susysmag_Spring_Summer_20009

Southern University System Magazine Office of the President Southern University System Southern Branch Post Office Baton Rouge, LA 70813

S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 009

NON-PROFIT Organization U.S. Postage

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Baton Rouge, LA Permit No. 222

COVER STORY:

IN THIS ISSUE:

New System Leadership…3

SUSLA enrollment growth…13

SUBR honors jazz legend…20

Ag Center Livestock Show Results …42

SUNO $32 million rebuilding support…46

SULC Expansion Ribbon Cutting…50

Alumni Class Notes

Making people

Smile

is good!

The Southern University System is the

only historically black land grant university system in the United States. Southern University is a multi-campus, state university system committed to excellence in teaching, research, and public service.

Southern University System

www.sus.edu

SU, Baton Rouge

www.subr.edu

SU Law Center

www.sulc.edu

SU, Shreveport

www.susla.edu SU, New Orleans

www.suno.edu

Agricultural Research & Extension Center

www.suagcenter.com

To learn more about the Southern University System and how you can become a part our smiling family, log onto www.sus.edu.

Southern University System

The

An 1890 land grant System

Mitchell L. Albert III, announced the opening of his practice in Decatur, Georgia.

Albert’s full service law firm will handle civil and criminal matters.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Gary L. Armstead II was recently selected for inclusion on the 2009 Colorado Rising Stars list, featuring outstanding young lawyers in the state. Armstead’s listing appeared in the Colorado Super Lawyers magazine under Civil Defense Litigation.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Monica Azare, is senior vice president of corporate communications for Verizon Communications. Azare was formerly vice president for state public policy and government affairs for Verizon’s New York and Connecticut offices.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, senior vice president and chief tax officer at Wal-Mart Stores, Incorporated, was recently named one of 100 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America by Black Enterprise.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jazz drumming legend Michael Carvin was recently honored at the African-American Jazz Preservation Society of Pittsburgh (AAJPSP) Black Music Month celebration. A Houston native and Southern University alumnus, Carvin recorded an album “Antiquity” recorded with Jackie McLean for Inner City in the early ‘70s.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Derek Cluse was recently appointed business manager for the Hudson City School District in Hudson, Ohio. Cluse served three years as business manager for Ashland City Schools and seven years as chief financial officer of The Institute of Charter School Management and Resources.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Dinna LeDuff Cottrell, a native of Baton Rouge, and a resident of Covington, has been named the new chief information officer for NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center.

Cottrell has served as deputy chief information officer for the past three years.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Candice Marie Dixon’s was given the 2009 Mike Shinn Distinguished Member of the Year Golden Torch Award in March at the National Society of Black Engineers’ annual National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ronald E. Gardner was recently elected chairman of the board of the Downtown Development District of New Orleans and was elected to serve as chairman of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation which won the bid to have the NFL Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans in 2013.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ronald Gathe Jr. has become the first African American to be promoted to Section Chief in the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Kimberly D. Gilbert, M.D., has joined OrthoGeorgia in Macon, Georgia. She earned her undergraduate degree from Southern University, a master’s degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine. She completed her internship and residency at Emory University School of Medicine.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Tim Hardy, is a partner and chairman of the New Orleans headquartered law firm of Lemle & Kelleher, L.L.P. His area of concentration is environmental law.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • State Rep. Avon Honey, D-Baton Rouge, was named “Representative of the Year” by the Louisiana Orthopedic Association.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Former Southern University star Brian Johnson finished second in the long jump at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championship in late June.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Thurston “T.J.” Jones, served as the general chairman for the 15th Annual Jimmy Walker Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament sponsored by the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Todd Manuel, ‘98, a partner with Taylor Porter, has been elected to the Leadership Alumni Board of Directors after finishing the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Leadership Program.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Marcel McGee was recently appointed as the new director for the Office of Annual Fund, Loyola University, New Orleans.

P. Craig Morrow, of Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, & Bassett in Opelousas, has become a member of the national organization, Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Fewer than 1 percent of all attorneys in the United States are eligible for membership.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Shayla Price was appointed by Governor Bobby Jindal to the Louisiana Serve Commission. Price was also featured as one of EBONY magazine’s 2009 Top Young Leaders (April 2009 issue).

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Barrett Rey was named as the new as head baseball coach at Alcorn State University.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Fredrick Sanders, a 19-year veteran with Shreveport Fire Department, was appointed

by Fire Chief Brian Crawford as new assistant to the fire chief in April.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Allen Smith joined Warrior Group as senior project manager for the firm’s commercial division in Fort Worth.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Dennis Spurling and family, loaned a collection to the Southern University Museum of Art (SUMA) as part of the photo exhibit, “The Awful Truth: The Ugly Legacy of Lynching in America.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mark Thomas was appointed executive director for Mental Health America of Louisiana.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • LaShanda Webb announced the grand opening of her private law practice, LaShanda Webb & Associates, a general practice law firm that specializes in criminal defense, immigration law and entertainment law.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Brandi Worley published her first book, part of a novella series titled, “Crumb Snatchers, Part I.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Spring/Summer 2009

61

President’s Message

Greetings, As our great institution has begun the transition of leadership to move this historic university to global excellence in a “Supremely Southern” way, I am honored and humbled for this opportunity to serve as interim president of the Southern University and A&M College System. Although we have many challenges, this time of transition will provide us great opportunities to build on the incredible history of Southern University in a way that shapes and defines far greater successes for our students now and into the future.

We look forward to continue bringing you exciting news and achievements from the Southern University System through the SU System Magazine.

Notable accomplishments of our alumni help us to maintain the fine reputation we enjoy as the nation’s lone Historically Black College and

For more than 129 years, Southern University has served as an educational launching pad for citizens worldwide. Many who passed through our doors have distinguished themselves in the military, law enforcement, education, law, engineering, healthcare and medicine, public service, professional sports, and politics. Notable accomplishments of our alumni help us to maintain the fine reputation we enjoy as the nation’s lone Historically Black College and University (HBCU) system.

In this issue of the SU System Magazine, we take a look at Southern University’s legacy of advancing medical professions by graduating students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), disciplines. Our list of SU graduates who complete studies at medical schools around the country is impressive and still growing.

In the cover story, you will meet just a few of the many bright “minds of medicine” who are making strides in promising and rewarding careers in all areas of the medical profession.

We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your support to the present and future of Southern University.

Yours for Southern, Kassie Freeman, Ph.D.

University (HBCU) system.

Spring/Summer 2009 1

Table of Contents President’s Message… ………………… 1

9

System News… ………………………… 3 System Briefs… ………………………… 10 SUSLA…………………………………… 13 SUBR… ………………………………… 19 Cover Story……………………………… 32

36

Ag Center … …………………………… 38 SUNO…………………………………… 46

Lea P. Montgomery vice chair Murphy F. Bell Jr. Patrick W. Bell Richard J. Caiton Jr. Walter C. Dumas Warren A. Forstall Randall Gaines Walter Guidry Raushanah S. Hunter Patrick O. Jefferson Myron K. Lawson Patrick D. Magee Darren Mire Murphy Nash Jr. Achilles Williams

Athletics… ……………………………… 55 Alumni Spotlight… …………………… 59

Publisher Kassie Freeman, Ph.D.

Alumni News…………………………… 60

Editor Henry J. Tillman

SU is among the top 100 degree producers of African-American baccalaureate degrees in biological and biomedical sciences, engineering, mathematics and statistics, and physical sciences (Diverse, 2007). This is significant at a time when much focus is on minority students being less prepared for the STEM disciplines.

On the cover 32

SU System Board of Supervisors 2009 Tony M. Clayton chair

SU System Chancellors Ray Belton, SUSLA Kofi Lomotey, SUBR Freddie Pitcher Jr., SULC Victor Ukpolo, SUNO Leodrey Williams, Ag Center

Law Center……………………………… 50

50

SU System Interim President Kassie Freeman, Ph.D.

For decades, Southern University has been fostering AfricanAmerican success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. An impressive trend of this notable accomplishment has been a steady flow of SU grads into medical schools around the country. Pictured on the cover are SU alums (left – right) Rani Whitfield, M.D., Vincent Shaw, M.D., and Kimberly Davis Bessix, D.D.S.

Mission Statement The Southern University System Magazine is published two times a year by the Southern University System to highlight the institutions of the System. The Southern University System Magazine is disseminated to faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and supporters. All articles for submission should be sent in care of Southern University System Magazine, Office of the President, Southern University System, Southern Branch Post Office, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70813, or by facsimile at 225.771.5522 or email to susystemmagazine@sus.edu. Please include name, address, and telephone number in all correspondence.

The Southern University System, located in Louisiana, is the nation’s only historically black university system with campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, and a Law Center and Agricultural Research and Extension Center. The campuses are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

For more information about the Southern University System, please call 225.771.4680 or visit our website at www.sus.edu.

2 Southern University System Magazine

Features writer/assistant editor Maya R. Banks Contributing Writers Rachel Emanuel Eddie Francis Dawn S. Jenkins Kevin Manns Carol D. McCree LaKesha D. Mosley Candace Semien Frances Spencer William Strother Bridget Udoh With assistance from SUBR Media Relations SUBR Office of Publications and Electronic Media SUBR Sports Information SUSLA Office of Communications SUSLA Graphic Services Photography Gus Bennett Jr. N. John Oubre III (staff) Christopher J. Rogers Barbara Austin Pre-press and Printing Moran Printing, Inc. ISSN no: 1545-1801

System News

Kassie Freeman who served as System vice president for academic and student affairs since 2007 was appointed interim president of the SU System in June. Prior to coming to SU, Freeman served as the first dean for academic advancement at Bowdoin College where she served as a member of the president’s senior cabinet and was responsible for assisting the college with developing programs to ensure that all students reach their academic potential.

SU System names interim president The Southern University Board of Supervisors appointed SU System Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Kassie Freeman interim president at its June meeting. She replaces Ralph Slaughter whose contract ended on June 30.

“We want it known that this Board supports Dr. Freeman’s interim appointment whole-heartedly,” said Board Chairman Tony Clayton.

Freeman served as an SU System vice president since 2007. Prior to that Freeman served as the first dean for academic advancement at Bowdoin College where she served as a member of the president’s senior cabinet and was responsible for assisting the college with developing programs to ensure that all students reach their academic potential.

She holds an English degree from Tuskegee University, a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Tennessee, and a doctorate in educational studies from Emory University. She also has studied comparative education at the University of Oslo, Norway and comparative politics at the University of Vienna, Austria. Considered a leader and scholar in the field of comparative and international education, she received the Pro Renovanda Cultura Hundariae

Foundation award from the Hungarian government which afforded her the opportunity to serve as a visiting professor and scholar at the Budapest University of Economic Sciences (now Corvinus University).

Freeman has served as dean of the Division of Educational and Psychological Studies and professor of education at Dillard University. Under her leadership, the teacher education program received national accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and was the only program in the state to receive four consecutive years of exemplary ratings from the Louisiana Department of Education. During the five years of her leadership, external funding to the Division increased from approximately $100,000 to over $6 million dollars, and student enrollment doubled. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve on the Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities from 1994-2000.

“One of the things that drew me to Southern University was the caliber of its graduates and I look forward to working with them and our many stakeholders to continue to build on the work of Dr. Slaughter and all previous presidents,” said Freeman.

Freeman will serve until a new president is named. Clayton charged a search committee to find a permanent president for the SU System.

The 10-member search committee, co-chaired by Baton Rouge attorney Murphy Bell and SU National Alumni Federation President Domoine Rutledge, consists of board members, community representatives and a student representative. The members are Matthew Butler, vice president, Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure; Walter Dumas, member SU Board of Supervisors and senior attorney, Dumas and Associates Law Firm; Adam Knapp, CEO–Baton Rouge Area Chamber; Raymond Lockett, chair, Department of History, SUBR; Gloria Moultrie, vice chancellor for community and alumni affairs, SUNO; Theron Jackson, special assistant to the chancellor for institutional advancement and university relations, SUSLA; student member, Raushanah Hunter, SU student board member; and Donald Wade, retiree and former National President of the Southern University Alumni Federation.

Spring/Summer 2009 3

SU students, families celebrate ‘08 and ‘09 commencements SU Board chair delivers fall 2008 commencement address Southern University, Baton Rouge held its fall commencement exercises last December in the Felton G. Clark Activity Center where 519 undergraduate and graduate students received degree diplomas.

Then newly elected chair of the Southern University Board of Supervisors Attorney Antonio ‘Tony’ Clayton delivered the keynote address.

Clayton, an alumnus of the university and its law center, was one of the prosecutors in the Louisiana serial killer, Derrick Todd Lee trial.

SUBR degrees were presented by Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

Mwalimu J. Shujaa and conferred by Chancellor Kofi Lomotey.

Julian Herbert of Port Allen was the chief student marshal. Herbert graduated with a 3.8 grade point average and received a degree in business management.

Port Allen native Julian Herbert, chief student marshal of the Fall 2008 graduating class, poses with Southern University Chancellor Kofi Lomotey after receiving his degree. Herbert finished with a 3.8 grade point average and received a degree in business management.

SU graduates urged to ‘be the answer’ to society problem Nearly 600 Southern University, Baton Rouge graduates were told during the Spring 2009 commencement to see themselves “as the answer” whenever they see societal problems that need to be solved.

Speaking to the graduates and another 5,000 people in attendance, commencement speaker the Rev. Frederick Haynes III said to beware of racism and sexism which have “high-jacked the dreams” of many young people. “Hold fast to your dreams,” said the senior pastor of the 12,000-member Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas.

The author and radio talk show host told the students that they are graduating at troubled time in the country’s history and that it is generally during bad times that people rise up to “give birth to a brand new generation” that will bring change.

The spring 2009 graduating class of 583 students was lead by chief student marshal Almarie Soto-Ortiz. The secondary education mathematics’ major from Hope Hill, N.C., had a 3.94 g.p.a.

Soto-Ortiz, who strongly professes her Puerto Rican heritage, was also captain of Southern’s women’s soccer team.

The Rev. Frederick Haynes, III stresses to Southern University students that they should not settle for success but strive for greatness during his commencement address May 15 at the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

4 Southern University System Magazine

“I am so excited about what I have been able to achieve at Southern University,” she said. “This is a great moment for me and my family. I will always remember my time here.”

In a solemn moment during the ceremony, SU Baton Rouge Chancellor Kofi Lomotey awarded a bachelor of science

Chancellor Kofi Lomotey congratulates Almarie Soto-Ortiz, the chief student marshal for the Spring 2009 graduating class. Soto-Ortiz made a 3.94 g.p.a. while earning a bachelor of science degree in secondary education.

degree in business management posthumously to the family of the late Delonda Jean Batiste, who would have graduated this spring.

Haynes is founder and CEO of FDH Ministries, Inc., and chairman of the board of FW Empowerment, a community development corporation of the church.

Sorority national president address SUNO graduates Southern University, New Orleans awarded 391 master’s, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees during spring commencement exercises on May 9 at the New Orleans Lakefront Arena.

Top graduates were Angela Saragusa Bernard, Aaron Michael DeGruy, Carmen JoAnn Maldonado, who each earned summa cum laude honors.

DeGruy was SUNO Student Government Association President, 20082009.

The commencement address was delivered by Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, the 24th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, who also is an administrator with Jefferson Parish Public Schools.

Butler-McIntyre has served as the national leader of Delta Sigma Theta since August of 2008. As an educator, the New Orleans native has served the Jefferson Parish school system on various levels. Butler-McIntyre has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Her professional ex-

Angela S. Bernard

Aaron M. DeGruy

Carmen J. Maldonado

perience also includes serving as executive director of Tech-Prep Summer Program at Delgado Community College as well as the assistant coordinator of field experiences and College of Education supervisor for early childhood student teaching experiences for the University of New Orleans.

Commencement speaker Cynthia ButlerMcIntyre on stage during Spring 2009 Southern University, New Orleans commencement.

Butler-Mcintyre is the 24th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and also is an administrator with Jefferson Parish Public Schools.

SUMA HOSTS EXHIBITS--The Southern University Museum of Art hosted,“Voices of Freedom: A Declaration of Sentiments,” in February. The exhibit commemorated the historic legacy and accomplishments of the heroines and heroes of the women’s suffrage and anti-slavery movements. (above) Also, an exhibit, “The Price of Equality,” by photographer Chris McNair, that included 22 photographs from McNair’s career as a photographer and capturing the personalities and events of the Civil Rights Movement, was held in March. (below)

Spring/Summer 2009 5

Judge Reggie B. Walton told 2009 SULC graduates to continue in the educational process in order to give their clients the best representation possible, to observe professionalism and ethics in the legal profession, and to remember to support the institution “ from whence they came” during his 2009 commencement address.

Law Center graduates 120 Judge Reggie B. Walton of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia delivered the 2009 Commencement address for Southern University Law Center, May 16, in the F.G. Clark Activity Center on the Southern University Baton Rouge campus.

More than 120 graduates received the juris doctor degree this year. Houston lawyer Isaac Henderson was honored as a Golden Alumnus. He graduated from the law center 50 years ago.

Chancellor Pitcher is pictured with top students, from the day division, Shemetreal J. Harris of Brusly, and from the evening division, Regina E. Cyrus, Luling.

Walton, who assumed his position as a United States District Judge on October 29, 2001, is also serving a seven-year appointment as a judge of the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. He was appointed by President Bush in June of 2004 to serve as the chairperson of the National Prison Rape Reduction Commission, a two-year commission created by the United States Congress that is tasked with the mission of identifying methods to curb the incidents of prison rape.

Former Chief Justice William Rehnquist appointed him to the federal judiciary’s Criminal Law Committee in 2005.

Walton previously served as an associate judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, where he was the court’s presiding judge of the Family Division, presiding judge of the Domestic Violence Unit and deputy presiding judge of the Criminal Division.

Judge Walton served as President George H. W. Bush’s associate director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy and as President Bush’s senior White House advisor for crime.

Judge Walton is a former executive assistant United States Attorney and assistant U.S. Attorney in the Office of the United States Attorney in Washington, D.C. He was also the chief of the Career Criminal Unit in the United States Attorney’s Office and a former staff attorney in the Defender Association of Philadelphia.

6 Southern University System Magazine

Chancellor Pitcher congratulates SULC Golden alumnus Isaac B. Henderson of Houston, Texas. Henderson was recently recognized by the Louisiana State Bar Association for having practiced law for more than 50 years. He opened his law office in Houston, Texas, in March 1970, and continues to practice criminal and civil law in Louisiana and Texas. The SULC honored him earlier this spring by inducting him into the 2009 Alumni Hall of Fame. (See story, page 51).

Suhail Vally, from Zambia, was chief student marshal and led the procession of graduates during the summer commencement at Southern University, Baton Rouge on July 31.

Atlanta mayor encourages summer grads Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin was the keynote speaker for Southern University Baton Rouge’s summer commencement on July 31.

administration. He plans to attend the University of Leicester in England to work on his master’s degree.

Degrees were awarded to 215 students during ceremonies in the Felton G. Clark Activity Center.

Valley, a student-athlete who came to Southern on a golf scholarship, was joined by some members of his family who traveled to the U.S. from Zambia.

Franklin, the first female mayor of Atlanta, encouraged the graduates to “not forget the folks that brought us thus far.”

“It’s just unbelievable to come all the way from Africa and be the first from my family to graduate,” said Vally.

Franklin said she and the graduates did not plant the trees under which they now have shade.

“Other people planted the tree, so that I might have shade,” she said, encouraging the new graduates to plant trees for others.

The top graduate for the summer commencement was Suhail Vally, who received his bachelor’s degree in business

Two-term Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin was the keynote speaker for Southern University Baton Rouge’s Summer Commencement on July 31. Franklin displays a plaque presented to her from Southern University, Baton Rouge in appreciation of her service.

SUS WELCOMES NASH GROUP--The Office of the System Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs hosted a meeting of executives from the National Association of System Heads (NASH) and its executive consultant, Sir Michael Barber, who is global partner with McKinsey & Company, and was advisor to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The group was visiting with the Southern University and A & M College System and its member campuses to explore its successful implementation of NASH’s Access to Success Initiative. The Access to Success Initiative (“A2S”) is a national initiative funded by Education Trust to increase the access to education of persons who would otherwise find themselves locked out. Welcoming the group were SUBR Chancellor Kofi Lomotey, SUBR Provost Mwalimu J. Shujaa, System Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Kassie Freeman, Chancellor Ray L. Belton and Martin B. Fortner from SUSLA, David Sunday Adegboye, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs, SUNO, and Flandus McClinton, vice chancellor for finance and administration and Dana Carpenter, SUBR.

Spring/Summer 2009 7

System president named to Baton Rouge Area Chamber board Southern University System Interim President Kassie Freeman was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the Baton Rouge Area Chamber.

“We are happy to have Dr. Freeman join our board of directors representing Southern University,” said Adam Knapp, President and CEO of BRAC. “Dr. Freeman will have the opportunity to serve during some of the most active and important work of the year, our 2010 planning process.”

Institutional advancement of Southern University is listed as one of BRAC’s 2009 top priorities, stating to pursue opportunities to support the institutional advancement of Southern University as an economic driver.

“I am honored by being selected as a member of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Board of Directors,” said Freeman.

“It is clear that the goals and priorities of

BRAC are directly in-line with many of the goals and objectives of the Southern University System.”

Freeman initially joined the Southern University System July 2007 as the first female System vice president for academic and student affairs and tenured professor of education. Before coming to Southern, Freeman was the first dean for academic advancement at Bowdoin College where she served as a member of the president’s senior cabinet with responsibility for assisting the College with developing programs to ensure that all students achieve their academic potential. Freeman was elected interim president of the Southern University System on June 26, 2009.

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) is a non-profit, investor-driven organization with more than 1,500 member businesses, civic organizations, education institutions, and individuals. Its

mission is to lead economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge metropolitan area. BRAC fulfills its mission of leading economic development in the Baton Rouge area in several ways, one of them being to provide vision and seed funding for education initiatives.

SU part of matching gift program Southern University will benefit as one of the 19 universities and colleges across Louisiana who will receive $2.58 million through the ExxonMobil Foundation’s 2008 Educational Matching Gift Program.

Since its inception in 1962, the program has provided $398 million to higher education institutions in the United States. Through the matching program, donors may pledge up to $7,500 per year to colleges or universities with which they are affiliated, the American Indian College Foundation, the Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, and the United Negro College Fund. Donations are matched on a 3-to-1 basis.

“These donations are a remarkable testament to the value ExxonMobil employees place on higher education,” said Kenneth P. Cohen, vice president for public affairs and chairman, ExxonMobil Foundation. “We’re investing in the future, campus by campus, by providing these much needed dollars for colleges and universities to increase their level of excellence.”

ExxonMobil Foundation funds math and science programs to respond to the 8 Southern University System Magazine

nation’s growing need to produce more engineers and scientists and to develop more highly qualified math and science teachers. Although matching funds are unrestricted, the Foundation is encouraging college and university presidents to direct a portion of the matching funds to programs that provide math and science teachers with professional development, attract more young people to teach math and science, and support programs that encourage women and minorities to become scientists and engineers.

ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the ExxonMobil Corporation in the United States. The foundation and the corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels.

Southern University, Shreveport spring 2009 graduates listen to commencement address from Attorney Antonio “Tony” M. Clayton, chairman of the SU Board of Supervisors.

SUSLA holds spring commencement Two hundred seventy-nine graduates were awarded associate degrees and certifications during Southern University, Shreveport’s 42nd commencement ceremony at the Shreveport Convention Center in early May. Attorney Antonio “Tony” M. Clayton, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Southern University and A & M College System, delivered the 2009 commencement address.

The student marshal Carlissa Myles, who had a 3.581 grade point average, received an associate of science in chemistry.

SU Board welcomes new members Governor Bobby Jindal announced recent appointments to the Board of Supervisors of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College.

Joining 14 others on the SU Board are: Randal L. Gaines, of LaPlace, a veteran of the United States Army and the managing attorney for Randal Gaines Law Office.

