b e r 1 2 0 0 7 Real-World Experience n U M Vitamin E and Breast Cancer

e 8 , Coach Lou; Televised Turf

lum t h e m a g a z i n e o f t h e ULM v o U niversity of Lo u i s i a n a M o n r o e

Dramatic Accomplishments Highlight the Arts ommitted to supporting a culture of excellence, we at the University of Louisiana at Monroe dedicate C ourselves to the quality of student learning and student life. Our latest issue of the ULM Magazine amply demonstrates that commitment, as we take a look at a few of the individuals who make ULM the vigorous institution it is today. We begin with a spotlight on our three new deans, fully prepared to direct their colleges to ever-increasing achievement. While they build upon the foundation established by their predecessors, the new deans augment these successes through their unwavering support for competitive standards and program accreditation. Dr. Sandra Lemoine, Dr. Denny Ryman, James & Deborah Cofer and Dr. Jeffrey Cass look to bring quality instruction and research to the campus. You can find academic and professional success all over campus. Consider the following: n Paul Sylvester, an innovative pharmacy professor, received a $618,000 research grant funding the investigation of vitamins A and E in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. n With the assistance of our faculty, our students are traveling the world gaining real-world experience to build on the knowledge they are acquiring in their classrooms. They’re interning at highly-competitive places such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Canada’s Ernst & Young, the second largest CPA firm in the world. n Catching the state of Louisiana’s attention with the unveiling of the Visual and Performing Arts’ Louisiana Lyric Opera, ULM contributes to both the cultural and economic capital of the state, earning inclusion in the World Cultural Economic Forum n The Athletics Department continues to produce impressive contributions by alumni like Stan Humphries, faculty like triathlete and Team USA member Lisa Colvin, and university greats like Coach Lou St. Amant. n Alumni have assumed leadership roles at Walt Disney World and The Women’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, they have brought their legal expertise to bear upon social issues, and they have walked the halls of the Space Camp Hall of Fame. Alumni are distinguished in their careers, interested in social justice, and generous in their gifts back to the community. We are so proud of their accomplishments. There is no stopping the enthusiasm and drive of ULM students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Our record-breaking Student Satisfaction Survey results showcase just that. We hope you enjoy the following look at what your support for ULM has wrought. president’s letter president’s

James E. Cofer, Sr. President contents tU h e ma g a z i ne o f L t h e U n i ve r s i tM y o f L ou i s i ana M on r oe Features VOLUME 8, Number 1 2007 for art’s sake Executive Editor Don A. Skelton, Sr. Editorial Board 8 The School of Visual and Don A. Skelton, Sr. Performing Arts take center stage— Toni Bacon (BA ‘94) on campus and in the region. Keith Brown Karina Craighead (BA ’03) Susan Duggins (BBA ’77) Laura Harris Anne Lockhart (BBA ’86) Barbara Michaelides experience required Eric Pani Tommy Walpole (BA ’83, MA ’89) 14 Internships make it Lindsey Wilkerson real. Students get a taste of Other Contributors a profession, make contacts Claudia Evans Deborah Lindley that lead to post-graduation Sara Palazzo jobs––and have a great time. Diana Pinckley Tommy Walpole (BA ’83, MA ’89)

Photography John Carr Arely D. Castillo (BA ’02, MA ’05) Mary Dawson Philip Gould Bryan Johnson Neil Johnson vitamin e Richard Lupo (BA ’87) John Sutherlin 20 Can a form of vitamin E Design prevent breast cancer? A ULM Zehno Cross Media Communications scientist explores the potential. President James E. Cofer, Sr. Departments Vice President for University Advancement Don A. Skelton, Sr. 2 News n n Executive Director of Students Grade ULM New Deans Alumni Relations n DeSiard Facelift n Gator TV Keith Brown n Stan Humphries’ Drive n Coach Lou President, ULM Alumni n Letters to the Editor Association Paul H. Wilkening (BA ‘83, MA ‘85) 24 Alumni News The ULM Magazine is published semiannually for members of the ULM Alumni Association n Class Notes n Profiles n Student Honors and friends by the University of Louisiana Monroe and the ULM Alumni Association. Letters and comments should be sent to: 32 Point of View ULM Magazine 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209-2500 On the Cover Phone: (318) 342-5440 Fax: (318) 342-5446 Corey Trahan in the role of Seymour, negotiates with Audrey, the hungry plant (played by puppeteer Scott E-mail: [email protected] Flanagan and voice by Stephen Seals) in Little Shop of Horrors, the premiere offering of Louisiana Lyric Letters and comments may be published and edited for length. Opera (see story, page 8) Contents © 2007 by the University of Louisiana Monroe and the ULM Alumni Association. All rights Inside Back Cover: Shadows lengthen in front of Sandel Hall, current home to the bookstore and the reserved. The University of Louisiana Monroe is a member of the University of Louisiana System. Office of Recruitment and Admissions. Following a scheduled $8.3 million renovation, Sandel will become a convenient “one-stop shop”, consolidating all student-related administrative functions in one area. newsCampus

Students give ULM high marks

niversity of Louisiana at Monroe students past five years to the diligence of faculty and staff. have rated ULM higher than ever before on a “The initiatives of our faculty and staff both U national student satisfaction survey—which inside and outside the classroom are working. also found that ULM students are happier with The things our faculty are doing with our students their education than those at other institutions. are clearly what they want and what they need. ACT, the organization known for its college These survey results reflect that,” he said. entrance exams, conducts the annual Student Opinion Survey. Overall student satisfaction at Students say ULM IS ULM is 3.99, above the national average of 3.93 outstanding in these areas: on a five-point scale. • Concern for you as an individual Among the items the students praised most • Instruction in major field highly: the faculty’s attitude toward students, • Course content in major field value of advice from advisors, preparation for • Student voice in college policies future occupations, availability of faculty outside • Classroom facilities the classroom, and ULM facilities and programs. • Student Union This is no surprise to ULM President James Source: ACT Student Opinion Survey (Four-Year Colleges) 2007 Cofer. He credits much of ULM’s success over the

Last summer the DeSiard lots were demolished and replaced with redesigned lots that feature additional entrances. Using ULM’s blonde brick motif, accented with wrought iron and monument entrance markers, the front of campus is now an impressive sight. “ULM’s campus is a true example of an exterior that reflects an inner confidence,” said ULM President James Cofer. “The DeSiard Street Renaissance, which provides ULM with an attractive and formal entrance to our university, significantly adds to that confidence.” ULM Facilities, Inc., a non-profit university- affiliate organization, arranged for financing and construction of the $5.5 million DeSiard Street DeSiard Street Renaissance rises Renaissance and the Intermodal Transportation he front of ULM along DeSiard Street has Facility projects, with the assistance of a fresh look with major renovations to the Congressman Rodney Alexander, and the T parking lots, including a new brick and U.S. Department of Transportation and other decorative wrought iron fence. federal funding.

 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu campusnews

Three of ULM’s five colleges have new deans this fall. They are, from left, Jeffrey Cass in the College of Arts and Sciences, Sandra M. Lemoine in the College of Education and Human Development, and Denny G. Ryman in the College of Health Sciences.

Three new deans take helm

he fall semester at the University of Louisiana The new dean of Arts and Sciences, Jeffrey at Monroe welcomes three new deans— Cass, was previously associate provost at Texas TSandra M. Lemoine in the College of Educa- A&M International University in Laredo, Texas. tion and Human Development, Jeffrey Cass in the “So far, my experience as dean of Arts and College of Arts and Sciences, and Denny G. Sciences can only be described as exhilarating,” Ryman in the College of Health Sciences. Cass said. “The college has so many different Lemoine comes to ULM from Lander University kinds of personnel and programs that I never in Greenwood, S.C., where she served as dean of know what to expect when I come to work each the College of Education morning. I like the challenges, the culture, the and professor of physi- faculty, the students, cal education and I felt that this was a my fellow adminis- exercise science. university with a clear vision trators. I’m delighted “When I interviewed for the future. to be here.” for the position I was Denny G. Ryman, — Dean Sandra M. Lemoine very impressed with the the new head of energy here at ULM,” Health Sciences, Lemoine said. “I felt that this was a university was interim associate dean in the Division of Allied with a clear vision for the future. Now at the end Health in the School of Health Sciences at of two months on the job, I am both humbled and Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. exhilarated. It is certainly exciting to be in a “I feel privileged to be at an institution poised position to make positive changes.” for growth in so many areas,” Ryman said. “In “We have begun work on several initiatives in particular, the College of Health Sciences has a the College of Education and Human stellar history of outstanding faculty and quality Development, including reaccreditation, recruit- graduates, qualities that attracted me to ULM. I ing and retaining top faculty, staff and students, look forward to my tenure at ULM’s College of and strategic planning. I am truly proud to be Health Sciences as enrollment increases, under- working with a faculty and staff who demonstrate graduate and graduate programs are developed, daily their professionalism, creativity, and dedica- and unique teaching methodologies are imple- tion to students and to ULM.” mented that enhances the educational experi- ences and meets the health care needs of the people of Louisiana.”

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe  newsCampus

ULM biology researchers to be featured on Discovery Channel’s “Animal Planet”

LM biology professor The Icon Films crew documented Carr and John Carr and his students’ innovative research methods for a U graduate student show on Discovery Channel’s “Animal Planet.” Amity Bass recently guided The one-hour segment is anticipated to appear on a film crew from Bristol, “Nick Baker’s Weird Creatures 2,” a television England, on a tour of Black series that features unique and unusual animals Bayou Lake National overlooked by most nature documentaries. Host Wildlife Refuge. For the Nick Baker accompanied the crew, which also cameras, Carr and Bass filmed the overall swamp environment. shed light on one of the The series is scheduled to air in the United lake’s top predators, the Kingdom in January 2008 and at yet-to-be Alligator Snapping Turtle, determined dates in the United States and also considered a species internationally on Discovery Channel’s of conservation concern. “Animal Planet.” Amity Bass poses with an alligator snapping turtle.

