there weren’t previous studies to determine the population status.”

All sea turtles in U.S. waters are listed under the Endangered Species Act and fall under the jurisdiction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Valverde said the only turtle data currently available as far as impact from the oil spill is what was collected by NOAA, which determined that about 600 sea turtles had died during the spill.

“But that is only what was physically seen and counted,” he continued. “In actual fact, probably thousands of turtles died due to the spill. We did not see those because they probably sunk to the bottom of the Gulf before they could be counted.”

As a result, Valverde is working with the Inwater Research Group, an association of researchers from Florida, to establish population baselines so scientists can use the appropriate parameters to assess impacts of disasters should they occur in the future.

“Population trends are very difficult to ascertain because sea turtles are slow growing and are a highly migratory species,” he explained. “Because we know very little about the abundance of sea turtles in Louisiana waters and about the impact of oil on the physiology of the turtles, it is very difficult to predict how these populations will respond to future environmental stressors, such as oil spills and hurricanes. It’s essential we start population counts as soon as possible.”

Valverde and the scientists from Florida are doing just that. The group this summer sought turtle “hot spots” off the coast of Louisiana near Le Chandeleur Islands and Breton Sound.

“It’s followup work to the oil spill research,” he said. “We survey the area and look for the hot spots in the state’s waters. We then run transects to determine candidate sites that we can regularly survey.

We index the sites and count the number of turtles there to help us

THREE YEARS AGO,

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Roldán Valverde shared the shock of Gulf coast residents — and the entire world — when the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig killed 11 workers and poured nearly five million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

Today, he and his fellow biologists, environmentalists and scientists are still tallying the damage the largest accidental marine oil spill in history had on coastal wetlands and marine animals, including Valverde’s research focus, sea turtles.

The Costa Rican native and member of the Southeastern faculty since 2004 has a passion for turtles of all kinds, but especially for the large sea turtles that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico. He leads summer study abroad courses in tropical ecology and sea turtle conservation and makes regular trips to his native country, Panama, Mexico and other locales to perform research and help assess the status of sea turtles. He is also president of the International Sea Turtle Society (ISTS), which will bring 1,000–1,500 conservationists, scientists and students to New Orleans for a major symposium next April.

He has worked for the Caribbean Conservation Corp. — now the Sea Turtle Conservancy — as a field leader of the green sea turtle tagging project in Costa Rica, the oldest sea turtle project in the world. His lab at Southeastern fosters international collaborative programs, especially with Latin American institutions and organizations.

How did the infamous oil spill affect the Gulf’s sea turtles? Valverde and his fellow scientists have found the basic question difficult to answer because they lack previous data on turtle population — particularly in Louisiana waters — a problem they are working to correct for the future.

“Five sea turtle species inhabit the waters of the Gulf of Mexico,” said Valverde. “If you look at the abundance of these species outside the Gulf, you realize that, generally, nesting and in-water populations in the Atlantic are fairly healthy, although they are below historical levels.

“The situation is different, however, in the Gulf,” he added. “Here the populations are relatively low. In fact, the abundance of all species tends to be the lowest in the north central Gulf of Mexico, around Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.”

Is the fact that those states were among the hardest hit by the BP oil spill a factor in the relatively low sea turtle population in the region? Valverde said the reason behind the population difference is unknown, but signs do point to industrial development and fisheries bycatch combined with the lack of suitable nesting habitats.

BREAK TIME – Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Roldán Valverde takes a break from research and teaching chores during a summer study abroad program on tropical ecology in Costa Rica.

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get an idea of the population.”

Sea turtles spend most of their lives in the oceans and open water, and females return to beaches to build their nests and lay eggs.

“While Louisiana is not a nesting ground, it is an important area for the growth, development and feeding of these turtles,” he said. “Most of the nesting takes place in Florida, Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula.”

The Louisiana coast is most frequently inhabited by two species, loggerheads and the Kemp’s ridley turtles. A major concern is that the turtle populations may eventually disappear from the Gulf of Mexico due to human negligence.

“This could cause significant impact on our ecosystem that we cannot predict at this point in time because we lack the data on how these species contribute to our ecosystem,” he said.

As ISTS president through next May, Valverde is the primary coordinator of the organization’s annual meeting. The 34th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation will be held in New Orleans April 10 – 17, 2014, when conservationists, scientists and students from nearly 80 countries around the world are expected to attend to share information, participate in scientific presentations, make contacts, and visit exhibitors.

“ISTS is a very diverse organization, representing various cultures, national origins, professions and organizations,” Valverde explained. “We are united in our vision and knowledge of the importance sea turtles play in our environment and are dedicated to preserving their habitats and improving conservation measures for these endangered species.

“This is the first time our organization will meet in New Orleans,” he said, “so it is an ideal opportunity to call attention to the sea turtle situation in the Gulf of Mexico,” he said.

TURTLES, TURTLES EVERYWHERE – Pictured above clockwise: young turtle hatchlings emerge from their nest before making a run to the sea; Southeastern student Ashley Ross counts the number of hatched eggs in a sea turtle nest in Costa Rica; Valverde is surrounded by sea turtles on a Costa Rican beach where they will build their nests.

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Student finds fulfillment in research on turtles For the last few years, turtles have been regular companions for graduate student Kimberly Smelker.

The Austin, Tex., native completed her undergraduate studies in marine biology at Texas A&M in Galveston and had the opportunity to do sea turtle research in Florida. As a student, she had heard of Southeastern turtle specialist Roldán Valverde, associate professor of biological science. When she learned he was looking for a graduate student to assist in his research, she applied for the position.

“I knew the project would be perfect for me. So I came to Southeastern specifically to study and do research under Dr. Valverde’s supervision,” said Smelker, who is headed to Texas Tech for doctoral studies on sea turtle toxicology.

At Southeastern, Smelker had opportunities to build her professional resume, performing research on endangered sea turtles, as well as the red-eared slider, a species common in South Louisiana.

“Kim took the lead on some valuable reproductive physiology research on loggerheads,” said Valverde, whose grant from the Louisiana Education Quality Support Fund helped cover research costs.

One of five species of sea turtles, loggerheads are found along the Florida coast and up the Atlantic seaboard. Smelker was looking at levels of vitellogenin, an egg yolk precursor protein in reptiles that helps determine the animal’s stage of reproduction in a non-invasive manner through blood samples.

“An understanding of the vitellogenic cycle may allow us to identify the reproductive status of individual turtles and evaluate their reproductive health,” Smelker explained. “This is valuable information for conservation purposes.”

The research led to her serving as lead author on a scientific article now under consideration by a professional, peer-reviewed journal.

Smelker and other students are actively involved in studies on the red-eared slider, where they are evaluating the impact of various stressors on the turtles’ physiology and the effects of commonly used pesticides.

“Roldán has been a great mentor,” she said. “He will explain anything. He has high expectations of his students, but displays lots of patience.”

Hold the Home Page Southeastern’s new website enhances user experience, online identity Visitors to southeastern.edu will now be greeted with a better online experience.

Southeastern recently launched its redesigned website, which features improved functionality, modern design and interactive tools.

The new website also will help to communicate Southeastern’s identity as a leading regional university and serve as a recruiting tool for future students.

Led by the Office of Technology, planning for the new website began in late 2012.

Students, faculty and staff participated in focus groups and on the planning committee so that all Southeastern stakeholders had a hand in the project.

From graphic design to programming to content writing, the project was largely completed in-house by Southeastern staff.

The university will continue to use OU Campus for its content management system, minimizing the amount of training normally associated with launching a new website.

“The new southeastern.edu will enhance Southeastern’s online presence and allow prospective students to have a great first experience with the university,” said President John L. Crain. “The fact that our own staff executed this project — instead of an

outside agency — represents Southeastern’s strengths: hardworking, innovative and a great value.”

In addition to the new home page, audience pages were created to communicate specific information to future students, current students, faculty and staff and the community. The redesigned website also features several interactive tools to help users connect with the university, including: • Degree Search – a live tool and one of only a few of its kind being used by universities nationwide, it allows users to type a degree name of interest and receive a list of Southeastern degree programs containing the same word.

• Chat – a feature that connects prospective and current students with the Student Help Desk during designated hours. Plans call for making Chat available for the Office of Admissions, Financial Aid and other offices.

• University Calendar – featuring all Southeastern events from major festivals to small organizational meetings, the calendar can be sorted by category so that users can view only the events most relevant to them.

WEB-SIGHTING – Southeastern Web Coordinator Amber Dejean, left, discusses possible changes in the redesign of the university’s web site with student assistants Jenna Fucci and Adam Arnold.

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• Online Admissions Application – a user-friendly application that allows future students to quickly and easily apply to the university.

The website is also responsive, allowing it to display correctly on any type of device.

“Today, people view websites on everything from desktop computers to cell phones. It was really important for us to make the website accessible for everyone,” said Amber DeJean, web CMS coordinator with the Office of Technology and project manager for the redesign.

The website’s home page, audience pages and main sections were updated in the first phase of the redesign project. In phase two, the team will assist Southeastern’s colleges and departments in updating their web pages. Finally, in phase three, the web pages for all administrative offices and other organizations will be updated.

Frequent visitors to the website should check and update their bookmarks since some content was reorganized during the redesign. Members of the university community are encouraged to return to the website often for the latest Southeastern information, as well as fresh, engaging content.

> Katie Turner

Green

makes

Sustainability Center starting to reach maturity

GOLD

At Southeastern, green and gold are more than the official colors.

These days the colors take on new significance: green for the ambitious environmental and sustainability initiative that is making the campus, in the words of some observers, the greenest institution in the state; and gold for the precious energy dollars saved.

Precise energy management in buildings, solar panels for electricity and hot water, biodiesel to power vehicles and equipment, increased recycling with a reduction in landfill waste, a tree and plant farm for landscaping upkeep, and wise use of rainwater runoff are just some of the elements of the new Sustainability Center being developed at Southeastern’s former Horticulture Center.

And more innovations are in the plans. With a strategy to be 80 percent off the grid by 2020, Southeastern is fast earning a reputation as the greenest university in the state, if not the South. In recent months, visitors from several universities — including Tulane, Southern, the University of New Orleans, and LSU Shreveport — as well as representatives from school districts, parish management groups and engineering firms have all toured Southeastern’s sustainability operations.

“In my 30 plus years in this profession, the work Southeastern is doing is as good as I’ve seen in the state, and I would surmise this program is probably one of the best in the country,” said Jay Labarre, president of Labarre Associates of Denham Springs, a full service architectural and facilities management firm. “I would say Southeastern is among the best in the nation with its sustainability program.”

“As stewards of state funds, it’s important we try to be as efficient as

possible in all areas. Certainly that includes energy usage,” said President John L. Crain. “Our faculty and staff have shown leadership in being on the leading edge of energy efficiency, and our students have demonstrated their financial support of these efforts and are benefitting from the learning opportunities the center presents. This has made a significant difference in the financial picture of the university.”

“The effort was born out of necessity,” explained Director of Physical Plant Byron Patterson, who is heading the project. “Budget cuts forced us to think in terms of economics.”

In 2010, the university’s initial efforts with energy conservation and biofuel production saved $1.2 million, encouraging staff to look into additional ways of saving budget dollars.

Early efforts, Patterson noted, included building a training center to teach staff to handle environmental controls adjustments and repairs in campus buildings, precluding the need to utilize pricey environmental control consultants. Development of an energy center to monitor building conditions also permits remote control of building environments.

The system allows staff to recommission a building every year or so, a process Patterson likens to “tuning a car,” in order to catch problems early and to maximize energy efficiency.

One of the most successful innovations on campus has been the installation of solar panels to generate hot water. Funded largely by the Student Tech Fee Committee, which provides grants to departments for technology with strong educational applicability, the panels have been placed on several buildings and in the Sustainability Center itself.

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Seven rows of panels on the Kinesiology and Health Sciences Building were originally intended to heat the indoor pool.

“The panels generated so much hot water, we were able to provide heated water for the whole building, which includes locker rooms for the tennis and track teams,” he said. “In effect, it allows us to place the boilers in that building in a dormant stage to be used only when outside temperatures are very low.”

Solar panels are expected to be used on an increasing number of buildings, including residence halls. Plans call for turning Newman Hall into Southeastern’s first truly “green” residence hall.

Photovoltaic solar panels, used to generate electricity, help power part of the Physical Plant and the Sustainability Center and are used in research by students in the Energy Engineering Technology program.

