President’s MESSAGE

Fall 2023

Dear Xavier Alumni and Friends,

Each day, I am honored to work with dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders, committed to the education of our students and to their preparation for lives of service and leadership. Together, we have reimagined space, implemented new and innovative programs, and, most importantly, furthered the mission of Xavier University of Louisiana. Our students are exemplary, able to engage with the nuance and complexities of topics and ideas and focused on their academic goals despite particular difficulties and challenges.

The Xavier University story is rooted in faith and fearlessness. “Be not afraid!” As a community, we have navigated apartheid, cultural wars, hurricanes, floods, and a pandemic, never settling for mediocracy but emerging ever stronger and more resolved, committed to our to students and their great potential. Now, we stand at the threshold of our next century. Xavier commits to participate in solving the nation’s most pressing challenges – health equity, K-12 education, civil rights, and representation of African Americans in historically underrepresented careers. In this issue of the “Xavier Gold,” you will learn more about our “Press Forward. Fear Nothing” Comprehensive Centennial Campaign and the priorities on which our University will build for its future. The Au Courant provides a snapshot of a year filled with achievement and mission-driven work of our faculty, staff, and students. You will not want to miss the stories of our alumni facilitating health equity partnerships that will transform the nation and health care.

The annual Honor Roll of Donors is also included; our work at Xavier would not be possible without our donors. I cannot overstate that it is your continued generosity which allows today’s Xavier students to learn, grow, and excel. We give you thanks.

As we embark upon the milestone of our centennial, Xavier is positioned to continue making an impact, globally and locally, in accord with the call of our foundress Saint Katharine Drexel and honor the legacy of all Xavierites who have gone forth to bring about a more just and humane society.

I encourage you to join us in prayer, service, and giving as we set the stage for the next 100 years of changing lives for God’s glory.

Sincerely,

Reynold Verret President

Awards, Accolades, Recognitions, Grants & Endowments

Degree Choices Says Xavier Is Worth It

Xavier was named the number three HBCU in the nation for economic return on investment, according to a new analysis by Degree Choices. Xavier also ranks as the best HBCU and among the top 10 of all colleges and universities in Louisiana.

Celebrating The Strength of Catholic Service

The Institute for Black Catholic Studies received the 2023 Distinguished Service Award from the American Catholic Historical Association in recognition of its excellence in service to the field of Catholic history and in honor of its contribution to advancing ministry to Black Catholics in the United States.

Ranked

the #1 HBCU In Louisiana

Xavier was named the Best HBCU in Louisiana by University HQ, an independent hub of resources and information for those considering higher education. University HQ praised Xavier for its committed service to the educational needs of Louisiana and the Black community. The University was also recognized for its service to all races while cultivating an environment for students to explore their dreams and preserve their academic journeys as they grow their talents.

Plexuss recognized Xavier as the number one HBCU in Louisiana and as the nation’s second-best Historically Black College and University overall in their 2022 rankings. Plexuss also ranked Xavier’s Data Science program as the top in the state and as the second-highest faith-based college in Louisiana.

A Commitment to Effective Urban Forest Management

Xavier was honored with the 2021 Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. Xavier earned this distinction through its dedication to including green spaces on campus to benefit students and combat climate change.

“The College Tour’s” First Featured HBCU

On March 21, the TV show “The College Tour” featured Xavier. The episodic series tells the stories of campus life at colleges worldwide. Dr. Desi Williams served as the host and narrator for Xavier’s feature, and its story was told from the perspective of 10 Xavierites from various majors and pathways.

White House Climate Change Initiative

The University was one of 50 institutions recently invited to the White House forum on Campus and Community-Scale Climate Solutions.

Highly Lauded Student Journalism

The Xavier Herald was celebrated as the third-best college newspaper in the South for 2022 during the Southeast Journalism Conference. Its revamped print edition won two Best in South awards. Out of seven states, Xavier is recognized as one of the leading institutions for journalism in the region. Several Herald student staff members also received awards from the Associated Collegiate Press.

XULA Green Awarded Grants

The Office of Sustainability, XULA Green, was awarded $30,000 after competing in the first phase of the American-Made Challenge, a U.S. Department of Energy-funded program. XULA Green collaborated with the Alliance for Affordable Energy and Jack and Jill of America’s Hammond-Northshore chapter to develop the NOLA Clean Energy Collective, a coalition raising clean energy awareness through art.

