Vol. 48, No. 2 | Winter 2020

VOL. 48, NO. 2 | WINTER 2020

Cardinals are not short of perseverance | FROM THE PRESIDENT | CARDINAL CADENCE | ON THE COVER | the magazine of lamar university or resilience. Between hurricanes and ach of us has made the most of 2020. Some of us VOL 48, NO. 2 | WINTER 2020 Desmond Davis, freshman have worked from home while others served critical criminal justice major health concern responses, we’ve drawn roles in hospitals and in law enforcement. We have all Cardinal Cadence is published by Lamar University, a member of The Texas State University System from Houston Esocial distanced, worn masks and done everything we can to and an affirmative action, equal opportunity generously from our reserves during keep ourselves and those we love safe and healthy. We have educational institution. persevered. This issue of Cadence tells just a few of the many | IN THIS ISSUE | Kate Downing, Executive Editor, Special the past few years. The individuals who stories of perseverance during 2020 in the face of disruption Assistant to the President and Director of and uncertainty. Marketing Communications 4 Relationship: The Key form our community have managed Southeast Texas has proven to be one of the most resilient Cynthia Hicks ’89, ’93, Editor, Creative Director to resilience communities in the country, simultaneously overcoming Amanda Toups ’15, Graphic Design Coordinator the resulting changes from recent numerous hurricanes and working through a global Finding their song CONTRIBUTORS 6 pandemic. In this same vein, hosting the first Resilience and through a pandemic crises admirably, with determination EVERYWHERE LU Recovery Summit here at LU made sense. This new annual Writing Mandy Arceneaux ‘10, Brooke Barnett, James Dixon, conference will bring together current and pertinent issues Casey Ford ‘13, ‘15, Daniel Houston, Natalie Rhodes ‘14, and creativity. This issue focuses on surrounding crises and revival in the aftermath of whatever J.T. Robertson, Hannah Snodgrass, Haley Strahan ‘05, 8 Adaptability: The regional and national challenges we face. Shelly Vitanza difference between some of these stories. While virtual learning is not a new concept to Lamar University, transitioning over to fully Photography success and failure online classes this spring, and a combination of online and hybrid learning this fall, was a Evie Clifton, Brandon Gouthier ‘96, Hannah Hudgins ‘20, Daniel McLemore ‘09 new process. Read about the innovation LU used to bring all classes online as well as how we 9 Keeping us connected continued to engage students in this modality. Engaging students in the online space is the Circulation includes more than 90,000 copies distributed to alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Lamar University. challenge all K-12 teachers are facing. Three education professionals and alumnae were first If you have received more than one copy of this responders in the educational dilemma of 2020 and are now role models in our new normal. publication, please let us know. 10 A force for positive change

Despite the challenges of 2020, LU students graduated; many were able to find employment, Changes of address may be sent to: like Marcus Rodgers, who is now working for NASA. Other graduates, like Cade Johnson, University Advancement 12 Making the transition: chose to go on to medical school or graduate school to further their educations. P.O. Box 10011 How the disability resource Beaumont, Texas 77710 On campus, while having a record enrollment of more than 17,000 students during the fall or [email protected] center promotes success semester, departments and programs were more creative than ever in their efforts to serve for all students students. LU’s Disability Resource Center held its annual Transition Fair virtually; the Mary DIVISION OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Morgan Moore Department of Music hosted its annual Texas Music Education Association Juan J. Zabala ’07, Vice President 20 All-State Choir Camp fully online; our student-athletes continued to practice while confronting Shannon Copeland Figueroa ’02, ’03, ’07, Director 14 The state of play of Alumni Affairs and Advancement Services changes daily in their routines; and our student reporters for LUTV and University Press Athletics News received good hands-on training for handling crises and making sure they stayed afloat. In this P.O. Box 10011 16 All-in 15 Beaumont, Texas 77710 issue, we also highlight our Student Health Center, our Facilities Management team and how (409) 880-8419 or fax (409) 880-8409 19 our campus met the challenges of this year. 19 NASA experience: 28 LU News LU faculty, staff and alumni have all played various roles within their own communities LAMAR UNIVERSITY ALUMNI OFFICE Resolve meets success and workplaces during the pandemic. Manasseh Miles went from playing football during When visiting campus, you’re invited to stop by the Alumni Office at the John Gray Center, Rudy C. 32 Class Notes his college career at LU to mentoring at-risk youth at Hope Farm in Fort Worth. Ann Die Williams Building, Suite 102, 855 Jim Gilligan Way. Hasselmo, who attended and taught at LU, now gives back to our faculty while also serving 20 Reporters on call P.O. Box 10005 as a senior consultant for Academic Search. Rebecca Boone was named the first Dr. Ralph and 42 LU leads: Teaching and Beaumont, Texas 77710 learning online Edna Wooster Endowed Professor, and Shelly Richter, who has served LU for 35 years and is (409) 880-8921, or (800) 298-4839 22 When tough times call, now senior director of IT compliance, faced the challenges of 2020 by offering solutions [email protected] facilities staff answer lamar.edu/alumni and inspiration. SNAPSHOTS LAMAR UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION 24 Virtual solutions | COLLEGE | Enjoy this issue of Cadence, and I wish you the best in 2021. Juan J. Zabala ’07, CEO

Karen Nichols ’83, COO With Cardinal Pride, 30 A level above: 7 Fine Arts & P.O. Box 11500 Communication Beaumont, Texas 77710 Ever-changing challenges (409) 880-2117 & the search for leaders [email protected] lamar.edu/foundation 5 11 Business

Cardinal Cadence (USPS 017-254) is published Kenneth R. Evans, President Arts & Sciences by Lamar University, 211 Redbird Lane, THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS 13 Beaumont, Texas 77710. Brian McCall, Chancellor | Austin

William F. Scott, Chairman | Nederland Dr. Veronica Muzquiz Edwards | San Antonio 18 Engineering David Montagne, Vice Chairman | Beaumont Don Flores | El Paso Lamar University is an equal opportunity/affirmative | San Antonio | Baird action educational institution. Charlie Amato Nicki Harle 27 Education & Human Duke Austin | Houston Alan L. Tinsley | Madisonville Garry Crain | The Hills Amanda Lee, Student Regent | Huntsville Development | LU EVERYWHERE | showed—through interviews of caregivers, first responders Last August, LU’s first Resilience and Recovery and patients—that prolonged or repeated exposure to trauma, Summit brought together diverse researchers the stress of time constraints and lack of access to necessary with local leaders in government, healthcare, supplies and equipment amplify compassion fatigue and can both cause and trigger PTSD, depression and anxiety. They industry, science and business to discuss their looked at tools to measure this fatigue and discussed self-care investigations of and experiences with disaster strategies—specifically, being aware of symptoms and asking for recovery from Hurricane Harvey through help when we are struggling with mild-to-severe mental illness that can overwhelm our lives. the current pandemic. A key outcome of the Jim Mann, associate professor of criminal justice, and Brian summit was to enhance future preparedness, Williams, assistant professor of political science, conducted but just as important were the studies and focus group research with area law enforcement and government officials to discuss emergency plan implementation discussions of the indomitable strength and and its challenges during Hurricane Harvey. As Mann said, these solidarity of Southeast Texan individuals and personnel must “expect the unexpected and prepare to do more communities coming together in times of crisis with less.” This study highlighted the extraordinary burden our first responders bear and our area’s deep dependence on their and uncertainty. expertise, organization, steadfastness and compassion. Williams Because nothing is quite so onerous as Southeast Texas talked about how communication failures, physical barriers and roads in the rain, Liv Haselbach, professor and chair of the isolation, and even fast-traveling rumors made planners’ jobs Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and a team challenging during Harvey. A key implication of the research, he of area engineers and specialists formed a committee to address said, and the way they were able to overcome challenges, was stormwater infrastructure that could reduce flood risk, increase that “networks (of industry-government-nonprofits-communities) public safety and protect the environment in the event of the are vital to solving problems that have not been solved before.” next flood disaster. The committee looked at placing permeable Participants talked about the liability of directing and accepting pavement systems with underground aggregate storage to volunteer help, but they also credited individual volunteers, mitigate flash flooding. To test its efficacy in the region’s soils, nonprofit organizations and even private industry for stepping a group of senior LU design students in 2018 implemented into relationship with governments, and those relationships such a system at LU’s South Park Community Garden and helped us to recover as successfully as we did. found it effectively drained runoff—the kind that inhibits our The conference included panels dealing with the pandemic, communities during typically heavy rainfall flooding parking including a presentation by Praphul Joshi, associate professor lots, streets and access/frontage roads. Their research promises of health and kinesiology, on public health infrastructure and the possibility of safer access during rainfall events that might disaster preparedness during the COVID-19 crisis. His data can otherwise isolate us from the people and resources we need. be integrated and meaningfully applied for handling future Jim Lee, director of the South Texas Economic Development public health disasters. Other area officials addressed the Center at TAMU-Corpus Christi, looked at the impacts of Harvey current crisis, including Sherry Ulmer, Beaumont Public Health (and Irma) on sales by industry and socioeconomic factors director. The implications of their work further reveal—whether including population, employment and recovery spending. we are recovering from hurricane-force winds, tropical deluge Lee showed data from Aransas County, Texas, where Harvey or a public health catastrophe—how much we rely on each made landfall, and Monroe County, Florida, where Irma made other at individual, organizational, governmental and global landfall, and found that in terms of socioeconomic indicators, levels to survive, to recover and to move forward with new both counties showed surprisingly high resilience and recovered knowledge and strength. to pre-hurricane levels in less than two years. He talked about Visit to view archived the strong civic organizations in Rockport, Texas, and how lamar.edu/resilience-recovery presentations from the 2020 Resilience and Recovery Summit people came together to support each other and to rebuild. The and information on the 2021 summit. big lesson in the data, Lee said, was that “policy relief has a significant impact on recovery.” We are truly stronger together— recovery is not possible without help from our neighbors, our organizations, our governments—and our ability to depend on those people and systems impacts our resilience. Ruthie Robinson and Cynthia Stinson, associate professors in the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing, found that our resilience is not impervious to mental distress, especially when we become caregivers. When disaster strikes, we are called upon to care for others in ways that distract us from caring for ourselves. Their research focused on compassion Relationship:THE KEY TO RESILIENCE fatigue in first responders and health care providers who “take by Casey Ford on the emotional strain and burden of the victims.” Their data

4 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 5 | COLLEGE SNAPSHOT: FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION | FINDING THEIR THROUGH song A PANDEMIC by J.T. Robertson here’s an old saying; those who “We usually have around 200-250 wish to sing always find a song. students attend camp from the Southeast That saying proved true when Texas and Houston areas. Because we Communication and Media Tthe Mary Morgan Moore Department of were one of the few schools offering student makes history Music’s annual Texas Music Education this virtual option, we had students Rene Horne, a Department of Association All-State Choir Camp thought attending from across Texas, including Communication and Media junior, they might lose their “song” due to Abilene, Amarillo, El Paso, Dallas and was awarded The LAGRANT COVID-19. As most events were being San Antonio,” said Han. “This was a great Foundation scholarship for canceled, the All-State Choir Camp way to introduce them to LU!” ethnically diverse college and university students across the persevered and became one of only three Each year, the LU All-State Choir Camp nation, the first LU student to schools in the entire state of Texas to offers full learning opportunities of receive this honor. In celebration host a virtual camp. the entire TMEA audition repertoire, as of its 22nd anniversary, the foundation awarded a total of “This year in March, after the well as sight-reading skills development LAMARdi Gras: The Showcase of Southeast Texas pandemic began, we started discussing training and invigorating afternoon $200,000 in scholarships to 67 students. performs in New Orleans The Showcase of Southeast Texas had the distinctive honor of marching with the Krewe d’Etat in a Mardi the idea of a virtual choir camp option. activities. This year was no different. The “I am a confident person. It’s Gras parade in New Orleans in February 2020, the first time in Showcase history. After much solid planning, we were Virtual All-State Choir Camp proceeded just this was completely out of my Under the direction of Eric Shannon, the LU marching band performs for thousands of fans and alumni ready to put the plan into action around with a combination of synchronous and league. As a transfer junior who just each year at home football games and select away games as well as major exhibitions. left the Navy, everything was new the middle of May,” said James Han, asynchronous methods; asynchronous “This trip is a reward to our students for their efforts as marching band members,” said Shannon, to me, and I didn’t feel my voice associate professor and director of through pre-recorded masterclasses director of athletic bands, associate director of bands and assistant professor of music with the Mary had weight compared to others. Morgan Moore Department of Music. “It gave them a once-in-a-lifetime experience of carnival season choral activities with the Mary Morgan that facilitated relevant independent What changed the tide for me was in New Orleans and also helps market and recruit for LU in the state of Louisiana.” Moore Department of Music. “It was a study and synchronous through live reading the testimonials from other The band performed numerous musical numbers including the debut of “Mardi Gras,” a selection they huge endeavor as we were faced with virtual classes that included interactive students on LAGRANT’s website performed at LU’s final football game against McNeese. The Showcase performed three original drum and how much this experience challenges we had never experienced aspects. By creating recorded content, cadences by LU’s percussion professor, Francisco Perez, as well as “Cold Hearted,” by Paula Abdul, “I affected them personally and before, but the clinicians and staff the instructors were given the unique Like It,” by Cardi B. and “Do Watcha Wanna,” a New Orleans-style favorite by the Rebirth Brass Band. The professionally,” said Horne about Showcase of Southeast Texas hopes to perform at Mardi Gras again. members were all in agreement that our opportunity to not only use the content her national recognition. singing and learning must go on.” to benefit the students within the Horne, who decided to write One of the largest hurdles was how to structure of the camp, but to also make it her scholarship essay not just for LU and school for replicate a camp that for the last 10 years available to the students after completion herself but for other students who the Deaf collaborate The Department of Deaf Studies has earned a reputation of excellence of the camp. felt or feel similar to how she did in that moment, wrote on scraps of and Deaf Education now offers its for high-quality music education and “Our most favorite moment of the paper while in transition between Master of Science degree at the invigorating activities. Everyone involved camp was our welcome session where classes or via Notes on her phone. Texas School for the Deaf in Austin. in the camp wanted to carry on this we all witnessed how much our students The LAGRANT Foundation is a The collaborative program offers two tradition, even with the adversity of missed their friends and their classes. nonprofit organization based in tracks—teacher certification and a It was a tear-dropping thesis option. “ changing the format because of a It was a tear-dropping moment for Los Angeles established in 1998 moment for everyone to by Kim L. Hunter to address the pandemic and having to think creatively everyone to see how much we care lack of diversity in the advertising,  Prokop performs  Work presented at NASA  Hyatt recognized see how much we care about how to bring this same caliber of for others and to confirm that we will marketing and public relations COVID-19-inspired dance Audiology student Grecia The National Art Education for others and to confirm quality to the students through a virtual not give up anything because of this fields. It provides scholarships, Travis Prokop, assistant Garcia and Assistant Association named Joana Professor Lilian Felipe Hyatt, platform. The original plan was to cap pandemic life,” said Han. career development workshops, professor of dance, was assistant professor that we will not give up professional development, selected to showcase a presented at the NASA of art education, recipient the maximum number of participants The finale presentation from work as part of “Bedroom of the 2020 Western mentors and internships to African Human Research Program anything because of this at 160 campers, but as a result of high the camp may be viewed at Monologues,” a live virtual Investigators Workshop Region Higher Education American/Black, American Indian/ demand, registration had to close early performance series created with poster sessions Art Educator Award, which pandemic life. lamar.edu/choircamp. Native American, Asian American/ in response to COVID-19. on “Space Radiation & recognizes the exemplary —James Han ” and ended with a final total of 185 Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino The live, one-time Cochlear Function” and service and achievements of campers who were excited and ready to undergraduate and performance was viewed “Social Aspects of Hearing an outstanding member. embark on their virtual journey. graduate students. via Instagram. Loss in Space.”

6 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 7 ADAPTABILITY: | STAFF PROFILE: SHELLIE RICHTER | THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUCCESS AND FAILURE by Daniel Houston KEEPING US safe through social distancing and separation of sick patients from well patient visits. Testing supplies, special equipment and PPE (personal protective equipment) were purchased through support from university administration in order to function safely and effectively, along with the addition and In Lamar University’s effort to ensure no disaster implementation of telemedicine practices. leaning on a strong “The awesome staff at the Student Health Center not only connected prevents students from attaining their degrees, a want to create a safe environment where students have easy network and serving others access to medical and counseling services on campus, but also key factor lies in adaptability. In uncertain times, work on providing health education to students,” said Stefany by Hannah Snodgrass decisions made by faculty and staff today may be Rico, sophomore and student worker at the center. “I work as a peer health educator, where we help give presentations the difference between success and failure in the on topics such as stress, mindfulness, sexual health and future. At the apex of the coronavirus pandemic, relationships.” Rico’s main concern in returning to campus was whether or hen Lamar University hired prepared; LU began offering online challenge. Richter is a breast cancer the pressures of this reality are significant, yet not students would adhere to the CDC guidelines in place to Shellie Richter 35 years ago, courses in 2005 and is a model for survivor, diagnosed in October 2012 with protect themselves and others from COVID-19, such as social familiar, to the staff at the Student Health Center, students walked building to higher education online learning. Richter stage three after a self-examination—she distancing and mask usage, to prevent a spike in cases and building, registering for classes on paper. states, “We’ve handled hurricanes, why urges everyone to frequently perform with Director Shawn Gray at the helm. cause a campus closure. W Internet wasn’t vital to the university’s not COVID-19? I’m proud of how we’ve self-examinations. “It doesn’t matter if “Our mission has always been to promote the health and “If I were to get sick and go home, I would expose my operations and her current position built resilient systems and adapted to you’re a man or woman or what age you wellness of the campus population by offering quality medical loved ones with weakened immune systems to the virus,” said didn’t exist. change. Those resilient systems are are.” At that same time, she had a kidney and psychological services,” said Gray, who holds a Master Rico. “While I have seen great news regarding ways to reduce A 1985 alum with a B.S. in computer due to experiences we’ve been through tumor and underwent chemotherapy, of Science in nursing. “We know students are excited about symptoms and help strengthen the immune system, personally, science, Richter has witnessed numerous together.” Richter is a Cardinal through surgery and radiation. Happy that she returning to campus, seeing their friends and engaging in I have also seen friends and family members who have been changes in technology. She was on the and through—Doug (’06), her husband still has her hair, she exclaims, “Any hair college life.” hospitalized or even lost a loved one due to the virus.” information technology team when of 38 years, and their children (Elissa ’10 day is a good day!” Richter attributes Prior to closure of campus in the Spring 2020 semester, the This year, Rico and the center started Wellness Wednesdays, internet became an integral part of and Eric ’12) also are alumni. that positivity to her faith, leaning questions that require important decisions began to circulate; where they hold virtual presentations on different topics every operations. “It was slow, and we only Emphasizing that despite structural on scripture from the book of James, questions on how to keep the students safe for the other Wednesday. had so many dial-up lines, but any changes and effects of COVID-19, Richter “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and impending semester. “COVID-19 is still a major issue here in the United States,” new technology has hiccups.” Today, as says everyone on the IT team wants to sisters, whenever you face trials of many “What was my role as a healthcare provider in educating, said Rico. “I personally think it’s important to still social senior director of IT compliance, she work together. “I would like IT to be in kinds, because you know that the testing treating and protecting the community against this virus we distance and wear a mask—properly, over your nose—to keep ensures software and technology that business areas as or before people make of your faith produces perseverance.” knew very little about?” Gray said of her internal dialogue our students safe and healthy. Even though at times it may departments use are accessible, secure purchases. We want to know how we In these unprecedented times, we probing the situation for answers. “What was my department’s not seem like much, a little goes a long way to protect those and compatible with LU systems. “I can help. I would like people to view IT have to find joy. What brings Richter role in doing the same for the campus community?” around us.” In regard to student health in the near future, Gray spend a lot of my time reviewing and as a ‘place’ they can go for advice and joy? “I love growing flowers and tending Her primary concerns for the Student Health Center included maintains an optimistic outlook. “Many students and employees approving requisitions before people buy consulting, especially in this time with to plants—and people.” At Beaumont’s the ability to meet the needs of the students and the campus have reached out to us for guidance and treatment,” she said. new technology and software.” fewer staff, rather than making decisions Friendship Baptist Church, Richter community while adhering to government mandates designed “We are excited about how engaged students and employees With natural disasters, recessions, from an individual perspective.” leads the children’s group AWANAs to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Once the center focused on have been with actively monitoring their health habits and leadership changes and now a pandemic, Richter is no stranger to challenges. and teaches children’s church. She reducing the spread of the disease—which goes back to basic routines and following the university’s health and each challenge has helped the Division Growing up on a farm in Woodville, fundraises for the Pediatric Brain Tumor hygiene practices—the staff implemented the safety protocols.” necessary changes. of Information Management and her grandfather raised her and her twin Foundation—recently donating $4,040. “Treatment protocols would come as the medical community Decision Support (formerly Division sister, and they didn’t have much money. As pandemic concerns continue, she evaluated the data, but my job was to continue as before,” said Our mission has always been to of Information Technology) improve When LU offered summer courses for misses hospitality and being around Gray. “Assess, diagnose, treat and educate.” promote“ the health and wellness of the processes. COVID-19 has affected students affected by Social Security others. “I love cooking for people and Medical staff immediately began assessing physical and every facet of life, especially education. Legislation in 1981, she grabbed the having a full house, eating and playing procedural changes. The check-in process was modified to campus population by offering quality In March, institutions transitioned opportunity to pursue a degree and games together.” She emphasizes, “I meet CDC recommendations and the waiting room arrangement medical and psychological services. coursework to online platforms. made the drive to Port Arthur every can’t wait to hug again!” Until then, she’s and appointment scheduling were modified to keep students —Shawn Gray ” Fortunately, Lamar University was day for class. Later in life came another keeping us connected while apart.

