VIBRANT and VITAL: the Economic Engine of Southeast Texas and Beyond

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VOL. 47, NO. 1 | SUMMER 2019

VIBRANT AND VITAL: The Economic Engine of Southeast Texas and Beyond

VIBRANT AND VITAL: | FROM THE PRESIDENT | CARDINAL CADENCE | IN THIS ISSUE | the magazine of lamar university The Economic Engine of VOL 47, NO. 1 | SUMMER 2019 Southeast Texas and Beyond amar University is proud of the impact we have within our 4 Science & Technology community of Southeast Texas and beyond. We are a socioeconomic hub for our largely industrial-based area not wows at grand opening Through a rigorous curriculum, enriching Cardinal Cadence is published by Lamar University, Lonly with the thousands of career-ready graduates we produce a member of The Texas State University System extracurricular programs and abundant each year but also for the research our faculty and students and an affirmative action, equal opportunity 6 Faculty Profile: educational institution. undergraduate research opportunities, as well as do that is timely and often locally-focused. LU also contributes Jim Sanderson greatly to the arts within the region through the College of Fine Kate Downing, Executive Editor, Special internships and externships organized and managed Arts and Communication and the Center for the History and Assistant to the President and Director of Culture. This issue of Cadence concentrates on everything from Marketing Communications 8 Imagine it. Design it. by an attentive faculty, students are career and grad healthcare, banking and retail to restaurants and culture, along Cynthia Hicks ’89, ’93, Editor, Creative Director Build it. Improve it. school ready upon graduation—ready to compete, with faculty, staff and students who influence and connect LU to Daniel McLemore ’09, Associate Director of Marketing Communications the rest of our region, state, country and global community. ready to contribute, ready to succeed early. Our ’15, Graphic Design Coordinator The university’s new 83,000-square-foot Science and Amanda Toups 10 JAMP program provides alumni affirm that preparedness, while employers Technology Building, our first fully academic-focused facility built on campus in almost five path to medical school decades, opened in April. It consists of seven instructional and 14 research labs, a large CONTRIBUTORS recognize and value it. The socio-economic influence Writing | Mandy Arceneaux, Hannah Carlson, Caitlin project instruction room, and a maker’s space where students can fabricate ideas they develop Duerler, Casey Ford, Ryan Litchfield, Daniel Pemberton, of Lamar University—through its preparation of into product prototypes. The building will begin by housing four interdisciplinary research J.T. Robertson, Krista Salter, Kayce Smith, Shelly Vitanza, 12 Cyclical strength teams covering topics such as natural remediation solutions, rural healthcare, automated Cooper Welch, Jennifer Wyse talented employees, visionary entrepreneurs device development and technologically advanced education techniques. It also features art Photography | Evie Clifton, Bri Gore, Brandon Gouthier, and skilled professionals—is vital, far reaching, Daniel McLemore 14 Soul of a City representative of the state of Texas, particularly within the sciences and technology space. incalculable and indispensable. Within healthcare, LU has numerous programs supporting this burgeoning industry, such as Circulation includes 85,000 copies distributed to alumni, our pre-med curriculum; the Joanne Gay Dishman School of Nursing, one of our most highly faculty, staff and friends of Lamar University. If you have 16 Staff Profile: sought-after majors at the university; and our audiology and deaf studies programs which are received more than one copy of this publication, please let us know. Norman Bellard among the top in the country, as well as the work we are doing in speech and hearing sciences in addressing pressing issues through research and clinical offerings in our community. One of Changes of address may be sent to: University Advancement the articles in this issue of Cadence focuses on healthcare in Southeast Texas, and one showcases P.O. Box 10011 18 Holistic education heals some of our students accepted into an innovative and highly selective program called the Joint Beaumont, Texas 77710 Admission Medical Program. or [email protected] In addition to the exceptional work we do in the healthcare arena, LU has a long legacy 22 Hamza helps others heal of preparing some of the best engineers in the state of Texas. This also is true of bankers, DIVISION OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT Juan J. Zabala ’07, Vice President 10 restaurateurs, business owners and more as our alumni often cite their practical-based learning at 23 Exploring our past, LU as preparing them better than their competitors in the job market. Along with a short article Shannon Copeland Figueroa ’02, ’03, ’07, Director of Alumni Affairs and Advancement Services enriching our future on this hands-on learning approach within the College of Engineering, this issue also features a few of these highly successful graduates, including Pat Parsons, Tony Nguyen and the Walters P.O. Box 10011 29 Athletics News Beaumont, Texas 77710 brothers – Aaron, Brent and Clint. (409) 880-8419 or fax (409) 880-8409 24 We’re in the The cultural offerings are exemplary year-round through the many museums, art shows and people business 4 32 LU News festivals as well as the Symphony of Southeast Texas, but the events held during the holidays, LAMAR UNIVERSITY ALUMNI OFFICE such as LU’s annual Messiah concert, are some of my personal favorites. We are proud of the When visiting campus, you’re invited to stop by the 34 Class Notes art exhibited at our campus’ Dishman Art Museum and the area’s historical legacy on display at Alumni Office at the John Gray Center, Rudy C. Williams 28 LU retires Sarver jersey our Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum. Additionally, LU’s new Center for History and Building, Suite 102, 855 Jim Gilligan Way. 42 Playing Koi: Culture has held numerous programs since its inception in 2017 and during the past year created P.O. Box 10005 Cookies & classes LU bio-chem alum three center fellow positions. Each of these faculty represent a different area of study and have Beaumont, Texas 77710 30 (409) 880-8921, or (800) 298-4839 chooses sushi conducted impactful research involving our community’s history. [email protected] I hope you are enjoying your summer, and thank you for taking a moment to learn more of lamar.edu/alumni 33 Mineral exhibit: Unique what is currently going on at your university. to LU just as LU is unique | COLLEGE SNAPSHOTS | LAMAR UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION to Southeast Texas Sincerely, Juan J. Zabala ’07, CEO Karen Nichols ’83, COO Engineering Cover photo by Daniel McLemore 5 P.O. Box 11500 Cover art by Amanda Toups Beaumont, Texas 77710 (409) 880-2117 15 Fine Arts & [email protected] 33 Communication lamar.edu/foundation Kenneth R. Evans, President Cardinal Cadence (USPS 017-254) is published THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS 21 Arts & Sciences by Lamar University, 211 Redbird Lane, Brian McCall, Chancellor | Austin Beaumont, Texas 77710. William F. Scott, Chairman | Nederland Dr. Veronica Muzquiz Edwards | San Antonio 27 Business 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 31 Education & Human Duke Austin | Houston Alan L. Tinsley | Madisonville Development Garry Crain | The Hills Katey McCall, Student Regent | Orange SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BUILDING | COLLEGE SNAPSHOT: ENGINEERING | wows AT GRAND OPENING by Daniel Pemberton

This past April, Lamar University opened the

first fully academic Walking on Water building to its campus Goes Viral For years, Ajit Patki has taught Civil Engineers Compete Nationally in 40 years. The fluid mechanics. Every year, for The LU student chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers saved some of their focus on succeeding in extra credit, Patki encourages their Mechanics of Solids course for competing regionally and nationally in the American Society of Civil Engineers Steel Bridge Competition. students to participate and 83,000-square foot Competing teams are required to design a 1:10 scale model bridge prior to competition when teams demonstrate the properties must work together to construct their bridges under tight constraints followed by an intense stress test. building has been of a non-Newtonian fluid and The extraordinary task requires diligent attention to every single detail, all while working as a team. “I am a make it fun and exciting. Rising firm believer that multiple people working together and collaborating can develop a better solution than long awaited since to the challenge, students have one person on their own,” said Hayden Rice, steel bridge captain and a senior civil engineering major maintained a project that involves from Lake Jackson. construction began in using a mixture of cornstarch and The LU team first competed in the Texas-Mexico Regional Competition in Bryan, where they finished water inside a platform—giving third overall against teams from all over the region. With the honor came an invitation to the national May 2017. someone the ability to walk competition at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana where the team was awarded second place “Lamar University is a diverse research on water. for display. “I’m truly grateful to have been a part of this team again my senior year,” said building team member and senior Reid Johnson. “It is all still a little surreal to me. I’m just so proud of all the effort we “I’ve been looking forward for institution,” said President Ken Evans. put in and the performance at competition.” “Part of the university’s mission is to this extra credit project for some provide the means and opportunity time now after seeing a video SAE Mini Baja Wins Senior Design to the university community for on YouTube as a freshman,” said and Competes in Oregon Lucas Gobel, a junior mechanical game-changing research, which this Senior Design is the culmination of the undergraduate engineering student. The video he engineering experience. It challenges students to building is intended, in part, to facilitate.” references was made three years practice what they have learned during their time The building includes seven ago and has garnered more than as a student. One team in particular is given the instructional labs, 14 research labs and two million views on YouTube. The extraordinary task of designing and building an a large project instruction room upstairs video became an even bigger viral all-terrain vehicle capable of withstanding the most rugged ground. that overlooks a greenhouse. Among sensation as many social media Ten mechanical engineering students were brave stars began sharing another video these facilities is a “makerspace,” enough to tackle the task of not only building a housing 3D printers and drill presses, that contained the original LU- vehicle and representing LU in competition but also finishing their degree. “It became almost a daily struggle where student and faculty researchers curated content, increasing views to maintain plans for the project while finding the time to study for tests,” saidJennifer Hoang, co-captain can bring their projects, designs and to 40 million in a few short weeks. of the team. “This project not only gave us insight into what it is like to be an engineer but also taught us how products to life. “With the success of the project to function as a team and work within the confines of being limited on most resources so we really had to and videos, some of us had the think outside the box on a lot of things,” said Mason Simmons, co-captain. The facility will incubate four great idea to capitalize off the LU has competed in the Society of Automotive Engineers Mini Baja competition for more than a decade research projects by faculty across the success of Walk on Water,” says now, each year giving a new team the opportunity to test their skills. The 2018 competition was held in campus. These projects investigate Gobel. “We began to float the Portland, Ore., where more than 100 universities from North America converged to compete in several off- road competitions. The team passed all spec tests (something 1 in 4 did not do), and while they did not win solutions to global challenges such as idea of bringing this project to the competition, they were able to compete in every competition category. environmental damage from floodwater, the masses, so we built a reusable In its third year, the Senior Design Symposium saw more than 40 teams compete for best project. The SAE coastal degradation, rural healthcare, the platform.” The group has been Mini Baja won best project within the Mechanical Engineering Department and eventually took home top development of infrastructure for the actively involved with various prize. “Finishing first in the Senior Design Symposium became the icing on the cake for what turned out to be technology of tomorrow, and educational recruitment activities around LU one of the most difficult, yet fulfilling years as an engineering student,” Hoang said. techniques to meet the demands of our and intends to use it to spread    technologically connected society. interest in STEM. “We’ve had so LU Engineering Research Enhancement Study Abroad Visits India much fun with Walk on Water. It Ranked 20th Grants Awarded Students focused on The building also contains spaces The College of Engineering LU awarded 14 Research engineering management is great to be able to get involved where students can relax, including continues to excel. Enhancement Grants to during a first-of-its-kind and inspire young minds to get Hassan a lounge, patio, several breakout Bestvalueschools.com seven faculty: spring break study interested in engineering, but at ranked LU as #20 on their Zargarzadeh, Ping He, abroad trip to India’s rooms and a self-serve, micro-market. the very least, let them be part of list of top engineering Berna Tokgoz, Xiaofan Pandit Deendayal He, Chun-Wei Yao, Qin Additionally featured throughout the something that has become such a schools in the nation. Petroleum University. Qian and Kendrick Aung. building are breathtaking pieces of art huge sensation,” said Gobel. inspired by the beauty and biodiversity of the Southeast Texas region.

The Department of English and Modern Languages is a cultural hub adapting to the needs of all kinds of university students, not just department majors, with innovative, interdisciplinary and international course offerings and extra-curriculars.

INNOVATIVE EML offers a variety of traditional and online dual credit classes, courses tailored for high school students to receive both high school and college credit. Today, the department offers online courses in composition, sophomore literature, philosophy, upper-level writing and literature courses, graduate rhetoric and literature courses, and introductory language courses to a wide CONTENT variety of students.

INTERDISCIPLINARY by Caitlin Duerler The Lamar Journal of the Humanities, housed in EML, is a peer-reviewed journal publishing academic articles from scholars around the world in multiple facets of the umanities are the courses where you work on yourself Two of his earlier novels, El Camino del Real from 1998 he says. “These skills make our students great employees, and humanities and social sciences. Also so housed in EML and figure out where you belong in the world,” says Jim and La Mordida from 2002 have received recent attention by our graduates get jobs by being adaptable and applying what are The Review of Texas Books, an online book review Sanderson, department chair of English and modern Brash Books, an America crime story publication whose editors they learned from reading John Milton to the real world and journal, and Center for Philosophical Studies. Hlanguages and professor of creative writing and literature. His republished Sanderson’s works in 2016 and 2018 respectfully. developing and practicing these skills.” 30-year tenure of teaching and directing writingconve programs at Even with a full scheduler balancingts administrative duties and While his specialty within the department is fiction, writing Lamar University, in addition to his career as a fiction writer, has teaching, Sanderson always is writing and is currently working at LU does not include just fiction and poetry, Sanderson says. INTERNATIONAL helped hundreds of students find their calling through the study on his next novel. Additionally, one of his courses this fall is a Under his leadership, the department has developed classes English, French and Spanish faculty have organized of writing, literature, languages and philosophy. novel writing class. that meet different student needs such as professional writing trips abroad taking students to Japan, Spain, France Literature and writing are where Sanderson found his calling, Sanderson’s engagement with multiple facets of the for students in fields as diverse as engineering, psychology and Québec. Modern language student organizations teaching and publishing novels, essay collections, short story humanities enables him to lead a diverse department of English, and health. Also, in the past ten years, the department has have provided both students and the Southeast Texas collections and textbooks on writing. His creative writing works, French, Spanish and philosophy students with courses that developed a variety of popular rhetoric courses and an ethics community opportunities to practice their language novels and stories set in a contemporary Western landscape not only enrich their individual lives but also their and literature course for business majors. skills and learn about new cultures. with hard-boiled detective and reckless outlaw types are hard to professional futures. Another important project spearheaded by Sanderson and pin down to a genre, however. “We don’t have majors; we have converts,” he says. “Students of other faculty members is the successful Lamar University “I have an essay called “Getting Hyphens”—the more hyphens get here and then they see something that they like in the Literary Press—the only academic press in the country solely you have the better you are, and it is other people that give you department. One reason someone may major in creative writing devoted to literary works—which has continued to sustain these hyphens. For example, I’ve been called a ‘darkly-comic- or foreign languages might be because it is fun but also because itself in a time where other academic presses in the state have One reason someone may literary-Texas-mystery writer’,” he says. “One year, my novel won they can experience themselves growing smarter.” been facing difficulties. “ a contest for Best Southwestern Rural Fiction, and I became a In the past, Sanderson says, most students would go on Sanderson’s love of storytelling, educating others and the major in creative writing or cowboy. When the press published this novel, the editor called to become teachers in the community. Today, many students humanities have been important guiding principles since it a ‘mystery’ and I became a mystery writer. I have also been still continue on to teaching jobs but also find employment in childhood, he says. foreign languages might called a ‘Texas’ writer, and someone else said I write ‘grit lit’.” other fields such as editing, publishing, web design, mid-level “My father always said that I should go to college because be because it is fun but also “More correctly, what I am is a traditional American realist management, non-profit administration and even the ‘they’ can’t take it away from you,” he says. “There is because the realists took on social issues, so I think that the Peace Corps. something in that statement that says that, despite whoever because they can experience mystery genre, the hard-bitten, private eye, noir-ish mysteries in “Today, students studying English, French, Spanish or opposes you, you have something that can’t be taken away. In themselves growing smarter. America have been the place where American literary realism philosophy are not only learning content from their respective the humanities, we provide this defense against ‘they’.” —Jim Sanderson ” has gone to hide or die.” areas but also the skills of critical thinking and communication,”

