Fall 2018, Volume 94, Number 3
TH E E CO N O M I C I M PAC T O F LS U ON LO UI S I AN A
From the
PRESIDENT
An Extraordinary Year What a time to be a Tiger! As we prepare for the students to return to campus, I cannot help but to reflect on the tremendous accomplishments LSU has seen over the last year. This spring, your University celebrated five straight years of record-breaking graduating classes. LSU students won more than ten prestigious and highly competitive national awards, including Goldwater, Astronaut, and Udall Scholarships and Madison, NSF, and ASPA Fellowships. LSU astrophysicists contributed to Nobel Prize-winning work. Researchers at our Museum of Natural Science discovered fourteen species previously unknown to science. We celebrated the newly renovated Patrick F. Taylor Hall, which is the largest free-standing engineering education facility in the nation, and the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture Program was ranked #1 again. But our impact doesn’t stop at the campus gates. The University’s intellectual capital and research capacity played a large role in bringing DXC to Louisiana, a move that was widely considered to be one of the biggest economic development deals in the United States this year. And, as you’ll read about in our cover feature, we generate more than $5.1 billion in economic impact for our state every year, providing a return of $13.25 for every dollar the state invests in the University. We achieved all that on top of being rated one of the nation’s best values in higher education by Forbes and providing a truly exceptional education to students (two in three of whom graduate with zero debt) who go on to out-earn their peers while becoming leaders in their respective fields. This extraordinary year was made possible through the support of dedicated and fiercely loyal alumni like you. On behalf of Tiger Nation, thank you for making LSU such a vibrant hub of learning and innovation.
Sincerely,
F. King Alexander LSU President @lsuprez
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Publisher LSU Alumni Association
Contents
Editor Jackie Bartkiewicz Advertising Ali Duplessis Mignon Kastanos
Feature
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20 The Economic Impact of LSU on Louisiana
A study by the Economics & Policy Research Group at the E.J. Ourso College of Business determined that LSU’s economic impact on Louisiana totals $5.1 billion. It marks the first time that the impact of all eight LSU campuses – LSU, the LSU AgCenter, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, LSU-Alexandria, LSU-Eunice, LSU-Shreveport, and the LSU Health Sciences Centers in Shreveport and New Orleans – has been illustrated from the state level and on a campus-by-campus basis.
24 Abstract Art in Science
The cutting-edge research carried out by LSU faculty and students advances discovery of solutions to a wide range of complex problems – from chronic disease to ecosystems, from renewable energy to manufacturing – and more. Often, that day-to-day scientific research produces images of extraordinary beauty – abstract art in science.
In Each Issue 1 4 6 30 44 46 60
From the President President/CEO Message LSU Alumni Association News Around Campus Focus on Faculty Locker Room Tiger Nation
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Art Director Chuck Sanchez STUN Design & Interactive Editorial Assistant Brenda Macon Contributors Barry Cowan, Ed Cullen, Rachel Holland, Bud Johnson, Cody Kahlig, Kaylee Poche Photography Ray Dry, Johnny Gordon, Aaron Hyder/LSU Sports Information, LSU Athletics, Manship School of Mass Communication, Eddy Perez/LSU Strategic Communications, Kurt Ristroph, Lauren Watson/The Daily Reveille, Cody Willhite/LSU Strategic Communications Printing Baton Rouge Printing NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Susan Whitelaw Chair, Shreveport, La.
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Oliver G. “Rick” Richard, III, Chair-Elect, Lake Charles, La. Leo C. Hamilton Immediate Past Chair, Baton Rouge, La. Jack A. Andonie Director Emeritus, Metairie, La.
52 74
Lodwrick M. Cook Director Emeritus, Sherman Oaks, Calif. Mark Kent Anderson, Monroe, La. Brandon Landry, Baton Rouge, La. Karen G. Brack, San Diego, Calif. Jeffrey M. “Jeff” Mohr, Baton Rouge, La. David B. Braddock, Dallas, Texas Fred G. “Gil” Rew, Mansfield, La. Stephen T. “Steve” Brown, Sherman Oaks, Calif. Bart B. Schmolke, Alexandria, La. Kathryn “Kathy” Fives, New Orleans, La. Beverly G. Shea, New Iberia, La. Mario J. Garner, Pearland, Texas Van P. Whitfield, Houston, Texas Matthew K. “Matt” Juneau, Baton Rouge, La. Stanley L. “Stan” Williams, Fort Worth, Texas Kevin F. Knobloch, Baton Rouge, La. LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December by the LSU Alumni Association. Annual donations are $50, of which $6 is allocated for a subscription to LSU Alumni Magazine. The LSU Alumni Association is not liable for any loss that might be incurred by a purchaser responding to an advertisement in this magazine. Editorial and Advertising Office LSU Alumni Association 3838 West Lakeshore Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70808-4686 225-578-3838 • 888-RINGLSU www.lsualumni.org / e-mail: jackie@lsualumni.org © 2018 by LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE, 3838 West Lakeshore Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808-4686
On the cover: LSU is truly a gamechanger for the state. Through research, education and outreach, the University is solving Louisiana’s greatest challenges and boosting the state’s economy.
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Letters to the editor are encouraged. LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE reserves the right to edit all materials accepted for publication. Publication of material does not indicate endorsement of the author’s viewpoint by the magazine, the Association, or LSU.
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President and CEO
MESSAGE
IMPACT – The Power of Alumni & Friends Every spring, LSU alumni and friends host “Parties With a Purpose” to enjoying Cajun crustacean camaraderie with fellow Tigers across the country at that time-honored rite of spring – the crawfish boil.
Photo by William Lee Boyd II
“Network • Inform Engage • Inspire”
Question: How do these events impact LSU? Answer: While attendees are enjoying a taste of home with the spread of crawfish, jambalaya, boudin, and other Louisiana specialties, they are supporting the LSU Alumni Association’s scholarship and professorship programs. In fact, ticket sales and auctions at these events have raised more than $3.9 million over the years to fund endowed scholarships for hundreds of young men and women attending LSU, as well as endowed faculty awards for chapter-named professors. See page 6 for our crawfish season wrap-up. The impact on LSU continues. We engage these scholarship winners – and all future alumni – at various events throughout their years on campus, sharing with them cherished traditions and creating new traditions for tomorrow. As we involve them in our activities, we inspire them to support our programs of excellence such as faculty awards and scholarships and to give back by paying forward after graduation – just as many of you are doing. Our new strategic plan, soon to be unveiled, will identify long-range goals and a blueprint for impacting LSU by engaging even more alumni and friends, thereby growing membership and increasing opportunities for involvement, ambassadorship, advocacy, professional networking, and financial support for the Association and the University. You are at the heart of these discussions as we strive to uphold the traditions that make LSU truly remarkable and to promote LSU Strategic Plan 2025: Leading Louisiana. Impacting the World. I urge you to read this issue’s cover story (page 20) on LSU’s economic impact on Louisiana. There is no question that our flagship institution is one of the state’s most treasured assets, and the in-depth story reveals just how important this economic powerhouse is to Louisiana. Make sure your legislator knows you are paying attention to how LSU is being funded. Thanks to Tiger Advocates, the Association-sponsored grassroots legislative effort, there were no cuts to higher education and TOPS was fully funded for the second year in a row – proving there is power in Tiger Roars. Advocacy efforts continue throughout the year. We need you to join us. To make an impact, see page 43 for more information. And, finally, a hearty “thank you” to those who responded to our request for updated directory information. We strive to keep you connected with your alma mater and with each other. We urge you to continue to encourage all in LSU Tiger Nation to take advantage of the many opportunities for engagement we offer as we work to impact our university, our state, our nation, and the world.
In grateful appreciation,
Cliff Vannoy President/CEO @LSUAlumniPrez
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LSU Alumni Association
AlumniLSU
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LSU Alumni Association
NEWS
Chapter Events
While crawfish boil attendees are engrossed with sucking heads and pinching tails at these “Parties with a Purpose,” they are supporting the LSU Alumni Association’s scholarship and professorship programs. Dollars raised through ticket sales and auctions help fund scholarships for local students attending LSU and faculty awards for chapter-named professors.
Crawfish Boil Milestones Birmingham – 33 years St. Louis – 31 years San Diego – 30 years Los Angeles – 30 years LSU Memphis – 29 years Las Vegas – 15 years
Let us know how long your chapter has enjoyed Cajun crustacean camaraderie.
Missy Vascou and Lauren Beckwith.
Theresa Rutherford, Andrea Harris Cary, and Missy Vascou.
Rose City Tigers – Tualatin City Park in Portland, Ore., was the venue for the
David Cary and Andrea Harris Cary.
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Rose City Tigers’ annual boil, complete with crawdads cooked to perfection, live music by the New Iberians Zydeco band, a raffle for LSU-themed prizes, food for the kiddos, a beautiful setting, and great company – “and no rain,” writes Theresa Rutherford, chapter interim president.
Volunteers Allen Fugler and Scott Bogan help unload crawfish.
Barbara Coy and friends enjoy the music while waiting for their platters of crawdads.
Orlandeaux Tigers – The Central
Florida Chapter’s annual scholarshipfundraising crawfish boil took place at Bill Frederick Park in Orlando, Fla. Some 200 participants dug into 1,200 pounds of crawfish, as well as hamburgers and brats; enjoyed the music of a live band, crawfish races, and a bounce house for the kids; and bid on raffle and auction items. Chapter President Debi West, board members, and volunteers coordinated the event, with Ray Stage leading the mudbugboiling efforts and Jordan West flipping hamburgers and brats.
Chapter Vice President Paul West and future alum grandson Reid deliver supplies.
Suzanne Kutas, front left, and Dr. Pat Kutas, front right, passin’ a good time with friends and family.
Future alumna Ashlyn Barclay, an entering freshman, left, with her parents, Hale and Cameron Barclay.
Future alum Hannah Jones helps the boiling crew prepare the crawfish.
LSU Memphis – Tigers in the Memphis, Tenn., area gathered for the chapter’s twenty-ninth crawfish boil. The crowd of 110 polished off 550 pounds of crawfish.
Johnnie Gross, chapter president, left, and Joel Benson, crawfish boil chair.
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LSU Alumni Association News
John Stagni, Abby Howell, Theresa Stagni, Mary Smith, Neil Smith, and Keith Stagni.
Brian Brazil provided music for the event.
Crawfishin’ Birmingham – The crawfish were plentiful, the spring weather was
perfect, and nearly $1,000 was raised for the chapter scholarship fund. “It all made for a fantastic day and a record turnout for the thirty-third annual crawfish boil at Avondale Brewery,” writes chapter board member Debbie Greengard. More than 120 fans enjoyed an endless supply of steamy crawfish dished out by Red Mountain Crawfish Company, and foot-stomping Cajun, LSU-themed, and dance music was provided by LSU alum Brian Brazil’s 6.1.4. Media Group. The event also featured an auction and raffle.
Betty-Lynn Manskie and Robyn Sulfstede enjoying the crawfish.
In the Big Apple – More than 350 Tigers from the New York City area gathered at the Boat Basin Cafe for a “taste of home” – crawfish, sides, and jambalaya, the latter cooked by LSU grads Clay Boulware and Adam Lathan, who started their own restaurant, The Gumbo Brothers, in Brooklyn.
New York City Tigers pose for the camera.
