Alumni News Spring 2014

Alumni

NEWS

SPRING 2014

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

INSIDE: Lion couple keeps cheering

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Chapter News

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Election ballot

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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. ’95 Interim Vice President, Administration & Finance Dr. Marvin L. Yates Vice President, Student Affairs Wendy Johns Lauderdale ’93 Vice President, University Advancement Alumni Association Kathy Locascio Pittman ’71 Director Stacey Neal ’91 President Daryl Ferrara ’92 President-elect Sally Carlisle ’02 Secretary Stephen Anderson ’87 Treasurer Board Members Melissa Bordelon ’89 Jeremy Adamson ’96 Jennifer Haik ’93 Betsy Hood ’04 Dan Brewer ’69 Jan Labbe ’75, ’91 Josh Taylor ’05, ’06 Chuck Toney ’06 Ricky Masaracchia ’84 Pete Panepinto ’93 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 newly constructed portion of Southeastern’s War Memorial Student Union is pictured in late evening.

The new section contains enhanced dining selections, as well as a Grand Ballroom and other meeting facilities.

Renovations have started on the older section of the Student Union with completion anticipated in early 2015.

A message from President John L. Crain As we draw near the end of the academic year and prepare to witness the graduation of another 1,200 students, Southeastern continues its tradition of excellence and commitment to academics and community.

The past semester saw several notable achievements by our university, its students and faculty, including: • Opening of the first phase of the new Student Union, providing new dining and meeting facilities for our institution. The $32 million renovation and construction program — financed by student fees and vendor rentals — has been met with great enthusiasm by our students.

• Ranking among the top 50 colleges by BestColleges.com for student financial aid packages.

• Development of an accelerated three-year baccalaureate program in Information Technology to meet workforce needs of area tech companies.

• Recognition of the College of Education and its faculty by Child Advocacy Services for training more than 1,000 teacher education candidates in the prevention and detection of child sexual abuse. Southeastern is the only institution in the state and one of only a few in the nation sponsoring this acclaimed program for all its teacher education candidates.

• Leadership by biologist Roldan Valverde as president of the International Sea Turtle Society and in presiding over the International Sea Turtle Symposium held in New Orleans.

• Announcement of a $350,000 grant to the College of Nursing and Health Sciences from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to train health coaches in a cooperative venture with North Oaks Medical Center.

• First place finish of our computer science student team, the Void Avengers, in the Deloitte Programming Competition, beating teams from institutions such as LSU, Tulane, the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Alabama-Birmingham, among others.

• Awards to the Southeastern Channel and KSLU-FM radio as the Best College Stations in the South at the Southeast Journalism Conference. In addition, the Channel’s Erica Ferrando was named the first-ever Student Broadcaster of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters.

• Selection of computer science student Chase Dupre to fill one of only five national spots in the Information Technology Leadership Program sponsored by GE Capital.

With the positive spirit and energy exhibited by our students, faculty and staff, Southeastern continues to enjoy very great success.

A message from your Alumni president We are fortunate at Southeastern to have so many alumni and volunteers who have a love for Southeastern and keep the Alumni Association’s events up and running smoothly. It is important to recognize the efforts of these men and women, because the success of our events depends on them.

At Rock n’ Roar, the largest recruitment event at Southeastern, the organizaStacey Neal, ’91 tional skills, time and talents of those who volunteered made the event a major success. With over 3,000 in attendance, we were able to promote Southeastern by putting the university’s best foot forward for future students.

Another of our many events is one of the campus’ biggest fundraisers, Champagne Bingo. This event raised approximately $33,000 this year, and the funds will be well-utilized for the benefit of Southeastern student-athletes.

From a somber time together at Golden Silence to more lighthearted chapter events, Southeastern truly enjoys great commitment from its alumni and volunteers.

It has been my pleasure to have served as President of the Alumni Association and to work closely with these volunteers first hand. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to give back to the university that has given me so much. I invite you to join us for Homecoming this fall and be a part of the many other events that make Southeastern a great place for us all.

Southeastern opens Phase I of new Student Union Southeastern has opened the first phase of its $32 million studentfunded initiative to expand and renovate the existing War Memorial Student Union.

The new addition to the Student Union opened Feb. 17 and features new dining facilities and meeting space. Paid for by a studentassessed fee and vendor rentals, the renovation and expansion project is being completed in three phases with an expected final completion date in early 2015.

“While our students have positively embraced the new Student Union and all its amenities, we want our area residents to also know what we can offer,” said Robin Parker, director of marketing and strategic initiatives for the Office of Auxiliary Services. “The new union is beautifully designed and offers considerable space for conferences, seminars, receptions, banquets and other events.”

Located on the third floor, the Grand Ballroom features a pre-function space with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a great view of Southeastern’s beautiful campus. Parker said the space features terrazzo flooring, full audio, visual and custom lighting capabilities and can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, depending upon the setup.