He is a member of the River Region Chamber of Commerce and the Louisiana Bar Association. Gaines will serve as a representative of the 3rd Congressional District, as required by statute.

Darren G. Mire, of New Orleans, is the 1st Municipal District Assessor on the Orleans Parish Board of Assessors and is a member of the International Association of Assessing Officers.

He also is a member of the Dryades YMCA Board of Directors and Young Leadership Council. Mire will serve as a representative of the 2nd Congressional District, as required by statute.

Student Bar Association President Raushanah Hunter has been elected to serve as the 2009–2010 student representative on the Southern University and A & M College System Board of Supervisors. Hunter is the 45th person elected to serve as the Student Bar Association president and the 11th person elected to serve as the student board member on the SU Board of Supervisors.

The Baton Rouge native graduated from Scotlandville Magnet High School and received a bachelors of science in Student Bar Association President Raushanah Hunter was elected to serve as the 2009–2010 student representative on the Southern University and A & M College System Board of Supervisors.

SU attorney Winston Decuir swears in new members of the Southern University Board of Supervisors Randall L. Gaines (left) and Darren G. Mire. Mire and Gaines were appointed by Governor Bobby Jindal.

political science from Louisiana State University and a master’s of public administration from Southern University. After graduation in May of 2010, she plans to pursue a career as a corporate attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions. She also is a member of the Baton Rouge Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

The Board of Supervisors of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College serves to manage and supervise the Southern University System. The board is comprised of 17 members, subject to senate confirmation. The board includes two members from each congressional district, one at-large member, and one representative of the student body.

New SU plates available at the Office of Motor Vehicles One of the most visible promotional efforts for Southern University has a new look.

The newly designed Southern University Jaguar License Plates are now available through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

The new design that includes the school’s athletics logo and colors replaces the first SU plate introduced in 1992. The Jaguar License Plate is part of the colleges and universities specialty plate line sold through the Office of Motor Vehicles.

A portion of the fees from the sale of the plates go directly to support the respective universities’ general scholarship fund. More than 12,000 Jaguar plates have been sold to vehicle owners since the program began.

“The SU plate is one of the most successful plates in terms of sales among schools with specialty designed plates. It’s second behind LSU,” said Motor Vehicle Commissioner Kay Hodges. “We

have had lots of calls from customers wanting the new plates and we expect the new design to be very successful.”

Southern University alumni and friends from around the state can visit their parish Office of Motor Vehicles to purchase a plate.

“We are excited to introduce the redesigned Jaguar License Plate to our alumni and supporters. Not only do we get to spread ‘Jaguar Pride,’ but we are providing support to our students through much-needed scholarships for our students,” said SU System Interim President Kassie Freeman.

The new plate can be viewed on the Office of Motor Vehicles’ Web site at www.expresslane.org. Costs and fees for the plate vary and can be calculated on the Web site as well. For more information, contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, 225.925.6371 or 1.877.368.5463.

Spring/Summer 2009 9

Alliance for Digital Equality™ (ADE) and SU System partner PRNewswire-USNewswire—In the continuum of bridging the digital divide, The Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) and the Southern University System recently announced a major initiative to provide public computer accessibility,

through 30 community-based centers, to nearly 200,000 residents situated in the un-served and underserved communities surrounding Southern University campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport.

“Today’s declaration represents a significant leap forward in our advocacy of equal access of new technologies to

underserved and rural audiences across the nation,” said ADE Chairman Julius H. Hollis (Hollis is also chairman of Partners for Digital Equality, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization). “There’s great strength in partnerships and we could not have selected a better ally to help extend our reach into America’s most needed communities.”

“Southern University is pleased to venture into this new partnership with the Alliance for Digital Equality. As an 1890 land-grant institution, Southern University is historically known for providing research-based educational programs that seek to improve the quality of life for our students and stakeholders,” said Southern University System Interim President Kassie Freeman. “This partnership utilizing technology is certainly not an exception.”

broadband internet accessibility by making public computer centers on or around SUS campuses available to the underserved throughout the state of Louisiana.

This initiative is aimed at upholding The Southern University System and ADE’s mission of empowering, educating and connecting communities.

The Alliance for Digital Equality is a non-profit 501(c)4 consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved communities. The Alliance also serves as a bridge between policymakers and minority individuals in order to help the public understand how legislative and regulatory policies regarding new technologies can impact and empower their daily lives.

ADE will assist The Southern University System in facilitating free high-speed

System Briefs SU chairman in Leadership Louisiana class of 2009 The Council for a Better Louisiana announced the 2009 class of Leadership Louisiana.

Local members of the class are Wade Baumgartner, LSU Ag Center; Julie Baxter, Moore, Walters, Thompson; Dennis Blunt, Phelps Dunbar; Dr. Michael Burdine, Spine Diagnostic & Pain Treatment Center; Tony Clayton, Clayton & Frudge Tony Clayton Law Firm; Carole Dupre, Louisiana Economic Development; Dr. Stewart Gordon, LSU Health Sciences Center; Paul Kirk, Woman’s Hospital; Christian Molidor; LSU School of Social Work; Tracy Morganti, Adams and Reese; Cathy Scott, Cathy H. Scott CPA, Dr. Lynn Tucker, Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic; Christopher Tyson, Jones Walker; and Allison Young, BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana.

The program is designed to make business, education, nonprofit and cultural leaders more aware of the public issues and assets in Louisiana.

10 Southern University System Magazine

Entergy provides funds for finance/accounting scholarship The Southern University, Baton Rouge Department of Management and Marketing was awarded a $22,500 grant from Entergy of New Orleans to fund a scholarship for a student majoring in finance or accounting in its marketing department.

The scholarship will be used to provide tuition, fees, books, and supplies along with room and board for four years.

The Entergy award was a culmination of the efforts of the College of Business staff to provide scholarships for finance and accounting students.

The award will serve as an ongoing scholarship in the College’s management and marketing departments.

Kassie Freeman (far left), then SU System vice president for academic and student affairs presents Kamran Abdollahi (second from left), urban forestry researcher, the Global Excellence Award in Scholarship and Gina Eubanks (second from right), associate vice chancellor, SU Ag center, the Grantsmanship Award during the second annual SU System Faculty and Staff Recognition Reception in the SU Ag Center.

Also pictured is Kirkland Mellad (third from right), SU Ag Center vice chancellor, and Leodry Williams, SU Ag Center chancellor.

System hosts annual awards reception The Southern University System Office of the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs hosted the SU System Second Annual Faculty and Staff Jazz Reception honoring scholarship and grantsmanship in late April at the SU Ag Center.

The goal of the event was to aggressively enhance the System’s academic reputation by promoting academic scholarship, service, and grantsmanship of the faculty and staff. The two original classes of awards were created to be presented annually by the System president and the System Office of Academic and Student Affairs to honor scholarship and grantsmanship. This year, the System added a third award category to promote increase scholarly production among members of the faculty and staff who earned their terminal degrees less than six years prior to the solicitation of nomination.

This award also motivates faculty members without a terminal degree to attain one.

The award ceremony consisted of three categories.

The first category was the Southern University System Global Excellence Award in Scholarship, presented to a member of the faculty or staff of each campus for the publication or creation of a scholarly body of work in the previous academic year.

2009 GLOBAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS AND INAUGURAL EMERGING SCHOLAR AWARDS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A & M COLLEGE Dr. Revathi Hines - Global Excellence Award in Scholarship Dr. Joseph Meyinsse - Global Excellence Award in Grantsmanship Dr. Sung Chul No - Emerging Scholar Award SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS Dr. David S. Alijani - Global Excellence Award in Scholarship Dr. Lora Helvie-Mason - Emerging Scholar Award SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, SHREVEPORT Ms. Joyce B. Cottonham - Global Excellence Award in Scholarship Dr. John I. B. Alak - Global Excellence Award in Grantsmanship

The Southern University System Global Excellence Award in Grantsmanship was the second category, presented to a member of the faculty or staff of each campus for securing a single new or renewal grant of $250,000 or higher in the previous academic year.

Dr. Wanda Waller - Emerging Scholar Award

The third category was the Southern University System Emerging Scholar Award, presented to a member of the faculty or staff who earned his or her terminal degree less than six years prior to April 2009 and published or created a scholarly body of work within the previous academic years in a peer-reviewed academic publication.

Dr. Nadia E. Nedzel - Emerging Scholar Award

Harry Anderson and the Jazzy Jags provided entertainment.

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY LAW CENTER Dr. Okechukwu Oko - Global Excellence Award in Scholarship

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURE RESEARCH & EXTENSION CENTER Dr. Kamran Adbollahi - Global Excellence Award in Scholarship Dr. Kasundra Cyrus - Global Excellence Award in Grantsmanship

Spring/Summer 2009 11

Football stadium addition completed

After a preview tour during a closingin celebration hosted by the Southern University System Foundation in early January, work crews put the finishing touches on the new addition to A.W. Mumford Stadium in early September, just in time to open the new field house and north end-zone enclosure for the first football game of the season.

The project, with the Lemoine Company as contractor and M3A as architect,

was was part of a $60 million SU System Foundation bond project that included the upgrade and renovations to the stadium that includes a Hall of Champions, updated locker facilities (inset photo), players’ lounge, state-of-the-art video conferencing room, individual coaching offices, and media spaces. The new addition adds approximately 2,500 additional seats to the stadium.

SUPPORT FROM HALLIBURTON-- Halliburton, the U.S.-based global energy giant, donated $20,000 to Southern University’s College of Engineering during a presentation held recently on the Baton Rouge campus. The donation was made at a check presentation ceremony held during the College of Engineering’s observance of National Engineers Week. The money will be used to provide scholarships to engineering students. Pictured during the check presentation, are (from left) Richard Vaclavik, Halliburton’s Gulf of Mexico region vice president of Houston, Texas; Sustin Irvin, account representativeproduction enhancement, of Houston; Habib P. Mohamadian, dean of SU’s College of Engineering; Terry Mack, technical professional-completion tools, of Houma; and Willie Scott, account representativecementing, of New Orleans. Halliburton employees Irvin, Mack, and Scott are Southern graduates.

12 Southern University System Magazine

SUSLA News

SUSLA opens business center Southern University, Shreveport in late August opened its Business and Community Development Center at 646 Hilary Huckaby Avenue across the street from its Shreveport campus.

University officials, community leaders and supporters came together for the facility’s grand opening and ribboncutting ceremony.

“This was a long time coming,” SUSLA Chancellor Ray Belton said.

The $2 million facility has three tenants — Legacy Energy LLC, Speech Therapy Unlimited Heallelujah LLC, and J Hampton Enterprises LLC — and the capacity to accommodate up to eight.

The incubation program gives small businesses access to affordable lease space that includes Internet/phone service, office equipment and clerical and technical support. Other services include the Business Opportunity Grant program and entrepreneurship training classes.

“We’ve been working on this facility for the last five years,” said Darrin Dixon, the center’s program manager. “We hope this facility will be one that small businesses ... come to receive information and assistance.”

Funding for the facility came from several sources. The State of Louisi-

Holding the ceremonial scissors to cut the ribbon for the new Business and Community Development Center at Southern University, Shreveport are (left – right) Janice Sneed, vice chancellor, community and workforce Development/TITLE III, SUSLA; Kassie Freeman, SU System interim president; and Ray Belton, SUSLA Chancellor.

ana provided $795,000 and the city of Shreveport contributed $750,000. The center obtained $362,000 through the Southern University System Foundation

and System office, and it got a $237,000 grant for historically black colleges and universities from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

SUSLA enrollment peaks Southern University, Shreveport released its spring 2009 enrollment numbers, boasting a little more than a 200-student increase from the previous year--the highest enrollment it has ever had in its 40-year history.

William Strother, director of the Office of University Communications at SUSLA, said the increase is due to the economic downturn. People are returning to school to get or update job skills.

“We also have programs that have employment opportunities,” he said. “If you offer those types of programs, all that does is make us more attractive to students in northwest Louisiana.”

With the 8.1 percent increase in students, including incoming freshman class and continuing education students, SUSLA is going through growing pains.

Parking at the main campus and the downtown campus is difficult. There are more students in classrooms and, of course, more on campus.

Strother said the school is looking into what it can do to relieve some of the growing pain problems like parking. The school acquired a lot across the street from the downtown campus to help. Although it make take time, faculty and staff know what is at stake.

Spring/Summer 2009 13

SUSLA annual cooking classic stirs success Southern University, Shreveport’s Foundation hosted the 10th Annual Gentlemen’s Cooking Classic (GCC) June 27 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

Known for its fabulous cuisine and rich variety of personalities and chefs, the theme for this year’s GCC was, “So You Think You Can Cook?” Legendary local Chef Gerald Savoie, owner of Savoie’s Restaurant and Catering, was the honorary guest.

Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator and Roy Griggs, CEO-Griggs Enterprises, were also honored at the event as “Honorable Southern Gentlemen.” John Hubbard, manager of external affairs for AEP SWEPCO, and Markey W. Pierre, Southern Strategy Group, served as the chair and co-chair of the event. The GCC has become the largest gathering of celebrity

chefs in the Shreveport/ Bossier City area, attracting more than 1200 guests.

The fundraiser started 10 years ago at the Southern University, Shreveport gymnasium and grew so rapidly it is now in its fourth location.

The idea for the classic came from the late Mavice Wallette who suggested it for another agency benefit that was held only one year and picked up later by the foundation.

Proceeds from the event go to the support SUSLA foundation scholarships.

SU Chancellor Ray Belton pictured at his food booth during Southern University, Shreveport Foundation’s 10th Annual Gentlemen’s Cooking Classic (GCC) in June at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs.

SUSLA Jaguar’s embrace Tiger opportunity Southern University, Shreveport demonstrated its commitment to building partnerships with the regional university community by sending several students to the 41st Annual Grambling State University Career Fair and Black Executive Program (BEEP) sponsored by Urban League.

SUSLA’s Department of Career Services and Business sponsored several business majors to Grambling for a day of networking, career exploration, and fellowship with GSU students. More than 50 companies were present as SUSLA students explored the career fair and participated in a complimentary corporate luncheon. SUSLA students closed the day out with participation in the BEEP forum, which exposed them to AfricanAmerican professional who shared tips, tools, and the hard knocks of making in the corporate world.

SUSLA Business students accompanied by faculty and staff visited Grambling State University’s career fair and BEEP meeting.

“SUSLA students believed that they received a lifetime of advice and the start of newly formed relationships as they were embraced with support and hospitality from GSU students and the career services staff, said Tuesday Williams, director of SUSLA Office of Career Services.

Williams said the office is planning to build a stronger collaboration with LSUS, GSU, and Centenary College to expand on efforts to coordinate a Regional 14 Southern University System Magazine

Career Fair for the entire regional university community.

She believes the collaboration will increase the opportunity to get federal and larger corporations to invest in providing opportunities for all students and alumni in Northwest Louisiana.

“This type of event will provide SUSLA students exposure to the ideal of continuing a four-year degree at the partnering universities, thus improving retention rates right here at SUSLA, explained Williams.

(Left - right) - Chancellor Belton along with former Chairmen of the Southern University System Board of Supervisors Frank Williams Jr. and former board members S. Albert Gilliam and the Rev. Joe R. Gant, and president of Shreveport Chapter of the Southern Alumni Federation, E. Jean Ware, present guest speaker Leon R. Tarver (second from left) with appreciation plaque.

SUSLA celebrate system’s founding Sharing a common theme with the Baton Rouge campus, “Southern University: Celebrating 129 Years, Sharing Our Legacy … Shaping Our Future,” SUSLA celebrated Founders’s Day in March.

The keynote speaker was Leon R. Tarver II, who served as president for the Southern University System from January 1997 until June 2005. Tarver, a native of Shreveport, serves as the executive administrator of the Center for Cultural

Heritage and International Programs on the Baton Rouge campus.

Southern University celebrates Founders’ Day each year to honor and pay homage to its forefathers and people who have played a significant role in the legacy of the institution. The program enables SUSLA to salute those leaders who have rendered service to the Shreveport community for more than four decades.

NATIONAL GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY AT SUSLA—For the first time, the SUSLA Dental Hygiene Program took part in the National Give Kids a Smile Day. SUSLA students, faculty, and community dental volunteers treated the entire 3rd grade class of Werner Park Elementary School in Caddo Parish. Every year on the first Friday in February, dental hygiene schools, dentists, and professional dental organizations across the United States host these events to provided dental care for underserved children.

Approximately 65 children received dental screenings, x-rays, preventive sealants, dental kits, and educational information. This is dental hygiene program’s first time to host this event.

Economic development forum held The survival of small businesses and nonprofits in today’s economy was the focus of Southern University, Shreveport’s fifth annual Economic Development Forum (EDF) in March at the Shreveport Convention Center.

State Sen. Lydia Jackson was the keynote speaker for the luncheon .

Expanding access to credit is one of the surest ways to rejuvenate small businesses and the economy, Jackson said. “Without credit, businesses cannot expand, hire new employees or succeed.”

The Department of Community Workforce Development hosted the annual forum. This year’s theme was “Small Businesses and Non-Profits Surviving Today’s Economy.” The morning sessions provided attendees with panel discussions on topics such as, “Non-profits Coping with Cutbacks,” and “Making the Most of Your Advertising Dollars.” The afternoon session topic was titled “Preparing for Obama’s Economic Recovery.

Pictured at the SULA Fifth Annual Economic Development Forum in March are (left - right) D. Piper, vice chancellor of academic affairs, SUSLA; Tari Bradford, deputy state director for U.S. State Senator Mary Landrieu; and luncheon speaker, State Senator Lydia Jackson.

Spring/Summer 2009 15

Above left: SU band director Isaac Greggs (right) and Louis C. Wells Sr. a retired Army band director were honored during the 5th Annual Cotton Club Gala sponsored by the SUSLA Foundation. Left: Dancers perform during a musical number at the Southern University, Shreveport Foundation’s annual Cotton Club Gala. Above: Big band orchestra entertains crowed that turned out for SUSLA’s 5th Annual Cotton Club Gala in March.

‘Cotton Club’ pays tribute to Nat Cole, honors former band leaders The Southern University Shreveport Foundation hosted the 5th Annual Cotton Club Gala in late March at the Horseshoe Casino Riverdome with a musical tribute to the legendary Nat King Cole and honored long-time SU band director Isaac Greggs and Louis C. Wells Sr., a retired Army band director.

The fundraiser also featured a silent auction that included jewelry, artwork, and signature music.

The annual scholarship gala was preceded by a VIP reception hosted by event chair John Hubbard, government relations officer, AEP/SWEPCO and co-chair Dottie Bell of Caddo Parish Schools, in the Red River District.

According to Foundation President Winzer Andrews, the goal for the gala was $50,000.

Andrews said one of the driving forces behind the fundraiser is the impact it has on the city.

EXPLORING CULTURES THROUGH DANCE--The Division of Business Studies and Behavioral Science and Education has taken progressive steps toward increasing cultural awareness at SUSLA. Associate professor and coordinator of sociology Clifford R. Collins organized the cultural event giving students and staff the opportunity to learn and experience two authentic Native American dances. Randy Solomon, who is indigenous to the Mississippi Choctaw Band Tribes, was the presenter of the first dance entitled, “Northern Traditional Dance,” adopted from the Omaha Nation and was an imagery of a “warriors dance.” Brittney Meshelle, who is a native of the Choctaw Apache Tribes, presented the second dance entitled “Southern Cloth Dance.” To enhance this experience even further, Linda Woods from the Choctaw Nation brought and shared various Indian artifacts.

16 Southern University System Magazine

“This event has brought communities together,” Andrews said. “We have a very diverse audience and we pride ourselves on being a part of that in the city of Shreveport.”

The event was sponsored by sponsored by AEP/SWEPCO, Harrah’s Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, Capital One, Associated Printing, The Shreveport Times, KTBS-TV-3, KSLA-TV-12, Lamar Signs, Libbey Glass, Gremillion & Pou and Associates, Inc., and AT&T Companies.

SUSLA hosts annual community health fair Southern University, Shreveport and The David Raines Community Health Centers hosted a free community health fair in April at the Physical Education complex at the main campus.

Students in SUSLA’s allied health and nursing programs assisted with providing free glucose and cholesterol tests, weight, height, and blood pressure screening and provided health and wellness information a community health fair on the campus in April.

Students in SUSLA’s allied health and nursing programs assisted with providing free glucose and cholesterol tests, weight, height, and blood pressure screening and provided health and wellness information to students, faculty, staff, and other participants.

LifeShare Blood Center was on hand to collect blood donations and local physicians conducted a variety of health care seminars.

Sponsors included Zeta Phi Beta Sorority (Zeta Iota Zeta Chapter), National Association of University Women (Shreveport Branch), Brookshires Food Store (North Market), Smart Health Care, Walmart Supercenter (Pines Road), and SUSLA Carl Perkins Program, student activities, and support services.

SUSLA internship program benefits students The SUSLA Career Services Office received funding from the Board of Regents to support an internship program for first generation students.

The objective of this project is to provide SUSLA students with opportunities to enhance and strengthen their academic methodology with experiential opportunities through paid-internships in the local workforce through the Career Services Office.

Transitions in society have changed the way academia is applied in the workforce. Providing students access to professional development experiences will enhance the skills and values of these student to successfully enter, function professionally and utilize learned methodology to stay in the local workforce thus improving our local economy.

Enhanced career services through the internship program seeks to improve student learning outcomes and is consistent with the University’s mission of providing quality educational opportunities in the development of its students.

Southern University, Shreveport internship program has initially accepted 12 candidates. Each student accepted in the program had to submit a personal essay, have an approved GPA, and have recommendations from SUSLA faculty or staff. In Fall 2008, each student par-

ticipated in a series of career readiness training. Students formed a new Greek letter society for SUSLA career services interns, Gamma Sigma Iota Society. This spring, students continuted their journey of professional development with a sixweek internship in the City of Shreveport or in SUSLA offices that earned them a professional business dress stipend, transportation stipend, and a final $1,000 stipend.

Board of Regents funding help to support career services interns (left – right) Alex Wilson, Terrica Evans, Jalisa Shaw, Margaret Heads, Meshia Key, Vashonne Brown, Cynthia McCray, and Randale Scott.

Career Services, by providing paidinternship opportunities will enhance the tools, skills, and experiences of student, therefore making them more

attractive to local workforce and economic activities, said Tuesday Williams, director of SUSLA Office of Career Services.

SUSLA MENTORING PROGRAM HOSTS SEMINAR–“Are There Any Black Heroes and Role Models Today?,” was the topic for the new campus outreach program. The seminar was held in the Jesse N. Stone Science Lecture Hall with more than 100 male students from SUSLA and The Shreveport Job Corps Opportunity Center. SUSLA Chancellor Ray L. Belton, who was the speaker, challenged participants to be accountable and responsible men of integrity.

Spring/Summer 2009 17

SUSLA library part of national initiative Southern University, Shreveport’s Library has been selected to receive the Connecting to Collections Bookshelf by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

The Bookshelf consists of 17 titles selected by conservation and preservation experts throughout the country to assist archives, historical societies, museums, and libraries in the improvement of the conditions of their collections.

The IMLS, the primary source of federal funding for American libraries and museums, collaborated with the American Association for State and Local History (AALSH) and the Getty, Henry Luce, and Samuel H. Kress Foundations to make the resources available.

SUSLA’s library is one of the 907 museums, libraries, and archives granted the Bookshelf in the third, and final, round of awards. The books will be housed in the library’s Black Ethnic Archives and will be used to inform conservation, preservation, and digitization activities in the department.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development.

Connecting to Collections is a national initiative to raise public awareness of the importance of caring for our treasures, and to underscore the fact that these collections are essential to the American story.

Student performs during the English Department of the Humanities Division’s program showcasing students from the humanities that was part of the SUSLA’s Black History Month observance.

SUSLA celebrates Black History Month A full slate of events marked the celebration of Black History Month at Southern University, Shreveport including a debate and a program showcasing the arts.

The Black History month Student Support Services-sponsored debate topic was, “With the election of Barack Obama as the first African-American president, it is said that ‘Black History is now American History.’ Therefore, is there a need to continue to celebrate Black History Month, separately?”