IMAGINE IT. DESIGN IT. INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS VALUE BUILD IT. IMPROVE IT. WORK-READY GRADUATES by Shelly Vitanza recent study concludes Lamar efficient operations because that is because the College of Engineering had their needs and trends in the industry. someone an opportunity like I was her current capacity, the technical skills University’s economic impact on what our alumni and employers of our a co-op work program,” said Rodriquez, Faculty and department chairs interact given,” said Rodriquez. are not as critical as the softer skills A the Southeast Texas community graduates say is needed most.” who currently works for ExxonMobil with company representatives at the BASF believes in giving back to the of engineering. is more than $263 million a year. LU’s LU’s engineering curriculum is in Spring as the company’s global college’s career fairs, and an “industrial local communities and encourages “At LU, I learned how to solve most significant contributing factor to tailored for local industry while also marketing excellence advisor. partnership” between companies and employees to serve as advisors and problems and to work in teams,” said the local economy is the consistent meeting the requirements of the Texas LU graduates with experience from the university sponsors multiple short ambassadors for Lamar University, Rodriquez. “During our engineering supply of work-ready individuals to Higher Education Coordinating Board, co-ops also are extremely important to courses each year on topics of interest according to Masica. “Our hope is that design project, we engineered, designed local businesses. For nearly a century, the Southern Association of Colleges BASF, says Greg Masica, vice president to the companies. These activities give we can share critical feedback about and manufactured a project over the Lamar University has promoted the and Schools, and the Engineering and site manager. The company, with faculty and students the opportunity the curriculum that will ready students course of a year. During that interaction, overall economic health, sustainability Accreditation of the Accreditation Board two facilities in the Golden Triangle area, to better understand the most relevant for careers in the petrochemicals we not only used the fundamentals of and stability of the region by providing a for Engineering and Technology. recruits Lamar University students from challenges in the industry. industry,” he said. “Our employees attend engineering but put into practice all of qualified workforce. As a result of the close working all engineering degree programs. “These interactions are a major career fairs at LU and assist student the other things—team work, problem While each of LU’s degree programs relationship between industry and “LU students are often seeking strength of LU’s Engineering College and organizations with résumé-building solving, economic assessment and gave a produce quality candidates in specific educators, LU offers a robust co-operative employment in this region, and LU grads one reason why our graduates are highly activities. We also participate in training presentation to peers and industry. That fields by incorporating didactic as well work program. Julie Rodriguez graduated receive a solid education,” said Masica, sought by local industry. Industry knows workshops hosted by LU where BASF is simulating, on a small scale, what your as applied learning, LU’s distinction as a from LU in 2009 with a Bachelor of who is also a member of the College of that our graduates are ready to produce employees serve as panelists to address career is like.” work-ready educator is exemplified by Science in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Advisory Council. “Many results for them right away,” said Zaloom. questions by LU professors and area teachers.” Rodriguez says an added benefit of the College of Engineering’s commitment Mathematics. She participated in LU’s have had intern or co-op opportunities Rodriquez volunteers as an Zaloom says operation-focused attending LU she had not expected was to an “operations-focused” approach co-op program working at ExxonMobil that provide them valuable work ExxonMobil recruiter at Lamar University teaching also includes skills beyond receiving a “private-like experience for to teaching. throughout her college career and was experience prior to graduation.” and is a member of the LU Mechanical calculations and formulas. “We work the price of a public institution.” “Some universities focus on teaching offered a job at the multinational oil and Another distinction that helps Engineering Advisory Council. Advisory very hard with alumni and employers “I was able to interact with professors. their students for positions in research gas corporation before she graduated. prepare students for the real world of groups for every engineering discipline, to ensure students learn the technical, If I had gone to a big school, I might not at graduate schools, other research “I was a nontraditional student who engineering is regular interaction with each comprising alumni and employers, teamwork, communication and other have had that. That’s important because organizations or design positions,” graduated from high school, worked practicing engineers. Zaloom says the meet each semester to discuss the skills necessary for a practicing it enhances the education that you get,” said Victor Zaloom, interim dean of several years to save money so I could College of Engineering diligently and strengths and weaknesses of graduates, engineer,” said Zaloom. said Rodriguez. “It’s a value asset that engineering. “We do teach design, but attend college and then chose to attend purposefully networks with alumni which then directs curriculum. “I enjoy Rodriquez says she’s grateful for these other schools don’t have.” our primary focus is design for more LU because it was affordable and and employers to gain insight about giving back and like the idea of giving additional skills gained at LU because in

me to have preceptorships, anatomy and physiology classes, and lectures that help me grow as a person.” ounded in 2003, the Joint Aziz Shaaban is a junior from Nederland who has been Admission Medical Program was convinced of his future in the medical field since the age of six. created by the Texas Legislature to He learned of the JAMP program the summer before attending Fprovide economically disadvantaged LU, and says that although the program has helped him an students with a pathway to a career enormous amount, it is his time at Lamar University that gave in medicine. Funded through the him the tools to succeed in his career. Texas Higher Education Coordinating “Lamar University has prepared me for my future career in Board, the program provides its highly medicine through all the medical exposure I was able to get qualified entrants with internships, in my time here. Plus, all of the volunteering and leadership scholarships, MCAT preparation, opportunities that LU has given me will refine me as an mentoring and guaranteed admittance applicant and make me a stronger job candidate,” said Shaaban. to one of the nine partnered medical “Coming to LU, I did not expect to have all the opportunities schools as well as funding to attend. that I am fortunate to have...I would have never thought I JAMP connects students from its 66 would find the openings for research, volunteering, medical four-year undergraduate member exposure and leadership that the university offers until I started schools to nine prestigious medical my college career here.” programs across the state of Texas. Shaaban said he is most thankful for the volunteer These schools include Baylor College opportunities which have helped him to further develop an of Medicine, Texas Tech Paul L. Foster ethic of service for his community. He plans to further embrace School of Medicine at El Paso, Texas this mindset throughout his career with a planned stint with Tech Health Sciences Center School of Doctors Without Borders after medical school and eventually to Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science attend law school and serve in the Texas Legislature. Center College of Medicine, University Yen Vu, a sophomore from Port Neches, said he was of Texas Health Science Center at Aziz Shaaban, Yves Kenfack, Tran Nguyen and Yen Vu introduced to the program by another “JAMPer” and approached Houston Medical School, UT School of Nordgren as soon as he could to get involved. Vu said Lamar Medicine at San Antonio, UT Medical University has impressed him with its competitive academics Branch at Galveston, UT Southwestern and undergraduate research program. Medical Center and University of North “I was lucky enough to be part of Dr. Terry’s research lab Texas Health Science Center. Further over the summer. These professors are also good mentors who information about the program can be JAMP PROGRAM will tell you what you need to improve upon or what to expect found at texasjamp.org and about LU’s provides path to for the future,” Vu said. “I would like to graduate top of my class pre-professional programs at lamar.edu. in med school, start my own practice and be the most well- known internist in my area. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I cannot wait to serve the community one day. That is all I could ever ask for.” MEDICAL SCHOOL Senior Yves Kenfack came to LU from Allen, Texas. He said by Daniel Pemberton that medical school has always been in his sights but he had begun to consider changing his degree to nursing because his dad thought it would be a better fit. Then he discovered the amar University has long been a first step for students the program coordinates with these nine schools as well as JAMP program. pursuing a career in medicine. The College of Arts and 66 public and private four-year undergraduate institutions The program has connected Kenfack to funding, multiple Sciences’ many pre-professional healthcare concentrations throughout the state, including Lamar University. internships across the state and test preparation. However, Land the Joanne Gay Dishman School of Nursing are two of the “LU has more students participating in the JAMP program he explains that while JAMP provided him with educational most comprehensive and acclaimed programs the university than any other time since the university has become a member,” resources that make him a better applicant, it is LU that has offers. LU contributes to advances in medicine and healthcare said Joe Nordgren, acting associate provost and JAMP faculty helped to make him a more open person. I was lucky enough to be part for the Southeast Texas community and beyond by developing director. “JAMP provides everything from scholarships and “I have gone from someone who for the most part kept to “ talented students who go on to serve their region, state, country MCAT preparation to summer internships, all of which are himself to being able to communicate with a vast, diverse group of Dr. Terry’s research lab over and international community. essential to success in any medical program. We are incredibly of individuals. The sense of community at Lamar University the summer. These professors Exemplifying this mindset of service are Tran Nguyen, Aziz proud of our students who have been accepted.” made me feel at home away from home… [and] is something I Shaaban, Yen Vu and Yves Kenfack, all of whom have been Tran Nguyen, a junior from Houston, made the decision to will hold near and dear to my heart for the rest of my life.” are also good mentors who accepted to the Joint Admission Medical Program. JAMP is apply to the JAMP program in high school. All four of these accomplished students display what will tell you what you need designed to support qualified but economically disadvantaged “I found out about the program in my high school pharmacy a student at LU can achieve in their academic life. Their to improve upon or what to students pursuing an education in medicine. Providing financial technician class when a representative of JAMP came in to experiences are also examples of the love of community and and academic support, access to resources and guaranteed speak,” said Nguyen. “By the end of the presentation, I had passion for giving back that LU instills in its students long after expect for the future. admission to one of nine partnered medical schools in Texas, made up my mind. They provided an internship that allowed they graduate. —Yen Vu ”

10 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 11 | LU—SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENGINE | COMMUNITYBANK OF “We help everyone,” distinguished alumnus. He he explained, “from the is a founding member of TEXAS INTERNSHIPS snowcone stand on the side Lamar University President’s AND OFFICER of the road to the large, Circle and serves as the locally owned businesses. treasurer of the Lamar DEVELOPMENT A locally owned bank University Foundation. PROGRAM is important, according to Now, Parsons is bringing Parsons, because banking his successes back to LU with is a person-to-person an internship and training ommunityBank of Texas and business and vital to the program meant to entice Lamar University partnered in socioeconomic growth of graduates into banking. 2018 to offer students a unique a community. “We see the start of this Copportunity to intern in an effort to “We employ over 500 local apprentice program, meant to create well-rounded, experienced future people,” Parsons said. “That’s feed into a training program, bankers and leaders. important to me. We’re proud as a way to bring young Candidates chosen for the program to provide meaningful, well- people into banking,” Parsons become familiar with various aspects of paying jobs to 500 people.” said. “There are not enough banking through rotating departmental “We’re from here, and our young people having the training before moving on to the credit kids grew up here,” he said. opportunity to pursue careers department. The program is taught in “The future of the Golden in banking because there class and on the job by professionals and Triangle is critical to the are no front door training bankers, while structured to give interns success of CommunityBank, programs like this anymore.” hands-on experience working alongside and vice versa.” He added, “We’re looking the bank’s leaders. Considering Parsons has to attract well-qualified “It is a great way to experience the been inducted into LU’s students and show them corporate culture at CommunityBank College of Business Hall of what banking can be, of Texas, to familiarize yourself with Fame, it’s humorous now thereby hopefully attracting various banking departments and that he had no clue what he the next wave of managers to better position yourself for future wanted to do. After receiving and owners into this bank.” employment opportunities,” said Jason CYCLICAL STRENGTH his degree in accounting CommunityBank accepted its Sirkel, executive vice president and from Lamar University, he first student into its Officer regional CEO of corporate banking with went on to receive his Development Program from CommunityBank. FROM SEARCHING STUDENT TO SUCCESSFUL BANKER TO MBA in Houston before LU last summer. Recent LU accounting graduate Irqa returning home. Parsons reflected on one THOUGHTFUL PHILANTHROPIST AND DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS Masood joined CommunityBank’s Officer “I got a very good lesson he learned in a really Development Program in Houston this by Krista Salter education in accounting tough accounting class at LU past January, while several other top at LU,” Parsons explained. and how it has stuck with students made it through the “You’re exposed to things, him until this day. “The first interview process. ne of the wonderful Now, in 2019, Parsons be all it can be, it needed to of Houston and opening new and develop an idea of what day we were in that class,” “(Masood) is a bright, positive and things about being can say he did well as one have a locally owned bank,” branches, eventually growing you want to do, but you Parsons said, “the professor resourceful young lady, and I know she the functioning of the original five founders Parsons said. “We can take in size and assets. never really know. told us to look to our left will represent Lamar University well as socio-economic engine of CommunityBank of care of requirements for In 2017, the bank went “During the courses I took, and right. He said half of us O she progresses through her career with that is Lamar University Texas. Today, he sits as vice small businesses but also public and ended up I decided I liked the idea of wouldn’t be there at the CommunityBank of Texas,” said Sirkel. includes being privy to the chairman of the board, but handle very large locally with around 200 local being a banker and working end of the course, and he Sirkel also stated that Lamar University successes of born-or-bred has done everything from owned businesses.” people who own stock in with people, building was right. students interviewed particularly Southeast Texans. leading the helm to getting Parsons added, “We lend CommunityBank of Texas, communities and reinforcing “The takeaway from well compared to students from Proof that if you start here, the bank on a national stage money to people in the Parsons said. the future,” he said. “Lamar that is this: life is serious. other universities. you can finish here lies in the in the stock market. community who make a “I’m proud of it,” he said. and my education there was Keep up with your work, Throughout the 10-12 week program, story of Pat Parsons ’71. “It’s still a wonderful thing living taking care of our “One of the principal an excellent foundation for and take advantage of the candidates achieve a solid foundation in Looking back, Parsons for Beaumont,” Parsons said. plants and their workers.” things we can do is helping me to build upon.” opportunities in front of you.” banking, career development, working laughed when he thought “We’re still headquartered in CommunityBank has seen the community,” Parsons said. After all this time, Parsons relationships with upper management, about the time soon after he Beaumont, and our board of exceptional growth since it “We take their money and has continually found ways credit skills and the application of graduated LU, referring to directors is predominantly was founded. Parsons and pay them interest for it, and to give back to the university. those skills through projects, mock them as the “old days” and from Beaumont. his team started buying relend it into this community Aside from his Hall of Fame presentations, live deals and continued admitting he had no idea “At the time we began, we banks throughout Southeast to build and invest in recognition, the Lamar hands-on experience. what he was going to do. felt that if Beaumont wants to Texas and the eastern edge the future.” University named Parsons a

