No.8

â„– Due to my love for this institution and this job, it was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make during my nearly forty-five years in higher education.

ULM President Nick J, Bruno, Ph.D. Announcing his retirement

Compiled, written and designed by the ULM Office of Marketing and Communications in appreciation of President Dr. Nick J. Bruno’s years of service (2010-2020) to the university.

OMC includes Executive Director of Marketing and University Communications Dr. Kelsey Bohl, Creative Director Srdjan Marjanovic, Director of Public Relations Hope Young, Graphic Design Coordinator Shanette Washington, Social Media Specialist Jeanette Robinson, Project Coordinator Sharon Bratton, and graduate assistants Caroline Courville and Joanna Franklin, with contributions by Dr. Julia Letlow, Executive Assistant to the President for External Affairs and Community Outreach and freelance writer Mark Henderson.

ďż˝

�

By the bayou’s tranquil water, Where friendships thrive and grow, Proudly stands our alma mater Ever home for us to go.

Here cypress stand in splendor And gracefully they touch the breeze.

Though friends may leave and lives may change Faithful we shall always be.

Shining bright the bayou’s gem Ever loyal to ULM.

The Bayou

Bayou DeSiard is our university’s most recognizable natural campus feature.

The cool waters create a serene atmosphere on ULM’s tree-covered 238-acre campus. Bayou DeSiard is not only known to those in Monroe, but to those across the state and throughout the region as a place that hosts bountiful outdoor opportunity from fishing, to swimming, to boating and wildlife photography. ULM is proud to have such a wonderful resource as part of its campus and encourages students to become familiar with its beauty. Bayou DeSiard is also home to the perennial national-champion ULM Water Ski team.

Whether one is feeding the turtles, watching a ski show, or just enjoying the view from one of the many docks on campus or a in canoe from the Wesley, there is no mistaking the beauty of our campus.

�

�

W

hen the University of Louisiana Monroe President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D., announced he was retiring after the 2020 spring semester, he did

not know that the most challenging days of his almost 10 years at ULM lay before him.

In early January, Dr. Bruno told his executive committee his last official act would be May 16, 2020, when he would confer diplomas on what was on course to be the largest graduating class in ULM’s history – over 1,000.

By mid-February, the United States was warning residents of a fast-moving, crippling and sometimes deadly illness striking citizens young and old. The coronavirus, also called COVID-19, was claiming lives around the globe. On Feb. 28, more than 2,000 miles away from Monroe, La., in Washington State, the first COVID-19 death in the U.S. was reported.

“At that time, there were many unknowns and questions about COVID-19, its potential to spread, how to treat it, and how to stop it,” Bruno said. “Among the first places identified for the likelihood of infection to spread were schools and universities. By early March, universities in the UL System knew we must make major changes and make them quickly.”

At ULM, the first change was suspending face-to-face classes and moving all classes online. The second was implementing the Centers for Disease Control’s social distancing and limiting the number of people at gatherings on campus. From the Oval Office to the state Capitol orders came swiftly and directly, setting off a domino effect that would forever change not only life at ULM, but everywhere else, too.

ULM spring events were canceled, athletics suspended, employees began working from home, students were asked to move out of campus residences if they could, and finally, the campus was closed to the public.

“Spring is an incredibly important time at ULM. Recruitment is in high gear with high school juniors and seniors touring campus. Admissions is processing thousands of applications for the fall semester. Athletics is scouting and recruiting student-athletes,” said Bruno. “We are ready to work with legislators to address the needs of the university. Our departments are preparing their budgets. On the outside, COVID-19 stopped campus life; but on the inside, the business of the university must continue.”

Projects to completion After a 45-year career in higher education in Louisiana, Dr. ▶

�

�

FAREWELL NICK J. BRUNO – President No. 8 and Warhawk No. 1

Bruno stated in a Jan. 16, 2020, press release that the programs and projects in ULM’s future would take “several years of coordination and commitment to be realized,” and he could not commit to remaining in his position to see those projects to completion.”

