Vol. 46, No. 1 | Spring 2018

VOL. 46, NO. 1 | SPRING 2018

| FROM THE PRESIDENT | CARDINAL CADENCE | ON THE COVER | the magazine of lamar university VOL 46, NO. 1 | SPRING 2018 Electrical engineering senior nnovation comes in many Aleksander Allen demonstrates forms and especially at a varied the open source prosthetic hand academic institution such as Cardinal Cadence is published by Lamar University, From entrepreneurship, port management and the a member of The Texas State University System he assembled under the direction Lamar University. This issue of I and an affirmative action, equal opportunity petrochemical industry to healthcare, education, of faculty mentor Professor Cadence highlights numerous educational institution. the speech and hearing sciences and engineering, individuals in our LU community Weihang Zhu. Kate Downing, Executive Editor, Special who exemplify this in their everyday Assistant to the President and Director of Photo by Daniel McLemore among others, Lamar University’s outstanding Cover art by Amanda Toups work, studies and diverse interests. Marketing Communications students, dedicated faculty and transformative They are inspiring and creative, and Cynthia Hicks ’89, ’93, Editor, Creative Director

Daniel McLemore ’09, Associate Director of | IN THIS ISSUE | alumni are changing the world for the better. INNOVATION I hope you enjoy reading about Marketing Communications them as much as I did. Advanced and unique teaching practices in and Amanda Toups ’15, Graphic Design Coordinator We have more than 1,500 faculty From potato chips Brian Sattler, Director of Public Relations 4 outside the classroom spark far-reaching innovation and staff, who all come together to pipelines through the endeavors of our students and alumni. to provide the very best education and collegiate experience possible with an abundance CONTRIBUTORS of opportunities for our students at every turn. We focus in this issue on a long-time staff Writing | Morgan Collier, Caitlin Duerler, Casey Ford, We are one community. We are LU. Beth Gallaspy, Grayson Meek, Brian Sattler, Kaylie Smith, 8 Staff Profile: Art Simpson member, Art Simpson, and faculty member, Jane Liu, both utilizing unique methods to Kara Timberlake assist with university retention initiatives. Nandhu Radhakrishnan, assistant professor of Photography | Evie Clifton, Shannon Copeland, Brandon 10 Memories & coffee communication sciences and disorders, is featured with the Voice Lab and Vocology Clinic Gouthier, Daniel McLemore, Brian Sattler he established at LU. Additionally, George Saltsman, director of educational innovation and Circulation includes 82,000 copies distributed to alumni, Voice of vocology associate research professor, works with the Beaumont Independent School District and faculty, staff and friends of Lamar University. If you have 12 28 others to utilize Micro:bits, easy-to-use and affordable pocket-sized computers. received more than one copy of this publication, please Keeping up with our alumni, especially the ones who are busy running their own let us know. 15 Faculty Profile: Jane Liu companies, is always exciting for us. The featured alums in this Cadence are finding Changes of address may be sent to: solutions in business through innovative methods. Anthony George created the number University Advancement P.O. Box 10011 16 AmeriCommerce: one marine fuel management product in the world. Ed Sturrock formed an e-commerce Beaumont, Texas 77710 welcome home! solution providing shopping cart software for companies such as MasterCard, Coca-Cola or [email protected] and Dell. Randy Best recognized the need for some students to learn online, and Academic Partnerships was born, while Larry Lawson, founder and CEO of HeartcoR Solutions, DIVISION OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT 20 Pocket-sized innovation Juan J. Zabala ’07, Vice President recently earned the prestigious Horatio Alger Award. 26 Shannon Copeland ’02, ’03, ’07, Director of LU encourages students to think outside the box and teaches inside the classroom Alumni Affairs and Advancement Services 22 Keeping the heart of and out, flipping the classroom, if you will, where activity and discussion take place Floyd F. McSpadden Jr., Director of Planned Giving innovation beating 9 Athletics News during class and instruction is outside of the scheduled course time. We see our students P.O. Box 10011 displaying entrepreneurial and creative thinking often times, and we highlight a few in Beaumont, Texas 77710 Sudha Kheterpal: music 32 LU News this issue. Natalie Sfeir is one student making large strides in dementia research and even (409) 880-8419 or fax (409) 880-8409 24 formed memory cafés, where people can go with loved ones suffering from dementia inspires innovation to communicate freely and do shared activities. Sudha Kheterpal, world-renowned LAMAR UNIVERSITY ALUMNI OFFICE 10 34 Class Notes When visiting campus, you’re invited to stop by the pop musician, is working with LU marketing students at the Center for Innovation, Alumni Office at the John Gray Center, Rudy C. Williams 26 AtmoSpark: Commercialization and Entrepreneurship to show young people around the world how to Building, Suite 102, 855 Jim Gilligan Way. Atmospheric 42 Red & White: use a device to charge mobile phones called SPARK. Also at the CICE, a team of doctoral P.O. Box 10005 water generation Events on campus and master’s students form AtmoSpark Water Generation, a company addressing potable Beaumont, Texas 77710 water needs. (409) 880-8921, or (800) 298-4839 innovation [email protected] On page 28, please read a brief summary of our response to Hurricane Harvey and lamar.edu/alumni watch for the next issue of Cadence, which will focus more on LU coming together 28 Hurricane Harvey & LU | COLLEGE SNAPSHOTS | as a community. LAMAR UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION Juan J. Zabala ’07, Executive Director Karen Nichols ’83, Director 30 Best takes education 14 Fine Arts & Sincerely, P.O. Box 11500 innovations around Communication Beaumont, Texas 77710 the globe (409) 880-2117 [email protected] 18 Business lamar.edu/foundation Education Human Kenneth R. Evans, President Cardinal Cadence (USPS 017-254) is published THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS 19 by Lamar University, 211 Redbird Lane, Brian McCall, Chancellor | Austin Development Beaumont, Texas 77710. Rossanna Salazar, Chairman | Austin David Montagne | Beaumont William F. Scott, Vice Chairman | Nederland Vernon Reaser III | Houston 21 Engineering | San Antonio | Madisonville Lamar University is an equal opportunity/affirmative Charlie Amato Alan L. Tinsley action educational institution. Veronica Muzquiz Edwards | San Antonio Donna N. Williams | Arlington Jaime R. Garza | San Antonio Kaitlyn Tyra, Student Regent | Huntsville 29 Arts & Sciences | INNOVATION |

From POTATO CHIPS to PIPELINES Independent spirit invents

by Brian Sattler

nthony George, ’88 found himself mother’s advice to “get a degree to have waiting at the end of a long dirt something to fall back on.” A road in the Louisiana delta, waiting He began his time at LU majoring in for his skiff to come in. electrical engineering and computer Soon, he would be plying the science. “I recognized even then that waterways aboard the titans of personal computers were going to transport—tugboats and their mammoth matter,” he said of a time when a barges—while a problem weighed on Honeywell mainframe and VAX system him as heavily as the cargo they moved— were in use; however, four years into the how to eke out more efficiency? Then the two degrees, while holding demanding idea struck him—a solution straight out jobs outside of school, he sought to of one of his Lamar University physics parlay those experiences into a degree classes. In that eureka moment was in physics with the help of Joe Pizzo, born George’s second company, one that distinguished professor emeritus and spawned an enterprise that is growing then physics department chair. exponentially and spans the globe. “I remember going to see Dr. Pizzo From an early age, Anthony George and he lined out a two-year plan for approached life with an entrepreneurial me,” George said. “He wanted to know edge and the independent spirit to be if I was a ‘physics head’ and if I wanted his own boss. His parents had successful to teach. I told him I wanted to get out professional careers, and instilled in and start my own company. He helped George a drive for both success and arrange a plan so I could finish my freedom from routine schedules. He degree. I owe him a debt of gratitude.” was inspired by a friend’s father, a George graduated in 1988 with a very successful entrepreneur who degree in physics and a double recommended that he “go to college, get minor in electrical engineering and good work experience, then go out on computer science. your own,” George said. “I saw in his life During his last three years at LU, style the freedom he had and was very George worked part-time for Emerson impressed by that.” Automation Solutions of Austin, here In being an entrepreneur, he saw he learned about distributive control “the opportunity to create something systems, a newly developed computer FuelTrax is the No. 1 marine from nothing, to try my own ideas, technology for running manufacturing “ fuel management product [and] to not be limited in my creativity,” processes and facilities. When he in the world today. George said. Fueled by this passion, he graduated, he quickly received multiple —Anthony George ’88 ” “dabbled horribly in real estate and a job offers based not only on his degree few other things” before heeding his but also on his work experience.

4 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 5 that what PCs were doing in the office offer to automate one plant drew a quick Having Wilson in the position was a visibility into marine operations. environment, once they become robust response and word came that a corporate “great move” and allowed George “FuelTrax determines how hard the ENTREPRENEURSHIP enough, could be integrated into the representative would be there in three to focus on other areas of his vessel is working,” George said. “We used at LAMAR UNIVERSITY industrial environment. weeks to see his office and employees. growing business.” equations that I learned under Dr. Pizzo “I bet on that trend,” he said. He At the time, he was working by himself In October 2003, George got a that I would not have understood had I approached his boss with the suggestion out of his house. He scrambled. “I leased call from college friend Adam Fadhli not changed my major to physics. I look lthough busy growing that he could automate half of the mill an office,” he said, “hired my sister- ’86, founder and CEO of Discovery back on that and think how fortuitous FuelTrax and Nautical Control by Christmas for just $100,000. “He said, in-law as a receptionist and a young Information Technologies in Nederland. that decision was. I remember when my A Solutions, Anthony George ‘You’re crazy,’ but I just said it will work,” programmer from Baskar Reddy and had Fadhli had a potential customer who dad asked me, ‘Son, what are you going also finds great reward in working George said. “Not knowing what you my brother stand in with me,” George wanted to measure fuel consumption to do with a physics degree?’ Well, Dad, with young entrepreneurs through don’t know, that can be advantageous.” said. When the representative came, “he on a tugboat, a request that was outside in 20 years I’m going to invent FuelTrax.” Lamar University’s Center for His boss said yes. looked around and presented us with the Fadhli’s scope. “He asked if I wanted to With strong employees continuing the Innovation, Commercialization and “I went home that night sick as a dog,” purchase order.” look into it,” George said. “With all that growth of Control Dynamics, George Entrepreneurship and other avenues, George said. “I didn’t sleep at all that Together, Baskar and George automation experience, from cookies and focused on FuelTrax, growing from its where he can “take some of my night thinking ‘what have I done? My successfully completed the first project. potato chips to sewage treatment plants first installation on small, inland tug hard-earned experience to coach career…if I fail, I’ve ruined it!’” The company grew from two employees and gas pipelines, I wasn’t afraid to stick boats in 2004 to multiple global patents other entrepreneurs, helping them to After the initial shock, he began in 1991, to 100 in 2000 with $10 million my nose into anything.” in the USA, Canada and across Europe get there faster than it took me.” working many long hours on innovating in annual business doing work primarily He quickly recognized that the tug’s and installations on all major classes Anthony George serves on several a new system to automate the pulp side in forest products, pipelines and foods, fuel piping layout looked a lot like a field of vessels. boards related to entrepreneurship, of the mill. By Christmas, he “had half including work with Frito Lay helping pipeline control system in miniature, “FuelTrax is the No. 1 marine fuel including the board of LU’s CICE of that plant running on six 386-33 PCs develop the Scoop Chip. The 2001 something his company had a great deal management product in the world and the Woodlands chapter of The doing complex cascade loop control,” recession and post 9/11 slowdown led of experience in. today,” George said. It has become Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global including bleaching pulp and other the company to “back up and retool, The potential customer, Kirby Inland the global standard, only through the network for entrepreneurs providing mill processes. “The operators loved it,” focusing on oil and gas.” They developed Marine, is the nation’s largest operator of continued support and interest of its peer-to-peer learning, experiences and said George. “They called it the ‘Mattel Universal Master Control Systems for inland tank barges and towing vessels. users. “Our clients drive our product connections to experts, with more than System’ because it was colorful and offshore production and hold joint George introduced his new control development, since day one with Kirby,” 11,000 members in 153 chapters in looked like a toy. But it was incredibly patents with ExxonMobil. system design to Kirby for measuring he said. “This is why we are listed as a He accepted a position with the 48 countries. reliable,” so reliable, in fact, that it Reading about the successes makes fuel consumption. “They told me, ‘This sole source for BP, ENI Petroleum and control systems group for Petrocon “When I started out, I was a physics helped increase business at the mill to it sound easy, but “everything I learned is great, but unless it saves us money on ExxonMobil. When an oil company Engineering in Beaumont, and just major with a great idea, but no business $300 million a year, and “every dollar ran about business I learned the hard way,” fuel, we can’t sell it to management,’” negotiates a charter agreement, they three months later an offer came to join experience,” George said. “So, I through those PCs. George said. “I probably have a Ph.D. in George said. require the installation of FuelTrax on Temple-Inland in Evadale where they started making mistakes. Fortunately, “I learned an incredible amount at it now, but I made every single mistake, Designing a complete marine fuel their chartered vessels. That’s a huge had similar systems deployed. the engineering was good enough to that job,” George said. “I even received a twice. It just took a while for me to management system soon followed. “I endorsement by the world’s foremost “I had no idea that the first company cover up those mistakes. But if I could nice raise and a letter of commendation figure it out.” started riding tugs 24-hours-a-day up and oil companies.” I was going to build would be related have teamed up with (fellow LU alum) from corporate.” More significantly, the Paying great attention to getting down the Mississippi, watching how they Propelling FuelTrax sales are two to my career,” he said. “I was just out Van Wilson day one, or gone to the idea for his first company was born. “I the right people is paramount to his operate, and I recognized the physics huge forces—market pressures demand looking. I was reading multiple books CICE and received advice from the thought, ‘surely other people would pay success. “Today, it takes me several behind the relationship between the for greater efficiency in operations in on entrepreneurship, how to grow business college, it would have rapidly me to do this,’” George said. months to hire one person,” he said. forces acting on the hull and the power the U.S., Canada and Europe and the companies, educating myself on the accelerated my personal ascent as an He started Control Dynamics in 1991 “I’ve surrounded myself with super smart of the vessel,” George said. He was necessity to deter fuel theft in other business side of things.” He also took entrepreneur.” based on open systems architecture leadership and managers, with some looking for ways to make the tug’s fuel regions of the world. advantage of every business seminar “I’m a huge proponent of the CICE,” consumption more efficient. “Fuel theft in many parts of the world he said. “Where business is going, you “It was Newton’s second law of is endemic,” George said. The ability to need to get out and get started earlier. “ We used equations that I learned under Dr. Pizzo that I would not motion,” he said. “So, I designed, with monitor marine fuel loading, quality and The business world is moving so much have understood had I not changed my major to physics. I look some other smart engineers, algorithms use in near real-time around the globe is faster than it was when I started 25 to help the captain set the throttle to a game changer, he said. With a quarter back on that and think how fortuitous that decision was. years ago.” the most economic setting for the given million vessels in the world, George sees The new CICE building “would have —Anthony George ” environmental conditions.” a multi-billion-dollar market in taking been the shining light on the hill for me This new technology spawned fuel tracking from the dipstick to as a student.” where he provided engineering services from Lamar University.” FuelTrax and, ultimately, Houston- digital automation. offered by the John Gray Institute at LU. that integrated software and off-the-shelf One of those was Port Arthur native based Nautical Control Systems LP in To focus on that potential and growth He found his first opportunity for PCs to provide control automation. Using Van Wilson, who graduated LU in 1992 2006. Nautical Control Solutions LP at NCS, George sold Control Dynamics innovation at his new job, where he soon “I’m having so much fun growing the this approach, he could provide the with a degree in Human Resource manufactures and supports FuelTrax, to ENGlobal Automation Group in learned that the antiquated controls for No. 1 fuel management company in the service offered by proprietary systems Management. He joined Control which provides real-time monitoring 2010. Today, FuelTrax is growing at the pulp side of the mill were falling world,” George said. “This is a once in a for “20 cents on the dollar.” Dynamics in 1996. “He had such high and optimization recommendations 200 percent a year, and accelerating, apart and that the company was looking lifetime event—having a specialty niche, His success in Evadale led to attention integrity, and worked his way up the for marine fuel use, alongside FuelNet, he said. “They tell us the return on at a proprietary system with an $8 which was opened by the continued at Temple-Inland’s corporate office where channel, that, in the early 2000s when I which allows access to the FuelTrax data investment on our product is so great it million price tag. “I had done research development of our product with the there was the need to automate several decided to focus on oil and gas, I chose online, anytime and anywhere. FuelTrax makes installation a simple accounting on PC-based controls, so I had this vision support of the largest oil companies in fiberboard plants. George’s $250,000 to make him president,” George said. delivers fuel-saving efficiencies and clear decision,” George said. the world.”