Setup options include banquet, lecture or classroom arrangements.

In addition to the large amount of space available, the renovations also include many modern amenities, such as elegant lighting in meeting rooms, automated projectors and 25-foot drop-down screens in both the Grand and Large Ballrooms, and moveable projectors and screens in Ballrooms I, II and III. A programmable sound system includes wireless microphones that can be zoned by area or room configuration. An ADA-compliant sound system is available with assisted listening equipment, as well as configurable and moveable stages with handicapped accessibility.

Additionally, covered entrances for guest convenience are available, as well as digital display monitors to customize welcome messages for events.

“The Southeastern staff is available to assist with customized layouts of meeting/banquet facilities, setup and removal of tables, chairs, linens, staging and other equipment, based upon individual instruction,” Parker added. “Special event security is provided by University Police; a catering staff is in attendance for all catered events; plant rental and delivery are available; and personal assistance by an event coordinator is also offered.”

Phase two is now underway in the current union mall area and will house the University Bookstore, additional conference rooms and offices. Phase three will include the renovation of the existing union annex to make room for a new Center for Student Excellence, University Counseling Center and University Health Center.

For event consultation or a tour of the space, contact Event and Conference Services Director Cally Berner at 985-549-2094.

Above: Students relax in the food court of the new Student Union that opened this semester with such amenities as wide-screen televisions, dining booths and other meeting areas; the new Student Union features a Grand Ballroom on its third floor that can be arranged in a variety of settings, including banquet style, classroom or theater styles.

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Dick and Libby Covington:

Pair demonstrates lifelong volunteerism to alma mater

Dick and Libby Covington, both graduates of Southeastern in the 1970s, have found themselves on a tract that continuously takes them back to their alma mater.

Dick is a a former president of the Alumni Association and remains active with the organization’s Former Football Players Association (SFPA), while Libby currently serves as president of the Female Enthusiasts for Southeastern Athletics (FeLions), helping to line up support for the athletic program. Both give their time and resources to the Aumni Association on a regular basis, especially during sporting events.

The couple has been involved in Southeastern athletics since their undergraduate years on campus, when Dick played defensive back on Southeastern’s football team. After graduating, Dick coached baseball in intervals for 25 years at Amite High School, taught physical education, then served as assistant principal and finally principal for two years. Through his membership with the Southeastern Former Football Players organization, he has been able to stay involved in Southeastern football.

The couple met at a little league game in Kentwood, according to Dick, up the highway from where Libby grew up in Amite.

Both described their hometowns as places where “everybody knew everybody.” Dick had a childhood of riding bikes, going to local swimming holes, and visiting Main Street, which was always packed with people.

Dick went to Southeastern on a football scholarship, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education by 1976. Libby also pursued education and gained both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Libby recalled the first years of their marriage, when she and the other football wives in the old Southeastern student apartments where the Covingtons lived would gather and listen to the broadcast games on the radio when their husbands had to play off campus. Since being married during their time at Southeastern, the Covingtons have been together for 45 years.

Libby has spent most of her career teaching special education students.

“I just love working with the children,” she said.

Truly, she had started to live out her passion in high school, when she taught children at Sunday school at First United Methodist Church. She is still active as chairperson of the church council.

After 34 and 36 years in the Tangipahoa school system, Dick and Libby are both retired now and keep busy with 80 head of cattle on their farm near Amite. They describe their relationships with friends as the major reason why they keep coming back to Southeastern.

“I get to interact with people who have the same love for Southeastern that I do,” said Libby.

“The memories are brought back,” said Dick. “There’s a definite reward in seeing your old teammates and friends.”

Dick has reunited with many former teammates by getting involved in the SFPA. The organization played a key role in helping to return football to Southeastern after the program was stopped from 1986 to 2002.

“We felt like we lost a generation of students and fans, but we’re on our way back,” he said.

According to Dick, those in the SFPA couldn’t really describe the feeling they had when the Lions won the Southland Conference Championship last year.

“It was like we were on the field with them,” he said.

When Dick and Libby look back at their days at Southeastern, their praises for the university run high. They especially have high regard for the academic programs, the faculty and the coaches.

Dick said when he was on the team, he felt he had some of the best coaches one could have in college.

“They prepared us in the classroom to be able to go out into the real world and work with the children,” said Libby. “Their methods taught us.”

In addition to their involvement with Southeastern and its Alumni Association, Dick and Libby are active members of their community and keep busy with five grandchildren.

– Jennifer Clesi, student author

Dick and Libby Covington met while both were students at Southeastern.

Here they pose with a group of Tucker Hall residents in 1969.

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PRESIDENT DARYL FERRARA (’92) — Daryl graduated with a BA in marketing and is an active member of the Tangi Alumni Association Chapter. He has served this past year as president-elect of the Alumni Association. A lifelong resident of Hammond and a member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Daryl has served on many non-profit boards and is a former chairman of the board for the Hammond Chamber of Commerce and former president of the board for Options, Inc.

