NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE LAMAR UNIVERSITY PAID Member of The Texas State University System PERMIT NO. 54 BEAUMONT, TX 77710 P.O. Box 10011 Now is the time to invest Beaumont, TX 77710 in Lamar, invest in our students, invest in the future of Southeast Texas...

growing number of Lamar University’s friends are enjoying the benefit and satisfaction of planned A gifts that help both donor and student. “With a little planning, a gift to the university can help LOOK AHEAD achieve your financial, philanthropic and estate-planning goals,” said Floyd McSpadden, director of planned giving at Lamar since June 1. “Properly structured planned gifts can allow you to realize income tax and capital gains tax savings as well as and give back reduce your exposure to estate taxes. They can provide lifetime income for you or future benefits for your family. Want to leave a legacy? Create opportunity for others? Planned gifts can be much larger than other gifts, so you Help future generations realize their potential through the can leave a legacy that fits your philanthropic goals,” gift of education? Make your dream come true for the McSpadden said. “These goals can be met through university you love. established planned giving strategies.” Planned giving is a significant part of Investing in The Future: The Campaign for Lamar University. More than $58 million has been raised in the comprehensive campaign. Planned gifts are expected to become an important part of the funds raised toward the campaign’s $100 million goal, said Camille Mouton, vice president for university advancement. Planned Giving is a complex program of various financial instruments that can be adapted to each donor’s needs and requires consideration and planning in light of the donor’s overall estate plan, McSpadden said. “With your goals in mind, we can work with you and your professional advisors to find the strategies that work best for you,” McSpadden said. “Just give us a call.”

“Properly structured planned gifts can Floyd F. McSpadden Jr. Director, Planned Giving, University Advancement allow you to realize income tax and (409) 880-8422 | [email protected] capital gains tax savings as well as reduce your exposure to estate taxes. A member of the state bar since 1973, McSpadden has been board certified in estate planning and probate law They can provide lifetime income for since 1994 and was a member of the College of the State you or future benefits for your family.” Bar of Texas. He is a member of the Real Estate, Probate & Trust Section of the State Bar of Texas. —FLOYD MCSPADDEN CadenceCARDINAL VOL. 37 NO. 2 | AUGUST 2009

Magazine Design: Mike Rhodes From the President Cover illustration: Mike Rhodes, Brian Sattler CARDINAL DEPARTMENTS These are exciting days at Lamar University. We are again antici- Cadence The Staff 12 DreamMakers 18 On campus 40 Arts & Culture 44 Athletics 46 Class notes pating record enrollment, both on campus and online, as we begin the new academic year. Cardinal Cadence is published by the Division of University Advancement, Lamar University, a member of The Texas The sounds of building continues to ring across the campus, State University System and an affirmative action, equal from Provost Umphrey Stadium, where state-of-the-art artificial opportunity educational institution. FEATURES turf is going down on W.S. “Bud” Leonard Field and the new Brian Sattler, Executive Editor, Director of Public Relations 4 Employee campaign athletic complex is going up, to the new soccer field complex at Cynthia Hicks ’89, ’93, Editor, Publication Specialist Employees break the curve the south end of campus. Linking these is Rolfe Christopher Drive, which the city of Larry Acker, Assistant Director, Writer Beaumont has beautifully updated with an esplanade. Beth Gallaspy, Marketing Specialist, Writer 6 Building a legacy Renovation of the music building continues, and the expansion of Cherry Engineering will Louise Wood, Media Specialist, Writer Becky ’71 and Chuck Mason ’72 steward third-generation company begin soon. Changes on campus extend to the relocation of Lamar’s adult studies programs Frances Simpson, Senior Administrative Associate and the Small Business Development Center into spacious accommodations in Beaumont’s Contributors: 8 Civic leader Downtown Library. Sharon Forret, Brian Henry, Drew Lacy, Rush Wood, writing Herman Iles charted expansion effort Lamar’s comprehensive campaign, now totaling more than $58 million, is another way Michael Carpenter, Michelle Cate, Gary Christopher, Dwain Teacher of teachers we’re building for the future. Included in that total is $498,000 from this spring’s highly Cox, Michael Harris, Keith Huckabay, fjgaylor photography, 10 Deborah Krimbourg, Martin Manuel, Valentino Mauricio, Grace England ’55 embodies pioneering spirit 6 successful LU employee campaign. Stephen Morton, Mike Tobias, photography The enthusiasm and dedication of Lamar’s people was echoed in the selection of our 11 The capacity to endure university by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of its 2009-2010 Great Colleges to Circulation includes 65,000 copies distributed to alumni, University Scholar Helen Lou explores faculty, staff and friends of Lamar University. If you have 57 frontier of sustainability Work For. Lamar was one of 39 colleges nationwide, and the only public college in Texas, received more than one copy of this publication, please let us know. The employees of Lamar University are proud of their university, named by the Chronicle to an honor roll because of the number of categories in which it was and it shows. Our cover celebrates Lamar’s recognition by the 14 Pursuing victory Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the top universities to work recognized for best practices. Changes of address may be sent to: Coach John Payton wins record of respect for in the nation (see related story, pg. 57). Standing in for the We continue to see strong enrollment in both traditional on-campus programs and in University Advancement, women and men who make it all happen are: Gina Hale ’04, Engineering excellence distance education. Lamar’s online courses are growing steadily, with classes filling as quickly as P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710, or by instructor of nursing; Steve Ford, groundskeeper, campus services, 16 E-mail: [email protected] grounds maintenance; David Garrett, associate director of opera- University Professor Ku-yen Li has flare for they can be offered. The tremendous growth in LU programs offered online is breathtaking. tions, Recreational Sports; Teresa Simpson, director, Career and research and teaching Testing Center; and Jerry Lin, associate professor, civil engineering. Just as exciting is the expansion of Lamar’s online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Division of University Advancement 8 degree completion program, and dual-enrollment courses offered to high school juniors and Camille Mouton, Vice President 26 A voice before . . . and after . . . Floyd F. McSpadden Jr., Director of Planned Giving seniors statewide. Both programs are ramping up this fall. On campus or online, exciting days the storm Janice Trammell ’85, ’93, Director of Development Radio personality Gary Stelly ’90 gives voice to are ahead at Lamar University. Tracie Bryan Craig, Director of University Reception Centers community P.O. Box 10011 Beaumont, Texas 77710 28 Ports authority With Cardinal Pride, (409) 880-8419 or fax (409) 880-8409 Doug Marchand ’70 knows the ins and outs of E-mail: [email protected] import/export Lamar University Alumni Office When visiting campus, you’re invited to stop by the 30 Family affair James M. Simmons Alumni Office at the John Gray Center, Building B, Online master’s program prompts four-fold President 855 Florida, Suite 102. celebration 26 Lamar University Juan Zabala ’07, Executive Director of Alumni Affairs and 34 A life of examination Advancement Services For Dr. Karen Geheb ’81, ’85, ’92, educating LU Alumni Office patients is just the tonic P.O. Box 10005 Beaumont, Texas 77710 Top chef (409) 880-8921, or (800) 298-4839 36 E-mail: [email protected] Chuck Harris ’99 matches palate to pace THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM www.lamar.edu/alumni BOARD OF REGENTS 38 Power to protect Janice Trammell, Executive Director Judge Bobbie McCartney ’76 rules with the Charles Matthews, Chancellor | Austin Lamar University Foundation public interest top of mind P.O. Box 11500 Ron Blatchley, Chairman | Bryan David Montagne | Beaumont Beaumont, Texas 77710 (409) 880-2117 36 57 Great colleges to work for Trisha S. Pollard, Vice Chairman | Bellaire Michael Truncale | Beaumont E-mail: [email protected] LU earns spot on national honor roll Charlie Amato | San Antonio Greg Wilkinson | Dallas LAGNIAPPE 58 The best of Lamar Kevin Lilly | Houston Donna Williams | Arlington Cardinal Cadence (USPS 017-254) is published triannually 32 Cardinal Views Three Cardinals join distinguished ranks Ron Mitchell | Horseshoe Bay by Lamar University, Division of University Advancement, 855 E. Florida, Beaumont, Texas 77705. 60 Planned giving 38 Look ahead and give back 2 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 3 CAMPAIGN IMPACT

this city. It’s a way to express has worked at Lamar for almost 20 years. that to other donors and “Financially, we’re much better off than when other friends of Lamar to I came here, and the campus has just had a show them that we care facelift. I think, overall, everybody’s been Investing in the future about Lamar University.” very pleased with the direction the campus For Graff, excitement has been going the past several years.” Employee participation in campaign about the great things going Norman Bellard, associate vice president exceeds expectations on at Lamar started with the for student affairs and a team captain, said appearance of red-and-white achieving 100 percent participation for every amar University gained an overwhelming show of street signs and grew with department in the division of student of support this spring from some of the people who William Holmes, steering committee chair each additional physical sign. affairs was “a rather easy task.” know it best—its employees. She credits President James “It wasn’t so much what I did or I said L BRIAN SATTLER As part of the $100 million Investing in the Future Simmons and his wife, Susan, as it was the type of employees that we have. comprehensive campaign, faculty and staff members were “We’re really excited because our with the transformation. “It’s so exciting to It didn’t take much persuasion,” Bellard said. asked to participate in the university’s first-ever employee campaign consultant told us that employee know that he’s loved and respected by the “That’s a testament to the type of people we campaign from Feb. 16 to April 3. The seven-week effort participation in a first-time campaign like this community. They’ve been behind him and have employed here.” drew donations from 827 people, or more than 70 percent is generally around 30 percent,” said Janice encouraged him in every step. To see the com- Bellard, a former LU basketball player of LU’s employees. Trammell, development director and execu- munity and the university come and work who is proud to “bleed red and white,” said it tive director of the Lamar University together as a team is amazing,” she said. is a great time to be employed at Lamar by Beth Gallaspy Foundation. “It opens up all sorts of doors Steve Ford, a groundskeeper in facilities thanks to Simmons. “My line about Dr. for us. When donors see that everyone who management and steering committee mem- Simmons is he’s the coach, and he calls the works here loves to work here and wants ber, urged his coworkers to contribute to plays, and we just run them. He manages to to give back to the university, it shows that help the university and make a positive state- always call the right play. We’re just following we as employees have confidence in Lamar ment for their department, one of 56 depart- his lead,” Bellard said. “Of course, we’ve and they should as well in making that ments to achieve 100 percent participation. had some growing pains and some other investment in our great university.” “It’s a major accomplishment how challenges, but we’re up to the challenge, Rather than setting a dollar goal for the everybody came in and gave what they had. and we’re looking forward to great things employee campaign, the campaign team It didn’t matter the size of the gift, but they to come.” focused on attracting widespread participa- gave,” said Ford, a Lamar employee for 28 The Lamar University family celebrated tion with employees giving at whatever level years. “I’m glad I’m a part of it amongst the success of the employee campaign with they could. Collectively, employees gave everybody else.” an April 22 barbecue at the Spindletop- $498,068. Sarah Tusa, associate professor in the Gladys City Boomtown Museum and “We wanted this to be more about Mary and John Gray Library and steering received a hearty thank–you from Simmons building excitement about all the progress committee member, said giving back to for giving so generously. and changes that Lamar is undergoing,” Lamar University “just seemed the right “I would never have dreamed we would Trammell said. “It allowed participation from thing to do” after years of steady employment raise the funds we have,” Simmons said at all areas of the university, no matter what the with full benefits and regular raises despite the event. “We already knew we had the best salary level.” hurricanes and economic uncertainties. employees in the country. When I heard the Leading the effort to garner employee “Not everybody has that kind of job results of the campaign, I was truly over- support were a 21-member steering commit- security that we’ve enjoyed,” said Tusa, who whelmed. I can’t tell you how proud I am.” tee chaired by William Holmes, associate dean of the College of Education and Human Development, and 29 team captains repre- senting departments across the university. Carvelynne Graff, executive assistant in the College of Education and Human Development, was thrilled to receive an invi- tation to serve on the steering committee. “I thought what a grand thing to do and what a wonderful honor it is to serve in that capacity. It was just exciting from day one,” said Graff, who has worked at LU for nearly a decade. Graff ’s message to encourage others to participate was: “Lamar has done so much for us and represents an important entity in BRIAN SATTLER

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Mason started his college career as a the senior leadership at Lamar and the the Future Campaign and will continue to biology major, dreaming of becoming the Beaumont school district about starting this give the best and brightest students an next Jacques Cousteau. After working in the project, and we went to work. It’s become opportunity to get a college education. Each family construction business over two sum- one of the premier JASON programs in the scholarship recipient enjoys tuition, fees and mers, however, he realized that business U.S., thanks in large part to Lamar’s com- room and board worth $60,000 during a problem-solving was what he really enjoyed. mitment and the great relationship they four-year college career. Lamar has awarded With his change in career paths, Chuck have with the community.” 64 Mirabeau scholarships to exceptional Building a legacy, briefly added accounting to his academic The Masons have given their time and students since the program was created curriculum but soon decided he preferred resources to many worthwhile organizations in 2006. the vigorous science curriculum. As he says and groups. They have been active in “Both of us have always felt that Lamar now, the sciences served as good training United Way, Beaumont Community Players, was a big part of our lives, and we felt that a building a community for business. “Deciphering what went Symphony of Southeast Texas, Junior key to Lamar’s success was the scholarship wrong in a failed chemistry experiment League of Beaumont, Young Audiences of program,” Becky said. “It’s very exciting to and planning how to make it work the Southeast Texas and the Beaumont see the strides Lamar has made over the next time is great training for running a Chamber of Commerce, to name a few. past 10 years, and we’re pleased to be a part construction company.” Chuck has also held leadership positions in of that.” The couple met during high school the Rotary Club of Beaumont, having Obviously, time for rest and relaxation while Becky was performing as a member of served as president and district governor doesn’t come too often for these movers the world-renowned Melody Maids. Eloise and continues to work on committees for and shakers, but, when it’s time to get away, Milam, who was also Chuck’s aunt, formed youth projects. They fondly recall traveling their destination is the Cayman Islands the group of musically where they own a beach talented young women home. Unfortunately, that who entertained audiences purchase was completed just by Larry Acker throughout the country 10 days before Hurricane and abroad between 1942 “Both of us have always felt that Ivan wreaked havoc on the and 1972. Although Becky Caribbean island in 2004. taught first grade for sever- Lamar was a big part of our lives, and Since then, they’ve had a HARLES E. “CHUCK” al years before their chil- good deal more experience MASON JR. ’72 represents dren were born, she now we felt that a key to Lamar’s success with hurricanes, remodeling the third generation at the draws on her education was the scholarship program.” and restoration. Hurricane helm of Beaumont-based background to guide “ Rita took the roof off the CMason Construction, the family business. employee safety and train- —BECKY MASON ’71 Walden Road office, and Begun in 1939 by his grandfather, as one ing. Since she joined the Hurricane Ike leveled their of its first projects this fledgling company firm, it has won many state beach house near Bolivar undertook building part of the massive and national safety awards and caused major damage to seawall at Galveston. During the 1950s, along with the Better Business Bureau to Copenhagen and Russia, as well as their Beaumont residence, which is still in the Mason’s father enhanced the infrastructure Torch Award for Business Ethics as a result humanitarian visits to Nicaragua and Haiti process of being repaired and remodeled. and improved the safety of residents in of her efforts. as highlights of their Rotary Club service. This year, the Mason family is celebrat- Jefferson County by building many of the Aside from the business, the Beaumont The Masons are also very active with ing 70 years in the construction business in drainage systems still in use today. With the couple has their hands in many community their alma mater, serving on several commit- Southeast Texas. Their daughter, Kristin, help of wife Becky (Dickson) ’71, they are projects. It was Chuck’s science background tees and advisory boards. Chuck serves on broke with family tradition, choosing big now advancing the economic development that sparked his interest in the JASON proj- the Lamar University” Foundation Board, city life to work as the corporate communi- prospects for the entire Golden Triangle as ect, a nonprofit subsidiary of the National the Investing in the Future Campaign cations coordinator for the New York a leading petrochemical and industrial con- Geographic Society. He was one of the Cabinet and as a member of the Reese Times. Their son, Chad, is now a project struction contractor. Mason and his brother founders of the JASON Alliance of Construction Management Advisory manager for Mason Construction, and, if Brad ’74 took over operation of the com- Southeast Texas, which annually provides Council. Becky has served on the LU history is any indication, he will play an pany in the early ’70s with six employees scientific presentations in a field trip Alumni Affairs Advisory Board, and they integral role as the fourth generation takes and have since expanded the company to environment to more than 10,000 students both serve on the Friends of the Arts Board on day-to-day operations of the business. its current staffing level of more than in more than 20 school districts in for the College of Fine Arts and Whether building economic development in 250 workers, many of whom are family Southeast Texas. Communication. the Golden Triangle, building goodwill in members. “Bob Ballard, the marine archaeologist Their commitment and loyalty to Nicaragua and Haiti or building opportuni- “Oh yes, nepotism is alive and well who discovered the sunken Titanic, started Lamar goes deeper than giving of their ties for deserving students, the Masons have here,” said Becky, who oversees safety and this project for kids in grades 5-8. I heard valuable personal time. The Masons have proven themselves to be builders. From human resources for the firm. “Our son is him speak at a chamber of commerce meet- endowed the first privately funded Mirabeau 1939 until today, and well into tomorrow, now on board, and we have brothers and ing, and I was so impressed I just knew we Scholarship, one of the most prestigious they are building a legacy and a community. sisters, nieces and nephews working for the had to have a JASON chapter in this area,” scholarships Lamar offers. The gift of more company. It’s a true family business.” he said. “Several of us approached some of than $300,000 is part of the Investing in LARRY ACKER

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A committee of the Young Men’s Business League, Supporters of the Lamar bill had planned and executed well; led by Herman Iles, working closely with the officials of the measure secured the approval of the Texas Legislature. But the Lamar College and the school board of South Park, victory proved short lived. The bill contained an appropriation of spearheaded the task of creating a junior college district. $1 million for new construction, but could go to the governor for About 65 people gathered to hear the proposal dis- signing only if the comptroller certified that sufficient revenue cussed at an evening meeting of the South Park Civic would be available. He did not, so the bill died. The planners League in the South Park High School auditorium. returned to the Legislature the following year, and with the leader- There, they heard John Gray, then dean of men at ship of Rep. Brooks once Lamar College, and Herman Iles, president of the South again found success in Park Civic League and second vice president of the both houses. Gov. YMBL, speaking in favor of the proposed expansion. Beauford Jester signed Iles, who was also one of seven candidates for member- the bill on June 14, 1949, ship on the board of trustees, said the college would be creating Lamar State “built on a site already owned near its present location,” College of Technology according to a newspaper clipping from the Herman Iles and ushering in a new era papers, a special collection of the Lamar University of higher education in

archives. In 1938, the South Park board had purchased a ARCHIVES SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LU Southeast Texas. 58-acre tract three blocks east of what was then the Herman Iles died Herman Iles, left, joins others in taking the oath from Judge J.B. Morris as they Lamar campus. The tract was most unattractive, having are sworn in as the first board of the Lamar Union Junior College District in 1939. Dec. 27, 1954, after a been used as a tank farm for oil storage by the Texaco lengthy illness. In the Co., but the company was willing to sell it for $18,000. region’s newspapers, he In an election on Sept. 21, 1940, voters approved that securing state support would be an easy task; no junior college was recognized as a civic the creation of a Lamar Union Junior College District, in Texas had ever changed to state-supported senior college status. leader and for his service the issuance of bonds to construct an entirely new col- In 1947, Iles, then in his second term as a trustee, was to the university. In par- LU ARCHIVES SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LU lege facility, a new tax for support and maintenance and elected to head the board. He was honored that year among ticular, he was remem- individuals and organizations for having contributed to the Certificate of appreciation presented to the election of trustees to govern the college. Herman Iles in 1949 in recognition of his bered for his role in the building of Lamar College. Iles and his wife, Delma Lea, entertained with a service to Lamar College. organization of the union post-election party at their home on Lavaca Street as a President Gray, Iles and other members of the board, attorney district for Lamar College compliment to the scores of people who worked for the J.B. Morris, area legislators and many other Southeast Texas citizens and as “a leader in trans- greater Lamar College bond issue. helped formulate and execute a plan to secure legislative approval. forming it into a four-year state school known as Lamar State The 21 months between the election and June 8, Early in the legislative session of 1947, a bill to make Lamar a state- College of Technology,” according to a clipping from the collection. 1942, the day classes were held for the first time on the supported senior college was introduced in the Texas House by new campus, was a period of significant transition. Iles Rep. Jack Brooks, a former Lamar student. had been elected to the board of trustees, one of three

LU ARCHIVES SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LU men who had “been active in promoting the enlarged Lamar college plans since their inception more than two by Brian Sattler AMES LIKE PIETZSCH, BINGMAN, years ago, and a part of the central committee making GRAY AND MCDONALD are well known plans for the election of the project,” according to a clip- Remembering... from the early history of Lamar University, the ping from the collection. days from its inception in 1923 as South Park By December 1941, the last major construction To honor their father’s memory, Dr. Reggie Iles NJunior College to its heady growth in the post World War- contract had been awarded; by the end of the spring of and Clint Iles ’58, made a generous gift to II era. Less well known, but no less pivotal was the role of 1942, sufficient buildings had been completed for the Lamar University. Reggie and his wife, Mary civic leader Herman Iles, the assistant purchasing agent for college to be moved to its new, and present, location. Ann, and Clint and his wife, Ann (Tucker) ’62, Magnolia Petroleum Co.’s Beaumont refinery. On June 1, 1942, as the college was moving to the new directed their gift to Athletics and to the By 1938, it was obvious that further expansion of campus, John Gray assumed the presidency. College of Engineering. The gift to both areas Lamar College (as South Park Junior College had become In 1943, the college “graduated 68 in the first class known) would impose an unsustainable financial burden on of the greater institution dedicating the new $1 million was unrestricted to be used by athletics and the South Park Independent School District. Given a choice plant to the ‘youths of tomorrow who will perpetuate the college to further their missions. of finding a wider financial base for the college or of curtail- the democratic principles for which our boys are now “Unrestricted gifts advance the University ing what appeared to a bright future, college and communi- giving their lives,’ said Judge J.M. Combs, president of by allowing the funds to be used for the great- ty leaders turned to the idea of an enlarged junior college the board of trustees and commencement speaker,” est need of the area of designation,” said district. A 1929 legislative act provided for the formation of according to a clipping from the collection. President James Simmons. “Every area of the such districts through the combination of contiguous public In December 1946, the Lamar board of trustees school districts. The only requirement was the approval of decided to ask the Texas Legislature to make Lamar a university has critical needs that cannot be the majority of qualified voters of the proposed district. four-year state college. The board was under no illusion covered by operating budgets. Unrestricted gifts are invaluable in meeting these needs.” Mary Ann, center, and Dr. Reggie Iles, seated, along with Clint ’58 and Ann ’62 Iles join

Reggie and Mary Ann reside in Beaumont, President James Simmons, right, at a luncheon celebrating the family’s gift to Lamar University. BRIAN SATTLER and Clint and Mary reside in North Carolina. 8 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 9 CAMPAIGN IMPACT

education administrator was very challenging, but the remarkable staff that we had made it seem possible,” England said. The lessons in adaptability HELEN LOU University Scholar and resourcefulness she learned at Lamar also helped. England recalls with fondness the time fac- industrial systems. Foundation (NSF), regarded as the nation’s ulty and classmates pulled together her senior year A Lamar faculty most prestigious science and engineering to raise money to send her to serve as a recorder member since 2001, research funding agency, Ho noted. for the International Association for Childhood Lou is engaged in Hopper said he believes Lou is the Education conference in Kansas City. The leading-edge work in youngest faculty member at Lamar to fundraising luncheon was so successful that they sustainable manufac- receive a grant from the foundation, having were running short of chicken salad near the end turing and expertly first done so when she was 29. In 2007, of the event. A popular teacher from the speech uses many modeling the foundation appointed Lou to lead the and drama department, Crystal Canon, solved the techniques. She is United States delegation to an international problem by crumbling a box of Ritz crackers into building a nationally conference in New Zealand. what was left of the salad, England recalled. recognized program Selection as University Scholar is “She stretched that salad beyond its means,” in the frontier of Lamar’s highest honor recognizing research England laughed. The memory surfaced many sustainable manufac- and creative activity, said Stuart Wright, times during her years of administration when turing, but that is not director of research in the office of Research funds ran short and work remained to be done. “I the limit of her and Sponsored Programs Administration. would say, ‘We need some Ritz crackers.’ You have research interests. “The University Scholar Award honors a to make due with what you have,” England said. She also researches faculty member for his or her outstanding “At Lamar, I learned a lot of very practical, wise process systems contribution to scholarship, research, grant strategies to use as a teacher and, later on, as an engineering, life-cycle writing and/or creative activity,” Wright administrator. There was more than just book analysis/environmen- said. The award includes a $5,000 grant to BETH GALLASPY knowledge and theory in all my classes. I learned tal accounting and support future research activities. to work collaboratively with others.” high-performance In 2007, a chemical engineering student HEN GRACE (DAVIS) ENGLAND ’55 The trip to Kansas City her senior year also paid off in another computing. supervised by Lou earned the first doctor of began college, women’s career choices were way. When England stepped off the train at her destination, she “My objective philosophy to be conferred by Lamar. limited—teacher, nurse, secretary, homemaker. had a surprise reunion with her brother, Otho Davis ’57, who was is to empower In addition to teaching and service, Fortunately, becoming a teacher was exactly what stationed as an Army medic at nearby Fort Leavenworth. After engineers to develop said Ho, Lou’s scholarly activities and sheW had in mind. completing his Army service, Davis finished his degree at Lamar sustainable products accomplishments have been exceptional. England was among the first Lamar students to earn bache- and became a respected athletic trainer. As executive director of the and processes to “Her publication record is to be admired lor’s degrees in elementary education. The lessons she learned at National Athletic Trainers Association, Davis helped establish state The capacity reduce resource use and respected,” Hopper said. “Her service Lamar built a strong foundation for a career that has carried her certification requirements for athletic trainers. He worked for Duke and minimize the to the profession and to Lamar is exemplary from the elementary classroom to administrative offices to college University and the Baltimore Colts before spending 24 years with adverse environmen- for the level of activity and commitment.” lecture halls and educational consulting work around the globe. the Philadelphia Eagles. England has established a scholarship in to endure tal impacts while Her selection as University Scholar “will, no “Lamar was just so supportive of me,” England said. “Lamar her brother’s memory at Lamar. maximizing the doubt, set the ‘bar’ for future selections at a has offered some phenomenally innovative approaches to educa- For the past 16 years, England has worked to educate a new profitability,” very high level,” he said. tion, to seeing that good teachers are out there in deaf education generation of teachers by serving as a lecturer at University of St. Lou said. Lou, a native of China, is active in “She excels in professional organizations, most notably in and all areas of education. I think that message needs to be told.” Thomas in Houston. She is currently an adjunct lecturer there and BRIAN SATTLER After graduating with high honors from Lamar, England is working as an educational consultant with the Spring Branch every aspect of the the establishment and development of the EARNING HOW TO MEET taught at a Port Neches elementary school for six years. When she school district. She also hopes to work with Lamar’s Department scholar-teacher,” said Jack Hopper, dean of Sustainability Engineering Forum within SOCIETY’S PRESENT NEEDS and her husband, Bill, who also attended Lamar, moved to Dallas, of Deaf Education and Deaf Studies to expand opportunities for the College of Engineering and executive the American Institute of Chemical without impinging on future England discovered an area of interest that has stayed with her. A the education of interveners to support students who are both deaf assistant to the president for economic Engineers (AIChE). She served the forum generations is the goal of sustain- pilot program for children with neurological disorders needed a and blind. development and industrial relations. “She as programming chair, now serves as vice Lability. It is, simply put, the capacity to is, without question, one of the most pro- chair and will serve as chair in 2010-2011. substitute teacher, and England was asked if she had any experience England enjoys travel, both for professional conferences and endure. In manufacturing, it is a responsible in the field. Thanks to Lamar, she did. As a Lamar student, personal enrichment. Visiting her adult children at times has meant ductive and effective researchers to ever be “I want to thank all of you who made and sustainable use of resources in processes England had been invited by a chemistry professor to observe and worldwide travel. Two of her sons are electrical engineers whose job in the College of Engineering at Lamar. She this happen . . . my colleagues and collabo- continually improved through science and tutor his son, who had a neurological disability. That encounter first assignments have included locations in Australia, China, Mexico has consistently been at the forefront of rators and the strong leadership of our technology. sparked her interest in the burgeoning field of special education, and Algeria. Her third son is a master electrician. Her daughter, a proposals submitted and funded.” university,” Lou said in accepting the award. In the quest for sustainability, accurate and her work as a substitute in Dallas solidified it. England went physical therapist who has taught the subject in Houston, Armenia Lou has secured more than $1.47 “I also want to thank my students, and I and efficient computation models like those on to earn her master’s degree at North Texas State University and and Vietnam, is also an avid traveler. England is thankful that all million in research grants as primary or co- wish all of them a bright future. Last but being pioneered by Helen Lou, associate her doctorate at Texas Woman’s University, both in education. In four children now live in the Houston area. She and Bill enjoy primary investigator in 28 funded projects, least, I want to thank my family.” professor of chemical engineering and 1975, she became director of special education in the Klein school spending time with them, their eight grandchildren and their two said T.C. Ho, Regents’ Professor and chair She and her husband, Michael, have a Lamar’s 2009 University Scholar, are district, at the time the fastest-growing district in the country. great-grandchildren. —BG of the Department of Chemical Engineering. 1-year-old son, Richard. —BKS helping aid engineers in understanding “We were working with a new federal law and, at the same Six of those are from the National Science time, unprecedented growth in that district. Being a special