by the San Francisco 49ers in the Langley garnered Southland Conference n the search for innovation, it’s no surprise that a college We held each other accountable.” Innovation, according to fourth round. Teammate Tom Smiley Player of the Week honors twice during the campus is a sure place to find it. Youthful energy and forward Simpson, stems from the desire to improve and progress, was taken in the second round of that 2016 season, but joins a very unique list in thinking combine on the Lamar University campus to break principles as common in the sports world as in the tech or same draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. doing so. Langley garnered his two weekly ground in fields as diverse as engineering and modern languages. business worlds. As the single largest student employer on Langley also honors at different positions receiving I became the 11th defensive honors following the three- For Artha Simpson Jr. ’95 ’16, director of recreational sports campus, Simpson believes many of his staff leave having defensive player interception game against Southeastern for the last 15 years, innovation doesn’t stop outside of the learned valuable lessons. to be drafted from Louisiana, and special teams recognition after classroom. “As a professional working in recreational sports, I see “Recreational sports does have a positive effect on student LU. The school's returning two punts and a kickoff return for now how participating in activities when I was a student played recruitment, as well as social integration, retention and all-time leader for scores against Incarnate Word. an important role in helping me improve my quality of life. satisfaction,” he explains. “Many students have gone on to interceptions in Langley really began to receive national a game, Langley attention following the 2016 season when he Recreational sports gave us that ‘out’ or ‘escape’ from the stress advanced degrees as well as very successful careers. They stay Langley drafted by continues a strong was invited to the Reese's Senior Bowl and and demands on us personally and in campus life,” he said. in contact with me and are proud alumni.” Denver Broncos tradition of defensive backs who have been the NFL Combine. At the combine, Langley Lamar University All-American cornerback drafted from the Cardinals. He is the eighth outperformed some of the nation's top talent Brendan Langley ’17 was drafted by the LU defensive back to be taken in the NFL at his position. He set the highest marks in the Denver Broncos with the 101st pick in the draft. bench press (22 reps) and 60-yard shuttle run third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Langley Named to numerous All-America squads (11.19) among all defensive backs. becomes the first Cardinal to be drafted in 2016, Langley garnered first-team A transfer from Georgia prior to the 2016 since the program's rebirth prior to the All-Southland honors as a cornerback season, Langley had an impact in all three REC SPORTS start of the 2010 season. It's the first time and a return specialist. Beginning with a phases of the game. Originally slated to be a Cardinals' name has been called during school-record tying performance against a receiver, Langley hauled in four passes the draft since Tyrone Shavers was selected Southeastern Louisiana when he picked off for 51 yards and a touchdown before being by the then-Phoenix Cardinals in the sixth three passes, Langley went on to record switched to defense. Langley closed out his DIRECTOR round of the 1990 draft. an interception in four consecutive games. career by recording 64 tackles, including 44 Langley became the Cardinals’ highest He led the Southland and ranked among solo stops and seven interceptions. He was draft selection since the 1968 draft when the nation's leaders in interceptions and also responsible for 18 pass breakups during FOSTERS A defensive back Johnny Fuller was selected interceptions per game. his two seasons in the Golden Triangle.

FOR LU’s Chapelet named Southland MINDSET Golfer of the Year Lamar University freshman Elodie Chapelet was named the Southland Conference INNOVATIONby Women’s Freshman and Golfer of the Year in Grayson Meek 2017. It marks the third consecutive season a Cardinal has received the honor (Wenny Chang – 2015 and 2016).

Tennis reigns again in 2017 After winning their first Southland title in 40 years in 2016, the Lamar University men’s team successfully defended its title in 2017. LU won 17 matches for a share of the regular- season title and advanced to the NCAA As a former state finalist in the 800-meter run representing his Simpson earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and his Championships after winning the conference hometown of La Marque and later as a student athlete at LU and doctorate in educational leadership from LU. He is married to LU softball makes historic tournament.

record-holder in the Sunbelt Conference, Simpson understands Teresa Simpson ’10 ’14, Ed.D. educational leadership, who run to postseason Several LU players earned postseason James signs with NBA’s Phoenix Suns the role of competition and sportsmanship in driving is coordinator for the Center of Doctoral Studies in The 2017 Lamar University softball season honors in 2017 with Brynn Baca and Brittany Former LU standout Mike James ‘12 signed was one for the record books. The Cardinals Rodriguez selected for first-team all- improvement and change. In a major initiative undertaken in the Educational Leadership. a contract with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns in smashed individual and team records conference. Ciara Luna and Sable Hankins early 2000s, Simpson played a pivotal role in the planning and With all of the physical changes around campus, Simpson July. The former first-team All-Southland in a year that saw them make their first- were second-team selections, while Ashley Conference selection averaged better than development of the multi-sport Sheila Umphrey Recreational believes that the value of recreational sports programming ever appearance in a national postseason McDowell and Kelly Meeuwsen were named 17 points per game as a senior while leading Sports Center. “Our plan was to establish programming for not and facilities can’t be overstated. Since the Sheila Umphrey tournament—the National Invitational Softball to the third team and Corina Thornton the Cardinals to the NCAA Championships. only those who considered themselves athletes, but also to cater Recreational Sports Center opened, his staff continues to rotate Championship. received honorable-mention recognition.

to those students who had other interests such as rock-climbing, programs and incorporate the interests of the student body. LU recorded 34 wins, one win shy of the McDowell, Luna and Baca were all named to the all-tournament team at the NISC. Cardinal basketball returns to postseason billiards, foosball, indoor hockey and golf,” Simpson said. “Our programming has evolved with the great leadership from school record set the previous season. The Cardinals redeemed themselves for an early “I’m staring at two tremendous trophies,” In just his third season with the basketball He credits relationships made as a student athlete for instilling the staff working together to provide operations and programs exit in the Southland Conference Tournament said LU head coach Holly Bruder following program, LU head coach Tic Price returned many of the lessons that he draws on today. “I had great that keep our students engaged and active participants in sports with their play in the NISC. LU hosted and the tournament. “We were second at the the Cardinals to the postseason. After a 19- teammates that bonded and cared for one another. and wellness,” Simpson said. won its regional to advance to the national conference tournament in 2016 and runner- win campaign, the Cardinals received a berth tournament in Lynchburg, Va., advancing to up in the NISC this year. I think all of us here in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament. It the finals before falling to the host Liberty don’t want to be runner-up. Our goal is to was the program’s first trip to the postseason Flames in the championship game. bring some championship trophies to LU.” since the 2011-12 season.

Memoriesby Morgan Collier ather than a carefree "I went to a few memory "I really hope that it employees have the necessary pastime, enjoying the cafés in each place. They will be sustainable for the background on this topic," aroma of coffee over have adult day centers, where &community incoffee the sense she said. Rcafé style food with a loved people with dementia will that this isn't just a research Before the official café one can be a daunting task go to spend the day and do project, but that it will bring opening, Lamar University when that person suffers different things that will help a sense of camaraderie so offered rooms in the speech from dementia. Natalie develop the brain," she said. that people have a safe place and hearing building where Sfeir, 2016 Beck Fellowship While there, she also to go in the area," Sfeir said. two informal sessions were recipient, has researched an worked with the Alzheimer "We aren't a huge city, but we held. The previous sessions innovative solution to the Society of Ireland, trained at aren't a small town either, so had light refreshments and difficult outings for those the House of Memories in to have something like this guest speakers, and attendees with dementia and their Liverpool. could really be life changing." were able to create a family. It’s called a "The House of Memories The café is meant to be a memory book. Memory Café. trains you how to judgment-free zone for all "A memory book is where "I want to be an advocate communicate with people customers who enter. Aside we try to augment memories, for those who can't work to that have dementia, and they from just a place to grab a so these books tell the story do things on their own," the did a lot of theatre to portray cup of coffee and a cookie, of your life, starting from speech and hearing science the life of a person who goes Sfeir says the café also will when you were little, then major said. "The café is through this daily," Sfeir said. have guest speakers to talk talking about your kids and something that you can't find "I also learned about new about things such as your family, and it's used to in this area, so this would dementia-related technology memory care. help reminisce," she said. really stand out, and I believe and initiatives that helped by "When you walk through To promote the café’s that it will really help my research progress." the doors, the people helping availability, Sfeir said she the community." During her time in you will be trained on how has created Facebook social The idea for the Memory Roseville, she said things to communicate with people events, been published in the Café came into fruition when Beaumont Enterprise, pinned Sfeir received the David J. I want to be an advocate for bulletins and used a mailing Beck Fellowship in November “ list and word of mouth. The of 2016, and she has been those who can't work to do goal for the café is to have working on it ever since, it open twice a month as a traveling across the world things on their own. fun outing that is a little bit from Dublin and Donegal, —Natalie Sfeir ” different to do, she said. Ireland, to Liverpool and "I noticed in my research London, England, along with were a little different from who suffer from dementia," that people would sit and visiting Roseville, Minn., for her experiences in Europe. she said. wonder where to bring their research purposes. "It was a small town, so Sfeir says they welcome all loved ones with dementia," "[The cafés] originated I got to meet with the city of those with dementia along Sfeir said. "(The café) is in the Netherlands, then manager and see what they with their loved ones. meant to be informative, the idea spread throughout are doing to set the city apart "At this point, they (family) and my hope is that this will Europe, including Ireland and how they have their aren't worried about them create a sense of family, and and England, before being own team that specializes in forgetting what something community, for all of those replicated in the United dementia care," Sfeir said. is called, and getting weird who come." States," Sfeir said. "A lot of As she brings her research looks or feel like they need what I got to see was hands to Southeast Texas, she has to worry about something on and experience based." high hopes for the café. medical, because the

he works with patients and clients whose “One of our clients is pretty happy n 2013, only a year voices may be weakened or damaged with her voice change already and is after he joined Lamar from an array of disorders. continuing to complete the therapy,” he “Generally, our lab sees any patient said. “She has mentioned that previously University's Department with a voice problem and that can range when she would go through a drive- from laryngitis, which is a basic illness, through, she would be referred to as ‘sir’ Iof Speech and Hearing all the way to paralysis of the vocal fold, and now she is hearing ‘ma’am.’ It is a which can occur in a patient who has huge change for her emotionally.” Sciences, Dr. Nandhu had a stroke,” Radhakrishnan said. “A Outside of the lab, Radhakrishnan has Radhakrishnan helped growing problem in vocal disorders in provided his expertise to the community acid reflux; it is becoming more common at various workshops and events to the department establish and normal.” inform others of the importance of vocal One recent undergraduate research health. “The university is committed to the innovative Voice Lab project he supervised investigated the service through vocal hygiene programs discrepancy of subjects’ self-report of for the community and to teach them and Vocology Clinic. their vocal health. In the project, all the what they should and should not to do While in the lab, he works patients reported no vocal problems and to conserve their voice,” he said. that their voice was normal. Through Radhakrishnan aims in all the varying with various instruments using tools to measure patients’ vocal aspects of his field to help others find effort, clinicians’ perception of voice, and use their voice to garner professional and computer software acoustic analysis and larygostoboscopic success and personal confidence. “As examinations, Radhakrishnan and his humans, we are social animals and in to analyze clients’ vocal undergraduate mentee were able to order to be social, we have to talk,” he folds in images and videos determine that 55 percent of the subjects said. “In the current state of life, you who participated in the study had some have to talk or speak to stand out in your obtained via endoscopy to sort of vocal abnormality. field or to earn a living. Research has Besides treating voice problems, shown that if voice is affected, speech is observe vocal patterns. The disorders and conditions, the lab also going to be affected and that can affect facilitates the growing field of vocology, personal, social and professional levels lab and clinic also serve as or enhancing one’s voice, which of life. From the perspective of speech a hands-on classroom for developed from voice therapy. “In the pathology, having a healthy voice can past, it was referred to as voice therapy help one to excel in their field and add students and embodies the because we would treat a patient and to their quality of life.” get them close to normal and send them Whether he is working with young tenets of the university’s back to work,” said Radhakrishnan. “For clients or old, those affected by a example, if you have a teacher whose pre-existing condition or a recently strategic planning in voice is weak, we would work to get her developed nodule of the vocal fold or research, training back to normal and in the classroom. clients who want to enhance their voice In vocology, we still do therapy but go for personal or professional reasons, and teaching. beyond to work to make their voice Radhakrishnan lends his expertise to stronger so that they can meet the help others and instill a call to the “We teach through training budding demands in their profession.” profession in his students. speech pathologists on how to use the “Another success story from our equipment and based on what we find, vocology lab is working with a pastor how we can diagnose patients with voice who couldn’t finish a sermon and after disorders,” Radhakrishnan said. “For completing therapy could finish his From the perspective research, I use my clinic population or services and not experience pain in his “ music population of singers and record of speech pathology, throat anymore.” them and see how their voice changes Additionally, voice enhancement having a healthy voice across time or if they have a problem, of may include accent reduction to help how we can fix it.” can help one to excel professionals speak more clearly in Radhakrishnan has contributed his American English or help them train in their field and add to expertise in mentoring and teaching Voice their voice to match their gender identity the next generation of speech language their quality of life. and enhance their quality of life, which Dr. Nandhu Radhakrishnan” pathologists. In addition to teaching in by is one of the most rewarding aspects of Caitlin Duerler the department as an assistant professor working in his field, Radhakrishnan said. of communication science and disorders, 12 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRINGVocology 2018 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 13 | COLLEGE SNAPSHOT: FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION | | FACULTY PROFILE: JANE LIU |