Projects to completion have defined Dr. Bruno’s presidency

Among Dr. Bruno’s most significant accomplishments at ULM – and there are many – was securing the partnership with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) to build a medical school on the ULM campus. Where a ground-

since being appointed by the UL System as the eighth president

breaking ceremony was held in September 2018, today stands a

of the university. He began that role on Nov. 8, 2010.

$38 million-plus, 100,000 square-foot, four-story medical school.

As president, Dr. Bruno immediately reached out to the community by creating the Business & Community Advisory Com-

The first class of students will begin in 2020.

The benefits of a medical school are many, and one of the

mittee, a group that analyzes the workforce needs of the region.

largest is the economic impact. VCOM’s direct and indirect

Dr. Bruno knew of the economic and educational needs of the

economic impact during the two-year start-up period is expected

area. From 2002-05, he served as ULM Associate Vice President

to exceed $60 million. By 2025, the economic impact of VCOM

for Business Affairs and then Vice President for Business Affairs.

will grow to $78.9 million as graduates of the college begin

He departed ULM for the UL System office in Baton Rouge,

practicing medicine in the region and state.

where he was Vice President for Business and Finance for over five years before he was appointed president.

Dr. Bruno returned to ULM with a vision of taking the university beyond the geographic confines of Northeast Louisiana.

He envisioned ULM on the national stage as an institution with dynamic research and offering more programs in the health sciences. He saw the university as an institution of higher education providing multiple degree programs in high-paying, high-demand fields – the STEM majors of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Dr. Bruno consolidated the university into four colleges in 2016, the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences, College of Business and Social Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and College of Pharmacy. This move centralized schools, programs, and departments under deans dedicated to enhancing those fields within each college.

“VCOM will most importantly expand health care access for underserved populations. As a result, the healthier our people are, the healthier our community becomes, and it will be a higher quality of life for us all,” said Dr. Bruno.

During Dr. Bruno’s administration, facilities were added, expanded, and renovated. To name a few: • $5 million renovations to Brown Stadium and Groseclose Track • Construction of the $7 million Bayou Pointe Student Event Center • Installation of a $3 million Doppler radar weather system • Renovation of the former president’s home, University House, which is a facility for campus guests • Construction of the $800,000 Wally Jones Golf Complex • Renovation of Sandel Hall, resulting in the first one-stop student center/academic building in Louisiana

Under his leadership, in 2016, ULM was elevated from a

• Sugar and Caldwell halls scheduled for renovation beginning

regional to a national university by receiving the Carnegie R3

in 2021 and will house the new Doctor of Physical Therapy

Doctoral University classification and recognition by U.S. News & World Report as a Best National University, both for the first

�

time in its then-85-year history.

Program and health sciences classrooms and lab.

The ULM Foundation’s SOAR Campaign started in 2013 ▶

�

University of Louisiana Monroe President Nick J, Bruno, Ph.D., and his wife, First Lady Linda.

ULM Photo Services

President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D., hugs his daughter, Christina Bruno McLaughlin, when she graduated from ULM on May 14, 2016.

ULM Photo Services

ULM President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D., congratulates his daughter, Victoria Bruno James, when she graduated on Dec. 14, 2019.

ULM Photo Services

10

11

with a goal of $55.4 million. When the campaign closed at the end

attendees at most university events.

of FY 2018, that goal was exceeded with a total of more than $56 million. It was the first capital campaign in ULM’s history.

Campus beautification, enhanced technology in the classroom,

Dr. Bruno served on the boards of numerous civic, government, and private organizations. Too many to list them all, some are the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce Board

and access for students, plus expanded campus housing, have been

of Directors, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce Board of

continuous under Dr. Bruno.

Directors, and the St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors

Serving the campus and the community

where he continues to serve. He is also a member of the Ouachita

Dr. Bruno’s presidency was more than a job. For him and his wife, First Lady Linda Bruno, it was their lives. Service to the community and the university has been their priority for almost

Business Alliance, and the Workforce Development Board Area 81.