Two ULM programs make accreditation headlines

he long-term care concentration of the geron- tology graduate program is now the first in T the U.S. to be nationally accredited. The cutting-edge credential comes from The National Association of Boards of Examiners of Long Term James Bulot Charles Pryor Care Administrators. “This designation recognizes the excellent work of faculty and students in the gerontology ULM’s Marriage and Family Therapy program is program,”said James Bulot, head of the also progressing. ULM is now one of only 13 U.S. Department of Gerontology, Sociology and universities to offer both an accredited M.A. and Political Science. “Students, wherever they an accredited Ph.D. in MFT. are enrolled, can sit for licensure just about The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage anywhere.” and Family Therapy Education granted the M.A. an accreditation renewal for six years and the Students, wherever they are Ph.D. an initial accreditation for six years. enrolled, can sit for “The MFT program will prepare graduates licensure just about anywhere. to be therapists, leaders and faculty locally, nationally and internationally,” said Charles Pryor, Educational Leadership and Counseling department head.

 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu Sportsnews

A leader then, a leader now

he lead-in to a story originally aired by TV-4 in San Diego, Calif., on Nov. 11, 2004 stated, T “There are some names in sports that just conjure up a good feeling. Stan Humphries is one of those names, one of those guys.” Known as a gutsy quarterback who played with great determination, Humphries’ competitive spirit and leadership skills have helped mold championship teams throughout his personal and professional life. The Humphries (l-r) Chelsea, Stan, Brooke, Connie He was named a prep All-American at Southwood High School in Shreveport and a donation to create the Brooke Humphries Fund, first-team All-American at ULM (then NLU) after with the initial goal of renovating the family waiting leading his team to the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA room in the orthopedic surgery unit of the San National Championship. Diego Children’s Hospital. Today, the “Brooke Drafted in 1988 by Washington, Humphries Humphries Field of Champions,” a football-themed spent four years with the Redskins before being waiting area, hosts more than 33,000 children traded to San Diego in 1992. During the next six annually. Other contributions have been the years, he led the Chargers to the playoffs three times and remains the “Of everything I’ve ever done, I think only Charger quarterback to post an I’ve enjoyed most the past five years AFC Championship and Super Bowl of being around them (daughters appearance. For these accomplish- Brooke and Chelsea) and watching ments, Humphries is an inductee into them achieve success.” the ULM Sports Hall of Fame, San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame, and the purchase of a van for the hospital’s home care Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. program and support of the chaplain program. Just six months after guiding the Chargers to Stan and Connie Humphries host the Stan the Super Bowl, Humphries and his wife Connie Humphries Celebrity Golf Classic each spring in discovered their oldest daughter Brooke, 6 at the San Diego, a tournament stop on the National time, needed a major operation to correct a birth Celebrity Players Tour. Proceeds from the tourna- defect in her heart. Following a six-hour surgery, ment ticket sales and auction items have raised they learned that Brooke would be fine. approximately $1 million for the Brooke But that challenging experience would shape Humphries Fund. “I can’t thank Alex Spanos future decisions regarding his professional career. enough for what he started,” Humphries says. The next year, after suffering a series of concus- “We’ve taken it and run with it, trying to make it sions, Humphries announced his retirement, bigger and better each year.” saying, “There have been a lot of great times, but Today, Humphries enjoys what he considers his football is my past and my family is my future” #1 passion—spending time with his family. Clearly, At his retirement ceremony, owner Alex Spanos Stan Humphries is leading another championship announced the Chargers were making a $100,000 team, this time as an All-American Dad. www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe  newsSports

‘Color’ him Coach Lou

hen describing ULM icon covering basketball and baseball. He Coach Louis “Lou” J. St. was instrumental in the design and W Amant and his substantial construction of Warhawk Field, ULM’s legacy, the sentiment is enthusiastic. baseball stadium. “Coach St. Amant and his lovely “Miss Marilyn has been a steadfast wife, Marilyn, are interwoven into the fan and behind-the-scenes supporter. history of ULM Athletics,” said Doug Her contributions have been many Mosley, associate athletic director. and unheralded, but always appreci- “Coach served primarily as our base- Coach Lou St. Amant ated,” Mosley continued. ball head coach from 1976 to 1993 and “I think the university is making tremen- was a football assistant coach during his dous strides academically,” St. Amant career. He had an impact on the lives of literally said. “Everything for the students has improved. hundreds of young men.” I think Dr. Cofer has done a remarkable job, “Coach,” a fixture on ULM radio broadcasts, providing so many new resources. I just had the teamed with Frank Hoffman to bring the details opportunity to recruit a few students for campus (know as “the color man” in broadcast lingo) of this year, some for academics, some for athletics. the football team’s greatest glories, while also I love that institution.”

Installed over the summer, the Warhawks’ new ProPlay™ turf has ULM head football coach Charlie Weatherbie excited. “It’s great! It’s better than the rubber-filled fields we’ve played on. The player’s cleats don’t stick and the turf distributes the G-Max forces better.” G-Max is a measurement of a field’s level of shock absorbency. Installed by Arms Building and Maintenance of Longview, Tex., the ProPlay™ turf looks and feels like real grass. Each installation is customized for a team’s particular sport. Malone Stadium sports new turf “With the ProPlay™ turf, maintenance costs are hen the Warhawks took the field August much lower,” said associate athletic director 30 against Tulsa, a new playing surface in Doug Mosley. “Drainage is greatly improved, W Malone Stadium premiered on ESPN2’s turf-related injuries reduced, and the Warhawks national television audience, kicking off the 2007 now play on an awesome-looking field. The college football season. players just love it.” To see aerial photos of ULM’s new turf visit: www.ulm.edu/universityrelations/news/gallery/ malone

 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu Sportsnews

And you think your schedule is packed?

eam USA Here’s her average week: member Monday: Swim 3,500 yards with LA Gold Aquatic T Lisa Colvin Team at 6 a.m. and run 5-7 miles afterwards; works as interim bike 2 hours easy (35 miles) after work. director of Tuesday: Hard group bike ride for 45-50 miles Graduate Studies after work. and Research, Wednesday: Swim 3,500 yards at 6 am; bike 35 secures several miles and immediately run 45 minutes after work. grants for ULM, Thursday: Hard bike time trial intervals of 30-35 and competes miles after work (for example, 10-mile warm-up,

Photo courtesy of asiphoto.com. Used with permission. in triathlons all 4x15 minutes at race pace with 7 minutes over the world. recovery; 15 mile cool-down). She recently finished 12th at the Hamburg Friday: Swim 3,500 yards at 6 a.m.; bike 25 miles BG Triathlon World Championships, held in easy after work. Hamburg, Germany. Saturday: Bike 60-90 miles in the hills of West Monroe and Ruston; run 6-8 miles. Sunday: Off

Letters to the editor

was surprised and honored to be featured in hanks for the copy (of the the recent issue of “The ULM Magazine” ULM Magazine). I enjoyed I (Spring 2006 – Alumni Spotlights) I don’t quite T looking through it. Noted the know what to say or how to adequately thank degree in health studies and other you. There are many more interesting and achievements and the piece on deserving alumni of this recognition. Alexandrian Jim Vanderhoeven. It has been more than a pleasure to be affiliated —Scott Brame with ULM, its staff, administration, and alumni Alexandria, La. association these past many years. University of Louisiana System / I thank you and everyone involved in this honor Board of Regents of distinction. ­—J.P. Pierce BS ’77 Dallas, Texas Editor’s note: Several readers let us know that Doug Pederson wasn’t listed in our story about ULM football alumni who have been to the Super Bowl (“ULM Super Letters and comments Stars”—Spring 2007). Our story was not intended to be can be sent to: an all-inclusive list. Doug Pederson indeed won a Super ULM Magazine Bowl ring with the Green Bay Packers, as did Lionel 700 University Avenue Barnes with the St. Louis Rams. Both Doug and Lionel Monroe, LA 71209-2500 are always considered ULM Super Stars. Phone: (318) 342-5440 Fax: (318) 342-5446 E-mail: [email protected]

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe  Art’sFOR Her name is Audrey. She’s the insatiable plant centerpiece of Little Shop of Horrors, the musical production that launched the Louisiana Lyric Opera this summer at ULM. And she just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

In an odd way, that famous stageSAKE prop is something of a metaphor for the School of Visual and Performing Arts itself. Its horizons keep expanding, just like Audrey’s size. And, like its productions, the school earns great reviews. By Diana Pinckley

 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu From productions of Louisiana Lyric Opera—the only professional summer theatre company between Atlanta and Houston—to percussion concerts, from cabaret to works on paper, the arts at ULM are exciting audiences in northeast Louisiana as they educate students.

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe  The School of Visual and Performing Arts, called of President Cofer for VAPA,” White says. “He was looking for someone to put the arts under one umbrella. I was an arts consultant and composer. My wife and I were empty nesters—we could go any- where. I found out about the program, and my wife said, ‘That sounds like an adventure, doesn’t it?’ “There’s a lot of support for the arts at this uni- versity, and that isn’t always the case, especially at the upper levels of administration,” White added. “There are a lot of collaborative things that can happen when the visual and performing arts work together—things that you can’t accomplish if you’re doing your own art thing.”

