NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 502 BEAUMONT, TX 77710 Now is the time to invest in Lamar, invest in our students, invest in the future of Southeast Texas... “I give a lot of credit to my mentors Fascinated by here at Lamar for their support and input,” Hernandez said. “Dr. Kucknoor is the brains of the project, but she makes us think. She gives unseen world us the opportunity to explore and makes us analyze the data and asks, ‘How would you proceed?’ We give her ideas that maybe she GALLASPY hadn’t thought of. I get to find things nobody Beginning with his first high school biology of junipers, focusing on molecular work on else can.” class, Humberto Hernandez of Houston has been their DNA. In addition to his coursework and captivated by the possibilities offered through “You have several experiments, and you research, Hernandez has been active on campus scientific research. The senior biology major’s fail, and you fail, then you see this result. Just as a community assistant in the Cardinal Village interest in exploring the world at the molecular for a second, your heart starts pumping all this residence halls for the past two years and is level comes in part from personal challenges he adrenaline, and you feel like you’re the only involved in Lamar University’s Spanish Circle, has overcome. person in the world who knows this—nobody which has worked with children in area elemen- “I was always fascinated by things you else. It’s like a scientific high,” Hernandez said. tary schools. Hernandez, whose first language couldn’t see because I couldn’t see a lot of things Hernandez gained his first undergraduate is Spanish, said group members try to serve as when I was little. I had two corneal transplants research experience when he was accepted into role models to the children who might not have when I was in high school. The idea of things the Lamar University Ronald E. McNair family members who have attended college. you couldn’t see but yet I could see them in my Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program his As the first in his family to attend college, brain fascinated me,” Hernandez said. sophomore year. The federally funded program he believes providing that type of positive Already, Hernandez is gaining experience is designed to prepare minority and first-gener- influence is important. and accolades with presentations at national ation college students to pursue doctoral In pushing himself to excel at Lamar, conferences for his current work on the STD- degrees. He worked with Randall Terry, Hernandez has relied on the support not only causing parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. At the assistant professor of biology, on the project of his professors but also of his wife and fellow Society for Advancement of Chicanos and involving hybridization of junipers and learned Lamar University student Samantha Native Americans in Science national confer- a variety of techniques for molecular research. Rodriguez. A psychology major, Rodriguez ence in San Jose, Calif., Hernandez received the Armed with that knowledge, Hernandez also has been involved in undergraduate Best Poster Award in Microbiology. Earlier this secured a place in the new lab of Ashwini research as a McNair Scholar. The two began year, he presented at the annual meeting of the Kucknoor, assistant professor of biology, whose dating while attending Dobie High School in American Society for Microbiology in New biomedical research was more in line with his Pasadena and came to Lamar together after Orleans, for which he received a travel award ultimate career goals. Kucknoor’s group is graduation. from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. studying Trichomonas vaginalis, the protozoan After graduating from LU, Hernandez For Hernandez, though, the most reward- parasite that causes a common sexually transmit- hopes to obtain a summer or post-baccalaureate ing results of his research might be the ted disease. Hernandez’s work centers on the research position with the National Institutes moments of discovery in the lab. He still role of rhomboid proteins in the progression of of Health before beginning graduate school. remembers his reaction when he discovered a the disease, which weakens the immune system Ultimately, he plans to pursue a career in haplotype, a unique DNA sequence, while and can lead to other more serious health issues biomedical research. —BG researching the hybridization of three species for women infected with Trichomonas. CadenceCARDINAL VOL. 40 NO. 1 | MAY 2012 Magazine design: Mike Rhodes | Cover illustration: Bill Anderson From the President On the cover: Jelayna Jones, corporate communications major, Lumberton CARDINAL One joy of serving as president is the opportunity to participate in commencement exercises. With a handshake, I congratulate Cadence DEPARTMENTS hundreds as they move from aspiring student to graduate—and The Staff 32 On campus 40 Arts & Culture 46 Class notes 56 Athletics embark on a lifelong journey to become accomplished alumni. Cardinal Cadence is published by the Division of University This spring, we honored four truly exceptional Cardinals as Advancement, Lamar University, a member of The Texas State University System and an affirmative action, equal Distinguished Alumni: Jim Gilligan ’69, ’70; Steve Moore ’77; opportunity educational institution. FEATURES Don Pumphrey ’88; and Michele Smith ’88. They are a credit to Brian Sattler, Executive Editor, Director of Public Relations On campus or online their professions, their communities and their alma mater. 