Dr. Bruno was honored for his outstanding service in February 2020 with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce’s highest honor,

10 years.

The Brunos hosted student groups at dinners to celebrate achievements – such as the ULM Water Ski Team for bringing home another national championship. They opened their Bon Aire home to honor outstanding faculty members and served employees holiday meals at the Student Union Building. Dr. and Mrs. Bruno greeted guests at the President’s Suite in Malone Stadium for Warhawks football on Saturday nights. They were consistent

the Rambin-Silverstein Memorial Civic Award. The Rambin-Silverstein Memorial Civic Award recognizes a resident of Northeast Louisiana who has demonstrated achievement, leadership, and service for the benefit of the greater community.

“I am deeply, truly honored for the Rambin-Silverstein Memorial Civic Award,” said Bruno. “I am humbled to receive such an honor from my peers and colleagues in this wonderful community.” ▶

ULM President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D., left of podium, with Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, and other dignitaries at the groundbreaking of VCOM on Sept. 18, 2018.

ULM Photo Services

Bayou Pointe Student Event Center was constructed under the leadership of ULM's eighth President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D. ULM Photo Services

Looking back and looking forward As Dr. Bruno’s time at ULM draws to an end, he is retrospective about his years leading the university.

“Many great things were accomplished due to the many amaz-

near the top of my list,” he said.

What is at the top of his list?

“The students. Absolutely, the students,” Dr. Bruno said.

ing people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years.

“When I see the accomplishments they make, in many cases

Nothing is done in a vacuum. No one person can do anything.

overcoming significant obstacles, I am tremendously proud of

It is only together that projects are conceived, planned, and then

each one.

executed.”

“I have been surrounded by people who shared a vision for the

“ULM serves an area of the country mired in economic stress, a population that has not had generations of educational and

university. Whether faculty or staff, each brought their experience

employment opportunities. Our students come to ULM to

and expertise and added those talents to benefit ULM as a

rise above the disadvantages they were born into – and I don’t

whole.”

mean their family situations necessarily. I mean being here in the

“What will I miss? Oh, many things, but cooperation and

12

consensus for the greater good of the university and students are

Louisiana Delta. They chose ULM as the institution that could give them the education they need to make the future better

13

for themselves, their families, and the community around them.

Perhaps they don’t realize it at the time, but it is a powerful choice.

One that I am honored to have been part of for these many years,” he said.

The presidency of Dr. Nick J. Bruno officially ends on June 30, 2020. He and First Lady Linda will return to his roots in Tangipahoa Parish near the town of Amite. Their three children are grown; they have one grandson, Porter Joseph, who Dr. Bruno affectionately calls “PoJo,” and a granddaughter on the way.

Life will be different under the moss-draped oaks of Louisiana’s Florida Parishes, but not so far removed from the cypress trees lining Bayou DeSiard. Some morning, Dr. Bruno may look up and see a red-tailed hawk gliding overhead and think of the time and the place when he was Warhawk No. 1. ■

The Laird Weems Center, home to the ULM Foundation and Alumni Association, overlooks beautiful Bayou DeSiard. ULM President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D., attended the ribbon cutting and grand opening on Oct, 21, 2018.

Sandel Hall was renovated during President Dr. Nick J. Bruno's administration as the first one-stop student center/academic building in Louisiana.

ULM Photo Services

14

15

In 2016, ULM President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D., oversaw the renovation of the fountain and grounds in the Mayme and Tom Scott Plaza.

ULM Photo Services

SEPTEMBER

2013 NOVEMBER

2005–2010 Serves as University of Louisiana System Vice President for Business and Finance.

2011 NOVEMBER 8

2010

MARCH

2012

Ribbon-cutting for renovations at University Park, including new lighting and LED scoreboards.

