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2010 SCHEDULE SEPT. 4 MCNEESE ST. OCT. 16 SOUTH ALABAMA SEPT. 11 WEBBER INTERNATIONAL OCT. 30 NORTH DAKOTA SEPT. 18 SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA NOV. 6 GEORGIA ST. SEPT. 25 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN NOV. 13 SOUTH DAKOTA OCT. 2 SAM HOUSTON ST. NOV. 20 OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE ST. OCT. 9 LANGSTON UNIVERSITY

HOME AWAY TEXT LAMAR TO 41411 • LAMARCARDINALS.COM • 880-1715 CadenceCARDINAL VOL. 38 NO. 1 | FEBRUARY 2010

Magazine Design: Mike Rhodes From the President Cover illustration: Mike Rhodes, Cynthia Hicks CARDINAL DEPARTMENTS All across campus, we see evidence of vibrant changes taking place Cadence at our university. The Staff 20 On campus 38 Arts & Culture 42 Athletics 46 Class notes Record numbers of graduates led us to hold two commence- Cardinal Cadence is published by the Division of University ment ceremonies in December. Growing enrollment—we set an Advancement, , a member of The Texas all-time State University System and an affirmative action, equal record enrollment of 14,054 this spring—has led us to opportunity educational institution. FEATURES initiate construction of a fifth phase of Cardinal Village. When these new residences open this fall, Lamar will have on-campus Brian Sattler, Executive Editor, Director of Public Relations 12 Rodeo ready student housing for more than 2,500 students. Cynthia Hicks ’89, ’93, Editor, Publication Specialist Pam Springer ’69 has moved up from cowhand Lamar is already a top-producer of chemical engineers. The new expansion to Cherry Larry Acker, Assistant Director, Writer to head wrangler as a Houston Livestock Show Engineering will help accommodate growth in our program, specifically the Ph.D. in chemical Beth Gallaspy ’09, Marketing Specialist, Writer and Rodeo volunteer engineering. Across campus, Lamar’s many music majors will also enjoy vastly improved Louise Wood, Media Specialist, Writer 46 accommodations when the renovation of the music building is complete. Frances Simpson ’95, Senior Administrative Associate 13 Sects under siege The return of football to Lamar’s sports slate has prompted much construction including Stuart Wright ties decades of research together Contributors: in a landmark study of government raids on the renovation of , the Dan F. and Sandra A. Smith Press Box, Cathleen Cole, Sharon Forret, Brian Henry, Patrick Murray, religious communities construction of the new athletic complex and installation of the state-of-the-art playing surface Amanda Rowell, Rush Wood, writing on Bud Leonard Field. Meanwhile, Coach and the football staff continue signing Keith Carter, Michelle Cate, Dwaine Cox, Houston Livestock TM 16 A passion for gifted education 13 outstanding recruits, running drills and coaching the Cardinals as they prepare for their first Show and Rodeo , Brandon Gouthier, Keith Huckabay, Angeline Smith, Todd Stringer, Rohn Wenner, photography Dorothy Sisk has traveled the world on behalf season on the gridiron. Fans are getting ready too, with season ticket sales and reservations for of gifted children tailgating now under way. Circulation includes 67,000 copies distributed to alumni, 78 Expansion of Lamar’s dual credit and Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences programs faculty, staff and friends of Lamar University. If you have 18 Word view received more than one copy of this publication, please through our distance education division in partnership with Higher Ed Holdings will introduce A life of learning accompanied John Via ’86 let us know. these excellent opportunities to more than 500,000 Texas high school juniors and seniors’ as on his climb to VP of Alcon well as more than 680,000 Texans who began but did not complete their college education. On Changes of address may be sent to: campus and online, these are exciting days at Lamar University. University Advancement, 28 Music biz P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710, or by Today, Steve Moore ’79 handles tours of top Alumni and friends of your university have continued to respond to the call to invest in E-mail: [email protected] 910 the future of Lamar. The $62 million raised thus far is the dynamic underpinning to students’ music artists THE FACE OF THE CAMPAIGN daily lives—helping them get the education they need through generous scholarships, supporting Division of University Advancement 16 INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Internships expand students’ horizons Lamar’s growing academic programs, and offering students research opportunities and experiences Camille Mouton, Vice President 30 , Director of Planned Giving Beck Fellow Jennifer Mikel gained a global otherwise unobtainable. Funds raised toward the $100 million goal are also fashioning a vastly Floyd F. McSpadden Jr. Janice Trammell ’85, ’93, Director of Development 4 Coach of champions perspective in Ghana improved campus—from the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center to new athletics fields Tracie Bryan Craig, Director of University Reception Centers Former students, family remember and recognize and the top-notch, renovated Provost Umphrey Stadium. I invite you to join with us in moving Coach P.O. Box 10011 34 Moving forward Lamar University to a new level of excellence by Investing in the Future today. Beaumont, Texas 77710 Rex and Ruth Goode Typical 80-hour weeks don’t slow down (409) 880-8419 or fax (409) 880-8409 6 Carl Griffith Jr. ’81, ’83, ’87 The couple expressed their love of music and the With Cardinal Pride, arts through a planned gift Lamar University Alumni Office 37 Black gold, Texas tea When visiting campus, you’re invited to stop by the 7 Video vital to victory Drilling engineer Jimmy Stark ’78 has designed Alumni Office at the John Gray Center, Building B, Gift from Conn’s Inc. equips a first-class video wells from Texas to Thailand 855 Florida, Suite 102. viewing and editing facility 28 James M. Simmons 56 Top brass President Juan Zabala ’07, Executive Director of Alumni Affairs and Advancement Services 8 Valero to LU Scott Gearhart ’94 plays trumpet as one of Lamar University LU Alumni Office Valero Energy Foundation gives $1 million for “The President’s Own” P.O. Box 10005 engineering student scholarships Beaumont, Texas 77710 58 Mining for treasure (409) 880-8921, or (800) 298-4839 9 Tennis, anyone? Business takes CEO Nick Carter ’75 from E-mail: [email protected] Jennifer ’84 and Greg Thompson dedicate a gift THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM Silsbee to Saudi Arabia www.lamar.edu/alumni for top-to-bottom renovation, creating the BOARD OF REGENTS Thompson Family Tennis Center Janice Trammell, Executive Director Ken Craycraft, Interim Chancellor | Austin Lamar University Foundation 58 P.O. Box 11500 10 Score big Ron Blatchley, Chairman | Bryan Trisha S. Pollard | Bellaire Beaumont, Texas 77710 Education First Federal Credit Union backs (409) 880-2117 Cardinal athletics with $1 million contribution Charlie Amato, Vice Chairman | San Antonio Michael Truncale | Beaumont Kevin Lilly | Houston Greg Wilkinson | Dallas LAGNIAPPE Ron Mitchell | Horseshoe Bay Donna Williams | Arlington Cardinal Cadence (USPS 017-254) is published biannually 32 Cardinal Views David Montagne | Beaumont by Lamar University, Division of University Advancement, 855 E. Florida, Beaumont, Texas 77705. 60 Football season tickets 34 On sale now 2 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 3 CAMPAIGN IMPACT

The respect and affection Glass had for Higgins and accepted the challenge of mov- He moved on to Baylor University as a his players was readily reciprocated. ing up to the NCAA College Division backfield coach before taking over the “I had immense and total respect for level,” said Joe Lee Smith, who was Lamar’s Cardinals program from Higgins. Coach Glass,” said Bart Simmons ’78, ’79, a sports information director when Glass “If you talk to the guys who played for three-year letterman as a Cardinals offensive was head coach and Higgins was athletic Vernon and those who worked with him, lineman. “He was the best example of a true director. “In his second season, we started you’ll find out what an outstanding person Coach of players’ coach. a string of three-straight conference champi- he was,” Smith said. “He was dedicated to “He related to the players, was at ease onships. doing things the right way—as a coach and

VERNON GLASS around them and talked openly with them. “Soon after that, we took another big as a person. He was clearly a class act.” More importantly, he motivated them. We step up when we went to the University He also was a gifted storyteller who all wanted to play our best for Coach Glass. Division 1A level. That was a huge step became a sought after banquet speaker dur- We wanted to play like champions.” because Vernon then started having a hard ing his days in Beaumont, according to champions In recognition of Glass’s legacy, the time competing on our limited resources.” football media guides of the time. Cardinals football practice field was dedicat- Glass, who died in 2005, had an Simmons, a Distinguished Alumnus ed this fall as the Coach Vernon Glass Field impressive record as a player and coach even and member of the College of Business of Champions. Improvements to the field— before coming to Lamar. He had been an Board of Advisors, often heard Glass say including a new covered pavil- that games were won or lost on ion—were made possible by a the practice field, not in the sta- $200,000 gift from Simmons dium. “Naming the practice by Beth Gallaspy and his wife, Martye (Sculley) field the Coach Vernon Glass Simmons ’78, to Lamar’s His whole purpose was to Field of Champions is appropri- igh expectations Investing in the Future compre- make those around him better. ate and is the best way I know defined Vernon hensive campaign. to honor him and all of the Glass. As Lamar “We’re delighted in the gift He truly cared about the players players, coaches and many other University’s head and in the memory of all the and the other“ coaches. It was folks associated with Lamar football coach from wonderful things Coach Glass football whom he inspired dur- 1963-1975, Glass did here at Lamar University,” about winning, but it was ing his important tenure as challenged his players to do their best every said Athletic Director Billy head coach,” Simmons said. Htime and to learn from their mistakes when Tubbs. The two became friends mostly about the players. Glass’s family agreed they fell short. That attitude carried when Tubbs was an assistant —DIANA (GLASS) THIBODEAUX ’77 wholeheartedly. “Naming the through to all aspects of his life. coach during Glass’s practice field after our father is “He had high expectations for every- tenure as head football coach. the perfect tribute to him. The thing,” said Glass’s daughter Diana (Glass) “He won championships, life-lessons that he taught on Thibodeaux ’77. “It was not unrealistic and we want to get our pro- the practice field were persever- expectation; it was doing what you knew gram back to that level,” Tubbs said. All-State high school quarterback in Corpus ance—meaning you keep doing it until you to be the best you could do. I think that’s “Naming it the Vernon Glass Field of Christi and played a key role in Rice’s 1949 get it right—determination—if you get what he brought out in the players, too.” Champions ties in so well with what we championship and knocked down, you get right back up For Glass and his family—his wife, want to do.” win over North Carolina. He again—and respect—for success comes Marilyn Glass ’65, and their daughters, As head football coach for 13 seasons, was a three-year letterman in both football when you learn to respect each other and Thibodeaux, Lindy (Glass) Gohmert ’75 Glass led the Cardinals to four Southland and baseball at ”Rice, where he captained the work together. Those were the truths that and Patti Glass—the years in Beaumont at Conference championship titles—in 1964, 1950 football team and the 1951 baseball he believed and lived by,” Thibodeaux said Lamar were happy ones, surrounded by 1965, 1966 and 1971. He was twice named team. Later, he quarterbacked Carswell Air during the dedication ceremony. administrators, coaches and players who NCAA College Division Coach of the Force Base in its National Service Crown Thibodeaux said her father would have became like family. Year—in 1964 and 1965—and twice named win over Fort Jackson. been touched and honored by the recogni- “His whole purpose was to make SLC Coach of the Year—in 1970 and 1974. Glass started his coaching career at Del tion, especially since it came from one of his those around him better,” Thibodeaux said. At Lamar, he compiled a career record of Mar Junior College, guiding the team to the players. “He had plenty of honors through “He truly cared about the players and the 63-68-1. Junior Rose Bowl and earning honors as the years, but I think this would have meant other coaches. It was about winning, but it “Vernon took over a fairly successful Junior College Coach of the Year in 1959 the most,” she said. “Now there’s a tangible was mostly about the players.” program at the NAIA level under coach J.B. from the Texas Sports Writers Association. symbol of his legacy.”

Bart Simmons ’78, ’79, Marilyn Glass ’65 and Martye Simmons ’78 BRIAN SATTLER

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BILL NYLIN TIM FRANK to victory

or more than 50 years, Rex and Ruth Goode were loyal supporters or a program, the long-standing relationship, Conn’s want- 5,000 students and first-generation of Lamar University. one vital component of a win- ed to show its support for the university, vacuum tube computers, which gave him F ning strategy is careful analysis said Bill Nylin ’65, chairman of the board at his first opportunity to learn computer Their love of Lamar, and of the arts, led them to establish planned of game and practice video. Conn’s and a former Lamar University exec- programming. gifts that today are helping students in the arts at Lamar and a host of Thanks to a gift from Conn’s utive vice president and deputy chancellor. “It’s a personal relationship, not just a Inc., the Cardinals will have a first-class “We feel like reinstating the football corporate relationship,” Nylin said. “It goes arts organizations in Southeast Texas. F facility this fall for editing and way back.” “They both had a great love for music and art,” said President viewing video of their own plays Tim Frank, CEO and James Simmons. “Both were members of the Friends of the Arts and and those of teams they will face president of Conn’s, said he can were extremely supportive of the university, attending many events and on the gridiron. see the impact of Lamar particularly those in music and the arts.” In honor of the $150,000 We feel like reinstating the University simply by walking “Ruth was an excellent pianist, and Rex was an architect at one gift, given as part of the universi- football program . . . and getting through the company’s corpo- time employed by the university,” Simmons said. “In fact, one of our ty’s Investing in the Future com- the marching band going again will really rate headquarters in Beaumont. recital halls in the music building was his design.” prehensive campaign, the facility “Of the degreed individu- Natives of Florida, the couple came to Beaumont in 1953 when Rex inside the new athletic complex help the university attract more students als or the individuals pursuing accepted a position with a local architectural firm. He began teaching will be known as the Conn’s and improve enrollment“ and the university’s degrees, by far the vast majority architecture courses at Lamar and later became director of campus plan- Video Room. position both regionally and at the state come from Lamar,” Frank said. ning and university architect, a position he held from 1975 to 1986 when Players have an easier time “They receive a superb educa- improving their play when they and national level. We’re excited about tion but are also very well- he retired from the university. Rex was the associate architect of First can see what they are doing right rounded individuals. We very United Methodist Church, and also designed the Wesley Foundation at the opportunity, and we wanted and what they are doing wrong to be a part of this. much appreciate the value that Lamar. He was an associate architect for the remodeling of the Julie on the field. Reviewing video Lamar brings to our workforce. Rogers Theatre. Rex died Jan. 1, 2009. also will allow the Cardinals to —BILL NYLIN ’65 My personal philosophy is an Ruth taught piano and theory for 40 years, during which time she properly prepare for upcoming education is not a means to an was also an accompanist and performer. She regularly attended the games. end. It is of tremendous value annual Van Cliburn Competition in Fort Worth and was a charter member “Being able to scout your in and of itself. The maturity of the Women’s Music Club of Beaumont. Ruth died Dec. 11, 2004. opponents is one of the real critical points in program under (LU President) Jimmy and skills that Lamar brings to these indi- Simmons’ appreciation of Ruth’s talented touch on the keys extended coaching and winning,” said Athletic Simmons’ leadership and getting the march- viduals helps them to excel in our environ- to how she touched the life of his family. Both his daughter and a son Director . “We feel like this will ing band going again will really help the ment, which is one of hard work, of a very studied piano with her as young children. “I would go to their recitals help us present a first-class program to our university attract more students and practical, pragmatic approach to solving and see first hand what a wonderful teacher she was,” he said. players and our recruits. We really appreciate improve enrollment and the university’s problems and helping customers.” this gift from Conn’s.” position both regionally and at the state and Both Frank and Nylin recognize that Through the terms of their wills, they left $113,000 to the Lamar The university and the company share national levels,”” Nylin said. “We’re excited universities like Lamar can no longer rely on University Foundation to create scholarships for students in art, music a long history in Southeast Texas. Conn’s about the opportunity, and we wanted to be state funding, tuition and fees alone to sup- and theater. In addition, they gave funds from their estate to numerous began in Beaumont in 1890 as a plumbing a part of this.” port quality educational programs. “You local charities. and heating supply company and later Supporting the video room seemed an have to have the quality research programs “We are most appreciative of Rex and Ruth for leaving this wonder- expanded to offer a variety of appliances and appropriate gift, Nylin said, considering the to bring funds in to make a first-class uni- ful gift to Lamar University,” said Floyd McSpadden, director of planned electronics at a number of locations. Today, products that Conn’s sells. He said he versity, and you have to have private and giving. “Planned gifts provide for the future of Lamar University while Conn’s is a publicly traded company head- expects the return of football to bring addi- corporate donations to that as well. affording our alumni and friends the ability to balance their charitable quartered in Beaumont with more than 70 tional positive changes at a university he We understand that, and we’re supportive of interests with their financial needs.” —BKS stores in three states. Lamar University got already has seen change tremendously since it,” Nylin said.—BG its start in 1923 as a junior college a few his days as a student. When he began his blocks from the current location. Because of studies in the early 1960s, Lamar had about

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her way through school—teaching ballet, tap and jazz dance in Groves, crediting pedagogy and history instructors like Sarah Matheny, Valero to LU: Howard Mackey and John Carroll for help- ing her succeed at Lamar. She applies her degree in secondary education and her talents as a substitute teacher for St. Anne. A million for scholarships Greg, a Beaumont attorney and Port Arthur native, graduated in 1979 with an developing the college’s accounting degree from the University of industrial partnership. Valero Texas and in 1982 earned his law degree has also actively served the there. As a professional mediator, Greg Greater Beaumont Chamber enjoys the intellectual challenge of bringing of Commerce’s committee on together two parties who seemingly can’t advancing new technologies resolve their differences to finally agree at the university and serves Jennifer '84 and Greg Thompson, left, with President James Simmons upon a mutually acceptable solution. In LARRY ACKER on the Texas Air Research 1995, he earned the M.B.A. from Harvard, Advisory Board, which but he acknowledges that it was his first provides support for initiatives college experience at Lamar that set the to promote the value of the stage for all his future successes. “My very university’s research to the Tennis, anyone? first college experience was at Lamar petroleum industry. University three days after I finished high “The Valero Energy ennis has always been a top tennis facilities in the state of Texas.” school. I took an English class with Howard Foundation proudly supports family affair for Jennifer The Thompsons have always been Perkins, who was a phenomenal teacher and BRIAN SATTLER education and is honored to (Hebert) ’84 and Greg loyal supporters of Lamar University and a wonderful person,” Thompson recalled. present this gift to Lamar Thompson. Three of the staunch believers in service to the commu- “That first class led me down a road of University to establish the Thompson’s four children nity. Greg served as president of the LU success and to a great career.” Valero Scholarship in played tennis competitively, Foundation and is co-chair for the $100 “Greg’s continued service to Lamar Engineering endowment,” and Greg has coached tennis as a volunteer million Investing in the Future comprehen- University and his leadership throughout Tfor St. Anne Catholic School in Beaumont. sive campaign. To date, the campaign for the comprehensive campaign have been Bill Klesse, left, and President James Simmons said Greg Gentry, vice presi- dent and general manager at Practices and tournaments for the St. Anne Lamar has raised more than $62 million of exemplary in so many ways,” said President tudents in Lamar’s College of Engineering will find the Valero Port Arthur tennis team were generally held at the LU its overall goal. James Simmons. “Although he didn’t grad- enhanced scholarship opportunity, thanks to a $1 million Refinery. “It has always been courts, so it was a perfect fit for the couple “We have great leadership for the uate from Lamar, he took his first college gift from the Valero Energy Foundation—the charitable part of Valero’s culture to to donate a generous gift to upgrade the campaign in Elvis Mason ’59 and Mike courses here, so we’re happy to claim him arm of Valero Energy Corp. The gift will create an endow- make a difference in the tennis facilities for the many students who Aldredge ’65, my co-chairs, as well as from as one of our own.” ment for the purpose of awarding the Valero Scholarship in communities where our employees live and work. would use the courts in years to come. the entire campaign cabinet; however, The Thompsons have a profound love Engineering. Valero recognizes the remarkable contributions of The Beaumont couple has donated Lamar felt someone was needed who was for the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Bill Klesse, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Valero Lamar University in the field of engineering, and, since $300,000 for improving the LU tennis on the ground in Beaumont and who was Greg earned the Eagle Scout distinction in SEnergy Corp., presented the gift. At the gift announcement, Klesse said, many Valero engineers are Lamar University alumni, facilities to the Investing in the Future on the university campus fairly often. As 1972 and has been involved in scouting “Engineering really helps young people form their minds, add to society we are pleased to help future engineering students comprehensive campaign. A total renova- the Foundation president at the time, I was ever since. Their two eldest sons, twins and become real contributors.” achieve their goals.” tion of the existing tennis building includes happy to serve when asked,” Greg said. Taylor and Tyler, are Eagle Scouts, and the “Our country needs a real scientific approach to many of its issues,” Valero Energy Corp. is a Fortune 500 company a pro shop that will double as a meeting Coaching tennis at St. Anne isn’t the youngest son, Tristan, is currently a Life Klesse said. “Training young people in the science disciplines is the wave based in San Antonio with approximately 22,000 facility as well as improvements to the rest- only call to service in the church for the Scout. Greg served as past president of the of the future.” employees and 2008 revenues of $119 billion. The room facilities and increased storage area. couple. Currently president of the diocesan Three Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of “Valero has been a faithful supporter across the board of the many company owns and operates 16 refineries throughout The Thompson Family Tennis Center will school board and a former president of the America and is a board member for the initiatives of the college,” said Jack Hopper, dean of the College of the United States, Canada and the Caribbean with also include a state-of-the art electronic St. Anne school board, Greg has worked Southern Region Boy Scouts of America, Engineering and executive assistant to the president for economic develop- a combined throughput capacity of approximately scoreboard capable of keeping scores with Catholic schools for many years. The as well as an at-large member of the ment and industrial relations. “This contribution specifically for student 3 million barrels per day, making it the largest refiner in remotely for up to six matches at once and couple co-chaired the Bishop’s Faith Appeal national board. scholarships, both undergraduate and graduate, is a tremendous boost to North America. Valero also owns and operates seven new awnings to shade spectator seating. for the Diocese of Beaumont. Their most “The boys were so involved in Boy our recruiting and retention of outstanding students, and we are very ethanol plants in the Midwest with a combined capacity “The reality for Division I athletics is recent honor from the church was a papal Scouts that our daughter, Trevor, came to grateful to the men and women of Valero for their support.” of 780 million gallons per year and is one of the nation’s you must have top-notch facilities to recruit appointment as Knight and Lady of the me years ago and wanted to know why we “Lamar does a terrific job in Southeast Texas; there’s no question largest retail operators with approximately 5,800 retail and retain top student-athletes,” said Greg Order of the Holy Sepulcher, an organiza- couldn’t also have a Girl Scout troop,” about it,” Klesse said. “We have many Lamar graduates in our company, and branded wholesale outlets in the United States, Davis, Lamar’s head coach for men’s ten- tion initially established by warrior monks Jennifer recalls. “I said, ‘Of course, we can’ and they add value to our performance and to our success.” Canada and the Caribbean under various brand names, nis. “Jennifer and Greg have now made in 1099 with the goal of protecting and and founded Brownie Troop 6386, which Valero’s support of Lamar University dates to its purchase of the Port including Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Shamrock, that possible for the Lamar tennis program. defending the Holy Land. is still active today. Whatever my kids are Arthur refinery in 2005. Valero has provided co-op and intern positions Ultramar and Beacon.—BKS We are certain the Thompson Family Jennifer is the first in her immediate involved in is where I put my energies for Lamar University students and has been a leader in organizing and Tennis Center will be viewed as one of the family to graduate from college. She worked and time.”—LA

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his fall, Cardinal fans will see the The credit union has had an office at Lamar University since commitment of Education First 1979, has been a corporate sponsor of LU athletics since 2004 and Federal Credit Union to Lamar has endowed scholarships for students at the university since 1990. University on a grand scale every “We’ve done a lot through the years to help Lamar,” Ortego time they check the stats on the new said. “When one of our former board chairmen died, we created the state-of-the-art scoreboard at Provost Tom F. Jones Honors Scholarship in his memory with a large Umphrey Stadium. The credit union’s name will be endowment that supports six or seven top-notch honors students Tthe prominent sponsor named on the scoreboard, a every year. We also created an endowed scholarship in memory of testament to the long-term relationship that has bene- Mary Katherine Bell, who taught at Lamar for many years. And, fited the university community for nearly six decades. each year, we give scholarships to more than 30 local high school Education First Federal Credit Union has signed students to attend college. Many of them come to Lamar.” on as a major sponsor of Lamar University athletics The credit union’s support also takes a hands-on approach when with a $1 million contribution. That commitment will it’s time to welcome newcomers to the campus or to share enthusi- not only be acknowledged on the scoreboard but also asm about the university with the broader community. “The credit on the marquee outside the , on union is supportive of many activities that are a part of university video boards and in game-day publications. life,” said Juan Zabala, executive director of Lamar’s alumni “This sponsorship will be a tremendous help in programs. “Education First has been involved with new student bringing football back to Lamar University,” said move-in since its inception and have been our partner in the President James Simmons. “We are very grateful for Red White & You community campaign for many years.” Education First Federal Credit Union’s support of our New-student move-in provides an opportunity for members of athletics programs.” the Beaumont community to welcome new students. Education First “Education First has had a long relationship with has been a sponsor of the move-in program since it started and has Lamar University,” said Jimmy Lackey, president of helped new students and parents to see first hand the community sup- Education First FCU. Established in 1952, the credit port for Lamar University and for its students. Red White & You is union signed on its first LU members the next year. In an annual campaign to celebrate the important connection between the decades since, both the credit union and university Lamar University and the region. Education First has participated as a have seen significant growth. Today, the credit union partner in this program for many years, helping to promote the vital has nine branch locations, more than 32,000 members relationship between Lamar and the business community. and more than $265 million in assets. Although it “The close working relationship between Lamar University and now has a community charter, the bulk of its member- our regional business community is critical to growth and expansion ship still comes from those serving in education or at Lamar and to economic development throughout our region,” Joining with the rest of the credit union’s board in supporting Cardinal athletics are Charles Starcke ’61, ’65, vice chairman, Dale Ortego, Regents’ Professor of Chemistry and chairman, Jimmy Lackey, pursuing higher education. Zabala said. “Education First has been one of our university’s most president, and Ron Jackson ’70, former CEO and member of the LU Alumni Board. “When I moved to Beaumont 40 years ago, it strident supporters and most engaged partners. It truly understands BRIAN SATTLER was called the Teachers Credit Union and was in what the importance of engaging students and faculty of this institution is now the Lamar human resources building,” said Dale Ortego, with the local business community and are committed to expanding Regents’ Professor of Chemistry, who is in his 22nd year on the economic benefits to all citizens of this region by enhancing this board of directors of the credit union and in his fourth year as chair- relationship." man. “It was started by a handful of teachers from the Beaumont “We are committed to athletics,” Lackey said. “It is an and South Park school districts. It was helpful to me and to a lot of extension of our commitment to higher education; hence our people. You could get a loan from them at a time when you couldn’t name—Education First. This gift is just another way to support get one from a bank.” what is going on at the university.” ScoreEducation First Federal Credit Unionbig backs 2010 SEASON Cardinal Athletics with a $1 million contribution SEPT. 4 MCNEESE ST. OCT. 16 SOUTH ALABAMA SEPT. 11 WEBBER INTERNATIONAL OCT. 30 NORTH DAKOTA SEPT. 18 SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA NOV. 6 GEORGIA ST. SEPT. 25 STEPHEN F. AUSTIN NOV. 13 SOUTH DAKOTA OCT. 2 SAM HOUSTON ST. NOV. 20 OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE ST. by Brian Sattler OCT. 9 LANGSTON UNIVERSITY

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10 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 11 Rodeo ready Sects under siege ach night of the 2010 Houston travel agent on Long Island, then Livestock Show and Rodeo, Pam beginning a successful career with (Dugan) Springer ’69 dons her Insurance Company of North Stuart Wright’s body of expertise has focused on he landscapes were breath- hat and chaps to ride into an arena America in Buffalo. Career advance- taking and peaceful, but the Ealive with anticipation. Springer is one of ment leaps took Springer to New high-profile cases like the Branch Davidians and scenic route hardly captured the 18 vice presidents of the volunteer York City and then to Philadelphia Oklahoma City bombing. Now, he’s expanding the gravity of the journey. organization, a coveted position and one she before she accepted the position as Its ultimate destination: has earned over the course of working each regional training director for INA in decades of research—and tying it together—with Scholarly research into rodeo for nearly three decades. Atlanta and then later returned to government raids on religious communities. Each year, she looks forward to rodeo Texas. In 1981, she joined First City a landmark study of government raids on religious DuringT a month traveling through France, time. “There is that special group of friends Bank Corp. and moved through the communities. Italy and Belgium to gather material for a you don’t see any other time,” Springer said. ranks to become manager over sales by Louise Wood new book—his fifth—Lamar University and management training. Today, scholar Stuart Wright visited the targeted she is a licensed real estate broker communities and conducted interviews and a principal with Spring-Instex with the leaders and members who were Insurance Agency. eyewitnesses to the raids.