10 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 11 CAMPAIGN IMPACT DreamMakers

FRED HARTMAN AND JOHN BLAIR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP | Fred Athletic Hall of Fame and the Lamar University Cardinal Hall of Hartman and John Blair met in 1971 when Gov. Preston Smith Honor, he also holds honors in the Prairie View A&M Interscholastic appointed Blair to fill Lt. Gov.-elect Bill Hobby’s unexpired term on League Hall of Honor, the Southeast Texas Coaches Association Hall the Texas Air Control Board, of which Hartman was already a long- of Honor and the State of Texas Distinguished Service Award for bas- standing member. Their common interests forged a strong and ketball officials. In 2005, Payton was inducted into the Texas Black enduring friendship. Hartman began his career as a sportswriter and Sport Hall of Fame. This scholarship for health and kinesiology eventually became the editor and publisher of the Baytown Sun. Blair majors was established by students and friends of Payton. was a prominent businessman in Hardin County as the owner of University in 1989, 15 years after graduating from high school, and CYNTHIA BOOKER WEST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN ART Named Scholarship Endowments Kountze Insurance Agency and engaged in property and timber | A 1984 graduated with high honors while raising two children. Her degree in graphic design graduate of Lamar University, Cynthia (Booker) West DR. WENDELL C. BEAN SCHOLARSHIP IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | investment and management. Blair also served on the John Gray education landed her a teaching position with Nederland school dis- died in 1999 of breast cancer. She was a loving mother and wife to This scholarship was established by Hashem “Hash” Hashemian in Foundation as chairman until his death. During his tenure, the John trict. She returned to Lamar and worked on a master’s degree while her husband, Roy West Jr. ’83, and her two children, Whitney, a jun- honor of his dissertation advisor, Wendell Bean. Hashemian received Gray Institute was created. This scholarship was teaching full time. In fall 2002, Dixon began work on her doctoral ior at Lamar, and Evan, who entered Lamar in fall his doctorate from Lamar in December 2008 and then returned to established in loving memory of Fred Hartman and degree and came to work at Lamar University in the College of 2009. This scholarship was started by her parents, Knoxville, Tenn, where he is president of a company he co-founded, John Blair by Blair’s daughter, Frances Bethea and Education as the director of the student teacher program. After Jimmy ’56 and Merle (Merritt) Booker ’59; hus- Analysis and Measurement Services Corp. Bean graduated from her husband, Sam Bethea. The scholarship will ben- Endowed Scholarship completing her doctorate in fall 2007, she became a full-time assistant Giving Levels band, Roy; brother and sister-in-law Bryan and Lamar in 1955 with a degree in electrical engineering and mathemat- efit a print journalism student who is interning at a professor. In October of that year, she was diagnosed with cancer and Anita Booker; sister and brother-in-law, Sherrie ’81 ics. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of newspaper. worked full time until Sept. 29, 2008. She died just 12 days later. and Jeff Branick –81; and her aunt Margie Booker Pittsburgh and worked as a senior engineer at the Westinghouse Bettis MIRABEAU This interdisciplinary studies scholarship was established in her memo- BETTY KUBALA SCHOLARSHIP IN NURSING | Betty Gray. They have all contributed to honor and Atomic Power Laboratory before returning to Lamar in 1967 to serve $300,000 ry by her husband, her children and her many friends and family. Fertitta Kubala graduated from Lamar in 1957 with memorialize Cynthia’s life through this scholarship as chair of the electrical engineering department. a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. REGENTS that will help art majors at Lamar realize their dream FIRST FIDELITY RESERVE FUTURE OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP | First STERLING CRIM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN MATHEMATICS Immediately after graduation, she married Mark $100,000 of a college education. | Sterling Fidelity Reserve has established the Future of America Scholarship as Kubala and supported her family while he was a Crim, a native of Corsicana, was a lifelong scholar earning six degrees an extension of its education and student work initiative programs. medical resident. Betty and Mark have three sons PRESIDENTIAL and, after retirement, continuing to study German and Spanish. Crim The scholarship is designed for all majors who have graduated from $50,000 Presidential Scholarships and one daughter. In 1966, Mark established a pri- taught for 43 years at the junior high, high school, junior college and high schools in Jefferson, Orange or Hardin counties. First Fidelity vate neurological surgery practice in Beaumont. MARIE CONCETTA CLONINGER PRESIDENTIAL university levels. His last 31 years were at Lamar University, which Reserve is a Beaumont-based precious metals and rare coins company NAMED Betty is an active community volunteer and activist, SCHOLARSHIP IN THEATRE | A native of Beaumont, included two years in Malaysia under an international teaching pro- that is locally owned and operated but serves rare coin collectors SCHOLARSHIPS having served as president of the Kelly Catholic High Concetta graduated from Lamar Junior College in gram. He also served his country during World War II in the nationwide as well as precious metals investors who are seeking port- $15,000 School Foundation and as treasurer for Some Other 1938 and was then awarded a scholarship to the Philippines. This scholarship for mathematics majors was established folio diversification. President and General Manager Jason Whitney, Place, where she is now an honorary board member. Pasadena Playhouse College of Theatre Arts where by his wife of 53 years, Mary Louise. The Crims had two children, his wife, Jessica, and their family are major contributors to Southeast She also gives her time to the Julie Rogers “Gift of she graduated cum laude in 1941. Her acting career Kathryn and Randy. Texas and are excited to assist Lamar University in building future Life” program and the cancer center at Christus Hospital St. took her to New York City where she acted in plays and worked at the leaders through this scholarship. DR. IRVING O. DAWSON SCHOLARSHIP IN POLITICAL SCIENCE | Elizabeth. Betty has survived several medical conditions, and, National Broadcasting Co. while also modeling. When the Beaumont Dawson served as professor in the political science department at Lamar DOROTHY PIERCE (STAFFORD) GEERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN although these events have altered her life, she continues to enhance Community Players was reorganized in 1947, Concetta directed her University from 1951 to 1971 and was department chair from 1960 to FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES | Geers was in the first graduating the lives of those around her. This scholarship was established in her first play and met her husband, Morris, when she cast him for one of 1971. He became the chair of the political science department in 1971 class of Lamar State College of Technology in 1953. She received honor by her husband, Mark. the roles. In addition to her love of acting, she has worked as a legal at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he worked until his retire- her bachelor’s degree in home economics and completed a master’s in secretary and is a published author. From Calabria, Italy, to Beaumont, COACH JOHN PAYTON SCHOLARSHIP | Coach John Payton’s career at ment. He still resides in Arlington. He amassed an impressive body of elementary education in 1970. Geers was an avid volunteer, assisting Texas, U.S.A. details her grandparents emigration from Italy and is Lamar University spans 38 years. He came to Lamar in 1970 as an research related to the field of public administration; co-authored future teachers through Lamar’s student teacher program and mentor- fondly referred to as the “Mazzu Bible.” The Cloningers raised one assistant football and track coach after a 14-year career at the high Governing Texas, a widely used college textbook; and held several federal ing one student who later became a Beaumont school superintendent. son and three daughters. This scholarship was established by a school level. He was the first African-American coach in any sport at government positions. This scholarship was established in his honor by This scholarship for family and consumer science majors was bequest from her husband, who died in December 2008. Lamar. Payton’s impact on race relations has been enormous. For former student David J. Beck for political science majors. established by her husband, Arthur E. Geers, in memory of his wife, many students, Payton was their first teacher of another race. His To begin your own scholarship endowment or to add a gift to who died in October 2007. DR. OPAL P. DIXON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP IN EDUCATION | Opal knowledge, skill and preparation, combined with an attitude of love an existing scholarship, please contact the Lamar University Dixon, a faculty member at Lamar University, was encouraged early and consideration for all, have made Payton an icon for the Health Foundation at (409) 880-2117. on by her husband, John, to go to college. She entered Lamar and Kinesiology Department. Inducted into the Prairie View A&M

12 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 13 Pursuing “I was drafted by the Chicago Bears, iron, and, after more than 25 years, he reach the threshold of becoming endowed. but an injury kept me from playing pro retired from coaching to focus his attention But the Coach John Payton Scholarship football,” he said. “That injury ended my on the classroom. Serving as associate fund took off like a rocket, with donations football career. So, I decided to do the next professor in the department of health pouring in from colleagues, businesses and best thing, and that was to coach.” and kinesiology, Payton has recently been organizations who had worked with Payton He began his career at Scott High honored by his colleagues with a named and even his former students. According to victory School in Woodville, where he posted back- endowed scholarship. Ritchel, most of the donation forms that to-back state championships in 1957 and “For many students in Southeast Texas came into the development office had per- 1958, compiling an amazing 77-7 record. who were enrolled at Lamar in the ’70s, he sonal notes of admiration, love and praise After one year as a head coach at Dunbar was their first teacher of color, and his for Coach Payton. She said his has been the Junior High School in Beaumont, he spent impact on race relations at Lamar has been named scholarship to reach endowed status the next 11 years at Beaumont’s Charlton- enormous,” said Bernadette Moore, assistant fastest in recent memory. Pollard High School as head During his career, Payton coach for the basketball and track has been inducted into numerous teams and offensive coordinator halls of fame, including the for the football program. His Prairie View A&M Athletics Hall basketball teams won a district of Fame, Prairie View A&M championship in 1962 and a Interscholastic League Hall of state championship in 1964. His Fame and the Southeast Texas track squads were successful as Coaches Association Hall of well, winning University Honor. In 2003, he was inducted Interscholastic League district into the Cardinal Hall of Honor, and regional championships. and, in 2005, he was honored as Payton joined the Lamar an inductee into the Texas Black University coaching staff in 1970 Sports Hall of Fame. He also as the running backs coach, the received the State of Texas first black coach in university his- Distinguished Service Award for tory, at the urging of then-athlet- basketball officials. ics director J.B. Higgins. He fj PHOTOGRAPHY GAYLOR “I really appreciated the split time between the football award for officiating, probably and track programs as an assis- Coach Payton has been more than a more than any other award tant coach. During his first year teacher and coach for many students who I’ve received,” he said. “When coaching track, the Cardinals have been under his wings. He has been you’re officiating, you try to be won the Southland Conference as fair as possible to everyone in championship. In his second a mentor and surrogate father to students all circumstances. This award, year as coach, they tied for the at Lamar and Charlton-Pollard . . . Coach to me, is an acknowledgement conference crown. Payton taught me about having the by my peers of being fair and “I was a little apprehensive “ capacity to do things that I impartial throughout my many about making the move to years of officiating. That’s a coaching in the college ranks,” he thought I couldn’t do. good feeling.” confided. “I had never coached His most recent award came —SPENCER CHARLTON ’76 white players, and I didn’t know in 2008 when he earned the what to expect. But, every year, Lamar University Merit Award. by Larry Acker ne of the fondest memories in the 39-year career of coach and educator John Payton things just kept getting better as the players professor in health and kinesiology and a With receipients selected by a university- was the 18-17 win over the top-ranked Baylor Bears in 1981 at Cardinal Stadium. began to realize you knew your business and member of the scholarship committee. wide committee from nominees from each Larry Kennan was the Cardinals’ head coach at the time. Payton would eventually were there to help them succeed.” “This is the first scholarship to be offered in college, the award recognizes outstanding O After a successful 1981 campaign, head the department, and we thank Coach ”classroom performance and excellent interac- serve as assistant coach for four Cardinal head coaches before hanging up his own coach’s coach Larry Kennan left the Cardinals for Payton for allowing us the honor of estab- tions with students. whistle in 1982. the pro ranks, and Payton stepped in during lishing the scholarship in his name.” “Students who have taken John A two-time All-American running back at Prairie View A&M University, Payton still spring workouts as interim head coach. Ken Laurie Ritchel, associate director for Payton’s classes praise his expertise, his holds the distinction of second all-time leading rusher in school history. He played basketball Stephens was eventually tapped to lead the development, assisted in setting up the accessibility and his attention to their per- and ran track for the Panthers and earned All-Academic Athletic Team honors in 1955. The Cardinals and immediately named Payton scholarship fund for the health and kinesiol- sonal needs,” said Hollis Lowery-Moore, 1952 graduate of Dunbar High School in Livingston earned the bachelor’s and master’s his assistant head coach. The 1982 season ogy department. Often, named scholarships dean of the College of Education and degrees at Prairie View before embarking upon an impressive coaching career. would be his last year coaching on the grid- take many months or sometimes years to Human Development. fj PHOTOGRAPHY GAYLOR

14 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 15 Meritorious service Lamar University honored four junior faculty members with 2009 University Merit Awards in recognition of scholarship, service, classroom performance and interaction with students. s an engineer and as a teacher, Ku-yen Li is “His touch of excellence is changing the world. He works with industry in apparent throughout the chemi- PAUL BERNAZZANI XIANCHANG LI Ahis hometown and around the world to pro- cal engineering program in the Assistant professor of chemistry and physics Assistant professor of mechanical engineering duce chemicals that are safer, better for the environ- courses he has taught, the leader- Ph.D. from University of Quebec in Trois-Rivieres, mas- Ph.D. from Clemson University, bachelor’s and master’s ment and more cost-effective. And he is passing his ship he has provided, the faculty ter’s from University of Quebec in Montreal, bachelor’s from Tsinghai University in Beijing, post-doctoral studies expertise and devotion to the field of chemical engi- he has hired, the research he has from University of Montreal . . . Web sites, engaging at Lehigh University . . . thermodynamics and energy neering to generations of Lamar students. conducted, the relations he has experiments, new courses and commitment to management are areas of expertise, working with “I am amazed at the influence of education, and I cultivated with industry and, in research contribute to his success . . . founder of undergraduates on wind power and related sources of also feel proud of our students,” Li said. “For example, big ways and small, the students Lamar’s Society of clean, renewable Plastics Engineers’ energy . . . a student changed the traditional insulin injection into he has educated,” said Stephen student section, employs a teach- mouth dosage by using molecular diffusion theory he Doblin, provost and vice presi- cultivating academ- ing style that had learned from my class.” dent for academic affairs. ic interests of stu- complements As a professor in the Dan F. Smith Department of Li has supervised almost 50 dents . . . recipient Web-enhanced Chemical Engineering, Li has served Lamar University graduate students and has advised of scholarship and and multimedia more than 30 years. Lamar honored him as the 2009 and directed hundreds of under- operational funds to class materials . . . University Professor, the university’s most prestigious graduates. Last year, Li received a promote polymer served as a faculty honor, awarded for life to recognize an out- two-year National Science research among National Science standing senior professor for academic excellence. Foundation teaching grant to students . . . Foundation pro- President James Simmons conferred the medallion of improve Lamar’s chemical engi- resume includes posal reviewer, an University Professor presented “as a lasting symbol of neering curriculum and align it articles, papers, Ashraf El-Houbi, Weihang Zhu, Xianchang Li and Paul Bernazzani honor received by research presenta- few young faculty this high honor and esteemed title.” with industry practices. tions and external support totaling more than members . . . primary or co-primary investigator of 12 Soon after accepting the medallion, he was off His honors include the $100,000, including a prestigious Advanced Research projects totaling almost $2 million with support from to Taiwan where he is leading a “flare minimization” Outstanding Educator Award Program grant from the Texas Higher Education the National Science Foundation, Department of research group to work with the chemical industry from the American Institute of Coordinating Board. Defense and Texas Space Grant Consortium. in the Asia-Pacific area, including Taiwan, Malaysia Chemical Engineering, Texas- and China, to promote safety, economic and environ- Sabine Section; the Amoco “Paul is a very good classroom teacher, whose courses “Dr. Li has participated in a variety of scholarship and are rigorous and demanding. Even though his classes creative activities, including research proposals, funded mental impacts. He is doing so under a one-year Outstanding Teaching Award; are difficult, he is well liked by his students because he research projects, journal articles and conferences. developmental leave. and the University Teaching is always well prepared, patient and accessible.” He has excellent credentials in teaching, service Li has worked with the United States chemical Excellence Award from Lamar. Li – KEITH HANSEN, chair, Department of Chemistry and scholarship.” industry on flare minimization for many years, present- is a long-standing member of the and Physics. – HSING-WEI CHU, chair, Department of ing the results at international conferences. “Several American Institute of Chemical Mechanical Engineering. chemical companies in Asia showed their interests,” Engineering, holding several he said. “I believe the experiences here will benefit offices. He is a member of the ASHRAF EL-HOUBI Assistant professor of information systems and analysis the U.S. chemical industry.” American Chemical Society, Blue WEIHANG ZHU Ph.D. from University of Wyoming, master’s from Iowa Assistant professor of industrial engineering Li selected National Cheng-Kung University as a Key, Sigma Xi, The Scientific State and Kansas State universities and bachelor’s Ph.D. from North Carolina State University, bachelor’s base for the research because it is his alma mater. He Research Society and Phi Tau Phi from Al-Fateh University in Tripoli . . . developed new and master’s from Zhejiang University in China . . . was born and educated in Taiwan before coming to the Scholastic Honor Society of course materials, assigned student projects and described as a “work horse” for the industrial engineer- United States, where he earned his Ph.D. from America. His wife, Sherry, retired employed the latest statistical software and technolo- ing department . . . areas of expertise include manufac- Mississippi State University. His interests lie in both from Texaco and is an instructor gies . . . created an online course, guest-lectured in col- turing and haptics (technology that interfaces with the BRIAN SATTLER fundamental theory and industry applications. of chemistry at Lamar. They have leagues’ classes and has been involved in Lamar’s user through the sense of touch) . . . is organizing a “I love molecules (chemicals), reaction and two children, Joey, 32, and annual Education Research Conference . . . solid symposium on advanced process planning for purification, which is the heart of the chemical Joanna, 26. research foundation, with articles and presentations to American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ engineering field,” he said. “Dr. Li is an outstanding local, regional and national professional groups to his International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Li was department chair for seven years, led professor who has devoted his credit . . . member of many college committees and Conference at Purdue University in October 2009 . . . has a strong record of professional service . . . faculty used engineering education grant from the National the effort to gain Lamar’s only Ph.D. program, entire career to Lamar University,” Engineering sponsor of Lamar’s Muslim Student Association. Science Foundation to improve core engineering cours- worked to maintain accreditation from ABET Inc. said T.C. Ho, chair and professor es . . . revised and updated engineering laboratories, (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering of chemical engineering. “He is “He has made difficult concepts easy to learn by employing latest technologies . . . serves on and Technology) and guided the master’s program recognized as an effective and emphasizing real-life business problems and by bring- Department of Industrial Engineering Advisory Council. to national prominence. knowledgeable instructor who sets ing into class projects which involve interpretation of excellence He and his fellow investigators have received high standards and is remembered the results and processes of statistics.” “Dr. Zhu has been very productive in our teaching pro- by Louise Wood more than $2.6 million in external funding for by his students long after they – KAKOLI BANDYOPADHYAY, chair, Department of gram . . . He is constantly improving teaching methods Information Systems and Analysis. and course content.” 20 projects. These funds have supported dozens of graduate.” – VICTOR ZALOOM, chair, Department of graduate students. Industrial Engineering.

16 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 17 on campus on campus Simmons earns Master of Science in Health Promotion offered The Department of Health and Kinesiology has introduced a new Master of Science Degree in Health educational Promotion. The online degree program, which begins this fall, is a comprehensive examination of community health theory, including research and practice in health promotion program assessment, leadership award planning, implementation and evaluation. President James Simmons received the Chief With a curriculum focusing on subject areas such as epidemiology and disease statistics, Executive Leadership Award from District 4 of students are introduced to an all-inclusive field of study that prepares them for employment the Council for the Advancement and Support opportunities with health-related international, government, community and non-profit of Education (CASE), which includes Texas, organizations, such as the American Red Cross, Centers for Disease Control, American Cancer New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma Society, corporate wellness centers, and state, county and municipal health departments. and Mexico. Offering convenience and flexibility, it is the first degree program offered completely The Chief Executive Leadership Awards were online by the department. Barbara Hernandez, graduate coordinator for the department, said created in 1999 to recognize leaders of CASE-mem- the program’s accessibility allows students who live out of state or are deployed overseas to ber institutions for outstanding efforts to promote remain enrolled in their classes. More information is available by contacting Hernandez at understanding and support of education. Nominees (409) 880-7725 [email protected] or by visiting dept.lamar.edu/healthkin. must demonstrate the ability to create a vision and BARBARA HERNNDEZ inspire others and must establish a positive image for their institution while leading it to even higher levels of success. Appropriation increases 28.5 percent Tuition assistance Simmons received the award With the signing of Senate Bill 1 into law June 19, Gov. Rick April 5 during the annual district Perry provided a balanced budget for the 2010-2011 biennium, program announced conference in Oklahoma City, at funding key priorities from higher education to job creation to Lamar University is providing tuition assis- 2008-2009 Faculty Senate President Terri Davis presents President Simmons a plaque of appreciation. which he also delivered the keynote border security. tance for spouses and dependent children of address. Simmons has been presi- During the two-year period, Lamar University will receive its employees beginning with the fall 2009 dent of Lamar since 1999. $118.5 million in state appropriations, which includes $86.6 semester. The university is continuing its “A team builder who puts students first, he has McSpadden joins LU million in general revenue. The appropriation is up 26.5 percent employee education and training plan that transformed the university from tough times to over the last biennium, and the general revenue portion is up provides employees with assistance in highly successful times,” wrote Dan F. Smith, for- in planned giving 28.5 percent. obtaining additional college-level education mer CEO of Lyondell and a graduate of Lamar, in a Floyd McSpadden of Beaumont joined the “It was a good legislative session for Lamar thanks to the and training, said Kevin Smith, senior letter recommending Simmons for the honor. “You advancement division as director of planned support of our strong legislative delegation and the continuing associate provost. need look no further than the Southeast corner of giving June 1. commitment of the state to higher education,” said President James Simmons. The LU Tuition Assistance Program, Texas to find world-class leadership.” As director, McSpadden provides leadership Lamar will receive $2.5 million in institutional enhancement funding and $2.8 million or LUTAP, covers family members of full- This past May, the Faculty Senate honored in the area of planned giving on behalf of Lamar in supplemental appropriations for costs due to Hurricane Ike. Lamar’s Higher Education time employees, whether they are members Simmons by hosting a reception thanking him for University and the Lamar University Foundation. Assistance Funds for the biennium total $16.3 million and allow purchase of land, construc- of the staff or faculty. All courses must 10 years of leadership. He will provide constituents with information on tion, repair or rehabilitation of buildings and other permanent improvements, acquisition of apply and be credited toward Lamar Faced with falling enrollment for more than a charitable giving opportunities, including gift capital equipment, and library books and materials. University degrees. dozen years when he accepted the presidency, annuities, charitable remainder trusts, bequests, Simmons has seen Lamar’s enrollment grow 64 life insurance and retirement benefits. percent in the past decade despite the impacts of “Floyd has contributed greatly to the two major hurricanes. Lamar’s enrollment of university in voluntary service with the LU 13,485 in spring 2009 was the largest in Lamar’s Foundation and Friends of the Arts. Now, his 85-year history. Under his direction, Lamar has legacy at Lamar will grow even more though added numerous academic programs, including this expanded role,” said Camille Mouton, vice FLOYD MCSPADDEN three new doctoral programs and its first Ph.D. pro- president for advancement at Lamar. gram. He has steadily improved the campus with McSpadden has been an attorney with Benckenstein, Norvell & Nathan since systematic renovations of academic buildings and 1989. He has been board certified in estate planning and probate law since 1994 and the construction of new residence halls for 2,000 has been a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas. He is a member of the students, a state-of-the-art recreational sports center Real Estate, Probate & Trust Section of the State Bar of Texas. and dining hall. “Floyd’s expertise in estate planning and probate law will be a real asset to our Lamar’s athletics programs have grown with team,” said Janice Trammell, executive director of the Lamar University Foundation. the addition of women’s soccer and, soon, the McSpadden has served in numerous leadership positions in Southeast Texas includ- return of football after a 20-year absence. Simmons The Department of Earth and Space Sciences has a detailed, 16-foot panoramic photograph of Bolivar ing president of the Lamar University Foundation, the Rotary Club of Beaumont, the initiated Lamar’s first comprehensive campaign, Peninsula on display showing the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ike. The photograph is on permanent Symphony of Southeast Texas, Three Rivers Council-Boy Scouts of America and as already raising more than $58 million toward a goal display on the second floor of the LU Geology Building. Composed of 54 separate aerial photographs taken chair of the board of trustees for First United Methodist Church of Beaumont. by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the photo shows the upper Texas coast of $100 million. During the past decade the Lamar between High Island and Crystal Beach the day after Ike passed over the peninsula. endowments almost tripled, from $22 million to more than $65 million.

