SUMMER 2016

Wild About Harry HONORING Harry Connick Jr. Rose Hanley ’83 makes the world a ‘Little Bit’ better Creativity in

FOCUSNew programs prepare students for emerging job markets

SUMMER 2016 | loyno a SUMMER 2016

Degrees of Success There’s an evolution under way 10 in film, music, and design. COVER STORY In response to this evolution, Loyola set out to innovate. Now, backed by three new degree programs, the university is cultivating a new breed of creative professionals.

b loyno | SUMMER 2016 2 President’s Message 3 Know & Tell 4 News Roundup 6 Creative Class 7 The Loyola Effect 8 Local Flavor 9 On the Scene 20 The Changing of the Bard Dr. Patricia 30 Southern Hospitality: Robért LeBlanc ’00 L. Dorn 7 and Chagas Disease Research

24 Harry Connick Jr. and the Weiner Dog Rose-Colored World that was 16 Rose Hanley ’83 and the Little Bit Foundation Frozen in Time

34 Institutional Advancement 36 Alumni Events 40 Class Notes 41 Alumni Profile: Flor Serna ’15 47 Alumni Profile: Shaawn Ali ’08 50 Alumni Profile: Nia Porter ’15 51 Bon Temps 52 Out in the Streets 53 Do This 54 Community Engagement 55 Then & Now 56 How Loyola Shaped Me

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 1 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SUMMER 2016 Vol. 26, No. 1 Editor Eve C. Peyton Designers Allee Parker Hollie Garrison Photography Kyle Encar Zack Smith Marianna Massey Ashley Brooke Writers Angelique Dyer ’11 Fritz Esker ’00 Autumn Cafiero Giusti ’00 Will Glass Lauren LaBorde ’09 Sarah Ravits Director of Creative Services Allee Parker Director of Marketing Dear readers, Francie Davenport ’92 THREE TIMES A YEAR WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY to bring a little bit of our wonderful Loyola University New Orleans community into your home through Director of Alumni Engagement Laurie Eichelberger Leiva ’03 LOYNO magazine. A few months ago we sent a survey to our readers to better understand the kind Director of Advancement Records of editorial content that would be most interesting to you. We were delighted with Martha Bodker the responses and received more than 500 in all, which served to help inform the Associate Vice President for Development new format for LOYNO. And we listened. Chris Wiseman ’88 I am thrilled to share with you the new design of LOYNO. Within these pages, you will find inspiring new features, photos, and stories that represent the exciting Vice President for Institutional Advancement Bill Bishop diversity and innovative spirit now permeating our campus. This new look and feel is one that truly reflects the creative, inventive, and entrepreneurial spirit Vice President for that exists here at Loyola and among our talented alumni. With more content, the Marketing + Communications publication is also thicker and contains more stories and photographs. And it will Laura F. Kurzu be printed twice a year now, with the third edition being a special digital issue. University President We have so much to celebrate and so much to be proud of. In 2016, the U.S. The Rev. Kevin Wm. Wildes, S.J., Ph.D. Department of State and the Chronicle of Higher Education named Loyola New Orleans a Top U.S. Fulbright Producer. Honors senior Michael Pashkevich received a national Goldwater Scholarship, the top prize awarded to students studying LOYNO Magazine is published twice per year. science, technology, and mathematics. Our strategic communication students View online at loyno.edu/magazine continued a winning Loyola tradition, coming in second in the national Bateman Send address changes to: Loyola University New Orleans championship. Our students and alumni are putting their social justice education Office of Marketing + Communications 6363 St. Charles Avenue, Box 212 into practice all across the world. Our faculty are a constant source of wisdom and New Orleans, LA 70118 ingenuity. And we welcomed the Class of 2016 to the Alumni Association, following Correspondence may be sent to: a commencement address by legendary entertainer Harry Connick Jr., who called Editor, LOYNO Magazine 6363 St. Charles Avenue, Box 212 upon our graduates to: “Be kind. Be humble. Be great.” New Orleans, LA 70118 phone (504) 861-5859 As you peruse these pages, we hope that you remember this: As we continue to fax (504) 861-5784 adapt and change at Loyola, our core traditions always remain. Our commitment to email [email protected] excellence endures, and we continue to “find God in all things.” Submissions of stories and photographs are welcome. Loyola University New Orleans has fully supported and fostered in its educational programs, admissions, employment practices, and in the activities it operates the policy of not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex/gender, or The Rev. Kevin Wm. Wildes, S.J., Ph.D. sexual orientation. This policy is in compliance with all applicable University President federal regulations and guidelines.

2 loyno | SUMMER 2016 knowLoyno news worth howling about. &tell

Strategic communication students from the School of Mass of Communication won second place in the nation’s premier case study For the second competition for public relations students. This year marked the 15th time year in a row, Loyola students have been named among the nation’s top three finalists in College Raptor the elite national competition. has named us the Loyola has won more “Hidden Gem” Bateman competitions than any university in our state! The other school in the country — having “Hidden Gem” list profiles one university from each state brought home nine national titles to the SMC trophy case and always placed that offers an intimate higher among the top three. education experience.

Loyola had Students from the School of Mass The Faith in four Fulbright Communication received 15 coveted

scholars in the Future awards this past April from the Society of Professional Journalists, campaign has surpassed a professional organization devoted to producing high-quality, ethical the 2015–2016 journalism. Top marks from the professional organization went to Loyola’s $60 million! multiple-prize-winning student newspaper and the Loyola Student News academic year Service, as well as individual students. This year, The Maroon won SPJ’s Mark and was named among the Top of Excellence for Best All-Around Non Daily Student Newspaper. Loyola U.S. Fulbright Producers for the Student News Service, a news wire service in which student journalists year by the U.S. Department of write articles for professional news organizations including The Times- State’s Bureau of Educational and Picayune/NOLA.com and local NPR-affiliate, WWNO 89.9 FM, won a Mark of Cultural Affairs. The Fulbright Excellence for General News Reporting. Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. In the 2014–2015 academic year, nearly one-third of the 15 undergraduate students In January 2016, Head Coach at Loyola who applied for a Kellie Kennedy Fulbright grant received one, th earning the opportunity to earned her 156 travel and study abroad during win at Loyola, the 2015–2016 year. Recipients giving her the most victories in of Fulbright grants are selected Loyola women’s basketball history. on the basis of academic and Under Kennedy’s direction, the professional achievement, as Wolf Pack has advanced to the well as demonstrated NAIA National Tournament three leadership potential. Telemundo/NBC anchor and mass communication alumna María Celeste Arrarás ’82 broadcast times and tallied 20-plus wins in her nationally acclaimed talk show Al Rojo Vivo! live from Loyola on May 20, 2016. five seasons.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 3 news roundup Spider Scholar A Woman for Others Goldwater Scholarship goes to Loyola student Dr. Cissy Petty awarded JASPA’s highest honor Loyola’s Michael Pashkevich, below, His ongoing honors thesis research Petty joined Loyola in July 2006 far right, of Mandeville, La., has entails assessing the effects of and has “embraced Jesuit higher won a 2016 Goldwater Scholarship. white-tailed deer herbivory on the education as a spokesperson and a Pashkevich is one of two students diversity and species richness of leader, in ways that serve as a model from Louisiana to receive the elite spider communities in a southeast to others,” Fordham University award, which recognizes top students Louisiana bottomland hardwood Senior Vice President of Student who wish to pursue scholarly research forest. Currently, Loyola researchers Affairs Jeffrey Gray said. “Her care in the sciences, mathematics, and are identifying more than 1,000 for the New Orleans community, as engineering and brings recipients preserved spiders, which they will use well as the students, faculty, and one- to two-year scholarships valued to approximate the overall diversity staff across the 28 Jesuit American up to $7,500. The national scholarship and species richness of the regional universities whom she encounters, will support Pashkevich’s ongoing spider communities. embody the very essence of the and future research on arachnids, “As I intend to research tropical Jesuit ideals of ‘cura personalis’ and conducted at Loyola under Assistant spiders for my postgraduate degrees ‘women and men for others.’ Her Professor of Biology Aimee Thomas. and professional career, this project Vice President of Student Affairs work on and off campus showcases “What makes Loyola unique is has enabled me to practice the and Associate Provost Dr. M.L. her dedication to students and that our STEM students have the field and laboratory skills needed to “Cissy” Petty, above, received commitment to her community.” opportunity to engage in scholarly succeed as a population ecologist,” the Reverend Victor R. Yanitelli, She has served as a regional vice research at the undergraduate level,” Pashkevich said. S.J. Award from the Jesuit president, vice president/president- Thomas said. “Our students are “The Goldwater Scholarship Association of Student Personnel elect, president, and past-president actively pursuing research on topics is arguably the most prestigious Administrators, its most prestigious of JASPA. During her presidency, ranging from developmental biology award given to undergraduate honor. The honor recognizes her she involved all 28 institutions in to ecosystem ecology.” science students and is seen as outstanding leadership, character, a strategic planning process that Pashkevich, a biology major, medieval a pathway into elite graduate and commitment to Jesuit higher resulted in a reimagining of JASPA’s studies minor, Ignatian Scholar and programs and other top awards,” education and the importance of leadership model and annual member of Loyola’s elite University said Loyola’s National Fellowships centering Ignatian spirituality in conference. The new leadership Honors Program, was selected from Adviser Carol Ann MacGregor. “The student affairs work. model invites participation from a highly competitive pool of 1,150 goal of the Goldwater program is “Cissy is so deserving of the all institutions at all levels, and mathematics, science, and engineering to encourage the development of Victor Yanitelli, S.J. Award,” said the conference program is deeply students for the scholarship. highly qualified scientists.” Jeanne Rosenberger, vice provost rooted in social justice. These for student life and dean of changes have resulted in JASPA students at Santa Clara University. establishing itself as the premier “She is a servant-leader, mentor, and Catholic student affairs association advocate for Jesuit student affairs. in the nation. She dreams big and helps others “This work was entirely inspired imagine a better future.” by Cissy’s dedication and vision, Founded in 1954, JASPA includes her boundless energy and student affairs leaders from the 28 enthusiasm, and her commitment to Jesuit colleges and universities in the excellence and would not have been U.S. To celebrate its 25th anniversary accomplished without her,” Gray said. in 1979, the association initiated an “Cissy is indeed an example of all that annual award for outstanding service is right with higher education and in the area of student life in Jesuit student affairs leadership.” higher education. The award was named in honor of its first recipient, Rev. Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J., beloved for his service to others.

4 loyno | SUMMER 2016 Love and War James Carville and Mary Matalin talk politics at the Renwick Lecture Series

America’s best-loved political couple Wm. Wildes, S.J., Ph.D. “We [were] A member of Loyola’s Board of Together with Carville, Matalin has faced off at Loyola with a discussion pleased to have two of the nation’s Trustees, Matalin is one of the most co-authored the best-selling political about the 2016 presidential election. top political strategists visit Loyola celebrated and popular conservative campaign book All’s Fair: Love, War, Renowned strategists and political to shed light on the issues and bring voices in America. She served under and Running for President, named commentators James Carville and us perspectives from both sides of President Ronald Reagan, made one of the top five best books on Mary Matalin shared their views at the the aisle.” her mark as President George H.W. public relations by the Wall Street seventh annual Ed Renwick Lecture Carville is America’s best-known Bush’s campaign director, and Journal, and Love and War: 20 Years, Series, and Gambit publisher, award- Democratic political consultant, served as both assistant to President 3 Presidents, 2 Daughters, One winning political commentator, and who helped Bill Clinton win George W. Bush and assistant and Louisiana Home. Matalin also penned law alumnus Clancy DuBos, J.D. ’93, the presidency in 1992. He has counselor to Vice President Dick Letters to My Daughters, a series of moderated the discussion, fielding a authored or co-authored eight Cheney. Today, she is an author; short missives for her own daughters. few questions from the audience. New York Times best-sellers and is television and radio host; and widely The couple shares a deep “The 2016 presidential election a frequent political commentator sought-after political contributor, love for the city of New Orleans is one of the most widely watched and contributor on This Week with pundit, and public speaker. Her and is involved in the upcoming elections in history, as well as one of George Stephanopoulos. He also radio program, Both Sides Now, is tricentennial celebration of the city of the most polarizing and dramatic,” serves as a professor of practice at broadcast on more than 100 radio New Orleans in 2018. said Loyola President the Rev. Kevin Tulane University in New Orleans. stations across the country.

Loyola trustee Mary Matalin discusses the upcoming election with her husband, James Carville, right, and law alumnus Clancy DuBos, J.D. ’93.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 5 CREATIVE CLASS GOOD CHEMISTRY Edouard and Kathleen When you took common curriculum Edouard went on to earn a master’s of classes, did you ever make something fine arts degree in sculpture from Notre Crago’s popular tangible that you could use in everyday life? Dame, and after he graduated, the mother- A pair of earrings or a necklace to wear? A and-son duo were reunited as professors Chemistry and Art class trusty key chain? Probably not. If you did, at Loyola. Both of them were inspired by it was likely because you took Edouard and a National Science Foundation workshop combines two distinct Kathleen Crago’s Chemistry and Art class they attended on interdisciplinary learning at Loyola. and wanted to bring that concept to Loyola. fields with an end result The first seeds of the class were sown In 2010, they co-taught the first section of when Edouard was an undergrad at Tulane Chemistry and Art. The class has grown that students cherish. pursuing a bachelor’s degree in visual arts. into one of the university’s most popular He’d ask his mother, Kathleen, an organic courses, with typically two or three BY FRITZ ESKER ’00 chemistry professor at Loyola, about the sections offered a semester. Unlike many PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYLE ENCAR scientific aspects of his projects (e.g., if classes (in science and elsewhere) where combining two ingredients would be toxic students learn more about theory than or result in a color change). practice, the Cragos’ students actually see chemistry in action. Edouard says the key to the class’ enduring popularity is allowing students to “apply chemistry visually as opposed to doing a diagram or an equation.” In one popular activity, the students embed copper between two sheets of glass and then heat it up in a kiln. The glass melts around the copper. On an academic level, the process teaches the students that copper and glass share a coefficient of expansion, meaning they expand and contract at the same rate. But on a more fun, artistic level, after the two ingredients fuse together, the students put the finished product in a pendant and keep it. On course evaluations, class members frequently say the ability to create something that they can keep or wear is their favorite part of the course. “They often say ‘Thank you for letting me make stuff in a science class,’” Edouard says. “Often, the only stuff in a science course you get to take away is a lab report.” “Art” and “creativity” usually aren’t the first words that leap to mind when people think of science and chemistry. But the Cragos hope to keep challenging that preconception with Chemistry and Art. “The two fields of art and science aren’t as disparate as people think,” Edouard says. “They share the way they think about, look at, study, and apply materials.”

66 loyno loyno | SUMMER| SUMMER 2016 2016 FALL 2016 | loyno 6 THE DR. PATRICIA L. DORN, LOYOLA BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES PROFESSOR EFFECT

1

Biology students Bethany Richards and Nick de la Rua ’10 co-authored a publication on the biology of Chagas disease. Published in the Memoirs of Institute Oswaldo Cruz, the paper describes new methods to quickly determine the genetic identity of bugs carrying the Chagas disease parasite. Dorn was a co-author.

Dr. Patricia Dorn, far left, conducts research with her students.

Dr. Dorn’s research is focused on understanding the epidemiology and transmission control of Chagas disease, a leading cause of heart disease in 2 Latin America caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. She has published extensively on the topic and secured top national grants to fund her research. Dorn

has inspired countless students in her more than 20 years at Loyola. Biology alumna She earned the 2012 Dux Academicus Award, the university’s highest Rachel Nuwer ’07 published faculty honor. “Bugs That Transmit ‘Silent Justine Sundrud ’14 teamed up with Dorn, New Orleans-based Killer’ Are Biting filmmaker Benjamin Reece of Deltree, and Guatemala-based researcher More in U.S.” Dr. Carlota Monroy to capture footage of villagers in El Guayabo, online in Scientific American Guatemala, using an innovative ecohealth approach proven to help people in April 2012. She quoted in the most impoverished regions stop the threat of Chagas disease. Dorn in her article. The video is now shown to thousands around the world PLAY to teach them how to make TO LEARN their own homes safer.

1 Slide of human blood seen at 1,000 times magnification. The red circles are edr blood cells. A trypanosome parasite (Trypanosoma cruzi) is visible in the bottom-right of the image (purple-stained organism that looks like a small worm). These parasites cause Chagas disease, trypanosomiasis. Photo by Marc Perkins, used under Creative Commons license. Colors altered.