Applause, Applause! The Louisiana Lyric Opera is perhaps the most high-profile VAPA initiative. The only professional summer theatre between Houston and Atlanta, LLO staged two shows during its premiere season VAPAby almost everybody, was formed in 2002 as the this summer. brainchild of ULM President James Cofer, who, early Little Shop of Horrors, which ran in the 170-seat on in his tenure, saw the potential for a school that Spyker Theatre for five performances, featured a combines art, music, theatre and dance. Its mission: cast of 14 professional actors (including three ULM to provide student-centered training for students in students) and music by members of the Monroe the arts, to offer opportunities for involvement to all Symphony Orchestra, some of whom are also ULM students, and to be the cultural hub of the university faculty members. community as well as for people all over northeast The Pirates of Penzance (“the Joe Papp version,” Louisiana. White notes) ran in 750-seat Brown Theatre for

“ULM and VAPA...offer something for every student interested in the arts, period. You can perform, get better in your craft, see what you’ve achieved… and love every minute of it.” –Adavion Jamaal Wayne, arts education, BA, Dec. ‘07

“Through the efforts of our talented faculty, staff four performances with a cast of 31, about half of and students, the School of Visual and Performing whom were professional performers. It was also Arts has quickly made reality our vision of ULM accompanied by Monroe Symphony musicians. as the gateway to an impressive array of cultural The non-professional members of the “Pirates” opportunities,” Cofer said. cast were ULM students, interns and members of University officials soon recruited Keith White to the Monroe community. White recruits Broadway spearhead the new school. A composer with a doctor- veterans and what he calls “emerging stars”—pro- ate in arts administration, White came to ULM from fessionals from all over the country who are on Wichita, Kansas. “I took the job because of the vision their way up—to work with the summer theatre. It’s a learning experience for everyone.

10 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu As part of the opening night for The Pirates of Spring features include two one-act Puccini operas as Penzance, Louisiana’s Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu well as a production of Miss Firecracker Contest. A marked LLO’s induction into the World Cultural guest artist series brings nationally and international- Economic Forum, developed by the office of the Lieu- ly-known performers to the ULM campus; there’s also tenant Governor and the state Department of Cul- a faculty artists’ concert series and a chamber music ture, Recreation and Tourism, to leverage Louisiana’s series mostly featuring faculty. A few season highlights unique heritage. are listed on the next page; for a complete schedule, Little Shop of Horrors was preceded by a cabaret/ visit www.ulm.edu/calendar. dinner theatre, which may carry a tremendous return A popular feature of fall pep rallies and football for one of its talented stars. Adavion Jamaal Wayne, games is ULM’s renowned 160-member marching a ULM senior from Shreveport who is a triple threat band, the Sound of Today, which also comes under the as pianist, tenor and composer, performed two songs broad VAPA umbrella. from a musical he’s writing based on the Biblical book of Esther. “The songs we did from Adavion’s musical were the best things in the cabaret, and there were songs from three other shows on Broadway,” White says.

n a scene that could have come directly from a musical theatre plot, a New York producer was in the audience. “The cabaret showcase featured Adavion, and the producer saw it twice. Now this gentleman is talking to Adavion about producing a work- Public Art on Campus shop of his show,” White said. “That’s pretty VAPA excels at synergism. Brian Fassett, who teaches amazing. People spend their whole lives to get graphic design, shapes the look of everything from the something workshopped,” a common step on school’s logo to event programs to stages for theatri- the way to the bright lights of Broadway. cal productions. Biedenharn Recital Hall features a Wayne, currently completing his student mini-gallery to showcase faculty art work, and works teaching before graduating in December, may also by students and faculty hang in administrative offices. be invited to New York to audition for a revue of And audiences for Louisiana Lyric Opera and other I theatre events, as well as about 1,000 students a day, Stephen Sondheim songs. “If those things even begin to come to pass, it will be an amazing summer for walk through the new ULM Sculpture Garden. Adavion,” White said. The sculpture garden, now in its third year, is a joint The story was something of a surprise all around. venture of VAPA and the Campus Activities Board. It “I had no idea that the producer was even going to be was made out of what White calls “an ugly triangle” here, much less going to be interested in anything,” –- cracked concrete and bare earth in back of the band White said. A professional actress in the cast was building. It’s the inspiration of art faculty member and invited to New York for an audition for Dirty sculptor Cliff Tresner. To populate the exhibit, which Rotten Scoundrels, now running on Broadway, also as changes annually, Tresner sends out an open call, he a result of her Louisiana Lyric Opera performances. and other members of the department evaluate the re- Even as he evaluates the summer’s productions, sponses, and seven sculptures are chosen from national White is already considering the 2008 LLO offerings. submissions to inhabit the concrete pads in the area. Right now, he’s got his eye on Hairspray, if the rights become available. The Pirates of Penzance (left), the second show in Louisiana Lyric Students staged The Mystery of Edwin Drood in Opera’s premiere season, featured a cast of 31, with Monroe community members and ULM students sharing the stage with September, with a cast of 30 (including nine dancers), professional actors. Spring days lend themselves to outdoor an eight-piece orchestra, and a 12-member tech crew. performances (right), which combine music and art.

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 11 There’s an adjacent student sculpture space which works pretty much the same way. Students submit ideas in the fall, five or six are chosen to get imple- mentation money provided by the Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana, they build out their sculptures throughout the semester, and the works are in- stalled in the spring. “Not only is the area not ugly any more, Season there’s nice landscaping, nice grass, repaired side- walks, and a sculptural bench made from pine trees highlights cut down from the front of campus that Cliff made and donated to school,” White said. “It’s a confined Theatre: Prelude to a Kiss Nov. 15-17 space and it’s not noticeable from the street, but it gets a lot of visibility.” Nov. 20 ULM Jazz Ensembles

Dec. 2 Christmas Choral Concert Educational Synergy Visibility also stems from strength of programs and cur- JAN 22 “Keyboard Faculty” riculum, and that strength, in turn, is the result of dedi- cated, talented faculty members working together. The Student Performance: “Concert FEB 18 combination of music, art, theatre and dance involves of African-American Music Composers” three dozen faculty, and “offers the opportunity for folks to take their own expertise and share with their MAR 3–5 GUEST ARTIST SERIES: colleagues for the benefit of everybody,” White says. Stephen Paulus “The faculty has bought into the synergism idea, and MAR 13–15 THEATRE: they know we’re stronger standing together than stand- “Miss Firecracker Contest” ing alone. So they do things together, try new things and help each other out. That’s why everybody in this APR. 7–MAY 1 EXHIBITION: ULM Art region knows about VAPA.” Student Juried Competition On the drawing board, perhaps, is a bachelor of fine arts degree in performing arts. “The BFA is a pro- For more info… 318.342.1414 or fessional degree—acting, directing, technical theatre, www.ulm.edu/calendar musical theatre, dance,” said White. “We would be the only school in Louisiana with that degree, and it would “Piece for Paint, Pickup and Percussion,” a spring highlight of VAPA, help us to serve better the people who are interested combines a vehicle, paint, music performance and the occasional pot of gumbo (left). Walking through the Sculpture Garden (center) or enjoying in performance.” a dance concert (right) are other popular options.

12 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu Performance already attracts a lot of ULM stu- this summer. “We hope the series will grow into a dents—both majors and non-majors. “At first, when regular summer season performance, bringing in they’re thinking about going onstage, students some- larger crowds and more visitors to enjoy the arts in times say ‘I can’t’—I have to work.’” White adds. northeast Louisiana,” said Alana Cooper, executive “But when they put the makeup on, they’re hooked.” director of the CVB. And there’s a lot to choose from, both to partici- “I knew that LLO would have a long-term effect pate on (or behind) the stage and to appreciate from on the cultural face of our state and provide area the audience. There are two mainstage shows in the residents with the finest quality theatre productions academic year as well as orchestra, two choirs, cham- in north Louisiana,” said Tommy Usrey, NLAC presi- ber ensemble, chorale, madrigal feasts, theatre with dent and CEO. “Musical theatre is the most popular non-musical plays, dance recitals, two concert bands, genre of the theatre discipline with area residents, marching band, a gospel group. and to be able to bring Broadway headliners and “In the last six weeks of the semester, there’s a up-and-coming-stars of tomorrow to a local stage performance almost every night,” White says. Audi- is an opportunity of a lifetime… What an exciting ences range from 50 to 500, made up of students and prospect for theater-goers from Atlanta to Houston.” community members. Multimedia performance and collaboration

“There are a lot of collaborative things that can happen when the visual and performing arts work together – things that you can’t accomplish if you’re doing your own art thing.” –Keith White, head of the School of Visual and Performing Arts

As part of some music courses, students are as- characterize Keith White’s composition style as well signed to go to four concerts during the semester. as his leadership approach. He staged a series of his “The first response is sometimes, ‘Heaven forbid— “Vital Signs” pieces annually during his first three we’ve never gone to anything like this before.’” White years at ULM. The 90-minute composition incorpo- says. “They go, and then they go again because they rated faculty from every discipline and was semi- want to. It’s fun for me as an educator to see people improvisational. “We made art in real time on stage. learn to love this stuff.” Someone would throw a pot while musicians played Adavion Wayne, the senior triple threat from a chamber music piece, a dancer danced, play- Shreveport, has that passion. “When a performance ers acted a scene, a painter painted and a sculptor or a show’s run is over, you really miss the stage. I’m worked. We’d auction off the art at the end.” like ‘can I sing somewhere?’”… Wayne does sing White’s composition “Piece for Paint, Pickup and regularly at his church in Shreveport in the intervals Percussion” is one of the most visible—and visual— between ULM performances. events of the spring. It involves a vehicle, a real-time “ULM and VAPA are diverse,” Wayne says. “They paint job, a percussion performance using truck and offer something for every student interested in the arts, car parts as instruments, and, in recent performanc- period. You can perform, get better in your craft, see es, a dean serving gumbo. White calls the event an what you’ve achieved––and love every minute of it.” illustration the creative ways in which music and art can work together. “For the moment, however, I look at the School Reaching Out of Visual and Performing Arts as my composition,” The community is hooked as well. Both the North- White says. “I spend most of my creative energy east Louisiana Arts Council (NLAC) and Monroe- here, and it’s great fun.” West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) helped fund Louisiana Lyric Opera’s successful launch

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 13 Environmental Policy

FRANCESCA CLARK (BA ’07) learned last spring that environmental policy-making starts with picking up the garbage. The ULM senior from Eunice went out at 6 a.m. every Thursday with political science faculty member John Sutherlin to determine what people throw away in order to draft effective litter regulations for West Monroe. Pictured are some of the sights they saw.