18 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 19 on campus on campus

Faculty notes Spring commencement sets record Engineering students Dean Jack College of Engineering educational reforms in the Middle East and Lamar conferred 878 degrees during spring com- Hopper accepted an an honor April their impact on democracy in the future . . . mencement May 16, including 28 doctorates, 224 seek innovation Kevin Dodson 16 from his alma mater Louisiana , professor of philosophy, has been master’s degrees, 587 bachelor’s degrees and 39 Senior mechani- State University when he was selected as the result of a national search to associate degrees in nursing —a record number for cal engineering inducted into its Engineering Hall serve as the permanent director of the the university. Roger Williams, who served from students showed of Distinction. The award recog- University Honors Program. Dodson is no 2005 to 2007 as Texas’ 105th secretary of state, innovative nizes distinguished professional stranger to the program, having served as its delivered the keynote. thinking, knowl- achievement, dedicated service to assistant director from 2003-2008. He coedited JACK HOPPER KEVIN DODSON This graduating class included participants in edge and skills engineering and outstanding the Online Encyclopedia of Enlightenment and the new 18-month academic partnership program in in a recent dis- Charles Coppin humanitarian activities . . . , associate professor and Revolution and was senior editor of Ways of Knowing: Classical and the College of Education and Human Development, play of their sen- W. Ted Mahavier chair or mathematics, and associate professor have Contemporary Readings in the Philosophy of Knowledge . . . Theatre histo- granting master’s degrees in teacher leadership and ior design projects. Students created an “escalad- Judy Sebesta written The Moore Method: A Pathway to Learner-Centered Instruction, rian, theorist and director has been named chair of the school administration to 143 recipients. der” for NASA, and members of the that team— published by the Mathematical Association of America. newly formed Department of Theatre & “This was the largest spring commencement in Lamar Levitators—are Jonah Cherry of Buna, ROGER WILLIAMS It is the only “how-to” manual for implementing the Dance, effective Sept. 1. The new department the history of Lamar University,” said Kevin Smith, team leader; Carl Ford of Vidor; Jason Lewis of teaching method developed by famous mathematician represents a leap forward for the theatre and senior associate provost. “Driving these numbers will be the largest number of master’s Dumas; Kristi Townsend of Nederland; and Jaci R.L. Moore . . . The Lamar dance arts at Lamar, which were formerly com- degrees Lamar has ever conferred at a graduation ceremony.” Wright of Dayton. The device combines the Honors Student Association bined with the music department. “Music, Seven students attained perfect 4.0 grade-point averages to share Plummer Award automation of an escalator with the ease of use of O’Brien Stanley selected , Theatre & Dance was a very large department,” honors as the top academic graduates in the class. A total of 117 students graduated an extension ladder and, in a recent showcase, associate professor of com- said Russ Schultz, dean of the College of Fine with honors. won for best model and best photo documenta- munication and director of broadcasting, Arts and Communication. “Music tended to JUDY SEBESTA tion. Another project, the LU Spirit Wagon, bene- as Honors Professor of the Year. “This be the biggest area, and, as such, it took some fits the new football program by converting a was the first time O’Brien taught an hon- of the gloss away from theatre and dance. Separating these depart- donated frame of a hurricane-damaged golf cart ors class (Honors Film Appreciation), and ments allows for autonomy and lets each shine.” A native Texan, Veteran finance officer Bob Lovitt joins O’BRIEN STANLEY into an electric-powered vehicle that seats six. “We it was a huge success,” said Nicki Sebesta received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas. She has LU administrative team wanted to build something we could give back to Michalski, assistant professor of communication, who presented the been a professor of theatre for more than 12 years and previously Lamar, something useful,” said Casey Spears of award. “He loves teaching and his students, taught at the University of Missouri, the University of Arizona and Robert “Bob” Lovitt joined the adminis- served as Nederland. Other team members are Joseph Miguez and they love him. He is a dedicated teacher the University of Evansville . . . Mary Evelyn Collins has been named tration of Lamar University as vice presi- assistant vice of Houston, Cuong Ngo of Bridge City, Allen Scott and scholar.” Stanley has served as executive chair of the Department of Communication. dent for finance and operations Sept. 1. chancellor for of Port Arthur and Hong Vo of Beaumont. producer/producer for several award-winning Collins comes to Lamar from Sam Houston “Bob brings both a wealth of finan- planning and documentaries . . . Jerry Bradley, professor of State University and has also held teaching cial experience and a long history of suc- budgeting at English, is the 2009 recipient of the posts at Hardin-Simmons University and cess in higher education to the position,” University of Linsley-Rienstra-Stiles Outstanding Leadership Award presented by Wingate College. Collins earned her doctorate said James Simmons, president of the uni- Houston- the Southwest Texas in communication from Florida State versity. “I am very pleased to welcome University book makes Top 10 JERRY BRADLEY Popular Culture and University. “It is important to me to be at a him to the administrative team.” Park, 1984- A book by Judy Linsley ’62, ’80, American Culture Association. He was hon- student-centered university,” Collins said. Outgoing Vice President for Finance 1985, and as BOB LOVITT and Ellen Rienstra ’67, ’77, and ored for his efforts to build the creative-writing “There is nothing better than encouraging their MARY EVELYN COLLINS and Operations Mike Ferguson will senior vice president at Texas Commerce longtime history faculty member Jo area of the association and for serving as its research and seeing their successes when they graduate from the pro- remain on staff for part of the fall semes- Bank–Reagan, in Houston, 1983-1984. Ann Stiles, now retired, earned a chair . . . In May, Glenn Utter, professor and gram” . . . Sandra Richardson, assistant professor of mathematics and ter to ensure a smooth transition, Lovitt served almost 16 years at the place on a Top-10 list of interesting chair of political science, accepted a education, was selected as the Texas Advisor of the Year at the 53rd Simmons said. Ferguson, who joined University of Nebraska–Lincoln, begin- books on East Texas. Distinguished Alumni award from his alma annual Texas State Lamar as CFO in 1999, will retire at the ning as an accountant in 1967 and culmi- The East Texas Historical mater, Jamestown Community College in GLENN UTTER Teachers Association end of the semester. nating his career as assistant vice chancel- Association asked its former executive director, Jamestown, N.Y. . . . During spring break, Dominic Beggan, assistant convention in Austin. Lovitt served as executive vice presi- lor, business and finance, 1977-1983. Archie P. McDonald ’58, to recommend the list, professor of political science, traveled to Doha, Qatar, to participate in Richardson’s selection dent for finance and administration at He holds an M.B.A. from the based on his having authored more than 30 books an academic fellowship that allowed Beggan and 14 other Texas edu- resulted from a recom- Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi University of Nebraska, 1973, and bache- on the history of Texas and the Civil War. cators to learn about Qatar’s edu- mendation made by the from June 2005 to August 2008. There, lor’s in business administration from McDonald is Regents’ Professor of History at cational system and the govern- students she advises in Lovitt oversaw the university’s annual Nebraska Wesleyan University, 1967. Stephen F. Austin State University in ment’s continued efforts to the Lamar Student operating budget of $110 million. Lovitt has served on the board of Nacogdoches. improve it. Beggan also uncov- Educator Association. Before moving to Corpus Christi, directors of the National Association of One of his picks is Giant Under the Hill: ered a unique Qatar-Lamar con- Also at this year’s con- Lovitt served as senior vice president for College and University Business Officers History of the Spindletop Oil Discovery at Beaumont nection during a dinner with vention, the Lamar business affairs at the University of Texas and as past president of the Southern Texas, written by Linsley, Rienstra and Stiles and Mohamed Al-Hayki, a former association received SANDRA RICHARDSON at Dallas, 1985 to 2005, where he man- Association of College and University published in 2002. Linsley is the curator of inter- Qatar ambassador to the United several recognitions aged an operating budget of $200 million Business Officers. pretation and education at the McFaddin-Ward MOHAMED AL-HAYKI, DOMINIC BEGGAN States. Al-Hayki’s uncle, Abdulla including the 2009 Glenn W. Kidd Outstanding Local Chapter and physical assets of about $450 million. Lovitt and his wife, Kitty, reside House historic home museum and an adjunct Salatt, was the first Qatari student to study in the United States, and Award, Outstanding Human Relations Project Award and Before joining UT-Dallas, Lovitt in Plano. instructor of history at Lamar. Rienstra and Stiles he attended Lamar between 1965 and 1966. Beggan is researching Outstanding Local Advisor Award are Beaumont historians.

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Sisk named $4 million appropriated for Distinguished fuel cell research Lamar’s Advanced Fuel Cell project has received $4 million in federal Faculty Lecturer funding in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for 2010. The 2009 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer is “I am proud to announce this funding for Lamar University and my Dorothy Sisk, professor of professional peda- continued support of this important research project. This project is gogy. Sisk holds the Conn Chair for Gifted important not only to the university and Southeast Texas, but also to the Education in the College of Education and advancement of our nation’s renewable energy technology,” said U.S. Rep. Stewart, Pate, Tran, Solis, Brodnax Human Development. Poe, who worked to secure the funding. Making Great Kids Greater: Easing the DOROTHY SISK The Advanced Fuel Cell project is designed to develop, test and vali- Burden of Being Gifted will be the topic of her Five honored as Distinguished Staff date technologies necessary to enable lightweight, power-efficient, environ- Provost Steve Doblin with two East China University administrators lecture, sponsored by ExxonMobil, to be presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 in Five Lamar University employees earned Distinguished Staff mentally clean and cost-effective renewable energy technology and prod- the University Theatre. Awards at Lamar’s annual staff recognition program this ucts for Army space and missile defense systems, as well as border, port LU partners with China university A 20-year veteran of the Lamar faculty, Sisk is the 23rd recipient of the spring organized by the Staff Senate. President James Simmons and chemical facility surveillance. In addition to this year’s funding, Poe honor—one of the highest accorded a Lamar faculty member. Lamar University welcomed several administrators from East presented the Distinguished Staff Awards to Diann Brodnax secured $3 million in FY 2009 and $2.4 million in FY 2008. “This lecture will address the unique perception of gifted students and China University of Science and Technology to campus recently of Orange, coordinator of advising in the Department of suggest ways that great kids can become greater, thus easing the burden of to develop a partnership and exchange program between the Developmental Studies; Charla Pate, Port Neches, Web specialist being gifted,” Sisk said. “A gifted kid with the mental maturity of a 14-year- CPA chapter honors Lamar two schools. with the division of academic affairs; Patrick Stewart, Beaumont, old and the physical maturity of an 8-year-old faces enormous emotional The Shanghai university is considered one of the top manager of network services for the Department of and social challenges. Gifted students may appear to be great kids and well- accounting, business law students engineering schools in China. Its president, Xuhong Qian, was a Infrastructure and Security Services; Henrietta Solis, Nederland, adjusted, receiving good grades in school, but they may suffer from feelings post-doctoral fellow in chemistry at Lamar University in 1989-90. executive assistant to Kevin Smith, senior associate provost; and of inadequacy because their successes fall short of their ideals.” and faculty Three undergraduate chemical engineering students from the Tuyet Tran, Nederland, director of records. When she accepted the Conn Chair in 1989, Sisk The Southeast Texas Chapter of the Texas Society of Certified Public university just completed an academic year at Lamar. “From brought a wealth of experience in education for gifted Accountants (TSCPA) has honored several students and faculty in the Lamar’s point of view, it’s valuable and beneficial to both pro- and talented students, ranging from teaching in public Department of Accounting and Business Law. Cornelia Lyons of Houston grams,” said Thomas Ho, chair of chemical engineering at Lamar. schools to service in Washington, D.C., as director of the Open House dates set was the recipient of the Accounting Excellence Award. Melissa Henry of “It attracts good students who raise the level of competition in Office of Gifted and Talented Education and as professor High school and transfer students will be able to choose from Port Neches received the Southeast Texas Chapter of TSCPA Endowed the classroom. It also provides opportunities for these students to of special education and coordinator of teacher training in three Saturday open houses in the upcoming academic year to Scholarship. The chapter awarded scholarships to attend our graduate program after they receive a bachelor’s gifted education at the University of South Florida. gain an overview of the opportunities at Lamar. Elizabeth Bryan and Nisha Dayama of Beaumont, degree from East China University of Science and Technology.” She is an accomplished researcher and prolific author Fall Academic Open Houses are scheduled for Sept. 26 and Jennifer Do of Port Arthur This summer, LU sent its first student to Shanghai to study. in pedagogy for gifted and talented students and has spoken Nov. 21. These events are designed to allow high-ability stu- and Whitney Winder Rajiv Jaini, a chemical engineering major from Baytown, will all over the world. Sisk also has been project director for significant educa- dents to explore the generous scholarship opportunities and of Orange. assist a professor at East China with research on surfactants. tional initiatives, receiving federal and state grants totaling $10,119,500 excellent academic programs offered at LU. Spring Open House from 1990 to 2009. These grants have supported programs and research is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2010. This event will cover all aspects with gifted and talented students and their teachers. of college life from academics to financial aid to campus organi- Center conducts studies Sisk’s topic parallels that of her 2009 book, Making Great Kids Better: zations and activities. Students in the master of public administration Easing the Burden of Being Gifted. She spoke on the topic to the Prospective students who wish to be placed on the mailing program presented findings and recommendations International Reading Association in May in Minneapolis and in August in list to receive more information about these and other events regarding the revitalization of historic downtown Vancouver, Canada, before the World Council for the Gifted and Talented, may contact the Recruiting Office by phone at (409) 880-8316 Silsbee during a community forum May 20 at the an organization representing more than 55 member countries. or by e-mail at [email protected]. Silsbee Chamber of Commerce. The Lamar University Center for Public Policy Studies, at the invitation of the Silsbee Economic At the podium Development Corp., coordinated a study for the purpose of making recommendations for the revitalization of historic downtown Silsbee, Bridges to Life founder featured Engineering hosts Entergy Texas CEO said James Vanderleeuw, director of the center. Student teams were entreprenurial speaker The College of Engineering hosted Joe Domino ’75, president and involved in numerous aspects of the multi-part project. John Sage, founder and executive director of chief executive officer of Entergy Texas as The center, in collaboration with the Substance Abuse Division of “Bridges to Life,” a prison rehabilitation the guest speaker for its spring 2009 All the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission, also conducted a program, was guest speaker at the Institute College of Engineering Seminar April 28. regional survey on alcohol and marijuana use. Southeast Texans rank for Entrepreneurial Studies April 7. Sage dis- Domino, who earned a master’s in alcohol use and marijuana use as the dominant problems among cussed the business of rehabilitating inmates engineering science from Lamar and was teenagers, survey results showed. The survey also covered pregnancy, of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice named a distinguished alumnus in 2005, violence, truancy and tobacco use. System and explained how “Bridges to Life” spoke to students on “what you did not JOHN SAGE has become one of the most successful learn in engineering that you need to be Ann Watkins, chair of the Department of Accounting private rehabilitation programs contracted by TDCJ. successful in industry.” and Business Law, presents the SET TSCPA Endowed JOE DOMINO Scholarship to Melissa Henry.

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Beyond the classroom LU provides Students earn top honors . . . In competition at the 2009 Texas Water Conference in April in base for student Galveston, three students explorations earned top honors and had Teachers gain lab an opportunity to discuss Bernard Harris Summer current issues regarding the and field time ing and solo/choral performance. Since its inception in 1984, more wastewater field. Jerry Lin, Science Camp Middle school science teachers in Southeast Texas than 2,000 youth from across the country have attended, said faculty advisor and associate Fifty area middle school students participated in the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris took the opportunity to boost their knowledge of Freddie Titus, retreat director and instructor of mathematics at professor of civil engineer- Summer Science Camp. Lamar was one of 30 campuses nationwide to host the earth and space sciences, thanks to a $190,000 Lamar . . . China trip enhances education for MBA students . . . MBA ing, led the team. Qianzhen camp, which aims to attract middle school students to math and science fields. The Teacher Quality grant from the Texas Higher students immersed themselves in Chinese culture and broadened Xie and Ruolin Zhang both of two-week residential camp offers hands-on, real-world, lab activities to enhance middle Education Coordinating Board. their understanding of international business China, and Sehul Patel of India, won second place in the design school students’ knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while Lamar professors Dorothy Sisk, Conn Chair this summer during the 10-day trip . . . contest. They presented a thorough nutrient removal plan to meet encouraging youth to stay in school and develop their leadership potential and citizen- for Gifted Education, and Jim Westgate, McCallon earns scholarship . . . The College of the 2015 discharge standard for a plant treating 162 million gallons ship skills. University Professor of earth and space sciences, Business selected Matt McCallon of Buna as the per day of municipal wastewater. With the win, the team brought were awarded the grant to fund Project Earth William G. McGowan Scholar for 2009-2010. back a $650 award, part of which will be used toward membership Hands-on computing Science Explorations for sixth- through eighth- “I work a part-time job and study hard to suc- fees for the Water Environment Association of Texas. “To receive an grade science teachers. “The grant provides funds ceed in school and my professional develop- INSPIRED award among hundreds of people who are actually professionals to enhance content knowledge in the earth and ment,” said McCallon. “The scholarship relieves Lamar hosted three computing academies for working in the wastewater field for 15-20 years, is really a proud MATT MCCALLON space sciences through both classroom and out- a lot of the financial burden that would be middle and high school students recently with moment for me as a Lamar University student,” said Patel . . . door field experiences,” Westgate said. Texas sci- placed upon my family.” The scholarship is the only full-tuition the support of a National Science Foundation Students enter competition with car they designed, built . . . Seven ence standards require that at least 40 percent of scholarship available in the College of Business, said Enrique Broadening Participation in Computing grant, mechanical engineering students designed and built an off-road science classroom time be lab or field activities. vehicle to compete with students across “Henry” Venta, dean of the College of Business and professor of said Peggy Doerschuk, professor of computer the country and beyond in the Society management. Funded by the William G. McGowan Charitable science. INSPIRED (Increasing Student of Automotive Engineers Collegiate Fund, it is only awarded to business students at select colleges and Participation In Research Development) seeks Design Series – Baja SAE Alabama universities nationwide . . . Students complete legislative internships to increase the number of U. S. women and competition hosted by Auburn . . . Four students participated in the Texas Legislative Internship minorities who earn computing degrees to help meet the demand for computing University. LU’s mini baja team was Program during the legislative session that ended June 1. Morris professionals in today’s high-tech society. INSPIRED supports teams of Lamar one of 100 teams from five countries. Williams of Arlington, Curtis Smith of Beaumont, Melinda Griffith of undergraduates as they perform research and outreach under the direction of Lamar’s Team members are Josh Durham of Bridge City and Dimetrius Holland of Longview were awarded computer science faculty. Bridge City; Tyler Hamilton, Nederland; stipends to participate in Texas’ premier internship Jeremey Hayes, Fannett; Cody program and received academic credit from Future teachers gain perspective Heironimus, Fannett; Brent Klima, Vidor; Jeff Ratliff, Lumberton; Lamar’s political science department. The Nearly 150 high school students interested in becoming and Caleb Riu, Port Neches . . . Gospel choir reaches 25th anniversary Beaumont Foundation of America provided teachers visited campus in May for “A Celebration of Science teachers . . . The award-winning Psalm 150 Gospel $35,000 to enable the students to participate . . . Teaching.” This event, sponsored by an ExxonMobil grant Choir marked a 25th anniversary with its annu- First Mirabeau Scholar graduates . . . Jill Hamilton, a and hosted by the College of Education and Human experience enviroment al youth and young adult gospel music retreat Port Neches native, completed her bachelor of sci- JILL HAMILTON Development, introduced Lamar faculty and provided Seventeen Southeast Texas science teachers in July. With a theme of “Access Granted: ence in mathematics in three years and is a member students with admissions and scholarship information. explored the wonder of the natural world and the Spiritual Reality Edition,” the retreat enhanced of Lamar’s inaugural class of Mirabeau Scholars. She is considering Students heard presentations such as “Nuts and Bolts of environmental challenges it faces as the the musical abilities of young ministers of a career in education and plans to pursue a master of science in Teaching” and “Teaching Around the World.” Department of Earth and Space Sciences hosted music, vocal performers and musicians by teach- mathematics from Lamar. During her second year at Lamar, she the 14th annual Teaching Environmental Science FREDDIE TITUS ing music theory and techniques such as direct- assisted in research on abstract algebra with graph theory Nightingale Experience preps future nurses summer institute. The 10-day field institute is offered in con- Fifty high school students from 18 area schools visited campus and CHRISTUS junction with the Region 5 Science Collaborative Hospital St. Elizabeth and and 24 local industries, state and federal agencies, St. Mary June 12 and 13 and environmental non-governmental organiza- Community Outreach Program earns top awards to learn first hand about tions. Participants in the graduate-level, summer the medical profession. The Community Outreach Program recently received two prestigious awards recognizing the organization for its work course included teachers from Beaumont, Hardin, Participants practiced in the community. The Internal Revenue Service’s Community Service Leadership Award and President’s Volunteer Jasper, Kirbyville, Kountze, Liberty, Port Arthur, nursing skills in the Service Award honor the program’s commitment to empowering families with the knowledge and skills needed to Sam Rayburn, Silsbee, Tarkington and Woodville. JoAnne Gay Dishman achieve personal, social and economic independence and enhance the communities in which they live. The teachers will explore environmental top- Department of Nursing The Community Service Leadership Award acknowledged the program’s volunteer work during the 2009 tax ics such as industrial, agricultural and domestic and at St. Mary and season. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes the program’s work in addressing the needs of the wastes and emissions that affect the Neches, community, specifically in the areas of health, housing, finances and education. Elton Payne is program manager. St. Elizabeth. ELTON PAYNE Trinity and Sabine River watersheds and air sheds.

24 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 25 don’t want to disappoint them. Most impor- from the wind, Stelly said Ike was, “a com- businesses. Fortunately, I did not have to tell tantly, I want it to be accurate. It’s imperative pletely different creature,” in that most of its them about lost lives.” that I keep up to speed on everything.” destruction in Orange County came from the One thing that particularly touched Stelly really had to get up to speed on that storm surge. Stelly during his coverage of Hurricane Rita’s early morning in late September of 2005 when “Early in the morning after Ike hit, I was aftermath was the loyalty of left-behind pets. A voice Hurricane Rita slammed into Southeast Texas. on the telephone getting an update from “I’ve always had a soft spot for pets, and “Rita was something new to me, new to (Orange mayor) Brown Claybar, and, all of a I saw so many over the first few days after you and new to everyone,” said Stelly. “We sudden, he said, ‘I have to let you go,’” said Ike,” said Stelly. “There were dogs so wet and before... knew what it was like to have threats of hurri- Stelly, a 1984 graduate of Orangefield High so hungry and so scared, but they were still canes, but we had never experienced an actu- School. “Water was overtopping the levee and protective of their owners’ property. When al, full-blown hurricane. By the time Ike got beginning to come in. It was already 2 to 3 you first approached, they were still protect- and after... here last year, though, we knew what to feet high in Bridge City, and it was rising by ing their yards. expect, and we were much more prepared. the minute. “Our station became a drop-off point for the storm “First off, after Rita hit, I didn’t even “Fortunately, I have a friend, Pete Cloeren, people who wanted to donate dog food and know if I had a radio station to go back to. I who has a large, all-terrain vehicle—I call it a cat food and other pet items. The halls were live in the Little Cypress area a little north of Hummer on steroids—and my wife, Angie cluttered with it, and I distributed it as best I Orange. There were so many downed trees, it (Caples) ’88, and I went out in it with him to could while I made my daily rounds. It was by Rush Wood took us four hours with chain saws to cut our do live reports. By the time we got to Bridge gratifying to see how the community way out of the neighborhood. In my mind, I City, the water was at the top of the Cow responded to pets in need.” was cutting my way out to nothing. Bayou Bridge. On the evening of April 24, Stelly N THE VERY DAY GARY “Fortunately, the station had withstood “We had to take an alternative route to broadcast what most people would think STELLY ’90 became the the storm with relatively little damage, and we get there, and a deputy was a routine West owner of KOGT Radio in were able to get back on the air. Sometimes, (Orange County) sheriff Orange-Stark-at- Orange, Hurricane Andrew I want to tear up when I think about some stopped us and told us they Orangefield baseball game. crossed the state of Florida of the things I had to report, but it was my needed to use our vehicle To Stelly, however, it was andO headed into the Gulf of Mexico. obligation. The people had to know. to get into town because special, because it was his “It was predicted that Andrew would pick “In retrospect, though, I sometimes they hadn’t been able to get 1,000th-called game since up force and hit land again on the upper Texas think Rita was good for us as a community, there with what was at he first started on a coast,” said Stelly, a mass communication grad- because it brought us together. After getting their disposal at that time. part-time basis at KOGT uate, in recalling that day in late August of over the initial shock of what had hit us, I I’ll never forget the sight of while still in high school 1992. “My first thought was, ‘Oh, my gosh, became so fired up. We had messages we had Bridge City when we first in 1983. I’ve just purchased a radio station that’s going to get to the people. They were starved to got there. It looked like the “It was a fitting game to be blown off the map in just a couple of know, and we thrived on knowing we were town had moved into to have as my 1,000th,” more days.’” providing them with the information. Sabine Lake. It looked like said Stelly. “I thought Well, history tells us Stelly’s station was “Richard Corder (longtime KOGT disc nothing was left.” it was nice to be able not blown off the map as Andrew graciously jockey and newsman) and I were a two-man For the next few hours, Stelly was more to make that call in what had been my detoured and did no damage, whatsoever, to crew. We got a couple of mattresses and set up than a newsman. He was also part of the home stadium.” the Texas coast. camp in the station. We went out and took pic- rescue effort. Although still serving as the lead man on Since that time, however, Stelly’s voice tures for our Web site; we interviewed it seems “We had two firefighters with us who KOGT’s sports coverage adds hours to Stelly’s has guided residents of Orange County and like hundreds of citizens, and we worked close- started pulling people off rooftops and getting workload, he says it’s a labor of love—one he beyond through two major hurricanes—first ly with officials of Orange County and the Red them out of their attics,” said Stelly. “There would not even consider relinquishing. Rita in 2005 and, most recently, Ike last fall. Cross in getting out the news. were so many people in need of help. We “I still get excited with almost every BRIAN SATTLER That resonant voice has described destruc- “Up until that time, the worst natural probably helped get 50 people and at least 30 game I call,” said Stelly. Recently, he called tion, despair, displacement, desperation and pure devastation. On When off the air, Stelly is busy meeting with clients, selling disaster situation I had covered was the ice dogs and other pets to safety. The wind was LC-M’s baseball playoff game against Buda the other hand, that voice has also passed on inspiration, invigoration, the station’s programming, handling the business end of the storm of 1997. This was 10 times worse. still so strong it would literally pick up the Hayes in College Station. encouragement, optimism and a belief in a rejuvenated Orange operations, doing on-the-site news reporting and preparing for his There was tremendous devastation, and it tore truck, but it was like a military vehicle, and it “They (LC-M’s Battlin’ Bears) were County. next sporting event. There’s never an idle moment. at my heart. got us through the ordeal. down 4-0 to a 26-1 team, and they hadn’t That voice has also kept Orange Countians in close contact with “It’s easily 18 hours a day, six days a week,” said Stelly in “We had evacuees out there, and they “To this day, I don’t know how Fox even been close to getting a hit since the their athletic teams. It regaled listeners with the exploits of West describing his workload. “Unlike what some people think, though, had lots of questions. They wanted to come News got my cell phone number, but they second inning. Somehow, they managed to Orange-Stark’s football team during the Mustangs’ march to the I no longer jump out of bed in the middle of the night to go to a home, and it was difficult to tell them there called me, and I did a live interview with score four runs in the bottom of the seventh, 2000 Class 4A state championship game, climbs by Orangefield and wreck scene or a fire—unless, of course, it’s a major one.” wasn’t a whole lot for them to come back to them. It was my duty to let as many people as and they eventually won the game 5-4 in the Bridge City to the state baseball tournament and a state champi- In Stelly’s eyes, though, all news in Orange County is major at that time because of the lack of power and possible know what the situation was in ninth. If you can’t get excited about some- onship by Little Cypress-Mauriceville’s 2006 softball team. news, and it’s his obligation to report it to his constituents, both the sweltering heat. They were probably bet- Bridge City and in Orange County. thing like that, you can’t get excited about In Orange County, Stelly’s voice is a constant. He hits the air at on the air and through KOGT’s Web site. ter off where they were. I wanted to paint as “It was a difficult time for me because anything.” 5 a.m. for his four-hour morning show. He jump starts his listeners’ “I’m just doing the job,” Stelly modestly said. “We provide a positive of a picture as possible, but I also had I knew so many people in Bridge City. The Chances are Orange Countians are days by delivering overall newscasts, sports news, commercials and service. It became addictive to me years and years ago. If there’s a to paint an accurate picture.” things I had to tell them made me sick. I hoping the 43-year-old Stelly continues to other items of local interest. story out there, the people depend upon me to provide it, and I While the brunt of Rita’s damage came had to tell them about lost homes and lost stay excited for many years to come.