2 Triatominae (aka kissing bugs) are carriers of Chagas disease.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 7 LOCAL FLAVOR

The BEST of BRUNCH

IT’S NO SECRET that in New Orleans, we live to eat. mid-morning-to-early-afternoon culinary experience This late-morning Whether po’ boys on a Saturday afternoon or red beans gets better and better. Whether you’re dining at meal fits perfectly on a hot Monday evening, our meals are important. And Commander’s Palace during its famed jazz brunch or brunch is no exception. Just as we live to eat, we also catching a breeze at some obscure restaurant nestled into the lifestyle live to party — without any care as to when the party near Bayou St. John, brunch is its own tradition in stops. The second-line band might march in, indicating New Orleans. There’s also nothing better than brunch and mindset of the the end of the party, but sometimes even then, the at home with your favorite people — it provides the dancing and revelry won’t end until the wee hours of perfect backdrop for a post-brunch nap. Crescent City. the morning. Brunch pairs so well with New Orleans, a city that will That’s when brunch comes in, healing ailing heads have a party for anything at any time. It’s a delightful BY ANGELIQUE DYER ’11 and soothing empty tummies with a perfect culinary tradition we use to celebrate love, babies, graduations, combination of chicken and waffles or eggs Benedict a new year of life, or just a new outlook on life. Brunch, drizzled with hollandaise sauce — and of course a spicy coupled with a beautiful sunny day, is the way we Bloody Mary. New Orleans has been onto the brunch continue the party we thought ended last night. With trend for decades, and with every passing year, the brunch in New Orleans, the party can never end.

88 8 loyno loyno loyno | |SUMMER SUMMER| FALL 2016 2016 2016 ON THE SCENE

and experience their slices of culture. Flags wave from backpacks to keep up with friends, and if you’re lucky, you might be a guest at someone’s wedding happening in the Gospel Tent. It is the time when festival season! we come together as humans to experience the magic that is art — in all different forms. Jazz Fest, for some, is more than a two-weekend event. It’s a feeling. Christmas may be your thing, but down here, when the flowers begin to It’s the time to truly let loose and be carefree; dance around in mud bloom and the pollen runs amuck Uptown, spring ushers in a season of when it rains; and eat all your favorites that really only taste right at magical food, sundresses and floppy hats, lots of dancing, and singing the Fair Grounds: mango freeze, Crawfish Monica, and fried plantains, almost every weekend. just to name a few. It is the time to join in a second-line passing It seems as though the city shines a little brighter when the New next to you after your first bite of crawfish bread. It’s the Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival rolls around at the end of April. This occasion to stomp and shout in the Gospel Tent and sway to 46-year-old tradition combines local and international food, music, and the sweet zydeco tunes at the Fais Do Do Tent. And at Congo culture with an overall funky good time. Jazz Fest started in 1970 with Square, it is the amazing moment when Maze and Frankie a simple passing of a microphone to legendary gospel singer Mahalia Beverly sing “Golden Time of Day” while the sun is preparing for Jackson; from there, she joined in with Duke Ellington and the Eureka its departure to close out Jazz Fest on the last day. Let’s not forget Brass Band as they second-lined through Congo Square. It was where the unique opportunity to experience the magic that is Stevie Wonder jazz and heritage met and thus is the birthplace of the New Orleans as he serenades the city with “Isn’t She Lovely.” Jazz and Heritage Festival. Today, the jazz and the heritage mix and But one of the most gratifying feelings comes from seeing our Loyola mingle in creative ways, through the different stages showcasing a students, faculty, and alumni grace the same stage as these legends, wide variety of music from traditional jazz, zydeco, and rock ‘n’ roll to creating a space for them to become legends in their own right. R&B, hip-hop, folk, and gospel. And weaved through those stages are Just as with Mardi Gras, we walk around grocery stores and doctors’ crafts from artists all over the world: intricate woodworks from the offices exclaiming, “Happy Jazz Fest!” because it’s a holiday, another motherland in Congo Square and elaborate blown-glass sculptures in special moment in New Orleans where we can come together and just the Contemporary Crafts area. Not only do we have the chance to see be ourselves. It’s that moment when we get to take in the soul of the performers we adore; we also get to meet and learn about new artists city all at the same time. Festin’ it Up The magici of Jazz Fest has come and gone for 2016, but we’re already ready for next year.

BY ANGELIQUE DYER ’11 PHOTO “JAZZ FEST” BY RICHARD SCHNEIDER, USED UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE. ALTERED.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 9 COVER STORY

It’s a time when the next Oscar-winning movie could be shot on an iPhone. When designers are influencing everything from industrial systems to smartphone apps. When the next G-Eazy is waiting to be discovered on campus. Degrees of

SUCCESSBY AUTUMN CAFIERO GIUSTI ’00

10 loyno | SUMMER 2016 n response to the evolution and popular and commercial music of technology, Loyola set out — and these new options seem to innovate. Now, backed by to have aligned with a youthful three new degree programs, zeitgeist, a creative culture of young the university is cultivating innovators ready to change the world a new breed of creative one medium at a time. professionals who will be I Loyola’s mission is clear in times empowered to succeed in this quickly changing world and who of unprecedented advancement are starting their journeys right here like this: to give students the on our campus, surrounded by the opportunities to stay on the cutting rich culture and endless inspiration edge, to create meaningful work, of New Orleans. and to challenge the scope of their chosen fields. And so far, these The university just wrapped up its degrees have been wildly successful, first full year of offering these new exceeding expectations and coming degrees — design, digital filmmaking, out ahead of the competition.

After graduation, JUSTIN SHIELS ’07 (graphic design) started the lifestyle magazine goINVADE.com; launched his own design studio, This Creative Lab; and co-founded New Orleans’ creative entrepreneur conference VenturePOP. He also taught branding at Loyola.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 11 e know for a fact that Wwe’re competing for student enrollments with some of the premier programs in the country — NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Berklee College of Music, Savannah College of Art and Design — and we’re competing successfully with those programs,” says Vice President of Enrollment Management Roberta Kaskel.

This year, each program surpassed projected Rooted in local culture enrollment numbers, with double the Of course New Orleans, the cultural epicenter expected enrollment in some cases. As of that surrounds our campus, also goes a long September 2015, there were 35 students way toward setting these programs apart. enrolled in digital filmmaking, 34 in design, The city is known as the birthplace and most and 33 in popular and commercial music, bona fide producer of jazz; a living, breathing according to Loyola’s Office of Institutional art gallery; and most recently “Hollywood Research and Effectiveness. University South”: All of these factors provide not only officials share the excitement of our students a staggering amount of authenticity to these and say these are impressive figures for rst-fi programs but also a unique sandbox in which year programs. our future game-changers can hone and share “Incoming enrollment has already their visions. exceeded our expectations in our first year Provost and Vice President for Academic of the programs, and we fully expect them Affairs Marc Manganaro says each of the new to continue to exceed our expectations,” degrees also aligns with the core values of the Kaskel says. university’s strategic plan, Transforming Loyola Some students have even transferred 2020, which expressly seeks to involve students to these programs from higher grade in high-quality, experiential, and values-based levels, meaning Loyola could send the first learning that is influenced by the cultures and graduates from its new degree programs out traditions of New Orleans and rooted in Loyola’s into the world as early as next summer. Jesuit mission while also helping students Tracci Lee is one of those students who is discover their careers and lives of service. on track to graduate next May. “These degrees fulfill all of these goals She is a year into the popular and by bringing together a solid foundation in commercial music program and has her the liberal arts with hands-on, experiential sights set on creating her first album after learning in cutting-edge creative professions,” that. “This was exactly what I wanted to do Manganaro says. “As such, they are models of with my music,” she says. “It fits what I’ll be the kinds of degrees shaping 21st-century higher doing in my career to a T.” education — degrees that give students the Lee says she was just one of many critical thinking skills to flourish and adapt in students who wanted more from Loyola’s a fast-evolving workplace and the professional music offerings beyond the old standards of skills to launch their careers right out of college.” jazz and opera. “It’s time for that next move, One of the things that makes all three and I think Loyola was very smart in taking programs unique is their focus on the business that step,” she says. side of creating art, music, and film. “If you can run it as a business, you can continue to do these things,” says John Snyder, chairman of the Department of Film and Music Industry Studies. “It’s all good and economically powerful.”

12 loyno | SUMMER 2016 Digital Filmmaking: A practical degree Loyola’s bachelor of fine arts degree in Sophomore NICK RAMEY digital filmmaking had been in the works is already an award-winning film- for six years before it was finally put in maker with impressive statistics: place this past fall. The digital filmmaking He’s made 10 films that have been curriculum had been available for a few shown at more than 30 festivals across nine countries – and he’s just years, but it was the recent high level of getting started! student interest that helped propel the program into a full-blown degree. “We started out small, offering just a few courses,” says Grammy-nominated director Jim Gabour, who leads the program. “We started having our students coming to us and saying, ‘more.’” The demand for more filmmaking classes dovetailed with the university’s plans to promote its mission by developing new academic opportunities. Response to the program has been striking. The original goal was to have 20 people in the program by the fall; the program ended up with a total of 35 and then picked up several transfer students between semesters. As a result, the program is on track to graduate its first round of seniors by spring 2017. The digital filmmaking degree program emphasizes both the creative and the business sides of the film industry. It’s the only film program in the country to require 18 hours of business courses as part of the curriculum, Gabour says. In addition, students need to complete 100 internship hours with a professional production company in order to graduate. “We want them to get a real practical and professional degree that will let them enter the career marketplace as soon as they leave,” Gabour says. Also noteworthy is that all of the program’s faculty members are working professionals, leading to connections allowing digital filmmaking students the chance to work at places such as DreamWorks and appear as extras in high- profile work such as HBO’sTreme . “Everybody here stays active in their profession, and we try to involve our students as often as we can in real-life work,” Gabour says. Before starting her sophomore year, Ella Jacobs decided to switch her major to digital filmmaking to take part in the program’s inaugural semester. She was previously majoring in English with a concentration in film and media arts. “What drew me in is that it’s so new and fresh, and there’s so much you can add and change to it,” Jacobs says. “A lot of the classes are hands-on.”

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 13 Now that Jacobs is preparing to begin her And they are finding that Loyola is the junior year, she has discovered her passion answer to that search. and talents are in editing and writing, and Next semester, the program will offer a she has used her time here to develop those business class on how students can write skills. She sees herself eventually working their own contracts as freelance designers. on the business side of film and doing post- “We ensure students graduate with a production work and editing. relevant skillset by balancing design “There are a lot of different paths you can thinking and form-making with take,” she says. different tools including technology Here, she gets the chance to practice in our curriculum,” Marx says. taking them all. “Our aim is to produce a cohort of creative, critical thinkers who can apply their design skills Bachelor of Design: and conceptual thinking in any Design for good chosen design forum while In the past few years, Loyola’s design making the world a better place.” program has undergone an evolution of That is, after all, what a Jesuit sorts, transitioning from a bachelor of arts education is all about: practical degree in design to the more professionally skills, innovative thinking, and care focused bachelor of design program. for the world around you. Previously, the degree consisted of 60 hours of liberal arts classes, which included 30 hours of design and 30 hours of electives. The new Popular and degree, which has actually been available for two years, requires 120 hours of study and Commercial Music: involves more design-specific coursework. The Practice through performance program trains students to use typography When music professor Sanford and images to effectively communicate with Hinderlie started working at Loyola a target audience and is the only four-year in the 1980s, the associate dean at program of its kind in the city. the time swore that as long as he The intent of the program is to prepare was at Loyola, there would not be students for a range of careers, including rock ‘n’ roll in the College of Music. interactive designers, game interface designers, A lot has changed since motion graphics designers, and print and then, and today rock is not only marketing designers. Program graduates will celebrated in the college — it leads be able to work at advertising agencies; design to a degree. studios; or as in-house designers at local, “It’s taken 35 years to get here, national, and international companies. but we finally got there,” says Daniela Marx, chair of the Department of Hinderlie, who has been involved Design, believes retention and recruitment with rock and jazz throughout his will be higher as a result of these changes. career and now serves as a point “This is a true professional degree program person for the program. where you’re taking many more design When creating Loyola’s so-called classes that are focused,” Marx says. “This “School of Rock,” the Department of degree is opening up new doors and avenues Film and Music Industry Studies laid for our students in the design community.” out a five-year plan for what it hoped True to this generation’s politically to achieve with the program. With 33 motivated ideals — and Loyola’s mission students enrolled for the program’s statement — these new courses are inaugural year, Hinderlie says that embracing and focusing on the concept of the major has done so well that it’s “design for good,” making the world a better already two to three years ahead place through design. of schedule, and he expects those That includes field trips into the numbers to double in the next year. community and service-learning projects “It’s so successful right now that that embrace design and social justice — and we’re running out of space, which is how the two concepts work in harmony. (See a good thing,” he says. story, p. 52.) Students receive private voice “I think students really want to make a or instrument lessons on a weekly mark in the world and make the world a basis, and they also perform in better place,” Marx says. “They’re looking ensembles in which they learn across the board to see at which school they how to play in a group. “Just the can actually fulfill that.” improvement of the students

14 loyno | SUMMER 2016 from fall to spring has been great,” Hinderlie says. “They’re getting it, and we’re getting it.” here are The program prepares students not only through performances but also through technology. Students are learning how to make music digitally and how to add it to video. Students also take job fields business classes in marketing and management and learn the ins and outs of contracts and copyrights. These skills encourage and enable them, as they’re honing their that are crafts and finding their voices, to take advantage of opportunities to share that work with the world — for instance, recording and producing their own work, which they know how to protect by in-demand, copyrighting it. They also promote and play gigs at Satchmo’s in the basement of the Danna Student Center, as well as in other clubs and venues off campus, including theHouse of Blues and the legendary Tand there are Howlin’ Wolf. They engage with a city rich with musical history, and they strive to contribute to its lexicon, to become a lasting part of its those that are cultural legacy. “We’re using New Orleans as a recruiting tool because it has so many clubs and so much music,” Hinderlie says. “We want our kids ahead of the curve. to get totally engrossed in it.” The generation entering Loyola right now will create new job markets and skills that professionals and businesses don’t even Continued growth projected know they need yet. Two of our new programs in particular are When Loyola set out to introduce three new degree programs, the designed to harness that entrepreneurial spirit and put students on goal was to increase enrollment while meeting student demands the cutting edge of the professional world. for new academic opportunities. University officials are touting the impressive response to the programs’ inaugural year as evidence that those goals are being met and exceeded. Computer Information Systems Snyder says he was impressed with the response to the new Whether the students in this program intend to music and film degree programs and predicts getting another 30 to 35 students in each degree program. “The creative power of our become software engineers, systems engineers, students is phenomenal and underserved,” he says. web designers, or developers, every business Marx says she would eventually like to expand the design program sector in the world will need people like them. into a School of Design, where students could learn industrial, The computer information systems degree graphic, interactive, game, and textile design. “New Orleans deserves to have this kind of program, and we could make a difference in the gives students the tools to speak the language world since our program is in line with the Jesuit mission,” she says. — to be architects and innovators — so that As always, the most important thing is to teach our students to they can plan, create, deploy, analyze, and focus their passions and give them tools to follow them. These three improve the systems on which the world runs. programs have not only lived up to that ideal but also have paved the way for future programs to do the same. Courses include Information Systems Theory Officials say expansion and growth will continue to be the goal of and Practice, Programming, Rational Databases, these programs in the coming year and beyond. and Computer Organization. “We expect these degrees to grow over the long term and to position Loyola even more firmly as a leader in educating students in the Jesuit tradition to take their places among the creative professionals Business Analytics proliferating in New Orleans and nationwide,” Manganaro says. Lots of factors go into making business decisions, and students in this program will be the ones who know all of them. They will learn the technological skills to manage databases, the analytical skills to interpret data and create business models, and the management skills to use analytical results to build and implement strategies out of that analysis. These students will excel in any job that Senior TREVARRI HUFF-BOONE is a requires data-driven business decisions — and saxophonist, composer, and bandleader that essentially means anywhere. Courses include who has already had the chance to collaborate with Chico Hamilton, Tom Business Statistics, Econometrics, Contemporary Browne, Bobbi Humphrey, and many Managerial Decision Making, and Consumer others. His goal is to travel the world playing music. Analysis and Research.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 15 ROSE- COLORED WORLD

BY LAUREN LABORDE ’09 IN THE THICK HEAT OF A NEW ORLEANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY BROOKE How Rose summer, it can be hard to imagine how an experience here could spark a charitable foundation that got its start providing Hanley ’83 warm coats for underprivileged kids. And yet the Jesuit education that Rose Hanley ’83 (general studies) received at Loyola is improving inspired her to do what she could to help her community and instilled in her the importance of social justice and service. the lives of Although she now lives and works in St. Louis, she still has a special place in her heart for the Crescent City. children, She is absolutely thrilled when I call her. “How’s New Orleans?” she practically oozes, as if we’re talking about a beloved mutual a ‘Little Bit’ friend. I tell her, truthfully, that it’s pouring raining, but it’s Jazz Fest time, and she’s still jealous she’s not there. at a time “I had the most wonderful, wonderful experience,” she says of her time at Loyola. “I just believe there’s such a great opportunity there for young adults. The city brings so much to the culture and what you learn.” She loves St. Louis, where she keeps busy running the Little Bit Foundation, which she co- founded, but she says Loyola and New Orleans just always felt like home to her.