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Little Rock alums and friends take time out for a group shot.
LSU Little Rock – “Great food and even better company,” writes Kelly Carmon, president of the Little Rock Chapter, of the group’s crawfish boil. Some forty-five Tigers gathered at Pinnacle Mountain pavilion for crawfish and jambalaya cooked up by Chris Carmon and Brent Dugas. Among the auction items were a Coach Orgeron-autographed helmet and football and a Coach Wade mini basketball.
Tarrant Tigers – Chilly April weather didn’t keep LSU alumni and fans in the Fort Worth, Texas, area from enjoying the Tarrant Tigers annual crawfish boil at Longhorn Park at Lake Benbrook. “It was a cool, windy day, but the weather got better when the crawfish were served,” writes Joe Ragusa, chapter president. Some 200 pounds of crawdads, as well as sausage jambalaya, was cooked up, music was provided by the chapter’s own DJ, Robert Gaines, and an auction raised dollars for the scholarship fund.
Peter Stanfill, left front, and Danny Mok, right, joined Tom and Katie Schech, and Jim and Kaye Jeffrey to dig into a platter of crawfish.
Park & Play ON GAMEDAY WEEKEND
Future alum Peyton Carmon and mudbug friend.
Tarrant Tigers donned jackets and sweaters for a chilly spring crawfish boil.
Equestrian Center & RV Campground 6402 River Rd., Baton Rouge, LA • 225-769-7805 • brec.org/farr •
• Located two miles from LSU • RV Campground on site (with hook-up pull-through sites and a full bath house)
• Parking available for large crowds • Guided trail rides and riding lessons on 300 acres
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LSU Alumni Association News
Tim Morrison and Dr. Cherie Hager-Many.
Seated, from left, Rachael Junker, Michelle Rousseau, Vicki Grider, former football and track athlete/coach Joe May, and Martha May. Standing, Steve Junker, Paul May, Gary Grider, Curtis Junker, Roy May, Larry May, Kathy May, Roger DiLuigi, III, Reagan May, McKenzie May, and Cory Walker.
Sin City Tigers – More than 1,000 folks gathered under canopy of the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas for the Sin City Tigers’ fifteenth annual boil, an “experience like no other” – 3,000 pounds of live crawfish boiled on site, BBQ, free beverages, face painting, balloon crafts, and the best Zydeco music outside of Louisiana.
Kneeling, Ken Kunke and Frank Fama; back, from left, Val Vain, Trenie Kunke, Matt LaSarso, Lisa Fama, Andie Suza, Andy Price, Kalai Garcia, Nichole Pillete, and Kent Vain.
Patrick Cook, Lydia Gikas Cook, Leslie Carter, Garrett Newton, Michelle Hughes, and Chris Bent.
Seated, from left, Brian Alfred, George Baukman, and Amy Hendricks; back, David Alfred and Rick Richard.
Justin Gravois and Brian Ledet.
Matt and Laura Hill, Sally Stansbury, Drew Indingaro, Belinda Stansbury, Chad Borer, Robyn LeBlanc, Becky and Ryan Bedell, and George Higgins.
Crawfish in New England – LSU alums in and around Boston, Mass., boiled
crawfish all afternoon at Legal Sea Foods in Cambridge. “We had 140 people attending the boil this year - a mix of LSU grads and the New Englanders that we've convinced to eat crawfish,” writes Justin Gravois, chapter president.
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Mike Prevatt is all smiles as he anticipates diving into those crawfish.
Tampa Bay – Once again, Tampa Bay alums gathered at Ferg’s Sports Bar in St. Petersburg, Fla., to pinch tails and suck heads. Some 300 Tigers put away 1,100 pounds of crawfish and other Louisiana favorites – red beans, jambalaya, boiled shrimp, and more. Raffles and live auctions brought in $1,100 for chapter coffers.
The autographed Les Miles photo in the raffle went to Steve Ochsner, Jr.
LSU Atlanta – “Our annual crawfish
boil was at Park Tavern, and it was a huge success,” writes Stephanie Schmidt. “Thanks to our host, Park Tavern, Boudreaux's for the crawfish, Catered Cakes for the bread pudding, Ruby Red's Band, and New Orleans Entree for the snow balls. A great time was had by all.”
Future Tiger Grant Walker, son of chapter officer Brian Walker, serves up crawdads to LSU Alumni Association COO Steve Helmke.
SOCAL – Louisiana crawfish, jambalaya, and boudin; music and dancing; a silent
auction and raffle prizes; and perfect weather – it was all part of the Southern California chapter’s thirtieth annual crawfish boil at Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach.
Crawfish and a second line – it doesn’t get much better.
Front, left to right, LSU Alumni Association Vice President Amy Parrino, Adrienne Tesarek, Cathy Brown, Murlyn Burkes, and Association Director of Engagement Sally Stiel; back, from left, Ham Homan, Lynda Wilson, Suzanne Erdelyi, Don Mueller, Charles Favors, Cathy Mueller, Michael Tesarek, and Steve Brown.
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LSU Alumni Association News
Northeast OK – Tigers in Tulsa, Okla., passed a good time and raised money for the chapter’s scholarship fund at the fourth annual crawfish boil with food and fun that included live music, games, raffles, and a special “kid zone.”
David Scott, Brad Turner, Karen Gentry, Scott Gentry, Janet Lopez, Gerald Smith, Gladys Smith, and Dean Arnold.
Pete Gaskin and son-in-law Mike Marshal.
Sarah Regan and mom Gayle Regan.
Rhonda and Lee Levy with LSU Alumni Association Director of Engagement Sally Stiel.
Haley Fulco and dad George Fulco.
OKC – Crawfish, corn, potatoes,
mushrooms (yes, mushrooms), and Cajun fried turkey prepared by Pete Gaskin attracted crowds to the Central Oklahoma crawfish boil at Hafer Park in Edmond.
Left, from front, Oscar Masters and Katelynn Anders; right, Kevin Nguyen, Chris Casnave, and Adam Kealoha Causey.
Future alumni Ayla Grappé, left, and brother Cy lend helping hands at the crawfish boil.
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Geaux Triangle – Raleigh/Durham/ Chapel Hill, N.C., Tigers’ annual crawfish boil, held this year at Montague Lake, attracted more than 100 who downed 500 pounds of crawdads – cooked with award-winning boil seasoning from Geaux Creole, run by LSU grads Chris & Dawn Freret. “Despite predictions for possible thunderstorms, as had taken place for the previous four days and continued for the next two, the weather blessed us with a beautiful day,” writes Paul Heroy, chapter president.
Future Tiger Sofia Alpizar gets up close with a crawdad.
Christine Alpizar and friends.
South Florida – LSU alums and friends in the Miami, Fla., area got together at Tropical Park for the chapter’s third annual crawfish/shrimp boil.
Bill Tallman and Rafael Alpizar cookin’ up crawdads.
Pete and Pam Terrebonne.
Dottie and Hart Guenther.
Daryl Kahl.
World’s Largest Boil – Tigers in San Diego, Calif. – holders of the Guinness Book of World Records largest crawfish boil – celebrated thirty years of “sucking heads and pinching tails” at the Chargers Old Practice Field at Qualcomm Stadium. Live music throughout the afternoon was provided by the Euphoria Brass Band, Theo & Zydeco Patrol, and Cha Wa. The chapter has amassed an endowed scholarship with the LSU Alumni Association in excess of $600,000.
Joey Gonzales, Samson Neck, Amy Neck, Ray Neck, Cliff Vannoy, Jimmy Sneed, Pamela Terrebonne, Bill Brack, Karen Brack, Amy Parrino, Anne Sneed, and Pete Terrebonne.
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LSU Alumni Association News
Dr. David Bowman and daughters, future alums Maggie, left, and Sarah.
And More Parties With a Purpose
Central Virginia Tigers aboard their Mardi Gras float in the Bon Air Victorian Day Parade.
Central Virginia – Tigers in the Richmond, Va., area hop aboard their Mardi Gras float each year to take part in the Bon Air Victorian Day Parade. “We always have a good time, and the crowds go wild when we pass by throwing Mardi Gras beads and trinkets,” writes Sam Rosenthal. “We are still up here in Virginia spreading the gospel of LSU.”
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Caddo-Bossier– LSU football great Kevin Faulk, the leading rusher in LSU history, three-time Super Bowl champion, and director of player development for the Tigers joined alums and friends in the Shreveport, La., area for the Caddo-Bossier Chapter’s annual scholarship fundraiser in June. The event included a raffle for football tickets and door prizes and a live auction of items autographed by Coach Orgeron and Kevin Faulk. The chapter has endowed fourteen scholarships for Caddo-Bossier students at LSU. The fifteenth scholarship will be named for longtime chapter supporters Larry and Anne Higdon.
Kelly Wise, Kevin Faulk, and Dr. Robby Wise.
Karen Peace, Kevin Faulk, Jessica Wimberly, Allison Walsh, Mary Lee Jansen, and Melissa Olivier.
Golden Girls – Golden Girls alums gathered at the home of Kim Dodd to recruit and renew members, welcome the new Golden Girl Dance Line that was selected in April, and congratulate the graduating seniors.
Golden Girls Alumnae Chapter members and Mike the Tiger gather for photos with incoming members, seated, from left Meagan Rodrigue, Christina Russo, and Colbi Landry.
Tureaud Chapter Turns 30 – The Soul Swing Quartet will kick off the LSU
A.P. Tureaud Sr. Black Alumni Chapter’s 30th Anniversary Celebration during Homecoming 2018. Join the group for Tureaud Chapter At 30, Live @ the Atrium on Oct. 19. for dinner and dancing at the College of Art & Design Julian T. White Atrium. During the event, a mural reproduction of White, LSU’s first black professor, will be unveiled and the 2018 LSU Legends and scholarship recipients will be announced. Visit www.lsublackalumni.com to register and for more information on events and sponsorship opportunities for this 501(c)(3) organization.
To become active with a local chapter or affiliate group, visit www.lsualumni.org/chapters.
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LSU Alumni Association News
Snapshots
Lod Cook, seated, with, from left, daughter Sherri Cook, grandson Sammy Chambi, daughter Patty Chambi, Coach Ed Orgeron, LSU Alumni Association Senior Vice President Amy Parrino, and Association President Cliff Vannoy.
A Visit with Lod – While in Los Angeles for the Southern California Alumni Chapter’s thirtieth annual crawfish boil, Coach O and LSU Alumni Association officers Cliff Vannoy and Amy Parrino spent time with Lod Cook at his home. During the visit, they shared a video message from Billy Cannon to Lod, and he responded with a message of his own. Cannon died the following day. Congrats, Grads – May graduates,
New alumni pose with Mike the Tiger at the spring graduation celebration.
their families, and friends gathered at the Lod Cook Alumni Center following the main commencement ceremony to celebrate the occasion. The new alumni were treated to food and beverages served by Unique Cuisines, posed for photos with Mike the Tiger, left their legacy on campus by purchasing bricks, and joined the LSU Alumni Association to gain access to social, volunteer, and professional networking opportunities through alumni chapters across the country.
In the Community – Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser was guest speaker at the inaugural meeting of Mid South Women in Tourism-Baton Rouge (MSWIT-BR) in June. The organization, composed of women in the travel and tourism industries, provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and an opportunity to network with peers.