“Solar energy to generate electricity is basically the ‘eye candy’ of green power,” Patterson said. “The technology is not as effective as solar power to generate hot water, but it is an energy source that needs to be researched and evaluated. So it’s important our students have access to a photovoltaic system.”

Other elements in the Sustainability Center include: Recycling – By eventually recycling 80 percent of waste and only 20 percent going to a landfill, the university earns money on recycled products and saves on costs of waste disposal. In addition, any construction waste is repurposed for other uses on campus.

Biofuels – Physical Plant operates one small biodiesel generating plant, which powers lawnmowers and other landscape equipment with waste oil from food prep on campus. The center will soon add another much larger unit able to generate enough fuel to run all the Lion Traxx shuttle buses. The university can produce biodiesel for 69 cents per gallon compared to the much higher retail price.

Tree farm – Staff horticulturalists now propogate nearly all trees and plants for landscaping. In addition, hardy, salt-resistant cypress trees are being grown in greenhouses to be replanted in area wetlands.

Composting – Landscape waste and the glycerin byproduct from biofuel generation are converted to useable compost and mulch.

Water conservation – With one rainwater retention pond in place and two more now under construction, the center will generate all water needed for irrigation and other purposes.

Education center – Two technology-rich classrooms — designed by engineering technology students — are part of the Sustainability Center

for use in research, instruction and other educational activities.

Bio-mass unit – Plans call for a large bio-mass unit to cleanly burn refuse and other feedstock to power the entie Sustainability Center.

“The Student Tech Fee Committee has been key in helping us to initiate this project,” said Patterson, noting that more than $550,000 in grants have been awarded over the last several years.”

“From the perspective of the students, the Sustainability Center is a great long term investment,” said former SGA President Branden Summers. “With budget cuts, it’s imperative to invest in projects that not only save the university money but help save the planet. We hope the money saved can be pumped back into education initiatives.”

And whether it’s surveying the land and laying out the run-off ponds, designing frames to support solar panels, or measuring energy obtained through various sources, Southeastern students are getting hands-on technological and research opportunities as they assist in helping build one of the foremost sustainability centers in the South.

“Our faculty and students are working with university staff to help design the center,” said Sebastian van Delden, head of the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology. “The center provides students a hands-on learning environment and research opportunities.

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.”

Students in the various engineering technology concentrations are among the biggest supporters of the Sustainability Center.

Industrial Technology Instructor Ed Rode’s class surveyed the grounds where the retention ponds would be placed to determine appropriate elevations for the best drainage.

“The students are getting great experience as they take on various roles in the surveying process,” Rode said. “They work in teams and switch off as captains. This gives them good, practical experience, so when they’re on a job site they will have that practical know-how. In addition, it saves the university the several thousands dollars it would cost to have the area surveyed.”

And even though the day was cold and damp, the students didn’t seem to mind. “This is much better than sitting in a classroom,” said sophomore construction technology student Beaux Brylski of Hammond.

“I’m getting good, practical experience I’ll be able to use.”

TAPPING NATURE’S POWER – Pictured, clockwise from left, Physical Plant director Byron Patterson explains the workings of solar panels placed on top of the Biology Building to, from left, engineering technology students Benjamin Gabriel of Ponchatoula, Justin Cifreo of Crowley, and Industrial Technology Instructor Ed Rode; Instructor Ed Rode, center, goes over surveying notes at the Sustainability Center with students Robert Arena, left, of Mandeville and Chase Charrier of Walker; pictured are some of the rows of solar panels that are providing heated water for the Kinesiology and Health Studies Building.

By the Numbers Over the past 10 years, the Southeastern Louisiana Business Center has worked with numerous individuals and businesses in a variety of areas, compiling an impressive array of statistics.

Operational grants – $3 million Calls received – 31,000+ • Visitors – 10,000+ • Meetings/Training – 12,000+ • Incubator companies – 21 • Incubator jobs created – 69 • Incubator capital raised – $14.7 million • Business studies – 61 • Southeastern students employed – 35 • •

Small Business Development Center

Clients aided – 4,262 Business start-ups – 241 • Jobs created – 2,500+ • Client capital – $331 million • •

Center celebrates 10 years of business Ten years ago, Southeastern gained approval to sell a parcel of surplus land near the Hammond airport and committed to use the proceeds to benefit economic development in the region.

The $1.1 million invested to acquire a building and launch the Southeast Louisiana Business Center has paid off handsomely.

This fall, the center celebrates its 10th anniversary of helping to lead the economic development of the region. The center serves the five parish region of Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.

“The Business Center we created is a model public-private partnership involving a variety of players in the economic development arena,” said President John L. Crain. “It is an important element in our mission to help develop the economy of our region and has exceeded our expectations in all areas. We’re especially grateful for the support we have received from our partners — the state, area parish governments and agencies, economic development groups and chambers of commerce.”

The center receives external funding from numerous operational grants from agencies such as Louisiana Economic Development, the Small Business Administration and income generated by programs and

economic development studies. Rent from tenants and incubator clients also contributes to the center’s finances.

Located on Martens Drive in close proximity to the university, the Business Center features more than 40 offices in a 17,000 square foot building with training facilities, a business resource library, and a business incubator to help “hatch” new and emerging ventures.

“We’re especially grateful for the support we have received from our partners — the state, area parish governments and agencies, economic development groups and chambers of commerce.”

– President John L. Crain Tenants include the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC), the Business Research Center, the Tangipahoa Parish Economic Development Foundation,

the Hammond Industrial Development Board, the Florida Parishes Economic Development Association and the I-12 Alliance.

“Our plan has been to develop a userfriendly, one-stop shop for businesses looking to locate or expand in our region,” said Business Center Director William Joubert.

“Traditionally, universities ‘push’ their products and knowledge to the public in the form of research and technology transfer.

Our model is a more retail approach, providing a single point of contact for business to access the resources of the university.”

The LSBDC plays a significant role at the center, offering free one-on-one counseling to individuals and entrepreneurs. Services include assistance in the development of business and marketing plans, site location, product commercialization and access to sources of capital. The LSBDC also offers extensive training opportunities on a wide range of topics.

“We go where our clients are,” Joubert said. “Our programs are offered throughout the region, and our consultants meet with clients in every area regularly.”

Above: The Southeast Louisiana Business Center, recognized with numerous awards in recent years, celebrates its 10th anniversary this fall. Staff includes (front, from left) Ginger Cangelosi, business continuity consultant; Director William Joubert; Business Consultant Steven Baham; Business Administrator Melissa Laird; and Consultant Wayne Ricks; (back, from left) Assistant Director Sandy Summers; Administrative Assistant Starlin Nickens; Sales Consultant Scott Uffman; and Economist and Economic Reporter Editor Herb Holloway.

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President’s Awards for

EXCELLENCE 2013

Jacqueline Guendouzi – research David Wyld – teaching Alissa Rowe – artistic activity Joesph Burns – faculty service Marcus McMillian – staff service

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Jacqueline Guendouzi

EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH “Men and women have very, very different styles of using language. Since World War II things have changed, at least technically,” she said, noting the expanding roles of women in the workplace.

“But we’re not seeing big changes in language use. If I get an essay from a male student, it may be half the size of one from a female student. The content can be the same, but the female’s essay may be longer and much more descriptive.”

That characteristic can be applied to individuals suffering from brain injury due to stroke or dementia, she said.

“Quite often women with dementia can cope better with conversations than men,” Guendouzi explained. “Women can’t remember content any better than men, but they often use the little politenesses — ‘How are you, dear?’ or ‘Would you like some coffee?’ — that keep the conversation going. Men don’t do that sort of thing as often, so they don’t have a lot to say. So in some cases, women with dementia can actually hide the condition longer. And this could play a role in diagnosis.”

She tries to weave research into her teaching, encouraging both undergraduate and graduate students to take ownership of a project.

“This requires a lot of extra grading, but I don’t like multiple choice tests,” she said. “I place a lot of emphasis on writing. I ask questions that force them to better define their ideas and observations. In doing this, the students develop skills in planning and working as part of a team. They learn to allocate tasks according to each individual’s skills. And this is valuable to learn in any discipline.”

“What is extraordinary about Dr. Guendouzi,” notes June Williams, interim head of the Department of Health and Human Sciences, “is that she has managed to achieve an extremely high level of scholarly productivity without sacrificing her focus on teaching, service, mentoring students and faculty and being a wonderful colleague.”

Her success as a highly regarded scholar in the area of linguistics can be attributed to the fact that she “lives” a life of research, said Ann K. Carruth, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

“She consistently thinks about how the research process can be applied to situations,” Carruth added. “She has multiple ongoing projects at any given time and enjoys the discourse associated with the critical decisions that are made in method and statistical analyses. It has been said that Jackie plays the devil’s advocate without being the devil.”

IN SEARCH OF THE ART AND SCIENCE OF LANGUAGE

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Rene Abadie

Everyone knows men and women communicate differently. Whether the message is delivered via body language, verbally or in writing, differences in gender communications are profound and obvious.

Examining the various social, environmental, cultural and biological factors that affect communications by and between the genders is just one area of linguistic research explored by Jacqueline “Jackie” Guendouzi, Southeastern’s Knights of Babylon Endowed Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

“As a linguist, I am interested in how we process information. And this applies to all ages: children, adults and people with brain injuries and dysfunctions,” said Guendouzi, the 2013 recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Research. A native of Great Britain, she came to Southeastern in 2001, attracted to the opportunity to teach in the field of communication disorders.

Research with patients with cognitive brain dysfunctions is laborious and time consuming, involving audio and videotaping lengthy conversations. Guendouzi typically works with individuals suffering from dementia, which involves a significant loss of memory and serious loss of cognitive abilities.

“I am very interested in dementia and aphasia and the way individuals with these disorders use language,” said Guendouzi, who is the author of the book Discourse Approaches to Dementia, as well as 33 publications and several book chapters. A prolific writer, she serves as a reviewer for 12 international journals and is collaborating on projects with colleagues at institutions in the United States, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom.

“I’m fascinated by how the brain processes language, but I can’t just look at something and say this is normal or abnormal unless I study what people do in everyday life,” she said. “So that forces you to look at how teenagers use language, how men use it, how women use it.”

The gender differences go back thousands of years, when the roles of men and women were more biologically based, she explained.

Men were the providers, the hunters and gatherers, while women raised the children and taught them language. Consequently men talk more directly, oriented to getting things done, whereas women are more involved in socializing.

‘I am fascinated by how the brain processes language.’

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David Wyld

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

“What they take away in terms of developing these skills is sometimes more important than the topic itself,” said Wyld, who has written more than 160 articles in refereed journals and hundreds of others in trade and business publications and online publishing sites.

“In their business lives, the topics are going to change. What they will face four or five years from now will be completely different. The skills, though, they carry through life.”

Wyld is an active participant in the College of Business PROFIT program, which highlights and honors the best in undergraduate research. He has nominated and mentored at least one student in each of the 10 years of the program.

“This is a real source of pride,” he said. “It’s the best of our students showcasing their research, and it’s a highlight of their undergraduate careers.”

Wyld also initiated an effort to help seniors get published. After developing templates that students can follow in crafting their research papers, he and a graduate assistant work with those who have written A or B quality work to put it in publishable form.

WYLD ABOUT TEACHING: FOCUS ON RELEVANCE, STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

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Rene Abadie

Scan through the student opinions on teaching for David Wyld, and you’ll see brief descriptions such as “AWESOME PROF,” great teacher,” “open-minded,” and “creative,” just to name a few.

For Wyld, the C.E. Laborde Professor of Management, keeping topics relevant to real-world issues is a key to his teaching success.

Combined with an emphasis on fostering strong student involvement in research and presentation skills, it’s clear why he is the 2013 recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

It is his second President’s Award since joining the Southeastern faculty in 1992. Wyld received the award for research in 1998. As a two-time winner of the honor, he joins the elite company of only two others: Philosophy Professor Barbara Forrest and the late Annie Ferguson, administrator and education professor.

“I keep trying to do new and innovative things for my students because I learned years ago the shelf life of something like my own doctoral degree probably expired five years after I completed it,” he said. “So I constantly try new things; some work and some don’t.

You experiment and see where that takes you.”

“David’s commitment to excellence in teaching has led him to innovate in many ways,” says College of Business colleague Michael Budden. “He is a leader in the use of technology to enhance the learning environment. He requires students to become proficient readers of current management practice and expects them to understand and to critically analyze issues of importance. Students appreciate the quality of his efforts and his dedication to their success.”