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PRESIDENT-ELECT JOSIE CRAPANZANO MERCANTE (’69, ’74) — Josie received two degrees from Southeastern: a BA in business education and a master’s in administration and supervision. Before retirement, Josie was employed with Southeastern for 25 years, working in Admissions and Recruitment, Advising, International Student Admissions, Talent Search and Upward Bound and as an instructor in the College of Business.

Since retiring, she has volunteered her services to the Alumni Association and has been an active member of the FeLions Chapter. She and her husband Francis, also a Southeastern grad, have two sons.

Alumni elections for officers, board are scheduled This issue of Alumni News contains profile information on nominated officers and members of the Board of Directors for the Southeastern Alumni Association.

STEVE PARRILL (’89) — Steve received his BA degree from Southeastern in 1989 and his master’s in education in 1996. He currently serves as supervisor of middle schools for the Livingston Parish School System. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the Livingston School System. Steve previously served on the Alumni Board and on the Executive Committee as secretary. His Southeastern ties run deep — his parents Bill and Sue Parrill were teachers in the English Department, his wife Gretchen is a graduate. They have three daughters, two graduates of Southeastern and another currently enrolled at the university.

Voting is accepted from all duespaying members of the Association.

All completed ballots should be in hand at the Alumni Association (500 W. University Ave., Hammond, LA 70401) no later than June 3, 2014.

Please find a business reply ballot enclosed.

TREASURER TERRY BROWN (’99) — Terry graduated from Southeastern with a BA in general business. He is an assistant vice president and loan officer for Liberty Bank. Terry has served on the board of directors of the Southeastern Alumni Association and is a charter member of the Association’s African American Alumni Chapter. He has served on the boards of the Optimist Club, Hammond Chamber of Commerce, Hammond Team City, Leadership Tangipahoa and Tender Care Learning Academy. He is a board member for the Tangipahoa Convention and Visitors Bureau. Terry serves as an ordained deacon at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. He is married to Denise, and they are parents of five children and two grandchildren.

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RANDY VICKNAIR (’04, ’07) — Randy earned his BS degree in finance in 2004 and his MBA in 2007.

He also holds a Master of Banking degree from the Graduate School of Banking. He is currently an assistant vice president and the Credit Office/Credit Department manager at First Guaranty Bank, where he has been employed for nine years, overseeing a department of 10 employees. Randy is a member of the Southeastern College of Business Advisory Board, an active member of the Southeastern Alumni Association, treasurer of the Kappa Alpha Order Alumni Chapter and a member of the Louisiana Banker’s Association.

His wife Jamie is also a graduate of Southeastern with bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

TERI BLACKWELL LEBLANC (’79) — A native of Kentwood and resident of Baton Rouge, Teri earned a degree in elementary education and taught in Baton Rouge to 2005. She is active in many projects, including serving as vice-president of the Big Buddy Program and working with the St. Elizabeth Foundation. She and her husband Conway have two children. Her father Arlen Blackwell was a standout athlete and is a member of the Southeastern Hall of Fame, where she represents him each year. She is a member of the Red Stick Alumni chapter.

JUSTIN POCHE (’07) — Justin graduated with a BA degree. He is a native of Metairie, where he currently resides and works in the building industry with his family business. While at Southeastern, he was involved in a number of activities. He is a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and currently serves as president of the Delta Tau Delta House Corporation, as well as alumni chapter president. During his undergraduate years, Justin served on many student committees, was a 2004 Orientation Leader and volunteered in the Hammond area for Habitat for Humanity projects. This month, he married Southeastern alumna Nicole Couper ’12.

ALUMNI BOARD CANDIDATES BRIAN BABIN (‘09) — Brian earned his bachelor’s degree from Southeastern in general studies. He lives in St. Amant and played football for four years for the Lions, where he was an outstanding quarterback. Recently, he was named to the Southland Conference Team of the Decade. Brian is employed as a Territory Manager for Lard Oil Company in Denham Springs. He is an active member of the Southeastern Former Football Players Association and a great chef at one of their tailgates each year.

ROBERT SHOWERS (’86) — Robert received a BA degree in social work from Southeastern. He works as a program manager with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Office for Citizens with Development Disabilities. He currently serves on the Louisiana State Board of Social Worker Examiners. He is very active with the Southeastern Alumni Association through the African American Alumni Chapter. He is also president of the Dr. Lavanner Brown Showers Scholarship Fund.

He currently resides in Independence with his wife Debra and two children, Colby and Kaylan.

BETH CARNEY EBBERMAN (’77) — Beth received her BA in history. She is an active member of the Southeastern Alumni Association and currently serves as its New Orleans Chapter president. She is also very active in the recently formed Alpha Sigma Tau Alumni chapter. While at Southeastern, she served as vice-president of Student Government and was a member of the Lionettes. Beth has been employed by Blue Cross for over 30 years and is currently an account executive in the Marketing Department. She serves on many volunteer committees in New Orleans, where she resides with her husband Robert and their children.