This event included participation from community leaders, state and local politicians, faculty, staff, and students.

The English Department of the Humanities Division held a program showcasing students from each discipline of the Humanities Division in the areas of recitations and musical presentations-vocal, piano, and dance. Original interpretations were done by Wanda Waller, English professor and Charles Johnson, an English student. The program was coordinated by Patricia Flanagan, English assistant professor.

SUSLA STUDENTS WIN COMPETITION--Students in Southern University, Shreveport’s Radiologic Technology Program won the 52nd Student Prep Quiz Bowl Competition hosted by the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists (LSRT) held in Lafayette in July. Each year, accredited radiologic technology programs from across the state of Louisiana, form competition teams of six that vie for accolades, a trophy, and the coveted Quiz Bowl Championship title for their Institution. The purpose of this competition is to encourage student membership in LSRT, to provide healthy competition among student technologists, and to recognize those students who demonstrate expertise in radiologic technology theory. SUSLA team members Madison Adams, Precious Bell, Tara Cook, Reshod Myles, Mathew Rodrigues, and Kadetrious Taylor pose with plaques and winning trophy along with team coaches and radiology instructors.

18 Southern University System Magazine

SUBR News

SU initiative pairs students’ interests in ‘living-learning’ groups Southern University this fall began a new initiative aimed to boost retention and graduation rates. Some 267 freshman are participating in Southern’s “Living-Learning Communities” pilot program.

According to Julie Wessinger, interim vice chancellor for student affairs, the goal of the new effort is to group likeminded students together, while fostering more study groups and academic activities in order to boost retention and graduation rates.

Southern University, Baton Rouge Chancellor Kofi Lomotey said some students simply drop out because of personal financial problems.

“But the other reason has been not enough support for students outside the classroom so they can be successful in the classroom,” Lomotey said. “So we’re excited about the living-learning model.”

To start, the University has established four living-learning communities for nursing majors, education majors, leadership, and collegiate explorers.

There also is a group for students in the honors program.

Each community is developing social events, study halls, and academic advising sessions with assigned academic facilitators for each group.

Male students are living together in Jones Hall and the women in the adjacent Totty Hall.

The University plans to expand the amount of communities until all new students are participating in some form.

Students in nursing and education get to provide support to each and share experiences in and out of the classroom, while the leadership group is designed mostly for students in ROTC groups as well as those interested in student government and leadership opportunities.

The explorer group is for students who have not decided on specific academic majors but are interested in testing the waters, Wessinger.

Wessinger said the first-year goal is to see a 15 percent retention hike out of participating students.

The ‘America I AM’ Mobile Experience visits SU The Baton Rouge NAACP and ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge Refinery on June 23 hosted “America I AM Across America,” a traveling exhibition preview promoting the “America I AM: The African American Imprint” museum exhibition, as part of their Centennial Celebrations.

“America I AM Across America” is a traveling microcosm of the exhibition, a multi-sensory experience complete with artifacts, text, video, music and a unique visitor interactive opportunity.

In a customized mobile recording booth, visitors can leave their own “imprints” as recorded video messages that will become part of the exhibition. As the exhibit travels to cities across the country, this living imprint will grow to become the largest oral history project recorded in U.S. history.

As it travels the southeastern region, “America I AM Across America” will make 15 appearances at events, Walmart stores, and ExxonMobil campuses and will encourage residents to visit the full museum exhibit in Atlanta, June 13 – August 2009. ExxonMobil joins the

Visitors tour ‘America I AM Across America’ exhibit at the F. G. Clark activity center on June 23. The exhibit illustrates the civil-rights movement onboard an 18-wheeler traveling museum that has been touring the Southeast.

mobile tour as the sponsor powering the truck across America.

Tavis Smiley launched the mobile tour at the ESSENCE Music Festival in New Orleans last year. The exhibition is

made possible by Walmart Stores, Inc., which serves as its presenting sponsor, and also will host the mobile tour in several cities.

Spring/Summer 2009 19

A

Tribute

lvin Batiste

Southern University and A&M College

JAZZ A Salute to a Legendary

PIONEER

When

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Where

Felton G. Clark Activity Center

Time

New Orleans jazz legend Germaine Potter Bazzle performs at the “Alvin Batiste Tribute: A Salute to a Legendary Jazz Pioneer,” at Southern University in May.

Southern hosts tribute to jazz musician, legend Batiste Southern University, Baton Rouge hosted a concert and program commemorating the life and career of jazz musician and teacher Alvin Batiste on May 27 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

More than 500 guests attended the tribute to Batiste an SU alum and SU Jazz Institute founder.

7 p.m.

Ticket Cost: $40.00 ($50.00 at door) Attire: Cocktail

© Southern University Office of Publications and Electronic Media 12/08

“Mr. Bat,” as he was called, was a master teacher, composer, arranger, performer and legendary pioneer of jazz.

dan, Kent Jordan, Marlon Jordan, Rachel Jordan, John Gray, Ed Perkins, Mike Emmett, and Eric Baskins.

The event, “Alvin Batiste Tribute: A Salute to a Legendary Jazz Pioneer,” featured Batiste’s friends and former students including Ellis Marsalis, Edward “Kidd” Jordan, Wes Anderson, Germaine Bazzle, Herman Jackson, Stephanie Jor-

Batiste received his bachelor’s degree in music from Southern University and later a master’s degree from LSU. He wrote his own compositions and became the first African American to play as a soloist with the New Orleans Philharmonic Orchestra.

Edith Batiste (below middle), receives an award on behalf of her husband Alvin Batiste, from musician John Gray (right) and another member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia during a concert and tribute to Alvin Batiste hosted by Southern University.

Herman Jackson (above), a renowned percussionist and an instructor in the SU Alvin Batiste Jazz Institute, performs during the tribute to the late jazz legend Alvin Batiste. Jackson was one of the first students in Batiste’s jazz program.

20 Southern University System Magazine

SU presents summer jazz series concerts A “Classical Jazz Concert on The Bluff” series began in July on the Mayberry Dining Hall lawn at Southern University.

The concert series followed Southern’s recent jazz tribute to the late Alvin Batiste, the legendary musician and professor who founded Southern’s Jazz Institute on the Baton Rouge campus.

SU STUDENTS WITNESS HISTORY-- Southern University, Baton Rouge hosted a viewing party for those who could not travel to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors packed the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union to witness the historic event—the presidential inauguration of the nation’s first black president. Waving American flags throughout the ceremony, the crowd responded the ceremony with cheers and tears.

He toured the world as a clarinetist with Ray Charles and performed with such greats at Julian “Cannonball” Adderly, Ornette Coleman, and Duke Ellington.

During his musical career, he returned to his alma mater to teach jazz. Batiste later founded the SU Jazz Institute mentoring such alumni as saxophonists

Branford Marsalis and Donald Harrison, drummer Herlin Riley, and jazz violinist Michael Ward, “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson, Antonio York, Henry Butler, Ed Perkins, John Gray, and many others.

Renowned saxophonist and Southern University grad Wes Anderson was the first performer for the new free outdoor concertseries.

Prior to the concert, Anderson conducted a 60-minute workshop.

Jazz saxophonist Michael “Mike” Phillips performed on Friday, July 17 after a workshop and lecture. Due to inclement weather, Phillips concert was in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.

Jazz vocalist Stephanie Jordan was the third performer for the summer concert series on Friday, July 24.

The tribute was chaired by Margaret Ambrose, special assistant to the chancellor at Southern.

Jazz saxophonist Michael “Mike” Phillips performs in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union on Friday, July 17. Phillips’ performance was the second in a series of free concerts that were part of the “Classical Jazz Concert on the Bluff.”

Renowned saxophonist Edward “Kidd” Jordan performs a tribute to his colleague and friend during a concert and tribute sponsored by Southern University commemorating the life of jazz great Alvin Batiste. Jordan and Batiste were friends and colleagues for more than 35 years.

Spring/Summer 2009 21

SU active for Black History Month Southern University, Baton Rouge observed Black History Month with a number of activities that included speakers, a quiz bowl, and music.

The celebration, themed, “Honoring our African American heritage” kicked off with a lecture on “African American Healthy Living” by former Philip Morris USA research scientist Victor DeNoble at the School of Nursing. DeNoble has testified before Congress, the Food and Drug Administration, and former Vice President Al Gore’s Tobacco Settlement Committee about the negative practices of the tobacco industry.

Other events during the month included a Black History Quiz Bowl, A Jazz Brunch featuring the Southern University Jazz Ensemble, a play, “Shakin’ the mess out of Misery,” Chancellor’s Lecture Series featuring Hip Hop professor Jon Yasin, and an African-American/Cultural Fashion Show.

Yasin, an expert on the hip-hop culture and its use as an education tool, has written several scholarly articles about hip hop culture and how it can be used to empower students.

His interest in hip hop was sparked in 1988 when he noticed that his students were carrying composition notebooks full of original rap songs, yet they could not come up with a topic to write about in class. After learning the Chancellor’s Lecture Series speaker Hip Hop professor Jon Yasin process for writing a rap was among the activities hosted on the Southern University song, Yasin realized that campus to celebrate Black History Month. it was the same process for writing an academic essay. stood that the only difference between Yasin described the concept to his students and they immediately under-

the lyrics of their songs and an essay was the writing style.

SU named to Presidential Honor Roll The Corporation for National and Community Service honored Southern University with a place on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service efforts and service to America’s communities.

“This is a great honor for Southern University and A&M College. Our students take their commitment to community service very seriously,” said Southern Chancellor Kofi Lomotey. “Our goal is to expand our outreach to help even more communities in the Baton Rouge area.”

try and one of the first at a Louisiana public college to require each student to participate in a service learning program prior to graduation.

“This is more validation of the value of this program,” said Barbara Carpenter, director of Southern’s Center for Service Learning. “The social and economic impact of the volunteer efforts of our students in the Baton Rouge and surrounding communities is immeasurable.”

Launched in 2006, the Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service-learning and civic engagement. Honorees for the award were chosen based on a series of selection factors including scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service-learning courses.

“In this time of economic distress, we need volunteers more than ever. College students represent an enormous pool of idealism and energy to help tackle some of our toughest challenges,” said Stephen Goldsmith, vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees the Honor Roll. “We salute Southern University for making community service a campus priority, and thank the millions of college students who are helping to renew America through service to others.”

Southern’s service learning program began in 1991. The program was the first at a historically black college in the coun-

Overall, the Corporation honored six schools with Presidential Awards.

In addition, 83 were named as Honor

22 Southern University System Magazine

Roll With Distinction members and 546 schools as Honor Roll members. In total, 635 schools were recognized. A full list is available at www.nationalservice.gov/ honorroll.

The Honor Roll is a program of the Corporation, in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll is presented during the annual conference of the American Council on Education.

The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering.

The Corporation administers Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America, a program that supports service-learning in schools, institutions of higher education and communitybased organizations.

Lee tells SU audience to be motivated by education, dreams Too many young African Americans are glamorizing the “gangsta” lifestyle rather than respecting education and the hard work that it takes to be successful, award-winning director Spike Lee told a large audience at Southern University during the Chancellor’s Lecture Series in late February.

Too often black youth seeking an education or who speak correctly are ridiculed by other blacks, he said. “People say they are trying to talk white or are trying to act white,” Lee said, adding that the response to them should be “I don’t care what you call me…I’m going to get my grades.”

Lee often drew applause from the nearly 3,000 people at the F.G. Clark Activity Center as he talked about education, President Obama, and the willingness to sacrifice for dreams. Education had been a dominating part of black culture since slavery, he said. People in his Brooklyn neighborhood would honor the good student the same way they would the great athlete, he said. “But crack turned everything around.”

Soon black youth were imitating “gangstas,” “trying to be ghetto,” and wearing sagging pants, he said. That image has been glamorized by the media, radio, and film, he said. “They said that was just keeping it real. I say that’s keeping it real dumb.”

Lee encouraged students to follow their dreams, even if their parents don’t agree with their choices. “Parents kill more dreams than anybody,” he said.

Parents are not being bad people, he said.

They want their children to take the safe paths to earning a living. Sometimes that direction leads “people into jobs they hate…they become miserable people,” he said.

Award-winning director Spike Lee speaks to a crowd in the F.G. Clark Activity Center at Southern University as part of the Chancellor’s Lecture Series in late February.

Lee is most widely known for his films “Malcolm X,” “He Got Game,” and the television documentary, “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts,” about life in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

for nearly 50 years and along the way paid for him to attend college and film school. She also provided some “seed money” for him to make his first feature film, “She’s Gotta Have It.”

Lee said he owes his film career to his late grandmother who died two years ago at the age of 100. The art teacher saved every one of her Social Security checks

“I would not be here if it wasn’t for her,” he said.

SU debuts Victoria Secret’s casual clothing line In February, Victoria’s Secret added SU and four other black universities to its lineup of schools for which it produces casual clothing under its Pink label.

Building on the popularity of its Pink line, Victoria’s Secret is producing casual

clothes for 36 colleges and universities, including Southern University and LSU.

Richard Dent III, chief operating officer for Victoria’s Secret Pink.

“We started with the 33 largest schools in terms of student population, alumni population and royalties generated through licensing sales,” said

He said the schools also get royalty payments from the clothes sold.

Members of the SU Dancing Dolls team model some of the new Pink line from Victoria’s Secret for Southern University.

Pictured are (left – right) Nia Vaughn, Dereka Lewis, Brittany Brown, Meghan Callier, Jessica Gauthier, and D’Tara Frank.

In addition to the football dress, the line includes sweatpants, hoodie jackets, hoodie sweatshirts, T-shirts, yoga pants, long shorts and flip-flops. Designed in Southern’s blue and gold colors, the clothes are emblazoned with SU and Pink logos.

Dent said Pink will soon make scholarships available at participating schools and probably next spring will hire two to three students at each school as campus representatives.

Currently, Pink produces lines for 36 colleges and universities. He said another 15 to 20 schools will be added next summer.

Spring/Summer 2009 23

SU unveils sales simulator The Southern University College of Business this spring unveiled a 3M Sales Communications Center where students are able to practice making sales pitches and business deals in one of four rooms in the center, each furnished to look like a typical business setting.

The room located in T.T. Allain Hall, home of the College of Business, features a faux lobby, a break room, a “corner office,” and a boardroom in the center.

It’s a place where they can experience — before they encounter it in the “real world” — the perils and triumphs of that professional testing ground: the sales call.

“The lab is designed to simulate actual sales environments,” said George Kirk, associate professor of marketing at Southern University,” who designed the sales courses in the business college’s Department of Management and Marketing and oversees the communication center.

In the 3Msponsored lab, students are able to practice making sales pitches and business deals in one of four rooms in the center, each furnished to look like a typical business setting.

Cutting the ribbon to dedicate the new 3M Sales Communications Center in the College of Business were (left – right) Katrice Albert, assistant professor, marketing; Tony Clayton, chairman, SU Board of Supervisors; Mike Holte, 3M; and Donald Andrews, dean, College of Business.

In the program, 3M “helps sponsor sales education programs, develop curricula and boost the visibility of sales as a career in those schools, as well as run a sales internship program,” according to a 2007 article on “ManageSmarter,” the online “home” of Sales and Marketing Management

Southern University is one of 10 universities that are part of what 3M calls its Frontline Sales Initiative.

Southern University joined the sales initiative in 1998 and was awarded a grant for the development of the “Business to Business” sales course.

Southern at top of list in study on African-American graduates Southern University produces the fifth most African-American graduates who go on to earn doctorates among all colleges and universities in the nation, according to a recently published study conducted by a three-member team from the University of Pennsylvania.

SUPPORT FROM--ExxonMobil-Southern University Chancellor Kofi Lomotey (right) receives an $80,000 check April 29 representing a contribution to the Baton Rouge campus from ExxonMobil. George Pietrogallo, (center) ExxonMobil’s public affairs manager, presented the check. Also participating in the presentation held in the Chancellor’s Conference Room was District 2 Councilman Ulysses “Bones” Addison.

24 Southern University System Magazine

According to the study’s findings, released at the recent annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association in San Diego, California, historically black colleges and universities make up 8 of the top 10 producers of African-American graduates who go on to earn doctorates.

Southern finished ahead of Jackson State University, Morehouse College, the University of Michigan, North Carolina A&T University, and the University of California at Berkeley, according to the study.

“This is clear evidence that Southern University continues to be a leader in producing students who are gifted and who will be successful wherever they go,” said Southern Chancellor Kofi Lomotey.

“Also looming large in the findings is the importance of HBCUs in preparing students for terminal degrees,” Lomotey said. “When the question is asked about the relevance of HBCUs, these findings provide the answer.”

The four schools ahead of Southern include: Howard University, Spelman College, Florida A&M University and Hampton University.

According to the survey, Howard produced 34 African American graduates who later earned doctorates, Spelman 31, Florida A&M 28, Hampton 27 and Southern 26.

Southern, IBM forge alliance The University this Spring announced a partnership alliance with IBM that will in the coming months harness the power of Southern’s computer capacity in an emerging phenomenon known as cloud computing.

Hardware, software applications, and data will be pooled together and shared with off-campus educators at primary, secondary, and higher-education schools — and business customers will pay, in time increments, for only the piece of Southern’s system on which they operate.

Southern’s costs for managing such things as electricity and water utilities should also go down, while students gain cutting-edge technology skills through the agreement, which is known as the IBM HBCU Cloud Computing Initiative.

Southern will be the first HBCU campus to gain the expertise of IBM on such a project.

Beginning in 2005, IBM developed a $360 million data center with the state of North Carolina and North Carolina State University that maximizes computing resources statewide. That technology model will be used to boost Southern’s resources.

Elmer Corbin, the director of university alliances and systems and technology development for IBM along with fellow Southern University graduate Dexter Henderson, also an IBM executive came together to advance the need to expand the North Carolina model to HBCU campuses.

“This is a historic moment at Southern University,” said Henderson, vice president of Systems and Technology Development at IBM. “What we’re putting in place here is a leap over anything that we have instituted at any other HBCU.” Corbin and Henderson presented Southern with a $40,000 check Tuesday which they said will be used to train SU personnel on Cloud systems and to set the groundwork for the new technology on the campus.

“This the first phase of getting infrastructure at the university,” Corbin said.

According to Henderson, in the first phase, IBM will train Southern faculty and students in cloud computing

techniques and will aggregate computing resources across the campus. Up to 85 percent of computing capacity on the Southern campus could be made available to off-campus.

After the ninemonth first phase, the second phase would bring in business and education partners as users of Southern’s cloud-computing hub.

Henderson said IBM is discussing potential partnerships with 10 other campuses.

Southern University’s Deanna Roquemore pictured with IBM representatives Dexter Henderson (left) and Elmer Corbin during a check presentation where Southern was awarded funds that will be used for the implementation of the state-of-the-art ‘Cloud Technology’ on the Baton Rouge campus.

Corbin said one of the main goals is student participation. IBM would benefit from recruiting such students, he said.

And though there’s no guarantee of business, IBM expects to gain additional hardware and software sales as a result of the alliance. Southern now uses a variety of computer platforms, including IBM, AMD, and Intel-based systems.

Cloud computing is a system in which jobs are assigned to an array of connections, software and service accessed over the Internet. The network of connections and servers is collectively known as “The Cloud.” Computing at the scale of the cloud allows users to access supercomputer-level power. Users are able to access the cloud with technology such as iPhones, Blackberrys, or laptops, essentially reach-

ing into the cloud for resources as they need them.

Corbin said the cloud will give Southern students the ability to link to information available at other colleges and universities in the U.S. and around the world.

IBM forms similar ventures with corporations. Seven years ago, ColgatePalmolive Company agreed to outsource its information technology and procurement services to IBM to maximize the consumer goods company’s productivity.

The deal resulted in $30 million in savings last year alone for Colgate, the companies said.

NOTED AUTHOR, EDUCATOR COMES TO SU— Noted psychologist and author Na’im Akbar was the featured speaker in the Southern University “Chancellor’s Lecture Series,” April 22, in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union. Trained as a scientist and practitioner in clinical psychology, Akbar presents ideas that serve as a major contribution to the scholarly understanding of African people, as well as humanity in general.

Akbar has received many honors for his progressive and landmark contributions to his specialized studies of the psychology of the African American. Essence Magazine said Akbar is “one of the world’s preeminent psychologists and a pioneer in the development of an African-centered approach in modern psychology.”

Spring/Summer 2009 25

Southern University alumni, students, faculty, staff, and guests from the community attended a Community Worship and Prayer Breakfast in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union to begin Founders’ Day activities on March 9. Local clergy participating in the program included the Rev. René F. Brown, pastor, Mt. Zion First Baptist Church; the Rev. Errol Domingue, pastor, Elm Grove Baptist Church; the Rev. Thomas Bessix, pastor, New Gideon Baptist Church; and the Rev. Dale Flowers, pastor, New Sunlight Baptist Church. Pictured is Rev. Bessix.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré who graduated from Southern University in 1971 and who retired from the United States Army in Feb. 2008 after 37 years of active service, returned to serve as the keynote speaker for the University’s annual Founders’ Day observance on March 9.

Lt. Gen. Honoré delivers Founders’ Day address Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré suggested to the audience of mostly SU students, alumni, faculty, and staff that they could be the people to help solve some of the nation’s most nagging problems, from unemployment to hurricane preparedness.

“Southern University can be the leader in the change to place preparedness for hurricanes on the same level as football,” Honoré, a Southern alumnus, told hundreds of students, faculty and visitors in the Felton G. Clark Activity Center. Honoré, considered one of the heroes in the recovery of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, was the keynote speaker today at Southern’s annual Founders’ Day celebration, marking the school’s 129-year history.

Honoré urged the students to create solutions to some of the problems facing the U.S. such as a national dependence on foreign oil, the economy and a shrinking job market. “Students in this room, with the help of professors, can find ways to create more energy instead of using more energy,” he said.

If America wants to continue the same standard of living, he said, the country must develop new technology.

“Students in the Engineering Department (at Southern) can create smart planes that can tell you that the person 26 Southern University System Magazine

sitting in seat three has the bird flu.”

A Southern graduate will invent a machine that will be able to determine “if jar of peanut butter… has salmonella in it,” said Honoré.

He said, while many Louisiana residents live in flood prone areas. “It floods everywhere except here,” referring to Southern. “It (Southern) was built on good ground and shored up. This is a community to help people that have been disadvantaged by society and high schools.”

Students from the Southern University Laboratory School place memorial wreaths at the grave site where J.S. Clark, Octavia H. Clark, and F.G. Clark are buried. Each year during Founders’ Day observance, the laboratory school sponsors a pilgrimage from the school to the riverfront to pay tribute the University’s founders. The guest speaker for the lab school’s program was SU Lab School alum Dianne M. Irvine Fleet, a local attorney.

Honoré retired from the United States Army in Feb. 2008 after 37 years of active service. He now focuses on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities with emergency management efforts.

He earned a bachelor of science degree in vocational agriculture from Southern in 1971, a master of arts in human resources from Troy State University, and an honorary doctorate in public administration from Southern.

His speech was the culmination of the day’s activities, including a prayer breakfast, a program by students from the Southern University Laboratory School, and a campus-wide convocation.

A luncheon honoring Southern University faculty and staff members who have been employed with the University for 20, 30 and 40 years, was also held in connection with Founder’s Day activities.

Social Research receives $300,000 grant Southern University’s Center for Social Research, in collaboration with seven other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), has been awarded $300,000 from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan to provide financial literacy education and outreach to community residents.

The “Path to Financial Independence” program will focus on reducing poverty and creating wealth by proving families with strategies that will enable them to became self sufficient, generate income, and gain assets to build financial independence and economic security.

Partnering HBCUs include: Southern University Law Center, Coppin State University, Dillard University, Howard University, Miles College, Mississippi Valley State University and North Carolina A&T. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, established in 1930, supports children, families, and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society.

Grants are concentrated in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean and the southern African countries of Botswana; Lesotho; Malawi; Mozambique;

SU students in case study competition in Atlanta A team of Southern University College of Business marketing students participated in the 40th Annual Black Executive Exchange conference held in Atlanta in early June.