JANUARY

Begins tenure as ULM president. He is ULM’s eighth president.

2012 YMCA and ULM agree to an 18-month deal reopening the natatorium under YMCA management, with the two sharing costs.

NOVEMBER 8

1976–2002 Teaches and serves in administrative positions at Southeastern Louisiana University.

ULM receives $3 million from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for a Doppler weather radar to help the region better predict hazardous weather.

JULY

2013

JUNE APRIL

2012 ULM reports an 8.4 percent cut in state funding from Fiscal Year 2011-12 to Fiscal Year 2012-13.

Fire closes Walker Hall, which houses departments within ULM’s College of Arts, Education, and Sciences.

SEPTEMBER

2012 Freshmen enrollment increases 10 percent.

Total enrollment rises to 8.545.

Celebrates investiture ceremony marking first full academic year as president.

Serves as ULM Vice President for Business Affairs – eliminates $4 million deficit in ULM’s athletics and auxiliary funds; spearheads $70 million in housing developments on campus.

Monroe Garden Study League honors ULM with its Civic Improvement Commendation Award for beautification efforts.

Joins Committee of 100 for Economic Development in Louisiana.

2011 SEPTEMBER

2002–2005 Chosen to succeed James Cofer as ULM president; he was one of three finalists.

2010 OCTOBER

State cuts ULM budget $1.8 million. Cuts to be absorbed by reducing administrative expenses and positions.

2011 DECEMBER

2012 FEBRUARY

Bruno calls for a facilities master plan.

ULM baseball team wins Sun Belt Conference title, competes in the NCAA Regional tournament.

2012 APRIL

Budget cuts reach 9.1 percent since July 2011. Since 2008-2009, total budget has been cut $14.6 million, or 16.6 percent. In that time, 209 positions have been eliminated, 34.5 percent of which were faculty members.

State funding has fallen from $57.1 million to $31.7 million, a 44.4 percent decrease.

DECEMBER

2012

ULM renames nursing program the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing, honoring the university’s largest individual donor.

ULM kicks off SOAR, a fund-raising campaign with a goal of $54,233 million. SOAR is an acronym for Students/ Succeed; Opportunities/ Educate; Athletics/ Achieve; Renovations/ Build. It is ULM’s first capital campaign.

Enrollment increases by 100, from 8,545 in fall 2012 to 8,645.

ULM falls to the University of Ohio 4514 in ULM’s first bowl appearance, playing in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport.

ULM expands accounting program offerings with Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting.

In the face of budget cuts, graduation rates rise 5 percent in two years, ACT scores are up from 21.5 in 2008 to an average of 22.4, and grade point averages are up from an average 3.24 to 3.38.

2013

ULM football Warhawks unveil new uniforms featuring maroon home jerseys and white travel jerseys. Players praise uniforms.

Plans are announced to cut the budget another $1.5 million to reduce dependency on restricted funds, which are student fees charged for a specific purpose.

College of Pharmacy receives its fourth patent, for potentially life-saving cancer research.

2012 OCTOBER ULM celebrates the addition of an incubator to help fledgling small businesses as part of its Northeast Louisiana Business and Community Development in Stubbs Hall. Four tenants participate.

ULM seeks community input in preparing a five-year strategic plan.

ULM unveils a new logo prominently featuring the library’s Kitty DeGree Bell Tower.

2013 AUGUST

OCTOBER

A new strategic plan is revealed for ULM, with academic programs to be assessed for financial viability in the Northeast Louisiana marketplace.

ULM Water Ski wins 25th National Championship.

ULM Child Development Center outdoor classroom recognized by Southern Early Childhood Association.

2013 OCTOBER

2014 APRIL

DECEMBER

2013 ULM announces plan for Vantage Health Plan’s Affinity Health Group to run the Student Health Services center beginning Jan. 1.

Bruno is given an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from Hanbat National University in Daejon, South Korea. He visits South Korean campuses with which ULM has formal exchange programs.

