Lake Charles, Volume 59, Issue No. 2 Spring 2011 McNeese State University Is Primed for Liftoff Dr. Philip C. Williams took office last and will install new traffic controlled lights Chamber Southwest that came to me first summer as McNeese State University’s and crosswalks this month. The city of asking what it could do to help McNeese. sixth president and has been on the Lake Charles has lowered the speed limit The mayor, police jury and our legislative job now for the past 10 months. Joyce to 25 mph on Sale and Common streets delegation have been equally supportive. Patterson, director of alumni affairs, sat from 7 a.m.–4 p.m. This unfortunate down with Dr. Williams for this interview. tragedy has proven that our partnership As the legislature is now in session with other agencies is more meaningful and will be discussing budget issues, What is your impression of the now than what we originally expected. could you give us an update on the community? financial condition of McNeese? During your interview for the Sandra and I have found the Lake We took steps last fall to prepare for position of president of McNeese, Charles area to be a wonderful community the worst-case scenario. The university you often times mentioned of very welcoming people. Their initiated an early retirement plan for community partnerships and hospitality has been greater than anyone faculty, which saved between $1 and linkages. How do you see these in could have expected. $2 million in next year’s budget. Each relation to McNeese? campus department was asked to identify What have you found to be some of I expected to be very active in the and generate savings and the campus has the greatest challenges as president community, but I have found that responded beautifully. We are now able of McNeese? there is such a tremendous opportunity to project a budget that will not require for the university to be involved with personnel layoffs and we are hoping that Southwest Louisiana. This already furloughs will not be needed. We are The biggest challenge I have found occurs on many levels, such as academic able to achieve these results because of since arriving is not finances, but rather service learning projects that occur in the community spirit that exists on the the death of a student, Ashlea Richard, our local elementary and junior high McNeese campus. Everyone understands and the lessons it teaches all of us touched schools. The new $12 million Southwest the need to pull together. I am especially by this loss. Parking was an issue, which Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic appreciative of the efforts of our legislative in some ways is a sign of growth and Development Center being built on the delegation in all of the support that they progress. When Ashlea was killed crossing campus is a prime example of what can provide to McNeese. the street to the campus, it focused happen when the Calcasieu Parish Police everyone and galvanized the campus to Jury, the city of Lake Charles, McNeese Now that you have had a chance look for solutions State University to meet with various constituents to this challenge. and the Southwest and to work through the process This area of Louisiana Economic of preparing for budget cuts, what Lake Charles is Development would be your biggest priority for growing and to a Alliance join next year? large part that is together to help because McNeese foster economic This was a transition year and the steps is growing and growth in Southwest we were taking to meet the “cliff year” traffic congestion Louisiana. What where our budget would be impacted around the has really excited should not be confused with full scale campus has me is the extent strategic planning. The 2011-2012 reached a critical to which these academic year will mark the beginning point. We are external agencies of a major strategic planning effort that considering a parking garage and have have been reaching out toward McNeese will involve all stakeholders – students, partnered with the city, parish and state as eagerly as I have been reaching out to faculty, staff, alumni and community to aggressively pursue real solutions. The them. Another example of this is when leaders at the regional and state level. Louisiana Department of Transportation budget cuts to higher education became We will be seeking input in a systematic has altered the traffic lane layout at the a part of discussions this year, it was the way, which will include a series of town corner of McNeese and Common streets hall meetings, brainstorming sessions Continued on page 3 www.mcneesealumni.com 1 McNeese State University New Alumni Officers and Board Members Alumni Association

THE ROUNDUP Spring 2011 Vol. 59 No. 2

Published annually

Philip C. Williams University President President President-Elect Treasurer Secretary Cheryl Fuselier Dr. Ken Moss Blake McCaskill Nickie Vest Richard Reid, (’87) Vice President Development and Public Affairs

Joyce Patterson (’76, ’82) Director of Alumni Affairs

Stephanie Clark (’06) Asst. Director of Alumni Affairs Barbara Bailey Brad Hanks Ricky Hanks Gayla Primeaux Dr. Eric A. Jackie Adams Sanders “Ric” Office Administrator, Alumni Affairs Continuing to serve as board members are: Kristy Armand (’88), Kevin Caldwell (’92), Kendall Duplechain (’92), Maria Faul (’03), John Myers (’78), Blanche Pete (’74), Danny Pundt (’79), Richard Contact for Office of Alumni Affairs Rhoden (’83), Mike Wittler (’73) and Theresa Woods (’80). The five immediate past alumni presidents MSU Box 90775 and the chairman of the McNeese Mavericks also serve as members. Lake Charles, LA 70609 600 E. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70607 (337) 475-5232 1-800-475- ALUM [email protected]

2011-2012 Board of Directors

Cheryl Fuselier(‘72,’80) President Dr. Ken Moss (‘76) President-Elec Blake McCaskill (‘87) Treasurer Nickie Vest (‘95) Secretary

Kristy Armand (’88) Barbara Bailey (‘74) Kevin Caldwell (’92) Kendall Duplechain (’92) Maria Faul (’03) Brad Hanks (‘94) Ricky Hanks (‘81) John Myers (’78) Blanche Pete (’74) Gayla Primeaux (‘78) Capital One Bank donated $5,000 to the McNeese Alumni Association to sponsor the alumni annual crawfish Danny Pundt (’79) boil April 17. This family event is held for donors and their families and sponsors, and more than 700 attended this Richard Rhoden (’83) year’s crawfish boil. Stephanie Clark, center, assistant director of alumni affairs, accepted the donation from Capital Dr. Eric A. Sanders “Ric” (‘10) One Bank representatives Paul Lungaro, left, vice president and regional vault operations manager, and Greg Webb, Mike Wittler (’73) Lake Charles area president. Theresa Woods (’80). 2 www.mcneesealumni.com Continued from page 1 and a variety of data gathering mechanisms in order to chart the course of the university over the next five years. We will be asking our stakeholders to respond to questions like: “What do I believe is the most important tradition at McNeese? What aspect Homecoming of McNeese defines the university as unique and special? If I were to set one goal for McNeese above all others, what would it be? 2011 Events If I were to change one thing about McNeese what would it be?” From this input we will develop a strategic plan that will be useful in allocating scarce budget resources and as a guide in planning our 75th anniversary celebration, which will take place in 2014. I Saturday, Oct. 15 am often asked, “What is my vision for the future of McNeese?” 32nd annual Ladies I strongly believe that this vision will come from our constituents Champagne Bingo. Tickets and stakeholders. It will then be my job to articulate this common must be purchased in vision and from this will come the McNeese way of doing things. advance.

How can alumni best help the university? Alumni play a critical role in recruiting, mentoring students, Tuesday, Oct. 18 providing internships, serving on advisory boards, participating in Reception held honoring Past Presidents of the McNeese campus events, serving as judges in competitive events, working as Alumni Association and their spouses. Held at the volunteers and supporting McNeese as athletic boosters, business University President’s home, by invitation only. sponsors, private donors and in many other ways. I love meeting with alums because they offer a broader view than that of our Thursday, Oct. 20 current students and faculty. Alumni can define aspects of the Homecoming Parade, Pep Rally and Fireworks Display in university that students are just now learning. Our graduates are . Fireworks are sponsored by the McNeese able to look back and reflect on their McNeese experiences in Alumni Association. Activities begin at 7 p.m. ways that students have not yet experienced. Alumni have also seen changes over the years and have an insight on which changes worked and which did not, which is very useful for me.

Given all of these challenges what has been the most rewarding moment? I have had an opportunity to teach a few classes and that has been fun. We have great students and I always enjoy interacting with them. No matter what kind of day I am having, Friday, Oct. 21 interacting with students 39th Annual Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament at is uplifting. I am looking Mallard Cove. Four-man scramble with shotgun start. Entry forward to the coming fee is $450 per team or $120 per player. (Includes green year, and as I mentioned fees, carts, door prize chances, ditty bag, mulligan, food 10 months ago, McNeese and beverages.) Teams are flighted by overall score without State University is primed handicaps. Prizes are then given to the first place team in for liftoff and we will each flight. Hole sponsorships are $100 each. To sign up for be seeing even greater a team or to become a sponsor, contact Stephanie Clark at accomplishments in the (337) 475-5943, [email protected] or go online at www. years ahead. mcneesealumni.com/golf2011.

Saturday, Oct. 22 Pre-game activities in the Alumni Grove from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Must have Rowdy Card to enter Grove. Cowboys vs. Sam Houston State Bearcats. Game starts at 7 p.m. www.mcneesealumni.com 3 Prestige License Plates Available

Cowboy fans and alumni need to “ride with pride” and support McNeese State University by purchasing the McNeese prestige license plate. The cost of the official Louisiana plate is $52 above the regular, biennial vehicle registration fee and $50 of this surcharge will be returned by the state to the McNeese Alumni Association’s scholarship fund.

Current plates can be exchanged for a McNeese plate at the DMV offices in Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeRidder or Kinder or can be ordered by calling the DMV toll free line at 1-225-925-6364 or going online at www.expresslane.org. Participants will receive credit for their existing, unexpired registration. McNeese Library Celebrates 50th Anniversary

On Nov. 11, 1961, McNeese dedicated its new library to the memory of Lether E. Frazar, first president of McNeese State University. Today, the library houses over 400,000 volumes of material and electronic resources as well as room for study, office and service areas, and this year, the library will also undergo a much needed $7.2 million renovation.

Throughout 2011, Frazar Memorial Library has been celebrating 50 years of excellence in service to both the McNeese and Southwest Louisiana communities with special events and will continue to do so this fall leading up to the big birthday celebration on Nov. 11.

For more event information, contact Tracy Hall at (337) 475-5738 or go online to www.library.mcneese.edu to view upcoming events.

Alumni Association Encourages Alumni to cost of publicaitons Update Email Addresses

The cost of printing and mailing a single newsletter to McNeese alumni has risen to over $14,000 and continues to increase. The McNeese Alumni Association now has the ability to send web-based e-newsletters to graduates every other month. Alumni can help save the expense of a paper newsletter and receive their news in a timely manner by being certain that the alumni office has a current email address.

This information is kept private and is not

Lake Charles, Louisiana Volume 59, Issue No. 2 Spring 2011 given to anyone either on or off the campus, McNeese State University according to McNeese Alumni Director Joyce Is Primed for Liftoff Dr. Philip C. Williams took office last and will install new traffic controlled lights Chamber Southwest that came to me first Patterson. “As we begin to move away from summer as McNeese State University’s and crosswalks this month. The city of asking what it could do to help McNeese. sixth president and has been on the Lake Charles has lowered the speed limit The mayor, police jury and our legislative job now for the past 10 months. Joyce to 25 mph on Sale and Common streets delegation have been equally supportive. Patterson, director of alumni affairs, sat from 7 a.m.–4 p.m. This unfortunate paper services, we encourage our alumni to down with Dr. Williams for this interview. tragedy has proven that our partnership As the legislature is now in session with other agencies is more meaningful and will be discussing budget issues, What is your impression of the now than what we originally expected. could you give us an update on the community? financial condition of McNeese? contact the Alumni Office and let us know your During your interview for the Sandra and I have found the Lake We took steps last fall to prepare for position of president of McNeese, Charles area to be a wonderful community the worst-case scenario. The university you often times mentioned of very welcoming people. Their initiated an early retirement plan for community partnerships and full name, approximate graduation year and hospitality has been greater than anyone faculty, which saved between $1 and linkages. How do you see these in could have expected. $2 million in next year’s budget. Each relation to McNeese? campus department was asked to identify What have you found to be some of I expected to be very active in the and generate savings and the campus has current email address,” she added. the greatest challenges as president community, but I have found that responded beautifully. We are now able of McNeese? there is such a tremendous opportunity to project a budget that will not require for the university to be involved with personnel layoffs and we are hoping that Southwest Louisiana. This already furloughs will not be needed. We are The biggest challenge I have found occurs on many levels, such as academic able to achieve these results because of since arriving is not finances, but rather service learning projects that occur in the community spirit that exists on the the death of a student, Ashlea Richard, our local elementary and junior high McNeese campus. Everyone understands and the lessons it teaches all of us touched schools. The new $12 million Southwest the need to pull together. I am especially To update information, local alumni can call 475- by this loss. Parking was an issue, which Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic appreciative of the efforts of our legislative in some ways is a sign of growth and Development Center being built on the delegation in all of the support that they progress. When Ashlea was killed crossing campus is a prime example of what can provide to McNeese. the street to the campus, it focused happen when the Calcasieu Parish Police 5232, out-of-town alumni can call 1-800-ALUM, everyone and galvanized the campus to Jury, the city of Lake Charles, McNeese Now that you have had a chance look for solutions State University to meet with various constituents to this challenge. and the Southwest and to work through the process This area of Louisiana Economic of preparing for budget cuts, what emails can be sent to [email protected] or Lake Charles is Development would be your biggest priority for growing and to a Alliance join next year? large part that is together to help because McNeese foster economic This was a transition year and the steps alumni can log on to www.mcneesealumni.com is growing and growth in Southwest we were taking to meet the “cliff year” traffic congestion Louisiana. What where our budget would be impacted around the has really excited should not be confused with full scale campus has me is the extent strategic planning. The 2011-2012 and click on “Update Info.” reached a critical to which these academic year will mark the beginning point. We are external agencies of a major strategic planning effort that considering a parking garage and have have been reaching out toward McNeese will involve all stakeholders – students, partnered with the city, parish and state as eagerly as I have been reaching out to faculty, staff, alumni and community to aggressively pursue real solutions. The them. Another example of this is when leaders at the regional and state level. Louisiana Department of Transportation budget cuts to higher education became We will be seeking input in a systematic has altered the traffic lane layout at the a part of discussions this year, it was the way, which will include a series of town corner of McNeese and Common streets hall meetings, brainstorming sessions Continued on page 3 www.mcneesealumni.com 1 4 www.mcneesealumni.com Black Alumni Chapter Alumni Boil / Where ?

Greater Houston Chapter Alumni Chapter Wrap-up The newly formed Black Alumni Chapter now has bylaws, officers, a governing board and committee chairmen. The chapter is dedicated to maximizing black alumni participation in the affairs of the university and in promoting personal growth and professional development of its members. The chapter is interested in supporting the recruitment, retention, development and graduation of black students, as well as increasing the number of scholarships for undergraduates. Chapter committees will develop plans for a fall reunion, establish scholarship guidelines, work on communications and publicity and plan for alumni development. Chapter dues are $30 and anyone interested in joining can go online to www.mcneesealumni.com/blackchapter or contact the McNeese Agriculturel Chapter alumni office at (337) 475-5232.

The Greater Houston Alumni Chapter is hosting its annual crawfish boil from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Ragin Cajun Restaurant on Westheimer Street. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers and will include crawfish, potatoes, corn and cold drinks. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be obtained by calling the alumni office at 1-800-475-ALUM or going online at www. mcneesealumni.com/houstonchapter. Chapter dues are $25 and can be paid online at www.mcneesealumni.com

The Ag Alumni Chapter will host its annual crawfish boil at 6 p.m. Friday, May 27, at the McNeese Farm on Highway 14. May 23 is the deadline to RSVP and all agriculture alumni are invited to come enjoy great crawfish, drinks and friends. To RSVP, call (337) 475-5690 or email [email protected].

The College of Business Alumni Chapter held its annual Wine and Cheese College of Business Chapter Reception April 19. Dr. Mitchell Adrian, business dean, gave an overview of campus events taking place in the College of Business. The chapter advisory board will meet over the summer to plan fall events. All graduates of the College of Business are encouraged to join. Chapter dues are $25 and anyone interested in joining can go online to www.mcneesealumni.com/cobchapter or contact [email protected].

The McNeese alumni office joined other Louisiana universities in sponsoring crawfish boils for alumni in Atlanta, Ga., Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas, this spring. Notices were sent to area alumni by email. Alumni who would like to receive information on upcoming events but who have not yet registered online can do so now at www.mcneesealumni.com or contact the McNeese alumni office at (337) 475-5232. www.mcneesealumni.com 5 Class of 1961 to Be Honored at Golden Scholars Reunion

They are a generation that has witnessed some of the most significant events in United States history: The election and assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the Apollo 11 moon landing. They jammed to hits such as Elvis Presley’s “Don’t be Cruel” and “You Ain’t Nothin’ But a Hound Dog.” These graduates attended McNeese when enrollment was 2,946 and the new Frazar Memorial Library opened. Tuition was $30 for the fall semester and $25 for the spring, while room and board for one semester only cost $268. They are the members of McNeese State University’s Class of 1961, and now 50 years later, they are returning to campus for the annual Golden Scholars Reunion. “Each spring, when these alumni get together during Reunion Weekend, you can’t help but feel the excitement in the air! They come back to campus with such enthusiasm and joy, it’s contagious. To see them sharing memories of their times here at McNeese, laughing at stories of campus happenings and visiting with classmates they haven’t seen in years…it’s truly amazing to be a part of that,” said Joyce Patterson, McNeese alumni director. The 2011 Golden Scholars Reunion Weekend will kick off Friday, May 20, with a luncheon held in Parra Ballroom of the Student Union Annex. Following lunch, McNeese President Dr. Philip Williams and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jeanne Daboval, along with Alumni President Cheryl Fuselier, will induct members into the Golden Scholar Society. After the induction ceremony, attendees will take a campus tour to view the many changes that have taken place over the last 50 years. On Saturday, May 21, at 10 a.m. the Golden Scholars will gather at to lead the processional during commencement. Following graduation, they will motorcade to the President’s home for a reception in their honor. Members of the classes of 1939-1961 are invited to attend this year’s reunion. For more information, contact Stephanie Clark, assistant alumni director, at (337) 475-5232 or [email protected] or go online to www.mcneesealumni.com/ goldenscholars2011. Annual Cowboy Luau Set for Prien Lake Park The McNeese Mavericks are sponsoring their 8th Annual Cowboy Luau Saturday, May 21, at the Harbor’s Edge Pavilion of Prien Lake Park. The bungalow will open at 6 p.m. and musical guests City Heat will perform from 7-10 p.m.

Tickets are $100 per couple and include a Cochon de Lait (pig roast) with all the trimmings, margaritas, beer and cold drinks. There are only 100 tickets available for sale.

To purchase tickets, contact the Alumni Association at (337) 475-5232 and for any questions email Stephanie Clark at [email protected].

*Each ticket purchased will automatically be entered into a drawing for a free ticket to next year’s luau.

6 www.mcneesealumni.com A Conversation with Athletics Director Tommy McClelland

Tommy McClelland has Sports fans hear a lot about APR (Academic Progress Reports) associated served as McNeese athletics with university athletic programs. Where do McNeese student-athletes rank director since 2008. Under academically? his leadership, McClelland Four years ago McNeese had only four of its 16 teams at started the “Partner with the or above the 925 target. Today, we have 12 of the 16 teams Pokes” program that provides at or above 925 and the four that are not yet at this level are a smaller, more attractive at 920 or above. This is an unbelievable accomplishment for sponsorship package for local our student-athletes, coaches, campus and community and small businesses, has raised one in which we are all proud. This fall, McNeese also led over $2.8 million in private the 12 SLC schools in the number of student-athletes on the donations, has implemented Commissioner’s Honor Roll for the third time in the past an annual multi-city four years. In fact, we had 86 outstanding student-athletes summer tour, the “Cowboy Round-Up Tour,” where coaches, this fall that made the Commissioner’s administrators and other department staff travel to various cities Honor Roll. in Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, and has resurrected the “M” Club for former student-athletes. Looking ahead, what can we expect in the coming year? There has been a combined total of over $11 million dollars in Well, the opening of the new Doland Field House will be facility renovation and new construction under his supervision, the most important physical improvement. This has been including renovation and expansion of the Jack V. Doland Field needed for a long time and I’m just fortunate to be a part of House, the Hodges Street Field House, new artificial synthetic a collective effort of fans, boosters, students, staff and the replicated turf at Cowboy Stadium, new bleachers in Memorial community that has made this dream possible. It will have Gym among others. a monumental impact on our recruitment and retention Also, during his tenure as athletics director, McNeese has won of students-athletes and coaches from near and far. I am the Southland Conference football championship (2007, 2009), most excited about the new academic enhancement facility Southland Conference soccer tournament (2006) and regular that will be located in the new field house. Thanks to the season championship (2007), Southland Conference softball financial support from the H.C. Drew Estate, we will have a tournament (2010), the Southland Conference men’s state-of-the-art study lab. There will also be a weight room regular season (2011) and the Southland Conference women’s three times the size of what we had before to serve all 350 regular season (2011) and the State Farm Southland Conference student-athletes. For our fans, there is a covered outdoor women’s basketball tournament (2011). end zone seating area with access to an indoor lounge, which also overlooks the football field. Anyone interested in season tickets can call (337) 562-4MSU. This past year was certainly exciting for Cowboy fans, especially when McNeese played Louisiana State University in football. What else was a We hear so much about state budget cuts and their impact on academic highlight this past year? programs. What impact, if any, have they had on the athletic program? We were thrilled to be able to offer our fans the We have done a fairly good job in the athletics department opportunity to see the Cowboys play in Death Valley and in dealing with budget cuts and in finding financial stability we will continue to seek exciting rivalries similar to the LSU, so that we can continue to move forward. Other state Tulane and University of Louisiana at Lafayette games. schools have eliminated sports, reduced salaries and cut Without a doubt, the success of our men and women’s student-athletic scholarships, whereas we have been able to basketball programs this year has been a bright spot for our weather the downturn and have not had to take any of these athletic program. Our fan base became reenergized when drastic actions. As we move forward, in order to continue both teams finished first in the conference during the regular being fiscally responsible and to meet the expectations of season. Each team played in the Southland Conference competing in Division I sports, it is even more important that tournament, with the men being invited to play in the NIT we look at sources of new revenue and outside support in tournament and us hosting Boston College in that first round, order to produce a product that makes our fans proud. and the women played Texas A&M, who went on to win the national title, in the first round of the NCAA tournament. How would you rank McNeese’s athletic program overall? We are especially proud that both coaches, Brooks Donald- The Southland Conference annually awards a Men’s Williamson and Dave Simmons, have been named Southland All Sports Trophy, a Women’s All Sports Trophy and the Conference coaches of the year and the coaches of the year Commissioner’s Cup, which recognizes the outstanding for the state of Louisiana. overall athletic program. We are currently ranked first in the men’s division, fourth in the women’s division and second in the combined men and women’s division. However, we Continued on page 11 www.mcneesealumni.com 7 Pride of McNeese Band Hits High Notes for Band Conductor “These students may attend another school. There were 18 students in the high university, but they will definitely come school band and I learned to do everything, away with a positive vibe about McNeese,” from arranging music to taking out the said Jacobs. trash,” he said. “It was a great experience and I ended up staying for eight years. When asked what he likes the most When I left we had 65 band members.” about his job, Jay quickly responded, “The interaction with students and with music. I After leaving the Chicago area, Jay headed like going to rehearsals every day even when for the warmer climates of Gainesville, it’s hot and humid outside. These are the Fla., where he earned a master’s degree in real teaching moments.” music/conducting and a doctorate in music education from the University of Florida. Step inside the McNeese band hall any time of the day and students are While there, Jay was mentored by UF milling around - some practicing on their director of bands, David Waybright, instruments, a small group sitting around in who had been band director at McNeese Fans who attend a Saturday night football a circle jamming together, others laughing from 1983-1987 and was instrumental in game in Cowboy Stadium and still thrill to with a staff member and several others just encouraging Jay to apply for the position of the sound of “Joli Blon” or rise to their feet hanging around in the hallways. director of bands at McNeese. at a basketball game in Burton Coliseum while the pep band plays the fight song “On These band members are proud of their Since Jay’s arrival, McNeese fans have McNeese” know how important a role the accomplishments and enjoy being a part seen the band perform at least three McNeese band plays in instilling spirit and of the “Pride of McNeese,” according to pride at these events. After all, the band is not Jacobs. “They have found a small home called “The Pride of McNeese” for nothing. away from home and it is obvious that they enjoy one another and their surroundings.” And the man who has revitalized the McNeese band program and has increased This social atmosphere depicts Jacob’s membership by more than 30 percent in just earlier experiences as a member of his high four short years is Dr. Jay Jacobs, conductor school band. Jay grew up with his parents of university bands. When you first meet in Morgantown, W.Va., a community Jacobs you are struck by his engaging smile. of 70,000. His mother was an all-state It only takes a few minutes to feel like you clarinetist and encouraged Jay’s trumpet have known him for years. These skills have playing. “The high school had a strong helped him in recruiting and in keeping up band tradition, which was as much social as with his breakneck schedule. it was musical. We were a large group, but it was easy to make friends,” he said. Jacobs has been busy. He has reinstituted the summer band camp to bring high school Jay said he knew he wanted to be a students to campus to see the McNeese band teacher of some kind. “I just wasn’t sure up close and personal. Each fall he hosts a what I wanted to teach.” Marching Day for high school students so So he attended West Virginia they can practice and then perform with the University on an Army ROTC McNeese band at halftime of a home game. scholarship, earning his degree High school juniors and seniors also have in music education and his an open invitation to attend home football commission as a second games and sit with the band. lieutenant. He then served as an air defense artillery officer In addition, Jay travels to over 30 area in the National Guard for schools each fall and spring to recruit three years and in the Army students. And when the McNeese band Reserves for five years. travels to away games during football season, he schedules several stops at area high schools “My first job in education where the McNeese band can perform. was in Kirkland, Ill., as the band director for a K-12

8 www.mcneesealumni.com Michele Martin: California shows a year during football season. “My philosophy is to provide more variety and Girl more entertainment for the students and Not many people know that Michele Martin, Cowboy fans,” explained Jacobs. “When energetic head of McNeese’s Department of playing to the same audience, you need to Performing Arts since 1991, was once a “laid-back keep them interested. It makes it harder for California chick.” the drum line to memorize new music and the color guard has to learn new routines, Growing up in San Bernardino, Martin was but the fans love the new shows.” a member of the high school choir, which she loved. But when it came time to enter the “As someone who sat in Death Valley at University of California at Riverside, she majored LSU and heard the McNeese band play in microbiology. However, it did not take her long “Joli Blon” when the Cowboys scored their to realize that music was her true passion, so she enrolled at the California Institute first touchdown, I can say for a fact that of Arts and earned her bachelor’s degree in music in voice performance. all Cowboy fans were on their feet and dancing,” said McNeese Alumni Director Michele then attended the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music Joyce Patterson. “Several LSU fans were (CCM) where she earned her master’s degree and began work on her doctorate. “I overheard talking about how great ‘that stayed there as long as I could, I had a great time,” she said. Here she gained valuable McNeese band was.’ This was another experience by performing with the Cincinnati Symphony and the Cincinnati Opera. moment to feel McNeese pride thanks to the members of our great band.” “I was planning to go to Europe and try out in the German opera house circuit, so that spring I did a couple of tours stateside. I soon found out that I did not enjoy Jay is quick to lavish praise on the students touring, nor did I want to limit myself to just opera,” said Martin. “I had been a and the staff: Lonny Benoit, assistant teaching assistant at CCM and I really enjoyed it. professor of music and drum line instructor; Cortney Lyon, color guard instructor; and So with bags packed and one foot on the plane to Europe, I decided instead to Tim McMillen – an adjunct professor who apply for a teaching job. Having never been to the South, and wanting to experience arranges the music for the marching band. something new, I accepted the position at McNeese.”

Under Jacob’s leadership, the “Pride of That was August 1975. “Dr. William Groves, department head at the time, took a McNeese” plays a vital role in the McNeese big chance and hired me and he was an exceptional mentor. I loved that McNeese experience. gave me the chance to teach other classes, such as music history, music theory and opera workshop. Otherwise, I get tired of teaching the same thing every day,” said Martin. “Now that the department includes music and theatre, it just makes so much more sense. These two are tremendously collaborative arts and both demand strong discipline. Our mission is to allow our students the opportunity to perform and to experience growth as performers.”

When Michele talks about the opportunity she had to sing with 90 members of a choir, with Leonard Bernstein conducting a Beethoven piece, her passion for music is evident. “Bernstein was so inspiring that thinking of the experience still makes the hair on my arms stand up. At the time, it did not even seem like an earthly experience. The magic of the music and the choir singing together taught me that the sum is greater than the whole and that you don’t sing just to be a star,” she explained.

Michele was 14 years old when she first performed on stage in a paid role during a Wagnerian opera at the Redland Bowl in California. Since that time she has completed more than 500 performances, and although she is retiring from McNeese this spring after 36 years as a member of the faculty, she will continue to be involved with McNeese music and theatre. She will be directing a play in the spring of 2012.

Her replacement? “Dr. Michael Buckles will be the new department head of performing arts and he is the fairest, most reasonable, and equitable person,” said www.mcneesealumni.com 9 Martin. “Michael is very bright and will do what is true and will support the faculty in their teaching efforts.” McNeese She said the department has experienced an enrollment Remembers increase and knows the main contributing factor is the outstanding faculty and artists. Of course, she said the new Anita Tritico Shearman Fine Arts Annex has also been a tremendous asset More than 350 people for recruiting and retaining both students and faculty. – both McNeese faculty, staff and students as well For 12 years, Michele has served as chairman of the Athletic as Southwest Louisiana Advisory Committee and has also served McNeese as its faculty community members - athletic representative to the Southland Conference. Her love gathered in the new Shearman of sports comes from playing softball, basketball and volleyball Fine Arts Theatre to remember in school. long-time McNeese theatre publicist and production assistant Michele sees a huge parallel between being a successful Anita Tritico who died this spring. student-athlete and a successful performing arts student, as “If you’ve attended a McNeese both must be extremely disciplined. “Due to the amount of State University theatre production during the past 31 years, time spent practicing, you have to do more than everybody it’s probably because of Anita Tritico,” said Richard Reid, else does. Most people do not realize that the graduation rate vice president for university advancement and executive vice for student-athletes is much higher than that of the general president for the McNeese Foundation. population,” she said. “Mrs. T,” as she was affectionately known on campus, had a special bond with students majoring in the performing arts and As a member of the McNeese faculty, Michele is quick to with those who enjoyed participating in theatre productions note how strong an influence the performing arts faculty has both on stage and back stage. on the Southwest Louisiana community. “Most of the local According to Michele Martin, head of the McNeese churches employ McNeese faculty or graduates as the head of Department of Performing Arts, “For over three decades, Anita their choral programs. Faculty members and students also lend Tritico was a constant force in McNeese Theatre. Anita was strong support to the Lake Charles Symphony, community in every sense a mentor sharing her knowledge and love of band, Little Theater, ACTs and much more.” drama with the multitude of students and faculty who learned and worked in the program…Anita’s wisdom, generous spirit Because of her dedication to her students, her artistic talent and consuming love of theatre influenced all who worked with and her leadership abilities over the years at McNeese, Martin her to be better individuals and better performing artists. Anita was selected a recipient of the McNeese Alumni Association was unique and those who knew her will always be filled with a Distinguished Faculty Award. joyous spirit when remembering her.” Following the death of her husband, Joe, in 1994, she “With such a passion for music, it is a comfort to know that established the Anita and Joe Tritico Theatre Scholarship although Michele is retiring she will continue to be involved through the McNeese Foundation. And last year, McNeese with the Department of Performing Arts and the community,” theatre alumni began a fundraising effort to name the new said McNeese Alumni Director Joyce Patterson. theatre in the Shearman Fine Arts Annex for the Triticos. For more information on this project or the Tritico Theatre Scholarship, contact the McNeese Foundation at (337) 475-5588.

Barbara Belew, a faculty member since August 1955, is retiring this spring. Belew, an associate professor of music, teaches piano, harp and keyboard literature and coaches harp ensemble. She is an active performer in several area orchestras and as a free- lance harp soloist and chamber musician. She is founder of the Louisiana chapter of the American Harp Society and a former member of the AHS National Board of Directors.

10 www.mcneesealumni.com Continued from page 7 are No. 1 in all three categories when compared to the other Alumni Travel Trips Planned Louisiana schools that are in the conference. I feel that we are headed in the right direction and we recognize that it takes the support of so many people to help make this happen. From our student-athletes, coaches and athletic staff to our band, cheerleaders, kickers and spirit groups, to our boosters, fans and parents of our athletes to our faculty, staff and administration - together we have been able to offer our student-athletes a quality education, and in return they have given us years of excitement and pride.

Udit lis erae European Mosaic labo. Ferem Uncover some of the cultural and historical riches of Europe vendunt volorro along the coasts of Portugal, Morocco, Spain, France, Monaco and Italy while cruising aboard the new and regal Oceania volorat. Cruises Riviera June 16-27, 2012. Prices begin at $3,999 per Imusamet quame ni person double occupancy (including airfare). There is limited quoditas ernatest que videlia availability at this price. volorionem natiasitatum excepeles ni bla et vitemo entus sincita evenihicia consece riantia exceperis suscimi, ipiti doluptati optatatenti temporia quisquis audaes alis eles voluptatqui soluptia coremquae sim ipidess itatem ipicime cus et dendi non exeribus dolupta tisquos andist experrorro eumqui dunt. Ihitatiorent aceperibus dem quam, te dolecatur adit et aut ipis quia saeribus, unt oditis venis exeria nos ditis quibeatem anis id quodit od ea nus nes dellant, soluptam imusdae modi comnia vero quibus dolum lam eatibus moloreicim ipis elibusandem hil Ireland int offictaquae num fugit ut re estrum, et is es assimus aceperum Magnificent landscapes greet you at every turn as you explore sin pre nonsequ atiisci nihiciatat. the Emerald Isle in September 2012. Stay in medieval Kilkenny, a dellautemodi sit dolum facipsam hitatur ate eossinu lluptamus one of Ireland’s loveliest inland cities, Georgian Dublin, Ireland’s id et quiam harum qui quuntem que lacimus dolorpo recatur si fascinating capital, and Killarney, a delightful town surrounded accum as et ut aciunde liquam hicit, quossim endande stiumqu by idyllic lakes and mountains. Price is $1,999. ibustis veruptin pe niendit, im ut haruptatur aut essuntias seorem For more information on either of these trips, contact Go Next sus eosserovid quae molo occae essum velis endae sum nonectus Travel at 1-800-842-9023 or [email protected]. diant quame as everchil magnam sant volorep erfere sinus, cora isquae lamet et reiur mo te pos nullore restiatur rerunt liquunt New Hotel Offers Alumni Special Rate The new SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Lake Charles will be opening at the end of May and is offering McNeese alumni a special rate of $109 per suite per night through Dec. 31 of this year. This rate can be obtained by using the rate code of “McNeese State Alumni” when making a reservation for a home game or a McNeese event. For more information, contact SpringHill Suites by Marriott at (337) 474-1112 or www.springhillsuites.com/lchsh.

Od et pa quosam, qui doluptae. Volenis eaqui omnis explici andebit aerovit vento to mintioreius es modigent venemquam dolum quassitiis aut ut as eat www.mcneesealumni.com 11 2011 Football Schedule NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE Date Opponent Location McNeese Alumni Association 9/3/2011 Kansas Lawrence, Kan. Box 90775 Lake Charles, LA 70609 PAID 9/10/2011 OPEN Lake Charles, LA 9/17/2011 Univ. of Sioux Falls Lake Charles Address service requested Permit No. 336 9/24/2011 Southeastern LA Lake Charles 10/1/2011 Northwestern State Natchitoches 10/8/2011 Texas State Lake Charles 10/15/2011 Central Arkansas Conway, Ark. 10/22/2011 Sam Houston (HC) Lake Charles 10/29/2011 Stephen F. Austin Nacogdoches, Texas 11/5/2011 Nicholls State Lake Charles 11/12/2011 UTSA Lake Charles 11/19/2011 Lamar Beaumont, Texas

New Cowboy Gear Arriving Daily at Campus Bookstore Alumni are invited to drop by the McNeese Bookstore and check out the newly arrived Cowboy gear and gift items, which include specially designed McNeese women’s jewelry, wine goblets and glasses, fashion accessories and the latest in McNeese apparel. For the men, there are one-of-a-kind tailgate items such as ice chests, tents, and of course, c0owbells. Adorable children’s clothes are also available. Alumni have two locations to shop – the campus bookstore located next to the Student Union complex and the McNeese Connection located at 4314 Ryan St. across from campus. Alumni can also go online at http:// mcneesecowboystore.com or go on Facebook at McNeese Bookstore. For more personalized assistance, contact Sharamie Trahan Moore (’92), bookstore director, at (337) 475-5493.

12 www.mcneesealumni.com