16 loyno | SUMMER 2016 ROSE HANLEY ’83 credits her Jesuit educa- tion, with its emphasis on social justice, with fueling her passion for helping improve the lives of St. Louis children. Her Little Bit Foundation, based on the notion that everyone can do just a “little bit” to make the world around them better, just celebrated its 15th anniversary.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 17 anley was born in we doing to help the community?’ I kept place where she met and fell in love with her New York and later praying about it.” husband, Mike ’81 (marketing) — he was a moved to Dallas. Then she had the experience she needed: Phi Kappa Theta; she was a PKT Ruby — and The first time she “I was helping a woman with a coat drive that changed her life in many other ways. found herself at through my son’s soccer team, and she was “I felt the city was such a part of my Loyola, it was asked to bring coats down to a city school learning experience,” she says. “I remember because her older here in St. Louis. We went down to a very, living off-campus and taking the streetcar H sister was looking very impoverished area here, and I had no to school every day — that was my form at the school. Her idea there was so much devastation here. of transportation. I remember seeking out sister wasn’t interested — she wanted a big I was waiting outside — it was about 26 great music, and that’s when I started to state school — but Hanley was sold. To her, degrees — and we had bags of coats to bring really love jazz. The food changed my life it was the ideal school. inside. I’m ringing the doorbell, and no one’s also, and now it’s part of who I am — I can’t “I walked through that campus and it just answering it, and this little boy walks up wait to eat. Here I was in this amazing city, — it felt like home,” she says. “That was it. I in his dad’s coat with a broken zipper. He falling in love, getting this beautiful Catholic wanted to go there. I couldn’t imagine going looked at me and smiled and said, ‘My dad education, in that urban setting that I loved. anywhere else. I loved Catholic education. It let me wear his coat today.’ He was so happy. I was just beyond happy.” made me feel at home. I loved the size. I also We go inside, and this little boy walks in love urban; I’m very much a city girl. So being next to me, and the coat’s arms are hitting in the city was amazing to me. Coming from the stairs as he’s walking up. He was so New York and moving to Dallas, I missed bright and beautiful. I thought, ‘Sweetheart, that historical feeling of the city. I missed we’re gonna get you a coat.’ That day we gave For the first semester the foliage. I missed some of that beautiful out 170 coats to a school of 250 kids, and culture that comes along with New Orleans. It who comes through but this little boy. I give of 2015–2016, the was a perfect fit for me.” him a navy blue down jacket; I zip it up; I tell What she wasn’t so sure of, though, him, ‘You look so good. You’re going to be Little Bit Foundation was what she wanted to do when she got so warm’; and he says, ‘My dad’s going to be there. “I tried psychology, and I tried a few happy I have my own coat.’ And I thought, provided: business courses,” she recalls. “I was able to ‘This is crazy. This is in my city.’” dabble in a few different areas, and it kept She befriended the woman she helped ringing true that I wanted to do something with the coat drive and assisted her with with kids. I started in an education program, other efforts. Eventually, the women started elementary education, and I just fell in love increasing the number of schools they served, 15,918 with it. I fell in love with the work study. I enough that Hanley quit her job to start the just knew that working with kids was going Little Bit Foundation — based on the notion to be key. that we can’t singlehandedly change the world books “I guess I had lots of experiences,” she for the better, but we can all do a little bit. That continues. “I tried a few different things. I was was 15 years ago; now, the foundation serves given the opportunity to see what fit.” 22 schools and 6,500 kids. Besides the variety a liberal arts education The foundation has evolved far beyond 26,625 meals offers, Hanley also appreciated the Jesuit coats. Little Bit makes sure that every need tradition of the school. of the children it serves is met, whether “I felt very at home there, and the Catholic it’s socks, clothing, general wellness, food, education was a huge part of me feeling like behavioral health, or literacy. The thing that 1,894 eye I could be who I was and feel accepted for sets the foundation apart from others, Hanley that. I went to Mass on Sunday nights. I really says, is that it works one-on-one with children. exams loved that I could always go into the chapel “We don’t just drop something off or give or in the large church at any time and sit a voucher,” she says. “There is a kind, loving and pray. I felt like the Catholic community interaction between the child and Little helped support me in who I was.” Bit that is all about the child’s dignity and 122 pairs of After graduation, she worked as a teacher respect for the child. It’s all about building for a while before moving to a sales position the child up.” at a display company, where she started to The mother of three kids and a eyeglasses feel the pull of her Jesuit education. grandmother with another grandson on the “I knew something was missing,” she way, Hanley keeps pretty busy these days. says. “Part of the Catholic teaching is, ‘What But her time at Loyola and in New Orleans are we doing to serve others?’ And that’s hasn’t left her: Besides being the inspiration something I learned at Loyola: ‘What are behind the work she does today, it’s the

18 loyno | SUMMER 2016 TO FIND OUT MORE, VISIT thelittlebitfoundation.org

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 19 ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CHAIR JOHN BIGUENET, himself a critically acclaimed author, is celebrating the work of English faculty members, who published 16 books from 2014 to 2016.

20 loyno | SUMMER 2016 The Changing of the BY WILL GLASS Bard The enduring conversation with Loyola’s English Department

MANY STUDENTS enter English departments and Chekhov’s. The opening paragraph of all over the country with a simple dream: his novel Oyster illustrates, for instance, his to publish. aptitude for the same vivid, physical, and There’s a romance that assigns itself to undeniably weirdly Southern linguistic style the idea. The writers they look up to, living of the former but with a touch of the latter’s or dead, are immortalized in print, forever brevity and impressionism: conversing with the changing guard. And “The muffled slap of the paddle against students hope to be part of it — to observe the black water betrayed Horse’s impatience the theatre of it all and, ultimately, to be the as the pirogue nosed into Petitjean’s bayou, next to join the conversation. clinging to the darkness of the overhanging Imagine now that these students could trees along the bank. But half-submerged have real, non-figurative, face-to-face cypress knees rasping down the hull of the conversations with those who inspire them. narrow boat and low-slung branches, perhaps Sure, they say you should never meet your sagging under the weight of fat cottonmouths, heroes, but “they” may not realize what a raw slowed the pirogue’s progress. Thinking of the deal they’re committing themselves to with snakes, Horse unsheathed his knife and drove that sentiment — because here at Loyola, our it into the seat beside him.” English professors surpass any expectation The Los Angeles Review of Books that may be left unfulfilled by such a meeting. interviewed him in November 2015 about English Department faculty members the August release of his works the Rising published 16 books from 2014 to 2016. Water Trilogy and Silence. The former, Sixteen different works, each one a unique which collects Biguenet’s plays Rising Water, contribution to a decades-long conversation Shotgun, and Mold, was issued by Louisiana — poetry, theatre, literature, academic State University Press on the 10-year research. And that’s excluding the articles the anniversary of the flooding of New Orleans. faculty produce monthly at a prolific pace. The latter was released in September as part “English faculty members continue to of Bloomsbury’s Object Lessons series. publish at quite a clip,” John Biguenet, chair of Of the trilogy, Biguenet says, “Theatre is the Department of English, says. “It’s difficult always, in some sense, local. The actors who to keep up with what our colleagues are doing.” perform a play are often from the town where Of course, Biguenet has garnered his own the theater itself is located, so audiences critical acclaim. For his plays, which critics hear something of their own English in local have called “provocative,” “intelligent,” productions, something of themselves. It’s “fascinating,” and “fun.” For his fiction, useful to remember that even Euripides and which critics have called “brilliant,” “uneasy,” Shakespeare wrote for their neighbors in “harrowing,” “tender,” and “masterfully Athens and London. So one of the functions written.” And always for his prose, called of theatre, as opposed to other forms of “elegant” and “unencumbered” and which narrative, is to pose questions a particular invariably draws comparison to Faulkner’s community needs to address.”

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 21 T’S AN INTERESTING eerie gravitas permeates Broomstick, New But that said and all accomplishments OBSERVATION, especially Orleans playwright John Biguenet’s ripely aside, the faculty entered Loyola’s English when paired with another poetic tale of an Appalachian crone who Department with a simple dream of their own: he makes about the work may or may not be a witch. … The merger of to teach. And that’s what makes them heroes of nonfiction,Silence : “As I pathos, insight and horror is hair-raising. … to our students. discuss in a chapter on ‘Silent Biguenet’s text [has] an undulating rhythm One student said, “Because of the English Reading,’ many New Orleanians that ebbs and flows like a rain-swelled river Department, not only was I convinced to complained about the loss — [but] there’s always another hairpin turn stay at Loyola when I considered leaving I of the ability to read with to Biguenet’s narrative. Tightly woven, richly my freshman year, but I’ve been given the sustained attention in the detailed and fully enjoyable.” opportunity to gain experience in publishing, aftermath of the flooding. Reading requires Though Biguenet himself leads this charge, to participate in various readings on and off yielding consciousness to the writer. If one he insists on emphasizing his faculty’s accom- campus, and to work outside of class time is overwhelmed by the problems of serious plishments as just as great as his — which is no with professors individually.” illness or disaster, one does not yield easily. stretch, as one can see not just from the lists of This story — a student feeling unsteady In my case, I don’t think I ever fully recovered publications but also their recent awards. The in his or her first year of a rigorous English my ability to read with the intensity of which English faculty is acclaimed. program — is not uncommon. An impatience I was capable before. But I have brought my “[Associate Professor of English] Hillary brews in creative minds, one that can make experience of life among the ruins of New Eklund has won a William A. Ringler, Jr., Fellow- a student feel anxiety over not having Orleans to bear on my reading, experience ship to support one month of research at the created a masterpiece or contributed to the that has illuminated aspects of literature I Huntington Library and another one-month conversation yet. hadn’t fully grasped.” His most recent theatre production, an 88-minute monologue titled Broomstick — in which an Appalachian witch relays her life story “from first love, to heartache, to the hair-raising vengeance she wreaks upon those who’ve crossed her” — was met with widespread acclaim and drew another comparison from critics that’s not too bad — this time to Shakespeare. Portland’s Edge said: “Using a cadence reminiscent of Shakespeare’s rhymed couplets, Biguenet’s words sing stories and poetry. Broomstick provides an intriguing conversation about the nature of myth and the evolution of stories. … Biguenet’s text flows like words from a spellbook, dark fellowship at the Folger Shakespeare Library, The brilliance of our faculty lies in the fact and brooding, supported by the Mary and Eric Weinmann that they can take their own masterpieces and hypnotic and Fellowship Fund,” Biguenet says. “She was also contributions and use them to instill patience in expressive.” selected as an alternate for a short-term fellow- a student rather than envy — that they can take The play was ship at the Newberry Library.” a student’s simple drive to publish and turn it written entire- This is just one example of his faculty’s toward the more important ambition: to learn. ly in rhymed success. Dr. Trimiko Melancon, associate “I was encouraged to explore both what couplets in professor of English, for instance, won the speaks to me on an interior level as well as to iambic pentam- College Language Association’s 2016 Creative push the limits of my creative expression, all eter, which Los Scholarship Award. She also won the 2014 this done with an attention to and awareness Angeles’ Stage College of Humanities and Natural Scienc- of more formalized styles of writing,” the and Cinema said es Faculty Excellence in Research Award, student said. was “used so given for “superiority in scholarship and At Loyola’s English Department, the facul- subtly and deftly in the publication of books, articles, and ty’s prolific research and publishing is not ac- that one only creative endeavors.” In 2015, Dr. Christopher complished for personal gain or recognition — gradually realizes Schaberg, assistant professor of English, won it is done in an effort to improve the teaching they are rhyming — and how the rhymes serve that award. And Biguenet is 2016’s recipient. experience for both students and professors. to bolster the sense of a fairy tale.” In other words, for the third year in a row, “The main thing I want to comment on is Too, the Los Angeles Times said: “An an English professor was named the college’s the level of care I’ve received from each pro- arresting blend of evocative humor and top researcher. fessor and the quality of the staff,” the student

22 loyno | SUMMER 2016 English Faculty Book Recent Publications Faculty (2014–2016) Articles Katherine H. Adams (co-au- Laura Murphy. Survivors of Sarah Allison co-authored “Canon/Archive. Large-Scale stressed. “I’ve had the chance to work with thored with Michael L. Keene). Slavery: Modern-Day Slave Winifred Black/Annie Laurie and Narratives. New York: Columbia Dynamics in the Literary Field” writers in many different fields: from poetry the Making of Modern Nonfic- University Press, 2014. with members of the Stanford and critical theory to experimental nonfiction tion. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland Literary Lab. and playwriting. In each of these classes, the Press, 2015. professors were not only abundantly available John Biguenet, “Silent Reading but interested in me on an individual level.” Katherine H. Adams (co-au- Doesn’t Exist,” The New Repub- And finally, it is done to teach the students thored with Michael L. Keene). lic. Women, Art, and the New Deal. that the true value of publishing is not in the Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland Press, C. W. Cannon, “The Man on the act itself but in the pursuit of all the things it 2016. Back Steps,” Situate. requires: discipline, skill, open-mindedness, confidence, humility, and ambition. John Biguenet. Silence. New Barbara Ewell, “Eyes on The The same student said: “I cannot begin to York: Bloomsbury, 2015. Fly: How structural racism subtly express what a wonderful experience I’ve had undercuts plans for a ‘public John Biguenet. The Rising Wa- good,’” The Lens. with the Loyola English Department. I am so ter Trilogy: Plays. Baton Rouge, grateful to have been a part of it, and I’m leav- La.: LSU Press, 2015. Anya Groner, “Is There a Doctor ing with so much more confidence in myself as Peyton Burgess. The Fry Pans in the Marriage?” The New York both a person and a writer.” Aren’t Sufficing. New Orleans: Times. Biguenet explains, too, that professors Lavender Ink, 2016. work to get students involved in research Trimiko Melancon, “What Melissa Harris-Perry Has Taught projects so that they can feel the joy of the Hillary Eklund. Literature Chris Schaberg & Robert Us about Black Women and research itself. and Moral Economy in the Early Modern Atlantic: Elegant Bennett, eds. Deconstructing Silence,” Ms. Magazine. “Over the summer, students in the Modern Sufficiencies. Aldershot, U.K.: Brad Pitt. New York: Blooms- Slavery Research Project Lab will be working Ashgate Press, 2015. bury, 2014. Michael Miley, “How Capitalism to transcribe, code, and analyze interviews Took Over Sports Movies,” The conducted by [Assistant Professor of English] Barbara Ewell, Jorge Aguilar Atlantic. Dr. Laura Murphy on a project funded by Mora, Josefa Salmon, eds. The Covenant House International to study the Anthology of Spanish American Thought and Culture. Gaines- intersection of homelessness and labor ville, Fla.: University Press of exploitation,” Biguenet says. “Majors Margaret Florida, 2016. O’Connell, Marley Duet, Lauren Stroh, Olivia Malone, Andres Neidl ’16, Sarah Neal, and Trimiko Melancon. Unbought Nicole Margavio have all worked in the lab this and Unbossed: Transgressive year. Lauren Stroh, one of the English majors Black Women, Sexuality, and Representation. Philadelphia: on Laura’s research team, will be working as an Temple University Press, 2014. editorial intern for Columbia University Press this summer. “Of course,” he continues, “we couldn’t in- volve students in our research unless we had an extremely active group of scholars and writers who are heavily engaged in research projects.” That certainly seems to be the English Chris Schaberg. The End of Department’s main draw. We couldn’t be Airports. New York: Bloomsbury, prouder of their output and accomplishments 2015. John Mosier, “Why Verdun?” — especially of late — and we couldn’t be Over the Top: A Magazine of the Chris Schaberg & Mark Yakich, World War I Centennial. more grateful that they’ve chosen to guide our eds. Airplane Reading. Alres- students toward greater goals than publishing ford, U.K.: Zero Books, 2016. Chris Schaberg, “Publish or for publishing’s sake. Timothy Welsh. Mixed Realism: Perish? Yes. Embrace It,” The And, of course, the students couldn’t be Chronicle of Higher Education. Videogames and the Violence of happier to get to meet their heroes. Fiction. Minneapolis: University Timothy Welsh, “Do Cyborgs of Minnesota Press, 2016. Dream of the Perfect Pump?: Mark Yakich. Poetry: A Survi- Warframe and Gender,” Well vor’s Guide. New York: Blooms- Played: A Journal on Video Trimiko Melancon & Joanne bury, 2015. Games, Value and Meaning. M. Braxton, eds. Black Female Sexualities. New Brunswick, N.J.: Mark Yakich. Poetry for Planes. Mark Yakich, “What Is a Poem?” Rutgers University Press, 2015. London: Eyewear, 2016. The Atlantic.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 23 Harry . Connick Jr& the wiener dog that was t frozen in ime

Three simple things a Jesuit boy admires about Harry Connick Jr.’s success

BY WILL GLASS

24 loyno | SUMMER 2016 LEGENDARY PERFORMER and New Orleans native son Harry Connick Jr. spoke at Loyola’s commencement and received an honorary degree: doctor of music, honoris causa. Photo by Palma Kolansky.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 25 ot once Ngrowing up did I ever think I’d be sweating behind a desk waiting on a phone call from Harry Connick Jr.