XULA Green has also once again received an $8,000 Healthy Communities grant for recycling awareness and initiatives from the Keep Louisiana Beautiful Foundation. XULA Green received a $5,000 grant to turn Xavier’s Katharine Drexel Residential Hall “green.” These grants will enable Xavier to educate students about waste reduction and the dangers of pollution; increase campus recycling capacity to reduce litter and waste; fund activities focused on the purpose of recycling, reducing, and reusing; and teach students and the general public about environmental issues caused by waste pollution.

$25,000 Endowment To Fund NeedBased Scholarships

The National Association of University Women - New Orleans Branch (NAUW) chose Xavier University of Louisiana to receive a $25,000 endowed fund supporting university scholarships. The NAUW – New Orleans Branch Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide financial assistance scholarships to female Xavierites.

12 Xavier Faculty & Staff Awarded Grants to Advance Equity

President Emeritus Dr. Norman C. Francis Honored with Documentary

Dr. Norman C. Francis was the subject of a WYES-TV documentary, “Dr. Norman C. Francis: A Legacy of Leadership,” which premiered last September. Interviews, videos, archival photos, and more were compiled to document Dr. Francis’ long and illustrious career at Xavier University of Louisiana, which is also his alma mater.

Board of Trustees Receives Board Leadership Award

Xavier’s Board of Trustees has been selected as a recipient of the John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, the premier organization advocating strategic board governance in higher education.

Twelve Xavier faculty and staff were awarded grants during the fall 2022 semester to advance educational equity, diversity, biomedical and health research, preservation efforts, improve environmental outcomes, medical science research, support underrepresented communities, and provide educational resources. The grant awardees are Dr. Lamartine Meda, Dr. KiTani Lemieux, Dr. Stassi DiMaggio, Vincent Barraza, Dr. Chamika Hawkins-Taylor, Dr. Anderson Sunda-Meya, Dr. Samrat Dutta, Dr. Morewell Gasseller, Dr. Joanna Haye, Dr. Nathaniel Holmes, Dr. Yu Jiang, and Dr. Florastina Payton-Stewart.

Educational Equity Furthered with Gilead Foundation Grant

Xavier University of Louisiana is one of 13 recipients of the Gilead Foundation’s Creating Possible Fund™, which was launched to support creative and high-impact strategies that advance health through education equity. The Creating Possible Fund will assist Xavier and other grantees as they further these goals, especially in building a pipeline for Black health leaders.

Professors Receive NASA Award

Xavier’s Department of Physics and Engineering professors Dr. Morewell Gasseller, Dr. Shafiqul Islam, and Dr. Freddie Landry received a NASA award to fund their university research for five years. The award will support the project “XULA Surface-Based Measurement Initiative for Environmental/ Air Quality Monitoring,” which addresses air quality conditions in communities around Xavier.

Campus Visits, Events, & Growth Opportunities

Xavier University of Louisiana, the “Diamond of the Season,” Was Gifted Band Uniforms During Spring Waltz Celebrating “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story”

On April 15, a most exhilarating affair was held on the campus of Xavier University of Louisiana. Hundreds of students from Xavier and other HBCUs attended a waltz sponsored by streaming giant Netflix celebrating the upcoming premiere of “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.” A prequel to “Bridgerton,” one of Netflix’s most popular series, “Queen Charlotte” follows the young Black queen’s rise to prominence and power. Attendees wore their most elegant fashions and were treated to iHeartRadio personality and songwriter Sheba Songz as the mistress of ceremonies, as well as guest performances by the all-female Original Pinettes Brass Band and New Orleans’ own Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia. The 87th Miss Xavier University of Louisiana, Nina Giddens, and the 8th Mister Xavier, Zion Rouge, had the honor of unveiling the special gift that “Queen Charlotte” graciously granted the Xavier University of Louisiana Golden Sound Marching Band – their first-ever official uniforms.

Adrian Dominican Sisters Provide Scholarship Endowment

The Adrian Dominican sisters contributed $500,000 to endow the Sister Jamie T. Phelps, OP Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship Fund. It will provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the advanced degree or continuing education program at Xavier’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies.

Honoring Heritage & Cultural Bearers

Before his name was included among the great artists of New Orleans, Ayo Scott, ‘03, was on a very different path. He began his academic career at Xavier as a biology pre-med major, then explored different majors and passions before finding his gifts in art and graphic design. He continues to honor his heritage and the bearers of a rich culture through his exhibition “Holding On: Reaching Forward, Selected Works by Ayo Scott,” which was displayed on campus last fall.

Experiential Learning Opportunities Ahead for Mass Communication Department

To provide each student the education they deserve, the University unveiled a newly renovated and revamped studio for the mass communication department, which included the installation of innovative, new equipment for student use. The renovation is an important piece of how the University seeks to introduce communication students to the media industry through experiential learning.