10 Cynthia Hicks ’89, ’93, Editor, Publication Specialist Lamar University is a leader in learning I share the privilege of greeting Lamar’s newest alumni with the nine others who have Larry Acker ’10, Assistant Director, Writer served as president before me, but one thing has changed; many who cross the stage now are Beth Gallaspy ’09, Marketing Specialist, Writer 14 The beat goes on Larry Lawson -67 setting foot on campus for the very first time. Of our graduates, growing numbers have Louise Wood, Media Specialist, Writer experienced their Lamar University education entirely online. Frances Simpson ’95, Senior Administrative Associate 16 Sound counsel In this issue of Cadence, you can read about Lamar’s commitment to growing its online Contributors Bob Dyer ’66 makes business his business offerings. In fact, we are adding six more online degree programs this fall. We present the best Lucy Biebel, Erik Cox, Sharon Forret, Pat Murray, writing of both worlds—a dynamic, personal on-campus education and cutting-edge online degree Lucy Biebel, Matt Billiot, fjgaylor, Joel Gothe, Brandon 17 Work? Not for Yvonne Ritter programs that are the perfect fit for many. Gouthier, Sharon Forret, Brandon Thibeaux, Anthony Vasser, Ritter ’67, ’73, found a home in real estate photography 14 We recently honored Jerry Lin as University Professor. He will also hold the title of Ann 18 Replicating life Die Hasselmo Faculty Scholar for 2012-2013 thanks to a gift from Ann (Hayes) Die Hasselmo Circulation includes 68,000 copies distributed to alumni, Students face reality in Clinical Simulation Center ’66 DA, Lamar Regents’ Professor and a national leader and innovator in higher education. She faculty, staff and friends of Lamar University. If you have received more than one copy of this publication, please Planning for new energy created and funded the Lamar University Faculty Excellence Endowment that enables us to give let us know. 20 this honor. Mark Rouse ’75 goes offshore Sports fans across the country were reintroduced to Lamar University when Coach Pat Changes of address may be sent to: University Advancement, 21 Talent behind the scenes Knight guided the team to a conference win and the NCAA First Four. Men’s golfers brought P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710, or by The show behind the show calls to ESPN veteran home the Southland Conference Championship trophy and their performance at the NCAA E-mail: [email protected] John Duff ’97 Greensboro Regional secured a trip to the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2007. Division of University Advancement Lamar honor Lin as 2012 We enjoyed all the spring sports, softball fields are being prepared in anticipation, and we’re 24 Camille Mouton, Vice President University Professor looking forward to seeing the Cards in action on the gridiron this fall. Floyd F. McSpadden Jr., Director of Planned Giving Lin becomes first Ann Die Hasselmo Scholar 16 It is also exciting to report that Lamar’s Investing in the Future comprehensive campaign Janice Trammell ’85, ’93, Director of Development Tracie Craig, Director of University Reception Centers THE FACE OF THE CAMPAIGN is over the $100 million mark and on target to meet, or exceed, the new $125 million goal by Shannon Copeland ’02, ’03, ’07, Director of 26 Reaching for the future INVESTING IN THE FUTURE fall 2013. The response is simply amazing. You can read about some of the more recent gifts in Advancement Services Student achievements build confidence and marketable skills the pages that follow. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful alumni and friends. Thank Mark Osborne, Director of Spindletop-Gladys City The Garrett legacy Boomtown Museum 4 you for all you do to support Lamar University. From garage to Garrett worldwide, couple’s P.O. Box 10011 30 Bringing history home company achieves iconic status Beaumont, Texas 77710 Richard Gachot helps Russians rediscover their (409) 880-8419 or fax (409) 880-8409 architectural past With Cardinal Pride, 7 DreamMakers Lamar University Alumni Office Endowments create legacies that honor the 44 Fine feathers When visiting campus, you’re invited to stop by the commitment of alumni and friends to others LU salutes exceptional Cardinals Alumni Office at the John Gray Center, Building B, Suite 102, 855 Jim Gilligan Way.