As I waited, my co-workers tried to calm my And because he is real, he says, nerves by reminding me how friendly and “Call me Harry.” personable he seems — how genuinely nice Everything he says afterward confirms the and easygoing the man is. And, of course, that impression one gets from his records and TV he’s just a man. appearances: He is a genuine human being, But worldwide, he’s not just a man. and he’s gotten to where he is through hard He’s a legendary and prolific performer. In work and true care for others. And — he’s New Orleans especially, everyone has their cool. Really cool. Harry Connick Jr. story. For 20-plus years, my mother told me that she knew him — that she Processing this is a and her friends lived in an apartment beneath unique experience. his on St. Charles Avenue. That they’d hit the ceiling with a broomstick a certain number of Talking to a person times to get him to play the theme song from Peanuts. That he once serenaded her in a who has become wildly grocery store. successful not through Hearing these stories your whole life, he becomes a mythic figure in your mind, the competition or cutthroat quintessential New Orleanian, the connection business but through every local keeps as a point of pride and uses to tout their genuine residency. And you won- kindness, humility, der if he can be real. So when my trembling finger presses discernment, and self- the button to take his call, of course I call reflection … it compels you him “Mr. Connick.” to take notes.

26 loyno | SUMMER 2016 So here are three simple things I want to share about Harry and his success that made an impression on me.

He’s humble. This one is a given. It’s the most easily noticeable thing about Harry. I keep saying 1. “real,” but that’s what he is, and it’s a huge part of his success. He is a human being. If you watch interviews with him, he’s honest and open with people about almost any part of his life. In his interview with Jimmy Kimmel, he didn’t shy away from admitting that he wasn’t the best student in his time at Loyola. And when he talks with me, he says over and over again how great an honor it is for us to be recognizing him. “I went to take piano classes at Loyola when I was a kid,” he says. “My mom used to take me there once a week, and I would study there. So I got a taste of what Loyola was from a really early age, and that was really cool.” All of this comes from a real respect for the world, its people, and its experiences. He appreciates the things that make people who they are. He’d rather be honest about his time here and use it to inspire students to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to them than cover up the fact that he got some bad grades. There is a staggering humility in not just being honest about your own experiences but also using them to encourage others. “When I was 18, I went [to Loyola] for a semester, and I was never able to fully take advantage of what it had to offer because I was only there for a short amount of time,” he says. “But I just remember it being a highly respected place that had amazing opportunities, and it was a really big deal for me to be able to go there.” This authenticity is not just endearing on its face; it happens also to be what many of us are searching for — a connection to something real. It is refreshing to talk with someone who is so self-aware, someone who has so successfully reflected on and discerned his path that he can allow himself genuine, honest, human expression. Which brings me to the next observation . . .

WATCH CONNICK’S He is also proud. Harry is humble. Always. But, man, he MOVING SPEECH gets excited about the work he does in — in which he urged . 2 a really great way. graduates, “Keep your eye on the prize but your When I ask him if — after we award him his heart in the game” — honorary doctorate — he will insist on being and see all commencement coverage online at called “doctor,” he responds with an enthusiastic: loyno.edu/commencement “Damn right! Starting with my family.” He’s joking (maybe), but when he gets serious and talks about proud moments

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 27 throughout his career, it’s with the kind of off of his latest album,That Would Be Me, Center for Music; and it was just a bunch of pride that’s admirable — the kind that makes which came out in October 2015. people who were really dedicated to making you want to be more passionate about your “I loved the song,” Harry continues. “He’s sure the musicians were taken care of; and own work. a super-talented guy, and I was just — I sing now we have this incredible, state-of-the-art, “I was asked to play at the papal Masses, that song every night; I love that song.” multifunctional facility; and it’s been a dream and that was a great honor,” he says. “To be And, finally, when I ask him about the come true.” called upon to represent your country at work he did to establish Musicians’ Village This is the true greatness about the way such a highly heralded event is a great honor. after Katrina, he thanks musician Branford he gives back: the care he puts into creating And so I’ll never forget either of them . . . I’m Marsalis for helping him to realize that goal. meaningful experiences for people and the Catholic, so it meant a lot for the church to But that belongs in the next observation, fact that doing so is a dream come true for call. That was huge.” which is that … him. He opens his heart to people and helps He gets perhaps most excited — them not just out of hardship like a kid on Christmas, even — when but also into cherished growth he talks about his new show, Harry. CONNICK ATTENDED opportunities. “It’s coming out on Sept. 12, and one semester at Loyola In that respect, it’s unsurprisingly to honor the wishes of that was a big accomplishment his father, Harry Connick easy to hear how excited he is about because it’s sort of the culmination Sr. ’58, before leaving speaking at commencement, but what of all the things I’ve worked for to pursue his musical is striking is how genuinely he hopes throughout my life,” he says. “And career in New York. to make an impact on the students to be able to do it on a nationally — because he himself has used his syndicated show was a pretty great talents to help change the world. accomplishment. I’m going to be in a “I was really honored that I got the studio in New York every day with a call to do it, and it’s something that studio audience and do everything I take seriously, and I spent a lot of from live music to comedy to time thinking about it,” he says. “It’s man-on-the-street stuff to human a big deal to be able to have a chance interest stories. It’s going to be a big to speak to all of those kids in that party every day that’s sort of based environment. It’s such a happy day around the things that I do. It’s for them, and to have a guy that they totally unscripted and spontaneous don’t know come in and speak is and different than other things you something that — you know, I would see on TV.” like to say some words that might But the most striking thing about ultimately mean something to them. his pride is that it’s inclusive. He So I’ve thought about it quite a bit, brags about his friends. and I’m really excited to have the “My whole band’s going to be chance to speak to them.” there,” he says. “So we’re going to be playing all the time, and there’ll be Given our shared experiences some structured stuff, but a lot of it’s with Jesuit education (I heard just going to be playing what we feel countless stories about him when I at the time.” attended Jesuit High School, his alma mater), Harry seems only to compete with himself. it should be unsurprising to me that the Rather than begrudge people their particular Harry is, ideals that Harry has chosen to strive for are opportunities and talents, he encourages above all, ideals I admire in him. His success is not just everyone toward their own experiential . founded on musical abilities but also on real learning. This comes, again, from confidence 3 a good person. discipline; the desire to get better; and the as a result of true self-knowledge. The common thread is this: To be as good an desire to be whole that is so ingrained in the When Kimmel asked him about his honorary artist as he wanted to be, Harry believed he Jesuit teaching of magis, the humble pursuit degree, Harry bragged about how smart his had to work on his whole person. of “more,” the higher level. sister is — that she’s a doctor, an officer in When he speaks about his accomplishments, His excitement to speak to our students, the military, a polyglot. When I ask him about a genuine care is apparent — for the world though, comes from a place that seems a little working with Loyola music industries studies and all its communities. I ask him about more personal. Harry had his own meaningful instructor Jim McCormick, he brags about how Musicians’ Village and where the idea came experiences here at Loyola: growing up on talented Jim is: “My friend Tracey Freeman, from, and he explains: “After Hurricane campus; honing his craft as a child in piano who’s produced many of my records, sent Katrina, immediately after, I was trying to classes; and, yes, in his time here as a student. me a song that he thought I would like, and it think of something I could do to help my “I spent so much time in and around happened to be written by this guy who went town out because it was in such a bad state, Loyola,” he says, “as a student, as a kid. It’s to Jesuit [High School in New Orleans]; I think you know? And I got together with my friend a lot of memories. A lot of the first things I he graduated a year or so behind me,” Harry Branford Marsalis, and we have the same learned about music were at Loyola.” says, referring to McCormick. manager, and we were thinking we could do On memories, I can’t help but take the The song he’s referencing is called “(I Do) something for the musicians. So that turned opportunity to try to answer my own Like We Do” and was the first single released into Musicians’ Village and the Ellis Marsalis question, the one I’ve been dying to answer

28 loyno | SUMMER 2016 CONNICK, SEEN HERE with Loyola President the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., Ph.D., is ranked among the top 60 best-selling artists in the U.S. by the Recording Industry Association of America and has earned three Grammy awards, two Emmy awards, and two Tony nominations. This fall, his entertainment show, Harry, will premiere.

for over 20 years: Were the legends passed “Your dreams of becoming a performer are of the things I wish I could bring myself to tell down by my mother true? I take a chance and always pitted against the reality of mastering him without tripping over my words. prod, calling her “one of the girls who lived in your craft,” he explains. “New Orleans was a “That means the world to me,” he says. “It’s the apartment below you on St. Charles, the constant reminder that what should come very humbling to hear that, and I’m just trying one with the wiener dog.” first is craftsmanship and trying to be the best to do what you guys are teaching those kids to “Whoa,” he says. “That’s crazy. It’s crazy musician you can be as opposed to, you know, do, which, like you say, is to try to be a better how time flies.” trying to be the most popular.” whole person. And it’s a lifelong quest, so When he remembers her, it strikes me as those words really, really mean a lot. And I’m a genuine bit of New Orleans magic. Only in These are all things he hopes to leave with telling you, it’s an incredible honor for me and this city could the story go: Yeah, that girl with our graduating seniors at commencement: to something I take very, very seriously, so I hope the wiener dog who lived in the St. Charles cherish your unique experiences, to let them the group likes what I have to say.” apartment underneath mine who used to inform yourself and your abilities, to work hard And this is a moment for me. One of those in make me play the Peanuts theme? Her son is to find and share your voice, and to use your which you become hyper-aware of what you’ve interviewing me right now for LOYNO Magazine environment to your advantage. just done. As I reach to end the call with a living because I’m a famous performer. When asked what song he’d like to sing to legend, I close my notes and take a moment “That’s funny, man,” he continues. “When our graduating seniors, he says: “I’d probably to catch myself up: “Yes, you just talked to you have a memory, for some reason, as you sing something deeply personal. Like one Harry Connick Jr. Yes, you called him ‘Harry.’ move on in your life, those memories kind of those obscure New Orleans tunes just to No, you didn’t embarrass yourself and tell him of seem to stay put. You sort of don’t follow send the message that, ultimately, it’s about how much you enjoyed his performance in through on who those people were; they sort individuality, you know? If you start from Independence Day.” of freeze in time. And so . . . now I’m talking to a place of individuality and being in touch But before the call is over, he says, with Mary’s son, and it’s a strange phenomenon.” with who you are as best as you can, then a humanity that should be impossible of a But this is truly New Orleans — it’s not everything kind of falls into place.” performer this accomplished — “Hey, Will . . . just the you-know-my-mama moment we all My department’s vice president, Laura say ‘hi’ to your mom for me.” have with strangers on a daily basis; it’s a bit Kurzu, tells him what an honor it’s been, that of voodoo quantum physics; an unconscious what he’s done for the city is incredible, that acknowledgment of something unique to our he’s as authentic and genuine as he seems, and city; a history of memories, food, music, and that that’s exactly what people are looking for performances frozen in time that ever acts as a now — something real, a human being who’s catalyst for the world’s best creative spirits. honest and willing to make connections — all

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 29 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

BY SARAH RAVITS PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG MILES Robért LeBlanc ’00

has long been NEW ORLEANS. A city that thrives on tourism, lives to eat, and loves to party. Here, successful in the the standard for hospitality, entertainment, and culinary arts demands a little bit of service industry, lagniappe — an extra spark — if you’re really going to make it. A business that’s going to but as a member of resonate with locals and tourists alike takes more than a leader with a natural business Loyola’s Board of savvy. It takes one with an extra helping of creativity and ambition. Trustees, he is now Enter Robért LeBlanc ’00 (economics and finance). Known for having founded serving his alma LeBlanc+Smith — a boutique hospitality portfolio that includes New Orleans hotspots mater, as well. Sylvain, Barrel Proof, Meauxbar, and Cavan — he exudes passion and enthusiasm for his work. Of his restaurants, he says like a proud parent that each has its own flair and that what they all have in common is not just world-class food and beverage programs but stylish design that creates dramatic places — and always an overwhelming sense of Southern hospitality. But LeBlanc did not start as a restaurateur. He actually began his post-college career in the music industry, first starting Renaissance Records, a record label that produced local indie rock and hip-hop records, and eventually owning a nightclub/concert venue. “We were not very good at promoting records,” he admits. “But we became very good at promoting concerts and events, and that company eventually became Republic New Orleans,” the popular Warehouse District concert venue, which he has since sold.

30 loyno | SUMMER 2016 ROBÉRT LEBLANC ’00 a member of Loyola’s Board of Trustees, says that one of the most important things he learned at Loyola was “to be bold and to take chances.”

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 31 OW, HE HAS VASTLY If you are doing that which makes you happy, Robért expanded his you will be able to keep doing it until you by the portfolio, which find success, which usually happens sooner focuses on the as opposed to later. … As long as you keep Numbers aforementioned moving forward with passion and hard work, boutique restau- you will learn a tremendous amount through rants and bars those tough experiences, and that learning N and eventually, will be essential to your achieving your he hopes, hotels. dreams.” age he That his career would end up in some of He currently serves on Loyola’s Board of 21was when he started the hottest restaurants and bars in Trustees and has also served as an Executive his first company New Orleans and that he’d be so involved Mentor and sat on the Visiting Committee in the hospitality industry would have of the College of Business. As a member of surprised the younger LeBlanc, but here the Board of Trustees, his core responsibility that twist is precisely what it takes — is in Institutional Advancement, where he open-minded entrepreneurship that seizes helps with university branding and works opportunity and runs, runs, runs. specifically on how the university engages venues And now LeBlanc says that he’s “having a ball students and alumni. he4 currently owns and could not imagine doing anything else.” This, of course, is because he never wants A native of Houma, LeBlanc earned a to stop giving back. He stays active as a scholarship to Loyola and fell in love with Loyola alumnus because he believes that New Orleans during his time here. Though his experiences at the university positively he worked briefly in New York City upon shaped who he is today. years graduating, he couldn’t stay away, and he On his undergrad days, he reflects: “I 16since he graduated returned to the Big Easy to make a home. enjoyed incredibly diverse experiences and from Loyola Here, he’s built a life with Danielle, his wife of people who really helped me to become nine years, with whom he’s enjoying raising clearer on who I was and who I wanted to be. his sons, Bear, 5, and William, 2. Most importantly, as it relates to my personal “While geographically small, the city has and professional happiness, though, Loyola many layers,” he says. As a student here, he University New Orleans taught me to be suspected that “there was so much more of bold and to take chances both in expressing years New Orleans that I had yet to experience, so I myself personally and professionally — that Robért9 and Danielle decided to make my life here, and I was right. it was OK to take chances and fall down as have been married To this day, I discover something new on an long as you got back up and kept growing. almost weekly basis.” Loyola taught me to see things that others His curiosity and his passion for the city may view as a ‘failure’ or a ‘mistake’ for what have driven his ambitious business ventures, they really were: learning experiences that and over the years these ventures have would help me to grow personally, most helped the entertainment and hospitality importantly, but also professionally. That number of 2children they have industries to flourish. The city felt the effect gave me great courage in both my personal of his work after Katrina especially, as he and professional life that I still find really fostered growth, created new jobs, and helped rare today.” to redefine New Orleans as a city where young Loyola was more than just a four-year professionals can realize their dreams — and college experience for him; he is a lifelong have a good time while doing so. and loyal member of the Wolf Pack. “I His advice to aspiring business owners owe everything I have — my family, my The total 2number of dishes his is simple but profound: “Start with doing profession, and my sense of self — to something that makes you happy. Then trust Loyola,” he says. “There is literally no amount wife actually trusts him your instincts and make bold choices. And of time or money that I could give back to the to cook for the family when you fall, just get up and keep growing. university to repay all that it has given me.” at home (grilled cheese and Pop Tarts)

