NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 502 BEAUMONT, TX 77710 Now is the time to invest in Lamar, invest in our students, invest in the future of Southeast Texas... Trip of a lifetime Elisabeth Maxwell spent a life-changing summer in South Africa as Lamar University’s David J. Beck Fellow for 2011. The junior biology major from Beaumont worked for almost three months as an intern with the South African Shark Conservancy in Hermanus, South Africa. One of the highlights of Maxwell’s summer project was cage-diving with great white sharks. On her blog, she described the creatures as “magnificent! It was one of the best 20 minutes of my life!” She also snorkeled to catch small pajama sharks and puffadder shysharks and designed her own research project to explore the effects of magnetic fields on demersal sharks, working closely with scientists at the South African National Space Agency Magnetic Observatory nearby. “I learned how to take what I already knew and utilize it in a practical sense,” Maxwell said. “There were so many different things that I got to experience. It wasn’t just on a research level or an academic level but getting to know the culture itself.” Maxwell expects the experience to prove invaluable as she works toward her goal of obtaining a doctoral degree and pursuing a career as a marine biologist. The opportunity would not have been possible for her without the David J. Beck Fellowship. Lamar University’s most prestigious undergraduate award, the fellowship provides a full academic scholarship covering all tuition, fees, books and on-campus room and board for one year along with up to $10,000 for a summer project of the student’s choosing. The program was made possible by a generous gift to LU’s Investing in the Future Campaign by distin- guished alumnus David J. Beck ’61, founding partner of a premier Houston-based law firm. Maxwell credits the fellowship with providing more than just financial assistance. “The support I received from people here at Lamar gave me the incentive and confidence to apply for an international internship, knowing I had that support made me feel comfortable to say, ‘I can do this.’”—BG CadenceCARDINAL VOL. 39 NO. 2 | DECEMBER 2011 Magazine Design: Mike Rhodes From the President On the cover: Front row from left: Monique Whittaker, Livingston, interdisciplinary studies; Alexis Werner, Port Neches, general business, marketing, entrepreneurship; Marcus Jackson, Tyler, general studies; Virgie Norris, Nederland, special education; Doug Prewitt, Beaumont, marketing Back row from left: Jonathan Dziedzic, Humble, kinesiology; CARDINAL With end-of-year gifts arriving as this issue goes to press, the Amber Thornhill, Katy, accounting; Brooks Levingston, Fannett, chemistry; Kevin Rash, Saginaw, Texas, music education Lamar University Investing in the Future comprehensive campaign Cadence DEPARTMENTS is now at more than $95 million raised! Due to the incredible The Staff 22 On campus 30 Arts & Culture 38 Athletics 42 Class notes support and recognition that Lamar has received from alumni and Cardinal Cadence is published by the Division of University friends, and the imminent opportunities that remain before the Advancement, Lamar University, a member of The Texas State University System and an affirmative action, equal campaign ends in 2013, the campaign cabinet has voted to raise opportunity educational institution. FEATURES the goal from $100 million to $125 million! We are so thankful Brian Sattler, Executive Editor, Director of Public Relations Monroe Hall joins historical lineup to everyone who is helping make the future of Lamar University 13 Cynthia Hicks ’89, ’93, Editor, Publication Specialist Residence halls gain noteworthy names better for all. Larry Acker ’10, Assistant Director, Writer Recent major gifts to the campaign featured in this issue include support for a new Beth Gallaspy ’09, Marketing Specialist, Writer 14 Westgate earns elite honor Science is a verb for this Piper Professor entrepreneurship lecture series by Michael Weinert, creation of a state-of-the-art financial center Louise Wood, Media Specialist, Writer on campus through a gift from Craig and Judy Fecel, and a wonderful gift from Charline and Frances Simpson ’95, Senior Administrative Associate 16 Making physics real Robin Dauphin to benefit athletics at Lamar. These gifts, and so many more, are making a real Contributors For George Irwin, it’s all in the demo difference in the life of the university. Erik Cox, Elizabeth Havard, Ashlynn Lalonde, Pat Murray, 2011 has been another great year. While the $15 million cut in state appropriations has Rush Wood, writing 18 Inspired and inspirational brought significant challenges, we remain focused on our core missions of education and Matt Billiot, Michelle Cate, Tom DuBrock, Joe Gaylor, Joel THE FACE OF THE CAMPAIGN Doerschuk’s mother taught her strength INVESTING IN THE FUTURE and courage and to do things she never 16 research. We are seeing successes, not only in enrollment, which set another all-time record at Gothe, Brandon Gouthier, Elizabeth Havard, Keith Huckabay, Pat Murray, Stephen Pinchback, photography thought she could 14,522 this fall, but also in student accomplishment, research and scholarship. 