In 1987, she was with friends MARVINS PHOTOGRAPHY KAYE From the streets of Paris and Brussels at the rodeo’s World’s to the most remote parts of the Alps and Championship Bar-B-Que Contest ers,” Springer said. One of the things she Pyrenees, he and co-author Susan Palmer when she met Jerrol, who was a rodeo finds most rewarding as a vice president is recorded 48 raids in six countries. Along member. One of the events Jerrol invited the opportunity to meet the students after the way, they also talked to scholars, her to was the calf scramble where he spon- the scholarship presentation ceremonies. officials and leaders of watchdog groups. sored an entry. “I got to go with him to “Those kids are not just going to school. Under contract with Oxford have a picture made with the little fella who They’re making 3.8 grade averages. University Press, Wright and Palmer are caught it and met his family. It just brought They’re involved in extracurricular activi- completing what they believe will be the back that this is really what I wanted to do: ties,” she said. “My husband and I are first comprehensive study ever conducted of work with kids. That’s the magical part of blessed because we have been able to sup- government raids on religious communities the rodeo.” She and Jerrol married in port the auctions as buyers. We get letters —from Central and West Texas to August 1987. from the kids that are incredible—to read European locales. Storming Zion: Exploring Springer’s first rodeo committee was what they’re doing and the life experiences HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™ LIVESTOCK HOUSTON State Raids on Religious Communities, is the international committee. Soon, her they’re having. It gives you a great sense of scheduled for publication in late 2011. For many of the 22,000 volunteers, the interests drew her to join the School Art hope and optimism for the future,” she said. “We have a contract in hand with rodeo becomes a family. Springer met her Committee, and, in 2002, she was selected Springer is only the fifth woman to be advances toward royalties,” Wright said. husband, Jerrol, there in 1987. That meet- to head the spin-off School Art Auction elected vice president in the 78-year history “Oxford loved it. This has been a delightful ing began not only a personal love affair still Committee. She was elected a director of of the rodeo, but she just calls her fellow surprise because I have never had the expe- growing strong but also rekindled her love the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo veeps her 17 brothers. “I want to make my rience of sending off the prospectus the first for working with children. and, last year, a vice president. “It is an mark as a good vice president, not as a time when the editor said, ‘We love this. Springer began professional life as a extreme honor and a form of recognition for female vice president, but it’s interesting We’ll take it.’ Usually, you have to work it, teacher in Port Arthur at her own elemen- those who have spent their time and how many women come up and say, ‘We negotiate it, and then it goes back and forth tary school, DeQueen, and in Beaumont resources to make a significant contribution like this girl power.’” and extends out for six months or a year. and Houston after earning a degree in ele- to the show,” she said. The money the com- During the seven months of the year This one, they grabbed immediately. We got mentary education with an art specialization mittees raise funds scholarships for students outside rodeo commitments, she and Jerrol, pretty excited.” from Lamar, where she became an Alpha attending Texas schools. Since 1957, the who has owned his own insurance company Wright and Palmer have studied new Delta Pi officer and was an Alpha Tau show has committed more than $140 mil- for more than four decades, like to travel. or alternative religious communities for Omega sweetheart and Les Belles finalist. lion in educational support. Today, 2,092 They have a 100-acre ranch outside Boerne more than 25 years and have published “It was a good, rich college experience,” students receive show scholarships and and a home in Palm Springs, Calif. extensively in the field. Their latest project she said. attend 90 different Texas colleges and uni- A lifetime of experiences have led her Stuart Wright stands outside the Hall of Justice in Paris. is significant, Wright said, because “it gives After several years as a teacher—a natu- versities. full circle back to where her heart is, helping validity to an important international ral inclination from age 3, Springer moved “The show is basically reinvesting in young Texans as they learn and grow to research endeavor . . . I am confident this with friends to New York, working first as a Texas. These students are our future lead- shape the state’s future.—CH

12 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 13 book will have a lot of staying power and better-organized activity by cultural legitimate violations of law in groups investigation or to serve search and arrest will speak to people not just here but also opponents—moral campaigns to pressure labeled as ‘cults’ shouldn’t be investigated warrants.” abroad.” authorities to act . . . In sum, we do not by authorities, we are questioning why Wright has been studying raids on Wright, who is the book’s lead author, think these raids are coincidental, random these groups are selectively targeted for religious communities since the late 1970s. is known internationally as an authority on or spontaneous, but, rather, are linked raids and why they warrant such drastic “We have watched these over the years and religious and political movements and across space and time to a common set of measures. Raids are the most extreme form can see patterns developing. Cases tended violence. He has been a consultant, legal variables.” of enforcement, usually reserved for terror- to fall apart because the allegations would advisor or expert witness in high-profile “Opponents have gotten much more ist organizations, drug cartels or gangs. The be inflated or exaggerated. A lot of times, litigation such as the Branch Davidian civil organized internationally,” said Wright. rationale for raids on religious communities people would have other motives, and case, the Oklahoma City bombing case “State investigations or enforcement opera- raises critical questions. In nearly all these there would be all kinds of other dynamics involving Timothy McVeigh and, most tions have become more and more paramil- cases, the use of government raids is entire- involved.” recently, the case involving the itary . . . It’s bizarre, like they’re attacking ly excessive and disproportionate to any He added, “I think the body of schol- Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS), terrorist groups. We’re trying to find out genuine threat posed by the religious arship on new religious movements has who were raided by Texas officials in 2008. why that’s the case.” groups. Yet, repeatedly, we see these raids grown, particularly in the last 20 years with At Lamar, he is a professor of sociology Wright departed in late May for Paris, are used on religious communities both the advent of some new journals. and director of research in the Office of where he met Palmer, a professor at here and abroad. Why?” Conferences I attend now tend to be much Dawson and Concordia col- French police raid a Buddhist community in the French Alps. After the incident at Eldorado, more international. We’ve become aware of leges in Montreal, Canada, Wright and Palmer began to think about raids that probably otherwise we wouldn’t and a colleague for 25 years know about . . . When we got to the who speaks fluent French. point where my co-author and I were “We took up a frantic going to look at this, we were already It occurred to us that nobody pace,” Wright said. aware that this had a strong interna- had ever done a comprehensive They interviewed Church tional scope and, in fact, France is the study on these raids . . . We had of Scientology leaders in most problematic area in all North Paris, where they visited a America and Europe because its laws no idea about numbers. I don’t courtroom where a trial to are very Draconian.” think anybody did. ban Scientology was under Wright is working on two “—STUART WRIGHT way. Outside the Hall of books simultaneously: Storming Zion and Justice, they observed a caval- an edited volume with a co-editor that cade of police cars lined up focuses entirely on the Eldorado incident. “in case there was an adverse He is negotiating with New York decision.” University Press on the latter volume. Research and Sponsored Programs, having While in Paris, the researchers also Susan Palmer stands outside the International Society for “As a scholar,” Wright said, “you have joined the faculty in 1985 after earning a interviewed leaders of a Sikh group Krishna Consciousness training center in Belgium. to step back and take a much broader view Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut. that had been raided in Belgium just a of religion. The breadth of claims people In 1999, he was recognized as University month before they arrived. In Brussels, there, including a couple that were way up can make is unlimited. Scholar, Lamar’s highest honor for research they met with human rights organizations, in the Alps where access was only by gravel The Damanhur organization’s complex in northern “I have never been interested in ortho- ”and scholarly activities, among a long list of with attorneys who had represented some roads that were not very well maintained. It Italy provided a ‘visually stunning’ setting. dox, mainstream, conventional religion academic accolades. of these groups in litigation and some non- was a real adventure in the little Peugeot. because it seems to me that it becomes In addition to advances from the pub- governmental organizations. We’re not talking about a Jeep or a four- what they were doing initially, and it got the phenomenon of the raids differently. “It routine and ritual. With new religions, or lisher, Wright has received a grant from the “We drove the distance of France wheel drive. It was a little scary. them into a little trouble. They were raided occurred to us that nobody had ever done a first-generation religions, where you have Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, twice. We put 6,000 kilometers on a rental “And then we drove to northern Italy, twice by the government.” comprehensive study on these raids,” somebody who is a visionary or a prophet while Palmer has obtained grants from the car,” Wright said. “These groups were scat- about an hour north of Milan in the ••••••••••••••• Wright said. “We were surprised how many or a guru or self-appointed messiah, it’s like Canadian government, to support their tered all over the country, and many of Piedmont Valley, to meet with an organiza- In April 2008, state police launched a [there were] when we started documenting being in a laboratory watching religion travel and field work. them were in fairly remote areas. So we tion called Damanhur, which I found to be raid on the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus them. We had no idea about numbers. I being born. I find it absolutely fascinating.” “We want to examine these state raids drove all the way down to the Pyrenees, the most interesting group we visited. It’s a Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) near the don’t think anybody did.” collectively as a distinct type of phenome- almost to the Spanish border, to visit one New-Age group whose members—mostly small West Texas town of Eldorado, seizing A preliminary survey reveals non, compare cases across cultures and iso- group and spent a couple of days with women—practice an eclectic mysticism. 564 children. “This unwarranted incursion 48 state raids on new or uncon- Other books by Stuart Wright late the key factors giving rise to govern- them to conduct interviews and just do They’re into sustainable living—they’re into by the state is just one example of a trou- ventional religious communities in Leaving Cults: The Dynamics of Defection (1987) ment raids in order to test our model,” some observation. solar power and use little energy. We got a bling pattern in recent years,” Wright and six countries. Eighty-one percent Wright and Palmer wrote in their prospec- “Then we went back to Paris, because first-hand tour, and it was breathtaking. Palmer wrote in the prospectus. “In some of them occurred in the last 25 Home Cell Groups and House Churches: Emerging Alternatives tus. “Moreover, we want to explain why we had scheduled other interviews, and They mined these elaborate temples in a cases, these dramatic raids have resulted in years and 77 percent in the last 20 for the Urban Church (1987, with two co-authors) state raids have increased in number or fre- then we drove back down the eastern side mountainside, and they’re visually stunning. harmful and even deadly consequences, such years, Wright said, “suggesting Armageddon in Waco: Critical Perspectives on the Branch quency in recent years. We expect to find of the country, through the Alps and down Now it’s become a tourist site. People as the federal siege of the Branch Davidians that governments are more willing Davidian Conflict (1995) similarities and patterns that indicate gov- toward the coast—to Cannes and Nice. We come to see the temples. It’s really amaz- outside Waco, Texas, in 1993. than in the past to use these Patriots, Politics and the Oklahoma City Bombing (2007) ernment raids are products of increasing or hit six communities on the way down ing. But they didn’t tell the authorities “While we are not suggesting that tactics as crude forms of

14 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 15 Achievement Awards from the American Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, England, brought their poetry and we had this unbe- Creativity Association and the World Council Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, lievable exhibit, so when I came back, I for Gifted and Talented. She has served on Iran, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, thought, ‘We need to do something editorial boards of the Journal of Creative Russia, Netherlands, South Africa, Thailand Americans can see.’” The result was an exhi- Behavior, Gifted Education International and Turkey. She speaks Spanish, reads French bition in Washington, D.C., where “you (guest editor, 2007-2009), Understanding and can understand Portuguese. could view art from Egypt, France and all of Our Gifts, Illinois Journal of Education and Sisk is a charter member of the World the different countries. We had 55 countries Gifted and Talented International. Council for Gifted and Talented, which involved.” Recalling her years in Washington, she organized in 1975. The president of the While Sisk finds it difficult to single out has fond memories of involvement with organization, Iraj Bromand, was from Iran, one highlight of her career at Lamar, she cites President Jimmy Carter and his wife, which led to Sisk’s involvement in starting a her collaboration with Jim Westgate, profes- Rosalynn, who took a special interest in gift- school for the gifted in Tehran. When the sor of earth and space sciences, and the Texas ed education because of their daughter, Amy. revolution broke out in the country, the Governor’s Program among the most mean- “Mrs. Carter would call on a regular basis,” World Council president was put in prison, ingful. Sisk said. “We arranged for Amy to have and Sisk, who was vice president, became its She and Westgate recently received a intellectual tests and, because I identified president. $190,000 Teacher Quality Program grant school programs for her, I found from the Texas Higher myself in audience with the first Education Coordinating lady.” Board. Their Scientist-in-the George H.W. Bush was vice Schools project brought president during Sisk’s earlier teachers together with high- years in Washington, and she potential students on the credits him with advances in gift- Lamar campus for special ed education. On one occasion, seminars. he hosted a reception for senators “The student achieve- A passion for and representatives to spotlight ment level increased dramat- gifted education. She arranged ically,” Sisk said. “We found for a group of gifted children to that of the 600 kids we attend, promoting one-on-one worked with over a five-year exchanges with the congressional period, 52 percent were able guests. to qualify for the gifted pro- giftedby Louise Wood education “I looked around, and every- gram. In this program, both one had a child talking to them,” teachers and students maxi- rom Brazil to Bulgaria, Hungary to lecture topic paralleled that of her 2009 Washington, D.C., as director of the Office said Sisk. “Then Vice Presideent I have experienced that when the mized their talents.” Hong Kong and in more than 50 book, Making Great Kids Greater: Easing the of Gifted and Talented Education and as George Bush jumped up on a table gifted are empowered to lives of service, Looking to the future, Fcountries, Dorothy Sisk has traveled Burden of Being Gifted. professor of special education and coordina- and began talking about gifted edu- they enrich not only their lives, but the lives Sisk points to a grant she has the world on behalf of gifted children. She A faculty member since 1989, she is a tor of teacher training in gifted education at cation. It was absolutely amazing. written to establish a Virtual has spoken in venues from the little red professor of professional pedagogy in the the University of South Florida. He had done his homework, and of their families, their communities and, in Center that will address critical schoolhouse to the White House. She has College of Education and Human Sisk was born in Nashville, Tenn., hav- the support we received for the many cases, the nation and the world. issues: English-language learn- shared projects with heads of state and 9- Development. She is the author and co- ing arrived early while her mother was there Javits bill was a direct result of —DOROTHY SISK ers, special education and gift- year-olds alike. author of nine other books and the author on vacation. She grew up in Ohio, where that.” ed education. “Gifted education is a passion for me of chapters in two-dozen others. her father worked for an oil company and “ The Jacob Javits Gifted and A large part of Sisk’s because I am convinced that gifted young Sisk is an accomplished researcher and her mother was “a home-person extremely Talented Students Act, passed in 1988, is the She considers her work in Bulgaria a Lamar experience was her beloved home on people and adults have a great deal to offer a prolific author who has spoken all over involved in environmental issues.” She has only federal program dedicated specifically to “life highlight,” originating with a World the beach at Gilchrist—not only her sanctu- to our troubled world, and they need assis- the world. She has been project director for one son, Jeffrey, a stockbroker in San Diego. gifted and talented students. Council of Gifted and Talented colleague, ary but also the setting for classes and semi- tance in believing in their gifts and talents to significant educational initiatives, Sisk has earned scores On the state level, Sisk got to know Levcho Dravchev, who was his country’s nars. Hurricane Ike obliterated the house, do so,” said Sisk, who holds the Conn Chair receiving federal and state grants of honors, including the another future president, George W. Bush, chief of gifted people. Sisk conducted train- ”destroying a lifetime of books, art from all for Gifted Education. “I have experienced totaling more than $10 million International Research when he was governor. Working with Laura ing with psychologists and educators in over the world and cherished mementoes. “I that when the gifted are empowered to lives from 1990 to 2009. Council Commendation Bush and her efforts to promote reading, Sisk Plovdiv, a city that had maintained architec- lost everything,” she said. The weekend of service, they enrich not only their lives, When she accepted Award, Creative wrote a grant for a program called “100 ture and ambience of the 1800s. She became before her lecture, she moved into a new but the lives of their families, their commu- the Conn Chair in Education Mothers Read.” Tests revealed children par- friends with the mayor, as well as with the home on Pleasure Island. nities and, in many cases, the nation and the 1989, Sisk brought a Foundation Hall ticipating in the project began reading at well president of Bulgaria, Todor Zhikov, whose What does she do for fun? “I read,” she world.” wealth of experience in of Fame, Australian above their age levels. “The achievements of daughter had a special interest in gifted edu- said. “I learned years and years ago that no Sisk shared her passion with an audi- education for gifted and Environment the students were phenomenal, and the cation and creativity. In 1979, she took 30 matter how tired you are, or how involved ence of several hundred Nov. 2, presenting talented students, ranging Education involvement of their parents was super too,” gifted children from the United States to you are in something that may be quite odi- the 23rd annual Distinguished Faculty from teaching in public Association Council Sisk said. Bulgaria for a “Banner of Peace” convention. ous, that if you crawl between the pages of a Lecture, sponsored by ExxonMobil. Her schools to service in Award and Lifetime Her international destinations include “The kids brought their art, they book, there are friends waiting for you.”

16 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 17 how technically savvy you may be. But it’s not all work, school and travel for the pharmaceutical executive. Via played high school football in Alexandria, Va. An injury sustained during his senior year interrupted his college football ambitions, and he started playing rugby during his undergraduate days at the University of Virginia. He still enjoys World view playing with the Fort Worth Rugby Club, which won five Texas Inveterate curiosity and a team spirit drive and Western U.S. championships and a national championship in John Via to reach the pinnacle both in 2000. For the past five years, he has played extensively with the master’s-level Virginia Cardinals Rugby Club, playing matches pharmaceuticals and on the playing field. and tournaments across the United States and Europe. by Larry Acker “It’s a great game,” Via said of rugby. “With rugby, it’s all ife-long learning is seem- Traveling so often to so many far-flung locales presents about being a cog in the wheel; it requires a true team effort to ingly a way of life for John tremendous challenges and demands careful planning. Via be successful.” Via ’86, vice president of reminisced with amusement about being deported from Always looking for a new challenge, Via set a goal in 2008 manufacturing for Alcon Brazil while making a trip to Sao Paulo. He, and a group of to run a marathon and completed his first in October of the same Laboratories Inc. Global 10 corporate engineering employees, applied for multi-year year. He has now completed three full marathons and more than Pharmaceutical Operations. visas, but, because the visa was written in Portuguese, he 20 half marathons. Via is an active member of the Susan G. Via earned his first master’s degree from didn’t realize he had received a single-entry visa instead of Komen Marathon for the Cure team. His next challenge will be LamarL University in engineering science in the multi-year visa he expected. On the second trip to Brazil the London Marathon in April 2010. 1986, two master’s degrees from Drexel in 1999, he discovered the visa had expired, and he was Via decided to pursue a master’s degree in engineering sci- University in 1991 and 1994, and two master’s degrees escorted to a holding area until the next flight out of Brazil. ence at Lamar University while he was working for Beaumont’s from Southern Methodist University in 2003 and 2007. He Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. In 1986, Hurricane Juan knocked also completed the Program for Management Development out all the power to the area while he was working on his mas- at Harvard Business School in 2001. Add to this a bache- ter’s thesis to complete a computer simulation. He recalls spend- lor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a doctoral ing what seemed like days on end living at the Goodyear plant, degree in engineering, also from SMU, and you have what I have lived what I consider to running the simulations needed to complete his degree require- some might consider a career student. be a semi-charmed life and believe ments on time. “I enjoy reading and learning and do not watch much it is important to give back to the “John is an individual with one of the highest energy levels I television, except for sports and the news,” Via said. “I’m community and open as many doors have ever known. His interests in such a wide variety of areas is always on the go and try to use my time productively.” for others as possible.“ It is important overwhelming,” said Jack Hopper, dean of Lamar’s College of As a self-described “hands-on” manager for Alcon’s to make every day count. Engineering. “Even when he was a graduate student, I found him eight pharmaceutical manufacturing plants across the world, to be an exceptional advocate for Lamar. I take great pride in his —JOHN VIA Via is constantly on the move. With plants in Mexico, active participation on our engineering advisory councils.” Brazil, Belgium, France and Spain; two manufacturing facili- Among the awards and accolades he has garnered are Control ties in Fort Worth; and a new plant under construction in magazine’s Engineer of the Year award in 1996. He is a member Singapore, it’s no wonder Via spends as much as 120 days of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering, the each year traveling. “When customs officials recognize you “I flew 11 hours from D/FW to Sao Paulo, spent four American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Parental Drug by sight at many international airports,” he said, “you’re hours in the airport and flew 11 hours back to D/FW,” Via Association. He serves on the Lamar University College of doing a good deal of traveling.” said. “My trip report consisted of a review of the wine cart Engineering Advisory Council, Chemical Engineering Advisory Alcon is the world’s leader in ophthalmology and eye- and the in-flight movies for the two flights.” Council and the Chemical Engineering Ph.D. Advisory Board. care products with nearly 15,000 employees worldwide. Via contends the concepts you learn in engineering are Via also serves on the board of directors for several organizations, Alcon doesn’t make the contact lenses, but they manufacture not much different from” the skills you need as a good man- including the Alcon Foundation, Prevent Blindness, SafeHaven of almost everything else associated with eye-care, such as ager. You are trying to communicate effectively and solve Tarrant County and the Arts Council of Fort Worth. devices for cataract patients, custom surgical packs for eye technical problems, especially at a pharmaceutical company “I have lived what I consider to be a semi-charmed life and surgeons and an array of prescription and over-the-counter like Alcon, he said. As an occasional adjunct professor at believe it is important to give back to the community and open as products for the eyes. With annual sales of more than $6 bil- both Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist many doors for others as possible. It is important to make every lion, Alcon accounts for more than a quarter of the global University, he requires his engineering students to work in day count.” eye-care market. The pharmaceutical company has been teams, make presentations and lead class discussions to learn He and his wife, Julie, make their home in Fort Worth. They selected as one of the Fortune 100 best companies to work how to communicate. He believes that if you can’t commu- have two children, Laura, a college student, and Jason, a high for each of the last 11 years. nicate effectively, you will not get the job done, no matter school junior.

18 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 19 on campus on campus

Lamar noted as top producer Growth spurs commencement second showing of chemical engineering Lamar University is entering a new era, thanks “The impetus for this change is Lamar to increasing enrollment and graduating classes University’s enrollment growth in general and master’s grads too large for a single commencement ceremony. the expansion of our online degree programs, Lamar University was recently recognized in Chemical & Engineering For the first time, Lamar hosted two cere- in particular,” News magazine for producing the nation’s most master’s degrees in monies for December commencement. Two cere- Doblin said. chemical engineering. The honor recognizes the 34 master’s degrees monies also will be held Saturday, May 15, 2010. “Approximately produced by the department between 2007 and 2008, outranking “This, of course, is a wonderful problem 1,100 master’s such institutions as Massachusetts Institute of Technology and to have, and it is exciting that we are meeting degrees were Stanford. the educational needs of such a broad range of awarded to “We are pleased to see Lamar’s name appear in a national publi- students from throughout Texas and beyond,” Academic cation and are encouraged to learn that our master’s program attract- said Stephen Doblin, provost and vice president Partnerships stu- ed more students than other master’s programs in the nation,” said for academic affairs. “It is clear that Lamar is dents last August, Thomas Ho, chair the university of choice at both the undergradu- and several hun- CHEM ENGINEERING GRADUATES of the chemical ate and graduate levels for more and more dred more fin- Top 10 producers for 2007–08 engineering students every year.” ished in time for December com- Joe Domino ‘75, CEO of MASTER’S GRADUATES department. EntergyTexas, delivered the “Our goal for mencement. 1 Lamar University 34 “Our num- keynote during the second com- the program has mencement ceremony Dec. 18. 2 Massachusetts Institute of Technology 30 always been to bers have reached 3 University of Southern California 29 provide our stu- a tipping point. It’s a new era for Lamar University,” said Kevin Smith, senior associate 4 University of South Florida 27 dents with the best possible education provost. 5 Texas A&M University, Kingsville 25 at Lamar and State Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), a veteran 6 Illinois Institute of Technology 20 prepare them to leader in the Texas Legislature was keynote speaker for the August ceremony. Zaffirini serves as chair of 7 University of Florida 19 pursue successful the Senate Higher Education Committee and as a careers in chemical Offices move to downtown member of the Senate Finance, Health and Human 7 Stanford University 19 Petula Clark sang, “Things’ll be great when you’re downtown.” Lamar engineering. This Services, Economic Development and Gerald McElvy, president of the ExxonMobil 9 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 17 ranking appears to and the City of Beaumont agreed. LU’s continuing education pro- Administration committees. She is the first Hispanic Foundation, left, talks with Regent Michael Truncale indicate that we grams and the Small Business Development Center have moved to woman to serve as president pro tempore of the before the Dec. 18 commencement ceremony. 10 Lehigh University 16 Texas Senate and as governor for a day. have achieved this Beaumont’s downtown library. The center provides free, one-on-one McElvy delivered the first keynote address. 10 University of Washington 16 goal and our stu- consulting and affordable training seminars. Expert consultants help business owners and entrepreneurs work through management, mar- SOURCE: Report of the ACS Committee on Professional Training, 2008 dents recognize the value of a chemical keting, finance and operational business issues. Instructors share their engineering degree from Lamar University.” real-world, practical business experience in training sessions. The cen- Landmark drive receives facelift For more information about the Dan F. Smith Department of ter’s offices are located on the lower level of the Beaumont Public Lamar University and the community celebrated the reopening of the Christophers,” Simmons said. “It is a great day to honor Rolfe Chemical Engineering, call (409) 880-8784 or visit Library. Division of Continuing Education offices for the Non-Credit, Rolfe Christopher Drive in September—a landmark for the universi- Coy Christopher because Rolfe Christopher Drive really symbolizes dept.lamar.edu/chemicalengineering/. Adult Studies and Community Outreach Programs are now located ty and a legacy for an ardent supporter of Lamar. the relationship that the university has with this community.” on the ground floor of the Beaumont Public Library. The new thoroughfare, from East Virginia to Florida Avenue Christopher—a longtime civic leader who served as a city council- and from Florida to Cardinal Drive, man, port commissioner and county commis- creates a safer environment for the sioner—lived in South Park until his death in At the podium April 6 mix of vehicular and pedestrian traf- 1992 at 73. The College of Arts and Vowell offers personal, often-humorous accounts of everything fic, with curbs, bicycle lanes, wide “My dad never spent a day in the class- Sciences’ spring Academic from presidents and their assassins to colonial religious fanatics, as medians and a number of crosswalks. room and earned no degree, but he was a great Lecture Series will present well as thoughts on American Indians, utopian dreamers, pop Lamar officials gathered with encourager to every president, every department Sarah Vowell, the New York music and the odd cranky cartographer. Her most recent book, The city and county leaders for the Sept. chair, every teacher, student and athlete he Times best-selling author of Wordy Shipmates, examines the Puritans and their journey to and 3 ribbon-cutting and dedication of encountered,” said his son, representing the five non-fiction books on impact on America. Assassination Vacation (2005) is a road trip to the $8 million project, which also Christopher family at the ceremony. “My dad American history and culture. tourist sites devoted to the murders of Presidents Lincoln, Garfield improved drainage around campus. loved Lamar.” She will speak at 7:30 p.m. and McKinley. Vowell is a frequent guest on late-night talk shows Christopher’s wife, Virginia, rode in April 6 in the University and is the voice of teen super-hero Violet Parr in The Incredibles. For a bright-red convertible down the From left, President James Simmons, Theatre. By examining the information on the lecture, call (409) 880-8508. new thoroughfare Cheryl Christopher, Gary Christopher, Big Red and Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames connections between the “If there was ever a first family celebrate the grand reopening of Rolfe American past and present, of South Park, it would certainly be SARAH VOWELL Christopher Drive.