Wyld admires the “old school” approach of writing on a blackboard and lecturing, but says that doesn’t fit his style of teaching.

“I never structured my classes that way,” he said. “I’ve always been in line with what universities stress now, and that’s building students’ skills and giving them the opportunity to present relevant material.

My general philosophy is to coordinate, make things as understandable as possible and facilitate the students having the opportunity to learn and build their own skills.”

Wyld stresses the importance of students learning to research, building critical thinking and developing skills to communicate clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations.

‘I constantly try new things.

You experiment and see where that takes you.’

“There are about six sites we’ve developed a relationship with that are open to accepting these papers in editorially-reviewed online journals,” he said. “What’s nice about this is that it is clearly recognized as being authored by a student, and that helps improve their online footprint.

“It’s routine for companies to ‘Google’ prospective employees,” he added. “If something positive pops up — such as an article they may have written for class — well, that could be what tips an employer in favor of the student.”

Wyld has noticed the positive impact the possibility of being published has had on the work of his students.

“When they see this as an end goal, their efforts get better,” he said. “I see them putting more time and caring into their writing.

Some are going to the Student Writing Center for help or enlisting friends and colleagues to review their work. So their work product for my classes actually gets better. Normally, a research paper would end up in a file cabinet and eventually the dumpster; with this approach, their work may have value beyond what it meant for the class grade.

“Plus,” he added, “moms and dads love it!”

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Alissa Rowe

EXCELLENCE IN ARTISTIC ACTIVITY natural gift of motivating and inspiring others to strive for excellence and achieve their highest potential and artistry. Her concerts are beautifully programmed, the singers are always engaged, and the concerts are a reward to both performers and listeners.”

Rowe said her artistic inspiration comes from within.

“When I’m not doing music, I don’t feel whole; I feel something is missing,” she said. “It’s just fulfilling, whether I’m singing by myself or when I’m conducting and with my students. I feel this is what I’m supposed to be doing, and that inspires me.”

Rowe has also become a leader in the choral conducting field. She is president of the Louisiana American Choral Directors Association, as well as an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Louisiana Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Association and College Music Society.

“Dr. Rowe’s ongoing involvement with these professional organizations reflects a commendable desire to remain current in the industry, as well as provide her students with invaluable experiences as future music professionals and educators themselves,” said Kenneth Boulton, interim head of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. “Indeed Dr. Rowe is the best role model our students can emulate.”

FROM “ORPHAN” TO INSIGHTFUL MUSIC TEACHER > Tonya Lowentritt In third grade, Alissa Mercurio Rowe was cast as an orphan in a school production of Annie. It was then she knew she loved music … and she has been singing ever since.

“My high school music teacher was also the music director at our church, so I started singing everywhere and doing everything,” said Rowe, this year’s recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Artistic Activity.

In college, she held a double major in music and psychology. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to pursue music as a full-time career,” she said.

“It wasn’t long before I realized psychology wasn’t the path for me.”

In Rowe’s junior year, she took a conducting class, and her instructor saw her promise.

“She told me, ‘This is what you need to do.’ She entered me into a conducting competition, and I won. It just took off from there.”

Rowe’s path to music wasn’t an automatic one, however. In fact, she almost dropped out of music her first year in college.

“My love and my hobby all of a sudden became work,” she recalled. “Often when you love something it becomes challenging rather than easy. I stuck with music for the second year even though it was hard because I loved it. I realized that maybe this is the way it is supposed to be, otherwise I’d be bored.”

Originally from Grand Haven, Mich., Rowe received a bachelor of music with a concentration in voice from the University of Michigan, then earned her teacher’s certification and two masters’ degrees, one in music and voice and one in choral conducting.

Rowe initially accepted a temporary nine-month appointment to Southeastern’s music program in 2002 as the director of choral activities. Now an assistant professor, director of choral activities and area vocal coordinator, she has performed as a soprano soloist nationally and internationally and has had overwhelming success with her students in competitions, graduate school acceptances and teaching positions. In 2012 she was named the St. Tammany Parish Musical Artist of the Year.

“Dr. Rowe is an outstanding role model for our students. Her spirit of enthusiasm, artistry and passion for beautiful music is magnetic,” said Kay Schepker, Southeastern lecturer of voice. “She has a true,

‘When I'm not doing music, I don’t feel whole; I feel something is missing.’

Although she has many career accomplishments, Rowe cites two things of which she is especially proud.

“I finished my doctorate degree in 2010; that was a huge accomplishment for me,” she said. “I’ve always known I wanted to do it; it was really challenging and stretched me to be the best musician that I can be. The fact I am still singing and was able to do so throughout the process is an accomplishment in itself.”

The second accomplishment of which Rowe is most proud is her family. She and her husband Adam have a one-year-old daughter, Ava. “My husband and I weren’t sure we wanted kids, but it has been incredible,” she said. “I never knew it was going to be so much fun, but it is a lot of work at the same time.”

Rowe’s daughter is already showing musical promise — singing to herself when no one is talking. Only time will tell if history repeats itself, but with a vocal instructor and choral director for a mom, the odds look good.

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Joseph Burns

EXCELLENCE IN FACULTY SERVICE to its completion, not for his own reward, but for the betterment of those he serves,” said Jim McHodgkins, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs.

Burns continues to bring positive attention to Southeastern through his love of rock and roll culture and vast knowledge of music developed early in his career as a radio disc jockey. Dedicating more than 1,000 hours of his personal time, he has never missed or repeated a single topic in over six years of doing his award-winning weekly KSLU radio show Rock School. The show has received the International Communicator Award five times, including the top prize for Excellence in Broadcasting twice.

“Dr. Burns remains as passionate about the show today as he did on the first show in 2007,” said former broadcast partner Chad Pierce, then coordinator of KSLU’s development program.

“Radio is my constant,” said Burns. “Once you do it, you have to do it. It never leaves your blood.”

His ability to teach through entertainment makes him a must-see at Southeastern’s annual arts celebration, Fanfare. His lectures are taped every year and have evolved into popular shows on the Southeastern Channel.

COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONAL FINDS A NICHE IN UNIVERSITY SERVICE

>

Kaitlin Kisela

“I had no intention of going to college. I was going to become a rock star.”

Although a rock star lifestyle did not ensue for Professor of Communication Joseph “Joe” Burns, music remains one of the constants in his busy, daily schedule.

The 2013 recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, Burns is native of Cleveland, Ohio, who came to Southeastern in 1999. He says his “service” to the university began as a way to meet people.

“It was my second year here, and someone told me one of the best things to do was to get on the Faculty Senate, so I threw my hat in the ring,” said Burns.

Thus began his climb up the Faculty Senate ranks: first as webmaster, vice president and a two-year run as president during a most turbulent and unprecedented budget crisis.

“It was a rough two years,” said Burns. “We faced detrimental cuts and program discontinuations. I wanted to keep the faculty morale up, and I felt the best way to do that was through information.”

Burns used the Faculty Senate website as a gateway to information on anything related to the state budget, Senate or Southeastern. His transparency opened doors with the press, furthered through his implementation of the program, “Southeastern in 600 Words,” in which faculty formulated brief summaries of their research that were fleshed out into news releases for area and national media.

“I wanted to increase the university’s presence and showcase our professors’ successes,” Burns said.

He ended his stint as president by acknowledging the work of his fellow officers. “I thanked the officers for stopping me from doing some very dumb things,” Burns said. “I did not lead as one person.

I had a fantastic group of people with me.”

Burns continued his service through roles on major committees, including the University Planning Council, the Academic Affairs Council, the Cultural Diversity Task Force and the Technology Advisory Committee. He served as the faculty representative on the selection committees for current Southeastern President John L. Crain and Provost Tammy Bourg.

“Dr. Burns takes a project from its inception and sees it through

‘I have to make 27 hours out of my day.

I don’t like having things on my plate.’

“Professor Burns’ participation in these events exemplifies his excellence as a teacher, a scholar and in service,” said William Robison, History and Political Science department head.

The final pillar in Burns’ trifecta of service to the university rests in his role as the “voice” at multiple Southeastern events, the most prominent being every graduation ceremony for the last nine years as a reader of names for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and recently for General Studies.

“Dr. Burns’ professional and personal qualities have contributed to his being an invaluable asset to the service efforts of our institution,” said Lucia Harrison, head of the Department of Languages and Communication. “His endeavors have benefited the university and community at large.”

As his next challenge, Burns would like to expand his role as graduate coordinator in his department. He considers his endless list of activities a part of his daily routine.

“I have to make 27 hours out of my day,” he said. “I once had a boss who used the phrase ‘done is good.’ I don’t like having things on my plate. When I have a project before me, it will eat at me. I don’t know how else to say it. Done is good.”

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Marcus McMillian

EXCELLENCE IN UNCLASSIFIED STAFF SERVICE involved with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy sheriff, serving on the Cyber Crimes Task Force and working numerous sting operations to put child predators behind bars.

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel H. Edwards noted how McMillan volunteers his time willingly to make a difference in the community and to make the parish and surrounding communities safer places for children.

“Marcus has been with the TPSO since 2008 and has served with distinction. He works diligently in our Internet Crimes Against Children Division,” said Edwards. “He conducts online undercover investigations and performs forensic examinations of seized computers. Marcus performs a minimum of 80 service hours per month, and usually exceeds that number. He is a fine man with impeccable credentials and personal character.”

In his position with the division, McMillian has the opportunity to teach young people and their parents about Internet and computer safety. In the Reserve Division, he holds the title of reserve supervisor and was recognized as Coordinator of the Year in 2011 for his dedication and duties. He has also been a part of the Night Out Against Crime, which informs the public about safety options.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? A LIFE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS > Tonya Lowentritt When Marcus McMillian was a student at Southeastern, some of his friends asked him, “Why are you getting so involved? Why do you do things when you know you won’t get anything in return?”

McMillian responded with words from his grandfather: “You can have the best job in the world and all the money there is, but if you don’t have a respectable name, you don’t have anything. Once the money and job are gone, you have nothing; but if you have a name, you will never be without.”

“I’ve always lived by this, and it has made me a giving person,” said McMillian, recipient of this year’s President’s Award for Excellence in Unclassified Staff Service.

The advice from his grandfather has become the mantra for McMillian’s life. Originally from Boutte, he received his undergraduate degree in computer science from Southeastern in 2003. Even as a student worker in the Office of Technology, his skill with computers and his eagerness to learn were recognized immediately.

“As a student worker, Marcus excelled in every endeavor and was given more responsibility than other student workers,” said Becki Starkey, computer support specialist in Client Services. “The MATRICS team was formed to provide service to student technology labs, and because of Marcus’ exceptional skill level, he was selected to serve on this esteemed team.”

After graduation, McMillian was hired as a full-time staff member on the Computer Help Desk and advanced to his current position as Student Technology Services Coordinator. He is responsible for installing, maintaining and inventorying all student tech fee equipment, as well as supervising six employees and overseeing student workers for over 20 labs.

“In my current position, I implemented measures to streamline processes and make the student technology experience a better one,” he said. “I try to continually develop new ideas to enhance the students’ academic life.”

In addition to his Southeastern job, McMillian works in several volunteer capacities. He serves as an advisor for his brothers in Phi Beta Sigma fraternity at Southeastern, “The Phellas,” and has assisted advising with the Pan-Hellenic Council. He mentors at-risk children and young men through his church community. And using the computer skills he has learned over the years, McMillian became highly

‘He is a fine man with impeccable credentials and personal character.’

– Sheriff Daniel H. Edwards

“I always get something out of my service, and it all started because of a job,” McMillian recalled. “I didn’t have any law enforcement experience. I worked on a small case with someone, and he saw the type of guy I was and asked me to work with him a bit more. I worked my way up and got into Internet crimes, and it kept growing from there.

“The big picture is that it may look like I’m giving a lot, but look at what I am gaining. I’m learning so many new things, and no one can take that away from me.”

What’s in a name? Just ask Angelique McIntyre, the assistant director of operations for University Housing and a previous winner of the President’s Award for Excellence in Unclassified Staff, what McMillian’s name means to her.

“Marcus McMillian should be a name synonymous with service,” she said. “He goes above and beyond in his service to the university, to the community, and to his friends and colleagues.”

Indeed, McMillian can be proud of the name he has built for himself and of his record of unselfish service.

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YEAR AT A GLANCE July 2012 to June 2013

n August 22, 2012 Former Southeastern and University of Louisiana System President Randy Moffett is named President Emeritus of the university. He worked in a variety of positions at Southeastern for 32 years and retired after 41 years in higher education.

n October 9, 2012 Professor of English Joan Faust receives the Love of Learning Award from the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. The award and stipend helps fund post-baccalaureate studies.

