Alumni News Spring 2013

ALUMNI NEWS

Spring 2013

Wind Symphony shines • Nursing program honored • National Service Honor Roll… again

Alumni

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Southeastern Louisiana University Dr. John L. Crain ’82, ’84 President Dr. Tammy Bourg Provost/Vice President, Academic Affairs Sam Domiano, Jr. ’89, ’95 Interim Vice President, Administration & Finance Dr. Marvin L. Yates Vice President, Student Affairs Wendy Johns Lauderdale ’93 Vice President, University Advancement

A message from President John L. Crain Every spring, Southeastern invites several hundred high-achieving Louisiana high school seniors and their families to Scholars Showcase. At this event we recognize the scholastic achievements of these young people and award them special academic and housing scholarships. It is an honor to meet these students as they prepare to enter the next phase of their education, and it introduces them to the Southeastern experience.

Alumni Association Kathy Locascio Pittman ’71 Director Dick Covington ’71 President Stacey Neal ’91 President-elect Emily McNeely ’02 Secretary Stephen Anderson ’87 Treasurer Board Members Melissa Bordelon ’89 John Watson ‘82 Cindy Faller ’73 Betsy Hood ’04 Dan Brewer ’69 Brad Stevens ’01 Josh Taylor ’05, ’06 Chuck Toney ’06 Tony Licciardi ’93 Josie Mercante ’69, ’74 The Southeastern Louisiana University Alumni News, published four times annually by the Association, was entered as third-class matter, May 9, 1949, at the Post Office in Hammond, LA, under the amended act of June 11, 1934. The office of publication is Hammond, LA 70402. Annual dues of $30 include subscription to Southeastern Alumni News.

Produced and edited by the Southeastern Louisiana University Office of Public Information.

cover The Southeastern Wind Symphony performed in the famed concert hall of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in March when it was invited to participate in the 2013 Percy Grainger International Band Festival. More than 70 members of the Wind Symphony made the trip to the Windy City to participate in what some described as “the trip of a lifetime.”

In this issue of Alumni News we profile a handful of our successes, which are all part of Southeastern: the graduate nursing program recognized as the best in the state, our Wind Symphony just back from a prestigious trip to Chicago, and our service efforts that have once again earned us national acclaim. We also note the accomplishments of several students: an art student asked to design a memorial to a fallen hero, a student doing her best to break into the competitive fashion industry, a vocal performance major looking to fulfill his dream of performing on Broadway, and studentathletes who are making significant individual and team accomplishments.

These are just some of the exceptional stories of Southeastern. All of us can recount dozens more from our own experiences and memories. Every one of us can recall that special professor or instructor who inspired us to reach further than we may have thought possible. That is the spirit of Southeastern — a spirit of caring and a concern for student success that defines us.

A message from your Alumni president As my term draws to a close, I want to thank you for the support you have given to me and to Southeastern. Our university is more than an institution — it is a part of our being. During my time at Southeastern, I met many lifelong friends, courted and married a coed, learned the value of teamwork, and built the base that would become my stepping stone into the world of education.

A day seldom passes that I do not see successful young people that I taught Dick Covington, ’71 who are making a good living and a positive impact on the community because of their education. Teaching is often a thankless job, and in today’s environment it is more common to hear about stripping funding from higher education and K-12 than seeing the benefits our world reaps from an educated population.

On behalf of our entire Alumni Association, I salute all of our teachers and the faculty of Southeastern and urge them to hold their heads high. We appreciate all that you do and the positive influence you have on our children and future leaders. They could not do it without your guidance as role models.

I also would like to thank our Alumni Association staff; Kathy, Julie, Donna, and Larry work tirelessly to promote Southeastern and to bring alumni together, not only on campus but in different communities. Our association is in good hands under Kathy’s leadership.

In July, when the new Alumni president takes my place, I will leave with more memories of my alma mater. Southeastern is a great institution of higher learning, and I urge you as alumni to support our Alumni Association and your alma mater as they struggle with funding. Go Green! Go Gold! Go Lions!

Nursing wins state award for graduate program Above: 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.

The Southeastern master’s degree program in nursing has been recognized by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation as the Nursing School of the Year in Advanced Practice.

The Nightingale Award was presented at the Foundation’s meeting Feb. 16 in Baton Rouge.

This is the first year the award was presented in this category, created to showcase successful graduate level programs.

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 Louisiana Board of Regents as a model of collaboration, articulation and the wise use of scarce resources,” said Ann Carruth, dean of the Southeastern School of Nursing. “Through the sharing of resources — including library materials and committed faculty — we are able to offer top quality, cost effective post-graduate education in an easily accessible online model.

“Our best assets are our faculty and students,” she added. “Together we have graduated advanced practice nurses to meet the healthcare needs of the region, nurse leaders to solve complex health care management crises and nurse educators to train future nurses.”

The program offers concentrations leading to a master of science degree in nursing 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.

“Since 1992, this program has helped prepare a steady number of professionals to meet the growing health and wellness needs of the state,” Carruth said. “Most of our students work full time and require some degree of convenience and flexibility in their graduate program. By offering our courses online through web-based distance learning, the consortium is meeting the needs of these professionals and allowing them to learn at their own pace and time.”

Southeastern’s undergraduate nursing program has been recognized as the best nursing school in the state with the Nightingale Award three times in the past 10 years. The school also offers 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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Wind Symphony TRAVELS TO THE

Windy City

States and served in a U.S. Army band in World War I. He is most recognized for the suite “Lincolnshire Posy,” which is based on several songs he had collected. Grainger died in 1961.

“The opportunity to perform in this beautiful concert hall was nearly overwhelming for our students,” said Hemberger. “The acoustics and the esthetics of the orchestra hall are something to experience.”

“Imagine getting to do something you love to do in a beautiful, historic building that was built solely for that purpose,” said music education senior Carlye Latas of Lockport, who plays the French Horn. “Orchestra Hall is stunning in every way, and the fact that we filled it with the sound of the Southeastern Wind Symphony is indescribable. It was the trip of a lifetime.”

“The hall was huge,” echoed Baton Rouge music education senior Aaron Miller, who plays trumpet. “It was a truly beautiful place, and the acoustics were breathtaking. It was certainly a very memorable experience.”

Each of the four groups performed for 30 minutes in the hall.

Southeastern’s selections included “Lincolnshire Posy,” a collection of six diverse songs; Ron Nelson’s “Rocky Point Holiday,” and “Dance No. 1 from Jazz Suite No. 2” by Dmitri Shostakovich.

It’s not very often a university symphony gets a chance to perform outside its immediate region, let alone participate in a major music festival.

So when Southeastern’s Director of Bands Glen J. Hemberger received an invitation for the university’s Wind Symphony to perform in the 2013 Percy Grainger International Band Festival in Chicago, he jumped at the chance.

As one of four symphonies selected to appear in the festival and to perform in the famed Chicago Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, Southeastern’s Wind Symphony would receive considerable recognition, a key element in efforts to recruit the best performers from throughout Louisiana and beyond.

Hemberger said the festival was organized to increase the recognition of Percy Aldridge Grainger, an Australian composer and pianist who is considered one of the most important composers of wind band music. At age 12, he and his mother moved to Germany where he could be exposed to the finest music instructors in Europe, then later to London where he established his reputation as a world-class pianist. Grainger eventually moved to the United

Members of the Wind Symphony, with Conductor Glen Hemberger, center, pose in front of the Chicago sculpture “Cloud Gate,” also known as the “Bean,” during their trip to the city to participate in the Percy Grainger International Band Festival in March.

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“We had rehearsed for about two months, so we were well prepared and well received,” said Hemberger. “This is one of the most talented wind symphonies I’ve worked with at Southeastern, and they were truly impressive.”

Following the performance, later that evening the group attended the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance in the same hall.

The challenge in making the trip was to raise the more than $80,000 needed to transport, house and feed the nearly 70 student performers who would spend several days in the Windy City. Side trips included visiting the jazz clubs of Chicago, as well as the various museums, art institutes and other sites.

“We got a good package price and went up by bus, which helped keep the costs down,” said Hemberger. “We turned to our regular supporters and benefactors, former band members, alumni, students and other gracious donors to help raise the money. In addition, last year we held two fundraising performances of “Planet Earth” with composer and guest conductor Johan de Meij. It took us 18 months to raise the funds needed.”

“None of this would have been a reality without the generous contributions of our sponsors and the dedication and hard work of our conductor, Dr. Hemberger,” said Latas. “We have tremendous gratitude to them for making this opportunity possible.”

Interim Head of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts Kenneth Boulton said the trip will serve as a unique and effective recruiting tool for future students.

“Under Dr. Hemberger’s leadership, our students have been given an experience that will rank at the top of any they have ever been involved in,” Boulton said. “What’s more, they will spread the word among friends and acquaintances about what future opportunities may be in store here at Southeastern. You can’t buy that type of publicity.”

The whole experience has left a lasting memory with Latas.