20 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 21 on campus on campus

Speech and hearing awarded grant Beyond the classroom to benefit patients with Parkinson’s As UP editor, Julie Garcia works to keep Lamar students informed. A Management Association International 2008-2009 “superior chap- The B.A. & E.W. Steinhagen Benevolent work” assignments of senior communication major from Port Neches, Garcia became the ter” for the fourth consecutive year. This is the highest honor a Trust, managed by Capital One trustees, various vocal exercises. 2009-2010 recipient of the Press Club of Southeast Texas Memorial financial management or honor society can attain. Of the more than awarded an $8,400 grant to the Department “It has been mar- Scholarship. Last summer, she honed her craft while interning at 200 active student chapters, fewer than 5 percent receive this honor of Speech and Hearing Sciences Oct. 27. The velous. Simple but effec- the San Antonio Express-News. Alumni can access the newspaper each year . . . James Burnes, a geology and history double major grant will fund speech-therapy services at the tive,” said Pat Long, a for- online at lamaruniversitypress.com . . . The JoAnne Gay Dishman from Beaumont, and Jordan Mika, a geology major from Dayton, clinic to treat patients for the voice changes mer schoolteacher and a Department of Nursing and Lamar Institute of Technology collaborated earned awards at the Sigma Xi International Research Conference in that often accompany a diagnosis of patient in the program. to emulate real-life, critical-care situa- the Woodlands recently. The pair earned Parkinson’s disease. “It’s wonderful to talk to tions. The focus was disaster response a first-place award in geological sci- “When Parkinson’s affects someone’s people now and know that related to a chlorine spill caused by a ences. Burnes served as a paleontology voice, it can become very breathy and quiet. they can hear me and vehicle accident. The simulations teach field assistant three summers on a proj- Their words may be slurred and hard to understand me. I am so nursing students how to work collabora- ect conducted by Jim Westgate, profes- understand,” said Alana Kozlowski, assistant thankful for Dr. Alana for tively with emergency medical services sor of earth and space sciences, in the professor and clinician. coming out to the and respiratory therapy students to gain Uinta Basin of northeast Utah studying Kozlowski uses a specialized program Parkinson’s support group interdisciplinary experience . . . 42-million-year-old vertebrate fossil known as Lee Silverman Voice Training to and telling us about this Mirabeau Scholar Valerie Juarez, a senior remains. Mika was part of the team for work with patients. “Lee Silverman Voice program.” patients and to train our students in this tech- computer science and electrical engineer- two summers and worked a semester Training is proven to change speech in The PAL project was designed so residents nique. Right now we are training 14 clinicians ing double major from Sour Lake, won preparing the bulk samples to allow patients with Parkinson’s,” said Kozlowski. in Southeast Texas with Parkinson’s disease who will one day graduate and take jobs in a competitive scholarship to participate microscope analysis for micro-mammal “It is an intensive program – physical therapy could have immediate access to an evidence- the . They will all be able to in the 2009 Grace Hopper Celebration teeth in the LU Paleontology Lab. for the voice.” based voice program with proven results. provide the Lee Silverman Voice Training.” of Women in Computing in Tucson, Ariz. Leading researchers pres- Funding for the research has been provided by LU Research Participants in the month-long “This treatment was not being done in The project will run again in June 2010. ent their current work, and special sessions focus on the role of Enhancement grants . . . Rajiv Jaini, a senior chemical engineering Parkinson’s at Lamar (PAL) Program attend our area,” said Kozlowski. But now, by offer- Anyone interested in participating should women in today’s technology fields, including computer science, major from Baytown, won first place in the undergraduate student sessions at the Speech and Hearing Clinic ing it at Lamar University’s Speech and contact Kozlowski at (409) 880-8438 or information technology, research and engineering. Juarez was one poster contest sponsored by the American Institute of Chemical four days a week and complete daily “home- Hearing Clinic, we are able to assist our e-mail at [email protected]. of 331 applicants chosen from a pool of more than 900 for this Engineers. Jaini was recognized at the AIChE annual meeting in scholarship . . . Finance Association keeps superior tradition alive. Nashville in November for his entry titled “An Examination of The Lamar University Finance Association was named a Financial Sessile and Pendant Drop Retention Forces.” Dionne receives Rogers Award Vickie Dionne received Lamar University’s audiologists in Southeast Texas. Her efforts 2009 Rogers Community Service Award Sept. with Lion’s Club International’s Hearing Aid Lamar MBA program ranks among elite 23. For Dionne, volunteer work is an inherited Reclamation Program has provided quality, Lamar University has demonstrated signifi- 68th in the current edition. tant: how well schools are trait. “My parents were always involved when I used hearing aids to a number of low-income cant leadership in integrating social, envi- “The Lamar MBA ranking in the preparing their students was growing up, so it was very natural for me individuals. She is also an active member of ronmental and ethical issues into its MBA Beyond Grey Pinstripes Global 100 is an for the environmental, to be active as well,” said Dionne, assistant pro- Sertoma International, a civic organization ded- program, according to the Aspen Institute’s indication that our growth in numbers social and ethical complexi- fessor of audiology. icated to hearing health issues. As a chairperson 2009-2010 edition of Beyond Grey is supported by a high quality program,” ties of modern-day business. This year, The Rogers family established the Julie and member of the Safe Ears program, Dionne Pinstripes, a biennial survey and alternative said Henry Venta, dean of the college of 149 business schools from 24 countries and Ben Rogers Community Service Award in has educated more than 800 children in the ranking of business schools. The school has business. participated in an 18 month effort to map 1979 to encourage Lamar University faculty Golden Triangle area about the dangers of loud been ranked among the Top 100 business While many MBA rankings exist, only the landscape of teaching and research on and staff members to volunteer their services noise and its consequence of noise-induced schools around the world. Lamar moved one looks beyond reputation and test scores issues pertaining to business and society. From left, President James Simmons, Vickie Dionne and talents to benefit the community. hearing loss. and Regina Rogers up from 85th in the previous ranking to to measure something much more impor- Dionne is one of the most experienced

Campus construction continues Academic programs are benefiting from current construction projects. The Music Building is in the midst of a complete renovation to provide students with a top-notch learning facility. An expansion of the Cherry Engineering Building has begun to house the new Ph.D. program in chemical engineering. And, with all residence halls full, construction of a fifth phase of Cardinal Village on Georgia Street has already begun.

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Faculty notes Negrete tells stories Professors emeritus named. Regents of The Texas State University ate and graduate – in through guitar, poetry System adopted resolutions Nov. 20 honoring veteran faculty mem- his research projects,” native Jesus “Chuy” Negrete illustrated Spanish bers Howell Gwin Jr. and Adonia Placette. Gwin, who retired in 2007 said Stephen Doblin, culture through a unique blend of music, storytelling, and after 46 years at Lamar, was designated Distinguished Professor provost and vice pres- poetry Oct. 1. in honor of Hispanic Heritage Emeritus of History. Placette, who retired in November 2009 after a ident for academic Month. The event was sponsored by the 27-year Lamar affairs. He teaches Department of Political Science. career, was designat- master’s courses in Negrete founded the Mexican Cultural ed Distinguished public administra- Institute, which is dedicated to the study of Professor Emeritus tion, including urban Mexican-American musicology, Chicano folk- of Theater . . . Helen policy, administrative lore and culture and the struggle of Mexican-American Lou, assistant profes- theory and urban communities for self-determination. sor of computer sci- JIM WESTGATE AND GERALD SKOOG economic develop- ence, has won a ment . . . Westgate honored by science teachers association. Jim prestigious Westgate, university professor of Earth and space sciences at Lamar $400,000 National University, has been named the 2009 Skoog Cup winner by the Science Foundation Science Teachers Association of Texas. The GWIN, SIMMONS, PLACETTE Faculty Early Career Skoog Cup recognizes significant contributions Development award. and leadership in the development of quality She is the first Lamar faculty member to receive this national recogni- science education. Winners of the award show tion, which acknowledges junior faculty who exemplify the role of a sustained record of advocacy for quality K-12 teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and science education for all students, have con- the integration of education and research within the context of the tributed to the success of the association and RAFAEL TADMOR BRIAN SATTLER mission of their organizations . . . James Vanderleeuw to serve in other professional science organizations, and Brooks Chair. James Vanderleeuw, professor of political science, has have developed effective programs for pre-serv- RALPH WOOSTER accepted appointment to the Jack Brooks Chair ice and in-service teachers of science . . . Wooster accepts editorship. Researchers build device, in Government and Public Service. A New Ralph Wooster, distinguished professor of history emeritus at Lamar Jersey native and a faculty member since 1988, University, is editor of the Texas Gulf Historical and Biographical Vanderleeuw is director of Lamar’s Center for Record. First issued by the society in 1964, the Record publishes make discovery Public Policy Studies—and will continue to scholarly articles written by professional and lay historians covering Lamar University associate professor Rafael Tadmor and a team of students serve in that capacity. “Over the years at Lamar the history of Beaumont and Southeast Texas. Along with other histo- recently found a way to bring what had only been a physics theory to the University, Dr. James Vanderleeuw has distin- ry journals, the Record is published by EBSCO on the Internet, where realm of experimental fact. Their effort, and the device they built to test the guished himself as a true teacher scholar, fre- its articles are available on Websites such as America: History & Life theories, will be discussed in a number of leading scientific journals. JAMES VANDERLEEUW quently involving students—both undergradu- and Texas Research Center. For decades, students have learned in introductory physics classes that the friction force—which must be overcome to, say, slide a down an KVLU to tour London inclined plane—is the product of a friction coefficient and the force normal to the surface. That relationship has been superseded during the past 50 years by and Paris the recognition that the lateral friction is, in fact, proportional to the true con- Lamar University public radio 91.3 KVLU will host a Hernandez studies landmark leprosarium tact area. Using a special device that allows complete decoupling of normal travel tour to London and Paris in conjunction with Barbara Hernandez, known as leprosy) research and treatment any kind of drug that would affect some cure and lateral retention forces, Tadmor, associate professor in the Dan F. Smith Collette Vacations Sept. 23-30, 2010. The eight-day tour professor of health facility in the United States. During their for Hansen’s disease,” Hernandez said. Department of Chemical Engineering, and his students found a system in will begin in London and will feature day tours to some of and kinesiology, research, the group discovered volumes of which the lateral force decreases—rather than increases—with the normal the city’s most historic sites, including Buckingham Palace, recently published an information force in spite of the fact that the contact area increases. St. Paul’s Cathedral and an optional excursion to Windsor article in the surrounding This discovery will appear as “Measurement of lateral adhesion forces at Castle. While in London, the group will also see a theater American Journal of the disease the interface between a liquid drop and a substrate,” in a future issue of performance. Health Studies. Her and unearthed Physical Review Letters, published by the American Physical Society. The The tour will then depart for Paris via the Eurostar BARBARA HERNANDEZ research, funded by a documents findings will also be presented on the society’s public website (physics.aps.org) high speed train. Scheduled sights there are the Notre 2007 university Research Enhancement dating to the and two publications, Physics Today and Physical Review Focus, written for a Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, dinner in the Eiffel Grant, focuses on the recreational activities of 19th century. more general audience. “It is always a significant accomplishment for a Tower, a cruise down the Seine, and an optional tour of the the patients in the quarantined community at “The physi- research work to be accepted for publication in a premium scientific journal,” Louvre Museum. It is not necessary to be a member of the historic leprosarium located in Carville, cians and the said Thomas Ho, chair of the department. “Publication promotes the visibility KVLU to participate in the trip. La., from 1894 until 1999. Along with grad- nuns who of Lamar’s research capability and creates a positive image of Lamar’s research For more information, you may contact Melanie uate students Abhishek Kelkar, Gincy established a quality to the scientific research community.” Physical Review Letters is the Dishman at (409) 880.8164 or [email protected], Thomas and Rasika Vengurlekar, Hernandez research center world's foremost physics letters journal, providing rapid publication of short or visit the KVLU web site at .org. explored the landmark that once housed the there were the reports of significant fundamental research in all fields of physics. KVLU is a non-profit radio station licensed to Lamar only functioning Hansen’s Disease (formerly first to find University and has been in service to the Southeast Texas region for more than 35 years.

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LU works to help Haiti Lamar University has encouraged faculty, staff and students to contribute to the ongoing Haiti earthquake relief effort. Requests included baby items such as cloth diapers, baby powder, baby clothes and other baby needs, as well as hygiene prod- ucts such as bandages, band-aides, tooth- brushes, toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizers and other personal hygiene products. The Setzer Student Center Office, Room 212 served as the location for Emory professor lectures on terrorism donation items, which will be given to Nicholas Fotion, professor of philoso- Technology Department of Public Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. Church members phy at Emory University, spoke Jan. Service and Safety’s Homeland will travel to Haiti March 8, 2010. 25 about “The New World Disorder” Security Program and the Lamar in a lecture sponsored by the University American Lamar University Center for Democracy Program. Philosophical Studies. Fotion is Approved by the Lamar the author of War and Ethics: A University board of regents New Just War Theory and co- in 1992, the Center for LU hosts SALLYE KEITH LU enables author of Terrorism: The New Philosophical Studies has World Disorder, both published two principal interests: the auditing Keith receives supercomputing by Continuum in 2008. His publication of a scholarly expert research focuses on moral book series, “Lamar honorary doctorate Lamar University faculty, staff and students now philosophy and philosophy of Philosophical Studies,” and see a 400 percent increase in connection speeds language. the presentation of a scholarly lecture alumnus During commencement ceremonies Aug. 15, the thanks to the completion of a fiber optic network The College of Business university awarded the honorary doctor of humane Co-sponsors of the lecture were series, “Lamar Philosophical Topics,” connection between the campus and Houston. the Department of English and said Arthur Stewart, associate profes- hosted John Christopher, letters to Sallye Jones Keith of Beaumont, a The connection is possible through Lamar’s audit partner in the ener- philanthropist and civic leader whose contributions Modern Languages, Lamar Honors sor of philosophy and the center’s participation in the Lonestar Education And Program, the Lamar Institute of director. gy practice of KPMG’s to Lamar and the community span more than half Research Network (LEARN), a cooperative effort Houston office, as the a century. of 34 universities and research networks to support ExxonMobil Executive in Keith’s history of community involvement and higher education’s research, teaching, health care, Residence Nov. 17. support is legendary—in causes ranging from the and public service missions. Christopher, a resi- fights against cancer and heart disease to the per- “It also allows us to take full advantage of our Dual credit, BAAS expands dent of Kingwood, has forming and visual arts. partnership and link to the supercomputing capa- more than 12 years of “Sallye is the finest example of love of commu- bilities of TeraGrid,” said Michael Dobe, associate Lamar is expanding its dual credit programs to school districts across Texas. Dual experience in providing nity,” said Russ Schultz, dean of Lamar’s College of vice president for information technology. Tapping credit courses allow high school juniors or seniors to enroll in a college course and audit, assurance and advi- Fine Arts and Communication, where Keith and her into TeraGrid requires extremely fast Internet con- receive simultaneous academic credit from both the college and the high school, sory-related services to late husband established a fellowship more than two nectivity. Lamar’s faculty will have access to many essentially earning two years of college for free. Participants come from the more public and non-public decades ago. “Knowing Sallye has been one of the of the world’s fastest supercomputers to conduct than 500,000 students in 11th and 12th grades in Texas. domestic and internation- best experiences I have had since arriving in research through TeraGrid, the world's largest, Lamar is also expanding its offering of the Bachelor of Applied Arts and al clients. He serves as Beaumont. She has a philosophy of always wanting most comprehensive distributed cyber infrastruc- Sciences degree entirely online in partnership with Higher Education Holdings. JOHN CHRISTOPHER KPMG’s Oilfield Services to make things better, and she does this in so many ture for open scientific research, combining 11 uni- The first HEH-based B.A.A.S. course began Oct. 12. Data from the 2000 census audit market leader in ways. She leads by example. She loves Beaumont, versity and governmental sites to create an integrat- shows there are more than 2 million Texans with some college hours but no bache- support of the Energy audit sector leader, with primary emphasis on oilfield services, and she loves Lamar.” ed computational resource. lor’s degrees, and an additional 681,363 with associate degrees. A great number of exploration and production sectors of the energy industry, and global manufacturing. In 1986, Keith and her husband, William Current research programs at Lamar in engi- these Texans could qualify for the online degree-completion program. Christopher has advised several public entities on initial public offerings and regis- Carroll Keith Jr., established the Alice Keith neering and other disciplines already demand sig- These academic partnership online programs complement the online offerings tration statements for equity and debt securities. He serves as the firm’s national Memorial Endowed Fellowship/Scholarship, with nificant computing power. Tapping into TeraGrid already established at the university where five undergraduate degrees—the instructor of firm-wide training courses. KPMG member firms work with clients in recipients known as Keith Scholars. An honorary will boost these programs and may attract addi- Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of General Studies, RN to more than 140 countries. member of the Friends of the Arts board, she is a tional research, help Lamar recruit talented faculty Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology, and Before beginning his career in public accounting, Christopher served in the U.S. longtime supporter of all the arts programs at and draw funding to the university, said Stephen the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science—and two graduate programs—the Marine Corps for six years as an infantry team leader, serving in Desert Storm, 1990- Lamar, including Lamar Theatre, which honored Doblin, provost and vice president for academic Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Health Promotion—can be 1991, and in humanitarian efforts for Africa, 1992-1993. He earned the Bachelor of her with a star on its Wall of Fame, and Le Grand affairs. earned entirely online. Business Administration from Lamar University in 1997. Bal, which named her its “Sweetheart.”

26 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 27 senior year, he had created a ticket agency charity he started, the Shalom Foundation, Guatemala. He hopes to continue making distributing paper tickets for shows at Fair which provides educational, nutritional and an impact with the Country Music Park Coliseum in Beaumont. After graduat- medical assistance to Guatemalan children Association as it addresses copyright protec- ing as a communication major, Moore did and their families. “They’re very caring peo- tions in the digital age and better serving all some music promotions with his friend, ple,” Moore said. “It’s neat to see these its constituent memberships, from artists mentor and former band director, President deserving artists reach these great success and songwriters to managers, agents and James Simmons, before moving to Houston stories that they have.” promoters. In recent years, CMA has started MusicYears ago as a student on the campus bizactivities committee, Steve Moore helped and getting into the rock’n’roll touring busi- Moore has had plenty of success, too. offering health insurance access as a benefit book concerts and speakers. Today, his office handles tours that include music ness. He moved from touring to booking For the past five years, his company, Moore of membership and stressed a volunteer artists Kelly Clarkson, Jason Aldean, Jamey Johnson and Randy Houser. and promotions, working with big name Entertainment, has partnered with AEG spirit with its “Keep the Music Playing” pro- acts including ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughn Live! to take advantage of the power of an gram, which donates money to Nashville- and George Strait. Then in the mid-1980s, international brand. Recent and upcoming area public schools for music education. Moore and his wife, Charmione (Rafield) tours handled by his eight-person office “It is close to my heart,” Moore said. Moore ’78, moved to Nashville for an include Kelly Clarkson, Jason Aldean, Jamey “I remember when I was in high school, opportunity booking rock shows at a new Johnson and Randy Houser. Of course, the only thing I really cared about going to since he got started the school for was playing in the band. If I teve Moore ’79 can thank business has changed, wasn’t in the band, there’s no telling what his strong work ethic and a with the decline of retail I’d have been doing.” Moore also played in fortuitous Blood, Sweat and outlets, the advent of Lamar’s band and counts Simmons and his Tears concert at Lamar digital downloads, the trumpet professor, the late Raul Ornelas, as University decades ago for For me, it was absolutely a consolidation of radio important mentors and coaches. “There was launching him in a successful foundation of how I carried station ownership, the just something about the way they treated music industry career as a promoter for rise of concerts as the us and the relationship we had, about doing Ssome of the country’s top touring acts myself through business most lucrative part of the business and being successful and being and as president of the Country Music and being creative. business for touring professional, always being professional, and Association. artists and the increased doing the right things the right way,” “—STEVE MOORE ’79 A long-time board member for CMA, popularity of country Moore said. “For me, it was absolutely a Moore served as president in 2009 and music. “Starting a concert foundation of how I carried myself through will be chairman of the board for 2010. company in 2010 would business and being creative.” “It was like having another non-paying job be very tough for any- Moore downplays his musical ability and turned out to be quite a job, but it body,” he said. “The risks but said he has started playing trumpet was fun,” Moore said by telephone from amphitheater. After about eight years, he are extremely high, the stakes are high, and again for fun and in his church. His wife, a the Nashville office of Moore was ready for something new. the reward is low.” Moore has taught at Lamar music graduate, has continued to Entertainment, his music promotion “The rock business back then was Belmont University in Nashville in the past play and teach flute, teaching limited private partnership with AEG Live! tough. It was drunk, crazy people doing and had a favorite analogy for his students. lessons as she focused on raising their three The business side of music had never crazy things. I felt like I needed a change of “I tell them, ‘If you can take $20,000 in sons. Their oldest, Remick, is an architect in crossed Moore’s mind when he started his ”pace,” Moore said. “In 1992, I had a new cash and put lighter fluid on it and let it Nashville. Sterling recently enlisted in the studies at Lamar as a trumpet player hop- baby and quit my job and started promot- burn and not stomp it out or go crazy, U.S. Marine Corps. Hunter is a senior in ing to become a high school band director. ing country. The people, they were just you’d be a good candidate for a promoter high school. “They all played music. I just But then came the Blood, Sweat and Tears more real people. I didn’t like the rock because that’s going to happen to you didn’t let them fall into the trap of getting concert in McDonald Gym on Sept. 11, thing. It got too crazy.” The decision, he sooner or later.” Moore has expanded his into the business,” Moore said. “I hoped 1975. Moore didn’t have money for a tick- said, “wasn’t about the music. It was just business options with active investments and that they would pursue their own paths, and et, so he showed up at the equipment- about the business. Fortunately, I have a development of dialysis clinics and Dollar they have, and it’s been good.” filled truck parked outside the gym and wide array of taste in music.” General stores throughout Texas. He also is His own path has been good as well. It asked if he could help. He knew how to Through his work, Moore has enjoyed developing a new entertainment model for took him from the small town of Buna to a work from construction jobs in area friendships with many of the most popular Texas music called 1836 Entertainment, truck full of music gear outside McDonald refineries, earning money to pay for college. names in music. He describes Strait as the which he plans to launch in 2010, to handle Gym to a Volkswagon delivering concert He ended up as crew chief that night, same guy he first met nearly 30 years ago: recording, distribution, promotion, manage- tickets around Beaumont. His path has helping unload and set up for the show in “a kind, gentle, fun, smart man who just ment and booking. “It’s all about making a taken him to music venues large and small exchange for admission. He was hooked. happens to be one of the greatest Texas deal. I love to make deals,” he said. around Texas and across North America. It’s

TODD STRINGER TODD “That night was really and truly an troubadours of all time.” Kix Brooks and Moore loves to make an impact, too. allowed him to help children in Guatemala epiphany for me,” said Moore, who grew Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn have been He fell in love with Guatemala and its peo- and to pursue his latest hobby, learning to up about 30 miles from Beaumont in Buna. “I’d only been to one or two concerts at that good friends since the start of their music ple about 10 years ago on a church mission fly. And with other ventures on the horizon, by Beth Gallaspy point in my life. It’s just something we didn’t know about and didn’t have the money for careers. He has worked with Alan Jackson, trip. Since then, his Shalom Foundation has who knows where it might take him next? either. When I saw that production, I just knew that’s where I needed to be.” Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire and Faith built homes and a school in the Central The next week, he got an invitation to join the student activities committee on Hill. Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland joined American country and is in the process of campus and became involved in booking other concerts, speakers and shows. By his him on a mission trip to Guatemala with a building the first pediatric surgery center in

28 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 29 Engineering funds send Beck finalist to China

Chemical engineering major Rajiv Jaini had the opportunity to spend this past summer improving his research skills and experi- Internships expand encing another culture, thanks to financial backing from Lamar’s College of Engineering and Dan F. students’ horizons Smith Department of by Beth Gallaspy Chemical Engineering. Jaini, a senior from Baytown, worked as a researcher at East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai, China, from May to August. He wo nursing students gained a global perspective on health own time.” first proposed the trip in his application for LU’s David J. care this summer through an internship opportunity in Mikel was selected in 2008 Mikel, Zenos and other volunteers Beck Fellowship last year, for which he was a finalist. Ghana made possible by financial and academic support as Lamar University’s first David in medical outreach T Jaini’s interest in international research and his track from Lamar University. J. Beck Fellow, the university’s record as an assistant in the laboratory of associate pro- Senior nursing majors Jennifer Mikel of Sweeny and Brittney most prestigious undergraduate fessor Rafael Tadmor prompted his college and depart- Zenos of Bridge City worked as interns in a hospital in Hohoe, award, which provides a full aca- nursing theory that she had learned at ment to find other sources of funding to support the trip. Ghana, and participated in medical outreach activities in and near demic scholarship for one year Lamar. She appreciated the impor- “When I transitioned, the scientific part was pretty the West African village. and funding for a summer proj- tance of viewing situations from the easy,” Jaini said. “I could apply the things that Dr. Tadmor “It has taught me a lot about caring for others, but it has also ect proposed as part of the appli- patient’s perspective when she saw taught me here like curiosity and questioning and trying shown me that there is a global patient, that we cannot just care for cation process. Her six-week stay mothers of infants who died in or new things. Those are things that the people in the those in our community, but we need to care about those who are in Ghana was her fellowship soon after childbirth placed into hos- Chinese universities don’t get to do. They don’t have that part of the whole world. The world is our patient, and that’s who project. pital wards alongside new mothers flexibility. So it was almost like I was showing them a dif- we need to take care of,” Mikel said. Zenos said she and Mikel and their babies. She also saw first- ferent way of looking at things, which is really just an Mikel and Zenos both cited their work in a nearby orphanage had discussed their shared inter- hand the dilemmas faced by nurses incredible feeling.” where they performed medical screenings as the most rewarding est in working in Africa before in Ghana who selectively sterilized Jaini quickly found that his colleagues in Shanghai part of the trip. “It fulfilled the medical aspect, as far as helping take Mikel applied for the Beck equipment because of a lack of used English to communicate only when necessary. To care of them and their health, and the mission aspect of it for me as Fellowship. After Mikel was necessary supplies. make friends and become more productive, he needed to well—to be able to spend time with them and show them a little named Beck Fellow, Zenos Along with enhancing their learn Mandarin Chinese. In addition to working about 12 attention and care and that people out there do care about them,” decided to try to make the trip as hours a day in a laboratory, Jaini stayed up late and got