by Brooke Barnett

hen Cade Johnson ’19, ’20 was 11 years old, he won Lamar University Ambassadors and President’s Circle dinners. his battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a rare “The community and people at Lamar University sacrificed childhood cancer that affects white blood cells. It more time and energy for my gain than I could have possibly Wwas that life-changing experience that inspired him to pursue a ever deserved,” he says. ”The willingness of LU’s faculty to career in medicine. “For me, the opportunity to attend medical provide experiences in which students can be challenged and school is about paying it forward,” he explains. “I wanted to grow academically is unlike anything I have ever seen.” During become a force for positive change in the lives of others.” His his time at LU, Cade earned a Bachelor of Science in exercise motivation to become a doctor centers around being able to science and fitness management and a Bachelor of Science in give families more time together, whether it’s an additional year biology in 2019, as well as his M.B.A. in leadership in or an entire lifetime. 2020. “My professors consistently pushed my intellectual and First Annual Dean’s Award for Excellence in Engagement, Innovation and Impact “I have a desire to help others because so many people academic curiosity forward, which forced me to mature and On May 15, 2020, Dan French, dean of the College of Business, announced the first recipients of the invested their time, effort and love into helping me and saving grow,” he adds. Scholarship established annual Dean’s Award for Excellence in Engagement, Innovation and Impact. This year’s recognition award carried with it a stipend of $1,000. Award recipients include: in memory of esteemed staff member Kakoli Bandyopadhyay, department chair and professor of information systems and analysis, brought The Lamar University community MIS students, both past and present, under one umbrella. Bandyopadhyay received recognition for a honors the life of College of series of collaborative learning techniques, including the formation of an MS-MIS alumni network through LinkedIn, using YouTube as a teaching tool and producing more than 200 videos for remote learning. Business staff member, LaKisha R. Thomas, who died Apr. 15, Clare Burns, instructor of accounting and business law and director of the MSA program, facilitated two 2020. In her memory, colleagues, accounting events, “Sound Bites for Success” and “Employer Informational,” to encourage engagement family, friends and other donors among accounting students. For each event, partners from international, mid-market and local accounting worked to endow the LaKisha R. firms provided students with professional development tips for their future careers. Thomas Memorial Scholarship. Komal Karani, associate professor of management and marketing, provided students with engagement The scholarship will support in the Southeast Texas community through real-world experience. Karani worked with her students on incoming freshman students research projects with several local small businesses including family-owned, eco-friend bath and body majoring in general business company, Beau-tanicals. With innovation in mind, she changed the structure of her MGMT-5340 course to include more roundtable discussions among students. Karani continues to help enrich the LU community with any concentration under by serving as faculty advisor to three student organizations: American Marketing Association, Sigma Sigma general business. Rho and Friends of India. Thomas worked at LU for John McCollough, 16 years, having served as In the spirit of shared learning, associate professor of economics and finance, administrative associate, and engaged students through a series of group projects and live online lectures. McCullough creates a stress- free learning environment for his students during exams. “If a student has an average test score, I will select Many important people in my life more recently coordinator, for “ five random exam questions, and we have a mini test after that student has had a chance to review the worked to give me a second chance, the general business program. material,” McCollough said. “This reinforces what they’ve learned from the exam while greatly impacting and now I have a responsibility to At the time of her passing, their learning environment.” she was working towards her ensure that those investments are Heather Boler-Doornbos, instructor of management and marketing, uses the innovative response B.B.A. in general studies at LU, platform TopHat. “TopHat utilizes a student’s personal mobile device to participate and improve passed on to others. and throughout her time at the —Cade Johnson ’19, ’20 ” engagement, critical thinking and comprehension,” she said. “TopHat empowers every student to have a university, she championed voice.” Boler said she motivated her students to participate by meeting with each one to establish personal academic success, shepherding objectives, build strong relationships and encourage the full potential of each student. many students through the my life,” he reflects. “Many important people in my life worked Cade is currently a first-year medical student at McGovern hurdles of obtaining their B.B.A. Michael G. Weinert  New construction  College hosts first to give me a second chance, and now I have a responsibility to Medical School in Houston and is working toward a Master of She also was a guiding beacon Entrepreneurial Lecture management dean’s forum ensure that those investments are passed on to others.” Public Health degree, with a focus on healthcare management for LU’s chapter of the Beta Series presents scholarship established On Jan. 29, 2020, the Hargrove Foundation Originally from Lumberton, Cade chose to pursue his and policy. “Lamar University provided me with the academic, Gamma Sigma National Honor innovation chief The College of Business Student Society, serving as a mentor Justin McCullough ’02 Inc. has established an Advisory Council hosted its education at Lamar University due to outstanding scholarship professional, leadership and social experiences that I needed to c first “Donuts with the Dean” for all members. The LaKisha R. urrently serves as chief annually funded scholarship opportunities and the appeal of smaller class sizes. “It was develop into someone worthy of taking that step from a four- innovation and product for students enrolled in open forum. Students, Thomas Memorial Scholarship important to me that I get the opportunity to know my year university to medical school,” he explains. officer at Facility Solutions the Reese Construction faculty, staff and college will award its first recipients in Group, one of the nation’s Management Program. administrators were invited professors, and that was something that LU certainly provided Cade plans to become a pediatric hematology oncologist, fall of 2020, and it is hoped that largest single-source The leadership team of to network with the dean, me the chance to do,” he explains. “My advice to anyone with the ultimate goal of practicing medicine at Texas Children’s through this scholarship students providers of lighting Hargrove Engineers and learn more about college and electrical products, initiatives, offer feedback considering higher education would be to just go for their Hospital. “I know my education will ultimately allow me to give will have that great sense of Constructors in Nederland electrical services, electrical presented a check in the and grab a sweet treat. dreams. It may not always be easy, but it is certainly worth it.” children a second chance at life,” Cade concludes. “That makes passion Thomas had for construction and energy amount of $10,000 for Reflecting on his experiences at LU, Cade fondly remembers it all worthwhile to me.” helping students. management solutions. the Hargrove Foundation the friendships that he made through Alpha Tau Omega, the Scholarship fall award.

Making the transition: Social work is a helping profession The global pandemic during the last year has highlighted many issues facing individuals, families and groups as well as the importance of human relationships. Skilled in the dynamics of these connections, social workers help people in stressful times, and despite COVID-19 challenges, services How the Disability Resource Center that ensure physical and mental wellbeing are needed now more than ever. promotes success for all students Cassidy Ricker, current social work major and president of the Social Work Student Association, has made it a point to stay connected with her fellow SWSA members and the local community. Ricker attended Houston Community College in 2016 and gave birth to her micro-premature son by Brooke Barnett while finishing her degree. During her son’s extended five-month stay in the NICU, she met her social worker, Marci, who gave Ricker hope for her future. It was then that Cassidy decided social work was the career path she felt called to pursue. As SWSA president, she stayed connected to her organizations members virtually through the spring and summer semester. She also encouraged them to communicate about any resources or urturing a strong The event began with 60 assistance needed during the pandemic, exhibiting social work’s helping-profession spirit. community is a attendees six years ago Ricker shared that her positive perspective of social work has increased dramatically during the last year. core value of Lamar and has grown to include “Social work is considering the entire system’s ecological perspective and helping a client learn ways to N help themselves. The reward comes from seeing people learn to live life at its fullest potential.” Ricker plans University, and perhaps nearly 300 students from 15 Research drones lift GIS to graduate next May. nowhere it is more visible different school districts. certificate program Ja’neria Ross found being a social work major during the peak of a global pandemic extremely difficult than in the university’s diverse Students who attend the Jim Jordan, professor and chair of but rewarding. “Trying to learn and practice the importance of human relationships through Zoom isn’t the student body. Providing Transition Fair have the the Department of Earth and Space most exciting way to learn, but in social work, we learn to roll with the punches,” Ross said. She shared that innovative, authentic learning opportunity to tour campus, Sciences, received his FFA drone while working through the pandemic, she saw “education and teaching methods altered, adoptions of new pilot’s license and can now train experiences for all students explore available resources forms of technology, and learned more about helping people self-care than ever before.” students to be drone pilots. The is the goal of LU’s Disability and meet with staff. The department has three drones, all Dishman School of Nursing graduate defeats the odds Resource Center, which brings event’s popular Resource Fair must have an FAA drone-certified Recent JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing graduate, Hannah educational awareness to allows students to create a pilot present when flying. The Gerald ’20, never let the fact that she was born with one arm limit her. disability issues on campus support network of campus drones are operated for geospatial Hannah was born with a healthy right arm and a left arm that ends before research and are equipped with in order to create positive and community resources, the elbow. As a young child, Gerald would go to The Shriner’s Hospital and cameras and sensors. prosthetic limb facilities quite often, and her positive experiences with those experiences for everyone who with the goal of easing the “The drones are capable nurses helped inspire her pursuit of a career in nursing. wants to attend LU. transition from high school of extensive research in Gerald took advantage of the resources LU offers and successfully The center provides to college. environmental geology, mineral completed all of her nursing requirements and then some. Once she important accommodations Freshman Casey Lieby discoveries, plant health and a was accepted into the nursing program, Gerald contacted LU’s Disability variety of other uses,” said Jordan. for students with all types attended the Transition Fair ...the willingness of professors to help Resource Center. The staff helped her coordinate accommodations that “ “The capabilities of the drones enabled her to work closely with nursing faculty to ensure that she could successfully practice and master of disabilities, including twice, in 2018 and 2020, as their students have proven invaluable to range from mapping and methane the skills she needed to become a nurse. Her main concern, as a student, was being able to find a way to physical, mobility, learning, he was making college plans me and many of my classmates. gas detection to roof leakage, adapt and be safe while performing meticulous nursing skills. “She spent countless hours practicing in the neurological, blind or low and preparing to graduate ” thermal anomaly and economic lab to attain the dexterity required for some vital procedures that nurses perform routinely,” said Gina Hale, vision, deaf or hearing loss, from Spurger High School. —Casey Lieby mineral deposits detection. assistant professor and director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies and Student Retention. The Department of Earth and psychological, severe illness “My high school counselor “Hannah graduating is a significant achievement for Lamar University because it shows the university’s Space Sciences also has introduced commitment to opportunities for everyone, despite a disability or a challenge. LU is a place where you can and more. Working directly brought me and several other a new certificate in GIS, or achieve your career goals and dreams, even if you face adversity,” said Kyle Mutz, director of the Disability with students, center staff students, and I found the accommodations offered LU for their college Geographic Information Systems, Resource Center. After graduation, Gerald hopes to work in an ICU. “I surprised myself throughout my time at offer specially designed fair to be very interesting by the Disability Resource education, Casey offers one with an emphasis on geospatial LU,” she said. “I would always say, ‘Can I do this; am I going to make it?’ It’s been a long ride, but I’m excited accommodations, academic and helpful,” he reflects. “I Center, including extended piece of advice: attend the technology. GIS technology for what’s next.” includes an integrated framework adjustments and assistive decided to attend the event time on exams, note-taking Transition Fair and learn that allows for gathering,    Nursing faculty services, audio recorders and how much Lamar University Associate Seniors honored technology to ensure that because I wanted to learn managing and analyzing spatial deans announced The Seniors of Significance are innovative all students have access about what was offered at other assistive technology. has to offer. “Even if your geographic data that is used in Tim Roden, associate Award recognizes students The Texas Organization of to an authentic and Lamar University, especially “The willingness of the LU disability does not heavily a variety of fields. Students can professor of computer who have excelled in Baccalaureate and Graduate enroll in the certification program science, and Xiangyang scholarship, leadership and Nursing Education honored meaningful education. since I had always planned community to assist each affect you academically, it Stacey as an undergraduate or graduate Lei, associate professor of service. These students Assistant Professors One highlight of the to attend there and had other, the option to attend can still be useful to know Knight Cynthia student. The beauty of GIS is chemistry, assumed duties have made a positive and impact at LU: Afsana Pipkins JoAnne center’s efforts is the annual several family members who class in person or remotely, and understand the options it’s wide-ranging application. as associate deans of the of the Islam, Govin Kaggal, Gay Dishman School of Transition Fair, which allows attended. When my counselor and the willingness of the DRC can provide,” he Therefore, students who have College of Arts and Sciences in June 2020. Roden Haya Alani, Jordan Curl, Nursing with its Teaching certificates in GIS can secure junior and senior high school asked me if I wanted to go professors to help their concludes. “Even if you oversees programs within Katelyn Meaux, Madison Innovation Award. The students with disabilities to the Transition Fair again, I students have proven are self-conscious of your future careers as geoscientists, the college while Boudreaux, Mary Kim, award recognized their geospatial analysts, environmental an opportunity to discover jumped at the chance.” invaluable to me and many of disability, you should still Lei manages recruitment Muskaan Ali, Omar study abroad trip where consultants, GIS analysts, data and retention. Hamza and students led health community resources and Lieby’s experience at my classmates,” Lieby said. learn about all the support managers, GIS technicians and Raegan Minaldi. screenings in the explore post-secondary the Transition Fair helped For high school students that LU can give to help project managers. Dominican Republic. educational options. him to understand the with disabilities considering you succeed.”

Lewis earns CoSIDA Academic All-America honors LU Student-Athletes Excel in the Classroom College Sports Lewis made program history, Less than a week after 36 student-athletes STA TE Information Directors of becoming the first Cardinal tossed their caps, and only three days after America honored senior to receive CoSIDA Academic receiving a strong report from the NCAA Jade Lewis ’20 for her All-America honors. based on the Academic Progress Rate May OF academic and athletic Lewis racked up more 22, Lamar University celebrated a record- accomplishments with a than 90 community service setting performance in the classroom. PLAY placement on the CoSIDA hours with the Cardinals this LU athletics set a school record with 50 by Shelly Vitanza Academic All-America season, while maintaining a student-athletes recording a 4.0 grade-point Second Team. 4.0 grade-point average. She average during the 2020 spring semester, Despite the graduated from LU in May breaking the previous mark of 42. cancellation of spring with a bachelor’s degree in In addition to the 4.0 GPAs, the student ugust. It’s the month that college amazing job in this time of need competitions because exercise science. athletes also recorded 120 GPAs of at least football players anticipate. In fact and treated us as people and not of the coronavirus “Jade continues to leave a 3.5, and nearly 200 student-athletes all college athletes who play fall Later, it became a weekly task. “We had just athletes.” pandemic, CoSIDA her mark on the university recorded at least a 3.0 or higher. sports—volleyball, soccer, cross country to get tested every week, which stinks, Fortunately, LU soccer played an moved forward with and the softball program,” “For many, the 2020 spring semester will be remembered for the adversity that andA football—begin reporting back to but we’re used to it now. It’s not the best exhibition game and one conference their sponsorship of the said head coach Amy Hooks. Academic All-America “It amazes me what she has all students faced due to the COVID-19 school for summer workouts that quickly game against Texas State University thing to get a stick up your nose, but it awards program. Due to done in just a short amount outbreak, but our student-athletes didn’t roll into team training. But that was not could be worse,” said Hebert, who served and won. A spring season has been the shortened season, of time. Lamar softball is very allow that to affect their work ethic,” said the case in August 2020. on the return committee. planned. “We’ll get more time with each career statistics were proud of everything she has Director of Athletics Marco Born. “I’m very Fall 2020 will go down in history as the Overnight, LU’s Dauphin Athletic other,” Hebert said. “It’s been a growing used for the selections. To be nominated, accomplished and will continue proud of the hard work by our student- athletes during some very unique situations. most erratic season in college sports. Due Complex adjacent to Provost Umphrey experience to have things thrown at you a student-athlete must be a starter or to accomplish.” important reserve with at least a 3.30 Lewis ranks second in program history I’m also very proud of our coaches and to COVID-19, players didn’t know from that you were not expecting. I really Stadium, which houses locker rooms, cumulative grade point average (on a in batting average (.337), third in slugging support staff in their attention to detail when one week to the next if they would be workout facilities, training equipment think it helped us face the unexpected.” 4.0 scale) at his/her current institution. percentage (.493) and fourth in on-base it came to our student-athletes.” training or even have a season. and is essentially the athletic hub of Spring competition is at the forefront Honorees selected first-team Academic All- percentage (.424). During the shortened The women’s tennis team—one of the “There was a lot of uncertainty that campus, was converted into a sectioned- of Garza’s mind, too. “I’m excited to have District advanced to the CoSIDA Academic 2020 season, she was the Cardinals’ most many spring sports that had 2020 seasons cut short because of the precautions was disappointing, especially for seniors off maze with drapery hung to create a spring season and be able to compete All-America ballot. productive player, leading the team with a Lewis was named to the CoSIDA All- .422 batting average with five runs and 10 surrounding COVID-19, recorded a team like me,” said Ali Hebert, a soccer player for a conference title,” said Garza. separate spaces, entrances and exits District 7 First Team May 14, joining Sarah runs batted in. She also led the team with a GPA of 3.81, which was a program best. from Lumberton. “We’re going into our to accommodate screening and social Despite the challenges hurricanes Ragsdale (2016) as the only Cards to receive .644 slugging percentage and The netters were just one of two spring last semesters trying to figure out our next distancing. Hand sanitizer stations were and COVID-19 have caused, LU athletes All-District honors in their careers. eight doubles. sports who managed to set new program step of life. So, there’s a lot of change, and set up at every door and in hallways. are thriving and looking forward to the benchmarks. The men’s golf team closed the semester with a team-record 3.76 GPA. then it got even more tough with COVID.” Throughout the semester, athletes were spring. Athletic Director Marco Born Baseball Reaches 100 Pro Cards in 2020 Draft Practically daily, as more and more attributes the success to a collective tested weekly but also screened daily college career, Faith had a 15-4 career in his final 10 games with 16 hits, including was discovered about the virus, new prior to entering the building. effort and team approach to problem record through 29 appearances, including three doubles and three homers, slugging at requirements were established for “Personally, I felt safe, especially in solving. “We are very proud of our entire 28 starts, and holds a career ERA of 3.84 a .718 clip with a .455 OBP. He scored seven athletes. “It was crazy,” said John Garza, the weight room because we were all athletic department and how our student- through 138.1 innings of work. He struck runs and drove in 10 RBIs in that time and senior football player and president of split up,” said Garza, a management and athletes, coaches and staff have handled out 143 batters while allowing just 86 walks, was drafted by the Astros again in 2019 in a 1.66 strikeouts-to-walks ratio, and led his the 38th round. In the 2020 season, he was the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, business major from LaGrange. “All in the uncertain times during COVID-19,” team to a third-place finish in the NJCAA a 2020 Preseason First Team All-Southland a group comprised of two athletes from all, I thought the complex was safer than said Born. “We have persevered through World Series in 2019 with a 41-18 record. Conference shortstop and a 2020 Preseason every sport that meets regularly to discuss going to the grocery store.” the ever-changing landscape of college Faith signed with the New York Mets. First Team Perfect Game All-SLC member, LU athletics and the issues facing athletes. Hebert, like Garza and their cohorts, athletics and the NCAA with the With the recent unrestricted free agent Correa came to LU in the 2018 signing and chosen as a D1Baseball Top 150 Hitter. “Everyone had a lot going on—personal learned to expect the unexpected and disappointment of the postponement of signings of Austin Faith and JC Correa, class after being drafted by the Houston He was projected as a 15th-round draft pick things and adapting to online school—but became accustomed to wearing a mask our fall seasons, but we are excited about Lamar University baseball had its 99th and Astros in the 33rd round of the 2018 before the season began and started all 14 MLB Draft. In 2019, he was Second Team games he played in with appearances at we have slowly rebuilt.” while inside and even outside if not the beginning of basketball season in 100th student-athletes extend their careers and join the ranks of professional All-Southland Conference Shortstop after second and third base. Correa hit .245 for Varying staff members of Cardinal distanced six feet from one another. The November and playing our fall sports in baseball players. starting 53 games at either shortstop or the Cards with a .321 SLUG and a .317 OBP Athletics were assigned tasks to keep up athletes also were trained to properly the spring.” Faith, who signed with LU in the 2019 designated hitter. He led the team in batting in 2020 with 13 hits, including four doubles, with the ever-changing environment, and sanitize each workout station in the The most unpredictable and perhaps class and pitched for Big Red in the 2020 average (.332), hits (74), doubles (14), home nine runs scored and five RBIs. Correa a committee of coaches, staff and students training room after use. disappointing fall in college sports could season shortened by COVID-19, finished runs (10) and RBIs (44) his junior season signed with the Astros. was created to determine guidelines “My coaches checked on us, too,” said be followed by the most anticipated and his Cardinal career with four appearances, while slugging at a .529 clip with a .381 With the additions of Faith and Correa OBP. Correa drew 17 walks while striking to the pro-ball community, 100 Cardinals for students’ return to the program. Hebert. “They stayed in touch with me the busiest spring of competitive play. all starts. He went 0-1 through 14.1 innings of work, striking out 10 while walking out just 26 times in 223 at-bats (an average have now gone on from Lamar University “There were so many starts and stops, and asked, ‘How’s my team? Are you “We can’t wait to see our Cardinal alumni nine and allowing 15 hits and 14 earned of 9.31 plate appearances per strikeout) to sign a professional baseball contract. Of and then the NCAA came through with mentally okay?’ They really do care. and fans at our sporting events this runs. He pitched a career-best 5.0 innings and was 11th in the SLC in batting average those 100 signees, 11 went on to play in the requirements for all athletes to be tested It is a tough time with a lot of added spring,” Born said. against Rhode Island on Feb. 16 and struck against conference opponents, hitting .359. Majors including World Series champions contingent on the tier level of play,” said stress—learning online when we’d rather out a career-best four batters against He ended the 2019 campaign with one of Kevin Millar (2004, Boston Red Sox) and James Dixon. “We had to set up COVID go to class and hurricanes that interrupted Stephen F. Austin on March 8. In his junior the hottest bats in the NCAA, hitting .410 Clay Hensley (2012, San Francisco Giants). screening for our athletes every day.” everything, but the coaches have done an “Go Cards!”