14 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu Experience Desired

By Diana Pinckley

ULM accounting interns live in Toronto or Calgary for a semester, working and learning at one of the biggest consulting firms in the world. Biology majors travel to Chile to study the habitats and behavior of small mammals. From picking up trash as part of developing environmental policy to trying out cardiology research, from helping a candidate run for governor in North Carolina to working in aviation management at the Atlanta airport, ULM students spend their summer vacations—and other times in the year—in thriving internship programs that lay a foundation for future professional success.

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 15 nternships—those opportunities to work and That office is designed to organize and coor- learn in the real world for a summer or a dinate all kinds of “experiential learning” by semester—have long been a part of the uni- recruiting faculty, students, alumni and employ- versity. Some are formal, many are informal. ers and matching the right opportunities with the Some earn credit for participants, some don’t. right people. It will encourage participation in SomeI are paid, others operate on a volunteer basis. externships—shorter programs where students Some summer placements are full-time and range shadow people in the professions that interest far afield; others occupy only a few hours a week them—as well as more formal internships, the and are usually fairly close to campus so they can “on-the-job learning experiences that connect be effectively combined with classes. academic preparation with the world of work,” But all of them carry advantages, according to as Smith defines them. Ann B. Smith, a longtime business communica- Among the potential advantages Smith cites tions faculty member who was named the first for student interns: director of ULM’s new Office of Academic Intern- • Seeing how what they learn in classes applies ships this summer. to real-world employment which, in turn, often

Biology

TODD SPEARS, a senior biology major from West Monroe, has participated in five research projects. Among them––studying how catfish respond to toxins from insecticides, which led to presenting a paper on Capitol Hill and exploring possible treatments for breast cancer at the cellular level with researchers from Tulane this summer. “I’m doing what I love,” Todd says.

16 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu leads to better academic performance. arranged by Christine Berry, State Farm Professor • Exploring interests and options while still in in Insurance at ULM. “How do I get internships? school, either confirming career choices or I just ask,” says Berry, a member of the state’s in- leading to new horizons. surance rating commission who has wide contacts • Getting a job post-graduation. Many interns in the field. “I could have placed more interns report job offers, and the experience from the this year.” internship clearly establishes a professional The reviews from Berry’s interns are unani- approach to work, builds contacts and mous. “Every one of them says it’s the highlight strengthens resumes. of their college careers,” Berry says. “They learn “I would love to see most students doing an internship before they graduate,” says “internships build confidence, Smith, a longtime enhance classroom performance, activist in the Monroe volunteer community allow students to get a taste who plans to draw on of different , her extensive contacts careers there. and frequently lead to “We also want to job offers after graduation.” expand the areas in which internships are –Ann B. Smith, Director, Office of Academic Internships offered,” she adds. “Right now we have internships in certain areas—political about the insurance industry and get to see science, business, construction management, for corporate America firsthand. example—that are very successful. But we have “They can learn a lot in the classroom, but lots of other areas we can expand into. Just about when you step into a real-world environment, everything can be worked into an internship you take those things and apply them. The program.” combination is really cool for them. It’s like ‘Oh Brian Varner, a risk management major from wow, what Dr. Berry says really happens. I know Farmerville, spent the summer in an internship at what they’re talking about when they discuss Pacific Wholesale Brokers, an insurance company ratios because we talk about it in classroom.’” in Dallas. “I was part of the team,” says Varner, And it makes students more confident and more a senior with a 4.0 average. “From the beginning, mature, Berry says. “The thing about intern- the surplus lines brokers had long-term relation- ships, especially ones we’re designing, is that they ship thinking with me. They were trying to teach provide an experience that students will never be me the tricks of the trade and what I needed to do able to repeat. It’s an opportunity to be schooled to produce business well.” on the job. ” Varner, who counts the two brokers with whom Five ULM accounting students spent the spring he worked as among his closest friends, is plan- in Canada this year, putting their financial and ning a trip to Australia with them. But the experi- analytical skills to work in Calgary and Toronto ence has made his career path a bit less clear. The for Ernst & Young, the second-largest CPA firm Iraq veteran had planned to go to law school; in the world. The ULM accounting program now he’s considering going to work in surplus partnered with Ernst & Young 12 years ago; lines insurance first. “I have a job waiting there so far, 49 students have participated. for me if I choose.” One of them is L.B. Jeter, Jr., a four-year ULM Varner was one of three students who had football player who graduated with honors in internships in the Dallas insurance industry computer information systems and accounting in

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 17 December 2006. He prepared tax returns for U.S. Some of the most active and diverse internship citizens during his Ernst & Young internship. programs stem from the political science depart- “My experience in Toronto was very eye-open- ment, where faculty member John Sutherlin urges ing because it allowed me to experience differ- his students into the arena. “Politics, it’s said, is ent cultures and an atmosphere that Monroe or not a spectator sport,” Sutherlin notes. “You have Shreveport, my hometown, cannot offer,” Jeter to get your hands dirty. said. “I really wish my fellow students would “I guarantee internships to my majors. I match understand the importance of experiencing other them with a place and a time when it will work parts of the world and gaining work experience.” out best, around state and around country. Jeter is now working for Ernst and Young in It’s campaign season—I can place interns with Florida. Democratic or Republican candidates, if they’re Some ULM interns head even further afield— interested in politics. There are government posi- and literally into the field, conducting research tions in Monroe and West Monroe in legal affairs, in behavioral and physical ecology with small community development and planning. There mammals in Chile, under the direction of biology have been interns in the state attorney general’s office and the national headquarters of the “Interns get experience. American Cancer Soci- ety. So far almost half If they think they are interested of the political science in an area, it will either make majors have been grant- ed paid internships them More interested or or received academic it will force them to think credit for their work.” Eunice native Fran- about Something else.” cesca Clark interned –John Sutherlin, Assistant Professor of Political Science with Sutherlin last spring. On the streets every Thursday at 6 faculty member Loren Hays and supported by a.m., she and Sutherlin inventoried the kind of part of a three-year $130,846 National Science trash—beer cans, old food, fast-food wrappers— Foundation grant. that people threw on the highway as a part of Several students were involved in other research developing litter abatement recommendations for programs as interns this summer. ULM biology West Monroe. “We picked up litter in the ditches senior Katron Broomfield of Monroe and sopho- and storm drains to measure its volume and more Sharita Flowers of Winnfield were part of type,” said Clark, who previously interned with the Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achieve- the American Cancer Society in Washington, D.C. ment Program at the University of North Texas “It was a pretty gross job, but we did a 100- Health Science Center in Fort Worth. Biology plus page report on it. I never had the chance senior Christopher Boyd of Dallas participated to do something real-world in my field before,” in the 2007 Excellence in Cardiovascular Sci- Clark said of the litter study. “That experience ences Summer Research Program for Minorities pushed me, and confirmed that this is what I want at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in to do.” Clark is now a graduate student in envi- Winston-Salem, N.C. ronmental policy at Colorado State University. And one ULM junior was in a high-flying envi- “Interns are real people from day one,” Suther- ronment, literally. Nikhil Joshi, an aviation major lin says. “They know how to write, how to be from Mysore, India, was one of those selected for a professional. One student is in the community the highly competitive Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta development office in West Monroe.” International Airport 2007 Summer Internship An internship program with the city of Monroe, Program. now in its third semester, gets good reviews

18 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu Aviation

NIKHIL JOSHI, a senior from Mysore, India, spent the summer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the world’s largest and busiest airport. He worked with land operations, including emergency response and quality control. “In 10 weeks, I walked every inch of the airport’s 10.5 million square feet,” he said.

from Mayor Jamie Mayo. “We see this as a established the Internship Support Fund. College great opportunity for students to gain real world Advisory Board member Bruce Boulware and experience and enhance their job skills,” Mayo friend and supporter Michelle Egan each pledged said. Sutherlin projects the internship program $25,000 as matching funds if the college can raise will incorporate Monroe law firms, political an additional $25,000. campaigns and other governmental agencies. Another is getting enough of the right kind of Expanding internships at ULM is a shared internships, and Smith is diligently searching. goal. Ann Smith would like to establish intern- “Part of my job is to make sure that these are ship exchanges with other universities around truly experiential learning opportunities and not the country; sending ULM students to far-flung just cheap labor,” she says. Smith seeks alumni destinations while receiving students from other participation in the internship program. Alums areas for internships in Monroe. She also hopes to who are interested can contact her at asmith@ expand the availability of internships in nonprofit ulm.edu or (318) 342-1144. organizations, perhaps growing from existing “I’m impatient to get a lot accomplished,” ULM service-learning programs. Smith says. “ULM is going to become known There are a few obstacles to overcome, how- as a school that provides experiential learning ever. One is finding housing support for summer opportunities—and that will become a recruiting interns in big cities. While the internships pay tool for us.” a salary, it usually isn’t enough to cover living expenses. In response, the College of Business has

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 19 BYLINE????

The Vitamin E Solution

Can a one-a-day pill filled with a type of vitamin E someday protect women against breast cancer? The potential is promising. The foundations for that breakthrough are being laid today by exciting research at ULM’s College of Pharmacy.

By Diana Pinckley

20 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu BYLINE????