Speech & Le Grand Bal sets records Hearing This past spring, Le Grand Bal made a grand entrance Sciences when the fundraiser, touted as the event of the year at awarded Lamar University, was held. The bal set new records and NIH grant heralded new “firsts” in its long-standing tradition of Vinaya more than 40 years. Manchaiah, “This year we raised more than $124,000 for the College of Fine Arts and Communication,” said 2018 associate Chairperson Sandra Clark. “An amount that well professor surpassed our goal!” and Jo Mayo Another first for the event was a change in the venue. Endowed Planners decided to move Le Grand Bal from its longtime Professor in the Department of Montagne Center location to the newly renovated Setzer Speech and Hearing Sciences, Student Center, making the event the unofficial opening has been awarded a grant from of the highly anticipated building. The new back-drop of the National Institutes of Health- the art bash proved to be a good move as the event sold National Deafness and Other out to a crowd of more than 450 people. Communication Disorders for A highlight of the evening was the performance of $397,800 to study relief efforts of a dancers from Taiwan, who also unintentionally became for tinnitus sufferers in the U.S. by the inspiration for the theme of the event. During the J.T. Robertson In his proposal, Manchaiah will planning process, the committee realized the dancers would be visiting the Department of Theatre and develop a way to offer Cognitive Dance during the same time as the bal. This inspired the Asian theme carried throughout the special Behavioral Therapy via the internet evening. The performance piece, which included a dragon made up of the dancers, heralded the party as a guided self-help program. This goers to the ballroom where they were entertained by the visiting performers from Tainan University joy and excitementSoul for the future,” said esteemed ‘Messiah’ due to the difficulty iCBT can be customized to meet city of Technology. James Han, associate professor of choral of the music and the financial support individual needs both in terms of The evening’s honoree was Albert Nolen, Beaumont realtor, retired educator, newspaper columnist, and music education and director of choral needed. However, through continuous language and access. well-known supporter of the arts in Southeast Texas. The featured artist was renowned photographer and “Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, activities. Although the work is based on support from our university, the Department of Art Professor Keith Carter. affects nearly 50 million people the sacred text, the message of Handel’s St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, the in the U.S.,” Manchaiah said. ‘Messiah’ is hope, and that is why it is Beaumont community, and our student “Tinnitus is debilitating for many University Press has record-setting year important to all of us and why we and faculty member contributions, we individuals, affecting many aspects The University Press, the student newspaper of want to share this work with our have been able to share this message of of daily life, such as sleep, mood Lamar University, set a new record with 76 awards in competitions for work published in 2017. wonderful community.” hope, through music, on an annual basis and concentration. Currently, there is no cure for this condition.” Every year the newspaper enters in at least The aptly titled Soul of the City to a full-house audience of wonderful four major press club contests—the Press Club of he Latin words Mater Ecclesia, Concert Series has provided a cultural people,” said Han. Southeast Texas, Society of Professional Journalists, followed by Porta Caeli, flank mainstay for the community for more It has been proven that arts and Houston Press Club and Texas Intercollegiate Press the entrance of the well-known than four years. Year after year, as the culture make considerable and necessary Association. This past year, the student publication won various awards from first place to honorable angelic music from the production fills contributions to the well-being of a Tdowntown Beaumont St. Anthony mention in every single event in categories Cathedral Basilica. The meaning— the backdrop for the “Messiah,” one community. The cultural contribution of including news stories, feature stories, photos, Mother of the Church and Heaven’s does indeed feel like they are being this specific concert cannot necessarily Deaf studies & deaf layouts and videos. “To win this number of awards speaks to the quality Gates, respectively—is as enticing as transported through the proverbial be counted in dollars, but in the fact that education add two the notable architecture. But it’s what heaven’s gates. each year, in the standing room only of the work the students produce, and the hard work designated interpreters they put in,” Andy Coughlan, University Press media advisor, said. “The University Press aims to reproduce a fills this building during the Christmas “Messiah,” from start to finish, is a venue, patrons come back year after The Department of Deaf Studies professional work environment where students can get hands-on experience that prepares them for a career— season when the Mary Morgan Moore beautifully unfolding drama. Every bit of year to experience this oratorio, a sort and Deaf Education added two whether that is in print news, broadcast, public relations, advertising or any media. I think these awards Department of Music presents their it, from the overture and “Comfort ye my of currency in its own. Whether it’s a new designated interpreters indicate that this sort of experiential learning pays off.” to their growing department: annual “Messiah” concert, that has People” all the way through “Worthy is Latin phrase over a door, an Italian opera Barbara Johnson and Chance  ACDA conference  Hyatt named TAEA’s Art  Collage concert captured the heart and soul of the Lamb,” is by itself a piece of exquisite or the “Messiah,” music is a universal Sutton. Together, they bring Educator of the Year More than 115 student and beauty. Every moment drives the story language that has the ability to unite us Theatre and Dance hosted the community. more than 45 years of academic, more than 420 participants The Texas Art Education faculty musicians performed “The selected texts of Handel’s further. Because of the intensity of all, no matter what season. community, deafblind, legal, for the 2018 South-Central Association named Joanna in the University Theatre as ‘Messiah’ depict a people who are in the performance, the Lamar University medical and combined interpreting Conference of the American Hyatt, assistant professor of the Mary Morgan Moore experiences to the department. College Dance Association. art, the 2018 Art Educator Department of Music need of hope, but the composition of choirs diligently prepare from the end Designated interpreters address This culturally enriched of the Year. This award presented its inaugural this work also had a major impact on the of every spring semester throughout the Because of the overwhelming a critical need in the advancement week promoted multiple recognizes significant Collage Concert Feb 1. composer’s life. Handel was in the lowest show’s premiere during the Christmas of deaf professionals in academic, styles and genres of dance contributions to TAEA and The fundraiser, which will support of the community, to art education on the be an annual event, raised season. Students do not only perfect scientific, medical and highly as it invited participants to point of his career just before writing the Mary Morgan Moore celebrate under the anthem state, local and national approximately $3,500 for technical fields which often require his ‘Messiah.’ After the completion and the immense and highly involved choral “Everybody Cut Loose!” level. The award ceremony the department to help fund Department of Music will advanced degrees and specialized presentation of this amazing masterpiece, parts, but many also prepare solo was held November 9, student needs. present Handel’s “Messiah” linguistic skills. The interpreters 2018, in McAllen, TX. it was highly acclaimed, and his life recitatives and arias as well. again this Christmas season are one step towards reducing was tremendously changed from “These days, it is very difficult to find Friday, December 6 at those barriers of advancement. hopelessness and discouragement to a full concert production of Handel’s 7:30 p.m. as part of the Soul of the City Concert Series at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica. 14 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 Admission is free of charge. CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 15 | STAFF PROFILE: NORMAN BELLARD | streak was in part a result of the team’s Park Neighborhood Partnership, recently As someone who Coach Billy Tubbs and his philosophy teamed up with community partners and that if you pass the ball more than three Teresa Simpson, the special assistant to has been in the times, it’s a stall. “He will never call a the dean for student success and clinical game for more than stall,” Bellard said, “so you shoot the instructor for educational leadership in ball.” The Cardinals averaged almost the College of Education and Human 40 years, Norman 89 points a game and were fifth in the Development, to create an Innovative nation in scoring. Learning Lab for students at Pietzsch- Bellard knows a Bellard said that while he was a full- MacArthur Elementary School. The group time student and athlete, he was able to has plans to create six more in Beaumont thing or two about build life-long friendships with both his elementary schools and one in South the socio-economic teammates and professors, “We were a Park Middle School. very close-knit family and until this day After his well-remembered athletic climate within the we are still a very close-knit family. And career and as a beloved 40-year when I first got back to Lamar University Beaumonter, Bellard continues to make a Golden Triangle. in 2000, some of those professors that memorable and meaningful influence at “We are one of the main socio taught me between 1975 and 1979 were Lamar University and in his surrounding economic hubs in the city as well as still here, and it looked like it was stress community. “I’m not native to Beaumont, southeast Texas. LU grads support the free,” he jokes. “It looked like they had but this is my home.” petrochemical industry, as well as small not aged, so I said well, maybe I need and large businesses in cities throughout to try it.” After a 20-year career as a Southeast Texas. We positively affect the chief financial officer and regional vice economies within the Golden Triangle president, Bellard headed back to LU through the number of students we to become the assistant vice president educate and the number of faculty, of student affairs in 2000, and in 2015, staff and senior administrators that “President Evans said he needed my we employ.” help on something,” he said. “Being a Beyond the education and training of former athlete, when the coach calls the successful professionals, is the Center play, the player runs to play.” Currently for Innovation, Commercialization, Bellard is the assistant to the president Industrialization and Entrepreneurship for community relations, economic on Lamar University’s campus. “Through development and athletic the center we offer job training,” says programs liaison. Bellard. “With this petrochemical boom When President Evans asked him to and expansion, one of the main concerns help with community relations, Bellard we hear from company executives is recalls, “Evans said, ‘you know a lot of the need for employable skilled labor people.’ I said, ‘Yes, sir.’ He said, ‘but a ready to go. It’s a challenge and one we lot more people know of you.’ It’s always are meeting to the benefit of southeast been that way because I’ve been around Texas residents and employers, so they and involved for 40 plus years.” Bellard, are not having to go outside the Golden founding member of the Greater South Triangle to secure those employees.” Student athlete, community advocate and family man, Norman Bellard has ATHLETE always had a home at Lamar University. LU Bellard started his time at LU in 1975 while earning his bachelor’s degree in We positively affect the accounting. “The memory I cherish the “ most is what we were able to accomplish economies within the Golden COMMUNITY and the successes that we were able to Triangle through the number achieve on the basketball team,” Bellard said. “We were undefeated at home for of students we educate and a total of six consecutive years, starting the number of faculty, & in my junior year—a total of 80 home staff and senior administrators ADVOCATE games in a row, which was one of the longest consecutive winning streaks in that we employ. by Hannah Carlson the nation at the time.” This winning —Norman Bellard ”

16 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 17 | LU—SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENGINE | + NURSING Cynthia Stinson ’75, ’80, chair of the JoAnne Gay Dishman see that nursing shortage well into 2025 and there are only so School of Nursing, says, “with both undergraduate and many new graduates each year.” Other Hospitals in the area, graduate programs, we have approximately 700 students in including Baptist Hospital and the Medical Center of Southeast HOLISTIC EDUCATION the nursing school. Applicants come from across the country Texas, offer excellent transition programs for new graduates. with some of the most intelligent and brightest minds.” LU Nurses graduating from the Dishman School of Nursing are has received commendations from the Texas Board of Nursing employed all over the world in a variety of areas including, but for outstanding pass rates on the national qualifying exam for not limited to, acute care, long-term care, rehabilitation, public heals nurses for the past five years, scoring 92-97% when the state health, community health, administration, education, school and national averages have been is 88% or below. “We believe nursing and research. Many of these graduates have obtained by Jennifer Wyse in holistic education with hands-on learning, critical reasoning advance degrees. and clinical judgment,” Stinson said. The students obtain this holistic experience with their laboratory experiences, the + DEAF STUDIES AND simulation lab, practicum experiences and community-based DEAF EDUCATION service learning. The High Fidelity Simulation Lab is one of the LU’s Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education is the top simulation labs in the state—a 14-bed simulated hospital third-largest program in the country. The program began in with robotics and mannequins that talk and breathe with 1975 and now has undergraduate and graduate degrees along standardized heart rates. As part of nursing students’ education, with an Ed.D. in deaf studies and deaf education. Students people from the community come in as actors with scripts to prepare to become American Sign Language teachers and simulate real-life clinical scenarios. interpreters, teachers of Deaf children from early childhood All of LU’s nursing students also are required to complete to secondary levels, professors and administrators. The 120 hours of community service, called community-based department has developed partnerships with state schools service learning hours. Students work with a coordinator to for the Deaf, mainstreamed programs in the public schools, determine where they are needed in the community, staffing community colleges, universities and research labs in order to rape and suicide hotlines or working with organizations like give students a state-of-the-art curriculum and rich Julie Rodgers Gift of Life at local health fairs. Post-graduation intern experiences. surveys indicate that students continue to volunteer in the “If you have taken a high school American sign language community after they graduate. class, you most likely have met one of our alumni,” said Mary Both students and faculty have won state awards. Senior Clark, department chair. We are the only program in the state Hailey Zampini led a student nursing organization to the of Texas that prepares K-12 ASL teachers. High Schools across 2019 Texas Nursing Student Association State Convention and the state contact us frequently to try to hire one of our ASL received the Dynamic Kernel Module Support award for testing teachers, as most of them have already hired one of our former students to find a match for stem cell donation or bone marrow students. This year’s graduate all had jobs prior to graduation. transplants. “I love nursing school, and I’m very sad to leave in We are proud of our alumni and the work they do as they May 2019. It’s a bittersweet moment for sure,” Zampini said. “I touch the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people.” Master’s- can’t brag enough on our faculty and our nursing instructors, level students become teachers in ASL/English bilingual deaf they care and they push you to be the very best you can education programs, touching the lives of young deaf children be.” Zampini graduated in May and is working at CHRISTUS and working to help families find services their deaf child Souhteast Texas in the medical intensive care unit department. needs. In addition, Clark said, “Our doctoral students engage Most students have a job in hand upon graduation. in research to improve the lives of deaf people in terms of Katelyn Meaux, Pre-Med; Emily Street '19, RN—CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth; Garrett Ames '19, RN—CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth; Nicholas Nolen, Pre-Pharmacy CHRISTUS Southeast Texas offers a fully accredited residency education, identity development and language acquisition. program from the American Nurse Credentialing Center for They advocate for effective programs for mental health as new nurses to help make the transition into nursing. Paul well as progressive education polices.” Guidroz ’91, ’01, chief nursing officer at CHRISTUS describes EMPLOYMENT IN Healthcare is the nation’s largest employer with 18 million the residency “as an opportunity to spend a full year with a SPEECH AND healthcare workers making up nearly 10% of employment HEALTHCARE IS nurse so that we could help them with that transition from + HEARING SCIENCES in the U.S. This projected growth is intensifying as baby student nurse to novice nurse. The whole goal is to make sure An ongoing shortage of speech-language pathologists and PROJECTED TO GROW boomers age and the need for healthcare grows. The that transition is nurtured.” audiologists means that typically 100% of LU graduates find American Association of College of Nursing calls nursing 18% FROM 2016 TO 2026, “It’s a continuing effort to keep up with the amount of employment within their field and work in a variety of medical, the country’s largest healthcare profession with nearly four nurses needed in healthcare,” says Guidroz, and he calls this rehabilitation and educational settings, including hospitals, million registered nurses nationwide. Lamar University has ACCORDING TO THE BUREAU wave, “the graying tsunami.” “We have a lot of baby boomers clinics, home health agencies, physician’s offices, nursing several programs to address the labor growth in all healthcare who are all on the verge of retirement. We may hire a new homes, schools and early childhood centers. OF LABOR STATISTICS, AND professions from pre-professional programs in health sciences nurse and simultaneously be losing a nurse to retirement after Students train by working alongside accomplished faculty and the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing to the REGISTERED NURSING IS working for 30-35 years. That’s what makes this accredited to treat both children and adults with developmental and Speech and Hearing Sciences Department and Department nursing residency program so important. We want to make acquired disorders in LU’s Speech-Language Pathology Clinic, THE TOP OCCUPATION FOR of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education. sure that the choice of where they want to go to work has Voice Lab and Vocology Clinic, and Audiology Clinic while GROWTH THROUGH 2026. been well thought out and we have the type of program that obtaining the skills to prevent, diagnose, monitor and treat helps nurture them into practice. We are going to continue to communication disorders.