Danielle Gueho, sales manager at The Cook Hotel and Conference Center, and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser
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‘Ancient athletes’ at The Cook Hotel pool.
Pool Party – Members of the Baton Rouge Ancient Athlete Society (BRAAS) gathered at the Lod Cook Alumni Center in June for the group’s annual Past Presidents Event and BRAAS Bash. A “cool off ” in The Cook Hotel pool was a prelim to the bash.
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LSU Alumni Association News
Snapshots July 4th Celebration – Former LSU employees joined fellow retirees, friends, and LSU Alumni Association staffers to celebrate Independence Day at the Lod Cook Alumni Center. Following a fried chicken picnic lunch, guests played bingo and took home dozens of holiday-themed prizes, and Mike Schoest and Jan Daly walked away with “most festively dressed” awards. Special guests were Troy Broussard and Lani Gholston representing event sponsor AARP Louisiana. Tenor Prentiss Mouton and pianist Doug Pacas provided musical entertainment. The Christmas holiday celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 5. Photos by Johnny Gordon
Jan Daly and Mike Schoest – most festively dressed attendees.
Prentiss Mouton, Troy Broussard, Association Vice President of Hotel Operations John Grubb, Senior Vice President Amy Parrino, LSU Faculty & Staff Retirees Club President Roger Hinson, President Cliff Vannoy, and Lani Gholston.
JOIN US for the 2018 ANNUAL MEETING and PAST PRESIDENTS/CHAIRS LUNCHEON NOON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2018 NOLAND-LABORDE HALL Lod Cook Alumni Center RSVP to Brandli Roberts at brandli@lsualumni.org or 225-578-3852
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Joy Bagur, Annrose Guarino, and Julian David Ruff.
Paul Ivey, Denver Loupe, LSU Alumni Association President Cliff Vannoy, and Connie and Willis Stelly.
Make every day game�day
®
LSU Alumni Association Cash Rewards credit card from Bank of America
1 cash back on all purchases % cash back at grocery stores 2 and wholesale clubs % cash back on gas 3 %
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LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
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The Economic Impact of LSU on Louisiana
A
study by the Economics & Policy Research Group at
the E.J. Ourso College of Business determined that LSU’s economic impact on Louisiana totals $5.1 billion. It marks the first time that the impact of all eight LSU campuses has been
LSU PROVIDES A RETURN OF $13.25 FOR EVERY DOLLAR OF STATE INVESTMENT. LSU consists of the state’s flagship university, regional institutions, health sciences centers, and research entities; every part of LSU makes a significant contribution to Louisiana’s economy. These economic benefits include the impact of current LSU operations throughout the state as well as the long-run benefits that a leading research university offers to drive economic growth and the accumulation of human capital. The purpose of this study is to estimate the economic impact of LSU operations on the state in 2017 and explore some of the broader long-run benefits of LSU. •
• •
During the 2017 fiscal year, LSU supported over $5.1 billion in Louisiana economic output, $1.9 billion in statewide earnings, and an estimated 41,006 direct and indirect annualized jobs. The direct and indirect jobs supported by LSU’s operations in 2017 account for 2.6% of all statewide jobs in Louisiana. In total, 2016 graduates from LSU programs will benefit from an estimated increase of $8.6 billion in lifetime earnings as a result of their education at LSU.
INTRODUCTION
The study examines the economic impact of LSU on Louisiana and each of the state’s sixty-four parishes. LSU’s statewide campuses and facilities attracted more than 45,000 students and employed approximately 20,366 faculty, staff,
illustrated from the state level and on a campus-by-campus basis. “LSU is truly a game-changer
OUR BENEFIT TO REGIONAL ECONOMIES
for the state. Through research, education and outreach, we are able to solve the greatest challenges
F L AG S H I P
facing Louisiana while boosting our state’s economy,” said President F. King Alexander. “We are among
ECONOMIC OUTPUT
ECONOMIC OUTPUT
ECONOMIC OUTPUT
the 1 percent of universities able to
$815 MILLION IN EARNINGS
$562 MILLION IN EARNINGS
$310 MILLION IN EARNINGS
18,700 JOBS
12,688 JOBS
4,608 JOBS
claim the designation of land-, sea-, and space-grant institution, and that unique combination not only brings a tremendous amount of research grants to our state, but also attracts outside business and out-of-state students while simultaneously helping Louisiana retain its most
ECONOMIC OUTPUT
ECONOMIC OUTPUT
ECONOMIC OUTPUT
$100 MILLION IN EARNINGS
$42 MILLION IN EARNINGS
$22 MILLION IN EARNINGS
2,061 JOBS
780 JOBS
655 JOBS
talented citizens.” The study was authored by E.J. Ourso College of Business Economics & Policy Research group – Stephen Barnes, director; Elly Bringaze, research associate; Dek Terrell, executive director; and Stephanie Virgets, research associate. The complete study is available at lsu.edu/budget/economic-impact.php
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ECONOMIC OUTPUT
ECONOMIC OUTPUT
$30 MILLION IN EARNINGS
$21 MILLION IN EARNINGS
807 JOBS
640 JOBS
and workers during the 2016-2017 fiscal year. While there are many full-time professors, instructors, researchers, and staff working each day at LSU, there are also part-time workers, student workers, and graduate assistants. LSU attracts a significant portion of these students and employees to move to the state from outside of the area and contribute to the state’s economy. Many more students and faculty would undoubtedly leave the state for other universities without the attraction of LSU’s high-quality education. The reputation of LSU draws many students and faculty to its ranks as it continues to receive national recognition in various areas. LSU is the largest institution of higher education in the state and the only public Carnegie-designated researchextensive university in Louisiana. Additionally, LSU was selected for the top tier of “Best National Universities” in the 2018 edition of U.S. News & World Report college rankings and ranked sixty-third amongst public universities, the highest-ranked public university in the state. The E.J. Ourso College of Business Flores MBA Program placed in the top 20 percent of graduate business programs in the 2018 report, and LSU ranked seventh in the nation for petroleum engineering. More generally, LSU has taken the necessary steps to provide the future workforce of Louisiana with the only public medical schools in the state and regional campuses providing a high-quality education to meet the needs of local businesses. These accomplishments make LSU and its surrounding areas an attractive destination to study, work, and live. LSU is not only a source of new residents, but a source of marginal investment and revenue streams for the state. Professors and students work to obtain grants to conduct research in their fields with more than 2,000 sponsored research projects underway at any given time. The grant application process is extremely competitive, but LSU faculty attracted roughly $148 million in new federal grants last fiscal year alone. A professor’s success in receiving a grant for research is not only a feat for that faculty member but also for the state’s economy. By receiving federal funding for research, LSU is directing monies from outside the state to Louisiana. The LSU AgCenter and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center are both responsible for bringing in numerous federal grants and projects into the region. Beyond those acute economic benefits, there is a wide array of benefits that LSU provides to each of the parishes throughout the state. LSU contributes substantially to the local workforce by educating future business and community leaders, and the skilled workforce that LSU provides also creates an incentive for businesses to relocate to the area. For example, in November 2017, Governor Jon Bel Edwards announced that DXC Technology will develop a “digital transformation center” in New Orleans, bringing around 2,000 jobs to the area between 2018 and 2024. Consequently, LSU is partnering with the state to expand STEM-related educational programs including computer science, management, science, technology, engineering, and math to meet the new workforce demands that the DXC investment will bring. LSU also serves as a catalyst for long-term economic growth by cultivating entrepreneurship and technical expertise across the state. Even beyond economic impacts, LSU serves as a beacon for artistic and cultural activities that promote a better quality of life and also serves its community by promoting educational opportunities for children. While these additional contributions to the local community represent important benefits in both economic and non-economic terms, the ultimate effects are even more dispersed and have not been considered in this study.
MEASURING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF LSU
The pure magnitude of LSU as an institution implies that its operations are quite
FIGURE 1: STUDENT SPENDING ESTIMATES BY CATEGORY AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL PERSONAL EXPENDITURES
14% 18%
40%
28%
Transportation
Housing
Personal & Miscellaneous
Food
important to the state’s economy. Although the institution’s large expenditures and number of employees represent a substantial amount of economic output, they only represent the direct impact of the University. In order to determine the full economic impact of LSU operations, the indirect and induced impacts must also be considered. To use an analogy, imagine the Louisiana economy as a large pond. If a large rock (i.e., LSU) were suddenly dropped into the pond, it would make a big splash. However, the rock would also create ripples that extend to the outer edges of the pond. For example, when LSU pays its employees, they will spend their paychecks at local retail stores and restaurants, for services, on housing, etc. Their purchases generate sales, earnings, and jobs at stores and other businesses throughout the local area, which in turn ripple across the entire state. To measure the statewide economic activity supported by LSU, two primary sources of spending were used: University spending and student spending. University spending includes
LSU’s $5.1 billion in economic impact to the state equates to $1,097 per Louisiana citizen and a return of $13.25 for every dollar of state investment. LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
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the total operating expenditures of each LSU facility and/or institution in the fiscal year. This measure includes the salaries paid to faculty and staff, as well as the overhead expenses required for operations at each of the institutions and campuses. The student spending category accounts for the average expenditures based on enrollment at the various institutions and the students’ respective regions of residence. This category includes housing/rent, food, transportation, supplies/books, and personal expenses. In total, $3.0 billion in LSU expenditures and personal student spending were considered in this study for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Figure 1 exhibits the estimated breakdown of personal student spending by various categories while attending an LSU institution. These spending amounts (in annual dollars) can vary greatly depending on the age, location, and educational program of the various students. Besides tuition, student spending on other items contributes a significant amount of economic output such as housing costs, food, transportation, and other personal expenses (including books and supplies). These estimates do not include tuition and fees as those dollars are accounted for in faculty salaries and other spending by the University. Accounting for all direct spending by LSU institutions and students, and the indirect impact of that spending, the total economic activity supported by LSU’s 2017 operations includes more than $5.1 billion in state economic output, $1.9 billion in Louisiana earnings, and approximately 41,006 Louisianabased annualized jobs. When comparing the estimates of jobs supported by LSU operations to actual employment by LSU, it is important to recognize that estimated jobs in Table 2 are annualized to represent year-round employment. Because many University employees are on nine-month appointments and many contingent and student workers are employed for much less than twelve months, actual employment appears larger than the direct effect identified in Table 2. With an economic impact this large, it is important to consider the industries most affected by the operations of LSU.
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As should be expected, LSU supports much of the state’s university industry. Also, with the inclusion of the Health Sciences Centers in New Orleans and Shreveport, LSU has a very strong effect on the hospitals industry. Table 3 displays economic output in the top ten industries affected by LSU across the state. A similar pattern emerges when examining the distribution of earnings supported by LSU operations on each industry. Outside of the two industries that comprise the bulk of LSU employment, food service and drinking places, retail stores, and real estate establishments emerge as those with the largest amount of annual earnings (see Table 4). Finally, Table 5 displays how LSU’s employment effect is distributed across industries in Louisiana. As with the other impact measures, the number of jobs is concentrated in the two industries where LSU employees are counted. However, over 10,000 jobs are supported by LSU operations in real estate, food services and drinking places, retail stores, and transit and ground passenger transportation.