BRIAN SATTLER nursing education, spending the Zenos said. “We ended up going back about four times just on our well. She was able to develop a JENNIFER MIKEL summer living with a host family in up early in his room on campus to work on his vocabulary. Ghana exposed Mikel and Zenos to a “My language skills improved enough to where at different landscape and a different the very end, I actually went and got a haircut by myself,” Already, shared with Belizean governmental agencies. Beck Fellow Zarzosa Mikel with hospital staff culture. Mikel said she enjoyed trips Jaini said. “It was really scary because you don’t realize Zarzosa is prepar- The research opportunity should advance to open-air markets and lessons in the it, but they ask you a lot of questions when you get a studies parasites in Belize ing for his own Zarzosa’s goal of simultaneously pursuing a research project and secure funding for a four-week trip with the help of kitchen from her host family’s cook. haircut.” Michael Zarzosa, a junior biology/pre-veterinary independent doctor of veterinary medicine and Ph.D. in either the Lamar University Honors She went to a funeral one weekend The research in which Jaini took part involved the medicine major, has been named the second research trip to comparative medicine or public health after he Program, the JoAnne Gay Dishman with her host mother, Lindar Gladjah, synthesis and testing of polymer brushes to clean water David J. Beck Fellow at Lamar University. Ambergris Caye, completes his studies at Lamar. Department of Nursing and LU and also attended a ceremony to name that contained metal ions. The researchers tested the per- President James Simmons announced Zarzosa’s Belize, next sum- “On a professional level, hopefully this is administrators. the new king for her family’s clan. formance of the brushes in varying temperatures and at selection for the prestigious undergraduate mer, which he going to be almost a guarantee into my intended After her return, Zenos complet- “I definitely won’t take for varying pressures. One of the most important things Jaini award at a ceremony on campus in November. proposed as his career. That’s pretty powerful,” Zarzosa said. ed a paper on infant mortality and granted what I learn here,” Mikel gained from his work in the laboratories was an increased Zarzosa, a Lumberton resident, said two of summer project as “When I finish, I’ll be able to publish this in infant feeding patterns, based on said. “I now know what it’s like in appreciation of the value of hard work and long hours. his professors encouraged him to apply after he part of his fellowship application. Zarzosa plans professionally reviewed journals.” research gathered before and during other places, so I really want to go The greatest lesson overall, though, came from joined them in biological field research courses in to survey parasites common to domestic dogs Kevin Smith, senior associate provost and her trip. She hopes to present her out and do even more. As a student experiencing a new, unfamiliar culture on his own. “What Belize offered by Lamar this past summer. and the probability of transfer to humans. He will chair of the selection committee, said Zarzosa research to the campus convention in a volunteer program, you can’t I’ll take most from it is my personal development of going “I think it speaks volumes about the spend about two months on Ambergris collecting was the best choice among an excellent pool of of Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor really do much. I feel I can do more way far away and coming back with a different view- relationships that we’re able to achieve with the waste samples from various locations and ana- applicants for this year’s fellowship. society. as a nurse. I’ll have an open mind to point,” Jaini said. “The actual physical transition of going faculty at Lamar,” Zarzosa said. “I think their lyzing the quantities of parasite eggs present. He “He has the kind of dreams that really befit Mikel said the trip allowed her my studies and how it can affect from here to there—the language, food, people, surround- challenging and prompting is really what started will use that data to estimate the probability of this fellowship,” Smith said. to implement both nursing care and people and more patience in general.” ings—that was the hardest part.” the initial desire to attempt this.” human contraction, information that could be

30 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 31 Distinguished Alumni Awards 23 4 1. Alumni Board President-Elect Clayton Lau ’69, from left, joins 2009 Distinguished Alumni Paul Fregia ’81, Larry Beaulieu ’77 and Byron Dyer ’57 with Alumni Board President Jill (Taft) Roy ’90 and President James Simmons. 2. Nancy (Brooks) Neild ’78, left, and Ellen (Walker) Rienstra ’62, ’80 3. Vernon Pierce, Linda Domino, Distinguished Alumnus Joe Domino ’75 4. Alan Sampson ’68 and Norma (Roddy) ’75 5. Betty (Lamont) Leaf, Charlene (Matthews) Leonard -55, Claudie Green 6. Jan (Caldwell) Hallmark ’76, ’83, Dan Hallmark ’65, Susan (Williams) Simmons ’68 1 56

Cheryl (Black) ’09 and her husband, Dean Oney Fitzpatrick, right, welcome Bob Love to a dinner in Love’s honor before he was featured in the Academic Lecture Series Oct. 28. A former NBA star with the , Love now serves as national spokesperson for the team.

President James Simmons joins Beaumont attorney Gilbert I. “Buddy” Low at the announcement ceremony of the 14th Southeast Texas Legends Scholarship estab- lished by the Beaumont Foundation of America and named to honor Low. The $100,000 endowed scholarship will assist underserved students who attend Lamar Eleanor and Distinguished Alumnus Charles Garrett ’59 recently carried the Olympic torch to begin University. Low is a partner in the law firm of Orgain, Bell & Tucker and has litigated celebration of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The Garrett leg of the torch run was located nearly every type of case including personal injury, antitrust, patents and trademarks, in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The flame for the torch was lit in Greece at the site of the ancient pollution issues, contract disputes and class actions. He was chairman of the Texas Olympic Games, transferred by runners to Athens where it was placed in a miner’s lantern and sent to Supreme Court Professional Ethics Committee for more than 25 years and is currently Canada by plane. Of course, the torch’s journey ended with the Opening Ceremony of the games Feb. 12, vice-chairman of the Texas Supreme Court Advisory Committee. 2010. Garrett metal detectors have been selected for use at Olympic Games all over the world since 1984 when the detectors were first used at the Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, the President James Simmons presents Sallye Keith keynote speaker at Lamar’s summer ’09HD the honorary doctor of humane letters at sum- commencement Aug. 15 in Beaumont, mer commencement Aug. 15. Russ Schultz, dean of congratulates three Lamar graduates from the College of Fine Arts and Communication, joins her senatorial district after the ceremony. them on the podium. Keith is a philanthropist and Pictured, from left, are Luis Angel Guillen civic leader whose contributions to Lamar University Jr., Carmelita Cantu, Senator Zaffirini and and the community span more than half a century. Cynthia Yvette Ibanez Casas. The gradu- ates, all of Roma, earned master’s degrees in school administration. They are President Simmons congratulates among more than a dozen of Zaffirini’s the officers of the Lamar University President James Simmons, putting on quite a show District 21 constituents who received Ambassadors, who represent LU at here with Lauren Richard, was among celebrity graduate degrees in a new academic dancers featured at Celebrity Salsa for Habitat, which a variety of events and activities on partnership. benefitted Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County. campus and in the community. 32| CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 33 Moving

forwardFrom his corner office overlooking U.S. 287-96-69 in Port Arthur, Carl Griffith Jr. ’81, ’83, ’87, keeps tabs on the building boom.

by Brian Sattler

n the horizon, beyond the hubbub of a working under Chief Gene Carpenter flourishing commercial and retail zone with and Assistant Chief Dale Fontenot and construction springing up all along the began studies toward an associate’s highway, several industrial projects valued degree in criminal justice. When he in the billions of dollars have taken shape— turned 21, he became eligible to work projects realized in part through the incen- for the sheriff ’s office, where he pro- tive of tax abatements Griffith helped negotiate as Jefferson gressed from serving in the jail to patrol OCounty judge. Those projects generate millions in tax revenue duty to serving fugitive warrants. He for the county and help blunt the effects of the nation’s reces- earned a bachelor’s in criminal justice at sion on the Southeast Texas economy. Lamar University, and returned to earn a Today, he directs the synergism of Carl R. Griffith and master’s in education in counseling and Associates—a gathering of talent, expertise and experience in a guidance. In 1986, Griffith moved to the wide array of subjects of importance to business, industry and district attorney’s office as an investigator.

government. From their Port Arthur location, the associates Griffith first grabbed headlines in BRIAN SATTLER provide strategic support in governmental affairs, environmen- 1987 when he decided to challenge a sheriff who had served a tal and regulatory affairs, business and economic development, quarter-century. He seemed something of a boy wonder when, “I can still remember the call that morning of a massive heart criminal justice, emergency management, homeland security at 33, he defeated his former boss, R.E. “Dick” Culbertson. like it was yesterday,” Griffith said. attack,” Griffith said. policy development and grants management across the state Griffith became the youngest sheriff elected in a major metro- “Judge LeBlanc said, ‘I wanted to That drove my interest in getting a Sheer determination to see and beyond. politan department in Texas, overseeing law enforcement in the tell you I’m going to resign.’ That master’s at Lamar. I still have people her son elected kept Griffith’s Ongoing projects include design, operation, staffing and 11th largest of 254 counties. was really bad for me because he mother going, and, although in programming planning for county jails; environmental work “I haven’t slowed down since,” Griffith said of the was a huge supporter of mine. The come up to me and say, ‘you changed a wheelchair, she attended with heavy industry, including guidance in the permitting energy he threw into the position. “I’m still usually working second thing he said was, ‘I want my life through the programs that Griffith’s post-election victory process; advising communities and governments in disaster 60- to 80-hour weeks.” Among his accomplishments was you to think about running for I got to go through at the jail.’ celebration—Griffith won the management planning and response; consulting with commer- Positive Production, a nationally recognized, innovative county judge.’ I had never thought “ 1996 Democratic primary with cial and industrial clients on business development matters; rehabilitation program still used today in the Washoe County about anything outside of law 73 percent of the vote—on working with school districts on environmental issues; and Jail in Reno, Nev. enforcement. Period. It had never March 12, 1996, before her grants management for a number of communities. “The Positive Production program sprang from my crossed my mind to get into that —CARL GRIFFITH death four days later. Griffith did Griffith has gone far by staying close to his roots and experience as a cop on the street arresting people but seeing realm.” Before the call was through, going to take me 80 to 100 hours a week not face another serious chal- Southeast Texas values of integrity, dedication and hard work. that we weren’t doing anything to change their lives,” Griffith Griffith committed to the race. just to get my hands around what was lenge until 2006 when Ron Walker beat him The fifth-generation Texan grew up in Beaumont’s west end. said. “That drove my interest in getting a master’s at Lamar. I “We ran hard, and it was a hard time to going on (at TDCJ). Mom was dying of with 53 percent of the vote. After graduating Forest Park High School, he moved to still have people come up to me and say, ‘You changed my life run because my mother was dying of can- cancer, and I had a routine where I would In looking back on his three decades of Colorado to placate his love for the mountains, but, after a through the programs that I got to go through at the jail.’” cer,” Griffith said. “Then Gov. (George W.) go by my parents’ house every morning and work for the county, Griffith could count year, Southeast Texas’ siren call drew him home. After eight years as sheriff, Griffith set his sights higher Bush and Sen. John Whitmire, at the same make them coffee” before I’d go to the court- more than a few accomplishments. He sought his first job as police officer at Lamar when County Judge Richard LeBlanc decided to retire. time all this was happening, asked me to house. I didn’t want to miss that time.” Economic development was a major one University and interviewed with then-President John Gray. Impressed with Griffith’s managerial skills and innovations as consider taking over the Texas Department “Little did I know that on Jan. 2, with more than $10 billion in industrial “Dr. Gray was an old friend of my grandfather’s, and they had sheriff, LeBlanc suggested both privately and publicly that of Criminal Justice in fall of 1995. 1996—as I was going to announce my run expansions and new projects under way or hunted together as kids,” Griffith said. He spent the year Griffith succeed him. “I knew myself,” Griffith said. “It was for county judge—that my father would die about to begin when Griffith left office.

34 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 35 Black gold, Texas tea Among the major projects was the not- yet-fully-realized opportunity found in Port Arthur’s Pleasure Island, recipient of signifi- or Jimmy most challenging projects for the Lamar “I attended Lamar because it was close cant public infrastructure investments neces- Stark ’78, alumnus. During the course of a decade, to home and had a reputation for having a sary to prepare the way for development. the best several sub-sea wildcat wells were drilled great engineering program,” he said. “I is also a project on his list. thing prior to the construction of the Petronius always wanted to be an engineer and found Intended as a quality-of-life enhancement, aboutF working on compliant tower. The compliant tower is the best engineering training right here in Ford Park was begun in response to census oil rigs for more used primarily for water depths from 1,500 my own backyard.” data that showed five decades of population than 30 years is to 2,500 feet because it is more capable of Stark gave up field work a couple of decline in the region during a period when the fact that it withstanding wave actions and water depths years ago after more than 30 years working the state had grown from 8 million to 22 never got boring. than standard platform designs. This type of on the rigs. He now designs wells and million. “You never structure is desirable for Gulf of Mexico drilling programs from his office in “From the 1900s to the 1950s, we had knew exactly what operations because the structure flexibility Covington, La., opting to spend every grown at the same rate as Houston, but was going to happen each time you went to component built into the design allows it to evening with his wife, Sandra Rena, a then we stopped investing in public infra- work,” Stark said. “You may be on the same survive hurricane-force winds. Although the Beaumont native. He prefers coming home structure that affects the quality of life,” drilling rig for a while, or you may change majority of his career has been spent drilling each afternoon to the 14-days-on, 14-days- Griffith said. “We needed that piece to locations, but you’ll definitely find a whole in the waters of the Gulf, he also has been off schedule of most rig workers. He spends enhance the quality of life, to provide a new set of challenges with each new location.” involved in drilling ventures off the coast of his time on dry land refurbishing an old Jeep place for our people to go and want to stay Stark, a Lamar chemical engineering Thailand. and enjoys off-roading, deer hunting and in Southeast Texas. graduate, began his career with Texaco Another interesting experience for Stark anything that entails getting outdoors to “We said that in the first five years, the immediately after graduation and stayed with was working on Chevron’s Genesis project, commune with nature. The Covington cou- project would generate what it cost to build the company when Chevron purchased it in which was the world’s first drilling and ple has two married daughters, Crystalynn it,” Griffith said. “I saw Judge Walker in a Struggle for Racial Equality, Equal married to Mandy. They have one son, 2001. As senior drill site manager and production spar. A spar is a type of drilling and Christy. A proud grandfather, Stark has news report say that in the first five years, Opportunity and Justice under the Law.” Paten, 11. Their daughter, Tamara ’91, ’96, drilling engineer, Stark is responsible for platform that floats rather than having an two granddaughters and a grandson born Ford Park had generated $75 million in the In 2005, Griffith pushed hard for the earned a bachelor’s and M.Ed. from Lamar, designing the prospect well to be drilled underwater superstructure used in the com- this past Christmas. Southeast Texas economy. The park cost airlift of more than 8,000 medically fragile and is married to Kent Kelso, vice chancellor using data gathered by the geologists. The pliant tower design. The spar is a floating Asked what advice he would give to $74 million. It is doing much of what I had people just before Hurrican Rita made land- of the University of South Florida in St. geologist furnishes sand pressures, water vessel suspended to the mud line by 14 new engineers considering the petroleum hoped for our community. The 2000 census fall—an effort that undoubtedly spared Petersburg. They have two sons, Kaeden, depth and ocean floor information that anchor chains around the circumference. industry as a career, Stark said the most brought the first growth in Jefferson many lives. 11, and Kellen, 7. determines the type of drilling rig and well Stark likens the spar to an upside-down beer important things they should learn are good County in 40 years.” Today, Griffith is most interested in Winston Churchill once said there is to be used, he said. The drilling engineer can attached to the ocean floor with all the communication skills and working well with Increasing racial and ethnic diversity moving forward by helping other communi- something about the outside of a horse that verifies the geologist’s data and designs the important facilities on top. others. “Spending time on the job will give among county employees, especially in man- ties realize their potential. To reach business is good for the inside of a man. Griffith has most appropriate type of rig and well for the A native of Kirbyville, Stark credits his you the specific knowledge you need to do agerial roles, makes his list. “One of the clients in far-flung destinations across the five family horses, including his beloved desired results. cousin who also earned a chemical engineer- your work, but you will come into contact things I’m most proud of is changing the Lone Star State and to attend the monthly mustang. He finds time to ride and enjoys “I’ve worked on every type of rig ing degree for leading him to Lamar and the with many people from different back- complexion of the courthouse,” Griffith meetings of the Texas Conference of Urban sharing that passion with others. you can imagine,” Stark said. “I’ve drilled engineering program. He points to good grounds, ideas and mindsets, which will said. “We just made sure we let our qualified Counties, he flies a Cessna P-210 as an In looking back on his years in law in water from 8 feet deep to more than advice from instructors Frederic Jelen and require you to be able to understand their people advance.” Griffith received in 2009 instrument-rated pilot. Having access to on- enforcement and as county judge, Griffith 10,000 feet.” Jack Hopper, now the dean of the College of point of view and be able to work through the highest award given by the Beaumont demand transportation, capable of operating gives considerable credit to the education he The Petronius tower, originally a Texaco Engineering, for a long and sustained career any differences,” he said.—LA Branch of the NAACP “for Outstanding in all but the worst weather, is vital to his gained at Lamar University. “Without that platform rig, was one of the longest and in the petroleum industry. Dedication and Untiring effort in the business. “It would be extremely hard to keep foundation, I don’t think my career would up my schedule without it,” Griffith said. have taken off,” Griffith said. In his down time, Griffith enjoys “I had some great professors at down-to-earth pursuits that seem a far cry Lamar—people who challenge your mind, from the challenges of law enforcement, get you to looking at issues from all sides to complex environmental issues or budgetary help make educated decisions,” he said. concerns. As owner of the Griffith Exotic “From that experience I developed a kind of Game Ranch, a 300-plus-acre spread, which eclectic approach on how to put things was once a rice farm in the late 1920s, and a together. I think that is what got us looking cattle ranch after that, Griffith raises trophy at cutting-edge issues as far as how to animals to supply other big-game ranches. change inmates and using research to deter- He lives on the ranch with his wife, mine what we needed to do to make the Pat, where they enjoy spending time with county grow.” their children and their families. Their son, Pate, works for Total Petrochemicals, and is

36 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 37 Arts&Culture

ArtsNotes Works by Magnanti, Foote trilogy graces stage left, and Pangburn

Three student-directed one-act plays by the Duck hunters and conservationists paid trib- Rose Mathis, Donna Meeks, Mark Ponder and the string program at late Texas playwright Horton Foote took ute to the late Jerry Newman, Distinguished Justin Varner . . . Sept. 23-Oct. 31, the Lamar . . . Lamar’s center stage Feb. 11-16 in the Studio Professor Emeritus of Art, at the 40th- Dishman presented more than 60 works by Opera Workshop class Theatre. All are set in the fictional Gulf Coast anniversary banquet of Beaumont’s Ducks contemporary American artists Bill Pangburn presented scenes from town of Harrison, Texas, during the 1920s Unlimited chapter Oct. 28. Newman, who and Renee Magnanti, including watercolor, world-renowned and ’30s. Blind Date, directed by DeeDee died in May 2008 at 74, contributed his encaustic paintings, drawings and fabric operas Dec. 1 in the Howell of Nederland, portrays a well-mean- artistry each year to the wetlands conserva- pieces. Magnanti also premiered a number of University Reception ing aunt who tries to fix up her visiting tion organization in order to raise funds, said quilted pieces featuring materials hand-dyed Center of the Mary rebellious niece with a bookish local boy who Ed Edson III, executive through Indian techniques . . . Oct. 30-Nov. and John Gray KERRY JENNINGS aspires to be a mortician. The One-Armed vice president of the 30, the museum displayed works by Hong- Library. Kerry Man, directed by Kyle Romero of organization. “He wen Lin, an associate professor at Tainan Jennings, assistant professor of voice, direct- Orangefield, finds the character McHenry was a mainstay.” Technology University in Taiwan. Using ed Lamar students through an array of returning to his former job to reclaim his The chapter also multiple media such as paintings, sculptures beloved opera pieces, including selections arm lost in an industrial accident. His boss honored and installations, Lin reveals the inspiration from Carmen, Die Fledermaus, Faust, The must determine how far the one-armed man Newman’s wife, of Zen Buddhism. His forms expose a hid- Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro, The will go to get what he wants. John Turner Pattee, who has den structure—an underlying current known Mikado and others . . . The Wind Ensemble Davis, directed by Christopher Murray of continued to help as “qi” that flows between the various con- and Concert Band performed in concert Beaumont, is about a boy whose migrant- the organization. stituent parts. A traditional concept and Nov. 24 in the University Theatre. Under worker guardians have deserted him. As the Newman retired practice from ancient Chinese, qi is regarded the direction of Scott Deppe ’90, director of kindly townspeople help him search for his from full-time as the energy within nature, the cosmos and bands, and Michelle Melancon, graduate missing uncle, John Turner Davis discovers teaching in 1999 bodies of living creatures . . . The Senior assistant, the band performed selections by home is not as much about where as who. after 37 years on Thesis Show Dec. 2-17 in the Dishman Art Aaron Copland, Clifton Williams and Frank Axle Wisor, 12, son of Jeffrey Wisor, assistant the Lamar faculty. Museum featured works by 13 art students Ticheli. Guest conductor Brenda Legendre professor of theatre, and Donna Rae Wisor . . . A Night in scheduled to graduate in December Titled ’82, director of bands at Lumberton Middle ’06, was featured in the title role. Axle is a Casablanca: Celebrating the Renaissance of Impressions, the exhibition showcased thesis School, led the Wind Ensemble in Kenneth sixth-grader at St. Anthony Cathedral Lamar University will be the theme of Le projects by Maurice Abelman, Delaina Joseph, J. Alford’s The Voice of the Guns . . . The

HORTON FOOTE KEITH CARTER Basilica School. Grand Bal 2010, to be hosted by Lamar’s Byron O’Quinn and Kevin Thomas, Beaumont; Grand Chorus and A Cappella Choir pre- Friends of the Arts March 27. Albert Nolen Dustin Baxter, Lumberton; Mya Bean, miered under the direction of James Han, home, a sprawling antebellum plantation in included Kyle Romero and Jared Fall of ’70, ’75 returns as chair of this black-tie Wiergate; Travis Coatney, Sour Lake; Michael Lamar’s new director of choral activities, in a Murray pens rural Sunshine, La., to take care of family Orangefield; DeeDee Howell, Nederland; evening of art, entertainment and fine dining Crommet, Nederland; James Roach, Daisetta; concert Nov. 1. Treasures from the Past and business. When she arrives, the ghosts of her Jacqueline Gower, Corpus Christi; Justin to benefit the College of Fine Arts and April Sherman, Fannett; Amanda Talcott, Today was the theme of the concert, which ‘unique’ offering long-departed family slowly start to appear. O’Mara, Commerce; Jonathan Williams, Communication. For reservations, call (409) China; and Robyn Voight, Port Neches . . . featured W.A. Mozart’s Gloria, Ko The Department of Theatre & Dance As Abbey relives the decades-old events of Lumberton; Kristen Davis and Amber 880-8137 . . . Art League Houston honored The Lamar Civic Orchestra opened its sec- Matsushita’s Jubilate Deo and music by Franz opened its season with The Wicked One, an December 1941 that led to her family’s Belton, Houston; Natalia Albacete. Lamar’s Keith Carter ’70, Texas artist of the ond season Dec. 8 with a concert featuring Schubert and Leonard Bernstein. Works by original play by senior theater major demise, she is reminded that no matter how Beaumont; and Joe Whitaker, Fannett. year, at Starry Southern Nights, works by Ferdinand William Byrd, Claudio Monteverdi, Christopher Murray of Beaumont. terrible your family is, it the league’s 2009 gala, Oct. 24 Herold, Benjamin Johannes Brahms, Morten Lauridsen, Eric Performances were Oct. 10-11 in the is yours—and you get at Hotel ZaZa. Carter, who Britten, Ottorino Whitacre and William Dawson rounded out University Theatre. Joel Grothe, visiting only one. The classic holds the Walles Chair in Respighi and Percy the concert . . . The Industrial Carillon, instructor, directed the drama, which, he film Citizen Kane origi- Performing and Visual Arts, Grainger. The Lamar’s new-music ensemble, paid tribute to said, is evocative of such American classics as nally inspired Murray shared the spotlight with Karol orchestra provides two great 20th-century composers who died Desire Under the Elms. “It’s dark, and kind of with its theme that a Kreymer and Dr. Robert Card, an opportunity for in 2009 with In Memoriam: Lucas Foss and a thriller, but it also has these moments of rich man can acquire who are art patrons of the year musicians from all Russell Peck. The Carillon’s season-opening humor that I appreciate,” Grothe said. anything but happiness. . . . The fall exhibition season at walks of life to per- concert Oct. 19 featured faculty artists Travis Murray has written several screenplays “It is unique for a the form together and Fife, percussion; Kim Ellis, clarinet; and Brian as well as stage plays. “I decided to write a student to have an began Aug. 24-Sept. 15 with enrich the Shook, trumpet, joined by alumnus Justin play because I wanted to write something opportunity like this works by faculty artists Linnis community, said its Collazo ’02 of Beaumont, percussion. Nick that would come to life,” he said. with a piece of work Blanton, Michael Brims, Keith conductor, Kurt Rissman, associate professor of composition, The play delves into a dysfunctional that’s as good as this is,” Carter, Kurt Dyrhaug, Xenia Gilman, associate is founder and director of the ensemble. Fedorchenko Jamie Kessler family, exploring the ties that bind. In 1973, Grothe said. MICHELLE CATE , , professor of music Abbigale Archibold returns to her childhood Cast members Meredith Jack, Ann Matlock, and coordinator of Amber Bolton and Jacqueline Gower Iban by Renee Magnanti