14 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 15 situation with high school University, and it was a peaceful one. I was only an hour and mention. He felt as if being a professional in the NFL was the credits as a result of his transfer a half away from my family in Houston. I can still make a next big thing for him, but after training in Fort Worth and presented itself as a stumbling statement and prove my point. That’s what led me to go to LU.” preparing for an athletic event that scouts didn’t show up for, block—being short on credits In hindsight, taking into account the great experiences along he was disheartened. “I was kind of lost,” he said. “Should I meant he would have to attend a with new trials and tribulations during his time at LU, go back down to Beaumont to be a graduate assistant for the junior college instead of a he recounts his Cardinal journey as ‘edifying.’ football team? Should I stay in Fort Worth and work?” big university. “It taught me a lot of maturity. Coming from a two-year After graduation, he worked in the car industry for eight Miles spoke to the offensive school to a university, there were a lot of challenges as far as months. During this time, he volunteered at Hope Farm in line coach for Trinity Valley adjustments and making relationships,” he said. “To me, it was a Fort Worth, a Christ-centered after-school leadership program Junior College, where he was told that they didn’t family atmosphere that I truly enjoyed. I wish I was there at the focused on guiding at-risk boys who are raised by single have any scholarship money available, and while start of my freshman year, but the three years that I had there mothers. As a volunteer, Miles helped out in the kitchen with he’d be a welcome addition to the team, he’d have were edifying.” snacks and dinner, assisted with recreational activities, helped to join as a walk-on. “Not knowing much about Miles came to Lamar University with high expectations. with homework and was essentially plugged in wherever the JUCO, I felt like I was belittled,” he said. “It was Unfortunately, his first season would be cut short after a foul organization needed him. Eventually, while out for lunch with a that defining moment right there where I had to play on the field resulted in his right leg being injured in the director, he was offered a permanent position. humble my pride and say, ‘If God is calling me to middle of the LU versus Baylor game. “It was very draining, I “Now I’m doing the same thing but more enhanced—I’m not go JUCO for a greater good, then I’ll go JUCO.” thought it was a dislocation of my patella,” said Miles. “The just working with one child, I’m mentoring all the kids in our Miles didn’t like the idea of being a walk-on; in head trainer rushed over to my aid, and it was so weird because program,” he said, “building up that relationship, helping young his entire career, he’d never been a second-string the whole stadium, thousands of people yelling and cheering men become great men in society. It’s a daily process.” player. He’d always played varsity and was always just get quiet—still hearing cameras clicking. It was saddening.” Miles attributes his success in ministering to patience and a starter. Feeling his abilities demanded better, After waiting two days for the swelling to go down, the team peace. Understanding his own background in relation to the he decided to prove a point by only going to practice with the doctors diagnosed he’d torn every ligament in his knee except hills and valleys he had to go through in his personal life, team, forgoing the separate practice for walk-ons like himself. for his LCL. He had to be issued a medical redshirt, with a he views the privilege of being able to invest in the next “I didn’t do anything with the walk-ons,” said Miles. “I decided long nine-month road to recovery before he could think about generation as extremely rewarding. myself that I’m going to work out with the team to prove stepping back on the field. He’d had minor injuries before, but “When [Manasseh] speaks, our boys listen and gather close ALL-IN a point.” nothing so severe or significant that his entire football career to hear what he is saying. He builds our boys up whether he is by Daniel Houston Miles described the defining moment—three months later, in was paused. “During that time, a lot of people were saying, giving a compliment or providing a disciplinary word,” said Dr. August 2013—of this turbulent period resulting from his hard ‘Don’t you wish you could do this/that, don’t you hate that this Becky Ringer, public relations and communications director for work on the field and the trust he gained from the coaches and happened to you,’” said Miles. “Me being a man of faith, a man Hope Farm. “He is calm, positive, self-reliant, peaceful, capable ooking at the journey of Manasseh Miles ’17 thus far, staff at Trinity Valley—his scholarship reward. “It was a hard- of God, I couldn’t hold on to that. It wasn’t going to help me and secure.” it’s evident he’s no stranger to hard knocks—both in life nosed day of practice, coach called us up and said there’s two heal or move on, having those thoughts.” Miles has been with Hope Farm on staff for two years; he’s L and on the field. From Arizona to Indiana to Texas, Miles guys that have shown themselves worthy, trustworthy and all-in. He concluded that this had happened for a reason, to bring the leading program mentor on the Morningside Campus which attributes all of the success he’s experienced—from his ability I was one of those guys,” said Miles. “It was very emotional clarity and maturity. Although he was on crutches for three serves the largest number of boys among Hope Farm’s three to persevere and his talent in sports—to his unwavering faith. for both of us, knowing that we both came from the same months, he was grateful to get another year of playing due to campuses in the DFW area metroplex. “He leads by example Now, he’s dedicating his time to helping other kids go from pee- background.” the redshirt. He had two motivations that drove him in recovery, and speaks life into the kids he leads,” said Ringer. “Hope Farm wee to the big leagues. That year, following Miles’ arrival and with a losing season one being reclaiming his sense of normalcy. “I wanted to be is a better ministry because Manasseh is a part of it.” “Growing up in Indiana, I’ve always had a knack for sports, before that, he led the football team to a 10-2 record, and the able to walk again. I wanted to be able to play and be normal, From a junior college walk-on to a full-ride athletic and been, as my mom would say, ‘hardheaded’,” Miles said. “I’m year after that, he led his team to a perfect 12-0 season. Only get back to what I was doing before,” said Miles. “I couldn’t just scholarship at Lamar University, from injury and low self- the youngest of 5, and having two older brothers who played five sacks away from leading the JUCO nation in sacks, his have an injury and hang up the cleats.” esteem to a higher purpose in supporting the lives of children, sports kind of gave me that drive.” efforts paid off as college interest began to flood in; however, His second motivation was his mother, who was diagnosed Manasseh Miles’ journey is a testament to the very virtues he It was after the transition from Mesa, Ariz., to Indiana when he was still unsatisfied with the offers of walking on or grey- with Guillain-Barré—a rare disorder in which the immune instills in his pupils at Hope Farm. Whether he is on the field or 6-year-old Miles was introduced to ‘metro’ football, a full contact shirting with unguaranteed scholarships, albeit from bigger system attacks the nerves—before he and his siblings were contributing to the success of the mentees in his program, he is alternative to pee-wee football, where no tackling is allowed. universities. Along with these negatives, Miles was especially born. She was told by doctors that she would suffer from always described as “all-in.” With metro being closer to football he saw on TV, he convinced uncomfortable with moving so far away from his family in lingering injuries and wouldn’t be able to walk or have kids, “My belief in Christ, that’s where it all stems from,” said Miles. his mother to sign him up, mostly excited to tackle somebody. Houston, believing there had to be something better in store. but after being paralyzed for three years, she regained her “My mentality, my understanding, my maturity, it all comes from “From then on, I kinda just fell in love with the game, fell in While weighing his dwindling options against a wish for ability to walk and was able to have five healthy kids, including the word of God.” love with playing, fell in love with the challenging parts that it something better, he received a surprise phone call. Miles. Seeing his mother struggle, yet persevere, with this gives you, what you have to overcome and the demands of it,” “We’ve been watching your film, we like how you play, we disorder as he grew up played a large part in cultivating the he said. “I’ve got something here as far as using this as a way to like the grit, and we like the tenacity that you have. Can you resilience he exhibits to this day. ...I’m mentoring all the kids in better myself, to learn teamwork and all the different things that meet us at your high school in about two weeks?” It was the “There were times where I had low self-esteem. There were “ come with playing a sport.” voice of then-LU assistant coach Craig McGallion, notifying times when I was depressed. There were times where I wanted our program...building up that Cultivating his football talent into high school, Miles Miles of a tryout that would be occurring five minutes to give up,” he said. “But God has placed these individuals in relationship, helping young men accumulated many awards and accolades while guiding his away from him at Cy Falls High School. It was a week after my life to encourage me.” team to a 32-4 overall record before his transfer to Cy Falls these tryouts that he received an offer—a full-ride athletic Miles recovered in time to play 11 games in his junior season, become great men in society. in Houston, Texas. While there, he led his new team to a scholarship, which Miles attributed to God’s plan for him. “I earning starts for eight of those games. In his final season, he —Manasseh Miles ’17 ” 10-2 overall record, ending the season with a first-team all- bring up my faith because that’s a big essence of who I am and gained a 2017 Academic All-Southland Conference selection conference selection. With graduation fast approaching, a how I operate,” he said. “I made the decision to go to Lamar as well as a 2017 Athletic All-Southland Conference honorable

16 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 17 NASA EXPERIENCE: | COLLEGE SNAPSHOT: ENGINEERING | RESOLVE MEETS SUCCESS Engineering students make PPE during COVID-19 response Engineering students and faculty helped meet by Daniel Houston the need for personal protective equipment early in the COVID-19 pandemic by putting hen Marcus Rodgers ’20 first arrived at Lamar University in their engineering skills to work. When Ian the fall of 2014, he’d already done his research on all the Kennard, a mechanical engineering major, big universities in Texas but decided on LU because of its learned that healthcare workers were in need W scholarship opportunities and its longstanding reputation in specific of PPE, he used the makerspace 3-D printer to make face shield frames and ship them to the programs. Upon his graduation in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, he began his career in another NASA chooses LU for nonprofit Masks for Docs. When LU announced transition to online instruction Kennard moved longstanding program—NASA to be exact. project collaborations the operation home to Houston and continued Lamar University is one of seven Rodgers took interest in theater, football and his science classes to make 20 face shields per day. university teams chosen to during his high school years in Lumberton. “I was a big nerd, and Chief operating officer at CHRISTUSRyan Miller reached out to LU to inquire about the possibility of partner with NASA to develop making 1,500 ear savers for CHRISTUS employees. Nathan Rose, a makerspace junior from Tomball took physics three different times,” he said. “I came into Lamar innovative designs that will majoring in mechanical engineering, created the laser cutter file and ran the machines to produce the University with over 30 credit hours, technically a sophomore, due help the agency execute its needed quantity. to dual credit and AP classes.” Artemis program objectives. The College of Engineering also created alternative battery packs for powered air purified respirator NASA awarded a team at LU From the moment Rodgers stepped on campus as an official suits. CHRISTUS has approximately 15 PAPRs that keep its staff safe when working with COVID patients; a $49,000 grant to design an Cardinal, he hit the ground running both academically and socially, however, the hospital only had battery packs for five of the suits, rendering the additional suits useless. electric excavator arm for lunar taking advantage of opportunities to get involved and broaden his Miller again sought help from LU. Electrical engineering professors Gleb Tcheslavski and Hassan mining and construction, which Zargarzadeh connected CHRISTUS to a supplier who offered a temporary solution, and Zargarzadeh LU experience. “I got all of my internships, and my eventual job mechanical engineering student provided a long-term solution by re-engineering the batteries so they could be powered by plugging thanks to the university. My first internship at WestRock, the paper Kevin Peterson and project lead them into an electrical outlet inside the patient room. mill in Evadale, then Covestro in Baytown and finally NASA.” has been thinking about for the Representing LU Ambassadors at donor events, studying culture past year. As a senior capstone project, design, building and Engineering receives industry donations and agricultural technology in Japan, and studying abroad in South testing began in August and will to initiate flood mitigation study Korea are only a couple of experiences that prepared Rodgers for continue through May 2021. The College of Engineering received $200,000 from the Lower his future. Neches Valley Authority and the Sabine River Authority of Texas goal is to design a mini-excavator “I was always told I had an ‘engineering mind’,” said Rodgers. to help initiate the Southeast Texas Flood Coordination Study, boom, arm and bucket using a “I went to an engineering camp one summer, and I was hooked. bidirectional pulley system. The a collaborative project designed to help the region improve Liv substantial project, which will be its resiliency during large-scale flooding events. Led by I have always wanted to take things apart, and tried, sometimes Haselbach, fabricated in LU’s Measurements chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental unsuccessfully, to put them all back together.” Lab and assembled in the Science Engineering, a core team of research organizations will seek to Intrigued with electronics and mechanisms, Rodgers wanted and Technology Building’s gather data and coordinate storm water modeling and decision to pursue a dual major in mechanical engineering and electrical Makerspace, comes with some making to support the State Flood Plan as well as launch a networked, information team in Southeast Texas to support information exchange and emergency response. Ideally, the collaborative effort of data collection engineering but decided on taking electrical engineering classes for unique challenges that Peterson the experience as well as art classes. “It didn’t count towards my has already started working and shared resources will result in flood mitigation and sensor technologies in Southeast Texas and a through. “If successful, this could maintenance plan for a Southeast Texas Flood Coordination Group. “Through our efforts, we can provide major, but it kept me sane, and let me make some great friends, be the enabling technology for better data so that the modelers can make better decisions to mitigate flooding,” Haselbach said. “If data is and learn some great techniques that I still use today,” said Rodgers. our sustainable future in deep updated, then during the events modelers can predict flooding likelihood and help emergency responders In January of 2018, Rodgers began his internship at the Johnson space,” Peterson said. know how to re-route emergency supplies to areas most in need.” (see related story, pg. 4-5) Space Center, which would prove to be a life-changing experience Nicholas Brake, associate for him. “My NASA experience was a dream come true. Ever since I professor of civil engineering, is  New director named  Mariner Safety Research  Oil and gas was little, I always dreamt of working there. It was the pinnacle of the project mentor for a group LU has named Thomas Initiative receives grant industry dialogue Kalb of students from Lumberton director of the LU’s Dean of Engineering The Center for Midstream engineering in my mind,” said Rodgers. Once he got the opportunity Brian Craig, High School seeking to design Center for Midstream who also Management and Science to work there, he recognized it as his niche, the place he was born Management and Science. serves as the Director hosted Texas Land a science experiment to be to work. “I learned how to fail. I spent a whole semester prototyping The three reasons Kalb of the Mariner Safety Commissioner George P. performed in space. As part of the cites for initially choosing Research Initiative, Bush and Texas Oil and Gas and trying to get a design approved. I never got one completely Student Spaceflight Experiments an energy industry career in collaboration with Association President Todd correct, but I learned what to pay attention to and what matters in Program through the National are Texas, the people and the American Bureau Staples for a Lunch and a design.” Rodgers would eventually win an award for being one of Center for Earth and Space the dynamics. He brings of Shipping and the Learn March 6. Students Science Education, the students to the position established University of Houston, and faculty, along with the top interns at the Johnson Space Center. submitted their proposed project relationships and a trusted received $1,440,330 from community and business Rodgers’ first full-time job at NASA is engineer in the aircraft in December and were chosen out reputation to bridge the the National Academies representatives, heard operations division at NASA Johnson Space Center, facilitating of hundreds of submissions for gap between industry and of Sciences’ Gulf Research discussion about the oil and LU at a time of industry Program’s Safer Offshore science missions and doing analysis on equipment going into their experiment in strengthening gas industry’s role in driving challenges that faculty Energy Systems Grants planes, or upgrading and keeping the planes operational. I worked to get what I have, but concrete in space. Working with Texas education. In a May can help meet. He is to develop an integrated webinar, the center hosted “I have done a lot, but I like to have fun and try to be very laid “ Brake, the team is preparing a developing a midstream offshore energy industry I couldn’t have done any of it industry experts to discuss back,” said Rodgers. “I worked to get what I have, but I couldn’t sample that will stay on Earth and certificate for students safety culture evaluation, the post-pandemic future of without my friends and family. one that will go into space for and professionals. benchmarking and oil and gas. have done any of it without my friends and family. They support me experimentation. improvement toolbox. and have given me so much more than what I could have done —Marcus Rodgers ’20 ” by myself.”

18 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 19 | LU EVERYWHERE | The multimedia journalists of LUTV rose before the semester’s start to introduce especially hard on my mental health—I to the occasion. interested students to LUTV News and know I’m not alone in that,” she said. The University Press prepared for the broadcasting field, allowing them “It’s something I’m working on each day. the return to campus this fall with to embrace mobile journalism with All I know is that I’m glad to be here, the specific goal of protecting student equipment purchased exclusively with and I am optimistic about each day.” editors, making an indefinite switch social distancing in mind for Nowadays, there are fewer people to online-only, with writers having the content creation. present in the office, as communication option to edit in-person by appointment, “LUTV News is producing socially between UP correspondents becomes in an office kept locked at all times. distant newscasts, so students are able to largely virtual. However, it is important “Masks are worn with any interaction,” safely learn what they need to develop as for Malick to be present in order said Coughlan. “We also have the option broadcasting professionals,” to support her staff members and to edit by Zoom. It is important that the said Williams. contributors, intending to make it clear stories are edited with the writer.” Olivia Malick, student editor for the that anybody who comes in to work with Due to the online shift, the stories UP, oversees both online and in-print the UP can reach out to her for help with are posted as soon as they are edited, production and guides students in their issues UP related or otherwise. foregoing the usual hiatus between print reporting, assisting on the angle of “It has been quite the learning curve editions. With the students spread out the story, tracking down sources, and trying to figure out how to move forward across campus and working remotely, connecting them with photographers or with a smaller, mostly virtual staff,” a big challenge for the UP is getting other resources necessary to complete she said. “The spring semester ended the staff as involved as they assignments. “Our main purpose has abruptly for us, so we were not able to were traditionally. always been to get students information make many plans beforehand—we kind REPORTERS ON CALL “Add in a couple hurricanes and it that they need in a concise way,” of rolled with the punches.” has been difficult, to say the least,” said said Malick. “Whether it’s new school Malick believes it’s hard for incoming by Daniel Houston LUTV News Anchor Vanessa Guerrero freshmen to get involved off-campus, but with the implementation of new procedures, the chances of spreading the virus are reduced. he grapevine of information the opportunity to learn more about the “As someone whose job involves “We will continue to provide accurate, for any university begins in its industry through hands-on experience in keeping abreast of news from around the credible and objective information for communication department, news and media production. According world from multiple sources, COVID-19 the students, faculty and staff at Lamar the heart of the campus for students to Andrew Coughlan, director of was worrying,” said Coughlan. “There T University,” said Malick. “Universities of journalism, media, broadcasting student publications and advisor to the were rumblings before it arrived on our without a student press do not serve and similar disciplines. The student University Press, the student newspaper shores, but early on it was apparent it their students to the best of their body at large relies on LUTV and the has evolved with the changing media would have a significant effect.” abilities; that is something that should University Press, the communication landscape. Students are now expected Already in discussion to prepare for always be remembered.” engines responsible for the circulation to be multifaceted and experts in not any eventuality, the UP had published The University Press continues to of information relevant to our Cardinal only writing but also video, photography, a print edition up to spring break; maintain a fine reputation for its work; community. While the insurgence audio and social media. however, the speed of the shutdown the students involved in its success have of COVID-19 threatened to derail “Being an alumnus of the Department was unexpected. Fortunately, an active won a phenomenal amount of rewards, operations, the directors of these of Communication, my goal when I website allowed them to quickly shift to and even though times are challenging, programs along with communication- started working at [LUTV] in 1999 was to an online format. Whether its new school guidelines, COVID cases the goal remains the same—to report on related majors have worked diligently to give students that choose to participate “I had a talented group of seniors “ and keep the LU community aware ensure this train stays on track. opportunities and experiences that I who would not have the opportunity to or events, we aim to make sure that students have of events. “Our student media is important to did not have as a student,” said Gordon enjoy the comradery and experience in information to make decisions. “Flexibility is a key part of journalism,” our student body, as well as our faculty Williams ’98, studio operations manager working together for their final five news —Olivia Malick ” said Coughlan. “The UP will carry on and staff, because it is the first place and instructor at LUTV. “In the past, broadcasts,” said Williams of LUTV. “With because that’s what we do, and have we go to hear ‘our’ stories,” said J.T. University Press media contributors all the uncertainty that was happening done since 1923.” Robertson, marketing communications have participated as volunteer news in the world, how do we keep that Coughlan. “Fortunately, we have a small guidelines, COVID cases or events, we Additionally, LUTV is committed to coordinator for the College of Fine Arts anchors, producers and contributors for togetherness and maintain bonds that core group that has stepped up to keep aim to make sure that students have navigating the current uncertainty of and Communication. “Our student media our program ‘After LUTV News,’ where have been created while informing it going.” information to make decisions.” our region and the world. “Throughout serves as a lab for our future journalists students discuss topics from politics to the campus and community on Loss of experience in a talented group Even after losing her job outside of the the semester we have faced setbacks, and storytellers.” pop culture.” important information?” of seniors and addressing coronavirus University Press due to the pandemic, hurricanes, and students having to In existence since LU’s origins as In March of 2020, the coronavirus During this time, there was no access safety protocols were among Williams’ dealing with the difficulties of the school quarantine due to the pandemic,” said South Park Junior College in 1923, the pandemic introduced itself as a looming to the television studio, equipment or chief concerns for the fall 2020 semester. closure and its residual effects, Malick Williams. “Broadcast journalists are University Press is an avenue for students threat not only to public health, editing facilities. Mobile journalism, Safety measures were created regarding considers herself on the luckier side asked to inform the public, no matter to display diverse skill sets in direct but to the operations of these two Zoom utilization, and cell phones new procedures and social distancing of the spectrum in the grand scheme the situation. We plan to continue that parallel with LUTV, whose goal has been organizations, the lifeblood of which was became the tools of the trade for standards in the television studio for of things. “This pandemic has been mindset for the foreseeable future.” to give those interested in broadcasting the student body. students in order to create news content. production. A workshop also was held