]

n August 9, 2012 The university announces Sebastian van Delden has been named head of the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology.

He previously served on the faculty of the University of South Carolina Upstate since 2004.

n September 5, 2012 Professor of Chemistry Linda Munchausen is awarded a 2012 literacy grant from Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest collegiate honor society. She was one of 14 recipients of the award nationwide.

n October 18, 2012 Southeastern Professor of History and Leon C. Ford Chair of Regional Studies Samuel C. Hyde is elected president of the Gulf South Historical Association at the Gulf South History and Humanities Conference in Pensacola, Fla.

n October 26, 2012 Steven Cossé, president and CEO of Murphy Oil Corp., is honored by the Alumni Association as the university’s 2012 Alumnus of the Year. A native of New Orleans, he held various positions with the company over 41 years.

n November 5, 2012 The New Media and Animation program at Southeastern is recognized

by Animation Career Review as one of the top programs in the South. The ranking considers academic reputation, industry feedback, and the depth and breadth of the program.

n December 1, 2012 The Southeastern Channel receives a regional Emmy Award for a series of promotional spots developed for the Channel-produced video Strength, Endurance, Tradition. The Channel has won eight regional Emmy awards in its 20-year history.

n February 16, 2013 Southeastern’s master’s degree program in nursing is recognized by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation as the Nursing School of the Year in Advanced Practice. The program is offered in consortium with three other University of Louisiana institutions.

n April 10, 2013 Computer giant IBM makes its first collegate recruiting stop at Southeastern in an effort to fill 800 positions at the company’s recently announced $55 million technology center in Baton Rouge.

n September 20, 2012 For the second consecutive year, Southeastern is named a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs, the premier magazine for military personnel transitioning to civilian life. The listing honors the top 15 percent of colleges that are doing the most to embrace the nation’s military members and veterans.

n October 26, 2012 Southeastern students kick off “Swabbin’ 4 Robin,” a year-long effort to educate the public and recruit potential bone marrow donors for patients with various blood diseases. The project was conducted to honor and support Good Morning America host and Southeastern alumna Robin Roberts.

n November 29, 2012 Southeastern and Northshore Technical Community College sign an agreement that formalizes the institutions’ ongoing partnership. “Connect to Success” enhances the efficiency of students seeking post-secondary education in the region and eases transfer from NTCC to Southeastern. Over 90 students have completed the program since its inception last year.

n January 31, 2013 Newly appointed University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley visits the Southeastern campus, where she tours the campus and meets with faculty, staff, students and friends of the university. Woodley brings to the UL System strategic planning and budgeting experience at four other state system offices.

n March 7, 2013 The Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau presents a $100,000 donation to the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts to help draw quality entertainment to the theater and to more effectively market performances in the region.

n March 26, 2013 History Professor Harry S. Laver is named a Fulbright Scholar, allowing him to perform research and graduate level teaching in Ireland in the next academic year. Laver is a specialist in military history and leadership and authored the recently-released book The Leadership of Ulysses S. Grant: A General Who Will Fight.

n May 14, 2013 The Southeastern Alumni Association teams up with area chambers of commerce, economic development and tourism agencies and other partners for North Shore Focus. The day at the capitol allowed the group to bring pressing area issues to the attention of the Legislature.

n June 6, 2013 Southeastern is cited by AffordableCollegesOnline. org as one of 60 low cost U.S. colleges where graduates also earn high starting salaries.

Look for a week of spirited activities Oct. 21-27 when Southeastern and the Alumni Association welcome back alumni and friends for the annual Homecoming Week. Homecoming this year is being sponsored by FE-Lions, an organization of female fans in support of Lions athletics.

Reunions, tailgating and a wide range of other activities will highlight the week along with several traditional favorites, such as the Gumbo Ya Ya fest for students, campus and community decorating contests, an alumni art exhibit, the FE-Lions’ Homecoming luncheon and the annual bonfire.

On Friday, Oct. 25, the Alumni Association will host the Alumni Awards Evening at 7 p.m. in Twelve Oaks. The association will recognize its 2013 Alumnus of the Year — Hamilton Mixon, Global Security Officer for Facebook and a 1979 graduate of Southeastern, and Young Alumnus of the Year Samantha Perez, a 2010 graduate with bachelors degrees in history and English and author of The Isleños of Louisiana: On the Water’s Edge.

On Homecoming Day, Oct. 26, fun and spirit will fill Friendship Circle. Alumni and visitors can enjoy tailgating and booths manned by area merchants and bands at the Pottle Performance Circle.

Meanwhile, children can have fun with a variety of activities, crafts, and games, and everyone can browse a ceramics sale and display

by Southeastern art students.

The annual Educators Honor Roll will be held in the Cate Teacher Education Center at 11 a.m., while a reception and dedication ceremony for donors who have endowed scholarships and professorships will be held at 1p.m.

Reunions and tailgating will be hosted by most of the university’s colleges and divisions, as well as by groups such as the U.S. Army ROTC and Greek organizations.

The parade will roll at 3 p.m., followed by the “Lion Walk” featuring Head Football Coach Ron Roberts and his team as they walk through Friendship Circle to Strawberry Stadium. The Lions will kick off against Lamar at 7 p.m, and the 2013 Homecoming queen and king will be announced and crowned at halftime.

Immediately after the game, the Downtown Development District will host an evening of shopping, dining and entertainment by participating downtown merchants.

For questions and a complete schedule of Homecoming 2013 events, visit southeastern.edu/homecoming or call the Alumni Center, 1-800-SLU-ALUM or (985) 549-2150.

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HOMECOMING SPONSORED BY FE-LIONS

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FANFARE

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The 2013–14 season of the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts offers something for everyone: everything from brass bands to professional dancers to an historical theatrical presentation.

New this year is a series of cinema screenings at the downtown Hammond theatre: Opera Series in HD, Ballet Series in HD, Film Festival Series, and Concert Film Series.

The season opens Sept. 28 with The Ronnie Kole Trio.

Later in the season, patrons will be treated to musical performances by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hot 8 Brass Band, and the Unexpected Boys, one of the top tribute acts to the Four Seasons.

Also on tap are performances by Koresh Dance Company; the Victory Belles, the National WWII Museum’s talented vocal trio in a Veteran’s Day concert; the Nutcracker presented by Hammond Ballet Company; and The Kingfish, a production about the life of Huey P. Long.

Complimenting the Columbia Theatre season, Fanfare, the annual October celebration of the arts, humanities and social sciences, will feature more “home-grown” artists than ever before. Fanfare once again showcases music, theater, lectures, films, children’s events, art exhibits and more, highlighting the range of talent faculty and students have to offer in Fanfare’s 28th season.

As a sneak peek to Fanfare, Southeastern Opera/Theatre Workshop will present It’s Only Life, a music review

by John Bucchino, on Sept. 19 and 20. The revue was assembled from 20 years’ worth of songs by musical theater songwriter John Bucchino. It was first staged at the Summer Play Festival in New York in 2004, and a concert version was performed in 2006 at Lincoln Center as part of a songwriters’ series called “American Songbook.”

Also in the theater category is Southeastern Theatre’s presentation of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll House, directed by Chad Winters. The production will run Oct. 15–18, at 7:30 p.m. in Vonnie Borden Theatre.

The annual Then and Now Lecture Series returns once again, opening with a premier of the film Louisiana During World War II by Jerry Sanson of LSU-Alexandria and

Koresh Dance Company

Southeastern head of the Department of History and Political Science William Robison. Also scheduled are various lectures, including Communication Professor Joseph Burns discussing “Helter Skelter: The Beatles, Charles Manson and the Summer of ’69,” Robison talking on the amazing discovery in a parking lot of the body of Richard III, and a film by Southeastern graduate students Nicholas Brilleaux and Scott Caro on “McCrea 1971: Louisiana’s Forgotten Rock Festival.”

Also on the menu are art exhibits at the university’s Contemporary Art Gallery and the Art Station in Ponchatoula.

Other highlights include the annual Foreign Film Series, performances by Southeastern’s own Chamber Orchestra and Wind Symphony, and various other music recitals.

The complete Fanfare schedule will be posted and updated regularly at southeastern.edu/fanfare. For more information on the Columbia Theatre season, contact the administrative office at 985-543-4366.

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CAMPUS NEWS

FOR MORE INFORMATION – Assistant Professor of Computer Science John Burris instructs a class of students enrolled in the university’s new information technology degree program.

New degree programs offered in computing IT, organizational leadership With the fall 2013 semester, Southeastern will initiate two new degree programs designed to meet area workforce needs.

Offered will be an undergraduate computing degree in information technology intended to meet the growing technology sector of economic development being seen in south Louisiana. In addition, a 100 percent online degree in organizational leadership with a concentration in disaster relief management is being offered for students who have accumulated some college credit.

The bachelor of science degree in information technology (IT) enhances a concentration the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology has offered for several years.

“Enrollment in the information technology concentration has exploded in recent years; we now have more than 190 majors, more than our information systems and computer science concentrations combined,” said Sebastian van Delden, head of the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology. “The need and the demand for this course of study have been well established.”

“There is a clear workforce need for this kind of program in Louisiana,” said President John L. Crain. “The state has set a major goal of attracting technology firms, and major players such as IBM and Ameritas are establishing operations in south Louisiana. Companies like these offer well-paying positions, many of which our graduates will be well qualified to fill.”

The repackaging of the current concentration with its own degree program better defines the graduate’s abilities, van Delden explained. IT graduates are highly sought after by government and industry and typically fill occupations such as programmers, systems analysts, database administrators and software engineers.

“With this degree,” he said “we add variety to our computing graduate pool, which matches with the variety of the jobs out there.

Graduates have the practical training to be productive from day one

on the job, which makes them very appealing to employers.”

Applications are being accepted from students with some college credit for a new totally Internet-based degree program in organizational leadership. The degree is being offered in cooperation with the eight other institutions in the University of Louisiana System.

The other institutions are offering the degree with a variety of other concentrations.

Karen Fontenot, interim dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, said the degree is a good fit for Southeastern, which has served as a staging area for various agencies during hurricanes, major storms and other disaster-related incidents. The degree, she said, will help to prepare professionals who can recognize existing and potential areas of disaster and who can plan and implement relief strategies before, during and after incidents.

“Given the widespread occurrence of natural and industrialrelated disasters in every part of the country and world, professionals prepared in the field of disaster relief management at all levels of government and in private agencies are becoming increasingly valuable,” Fontenot said.

To enter the program, students must be at least 25 years old and have completed 60 hours of college credit, including general education courses. Students with less than 60 hours will have opportunities to earn credit online or through prior learning assessment.

“We anticipate most of our students will be working full time or may be serving in the military and need the flexibility offered through online learning,” Fontenot said.

Courses in the disaster relief management concentration include organizational communication, hazardous materials management, disaster sociology, crisis communication, private and public sector security, environmental and resource economics and a capstone course that tests overall knowledge of the area.

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Southeastern cited as ‘Most Affordable’ with high earning graduates

“Southeastern has always been known for being a good value with its relatively low tuition rates and strong academic programs,” said President John L. Crain. “Now the data shows that our graduates are also being valued and recognized by employers with relatively high average starting salaries.”

He said Southeastern has among the lowest tuition rates of fouryear institutions, and when compared to similarly-sized colleges in other states, stands out as a real bargain.

“In spite of the budget cuts sustained over recent years, we have continued to focus on the success of our students,” Crain added.

All colleges on the list met the following criteria: four-year public U.S. college, tuition of less than $5,000 per year, fully accredited, and average starting salary upon graduation of more than $40,000 a year. In compiling its list, ACO used highly respected data sources including the National Center for Education Statistics, the Integrated Post-Secondary Data System (IPEDS), Carnegie Classification, and Payscale.com, a rigorous salary data collection organization.

“This is news we can use when we meet with prospective students,” said Southeastern Enrollment Services Director Lori Fairburn.

“Today’s students and their parents recognize the increasing costs associated with higher education and want to be sure they are getting a good return on their investment. This study and listing confirms what we knew about Southeastern all along.”

Southeastern is included in a new list of 60 low cost U.S. colleges where graduates also earn high starting salaries.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org reviewed four-year fully accredited public institutions whose in-state tuition is less than $5,000 per year with average starting salaries of graduates totaling more than $40,000 per year.