$618,000 grant supports ULM research

Professor of pharmacology Paul Sylvester Ph.D, The Pfizer Endowed Professor of Pharmacology, has explored connections between nutrition and who is an endocrinologist by training, started look- cancer for more than two decades. Now, a two- ing at the correlation between a high-fat diet and year $618,000 grant from First Tech International, breast cancer some 20 years ago. “We knew that Ltd., will allow Sylvester and other ULM faculty to if we put a mouse on a high-fat diet, we got more determine whether a rare form of vitamin E, called mammary tumors that showed up sooner and grew tocotrienol and found in palm oil, can become a faster,” he explains. “We wanted to study whether powerful weapon in the fight against breast cancer. the culprit was fat in general or the specific kind of The substance works fat.” Experiments pitted satu- against cancer cells in rated against unsaturated fat, a Dpetri dish. “You can plant sources against animal put animals on palm- sources. “The two exceptions oil diets and see the we found to the ‘high-fat- effects,” Sylvester says. stimulates-tumors’ rule were And there’s epidemio- fish oil—there has been a lot logical evidence from of work done on that—and Asia, where palm oil is palm oil, which was surpris- common in cooking and ing,” Sylvester said. breast cancer rates are “So the next question is much lower in the U.S. ‘What’s so special about But the oil itself does palm oil?’” not fit American tastes— Palm oil is a rich source of or health concerns. It’s very high in saturated fat vitamin E, he points out. More importantly, it’s and not commonly available in the grocery store. filled with a particular kind of vitamin E—tocot- In addition, Sylvester suspects that the levels at rienol. Vitamin E is an umbrella for eight different which tocotrienols are most effective are greater substances. The most common vitamin E, the kind than those that could possibly come from palm found in daily supplements, is alpha-tocopherol. oil’s inclusion in a regular diet. All liquid oils also contain vitamin E, but neither That’s why Sylvester and his colleagues are the supplements nor the most common oils have taking the first steps to test the beneficial form of the tocotrienol that shows excellent prospects of vitamin E isolated from palm oil—without the preventing breast cancer. harmful side effects—to determine whether tocotri- Tocotrienols work against breast cancer by shut- enol is an effective cancer prevention tool in mice. ting off the pathways between cells that allow the

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 21 cancer to grow and function. That, in turn, induces tocotrienols have potent anti-carcinogenic activ- the cells to die. “A lot of anti-cancer drugs follow ity. We think that a daily supplement of this the same mechanism, but they beat up a lot of particular kind of vitamin E can reduce the perfectly normal cells in the process. Tocotrienol occurrence of breast cancer in women.” does it with no effect on normal cells,” Sylvester Those experiments will use mice treated to says. “That’s the advantage of natural products develop cancers naturally. One group will get the like vitamins. They tend to have a lower toxicity special vitamin E added to their food or given in level than synthetics.” a pill form, another control group will not. Then Sylvester’s research is an embodiment of global tumor development and spread in each group will synergism. First Tech International, the Australian be measured and monitored by state-of-the-art company that is the source of the grant, has a fac- technology that combines high-sensitivity opti- tory that extracts purified tocotrienols from palm cal molecular imaging and high resolution digital X-ray to deliver precise anatomical localization of

tumor molecular and cellular biomarkers. “In the old days, we had to take an animal and palpate its tumors. We didn’t really know what was “Rather than asking patients to going on inside,” Sylvester said. “Now, there may brew a tea, drink it and feel better, be 100 mice in any given experiment. We can put four or five of them in the machine at one time and we’re trying to figure what’s in that scan them maybe once a week. We can see if tocot- tea and how to make it better,” rienols inhibit development and spread of tumors.” With four labs involved in the project, Sylvester This is what the pharmacology has a high-powered team of pharmacy faculty and industry does.” –Paul Sylvester grad students to help carry out the studies. “In my pharmacology lab, we study the mecha- nism of drug action,” Sylvester says. “If a drug kills tumors, how does it do it? Sami Nazzai is the oil. That oil, in turn, comes from a particular kind guy who’s going to work on optimizing the formu- of Central American fruit palm tree, and it boasts lation of the compound. How do you package the 10 to 20 times the amount of tocotrienols as oil drug so as to get maximum effect? from Malaysian palms generally used in cooking “Amal Kaddoumi is our kinetics person. Once throughout Asia. First Tech is also donating the the drug is given, where is it absorbed? How fast? tocotrienols for the project, the first time Sylvester Where does it go? How is it broken down? How has been able to get the substance in an adequate is it transported into the blood? Knowledge from volume to support his research. Amal’s lab will help Sami formulate the drug better. “If these tumor experiments work like I think “Kahlid El-Said is our chemist. He will change they’re going to work, it will demonstrate the vitamin E structure just a little bit to help quite convincingly that dietary supplements of increase absorption

Paul Sylvester Is a busy man. In addition to his work on the role of vitamin E

in preventing and treating breast cancer, Sylvester is director of graduate studies

at the College of Pharmacy and has won several teaching awards. He is also part

of a team that is building links between ULM and China, hoping to develop Western

applications based on aspects of traditional Chinese medicine.

22 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu and transport and make it more resistant to break- The pharmacology faculty member, who is also down so that we optimize the compound for delivery director of graduate studies in the College of Pharma- and therapeutic effectiveness.” cy, is building links between ULM and China, hoping Like all vitamin supplements, tocotrienols will to develop Chinese medicine approaches for Western be most effective at preventing disease rather than applications. treating it, Sylvester says. “Daily supplementation “About five years ago, Monroe became a sister city works best as prevention or control. Once you have with Jengzhou in China’s Hubei Province,” Sylvester a full-blown solid says. “We made connec- tumor, vitamins re- tions with them. They ally don’t show that breast cancer incidence worlwide came here, we went much effect on their there, and I was part of own. The damage is the group, representing done, the tumor is North America the university.

much more aggres- Western Europe “Discovering drugs in sive, and it can fend natural products is a hot Australia/ off any effects of New Zealand area, and the Chinese vitamins.” have done a good job But results of a South Central Asia of it. Traditional

recent study from Eastern Africa Chinese medicine is a Sylvester’s lab show very important part of that tocotrienols China the health system there.

enhance the activity Middle Africa Most hospitals have two of traditional can- pharmacies—a western cer-fighting drugs. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 one plus a traditional “When you give one where there are a rate per 100,000 women (age standardized) low doses of toco- lot of twigs and roots trienols with low Source: Susan G. Komen for the Cure (www.komen.org) and branches and leaves. doses of anti-cancer There’s a lot of potential drugs, there is a synergistic effect, and it avoids the in natural products—most drugs are based in some toxicity of higher levels of anti-cancer drugs that way on them. And the Chinese have taken it through are required to get the same effect in the absence of thousands of years of trial and error and experience vitamin E,” Sylvester says. and have devised ways of treating diseases. The cancer-treatment application of the sub- “We have a good natural products group at ULM, stance could move into human treatment relatively so I talked with Chinese universities about collabora- quickly, Sylvester predicts, but bringing vitamin E tions between their medical schools and our phar- to bear in prevention could take somewhat longer. macy school. If they have a combination of roots “Ultimately, of course, tocotrienol must be tested and twigs that’s good for, say, treating arthritis, our on humans, but the process is incredibly complex,” people can take the compound made from those says Sylvester. “It takes physicians, nurses, food natural substances and discover what’s in there. Then scientists. We would be part of the team, but we maybe we can use that to produce a new pharmaceu- only do the preclinical studies.” tical for treating disease. The research also pays off in the classroom, “Rather than asking patients to brew a tea, drink it where Sylvester has earned seven teaching awards, and feel better, we’re trying to figure what’s in that tea including the university-wide Excellence in Teach- and how to make it better. This is what the pharma- ing Award in 2006. “Research really enhances cology industry does.” your teaching,” says the endocrinologist, who is beginning his tenth year at ULM. “If you’re using a textbook, it might be five years behind the cutting edge of the current scientific literature. You can add insight to a much greater degree if you’re active in the field.”

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 23 class notes

1961 Patricia Alford Standish ’65 has 1971 retired after teaching in Fay “T-Model” Thurman ’61 and Connecticut and Louisiana and Marvin Dearman ’71 is a retired Frances Smith Thurman ’61 are now works as a librarian. She major from the Monroe Police returning to Monroe after 40 and husband James enjoy Department. He and wife Cheryl years in New Iberia. “T-Model,” spending time with their family have a son, David, a pre-phar- a catcher for the ULM baseball in Connecticut and visiting macy major at ULM. team under Coach George Louisiana each year. Luffey, and Frances, a cheerlead- Randall Normand ’71 looks er, homecoming maid, and SGA 1967 forward to retirement in the next officer, have two children, son year. He and his wife Millie Gwendolyn McCollough Genius Jerry Thurman ’84, who played Tolbird Normand ’69 have three ’67, ’71 has a new grandson, football at ULM and is married daughters who are all college Braden Christopher Genius, born to Liz Miller ’85, and daughter graduates—two RNs and a Nov. 21, 2006. Kelli Denise Thurman, who graphic designer. Their son is attended ULM. 1968 studying electronics technology in Baton Rouge. The family alumni 1962 Maxey Wilcoxon Resweber ’68 is enjoys saltwater fishing. living in Pearl River. She has two Brenda Gambrell Vicknair ’62 Robert (Lonny) Spilberger ’71, a married daughters and five and Noe Timothy Vicknair ’63, of pharmacy manager for K-mart in grandchildren living in Cypress, French Settlement, expect their Baton Rouge, is a Certified Texas, whom she visits often. 7th grandchild in January. Diabetes Educator, Certified 1969 Disease Manager-Diabetes and a 1963 Certified Pump Trainer-Animas Royce D. Matheny ’69 has Corp. He maintains an office at a Terrell Verrett ’63 lost his wife returned to Monroe as Capital local drug store and sees Diane in April 2006. One Bank’s senior vice president diabetics by appointment. He 1964 and trade area manager for and his wife Claudia T. Spilberger northeast Louisiana. He and his ’70 have five grandchildren. wife Evelyn spent the last 10 Jesse Paul Carrie Humphries Frye ’64, a 1972 counselor at Goldsboro years in New Orleans. is the winner of Elementary Magnet School in Millie Tolbird Normand ’69 is Sharman Sachs Burgess ’72 was the McKneely Seminole Country, Fla., was working part-time for the named Educator of Distinction Scholarship in elected to the Delta Kappa administrator at St. John for Louisiana by the state PTA at English and was Gamma Society Florida Hall of Interparochial School in an awards banquet in May in an honoree at the Fame, an international education Plaquemine doing computer Lafayette. She works for Caddo society for women. She has been ULM/Tech Confer- financial analysis, accounting Parish Schools. Teacher of the Year at two forecasting and record keeping. ence of Gradu- different schools, the Top Ten Ronnie Johns BS ’72, Louisiana ate Students in Teacher of the Year in the District, Peggy Zoro ’69 has joined Wells State Representative (Sulphur), English. the Phi Delta Kappa Chapter Fargo Wealth Management has been awarded the Louisiana Educator of the Year and District Group as the North Puget Sound Orthopaedic Association’s Elementary Counselor of the regional manager, overseeing Legislator of the Year award. Year. She and husband Bill Frye investment, trust and private Rita Gail Nunn Sullivan ’72 has ’63 live in DeBary, Fla. banking professionals serving Wells Fargo customers in worked for the Jackson Parish 1965 Anacortes, Bellingham, Everett Office of Public Health for over 28 and Mount Vernon, Wash. years and is planning to retire William Ragan ’65, ’80 Previously she held senior soon. She and husband Deryl coaches freshman football at management positions at Rainier Sullivan ’07 have two daughters West Monroe High School and Bank, Key Bank and Whidbey and are expecting their first teaches math at West Monroe Island Bank. grandchild. Alternative Center.