MICHAEL SISTRUNK (’04) — Michael graduated with a degree in business management. As an undergraduate, he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, the Inter-Fraternity Council, Order of Omega and the American Marketing Association.

He has been active in the New Orleans Area Alumni Chapter. He is an avid Lions fan and has helped with several offsite alumni events. Currently residing in Kenner, he works at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

KAREN MACK HOYT (’91, ’07) — Karen received both her BA in kinesiology and later earned her master’s in education degree. A member of Kappa Delta Phi education honor society, she taught and coached at Albany High School until 2012.

While at Albany, she coached basketball teams to two state championships, one runner-up spot and was an assistant on another state championship team. She won numerous coaching honors and held many top committee positions during her tenure. She was honored in 2013 with induction into the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame. She and her husband Gene have two children and four grandchildren.

KIM SOAPE WALKER (’96, ’99) — Kim earned her elementary education degree from Southeastern, then returned to get a master’s in education. She taught in the public schools in Livingston Parish for several years where she decorated her classroom in Southeastern style. She is now marketing director and “Queen of Connections” for 5 Stones Media, a business she and her husband Brian co-founded. She is active in the Leadership Council of the United Way in Tangipahoa and is an active Lion fan. Her son is a student at the Southeastern Lab School.

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Alumni chapters give back More than 30 chapters of the Southeastern Alumni Association join with a common goal of supporting the university, including its athletic programs. These groups help to supplement the funds needed to maintain a strong athletic program.

As an example, the success of last year’s football team — one which won the Southland Conference for the first time and engaged in post-season playoffs — inspired enthusiasm in the university and the region, just as winning teams generally do. But many alumni have been loyal fans, even in lean years, and continue to show support.

A little history is important for perspective. The Southeastern Former Football Players Association (SFPA) began building support for football and became a chapter of the Alumni Association with the return of football to Southeastern in 2003.

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With more than 200 members, the mission of the organization is to reunite teammates from previous seasons, while creating new memories and providing support for the football program.

The group organizes tailgates for each home game and sponsors special projects to help the team, providing occasional meals and a “farewell feed the seniors” lunch.

Each Homecoming they host their annual reunion, which features the “Lion Walk."

For many years, SFPA joined with the Red Stick Alumni chapter and raised over $70,000 through the Coaches Memorial Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the event honored special individuals and endowed scholarships for student football players.

“That’s the bond that can never be broken from the fellowship that one has had over the years going through all of the

blood, sweat and tears that athletes have to go through,” said Mack Faul, the current SFPA president.

In addition to serving as ambassadors for Lion football, the SFPA supports other Lion athletic programs, including the Lady Lion volleyball and soccer teams.

All members of previous football teams are encouraged to join the SFPA and contribute to the legacy of Lion football.

Membership dues arre used to fund the chapter’s expenses and support the team.

The organization recently donated $4,000 to Head Coach Ron Roberts and the football program during half time of the 2014 Spring Game.

But former athletes are not alone in their contributions and support for Lion Athletics.

Female Enthusiasts for Lion Athletics — generally known as the FeLions — was established in 2003 as an official chapter of the Alumni Association. Members of the organization collaborate to provide financial support and spread awareness of Lion athletic programs.

Each year, the group sponsors the highly popular and successful Champagne Bingo, which brings together FeLions members and the area community for an event that includes food, music, champagne and friendly competition. This year’s event sold out and raised more than $30,000 to benefit athletics. Over the past 10 years, FeLion members have raised over $300,000 for athletics.

“Ken [Magee], my husband, and I have always supported Southeastern,” said Champagne Bingo Chair Bettye Magee, a former president of the FeLions. “I don’t think a lot of our area women realize how much fun it is to be involved.”

The FeLions also present the Sandy Goodwin Award to the most spirited athlete, support the Athletic Academic Banquet, provide student scholarships, and host Salute the Lions, where they feed all athletic teams.

Membership is open to alumni and friends who support Lion athletics. Dues are collected annually In addition to Champagne Bingo, participants have the opportunity to attend luncheons prior to each home football game and participate in fundraising and social activities in support of the Lions.

For more information on how to become involved in these groups, contact Assistant Director/Chapter Development Julie Perise at 985-549-2150.

– Jasmine Tate, student author

Opposite: Robert Alford, former star defensive back for the Lions and second round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons, served as celebrity waiter at the FeLions’ most recent Champagne Bingo.

Above: Ladies don their most flamboyant hats for the FeLions’ annual Champagne Bingo.