Southeastern’s master’s program in nursing named one of best in U.S. The Southeastern master’s degree in nursing has been recognized as one of the best graduate nursing programs in the United States.

The methodology used by MastersDegreeOnline.org for ranking master in nursing programs includes interviews with deans in the field, surveys of students and more. The rigor of the program, program reputation, and previous graduate successes also play a large part in the ranking.

The only such program to be recognized in Louisiana, Southeastern’s program is offered in a consortium with the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, McNeese State University in Lake Charles and Nicholls State University in Thibodeaux.

“The consortium has been recognized by the Board of Regents as a great example of cooperation and wise use of resources. The four universities work to achieve excellence in the outcomes of graduates,” said Ann Carruth, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Our emphasis is on preparing nurses to be great clinicians and leaders in the field. Our faculty use innovative teaching techniques and strategies to mentor students in the area of administration, education and advanced practice.”

The program offers concentrations leading to a master of science degree in four different areas: family nurse practitioner, family psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner, nurse executive and nurse educator. The program is accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education.

HANDS-ON PRACTICE – Associate Professor of Nursing Lorinda Sealey, right, makes a point during a lab session with student nursing candidates working in one of the university’s new facilities, now housed together with other elements of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

“Online courses provide flexibility in learning,” she added. “Our strength is that we offer on-site regional practicum and scholarship opportunities. This means our graduates are highly sought after for employment to meet the growing healthcare needs of the region.”

Southeastern’s undergraduate nursing program also has been recognized with numerous awards in recent years, including three Louisiana Nursing Foundation Nightingale Awards for its undergraduate program and one this year for its graduate program. The school also operates a completely online RN to BS degree program that allows registered nurses with an associate’s degree or nursing diploma to complete courses leading to a bachelor of science degree.

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AIR CHECK – Hammond High Magnet School students Brett Sylve, left, and Brant Balado evaluate the indoor air quality in their classroom while Southeastern occupational and environmental health specialist Ephraim Massawe and science teacher Zaklina “Jackie” Hutchinson observe.

The EPA-funded program is intended to detect factors impacting indoor air quality in Tangipahoa Parish schools.

Researcher works with schools to monitor indoor air quality When Hammond High Magnet School science teacher Zaklina “Jackie” Hutchinson heard about an indoor air quality (IAQ) improvement program being conducted in area schools, she was eager to see if this was something to include in her teaching strategies.

She quickly volunteered to serve as the IAQ coordinator for her school and neighboring Hammond Eastside School.

“I’m always looking for ways to enrich my students’ learning process, so when I heard about this, I wanted in,” said Hutchinson. “Besides, I was curious to find out about the air quality of our school.”

As IAQ coordinator for her school and nearby Hammond Eastside Elementary, Hutchinson was tasked with working with Southeastern occupational and environmental health specialist Ephraim Massawe to implement the IAQ program. The work is part of a $38,000 grant awarded to Massawe from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement IAQ improvement programs based on the agency’s “Tools for Schools” program.

“People spend more than 90 percent of their time in indoor environments,” he explained. “Indoor air pollutants may be two to five times higher than outdoor air levels.”

Louisiana has a relatively high rate of respiratory illnesses, which can be worsened by poor indoor air quality. State health statistics indicate about 200,000 people in Louisiana suffer from asthma, a chronic lung condition causing shortness of breath.

“In addition to costing residents money in terms of hospital and doctor visits, these respiratory illnesses can also lead to tardiness, absenteeism and lower academic productivity in our schools – not only in students, but also to staff and faculty,” he said.

After securing support from the Tangipahoa Parish School System, Massawe began working to identify IAQ coordinators. They initiated a program to identify sources of poor indoor air and evaluating them through measurements, walkthrough audits, and interviews.

While no major problems were detected, minor, inexpensive issues were identified, including mildew and mold growth in damp areas, higher than optimal temperature and humidity levels, and the need for better air filter maintenance and replacement.

“These are all problems that can be resolved at minimal costs to the schools, while providing a much healthier environment for student learning,” Massawe said. “They are the ‘low-hanging fruit’ options we recommend for easy, inexpensive implementation.”

Hutchinson recognized the valuable teaching opportunity the exercise represented. “I realized this could be incorporated into a real learning experience for my students,” she said.

“When I visited the classroom, students were actively involved and engaged,” Massawe noted. “I was impressed with her approach and teaching philosophy. This is a very innovative way of implementing the IAQ program. While we continue to find ways to improve the air our kids are breathing, we also involve give them a real hands-on experience in processing and interpreting the data.”

‘Indoor air pollutants may be two to five times higher than outdoor air levels.’

– Ephraim Massawe

“Our intent is to train school IAQ coordinators who can identify, evaluate and document the current air quality in schools and then implement various cost-effective measures to improve and sustain good indoor air quality in the schools, our homes and other microenvironments,” Massawe said. “Good indoor air quality has been shown to improve the learning processes in children.”

Massawe, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology, said poor indoor air quality is a serious public health hazard.

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Art program receives grant for environmental design curriculum

STUDENT WINS EMMY – Southeastern Channel students recently won prestigious Emmy recognition by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Winning an Emmy award was “Northshore News” anchor-reporter Chrissy Carter of LaPlace, while Allen Cutrer and Marshall Courtney of Baton Rouge received honorable mention recognitions. Pictured are, from left, General Manager Rick Settoon, Carter, Cutrer and John Reis, supervisor for “Northshore News.” Not pictured is Courtney.

NCTQ rates Southeastern program highly In a report largely critical of teacher preparation programs throughout the nation, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) praised Southeastern, placing its secondary education program on its national honor roll.

Southeastern’s program received 3.5 out of four stars, making it the highest placed program in Louisiana. No other university program in the state was rated higher than 2.5 on the scale.

University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley noted that in virtually every measure, programs in Louisiana outpaced others in the nation in their preparation of teachers.

“We are heartened to see that UL System teacher preparation programs are producing better prepared graduates,” she said. “The work of redesigning our teacher education programs is paying off in higher levels of student achievement, with 89 percent of new teachers from our programs meeting or exceeding expectations.”

Tudors in film and TV discussed in new book William Robison, head of the History and Political Science Department, and Sue Parrill, professor emeritus and former head of the English Department, have co-authored a book on the Tudor dynasty.

Released by McFarland Publishing, The Tudors on Film and Television is a comprehensive filmography and historical analysis of films about the Tudor era that provides basic information about production, plots, and provenance for every item included, as well as an assessment of the aesthetic qualities, historicity, cultural significance, and potential usefulness in the classroom of each, Robison said.

With its mix of drama, sex and violence, Britain’s Tudor dynasty (1485–1603) has long excited the interest of filmmakers and moviegoers, Robison said. From royal biographies to period pieces to modern movies with flashbacks or time travel, the book reveals how films both convey the attitudes of Tudor times and reflect the era in which they were made.

STUDENT UNION UPDATE – Construction on Phase One of the $32 million renovation and expansion of the War Memorial Student Union is on schedule. The addition of 90,000 square feet — to include a new cafeteria, dining areas, and ballroom — is expected to be ready in spring 2014. Renovation of the current structure will follow.

The $32 million project is being financed through a self-assessed student fee and revenues obtained from commercial vendors.

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You’ve seen it in Times Square, at the airport, on the side of a road and in a hallway.

“Environmental design is retail signage, typography, motion and digital projection,” said Tasheka Arceneaux-Sutton, assistant professor of graphic design.

The Louisiana Board of Regents awarded a $92,000 grant with a $38,000 university match to the Department of Fine and Performing Arts graphic design program to add new equipment and software to assist students in advancing their abilities and honing their design skills.

“We are the only school in the state providing an environmental design course and now this technology,” said Professor of Graphic Design Gary Keown. “This will give our students an edge and unique experience in graphic design.”

The new equipment includes 23 Mac Pro computers with 27-inch screens, which will also enhance other areas within graphic design including print, web and motion design, and illustration. The featured equipment: a large format printer/cutter and a ShopBot CNC router.

“The wide-format printer prints in multiple colors, including white and metallic inks, plus it will cut the printed shapes from vinyl,” Keown said. “And the ShopBot will cut through plywood, metal, plexiglass, and plastic.”

“People in design offices and studios don’t even have access to a product like this, so this is a real advancement,” Arceneaux-Sutton added.

“I don’t think the students really understand yet the importance of what we’re getting.”

Environmental design is considered one of the top five most important disciplines in the growing graphic design profession.

“It’s futuristic,” Arceneaux-Sutton said. “It’s not about decoration, but about orienting people. It interacts with the environment to serve a function or a purpose.”

“Talent in this field is in big demand,” Keown said. “This is going to benefit a lot of students and bring a lot of good career opportunities.”

Save the date CAREER FAIR 2013 Sept. 19, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Pennington Student Activity Center Open to all Southeastern students and alumni Visit southeastern.edu/career or contact Career Services at careerfair@southeastern.edu or 985-549-2121.

PREPPING FOR JAPAN – Southeastern Professor of Physics Sanichiro Yoshida, center, discusses some of the locations in Japan that four university students visited as part of a National Science Foundation-funded research trip. Pictured are, from left, Jeffrey Mizell of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Southeastern student Seth Hebert of Brusly, Yoshida, and Southeastern students Sean Craft of Hattiesburg, Miss., and Brando Mobley of Zachary.

Students spend seven weeks in Japan on materials science research Four students worked this summer on a Southeastern-sponsored research adventure in Japan, where they studied and researched a variety of materials science areas.

The students — three from Southeastern and one from the University of South Alabama — spent seven weeks working under different Japanese researchers at three locales. The trip was coordinated by Southeastern Physics Professor Sanichiro Yoshida, whose four-year grant from the National Science Foundation funded the venture.

This was the fourth consecutive year Yoshida led students to Japan under an NSF grant to encourage students to do research abroad.

Taking part in the experience this year were Southeastern students Sean Craft of Hattiesburg, a junior physics and computer science major; senior physics major Seth Hebert of Brusly; and senior biochemistry major Brandon Mobley of Zachary. Joining the team was Jeffrey Mizell of Mobile, a senior in electrical engineering with a second major in physics.

“Southeastern maintains a loose affiliation with USA and the University of Southern Mississippi, wherein we conduct annual studentoriented research conferences,” Yoshida said. “We had a vacant spot, and Jeffrey was well qualified for this research experience.”

In the past three trips, students worked and studied solely at Tokyo Denki University. This year the students were stationed in three different locations.

“We are extending the opportunities this year to other institutions under TDU’s research network,” said Yoshida.

Craft and Hebert were placed at Niigata University, located on the main Japanese island of Honshu. Both continued research started at Southeastern to test the strength of steel while using laser interferonmetry techniques to pinpoint inherent weaknesses in welded samples of metal. Yoshida earned a patent at Southeastern on using interferonmetry to detect weaknesses in various materials.

Mobley worked at Yokohoma National University, also on the main island of Honshu and the second largest city in Japan. His

research also employed optical interferometry to study the mechanical properties of aluminum with a goal of improving mechanical strength in the metal so it can be used in applications such as light, energy efficient automobiles.

Mizell performed his research at Japan’s High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, known as KEK, which operates the largest particle physics collider in Japan. The organization maintains a super collider and has two Nobel laureates on staff. Mizell’s research involved studying the decay rate of the elementary particle muon, using KEK’s linear accelerator and other sophisticated equipment.

‘This is a tremendous opportunity for these students that will most likely have a great influence on their careers.’

– Sanichiro Yoshida

Yoshida said the students were selected based upon their motivation, a written application, letters of recommendation, academic performance, and an interview by a search committee.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for these students that will most likely have a great influence on their careers,” said Yoshida, a native of Japan who visited with the students during the summer.

“They all worked in world-class research facilities and will benefit from interaction with Japanese scientists and other students.”

The students themselves were excited about the opportunity, not just to study and research but to also experience the customs and culture of Japan.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity, and I’m honored to have been picked,” said Craft prior to leaving. “I can’t wait to meet my research crew and delve into the physics full tilt.”

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ALUMNI NEWS Neal to lead Alumni Association, new board members named Stacey Duvic Neal, a 1991 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, will lead the Southeastern Alumni Association as president for 2013–14.

Neal is the executive director of economic development for Tangipahoa Parish, having previously worked as director of the Hammond Industrial Development Board. A graduate of Leadership Tangipahoa, she is a member of the I–12 Alliance, all chambers of commerce in Tangipahoa Parish and a member of the board of the Louisiana Industrial Development Executive Association.