26 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 27 “The non-traditional approach was to his peers. He was inducted this year into the Marchand, brother-in-law Manuel Nerios, market to the people who were actually International Maritime Hall of Fame, one of and two cousins, James D. Neaton and importing from around the world,” the few port directors to ever receive the Dennis J. Neaton, also earned degrees from Marchand said. “The strategy is still work- honor. He has held numerous leadership Lamar. His niece, Amanda Gail Piletere, is ing and can continue to work given the nat- positions in the American Association of now a junior at Lamar. ural assets and abundance of land in close Port Authorities and in the 1990s helped Doug had been accepted to both the Ports proximity to the port that we enjoy.” establish the organization’s professional port University of Texas and Lamar. His brother A native of Galveston, Marchand grew manager accreditation program, an accredi- urged him to choose Lamar because of the up in a port city and got his introduction to tation he holds. Recognizing the importance smaller size and his own good experience as authority port operations before he completed his of succession planning and the value of the a business major there. Doug decided to bachelor of business administration degree early opportunities he received, Marchand start at Lamar, planning to transfer to UT in marketing at Lamar. He spent the sum- has made training for the next generation a later. “I went and never left,” Doug oug Marchand ’70 mer before his senior year working at the priority. Each summer, 12 to 15 college stu- Marchand said. “We had to do our work, knows how to get Port of Galveston, which led to the offer of dents are chosen through a competitive but we also played hard. Looking back on it things moving. a full-time job upon graduation. He started process to work as interns throughout the now, it was a really good time. I feel good As executive work the day after his last final exam. about my training in marketing and director for the Georgia “None of my family was in this sales. College in general gives people Ports Authority, business, but it was always interesting a chance to mature. It gives them a Marchand oversaw the comings and to see it and be on the periphery of chance to determine what it is they Dgoings of 2.7 million boxes of container- it,” he said. really want to do. I think it did that The non-traditional ized cargo at the country’s fourth-largest Marchand advanced from his for me. I wouldn’t trade it for any- container port last year. Georgia poultry, entry-level job to serve as general approach was to market thing. It was a great time. I have life- kaolin clay and forest products headed out operations manager in Galveston to the people who were time friends that I’ve kept as a result toward countries on the Pacific Rim and before leaving in 1984 to become of meeting them at Lamar.” elsewhere. Clothing and electronics headed managing director at the Port of actually importing from Marchand’s fond memories of in, bound for retailers up and down the Corpus Christi. He returned two around“ the world his time at Lamar include many golf East Coast. years later as general manager and games at Tyrrell Park, sometimes dur- It wasn’t always this way. When port director. Then, in 1994, he was ing park hours and sometimes after Marchand arrived in 1994, the Georgia approached about the opportunity in dark. He still enjoys golf and tries to Ports Authority enjoyed a strong export Georgia. Marchand said he was not —DOUG MARCHAND ’70 squeeze in a round on Saturdays. business, especially in forest products, looking for a job, but the more he During the week, he stays busy kaolin clay and frozen poultry. Missing looked at the potential there, the more inter- Georgia Ports Authority’s operations. “It trying to constantly improve the operations were the imports. He decided to change ested he became. gives them an opportunity to see if this field of the ports he oversees and anticipate what things at the quasi-state agency that over- The aspects of the port industry that is something for them and gives us a chance changes might be coming next in an indus- sees deepwater ports at Savannah and first attracted Marchand to the field are still to look them over as potential employees,” try that he has seen move from clipboards Brunswick and two inland barge ports. what keep him engaged in his work today. he said. ” used to track inventory to automation at “We set out to market to the benefi- “It’s a lot of different things every day. Marchand’s business leadership has every stage of the process. More improve- cial owners of the cargo,” Marchand said. There’s absolutely no monotony to it,” he even had an impact in his own family. His ments in technology, cargo handling and “We worked with the big box retailers and said. He even enjoys the extensive travel his son, Jack, received his degree in logistics and safety are just a few of the challenges that he were able to land a couple of those. Then job requires, mainly to countries where intermodal transportation from Georgia believes lie ahead for the port industry. imports were driving the ships to come to ocean carriers serving his ports are based. Southern University and is now a manager Port managers also have the challenge Savannah. You could take that empty box That includes countries such as Japan, with Ikea’s operations in Savannah. When of determining how to pay for expensive and reload it with the traditional cargo. China, South Korea, Taiwan, Norway, he chose his major, Marchand asked, “Are improvements that are constantly required. A Once we got it rolling and had the ships Germany, France, Israel, Kuwait, you sure?” His son answered, “Yeah, I don’t single new ship-to-shore crane to move the coming, more imports would start riding Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand know anything else.” 20-foot containers standard in the industry on the same ships. It started feeding on where imports originate and exports end up. The rest of the family remains in Texas. costs more than $9 million, and Marchand itself. The more ships you got, the more “I enjoy the challenge,” Marchand said. Marchand and his wife, Brenda Gail has 23 of them on a single 1,200-acre termi- cargo you got. The more cargo you got, “If you own and operate this place, how can Marchand, return to the Galveston area a nal. Balancing all those interests while the more ships you got.” you make it better? How can you get more few times a year to visit relatives, including remaining at the forefront of the industry is STEPHEN MORTON As a result, everyone benefited from out of it? How can you put more people to daughter Kristen, who is employed by Rolls at the heart of what Marchand does. lower shipping costs and a more efficient work and at the same time generate an Royce Global Marine, grandson Preston, “There’s always something more operation. Other ports around the country income that you can plow back into your Doug’s siblings and Brenda’s parents. you can do to streamline things,” he said. saw the wisdom of Marchand’s facilities to make them better? I enjoy the Marchand’s brother, George Marchand “I challenge our information technology by Beth Gallaspy approach—now known in the industry as the Savannah model—and began to copy it. challenge as well as the whole scene that we ’64, deserves the credit for Doug’s decision people to stay three to four projects ahead The competition has not hurt the Georgia ports though. Building on the water- operate in.” to attend Lamar, where his younger sister, of our competition. While they’re catching front success, many retailers, including Home Depot, Target, Wal-Mart and Ikea, have Marchand’s dedication to and expertise Cathy (Marchand) Nerios also received her up, we’re putting another three to four invested in the area by locating major distribution centers in Savannah. in his field have attracted recognition from degree. Sister-in-law Leah Rae (Magliolo) on the books.”

28 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 29 ommencements are often a family affair as parents and extended family celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments. But it is a bit unusual when generations graduate together. On Aug. 15, four members of one family made the trip to the Lamar University campus and joined in accepting their hard-won diplomas. Online offerings CRhonda and Eddie Livingston of Hilltop Lakes and their daughter Jessica and her husband, Chris Jahn, of Houston crossed the Montagne Center stage, each expand receiving master’s degrees in education through Lamar University’s partnership with Higher Ed Holdings. Joining in the celebration were Rhonda and Eddie’s grown 1,009 teachers graduate in August sons, Jeremy and Joel, their families, and daughter Janell, a student at Texas A&M. Through its partnership with Higher Ed Holdings, Eddie and Chris both became interested in the 18-month online program Lamar offers the 18-month program leading to a when it was introduced in their school districts. Chris learned of the program in Masters of Education in Teacher Leadership, an informational meeting held by the Cypress-Fairbanks school district. Eddie saw a Educational Leadership or Educational Technology poster announcing the program in the teacher’s lounge at his school in the Aldine Leadership. More than 1,000 teachers from school district and called the toll-free number. across the state graduated with the degree this “I just compared (Lamar’s M.Ed. program and one offered by another university), August. Of those, about 400 walked across the and the price was right. It fit my schedule. It was online. So I decided to go with Montagne Center stage to receive their diplomas. Lamar,” Chris said. It wasn’t long before Jessica, who teaches fourth-grade math and science at High school and college credit Horne Elementary in the Cy-Fair district, got excited about joining the program with Lamar is expanding its Dual Credit programs to her husband Chris, who also teaches fourth-grade math and science and will be the school districts across Texas, with the first course campus math at-risk specialist this year. to begin Sept. 14. Dual Credit courses allow high Although the program wasn’t yet offered by her district, Rhonda signed up school juniors or seniors to enroll in a college after Eddie completed the first class. She became the first teacher in the Houston course and receive simultaneous academic credit school district to do so. Now, several other teachers in her school are pursing the from both the college and the high school. M.Ed. in the program. “It’s been really nice,” Rhonda said. “We have had some Participants will be drawn from the 568,028 stu- interesting discussions. It has been very enlightening.” Although getting a little dents in 11th and 12th grades in Texas. later start, Rhonda was able to double up so she would graduate with her husband, daughter and son-in-law. The four found the schedule and convenience of online learning suited them B.A.A.S. now online Lamar is also expanding its offering of the well throughout the year. The flexibility of online learning especially suited their Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree summer plans. entirely online. The first course will begin Oct. 12. “We like to travel during the summer with our trailer,” Rhonda said. “We would The potential for students in the program is huge. go to different campgrounds all over Texas, and, as long as we had wireless Internet Data from the 2000 census shows there are access, we could do our coursework. We were even in Washington, D.C., at one 2,144,625 Texans with some college hours but no point and did our work there. It’s been very convenient.” bachelor’s degrees, and an additional 681,363 with Not only did they find that the program worked great for them, but they also associate degrees. A great number of these found its content challenging both for the young teacher and the veteran alike. Texans could qualify for the online degree “My husband, parents and I have talked so much through this program about completion program. how it gives you a systematic view and a more global view about what’s going on,” said Jessica, who just completed her third year of teaching. “You are able to look beyond decisions that affect your grade level and see why things are done the way In addition to the programs above, Lamar they are. I’ve certainly learned a lot through this program.” University online programs include five undergrad- “I’ve been teaching for 22 years,” Eddie said, “and, in retrospect, I wish I had uate degrees – Bachelor of Applied Arts and done the educational master’s in administration a lot earlier in my career. It has given Sciences, Bachelor of General Studies, RN to me a lot of insight. The knowledge I’ve gained is going to make me a better teacher.” Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of “It was a lot of hard work, that’s for sure,” Chris said. “But it was exciting.” Science in Industrial Technology, and the Bachelor What was it like, sharing the experience as family? of Science in Computer Science — and two “We spent a lot of time talking and working together, discussing the reading graduate programs — the Master of Science in and arguing the different points that were presented in the coursework,” Eddie said. Nursing and Master of Science in Health Promotion. “It really gave us a lot to do in common for the 18 months.” “When I was younger, my siblings and I were always held accountable for doing www.academicpartnership.com/lamar our homework with both our parents being teachers,” Jessica said. “So this was a fun turn for me to get to tell my parents to do their homework.” —BKS

30 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 31 123 45

9 6 7 8 10 11 12

Le Grand Bal 1. Pat Willard ’60 and Susan Schultz. 2. Allison and Michael Getz ’78. 3. From left, Mary Flannigan, Kathryn Cherry ’82, Sallye Keith ’09 and Wanda Echenhofer ’68. 4. Paul Henderson and Susan Byrom. 5. Monica and Jimmy Broussard and Janet and Regent David Montagne ’74. 6. Nita Biscamp and Toliver House ’49. 7. Jerry and Iris Nathan. 8. Sherry (Magee) Dishman ’81 and Christy Persia. 9. Dennis and Jean Moncla. 10. Pat Avery and Sonny Perkins. 11. Julia and Matt Matheny. 12. Dorothy and Sonny Sherman.

Professor of business law Frank Cavaliere ’76, the 2006 University Professor of chemical engineering Ku-yen Li, 2009 University Professor, from left, joins retired professor of accounting Celia Professor, is surrounded by his students and faculty colleagues: Yanqin Varick, professor of accounting Howell Lynch and Dean Enrique Wen, front row, and, standing, from left, Chuanyu Zhao, Chaowei Liu, University Scholar Helen “Henry” Venta at the University Professor/Merit Awards reception. Shahikanh Chegabandi, Xiongtao Yang, assistant professor Qiang Xu, Lou proudly displays her Jie Fu, Jian Zhang and Nageswara Kota. award plaque, joined by her department chair, Regents’ Professor T.C. Ho. Retired professor of communication Mary Alice Baker, the 2005 University Professor, receives well wishes from longtime col- league Patrick Harrigan, then interim chair of the Department Lamarissimo! sponsor Joe of Communication Domino ’75, president and chief and professor of executive officer of Entergy communication. Texas, pauses for a photo with the Cardinal Singers at a televi- sion taping in the University Featured performers, from left, Travis Harris ’90, Jimmy Reception Center. Simmons, Maria Harris and Don Rollins ’83 talk about old Graduation candidates times before the Lamarissimo! Jazz Concert. await their big moments at May commencement. President James Simmons and Susan (Williams) Simmons ’68 Tim Sudela ’85, president of American Valve & give commencement speaker Hydrant, poses with his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Roger Williams lessons in Casey, before the Lamarissimo! Faculty Artists displaying the “LU” sign before Concert, which his company sponsored. the May ceremony. A graduating Zeta Tau Alpha member 32| CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 shows off her sorority’s Greek letters. AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 33 patients wind up suffering because they aren’t comfortable with their instructions.” When a clinic assigns a doctor to work in the hospital, that doctor takes responsibility for the clinic’s hospital patients, ensuring A life of they are treated in a timely fashion, which improves flow and continuity of care. She loves interacting with patients most. Geheb left a success- ful, but wearying, clinic practice. When on call, it was for two hospitals and seven doctors. “I would have rather been on call twice examination as often for one hospital,” she said. When Pullman Regional decid- Dr. Karen Geheb ’81, ’86, ’91, draws upon a tenacious spirit, keen ed they wanted a physician on call capable of seeing high-acuity, intellect and analytical approach to problem-solving as a passionate intensive-care patients, Geheb accepted the position. By keeping the patient advocate. patients and consolidating care, the hospital captures that billing, by Cynthia Hicks and patients receive prompt, quality care. After a year and a half, Geheb became the program’s full-time director. “I love helping patients get better,” she said. “I love educat- or Dr. Karen Geheb and her husband, Michael created stress too difficult to endure. ing patients about what medicine is, what is wrong with them, how Harris, the lure of the Northwest was too She returned home, began work at the medication is going to work, what someone has to watch out for, attractive to ignore. Avid fly fishers and native hospital as a clerk and enrolled at Lamar what someone can do better without having to be on a medication, Texans, they were both eager, Geheb says, for a University. Searching to regain confidence what their choices are.” place with “a little more geographical relief.” and feeling her way toward a career, Geheb In the clinic, Geheb felt she could only affect one person at a MICHAEL HARRIS When an opening became available in a resi- took a drafting class and began EMT certifi- time, but in the hospital setting, she could influence people and pro- dency program in Spokane, Wash., Geheb, armed with a cation. She worked for an ambulance com- grams as she became part of the team to write policy and protocols Fmedical degree and specialty in internal medicine, happily pany that summer, finished her degree in drafting and then to ensure patient safety. She championed the 5 Million Lives Evolving career hooked it, and the couple was northwestward bound. began work for Dresser Industries in research and develop- campaign the Institute for Healthcare Improvement developed, When she completed her residency, Geheb wanted to ment for oil field equipment. But, as one of the last hired Today, as a hospitalist—the newest outgrowth of internal medicine— believing there are a lot of needless accidents that can be prevented practice in a rural setting, “more farming related because before the oil industry collapse in the ’80s, she was one of the Geheb often treats patients with complex conditions, an inefficient through more attentiveness and drilled procedures. “Patients who that’s where I came from,” she said. So, from Spokane, the first to get a pink slip. “There’s nothing worse than having and expensive effort within the have heart attacks should get couple moved south to Pullman where she is now director of worked to begin a career—especially as a woman in a tradi- typical physician’s office setting. aspirin. They should get oxygen. hospitalist services for Pullman Regional Hospital. Like many tionally male profession—and being laid off. I felt so disheart- “When you have someone who is They should get certain medica- of the hikes she now enjoys, Geheb took a somewhat cir- ened. But always in the back of my head, I could hear my elderly, who has mutiple medical At the end of my third year of teaching, tions. Unless there is a reason cuitous route to begin her life as a physician. mom pushing, ‘Go back to school. Be a doctor.’” problems, with many organ not to, they should get that Hard work, resolute determination and an indefatigable After a semester in Lamar’s pre-nursing program, she systems involved, the problem my heart was still saying, ‘There’s some- because evidence shows that they interest in caring for others are in her blood. Her Irish moth- chose to pursue a dual degree in biology and chemistry, partly becomes that internal medicine thing else; there’s something more.’ are going to have a better out- er and Texan father met and married in England, where her at the urging of a chemistry professor who recognized her doctors spend more time taking come,” she said. “That leads to father was stationed with the Air Force. Her mother trained potential. That fulfillment would be delayed again, however. care of the oldest and the sick- fewer complications, which leads as a certified nursing assistant, and, when they returned to “I kept looking at all the classes I needed to take and thinking est,” she said. On a good day, a —DR. KAREN GEHEB to going home sooner. There’s Texas, her father became a mechanic and worked for how old I felt. I decided I needed to finish school,” Geheb doctor in family practice will see “ no reason a patient should International Harvester. At 73, he continues to work a 40- said. She changed her major to education, and, as she finished many more patients than the 20 or so an internal medicine doctor develop a pressure sore in your facility. There’s no reason there hour week. Her mother raised her and her siblings and used her first year teaching chemistry at West Brook High School, sees. To that 8-to-5 day, add on a couple of hours of paperwork to should ever be a wrong-site surgery.” her training to care for people before home health became a the scientific honor society Sigma Xi selected her as teacher of check labs, communicate results, request refills, write orders and Through her involvement with the Washington State Hospital health care staple. the year. But something was missing. “At the end of my third complete medicare paperwork, in addition to making rounds in the Association, she helps craft and refine initiatives for patient safety. The eldest of six children, Geheb remembers always year of teaching, my heart was still saying, ‘There’s something hospital before that day begins and after it ends. As a result, physi- The movement is away from a hierarchy and toward a team wanting to be a doctor. “I took a keen interest in my baby else; there’s something more.’” cians make a choice between committing to a clinic or to a hospital.”approach to patient care, encouraging communication. sister when she came home from the hospital, and I was only She returned to Lamar and earned a master’s in biology, Out of this reality came the hospitalist focus—a way to not When Geheb sets aside her stethoscope, she bikes and takes 2. I’ve always been fascinated by the human body,” she said. deciding to apply to medical school. “This time,” she said, only improve efficiency for the clinician, but also improve efficiency ballet three days a week. And, even after three degrees, she contin- In high school, Geheb first settled on becoming a nurse and “the decision was a thoughtful one, and it was with the intent for hospitals by decreasing wait times in the management of patient ues learning. She’s pursuing a master’s in medical management. volunteered at Beaumont Medical and Surgical Hospital, of being a researcher, not a physician.” After several inter- care. “You might have a three- to four-hour wait because you have With the winding road she took, “I am most proud of the fact that where she discovered two things: Nursing wasn’t for her, and views, she chose the University of Texas Medical Branch in someone waiting in the emergency department to go to a floor,” I’ve come from a very meager background and am able to now her interest in medicine, coupled with her potential abilities, Galveston, and, later, while preparing her thesis, took a job as Geheb said. “If the patient on the floor was ready to be discharged work at the state level to try to influence these decisions. As far as indicated she could become a doctor. Stellar high school a microbiologist for Helena Laboratories. There, she met her but is waiting for the physician who is in clinic all day, and a I was concerned growing up, being a physician was probably the grades led her to begin a semester at Stephen F. Austin State husband, who had worked in medical research, and focused social worker is waiting to arrange a patient’s home health, call in highest thing I could be called to do. Having accomplished that, University, but homesickness and literally counting pennies on choosing a residency. medications and explain follow up, it becomes very rushed. The I feel very good,” she said. “Yeah, I love what I do.”