Middle: Members of the former football players association participate in the Lion Walk, following players into the stadium at Homecoming. Bottom: The SFPA Alumni Chapter presents a check for $4,000 to Coach Ron Roberts, second from left. Pictured are, from left, Joey Bossom, Roberts, President Mack Faul, Billy Aguillard, Scott Allen.

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[5] Chapter News [ 1 ] Graduates of Southeastern’s supply chain management program have formed the Association’s newest alumni chapter. Initial members include graduates who currently work at Amedisys, the nation’s largest home health care provider headquartered in Baton Rouge. From left are Julie Perise, assistant Alumni Director, Jerry Naretta, Crystal Simon, Carrie McPhail, Brandon Thompson, Michael Mayes, David Forrest, and Bobby Cope, head of the Marketing and Supply Chain Management Department.

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[ 2 ] The FeLions hosted another successful Champagne Bingo where they raised more $30,000 for Southeastsern’s athletics program. Congratulations, ladies! [ 3 ] Rock ‘n Roar welcomed top high school students from all over southeast Louisiana to the campus for the regional literary rally and a day of fun activities and academic demonstrations. This is a great annual recruitment event for Southeastern. [ 4 ] Golden Silence was held recently in Friendship Circle, where deceased members were memorialized. Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Tammy Bourg reads names at the solemn event. [ 5 ] Golden Grads met in December to celebrate 50 years since their last walk to receive their Southeastern diplomas. They received their honorary 50-year diplomas and led the more than 1,200 graduates at the December commencement.

[3]

Seniors celebrated their December graduation with a gumbo dinner. The Alumni Association and chapter leaders welcomed them and talked about chapter involvement.

The University Alumni Chapter for Southeastern faculty and staff is going strong. Employees are welcome at quarterly luncheons.

The Tangi Chapter hosted a Day at the Races at the New Orleans Fairgrounds.

The North Tangi Chapter participated in the Amite Oyster Festival’s annual Chili Cookoff.

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Anniversaries Yellow Jackets/Kappa Rho celebrate 85 years Southeastern’s oldest social club and a chapter of the Alumni Association, the Yellow Jacket Club/Kappa Rho Sorority, celebrated its 85th anniversary April 10 at its annual luncheon at the Alumni Center.

Yellow Jackets and Kappa Rhos enjoyed reminiscences, including those of the oldest member, 96-year-old Margaret McCarroll Jones (’34), which were shared in a letter from her daughter. The alumnae also honored their oldest attending members, Helen Hooks Rownd (’41), and Carolyn White Ibert (’44).

The Yellow Jackets were founded in 1929 by students Stella Kinney and Doris Robertson “to promote school spirit, congeniality, and academic excellence.” In 1939, the club adopted the Greek name, Kappa Rho Sorority, in honor of the founding pair.

The club was active on campus until the 60s and, as a permanent legacy, endowed the Stella M. Kinney-Yellow Jacket-Kappa Rho Sorority Scholarship. The current recipient, marketing major Taylor Petit, was recognized at the luncheon. The Alumni Association presented the group with a brick, which will remain permanently in Friendship Circle to commemorate this special anniversary.

At the Yellow Jackets/Kappa Rho 85th celebration lunchen held recently were, from left, Bonnie Barrilleaux, Shirley Wiginton, Sally Stephenson. The organzation was founded in 1929 to promote school spirit, congeniality, and academic excellence.

Delta Tau Delta celebrates 45th Anniversary

Photo by Amber DeJean Photography

The Epsilon Phi Chapter of Delta Tau Delta celebrated its 45th anniversary with a weekend of activities in April. Shown at the formal banquet are, from left, Charles “Tiger” Edwards, Chapter Advisor Gene Preagent and Anthony Ranatza.

The Southeastern chapter of Delta Tau Delta celebrated its 45th anniversary over the weekend of April 25-26 that included the Tom Sharp Golf Tournament at Money Hill and a formal banquet in Southeastern’s new Grand Ballroom.

The chapter started as an interest group, Alpha Tau Delta, in 1967 through the efforts of Thomas Sharp. Five men were initiated into the group, including Tom’s brother, Mike Sharp, Bobby Pollock, Jack Gautier, Steve Sledge and Lee Davis Simpson. On April 12, 1969, the Epsilon Phi Chapter of Delta Tau Delta was founded at Southeastern.

Forty-five years later, the chapter has initiated more than 700 brothers. Over that time, the chapter has been a recipient of the Hugh Shields award 14 times and has become known for its community service, including work for Chefs Evening, Habitat for Humanity, and fundraisers for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Alumni provide critical support to the undergraduate chapter, including sponsorship of the Tom Sharp Memorial Scholarship with nearly $80,000 in its endowment. The tournament is the passion of its founder Randy Tricou, who served as the chapter’s first advisor for 20 years. Undergraduate members receive stipends through this fund in recognition of excellence in academics and leadership.

Sigma Tau Gamma chapter to celebrate 75th anniversary Phi Chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity was installed at Southeastern on May 27, 1939, when the former local society, Sigma Lambda Chi, was absorbed into the national organization.