Mona Martin retires after 19 years heading up ULM’s women’s basketball. She was the university’s winningest coach with 263 victories.

YMCA terminates agreement to operate natatorium at the end of April. Student body will approve plan to use the site to build an events center.

2014 ULM is ranked the most underrated college in Louisiana by Business Insider.

AUGUST

A research team from College of Pharmacy receives ULM’s first dual U.S. and international patent for natural Vitamin E compounds with enhanced anticancer activity.

2014 Groundbreaking is held for a new International Student Center funded by a $1 million donation from Eric Liew and his wife, Linda. The center will house 14 students.

ULM breaks ground for $18 million in renovations to Sandel Hall.

2014 MAY

ULM named tier one regional university by U.S. News and World Report.

ULM reports its strongest ever freshman class, 1,314. Total enrollment falls a bit to 8,527.

2012

2013

2014

2014

AUGUST

MAY

MARCH

SEPTEMBER

State audit shows state funding for ULM has fallen from $55.5 million in 2009 to $27.4 million in 2014. The operating budget in that time fell from $488 million to $75 million, offset in part by rising tuition.

2014 DECEMBER

AUGUST OCTOBER

2016 FEBRUARY

2016 MARCH SEPTEMBER

2015

JANUARY

2015

2015

ULM men’s basketball compete in the CBI post-season tournament, defeating Vermont in the semifinals before losing in the finals against Loyola-Chicago.

Enrollment reaches 8,854, exceeding a goal of 8,800, with a freshman class of 1,401. That represents an 8 percent increase.

ULM is recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an “R3” doctoral university, one of 109 in the country and one of six in Louisiana.

The ribbon is cut on a $4.1 million end zone football field house.

ULM inaugurates “The Pursuit,” an annual event to start a new athletic and academic year. Season tickets are sold at the event, which is a sells-out.

MAY

ULM and Delta Community College collaborate to offer business degree through 2+2 agreement.

2015 ULM breaks ground for its new Doppler weather radar system.

2018

BEST NATIONAL

NOVEMBER

JUNE

2016 The ULM College of Pharmacy receives a $600,000 donation from the estate of Mark and Mildred Maurer to support cancer research.

Sandel Hall, once the campus library, reopens after a $17.4 million renovation.

Called a “one-stop shop,” Sandel now houses many core administration offices and the campus bookstore.

SEPTEMBER

APRIL

2017

2018

2017 ULM reaches a 10-year enrollment high with 9,290.

A renovation of Brown Stadium begins after ULM receives $5 million for the project from the Louisiana Board of Supervisors.

Laird Weems Center, housing the ULM Foundation and the Alumni Association, opens.

MARCH NOVEMBER

2017 Living Well Foundation awards $73,259 to three ULM programs – the Literacy Clinic, Occupational Therapy Clinic and the Autism Clinic.

2018

JUNE JANUARY

2019 ULM withdraws its tax proposal.

Bruno accepts NLEP Top Project Award for VCOM.

Board of Supervisors approve a land-lease agreement for VCOM.

ULM begins offering new dual degree for PharmD and MBA.

Bayou Pointe Student Event Center, built on the site of Oxford Natatorium, opens with a Flavors of the Bayou event.

2019 VCOM receives its initial accreditation and begins to recruit students. Plans are to begin in Fall 2020.

Scott McDonald, ULM Chief Administrative Officer, named Director of Athletics. McDonald was serving as Interim Director.

JANUARY

2020 Bruno announces plans to retire as ULM president on June 30, 2020.

UNIVERSITY U.S. News & World Report

“We are no longer merely a regional university.”

– DR. NICK J. BRUNO, ULM PRESIDENT

ULM reinstates Bachelor’s of Science degree in chemistry.

The Louisiana Board of Regents approves going forward with a doctor of physical therapy program by developing a full proposal.

ULM football announces its largest class of commitments in school history, 27.

2015 FEBRUARY

ULM introduces online master’s in public administration degree.