24 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu class notes

When families decide “I’m Management’s Industry Advisory Board and tries going to Disney World!” it is to get back to ULM on an annual basis, as his individuals like University of Disney responsibilities allow. Louisiana at Monroe alumnus Walt Disney Imagineering is the unique Jack Blitch, vice president of innovative organization that creates - from Attractions Development at concept through construction - all Disney theme Walt Disney Imagineering, parks, resorts, attractions, cruise ships, real who make this dream come estate developments, and regional entertainment true by creating all of the wonders set in store venues worldwide. Imagineering’s unique for them. strength comes from the teamwork and synthe- Blitch, who manages 300 Imagineers at Walt ses of creative and technical professionals Disney World, Fla., received his bachelor’s of representing more than 140 diverse disciplines science degree in construction (’71). He credits Blitch has worked on such projects as The his ULM experience with helping him achieve Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Disney’s Blizzard alumni incredible success. Beach Water Park, Soarin’ at Epcot, and Disney’s “My education at ULM uniquely qualified me Animal Kingdom. as a new breed of Constructors in the early “I also love my job because of all the great ‘70’s,” Blitch said. “Until ULM pioneered the talent I’ve been able to mentor, and to see their Construction program, there was no other explosive growth in the design and construction education opportunity other than the school of field.” This past season, Blitch hired ULM student hard knocks. Thurman Potts, along with several Dale Langford as a summer intern to help with other North Louisiana contractors and architects, an exciting new attraction at Disney MGM had the foresight to help fill this niche in the Studios. industry by creating this program...the very first “It’s hard to believe that its been 36 years since to receive accreditation from the Associated I graduated....with a career that started in the Schools of Construction.” construction industry and ended at Disney. An Blitch serves on the School of Construction incredible and exciting ride!”

1973 They look forward to a reunion of daughter has just started college. ULM Alpha Eta Rho members in He and wife Connie live in James Harris ’73 is a retired state Las Vegas in September. Bentonville, Ark. agent with the South Carolina Department of Probation and Harlan Goodwin ’75 just became Karl Vogt BA ’76 retired after 22 Parole. He was appointed a grandpa for the first time. He is years at Peace River Supply director of Veterans Affairs for living in Taylor, Ark. Authority, a water plant that Aiken County in 2004. serves Port Charlotte, Fla., and Sulynn Ganey Sexton’75, a four surrounding counties. He Terri Pratt ’73, ’93 has retired retired teacher with four children worked in the water processing from radio and is working with and three granddaughters, lives industry for 28 years. non-profits—Humane Society, in Ascension Parish with her Arts Council—and spending lots husband Bob and their two dogs. 1977 of time sewing. She lives in Marion. 1976 Anthony Broussard ’77 is a recent graduate of the United States 1975 Robert Cloud ’76 was nominated Postal Service Management by D Magazine as one of Dallas’ Intern Program. He and wife Lynn Campbell ’75 has worked Best Doctors for 2001-2004 and Margie live in Columbia, S.C. for Southwest Airlines for 23 again for 2005-2006. years and intends to fly “until Becky B. Clark ’77, a higher they make him leave.” He and James Martin ’76 has retired education administrator who wife Benita celebrated their 25th from Wal-Mart to enjoy time with specializes in teacher education, anniversary with a trip to Italy. his six children and eight has joined Brenau University in grandchildren. His youngest Gainesville, Ga., as dean of the

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 25 class notes

School of Education. She has Christianity and United 1984 served as dean of the College of Methodist studies at Phillips Education at Grand Canyon Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Clotee Cowans Richardson ’84 University in Phoenix and for the Okla. She earned a Ph.D. at and husband Eugene have two past three years consulted with Tulane and is ordained in the children, Ericca, 4, and Elexa, 2. higher education clients in develop- United Methodist Church. She ment of technology systems for has co-authored a book with John L. Scott ’84 is a professor of academic programs, student Charles Wood, Attentive to God: economics and director of the assessment and strategic planning. Thinking Theologically in Center for Business Education at Ministry, to be published by North Georgia College and State 1978 Abingdon Press next spring. University. He and wife Julia Davis Scott ’83 have three sons, Joseph, Debbie Nielsen Dunham ’78, who Diane Hirson ’80, ’82 has been 17, Jared, 15, and Jonah, 9. received her MA in early child- promoted to director of market- hood education from Brenau ing for Hastings & Chivetta 1985 University in Gainesville, Ga., Architects, a St. Louis firm was named to Phi Kappa Phi and specializing in collegiate academ- John Newsome ’85 retired from alumniKappa Delta Pi, an international ic and recreational buildings. the U.S. Army after 21 years as a honor society for education, and Diane and her daughter Chelsea, Lieutenant Colonel in the Military has served as president of Alpha who graduates from high school Police Corps. He is a leadership- Delta Kappa, an honorary next year, will be checking out training instructor for the sorority for women educators of colleges—including ULM. Department of Homeland distinction. She teaches second Security-Immigration and grade and serves as a state Timothy Justus ’80 has been Customs Enforcement in Dallas. Biology majors certified mentor for new teach- named music department chair Katron ers. She and husband Mike at Dickinson State University. He 1986 Dunham ’79 have two daughters, earned his master of music and Broomfield Cecil Lee Clark ’86 has been one a graduate of the University his doctor of musical arts from and Sharita reassigned as 101st ABN DIV (Air of Georgia who is an accountant LSU. His extensive performance Assault) ACoS, G2 ACE Chief. He Flowers in Atlanta, and another who is a experience includes playing with spent two years as the 187th participated senior at Florida State. symphony orchestras around the Infantry Regiment (3rd Brigade in the Ronald world and with popular perform- Combat Team) Regimental McNair Post- Cathy Hickingbottom Parker ’78, ers, including Tina Turner, The ’03, ’07, a three-time ULM grad, Four Tops, Luciano Pavorotti and Intelligence officer. Baccalaureate received a Ph.D. in marriage and The Moody Blues. He taught at James “JD” Distefano ’86 left Achievement family therapy in May and is the University of South Alabama Oklahoma State University in Program at seeing clients in Mer Rouge. from 1999-2005. July to take a sports medicine University of 1979 1981 position with the Central Texas North Texas Sports Medicine and Ortho- Health Science Steve Carney ’79 has completed David Gilmore ’81 and wife pedics practice in Bryan, Texas. Center at his first bookThe Great Fruit Michelle Rambin have their first He will also work as one of the Inspector. The book, designed team physicians for the Texas Fort Worth. grandson, Noah Thomas Black, for Bible schools and ministers, born May 18, 2007. Noah is also A&M athletic department. will be released this fall through the great-grandson of Dr. Bill Pleasant Word, a division of Rambin, who is retired from Penny Manning Memoli ’86 WinePress publishers. ULM. received a Doctor of Pharmacy from Shenandoah University in Drew Fluke ’79 has three children LaDonna Lee ’81 recently Winchester, Va., in May. She and and two grandchildren, Hunter married Carl Calloway. She was husband Gene Memoli ’87 live in Adams, 5, and Kelsey Adams, 1. nominated as Teacher of the Year Stratford, Conn. for the Cedar Hill Independent 1980 School District. 1987

Ellen Blue ’80, ’89 received James David Harper ’87 was one tenure and was promoted to of 84 invited runners worldwide associate professor of history of in the Badwater Ultramarathon, a 135-mile trek from Death Valley