18 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 19 Cathy Butler ’80, a speech pathologist at Advanced Pediatric +PRE-PROFESSIONAL | COLLEGE SNAPSHOT: ARTS & SCIENCES | Care says, “We made lifelong friends with students and our LU offers nine pre-professional programs in health sciences to professors.” She and Diane Bass ’80, an audiologist and owner help prepare future health professionals for medical school. of Advanced Pediatric Care, both studied together and worked According to Eileen Burch, pre-professional adviser, more than full time in the speech and hearing center. 400 students study in these programs currently: pre-dental, Gift propels LU research into LU was and is on the leading edge of the field. Bass recalls, drone-based remote sensing pre-medical, pre-occupational therapy, pre-optometry, pre- Department of Earth and Space “It was the birthplace of the profession. We weren’t even a pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant, pre- Sciences has added a remote-sensing licensed profession when I started in the field of audiology. podiatry and pre-veterinary. “Lamar University ranks higher program using state-of-the-art drone It was a brand new profession. Speech pathology had been than the state average for acceptance rates into medical school technology thanks to a $500,000 gift from former Texaco plant supervisor around a while but was not a graduate-level profession. You and dental schools,” Burch says. She meets with these students Ed Hogenson of Port Neches, in could still work with a bachelor’s degree. Through the growth each semester to review medical school requirements and to honor of his son, Bill Hogenson of LU Dr. Peterson and Dr. Moulton elevated the graduate check on each student’s progress. She encourages, guides and ’75 of Houston, a Lamar University programs in speech pathology and audiology. They added ultimately wants to make sure the students have the correct geology graduate and vice president the doctorate.” Bass recalls traveling. “We went all over the resources. Burch encourages her students to do their shadowing with Zone Oil and Gas LLC. “This gift from Mr. Hogenson is truly country and Mexico for the deaf-ed program. We watched as Dr. and observation hours early on so that the students have an transformative for the department,” Moulton took this program out into the world; he took it to the opportunity to see what the field is like and to make sure the Two-week tour traverses said Professor and Chair Jim Jordan. “Developments in drone technology have increased the Gaza Strip and Mainland China.” medical profession is right for them. time, students visit Texas opportunity for remote sensing, and are becoming a significant part of future exploration. geologic outcrops “This gift will allow us to engage in technology of the future with Infrared Cameras Inc.,” Jordan said The geology of Texas captivated of a partnership between the department and ICI, a manufacturer of state-of-the-art equipment for the attention of nine earth science infrared drone surveying used worldwide by customers like the US Geological Survey and other scientific and geology majors as they spent organizations. two weeks exploring and camping The infrared data will be mapped in the LU Geospatial Center, Jordan said. The mapped data will be a in classic geologic outcrops in basis for sampling in identified geologically significant areas, and will use precise GPS location of the site Central and Trans-Pecos Texas. and post-sampling analysis including mineral separations and chemical analyses. University Professor Jim Hogenson credits good fortune, frugality and savings through the years for the ability to support the Westgate and Julia Zidan schools that gave his children a great start in their careers. He retired in 1983 from Texaco with more than HEALTHCARE ’18, teaching assistant, led the 29 years of service. capstone course, called Field A native of Portland, Oregon, he served in the U.S. Army in 1946-48 in Vienna, Austria after the end of Geology of Texas. World War II, and was recalled to serve in 1950-51 during the Korean War. He used the G.I. Bill to attend ALUMNI DR. JOHN SCOTT ’79—Serves on the board of The first stop was in the heart of the University of Arkansas, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering directors of Elite Physicians Group and Premier Physicians Group, Central Texas at Enchanted Rock before joining Texaco in 1955 as an engineer and later becoming a supervisor of operations, then facility + recently served on the Texas Medical Review Board District 3 Review State Natural Area. There the group superintendent. Committee and now serves on the Texas State Board of Physician climbed to the top of the oldest Bill Hogenson graduated from Lamar University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in geology, Assistant Examiners. He and his wife, Loucille, live in Keller. rocks in Texas, a one billion-year- beginning a career that saw him rise through technical and managerial roles of several companies, The foundation gained at LU has led old mass of pink granite known as including Exxon, Aminoil, Phillips Petroleum, Amoco, Maxus Energy and Unocal, before becoming vice alumni to remarkable careers. Anesthesiologist Dr. John Scott is chief marketing officer and chairman of the board at All Care Physicians Group. He encourages an exfoliation dome. president of exploration for Santos USA, a division of Santos Ltd. of Adelaide, Australia. The class then headed west As his career matured, he had the opportunity to work and live in a variety of foreign locations that current and future pre-medical students to work in the healthcare to Big Bend National Park in spanned the globe. In 2007, he and a portion of the US-based management team of Santos USA created field and find a doctor to shadow. “That’s how you can really the Chihuahuan Desert where a new company, Zone Energy, where he continues as vice president and general partner today. DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS DR. JACK determine if this is what you want to do,” he said. “The classes I took they camped high in the Chisos — MONCRIEF ’58 Dialysis Pioneering Award in 1982, at LU really put me above other students. The big benefit was to have Mountains to escape the desert   performed first life-saving dialysis procedure on a new-born infant, Couch earns Rogers Award Duerler receives Phi Kappa Phi award the guidance and friendship of professors, to have that resource and heat. The mountains were formed P.J. Couch, assistant professor of Phi Kappa Phi selected Ismatara Reena, founded the Jack Moncrief Group, owner of Austin Biomedical Inc. to have someone to believe in you more than anything else—that’s by volcanic activity from about 45 mathematics, is the 2018 Julie & Ben adjunct instructor of biology, and Caitlin He and his wife, Jerry, live in Buda. what I got from Lamar University.” to 30 million years ago. Rogers Community Service Award recipient, Duerler, instructor of French, to receive its Dr. Moncrief, a nephrologist, co-invented continuous ambulatory “The group was amazed while honored for his support of students “Love of Learning Award” in 2018, making peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), saving countless lives of people without hiking into the bottom of Santa conducting undergraduate research and them the first LU recipients. — access to hospitals. He calls LU “the springboard that gave me the DR. MARK TOUPS ’73 Began medical information Elena Canyon along the Texas- his active work with the Texas STEM Renna used the award to present her searches at the bedside in the early 1980s, taught at Parkland Conference and Undergraduate Research dissertation on STEM program impact on understanding of what intellectual study, dedication and success is Mexico border,” said Westgate. Hospital, he takes an active interest in LU’s pre-medical students Expo since 2013. academic achievement and retention at about. The pre-med program at Lamar University was excellent, and “There, the Rio Grande River and invited senior pre-medical students to attend the "Festival of Couch is associate director and a the Hawaii International Conference on my professors prepared me for my experience both in medical school has carved down 1,500 feet founding member of the Mathematical Education this past January. Caring," which focused on compassion fatigue experienced by through marine limestones that and in continued practice.” Moncrief described LU as “the place I Puzzle Program, a program on U.S. “I hope my research presentation will … healthcare professionals, provides students with real-world insight were buried at the bottom of campuses and abroad that designs events further establish LU’s and PKP’s graduate started my career.” into the life of a physician and the role of service to others. a 100-million-year-old tropical to help students have fun through learning students as skillful researchers and For the last two years, internist Dr. Mark Toups served as vice ocean, which extended from the and using mathematics. For the MaPP scholars,” Renna said. —World-renowned president of medical affairs for the CHRISTUSHealth Southeast Texas ancient Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic High School Challenge, Couch began the Duerler used the grant to fund her DR. MARK NICHOLS ’78 Lamar Mathematical Puzzlehunt in 2015 Spanish class and travel to Mexico City expert in oral diseases found in compromised immune systems, region, which, he said, “has given opportunity for a deeper and Ocean and is known to geologists as the Cretaceous Interior Seaway.” and helped host the MaPP Middle School Aug. 6-13. She viewed an exhibition by internationally recognized leader in HIV-specific dentistry, has richer relationship with LU.” He is now medical director of services Challenge allowing LU to host 70 students writer and artist Leonora Carrington at From Big Bend, the group trained dentists from the U.S., Africa, China, India and South of clinical informatics at CHRISTUS and teaches the use of electronic from five high schools in the Houston and the Museo Arte Moderno, which aided America. He lives in Houston. medical records. His own group is a leader in formal shadowing and traveled to Davis Mountains Golden Triangle areas. her scholarship on medieval influences State Park where they saw the Dr. Nichols, a dentist and director of dental services at Avenue 360 mentoring opportunities for LU students, and he encourages other Off campus, Couch is a mentor and tutor in the art and literature of Carrington and remains of volcanic lava flows with the Key Communicators initiative of supported her master’s studies. Health and Wellness, is a pioneer of dentistry within the Aids/HIV local doctors in the medical community to provide them as well. some 30 million years old before the Beaumont Independent School District. “The college and department have community. He recalls his time at LU, “I felt very well prepared going “I believe young people need to be mentored early,” he said. “The they continued to Guadalupe Program members work with elementary always encouraged their faculty to present into dental school. I had to learn how to study and Lamar University school has an excellent reputation, and we are fortunate to have such Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns and secondary campuses to mentor their research and represent our university was intellectually stimulating for me.” diversity and depth of talent at Lamar University.” National Parks. students in campus-wide group sessions. on the national level,” said Duerler.

20 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 21 by Casey Ford way the university has consistently been Hamza describes human devastation EXPLORING one of the most powerful economic and syndrome as PTSD on steroids. “Usually our past, cultural engines for the region. LU also is in PTSD, you are exposed to a traumatic ENRICHING a necessary resource for many academic event and then you have time to cope,” fields, exporting its talent around the he said. “But we are talking about eight our future globe. One of LU’s best examples is the years of repeated, systematic, repetitive n 2017, Lamar University launched the Center for History Southeast Texas.” Through their distinctive lenses on art and work of M.K. Hamza, professor of clinical injuries. Those who receive the most and Culture. That first year, the fellows’ work celebrated graphic design, filmmaking and historical-cultural exploration, mental health counseling, who joined the psychological injuries are the children.” aspects of Southeast Texas musical influences and featured each fellow is mining the past to cultivate awareness, empathy faculty in 2003. Hamza currently chairs the Syrian Irecorded histories of prominent Beaumont figures. This and inclusiveness among Lamar University and the broader As a consulting forensic American Medical Society’s Mental year, the 2018-2019 fellowship projects add new scholarship Southeast Texas community that is our home. Each project spins neuropsychologist and researcher, Health Committee, which has become and creativity to further the center’s mission “to support the uniquely humanizing and regenerative threads that weave Lamar Hamza is world-renowned for identifying one of the most active groups of doctors creation, preservation, and transmission of knowledge about University into the fabric of the local and global socio-economy. Human Devastation Syndrome while working in Syria since the advent of the working with young children in Syria. war. Hamza’s work in this area makes The term describes the collective and him among the most accomplished 2018-19 CENTER FELLOWS complex human trauma symptoms of clinicians in the region. LU has been which millions of Syrian refugees suffer, highly supportive of his work, which LU RE-ENVISIONS BEAUMONT: 3-D VISUALIZATION AS particularly children and youth. “While continues to position the university as A LEARNING TOOL FOR PUBLIC HISTORY displaced populations and refugees an important institution in the field of continue to suffer the humiliation, agony mental health counseling. associate professor of art and design, in sifting the and pain of ethnic cleansings and wars, His three children attend or are Richardarchitectural history ofGachot, downtown Beaumont, has discovered what seems to have been a “city children who endure repetitive exposure graduates of Lamar University. The within a city” that existed when Beaumont was segregated by Jim Crow laws. Initially, he set out to traumatic events seem to suffer the oldest, Ayah Hamza, earned her to re-visualize lost architecture of the city using Sanborn maps and 3-D computer modeling. In deepest of all psychological injuries,” bachelor’s in dietetics and now attends his exploration, Gachot discovered a building on Park and Forsythe that was an African-American Hamza said. medical school at the Texas College of theater during segregation. His project has since broadened into a survey of architecture as a Between 2011 and 2017, there were Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. manifestation of a completely segregated inner city, in which urban African-Americans created the 198 chemical Omar Hamza is city in miniature for themselves. Gachot and his students are looking at segregation then and now to weapon attacks, a pre-medicine/ break down socioeconomic stereotypes and generate conversation about lost history. Gachot hopes including sarin While displaced psychology major that the future holds the possibility of an African-American history museum and revitalization in that and chorine populations“ and refugees and chemistry/ area of downtown. gas. Faced continue to suffer the biology minor and HAMZA with continual founder of the Lamar LU REMEMBERS BEAUMONT ON THE WORLD STAGE: bombardment humiliation, agony and Muslim Association. BOOM DAYS, A DOCUMENTARY FILM helps and starvation, pain of ethnic cleansings He is a recipient of assistant professor of film and television, looks back communities and wars, children who the Beck Fellowship, Mahmoudto events of the late 1800s towardSalimi, the turn of the century to explore the cultural and economic shatter, families endure repetitive exposure which will fund significance of local oil discovery in 1901. His ideas for the project originated from his own fracture and his research on experience as “an outsider coming in” to the dichotomy that is Southeast Texas—wealth and poverty children are to traumatic events seem Human Devastation in juxtaposition. Salimi finds such contradictions interesting and worthy of close study. Working OTHERS with LU student researchers and crew members, Boom Days will feature drama and re-enactments, unable to find to suffer the deepest of all Syndrome in Jordan. footing to psychological injuries. Ali Hamza studies many of which will be shot at Spindletop on the Lamar University campus. Salimi’s work on this heal cope. Stunning political science film evokes his ethos as a storyteller. He encourages his students to notice the stories of the human —M.K. Hamza ” condition that are all around. He says to them, “Don’t write the zombie movies—you are sitting in atrocities shock. with an interest in by Daniel Pemberton “One child pursuing law after the middle of history.” witnessed her entire family being graduation. Following in the footsteps ach year, Lamar University killed,” Hamza said. “Iranian militants of his older sister, Ali is involved in the LU RECLAIMS LOST HISTORY: BEAUMONT LATINA/O graduates a class of highly slaughtered her father. Her mom was newly reorganized LU Model UN team. ORAL HISTORY PROJECT equipped students who will raped repeatedly until she passed. The Their dad was the 2018 LU assistant professor of history, specializes in U.S. and Chicana/o Eeither enter the job market or choose next day, the militants took her to school Distinguished Faculty Lecturer. He spoke Miguelhistory and his fellowship Chavez, project captures and reclaims a missing narrative—that of the Latina/o— to continue their educations at graduate and ridiculed the teachers and teaching. of his experiences to open a window in Beaumont’s recorded history. Latina/o and Mexicana/o people have always been integral players or professional school. While many will Militants hit her and her classmates, and of awareness, understanding and in the socio-economy of Southeast Texas, yet their stories are missing from our recorded histories. secure jobs or graduate school placement when a male teacher came to her rescue, commitment to address psychological Participants in Chavez’s research are LU alumni who have been socialized in Beaumont public across the U.S., others will choose to they tied two ropes to his neck and kept trauma and injuries so that refugees can institutions from elementary school forward. Their oral histories remind us that their families have work and live in the Southeast Texas pulling until he died. A female teacher find methods to survive, move on been here since before oil was discovered; they labored in timber and shipyards and even worked region. Regardless of their choice, these came to rescue the children, and they and triumph. in the service industry, like the father of one of Chavez’s subjects, who came to the area in the early students contribute to their chosen took her, poured gas on her and 1900s and served the “oil elite” as an attendant at Beaumont’s Crosby Hotel. Chavez hopes his work community as LU alumni, and in this burned her alive.” will play a role in increasing Latina/o enrollment at LU and that stories like the Flores’ will inspire others to learn about this marginalized segment of our area’s history.