The Liew Family International Student Center opens.

Ground is broken for a new water ski team facility, a $335,000 building on Bayou DeSiard that includes storage and showers.

2015 APRIL

Bruno is inducted into the Florida Parishes Arena Walk of Fame in Amite. Bruno was a major supporter of the arena’s establishment in 2004.

2015 JUNE

ULM names Matt Viator head football coach. The McNeese State coach succeeds Todd Berry.

2015 DECEMBER

The university unveils a new logo based on a theme of “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.”

The logo incorporates features of previous ones. ULM also reveals a new slogan, “The Best is on the Bayou.”

ULM scores 100 percent on 2016 GRAD Act report.

2016 JUNE

Enrollment tops 9,000 for the first time under Bruno.

2016 SEPTEMBER

2017 The SOAR fundraising campaign reaches 70 percent of its goal.

2017 MARCH

AUGUST

Construction begins on VCOM.

ULM unveils its Doppler weather radar, filling a low-level coverage gap between the National Weather Service stations in Shreveport and Jackson, Mississippi.

Construction begins on the ULM Foundation and Alumni Affairs Center.

2017 OCTOBER

ULM business, accounting programs continue AACSB accreditation.

The city of Monroe presents Bruno with the Morris Henry Carroll Education Award at the city’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Salute.

2018 JANUARY

Board of Regents approves a license for the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) on the ULM campus. The projected opening is in 2020.

2018 MAY

2018 SEPTEMBER

ULM rolls out a property tax proposal, first of its kind in Louisiana, to fund acquisitions and improvements. Since ULM does not have any taxing authority, it would take a vote of the Ouachita Parish Police Jury to place the proposal on the ballot, and police jurors express reluctance.

2018 DECEMBER

Bruno receives the ULM Service Recognition for 10 years of service.

Alpha Kappa Alpha recognizes Bruno with its CAMEO Award for his work in education, diversity and community.

2019 FEBRUARY

2019 DECEMBER

Monroe Chamber of Commerce honors Bruno with the RambinSilverstein Memorial Civic Award, making him the 55th recipient of the award.

2020 FEBRUARY

T. O. BROWN HALL Un i v e r s i t y o f L o u i s i a n a Mo n r o e Est. 1931

U

niversity of Louisiana Monroe First Lady Linda Capra Bruno is the epitome of quiet strength.

She has led her family through multiple moves

around the state and helped them through the

LINDA BRUNO – Perspective of the First Lady

adverse effects of Hurricane Katrina. She happily relocated to Monroe – twice – when her husband, Nick Bruno, Ph.D., was named to positions at ULM. The first was in 2002 when Dr. Bruno became Vice President for Business Affairs and again in 2010 when he was named the eighth President of ULM. As a young woman, she could have easily chosen to attend an Ivy League university near her hometown in upstate New York, as her four older siblings did. However, she chose warmer weather and landed in Austin, Texas. The choice changed the course of her life, introducing her not only to the cultural diversity of the southern region of the country, but also to the man who would eventually put her at the center of attention as ULM's First Lady.

Linda graduated from the University of Texas-Austin with a bachelor's degree in marketing. She immediately went to work for her alma mater in the Division of Business Affairs. She went on to join Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation, a research and development technology company in Austin. After a few years at MCC, Linda wanted to go back to the university environment and worked in Auxiliary Services at UT-Austin.

At the same time Linda Capra was working in Auxiliary Services in Austin, Nick Bruno was working in Business Affairs at Southeastern Louisiana University. They both were on their way to a conference when they met at the airport.

Linda recalls her first meeting with Dr. Bruno with affection and humor. They were traveling to Savannah, Georgia, and met in baggage claim. She was coming from Austin, and he was coming from Hammond.

"We joke with our kids, be careful what you get in baggage claim," stated Linda.

Following their meeting in Georgia, they returned to their respective states, but stayed in touch. At 16

ULM First Lady Linda and President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D., at the VCOM groundbreaking on Sept. 18, 2018.