Dr. Kim LeDuff, ‘96, Addresses Xavierites at Black History Month

Alumna Dr. Kim LeDuff, ‘96, served as keynote speaker at this year’s Black History Month Convocation. She is the Vice President of People and Culture at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

The Beat Goes on with the Golden Sound Marching Band

Xavier University of Louisiana’s Athletics and music divisions have joined together for a dynamic vision to transform the newly christened Golden Sound Marching Band into a powerhouse to rival the marching bands of its HBCU fellows. Formerly known as the Xavier University Pep Band, the Golden Sound comprises 65 elite members and has committed to offering partial band scholarships for its chosen participants.

Director of the U.S. Census Bureau

Visits Xavier

On Nov. 14, Robert Santos, the first person of color to direct the U.S. Census Bureau, visited Xavier’s campus and spoke to students. Director Santos shared his experiences advancing in the quantitative tech field, stories of Black and Latino/a/x leaders who paved the way before his tenure, and how he navigated his own challenges on his journey to becoming the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Eliminating Health Disparities

Staying true to its goal to eliminate health disparities, Xavier University of Louisiana’s College of Pharmacy held the 16th Health Disparities Conference this past February. Themed “Public Health Transformations to Achieve Health Equity,” the conference set out to provide attendees with a multiperspective view of concerns and issues related to health disparities and health equity while highlighting solutions that use public health approaches to achieve health equity.

Xavierites Welcome U.S. Dept. of State Assistant Secretary Gentry O. Smith The University welcomed Gentry O. Smith, the United States Department of State Assistant Secretary, for a town hall with students.

Celebrating A Decade of Devotion

In October, Xavier University of Louisiana celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the dedication of the Saint Katharine Drexel Chapel with a special mass at the chapel. An exposition and veneration of the St. Katharine Drexel Relic preceded the mass. The mass celebrant was Fr. Victor Laroche, O.P., the University’s new Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity.

Cardinal Peter Turkson Visited Campus For Prayer Service

Xavier University of Louisiana and Loyola University New Orleans jointly hosted The Catholic Business Leader: A New Orleans Symposium. The event kicked off at Xavier with an opening ceremony, prayer service, and keynote. It concluded with a vigil mass at the award-winning Xavier University St. Katharine Drexel Chapel.

New Members and Officers Elected to Board of Trustees

Three new members have been elected to the Board of Trustees for three-year terms: Dr. Michelle Dipp, Sister Jane Nesmith, S.B.S., ‘72, and Carita S. Walker, ‘93. Sister Stephanie Henry, S.B.S.,’00, Xavier’s newly elected president of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, was also named to an ex-officio board position. At the summer meeting, the Board also re-elected Justin Augustine, III, to serve as chair. Dr. Derek Robinson, ‘98, and James Mitchell were also designated to serve as vice chairs. Dr. Jennifer Goldsmith Adams was elected board secretary.

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at Founders’ Day Commemorating St. Katharine Drexel’s and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament’s vision of a sacred place of learning rooted in faith and scholarship, Xavier hosted its annual Founders’ Day Convocation ceremony this past October. In addition to celebrating Xavier’s founding and the class of 2023, the ceremony also recognized the accomplishments and milestones of Xavier’s faculty and staff. Eric H. Holder Jr., J.D., the first Black American to hold the position of United States attorney general, joined President Verret in a Convocation Conversation to discuss his book “Our Unfinished March.”

Mobilizing to Transformational Impact

This year, Xavier University of Louisiana’s chapter of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) hosted the organization’s regional conference, an annual event where pharmacy students gather to network and learn more about how pharmacists can impact the health of individuals and communities. Across two days at the Sheraton New Orleans, Xavier’s chapter of SNPhA provided pharmacy students from different parts of the country with the experience and opportunities to grow their network and develop their professional skills.

Faculty & Administration Highlights

Xavier University of Louisiana’s 2023 Faculty Award Winners Announced

Every year, select faculty are recognized during the University’s commencement for their commitment to furthering Xavier’s ultimate purpose of promoting a more just and humane society by educating future change-makers and leaders. During the 2023 ceremony, professors Dr. KiTani Lemieux, Dr. Jason Todd, and Dr. Elizabeth Yost Hammer were named faculty award recipients.

Director Yu Jiang Selected for White House Initiative

For decades, Xavier University of Louisiana has prepared the next generation of changemakers for a global society. The efforts of Dr. Yu Jiang, the University’s Director of Global Engagement and Chief/Senior International Officer, will allow even more students to pursue opportunities that will make them servants of society on a planetary scale, forging bonds that network worldwide. Dr. Jiang will represent the University in a White House initiative unifying the United States and the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN). Dr. Jiang was selected as a fellow for the 2022-2023 U.S.-ASEAN University Connections Initiative (UCI), bringing together leaders from diverse colleges and universities in the U.S. and ASEAN for a series of professional development and networking opportunities.