“This being my last semester with the Wind Symphony, I am personally very grateful to have quite a memory before I move on,” she said. “I’ve gained a deep appreciation for hard work and achieving what seems to be impossible dreams. I am also reminded that the Wind Symphony has a perpetual goal of raising the bar; as some of my friends and I like to say, ‘Striving for the highest.’”

Above: Director of Bands Glen Hemberger conducts the Wind Symphony in its performance in the concert hall of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Below: Col. Arnald D. Gabriel, former commander and conductor of the U.S. Air Force Band in Washington, DC, conducts a clinic with the Southeastern Wind Symphony at the Percy Grainger International Band Festival. Col. Gabriel is a clinician for the festival, where he conducts a workshop and clinic for each performing group. Here he rehearses Grainger’s “Lincolnshire Posy,” which the Wind Symphony performed in the festival.

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Third consecutive year University named to Presidential Honor Roll for Service

“Our students, faculty and staff over the years have demonstrated a strong spirit of volunteerism.

Their willingness to give back to the communities in which we live and work is evident and is highly valued.”

– President John L. Crain

Southeastern was recognized for its spirit of community service by being named to a national honors list for the third consecutive year.

The university was listed again this year on the President’s Higher Education Honor Roll for Community Service, which recognizes institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities.

The honor cites the work of more than 5,300 Southeastern students who provided approximately 133,000 hours of voluntary service to national and area non-profit agencies and other organizations.

“Southeastern is proud to again be listed on the national President’s Higher Education Honor Roll for Community Service,” said President John L. Crain. “Our students, faculty and staff over the years have demonstrated a strong spirit of volunteerism. Their willingness to give back to the communities in which we live and work is evident and is highly valued.”

Tena Golding, director of the Center for Faculty Excellence, which oversees service-learning projects at the university, said the culture of service at Southeastern is evident in the growth of student-led projects.

“The Big Event, a Student Government Association-sponsored initiative, recently completed its third service day, attracting about 800 students who worked at 40 job sites in the area, doing painting, landscaping, trash pickup and other jobs,” she said. “Nursing students provided more than 1,700 hours of health services, while teacher candidates tutored hundreds of at-risk students through programs like the After School Achievement Program, Project Step Up and Reach Out and Read.”

Golding said the estimated value of this service work is $3.1 million, according to a report by the Independent Sector’s Value of Volunteer Time.

The university was recognized for both its community service activities — general service projects not linked to any specific course work — and its servicelearning projects.

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Golding explained that service-learning projects are integrated with academic courses and strongly tied to course objectives.

Through service-learning, the academic theories and principles of the classroom are used in real world applications. Examples, she said, include teacher candidates presenting an antibullying campaign for local PreK-third grade students to gain a better perspective of the impact bullying can have on young children’s self-esteem and learning; and sociology students analyzing community-based research and applying their knowledge of social organizations and sustainable food systems to promote the local food economy.

“Community service projects and servicelearning are both highly valuable and commendable,” she said. “Both contribute to helping students become motivated, experienced leaders and citizens, who are cognizant of society’s needs.”

According to Southeastern’s report, in 2011– 12, service-learning activities were incorporated into 67 academic course sections involving more than 1,700 students.

In general community service activities, Golding said fraternities and sororities alone documented more than 22,700 service hours and donated nearly $69,500 to non-profit agencies.

By the numbers

5,300 133,000 67 Students involved

Service hours

Service-Learning Courses Value of service

$3 .1 million

The report also noted contributions of Southeastern faculty and staff members who logged more than 12,200 hours of service, and participated in campus-wide fundraising campaigns for organizations such as the United Way, the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

READY TO SERVE – Some of the 800 Southeastern students gathered in the Student Union Mall prior to fanning out to more than 50 job sites as part of The Big Event.

Big Event draws 800 students for service William Takewell looked astonishingly at the large group of students assembled in the Southeastern Student Union Mall as they prepared to participate in the university’s third annual community service day in early March called The Big Event.

Takewell, who started the event three years ago as a member of the Student Government Association, said only about 300 volunteers participated initially.

“The Big Event has come a long, long way since we initiated it,” commented Takewell, who now works in student affairs and attends graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi. “I never thought it would grow to this size in this short of time.”

Approximately 800 Southeastern students came together that Saturday and picked up rakes, shovels, paint brushes and other tools to participate in the university’s The Big Event.

After gathering bright and early at 8 a.m. in the War Memorial Student Union Mall, the students — all dressed in bright yellow Big Event-3 t-shirts — gathered in teams to hit more than 50 sites in the area, where they performed a wide range of chores from landscaping, to trash pickups, to painting.

Southeastern President John L. Crain greeted the assembled students from the Student Union balcony, congratulating them on their dedication and commending them on their strong commitment to community service. Their efforts, he said, demonstrate to the community the belief Southeastern students have in giving back.

The sites included area elementary, middle and high schools, St. Albert’s Catholic Student Center, Serenity House, Hammond Headstart, the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center and numerous locations on the campus itself.

“It’s great to see this many students pulling together and making short work of some big jobs,” said Student Government Association President Branden Summers, as he handed out cold water to students laying sod and planting azaleas on campus. The Big Event is sponsored by the Southeastern SGA. The Big Event was started at Texas A&M university 30 years ago and has spread to universities nationwide. It is considered one of the largest service days among college students.

CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION – Mindy Guidroz, left, and Katherine Smith plant azalea bushes along Western Avenue as part of Southeastern’s community service day, The Big Event.

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Laurie Leake, a Slidell junior in special education, teaches her “class” of five avatars, or simulated students, in preparation for facing a classroom of real children.

Virtual Learning

Teacher candidates gain experience using avatars, simulated classroom

Southeastern junior Laurie Leake had never faced the daunting experience of teaching a classroom of middle-schoolers.

“It has taken me nearly 20 years to get to the point that I can finally pursue my passion of teaching,” said Leake, a special education major from Slidell.

Leake, like other teacher candidates at Southeastern, gained the opportunity to first work in a simulated classroom before having to experience the real thing. The university is one of a handful of institutions nationwide to use the innovative program designed to help in the formation of future educators.

The software gives teachers in training the opportunity to respond to multiple situations within the classroom environment through the use of avatars, the virtual, computer-generated “students” who populate the simulated classroom.

“It is a virtual classroom filled with real-time avatars,” said Associate Professor of Education Nicki Anzselmo-Skelton. “The students in our lab can talk to the avatars, and the avatars respond.”

Researchers at the University of Central Florida control the avatars, which represent sixth grade learners of diverse ethnicities and personalities that are typically encountered in a middle school classroom, Skelton explained. Their behaviors reflect everything from those in a “perfect” classroom to the other extreme, where the students may be completely out of control. The virtual classroom and its avatar middle-schoolers are projected from a computer via Skype onto a screen or SmartBoard.

“Teaching the avatars was an extremely enlightening experience for me,” said Leake. “The avatars brought for me the realities of standing in front of a group of children. They all have uniquely different personalities, and this is perfect because it reflects actual diversity in the classroom. The preparation is priceless because it allows me to make my mistakes and learn from them... without affecting a real child.”

Leake added the immediate feedback the teacher candidate gets from his or her faculty member is extremely helpful.

Anzelmo-Skelton brought the technology to the Department of Teaching and Learning through a Louisiana Department of Education grant to be a part of the TLE “TeachLivE” program. The initiative began as a pilot project at UCF in Orlando.

“Our young teacher candidates are able to work on behavior management skills; they are able to work on the pedagogy or the ‘how’ of teaching, and they’re able to implement various instructional strategies,” Skelton said. “The research indicates what you can do in just 10 minutes with the avatars takes an hour to do face to face.”

“The avatar experience was absolutely amazing,” added Ashley Lee, a senior elementary education major from Watson, who is also pursuing a dual certification in special education. “I loved the interaction between myself and the avatars and the fact that the avatars had different personalities, which presented some real challenges.

This was just a glimpse of what is yet to come when we get into our own classrooms and good practice on handling behavior problems in students.”

Skelton described the most powerful part of this technology as the opportunity for students to refine their instructional skills without impacting real students.

“Young teachers can make the mistakes new teachers are prone to do without affecting the ‘students’ at all,” Anzselmo-Skelton said.

“It allows for a nice progression. Our young teachers can reflect on their practices and then build their knowledge and confidence with the avatars before moving into the classroom.”

In addition to working on a grant extension for Southeastern from the Louisiana Department of Education, Skelton is also documenting the student teachers’ experience with researchers from UCF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. ”Soon we’re going to have research under our belts that I believe will show the avatars and the virtual classroom make a real difference in teacher behaviors and in student outcomes,” Skelton said.