20 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 21 | LU EVERYWHERE | throughout all buildings night from residence halls and never hesitates. He always puts before the remainder of the university first, with a ‘service before self’ attitude.” staff returned to campus During Delta, Wilson volunteered to ride out the storm, and compiled a mask working for 16 hours straight to ensure the campus community, inventory. The same LU buildings and grounds were safe. For Wilson, that’s just him carpenters who always doing his job, but Williams and Martin are quick to boast about answer the call after a their employee’s extraordinary commitment. hurricane to repair leaks and How has Wilson faced adversity? “I just try to stay focused, other damage built plexiglass keep everything one day at a time and take things as they shields and placed them in come,” Wilson answers. “The guys I work for really helped the library, cashier’s office me out, they’ve held down my job when I haven’t been able and other high-traffic areas to work.” The facilities staff cares about each other. Not only where social distancing is do Wilson’s supervisors hold down his job for him while he less feasible. Facilities staff is away, but Martin says, “We worry about him. Anytime he is worked with the Office of not feeling well and can’t come in, we worry.” Wilson’s love Marketing Communications for Lamar University is clear when he emphatically shares, “I to create signs that remind used to work at other places and sometimes I talk to people everyone to maintain social and tell them I work at LU. They want me to leave and go work distance and help stop somewhere else and I tell them no. I think I’ll retire from LU. the spread of germs and I’m comfortable, and students are respectful.” placed those on floors, What’s the most significant challenge the facilities staff has in bathrooms, at building faced? Martin said, “For me, it’s been burnout. When we have entrances and in high traffic a positive [COVID-19] case, it affects the whole department. At areas. When the pandemic one point, 40% of us were out due to a positive [test result] or began, Martin worked with contact tracing. You just have to move people around and do Procurement and Payment what you have to do to take care of everything.” Services to order hand Maintaining positive energy during tough times makes From left to right: David Martin, Doug Wilson, Grover Williams sanitizer, gloves and cleaning facilities staff resilient. “What makes me proud is that all of our equipment so they would guys always want to help, they want to make LU nice to come have enough to last. Martin to,” Williams said. He smiles, sharing that he has called some of said, “We have tried to be his staff as they’re sitting down to eat with family. “I’ve caught frugal and good stewards them while they’re at a restaurant about to order and told them of funding throughout this to eat first and then come in, and they say, ‘No, I am on my WHEN TOUGH TIMES CALL, time.” While Facilities Management has limited personnel, they way!’’’ Martin explained, “Facilities staff are all hourly workers always meet the needs of the university. and paid less than almost everyone else on campus. They never The facilities team is usually the first to act when a natural once complained about coming to work during all of this.” He disaster affects LU. On October 9, 2020, Hurricane Delta added, “We do what we can to make them feel appreciated. traveled through Southeast Texas, bringing tropical storm-force Every year, we have a department Christmas party and normally FACILITIES STAFF ANSWER winds and heavy rain. Delta left tree branches and minor debris, a barbecue in the summer. We’re currently working with Jeremy damaged flags and blew out some of the windows on the eighth Alltop [vice president of finance and operations and CFO] and by Hannah Snodgrass floor of the Mary and John Gray Library. “After Delta on Friday, President Evans to develop a centralized facilities office where we had to get campus ready for everyone to return on Monday. we can all gather, have our offices in one place and build We had a full crew on campus Saturday and Sunday. All of our team.” Martin echoes Williams’ sentiment of their staff’s heir work is often unseen, unknown and underappreciated, staff never slowed down. Their staff came to work every day, them, maintenance and custodial, came in after just a phone dedication, saying, “There is something to be said for having but their contributions to Lamar University allow the expending extra effort to maintain cleanliness throughout call,” said Martin. “When you returned to campus on Monday, people who come out here because you call them. They don’t T campus to operate. The approximately 100 staff members campus buildings. Summer, while most students are gone, is you probably couldn’t tell we had a hurricane come through have to be here, but they want to be.” on the Facilities Management team—comprised of maintenance, typically when campus facilities are deep cleaned; but even only two days before.” That’s how good the facilities crew is at campus services and landscaping, custodial, fleet and then, not every area receives the attention it deserves. The what they do. administrative personnel—are hardworking and resilient. COVID-19 campus shutdown allowed facilities to focus on areas Doug Wilson, senior facilities maintenance specialist, They keep the electricity and water on, floors clean, and normally inaccessible while students are here. Because of the is exceptional at his job. He also has persevered through What makes me proud is that grounds beautiful—all so that students, faculty and staff extra time they had, Martin said, “We saved about $500,000 in hardship. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with stage four “ all our guys always want to lung cancer, which spread to other parts of his body. In spite are happy, safe and productive. what would normally be paid to contractors.” help, they want to make LU David Martin, associate vice president of facilities Amid growing concerns of COVID-19, facilities staff of the diagnosis, his work ethic and dedication to his facilities management, has worked at LU since 2016 after retiring from implemented preventative health and safety measures following team and LU never wavered. He took limited time off for nice to come to. a 30-year career in the Air Force. Grover Williams, manager CDC guidelines. They developed and adjusted cleaning chemotherapy. Martin said, “Usually people quit or don’t come —Grover Williams ” of utilities, came aboard in 2009 after deciding he didn’t like protocols for when someone tests positive. Staff installed new back after something like that, but not Doug.” Williams, Wilson’s retirement life. Martin and Williams shared that while campus air filters with maximum ability to capture air particles before boss, described him as “one of those guys that goes above and shut down to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, facilities the start of the fall semester. They placed hand sanitizer stations beyond. He’ll never tell you no. He often receives calls late at

22 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 23 | LU EVERYWHERE | ith a mandate to close but expanded to allow all enrollment and allowed unofficial documents to remain fully operational, management departments to chat be submitted when official documents Lamar University relied on remotely with current and prospective were not available because schools were Wtechnology and ingenuity through the students. This was complemented by text closed,” Craig said. pandemic shutdown to retain and recruit campaigns using a new texting platform. The planning, creativity and innovative new students while using creative digital “Before the pandemic, we only had one ‘meeting-applicants-where-they-are” learning techniques to engage current chatbot account for each department, but approach was successful. While working ones as well as the community. during the pandemic every individual had remotely, enrollment services processed From March to June, most employees his or her own account and could operate 4,152 undergraduate applications and worked remotely, and there were few live chat,” Craig said. “We had 96 people— 5,352 graduate applications for a total students on campus. The remarkable student employees and admissions of 9,504, an increase of 24% over 2019 scenario was challenging to every aspect counselors—on chat.” at the same time, and Craig says virtual of university operations but likely the Practically overnight enrollment engagement is the new normal. most confounding to recruitment efforts. services produced a virtual Admitted “For people who can’t get here because “Our primary objectives are to Student Day. The event allowed admitted they live in Dallas, we can give a virtual showcase Lamar University as a place students to hear from and live chat with tour,” said Craig. “We’ve tapped into the where students can attain their life goals staff from every department involved virtual realm and can easily continue and to be available to support students in the enrollment process—Texas in the future. We’ve learned what we’re through the enrollment process,” said Success Initiative, advising, New Student capable of and opened up a whole new Tracie Craig, director of the Welcome Orientation, STAR Services, financial aid, realm of opportunity.” Center in the Office of Admissions and scholarships and housing. The program Tapping into the virtual realm also Recruitment. “We were not physically also included the Student Health Center expanded opportunities globally. available to showcase LU, and it made to address any health concerns and gave Although traditional in-person education me cringe to think that people could not instructions to students about how to and exchange programs were cancelled come to our door for help and support.” access their Banner accounts. for the summer, around the world, schools The admissions team’s first task was to “Any topic we thought a student might and institutions began using virtual ensure uninterrupted daily operations. have a question about was addressed exchange to help young people develop They quickly pivoted to LU Crew student through this virtual event, and there was a cross-cultural relationships and vital skills. employees making calls via internet. Spanish version,” said Craig. “We reached Lamar University’s JoAnne Gay “I was worried about our student 441 students during the three live events Dishman School of Nursing received workforce, 21 students, because they plus an additional 165 through views of funding from the Stevens Initiative to count on the money they make working the recording of one of them.” participate in the Texas International at LU,” said Craig. “I’m proud we kept Enrollment services hosted virtual Education Consortium’s Virtual Exchange them busy and proud of them for staying events titled “A Major Discussion” with for Undergraduate Nursing in Texas, productive and helpful to keep their jobs.” individual academic departments, Egypt and Jordan, one of 18 programs Additionally, a core group of students including a live chat Q&A so guests could funded as part of the Stevens Initiative and staff came in each day to handle engage with faculty. They also hosted Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic. mailed transcripts so operations could graduate zoom sessions for several With this funding, the school of nursing continue processing applications programs with thank-you gifts to those will plan and implement a virtual from home which were followed by who attended. exchange program based in the U.S. and personalized acceptance packets. Because the pandemic built so in partnership with Middle Eastern and Craig and her team considered their many new barriers to college entry, North African institutions. audience—tech-savvy high school and LU implemented ways to increase “We are extremely excited for the college students, comfortable with texting accessibility. The application fee was opportunity to collaborate with nursing and online chatting. They quickly realized waived to help with financial concerns faculty and students from Tanta University business could continue because their and a test-optional path to admissions in Egypt for this global virtual initiative,” target market is very comfortable in the implemented to allow students to apply said Stacey Knight, director of articulation virtual space. without having to take a standardized and assistant professor of nursing. VIRTUAL “It’s their comfort zone, so we met them test. The new approach to admissions also Knight and Gina Hale, assistant where they are; we just had to get out of included normalizing GPAs to help make professor of nursing, participated in a by Shelly Vitanza our comfort zone to do it,” said Craig. equitable decisions. two-week intense orientation to prepare LU’s chatbot, “Chirp,” which had “Some LU programs waived the GRE for and develop an innovative learning SOLUTIONS launched in February, was immediately and GMAT requirements for admissions experience for the nursing students,

24 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 25 | COLLEGE SNAPSHOT: EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT | which will be implemented in the spring Everyone who completed the survey said “The accreditation agency said we’d of 2021. “the summit provided information useful have to figure something out; they to their organization,” and 87% reported weren’t going to allow students to LU nursing students participating in the McFaddin-Ward grant funds new program will be among 4,500 participants that they were “extremely satisfied” with graduate without the in-person placement equipment to support culinary arts from 24 states, 11 Middle East/North the summit. hours,” said Gummelt. “We had to figure The Mamie McFaddin-Ward Heritage Foundation Africa countries, three tribal communities, The outcome of the virtual meeting out what to do to allow our students to awarded a grant to the Hospitality Administration and Culinary Arts Program, which the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, was so positive, the summit team will finish safely and in a meaningful learning used the funds to purchase and install three new D.C. The students will engage with their continue a virtual approach in the future. experience where hours spent match pieces of commercial kitchen equipment in the peers around the world for summer “We are currently planning to host the competencies and give students the culinary lab. Funds from the grant also were used to increase safety on the production line. Stainless second annual Resiliency and Recovery opportunity to put their skills to work.” programs that otherwise would not be steel flashing was installed, and the fire suppression possible due to the pandemic. Summit on April 9, 2021,” said Mann. The “figuring out” fell on Lori Wright, a system was repositioned. This grant helps the The pandemic could have deemed other “Coordination with professionals from sociology and criminal justice instructor. program achieve its aim of providing students with a balanced blend of technical and managerial skills LU programs impractical, like hosting a across Lamar University has already Wright worked with agencies like Child that ensures graduates are prepared for practical community-wide summit, the “Resiliency begun to provide this second summit Protective Services, Communities in Associate Professor Mamta success in the industry. and Recovery: Building Tomorrow both virtually and face-to-face.” Schools, Catholic Charities of Southeast Singh develops Mason “First, the grant allowed us to upgrade and STEM initiative integrate equipment and increase safety measures,” Summit,” but instead the entire event Human relationships, including Texas, The Garth House and others to Mamta Singh, associate said Chef Charles Duit, culinary instructor. was moved to a virtual space, featured face-to-face contact, are at the core of identify ways that students could fulfill professor of teacher education, “Second, the new equipment and reconfiguration community leaders, multiple presenters, LU’s social work program. When the their requirements to graduate. And developed the Mason STEM of the cooking line will increase overall capacity breakout sessions and a panel discussion. pandemic began, the Social Work Student while other universities postponed or Initiative project proposal and the number of student work stations. And thirdly, the new equipment allows us to expand the range to recruit and retain science, of dishes students can master. In a challenging industry, it’s crucial for chefs to continually experiment Association launched an initiative using halted their social work programs until Originally scheduled for April, the technology, engineering and with new foods and new preparations. We’re lucky to be able to offer this to our young chefs.” A student event, designed to bring community social media as the platform to keep the end of the pandemic, LU worked math majors as teachers. earning a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration with an emphasis in culinary arts learns stakeholders and leaders together to students in the program connected. with administration and the Texas State The overarching goal of the everything needed to launch a career as a chef and, ultimately, a successful business owner in the interdisciplinary project is to food industry. discuss all aspects of resiliency and University System to ensure its social attract qualified STEM majors to a recovery related to a natural disaster, work students fulfilled their degree teaching pathway who otherwise Professors conduct online was postponed as a result of the requirements. All students continued would not have considered blended-learning labs During the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Department COVID-19 response but then took Knowing they were going to with the program with the exception of teaching as a career option and to “ increase the number of science- of Educational Leadership faculty Dwayne Harapnuik, place on August 4. be physically separated, our three, who postponed their internships minded and science-trained STEM clinical instructor, and Tilisa Thibodeaux, assistant Approximately 6,600 people students knew they needed until this fall. teacher candidates. A successful professor, reached out to the broader community of educators, including recent graduates, alumni and local participated, more than could have to stay emotionally and “Students were ready to start summer 2019 pilot case study led Singh, along with Randall Terry, area teachers to offer online blended learning labs. The been accommodated at an in- working and didn’t hesitate because socially connected. chair and associate professor goal of the labs was to model and immerse educators person event. The virtual platform —Ginger Gummelt ” this is what we do when people of biology; Cristian Bahrim, in a synchronous session using digital tools that would made it easy for officials to join, are in need,” said Wright. “Students director of undergraduate augment and support instructional models for teaching research and professor of physics; online during the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. including Texas State Representative bravely walked out there, because the More than 137 participants signed up for the three one-hour learning labs hosted via Zoom that allowed and P.J. Couch, associate Dade Phelan, Jefferson County Judge “They created solidarity circles for connection with people is what we need, educators to connect with each other across the nation and learn how to effectively create significant professor of mathematics, to digital learning environments for their students. Harapnuik and Thibodeaux have spent the last 15+ years Jeff Branick, Emergency Management self-care, to connect with one another, and we found safe ways to do that.” implement the Mason STEM co-developing a framework named Creating Significant Learning Environments plus Choice, Ownership, meditate and identify ways to serve Gummelt said the connection with Initiative Project in summer Coordinator Michael White and public and Voice through Authentic Learning (CSLE+COVA), which was modeled during the summer labs. The 2020. The program survey results health director for the Beaumont Public the greater community,” said Ginger people during the pandemic was more framework also is used in the Digital Learning and Leading and Educational Technology Leadership suggested that 100% of student Programs. Additional online blended-learning labs are scheduled for the spring 2021 school semester to Health Department, Sherry Ulmer. Gummelt, associate professor and vital than ever before and she believes participants from B.S. degree include a variety of highly requested topics for discussion around digital learning. A Becky and Chuck “The decision to provide the summit director of the social work program. this time of social distancing is also the plans who exhibited teaching Mason Distinguished Faculty Fellowship enabled the digital learning and leading professors to develop ability and an inquisitive nature completely virtually was not made until “Knowing they were going to be advent of the social worker. “The need and conduct the labs. had a positive K-12 teaching and a couple of weeks prior to the event,” physically separated, our students knew in the community skyrocketed. There learning experience, and 75%  said Judy Mann, associate professor of they needed to stay emotionally and were food, resource and job insecurities; of the participants indicated the Departments of Teacher psychology and one of the team leaders socially connected.” domestic violence and child abuse program increased their interest Education, Counseling and in becoming a K-12 Educational Leadership of the summit. “The amazing professionals Human connection is not only the crux increased; and the issues of social justice science teacher. embrace new leadership at Lamar University were able to convert of social work, it’s required to graduate. came up. With all of the isolation and/ Becky ’71 and Chuck Mason New leadership promising bright futures the summit format rapidly and effectively Every LU social work major must complete or being stuck with your family for ’72 made the project possible for three college departments includes Freddie Titus ‘83, ‘86, to allow this event to move forward 50 hours of volunteer work and another long periods of time, we saw significant through a generous gift, the Associate Professor largest ever given to the college, recently promoted to department chair in a manner that far surpassed our 400-hour placement or internship in order mental health issues,” said Gummelt. to establish the Becky and Chuck of teacher education; Associate Professor expectations. Participants have compared to graduate. In the spring semester, 24 “And then we saw this transition start Mason Distinguished Faculty Belinda Lopez, promoted to department the summit to top-level national events.” social work students were in the middle to happen, and the whole idea of social Fellowships, designed to address chair of counseling; and Assistant Professor Johnny O’Connor, At the end of the day-long summit, of their internships and another 28 were work to advocate, educate, intervene and the critical shortage of quality who will lead the science educators. Department of Educational Leadership. attendees were asked to complete surveys. lining up placements for the summer. deescalate recognized.”

Student Health Center earns accreditation Tokgoz awarded multiple patents After a two-year process, the Accreditation Cagatay Tokgoz, assistant professor in the Phillip M. Drayer QIANG XU JOINS ELITE GROUP Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. Department of Electrical Engineering, was awarded a patent in May FACULTY EARN OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS announced LU’s Student Health Center meets the 2020, his fourth since 2018, related to state-of-the-art embedded UNIVERSITY MERIT AWARDS standards of care to join the ranks of accredited and wireless sensors for additive manufacturing, nondestructive health centers across the nation. testing, load and motion monitoring, and wireless sensor network Lamar University “It’s a big deal; it took us about two years to applications in the aerospace industry. Prior to joining Lamar prepare for it,” said Shawn Gray, director, Student University, Tokgoz was a staff research scientist at United Technologies awarded Qiang Xu the Health Center and a practicing nurse practitioner. Research Center where he led research on modeling, simulation, testing and fabrication 2020 University Professor “We’re very proud of ourselves. We’re excited about it because it speaks to the level for embedded and wireless sensors as well as electrical connector fault detection for title. Xu is professor of of care that we provide to students as far as medical, counseling and health education numerous externally and corporate funded projects. “My ongoing research generates chemical engineering services. We’re not a ‘first-aid station,’ but are licensed, board-certified practitioners.” computational tools that help eliminate wireless communication interference issues in the highly regarded Some medical staff have prescriptive authority and some counselors with additional encountered in both commercial and military applications,” Tokgoz said. College of Engineering’s certifications to treat addiction issues have malpractice insurance and are able to work in the community, but they choose to work on a university campus. Lian honored as 2020 faculty mentor Dan F. Smith Department Associate professor of biology Ian Lian, the sixth faculty member to earn the Office of of Chemical Engineering. LU partners with Iron Horse Terminals Undergraduate Research’s most prestigious award, was selected for his outstanding As honorees of the 2020 University Merit Awards, The professorship, Lamar University has partnered with Iron Horse Terminals, a Southeast Texas rail achievements mentoring undergraduates in research and creative activities. The Stephanie Chadwick, Yueqing Li and Sujing awarded for life, is the transportation company, to develop software to optimize the organization’s strategically award is given to the faculty member who demonstrates a history of supporting Wang are recognized for their superior teaching, most prestigious faculty located railyard. The collaboration represents one of the College of Engineering’s undergraduate students in their research efforts including publishing research, scholarship and service to the university. attending conferences and meetings and contributing to students’ overall professional award conferred by critical strategic initiatives to increase and enhance industry/university partnerships Since joining LU in 2015, Chadwick, assistant and projects. development. Lamar University’s professor of art history, has taught more than 1,200 “This project represents the amazing capabilities of our faculty to enhance LU’s Lian, one of five nominees, began supporting undergraduates early in his career. academic community. students and has made it her mission to make art positive influence on the Southeast Texas region and our nation’s economy, while “I started my involvement in research while I was an undergrad student at the University “The award is the supporting the goals of the College of Engineering and the Center for Midstream of California at San Diego and benefited from this experience tremendously,” said Lian. alive for all students regardless of their discipline. pinnacle of academic achievement at our Management and Science,” said Brian Craig, dean of the College of Engineering. “One of the main reasons I joined LU is its unique balance in teaching and research, Through her connection to the local art community, university and is recognized by all as an emblem Iron Horse Terminals, located approximately seven miles west of Beaumont with which allows me to conduct research and pass on this experience to the students Chadwick found opportunities for students to of highest merit,” said Brenda Nichols, provost and connectivity to two major rail lines along major trucking corridors, has access to one of through the mentoring activities.” display their art; she engaged students in research vice president for academic affairs. “Recipients are the largest high-density and low-density polyethylene facilities on the Gulf Coast. The “Dr. Lian has inspired many students to achieve great academic performances,” said projects, and she made assignments to help selected by their colleagues and are chosen for company is focused on streamlining processes to supplement strategic Southeast Texas Cristian Bahrim, professor of physics and director of the Office of students improve their writing and research skills. Undergraduate Research. their academic stature and achievements, honed in regional growth opportunities. Yuequing Li is an assistant professor of industrial the demanding and competitive culture of Maryam Hamidi, assistant professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Researchers map 30 years of change in Breton Sound Basin engineering, who teaches both undergraduate higher education.” lead on the project, said, “We’ll develop user-interface software using programming Reda Amer, assistant professor of geology and director of LU’s Geospatial Center, and and graduate level courses. With LU for six years, skills, database design and optimization techniques to increase efficiency.” In addition, Xu will also become the Ann Christopher Potter, a senior research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, recently he has incorporated modern teaching tools and published research that documents changes in coastal land area and vegetation. More Die Hasselmo Scholar, an honor concurrent with Cardinals CARE Project visit isolated undertaken special educational projects. Li is a than three years of meticulous research that analyzes records of land loss/gain in the long-term care residents successful researcher and founded the Human- that of University Professor and made possible by coastal wetlands of southeastern Louisiana during a span of 30 years culminated in Elizabeth Long and nursing student Makayla Brown of the JoAnne Computer Interaction Laboratory and the Driving the creation and funding of the Lamar University the article. “The work of this research is to inform restoration planning to restore and Gay Dishman School of Nursing have organized a 10-week Simulation Laboratory at LU. Faculty Excellence Endowment by Ann Die protect the remaining wetlands in the Breton Sound Basin,” said Amer. project called Cardinals CARE (Cardinals Adopt Residents for Hasselmo, a 1966 graduate of LU. (see related Sujing Wang joined the Department of Engagement) with a two-fold mission. The effort will connect story, pg. 30-31) SURF winners earn stipends Computer Science as an instructor in 2006, and residents in long-term care facilities with nursing students and The Office of Undergraduate Research has announced 16 winners of the Summer Xu has published nearly 100 articles in peer- now she is an associate professor, a respected and provide nursing students with required community-based service Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF). The SURF program awards each winner a admired teacher, conscientious and dedicated reviewed journals and more than 200 peer- learning hours prevented because of Stay Home, Stay Safe $2,000 stipend, free on-campus housing for 10 weeks during the summer and $1,000 to her students. Wang has developed eight reviewed conference proceeding papers. He is parameters. for purchasing project materials. Inspired by the nationally recognized Research undergraduate courses, eight graduate courses also a corresponding author of a book chapter Since late March 2020, no visitors or non-medical personnel Experience for Undergraduates, the program allows undergraduate students at LU to titled “Study for the Optimal Operation of have been allowed in long-term care facilities, and residents have been isolated in their have a rich summer research experience. “The program helps to improve students’ and eight online courses. She has been awarded seven instructional teaching grants and received Natural Gas Liquid Recovery and Natural Gas rooms away from other residents. “Loneliness and social isolation was an issue for many awareness of what it takes to win in a competitive program and better prepares them five Quality Matters National Peer Course Review Production” in the book Natural Gas Processing older adults prior to the pandemic, both in long term care and in the community. The for the next grant submission,” said Cristian Bahrim, professor of physics and director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. Certification Awards. from Midstream to Downstream. Xu has received pandemic has compounded the issue,” said Long, assistant professor of nursing and community-based service learning coordinator. the Lamar University College of Engineering More than 100 students will correspond with residents in 13 different long-term care Distinguished Faculty Research Award, 2019; facilities and 711 nursing home residents across the Golden Triangle, whether letters, Online MSN program Online engineering MBA in criminal justice Museum virtual tour the Anita Riddle Faculty Fellowship Award, 2017; inspirational messages, artwork or other missives to brighten a patient’s day. When in top five ranked No. 1 program ranks high now available and the Excellence in Process Development restrictions are lifted, there will be an opportunity for face-to-face meetings. NursingSchoolHub.com ONLINEU ranks LU’s online Intelligent.com has ranked Spindletop Gladys City Research Award from the AIChE, 2016. has ranked LU as offering Bachelor of Science in LU the 11th best online Boomtown Museum Xu teaches both undergraduate and Paleontology team receives grant for Utah excavation the No. 3 most affordable industrial engineering probation officer degree announces a new resource LU’s Utah paleontology team received a National Science Foundation three-year grant graduate courses and has received grants from online MSN program for the best in the nation in program in the nation out of page on its website with for approximately $764,000. The grant will fund a multi-university collaborative project ExxonMobil, Lyondell Basell and the National 2020. The programs were two categories: the most 95 accredited universities fun, yet educational, titled, “Collaborative Research: After the Bridgerian Crash: An Integrated Analysis of ranked on reputation and affordable online bachelor’s evaluated on curriculum activities for kids. The Science Foundation. He has guided 17 doctoral Mammalian Paleocommunities and Paleoecologies During the Middle Eocene” to quality, then ranked based degree as well as the best quality, graduation rate, resource page features dissertations and 10 master theses and is currently excavate and study 40 million-year-old mammal and associated reptile fossils in the on tuition cost. LU stood online engineering degree. reputation and post- coloring sheets, a supervising 7 Ph.D. students and 1 master’s thesis Uinta Basin near Vernal, Utah. out from its competition “All of our graduates are graduate employment. crossword, webquests and student. “I believe being a professor teaching at James Westgate, former LU professor of Earth and Space Sciences and Regents’ because of its emphasis highly sought-after by a LU’s online criminal justice more. All ages can use them the college level is a privilege,” said Xu. “What I Professor Emeritus of Earth & Space Sciences, has been working with the team to on nursing education and host of employers. We’re program is distinctive in to enjoy learning about a like most is to see students very satisfied with what achieve the grant for the past eight years. He and several students have explored the administration and its graduating leaders, and its MBA in criminal justice seminal event in Southeast accelerated eight-week that’s what defines our degree, a unique curriculum Texas. Families can enjoy a they have learned from my classes and to know 40-million-year-old Uinta Formation exposed as “badlands” southeast of Vernal, Utah, as well as the tropical rain forest at Tortuguero, Costa Rica, to compare the two regions. courses for students who success,” said Brian Craig, of business and criminal virtual tour by visiting their success stories during their “This project is especially important to LU’s undergraduate majors because it gives want to graduate at a dean of the College justice courses all lamar.edu/spindletop. career development.” them real world research experience in the field and a chance to present discoveries at fast pace. of Engineering. available online. scientific conferences,” Westgate said.