From 1939 until 1961, Sigma Tau Gamma was the only national fraternity on Southeastern’s campus. Members will celebrate their 75th Anniversary on campus with a Founders’ Dinner on June 7 and a family picnic the following day.

The chapter has a strong tradition of giving back to Southeastern and the community. While the former Hammond State School Project and Special Olympics were special projects of the undergraduate chapter, the alumni have contributed to Southeastern by serving on the boards of the Alumni Association, Lions Athletics Association, and the Southeastern Foundation. Last year, the organization sponsored a fundraiser for the men’s basketball team; provided endowed scholarships; and served as charter members of Golden Pride, a volunteer service organization to assist the Lion Athletic Department.

The local alumni have received national recognition as the fraternity's most distinguished alumni chapter 11 times over the past 30 years. Sigma Tau Gamma is dedicated to serving Southeastern and to epitomizing their motto, ’Sig Tau for Life.”

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Keeping In Touth ’73, ’77 JOAN PACE KENNEDY of Angie, La., is serving as principal of Enon Elementary School in Washington Parish this year, after having retired with 35 years’ experience as a teacher and librarian. ’76 CYNTHIA T. VARNADO of Ocean Springs, Miss., has published a teen novel Bird Face, which was released in February by SharksFinn Books. She uses the pen name Cynthia T. Toney. ’80 DAVID CURRIER has been appointed head football coach at Bowling Green School in Franklinton, La. He previously worked at Kentwood High School, where he spent 30 years, 26 as head coach of the highly successful football program. ’84 ANN CARRUTH of Hammond, dean of the Southeastern College of Nursing and Health Sciences, has been elected to a second term on the North Oaks Health System Board of Commissioners.

She also was named to the Louisiana Nurses Association Hall of Fame.

‘86 DANNY HEITMAN, a columnist for the Baton Rouge Advocate, had his essay “The Quiet Greatness of Eudora Welty” published in the March/April 2014 issue of Humanities — The Magazine of the National Endowment for the Humanities. ’88 TYLER SMITH, along with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, received the 2014 award for Best Classical Music Performance from the New Orleans Tribute to the Classical Arts — Big Easy Awards.

Smith sang Britten’s “Ballard of Heroes” in the LPO’s Britten Centennial Celebration last November.

‘89 EMILE R. BREAUX has been selected to serve as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Baton Rouge-based Associated Grocers. He will assume the role of president and CEO when the current officer retires in the next few years.

‘90 RAE MORIARTY has moved her professional photography studio — Hartwood Photography — to downtown Fredericksburg, Va. A portrait artist, she is one of only 1,700 certified professional photographers by the Professional Photographers Association. ’90, ’04, ‘12 SCHELLIA ROBERTSON of Hammond High Magnet School received one of 20 highly coveted full teacher scholarships to the Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing. ’96 NANCY TILTON HAND of Auburn, Ala., is an attorney, author and trainer of neuro-linguistic programming. She has written the book Beyond Rainmaking: Accelerated Learning Techniques for Law School,

the Bar Exam, and Beyond. The result of more than 29 years of research, the book contains secrets to successfully managing large amounts of information, such as preparation for finals or a bar exam. ’97, ’02 JENNIFER McELVEEN, a teacher and head of the Department of Math at Pine Junior High School, was named a Teacher of the Year in Washington Parish. She is in her 17th year of teaching. ’02 JOHN VINSON of Madisonville has been appointed director of sales for Latex International’s Central U.S. Division. Latex International is the world’s largest manufacturer of latex mattresses and pillows. He previously was southwest regional territory manager at Flexible Foam Products.

Study abroad trip leads to lifelong passion As an undergraduate, Wendy Talley Bendeck recalls walking across Normandy Beach in France while taking a study-abroad course.

“It became clear to me then that history was my true passion.

I came home and changed my major,” she said.

The 2001 graduate from Folsom pursued her dream, earning master’s and doctoral degrees in history from Florida State University, where she now serves on the faculty of the International Affairs Program and as director of undergraduate studies.

The experience at Normandy focused her on World War II, which she researched for her master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation. That led to her recently published book, “A” Force: the Origins of British Deception During the Second World War.” The book centers on the intelligence and deception activities the British carried out during the war. In her reseach she recognized the role of an organization called “A” Force, which had mastered the art of deception in the deserts of Africa. “A” Force developed the deception blueprint used by England to cover the D-Day landings.

She counts among her mentors former history Professor Judith Fai-Podlipnik, who was instrumental in her decision to pursue graduate degrees. She also credits Professor Andrew Tarver for having a profound impact on her and Samuel Hyde, who she says sparked her love for another area of history, modern China.

Bendeck credits Southeastern with giving her the direction she needed out of high school. “Like many undergraduates, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do when I began my studies at Southeastern,” she said. “I am deeply appreciative of the education and experiences I had at Southeastern.”