38 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 39 Arts&Culture

Plays transcend ‘lens of reality’ Literary Lamar how a masterpiece such Lamarissimo! A perfect 20 Jerry Bradley, professor of Drugged-Out Brilliance. He spoke and signed Award from Texas Review Press. She spoke as Hamlet might be English, has authored a copies of his book at the Dishman Art on “Poetry and the World of Autism” and created. The Lamarissimo! book of poetry, The Museum. “This book provides the most later read from her work and attended a “Because they are Concert Series Importance of Elsewhere. compelling and readable portrait to date of reception sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, not realistic, they are opened its 20th Bradley is the author of sev- one of America’s most extraordinary person- international English honor society and able to explore things Anniversary Season eral books, including his alities,” its publisher, The Lyons Press, wrote, Pulse magazine. Foust turned to poetry in about the human condi- Oct. 6 with Lamar acclaimed first volume, adding that Cowan provides “extraordinary mid-life, writing poems about her son’s tion that we can’t see dancers joining the Simple Versions of Disaster. new insights into the legendary writer’s cre- childhood in Dark Card, her first collection. through the lens of Wind Ensemble and “Jerry Bradley’s poems—every one—are like ative and destructive impulses.” Cowan, who Her visit to Lamar was sponsored by the reality.” Concert Band for the big glasses of ice water on an August after- was caretaker on Thompson’s ranch, paints a Department of English and Modern The play’s cast finale. Mary noon in Texas,” said Nathan Brown, winner sensitive portrait of a man—once described Languages, College of Arts and Sciences and included Natalia Henderson of of the 2009 Oklahoma Book Award. “Yet, in as America’s “rock star author”—who rede- the family of Eleanor Perlstein Weinbaum, Albacete, Shea Duerler Beaumont, top the darkness that must accompany honesty, fined participatory journalism and who cap- longtime supporter of poetry at Lamar. photo, is among dance students adding fasci- Carley Stewart and Kyle Romero and Christopher Murray, he offers us both the glories and sadness of tured the decadence and depravity of an era. MICHELLE CATE Beaumont; Bethany nation and flair to the performance. Scott love, family, Christmas and West Texas.” Cowan’s visit was sponsored by the The expression “It’s all relative” took on Eldrid, Nederland; Jared Fall and Kyle Deppe, director of bands, was on the podi- Bradley is a member of the Texas Institute of Departments of Communication and new meaning in Lamar Theatre’s Nov. 12-17 Romero, Orangefield; Steven Hoffman, um to celebrate the milestone. Travis Fife, Letters and poetry editor of the Concho River English and Modern Languages and the production of All in the Timing. The six one- Silsbee; Megan Kendall, Lumberton; center photo, who joined the music faculty Review . . . Author Jay Cowan shared his College of Fine Arts and Communication . . act plays by David Ives covered a variety Morgan Rowland, Seabrook; and Carley last fall as instructor of percussion and direc- impressions of gonzo journalist Hunter S. . The Writing Center at Lamar joined in a of topics, all touching on themes of time, Stewart, Silver Springs. tor of marching percussion, performs a Thompson during a program Sept. 24. national celebration, “The National Day on connection, language and Cowan is the author of Hunter S. Thompson: Writing,” with activities Oct. 20 in the Mary identity. An Insider’s View of Deranged, Depraved, and John Gray Library. In cooperation with “Ives’ work was sub- the National tly influenced by absurdist Conference of playwrights such as Teachers of English, Samuel Beckett and the center sponsored Magical gallery Eugene Ionesco,” said one of hundreds of Keith Carter ’70, has published his 11th director Rebecca Stone officially sanctioned book, Fireflies, an anthology of more than 30 Thornberry, visiting Internet “Writing years of portraits that delve into the myster- instructor. “The plays all marimba solo at the Lamarissimo! Faculty Galleries.” The site, ies of childhood. The collection includes explore concepts of ran- Artists concert Nov. 5. Almost two-dozen galleryofwriting.org, both new work and iconic images selected domness and how chance members of the Department of Music faculty will remain open from all of Carter’s rare and out-of-print vol- affects vital aspects of our and their students shared the stage. Baritone until June 2010, said umes. He presents a magical gallery of pho- lives, from the people with Phillip Gay, bottom photo, a vocal perform- Melissa Hudler, direc- Natalia Albacete and Shea Duerler

MICHELLE CATE tographs of children and the world they whom we fall in love to ance major from Beaumont, was among fea- tor of the Lamar inhabit. While making these images, Carter tured soloists at the Lamarissimo! Holiday Writing Center. The often asked the children: “Do you have Concert. Gay is a recipient of the Richard celebration included something you would like to be pho- Starstruck and Cathy Price Scholarship in Choral presentation of stu- . . . and all that jazz tographed with?” This creative collaboration Music. The A Cappella Choir and Grand dent awards and The Magnolia Garden Club will host a special showing of Starstruck between photographer and subject has pro- Chorus took prose and poetry – its 2010 Garden Club of America Flower Show – in conjunction duced images that conjure up stories, dreams center stage for readings . . . Rebecca with the Lamarissmo! Jazz Concert March 2 in the Julie Rogers and imaginary worlds. Complementing the the Dec. 3 Foust, a poet and Theatre. The pre-performance event will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in photographs is an essay in which Carter event. James advocate for the the theater lobby, featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Jazz great poetically traces the wellspring of his interest Han, Lamar’s autistic, visited Marion Evans, a Grammy-winning arranger and orchestrator, will be in photographing children to his own child- new director of Lamar Nov. 18 for the special guest at the 7:30 p.m. concert. The reception will be hood experiences in Beaumont. As he recalls choral activities, two presentations open to holders of season or individual tickets to Lamarissimo! days spent exploring woods and creeks, it made his and a book-signing. Regular flower show hours will be from 2 to 5 p.m. March 2 and 9 Jay Cowan signs copies of his becomes clear that his art flows from a deep Lamarissimo! Foust is a two-time a.m. to 3 p.m. March 3 in the theatre. Call (409) 892-5370 for Hunter S. Thompson book at Lamar. reservoir of sights and sounds imprinted in debut. winner of the Robert additional information about the show or (409) 880-8144 for early childhood. additional information about the concert. ANGELINE SMITH/COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY PRESS Phillips Chapbook

40 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 41 new athletic complex. Hellas Construction of Austin is preparing the Houston have completed the new soccer field, giving Lady Cardinals Construction begins on new LU Athletic Complex ground of W.S. “Bud” Leonard Field for a state-of-the-art, artificial-turf soccer athletes a home of their own in the new state-of-the-art Lamar playing surface. The same Matrix turf is used at the new Dallas Soccer Complex, which includes a field house. he Cardinal football team faced off in scrimmages this past fall taking shape with construction in progress on Provost Umphrey Cowboys stadium. Lamar University Athletics has begun a construction blog and as Coach Ray Woodard and staff continue to condition the Stadium, the Dan F. and Sandra A. Smith Press Box, the W.S. “Bud” Farther south on campus at the intersection of Cardinal and Rolfe installed a Web cam to help Cardinals fans keep up with projects on Treborn program. Facilities for football and athletics are also Leonard Field, the Coach Vernon Glass Field of Champions and the Christopher drives, crews from Pepper-Lawson Construction of campus to improve athletics programs at lamarcardinals.com. Lamar baseball in reloading mode

im Gilligan borrowed one of legendary fering a season-ending shoulder injury, has University of Texas football coach Darrell inherited the starting catcher job. JRoyals’s favorite sayings in assessing the “We lost a good stick and a good defen- prospects for his 2010 baseball team. sive player in Steven Tucker at first base, but “Darrell used to say Ryan Meade (from Temple the definition of a guy College) is a big, strong, over- who has potential is that the-lights power guy,” said he’s a guy who hasn’t done Gilligan. Meade certainly lived QUENTIN LUQUETTE it yet,” said Gilligan. up to that billing during the When Gilligan’s 33rd Cardinals’ Fall World Series, Matison Smith in heading the pitching staff. Baseball locker room gets overhaul Lamar squad hit the banging out 11 hits on 17 at- Harrington went 8-1 and posted a 3.01 earned Custom oak lockers greeted team members after winter break. An expanded, 1,600-square-foot Vincent-Beck Stadium bats (.647 average) in five run average while striking out 63 batters in 83 facility includes the team room with new leather field for its season opener games. Michael Padgett and 2/3 innings, while Smith was 6-6 with a 3.52 couches and furniture, two 60-inch, flat-screen against Maine Feb. 19, it Clayton Farhat, also junior ERA to go with 53 strikeouts in 76 2/3 innings. plasma televisions and new chairs for each was loaded with guys who college transfers, posted fall “Harrington and Smith were our Friday player at his locker. A large mural of action have “potential.” With batting averages of .467 and and Saturday guys last season, so we feel very photos of Cards who have gone on to play in Major League baseball was installed at the only 16 lettermen on the .353, respectively. comfortable with them,” said Gilligan. “We clubhouse entrance. 35-player squad, there are Jude Vidrine, a freshman also have a promising freshman left-hander in plenty of opportunities for from Nederland, is vying for Jonathan Dzedzic (from Atascocita).” ERIC HARRINGTON Football season tickets on sale now newcomers to strut their everyday duty at second base, Jake Henderson, younger brother of Ike Adams Jr. of Beaumont was the first person in line as the public sale of football season tickets got under stuff. After all, the Cardinals lost their entire while Vidor sophomore V.J. Bunner has the former star first baseman/designated hitter Will way at 7 a.m. Jan. 23. Adams arrived shortly after 5 p.m. Friday at the Montagne Center where more Cardinal starting infield, their starting catcher and edge at shortstop. Coaches will be paying Henderson, has transferred from the University fans joined him by the time ticket windows opened. Nearly 300 fans lined up inside and outside the Montagne standout outfielder Tyler Link from the team close attention, however, to Lake Charles of New Orleans and has two years of eligibility Center to choose their stadium seats when tickets went on sale for the first time since 1989. The first 100 that posted a 38-22 record and advanced to freshman Tyler Theriot, who batted .465 with remaining and the experience to possibly step fans received mini football helmets signed by Head Coach Ray Woodard. the semifinals of the 2009 Southland 14 home runs as a high school senior. into the starting rotation. Telephone orders are taken at (409) 880-1715, and online orders can be made at lamarcardinals.com. Conference Tournament. “As for third base, both Pablo Salinas and Junior right-hander Taylor McInnis, who Fans can purchase season tickets, priority parking and tailgating privileges in four different price and seating Link, who is helping this season’s team Michael De La Rosa have great junior college went 1-0 with three saves last season, will likely location categories. Two premium seating options are available and require a three-year commitment with as a student coach, posted a .369 average as a credentials. Salinas was an All-American his handle closing chores this season. Others pricing at $225 and $400 per seat, per season. Premium seating tickets include a donation to the Cardinal senior. Senior outfielder Quentin Luquette, freshman season at Alvin JC, and both of expected to contribute to the pitching staff Club that is partially tax deductible. Additionally, two affordable options of $60 or $100 per seat for the six- who hit .316, is the lone, returning .300 hit- them have good power,” said Gilligan. include Cory Holley, Brandon Chambers, game package are available without a donation to the Cardinal Club. ter. Joey Latulippe, who batted .345 and Port Neches-Groves’ Eric Harrington, Blake Ford, Spencer Cuniff, Garrett Steward, drove in seven runs in eight games before suf- the 2009 SLC Freshman of the Year, joins Josh Rodgers and Kory Cleveland.—RW

42 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 43 For the most up-to-date news and schedule information, visit lamarcardinals.com.

Brown inducted into UT Hall of Honor Cardinal Hall of Honor inducts Cross country takes trophies Lamar’s Woodard enters James Brown, Lamar’s quarterbacks coach, was Lopez, McCordic, Lundstrom he cross country teams dominated the Southland Kilgore College Hall of Fame one of seven distin- Conference awards ceremony during the 2009 season. Ray Woodard made the Kilgore College football team in the guished and highly T hree former Lamar University ath- She helped lead the 1975 Lady Cardinals to Not only did the Cardinal men capture the championship fall of 1980. He earned second-team Junior College All- decorated former letes—from tennis, volleyball and the Texas Association of Intercollegiate trophy, their fourth consecutive conference title and record America honors as a defensive tackle and was an honor- University of Texas track and field—were inducted into Athletics for Women (AIAW) championship ninth overall, but they also brought home three individual able mention selection as a sophomore. student athletes who T the Cardinal Hall of Honor during a ban- and was on the 1976 team that won the awards. Meanwhile, the Lamar women secured one individual “We went undefeated my freshman season, and we were inducted into the quet Jan. 23. AIAW Southwest Regional championship. award, meaning Lamar won four of the six individual trophies Longhorns’ Men’s were ranked No. 1 in the presented by the . Athletics Hall of Honor Carlos Lopez, who starred in tennis As a junior, McCordic was named to nation,” said Woodard, now The individual hardware presentations started with Nov. 20, 2009. from 1974-1977; Lucy (Wiggins) the 1975 AIAW All-Southwest Region team Lamar University’s head foot- Brown, who McCordic, a after leading Lamar senior Francis Kasagule, who was named Men’s ball coach, in looking back established a reputa- volleyball the Lady Athlete of the Year by the conference. Kasagule won the upon his playing days at tion as a prolific passer and a big game performer standout from Cards to a 54- conference race and went on to represent Lamar at the Kilgore College. “It was the over the 1994 through 1997 seasons, finished his 1973-1976; 7-1 record. FRANCIS KASAGULE NCAA Championships. first championship team I had Longhorn career holding 30 school records after and Jonas Those 54 Lamar’s Bob Ahimbisibwe was named the conference’s Freshman of the Year ever been on in football.” leading the team to three-straight conference Lundstrom, wins still for the men, while Jake Stewart was named Coach of the Year. Woodard played football at championships. who excelled stand as the For the women, Lamar’s Samantha Walkow ran away with Freshman of the the University of Texas before Brown, who still ranks in UT’s Top 5 career- as a distance school record. Year accolades from the conference. playing five seasons in the National Football League, wise in most passing and total offense categories, runner in She then Kasagule, Ahimbisibwe and Walkow were also named to the all-conference including a spot on the Denver Broncos’ 1986 AFC champi- played professionally for six seasons in the NFL 1988-1989, helped the team. In addition to Kasagule and Ahimbisibwe, the Lamar men had two other onship team. Europe and Arena Football Leagues, and he also made up the team post a runners earn all-conference In November last year, Woodard returned to Kilgore served as offensive coordinator at Hyde Park 2009 induc- 40-18-1 honors: Joonas Harjamaki and was enshrined in the Kilgore College Hall of Fame. “It Baptist High School from 2003-2005. He joined tion class. record in and Drew Bean. was quite an honor to become identified in this manner Coach Ray Woodard’s Lamar staff in 2008 after They were 1976. The After the season, with the place I love and that has done so much for me,” playing a final pro season with the CenTex also recog- Lady Cards Harjamaki represented said Woodard, who later spent eight seasons as Kilgore Barracudas. nized during McCordic, center, accepted her trophy. Retired coaches Sonny Jolly, placed seventh Finland at the European College’s defensive coordinator under head coach left, and Ron Wesbrooks accepted the honor on behalf of Lundstrom halftime of that and Lopez. in the AIAW Cross Country Jim Miller. Looking for the sweet spot night’s Lamar national tour- Championships, where he It was a great start to the spring campaign for the men’s basketball game against Texas State. nament in 1975, and they were ninth in the finished a respectable 60th. men’s tennis team as the Cardinals won two of Lopez, recruited out of Mexico City by 1976 national tournament. their first three matches and came away with the then-Lamar coach Ron Wesbrooks, won two Lundstrom, recruited out of Sweden by Southland Southland Conference championships then-Lamar track and field coach Sonny Conference’s No. 1 singles and two more in No. 1 Jolly, won three championships at the 1989 Lady Cards dominate first Player of doubles during a career in which he American South Conference Outdoor Track he Lamar University Conference Player of the Week honors twice, while teammates Kalis the Week of the compiled a 56-32 singles record. and Field meet, and he also placed fourth in women’s basketball Loyd and Trashanna Smith each received the award once. season. “We recruited three really good players the steeplechase in the NCAA Outdoor team got off to its But while the individual awards are nice, the Lady Cardinals are Lamar out of Mexico that year, and Carlos was Championships to earn All-America honors. T best-ever start in the more concerned with winning games, something they’re doing on a claimed wins probably the second-least known,” said Earlier in the year, he was the ASC Indoor Southland Conference this consistent basis. “We’ve really come together as a team,” Plumley said. over Alcorn Wesbrooks, who retired as a Lamar faculty champion in the 3,000 meters, and, the next winter. “We’ll do whatever it takes to win.” State and member last May. “He came in here, though, fall, he won the conference’s individual cross The Lady And the Lady Cardinals have been winning Centenary, with and blossomed as a freshman. country title. Cardinals opened their in convincing fashion, outscoring their opponents the team’s only “He had a lot of talent and a great com- “Jonas was one of our best all-time RICHARD FILKUKA conference schedule by an average of more than 11 points per game. loss coming to petitive attitude. For a freshman to perform athletes and a great competitor,” said Jolly. with six consecutive The Montagne Center becomes a rocking Rice, which was ranked 35th in the nation. at the level he did—reaching the conference “To win three conference championships in victories to grab sole place on game days as the Lady Cards entertain Senior Richard Filkuka was named the SLC tournament’s singles finals at No. 1—was distance events in the same meet is very JENNA PLUMLEY possession of first place their fans with their up-tempo style of play. “This Player of the Week after leading Lamar to victory extremely unusual. He had a lot of outstand- demanding and a tremendous achievement.” in the SLC. In mid- team can score,” said Coach Larry Tidwell, who over Centenary with a straight-set win at first singles. ing wins while he was here.” Lundstrom’s 1989 ASC championships February, the Lady Cardinals were 19-5 overall and 9-1 in confer- registered his 50th career win faster than any Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams are Lopez won SLC No. 1 singles champi- came in the 1,500-meter run (in a time of ence play, having garnered wins over teams from Conference other women’s basketball coach in Lamar history. looking to make some noise in the conference this onships his junior and senior seasons. He 3:53.44), the 5,000-meter run (14:58.26) USA, the , the Western Athletic Conference, “We’re a fun team to watch.” season. The SLC championships are scheduled for was also a No. 1 doubles champion both and the 3,000-meter steeplechase (8:55.60). the Ohio Valley Conference and the SWAC. With more than half of the conference April 23-25 in Corpus Christi. Home matches are of those seasons, and he reached the No. 1 Running in the high altitude in Provo, Utah, Junior guard Jenna Plumley, a transfer from the University of schedule remaining, there’s still plenty of basket- played on campus at the Lamar University doubles final as a sophomore in 1975. he ran an 8:54.80 for his fourth-place finish Oklahoma, was among the Top 20 in the nation in assists, steals KALIS LOYD ball to be played before the Southland Thompson Family Tennis Center. Admission is free. McCordic, a resident of Sugar Land, in the NCAA Championships, but he set the and 3-point field goals, while junior Trashanna Smith was in the top Conference Tournament takes place in Katy March 9-12. For schedules and the latest results, visit played for volleyball coaches Claudia Perry still-standing Lamar record of 8:33.31 in an 20 in blocked shots. Check out the latest Cardinals updates and get ticket information www.lamarcardinals.com. and Rosie Petty during her Lamar career. earlier regular-season meet. Plumley, a candidate for All-America honors, received Southland at lamarcardinals.com.

44 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 45 class notes Dual credit: Earn free college credit Lamar University is expanding puter can take online dual credit and plan to retire March 1. Shelia Hartman ’69, certif. secretarial science, He lives in Lakewood, Colo. opportunity for high school stu- courses. Students will be able to e hope you enjoy reading about former classmates. If you have news is human resources manager at PMG in Elaine (Cariker) Allums ’66, B.A. English, was Herb Lavendar ’72, B.S. electrical engineer- Houston, where she lives. dents across the state with the participate, dialogue virtually with to share – a position announcement, milestone, achievement, reelected to the board of the Foundation for ing, is president of Allanson Lighting W launch of a major online initiative professors and classmates, and wedding, baby – or know the whereabouts of a lost alumnus, we want Southeast Texas. She lives in Kountze with Richard Mendoza ’69, certif. industrial elec- Electrics in Addison. He lives in Dallas. her husband, Donald. tricity, is retired and lives in Port Arthur with allowing more Texas students to take exams according to their Linda Mouton-Reid ’72, B.S. elementary edu- to hear from you. his wife, Kathleen. Andrea Ashdon ’66, certif. vocational nursing, cation, lives in Houston with her husband, earn college credit at low or no individual schedules. Leo Nolan Jr. Send us your news: is retired and lives in Ormond Beach, Fla. ’69, B.S. physical education, Robert. cost before they graduate from Lamar and UT Arlington are was inducted into the Prairie View Dr. Sam ’66, B.S. biology, and Gail (Cawley) Barbara (Samford) Pinkston ’72, B.S. home high school. the first four-year institutions in Interscholastic League Coaches Association Write to Cadence, P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, TX 77710, ’70 Showalter, B.S. speech, live in economics, earned a master’s degree from Hall of Fame. Texas high school students can enroll in an Texas to participate in the state-funded project. e-mail [email protected] or call (409) 880-8421. Nederland. Sam celebrates 40 years in den- Stephen F. Austin State University and tistry in May 2010, and Gail established Robert Sheffield ’69, B.B.A. accounting, and retired from a 32-year career in education array of college courses offered through Students can choose courses through stateu.com. SMORE for Women, an alliance focused on his wife, Frances, celebrated their 50th wed- with Center school district. She lives in stateu.com, an online partnership between Lamar Credit earned through the online dual credit pro- cruises. He and his wife, Eva, live in Boca Single Moms Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, ding anniversary. They live in Silsbee. Center with her husband, Jerry. University and the University of Texas at gram is guaranteed to be accepted at any Texas Raton, Fla. Empowered. 40s Benny Soileau ’69, certif. machine tools, is a Karen (Weisser) Pugh ’72, B.S. home eco- Arlington. four-year public institution. Ray McPhee Jr. ’61, B.S. geology, retired Jan (Die) Barnett ’67, B.S. elementary educa- retired safety specialist from Huntsman. He nomics, is an interior designer for Interior Louis Beard ’40, certif. general studies, and Courses are provided at low or no cost to The online dual credit program will help after a 28-year career in oil and gas explo- tion, retired from a 28-year teaching career lives in Bridge City with his wife, Gayle. Expressions in Alvin, where she lives with his wife, Carrie, celebrated their 65th wed- ration and an 18-year career in teaching. He and lives in Longview. her husband, George. the student with costs covered by the state in Texas public school districts fulfill a state law ding anniversary May 6, 2009. He earned a Pamela (Dugan) Springer ’69, B.S. elementary and his wife, Pat, live in Minden, La. law degree from the University of Texas and Howard Brister ’67, B.S. physical education, education, is a vice president of the Houston Justin Baker ’73, A.A.S. refrigeration and air most cases. Students may enroll in up to two requiring them to offer high school students an is an attorney at Wells, Peyton, Greenberg & Betty Burleson ’62, B.S. elementary educa- retired as director of health and emergency Livestock Show and Rodeo. She and her conditioning, is owner of Baker Air courses each semester, and can even participate opportunity to earn college credit before they Hunt. They live in Beaumont. tion, is retired and lives in Beaumont. services for the city of Baytown. He lives in husband, Jerrol, live in Houston. Conditioning in Port Arthur, where he lives. over the summer, with a full slate of free courses complete their high school diploma. The pro- Liberty with his wife, Dani. Joe Chesser ’48, certif. general studies, Tipton Golias ’62, B.S. biology, and his wife, John Wasser ’69, B.B.A. management, ’71, Jesse Branick ’73, B.B.A. marketing, is an available to incoming high school juniors and gram also is available at low cost to Texas home- retired from Sun Oil after a 33-year career Ann, celebrated their 50th wedding anniver- Dorcas (Garvin) Davis ’67, certif. vocational M.B.A. business administration, is treasurer attorney with Branick and Walston law firm seniors. The program essentially makes it possible schooled students and students enrolled in Texas and lives in Dallas. sary in August. They live in Beaumont. nursing, became a registered nurse and of the Foundation for Southeast Texas. He and city attorney for Nederland, where he works at Memorial Hospital in Lufkin. She lives in Port Neches with his wife, Dana lives with his wife, Jo Lynn. for eligible students in participating school dis- private schools. Marie (Durham) Landry ’48, A.A. general Dora Medwedeff ’63, B.S. elementary educa- lives in Zavalla. (Morgan) ’68, B.A. Spanish, ’73, M.Ed. guid- studies, is retired and lives in Baytown with tion, retired from teaching and lives in San Barbara (Bridgers) Brookner ’73, B.B.A. tricts to earn up to a full year of college credits The program expands the online and dis- ance and counseling. her husband, Gerald. Jose, Calif. Gary Fore ’67, B.A. history, earned a master’s accounting, is a member of the board of for free. tance education programs already offered by degree in theology and is a retired pastor. He Sherlyn (Hinkel) Woodard ’69, B.S. secondary directors of the Southeast Texas chapter of Jim Burkett ’49, A.A. general studies, retired Phyllis (Richards) Webb ’63, B.S. elementary “Many of these students will discover that Lamar, including its masters program in educa- earned national certification as an optician education, ’73, M.Ed. secondary education, the Texas Society of Certified Public from Phillips Petroleum and lives in education, is preschool director at St. and works as an optical lab technician for retired as executive vice president of the Accountants. She is a C.P.A. with Charles E. they can meet the challenge of higher education, tion and newly expanded online Bachelor’s in Lakeway. Bernard Preschool in Tulsa, Okla., where she Texas State Optical in San Marcos, where he Silsbee Chamber of Commerce. She lives in Reed and Associates in Beaumont, where be inspired to pursue a degree at the college of Applied Arts and Sciences, a degree completion lives with her husband, Harris ’64, B.S. ele- Ben ’49, certif. general studies, ’58, B.S. lives. Silsbee. she lives. mentary education. their choosing, and be better prepared as they program. mechanical engineering, and Beryl Johnson Marty (Armstrong) Hammond ’67, B.S. med- Nadine (Dixon) Jenkins ’67, B.S. elementary Robert Madding ’73, B.S. health and physical celebrated their 50th anniversary Aug. 22, Jerry Cozby ’64, B.B.A. marketing, retired move ahead, “ said Steve Doblin, provost and “This pilot program uses technology wisely ical technology, is owner/broker of Houston education, ’70, M.Ed. special education, education, is interim superintendent of the 2009. They live in Beaumont. after a 41-year career as head golf pro at vice president for academic affairs at Lamar. to create access that up to now has been a real Pride Realty in Tomball, where she lives with earned a doctoral degree from the University Nederland school district. He lives in Vidor. Hillcrest Country Club. He and his wife, her husband, Kenneth. of North Texas. She lives in Porter. This state-funded free college program is challenge for many school districts across the Karole, live in Bartlesville, Okla. Garry Ross ’73, B.A. English, earned a mas- available to any Texas public school student state,” said Paula Nichols, executive director of 50s Roberta (Reynolds) ’67, certif. vocational ter’s degree in history from Baylor Ronnie Rucker ’64, B.S. physical education, nursing, and Dale Johnson celebrated their University and a doctorate from Texas enrolled in a district that has signed an agreement distance learning. “Lamar brings a lot of experi- Ralph Night ’50, A.A. general studies, is part- retired as vice chancellor of San Jacinto 70s 60th anniversary Sept. 4, 2009. They have A&M. He is interim president of Texas ner and operator of Night’s Uniform Co. in College after a 44-year career. He earned his to make the online courses available. So far, that ence in delivering distance education to the pro- two children, four grandchildren and one Randolph Knipp ’70, M.S. mathematics, lives A&M University-Central Texas in Killeen. Beaumont. He and his wife, Judy, celebrated doctoral degree in education from the great-grandchild. They live in Tyler. in Orange with his wife, Jean (McCabe) ’67, He lives in Oglesby. includes nearly 300 districts. Students and par- gram. We are able to leverage that experience their 50th wedding anniversary and live in University of Houston. He lives in Pasadena. B.S. elementary education, ’73, M.Ed. guid- ents should check with their high school coun- with technology to bring high-quality academic Beaumont. Kathleen McCorquodale ’67, B.S. secondary Jane (Duncan) Tarrab ’73, B.S. secondary David Steinbach ’64, B.S. industrial engineer- ance and counseling. education, retired from the state of Texas and education, retired from an education career selors about whether their district’s is already par- programs to high school.” Lillie (Harbour) Clanton ’51, certif. general ing, is retired and lives in Georgetown with lives in Newton. James Baskin ’71, B.S. civil engineering, is and lives in Canyon with her husband, studies, lives in Kerrville, with her husband, his wife, Patricia. ticipating. For more information about the new online dual retired from Motiva and lives in Spring Hill, Miguel. Uel. Catherine (French) Schmersahl ’67, B.A. his- Any student who qualifies and has access to credit program, visit stateu.com or call (866) Nathan Chambers ’65, B.S. secondary educa- Tenn. tory, earned a master’s degree from Ellen (McCorvy) Thornton ’73, B.S. elementary Dale Kanoy ’56, B.S. social science, and his tion, is retired and lives in Kerrville with his a school computer lab, a laptop or a home com- 887-8665. University of Texas at Arlington and has John Belt ’71, B.S. geology, is president and education, ’73 M.Ed. special education, was wife, Billie, celebrated their 50th wedding wife, Lynn. been in education for 31 years. She teaches managing member of QuinLab Consulting elected secretary of the Mid-Jefferson anniversary in May 2009. They live in Jasper. Virginia (Moss) Crawford ’65, B.S. biology, is history in the Rains school district and lives in Dallas, where he and his wife, Charlotte, County Retired School Personnel group. She Earl and Linda (Sterling) Darst ’59, certif. sec- retired and lives in Marshall with her hus- in Yantis with her husband, Dennis. live. lives in Groves. retarial science, ’74, B.B.A. office administra- band, Charles. Joseph Chimeno ’68, B.S. secondary educa- Lewis Gregory ’71, B.B.A. management, is Paula (Stewart) Pratt ’74, B.B.A. office Four inducted into Educator Hall of Fame tion, ’79, M.Ed., secondary education, cele- Bill Nylin ’65, B.S. mathematics, is chairman tion, is president of Blue Eagle Enterprises in director of Source Ministries International administration, is president of the ARC of brated their 50th anniversary Aug. 28, 2009. Four alumni were inducted into the Educator Hall of the board of directors for Conn’s Inc. He Price, Utah. He has developed several chemi- Inc. in Snellville, Ga., where he lives with his Greater Beaumont, where she lives. The They have three children and eight grand- lives in The Colony with his wife, Libbie cal education games, published a lab manual wife, Lue Ellen ’70, B.A. sociology. ARC is the world’s largest community-based of Fame Nov. 5. Inductees are Lamar University children and live in Port Neches. (Campbell) ’64, B.A. mathematics, ’65 M.S. and is writing a textbook, both for introduc- organization of people with intellectual and graduates who have distinguished themselves in James (Dan) ’71, certif. machine tools, and James Stewart ’59, B.S. sociology, retired as mathematics. tory chemistry. He lives in Helper, Utah. developmental disabilities. Mary Frances Wilson, celebrated their 40th education and teaching. Honorees for 2009 are an associate pastor of Immaculate Heart of Landra (Lofton) Sarles ’65, certif. secretarial Willie Johnson ’68, B.S. mechanical engineer- anniversary Nov. 21, 2009. They have two Victoria (Hardegree) Price ’74, M.A. English, Mary Church. He and his wife, Gwendolyn, Joe Chenella ’63, left, Sally (McDonald) House ’59, science, earned her bachelor’s degree in ing, received the Juneteenth “Made a children and two grandchildren. They live in is a founding officer and vice-chairwoman of celebrated their golden anniversary in ’67, Ron Sims ’84 and Patty (Verret) Sanderson ’86. accounting from Difference” Award at the fifth annual Vidor. the Foundation, organized to September 2009. They live in Doraville, Ga. and is a missionary for the International Celebration of Freedom Gospel Musical. He support the programs of Spindletop Mental The College of Education and Human Thomas Beavers ’72, B.S. environmental sci- Mission Board of the Southern Baptist lives in Austin. Health and Mental Retardation Services. ence, retired from Total. He and his wife, Development hosts the annual Educator Hall of Convention. Her husband, Robert ’67, B.S. 60s Spurgeon Scott ’68, B.A. history, is retired Judith, live in The Plains, Va. Richard Rafes ’74, B.S. government, earned a Fame to honor Lamar graduates for their hard music, earned his master’s degree in divinity and lives in Aurora, Colo. law degree from the University of Houston Ray Mason ’60, B.B.A. general business, from Southwestern Baptist Theological Wayne King ’72, B.S. biology, ’75, M.S. biol- work and dedication to education. More informa- and a doctoral degree in higher education owns a franchise for Cruise Planners and has Seminary. They have just completed more Patrick Durio ’69, B.B.A. accounting, is presi- ogy, is regional refuge biologist for the U.S. administration from the University of North tion is available by contacting Sarah Matheny, been recognized as top producer for luxury than 15 years of missionary service in Brazil dent of Durio and Co. and lives in Houston. Fish and Wildlife Service in Denver, Colo.