They earned a trip to the conference after placing in the top three of the National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP) Case Study competition. Competitors in the case study competition had to submit a proposal that focused on revitalizing a Sam’s Club Member’s Mark product.

Members of the case study group, all senior marketing majors, were Jeffrey Maples, from Detroit; Oise Ohiosimuan, from Nigeria; Tiffany Pounds, from New Orleans; and Sylvia Smith, from Baton Rouge.

During the conference in Atlanta, students used self-assessment tools, participated in workshops, interacted with African-American executives and

Bernadine Chube Jenkins, training and support specialist, technology and network services, receives a 50year service award from Chancellor Kofi Lomotey during the annual service award luncheon held in conjunction with Founders’ Day activities on March 9. Jenkins has been employed at Southern University for more than 50 years.

South Africa; Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

For further information, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.wkkf.org.

their peers to assess their leadership and personality styles.

Additionally, two additional students from the College of Business, Keia Chatman, a marketing major and John Dorsey, an economics and finance major, both from Baton Rouge, were selected by the SUBR-BEEP Advisor Toni Jackson to attend this year’s conference.

Southern was among approximately 20 universities participating in the contest.

This is the second time Southern has entered the contest, and the first time they have advanced to the second-round.

Conference participants were involved in a leadership boot camp, career fair, health fair, and special corporate presentations.

“I am very proud of the team for putting together such a viable venture in just two weeks, said Jackson.

CAMPERS MEET ASTRONAUT--Participants in the two-week ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp at Southern University, Baton Rouge received a special visit from the program’s namesake. Retired NASA astronaut Bernard Harris Jr., M.D. met with mostly middle-school campers on July 23. Harris talked about the future of space exploration and discussed his experiences as the first black man to walk in space, on Feb. 9, 1995, as payload commander of STS-63, the first flight of the joint Russian-American space program. The camp in Baton Rouge is among the 30 Bernard Harris summer camps across the country. Harris, a medical doctor who is president of Harris Foundation Incorporated, a nonprofit that offers math/ science education and crime prevention programs for young people. The campers, primarily from disadvantaged families, are chosen for the free program based on their grades, teacher recommendations and interest in math and science.

Spring/Summer 2009 27

Carol D. McCree, program coordinator for International Studies in the College of Education and Professor Warner Anderson, coordinator of Study Abroad Programs at Southern University, accompanied five graduate students to Belize City, Belize, in June, to begin a three- week study of Belizean schools, cultures, and languages. Pictured during the educational trip are (left – right) Professor Anderson with students Linda Warner, Phaedra Pea, Carli Francois, Kelli Robvais, Annie Fisher, Courtney Alexander, and Angelica Celestine.

Inaugural study abroad program in Belize a success Carol D. McCree, program coordinator for International Studies in the College of Education and Professor Warner Anderson, coordinator of Study Abroad Programs at Southern University, accompanied five graduate students, Annie Fisher, Carli Francois, Phaedra Pea, Kelli Robvais, and Linda Warner, and two undergraduate students Courtney Alexander and Angelica Celestine to Belize City, Belize, on June 13 to begin a three-week study of Belizean schools, cultures, and languages.

The goal for the undergraduate students was to earn credit for Spanish and multicultural education. The purpose for the educational leadership graduate students was to observe the K-12 schools in Belize, gather research for their Capstone/Thesis projects, compare instructional techniques, and provide workshops for the Wesley High School and the Wesley Junior College faculties in Belize City.

The educational leadership students reported to their observation schools daily while the undergraduates attended Spanish class on five consecutive days.

All of the students gathered at Wesley for the cultural seminars presented by experts of the culture being studied. The seminars were reinforced by the excursions to significant sites in the country.

The Southern University group arrived during the last week of the regular school session in Belize. The students were able to assist with the closing of schools and the reopening of schools for 28 Southern University System Magazine

the summer session. The operation of the schools, instructional time on task, testing procedures, and how the schools meet the needs of special education students were targets of their observations.

The students noted also that the social expectations of the parents and students seemed to be so much different from the beliefs of the parents and students in the United States. An announcement was made, over the intercom, for the students at Wesley High School (the laboratory school associated with our university partner, Wesley Junior College) to clean their desk. The SU group thought that the students would get uncommonly loud and use their bookbags to clean out their desks. Not so. The students quietly picked up their desks, took them outside, used several buckets of water and sponges and literally cleaned the marks from every wooden desk. When asked about the apparent routine, the response was that each student used a desk; therefore each was responsible for the care of that desk.

“How well do you think that idea would go over in Baton Rouge or any city in the States for that matter?” asked McCree.

The teachers at Wesley ended their school year by preparing for the next year with assistance from the SU team.

To assist, the SU students presented a workshop entitled, “Literacy: Everybody Can Help.” Literacy was chosen because this is a critical issue that affects student achievement throughout the world.

The teachers were offered methods for incorporating literacy strategies in lesson plans for all classes. McCree said the workshop was a huge success. Many expressed gratitude and were eager to implement what they had learned. The delivery was interactive and truly a proud moment for Southern University.

Even though English is the official language of Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, Spanish is widely spoken. Tony Nketia, Wesley Junior College professor, delivered a very hands-on course in Spanish. The students enrolled in this class were taken on numerous excursions throughout the city (i.e. grocery stores, department stores, restaurants, museums) in order to practice their ability to communicate in Spanish. They showcased their ability to read Spanish and to translate it quickly by singing a Spanish song at a karaoke bar where the group hosted a going-away thank you party the night before leaving the country.

Thanks to the efforts of Barbara Carpenter, dean of International Studies, Southern University, Winsome Arana, dean of Wesley Junior College, and Brenda Armstrong, president of Wesley Junior College, Southern University has begun a partnership that is mutually beneficial for both institutions.

“Hopefully, this study abroad program will last for many years to come.

The SU students have articulated life -changing experiences and, as they put it, “You Better Belize It!,” McCree said.

SUBR Distinctions Annual program recognizes faculty, staff Margaret Ambrose, special assistant to the chancellor, poses with SUBR Chancellor Kofi Lomotey during the Chancellor’s 2009 Faculty and Staff Recognition Program in May. Ambrose received the “Lifetime Achievement” award during the ceremony.

The Southern University Chancellor’s 2009 Faculty and Staff Recognition program was held on May 7 in the SmithBrown Memorial Student Union.

The top award, “Lifetime Achievement” was presented to Margaret Ambrose, special assistant to the chancellor.

In addition to the “Lifetime Achievement” award, other awards included Office of Academic Affairs, Teacher of the Year; Office of Student Affairs, Employee of the Year; Office of Finance and Administration, Employee of the Year; Office of Research and Strategic Initiatives, Outstanding Research Investigator; Office of Sponsored Programs, Research/Grantsmanship, (Newcomer, Young Research Investigator, Competitive Grant, Most Awarded Proposals, Millionaire Club); National Science Foundation HBCU-UP STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Hall of Fame Inductees, SUBR Undergraduate STEM Student; and the Southern University Business and Industry Cluster.

Staff receiving the Business and Industry Cluster Quality award during the Southern University Chancellor’s 2009 Faculty and Staff Recognition program held last spring were (left – right) Raymond Clarke, assistant director, Office of Student Financial Aid; Robert Bennett, director, Office of Student Life; Lashounda Franklin, senior research associate/assistant to director of Timbuktu Academy, Department of Physics; Sheila Minor, assistant academic advisor, Department of Athletics; and Brenda Walton, administrative assistant IV, Office of Student Affairs.

Award Recipients DIVISION FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS TEACHER OF THE YEAR Moustapha Diack, associate professor Ph.D. Program in Science and Mathematics Education DIVISION FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Juanita Davis, administrative coordinator Student Union

YOUNG RESEARCH INVESTIGATOR Richard McCline, assistant professor & James A. Joseph Endowed Chair Department of Management and Marketing COMPETITIVE GRANT Joseph Meyinsse, chair Department of Science/Mathematics Education

DIVISION FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

MOST SUBMITTED PROPOSALS Guang-Lin Zhao, associate professor Department of Physics

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Cary Clark, accounting manager Comptroller’s Office

MILLIONAIRE CLUB Habib Mohamadian, dean College of Engineering

OFFICE OF RESEARCH & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Rhonda Robinson, director Classic Upward Bound

OUTSTANDING RESEARCH INVESTIGATOR Guoqiang Li, associate professor Department of Mechanical Engineering

Lois St. Amant, executive administrator Upward Bound Trio Programs

OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS

Eyassu Woldesenbet, professor Department of Mechanical Engineering

NEWCOMER Barbara Carpenter, dean Center for International Education

Alma Thornton, director Center for Social Research

The NSF HBCU-UP Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES SUBR STEM UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT Alen Jones Electrical engineering major College of Engineering SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY CLUSTER Robert Bennett, director Student Life Raymond Clarke, assistant director Student Financial Aid Lashounda Franklin, senior research associate/assistant to director of Timbuktu Academy Department of Physics Sheila Minor, assistant academic advisor Department of Athletics Brenda Walton, administrative assistant IV Office of Student Affairs LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Margaret S. Ambrose, special assistant to the chancellor Office of the Chancellor Spring/Summer 2009 29

Physics chair elected APS fellow Stephen C. McGuire, chairman, Department of Physics, was elected as a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS).

Being elected a Fellow in the APS is the highest honor given to an APS member as recognition of outstanding contributions to physics by the recipient’s peers.

McGuire has lectured at the prestigious National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Colloquium Series at the NIST Laboratory in Gaithersburg, Maryland and has served as a visiting lecturer in physics and astronomy at Wayne State University. He has also received NASA’s Office of Technology Utilization Research Citation for his work in high-energy cosmic-ray physics.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SU police chief featured in publication Southern University Chief of Police Michael Morris was featured on the cover of the winter ’09 edition of NETworks, a newsletter for law enforcement professionals published by IACP Net. The cover story focuses on the new partnership involving the SU police department and IACP Net, (International Chiefs of Police) aimed at improving emergency response planning on the Baton Rouge campus.

Morris said he looked into the IACP Net Quest Response Service to locate emergency response plans, and find information that helps develop tools to refine response procedures after hurricanes Gustav and Ike. He gathered response plans from around the country to help Southern enhance and add to its responses to snow and fire, as well as a plan to deal with shooting situations.

30 Southern University System Magazine

Morris has also been involved with Southern’s Master Plan design team in the development of a new university facility to house the SU Department of Public Safety, Office of Technology and Network Services and its safety team.

IACP Net is a portal to law enforcement on the Internet. It provides police and law enforcement with information data bases of hard-tofind current law enforcement policies, ordinances, programs and innovations.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Nursing professor receives major awards, elected president of state group Jacqueline Hill, chair of Southern University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in the School of Nursing, was elected to serve a two-year term as president of the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA).

The LSNA is comprised of 13 districts across the state and represents more than 44,000 registered nurses in Louisiana with a membership of approximately 1,200. Her term as president of the LSNA ends in 2011.

Hill also has been awarded the 2009 Nightingale Award for District Officer of the Year by the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA) Board of Directors.

Hill, who served as the president of the Baton Rouge District Nurses Association for two years, was presented with the award during the recent LSNA 8th Annual Nightingale Awards.

Hill also was given the “Legacy of Caring Award,” by the Association of Nurses Working for Our Patients, Incoporated.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Professor selected as nursing ambassador Southern University School of Nursing Professor and Director of Nursing Research Cheryl Taylor was selected to serve as an ambassador for the National League for Nursing (NLN) and Nurse Educators.

NLN CEO Beverly Malone said, “We expect the ambassadors to communicate to NLN professional staff and the board what issues and challenges are of greatest concern to nurse educators in the field so that we can maximize the effectiveness of our programming and services.”

Taylor received her B.S.N. degree from Dillard University in New Orleans.

She earned her master’s degree in systems oriented community mental health nursing from the University of Washington in Seattle and her Ph.D. in nursing from Texas Woman’s University.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cadet selected to attend national security seminar

Southern University Army Reserve Officer Training Corp. (ROTC) Cadet Tony Nguyen receives his diploma from Chancellor Kofi Lomotey during spring 2009 commencement. Nguyen received his commssion in May.

Southern University Army Reserve Officer Training Corp. (ROTC) Cadet Tony Nguyen joined senior U.S. military leaders at the George C. Marshall ROTC Seminar on National Security in Lexington, Virginia in April.

Nguyen, a history major and Geismar native, was chosen for the seminar after being selected as the top Army ROTC cadet at Southern. Nguyen interacted with key military leaders and officials such as Army Chief of Staff, Gen. George W. Casey and Secretary of the Army Pete Geren on a variety of issues directly bearing on national security.

“It is an honor to have been selected from among my peers to attend the George C. Marshall convention, representing the ‘Jaguar Battalion’ and Southern University,” said Nguyen. “I would have never imagined that I would have the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event when I first began Senior ROTC at the beginning of my

college career. Having been chosen, I will strive to do my best and always keeping in mind our battalion motto, “Jaguar’s First,” said Nguyen who was commissioned on May 14.

The Marshall ROTC Seminar is in its 32nd year. It is named in honor of George C. Marshall, who served as Army Chief of Staff during World War II. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Nursing professor receives teaching award Southern University School of Nursing associate professor Cynthia Tolbert Bienemy, was named the winner of the ‘Helen Johnson Creemens Excellence in Teaching Award’ by the Baton Rouge District Nurses Association (BRDNA).

Bienemy received the award at the “Celebrate Nursing Award Banquet,” an annual event hosted by the BRDNA that coincided with National Nurses Week.

The award is named in honor of the late nursing educator Helen Johnson Creemens, wife of retired journalist and newscaster, Carleton Creemens. Carleton Creemens established the award to honor his wife’s love for nursing and her career as a nursing educator.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SU faculty honored by local nursing group Southern University School of Nursing assistant professor Elaine Barham, RN, MSN and director of Student Health Services Shirley F. Wade, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, were among 23 nurses honored for “Excellence in Nursing” by the Baton Rouge District Nurses Association at its annual Celebrate Nurses Banquet held in Baton Rouge.

Barham is a member of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation Learning and has played a pivotal role in incorporating simulation learning into the clinical teaching at the School of Nursing. She is responsible for organizing faculty workshops on simulation learning and the use of this innovative teaching

methodology. Barham has also developed simulation modules utilized in student learning activities.

As an active member of the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, Barham promotes organ and tissue donation.

She is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Baton Rouge Oncology Nursing Society.

Wade is credited for implementing the state-of-the-art Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system in the Student Health Center. She also serves as the director of the “Advocates for Youth, Young Women of Color Initiative: HBCU Partnership,” a grant funded by the DHHS Office of Minority Health. The initiative addresses HIV prevention on Southern University’s campus.

Wade is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Tau Pi Chapter and Chi Eta Phi professional nursing sorority. She has participated in professional development training such as the Delta Region HIV/ AIDS Prevention Workshop.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Professor to study at Cambridge Southern University’s Jill Bambury is going to Cambridge, England to get her doctoral degree.

The associate professor in the School of Architecture has been awarded the Cambridge International Scholarship through the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust to earn her doctoral degree in architecture from the University of Cambridge.

The scholarship will pay Bambury’s school fees and living expenses for three years while she completes research for her dissertation.

The Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and the Cambridge Overseas Trust were established in1982 by the University of Cambridge under the chairmanship of The Prince of Wales to provide financial assistance for outstanding students from overseas who, without help, would be unable to attend Cambridge.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SU chemist appointed to Purdue committee Southern University chemistry professor William E. Moore was selected to serve on the Chemistry Departmental Industrial Advisory Committee for the Purdue University College of Science through 2012.

“We are honored by the participation of Dr. Moore on our committee and extremely grateful for his willing and able participation on our team,” said Thomas E. Wood, chair of the Purdue Industrial Advisory Committee. “The extraordinary depth of experience of Dr. Moore, both in science and in life, served as the bedrock of our committee for a number of years.”

Moore completed his first term of service on the board in 2008 and was asked to serve a second term, beginning in 2009.

Moore was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry from Purdue University in 1967. He earned his B.S. from Southern in chemistry in 1963.

LECTURE SERIES BRINGS NOTED POET--Noted poet Sonia Sanchez speaks in the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union. Sanchez was a speaker in the Southern University “Chancellor’s Lecture Series,” in March.

Sanchez began teaching in the San Francisco area in 1965 and was a pioneer in developing black studies courses at what is now San Francisco State University, where she was an instructor from 1968 to 1969. In 1971 she joined the Nation of Islam, but by 1976 she had left the Nation, largely because of its repression of women.

Sanchez has authored more than a dozen books of poetry, including Homegirls and Handgrenades, Shake Loose My Skin: New and Selected Poems, and Like the Singing Coming Off the Drums.

Spring/Summer 2009 31

C OV E R S TORY

The

Doctors are

IN

SU advances medical professions by graduating students in STEM Disciplines HBCU’s throughout most of the 20th century provided the training and major educational opportunities for African Americans to become physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, pharmacists, and research scientists. For example, it was not until 1948, that the first southern medical school (University of Arkansas) admitted its first black student.

For decades, Southern University has been fostering African-American success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Many SU grads, like students pictured here in an anatomy class, go to enroll in medical schools around the country.

Numerous reports assert that the United States must increase its production of highly educated workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in order to be competitive in the global marketplace (e.g., Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering 2004; National Science Foundation (NSF) 2006; Southern Education Foundation 2005).

Although HBCUs represent only three percent of America’s 4,084 institutions of higher education, they provide nearly one fourth of all undergraduate degrees received by African-American students. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, 85 percent of AfricanAmerican medical doctors earned their undergraduate degrees from historically black colleges and universities.

SU is among the top 100 degree producers of African-American baccalaureate degrees in biological and biomedical sciences, engineering, mathematics and statistics, and physical sciences (Diverse, 2007). This is significant at a time when much focus is on minority students being less prepared for the STEM disciplines.

For decades, Southern University has been fostering African-American success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

An impressive trend of this notable accomplishment has been a steady flow of SU grads into medical schools around the country.

SUccessful Graduates in Action In addition to preparing college students for careers in the health professions, HBCU’s like Southern University contribute to the nation’s biomedical research projects with support from NIH, NSF, NASA and other research agencies.

32 Southern University System Magazine

James Freemont, M.D, finished SU in 1966 with a degree in bacteriology.

He immediately applied to medical school, completed a residency and has a

successful private practice in obstetrics and gynecology in East Point, Georgia.

Fremont continues to challenge himself and grow his practice to include wellness and alternative medicine.

He received training from the Helms Institute of Medical Acupuncture for Physicians through the UCLA School of Medicine and now offers acupuncture in addition to traditional medical care. (see profile page 36 ) “SU has been the catalyst for both my daughter and I to have successful businesses,” says Fremont.

Freemont has a daughter who completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Southern in 1996 and is a dentist in private practice in Hapeville, Georgia.

Medicine is a family affair for other SU grads as well. The O’Rourke sisters of Baton Rouge chose different career paths, but both are currently working in medical professions.

Yolanda who attended the SU Laboratory School practices internal medicine at the Veterans Hospital in Baton Rouge, while little sister Sancerie O’Rourke-Allen has established Distinctive Smiles, a private dental practice in Baton Rouge. Both parents, Kenneth O’Rourke and Joyce O’Rourke are professors at the Baton Rouge campus.

1990 SU graduate Kimberly Davis Bessix also chose dentistry as a specialty.

“I’m very fortunate to have attended a school like Southern University. You really receive all of the skills that you need to become successful not only in a medical career, but you also hone skills essential to surviving in life.”

While many SU graduates complete medical school and enter the profession solely to practice hands on in the clinical setting, others like SU grad Myra Kleinpeter, M.D., opt to become teaching physicians. Kleinpeter is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She completed a residency in internal medicine and fellowship training in nephrology and hypertension at Tulane, but with strong family ties to the SU professoriate, Kleinpeter was always exposed to teaching. (Both parents are SU professors- Milton Kleinpeter is a retired professor of

Education and Eva Kleinpeter is currently a professor in the College of Education. (see profile page 34 ) “Being able to put theory into practice is exhilarating,” says Kleinpeter. “I enjoy teaching and interacting with the students and watching them develop into the doctors of the future.”

Kleinpeter has principal interests in chronic disease management, continuing medical education, quality improvement and providing healthcare to underserved populations. She formerly served as director of the Professional Education Core of the Tulane-Xavier National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health. Through the National Centers of Excellence collaborative programs, she has worked with several groups for curriculum development in women’s health.

She also serves as director of the peritoneal dialysis program for Tulane/ Dialysis Clinics, Incorporated and is the current president of the Orleans Parish Medical Society.

Biology graduate Maurice Sholas’ career also is a testament to the effective training that students receive at Southern University.

“Southern helped me build confidence, interpersonal skills and organizational skills that helped me walk the miles needed to reach my goals,” says Sholas. “Practicing medicine is a dream come true that would have been impossible without my experiences at Southern.”

Sholas is the medical director and practice director of the Children’s Rehabilitation Services division of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta which was ranked among the nation’s top pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report this year.

The demands of a career in rehabilitating children do not deter Sholas. He has had extensive clinical training, having earned a PhD and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He completed a residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center and also received a fellowship in pediatric rehabilitation from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

He also has certifications from the State Board of Medical Examiners in the state of Louisiana and Texas, the

Meet: Kimberly Davis Bessix Hometown: Maringouin Current Position: General Dentist

Profile How I got here: B.S. from SU in biology/ pre-dentistry; D.D.S. from LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans What keeps me motivated: Faith in God; desire to give back to my community; knowing at the end of the day I have made a difference in someone’s life.

Most important thing I learned as a student at Southern University: I learned to be patient (registration experiences); to be proud of who you are as an individual.

Most amazing professional experience since medical school: Donated dental services to a grandmother who was helping to raise her grandchildren and she could not afford her dental treatment. I gave her a smile makeover.

When treatment was completed, she was overjoyed with tears.

Advice to current SU students who aspire to be in the medical profession: Pursue your dreams and surround yourself with positive people. In order to achieve your goals, put God first and seek Him for direction, strength to go on, and perseverance.

What keeps me up at night: The plight of the less fortunate and our current healthcare crisis What I do to relax: Shop, long bubble baths, spending time with my family.

Spring/Summer 2009 33

Internship and residency in internal medicine at Tulane (1989-1992) Chief Resident – Internal Medicine at Tulane (1992-1993) Nephrology Fellowship at Tulane (19931995) Research in nephrology at Tulane (19951996) What keeps me motivated: Teaching and interacting with students, residents, and fellows Meet: Myra Kleinpeter Hometown: Baton Rouge Year Graduated: 1984 Current Position: associate professor of clinical medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans; president, Orleans Parish Medical Society – New Orleans, LA; chair of medical affairs, American Kidney Fund – Rockville, MD

Profile

Most important thing I learned as a student at Southern University: There is a time and season for all activities should be done (work hard, play hard and take the time to enjoy your family and friends).

Also from Dr. Arnold Smalley in Organic Chemistry: Prior preparation prevents poor performance. This statement has helped me maintain preparedness in all endeavors.

How I got here: Graduated in premed biology from SU with a minor in chemistry; completed medical school concurrent with graduate school in the School of Public Health at Tulane - masters in public health in May, 1989 and medical doctorate June, 1989

Most amazing professional experience since medical school: Attending the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis meeting in Helsinki, Finland in 2006 allowed me to meet physicians from all over the world with medical practices similar to my academic practice at Tulane with a variety of colleagues with diverse life experiences.

American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.

and is a vehicle through which students are prepared to succeed in medical professions.

Sholas also manages to teach aspiring physicians as a clinical assistant professor in the department of rehabilitation medicine at Emory University’s School of Medicine.

Former Timbuktu participant Vincent Shaw, M.D., completed medical school in 2003 and is now working as a physician at Burnham Family and Sports Medicine Center in Baton Rouge. He was recently named a partner in the practice after only two years of working at the Baton Rouge facility.