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CAMPUS NEWS SBDC receives national accreditation review

PARTNERSHIP FORGED – Southeastern and Northshore Technical Community College signed a memorandum of understanding that formalized the two institutions’ ongoing partnership. On hand to celebrate the agreement were, standing from left, Rep. Chris Broadwater, Hammond Mayor Mayson Foster, Rep. Steve Pugh, Sen. Ben Nevers, Mickey Murphy, chairman of the Louisiana Community Technical College System Board of Supervisors, Helen Carter, LCTCS board member, Rep. John Bel Edwards, and Ponchatoula Mayor Bob Zabbia. Seated from left are NTCC Chancellor William Wainwright and Southeastern President John L. Crain.

Southeastern, NTCC formalize partnership, establish new Connect to Success program

Southeastern and Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) have signed a memorandum of understanding that formalizes and enhances the two institutions’ ongoing partnership.

Titled Connect to Success, the program is designed to enhance both the efficiency and effectiveness of students seeking post-secondary education in southeast Louisiana, particularly in Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, Washington, St. Helena and Livingston parishes.

“Providing this entry into post-secondary education is particularly important, as Southeastern continues to raise its admission standards over time,” said President John L. Crain. “That increases the likelihood that some prospective students will not achieve admission status to Southeastern after high school, and we want to ensure their access to post-secondary education.”

Officials said the program will expand access and preparation of NTCC students seeking to transfer into a four-year degree program at Southeastern.

“Connect to Success will ease the transfer of credits and increase efficiency by sharing of resources between Southeastern and NTCC,” Crain added. “It’s about providing education for students, whether at NTCC or Southeastern.”

The program provides enrolled NTCC students with a systematic outline to successfully complete a baccalaureate or associate degree. NTCC Chancellor William Wainwright said under the agreement, NTCC students will take developmental and other general education courses at Southeastern’s campus in Hammond and at its St. Tammany Center in Mandeville. Southeastern will certify faculty credentials for the courses to ensure they are transferrable.

“NTCC and Southeastern are committed to providing students successful paths to graduation and employment in high demand careers,” Wainwright said. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment and provides seamless transition for students. The success of this partnership will strengthen our LA Grad Act efforts and provide students expanded access to college and university programming, comprehensive student and enrollment services, and engagement in relevant workforce preparation.”

As part of the partnership, NTCC has a presence on Southeastern’s main campus, where the university is providing them access to dedicated offices, computer lab and classroom space.

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Southeastern’s Louisiana Small Business Development Center has been awarded full accreditation by the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC).

Director William Joubert said the accreditation review, which is mandated by Congress, is modeled after criteria established by the national Institute of Standards and Technology.

“The review process involves an intensive examination of leadership and organizational management, strategy development, client and stakeholder focus, service delivery and program performance,” Joubert explained.

The ASBDC notes that standards ensure the investments made by federal and state governments, as well as the host universities, result in strong returns for small business and the overall economy.

“This accreditation demonstrates the program and our center meet and exceed the expectations of our funding partners on the state and federal levels,” Joubert said. “Our center will continue to serve the North Shore and the I-12 corridor by providing key resources needed for business development and growth.”

The Southeastern center was recognized last year as the top center in the five-state region of Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The achievement ranks the center among the top 10 SBDCs in the nation for 2012.

Since 2004, the Southeastern LSBDC has served more than 3,800 clients and helped open or expand 223 businesses. More than 2,400 new jobs have been developed with $328 million in capital formation.

“This achievement affirms our commitment to providing quality programs, the highest customer satisfaction and continuous improvement,” said LSBDC State Director Mary Lynn Wilkerson. “Maintaining accreditation is critical for the LSBDC to continue serving small businesses and supporting economic development across Louisiana.”

In its accreditation report, the review team recognized the LSBDC’s business continuity and risk management program as a “Best Practice.” The program, called Ready for Anything, provides businesses with education, training and management assistance needed to minimize losses and increase survivability when affected by workplace disruptions, such as natural or man-made disasters. LSBDC was also commended for ongoing disaster response efforts following the oil spill and the five hurricanes that have struck Louisiana in recent years.

New UL System President visits Southeastern New University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley meets with Southeastern student leaders as part of her visit to the campus in January. Woodley visited campus facilities and met with Southeastern administrative officers, faculty and others as part of her nine-campus “listening tour” of system institutions.

Computer firms recruiting technology graduates at Southeastern “Dr. van Delden opened the doors for us in a very short period of time to help organize this event,” she said. “We’ll be speaking later to the computer science students as a group on what our plans are for the area and the job opportunities that are available.”

“The students are so excited about this opportunity, because it means hundreds of technological jobs for the region,” van Delden said. “It’s a major breakthrough for the state and has considerable potential.”

He said nearly 60 students gave their resumes to IBM officials and later participated in a meet-and-greet when the company was on the campus.

“IBM is a great company, and I am definitely going to apply for a position,” said senior Andrew Williams of Ponchatoula, who will graduate in December. “The computer science program at Southeastern has been a great experience for me with the relatively small class sizes and the relationships we build with our professors and other students. We gain the experience of working together in teams on projects.”

“It’s a fantastic opportunity, and I am definitely excited,” added senior computer science major Chase Orion Dupré of Hammond.

“It’s big news for the state, and I definitely plan to apply.”

Also looking to hire Southeastern technology graduates is Ameritas Technologies, a U.S-based information technologies firm that focuses on delivery of high performance domestic services. Ameritas plans to develop the first of its software development centers in Baton Rouge with a long term goal of employing between 500 and 600 people in various positions.

“Proximity to educational institutions in integral to Ameritas’s success and maintaing a continuous supply of top technical talent,” said Ameritas CEO Brian Keene. “Through two-way communication with local officials and educators, we can have a meaningful impact on the economic viability of the cities where we locate.” van Delden said the university is hoping to forge a strong relationship with the firm, including the possibly of developing student internships and other opportunities.

He said Southeastern currently has about 300 computer science students in various programs that are all nationally accredited.

Southeastern is becoming a focal point for recruitment of technology graduates, particularly with the announcement of major new business ventures planned for the region in the very near future.

IBM made Southeastern its first recruiting stop in April after announcing plans to locate a technology center in nearby Baton Rouge. Computer science students had an opportunity to learn about the 800 plus jobs the computer giant plans to fill during a recruitment fair held on campus.

IBM Recruitment Leader Michelle Szymzak said the company is looking to staff its recently announced $55 million technology center in Baton Rouge over the next four years.

“This project has been in the works for a while, and now that it has been announced we are aggressively hiring,” said Szymzak.

“Southeastern is our first stop. We’re looking for people at all levels, some fresh out of college and others with experience.”

Computer Science and Industrial Technology Department Head Sebastian van Delden organized the mini-career fair after IBM contacted the university’s Office of Career Services.

IBM RECRUITING – Michelle Szymzak, recruitment leader for IBM, talks to a group of Southeastern computer science students at special recruitment event held on campus. IBM is seeking to fill 800 positions over the next four years to staff its planned $55 million technology center in Baton Rouge.

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Student Technology Center opens with expanded hours and services

A new one-stop shop for student technology needs is now operating at Southeastern, offering students access to equipment, extended hours, and 24hour technical assistance by phone and email.

The STC was developed in response to student requests for greater access. Funded by Southeastern’s Student Tech Fee, the center is now open seven days a week.

The facility houses 74 individual computer stations and several color laser printers and is serving nearly 500 students per day. Staff attribute the large uptick in visitors to the lab’s convenient location to the Student Union and the increase in hours.

“The larger center and its new location are good for students,” said STC student worker Brianna Pugh. Student Chance Travis called the new facility “quiet and a good place to get work done.”

At the STC, students can receive 24/7 technical assistance by telephone and email at the Help Desk, which is also available for in-person assistance with printing, Moodle, Blackboard, LEONet, Gmail, Internet access, telecourses and general Southeastern account information. Free one-on-one technical training sessions are offered to both enrolled students and staff.

“Our intent was to create a student-centered, user-friendly operation,” said university Chief Information Officer Mike Asoodeh. “The students are funding this service through their fees, so we wanted to ensure we meet their technological needs through a consumerdriven model.”

SOUTHEASTERN RECOGNIZED FOR SUPPORT – Maj. James Slaven (left), executive officer with the 205th Engineer Battalion of the Louisiana National Guard, presents President John L. Crain with a plaque at the Battalion’s deployment ceremony held on campus in January. The presentation recognized the university’s “support and dedication to the soldiers and officers of the 205th Engineer Battalion.”

TURTLE COVE DONATION Frances Bartee, president of the Capital Resource Conservation and Development Council, presents a $1,000 check to Rob Moreau, director of Southeastern’s Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station. The funds will be used to support the station's educational and community outreach programs that provide information on the natural, socio-economic and cultural impacts of wetland loss and pollution. The CRC&D covers 14 parishes in southeast Louisiana and promotes economic, environmental and conservation efforts in the region.

Chefs Evening 2013

Left: Southeastern President John L. Crain makes a toast to attendees at the President’s Toast event held prior to the university’s Chefs Evening fundraiser. The event included a tasting of selected hors d’oeuvres and wine pairings selected by the chefs of Covey Rise Lodge of Husser, the sponsor of the President’s Toast.