LARRY ACKER induction committee chair, at 880-8702.

46 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 47 class notes

Texas. He is president of West Virginia Debra (Amy) Sterling ’76, B.S. elementary He is in private practice in Beaumont. He member of Phi Beta Mu, an international Michael Killingsworth ’81, B.S. elementary Charlene (Collins) Howard ’83, B.S. nursing, is School of Osteopathic Medicine in education, and her husband, Larry ’02, serves as a trustee of the Lamar University school band master fraternity. He is band education, is vice president of learning and a family and women’s health nurse practi- Lewisburg, W.Va. B.G.S. general studies, have a new daughter, Foundation and is an adjunct professor of director at Vidor Junior High School in organizational effectiveness for Shell tioner at Women’s Health Associates in Mia Brynn. They live in Nederland. accounting in the College of Business. Vidor, where he lives. Upstream International in The Hague, the Sherman, where she lives. Judith (Wilson) Rutledge ’69, B.S. elementary Netherlands, where he lives. education, ’74, M.Ed. elementary education, Suzie Westmoreland ’76, A.S. nursing, is a Mansour Khami ’78, B.S. mechanical engi- Ronnie Todd ’79, B.M. music education, ’87, Scott Woolcock ’83, B.S. computer science, lives in The Woodlands with her husband, Jim. registered nurse at Memorial Hermann neering, is owner of Khami Gallery in M.M. music, is head band director for Julie (Smith) Lee ’81, B.S. biology, is a health works for Shell Global Solutions and lives in Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, where she London, Ontario, Canada, where he works Angleton school district. He lives in Katy. inspector for the Beaumont Health Richmond, with his wife, Dian. Roy Ward ’74, A.A.S. industrial electricity, lives. as an artist. He lives in Ilderton, Canada, Department. She lives in Sour Lake. won a 2009 Pontiac G6 Convertible from Ted Williams ’79, B.B.A. accounting, ’92, Clyde Hughes ’84, B.S. communication, after having retired from a 26-year career as a Wheel of Fortune when his number Tom Gallier ’77, B.S. biology, ’83, M.P.A. M.B.A. business administration, is chief Brenda (Talbert) Mott ’81, B.S. elementary works as a communications and marketing mechanical engineer working around the appeared on the screen during the program. public administration, is retired and lives in financial officer for Conex International. He education, ’00, M.Ed. school administration, specialist for Purdue University in West JILL ROY world. He lives in Beaumont. Austin, with his wife, Kathleen. and his wife, Patrice, live in Beaumont. is education division director at Lamar State Lafayette, Ind. He lives in Lafayette, Ind. Michael Menard ’78, A.A.S. diesel mechanics, College-Orange. She lives in Orange. Steve Branson ’75, B.B.A. marketing, is pas- The Catholic Diocese of Beaumont honored Todd Landry ’85, B.S. chemistry, is executive is president of T&S Fleet Service in tor of Village Parkway Baptist Church in San Nancy (Bertrand) Rendall ’77, B.S. art educa- Doris (Fowler) Allen ’82, B.S. elementary edu- director of Lena Pope Home Inc. in Fort LaMarque. He lives in Dickinson with his 80s Alumni Advisory Board Antonio, where he lives with his wife, Jan. tion, as teacher of the year from St. Mary cation, was named teacher of the year at the Worth, where he lives with his wife, Kari. wife, Cynthia. He is also an adjunct professor at Catholic School in Orange, where she lives. Lee Blackman ’80, B.B.A. marketing, is sen- North Early Learning Center in the West Elected officers of the 2009-2010 Lamar University Kevin Roy ’85, B.B.A. general business, ’93, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Peggy (Jones) Robertson ’78, M.Ed. special ior account executive for Clear Channel Orange-Cove school district. She lives in CASA of Southeast Texas honored Charlotte M.B.A. business administration, is president Alumni Advisory Board are Jill (Taft) Roy ’90 of education, retired from the Goose Creek Radio in Beaumont. He lives in Groves. Orange. Ernest Dunlap ’75, A.A.S. industrial electron- (Sell) Schwarzlose ’77, B.A. English, as the of the Rotary Club of Beaumont. He and his school district as coordinator of special edu- Beaumont, president; Dennis Moncla ’89, ’94 of ics, is principal engineer at Coca-Cola North 2009 Judge James Farris Volunteer of the Kelvin Collard ’80, Robert Bowling ’82, B.S. biology, was re- wife, Jill (Taft), ’90, B.S. criminal justice, live cation. She and her husband, Lee, live in Beaumont, secretary; and Don Burnett ’92 of Lumberton, America in Sugar Land. He lives in Houston Year. She lives in Beaumont with her hus- B.B.A. accounting, elected for his fourth three-year term on the in Beaumont. Jill is president of the LU Baytown. with his wife, Janet (Defrates) ’76, B.S. med- band, Bob ’75, B.S. secondary education. is chief financial board of trustees of the Renaissance Hospital Alumni Advisory Board. past-president. Clayton Lau ’69 of Baytown will serve as ical technology, who is a medical technolo- James ’78, A.A.S. mid-management, and officer at Universal Scholarship Foundation. He lives in Port Loretta Beresky ’78, A.S. nursing, is retired Paul Davis ’86, B.S. communication, is president-elect. gist at Cypress Fairbanks Hospital in Sue Stehle celebrated their 50th anniversary Weather and Arthur. and lives in Groves. Her daughter, Johnette national sales director of eCardio New members of the board are Bernie Daleo ’95, Houston. Sept. 4, 2009. They have four children, eight Aviation in Segura ’95, B.S. psychology, ’98, M.Ed. Dina (Upchurch) Calver ’82, B.S. elementary Diagnostics. He lives in Cary, N.C. grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Houston. He lives Louis Falgout ’80, Karol (Kellam) Gammill ’67, Gillian Donnetta (Eulian) Jackson ’75, B.S. elemen- counseling and development, ’05, M.S. education, retired from a career in education James retired from Dupont and now works in League City. Suzanne (Lee) Davis ’86, B.B.A. accounting, tary education, ’80, B.S. secondary educa- speech pathology, lives in Beaumont. Her and lives in Cypress. (Maness) Jenkins, Stephanie (Dollar) Molina ’00, Dean with Midwest Steel in Houston. They live in serves on the board of directors of the tion, was named teacher of the year at Tyrrell son, Charles ’98, B.B.A. marketing, is COLLARD Martha (Harrell) Brenda Nichols and Cullen Ramsey ’67, all of Beaumont; Beaumont. Ruth (Hamner) Hancock ’82, B.S. elementary Southeast Texas chapter of the Texas Society Elementary and for the Port Arthur school employed by Gulf Stream Legal Group in Dean ’80, B.A. education, was named Teacher of the Year at of Certified Public Accountants. She is a Vernon Durden ’69, ’04 of China; and Terry Rogers ’96 of district, where she lives. She has taught for Houston, where he lives. Bennie Traylor ’78, B.B.A. management, is political science, ’86, M.Ed. school adminis- West Orange-Stark Middle School. She lives CPA with Brooks, Applegate and Associates more than 30 years in the same classroom. manager of project services at Anadarko tration, teaches at Silsbee High School. She Lumberton. Morgan (Colburn) Chambellan ’78, B.M. in Orange. in Beaumont and lives in Vidor. Petroleum Corp. in The Woodlands, where and her husband, Samuel, live in Silsbee. Returning board members include Tom Abbage ’72, Sonya (Harper) Moore ’75, B.S. communica- music, teaches physical education in he lives with his wife, Angela. Brian Huckabay ’82, B.S. health and physical Laurie Henry ’86, B.S. secondary education, is tion, ’84, M.A. English, ’88, M.S. history, Pasadena. She lives in Houston. Alfreddie Coleman-Felder ’80, B.S. elementary ’74, 81, Tim Chargois ’91, ’08, Jeff Dyson ’86, ’91, Lisa education, is head football coach for case manager assistant for Robertson County and her husband James ’74, B.S. biology, Connie (Bailey) Woodall ’78, B.S. elementary education, earned a master’s degree from the Bonnie (Fleming) Dorman ’78, B.B.A. office Orangefield. He and his wife, Mary, live in Special Services in Hearne. She lives in Harper ’88, Randa (Tooke) Hurtado 97, ’02, Ron Jackson live in Jasper. James earned a law degree education, teaches in Port Neches, where she University of Houston and a doctoral degree administration, received the silver award for Orangefield. College Station. ’70, Charlotte Jungen ’97, Antionette Kelly ’91, Debbie from the University of Houston. lives with her husband, Terry ’84, B.S. music. from Nova Southeastern University in Fort online technology in higher education from Lauderdale, Fla. She is a professor of educa- Mary Pat (Bleuel) Jones ’82, B.B.A. account- Roel Rangel ’86, B.M. music, works for U.S. (Collins) Minyard ’71, Elaine (Brown) Moore ’75, Patricia (Beasley) Pylate ’75, B.S. speech, ’84, the U.S. Distance Learning Association. She Dr. Danny Addington ’79, B.S. chemical engi- tion at Abilene Christian University in ing, serves on the board of directors for the Customs and lives in Keller. M.Ed. counseling and development, and her is instructor of office technology at Lamar neering, earned a doctorate in dentistry from Charlene (Hilley) Moorer ’64, ’69, Nancy (Brooks) Neild Abilene. Southeast Texas chapter of the Texas Society husband, James, celebrated their 50th wed- State College-Orange and lives in Orange. the University of Houston. He lives in Bivins Bruce Schmidt ’86, M.B.A. business adminis- ’78, Bobby Patel ’87, Ellen (Walker) Rienstra ’62, ’80, of Certified Public Accountants. She is a ding anniversary July 11, 2009. They live in with his wife, Carolyn (Miller) ’78, certif. voca- Cathy (Powell) Hegwood ’80, certif. office tration, is manager of investor relations for Kyle Fontenot ’78, B.S. music education, CPA with Lawrence, Blackburn, Meek, Norma (Roddy) Sampson ’75, Kelli (O’Neal) Savage ’94, Nederland. tional nursing. They have five children. administration, is a personnel assistant for the United Way in Waukesha, Wis., where he earned a master’s degree in educational Maxey and Co. in Beaumont, where she the Brazos County Emergency lives with his wife, Vickie (Kasper) ’88, ’99, Michele (Yennie) Smith ’88 and Terry Wood ’84 of Sandra (McKinley) Ellington ’76, B.S. elemen- administration in 1983 and is director of fine Martina (Barrientos) Arreola ’79, B.S. criminal lives. Communications District. She lives in Bryan, A.A.S. food service management. Beaumont. Others are Josh Daspit ’04 of Denton, Frank tary education, ’79, M.Ed. special education, arts in Magnolia school district. He and his justice, works at the Cadema-Reeves Justice with her husband, Joe ’79, B.B.A. account- Marc Keith ’82, B.S. health and kinesiology, owns and operates Administrative wife, Cathy, a secretary for Bear Branch Center in San Antonio, where she lives. Jason Blewett ’87, B.A. political science, is Domino ’97 of Lumberton, Doneane Beckcom ’86, ’09 ing, who is chief financial officer for Bryan ’09, Ed.D. educational leadership, was Leadership Development and Life Coaching Elementary in the district, live in Magnolia. attorney and ranch manager for Bent Tree Dr. William Baxley ’79, B.S. biology, earned a Texas Utilities. named Region 5 Principal of the Year. He is and Glenn Johnson ’78 of Port Neches and Jake Tortorice in Beaumont, where she lives. Ranch in Hunt, where he lives with his wife, Phyllis (Norwood) Gurbach ’78, B.S. music dental degree from the University of Texas principal of Port Neches-Groves High Jr. ’76 of Sour Lake. Keith Mott ’80, B.S. computer and informa- Laurie. Carolyn Gaston ’76, M.Ed. secondary educa- education, retired as a choral director after Health Science Center in Houston in 1982 School. He and his wife, Kimberly (Cameron) tion science, ’89, M.S. computer science, is Alumni Advisory Board members serve three-year tion, is assistant principal in the Lumberton teaching for 31 years. She recently remarried and owns a practice in Beaumont, where he ’85, B.S. kinesiology, live in Port Neches. Dolores (Dalcour) Fulton ’87, B.S. elementary regional information technology manager at school district, where she lives. and lives with her husband, Greg, a consultant and his wife, Rena (Adcock) ’84, B.S. elemen- education, retired as principal of Our Mother terms and support the Lamar University Office of Alumni Invista in Orange, where he lives. Ronald Thomas ’82, B.S. mechanical engi- with ExxonMobil, in Papua New Guinea. tary education, live. He received a of Mercy Catholic School in Beaumont, Affairs in the growth and development of Lamar Frank Kazmierski ’76, M.S. health and physi- neering, is senior engineer at Jacobs Mastership Award from the Academy of Kaye (Abshere) Porter ’80, B.S. speech, ’09, where she lives. cal education, teaches and coaches in the Carol (Stewart) Hanchett ’78, certif. vocation- Technology in Huntsville, Ala. He lives in University through contributions, leadership and active General Dentistry. M.Ed. administration, is secondary curricu- Bryan school district. He lives in College al nursing, is charge nurse at College Street Madison, Ala. Katy (Reeder) Scruggs ’87, B.S. sociology, lum coordinator in Dayton school district, participation in campus and community activities. Station. Health Care Center in Beaumont, where she David Lynch ’79, A.S. law enforcement, ’79, earned a law degree from Yale Law School. where she lives. Terry Welch ’82, B.S. electrical engineering, is lives. B.S. criminal justice, earned a doctorate from She and her husband, Jules Wells, were mar- Shelia (Moore) Lanier ’76, A.A.S. industrial vice president of fuel valve chain engineering Oklahoma City University and is director of Kim (Daquanna) Wiley ’80, certif. office ried July 1, 2009, and live in Austin. electricity, is president of Suburban Utility Rebecca (Sword) Hoke ’78, B.S. nursing, is and operations for BP America. He lives in clinical services in Huron, S.D. He lives in administration, ’01, B.B.A. management lives in Port Arthur. Michele (Yennie) Smith ’88, B.B.A. account- Construction Corp. in Houston, where she charge nurse at Mainland Center Hospital in Geneva, Ill. Lt. Col. Tony Stelly ’87, B.B.A. marketing, Mitchell, S.D. information systems, is Web support analyst Renee (Theobald) Cole ’88, B.B.A. account- ing, earned a law degree from Baylor lives with her husband, Eddie. Texas City, where she lives. serves with the Army Reserve G-4 North for Lamar University. She and her husband, Doug York Jr. ’82, B.S. criminal justice, is ing, is office manager at Theobald, DeMahy University. She is a shareholder with Mehaffy Donna Schlerandi ’79, A.A.S. business data staff at the Pentagon as the logistics plans Sara (Hill) Moye ’76, B.S. elementary educa- James Holleman ’78, A.A.S. drafting technol- Gordon, celebrated their 25th wedding chief police officer for West Virginia State and Co. in Beaumont, where she lives with Weber in Beaumont and Houston and has processing, adopted a son, Colin, who was officer of strategic resources. He lives in tion, ’89, M.Ed. counseling and develop- ogy, is executive vice president of Superior anniversary. They live in Beaumont. Police. He lives in Romney, West Va. her husband, Charles ’85, certif. mid-man- been elected to the management committee in foster care. She hopes to inspire others to Burke, Va., with his wife, Collette. ment, was sworn in as a court-appointed Energy Services in Broussard, La. He lives in agement, ’96, B.A.A.S. applied arts and sci- for a four-year term. She and her husband, adopt and has formed her own organization, Julie (Mackey) Badger ’81, B.B.A. account- Lynn (Roberson) Harris ’83, B.S. elementary special advocate. She lives in Nederland. New Iberia, La., with his wife, Kelly. Craig Ball ’88, B.B.A. marketing, works for ences. He is a financial specialist for Mitch, live in Beaumont. Colin’s Pillow to speak to churches and ing, is vice president of operations at Shore education, earned a master’s degree from CenterPoint Gaming in Black Hawk, Colo., Wachovia in Beaumont. Mary Ellen (McBride) Robertson ’76, B.B.A. Keith Kebodeaux ’78, B.B.A. accounting, organizations on behalf of children who need Bank in Onley, Va. She lives in Melfa, Va., Stephen F. Austin State University and is Christie (Miller) Bean ’89, B.M. music educa- where he lives. accounting, is treasurer on the board of the graduated from The University of Texas Law a home. She is also a real estate agent in with her husband, George. principal of Carpenter Elementary in Mehrnaz (Saeid) Gill ’88, B.S. sociology, tion, is middle school choral director for Southeast Texas chapter of the Texas Society School with high honors in 1982 and earned Beaumont, where she lives. Nacogdoches. She lives in Lufkin, with her Wanda (Schamber) Borne ’88, B.S. secondary earned a master’s degree in gerontology from Liberty school district. She lives in Liberty Jada (Rogas) Kelley ’81, B.B.A. accounting, is of Certified Public Accountants. She lives in a master’s degree in taxation from the husband, Edward. They have two daughters education, is treasurer of the Mid-Jefferson Baylor University and has published her first with her husband, Robert ’89, B.S. political Trubie Smith ’79, B.M. music education, treasurer for the ARC of Greater Beaumont, Beaumont. University of Houston Law School in 2009. and two grandchildren. County Retired School Personnel group. She children’s book, The Yellow Butterfly. science, who is pastor of First Baptist M.M. music education, was inducted as a where she lives.