his time at LU was something he worked as a part-time “LU taught me how to be Starting out with one he collectively refers to as teller at a local bank and a man,” Brent said. “I had storefront, Aaron’s brainchild “emotional intelligence,” started his business ventures to go to school and go to has blossomed to more than or connecting with and alongside Brent shortly after work, and it taught me to be 100 retail stores offering ultimately helping people, graduation when they bought responsible. I’m appreciative women’s apparel at malls and a tool he used during the the laundromat together. of that because I paved my shopping centers throughout WE’RE IN THE process of finding his Eventually, Clint took a job as own path and keep going. the country, as well as online. own path and that his branch manager of MobilOil “A strategy I have is “I went to LU for a business brothers adopted. Credit Union after working that I always need to ‘look management degree,” the eldest Maintaining connections to his way up to assistant vice the role,’ and I became a brother explained. “I’m one LU, their professors and the president at the bank where more persistent person,” he of those people who is using lessons they learned proved he began career. He said he explained. “I learned it’s okay my degree because I really am essential to the Walters advanced through the chain to fail, and I try to raise my doing that.” people brothers as they each of command to where he is kids the same way—to fail on But, Aaron said the thing AARON started their own careers. today, senior vice president something so they can learn that excites him most about Brent explained that and chief operating officer of how to rise and learn from it. Altar’d State is that they’re a by Krista Salter it was management and MobilOil Credit Union. Failing at some things makes “give-back” company. So far, business marketing Professor Brad Both the twins and their you a better person. LU the organization has built five Mayer, a teacher of his when elder brother are a testament taught me all of that.” schools in Peru, while he studied accounting and as to what can happen when Clint agreed, adding 14 more are currently finance, who guided him LU nurtures and supports that his college career was under construction. n the early 2000s, When it comes down to it, through a decision that individual growth. Lamar essential in providing key The organization also gives the Walters brothers, Aaron would ultimately University leads graduates to experiences. back a large portion of their ’01, Brent ’03 and Clint ’04, determine his future just be successful contributors to “One of the major profits to charities every three brothers all agreed that their education after graduation. their communities. In turn, takeaways that’s helped in month—more than $10 million at Lamar University played The young graduate, 21 in total to local and global graduated from the largest role in their at the time, was offered communities. And, Aaron said I current success. As a family the chance to buy out the they hope to bring a storefront Lamar University full of five siblings, the brothers insurance company he But, Aaron said the thing that excites him home to Beaumont in the said they didn’t have much had worked for through most about Altar’d State is that they’re a coming years where they can of entrepreneurial his college days, and then continue to give back to growing up. “give-back” company. So far, the organization Staying determined and later, along with his brother this community. spirit and looking persevering was part of it, Clint, the pair purchased a has built five schools in Peru, while 14 more “The professors I worked but the brothers said LU neighboring laundromat. are currently under construction. with always gave real-life towards the future. gave each of them the tools, Fast forward to today, Brent examples, and my experience resources and connections operates the largest group of was outstanding,” Aaron said. BRENT Though they didn’t they needed to lead them to AllState insurance agencies in “It gave me the foundation and their individual and group the country, with 12 offices the community and future LU my career is learning how to basis to go start realize it then, the successes today. across Southeast Texas and students continue to benefit network and be resourceful, my career. parts of Houston. “During from their success use teamwork and time “We’re a young, vibrant lessons they learned Paths to Success the process of buying that and generosity. management,” he said. “In the company, passionate about The Walters brothers business, I had no idea what business world, we’re actually developing and growing future at LU—both in life attribute much of their I was doing, no clue,” Brent Lessons learned in the people business. You leaders,” Aaron explained. accomplishment to the said. “My professors literally The Walters brothers said an could be the smartest person “It’s humbling, and I’m and academics— professors who guided them, helped me with everything, essential key to their success in the world, but if you don’t appreciative.” not only academically but and I couldn’t have done it was learning to apply real- have the people factor you The brothers have all had would afford them also personally. Not often without them helping me. world skills at LU that they won’t be as successful.” a hand in making sure Altar’d do you find a university so They walked me through then transitioned into State continues to not only run tightknit that graduates keep everything. their careers. A collaborative venture but also build steam. With Clint much success in touch with the professors “They contributed to that, That’s why, when looking In 2009, when the Walters and Brent on the board, the who were so influential on LU contributed to that,” he back on their days at LU, the brothers had a chance to brothers make decisions about individually and the future careers of said. “They went above and brothers remember not only collaborate they took it and venues of philanthropy and their students. beyond, and you don’t see the academic lessons learned ran. They created the retail provide support in their areas together down Clint said one of the most that elsewhere.” but also the genuine life fashion boutique, Altar’d of expertise. important things he learned Clint took a similar path. skills and insights Lamar State, with Aaron serving as the line. from his professors during While he attended LU, University provided. CEO and chairman of the company’s board of directors. CLINT CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 25 | COLLEGE SNAPSHOT: BUSINESS | Brent added, “We’ve always said being involved with the rewarding,” Clint added. “It’s G. Weinert Entrepreneurship had an entrepreneurial spirit. university today is an honor. an opportunity to give back, Lecture Series. Aaron But Aaron made the right “As a family of five siblings because with the personal returned to deliver the Information Systems and decision, because he we really grew up with growth Lamar has given us, keynote address during Analysis introduces new killed it!” nothing,” he said. “To be able we want to be alumni who the College of Business master of science in MIS “Sometimes we pinch to get an education here, go can give back. commencement in May 2019. Lamar University’s new Master of ourselves at how well we’ve out and be successful and We’re just getting to that “It’s very humbling,” Aaron Science in Management Information Systems, which began this spring, is a done,” Clint added. “The then come give back means stage now.” said when asked how it felt 30-hour STEM program that will take emotional intelligence aspect a lot.” “Lamar University helped to know that he and his one year to complete for full-time we gained became one Clint agreed, saying, me understand the people brothers still impact and students. The program will be offered of our core values within “I’m always going to be business,” Clint said. “They standout at the university. entirely online. Altar’d State. Our give-back “I never dreamed 20 years “We thought there was a gap here between the programs offered and component and loving on our ago that I’d be giving the Vivek Natarajan wins the student demands that we can customers has enabled us commencement speech at Kakoli Bandyopadhyay, Distinguished fill,” said to grow.” LU,” he said. “I’m looking professor and chair of the Department Educator Award of Information Systems and Analysis. Vivek Natarajan, associate “We will differentiate ourselves from professor of marketing, sees the other regional universities in the state three-pronged mission of College by offering a master’s in MIS that is of Business faculty members— mainly focused on Enterprise service, research and teaching— Resource Planning.” as “mutually reinforcing.” His Current courses teach the leading business software SAP for enterprise resource planning, which is excellence in all three areas used throughout the Southeast Texas and Houston region by major employers such as Exxon Mobil, garnered national recognition Total, Dupont, Chevron Services and others. “This region has the demand and looks for people with this this year when he was awarded knowledge,” Bandyopadhyay said. “That way, we have an advantage.” the 2018 Federation of Business More than 404,000 customers in more than 180 countries use SAP applications, which means this Disciplines Distinguished Educator College of Business program will prepare students to compete for careers around the globe in positions Award by the Association of such as data analysts, systems analysts, enterprise resource planning consultants and business Collegiate Marketing Educators. intelligence designers. “Good service helps you do good research. Good research helps you in the classroom,” Johnny Cupcakes Visits Natarajan said. “Good teaching Lamar University provides inspiration from the In 2018, the College of Business classroom for service through hosted Johnny Earle, founder of sharing knowledge at professional Johnny Cupcakes, "The World’s First conferences.” T-Shirt Bakery," as part of the Michael The Association of Collegiate Weinert Entrepreneurship Lecture Marketing Educators, one of 10 Series. Earle shared the story of how, professional associations that at the age of 19, he took his t-shirt together form the Federation of brand from the trunk of his rusty car to Business Disciplines, has been a some of the world’s most sought after beneficiary of Natarajan’s service retail locations. for many years. He served as an Johnny Cupcakes has been featured officer for five years, including in FORBES, NPR, BusinessWeek, INC program chair in 2015 and Magazine, Wall Street Journal, WIRED, president in the following year. New York Times, The Boston Globe Full circle forward to it. Twenty years With his service on the board and Los Angeles Times and seen on MTV, Bloomberg TV, MAKER, Attack Of The Show, The Food Network The entrepreneurial spirit ago I was in that crowd. It’s complete, Natarajan said he was and WWD. After the lecture, attendees were able to buy an exclusive Johnny Cupcakes Lamar University T-shirt at Johnny’s pop-up shop. alumni leave with magnifies so humbling, and I’m so honored to be recognized by his peers with the Distinguished LU’s socioeconomic impact appreciative.” surrounded with helping did an awesome job bringing Educator award. Scholarship honors  Students Attend  Burns voted Professor in the community and Clint concluded: “I have people, and I like to be in people to speak, who had “I feel satisfied because it Swerdlows G.A.M.E Forum of the Year beyond. More proof lies in no intention of moving out recognizes my work in the The LU Foundation College of Business Beta Gamma Sigma is the in a position where I can real experience. Then, we all Chastity Estes the alumni who go out into of Beaumont, ever. We will classroom, my work as a leader in announced the newly students and international business had the chance to go back endowed Todd ’88 Jennifer Hinze traveled to honor society for AACSB- give back to the university research, teaching and service,” the working world prepared, continue to be involved with and Jennifer Hoffman New York City March 28-30 accredited schools. The and community, not only and speak at LU he said. Natarajan continues and eventually find their the community, and Scholarship in Business to the 2019 G.A.M.E. IX membership connotes financially but with my about our success.” his work with the Federation of way back to the university Lamar University.” honoring Todd’s mentors Forum. The students, along academic excellence and personal time, which I like All three brothers Business Disciplines and served Robert, who formerly with Associate Professor of superior achievement. The seasoned and passionate, Finance Chunda Chen to think matters most. returned to campus as general program chair for the served as the college’s had society’s inducted students ready to help prepare the organization’s major conference associate dean, and Marleen the opportunity to explore voted Clare Burns, MSA “To be able to come back last fall to share their Swerdlow, future workforce. in Houston this past March. “It’s who served as important developments director and professor, to the school of business experiences in management very hard work, but I enjoyed the director of both the General and challenges investment Outstanding Professor The Walters brothers are and tell our story about and entrepreneurship as challenge and the result.” Business Program and the professionals face within in 2018. a perfect example. Brent BBA online program. global financial markets. how LU has helped us is participants in the Michael

Cardinal Cadence recently sat Q: What advice would you give to down with Natalie (Sarver) current and future volleyball student-athletes? Football makes historic run Smith, who played volleyball On the morning of Nov. 18, in a filled combined, including just two in 2017. The Cardinals finished the regular for Lamar University from 1999 A: If I had to give advice to current team meeting room of the Dauphin LU entered the 2018 season picked 10th season with a 7-4 overall record and a 6-3 and future student athletes, no Athletics Complex there was no sound, of 11 teams in the preseason poll. The mark in Southland Conference play. Along through 2002 and became the matter the sport, it would be to have other than that of the NCAA FCS Selection Cardinals opened the year 1-4 overall and the way, the Cardinals recorded one of the first LU volleyball student-athlete fun, go to class, work hard, practice Show on ESPNU. The intent stares at the 0-3 in Southland Conference play. nation’s longest single-season win streaks video screen located at the front of the All of that seemingly changed in one as well as one of the largest single-season to have her jersey number hard, learn from each loss and room quickly turned into an eruption of instant—tied at 21 against Incarnate Word turnarounds in the country. retired on Oct. 5, 2018. The enjoy every win. At the end, you cheers, high fives and hugs as the Lamar with 12 seconds remaining, UIW lined up Any doubt of advancing was erased living legend shared with us will walk away with only what University players and coaches saw the for what appeared to be the game-winning amidst pure emotion when their name you’ve earned, which is hopefully name “Lamar” appear on the bracket. It field goal. LU had a different game-winner was called—the wait was over. The some of her favorite memories at a conference championship, a was at that very moment that everyone in mind as Lane Taylor knifed through the Cardinals were headed to Cedar Falls, LU, advice she’d give to current realized they had accomplished something line to block the kick which was recovered Iowa, to face Northern Iowa. While diploma, some of the greatest never before done in program history. The by teammate Caleb Abrom who returned it the Cardinals were making their first and future student-athletes, and memories and so many life lessons. 2018 Cardinal football team was the first 66 yards for the score—and the win—as the appearance in the FCS playoffs, UNI in school history to advance to the NCAA final horn sounded. was a postseason regular advancing to what it felt like to have her # Q: What did it mean to you to have FCS Championships. Little did anyone know at the time, but the their 20th playoff appearance. The jersey retired. your jersey retired by Lamar Even more exciting than the reaction that one moment turned the Cards from Cardinals scored on the second play from University this past fall? of the team when they saw their dreams the last place team in the league into the scrimmage and were in the hunt, but LU come true was the path they followed to team no one wanted to play. The heart- came up just short, missing a field goal Q: What are some of your favorite The retirement of my jersey this memories from your time A: get there. This was not expected—outside stopping victory sparked a six-game win in the final seconds to fall by 3, 16-13, past fall means so much to me. of those within the Cardinals’ locker room streak, which included wins over three placing the final note on a historic season. at LU? 2 This accomplishment is one I share it was considered an impossibility. national ranked opponents and the A: Coach Barnes signed three freshmen with so many others that made my The Cardinals had won a total of five eventual league co-champion who also for the 1999 season along with me. career at LU amazing. I share games in the two previous seasons ended the season ranked. I remember reporting to the dorms this with each of my teammates from my freshman year a little nervous 1999-2002, my coaches, my parents, Hoy sets rushing record to meet everyone and wondering if family and supporters. It’s a true Despite receiving just three starts on the season, junior quarterback Jordan Hoy was named Southland Newcomer of the Year. The signal caller recorded one of the school’s top passing and rushing performances. His 225-yard rushing performance at Stephen F. Austin was a I would even get to play that year. honor to be the first retiree and I am single-game record for a quarterback. I spent the next four years on the so proud to represent LU Volleyball! volleyball court with Ali, Shanda and Shandra. We all loved Crow Wins NCAA Regional Championships Runners return to NCAAs Senior cross country runner Jamie Crowe became the first Cardinal in program Men’s cross country wrapped up another strong season to compete. Smith was named the 2002 Southland Player of the Year and took home history to record an NCAA South Central Region individual title. The Glasgow, led by senior Jamie Crowe and junior Jordan Rowe. My favorite memory is winning the 2002 Babe Zaharias Award. Her contributions in the postseason also Scotland, native clocked a time of 31:36.3—one of the top finishes by a Scottish The duo went 1-2 at the Southland championships, earned all-region honors and advanced to the NCAA conference in 2001. Our team was runner on the Texas A&M course in the past decade—to win the title. were notable, earning her all-tournament honors in 2000 and 2002. She Crowe began to make his move toward the podium at the 6.3k split, reaching Championships. They became the first Southland stacked that year, and it was Coach ranks among the best to ever wear an LU uniform in several statistical that mark in third place with a time of 19:49.8. He reached the first split at 6:15.4, runners to compete in the NCAAs since 2015. Barnes last year at LU. It was categories, including second and 10th, respectively, in single-season kills, trailing runners from Arkansas, UT Rio Grande Valley, North Texas, Rice and Texas such a great season! A&M. With the victory, Crowe became the 19th Cardinal to qualify for the NCAA Peskin scores first and fifth, respectively, in single-season attacks, and third and 10th, Senior soccer forward Kelso Peskin garnered United Off the court, I remember the team Championships and the sixth in the past six years. respectively, in single-season digs. She holds the Big Red record for career Crowe’s finish garnered NCAA All-South Central Region honors and States Coaches All-Midwest Region honors in 2018. would all pile into a few cars on off The two-time first-team All-Southland Conference kills with 1,906 and career attacks with 5,053, and the record for digs with guaranteed him a spot in the NCAA Championships, which took place in days and head to my parent’s house Madison, Wis. Crowe would eventually be named USTFCCCA Region Athlete of selection led LU with 26 points on 11 goals and for the best home cooked meals! 1,613. Additionally, Smith holds the Cardinal record for kills in a game with the Year for his efforts in College Station. four assists this past year. She scored 18 goals and recorded 15 assists during her LU career. Gumbo was everyone’s favorite. 34, a number she achieved twice.

28 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 29 wo years ago, semester they were all | COLLEGE SNAPSHOT: EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT | in December of our friends, and we 2017, a mother had made such strong Tand daughter graduated friendships. They would on the exact same come to our house and day with the exact do study groups, and I same degree. Melissa would cook cookies and McMillan and daughter pizza,” Melissa said. “It Lauren McMillan both was just so important received bachelor’s to me, for her to have degrees in family that social aspect of studies at the College of going to college and Education and Human now having college Development. friendships that will last Their story is truly an forever, it’s just great. inspirational journey of The teachers never triumph over tragedy. told her she couldn’t When Lauren was 10 do it. They knew that years old, she and through her SAT scores, Melissa were involved she mentally had it, but in a life-threatening physically she didn’t.” automobile accident The two credit LU’s that left Lauren Disability Resource Classrooms redesigned After the original education building was completed in 1968 and modest cosmetic updates in the paralyzed from the Center as being intervening years, the classroom doors reopened last fall to a vibrant, modern learning environment. neck down. Although extremely helpful Online M.S. in Through energizing colors, brighter lights and moveable furniture conducive to implementing the wreck forever and accommodating. nutrition rolls out active learning, the remodel renews the college’s commitment to inspire creativity, confidence and In 2016, in response to inquiries changed them, neither “They went above and collaboration. As faculty work to engage the minds of future educators, the new classroom design aligns about a graduate degree in with current learning styles and provides a space to use the most effective tools in teaching and learning. Lauren nor Melissa beyond for her, helping nutrition, the Department of was broken in spirit. her with whatever Family and Consumer Sciences, Amy Strategic plan Instead, they found she needed They’re under the leadership of The College of Education and Human Development Shows, themselves determined helping anybody with professor of nutrition recently completed its five-year strategic plan. With a and dietetics, and Jill Killough, to reach goals that were a disability, and it was committee comprised faculty, staff and students from department chair, proposed a within the college. Members met as a collective group five important to them. Cookies just such an asset to new online program—a Master of by times, and each committee member served on a task force While Lauren faced Hannah Carlson have. She couldn’t have Science in Nutrition. This 36-hour to identify opportunities and advance recommendations. many obstacles, Melissa done it without them,” program proposal became reality The committee developed a comprehensive plan, including also had hurdles to Melissa said. The two when the Texas Higher Education a new mission statement: The College of Education and & Coordinating Board approved Human Development at Lamar University generates a overcome as she wore many different hats, including caregiver also appreciate Katie Wagstaff, who has worked as Lauren’s the program in May 2018. Rising and mother to Lauren and her two younger siblings. classespersonal nurse for more than 15 years and accompanied her to community of collaboration through innovative curricula, concerns to combat obesity in scholarship and service learning to inspire our diverse After Lauren graduated from Lumberton High School, she many classes, as being vital in helping Lauren reach her goals. children and adults, increasing student population and to positively impact their lives and Melissa attended Lamar State College-Port Arthur, and in When asked about being a non-traditional student and to interest in healthy eating, and an and others in Southeast Texas and beyond. The college 2013 the two graduated with associate degrees. In 2014, Lauren offer advice for people who have already been out of school aging population signal growing also committed to the values, including: diversity and opportunities in a variety of fields and Melissa enrolled at Lamar University. In the fall semester for a while and are thinking about returning, Melissa said, “Do multicultural competence, equity, innovation, community and economic development, and quality. A for graduates with expertise of 2015, the two were hit by another vehicle and Lauren again it. Do it because you’re never too old to learn, and you’re never leadership group drawn from the strategic planning committee will steward implementation of the plan in nutrition. The new online this year and ensure that every student, faculty and staff member as well as our partners in the community suffered critical injuries that caused her to be airlifted to a too old to get your degree. There were people older than me degree is designed to meet the understand the benefits of the plan and how they can contribute to the college’s success. Houston hospital. This forced Lauren and Melissa to withdraw in there, and I was very intimidated because I didn’t know expanding need for graduate- level education in the nutrition from the university, and it took a year for Lauren to recover the math. I was like, I’m gonna fail. Our professor, who was   Provost recognizes Singh  Special education gets field, bridging the gaps between Provost awards before both returned to LU in the fall of 2016. amazing, said, ‘No, you aren’t.’ We would get a dry erase board, distinguished fellowship Mamta Singh, associate high marks formal education and professional Mohammad Hamza, Their favorite memory while attending LU was getting to and Lauren would go over it and over it with me.” Lauren teased professor in teacher The Master of Teacher practice as it prepares graduates professor of counseling, education, received the Leadership program in take a cooking class together, participating in an internship and her mom saying, “Somehow you made an A.” to successfully address challenges received the 2018 2018 Distinguished the Teacher Education creating lifelong friends. Since their graduation, Melissa and Lauren have been catching in their fields. The courses, Distinguished Faculty Teaching Faculty Department provides Lauren and Melissa developed friendships with many of the up on all the yearly doctor’s appointments they missed while developed by Shows, Killough, Research/Creative Fellowship, which graduate students the Associate Professor Connie Ruiz Activity Fellowship, which recognizes and rewards opportunity to take courses faculty members at LU, remembering how professors shared in finishing their last year at LU. Melissa said, “By fluke, I got into and Professor Jau-Jiin Chen—all supports faculty who have faculty who have in gifted education. their happiness through various successes. “What I remember a cookie business. It’s just weird how things come into your registered dietitian nutritionists distinguished themselves demonstrated outstanding BestColleges.com performance in instruction recognized this gifted track most is on day one, when we would go into the class, no life. I give cookie classes teaching people how to decorate. and members of the graduate during their careers. and creativity in as one the best online gifted matter what class, the students, the teachers, they didn’t know I do it right out of my home; we decorate and sell them for nutrition faculty—reflect evidence- curriculum development. programs in 2018. what to expect with her,” Melissa said, referring to Lauren’s graduations and birthdays.” While Melissa is starting her own based nutrition guidelines and have a community nutrition focus. physical disability. “A lot of the students wouldn’t even look at business, Lauren is considering a return to LU to earn her her; nobody would sit next to her. And then by the end of the master’s degree in nutrition.