Proksch publishes ‘A Sousa Reader' s computer science University Professor Jiangjiang Liu Bryan Proksch, associate professor of music at Lamar University, brainstormed ways to increase freshman success, she knew has edited a new book of writings by famed composer John it would require collaborative and innovative thinking. Liu Philip Sousa. Published through Gia Publications, A Sousa isA the Ann Die-Hasselmo Faculty Scholar and is a 13-year faculty Reader: Essays, Interviews, and Clippings, gathers works by Sousa, member with a doctorate in computer science and engineering. The March King, and his contemporaries to give us a greater understanding of this iconic figure. Selected as a 2017 Texas State University System Chancellor’s Proksch worked with Sousa's great-grandson, John Philip Faculty Fellow, Liu’s fellowship proposal, titled First Year Success, Sousa IV, to obtain copyright releases on Sousa's writings that includes a study of LU’s first-year programs focused on student are included in the book. Sousa IV also wrote the forward for the success and developing original strategies to improve freshman volume. After conceiving the idea for the book, Proksch spent a retention rates. great deal of time in the Sousa Archive at the University of Illinois, “The first year is kind of tough because you just graduated Bobby Sanabria identifying, transcribing, and editing the writings that he thought headlines weekend most worthy of being included in the collection. from high school, and then college is different from high school Bobby Sanabria, seven-time In addition to Sousa, Proksch’s research centers on the expectations,” Liu said. “You have to be on your own. There are Grammy-nominated drummer reception and “revival” of Haydn’s music in the early twentieth academic issues such as determining if students are college ready Reviving Haydn: New and percussionist, performed century, Viennese Classicism and the history of the trumpet. In 2015, he published as well as encouraging engagement and getting involved in Appreciations in the Twentieth Century. Proksch also hosts a music history show, Behind the Music, on 91.3 at last spring’s Lamar University student activities. Percussion and Jazz Weekend. KVLU Public Radio, which airs Sundays at noon. Hosted by the Mary Morgan Moore “I started exploring our campus—what kind of services and Department of Music, the festival Alvarez enters national conversation with ‘Borders’ support we can offer—so we can help students academically and featured workshops, symposiums Art graduate Gonzalo Alvarez ’17 gained national attention as a student enrich their college experience. The goal is to provide motivation so and master classes, concluding for his video game art installation, “Borders.” Alvarez created the retro- that they can finish their degree in four years.” with the gala concert featuring style arcade game to express both the idea of video games as an art form First Year Success strategies involve easing the student transition Sanabria in the University Theatre. and to portray the dangers faced by Mexicans who seek to illegally cross from high school to college, providing academic support through The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra and the border. A Port Arthur native, Alvarez was interviewed by Telemundo, percussion ensembles performed The Huffington Post, Imagen Television and other national news outlets as mentoring and tutoring, and enhancing student engagement with with the musician. his game coincided with a national dialogue regarding immigration. peer connectivity and offering career opportunities. “Bobby Sanabria is one of the "To actually get noticed to the degree I am right now just feels surreal," “In the spring, we invited a group from Little Cypress Mauriceville most dynamic performers I’ve said Alvarez. "This is the first video game I ever made—I am an illustrator, to visit us,” Liu said. “Our students can share their experiences ever seen, as well as being a noted and to have my first shot at something connect with so many people really and talk to them about how to apply to college. We have different expert on the history and culture helps validate my new-found career in indie game development." of Afro-Cuban music,” said Rick At LU, Alvarez applied and was accepted in the McNair Scholar's departments visit with them, and they can ask questions. We’re Condit, associate professor of program in order to fund his video game research. He also designed an reaching out to help them in their pre-college preparation. Then music and director of jazz at LU. independent study abroad experience to explore drawing and video when they’re accepted, we encourage them to get advised as soon Sanabria lectured on the history game design in Japan with Christopher Troutman, assistant professor of as possible, go to orientation and participate in activities like of the clave, the rhythmic basis for drawing in the Department of Art. Afro-Cuban music, and conducted freshman convocation.” two Latin percussion workshops. Gruber Seminar Series welcomes two guests After studying data in the spring and summer and visiting with LU hosted two guest lecturers as part of the Gruber Seminar Series presented by the Speech and Hearing other offices to create collaborative efforts, Liu, along with other Sciences Department. faculty, developed a small-scale pilot program focused on Computer Pierre Ratinaud, associate professor in the Laboratory of Applied Studies and Research in Social Sciences at the University of Toulous in France, discussed the use of multidimensional analysis to study social Science and Chemistry Cardinal Communities, First Year Success, to representations last March. One example illustrated lexical analysis with Reinert’s method of comparison test the proposed retention strategies. “We meet every week—one tweets in French and English issued during the 2015 terrorist attacks of CharlieHebdo. faculty mentor, one student mentor and then a group of first-year LIU USES Balaji Rangarathnam, assistant professor and director of the Voice and Swallowing Research Lab at East students for one session,” Liu said. Carolina University, spoke about evidence assessments and treatment for neurogenic dysphagia and vocal “The first week we had lots of team-building activities to get the hyper function last April. students connected,” she said. “We invite speakers from CREATIVITY Voice students take first During the annual Greater  Cellist Adkins performs  Pinter plays performed STAR Services. They have the LU Success partner program to help Christopher Adkins, Houston Chapter of the National The Department of Theatre with learning strategies and tutoring. We help them start early on principal cellist of the and Dance performed two & Association of Teachers of Singing their assignments and teach time management. We invite faculty RESEARCH Dallas Symphony Orchestra, one-act plays, The Dumb classical auditions last spring at performed by invitation of Waiter and A Kind of Alaska, members every week to talk about their research, and we invite the University of Houston, voice the Mary Morgan Moore from different periods of speakers from study abroad, undergraduate research and other students from the Mary Morgan Department of Music the career of Nobel prize- TO INSPIRE offices to talk to the students and share their experiences. We really Moore Department of Music last spring. The program winning British dramatist captured six of the twelve college included two of the great Harold Pinter last spring in want them to get involved and connected with their fellow students.” and adult division categories: 20th-century Russian cello the Studio Theatre. “Pinter Liu said if the pilot program proves successful, it could prelude Jason Choi, Brea Marshall and sonatas, the D minor sonata is a great playwright whose SUCCESS university-wide implementation. “Hopefully, the lessons we learn Chasiti Walker of Houston; of Dmitri Shostakovich work doesn't get staged by Joel from this fellowship could be adopted by other programs or Kara Timberlake Earl Sigee, Beaumont; Cortney and the G minor sonata enough,” said director of Sergei Rachmaninoff. Grothe, associate professor Prescott, Pasadena; and Keith extended to STEM majors or even campus wide,” she said. “We have Walls, Adkins was accompanied of theatre. "I try to choose wonderful support on campus and look forward to adding more Detroit, Mich. by faculty members, Jacob work no one else in the Clark and Sujung Cho. region is doing.” innovative approaches.”

That slow, steady growth caught the eye of would-be AmeriCommerce will stay in the building and close to home, buyers like MasterCard and others who came knocking. And which suits Sturrock fine, as his family and personal life are AmeriCommerce: for all its success, Sturrock says, “there came a point where here in Southeast Texas. By staying in local, they are able to AmeriCommerce hit a peak in terms of what we could do, continue to meet their customers’ needs and to substantially from that bootstrap perspective, and we needed either a invest in the community. Additionally, the office itself looks like welcome home! strategic partner with an existing customer set or investment a set from the 1988 film “Big” if it were built on an atmospheric funds to help us fundamentally evolve the products and pirate ship. Sturrock advises entrepreneurs to “never lose your build a new customer base.” So in 2014, Capital One acquired inner kid.” One step inside his offices proves he’s walking that AmeriCommerce. walk. The team, 80 percent of whom are Lamar University SETX native, LU alum keeps global By the time of their acquisition, AmeriCommerce had graduates, comes to work casual and comfortable yet poised recruited more than 30 people, most of them LU graduates. with precision to address the pressing daily issues of an e-commerce in the shop around the corner Sturrock says their clients included “the big ones you tell people international e-commerce clientele. about,” including Yo-yo, Coca-Cola, Dell and the Discovery New recruits from Lamar University enter this innovative Channel program “Whale Wars,” but their primary client was company either as part of the merchant success team where by Casey Ford the mid-market merchant, “the ones that sell, say, doorknobs they are immersed into the product and the e-commerce and the like.” These clients were the bread and butter of industry, or they enter as developers right out of the computer n 2005, just three years after graduating with his B.B.A. in AmeriCommerce because they could effectively manage multiple science program. They sit down for team lunches, and they management information systems from Lamar University, stores on one platform through the diverse capabilities of a collaborate in committees with names like Team Glass, which AmeriCommerce CEO and co-owner Ed Sturrock and his flexible e-commerce software. works continually toward transparency; Team Atmosphere, Ipartners took their company national, and they did it without a Capital One took that existing software and merged which works on office space design and Team Iron Chef, which dime of investor funding. Completely bootstrapped into fluidity, AmeriCommerce into their national commerce business, which decides how to feed everyone. by his own description, he and his partners called themselves included a card reader application Sturrock expresses immeasurable “the masters of breakeven,” but they had created a company similar to Square and their online gratitude to the Lamar University that would rapidly take them to all the places they’d dreamed and brick-and-mortar credit card community for people like Paul of going. terminals. The AmeriCommerce Latiolais, director of LU’s Center for The Vidor native and natural entrepreneur was never one team spent the first year of the Innovation, Commercialization and to dream small. Sturrock began cutting his teeth on industrial acquisition learning the ropes of a Entrepreneurship, “he always has software applications during college while working for the local vast international corporation and ten irons in the fire, being a startup plants. He built software for several Houston companies, even how to attach to small business guy at his core,” and for professor commuting there for a time. His family’s business, Beaumont- customers inside such a and computer science department based Jubi Prints, provided the ideal platform for Sturrock to big machine. chair Stefan Andrei, who “prepares implement his developing shopping cart software that increased Today they have come to more computer science students with such their online sales so exponentially that they eclipsed local sales fully understand their identity as a compassion and integrity.” (Sturrock two- to threefold. company and more precisely what has stolen more than his share of He and a friend were each working on expansive e-commerce it is that they do well; they are not Andrei’s teaching assistants.) He applications and saw an opportunity to merge their codebases. a mass-market, overly simplified product for everyone, but they enjoys serving on the CICE board, influencing entrepreneurship AmeriCommerce was born. This software allowed merchants are tailored to growing and complex mid-market merchants. programs and having exposure to the life sciences and chemical to completely manage their online shopping experiences from This clarity, and a serendipitous chain of events, has meant that work happening on campus. product selection to purchase and beyond, to shipping options, as of this year, Sturrock has announced that they are buying He says he was a “slacker” in college, but nothing could be order management and performance tracking. AmeriCommerce back from Capital One. further from the truth. Sturrock was already starting companies Developers have continually added functionality, including Sturrock says the move is “a result of a growing sense as an undergraduate and dreaming up entrepreneurial powerful rule-based e-commerce options that allow customers awareness of our ideal customers.” These last few years with technological innovations. He spent his time as a student to engineer their own sales and discounts, for example. Capital One have caused a loss of focus on their customer base, learning about focus and aligning his daily tasks to accomplish Although today the e-commerce software market is highly which felt like a backward step, even amidst so much growth big goals and dreams. Lamar University afforded Ed Sturrock competitive, by Sturrock’s estimate, AmeriCommerce still offers and forward momentum. The expansion took Sturrock away the opportunity to build the kind of company for which he Shaping commerce is my a difficult-to-replicate power and an array of features that keeps from his family and took AmeriCommerce away from their always wanted to work. “ them at the top of a list of more than 600 global competitors. merchants. Of course, Capital One must focus on what brings True entrepreneurs aren’t driven by money or acquisition; passion; it’s the video Taking this imaginative company nationwide without the highest mass-market potential and revenue, but for Sturrock they’re driven by dreams, and Sturrock has realized his. He game I can’t put down, and investors meant that AmeriCommerce could remain as its and his team, the focus must be the mid-market client, the one has said, “I dream in features that solve problems and fantasize founders intended. They were concerned about assuming who is harder to find and needs more attention. Buying back about the day we have 100 developers on staff. Shaping merchant success is how the roles of conventional consultants. By retaining control of the company will give them back their agility, which they had commerce is my passion; it’s the video game I can’t put down, I keep score. their firm they were able to continually create and evolve. The lost due to navigating multiple strategies and target customers. and merchant success is how I keep score.” The innovative ideas —Ed Sturrock ’02 ” company saw steady, dependable growth, and Sturrock says he’s They’re getting back to basics, on their own terms and in a he tinkered with in college have grown into an enormously thankful they never “hit a Twitter moment” where they grew out big way. successfully company and an immeasurable asset to Southeast of control, which would have forced them away from They are doing it all from the top of Edison Plaza, with an Texas and Lamar University. Southeast Texas. amazing view of the Neches River, in downtown Beaumont.