Right: Pastry chef and owner Anthony Delpedio of Coca Bean in Hammond prepares Bananas Foster.

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Chefs Evening — the university’s primary public fund raising event — provided a wide range of entertainment, food and beverages for guests attending the annual event in the Pennington Student Activity Center March 3. Nearly 40 restaurants and other vendors participated in the event this year, which raises funds to support the academic programs for the university.

Chefs Marc Lyons and Jenna Pecoraro of Covey Rise Lodge served as the exclusive chefs for the President’s Toast, the event that precedes Chefs Evening at the President’s Residence.

Sponsors this year included La Capitol Federal Credit Union, Whitney Bank, First Guaranty Bank, Entergy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, North Oaks Health System, Northshore Broadcasting, The Daily Star, and Lamar Outdoor Advertising.

FACULTY/STAFF NEWS ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR WRITES SECOND NOVEL HARLOW English Instructor David Armand has written his second novel, Harlow, to be published next year by the Texas Review Press.

Harlow tells the story of 18-year-old Leslie Somers, who trudges through Louisiana in search of his father whom he has never met.

When the two finally meet, Harlow is not the man Somers expected. Ultimately the two end up on a crash course toward crime and twisted relationships that leaves one of them dead and the other a hardly recognizable version of his former self.

Armand’s first novel, The Pugilist's Wife, was also published by Texas Review Press, a member of the Texas A&M University Press Consortium. That work was recognized by the publisher with the George Garrett Fiction Prize, named after the late poet laureate of Virginia.

BEDELL RECEIVES NOMINATION FOR LOUISIANA POET LAUREATE Southeastern poet and editor Jack Bedell has been nominated as one of three candidates to serve as Louisiana’s next poet laureate.

A professor of English and author of seven collections of poetry, Bedell is also the editor of the Southeastern-based journal Louisiana Literature. This is the second time he has been nominated to serve as the state’s poet laureate. Gov. Bobby Jindal is expected to make the final selection later this year.

A winner of the Governor’s Art Awards in 2007, he has also been recognized by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities with its special Humanities Award and Southeastern’s President’s Award for Artistic Excellence. Among his works are Come Rain, Come Shine, What Passes for Love, Greatest Hits, and At the Bonehouse.

NATIONAL DIABETES ASSOCIATION APPOINTS COMPTON TO BOARD Diabetes educator Terry Compton has been elected to the board of directors of the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

The organization is a multi-disciplinary profes-

sional membership association dedicated to improving diabetes care through education. AADE has more than 13,000 professional members, including nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and others. She will serve a three-year term on the board.

Compton, who has been a member of the Southeastern faculty since 2006, has served on the AADE’s Professional Practice Committee. She is currently serving her second term on the Louisiana State Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition.

“The AADE is focused on promoting healthy living through self-management of diabetes and its related conditions,” she said. “About 26 million people in the United States are affected by diabetes, and this number is increasing significantly. Our members are dedicated to promoting greater recognition of the benefits of diabetes education and personal practices that can influence the course of this chronic disease.”

Compton currently serves as the education coordinator of the Southeast Louisiana Association of Diabetes Educators.

DISCOVERY CHANNEL INTERVIEWS HYDE ON KU KLUX KLAN HISTORY Southeastern historian Samuel C. Hyde Jr. addressed the historical role of the Ku Klux Klan in the Lower Mississippi Valley region in a recent airing of the “Fatal Encounters” program on the Discovery Channel.

Southeastern’s Leon C. Ford Endowed Chair of Regional Studies, Hyde was interviewed for the episode titled “White Hot Rage,” which covers the case of Cynthia Lynch, who came to Mississippi several years ago to join a KKK group based in Washington and St. Tammany parishes. During her initiation into the group at an isolated area in the Pearl River Swamp, Lynch changed her mind and was subsequently murdered, said Hyde, who is the director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies.

“I discuss the motives that would cause people to join such paramilitary organizations in the rural South, as well as what induces people to resort to violence to resolve their grievances,” he said.

Hyde said he provided details on the first, second and third Klans as they appeared in the post-Civil War era and again in the 1930s and in the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s.

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SAFETY SPECIALIST YUAN HONORED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO FIELD Occupational safety specialist Lu Yuan has been awarded the Langlois-Weigland Award by the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers.

The award is presented to an individual who has provided significant service to the chapter over a sustained period of time and who has contributed to the field of safety.

Yuan, assistant professor of Occupational Safety, Health and Environment in the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology, was recognized for his role in helping Southeastern's program obtain its recent ABET accreditation, for his research on ergonomics in construction and library environments and for being a trusted advisor and educator of future safety professionals.

The award is named in honor of Langlois Weigand and Associates, a Baton Rouge safety consulting firm.

MASSAWE AIDS GROUP REVIEWING NUCLEAR, TOXIC SUBSTANCE EXPOSURE Ephraim Massawe, assistant professor of occupational safety, health and environment, played an important role in reviewing a site exposure matrix database used to process health claims by workers involved in the production of nuclear weapons during the Cold War. Massawe served on the Institute of Medicine/National Academy of Sciences Committee that reviewed the Site Exposure Matrix (SEM), a database used by the Department of Labor (DOL). The SEM is used in processing and adjudicating claims by former employees and contractors of the Department of Energy and Department of Defense who were exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals in nuclear weapons production and those who continue to work in decontaminating nuclear-related waste sites.

It is estimated that more than 600,000 American workers and surviving spouses and families may have claims related to nuclear weapons production.

The committee’s report is intended to improve information on the links between toxic substances and the health effects of occupational exposure to chemicals and radiation, and to support the processing and

adjudication of claims.

“These workers were exposed to a wide range of radioactive and other toxic substances at various sites and facilities,” said Massawe. “In many cases, because of confidentiality, they may not have known the chemicals they were working with. Some of the exposure may have been relatively benign, but some could have been highly toxic. What is not known, for the most part, are the types of site-specific exposure scenarios, chemicals and other forms of exposures that workers or contractors may have had, which may or may not be reflected in the SEM. In some situations, disease links to toxic substances used at these nuclear processing facilities are difficult to establish or may take many years to establish with confidence.”

BUSINESS FACULTY RECOGNIZED – College of Business faculty members Dawn Wallace, left, and Minh Huynh, right, are pictured with former dean and Professor Emeritus B. Owen Sweatt. Wallace and Huynh received the 2013 Sweatt Medal for their service to the community and the university.

BUSINESS FACULTY RECOGNIZED WITH SWEATT MEDAL FOR SERVICE The B. Owen Sweatt Medal, named for a former dean at Southeastern, was awarded to two members of the College of Business for their service commitments.

Associate Professors Minh Huynh in the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management and Dawn Wallace, Department of Management and Business Administration, were recognized with the medal, named in honor of Dr. Sweatt.

Sweatt joined the university in 1955 and currently resides in Fayette, Ala. Huynh was recognized for his community and university service activities, chief among them his involvement with the Tangi Food Pantry. Wallace was cited for her help in improving student record-keeping in the college through the use of technology.

Historian Laver named Fulbright Scholar, authors new book on Grant’s leadership skills Professor of History Harry S. Laver has been named a Fulbright Scholar, which will allow him to perform research and graduate level teaching in Ireland in the 2013–14 academic year.

The honor came shortly after the announcement of Laver’s newly released book on the leadership skills and qualities of President and Civil War Union General Ulysses S. Grant.

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Scholar Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and allows American scholars and professionals to lecture and research in a wide range of fields.

“This is a huge and very well-deserved honor for Dr. Harry Laver, one of the hardest working and most productive faculty members at Southeastern,” said William Robison, head of the Department of History and Political Science. “It is also a great point of prestige for the university. There is no higher honor a scholar can receive than the opportunity to teach and conduct research abroad under the auspices of a Fulbright Fellowship. We in the department are extraordinarily proud of his achievement.”

A specialist in military history, Laver will be working at the National University of Ireland (NUIM) in Maynooth, where he will offer a series of new classes to complement the institution’s existing curriculum. Among the offerings being considered are courses in the American Revolutionary era, the Civil War, Vietnam and a survey of U.S. military history.

“NUIM has an alliance with the Military College at the Irish Defense Forces Training Center, and it’s likely I will teach classes on military history and leadership in various courses for cadets and for junior and senior commanders,” Laver said. “My particular specialization in historic military leadership studies will be especially appropriate, as I anticipate teaching at least one course in leadership theory and practice coupled with analyses of past commanders’ leadership successes and shortcomings.”

Laver’s research will involve a study of Irish-American Civil War veterans who returned to their home country after the war.

“Many of these veterans returned to Ireland to employ their recently gained political and military experience in support of Fenianism, a form of Irish nationalism,” he said. “This research will further illuminate Irish-American war veterans’ participation in post-1865 Fenianism within Ireland, specifically their ideological and military contributions and their participation in the Rising of 1867, a failed attempt to throw off British rule.”