30 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 31 | LU—SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENGINE | fter graduation, Tony Nguyen ’01 packed up his dual degrees in biologyA and chemistry and left LU for ExxonMobil—and not long after that, for medical school in Fort Worth. In North Texas, he had a friend who owned a sushi restaurant, and Nguyen fell in love with this food subculture. As one of seven children in a poor Vietnamese-American family, Nguyen says he was practically born a foodie. His mother was passionate about food, and out of Playing Koi: necessity, she cooked every meal, every day, for her husband and children. She loved her family LU BIO-CHEM ALUM through her love of food, and her son Tony inherited her passion. CHOOSES SUSHI Family is what brought the Port Arthur native back home from med school; his father was ill and needed his children to help run his 35-year-old tax and accounting VIETNAMESE SHREWDNESS, business. Nguyen and his siblings are first-generation Americans and AMERICAN AMBITION, JAPANESE first-generation college students. SIMPLICITY EQUAL SUCCESS Their parents emigrated from Vietnam in 1975 and, starting from by Casey Ford absolutely nothing, built a family and a business in Port Arthur. They saved every extra penny— never eating out, never taking the kids to the movies—to buy a house in Nederland so that their children would attend good schools. deal. Nguyen seized his opportunity—a instead of appealing to only the visual Texas. Seven years and counting is an other professionals who understand this They put seven children through college niche in the market that would allow and tactile senses, as sculpture does, the impressive lifespan for a restaurant in demand for cross-pollination, and he without acquiring debt, and they passed him to share his admiration for Japanese experience of sushi appeals to all five. this area that serves neither chicken marvels at the growth of the business their principles and discipline to Nguyen culinary art and a menu that offered To hear Nguyen tell it, the Japanese may fried steak nor burgers. When asked programs on campus and online. He says and his siblings. Nguyen says this is more authentic Japanese cuisine with a be the true progenitors of the truth to for his advice to other entrepreneurs that he is proud to see LU growing past and he has had many students who have the reason that Vietnamese-American modern twist. He admits it was a risk. materials principle, as it certainly applies who may be interested in the restaurant its role as a regional commuter school worked for him throughout their time business owners in Southeast Texas are He understands the reality that people in to sushi, which epitomizes simplicity and business, Nguyen says this: “know the into an institution that draws in students at LU. successful—they have watched their less metropolitan areas aren’t statistically a focus on the finest raw ingredients. numbers.” He says it does not matter from far beyond Southeast Texas and that Nguyen’s success as a local parents build lives from scratch through as willing to take gastronomic risks— The rice is the thing, according to how innovative or desirable a product this growth more firmly secures LU as restaurateur gives credence to the impact sacrifice and hard work. Nguyen credits they like what they like, and they want to Nguyen, though quality seafood and is, the endeavor will not be successful a socioeconomic hub—not only locally that Lamar University alumni have on much of his success as a business owner use forks. He also believes, however, that produce are also paramount. He says if its caretakers do not understand from but internationally. He sees LU students the cultural, economic and educational to his parents and to the time he spent Southeast Texans should have access to people mistakenly confuse sushi and inception what their financial outcomes as highly competitive and talented, and diversity and well-being of Southeast learning accounting from his father. His the kinds of culinary anomalies available sashimi—and he invites people to step and obligations will be. Nguyen says he is proud to bring them onto his staff. Texas. His aesthetic and acumen, his sister eventually took the reins of the in Houston or DFW or Austin, and his outside their culinary comfort zones to that if entrepreneurs “just want to create, Nguyen brags that Joey Chavez ’11, LU dedication to hiring and supporting business so that her brother could follow success as the owner of Koi Japanese experience both. Experiencing sushi is that’s great,” but they need to collaborate culinary arts graduate who apprenticed students, and his remarkable food are his own entrepreneurial path. Sushi Bar and Lounge in Beaumont has about much more than eating—it’s a with partners they can trust to run the at Spago, worked at the French Laundry a testament to Nguyen’s commitment to Nguyen wanted to bring sushi to shown that some Southeast Texans are journey from raw ingredients through back end—finances, human resources, in California and was recently nominated making Southeast Texas a beautiful and Beaumont in a way it hadn’t yet seen. game for foodie adventures. their preparation and assembly to a logistics—and this is especially true in as Baltimore’s Best Chef, began his interesting place to live. His rosewater Other sushi restaurants in the area offer The food at Koi is not only naturally aesthetic dish of perfect bites. the restaurant business. highly successful culinary career at Koi. martinis aren’t bad, either. fusion cuisine—he jokingly compares it adventurous, but artistic. Nguyen calls Since 2012, Nguyen has offered this Nguyen feels confident that Lamar He encourages his student workers to to Tex-Mex—but not necessarily the real sushi an art form like sculpture, but experience to the people of Southeast University is creating entrepreneurs and study in their downtime at the restaurant,

control within Powertrain Research Jimmy C. Allen ’73, B.S. David Brewer ’89, B.B.A accounting, is the executive vice management, and his wife, Deanna and Advanced Engineering at the 50s 80s Ford Research and Innovation president and chief operating (Drahos) ’89, B.S. elementary officer of Moody National Bank in education, own Rock Auto Sales Center in Dearborn, Mich. She ’54, B.S. civil Andy Green Galveston where he lives with his Mel Wright ’81, B.B.A. and Rock Builders LLC. They live in holds 35 U.S. patents and is co- engineering, who later earned his wife, Kathryn. management, was elected to the Vidor with their two children. author of more than 70 technical M.S. in engineering mechanics, board of directors of the Institute publications in the areas of was inducted into the Museum of ’73, B.S. art, and of Scrap Recycling Industries and ’89, B.M. music supported metal catalysts and the Gulf Coast Hall of Fame Dec. Roy Cavarretta Wenden Sanders wife, Blanche, each won first-place served the remainder of the vacated education, earned a master’s degree emission control systems for diesel 17, 2017. He is the chairman and awards at the August Lone Star position until 2019. Mel is president in educational administration and is vehicles. She lives in Dearborn. founder of the Green Foundation Gourd festival in New Braunfels. of Wright’s Scrap Metals and lives in now director of the Houston school and lives in Galveston with his Beaumont with his wife, Neysa. They reside in Hallettsville. district’s K-12 Fine Arts Department Lane Martin ’94, B.S. criminal 1 wife, Joyce. after having served as principal of justice, graduated from the FBI ’82, B.S. electrical national academy 220th session, Grace (Silva) Duffy ’73, B.B.A. Terry Welch Meyerland Performing and Visual secretarial science, retired from engineering, is president and CEO Arts Middle School for six years. He and began serving in Orange, rising ExxonMobil Global Services Co. of Sinclair Group. He enjoyed lives in Missouri City. in the ranks to become the chief of 60s June 1, 2017, as asset contact a successful career with Dow police. He lives in Orange with his in ExxonMobil Information Chemical Co. spanning more wife, Samantha (Farwell) ’16, B.S. We hope you enjoy reading Earl McCaleb ’64, B.S. chemical Technology in The Woodlands. than 24 years, serving in several nursing, and their daughter, Lauren engineering, is currently retired and In October 2018, Grace married global manufacturing and business 90s ’16, B.A. English. about former classmates. lives in Montgomery with his wife, Stephen F. Harris of Colorado and leadership roles where he earned a reputation as an outstanding leader. Bonnie. was fortunate to have country ’90, B.S. computer Shanna (Chance) Burke ’96, B.S. If you have news to share—a He and his wife, Janelle, live in Chris Graham singer Bobby D. Sawyer perform at science, was named division criminal justice, ’05, M.B.A. public Houston. position announcement, Herbert Troy ’65, B.S. physical the wedding in Katy. commander of the year by Sigma administration, is executive director education, ’71, M.S. health and Nu Fraternity when he went of the Southeast Texas Regional milestone, achievement, ’83, B.S. biology, physical education, played catcher ’73, B.B.A. accounting, Donald Hilton above and beyond the call of duty Planning Commission. She lives Joe Jannise later earned his medical degree wedding, baby—or know the for the Houston Colt .45s, who later earned his law degree from during Hurricane Harvey to ensure in Lumberton. and became a world-renowned became the Houston Astros, in the Thurgood Marshall School of the safety and health of their whereabouts of a lost alumnus, neurosurgeon who is an expert 1960s. He lives in Port Neches with Law in 1973. He works for the members. Graham is an engineer at Christopher Sharp ’96, B.S. on how pornography addiction his wife, Bobbie. Jefferson Central Appraisal District ExxonMobil and lives in Huffman electrical engineering, works as we want to hear from you. harms the brain. Hilton lives in as a senior appraiser and lives in with his wife, Amy. an IT infrastructure leader at Lord San Antonio with his wife, Jana. Corp. He lives in North Carolina Randy Barlow ’66, B.S. industrial Beaumont with his wife Libby engineering, and Linda (Tanner) ’82, B.B.A. accounting. ’90, B.F.A. graphic with his wife, Palma. (Tatum) ’83, B.S. Evelyn Miralles Barlow ’66, B.S. elementary George “Buddy” York design, is a senior principal 2 SEND US YOUR NEWS: physical education, has released his education, were selected as the ’76, B.S. graphic engineer and lead virtual reality Hazel (Scott) King ’98, B.S.W. Lee Wheat book “All I Ever Wanted to Be Was Cardinal Cadence grand marshals for the 2018 “Union design, has been awarded with the innovator in the astronaut training social work, works as a mental Celebrates America” parade. The a Soldier.” health patients’ rights advocacy P.O. Box 10011 American Advertising Federation facility at NASA Johnson Space Barlow’s live in Union, KY. Silver Medal. The Silver Medal is Center and CACI International. She coordinator and has been in the ’84, B.S. physical Beaumont, TX 77710 the highest award given by the Mike Carrabine lives in Houston. mental health field for 18 years. She Henry Schkade Jr. ’66, B.S. American Advertising Federation— education, minor in economics, lives in Oakland, Calif., with her e-mail [email protected] sociology, ’75, M.A. liberal arts, is its recipients, locally and nationally, 85’, M.S. physical education and husband, John. health. He coaches basketball Elaine (Quebedeaux) Schumacher retired and lives in Georgetown. are a “Who’s Who” of the industry. ’90, B.S. elementary education, or call (409) 880-8921 at Rudder High School in Bryan Lee and his wife, received a $1,192 grant from BPSF Tracie (Simpson) Mouton ’99, B.S. Susan (Scroggs) where he lives with his wife Nick Lampson ’68 B.S. secondary ’76, B.B.A. accounting, live Ginger Inc. for computer coding and works criminal justice, went on to earn , ’87, B.S. criminal justice. education, ’74, M.Ed. school in Houston. (Gilfillian) as the technology coordinator her master’s in counseling and is administration, published a at Fehl-Price Elementary School. pursuing her doctorate. She teaches ’84, B.S. book, The Death of Washington’s ’77, B.S. biology, William “Bill” Dixon She lives in Port Neches with math at Cypress Springs High Dallari Landry electrical engineering, retired Democracy. Lampson and his wife, was recently sworn in as the her husband, ’92, B.S. School and lives in Katy. from his position as manager at Gregory Susan Lampson ’87 elementary presiding judge of the San Marcos computer and information sciences. education, ’94, M.Ed. special municipal court. She lives in New Lockheed Martin. He and his wife, Ahmed Rahimi ’99, B.S. mechanical YOU & LU Wanda, currently live in Camden, education, lives in Beaumont. Braunfels with her husband, John. ’91, M.M. engineering, was the first engineer A lifelong relationship. Del. Shannon Keith Copeland music education, is the associate from Qatar elected to the American Robert Nichols ’68, B.S. industrial ’77, B.S. band director at West Brook High Institute of Chemical Engineers Karen (Steward) Neild ’86, B.S. mathematics, engineering, was named the 2017- elementary education, received Dave Dial School in Beaumont. He lives in ammonia safety committee. He lives is assistant track coach at Torrey 2018 Champion of Transparency a $945.42 grant from Beaumont Lumberton with his wife in Beaumont. The Office of Pines High School. Dial will be one Megan 3 by the Texas Press Association Public Schools Foundation Inc. ‘78, B.F.A. art, who of the few people who have run (Beckcom) Alumni Affairs for the second time as state for a test out lab simulator. She teaches marketing at West Brook. Shontta (Elia) Stevens ’99, B.S. senator. The award honors him for currently lives in Beaumont with 200,000 miles in the spring of 2020. communication, is the physical —The Office of Alumni Affairs and the is your connection. diligently providing constituents husband, Tom. He lives in Groveton. education teacher at Thornton LU Alumni Day of Sharing Mollie Bell ’92, B.B.A general Office of Recruitment partnered to host an Alumni Day of Sharing, with access to public meetings, business-law, earned a law degree Elementary in the Arlington school ’86, B.S. encouraging alumni to volunteer in their communities last November. records and notices. Nichols lives in ’79, B.S. industrial Amy (Weber) Gil in 2001 and is chief development district. She and her husband, Update your information so Joe Young communication disorders, retired Jacksonville, Fl. with his engineering, earned his master’s in officer of Ent Credit Union. She Roosevelt, live in Arlington. 1. Alumni and students are assembling senior box meals at the wife, Donna. in 2017 and lives in Groves with we can keep you up-to-date environmental management, and is lives in Madison, Wis. Southeast Texas Food Bank. director of loss control at Farmers her husband, Russell, ’83, B.B.A. on what’s happening at the marketing, ’92, B.S. kinesiology. Business Insurance. He lives in Ken Mazzu ’92, B.F.A studio art, Art of Conversation—Last September, LU partnered with the Greater university, invite you to special Round Rock, Ark. with his earned his M.F.A. and recently 00s Beaumont Chamber of Commerce to host a professional development event. ’88, B.M. wife, Rhonda. Scott Sheppard exhibited his work, at Foltz Fine 70s music education, went on to 2. LU Ambassador Edward Doan, Robin Meek ’86 and Kim Redmon ‘93. events and make sure you get Art in Houston during their Texas ’01, earn his doctorate in education Jennifer (McMullen) East ’70, B.B.A Aesthetic 2019 exhibition. Mazzu B.S.N. nursing, received the 2017 access to all of the perks of Keith Carter administration and is now Generations in the Workplace—LU partnered with the Greater management, has spent the last lives in Houston. community service award from superintendent of Huntsville Beaumont Chamber of Commerce for a professional development event being a Cardinal. five decades making art of and for Southeast Texas Nurse Practitioners. school district, where he and his for alumni and area business professionals last July. East Texas as a world-renowned ’94, B.S. She lives in Nederland. wife, Michele (Davis) ’92, B.S., Christine Lambert photographer. He lives chemical engineering, earned a 3. Frances Thompson, Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization interdisciplinary studies, live. in Beaumont. doctorate in chemical engineering Brandon Allison ’02, B.A. member, left, with Carol Bylerly ‘67. lamar.edu/alumni and is technical leader for emission general studies, went on the receive a master’s degree in