34 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 35 “I started to think it was- That might not sound like many, but, in my offered advice: “Do what you believe in. Do n’t going to happen. This was field, that’s a lot. Between 2004 and 2008, what you love, and the money will come.” A right after Hurricane Ike. We I had 60 days off.” customer told him that if he wanted to be in had started negotiations before Harris harkens back to his own child- the restaurant business, he needed to work in the hurricane (after the original hood. “I loved to eat,” he said. “There was a restaurant, and recommended him for a job Spindletop closed in July). I always a lot of food around, and I was fortu- at David’s Upstairs. Harris interviewed with was busy at the Elegante trying nate my mother and grandparents were good the legendary Chef Alex Pickens. “He gave to feed 200 people breakfast, cooks.” me three days to prove myself.” Harris lunch and dinner with no His maternal grandmother specialized in remained at the iconic restaurant in Gaylynn power. When things finally desserts and fried shrimp. His paternal Shopping Center until the night it closed. start getting back to normal, I grandmother lived on Lake Rayburn at He switched his major to hospitality come down to go over the Zavalla, where some of his favorite memories management, and determined to graduate on final paperwork. I sign and originated. “I could sit on the counter and schedule, worked as much as he could. “It drive away from downtown, watch without getting in the way,” he said. was a lot of cramming, a lot of staying up thinking, ‘I’m a restaurant “She had acres of gardens, and included lots late, but it was the right way to do it.”

owner now.’ It was surreal.” of things she grew. She always had all the MARTIN MANUEL Harris maintains strong ties to the Ninety minutes later, he burners going. Those were such good times, Department of Family and Consumer was typing his resignation let- and they inspired me to know food.” to put a twist on everything,” Harris said. Sciences, where, he said, “The culinary pro- ter at the Elegante, where he During his early adventures in cooking, He’s a veteran of cooking classes and is, in gram is constantly growing. It’s accredited by was executive chef. His career adults trusted Harris to fix easy dishes. As fact, collecting photos and writing recipes in the American Culinary Federation, putting it had taken him from David’s he advanced to cooking dinner, “I’m sure hopes of publishing a cookbook next on a par with the country’s best culinary Upstairs to Carrabba’s, my mom always had a watchful eye on me, year.“Some people have a bunch of novels. schools.” by Louise Wood Beaumont Country Club but I could pretty much produce every- I have thousands of cookbooks.” Today, his lunch menu caters to employ- BRIAN SATTLER to Post Oak Grill, Holiday thing,” he said. Harris was born in Port Arthur but ees of nearby businesses, with quick service, y the time Chuck Harris was 7, than a chef ’s hat. “Chuck is the executive Inn Beaumont Plaza and L’Aberge du Lac The fraternity house had no kitchen— lived in West Palm Beach, Fla., from age 5 homestyle cooking and blue-plate specials. he was climbing onto a stool chef-owner, but he’s also general manager, in Lake Charles. just microwaves and hotplates. “I’d have until he was almost 17. He enrolled as a Dinner is upscale, and specialties include 14 to cook scrambled eggs or a landlord and groundskeeper,” said Ty What makes Harris tick? Gwynn, who has something going in every room. I could junior at Nederland High School where he cuts of steaks, cut in house, including Kobe batch of macaroni and cheese. Gwynn, his chef de cuisine. “He’s human also studied at Lamar and worked with Harris publish my own microwave cookbook,” he joined the Bulldogs’ baseball team, which beef, plus gourmet seafood and other dishes. At 12, he was preparing family resources. He’s payroll. He does it all.” at Holiday Inn and L’Aberge, explains: “It’s a said. “I’d put out a buffet. That’s when I advanced to the state tournament his senior A chef ’s tasting is generating a lot of buzz. meals.B And on Lamar’s fraternity row in the On a Monday morning in August, challenging field. When we get compliments, started creating. Probably the best thing that year. Several teammates earned LU baseball “It’s a new concept in Beaumont, and we’re 1990s, he was chilling and grilling to turn Harris eases into the work week. He’s just it’s like with people addicted to extreme sports came out of it was my recipe for bacon- scholarships, but a shoulder injury prevented doing more and more,” Harris said. “It helps out feasts for his brothers in Alpha Tau returned from a cooking school in Cuero – that rush, that feeling of, ‘It’s good, and I smothered red, new potatoes, one I use to his competing. With other scholarships and me be creative.” Omega. and a Texas Chefs Association convention impressed somebody.’” this day.” grants, he enrolled at Lamar. Harris loves what he does and does At 32, Harris ’99 is a certified chef— in San Antonio. It is his slow day, closed in A big compliment came Harris’s way But, said Harris, “I didn’t know I’d be a He became ATO president and served what he loves. He has big dreams. one of fewer than 5,000 in America—and the evening, but the kitchen is abuzz in when the Go Texas Committee selected him chef until I was 18 or 19. I wanted to be in in the Student Government Association and “This is real life. It’s definitely not 9 to owner of the Spindletop Steakhouse and anticipation of the lunch crowd. Personnel to represent Texas at the 2009 Great American the restaurant business. I think when you on the Greek Council. He was an engineer- 5,” he said. “I think people get into the Continental Cuisine on Crockett Street in arrive. The aroma of lemon wafts into the Seafood Cookoff in New Orleans in July. He own something, you should know every ing major, but, as a junior, started thinking restaurant or hospitality business because downtown Beaumont. air as a worker fastidiously polishes each placed fifth with a creation that was strictly aspect of it, so I wanted to know the kitchen. about the restaurant business. “I was going they want to serve people. It makes me Colorful attractions grace the menu, surface. The wait staff dons aprons as the Southeast Texas: beer-buttered shimp and a But I didn’t think I’d come to work every to become an engineer, make a lot of money happy to know they’re happy. That was the including seafood flamingo, smokey seared pace quickens. shrimp and risotto panko-covered shrimp cake day in a chef ’s jacket.” and open a restaurant.” beginning motivation. Now, it’s about trying salmon Oscar and a variety of steaks— Harris’s favorite spot is “in the win- with shrimp-flavored sauce—garnished with a While his menu includes classical Harris worked at a service station owned to have the best restaurant in Beaumont and, Japanese-crusted with sesame seeds or in dow,” where food is handed from the barbecued shrimp on top of roasted-corn salsa. dishes—Oscar, Diane and Caesar—“we try by his stepfather, Tommy Spires ’71, who eventually, the best in Texas.” the classic bayou style with crawfish and cooks. He’s the expediter, who keeps the Schedules permitting, his wife, Jammie shrimp creole sauce, to name two options. flow. “I see every plate,” he said. “I can see Marie (King) ’00 joins him. “She was in New For lighter fare, there are oyster nachos, almost every table from here and all the Orleans to cheer me on.” High school sweet- shrimp tamales, and his favorite, eggplant guests. If they’re eating slowly, or not done hearts, they married in 2000 and have two rollo. Mac-n-cheese remains close to his with their appetizers, I move things daughters, Kynslee, 4, and Addyson, who will heart as a side dish. around. We’re always trying to watch the be 2 in October. A foods and nutrition gradu- “I love the food, and I love being in flow and make it better.” ate, Jammie is director of the Women, Infants the kitchen when you’re really busy and On Nov. 12, 2009, the restaurant will and Children program in Beaumont. don’t think you’ll see the end,” Harris said. celebrate its first anniversary. And Harris “She’s had to stick with me and raise our “You have 20 pans going and 30 steaks on has traveled a dizzying roller-coaster ride kids so I can do what I’m doing,” Harris said. the grill. It’s all in the moment.” since he bought the downtown landmark “It’s been tough, but it’s starting to get better. In presiding over an upscale restaurant last October – and opened it less than a Now, I can promise Sundays with my family. with 30 employees, Harris wears far more month later. “It was a whirlwind,” he said. I know I am going to be off 56 days in 2009. PHOTOS BY MARTIN MANUEL PHOTOS

36 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 37 McCartney knew at 13 that she wanted revolutionized the office’s outlook and out- As an example, one of her cases went to to be a lawyer. She saw her brother, a con- put. On her arrival in October 1996, she the U.S. Supreme Court this past February. struction worker, being unfairly treated. “If faced a huge backlog. Claimants were wait- It involved the legal standard of review to be we had had a lawyer, it might have gone a ing for more than two years for disability applied to long-term contracts between the different way. And it really motivated me to hearings. “I was able to initiate some very state of California and electric power suppli- try to do something for my family and to innovative programs that involved a large ers and producers that had been negotiated The trade journal Gas Daily reports that a Dallas-based dedicate my career objectives to public serv- degree of cooperation from the other judges during that State’s energy crisis in 2001- gas marketing and pipeline company is currently ice,” she said. She joined the U.S. and the private bar to get that backlog 2002. After a prolonged evidentiary hearing, Department of Labor’s Office of the reduced significantly,” she said. By the time McCartney found that the contracts should attempting to resolve charges brought by Federal Energy Solicitor as a trial attorney right after com- McCartney left to accept her new appoint- only be set aside by the commission if the Regulatory Commission (FERC) investigators in July 2007 pleting her law degree at the University of ment as the deputy chief judge of the Office terms and conditions of the contracts when that it illegally manipulated gas prices at the Houston Ship Houston to pursue those public service inter- of Hearings and Appeals for SSA in 1997, considered as a whole were found not to be ests. She has found her strong background in the case load had been reduced by half and “in the public interest.” In the companion Channel to its financial benefit just after Hurricane Rita litigation extremely valuable. “I found it very the waiting time for a hearing reduced from case before the Supreme Court this past made landfall along the Gulf Coast. useful in mastering multi-party presentations more than two years to an average of six February, the Court affirmed these findings, dealing with voluminous and complex months. As the deputy chief judge for SSA, a ruling and legal precedent in which she exhibits, evaluating and weighing takes great pride. expert opinion testimony, and The intricacies of such cases running an orderly hearing room,” keep her on her toes. “Then I have by Cynthia Hicks she said. some cases that are a little more his high-profile case exemplifies Her family came from the I have been fortunate in my career fun, like wind power cases,” she many involving energy regulations Lake Charles area, and she grew up said. “One settlement involved of the electric, hydropower, gas, liq- in New Orleans. When it came in that I have been able to do all wind power and how you integrate uefied natural gas and oil industries time to choose a college, she was the things I dreamed of doing in renewable wind energy onto the that come before the Commission careful to consider her goals. She terms of public service. electric power grid. Another inter- Tand, more specifically, before the bench of Deputy found that Lamar suited her needs esting area is liquefied natural gas Chief Judge Bobbie (LaFond) McCartney ’76. perfectly. She recalls how support- “ and how sources outside the coun- As deputy chief and one of 14 U.S. adminis- ive Boyd Lanier, associate professor try pose quality control issues in trative law judges (ALJs) appointed to decide of political science, was in making —JUDGE BOBBIE MCCARTNEY ’76 terms of integrating that gas into cases arising under the Federal Power Act, the certain she took the right courses to our domestic gas supply lines.” Natural Gas Act, the Interstate Commerce Act stay on track. “I felt very well pre- Not yet 55, McCartney recent- and the Energy Policy Act under the commis- pared when I went into the law program at she shared full responsibilities with the chief ly received her 30-year service pin. “I have sion’s jurisdiction, McCartney has heard some of the University of Houston,” she said. “I administrative law judge for managing its been fortunate in my career,” she said, “in the most highly visible and complex cases. think I have come a long way, and Lamar nationwide operation of more than 1,100 that I have been able to do all the things I Litigants won’t find a more impartial ear than was the beginning. The vision I created for judges in 140 hearing” offices. dreamed of doing in terms of public service.” that of McCartney, who diligently assesses the myself with the help of mentors such as Dr. As FERC’s deputy chief judge, Although she says you never know what record to make a fair decision, striving for a result Lanier in the pre-law program was a very McCartney resolves contested cases, either the future may hold, McCartney reports she consistent with statute, regulations, applicable important aspect of my career.” through impartial hearing and decision or is happy at the commission. She and her hus- case law and commission policy. Administrative law judges are an elite through negotiated settlement, ensuring that band live in Vienna, Va., just outside D.C., Her skills have evolved over the years, first breed. They must be certified for eligibility the rights of all parties are preserved. She and together enjoy its many great restau- with the Department of Labor, then the Social of appointment through an extensive selec- conducts fair and impartial investigations and rants, museums, art galleries, jazz venues and Security Administration and now with FERC. tion process by the Office of Personnel also performs various alternative dispute res- other cultural opportunities. With all of her Cases that come before the commission are usual- Management. McCartney recalls that when olution (ADR) procedures, including media- professional accomplishments, she is most ly multi-party, involve millions—sometimes bil- she applied for certification and inclusion on tion, arbitration, facilitation and acting as set- proud of her children: son, Chris, 25, is lions—of dollars and are of national import. One the ALJ register, fewer than 500 lawyers of tlement judge. In addition, when acting on employed with Gartner Inc., an information electric power case before her required six weeks more than 7,000 nationwide applicants were behalf of the chief judge in his absence, her technology research firm, and daughter, of hearing, had more than 22 expert witnesses accepted for placement. The positions are responsibilities expand to include the admin- Denver, 16, attends The Field School in D.C. and culminated in an initial decision almost 300 competitive, selective positions for life tenure. istrative and oversight functions associated Off the bench, McCartney likes to travel. pages long. “It requires strong analytical skills,” In her first appointment, she served as with running the office. She and her husband sojourn in Paris each she said. “I think it takes patience and the ability the chief judge of the Billings, Mont., Office McCartney enjoys unraveling the October and would like to extend their time to maintain focus so you can work through of Hearings and Appeals with the Social Gordian knots of an intricate case. It is the there, but she’s not slowing down. Even after the issues and make sure you’ve got a good, Security Administration. From Billings, she cutting-edge nature of cases before the com- a vigorous 30-year career, she said, “I feel I’m solid record for the commission to support returned to New Orleans, and, as that hear- mission that continues to capture her interest only halfway there.” MICHAEL CARPENTER your decision.” ing office’s chief judge, she reenergized and and challenge her skills.

38 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 39 Arts&Culture

ArtsNotes Member of Lamar Dance Airplane art takes off JAMES HAN Company April 2009

construction and installation, but to find the new work Pamela Saur, professor of English and mod- of the Cardinal Singers. Turner was a mem- get terrific hands-on knowledge of and the new sound, ern languages, has translated a book of essays ber of the popular show choir from 1988 to the process of contemporary work- which can often be the by Austrian scholar and writer Rose 1993, studying with Barbara Mathis. She is ing artists.” most compelling and challenging to a choir,” Mayreder (1858-1938). The volume, Gender an adjunct instructor of voice at Lamar, Bridge City . . . An exhibit of portfolios Manak, who hails from Buna, said Han, who joins the Department of and Culture, is the first English translation of teaches private lessons and is music min- from Lamar’s interior design program was is pursuing a bachelor of science in Music this fall as an assistant professor. this 1923 collection, containing some of istries director at on display June 26-July 11 in the Dishman graphic design. She said the assist- Han will conduct both the A Cappella Mayreder’s most important writings. Saur Wesley United Art Museum . . . Lamar dance students antship provided an invaluable Choir and the Grand Chorus. has taught English and German at Lamar Methodist Church . . . enjoyed an active spring with a jazz work- learning experience. “When Dr. Han came to campus and since 1988. Mayreder, a feminist and peace In the early 1970s, shop/master class and performances. directed the choir, there was an immediate activist, explores ideas and viewpoints about fewer than 2 percent Acclaimed choreographer and dance instruc- enthusiasm for his style and knowledge, and gender in a broad context, reaching back to of art galleries in the tor Lauren Thompson led the master class, KURT DYRHAUG Dancing Games Lamar’s Department of Theatre & a strong belief that he would elevate the Greek and Roman antiquity as well as trac- United States dis- then worked with the Lamar Dance The attractions of Minnesota’s Franconia Dance has received a grant from the National choir from the successes they have experi- ing church history and interweaving views of played the works of Company to choreograph a piece for its Sculpture Park, just northeast of the Twin enced to new heights,” said Russ Schultz, philosophers, writers and the intellectuals of female artists. Painter spring concert, AttenDANCE, April 16 and Endowment for the Arts to present the NOEL TURNER Cities, are many, but Kurt Dyrhaug, associate groundbreaking work dean of the College of Fine Arts and her day . . . Noted British poet John Janet Fish banded 17. Dance faculty members Lou Arrington, professor of art, is especially drawn to its size. of choreographer Communication. Whitworth read from his work April 23 at together with other artists to display their Harriet Lihs, Julie Parker and Golden Wright “Franconia allows you to work on a Donald McKayle. A native of Seoul, South Korea, Han the Dishman Art Museum. The event work in supportive, cooperatively owned created the program for the concert, which scale that just isn’t possible in most places,” The $15,000 has taught at the University of Illinois and at included a book-signing galleries in New York City’s SoHo neighbor- featured ballet, modern and jazz. Among said Dyrhaug. “They have cranes and forklifts grant will support Knox College in Galesburg, Ill. He has also and reception, sponsored hood. The Dishman Art Museum hosted an highlights were student compositions by and overnight lodging to support artists over the restaging and trained many church choristers. He earned a by Sigma Tau Delta, exhibition in April titled Better Than Ever: Jalissa Williams of Missouri City and Angel- the many days or weeks it can take to con- performance of master of music with honors in choral con- English honors society. Women Figurative Artists of ‘’70s SoHo Co-ops Marie Goines of La Porte, incorporating live struct/build and install large-scale sculptures.” McKayle’s Games, a ducting from Westminster Choir College in Whitworth also was that reunited 19 of these artists. “A recent music by another dance student, Amanda These resources were invaluable when it seminal dance work, Princeton, N.J. honored with the first study found that female artists’ representa- Kelly of Beaumont. As a finale to the spring came to building Tractor Fin, a curved, gleam- first performed in Eleanor Poetry Room tion in galleries has edged up to 15-20 per- season, the Repertory Dance Theatre pre- ing wood structure that stands at a striking 18 1951, that explores Award, funded by the cent, but we still have a long way to go,” sented a demonstration on the history of DONALD MCKAYLE Reveling in Red Piano JOHN WHITWORTH feet in height and 25 feet in length. Its childhood and youth- A talented line-up of keyboard artists family of the late said Fu Chia-Wen Lien, director of the modern dance, led by artistic director impressive wingspan, tailfin and wheels are ful play set against themes of poverty and performed March 30 on the Elton John Eleanor Perlstein Weinbaum, longtime sup- Dishman Art Museum . . . The Dishman Art Michelle Ozmun . . . Driftwood, a musical for reminiscent of a jet airplane, yet the John discrimination. limited-edition Red Piano, a hybrid porter of poetry at Lamar . . . Lamar Opera Museum presented the Senior Thesis broadcast and compact disc, premiered Aug. Deere-green tractor seat jutting from the back “Don McKayle is one of the preeminent acoustic/digital piano created for John’s hit Theatre presented excerpts from opera, Exhibition May 1-14 with projects ranging 22 on Lamar public radio KVLU. Billed a suggests not only another mode of transporta- choreographers of the 20th century,” said Las Vegas show. The Department of Music operetta and musical repertoire March 5 on from painting, sculpture, printmaking and “Gulf Coast musical for the mind,” Driftwood tion, but another era altogether. Michelle Ozmun, assistant professor of presented the special recital in the University the Lamar campus. Highlights included drawing to computer graphics. The exhibit is a collaboration by Johnny Edson, an Austin “It has a playful quality that I think dance. “He is a pioneer of African-American Theatre. Featured performers included music scenes from Mozart’s Don Giovanni and The showcased works by Trishalana Adair of singer-songwriter and Beaumont native, and draws people in,” Dyrhaug explains. “It themes in choreography, and we are honored faculty members Betsy Burleson Hines and Magic Flute, Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Altus, Okla.; Jack Charles Comeaux, Port Herman Bennett ’72, a veteran Austin per- implies movement through the formal wing to introduce his work to the Southeast Texas Nick Rissman, President Jimmy Simmons, Mikado, Rossini’s Barber of Seville and Arthur; Jillian Day, China; Robert Day, Fort former and Port Arthur native. They are shape, and placing the tractor seat on it adds community.” the Ken Ward Trio and alumni Wade Daniel Broadway hits Fiddler on the Roof and Kiss Me Worth; Katy Dubuisson, Groves; Patricia Gil among 26 actors and musicians featured on functionality. It’s modern art, but there is McKayle will visit the Lamar campus in ’81, Craig Escamilla ’06 and Joel Love ’07, Kate . . . Noel (Husband) Turner ’93, ’94, ’95 de Garcia, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Driftwood, a radio play in the format of 1940s certain recognizability to it. Young children October 2009 to work personally with the among others. has completed her debut season as director Sarah Mannino, Beaumont; and Anna Myers, programs. get it right away.” dance troupe. Games will then be performed Dyrhaug received both a Research during the annual fall dance concert Nov. 19 Enhancement Grant from Lamar and a fel- and 20 in the University Theatre. In spring City honors Simmons with lifetime music achievement award lowship from the Jerome Foundation to 2010, the dancers will present the work at work at Franconia Sculpture Park. area schools. President James “Jimmy” Simmons became the inau- The award was established to recognize the “It was also a gural recipient of the Dr. Raul Ornelas Lifetime many contributions of Ornelas, who was a professor great experience to Han named director Music Achievement Award, presented May 9 at the of music at Lamar University from 1972 until his share with Chelsea As he assumes duties as the new director of fourth annual Beaumont Jazz+Blues Festival. death in 2008. An internationally known trumpet Manak, my student choral activities at Lamar University, James The city of Beaumont honored Simmons “for virtuoso and arranger, Ornelas furthered music assistant,” said Han’s goal is to provide enriching cultural his contributions to music and for being an exempla- education at Lamar, teaching and mentoring music Dyrhaug. “She experiences to the leaders of tomorrow. ry citizen and ambassador to the city of Beaumont,” students who went on to national prominence as was able not only “I want to introduce students to our according to a proclamation Mayor Becky Ames read performers and teachers. to help with the CHELSEA MANAK treasures from the past, and also always try WADE DANIEL ’81 during the festival. Mayor Becky Ames and President Simmons

40 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 41 Arts&Culture

Lamarissimo! marks musical milestone ... ‘Red and White’ elegance

The Lamarissimo! concert series will bring the curtain up this fall on its 20th-anniversary season. Lamar’s acclaimed off-campus showcase The “Red and White” Le Grand for student and faculty talent will celebrate the milestone beginning with the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Oct. 6. Season tickets are Bal presented by the Friends of $40 for adults and $20 for students and are on sale, along with gift certificates, in the Department of Music, (409) 880-8144. the Arts brought an evening of grace and elegance to Southeast Texas March 21. The Bal attract- ed about 400 patrons to the Dishman Art Museum and ... after a swinging spring season Montagne Center. Albert Nolen was chair for the event, which honored Tommy Vance and his wife, the former Jo Shear of Beaumont, longtime supporters of the arts at Lamar. Art auction Entertainment at the Bal was overview in provided by The Night & Day Dishman Art Orchestra, under the direction of Museum Wayne Dyess, professor of music, Honorees Jo and Tommy Vance take center stage. and Commercial Art, a Houston band specializing in vintage soul and classic rock. The major annual fund-raiser provides valuable support to the College of Fine Arts and Communication, including Faculty artist Robert Culbertson, horn, now interim chair of the scholarships and educational enhancements such Department of Music, has been part of Lamarissimo! since the as master classes, visiting artists, and trips to clinics concert series’ inception in 1990. He coordinated the Faculty and workshops. Melanie Dishman and Artists Concert, Music of the Americas. Bal chair Albert Nolen

IN THE DISHMAN AND ON STAGE Graduate assistant Michelle Melancon of Nederland, on saxophone, ART MUSIC THEATRE & DANCE shares the spotlight at the Jazz Bands Concert with guest artists Don Rollins ’83, Travis Harris ’90, Maria Harris and President Jimmy Simmons. Sept. 23-Oct. 21, Bill Pangburn & Renee Oct. 6, Lamarissimo! Wind Ensemble and Oct. 8-10, The Wicked One, 8 p.m., Magnanti Art Exhibition, reception 7-9 p.m. Concert Band, 7:30 p.m., Julie Rogers Oct. 11, 2 p.m., written by Christopher Sept. 25 Theatre Murray, University Theatre Oct. 30-Nov. 20, Honwen Lin Art Exhibition, Oct. 19, Industrial Carillon, 7:30 p.m., Mobil Oil Nov. 19-20, Dance Concert: Donald McKayle’s reception 7-9 p.m. Nov. 13 Federal Credit Union Games, 7:30 p.m., University Theatre Dec. 4-17, Senior Thesis Exhibition, reception, Oct. 25, Masters Concert Series, 2 p.m., Wesley Nov. 12-14 & 16-17, All in the Timing, 8 p.m., 7-9 p.m. Dec. 4 United Methodist Church Nov. 15, 2 p.m., written by David Ives, Studio Theatre Jan. 11-Feb. 18, Meredith “Butch” Jack Art Nov. 1, Choir Concert, 3 p.m., First United Exhibition, reception 7-9 p.m. Jan. 14 Methodist Church Feb. 11-13 & 15-16, An Evening with Horton Foote, 8 p.m., Feb. 14, 2 p.m., three one-act Exhibit location: Dishman Art Muesum Nov. 3, Jazz Bands Concert, 7:30 p.m., Soprano Debra Greschner entertains and enchants the plays by Horton Foote, Studio Theatre audience with the Gershwins’ My Cousin in Milwaukee. unless otherwise noted University Theatre Nov. 5, Lamarissimo! Faculty Artists, 7:30 p.m., Julie Rogers Theatre Dec. 6, Lamarissimo! A Cappella Choir Holiday Concert, 3 p.m., Jefferson Theatre The Lamar Dance Company and Cardinal Singers dazzle their Dec. 8, Lamar Civic Orchestra, 7:30 p.m., Setzer audience at the Lamarissimo! 2008-2009 season finale. Student Center Ballroom

42 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 43 For the most accurate and up-to-date news and schedule information, visit lamarcardinals.com.

Rush Wood rejoins Lamar University athletic staff Longtime Southeast Texas sports journalist Rush Wood has come out of retirement to assume the duties of assistant athletic director for sports information at Lamar. Wood, who began his sports journalism career in 1967, formerly served 12 years as sports information director at Lamar from 1979-1991. In May, Wood retired from The Beaumont Enterprise after more than nine years as assistant sports editor. As Lamar’s Stroud nears ARCHITECT’S RENDERING assistant AD for sports information, Wood will $1.7 million; intersection of Cardinal Drive and Rolfe oversee the media Christopher Drive. Crews from Pepper- relations efforts of Stefani earns New facilities take shape Lawson Construction of Houston expect to Lamar’s men’s and Construction begins on new LU Athletic Complex, playing field and soccer complex have the field completed in time for the women’s athletic RUSH WOOD first title team’s third season this fall. When the program. He will be CHRIS STROUD MAURICIO VALENTINO amar University’s construction Renovations to Provost Umphrey Stadium, women take the field under second-year head the school’s primary contact for football and baseball. boom has begun a new phase which will be home to the new Cardinals coach Dewi Hardman, it will be on a full- “We are confident in Rush’s ability to help us make eam Stroud turned out in force when Lamar’s favorite son of the PGA Tour had with preparations for the new football program, also began in June. A new size, natural-grass field capable of hosting a smooth transition in the resurrection of our football the rare opportunity to play in his own back yard—just three miles from the Athletic Complex adjacent to field lighting system will be installed. post-season competition. It includes perma- program and in helping to provide a stabilizing force for T home in North Houston he shares with wife, Tiffany. Provost Umphrey Stadium. The Farther south on campus, work began nent seating for 500 with lighting for night the sports information department,” said Billy Tubbs, For Chris Stroud ’04, the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club was like a oldL J.B. Higgins Field House will be reborn, in mid-June on a new soccer complex at the games. Construction on a field house for the Lamar’s director of athletics. reunion, attracting a hundred or more family, friends and fans. “Team Stroud is coming and the heritage embodied in the program will continue through November. with full impact this week,” said Stroud, taking a break from a day of practice that often Higgins name will be incorporated The new field house will include offices for Coaches, trainer come on board involves chipping or putting up to 400 balls. “It’s awesome. I just have great support.” into the new Athletic Complex, a the soccer program, as well as dressing Brian White ’89, Lamar’s head golf coach, stayed close to Stroud’s side. “He’s been 44,000-square-foot facility. rooms for home and visiting teams. It will Former standout Emily Spickler my swing coach forever, and we have had good success together,” said White’s student. In early June, Hellas also include facilities for equipment storage, is the new assistant coach for Through mid-August, the two-time Lamar All-America golfer had collected season Construction of Austin began laundry and athletic trainers. Lady Cardinals basketball. The earnings of $533,890, bringing his career total to $1,699,751. His best finish this demolition of the natural turf Lamar University Athletics has begun a Salina, Kan., season was a tie for sixth at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. At Redstone, field at W.S. “Bud” Leonard Field Construction Blog and installed a Web cam native spent Stroud tied for 31st. to make way for a state-of-the-art, to help Cardinals fans keep up with construc- the last two For Stroud, the PGA Tour is a seven-day-a-week commitment. “Monday is a travel artificial-turf playing surface. The tion projects on campus to improve athletics seasons as day, and Tuesday through Sunday is the tour- same “Matrix” turf is used at the programs. These may be found at lamarcar- EMILY SPICKLER the top 3- nament,” he said. “The travel part is a little bit new Dallas Cowboys stadium. dinals.com/blog/constructionblog.html. point threat tough. But being with all these great people for the Lady Cardinals. “With and everybody who is part of the PGA Tour is in the 41st round by the Cincinnati Reds in 2008. DAVID MCDONALD Emily, we are getting the complete just a fantastic deal.” LU Pitchers get drafted package as her court awareness In a season highlight, Stroud and former The New York Mets selected Needham as the 23rd pick of the 28th Lamar pitchers Kevin Angelle, James Brandhorst, Brian Needham and and knowledge of the game, displayed while playing for Lamar teammate Shawn Stefani ’05 both qual- round, making him the fourth Cardinal all-time to be picked by the organ- Ricky Testa were selected by clubs in the 2009 Major League Baseball First- the Lady Cardinals, was amazing,” head Coach Larry ified for the U.S. Open, though neither made ization. The righty from Sugar Land, Texas, was previously drafted by the Year Player Draft. Tidwell said . . . David McDonald, who most recently the cut. Astros in the 18th round of the 2005 draft out of Dulles High School. Testa plays for the Colorado Rockies organization, the third Cardinal to worked with TCU’s Horned Frogs program, has joined Stefani, a Baytown resident, won his first Angelle had to wait until the final day, but not too long into the process, do so. The Mesquite native was the 10th pick of the 18th round, becoming the staff as assistant athletic trainer to work primarily title on the NGA Hooters Tour in the Onion as the Philadelphia Phillies made their first-ever pick of a Lamar player with the highest LU draftee since Michael Ambort was a sixth-round choice of San with the men’s basketball Creek Classic July 27-Aug. 2 in Austin, shoot- the 26th selection of the 31st round. The Bridge City native was previously Francisco in 2007. program . . . Angie Nickens ing a 7-under-par 63 in the final round. drafted by the Texas San Antonio right- has joined the Cardinals as an “I made some nervy swings,” Stefani told Rangers in 2006. hander Brandhorst was assistant women’s soccer coach the Austin American-Statesman. “When I hit Lamar has now had at picked by the Baltimore after spending the previous six good shots, I took advantage. When I hit bad least one player drafted for Orioles with the fifth seasons as a student-athlete and shots, I got lucky breaks and took advantage of eight consecutive years and choice of the 20th round. staff member at TCU. After star- those too.” in 16 of the last 17 drafts. This is the second-consec- ring on the field for the Horned ANGIE NICKENS The win at Onion Creek earned Stefani a LU leads the Southland utive year for a Cardinal Frogs from 2003-07, she served $33,566 paycheck. “The money’s just a Conference in all-time junior to be selected, after draftees, with 59 in 32 as director of operations for the program. bonus,” he said. “You play golf to win.” SHAWN STEFANI Justin Walker’s selection years as a league member. KEVIN ANGELLE JAMES BRANDHORST BRIAN NEEDHAM RICKY TESTA