32 loyno | SUMMER 2016 LeBlanc, pictured here at his newest venture, Cavan, located on a thriving stretch of Magazine Street, is also a co-owner of local hotspots Sylvain, Barrel Proof, and Meauxbar.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 33 BENEATH

THE TIDE BY WILL GLASS A man of quiet virtue receives one of Loyola’s highest honors

TIDEWATER PRESIDENT and chief executive John P. Laborde is the kind of man movies are made about — a successful, internationally known business executive and country gentleman who stands impossibly straight and tall; speaks like Gen. MacArthur; and, well, actually did serve on MacArthur’s adjutant staff during World War II. He and his late brother Alden trans- formed the Louisiana oil industry with their innovations. Their pioneering discoveries and strong entrepreneurial abilities forever altered the maritime and oil and gas indus- tries and built empires. But beneath all of that, there is a spiritu- ality and selflessness in Laborde that belies his success. Yes, his accolades include having been named among New Orleans’ 10 Outstanding Citizens in 1974 and the Propeller Club of New Orleans’ Maritime Man of the Year in 1984. Yes, the South Central Industrial Association awarded him the President’s Medal and Junior Achievement awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award. And of course, John P. Laborde was honored with Public Broadcasting System named him a the 2015 Integritas Vitae Award. Legend of Louisiana in 2000. But quietly, he has always devoted his time to preserving our city’s community, economy, and culture. He has made countless In 1996, he and his brother were awarded to selfless service done without expecting contributions on a voluntary basis, including honorary doctorates of humane letters at rewards or public recognition. support for the American Red Cross, the the university’s annual commencement “John Laborde has been a role model for all Downtown Development District, WYES-TV, ceremony — the first time a university ages, giving of his time, talent, and resources the Port of New Orleans, and the New Orleans honored two brothers simultaneously with to improve the quality of life for the people of Museum of Art. honorary doctorates of humane letters. our city,” Anne Milling, 2004 Pope John Paul The Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese To generations of students, perhaps the II Award recipient and a former Loyola Board of New Orleans even awarded him the Pope dearest of his contributions is the statue of of Trustees member, said. “He has been a joy John Paul II Award in December 2013, given St. Ignatius in the Peace Quad, lovingly to work with, especially with the many social annually to a layperson or permanent deacon dubbed “Iggy.” services of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.” who exhibits inspirational examples of Continuing this special bond and in Most of all, he exemplifies our Jesuit Christian stewardship. recognition of a lifetime of selfless devotion values — the ones engraved on the path Of course, many of his contributions have to service, Loyola has honored him with the Iggy looks over— not least of which is to be been to Loyola University, where he served Integritas Vitae Award, presented annually a man for others. on Loyola’s Board of Trustees from 1981 to to an individual who exemplifies the qualities 1992 and as vice chair from 1989 to 1991 and Loyola seeks to instill in its students, such with which he already holds a special bond. as high moral character and a commitment

34 loyno | SUMMER 2016 With t Gra i Loyola thanks and honors scholarship donorstude at its annual dinner LOYOLA HONORED THE GENEROSITY of tuition prices at private universities and well with and for others. Loyola donors have those who provided scholarship support out-of-state tuition,” said graduating senior supported untraditional undergraduate for the 2015–2016 academic year during its Linda Hexter ’16 in a speech at the event. learning outside of the classroom, as well. annual Scholarship Donor Dinner on April “I tell them about Loyola and about how As a recipient of the Kent Mulhahy Grant 7 at the Audubon Tea Room. The event 98 percent of incoming freshmen receive for Undergraduate Research, I have been also provides scholarship recipients the financial aid. College doesn’t have to be able to pursue mathematics further than opportunity to meet their benefactors, expensive, thanks to donors like you. But coursework through a one-on-one research thank them personally for their support, I don’t just try to persuade them to come project with Dr. Michael Kelly. I presented and let them know how their scholarships to Loyola because it’s affordable. Loyola my research at LSU Shreveport in February have impacted their lives. provides a college experience like none other, and published the paper in a journal. This “When I speak to high school seniors as you all know. … Loyola fosters a spirit of research partnership has been an incredibly about where they would like to go to personal growth in the most balanced way. difficult but rewarding experience to offset college, they often say they would like to … An education at Loyola teaches you not my coursework, and it is certainly an stay public and in-state because of the high how to focus on yourself but how to work opportunity that would not have happened without the support of my donors.” His Excellency Mohammed Jaham Al- Kuwari, ambassador of the state of Qatar to the United States, also attended the Scholarship Donor Dinner as a special guest. After Hurricane Katrina and the levee failures, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, then-amir of the state of Qatar, established the Qatar Katrina Fund, pledging $100 million to the recovery of the devastated areas. In the months that followed, 18 projects across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama focused on housing, health care, and education received funding. “With a $1.4 million grant from Qatar in 2007, Loyola established the Qatar Loyola Scholarship Fund, which provided scholarships to dozens of Loyola students affected by the hurricane,” said Chris Wiseman, associate vice president for HIS EXCELLENCY MOHAMMED JAHAM AL-KUWARI, ambassador of Qatar to the institutional advancement at Loyola. “We United States, far left, visiting from Washington, D.C., was recognized for the $1.4 million dollars were honored to have Ambassador Al- in scholarship gifts that Qatar has provided to Loyola students following Hurricane Katrina. Kuwari join us for our annual Scholarship Ambassador Al-Kuwari’s remarks at the dinner highlighted the importance of higher Dinner, where we celebrated the generous education in the global economy and in the quest for peace and understanding among philanthropy of more than 100 funds and nations. Also pictured are, from left, Linda Hexter ’16, senior Autumn Cormier, and Loyola President the Rev. Kevin Wm. Wildes, SJ., Ph.D. families who have helped our students to pursue and fulfill their college dreams.”

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 35 2 Alumni Events

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Wolves on the Prowl 4 In the Jesuit tradition, Loyola strives to develop individuals who dedicate their lives to service for others. Each year, hundreds of alumni and students participate in Loyola’s National Day of Community Service, Wolves on the Prowl. This year’s event took place on Nov. 14, 2015, in cities all over the country.

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1 San Francisco alumni worked on a trail restoration project in coordination with Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy at Rancho Corral de Tierra. 2 The Dallas Chapter served the North Texas Food Bank. 3 Los Angeles alumni partnered with the American Red Cross for Holiday Mail for Heroes on Nov. 15, 2015. 4, 5 The Loyola community in New Orleans served Bricolage Academy, a local public school. Loyola students and alumni worked together on a variety of projects, from scraping peeling paint from the ceilings and repainting areas of the building to washing windows and organizing classrooms.

36 loyno | SUMMER 2016 LUCAP 40th 1 Anniversary Reunion Former LUCAPers Keith ’81 and Maria Horcasitas, Samuel Bradley ’10, Bethany Washington ’16, and Mary Baudouin ’78 came together to celebrate LUCAP’s 40th birthday.

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Miami Saints Watch Party Alumni gather together for a Saints game viewing party at the home of Carlos Castro, J.D. ’13.

Lafayette Law Mardi Gras Happy Hours 3 Alumni Event 1 Houston-area alumni gathered at Julep Loyola College of Law alumni Philip DeBaillon, to celebrate Mardi Gras on Feb. 2, 2016, at a J.D. ’13; Justin Cantu, J.D. ’14; Wesley Galjour, Happy Hour event planned by Roy Cerrillo ’09. J.D. ’08; Jason Matt, J.D. ’10; and Jill Rivers, 2 Members of the Chicago Alumni Chapter J.D. ’15, celebrated the season at the annual celebrated Mardi Gras at the annual Mardi holiday wine and cheese reception in Gras Happy Hour on Feb. 6, 2016. Donations Lafayette on Dec. 1, 2015. from the event will support the Chicago Alumni Chapter Scholarship. 3 The New York City Alumni Chapter celebrated on Lundi Gras, Feb. 8, 2016, with a Mardi Gras Happy Hour at Bar None.

YAP Christmas Cocktail Reception 1912 Society Young alumni gathered together during the At the annual 1912 Society Dinner, held at the Christmas holidays for the annual Young Roosevelt Hotel on Dec. 10, 2015, John P. Laborde Alumni Christmas Cocktail Reception. H ’96 was honored with the Integritas Vitae Stephanie Hilferty ’07, shown here with Award. From left, the Rev. Kevin Wm. Wildes, her family, was honored as the 2015 Young S.J., Ph.D., university president; John and Sylvia Alumna of the Year on Dec. 3, 2015, at Trèo in Laborde; and John Finan, M.B.A. ’70, chairman of New Orleans. the Board of Trustees.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 37 Hall of Fame Wolf Pack Athletics

Lenten Lecture Series Denver Happy Hour The theme for the 2016 Lenten Lecture Denver Loyola alumni gathered at Lowry Beer On behalf of Loyola Wolf Pack Athletics and Series was the Year of Mercy, and each Garden on March 3, 2016, for after-hours drinks the Alumni Association, five new members lecture in the five-part series focused on the and networking. were inducted into the Loyola Hall of Fame spirituality of Pope Francis. The March 16, on Jan. 23, 2016. From left, inductee Richard 2016, lecture by University Chaplain the Rev. Bouckaert ’07, J.D. ’13; inductee Don Kalinowski Ted Dziak, “Pope Francis and Ignatius,” was ’66; inductee Mary Seal ’08; Director of the final lecture in the series. Starlight Racing Intercollegiate Athletics Brett Simpson ’96, Loyola alumni celebrate at the Fair Grounds M.B.A. ’03; the Rev. Kevin Wm. Wildes, S.J., Race Course winner’s circle to present the Ph.D., university president; inductee Trenese award to the winning jockey and horse for the Smith ’10; and Seamus Tuohy, son of Ed “Skeets” Baseball Kick Off Party & ninth race, named after Loyola, at Starlight Tuohy Jr. ’55, who was inducted posthumously. Rags Fundraiser Racing on March 11, 2016. Patrick Morris ’92; George Simno ’69, J.D. ’72; Howard Maestri ’68, M.B.A. ’70; Ray ’68, Law Luncheon M.Ed. ’73, and Nathalie Culotta ’68; and The College of Law Alumni Association Mark Comarda ’70, M.B.A. ’73, celebrated celebrated the 2016 Law Alumni Luncheon the beginning of the Wolf Pack Baseball on Jan. 29, 2016, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The Season at the annual Kick Off Party and 2016 St. Ives Award was presented to the Hon. Scholarship Fundraiser. Proceeds from the Ivan L.R. Lemelle, J.D. ’74. Luncheon sponsors event went to support Wolf Pack Baseball included Adams and Reese; Alvendia, Kelly and the Coach Louis “Rags” Scheuermann & Demarest LLC; Baker Donelson; Baldwin Baseball Scholarship. Haspel Burke & Mayer LLC; Bobby J. Delise; Law Office of Bruce Betzer; Cummings Cummings & Dudenhefer; Davis, Saunders, Miller & Oden PLC; Dugan Law Firm; Entergy; Hammel Law Firm; Herman Herman & Katz LLC; Irwin Fritchie Urquhart & Moore LLC; Jones Walker LLP; Kean Miller LLP; Latter & Blum Property Management Inc; The Hon. Ivan L.R. Lemelle; Liskow & Lewis; Morris Bart LLC; Paul Pastorek; Seth M. Nehrbass, Patent Attorney; Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein & Hilbert LLC; Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn LLP; Smith Stag LLC; St. Martin & Bourque APLC; Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann LLC; Whitney Bank; and Womac Law Firm.

38 loyno | SUMMER 2016 Loyola Society Event The March 30, 2016, Renwick Lecture Series featured James Carville and Mary Matalin. Loyola Society members Fleta and Marcel Garsaud ’54, J.D. ’59, H ’04, and Walter and Henrietta Harris enjoyed the Loyola Society reception prior to the lecture.

Scholarship Donor Dinner Wolf Pack Athletics Event Catherine “Kitty” and Thomas Kloor ’52 visited in Baton Rouge with Loyola students at the annual Scholarship Friends and former athletes gathered at Donor Dinner at the Audubon Tea Room on the home of Loyola parents Randy and April 7, 2016. Darrelyn Roussel in Baton Rouge to learn about upcoming plans for Wolf Pack Athletics on April 14, 2016. Shown here from left are YAP Cooking Event Derby Gisclair ’73; Vice President for Student The Young Alumni Pack met at the Goldring Affairs and Associate Provost Dr. M.L. “Cissy” Center for Culinary Medicine for an interactive Petty; Randy and Darrelyn Roussel; Director EMPLOY the PACK cooking class on April 12, 2016. of Intercollegiate Athletics Brett Simpson ’96, Young alumni Katie Marie Peters ’12; Missy M.B.A. ’03; and Paula Rangel. Gilmore ’06; and Ashley Shabankareh ’10, M.M. ’12, shared their perspectives and job search strategies with graduating students at the annual EMPLOY the PACK event on April 2, 2016.

Loyola Loyal Day Loyola Loyal Day was a 24-hour online campaign held on Loyola’s Founders’ Day. The campaign started on April 14, 2016, at 5 p.m. and concluded on April 15, 2016, at 5 p.m. The goal for Loyola’s first-ever Day of Giving was to get 200 gifts. Nationwide, alumni supported the university by contributing 212 gifts in 24 hours totaling almost $20,000. We are so thankful to the Loyola community for helping us to surpass our goal.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 39 best-selling books, and has been management training and featured on the cover of News- education, and provides other Class Notes week magazine as one of the general legal counsel. Bickford female leaders of her generation. has litigated, lectured, and counseled extensively in all Lawrence “Larry” Lehmann The Hon. Jules D. Edwards III areas of labor and employment 1950s ’74 (English) was honored with ’81 (sociology), J.D. ’84, was law. Bickford previously served the first-ever Aaron F. Marcus named chair of the Judicia- as vice president of human Outstanding Service Award by ry Commission of Louisiana. resources and corporate Carroll P. Trosclair ’51 (philos- the New Orleans Chapter of Edwards, 15th District Court counsel for The SunShine ophy and communication) re- the Partnership for Philanthrop- judge, enlisted in the United Pages, a regional independent cently published Warren Easton ic Planning. States Marine Corps Reserve in telephone directory company High School’s 172 Amazing Years, 1977 and served in the Louisiana headquartered in Louisiana, and a 273-page history of New Orle- Mike Skehan ’76 (communi- National Guard until 2007. He worked as an attorney with the ans’ oldest public high school. cation) was inducted into the served in the infantry, artillery, Jackson Lewis law firm in New Trosclair, who served as Ma- School of Mass Communication’s and in the Judge Advocate Orleans. She is actively involved roon editor in 1950, previously Den of Distinction on May 20, General’s Corps. He also served in a number of professional and wrote America’s Last Real Home 2016. An internationally known as the 256th Infantry Brigade’s civic organizations, including Front, recalling the nation’s television production executive, inspector general and as the local, state, and national bar efforts during World War II when Skehan got his start at WWL-TV state judge advocate. In 2007 associations; the Women’s he was a teenager. He has served in New Orleans and currently he retired as colonel of the Professional Council of New as New Orleans bureau manager owns and operates Washing- Louisiana National Guard and Orleans; the Society of Human for United Press International, as ton, D.C.-based multimedia and was recognized as the best staff Resources Management; and press secretary to U.S. Sen. Allen video production firm Skehan judge advocate in the United Lambeth House, among others. J. Ellender, and later as president Communications LLC. States. In addition to his regular Bickford has been recognized in and chairman of The Public Re- judge duties, Edwards served Chambers USA, Louisiana Super lations Group Inc. He also served Karen Barbalich Smith ’79 as chief judge of the 15th Judicial Lawyers, and The Best Lawyers as president of the New Orleans (piano pedagogy), director of District Court from 2001 to in America and has received Chapter of the Public Relations the Loyola Preparatory Arts 2003 and has been a pioneer an AV Preeminent Peer Review Society of America and Kenner Program, was awarded a schol- of drug courts and re-entry Rating in Martindale-Hubbell. North Kiwanis. His books are arship by the National Piano courts. Prior to serving on the She was also recognized as one available on Amazon.com Foundation and the NAMM court, he served as an indigent of New Orleans CityBusiness’ Foundation to attend Music defense attorney, assistant Women of the Year in 2009. Gary G. Hymel ’54 (journalism) Teachers National Association’s district attorney, counsel to has been inducted into the LSU Pedagogy Saturday Recreational the Louisiana Senate’s Select Michael Brothers ’87 (music Journalism Hall of Fame. Also, Music Making (RMM) Teaching Committee on Crime and Drugs, performance and percussion) he has been named to the board Track at the national conven- and a partner of the Edwards released his first album as a of the People Program of the tion held in San Antonio, Texas. and Edwards Law Offices. He bandleader on Jan. 4, 2016, on Sisters of St. Joseph. RMM is a new teaching strategy was inducted into the Louisiana the Girod Record label. Reunion that “enables people who never Justice Hall of Fame in 2013. features fellow College of Music before considered themselves Edwards was selected by the and Fine Arts alumni Matt musical to discover the joy and Louisiana Supreme Court to Lemmler ’90 (jazz piano) and wellness benefits of playing a serve as a judge-member of the Tim Aucoin ’84 (music educa- 1970s musical instrument.” Judiciary Commission. tion and bass), M.M. ’87, and has received critical acclaim and Roger Emrich ’85 (communica- airplay on more than 270 sta- Bob Bardy ’74 (criminal jus- tion) was inducted into the Texas tions throughout the U.S., Cana- tice) is retiring from his position Radio Hall of Fame. da, and Australia, including the as deputy superintendent with 1980s syndicated radio programs Jazz the New Orleans Police Depart- Magdalen “Mag” Blessey After Hours on Public Radio ment after a four-decade career. Bickford ’83 (general studies), International and Jazz with Greg He started as a recruit in 1974 Maria Celeste Arrarás ’82 J.D. ’86, has joined McGlinchey Bridges on Jazz Network/WFMT and was ultimately promoted (mass communication) was Stafford’s New Orleans office Radio Network. Reunion reached to deputy chief in 2014. He led inducted into the School of and Labor & Employment No. 26 on the CMJ New Music the city’s Sixth District, which in- Mass Communication’s Den of practice as of counsel. Bickford Report Jazz Top 40 and No. 49 on cludes the Garden District, Irish Distinction on May 20, 2016. She represents management in labor the JazzWeek Top 50. Channel, Lower Garden District, is the host of the Spanish-lan- and employment litigation. and Central City, from shortly guage news program Al Rojo Vivo She also consults employers on Lori Lyons ’87 (English) has after Hurricane Katrina until he con Maria Celeste, produced by best practices in the workplace, been hired as the sports editor took over as deputy chief in 2014. Telemundo/NBC. She also co-an- provides guidance on policy at L’Observateur newspaper He is succeeded by Paul Noel chors Telemundo’s Noticiero and procedure drafting and in LaPlace, La. She spent 26 ’05, M.C.J. ’09. Telemundo, has written three implementation, conducts years as a sports and general