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Former Presidents J. Larry Crain, Clea Parker remembered The Southeastern community mourns the death of two of its former presidents, Drs. J. Larry Crain and Clea Parker, who died in Crain Parker recent weeks.

Crain, who served as president at Southeastern from 1980 to 1986, died in Baton Rouge on Feb. 8. He was known as a man of integrity, who was committed to the principles of learning, higher education and historic preservation.

Parker was the first Southeastern graduate to serve as president of his alma mater and died April 15 in Hammond.

He served as president for over 12 years from 1968 to 1980, a period when the university’s enrollment grew by more than 40 percent.

Current President John L. Crain (no relation) recalled the contributions of both men to the university and to higher education in general.

“Dr. J. Larry Crain will be remembered for his efforts to enhance the academic stature of the university during the ‘oil bust’ years that severely affected the funding of higher education. In spite of these budgetary challenges, he led Southeastern at a pivotal time in its history and played a key role in transforming the institution from a small, sleepy college into one of the state’s major regional universities.”

“Dr. Parker was a consummate gentleman,” he said. “He frequently attended university events, and I never saw him that he

didn’t inquire about how things were going at the university and offer his assistance. His lifelong commitment to education serves as an inspiration for us all.”

A native of Washington Parish and former biological sciences professor, Crain became system president for the Board of Trustees for State Colleges and Universities after leaving Southeastern. In 1993, the Louisiana Board of Regents appointed him the state’s higher education commissioner. Later he would be asked by Gov. Edwin Edwards to serve as deputy secretary and then secretary of the state Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

He was an avid collector with an interest in history, particularly the Civil War and Southern architecture, culture and genealogy.

Parker presided over some of the more prosperous years in Southeastern history and oversaw the opening of several new facilities on campus, including the Humanities Building (now D Vickers Hall), the Teacher Education Center, the Health and Physical Education Building (Kinesiology Building), the Athletic Building, and the University Center. It was also during his tenure that Southeastern Louisiana College became a university.

One of Parker’s main goals was to improve the faculty, as he worked to increase the number of faculty holding doctorates. He also increased student involvement in the university, becoming the first president to appoint students to a number of university committees.

In 1977, he was recognized by the Southeastern Alumni Association as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year.

‘10 JENNIFER ALLEMAN has been appointed administrative assistant at Lake Shore High School in Mandeville.

She continues to teach biology in the dual enrollment program at Lake Shore.

’10 DAVANA WILKINS will receive her Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture this May from Syracuse University.

semi-annual event presents the best young musical artists in classical, Jazz, musical theater and opera.

’11 MARIA JUSTINIANO was recently employed as a graphic designer for ES Robbins Corp. in Florence, Ala.

‘13 SANDY HANNA has recently been appointed band director at Plaquemines High School.

‘10 DAVID DENHAM III of St. Amant, a social studies teacher in Ascension Parish, has recently published a short story titled Red Denver. The work is a prequel to his upcoming novel The Hegemon Wars. Denham is currently pursuing a master’s degree in history at Southeastern.

’11 JAREN MITCHELL recently appeared in episodes of the FX original series American Horror Story: Coven and HBO’s True Detective.

’13 KELLY TODD has been accepted for graduate study at Texas Tech University, where she is pursuing a master’s in music education.

‘12 DURAND JONES of St. Amant performed with the Kenari Quartet in February as part of the Conservatory Project at the Kennedy Center in Washington. The

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‘13 WHITNEY VICKERS was accepted for graduate study at Samford University in Birmingham, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in church music.

Athletics SLU names two new basketball coaches Southeastern quickly filled open positions for its head coaches in men’s and women’s basketball following the end of the season.

At press conferences held on campus in early April, Athletic Director Jay Artigues announced Jay Ladner as the new Men’s Basketball Coach, replacing Jim Yarbrough who served in the position for nine years. In addition, two-time WNBA champion and successful junior college head coach Yolanda Moore was named head coach of the Lady Lions basketball team.

Ladner comes to Southeastern fresh off a junior college national championship. He spent the past two seasons as head coach at Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Miss. The Bobcats were 17–8 in his first season, finishing second in the MACJC’s South Division. This past season Jones County became the first Mississippi junior college to win a national championship.

“This is another exciting day in the history of Southeastern athletics,” Artigues said. “Jay brings an enthusiasm and knowledge of this game that can take us to the next level. I’m excited to have him become the newest member of the Lion nation.”

Ladner spent the 2011–12 season as head coach at his alma mater, Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Miss. Prior to taking the reins there, he spent most of his career at at St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis.

Three times he was named South Mississippi Coach of the Year by the Biloxi Sun-Herald. He holds a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine/ biology and a master's in educational administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Moore is the fifth head coach in the history of the Lady Lions program and replaces Lori Davis Jones, who resigned following the 2013–14 season after 12 years as head coach. Moore spent the 2013–14 season as the head coach at LSU Eunice, taking over a program that had won 17 games combined in the previous two seasons.