Path-Forging Programs In addition to preparing college students for careers in the health professions, HBCU’s like Southern contribute to the nation’s biomedical research projects with support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), and other research agencies, and private corporations.

SU’s Timbuktu Academy is one program that receives such funding 34 Southern University System Magazine

Shaw, a former Timbuktu participant says that “Besides the technical knowledge and presenting papers at national conferences and meetings, the Timbuktu Academy further strengthened my commitment to lifelong learning and instilled a greater confidence in my skills and abilities.”

Shaw is an SU graduate in chemistry who also earned a doctorate of medicine from Louisiana State University Health

Advice to current SU students who aspire to be in the medical profession: Participate in summer enrichment programs in the health professions at health professions schools across the nation. Spend time in volunteer activities in health related charities. Develop a hobby to enable you to relax and have a stress releasing mechanism. Participate in student organizations for the health professions and have fun at Southern. Many of the people that I met at Southern have been lifelong friends and colleagues in medicine.

What keeps me up at night: The practice of medicine requires lifelong learning since there are constant advances in the health sciences, medicine and technology. I am concerned about remaining current to continue to provide excellent and compassionate care to my patients.

What I do to relax: I enjoy traveling and reading. I would like to study art history at some point in the future, since viewing art from a historical perspective, provides a window to the future. If we do not learn from our past, we are destined to make many of the same mistakes of the past.

Sciences Center in New Orleans and completed a residency in family medicine and a fellowship in sports medicine.

(See profile page 35) “The benefits from activities like the Timbuktu Academy by HBCU’s are enormous,” says Timbuktu Director Diola Bagayoko. “The Timbuktu Academy has developed and implemented a rigorous, scientific approach to education and research. Its critical contributions to the success of its pre-college and college participants stems from its research-based approach and from the significant, financial and other resources it invests in these scholars.”

During his 44 years at SUBR, Robert Miller, dean of sciences and professor of chemistry, has groomed many students for careers in medicine.

“Both the chemistry department and the biology department at SUBR have

premed programs,” Miller says. “We also have students in the department of physics who have earned medical degrees. We have been quite successful in providing students, who aspire to be medical doctors, with the background or foundation that they need to endure the rigors of medical school.”

the MCAT at the end of their junior year, earn a score of 24 and complete the required summer trainings at MMC and they will be accepted into medical school.”

Willie Winzer, M.D., an SU chemistry graduate who is now a physician in the Atlanta area states that, “Once an SUBR student enters medical school, he holds his own with medical students from any school in the nation.”

SUBR is one of seven HBCU’s that are participating in a collaborative program with Meharry Medical School to increase the number of African-American physicians. The program was initiated through the Meharry Medical School’s Centers of Excellence grant.

In the Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine Program (BS/MD), students majoring in the biological sciences or chemistry are invited to participate in a Summer Enrichment Program at Meharry Medical College (MMC) School of Medicine for three summers during the sophomore, junior, and senior years of study.

Participants are selected by a site coordinator at each university based on their GPA and the coordinator’s personal knowledge of the students. Students also must be deemed to possess the potential to succeed in the program which results in conditional acceptance into Meharry’s School of Medicine. Other schools participating in the program are Alabama A&M, Fisk, Grambling, Jackson State, Hampton, and Tennessee State. SUBR’s site coordinator is biology professor Alice Ward.

“For students who are serious about going to medical school, this program is an excellent entry into formal training,” says Ward. “All the students have to do is maintain a 3.25 GPA and take

The Institute of Medicine (IOM), a Washington, D.C.-based advisory organization that is part of the National Academy of Sciences, recommended

It is the most important thing I learned because of the fact that college can be challenging and no matter how well you plan or anticipate changes, there is always a kink somewhere and you just have to deal with it and move on, because getting upset only makes it worse. Just take your time and things will improve.

Within the past five years, SUBR has established a formal relationship with Meharry Medical School and SUBR Chancellor Kofi Lomotey is working to establish collaborative programs with other medical schools.

“The future should find SUBR producing even more students who ultimately earn medical degrees,” Dean Miller notes.

Implications for the Future

Meet: Vincent Shaw Jr. Hometown: Opelousas Current Position: Family and sports medicine physician at Burnham Family and Sports Medicine Clinic (Harrell’s Ferry Location); assistant team physician for Louisiana State University; Team Physician for Parkview Baptist School

Profile How I got here: BS Chemistry premed - Southern University, Baton Rouge 1994 – 1998; Doctorate of Medicine (MD) - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans 1998 – 2003; Family Medicine Residency - Baton Rouge General Medical Center - 2003 – 2006; Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans 2006 - 2007 What keeps me motivated: My main motivation is the desire to see people happy. If I can touch just one life a day and have a patient say “Thanks Doc, I really feel better” then I know that I have made a difference. Although it may be insignificant to some, that’s what keeps me going and keeps me with a smile.

Most important thing I learned as a student at Southern University: Patience was the most important thing I learned at Southern.

Most amazing professional experience since medical school: My most amazing professional experience was when I was working with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office Maratime Response Team after Hurricane Gustav. After the Hurricane, we went from house to house off of Hoo Shoo Too Road near the river where people were stranded in their homes due to the flood waters. I was able to provide care for those people left stranded by the flood. They were very thankful and appreciative for the care and services that we were able to provide.

Advice to current SU students who aspire to be in the medical profession: Be sure to be diverse in your education and extracurricular activities.

(Who wants a nerd for a doctor?) Don’t be afraid to major in a non-science field (my gross anatomy partner was a philosophy major). Do as well as you can on the MCAT. Don’t give up easily - a majority of med school applicants try multiple times before being accepted.

What keeps me up at night: My current concerns are for the current health care system especially in our state. We don’t have enough services for our citizens.

There are not enough medical providers for the poor, the mentally ill, and the working poor. Medicines are completely unaffordable, and folks currently have to put their health secondary to monetary concerns.

What I do to relax: Exercise (participate in marathons and triathalons), watch movies, and travel.

Spring/Summer 2009 35

Meet: James M. Freemont, MD, MHA Hometown: Monroe Year Graduated from SU: 1966 College Major: Bacteriology

Profile Current Position: Physician, obstetrics/ gynecology and acupuncture; chief of staff - Tenet South Fulton Hospital Atlanta, Georgia.

How I got here: I attended medical School at Emory University School of Medicine and completed an internship and residency at Emory University affiliated hospitals. I also attended Helms Institute of Medical Acupuncture at UCLA. What keeps me motivated: Everyday of my life, I feel like I am helping someone.

Most important thing I learned as a student at Southern University: Perseverance Most amazing professional experience since medical school: Becoming Chief of Staff of a 360-bed acute care hospital.

that schools increase the number of underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in the health professions, and integrate cross-cultural education into the training of all current and future health professionals.

in today’s age of technology and information. “

A scarcity of African Americans in the medical research workforce has implications for research in diseases that disproportionately affect them, and it can deepen their historic distrust in health care systems that have resulted from discrimination in access to care.

”This will be the first generation of young people that will have a decreased life expectancy due to poor decisionmaking and unhealthy lifestyles.”

The role of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs’) in the effort to eliminate disparities in health care and in access to health care has become increasingly important.

SU grad Rani Whitfield, M.D., who is a board certified family physician has become a pioneer in educating the African-American community, especially the younger generation about diseases that disproportionately affect them.

“Yet there continues to be huge disparities in health care, and younger people are dying from things that are preventable.”

Whitfield has been featured on CNN twice discussing his community outreach as “Tha Hip Hop Doc or H2D.” Whitfield was given the moniker “Hip Hop Doc” because of his love for music.

He began to put health messages on top of hip hop beats and market them to local radio stations in Baton Rouge. His commercials titled, The Hip Hop Medical Moment, aired over a 12-month period, five days a week. He also has appeared on BET’s “106& Park” and has been a featured guest on the “Michael Baisden

“Premature death from illness and injury is not uncommon in my life as a physician who volunteers in substance abuse programs and prison systems,” Whitfield says.

“Death from things that are preventable such as heart disease, obesity, cigarette smoking, and of course HIV/AIDS is unacceptable

Advice to current SU students who aspire to be in the medical profession: Set your goals and stick with them.

What keeps me up at night: The current economic crisis, the problems with healthcare, especially health coverage for the uninsured and underinsured.

What I do to relax: I enjoy playing golf, reading, and traveling.

36 Southern University System Magazine

Biology graduate Maurice Sholas’ career also is a testament to the effective training that students receive at SUBR. Sholas earned a Ph.D. and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School and is medical director and practice director of the Children’s Rehabilitation Services division of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta which was ranked among the nation’s top pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report this year.

Pictured is Sholas at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with registered nurse Noreen O’Neil, clinical team lead for the Judson Hawk Clinic, and Malika Reagon, physiatry practice manager, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Show,” “The Tom Joyner Show,” and on the Chuck D. Show, “On the Real.”

Whitfield also volunteers as the team doctor to his alma mater, the SU Laboratory School, and connects with the youth by using his comic book series, Tha Hip Hop Doc and the Legion of Health, along with his rap CD entitled, “Tha Hip Hop Doc Presents: State of Emergency to deliver health messages and advice on healthy living.”

The contributions of HBCU’s has been essential to producing graduates that enter medical professions over the past 50 years in our country and remains so, particularly with today’s on-going challenges in health care issues.

HBCU’s serve as models for majority institutions, showing what works, and why, in identifying, recruiting, educating and graduating successful minority scholars. Southern University,

along with other schools like Howard, Tuskegee, Hampton, Florida A&M, Texas Southern, and Xavier University (New Orleans), continues to provide the basic foundation for graduates to enter medical schools and they stand out with successful graduates, which is evidence that the institutions know how to do it successfully.

Finally, as far back as the 1950’s, SU grads have completed medical studies and are making contributions to the medical field in large numbers.

SU students have become leaders in medicine, both in academic and clinical arenas. As leaders, they’ve contributed to improving the well-being of people in Louisiana, the nation, and the world. SU graduates are among those that not only create the knowledge that changes the world, but also the individuals who lead that change.

What keeps me motivated: The possibilities of what the future brings and our children are the future. I have a daughter and I want her to grow up in a better world. In order to do that, I have to understand this world and what’s going on around her. I will do whatever it takes to have a positive influence on young people. I also see the innocence, creativity, and energy in young adults and the need for structure in their lives.

Meet: Rani Whitfield Hometown: Baton Rouge Current Position: Family practice and sports medicine – private practice

Profile How I got here: After earning my undergraduate degree in microbiology from Southern University in 1992, I attended Meharry Medical School. I moved on to complete a sports medicine fellowship at Ohio State University and ultimately finished up practicing family medicine in Dayton, Ohio.

Most important thing I learned as a student at Southern University: Caring for people. When I was at SU, the environment was nurturing. The small classes were intimate and allowed for interaction with the teachers. I learn better in a small environment and SU was the place that helped me to succeed.

Most amazing professional experience since medical school: Meeting Dr. Benjamin Carson. The first thing he asked me was “How are the people in New Orleans, Louisiana, doing.” He is a very humble physician who has inspired me to want to do more in the community.

Editor’s Note: In preparing for the cover story, the editorial staff searched various sources to compile a list of Southern University alumni who went on to study at medical schools around the country. After researching campus and alumni records along with some wordof-mouth leads, we came up with an impressive list of outstanding graduates.

Go to www.sus.edu to see the list in progress. If we missed you or someone you know, please e-mail us at susytemmagazine@ sus.edu and we will be happy to add to the growing list.

Start this process early. If you don’t like the career, ask this mentor whom he or she knows in the community, and get a personal referral. It’s all about networking. I have students working with me all the time. It’s my duty to serve and educate my community.

What keeps me up at night: My passion to do more/learn more and my daughter’s future. Medicine is an ever changing field and I have to continue to learn to provide the best possible care for my patients. I also want the best for my daughter and will make the same sacrifices my parents did to get me through tough times.

What I do to relax: Play music. I’m a bass guitarist in my band Eu4ria. I study music, play the piano—I’m teaching myself. I love and hug on my daughter.

I weight train on a regular basis. I play basketball, cook Cajun food, and read.

Advice to current SU students who aspire to be in the medical profession: Find a mentor who is doing what you want to do and shadow that person.

Spring/Summer 2009 37

Ag Center News

Southwest Center hosts summit About 1,200 students from 13 middle schools throughout St. Landry Parish attended the ninth annual Back-to-School Summit held at the Opelousas Yambilee Festival building in August.

The lead sponsor for the event was the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives of the Southern University Ag Center, which will also stage Summits in three other parishes.

The theme was Knowledge is Power: Change Your World. The purpose was to teach kids to avoid risky behavior, such as sex and substance abuse, said Edna Lastrapes of the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives.

Hosting the event was two-time Olympic medalist and Monroe native Hollis Conway.

who attend the rally to see how much information they retained.

Among the speakers was Danna Andrus, M.D., also known as “Dr. Truth,” and Rani Whitfield, a medical doctor billed as Tha Hip Hop Doc. Motivational speaker Den Hussey and Wanda Burke, Southern University youth specialist, gave presentations, while Byron Starks offered dramatizations.

According to Lastrapes, director of the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives, Southern University has begun a research project to follow up on students

“One thing we’re working on as far as getting the information from the kids, is that we want to partner with the Department of Education, based on the information we received from the students, we want to add to the health curriculum in schools,” Lastrapes said.

“But the main thing is we want to give kids a platform to ask questions and give a neutral platform, so they feel comfortable to ask questions.”

Ag leadership institute graduates second class U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack presided over the graduation ceremony of 26 minority farmers from the Southern University Ag Center’s Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Training Institute.

The Institute is a two-year course of study that gives small, socially disadvantaged, limited resource and/or minority farmers the knowledge to become successful agricultural entrepreneurs.

“President Obama recognizes that small farm operators are the custodians of about 48 percent of this nation’s farm and ranch land,” Vilsack said. “It’s vital that we support programs such as this that provide the tools needed to promote the sustainability of small family farms.”

This is the second class to graduate from the program with the first taking place in 2007.

Throughout the course, participants studied a broad range of agriculturallyimportant topics, including the effects of global agriculture on the U.S. economy; leadership and analytical skills; business management and marketing, communications; and public policy.

The program is unique in that it is the only one in the country spe38 Southern University System Magazine

cifically targeting minority, socially disadvantaged and limited resource agricultural producers. Participants were from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, Texas, Missouri, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Maryland and North Carolina.

The most dynamic aspect of the Institute is the relationships that have been built. “Each session I sit back and watch the participants interact, assist and motivate each other as if they have known one another forever.

The camaraderie is phenomenal,” said Dawn Mellion-Patin, institute director and Ag Center agriculture specialist.

Gina Eubanks, vice chancellor for extension, left, and Dawn Mellion-Patin, program director, far right, pose with graduates from Louisiana.

The Southern University Ag Center has collaborated with the Southern University Law Center, Alcorn State University Small Farm Development Center, Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and North Carolina A&T State University Cooperative Extension Program to bring the Institute to the farmers in various locations.

The ceremony was held at the USDA headquarters, in the Jamie L. Whitten Building on March 27. USDA’s Coop-

erative State Research, Education and Extension Service administers and funds the program through the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program, which teaches participants the enhanced decision-making skills and leadership development to become successful agribusiness managers and community leaders. Patin is currently pursuing multiple funding sources to sustain this unique institute. For more information on the Institute, visit www.aginstitute. suagcenter.com.

Rural and Small Business Center holds annual procurement conference The Southern University Center for Rural and Small Business Development hosted a “Connecting Businesses with Contracts” Procurement Opportunities Conference in March at the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.

Shaw Group vice president Matthew Butler was the luncheon keynote speaker.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration discussed SBA programs, guarantees, certification process, bonds and surety, and GO and disaster loans.

The Louisiana State Contracting and Licensing Department had representatives available to assist conference attendees who wanted to become licensed, or who are already licensed but want to increase their knowledge.

Shaw Group Vice President Matthew Butler was the luncheon keynote speaker at the The Southern University Center for Rural and Small Business Development’s “Connecting Businesses with Contracts” Procurement Opportunities Conference, in March.

“I am hoping that as a result of attending the conference, participants will be able to secure meaningful contracts for their businesses,” said Gloria London, director of the Center for Rural and Small Business Development.

Other sponsors for the conference were the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation, Louisiana Small Business Development Centers in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, and the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

Exhibitors for the conference included Shaw Environmental Infrastructure Group, Entergy Corporation, U.S. Army, New Orleans District Corps of Engineers; FEMA; USDA Rural Development; Textron Marine and Land; Ameriplan; Operation Hope; Alcatec, LLC; Louisiana National Guard; Department of the Navy; Louisiana State Office of Purchasing; Baton Rouge City Purchasing; Today’s Money Makers; Louisiana Secretary of State Office; Small Business Transportation Resource Center/U.S. DOT; Brown and Brown Insurance, Picerne Military Housing, CAMTRACO, and others.

Professionals come out to build healthy families More than 200 parent educators, child care providers, health care professionals, faith-based organizations, and other family service agencies participated in the Ag Center’s annual family and health conference to enhance their professional skills, learn methods of evaluating programs, and develop emergency preparedness plans.

The Family and Human Development program, in collaboration with the Department of Social Services/Office of Family Support, and the Department of Health and Hospitals, sponsored the April 16-17 conference at the Baton Rouge Marriott.

The meeting, “Building Healthy Foundations for Families,” addressed the varied challenges that families are experiencing nationally and solutions that agencies can employ to better serve the family. The Ag Center’s nutrition health team offered tips on how to engage residents in community-based

projects to combat emerging infectious diseases. The Communities of Color/ Tobacco-Free Living state coordinator Linda Early Brown invited participants to join a collaborative effort lead by the Ag Center to address tobacco disparities in Louisiana.

Conference topics included insurance choices for individuals and families; food safety and sanitation; the communicable na- Presenter the Rev. Mary Moss receives a thank you package from Ag Center sociologist Keydron Guinn during the ture of MRSA: Methicillin Southern University Ag Center’s Family and Health Resistance Staphylococcus Conference in April.

Aureus; emergency preparedness; nutrition and A paramount goal of the conferphysical fitness for families; diabetes and ence was to alleviate some of the gaps in childhood obesity; types of health related education and services, said Kasundra issues associated with smoking; depresCyrus, family and human development sion; contemporary issues in parenting specialist. and family life; program evaluation; and stress.

Spring/Summer 2009 39

Communities of Color Network clears the smoke Louisiana statistics indicate that students engage in the harmful practice of smoking at early ages. To combat this, the Ag Center’s Communities of Color (CoC) Network continues its mission of reducing tobacco use, consumption, and secondhand smoke exposure among Louisiana’s African-American communities. The CoC Network builds solution-oriented coalitions and provides educational experiences to teach citizens about dangers of tobacco and the industry’s marketing strategies.

CoC staff actively participates in more than 14 coalitions statewide with more coalitions on the horizon. Regional coordinator Latricia Dixon provided a general tobacco workshop to students at Jackson Middle School. Dixon engaged the children in activities and allowed them opportunities to express concerns about tobacco in their environments.

Educational opportunities and interactive activities were provided in Avoyelles Parish where Shawntell Harrell, CoC Network regional coordinator, taught Bunkie Middle School students about the chemicals found in such products as cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco.

Paula Jordan, CoC Network regional coordinator, presented a tobacco basics workshop to patients of the Lydia Outreach Clinic in January. Jordan provided the group with useful tips on how to keep their homes and kids tobacco-free. She also introduced the tobacco curriculum to Second Baptist Deliverance Church in Eunice, in January. It was the first of a series of workshops to encourage a 100 percent tobacco-free church, based on criteria and guidelines established by the Communities of Color Network. The curriculum is customized to fit the needs of Second Baptist. The importance of the workshop was further emphasized when the ministers correlated the message with a biblical passage for the parishioners.

Regional coordinator Eric Murphy utilized visual presentations to engage approximately 15 participants at the Adult Learning Center at Southern University, Shreveport, in interesting dialogue concerning the health risks associated with smoking.

Program director Linda Early Brown persistently encourages the citizens of Louisiana to seek opportunities to get 40 Southern University System Magazine

their communities involved in the initiative provided by Communities of Color Network in tobacco education of Louisiana citizens. “Coalition and educational opportunities are available statewide,” said Brown.

The Communities of Color Network also hosted a tobacco prevention program at the SU J.K. Hayes School of Nursing in February. Victor DeNoble, an experimental psychologist for Philip Morris in the early 1980s, told the more than 250 students in attendance that “a person can become addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products in as little as two months, but it can take as long as 10 years before the human brain ceases to crave the drug.”

During his four-year tenure at Philip Morris, DeNoble studied the effects of nicotine by experimenting on rats and dissecting human and monkey brains. His job was to find a substance that did not harm the heart when a person smoked a cigarette.

“My job was to create a cigarette that wouldn’t kill people,” DeNoble said. However when he invented that cigarette, his employer decided not to develop it because it would have to admit that it lied for decades when it said tobacco wasn’t addictive, and it would cost too much money to remove the 160 tobacco products already on the market, DeNoble said.

Rather than being hailed as the inventor of a “safe” cigarette, DeNoble was fired.

He responded by stealing his research files which were top secret. These files eventually became a part of the evidence that forced tobacco companies to admit that their products were addictive and deadly, he said.

In 1997, the tobacco companies settled lawsuits filed by various state govern-

The Communities of Color Network hosted a tobacco prevention program at the SU School of Nursing in February. Victor DeNoble, an experimental psychologist for Philip Morris in the early 1980s, told the more than 250 students in attendance that, “a person can become addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products in as little as two months, but it can take as long as 10 years before the human brain ceases to crave the drug.”

ments, including Louisiana, for $370 billion.

Now a portion of that settlement money is routinely paid to tobacco prevention programs and to DeNoble, supporting his speaking engagements at schools across the United States about the dangers of tobacco.

DeNoble spent a week in Louisiana speaking on college campuses from New Orleans to Natchitoches at tobacco preventive programs by the Communities of Color Network, administered by Southern University’s Ag Center.

Career development event returns The Southern University Ag Center hosted the Area IV, Career Development Event (CDE) that brought together 1,100 students from 50 high schools and 25 surrounding parishes. Youth participants in Future Farmers of America competed in 10 judging contest: livestock, beef, floriculture, dairy cattle, welding, small engine, poultry, nursery and landscaping, meats,

and dairy products. This event develops student’s leadership ability, provides them with the opportunity to visit an 1890 land-grant institution, and enlightens them on issues that impact agriculture in the state of Louisiana.

The CDE is held annually in March at the Ag Center’s M.A. Edmund Arena.

Researchers take findings to Atlanta Fifteen Southern University researchers and seven students presented 28 research projects at the Biennial Association of Research Directors’ Symposium with faculty and students from the nation’s historically black land-grant universities in Atlanta, Georgia in March.

Three presentations were made in the emerging technologies category, 11 in renewable resources, four in food safety, one in human nutrition and health, and nine in small farms and rural development. Researchers from Southern University Ag Center made five oral presentations in two categories. All symposium attendees were sponsored by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

In the Renewable Energy and Environmental Stewardship category were LaShunda Anderson, on “Cash for Conservation: Potentially Increasing Small Landowner Income via Wildlife and Native Grass Environmental Stewardship Educational Outreach;” Daniel Col-

lins, on “Training the Next Generation of Agricultural Scientists in Plant Biosecurity;” Yadong Qi, on “Application of Paclobutrazol Tree Growth Regulator into Urban and Utility Forest Management.”

In the Small Scale Agriculture and Rural Development category were Sebhatu Gebrelul, on “Influences of Forage Quality and Quantity on the Performance of Goats and Cattle under Mixed-Species Grazing Systems” and Yemane Ghebreiyessus, on “Effects of Joint Cattle and Goats Grazing System on Soil Physical Properties.”

Researchers also displayed posters in various categories including: “GIS Analysis of Environmental Factors and Socio-climatic Factors Relating to Tapeworm Infection in the State of Bahia, Brazil from 2002-2005” by Fulbert Namwamba, : “The Effect of Mixed Species Grazing in the Determination of Gastro-intestinal Infections of Haemonchus contortus in Spanish Does” by Renita Marshal;

Youth aviation clinic brings world of flight to participants Thirty youth participants of the Southern University Ag Center’s Family and Youth Expo had the opportunity to take simulated wings and fly during a special session aviation session on June 19.