44 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 45 class notes Help Morris reach

Marilyn (Stephenson) Singleton ’63, B.S. ele- Beverly (Landry) Parks ’67, B.S. music, ’78, career. She teaches part time with Region 5 e hope you enjoy reading about former classmates. If you have news mentary education, lives in Vidor with her M.M. music, retired as a music specialist and Education Service Center and lives in Silsbee husband, Joseph. lives in Beaumont. with her husband, Art. his goal…one ride Wto share – a position announcement, milestone, achievement, wedding, baby – or know the whereabouts of a lost alumnus, we want Robert Tolar ’63, B.S. mathematics, earned a Fairis Samuelson ’67, B.S. geology, is senior Linda (Graham) Morgan ’71, M.Ed. guidance master’s degree from the University of Texas geologist at Trinity Storage Services and lives and counseling, earned a doctoral degree and to hear from you. and a doctoral degree from Texas A&M. He in Richmond. is a therapist for Coastal Counseling. She is a professor at the College of the Canyons lives in Savannah, Ga., with her husband, Dr. Terry Barrett ’68, B.B.A. marketing, is sales at a time. Send us your news: in Valencia, Calif., where he lives with his Robert Morgan. manager for Mosehart-Schleeter Co. in spouse, Debra. Write to Cadence, P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, TX 77710, Houston. He lives in Kingwood. Ann (McDonald) Solomon ’71, B.S. health edu- Morris Lee ’73, ’79, is only one man, but his self-imposed Sandra Whyte ’63, B.S. health and kinesiolo- cation, earned a degree in education supervi- John Howard ’68, B.S. industrial engineering, e-mail [email protected] or call (409) 880-8421. gy, is retired and lives in Houston. sion from Sam Houston State University and mission is for every vehicle belonging to a Lamar graduate is president of the Shelby County Chamber lives in Houston with her husband, Tommy. to display an LU Alumni window decal. He began with Timothy Campbell ’65, B.A. French, is retired of Commerce. He owns Tres Hermanos and Robert Emery ’57, B.S. health and physical and lives in Houston. lives in Center with his wife, Merle. Rhea Helmreich ’72, B.S. elementary education, family and close friends. Now, the retired Travis Elementary education, retired after a 30-year teaching has spent 30 years in education. She directs and School principal has moved on to businesses and friends of 40s Charlotte (Watson) Collins ’65, B.S. elementary Mary (Martin) Patterson ’68, B.S. elementary career and lives in Beaumont. teaches at Pilot Grove C-4 School in Pilot education, retired from teaching and lives in education, is retired and lives in Bonita friends. Soon, he’ll be leaving one on your doorstep. Paul Johnson ’47, A.A. general studies, is retired Grove, Mo. She lives in Boonville, Mo. George Dunlop ’59, B.A. geology, is retired Brookeland with her husband, Gary. Springs, Fla., with her husband, Reid. and lives in Houston with his wife, Joan. Lee remembers the days in the mid-’50s and, later, and lives in High Island. Carol (Lowe) Lee ’72, certif. vocational nurs- Don Hough ’65, B.M. music education, won Ronald Stepan ’68, certif. drafting technology, Tom Whitson ’47, A.A. general studies, retired ing, is a registered nurse and lives in San when he was a Lamar Tech student, almost every car Betty (Allen) Iles ’59, B.S. elementary educa- the Neill Humfeld Award for teaching excel- is owner of Ron’s Custom Home Design in as a band director in the Cleburne school dis- Antonio. She has a son and daughter serving sported a Lamar Tech decal. Recently, he solicited a cur- tion, ’65, M.Ed. elementary education, ’94, lence from the International Trombone Beaumont, where he lives with his wife, trict and lives in Beaumont. tours of duty in Iraq. M.A. visual arts, serves in the Place 1 seat on Association. He is professor emeritus of Georgette. rent one from Coach Steve Roccaforte, whom Lee used to Tony Crutchfield ’49, A.A. general studies, is the Lumberton school board. music at the University of Tennessee and lives Cheryl (Elliott) McCann ’72, certif. secretarial Bonnie (Ownby) Longnion ’69, B.S. elementary umpire in Little League baseball. Lee put it on his blue owner of Crutchfield Engineering and lives in in Maryville, Tenn. science, is webmaster for Global Business Jerry Rollins ’59, B.S. electrical engineering, is education, ’70, M.Ed. elementary education, Chevrolet pickup truck. Sometime later, he called the Corpus Christi with his wife, Helen. Café in The Woodlands. She and her hus- retired and lives in Panama City Beach, Fla. William Mashburn ’65, B.B.A. general busi- earned a doctorate from Texas A&M. She band, Michael, live in Montgomery. Alumni Office for another, but thought twice and asked Leonard Davis ’49, A.A. general studies, ness, is retired and lives in Houston. retired from the Lone Star College System received the Governor’s 2009 Criminal after 25 years and a total of 39 years in edu- Richard Palmer ’72, B.S. civil engineering, for five or ten. Lee said, “I got rid of them instantly. I Brenda (Ward) Rakestraw ’65, B.S. medical Justice Volunteer Service Award in recogni- 60s cation. She has served more than 20 years on earned a master’s degree from Stanford thought, ‘Wait a minute. We have season tickets to Lamar technology, is retired and lives in Liberty. tion of the extensive time he has spent minis- the school board in Humble, where she lives. University and a doctoral degree from Johns Annette (Valentino) Clark ’61, B.S. graphic baseball games. I would like some that say Lamar tering to inmates incarcerated in Texas pris- Sandra (Cockrell) Sherman ’65, B.S. elemen- Hopkins University. He is professor and design, is owner of Design Associates in Patricia (Hart) Sherman ’69, B.S. elementary ons. He lives in Orange. tary education, is coordinator for the Region chair of the Civil and Environmental Cardinals and some that say Lamar Alumni.’ She sends Houston. She lives in Missouri City. education, teaches in Harleton school district. 6 Education Service Center in Huntsville, Engineering Department at the University them to me. They go like hotcakes. People want more. I Martha (Madole) Withers ’49, certif. general She lives in Diana, with her husband, Nancy (Gordan) Hooker ’61, B.B.A. secretarial where she lives with her husband, Jacob. of Massachusetts in Amherst, Mass., where studies, has lived in California for 43 years. Herbert. They have three adult sons—twins, say, ‘Well, I can take care of you.’” Since then, Lee has science, is tech prep director at Lamar State he lives. She is retired and lives in Murrieta, Calif., Billy Black ’66, B.S. industrial engineering, who are both pastors, and another son, who College in Orange, where she lives with her paired more than 400 alumni with window decals. with her husband, Norman. ’71, civil engineering, retired and is living in is a surveyor. Betty (Clark) Smith ’72, B.S. elementary educa- husband, James. “I am a firm believer that in order for you to be successful, you have to surround yourself Alvarado, with his wife, Joyce. tion, taught kindergarten and first grade for 22 Robert Ewart ’70, B.S. government, ’83, Lee Joseph ’61, B.B.A. management, earned years and retired from the state of Alaska. She with people of like mind who are goal-oriented, that have a belief in setting attainable, meas- Pat (Wilson) Fry ’66, B.B.A. secretarial science, M.P.A. public administration, is city adminis- 50s a law degree from Akron University and is a lives in Burkeville with her husband, Reid. is retired and lives in Kerrville with her hus- trator for Pinehurst. urable goals that are realistic,” Lee said. “You monitor yourself as you go along; you make lawyer at Matthews Law Firm in Houston. Mary Louise (Jones) Humphrey ’51, B.S. ele- band, Lee. John Hasson ’73, B.B.A. accounting, ’79, adjustments where you need to, and you continue to move forward. If you do that, in all He lives in Spring with his wife, Carolyn. mentary education, teaches in the Beaumont M.B.A. business administration, is associate Gail (Alexander) Krohn ’66, B.S. elementary probability, you’re going to be successful. You’ve got to start somewhere. It’s our responsibility school district, where she lives with her hus- Maydell King ’61, B.B.A. secretarial science, 70s dean of the School of Business at Stevens- education, ’71, M.Ed. elementary education, band, Stanley ’51, A.A. general studies. retired as a teacher at Nederland High School Henager College in Orem, Utah, where he to promote our own product because if we don’t, no one will. Success breeds success, and the has been appointed to the board of Catholic Carol (Heinrich) Gilchrist ’70, B.S. graphic and now teaches part time at Lamar State lives with his wife, Rondee. more successful you are, the more opportunities are going to be available on this campus. I Bill Lierman ’53, B.S. health and physical edu- Charities of Southeast Texas. She is superin- design, won Best of Show at the sixth annual College-Port Arthur. She lives in Groves. cation, is retired and lives in Rosebud with tendent of Nederland schools and lives in East Texas Art League membership show for Jane (Bonnin) Ketcham ’73, B.S. elementary just take opportunities to do what I can do to assist.” his wife, Mary. Tom Giannopoulos ’62, B.S. electrical engineer- Port Arthur. her pastel, Aspens IV. She lives in Jasper. education, is a retired elementary school It’s one way that anybody and everybody who is a Lamar graduate can help promote ing, has been inducted into the International teacher and lives in Pearland with her hus- Harley Courtney ’55, B.B.A. accounting, Jack Schneider ’66, B.A. English, is vice presi- Karin (Monarcha) Hargis ’70, B.A. psychology, Lamar, Lee said. Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame by the band, Amos. earned a master’s degree in business from dent of instruction at McLennan Community and her husband, Michael, celebrated their Hospitality Financial and Technology Texas A&M and a doctorate degree in College in Waco. He lives in Woodway. 25th anniversary April 19. Now retired, they Catherine (Pierce) Parker ’73, B.S. elementary With more than 73,000 LU Professionals. He is chairman, president and • You can display an LU Alumni auto decal on your vehicle accounting from the University of Illinois. share four children and four grandchildren. education, teaches pre-kindergarten in the chief executive officer of MICROS Systems. Patricia (Weichel) Silberman ’66, B.S. to show pride in your alma mater wherever you live graduates and counting, these He is retired and lives in Arlington with his Devers school district. She lives in Hardin elementary education, earned her law degree William Stringer ’70, B.B.A. marketing, is vice wife, Ann. They have spent the last four years Anna (Andrews) Horton ’62, B.S. music, is with her husband, Bob. auto decals have the potential to from the University of Maryland and retired president and broker at Ausvest Inc. in Austin, living and traveling in their motor home. retired and lives in Longview with her hus- • Auto decals help to promote LU name recognition, make Lamar University’s name from private law practice. She lives in where he lives with his wife, Cheri (Clotiaux) Karl Placette ’73, B.B.A. accounting, is band, Dale. Al Henderson ’56, B.B.A. general business, Westminster, Md., with her husband, ’69, B.S. graphic design. She is a partner with retired and lives in Franklin, Pa., with his especially to prospective students known around the world. earned a law degree from the University of Pike Powers ’62, B.A. government, was the Steven, and now breeds, raises and shows Fire Fly Creatives, also in Austin. wife, Valerie. Houston and is retired. He and his wife, Jan, recipient of the Distinguished Lawyer Award Tibetan Spaniels. • Placing an auto decal on your vehicle is a small gesture Ronald Thurston ’70, B.S. industrial engineer- Randy Roll ’73, B.A. history, earned his law Please, won’t you live in Spring. from the Austin Bar Association and Alvin Stephens Jr. ’66, B.B.A. accounting, ing, is industrial sales representative for degree from the South Texas College of Law of pride in your alma mater that can have a big impact Foundation. He managed the office of help Morris? Barbara (Britt) Thompson ’56, B.S. music, lives lives in Colorado Springs, Colo., with his Wholesale Pump in Shreveport, La., where and is judge of the 179th District Court of Fulbright & Jaworski for more than 28 years in Cloudland, Ga., with her husband, Hugh. wife, Rebecca. he lives. Harris County. He has been a sole practition- in Austin, where he lives. er in Houston for 20 years and is fluent in Bonnie (Sohlinger) Cokinos -57, directed the Lora Warren ’66, B.S. speech, earned a law Ronnie Baird -71, is owner of KBB Services in Juanita (Whittington) Brownlee ’63, B.S. home Russian, Spanish and French. He lives in Beaumont Ballet Theatre dancers as they repre- degree from Texas Tech and is a retired Lufkin, where he lives. He was a Cardinal To get free Lamar University Alumni auto decals, e-mail [email protected] or call economics, ’73, M.Ed. secondary education, Houston. sented Southeast Texas at the Regional Dance administrative law judge. She lives in football kicker from 1969 to 1971. is a retired math teacher from the Beaumont America/Southwest Ballet Festival at the Lago Vista. Brenda (King) Squyres ’73, B.S. home eco- the Office of Alumni Affairs at (409) 880-8921 or (800) 298-4839. school district and lives in The Woodlands. Billy Black ’66, B.S. industrial engineering, Stafford Center in Sugar Land. She received nomics, is branch manager and vice president Frances Hohn ’67, B.S. elementary education, ’71, civil engineering, retired and is living in the 2009 Dance Masters of America President’s Richard Henson ’63, B.S. biology, earned his of the Sealy branch of Capital One Bank. She teaches and lives in Montreal, Quebec. Alvarado, with his wife, Joyce. Award in honor of the organization’s 125th master’s and doctorate from Texas A&M and her husband, Dennis ’73, B.S. biology, anniversary. She lives in Beaumont. University and lives in Sugar Groves, N.C., Perry Murphy ’67, B.B.A. marketing, is retired Alice (Drake) Calloway ’72, B.S. elementary live in Katy. with his wife, Betty. and lives in Kearney, Mo. education, retired from a full-time teaching

46 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 47 class notes

Donnie Stephenson ’73, B.S. health and physi- band, Dr. Curtis Baldwin. long-term commitment to the sport of tennis and Daly in Houston and teaches at the Janis (Wagner) Linder ’84, B.S. elementary cal education, is a paralegal for ExxonMobil and high school tennis. University of Houston. education, earned a master’s degree from Darrell Landry ’76, A.A.S. mid-management, in Houston, where she lives. Southwest Texas. After 24 years in the Elgin lives in Beaumont with his wife, Carol (Wood) Freddy Richardson ’79, A.A.S mid-manage- Cathy (Camp) Webb ’81, A.A.S. dental school district, she is now principal of the Josephine (Cantu) Weber ’73, M.Ed. counsel- ’92, B.B.A. general business. ment, is an operator for DuPont. He lives in hygiene, is a dental hygienist and works high school. She lives in Elgin. ing and development, lives in Tucson, Ariz., Village Mills with his wife, Cindy. in Houston, where she lives with her Cindy Shenk ’76, certif. vocational nursing, is with her husband, Warren ’62, B.S. govern- husband, Jeff. Rita Bass ’85, B.S. kinesiology, is athletic retired. She and her husband, Donald, live in Anne (Wyche) Sexton ’79, B.G.S. general ment, ’74, M.A. political science. coordinator and coach at Lincoln Junior Winnie and enjoy traveling in their motor studies, is school nurse at St. Thomas Penny (Feltman) Davis ’82, B.B.A. marketing, High School in the Coldspring school dis- Christine Gordon-Hunter ’74, B.S. communica- home. They have eight grandchildren and Episcopal School in Houston, where works for Hoffmann-LaRoche in Nutley, trict. She lives in Onalaska. tion, was recognized for her outstanding four great grandchildren. she lives. N.J. She lives in Houston with her community service as Woman of the Year by husband, Austin. Lee Blue Jr. ’85, B.B.A. general business, pub- Paul Bloyd ’77, A.A.S. drafting technology, is Lee Spears ’79, B.A. sociology, was reap- the Beaumont branch of the National lished a book entitled A Collection of Spiritual design supervisor of instrumentation and pointed to the Texas State Board of Social Rene (Hearn) Hoffpauir ’82, B.S. secondary Association of University Women. She is a Poetry. He lives in Missouri City. control systems at CB&I in Beaumont, where Worker Examiners. She is a social worker in education, ’91, M.E. counseling and develop- licensed counselor, a caseworker for the he lives with his wife, Lynette. the Harris County Hospital District Ben ment, is a school counselor at Georgetown Kay (Patteson) DeCuir ’85, B.S. elementary Department of Human Services, a black Taub General Hospital and a social work field High School. She lives in Georgetown with education, is executive director of the recruitment specialist for Child Protective Theresa (Greenhaw) Landry ’77, B.S. medical instructor for both the University of Houston her husband, Kenneth, ’76, B.S. health educa- Shorkey Center. She and her husband, Bruce, Services and founder of the Black Adoption technology, earned a doctoral degree in phar- Graduate School of Social Work and Texas tion, ’82, M.S. kinesiology, who is retiring as live in Nederland. Council of Southeast Texas. She is also presi- macology in 2000 and is a senior director at Southern University. She lives in Thompsons. head basketball coach at the same school to dent of the Golden Triangle Association of Alcon Laboratories in Fort Worth, where she Patrick Dubord ’85, B.B.A. management, is become an assistant coach for McMurry Black Social Workers. She lives in Beaumont. lives with her husband, Ted. Andrew Washington ’79, B.S. health and service advisor for Lamb’s Tire and University in Abilene. physical education, is head football coach at Automotive in Austin, where he lives. Judith (Fischer) Powell ’74, B.S. speech, Glenn Moore ’77, B.B.A. marketing, is an Central High School in Beaumont, where he John O’Neill III ’82, B.B.A. accounting, is a teaches in St. Tammany Parish in Covington, agent for State Farm Insurance in Tony Kelleybrew -85, general business, is line- lives. He played defensive back for Lamar partner at Wathen, DeShong & Juncker. He La. She lives in Mandeville, La., with her Pflugerville. He lives in Georgetown with his haul supervisor for ABF Freight Systems in University in the 1970s. lives in Beaumont with his wife, Darlene husband, Doug. wife, Teri. North Little Rock, Ark. He lives in Scott. (Vaughn) ’83, B.S. elementary education, who Joseph Wilson ’79, B.S. elementary educa- Richard Rafes ’74, B.A. government, earned a Laurence Smith ’77, B.S. electrical engineer- teaches at St. Anne Catholic School. Theresa (Ward) Matejick ’85, B.S. elementary tion, celebrates his 30th year in the education law degree from the University of Houston ing, is senior engineer at Aerotek Energy education, teaches at Big Creek Elementary profession. He teaches and coaches at Steven Swift -82, is senior warden of the and his doctoral degree from University of Services and lives in Humble. school in Cumming, Ga., where she lives. The Miller sisters—then and now Weatherford High School, where he lives Price Daniel Unit in Snyder. North Texas. He is president of West Virginia Family Services of Southeast Texas named with his wife, Laura (Crisp) ’77, certif. Sandi (Pennisson) McCracken ’85, B.S. ele- Kathleen Helen Georgianne School of Osteopathic Medicine in Michael Davis ’83, B.S. criminal justice, The Miller sisters, ’50, ’46 and ’45, are pictured at the May 2 alumni Zummo Meat Co. in Beaumont Family vocational nursing. mentary education, ’00, M.Ed. elementary Lewisburg, W.Va., where he lives with his earned a law degree and is in private practice gathering at the home of Mary and Bill Mitchell. Helen and her husband, Bill, live in Lakeway. Business of the Year. Owner Frank Zummo education, is a reading technical assistance wife, Tommye. in Coldspring. He lives in Houston. ’78, certif. respiratory technology, Mark specialist for the University of Texas. She lives Georgianne Campbell lives in New Braunfels, and Kathleen lives in Austin. All three Millers reigned Bobby Adamson ’75, B.B.A. economics, is Zummo ’83, B.B.A. management, and Ryan 80s Charlesie Russell ’83, B.S. political science, is in San Antonio with her husband, Michael. as homecoming queen at Lamar: Georgianne as college sweetheart in 1945, Helen as homecoming lead counselor in the Angleton school district. Zummo ’07, B.B.A. marketing, were among regional director for Old Navy and lives in Kandy (Anderson) Daniel ’80, B.B.A. account- Deborah Narcisse ’85, B.B.A. management, queen in 1946 and Kathleen as homecoming queen twice over in 1947 and 1948. The Nov. 20, He lives in Pearland with his wife, Lisa. family employees honored. Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with her husband, Jim ing, is retired and owns her own business, teaches business in the Arlington school dis- Tom Badgwell. 1948, issue of the Houston Chronicle stated, “Reason there will be no more Miller girls as queen Joellyn (Harper) Creamer ’75, B.S. medical Dr. Danny Addington ’79, B.S. chemical engi- WineStyles, in Beaumont, where she lives. trict, where she lives. technology, is a medical technician at Life neering, earned a dental degree from the Charles Taylor Jr. ’83, B.B.A. accounting, is of the college homecomings is that there are no more Miller girls.” Tom Morris ’80, A.A.S. drafting technology, is Larry Simmons Jr. ’85, B.S. computer and Share Blood Centers in Beaumont. She lives University of Texas and practices in Atlanta. president and chief executive officer of principal designer at NanWorleyParsons in information science, earned a master’s degree in Sour Lake. He lives in Bivins with his wife, Carolyn Americatel, and lives in Dallas. Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. He works on the north from Southern Methodist University and a Ronda (Greig) Zowarka ’87, B.S. chemical Gary Leger ’89, B.M. music education, is a pany that serves the petrochemical industry. (Miller) ’78, certif. vocational nursing. They Robert Cuddy ’75, B.S. health and physical slope of Alaska for BP Exploration, and he Brent Coon ’84, B.S. political science, earned law degree from Baylor University. He is a engineering, is EH&S expertise leader at choral director in the Katy school district. He He lives in Beaumont. have one child and one grandchild. education, retired after a 25-year career with lives in Anchorage. his law degree from the University of partner with Germer Gertz in Beaumont. He Dow Chemical Co. in Port Lavaca. She lives lives in Houston. Gina Giblin ’90, B.A. sociology, earned a law the Federal Aviation Administration and 30 Charles Breithaupt ’75, B.S. health and physi- Houston and owns the firm, Brent Coon and is treasurer of the Texas Association of in Bloomington with her husband, Joe. Karen (Rodrique) Varnado ’80, B.S. biology, is Ane (Thonsgard) Shull ’89, B.S. communica- degree from South Texas College of Law in years in the air traffic control field. He lives in cal education, ’79, M.S. health and kinesiolo- Associates in Beaumont. The firm was pre- Business and serves on the association’s state quality assurance manager at Analytical Bettye (Albert) Grigsby ’88, B.S. biology, tion disorders, ’91, M.S. audiology/speech- Houston and is an attorney at Elliott E. Wichita, Kan. gy, was named executive director of the sented with the 2009 Internet Advertising board of directors. Products Group. She retired from the earned her master’s degree from Prairie View language pathology, works at Wright Burdette in Dallas, where she lives. University Interscholastic League. He lives in Competition award for its marketing efforts Jennifer (Langston) Martin ’75, B.S. home Louisiana Department of Environmental Brad Corley ’86, A.A.S. fire protection tech- A&M and doctoral degree from Texas A&M. Patterson Air Force Base and lives in Georgetown. in “best integrated legal campaign” called “I Chris Moore ’90, B.B.A. personnel administra- economics, ’80, M.S. home economics, Quality. She is a board member of the nology, is president of the Groves Chamber She is an assistant professor at University of Centerville, Ohio, with her husband, Robert. Hate Ike” by the Web Marketing Association. tion, is national account manager for Colgate earned a doctorate degree from Texas Donald Citrano ’79, B.B.A. management, National Environmental Laboratory of Commerce and Tourist Center. He has Houston-Clear Lake and lives in League City. He lives in Beaumont. David Stone ’89, B.S. speech, was named Palmolive and lives in Rogers, Ark., with his Woman’s University in consumer sciences. owns The Coffee Shop Café in McGregor. It Accreditation Conference and lives in Baton served 28 years as a firefighter and is a cap- Don Pumphrey ’88, B.S. communication, is chaplain general of the Sons of the Republic wife, Michelle. They have been married for She is vice provost and dean of the Texas was named one of the 40 best small-town Rouge. Paul Davis ’84, A.S. law enforcement, was tain with the Groves fire department. customer service manager for Entergy and is of Texas. He is an ordained Messianic rabbi 20 years and have two children. Woman’s University graduate school. cafes in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine. appointed police chief of Bridge City. He and Mitch Woods ’80, A.S. law enforcement, ’82, Brooke Hallowell ’86, M.S. audiology, earned board president of the Nederland Chamber and lives in Beaumont. his wife, Kim (Kiihnl) ’85, B.S. family and con- Terry Sorrell ’90, B.B.A. marketing, is sales Claudia (Cheshire) Nash ’75, B.S. health edu- James Clark ’79, B.S. chemical engineering, is B.S. criminal justice, was named 2009 an additional master’s degree from Brown of Commerce. He and his wife, Elaine, have sumer sciences, live in Bridge City with their Deborah (Teran) Ward ’89, B.B.A. management, representative for Pfizer Aminal Health and cation, teaches and coaches in the Warren business director for LyondellBasell in Citizen of the Year by the Neches River University and her doctoral degree from the two daughters. two children. is a financial analyst for Lockheed Martin in lives in Lumberton. school district, where she lives with her hus- Wilmington, Del. He lives in Chads Ford, Pa. Festival for his resolve during Hurricane Ike University of Iowa. She is director of the Jennifer (Evans) Talbot ’88, B.S. communica- Stafford, Va. She and her husband, Bradley, band, Martin, who is a county commissioner recovery efforts in 2008. Family Services of Southeast Texas named School of Hearing, Speech and Language John Valastro ’90, B.S. kinesiology, ’90, M.S. Roger Dimick ’76, B.B.A. accounting, ’91, tion, coaches basketball at Monsignor Kelly live in Fredericksburg, Va. He serves as a major in Tyler County. Debra (Dougharty) Deslatte ’84, B.B.A. Sciences at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. kinesiology, ’05, M.E. school administration, B.S. economics, ’02, M.B.A. business admin- Clayton Bonnett ’81, B.B.A. accounting, is Catholic High School in Beaumont, where in the Marine Corps at Quantico, Va. finance, and her husband, David ’83, B.B.A. She lives in Millfield, Ohio. is principal of Lumberton High School. He Barbara (Fawvor) Shrout ’75, B.A. English, istration, is a German language specialist for chief executive officer and senior administra- she lives with her husband, Dean. personnel administration, and their daugh- lives in Lumberton. earned her education doctoral degree from Continental Airlines. He lives in Houston. tor at Family Medicine Clinic in Copperas Jeff Culver ’87, B.S. elementary education, is ters, Family of the Year. David was instru- Craig Bailey ’89, A.A.S. computer drafting Stephen F. Austin State University. She is Cove. He lives in Georgetown. an engineering specialist for Freescale 90s Brian Andreu ’91, B.B.A. marketing, is senior Sandra (McKinley) Ellington ’76, B.S. elemen- mental in planning the Mid-County Kindness technology, ’97, A.A.S., process operating administrator of Calvin Nelms Charter Semiconductor Inc. in Austin, where he lives. systems operations analyst for Total tary education, ’79, M.Ed. special education, Robert Rigdon ’81, B.S. mechanical engineer- program that brought 5,000 volunteers into technology, is a process operator at Invista in Rodney Cavness ’90, B.S. kinesiology, earned Schools and lives in Katy. Petrochemicals in Houston, where he lives owns Administrative Leadership ing, is president and chief executive officer of Bridge City to help families after Hurricane Keely Jardell School of Dance in Nederland Orange. He lives in Port Arthur. a doctoral in education at the University of with his wife, Yvette, and their two sons. Donald Siau ’75, B.A. political science, is Development and Life Coaching in Synthesis Energy Systems in Houston, where Ike. They live in Port Neches. was named the No. 3-ranked company in Houston and is superintendent of schools in Charles Colvin ’89, B.S. psychology, ’90, B.S. retired and lives in Jasper, with his wife, Beaumont, where she lives. he lives. He previously held positions with Dancer Magazine’s 2008 Year In Review Evadale. He lives in Beaumont with his wife, Judy (Brookshear) Havens ’91, B.S. communi- Wayne Holland ’84, B.B.A. finance, is execu- sociology, coaches gymnastics at Ozen High Sandy. Texaco, ChevronTexaco and GE Energy. issue. The school is owned by Keely (Smith) Tanya. They have six children. cation, lives in Port Neches with her husband, Manuel Moreno Jr. ’79, B.S. communication, tive vice president of commercial lending at School in Beaumont. One of his male gym- Jardell ’87, B.S. dance. She and her husband, Robert ’91, B.S. political science. Susan (Heatley) Baldwin ’76, A.A.S. nursing, received the 2009 Denene Bammel Coach of Kenneth Wall ’81, B.S.W. social work, earned CommunityBank of Texas. He lives in nasts won the floor exercise at the 2009 Texas Keith Davis ’90, B.S. computer science, is fea- Bill ’87, B.S. kinesiology, live in Nederland. ’83, B.S. psychology, is vice president of peri- the Year Award in the Spring Branch school a master’s degree in public administration Beaumont. High School Gymnastics Championships. tured in a book entitled Industry Achievers. operative services for NS-LIJ Health System district. The award recognized him as having and a law degree from the University of He is founder of Application Factory Inc., a in Roslyn, N.Y., where she lives with her hus- the best traits of a good coach and for his Texas. He is a lawyer with Oaks, Hartline systems development and programming com-