26 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu class notes

When Teri Fontenot Four years ago, Teri was elected to the Federal (MBA ’88), CEO and Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s board of directors. president of Women’s One of her primary duties is to educate the Hospital in Baton bank’s research staff on the economy and Rouge, has a particu- trends of her district. larly tough work day, “I have learned so much about the national she visits the nursery. and southeast economy, and the interdepen- “The opportunity to be involved in creating and dence of industry sectors … The role of the strengthening families is very fulfilling; we participate Atlanta Bank after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the most intimate and tender moments of patients’ was critical in reducing panic among victims of lives ... In the nursery I see the families so full of those storms and ensuring that their bank excitement and hope, and I watch the newborns sleep accounts were safe and accessible.” peacefully. It is humbling and helps me remember Teri, who grew up in Clinton, Miss., attributes the value of our work.” much of her professional success to the Nearly 9,000 babies are born at the not-for-profit education she received at then-NLU. A full-time, alumni facility, where Teri oversees 2,000 employees, $300 working mother of young children, she enrolled million in revenue and several patient and commu- in one course per semester. Her perseverance nity education programs. was “definitely worth it,” she said. Her duties don’t end at the Woman’s Hospital. “My ULM MBA has been instrumental in opening doors in the healthcare industry.” to Mt. Whitney, Calif., in tempera- Perry, 3, and MaryLu, 2. Barry is a Woodbridge, Va., and attends tures up to 130 degrees in the pediatrician and Beth is an Campbell University in Buies world’s most demanding and assistant professor at ULM. Creek, N.C. extreme race. He finished in 46 hours, 13 minutes, to earn an 1991 1993 elite buckle given to those who finish in under 48 hours. This Christi Douglas Ford ’91 and Christy Willis Cox ’93, a dental was his third time to compete in husband Curtis have two daugh- hygienist, lives in Alexandria the Badwater race. He and wife ters, Haylee, 8, and Keelee, 6. with daughter Mackenzie, 5. Tamara live in Clermont, Fla. Linda Michele Helms Messa ’91 Donna Odom LaCaze ’93 is an 1988 is a stay-at-home mom to adjunct instructor at Southeastern daughters Olivia Michelle, 3, and Louisiana University. Her husband Pharmacy majors Steve Austin ’88 finished the Elizabeth Ann, 11 months. She Todd LaCaze ’92 is a vice president Catherine Phoenix Ironman competition in and husband Frank are in for Tulane Hospital in New April with a time of 16:38:38. All Shekou, Shenzhen, in mainland Orleans. They live in Covington. Oliver and those days of clandestinely China about an hour from Hong Morgan swimming Bayou DeSiard to Kong. She would love to contact Elizabeth Roberts Mason ’93, ’97 Jones led and Stacy Fritch Turner ’97 have sneak over to the KD dorm after ULM alumni over there. a team of hours has finally paid off! opened Family First Pharmacy in 1992 Tyler, Texas. Elizabeth and six student Kelly Harper Griffith ’88, now husband Lee are parents to researchers in Ray Cooper ’92 married Kumari Kelly, completed yoga McKenna, 4, Aiden, 3, and the submission Katherine Stubblefield in 2003; Ainslee, 2. teacher training at Yogi Hari’s of a project to Ashram in Miramar, Fla. She their son, Jared, was born Feb. the American leads yoga classes and medita- 18, 2005. He was deployed 1994 tion and is a full-time journalist overseas for a year with the Pharmaceutical Lisa A. Brown ’94 has been at the Orlando Sentinel. Texas Army National Guard. Association promoted to executive director (APHA). 1989 Regina Givens Grimes ’92 and for the Louisville metro area of husband Greigory have daughter the American Cancer Society. Barry Ricks ’89 and Beth Jones Annastanzia who graduated from She was executive director for Ricks ’92, ’95 have two children, Freedom High School in the Northwest and Central Louisiana regions for five years. www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 27 class notes

Vicki Gilliam (B.A. ’87, M.A. ’90) six weeks old, Vicki grew up on a farm be- grew up listening to her mother tween Bastrop and Mer Rouge. She married at hum the words of “Anything You 17, graduated as high school valedictorian, Can Do” from the musical, gave birth at 19, and soon divorced. “Annie Get Your Gun.” Her She commuted from Bastrop to ULM (then- mother often sang that song NLU) as an undergrad, and continued to work under her breath as she sweated while attending college, ultimately completing alongside Vicki’s Daddy and Papaw on their farm. her master’s degree and graduating with It turns out Vicki and her mother share similar honors each time. traits. While at ULM, faculty inspired her. Vicki, the only female managing partner of a “Perry Jones was such an incredible story regional office in The Cochran Firm, works in teller. I still find myself telling stories to juries Jackson, Miss., a state where less than 25 percent just like Dr. Jones told the stories of history in of attorneys are female and even fewer hold the classroom,” she remembered. “Through

alumni management positions. In 2006 Lawdragon Dr. Richard Chardkoff’s Civil Rights courses named her one of 500 Leading Litigators in and Latin American History courses, I under- America, and in 2007, she was named one of stood and was inspired by the efforts of those Mississippi Business Journal’s 50 Leading who fought for the poor, minority and under- Businesswomen in Mississippi. privileged.” In her mind, one of her greatest accomplish- She also drew much of her strength from ments is leading The Cochran Firm, founded by her family. Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., and four other firms from “My grandmother, who was in her 80s, New York and D.C. in a $2 billion lawsuit repre- moved with me to law school at Ole Miss and senting over 600 American Indian tribe members helped take care of my daughter so that I could whose land was allegedly contaminated by a stay in the top 10 of my class. I prayed daily for Fortune 500 company. strength and courage to make it through to the Pharmacy major Vicki said that her pending case, which began in next day, and have enough money to eat,” she Betthany 2005, represents a new frontier called “environ- said. “I felt so blessed just to get an education Thomas mental injustice.” A documentary about the case and I committed that I would always give back is currently in the works. to help the poor and voiceless who needed my published a Adopted from an orphanage in New Orleans at education.” research article and presented her research at Regional Foster Parent the American Robert E. Luttrell III ’94 has Meredith Zachary Tinney ’94 and joined the Dallas commercial law husband Keith have two sons, Association. An employee of the Pharmaceutical firm Munsch Hardt Kopf and Harr Dakota, 11, and Hayden, 6. They Louisiana Department of Social Association as an associate in the litigation live in Krugerville, Texas, where Services for nine years, she is an Annual Meeting practice group. He previously she is senior project manager for adoption specialist. in Atlanta. served as a Judge Advocate in Allegiance Development. the U.S. Air Force. He received 1997 his Juris Doctorate from Tulane 1995 and is a member of the Dallas Jamie Derr Gonzales ’97 received Bar Association, Court of Appeals Limeul L. Eubanks ’95 received a the 2007 Heart of Nursing award for the Armed Services, State Bar master of fine arts from for recognition of nursing excel- of Texas and is licensed to Mississippi College in August lence from Lafayette General practice law in Colorado. He also 2006, with a focus on two- Hospital where she is manager of received the Achievement Medal, dimensional and three-dimen- the third floor post-op unit. Commendation Medal, Kuwaiti sional art. His thesis was “Art as Tafta Perry Miller ’97 opened her Liberation Medal (issued by both Visual Metaphor: A Personal business, Angels in Training, in the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti Search for Meaning.” Start, 10 years ago in July after governments), Meritorious Alison Bradford Strojny ’95 was graduating with a degree in Service Medal and the named “Foster Care Worker of daycare and nursery management. Southwest Asia Medal. the Year” by the Lafayette Continued on page 30

28 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu class notes

Marriages

James “Jim” Elby Allbritton Jr. ’72 to Sarah Ann Jennifer Nannette Moore ’04 to Joseph L. Calhoun, Sept. 15, 2006. Penney, Nov. 18, 2006. They live in West Monroe.

Amanda Kay Cromwell ’01 to Kenneth Mark Lisa Padilla ’89 to Allen J. Venable, May 18, 2007. Vicknair Jr., Nov. 4, 2006. They live in West They honeymooned in the Caribbean Islands. Monroe. Christie Berkley Peacock ’03 to Charles Angela Rae Embanato ’00 to Christian Lee Anderson, Nov. 13, 2006, in Montego Bay, Brown, Nov. 18, 2006. They live in Sterlington. Jamaica.

Sunni Goodwin ’05 to John Robertson, April 21, Joella Paige Ross ’96 to Richard Calvin Nale, 2007. They live in Winnsboro. Nov. 18 2006. They live in Sterlington.

Brittney Carol Hale ’06 to Casey Michael Baker, Shelley Annette Stewart ’01 to Benjamin

Nov. 4, 2006. They live in West Monroe. Crowder, May 29, 2007, in Playa de Carmen, alumni Mexico. They live in Dallas. Abigail Kennedy ’01, ’03 to John Hilderbrand, Jan. 3, 2007 in St. Thomas. David V. Tolliver III ’06 to Ashley Crockham, July 10, 2007. He will be pursuing an MBA in brand Jennifer Lea LaFoe ’99 to Steven “Ryan” and product management at the University of Giddens, Aug. 26, 2006. They live in Wisconsin-Madison. Texarkana, Ark. Courtney DeLaine Walker ’02 to Justin Francis RaFaye Kathleen Lewis ‘83 to Kevin L. Nesmith, Ebersole ’04, Nov. 11, 2006. They live in March 11, 2006. They live in Lancaster, Texas. Carrollton, Texas.