The 2009 Family and Youth Expo, is the Ag Center’s culminating youth development activity for youth throughout the state. The youth will participate in competitions, seminars, and workshops, June 19-20 in Baton Rouge. Southern University chancellor Kofi Lomotey will be the keynote speaker, and youth will display a parade of parishes and the lessons they’ve learned from Ag Center agents.

“An Empirical Analysis of Nutritional Knowledge and Importance Rankings of the Dietary Guidelines for Sodium Intake” by Patricia McLean-Meyinsse; “Impact of Tree Based Mulch on the Growth and CO2 Uptake of Quercus nuttallii” by Zhu Ning; “Application of Sonic Tomography Technology into Detection of Internal Decay in Water Oak (Quercus nigra L.)”

by Yadong Qi; “Hibiscus, (Hibiscus sabdariffa) species grown in Louisiana” by Kit Chin; “The Performance of Brangus Calves under Mixed-Species Grazing Systems”

by Sebhatu Gebrelul; “Improving UV protection of Cotton Fabrics Through Digital Textile Printing”

by Grace Namwamba; “A Comparison between Regular Sugar Cookies and Hibiscus Cookies” by Fatemeh Malekian;

The “Do You Believe You Can Fly? Aviation Clinic” will introduced pre-teens and teenagers to the world of aviation as part of the two-day expo activities.

Louisiana aviator Al Rutherford will shared insight on aviation and provide a tour of the Baton Rouge control towers, airport hangers, and Coast Guard helicopter. Participants learned about career opportunities in aviation and how to become certified pilots. They also simulated an actual flight thanks to the state department of transportation and development.

Kirkland Mellad, Ag Center vice chancellor for research, views the research poster of graduate student Chris Chappell.

“Mixed Species and Grazing Practices Effects on the Yield and Quality of Forage Crops” by Veera Bachireddy; Youth participants of the Southern University Ag Center’s Family and Youth Expo had the opportunity to take simulated wings and fly during a special session aviation session that included computer instruction and flight simulations.

“Roselle Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Research at Southern University by Kit Chin; “Assessment of Food Safety Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Among College Students” by Janet Gager; and “Nanotechnology Application in Forest Health Management” by Yadong Qi . The purpose of the symposium was to showcase the land-grant commitment to teaching and research by sharing research information, and highlighting research accomplishments.

Spring/Summer 2009 41

Livestock champion named, church buys Grand Steer The Rev. Rene Brown and some members of the Mt. Zion First Baptist in Baton Rouge were present to bid on and ultimately purchase the 1,200-pound Grand Champion Steer during the SU Ag Center’s 66th Annual Livestock Show.

The church also purchased more than $7,000 of meat—two steers, three hogs, and one lamb—to feed the community, senior citizens, and members through the church’s various ministries. Pictured with the Livestock Show’s winning steer are (front row, left - right) Henri Carrol, grand champion market steer winner, Tensas Parish, (back row, left – right) Gina Eubanks, vice chancellor for extension; Renita Marshall, director of livestock show program; the Rev. Rene F. Brown, pastor, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Baton Rouge; Kelly Terrell Temple, Baton Rouge City Court judge; Henry Carrol, father of champion winner; and Evaldus Fields, retired extension agent.

When the Rev. Rene F. Brown attended the Southern University Ag Center Livestock and Poultry Show last year, he returned to the Mt. Zion First Baptist in Baton Rouge with a renewed connection to agriculture and a desire to help the youth during the junior auction.

“I saw our children’s animals being sold for little to no money,” Brown said “I told the congregation we have to do something to help our children.”

The peak of the livestock show is usually the live auction, where buyers pay premium price for livestock. This year, Brown and his congregation were present to bid on and ultimately purchase the 1,200-pound Grand Champion Steer. The church also proposed for, and won more than $7,000 of meat— two steers, three hogs, and one lamb—to feed the community, senior citizens, and members through the church’s various ministries.

Now in its sixty-sixth year, the Ag Center’s livestock show remains the premiere event for youth to display showmanship and quality animals. Year round, youth prepare to compete in this culminating event by attending educational activities and programs. They learn leadership, character development, and entrepreneurship skills.

to talk to a cow this much!” said Ashley Jackson, 17, Tensas parish, who’s been showing ever since she can remember.

“Sometimes you get attached to them because they have different personalities. But you still have to sell them.” Jackson, whose family is constant at livestock shows, said she enjoys participating in this show even though it is a lot of work.

“We had to be here for six o’clock (in the morning) to walk them and wash them…I walked him and talked to him and he was listening!”

Two of her cattle sold during the junior auction: one for nearly $1.30 a pound and the other $2 a pound. Even if she were to travel back home with the animals, she would “still have to sell them to not lose money because at a certain age they are going to die anyway,” said Jackson who wants to attend Southern.

“A lot of kids are interested in animals but they don’t know the right thing to do.” So she said she will open a large farm to the public after earning degrees in agriculture and law.

The time-honored, family tradition of Southern’s show carries a strong legacy of providing an excellent opportunity for the youth of Louisiana to exhibit their prized livestock.

Three hundred young farmers gathered at the M.A. Edmond Livestock Arena, February 26-28, for the competition and fun. More than 500 animals were exhibited, and more than 1,200 pre-schoolers attended the show and participated in the barnyard tours, said livestock show programs director Renita Marshall.

“This exhibition has also become an important means of providing youth with valuable life skills that will prepare them for whatever career path they may choose to pursue,” said Marshall. “It enables them to be competitive, and develop responsibility and leadership skills.” The show featured animals that have been showcased or have won in parish competitions.

Youth traveled from all over Louisiana to participate in the 2009 competition, ultimately vying for the top title of Grand Champion, and hoping to be awarded prize ribbons in the show ring. The livestock entrants individually groom and raise their animals in preparation for the show. “This is the first time I had

During the two-day event, judges named the state champions in various breeds of beef and dairy cattle, hogs, sheep, lamb, and goats.

42 Southern University System Magazine

Thirty-three youth were named state champions. Winners received premiums, rosettes, ribbons, and silver platters. The

Ceremony celebrates Women’s History Month Southern University’s Urban Forestry Program, in collaboration with the Recreation and Parks Commission (BREC), area youth, and the Youth Congress of the Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, held a tree planting ceremony at the BREC Anna T. Jordan Community Park in March.

The event, held in observance of Women’s History Month, honored the late Anna T. Jordan who was a longtime educator and civic leader in the Scotlandville Community. She served as a teacher and principal of Port Hudson Elementary and South Scotlandville Elementary Schools.

The park has served as the keystone of the Scotlandville community, playing a primary role in providing much-needed recreation, cultural, social, and quality of life enhancements for the community.

The park came into existence in 1953 when Thomas J. Jordan, husband of Anna Jordan, donated three acres of land to the Recreation and Park Commission for East Baton Rouge Parish. In 1956, the park system purchased additional acres from Thomas Jordan to complete the 38-acre park named in honor of his wife.

Luther King Christian Academy, students from the Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Youth Congress, along with students from Southern planted trees at the park. The group also landscaped and planted ornament trees and plants for residents in the Scotlandville/North Baton Rouge area.

The Seventh-day Adventist conference was in town for its annual Youth Congress, with students Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

After the ceremony, students from Morgan-Collins Home School, Martin

all-time favorite mini-farm, featuring a variety of small farm animals opened on Friday.

Tour guides explained different animals, their food sources, farming and how agriculture affects everyone’s lives.

The show also brought a livestock and poultry quiz bowl, face painting, food, craft booths, and the Hall of Louisiana Agriculture for local school groups. For these youth to have their animals purchased at premium prices is a much-needed motivation for them to continue raising livestock and pursuing careers in agriculture, said Marshall.

But to see a church auction to purchase their livestock is something special. “Our hope is that (the church’s purchase) will build self-esteem and it will help them” financially, said Brown, who studied plant and soil science at Southern. “We want to encourage them to keep doing this.”

The grand champion and reserve champion winners and their parishes are: •

Henri Carrol, Tensas, Grand Champion Market Steer

•

Hunter Millician, EBR, Reserve Champion/Grand Champion LA Bred

•

Ashley Jackson, Madison, Reserve Champion LA Bred

•

Malkayla Conner, Calcasieu, Grand Champion Market Hog

•

Hayden Moffett, Caddo, Reserve Champion Market Hog

•

Morgan Dunn, Union, Grand Champion Market Lamb

•

Paige Quebedeaux, Lafourche, Reserve Champion Market Lamb

•

Adriana Wohletz, Nachitoches, Grand Champion Market Goat

•

Mercedes Jordan, Winn, Reserve Champion Market Goat

Contestants poised for meat cut identification during the Future Farmers of America Career Development Event hosted by the Southern University Ag Center.

Future farmers compete at Southern In March, future farmers of America from Louisiana high schools convened at the M.A. Edmond Livestock Arena and at the Southern University Meat Technology Laboratory for the Area IV, FFA Career Development Event (CDE).

Once again, the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center was privileged to host the Area IV, Career Development Event, coordinated by Willie J. Rawls, associate research director and William Augustine, research/ technology associate. The CDE brings together 1,300 students from 51 high schools in 14 surrounding parishes, not including teachers and parents who provide assistance each year.

The CDE consists of ten judging contests in livestock, beef, floriculture, dairy cattle, welding, small engine, meats, nursery and landscaping, dairy products, and poultry. This event develops students’ leadership ability, provides them with the opportunity to visit an 1890 land-grant institution, and enlightens them on careers that impact Louisiana agriculture.

Spring/Summer 2009 43

Ag Center goat field day a success Louisiana goat producers were invited to learn more about basic goat health care, including artificial insemination, during the 4th Annual Goat Field Day at the Southern University Ag Center in Baton Rouge.

Held in April, the field day featured presentations on basic goat health care, direct marketing and product development, cost benefit analysis, artificial insemination, forage based production, parasite control, and FAMACHA training. The event also included demonstrations and hands-on learning for a number of basic goat husbandry tasks.

AG CENTER TOUR—Congressman Anh J. Cao’s deputy chief of staff and market and a farm manager visited and toured the Southern University Ag Center on May 4. Rosalind Peychaud, deputy chief of staff and Paul Baricos, manager of Hollygrove Market & Farm, traveled from New Orleans to Baton Rouge and met with the Ag Center chancellor Leodrey Williams, vice chancellor for research Kirkland Mellad, vice chancellor for extension Gina Eubanks, and vice chancellor for finance and administration Adell Brown.

The group discussed project collaboration and starting a community garden in New Orleans. Peychaud and Baricos toured A.O. Williams Hall as well as the Maurice Edmond Livestock Arena. They were amazed at the amount of research and activities going on at Center. “I did not know that so much is going on here.

I will have to come back,” said Peychaud. Chancellor Williams agreed that a full day is needed to see a representation of all the Ag Center. Cao represents the state’s 2nd Congressional district.

Goat producers gathered for presentations during the 4th Annual Goat Field Day at the Southern University Ag Center in Baton Rouge.

Ag Center Distinctions Owusu Bandele, horticulturist, made a presentation entitled, “Sustaining Healthy Production Practices,” at Alcorn State University Cooperative Extension Program’s 18th Annual Small Farmers Conference 2009, on March 30. The presentation highlighted ecological, environmental, and economic advantages and challenges of producing and marketing organic produce. The lecture also included a short history of significant contributions of African Americans to sustainable agriculture.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • The agriculture science class being taught at Capitol High Academy by SU Ag Center scientists was featured on the Louisiana Farm Bureau’s weekly television program, “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture.” Reporter A. J. Sabine highlighted the positive impact that the class 44 Southern University System Magazine

has had on the students. The teaching team consisted of Owusu Bandele, horticulture; Lashunda Anderson, agronomy; Dawn Mellion-Patin, griculture; and Renita Marshall, animal science.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Glenn Dixon, assistant area agent, East and West Carroll Parishes, co-authored an article published in the February 2009 issue of the Journal of Extension.

The article, “Strengthening Agricultural Entrepreneurship: A Grant Writing Tool for Agricultural Producers,” presents a set of grant writing guidelines used when working with agricultural producers in Louisiana.

Specifically, they applied these guidelines to help producers understand the grant writing and application process for the United States Department of Agri-

culture’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.

The article was published online in Volume 47, number 1 of the Journal of Extension. To read the article, visit http:// www.joe.org/joe/2009february/tt4.php • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Gina E. Eubanks, vice chancellor for extension, co-presented at the National Extension Directors/ Administrators meeting as the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP) 1890 representative, February 16, in New Orleans. She and Paul D. Coreil, ECOP chair, and vice chancellor and director, LSU Ag Center presented, “Organizational Adjustments to Cope with Reduced Budgets While Maintaining Capacity and Relevance” during the Orientation for New Directors/Administrators session. Eubanks also presented

“A Response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: the 1890 System,” during the Hurricane Response and Recovery Overview session.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Eual Hall, business development specialist, and the Center for Rural and Small Business Development team organized a personal finance and stewardship training workshop for youth ages 7-17 and their parents at Discipline Baptist Church in Ville Platte in March. More than 80 youth participated in the training.

One focus of the workshop was to increase participants’ awareness of stewardship in managing their lives successfully. The workshop also focused on teaching youth how to manage their personal finances in relation to credit, charge cards, budgeting, savings, college savings fund accounts, bank savings accounts, purchases, mutual funds, and other financial issues which affect adults’ lives.

Hall discussed stewardship principles, personal finance, credit card usage, simple and compound interest, budget, family accountability to society, financing college, and many other critical topics.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Odis Hill, assistant area agent, Morehouse and Union parishes, gathered 12 students and six adults at Carver Elementary School to plant a vegetable garden in April. Hill introduced the different varieties and types of seeds the students would be planting. He gave procedures for planting, and discussed how to care for the garden after planting. The students planted the seeds and marked off the different varieties. The goal was to teach students how to conduct responsible research by keeping a log of the varieties, watering, and weeding the garden. Additionally, students will take pictures at different stages of plant growth.

Seeds planted were watermelon, purple hull peas, tomatoes, and sweet corn.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Gloria D. London, director and Eual Hall, business development specialist, Center for Rural and Small Business Development, conducted three entrepreneurial training workshops: homebuyers training at Clinton High School and QuickBooks training for the small business training, March 26 and March 30; and The Basics of Starting a Business workshop, at Ever Increasing Life Ministry in Baton Rouge, April 1.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Terrence Marshall, county agent, East Baton Rouge Parish, held a Pesticide Recertification Workshop where 39 farmers and homeowners were recertified in the safe use of pesticides as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Marshall also organized and executed the East Baton Rouge Parish 4-H Livestock Show. More than 35 exhibitors showed 95 beef, goat, swine, and poultry at the show.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Fatemeh Malekian, associate professor of food science, Erika Mitchell, research associate, and Chris Williams conducted diabetes training as a part of Louisiana Health Care Review Diabetes Empowerment Education Program at Southern University Ag Center in March.

Forty three participants learned about the human body, risk factors in diabetes, understanding diabetes, monitoring the body, and managing diabetes through nutrition and physical activities.

Malekian, Margarita Khachaturyan, research associate, and Mila Berhane, senior research associate, prepared sugar-free hibiscus cookies and jelly as a part of Hibiscus project. The team gave a presentation on health benefits of Hibiscus and shared the products with participants during a hibiscus workshop at the St. Martin parish extension office in April.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • James McNitt, professor, animal science, was presented with a distinguished service award by the American Rabbit Breeders Association during the Southern University Rabbit Show in April.

Animal Science class at LSU, served as judge for the Livestock Quiz Bowl, organized and oversaw the Hands-on Farm Animal Display for the 1200 children attending the Livestock Show, and participated in the “Growing the Small and Minority Farmer” conference at LSUAlexandria in March. McNitt, Renita Marshall, DVM, associate professor animal science, and Lisa Gray¸ research assistant, provided a hands-on rabbit and chicken display for the Plantation Days at Magnolia Mound; March 25, McNitt organized and oversaw the poultry contest for the FFA Area IV Career Development Event where 97 high school students from 27 teams judged three classes of live birds, two classes of eggs, and two classes of poultry meat.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Kenyetta Nelson-Smith, community and economic development specialist, has been appointed to the Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation’s (UREC) board of directors. UREC is a not-for-profit community based development organization that specializes in affordable housing, education and training, social and economic development.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Sarah Sims, extension aide, Madison Parish, conducted the following: First Thursday, Youth Garden Project, Tallulah Beautification, Family Service health unit and home visits, COA/Seniors – Nutrition-Health, Relay For Life Team, Marine Institute, Southern University YES Training, Nutrition Summit LSUSU, Delta 65, Madison High Health Fair, and DHS Family Health and Nutrition Training Emergency Preparedness. More than 250 youth participated in Madison High Health Fair where they learned the dangers of smoking; 200 participants attended a training workshop on Delta Head Start Nutrition and Emergency Preparedness. Sims continues her ongoing fitness and quilting classes.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

McNitt also made a presentation on rabbit production to the Introduction to

Spring/Summer 2009 45

SUNO News

Much need federal funds to help SUNO rebuild In her second visit to Southern University, New Orleans (SUNO) this year, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced on Monday, August 17, $32 million in federal funds to replace buildings on the campus damaged by Hurricane Katrina nearly four years ago.

The entire SUNO campus was flooded and heavily damaged by the August 2005 storm. With the exception of a few buildings open on the main campus, classes and some offices are still located in temporary buildings near the Lakefront campus.

Napolitano said speeding up the recovery dollars remains a priority for her department.

Southern University, New Orleans will get a $32 million recovery grant to rebuild four academic buildings on its Gentilly campus.

“I was here in March, and I’m very glad to be here again and see the progress that has been made,” Napolitano said. “We have cut through the bureaucratic red tape so decisions can be made and the process can be made head on.”

The secretary’s announcement ends a long-running dispute between the flood-damaged campus and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program, the primary source of rebuilding money for state and local government entities.

SUNO said it will use the money to replace the Old Science, New Science, Multipurpose, and Clark education buildings on the campus, which has been severely crippled since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The grant brings SUNO’s post-Katrina federal aid to $92 million, according to FEMA estimates.

During her second visit to Southern University, New Orleans this year, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in August announced $32 million in federal funds to replace buildings on the campus damaged by Hurricane Katrina nearly four years ago. Joining SUNO Chancellor Victor Ukpolo to present a plaque to Napolitano were U.S. Congressman Joseph Cao, SU Board Chairman Tony Clayton, Chancellor Ukpolo, SU System Interim President Kassie Freeman, SU board members Warren Forstall and Walter Guidry, and SUNO Vice Chancellor for Community Outreach/University Advancement Gloria Moultrie.

SUNO breaks ground for Information Technology Center Southern University, New Orleans broke ground for its Information Technology Center on July 23 at the Lake Campus on Press Drive.

The IT Center will house the University’s current Information Technology Center including the mainframe, the E-Learning center, and the audio-visual department. The center will comprise approximately 10,000 gross square feet at a cost of about $3,000,000.

Southern University, New Orleans recently broke ground for an Information Technology Center at the Lake Campus on Press Drive. The new 10,000 IT Center will house the University’s current Information Technology Center. On hand for a groundbreaking ceremony in July were SU Interim President Kassie Freeman, SUNO Chancellor Victor Ukpolo, SU Board members Murphy Bell, Patrick Bell, Walter Caiton, Tony Clayton, Walter Dumas, Patrick Jefferson, Randall Gaines, Walter Guidry, Myron Lawson, and Lea Montgomery, SUNO faculty, staff, and students, and SU administrators and guests.

46 Southern University System Magazine

“The IT Center is key to the long-term viability of SUNO. It will be of great service not just to us, but the surrounding community as well by offering training and various programs. It represents yet another sign about SUNO’s important role in the rebuilding of the metro region,” says SUNO Chancellor Victor Ukpolo.

The center will be constructed under Act 959 of 2003.

Act 959 “provides that under certain conditions, self-generated projects funded without incurring debt and costing less than $5,000,000 may be performed and administered by an institution without it being included in capital outlay,” according to the Louisiana Board of Regents.

SUNO Chancellor kicks off 50th Anniversary Celebration Southern University, New Orleans Chancellor Victor Ukpolo welcomed guests and alumni to an ecumenical service in January to launch a yearlong celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Southern University campus in New Orleans. The service, led by a host of ministers, was held in the Park Campus cafeteria at 6400 Press Drive.

Among the guests and alumni joining Chancellor Ukpolo and Gloria Moultrie, vice chancellor for community outreach/university advancement, at the commemorative service were Yvonne Narcisse Green, Miss SUNO 1964-1965; Murphy Bell, member, SU Board of Supervisors; Paris Hatcher, vice president SGA, SUNO; Richard Caiton, member, SU Board of Supervisors; Jakia Clay, Miss SUNO 2008-2009; Emmett Bashful, chancellor emeritus, SUNO; Elton C. Harrison, former vice chancellor, SUNO (retired); and Herman F. Plunkett, first registrar, SUNO (retired).

Southern University, New Orleans was founded as a branch unit of

Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College in Baton Rouge by Act 28 of the Extraordinary Session of the Louisiana Legislature of September 4, 1956. On September 21, 1959, SUNO opened its doors on a 17-acre site located in historic Attending an ecumenical service commemorating Southern Pontchartrain Park, a University, New Orleans’ 50th were former students, members subdivision of primarily of the SU Board of Supervisors; SUNO Chancellor Victor African-American Ukpolo and SUNO administrators, faculty, staff, and students, single-family residences former SU System President Ralph Slaughter, and former in eastern New Orleans.

SUNO administrators and retirees.

When SUNO opened at 6400 Press Drive, it Katrina and Rita in 2005. The SUNO had one building—the Administration campus and the surrounding community Building—15 faculty members and 158 experienced major flood damage. In the students. The University offered 10 courses spirit of its visionary founders, SUNO in four disciplines, including humanities, established a temporary campus where science, social science, and commerce. more than 2500 students returned home As the campus commemorates its to continue realizing their educational golden history they are also celebrating dreams while helping to rebuild and the tremendous recovery and rebuilding restore the great city of New Orleans. since the devastation of Hurricanes

SUNO posts highest enrollment since Hurricane Katrina Southern University, New Orleans’ enrollment reached 3,163 students for the fall 2009 Semester.

ings on the campus damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The grants will bring SUNO’s postThe fall enrollment includes an increase storm federal aid to $92 million. in first-time freshmen at 426 from 353 in Construction and rebuilding fall 2008. Additionally, there was also an plans on the original 17-acre campus, increase in transfer students from last fall combined with ongoing projects at 286 to 349 this fall. The numbers repreon the Lake Campus, will result in sent a significant increase since 2005 when an improved and expanded physiwaters from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita cal plant for SUNO, more than the consumed the Park Campus.

11-building, 3,600-student campus that flooded four years ago. The “We are pleased with this post-Katrina trend of enrollment increases since reopen- University already has partially refurbished six buildings and it has ing SUNO in 2006. More students appear broken ground on a new technology to be making our institution their first building, a business school, and a $44 choice in terms of where to attend college, million residential complex. and this bodes well for our immediate and

Southern University, New Orleans enrollment for fall 2009 reached 3,163 students. This encouraging number is the highest increase in enrollment at the Historically Black College and University campus since floodwaters as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged the main campus in 2005. With the exception of a few buildings open on the main campus, classes and some offices are still located in temporary buildings near the Lakefront campus.

To help with rebuilding, the campus recently received a commitment of $32 million in federal funds from U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

long-term future. Our recruiting staff works “SUNO is going to be brand extremely hard to contact students and cre- new in the future. Before Katrina, ate innovative methods for reaching them,” we had 11 buildings that were all said SUNO Chancellor Victor Ukpolo. damaged. Each received four to The news of rebounding enrollment for 11 feet of water. All of the buildings are going to be renovated with SUNO is timed perfectly with the recent state-of-the-art technology. We have been in there, new technology, to make it withstand announcement from U.S. Homeland given a schedule to bring all of the buildings any kind of storm, up to a Category 5 storm in Security Secretary Janet Napolitano of $32 back.