NEW BOOK ISSUED Laver’s new book, The Leadership of Ulysses S. Grant: A General Who Will Fight, provides a detailed study of leadership based on Grant’s rise from an undisciplined cadet to commanding general of the U.S. Army.

Laver said Grant displayed his uncommon drive early in the Civil War in the battles of Shiloh and Vicksburg.

“He later demonstrated his integrity, determination and tactical skill by taking control of the Union troops and leading his forces to victory,” said Laver, a specialist in U.S. military history and the American Civil War. He notes many attribute Grant’s success to superior technology and manpower and even a ruthless willingness to sacrifice his own men. Laver disputes that argument, however.

“The only viable explanation for Grant’s success,” he said, “lies in his leadership skill, professional competence and unshakable resolve.”

The Leadership of Ulysses S. Grant: A General Who Will Fight was published by the University Press of Kentucky. Laver has also written the book Citizens More than Soldiers: The Kentucky Militia and Society in the Early Republic and co-edited with Jeffrey J. Matthews The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell.

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Southeastern senior art student Zach Slough poses with his massive sculpture Take Flight, which highlighted the recent juried student exhibition at the university.

Slough’s wings — titled Take Flight — took nearly 300 hours to complete; his current artistic endeavor also consumes his days and nights.

“The Deputy Chief of Police in Washington Parish, Olander Smith, contacted me about a project he was in charge of and asked if I knew someone suitable, either faculty or a student, who would be willing to take on the work,” Mickey said.

“As an alumnus of the school, I know of the quality of work required by students, and Southeastern was the first thing that came to mind when we began our journey,” Smith said.

That “journey” involves a memorial to seven fallen deputies in Washington Parish dating back to 1899, with a particular emphasis on a case that remains unsolved.

Oneal Moore was the first African-American deputy to serve with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, explained Smith. Moore was murdered in Varnado in 1965. Two suspects were arrested shortly after the murder, but no charges were filed. Smith said the FBI reopened the case three times since then. The prime suspect died in 2003.

“Jeff approached me and asked if I’d be interested in working on the memorial, and I said yes,” said Slough. “For Oneal Moore, to want to take those kinds of risks and do that job in 1965 really speaks to his character. He must have been a real stand-up guy.”

As Slough began the drafting process, a new problem emerged.

“I only had one picture to work with,” he said. “I didn’t have a lot of wiggle room, so I had to make it a certain way.”

Instead of a full bust, the Moore memorial will be a bronze relief.

“The final, finished product will be a stand that comes out of the ground and then slightly recesses into the wall just a little bit,” said Slough. “The relief will have his face, name, dates of birth and death, and the background will be textured.”

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office is providing the funds for the materials and a commission for Slough.

The student artist plans to attend the memorial and meet Oneal Moore’s family.

“My main objective is for Oneal Moore’s wife to look at the relief and think it looks like him,” Slough said. “If that happens, then I’m going to be happy.”

Mickey said he’s watched Slough work intricately on this piece and build a connection.

“There has to be an emotional bond between you and the piece you’re creating,” said Mickey. “Zach is the kind of student who doesn’t need a lot of intensive hand-holding. He comes to me when he has a problem, and I help mature his ideas.”

“You have to fall in love with your work,” said Slough. “If you really love something, it’s hard to fail at it.”

Student dedicates time and talent to fallen deputy A massive pair of wings spanned the entry way of the Contemporary Art Gallery for Southeastern’s annual student juried exhibition.

The sculpture — made from aluminum, sycamore, copper, leather and nickel — represents the Greek mythological character Icarus, the son of a master craftsman. At Southeastern, it is a modern day student craftsman behind the domineering work of art and who is now lending his talent and time to commemorate a Louisiana hero.

“We have certain students at Southeastern who have exceptional skills and ideas,” said Associate Professor of Sculpture Jeff Mickey.

“Zach is one of them.”

Senior sculpture major Zach Slough, a native of Wabash, Ind., moved to Louisiana five years ago. The full-time student also works more than 30 hours a week as a welder-fabricator at Ferrara Fire Apparatus in Holden, a job that utilizes his abilities.

“I really like to work with my hands. I like to build things,” said Slough. “I tend to get wrapped up in the minutia of things. I like the little details that take a long time to do.”

MEMORIAL WORK – Art student Zach Slough works on the plaque he is creating for the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office to memorialize Oneal Moore, the parish’s first AfricanAmerican deputy who was killed in 1965.

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STUDENT NEWS “Also, my voice teacher, Kay Schepker, has been so much more than a teacher — she has been my mentor. I expressed that I wanted to do musical theater since my first semester at Southeastern. While she has been supportive, she has made sure that I kept classical music my priority so I would get the technique I need to progress in musical theater.”

Leggett also credits Southeastern with helping him prepare for life outside of college.

“Many of the things I will take with me are things I learned outside of the classroom in extra curricular activities,” he said. “The opportunities I have had, such as being an Orientation Leader and a member of a fraternity, have really prepared me to deal with the different types of personalities I will encounter in the real world.”

After graduation, Leggett is looking forward to furthering his education and pursuing his dream in the big city.

“Now is the time that I get to focus on strictly acting, singing and dancing. I’ll have a degree in May, so I don't have to worry about the other core curriculum classes that you have to take to get a degree,” he said. “I get to focus on doing what I love to do.”

A two-year program, AMDA helps prepare its students for the musical theater industry, Leggett added.

“The final semester, they actually let you audition during the day, and they schedule classes in the afternoon,” he said. “The faculty members at AMDA are in the industry, so while I’m working and studying, I’m networking as well.

Senior Jordan Leggett, far right, is living his dream after being accepted into the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Here Leggett performs in a Southeastern production of Street Scene, in 2011.

Student moves step closer to Broadway Jordan Leggett, a Southeastern vocal performance senior from Slidell, has been accepted for further studies by the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City, turning the young singer’s dream a step closer to reality.

Leggett says one of his friends once told him that he should go where he wants to work. Since performing on Broadway has been a dream of his, the Big Apple was a natural choice.

“AMDA was my first opportunity I saw that I could travel to New York. I paid my own way for a trip in April, and that’s when I fell in love with the school,” he said. “I knew New York was where I wanted to be, but to actually have my foot in the door now, it’s a bit overwhelming, but mostly exciting.”

Leggett said he has had many supportive influences along the way, including his family and his voice teacher at Southeastern.

“I’m the first in my family to actually pursue a career in singing, and I think my family is supportive of me because of that,” he said.

“I get to focus on doing what I love to do.”

“My dream is to be on Broadway, and now I’m going to be in New York,” he added. Hopefully I will develop the right contacts so that I can establish a life there.”

Leggett begins his journey in New York at AMDA on a partial scholarship in October.

Students among top award winners at regional journalism conference At the Southeast Journalism Conference held at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., in February, Southeastern students in broadcast and print journalism claimed several top awards, including first place in the overall onsite competition.

The onsite competition involved individuals or teams working in 11 different categories within specified time limits to produce a specific product. Southeastern students won or placed in five of the 11 categories to earn their first place overall onsite award.

The Southeastern Channel, the university’s cable access station, claimed the Best College TV Station in the South award and first place in the Best College Video News Program category for its program “Northshore News.”

First place student award winners included: Kelsey Humble of Mandeville, Entertainment Writing; Jessica LeBlanc of the Southeastern Channel, TV News Reporting; Christopher Martin, assistant editor and graphic designer with the student newspaper, The Lion’s Roar, Best News Graphic Design.

STUDENT RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTED – Biological Sciences graduate student Kimberly Smelker of Austin, Tex., explains her research on blood samples collected from loggerhead sea turtles in Florida and South Carolina to student Deshae Sorrells.

Student researchers displayed their work this spring at the annual Student Showcase sponsored by the office of Sponsored Research and Programs.

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Student participates in Fashion Week event A fashion merchandising student took her first steps into the field when she joined New Orleans Fashion Week in March.

Angelle Burt was asked to show in the event, where local designers and boutiques showcase their design work.

“Vendors travel from all over the world to see what New Orleans has to offer, so it’s a pretty big deal,” said the Mandeville senior.

Burt competed in the student design competition with a piece she developed for a class.

“I went to Goodwill, found a dress from the 80s and completely redesigned it to a more modern look,” she said. “I’m proud of how the it turned out and was excited to see it on the runway with photographers snapping shots of my hard work.”

“Angelle is a creative thinker and risk taker,” said Instructor Jackie Didier of the Family and Consumer Sciences program. “She widely uses her mistakes as stepping stones to the next level of perfection. All of these attributes are essential to success in the volatile and very fickle fashion industry. I fully expect to see her name in the limelight in the future.”

Burt credits Southeastern faculty with encouraging her in her academic journey.

“The faculty really care about whether we are learning and want us to succeed in our future endeavors,” she said. “They know what the real world is like and and want us to be prepared.”