Biology major Births Christopher Boyd 1 Matthew Grennan Andino, Jan. 16, 2007, to 3 Sophia Marie DellaCroce, June 20, 2007, to participated in Megan Grennan Andino ’02 and husband Katie Rockhold DellaCroce ’97 and husband the Excellence in Moises. John. She joins sister Sarah, 2. Cardiovascular Matthew Louis Bennett, May 17, 2007, to Robert Aron Dawson Ferguson, Dec. 6, 2006, to Scott Sciences Summer Bennett ’92 and wife Kimberly. He joins sister Ferguson ’92 and Erin Frazier Ferguson ’06. He Research Program Carolyn, 3, and brother John Robert, 1. joins sister Jillian Rebecca, 3. for Minorities at Wake Forest Cameron Lynn Bond, May 25, 2007, to Brian 4 Emily Jen Florsheim, June 12, 2007, to Henry David Bond ’00 and wife Amanda. He joins broth- Florsheim ’95 and wife Kimberly. University School er Riley David, 4. of Medicine in 5 William Andrew Goudeau, April 17, 2007, to 2 Winston-Salem, NC. Caleb Theodore Boykin, March 13, 2007, to Jeffrey Todd Goudeau ’99 and Jennifer Guillot Jeffrey Boykin ’97 and Sandi Burley Boykin ’98. Goudeau ’00. John Hudson Brown, Feb. 20, 2007, to Mindy Shepherd Brown ’99 and Michael Brown ’98. Continued on page 30

1 2 3 4 5

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 29 class notes

Births Continued

Robin Elizabeth Griffin, June 2, 2005, to Lori Caroline Camden Phillips, June 2, 2006, to Amy Graves Griffin ’92 and husband Vince. Cupit Phillips ’92 and husband Keith. She joins brother Carter, 5. Mary Claire Guilbeaux, March 22, 2007, to Genee Viator Guilbeaux ’05 and Troy Renard Emily Grace Pierce, Nov. 9, 2006, to Kerri Guilbeaux ’05. Bozman Pierce ’97 and husband Jason. She joins sister Natalie, 3. 6 Peyton Lynn Herring, May 13, 2006, to Charles Claude Pippin Jr., May 31, 2007, to Jennifer Boydstun Herring ’98 and Kelly Charlie Pippin ’96 and wife Elizabeth. He joins Herring ’97. sisters Alexis and Rebecca. Luke Stephen Jones, March 9, 2007, to Carolyn 9 Joseph Christian Rider, Oct. 11, 2006, to Amanda Garrett Jones ’02 and husband Todd. Shannon Scott Rider ’99 and James Clint 7 Jackson Brady Jordan, July 13, 2007, to Rider ’00. He joins brother James, 11.

alumniKelly Hart Jordan ’01 and husband Chad. Isabella Emaleigh Shaw, June 16, 2007, to Lathon Michael Latiolais, Feb. 22, 2007, to Jeremy Shaw ’99 and wife Janet. She joins Candace Kelley Latiolais ’03 and Lance sister Madison, 3. Latiolais ’02. 10 Collier Douglas Smith, April 17, 2007, to Gary 8 Jack Parker Myers, Jan. 29, 2007, to Eddy Smith ’97 and Casey Denmon Smith ’98. He joins Myers ’06 and wife Kristi. He is welcomed by sister Ainsley. Elementary brother Luke, 3. Education major Clarissa Staehle, March 1, 2007, to Malaphone Marissa Kenyon Elias Nunnery, Dec. 1, 2006, to Kenia Marsden Staehle ’00 and husband James. Guidry Nunnery ’01 and husband Desmond. Boyd is Zoe Meredith Waddell, Dec. 19, 2006, to Kristie an expert on Sontag Waddell ’98 and husband Rob. instructional technology in the fields of electronic portfolios and electronic assessment, 6 7 8 9 10 presenting at conferences in Atlanta and Continued from page 28 Vicky Landry Vilcan ’99 received and training for Fleishman- Hillard’s Global Digital Operations. Baton Rouge. a master of science in nurse 1998 anesthesia from Texas Weslyan She recently relocated from the University in 2004 and works at company’s Washington, D.C. Kristie Sontag Waddell ’98 Thibodaux Regional Medical office to the Dallas office. finished graduate school in 2006 Center. Husband Brady J. Vilcan and is now a family nurse practitio- ’02 is head pharmacist at a CVS Tiffany Mock ’00 received the ner in New Braunfels, Texas. store in Houma. They have son designation of Chartered Chance, 6, and daughter Lucy, 3. Retirement Planning Counselor. 1999 She is in her fourth year as a Wealth Management Advisor at Michael “Matt” Taylor ’99 and 2000 Merrill Lynch in San Antonio. Chasta Otwell Taylor ’99 have two Valerie McCaskill ’00 has been children, Macy, 4, and Ryan, 2. named chief marketing officer and vice president for marketing

30 University of Louisiana Monroe www.ulm.edu class notes

James Rice (M.S. ’94) finalized his “Without his help and guidance I wouldn’t be last will and testament before where I am today,” James said. embarking on a journey he calls James, who was recently inducted into the Space “the most exciting time in my life.” Camp Hall of Fame, works at Arizona State NASA invited James on a six- University’s Mars Space Flight Facility where he month expedition to Antarctica, an area that takes pictures of Mars and analyzes the images for closely resembles the hostile environment on future landing sites and geologic studies. His efforts Mars. He savored what could have killed him: ensure scientists better understand the planet. scuba diving in the harsh Antarctica waters. The oldest of five children, James grew up in “If something goes wrong, it’s up to you to fix it, Tuscaloosa, Ala. He has always felt a passion for or you spend the rest of your life down there. I space discovery. “I knew from a very early age that came close to being killed several times, and when I wanted to commit my life to the great adventure you encounter that, it changes your perspective on of exploring space. I have dreamed about it ever

life,” he said. “The exploration of the unknown, to since I was seven years old. I have never really alumni go somewhere no one has gone before, there’s not wanted to do anything else with my life.” many places left like that, and it’s a thrill.” His siblings always out-performed him aca- His interest in the uncharted territory of Mars demically, and his grade school teachers discour- John was cemented while earning an M.S. in geosci- aged him from his dream, but James, who Whetstone, ences at then-NLU, where he created detailed eventually earned a Ph.D from ASU, wasn’t going geologic mapping of a region that contained to be discouraged. a clinical evidence of enormous floods and possibly lakes “I didn’t listen to them. My parents told me that laboratory on Mars. James worked under geosciences in this country, if you’re willing to work, you’ll science major, professor Rene DeHon. achieve. They were right.” received the National Student 2001 2003 She and husband Ty have a 1- of the Year year-old daughter. Award from Lauren Pickett Davis ’01, a 2007 Antoinette Curry ’03 is working 2006 the American graduate of Loyola University on a doctorate in developmental Society School of Law, is a law clerk with education at Grambling State Lauren Dozier ’06 received a for Clinical the Ouachita Parish 4th Judicial University. certificate from Central Arkansas District Court. Laboratory Radiation Therapy Institute in Crystal Middleton ’03 received a Science. 2002 master’s degree from Louisiana Little Rock, Ark., and works in Tech in 2006 and moved to Shreveport. Jason Chisolm ’02 graduated Columbus, Ohio, to work in Jonathan Kaufman ’06, a from the Academy of Military hospital rehab. She completed building inspector for the city of Science/Officer Candidate School her clinical fellowship in May and West Monroe, is one of 23 at Magee Tyson ANG base in is an American Speech-Language Louisiana inspectors to be Knoxville, Tenn., in June and was and Hearing Association-certified accredited as a Certified Building commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in speech pathologist. the U.S. Air Force. He is assigned Official. to the 159th Fighter Wing on the 2005 2007 Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Robert Bird ’05 received a Base in New Orleans. Matthew William Witherow ’07 master’s degree in history from was winner of a $2,000 military Jason Simien ’02, a KC-130 pilot Florida State University this scholarship from the National in the U.S. Marine Corps, is summer. He is continuing in Federation of Music Club and stationed in Okinawa. He is FSU’s history doctoral program performed a partial recital at their scheduled to transition to the and will teach as an instructor. Biennial Convention in Salt Lake Marine Corps’ new aircraft, the City, Utah. He is in the U.S. KC-130J, in the fall at Little Rock Jody Maynard Tillman ’05 is a Marine Corps. Air Force Base. He was promoted human resources manager at to Captain in May. Vantage Health Plan in Monroe.

www.ulm.edu University of Louisiana Monroe 31 32 University ofLouisiana Monroe helps promote internships to students and Administration internship committee, which after graduation. that willhelpthemsucceed intherealworld encourage mystudentsto findaninternship works withErnst&Young inCanada. International AccountingInternshipProgram Paris inlatersemesters.NowtheULM Other ULMaccountingstudentsinternedin assist thefirmatendoftaxseason. any othertimeinmylife. growing strongerinmyfaithmorethanat new friends,andIfacedchallengesalone, my life.Itwasfirsttripoverseas.Imade several monthsmadeitadefiningtimein zones awayfromfamilyandfriendsfor can, butaninternationalflairandbeingtime person inwaysonlyanexperiencelikethat tax returnsinaprofessionalfirm. able togainexperiencepreparingexpatriate both personallyandprofessionally. Iwas spring of1997wasanamazingexperience Ernst &Young. That largest accountingfirms, one oftheworld’s France, asaninternfor semester inParis, spent anentirespring student fromMonroe don’t think I would have had anywhere else. table. ULM has given me opportunities that I point ofW view I serve on the College of Business Drawing uponmyownexperience,I IreturnedtoParisthefollowingyear Any internshippreparesandchallengesa BecauseofULM,a19-year-old accounting mind: unique, amazing and unforget- had on my life, a few words come to hen I think about the impact ULM has tha assistant accountingprofessorat Aleecia Hibbets(B.B..‘99)isan Because ofULM. “ULM hasgivenmeopportunities have hadanyw t Idon’tthinkwould their own“Because ofULM”story. willing toventurethrough them,creating matter oflookingforopen doorsandbeing luck ordivineprovidence, but primarilyit’s a opportunities. Theremay be anelementof degrees fromULM. parents andmyattendedearned the SoundofToday marchingband.His My husbandDavidandImetasmembersof Kong for a month because of ULM. children will always know they lived in Hong me and shared in this experience. My husband and our small children accompanied of the ULM Hong Kong MBA program. My cations course at Shue Yan University as part nity cametomedirectlythroughULM. until theirgraduateprogram. or threecoursesnotrequiredofUAstudents undergraduate, Ihadalreadycompletedtwo Alabama, butIdiscoveredthat,asaULM into thePh.D.programatUniversityof sor. Notonly wasIimmediatelyaccepted education representedbyaULMdegree. thing familiarforgranted,likethefirst-rate the university that has given so much to me. ULM is my home, and I’m glad to give back to develops internship opportunities with firms. here else” ULM studentscanfindtheir ownunique ULMhadadirectroleinmyfamily, too. In December, I taught a business communi- More recently, anotheramazing opportu- Sometimesit’s temptingtotakesome- ULM. becoming aprofes- earning aPh.D.and I wasfocusedon to graduateschools. ing, Ibeganapplying my BBAinaccount- When completing www.ulm.edu

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