TABLE 2: LSU IMPACT ON THE LOUISIANA ECONOMY IN 2017 IMPACT TYPE
OUTPUT (MILLIONS)
EARNINGS (MILLIONS)
JOBS
Direct Effect
$2,998.3
$991.1
20,366
Indirect/induced Effect
$2,139.6
$912.2
20,640
TOTAL EFFECT
$5,138.0
$1,903.4
41,006
TABLE 3: LSU IMPACT ON LOUISIANA OUTPUT IN 2017 BY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY
OUTPUT (MILLIONS)
Junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional schools
$1,232.9
Hospitals
$1,009.4
Real estate
$531.6
Retail - General merchandise stores
$252.7
Limited-service restaurants
$162.8
Owner-occupied dwellings
$154.8
Transit and ground passenger transportation
$151.7
Wholesale trade
$486.2
Electric power transmission and distribution
$58.0
Scientific research and development services
$57.4
All other
$1,440.7
TOTAL
$5,138.0
TABLE 4: LSU IMPACT ON LOUISIANA EARNINGS IN 2017 BY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY
EARNINGS (MILLIONS)
Junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional schools
$559.7
Hospitals
$496.4
Retail - General merchandise stores
$90.2
Transit and ground passenger transportation
$61.7
Real estate
$59.2
Limited-service restaurants
$37.1
Employment services
$29.0
Offices of physicians
$28.3
Wholesale trade
$27.2
Scientific research and development services
$17.5
All other
$889.7
TOTAL
$1,903.4
TABLE 5: LSU IMPACT ON THE LOUISIANA EMPLOYMENT IN 2017 BY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY
JOBS
Junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional schools
10,395
TABLE 6: AVERAGE INCREASE IN LIFETIME EARNINGS COMPARED TO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM
TOTAL LIFETIME EARNINGS INCREASE
Hospitals
7,009
Retail - General merchandise stores
3,363
Doctoral
$1,818,180
Real estate
2,946
Professional
$2,078,752
Transit and ground passenger transportation
2,315
Master’s
$1,447,992
Limited-service restaurants
2,077
Bachelor’s
$1,026,324
Associate’s
$280,800
Full-service restaurants
779
Employment services
640
Services to buildings
555
Wholesale trade
352
All other
10,573
TOTAL
41,006
LSU IMPACT BY PARISH PARISH
TOTAL ECONOMIC OUTPUT
PARISH
TOTAL ECONOMIC OUTPUT
Louisiana East Baton Rouge
$5,137,955,806
Livingston
$106,329,335
$1,828,247,747
Madison
Orleans
$765,043,677
Morehouse
$1,118,616 $2,052,778
Caddo
$811,371,914
Natchitoches
$3,682,863
Bossier
$128,529,274
Ouachita
$57,041,899
Acadia
$16,908,690
Plaquemines
$3,079,302
Pointe Coupee
$17,092,988
Rapides
$65,808,932
Allen Ascension
$1,274,066 $121,970,344
Assumption
$3,283,051
Red River
$914,494
Avoyelles
$6,250,096
Richland
$5,010,034
Beauregard
$1,137,392
Sabine
$1,320,063
Bienville
$3,128,587
Saint Bernard
$9,908,487
Calcasieu
$19,473,736
Saint Charles
$19,307,533
Caldwell
$1,874,718
Saint Helena
$3,759,229
Cameron
$196,989
Saint James
$3,392,744
Catahoula
$594,330
Saint John The Baptist
$12,847,991
Claiborne
$4,981,997
Saint Landry
$30,303,535
Concordia
$1,860,693
Saint Martin
$5,643,240
De Soto
$9,137,644
Saint Mary
$983,785
East Carroll
$879,474
Saint Tammany
$130,743,360
East Feliciana
$16,853,696
Tangipahoa
$107,969,231
Evangeline
$5,290,805
Tensas
$5,078,549
Franklin
$7,698,701
Terrebonne
$7,587,422
Grant
$1,513,958
Union
$1,015,409
Iberia
$12,998,518
Vermilion
$5,734,707
Iberville
$48,794,398
Vernon
Jackson
$0
Jefferson
$398,789,774
Washington
$894,598 $12,215,021
Webster
$8,332,553
Jefferson Davis
$3,230,657
West Baton Rouge
$40,498,364
Lafayette
$77,244,488
West Carroll
Lafourche
$6,485,394
West Feliciana
LaSalle
$1,009,417
Winn
Lincoln
$6,319,661
Other/Out of State
$1,479,121 $14,017,604 $1,361,904 $139,056,232
Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics and author’s calculations
IMPACT OF LSU ON LIFETIME EARNINGS
LSU’s economic impact on the state of Louisiana extends far beyond the 2017 fiscal year. In addition to the direct economic output supported by the institution, graduates will see increased lifetime earnings from the University’s various educational programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a worker with a bachelor’s degree earns more than $1 million in increased lifetime earnings over a high school graduate (Abel & Deitz, 2014; Vilorio, 2016). Estimates of increased lifetime earnings based on the difference in weekly earnings for employees with different levels of education are presented in Table 6. In total, Louisiana resident graduates of LSU’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in 2016 will see $8.6 billion in increased earnings throughout their lifetimes as a result of their LSU education.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION With more than 45,000 students, 20,000 full-time employees, and $3.0 billion in expenditures and student spending, it should come as no surprise that LSU’s institutions and facilities have a large impact on Louisiana’s economy. This study seeks to quantify the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of LSU on the state’s economy, as well as the impacts of the various LSU campuses and facilities throughout the state. The results indicate that LSU’s presence supports over $5.1 billion in economic output across the state of Louisiana. In terms of jobs and earnings, over 41,000 jobs and approximately $1.9 billion in earnings are supported by LSU in Louisiana.
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ABSTRACT ART IN SCIENCE
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The cutting-edge research carried out by LSU faculty and students advances discovery of solutions to a wide range of complex problems – from chronic disease to ecosystems, from renewable energy to manufacturing – and more. Often, that day-to-day scientific research produces images
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of extraordinary beauty – abstract art in science. LSU Alumni Magazine and LSU Research magazine teamed up to share highlights of LSU’s impressive research and facilities in their respective fall issues. 6
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BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
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1. Pseudallescheria boydii: Photomicrograph showing the canine immune system responding to infection caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Pseudallescheria boydii. Current work is aimed at utilizing cytomorphology to facilitate prompt, specific, and successful treatment of fungal infections in veterinary medicine. Image by Shannon Dehghanpir, Assistant Professor, and Amy Grooters, Professor, School of Veterinary Medicine 2. Chondrogenesis Ad-MSC: Equine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells grown in media to promote chondrogenesis. Cells have been stained with Alcian blue to demonstrate the production of proteoglycans (blue) by chondrocytes. Image by Britta Leise, Assistant Professor, and Alvaro Oliveira, Post-Doctoral Fellow, School of Veterinary Medicine 3. A Spider’s Web: Tiny water droplets throng on a spider's web on the ground in a bog. They remain during most of the day and may help capture the spider's prey, which become covered in large drops when they struggle in the web; the spider, however, runs unwetted through the dense cloud of droplets. Image by William G. Eberhard, Department of Biological Sciences and Museum of Natural Science 4. Ovis aries: Sheep small intestine organoid (mini-gut) composed of cells (green) that form crypt-like regions of active cell growth (pink). Image by Robin Powell, Research Associate, School of Veterinary Medicine. 5. Between Us: Color intaglio and digital chin colle. This image pairs SEM of a luna moth’s wing with light microscopy of the artist’s skin. The visual juxtaposition invites comparison and contemplation on the notion of the fragile barrier between living organisms. (Credits: LSU Microscopy and former staff member, Cindy Henk and Hare & Hound Press, San Antonio) Image by Leslie Koptcho, Professor, School of Art 6. Adipocyte necrosis: Localization of SiAH2 (in gray), adipocyte progenitor (in red) and macrophage (in green) from epididymal adipose tissue to highlight their interaction during clearance of dying adipocytes. Image by Thanh Dang, Post-Doctoral Researcher, LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center 7. Mouse Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs): NETs capture bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae). Image by Liliang Ji, Post-Doctoral Fellow, and Samithamby Jeyaseelan, Professor, School of Veterinary Medicine 8. Biramous: Color intaglio and lithograph. The word biramous was first used in the late nineteenth century to describe something consisting of or divided into two branches. It is used as an allusion to damaged tree forms and as a metaphor for the power of “self-healing” and empathy. “I am inspired by the numerous textures of bark and by how bark serves as a barrier to protect – just like human skin. Additionally, the title ‘Biramous’ refers more generally to the diptych format that I often use to compose my prints.” Image by Leslie Koptcho, Professor, School of Art 9. Lung Epithelial Cells: Lung epithelia cells express Gasdermin-d protein (Red color) in response to Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae infection. Image by Liliang Ji, Post-Doctoral Fellow, and Samithamby Jeyaseelan, Professor, School of Veterinary Medicine 10. Felis catus: Cat small intestine organoids (mini-guts) grown in 3D Matrigel matrix. Image by Sarah Bergeron, Research Associate, School of Veterinary Medicine 11. Luminal side of Felis catus: Cat small intestine cells grown as a monolayer on transwell inserts. Epithelial cell nuclei (blue/red) are ringed by membrane (green). Image by Sarah Bergeron, Research Associate, School of Veterinary Medicine. 12. Peppercorn: X-ray Interferometry/tomography images of a peppercorn (Whole Foods, organic) at LSU Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD). Left, absorption; center, scattering; right, differential phase shift. Image by Kyungmin Ham, Assistant Professor, CAMD 13. BM-MSC: Equine bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells growing in monolayer culture. Image by Britta Leise , Assistant Professor, and Alvaro Oliveira, Post-Doctoral Fellow, School of Veterinary Medicine 14. Nerve Fibers: Images of mice colons highlighting the nerve fibers (in dark brown) through acetylcholinesterase staining. Top panel represents wild type mice nerve fibers; bottom panel represents loss of nerve fibers in the mutant mice model. Image by Hana Kim, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Department of Biological Sciences 15. Human Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs): NETs capture E.coli bacteria in sepsis. Image by Liliang Jin and Samithamby Jeyaseelan, School of Veterinary Medicine
LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
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1
GEOLOGY
1. Dandelion Pollen: Photographed and analyzed at the LSU Center for Excellence in Palynology (CENEX). Image by Sophie Warny, Associate Professor, Department of Geology & Geophysics and Museum of Natural Science 2. Metamorphic Rock: A metamorphic rock displaying a frozen-in reaction of two minerals that provides information on the geologic history: the mineral staurolite (center) partially replaced by muscovite (bright colors). Sample from the Farmington Quadrangle, Maine, ca. 350 million years old. Image by Barb Dutrow, Alumni Professor, Department of Geology & Geophysics
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3. Chrysocolla Slab: A slab of rock containing three copper-bearing minerals – chrysocolla (light blue), azurite (blue), and malachite (green) with quartz (beige) which has been fractured and rehealed. Rocks rich in copper are mined to extract the copper used in a wide range of technological applications. Image by Barb Dutrow, Alumni Professor, Department of Geology & Geophysics 4. Flame Structures: Undulating patterns called flame structures are common in freshly deposited sediment. Loading of water-saturated mud layers, which are less dense than overlying sands, are squeezed upward and sometimes horizontally by drag. Islands in the Ganges-Brahmaputra river mouth (Bangladesh) can have more than a foot of sediment deposited over one monsoon season. Image by Carol Wilson, Assistant Professor, Department of Geology & Geophysics 5. Tidal Channels: When tidal channels erode in Bangladesh, the undulating patterns of sediment deposited from the tides is revealed. Some regions in southwest Bangladesh have experienced more than 500 meters (1/3 of a mile) of shoreline retreat in the past twenty years, eroding local habitat and forcing human migration. Image by Carol Wilson, Assistant Professor, Department of Geology & Geophysics
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6. Olivine: Photomicrographs of fresh olivine, which are the large green, blue, and pink crystals found in komatiite volcanic rocks from the 3.3 billionyear-old Weltevreden Formation, are the freshest yet discovered from Earth’s early Archean. Trace elements and both radiogenic and stable isotopes from these rocks and olivine separates, provide key evidence for evolution of Earth’s mantle. Image by Keen Kareem, Post-Graduate Researcher, Department of Geology & Geophysics
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CHEMISTRY
1. One and the Same: In the heart of research, when synthesis reactions are not going as planned, there is a moment of clarity when your desired compound is produced – 1,4,7-Triazacyclononane • Trihydrochlorate. A quick filtration of a long reaction, this picture has two different forms of solid, yet they are the same compound. Even though things do not appear to look alike, they can be one and the same. This compound is one synthesis step away from being the common tridentate ligand, TACN. This ligand coordinates to highly oxidized metal centers and once synthesized will hopefully coordinate to Chromium (IV), the focus of this specific research project. Image by Callie M. Stern, Graduate Student, Department of Chemistry 2. Titration: Demonstration of an acid-based titration as performed in the General Chemistry teaching labs. Image by Fabrizio Donnarumma, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Department of Chemistry 3. Cancer Cell Mitosis: A transmission electron micrograph in which a MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell was undergoing mitosis. This image was captured during the study of intracellular stability of nanoGUMBOS. Image by Mi Chen and Ying Xiao, Department of Chemistry
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Wisepill: Three clusters of smoothed Wisepill adherence trajectories by two approaches: latent class model on the left and k-centers functional clustering on the right. Wisepill is an electronic drug dispensing device to monitor daily pill-taking behavior in HIV PrEP trials. The empirical mean, estimated mean and a random sample of 10 subject Wisepill trajectories are shown in solid, dotted and light grey curves for each of the three clusters, respectively. Image by Yifan Zhu, Staff Scientist, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Wash. Zhu collaborates with Hongyu He, Professor, LSU Department of Mathematics, and Ying Quing Chen, Principal Investigator at the research center, on the NIH R01 grant “Statistical Methods for Adherence Issues in HIV Prevention.”
LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
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GENETICS
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1. DNA Sequence:Simulated changes in a DNA sequence, where each row represents a different position in the genome and each color represents one of the four nucleotides (A, C, G, and T). The length of each colored segment shows the time between mutations that change the sequence. Image by Jeremy Brown, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences 2. Genealogical Descent: A simulated history of genealogical descent among copies of a gene (alleles) in a population. Each circle is a separate allele, and each row shows the alleles in a given generation, with red circles showing those involved in the direct line of descent to the present population at the top. Image by Jeremy Brown, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences 3. Phylogenetic Trees: A two-dimensional visualization of phylogenetic trees, where each point represents a different tree (set of relationships among species) and the distances between points show how different these trees are. Different colors correspond to trees resulting from the analysis of DNA sequence data from different genes. Image by Jeremy Brown, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
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M AT E R I A L SCIENCES
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1. Pb Nanowires: The Pvb nanowires are well connected, forming a mesh structure. Thickness of the wire is ~ 7 ML (~ 2.05 nm). Width of the wire shows large variation, but on the average, 50 nm in-situ double coil measurement shows SFD of 13/ m 2 with a Tc of 5.7K. Dissipative component of conductivity persists below Tc all the way down to 2.5K (the lowest temperature of our double coil setup). Image by Philip Adams, Professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy 2. Pb Mesh: The AFM image shows that Ge capping preserves the mesh morphology. Measuring the magnetotransport properties will be very interesting. Caveats: the Si substrate is high dope, so the normal state resistance may be small. Image by Philip Adams, Professor, Department of Physics & Astronomy professor 3. Nanoflowers: Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) images of metal “nanoflowers” synthesized by the electroless deposition of nickel atoms on molecules of aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The nanopatterns are smaller than the wavelength of light measuring ~ 300 nm in diameter. Images by Neepa M. K. Kuruppu Arachchige, Ph.D. Candidate, and Jayne Garno, Professor, Department of Chemistry
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LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
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Around
In Focus
From left, Chair-elect of the LSU Board of Supervisors James M. Williams, LSU Student Body President Stewart Lockett, and President F. King Alexander.
Mike and the LSU cheerleaders share the Tiger spirit.
CAMPUS
LSU Day 2018 – LSU students, faculty, and staff – along with Mike the Tiger, the
LSU cheerleaders, and Tiger Band – represented the University during LSU Day at the Louisiana State Capitol in April. The event provided an opportunity to remind the Louisiana Legislature, as well as visitors to the capitol, how LSU benefits the state. Every LSU campus was represented, as well as the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program and the LSU Alumni Association.
Engineering Honorees – John H.
Stinson, III (1969 BACH ENGR), CEO and president of TEI Software Development, and James B. “Pepper” Rutland (1972 BACH A&D), founder and president/chief executive officer of MMR Group Inc., were inducted into the LSU College of Engineering Hall of Distinction this spring.
College of Engineering Dean Judy Wornat, center, with Hall of Distinction inductees John H. Stinson, III, left, and James B. “Pepper” Rutland.
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Manship Hall of Fame – The Manship School of Mass Communication inducted six communications professionals into its Hall of Fame in April. The “first family of Baton Rouge media” – Richard, David, and Doug Manship and Dina Manship Planche – were recognized for their role in carrying on the Manship media legacy that their grandfather, Charles Manship, Sr., began in 1909. Also inducted were Richard “Dick” Alario (1976 BACH MCOM), retired oil industry CEO, public company board director, and founder of Alario Performance Management, and Manship School Professor Emeritus William “Bill” Dickinson, the inaugural editorial director of the Washington Post Writers Group. Photos courtesy The Manship School
From left, Richard Manship, Dina Manship Planche, Doug Manship, Dick Alario, and Bill Dickinson.
From left, Cadets of the Ole War Skule President John W. Milazzo, Jr.; LSU Board of Supervisors member Mary Werner; LSU Alumni Association COO Steve Helmke; Professor of Naval Science Capt. Dean Rawls, Southern University; LSU Military Excellence Campaign Co-Chair Laura Leach; and LSU Commandant and Professor of Military Science Maj.Rian Carter.
President’s Day Parade – LSU paid tribute to its military heritage on April 19
Trooping the lines, from left, Maj. Steve Whitmore, representing Commandant of Cadets Maj. Rian Carter; Capt. Dean Rawls, professor of naval science, Southern University; Lt. Col. Robert Russell, interim professor of aerospace studies, LSU; and President F. King Alexander. In rear, Midshipman Jeremy Spears, commander of troops for President's Day.
at the President’s Day Parade and Change of Command Ceremony at the LSU War Memorial on the Parade Ground. Following the parade, America’s future military officers in the Corps of Cadets were honored for their accomplishments at the seventh annual Joint ROTC Awards Ceremony at the LSU Student Union. The program was followed by a reception for the honorees and their parents and guests. The LSU Corps of Cadets includes the Army and Air Force ROTC units at LSU and the Naval ROTC unit at Southern University.
Photos by Ray Dry
LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
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Around Campus
In Focus
Commencement speaker U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. Photo by Eddy Perez/LSU Strategic Communications Celebrating at the conclusion of LSU’s 295th main commencement ceremony. Photo by Cody Willhite/LSU Strategic Communications
Another Record-Breaking Class Graduates – LSU alumnus and U.S. House
Rainer Weiss, 2017 Nobel Laureate in Physics, MIT physics professor emeritus, and LSU adjunct professor in physics and astronomy, receives an honorary degree.
Majority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, the third ranking House Republican leader, delivered the keynote address, and LSU graduated one of its largest and most diverse classes at the University’s 295th commencement exercises in May. A total of 3,967 degrees were awarded – the third largest number of degrees ever awarded in the spring. The overall class of 2017-2018 saw 6,497 degrees awarded, the second most ever awarded in an academic year. This spring saw the most degrees ever awarded to African-American students, Hispanic students, Asian students, and veterans. Records were also set for these student groups for the overall 2017-2018 academic year as well. LSU’s May 2018 graduating class represents 57 Louisiana parishes, 45 U.S. states, and 58 foreign countries. Women made up 54.37 percent of the class, and men made up 45.63 percent. The oldest graduate is 67, and the youngest is 19.
Tiger Twelve – Twelve seniors selected
From left, Brandon Champagne, Bailey Broussard, Michael Denham, Stephanie Casnave, Tyler McMorris, Lina Bernaola, Daniel Anton, Tori Callais, Chloe Riviere, Madison Hopper, Megan Manno, and Hira Hassan.
32 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
by the Office of the Dean of Students were selected as members of the 2018 Tiger Twelve, recognizing those who best exemplify the seven tenets outlined in the LSU Commitment to Community. Honored were Daniel Anton, of Baton Rouge; Lina Bernaola, of Lima, Peru; Bailey Broussard, of Lafayette, La.; Tori Callais, of Denham Springs, La.; Stephanie Casnave, of Augusta, Ga.; Brandon Champagne, of Youngsville, La.; Michael Denham, of Mandeville, La.; Hira Hasan, of Geismar, La.; Madison Hopper, DeRidder, La.; Megan Manno, of Houma, La.; Tyler McMorris, of Livingston, La.; and Chloe Riviere, of New Orleans, La.
Taylor Hall – Five years to the day
that Phyllis M. Taylor announced she was making a $15 million gift to honor the legacy of her late husband, Patrick F. Taylor, and help kick start the Breaking New Ground campaign to renovate and expand the building that bears his name, the College of Engineering celebrated the grand opening of the new Patrick F. Taylor Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by building tours and engineering student demonstrations. The facility now measures more than 400,000 square feet and is the largest academic building in Louisiana, and is one of the largest freestanding engineering academic buildings in the United States.
Phyllis Taylor, joined by University administrators, officially opens Patrick F. Taylor Hall.
Memorial Day Observance – LSU
paid tribute to its military deceased at the LSU War Memorial on the Parade Ground on May 30. The ceremony in silence, which began as the Memorial Tower chimes struck noon, included the presentation of arms, laying of a wreath, and playing of Taps. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne was keynote speaker at the luncheon in the Faculty Club following the ceremony.
Photo by Ray Dry
Cadets of the Ole War Skule President John Milazzo, Jr., LSU Board of Supervisors member Mary Werner, Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, LSU Interim Provost Stacia Haynie, governor’s office Chief of Staff Mark Cooper, and Cadets of the Ole War Skule board member Richard Lipsey.
Service Award – Jason Droddy, LSU interim vice president for strategic communications and executive director of policy and external affairs, received the 2018 Distinguished Service Award from Kiwanis at LSU.
LSU Kiwanis board member John Grubb, Jason Droddy, and Annette Droddy.