“Jackie Didier is the most outstanding teacher in my mind,” she added. “To encourage and inspire us, she has guest speakers come in and talk to us about how they got started in their fashion careers. She keeps in contact with so many graduates and is more than happy to help with any conflict they may come across. She literally does everything possible to give us the tools we need to succeed.”

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS – Instructor Jackie Didier, left, adjusts the dress worn by student designer Angelle Burt, which was featured at Fashion Week New Orleans.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATED – Organizational communication graduate student Suzanne Harris of St. Amant talks with sophomore physics major Julian Ellis of Maurepas about sustainability initiatives sponsored by the various campuses of the University of Louisiana System, including Southeastern.

The exhibit was part of Southeastern’s celebration of Earth Day April 22. Other exhibits focused on recycling of materials, including electronic components, clean energy endeavors, a planned litter abatement campaign, and the university’s planned sustainability center.

DTD Chapter earns national ranking

ZIPLINING AT STRAWBERRY JUBILEE – Metairie sophomore Kelsey Dunham and Ponchatoula junior Hunter Waddell take a ride on the zipline featured at this year’s Strawberry Jubilee March 17, where students enjoyed a meal of red beans and rice, strawberry shortcake and cupcakes.

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For the fifth consecutive year, the Epsilon Phi Chapter of Delta Tau Delta has received the prestigious Hugh Shields Award, presented to the top chapters in the country.

Chapter Advisor Gene Pregeant said the award is based on overall performance and programming in the areas of academics, finances, recruitment, membership education, operations, campus leadership, service and alumni relations.

“This is a direct representation of the men we have in our organization — men who are committed to Delta Tau Delta, to Southeastern and our community,” said Jeremy Troulliet, chapter president. “Our motto is ‘Committed to Lives of Excellence,’ and our members try to live up to that every day.”

“The Shields recognition this year was particularly meaningful since the chapter has received it five times and is now allowed to retire the flag for permanent residence in their house,” Pregeant said. “This is the third flag the chapter has retired in its 44–year history."

CHAPTER NEWS Champagne Bingo

this tailgate together. The delicious hamburgers were courtesy of the Cattlemen’s Association and cooked by chefs Wesley Ridgedell, George Peltier, Alvin Stevens and Dick Covington.

The FE-Lions Alumni Chapter boasted a sold out Champagne Bingo again this year, as they provided a great day of bingo and fun for all ladies who attended. This year marked Bingo’s 10th anniversary, and the FeLions were pleased to have raised over $30,000 for football and all other sports this year. A total of $280,262.01 has been raised since the event’s inception. Thank you to Bingo Chairperson Vicki Blazevich and her committee for all their hard work.

Grad Fair Graduating seniors were welcomed to the Alumni Center to purchase all their graduation supplies. Gamma Beta Phi and the Alumni Association teamed up with vendors to offer this service to a record number of seniors who attended.

Chili Cook-Off

Basketball Reunions

The North Tangi Chapter had a great time in Amite participating in the Oyster Festival’s Chili Cook-Off sponsored by the Amite Volunteer Fire Dept. Chef Stacey Neal cooked a hot recipe and Chapter President Brad Stevens took care of the setup. Congratulations to Alumni Association President Dick Covington and his wife Libby on being chosen King and Pearl for the 2014 Oyster Festival.

The Alumni Association sponsored a combined basketball reunion February 16 with former Lions and Lady Lions. The event was held in conjunction with the Alumni basketball tailgate functions. Former Lady Lions were introduced at halftime of the women’s game, and the Lions were recognized at halftime of the men’s game. Approximately 50 former athletes returned for the event.

Rock ’N Roar

Tangi Day at the Races

More than 3,000 students gathered for the 2013 Literary Rally and Rock ‘N Roar Fest sponsored by the Alumni Association. After testing, students were wowed by faculty displays and enjoyed food sold by student organizations and alumni chapters. Participating chapters were African American, Red Stick, New Orleans, and Alpha Sigma Tau.

The Tangi Chapter held a fun trip to the New Orleans Fairgrounds racetrack on February 24. Attendees enjoyed a clubhouse meal and tried their luck at several horse races.

New Orleans Chapter The New Orleans Chapter held a social at Felipe’s before the recent Lions vs. Tulane baseball game at Turchin Stadium. Everyone enjoyed the festive atmosphere and the great food at the restaurant. Afterward, attendees cheered on the Lions during the baseball game.

Baton Rouge Magnet High School student Akshay Hingorani, accepts the Kindle he won at Rock 'N Roar from Julie Perise, assistant director of the Alumni Association, right, and Nanette McCann, principal and Southeastern graduate.

Red Stick Tailgate

Golden Silence

Chapter members cooked jambalaya for players and fans when the Lions traveled to Baton Rouge to play BYU at Alex Box Stadium on February 23. Special thanks go to Red Stick officers Clif Murphy and B.J. Lorio for preparing a great meal.

Faculty, staff, students, and alumni gathered in the Student Union Park on March 13 to honor the memories of the Southeastern family who were lost over the last year. University officials read names aloud and the Hammond High ROTC lowered the flag to half mast in remembrance of fallen Southeastern family members. Jessica Long played Taps, and Julie Perise finished the program with Southeastern’s alma mater.

AOPi Celebrates 50 Years Alumnae and collegiate members of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority met to celebrate their organization’s 50 years on Southeastern’s campus. They had a full weekend of festivities that included hosting the sorority’s State Day and a banquet. Congratulations Ladies of Alpha Omicron Pi.

New Alumni Chapter Established The University Employees’ Alumni Chapter held its inaugural meeting at the Alumni Association in March. The chapter was formed for Southeastern faculty/staff to increase spirit and camaraderie on campus. The group voted to also include other campus employees who wished to join as Friends. The Association is looking forward to working with officers Richard Himber (president), Kevin Brady (vicepresident) and Lori Davis Jones (secretary) in this new endeavor.

Tangi Tailgate The Tangi Chapter joined the Alumni Association and Human Resources office to offer a tailgate for alumni and Southeastern employees before the Lions played South Alabama at Alumni Field on March 19. Thank you to Human Resources Director and Southeastern alumnus Kevin Brady and his staff for their efforts in putting

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KEEPING IN TOUCH ’58, ‘65 Ron Nethercutt and his wife Gloria Anacleto Nethercutt have been named Rotary Global History Fellowship Heroes, an honor given to only seven individuals in the world. A former member of the Southeastern music faculty and general manager of KSLU Radio, Nethercutt and his wife make their home in Angeles City, Philippines. He has been involved in Rotary since 1986.

‘65 Judith H. Bonner, senior curator and curator of art at The Historic New Orleans Collection, has co-edited with Estill Curtis Pennington The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture, Vol. 21: Art and Architecture, published by the University of North Carolina Press. ’66 Robert C. Israel has been elected chairman of the Automotive Trade Association Executives for 2013. The organization represents executives of 115 state and metropolitan new car and truck dealer associations in the U.S. and Canada. Israel has served as president of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association since 1983. ’65 Calvin Fayard of Denham Springs, has been appointed Honorary Consul by Prince Albert II of Monaco for the states of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas. ’69, ‘93 Nora Carroll Burch, a native of Amite, has authored Go North, Young Lady, a book based on her journal writings following the deaths of her spouse and mother. A former teacher in Amite for more than 35 years, she is a resident of Massachusetts.

‘70 Sharon Hornsby, dean of the Northshore Technical Communicty College Florida Parishes campus, was named a “Champion for Change” for juvenile justice reform presented by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. In her work with the LSU Health Sciences Center Institute for Public Health and Justice, she provides career development and job training opportunities for adjudicated youth. ’73, ‘97 Charles “Tiger” Edwards received a Telly Award for writing and producing the documentary Following in the Footsteps of These Girls along with videographer and editor David Williams. It is a story about the early years of Northshore High (Slidell) Girls Soccer Program, which won the first five

Alumni demonstrate talents on major reality shows This year started out with a bang for a pair of Southeastern alumni who participated in two different reality television shows — one in fashion, the other in music.

Mat Arthur, a 2005 graduate, was selected for the current season of Project Runway, a reality competition about fashion that airs on the Lifetime Network. Arthur made it through Episode 5 of the competitive series.

A communications graduate, Arthur stumbled into the fashion world by chance.

“I had never made an article of clothing,” Arthur said, “but I got asked to do menswear for a benefit show. I received some great feedback and caught the bug. It’s been research and practicing my craft ever since.”

Arthur attributes his experiences at Southeastern with helping him prepare for the real world.

“I discovered myself there. As one grows and develops, identity sort of becomes this evolving concept,” Arthur said. “As cliché as it may sound, I realized the most about myself during my time at Southeastern. Also, my work is usually based on social observation, and I can honestly say that my string of theater and writing classes definitely shaped the way I filter the world.”

Arthur works as a salon/retail manager for Neill Corporation in New Orleans and also designs his own brand of clothing.

Brandy Hotard, a 2008 Miss Southeastern and 2011 graduate in nursing, auditioned for American Idol this year for the third time.