Student participates in semester exchange in France Kay-Alana Turner, M.B.A. student and president of LU's College of Business Student Advisory Council, participated in the College of Business semester exchange program. The program gives students an opportunity to study abroad for an entire semester at École Supérieure de Commerce de Rennes, an accredited business school in Rennes Dean Venta wins Beta France, just two hours away from Paris. Gamma Sigma Dean of Students from 22 different countries the Year participated in this experience Enrique (Henry) R. Venta, Dean last spring. Italy Internship of Lamar University’s College Turner saw several benefits to her time This past summer, five hospitality and culinary arts students traveled to Italy for a 6-week international of Business since 2002, was abroad, including sharpening her foreign internship adventure with program director Molly Dahm. In an alliance with the Marco Polo Institute of recently honored as “Dean of the language skills, establishing a global network and gaining confidence from her unique interactions. When Mediterranean Culture, the LU students experienced cooking, tourism, and cultural experiences across Year” by Beta Gamma Sigma, the addressing the benefits of study abroad, Turner said, “I think going to school and working on intensive northern Italy. They traveled with a group from SUNY Schenectady to Nettuno, Bologna, Parma, Ferrara, international honor society serving group projects with people from different countries not only makes learning fun but also redefines your Venice and Cinque Terre, then remained in Asti where they worked in local restaurants and hotels for business programs accredited teamwork strategies.” the last half of the journey. The trip was funded in part through the fundraising efforts of the Sabine Area by AACSB International–the When she was not studying she was seeing the sights. Some of her stops included the Eiffel Tower, the Restaurant Association as well as local chef Debbie Bando. Association to Advance Collegiate Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. Goffney addresses college Schools of Business. He was commencement Doctoral Program accepted into honored as the 2017 recipient College of Business LaTonya Goffney, Lufkin ISD the CPED Consortium among the 576 BGS chapters Hosted executive superintendent, served as the May The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate worldwide. Venta plays an active vice president and 2017 commencement speaker and its board of directors have accepted LU role in developing BGS members chief brand with 734 graduates present at and 21 other graduate schools of education as students and professional officer of the Dallas the ceremony. Among them was that will join more than 80 members of the leaders beyond the grounds of Cowboys her husband, Joseph Goffney, consortium in the important work of redesigning Lamar University. The College of Business who graduated with his master professional practice preparation in education Charlotte welcomed of education in educational for the improvement of PK-20 education and Jones Anderson, Beta Alpha Psi receives EVP administration. Goffney proudly the organizations that support it. This is a great “Superior Status” and chief brand officer of presented the degree to her opportunity for LU’s program to be involved The Lamar University chapter the Dallas Cowboys and husband as he crossed the stage in the design and redesign of Ed.D. programs of Beta Alpha Psi, an honor president of the Dallas after focusing her remarks on across the country. New members were chosen organization for financial Cowboys Cheerleaders, adding value to those around you. through an application process and evaluated information students and as the spring 2017 by a CPED committee composed of faculty professionals, received superior Academic Lecturer. The members of current consortium institutions. The status for the 2016-2017 academic students were invited to doctoral program in educational leadership went year. Chapters are evaluated in the a private reception allowing them to meet Anderson and ask questions. Concluding the reception was an Hamza pioneers new term online in 2011 and has grown steadily, averaging 300 applications for approximately 45 openings in the Professor Mohamad Hamza, following activity areas; outreach, open lecture titled, “How Passion, Innovation and Leadership Shaped the Star.” next cohort. Upon completion of the program, the students will earn an Ed.D. with a concentration in global professional and service. Each “Anderson was the perfect choice for the College of Business because she is more than just a powerful clinical mental health professor educational leadership. chapter is awarded a chapter businesswoman; she is a philanthropist and a true visionary," said Kayce Smith, marketing coordinator for and neuropsychologist, chairs status, with superior being the the College of Business. "Her spirit for service and passion for business is exactly what we hope to inspire in the mental health committee Online M.Ed. program ranks high highest and most prestigious. our students and the community.” of the Syrian American Medical In a review of schools across the nation, AffordableColleges.com found that LU's M.Ed. in educational “This was a great Anderson is heavily involved in philanthropy and serves as chairman of the Salvation Army National Society, which provides medical administration program stands out in both quality and affordability, ranking it 20 out of 50. In addition, accomplishment by our Beta Advisory Board. At the conclusion of her presentation, she was presented with a gift from the local area aid to war survivors. The group U.S. News and World Report and GetEducated.com has ranked it as a top affordable online graduate Alpha Psi students,” David Rose, chapter of the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. is one of the largest medical education program. instructor of accounting and humanitarian societies that render    business law, and faculty advisor mental aid to refugees across Clinical Mental Health Education Research Faculty and alumni attend New department  M.B.A. student awarded  Russ Waddill returns to LU for the chapter states. “The the world. He coined the term Program ranked Conference Midwinter Conference chair announced Texas Business Hall of Former College of Business The college research The Texas Association of students and particularly officers “human devastation syndrome” The Ultimate Guide for The College of Business Fame Scholarship assistant professor and Counseling Psychology committee orchestrated School Administrators were very active in helping to describe the pain suffered by has named professor M.B.A. student Eric director of entrepreneurial Majors, published by the 14th Annual Education Midwinter Conference has us achieve this superior and former director Spaulding was chosen studies and now a partner children because their symptoms universities.com, recently Research Conference, become the most popular status recognition.” of accreditation and from a pool of applicants to at Neos Marketing, Russ far exceed post-traumatic included a ranking of the opening dialogue between conference of the year The Beta Alpha Psi chapter assessment Toni Mulvaney receive the Texas Business Waddill, returned to stress disorder. Each summer, Best Counseling Degree professors across campus for Texas school leaders represented LU at the National as the new department Hall of Fame Ben J. Rogers campus last spring to speak Hamza visits refugee camps and Colleges. Lamar University to share their research because it provides such Beta Alpha Psi Convention in chair of the Accounting and scholarship. This $15,000 to students. His lecture works with other mental health came in at No. 10. projects. The keynote a valuable opportunity to Anaheim, Calif., this past year, Business Law Department. scholarship was endowed titled “Marketing at the professionals to deliver services session focused on digital come together to discuss by Regina Rogers in loving Speed of Now” addressed gaining knowledge on how to that help people suffering literacy, presented by and share innovative memory of her father the changing fast pace of College of Engineering practices, network further improve this from psychologically Ben J. Rogers. marketing and the evolution Dean Srinivas Palanki. with peers, address the devastating problems. outstanding chapter. of consumer preferences. administrative issues and gain fresh insights.

Students study engineering Chemical engineering wins

Beth Gallaspy Senior Design Symposium

management in Spain Thirteen engineering students Micah Murdock, whose team by spent two weeks in Tarragona, was crowned grand champion Spain, as part of a new program to of the second annual Senior Design Symposium, described study contemporary global issues it as the “best experience of my in engineering management. undergraduate career.” The team Dr. Under the leadership of spent an entire year planning, Jerry Lin, professor and senior researching and coordinating a director of graduate programs in project that looked at ethanol the College of Engineering, the fermentation, distillation and team experienced life in another recovery for making beverage, fuel country at the Universitat Rovira i and industrial ethanols. A team of Virgili, where students discovered five judges from the College of what its like to be an engineer who Engineering faculty deemed the team’s project the most creative and useful in regard to real-world applications. regularly work abroad. The Senior Design Symposium saw 44 projects across all five engineering disciplines compete During the course, students for departmental recognition and the prize of grand champion. Projects ranged in scope from crude were assigned a case requiring expansions for local industry to laundry machines for extended space missions. “There are so many great them to work in teams to projects this year, I am humbled by the judges who chose our project,” Murdock said. incorporate the knowledge gained With funding from various industry partners and the College of Engineering, students are given the through theoretical sessions and opportunity to explore and pursue their interests. Teams work together throughout the year designing, technical visits on the trip to creating and perfecting their projects. “Senior design projects have become a point of pride for discover unique solutions for their engineering students across the country,” said Dean Srinivas Palanki. “Students use their achievements projects. Their work was presented to enhance their résumé and create interesting talking points for employers. We hope to continue the on the final day in Tarragona. “For trend of producing top-quality students through hands-on opportunities such as those provided by the Senior Design Symposium.” our project, we had to take two ut inexpensive, This school year, Schwartz has countries—Spain and another of our choice—and perform a market Mechanical engineers compete at Google easy-to-program, been taking micro:bit-based lessons In a collaboration between Shell and Google, four analysis to see which would pocket-sized into fourth-grade and seventh-grade senior mechanical engineering students were chosen P be better to first, produce in, computers in the hands classrooms throughout the district. The to participate in the Hack-a-Truck design competition in created, to get out there and create tools and second, sell in,” said senior of kids and who knows what kind of pocket-sized device includes temperature Mountain View, Calif., at the Google Garage. LU students for solving problems they see in their mechanical engineering major innovations their discoveries might lead and light sensors, a compass and were grouped with students from Cedarville University to lives and be able to create the games and Nasim Abedelwahab. “We had design and create a food truck, inside and out, that was to. That’s the theory behind the micro:bit, accelerometer, programmable buttons things they wish they had.” to conduct research and draw both innovative and energy-efficient. a powerful technology tool now in use and LEDs, wireless communication via Saltsman met with micro:bit leaders conclusions from the data, then “This was a rare treat for our students to participate,” in the Beaumont Independent School Bluetooth and radio, a USB connection said Ken Aung, professor of mechanical engineering and about two years ago and began defend our findings for our final. It District thanks to assistance from Lamar and physical connection pins that can be was interesting because not many advisor. Students were not allowed to receive help from spreading the word about this innovative, Cameron Davies, University faculty. used in building and operating robots. of us had experience with this kind their advisors, but were mentored by accessible technology tool at conferences owner and president of Cruising Kitchens, celebrity chef Micro:bits, which measure 4 In one experiment featured on the of work.” around the U.S. He had a supply Ludo Lefebvre, Jaime Moreno and Jose Luis Marin- In addition to their academics, centimeters by 5 centimeters (1.6 inches microbit.org website, students attached Oar of Mormedi, a consulting firm that excels in areas of of about 20 and last year asked the students were able to experience

Pocket-sized innovation Pocket-sized by 2 inches) and sell for about $15, a micro:bit to a helium balloon and service and digital design. Micro:bit Foundation if he could donate originated as a British Broadcasting measured temperature changes as the the rich culture and history of “The competition was an amazing experience and a breath of fresh air that allowed us to get out of the them to Beaumont ISD to help launch Spain. Students took excursions Justin Amedee. Corporation project to teach students in device moved through the stratosphere. classroom and laboratory,” said team member “We were able to contribute to something the school district’s new STEM center. to various Roman ruins, learning that really matters and walk away with awards for Best Engineering Design and Best Energy Calculation.” the United Kingdom as young as 11 how In another, the traditional “egg drop They not only agreed, but also donated about engineering innovations to code and get them excited about what challenge” went high-tech by using an additional 40 devices. dating back thousands of years.  Wu honored  EEs score big  Xiang receives they can do. micro:bits to measure G-forces when Joy Schwartz, lead STEM teacher for The group also visited local for project at competition large grant “The hope is to inspire a new cushioned eggs hit the ground. industry such as the Institute for Xing Wu, assistant Senior electrical Yisha Xiang, assistant Beaumont ISD, said she loves using engineering students professor of industrial generation of innovators, of people who In early 2018, Beaumont ISD was Applied Automotive Research professor of civil micro:bits to introduce young students engineering, was Lukas Moravits, Mitchell engineering, received a will see how to use these digital tools ordering more micro:bits using grant to learn about groundbreaking to computational thinking, coding and honored by TxDOT and Davis and Jesse Wells $279,025 grant from the to create the next great things that we funding to be able to put these creative research happening in automotive the American Association participated in the Texas National Science Foundation programming. will use as a society when they begin to devices in the hands of more students. safety. “Combining project teams of State Highway and Space Grant Consortium to study failures in capital- “Maybe they’ll move forward and with international travel has Transportation Officials Design Challenge finishing intensive industries that enter the workforce in the next 15-20 The free ideas and lessons available for his research on traffic second place overall. They may threaten lives and create an app or major in computer provided an in-depth learning years,” said George Saltsman, director online using micro:bits are nearly mitigation in the also garnered best oral have significant science or a STEM-related field,” she experience still rare in the field of educational innovation and associate limitless. But even more exciting is the Houston area presentation among teams environmental impacts. said. “We’re really hoping that this is a of engineering, giving students from more than a dozen research professor. “It’s to empower prospect of seeing what students come pivotal moment for the computer science the opportunity to improve their universities around Texas. them to create their own tools, not just up with on their own. program here in BISD.” technical skills,” Lin said. to be passive consumers of what’s been

20 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 21 INNOVATION | | he Horatio Alger Association of monitoring companies, eventually most.” Through its members, Horatio Distinguished Americans Inc. has focusing on cardiology. Today, Lawson’s Alger Association aims to educate selected Larry Lawson, founder latest project is HeartcoR Solutions, an young people about the limitless Tand CEO, HeartcoR Solutions, to join ECG Core Lab that provides research opportunities afforded to them by the its prestigious ranks. The nonprofit and clinical trial management services free-enterprise system. Like association educational organization honors the to pharma, medical device and biotech members, Horatio Alger Scholars have achievements of outstanding individuals companies worldwide. faced significant adversities, but have and encourages youth to pursue their “Larry’s innate entrepreneurial also displayed unmatched resilience dreams through higher education. inclination and his genuine affection in overcoming challenges. Lawson Lawson joins 11 other esteemed for people have been a driving force and the member class of 2018 were business, civic and cultural leaders from in his success. These characteristics formally inducted into the association across the U.S. in receiving 2018 honors. coupled with his keen knowledge of April 5-7, 2018, during the 71st Horatio For more than 70 years, the Horatio market mechanisms and distribution Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Alger Award has been annually bestowed systems in the medical device industry Washington, D.C. upon admired leaders who have led to his phenomenal rise as a leading Lawson’s passion for encouraging succeeded despite facing adversities, and innovator—experience he has selflessly young people and preparing the who have remained committed to higher put to work for the benefit of Lamar next generation of entrepreneurs has education and charitable efforts in their University,” President Ken Evans said. contributed to his interest in a variety local communities. Lawson has included LU in his of LU initiatives. These innovative Lawson lives this commitment estate to establish the Larry W. Lawson educational objectives involve more through his unflagging allegiance to Research Fund in Electrical Engineering. experiential learning, cross-disciplinary LU, sharing his success in numerous Recently, he directed a special $1 million partnerships and collaborations with ways. He is a founding member of the gift to the College of Engineering, industry. Lawson has been at the Legacy Society and also serves on a creating fellowships for early career heart of conversations addressing number of boards at LU, including the faculty. He is an active member of TMCx, entrepreneurship education at LU. Foundation Board of Trustees and the the Texas Medical Center’s Accelerator Center for Innovation, Commercialization program, and GOOSE Society of Texas, and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board. an organization that provides funding • FOUNDER AND CEO, Additionally, he recently was the featured and mentorship to startup companies HEARTCOR SOLUTIONS speaker at the Entrepreneurship Boot in life science, energy and emerging Camp for LU’s faculty in engineering technologies. He also has donated to • ERNST & YOUNG and business. In recognition of Lawson’s entrepreneurship centers and facilities extensive support and passion for LU, for the disabled, in memory of his ENTREPRENEUR the university awarded him an honorary sister, who had spina bifida and was OF THE YEAR, doctorate in 2012. confined to a wheelchair her entire HEALTH SCIENCES Born to working-class Texan parents, life. Lawson has received numerous Lawson is the youngest child of three accolades, including election into the • INC. MAGAZINE 500 and was diagnosed with polio at age six. Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame for his FASTEST-GROWING His family sought a second opinion, and tenure with The Clique, Ernst & Young’s PRIVATE COMPANIES he was later re-diagnosed with a serious Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2009, KEEPING THE bone deficiency. For six years following 2009 and Houston Technology Center’s IN AMERICA, his diagnosis, he was required to wear Lifetime Achievement Award in Health 2010, 2011, 2012 a metal leg brace that severely impaired Sciences in 2017. his walking and left him a frequent “As a child, I was fortunate to have • LU LEGACY victim of ridicule. Lawson learned at an parents who believed in me and SOCIETY MEMBER early age that grit, determination and encouraged me to pursue my dreams, confidence would take him far in life. He despite the serious physical challenges • FOUNDER, LARRY W. OF began his career in a creative space— I faced,” said Lawson, upon acceptance LAWSON RESEARCH writing and producing music. Following of his most recent award. Understanding FUND IN ELECTRICAL his time working in music, he pivoted to that many students don’t have this ENGINEERING healthcare, where he was first exposed same type of support system to build heart to the medical device industry as a sales them up, it is an honor and privilege • FOUNDING MEMBER, representative at Johnson & Johnson. As for me to be a change agent in their LU PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Lawson progressed through his career, lives. I am grateful that the Horatio he learned the intricacies of the industry, Alger Association has welcomed me • TRUSTEE, BEATING eventually starting his first company, into this special organization so that LU FOUNDATION HORATIO ALGER ASSOCIATION NAMES LifeMed Inc. in 1983. From there, he I may continue to provide hope and innovation continued to establish other medical opportunity to those who deserve it LU ALUMNUS LARRY LAWSON ’12 TO ITS MEMBER CLASS OF 2018 22 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 23 | INNOVATION |