ULM Photo Services

17

first, phone conversations revolved around work because they were both doing similar jobs at different universities. The business conversations evolved into a friendship, then a long-distance relationship. Soon, Dr. Bruno suggested Linda move to Hammond. She did, and they married in 1992.

Both daughters, Victoria and Christina, were born in Hammond, Victoria in 1993 and Christina in 1994.

After Victoria was born, Linda decided to stay home and be a full-time mother.

"Your whole day, from the minute you get up to the minute they're in bed, it is nonstop seven days a week," said Linda.

In 2002, Dr. Bruno accepted the position of Vice President for Business Affairs at ULM. The Brunos moved to Monroe and bought a home in Swartz.

Their daughters attended the local elementary school.

"We loved living in Swartz. The girls attended Swartz Elementary School, and I can't say enough about that school," said Linda.

In 2005, Dr. Bruno received a call from his brother, Carlo, asking him to move closer to family in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, due to their mother's declining health. Dr. Bruno contacted the University of Louisiana System, and was hired as the Vice President of Business Affairs for the UL System in Baton Rouge.

In August 2005, the Bruno family made the move to southern Louisiana.

Two weeks after they moved, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. They were without electricity for days until Steven Bruno, Dr. Bruno’s son, arrived with generators he found and purchased from Monroe.

Linda recalled cooking everything in the freezer on a propane camp grill. They had no phone service to contact family in other parts of the country to let them know how they were doing.

"The whole thing with Katrina was so bizarre because no one really understood the magnitude of it.

The area looked like a bomb had gone off," explained Linda, "I remember it was very tough to find ice.

Victoria and Nick would ride around and follow ice delivery trucks trying to find ice. I will never forget that time." ▶

ULM First Lady Linda Bruno was a panelist at the Gerontology Program's "Lasting Relationships: Stories of a Lifetime." The Brunos have been married 27 years.

ULM Photo Services

Dr. Bruno was with the UL System until taking the role of ULM president on Nov. 8, 2010. Their daughter Victoria was a senior in high school, and Linda stayed in Hammond so Victoria could graduate from high school in May. At that time, Victoria did not feel she could go to ULM. Linda said, "Victoria mentioned, 'I don't want to go to the school where Dad is you-know-what.'"

Victoria chose Southeastern Louisiana University after touring multiple universities around the state. However, she recently completed a degree from ULM. With Victoria in Hammond, Linda and Christina move to meet Dr. Bruno in Monroe where he has already started his tenure as President.

"I loaded Christina up, who I'm not going to lie, was not happy. She was a sophomore in high school starting her junior year," said Linda, "We let her look at a few private schools in the area, but she ended up wanting to go to Neville High School, and she had a great experience."

We will miss the people, the bayou, and the excitement of every new school year.

Dr. Bruno and Linda did not push either daughter to attend ULM. When it came time for Christina to choose a university, she, like her sister, toured multiple campuses.

"At the end of the day, Christina said, 'I really don't think there is a better school than ULM in the system, and I don't care that Dad is you-know-what,'" laughed Linda.

Reflecting on her time as First Lady, Linda explained, "Moving up here was scary, and the reason it was scary for me is because I didn't know what I was supposed to do. There was no first lady handbook or instruction manual. I was a little intimidated to be honest. It took me a while to get comfortable in this role."

Linda, a self-proclaimed introvert, began to meet people and started to feel more at home.

"The first event that was put on the schedule that I just kind of showed up for was Monroe Garden Club. I know there were about 150 people here. It was standing room only. I've always been self-conscious, have always been reluctant to drawing attention to myself, but over time I've stayed involved in things and showed support. You get to know everybody over time," she said.

18

19

First Lady Bruno conservatively estimated she and Dr. Bruno have served as host and hostess for about 482 events over the past 10 years. They have hosted student-athlete receptions at Bayou DeSiard Country Club for football, men's and women's basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, golf, and track and field. They also hosted receptions for the water ski team and fishing team.