40 loyno | SUMMER 2016 ALUMNI PROFILE Girl

PowerBY LAUREN LABORDE ’09

WHEN FLOR SERNA ’15 (MUSIC INDUSTRIES TECHNOLOGY) WAS AN HONORS STUDENT AT LOYOLA working as an audio engineer at the school’s recording studios, she noticed something: She was usually the only woman working there — for almost three years. “It was always at least 10 or 12 guys and just me,” she says. “It got to a point where I realized there are so many false perceptions about women in that role and how [the men] were amazed that a woman could do a good job at it.” That eventually led her to start the group Electric Girls, a program that teaches girls ages 9 to 14 skills in electronics and programing — sort of like a STEM-focused Girl Scouts. The New Mexico native, who has been recording music in her room since age 15, chose Loyola because of its sound engineering program. She started as a music industry studies major but was hoping to take classes that were more tech-based. After expressing this desire to her adviser, the adviser introduced the option of a contract degree program that would better suit Serna’s interests. Together they built a customized audio technology major, consisting of classes spanning multiple degree programs. For Serna’s honors thesis, she wanted to explore why women who might be interested in tech-based fields often stray away from them. But soon she realized instead of writing about created a summer camp. Electric Girls, run “My interest in electronics came from why women aren’t represented in or taken by Serna and Loyola senior Maya Ramos, working in a recording studio. … Things would seriously in tech, she wanted to do something has now existed for almost 18 months and is break, and I would have to spend class time about it. about to hold its first summer camp outside fixing it, and that was really transformative “The more I researched, the more I realized I Louisiana, in Mississippi. to have control over the equipment I was was not satisfied just researching it and having In Electric Girls programs, girls learn skills working with,” she says. “In general, Loyola all these theories about what the problem was,” in electronics and computer programing and has a really strong focus on entrepreneurship she says. “I wanted to create this program that then are given free rein to use those skills to that I took with me. They really facilitated would make an attempt of solving the problem build what they want. The girls build things the growth of my program with having a while I was researching.” that light up, things that move, things that thesis adviser who was totally supportive of Her adviser let her design a pilot of can be remote-controlled. me developing the Electric Girls curriculum Electric Girls as her thesis. She took a Although Serna says what she’s doing now instead of just writing hundreds of pages of prototype program to schools and after- is “totally different” than what she did in research. That sort of flexibility allowed this school programs and then eventually college, she took a lot from her time at Loyola. to even exist in the first place.”

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 41 assignment reporter at the New multiple concerts, including the ney and a graduate of ABA-NITA well as serving as NGA’s chief Orleans Times-Picayune, cover- kickoff of the special 20-year Family Law Trial Advocacy lobbyist. He first joined NGA ing the River Parishes. For the gala celebrating the collective Institute. She was named one of in November 2005, bringing past three years, she has worked tapestry of communities. Ad- ALM’s 2015 Women Leaders in a wealth of experience in as a freelance writer for Lyons ditionally, Lemmler led master the Law and 2015 10 Best Family the grocery industry, having Din Media LLC. classes and clinics with young Law Attorneys for Client Satis- managed the operations for his musicians and created oppor- faction in Connecticut by the family’s century-old supermar-

Class Notes Class David Messina ’84 (piano per- tunities for large ensembles American Institute of Family ket in New Orleans before the formance), J.D./M.B.A. ’87, of of chorus, band, and orches- Law Attorneys. store was ultimately destroyed Gordon Arata was named a 2016 tra students to join together in Hurricane Katrina. He has Super Lawyer in the area of playing arrangements he wrote Kevin Caparotta ’92 (the- also worked as a corporate Bankruptcy: Business. for large group collaboration. ory and composition and project manager for Associat- On his way to Israel, Lemmler piano) was recently elected ed Grocers in Baton Rouge, La. Andreas Preuss ’87 (commu- toured in Paris, joining fellow president of the Louisiana Ferrara was recognized in 2015 nication) celebrated 20 years at Loyola music alumni Jeff Bou- American Choral Directors As- as one of Association TRENDS’ CNN. His current role is execu- dreaux ’81 (jazz studies) on sociation. At the 2015 National Leading Lobbyists. He also tive producer. drums, Chris Thomas on bass, In-Service Conference of the is a fellow of the Institute of and Rick Margitza ’87 (jazz National Association for Music Politics here at Loyola. David Pryor ’89 (music educa- saxophone) on saxophone. Education, or NAfME, his work tion) has been named director with the Brother Martin High Kelly McNeil Legier ’89 (com- of music at St. Michael Catholic Ava Dejoie ’91 (political sci- School Chorus was recognized munication), J.D. ’93, was High School, which will open in ence) was appointed executive in a poster demonstrating how named the new Judiciary August of this year in Daphne, director of the Louisiana NAfME members empower Commission of Louisiana Ala. He also was awarded the Workforce Commission by creativity in their classrooms. counsel. Prior to her position as prestigious Leadership Ser- Gov. John Bel Edwards. She Caparotta frequently serves as Judiciary Commission counsel, vice Award from the Alabama is a work force development keyboardist for national tour- she served as an administra- Music Education Association. executive with 15 years of ing musicals, including shows tive law judge for the Louisiana Pryor volunteered with the leadership experience in such as Wicked, The Book of Division of Administrative Law Loyola Alumni Association public administration and Mormon, Cinderella, The Little in Baton Rouge and as the first last year to help plan Joe “Doc” work force development. Mermaid, The Addams Fami- director of Member Outreach & Hebert’s retirement ceremony. Before serving as the statewide ly, Shrek, West Side Story, Beau- Diversity for the Louisiana State rapid response coordinator ty and the Beast, Grease, Peter Bar Association in New Orleans. Father M. Ross Romero, S.J., for the Louisiana Workforce Pan, Evita, The Wiz, and many Before the LSBA, Legier worked ’89 (philosophy) has a new Commission since 2012, she others. He is currently an in the Staff Attorney’s Office of book coming out, Without the worked as the business liaison on-call keyboard sub for the the United States Fifth Circuit Least Tremor: The Sacrifice for the Louisiana Department of national tour of Jersey Boys, Court of Appeals. She clerked of Socrates in Plato’s Phaedo. Education, the manager of the traveling to theaters across the for Judge Carl E. Stewart, Romero joined the Jesuits in Avondale Employee Transition country to perform on stage as J.D. ’74, on the United States 1995 and was ordained a priest Center, and the vice president of keyboardist and vocalist in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in June 2005. He is currently an Welfare to Work Partnership. Four Seasons band. and Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle, assistant professor of philoso- J.D. ’74, on the United States phy at Creighton University. Laura Shattuck ’91 (politi- John ’92 (communica- District Court for the Eastern cal science) was promoted to tion) and Elizabeth ’92 (com- District of Louisiana. In addition partner at Nusbaum & Parrino munication) Davis moved to to clerking, Legier spent several P.C. in Wesport, Conn. She is the New Orleans from Atlanta in years in private practice in first partner to be added to the 2014. Elizabeth is an adjunct fac- the area of employment law 1990s firm, which specializes in family ulty member teaching commu- and commercial litigation in law, since 1992. Shattuck joined nications law in Loyola’s School large local and international the firm in 2006 and devotes her of Mass Communication. John is firms. She practiced with Stone, Matt Lemmler ’90 (jazz piano), practice to representing clients a digital media planner for Lucid Pigman, Walther, Wittmann & a New Orleans Steinway Artist in all manners of family law. She LLC, a market research technol- Hutchinson LLC; Shook Hardy and current instructor in the De- is actively engaged in litigation ogy company in New Orleans. & Bacon LLP, a Kansas City- partment of Jazz Studies, head- and has substantial experience based firm; and New York-based lined a cultural exchange in Isra- working on large, sophisticated Greg Ferrara ’92 (political Proskauer Rose LLP. Legier el. The annual cultural exchange cases. She practices in all areas science) was named senior serves on the LSBA Diversity of musicians and chefs between of family law matters, including vice president of government Committee and is a past New Orleans and Rosh HaAyin, divorce, alimony, child support, relations and public affairs for member of the LSBA Board of part of the Partnership2Gether property division, child custody, the National Grocers Associa- Governors. She has served on program, has been active since post-judgment modification, tion. Ferrara will continue in his the Board of Directors of the 2006. Lemmler was joined by and post-judgment contempt. role overseeing the government New Orleans Chapter of the fellow musicians Jason Marsa- Shattuck is a Martindale-Hub- relations, communications, and Federal Bar Association from lis and Martin Masakowski in bell AV Preeminent-rated attor- marketing departments as 2002 to 2014. She was president

42 loyno | SUMMER 2016 Weddings 3 1 2

4 5 6

1 Kaitlin Christopherson ’12 Kentucky National Guard and 4 Gicel Estrada ’11 (Latin many of their Loyola friends (English literature) married Kaitlin is an equine insurance American studies) married come to celebrate their marriage. First Lt. John H. Kerr IV ’09 and marketing professional. Andres Suárez ’10 (political (history) on Dec. 12, 2015, at science and Latin American 6 Edie Burns ’11 (marketing) Holy Name of Jesus Church. 2 Chauntis T. Jenkins ’95 studies) on March 21, 2015, in married Benjamin Freedman, Father Ted Dziak, university (political science) married Dr. New Orleans. M.C.J. ’10, on Oct. 24, 2015, at chaplain and a former profes- Gregory B. Floyd on Dec. 20, St. Aloysius Catholic Church in sor of Kaitlin’s, presided over 2015, in New Orleans. The couple 5 Nicole Padilla Dalmau ’07 Washington, D.C. They met at the marriage ceremony. Kaitlin will reside in Georgia. (accounting and international Loyola in 2010. and John met at Loyola through business) married her college Kaitlin’s Buddig roommate, 3 Kylie Tregre ’12 (communi- sweetheart, Matthew D. Fox who was also a bridesmaid in cation) married Beau Brister on ’07 (communication), on April the wedding, in May 2009. They Jan. 16, 2015, at the Elms Man- 2, 2016, at El San Juan Resort & live in Lexington, Ky., where sion in New Orleans after eight Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico. John is a Blackhawk pilot for the years together. They were honored to have so

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 43 of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Frances Rios ’94 (communica- Lisa Tabor ’97 (nurs- New Orleans By Mouth, a weekly Society Inc. from 2004 to 2006 tion), an international speaker, ing) recently relocated to radio show about food in New and was on the Loyola University author, and “womanpreneur,” Las Vegas to take a position Orleans. In the past year, she New Orleans College of Law has launched her third book, Re- with United Health Group/ also started an urban farm in Board of Directors from 2004 to shaping the Model: Lessons Optum Clinicial Services. the Ninth Ward. (See p. 56.) 2010. Legier is the recipient of Learned from the Boys’ Club in Tabor pioneered the first numerous awards and honors, Puerto Rico and Florida. She is a full-time medical house calls Christine Albert ’99 (French

Class Notes Class most notably the National self-described pioneer of female practice in her hometown of and communication) was Diversity Council’s 2013 Louisiana inclusion in the Caribbean, and Lafayette, La., in October 2007. named to Gambit Weekly’s “40 Multicultural Leadership Award; her firm, Frances Rios Communi- Her primary care practice Under 40” list. The associate the LSBA 2004 President’s cations, is the only firm in Latin to homebound elderly was vice president of marketing at Award; CityBusiness 2004 Success America dedicated to promoting tremendously successful, Touro Infirmary, Albert led the Guide “Person To Know”; and, in women’s development and inclu- and she remained without post-Katrina efforts to rebuild, 2012, the Louis A. Martinet Legal sion while leading companies to corporate competition until rebrand, and reposition Touro. Society Inc.’s Vanguard Award become women’s advocates. the summer of 2014. UHG / She doubled Touro’s outreach from the Baton Rouge Chapter Optum started a new house call efforts by hosting twice as many and the Legacy Award from the Rhonda Sharkawy ’95 (sociolo- program in Nevada, and Tabor health fairs and other events, New Orleans Chapter. gy and communication), senior was recruited for not only her and attendance doubled, as well. retail leasing and development clinical expertise but also for She also improved Touro’s social Warren Zanes ’93 (English), a executive at Stirling Proper- her business acumen. media presence and expanded former member of the band Del ties, was honored by the New Juana Marine-Lombard ’89 the audience for its website. Fuegos, has written a biography Orleans Metropolitan Associ- (marketing and manage- of Tom Petty based on his experi- ation of Realtors Commercial ment), M.B.A. ’91, J.D. ’98, John D. Dale ’99 (finance) was ences touring with the musician Investment Division. Sharkawy was appointed commissioner recently named by Thompson and his band, The Heartbreak- was inducted into the Commer- of the Office of Alcohol and Reuters to the 2015 Oklahoma ers. Petty: The Biography was cial Investment Division Hall Tobacco Control by Gov. John Super Lawyers and Rising Stars published in November 2015 by of Fame after receiving the F. Bel Edwards. Marine-Lombard lists. Dale, who practices with Henry Holt and Co. and has been Poche Waguespack Award for is an attorney currently serving the law firm of GableGotwals, widely acclaimed, with Rolling having the highest volume of as criminal magistrate commis- was honored for his work in Stone magazine calling it “one sales and leases in the Greater sioner for Orleans Parish. She business/corporate law. of the best rock biographies in New Orleans area for the past formerly served four years on recent memory.” five consecutive years. She is the City of New Orleans Alcohol- Joe Danborn ’99 (communi- one of only a handful of women ic Beverage Control Board and cation), a veteran editor for Dr. Peter L. Cho ’93 (jazz and to receive this award since its served as both vice chair and the Associated Press, has been piano), M.M. ’94, has been inception in 1964. chair of the board. named Rockies news editor for named the interim executive the AP. In his new job, he will dean for the West Bank Laura Gibbs ’97 (history) and Vanessa Rouzier ’98 (biology), oversee news coverage for Mon- Campus of Delgado Community Calvin Heinle have partnered a past winner of the Adjutor tana, Wyoming, and Colorado. College in New Orleans. Cho to form Gibbs & Heinle LLP, a Hominum Award, was the co-au- Danborn is currently enterprise has also served as the lead family law practice in Wellesley, thor of a study regarding a new editor for AP’s Southern states department chair of the Arts Mass. The firm specializes in lit- treatment regimen to combat and was one of six editors cho- and Humanities Division since igation, settlement negotiation, the cholera epidemic in Haiti. sen in 2008 to build and launch 2011 and was the head of the mediation, conciliation, arbitra- “Effectiveness of Oral Cholera the first U.S. regional editing Delgado Music Department from tion, and appellate services in Vaccine in Haiti: 37-Month desk, part of an overhaul of the 1996 until 2004. He currently domestic relations. Follow-Up” was published in The company’s editing and filing serves as an executive board American Journal of Tropical procedures. In addition to his member of the American Father John G. McDonald ’97 Medicine and Hygiene. enterprise role in Atlanta, Dan- Federation of Musicians, Local (history), a Catholic priest of born served as interim news ed- 174-496; a faculty member of the Diocese of Birmingham in itor for Tennessee and Kentucky the Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Alabama, has been called to Amy Sins ’98 (communica- in 2013 and 2014 and as the Summer Jazz Camp; and a serve as the Carl J. Peter Chair tion), past president of the South’s interim deputy regional voting member of the National of Homiletics (Preaching) at Loyola Alumni Association, was editor from 2011 to 2013. Academy of Recording Arts and the Pontifical North American named to the “40 Under 40” list Sciences (Grammy Awards), Seminary in Rome. He will by Gambit Weekly. Sins is the and he is an ordained elder in be a full-time member of the chef and proprietor at Langlois, the Presbyterian USA Church. seminary faculty and will be a “dinner party-meets-restau- Cho is also a professional responsible for teaching Amer- rant,” where guests socialize musician in the New Orleans ican seminarians in Rome and learn to cook alongside area, performing for James elements of the art of preach- staff in the kitchen. She is also Rivers, the National World War ing and proclamation of the the managing partner at New II Museum, and many other word of God. He begins his new Orleans Jazz Quarters bed-and- venues in New Orleans. appointment in August 2016. breakfast and hosts WRBH’s