everal students are “As a college student, one engaged in “real- rarely has the opportunity world” work at LU’s to work on an assignment SCenter for Innovation, that offers such real-world Commercialization and experience while also Entrepreneurship thanks to advocating for social good,” a partnership with world- Biffle said. “The marketing renowned pop musician team and I are very grateful Sudha Kheterpal and her to have had the privilege to vision for a device to harness play a part in something that the sun’s energy while has the potential to make engaging the power of music such a positive impact on so and education. many lives.” Entrepreneurship isn’t Kheterpal sees potential new to the British Indian for the device to bring the Sudha percussionist who has world closer together by been the heartbeat of pairing schools in building electronic and pop bands the devices and developing for more than 20 years. interchange between schools. Her music resume includes For example, a science thought ‘I’ve got to look into incredible need not only for for young people whereby are taking a course under Kheterpal: work with internationally class in Port Arthur could this. Can we do anything with electricity for light but also individuals can build their Paul Latiolais, director of known electronica and pop be paired with a school in MUSIC this energy?’” for mobile phone charging,” own solar mobile the CICE, are developing musicians like the Spice rural Mexico, both building It was around this time she said. “In Kenya, three phone charger. plans for educational and Girls, Faithless, Dido and the SolarMC. There could when she was introduced to quarters of the population The proof-of-concept is retail marketing of the others. “I was very humbled be a widening of learning Diana Simpson Hernandez, lives without electricity and complete, and Shake Your device on behalf of Shake to play in front of hundreds outcomes as students learn INSPIRES now head of industrial design just as many have a Power is exploring, with Your Power. Business majors of thousands of people quite about life in other places and strategy at Shake Your mobile phone.” the help of LU electrical Nicolette Tate of Nederland, regularly internationally,” she and how we can solve Power. She also was the Beyond the immediate engineering students, Ramee Biffle of Vidor, Taylor said. “I’d often wonder if the real-world problems together founder of Designers for need to charge mobile decisions on how it will be Chatagnier of Groves and energy of the crowd could through innovation. Humanity, a platform for phones, Kheterpal recognized put together, inclusive of Patricia Lauritzen of El Paso, INNOVATION be harnessed and used for “You can create music with designers seeking to tackle that “the biggest impact of the cost of components and along with graduate student anything else such as for a your phone with applications some of the most pressing what we were doing would whether to use a printed Kristeen Reynolds of Port social good.” like Garage Band,” she said. by Brian Sattler environmental issues today. be through education. By circuit board or breadboard- Arthur, are working on the A few years ago, her “We’d like to encourage “She’s a great voice showing young people how style perfboard. The device marketing plans. understanding of the genuine refugee camps to set up a in product design and to put their own mini SPARK will include a solar panel, “Because we’re a mission- need for renewable energy music challenge for the best development and has won together, they could really charger, connection for led company, the social good and potential of using energy tune to come out of a camp, us several awards,” says learn to understand such cellular phone and a speaker element and the purpose created from music, gave rise to share with a twin school, Kheterpal. When they met, things as entrepreneurship, case to amplify the sound. is very important to us,” to her founding Shake Your perhaps in Texas, as a way to they talked about the idea renewable energy and “With the device, the user Kheterpal explains. “We Power, an organization that add to global understanding to “create an instrument that STEM—science, technology, would be able to charge their want to encourage young seeks to bring clean energy to and a fun way to get uses the kinetic energy in engineering and math.” phones and enhance the innovators to really think places in the world without into STEM.” playing it for electricity.” “All of that was being done ability to listen to music,” about solving real-world electricity. “There are lots of Out of this initial through this lovely medium she said. “We’re looking problems.” “There was one occasion interesting things that we’re conversation came the of music,” Kheterpal said. “We at some of these ideas While the project provides at an electronica gig I was exploring, and certainly being SPARK device and a Kick found a real connector for with electrical engineering the elements common to any performing at where the here at LU with the students Starter campaign that young people.” students here at LU, and also marketing plan, “we’re taking crowd stomped their feet so has been really great for us,” provided crowd funding Fast forward to working focusing on the it one step further by asking hard in time with the music Kheterpal said. enabling a trip to Kenya to the marketing students here that they appeared to cause with Lamar University to marketing aspects.” test the prototype. to consider the social good an earthquake. It was really develop the SolarMC as an Lamar University “It was then that we saw an aspect,” Kheterpal said. the pivotal moment when I exciting educational tool marketing students, who

Atmospheric water generation innovation

by Brian Sattler

tmoSpark Water Generation, a new technology developed Blu Element combines this technology along with using an water tanks, or install and maintain desalination systems at governmental regulations, are traveling around the U.S. under the by Tejus Mane, a master’s student in chemical engineering innovative design of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials on considerable expense. Additionally, they could be RVers who grant. A at Lamar University, recently received a National Science nano-sized condensation surfaces to enhance water extraction want to have fresh water while traveling, or “boon docking” In addition to the recent NSF grant, AtmoSpark has won the Foundation Innovation Corps grant for $50,000 to facilitate from the air. away from power and water sources for long periods of time. top prize in three recent competitions: the 2017 Texas Rural a customer discovery tour to explore new applications and Originally envisioned as a solution to water shortages in Given the significant numbers of cruisers along the Gulf Coast Challenge, the Big Idea Challenge at LU and the Texas State new markets while the team continues to refine its developing countries, the technology holds promise as a way and beyond, Mane sees a significant potential market. Later, University Business Plan competition. patent-pending technology. to address potable water needs in several novel markets. This AtmoSpark’s technology may find application in larger vessels The team is refining the product at LU’s Center for Innovation, Mane, CEO of AtmoSpark, and co-founder Aniket Khade, a expansion came about last summer during the 12-week Owl or on offshore oil rigs. “We believe our product will be more Commercialization and Entrepreneurship. There they have both Ph.D. student in chemical engineering Spark program at Rice University, where the cost-effective than current technology, but there is a big cycle to office and laboratory space. Both are vital as the team works on at LU, submitted the grant proposal student team participated in a concentrated go thorough in proving our process to these kinds of customers business models and “next steps” as it prepares for the next Rice with the help of LU’s Center for The CICE has been a huge exploration of potential customer segments. through field testing, pilot phases and so on,” Mane said. “That Business Plan competition and continues to test and refine its Innovation, Commercialization and “ support for us, and we are “The big learning moment or pivot point would be extremely difficult financially for a start-up.” design with new prototypes. As for the spark that lead to AtmoSpark, Mane first had Entrepreneurship, the Office of excited to also engage with was when we learned that while non- Beyond the sailing and RV markets, Mane sees a potential Sponsored Research, and Jerry Lin, governmental organization's would like market in sustainable housing and pilot testing is planned in the idea while attending the Technology Innovation and senior director of graduate programs, NSF and LU engineering such a project, to them there was too much Puerto Rico and the Netherlands. He also envisions one could Entrepreneurship graduate class taught by David Cocke, the University Professor and Ann Die- during this phase. liability in technology at such an early stage,” work with the Department of Defense for scalable solar- Jack M. Gill Endowed Chair of Chemical Engineering and Hasselmo Faculty Scholar at LU. —Tejus Mane ” Mane said. powered units to give the military greater freedom of movement associate director of the CICE. The class changed his professional Matthew Bukovicky, an M.B.A. student Instead, they discovered strong potential by providing sustainable water. The technology could also trajectory, Mane said, to a future in entrepreneurship. in leadership, joins Mane and Khade on the team, along with markets for the water-generation technology in the “cruising serve in times of disaster relief, potentially through FEMA, non- “Dr. David Cocke’s class at the CICE was the major reason we Damilola Runsewe, a master’s student in chemical engineering, community” of live-aboard sailboats, motorsailers and small governmental organizations or other relief organizations. were able to start this project and are now able to bring it to a who is soon leaving to pursue a Ph.D. at Texas State University. yachts, and among RVers around the nation in motorhomes, fifth The I-Corps seven-week discovery tour began Jan. 16 with a state that we are able to get NSF funding for customer discovery AtmoSpark uses an innovative electro-condensation wheels or travel trailers. workshop in Seattle where they received training in customer and other outside funding as well,” Mane said. “The CICE has technology that has shown a significant increase in water “There are a lot of potential customers who are looking for discovery and continued through March 2. Mane, Khade and been a huge support for us, and we are excited to also engage production compared to conventional condensation under better water,” he said. They may be cruisers who want to “stay Mark Harkness, a mentor the team met at Owlspark who with the NSF and LU's College of Engineering during this phase.” the same working conditions. The overall device named on the hook” longer without having to go into marinas to refill has experience in industrial water use and recovery and

HURRICANE HARVEY & LU Nursing faculty feted for Collaborative research research excellence bridges LU, University Nine faculty members in the of Belize JoAnne Gay Dishman School Matthew Hoch, associate of Nursing received the Texas professor of biology, and Organization for Baccalaureate Hostin May, senior biology and Graduate Nursing Education and business major from Students were The storm came Harvey made Harvey brought Excellence in Research Award for Bridge City, collaborated with invited to move in ashore and then landfall in the record their research analyzing the effects the University of Belize on to the dorms early wandered bac eaumont rains—6058 in of mindfulness meditation on research pertaining to coral to avoid the rain reef microbiology. May and out into the Gulf Houston area one wee just anxiety levels in undergraduate weather reports nursing students. “I think this UB biology student Mark

S 1 S south of campus McNab

A 2 A spent two weeks A 2 A estimated 2 A 2 A shows the excellent work that the Lamar University Dishman during the winter stationed School of Nursing faculty is at the Smithsonian Institute’s Upriver, the US doing,” said Cynthia Stinson, Field Station on Carrie Army Corps of Bow Cay. May and McNab Classes were chair of the school. “We have a Harvey came Engineers reputation of winning research assisted Hoch in studying the scheduled to ashore near released water and state awards.” That reputation hypothesis that microbial response to macroalgal dissolved organic matter and temperature facilitates begin August 28, Corpus Christi from the dams, was further enhanced when LU’s coral loss on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. “Besides the tropical allure and delicious cuisine, not 2017 maing a bad nursing programs were recognized much research has been performed on back-reefs like these—mostly it’s the ‘big, sexy reefs’ like the A 2 A 28 A 0 A situation worse for excellence by the Community Great Barrier that get all the attention,” May said. “So the goal is to help expand the back reef journal for Accredited Online Schools, collection. Like the human body, corals also have ‘good bacteria,’ or microorganisms which positively AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org. In affect the health of coral and ‘bad bacteria,’ or disease-causing pathogens,” Hoch said. Temperature, the addition, College Choice recently focus of much of their research, has been shown to influence the microbial community in both positive More than 500 students stayed in the LU residence FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS REBOUND ranked the master’s degree and negative ways. The experiences gained from this type of research are worth infinitely more than halls throughout the storm. The City of Beaumont program as the second-most what you could learn in a classroom. Research teaches you teamwork, scheduling and perseverance and lost its water supply, and drinking water as well as Like millions of other Texans, Lamar University students affordable online nursing master’s completely alters your school experience for the better,” May said. And according to May, he was lucky bathroom facilities became an issue. With the rain faced mandatory evacuation, loss of electricity, non- degree program. to have Hoch’s mentorship. “A huge part of research is your mentor, and I am lucky to have one of the potable water, recovery costs and the loss of personal very best. Dr. Hoch pushed me to make these projects happen and has kept me on a path to success, continuing for five days, LU students had time on even when I doubted myself.” possessions. After the storm, faculty and staff members Noel awarded physics their hands. Some of the local students had already national internship begun to volunteer with their church or and administrators responded swiftly to accommodate Zakary Noel, a senior physics community groups. students: Bradley, Parker earn accolades major from Baytown, was one of Jerry Bradley, professor of English and modern 12 recipients from a nationwide languages, and graduate student Salena • Extending registration for fall pool of applicants for the 2017 Parker, took home awards at 84th Conference internship with the Society of • Waiving late registration fees of College Teachers of English and the Texas Physics Students and the National College English Association recently at Tarrant was born • Implementing a revised academic calendar Institute for Standards and County Community College Northeast. The Technology last summer. “This is association awarded Bradley best presentation Lamar University students completed more • Creating three additional fall semesters, or much more meaningful than just based on the conference theme of Texas Heritage than 5,000 hours of volunteer work through “Harvey Sessions,” with later start dates to gaining lab work experience,” said for his poetry reading, Approaching the Coast Noel. “Science is about sharing Harvey Heroes. give time for students to recover from of Arizona. Bradley also received an award for ideas and working together. It's best creative writing from the conference for his the storm about learning firsthand how the THE NUMBERS reading of Alive in Captivity after the Flood, which scientific community bridges gaps was selected for inclusion in an Austin Poetry Festival anthology. Parker won the L.D. Hendricks Award, the Lamar University delayed the start of the Fall 2017 and comes together to support • 294 student volunteers signed up top graduate student prize, for her paper A Fine Tang of Faintly Scented Urine: An Analysis of Scorned Acts semester to Sept. 5 by initiating all courses online until mutual goals and achievements.” in Joyce’s Ulysses, and her research was published in the CCTE Studies journal this past fall. Previously, her • 112 student volunteers completed 40 or they could transition back to campus. Although overall Noel worked directly with the research was accepted for publication by the International James Joyce Society. more hours Volunteer Areas numbers will be down slightly, some areas still grew or national office of the SPS to develop Science Outreach Catalyst remained steady:  Lone Star  Bradley poem  Criminal justice Kits “to provide SPS chapters with • Salvation Army and Red Cross—distribution author talks lit earns award ranks 11th and shelter • Occupancy in the university’s residence innovative outreach presentations” Steve Davis, author of Jerry Bradley, Professor Top Criminal Justice Schools halls, Cardinal Village, is at an all-time high as well as with the NIST Summer Dallas 1963, J. Frank Dobie: of English at Lamar ranked LU 11th out of 50 • Humane Society—rescue animals Institute to develop hands-on A Liberated Mind, and Texas University, was selected in their national list of best • Transfer student enrollment rose activities, lectures, tours and visits Literary Outlaws, spoke for the prestigious Margie online master’s degree • Habitat for Humanity, local churches and with NIST scientists who educate about “Texas Literature: Boswell Poetry Award for programs in criminal homes—pulling up carpet and • The incoming freshmen class is among teachers and non-scientists. Noel The first 470 years (give or his poem Alive in Captivity justice. The rankings were take a few days)” during a after the Flood. Bradley determined from an initial cutting sheetrock one of the best prepared to date based on plans to attend graduate school and earn a Ph.D. He is considering lecture last spring at was commemorated in list of 145 online criminal average SAT and ACT scores the invitation of the ceremonies celebrating justice programs. a future in academia or research. • Schools–distribution and shelter English and Modern creative writing at Texas • SETX Food Bank, Red Cross, Meals on • This fall’s undergraduate student Languages Department. Christian University. Wheels and HEB—food and water enrollment of 10,287 was virtually tied distribution with 2016 numbers