4 Legacy Society To further enrollment growth and to improve student success, we created a Strategic Circulation includes 68,000 copies distributed to alumni, Partnership helps donors select the best option 34 Making a difference in people’s lives faculty, staff and friends of Lamar University. If you have for them Paul Rizk sets sights on medicine Enrollment Management division to better serve students from the time they begin considering received more than one copy of this publication, please Lamar as their college choice to the time they receive their diplomas. Already this group is let us know. 6 DreamMakers 35 Brown discovers passion through making changes that streamline our services and improve our responsiveness to students’ needs. Alumni and friends choose to create vibrant Changes of address may be sent to: hippotherapy This fall, Harley Myler, chair of the Phillip M. Drayer Department of Electrical legacies through a variety of endowments University Advancement, Ashley Brown helps treat children at Stable-Spirit Engineering, unveiled the university’s first-ever licensing agreement with a commercial P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710, or by E-mail: [email protected] 8 My dream company to market and sell a patent-pending device. We are looking forward to many more A new day with Knight Fred Vernon’s determination inspires 36 partnerships in the future. Division of University Advancement Pat Knight joins the Cards to build a powerful team Lamar’s leadership in online education continues to grow. Most recently, Lamar has Camille Mouton, Vice President 9 Virtual finance Floyd F. McSpadden Jr., Director of Planned Giving brought its Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership into a 100 percent online Craig ’66 and Judy Fecel create high-tech The power of touch Janice Trammell ’85, ’93, Director of Development financial center for students 54 program, complementing its successful on-campus offerings. Look for this program to grow Tracie Craig, Director of University Reception Centers Dr. Alan Coleman ’80 and his wife, Julie (DuBois) ’80, are changing lives one trip at a time in concert with Lamar’s highly successful online master of education program that already P.O. Box 10011 10 Forever fan and friend Beaumont, Texas 77710 has more than 4,000 graduates. Dauphin Athletic Complex dedicated Building anew (409) 880-8419 or fax (409) 880-8409 in honor of Dauphin family 56 Thank you for all you do for Lamar University. Sina Nejad ’80, ’81, has built a life and business 36 in a home away from home Lamar University Alumni Office 12 Inspiring the spirit of entrepreneurship Michael Weinert ’07, ’09, hopes lecture series With Cardinal Pride, When visiting campus, you’re invited to stop by the The right direction will inspire individual achievement 58 Alumni Office at the John Gray Center, Building B, Alan Johnston ’99 followed his own spirit of Suite 102, 855 Jim Gilligan Way. entrepreneurship to success Juan Zabala ’07, Interim Associate Vice President for James M. Simmons University Advancement 60 Trip of a lifetime President LU Alumni Office Beck Fellow Elisabeth Maxwell dives with great whites Lamar University P.O. Box 10005 Beaumont, Texas 77710 (409) 880-8921, or (800) 298-4839 E-mail: [email protected] THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM www.lamar.edu/alumni BOARD OF REGENTS Janice Trammell, Executive Director LAGNIAPPE Brian McCall, Chancellor | Plano Lamar University Foundation P.O. Box 11500 20 Cardinal Views Charlie Amato, Chairman | San Antonio David Montagne | Beaumont Beaumont, Texas 77710 (409) 880-2117 40 Cardinal Adventures Donna N. Williams, Vice Chairman | Arlington Trisha S. Pollard | Bellaire 42 Reunion 2011 Jaime Garza | San Antonio Rossanna Salazar | Austin Cardinals ready to fly: Next stop—Italy’s Kevin J. Lilly | Houston William F. Scott | Nederland Cardinal Cadence (USPS 017-254) is published biannually Amalfi Coast Ron Mitchell | Horseshoe Bay Ryan Bridges, Student Regent | Huntsville by Lamar University, Division of University Advancement, 42 Reunion 2010 855 Jim Gilligan Way, Beaumont, Texas 77705. 54 56 Pics can be found throughout Class Notes 2 | CARDINAL CADENCE 39:2 DECEMBER 2011 DECEMBER 2011 39:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 3 CAMPAIGN IMPACT LEGACY SOCIETY ROSTER Mr. and Mrs. Mike Aldredge Mr. M. L. Lefler, Jr. * Mr. David J. Beck Mr. and Mrs. W. S. “Bud” Leonard Ms. Joan E. Brenizer* Mr. J. T. Leone Mrs. Beatrice R. Buller* Ms. Vivian Liddell* Mr. and Mrs. Dennis E. Carl Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred H. Long, Jr. Dr. Joseph B. Carlucci Dr. and Mrs. Don M. Lyle Mr. Morris S. Cloninger* Mr. John Robert Mansinger* Dr. Jane and Mr. Horace Davidson Mr. Ralph D. Massey* Dr. Irving O.