44 loyno | SUMMER 2016 Births 2 1

3 4 5

6 7

1 Tiffany M. Fleming ’04 (eco- 3 Kylie Tregre Brister ’12 (com- 5 Kelly Milliken Pettigrew 6 Crystal Guidry Vaccaro ’05 nomics and finance), J.D. ’08, munication) and her husband, ’03 (political science) and her (finance), M.B.A. ’09,and her and her husband, Bryan Rogers, Beau, welcomed their son, Brady husband, Zachry, welcomed their husband, John, welcomed their welcomed their first child, Emily Paul Brister, on Sept. 25, 2015. second child, George Vincent Pet- daughter, Veronica Ann Vaccaro, Celeste Rogers, on Nov. 25, 2015. He was 8 pounds, 12 ounces, and tigrew, on Aug. 16, 2015. He was on Oct. 22, 2015. 20.75 inches long. 6 pounds, 13 ounces, and 20.75 2 Gianna Griffith Cooley ’02 inches long and joins big sister, 7 Russell ’10 (political science) (biology) and her husband, 4 Lee Daugherty Williams ’07 Fionna Violet Pettigrew. He was and Heather Geddie Mistich Stuart, welcomed their son, (psychology pre-health) and baptized by Father Frank Reale, ’10 (political science) welcomed Everitt Samuel Cooley, on Jan. 7, her husband, Colby, welcomed S.J., at Immaculate Conception in their daughter, Parker Anne Mis- 2016, at 2:07 a.m. in Houston. He their daughter, Ashton Kay Wil- October 2015. tich, on June 24, 2015. They live in was 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and 19 liams, on March 21, 2016. Abita Springs, La. inches long.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 45 Kiran Chawla ’06 (communica- Dominic’s Parish in Brookfield, tion), lead investigative reporter Wis. She coordinates 23 at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, won human concerns committees 2000s a prestigious Edward R. Murrow and oversees adult formation 2010s award for investigative reporting and evangelization. She also as part of the WAFB-TV team. coordinates vocation initiatives Erin Seidemann ’01 (En- The award was based in part on for the parish, which is a Aaron W. Munn ’05 (finance),

Class Notes Class glish) has published a book, Post- Chawla’s report exposing poten- teaching parish. She has started J.D./M.B.A. ’10, has joined Baker cards From the Sky: Adventures of tial safety violations at an area a diocesan singles’ group to Donelson’s Corporate Finance an Aviatrix, a memoir about her apartment complex that might address the growing need of and Securities Group as an asso- flying life as a rare female pilot have contributed to the electro- parishes to be more inclusive of ciate in the firm’s Memphis office. (only 5 to 6 percent of licensed cution of a toddler. the singles in parish life. pilots worldwide are women). Christine Alexis ’12 (market- Christilisa “Missy” Gilmore ’06 Chris Walsh ’07 (political sci- ing), the CEO and designer of Brigid Collins ’00 (counsel- (music industry studies) has ence) has joined Gibbs & Heinle Culture Shock Jewelry, was ing and criminal justice), J.D. just started her own business, LLP, a family law practice in profiled inGambit Weekly for her ’03, was named to an Orleans Travel’s Tune, a boutique music Wellesley, Mass., as an attorney. latest jewelry line, Wanderlust. Parish magistrate commissioner’s travel agency specializing in The firm specializes in litigation, Inspired by her travels, Alex- post by a vote of the dozen judges one-of-a-kind New Orleans music settlement negotiation, medi- is wants to give back and has at Criminal District Court. Collins vacation experiences. ation, conciliation, arbitration, launched the Women Who Wan- is a private defense attorney and and appellate services in domes- der scholarship, which will give a a former prosecutor and can Catherine Lacey ’07 (En- tic relations. local female college student the continue to practice private law glish) received the Whiting chance to study abroad. while serving as commissioner. Award, given annually to 10 Tiffany M. Fleming ’04 In her role as commissioner, she emerging writers in fiction, non- (economics and finance), Dr. Irene Woods Bean, D.N.P. will set bail amounts, preside fiction, drama, and poetry, for her J.D. ’08, is a civil litigation ’12, is the founder of the over probable cause hearings and first novel, Nobody Is Ever Missing, and transactional attorney at Tennessee Nurse Practitioner other early court proceedings in published in 2014 by Farrar, Butler Law Firm. Association and serves as felony cases, and sign arrest and Straus and Giroux. The award, its executive director. She search warrants. She is one of which comes with a $50,000 gift to Amanda Howard Lowe ’03 was named the 2016 Nurse four commissioners under Magis- recipients, honors superior early (political science), J.D. ’09, has Practitioner State Advocate trate Judge Harry Cantrell. accomplishment and the promise been named a partner at Kean for Tennessee and is the owner of great work to come. Previous Miller LLP. She joined the firm in of Serenity Health Care and Jeff Guhin ’03 (sociology and winners include David Foster 2009 and practices in the admi- Weight Loss Clinic in Madison, English) graduated from Yale Wallace, Jeffrey Eugenides, Tobias ralty and maritime, energy, and Tenn. She has been the keynote University with a Ph.D. in sociol- Wolff, Suzan-Lori Parks, Alice Mc- corporate litigation groups. speaker for multiple nurse ogy in 2013. After a three-year Dermott, and Jonathan Franzen. practitioner graduate programs. position as the Abd El Kader Post- Past Whiting winners have gone Paul Michael Noel ’05 (criminal She also was selected as a fellow doctoral Fellow at the Institute on to win numerous prestigious justice), M.C.J. ’09, was named of the American Association for Advanced Studies in Culture awards and fellowships, including to Gambit Weekly’s “40 Under of Nurse Practitioners, which at the University of Virginia, he the Pulitzer Prize; the National 40” list and has taken over as recognizes nurse practitioner will start a new job at the Univer- Book Award; the National Book deputy superintendent of the leaders who have made out- sity of California Los Angeles, Critics Circle Award; the Obie New Orleans Police Depart- standing contributions to health joining the sociology department Award; and MacArthur, Gug- ment, succeeding Bob Bardy care through clinical practice, as an assistant professor. His first genheim, and Lannan fellow- ’74. Noel is an 18-year veteran research, education, or policy. book, The Problem of America: ships, according to the Whiting of the NOPD and had been a Gender, Science, and Religion in Foundation. Lacey was the commander of the homicide Jimmy Elcock ’12 (music in- Muslim and Christian Schools, is recipient of a 2012 NYFA Artists’ unit before he was appointed dustry studies) was named one forthcoming from Oxford Uni- Fellowship in Fiction Writing and to lead the Second District in of Nashville Lifestyles’ 2016 Most versity Press. He married Mary was named a Granta New Voice 2012. In 2014, after a scathing Eligible Singles. Katherine Sheena in 2010. in 2014. Her writing has appeared report about mismanagement in in The Believer, The Atlantic, The the NOPD sex-crimes unit, Noel Ashley Frugé ’12 (mass com- Brandon DuMontier, M.B.A. ’04, Paris Review Daily, and elsewhere. was given the special assign- munication) has accepted a completed the Ironman Chat- Her upcoming novel, The End ment of reopening the unit’s full-time position as morning tanooga race on Sept. 27, 2015. of Uncertainty, and a currently old cases and reforming the show traffic anchor and reporter The race consisted of a 2.4-mile untitled short story collection will entire department. He also is for WBRZ-TV Channel 2 in swim, a 116-mile bike ride, and be published by FSG. She is based credited with clearing a year-old Baton Rouge. a 26.2-mile marathon. This was in Brooklyn. backlog of untested rape kits. As DuMontier’s first full-distance deputy superintendent for field Lauren Perry ’12 (theatre) was Ironman, and he finished with Mary Lestina, M.P.S. ’07, is the operations, Noel will oversee recently featured on WDSU-TV a time of 12 hours, 56 minutes, pastoral associate and director the deployment of uniformed Channel 6 in New Orleans for her and 44 seconds. of adult faith formation at St. officers throughout the city. work as the executive director

46 loyno | SUMMER 2016 ALUMNI PROFILE A Global Perspective BY FRITZ ESKER ’00

WHEN COMPLETING THEIR RESIDENCIES, doctors have the opportunity to travel to other cities or countries to learn more about their fields and see how medicine works elsewhere. Dr. Shaawn Ali ’08 (psychology pre-med) recently spent a month in Pakistan while a resident in family medicine at Westchester General Hospital in Miami. Ali chose Lahore, Pakistan, because both of his parents are Pakistan natives (Ali was born and raised in New Orleans). His uncle, a high-ranking government official, encouraged him to visit. Ali seized the opportunity to visit his relatives and learn more about both medicine and his parents’ homeland. During his month abroad, Ali worked at two hospitals: the Punjab Institute of Cardiology and Shaukat Khanum, a famous nonprofit hospital. He was immediately impressed by how intelligent and knowledgeable the doctors were. “These people are so smart — they know every definition, every classification to a T,” Ali says. “They are some of the most intelligent, skilled, and crafty people I’ve ever worked with.” But while the Pakistani doctors’ knowledge of medicine was comprehensive, he felt American hospitals place more of an emphasis on bedside manner and the doctor-patient relationship. Although he was impressed with the dedication of the physicians, other realities were more sobering. Pakistan, home to approximately 200 million people, does not have enough doctors for all of its residents. As a result, many people have to wait several months to see a doctor. “The people here have it much worse than we do,” Ali says. “The doctors have lines and lines of people, and they can’t see everyone.” Many Pakistanis also suffer from ailments that are treated with relative ease in America. Ali saw patients who were blind from common problems such as diabetes or glaucoma. Others suffered from skin diseases and poor hygiene. But the trip was not all work for Ali. He as its name would imply, is a street where more appreciative of the American system and saw family members and even had lunch restaurants and food carts stretch for blocks. the general comforts American citizens have. with Nawaz Sharif, prime minister of “You can smell the food in the air — “I’m more grateful for the resources here,” Pakistan. According to Ali, Lahore is the kebabs, sweets, fruits, you name it,” Ali says. he says. “You can’t just Google an urgent care “food and cultural hub of Pakistan.” He Upon his return, he became chief resident and find one in your neighborhood there.” particularly enjoyed Food Street, which, at Westchester General Hospital, and he is

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 47 of The Beautiful Foundation, with their success: “We believe is also conducting research which provides a safe envi- that having gone to Loyola in orthopedics at UGA and is ronment for the leadership gives us a unique advantage a co-author of four submitted development of underserved compared to other startups. papers already. young women by focusing on Not only did we all know and self-esteem and promoting meet each other through Sigma Hiba Elaasar ’15 (biological entrepreneurial thinking while Alpha Kappa fraternity, but sciences and chemistry with

Class Notes Class providing support for their the Jesuit education instilled a focus on biology/pre-med- emotional, physical, and men- in us at Loyola of how to make icine) started her first year of tal well-being. the world a better place drives medical school at LSU Health us every day.” Sciences Center, her first- David G. Zelaya ’12 (psychol- choice school. ogy) is currently a student in Scott Maher ’14 (music in- the counseling psychology doc- dustry studies) was recently toral program at Georgia State accepted into the Peace Corps. University. He also was recent- He discovered his passion ly awarded a Minority Fellow- for nonprofit work during his ship from the American Psy- senior-year internship with chological Association and the Sweet Home New Orleans, Mental Health and Substance a local nonprofit serving Abuse Services program. The New Orleans musicians. APA Minority Fellowship is a After graduation, he joined national fellowship that funds the AmeriCorps-sponsored approximately 5 to 7 percent of Project Homecoming New all applicants. Orleans and also worked as a

volunteer organizer of the Full Joshua Washington ’13 Circle: New Orleans to Nepal (philosophy/pre-law) was a fundraiser with the Louisiana Fall 2015 White House intern Himalaya Association. in the Office of Presidential

Correspondence’s Greetings Joe Picone ’14 (criminal Department. justice) was named head of

the Division of Investigations Druscilla Dyer ’14 (social sci- for the Louisiana Department ences) was randomly selected of Justice. He has nearly three to sit behind President Barack decades of law enforcement Obama during his speech at experience, specializing in the McKinley High School in Baton field of criminal investigations, Rouge on Jan. 14, 2016. serving as an investigator, a

supervisor, and a manager. A James Lambert ’14 (commu- veteran of the Louisiana Na- nication) founded Concierge tional Guard, Picone is current- Solutions, an application Send us your ly working toward his master’s development startup focused degree at Loyola. on the service and hospital- milestones. ity industry, and works with New job? New baby? Got married? Jordan Hillman ’15 (econom- Sean Tate, M.S. ’14, who We want to share in your joy! Send ics); Logan Griswold, phi- completed a master’s degree losophy senior; and Collins in counseling at Loyola, has us your wedding, birth, or job Merkel, finance junior. Their announced the opening of his announcements, along with first platform is in develop- own nonprofit, DiscoveryFEST. photos, at [email protected] ment with a July 2016 launch DiscoveryFEST aims to provide planned. Since forming the quality after-school tutoring, company, they have worked mentoring, and playtime for with Microsoft and its Bi- young students through a zSpark program, and they were network of professional child featured at Collision Confer- care providers. ence, one of the world’s largest tech conferences, which was Kate Birdwhistell ’15 (chem- held in New Orleans in April istry) is doing well in her first 2016. Lambert credits their year of veterinary school at shared Loyola background the University of Georgia. She