by Beth Gallaspy

andy Best ’67 recognized early on that adult learners While traditional college students might be able to dedicate want a different style of higher education than semester after semester to completing a degree program, adult R traditional college students. An innovative approach learners often balance school with other commitments. to meeting the goals and needs of this growing market of “They take three courses then have to lay out a course LU was an early mover students has been the key to success for his company, Academic because of something going on in their job or life or their “ and dominated the Partnerships, and for the partner schools he works with family,” Best said. “We developed a thing called a carousel that worldwide, including Lamar University. allows them to just hop back on after laying out a course. It market in Texas for “We call it the Lamar model,” Best said. “What we’re may be for the summer when they have children out of school, master’s degrees in introducing in seven great universities in South Africa and or they’re going on a vacation. So maybe they’ll lay off two education and is still universities elsewhere is the Lamar model, unchanged with no courses and just hop back on where they got off. That was just growing and expanding modifications, because it worked so well. Usually you don’t get revolutionary. It really made this whole thing possible. Prior to it right the first time, but we fortunately did in that it met the that when you stepped out you dropped out.” after 10 years. —Randy Best ’67 need of this category of student, this mature, working adult.” The innovative approach worked so well at Lamar University ” Best’s Dallas-based company began working with LU more that it quickly spread to other institutions. Academic than a decade ago to create online versions of selected degree Partnerships now serves 52 public universities in the United programs still taught by LU faculty and to recruit working States. Sister companies also are working with seven South professionals to enroll in as students in those programs. One African universities and one in the United Kingdom, with other innovation, Best said, was simply identifying the need for such U.K. universities in the planning stages to come online. Best programs and committing resources to meet that need. also is in talks with universities in Morocco and is constantly “I think we recognized a bit early that college graduates, evaluating opportunities to expand into other markets. Before because of changes in the job market, because of new skill developing the “Lamar model,” Best made his first forays into requirements in the jobs they already held and the chance for higher education in Latin America, working with universities in advancement, would someday return to the university,” Best multiple countries, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Argentina said. “In the past, one degree was good for life, but that was not and Mexico. His sister company in Latin America, Ilumno, now true in the network-based economy and fast-changing serves more than 300,000 students on 75 campuses. 21st century.” In addition to expanding into new markets, Best’s company By working with affordable, public universities like LU, is continuing to develop innovative ways to better serve partner Academic Partnerships was able to effectively market programs universities by shouldering more of the load in a scalable way to students looking to develop additional expertise and of enrolling large numbers of students with multiple start earn an advanced credential at a relatively low cost without dates per year. “We’re studying how to be more supportive accumulating huge debt. Additionally, Best’s company focused and more helpful and also how we can increase our mentoring marketing and recruitment efforts through employers rather and support of enrolled students who have full lives and than just trying to reach potential students directly. For graduate families and jobs,” Best said. “The second thing we want to do degrees in education, they worked through school districts. differently is to help take our partner universities here in the For advanced nursing degrees and RN to BSN programs, they United States abroad and help them be active in huge markets worked through hospitals. Those efforts proved a major asset overseas where there’s tremendous demand and little to any both for Academic Partnerships and for Lamar University. access to U.S. higher education.” “LU was an early mover and dominated the market in Texas As technology infrastructure and mobile access continues for master’s degrees in education and is still growing and to improve around the world, more and more tech-savvy adult expanding after 10 years. That was guessing the market right,” students are seeking out expanded higher education options. Best said. Best’s Academic Partnerships and the universities he works Best’s company and the universities he works with also strive with, including Lamar University, keep growing, changing and to build flexible scheduling into their programs. innovating to meet the demand.

ALUMNI GIFTS ESTABLISH ORIGINAL 1892 MAP NEW FACULTY FELLOWSHIPS FINDS HOME AT LU

Lamar University announced the inaugural recipients of the College of Engineering Faculty Fellowship Program, awards made possible through the generosity of five alumni last spring. Eleven faculty members were recognized and received the title of faculty fellow in an afternoon program March 22 at the Center for Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship. “These faculty fellowships recognize and Participation doubles at undergrad expo support the innovative endeavors of outstanding LU’s Fourth Annual Undergraduate Research Expo, held April 21, surpassed its members of the College of Engineering faculty,” New Science and Tech Building rises expected growth with a major leap in attendance, the number of presentations and in said Srinivas Palanki, dean of the college. “We The new 83,000-square-foot Science and Technology Building broke ground last May student involvement in comparison to the 2016 event. with an expected completion goal of November 2018. It will be the first new entirely are grateful to our alumni who have made these “The annual undergraduate research Expo has become a proud tradition at Lamar A piece of history came home when Kit Herrington academic building to be added to the LU campus in more than four decades. fellowships possible through their generosity. University,” said Catalina Castillón, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. of Corsicana delivered an original map of Gladys “This building is long overdue, and the Texas State University System is very happy to Their support and interest in building and “As a university, we are at the leading edge of undergraduate research in Texas.” The City as envisioned by entrepreneur Pattillo Higgins facilitate that,” said TSUS Regent Bill Scott. The new Science and Technology Building is 2017 conference included 120 presentations by 250 LU students mentored by 88 to Lamar University, home of the Spindletop-Gladys sustaining a culture of innovation at Lamar sited to take advantage of a future pedestrian corridor planned for Cunningham Street faculty members representing 28 academic departments. City Boomtown Museum. University is outstanding.” and new campus entry off Rolfe Christopher Drive. It is in a prominent location and will “This research expo was an incredible experience for me,” said Humberto Jimenez, Higgins used the map, printed in 1892, to sell Ten fellowships were possible thanks to be highly visible as Lamar University continues to grow. a senior double major in advertising and Spanish from Beaumont. “It really opened my lots that helped finance the first drilling effort at funding from five alumni donors: Anthony “As much as we celebrate the building, it’s an opportunity for us to recruit better mind to what all I can do with my education.” Spindletop Hill. That effort, and several subsequent students, to recruit better faculty, to, in turn, transform our programs, and to be more George ’88, CEO of Nautical Control Solutions efforts, failed. While Higgins’ vision as presented competitive in career and graduate program placement,” said LU President Ken Evans. Daniel recognized by Council of and founder and president of Control Dynamics in the map was never realized, he is credited with “At the end of the day, science and technology will increasingly play an evermore Undergraduate Research International; successful scientist, technology recognizing the potential for oil and starting the important role in the evolution of our economy and our ability to solve the pressing Jennifer Daniel, associate professor of mathematics, received entrepreneur, venture capitalist, educator and process that changed history on January 10, 1901, problems of present and future generations.” a 2017 Faculty Mentoring Award from the Council of philanthropist Jack Gill ’58, Distinguished Undergraduate Research, a national organization representing when the Lucas Gusher blew. Alumnus; Larry Lawson '12, founder of eCardio LU noted as a ‘Rising Star’ in UK study more than 900 colleges and universities, to honor her success “It’s a treasure, it really is,” said LU Distinguished Diagnostics, and an Ernst & Young Health Science Times Higher Education and World University Rankings identified Lamar University as in directing students in undergraduate research. “As a mentor, Alumna Ellen Rienstra '62, '80 who accepted the map on the university’s behalf. Entrepreneur of the Year; Larry Norwood ’73, one of 20 universities worldwide and one of just nine nationally that could “challenge she is unparalleled,” said Alys Marken '12, Daniel’s former the elite universities” and become globally renowned by 2030. With ancestral ties to Beaumont, Herrington has retired Lubrizol Corp. corporate vice president student. “Most notably, she instills in her students invaluable A study conducted by Firetail, a strategy consulting firm in Great Britain that works tools for life-long learning and success.” always had a keen interest in the area’s history. of operations and LU benefactor; and Anita with some of the world’s most outstanding universities, research organizations and The map, which he donated in honor of the late Riddle ’93, ’96, procurement manager for civil society groups, identified a “Class of 2030” that consisted of an emerging group LU gains special USDA status Judge James D. McNicholas, former mayor of ExxonMobil who has established numerous of “challenger” universities that are quickly rising in the world rankings and “have an The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has designated LU as a Non-Land Beaumont, and Dr. Thomas A. Lombardo, Beaumont faculty development and innovation funds opportunity to become globally renowned in the next 10 to 20 years.” Grant College of Agriculture. These colleges provide important translational research cardiovascular specialist, is in remarkably good within the college. Each of the following fellows and outreach benefits, while developing a highly skilled workforce for the agricultural, condition. The late Michel T. Halbouty, geologist, receives a stipend of $10,000 per year for three York secures Goldwater Scholarship food and natural resource industries. This designation opens up new possibilities and petroleum engineer, wildcatter and author, encouraged Herrington to donate the map to LU years: Gill Fellows Tao Wei, assistant professor The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and opportunities for external funding with the USDA. Excellence in Education Program bestowed because of the university’s unique tie to Spindletop. of chemical engineering, and Rafael Tadmor, its distinguished scholarship on Chris York, professor of chemical engineering; Norwood a senior double major in mathematics and Fellows Ramesh Guduru, assistant professor of computer science, making him the fourth mechanical engineering, and Jerry Lin, professor LU student to earn the most prestigious Science camp selects Literary Press author Stan PayScale ranks LU No. 2 Xiang nets NSF grant of civil and environmental engineering; Riddle undergraduate award given in the sciences. LU as one of 10 Crawford honored PayScale’s 2017 College Yisha Xiang, assistant The ExxonMobil Foundation A Lamar University Literary ROI report ranked Lamar professor of industrial Fellows Qiang Xu, associate professor of The scholarship is awarded to about 300 and Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr., Press author is among University as a Best Value engineering secured college sophomores and juniors nationwide chemical engineering, and Quin Qian, associate the first African-American the honorees of the Texas College for engineering a $279,025 National professor of civil engineering; George Fellows based on merit. to walk in space, selected Institute of Letters 2017 students based on salary Science Foundation grant Reza Barzegaran and Hassan Zargarzadeh, both LU as one of 10 sites awards for Texas Literary profiles compiled by the for collaborative research CHC to focus on Civil War and 1930s Beaumont nationwide to host the 2017 Works. Resisting Gravity website. The annual College exploring equipment assistant professors of electrical engineering; During its inaugural year beginning in 2017, the LU Center for History and Culture of ExxonMobil Bernard Harris by attorney and poet Stan ROI report measures the failures in capital-intensive and Lawson Fellows Xuejun Fan, professor of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast hosted numerous events. From “Culinary Summer Science Camp. Crawford earned the Bob return on tuition investment industries, such as oil and mechanical engineering, and Xing Wu, assistant Traditions of Southeast Texas and Louisiana,” “LaBelle: the Ship that Changed History” The two-week residential Bush Memorial Award for 20 years after graduation, gas exploration, aerospace professor of civil engineering. An eleventh and “Oil and Water: Economic Linchpins of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast” all-expense-paid camps First Book of Poetry. and this year it ranked LU and power generation, for aspiring innovators, To learn more about No. 2 out of more than 500 that may threaten human faculty member, Yueqing Li, assistant professor of to “The Golden Triangle and the Great War,” “Singing the Dream: Cajun and Prison scientists and engineers are the Lamar University universities across lives and have significant industrial engineering, was named a College of Music” and “John Phillip Sousa Meets Beaumont’s Magnolia Petroleum Band,” the center’s presentations commemorate the region’s rich history, art, literature, music and held on college campuses Literary Press visit the nation. environmental and Engineering Fellow and will receive a stipend of across the country for lamar.edu/literarypress. economic impact. cuisine. Community takes center stage April 23 when Center Fellow Marilyn Mason- middle-school students. $5,000 per year for three years from the college. Hayes presents “1930s Beaumont Voices,” a multi-media program with costumed actors presenting essays enhanced with radio, movie clips, music and pictures.