We are going to be putting new facilities the future,” said Ukpolo. million in federal funds to replace build-

Spring/Summer 2009 47

SUNO’s College of Education accreditation reaffirmed Southern University, New Orleans received official notification in early June that accreditation of the University’s College of Education has been reaffirmed by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). With the notification, SUNO joins a limited number of colleges and universities in the nation that have received the distinction.

According to a document issued by NCATE, “Professional accreditation is one way to ensure the public schools of education are graduating well-qualified teachers ready for today’s classrooms.

(SUNO’s College of Education) has proven its commitment to producing quality teachers for our nation’s children

by achieving accreditation under the performance-oriented standards of NCATE.” The document also states, “NCATEaccredited schools must meet rigorous standards set by the profession and members of the public. Teacher candidates must have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter that they plan to teach as well as the skills necessary to convey it so that the students learn…

And the school, college, or department of education must have the resources, including information technology resources, necessary to prepare candidates to meet new standards.”

“In addition to demonstrating the ability to teach a diverse population, candidates who complete teacher preparation programs at NCATEaccredited institutions also understand the importance of working with families. These are qualities that school administrators seek when making hiring decisions about teachers,” according to Mary Minter, dean of SUNO’s College of Education.

Institutions are required to go through the reaffirmation of accreditation process every five years. NCATE was founded in 1954 in order help establish high quality teacher preparation among institutions of higher learning.

SUNO and Delgado sign agreements Southern University, New Orleans and Delgado Community College partnered to rekindle an articulation agreement between the two institutions as well as sign a two-plus-two agreement that was announced at a press conference May 6 at the SUNO Park Campus.

SUNO Chancellor Victor Ukpolo and Ron Wright, the chancellor of Delgado, signed the agreements.

SUNO faculty, administrators, students, and alumni arrive at the state capital for “SUNO Day at the Legislature.”

SUNO holds first ‘SU Day at the Legislature’ Southern University, New Orleans held an inaugural “SUNO Day at the Legislature,” in early May. The University had a display in the rotunda of the Louisiana State Capitol Building in Baton Rouge and representatives of SUNO visited both the House and Senate Chambers.

“This is appropriate as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Southern University at New Orleans,” says Victor Ukpolo, SUNO. “It is a chance to do two things. First we want to engage legislators in substantive conversation about how SUNO has transformed many lives throughout the community through the academic support and opportunities we have provided to so many. Secondly, we can celebrate those legislators, present and past, who are SUNO alumni.”

Southern University, New Orleans alumni, current and past, who have served in the legislature include Representative Charmaine Marchand Stiaes (Dist. 99) as well as Jon Johnson, Irma Muse Dixon, Arthur Morrell, and Johnny Jackson.

48 Southern University System Magazine

The two-plus-two agreement calls for Delgado graduates from its associate degree programs in biology, mathematics, or criminal justice to seamlessly transition into their junior years at SUNO’s bachelor of science programs in these three areas.

Annually, the top two-plus-two student from Delgado will receive financial assistance to attend SUNO. Additionally, students who participate in two-plus-two academic programs will be eligible to live in SUNO’s student housing facility which is slated to open in January 2010.

“We are simply enhancing our on-going association with Delgado,” says Ukpolo. This represents yet another opportunity for SUNO to maintain mutually beneficial relationships that will positively impact the higher education arena in our region. We are happy to have Delgado as a partner in this quest.”

SUNO Chancellor Victor Ukpolo (left) and Ron Wright, the chancellor of Delgado shake hands after signing a two-plus-two agreement. The agreement calls for Delgado graduates from its associate degree programs in biology, mathematics, or criminal justice to seamlessly transition into their junior years at SUNO’s bachelor of science programs in these three areas.

SUNO Distinctions Miss SUNO 2008-09 lived a dream Miss SUNO Jakia Nishon Clay pictured with SUNO SGA President Aaron DeGruy during her coronation last fall.

Senior social work student Jakia Nishon Clay lived up to her family’s proud Kenner name.

A senior studying social work and active in civil rights, the Kenner resident was crowned Miss Southern University, New Orleans during a coronation ceremony last November at Four Columns in Harvey. “It was a dream for me,” she said.

She is youth coordinator and sings in the choir at Little Zion Baptist Church of Kenner and after graduation she hopes to open a child development and recreation center for children.

At Southern, she was involved in the First Fifty Knights, a community service organization, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Student Support Services, Social Work Club, and the Student Grievance Committee. She traveled to New York and Washington, D.C., as a student ambassador for the Thurgood Marshall Foundation and attended the presidential inauguration in January.

She was a member of the SUNO Homecoming Court for three consecutive years as Miss First Fifty Knights, Miss Sophomore, and Miss Delta Sigma Theta.

Clay, whose parents are Joan and Rev. George Chaney, helped at the 50th national Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Clay is the granddaughter of the late Arthur P. Clay, a civil right activist, and the niece of Rev. Byron Clay, national vice president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Sudipta Das, professor of history and chair of arts and humanities; Lenus Jack Jr., associate professor history; and Lora Helvie-Mason, assistant professor

of communications studies, had their research article, “Promoting Positive Self-Images and Active Learning in the Young African-American Male: Making the Case through the Disciplines of Communications and African-American History,” accepted for publication in the Journal of Urban Education.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Chancellor appointed to American Council on Education commission Southern University, New Orleans chancellor Victor Ukpolo, has been appointed to the American College of Education’s (ACE) Commission on Effective Leadership. Ukpolo’s appointment began on July 1 and it will end on June 30, 2012.

The Commission on Effective Leadership provides guidance for the ongoing development for the Center for Effective Leadership’s programs.

It also directs new initiatives to foster institutional effectiveness. The commission serves as a forum for member presidents to explore issues and share insights as well as personal experiences in leadership, leadership development, and institutional effectiveness as they advise ACE about its programs and direction.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Murty Kambhampati received a supplemental grant of $33,500 from the National Science Foundation to support four biology undergraduate students (Jeffery Ambrose, Nyesha Smith, Dorcas Falodun, and Selam Workeneh) and Kambhampati to participate in 2009 summer research at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York. Also a research article, co-authored by Kambhampati, “Bivalve Characterization Using Synchrotron Micro X-Ray Fluorescence.” was published in Acta Physica Polon.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Frank Martin, Amaresh Das, and Igwe E. Udeh, professors in the College of Business and Public Administration, completed a study entitled, “The Economic Impact of SUNO: Giving Taxpayers More for Their Money,” April 29, 2009.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Vice Chancellor for Community Outreach/ University Advancement Gloria B. Moultrie was among three African-American women in higher eduction honored by the New Orleans Chapter of the Coalition of 100 Black Women. Moultrie received the Torchbearer’s Award for her work at Southern University, New Orleans.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SUNO administrator serves second term on national leadership team Brenda Wesley Jackson, director of Title III programs for Southern University, New Orleans, was re-elected for a second term as vice president of the National Association of HBCU Title III Administrators, Incorporated at its annual meeting in June in Memphis, Tennessee.

The membership of the organization includes Title III administrators and Title III-related activity directors of all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The purpose of the National Association of HBCU Title III Administrators is to provide information, technical assistance and serve as an advocate to help advance and strengthen HBCU programs in order to provide a quality education to all its students. In addition, the organization encourages and maintains a cohesive relationship with the U.S. Department of Education and partner HBCUs. The National Association of HBCU Title III Administrators also serves as a forum for discussion on polices and regulations.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Spring/Summer 2009 49

Law Center News SULC addition draws applause at Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony The opening of the $4.1 million building addition for the Southern University Law Center’s A.A. Lenoir Hall couldn’t have come at a better time. The largest incoming class for the Law Center swelled the student body to more than 600 and the 13,400 square-feet of additional classrooms, library stacks, and seminar rooms will help to accommodate the increase.

Chancellor Freddie Pitcher Jr., presided over the August 20 ribboncutting ceremony thanking the numerous individuals who helped with the project, including SULC project manager Andrea Love and facilities coordinator Angela Gaines.

The event attracted a number of Law Center supporters who gave congratulatory remarks for the occasion.

Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Catherine “Kitty” Kimball said she couldn’t be more proud of SULC’s success. Chancellor Emeritus B. K. Agnihotri spoke about the Law Center’s progress

over the years and SU System Vice President Tolor White reflected on facilities enhancements at the Law Center. SU Board of Supervisors Chairman Tony Clayton congratulated Chancellor Pitcher on a tremendous job and successful tenure at the institution. SU Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Lea Polk Montgomery joined Chancellor Pitcher in the planting of a magnolia tree in the yard between the Law Center atrium and new addition.

Cutting the ribbon on the west entrance of the Law Center’s $4.1 million addition are (from left) Chancellor Emeritus B.K. Agnihotri, SU Board of Supervisors Chairman Antonio “Tony” Clayton, Chancellor Freddie Pitcher, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Catherine “Kitty” Kimball, SU Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Lea Polk Montgomery, and SU System Vice President for Finance Tolor White.

Distinguished law alumni and other members of the judiciary attending the ceremony were Judge Janice Clark, Judge John Michael Guidry, Judge Michael McDonald, Judge Ralph E. Tyson, Judge

Jewel “Duke” Welch, and retired Judge Luke LaVergne A tour of the facility and reception followed the ceremony.

Annual Fund gets more than $17,000 boost from alum donation The Southern University Law Center received a $17,929.55 donation from retired Judge Curtis Calloway, ‘65, a significant boost to the 2009 Annual Fund.

“Judge Calloway’s gift could not have been given for a better cause,” Chancellor

Freddie Pitcher Jr., said. He had distinguished himself as a judge; today, he clearly distinguished himself as a staunch supporter, by showing great leadership and dedication in giving back to this institution, Pitcher said.

Calloway said, “The Southern University Law Center provided the foundation to launch my legal career through

Judge Calloway is shown delivering a donation to SULC Chancellor Freddie Pitcher. Calloway, ‘65, gave $17,929,55 to the SULC Annual Fund in June.

50 Southern University System Magazine

instruction by knowledgeable, insightful, and caring law professors.”

He believes that many students with ambition and bright minds want to fulfill a desire to attend law school. “Many leave school with loans of one kind or another, already in debt and can’t go to law school without financial assistance,” he said.

“My aim, with this contribution, is to assist a few deserving applicants to study law unhampered by the weight of concern about tuition or books,” the judge said.

“As a proud product of SULC, I am honored to give back in this way,” he added.

Chancellor Pitcher reminds all alumni and other supporters that giving is made easier by going on-line to www.sulc.edu.

Five inducted into the SULC 2009 Hall of Fame Five alumni were inducted into the SULC 2009 Hall of Fame at the annual banquet, attended by almost 250, April 3, in the Riverview B Ballroom, of the Hilton Capital Center.

S.P. Davis, ‘73, of Shreveport; Isaac Henderson, ‘59, of Houston, Texas; Baton Rouge attorney Gail McKay, ‘78; Judge Wayne Salvant, ‘74, of Fort Worth, Texas; and Judge Zorraine “Zoey” Waguespack, ‘88, of Amite, received this Law Center honor as part of the two-day annual Alumni Round-Up, April 2 and 3.

Five were inducted into the SULC Hall of Fame during the 2009 Alumni Round-up Banquet held Friday, April 3, at the Hilton Capitol Center. Pictured from left, Gail McKay of the Baton Rouge Law Offices of Gail N. McKay, Class of 1978; S. P. Davis of Davis Law Office LLC, Shreveport, Class of 1973; Judge Zorraine “Zoey” Waguespack of 21st Judicial District Judge of Division “H”, Amite, Class of 1988; Isaac Henderson of Henderson Law Office in Houston, Texas, Class of 1959; and Judge Wayne Salvant, Tarrant County’s Criminal District Court No. 2 of Fort Worth, Texas, Class of 1974.

— Photo by John H. Williams

Other alumni were recognized for their career distinctions at the April 2 opening night welcome reception for the 2009 Alumni Round-Up held at the River Terrace of the Shaw Center for the Arts. They were Monica Azare, ‘94, a senior vice president for corporate communications for Verizon Communications, New York, New York; Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, ‘89, senior vice president and chief tax officer at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; Timothy W. Hardy, ‘81, a partner and chairman of the New Orleans headquartered law firm of Lemle & Kelleher, L.L.P.; and District Attorney Joseph L. Waitz Jr., ‘86, of Terrebonne Parish.

Master and Mistress of Ceremonies for the Hall of Fame dinner were Louisiana State Representative Richard J. Gallot Jr., ‘90, of Ruston, and Monique Edwards, ‘86, acting assistant secretary for the Office of Mineral Resources, secretary of the State Mineral Board, and executive counsel for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources.

Other events for the Alumni Round-Up were a 3 credit-hour CLE seminar, student forum, and the Chancellor’s Scramble.

SULC HOSTS CORPORATE COUNSEL WOMEN OF COLOR--Four SULC alumni were among the panelists of The Corporate Counsel Women of Color “My Life as a Lawyer” Lecture Series, hosted in by the Southern University Law Center in February. A panel of 12 attorneys and judges addressed how to prepare for the bar; transition from law student to lawyer; decide on a practice area; work effectively in a law firm, governmental, or in-house environment; and how to assume leadership roles within the legal professionPresenters, pictured with SULC administrators are from left, Vice Chancellor Russell Jones; Monica B. Mason, attorney, Deere & Company; Dinisa Hardley Folmar, trademark counsel, The Coca-Cola Company; Stefanie C. Moon, assistant U.S. attorney, Civil Division in the Southern District of Florida; Chancellor Freddie Pitcher; Kathy Nesbitt, human resources director, Employee and Labor Relations and Safety, Kaiser Permanente; and Vice Chancellor John Pierre.

ALUMS HONORED--The Southern University Law Center honored four distinguished alumni during its 2009 Alumni Round-up Welcome Reception held Thursday, April 2, on the Terrace of The Shaw Center for the Arts. Pictured from left are honoree Timothy Hardy of Lemle and Kelleher L.L.P., Class of 1981; Cynthia N. Reed, director of CLE and alumni affairs, Class of 1990; Chancellor Freddie Pitcher Jr., Class of 1973; honorees Claire BabineauxFontenot, senior vice president and chief tax officer for Wal-Mart, Stores, Inc., Class if 1989; Monica Azare, senior vice president for corporate communications at Verizon Communications, Class if 1994, and District Attorney Joseph L. Waitz Jr. of Terrebonne Parish, Class of 1986; and SULC alumnus Brace B. Godfrey II, Class of 1985, who served as master of ceremony at the reception.

Spring/Summer 2009 51

Team selected for Moot Court competition Students from Scotlandville Magnet, Glen Oaks, Istrouma, and Belaire high schools competed in the first Regional High School Moot Court Competition, February 20-21 , hosted by the SULC Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project.

“Preparing for the regional competition and traveling to the national competition was an exciting jump-start for the SULC Marshall-Brennan Project,” said project coordinator Russell Jones, SULC Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

The Marshall-Brennan Project is a movement for constitutional literacy rooted in the belief that students will profit for a lifetime from learning the system of rights and responsibilities under the U.S. Constitution. SULC students selected as MarshallBrennan Fellows work with teachers, administrators, and lawyers to teach high school students their rights as citizens, the strategic benefits of voting, how lawmaking occurs, and other fundamental constitutional processes.

“The moot court competition is a tremendous opportunity for the high school students to engage in an extracurricular activity to enhance their public speaking skills and to allow them to interact with law students, lawyers, judges, and other professionals in a formal setting,” according to Jones.

Winning team members received an all-expense paid trip to Philadelphia, where they competed against high school students from across the country. Their teacher were able to meet with other teachers who already have the MarshallBrennan Project as a part of their school’s curriculum.

SULC Marshall-Brennan Project Host Competition–Participants in the final round of the First Regional High School Moot Court competition hosted by the SULC Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project on February 20 and 21, at the First Circuit Court of Appeal are (from left) Jamie Turner (Glen Oaks); Rhonda Williams (Glen Oaks); Shanderrick Williams (Glen Oaks); Tim Hardy of Lemle & Kelleher Law Firm, Preston Castille of Taylor Porter Law Firm; Prof. Shawn Vance; Tia Belton (Scotlandville), and Charcie Robins (Scotlandville). Finalists participated in the National High School Moot Court Competition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 27 and 28.

SU Law Review hosts national conference Top law students representing more than 30 law schools from across the country, Canada, and Puerto Rico, visited Baton Rouge, March 18-21, for the 2009 National Conference of Law Reviews (NCLR) hosted by the Southern University Law Review.

The more than 300 conference attendees heard firsthand from local jurists, law professors, and national journalists who cover the judiciary, how the work they do in publishing law journals effect legal opinions of the United States judiciary.

Several 2009 NCLR participants pictured (from left) are North Carolina Central School of Law (NCCU) Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Law Review editor-in-chief Charles Bowen and North Carolina Central Law Review editorin-chief Jamar Creech; Southern University Law Review articles editor Jonathan Riley and managing editor Walter Gabriel; and the LSU Law Review incoming managing editor Sarah Perkins and editor-in-chief Christopher Odinet.

No doubt, those who recognize the value of the press’s contribution to a free society, can identify with how such pronouncements from keynote speakers such as Chief Justice Catherine “Kitty” Kimball of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Judge Carl Stewart of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Court of Appeals of the U.S. Armed Forces, and others.

The jurists and others greatly inspired these top law students to strive for excellence and a stronger commitment to their powerful position in the legal system. As the “fourth estate” provides a check on the government by gauging and shaping public opinion, these law journal editors have a significant role to play in shaping judicial commentary and opinions.

SULC is the first historically black law school to achieve such an honor. This conference offered additional benefits as it provided conferees the opportunity to exchange ideas on issues common to student-edited law journals. The law review and journal editors were exposed to the environs of the Louisiana’s capital city and to New Orleans, where they could increase their awareness of legal issues germane to this area.

This national conference is the first of many Law Center initiatives to leverage our educational capital with the economy, commerce, culture, and tourism of Louisiana.

52 Southern University System Magazine

Law Center Distinctions Lata Johnson-Outstanding Leadership in Technology and Communications Management Cynthia Reed-Outstanding Leadership in Alumni Affairs Elaine Simmons-Outstanding Performance in Enrollment Management 2009 TMCF Honors Went to SULC administrators, pictured from left, director of information technology Lata Johnson, Outstanding Leadership in Technology and Communications Management; associate vice chancellor for financial affairs Bertell Dixon, Outstanding Performance in Finance and Accounting Management; Chancellor Pitcher, recipient of the 2009 Presidential Leadership Award, and associate vice chancellor of records and enrollment management Elaine Simmons, Outstanding Performance in Enrollment Management. Not pictured are Jerome Harris, director of financial aid, and Cythia N. Reed, director of CLE and alumni affairs.

Chancellor Freddie Pitcher Jr., welcomed the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) opening plenary session of the 2009 Member Universities Professional Institute and Exhibition held in March in New Orleans.

Chancellor Pitcher and other SU chancellors received the 2009 Presidential Leadership Awards, as the president of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund recognized university leaders.

TMCF has 47 member universities and six member law schools. Cynthia Reed, director of CLE and Alumni Affairs, addressed the group, March 17 on “Effective Strategies to Mentor HBCU Alumni.”

As a part of its annual institute, the president or chancellor of each member university and law school was invited to submit nominations for the Best in Track Awards for university administrators.

Upon Chancellor Pitcher’s nomination and selection by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Awards Committee, the following SULC administrators were honored: Bertell Dixon-Outstanding Performance in Finance & Accounting Management Jerome Harris-Outstanding Performance in Financial Aid Management

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ruth J. Hill, director of library services and associate professor of law, attended the 51st Annual Meeting of the Southwest Association of Law Libraries in Albuquerque, New Mexico, March 26-28, 2009. In her capacity as an Executive Board Member and the meeting representative of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL), Hill spoke at the business meeting luncheon and gave an AALL update.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Professor Nadia E. Nedzel is a frequent contributor to The Encyclopedia of Business Ethics and Society, which recently won a Choice Award and has been designated ìoutstandingî by the Reference and Users Association of the American Library Association.

Nedzelís writing for the encyclopedia has led to a request that she be an editor for a forthcoming book on political science and business. Nedzel’s article, “Reviving Protection for Private Property: A Practical Approach to Blight Takings,” is being published in the Michigan State Law Review. Her interview with Judge Carl E. Stewart of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, will be published in the March issue of Baton Rouge’s Around the Bar. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Professors Okechukwu Oko and Nadia E. Nedzel were honored at the Second Annual Faculty and Staff Recognition Reception honoring Scholarship and Grantsmanship, April 22, at the SU Ag Research and Extension Center, A. O. Williams Hall. This event is sponsored by the SU System Office of the President and Office of the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. Faculty members from each of the campuses in the system were honored and several received Global Excellence Awards in Scholarship and Global Excellence Awards in Grantsmanship.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Chancellor Freddie Pitcher Jr., has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR) to serve a three-year term ending in 2011. Pitcher was also recognized as the 2009 McKinley Senior High School Alumni Academic Honoree, April 9, at Capitol Middle School. The award was presented at the Alumni Basketball Game held at Capitol Middle. Chancellor Pitcher presented awards to the Student Academic Honorees during the ceremony.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Professor Gail Stephenson, director of legal writing and analysis, was among poster presenters at the Association of American Law Schools Annual meeting in San Diego, California, in January.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SULC student achievements Shelly Alexander is the winner of the 2009 Louisiana State Bar Association Law Student Pro Bono Award. Every year, LSBA selects one student from each of the four law schools in Louisiana to be honored for the Law Student Pro Bono Award. Alexander put forth an outstanding effort as a volunteer in the development of the Louisiana Public Defender Immigration Handbook. She also volunteered as an intern with Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge Migration and Refugee Services where her legal research and time spent interviewing clients allowed the single attorney there to expand the number of indigent clients he is able to serve and keep up with the high demand for representation in immigrant removal proceedings. Alexander has been a model to her fellow students and has significantly aided legal providers in their delivery of services to indigent clients.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Kimberly Renee Calais is a recipient of the 2009 Taylor, Porter, Brooks, and Phillips Law School Merit Award. The Law League of Louisiana annually presents its merit scholarship award to students at the four Louisiana law schools who have the most improved grade point averages Spring/Summer 2009 53

over the first five semesters of law school.

The award, underwritten by the law firm of Taylor, Porter, Brooks, and Phillips, consists of a certificate of merit and a $100 stipend.

Calais accepted the award at the Law League’s annual installation luncheon at the Chauteau Country Club in Kenner, on May 13.

Orleans. The 3L Class president is managing editor of the Journal of Race, Gender, and Poverty; a member of the Moot Court Board where she was the 2008 winner of the Best Brief Award in the Intra-School Competition, SULC Recruitment Committee, Women in

Law, and Black Law Students Association.

She is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Order of Omega Honor Society, and Blue Key International Honor Society.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Darnell C. Hardy of Grand Coteau, won the $250 Second Prize in the SULC Nathan Burkan Memorial Competition with the winning essay, “Legacy of the DMCA: Issues of Fair Use, Safe, Harbor, and Proposed Solutions.” The Nathan Burkan Memorial Competition is sponsored annually by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) in memory of ASCAP’s first general counsel who died in 1936. The awards, designed to stimulate interest in the field of copyright law, have been a tradition at ASCAP since 1938. Hardy, a 2009 graduate, was a member of the Criminal Law Society.