Other officers serving this year are Vice President Daryl Ferrara (’92), a vice president and downtown Hammond branch manager of the Whitney Bank; Secretary Sally Stevens Carlisle

(’02), a Farm Bureau Insurance Agent in Hammond; and Treasurer Stephen Anderson of Ponchatoula.

New board members elected include Charles “Chuck” Toney Jr. (’06), an attorney practicing in Kenner; Jeremy Adamson (’96) of Greensburg, assistant manager for Regions Bank in Amite; Jan Tedder Labbe (’75, ’91), who recently retired from the Livingston Parish School System after working at Holden High School for years; Ricky Masaracchia (’84) of Hammond, chief of tax for the Louisiana Workforce Commission; Pete Panepinto (’93) of Hammond, director of administration for the City of Hammond; and Jennifer Haik (’91, ’93 ) of Franklinton.

Returning for their final year on the board are Dan Brewer (’69, ’70), Melissa Bordelon (’89), Josh Taylor (’05, ’06) and Betsy Hood (’04).

Colleges recognize distinguished alumni Every year, Southeastern’s Alumni Association joins with the university’s academic colleges at spring honors convocations to recognize their distinguished alumni for the year. Meet this year’s honorees:

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

taught at Spring Creek High School and Sumner High School, where he also coached basketball and track. He served as principal of Westside Middle School and Sumner High before being appointed supervisor of personnel for the Tangipahoa Parish School System. Fairburn worked with Southeastern in helping to redesign its master’s program in administration and supervision.

Bev Marshall, a 1993 graduate with a master’s degree in English, retired this year as Southeastern Writer-in-Residence. She has published three successful novels that have been translated into several languages. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the Mississippi Library Award for Best Fiction for Right as Rain and recognition of Hot Fudge Sundae Blues by the New York Public Library as one of the best books for teenagers. Marshall serves on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival and is the co-founder of the St. Tammany Parish Writers Group and the Southeastern Writers Group.

College of Nursing and Health Sciences Rosalind Bello is the current director of health policy at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Tex. A 2001 graduate with a master’s degree in health studies, Bello has been a prominent figure in public health administration and policy for the past 12 years. Prior to joining MD Anderson, she worked at Jackson State University on the African American Intervention Network on projects related to the HIV/AIDS program and with the Louisiana Public Health Institute, where she concentrated on the tobacco-free living program. In her current position, she works in MD Anderson’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program handling communications and other administrative processes related to the initiative.

College of Business Angelo Distefano is a native of Independence and holds a bachelor of science degree in business. In 1983, he started a landscape business, Angelo’s Lawn-Scape of Louisiana, which has grown to become one of the foremost landscaping operations in the Baton Rouge area. Angelo’s has become a full service design-build-maintain firm that specializes in outdoor kitchens, irrigation systems and landscape lighting. His firm has won numerous landscape excellence awards from the Baton Rouge Landscape Association.

College of Science and Technology Stuart “Vint” Massimini Sr. of Harahan has been the president and chief executive officer of Gulf Engineering for the past 13 years. In his current position, he is in charge of general operations for the $20 million, family-owned business and its 160 employees and handles all legal matters, governmental affairs, contracts and union negotiations. The company is considered one of the top 100 private firms in New Orleans and currently serves the petrochemical and power plants along the Mississippi River.

College of Education and Human Development Darrell J. Fairburn has served as superintendent for the Washington Parish School System since 2006. A 1975 graduate with a degree in physical education, he earned a master’s degree from Southeastern in 1977 in administration and supervision. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Fairburn

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KEEPING IN TOUCH ’58 Janelle K. Carrier of Denham Springs was inducted into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame in May for her 20 plus years as an award winning 4-H leader.

She worked 37 years as a teacher and principal in Livingston Parish. ’66 Randolph M. Howes, MD, PhD, of Amite was awarded the first international Dr. Charles Farr Award for achieving excellence in oxidation medicine at the 2013 Educational Summit of the American College for Advancement in Medicine.

‘78 James Batty Jr. has retired as the St. Tammany Parish LSU AgCenter county agent after working with the agency since 1978. He is credited with strengthening the parish’s 4-H program. ’78 Marc J. Greene of Cleveland, Ga., has been elected to the board of the Georgia Bankers Association. He is president and CEO of Mountain Valley Bancshares Inc. ’79 Richard Meek Jr. of Metairie has been named editor of The Catholic Commentator, the weekly newspaper published by the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

’67, ’72 Bill Brady, who has worked 46 years in the St. Tammany Parish Public School System, has retired as assistant superintendent.

During his career, he served as teacher, assistant principal and principal at various schools.

‘81 Greg Cromer of Slidell has been named chief executive officer of Louisiana Health Cooperative Inc., a non-profit, guaranteed issue health insurance company. He serves as state representative for District 90.

‘69 Malcolm “Bob” Hastings has joined GreenWood, Inc. of Greenville, S.C., as corporate director of construction operations, where he is responsible for overall management of construction and capital projects.

‘84 Bruce Brumfield, a native of Bogalusa and the president and CEO of Founders Credit Union in Lancaster, S.C., was awarded one of the state’s highest civilian honors, the Order of the Palmetto. He serves as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Lancaster County Commission for Higher Education.

’69 John Serio has been named principal of Archbishop Chapelle High School in Metairie. He is the former head of KehoeFrance School and principal of Archbishop Hannan High School. ’75 William T. Cefalu of Baton Rouge has been appointed executive director of Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Since joining Pennington in 2003, he has proven to be one of the most successful grant-winning researchers in the center’s 25-year history. ’78, ‘96 Rita Bertolino, a member of the Southeastern Alumni Association Board, was profiled in The Anchor, the publication of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, as a member who currently serves on a university alumni association board.

’86 Marilyn Sullivan, BF, of Daphne, Ala., has been named to the Louisiana State Nursing Association Nightingale Hall of Fame.

Her career included military service in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps Reserves and work at several New Orleans and North Shore hospitals. She also served on the faculties at William Carey

honored as Nurse Practitioner of the Year at a national conference in Nashville.

‘98 Shasta Looper, a fourth-grade teacher at A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School in Greenville, S.C. has been honored by Southern Wesleyan University in Central, S.C., with the Professional Excellence Award for the School of Education. ’98 Brian Trainor has been named the new chief deputy in the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. He has been a deputy sheriff and deputy chief of corrections since 2010. ’99, ’03 Chad Thompson, chief financial officer of Lallie Kemp Hospital in Independence, has written the novel Magikos: the Lost Princes of Atlantis, with his 15-year-old son Logan. The book is a magical tale of a lost world discovered in the swamps of south Louisiana. ’99 Paul J. Paille of Covington has been named head basketball coach at Mandeville High School, where he served as an assistant for the past five years. He is a former head basketball and softball coach at Central Lafourche High School.

‘01 Melissa Pilgrim has been named research director for the University of South Carolina Upstate, located in Spartanburg. She is responsible for overseeing the university’s undergraduate research programs and working with faculty to increase research opportunities. ’05, ‘11 Melissa Billings, a first grade teacher at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School in LaPlace, has been named a Teacher of the Year by the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board. She serves as the teacher leader at the school and acts as the LEAD technology teacher.

College and at Our Lady of the Lake College.

’93, ‘06 Roslyn Hanson has been appointed principal of William Pitcher Junior High School in Covington. She has worked in the St. Tammany Parish school district since 1993 and served as a parishwide assistant principal. ’98, ’05 Darryl Adams, a primary care nurse practitioner at the Grundy County Health Department in Tennessee, was

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’06 Daniel Ray Brown, executive producer at WOIO-TV in Cleveland, has been awarded his second consecutive Emmy for Best Newscast from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Lower Great Lakes Chapter. The award recognized his work in breaking news coverage of the Chardon School shooting in February 2012 and a subsequent 90-minute special on the incident.

CHAPTER NEWS ‘08 Travis M. Lavergne of Denham Springs has been promoted to executive vice president for Investar Bank after serving as vice president and risk management officer.

‘08 Stephanie Schexnayder of Boston has written, under her pen name of Stephanie Void, her first young adult science fiction novel titled The Blue.

‘09 Meghan Dours has been named the membership specialist for the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce. ’10 Andrew Barr and ’11 Tyler M. Bosworth, students at Southern Law School, have organized a student organization, the Southern Maritime Law Society. Barr was elected president and Bosworth vice president of the new organization. ’10, ‘13 Christopher G. Brannon has been named president and chief executive officer of the Hammond Chamber of Commerce.

‘11 Andreanna Jones of Terry, Miss., received an award from Mississippi College School of Law during its annual Law Day ceremony. She received the Capital Area Bar Association Scholarship Honoring Reuben Anderson. ’12 Durand Jones is attending Indiana University pursuing a graduate degree in saxophone performance. He garnered two awards as a member of the IU Kenari Saxophone Quartet: first prize in the Plowman Chamber Music Competition and first prize in the J.C. Arriaga Chamber Music Competition.

The official Southeastern ring and pendant Order yours today.

1-866-Balfour or balfourcollege.com

BASEBALL REUNION The annual baseball reunion attracted more than 70 former baseball players over a two-day period that included an informal golf outing at Carter Plantation golf course. The players were recognized on the field before a home game, along with others in attendance. The first pitch was thrown by recent graduate Jacob Fisher to his brother, Lion freshman catcher Jameson Fisher, the latest of the Lion baseball brother combinations.

LONE STAR CRAWFISH BOIL Alumni from the Houston area were treated to a crawfish boil on April 13 hosted by Ralph and Margaret Daigle at their home in The Woodlands. Officers for the chapter include: Renee’ Morris, president; Aron Walker, vice-president; Paul Donaldson, secretary/treasurer.

YELLOW JACKETS REUNITE Southeastern’s oldest social organization, the Yellow Jacket/Kappa Rho sorority, met for their annual reunion luncheon at the Alumni Center. New officers are Carole Corkern, president; Dean Benko, vice-president; Sandy Hutcheson, treasurer; and Dottie Purser, secretary.

GEORGIA ALUMNI CRAWFISH BOIL Southeastern alumni in the greater Atlanta area joined alumni from ULM, Northwestern, Louisiana Tech and Centenary for a Louisiana-style crawfish boil in Duluth, Ga. The Alumni Association thanks Jacqueline Twillie and Mary Patterson for their assistance with the event. Alumni in Georgia looking to join the chapter should contact Julie Perise, assistant alumni director, at 1-800-SLUALUM. Pictured above are Perise, left, and Krystal Hales.

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TRACK REUNION HELD The 2nd annual track reunion was held April 19 at the new track and field complex. Over 40 former track and field athletes attended the event. Special thanks went to former track athlete Randy Barsh whose donation helped defray some of the expenses for the reunion. Barsh flew in from California to attend the event.

TANGI SHRIMP BOIL Hammond area alumni were treated to a great tradition when they met at the Alumni Center for the Tangi Shrimp Boil.

A record crowd was on hand to partake in the shrimp and elect new officers for the chapter: President David Kinnison, Treasurer Daryl Ferrara and Secretary Rachel Bourgeois. Pictured are, from left, Dick Covington, Libby Covington, and Rita Bertolino.

LIVINGSTON SOCIAL Alumni from Livingston Parish came out in force for an evening of networking and socializing at DeAngelo’s in Denham Springs. The crowd enjoyed meeting Miss Southeastern Renee Picou and chatting with public officials from the area, including Reps. Rogers Pope and Sherman Mack, District Attorney Scott Perrilloux, Superintendent John Watson, and Asst. Superintendent Rick Wentzel.

RING CEREMONY HELD Students received official class rings in a ceremony held on campus. President John L. Crain offered his congratulations and presented each ring to every student. Alumni Director Kathy Pittman and SGA President Greg Crovetto explained the significance of each of the symbols on the rings.

ADVANCEMENT NEWS We Are A Family

- A message from the Vice President for University Advancement

As another fiscal year has rolled by, Southeastern, against all odds, has yet again met the challenges it faced and still made progress on many fronts.

Faculty, staff, administration, students, alumni, donors and friends should be proud of what Southeastern has accomplished and the part that each of Wendy Lauderdale, us has had in the success of this great institution.

CFRE

Recently I was reviewing our list of donors who have given for multiple consecutive years, and it made me think about how Southeastern’s success is not accomplished by one person, but a family of people. While Southeastern has always been known for its family feel, I reflected how very true this is. Without the truly dedicated effort of so many, our university would not be nearly as strong as it is today.