She led the Lady Bengals to a 26–3 overall record and the program’s

Ladner

Moore

first-ever Miss-Lou Conference championship.

LSU Eunice was ranked as high as No. 22 in the NJCAA Division I national rankings, thanks in large part to the commitment to defense by the 2013–14 NJCAA Region 23 Coach of the Year. The Lady Bengals finished the season ranked sixth nationally in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 39.9 points per game.

“We believe we have everything in place to be the premier women’s basketball program in the Southland Conference,” Artigues said.

“We were looking for someone dedicated to taking our program to the next level, and we’re confident Yolanda Moore is the person who can help up consistently compete for conference championships.”

A 2010 inductee into the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame, Moore played in the inaugural seasons of the WNBA as a member of the champion Houston Comets.

Following her playing career, she served as a women’s college basketball analyst for Fox Sports South and as a postgame radio analyst for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzles in 2007.

Baseball takes on childhood cancer Following the Southeastern baseball victory over Incarnate Word April 13, Lion players, coaches and athletic staff removed their caps and shaved their heads in front of the home crowd ... all in support the Vs. Cancer Foundation. During the season, the team has been raising money to support the orgainzation, which is dedicated to aiding families in their fight against pediatric cancer. Four stylists from Jeanne Maureen’s Salon and Spa shaved the heads of early every member of the team. Even the game’s

guest of honor, Samantha Smith, got a chance to “lower the ears” of junior infielder Kevin Carr. Samantha was diagnosed with leukemia in 2009 and has been in remission for nearly five years. As a guest of honor, she threw the ceremonial first pitch of the game. “This shows that we’re united in a cause, not just united on the field,” said pitching coach Daniel Latham. “We’ve got some great young men who want to help those in the community as well as play baseball.”

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Lagniappe Association signs Affinity Client plan with Liberty Mutual

Join Southeastern alumni and friends for

PEARLS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN The Southeastern Alumni Association, in cooperation with Go Next and their preferredd cruise partner, Oceania Cruises, is offering a seven-night luxury cruise in the Mediterranean Nov. 7-14, 2014. Cruising on Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Riveria, you’ll visit a number of renowned sites, including stops in Monte Carlo, Portofino, Rome, and the Florence/Pisa/Tuscany area. Rounding out the itinerary are stops in Marseille, France’s oldest city; Port-Vendres, France; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Barcelona.

Oceania Cruises guarantees its free airfare program, no matter how much airfares may increase. Eliminate the hassle of searching for the lowest fare or determining the best flight options by booking your cruise with Go Next.

By joining with your Southeastern friends, you’ll benefit from special reduced fares.

Don’t wait, though; space is booking up for this exciting cruise.

SPACE IS LIMITED. BOOK NOW! For more info: 800-842-9023, 952-918-8950 or GONEXT.com

The official Southeastern ring and pendant Order yours today.

1-866-Balfour or balfourcollege.com

Members of the Southeastern Alumni Association can now receive exclusive savings on auto and home insurance under a new affinity client agreement with Liberty Mutual Insurance.

Plus with Liberty Mutual, members get service and support when and where it is needed, as well as the latest tips and tools to help keep you and your family safe. Among the ways you could save hundreds of dollars on quality, comprehensive auto and home insurance are: • Eligibility to receive exclusive group savings on already competitive rates; • Even more savings on home insurance when both your car and home are insured with Liberty Mutual; • Additional discounts based on driving experience, car and home safety features, and more.

Service, Support Whether you have an accident, need to file a claim, or have routine business, Liberty Mutual offers flexible, convenient service and support: • 24/7 claims assistance, fast appraisals, and after-hours policy services; • Convenient support by phone, online, or one-on-one with a local sales representative; • Choice of payment options, including payroll deduction, electronic withdrawal or direct billing.

In addition to auto and home insurance, Liberty Mutual offers life, motorcycle, condo, renters and personal liability insurances.

Sales representatives can explain your options in clear terms and recommend coverage that best suits your needs.

To learn more about this program or to get a free, no-obligation quote, call 800524-9400 or visit LibertyMutual.com/ slualumni.

Pennington Center: discounted massages Pennington Student Activity Center member Alumni and Friends of Alumni can enjoy 15 percent off the purchase of their first booked one-hour massage during June. To schedule your masssage, call Health and Fitness at 985-545-5728.

ALUMNI CENTER NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENTALS Call 985-549-2150 for information.

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

School of Nursing to celebrate 50 years Join us as we celebrate our Golden Anniversary with a look back at history, recognition of distinguished alumni, and other events associated with our illustrious legacy.

Friday, October 10, 2014 • 5:30 pm Southeastern’s Grand Ballroom For more information, call 985-549-2156