48 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 49 class notes

Seven alumni honored for teaching excellence

The Beaumont Foundation of America has chosen seven alumni to receive the inaugural Reaud nication, is a therapeutic specialty representa- Tricia (Jones) Times ’00, B.S. criminal justice, Jonathan Crisman ’02, B.B.A. management, is Excellence in Education Award in recognition of superior contributions of teachers whose leadership tive for Pfizer. She lives in Port Neches with ’04, M.Ed. special education, is an educational area operations manager for Hospice Source and dedication inspire a spirit of learning. her husband, Michael. diagnostician for Goose Creek school district. and lives in The Woodlands. She lives in Baytown with her husband, Kevin. Those alumni are Deborah (Commack) Amy ’73, B.S. elementary education, a teacher at Henderson Chadwick Bourg ’99, B.B.A. management Hemanth Krishnamachari ’02, M.S. computer Lori (Dorsey) Buckler ’01, M.B.A. business science, is software engineer at Global Bay Sharon (Womack) Woolley information systems, lives in Houston and Middle School in the Hardin-Jefferson school district; ’75, B.S. home eco- works for LyondellBasell. administration, is sales representative for Mobile Technologies in South Palinfield, N.J. nomics, Bridge City High School; Elizabeth Harris ’78, B.S. health education, Nederland High School; Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. She lives in He lives in Edison, N.J., with his wife, Bryce Darby ’99, B.S. chemical engineering, is Naperville, Ill., with her husband, Bart ’00, Chandana (Mukka) ’02, M.S. computer sci- Cheryl (Mitterlehner) Adams ’80, B.S. elementary education, China Elementary School in the Hardin- district manager for BJ Services in Pearland, M.B.A. business administration, who is ence, who works as a programmer analyst at where he lives with his wife, Melissa, and Jefferson school district; Shelly (Kunetka) Burrell ’85, B.S. elementary education, Hamshire-Fannett Middle account manager for Timken Co. Proximo Consulting Services in New York, their three children. Carol (Fabre) Edgar Belinda (Wiltz) Taylor N.Y. They have a son. School; ’86, B.S. secondary education, Vidor High School; ’98, Jesse Caillier ’01, B.S. earth and space sci- Alaric Harrell ’99, B.B.A. accounting, is lead B.A.A.S. applied arts and sciences, Bingman Elementary School in the Beaumont school district. ences, is laboratory supervisor for the Lower Kyle Pair ’02, B.S. electrical engineering, is auditor for Transocean Inc. in Houston. He Neches Valley Authority and lives in Groves sales representative for Cooper Crouse-Hinds Nearly half of the 15 recipients are Lamar graduates. Each winner received $10,000. is a certified public accountant and lives in with his wife, Jill, and their two children. in Houston. He and his wife, Kacey (Dunlap) Richmond. ’03, B.G.S. general studies, live in Baytown. Brandi (Phelan) Coffin ’01, B.S. communica- Amy (Ellender) Moore ’99, B.S. chemical engi- tion disorders, ’03, M.S. audiology, earned a Kendra Tevis ’02, B.S.W. social work, is a neering, ’02, M.B.A. business administration, doctorate in audiology from Salus University social worker 2 at Parkland Hospital in Mary (Goudeau) Reid is a sales representative at Chevron Phillips -91, business, is presi- System and lives in Houston. Carrollton Christian Academy in Carrollton. in Elkins Park, Pa. She practices at the Phelan Dallas. She lives in Lancaster. dent of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Chemical Co. in The Woodlands. She and James Morrison ’93, B.S. kinesiology, is Stephanie Fournier-Hughes ’96, B.S. sociology, Hearing Center in Beaumont. Commerce and civil service commissioner for her husband, Michael, have a daughter, Tanya Boucher ’03, M.B.A. business adminis- Artist Ken Mazzu ’92 exhibited his watercolors July 11-Aug. 9 at The Galveston Arts defensive coordinator at Coldspring High is associate pastor of Cypress United the city of Port Arthur. She lives in Port Lauren Elizabeth. Alex Eppes ’01, B.S. industrial technology, is tration, is customer marketing manager for Center under the title Monuments of Yesterday. The new work is based on photographs School. He played baseball at Lamar Methodist Church in Cypress, where she lives an energy specialist in Bakersfield, Calif., Shell Oil in Houston, where she lives. Arthur with her husband, Robert, and their Raymond Myers-Kieran ’99, B.M. music- of controlled demolition sites taken in the Houston area during the past 10 years. He lives University from 1988 to 1991. with her husband, Burnis. where he lives. four children. vocals, is president and chief executive office Willie Broussard ’03, B.S. family and con- in Houston. Kirk Smith ’93, B.B.A. finance, is senior vice James Molina ’96, B.S. political science, is Erik Shaw ’91, B.B.A. finance, was named the of Myers-Kieran Enterprises in Somerville, Shannon (Hatton) Federoff ’01, B.G.S. general sumer sciences, is coordinator of distance president of commercial lending at legislative correspondent for U. S. Rep. Mike 2009 Mr. Nederland for the Nederland Mass., where he lives. studies, is project manager for the U.S. education programs at Lamar University. He Brittney Champagne ’04, B.S. psychology, Max Windham ’04, B.G.S. general studies, is CommunityBank of Texas. He lives in Turner’s office. He lives in Falls Church, Va. Heritage Festival. He is president and chief Tennis Association in White Plains, N.Y. earned a master’s degree in human resource completed her master’s degree in occupation- North America region manager of global Beaumont. Debra (Peveto) Revels ’99, B.S. communica- Richard Slusher ’96, B.S. computer and infor- She and her husband, Christopher, live in management in 2007 from the University of executive officer of FivePoint Federal Credit tion, is administrative assistant at Lone Star al therapy at University of Texas Medical learning and development for Baker Hughes Lynette Vincent ’93, B.M. music, completed mation science, ’06, B.B.A. management Cedar Park. Phoenix and lives in Port Arthur. Union. He and his wife, Stacie, have three College-CyFair and lives in Cypress. Branch. She works at Pediatric Rehabilitation in Houston. He lives in Kingwood. children. her doctorate in music education at information systems, is a personal computer of Texas and lives in Beaumont. Elizabeth Ford ’01, B.B.A. general business, is Vicente Castillo ’03, B.S. chemical engineer- Shelly (Parigi) Allen ’05, B.S. kinesiology, and the University of North Texas and is an support specialist at Dallas County Christopher Rupp ’99, A.A.S. nursing, is a Paul Stockman ’91, B.S. kinesiology, teaches in a human resource generalist at Rice ing, is manager of engineering projects at Patricia Clark ’04, M.B.A. business adminis- Ronald Allen married March 21, 2009. She is assistant professor of music education at the Community College. He lives in Fort Worth, registered nurse in the intensive care unit at the Houston school district, where he lives. University. She lives in Missouri City. Georgia-Pacific and lives in Lufkin with his tration, is deployment leader for Gerdau a retail banker at Woodforest National Bank University of Minnesota Duluth. She lives with his wife, Faith (Brookins) ’97, B.A.A.S. San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown, wife, Susan, and their two children. Ameristeel and lives in Tampa, Fla. in Port Arthur, where they live. Paula (Arceneaux) Ware ’91, B.S. elementary in Hermantown, Minn. applied arts and sciences, ’02, applied where he lives with his wife, Laura, and their Manjula Krishnamurthy ’01, M.E. civil engi- education, is director of grant compliance at criminology. two sons. neering, was named engineer of the year by Heather (Gonzalez) Coe ’03, B.S. psychology, Cesily (Caldwell) ’04, B.S. nursing, married Precious (Johnson) ’05, B.B.A. accounting, Kory Blizzard ’94, B.S. criminal justice, is a the School of Excellence in Education in San the American Society of Indian Engineers. lives in Fort Polk, La., with her husband, Blake David Cormier April 25. She is a regis- and William Armstrong married March 21, workforce counselor for the Texas Youth Jack Williams ’96, B.S. theater, earned a mas- Emily (Ward) Swanson ’99, B.B.A. manage- Antonio. She lives in Live Oak with her hus- She serves on the society’s advisory board Thomas. tered nurse in the intensive care unit at 2009. She is a financial accountant for XL Commission in Crockett. He lives in Kennard ter’s degree from the University of New ment information systems, teaches at band, Roland. and works in the public works department of Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Systems in Beaumont, where they live. with his wife, Leslie. Orleans and is a theater instructor and direc- Dishman Elementary and lives in Beaumont Darren Cross ’03, B.B.A. management, is a Pate Engineers. Hospital in Beaumont, where they live. Jamie Willetts ’91, B.B.A. marketing, is busi- tor of plays at Vernon College in Vernon. with her husband, Thomas ’95, B.A. general manager at Conn’s. He lives in Fred with his Sudheer Baddam ’05, M.S. computer science, Sgt. Scott Gearhart ’94, B.M. instrumental ness development manager at studies, who works at Fasulo Paint and Body. Michael Lavespere ’01, B.B.A. management wife, Traci (Yawn) ’02, B.G.S. general studies, Chris Coy ’04, B.S. sociology, teaches and is senior software engineer for Plateau Systems music, performs in the Marine dance band Debbie (Prosperie) Woodson ’96, B.B.A. Colgate/Palmolive in Bentonville, Ark., where information systems, is vice president of a second grade teacher at Warren Elementary. coaches at Hyde Park Baptist High School in Ltd. in Falls Church, Va., where he lives. that performs at the White House and travels accounting, is controller for Hines in Automated Voice and Data Solutions in he lives with his wife, Melissa. Lindsay Feagin ’03, B.B.A. general business, Austin, where he lives. with the band during the concert season. He Houston. She and her husband, Carl, lives in 00s Houston, where he lives. Felicia (Alexander) Branch ’05, B.A.A.S. Karla Caillouet ’92, B.S. speech, lives in Gulf performed at the Obama inaugural, which Humble. works at the University of Houston, where Wesley Mahon ’04, B.B.A. management applied arts and sciences, is a utility worker Breeze, Fla., with her husband, Kelly ’91, B.S. was his fourth presidential inaugural. Stacy Clark ’00, B.M. music, ’08, M.M. Regina (Jacks) Lindsey ’01, B.G.S. general she lives. information systems, serves in the Army and and support helper at Fluor-Daniels in Port John Duff ’97, B.S. communication, is an industrial technology, who is in the Marine music, is fine arts coordinator and director of studies, is executive director of Greens Bayou is stationed at Fort Myer, Va. He and his Arthur, where she and her husband, Karl, Dr. Toyya (Kinsey) Goodrich ’94, B.S. biology, associate director at ESPN in Bristol, Conn., Lauren (Bachelot) Martin ’03, B.S. family and Corps. bands in the La Vernia school district, where Corridor Coalition, an economic develop- wife, Rachel, live in Alexandria, Va. live. She was a founder of the National earned her doctoral degree from the where he lives. consumer sciences, is interior designer for she lives. ment group for the Greens Point region to Association of Women in Construction. Dana (Pringle) Gomez ’92, B.S. biology, is sys- University of North Texas Health Science Carter and Company and lives in Beaumont Prashanth Srinivasan ’04, M.E.S. engineering Kimberly Green ’97, B.A. English, teaches for the Houston ship channel. tem safety consultant for Quality Assurance Center Texas College of Osteopathic Heather (Neeb) Elms ’00, B.B.A. finance, is a with her husband, Shane. science, is project manager for Allstate Power Melissa Evans ’05, B.S. nursing, is SAP site the New York City Department of Education and Risk Management Services in League Medicine. She is a pediatrician in Fort Worth, commercial lending assistant at Amir Ovcina ’01, B.S. electrical engineering, is Vac Inc. in Brooklyn, N.Y. He and his wife, sustainability leader for DuPont in Orange. in Brooklyn, where she lives. Nicholas Patxot ’03, B.B.A. management CommunityBank of Texas in Port Arthur. senior controls engineer at Benteler City, where she lives with her husband, where she lives with her husband, Frank, and information systems, is a pilot for the Army Prathiba, live in Whitestone, N.Y. She lives in Bridge City. Reynaldo. daughter, Helena. Steven Lazenby ’96, B.S.W. social work, is a She lives in Nederland, with her husband, Automotive in Opelika, Ala. He lives in and lives in Fountain, Colo. Jonathan Stovall ’04, B.A. Spanish, earned a Judith (Jimenez) ’05, B.B.A. marketing, mar- supervisor for the Department of Family and Michael, and their two children. Auburn, Ala., with his wife, Lejla and one son. Gurmeet Hanspal ’92, M.E. industrial engi- Gloria (Kolb) Solomon ’94, B.A. English, teach- law degree and is in private practice in ried Curtis Smith ’05, B.S. industrial technolo- Protective Services in Beaumont. He lives in David Paul ’03, M.S. applied criminology, is neering, is president of Texas SouthPillar Ltd. es in the La Porte school district. She lives in Kellie Faulk ’00, B.B.A. management informa- Melinda (Dallas) Petersen ’01, M.S. industrial Beaumont, where he lives. gy, Feb. 14, 2009. She is a marketing associ- Port Neches. unit manager for the Federal Bureau of in Stafford. He recently opened a factory in Beach City, with her husband, Harold. tion systems, is senior client services represen- psychology, and Gerald Peterson married ate at Nell McCallum and Associates, and he Prisons in Ayer, Mass. He lives in Leominster, Christopher Tallina ’04, is national sales man- India to manufacture pressure vessels for the Jay McCraw ’97, B.S. kinesiology, ’00, M.S. tative for FiServ Financial Systems in March 21, 2009. She is employed at Valero, is an engineer at Bechtel in Houston, where Tamara deGaravilla ’95, M.Ed. counseling and Mass., with his wife, Pamela. ager for The American Eagle Reserve in Port U. S. oil and gas market. The factory was kinesiology, is regional vice president of Houston, where she lives. and they live in Beaumont. they live. development, was selected to represent the Arthur. He lives in Lumberton with his wife, accredited with the U-stamp certification by Invesco Aim. He lives in Arlington, Va. Austin Williams ’03, B.B.A. finance, is recipi- Texas Association of Secondary School Sanjay Kapasi ’00, M.E. chemical engineer- Jason Stepan ’01, B.S. biology, is a physical Summer. Pushpal Kahar ’05, M.E.S. engineering sci- the ASME in October 2008. He lives in ent of the Sporting Goods Business 40 Principals as their Region 5 Outstanding Luther Thompson ’97, M.Ed. school adminis- ing, earned a master’s degree in business from therapist and co-owner/vice president of ence, is a design engineer at Dril-Quip Inc. in Cypress with his wife, Nishi. Under 40 Award. He is vice president of sales Sarah (Stephenson) Villasana ’04, B.S. interdis- High School Assistant Principal of the Year. tration, is assistant principal of Memorial the University of Texas and is in technical Hands On School of Massage in Beaumont, Houston, where he lives with his wife, and director of buying at Games People Play ciplinary studies, is a third-grade teacher in Brian Lesher ’92, B.S. criminal justice, She and her husband, James, live in Silsbee. High School in Port Arthur, where he lives. sales and marketing at KLA-Tencor in Austin, where he lives with his wife, Kristi. Oindrila. in Beaumont, where he lives. the Beaumont school district. She and her works for Depuy Orthopaedics and lives in where he lives with his wife, Chhaya. Mitch Hardt Tonya (Andris) Whitaker Carey (Tisdale) West ’01, B.S. interdisciplinary ’95, B.S. health and kinesiology, ’97, B.S. sociology, Shana Carr ’04, B.S. interdisciplinary studies, husband, Marco ’02, B.B.A. general business, Aman Khurana ’05, M.S. computer science, is Rutland, Mass. Corliss (Jones) Seals ’00, B.S. criminal justice, studies, teaches kindergarten in the Buna is customer service manager at Kinsel Ford was appointed managing editor of Inside The earned her master’s degree in special educa- live in Beaumont. He is a manager for AT&T senior programmer analyst at FedEx in Irving, Marcus Norman and Derwin ’03, B.S. industrial technology, school district and lives in Bridge City with ’92, B.S. political science, in Beaumont, where he lives with his wife, Pew www.insidethepew.net, a non-profit tion from Prairie View A&M and teaches in Mobility. where he lives with his wife, Gurprett Kaur. works at Met Life Resources and lives in Plano. Christy. online community religion news Web site. married Feb. 21. She is a program specialist her husband, Robert. the Beaumont school district, where she lives. Paul Villforth ’04, M.S. family and consumer Aleta Nash ’05, B.S.W. social work, is pro- She lives in Irving with her three children. for the Texas Youth Commission, and he is a Mary Aubry ’93, B.B.A. general business, is a Brook Hughes ’95, B.S. communication disor- Monica Cortez ’02, M.S. deaf studies/deaf edu- supervisor in the Jefferson County Sheriff ’s sciences, teaches English in Nanjing, China. gram therapist for Memorial Herman Baptist claims analyst for the University of Texas ders, ’97, M.S. deaf studies, teaches at Jayme (Herford) Musgrove ’98, B.S. commu- cation, is a case manager for People of Color Office. They live in Beaumont. Beaumont Hospital and lives in Vidor. Network in Phoenix, Ariz., where she lives.

50 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 51 class notes More than 200 Houston-area alumni took a private tour of the recent exhibit, Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor, at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Attendees met in the 7. Dean Henry Venta, left, with Bob ’64 and Kathy (Fitzgerald) Reaves ’63 8. Gene ’85 and Kathy (Duffy) Adams ’85, left, with Laurie Cockrell Butterfly Center Lobby for a special presentation by Wea Lee ’76, chairman and CEO of (Zampini) Brooks ’85 and Rick Vice 9. Raynell and Tony Singletary ’59 10. Gene Feigelson ’65, Gezahegn Kebede, president of the Ethio- Alumni Southern News Group, who spoke about the International Trade Center in Houston and its role in trade America Trade and Investment Council, center, and Wea Lee ’76 11. Offie ’67 and Judy Walker 12. Grace (Davis) England ’56 with tour Terra Cotta Warriors between Houston businesses and overseas markets. President Jimmy Simmons. 13. Don ’68 and Nancy (Hamil) Campbell ’68 14. Sharon Stodghill ’73 and Pat Durio ’69

1 2 7 8

34 9 10

1. President Jimmy Simmons, Susan (Williams) Simmons ’68 and Wea Lee ’76 2. Kris Davis with Deborah (Martindale) Davis ’87, ’90, and Mike Babin ’70 3. Dorothy (Kleinschmidt) Pledger ’67, left, Camille Mouton, Robert Pledger ’69, Patti and Floyd McSpadden 4. James ’62 and Jane-Page Crump 5. Edward ’62 and Patti Hurwitz 6. Juan Zabala ’07, 5 6 Joan (Leavell) Lisman ’66, center, and 11 12 13 14 Tracy Scholz

52 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 53 class notes

Alumni Mary (Greer) ’58 and Bill Mitchell ’58 opened their home in Dripping Springs May 2 for nearly 150 gather in Dripping Springs Austin-area alumni. Attendees enjoyed barbecue poolside and toured the Mitchell’s art collection.