28 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 29 | LU EVERYWHERE | LU Distinguished who taught me psychology own network of mentors and Addressing the ever-changing positions (although she career, LU’s 1986 Regents’ Alumna Ann Die and was a great department not a single mentor. I teach challenges and adapting to remains neutral) to visiting Professor Award (now called Hasselmo ’66, chair and later dean. I think that they (leaders) need to all that higher education campuses and learning the the University Professor rattles off her career of individuals who came use each other, to learn to faced required leaders to pull culture, people and mission Award) and being named highlights like giving a before me and after me as lean on each other, to ask from “all of their wisdom and in order to best recommend the Regents’ Professor of 30-second elevator speech. Faculty Senate presidents questions of each other. My training and to lean on all of candidates. She enjoys Psychology are the honors She was a student at Lamar who were great role models goal or counsel is to surround their mentors,” Die Hasselmo working with provosts trying she cherishes the most. In University, a faculty member for leading the faculty. I think yourself with those you trust said. She analogizes the to find good deans and appreciation for these awards and later tenured faculty of Bob Kimball who was and admire and don’t ever task of leaders to Mark presidents searching for chief and her time at LU, both member at LU, president such an inspiration to me and believe you can do these Twain’s navigation of the financial officers. as a student and a faculty of the Faculty Senate, the Bill Franklin who was and senior leadership roles—and Mississippi River. “I love all of it, and I love member, Die Hasselmo executive vice president for other leaders on campus,” I would say this would be “Mark Twain wrote in Life getting to address all of the created and funded the Lamar academic and student affairs, said Die Hasselmo. “I felt true of CEOs of corporations on the Mississippi that one great leadership challenges University Faculty Excellence then a dean and associate extremely fortunate that I as well—and be a leader of a reason he was such a good in the United States and Endowment in 2012. Each provost at Tulane University, had, throughout my career, very complex entity and be a river boat pilot was that internationally. Sometimes I awardee holds the title “Ann president at Hendrix College, individuals who were willing lone wolf, just seeking your he learned to pilot on the will hear, ‘Oh gosh, these jobs Die Hasselmo Scholar” for the managing director of a higher to be mentors and to be own counsel and your Mississippi River, and the are just so hard. Who will academic year following their education executive search leaders I could emulate.” own thoughts.” Mississippi River was a river want to do them?’ And it’s receipt of the award. The firm, founding president of Once Die Hasselmo moved Die Hasselmo advocates that was always changing. just a delight to meet fresh endowment created by Die a nonprofit higher education into administration at LU, finding mentors and wise He learned to read the dark, emerging leaders every year Hasselmo also underwrites leadership development she was asked to speak to counsel at professional opaque surface of the river who have an aspiration to the ceremony at which organization and is now faculty members who wanted meetings, leadership to detect shallow water make a difference in higher the award is announced. a senior consultant for to have leadership roles seminars and conferences where there had been deep ed, to lead higher ed in That ceremony includes Academic Search. What Die in higher education. She while also soaking up as channels on the previous run. using their own knowledge the announcement of the Hasselmo’s pragmatic and became known in Southeast much information about your He had to learn how to find and experience. I’m always University Merit Awards. not-a-big-deal career synopsis Texas as an executive area of leadership. Die Hasselmo said, “I doesn’t convey is that she coach and offered seminars “You equip yourself with as I felt extremely fortunate that I had, just want to celebrate the has devoted her career to on leadership to local much wisdom and knowledge “ throughout my career, individuals incredible faculty who “institution building” and it businesses and the Chamber from those who have come who were willing to be mentors continue to bring the all started at LU. of Commerce. By the time before, whether from articles, programs and academic Die Hasselmo, a Baytown Die Hasselmo accepted the books, seminars, speakers, and to be leaders I could emulate. instruction because I so —Ann Die Hasselmo ’66 ” native, who graduated from position at Tulane University, that you become a sponge appreciated the wonderful Silsbee High School and she had helped design the and take in whatever you can the channel as it shifted its amazed at the talent in any education, very personalized then attended LU, which state program TASP, the Texas because there will be some course beneath the muddy candidate pool in instruction and mentorship was Lamar State College Academic Skills Program— point in leadership you will river. He could never rely any position.” I got from so many faculty. of Technology at the time, known today as the Texas need everything you’ve ever on nautical charts or what One of the biggest And, then being a faculty earned a bachelor’s degree Success Initiative—and learned. There is really no he had experienced on the challenges of Die Hasselmo’s member at Lamar University, in psychology in 1966. She spent a year as an American recipe book or do-it-yourself previous run. Each trip was job is ensuring that leaders I know the dedication and went on to earn a master’s Council on Education Fellow manual on how to be different. In every trip, the who don’t receive job offers commitment of those who degree from the University at the College of William and Faculty Senate president or a river had changed. He had are treated professionally, were my colleagues.” of Houston in 1969 and a Mary where she interacted department chair or a dean or to read the river itself and civilly and compassionately. Although not leading doctorate of philosophy from with the president and the a cabinet chair or a president, be prepared for whatever he “Sympathy is important so a college campus, Die Texas A&M University in provost and other leaders so I think the more people found. Life is a lot like that, they (leaders) don’t become Hasselmo is ensuring the 1977 before returning to LU on campus looking at take advantage of leadership and careers and professions discouraged. Handling the next cadre of leaders in A LEVEL ABOVE: as a member of the faculty. higher education and how programs the better. The are as well.” bruised sense of self that higher ed are well-equipped EVER-CHANGING CHALLENGES During Die Hasselmo’s years leaders function. From these larger the stock people have As challenging as higher the person has and trying to take institutions to the at LU as a student and a experiences, she learned the in their storage room of education is and has been, to make sure they don’t feel next level. AND THE SEARCH FOR LEADERS faculty member, she learned importance of mentors. leadership issues they will be Die Hasselmo loves every it’s a failure in themselves “Working in executive what she considers the most “The singular most able to pull, the better.” aspect of her role helping is always something to be search, coast to coast, public important leadership quality important thought I would Still no one could have develop emerging leaders aware of.” and private, with very by Shelly Vitanza she teaches to this day. want emerging leaders to predicted COVID-19 and from listening as institutions Among the many awards talented candidates,” she “I had so many faculty— take out of any program I run all of the challenges higher discuss the pros and cons and accolades Die Hasselmo said, “I’m still in some way Ralph Wooster, Myrtle Bell is they need to develop their education faced this year. of candidates for high-level has received throughout her institution building.”

supervision, and is the executive academic advisor at Southeastern court of Combine and associate Belgrave Energy in The Woodlands. Nederland school district. She lives Charles Grado -75, is a quality vice president of SEGMA Louisiana University. She lives in control analyst at ExxonMobil municipal judge in Seagoville, Texas. He lives in Spring with his in Nederland. 50s Engineering. He and his wife, Ponchatoula, La. Chemical Co. He lives in Beaumont He lives in Dallas with his wife, Janelle. Shereema, live in Sacramento, Calif. with his wife, Joanie. wife, Tina. Terry (Roy) Deaver ’86, B.S. ’71, B.S. mathematics, In March 2019, LyondellBasell elementary education, ’95, M.Ed. ’55, B.B.A. Paul Turner Harley Courtney ’68, B.S. physical also holds an M.Ed. in educational named ’83, B.S. administration, ’96, educational accounting, who also holds an Randy McCollum Bob Oldham ’75, B.B.A. marketing, Randy Tatum education, ’69, M.Ed. secondary administration, and retired in June chemical engineering, site manager diagnostician, was appointed in M.B.A. and a Ph.D. in accounting, is president of Oldham Fence Inc. education, retired from a career as 2018 from Austin school district of the Morris Complex in Morris, IL, Nov. 2019 by Gov. Greg Abbott to retired as professor accounting from and a U.S. Army veteran. He lives 80s a consultant, manager and venture after a 47-year career in Texas where he oversees approximately the board of directors of the School the University of Texas at Arlington. in New Braunfels with his wife, capitalist and lives in Austin with his public education, which included 400 employees. Tatum has more Safety Center. She has 34 years of After retirement, he spent the next Loretta. Louis Falgout ’80, B.S. industrial wife, Nancy. his first position as a math teacher than 35 years of experience in experience in education and 24 four years living in and traveling the technology, is vice president of Gulf in Newton school district, two petrochemical manufacturing, years as a school administrator. She U.S. and Canada in a motor home. Sandra (French) Clark ’76, Coast Fabricators LLC in Beaumont, ’69, B.S. mechanical principalships at the middle and previously holding manufacturing is currently the principal of Silsbee He and his wife, Ann, live in Dallas. Tarrant Boyd II M.A. English, also holds a law Texas, where he lives with his engineering, is a retired engineer high school levels in Austin and his degree, and is a trial lawyer and wife, Becky. jobs from director level to business Elementary and Laura Reeves and lives in Romayor. last position as executive director of roles in the polymer business. Primary in Silsbee, where she lives ’57, B.S. shareholder/vice president at Gene Martinez Sr. facilities and planning. He and his Randy’s wife, ’83, B.S. with her husband, ’84, mechanical engineering, who also MehaffyWeber. She joined the Jill Scoggins ’80, is director Beth (Pratt) Tommy ’69, B.B.A. wife, Falba, live in Austin. chemical engineering, is a retired B.B.A. accounting. holds master’s and doctoral degrees Tim Mullally Sr. company in 1980 and became a of external communications at management, is retired and lives pastor and environmental engineer. in mechanical engineering, retired shareholder in 1985. In May 2019, University of Louisville, and lives with his wife, Arlene, in Dallas. ’72, B.B.A. They live in Canyon Lake, Texas. ’86, B.S. mathematics, is We hope you enjoy reading in 1990 after serving as a professor Gene Blanchard she received the Blackstone Award in Louisville, Ky., with her David Dial marketing, holds an M.B.A. in a ranch foreman and an avid runner. in the LU Department of Mechanical from the Jefferson County Bar husband, David. about former classmates. ’69, B.S. international business and retired ’84, B.S.W. He is ranked ninth in the U.S. with Engineering since 1959. He was Reta (Craig) Warren Association, which is the highest Lisa (Guidry) Crochett medical technology, is a medical from a marketing career at Rock social work, holds master’s and 203,000 miles ran as of August 2020 If you have news to share—a honored as a Regent’s Professor honor bestowed upon an attorney Tony Sekaly ’80, B.B.A. marketing, technologist at KBR Inc., a medical Bit International in 2003. He and doctoral degrees in educational and has run in the Boston Marathon. in 1975-1976 and Piper Professor by peers. She lives in Beaumont. who also holds an M.B.A. in position announcement, and research laboratory in NASA/ his wife, ’70, B.A. leadership and is principal of Tyrell David lives in Groveton, where he in 1980. Eugene is the owner and Kathy (Williams) marketing, is the marketing director Johnson Space Center, where she English., live in Spicewood. Elementary School in Port Arthur. manages three cattle ranches with consultant of Energetics and he lives Bobbie Patterson ’76, B.B.A. at Texas Class-Public Trust Advisors milestone, achievement, has worked for 35 years. She and She and her husband, his father. in Nederland with his wife, Carolyn. office administration, is a former in Houston, where he lives with his Melvin wedding, baby—or know the her husband, James, live Jim Broadway ’72, B.B.A. Beaumont City Council member and wife, Shelly. ’85, A.A.S. industrial electricity/ in Dickinson. marketing, is a tax director for a marketing educational coordinator electronics, ’93, A.A.S. computer Beverly (Richard) Robinson ’86, whereabouts of a lost alumnus, Geospace Technologies Corp. He electronics & robotics, married on B.S. home economics, also holds for the Beaumont school district. Julie (Mackey) Badger ’81, B.B.A. we want to hear from you. Danny Williams ’69, B.S. lives in Houston with his wife, She lives in Beaumont. accounting, is the executive director July 26, 2019. an M.Ed. in educational leadership, 60s mechanical engineering, is a retired Jeanne. of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and is the site coordinator at West professional engineer who lives in ’77, B.S. secondary Community Foundation in Onley, Va. Tim LaBonte ’84, B.S. criminal Orange Stark Academic Alternative Gov. Abbott appointed Kerry Austin David Beck Corsicana with his wife, Diana. James Collins ’72, B.B.A. education, retired as master chief She and her husband, Henry, live in justice, is Rolling Owner Controlled Center. She and her husband, ’61, B.S. government, to chair the accounting, retired as a comptroller petty officer for the Navy. He is Melfa, Va., and have a Insurance Program manager at the Frederick, live in Orange. SEND US YOUR NEWS: newly formed Texas Commission and training manager from E.I. owner of Spurlock Rd. Boat & Mini daughter, Bess. University of Texas MD Anderson Cardinal Cadence on judicial selection. Its 15 DuPont de Nemours and lives in Storage and lives in Nederland with Cancer Center. He lives in Houston. Levi Williams III ’86, B.S. criminal members are charged to evaluate Memphis, Tenn., with his wife Mary justice, who also holds an M.Ed. in 70s his wife, Virginia. Joel Hannemann ’81, B.S. health P.O. Box 10011 the merits of alternative methods Louise. and physical education, ’82, Lenny Matthews ’84, B.S. chemical counselor education, is a structured of judicial selection and produce Beaumont, TX 77710 ’70, B.S. elementary ’77, B.B.A. finance, M.Ed. school administration, is an engineering, is a global HYCO learning classroom teacher for recommendations to the legislature Jose Berrios Donald Brown education, who also holds a master’s Judy Hammond ’72, B.S. is a GPM marketing and planning executive director of safety and technical manager at Praxair Inc. in Beaumont school district, and he by Dec. 31, 2020. Beck is founding e-mail [email protected] degree in social work, retired from communication, ’82, M.S. speech, is support contractor for ExxonMobil security at Friendswood school The Woodlands. He and his wife, lives in Beaumont. partner at Beck Redden in Houston, teaching sixth-grade reading. He a highway safety specialist for the Corp. He lives in Nacogdoches with district. He lives in San Antonio with Danette, live in Conroe. or call (409) 880-8921 a premier litigation boutique firm. spends his free time serving as an U.S. Department of Transportation his wife, Mary. his wife, Lisa. Alan Bone ’87, B.S. secondary He lives in Houston with his wife, usher at Amalie Arena in Tampa, and National Highway Traffic Safety Sharon (Stokes) Oberst ’84, B.S. education, is senior associate Judy. Administration in Washington, D.C. dance, who also holds a master’s director of IT support for Fla., volunteering at a local senior Cynthia (Angell) Winney ’77, B.S. Darrell Lee ’81, A.S. law assisted-living facility and as a She is responsible for assisting in geology, retired from ExxonMobil enforcement, ’89, B.S. computer degree in dance, retired in 2019 Uncommon Schools in New York, ’61, B.S. mechanical Don Moseley eucharist minister at a local Catholic regional operations and program Chemical Co. after 37 years. She science, is a senior software after 32 years of teaching and N.Y., where he lives with his engineering, is a 15-year sailing church. He and his wife, Jill, live delivery, delivering technical and her husband, Robert ’74, engineer for Boeing and a published serving as the chair of the Theatre wife, Melissa. veteran, certified captain and in Tampa. assistance for highway safety grant A.A.S. drafting technology, recently author. He lives in Friendswood and Dance Department at Western sailing/navigating instructor. He programs, managing child safety moved to the Texas Hill Country with his wife, Yamilet. Oregon University in Monmouth, Lily (Simms) Fanning ’87, B.S. YOU & LU lives in Santa Fe, N.M., with his wife, and highway safety grant programs Ore. She and her husband, John, live elementary education, is an assistant A lifelong relationship. Wilfred “Buzz” Long Jr.’70, in New Braunfels to be close to Mary Jane. and overseeing child safety seat in Monmouth. principal in the Cypress-Fairbanks B.B.A. marketing, retired in 2002 their two grandchildren. She enjoys Steve Grantham ’82, B.B.A. finance, after working as a pharmaceutical inspection sites. Judy lives in gardening, special event cooking is vice president of commercial school district. She and her ’63, B.S. physical Hugh Hayes representative for Pfizer Inc. After Alexandria, Va. and time with family. banking at Hancock Whitney Allen Runte ‘84, A.A.S. middle husband, Bob, live in Houston. education, also holds master’s and graduating from LU, he enlisted Bank Trust and Asset Management management, ’92, B.S. electrical The Office of doctoral degrees in education, in the U.S. Navy and served until Sam Biddle ’73, B.S. chemical ’78, in Beaumont. He and his wife, engineering, is a senior maintenance Lana (VanPelt) Hughes ’87, A.A.S. and is retired after a career in Morgan (Colburn) Chambellan Alumni Affairs honorably discharged in 1975. Buzz engineering, is retired and lives in B.M., music, retired after teaching ’83, A.A.S. manager at Total Petrochemicals dental hygiene, is a registered dental education. He served as a high Lorrilea (Kennedy) has played a major role with the Bridge City with his wife, Peggy. for 40 years and she lives in dental hygiene, have a daughter, USA in Port Arthur. His wife, Terri hygienist at Atascocita Modern school counselor, elementary is your connection. LU Cardinal Club Board and served Their son, Wes ’08, B.S. chemical La Porte. ’12, B.M. music—and a (Nunez) ’84, B.S. elementary Dentistry and Orthodontics in school principal and assistant Raegan as president in 2005. He and his engineering, is a production son— ’16, B.S.N. nursing. education, is an elementary school Humble, where she lives with her superintendent in his hometown Shannon wife, Catherine, are involved in the engineering and expertise manager ’79, B.S. Steve has served multiple terms teacher for Groves Elementary in husband, Wayne. Update your information so of Liberty. Hayes also served as Cheryl (Boyd) Linscomb Beaumont community, including the at Dow Chemical and lives in elementary education, ’84, M.Ed. on the board of the Greater Port Neches-Groves school district. superintendent of schools for we can keep you up-to-date American Heart Association and the Groves with his wife, Sherri. Elementary education, is a first- Beaumont Chamber of Commerce They live in Beaumont. Lisa Roedahl ’87, B.S. special Lancaster, Texarkana, Ector County Rotary Club. They live in Beaumont. grade elementary school teacher and the Southeast Texas Economic education teaches in the Port on what’s happening at the (Odessa), Katy school districts and Wilson Lee ’74, B.B.A. accounting, in Orangefield school district. Her Development Foundation, which Ricky Ryan ’84, M.Ed. educational Neches-Groves school district. She Pascagoula school district in Miss. university, invite you to special ’71, A.A.S. drafting is retired and lives in Kerrville with husband, ’77, B.S. secondary he served as a chairman. He and supervision, is a math teacher at lives in Nederland. He also was deputy commissioner Jody Chesson Walker technology, is retired from the his wife, Renee (Riegel) ’72, B.A. education, ’81, M.Ed. secondary Lorrilea live in Sour Lake. Little Cypress-Mauriceville High for the Texas Education Agency and events and make sure you get Department of Energy and his wife, history, who is a former teacher. education, is a middle school School and was named the school’s Helen Tangires ’87, M.B.A. business has been on the Region 4 board for ’73, B.B.A. office teacher at Orangefield Junior High ’82, A.A.S. diesel 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year. He administration, who also holds a access to all of the perks of 13 years. He and his wife, Glenda, Janice (Saegert) Terry Morton administration, is a retired teacher. Mike Pate ’74, B.S. health and School. They live in Orange. mechanics, is the chief of the fire and his wife, Demetria (Carter) ’02, Ph.D. in American studies, authored live in Katy. being a Cardinal. They live in Lexington. physical education, ’93, M.Ed. department in Nederland, where he live in Orange. a book titled, Movable Markets, education, retired after a career ’79, B.S. lives with his wife, Tammy. which details America’s wholesale ’66, B.S. civil Hyattye Simmons Levy Dumas ’71, as superintendent for West government, holds a law degree and Monique (Decoux) Clark ’86, food business in the 20th century. engineering, holds an M.B.A. Deborah (Dunbar) Lowry B.B.A. secretarial science, who also Sabine school district. He lives in is a 2017 Distinguished Alumnus. He ’82, B.S. electrical B.S. elementary education, is a She is also the author of Public in operations management and Terry Welch lamar.edu/alumni holds an M.S. in accounting, is an Nacogdoches with his wife, Susan. is a presiding judge in the municipal engineering, is CEO of Sinclair teacher and interventionist in the Markets and Civil Culture in