Southeastern has many loyal donors. This year over 600 new donors made a gift. We also have hundreds of those donors who give each year, year in and year out. The dedication of these family members is so meaningful and so impactful. Every gift Southeastern receives is appreciated and valuable, and those who go the extra step and commit to give every year help us start the year knowing we are already on our way to success.

I invite you to join this group of dedicated supporters and make your contributions a sustained piece of our annual giving efforts.

Southeastern is your family and needs your help. As we work to grow our family of donors, we would love to see the roster of our sustained supporters grow as well.

We congratulate and thank each of you listed below for your continued support and loyal generosity.

Consecutive Years Donors These donors have given consistently each year as noted.

25+ years ExxonMobil Foundation Grand Council/Chapter Masonic Foundation of LA F. J. Guerin Jr. Drs. M. Randy & Barbara Moffett Charles & Patricia O’Drobinak Shell Oil Company State Farm Companies Foundation Kenneth E. Thomas 20+ years First Guaranty Bank Charles V. Genco Ross Downing Chevrolet, Inc. Sanderson Farms, Inc. Maude S. Sharp Ralph & Nancy Shaw Stephen & Rhonda Smith 15+ years Angela G. Biandolillo Fay & Phelan Bright John L. Crain Gary & Lynn Guidry Debra A. Jolly Robert W. Lee Jr. Marjorie A. Morrison North Oaks Health System Carolyn S. Opsal Dr. Katherine L. Pedersen Kathy L. Pittman Diane S. Singletary Southeastern Alumni Association 10+ years Sandra & Ronald Aucoin Gaylord Bickham George & Annalee Boulton Julie L. Burkey William & Mary Lou Champagne Hazel W. Daigle Adele M. Davenport David Ware & Associates, LLC

Peter J. Dottolo Ann Drury Elizabeth B. Foster Jack & Suzanne Gautier Donna N. Giuliano Hammond Union of Police #345 Dr. & Mrs. James H. Honea Rebecca B. Hornbuckle Sandra P. Hufstetler-Istre Peggy F. Jenkins Susan M. Jenkins The Honorable & Mrs. James E. Kuhn Wendy & Steve Lauderdale James & Marilyn McClimans Angelique & Bill McIntyre Larry J. Meilleur Martin B. Mitchell John W. Moore George B. Netterville Randy & Julie Perise Patrick & Gail Ponder Ralph & Nina Ross Sheryl W. Schwary Stan & Suzanne St. Pierre Foundation Rhonda R. Southall Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau Donna F. Taylor Rebecca D. Thrasher Connie O. Tyler Dr. Jo Ann Wheatley Linda & Keith Wittie 5+ years American Bank & Trust Co. Gene & Mary Anne Bartus Dr. William F. Beacham Warren & Kathleen Berault Bridget B. Boudreaux Dr. Tammy M. Bourg Dennis W. Bruhl Martin & Eileen Bruno Jeffery A. Bush Milton L. Bush Rebecca R. Butler

Marianna P. Cabiran Armand M. Cantrelle Ralph V. Caplan Chevron Humankind Daniel & Jessica Ciufi Dolores M. Clayton Tim Cole ConocoPhillips Diane P. Correjolles Kevin R. Darouse Brenda V. Daussat Orin T. Davidson Elwin D. Dawsey Sam & Lindsay Domiano Willie M. Dunn Charles E. Effler Cynthia S. Evans Anna C. Farrell Judge Sheldon G. Fernandez* Nicholas T. Ferrara Robert J. Fleming Evelyn M. Fusaiotti Marcia K. Galatas John M. Gaudry Anita A. Gradwohl Lori P. Gray Marc J. Greene R. Brink Grush Bob & Lydia Hardy Harry McKneely & Son, Inc. Acy C. Hartfield Jonathan B. Hatch Susan S. Hendry Lynn H. Horgan Hormel Foods Corporation Charitable Trust Robin T. Huffman Thanette Hunsberger Larry M. Hymel Carolyn W. Ibert Dennis & Alice James Terry W. Jarreau Angela S. Jean Marilyn J. Jones Dorothy P. Juneau James D. Karl Ken & Mary Kenelly Jodi L. Knight

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Erich Kraus Bonnie E. Kreamer August J. Kuntz Tara M. Laborde Daniel J. Laborde Ruth L. Lambert Kenneth E. Lane Virginia L. Langston Mary S. Lapham Earl J. LeBourgeois Dr. William R. Ledoux Robert E. Lee Chris & Becky Leumas Carey Lockhart Davis P. Loupe Sarah L. Lovro Gordon W. Loyd Joseph P. Macaluso George A. Maier Jimmy & Lillian Maurin Pat McClellan Mary G. McKeough Sandra M. McManus Sharon L. McNamara-Horne A. Bradley McPherson Sylvia A. Miller Delbert R. Mosher Ottis F. Nale Keith G. Naquin Kimberly J. Navarre Gayle & Cynthia Neal Neill Corporation Aimee & Chad Nethercutt Patricia D. Norton Sandy W. Ostheimer Lisa T. Patti Julie P. Perise Phi Kappa Phi Angel M. Perez Seth & Kalli Peterman Kent C. Pittman Camille E. Plaisance John & Cindy Poché Paulette M. Poche John & Georgianne Poteet Edward & Pamela Ramspott Dennis M. Richard Michael & Leah Richardson

Kenneth H. Ridgdell Antoinette H. Riley Mr. & Mrs. Nash C. Roberts, III Katherine & William Rose Alvin L. Ross Round Table Club Gerard A. Schaeffer James C. Schwartz Dr. C. Kenneth Sherman Francis L. Shill Mr. & Mrs. Craig A. Silva Paul J. Simoneaux & Thomas R. Holmes Jeffrey & Barbara Smith Society of Louisiana CPAs Northshore Chapter SLU African American Alumni Chapter St. Luke’s Episcopal School Thomas & Sarah Spangler Claudia W. Stack Catherine B. Strength Clare G. Tallo Andrew J. Thiel Doris F. Tillery Michelle A. Torres Frederick F. Trapp Janet C. Turner Lori O. Ulfers Valero Services, Inc. Valero St. Charles Refinery Edna B. Vergona Mary H. Valigosky Dana L. Vicknair Gregory A. Vosbein Paul L. Waidhas Donna J. Wilson Adele B. Wimberly David A. Winkler Lisa Wofford Shirley G. Woodward David W. Yeomans

* Denotes deceased

SISTERS GIVE BACK TO THEIR ALMA MATER – Janice Ezegbunam, center, and her sister, Leonie, right, both track and field stars and now professionals with Deloitte LLP in Houston, are giving back to Southeastern by endowing a scholarship for student-athletes enrolled in the College of Business. With them is their sister Wendy.

Student-athletes, young alumni and donors — Ezegbunam sisters support Southeastern students Southeastern track and field fans may remember Janice Ezegbunam (’04, ’05 MBA) and her younger sister Leonie Ezegbunam (’08, ’09 MBA) for their incredible athletic successes. Growing up in Nassau, Bahamas, the sisters dreamed of competing in track and field in the U.S., and Southeastern provided that opportunity for high jumper Janice and sprinter and triple jumper Leonie.

The sisters racked up numerous accolades — All-SLC Conference, NCAA Regional Qualifiers, Academic All-Region, All-Louisiana and Academic All-American (Janice).

According to Head Track and Field Coach Sean Brady, they are “two of the very best athletes in their events that have ever competed for the Green and Gold.” Janice still holds the Southeastern women’s outdoor high jump record, while Leonie was a former record holder in the triple jump.

Athletics was just one facet of the sisters’ well-rounded and busy lives. In addition to enjoying the social component of the college experience, they were highly motivated academically, working hard in their own classes while spending many hours tutoring fellow student-athletes. Their focus and dedication was not lost on their professors.

“I taught Janice in several courses, and it became clear that she was destined for a life of purpose and significance,” said Robert Braun, faculty member in the College of Business. “Leonie had the monumental task of following an older sister who had a perfect GPA and had won awards like NCAA Woman of the Year. She established herself as her own person, honoring her sister’s

example, but not trying to replicate it.”

Currently, both sisters are employed by subsidiaries of Deloitte LLP in its Houston office. Janice is an audit manager with Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Leonie is a tax consultant with Deloitte Tax LLP. As successful alumni, they want to give back to Southeastern and provide financial assistance to the student-athletes who follow them.

“Literally, I owe everything to Southeastern,” said Janice, who came to Hammond from the Bahamas at age 16. “Moving to Southeastern allowed me to become

The sisters’ contributions will be matched by the Deloitte Foundation.

“It is extremely gratifying to see Janice and Leonie giving back to the community through their alma mater and the sport where they excelled,” said Anne Taylor, Gulf Coast office managing principal at Deloitte LLP. “Both had amazing academic and athletic careers at Southeastern — including distinguishing themselves in the classroom.

We’re proud to have these high achievers in the Deloitte family, working with our clients to help address some of their most difficult challenges. Providing assistance to athletes pursuing business studies is a great example of the community spirit we share at Deloitte.”

The Ezegbunam sisters are among the youngest alumni ever to establish an endowment at Southeastern. Brady said he is not surprised. “These young women are two of the finest people I know,” he said.

“They encompassed everything studentathletes should strive to be, making a lasting impact on our teams and the women who follow them.”

Janice and Leonie’s parents, Janet and Leonard Ezegbunam, still live in Nassau,

‘I just loved the atmosphere at Southeastern.

I was not just another student there.’

independent; I grew into a woman on this campus. Being on the track and field team taught me character, self-discipline and work-life balance. I also learned about service very early in my college years.”

“I just loved the atmosphere at Southeastern,” added Leonie. “I was not just another student there. Southeastern also played a huge role in our success after college.

The reward is to be able to give back to a program that gave so much to us.”

The Janice and Leonie Ezegbunam Endowed Scholarship in Track and Field will provide financial help to a track and field athlete enrolled in the College of Business.

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– Leonie Ezegbunam

while their older sister, Wendy, is a doctor in New York.

“Our drive and determination comes from our parents,” said Janice. “They made us into the people we are, and Southeastern finessed it.”

The sisters benefitted from multiple scholarships at Southeastern and are grateful to the donors who gave before them.

“Life throws a lot of difficult challenges at you, and it’s important to remember where you came from,” said Leonie. “We hope to lead by example and encourage other young alumni to give as well. It’s never too soon — or too late — to give back.”

Scholarship blossoms from couple’s love for Southeastern Many who know him would describe Angelo Distefano (’72) as the quintessential self-made man. He and his wife, Patricia Pool Distefano (’72), worked together to build two successful businesses while raising a family.

After graduating from Southeastern, where they met, the couple ran their own restaurant, Angelo’s BBQ, in Baton Rouge for a number of years. In 1983, after seeing a market for lawn maintenance, they started Angelo’s Lawn-Scape of Louisiana. The business has since grown to a full-service firm that also designs and builds outdoor kitchens and pools and installs irrigation systems and landscape lighting. Angelo’s employs more than 50 people and services properties across south Louisiana.

With their success, Angelo and Tricia Distefano felt a strong debt to Southeastern for providing them with the education to make their way in the business world. They wanted to give back to the institution that helped them and, in doing so, honor and remember their parents. In 2012, the couple established an endowed scholarship named for their parents, the Theresa and Roy Distefano and Edwina and Bob Pool Endowed Scholarship in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

“We wanted to do this to honor our parents because, without them, we would have been unable to have the life we have today,” said Distefano. “We are grateful to them and to Southeastern.”

Growing up on a farm in the small town of Independence, Distefano was somewhat shy. When he came to Southeastern, a friend from Hammond invited him to join a fraternity, which changed his life.

“That started me toward becoming much more social and outgoing,” he said, “and to really become a part of the university rather than just a back and forth student.”

The close relationships Distefano built with his Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity brothers continue to this day, with the group and their families all remaining in frequent contact.

“We are still so very close — it’s almost unheard of. At a Christmas party at my house this past December we had 85 people. The fraternity is just a huge part of my life, and Southeastern is as well.”

Judge James Kuhn (’68), another member of the fraternity, is part of that special group of lifelong friends who were at Southeastern around the same time. He described Distefano as a loyal friend who cares deeply about others.

“Angelo is empathetic and compassionate, and he inserts himself to whatever degree and in whatever manner to help others, most notably his family and friends,” Kuhn said. “I know how much he credits his success to what he learned at Southeastern, not only academically but in personal relationships. I agree with him when he says that we all owe Southeastern a debt that cannot be repaid.”