48 loyno | SUMMER 2016 In Memoriam

Pearl H. Levata Strehle ’37 Dr. Harry L. Colcolough ’60 Suzanne Toppino Colligan ’74, M.S. ’79 Sister Mary W. Vinet ’38 Dr. Russell R. Dimarco, D.D.S. ’60 Scott A. Schneider ’79 Linus A. Koenenn Jr. ’40 Anna May Bonner O’Flynn ’53, ’60 Albert M. Ledoux ’81 Rose Mary Harvey Charbonnet ’41 Dr. Arthur F. Hickham, D.D.S. ’61 Nancy K. Durant, J.D. ’82 Sister Madeline S. Hebert ’43 James D. Planchard Sr. ’61 Bettie M. Goldstein Redler, J.D. ’82 Marion Screen Munro ’43 Sister Mary Hilary Simpson ’61 Denise J. Simmons Clarke ’83, M.R.E. ’87 Jean M. Trebucq Leon ’44 Emmett A. Smith Jr. ’61 Patrice A. Cazaux Lawson ’89 Gertrude Gentilich Pavur ’44 Carol A. Radosti Estorge ’62 Walter G. Amstutz, J.D. ’90 Sister Angeline M. Poirier ’44 Richard C. Gravois ’62 Gertrude J. Kluchin ’41, ’65, ’94 Dr. Francis X. Wegmann ’42, D.D.S. ’45 Norman Mopsik, J.D. ’62 Linda C. Byrnes ’96 Dr. Robert D. Wood, D.D.S. ’46 Sister Theresa St. Pierre ’62 Barbara N. Johnson Hucker, M.P.S. ’97 John M. Battle, D.D.S. ’47 James D. Thompson, J.D. ’62 Marilyn R. Girnatis Pepper, J.D. ’97 Harry G. Caire ’48 Edward S. Bopp Jr., J.D. ’63 William C. Stoutz, J.D. ’97 Cecil A. Haskins ’48 Dr. Elbert H. Goodier III ’63 Mary Christina Willis Connaly ’98 Lloyd J. Waguespack ’48 Margaret R. Cummings Gravois ’63 Gerald N. Gaston, M.B.A. ’65, H ’01 Harry J. Damare ’49 George E. Mouledoux, J.D. ’63 Elizabeth Brooks Hamilton ’01 Richard P. Erichson ’49 Thomas V. Flair ’64, M.E. ’64 Emily E. Overbey ’08 Sister Mary Clarea Hotze ’49 Dr. John K. Baldwin, D.D.S. ’65 Theresa M. Cabras, M.S.N. ’13 Otis V. Thomas ’49 Alma F. Lott Flick ’65 Louis W. Cazentre Jr. ’50 Ralph E. Smith, J.D. ’65 Joan D.A. Boudousquie Garvey ’50 Karyl M. Kuebel Babst ’66 Dr. Stephen J. Herbert ’50 Charles I. “Dene” Denechaud III ’63, J.D. ’66 Edgar J. Kehlor Jr. ’50 William F. Fawcett ’66 Dr. Harry L. Pappas ’50 William J.F. Gearheard Sr., J.D. ’66 Blanchard E. Sanchez Sr. ’50 Peter J. Stafford Jr. ’66 Charles W. Sartori ’50 Clement Story III, J.D. ’66 Grant that our William Thomas Jr. ’50 John M. Famularo ’68 “ Clement E. Toca ’50 Katherine P. Gage, M.Ed. ’68 brothers and sisters Fred J. Balser ’51 Kathleen Ward Stuckey ’68 A.L. Johnson Jr. ’51 Vivian E. Werling ’68 may sleep in peace Raymond L. Stein Sr. ’51 Georgiana Dickey Wiles ’68 The Hon. Richard J. Garvey ’50, J.D. ’52 Leonard Wilmer ’68 until you awaken Inez Conzelmann Hull ’52 Dr. Gregory R. Choppin ’49, H ’69 them to glory, for you Frank W. Roccaforte, J.D. ’52 Al J. Mendoza, J.D. ’69 Alvin E. Bertaut Sr. ’53 Rudolph T. O’Dwyer III ’69 are the resurrection John M. Jewell ’53 Thomas F. Schexnayder, J.D. ’70 Maria Parrino Roberts ’53 Dr. Kenneth W. Smith, D.D.S. ’70 and the life. Henry J. Trochesset ’53 John M. Ballero ’71 Elizabeth Prados Melancon ’54 Maurice T. Hattier, J.D. ’71 Then they will see Anthony Cutrera Jr. ’55 Billie Neapollioun Jr. ’71 Barbara C. Jas Lanasa ’55 Adelaide Caneza Sprague ’71 you face to face and Dr. John B. Atkinson Sr., D.D.S. ’56 Gayle M. Ebeyer ’72 Anthony C. Occhipinti, J.D. ’56 Patricia A. Erickson ’72 in your light will see Judith Abadie Conrad ’57 Harry T. Hardin III, J.D. ’72 Leon H. Ferrier III ’57 Cheryl F. Gordon Klein ’72 light and know the Albert J. Huddleston, J.D. ’57 Iri L. Ramsey Skinner ’72 Philip D. Lorio Jr. ’57 Mary L. Bertrand Thames ’72 splendor of God, for Richard P. Lesneski, D.D.S. ’58 Michael G. Crow ’68, M.B.A. ’70, J.D. ’73 Donald J. Perrere, D.D.S. ’58 Carlos A. Campos ’74 you live and reign Josie Cardarella Ritter ’58 Kenny M. Charbonnet ’70, J.D. ’74 Raymond F. Crellin ’59 Willis A. Lea Jr. ’74 forever and ever. Floyd A. Gegenheimer ’59 Marvin E. Wright Jr., J.D. ’74 from the ” Erin B. Lambert Harty ’59 Jack T. Dial ’75 “Final Commendation” Lawrence V. Hattier Sr. ’59 Myron J. Yochim ’75 of the Funeral Mass James M. Linn Jr., D.D.S. ’59 Michael P. Hantel, J.D. ’76 Louis T. Maumus ’59, M.D. Timothy M. Kelly ’77 Mary K. Toye Tumminello ’59 John J. Mello, M.B.A. ’77 Richard A. Webre ’59 Albert L. Green ’78 Francis P. Bostick Jr. ’60 Carlos J. Savona ’78

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 49 ALUMNI PROFILE Dream Job in the Big Apple BY LAUREN LABORDE ’09

AT HER CURRENT JOB, Nia Porter ’15 (com- munication) isn’t reporting on the kind of hard news she learned how to cover in her time at Loyola. But Porter says the school — specifically her experience on The Maroon — provided her with the thing she credits as the reason she’s working at a rising fashion publication in New York: the confidence to step up. She started at The Maroon low on the totem pole but rose through the ranks at the student newspaper until she snagged the editor-in- chief position her senior year. The ascent didn’t always feel natural for her, though. “For me the climb was really nudges,” Porter says. “I was always afraid to take the next step and actually accept those editor positions because I didn’t think I was good enough. But my adviser [Michael Giusti ’00 (communication), M.B.A. ’12] really pushed me to accept those roles, and that’s the reason I’m up here. I wouldn’t have learned to accept higher positions and think I’m good enough if it weren’t for The Maroon.” This newfound confidence came in handy when she happened across a job posting for a fashion assistant position at Racked, the New York-based online style and shopping publication under the Vox Media empire. Although she was still in New Orleans, Porter first fell in love with magazine the positive and negative practices of big focusing on saving enough money for a New journalism when she read a profile of Miley fashion brands. York move, she decided to go for it. Cyrus in high school (“It’s embarrassing now … To recent graduates starting their careers, She got a phone interview, and they asked but I really liked the writing style”), and then Porter’s advice is to trust your instincts but if she could come up to New York. Not sure eventually, she fell in love with the fashion have some kind of plan to guide your next if she would ultimately get the job, she still industry. She was specifically interested in the steps — and seek out the kind of people who decided to go ahead and move. logistics of the industry and the people who will give you that “nudge” she got during her “I moved without having a job, off of a work behind the scenes, or “in the shadows,” time at Loyola. gut decision,” she says. “I came up here and as she says. Instead of heading to New York “Taking the initiative and winging it ended up getting the job. Going after what I for college, the New Orleans native opted sometimes works, but you have to have some wanted really hard impressed them, I guess.” for Loyola to stay close to home and to get sort of plan. It doesn’t have to be a long-term That was August 2015, and since then she a solid background in journalism. She says plan … just have a set plan for what you want to has been promoted to fashion reporter. learning the basics of reporting helps her in do and what it will take to get there before you “I love working at Racked,” she says. “I her current position, where she interviews take that leap,” she says. “And surround yourself feel like it’s kind of like my dream job at designers, reviews Fashion Week shows, with people who believe in you and who want to the moment.” writes street-style features, and reports on see you get to where you want to be.”

50 loyno | SUMMER 2016 Bon

RACHELt DUFOUR,

senior honorsemps student and pre-med chemistry and psychology major, finds time for both art and whimsy among her scientific research – in her spare time, she’s also a flamenco dancer and a mermaid-for-hire, who dons a tail and performs underwater tricks at birthday parties.

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 51 OUT IN THE STREETS

Makin’BY SARAH RAVITS Groceries

Loyola design students — with a big assist from Ellen DeGeneres — help out a local business and Lower Ninth Ward residents.

AS REBUILDING EFFORTS IN NEW ORLEANS CONTINUE more than a decade after Hurricane Katrina, Loyola design students teamed up this past spring with a local custom design and fabrication firm, GoodWood NOLA, to give the only grocery store in the Lower Ninth Ward some fresh updates and help increase community awareness of its presence. The students used their skills in hand-lettering, textile design, design build, and app design, which they learned in Loyola’s new bachelor of design degree program — the only one of its kind in the city. (See story, p. 12.) They participated through the university’s new Social Political Design + Narrative class, taught by Watch the video and learn how to help gofundme.com/Lower9thWard Tippy Tippens, Find which focuses on Follow the store’s progress — and get some great recipes — on its experiential learning Facebook page facebook.com/Lower9thWardMarket/ and designing for the Out social good. In line Check out photos, videos, and lunch specials with Loyola’s strong More by following Burnell Cotlon on Twitter @BCotlon commitment to social justice, the class brings students out of the classroom and into the city to identify social needs and partner with others in the community. help establish the Lower 9th Ward Market as a Before the Cotlons took matters into their Under Tippens’ guidance and leadership, her cornerstone of the community. own hands, the Lower Ninth Ward was students; GoodWood NOLA; and the owners The Cotlons opened the market in 2014, considered to be a “food desert” — defined of the Lower 9th Ward Market, Burnell and the first one in the area since Katrina, giving by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Keasha Cotlon, partnered for three weeks to residents access to fresh, healthy food. place devoid of stores selling healthy foods.

52 loyno | SUMMER 2016 Make your annual gift All gifts of any size made by July 31 will count toward our alumni participation rate, which affects our school Food deserts are exceptionally prevalent rankings. More important, in low-income areas where many residents your gift will make an impact don’t have access to a vehicle. Prior to on your alma mater and our opening the store, Keasha “picked up the current students. Your gift elderly in the area and drove them back and forth” to get groceries, Burnell told New can be designated to any Orleans Biz magazine last summer. number of funds. Check to The Cotlons used their life savings to buy see if your company may even the market space, which had flooded and match it. Find out more at suffered roof damage. To cut back on costs, DO giving.loyno.edu Burnell performed much of the manual labor on his own. They also crowd-sourced through a GoFundMe account, and Ellen DeGeneres made a generous donation. But even after the grocery store opened, many residents were still taking the long trek to Walmart (if they weren’t just buying food at the gas station) — three bus stops away in St. Bernard Parish — simply because they weren’t aware of the new space. “Posting signage around the neighborhood will aid in awareness of the Lower 9th Ward Market and, hopefully, decrease the amount of people taking that trip,” Loyola design student Sierra Lyman says. Now their project is complete, and the humble but very important grocery store features eye-catching signage, letting residents know they don’t have to go too far to “make groceries.” THIS

Sign up to Update volunteer your info Giving your time to the Email us at Loyola Alumni Association [email protected] to make is a meaningful way to give sure we have your most current back to the university and email address on file. reconnect with fellow alumni as well as students. Learn more about the volunteer positions available at alumni.loyno.edu/volunteer

SUMMER 2016 | loyno 53 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Beyond Borders The Syria and Beyond Refugee Benefit raised awareness of the refugee crisis, along with much-needed funds for charity.

Global awareness and service to others are “Unfortunately, media coverage only way, especially when we tune into the media hallmarks of a Jesuit education, but to rising discusses this situation in political terms, and see people promote intolerance. This senior Summer AbuKorma, who is majoring with more of a focus on where these displaced is definitely not the case — there are many, in history and minoring in Middle East peace people will go, rather than focusing on the many loving people in this world; we just don’t studies, the current refugee crisis in Syria was issues of trauma and lack of food, medical make the news all that often. So don’t let that a bit more personal. care, and other necessities we take for stop you from doing the right thing.” “My father was a refugee from Iraq,” granted,” AbuKorma says. AbuKorma says. “I believe the refugee With this event, she hopes to change crisis has been an ongoing issue for many, the narrative and the perception of Syrian many years, and it has only recently gained refugees. “We received a lot of positive attention because of the very high number feedback from many members of the of displaced people leaving Syria. It has been community,” she says. “People enjoyed the a personal mission of mine that I hoped to evening and were happy that it was all for a pursue at some point in my life.” good cause.” That point came sooner than she Ultimately, AbuKorma says the event expected, with inspiration striking as she sat restored her faith in humanity: “It truly made in Dr. Behrooz Moazami’s Israel and Palestine my heart happy to see that there are so many class. After a discussion about refugee loving people out in the world, and that emigration from Palestine, AbuKorma asked those who allow their ignorance to take over Moazami to help her organize a fundraiser. are actually the minority. It may seem that “I was thinking something small, like a bake sale, to raise money for notable charities that are working in refugee camps around the world,” she says. “With the help of Dr. Moazami and Professor Andy Young at Tulane University, we were able to organize a huge event, complete with music, dance and poetry performances, food, henna tattoos, and silent auction and raffle items. We made sure that every penny we raised that evening would go directly to Doctors Without Borders, the American Refugee Committee, Catholic Relief Services, and the New Orleans branch of Catholic Charities.” The Syria and Beyond Refugee Benefit, which was held in conjunction with the Eighth Annual Student Peace Conference, was open to the public and featured belly dancers from New Orleans’ Crescent Lotus Belly Dance Studio, poetry in both Persian THE SYRIA AND BEYOND and English, classical Arabic music, and REFUGEE BENEFIT, held in light Middle Eastern fare from Mona’s Café conjunction with the Eighth Annual and Deli. Student Peace Conference, featured Middle Eastern food, henna tattoos, AbuKorma says about 200 people showed music and poetry performances, and up to the event, which raised awareness of a silent auction. the refugee crisis along with about $2,500.

54 loyno | SUMMER 2016 THEN & NOW

THEN Carl H. Brans ’57 (physics) won a National Science Foundation scholarship and earned a Ph.D. at Princeton. He then returned to Loyola in 1960 to become a professor of physics. In 1961, he and co-author Robert Dicke published a paper in the Physical Review titled “Mach’s Principle and a Relativistic Theory of Gravitation.” It established what has come to be known as Brans-Dicke theory.

NOW Dr. Brans, center, recently celebrated his 80th birthday along with a huge honor: the American Physical Society named the paper he and Dicke co-authored as one of the 32 most influential papers on general relativity in the past 100 years — putting him in the company of such greats as Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Robert Oppenheimer, and Roger Penrose. He is also still mentoring students at Loyola; he recently collaborated with Thirthabir Biswas, left, associate professor of physics, and recent Down to a graduate Richard Bustos ’16 (physics and mathematics), right, on research that was presented at an American Physical Society Conference. “Brans is like an open book for me,” Bustos says. “Anything I need, he’ll teach it and introduce it to me.” ScienceSUMMER 2016 | loyno 55 HOW LOYOLA SHAPED ME A Life Full of Adventures Amy Cyrex Sins ’98 (communication)

When I was in college, I expected to Loyola has shaped me into the wom- go to work every day, wear a suit, get an I am today. Volunteering, being married, have kids, go to their soccer on the Alumni Board, and attending and baseball games, have dinner events on the campus keep me parties, live in New Orleans, and be connected. I had the opportunity regular — you know, settle down and to interact with some students just be normal, no drama, minimal over the years while working on the adventure but filled with happiness Alumni Board. It is fun to see the and love and family. Let’s just say we naiveté, wonder, and excitement in all have had reality hit us in the face. their eyes; the idealism; the desire Two years, five years, 15 years after to change the world and make it a college, we are all different people. better place; and the fresh way of thinking. Sometimes we need to see My days are filled with my husband, that and be reminded that we once George [’99 (marketing)], work, fam- felt the same way and we need to be ily, adventure, philanthropy, prayer a part of cultivating that wonder and and quiet time, and the occasional excitement in the next generation. procrastination just so I can get a good night’s sleep. All are important I had the opportunity to meet many in my daily life. different people, make new friends, find the love of my life, and become I don’t want to leave this world a well-rounded global citizen. Loyola without having experienced every- opened my eyes to the importance thing I possibly can and without of faith and justice and that social sharing those experiences with the outreach should just be a part of people I love. our lives. There have been experi- I loved my time at Loyola, every ences where my husband and I have single minute of it, every semester, jumped in to help people and never every professor, every learning expe- thought twice about if we should; we rience. It created my love of lifelong just did. I believe that the Jesuit edu- learning and has made friends and cation instilled that love of our fellow professors from Loyola my guides man into our hearts and minds. throughout my life. I took way too many hours; I was on the soccer team (which I wish they’d bring back, but that is a whole different article); and worked two jobs up to 40 hours a week along with my work study jobs. Looking back, it was a lot, prob- SINS SERVED AS ably too much, but at the time, it was PRESIDENT OF THE just another adventure in my life. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION from 2012–2014 and is now My Jesuit education helped form chef/owner of Langlois, host the business leader I’ve become. of New Orleans by Mouth on Themes of helping others, advo- WRBH-FM 88.3, and the award- cating for important causes, and winning author of Ruby Slippers dedicating time to service have been Cookbook: Life, Culture, Family, intertwined in how I try to live, lead, and Food After Katrina and manage.

56 loyno | SUMMER 2016 SUMMER 2016 | loyno 57 OFFICE OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Nonprofit Org. 6363 St. Charles Avenue U.S. Postage Campus Box 212 PAID New Orleans, LA 70118-3538 PPCO

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