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Beaumont United High School. She —Lamar Nineteenth-Century America and assets manager for American Bank Ray Smith ’91, M.E. engineering Goose Creek school district. He lives Jim Salles ’95, B.A.A.S. applied arts acquisitions attorney, and author Distinguished Alumni Awards Public Markets. Helen is the director in Corpus Christi, Texas, his 30th lives in Beaumont with her management, is an engineering in Baytown with his wife, Patricia. & sciences, holds an M.Div. and is who wrote Giant Shifts: Energy University honored four outstanding alumni of the Center of Advanced Study in year in the financial services field. husband, Dennis. and physics professor of practice at a retired ordained minister. He and Trends Reshaping America’s Future, as 2020 Distinguished Alumni during a Visual Arts at the National Gallery of He lives in Calallen with his Abilene Christian University after Michael Leger ‘93, A.A.S. nursing, his wife, Sue, live in Athens. which hit No. 1 on Amazon’s energy special awards ceremony Feb. 28. Art in Washington, D.C., where she wife, Shelly. Evelyn (Rodriguez) Miralles 43 years in the industry. He lives in holds a B.S.N., M.B.A. and a Ph.D best sellers list. He and his wife, 1. Larry Lawson ’12, C.L. Ross ’83, Elaine (Norman) lives with her husband, Dennis. ’90, B.F.A. graphic design, is in nursing, and is an assistant dean, ’92, B.S. communication, Abilene with his wife, Sarah. Jennifer (Bensky) Birdsong ’96, Kristina Shellenberger ’74 and Jimmy Singletary ’72 Vicky (Beagle) Hartt ’89, B.S. the associate vice president for interim track administrator and B.S. interdisciplinary studies, also live in Houston. strategic information initiatives and Tricia (Pope) Kimball ’88, B.S. secondary education, teaches math Krysti (Lamm) Dockens ’92, B.S. associate professor for teaching holds an M.A. in teaching, and is technology at the University LU Alumni Between-the-Games secondary education, is a science in the Nederland school district and communication disorders, ’94 at the University of Texas Medical the director of advanced learning Bryan Graham ’98, B.S. chemical Basketball Party—LU alumni and friends and chemistry teacher at Nederland lives in Nederland. of Houston-Clear Lake. M.S. audiology/speech language Branch-Galveston. He and his at FlightSafety International in Fort engineering, holds an M.S. in gathered Jan. 25 for a between-the-games High School. She and her husband, pathology, is a speech-language partner, Charles Hardy ’95, B.A.A.S. Worth. She and her husband, James, systems engineering and is the vice party and cheered on the Lady Cardinals and Kyle, live in Nederland. Their Gerald Lasseigne ’89, B.B.A. David Rutledge ’90, B.S. pathologist in Beaumont school applied arts and sciences, live live in Denton. president of Atlus Midstream in Cardinals as they took on Stephen F. Austin. daughter, Bella, is a current student management, is an account manager mechanical engineering, is serving district. She and her husband John in Galveston. Houston. He and his wife, Jennefer his second term as mayor of Bridge in the Reaud Honors College at LU. for ABB in Port Arthur. He lives in live in Beaumont. Gordon Friesz ’97, B.S. political (Neely) ’97, B.S. interdisciplinary 2. Baby Nolan Guidry, Julie (Mooneyham) Guidry Port Neches with his wife, Dorothy. City. He was elected to the board Jeff McKinnon ’93, B.A. history, science, a law degree and is an studies, ’09, M.Ed. teacher ’07, James Warner ’64, ’71, Linda (Solly) Warner of directors of the Texas Municipal Dawn (Vallery) Pollard ’88, B.S. Eric Hoeny ’92, B.F.A. graphic B.A. Spanish, ’00, M.Ed. counseling attorney at Wells, Peyton, Greenberg leadership, live in Midland. ’67, ’75 and Andrew Guidry League and received the Certified elementary education, is retired after Mark Porterie ’89, B.S. criminal design, is vice president of supply and development, is a student & Hunt law firm. His wife,Shelly Municipal Official Award from TML, teaching 32 years in the Beaumont justice, who also holds master’s and chain management at Alliance data manager and district testing (Hudson) ’97, B.S. interdisciplinary Geri (Dauphine) Hotchkiss ’98, TMEA Music Alumni Reception—Feb. 14 school district. She and her doctorate degrees in education, one of only 45 awarded in Texas coordinator for Nederland school B.S. interdisciplinary studies, is a Project Services, headquartered studies, is a middle school teacher 3. Music alumni and friends enjoyed an after hours husband, Sam, live in Beaumont. has served as the superintendent in 2019. David also works as a in Leesburg, Va. He and his wife, district. He and his wife, Brooke, for the Nederland school district. third-grade teacher in the Nederland networking social at the TMEA Conference in of Port Arthur school district since mechanical engineering consultant Squipe, live in Magnolia. live in Port Neches. They live in Sugar Land. school district. She lives in Michele (Yennie) Smith ’88, B.B.A. 2014. In May 2019, the Port Arthur at Neches Engineers in Beaumont. Nederland with her husband, Jason. San Antonio accounting, who also holds a J.D., Cosmopolitan Masonic Lodge He and his wife, Rebecca, live in ’94, Ken Mazzu ’92, B.F.A. studio art, Stacie (Cummings) Augustine Johnna “Rena” (Eslinger) Guillory —The received the Kenneth W. Lewis 872 awarded him with the 2019 Bridge City and have two grown holds a master’s degree in fine art B.S. political science, ’98, M.P.A. ’97, B.G.S. general studies-liberal Judith (Binagia) Taylor ’98, B.S. Secret to a Successful Side Hustle Professionalism Award from the Community Builder Award, citing daughters. public administration, holds a J.D. kinesiology, is a physical education Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and is a self-employed fine artist. He arts, is visual arts teacher at Marshall along with the Southeast Texas Young Jefferson County Bar Association his stalwart efforts to keep his lives in Houston. in law and is an attorney for Strong High School in Marshall, where teacher at Port Neches Elementary Professionals Organization teamed up with in May 2019. The award is given school system afloat and functioning Amilcar Shabazz ’90, M.A. history, Pipkin Bissel & Ledyard law firm. she lives. School and is in her 23rd year holds a Ph.D. in history/African- Lamar University to present a professional to a lawyer who exemplifies, after Hurricane Harvey. Mark and Cynthia Parra ’92, B.A. political She lives in Beaumont with her teaching for the district. She lives in American Studies and is a professor development panel discussion titled “Secret to by conduct and character, truly his wife, Caffrie “Penny,” have an science, B.A. history, ’17, M.Ed. husband, Dwaine. Danielle (Olivier) Jackson ’97, Port Neches. professional traits. Michele joined adult daughter, Imani. They live in of African-American studies at teacher leadership, is the center B.A. political science, ’03, M.A. a Successful Side Hustle” Jan. 30. MehaffyWeber P.C. in 1993 and Port Arthur. the University of Massachusetts- manager at the Tutoring Center Lorrie (Whitley) Taylor ’94, B.B.A. English, is associate principal at Jason Viator ’98, B.B.A. 4. Panelists Katie (Whitney) Celli ’08, Roy West ’83, became a shareholder in 1999. Amherst. He lives in Amherst, Mass., accounting, is executive port management information systems, Corp. and she works in retail sales Fort Bend-Marshall High School Jevonne Pollard, Nikki Relford and Natasha Michele and her husband, Mitch, with his wife, Demetria. director and CEO of the Port of holds an M.B.A. in information marketing for Acosta. She lives in in Missouri City and was named Garrett with Moderator Brenna Smith live in Beaumont and both serve Galveston. Orange. She became the first female Assistant Principal of the Year in systems and works in the global ’90, B.S. health on the board of numerous local 90s Jerry “J.T.” Toups Jr. to hold the position in Orange 2019. Her husband Scott ’94, B.S. people experience – new talent education, teaches math at George organizations. Paul Gautier ’93, B.A.A.S. applied when she took the job in April 2019. criminal justice, ’04, M.B.A. business team at Walmart Stores Inc. He lives Ranch High School in the Lamar Previously, Lorrie had been the in Cave Springs, Ark. Kristeen (Nichols) Davis ’90, B.S. arts and sciences, is managing administration, works for the Howco Lester Whiteing Jr. ’88, B.S. family elementary education, is the special school district. He and his wife, director of Cary Street Partners. In finance director at the port since Group in Houston. They live and consumer sciences-fashion education campus coordinator for Angela, live in Rosenberg. September 2019, the Association for 2014. After graduating from LU, in Nederland. Laura Eastep ’99, B.S. chemistry, 00s retailing and merchandising, is Northside school district. She lives Corporate Growth welcomed him as she had a 10-year career in public holds an M.D. in obstetrics and ’91, community involvement coordinator in San Antonio with her husband, Leslie (Cobble) Pember one of their 2019-2020 directors at accounting at Cavett, Turner and Stacey Knight ’97, B.S.N. nursing, gynecology and works for Women Schmeka Andris ’00, B.B.A. for the City of Houston, where John. B.B.A. office administration, is an large on the ACG Global Board. He Wyble. Lorrie and her husband, holds an M.S.N. in nursing and a Partners in Health as an OB/ accounting, is a portfolio accountant he lives. administrative assistant at CHRISTUS and his wife, Carol, live in Austin. Claude, have two adult children and doctorate in nursing practice. She Gyn. She lives in Austin with her at Holt Lunsford Commercial in St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. live in Orange. husband, Paul. Dallas, and she lives in Red Oak. Mark Kordelski ’90, B.S. mechanical is a director of articulation/assistant She and her husband, ’93, Wade Armer ’89, B.S. mathematical engineering, is a senior premier J. Craig Gambol (Dodge) Golden ’93, A.A.S. professor for the JoAnne Gay sciences, ’90, B.S. secondary field engineer at Microsoft Corp. in B.B.A. finance, who works as a computer drafting technology, is the Brook (Bowlin) Hughes ’95, B.S. Dishman School of Nursing. She Alaric Harrell ’99, B.B.A. Callie Beauchamp ’00, M.S. education, ’92, M.S. mathematics, Tampa, Fla., and he lives in Polk senior tech support analyst in the owner of GDS—Golden Drafting communication disorders, ’97, lives in Beaumont with her accounting, who is also a CPA, is audiology, is an audiologist and is vice president of engineering at City, Fla. College of Education and Human Services, in Baytown, where M.S. deaf studies/habilitation, is partner, Kami. assistant controller at Cameron LNG owner of the Worth Hearing Center Ohmstede Ltd. in Beaumont, and he Development, live in Beaumont. she lives. a teacher/itinerant team leader at in Houston. He lives in Richmond in Albuquerque, NM, where lives in Hemphill. Plano Regional Day School Program with his wife, Berdia. she lives. Eva (Herndon) LeBlanc ’90, B.S. Jimmy Vallee ’97, B.A.A.S. ’91, B.S. electrical health and kinesiology, ’19, M.Ed. Jeff Setliff Michael Graves ’93, B.A. sociology, for the Deaf in Plano school district. applied arts and sciences, earned Stephen Floyd ’89, B.B.A. finance, school counseling, is a college engineering, is an electrical engineer holds an M.Div. and is an English, She and her husband, Jeff, live a law degree and is an energy is a senior trust officer and specialty and career readiness counselor at for Chevron-Phillips. He lives in Port sociology and speech teacher in in Lewisville. commentator, mergers and Arthur with his wife, Valarie.

34 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 35 CONNECT WITH US!

Max Dunlap ’01, M.B.A. business Abby (Scott) Beebe ’03, B.S.N. Josh Martin ’04, B.B.A. marketing, Kevin Hussey ’05, B.S. criminal Glenda (Chavis) Alfred ’07, B.A.A.S. Wesley Biddle ’08, B.S. chemical Monica (SanMartin) Cabico ’09, JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA administration, is a shareholder nursing, is a registered nurse at received his superintendent justice, works as a state trooper for applied arts and sciences, retired engineering, is a production M.Ed. administration, is principal of to learn more about university withand certified fraud examiner for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital certification in 2019. In Jan. 2020, the Department of Public Safety as a family and consumer science engineering expertise manager at Jefferson Middle School in Northside news, alumni events, contests Reimer McGuinness & Associates. in New Braunfels. Jarret ’01, B.S. Rowan and Littlefield publishing in Beaumont. His wife, Robbi teacher in Port Arthur school district Dow Chemical Co. in Orange. He school district and lives with her He lives in Houston with his psychology, is a science teacher company released his first book, (Ackerman) ’06, B.S. psychology, in 2018. She taught culinary arts and his wife, Sherri, live in Groves. husband, Roger, in San Antonio. and prizes: wife, Younghea. and a coach at New Braunfels High titled, Turning a School Around: is an eighth-grade science teacher and hospitality services. She and her • @lamarualumni on School. They live in Canyon Lake. Key Considerations for Real Success. at C.O. Wilson Middle School in husband, Johnny, live in Manvel and Nick Cioci ’08, B.S. communication, Yvonne Clark ’09, M.Ed. Facebook, Instagram Jennifer (McMullen) East ’01, Josh is a capital project manager Nederland school district. They live have two grown children. received his doctorate in education administration, works in instruction B.S.N. nursing, who also holds Brooke (Smith) Deets ’03, B.G.S. at Flint Hill Resources. Stephanie in Nederland. in May 2019. He is the assistant technology support at Henderson and Twitter an M.S. in nursing, is a family general studies, teaches math at (Cox) Martin ’04, B.B.A. accounting, Shane Cantrell ’07, B.S. chemical registrar for online programs at High School. She and her husband, • Lamar University Alumni nurse practitioner at Triangle Little Cypress-Mauriceville High is an accountant at Richard L. Jesica (Bates) Sykes ’05, B.S. family engineering, is a staff planning and LU. He and his wife, Sarah, live in Bobby, live in Henderson. group on LinkedIn Endocrinology in Beaumont. She School. She and her husband, Euger, Shorkey Center. The couple lives and consumer science-food and optimization engineer at Valero Lumberton with their and her husband, Matt, live have two sons and live in Orange. in Beaumont. nutrition, ’19, M.S. speech-language Energy Corp. He lives in La Marque daughter, Blakely. Reginald Collins ’09, B.B.A. human in Nederland. pathology, is a speech-language with his wife, Ashley. resource management, holds an Laura (Ramberg) McNeill ’03, Renwick Johnson ’04, B.S. pathologist at 212 Therapy. She and Kristy (Stanley) Cleveland ’08, M.B.A. in business administration ALUMNI SHARE FASCINATING Michelle (Whitney) Judice ’01, B.A. B.G.S. general studies, is a teacher communication, also holds an her husband, Damien, live Elle (Barnard) Congelliere ’07, B.S. M.Ed. elementary education, is a P.E. and is a financial analyst for MD STORIES—from artist John English, ’03, M.A. English, ’04, B.A. for Oklahoma City Public Schools. M.S. in education, is a teacher at in Beaumont. psychology, is founder and CEO and fine arts teacher at Lumberton Anderson Cancer Center. He and Alexander to broadcaster Larry psychology, ’18, Ed.D. educational She lives in Oklahoma City with her Pathways Alternative Learning of Pavé, an international female Intermediate School and lives in his wife, Shatoyia (Lewis) ’10, B.S. leadership, is an associate professor husband, Clay. Center and also a coach in Whitney (Evans) Williamson ’05, social club dedicated to genuine Lumberton with her nursing, live in Houston. Beaulieu—during our Digital of English and chair of the General Beaumont school district. He and B.S. communication, holds an M.Ed. connections, empowerment and husband, William. Alumni & Friends Gatherings. Education and Developmental David Paul ’03, M.S. applied his wife, Hailey, live in Beaumont. in educational leadership and is an community development. She is also Robin (Shoemake) Hanssen ’09, Studies Department at Lamar State criminology, is an assistant director inclusion and resource specialist in a freelance special event planner. ’08, B.S. family M.Ed. teacher leadership, is a Catch up at David Jones lamar.edu/ College Port Arthur. In July, Judice for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in David Ochoa ’04, B.A. political North East school district. She lives Elle and her husband, Noah, live and consumer science- food and teacher and coach in North East digitalalumnigatherings. was nominated as a Southeast Philadelphia, Pa. He lives in Canton, science, ’15, M.Ed. counseling in San Antonio with her in Dallas. nutrition, received his master’s school district in San Antonio, Texas, Texas Unmasked Hero for using Miss., with his wife, Pamela. and development, is program husband, Tyler. degree in physician assistant studies where she lives with her husband, YouTube to bridge the gap and help coordinator at Region 5 Education Julie (Mooneyham) Guidry ’07, in 2019 from the University of Utah Rob. CARDINAL her students during the COVID-19 Charisma Popillion ’03, B.S. Service Center, and he lives in Vidor. Brad Boyette ’06, B.G.S. general B.S. communication, is in her 11th College of Medicine. He lives in shutdown. She and her husband, Al, interdisciplinary studies, ’07, M.Ed. studies, is a teacher and coach for year of her teaching career and is a Saratoga Springs, Utah, with his Anne (Olivieri) Leal ’09, B.A.A.S. BUSINESS NETWORK live in Bridge City. school administration, who also Kristin Robbins ’04, B.S. health Weatherford school district. He lives fourth-grade teacher at Port Acres wife, Danielle, and their applied arts and sciences, holds an Are you an alumni-owned holds a doctorate in education, education, ’09, M.Ed. administration, in Weatherford with his Elementary School in Port Arthur. two children. M.Ed. in bilingual education and is a Nakisha (Myles) Burns ’02, B.S. is in her second year as principal ’13, M.Ed. special education, is a wife, Sunnye. She and her husband, Cole, have senior special populations program business? Call us to get political science, ’04, M.P.A., also of Beaumont United High School diagnostician at Macarthur High two sons and they live in Groves. Josh LeBlanc ’08, B.B.A. specialist for the Houston school your Cardinal Business holds a Ph.D. in educational and her 17th year working in the School in Aldine school district. She Bharath Eaga ’06, M.S. chemical accounting, is a CPA/shareholder for district. She lives in Crosby with her Network decal! administration and supervision and Beaumont school district—the same lives in Bay City. engineering, is a safety and loss Angela (Hollier) Harrington ’07, Edgar, Kiker and Cross PC. He lives husband, Jesse. is the public and government affairs district she matriculated through. prevention engineer at SBM B.S. communication disorders, ’09, in Beaumont with his wife, Cheryl. manager at Beaumont’s ExxonMobil Charisma began her teaching Chad Srader ’04, B.S. criminal Offshore in Houston. He and his M.S. speech-language pathology, is Randi Rawls ’09, B.S. psychology, Co. She and her husband, Horace, career as an English, language justice, is chief operating officer, wife, Santhoshi, live in Katy. lead speech language pathologist Danielle (Hudson) Sutton ’08, ’12, M.S. community psychology, John Boone ’00, B.S. electrical live in Beaumont. arts and reading teacher at South and an assistant scout executive at at CHRISTUS Health Foundation of B.S. interdisciplinary studies- works in children’s mental health engineering, is an airborne Park Middle School. Charisma and Boy Scouts of America. He lives in Seth Irwin ’06, B.S. mechanical Southeast Texas. Her husband, elementary education, is the creator at Spindletop Center in Port Arthur. processor for Raytheon Co. He lives Alisa (Hicklin) Fryar ’02, B.S. her husband, Byron -09, who is a Humble with his wife, Demetra. engineering, is a maintenance and Allen -07, is a former pro baseball and designer of Elle Inspired, her She lives in Bridge City. in Richardson with his wife, Dana. political science, is an associate police officer for LUPD, have three reliability engineer for Phillips 66 player for the San Diego Padres and custom and handmade design professor of political science at the daughters, and they live Aimee (Lieby) Weatherford ’04, and co-owner of Irwin’s Toy Box, works in the water department for business. Since graduating from LU, Janai Sanders ’09, B.S. criminal Wendy (Woodall) Gray ’00, B.S. University of Oklahoma and has in Beaumont. B.S. criminal justice, ’15, M.B.A. a firearms business in Sweeny. He the City of Groves. They live in she has taught elementary school justice, ’18, M.S. criminal justice, is interdisciplinary studies, is a teacher been teaching there since 2006. She business administration, is a product lives in West Columbia with his Port Neches. both in Abilene and in Beaumont. the owner and CEO of Jaye’s Joy at Port Neches Elementary School. lives in Norman, Okla., with her Tiffany (Weatherford) Spivey ’03, integrity advisor at ExxonMobil wife, Wendy. In addition to founding Elle Catering and Meal Preps. She lives Her husband, Robert ’92, B.S. husband, Daniel. B.S. interdisciplinary studies, is Chemical Corp. In August 2019, David “Mark” Pickett ’07, Inspired, Danielle began a Facebook in Humble. biology, is senior environmental a career and technical education the United Way of Beaumont and Helen (Ward-Holt) Mitchell ’06, B.G.S. general studies, ’18, M.Ed. group called Blessed Mommas coordinator at Cheniere Energy Inc. Jeremy Hunt ’02, B.M. music, family consumer science teacher in North Jefferson County awarded her B.S. family and consumer sciences- educational technology leadership, of SETX, which has grown to be Steven Srader ’09, B.G.S. general They live in Nederland. holds an M.A. in counseling and an Nederland school district. She lives with the James T. “Terry” Bourdier fashion retailing/merchandising, is a life science teacher and a community for sharing family- studies, also holds an M.B.A., and is M.B.A. in management and is an HR in Nederland. Spirit of United Way Award for her is a life skills teacher at Wharton instructional support specialist friendly events happening in the a distribution operations manager at Jenny Richardson ’00, B.S. manager at Yardi Systems Inc. He commitment to and service on the Elementary School and a licensed at Tarkington High School in area and opportunities for donations Williams-Sonoma in Arlington. He communication, is a teen leadership lives in Dallas with his wife, Annie. Bianca (McCloud) Green ’04, B.S. United Way Board. She and her vocational nurse. She and her Cleveland. He and his wife, Gloria, or service projects for children. and his wife, Tonya, live in Crowley. instructor and head volleyball coach interdisciplinary studies, is principal husband, Eric, live in Beaumont. husband, Benny, live in Damon. live in Thicket. Danielle and her husband, Lloyd, at Georgetown High School. She is Chris Kovatch ’02, B.S. criminal of Oakmont Elementary School in live in Beaumont with their also the P.E. and health department justice, is senior vice president of Crowley school district. She and her Eric Williams ’04, is the athletic Matthew Rhone ’06, B.B.A. finance, Kayne Smith ’07, B.G.S. general three children. chair. In 2019, Jenny was named the Bridge City State Bank and was husband, Christopher, live in Fort coordinator and head football and B.B.A. management information studies, who also holds master’s Georgetown High School Teacher selected as Orange County Citizen Worth. basketball coach for Burkeville systems, is a computer systems and doctoral degrees in education, of the Year. Also in 2019, she of the Year by the Greater Orange school district. He and his wife, technician at Structure X in Lake is director of transportation for surpassed 400 varsity career wins Area Chamber of Commerce. He Patricia (Eaves) Hackman ’04, B.S. Rhonda -09, have two sons, Evander Charles, La. He and his wife, Tammy, Cypress-Fairbanks school district. He as a volleyball coach. She and her lives in Orange with his interdisciplinary studies, returned and Melik, and a daughter, Trinity. live in Sulphur, La. and his wife, Emily, live in Houston. partner, Mike, live in Austin. wife, Christi. to the classroom as an elementary They live in Beaumont. gifted education teacher in Illinois Samantha Taylor ’06, B.A. Chris Swango ’07, B.S. electrical Shannon (Pier) Allen ’01, M.Ed. Vimal Nair ’02, M.S. industrial in fall 2019, where she lives with Brett Winn ’04, B.B.A. management, psychology, ’15, M.S. criminal engineering, is an aftermarket school administration, ’13, Ed.D. engineering is an assistant division her husband, James. ’04, B.B.A. human resource justice, is director of admissions at engineer at Sumitomo Drive educational leadership, is the manager for facilities at Freese and management, who also holds an the University of North Texas. She Technologies in Lufkin. He and his superintendent of Beaumont school Nichols. His expertise includes Leatha (Hughes) Hallmark ’04, M.B.A., is a manager of refinery lives in Denton. wife, Angela, live in Huntington. district. Her husband, Red ’90, comprehensive utility audits and B.S. mechanical engineering, is an human resources at Valero Energy B.A.A.S. applied arts and sciences, system assessments that help drive operations manager at Marathon Corp. in Houston. He and his wife, Charlee Anne “Sissy” (Lemons) Ronnie Turner Jr. ’07, B.A. energy savings and reductions in Petroleum Co. in Detroit, Mich. She -02, B.G.S. general ’06, M.Ed. school psychology, who holds a J.D., is is an artist and owner of Red Allen Sharlee (Beiter) Yeaman Fred Vernon ‘12, ‘13 Brad Brown ‘81 Tea Do ‘08 Cowboy Art. They live in Beaumont. operations and maintenance costs. and her husband, Kevin, live in studies live in Houston. administration, is principal of a trial lawyer at Provost Umphrey Vimal lives in Grand Prairie. Northville, Mich. Highland Park Elementary School Law Firm and was named to the The Lamar University Alumni Advisory Board has elected Fred ’05, B.S. exercise in Nederland school district. In May 2019 Texas Rising Stars list of top Sheri (Horn) DelMage ’01, Kevin Barbay Vernon ’12, ’13, to serve as 2020-2021 president. Brad Brown ’81 of B.B.A. management information Brian Stampley ’02, B.S. Kelly (Socha) Hansen ’04, B.G.S. science and fitness management, is 2019, she was one of 20 school young attorneys, marking the fifth systems, ’03, B.B.A. accounting, psychology, ’06, M.Ed. counseling general studies, received her M.B.A. an assistant head coach and wide leaders state wide to receive the year he earned the honor. He is Beaumont will serve as past president and Nga “Tea” (Nguyen) Do is an accountant and managing and development, is a licensed in 2019. She lives in Alexandria, Va., receivers coach for the Central 2019 Texas Elementary Principals board certified in personal injury ’08 of Beaumont as president-elect. Alumni Advisory Board members shareholder at Edgar, Kiker & Cross, professional counselor for Vidor with her husband, Erick. Michigan University football team. and Supervisors Award. Sissy lives in trial law by the Texas Board of Legal serve three-year terms and support the Lamar University Office of school district. He lives in Vidor He and his wife, Kacie, live in Bridge City and has a Specialization. Turner and his wife, PC. She and her husband, Douglas, Alumni Affairs as advisors, advocates and ambassadors. live in Beaumont. with his wife, Aspen. Mount Pleasant, Mich. daughter, Jensyn. Brianna, live in Beaumont.