Kristen Craig ’06, B.S. communication disor- owner relations technician for Southwestern Every Day Tour” Host Talent Show. He lives ders, earned a master’s degree at Stephen F. Energy Production Co. in Houston. He lives in Beaumont. Austin State University and is a speech lan- in Spring. Angela (Odom) ’08, B.B.A. marketing, and guage pathologist at RehabCare in Mount Carrie (Hebert) Strong ’06, B.S. family and Dylan Brown married March 7, 2009, and Pleasant. consumer sciences-fashion retailing, is a live in Beaumont. Leeann (Richard) Enderle ’06, B.G.S. general human resources generalist at FivePoint Lisa Chalow ’08, B.A.A.S. applied arts and studies, married Scott Enderle Jan. 3. She is Credit Union. She lives in Port Arthur. sciences, was sworn in as a court-appointed employed by Tiger Rentals Offshore and Naga Arya ’07, M.E.S. engineering science, is special advocate for Jefferson County foster Industrial. They live in China. an international project engineer for Microsoft children. She lives in Beaumont. Amy (Deaton) Howard ’06, B.B.A. human in Redmond, Wash., where he lives. Tiffany Ford-Tatmon ’08, B.A.A.S. applied arts resource management, ’08, M.B.A. business Amanda (King) ’07, B.S. psychology, married and sciences, is proposal coordinator for administration, is industrial relations coordi- Dean Clower ’06, B.G.S. general studies in KBR in Houston, where she lives with her nator at Bechtel in Port Arthur. She and her 3 New Zeland. They live in Laramie, Wyo. husband, Louis. husband, Joshua, live in Port Neches. Jondaniel Cornett ’07, B.S. communication, Amanda (Hulsey) ’08, B.S. communication, Sara Ishfaq ’06, B.B.A. accounting, is auditor lives in Vidor and is a videographer. and Adam Gurski ’08, B.S. criminal justice, for the state comptroller’s office in Social studies teacher Candice (Zummo) married Feb. 28. He is a second lieutenant in Beaumont, where she lives. Collin DeLome -07, health and physical educa- Haggard ’73 took the suggestion of one the Marine Corps. tion, begins his first season with the Houston of her students and began an effort to Anushree Khare ’06, M.S. computer science, is a Astros’ Double-A affiliated Corpus Christi Mandy Lane ’08, B.S.W. social work, is an raise money for the Texas Governor’s software consultant for Primus Global in Hooks. investigator for Child Protective Services in Mansion Restoration Fund. News of the Irving, where she lives with her husband, Amit. Port Arthur. She lives in Bridge City. Jeannie Dupree ’07, B.S.W. social work, donation reached Texas First Lady Anita Srikanth Kowkuntla ’06, M.E. civil engineer- earned a master’s degree from Tulane Melanie Lanuza ’08, B.S. graphic design, is Perry, who visited the school to thank the ing, is an engineer at Worley Parsons in University in social work and is a social creative director/head graphic designer at students April 14. Haggard has taught for Houston, where he lives. worker at Hospice Care of the Southwest. Games People Play in Beaumont, where 36 years at Central Middle School and Larie (Hill) ’06, B.A.A.S. applied arts and sci- She lives in Conroe. she lives. was honored this year as Teacher of the ences, and Jonathan Lockett married Feb. 28. Morgan Leger ’07, B.S. electrical engineering, is Shannon (Wolford) Nobles ’08, M.S. deaf Year and has been chosen Middle School They live in Silsbee. Teacher of Region 5. She has taught at an operator and flight controller for Barrios studies and deaf education, is a deaf educator Melanie (Bohacek) McDonald 1 2 4 least four students who now are teachers ’06, B.S. dance, Technology in Houston, where he lives. in the Alvin school district. She lives in was guest choreographer for San Jacinto Pearland. themselves in Nederland. Emily Lockard ’07, B.S. dance, was selected to College Central’s annual spring dance show, serve as an instructor at the 48th Annual Kelly (Walker) ’08, B.S. nursing, and Chase Fantastical, with a theme, Cirque du Soleil, Craft of Choreography Conference in Seattle, Richards ’05, B.G.S. general studies, married San Jacinto College Style. She teaches dance at Wash., this summer. Her choreography of the May 2. They live in Nacogdoches. Cathy Nguyen La Porte High School. ’05, B.B.A. human resource piece The Awkwardness of Argyle, was selected Jason Schmoker ’08, B.S. criminal justice, is management, is state tax analyst at TFI Ben Miller ’06, B.S. electrical engineering, is a to receive the Choreography Award. She lives an officer in the Beaumont Police Resources Inc. in Houston. She lives in reliability engineer at Entergy in Conroe. He in China. Department. He lives in Lumberton. Pearland. lives in The Woodlands. Whitney (Jordan) Matak ’07, B.S. nursing, is a Kirsten (Richard) Soliz John Sherrod Jr ’08, B.A. history, teaches in ’05, B.B.A. manage- Lauren Netterville ’06, B.S. psychology, teach- registered nurse at Christus Hospital St. the Flour Bluff school district. He lives in ment information systems, ’05, M.B.A. busi- es second grade in the Cypress-Fairbanks Elizabeth and lives in Beaumont with her Corpus Christi, with his wife, Heather ness administration, is associate buyer for school district, where she lives. husband, James ’06, A.A.S. processing oper- (Shores) ’06, B.S. communication disorders, Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. in Port ating technology, who works at ExxonMobil. Arthur. She lives in Nederland with her hus- Pragnesh Patel ’06, M.E. engineering, is a ’08, M.Ed. special education. stress engineer at Bechtel in Houston, where Penny (McDowell) Miller ’07, B.A.A.S. applied band, Eric. Cristina (Conwell) ’08, B.G.S. general studies, he lives. arts and sciences, is federal case manager for Kasey Tanner and Todd Shuford married November 22. ’05, B.S. communication disor- Cornell Companies McCabe Center in Eric Perez ’06, B.G.S. general studies, serves They live in Houston. ders, is a speech pathologist at Texas Children’s Austin. She lives in Del Valle. in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad, Hospital in Houston, where she lives. Paul Stropko ’08, M.S. deaf studies/deaf edu- Iraq. His wife, Heather (Deaton) ’09, B.G.S. Julie Mooneyham ’07, B.S. communication, is Wesley Tunnell cation, lives in Austin with his wife, Liz 5 6 ’05, B.G.S. general studies, general studies, works at Keller Williams in marketing director at American Personnel (Ramirez) ’06, B.S. interdisciplinary studies, works for Charbonnet Inc. and lives in Harker Heights. and Temps in Beaumont, where she lives. Groesbeck. ’07, M.S. deaf studies/deaf education. Kimberly Pulito ’06, B.S. communication, is Mustafa Rampurwala ’07, M.E. mechanical Nicholas Wright Chandra Vemuri ’08, M.E. civil engineering, is ’05, B.S. criminal justice, is executive of human resources for Target and engineering, is an engineer at KMM a civil and structural engineer at CB&I in an officer in the Beaumont Police lives in Lake Jackson. Technologies in Houston, where he lives with Beaumont, where he lives with his wife, Department. He lives in Vidor. his wife, Fatema. Peter Pulumbarit ’06, B.B.A. management Archana (Vaddi) ’08, M.E.S. chemical engi- Brandy Bowman ’06, B.G.S. general studies, is information systems, is business analyst for Emily (Wright) ’07, B.B.A. marketing, and neering. She is also employed by CB&I. a financial analyst at Tax Masters Inc. and Tripex Consulting Inc. in Bellevue, Wash., Brian Shook ’07, B.G.S. general studies, were Catherine (Seidman) Warmack ’08, B.M. lives in Houston. where he lives. married May 2. Emily is a real estate agent music, teaches violin at the Texas Academy of Tina Bunnell with Coldwell Banker Southern Homes, and ’06, B.B.A. accounting, is audit Rosie (Connley) Sellers ’06, B.G.S. general Music. She lives in Beaumont. Brian works at Scallon Controls in associate with KPMG in Honolulu. She and studies, is a senior administrative associate at Beaumont. They live in Lumberton. Christy (Thomas) ’09, B.A. history, and her husband, Casey, live in Mililani, Hawaii. Lamar University in the College of Education Matthew Jones married March 7. They live They have one son. and Human Development. She lives in Janet (Buck) Weinert ’07, Au.D. audiology, is 8 9 in Fannett. Heidi (Thompson) Butaud ’06, B.G.S. general Beaumont with her husband, Abron, who is a clinical audiologist at Austin Diagnostic studies, teaches special education at Cypress a materials expediter at Lamar University. Clinic in Austin. She lives in Georgetown. 1. Ken ’92 and Wendy Pajak 2. Carol (Reindel) Edgerley ’80, Linda (Embs) LeBlanc ’75 and Janice (Bennett) Trammell ’85, ’94 Falls High School. She lives in Houston with Shafi Shaik ’06, M.S. chemistry, is a scientist Josh Yawn ’07, B.S. communication, was a her husband, Reagan, and their three children. 3. From left, Jenny Achilles ’03, Toni Nelson, Elena Korbut ’05 and James Nelson ’61 4. Paul and Phyllis Zeek, left, with for Capricorn Pharma Inc. in Frederick, Md., guest host on the Game Show Network in JoAnne (Sellers) ’74, ’80, and Steve Huber ’76 5. The view across the hills of Dripping Springs 6. Dean Jack Hopper, left, where he lives. April. He was selected as a finalist in the Jake Angelo ’62 and Tim Salles ’74 7. Patricia Adams ’70, left, and Marilyn (Spears) Hopper ’74 8. From left, Bill and Mary nationwide Game Show Network’s “Play 7 Brian Sherman ’06, B.S. communication, is Mitchell, First Lady Susan (Williams) Simmons ’68 and Judy and David Beck ’61 9. Janary (James) ’92 and Wilmer Roberts ’81

54 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 55 class notes

We will miss... Friends Bill Daughtry ’56, B.B.A. management, died April 12, 2009. Adarena (Green) Johnson ’75, M.Ed. special Lamar earns spot on national list May 21, 2009. Judy (Premeaux) LaBauve ’67, B.B.A. education, died May 29, 2009. Catherine Clark, died April 30, 2009. Ann (Manry) Hentschel ’56, B.S. music, died accounting, ’68, M.B.A. business administra- Mary (Carter) Lowe ’75, certif. vocational Donations may be made to the Catherine March 19, 2009. tion, died March 26, 2009. nursing, died April 26, 2009. Hurley Clark Scholarship in Nursing at Lamar University made payable to the Lamar Earl Smith Sr. ’57, B.B.A. general business, Glenn Bailey ’68, B.B.A. management, died John Hamilton ’76, A.A.S. drafting technolo- University Foundation, P.O. Box 11500, died Jan. 22, 2009. March 5, 2009. gy, died Jan. 25, 2009. LU only public college in Texas to do so Beaumont, Texas 77710. Bob Dismukes ’58, B.S. mechanical engineer- Mary Colletti ’68, B.S. elementary education, Arnold Smith Sr. ’76, B.A. psychology, died ing, died May 5, 2009. ’69, M.Ed. elementary education, died April 2, 2009. amar University gained academic affairs, said he knew that Lamar Retirees Mildred (Long) Mallett ’58, B.S. elementary May 27, 2009. Ellen (Anderson) Vickery ’76, certif. vocational national attention this University was a great place to work from the Louis Cantu Dorothy Becker, vocational nursing, died education, ’63, M.Ed. elementary education, ’69, B.A. government, died nursing, ’82, A.A.S. nursing, died summer as one of 2009’s time he arrived in 2001. March 10, 2009. died May 13, 2009. April 2, 2009. April 23, 2009. Great Colleges to Work For. “What’s gratifying to know is that our facul- Hunter Schmidt Jr. James Nicholas Ella (Smith) Young Myrtle Bell, department head and dean of the ’58, B.A. history, died ’69, B.S. electrical engineer- ’76, B.S. home economics, The Chronicle of Higher ty and staff—the people who make this university March 2, 2009. ing, died March 25, 2009. died Jan. 1, 2009. College of Health and Behavorial Sciences, Education, the nation’s run—feel that way, too,” Doblin said. “They’re died April 6, 2009. Robert Czaja ’59, B.S. electrical engineering, James Wren ’69, B.B.A. marketing, died Steven Herod ’77, A.A.S. refrigeration and air leading source of news for the people who make this a great place to work.” George Bryan Jr., professor of biology, died died April 28, 2009. May 28, 2009. conditioning technology, died March 14, 2009. Jan. 17, 2009. Charles Gibbs -59, occupational training, died Patricia (Heard) Fort ’70, certif. vocational Bryan Lewis ’77, B.S. health education, died and about colleges and universities, named Lamar Recognition in a national publication like Ed Eveland, died May 9, 2009. Memorials Jan. 26, 2009. nursing, died April 24, 2009. March 14, 2009. Lto its Great Colleges honor roll because of the The Chronicle of Higher Education will alert may be made to Lamar University, James Moxon ’59, B.S. geology, died Vivian (Thomas) Gibson ’70, M.Ed. elementary Willie Myrick ’77, A.A.S. mid-management, number of categories in which it was recognized others, such as potential employees and potential Department of Geology, P.O. Box 10011, Jan. 23, 2009. education, died March 14, 2009. died March 2, 2009. for best practices. LU was one of 39 colleges students, to the great atmosphere Lamar Beaumont, Texas 77710. Paul Pierson Eleanor (Hubbard) Hasson Leta (Currie) Marshall ’59, B.B.A. general business, ’70, B.S. elementary ’78, B.A. French, died nationwide—and the only public college in University offers, Doblin said. Nancy Jones, died Jan. 24, 2009. died Feb. 5, 2009. education, ’76, M.Ed. elementary education, Feb. 20, 2009. Texas—on the list. It joined institutions including Jana Daigle, president of the LU Staff Philip Latimer, professor of mathematics, died Dorothy (Dougharty) LaHaye ’60, B.A. English, died March 6, 2009. Ellenore Yellott ’78, certif. nursing, died Feb. 13, 2009. died Feb. 18, 2009. Harshad Shah ’70, M.B.A. business May 25, 2009. Cornell University, Duke University and the Senate, also saw the recognition as confirmation Betty Snyder, John Gray Library, died March Dick Phelps ’60, B.S. civil engineering, died administration, died May 12, 2009. Roger Pearce ’79, B.B.A. accounting, died University of Notre Dame on the Honor Roll. of something the university’s 1,200 employees 7, 2009. Nov. 25, 2008. Bessie (Corfmann) Yarbrough ’70, M.Ed. coun- March 4, 2009. Valentin Andreev, 2009-2010 Faculty already know. James Andersen ’61, B.S. electrical engineer- seling and development, died April 14, 2009. Richard Rice Jr. ’79, B.S. elementary What’s gratifying Senate president, said he was extremely happy “It is an honor to work here. It’s fun to Sadie (Harris) Forston Alumni ing, died March 21, 2009. ’71, B.S. elementary education, ’87, B.F.A. studio art, died but not surprised to hear the news because of work here. It’s like a giant family,” said Daigle, education, ’76, M.Ed. elementary education, April 8, 2009. Clara (Dunshie) English ’34, A.A. general Howard Collins Jr. ’61, certif. diesel mechanics, to know is that our died April 17, 2009. the tremendous spirit and high morale among who works in IT customer support services. studies, died April 15, 2009. died May 20, 2009. James David ’81, B.B.A. marketing, died Randy Arnaud ’72, B.S. secondary education, March 12, 2009. faculty and staff—the Lamar employees in recent years. Staff members know they have support from Newton Hopkins Sr. ’35, A.A. general studies, William Cook Jr. ’62, B.S. industrial engineer- died May 11, 2009. “It is very easy to work on campus. It gives all levels of administration, starting with the died Feb. 17, 2009. ing, died May 4, 2009. Sheila Perry ’84, M.Ed. special education, people who make Jessie Gonzalez ’72, B.A. Spanish, died died May 22, 2009. you a positive feeling when you see how the president, she said. Cora Davis ’39, A.A. general studies, died Eleanor Dippel ’62, certif. vocational nursing, March 15, 2009. March 19, 2009. died Feb. 4, 2009. Lawrence Hartzell ’86, B.S. industrial this university run— campus has improved and see these new buildings. “If you have happy employees, you have Lonnie McCain ’72, A.A.S. mid-management, technology, died March 26, 2009. Claude Brown ’40, A.A. general studies, died Kenneth Spidle ’62, B.B.A. business We hire good faculty and good staff, and that helps an efficient workplace, and that’s going to show died May 31, 2009. “ administration, died May 4, 2009. Walter Meredith ’86, A.A.S. industrial feel that way, too. May 23, 2009. very much,” said Andreev, associate professor of with your customers,” Daigle said. Marjorie (Parker) O’Krongly ’72, certif. supervision, died April 7, 2009. Ole Johnson Jr. ’40, A.A. general studies, died Donald Hicks ’63, B.S. mathematics, died mathematics. “The president and provost have More than 300 colleges signed up for the Jan. 4, 2009. vocational nursing, died April 5, 2009. Marian (Kestler) Wall ’86, B.S. secondary March 3, 2009. —STEVE DOBLIN Emilio Rogo Jr. ’72, B.A. history, died education, died May 15, 2009. really shown their ability to be effective and Great Colleges to Work For program and 247 Bessie (Woodham) Hebert ’41, A.A. general Josephine (Eversol) McDaniel ’63, B.S. ele- May 28, 2009. positive. Faculty and staff have responded.” completed the entire process this spring. The studies, died April 26, 2009. mentary education, died March 8, 2009. Theresa (Bourda) Narcisse ’87, A.S. law Jane (Carlsen) Short ’72, B.S. mathematics, enforcement, died March 8, 2009. Andreev said the challenge now will be for program recognized 122 four-year colleges and Fred Fontana Sr. ’42, A.A. general studies, Helen (Focht) Reeburgh ’63, B.A. English, ’89, died Feb. 10, 2009. died May 24, 2009. B.F.A. studio art, died Feb. 24, 2009. Kevin Gunn ’90, A.A.S. business data Lamar to continue to meet these high standards universities in at least one of 26 categories and Larry Boyette ’73, B.S. health education, died processing, died Feb. 7, 2009. HONOR ROLL Mary (Eubank) Carper ’43, A.A. general stud- Tom Gossett ’64, certif. machine tools, died and improve the atmosphere even more. honored 28 two-year colleges in at least one of March 4, 2009. ies, died Feb. 3, 2009. May 12, 2009. Leslie (Bowles) Rasnick ’92, B.S. interdiscipli- Cornell University Overall, the Great Colleges to Work For 15 categories. Barbara (Jordan) Lott ’73, B.S. elementary nary studies, ’97, M.Ed. counseling and Alce Cortez -42, occupational training, died Thomas McGill Jr. ’64, B.S. electrical engineer- education, ’81, M.Ed. elementary education, development, died May 27, 2009. Duke University survey recognized 150 colleges and universities The Chronicle worked with human Feb. 8, 2009. ing, died March 19, 2009. ” died May 5, 2009. Gwendolyn Bruno ’94, B.A.A.S. applied arts nationwide for best practices in one or more resources consulting company Modern Think Joseph Condon Sr. Thomas Minaldi Jr. -64, business, died -42, died February 16, 2009. William Simonton Emory University May 3, 2009. ’73, B.S. industrial and sciences, died March 7, 2009. categories based on responses from administrators, to conduct the survey, which was based on an William Fuller Jr. ’44, A.A. general studies, engineering, died April 20, 2009. Tanya (Loftin) Musick Glenn Montet ’64, B.S. biology, died ’99, B.S. criminal George Mason University faculty and professional staff. assessment tool used in more than 55 Best died May 21, 2009. Debra (Leger) Dean May 6, 2009. ’74, B.S. elementary justice, died May 19, 2009. Robert Bobbitt Among the categories in which LU was Places to Work programs with more than 4,000 ’47, A.A. general studies, died education, died April 14, 2009. John Pigg Georgia Institute of Technology Mary (Harmon) Milner ’65, B.S. elementary ’02, B.A.A.S. applied arts and sci- recognized for best practices were healthy faculty- organizations. April 28, 2009. Anne (Castillo) Jordan education, died March 5, 2009. ’74, B.B.A. office ences, ’02, B.S. computer and information Oliver Bertram ’48, A.A. general studies, died administration, died March 4, 2009. science, died March 29, 2009. Lamar University administration relations; respect and appreciation; “Despite the down economy, colleges are still Sandra (Nobles) Scott ’65, B.F.A. graphic Feb. 19, 2009. James David Spreckels Tara (Knobloch) Swanson collaborative governance; job satisfaction; confi- hiring,” said Jeffrey Selingo, editor of The Chronicle design, died March 7, 2009. ’74, B.A. English, ’89, ’04, B.S. interdisci- University of Mississippi Patricia (Lybarger) Brown ’48, certif. general M.A. English, died May 25, 2009. plinary studies, died Feb. 14, 2009. dence in fair treatment; internal communications; of Higher Education. “Through this program, James Shelton ’66, certif. diesel mechanics, studies, died Feb. 3, 2009. Porter West Terry Burleigh University of Notre Dame died April 27, 2009. ’74, B.S. electrical engineering, ’04, B.S. communication, died work/life balance; professional/career-develop- The Chronicle is able to provide more information Rufus Mills Sr. ’48, A.A. general studies, died died April 12, 2009. March 31, 2009. Doris (Dodd) Velasquez ’66, B.S. speech, died Webster University ment programs; confidence in senior leadership; to job seekers about the colleges that are the March 22, 2009. Betty (Lindsay) Bell Mary (Phil) Moore March 30, 2009. ’75, certif. vocational ’06, B.G.S. general studies, policies, resources and efficiency; and supervisor leading innovators when it comes to providing a William Orr ’48, certif. general studies, died nursing, died March 13, 2009. died April 27, 2009. Jan. 16, 2009. Bobby Wise ’66, certif. refrigeration and air relationship. rewarding work environment.”—BG conditioning technology, died April 16, 2009. J. P. Savarino ’49, A.A. general studies, died Steve Doblin, provost and vice president for Jan. 14, 2009. Robert D’Armond ’67, certif. refrigeration and air conditioning technology, died

56 | CARDINAL CADENCE 37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 57 BYRON DYER spent his childhood and teen years in Mont Belvieu and around the surrounding Houston environs. He initially enrolled at Baylor University before his education was interrupted and he served in the Army during the Korean War. The best Upon his return in 1955, he enrolled at Lamar and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geology in 1957. His first jobs were of with oil exploration companies that eventually landed him a district manager position with King Resources in Houston. Dyer jumped at the chance to work for T. Boone Pickens and Mesa Petroleum as a division manager, but, after several by Larry Acker years, decided to become an independent geologist and formed the Sierra Production Co. In 1982, he was presented the oppor- Lamar tunity to develop a U.S subsidiary for Norcen Explorer Inc., a Canadian oil and gas company. He spent the next 15 years as These three Cardinal alumni join the president and CEO of Norcen before retiring. Under his leadership, Norcen became a leading company in offshore oil and gas leading ranks of Lamar University exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. His retirement, however, was short lived. He moved into the banking industry, where he enjoyed a second career as chairman of the Community Bank of Katy until Sterling Bancshares purchased the bank in 2002, Distinguished Alumni. leading him, at last, into an enduring retirement. In 1957, Dyer was credited with the discovery of a new mineral called Chambersite, named for the county in which it was first found. Brine returns from a gas storage well yielded mysterious crystals, the likes of which he had never seen. He and a mineralogist provided a complete scientific description of the new mineral. Dyer has been married to the former Connie Mayes for more than 50 years, and they have three children, Jeff, John and Kelly. They are also blessed with six grandchildren, Blaine, Sheridan, Lamar hadn’t been a four Grayson, and triplets Mackenzie, Madison and Lane. LARRY BEAULIEU took a roundabout path to year college very long when Southeast Texas and Lamar University. Born and raised I enrolled back in 1955. The in the Dallas area, he initially enrolled at Texas Tech geology department was Lamar University Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner University with the intent to study electrical engineer- perhaps“ the strongest on Saturday, September 19, 2009 | 6:30 p.m. ing. Once he realized the math requirements involved in campus at the time because $40 per person | Reservations required an engineering degree plan, he changed the channel to of the petroleum industry. It’s For reservations and information, please call the Alumni office, (409) 880-8921. another love, mass communication. His work as an a real honor to be recognized announcer at both the Tech and local radio stations led in this fashion. I appreciate him to his first real job as a television producer, photog- what Lamar has done for PAUL FREGIA grew up with his maternal grandmother’s southern “comfort” food on rapher, reporter and eventually to the anchor desk. In me in my career. I became the Sunday dinner table. As a tribute to her, in 1994, Fregia established Grandma Maud’s 1974, made the move to Beaumont, where he would president and CEO of one Inc., a Chicago-based company dedicated to bringing this traditional American cuisine to the build a television career regarded by his peers with masses with convenient preparation that even his grandmother would endorse. of the leading petroleum It’s a wonderful distinction admiration. Last year, the National Academy of His career began as a 1981 graduate of Lamar University with a bachelor’s degree in companies in the industry, to be honored as a Television Arts and Sciences Lone Star Chapter electrical engineering. He also earned a master’s degree in business administration from so Lamar must have done distinguished Lamar alum. Southeast Texas is a great welcomed him into its Silver Circle for his quarter- the Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University. something right by me. I think the world of Lamar place to live and raise a century in broadcasting. “Going from electrical engineer to food service really isn’t as dramatic as one may and to be“ recognized for family, and a big draw for this Beaulieu came to CBS affiliate KFDM-TV as the think,” he said. “Like most engineers, I ended up in management. Container Corp. of some of the work I’ve done area is Lamar University. news director, producer and anchor. Although gainfully America was owned by Mobil Oil, and I was being trained as an officer of the company. It BYRON DYER ’57 is an extraordinary feeling. To me, “Lamar is a prime employed in his chosen field, he continued his mass was that experience that led me to earn the MBA.” Corporate and entrepreneurial man- I feel like I’m representing catalyst for undergirding and communication studies at Lamar and graduated in agement have become hallmarks of his career. He has served as a business confidant to more than just myself. supporting economic and 1977. He was named general manager in 1983. Along the way he married Nancy, his Tiger Woods for more than five years. He was an original member of “Team Tiger,” industrial development in this wife and companion of 41 years. They have two children, Lara and Brad, and” one responsible for orchestrating the transformation of the young phenom into a professional area. I’m not sure I’ve done granddaughter, Maggie. golfer. He was the agent for the best-selling book Training a Tiger, authored by Earl PAUL FREGIA ’81 anything to be worthy of this “I didn’t want to leave my degree hanging, so it was more of a personal accom- Woods, and was the founding executive director of the Tiger Woods Foundation. Fregia great honor, but it’s humbling plishment for me to complete my degree at Lamar,” Beaulieu said. “They allowed me has also held management positions with Hewlett-Packard and Damron Corp. He is a for me to be named a credit toward my degree if I taught an introduction to radio class. I found out quickly recipient of the prestigious Chicago Tribune’s Good Eating Award and is an inductee into the National African-American distinguished alumnus from how difficult it is to teach, even teaching something you know very well.” Culinary Arts & Hospitality Museum. an institution that has the ” Beaulieu has been active in the community in many leadership positions. He The attrition rate for black students in engineering became a matter of concern for Fregia, and, with the guidance of respect and prestige that also serves Texas Tech and Lamar as a member of their respective mass communication Richard Price, retired Lamar University professor of mathematics, he was instrumental in chartering the Lamar chapter of the Lamar enjoys. advisory councils. He represented Lamar University as a Texas State University System National Society of Black Engineers. His involvement with this organization and with other student organizations on campus legislative liaison. The Lamar graduate has been named a distinguished alumnus of LU continues today. Fregia said, “With all the positive changes that have happened at Lamar in the past 10 years, it’s practically a and Texas Tech Department of Communication, a recipient of the Freedom Leadership new school.” LARRY BEAULIEU ’77 Award and Pioneer Broadcaster of the Year and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow Fregia is married to Dr. Adrienne Fregia and they have two children, Danielle and Preston. by Rotary International.

58 | CARDINAL CADENCE”37:2 AUGUST 2009 AUGUST 2009 37:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 59 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE LAMAR UNIVERSITY PAID Member of The Texas State University System PERMIT NO. 54 BEAUMONT, TX 77710 P.O. Box 10011 Now is the time to invest Beaumont, TX 77710 in Lamar, invest in our students, invest in the future of Southeast Texas...

growing number of Lamar University’s friends are enjoying the benefit and satisfaction of planned A gifts that help both donor and student. “With a little planning, a gift to the university can help LOOK AHEAD achieve your financial, philanthropic and estate-planning goals,” said Floyd McSpadden, director of planned giving at Lamar since June 1. “Properly structured planned gifts can allow you to realize income tax and capital gains tax savings as well as and give back reduce your exposure to estate taxes. They can provide lifetime income for you or future benefits for your family. Want to leave a legacy? Create opportunity for others? Planned gifts can be much larger than other gifts, so you Help future generations realize their potential through the can leave a legacy that fits your philanthropic goals,” gift of education? Make your dream come true for the McSpadden said. “These goals can be met through university you love. established planned giving strategies.” Planned giving is a significant part of Investing in The Future: The Campaign for Lamar University. More than $58 million has been raised in the comprehensive campaign. Planned gifts are expected to become an important part of the funds raised toward the campaign’s $100 million goal, said Camille Mouton, vice president for university advancement. Planned Giving is a complex program of various financial instruments that can be adapted to each donor’s needs and requires consideration and planning in light of the donor’s overall estate plan, McSpadden said. “With your goals in mind, we can work with you and your professional advisors to find the strategies that work best for you,” McSpadden said. “Just give us a call.”

“Properly structured planned gifts can Floyd F. McSpadden Jr. Director, Planned Giving, University Advancement allow you to realize income tax and (409) 880-8422 | [email protected] capital gains tax savings as well as reduce your exposure to estate taxes. A member of the state bar since 1973, McSpadden has been board certified in estate planning and probate law They can provide lifetime income for since 1994 and was a member of the College of the State you or future benefits for your family.” Bar of Texas. He is a member of the Real Estate, Probate & Trust Section of the State Bar of Texas. —FLOYD MCSPADDEN