He is also a graduate from Xavier University of Louisiana. Hardy is the son of Paula and Danny Hardy Sr., of Grand Coteau.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SULC SPEAKERS SERIES—Judge D’Army Bailey (third from left) of the 30th Judicial District, Circuit Court of Tennessee, Division 8, in Memphis, presented the closing lecture, “Progressive Lawyers During A Recession [Depression?] of the 2008-09 SULC Speakers Series Thursday, March 12, 2009. An activist, politician, writer, columnist, and jurist, Bailey was elected to the Tennessee Circuit Court bench in 1990 and reelected in 1998. He was expelled from Southern University in Baton Rouge in the early 1960s for participating in demonstrations against segregation. The judge went on to receive his B.A. from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and graduated from Yale Law School in 1967. Pictured (from left) are New Orleans attorney Lolis Elie, one of the lawyers who represented the student demonstrators; Chancellor Freddie Pitcher Jr., of the Southern University Law Center; Judge Bailey; Judge Luke LaVergne (retired); SULC professor Stanley Halpin, chairman of the Speakers Series, and attorney Walter Dumas, a member of the Southern University Board of Supervisors. (photo by John H. Williams)

Karen Vingello (left), president of the BR Bar Auxiliary and Baton Rouge Legal Scholarship recipient LaToya Jones. (photo by Pamela Labbe)

LaToya Jones was awarded the Baton Rouge Legal Scholarship at the Baton Rouge Bar Association monthly luncheon meeting on March 5. The $1,500 scholarship is sponsored jointly by the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Baton Rouge Bar Auxiliary. The scholarship recipient is nominated by the Law Center on the criteria of great financial need, superior academic achievement, community service, and exemplary character. Jones, a teaching assistant, has worked with Morris, Manning, & Martin LLP in Atlanta, Georgia; Taylor, Porter, Brooks, & Phillips, Baton Rouge; Deutsch, Kerrigan, & Stiles, LLP, New

54 Southern University System Magazine

Student officers sworn in at the 2009 Barrister’s Ball are (pictured from left) Lam Tran, 2L class president; Andrea Lowe, 3L class president; Erika Green, ABA/LSD Rep.; officiating Judge Wilson Fields; Raushanah Hunter, Student Bar Association president; Shae McDonell, editor-in-chief of the Public Defender; Jared Newchurch, SBA treasurer; Stephanie Robin, SBA secretary, Robert Pearson, SBA parliamentarian, and William Jorden, SBA vice president.

SU Athletics Student-athletes part of spring commencement The Southern University Department of Athletics announced 39 new graduates. The graduates represent 11 teams and student-equipment manager.

Almarie Soto-Ortiz, women’s soccer player, was the chief student marshall for the spring commencement excercises. Soto-Ortiz, from Hope Mills, NC, graduated with a 3.947 GPA in elementary education.

The Southern Jaguars captured the 2009 SWAC Baseball Championship with a 12-10 win over Alcorn State to claim its 26th conference baseball championship and first since 2005. Pictured with championship team and trophy is head coach Roger Cador.

Baseball team wins championship, returns to NCAA tourney The Southern Jaguars captured the 2009 SWAC Baseball Championship in May, with a 12-10 win over Alcorn State.

Southern won its 26th conference baseball championship and first since 2005.

Southern pitcher Jarrett Maloy was named Most Valuable Player, going 2-0 in tournament play.

SU players selected for the 2009 SWAC All-Tournament Team were Jesse Olivar, Jarett Maloy, Brad McDavid, and James Armstrong.

Maloy was voted Most Valuable Player for the tournament.

The Southern University baseball team faced the #1 seed LSU Tigers (46-16) in the first game of the 2009 Baton Rouge Regional of the NCAA tournament in late May. This was Southern’s 11th time playing in a NCAA Regionals under head coach Roger Cador and Southern’s first trip to the NCAA’s since 2005. (Go Jag Sports)

Former Jaguars meet on MLB Diamond on Opening Day For the first time in Southern’s baseball history, two former baseball Jaguars did something that has never been done before — meet up on the baseball diamond on opening day.

Former Jags Rickie Weeks (SU, 2001-2003) and Fred Lewis (SU, 2002) faced with their respective teams April 7, in San Francisco when the Milwaukee Brewers and San Francisco Giants played on opening day at AT&T Park.

Tefo Bino Leruno Rasedisa, men’s tennis player, had the second highest GPA with a 3.933 GPA in business management/marketing. (Go Jag Sports)

2009 SU Student-Athlete Graduates: Baseball Kevin Cox Jarrett Maloy James Spear Fernanado Puebla (master’s)

Women’s Basketball Megan Berard* Sierra Bush* Indi Johnson Brandi Robinson Rolanda Monroe (master’s)

Golf Romer Alcala Brittany Beard**

Bowling Krystal Collins Cassandra Shivers*** CC, Indoor & Outdoor T&F India Anderson** Precious Collins* Kameka Ellis Courtney Johnson* Tekia Long* Krystal Washington** Earldreka White* * Honorable Mention ** Cume Laude

Football Evan Alexander Atuanya Antoine Clay Byrd Morrell Carter Von Guter Donald Steele Wyatt Tatum Trentin Thomas Soccer Jenesis Gibson Charmine Jones Jamicka Pugh* Almarie Soto-Ortiz*** Tennis Gabrielle Marshall Tefo Bino Leruno Rasedisa*** Bethlehem Workeneh Volleyball Ena Payne* Meshia Whitaker LaKenya Simpson** Student Manager Tanisha Cain*

*** Summa Cume Laude

Weeks made his fifth career opening day start for the Brewers, while Lewis was making his first career opening day start.

(Go Jag Sports) Spring/Summer 2009 55

Thomas selected in MLB draft

Michael Thomas

Southern University junior catcher, Michael Thomas was drafted in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft today. Thomas was the 378th overall selection.

Thomas (R/R, 6-4, 220, Houston, TX) led the Jags in hitting in 2009, with a .365 batting average. Thomas missed a portion of the 2009 season with a broken hand, suffered in his first at-bat versus New Orleans on March 24th.

In his SU career, Thomas hit 15 home runs and had 71 rbi’s.

The electrical engineering major played in the prestigious Cape Cod summer League in 2008.

Michael Thomas was the Boston Red Sox only catcher selected in the draft.

Thomas is 29th player selected for SU since 2000. (Go Jag Sports)

SU pitcher earns summer league honors Southern University relief pitcher, Kyle Wahl, has once again been awarded pitcher of the week by his coach, Frank Viola, for his team, the Leesburg Lightning of the Florida Collegiate Summer Kyle Wahl League. This is the second week in a row that Kyle has been given this title.

Wahl (6-3, 180, SO, Wesley Chapel, FL/ Wesley Chapel HS) went 2-3 with a 3.72 earned run average in 2009 (third on team) in 23 appearances for the Southwestern Athletic Conference Champions, Southern University. In 38.2 innings pitched, he struck out 32 batters (fourth on team) and his three saves was tops on the team. (Go Jag Sports) 56 Southern University System Magazine

Delgado stand-out Ricardo Porter Jr. with athletic director/head men’s basketball coach Tommy Smith (left) and SUNO’s head men’s basketball coach Dale Valdery (right).

SUNO basketball grabs Delgado, Higgins, Lafayette standouts Southern University, New Orleans’ men’s basketball program received a commitment from former Delgado star Ricardo Porter Jr. and signed former All-District guard Devence Hampton and former Lafayette High School stand-out, Xavier Francis A 6’4” guard, Porter will major in elementary education at SUNO after receiving his degree in general studies from Delgado.

An East St. John High School player, Porter made an impact on the national level. During the 2008-2009 season he was ranked 23rd in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with a total of 314 points, averaging 20.9 points per game. Porter also grabbed 5.3 rebounds per game.

Porter proved to be a key member of the Delgado program, having served as the Dolphins’ co-captain. He is a two-time All-MissLou Conference (NJCAA Region 23) player and a 2009 MissLou All-Tournament selection in addition to being a two-year letterman. Voted the team’s 2009 most valuable player, he had a single-game high of 38 points on the 20082009 season.

Hampton is a graduate of L.W. Higgins High School.

Standing 6’0” and weighing in at 165 lbs., Hampton averaged almost 13 points, 6 assists and 3 steals per game in his last year with the Hurricanes.

He also earned All-District honors in both his junior and senior years.

Hampton’s presence was also valued by his peers when he was voted both Offensive Player of the Year as well as Defensive Player of the Year three seasons in a row.

Lafayette native Xavier Frances is a 6’3” guard who made his marks in both high school and college. As a senior, Francis led the Lafayette Lions to the 2008 Louisiana State Championship over H.L. Bourgeois. There he earned MVP honors as he set a state championships record for 18 rebounds in a game. At Lee College, Francis made his presence known as he set an NJCAA single-game record for rebounds (23) against Coast Bend College.

Above: Pictured after being inducted into the Southern University Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony in April are (left – right) Arthur Robinson, Clifton Johnson, Anna Jones, and Kim Davis.

Right: SU Sports Hall of fame inductee Ronald Scott (right) is pictured with a plaque given to honorees during a ceremony in April. The late Francis Peron was inducted into the hall of fame posthumously. His plaque was accepted by his wife Earlene (pictured).

Southern inducts 12 into sports hall of fame The Southern University Hall of Fame Commission inducted 12 new members into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony in April at the Royal Cotillion Ballroom in the Smith Brown Memorial Student Union.

The 12 new inductees are Artis Carroll (football), Kim Davis (football), Johnny Hardge (football), David Huddleson (football), Clifton Johnson (golf and tennis coach), the late Francis Peron (football), Phillip Robertson Jr. (track and field), Roy Milton Smith (football), Joseph C. Williams (football), Anna Mae Jones (merited services), Ronald Scott (football), and Arthur James Robinson (trainer).

The keynote speaker for the event was SU Chancellor Kofi Lomotey.

Above left: Pictured (left – right) are 2009 Southern University Sports Hall of Fame inductees Roy Smith, Artis Carroll, Phillip Robertson Jr., and David Huddleson. Far left: Johnny Hardge, (right) SU Sports Hall of Fame 2009 inductee, accept a plaque from Dana Carpenter, faculty representive, athletics. Left: Joseph Williams (left) accepts SU Sports Hall of Fame plaque from Robert Bennett, vice chairman, Hall of Fame committee. Williams was one of 12 who were inducted into the Southern University Sports Hall of Fame in April.

SU standouts earn SWAC preseason honors The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced its 2009 preseason soccer honors in mid-August with Jaguars Saycha Mitchell garnering a top honor. The preseason teams were voted on by the schools’ coaches and sports information departments.

Mitchell – a 5-foot-7 junior midfielder – was voted as the SWAC’s 2009 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

mento, California native tallied 25 shots last season and helped the Lady Tigers pitch two shutouts. Mitchell finished the 2008 season as a member of the all-conference second team.

Southern midfielder Amanda Soto-Ortiz, a 5-3 senior, and defender Kendall Smith, a 5-7 senior, were also second-team selections. (Go Jag Sports)

In 2008, Mitchell played in 12 games while averaging a team best 2.08 shots per game average (10th in the SWAC). The SacraSpring/Summer 2009 57

Lady Jaguars named to all-state team Four Southern University softball players were named to the 2009 Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana team.

Sophomore Chastoni Jones and junior Aruba Nicholas were named to the second-team while freshman Audrey Phillips and sophomore Victoria Stewart each received honorable mention honors.

This was Jones, Nicholas, and Phillips first All-Louisiana honor while Stewart earned her second straight accolade. Last year the Victoria, Texas native was named to the second-team.

The first-team All-SWAC selection led the eight time defending Western Division champions into the third straight SWAC tournament champi-

onship contest. Stewart batted .373 compiling 17 runs, 50 hits, 13 doubles and 34 runs batted in.

The SWAC freshman of the year finished second on the team with a .370 batting average. The Mansfield, Texas native totaled 25 stolen bases, 33 runs, 54 hits, eight triples and 26 RBI’s.

This was Nicholas second post season honor as she was named to the All-SWAC second team. In 38 contests Aruba batted .347 with 31 runs, 41 hits, 11 doubles and 24 runs batted in.

Chastoni Jones earned her first post-season accolade of her career on “the bluff”. The 5-3 second basemen finished the year with a .262 batting average. Jones ended the year with 27 runs, 32 hits and15 runs batted in.

(Go Jag Sports)

Victoria Stewart earned her second All-LSWA honor.

Lee named to Walter Payton Award list Southern University senior quarterback, Bryant Lee, has been named one of the 20 candidates for the 2009 Walter Payton Award, signifying the top player in (Football Championship Subdivision) FCS. Lee established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in FCS last season, ranking eighth nationally in total offense with 292 yards per game.

Lee (6-2, 200, SR, Boutte, LA/Hanville HS) became the signal-caller for Southern University at the end of the 2006 season and hasn’t looked back. In 2008, the dual-threat threw for 2,682 yards and 20 TDs while completing 62 percent of his passes and also running for 534 yards and six touchdowns.

Nationally, Lee ranked eighth with 292 yards of total offense per game and was 28th in passing efficiency. For his efforts, he earned first-team All-SWAC honors.

Top games for the then-junior included a career-high 407-yard effort against Florida A&M, and a 116-yard rushing performance in a 45-14 win over Texas Southern. In 2007, Lee completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,326 yards and 23 TDs, including an effort in a 56-7 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in which he threw for 278 yards and four TDs, while 58 Southern University System Magazine

rushing for two more scores. Lee made an impact in his first start as a redshirt freshman in 2006, rushing for 102 yards and two TDs and throwing for 138 yards and another score in a 34-17 victory against Texas Southern. In his first three seasons, the quarterback has piled up 5,579 yards and 61 total touchdowns.

Bryant Lee joins Cameron Higgins (Weber State), Terrell Hudgins (Elon), and David McCarty (Albany) as candidates announced today. They join Appalachian State quarterback and 2008 Payton Award winner Armanti Edwards, Samford running back Chris Evans, South Carolina State running back William Ford and Northern Iowa quarterback Pat Grace on the Payton Award watch list.

A total of 20 candidates will be announced in alphabetical order prior to the start of the season, with four candidates being released each week. The watch list will be revised in October and again in November before the final ballot is announced.

Voting from a panel of FCS sports information directors, writers, broadcasters and other football experts will be conducted after the regular season ends.

Three finalists will be announced on

Nov. 30 and will be invited to the 23rd annual Sports Network Awards banquet on Dec. 17 in Chattanooga, TN, the night prior to the NCAA Division I championship game. The Eddie Robinson Award (top FCS Coach) and Buck Buchanan Award (top FCS Defensive Player) will also be presented that night.

(Go Jag Sports)

Alumni Spotlight

Music and Medicine SU Alum balances a successful medical practice and passion for singing Like many young African-American men in the 1970’s, Eric A. Yancy came of age with dreams and aspirations based on expanding opportunities.

An excellent student, Yancy worried about the hurdles facing African Americans at that time and about being accepted to medical school.

“I have always wanted to be a doctor and Southern University gave me the foundation for doing so.”

His interest in the medical profession was borne from an experience at a doctor’s office when he was about eight years old. His father had taken him to the doctor where the wait time was about four to five hours. There were only a few doctors that would treat African-American children at this time in the segregated southern Baton Rouge community where he grew up. He remembers seeing a mother come to the window only to be turned away. The young Yancy began to cry as he watched and his father told him, “If you feel this way, why don’t you become a doctor.” From that time on, Eric Yancy pursued the path to become a pediatrician.

“I loved pediatrics from my first clinical rotation in medical school,” Yancy Says. “I love getting to know my patients, their families, being a part of their lives, and watching them thrive and develop.”

Yancy earned a doctor of medicine degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and earned a degree in psychology from Southern University.

The busy physician opened his private medical practice in 1979 immediately after completing a three year pediatric residency at Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis.

The thriving medical practice outgrew its first location on Capitol and 10th Street in the Indianapolis community which necessitated a move to its current

location a few blocks away on North Capitol Street.

Yancy’s strongest influence came from his parents. “I’m one of four children and we are a close knit family,” Yancy explains.

SU alum and pediatrician Eric A. Yancy turns to his second “My parents always passion—music—and launches his first musical project this year. encouraged us to get tive influence that some music and some an education, but they of the media has on our communities.” also encouraged us to take part in extra curricula activities so that we would That’s why he says he says he was padevelop as well rounded individuals.” tient in developing the project which was completed over a two year period while “My parents also believed in God and working full time in his medical practice. they let us know it.” But as liberal as they were, we had no choice about going to He also says he appreciates Southern church.”

University for the values and foundation that he formed while studying on the As a child, Yancy grew up singing in campus. the church choir. He sang his first solo at 6. He always enjoyed music and now has “It was at Southern that I saw the parlayed his love for music into another dedication of the professors and how career as a recording artist. they nurtured students and gave back to others and how hard they worked to be Although he has had no formal voice positive influences in the lives of stutraining, Yancy’s voice which was often dents,” Yancy explains. mistaken for a female’s voice when he was younger has fully matured into a The native Baton Rougean is managrobust baritone. His first musical project ing to balance both careers and family. was launched in March this year. Titled He is married to Pamela and has three Modern Spiritual, the music speaks children, daughters, Shawn and Erikka, mainly about returning to God. and a son, Damion and three grandchildren.

According to the production company, Thursday Productions Modern Already he Spiritual is a refreshing compilation of has made his Yancy’s original songs and a contempodebut in concert rary take on some of gospel's greatest as a recordclassics. ing artist in Baton Rouge in Yancy was inspired to develop the May this year.

CD’s title song after listening to a mornAccording to ing news segment about a former patient Yancy, CD sales who was murdered in what he describes are going well. as “a senseless violent act.”

To purchase the CD and to listen to a “I’m disturbed by how far away from sampling of the songs visit www.Thursour values that we’ve gotten,” Yancy dayproductions.com/press.html states. “I am concerned about the negaSpring/Summer 2009 59

Alumni News

Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights an SU grad U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack swore in Joe Leonard Jr. as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights on April 6, 2009.

Nominated by President Barack Obama, Assistant Secretary Leonard received unanimous support for his confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Assistant Secretary Leonard is a native of Austin, Texas. He holds a Ph.D. in American hisJoe Leonard Jr. tory with a specialization in civil rights history from Howard University, Washington, DC; an M.A. degree from Southern University, Baton Rouge; and a B.A. degree from Huston-Tillotson University in Austin.

Before joining USDA, Assistant Secretary Leonard served as Senior Advisor to Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (DMI), and Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). While at the CBC, Leonard managed the daily activities of the Caucus and helped guide the legislative policy for its 43 congressional members.

SU ALUMNI HONOR THREE AT ANNUAL GALA--The Southern University Alumni Federation hosted a Founders’ Day Gala on Saturday, March 10 in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. The federation honored U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu and SU alums Leon and Warren Valdry.

Pictured at the event are (left – right) Tony Clayton, chairman, SU Board of Supervisors; Domoine Rutledge, president, SU National Alumni Federation; Warren Valdry, SU alumnus; Hon. Mary Landrieu, U.S. Senator; and Leon Valdry, alumnus.

SU alum breaking glass ceiling in athletics

Brenda Square

Southern University alumnus Brenda Square was the first woman director of athletics in the history of Clark Atlanta University.

Prior her administrative post in Atlanta, she was recognized as the first woman interim director of athletics at Southern University, Baton Rouge, where she simultaneously held positions as assistant director of athletics and senior women’s administrator (SWA).

Recently, Alcorn State University President George E. Ross appointed Square as interim director of athletics. At Alcorn she previously served as chief of staff and executive assistant to the president. She was inducted into the Southern University Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.

Jazz legend Kidd Jordan receives award Jazz great Edward Kidd Jordan received a 2009 Asante Awards in the area of Music Education; The Year of the Legends at the Asante Awards and Festival at the Mahaila Jackson Theatre of Performing Arts in New Orleans on July 1, 2009.

Produced by NOLA.TV, the festival event paid tribute to New Orleans legends in the 60 Southern University System Magazine

field of jazz, music education, theatre, gospel, spoken words, business, civic, culinary, fashion, and the arts. Jordan earned his degree in music from Southern University in 1955. He later earned his master’s degree in music from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois Edward “Kidd” Jordan

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only historically black land grant university system in the United States. Southern University is a multi-campus, state university system committed to excellence in teaching, research, and public service.

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www.suagcenter.com

To learn more about the Southern University System and how you can become a part our smiling family, log onto www.sus.edu.

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Mitchell L. Albert III, announced the opening of his practice in Decatur, Georgia.

Albert’s full service law firm will handle civil and criminal matters.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Gary L. Armstead II was recently selected for inclusion on the 2009 Colorado Rising Stars list, featuring outstanding young lawyers in the state. Armstead’s listing appeared in the Colorado Super Lawyers magazine under Civil Defense Litigation.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Monica Azare, is senior vice president of corporate communications for Verizon Communications. Azare was formerly vice president for state public policy and government affairs for Verizon’s New York and Connecticut offices.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, senior vice president and chief tax officer at Wal-Mart Stores, Incorporated, was recently named one of 100 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America by Black Enterprise.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jazz drumming legend Michael Carvin was recently honored at the African-American Jazz Preservation Society of Pittsburgh (AAJPSP) Black Music Month celebration. A Houston native and Southern University alumnus, Carvin recorded an album “Antiquity” recorded with Jackie McLean for Inner City in the early ‘70s.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Derek Cluse was recently appointed business manager for the Hudson City School District in Hudson, Ohio. Cluse served three years as business manager for Ashland City Schools and seven years as chief financial officer of The Institute of Charter School Management and Resources.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Dinna LeDuff Cottrell, a native of Baton Rouge, and a resident of Covington, has been named the new chief information officer for NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center.

Cottrell has served as deputy chief information officer for the past three years.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Candice Marie Dixon’s was given the 2009 Mike Shinn Distinguished Member of the Year Golden Torch Award in March at the National Society of Black Engineers’ annual National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ronald E. Gardner was recently elected chairman of the board of the Downtown Development District of New Orleans and was elected to serve as chairman of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation which won the bid to have the NFL Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans in 2013.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ronald Gathe Jr. has become the first African American to be promoted to Section Chief in the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Kimberly D. Gilbert, M.D., has joined OrthoGeorgia in Macon, Georgia. She earned her undergraduate degree from Southern University, a master’s degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine. She completed her internship and residency at Emory University School of Medicine.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Tim Hardy, is a partner and chairman of the New Orleans headquartered law firm of Lemle & Kelleher, L.L.P. His area of concentration is environmental law.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • State Rep. Avon Honey, D-Baton Rouge, was named “Representative of the Year” by the Louisiana Orthopedic Association.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Former Southern University star Brian Johnson finished second in the long jump at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championship in late June.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Thurston “T.J.” Jones, served as the general chairman for the 15th Annual Jimmy Walker Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament sponsored by the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Todd Manuel, ‘98, a partner with Taylor Porter, has been elected to the Leadership Alumni Board of Directors after finishing the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Leadership Program.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Marcel McGee was recently appointed as the new director for the Office of Annual Fund, Loyola University, New Orleans.

P. Craig Morrow, of Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, & Bassett in Opelousas, has become a member of the national organization, Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Fewer than 1 percent of all attorneys in the United States are eligible for membership.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Shayla Price was appointed by Governor Bobby Jindal to the Louisiana Serve Commission. Price was also featured as one of EBONY magazine’s 2009 Top Young Leaders (April 2009 issue).

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Barrett Rey was named as the new as head baseball coach at Alcorn State University.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Fredrick Sanders, a 19-year veteran with Shreveport Fire Department, was appointed

by Fire Chief Brian Crawford as new assistant to the fire chief in April.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Allen Smith joined Warrior Group as senior project manager for the firm’s commercial division in Fort Worth.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Dennis Spurling and family, loaned a collection to the Southern University Museum of Art (SUMA) as part of the photo exhibit, “The Awful Truth: The Ugly Legacy of Lynching in America.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mark Thomas was appointed executive director for Mental Health America of Louisiana.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • LaShanda Webb announced the grand opening of her private law practice, LaShanda Webb & Associates, a general practice law firm that specializes in criminal defense, immigration law and entertainment law.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • Brandi Worley published her first book, part of a novella series titled, “Crumb Snatchers, Part I.”

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Spring/Summer 2009

61

Southern University System Magazine Office of the President Southern University System Southern Branch Post Office Baton Rouge, LA 70813

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COVER STORY:

IN THIS ISSUE:

New System Leadership…3

SUSLA enrollment growth…13

SUBR honors jazz legend…20

Ag Center Livestock Show Results …42

SUNO $32 million rebuilding support…46

SULC Expansion Ribbon Cutting…50