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educational leadership. He is a human resources manager at Clinton Rawls ’06, B.S. Jona Gilchrist ’07, B.A. instrumental Bala Chaitanya Gottimukkala Robert Balentine ’09, M.Ed. Gerardo Leal ’10, M.Ed. Golden Circle Luncheon—Lamar now assistant principal of West Oldcastle. She lives in Port Neches communication, became a full-time music, works for 5 Star OFS LLC as ’08, M.E.S. chemical engineering administration, is principal of the administration, earned his doctorate State College of Technology graduates Orange Stark Middle School and with her husband and daughter. instructor of humanities at the an accounts receivable manager. science, received the prestigious Academy of the Arts at Bransom in education in 2015 and has of the classes between 1924 and 1968 lives in Beaumont with his wife Lamar Institute of Technology after She serves as a board member for American Institute of Chemical Elementary School. He lives recently been selected as the new gathered for a Golden Circle Luncheon Shawntelle (Hillman) ‘16, B.B.A. Jenny (Thompson) Kaiser ’03, B.S. working at Lamar University for the Orange Community Players and Engineers 35 under 35 award. in Mansfield. principal of Park Place Elementary honoring the 50 year+ graduates human resource management. theatre, is marketing manager at nearly six years. He lives in Vidor. is active with other local theater He was recognized as one of School in Houston. He also holds a last October. the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark companies in the communities 35 outstanding members under Courtney King ’09, B.S. corporate B.A. in political science and lives ’02, M.Ed. Foundation, she lives in Beaumont Julie (Giblin) Gauthier Josh Smith ’06, B.B.A. surrounding her home, Port Neches. the age of 35 who have made communications, is the associate in Houston. 1. From left, Johnny -59 and Paula (Russian) school administration, is assistant with her husband, Jimmy. management, worked for Bill Clark significant contributions to the field director of marketing with TodayTix Lovoi ’68, ’93; Susan (Floyd) ’87, ’94, and Nick superintendent for administrative Pest Control for 17 years before Alanna (Smith) Jacobs ’07, B.A. of chemical engineering and the in New York City, N.Y. where Terry McDonald ’10, M.Ed. Lampson ’68, ’74. Paula and Nick served on the services for Port Neches-Groves Jennifer (Turner) Nichols ’03, becoming the new owner. He lives English, teaches at West Brook High organization. He lives in Houston. she lives. administration, has retired after 31 Class of 1968 Steering Committee. school district. She and her B.B.A. accounting, gave birth to in Vidor with his wife, Sarah. School. She lives in Beaumont. years in education. He lives husband, Blake, live a baby girl on June 8, 2017. She The Institute of Electrical and Laura Terry-Brown ’09, B.S. in Tuscola. 2. Hazel Baily and Daniel Clark ’64 in Port Neches. earned her law degree in 2006 and Chasity (Davis) Viator ’06, B.S. Amy (Cacioppo) Knott ’07, B.B.A. Electronics Engineers named interdisciplinary studies, married is a partner in the firm Orgain, interdisciplinary studies, and her accounting and B.B.A. human Hashem Hashemian ’08, Eng.D. her husband, Rob, Jan. 3, 2018. She Heath Wright ’10, M.Ed. Alumni Party, Neches ’02 M.Ed. Bell & Tucker L.L.P. She lives in Mike Gonzales husband, Danny, adopted their son, resource management, is senior electrical engineering, a 2018 is assistant principal of Ridgeview administration, took the reigns as Brewing Co.—Last November, Alumni educational leadership, ‘13, Beaumont with her husband, Luke, Griffin Jude, Jan. 19, 2018. Chasity human resources lead at TOTAL Fellow, conferred upon a person Middle School in Round Rock principal at Sweetwater Middle gathered for an evening of Cardinal D.Ed. educational leadership, is and three children. is a pastor with Encounter Church, Petrochemicals USA Inc. She lives in with an outstanding record of school district, where they live. School, he lives in Abilene. friends, food and fun at the Neches the Port Neches-Groves school and they live in Port Neches Nederland. accomplishments in the IEEE Brewing Co. in Port Neches, owned by district superintendent. He and ’06, Mellie (Proctor) Bevilacqua fields of interest. He holds two Tim Woolley ’09, M.Ed. Michael Black ’11, B.A.A.S. applied graduates David Pool ’07 and Tyler his wife, Dana (Drago) ’93, B.S. B.B.A. finance, is the executive ’07, B.B.A. finance, is ’08, B.B.A other doctorates, one in nuclear administration, became principal at arts and sciences, teaches seventh Jared Byrd Angela (Odom) Brown Blount ’07. interdisciplinary studies, live director of the Foundation for assistant vice president of lending marketing, is a real estate agent for engineering and applied physics Bridge City High School in March grade science at Marshall Middle in Port Neches. Southeast Texas. She lives in at 5 Point Credit Union. He lives in SETX properties. She lives in Port and one in electrical and computer 2018. He lives in Orange with his School. He lives in Beaumont with 3. Alumni Advisory Board members gathered Beaumont with her husband, Sam Nederland with his wife, Marylyn Neches with her husband, Dylan ’10, engineering, and is co-founder, wife, Sally, and their three children. his wife, Lisa ’08, M.Ed. counseling before the party. Back row from left: Board ’02, B.B.A. ’03, B.B.A. finance, who owns April (Sterling) Keith (Gibbs) ’08, B.B.A accounting, ’09, B.A.A.S. applied arts president and CEO of Analysis and development. President Chris Bates ’08, Past President Tony human resource management, is Bevilacqua Construction. M.B.A. business administration. and sciences. Measurement Services Corp. He Landry ’94, Lucas Bell -03, director of alumni and his wife, Nazzy, live in ’11, Jennifer (Thompson) Burr affairs Shannon (Copeland) Figueroa ’02, ’03, Knoxville. 10s M.Ed. education administration, ’17, Ed.D, educational leadership, is a ’07, Phyllis (McAfee) Thibodeaux ’00, ’06; front secondary English language learner row from left: Rene (Slott) Latiolais ’04 and Scott Hawk ’08, B.S. kinesiology, Mandy (Dowden) Arceneaux and his wife Amber were invited to ’10, B.S. communications, is specialist in Richardson school Amy (Babineaux) Tarver ’99. the Texas State Capitol by Buckner the marketing communications district. Jennifer and her husband, From left, Pinkee (Patel) Harley ’09, ’10; Devin International and Lt. Gov. Dan manager at Lamar University. She Ben, live in Richardson. 4. Patrick. currently lives in Beaumont with Harley ’10, ’11; Marco Born, athletics director; ’11, B.A.A.S. her husband Aron Arceneaux Lori (Klandrud) Hendy Lucas Bell -03; and Melanie Bell. Celina Oliveira ’08, Au.D. ’09, B.S. communications, who is applied arts and sciences, teaches audiology, celebrated the ninth training and outreach manager for in Temple school district and lives anniversary of her private practice, student success techologies at LU. in Salado. improve lead. He lives in Mont Oliveira Audiology & Hearing Belvieu with his wife, Ashley ’11, B.S. nursing and Center, last July. Joining her at the Marie Grigsby ’10, M.Ed. Adam Jaynes (Austin) ’12, B.S. practice is, Raymundo Charles ’18, educational tech leadership, biology, helped rescue between interdisciplinary studies. Au.D. audiology. Both live represents the Texas Association 60-80 people during Hurricane in Laredo. of School Principals as Region 13 Harvey. He is a family nurse Jacobson Joseph ’12, B.G.S. Outstanding Assistant Principal of practitioner in occupational general studies, ‘14, M.S. Jessica (Copeland) ’09, B.B.A. the Year. She lives in Salado. medicine and a fishing guide on kinesiology, and Sierra (Whittaker) accounting, and Winston Aldrich Sabine Lake. He lives ’14 B.S. kinesiology, have been in Orange. ’11, B.S. industrial technology, had Troy Jackson ’10, M.Ed. teacher married since 2015 and have two a baby Jan. 10, 2018, and named —Last October, Class of 1968 Lamar State College of Technology graduates leadership, is a teacher and coach children. They live in Pasadena. Class of 1968 Reunion him Kolt William. Jessica is assistant ’11, B.S. chemical gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation. at Episcopal Collegiate School. Alan Kondo controller for Gulf Coast. They live Jackson lives with his wife, Dionne, engineering, works for ExxonMobil in Nome. in Little Rock, Ark. as a synthetics manufacturing

36 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 37 Levi Morris ’16, B.S. mathematics, Amanda (Parks) Archer ’17, M.Ed. married in December 2017. They administration, is principal of live in Nederland. Westbury Christian School. She lives in Houston with her In Memoriam Mary Alice (Carter) Ned ’16, husband, Brad. B.S. speech and hearing, works as a speech-language pathology Chloe Breaux ’17, B.S. psychology, assistant and lives in Lake Charles, teaches third grade at Oak Forest Andrew Jay Johnson III La. with her husband, Keveran. Elementary and lives in Orange. 1933-2019 Caitlyn (Champagne) Odom Brittany (Sumner) Combs ’17, B.S. ’16, B.S. interdisciplinary studies, interdisciplinary studies, and Tyler received the Rookie of the Year Combs ’17, B.S. exercise science award for the 2017-2018 academic and fitness management, married in he Lamar University year. She teaches third grade December 2016. They live community honors the life and lives with her husband in Beaumont. of former history professor in Gladewater. and long-time administrator ’17, B.A. T Brittany (Lopez) Cozad Andrew Jay Johnson III, who Ebubekir Orsun ’16, Ed.D. American Sign Language, teaches in educational leadership, is ASL at Port neches Groves High died June 2, 2019. Johnson principal of the Albuquerque School. She lives in Nederland with worked at Lamar University for School of Excellence. He lives in husband, Jesse. nearly 40 years, having served Albuquerque, N.M., with his many roles including interim wife, Secil. Ivone Garcia ’16, B.B.A. accounting, ’17, M.S. accounting, president from 1984-1985. Brooke (Crowell) Tanton ’16, B.S. passed her CPA exam in December Johnson, a native of speech and hearing sciences, ‘16, 2017. She lives in Winnie. Beaumont, attended Lamar State LU Alumni Past Presidents’ Luncheon—Past presidents of both the former Lamar University Alumni Association and current Lamar University M.S. speech-language pathology, Alumni Advisory Board: back row from left, Vice president of university advancement Juan Zabala ’07, Trent Devenzio ’90, Dan Hallmark ’65, and Stephen Tanton recently Matthew Kelm ’17, B.S. mechanical College of Technology in 1951 current board President Chris Bates ’08, Vernon Durden ’04, Carol (Patteson) Hebert ’89, ’90, Paula (Tate) O’Neal ’69, ’79, Frank Messina ’71, married, and live in Lumberton. engineering, is an ops plan flight but transferred to The University Clayton Lau ’69, Gene Fiegelson ’65, and vice president of global diversity, inclusion and intercultural affairs John Bello-Ogunu, front row from left, controller at the Johnson Space of Texas where he received a Bachelor of Arts in History. He went W.S. “Bud” Leonard ’50, ’53, ’76, Ellen (Walker) Rienstra ’62, ’80, Donean Surratt ’87, President Ken Evans, Tamerla Chavis ’83, Ransom Jones ’88, ’16, B.S. Center. He and ’18, Jeffery Whittaker Taryn (LaCour) on to receive his Master of Arts in History, a master of arts from Jimmy Booker ’55, ’56, and alumni affairs Director Shannon (Copeland) Figueroa ’02, ’03, ’07. communication, married Jennifer in B.S. speech and hearing sciences, October 2017. They live became engaged in December the Graduate Library School at The University of Chicago and his M.Ed. educational technology the needs of people in local in Beaumont. 2018. He lives in Deer Park. doctorate from Indiana University. He returned to Beaumont with Monica Schmidt ’12, B.S. nursing, Macy (Riggs) Tatum ’15, B.B.A is pursuing a doctorate in nursing leadership, published Adriann communities. She lives Management Information Systems, his family in 1958 and began what would be a 37-year career at ’16, B.S.W. social ’17, M.E. civil practice for anesthesia from the Takes a Stand, a children’s book in Beaumont. B.B.A. advertising communication, Gentry Wiebusch Alisha Khadka Lamar State College of Technology and then Lamar University. about a second grader facing the work, is a resident advocate at engineering, is a structural engineer University of Pittsburgh’s doctorate is operations manager at Craftwork Johnson served a variety of roles under six college presidents and of nursing practice program for challenge of bullying. Roberson is Jonathan Blake ’14, M.M. music, Coffee Company. She and her Family Services of Southeast Texas. with KATERRA in Seattle, Wash. She an inclusion teacher at Stephen F. is band director at Central Middle She lives in Sour Lake. lives in Newcastle. made a significant contribution to the university. nursing anesthesia. husband, Blair Tatum ’16, B.B.A Austin Elementary in Goode Creek School. He lives in Groves with his management information systems, He was the director of library services and initiated a project school district and lives in Orange. wife, ’09,M.Ed. ’17, B.S. mechanical ’17, B.A.A.S. Jasmine Bocard ’13, B.S. criminal Amber (Whitten) live in Fort Worth with their child. Connor Allen Sebastian Martin to reclassify the library collection under the Library of Congress justice, works in the Houston Roberson-Offord is an instructional administration. engineering, holds the position applied arts and sciences, works in designer and course developer for of project controls 1 with Richard winter sales at Johnstone Supply. Classification. Under his direction, the library expanded and school district and lives in Houston. Jessieca Brock ’16, B.B.A. human Lamar Institute of Technology and Erik Camacho ’14, B.S. chemistry, resources, works and lives in Industrial Group. He lives He lives in Killeen with his became the Mary and John Gray Library. lives in Beaumont. ’17, M.B.A. business administration, in Houston. wife, Norma. Heather (Daniel) Edgar ’13, Houston where she is a benefits Johnson served Lamar University in a number of leadership is a chemist with Arkema Inc. He B.A. Spanish, ’17, M.Ed. teacher analyst with Noble Drilling. positions, including vice president for academic affairs; vice ’13, B.A. music education, lives in Beaumont. leadership, and Dr. Joel Edgar ’13, Eric Rose is head band director at Central president for administration; vice president for administration B.S. mathematics, who earned his Maegan Collins ’16, B.S. political dental degree in 2017, welcomed Middle School, with 39 band Melissa (Dean) DeSantiago ‘14, science, ’18, M.P.A. public and planning; executive associate to the president; vice president their first child in December 2017. members qualifying for All-Region B.A.A.S. applied arts and sciences, administration, is an instructor for administration, personnel and student services; vice president Band. He lives in Nederland. is a teacher in the Amarillo school They live in Houston. of political science at Lamar for student and university affairs, and assistant to the chancellor. district, where she lives. University. She lives in Nederland. ’13, In 1984, chancellor of the Lamar University System Bob Kemble Jennifer (Burris) Gonzalez ’13, Haley (Baird) Schwarzlose B.G.S., received the top performing ’14, B.A. M.Ed administration, is principal Katie (Sherman) Doubt Melonee (Hargrave) Fife ’16, named Johnson interim president. of Bonham Pre-K. She lives in San teacher award from BISD. She general studies, is a supervisor with B.A.A.S. applied arts and sciences, One of the most controversial decisions Johnson made was to works at Guess Elementary Southeast Texas ObGyn Associates. Marcos with her husband, Rudy ’15, teaches kindergarten in the hire the first female executive. Johnson hired Maxine Johnston, a M.Ed. administration. teaching third grade ELAR, social She lives in Beaumont with her Kountze school district. She lives in studies and ESL. She and her husband Matthew. Kountze with her husband, Brian. former LU classmate of his, even though hiring a woman at that husband, Charles ’11, political Kevin King ’13, B.A. English, is time in such a high-ranking position was unpopular. Johnston later science, live in Beaumont. ’14, psychology, the editor of business and special Lauren Robinson Christopher Hagner ’16, became director of the Mary and John Gray Library. works for the The Harris Center publications at the Examiner Corp. B.S. mathematics, is business Johnson also was responsible for organizing LU’s first summer He lives in Vidor. Andrew Strange ’13, B.A. and lives in Houston. intelligence analyst for the sociology, earned his master’s Oklahoma City Thunder. travel program. In the 1970s, he and Dean Brock Brentlinger degree in sociology and works ’15, B.S. speech James McCarry ’13, M.Ed. Elizabeth (Burrell) successfully organized and directed student programs to Rome at Lamar University as a college and hearing sciences, married Administration, is advanced Paul Martin ’16, B.S. exercise and London. graduation counselor for the Reaud Taylor Dansby in October 2017 and placement educator and head science and fitness management, Johnson has a legacy of leadership at Lamar University and to soccer coach at Eagle Mountain Honors College. He lives lives in Kingwood. married Sarah Miller in September with Saginaw school district. He in Beaumont. 2017. They live in Port Neches. Alpha Chi Omega alumni attended their the entire Southeast Texas community. and his wife, AnnaBelle, live Sophia (Gawu) ’15, B.B.A. 60th National Convention last July ’13, B.S. management information systems, in Springtown. Christina Walker Kristi (Woods) Meeuwse ’16, Mary (Gavrelos) Gregory ’83, Norma (Paderas) Hawthorn ’64, Katy (Reeder) Wells communication disorders, earned married Edem Coffie Gagakuma Ed.D educational leadership, is ’87, Karen Sharp ’87, Mary Barras -86, Monica (Aguillard) Gibbs ’04, Jane (Murphy) ’13, a master’s in communication in August 2017. They live in project administrator for a federal Sisters Melondy Roberson Crenshaw ’03, Andrea (Ogren) Stephenson ’03, ’05, Ashley (Hicks) Thurgood ’11, Aremy M.Ed. educational technology sciences and disorders for speech Taylorsville, Utah. school improvement grant in the pathology. She created a 501(c) (Villalobos) Prater, Stephanie Miranda ’14, Emily (Blanke) Ehrlich ’16, Sara Massey ’16, leadership, and Roszella Charleston County school district, (3) and website for Gr8EightGives. ’15, M.Ed. Roberson-Offord ’09, B.S. family Christopher Puga Charleston, S.C., where she lives. Aerial Ridley (current LU student), Shaina Escobedo ’18 and McKenzie Davis (current org, a philanthropic movement that administration, is principal of and consumer sciences, ’15, Maci (Reeves) ’16, B.S. biology, and LU Student). combines travel with addressing Capistrano elementary school and lives in El Paso.