Mrs. Bruno hosted guests in the President's Suite in Malone Stadium at every home football game. At the president's home, Bon Aire, she hosted Miss Louisiana pageant luncheons, donor recognition dinners, Christmas parties, and retired faculty luncheons, just to name a few.

Linda Bruno has entertained hundreds, if not thousands, of ULM students, faculty, staff, and community members during her time as First Lady.

With Dr. Bruno's retirement nearing, Linda is most looking forward to having more free time.

"It's a double-edged sword because we also don't know what we will do with our time. We will have to decompress for about a month," Linda said.

Over the past 10 years, the Brunos have not had the time to travel or go on a vacation. The ULM president's position is 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"The only vacation we've taken since we've lived here was to Key West for five days," Linda said.

However, leaving Monroe and ULM is bittersweet.

"We will miss the people, the bayou, and the excitement of every new school year. That's a special time, watching the kids going through orientation, and everyone is so excited and happy to be here. The football games and tailgating were always fun," said Linda.

The Brunos have lived at Bon Aire, the president’s home, longer than any home during their 27 years of marriage.

Linda has lived and breathed ULM along with Dr. Bruno. She has supported him and the university through triumphs and difficulties.

A birds-eye view of the ULM campus in 2019. The Office of Marketing and Communications worked with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program staff to capture the images with a drone camera. President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D., supported the development of this specialized program to train students to become licensed UAS pilots.

"I think just watching things develop is exciting, like seeing the recruitment of VCOM. There's a lot going on up here. We will miss it here. I know serving as ULM's president has meant so much to Nick, and I am so proud of him," said Linda. â–

The ULM Football Fieldhouse, completed in 2016, includes coach offices, a conference room, a video area, a Hall of History and a new student-athlete locker room. The 11,750-square-foot structure cost $4.1 million and was funded entirely from private donations.

ULM Photo Services

ULM’s $3 million polarimetric Doppler weather radar system was funded by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. ULM began scanning the skies in 2016 with coverage filling a gap between the National Weather Service in Shreveport and Jackson, Miss. ULM’s Doppler coverage has been credited with providing crucial weather information that led to advance warning of tornadoes in the region.

ULM Photo Services

20

21

The Wally Jones Golf Complex opened in November 2019. The $800,000 facility was funded entirely by donations to the ULM Foundation SOAR Campaign. It is located between Brown Stadium and Warhawk Field.

The 5,000-square-foot building features an indoor 1,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art SAM PuttLab and TrackMan Golf Simulator.

ULM Photo Services

22

23

The University of Louisiana Monroe 2019 Spring Commencement Ceremony was highlighted by special guest Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards. The governor addressed the 900 graduates and guests in a packed Fant-Ewing Coliseum on the rainy morning of Saturday, May 11, 2019.

ULM Photo Services

24

25

The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) at the University of Louisiana Monroe is a $38 million-plus, 100,000-square-foot, four-story facility on Bon Aire Drive. VCOM’s inaugural 150 students begin classes in July 2020.

26

27

Pride Warhawk pride is easy to find, because Warhawk pride is everywhere you turn! From our students, to our faculty, staff, administrators, and surrounding community, the Warhawk spirit is bigger than ever before. We take pride in our programs, including our unique programs in pharmacy, unmanned aircraft systems, toxicology, atmospheric science, and much more. We take pride in our faculty who earn patents, publish research, write books, and become nationally known educators. We take pride in athletics, which instills in our students and student-athletes the spirit of competition and dedication to their studies. We take pride in our history and those who came before us as students of Ouachita Parish Junior College; Northeast Center at Louisiana State University; Northeast Junior College; Northeast Louisiana State College; and Northeast Louisiana University. We take pride in our students who are leaders, friends, and family to each other and our community. We take pride in who we are and what we have yet to become. We are proud. We are ULM.

Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.