“I auditioned for American Idol to prove I was ready for Hollywood,” she said. “Luckily, the third time was the charm.”

A psychiatric nurse from Port Allen, Hotard made it to Hollywood and began competing for a spot in the top 20 female contestants.

When Hotard received her golden ticket, she didn't know whether to be excited or cry, because her grandmother had just passed away. She says it was little bit of both emotions for her.

When asked why she should be the next American Idol, Hotard said it’s because she is homegrown and unique.

“I don’t think there is anyone else out there like me. When I get on stage with the full music and the microphone in my hand, I almost transform into something different. When I watch myself on tape, it’s weird to see the different characters I can transform into relaying the message of whatever song I’m singing.”

Hotard made it to the top 20 in the female competition.

State Championships from 1986-90 while running up a 75-game unbeaten streak. ’76 Katie Wainwright of Hammond has published her second novel, Secuestro, the tale of a young woman’s determination in the face of upheaval in revolutionary Cuba.

The book was published by the University of West Alabama’s Livingston Press.

‘70 Paul Bowman, retired Fifth Ward teacher and coach, received a Commendation

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Honor Certificate from the U.S. Association of Track and Field for his officiating at USATF meets in 2012.

‘79 David Champagne, owner and president of Slidell-based David Champagne Construction, has been elected chairman of the ALUMNI CENTER NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS Call 985-549-2150 for information.

Board of Trustees for the Homebuilders Self Insurers Fund. He is a member of the board and former president of the St. Tammany Home Builders Association. ’80, ’83 Therese Reddekopp, principal at Northgate High School in Newnan, Ga., has been named the Coweta County (Ga.) School System director of instructional services. A native of New Orleans with 33 years in education, she came to the Coweta system in 1998 and has been principal at Northgate since 2003. ’83 Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America, was named to Essence magazine’s Women of the Year List. She was also recognized by the Alliance for Women in Media with a 2013 Gracie, which honors programming created by and about women.

Roberts will also receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in July, presented by ESPN. ‘84 Jeff Bush has been named executive director of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation. He will oversee the fundraising for the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H and youth development programs. He previously was associated with Tulane University.

‘92 David Lalejini, a physical scientist working at the Naval Research Laboratory in Stennis, Miss., has received the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his lead work in developing a Piracy Attack Risk Surface product, designed to assist commanders in placing assets for the most effectiveness. ’95 Thomas Cherry is now the Global Business Unit leader of Cook Medical, the world’s largest privately held medical device manufacturer.

He joined the company as a district sales manager in 1999 after having served 11 years in the Army National Guard (Army Nurse Corps) and as a combat flight medical specialist. ’95 Brent LeBlanc has joined the Peachtree Hotel Group in Atlanta as senior vice president, where his responsibilities will focus on new acquisitions, developments and third party management opportunities.

With nearly two decades of hospitality expe-

rience, he most recently was vice president of franchise development for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.

‘97 Kandy Collins has been appointed nurse director of the Lafayette Behavioral Health Unit, a division of Lafayette General Medical Center.

‘98 Shasta Looper, a fourthgrade teacher at A.J. Whittenberg Elementary School in Greenville, S.C., was named a recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. The award comes comes with a $25,000 stipend, and selection is based on demonstration of exceptional educational talent. She is a native of Baton Rouge. ’99, ’00 Kim Sanders, a CPA and partner with L.A. Champagne & Co. in Baton Rouge, was recently recognized by Baton Rouge Business Report as one of its 2012 Forty under 40. ’10, ’12 Wayne Crawford is currently at the University of Alabama where he is enrolled in a doctoral program in organizational behavior/human resources.

‘01 Paul Riggs Jr., a certified public accountant from Ponchatoula, took office as the 2012-13 president of the Northshore Chapter of the Society of Louisiana CPAs.

Oldest alumna is remembered Vivian Richardson, recognized last year as Southeastern’s oldest living graduate, died March 25 in her native Washington Parish. The 102-year-old former teacher graduated in 1936, only 11 years after Southeastern opened its doors. Ms. Richardson was honored at Homecoming last year as part of the celebration of the 85th anniversary of the Alumni Association.

The official Southeastern ring and pendant Order your’s today.

1-866-Balfour or balfourcollege.com

‘05 Chris Kinkaid, who has spent the past six years covering sports for the St. Tammany News, has joined the staff of the Bogalusa Daily News as sports editor. ’09, ‘11 R. Ann O’Connor, now on the faculty at Butler University and Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, Ind., has written a memoir of her life as an American working at a Saudi Arabian hospital after the Sept. 11, 2011 terrorist attacks. Being Madam Fatima details the time she spent as director of nursing at a private hospital.

‘10 Ryan Jones of Prairieville donated two books of poetry he authored to the Sims Memorial Library. Love Letter, published in 2009, and 2012's Red Ink feature his own photography accompanied by a style of poetry he describes as spiritual, positive and abstract.

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Rec Sports – Join now!

Now is the best time for alumni to sign up at Southeastern’s state-of-the-art fitness center featuring exciting new renovations and equipment to whip you into shape!

Visit the Pennington Student Activity Center or call the Membership Desk at 985-549-5734.

PHILANTHROPY Retired professors Ralph and Nancy Shaw establish scholarship to support non-traditional students It would be difficult to find someone closer to Southeastern than Ralph Shaw.

As a child, he grew up on North Pine Street, about six blocks from campus, in the house where he was born.

Later, he attended Southeastern as an undergraduate and graduate student, and then began a 40-year career teaching chemistry.

“I had no regrets in my career choice — great job satisfaction in teaching,” said Shaw, looking back on his many years on campus.

“I enjoyed it so much that I taught a night class for another five years after I retired in 2003.”

Now an emeritus faculty member, Shaw and his wife, Nancy, met at Southeastern. Now they want to give back to the university.

As a scholarship recipient himself, Ralph Shaw wants to help other students pay for college. He has a particular interest in assisting nontraditional students.

“I initiated undergraduate, off-campus night classes, which were populated heavily with non-traditional students,” he said. “When I taught evening freshman chemistry, many of my students were working on getting into the highly competitive nursing program.

I found them to be goal-oriented, mature and motivated, but I also became aware of the challenges they faced to obtain a college degree.” Those challenges included paying for school, working parttime or full-time, and often raising families while students.

The Ralph and Nancy Shaw Endowed Scholarship is designated for a non-traditional student, preferably a single parent, who is a full-time undergraduate with at least junior standing and a minimum 2.5 grade point average. Recipients will be selected by the University Scholarship Committee.

Ralph Shaw started teaching at Southeastern in 1963 with a master’s degree and earned his doctorate in 1972 at the University of Southern Mississippi. Nancy Shaw earned her master’s degree at Southern Mississippi, taught high school home economics in Ponchatoula and later became a faculty member at Southeastern in Family and Consumer Science.

“Southeastern has been good to us,” Shaw said. “I’m glad to be in the position where I can give back. I hope this scholarship will do some good and help some students finish their degrees.”

To learn how you can give back to Southeastern, call 985-5492239 or email advancement@southeastern.edu.

Gift from Tangipahoa Parish CVB supports cultural development through Columbia Theatre The Columbia Theatre is a jewel in the crown of both downtown Hammond and Southeastern, bringing the highest level of arts and cultural programming to Tangipahoa Parish. Recently, the Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau donated $100,000 to the theater to help it continue to bring quality dance, music and theatre to the parish and the region.

“Our goal and primary function is to bring in more tourists to visit and spend time in our great parish,” said Carla Tate, head of marketing for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are incredibly proud of the Columbia. It is an important asset that can bring more tourists to experience the great things that the theatre itself can offer, but also give visitors the opportunity to spend time in Hammond and the greater Tangipahoa area. We hope that this investment enables the Columbia to continue to be a strong presence in the parish for culture and arts.”

The funds will be used to engage top-notch acts to help draw attendance from the broader region of the corridor from Baton Rouge to Slidell. They will also provide the ability to market those performances more aggressively in regional media outlets.

“We are very appreciative of this investment in the Columbia,” said Roy Blackwood, professor of Visual Arts and interim director of the Columbia Theatre. “It will aid us in so many ways. The Columbia

COLUMBIA DONATION – Officials with Southeastern, the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts Advisory Board, and the Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau gathered for a check presentation at the theatre. Pictured are, from left: Terry Brown Sr., Nita Vedros, Kathy Dale Forrest, CVB Director Betty Stewart, Tony Ardillo, CVB Chairman Buddy Pugh, Southeastern President John L. Crain, Columbia Interim Director C. Roy Blackwood, Columbia Board members Marjorie Morrison, Gina Anton, Patty Hubert, Eric Summers, Bonnie Barriloux and Mary Jo Greaves.

is a regional treasure that can continue to serve as an artistic and performance centerpiece for Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish and the entire Northshore.”