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Around Campus
In Focus
Fifty Years of Teaching – Chemical
Engineering Professor Emeritus Armando Corripio celebrated fifty years of teaching at LSU this year. As a junior at the Universidad de Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Havana, Cuba, Corripio fled his country after the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion. He made his way to LSU to continue his studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1963, a master’s in 1967, and – with an instructorship in the Department of Chemical Engineering – a Ph.D. in 1970. A student-led petition, begun when it was discovered Corripio was seeking an off-campus job, resulted in his being offered an assistant professorship. Corripio retired in 2005, but teaches a senior course five mornings a week. Read his inspiring story at eng/news/2018/06/ corripiofiftyyears.php.
Photo by Kurt Ristroph (2016 BACH ENGR, 2016 BACH H&SS)
Armando Corripio celebrated fifty years of teaching at LSU.
RENT
The park theatre!
The Independence Park Theatre and Cultural Center host events including plays, musicals, dance recitals, graduations, lectures and seminars. The 750-seat theatre can be rented by public and private schools, community organizations, corporations and individuals.
7800 Independence Blvd / Baton Rouge
34 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
(225) 216-0660
theparktheatre.com
LIGO Named Historic Site The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) in Livingston, La., was designated a historic physics site by the American Physical Society in June. LIGO Livingston is one of two observatories in the U.S. that made the first direct observations of gravitational waves emanating from violent and distant astronomical events. The observatories – one in Louisiana and the other in Hanford, Wash. – received plaques recognizing the extraordinary efforts that led to this detection. The citation on the plaques reads: “On September 14, 2015, LIGO interferometers at Livingston, Louisiana, and Hanford, Washington, made the first direct observation of gravitational waves. The precision required to detect these tiny disturbances in space-time, caused by merging black holes, was made possible by the coordinated labor of over one thousand scientific and technical workers. This and a companion plaque at the other LIGO site recognize their contributions to this historic detection.”
From left, Michael Landry, site director, LIGO Hanford, Wash.; France Cordova, director, National Science Foundation; Rainer Weiss, professor emeritus of physics, MIT; Joseph Giaime, site director LIGO Livingston, La.; Roger Falcone, president, American Physical Society; David Reitze, laboratory director, LIGO Livingston, La.; and President F. King Alexander.
Photo by Cody Willhite/LSU Strategic Communications
Coastal Voices Initiatives: Looking for Stories We're all familiar with the fact that Louisiana loses a football field of coast with every hour that passes. What many may not realize, though, is all the culture, knowledge, and history that disappears as well. Michael Pasquier, LSU Associate Professor of Religious Studies and History, LSU alumnus and Louisiana native, together with a group of LSU students, started the Coastal Voices initiative with funding from the Whiting Foundation. Coastal Voices collects stories from Louisianans living along the coast in order to deepen public understanding of the natural and man-made challenges facing our state. Share your stories or learn more at coastalvoices.lsu.edu.
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In Focus
Around Campus
Jack “Jay” A. Blossman
J. Wayne Brown
Robert S. Dampf
Stewart Lockett
Lee Mallett
Rémy Voisin Starns
Mary L. Werner
Jimmie M. Woods, Sr.
36 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
Board Appointments – Appointed to the LSU Board of Supervisors by Gov. John Bel Edwards in June were Jack “Jay” A. Blossman, Jr. (1988 BACH H&SS), of Mandeville, La.; J. Wayne Brown (1969 BACH ENGR), of Shreveport, La., Robert S. Dampf (1979 JD), of Baton Rouge; Stewart Lockett, student member 2018-1019; Rémy Voisin Starns (1993 BACH H&SS), of Metairie, La., and Jimmie M. Woods, Sr., of New Orleans, La. Reappointed were Lee Mallett, of Lake Arthur, La., and Mary L. Werner, of Lake Charles, La.
MEMORIAL OAK GROVE REDEDICATION Are you or someone you know a descendant or relative of the men listed below? If so, we would like to hear from you. These men were former LSU students and alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I and are honored in the Memorial Oak Grove on campus. The grove is being reimagined as a prominent place of remembrance and on Nov. 11, the 100th anniversary of the end of the war, a rededication ceremony will be held. The general public is invited to attend. Details of the ceremony will be forthcoming. The Memorial Oak Grove was dedicated on March 12, 1926, to honor the thirty LSU men who lost their lives in the war. Thirty-one live oak trees were planted, one for each of the fallen and one for an unknown soldier, as a living reminder of their sacrifice and service to the country. Plans are in the works to improve the landscaping and to provide an educational component to tell the story of those who are memorialized, the grove itself, and the war. For more information, please contact Gary King at gking@lsu.edu.
NAME
YEAR AT LSU
HOMETOWN
Milton W. Adams Leslie Phillip Backes Lawrence Edward Brogan David Jenkins Ewing, Jr. John F. Goodrich Ike Hahn Gottlieb James Oliphant Hall Henry N. Huck Leslie Carl Hunt John Seymour Joseph Alan Louis Labbe David Thompson Land, Jr. Ireanus J. Lietemeyer Phillip John McMahon Lewis Hypolite Martin Alan Loughery Melton Wear F. Milling William Digby Morgan Cecil Anthony Neuhauser Jasper Joseph Neyland David J. Ory Walter Asbury Phillips Maurice Joseph Picheloup, Jr. Thomas James Powell, Jr. Daune Horton Rutledge Julian Bowles Sanford Stuart Doremus Simonton Charles Nichols Singletary Wilburn Edward Scott Henry Ras Thomas Charles P. Willis
1916-1917 1916-1918 1909-1910 LLB 1916 BS 1909 BS 1913 BA 1913 1916-1917 BS 1918 1912-1913 1907-1909 BS 1915 1902-1903 1912-1916 BA 1911 1916-1917 1908-1910 BS 1907 BS 1911 BA 1914
Natchtioches New Orleans Baton Rouge New Orleans Highland Baton Rouge Calcasieu Parish Independence Tucker Eunice St. Martinville Shreveport New Iberia Thibodaux Breaux Bridge Coushatta Franklin Tangipahoa Slidell Washington Reserve Barbreck New Orleans Lake Providence Robeline Rapides Parish Vernon Sugartown Kingston Collins, Miss. Shreveport
1910-1913 1909-1910 1901-1903 1914-1918 BS 1900 BS 1917 1914-1917 BA 1912 1917-1918 1912-1913
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Noteworthy
Around Campus
Jeremiah Ariaz,associate professor of photography, received Michael P. Smith Award for Documentary Photography from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) for his project Louisiana Trail Riders. LEH annually awards individuals and organizations that have made significant and enduring contributions to the humanities. www.jeremiahariaz.com/.
Jeremiah Ariaz
Scott Marley
Meredith Blackwell
Ursula Emery McClure
Boyd Professor Emeritus Meredith Blackwell was honored by the scientific journal Mycologia with a complete collection of her academic research on fungi. The collection, called a Festschrift, is presented to a researcher or scholar to recognize their years of dedication and contributions to a particular field of study. The journal published Blackwell’s full anthology online in June, and it is the first Festschrift issued in the journal’s 110-year history. Blackwell was a researcher and professor in botany and biological sciences from 1981 until her retirement in 2014. Scott Marley, professor of physics and astronomy, is part of a university consortium awarded a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish and implement the Center for Excellence in Nuclear Training and University-based Research (CENTAUR). CENTAUR’s mission is to provide the research experience necessary to develop the next generation of leaders in stewardship science in the area of low-energy nuclear science in support of the workforce and research needs. Marley’s work with CENTAUR will involve using nuclear reactions to study the structure of atomic nuclei near the limits of stability. Ursula Emery McClure, the A. Hays Town Professor in the School of Architecture, was named on ArchDaily’s list of thirteen leading female architects, the only architect in the United States to make the list. The article “Celebrating a Generation of Women Leaders in Architectural Practices Around the World,” recognizes innovative female architects across the globe.
Roland Mitchell
Cynthia Peterson
Photo by Lauren Watson, The Daily Reveille
Roland Mitchell, interim dean of the College of Human Sciences & Education, officially began his term on June 18, 2018. He assumes the role of dean and E.B. “Ted” Robert Endowed Professor, following Dean Damon Andrew’s transition to Dean of the College of Education at his alma mater, Florida State University.
Joni Shreve
Cynthia Peterson,dean of the College of Science and the Seola Arnaud and Richard Vernon Edwards, Jr. Professor, was named among the city’s top Influential Women in Business by the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report. Peterson, the first woman to lead the college, has launched initiatives to grow the number of women and underrepresented minority faculty and students, improve undergraduate and graduate student recruitment in math and science programs, and advance K-12 science and math education and teacher preparation programs. Joni Shreve, senior instructor in the Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems received the 2018 SAS Distinguished Professor Award at the annual SAS Global Forum. The award is given to a professor who uses SAS software to teach statistical analysis and who fosters in students an appreciation for the software as an effective analytics tool in both industry and research. Shreve recently returned to the classroom full-time after serving as director of LSU’s Master of Science in Analytics program from 2014 to 2017 and as practicum coordinator, managing more than thirty student-led analytics projects for some twenty sponsoring companies. Darius A. Spieth, professor of art history, was invited by the Amis du Louvre, to
38 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
speak about his research on Jean-Baptiste Pierre Lebrun at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, in May. The lecture, which took place in the Great Auditorium of the Louvre, under the I.M. Pei pyramid, was based on the findings revealed in Spieth’s recently published book, Revolutionary Paris and the Market for Netherlandish Art. Graça Vicente, the Charles H. Barré Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, and the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI) received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, which recognizes outstanding efforts of mentors in encouraging the next generation of innovators and developing a science and engineering workforce that reflects the diverse talent of America. Vicente is program director for the Initiative for Maximizing Student Development, which has provided research training, academic development, mentoring opportunities, and career development to students from groups underrepresented in the STEM disciplines. Zakiya Wilson-Kennedy, assistant dean for diversity and inclusion and associate professor of research, chemistry education, accepted the award on behalf of OSI.
Graça Vicente
Darius A. Spieth
Zakiya Wilson-Kennedy
LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
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Around Campus
Noteworthy LSU is among the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents in 2017, according to the National Academy of Inventors and Intellectual Property Owners Association. The report ranks the top 100 universities in the world named as the first assignee on utility patents granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office during the 2017 calendar year. LSU faculty applied for 145 U.S. patents. Across LSU’s campuses, thirty-five patents were granted, twentyfive 25 of which listed LSU as the first assignee. LSU is ranked ninth in the “Top 10 Game Design Schools and Colleges in the South” by Animation Career Review, an online resource for careers in animation, game design, graphic design, digital art, and related fields. LSU is the only university in Louisiana and the Southeastern Conference ranked in the top ten. Completing the list, in order, are Georgia Tech, the University of Central Florida, Savannah College of Art and Design, Full Sail University, Ringling College of Art & Design, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Clemson University, and The Digital Animation & Visual Effects School. The LSU Board of Supervisors awarded its latest round of LIFT2 (Leverage Innovation for Technology Transfer), gap funding to help university research make the transition from lab to marketplace. Among twelve new projects supported through this critical program are new breast cancer treatments, biodegradeable Mardi Gras beads, and oyster-flavored powder. LSU won first place in the 2018 SEC MBA Case Competition held at the E.J. Ourso College of Business. It was the first championship for the University. Teams were challenged to develop a strategy and action plan for Louisiana-based Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers that would elevate the company’s brand from the emerging state to the branded stage in key U.S. and global markets. The competition began in 2013 to provide an opportunity for SEC business schools to showcase their students’ skills at solving simulated, real-world problems. The Manship School of Mass Communication took home first place in the country’s premier public relations competition, beating out eighty-four other university teams from across the country. The Bateman Case Study Competition is the Public Relations Student Society of America’s contest for public relations students and provides college students the opportunity to apply classroom education and internship experiences to create and implement a full public relations campaign. This year, participants developed campaigns on behalf of “With Purpose” to bring awareness to the necessity of safe and effective treatment options for children with cancer in America. Eduniversal’s newest best masters rankings place the E.J. Ourso College of Business Master of Science in Finance and Master of Public Administration programs eleventh and twelfth, respectively, among public colleges and universities in the United States. This is the seventh annual edition of these rankings, which rate 4,000 masters programs for thirty majors across the world.