36 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 37 Center for History and Culture Seeks Lamar Memorabilia The Center for History and teacher at Travis Middle School in Chemical Co. in Baytown. She at Kennedale Junior High School, Lamar State College - Orange. She Culture of Southeast Texas and Jenny (Brechtel) Theriot ’10, B.S. Nicole (Quebedeaux) Toney ’13, interdisciplinary studies, is an Irving school district. He lives married her husband, Andrew, on B.S. graphic design, is the marketing southeast of Fort Worth. Her lives in Groves. the Upper Gulf Coast at Lamar elementary school teacher at First in Dallas. Sep. 7, 2019, and they live director at 5 Under Golf Center in husband, Shane, is the athletic University wants your Lamar Baptist Academy in Silsbee. She in Humble. Beaumont. She and her husband, coordinator and head football coach Evan Rawls ’15, B.A.A.S. applied memories! The Center kicked and her husband, Cody, have two Te’Nesha Austin-Jackson ’12, Matthew, rescued a dog, Layla, in at Lubbock High School, and they arts and sciences, is a teacher at children, and they live in Silsbee. M.Ed. administration, is an assistant KaNani Coleman ’13, M.Ed. school March 2019 who was featured in a live in Lubbock. Lumberton Middle School, and off its “Lamar 100 Project” with principal at Woodrow Wilson High counseling, is known by her Facebook post that went viral. They received the school’s award for School in Dallas. She lives in Forney students as Coach Coleman and she ’15, M.S. family Teacher of the Year in April 2019. “A Centennial Show and Tell” Ernesto Alvarez ’11, B.A. political live in Bridge City. Rupali Agarwal on Oct. 5, 2019. Alumni and science, who also holds a J.D., is an with her husband, Courtney. is the seventh-grade girls’ physical and consumer sciences, is CEO and He lives in Nederland. Lamar letterman jacket (ca. 1938) is education teacher at Lake Olympia founder of Enhance Your Palate, a members of the public brought attorney at Clark Hill practice group Ronnie Wright Jr. ’13, M.Ed. part of the Morris Cullen “Knobby” in Houston, working with litigation Brian Boudreaux ’12, B.G.S. general Middle School in Fort Bend school administration, ’15, Ed.D. healthy vegetarian cooking website Krista (Adams) Whitmire ’15, B.S. English (AA ‘40) Collection donated LU memorabilia—mementos, and immigration law issues. He lives studies, is an environmental, health district, where she has taught educational leadership, is a teacher where she provides recipes and fashion retail merchandising, works at the first “Lamar 100 Project” documents, photos, memory in Groves. and safety manager at Fanatics Inc. for more than five years. KaNani at Dayton High School. He lives hosts culinary events. She and her in procurement at TXDOT. She lives digitization day. books, clippings, testimonies— He lives in Las Vegas, Nev., with his coaches seventh-grade volleyball, in Dayton. husband, Akhil, live in in Bridge City with her wife, Christie. girls’ basketball and girls’ track. She Mandeville, La. husband, Tyler. Zachary Celeste ’11, B.B.A. for donation or digitization. This was the Center’s kickoff lives in Houston. accounting, earned his law degree Estela Alvarez ’14, B.S. civil event for LU’s Centennial, which will be celebrated in 2023. and is an associate attorney for Lakeshia (Butcher) Boyd ’12, B.S. engineering, is a project engineer The Texas Public Safety Commission Brady Byars ’16, B.G.S. general “The event was a real success,” said Judith Linsley ’67, Wells, Peyton, Greenberg & Hunt studio art, holds a master’s degree in Jani (Henson) Golightly ’13, at RJN Group in Houston, and she voted unanimously in May 2019 to studies, is the Kountze High curriculum and instruction and is an B.A.A.S. applied arts and sciences, appoint ’15, B.A.A.S. School Lady Basketball head ’77, director of the center. Among other treasures, the center law firm. His wife,Renee (Morris) lives in Baytown. Phillip Ayala ’11, B.A. history, is an adjunct AP art teacher for Houston school is a literacy coach in Clear Creek applied arts and sciences, to the coach. His wife, Ellen (Rodges) received a ca. 1938 Lamar Junior College football jersey and district. She lives in Rosharon with school district. She and her position of Texas Department of ’13, B.S. interdisciplinary studies, instructor at the Lamar Institute of Marisol (Sanchez) Barajas ’14, jacket, as well as a 1960s-era practice jersey (complete with Technology. They live in Beaumont. her husband, Brendon. husband, Clay, live in Seabrook. B.B.A. management information Public Safety inspector general. He is a kindergarten teacher at Laura grass stains) and several scrapbooks. systems, is an IT support specialist began the role in December 2019. Reeves Primary in Silsbee school ’12, B.B.A. accounting, ’13, B.S.N. He lives in Leander. district. They live in Silsbee. Josh Davis ’11, B.S. criminal justice, Mark Davis Lauren (Plaia) Goodhue at Gulf Credit Union in Groves. She “We encourage people to look in their closets and in ’15, M.B.A. business administration, is an accountant at Sun Industrial nursing, received her M.S.N. in and her husband, Javier, live in storage boxes and share their memories with us. We can also ’19, M.P.H. public health, is Group in Westlake, La. He and his 2019 and is now a family nurse Port Arthur. Justin Brock ’15, B.S. kinesiology, Franchelle (Hill) Davis ’16, B.S. help them with identifying and preserving their treasures,” senior director of major gifts for wife, Kelly, live in Lumberton. practitioner. She works at Diagnostic ’16, M.S. kinesiology, is a U.S. communication, is the head girls Group Integrated Healthcare System history teacher and a coach at West track coach at Summer Creek High Legacy Community Health. His Edward Beck ’14, M.Ed. school Linsley said. The center plans another event in spring 2021. ’12, B.S. in Beaumont, where she lives with Brook High School and he lives School in Humble school district. husband, Thomas Davis ’15, B.B.A. Meghan Findley counseling, is principal of The “digitization day” took place in the saloon at advertising communication, B.B.A. interdisciplinary studies, is a her husband, John. Wellington Junior High School in in Beaumont. She and Trevon ’15, B.S. criminal Spindletop-Gladys City Museum. Local museum curators marketing, is the owner of Designer kindergarten teacher in Irving Wellington, where he lives. justice, married on March 10, 2019. assisted center staff with preservation and conservation Deserts and a baker for Debbie’s school district and she lives in Amy (Vell) Hederman ’13, B.S.N. Doug Curry ’15, B.S.N. nursing, is He is a probation officer for the Red Oak. nursing, received her master’s an R.N. in the Intensive Care Unit Harris County Juvenile Probation Delights. They live in Beaumont. Kasie (Murff) Dockens ’14, B.S. advice for visitors. Memorabilia collected will be conserved degree in nursing in May 2019, interdisciplinary studies, and at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Department, and they live ’12, M.Ed. and she works for HCA Healthcare Texas. In Jan. 2019, he received the in Houston. and catalogued as the Lamar 100 Collection and will Robert Godinez ’11, B.S. civil NaQuiyah Hodges her husband, Jason, welcomed a ultimately become part of Special Collections and the engineering, also holds an M.S. in administration, is an intervention as a nurse. She and her husband, daughter, Aubrey Lynn, on Feb. 28, Baptist Way Award for his service specialist in the Fort Worth school ’16, live in Richardson. above self. On April 13, 2019, he ’16, B.S. chemical Lamar University Archive at the Mary and John Gray Library civil and environmental engineering Michael 2019. They live in Beaumont. Robert Ehrlich and an M.B.A. in management, and district, and she lives in Arlington. married Morgan (Hodge) ’14, engineering, received his J.D. in May on campus. ’13, M.Ed. B.S.N. nursing, who is also an R.N. 2019 from Texas Tech University. is a facilities engineer at Chevron Amy (Linscomb) Lakich Ryan Dollinger ’14, B.S.W. social Collection efforts are ongoing, and we would love to Corp. He and his wife, Jessica, live Matthew McGuinness ’12, B.B.A. school counseling, is a sixth and work, holds an M.S.W. in social at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast He works as an attorney for Fish hear from you. For more information about sharing your LU in Midland. management information systems, is seventh grade math and science work and an M.P.A. in public Texas. They live in Nederland. & Richardson P.C. in Dallas. Emily a business analyst at American Omni teacher at AIM College and Career administration. He is a social (Blanke) ’16, B.B.A. marketing, Trading Co. in Katy, where he lives. Preparatory Academy in Galveston. ’15, B.S. exercise works as an eCommerce supervisor memories, email [email protected] or call (409) 651-9802. Katelyn Hartman ’11, B.S. nursing, worker for Hospice Plus and an Taylor Duck received her master’s degree in In the spring of 2019, she was online instructor for Texas Southern science and fitness management, is for United Supermarkets, part of nursing in May 2019 and now works Jasmine (Castillo) McMullin named Teacher of the Year at her University. He lives in Beaumont an operating room nurse in level 1 The United Family. The couple as an advanced practice nurse at ’12, B.S. dietetics, is a nutrition school as well as Galveston school with his wife, Amber. trauma at Texas Medical Center in welcomed their son, Oliver Robert, Abhilekh Thakur ’09, M.S. Jennie (Muse) Good ’10, M.Ed. Beaumont Emergency Medicine consultant for Galveston County district’s Secondary Teacher of the Houston, and lives in Spring. on July 8, 2020, and they live Health District. Her husband, Year for 2018-2019. Amy and her in Dallas. kinesiology, is lead physical administration, is director of Associates. She lives in Silsbee. Scott Finley ’14, B.S.N. nursing, is therapist at Theracare Inc. in accountability, assessment and Andrew ’15, B.B.A. general husband, Matthew, have a son and an RN case manager at Compassion Ashwin Gaddam ’15, M.E. industrial business, works for the Astros a daughter, Andrew and Valerie engineering, is a salesforce ’16, B.A.A.S. applied Fishers, Ind. He and his wife, Meeti, special programs for New Caney Brannon Kidd ’11, M.Ed. Hospice in Jasper, where he lives. Melonee Fife live in Valparaiso, Ind. school district. She and her educational leadership, is the Foundation in Houston. They live and they live in La Marque. consultant at DVG Tech Solutions arts & sciences, is a kindergarten in League City. and he lives in Hillsboro, Ore. teacher at Kountze Elementary husband, Mark, live in Porter. principal of Weatherford High Alice SuAn (Watson) Ingison ’14, School in Weatherford, a role he Amy Lovoi ’13, B.B.A. general M.Ed. educational administration, School and was named Teacher of Vamshidhar Kurapati ’10, began in 2019. He started his Henry Rauschenberger ’12, M.Ed. business, ’15, M.B.A. business is an instructional specialist for the Autumn Hardin ’15, B.S. biology, the Year for the school in 2019. She 10s M.E. electrical engineering, is a education career in 1997 and administration, also holds a J.D. administration, is senior manager of Dallas Regional Day School Program received her doctor of physical and her husband, Brian, live software engineering consultant at has been a teacher, coach and and is an attorney at Jones Walker sourcing and apparel development for the Deaf in Dallas school therapy from Angelo State University in Kountze. Mastercard International. He lives Waechter Poitevent Carrere & at Bauer Hockey in Exeter, N.H., in 2019. She lives in Deweyville. Lua Augustin ’10, M.Ed. administrator. Brannon lives in district. She lives in Denton with her administration, holds a Ph.D. in in Chesterfield, Mo., with his wife, Weatherford. Denegre LLP in Baton Rouge, La, and lives in Portsmouth, N.H. husband, Steven, and their two sons, Chris Hagner ’16, B.S. mathematics, personal financial planning and an Manasa. where he lives with his wife, Abby Jason and Adam. Kerri Kalina ’15, M.S. kinesiology, is is a business intelligence analyst for ’06, B.S. communication. ’13, B.S. mechanical an associate athletic trainer at East the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA M.B.A. in business administration. LaDonna Sherwood ’11, M.P.A. (Davis) Michael Parrish engineering, is a project engineer Texas Baptist University and lives team and lives in Oklahoma She is an associate professor for the Jeff Moreau ’10, B.S. electrical public administration, is the owner Bridget Soden ’14, B.B.A. human Indiana University of Pennsylvania. engineering, is a senior electrical of L&L Transport in Beaumont, Lauren (Sandefer) Shockley at Alliance Engineers & Project resource management, is a human in Longview. City, Okla. She lives in Indiana, Pa. engineer at Protect Controls Inc. He where she lives. ’12, B.S. criminal justice, ’17, B.S. Consultants in Beaumont. He and resource generalist at Oxbow lives in Montgomery. Sociology, ’19, M.P.H. public health, his wife, Holly, live in Orange. Calcining in Port Arthur and she Murali Meka ’15, M.E. electrical Laura Kemp ’16, B.B.A. general is a legal assistant at Hohl Law Firm engineering, is a project engineer business-industrial engineering, is Derrick Brown ’10, M.Ed. Revneet Singh ’11, M.E. mechanical lives in Orange. administration, is the principal of Jay Prigmore ’10, B.S. electrical engineering, is a facility manager for in Spring, where she lives with her Mandy (Chatagnier) Thompson at FEV, and he lives in Auburn a junior project manager at USA husband, Ryan. ’13, B.S. interdisciplinary studies, Hills, Mich. Environment, and she lives Young Men’s Leadership Academy at engineering, holds a master’s and JLL Real Estate. He lives in Todd Spillers ’14, B.S. criminal Phyllis Wheatley, San Antonio’s first Ph.D. in electrical engineering Madera, Calif. is a seventh-grade math teacher at justice, is a state trooper for Texas in Conroe. all-boys public school. The school and is a managing engineer for Kimberly Adams ’13, B.A. English, Central Middle School in Nederland DPS. He lives in Portland. Vaughn Ogrydziak ’15, B.S. is a planning specialist for FEMA. and was named the school’s Teacher chemical engineering, is a reliability ’16, B.B.A. emphasizes character development Exponent. He lives in Warrenville, Ryan Taylor ’11, M.B.A. healthcare Jacob Martin Her family consists of 17 LU alumni of the Year for the 2018-2019 engineer at IKO Industries, a management, received his J.D. and leadership skills. Derrick lives IL, with his wife, Brittany. administration, is an administrative Julia Stephen ’14, M.Ed. in San Antonio. assistant at Pacific Post-Acute in spanning three generations. She school year. She and her husband, administration, was named principal roofing manufacturing business, in in May 2019 from Pepperdine Stacy (Ewart) Stringer ’10, M.Ed. Salinas, Calif., where he lives with lives in Pflugerville. Michael ’14, B.S. kinesiology, live of Coronado High School in Hagerstown, Md., where he lives. University. He works as a financial administration, is an academic in Nederland with their three sons, services professional at Capstone Kim Dobie ’10, B.B.A. accounting, his wife, Andrea. Lubbock school district in May 2019. is a senior internal auditor at Sysco achievement specialist and tech Aleiya (Samad) Bartlett ’13, B.S. Cole, Liam and James. Prior to beginning her position, she Ashley Patterson ’15, B.S.W. social Partners Financial and Insurance chemical engineering, is a process work, holds an M.S.W. in social Services. His wife, Corp. in Cypress. She lives in Waller liaison for Cypress-Fairbanks school Fred Williams ’11, B.S. was associate principal at Kennedale Harley (Rayburn) with her partner, Tara. district. She lives in Cypress with communication, is a sixth-grade safety engineer at Chevron Phillips High School and assistant principal work and is a recruiter/adviser at ’17, B.B.A. marketing, is a marketing her husband, Doud.

38 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 39 | CLASS NOTES | In Memoriam communications manager at Woodlands. He and his wife, Lacey (Lemons) Baxley ’17, M.Ed. Shiblee Ahmed ’18, M.B.A. Siham Ricky Huggins ’19, M.Ed. clinical Burdge and Associates Architects. administration, is a fifth-grade business administration, is a sales ’18, M.S. computer science, live in mental health counseling, who The couple welcomed a daughter, teacher at Nocona Elementary development manager at Parkland Houston. also holds an M.B.A. and master’s Michael Arlen Margot Abigayle, on Aug. 31, 2020. School. She lives in Nocona with her USA. He lives in Charleston, S.C., and doctoral degrees in divinity, is Laidacker ’63, ’64 Frank Thomas husband, Jeb. with his wife, Linia. Karlee (Wilkes) Ogden ’18, B.S. a counselor at Your Best Journey Abigail Maxwell ’16, B.S. exercise psychology, is an admissions in Poteau, Okla. Ltd. and Choctaw science & fitness management, is a counselor at LU. She and her Associate professor of mathematics Michael Lamar University’s sixth president Frank Thomas Caleb Buxie ’17, B.S. electrical Javonda Allen ’18, M.Ed. school Nation of Oklahoma. He lives in registered dental hygienist, and lives engineering, is an instrument counseling, is in her second year husband, Garrett, had a son, L.A. Heavener, Okla. Arlen Laidacker, 80, of Beaumont, died May 29, Jr. died Aug. 6, 2020, at the age of 96. Thomas in Sour Lake. engineer at ExxonMobil Corp. as a school counselor at Golden William, on Feb. 22, 2019, and they 2020. Michael was born Jan. 27, 1940, in China, served Lamar University with honor and live in Kountze. in Beaumont. He and his wife, Meadows Elementary School in Kevin Hunter ’19, M.Ed. Texas, to Nelson and Willora Laidacker. After distinction from 1958 through 1972. He began his Rhonda Meredith ’16, B.A.A.S. Kimberly, live in Nederland. Garland. In Aug. 2019, she was administration, is an assistant applied arts and sciences, is a named the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Charuhas Yogesh Patil ’18, M.E. principal in the Bankburnett school graduating from China High School, he attended academic career in 1951 when he joined the staff kindergarten teacher at Mae Smythe chemical engineering, is an engineer Joseph Garcia Sr. ’17, B.S. criminal Year for her school, having taught district. He lives in Bankburnett Lamar University, where he received his B.S. of Georgia Tech as an instructor. Thomas came Elementary School in the Pasadena justice, is a sergeant with the Palmer prior to transitioning to a counselor at Validation Associates LLC. He lives with his wife, Kacy. in physics and his master’s in mathematics. He aboard Lamar Tech in 1958 as professor and head school district. She and her Police Department. He lives in role. She lives in McKinney. in Reston, Va. husband, Scott, live in Houston. later attended the University of Houston, where of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Waxahachie with his wife, Maria. Kaylee Konidis ’19, B.S. ’18, M.Ed. digital he earned his Ph.D. in mathematics. Laidacker In 1961 he was named dean of the School of Bryce Angell ’18, B.S. computer Chris Pousson interdisciplinary studies, is a fifth- ’16, B.A.A.S. learning and leading, is a real Debra Neville Michael Hegwood ’17, B.S. science, is a systems developer at grade reading, language arts and worked at NASA for one year and taught at SFA Engineering, and in 1967 he was promoted to applied arts and sciences, attended criminal justice, is a concierge for Reynolds and Reynolds in Houston, estate investor. His wife, Shannon social studies teacher at Port Neches for a short period of time before returning to vice president of academic affairs. After the death the Region 5 Teacher Education ’17, B.S. sociology, is Cambria Health Solutions. He lives and lives in Katy with his (McClendon) Elementary School. She lives in Beaumont and Lamar University, where he taught of Richard Setzer in 1969, Thomas was selected Program and received her Special in Olympia, Wash. wife, Ashley. a real estate advisor, and they live in Groves. Education Certificate to teach. She Port Neches. for more than 50 years. He was a loving husband as university president. spent 14 years as a paraprofessional James Henderson ’17, M.Ed. Nirav Arora ’18, M.S. computer Laura Nunez ’19, M.S.N. nursing to Camilla (Croak) Laidacker ’66 for almost 49 When taking the role of president, Thomas told working with special needs administration, is an assistant science, is a senior developer Isaiah Robinson ’18, B.S. biology, education, is assistant dean of years, a devoted father to Monica Pavlich and the regents: My ambition is that Lamar, through students. She lives in Beaumont. is a sample analyst at Worldwide principal at Cameron Junior High at Maryland State Retirement student learning in the Chamberlain Margot Laidacker, and a doting Papa to his its service to the community, Texas and the nation School. He lives in Cameron with and Pension System. He lives in Clinical Trials in Austin. He lives College of Nursing in Pearland, Ebubekir Orsun ’16, Ed.D. his wife, Adrienne. Baltimore, Md. in Pflugerville. where she lives. grandchildren, Riley Sellers and Luke Pavlich. He will become the pride and joy of every person educational leadership, holds his is survived by his brother, David Laidacker and who lives in our region just as it now is for bachelor’s and master’s degrees ’18, M.Ed. educational Kristy Hixon ’17, M.Ed. school Ashley Bray ’18, B.S. industrial Lisa Salyer Emily Ochoa ’19, B.S. chemical sister-in-law Becky Laidacker of Fannett; sister, you, the regents, our faculty, administration and in industrial engineering. After technology leadership, is a math counseling, is a third-grade teacher engineering, is a quality engineer engineering, is a chemical engineer Rosemary Laidacker ’69, of Houston; sister, Jolene student body.” being inspired by a teacher, Orsun at Lone Star Elementary School in at Dow Chemical Co., and she lives specialist at Oakwood Intermediate at ExxonMobil Chemical Corp. in started teaching in 2006 and became Keller school district. She and her in Vidor. School in College Station school Beaumont, where she lives. Hancock and brother-in-law Bill Hancock, of Thomas served until 1972, when the Board of an assistant principal in 2007 at husband, Kevin, live in Fort Worth. district. She and her husband, David, Beaumont; brother Gary Laidacker and sister- Regents distinguished him as the university’s first Harmony Public Schools. After live in College Station. Stephanie Coolidge ’18, B.S. Monica Ozuna ’19, B.S. in-law Crystal Laidacker of Fate, Texas; and “Regents’ Professor.” His family, which includes 12 years there, he then served as Leah Klemcke ’17, M.Ed. mechanical engineering, is a fixed interdisciplinary studies, is a sixth- numerous nieces and nephews. his spouse, Dorothy (Havens) Thomas ’72 and his a district director of talent and administration, is an instructional equipment maintenance engineer at Amrita Sapkota ’18, M.S. computer grade science teacher at Cedar engagement for HPS in Austin. coach in the Victoria school district. BASF in Freeport, where she lives. science, is a software developer at Bayou Junior High School in Goose Memorial contributions in his honor may be daughters, Sarah (Thomas) Tutt ’71 and Nancy Orsun accepted a position in July She lives in Victoria. Hazlnut in Jacksonville, Fla., where Creek school district, the district made to the Lamar University Physics Excellence (Thomas) Mclean ’73, wishes for benevolences 2020 in El Paso as assistant area she lives. John Ellis ’18, B.S. computer and she graduated from. She and her Fund, P.O. Box 11500, Beaumont, Texas 77710; in his memory to be directed to the General superintendent of college and career ’17, B.S. chemical information sciences, ’19, M.B.A. husband, ’20, Manisha Patel Angel Pedraza KVLU radio station, P.O. Box 10064, Beaumont, Scholarship Fund at Lamar University online for Harmony Public Schools. He and engineering, holds an M.S. in business administration, is a project Shelby Strickland ’18, B.S. B.S. chemical engineering, live in his wife, Secil, live in Horizon City. environmental engineering. She management and operations communication-journalism, is Baytown. Texas 77710; Alumni Affairs Lamar University, at lamar.edu/give or by check to Lamar works as a process engineer at representative associate at Lockheed the marketing director for Dana P.O. Box 10005, Beaumont, Texas 77710; or the University Foundation, PO Box 11500, ’16, B.S. criminal Simmons Real Estate. She was Jaclyn Patronella TechnipFMC in Houston, and she Martin Aeronautics. He lives in Fort Kevin Phillips ’19, M.B.A. business Lamar University Mathematics Department, P.O. Beaumont, TX, 77710. justice, is a police officer for the City lives in Katy. Worth. featured in a Voyage Houston story administration, is the senior director Box 11500, Beaumont, Texas 77710. of Orange, where she lives. on Feb. 27, 2019, talking about her of group sales and ticket operations love for photography, especially Ray Scifres ’17, B.A.A.S. applied arts Katrina (Routon) Jarvis ’18, M.Ed. for the Texas Legends G-League Alexander Sanchez ’16, M.Ed. & sciences, ’19, M.S. criminal justice, school counseling, is the district wedding photography. Shelby lives basketball team. He lives in Plano. teacher leadership, is a K-12 is sheriff with the Hockley County counselor for Rotan schools. She in Beaumont. multilingual compliance coordinator Sheriff’s Office. He and his wife, and her husband, Chase, have two Jessica Ringo ’19, M.S. kinesiology, William S. “Bud” Leonard for Spring school district. He lives Ashley, live in Levelland with their sons and live in Rotan. Barbara Thompson ’18, M.Ed. is an assistant athletic trainer for in Cypress. daughter, Riley. school counseling, is a professional men’s and women’s cross country/ school counselor for Polk County As a beacon of Lamar’s light, William S. “Bud” working untiringly with LU’s Office of Alumni Chenera Johnson ’18, B.A.A.S. track at McNeese State University. ’16, B.S. criminal Schools. She lives in Kissimmee, Fla. Sarah Toben Alexandra Sokolova ’17, B.S. applied arts and sciences, is a She lives in Lake Charles, La. Leonard ’50, ’53, ’76, will be missed, by family, Affairs to serving in a number of university justice, B.S. sociology, holds a law corporate communication, is a drug region supply coordinator for Citgo by friends, by a community and by Lamar administrative roles during the years—easily degree and is an associate attorney ’18, B.S.N. control and crime prevention intern Petroleum Corp. in Houston, where Autumn Thrasher Ashley Simoneaux ’19, B.B.A. University. Leonard, 90, died June 29, 2020. He spotted in his Lamar red polo or jacket. He co- for Devadoss Law Firm. She lives for the United Nations Office of she lives. nursing, is living her dream as a management, is a client care in Dallas. Drugs and Crime in Vienna, Austria. labor and delivery registered nurse consultant at Velosio in Houston, lit up the stands and the field playing football, founded the Cardinal Club, serving as its second at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Alvin Lugod ’18, M.S. criminal and she lives in Spring. first as an offensive guard before earning the president in 1970-71, and helped organize the Hospital-St. Elizabeth. She credits LaDonna (Raney) Waters Carlee Stork ’17, B.S. kinesiology, is justice, is an assistant probation leadership spot as co-captain of the Cardinals’ Friends of the Arts, LU’s College of Fine Arts and ’16, B.S. civil engineering, is a her nursing instructors for pushing a mathematics teacher and a coach officer at the Nebraska State Stephen Tanton ’19, B.S. 1949 Southwest Junior College Championship Communication support group. He was inducted project engineer and engineering at Middle School South in Barbers Probation Office in Omaha, Neb., her to be the best nurse she could mechanical engineering, and assistant at the Texas Department be. Autumn lives in Raywood. team, witnessing Lamar’s growth into a four-year into the Cardinals Hall of Honor in 1974. Hill school district. She lives where he lives. Brooke (Crowell) ’14, B.S. speech of Transportation. She lives in in Baytown. and hearing sciences, ’16, M.S. college. In 2008, an anonymous donor made a major Beaumont with her husband, Travis. ’19, B.S. electrical Nirav Makadia ’18, M.E. mechanical Tyler Ellis speech-language pathology, married He and his wife, Charlene (Matthews) ’55, lit gift to name the field at Provost-Umphrey engineering, is an instrument Phee (Sterling) Thompson ’17, engineering, is a design engineer for on March 16, 2019. Brooke is a each other’s lives during their 65-year marriage, Stadium in his honor. Ivonne Yuarta ’16, M.B.A. business B.G.S. general studies, ’18, M.S. Gigawatt Inc. He lives in engineer at ExxonMobil Corp. in speech language pathologist at Kids administration-finance and criminal justice, is a juvenile Ponoma, Calif. Spring., where he lives. Therapy Set in Vidor. They live in which began in 1953. Soon after, Leonard became Leonard was without fail a bright light to leadership, is an account executive supervision officer at Brazos County Lumberton. an aircraft pilot for the Navy, rising to the rank of others—lifetime friends, community volunteers, at UPS in Seattle, Wash. She lives in ’19, Juvenile Services. She and her A.H.M. Noman ’18, M.S. computer Brenda Hernandez-Iglesias lieutenant, and light shone on the Wings of Gold his church family, LU fans on the sidelines and Mercer Island, Wash. B.S. chemical engineering, is an husband, Clifton, live in Bryan. science, is a software engineer Ahmad Walton ’19, B.G.S. general he earned from service in California, Hawaii, fellow alumni. He was a beloved guiding light to at Datos Technologies in The associate production engineer at studies, is a senior project manager Cheniere Energy in Corpus Christi, at Harris Health System in Houston. Guam, Japan and the Philippines. his son Will, daughter Joni, grandchildren Anne where she lives. He lives in Spring. After his military service came a long career and Claire, and multiple nieces and nephews. in advertising, but he always kept a light on Memorial contributions may fittingly be made to Lamar, from announcing at football games and Lamar University athletics.

40 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 n March 2020, 90% of the world’s The first week of the | LU EVERYWHERE | interests beyond the classroom Taylor, who graduated from LU with schools closed in 185 countries, which pandemic, the district and without the pressure of her doctorate in educational leadership, Ileft 1.6 billion children out of school. purchased Schoology, a high-stakes tests. is the national education administrator Overnight, as a result of the COVID-19 program that automatically “We have to create this for T-Mobile overseeing, among other pandemic, all educational institutions integrated with the district’s meaningful experience and initiatives, the Project 10 Million, a everywhere were challenged with student information system. show students the world through 10-year commitment to students designed providing curriculum in More than 1,200 teachers were the power of the internet,” to provide free internet service and free different modalities. trained in a 48-hour period and said Blythe Creech. “We need Wi-Fi hotspots to 10 million student Providentially, Lamar University had were completely launched and to connect outside life with households in need across the country. already ventured into the online learning teaching students online within inside life in schools. Imagine “T-Mobile has made a pretty tremendous space. When Hurricane Ike hit Beaumont two weeks. presenting the whole world commitment in the educational space,” only three years after being devastated “We had been researching through the internet instead said Taylor. “We’ll infuse $10.7 billion into by Hurricane Rita in 2005, LU began systems for several years LU LEADS: of ‘do your worksheets for student connectivity, which emphasizes taking degree programs online. and planned to bring the top English.’ If students are more access and academic achievement, With over a decade of experience in companies back this spring for engaged, they might do better.” attendance, acquisition of vocabulary online delivery when the pandemic hit, implementation in 18 months,” In this new educational and building literacy.” LU made a smooth transition to online said Ybarra, who also is an Teaching and world, all children would have Project 10 Million is designed to give learning. Moreover, its graduates in adjunct professor in the digital internet connections and all underrepresented students access to education, online learners themselves, learning and leading program learning online teachers would know how to be educated online. T-Mobile also has became the front-line leaders helping at LU. “We purchased the use the latest technology tools. unlimited data options for school districts K-12 schools across the country move to system within the first week by Shelly Vitanza “If I was queen of the world, I to purchase for minimal monthly fees of a digital platform. and had it enrolling students by would make internet a utility,” $12 to $15. “LU became a wellspring of resources the second. Five weeks in, we said Blythe Creech. “When “The impact is bigger than just the with our students, faculty and staff doing have 93.5% of 16,000 I think about how students student; it’s the whole community,” said amazing things that are helping in all students online.” fared during this time, I think Taylor. “We’re giving access to parents aspects and areas of education during The district created a lead trainer Patience Blythe Creech, a computer objectives and expectations, telling it hasn’t been good. A real barrier is who can now look for jobs; single moms this unprecedented time,” said George program to train teachers district wide, science pathway teacher at Elgin High educators they don’t need to be coders access to internet.” and dads can apply for government Saltsman, director of the Center for all virtually, through Google Hangouts. School, Austin Community College Swift to offer quality curriculum online but Because Blythe Creech is so familiar assistance and look up bus schedules; Educational Innovation and Digital Through slide deck and on-demand coding mentor and LU graduate student, also that there is more to teaching online with online teaching tools, she assumed and grandparents can access telehealth.” Learning and research associate video series, the teachers were volunteered to help her district when the than offering worksheets as PDFs. other teachers are also, but she learned To date, T-Mobile’s Project 10 Million professor of educational leadership. fully immersed. pandemic broke out. As District Teacher “Teachers need to mind the gap and during the pandemic that many has given 1.7 million school children “With so many of our former students “We said to the teachers, ‘This is what of the Year and with knowledge from her remember no one is an island. Teaching technology tools are used very little. She across the country in 3,500 school having first-hand experience in online you’re faced with now; we’ve got to participation in the Apple Community online exposes gaps in the students’ considers educators’ lack of knowledge districts free internet connectivity, education, they were able to quickly keep going.’ They actively rose to the Education Initiative at LU, she wanted learning habits and behaviors, and so about available tools one of the ‘cracks’ including 19,000 connected students in implement similar programs in their occasion,” said Ybarra, who earned her to help the district with structuring the teachers have to be flexible and open in society exposed by the pandemic. Beaumont ISD. Additionally, the company school districts when the pandemic hit. doctorate in educational administration remote learning environment. to talking to students and helping them “What’s really important to student has leveraged its buying power as a As a professor, it is so rewarding to see and leadership degree from LU in 2016. “I presented ideas and options reach out for support,” said Blythe outcomes is the role of the adults in Fortune 100 company to provide families our students now replicate the quality The district did provide content for emphasizing simplicity and ease and Creech. “However, online learning the room,” said Blythe Creech. “The in need with at-cost Wi-Fi and at-cost learning environments we collectively courses in a starter kit and provided a access,” said Blythe Creech. “I wanted brings the world into the classroom, and biggest disservice to our kids would be Chromebooks, PCs and tablets to families worked so hard to create for them at LU.” consistent structure for all classes, which to be a vector for communication more resources are everywhere. The potential if we went back to doing everything the whose children are eligible for Project 10 LU alumna working in K-12 leadership Ybarra learned from her work at LU was than anything else and created an online as an online educator is limitless.” same. We need to commit to technology Million in their school districts. Barbara Ybarra ’16, an associate essential to helping parents and students video presenting the opportunities that While encouraging other educators as a methodology to see significant “There is no cost to parents,” said superintendent of teaching and learning navigate in the new online platform. this wild situation presented.” to keep teaching creatively during improvements. These tools exist so how Taylor. “I talk to groups who can’t believe at Bryan ISD in Bryan, Texas, helped her “First and foremost, I was a student In Blythe Creech’s four-part video the pandemic, Blythe Creech began do we make it work better for kids?” what we’re doing is real, but it is. We’re entire district adopt and implement a in an online program, and I know what discussing best practices for teaching envisioning education anew. She For more information visit Blythe shipping out millions of devices and virtual program practically overnight. worked for me and really appreciated online, she encourages teachers not dreamed of a world where her under- Creech’s blog at blythedesigneducation. working in strategic partnerships to impact Bryan ISD, a district that generally how courses were structured and the to be intimidated but to “keep calm resourced children, many living in rural wordpress.com. whole communities, not just the child.” serves a lower socioeconomic status consistency from one course to the next,” and carry on teaching,” focusing on areas without internet, could connect Until the internet becomes an essential For providing two million students demographic where a high percentage, said Ybarra. “I’m thankful I learned how “engagement and equity.” Blythe Creech with school children on different utility, companies like T-Mobile are across the country with vital mobile 76% of the population, receive free to develop an easily accessible course.” gives instructions for creating structure continents and learn about people in providing school-age children with free connectivity during the pandemic, the and reduced lunch, had no learning Bryan ISD’s pandemic experience is in the online environment and how different countries, cities and states. Her connectivity and LU Cardinal Kiesha Federal Communications Commission management system in place when the documented on Facebook at @bryanisd to efficiently and effectively create a new educational system of connectivity Taylor ’18 is at the center of the wireless commissioner honored Taylor as a 2020 pandemic hit. and Twitter at @bryanisd. digital classroom with clear and concise would invite research and cultivate company’s initiative. Digital Equity Innovator.

42 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU Everywhere: Perseverance Through Community | WINTER 2020 43 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 502 BEAUMONT, TX P.O. BOX 10011 BEAUMONT, TX 77710

honored as first Boone by Shelly VitanzaWooster Professor Greece and Rome, and the History of Food, his Ph.D. from the University of Texas. He among others. joined the LU faculty in 1955 after serving in Boone’s “Issues in World Cultures II” course the U.S. Army’s Historical Division where was cited as exemplary by the Center for he was given top secret and cosmic Educational Policy Research. An intellectual (NATO) clearance while stationed in and cultural historian, Boone researches Heidelberg, Germany. the relationship between information and While at LU, Wooster received several state power in the early modern world. Her teaching awards and was renowned for never books include War, Domination, and the referring to notes in his lectures. In addition ebecca Boone, professor of Monarchy of France: Claude de Seyssel and to more than 70 scholarly articles and more history, is the recipient of the the Language of Politics in the Renaissance, than 100 book reviews, he wrote or edited first Dr. Ralph and Edna Wooster Mercurino di Gattinara and the Creation 11 books. The latest edition of his textbook, Endowed Professorship. Boone will hold the of the Spanish Empire and Real Lives in the “Texas History” (2016), was the most widely Rposition for two years. Sixteenth Century: A Global Perspective. adopted seventh-grade Texas history text in The Wooster Professorship was established, She also is the general editor of a five-book public schools. first, to honor Ralph A. Wooster, a gifted series on global history, Real Lives in Global After serving as chair of the History teacher who served LU as a faculty member Perspective. In 2018, Boone was awarded Department in 1976, Wooster became dean and as dean of faculties and associate vice a grant from MIT and the Andrew Mellon of graduate studies, and later served as dean president for academic affairs, and, secondly, Foundation to complete a module for the of faculties and associate vice president to promote excellence in teaching and Global Architectural History for academic affairs. He was a fellow of research among faculty in the Department Teaching Collaborative. the Texas State Historical Association and of History. Boone plans to use the resources of this former president of the East Texas Historical “This is a great honor,” said Lynn Maurer, endowed professorship to conduct two major Association, the Texas Association of College dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. projects in the field of global history. She Teachers and the Texas State Historical “Dr. Boone was chosen for her well-rounded will use a semester course release to resume Association. Upon his retirement following approach to service, teaching and research at work on editing the five-volume series, fifty-two years of teaching, Wooster was Lamar University.” which is under contract with Routledge and named Distinguished Professor of History Like Wooster, Boone teaches history and is intended for undergraduate students in Emeritus by the Texas State University System is chair of the department. She has been a world history courses. She also will use the Board of Regents in 2006. member of the LU faculty since 2002. “Dr. professorship to continue original research on Wooster’s son, Robert, established the Wooster was a kind man of integrity who a global history of apocalypticism, which will professorship in memory of his father who inspired the best in people. I am honored to enhance a course she currently teaches on died in 2019. continue his legacy as the first Dr. Ralph and the era of the witch trials as well as another “For years I went to lunch with Professors Edna Wooster Endowed professor,” Boone course she is developing on Wooster, Sutton, Anderson and Serrat at said. “Being named the first Wooster professor world revolutions. Kampus Korner every Tuesday, and I still inspires me to be a better historian, teacher “Through teaching global history, I have cherish the stories and warm hospitality and administrator.” endeavored to bring the world to our students shown by these amazing colleagues, many of Boone teaches courses on the Renaissance and to bring our students into the wider whom I miss dearly,” said Boone. “I strive to and Reformation, Early Modern Europe, the world,” said Boone. bring that sense of camaraderie, goodwill and French Revolution and Napoleon, the Atlantic Wooster earned his bachelor’s and master’s unity of purpose to the faculty and students World, Witchcraft and the Occult, Ancient degrees from the University of Houston and in the History Department.”