One of Southeastern’s greatest strengths is its community partnerships. “With committed partners like the CVB, Southeastern can build strong institutional ties to the community,” said Wendy Lauderdale, vice president of University Advancement. “One of the tenets of our mission is to lead the economic and cultural development of the region. This gift helps us continue to be a strong participant and leader in this endeavor.”

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University Advancement receives award for student philanthropy

GREETING ROBIN – When Southeastern alumna and Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts touched down at the New Orleans airport for the 2013 Super Bowl, Southeastern athletes and other student representatives were on hand to welcome her “home.” Over the past year, the student-led initiative Swabbin’ 4 Robin registered nearly 500 new donors for the national bone marrow database maintained by the Be the Match Foundation.

Swabbin’ 4 Robin surpasses goals, helps bring national attention to bone marrow diseases When Southeastern kicked off Swabbin’ 4 Robin back in October, the university wanted to rally the university family around alumna Robin Roberts as she underwent a bone marrow transplant from her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts. Students, faculty and staff joined together to create a campaign to educate the campus about bone marrow diseases and register new donors to the national bone marrow donor registry through the nonprofit organization Be the Match.

“We wanted to do something tangible to show our support and love for Robin and her family,” said Wendy Lauderdale, vice president of University Advancement. “We also wanted to identify a cause where help was needed and rally our campus around providing that help and making a difference.”

Now, several months later, the success of Swabbin’ 4 Robin has been greater and more far-reaching than anyone could have anticipated. In February, an ABC television crew came to campus to shoot video and do interviews at a Swabbin’ event at the Student Union. The footage aired on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) and 20/20 as part of the celebration of Robin Roberts’ recovery and her return to her role as host of GMA. “The Southeastern family has closely followed Robin’s ordeal and her recovery,” said President John Crain. “I am so proud of our campus community for the teamwork and dedication that has resulted in such success for Swabbin’ 4 Robin, and I’m thrilled that our campus has played a role in bringing greater attention to the need for bone marrow donors nationwide.”

Through Swabbin’ 4 Robin, Southeastern has: • Registered nearly 500 new donors to the national database, most of them students and many of them African-American, where there is an acute need for donors; • Held numerous Swabbin’ events on campus to provide information on bone marrow diseases and register new donors; • Empowered student leaders and organizations to spearhead the effort, and encouraged campus-wide involvement and commitment among students, faculty, staff, alumni, athletic team fans and the general community; • Provided $1,500 in donations to Be the Match to help defray the cost of genetic testing of donor saliva samples; • Received local, regional and national media coverage, helping to bring more awareness to bone marrow diseases.

Southeastern’s Office of University Advancement received a Gold award in the 2013 Accolades competition, from District IV of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the national professional organization for advancement and fundraising professionals.

The award, presented at CASE District IV’s annual conference in Fort Worth, Tex., recognized Southeastern for three student philanthropy programs: Lion Legacy, Philanthropy Week and Swabbin’ 4 Robin.

The programs were started during the spring and fall semesters of 2012 as Southeastern’s first-ever comprehensive set of initiatives designed to promote a spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism among the undergraduate student body.

“We wanted to create greater understanding among students of the role of donations in sustaining the high quality of the Southeastern student experience,” said Jacki Bellairs, Southeastern’s director of Annual Giving. “We also wanted to instill in them a sense of giving back and volunteerism in service to others. Together, Lion Legacy, Philanthropy Week and Swabbin’ 4 Robin created a powerful combination to realize these goals.”

Part of the criteria for the award was the project’s level of success in encouraging campus-wide involvement. University Advancement staff members worked closely with Southeastern offices across campus and received assistance from students, faculty and staff to plan and run Lion Legacy, Philanthropy Week and Swabbin’ 4 Robin.

“The success of these initiatives was truly a team effort,” said Bellairs.

THANKS, DONORS – Students busily write thank-you letters to donors for their contributions to Southeastern during Philanthropy Week sponsored by the University Advancement Office. The event was recognized at the CASE district conference in Fort Worth earlier this year with a Gold Award.

ATHLETICS Lions capture Southland tennis championship

Photo courtesy of the Southland Conference

The Southeastern Golf team captured its fourth Southland Conference title since 1998 and earned its seventh berth in the NCAA Regionals. Pictured from left are head coach Tim Baldwin, Lawrence Allan, Baptiste Courtachon, Rhys West, Eamon Bradley, Grady Brame and Nicholas Inderthal.

Golf team wins SLC Championship Paced by the league’s top coach and top freshman performer, the Southeastern golf team claimed the Southland Conference Championship and placed a league-best five members on the All-Southland Conference team.

In winning the title, Southeastern earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals.

The All-SLC team was led by first-team players Rhys West and Eamon Bradley, with second-team member Grady Brame, third-team honoree Nicholas Inderthal and honorable mention selection Baptiste Courtachon. Bradley was named the Southland Conference Freshman of the Year, while head coach Tim Baldwin was named Coach of the Year.

West, a native of Johannesburg, South Africa, and the team’s only senior, became the fourth player in school history to claim medalist honors, while Bradley, of Glasgow, Scotland, was the third Lion to earn Freshman of the Year honors.

In his 25th year as head coach, Baldwin was named the league’s Coach of the Year for the fourth time. Under his guidance, the Lions won three of their final five tournaments of the season.

The Southeastern women’s tennis team pulled off a historic turnaround on the way to the 2013 Southland Conference regular season championship.

The Lions finished the season with a 22-3 overall record, tying the school record for wins in a season. The record was particularly impressive coming off last season’s 1-10 finish in league play that saw Southeastern tied for last in the Southland Conference standings.

Engineering the turnaround was head coach Jason Hayes, who was named the Southland Conference Coach of the Year for the fourth time Hayes in his career.

Three Lions also earned All-Southland Conference honors. After finishing the regular season with an undefeated record, freshman Renee Villarreal earned first team All-Southland honors and was named the conference champion at No. 3 singles.

Lion junior Valya Rusakova, a transfer from Michigan State, became the first player in school history to be named Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year, while also receiving second team All-Southland accolades and being named the conference champion at No. 4 singles. The team’s lone senior, Isabel Brito, was crowned the conference champion at No. 6 singles.

Alford selected in NFL draft; Stanley, Walker sign as free agents Southeastern cornerback Robert Alford became the first Lion player to be selected in the NFL draft in a generation when he was picked in the second round by the Atlanta Falcons.

The 60th pick overall and first player picked from the Division I Football Championship Subdivision, Alford became Southeastern’s first draft selection since the school resumed football in 2003. The selection of the Hammond native marked the first time a Southeastern player was picked in the NFL draft since 1984.

Alford rose up the NFL draft charts after a stellar 2012 season. He was selected as the College Sports Journal FCS National Defensive Player of the Year, a Buck Buchanan Award finalist and Associated Press and Sports Network All-America.

Former standouts Nathan Stanley and Devan Walker each signed free agent deals as the draft concluded. Stanley signed with the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. The 6-foot-5 quarterback threw for 1,952 yards while throwing for nine touch-

SHINING IN THE SENIOR BOWL – Robert Alford’s stock in the NFL draft rose after his performance in the Senior Bowl in Mobile.

downs in 2012. Walker, a Baton Rouge native, signed with the San Diego Chargers. After playing his first three seasons at defensive end, Walker was moved to linebacker in 2012 and was named to the All-Southland Conference team.

Basketball places four on All-SLC teams

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Southeastern men’s and women’s basketball placed four student-athletes on the 2012-13 All-Southland Conference Teams.

The Lions were represented by senior guard Brandon Fortenberry and senior forward Roosevelt Johnson. Senior forward Brandi Simmons and junior forward Aja Gibson represented the Lady Lions.

Fortenberry, from Picayune, Miss., was named to the first-team after he led Southeastern in scoring during the regular-season with 14.7 points per game. He is the first Southeastern player to earn first-team All-SLC honors since 2007-08. Johnson, a Norco native, was a third-team selection after averaging 10.6 points per game while ranking third in the Southland Conference with 8.3 rebounds per contest.

Simmons, a third team selection from Jackson, Miss., finished second on the team with 10.7 points per game, while also leading the team in rebounds. Gibson, a third team choice from Somerville, Tenn., led the team in scoring for the second year.

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Football 2013 AUGUST 29 SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

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SEPTEMBER 7 at TCU 14 at South Dakota State 21 at Samford 28 OPEN DATE 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

r Get you

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Green

Gold !

Southeastern merchandise makes great graduation gifts.

Items available at Ruby in downtown Hammond include: (1) Southeastern mini canvas art

by Jax Frey, $32 each or $30 each for 3 or more. Items available from the Bookstore include: (2) Southeastern t-shirts, assorted colors, $7.95; (3) Southeastern “onesie”, $20; and (4) Southeastern Hurley tank, $26 and Hurley swim shorts $60.

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.

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

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

Mudbugs galore Students gathered outdoors in April on a beautiful spring afternoon for Southeastern’s annual Fais Do Do, where they enjoyed on boiled crawfish, corn and potatoes. The event is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, Auxiliary Services and Residential Life.