38 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 39 | CLASS NOTES | Brock Payne ’17, M.Ed educational Reyna (Gomez) Tippetts ’17, leadership and administration, is M.B.A. business administration, is a teacher and coach at Northside a division operations specialist for school district and lives in Lone Star College–North Harris. She San Antonio. and her husband, Roscoe, live in Splendora. Chase Pinder ’17, B.S. chemical engineering, and Caylin Poulter Katie (Loftin) ’17, B.B.A. advertising ’17, B.S. corporate communications, communication, married Michael married in November 2017. They Shroff in November 2017, they live live in Port Neches. in Spring.

Michelle Rosales ’17, B.G.S. Rebekah Wells ’17, B.S. corporate general studies, is branch communications, is an admissions operations specialist for Raymond counselor at Lamar University. She James & Associates in El Paso lives in Cleveland. where she lives. Frank Dixon ’18, B.S. criminal Pamela Sebile ’17, B.A.A.S. applied justice, is police chief of the Denton arts and sciences, is works advisor Police Department. He lives in III with the Texas Health and Flower Mound. Human Services Commission. She lives in Beaumont. Rene (Gutierrez) ’18, B.S. family and consumer sciences, and LU alumni celebrate anniversaries—Three Cardinal couples, and Derek Slaton ’17, B.B.A. Esli Pompa ’18, B.S. family and longtime friends, celebrated their wedding anniversaries by reuniting to management, is an assistant consumer sciences, were married in cruise to Alaska. manager with Walgreens. He lives 2018 and live in Port Arthur. From left, T. Nelson ’66, B.S. electrical engineering, and Jo Cat (Busceme) Bruce ’65, in Beaumont. B.S. elementary education, married for 51 years; Ronald ’66, B.S. biology, ’72, M.Ed. secondary education, and Jo Ann (Messick) Studdert ’65, B.S. elementary education, married 52 years; and Ray Wright ’65, B.S. secondary education, and Vivian (Hodges) 1 2 -64, married 55 years. In Memoriam Elvis Leonard Mason 1933 – 2018

U Distinguished Alumnus Elvis L. Mason offer in Beaumont to become assistant to the National Bank and, ultimately, chairman of the died Dec. 24, 2018, after a long battle president of 1st Security National Bank, John board and chief executive officer of Interfirst with Parkinson’s disease and heart E. Gray. Gray had been president of Lamar Corp., then the largest banking organization in Ldisease, which he faced with his great sense University when Mason was a student there Texas and the nation’s 15th-largest commercial of humor and optimism. Joan Frances Baker and became a mentor to Mason in his banking banking organization, with 65 subsidiary Mason, his wife and devoted caregiver, was by career. Mason would later found, and serve as banks in Texas and total assets of more than his side when he passed away peacefully at chairman of, the John E. Gray Foundation and $21 billion. The board of directors of the home. He was 85 years old. the John E. Gray Institute at LU. Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas elected him to Born in Vivian, La., Mason rose to the rank In 1974, Mason was named vice chairman represent the Eleventh Federal Reserve District of captain in the Army. After being honorably of 1st International Bancshares, and the family on the Federal Advisory Council of the Federal discharged, he earned an undergraduate moved to Dallas. He served as president of 1st Reserve System. 3 4 degree in economics from Lamar University, Mason helped steward LU as a regent where he was president of his local fraternity, from 1974 to 1978. He served numerous was elected president of the student body and communities through many organizations LU Birdwatching—The Office of Alumni Affairs partnered with LU Athletics and the Marketing and Communications Office on a “pop-up” opportunity for graduated with honors. Chosen for a Rotary and civic activities, including serving as students to take selfies with Big Red. The students received “good luck” gifts of Fellowship to study at Rhodes University in honorary chair of “Investing in the Future: scantrons and pencils for finals week, along with Big Red gum and Big Red soda. Grahamstown, South Africa, Mason completed The Campaign for Lamar University, the graduate studies in international economics. university’s first comprehensive campaign 1. Students pose with Big Red. He graduated from the Stonier Graduate which exceeded its original $100 million goal, 2. Big Red wishes students good luck for finals week. School of Banking at Rutgers University. In achieving an unprecedented $132 million 1982, LU awarded him an Honorary Doctor of finish. Homecoming Pre-Game Party—Alumni celebrated homecoming at the Montagne Center before the LU vs. SFA football game last September. Laws degree. The family held a memorial service and Upon returning from Africa, Mason celebration of life Feb. 2, 2019, and accepted 3. Lila (Creamer) Stevens ’01 shows her daughter Margeaux, future cardinal married Joan Baker in Houston, and they donations to the Elvis L. Mason Scholarship how to show her Cardinal Pride! were happily married for 57 years. Mason Lamar University. 4. Brian Roberson ’09, ’10, with his son Brian III and wife, Jocquelyn. began his banking career upon accepting an 5. Amanda Prince ’16, left, and Marisol Lua-Figueroa ’17 volunteer to do face painting. 5

Presidential Summer Fellow TEACHING AWARD & Emily McCall studies in Kenya As a junior biology major, Emily McCall of GLOBAL CERTIFICATE PROVIDE Orangefield traveled to Africa last summer MINERAL MORE OPPORTUNITY to participate in field research thanks to a Presidential Summer Fellowship. The Fellowship provided a $10,000 grant to fund her research in Gift establishes teaching award Kenya along Lake Victoria’s coast on Schistosoma Through a generous gift to the Lamar University mansoni and S. haematobium, parasitic EXHIBIT: Foundation, Houston attorney and Distinguished flatworms estimated to afflict more than 200 Alumnus David J. Beck ’61 has established the million people worldwide according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Unique to LU just David J. Beck Teaching Excellence Award. Each McCall, who plans a career in medicine, worked as part of a research team led by renowned parasitologist Eric Loker, distinguished professor of biology at the University year, a recipient of the David J. Beck Teaching of New Mexico, and colleagues from the Kenyan Medical Research Institute. The team Excellence Award will receive $25,000 along with worked to locate areas where there were isolated populations of snails to determine as LU is unique to the career honor. “Mr. Beck’s most recent unique the types prevalent near villages where Schistosomiasis infection rates are high. offering of support extends to the foundation of The snails being collected are a temporary host for both Schistosoma mansoni and the university, our faculty,” Pres. Ken Evans said. S. haematobium. The flatworms can infect people who enter the water to bathe, wash Southeast Texas “There is a wonderful alchemy taking place by clothes, fish or engage in other activities. “While an infection is easily treated, continual combining pedagogical prowess, a passion for reinfection can lead to serious health issues later in life,” McCall said. teaching and genuine interest in student success. “This was my first research trip, so I gained a lot of practical field experience,” she by Daniel Pemberton Mr. Beck’s generous gift supports the very best said. “I learned how to work with colleagues, how to prepare and perform field work, and how to communicate what we were doing with the local population. in teaching at Lamar University and will have a "I am very grateful to Lamar University, the Presidential Summer Fellowship, the lasting impact on our faculty and Biology Department, and my wonderful project mentor, Dr. H. Randall Yoder (without student success.” whom none of this would have been possible—from his inspirational class to his invaluable guidance), for their help in allowing me the chance to travel and help Teaching certificate gaining ground globally 2 3 4 6 perform this research.” McCall is a recipient of the M.L. Lefler Sr. and Bessie Lefler 5 7 An innovative LU teaching certificate program is Memorial Scholarship, the McMaster Honors Scholarship and the Orange Memorial proving popular globally as it prepares teachers Hospital Corporation Scholarship. to effectively use the latest technology. Recently, the first graduates in the United Kingdom, all Bell returns to Provost Umphrey Stadium teachers at South Gloucestershire and Stroud A tradition returned to Lamar University football College, received their certificates from Steve in fall 2018 as victory bells were re-introduced Molyneux, adjunct professor in educational at Provost Umphrey Stadium. The bells were innovation at LU and CEO of the Tablet Academy, originally rung 1967 and were in storage since 1990. The bells replaced a cannon (named LU’s delivery partner in Europe. The “Certificate in Big Mac for former university president F.L. n the year 1910, miners The collection came to be in 2005, Technology Enhanced Teaching’” was developed McDonald), which was used to celebrate drained a cave in Nica, while the building was undergoing by the LU’s Center for Educational Innovation and Cardinal scores prior to the 1967 campaign. Mexico, to find it full of large, renovations. Jordan introduced the Digital Learning and the College of Education “LU athletics wants to celebrate champions in the classroom, champions in the Iselenite crystals. This became idea of a mineral exhibit as a way and Human Development. competition arena and champions in life,” said director of athletics Marco Born. Successful participants are awarded a non-credit- “Traditions are important in building pride. Resurrecting this age-old tradition of ringing known as the Cave of Swords to display or feature some of the bearing certificate which can be converted into the bell after every LU score encourages and celebrates successes on the field.” for the massive, white crystals department’s most impressive full Lamar University credits toward an online The Santa Fe Railroad Co. donated the original bell, weighing approximately 300 it contains, world renowned for minerals. The idea was popular, M.Ed. in Digital Learning and Leading. The pounds, with the engine number stamped on the top. The bells were rung for the first their beauty and size. Although and with the help of alumnus and time in more than 30 years Sept. 1 in the 2018 season opener. Members of the 1967 LU program equates to one-sixth of the credits Cheer squad, who first rang the bell, rang it once again prior to the game to signify a only a few scientists have seen Houston Museum of Natural Science needed for the degree. passing of the torch to the current student body. the cave in person, a section supporter Byron Dyer ’57 along with of one of its crystals can be museum president Joel Bartsch, who found today in the halls orchestrated the permanent loan of     LU engineering ranked Air Force awards contract Archers win gold Online graduate of Lamar University’s rare and unique specimens, the best value Cagatay Tokgoz, assistant The LU Collegiate Archers programs recognized LU produces some of the professor in the Phillip won first place at the USA College Choice ranked LU’s Geology Building. exhibit was made complete. highest-paid engineers M. Drayer Department of Archery-sponsored US M.Ed. in teacher leadership Jim Jordan, chair of the When it came to installing in the country—in fact, a Electrical Engineering, National 3D Collegiate with a gifted and talented Earth and Space Sciences the exhibit, faculty and students diploma from LU often won a one-year research Championships Oct. 28. The specialization as No. 8 in leads to salaries of $75,000 contract of $83,472 from LU men’s barebow team of Most Affordable and in Best Department, said the collection constructed the cases and designed or more within five years the Air Force Research Cody Sahualla, Shawn Blair Online Master’s in Gifted of minerals exhibited in the the placement of the minerals of graduation. Facts like Laboratory to conduct and Jose Wong won first & Talented Education. The building are world class. themselves. Among Jordan’s personal this helped land LU in the research in computational place, beating teams from M.Ed. in special education 8 20th spot among the Top electromagnetics. Tokgoz 31 other universities from ranked No. 15 in Most Among the collection is an favorites is a piece of pyrite, 50 Best Value Engineering is one of a limited number across the nation. In team Affordable Online Master’s 1. Gypsum (Selenite), Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico international line-up of rare and notable for its natural cube shape. Schools for 2018 in the in Special Education. Online of researchers in the and individual competition, 2. Chrysocolla, Morenci, Arizona awe-inspiring specimens. “It grows into that shape if given nation as reported by nation with expertise in LU came in seventh place MBA Today placed LU No. BestValueSchools.com high-frequency asymptotic overall out of 31 schools 13 overall among nearly 3. Wavelite, Mauldin Mountain, Mt. Ada, Arkansas “We want people to be engaged the freedom. It is rare to find them techniques in the field. and 335 archers. 490 online MBA programs 4. Pyrite, Navajun, La Rioja, Spain with the science, but we bring them displaying their natural form,” Jordan available statewide. 5. Fluorite with barite and calcite on sphalerite, in with the beauty,” Jordan said. said. “People always ask me if it is real.” Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee 6. Okenite, Poona, Maharashtra State, India 7. Azurite on malachite, Morenci, Arizona 8. Marcasite (Sparta dollar), Sparta, Illinois 42 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 CARDINAL CADENCE | LU—Socio-economic Engine | SUMMER 2019 43 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 502 BEAUMONT, TX P.O. BOX 10011 BEAUMONT, TX 77710

SETZER STUDENT CENTER

the reinvigoratedby Daniel Pemberton heart of campus fter 18 months of renovations, Leadership Programs, the dean of area for nursing mothers or others with university officials unveiled students, and the vice president of special needs. Along with improvements the new Setzer Student Center student engagement. These changes to meeting spaces and student areas, the AprilA 12, 2018. The building, a part of transform the center into the hub for space also includes many new dining LU’s campus since 1969, was completely student life and organizations on campus. options including Chick-fil-A, Panda reorganized, redesigned and rebuilt New amenities in the meeting rooms, Express and Jason's Deli. The Setzer to meet the needs of the university's such as audio-visual enhancements, Center Market is the place for students students, reimagined to bolster student video conferencing and upgraded wi-fi looking to grab a quick bite, while the life and provide resources for the more allow organizations to hold productive Barnes & Noble Bookstore is the than 150 student-led organizations meetings as they prepare to make their go-to for LU apparel, textbooks and on campus. mark on campus. school supplies. Every addition to the building was The Setzer Student Center is not all These additions help the Setzer made with students in mind, from the about work, the new student lounge is Student Center uphold its mission to 18 meeting rooms sporting an max a perfect spot for meeting with friends. provide programs that enhance personal, occupancy of 13 to 80, to the Student From here students can step out onto the social and leadership development to Organization Workroom which gives veranda, snag a rocking chair and enjoy compliment the educational growth of groups a space to work on projects and the weather and a great view of the Lamar University students. It serves as store supplies. Office space was also Quad. On the first floor is a dedicated the center of campus life and provides created for the Student Government game room where students can relax a shared home for the university— Association, Event Services, Student and play a video game or compete in a welcoming students, faculty, alumni, staff, Organization Services, the Cardinals tournament with friends. Nearby is the parents and guests. Activities Board, New Student and wellness room, designed as a private