System. He and his wife, Brenda, eight years as chancellor and a milestone this year for having Storage. The hydrogen storage live in Sugar Land. transitioned to chancellor emeritus worked in IT/computers for 41 cavern, located on Spindletop 50s and distinguished professor of years. He and his wife, Shelia, live Salt Dome is the world’s largest Kenneth Baird II ’69, B.S. geology, educational leadership and policy in Rockwall. and is located just south of Lamar retired from the oil and gas beginning last August. He and University. Strybos and his wife, ’58, B.S. Thomas “Tom” Bell industry in 2015 after working for his wife, ’71, B.S. home ’75, B.S. Gwen, live in Kountze. chemical engineering, retired from Ileen Ann (Hill) Daniels several major and independent economics, live in Knoxville. elementary education, ’91 M.Ed. 4u Beverages Inc. as vice president oil and gas companies in Texas special education, retired from Van ’81, B.S. of manufacturing jobs. During Roxanne (Trahan) Boyd and California as an exploration ’72, B.S. speech, Buren Elementary as a counselor. elementary education, ’82, M.Ed. his time at LU, he was awarded Betty Peebles and production geophysicist and retired after 45 years of teaching She and her husband, William, live special education, retired from Taft the 1958 L.R. Pietzsch Award his a geophysical manager. He is last May. Peebles was a teacher for in Orange. Elementary in May of 2017. Boyd senior year and won the first local enjoying retirement in Greenhorn East Champers Junior High School. and her husband, Jeffery, live AICHE Chapter Scholarship. Bell Mountain, Calif., where he grows She and her husband, Corky, live in ’77, in Orange. is the father of Thaura, Thurston, Lt. Col. Barry Craigen Sr. fruit and nut tress along with Hamshire. B.B.A. management, retired from 1 Thatcher, Thad, Thadria, Thea, driving and restoring antique and Federal Civil Service last May, after ’81, B.S. biology, Thann and Tom Jr. He and his wife, Dr. Connie Meeks classic cars from his collection. ’73, B.S. more than 35 years of service to earned her medical degree in 1986 Thelma “Timmie”, live in Esta (Autrey) Johnson elementary education, ’75, M.Ed. the Air Force. Craigen received and has recently been named vice Clarkdale, Ariz. elementary education,’81, M.Ed. his commission and the rank of president and chief medical officer We hope you enjoy reading supervision, retired as counselor second lieutenant from the Lamar for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue 70s from Port Neches Middle School University ROTC detachment in Shield. She lives in Little Rock, Ark. about former classmates. last May. She lives in Nederland. December 1977. He served on 60s active duty for 23 years in the U.S. ’81, B.S. If you have news to share—a Jose Berrios ’70, B.S. elementary Susan (Sarver) Rozell education, retired from teaching Delores Black ’74, B.S. music– and in Europe and was deployed elementary education, was awarded ’61, B.S. government, position announcement, David J. Beck after 30 years. He is a part-time instrumental, ’84, M.M.Ed. music to Saudi Arabia for the Gulf War the Margie Barnes PNG Education ’12, L.H.D. doctor of humane employee for Amalie Arena education, is a senior administrative from 1990 to 1991. Craigen retired Foundation Grant in May 2017. She milestone, achievement, letters, was selected for inclusion and University of South Florida associate for the College of from active duty in June 2001 and, and her husband, Brent, live in Port in the inaugural Legal 500 U.S. Hall wedding, baby—or know the Sundome and volunteers at an Fine Arts & Communication for shortly after working in civilian Neches. of Fame in the Dispute Resolution assisted living facility in Brandon, Lamar University, after serving as human resources, he returned to whereabouts of a lost alumnus, – Leading Trial Lawyers category Fla. He and his wife, Jill, live in administrative assistant in the Mary work for the USAF as a civilian in Lenora Choice ’82, B.S. criminal in April 2017. Beck is co-founder we want to hear from you. Tampa, Fla. Morgan Moore Music Department 2005. He and his wife, Denise, sold justice, ’16, M.Ed. clinical mental and partner for Beck Redden LLP for 42 years. Black also sings their house to travel around North health counseling – AP, is an and has been for ’70, B.B.A. marketing, with the St. Jude Chorale, serves America in an RV. intervention specialist for Foster 15 years. Beck Dwain Lovett wrote a book entitled Rescued! The as assistant to the director of the Middle School. She lives in Tyler. Redden LLP also Amazing Story of Gertie Agouti. Symphony of Southeast Texas Kenneth Leavins ’78, B.S. electrical SEND US YOUR NEWS: has maintained its The children’s book is written for chorus, and is a corresponding engineering, ’85, M.B.A. business Barbara Damuth ’82, B.S. Band 1 ranking Cardinal Cadence both adults and children and takes secretary and membership chair for administration, was honored elementary education, retired from in the annual place on the Caribbean Island of Beaumont Interfaith Choral Society. for 10 years of service in Port Taft Elementary, where she was a 2 P.O. Box 10011 Chambers USA for Montserrat. It tells the true story She lives in Vidor. Neches-Groves school district at third-grade teacher, last May. She 2017. He and his Beaumont, TX 77710 of resilience, compassion and the Alternative Education Center. lives in Groves. wife, Judy, live acceptance of others. His book is Roger Cantu ’74, B.S. industrial Leavins is also a pastor for Triangle in Houston. e-mail [email protected] featured in a program in South engineering, retired as a project Baptist Church in Nederland, where Gayle (Dumesnil) LeMaire ’82, B.S. Dakota to encourage elementary engineer for Petrocon. He lives in he and his wife, Tina, live. elementary education, retired from or call (409) 880-8921 ’66, B.B.A. James Robson students to read by publishing Houston. Van Buren last May. She and her marketing, retired as CEO of The books with positive themes. Lovett Paul Mendoza ’78, B.B.A. husband, Douglas, live in Groves. Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board lives in Rockwall. Kathleen “Kathy” (Dean) Hayes marketing, is director of Jackie (Day) Riddle ’82, B.B.A. after 15 years and returned to ’74, B.B.A. office administration, is culinary arts academy for management, teaches fourth-grade Texas. He and his wife, Molly, live The Golden Triangle Business a paraprofessional for Port Neches- Galveston College. math at Groves Elementary School. in Argyle, and Robson is working as Roundtable named Groves High School. She worked She and her husband, John, live in a food industry consultant on sales Dennis Isaacs ’71, B.S. secondary education, 28 years at the Jefferson County Mark Russo ’78, B.B.A. accounting, Port Neches. and marketing projects, along with as executive director of the District Attorney’s Office and retired retired in April 2017 after working YOU & LU a private equity firm as an advisor organization. Isaacs retired as a in May 2005, then started work as a for GSU/Entergy for 38 years. He Lori (Kube) Halbert ’83, B.S. A lifelong relationship. on acquisitions in specialty foods. safety, health and environmental substitute teacher with Port Neches- and his wife, Joann ’91, B.B.A. elementary education, is a first- manager for DuPont Beaumont Groves school district before being finance, live in Beaumont. grade teacher for Ridgewood ’67, B.A. history, Eola Buchanan Works, after spending 22 years hired as a full-time employee in the Elementary School. She and her ’87, M.A. history, taught in Fulton at the company. He and his wife, fall of 2006 as a paraprofessional. Eldridge Ravey II ’79, B.A. English, husband, Karl, live in Groves. The Office of County for 20 years before moving ’04, B.A.A.S. applied arts Hayes lives in Port Neches retired from teaching marketing at to Atlanta, Ga., where she worked Kimberly Alumni Affairs and sciences, live in Beaumont. with her husband, John ’77, Port Neches-Groves High School Lone Star in education before retiring. She B.B.A. marketing. last May. He and his wife, Marlene College-North is your connection. lives in Atlanta. ’89, B.S. elementary education, live Harris awarded Joe Tortorice ’71, M.B.A. business administration, is the president, James Hebert ’74, B.S. secondary in Beaumont. Ellen (Rawls) 3 ’67, B.S. Dr. Samuel “Sam” Low owner and founder of Jason’s Deli, education, retired from Port Turnell ’83, B.A. Update your information so biology, earned his master of which opened in 1976. He is also a Neches-Groves High School as a Janis (Doyle) Ryan ’79, B.A. mathematics, education in 1980 and his dental Secret Series: The things they won't tell you about how to we can keep you up-to-date managing member for Estate Assets world geography teacher in last English, retired from teaching at winner of John & degree in 1973. He is associate achieve success in the workplace—Lamar University partnered LLC, president and director of Deli May. He and his wife, Kathleen Port Neches-Groves High School Suanne Roueche on what’s happening at the dean/professor emeritus for the with the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce to put on a professional Management Inc., owner for High “Kathy,” live in Port Neches. last May. Her son Sean earned a Excellence Award University of Florida College of development series last spring. university, invite you to special Sendero Inc., as well as secretary Robert Lay ’74, B.S. industrial Bachelor of Science in mathematics last April. She is Dentistry. He and his wife, Tess, and director of Deli Properties, Inc. engineering, retired as lead global in 2012. She lives in Port Neches. a professor of math at LSC-North 1. Secret to Unleashing the Power of LinkedIn—Brenna Rodriguez ’04, administrator live in Palm Coast, Fla. events and make sure you get He and his wife, Shelley, live content management business Harris and has been for 22 years, for Harbor Hospice, taught participants how to enhance their LinkedIn profiles. access to all of the perks of in Beaumont. analyst from KBR Inc. He and his making an impact on the campus Lynn DeBlance ’67, B.B.A. wife, Lu Ann, live in Houston. and in students lives. Turnell and 2. Secrets to Leading Across Generations in the Workplace—Marco Villasana ’02 and accounting, M.B.A. business her husband, Thomas, live Lori Rachal ’04 being a Cardinal. Jimmy Cheek ’72, M.Ed. counseling 80s administration, retired as a cost and development, stepped down Woodrow “Woody” Bishop ’75, in Humble. 3. Secrets HR Won't Tell You—LU Ambassadors Thanh Tsan, Kayla Clifton, Caroline Nwandu, accountant, auditor, assistant as the seventh chancellor of The A.A.S. business data processing, Ronald Strybos ’80, B.S. chemical and Marcus Rodgers are pictured with Amy Tarver ’99, executive director of Leadership controller and tax manager for University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is senior programmer and analyst engineering, is facility manager for Kim (Cameron) Keith ’85, B.S. Memorial Hermann Healthcare Beaumont of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. lamar.edu/alumni in Feburary 2017. He completed for GM Financial. Bishop marks Air Liquide Spindletop Hydrogen kinesiology, retired from teaching

U.S. history at Port Neches Groves 3 teacher. She and her husband, Education Center. She and her Elementary School. She and her from Lamar University after 18 Port Neches-Groves school district Anthony Holmes ’91, B.A.A.S. elementary education, ’82, M.Ed. High School last May. She and her Lloyd, live in Nederland. husband, Stanton, live in applied arts and science, is school administration, bought the husband, Jesse, live in Port Neches. years. She lives in Beaumont. honored Celina (Flores) Ellis ’07, husband, Marc ’82, B.S. health Port Neches. manager of talent services for diner seven years ago. He and his Tricia (Jones) Times ’00, B.S. B.S. interdisciplinary studies, for 10 and physical education, ’09 Ed.D. criminal justice, ’04, M.Ed. special ’04, B.S. years of service as a kindergarten Preston Hutson TDECU (Texas Dow Employees wife, Jessica (Sherman) ’97, B.S. John-Paul Schmidt educational leadership, live in ’87, B.S. political Jane Richardson ’88, B.M. music Credit Union). He and his wife, interdisciplinary studies, live education, earned an Ed.D. in chemical engineering, earned a teacher at Taft Elementary. She Port Neches. science, has education, ’94, M.M.Ed music Tawanna, live in Fresno. in China. educational leadership in 2016 master of business administration and her husband, Matt ’07, B.S. joined the team education, is choir director for from LU. She is a principal for degree in 2015. He lives in kinesiology, live in Port Neches. ’85, B.S. art Bill Sybert School Socorro school Goose Greek school district at Point Houston and serves as pipe stress Lori (Broussard) Lofton of MehaffyWeber Gerstle “Spikes” Sturdivant Jr. ’91, Nathan Moye ’97, B.S. political education, retired in may 2017 from attorneys. He and district. She lives in El Paso. B.S. kinesiology, lives in Groves science, is a teacher and coach for Alternative School. Times and her engineering leader for The Dow Sivasanthosh Komirelly ’07, M.E. Groves Middle School, where she his wife, Julie, live and is a P.E. coach for Groves Enris school district. He and his husband, Kevin, live in Chemical Co. chemical engineering, is senior taught art. She lives in Port Bolivar. in Cypress. Timothy Campbell ’89, B.S. Elementary School. wife, Catherine, live in Dallas. Mont Belvieu. process simulation engineer for Port Neches- criminal justice, retired from the Charlotte Coffman ’05, B.S. Wood Group. He and his wife, ’86, B.S. Texas Department of Criminal communication, ’11, M.Ed. ’08, M.E. electrical Laurie (Lackey) Henry Groves High James Walsh ’91, B.B.A. general Port Neches-Groves High School Angela (Pittman) Santhoshi secondary education, earned a Justice after more than 28 years of ’01, B.B.A. educational administration, is a engineering, live in Cypress. business, is chief information honored Paul Pate ’97, B.S. Hill master of education in educational service. He lives in College Station. finance, ’01, B.B.A. program specialist for the Texas Rachel (Tassin) Dykes ’88, B.B.A. officer of community and state for mechanical engineering, for 10 psychology in 1994. She and her marketing, is a second-grade Rodney Cavness ’90, B.S. United Healthcare. He and his wife, years of service teaching physics. management Education Agency in the Division of Ashley Nunez ’07, B.B.A. human husband, James, live in Bryan. kinesiology, ’94, M.Ed. school information School Improvement. She and her resource management, is an office teacher for Woodcrest Elementary Greta, live in Spring Hill, Tenn. He and his wife, Charla (Hicks) ’94, School. She and her husband, administration, is Superintendent of B.S. family and consumer sciences– systems, earned husband, Andrew Duchamp ’05, manager fro L.G. Barcus and Sons Eugene May ’86, B.S. kinesiology, Texas Ciry school district. He and her Ph.D. in B.S. communication, live in Austin. Inc. She lives in Vidor. James ’86, A.A.S. machine tools, Larry Rideaux ’93, B.S. psychology, food and nutrition, ’00, M.S. family retired from Groves Middle live in Port Neches. his wife, Tanya, live in Texas City. is vice president for student and consumer science, live in educational School in May 2017. He and his development at Tarrant County Port Neches. management in Colleen Irvine-Davis ’06, B.G.S. Malachi Daws ’08, B.B.A. finance, wife, Melanie (Soileau) ’80, B.S. Port Neches Groves school district College District. He and his wife, May 2017. Hill is general studies, was named was selected as Texas Super secondary education, live in executive director Campus Teacher of the Year for Lawyers Rising Star for 2017. Daws honored Treva (Swanson) Hodge Ronnette ’97, B.G.S. liberal arts, live Groves Middle School honored Port Neches. for the teaching and learning center Booker T. Washington Elementary is an attorney for The Daws Law ’88, B.S. communication disorders, 90s in Tomball. Kimberly (Denzlinger) Nobles for 10 years of service. She teaches ’98, B.S. interdisciplinary studies at Lamar Institute of Technology. School. She and her husband, Keith Firm. He and his wife, Andrea ’06, School honored She and her husband, ’95, ’06, B.G.S. general studies, ’09, A.A.S. nursing, live in Beaumont. Nancy (Adams) speech at Taft Elementary and Jeff Guidry ’90, A.A.S. computer The Texas Association of for 10 years of service teaching Doniel Daigrepont ’87, B.B.A. accounting, previously taught at West Grove electronics and robotics, and wife, Secondary School Principals sixth-grade language arts. She A.A.S. process operating, live in M.P.A. public admnistration, live for 10 years of service as an English Beaumont. in Beaumont. ’08, B.B.A. Angie (Ellis) ’92, B.S. nursing, are selected Janna (Tiner) Carter ’94, and her husband, Robert ’91, B.S. Vanecia Jordan proud parents of Savana, a current B.S. interdisciplinary studies, as kinesiology, live in Port Neches. accounting, ’14, M.B.A. accounting, LU softball player. Savana signed Outstanding Principal for the year. Amy (Stainaker) Walker ’02, Chris Araj ’07, B.S. communication is a staff accountant for Baptist Lamar University Grad Fair—The Office of Alumni Affairs helped welcome to play for LU in April 2017 after Carter is principal of Hampshire- Port Neches Middle School honored communication disorders, ‘04 M.S. disorders, earned an Au.D in Hospital of Southeast Texas. She new graduates into the alumni family last spring. Graduating students deaf education, is a reverend with 2011. He is the owner of Pearland lives in Beaumont. playing two years for the Lamar Fannett High School, and lives in Jamie (Budd) Perkins ’98, B.B.A. received tassel toppers and participated in a t-shirt exchange benefiting Some the Texas Annual Conference of the Hearing Aids and Audiology State College Port Arthur Seahawks. Beaumont with her husband Chad human resource management, was Other Place and the Humane Society of Southeast Texas. ’95, B.S. kinesiology. honored for 10 years of service. She United Methodist Church. She lives and president elect of the Texas Melanie Lanuza ’08, B.S. in Orange. Academy of Audiology. He, his communication, ’08, B.S. graphic 1. Alumni programming intern Bri Graffagnino ’16 swaps out a t-shirt in the new alumni Michelle (Martin) Mitchell ’90, B.S. teaches seventh- and eighth-grade wife, Rund, and their son, Andrew, design, is lead graphic designer for elementary education, is a first- Leo “Jake” Hebert III ’95, B.S. language arts, as well as a reading t-shirt exchange at Graduation Fair. Port Neches Middle Scholl honored live in Houston. The Refinery Source in Beaumont, grade teacher for Taft Elementary physics, earned an M.S. in physics lab. She and her husband, Gary ’97, ’03, B.S. where she lives. —Houston-area LU alumni enjoyed a relaxed School. She and her husband, Allan, in 1999 and a Ph.D. in physics in B.S. criminal justice, live in Samara (Chesser) Bean Painting With A Twist kinesiology, was honored for 10 ’07, B.S. electrical evening of painting and fellowship last May. live in Nederland. 2011. Hebert became a research Port Neches. John Brazzil associate for the Institute for years of service. Bean is a life engineering, is senior field engineer Mallory (Hebert) Maunder ’08, management teacher as well as for Absolute Testing Service in B.M. music, is a fourth- and fifth- 2. Richard Valley ’70 concentrates as he paints his canvas. Angela (Plagman) Robison ’90, Creation Research in 2011. He lives eighth-grade girls basketball and Houston. He and his wife, Keri, live grade music teacher for Little 3. Eun Sung Kim ’09 and Alexander Kim pose with their masterpieces. B.S. elementary education, ’14 in Irving. M.Ed. school counseling – AP, is seventh- and eighth-grade girls in Crosby. Cypress Intermediate School. She 00s track coach. She and her husband, and her husband, Mark, live in —Alumni and friends of LU a fifth5grade teacher for Groves James “Jimmy” Samaha Jr ’95, LU Alumni Community Service Project ’98, B.S. kinesiology, live ’07, B.S. Port Neches. volunteered at the Beaumont Children’s Museum for their ‘Don’t Be Fooled’ Elementary School. She and her B.B.A. marketing, became manager Port Neches school district honored Rusty James Brown Jr. in Groves. communication, is a direct lender event last April. husband, Terren, live in of Diamond S Diner in China. ’00, Danna (Desmond) Fournet for Capital One Bank. He and his ’08, B.S. Port Neches. after his in-laws, J.E. Sherman B.S. interdisciplinary studies, for Rebekah (Davis) Patin 4. Mona Scott ’16 and Chasta Winslow ’06 show children how to form light patterns. ’04, B.A.A.S., wife, Shondrea, live in Mesquite. accounting, is an internal auditor ’66, B.B.A. general business, 10 years of teaching at Ridgewood Everlina (Spikes) Lee applied arts and sciences, retired for Jefferson County Auditors 5. Cherrie McVey Hefty ’70 shows children how gears works. and Sandra Sherman ’62, B.S. Office. She and her husband,

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teaching kindergarten for Little Jeremy ’98, B.S. criminal justice, ReNita Antoine ’12, B.S. criminal Sarah Sauceda ’14, B.M. music, live in Beaumont. justice, earned her law degree in earned her law degree in political Cypress Elementary. She and her May 2017. She lives in Houston. science and government in May husband, Jared ’14, B.G.S. general studies, live in Bridge City and are Caitlin (Kruger) Hardegree ’09, 2017. She lives in Nederland. expecting twins. B.S. communication, ’09, B.S. Chelsey (Bromley) Broussard political science, is a volunteer ’12, B.S. chemical engineering, Lindsey Sorrell ’14, B.S. speech coordinator for Goodwill in Dallas. works for ExxonMobil and lives in and hearing sciences, ’16, M.S. Silvia Cabrera ’15, M.Ed. school counseling–AP, is a school She and her husband, Jacob, live Baytown with her husband, Kevin speech-language pathology, started in Irving. ’12, B.A. history, ’15 M.A. history. her position as a speech-language counselor for Seagoville High pathologist for Kindred Hospital in School in Dallas. She lives in Forney. Pinkee (Patel) Harley ’09, B.B.A. Larry Lawson ’12, L.H.D. doctor Tomball in May 2017. She lives economics, ’10, M.B.A. business of humane letters, is founder and in Houston. ’13, B.S. administration, and Devin Harley chairman for HeartcoR Solutions Mohamed Elrifae mechanical engineering, ’15 M.S. ’10, B.S. industrial engineering, ’11, and a team member for Texas Morgan (Walston) Autrey ’15, B.S. M.B.A. business administration gave Medical Center Innovation Institute. communication, recently began mechanical engineering, is a birth to their son, Jai Devin on May He lives in Houston. 10, 2017. They live in Beaumont. Javier Cabanillas ’13, B.A. political Lindsey Moore ’09, B.S. science, earned a law degree communication, is a histology tech in April 2017. He and his wife, for Dermatology Associates of Fabiola, live in Carrollton. Denison. She lives in Denison. Alex Edgerly ’13, Sam Houston Elementary B.S. biology earned named Meghan Scurria ’09, B.S. his dental degree in interdisciplinary studies, Rookie May 2017. He lives 1 2 Teacher of the Year for the 2017- in Bridge City. 2018 school year. She teaches third- grade English language arts and Kayleigh Romero reading and social studies. Scurria ’13, B.S. interdisciplinary studies, lives in Beaumont. earned an M.Ed. in education technology leadership–AP in LaShanda Sullivan ’09, B.S. May 2017. She nutrition, ’10, M.S. nutrition, is a is a Texas-based dietitian for Veterans Affairs. She educator, artist lives in Houston. and explorer for Beaumont school 1 Callie Summerlin ’09, B.A. English, district, where she is director of sales and marketing lives. for Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau. Amanda “Mandy” (Chatagnier) Thompson ’13, B.S. Rajiv Varma ’09, M.S. computer interdisciplinary studies, is a science, is an application systems seventh-grade mathematics teacher engineer at Wells Fargo & Co. He for Central Middle School. She and lives in Peoria, Ariz. her husband, Michael ’14, B.S. kinesiology, live in Nederland. Stephanie Cole ’10, B.S. fashion merchandising & retailing, is an Sabrina (George) York ’13, B.B.A. associate buyer for At Home LLC. finance, earned an M.B.A. in human 3 4 She lives in Wylie. resource management in 2016. She is a business administrator for the Bethany Aiena ’11, B.S. psychology, University of Houston. York and her Alumni Between the Basketball Games Reception—Alumni and earned a doctorate in primary care husband, Zachary, live in Houston. friends gathered for a reception between the men and women's basketball psychology in May 2017. She lives games last February. in New Orleans. Latavia Bell ’14, B.A.A.S. applied 1. Jeff Landry ’92 pictured with his two sons Jake and Josh. arts and sciences, earned a M. Ed. ’11, in educational administration in Amber (Alexander) Clark 2. Jason Henderson and Chris Bates ’08, LU alumni board president-elect, present the game ball. B.S. general studies, is the new May 2017. She lives in Houston. 2 outreach coordinator for the City of —The Offices of Alumni Affairs and National Have A Brownie Day Beaumont’s Best Years Center. She Brandon Laird ’14, B.M. music, Marketing Communications treated students to brownies in honor of National earned an M. Ed. In educational was promoted to band director of Bringing It All Back Home: Works of Art by Lamar University Have A Brownie Day last February. leadership in 2016. She and her C.O. Wilson Middle School in May Alumni—LU Dishman Art Museum, Department of Art and Office of Alumni Affairs partnered to present an alumni art exhibition showcasing 3. Alumni programming intern Bri Graffagnino ’16 and alumni coordinator Evie Clifton husband, Gregory, live 2017. He and his wife, Morgan works of art by LU alumni that are in the permanent collection of the encourage students to stop by and enjoy a brownie. in Beaumont. (Simmons) ’14, B.S. speech and hearing sciences, ’17, M.S. speech- Dishman Art Museum. LU Alumni Jazz Night—Southeast Texas alumni gathered for a night of Herbert Davis III ’11, B.B.A. language pathology, live in 1. Linnis Blanton ’72, ’77, poses with his original sculpture. desserts, coffee and great jazz music performed by Lamar University students last marketing, ’11, B.B.A. management Port Neches. March at Rao's Bakery in Mid-County. information systems, earned an Lunch with the Dean M.B.A. and is global training Wheatley School of Early Childhood ExxonMobil hosted Srinivas Palanki, Dean of the College of Engineering,

4. Jeremy Allen ’16, ’17, Myriam Allen, Tracey Perry Allen ’05 and Kenny Allen enjoy delicious coordinator/global project systems Programs named Hillary McZeal- last April at their Houston campus for LU alumni ExxonMobil employees to treats and jazz music. for Wood Group Mustang. He lives Jones ’14, B.A.A.S., applied arts learn more about the latest academic initiatives of 5. Willie Broussard ’03, Cynthia Parra ’92, ’17, and Joseph Cantu ’11, ’14, show off their in Houston. and sciences, Rookie of the Year for the College of Engineering. 5 the 2017-2018 school year. She is a Cardinal pride. special education teacher and lives 2. Srinivas Palanki and Neha Sutrave ’15 participate in a panel discussion. in Port Arthur.

38 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 39 DINAL AR C 18 20 S A E D V U R E N T Whether you are planning the trip of a lifetime, a return to a favorite vacation spot, or simply looking for your next adventure, the Lamar University Cardinal Adventures Travel Program is a great place to start your journey. Distinguished Alumni Awards— The Office of Alumni Affairs named four graduates Distinguished Alumni for 2017, noting their dedication to their professions, service to their communities and loyalty to their alma mater epitomizing the Lamar University spirit. Nominated by their peers and selected for the honor by the Distinguished Alumni Awards committee, recipients are: Becky Dickson Mason of Beaumont and a member of the class of 1971; Charles E. “Chuck” Mason Jr. of Beaumont, class of 1972; Jorge L. Quijano of Panama, classes of 1973 and 1974; and Hyattye O. Simmons of Dallas, class of 1979. This is the first time in Lamar University’s history to present the Distinguished Alumni Award to a couple. England’s Castles, Cottages & Countryside July 5—15 product engineer for NIBE in Del Kelsey Young ’15, B.S. kinesiology, Rio, where he lives. earned a master’s degree in sports Participants on this trip will visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Canterbury Cathedral management in May 2017. She and Blenheim Palace, as well as Leeds Castle, The White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle. Da’Rel Haynes ’15, B.B.A. is the development specialist for at Classic Cotswolds towns and the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle are also on the management information systems, the Lamar University Athletic EVENTS LU and DeShonna Harris, current LU Department and lives in Beaumont. agenda. St. George's Chapel is on the list as well—the site of many royal weddings student majoring in theatre and and funerals. dance, welcomed their son on April Sean Milligan ’16, Ed.D. 30, 2017. Haynes lives in Spring. educational leadership, is principal JUNE for Johnson Sixth-Grade Campus. Heath Parker ’15, M.Ed. He lives in Azle. Canadian Rockies administration-AP, is director 15 Alumni Art Show After School Special: of operations for Pampa school Kristeen Reynolds August 16—24 district. He and his wife, Christy, ’16, B.B.A. The Lamar University First Juried Alumni live in Pampa. accounting, Art Exhibition Experience the vistas of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of The Canadian Rocky Mountain earned a M.S. in On display June 15—August 3 Parks—the most magical sights of Banff National Park, Jasper's Dark Sky Preserve and Breanna Ross ’15, B.S. accounting from 6:30—8:30 p.m. opening reception interdisciplinary studies, is a first- LU in May 2017. planetarium, the breathtaking Columbia Icefield and floating on the Athabasca River. Dishman Art Museum grade teacher for East Chambers She lives in A talk from a retired member of the Mounties is an added bonus! school district. In March 2017, Port Arthur. Ross was named Rookie Teacher of the Year at Booker T. Washington Victoria “Tori” Shelton ’16, Elementary as a first-grade teacher. B.B.A. finance and economics, is SEPTEMBER Amalfi Coast She lives Beaumont. a consultant for Essentia Advisory Partners in Houston, where 22 Homecoming Pre-Game Party Memorial Ninth Grade Academy she lives. Sept 11—19 named Emerald Vaughn ’15, M.Ed. 4—5:30 p.m. A wonderful option to experience the southern coast of Italy, this trip includes seven teacher leadership, as Campus Montagne Center, 2nd floor concourse Teacher of the Year. She lives Visit lamar.ahitravel.com nights in Vietri sul Mare, Italy, allowing for a more thorough exploration of this area. Four in Beaumont. for more information. UNESCO World Heritage sites are included—the archaeological sites of Paestum, Pompeii OCTOBER and Herculaneum and the Historic Center of Naples.

13 Golden Circle Luncheon 40 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 & Class of 1968 Reunion CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 41 Barbecue honors vets LU Veterans Affairs and the Disability Resource Center hosted the Second Annual Veterans Appreciation barbecue last spring to honor our veterans for their sacrifices and raise funds that were contributed to Heroes on the Water, a charity organization that works with disabled veterans. The $1,426 contribution help the organization take Gill Scholars explore veterans on a kayak-fishing trip. For more Silicon Valley information about Heroes on the Water Ten graduate students recently visit heroesonthewater.org. traveled to Silicon Valley as Gill Scholars to participate in Ignite!, a three-day, immersive entrepreneurial experience. The group visited start-ups, high- tech firms and venture capital firms to learn from successful innovators who discussed their entrepreneurial journeys.

Jane Liu named 2017 University Professor Professor of computer science Jiangjiang Le Grand Bal raises funds LU recognizes four outstanding faculty (Jane) Liu captured LU’s 2017 University For the 42nd year, Lamar University honored four faculty members with Professor and Ann Die-Hasselmo Faculty Dance Team explores artistry of color Friends of the Arts presented 2017 University Merit Award in recognition of superior Scholar title, receiving it during a ceremony The LU Dance Team wowed the audience during its Le Grand Bal: LU in Black and White, a gala teaching, scholarship and service to the university during last April in the University Event Center. The annual spring show, “True Colors,” at the Jefferson evening of art, fine dining, dancing and a ceremony last April in the University Event Center: Ali honor is the university’s most prestigious Theater last May. entertainment last March to raise scholarship Beheshti, assistant professor of mechanical engineering; faculty award. Recipients’ colleagues select funds for fine arts programs at LU. The 2017 Perumalreddy Chandrasekaran, assistant professor of the awardees, recognizing academic stature, event honored Melody and Pat Parsons, chemistry and biochemistry; Mahdi Safa, assistant professor achievements and leadership. longtime LU advocates and champions of the of construction management; and Xing Wu, assistant arts and celebrated the work of alumnus and professor of civil and environmental engineering. internationally known painter Paul Manes.

42 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018 43 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 502 BEAUMONT, TX P.O. BOX 10011 BEAUMONT, TX 77710

Innovative by Kaylie Smith & inspirational

Chris Bateshis studies online at LU, graduating with a music at his church; he adopted a highway bachelor’s degree in general studies. through TxDOT; he is on the advisory board Through budget cuts and changes in for the Salvation Army, where he started an supervision, he held a variety of positions at annual 'Christmas with the Constable' food the beginning of his career. Those role changes and toy drive; he created a scholarship for broadened his experience but also got him local youth who want to pursue a career in thinking about a more stable path to ensure he criminal justice; and he volunteers to mentor could adequately provide for his criminal justice students. growing family. “I want to encourage students to see law While always interested in politics, Bates enforcement in a positive light, to help them had never imagined himself as a constable, financially with the $500 scholarship, and to but his search for a more permanent job led mentor them to be a positive and productive him to the office. "I always thought [my office] leader in the community," would be through city council, but then the Bates said. Chris Bates ’08 became the youngest constable announced that he was retiring,” Through the Police Academy, Bates was led person, the first African American and the Bates said. “After lots of prayer, talking to my to a career as a constable. His ties to Lamar first Jefferson County official to receive the mom about it, talking it over with my family, University are stronger than ever. He began Constable of the Year Award for the State of I decided to run. I filed for office and started serving as the Lamar University Alumni Texas at the 73rd Annual Justice of the Peace campaigning like a crazy man.” Advisory Board president-elect this fall. and Constables Association Conference. The His efforts proved successful, and when Bates continues his involvement at Lamar award is given to constables who interact well he was sworn in at 27 years old, he became University by not only serving on the Alumni with their community and are members of the the youngest constable in Texas (the second Advisory Board but also by being involved as a JPCA, the largest association of elected officials youngest in state history) and the first African mentor to collegiate members of his fraternity, in Texas. American constable to be elected from Alpha Phi Alpha, and serving on the search Originally a music major, his inspiration Precinct 2. committee for the new dean of the College of for a career in law enforcement came from Since taking office five years ago, Bates Arts and Sciences. a conversation with an officer at a football has become more involved than ever in "I'm blessed to have people who trust me game. Bates followed up by completing the community. He engages youth through and believe in me enough to let me be in this the Police Academy at Lamar Institute of public speaking at youth empowerment and position, to do the great things I've been able to Technology concurrently with continuing leadership conferences and is a minister of do with the position since 2013,” he said.

To learn more about making a difference in the lives of LU students, please contact Lamar University Advancement. (409) 880-8422 • [email protected] • legacy.lamar.edu 44 CARDINAL CADENCE | Innovation | SPRING 2018