Association (APA) Committee on Associate and Baccalaureate Education (CABE).

Brett Evans Named Associate Vice President for Advancement and Campaign Programming

Brett Evans was named Associate Vice President for Advancement and Campaign Programming for Xavier’s Office of Institutional Advancement. As Xavier approaches its historic centennial in 2025, Evans brings to Xavier extensive campaign and leadership experience supporting the University’s centennial campaign with its promise to press forward and fear nothing. He will provide leadership and guidance to various aspects of the campaign, including donor engagement and coordinating local and national events, communications, and program development.

Dr. Marguerite S. Giguette Appointed as Interim Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost

A loved icon of the Xavier University of Louisiana community for over 30 years, Dr. Marguerite S. Giguette has been named the interim Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. Starting at Xavier as a computer science faculty member, Dr. Giguette’s love for Xavier and passion for elevating the opportunities offered to its students have guided her on her journey to multiple leadership positions at the University.

Dr. Ashwith Chilvery Named Assistant Vice President of Research, Sponsored Programs

For over 10 years, Ashwith Chilvery, Ph.D., has played many vital roles in helping students achieve their academic potential and come one step closer to realizing their dreams. Recently, Dr. Chilvery joined Xavier University of Louisiana’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to pursue further diverse representation in STEM as the Office’s new Assistant Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs Operations.

Researching Ways to Fight a Deadly Cancer

Dr. Hector Biliran, a professor in Xavier’s biology department, received a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund his university research that focuses on human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the most commonly diagnosed histological subtype of lung cancer.

Director Dr. Elizabeth Yost

Hammer Appointed to an American Psychological Association Committee

Dr. Elizabeth Yost Hammer, Director of Xavier’s Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Faculty Development (CAT+FD) and Kellogg professor in Xavier’s psychology department was appointed to the American Psychological

XULA Professor and Students Published in Academic Journal

Dr. Ayshia Mackie-Stephenson, an assistant professor of performance studies at Xavier, and her students were published in SAGE Publishing’s Qualitative Inquiry,” a high-ranking academic journal.

Dr. Mackie-Stephenson and her students – Camorei Baker, Larrysha Bryant, Ashlei Dozier, Joy Eddy, Jacqueline Herron, Jenna Lee, Carli Malveaux, Rakiya Mcclain, Najah Nicholas, Jada Owens, Julian Rumley, Noel Sims, and Janya Thomas – created the collaborative script, “What is Black Love: A Collaborative HBCU Class Performance.”

Dr. Michael White Led Annual Jazz Service

Dr. Michael White, a widely acclaimed musician and professor of African American music at Xavier, led the historic St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church’s 29th annual jazz worship service this past February.

Mathematics Professor Presents at Prestigious Conference

Dr. Pranabesh Das, assistant professor of mathematics, presented his research at the Southern Regional Number Theory Conference at Louisiana State University. It is the largest conference in the southern region for number theory, one of the most significant mathematical branches.

Gov. Edwards Appoints Dr. Joe Ricks to Creative Arts Board

Dr. Joe M. Ricks, professor of sales and marketing at Xavier, was appointed to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts board of directors by Governor John Bel Edwards.

CEJHS Director Prepares Mental Health Modules for Ukrainian Psychologists

XULA Professor Received Award to Study Methane Emissions

Dr. Samrat Dutta, an associate professor in the chemistry department, received an award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund his field study research through 2025. Dr. Dutta’s research, “ORE-CZ: Methane Emission from Wetlands Surrounding Lake Pontchartrain,” studies the emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, contributes to at least 25% of today’s global warming and climate change. The research’s focal area, Lake Pontchartrain, is one of the largest wetlands along the Gulf Coast of North America.

Xavier Professor Sheds New Light on New Orleans

For several years, renowned New Orleans musician Dr. Michael White, a professor of Spanish at Xavier, and guitarist, singer, actor, and author Chris Thomas King have conducted independent research on the origin of one of the most popular and influential original American music forms, the blues. This past October, the two challenged universally accepted beliefs and shed new light on the genre in a joint presentation featuring discussion and performance.

Education Professor Speaks at Women in Carnival Symposium

Dr. Kim Vaz-Deville, a professor of education at Xavier, was the keynote speaker for the Women in Carnival symposium. The Women in Carnival network is the first international network of female carnival scholars and artists focusing on the changing roles of women in carnivals in the African diaspora.

Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, Director of Xavier’s Center for Equity Justice and Human Spirit (CEJHS), was asked to create mental health modules to train Ukrainian psychologists. These modules will help psychologists assist Ukrainian refugees during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Student Highlights

Xavierites Pitch Tech Transfer Innovation to NASA

Xavier’s Team Xenergy (Xavier Energy), which includes five students, was among six finalists nationwide in NASA’s higher education spinoff challenge, the Minority University Research and Education Project Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition. The team pitched their commercial application and distribution plan for a piezoelectric, energy-harvesting mat (PEM) that could transfer self-generated sustainable energy wirelessly to various devices, mitigating the need for working wires and outlets.

Pre-Law Conquered Houston’s Law Forum

A group of 24 vibrant student members of the Xavier Pre-Law Association took Houston by storm during the Houston Law Forum in November. The Xavierites who participated in the Forum, accompanied by Xavier’s Pre-Law Advisor, Dr. Pamela Waldron-Moore, were exposed to the fundamentals of law school and the various programs offered.

Open Campus Selects Xavierite For Journalism Fellowship

Skylar Stephens, a mass communication junior, was selected to join the Open Campus HBCU Student Journalism Network. Open Campus is partnering with Jarrett Carter Sr., a veteran journalist and founder of HBCU Digest, to create the HBCU Student Journalism Network, a paid reporting fellowship offering professional development and fostering coverage of historically Black colleges and universities.

Diary of a Med-Woman

Ja’Leaha Thornton, a freshman public health pre-med major with a double minor in psychology and biology, was accepted into the Summer Health Professions Education Program internship at the University of Florida.

High Fashion, Culinary Arts & Social Justice Combined

Madison Grant, a mass communication sophomore, was named a Gucci North America Changemakers Scholars Program Scholar. The program was created by the well-known fashion company Gucci. Grant, who was among 12 recipients from all over the country, is determined to make a difference through her ultimate career goal of culinary multimedia content creation.

87th Miss Xavier “Dreams in Black”

Nina Giddens, the 87th Miss Xavier, has big dreams. They include affordable healthcare, especially for marginalized communities. Giddens’ work to achieve these dreams got her selected for the 2022 Rising Future Makers of AT&T’s Dream in Black program. Through the project, the students are given the opportunity to forge connections and build networks, along with other resources, to support their dreams and ambitions. Giddens was among 14 honorees and is a member of the second cohort of the initiative.

Xavierites Going Global

Since she was a young scholar, Zoe Spencer, a junior studying psychology pre-medicine with a Spanish minor, has dreamt about traveling the world to study aboard. Spencer was awarded the Gilman International Scholarship for 2023 to spend the summer in San Jose, Costa Rica, and complete her study abroad program.

Graduate’s Dream to Reduce Health Inequities Supported

The fourth annual Ochsner Health Medical School Scholarship for LSU Health Shreveport – School of Medicine has been awarded to recent Xavier graduate Aaron Jackson. The scholarship award covers the cost of tuition for Aaron to attend LSU Health Shreveport – School of Medicine over the four-year enrollment.

Xavierite Recognized for Gracie Award

On March 30, senior Zoe Trask was named the winner of the national award for best student radio broadcast host by The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation during its 48th Annual Gracie Awards.

BizTech Challenge Competition

Xavierite Tasia Clark placed third in the statewide BizTech Challenge on November 25, 2022. As a BizTech finalist, Clark pitched All for Me, an app she’s developing to meet the needs of African American, Latina, and Asian American women regarding mental health and self-care.

It Takes All of Us

Through the All of Us Research Program, two Xavier pharmacy students presented their research at the All of Us Researcher’s Convention held this past March.

ESPN Names Xavierite as Rhoden Scholar Fellow

Xavier senior Scott Lipscomb was named a fellow of Andscape’s sixth annual class of the Rhoden Fellowship. The year-long journalism training program is a partnership between Andscape, a Black media platform, and William C. “Bill” Rhoden, the award-winning ESPN sports columnist.

Two Xavierites Named American Heart Association HBCU Scholars

In pursuit of excellence, Xavierites Mallory Johnson and Brayanna “Sunshine” Jones have had their hard work rewarded through their selection as American Heart Association HBCU Scholars for the 2022-2023 school year

Mister & Miss Xavier

Speak at Essence HBCU Forum

Nina Giddens and Zion Rouege, the Mister and Miss Xavier-elect, were panelists in this year’s Essence Girls United Day of Service during the HBCU Students panel. The panel was hosted at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center to kick off the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture.