A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI, STUDENTS AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS

SPRING 2018

DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS: VOLUME 42 s ISSUE 1 As a university, our location is inextricably connected to our identity. There are many estima- ble institutions of higher learning in New Orleans but only one is the University of New Orleans. The Privateers are the only major college athletes whose uniforms bear the words “New Orleans.” EXECUTIVE EDITOR We take great pride in these distinctions. We consider the successes of our hometown to be our Rebecca Catalanello own, which is why the past year has been such an exciting time to be a New Orleanian. EDITOR Have you been paying attention to recent New Orleans rankings? Here are just a few that Adam Norris piqued my interest: DESIGN AND LAYOUT #1 Brain magnet in America #3 City to which millennial are flocking in Eric Gernhauser #1 Most economical city by KPMG droves by Business Insider CONTRIBUTING WRITER #1 Business climate by Business Facilities #4 Coolest city in America by Forbes Mallory Moore #3 City winning the IT jobs battle #1 Healthcare job growth by STAT PHOTOGRAPHY #2 Women’s share of technology jobs by the #2 Favorite city in America by Travel + Leisure Rebecca Catalanello Brookings Institution #8 Happiest employees in the USA by Forbes Tracie Morris Schaefer #8 City for women in technology by SmartAsset Clem Barbazon Mallory Moore Not to mention that The New York Times named New Orleans the No. 1 place to go in the Ron O’Rourke world in 2018. Okay, so that is more than a few, and there are many more not listed here. Greater Catie Scorsone New Orleans, Inc., a leading regional economic development alliance and a terrific part- ner of the University of New Orleans, does a fantastic job of touting the rankings of a city that is the new standard for reinvention. The message is clear: while New Orleans remains a cultural mecca, it is also Send Correspondence to: transforming into a hotspot for technology, entrepreneurship and social innova- Silver & Blue Editor tion. With more than 45,000 alumni in the greater New Orleans region University of New Orleans Administration Building 103 alone, the University of New Orleans prides itself on playing an instru- 2000 Lakeshore Drive mental role in this renaissance. We are a platform for economic activity New Orleans, LA 70148 and growth. We work hard each day to ensure that we are training phone: (504) 280-6832 the talent that business and industry of the region demand. For our email: [email protected] students, the city becomes their very own learning laboratory, and they have exclusive opportunities like our GE Software Engineer- ing Apprenticeship Program and internships in major tourism ini- tiatives. For our business partners, our collaborations mean connect- ing with the professors who are generating knowledge and identifying opportunities to recruit the best emerging talent. Silver & Blue Magazine is published by the University of New Orleans. Articles There are examples throughout the country demonstrating that represent the opinions of the authors and business—and the technology sector in particular—is drawn to areas do not necessarily reflect the views of around universities because of the talent supply line. The resulting anyone but the authors. partnerships boost productivity and stimulate the economy and wages To inquire about alumni events or to for all people in the region. These cases make me incredibly excited join the UNO International Alumni Association, contact: and optimistic about our university and our region’s future economic Office of Alumni Affairs, University of growth. Others are excited too; the University is experiencing a surge New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148 phone: (504) 280-2586 that amounts to roughly a 30 percent increase in freshmen appli- fax: (504) 280-1080 cations for the fall 2018 semester, and 35 percent more students email: [email protected] attended our spring open house when compared to 2017. These © 2018 The University of New Orleans This public document was published at a total cost of students know that tomorrow really does begin here, in our city, at $17,503. 33,500 copies of this public document were our university—the University of New Orleans. published in this first printing at a cost of $17,503. The total cost of all printings of this document, including Sincerely, reprints is $17,503. This document was published by the University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans, LA 70148, to promote the purpose of John Nicklow the University under authority of 17:3351(A)(12). This PRESIDENT material was printed in accordance with the standards for printing by state agencies established pursuant to @UNOPresidentJN @unopresident R.S. 43:31. Printing of this material was purchased in accordance with the provisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.

2 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 FEATURES DEPARTMENTS p. 4 CAMPUS SCENE 36 New Student Lounge, Exploring UNO, Krewe of UNO, Bela Fleck, National 60 YEARS OF UNO Engineers Week, International Night BY THE NUMBERS 10 NEWS & EVENTS On the anniversary of Nicklow Highlights Progress in State its 1958 founding, the of University; $1M Anonymous Gift University of New Orleans Modernizes Chemistry Labs; DXC examines some numbers Partners with UNO; $1M NSF Grant that tell our story. Provides STEM Scholarships; Treva Brown Wins National Student Award; New Endowment Honors Physics Professor p. 18 FACULTY FOCUS UNO 25 Jovanovich Honored for Community The University announces 24 Work; Mattei Named Interim its inaugural class of 25 Engineering Dean; Hembree Wins Privateer-led businesses that Excellence in Teaching Prize; Hassan are having an impact. Awarded Research Fellowship; Faculty, Students Awarded Nearly $300K; Georgiou Seeks Answers About Hurricanes and Marshes THE UNO TRAVELER 39 Amy Nguyen Explores Japan ATHLETICS p. p. 40 The Unlikely Captain: Matthew Jiles’ journey from student-manager to 28 32 team captain. DONOR SPOTLIGHT 45 Alumnus Chris Maurer gives back by becoming a Legacy donor. ALUMNOTES 46 News from UNO’s accomplished NOVEL COURTSHIP MORE THAN A LIBRARY graduates. The University of New Orleans Newly named Library Dean IN MEMORIAM Publishing Lab gives grad Ray Wang discovered a home 50 students a crash course in among the stacks. birthing books. 52 THEN AND NOW

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 3 HEADLINES AND HAPPENINGS

JAMMING WITH A MASTER Sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning banjoist and the New York-born Fleck shared thoughts on composing, composer Béla Fleck taught a master class at the improvisation and his journey to the banjo. Fleck also University of New Orleans on March 16. Fleck was in jammed with graduate music students Tevarri Huff- town to debut his Banjo Concerto No. 3, “Louisiana Boone (saxophone), Oscar Rossignoli (piano), Martin Concerto” with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Masakowski (bass) and Joey van Leeuwen (drums) as in celebration of New Orleans’ tricentennial. At UNO, part of the class.

4 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 A PLACE TO RELAX The Captain’s Quarters Student Lounge opened March 1 at the University Center to instant popularity. The space features three gaming systems; a full sized pool table; six seated charging stations for laptops, tablets and phones; 24 lockers; dedicated Wi-Fi; and a game table with board games. Joy Ballard, coordinator for student governance, says student response has been tremendous: “Clearly this was a student need that we have met.”

EXPLORING UNO Nearly 400 future students visited campus Feb. 17 for a chance to learn more about New Orleans’ only public research university and, in some cases, to compete for scholarship dollars. Explore UNO, the University’s annual spring open house, drew more families than ever before, with an estimated 868 visitors participating, including 67 incoming freshmen who interviewed in person for the prestigious Homer Hitt Scholarship and 24 President’s Scholarship winners who competed on-site for additional scholarship dollars.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 5 SIXTY YEARS OF CELEBRATION Beads flew. Capes swished. Horns blared. The 6th Annual Krewe of UNO Mardi Gras parade wound through the University of New Orleans campus Feb. 6, with President John Nicklow and Stacy Nicklow leading the procession aboard a rolling pirate ship fully stocked with Privateer-blue cups and beads. Under the theme, “Six Decades of Celebration,” a salute to the University’s 60 years, 37 campus organizations and departments participated in the parade and seemed undeterred by the intermittent rain that started to fall midway through the route. The Sophie B. Wright Charter School marching band joined the krewe, providing tunes to fuel the celebration.

6 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 ENGINEERING NEW ORLEANS’ FUTURE Could you build a bridge using paper and scotch tape? What would you do if an alarm on your spacecraft sounded? How would you precisely measure out four ounces of liquid using nothing but two cups – one that holds three ounces and one that holds five ounces? About 1,300 middle and high school students from 23 New Orleans-area schools took on these challenges and more during the University of New Orleans’ celebration of National Engineers Week in February. UNO’s College of Engineering partnered with Core Element and the American Society of Civil Engineers on the event, which included a planetarium visit and a screening of “Dream Big,” a film that explores the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 7 SHARING THE WORLD International Night continues to be the biggest student organized event on campus. On March 24, the community gathered again to enjoy food, live performances, exhibitions and conversation about the diversity of cultures that help make the University of New Orleans a place where everyone can come together to share, learn and collaborate.

8 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 DIGGING DEEP FOR SUSTAINABILITY The Student Government Association collaborated with NOLA Tree Project in March to plant 65 trees in the area of the mathematics and computer science buildings. Volunteer help came from 34 students who were conducting service projects with Campus Crusade while on break from St. Louis-area universities. The trees included 15-gallon live oaks, red maples, Savannah hollies and about eight to 10 fruit trees. Nigel Watkins, UNO student body president, below, said the $5,000 project was paid for with SGA funds and is part of an ongoing student effort to make the campus greener. “One day we’ll come back in 20 years and there will be a big canopy covering UNO,” Watkins says.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 9 Nicklow Highlights Gains in Enrollment, Research and Outreach THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW in areas where recruiters are Orleans is making significant traveling at any given time. progress toward increasing “With your help, we are on enrollment, bolstering research track to meet our goal of 8,500 increased 37 percent in the The University is growing in and improving community and students,” Nicklow said. “But second quarter, he said, from its efforts to recruit and retain business partnerships. what happens between now and $1.6 million in 2017 to $2.2 successful students. That’s the report University August is critically important.” million in 2018, with the of New Orleans President Nicklow encouraged number of proposal submis- exciting external partnerships John Nicklow gave during his employees to be brazen about sions up 11 percent. that have developed, including biannual State of the University sharing their pride for the Also growing is the that with DXC Technology, an address before UNO faculty university: “That kind of University Foundation’s IT services firm and $25-billion and staff on March 15. individual recruitment is a endowment, which has risen company that is bringing 2,000 Year over year since 2017, tremendous force multiplier,” more than $8 million in a new high-quality jobs to New he said, freshmen applica- he said. year to $74.9 million as of Orleans. UNO is one of the tions to the University of New There is much to boast December. Much of the funds universities partnering with Orleans were up 26 percent about. raised last year went exclusively the company to increase the as of March while freshman Within one month’s time, to student scholarships and numbers of degrees awarded in admits have risen 53 percent by the University of New Orleans support. areas DXC needs. 700 students. When graduate announced two $1 million “It was not very long ago Wayward Owl Brewing school applications are factored grants, including one from an when the University raised only Company last year began in, total applications have risen anonymous donor that will between a half-million and a brewing Privateer Pale Ale, by 17 percent and admits are up modernize and upgrade three million dollars a year,” Nicklow a craft beer sold in bars, by 51 percent, he said. chemistry labs. said. “Those days are over.” restaurants and grocery stores “So how are we finding Student retention efforts are By this time next year, including Rouse’s Super- success in reaching prospective bearing fruit. In fall 2017, 81 Nicklow said, UNO will be markets. students?” Nicklow asked. “We percent of full-time freshmen engaged in its first compre- “My theme this year has are not introducing ourselves taking their first math class hensive fundraising campaign. been pride,” Nicklow said. to students for the first time in had a grade of C or higher, up Alumni engagement is also Employees and students will the fall of their senior year. We 10 percentage points from the getting stronger with successful see a number of improvements are engaging much earlier and year prior. In addition, average events like UNO 25, which that include the launch of a new more regularly with them.” freshmen class GPA is higher recognized 25 high-impact University website redesign, Recruitment efforts start than the year before, from 2.58 businesses owned or led by extended library and dining 18 to 36 months prior to a in 2016 to 2.76 in fall 2017. UNO alumni, and an upcoming hours, resurfaced streets and prospective student’s gradu- “At the end of the day, UNO Hall of Distinction that power-washed buildings and ation. The University has made enrollment isn’t just about will seek to recognize those walkways. it a priority to strengthen its numbers,” Nicklow said. “It is who have been influential Nicklow ended his address relationships with high school about the lives we change, the leaders throughout the Univer- by thanking employees. “All guidance counselors. Expanded students we serve. Each of us sity’s 60 years. that we are able to accomplish is digital and print marketing plays a role in that effort.” Nicklow, who was named only because of your determi- efforts are doing a better job Grants for sponsored UNO’s president in March nation and devotion to serving targeting students, especially research have increased 2016, also touched on some of our students.”

10 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 $1 Million Gift Will Modernize Chemistry Labs A $1 MILLION GIFT FROM AN and flooring. Students can take anonymous donor will transform advantage of new storage areas three University of New Orleans and safety equipment with chemistry laboratories. The easy access to eye washes and donation will drastically improve safety showers. A lab prep and the labs in order to meet the stockroom will also be renovated 21st century learning needs of with new storage capability and students. The gift funds upgrades improved workspace. in the introductory chemistry Steve Johnson, dean of the lab, the quantitative analysis and College of Sciences, says that instrumental analysis lab, and the the new labs will have a trans- organic lab. formative effect on students: The renovations and “Substantial laboratory work is purchase of new equipment will essential to develop the skills meet the best practice standards necessary to successfully enter recommended by the American the chemistry workforce. These Chemical Society. Improvements laboratory experiences reinforce include ergonomically designed concepts taught in the classroom work areas as well as new and include hands-on use of The University of New Orleans’ lighting, washing stations, and modern instrumentation to solve redesigned website is both vibrant chemically resistant benchtops chemical problems.” and responsive on mobile devises.

Graduate Wins National University Website Redesigned Recognition for Doctoral with Future Students in Mind Research on Autism THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW messages that the University has PANAGIOTIS MARKOPOULOS, experience. Markopoulos was Orleans in March launched a already been sending those who a fall 2017 graduate of the Ph.D. diagnosed with autism himself redesigned website that is as vibrant are looking to advance themselves counselor education program at as a child. As a doctoral student, as the community it serves. and their degrees: “Tomorrow the University of New Orleans, Markopoulos saw the potential Using images and infor- Begins Here.” received the Graduate in using virtual reality to mation that authentically convey President John Nicklow Student Research advance treatment. His the experience of being a part of prioritized the University’s Award from the Inter- thesis aimed to demon- UNO, the new website includes a website redesign shortly after national Association of strate the value of virtual number of features that will make taking the helm as UNO’s Marriage and Family reality to counseling peers. it easier for future students and seventh leader in 2016. Counselors during its “The ultimate goal is other key constituents to explore The website underwent its world conference in that children will be able their potential at New Orleans’ last redesign in 2012. “The February. to work with the practi- only public research university. redesigned site presents the Markopoulos tioner on their social and The site, which utilizes Drupal University of New Orleans Panagiotis was recognized communication skills 8 content management system—a brand—its messages and visual Markopoulos for his dissertation development in a safe widely used open source identity—in a more consistent work, which explores the use clinical setting,” Markopoulos platform—is responsive on mobile manner,” Nicklow says. “We will of virtual reality technology in says. “The technology can provide devices. Navigation more easily depend on our website to help us the treatment of children with high levels of immersion and also leads visitors through the informa- tell our story more effectively and autism—and area of research a fun experience to keep the child tional, research and application persuasively.” that arises out of his personal engaged during therapy.” process while better sharing the View the website at uno.edu.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 11 University to Play Central Role in Producing Graduates for New Technology Services Company

IN ORDER TO MEET THE workforce demand created by the arrival of DXC Technology, the University of New Orleans will serve as one of the lead univer- sities in the effort to increase the number of degrees awarded in key areas. Virginia-based DXC Technology in November announced its plan to create a 2,000-job Digital Transformation Center in downtown New Orleans. The project is expected to create more permanent direct jobs at one site than any other prior economic development deal in Louisiana. To meet that workforce demand, the State of Louisiana skilled graduates that it needs to mation Center in New Orleans The University of New Orleans is will fund a $25 million higher flourish in New Orleans,” UNO expects to hire 300 IT and partnering with DXC Technology education initiative to expand President John Nicklow says. “The business enterprise professionals to supply graduates for full-time the number of degrees awarded state’s education initiative will during 2018, then ramp up to employment as well as students for annually in computer science, fund additional faculty and new 2,000 jobs over five years and an internships. management, and science, technology and facilities to support annual payroll exceeding $133 technology, engineering and our students and their success.” million by 2025. help meet the hiring needs for the math, or STEM-related studies. The arrival of DXC UNO plans to partner Digital Transformation Center, The initiative will be led through Technology, formed in April with DXC Technology to according to Celyn Boykin, four lead campuses, including the 2017 by the merger of CSC and supply graduates for full-time director of the Office of Career University of New Orleans. the Enterprise Services Division employment as well as students Services. “The University of New of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, for internships. On average, 97 The DXC Technology project Orleans is committed to forging cements Louisiana’s position as percent of University of New represents the state’s largest single a close relationship with DXC one of the fastest-growing software Orleans graduates remain in higher-education investment Technology in order to provide and IT destinations in the U.S. Louisiana, which makes the in a private-sector workforce it with the prepared and highly The new Digital Transfor- University well positioned to partnership.

Fraternity Chapter Donates $112,000 for Student Scholarship THE HOUSING CORPORATION Kappa Theta Legacy Endowed When the chapter disbanded, increase as the endowment for a former University of New Scholarship, which will support the Phi Kappa Theta New grows. Orleans fraternity chapter the educational needs of UNO Orleans Building Association The scholarship will be has donated $112,000—origi- students. and the alumni of the chapter available to full-time UNO nally raised to buy a fraternity Phi Kappa Theta, which elected to use the funds to students. It can be renewed for house—for a student schol- operated as a chapter at the endow a scholarship at the up to four years if the recipient arship at the University. With University of New Orleans University. The endowment maintains a minimum 2.5 the gift, the Phi Kappa Theta from 1964 until 2008, origi- is likely to provide an annual grade point average. Students New Orleans Building Associ- nally raised money in order scholarship of approximately pursuing a degree in any ation will establish the Phi to acquire a fraternity house. $4,000, and the amount will academic discipline are eligible.

12 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 UNO Students Win Louisiana Association of Health Plans Scholarship THE LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION Healthy Blue, one of Louisiana’s awareness of HIV/AIDS in Jasmine Perkins Pate of Health Plans has awarded five Healthy Louisiana Medicaid New Orleans. its annual Gil Dupré Graduate managed care plans. She previ- The Gil Dupré scholarship Student Scholarship to two ously worked as special assistant was established by LAHP as a University of New Orleans to the secretary at the Louisiana community service to promote students seeking careers in Department of Health. careers in the health insurance the health care field. Chelsea Perkins Pate is pursuing an and health benefits industry. Ardoin and Jasmine Perkins MBA with a concentration in The award is named for LAHP’s Pate each received $5,000 healthcare management. She founder and long-time chief toward the final semester of is an accountant for the City executive officer who retired in their degree programs in New of New Orleans as well as the 2012 after a 41-year career in the Orleans. founder and director of DO It health benefits industry. Ardoin Ardoin is pursuing an FOR ME, a Christian organi- and Perkins Pate were the year’s Executive MBA and works for zation that works to create only recipients. Chelsea Ardoin

Funding Support Grows for Massive Slave Ads Digitization Database THE UNIVERSITY OF of Alabama and Edward E. New Orleans has been Baptist of Cornell University. awarded a $201,000 grant The project includes a crowd- from the National Historic sourcing component that will Preservation and Records enable the general public to take Commission, a division of part in creating the database. the National Archives, to “Our research team is support Freedom on the Move, excited to see growing support a collaborative digital database for Freedom on the Move,” of fugitive slave advertisements Mitchell says. currently under development. The National Endowment The project’s goal is for the Humanities awarded the creation of a database $325,000 to the Freedom on containing as many as 100,000 the Move project last year. fugitive slave advertisements This latest grant from the printed in North American will fund the collection of newspapers before the Civil thousands of ads and the War. Freedom on the Move will development of additional make these sources available for features by programmers at statistical, geographical, textual Cornell’s CISER Institute for as instructional tools for Mary Niall Mitchell is one and other forms of analysis. Social and Economic Research, both museum and classroom of three historians leading Mary Niall Mitchell, who including a museum kiosk, a educators.” Freedom on the Move. holds the Ethel & Herman L. portal specifically for educators More than 100,000 runaway Midlo Chair in New Orleans and the incorporation of GIS ads are estimated to have Studies and the Joseph Tregle data. survived from the colonial or social and cultural history of Professorship in Early American The museum kiosk and the pre-Civil War United States. slavery and the thousands of History at UNO, is one of three educator portal, in particular, They provide significant people who resisted it, but they historians leading Freedom on Mitchell says, “will make quantities of individual and have never been systemati- the Move, along with Joshua thousands of individual stories collective information about cally collected into one digital Rothman of the University of resistance to slavery available the economic, demographic, database.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 13 University of New Orleans Gets $1M NSF Grant for STEM Scholarships NEARLY $1 MILLION A $1 million grant from the awarded by the National Science National Science Foundation Foundation will go to support builds on existing efforts by the University of New Orleans University to support students students who have financial need entering the STEM fields. and show academic promise in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. The grant will fund at least 18 scholarships over five years these students.” for students who are pursuing The goal of the project is to bachelor’s degrees in computer improve academic outcomes for science, chemistry and biological STEM students by providing sciences. The aim of the NSF’s a network of comprehensive “Early Engagement for Entering support, engagement activities, Freshman Science Majors” and internships and research project is to increase the persis- the University to build on its Orleans has many academically opportunities. It also seeks to tence and graduation rates of existing focus on retention in talented students who are the enhance career and graduate STEM majors at highly diverse STEM fields while also allowing first in their families to attend school success through institutions. it to leverage partnerships with college,” Schluchter says. “Pairing mentoring and career training, Wendy Schluchter, professor local companies who provide the scholarships with these as well as increasing student and chair of biological sciences is training and internship programs training opportunities integrated confidence and preparedness the grant’s principal investigator. for students. into their educational experience to pursue a career in a scientific She says the project will enable “The University of New will be truly a game-changer for field.

Wayward Owl Brewing Presents Privateer Pale Ale WAYWARD OWL BREWING An automatic labeler at Co. and the University of New Wayward Owl Brewing Co. Orleans have teamed up to in New Orleans displays the create Privateer Pale Ale. The Privateer Pale Ale logo. Belgian-style pale ale is the newest offering from the locally- owned craft brewery located in the Broadmoor neighborhood, in the heart of New Orleans. It the beer has already generated is UNO’s first officially licensed additional Privateer pride beer. among alumni and members of Justin Boswell, founder and the community. “This is another head brewer of Wayward Owl example of the University Brewing Co, says he was excited enjoy the beer.” tap at a variety of other bars in engaging in mutually beneficial to be chosen to represent the Privateer Pale Ale is New Orleans, Metairie, Baton partnerships, and we could not Privateers. “We believe that local available at Wayward Owl’s Rouge and Lafayette and is be any happier with the final partnerships like this push us taproom, 3940 Thalia St. in sold at Rouses Supermarkets, product.” to be more innovative in how New Orleans and, of course, 504 Craft Beer Reserve, Breaux Boswell describes Privateer we support our community,” the Sandbar, the renowned jazz Mart, Whole Foods and more. Pale Ale as having a malty but Boswell says. “We hope alumni venue located inside The Cove University of New Orleans slightly dry and spicy fruit and friends of the University on UNO’s campus. It is also on President John Nicklow says aroma.

14 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 While a doctoral student at the University of New Orleans, Treva Brown recieved the Winifred Burks- Houck Graduate Leadership Award from the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers.

Treva Brown: Engineering Her Future BY MALLORY MOORE

FOR TREVA BROWN, Dillard University and a master’s says. Mentorship was key to who calls her an “excellent things are coming full circle. degree from Atlanta University. launching her academic career, scientist.” Brown defended Just before graduating She died in 2004. she says, and so she is grateful her dissertation on atomic with a Ph.D. in chemistry in Brown had attended the for the opportunity to inspire force microscopy last fall December, the University of conference regularly since others. and received her Ph.D. in New Orleans student received her days as an undergraduate Brown’s ability to connect chemistry at UNO’s fall 2017 the prestigious Winifred at LSU. She credits her early with others through her love commencement. Burks-Houck Graduate interest in the STEM disci- of science is likely one of On Sept. 25, the same day Leadership Award from the plines—science, technology, the reasons she was chosen she learned that she would National Organization for the engineering and math—to a to receive the Burks-Houck receive the Burks-Houck Professional Advancement of high school physics teacher. In award. At the University of award, Brown received a job Black Chemists and Chemical college, mentor relationships New Orleans, she served as offer from NASA at Stennis Engineers (NOBCChE). became increasingly important. president of the Graduate Space Center. Brown now uses The award, which Brown With guidance from a female Chemical Society. She her knowledge of microscopy received at the organization’s professor, Brown became the organized events to promote to help build partnerships conference in November, first freshman to engage in awareness of STEM education relevant to NASA’s mission. recognizes her for demon- research in the instructor’s among students young and She remains a fan of those strating leadership, scientific chemistry lab. old, recruiting both graduate who have paved the way for achievements and community Brown says she was inspired and undergraduate students others. When former NASA service while pursuing a career by the scholars she saw receiving to participate. Brown is also a astronaut Joan Higginbotham, in science. awards and recognition at founding member of the UNO one of only three African- The Winifred Burks-Houck conferences. She collected chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma American women to have Graduate Leadership Award is business cards and took photos chemistry fraternity, where traveled to space, was tapped named for the organization’s with professionals she admired. she implemented volunteer to give the commencement first female president, who also At the most recent NOBCChE outreach activities. address during the ceremony happens to be the great, great, meeting, she found herself Brown completed her where Brown received her great granddaughter of Harriet being sought after for workshop graduate studies under John doctorate, Brown made it her Tubman. Burks-Houck was an appearances and photos. Wiley, a research professor and goal to meet Higginbotham in environmental organic chemist “That kind of attention director of UNO’s Advanced person. with a bachelor’s degree from is very rewarding,” Brown Materials Research Institute, And, of course, she did.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 15 University of New Orleans to Play Key Role in Development of Coastal Geohazards Atlas MARK KULP, ASSOCIATE Louisiana, including the impact hardcopy versions to follow next tives from two environmental professor of earth and environ- of subsidence, faulting and year. consulting firms. mental sciences at flooding to landscape, Leading the effort to Kulp’s work focuses on the the University of land use and infra- produce the atlas are the identification of faults within New Orleans, is part structure. New Orleans Geological the Pontchartrain Basin and the of a team working The group’s goal Society, a group led by energy impact they have on the coastal to produce a map of is to create a unified, industry professionals, and the landscape. Kulp is working with geological features peer-reviewed portrayal Louisiana Geological Survey, John Lopez, coastal sustain- affecting the landscape of the entire Mississippi the state’s chief resource ability program manager at of coastal Louisiana. River delta plain to for geological information. the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Described as a better inform planning Other team members include Foundation, to examine fault “geohazards atlas,” Mark Kulp and mitigation efforts faculty from LSU, Tulane and effects on the New Orleans Land this project will at the federal, state and the University of Louisiana- Bridge, the Causeway Bridge compile maps and reports local levels. A complete draft of Lafayette, a representative from infrastructure, the Highway describing the geologic and the atlas is expected by the end the Lake Pontchartrain Basin 11 Bridge, and the I-10 Bridge structural framework of coastal of 2018 with final digital and Foundation and representa- Twin Spans.

UNO-CHART and Partners Receive $1 Million Grant from Rockefeller Foundation THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW Orleans Center for Hazards Assessment, Response and Technology (UNO-CHART) and a coalition of local partners have been awarded $1 million from the Rockefeller Foundation. The funding comes in the form of two grants that will go toward the creation of a three-part series of roundtable discussions designed to build a portfolio of best practices that address global climate change. UNO-CHART shares the grant with the Foundation for Louisiana and Concordia LLC. social science hazards research says Monica Farris, director of The grant comes on top of The Global Transformation center collaborates with Louisiana UNO-CHART. “Every person nearly $300,000 UNO-CHART Roundtable Series will bring communities and surrounding and every community needs received as part of a team for a together international experts, parishes in the development to have a basic literacy on this project that aims to help Louisi- state leaders and community of best practices for reducing challenge and its solutions, and ana’s coastal communities develop organizers to share strategies risks to achieve comprehensive that’s what this three-part series resiliency plans before disaster and lay a blueprint to combat community resilience. aims to provide.” strikes. That work is funded growing threats from climate “We know we are going to All events will be facilitated by the National Oceanic and induced coastal erosion, rising face a higher degree of flood risk by Concordia LLC, a longtime Atmospheric Administration sea levels and extreme flooding. and land loss over the decades partner in design, planning, and through the Baton Rouge-based UNO-CHART’s applied and generations yet to come,” community engagement. Center for Planning Excellence.

16 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 Master’s Degree in Finance Gives Students Professional Edge

STARTING IN THE FALL finance and economics. “We will 2018 semester, the University of focus on skills that are valued New Orleans will offer a master by employers in areas such as of science degree in finance. quantitative methods, corporate This is a professional degree for finance, financial reporting and students who want to specialize analysis, derivatives, investments in finance. A 30-credit hour and portfolio management.” program, it can be completed in The demand for financial 15 months by full-time students analysts is expected to grow Walter Lane, chair and associate professor of finance and economics, leads or 18 months by part-time 16 percent faster than average a class at the University of New Orleans. students. from now through 2022, “Students in this program according to the Bureau of Labor (CFA) designation. A student master’s degree in finance will will receive broad and deep Statistics. The curriculum of the must pass three exams in order give graduates an edge in the job exposure to finance and financial program is tailored to prepare to obtain the CFA charter. The market, Lane says. markets,” says Walter Lane, students who want to obtain combination of the presti- The first class will enroll in chair and associate professor of the Chartered Financial Analyst gious CFA designation and the August 2018.

New Endowment Honors Memory of Distinguished Physics Professor George E. Ioup A NEW $50,000 ENDOWMENT known to possess: passion, graduate Educator Award. Ioup has been established to honor motivation and dedication was also instrumental in devel- the memory of George Ioup, in the study of physics, intel- oping the Ph.D. in Engineering who spent more than 45 years lectual curiosity, generosity, and Applied Science, one of as a researcher and professor of helpfulness, determination and the most successful doctoral physics at the University of New hard work. programs at the University. Orleans. George Ioup was a prolific Ioup’s research specialty was The endowment is funded researcher, a dedicated teacher signal and image processing, by a gift from Ioup’s widow, and an academic innovator. which he applied in areas such Juliette Ioup, who is also a He earned an undergraduate as underwater acoustics. He UNO physics professor. The Dr. degree in physics from MIT studied how whales could be George E. Ioup Endowed Award and a doctorate in physics identified in the Gulf of Mexico Physicists George and Juliette in Physics will provide awards from the University of Florida. from their underwater clicks. In Ioup, taught together at the of $1,000 to one undergraduate In 1969, he joined the physics 2000, he co-founded the Littoral University of New Orleans for and one graduate student each department at the University Acoustic Demonstration Center more than three decades until year. of New Orleans, marking at UNO, which produced high- George’s death in 2012. Juliette, Physics department faculty the beginning of a long and quality research on the effects of who remains on faculty as a will evaluate applications and distinguished career that human behavior on the Gulf of professor of physics, now honors select awardees. The endowment would continue for the rest of Mexico and its animals. her husband by establishing an sets forth qualifications for his life. During his tenure, he His unflagging commitment endowment in his name. the award, including full-time directed dissertation research to the University is illustrated by enrollment in a physics degree for doctoral students, thesis the fact that he retired in 2012 program and a cumulative 3.0 research for master’s students at the age of 73, yet continued January 2016. grade point average. and research for non-thesis to perform all of his teaching, “He never stopped,” Steve Additionally, awardees master’s students. In 1976, he graduate student mentoring Johnson, dean of the College should share some of the was awarded the Amoco LSU and research duties on a gratis of Sciences, says. “He lived and qualities George Ioup was System Distinguished Under- appointment until his death in breathed UNO.”

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 17 Kim Jovanovich: Living a Life of Devotion to Engineering and Community Kim Jovanovich

TO SAY KIM JOVANOVICH dizzying, but here are a few engineering pursuits are of public service and without stays busy doesn’t exactly highlights: clearly central to his message, compensation. capture his momentum. He teaches two to three Jovanovich says he always His peers say he is As the interim associate courses each semester, advises hopes to convey something deserving. “When you envision dean of the College of the Eta Kappa Nu engineering broader about what it means to a cheerleader, chances are Engineering, professor of society and the Dean’s learn: “Education is important you wouldn’t conjure up Kim practice and the Chevron USA Leadership Council on campus, regardless of what career path Jovanovich –but that is exactly Endowed Professor of Electrical and helps coordinate National you follow. Knowledge is one what Kim is,” says Norma Jean Engineering, Jovanovich has Engineer’s Week events and of the few things that can never Mattei, interim dean of the become a passionate go-to other events that seek to involve be taken away from a young College of Engineering. “He is a spokesperson for all things students from the community. person.” fabulous cheerleader for STEM engineering at the University of He has taught at UNO in When Jovanovich is not education, engineering as a New Orleans. some capacity since 1980. And involved in UNO-related career, and for UNO’s College of “I tell students how since joining the UNO faculty pursuits, he invests his time Engineering and the University important science and full-time in 2012, he has traveled and interests in improving New as a whole—promoting all engineering are because they to countless high schools, Orleans, the city where he was of this with enthusiasm and must depend on one another,” middle schools and elementary born and raised, and beyond. personal conviction.” he says. “Science empowers the schools as a lecturer and visitor He is an organist, an organ Mattei says students learn so creativity and imagination of in hopes of spreading the gospel restorer and a civic volunteer. much from Jovanovich as he is a engineers who then take new of engineering, math, science Now, his contributions seasoned lecturer and educator and exciting scientific discov- and technology—and the good have been recognized by the as well as researcher, entre- eries and apply them to creating news of UNO’s programs. He Louisiana Engineering Society, preneur and past engineering new products and technologies. works with the Pelicans, the which has named Jovanovich business owner. This is how civilization techni- New Orleans Babycakes and the recipient of the 2018 Jovanovich serves on cally matures into an advancing the Saints on STEM outreach Andrew M. Lockett Medal for many boards, including society capable of space explo- programs. And he’s always up Civic Activity. Given annually boards of directors for the ration, electric vehicles, auton- for a turn at the mic to share if merited, the award aims to Greater New Orleans Science omous robots, new materials his passion for engineering as a recognize a Louisiana engineer and Engineering Fair, FIRST and diagnostic tools.” career. who has exhibited distin- Louisiana-Mississippi, Inc. and The list of his activities is While science and guished service in the interest Recovery Associates, Inc. (RAI),

18 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 an organization that seeks to 27,000 using the space as a base Karen Thomas, associate degree in telecommunica- facilitate rebuilding efforts of operations since 2006. dean in the College of Sciences, tions from the University of following catastrophes such as In his role as the only is responsible for STEM Southern Mississippi. He is a Hurricane Katrina and flooding engineer on the RAI board, outreach and recruitment at lifetime member of Institute in South Louisiana. Jovanovich, whose business and the University of New Orleans. of Electrical and Electronics RAI established a program home were destroyed during Thomas and Jovanovich often Engineers, as well as a member called Camp Restore at Prince Katrina, often voluntarily work together to coordinate of the Louisiana Engineering of Peace Lutheran Church, advises the group when it comes events that draw young people Society, IEEE Lightwave Society, where Jovanovich served as to more technical operations together in celebration of STEM Tau Beta Pi, Eta Kappa Nu and senior organist, choirmaster and and projects. He has also exploration at the University. the Illumination Society of a music minister for 25 years. assisted with the establishment “Kim is always willing to North America. He received When the school associated of a Camp Restore site at Trinity help UNO students and the the Louisiana Engineering with the church was damaged Lutheran Church in Baton broader community,” Thomas Society’s Faculty Professionalism following Katrina, the group Rouge following the 2016 floods said. “His commitment and Award in 2015 and he advises converted the space into dormi- as well as another at Mt. Calvary passion for engineering comes numerous graduate students tories to house, feed and deploy Lutheran Church in Detroit, a through in everything he does theses as well as non-thesis volunteers who came to New city that has long struggled with and he is a true inspiration to research. Orleans to help rebuild homes, population loss and resulting budding engineers.” Jovanovich has been married churches and communities. In blight. He says the concept of Jovanovich holds a to Janet Meynier Jovanovich for the last three years alone, 8,000 the project is simple, but the bachelor’s degree in electrical 43 years. They have three sons volunteers have come through effects have been humbling and engineering from Tulane and six grandchildren. the facility, with more than profound. University, and a master’s

Mattei Named Interim Norma Jean Mattei Dean of Engineering UNIVERSITY OF NEW 114,000 Chi Epsilon members Orleans civil engineering nationwide, Mattei is the 64th to professor Norma Jean Mattei has have been elevated to national been appointed interim dean of honor member status. the College of Engineering. Mattei is also serving a Mattei has been a faculty nine-year term as one of three member in the department civilian engineers on the Missis- of civil and environmental sippi River Commission. In engineering since 1995. She has that role, she advises Congress held a number of leadership and the executive branch on positions in the college and matters related to the Missis- with national organizations. sippi River watershed, from system. She held multiple Engineering. She was a design Mattei is the immediate past its headwaters in Minnesota positions within the National and project engineer in the New president of the American to the Louisiana delta. She has Council of Examiners for Orleans area before entering Society of Civil Engineers. served the state of Louisiana as Engineering and Surveying and academia. Her technical When she became president a member of its licensing board is now an emeritus member, research interests include in 2017, she was only the third for professional engineers and and she has been active in large watershed management, woman in the 163-year history land surveyors and currently sits the American Society for material and structural testing, of the organization to hold the on the nominating committee Engineering Education as well sustainable reuse of spent prestigious post. Last year Mattei for the Southeast Louisiana on the boards of several STEM- construction/fabrication was the first woman selected as Flood Protection Authority, the related educational organiza- materials, and residual stress a national honor member of Chi entity charged with maintaining tions. measurement. She took over Epsilon, an honor society for the physical and operational Mattei previously served the dean position in January, civil engineering students and integrity of the regional flood as both department chair and replacing Emir Macari, who professionals. Of the more than control and risk reduction interim dean of the College of stepped down after three years.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 19 Alumni Association Names Hembree Winner of 2017 Excellence in Teaching Award POET CAROLYN HEMBREE, instructional methods, all of assistant professor of English, which Schock says result in an in December was named “unparalleled ability to get all of the 2016-17 recipient of the her students to participate.” University of New Orleans “Faculty members in our Alumni Association Excellence department who have closely in Teaching Award. observed Ms. Hembree’s Since she began teaching at teaching agree that her dynamic the University of New Orleans teaching style clearly succeeds,” 15 years ago, Hembree has Schock wrote in a letter earned a reputation among nominating Hembree for the students and colleagues as a award. “Her students rise to the high-energy, devoted instructor challenges she sets before them who helps students at all instead of being intimidated by levels find their voice, connect her persona.” with literature and immerse Hembree’s instruction has themselves in rigorous critical received exceptional ratings and exercises that improve their feedback from students as well. reading and sharpen their In evaluations and letters written writing. to the selection committee by “This teacher changed the students and alumni, students way I feel about school,” wrote describe Hembree’s approach as one student in an evaluation of “charismatic,” “thoughtful” and, Hembree’s instruction. in several cases, life-altering. Hembree began teaching at Jessica A. Morey-Collins, rewarding. “I can’t speak highly Carolyn Hembree, assistant the University of New Orleans a 2016 graduate of the MFA enough of her as a teacher, professor of English, is in 2001 and was named assistant program in poetry, wrote that scholar, poet and human being,” photographed with husband Jon professor in 2012. She has taught one of the first assignments Groom wrote to the selection Padgett and daughter Mamie courses in English composition, Hembree gave her class—to committee. after being awarded the Excellence poetry writing, creative writing spend 10 days meditating, In addition to her in Teaching prize at the UNO Lakefront Arena in December. and reading drama. In the dream journaling or eaves- outstanding instruction, last five years at UNO, she has dropping and then reflecting on Hembree’s creative work has directed 23 MFA theses while the impact of that experience been recognized with several reading another 15. on their poetry— “shook the awards, including the $35,015 Peter Schock, professor and confines of my poetic practice, Award to Louisiana Artists chair of English, says students encouraging me to reconsider and Scholars prize from the and the Marsh Hawk Press seek Hembree’s services as a arbitrary boundaries I’d created Louisiana Board of Regents Rochelle Ratner Prize. mentor, adviser and reader for what was and was not part of to complete her forthcoming Hembree holds a bachelor’s because she routinely exhibits my poetry.” project, O Pony of South degree in English and theatre extraordinary care and concern Alumna Kia Groom (MFA, Derbigny O Leaping Yellow. from Birmingham-Southern for her students and their ’15) said Hembree was instru- Hembree’s full-length collection College and received her MFA academic growth. She is meticu- mental in recruiting her move poetry, Rigging a Chevy into a in Creative Writing from the lously prepared for her classes, to New Orleans from Australia Time Machine & Other Ways University of Arizona. The exhibits thorough mastery of to join the MFA program and to Escape a Plague, published Excellence in Teaching recog- the subject and employs great remained the primary reason by Trio House Press, has been nition comes with a $2,500 humor in her multi-pronged her experience at UNO was so honored with the Trio Award award.

20 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 Academy of Economics and Finance Awards Research Fellowship to UNO Professor UNIVERSITY OF NEW In 2016, the academy Orleans professor M. Kabir honored Hassan with a Teaching Hassan has been named the Fellow Award for his exemplary 2018 Academy of Economics achievements as a teacher. and Finance Research Fellow. Hassan is a researcher, He is the Hibernia Professor educator, mentor and advocate of Economics and Finance and for empirical research in Bank One Professor of Business economics and finance. His at UNO. areas of expertise include Each year, the academy financial institutions and membership votes to select one markets, emerging markets fellow whose sustained contri- and financial development, butions toward research merit international finance, corporate recognition. As the honoree, finance and Islamic finance. He Hassan received a cash prize as is currently the chief editor of well as a plaque acknowledging two scholarly journals focused his “extraordinary accomplish- on Islamic and Middle Eastern ments” in the field. finance and guest editor for University’s Privateer Under- M. Kabir Hassan is the Hibernia Hassan also won the Best several other publications. He graduate Research and Scholarly Professor of Economics and Paper Award for a treatise he has presented more than 350 UNO Experience program, in Finance and the Bank One co-authored entitled “Corporate research papers at professional which undergraduate students Professor of Business. Lobbying and Financial conferences around the world conduct studies and make Institution Firm Performance: and has had more than 200 presentations at an annual doctoral theses, Hassan has Evidence from security class- papers published in academic juried showcase of campus-wide also worked on several industry action litigation.” His collabo- journals. research, scholarly and creative research studies with local rators on the paper were Omer As an educator, Hassan activity. and regional financial institu- Unsal and William Hippler, both encourages and supervises In addition to his work tions, including Gulf Coast graduates of UNO’s financial student engagement in scholarly mentoring Ph.D. students Community Bank, Jefferson economics doctoral program. research. He participates in the and supervising more than 50 Credit Union and Whitney Bank.

Malay Ghose Malay Ghose Hajra Honored for Hajra, associate professor Professionalism in Engineering of civil and UNIVERSITY OF NEW Ghose Hajra, an associate environmental Orleans engineering professor professor of civil and environ- engineering, Malay Ghose Hajra received the mental engineering, earned speaks to 2018 Faculty Professionalism his doctorate from Kansas a packed engineering Award from the Louisiana State University. His research class in March. Engineering Society. interests include soil mechanics, The award is presented geo-environmental engineering annually to one engineering and coastal restoration. He faculty member from each serves as graduate coordinator university in Louisiana for UNO’s graduate certificate with accredited engineering program in coastal engineering. programs. The recognition aims Among his current applied Water Institute of the Gulf to erosion. to highlight and encourage research endeavors is a project study the strengths of different In December, he was elected professional licensure among funded by the Louisiana Coastal coastal soils, which could lead to be president of the Louisiana engineering faculty at each Protection and Restoration to better understanding of how Section of the American Society campus. Authority and managed by the different marsh types withstand of Civil Engineers.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 21 Faculty and Students Awarded Nearly $300K in Research Prizes and Grants During Celebration of Research and Creative Pursuits THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW following prizes. associate professor or professor investigator and co-investigator. Orleans has awarded nearly Ryan Gray, assistant professor and who has distinguished He has published 16 referred $300,000 in research grants and of anthropology, won the Early themselves in their creative and journal articles and 25 conference awards to 21 faculty members and Career Research & Scholarship scholarly activities. papers and currently supervises 20 undergraduate students. Award. The one-year $7,500 prize Bischof has led Center Austria four Ph.D. students and three During a Jan. 24 awards is open to assistant professors since its inception 20 years ago. master’s students. At the time of presentation hosted by the Office who have passed their third-year Since 2013 alone, he has produced his nomination, his work had of Research and Sponsored review and who have distin- seven refereed edited books, been cited 287 times according to Programs that underscored guished themselves in their four edited volumes that are Google Scholar. the power of research and the creative and scholarly activities. non-refereed and a dozen book Twenty students—10 opportunities that exist for UNO Gray has secured several chapters. He has been awarded underclassmen and 10 upper- scholars at all levels, leaders grants to fund his research and numerous research grants and classmen—were named winners highlighted the interesting work has acquired external funding helped raise funding for an of the Privateer Undergraduate and accomplishments that are to update a lab. He consistently endowed professorship and an Research and Scholarly UNO happening on all areas of campus. publishes and presents at confer- endowed chair. He has earned Experience prize, a $1,500 award “We really are a deter- ences and is under contract for his honors from numerous institu- that seeks to employ under- mined community of scholars second book in addition to having tions, including the European graduates in research related to and researchers,” President several other book-length works Academy of Sciences and Arts, their fields of study under the John Nicklow said before the in progress. Gray recently worked and serves on many boards. mentorship of faculty. winners were named. “We’re on a collaborative effort with Uttam Chakravarty, innovating every day, creating The National WWII Museum, assistant professor of mechanical BOTTOM, LEFT: Richard new knowledge and outcomes in the Department of Defense and engineering, won the $7,500 Goodman, professor of English, service of a better world.” the University of Innsbruck that Creativity, Research & Scholarship describes the role that the Office of Matt Tarr, vice president for resulted in the excavation of a Award with a Research Focus, Research and Sponsored Programs research and economic devel- crashed plane from World War II which is available to associate played in helping him and a opment, told those gathered and the hunt for the remains of its professors who have passed graduate student secure funding that simply being nominated Tuskegee Airman pilot. their third-year review and have to buy books needed to compile for these awards is an honor Gunter Bischof, professor distinguished themselves in their an anthology on environmental that places those in the running of history and philosophy and creative and scholarly activities. writing. BOTTOM, RIGHT: D. Ryan among the University’s top director of Center Austria, won Chakravarty joined UNO Gray, assistant professor of researchers. Representatives the $10,000 Creativity, Research in 2012 and has been successful anthropology, receives applause from the University of New & Scholarship Award. The prize in securing external research as he walks to the front of the Orleans Research Council, which is available to a faculty member funding, receiving more than room to accept the Early Career reviews nominees, presented the who has achieved the rank of $1 million dollars as a principal Research & Scholarship Award.

22 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 Researchers Seek Answers about How Hurricanes Impact Marshes THERE’S A DEBATE RAGING teamed with UNO colleagues aluminum boat, and traveled Ioannis Georgiou, chair of earth among environmental scientists: and collaborators from Boston to backbarrier marsh sites, and environmental sciences at Do hurricanes help or hurt University and the Virginia collecting shallow auger cores, the University of New Orleans wetlands? Institute of Marine Sciences to accretion cores and surface and the Olga Braunstein As hard as it may be for investigate sedimentation in sediment samples. Collaborating Professor in Sedimentary residents of storm-ravaged coastal marshes stretching from scientists included Mark Kulp Geology, climbs the marsh at low communities like New Orleans Florida to South Carolina. from UNO, Duncan FitzGerald tide at Hilton Head, SC, during data collection in December. to believe, hurricanes can Hurricane Irma made and Zoe Hughes from Boston provide some benefits for coastal landfall in the Florida Keys on University, Chris Hein from wetlands by delivering rich Sept. 10 as a Category 4 storm. Virginia Institute of Marine also had baseline data in two of sedimentation during storm While the hurricane tracked Sciences, and Mike Brown these locations. surge inundation. At the same over the west coast of Florida, its and Tara Yocum from UNO’s “We wanted to find out time, such large storm surges wind patterns and size created Pontchartrain Institute for where the sediment is coming also erode the marsh edges and strong onshore winds along Environmental Sciences. from—from the nearby bays result in the surface excavation the southeast coast, producing The team conducted marsh or the near-shore ocean, of marsh plants. storm surges of up to seven elevation surveys along 2- to for example—and to learn So what is the net impact of feet from northern Florida into 3-km-wide marsh transects about the process by which hurricanes on wetlands? South Carolina, according to in Amelia Island, Fla., Sapelo sediment is deposited onto the In December, Ioannis some estimates. Island, Ga., Hilton Head Island, marsh platform,” Georgiou Georgiou, chair of earth and Supported by a Rapid SC, and Cape Romain, SC. says. “This research will help environmental sciences at the Response Research grant Georgiou says the team selected us better understand how University of New Orleans and from the National Science these locations because of the hurricane events contribute to the Olga Braunstein Professor Foundation, the team piled into varying physical settings and the long-term resiliency of the in Sedimentary Geology, the R/V Mudlump, a 22-foot conditions during Irma. They marsh.”

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 23 UNO25 Celebrating the Best of Privateer-led Businesses BY ADAM NORRIS PHOTOGRAPHS BY TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER

THREE HUNDRED PEOPLE AND INFINITE banking, healthcare, technology, fitness, alumni pride packed the elegant Waldorf economic development and more. Astoria Ballroom at The Roosevelt New Orleans The program included brief videos from in January as the University of New Orleans each company displayed on large screens in the celebrated its inaugural class of UNO 25. ballroom, giving the honorees an opportunity The event, presented by Hancock Whitney, to discuss their business and their gratitude honored 25 high-impact businesses owned for their UNO education. On the stage, bathed or led by graduates of the University of New in Privateer-blue lights, President Nicklow Orleans. congratulated representatives from each “I am fond of saying that greater New company and presented them with their UNO Orleans doesn’t really work without the 25 award. University of New Orleans,” said President Reactions from the audience ranged John Nicklow, who served as the master of from the subdued to the boisterous, with the ceremonies during the Jan. 23 event. “I hope announcement of Katie’s Restaurant drawing you will leave today with an even greater appre- the liveliest response. As the ebullient chef and ciation for the truth of that statement.” Privateer super-fan Scot Craig took the stage, The members of the inaugural class of his table of family and co-workers bellowed UNO 25 represented diverse fields including with delight. engineering, accounting, media, real estate, “We have more than 45,000 alumni in the metro area alone,” Nicklow said. “Our graduates “The Privateer influence in this region is pervasive are leaders and innovators in every corner of the and profound,” University of New Orleans President economy. The Privateer influence in this region John Nicklow told those gathered. is pervasive and profound.”

24 SILVER & BLUE FALL 2016

After handing out the awards to all 25 companies, Nicklow who performs extraordinary service to the University. Savoie is also made a surprise announcement, bestowing the President’s the chair of the University of New Orleans Foundation Board, and Medallion for Distinguished Service on Bobby Savoie, the CEO of he has taken a significant leadership role in fundraising for the Metairie-based Geocent, who earned a doctorate in engineering University. In 2014, he was named the University of New Orleans and applied science from UNO in 2009. The award is given to an Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumnus. individual from outside the direct employment of the University Here is a glimpse of a few of the other honorees.

Akorbi in Plano, Texas Akorbi began in 2003 as a translation business geared toward providing linguistic services to clients such as Southwest Airlines, Aetna Insurance and 3M. Today, it employs more than 900 people worldwide. President Azam Mirza (M.S., ’99), helped co-found the company with wife and CEO Claudia Mirza. Together, they have overseen the company’s expansion in services to include providing staffing services, translation, inter- pretation and multi-lingual call center support. Their clients have included the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture as well as health insurance and internet services companies. “Our belief was to give a voice to those who can’t be heard,” Azam Mirza says. Azam Mirza (M.S.’ 99), president and co-founder of Texas-based Akorbi, accepts the recognition.

Carr Riggs & Ingram CPAs & Advisors, in Metairie, La. This national firm is ranked No. 19 in the country in 2018 by Accounting Today magazine. It employs more than 1,800 people and brought in revenues of $286 million in 2017. The Metairie office, which is one of 30 offices nationwide, is led by 14 partners, five of whom are all graduates of the University of New Orleans. Kathleen Zuniga (B.S., ’92), describes the company as “a national firm with national strength and Southern roots.” The university has played a key role in enabling Carr Riggs & Ingram to stay on top in the New Orleans metro area, Zuniga says. “UNO has been able to deliver top talent in our profession, which has been a key driver in our success as a firm.” Kathleen Zuniga (B.S., ’92), partner at Carr Riggs & Ingram CPAs, accepts the UNO 25 award from Nicklow.

Bayou Title in Gretna, La. Bayou Title, Inc. was founded in 1999, by Brent Laliberte (B.A., ’87) and wife Kathy Laliberte. It has grown into the largest title insurance company in Louisiana with 18 offices and more than 100 employees. The firm has handled in excess of 70,000 real estate closings, as well as examining over 90,000 titles. “None of that would have been possible without my education at UNO,” Brent Laliberte says.

Brent Laliberte (B.A., ’87), left, accepts the UNO 25 recognition from Nicklow.

26 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 Gulf South Engineering & Testing, Inc. in Kenner, La Founded in 2011, Gulf South Engineering & Testing is led by two alumni of the UNO College of Engineering. President and founder Rodney Greenup holds a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and a master’s in engineering management from UNO. Chad Poché, partner and vice president, holds a master’s in civil engineering from UNO. Gulf South is a geotech- nical engineering firm that provides a broad range of geotechnical related services including include geotechnical engineering analyses, laboratory testing, field investigation oversight and construction materials testing. This small, minority-owned business is currently working on the new Louis Armstrong International Airport. Greenup says that Alumni Chad Poché (M.S., ’98), left, and Rodney Greenup (B.S., ’95, M.S., ’97) his experience at UNO set the stage: “UNO definitely accept the recognition from Nicklow on behalf of their firm, Gulf South Engineering prepared me for life, for my career and I’m very proud & Testing in Kenner. to have that degree.”

Footprints to Fitness in New Orleans, La. April Dupre founded Footprints to Fitness in an effort to help New Orleanians live more balanced lives. Through a series of programs that include fitness classes, corporate wellness activities, CPR training and community service events, Dupre strives to make fitness fun. She holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology her work has been recognized in numerous publications, including landing her a spot as one of Gambit’s “40 under 40” in 2016. April Dupre of Footprints to Fitness receives an inaugural UNO 25 award

HIGH Akorbi, Plano, Texas Gallo Mechanical, LLC, New Orleans, La. IMPACT Ampirical, Mandeville, La. Gambit Communications, Inc., New Orleans, La. LEADERS Bayou Title, Gretna, La. Geocent, Metairie, La. Members of the Bourgeois Bennett CPAs & Consultants, Metairie, La. Gulf South Engineering & Testing, Inc., Kenner, La. inaugural class of UNO 25 Carr Riggs & Ingram CPAs & Advisors, Metairie, La. JEDCO, Avondale, La. Carubba Engineering, Metairie, La. Katie’s Restaurant, New Orleans, La. CommCare Corporation, Mandeville, La. Latter & Blum, Inc., New Orleans, La. Computrols, Gretna, La. Market Dynamic Research Group, New Orleans, La. Crescent Bank, New Orleans, La. MMI Culinary Services, Kenner, La. Ed White & Associates, Metairie, La. Muriel’s Restaurant, New Orleans, La. Engineering & Inspection Service, LLC, Metairie, La. OffBeat Media, New Orleans, La. Ericksen Krentel CPAs and Consultants, New Orleans, La. Renaissance Publishing, Metairie, La. Footprints to Fitness, New Orleans, La.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 27 NOVEL COURTSHIP

28 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 The University of New Orleans Publishing Lab gives FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS, UNO PRESS Editor-in-Chief Abram Himelstein has led a class of grad students a crash course in birthing books graduate students on a journey to fall in love. Relationship terms like “emotional investment” and BY REBECCA CATALANELLO “shotgun marriage” pepper his instruction as he works with UNO Press Managing Editor GK Darby and about 14 Creative Writing Workshop and English master’s degree students to select a manuscript they believe in and then work to make it a compelling—and hopefully successful—work of published literature. So far, their University of New Orleans Publishing Lab course has been prolifi c, producing two books with a third in process. As of Jan. 1, the lab also started accepting submissions for a fourth book through its 2018 University of New Orleans Publishing Lab Prize contest—a fi ction contest with an $18 submission fee that has grown exponentially in popularity, from 75 submissions its fi rst two years to a whopping 577 in 2017. Th e results to-date have been exciting. Margo Orlando Littell’s “Each Vagabond by Name,” was a gold-medal winner in the 2017 Independent Publisher Book Awards and was long-listed in the 2017 Tournament of Books. UNO Press has sold more than 3,000 copies of the paperback and e-book, and has nearly sold through the fi rst print edition. Since the September release of Melanie McCabe’s “His Other Life: Searching for My Father, His First Wife, and Tennessee Williams,” the 2016 UNO Lab Prize winner has been featured in Th e Washington Post and garnered favorable reviews. Much like love and courtship, however, the process of fi nding the right manuscript takes time and working through issues that arise while building something meaningful doesn’t come without its challenges. Th at’s part of the reason Himelstein and Darby created the class. Th ey wanted to give University of New Orleans writing students a fi rst-hand look at what it means to be a publisher. “GK and I realized a lot of MFA students were learning how to be writers but didn’t understand much about the world they would be working in,” says Himelstein, who has led UNO Press since 2013. Th e tiny university outfi t typically publishes about 12 books per year out of a small offi ce on the fi rst fl oor of the Liberal Arts Building, not far from the classrooms where students in the Creative Writing Workshop, UNO’s MFA program in creative writing, assemble daily. Himself a product of the Creative Writing Workshop, Himelstein felt the press was well-positioned to off er a course that delves beyond the craft of story into the business of selling the story. In addition to leading UNO Press, Himelstein is also founder of the Neigh- borhood Story Project, on faculty in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education and is himself a published author who 13 years ago took an unconventional route to marketing his fi rst novel: He sold it out of his car trunk.

UNO Press Editor-in-Chief Abram Himelstein, far right, and graduate students speak with author Meghan L. Dowling (inset) by Skype after selecting her manuscript “A Catalogue of Small Pains” as the winner of the 2017 University of New Orleans Publishing Lab Prize.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 29 “We felt there was a large amount of profes- ABOVE: Graduate students The students said hi and waved toward the sional knowledge that our students could gain while look through the manuscript computer screen. Then they took turns introducing they were still in university that would make them “A Catalogue of Small Pains.” themselves and telling her their hometowns. FACING PAGE TOP: better equipped for the world—and hopefully more “Each “It’s really great to meet all of you,” Dowling successful as writers,” Himelstein says. Vagabond by Name,” was replied from her home in Bangor, Maine, where she The result has been popular. The class immedi- a gold-medal winner in the teaches writing and literature at Husson University. 2017 Independent Publisher ately filled the first two years it was offered and, by the “I want to say I’m deeply honored that you chose Book Award. FACING PAGE third year in the fall of 2017, some students had to be BOTTOM: “His Other Life: this. But also I really love the project that you’re turned away. Searching for My Father, His doing. It’s just so exciting to me to be a part of it.” First Wife, and Tennessee The students went on to ask Dowling some of A TONE-SETTING FIRST ‘DATE’ Williams,” the 2016 UNO their burning questions—or, at least, the ones that Fourteen students gathered around a desktop Lab Prize winner has seemed appropriate for a first-time conversation. computer screen in the offices of the UNO Press. captured favorable reviews. How did you come up with this story? What was They were quiet, fidgety and a seemingly a little your inspiration? How did you go about organizing nervous as the Skype screen finally opened to a the book? And, because the manuscript included a smiling, bespectacled woman. series of illustrations that some of the students liked and others were Until this moment, Meghan L. Dowling was a name on a page not so sure about, What’s your relationship with the illustrator? to these students. She was one of the 577 authors who sent in The conversation seemed to be going great. Then Himelstein manuscripts for consideration. asked Dowling if she had any questions of them. For months, the students had been working to whittle the finalists The author looked out of the screen toward the many students, down to one. Just two days before, after considerable discussion, all of whom would be presumably editing her and smiled. several hand votes and the unexpected withdrawl of one of the “How does this work?” she asked. finalists, the students agreed that Dowling’s novel, “A Catalogue of Small Things,” would be their winner. UNCONVENTIONAL PATH TO PUBLICATION The work tells the story of three generations of women by Margo Littell remembers when she first got an email from weaving together a tapestry of their memories that eventually reveal Himelstein in 2015 notifying her that her manuscript had been a web of family secrets. Like other UNO Lab Contest winners, selected as a winner. Dowling would get a $1,000 advance on royalties. “It was one of those emails that you always hope for,” she says. The students agreed that they liked the work. Yet unknown as “You hoped it would happen but never believed it would.” they Skyped with her for the first time was whether Dowling herself Littell had been looking for a publishing home for “Each would be an affable partner on the journey to making this a book. Vagabond by Name” for a long time. For a while, she had an agent Her online presence suggested she had a sense of humor as well as a for it. She shopped it around to larger publishing houses and level of comfort with the digital space. That was promising. had started entering contests, hoping something would emerge. But would she be open to editing and suggestions from graduate She’d been a finalist several times. Then she heard about the UNO students? Publishing Lab contest through an online community for women.

30 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 “Luck was on my side this time,” she says. “It was really exciting.” “That went so much better than I could have hoped for,” Littell was thrilled. But she was also slightly anxious about Himelstein said. how the editing process would go with so many different people “She’s awesome,” a student said. touching her manuscript. Student Ellie Lindner, 25, smiled broadly. “The worry, I think, for any writer is that you are going to have Lindner had liked “A Catalogue of Small Pains” from the an abundance of voices trying to give feedback,” she says. “And beginning, but in the midst of the class’s first face-to-face conver- trying to get feedback from a group of disparate voices is a daunting sation with its author, she learned Dowling and she had a mentor in idea because inevitably critiques will contradict each other.” common. Both had studied under Selah Saterstrom at the University Some might want to change sentences and of Denver. others might want to alter the plot. “I could definitely see DU’s influence on “It was a relief when things didn’t go that her writing because DU tends to be a bit more way at all,” she says. “One of the great things experimental—genres are blurred quite a bit,” about the lab is how smoothly Abram was able she said. to work with them and their criticism and “I think it’s crazy we have someone in here feedback before he even communicated that who has had the same mentor,” Darby said. to me. So by the time I got the editorial letter, “It’s great.” everything was very clear and very streamlined “I’m delighted,” Himelstein said, standing without 15 contradictory voices requesting or before the class as they gathered around a suggesting different things.” conference table. “We had this book and now The edits made sense, she said, big and small. we enter into a shotgun marriage with a writer. Small: One student in the class was a deer We know we’re going to consummate this hunter and pointed out that the gun she had book with the writer but we don’t know what one of her hunters using would never be used he or she is going to be like. And it was great. in the context she had described. So we can move on to editing. Some of you Big: The editors encouraged her to draw have already begun.” out a character who, until then, played a Immediately, the class started discussing smaller role in the story. next steps. It’s not a typical novel, one student Biggest: The students suggested she rewrite said. Should we start at content? Grammar? her ending. Organization? another asked. “I’d given my main character this wildly “I think we start with organization,” happy ending that was completely improbable,” Lindner responded. she says. “And I knew that. I knew it was. So I Dowling had said in the Skype conversation revised the ending. It didn’t change it in a way that she had experimented with various organi- that undercut what I was trying to do … But zational structures in an effort to bring clarity it brought it back down to earth, which was a to the storyline, so Lindner felt signs were good good ending … It had to be done.” that she would be amenable to continuing that Other contributions that Littell loved: work. Cover design and art produced by one of the Lindner was excited to work with the students; the chance to present her work at poetry-infused prose for many reasons. She The Tennessee Williams Literary Festival in is a Sacramento, Calif., native who expects to New Orleans; and the lab’s tight publishing graduate with her MFA in May. “Publishing is timeline—less than a year turnaround really what I want to end up doing,” she says. compared with the one- to two-year process “I like identifying the weaknesses in somebody common with traditional publishing houses. else’s work and trying to figure out different From the time she got the editorial letter options—I like to think about it as a big puzzle outlining suggested changes in fall 2015, she and try to explore how the pieces can best fit had a month and a half to two months to make together.” the changes. The book was published by the spring of 2016. Enrolling in the publishing lab class was a no-brainer, she says. “Once I found out it was going to be published. I just wanted it She is an editor for Bayou Magazine, UNO’s literary magazine, and to be out there in the world,” she says. self-publishes zines, in addition to working as a writing coach in the Littell is currently shopping her second book while working UNO Writing Center. on another project set in the same area of Pennsylvania as “Each She was looking forward to dipping her toe in the business side Vagabond by Name.” She said she is pleased to hear the word is of the publishing business and helping to devise a marketing plan for getting out about the UNO Publishing Lab contest and said she the book, an area that felt more foreign to her. So far, so good, she encourages other writers to enter. thought: “It was so great having that conversation. What really helps “I feel like they truly loved the book and supported it and that is meeting the book on its own terms instead of trying to push your was a great experience,” she said. “They did such a good job of it.” own perspective on it.” Dowling’s book is expected to be published in the fall of 2018. And ‘WHAT I WANT TO END UP DOING’ while the students and UNO Press are working on that, the publishing Himelstein, Darby and the students filed back into the workshop lab is accepting manuscripts for the 2018 contest through Aug. 15. classroom after their Skype conversation with Dowling had ended. For more information, visit http://unopress.org/lab.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 31 RAY WANG SPENT HOUR UPON HOUR IN THE LIBRARY when he was in graduate school. As a Chinese-born international student pursuing his master’s and doctoral degrees at Northern Illinois University in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Wang came to view the university’s library as a home base of sorts. When other students packed up and headed home for the holidays, Wang would zip up his book bag and find retreat in the stacks and study spaces of the campus bibliotheca. “I really formed this affinity for libraries,” says Wang, newly named University of New Orleans dean of the library and information services. “They helped me to write papers, find information.” Wang comes to UNO from California State Polytechnic University, where he led its library for nine years. While he began his academic studies in the United States with an intention of returning to China to teach English, Wang’s fondness for academic libraries and their unique ability to serve students at all levels quickly began to drive his career. Wang got a master’s in library science even before he received his doctorate in education in 1993. He was hired as a student to be a documents librarian at Northwestern University in Illinois. A year later, he landed a job leading the government document department at Binghamton University in New York before eventually joining Humboldt State University in northern California. Over the course of a decade at Humboldt, Wang rose from overseeing government documents to serving as library dean. University libraries have changed a lot over the decades, but Wang says he’s always viewed them as a place where students are likely to do most of their learning. “So as librarians,” he says, “the most important thing we can ask ourselves is how can we make libraries better?” To understand Wang’s passion for this field, you also have to understand that, in Wang’s world, access to information was not always NEWLY NAMED possible. As a child growing up in Mao Zedong’s communist China in the 1960s and 1970s, Wang was 10 when the nation’s Cultural Revolution broke out. Schools on all levels were closed for academic work for the LIBRARY DEAN next 10 years. He began devouring the English-language books that his parents had collected in their home. Wang’s father was an educated man who had learned English as a child while attending a school led by American missionaries. He RAY WANG DISCOVERED passed the language on to his son—lessons that came naturally to the young Wang—before the red guards, the China’s version of Hitler’s youth, removed him and his wife from Wang and his two younger brothers. Parents like Wang’s were sent into confinement as part of the Cultural Revolution, an effort by Mao’s regime to disrupt society of what HOME AMONG THE STACKS it viewed as corrupting, “revisionist” capitalist influences. From age 10 until he was 18 or 19, Wang struggled to reconcile what he knew of his father with the pervasive rhetoric circulating that cast his father and others in his class in poor light. While Wang’s BY REBECCA CATALANELLO mother was reunited with her children after two years, his father did not return until after Mao died in 1976 and universities began PHOTOS BY TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER MORE THAN

32 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 A LIBRARY

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 33 reopening. Th at long period of separation continues to be a source of pain for Wang, but the gift of English language that his father imparted to him at an early age would become Wang’s ticket to higher education and, eventually, to the United States. Wang remembers scoring 99 out of 100 on the English language test that was required for admittance to Xi’an International Studies University’s English program in his hometown. “I don’t know how I missed that one,” he says with a smile. A year aft er obtaining his bachelor’s degree in English from Xi’an, Wang sat for a highly competitive test to become a translator for the United Nations. He was one of 10 chosen and went on to spend two years in training before working as a UN translator in Geneva, Switzerland. He was subsequently transferred to the UN headquarters in New York. Being in the room to help facilitate key conversations between the world’s leaders, including President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, was exciting. But Wang has many interests the students,” he says. “Th ey’re already doing that here.” Wang quickly detected in himself a desire to – writing, film and Now, Wang is spearheading a move to enable students to further his education and to take a more partici- strengthening libraries. use the library round-the-clock as soon as this spring. patory role in his community than the job of He is also a professionally Wang places a lot of value on building camaraderie translator would allow. trained ping-pong player. among employees and in helping them feel they are on the “I wanted to explore,” Wang says. same team. He said he was moved by the passion he encoun- Some of the professors Wang had studied under in Xi’an were tered meeting with the volunteer leaders of Friends of the Library. now working at Northern Illinois University and encouraged him In addition to overseeing additional renovations on the library’s to apply to the graduate school. He was accepted on full scholarship fi rst fl oor, Wang says his priorities include helping to build a strong and he obtained his doctorate within fi ve years. information literacy program that will help students understand Over the past 25 years, Wang has been intimately involved in how to navigate the many databases available to them while also facilitating the kinds of changes that keep institutional libraries equipping them to sort fact from fi ction, avoiding so-called “fake relevant. At Cal Poly, he took over a modernizing renovation news” at all costs. that included the construction of a $58-million addition. He was When Wang isn’t doing the work of overseeing library staff , instrumental in collaborating with the Kellogg Foundation to build budgets and more, he maintains an active intellectual and creative an Arabian horse library at the institution. He led an aff ordable life of his own. learning initiative to provide open source textbooks and other From 2003 to 2008, he wrote monthly columns for the Global free educational resources to students and faculty. And he did all Times as well as, for a time, Phoenix Weekly. He wrote and these things amid a fi nancial recession without, he said, reducing produced a feature-length fi lm, “Th e Sound of Pearls” (2013) services or cutting back on the library collection. and created another, “Th e Colorful Cobblestones” (2012), which At the University of New Orleans, Wang says he has been moved received a best new fi lms nomination at the Beijing Film Festival. by the warmth with which he has been welcomed. Even the unhesi- Wang said he learned a great deal about fi lmmaking during the tating off er by a stranger on a fl ight to New Orleans resonated with projects, but said he’s not eager to make another any time soon. He him as something he’d not experienced elsewhere. When the woman is working on a book about Fedinand de Saussure, a Swiss linguist seated next to him heard his wife was in a diff erent row, she immedi- who died in 1913 and is credited with laying the foundation ately told him she’d change seats with her. Wang said he hadn’t even for much of what developed in the 20th century with respect to thought to request the favor. linguistic understanding. “People are just very, very nice,” Wang says. Now that he is in New Orleans, Wang said he is very interested Wang’s tidy, new offi ce on the fourth fl oor of Earl K. Long in diving into the history of Chinese in and around New Orleans as Library overlooks the quad and Lake Pontchartrain. Th is library, he he has done elsewhere. “Th at will be my next project,” he said. says, is, without question, the heart of the University of New Orleans In the meantime, students, staff and faculty may catch a campus—and it already behaves as such. glimpses of Wang playing a mean ping-pong game at the UNO Wang has long advocated for libraries to collaborate with other Recreation and Fitness Center—and giving lessons to others. Th at’s university departments to help better serve students. So, he loved because, in addition to all his other talents, Wang was trained as a that those collaborations already exist at UNO: In addition to its child in China to become a professional ping-pong player. special collections, the library houses the Privateer Enrollment Wang and his wife, Dr. Jean Wang, a cardiac specialist, have two Center, the Veterans Center, the Innovation Lab, the Women’s Center adult children, a daughter and a son. Th ey have purchased a home in and the Center for Teaching Innovation. Lakeview and will likely become frequent fl yers back to California, “It really helps the University by providing a one-stop service for where their fi rst grandchild, Eleanor, was born this winter.

34 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 Stay Connected to UNO

Promotion? New job? Receive an award? Relocation? Marriage? We want to hear from you! Stay connected to your Privateer family by updating your profile on the UNO Alumni and Friends Online Community at UNOAlumni.com/login. Help us keep you up-to-date with the latest information, and use the Alum notes feature to share your big news!

web unoalumni.com email [email protected] phone (504)280.2586 by the numbers A university is nothing without its people. But as the University of New Orleans celebrates the 60th anniversary of its opening at the former site of a Naval Air Station, we thought we’d take a look at some of the numbers that tell a bit of the story of this diverse, historic and beautiful campus.

No. of African-Americans who filed suit in federal court in 1958 demanding The time at which Chancellor Hitt admission to the new announced on Sept. 9, 1958, the 10 university prior to its opening first day of registration, that the noon University would at once begin enrolling African-Americans No. of African-Americans who began the term at UNO when it opened for classes on Percent of University Sept. 12, 1958 of New Orleans 59 students in 2018 who identify themselves as 44 persons of color

Percent of University Months that passed between when of New Orleans Homer T. Hitt was formally appointed students in 2018 to lead a new LSU campus in New who are enrolled as Orleans and the time that campus, 6 international students 8 then called Louisiana State University in New Orleans, held its first classes

Salary awarded to Hitt in 1957 for $13,000 his new gig No. of leaders Years Hitt oversaw appointed to oversee the University the University since 22 6 Hitt’s 1980 retirement

Height of smoke stack, the last remnant of the Naval Air Station that served as the University’s 80ft. original campus 36 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 Bus fare 7¢ in 1958 $1.25 Bus fare today

Margin of victory in the Privateers Men’s Basketball team’s first-ever 13 win in 1959

No. of NCAA national championship events that 5 the Privateers have hosted

Annual economic impact of the University of New Orleans and the UNO $ Research & Technology 942.6million Park upon the region

Annual number of jobs supported by the University of New Orleans and the UNO Research & 11,000 Technology Park

No. of faculty Acres belonging to the in 1958 178 University in 1969 63

No. of faculty in 2018 Acres belonging to the 271 330 University in 2018

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 37 No. of student organizations at 0 UNO in 1958

No. of student organizations at 109 UNO in 2018

Age Dalai Lama XIV was when he visited UNO Lakefront 77 Arena in 2013

Square footage of Kirschman Hall, 155,000 completed in 2005

Seating capacity at No. of floors in the UNO Lakefront Arena Engineering Building, 10,000 Volumes in library constructed in collection in 1958 1987 as the highest 15,000 9 building on campus

No. representing all materials—digital, physical, media, journals Graduates receiving and more—available in degrees at UNO’s 1.6million the library in 2018 first commencement 116 in 1962

Total degrees awarded in the history of UNO

38 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 PROFILE Amy Nguyen

Amy Nguyen started to fall in love with Japan when she was in high school. UNO’s Division of International Education made it possible for her to finally visit and study there.

those who came before! UNO-Japan is definitely a family. What did you study while you were there? I studied the reflection of Japanese culture within their animations—anime for short—and Age: 22 visual novels, known as manga. My other class taught me positive Hometown: Kenner, La. psychology that is integrated into meditation. Major/degree program: Fine Arts Most memorable experience? One of them was attending Yoiyoiya- Languages you speak: English, Vietnamese, Japanese ma, one of the festival days of Gion Matsuri. Gion Matsuri is one of Where did you go and when? Kyoto, Japan in 2017 with UNO-Japan the three largest festivals in Japan. I was invited to attend by Ayame, Why did you decide to go? While in high school, I was introduced to a student from Doshisha University who was at UNO on a two-week UNO-Japan during Japan Fest, an annual event at the New Orleans exchange program in 2016. We wore rented “yukata”— casual kimo- Museum of Art. This event inspired me to apply to The University nos worn especially during the summer—while we walked through of New Orleans. I’ve attended UNO since Fall 2014, but I had always Kyoto. I enjoyed spending time with Ayame’s sister and mother, eat- put off doing the program. I always reassured myself saying, “I’ll do ing delicious food from street vendors, viewing floats, and squeezing it next year.” In the fall of 2016, I became friends with some of the through streets teeming with people. students who’d participated in UNO-Japan. They told me all about Where do you want to go next? Costa Rica. I have read about and their adventures, and I found myself asking more questions. I finally learned of its unique biodiversity from my friends who are alumni of applied for the 2017 program. Even though I attended a separate the UNO-Costa Rica program. I would love to experience its wildlife year, I feel connected to those who were in the 2016 group, as well as and beauty first-hand.

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 39 STATISTICALLY, MATTHEW of people have. He has a special Jiles did not have a notable gift . People engage with him. The college basketball career. In fact, Th ey follow him and they trust during four years of compe- him.” tition, he averaged 0.7 points At Phoenix High School in a game. Th e Braithwaite, La. Plaquemines Parish, Jiles was native started only three games a star. He averaged 25 points a and scored a total of 50 points game during his senior season. while playing for the University Although he was one of the of New Orleans. But to measure leading scorers among New Unlikely Jiles’ value as a player based Orleans area high school players, strictly on the numbers would it did not translate into any be to miss the myriad ways he Division I scholarship off ers. helped lead his teammates and “I really recruited UNO elevate the men’s basketball instead of UNO recruiting me,” program. Jiles says. “Aft er writing and While his contributions calling, I had a tryout. Th ey told may have been imperceptible me I could come as a student- Captain to most outsiders, Jiles is one of manager and see what happens.” the reasons the Privateers made What happened was a postseason tournaments in unique arrangement. Jiles back-to-back seasons, according worked out on his own before Matthew Jiles’ journey to his coaches and teammates. and aft er the team’s practice In 2017, New Orleans won the sessions. While the team from student-manager Southland Conference regular practiced, he tended to his season and tournament champi- student-manager duties. On to team’s captain onships, earning the program’s the fi rst offi cial day of practice fi rst NCAA Tournament bid in in 2014, he discovered a jersey BY RO BROWN 21 years. In 2018, the Privateers bearing number 32 in his locker. PHOTOGRAPHS BY CLEM BARBAZON capped off their season with an “I asked one of the assistant AND RON O’ROURKE invitation to play in the College coaches whose jersey was in Basketball Invitational. my locker and he told me it was Jiles served as team mine because I made the team,” captain—a remarkable accom- recalls the secondary education plishment for a student-athlete major. “It was the happiest day who used to be the Privateers’ of my life.” student-manager. Jiles’ journey Immediately aft er getting with the program actually began the news about his unexpected with him collecting sweaty promotion, he called his parents, uniforms and towels for the Michael and Pam Jiles, who have laundry and concluded with him served as his own models for gathering the team together for leadership. pre-game pep talks. “We pushed our three boys “Leadership is hard to to strive for excellence and to describe sometimes,” says head not settle for less but to always basketball coach Mark Sless- push for more,” Pam Jiles says. inger. “But Matthew has an “And wherever God leads them incredible personality and a is where they’re going to land.” leadership quality that not a lot When Jiles was in high

40 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 41 school, his parents became accustomed to seeing their son play the role of the star player. In college, Jiles was a rarely-used reserve, which forced the entire family to adjust their expecta- tions, at least in terms of playing time. “I appreciate Coach Sless- inger giving him the oppor- tunity to play and be part of the team,” Michael Jiles says. “We’ve always taught our boys to be leaders and not followers no matter what.” Conventional wisdom holds that the leaders of teams are typically the best players. Jiles punctures that premise. As a competitor, he wanted as much playing time as possible but he did not let the absence of it aff ect his desire to lead. “I’m the guy who sends text messages to the guys early in the morning, getting them ready for the day or just getting ready for practice or a game,” he grins. “I know I’m not as good as many of my teammates, but I think I’ve helped to make them better. onship and the automatic bid education here.” If they succeed, we all succeed.” to the NCAA Tournament A compre- Jiles considered his during the 2016-17 season are hensive reading of proximity to the Privateers what he considers the highlights the New Orleans coaching staff to be a gift . He of his time as a Privateer. He Privateers record scrutinized how Mark Slessinger will also cherish every minute book will not reveal and his assistants instructed, he spent with his teammates. a single mention motivated and challenged For someone who started as a of Matthew Jiles players, in practices, in games student-manager, the fact that he in categories such or on the team bus. Jiles, who had teammates at all represents as most points, aspires to become a coach, an accomplishment. Above all rebounds, steals viewed it as on-the-job training. else, he says he will remember or assists. He was, “I want to showcase what his time at the University of New however, a worthy team captain Matthew Jiles, a senior I’ve learned from other people,” Orleans with gratitude. whose infl uence, while not from Braithwaite, La., Jiles says. “When you think “I found out the people at obvious, was signifi cant. worked his way onto the about it, I’ve been like a player- UNO really care about you. “Matthew won us a lot court, demonstrating coach here. I feel like I have a Th e teachers and everyone, of games because of how he stand-out leadership in high basketball IQ and I know I they want to see you succeed. practiced—his mentality and unexpected ways. can get things going.” Everyone helps you through his drive in practice,” Slessinger Jiles registered career-highs things. Th is is a great place to says. “He’s contributed greatly to fl oor, and how they should treat with 8 points in 23 minutes further your education. the culture of our program. He’s people. Matthew has worked against Memphis on Nov. 21, “In the end, it’s really not contributed to what the expec- very, very hard to set the 2017. But he says winning the about basketball, it’s about tation is, what’s acceptable—how standard. He is what leadership Southland Conference Champi- education and I feel I got a good guys should act on and off the is all about.”

42 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 › › › › career.uno.edu ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ Your resource for reaching the UNO community with: » Part-Time and Full-Time Job Postings » Internships, Apprenticeships and Cooperative Education Postings » UNO Students and Alumni Résumé Bank » Career Events Registration Information Even if you aren’t looking to hire UNO talent, there are other ways to contribute to the long-term success of current UNO students. Join the UNO International Alumni Association to learn more about networking events and these signature annual events. Sign up for free at unoalumni.com and for event dates and times.

CONTACT 504.280.6225 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION [email protected] OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES             Š‡‡‰ƒ ›‘ ‹‡–›†‘‘”•™Š‘Šƒ˜‡ Š‘•‡–‘‹ Ž—†‡–Š‡ ‹˜‡”•‹–›‘ˆ‡™”Ž‡ƒ•‹ƒ‡•–ƒ–‡‰‹ˆ––‘‡•—”‡–Šƒ––Š‡‹”‰‹ˆ– ™‹ŽŽ ”‡ƒ–‡ƒŽƒ•–‹‰Ž‡‰ƒ ›ˆ‘”ˆ—–—”‡‰‡‡”ƒ–‹‘•Ǥ Š‡‹˜‡”•‹–›‘ˆ‡™”Ž‡ƒ•‹•Š‘‘”‡†–‘”‡ ‘‰‹œ‡–Š‡ˆ‘ŽŽ‘™‹‰‡„‡”•‘ˆ–Š‡ ‡‰ƒ ›‘ ‹‡–›ƒ†–‘–ŠƒƒŽŽ‘ˆ›‘—ˆ‘”›‘—”•—’’‘”–ƒ† ‘‹–‡––‘–Š‡ˆ—–—”‡ ‘ˆ–Š‡‹˜‡”•‹–›‘ˆ‡™”Ž‡ƒ•Ǥ   — Šƒ”Ž‡• ǯ‘‡”ǡŠ 

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 ‡––‡ ‘Š•‘‡–ƒ‹ ‡‘Ǥ—”Žƒǡ ”Ǥ  ƒ”„ƒ”ƒ ǤƒŽŽ‡––‡• ƒ” Ǥ‘•Š  ƒ””›Ƭ˜‡ƒ”‘‹ ‘—†ƒ–‹‘ ƒ”‰ƒ”‡–Ǥ‘‹ƒ–ǡǮ͸͹  ‘‹–ƒǤ—’”‡ǡǮͻͶ ƒ”‰‘–ƒ‘‹–‡ǡŠƒ†‘‰‡”ƒ—‡Ž  Š‡”›Žƒ†‡‘‹‡””‡Šƒ’ƒ‰‡ǡ ” ƒ”‹Ž› Š‘ˆ ‘˜‡”  Š”‹•–‘’Š‡”ƒ—”‡”ǡ̵ͻʹƬ̵ͲͲ •Ǥ ”ƒ ‹‡ ‘”‡ƒ  ‡„„‹‡ƒ„‹Ž‡‡––‘‘ǡǤǤ  ‹’‹ŽŽ‡”  ‘”‘–Š›‘‘•‡–”‹ Žƒ† —•ƒ‘™Žƒ†  ”Ǥƒ”›‘••±‡ŽŽǡ”‘ˆ‡••‘”‡”‹–—•  ƒ†‡‹• Ǥ‡ŽŽ  ˆ›‘—Šƒ˜‡‹ Ž—†‡†–Š‡‹˜‡”•‹–›‘ˆ‡™”Ž‡ƒ•‹›‘—”‡•–ƒ–‡’Žƒ•ǡ ƒ†ƒ”‡‘–Ž‹•–‡†ƒ„‘˜‡ǡ’Ž‡ƒ•‡ ƒŽŽ”‹ ƒŽ—‘‹•‹–Š‡ Žƒ‡† ‹˜‹‰‘ˆˆ‹ ‡ƒ–ͷͲͶǤʹͺͲǤ͸ͳͷͻ Dedicated to Home and Family

Alumnus Chris Maurer expresses gratitude with a lasting gift. BY REBECCA CATALANELLO

CHRIS MAURER IS THE kind of New Orleanian who never wanted to leave home. He’s the kind who loves his city and his family so much that when he graduated from Brother Martin High School, he ended up picking between four universities—three in New Orleans and one just an hour north. The choice was easy, but not just because the University of New Orleans was only a few blocks north of his high school on Elysian Fields Avenue. At UNO, Maurer received a full, four-year scholarship. “I graduated with almost no debt,” says Maurer (B.S., ’92, M.B.A., ’00), now chief executive officer of the UNO Federal Credit Union, also based here on the University’s campus. “I graduated in four and a half years and my parents only had to pay one semester. That’s a really good feeling to get out of school and not owe a penny.” Maurer had always intended always taught us that education Chris Maurer, chief Now, Maurer is paying it to give part of his estate to the was key to a successful future.” executive officer of the forward. University of New Orleans. Over decades of working UNO Federal Credit Though he is only 47, But when he learned about on the same campus where he Union since 2006, Maurer is also a planner. the University’s Legacy Donor once took classes, Maurer says, became a Legacy donor As someone who holds a Society, he decided to make it the University of New Orleans to honor his parents and his alma mater. bachelor’s degree in finance official, dedicating part of his has become much more than an and an MBA—and especially estate to the establishment of a alma mater. Becoming a Legacy as someone who works in the student scholarship in the name donor made the most sense in financial sector—the idea of of two people very special to his the world. planning his estate now seemed life: his parents. “This is home for me,” like a smart idea. Emile T. Maurer, Jr., and Maurer says. “This is like my “In my line of work, Josie B. Maurer, both 87, second family.” we see this a lot: People die instilled in their children an For more information about the Legacy unexpectedly and, by not understanding of the impor- Society and how to become a Legacy do- having a will, it creates a lot of tance and value of a good nor, contact Eric Balukonis, 504-280-6159 hardship on families,” he says. education, Maurer says: “They or [email protected].

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 45 Robert K. Faust (B.S., ’74) Rob Faust, a New Orleans native, is a mask maker, actor, danc- er and comic who created Faustwork Mask Theatre in 1978. The company tours annually and has performed Corrado A. Giacona II (B.A., ’65) of the New Orleans Chapter of Corrado Giacona II, president Infragard, a nonprofit organiza- in venues that of Giacona Container Company tion serving as a public-private include The Sydney Corp., is credited with originat- partnership between United Opera House in ing the first plastic cup Mardi States businesses and the Australia, The Metropolitan Museum of Gras throw in 1980 when his Federal Bureau of Investigation. Art and The Kennedy Center. Faust hosts cups first appeared in Krewe of LeBlanc owns Contingency Alla. His company remains the Planning Consultants in Abita workshops, arts residencies, and provides major producer of Mardi Gras Springs, La., and retired in 2011 opportunities for collaboration with other cups and also supplies signature from Gaylord Chemical Com- artists and companies in ways that celebrate drinkware to bars, nightclubs, pany, where he was the chief the art of the mask. He holds a bachelor’s seafood companies, delis, con- financial officer and controller degree in education from the University of venience stores, movie theaters, for 23 years. LeBlanc, who has zoos, amusement parks, muse- also been a commercial banker New Orleans. ums, stadiums and arenas. and a reserve deputy, served for two years as director of the James “Jim” P. LeBlanc (B.S., ’72) Slidell Chamber of Commerce. Jim LeBlanc is vice president had led since 2000. Warner is a from the University of New He holds a bachelor’s degree in graduate of Redemptorist High Orleans. She has been involved geology from the University of School who played football and with the Lutheran Women’s Mis- New Orleans and an M.B.A. from baseball at Tulane University. He sionaries League, East Jefferson Pepperdine University. R. Chris Atkinson (M.B.A., ’94) started his career as a teacher General Hospital, the New Or- Robert “Chris” Fred H. Rodriguez (B.S., ’72) and coach at Holy Cross School leans Retired Teachers Associa- Atkinson has Fred Rodriguez has been before moving to Chalmette High tion, the East Jefferson Hospital awarded the American Society been named vice School. He holds a master’s Auxiliary, the Wellwisher’s Club, for Clinical Pathology’s 2017 degree in education from Tulane the Metairie Women’s Club, and president of hu- Ward Burdick Award for Distin- and a doctorate in education AARP. The Republican Women’s man resources at guished Service to Pathology. from the University of New Or- Club of Jefferson Parish Lakeview Regional The honor recognizes members leans. Over six decades, he has awarded Randazzo the 2005 and Medical Center, a who have made significant con- variously served as an assistant 2007 Betty Heitman Award. Her campus of Tulane tributions to pathology through principal, assistant school su- other awards have included the sustained service to the profes- perintendent, professor, college Outstanding Service and Leader- Medical Center. sion and to the organization. dean and state legislator. As ship Award from the Louisiana Atkinson brings Rodriguez is the Emma Sadler chancellor at Nunez follow- Retired Teachers Association, 19 years of human Moss Professor of Pathology at ing Hurricane Katrina, Warner the Outstanding Woman Award resources experi- LSU. He has served as president vocally opposed efforts to close from the AARP Chapter 4417, ence within the of the National Accrediting the campus. Under his leader- and being honored as a “Great Agency for Clinical Labora- ship, enrollment there grew Lady” by East Jefferson General healthcare environment. He has been with tory Sciences, national director from about 500 after Katrina to Hospital Auxiliary. Ochsner Health System since 1998, leading of pathology and laboratory about 2,500 today. He has seven human resources teams in Baton Rouge, the medicine for the Department of children and 18 grandchildren. Rand Carmichael (B.F.A., ’73, North Shore and New Orleans. Atkinson Veterans Affairs, and director M.S., ’80) Beverly P. Randazzo (B.A., ’64, of pathology and laboratory Rand Carmichael was the played an integral role in the integration M.Ed., ’77) medicine service at the South- Beverly Paulina Randazzo, a featured artist in a solo exhibi- of two Louisiana hospitals acquired by the east Louisiana Veterans Health retired New Orleans public tion at the Slidell Cultural Center Ochsner Health System. He led employee Care System in New Orleans. school teacher and assistant that ran through March. Titled support and advocacy programs at Ochsner He received his undergradu- principal, has been named a “Building the Wall,” the exhibit ate degree in biology from the in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, “lifetime achiever” by Marquis featured 16 abstract paintings University of New Orleans. helping stabilize the workforce and provid- Who’s Who. A New Orleans that use architectural elements to explore the theme of barriers. ing personal and financial resources to em- Thomas R. Warner (E.D.D., ’75) native, Randazzo received her Carmichael is a U.S. Marine vet- Thomas “Tommy” Warner has bachelor’s degree in elementary ployees and their families suffering severe eran who served a tour in Viet- retired as chancellor of Nunez education and a master’s degree losses from the storm. nam. He holds two degrees from Community College, which he in educational administration the University of New Orleans,

46 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 Jasen Weaver (B.A., ’12) Jasen Weaver, including a master’s degree in Johnson oversees operations Oncology Associates at the a bassist and urban studies. He worked for of the 308-room hotel, the food, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Cen- composer, released 31 years as a civil engineer for entertainment and convention ter in Covington in 1998. his debut album, Burk-Kleinpeter architects, business, the gaming floor and Kathleen Robertson (B.S., ’88) “The Voscoville” where he worked on coastal the 4,000-person workforce. Kathleen Robertson is an zone management, economic in March, and Jack E. Saux (B.A., ’86) orthopedic surgeon with 26 development and transportation will be performing Jack Saux is an oncologist years of experience. She is planning. Carmichael retired in at the 2018 New who has become known in Cov- based in El Paso, Texas. She 2011 to pursue his ambition of ington, La., as the “The Pirate graduated from Louisiana State Orleans Jazz and being a full-time studio artist. Oncologist.” Saux often dresses University School of Medicine in Heritage Festival. Melonie D. Johnson (B.S., ’83) in full pirate regalia to try to New Orleans in 1992. He leads the Jasen Melonie Johnson has been lighten the mood among patients Richard S. Neider (B.S.,’89) Weaver Band and named president and chief oper- who are often trying to cope Richard Neider has been has also played ations officer of MGM National with difficult medical prognoses. named principal of Christian Harbor, a Maryland casino. She For several years, he has cel- with a number of accomplished musicians Brothers School’s Canal Street comes to the position after serv- ebrated his birthday by hosting a including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Herlin campus in New Orleans. Neider ing in the same role at MGM’s public fundraiser in coordination Riley, Donald Harrison, Ellis Marsalis, has been at Christian Brothers Gold Strike Casino Resort in with Columbia Street Taproom to since 2012 as a math, history Jason Marsalis and Adonis Rose. Weaver Tunica, Miss. Before joining benefit the National Alliance on and study skills teacher and a has recorded with Dr. John, the New MGM in 2015, she was assistant Mental Illness. Saux is a gradu- basketball coach. He started general manager at Hollywood ate of Jesuit High, the University Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Jason Marsalis, teaching in 1992 at Holy Cross Casino at Charles Town Races of New Orleans and LSU medical The Session, Cliff Hines, Sasha Masakowski School, his alma mater. He also in West Virginia. In her new role, school. Saux joined Northshore and saxophonist Stephen Richard. He has held teaching and coach- ing positions at Crescent City has performed internationally in Europe, Baptist School and De La Salle Australia, Japan, Russia, Honduras, High School. He holds a master’s Barbados, Israel, South Africa and New Joan M. Coffman (M.B.A., ’02) degree in educational leadership Zealand. Weaver is also a graduate of the Joan Coff- from the University of Holy Cross New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. in New Orleans and a bachelor’s man in 2017 was degree in accounting from the named president University of New Orleans. and CEO of David S. Morgan (B.A., ’92) Hospital Sisters David Morgan is a musician, Health System St. producer, musical director 2015. Garvin’s prior positions Mary’s Hospital in and educator who runs The include managing director in Decatur, Ill. She Music Shed in Redding, Conn., investment banking for Divine Capital Markets, chief operating assumed the new where he coaches middle and high school musicians in the officer for the Leedom Group role after serving art of being a part of a band. A and chief executive officer of for seven years pianist, he has toured with Jane Obed Corporation. Garvin holds as president and Lynch, Neshama Carlebach, and a Ph.D. in urban studies and CEO of St. Mary’s his own jazz trio. He has also economic systems and a mas- sister hospital, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital performed and recorded with ter’s of administration from the University of New Orleans. in Chippewa Falls, Wisc. Under her direc- Wynton Marsalis, Wes Anderson and Peter Himmelman. He writes Deborah E. Bordelon (B.A., ’86, tion, St. Joseph’s was recognized as a top music for CBS Sports, Discovery, performer by The Joint Commission, Press M.Ed., ’90, Ph.D,’96) A&E, MTV, and TV shows Deborah Bordelon has been Ganey, Leap Frog and Wisconsin Forward, including “Pawn Stars,” “Little named provost and executive according to her employer, and received Women” and “Catfish.” He holds vice president at Columbus the American Hospital Association’s 2017 a B.A. in jazz studies from the State University. She comes University of New Orleans. Grassroots Champion award for her health to the postion from Governors care advocacy work. Originally from New James R. Garvin IV (M.Ed., ’92, State University in Illinois, where Ph.D., ’94) she was the provost and vice Orleans, Coffman worked with Tenet James Garvin IV has been president for academic affairs. Healthcare Corporation as assistant admin- named president of medical Bordelon joined Governors State istrator of Lindy Boggs Medical Center in technology company Skyline in 2008, first serving as dean of New Orleans until 2005 when it closed due Medical. Skyline, the maker of a their College of Education before to flood damage sustained in Hurricane waste fluid disposal system, re- being appointed provost in 2013. cently merged with CytoBiosci- She has held teaching and Katrina. She is a fellow of the American ence, where Garvin had served administrative posts at Nicholls College of Healthcare Executives. as chief executive officer since State University and Xavier

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 47 University of Louisiana. She Rummel High School and re- earned a doctorate in special ceived his bachelor’s in business education, a master’s degree management degree from the Sheba Turk, (B.A., ’11) in education and a bachelor’s University of New Orleans. Sheba Turk in degree in elementary education, Lee M. LaFleur (B.S., ’00) March published all from the University of New Lee LaFleur helps run Mike’s her first book, “Off Orleans. Hardware & Supply in the Air: My Journey John Guzzardo (B.S., ’97) Gentilly neighborhood of New to the Anchor John Guzzardo has been Orleans, with his brother, Robert. Desk,” a memoir named president and chief The business was founded executive officer of the Special by LaFleur’s father, a veteran that chronicles Olympics Louisiana, effective police officer. LaFleur, who holds her sometimes Aug. 1. Guzzardo, who resides in a business degree from the bumpy path to New Orleans, has more than 18 University of New Orleans, par- attain educational years of nonprofit experience. ticipated in the Goldman Sachs and early career He is currently executive direc- 10,000 Small Business program. tor of the American Diabetes The LaFleurs are active in many success. Turk is Association for Louisiana and community charity events. In a co-anchor for Mississippi. He holds a degree addition to being the two-time WWL-TV’s Eyewitness Morning News in in recreational therapy and champion of the Down Syn- New Orleans. Her book includes a forward psychology from the University drome Association of Greater by mentor Soledad O’Brien and details of New Orleans. The Special New Orleans Buddy Walk Olympics serves more than Jambalaya Cook Off, they also the success she found after enrolling as a 15,000 Louisiana athletes and donate to Hogs for the Cause, transfer student at the University of New oversees 18,000 volunteers. Each One Save One, Brother Orleans after experiencing financial hard- Martin High School, Hynes Jason F. Kirksey (Ph.D., ’97) ship while enrolled elsewhere. She joined Charter School and Riverdale Jason Kirksey has been ap- WWL-TV as an associate producer for the High School. pointed to the Oklahoma Policy morning news in 2011, shortly after gradu- Institute board of directors. He Scott Krieger (M.B.A., ’01) ating from UNO. is vice president for institutional Scott Krieger has been named diversity and the chief diversity Investar Bank’s commercial rela- officer at Oklahoma State Univer- tionship manager and vice presi- sity, where he is also an associ- dent in the greater New Orleans Brian S. Mouton (B.S., ’01) Orleans native, Lucas holds a ate professor of political science. market based in Mandeville. Brian Mouton presided as bachelor’s in accounting from He earned bachelor’s and Krieger was with First American king of the seventh annual Dillard University and a Master master’s degrees from OSU and a Bank and Trust Co. and has 23 Grande Court Mardi Gras Ball, of Business Administration from Ph.D. in political science from the years of experience in banking, a fundraiser for the Rayne the University of New Orleans. University of New Orleans. with 19 of those in commercial Chamber of Commerce in Rayne, She has been working in lending. He also has experience Brice J. Howard (B.S., ’98) La. Mouton is senior division accounting and business profes- in compliance and underwriting. Brice Howard is senior vice manager of trade marketing for sionally since 1994. A native of New Orleans, Krieger president and chief lending RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. has a bachelor’s in econom- Robert J. Lafleur (B.S., ’03) officer at American Bank and He holds a business degree from ics from LSU and a master’s of Robert Lafleur helps run Trust. He has been a community the University of New Orleans. business administration from the Mike’s Hardware & Supply in banker since 1992, starting as University of New Orleans. Kirk Coco (M.B.A., ’02) the Gentilly neighborhood of a part-time drive-up teller, and Kirk Coco is founder and CEO New Orleans, with his brother, holding positions in credit analy- William L. Boasberg (M.B.A., ’02) of NOLA Distilling Company, Lee. The business was founded sis and business development. Bill Boasberg has been named which in 2016 began producing by LaFleur’s father, a veteran He now manages all business president and chief operating NOLA Vodka, a vodka made from police officer. LaFleur, who development and commercial officer of Beau Rivage Resort Louisiana grown sweet potatoes. holds a business degree from lending staff. Howard has also & Casino in Biloxi, a property of Before that, he was instrumental the University of New Orleans, been involved in a number of MGM Resorts International. He in bringing brewing back to is active in many community charitable causes, including began his career in hospitality New Orleans by founding NOLA charity events. In addition to mentoring and tutoring in an and gaming in New Orleans, Brewing Company in 2008. A New being the two-time champion of afterschool program through his hometown, and has served Orleans native, Coco served 11 the Down Syndrome Association Missionary Baptist Church as the top executive at MGM years in the U.S. Navy. of Greater New Orleans Buddy and serving on the boards of National Harbor in Maryland, Walk Jambalaya Cook Off, the Bernadette Lucas (M.B.A., ’02) the Lake Pontchartrain Basin which he helped open. Boasberg LaFleurs also donate to Hogs for Bernadette Lucas has been Foundation and New Orleans has been instrumental in direct- the Cause, Each One Save One, named chief finance officer area-based Got Our Troops ing complex financial strategies Brother Martin High School, of Liberty’s Kitchen in New Foundation. He is a member at resorts including The Mirage, Hynes Charter School and Orleans. Lucas comes to the of the Commercial Investment New York-New York, Luxor and Riverdale High School. Division of New Orleans Metro- Excalibur. He began his career in position from New School for politan Association of Realtors. hospitality and gaming at Bally’s New Orleans, where she was Karen A. Celestan (B.A., ’06) He is a graduate of Archbishop in New Orleans. accounting director. A New Karen Celestan is co-author

48 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 of “Freedom’s Dance,” a new Jiarra R. Jackson (B.S., ‘08) derserved populations. Sekinger Collection, Frederick R. Weisman floor manager. The restaurant, book that explores the social, Jiarra Jackson has been specializes in audits, reviews, Art Foundation Collection, Capital which she helped open with her aid and pleasure club culture in named director of sales for New compilations, preparations and One Art Collection. She holds immediate family, was named a New Orleans. The book pairs the Orleans’ dual-branded SpringHill bookkeeping for non-public, a bachelor’s degree in painting James Beard Foundation semi- images of noted photographer and TownePlace Suites at not-for-profit and governmental from Rhode Island School of finalist for “best new restaurant” Eric Waters with essays by 1600 Canal St. in New Orleans. entities. She holds a master’s in Design as well as an M.F.A. in in 2018. It is the Vilkhu family’s preeminent authors and cultural Jackson was central northwest accounting from the University painting from the University of first full-time restaurant venture, leaders, providing a photographic regional sales manager in of New Orleans and a bachelor’s New Orleans. stemming from their pop-up and textual overview of the sec- Chicago, representing 166 in accounting from Southeastern restaurant of 6 years and their Ashwin S. Vilkhu (M.S., ’15) ond line that tracks its origins in combinations of full-service and Louisiana University. 26-year catering business. Ashwin Vilkhu is general African traditions to subsequent select-service Marriott brand Kristofer J. Tokarski (M.M., ‘13) manager and director of market- Nathaniel T. Frye (B.S., ’17) development in local culture. hotels within the Midwest. She Kristofer “Kris” Tokarski is ing at Saffron NOLA restaurant Nate Frye, a four-year letter Celestan is executive writer and has also worked in hospitality a jazz pianist in New Orleans, in New Orleans. After getting his winner for the University of New editor in University Advance- markets around the country, where he moved in 2011 to master’s degree in hospitality, Orleans men’s basketball pro- ment and an adjunct professor including Denver, Colo.; St. complete a master’s degree at restauarant and tourism admin- gram, signed a one-year deal in of English at Texas Southern Louis, Mo.; Oakland, Calif.; and the University of New Orleans. istration at the University of New August to begin his professional University in Houston. She was Rockford, NJ. She has a dual Originally from East Ruther- Orleans, he started his career in career with the Niagara River senior program manager for bachelor’s degree in business ford, NJ, he was raised in a wine and spirits marketing and Lions in the National Basketball Music Rising at Tulane in the management and business ad- Hungarian-American household, distribution. He helped open Saf- League based in Canada. A 6-foot New Orleans Center for the Gulf ministration from the University where classical music and Hun- fron NOLA with his immediate guard, Frye averaged 10.6 points South at Tulane University and of New Orleans and a master’s garian folk music were regularly family and the venture has since in 24 games in his last season an adjunct instructor of English degree in hospitality, tourism played. He holds a bachelor’s been named a James Beard at UNO as part of the team that at Southern University at New and business management from degree from Berklee College of Foundation semi-finalist for earned the Southland Conference Orleans. Roosevelt University in Chicago. Music in Boston. Tokarski has “best new restaurant” in 2018. regular season and conference Jacqueline J. Montgomery Guy D. Choate (M.F.A., ’13) performed at notable jazz fes- tournament titles, advancing Pranita Vilkhu (M.B.A., ’15) (M.B.A., ‘06) Guy Choate is a writer as well tivals and venues including the to the NCAA Division I Men’s Pranita Vilkhu is operations Jacqueline “Jackie” Mont- as founder and director of the Umbria Winter Jazz Festival, The Basketball Tournament for the manager at Saffron NOLA gomery was recently named Argenta Reading Series in North New Orleans Jazz and Heritage first time in 21 seasons. Frye is a restaurant in New Orleans, general manager for Hilton Little Rock, where he lives with Festival, the French Quarter Fest, graduate of a Houma Christian, where she manages account- Garden Inn Indiana, a 128-room his wife and son. His recent Snug Harbor, The Jazz Corner where he helped build a Class 1A ing and finance and is also lead hotel located in Indiana, Penn., essays have appeared in Cream and The Green Mill. Warriors athletic program. her hometown. Montgomery City Review, Tupelo Quarterly Rhett G. Breerwood (B.A., ’97, joined Hilton in 2016 as director and Cobalt Review. B.A., ’05, M.A., ’15) of sales. Prior to that, she was Christopher M. Dier (M.A. Ed, ’13) Rhett Breerwood has been director of marketing and group Kelvin R. Adams (Ph.D., ’05) Chris Dier is an author, a historian for the Louisiana sales for Kolvalchick Convention historian and teacher whose National Guard Museums in New Kelvin Adams, and Athletic Complex, also in new book, “The 1868 St. Bernard Orleans and Pineville since 2010. Pennsylvania. She is the daugh- superintendent of Parish Massacre: Blood in the He collects, researches and ter of former Saints assistant the 22,000-student Cane Field” details a horrific organizes information pertaining coach Jack Henry. It was while St. Louis Public period in the history of Louisi- to Louisiana National Guard and her father was in New Orleans ana’s St. Bernard Parish. In 1868, the legacy of the organization. He School District, that Montgomery enrolled at between 35 to 135 recently freed holds undergraduate degrees in was honored by the the University of New Orleans. African-American men of color history and communications from She went on to become director St. Louis American were dragged from their homes the University of New Orleans of marketing and promotion for Foundation with and killed in an attempt to keep as well as a master’s degree in Entercom radio stations, which the 2017 Stel- them from exercising their newly military history. Before that, he included WWL-870AM. granted right to vote. This is the worked for Louisiana’s State lar Performer in Daniel L. Saavedra (M.B.A., ’07) first book from Dier, who teaches Military Department in support Education Award. Daniel Saavedra has been at Chalmette High School and of Hurricane Katrina recovery Adams has lead named eastern regional sales resides in St. Bernard Parish. He efforts at Jackson Barracks. Missouri’s largest manager at Acumen Wines, is currently seeking a second Regina S. Scully (M.F.A.,’15) school district since 2008, during which an Atlas Peak winery in Napa master’s degree—this one in Regina Scully, a New Orleans time the district has earned full accredita- County, Calif. Saavedra worked educational administration—at based artist, recently held a solo the seven years prior in the the University of New Orleans. tion and regained its financial footing after show titled “Mindscapes” at C24 national sales division for Ladera finding itself $40 million in debt in2007. Nicole A. Sekinger (M.S., ’13) Gallery in New York. Scully’s work Vineyards in St. Helena, Calif., Nicole Sekinger, a CPA and has been on view across the The district has also launched a pilot pro- most recently as vice president senior accountant at Ericksen country including a recent solo gram to develop trauma-informed teaching of sales. He earned a master’s Krentel, has been appointed to exhibition at the New Orleans and discipline practices within its class- degree in business administra- the board of directors for Luke’s Museum of Art in October. She tion from the University of New rooms. Before going to Missouri, Adams House Clinic in New Orleans, is the recipient of the 2017 Louis Orleans before relocating to held positions in New Orleans as a middle which provides medical, wom- Comfort Tiffany Foundation Grant California for a career in the and high school principal as well as chief of en’s and vision health services Award. Her work can be found wine industry, working for E & J as well as immunizations and in private and public collections staff for the Recovery School District. Gallo Winery. prescription assistance to un- including NOMA, Microsoft Art

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 49 Professor Arnold R. Hirsch’s Scholarship Leaves Enduring Legacy ARNOLD R. HIRSCH, A that followed the 1968 assassina- wrote in 2014 in The Atlantic. leans Studies sponsored a robust University of New Orleans his- tion of Martin Luther King Jr. “Every time I hear someone lecture series covering topics in tory professor for 31 At the time of its speak about ‘black on black New Orleans history ranging years whose work on publishing in 1983, the crime’ in Chicago, I want to from the state of education dur- Chicago public hous- book made big waves hurl a hardcover of ‘Making The ing the time of Thomas Jefferson ing became a part of in academia. Thomas Second Ghetto’ at them.” to George Porter Jr. The series the literary canon on J. Sugrue, professor of Mary Niall Mitchell, who resulted from Hirsch’s decision the history of race in social and cultural anal- currently holds the Midlo to open up a University of New the U.S., died March ysis and history at New Endowed Chair and serves as Orleans class on New Orleans 18. He was 69. York University, says co-director of the Midlo Center history to the public. Hirsch be- Born and raised Arnold R. Hirsch the reason was Hirsch’s for New Orleans Studies, calls came aware of a spike in hunger in Chicago, Hirsch willingness to challenge Hirsch “one of the most impor- for local history after Hurricane earned a bachelor’s degree and recent history, the post-World tant scholars ever to teach at Katrina. He met that interest by doctorate at the University of Il- War II era in particular. Sugrue UNO.” sharing the knowledge that was linois and joined UNO in 1979. says the approach was unusual “His work was foundational in demand. Before his 2010 retirement, among most historians at the to the field of 20th century The success of the lecture Hirsch’s roles at the University time. urban history,” she says. “Even series led to a partnership with the included serving as the Ethel “Over his too-short career, though ‘Making the Second Louisiana State Museum to hold a & Herman L. Midlo Endowed Arnold Hirsch made inestimable Ghetto’ was about Chicago, monthly public lecture at the Ca- Chair and director of the Midlo contributions to the study of it gave him a framework for bildo. Hirsch was also involved in Center for New Orleans Studies. cities, race, urban politics, and studying the politics of race and the collection of oral histories, in- Known as “Arnie” to col- policy, not to mention setting racial discrimination that was cluding that of Ernest N. “Dutch” leagues, Hirsch leaves a legacy the agenda for a whole genera- vital to understanding the his- Morial, the first African-American at the University of steadfast tion of cutting-edge work on tory of New Orleans. The book mayor of New Orleans. commitment to making history postwar American history,” ‘Creole New Orleans,’ which he Years later, Hirsch’s influence accessible to the masses. wrote Sugrue in a memorial co-edited with his colleague Joe on defining the Midlo Center’s His groundbreaking book for National Book Review. Logsdon, is still indispensable.” role in democratizing history is “Making the Second Ghetto,” Hirsch’s work resonates just After gaining notoriety for clearly evident in projects Midlo catalogs the myriad societal as powerfully today. The signifi- his incisive knowledge about and the University is involved in, and institutional forces at work cance of Hirsch’s most famous Chicago, Hirsch would embrace says Connie Atkinson, co-direc- ensuring racial segregation in volume has been noted by best- the role of bringing the history tor of the Midlo Center: “When Chicago housing during the selling author Ta-Nehisi Coates. of New Orleans to its people just we evaluate projects to determine decades following World War II. “If you want to understand as passionately. whether the Midlo Center should His research for the book began modern Chicago, you can’t do Under Hirsch’s leadership, have a role, we always have Arnie in the aftermath of Chicago riots without Hirsch’s work,” Coates the Midlo Center for New Or- and his goals in mind.”

Biologist Clelmer Bartell Blended His Passions for Nature and Art CLELMER KAY “CLEL” at Tulane University brought him bers say, Bartell exhibited a strong growing soft shell crab industry. Bartell, a biologist who taught to New Orleans. In 1969, he was interest in nature as well as a keen Bartell is survived by his University of New Or- hired onto the faculty of intellect and artistic proclivity, all longtime friend and companion leans students for more the University of New of which he was able to employ in of 45 years, Carl J. Hardy, and sis- than three decades, died Orleans as an assistant his role as a researcher, academic ter, Carrie Bartell of Colorado, as Nov. 6, 2017. He was 83. professor. and instructor. well as extended family in South Originally from Over his career, Bartell contributed research Carolina. A memorial service Indiantown, SC, Bartell Bartell taught classes that focused on identifying and honoring his life was held Nov. earned a bachelor’s de- in biology and physiol- quantifying harmful chemicals in 18 at Trinity Episcopal Church in gree from North Caro- ogy. His chief research the Mississippi River, which were New Orleans. lina’s Davidson College Clelmer Kay interests were com- accumulating in soil and aquatic Donations in Bartell’s honor in 1957 and a doctorate “Clel” Bartell parative physiology and organisms. He also worked closely can be made to the William “Bill” in zoology from Duke endocrinology, using with Michael Poirrer, then-chair Chandler Fund of Indiantown University in 1964. Soon after, a crustaceans as a model system. of the Department of Biological Church or any environmental postdoctoral fellowship in biology From a young age, family mem- Science, on research involving the advocacy organization.

50 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 James ‘Jim’ May Helped Shape Psychology Department LONGTIME RESEARCH balance and eye movements and of New Orleans in 1969 as an named professor emeritus. professor James George “Jim” feelings of motion sickness and assistant professor soon after His academic awards May, one of the earliest gradu- other disorders. receiving his Ph.D. Daughter included an LSU Distinguished ates and faculty members in Born in Chicago and raised Zoe May Smith says letters reveal Faculty Fellowship Award, the University of New in New Orleans, May that her father was excited to be Fulbright Scholar Research Fel- Orleans Department graduated from De a part of a growing program. “He lowship, Fogarty Scholarship and of Psychology, died on La Salle High School really did feel like he wanted his the Endowed Villere Chair for Jan. 8. He was 77. and served four years work to make the most impact,” Research in Neuroscience. He Trained as a physi- in the U.S. Air Force. says Smith (M.S., ’97). authored more than 250 publica- ological psychologist, In 1965, he received May was a full-time member tions and posters and received May was fascinated a bachelor’s degree in of UNO’s faculty for 32 years, more than 30 research grants. by the relationship psychology from what rising to full professor in 1978. Among those he leaves are between brain activities James George was then the Louisiana He held a number of visiting his daughters, Monique May and human experi- “Jim” May State University in New professorships, including at the Casey and Zoe May Smith, and ence and behavior. Orleans. He continued University of Melbourne, the two grandchildren, Camille and Throughout his career, he used to pursue psychology, getting University of Tasmania and the William Smith. May was remem- electrophysiological and psycho- a master’s at the University of Pennsylvania College of Optom- bered during a Jan. 13 memorial physical techniques to research Southern Mississippi in 1966 and etry. He also conducted research service at Bagnell & Son Funeral visual perception, cognition a doctorate at the University of at the Kresge Hearing Research Home in Covington, La. and vestibular processes—how Houston in 1969. Laboratory of the South. He re- the inner ear and brain control May joined the University tired from UNO in 2001 and was

HRT Faculty Member David Njite Relished Role of Mentor DAVID NJITE, A BELOVED But Kim Williams, profes- friend. Dr. Njite molded futures topic relevant to field of hospitality faculty member who was known sor and director of the Kabacoff and never failed to go out of his or tourism management. for making key connections with School, says, more than anything way to help his students become Besides his scholarly work, students in the Lester else, it was Njite’s passion more successful. There was Njite also was a jovial colleague, E. Kabacoff School of for student development nothing he did half-way and that Williams said. When he arrived Hotel, Restaurant and that stood apart. When is something that will never go in the mornings, he often would Tourism Administra- in 2016 the University unnoticed.” sing out his greeting—“I’m here! tion, died in March fol- launched MoMENtum, Njite’s work has appeared Whoooo’s home?” Then, he would lowing a sudden illness. a program designed to in the Journal of Hospitality and make his rounds through the floor, He was 53. pair African-American Tourism Research, The Cornell asking his colleagues how they Originally from male students with Hotel Quarterly, Journal of Qual- were. He usually appeared in class Kenya, Njite joined the David Njite faculty and staff men- ity Assurance in Hospitality and wearing a suit and tie, Williams University of New Or- tors, Njite enthusiasti- Research, Journal of Food Service said, and he was a stickler for keep- leans in 2012 as assistant professor cally signed up and remained a Business Research, Journal of Ser- ing his commitments. of hotel, restaurant and tourism committed mentor through the vices Research and International On the occasions when administration. He held a Ph. D. program ever since. Journal of Contemporary Hospital- Williams traveled with Njite to aca- in human nutrition and food “The students loved him,” ity Management. demic conferences, she said, people management from The Ohio State Williams says. “He cared so much He was twice recipient of would line up to tell him hello. The University and was on faculty at and he did anything to help them.” the “Best Paper Award” at the bonds he’d formed while advis- Oklahoma State University before Senior HRT major Jasmine International Council on Hotel, ing doctoral students seemed to moving to New Orleans. Devonne Jackson says she was Restaurant, and Institutional Edu- stand the test of time, she said—his At UNO, Njite distinguished struggling, like many, with news cation (ICHRIE) and his work has former students made it clear they himself as both a researcher and of Njite’s passing. He was funny been among the finalists for the enjoyed reconnecting with him. advisor. His research emphasized and upbeat, she says. He told Cornell Quarterly Award for the “He was a positive energy but a multi-disciplinary approach corny jokes and delightful stories. “Published Article of the Year.” He also a huge inspiration,” senior that applies several aspects of “I know I am not the only life has also received the prestigious HRT major Kristyn Williams psychology to investigate and Dr. Njite touched,” Jackson says. W. Bradford Wiley Memorial Re- says. “He believed far more in his explain consumer behavior in the “He was an incredible educator, search Award for Research, which students, especially in me, than we hospitality and tourism context. an honorable mentor and a good honors a superior publication on a ever did in ourselves.”

SPRING 2018 SILVER & BLUE 51 Enhanced Tranquility THE WATER FEATURE ON THE WALK BETWEEN Earl K. Long Library and the Amphitheater has long contributed to the University of New Orleans’ tranquil campus scenery. Today, thoughtful landscaping of the scene in front of the Administration Building includes several places to sit, study, visit and enjoy the calming sounds of water falling into water. In the fall, the University named the sitting area overlooking the fountain the Robert W. Merrick/Latter & Blum Patio in honor of one of UNO’s most dedicated donors. As chairman and CEO of Latter & Blum, Merrick and his company are responsible for more than $2 million in gifts to the city’s only public research university.

52 SILVER & BLUE SPRING 2018 Join us on May 12, 2018 for the 7th annual Crawfish Mambo at the University of New Orleans. Spend the day sampling dozens of different crawfish boils from teams competing for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights. Enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish, live music, an artists village, a kids tent, and more. Come out for a full day of fun! Saturday, May 12 | 11am – 5pm University of New Orleans Campus $25 pre-sale or $35 at the gate Live entertainment to include: Robin Barnes, James Andrews & The Crescent City Swing, Phunky Monkeys and Corey Henry & Treme Funktet. Plus Peel 'N Eat, an all-you-can-eat contest!

crawfishmambo.com sponsored by: NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CHAMPAIGN, IL PERMIT NO. 453