48 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 49 class notes CALL FOR NOMINATIONS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS HALL OF FAME Church. Greg Mason ’91, B.A.A.S. applied arts and Golden Triangle Empowerment Center in Matt Marchak ’94, shareholder of Mehaffy Weber in Beaumont Institute. She lives in Beaumont. sciences, is a real estate broker in Athens, Port Arthur. She lives in Port Neches. B.B.A. marketing, and Houston. He and his wife, Tamara Calvin Carrier ’89, B.S. biology, is a district Dr. Laura Eastep ’99, B.S. chemistry, and Paul The College of Business Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding achieve- where he lives with his wife, Mary. earned a law degree (Glaze) ’98, B.S. food and nutrition, live in chief for the Beaumont Fire Department. He David Slaughter ’92, B.S. communication, Evans were married May 2, 2009. She from South Texas Lumberton with their son. ment of college alumni. The awards committee requests nominations lives in Houston. Marilyn Morris ’91, B.S. elementary educa- was awarded the Circle of Excellence award received her doctoral degree in medicine College of Law and for the most prestigious award presented by the college. tion, and her husband, Jim, celebrated their by Odyssey Health Care. He lives in Vidor James Ellis ’97, M.B.A. business administra- from the University of Texas Medical Branch Shawn Clubb ’89, B.S. kinesiology, ’02, was named a share- 50th wedding anniversary May 17, 2009. with his wife, Debbie. tion, received the gold award for online tech- and serves as chief resident in obstetrics and M.Ed. school administration, is principal of holder of Mehaffy They live in New Freeport, Pa. nology in higher education from the U. S. gynecology in Galveston, where they live. Orangefield Junior High School. He lives in Laura (Cavaretta) Williams ’92, B.B.A. Weber in Beaumont ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS MARCHAK Distance Learning Association. He is an Buna. Paul Najera ’91, B.M. music education, is accounting, is secretary for the Southeast and Houston. He Andrea Jordan ’99, B.S. interdisciplinary instructor of business management at Lamar The candidate must be band director in the Fort Worth school dis- Texas chapter of the Texas Society of and his wife, Celina (Leon) ’94, B.S. sociolo- studies, teaches fifth-grade English at Rowe Steffi (Laschka) Granierer ’89, B.A. French, State College-Orange and lives in Beaumont. trict. He lives in Flower Mound with his Certified Public Accountants. She is a CPA gy, live in Port Neches. Intermediate School in Jasper, where she lives in Vienna, Austria, and hopes to get in distinguished in his or her chosen profession or life work wife, Johjania. and chief financial officer of the Diocese of Nicholas Fidelibus -97, is a captain at Waikiki lives. touch with former tennis teammates. Todd Simoneaux ’94, B.B.A. general business, Beaumont. She lives in Lumberton. Dive Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Kimberly Pitts ’91, B.S. nursing, is a member ’99, B.B.A. accounting, serves on the board Eleanor Mitchell ’99, B.A.A.S. applied arts a person of such integrity, stature and demonstrated ability Gwendolyn (Spear) Guidry ’89, A.A.S. mid- of the board of trustees of the Renaissance Victor Williams ’92, B.S. kinesiology, earned a of directors of the Southeast Texas chapter of Stafney (McWashington) Helm ’97, B.A. crim- and sciences, is the Beaumont postmaster, management, ’08, B.S. criminal justice, has that faculty, staff, students and alumni will take pride and be Hospital Scholarship Foundation. She lives master’s degree in school administration the Texas Society of Certified Public inal justice, is a crisis counselor for the first African American woman to hold been sworn in as a court-appointed special inspired by his/her recognition in Port Arthur. from Stephen F. Austin State University and Accountants. He is a CPA and controller for Communities in Schools in Channelview. the post. She began her 36-year career as a advocate. She lives in Beaumont. is principal of Jasper High School. He and the city of Beaumont. He lives in She lives in Baytown. distribution clerk. She lives in Beaumont. Kent Walston ’91, B.B.A. personnel adminis- an individual who, in deed and in action, recognizes the Amy (Toomim) Manuel ’89, B.S. dance, is co- his wife, Paula, live in Jasper with their son. Lumberton. tration, earned his law degree from Baylor Charlotte Jungen ’97, B.B.A. accounting, is Lisa Nguyen ’99, certif. office administration, host of the Rational Radio Report in north importance of his/her education at Lamar and whose interest University and has been selected by the State Troy Domingue ’93, B.B.A. accounting, is Siva Annapragada ’95, M.S. computer sci- president of the Southeast Texas chapter of ’99, B.S. interdisciplinary studies, is an edu- Texas. She also teaches adult education class- Bar of Texas to be a member of president-elect of the Southeast Texas chapter ence, is senior engineering manager for Sun the Texas Society of Certified Public cator in the Beaumont school district, where and loyalty are evident es for North Central ’s Life LeadershipSBOT. He is a partner in the of the Texas Society of Certified Public Microsystems in Bangalore, India, where he Accountants. She is a CPA with Edgar, Kiker she lives. Long Learning Center. She lives in Denton. Branick and Walston Law Firm in Accountants. He is a CPA with Wathen lives. and Cross in Beaumont, where she lives. an alumnus of either the undergraduate or graduate programs Melissa (Byars) Riley ’99, B.S. mathematics, Charles Wilson ’89, M.Ed. school administra- Nederland, where he lives. DeShong and Juncker in Beaumont and lives of the College of Business Catherine (Asher) Bishop ’95, B.B.A. person- Thomas Lackey ’97, B.S. nursing, and wife, M.S. mathematics science, is a math instruc- tion, retired from coaching girls’ basketball in in Lumberton. Winton Webster Jr. ’91, B.A. history, was nel administration, is president of the Kimberly, have a new son, Parker Alan. They tor at Lamar University. She and her hus- Lumberton. selected as one of 10 Texas Attorney Jennifer (Taylor) Henson ’93, B.B.A. general Southeast Texas Financial Education live in Port Neches. band, Roger, live in Vidor. Please submit a letter or e-mail nomination along with any General’s Office employees recognized for business-industrial engineering, is Silsbee Institute. She works at Capital One Bank Jay McCraw ’97, B.S. kinesiology, ’00, M.S. Jeremy Watzlavik ’99, B.S. communication, outstanding performance. He heads the postmaster. She and her husband, Steven, and lives in Kountze. additional information available regarding the nominee. 90s kinesiology, is regional vice president at coaches boys’ soccer at Little Cypress- Nederland child support office and lives in and daughter, Ava, live in Orange. Patrick Brumbaugh ’95, A.A.S. computer Invesco Aim in Arlington, Va., where he Mauriceville. He lives in Orange. Roy Bares ’90, B.S. art education, was hon- Lumberton. All nominations should be mailed by April 1, 2010 Laura Landry ’93, B.S. home economics, is a electronics and robotics, ’97, B.S. industrial lives. ored by the Diocese of Beaumont as Teacher Stephanie Williams ’99, A.A.S. nursing, ’09, Mary (Gilcrease) Bray ’92, B.S. interdiscipli- librarian for the Windham School District. technology, is group manager for Panasonic of the Year from Monsignor Kelly Catholic Cynthia (Mulhollan) Mims ’97, B.B.A. man- B.S. nursing, was awarded scholarship train- nary studies, is owner of Travel Resources in She lives in Kingwood. in Secaucus, N.J. He lives in Spring. College of Business Hall of Fame Committee High School in Beaumont. He lives in agement, is an investment representative for ing with the Community Health Advocates Beaumont, where she lives with her hus- Nederland. Paula Read ’93, B.S. sociology, is a sergeant Tammy Copeland ’95, M.S. deaf studies, Investment Centers of America in Orange, Training program provided by the P.O. Box 10059 | Beaumont, Texas 77710 band, Leamon. in the Houston Police Department. She lives teaches at the West Virginia School for the where she lives. Association of Black Cardiologists in part- [email protected] Taryn Colligan ’90, B.B.A. marketing, is a Leslie (Bryant) Clark ’92, B.A. English, ’95, in Houston. Deaf in Romney, W.Va. She lives in nership with the National Heart, Lung & loan officer for Neches Federal Credit Union Brian Savoy ’97, B.B.A. accounting, is gener- M.A. English, is director of the Mastodon Wardensville, W.Va. Blood Institute. She is director of the at the Dowlen Road location. She lives in Byron Terrier ’93, B.S. kinesiology, ’03, M.Ed. al manager of financial planning for Duke Academic Performance Center at Indiana 4NW/ATC Unit at Memorial Hermann tration, is assistant principal of Rowe ing, is a senior engineer at Bechtel Corp. in Beaumont. school administration, is assistant superin- Jennifer (Pitre) Davis ’95, B.B.A. accounting, Energy Corp. He lives in Waxhaw, N.C., University–Purdue University Fort Wayne Baptist Hospital in Beaumont, where she Intermediate School in the Jasper school dis- Houston, where he lives. tendent for administrative services in the is senior tax advisor for BHP Billiton in with his wife, Sabrina. Keith Davis ’90, B.S. computer science, is (IPFW) in Fort Wayne, Ind., where she lives. lives. trict, where she lives. Goose Creek school district. Houston, where she lives. Heath McGallion ’01, B.B.A. finance, and founder and president of Application The Rauschenberg Tribute Exhibition, juried Tim McMurray ’92, B.A.A.S. applied arts and Lance Bean ’01, B.B.A. marketing, and Toni Mikala (Griffin) ’09, B.A. English, were mar- Factory, selected for the 2009 Best of Ruth Ainsworth ’94, B.B.A. accounting, Jon Jones ’95, B.S. psychology, is a physical by Susan Davidson of the Guggenheim in sciences, is senior associate athletics director Samuel were married May 15, 2009. Lance ried July 31 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He Beaumont Award in the computer software earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine, therapist at Spine and Sports Physical New York, accepted artwork by Laura 00s at Northern Illinois University and is presi- is a pharmaceutical sales representative with works for UBS Financial Services in category by the U.S. Commerce Association. and is associate veterinarian at Village Vet at Therapy in Orange. He lives in Groves. (Burchfield) Scott ’97, B.S. studio art, ’04, dent of the National Association of Athletic Billy Bryant ’00, M.Ed. educational leader- Novartis Pharmaceuticals in Houston, where Beaumont, and she is an administrative assis- He lives in Beaumont. Sterling Ridge. She lives in Porter. M.A. visual arts, for the show. Development Directors. He lives in James Sims ’95, B.A. English, is a developer ship, coaches baseball in Evadale. He also is they live. tant for the Bundy Team of Remax in Mark Kordelski ’90, B.S. mechanical engineer- Sycamore, Ill. James Comeaux ’94, B.S. economics, teaches for Intel and lives in Hillsboro, Ore. Shad Smith ’97, B.S. kinesiology, is sales rep- an assistant coach on the football team and Beaumont, where they live. Gary Calcote ’01, B.B.A. management infor- ing, is an application specialist at Parsons math at Jasper High School. He lives in resentative for Eastex Farm and Home and teaches history. He lives in Orange. Jacqueline Mitchell ’92, B.S.W. social work, Laura (Elkins) Bellard ’96, B.S. interior mation systems, owns a software consulting Lanis McWilliams ’01, B.S.W. social work, Corp. in Tampa, Fla. He lives in Lakeland, Fla. Orange. lives in China. teaches English language arts at Jasper High design, is a designer at Bert Lamson Design Amanda Carter ’00, B.S. interdisciplinary firm specializing in insurance software in was honored for service by CASA of Amit Pathak ’90, B.S. electrical engineering, School. She lives in Woodville. in Port Arthur. She lives in Port Neches with Troy Carpenter ’98, B.S. kinesiology, teaches studies, teaches at Rowe Intermediate School Grand Prairie, where he lives with his wife, Southeast Texas, of which she is executive is design engineer at Jacobs Sverdaup in her husband, Corey, and their son, Corban. special education at Jasper Junior High. He in Jasper. She lives in Newton. Adrienne. director. She lives in Beaumont. Brian Ousley ’92, B.S. kinesiology, M.Ed. Houston. He lives in Pearland. lives in Jasper. school administration, will represent Region Angie Coleman ’96, B.S. interdisciplinary Arvind Gopal ’00, M.S. computer science, is a Sheri (Horn) DelMage ’01, B.B.A. manage- Pete Mondello ’01, B.S. electrical engineering, Craig Willett ’90 A.A.S. computer electronics 5 as outstanding middle-level principal of the studies, lives in Troup with her husband, Aaron Clauson ’98, B.S. civil engineering, is principal with Etera Solutions. He lives in ment information systems, ’03, B.B.A. ’01, B.S. physics, ’06, M.Ed. engineering and robotics, was promoted to captain with year. He is principal of Orangefield Junior Corey. central region manager for Big R Bridge. He Waltham, Mass. accounting, is vice president of the Southeast management, is senior control systems engi- 12 years of service with the Beaumont Fire High School and lives in Orange. lives in Burleson. Texas chapter of the Texas Society of neer at Valero Energy Corp. in Port Arthur. Richard Howard ’96, B.S. criminal justice, is a Connie (Cook) Howard ’00, M.S. audiology, is Department. He lives in Beaumont. Certified Public Accountants. She is a CPA He lives in Nederland, with his wife, Freddie and Cheryl (Singleton) Owens ’92, sergeant with the Texas Department of Jennifer Doornbos ’98, B.B.A. general busi- an assistant professor of speech and hearing with Edgar, Kiker and Cross in Beaumont Veronica (Villarreal) ’97, B.S.W. social work. Kate Bobo ’91, B.S. communication disor- A.A.S. child care technology, ’93, A.A.S. Public Safety in Huntsville, where he lives. ness, ’98, B.S. biology, B.S. earth sciences, at Lamar University. She lives in Lumberton. and lives in Lumberton. ders, lives in Fort Knox, Ky., with her hus- child care and development, celebrated their ’01, M.Ed. counseling and development, is Pradeep Pugazhendhi ’01, M.Ed. chemical Kimberly (Tompkins) Ross ’96, B.B.A. Kitty (Shivers) Key ’00, B.A.A.S. applied arts band, Dwayne. 50th anniversary Aug. 29, 2009. They director of mergers, acquisitions and devel- Eduard Elizardo ’01, B.G.S. general studies, engineering, is senior process engineer at accounting, and her husband, Brad ’99, and sciences, was named Citizen of the Year at owned Little Angel’s Day Nursery for 26 opment for Tide Wind Energy Alliance in teaches Spanish and English as a second lan- Technip Middle East/RasGas in Qatar, where Mary Gloude ’91, A.A.S. child care and devel- B.G.S. general stud- Sabine Pass’ 170th anniversary. She is pastor years and live in Beaumont. Gary Denmon ’94, B.S. graphic design, won China. She lives in Nederland. guage at Elgin High School. He lives in he lives. opment, was honored by the Diocese of ies, have a new son, of the Sabine Pass United Methodist Church, best of show in a juried competition at Bastrop with his wife, Elizabeth, and their Beaumont as teacher of the year from Our Joanna (McGuinness) Richmond ’92, B.S. Parker Allen. John Ferrara ’98, B.B.A. accounting, is sys- where she moved after Hurricane Rita. Nederland High School baseball Coach Cody Xnihilo Gallery in Houston with Seven four children. Mother of Mercy Catholic School in computer science, and her husband, Stuart tems administrator for Jefferson County. He Robbins ’01, B.S. health education, was Bowls of Wrath. He lives in Humble. Frank Domino ’97, Jennifer (Dennis) Pickard ’00, B.B.A. market- Beaumont, where she lives. ’89, B.S. computer science, are owners of lives in Beaumont with his wife, Alyssa, and Suresh Gudavalli ’01, M.E. civil engineering, named Coach of B.S. environmental ing, ’05, M.Ed. educational leadership, was Read All Over, a bookstore in Port Arthur. Cherie (Louvier) Loyacano ’94, B.S. interdisci- two children. ’06, Eng.D. civil engineering, is engineering the Year for District 20-4A baseball. He lives Sheila (Thibodeaux) Guillory ’91, B.S. criminal science, earned a named technology coordinator teacher of the They live in Port Neches. plinary studies, ’09, M.Ed. teacher leader- and technology manager for Atser in in Nederland. justice, is Gulf Coast business development law degree from Esther Olsen ’98, B.A.A.S. applied arts and year for Orangefield. She lives in Vidor. ship, lives in Porter with her husband, David Houston, where he lives. manager for Wilson Mohr headquartered in Mary Roberts ’91, A.S. law enforcement, ’92, South Texas College sciences, serves on the board of directors for Rishikesh Sawant ’01, M.E. civil engineering, ’93, B.S. criminal justice. Kim (Johnson) Washington ’00, B.S. interdis- Sugar Land, where she lives. B.S. criminal justice, is office manager of of Law and is a the Southeast Texas Financial Education Nandan Khurd ’01, M.E. chemical engineer- is a structural engineer with URS Corp. in DOMINO ciplinary studies, ’07, M.Ed. school adminis-

50 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 51 class notes

Alumni Advisory Chad Srader ’04, B.S. criminal justice, is sen- M.S. computer science, both work as pro- Angie Rivers ’06, B.S. political science, is Pierce were married May 16, 2009. They live Board past ior district executive for the Sabine District, grammer/analysts for GSS America in attending Phoenix School of Law in Pearland. Boy Scouts of America. He lives in Mount Prospect, Ill. They live in Wheeling, Phoenix, Ariz. presidents Keat Chiasson ’07, B.B.A. finance, is business Beaumont. Ill., and have one child. Abbey (Born) Sanders Standing from left: ’06, B.G.S. general relationship manager at Wells Fargo bank in Lacey Withers ’04, B.S. family and consumer Kacie (Walker) ’06, B.S. communication, and studies, is an esthetician for Woodhouse Day Orange. He lives in Port Neches. President James Simmons; science, is sales manager for WillStaff Armando Araujo, were married July 18, Spa in Victoria. She lives in Edna with her Radha Chippa ’07, M.S. computer science, is a Worldwide and lives in Beaumont. 2009. They live in Port Neches. husband, Samuel, and daughter, Madelyn. Bud Leonard ’50, ’53, ’76, system analyst at Verizon in Temple Terrace, Amber Woodard ’04, B.B.A. marketing, ’09, Trish (Wiggins) Blanchard ’06, B.S. political The Diocese of Beaumont honored Diana Fla., where he lives. Jimmy Booker ’55, ’56; B.A. exercise science and fitness manage- science, lives in Winterville, N.C., with her (Breaux) Sims ’06, B.S. kinesiology, as Carrie (Wiegand) Foster ’07, B.S. interior ment, is a fitness specialist with the Health husband, Roger. Teacher of the Year from St. Catherine of Banker Phares ’62; design, teaches family and consumer science and Wellness Center in Beaumont. She lives Siena Catholic School in Port Arthur, where Kimberly Cessac ’06, B.S. biology, M.S. biol- at Jasper High School, where she lives. Paula (Tate) O’Neal ’69, ’79; in Vidor. she lives. ogy, is an environmental analyst for the Derek Graffagnino ’07, B.S. civil engineering, Gilbrt Adams Jr. ’69; William Atwell ’05, M.S. deaf studies and Lower Neches Valley Authority in Elisha Stanley ’06, B.S. family and consumer and Kristi (Marino) ’08, B.S. communication deaf education, is an instructor in the Beaumont, where she lives. sciences, ’06, B.B.A. general business, lives in Henry Strait ’74; disorders, were married May 16, 2009. They Interpreters Training Program at Lamar Buford, Ga. Jenna (Williamson) Dominguez ’06, B.G.S. live in Lumberton. Yvonne (Smith) Ritter ’67, University. He lives in Lumberton. general studies, teaches in the Port Arthur Brandan Still ’06, B.B.A. economics, ’06, Ingrid Griffin ’07, B.B.A. accounting, is a sen- ’73; Doug Matthews ’74; Kizell Brown ’05, B.S. electrical engineering, school district. She lives in Groves. B.B.A. management, and Jena (Verrill) ’06, ior accountant at El Paso Corp. She lives in is a youth guidance specialist for the state of B.S. communication disorders, were married Bill Withers ’76, ’79; Kyle DuBose ’06, B.A. history, and Tiffanye Deer Park. Oklahoma in Tecumseh, Okla. He lives in Aug. 8, 2009, in Beaumont. He earned a law were married Aug. 1, 2009, and live in Laurie (House) Ritchel ’85; Ada, Okla. degree from Harvard and works at Ropes Justin Guidry ’07, B.B.A. economics, ’07, Orangefield. and Gray Law Firm. She earned a master’s B.B.A. finance, has been sworn in as a court- Helen (Dunshee) Johnsen Brandi (Hinds) Claybar ’05, B.B.A. marketing, Paul Hardin ’06, M.Ed. school administration, degree from the University of Texas and appointed special advocate. He lives in is secretary and account manager for U.S. is principal of West Orange-Stark High works as a speech therapist for E.B.S. Beaumont. ’40, ’57, seated. Fence and Gate in Lake Charles. She and School. He lives in Orange. Healthcare. They live in Malden, Mass. Warren Claybar were married May 9, 2009. Eric Holton ’07, B.G.S. general studies, is Vipin Lillaney ’06, M.E. chemical engineering, Laura (Strange) ’06, B.S. nursing, and Bryan head football coach at Legacy Christian Casey Gates ’05, B.S. hospitality manage- Princeton, N.J. He and his wife, Gauri, an Deweyville High School baseball Coach Salil Shilotri ’03, M.E. industrial engineering, Laura Hunt ‘04, B.S. interdisciplinary studies, is a HiOx aeration system specialist for Roger were married May 30, 2009. Laura is Academy. He lives in Beaumont with his ment, was voted Southeast Texas Chef of the assistant professor of business economics at Darin Fletcher ’03, B.S. kinesiology, was is an industrial engineer for New Breed teaches in the Hallsville school district. She Parkson Corp. and lives in Pompano assistant manager in the surgery department wife, Doree ’06, B.S. interdisciplinary studies. Year by the Southeast Texas Chefs Muhlenberg College, live in Allentown. named the Beaumont Enterprise Co-coach Logistics. He lives in Fort Worth. and her husband, Charles ’85, chemical engi- Beach, Fla. at Lafayette Surgical Specialty Hospital in Association. He is a chef at Christus Deepak Kamidi ’07, M.E. electrical engineer- of the Year for District 23-2A baseball. He neering, live in Hallsville. Lafayette, La. They live in Youngsville, La. Sairam Eddanapudi ’02, M.E. civil engineer- Katherine (Roberts) Waldrop ’03, M.Ed. counsel- Hospital St. Mary in Port Arthur. He lives in Desiree (Martinez) ’06, B.B.A. marketing, ing, and his wife, Diana, had a daughter in lives in Orange. ing, is an engineer for HNTB in Baton ing and development, was named District 5 Paul Kulish II ’04, B.B.A, management infor- Beaumont. and Tyler Hays were married Aug. l, 2009. Carrie (Hebert) Strong ’06, B.S. fashion retail- March 2009. He is subsea controls engineer Rouge, where he lives with his wife, Wanda Grant ’03, B.A.A.S. applied arts and Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas mation systems, is a computer support spe- She teaches in the Jasper school district, and ing and merchandising, is a human resources for BP Corp. North America in Houston, Capt. Victor Kamantauskas ’05, B.B.A. human Sireesha. sciences, ’05, M.Ed. special education, teach- Elementary Principals and Supervisors cialist for Faust Distributing Co. in Houston. they live in Beaumont. generalist for FivePoint Credit Union. She where they live. resource management, serves in the Marine es in Liberty, where she lives with her hus- Association. She is principal of Lumberton’s He lives in Kingwood with his wife Saundra lives in Nederland. Amber Ferrell ’02, B.G.S. general studies, ’04, Corps and lives in Antioch, Calif. Julie (Jones) ’06, B.S. psychology, and Luke Travis McKelvain ’07, M.Ed. school adminis- band, Wallace. early childhood campus and lives in Lumberton. (Fregia) ’07, B.S. interdisciplinary studies, M.Ed. elementary education, teaches in Hebert ’04, B.B.A. management information Jared Best ’07, B.A. criminal justice, is a tration, is principal of West Orange-Stark who teaches in the Crosby school district. Summer (Burke) Kinsey ’05, B.S. communica- Round Rock, where she lives. Jennifer Kamantauskas ’03, B.M. music, Emily (Everett) Allen ’04, B.S. political sci- systems, were married Nov. 28, 2009. She is police officer for the city of Sour Lake. He Middle School. He lives in Orange. tion disorders, is self employed in Broward earned a master’s degree at Baylor University ence, M.Ed. supervision, is a diagnostician at Elizabeth Lazenby ’04, B.B.A. general busi- office administrator for Novrozsky’s lives in Port Neches. Heather (Jones) ’02, B.B.A. general business, County, Fla., as a speech pathologist. She Daniel Middleton ’07, B.S. chemistry, has been and is a music instructor in the Waco school Vidor High School. She lives in Vidor with ness, married Matthew Scoggin ’06, B.B.A. Hamburgers, and he is manager of Geo and Robert Beaver ’05, B.B.A. marketing, lives in Plantation, Fla., with her husband, Lindsey (Cauthen) Nunnally ’07, B.A. music, accepted by the University of Texas Health district, where she lives. her husband, Chris, and two sons, Aaron marketing. They live in Hutto. Burrito. They live in Beaumont. were married May 30, 2009. She is account Francis, who is in the Coast Guard, and ’07, B.S. biology, is a graduate research assis- Science Center dental school in San Antonio. and Andrew. manager for Strong, Pipkin, Bissell and Nicole (Madden) Lewis ’03, B.S. chemical Lya (Prejean) ’04, B.B.A. accounting, and their son. Harshal Naik ’06, M.E. chemical engineering, tant at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Naomi Mobley ’07, B.B.A. general business, Ledyard, and he is director of operations for engineering, is the supervisor of global logis- Srimanth Brindavanam ’04, M.E. industrial Junnius Pollard were married June 20, 2009. is process safety engineer for Smith and Houston, where she lives. David Marmolejo ’05, B.S. industrial engi- teaches first grade at Few Primary School in Lamont Corp. They live in Beaumont. tics and trade compliance for Champion engineering, is a business analyst and project She is an accountant for Reliant Energy and Burgess in Houston, where he lives. neering, is a shuttle/ISS flight controller and Joseph Cessac ’07, B.S. biology, and Amber Jasper. Technologies Inc. in Houston. She lives in manager for the state of Tennessee. He lives lives in Richmond. Tom Kelly ’02, B.S. chemical engineering, is lives in Houston. Liberty with her husband, Jacob, ’03, B.S. in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife Sirisha project manager for Norit Americas and lives Summer (Schwertner) Thompson ’04, B.B.A. psychology, who teaches science as depart- (Seri) ’05, M.S. environmental studies, who Kristin Mattingly ’05, B.B.A. accounting, ’05, in Hallsville. management information systems, ’05, ment chair for the Cleveland school district. is a business intelligence engineer for Kroll B.B.A. finance, is a member of the board of M.B.A. business administration, and Randy Nutan Palla ’02, M.E. civil engineering, ’08, Background Services. directors of the Southeast Texas chapter of Kimberly (Forston) Lyons ’03, B.S. interdisci- ’03, B.B.A. management information sys- Native Texas poet and historian Oliphant publishes memoir Eng.D. civil engineering, is project engineer the Texas Society of Certified Public plinary studies, was named elementary Kody Brooks ’04, B.S. communication disor- tems, were married June 13, 2009. She at Tolunay Wong Engineers Inc. in Accountants. She works for the city of During his thirty years at the University of Texas at Austin, before retiring in 2006, Dave Oliphant teacher of the year in Orangefield. She lives ders, ’08, Au.D. audiology, and his wife, works for e.Sullivan Advertising, and he for Beaumont, where he lives. Beaumont and lives in Lumberton. in Orange. Corby ’05, B.S. interdisciplinary studies, live Deli Management. They live in Port Neches. ’63, B.S. English, was at different times the editor of the scholarly journal The Library Chronicle, Crystal (Williams) ’02, B.A. communication, in Cypress. Emily (Short) ’05, B.S. interior design, and Kara (Melancon) Mabe ’03, B.B.A. manage- Becky (Robideaux) ’04, B.S. kinesiology, and coordinator of the freshman seminar program and senior lecturer in English and rhetoric and writing. and Aundrey Petry were married Aug. 1, Kenneth Ray were married Sept. 26, 2009. ment information systems, is the business Karen (White) Edwards ’04, B.G.S. general Charles Simmons Jr. were married Nov. 21, 2009, and live in Beaumont. She works for Mason Construction, and he His most recent books are a volume of poems, Backtracking (2004), and a collection of 16 essays, Jazz office supervisor for St. Luke’s Episcopal studies, has received a commission from the 2009. She is a teacher and coach at Odom is a project manager for The Newtron Group Margaret (Duchamp) ’02, M.Ed. counseling Hospital in Houston. She earned an M.B.A. Salvation Army Australia East to create a Academy. They live in Beaumont. Mavericks of the Lone Star State (2007). He has also translated two collections, Chilean poetry: Figures of Inc. They live in Kountze. and development, and Stan Vanhooser were from Texas Women’s University and is pur- painting for its upcoming documentary, Satinderbir Singh ’04, M.E. electrical engi- Speech by Enrique Lihn (1999) and Love Hound by Oliver Welden (2006), the latter the winner of the married Oct. 17, 2009. She is a senior care suing a master’s degree in health care admin- titled Our People: The Story of William and Gerald Riedmueller Jr. ’05, B.S. communica- neering, is an engineer for Sprint Nextel in advocate with United Behavioral Health istration there. She and her husband, Catherine Booth and the Salvation Army. tion, and Amber (Vallot) were married Oct. poetry prize at the 2007 New York Book Festival. Phoenix, Ariz., where he lives. Care in Houston. They live in the The Michael, live in Pearland. She lives in London, England, with her hus- 24, 2009. Amber is an early childhood Oliphant earned a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and his Ph.D. from Woodlands. band, Robert. Kelly (McCabe) Smith ’04, B.S. interdiscipli- teacher at Happy Beginnings Development The Rauschenberg Tribute Exhibition, juried Northern Illinois University. In 2009, Wings Press of San Antonio published his 26th book. The 548- nary studies, earned a master’s degree from Center, and he is an estimator for Ohmstede Leena Waghmare ’02, M.E. electrical engi- by Susan Davidson of the Guggenheim in Nicholas Elizondo ’04, B.B.A. economics, ’07, Texas Woman’s University in library and Ltd. They live in Beaumont. page autobiography—Harbingers of Books to Come: A Texan’s Literary Life—is the first major memoir of a neering, is assistant manager for KPMG, New York, accepted artwork by Grace M.B.A. finance, is a general accountant for information science. She and her husband, City Studio, in Mumbai, India, where she Megnet ’03, M.A. visual arts, for the show. Golden Pass LNG in Sabine Pass. He lives in Shannon (Tait) Tanner ’05, B.S. political sci- native Texas poet. “Beaumont and Lamar Tech gave me my start. My trumpet teacher, Richard Burkart, James ’04, A.S. process operations, were and her husband, Prashant, live. Bridge City. ence, is a transcript evaluator at Lamar Kristin (Chastant) ’03, B.S. interdisciplinary married in May 2009 after meeting in the who was important in my becoming a jazz historian, also appears prominently in my memoir,” Oliphant University and lives in Port Arthur. Sandesh Barade ’03, M.S. computer science, studies, and Daniel Patrick were married July James Gibbs ’04, interdisciplinary studies, Baptist Student Ministry at Lamar. said. Burkhart was honored in February at Lamar with a reunion of his former students. is senior commerce developer for Marlabs 18. They live in Spring. teaches pre-kindergarten at Few Primary Venkata Twarakavi ’05, M.S. computer sci- Inc. in Stow, Ohio, where he lives. School in Jasper. He lives in Woodville. ence, and his wife, Archana (Balagani) ’05,

52 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 53 class notes class notes You’ve We will miss...

Katy (Parsons) Neel ’07, B.S. interdisciplinary Jennifer Hinson ’08, B.A.A.S. applied arts ies, and Michael Dismukes were married Oct. Alumni nursing, died Aug. 10, 2009. John Ford ’80, A.A.S. diesel mechanics, died studies, teaches first grade at Few Primary and sciences, teaches family and consumer 10, 2009. She teaches in the Bridge City Sept. 23, 2009. Lucy (Wilson) King George Goetz ’67, B.B.A. general business, School in the Jasper school district, where sciences at Jasper High School. She lives in school district. They live in Nederland. ’34, A.A. general studies, Earned died Aug. 22, 2009. died July 13, 2009. Lillian (Gosey) Booker ’81, M.Ed. counseling she lives. Kirbyville. Amber (Trahan) ’09, B.S. nursing, and Tyler and development, died July 14, 2009. Eleanor (Hunt) Krueger ’38, A.A. general stud- John Hoffpauir ’67, B.B.A. accounting, died Elizabeth (Babineaux) Robertson ’07, B.S. Josh LeBlanc ’08, B.B.A. accounting, works Dupree ’00, B.G.S. general studies, were mar- Aug. 7, 2009. Charles Durio ’82, A.A.S. real estate, ’96, chemical engineering, is a process engineer at Edgar, Kiker and Cross in Beaumont, ried Nov. 7, 2009. She is a registered nurse at ies, died Aug. 20, 2009. B.A.A.S. applied arts and sciences, died June for Fluor in Sugar Land, where she lives where he lives. Baptist Hospital, and he is co-owner and Herbert Mulder ’40, A.A. general studies, died Stephen Solis ’67, B.A. Spanish, died Sept. 5, 11, 2009. with her husband, David, and son. director of operations of Southeast Texas July 23, 2009. 2009. Charissa (Piazza) ’08, M.S. industrial and Your HR. They live in Beaumont. Jan Miller ’83, B.S. secondary education, Josh Turner ’07, B.S. geology, is a geologist organizational psychology, and J.C. Lewis Homer Walles ’41, A.A. general studies, died Robert Owens ’68, B.S. industrial engineer- died July 30, 2009. at Tolunay-Wong Engineers Inc. in Vidor, ’03, B.G.S. general studies, were married James Eshliman ’09, B.A.A.S. applied arts and July 2, 2009. ing, died June 14, 2009. where he lives with his wife, Alison. Oct. 24, 2009. She is a human resources sciences, and his wife Kelsey (Mullins) ’04, Gregory Beaver ’84, A.A.S. industrial elec- Ralph Massey ’47, A.A. general studies, died Martha (Welsh) Peterson ’68 B.B.A. secretari- administrator for Daniels Building & B.S. criminal justice, ’09, M.Ed., educational tronics technology, ’86, B.S. industrial tech- Kelsey Wakefield ’07, B.B.A. finance, is vice Degree! Sept. 16, 2009. al science, died Aug. 11, 2009. Construction Inc., and he works for Gulf administration, teach in Beaumont. They live nology, died Aug. 23, 2009. president of marketing for the Southeast in Lumberton. Carl Bush -48, business, died July 16, 2009. Lionel Rowland ’68, M.A. history, died Sept. Coast Fabricators. They live in Beaumont. Michael Grady Texas Financial Education Institute. He lives 25, 2009. ’85, B.B.A. accounting, died in Groves. Sally (Edds) Palculict ’08, B.S. nursing, is a Theresa (LeBlanc) Edgerton ’08, B.S. psycholo- Margaret (Hayes) Johnston -48, medical tech- June 29, 2009. James Nicholas ’69, B.S. electrical engineer- registered nurse at Christus St. Mary gy, and husband, Cody ’09, B.S. psychology, nology, died July 8, 2009. Lt. Cdr. Michael Weinert Vicki (Cupp) Morris ’85, A.A.S. nursing, died ’07, M.P.A. public have a daughter, Kate Austyn. They live in ing, died March 25, 2009. Hospital in Port Arthur, where she lives with Dr. J. D. Thompson ’48, A.A. general studies, July 9, 2009. administration, ’09, M.B.A., business admin- Port Arthur. her husband, Kent. died Aug. 2, 2009. Terry (Shelton) Ryals ’69, B.S. commercial art, istration, has served more than 30 years as a Beverly Wrinkle ’85, A.A.S. nursing, died Denise Papillion Carla Ferraro ’09, M.Ed. administration, ’77 M.Ed. secondary education, died Aug. 5, career military officer in the Army and Coast ’08, B.S. interdisciplinary Rufina (Barbosa) Adams ’49, certif. general Aug. 27, 2009. works for Klein school district and lives in 2009. Guard. As a pilot and maintenance test pilot, studies, teaches first grade in Goose Creek studies, died June 6, 2009. Alan Hebert he has more than 2,300 hours of combined school district in Baytown. She lives in Houston. Elaine (Gillum) Eitel ’70, M.A. English, died ’86, A.A.S. drafting technology, Neil Sheffield ’50, A.A. general studies, died died Sept. 1, 2009. flight time. He is on active duty with the Raywood. Ada Garcia ’09, B.S. nursing, works for Aug. 12, 2009. Aug. 8, 2009. Coast Guard and also serves as a trained Donald Morris ’86, B.B.A. finance, died July Christopher Richard ’08, B.S. mechanical Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital in Houston, Albert Sadler ’70, certif. diesel mechanics, mediator with the Jefferson County Dispute Milt Wing ’54, B.S. chemistry, died Sept. 23, engineering, is a research engineer at where she lives. died June 25, 2009. 11, 2009. Resolution Center. He lives in Beaumont. 2009. National Oilwell Varco in Conroe, where he Joseph Snell Tracy Henson ’09, M.Ed. teacher leadership, Elton Smith ’70, B.S. graphic design, died ’86, B.B.A. management, died Tony Allen ’08, B.A.A.S. applied arts and sci- lives. Mark Brown ’55, B.B.A. marketing, died teaches at Coppell High School, where she Sept. 24, 2009. Aug. 5, 2009. ences, teaches physical education and coaches Sept. 6, 2009. Mary (Sylvester) Schuldt ’08, B.S. interior lives with her husband, Joshua Smith. Deborah (Leach) Hall ’71, B.S. elementary at Jasper Junior High. He lives in Kirbyville. Bonnie Campbell ’71, B.S. commercial art, design, lives in Victorville, Calif., with her Henry Larcade Jr. ’56, B.B.A. management, Alba Montoya ’09, M.Ed. educational admin- died June 23, 2009. education, ’88, M.Ed. counseling and devel- Kim Ballenger ’08, B.G.S. general studies, is a husband, Matthew. istration, teaches first grade in the Aldine died Aug. 23, 2009. opment, died June 8, 2009. teacher and coach in Jacksonville. She lives Carol (Harris) Henkes ’71, B.A. English, died Miguel Solis ’08, B.A. history, joined Teach school district. She lives in Houston. Clara (McGill) Bean ’58, B.S. home econom- Lindon Hightower ’90, A.A.S. mid-manage- in Tyler. Aug. 30, 2009. For America, the national corps of top recent Pam (Sam) Packard ’09, B.A. English, teaches ics, died Sept. 21, 2009. ment, ’93, A.A.S. computer drafting technol- Mark Campbell ’08, B.B.A. marketing, is a college graduates who commit to teach for John Monroe ’71, B.B.A. marketing, died in the Vidor school district, where she lives Merlin Breaux ’58, B.S. secondary education, ogy, died June 27, 2009. marketing specialist at Education First two years in urban and rural public schools. Aug. 6, 2009. Now, inspire someone you know with her husband, Steven. died July 29, 2009. Jack Whisenant ’91, A.A.S. computer draft- Federal Credit Union in Beaumont, where He teaches in Dallas. Richard Monte ’71, B.S. health and physical ing technology, died Aug. 5, 2009. he lives. Renae Rives ’09, M.Ed. administration, is lit- Bernie Cook ’58, B.B.A. general business, Danielle (Hudson) Sutton ’09, teaches at St. education, ’73, M.P.A. public administration, to do the same. eracy coordinator for E. C. Mason died Sept. 9, 2009. Michael Freer ’92, B.S. biology, ’94, M.S. Lisa Chalow died July 30, 2009. ’08, B.A.A.S. applied arts and John’s Episcopal School in Abilene, where Elementary School in Manvel. She lives in Harold Poland ’58, B.S. engineering, died biology, died July 2, 2009. sciences, is an adult protective services spe- she lives with her husband, Lloyd. Friendswood. Oscar Palmer ’72, A.A.S. diesel mechanics, cialist for the Department of Family and Aug. 9, 2009. Elizabeth (Tolliver) Wright ’94, M.Ed. counsel- Emily (Eisen) died Aug. 11, 2009. ’08, B.S. communication, and Brandon Spears ’09, B.B.A. marketing, is Protective Services in Beaumont, where Ron Wallace, Sr. ’58, B.B.A. marketing, died ing and development, died June 24, 2009. Jeffery Wheeler were married Aug. 9, 2009. Lamar University’s Online Sharen (Seversen) Aberer she lives. lobby manager at Prosperity Bank. He lives ’73, B.S. mechani- June 30, 2009. Carri (Savage) Broussard ’96, B.S. earth She works for the Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Bachelor Completion Program in Groves, with his wife, Carol (Sharp) ’04, cal engineering, died June 18, 2009. Tiffany Eckenrod ’08, M.S. family and con- Program. They live in Beaumont. Edwin Pearson ’60, B.B.A. management, science, died June 24, 2009. Only $450* per course B.B.A. accounting, ’04, B.B.A. finance. David Fortney ’73, B.A. political science, died sumer sciences, is a clinical dietitian for died June 24, 2009. Robert Dean, Jr. ’96, B.S. political science, Kristen Albright ’09, B.A. English, teaches in Ricky Testa June 12, 2009. Brazosport Regional Health System in Lake ’09, B.G.S. general studies, was the Nederland school district. She lives in Earn a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences John Bynum ’61, B.S. physical education, died Oct. 8, 2009. Jackson, where she lives. drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 18th Arthur Fulda ’73, B.B.A. management, died Port Arthur. Begin the program with as few as 45 hours died Sept. 9, 2009. round of the Major League Baseball draft. He Aug. 2, 2009. Ashley (Yentzen) Glenn ’08, B.B.A. manage- Jennifer (Arceneaux) ’09, B.S. nursing, and Earn credit for your experience & training is a former pitcher for the Lamar Cardinals. Charles McLin ’61, B.S. mathematics, died Faculty, staff and friends ment, is graduation coordinator at Lamar Hattie Balding ’74, certif. vocational nursing, Keestan Cole ’09, B.S. civil engineering, were Sept. 3, 2009. University. She and her husband, Cody ’03, Complement your associate’s degree Michelle (Dillon) Tolar ’09, M.Ed. administra- died July 13, 2009. Jean Brickhouse died Dec. 14, 2009. married July 25, 2009. She works as a regis- B.A. political science, live in Port Neches. tion, lives in Fort Worth with her husband, Bobby Williams ’61, B.A. government died tered nurse for Christus Hospital St. Mary in Thomas Nicholas ’74, A.A.S. police science, Kate Dishman died Jan. 30, 2009. Dustin. July 6, 2009. Amy (Cohrs) ’08, B.A. English, and Mathew Port Arthur, and he works as a graduate died June 5, 2009. Belle Mead Holm Goolsby were married June 13, 2009. They engineer at Arceneaux and Gates Consulting Darla (Petersen) Vazquez ’09, M.Ed. teacher Monica (Daugherty) Ash ’62, B.S. elementary , retiree, died Sept. 13, William Paradoski, Jr. ’74, B.S. communica- live in Beaumont. Engineers. They live in Groves. Share This Opportunity Today! leadership, is a bilingual teacher in the Aldine education, died Aug. 28, 2009. 2009. Contributions to a scholarship in her schools district. She lives in Houston. tion, died Sept. 16, 2009. memory may be made to the Lamar Zachary Gresham ’08, B.A. art history, works Shannon (Bennett) Brown ’09, M.Ed. admin- Thelma Mitchell ’62, certif. vocational Barbara (Richards) Jackson ’75, certif. University Foundation, P.O. Box 11500, as the Kinder Foundation Education Center istration, teaches fourth grade in the Irving Justin Walters Sr. ’09, B.S. electrical engineer- nursing, died June 11, 2009. vocational nursing, died June 23, 2009. Beaumont, Texas 77710. and Family Programs assistant at The ing, is an engineer with BP. He lives in school district. She lives in Carrollton. Jimmy White ’63, B.S. electrical engineering, Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, where he Richmond. Jerry Gaulding ’76, B.S. communication, died S. Walker James, retiree, died Sept. 13, 2009. Leah (Cassity) ’09, B.S. family and consumer died Aug. 19, 2009. lives. June 22, 2009. Dustin Cleveland Dephane (Hollier) Wilson ’09, B.S. interdisci- Jacque MiMi (Hatfield) Law sciences, and ’09, B.S. Helene (Webster) Litton ’64, B.S. elementary , died Jan. 17, Sandra (Howard) ’08, B.S. interdisciplinary industrial technology, were married Aug. 22, plinary studies, teaches first grade in the Michael Smith ’76, B.S. health and physical education, died Sept. 23, 2009. 2009. Memorial contributions may be made studies, and Ryan Hebert were married July 2009. They live in Beaumont. Jasper school district. education, died Aug. 25, 2009. to the audiology program, Lamar University, 11, 2009. They live in Groves. Lennie Dauphine ’65, B.S. government, died Christopher Coleman Bobbie Boyett ’79, certif. office administra- P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710. ’09, B.A. political sci- June 18, 2009. ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS tion, ’81, B.B.A. office administration, M.S. Russell Helson ’08, B.S. communication, ence, and Anna Garlock were married June Kenneth Lee, retiree, died Aug. 23, 2009. Lou (LeBlanc) Lequeux won the Tyrrell Garth Invitational at the 4, 2009. Chris is employed by Modern ’65, M.Ed. elementary education, died Sept. 12, 2009. 1.866.223.7675 education, died June 29, 2009. Yvonne Simon, retiree, died Sept. 7, 2009. Beaumont Country Club. He caddies on the Group in Beaumont, where they live. Bebe (Ford) Robinson -79, office administra- national tour for Martin Piller. Erma (Kemper) Thomas Jenna (Pope) ’09, B.S. interdisciplinary stud- ’66, certif. vocational tion, died Sept. 15, 2009. Anna Tringas, retiree, died June 12, 2009.

*In-state tution based on a 3-credit-hour course

54 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 55 members to dedicate all of their time to One aspect that makes the job especially perfecting their craft. satisfying for Gearhart is the caliber of musi- “Being a full-time, professional musi- cians that he has the opportunity to work cian,” said Gearhart, “demands a good deal of alongside. time and dedication to maintain the level of “My colleagues bring the utmost degree playing required.” of musical talent and professionalism to the Every week has a different scenario and, organization,” he said. “When something even on his days “off,” Gearhart is on call, happens, it happens when it is supposed to ready to perform at the drop of a hat. In addi- happen and how it is supposed to happen, had mentioned the elite nature of the Marine tion to the band’s spring and fall concert with the most beautiful musical results.” Band. He says the Marine Band has the repu- series, there are recordings, chamber In seven years, Gearhart will be eligible tation for being, arguably, the best symphonic rehearsals and Friday night parades. “We basi- for retirement, but he hopes to stay longer. band in the world. cally have enough musicians, around 130,” he After his tenure with the band, he intends to “I knew I could fit the Marine Band and said, “to be able to front two complete con- continue performing. Until then, he and his that it was the professional career I wanted,” cert bands at the same time if we need to. wife, Vicki, a clarinet player and gunnery said Gearhart. “The moment I saw that This past fall, for example, we had a band in sergeant in the Marine Band, share an active advertisement, I made it my singular goal to New York City for the Walter Cronkite life, although their schedules sometimes win the audition.” Memorial. The same day, at almost the exact separate them. The Marine Band performed its first offi- same time, I performed with the band inside They live in Alexandria, Va., with two cial public concert on Aug. 21, 1800. Thomas the Capitol for the Congressional 9/11 Labrador retrievers and two cats. In what lit- Top Jefferson gave the band its name of “The Observance.” tle spare time he has, he enjoys competitive President’s Own” in 1801, because it was, and Though he began playing trumpet, cycling and races as an amateur throughout still is, the only musical organization whose Gearhart has also mastered the cornet and the year in the Mid-Atlantic area. main job is to perform for the president of flugelhorn. He was promoted from staff ser- In 2004, Gearhart conducted clinics and the United States and commandant of the geant to gunnery sergeant in early Marine Corps. 2000. As a leader and member of by Amanda Rowell Auditions for the Marine Band take the most elite musical organization

ROHN WENNER place in John Philip Sousa Band Hall at in the country, he has performed at Marine Barracks in Washington. Musicians four inaugurations, dating to Bill t may have literally taken an Act of ment and took off with it on my own,” said orchestral trumpet-playing and had little are auditioned behind a screen to ensure they Clinton’s second inauguration Jan. brassCongress in 1798 to establish the Gearhart. symphonic band experience, whereas Lamar are selected based solely on performance abili- 20, 1997. “Each inauguration has United States Marine Band as the Later, while attending West Brook prepped students in a variety of musical sec- ty. If selected for the “final round,” musicians been an honor to be a part of,” he most prestigious musical organiza- High School, Gearhart took private lessons tors. are interviewed to ensure they meet mental said. “Just like performing at the tion in the country, but, 200 years from the late Raul Ornelas. After graduating “The Marine Band doesn’t have sepa- and physical criteria for enlistment into White House, there are aspects of later, all it took was a want ad in a in 1987, he chose to study with Ornelas at rate units within the organization for vari- the Marine Corps. and may obtain security these events that I get to witness musicians’ trade magazine to turn a waiter Lamar because, Gearhart said, “He was such ous tasks,” he said. “For instance, we don’t clearance. from the inside, which makes them Iinto one of “The President’s Own.” an influential teacher.” have a dedicated Jazz Band, like the Army’s “You can’t let the nerves get to you; they particularly interesting.” Working at a chain restaurant in Majoring in music and with hopes for DC premier band ‘Pershing’s Own.’ We do only work to your detriment,” Gearhart said. One special inauguration for Houston, then-recent Lamar music graduate a career in the same industry, he immersed everything from orchestra concerts to events “You can’t think; you just do. It’s something Gearhart was President Barack Scott Gearhart ’94 found himself “thor- himself in the music program, becoming a at the White House.” that still works for me when I play something Obama’s on Jan. 19, 2009. “I’ve oughly miserable.” It wasn’t until discover- part of almost every performing ensemble Not knowing what endeavors and high profile.” heard roaring audiences of tens of Scott Gearhart, Wayne Dyess ing an ad in the International Musician for a the university offered: the Symphonic Band, adventures his future would hold, Gearhart Of 76 applicants, Gearhart won one of thousands before,” said Gearhart, trumpet opening in the Marine Band that the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band A, the headed to Houston after graduation, pick- two open positions. He enlisted and, in 1996, “but the sound of hundreds of thousands, performed a Harry James medley at a Gearhart knew what he wanted for his Trumpet Choir, student brass quintets, the ing up shifts as a waiter. Feeling unfulfilled, made the move to Washington. approaching a million, was a sound that not Lamarissimo! concert in Beaumont, accompa- future. An avid trumpet player for 29 years, Faculty Brass Quintet, the Cardinal Singers he began contacting school districts, lining Band members do not enter boot camp, too many witness. There were just so many nied by the Lamar Jazz Band, an ensemble Gearhart has found success as part of the backup, Pep Band for the basketball teams up more than 40 students he would teach as and there are no secondary tactical or combat people; it was a very special day.” still near and dear to his heart. “I remember oldest continuously active musical organiza- and Big Red Marching Band. As a result, he a freelance trumpet teacher. missions. Before performing with the band, Gearhart travels across the country dur- the personal attention and work ethic that I tion in the country. entered “The President’s Own” with a “I realized that I could, indeed, do however, new members undergo a six-week ing the band’s annual fall concert tour, where, got from my professors at Lamar,” he said, Born in Garland, Gearhart moved with plethora of styles and skills. something with my trumpet-performance training, which covers military customs and along with more than 70 other members, he “as well as the tight-knit, coordinated effort of his family to Newark, Del., his father’s “My experiences (at Lamar) prepared degree,” said Gearhart. courtesies, ceremonial drill, uniform regula- performs 40 to 45 concerts in 50 to 55 days working with my fellow students.” hometown, when Gearhart was 5. They me very well for my career,” said Gearhart. A year working for Spring and Katy tions and all essential military subjects. in October and November. He has also per- Attributing his success with “The lived there two years before making the “It made me tailor fit for the Marine Band.” school districts made Gearhart realize that With a season of more than 500 concerts formed lead trumpet for the Marine Jazz President’s Own” to his education at Lamar move to Beaumont. At 11, he followed in Most of his colleagues had attended maybe teaching wasn’t his calling. Then he in the D.C. area, and across the nation, mem- Orchestra’s inaugural performance at the and time spent studying with Ornelas, the footsteps of his older brother, Bryce, schools such as Eastman and Juilliard, which came across the ad. He recalled that Wayne bers have almost-daily rehearsals. The full- Kennedy Center, and he frequently performs Gearhart said, “It was the first audition I who was a trumpet player. essentially focus on one aspect of perform- Dyess, director of jazz studies at Lamar, had time positions, with pay commensurate to concerts with the Marine Chamber took and turned out being the career I was “I quickly fell in love with the instru- ance. Most of his section mates focused on been a member of the U.S. Navy Band and that of a major symphony orchestra, allow Ensembles. looking for.”

56 | CARDINAL CADENCE 38:1 FEBRUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 38:1 CARDINAL CADENCE | 57 Mining for treasure From the Silsbee petrochemical plant to the Saudi Arabian mine, Arabian American Development’s CEO Nick Carter is comfortable doing business wherever he is in the world. for Arabian American Development, describes Carter as intelligent, respected and reserved. “The by Cathleen Cole growth and success of the company can be attrib- uted to his management,” Goehringer said. The lying into Jeddah, Saudi get busy. “It always helps to have a good woman for guid- copper, zinc, gold and partner with Germer Gertz law firm in Beaumont is Arabia, for the first time ance,” he said. This time he enrolled at Lamar to major in silver. Arabian American also Carter’s hunting, fishing and golfing partner on in 1996, Nick Carter ’75 business with a focus on accounting and graduated in 1975. Development also owns occasion and said that even away from business, was awed by the vast His first job after graduating was with the Sabine River about 55 percent of the Carter has a no-nonsense attitude, but he does have expanse of desert, the Authority in accounting for the Lake Fork Project. He later capital stock of a Nevada a dry sense of humor. That’s apparent when he’s desolate mountainous moved to the certified public accounting firm Wathen, mining company, Pioche- talking about his family, made up of accountants regions and the camels wandering the DeShong & Juncker in Beaumont and worked there for two Ely Valley Mines Inc. and business people, including his wife, Judy Fdunes. “It’s a good thing they’ve got oil years. One of the firm’s clients was South Hampton. In 1977, As for working his way up the corporate ladder, he said, “I (Smith) Carter ’79; his daughters, Nikki (Carter) Smith ’92 and and minerals,” he said of the country. he was offered the controller’s position at the petrochemical think I’ve always had the ability to get things done. I’m a self- Mandy (Carter) Ternes ’03; and his sons-in-law, Darren R. Smith ’93 “It’s a different experience.” company. He took it, and he’s been there ever since. starter.” His talent lies in motivating people and instigating action, and Andy Ternes ’02. His son, Jeremy, joined the Navy. They’re not Carter is president and CEO of South Hampton Resources was founded in 1955 to he said. But he also credits the mentors he’s had along the way who exactly a wild bunch, he claimed. “We talk about balancing check- Arabian American Development Co., convert natural gas into motor fuel. It later refined crude oil gave him opportunities, includ- books, debits and credits,” he which owns and operates Silsbee-based into gasoline and diesel fuel. After the oil bust in the early ing John Simmons at the Sabine joked. “We’re not that boring!” his South Hampton Resources, a petrochemical facility. The ’80s, the company regrouped and began producing specialty River Authority, Evan “Slats” wife countered. company is also the developer and investor in a Saudi petrochemicals at its 97-acre facility. The company’s products Wathen at the accounting firm Judy Carter always had faith Arabian mine that is scheduled to start mining in late 2010 are sold exclusively as intermediate components to manufac- and Marvin “Red” Bomer, Don’t be afraid to step out. Take a risk, in her husband’s ability to be a suc- for zinc, copper, gold and silver. The publicly traded company turers competing in various markets such as expandable poly- the former owner of South and go where the opportunities are. cess but admitted that when they had 2008 revenues of $155 million. styrene (styrofoam), polyethylene, adhesives, building foams, Hampton Resources. “It’s were young “he was lacking a bit Carter was born in Bartlesville, Okla., the former home synthetic rubber and food processing. South Hampton the people behind the person,” of direction.” Today, she doesn’t of Phillips Petroleum Co., where both his parents worked. Resources has about 60 percent of the North American he said. hesitate to give him direction in the His father was a chemical engineer, and his mother was a market share for C5 solvents—expanding agents that are used Credit also goes to his alma —NICK CARTER ’75 form of a honey-do list for her nurse for the company. Phillips had a refinery in Sweeny, in applications including drink cups, food packaging trays, mater. “I got a very solid educa- “ Antique Mall of Lumberton and Texas, and his family relocated there when he was 5 years old. electronics packaging, ice chest insulation, building insulation tion,” he said. “The quality of instruction was very good.” Country Lane Antique Mall. If something’s broken, she’ll ask him to As a child, he liked hunting, fishing, playing football and board and other products using packaging and insulating His small-town upbringing has never hindered him in his inter- fix it, and he says, “I’ll put it on my list.” She describes her husband basketball and, in general, just being outdoors. foam components. The company is also a leader in the national business dealings. After he became president of South as a really neat guy who is not easily discouraged. “He stays very After graduating from Sweeny High School, he headed production of C6 solvents, which are typically used in Hampton, he immediately had interactions with the new parent positive,” she said. “He’s my best friend.” for Lamar in 1965 but, after three years and a few majors, adhesives, synthetic rubbers and as catalyst-carrying agents. company’s Saudi Arabian businessmen. The language difference has- Carter’s advice to small-town kids with big dreams of success: didn’t finish a degree. “I was pretty much messing around,” Founded in 1967, Arabian American Development Co. n’t been a big problem as documents are printed in Arabic and ”“Don’t be afraid to step out. Take a risk, and go where the he said, adding that his frustrated parents quit paying for bought South Hampton Resources in 1987 and named English, and most of the businessmen speak English. The only prob- opportunities are.” his college education. He needed to find direction, and he Carter president of their acquisition. He was named president lem comes when dealing with service workers. Once, he was taking a His personal goals are in sync with the company’s goals. He found it in fellow Lamar student Judy Smith. The two got and CEO of Arabian American Development July 1, 2009. taxi cab from the company’s office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to the wants to be a successful CEO by making the company successful and married—she was 19; he was 21. He joined the Navy and Today the company’s main business activities include manu- airport for the trip home to Texas. It seemed to Carter that the cab- plans to expand the company’s market base. “It’s a niche company,” became an aviation electronics technician. He also became a facturing various petrochemical products and developing bie was driving about 120 miles per hour. “Slow down! Slow he said, adding that he would like to expand into other markets father to daughter Nikki. mineral properties in Saudia Arabia and the United States. down!” he shouted. The driver turned and looked at Carter and “probably through acquisitions.” That will keep him busy for at least When his four-year stint was up, he returned to Its mining interests include the ownership and rights yelled back, “I don’t speak English!” He then proceeded at his break- a few more years. “I enjoy my job,” Carter said. “I’m not in a big Southeast Texas because his wife was from Buna and wanted for the Al Masane mine in Saudi Arabia that, when put into neck speed to the airport. “He scared me to death,” Carter said. hurry to retire.” to be close to home. He knew it was time to settle down and production, is expected to produce significant quantities of Charlie Goehringer ’80, a board member and general counsel

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