Growing up, there was never any question that Distefano would go to college, he said. He was the first in his family to have that opportunity, in part due to a scholarship at Southeastern, and his parents understood the value of higher education. Although his father is now deceased, Distefano’s mother was present when he was honored last spring as the 2013 Outstanding Alumnus by the Southeastern College of Business.

“It was just a wonderful event,” he said. “The university made all of my family, but especially my mom, feel so good and so welcome.

She had a terrific time.”

Distefano said he is also grateful to Southeastern because he met his wife Tricia there, first noticing her as a dancer with the Lionettes at a home basketball game. He soon asked her out, and they have had a strong partnership ever since.

“My wife has been with me every step of the way,” he said.

“She’s semi-retired now, but she was the business manager for our landscaping business for years. She was always fantastic at handling difficult situations — she was so good at communicating with people and very pleasant on the telephone. She played a big role in building the business we have today.”

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FORMER LADY LION TAKES PRIDE IN BASKETBALL AND NURSING

PRIDE Scholarships help Lady Lions leave Southeastern with a degree Around 2006, Women’s Basketball Coach Lori Davis Jones began to see a disturbing pattern. Players were finishing their athletic eligibility before they were ready to graduate, losing their scholarships. Some faced the prospect of leaving the university without a degree, even if they had just one or two semesters to complete.

Jones found that scenario unacceptable. For help, she turned to the members of PRIDE, Positive Role Models in the Development of Excellence, a mentoring and support group for the Lady Lions. Seven years later, PRIDE has raised more than $120,000 for scholarships, and seven players have received assistance from the fund.

“What these ladies have done for our players is extraordinary,” said Jones. “It is so important that our student-athletes leave Southeastern with a degree. I can rest easy knowing we will watch all of our Lady Lions walk across the stage at graduation.”

So, what is the secret to PRIDE’s fundraising success? Fun and camaraderie — in the form of the annual Bunko for Basketball event. All proceeds go to the PRIDE Scholarship fund, administered by the Southeastern Foundation. In 2008, its first year, the event raised $11,000. Since then it has grown steadily, with the 2013 event bringing in $22,500.

“Bunko for Basketball has become a community tradition,” said Patsy Causey, chair of PRIDE. “People look forward to it every year. The first year we had 100 people participate. In 2010, we had to move the event to a larger facility, and last year we had 235 people.”

Raising scholarship funds is just one example of how the 34 members of PRIDE support Southeastern women’s basketball. Composed of educators, corporate professionals, stay-at-home moms, retirees and former Lady Lions, PRIDE helps students achieve their academic and life goals.

In addition to Bunko for Basketball, PRIDE activities include: • One-on-one mentoring relationships between PRIDE members and their student-athlete protégés; • Lady Lions Alumni Day/Weekend; • Holiday meals for the Lady Lions when they are practicing or playing games when the university’s dining halls are closed; • Game-based activities such as Senior Day and Spotlight Player of the Game.

“The mentors form long-lasting relationships — not only with their own protégés, but with the entire team,” said Causey. “Mentors stay in touch, calling and emailing their protégés after they graduate. We care deeply about these young women, and we have a responsibility to ensure they leave Southeastern with a degree in hand.”

BUNKO WINNERS ASSEMBLE – Some of the Bunko for Basketball winners gathered with members of the Lady Lions team. From left are student-athlete Raven Reyes, Bunko winner Amanda Berlier, Head Women’s Baskeball Coach Lori Davis Jones, Bunko winner Ronnie Daniels, and student-athlete Aja Gibon.

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Thanks to a Women’s Basketball PRIDE Scholarship, Rachel Mackie (’12) was able to complete her college education and become a nurse. Although Mackie had not exhausted her NCAA eligibility, she still found herself making a difficult decision the summer before senior year: should she play her last year with the team or drop basketball to complete the rigorous requirements of her nursing major?

“I was starting clinical rotations in my nursing training, and it would not be possible to do my class work and clinicals while on the road with the team — sometimes for weeks at a time,” Mackie said. “For me to try to juggle both nursing and basketball during my senior year was just not going to happen.”

‘My mentors were great.

Over the years I was in PRIDE, I literally gained a whole group of new moms.’

– Rachel Mackie

Fortunately, the PRIDE Scholarship meant Mackie did not have to make that choice. She decided to play basketball her senior year and defer completion of her nursing degree to a fifth year of college. Now an ER nurse with Parkland Community Hospital in Dallas, she loves her work and is grateful for the opportunity.

“Without the PRIDE Scholarship, this story would be completely different,” Mackie said. “I probably would have dropped out of basketball.

Not everyone gets the opportunity to play college level sports, and I felt I owed it to my team to stay with them for my senior year. Without the PRIDE Scholarship, I could not have afforded to finish school and play four years of college basketball.”

Mackie is quick to point out that the PRIDE organization has given her much more than financial assistance.

“PRIDE is a group of women who have their own lives and their own kids, and they come together to basically take in a group of strangers,” she said. “That is just amazing to me. My mentors were so great. Over the years I was in PRIDE, I literally gained a whole group of new moms. I owe those ladies so much!”

ATHLETICS Artigues named interim AD Head Baseball Coach Jay Artigues has been appointed interim athletics director following the resignation of Bart Bellairs, who had been with the institution since 2009.

“I appreciate the dedication and integrity that Bart brought to the administration of our athletics program,” said President John L. Crain. “Bart has been a stalwart advocate for operating our athletics program in a way that is focused on the overall success of the student-athlete.”

In announcing the selection of Artigues as interim athletics director, Crain lauded Artigues for his successful tenure with the baseball program. Assistant Baseball Coach Matt Riser will assume the reins of the baseball program as interim head coach.

“Coach Artigues has demonstrated great leadership skills and commitment to Lion Athletics,” Crain said. “I am confident he has the skill set to serve as an effective interim director of athletics.”

“I am honored and humbled,” said Artigues of his interim appointment. “I'm also extremely excited about the future of Lion Athletics and confident that Matt Riser will continue the strong tradition of Lion Baseball.”

Named one of the rising head coaches in the college game prior to the 2013 season, Artigues has compiled a 240-164 (.594) win-loss record in his seven years in charge of the Southeastern Louisiana baseball program.

Southeastern officials announced that they would move forward immediately with the search to identify a permanent athletics director.

Crain named chairman of Southland Conference Southeastern President John L. Crain was installed as president of the Southland Conference Board of Directors at the league’s spring meeting in Grapevine, Tex. Crain will serve as chairman for the next two academic years and takes over the position previously held by Baker Pattillo, president of Stephen F. Austin University.

The conference has expanded in recent years and now has 14 members, with institutions now representing Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

The conference recently added several new institutions to its membership, including Oral Roberts University, Incarnate Word University of San Antonio, and the University of New Orleans.

Baseball finishes successful season For the second-consecutive season, Southeastern baseball made an appearance in the championship game of the Southland Conference Tournament as the Lions finished the season with a 36–24 record. It was the seventh-straight year Southeastern won at least 30 games.

Early season highlights for Southeastern included the fifth no-hitter and the best start to conference play in school history. Senior Jordan Hymel tossed the first complete game of his career March 3 against Texas Southern in a 9–0 win, the first no-hitter for Southeastern since 1979, earning him numerous national awards.

Fellow seniors Ben Hernandez and Kaleb Manuel also earned honors this season.

Hernandez was named the Southland’s hitter of the week after pacing the Lions to a season-opening sweep of UT-Martin with a .714 average, while Manuel was named Louisiana Pitcher of the Week after tossing a complete game in a 5–1 win over No. 28-ranked Sam Houston State, May 12, in the final home game of the season.

Southeastern started Southland play with a 6–0 record for the best start to a conference slate in program history. The Lions finished the regular season with a 16–11 Southland record, tied with Oral Roberts for third-best in the conference, earning the No. 4 seed in the tournament.

New video display scoreboard latest enhancement to Strawberry Stadium When the Lions take the field for their first home football game August 29, fans should enjoy a new video display screen and scoreboard in historic Strawberry Stadium.

The new Daktronics video display with LED lighting includes a software package allowing projection of instant replays, still shots, and pre-recorded video. The board measures approximately 14 by 25 feet and will include new game clocks and space for permanent advertisers.

The $230,000 video display unit is being funded through corporate sponsors and private donors.

“The new display is the latest upgrade to Strawberry Stadium, helping to bring it on par with other Division I stadiums in the Southland Conference,” said President John L. Crain. “We are grateful for the generosity of our sponsors and donors that allowed us to provide this enhancement for our fans at no cost to the university.”

“We are really excited about the addition of the video board at Strawberry Stadium,” said Interim Athletics Director Jay Artigues. “It will help add to the game day atmosphere, as well as provide an opportunity for new revenue through additional advertising opportunities.”

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Three to be inducted into Southeastern Athletics Hall of Fame A pair of All-Americans in their respective sports at Southeastern, along with basketball’s ultimate showman, will be inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame this fall.

Headlining is Nate “Big Easy” Lofton, who played basketball at Southeastern from 2003–05 and is a member of the Harlem Globetrotters. The New Orleans native will be joined by track and field All-American Chris Carter and football All-American Felton Huggins.

The induction increases Hall of Fame membership to 131. They will be formally inducted on Oct. 5, 2013 in an afternoon ceremony in the University Center’s Hall of Champions before being introduced at halftime of the Southeastern football game that evening.

Lofton, a two-time, first-team All-Southland Conference performer, helped Southeastern to a two-year record of 44–18, a pair of Southland Conference regular-season titles and a berth in the 2005 NCAA Championships. He finished his career as the school’s all-time leader in field goal percentage. As a senior in 2004–05, he was named to the Southland Conference All-Tournament team and was part of a team that won a record 24 games and made its lone appearance as a Division I school in the NCAA Championships.

He has spent the past seven years with the Harlem Globetrotters.

He has appeared in numerous shows while with the Globetrotters, including The Amazing Race and Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?

Huggins, a Zachary native, enjoyed a stellar three-year career from 2003–05 in which he established school records in career recep-

Carter

Huggins

Lofton

tions (162), receiving yards (2,345) and receiving touchdowns (22).

He recorded six 100-yard receiving games in his career and was named a third-team All-American in 2004 by the AP and the Sports Network. Huggins signed as a free agent with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars before spending a season with the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe and three seasons with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

Carter competed in track and field from 2002–06, finishing his career as one of the top javelin throwers in the country. He became Southeastern’s fifth Division I All-American in 2006 when he finished sixth overall at the NCAA Championships. A three-time participant in the NCAA Championships, he won Southland Conference titles in the javelin in 2005 and 2006 and currently holds the school record with a throw of 238 feet, 2 inches. Carter was named the Southeastern Male Student Athlete of the Year in 2003 and 2005 and was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Field Athlete of the Year in 2005.

Schedule AUGUST 29 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI SEPTEMBER 7 at TCU 14 at South Dakota State 21 at Samford 28 OPEN DATE

Southeastern Football 2013 These are the faces of Lion Football... faces of hard work, intensity and determinaion.

Faces of the defenders, the protectors, the punishers, the runners and the passers.

“Last year, when we finished 5–2 in the Southland Conference, we surprised a lot of people,” said Head Football Coach Ron Roberts. “We’re expecting to be a lot better this year. We’ve worked hard this off-season, and we’re going to be bigger, faster, and stronger at every position. We’re going to be able to do a lot of things this season that we couldn't do last year.”

Get your season tickets now: Lionsports.net or 985-549-5466 36

OCTOBER 5 INCARNATE WORD (HOF) 12 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN * 19 at Northwestern State * 26 LAMAR * (Homecoming) NOVEMBER 2 at McNeese State * 9 at Central Arkansas * 16 SAM HOUSTON STATE * 21 NICHOLLS STATE * (RBC) ALL CAPS – Home games * Southland Conference Game RBC – River Bell Classic HOF – Hall of Fame Game Schedule subject to change

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Southeastern is proud to showcase merchandise from our retail partners.

If you would like to include merchandise in a future edition of Alumni News, contact Executive Director of Public and Governmental Affairs Erin Cowser at 985-549-5861.

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Items available at the Bookstore include: (1) Mens football tee, $22 (2) Youth grey tee, $16; (3) Toddler tee, $14; (4) Southeastern car flag, $14; green pennant, $12; (5) Southeastern footballs, large $14; small $6.95; and (6) Southeastern plastic and styrofoam cups available at Bayou Booksellers $7.95 a sleeve in styrofoam and $15.95 a sleeve in plastic; at Mandeville Party City $50 for 50 styrofoam and $88 for 50 plastic.

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