40 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
GENERATIONS OF TIGERS GEAR UP FOR
Game Day AT THE LSU ALUMNI GIFT SHOP
YOU CAN NOW SHOP ONLINE! LSUALUMNI.ORG/GIFTSHOP OR SHOP ON
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3848 West Lakeshore Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70808 • 225.383.0241 Located in the Lobby of the Cook Hotel Store hours: M-F: 8am-6pm Saturday: 9am-5pm LSU Alumni Association members receive 20% off all purchases!
LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
41
Around Campus
Legislative Update The Louisiana Legislature wrapped a long legislative season – consisting of three special sessions and a regular session – at the end of June. The primary focus of the special sessions was to address the impending fiscal cliff, which would have left higher education and TOPS (among other state supported resources) severely underfunded.
“Fiscal cliff, hazing, free speech highlight 2018 legislative session.”
42 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
In February 2018, Governor Jon Bel Edwards called a special session to address the $1.04 billion in revenue lost due to the expiration of the 1 percent of the 5 percent sales tax and other tax exemptions. Higher education leaders encouraged elected officials to resolve the fiscal cliff early to avoid uncertainty in funding for TOPS and to ensure a stable budget for higher education during the time in which Louisiana families were making decisions about their college future. Lawmakers were unable to agree on a path forward, leaving the cliff unresolved for the Regular Session. During the Regular Session, the Revenue Estimating Conference recognized $394 million in additional dollars for the next year due to changes in federal tax policy – leaving a $648 million shortfall for next year. After lengthy presentations in both chambers, the Legislature passed a budget that included a $125 million reduction in state appropriations, equating into roughly a 15 percent cut to higher education institutions. Additionally, the TOPS program was reduced by 30 percent. Governor Edwards vetoed the bill. Unable to raise revenue in the non-fiscal Regular Session, legislative leaders agreed to end it early in order to move into a second special session, leaving higher education looking at a $96 million cut and LSU students facing an unexpected loss of $2,200 in TOPS funding. Governor Edwards called a third and final special session for the last two weeks of June. Legislators were able to compromise by maintaining 0.45 percent of the expiring 1 percent sales tax that was enacted in 2016. The additional revenue – combined with an amended HB 1 – fully funded the TOPS program and stabilized funding for higher education. Due to higher-than-expected revenues realized mid-year, the state had a $123 million surplus. Constitutional restrictions dictate the money cannot be used to address recurring expenses – meaning the surplus could not impact the “fiscal cliff.” The Legislature also heard several bills relating to hazing. HB 78 by Rep. Nancy Landry, altered the definition of hazing, adding a felony penalty, and increased the financial penalty. LSU worked closely with Rep. Landry to craft the legislation, utilizing recommendations from President Alexander’s Greek Task Force. Rep. Reid Falconer also authored HB 446, which created the crime of failure to seek medical assistance when reckless behavior results in serious bodily injury. HB 270 by Rep. Franklin Foil altered public record law to better protect those who anonymously report violations of student codes of conduct or other policies intended for the safety of students and employees. HB 273 by Rep. Steve Carter requires and outlines avenues for reporting incidents of hazing on a college or university campus. Louisiana lawmakers also debated legislation related to free speech on college and university campuses. SB 364 by Sen. Rick Ward creates a law that would provide guidelines for exercising free speech on a college campus. Colleges and universities have long been an open marketplace of ideas, and previous court cases have allowed universities to establish time, place, and manner restrictions on free speech to ensure nothing disrupts the educational environment and distracts from learning and research. LSU Free Speech Plaza is traditionally the venue for free expression on campus – featuring many notable speakers over the decades.
Roars THEIR
ARE HEARD
L S U T I G E R A D V O C AT E S T I G E R A D V O C AT E S P R O V E S T H E R E I S P O W E R I N T I G E R R OA R S . In the months leading up to the 2015 Legislative Session, Louisiana universities faced a grim situation: potential budget cuts of up to 82 percent, which would have changed the face of the Louisiana higher education for generations to come. Prior to the start of the session, the LSU Alumni Association created a grassroots network – Tiger Advocates – and their roars were heard. 2015 LSU’s state appropriations were maintained at existing levels and, in addition, key capital projects were approved. 2016 Higher education was reduced slightly and took a reduction in TOPS, which was partially funded for Fall 2016. 2017 No cuts were issued to higher education for the first time in nearly a decade. The mid-year cut was restored, as was the cut to TOPS. 2018 Once again facing deep cuts to colleges, universities, and TOPS at the end of a second special session, Tiger Advocates sprang into action. There were no cuts to higher education and TOPS was fully funded for the second year in a row.
F R O M Y O U R L S U F A M I LY: M O M C AT H Y, D A D W A LT E R L E G E R , J R , W I F E D A N I E L L E , BROTHER RHETT AND WIFE DANA, SISTER LIZ AND HUSBAND JEFF
THERE IS
Power I N
TIGER ROARS.
Advocacy efforts continue throughout the year. Join us at lsualumni.org/tigeradvocates. LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018 43
Focus on
A Passion for Service Learning
FACULTY By Kaylee Poche
Margaret-Mary Sulentic Dowell holds the Cecil “Pete” Taylor Alumni Professorship in the College of Human Sciences & Education.
44 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
Margaret-Mary Sulentic Dowell calls her decision to come to the state’s flagship university the best career move she ever made. The literacy and urban education professor spent the first forty years of her life in Iowa, racking up an impressive resume; teaching literacy to elementary, middle, and high school students; and working with convicted youth to assist them with low written and spoken literacy levels.
literacy-centered graduate classes and – her personal favorite – an undergraduate course in which students learn how to assess reading in an elementary classroom setting. “I love working with people who are constantly striving to be an educator. In today’s climate, education has really been beat up,” Sulentic Dowell said. “So when they want to do this, it’s just extremely exciting to be around that kind of passion, youth, and those really fresh expectations.” Sulentic Dowell, one of thirteen children in a Catholic family, thought she wanted to be a nun rather than a After teaching a few years at the school teacher, but spending a summer University of Southern Mississippi, a in the convent changed her mind. position as assistant superintendent Calling to mind a classic scene from of sixty-four elementary campuses in The Sound of Music, “They told me, the East Baton Rouge Parish (EBRP) ‘You were meant to work with people, school system brought the Iowan to but this is not for you,’” Sulentic Louisiana’s capital city. Dowell said. “They said I was a bit “I loved that work,” Sulentic Dowell too spirited.” said. “My heart is in public education. After rethinking her career path, I went to public schools my entire life.” Sulentic Dowell decided to become The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina a teacher. “I think the emphasis was proved challenging for Sulentic Dowell wanting to work with people and both personally and professionally. She wanting to make a difference in the lost a home, cars, and several rental lives of people,” she said. properties to the storm. At work, she In conducting research that explores did her best to accommodate the influx the connection between teaching, of children entering the EBRP school learning, and community, Sulentic system. At one point, there were 9,000 Dowell focuses on service-learning, additional students in the parish, with teachers addressing needs she said. specific to the community in which “It was hard to deal with the they’re teaching. emotion,” Sulentic Dowell said. Several years ago, her undergraduate “There were really no plans for students paired with students at what to do when you have so many Children’s Charter Elementary School traumatized and needy children and who were struggling with reading their families.” She kept a detailed comprehension. For eight semesters, record of what decisions the parish Sulentic Dowell’s students, who were made following the hurricane and learning how to assess reading and wrote about it in a 2008 article called writing, helped tutor the children. “Overcoming Overwhelmed and “It became a reciprocal relationship, Reinventing Normal,” which she calls one in which the children who were “a blueprint for disaster recovery.” receiving additional tutoring were Looking for a change of pace, benefiting, and my students also were Sulentic Dowell, accepted a job in benefiting from working very closely the College of Human Sciences and with children who some might call Education and has called the University ‘struggling readers,’” Sulentic home ever since. She teaches several Dowell said.
TIGER TRIVIA Sulentic Dowell hopes her students learn from her classes how community and family systems affect a child’s education. But most importantly, she wants them to understand their duty as educators. “I hope my students understand the pivotal role of being a teacher – it’s almost like a sacred trust,” she said. “It’s not something someone should do for a while or because they didn’t make it somewhere else. It’s something someone should do because they constantly choose to do so.” Kaylee Poche is a senior in the Manship School of Mass Communication and, as a member of the Manship Statehouse News Bureau, reports on the Louisiana Legislature.
1. When did the Tigers make their first appearance in the Sugar Bowl? 1893 1935 1936 1950 2. Who was LSU’s opponent in their first Sugar Bowl? TCU Tulane Oklahoma Ole Miss 3. To whom were the first Boyd professorships awarded in 1953? Robert Himes, Charles Coates, T. Harry Williams, Phillip West, and James Nicholson and Eric Voegelin Arthur Prescott, William Stubbs, Troy Middleton, John Hunter, and William Dodson and Martin Woodin 4. Who was the first chancellor of the Baton Rouge campus? Paul Murrill Dan Fogel James Wharton Cecil Taylor 5. When was the first Fall Fest held? 1860 1994
1926 2003
6. What LSU publication was called “the finest literary magazine in the English language?” The Southern Review The Delta The Reveille The Gumbo 7. What event caused the Louisiana Seminary of Learning and Military Academy (LSU’s original name) to close in 1863? The surrender of Vicksburg The second Battle of Bull Run The fall of New Orleans A shortage of students and faculty to Union troops caused by the Civil War 8. Although the stadium was unofficially called Tiger Stadium for many years, when did the name become official? 1924 1964 1982 2007 9. What was the Fighting Tiger Platoon? A group of LSU men inducted into The Louisiana unit from the Civil the United States Marine for whom the LSU Tigers Corps in World War II are named An elite group of cadets One of the squads from the 1958 from Army ROTC football team 10. When did LSU receive the James rifles that are in front of the Military Science Building? 1860 1870 1926 1942 11. Besides clothing and personal grooming items, what else were cadets required to furnish in the 1880s? Food Tobacco Furniture for their barracks room Alcohol 12. What was Acadian Hall originally called? Casa de las Americas Pan American House A and B None of the above Tiger Trivia is compiled by Barry Cowan, assistant archivist, Hill Memorial Library. Answers: 1:c, 2:a, 3:b, 4:d, 5:c, 6:a, 7:d, 8:b, 9:a, 10:b, 11:c, 12:c
“My heart is in public education. . . . It’s almost like a sacred trust.”
LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
45
Locker
Dr. Billy Cannon: The Rest of the Story
ROOM By Bud Johnson
Billy Cannon enjoyed signing autographs and visiting with alums on home football game days.
LSU lost a legend. Billy Cannon passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2018. He was 80. Cannon was recognized by the LSU Alumni Association as Alumnus of the Year in 2010. We all know of his gridiron achievements, and we thought Tiger Nation would be interested in knowing the rest of the story. He began working at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola in 1995 and only retired in January of this year. When he was hired, Angola was facing a federal lawsuit over dreadful prison conditions. Newly appointed warden Burl Cain hired Cannon not only as a dentist but also to reform the medical and dental programs, which had fallen into disrepair. With Cannon’s hard work and leadership skills, order and efficiency were restored to both programs, and, by the end of the nineties, the federal suit was lifted. Cannon continued as director of the dental program for the nation’s largest prison. “He was serious about his work,” Cain said. “He was holding people accountable. It helped change not just our medical and dental facilities but the whole prison, the whole culture. This man was all about doing the right thing. It was contagious – it changed the way people were doing business all over the prison. If you saw the movie Brubaker (about a prison reformer, played by Robert Redford, in an Arkansas prison), he was Brubaker. He filled the role right here.” But Billy Cannon was more than a good dentist and administrator. With his reputation as a world-class athlete, his easy manner, and good-natured kidding, he earned the trust, respect, and affection of the inmates who soon gave him the nickname “Legend.” “He was greatly respected by offenders and staff and always went out of his way to help anyone he could,” said Darrel Vannoy, the warden at Angola. He was known for his sense of humor, his storytelling, and his inspirational advice. “People confuse ‘sympathy’ for ‘empathy,’” Cannon used to say about his prison work. “I had empathy.” He understood the inmates. He had experienced grinding poverty. He appreciated the complex challenges of rebuilding a life and earning the respect of strangers. “Dr. Cannon was a very kind man who cared deeply for the offenders at Louisiana State Penitentiary,” Vannoy said. “He brightened everyone’s day, especially with his football stories. He will be greatly missed and was loved by all.” Over the years, the LSU Alumni Association was just one of several arms of the University that asked Cannon for assistance. At an “open house” on a home football game day, Cannon was asked to sign autographs for guests at the The Cook Hotel and Conference Center. Having agreed to stay two hours, he stayed for more than five, talking with alumni, signing autographs, posing for pictures. Cannon seemed to have as much fun as the alumni did. His relaxed manner and charm made the celebrity-signing event unlike any other. He spent an extended amount of time with each guest, asking about their friends or relatives or people he knew in their hometowns. He listened to countless stories from fans about where they were the night of his famous 1959 “Halloween Night Run.” Cannon’s knowledge and memory of Louisiana sports figures always endeared him to fans of all ages. This selfless performance attracted other requests. Cannon did fundraisers in several parts of the state and in Houston to benefit the Johnny Robinson Boys Home in Monroe. He was genuinely moved that Robinson, an ex-LSU teammate, had devoted his life to caring for homeless boys. As he aged and his health declined, Cannon continued to support good causes. He rarely turned people down. It is important that we remember Cannon’s generosity and caring for those who could not help themselves. The Cook Hotel won’t be the same on home game days without Dr. Billy Cannon. He was a great storyteller in his numerous appearances at the hotel and at the Andonie Sports Museum. The LSU Alumni Association, the fans, and the loyal alumni who enjoy staying at The Cook Hotel will miss him. By Bud Johnson, retired director of the Andonie Sports Museum and author of The Perfect Season: LSU's Magic Year – 1958. Charles DeGravelles, author of Billy Cannon: A Long, Long Run, contributed to the story.
46 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
47
Locker Room
Football Motivate$ Dave Aranda The highest paid coordinator in college football isn’t motivated by money.
Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda.
Linebacker Devin White.
“I know they’re going to play well and I know we’re going to be improved.”
48 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2018
Dave Aranda’s drive is football-related. “I want to win,” he told the listening audience of 104.8 FM radio in Baton Rouge after signing his new contract. “I feel like we’re going to be a good defense. I want to be a part of that.” He is coaching the Tiger defense for reasons other than a contract worth $2.5 million. “I love the players here,” he said. He is especially partial to Devin White, the All-America linebacker whose talent makes Aranda’s 3-4 defensive scheme more effective than the defense he employed as defensive coordinator at Wisconsin. “He’s at the office on Sunday before I get there. I know he’s going to have a great season,” Aranda said. LSU played a lot of true freshmen on defense last season. Aranda believes those players will benefit from that experience and from their development since then in spring and fall practice. Two of them, Jacob Phillips and Tyler Taylor, played a lot as freshmen, although Patrick Queen did not. Aranda believes Queen will also make a great impact this year.
White, at rover along with defensive end Rashard Lawrence and freshmen all-America cornerback Greedy Williams, are expected to be major contributors for a team that was 9-4 overall and had a 6-2 record in the SEC. “I know they’re going to play well and I know we’re going to be improved,” Aranda said of the linebackers. “You can take that thought and apply it to defensive linemen Brenden Fehoko and Rashard Lawrence at ends,” he added. “Safeties Ed Paris and John Battle are coming back (and) Greedy (Williams) with another year. I feel like we’re going to be a good defense.” Aranda is obsessed with improving the performance of his defense. For example: The red zone – That’s the area from the LSU 20 to the goal line. Aranda was not pleased with the performance of his team in the red zone last season. The Tigers ranked 64th nationally in allowing their opponents to score 83.3 percent of the time once inside the 20-yard line. LSU gave up touchdowns 52.7 percent of the time, ranking 29th nationally. The coach believes his defense can do better. The Notre Dame loss – Notre Dame won the Citrus Bowl game 21-17 on a 55-yard completion with 88 seconds left to play. That heart-breaking loss and the Tigers’ problems in the red zone resulted in a slogan for Aranda’s LSU defense entering the 2018 season: “Finish it” – “Whatever the workout is, finish it,” Aranda says. “Whatever the assignment, finish it.” Aranda feels comfortable working at LSU. Coaching for Coach O – Aranda’s at LSU because of his relationship with Ed Orgeron. He loves the way Coach O treats the coaches and the players. “I know the players love playing for him. They want to win for him, want to work hard for him,” Aranda said. “He talks really openly about where we’re at and what we’ve got to do to be better. Players gravitate to that. I feel good about the direction.”
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Defensive end Rashard Lawrence.
The promotion of Steve Ensminger to offensive coordinator – Aranda recalled his first season at LSU and Tigers’ opening game with Wisconsin. Because he had coached at Wisconsin the previous season, he would frequently be called into offensive staff meetings. He was impressed by Ensminger’s contributions. “When he’d talk, it was always well thought-out,” Aranda said. “He’d see things and he’d give really good suggestions. … hearing him talk and the way his mind worked, I immediately singled him out.” He is optimistic about Ensminger’s West Coast offense and its focus on the team’s talented group of pass receivers. And there is his family. Aranda and his wife, Dione, have two daughters, Jaelyn and Jordyn, and a son, Ronin. “They do love it here,” he said. Aranda made one off-season addition to his defensive staff, hiring safeties coach Bill Busch from Rutgers. And that has already paid unexpected dividends, albeit to the other side of the ball. Busch had previously been on the staff at Ohio State and knew Joe Burrow, the graduate transfer quarterback who is now enrolled at LSU. Coach O gave Busch, a defensive coach, credit for leading the recruitment of the new LSU quarterback. Was it George Washington who said, “The best defense is a good offense?”
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Locker Room
Tiger Offense Gets Transfer Transfusion Can this really be LSU football? New offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger will call the plays this time around, and he’ll be working from a new playbook that features more passes than jet sweeps. LSU will have a new quarterback, a receiver with impressive stats, and a place kicker whose field goal success rate is .931 percent. Plus there is a new special teams coordinator, and the defense promises to be the best Dave Aranda has assembled in Tigertown. If this is a dream, wake me when the football season ends. LSU football dreamers couldn’t have asked for more changes heading into one of the most challenging schedules the Tigers have ever faced. Georgia and Alabama, last season’s championship finalists, both come to Tiger Stadium this fall. What more could a Tiger fan hope for? That’s easy. While we’re hopin’, dreamin’, and schemin’, let’s run the table. You might label this Transfer Transfusion. The new quarterback is Joe Burrow, a graduate transfer from Ohio State, who will wear No. 9. The elite receiver is Jonathon Giles, a transfer from Texas Tech. Giles’ numbers as a receiver for the Red Raiders: 1,158 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on 69 catches. Giles was so impressive in his redshirt season that coach O gave him No. 7, which was worn by such talented Tigers as Leonard Fournette, Patrick Peterson, and Bert Jones.
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Giles will be ably assisted by one of the most talented group of receivers LSU has fielded in recent years: Justin Jefferson, Racey McMath, Dee Anderson, Stephen Sullivan, Terrace Marshall, Jr., Derrick Dillon, Drake Davis, and Ja’Marr Chase. The LSU passing game will have its own coordinator: Jerry Sullivan, a 25-year veteran of the NFL. The new kicker is Cole Tracy, a graduate transfer from Assumption College. And the word is that he hasn’t heard “wide right” since high school. There are other transfers. Breiden Fehoko, who came to LSU from Texas Tech, will be a starter in the defensive line. Thaddeus Moss, a tight end, transferred from NC State, cornerback Terrence Alexander, is a graduate transfer from Stanford, and three junior college transfers — guard Damien Lewis, who is contending for a starting role in the offensive line, and linebacker Travez Moore and offensive tackle Badara Traore, who will provide depth that was missing a year ago. A new special teams coordinator will greet kicker Tracy — Greg McMahon, who spent nine seasons as the special teams coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. Another new face is offensive line coach James Cregg, who spent the past four seasons as a line coach in the NFL. Tigers ranked 64th nationally in allowing their opponents to score 83.3 percent of the time once inside the 20yard line.
Fehoko Finds a Home With Tiger Defense Only LSU should have a player like Breiden Fehoko, a Hawaiian who has found a home in Tigertown. He has a big personality like Shaq, a flair for showmanship like Pistol Pete, and a big appetite like Coach O. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda deserves to have Fehoko playing for him. It’s a match made in heaven. They have known one another since 2009 when Aranda was a young defensive assistant at the University of Hawaii and Fehoko was attending a football camp. Rashard Lawrence, his defensive end teammate, has known Fehoko since they attended football camps in high school. Even his redshirt year had a purple and old flavor. After transferring from Texas Tech, Fehoko was schooled in defensive line technique by the legendary Pete Jenkins, and his strength and conditioning workouts were supervised by Tommy Moffit, LSU’s expert in strength training. Some die-hard Tiger fans are projecting Fehoko past this season when his talents will be needed against the brutal 2018 schedule. A few of the LSU faithful can’t wait until Fehoko’s football career ends so he can be invited to tailgate parties. He is No. 91 in your program. And if you love defense as much as Dave Aranda, Fehoko will steal your heart. Locker Room is compiled and edited by Bud Johnson, retired director of the Andonie Sports Museum and a former LSU Sports Information director. He is the author of The Perfect Season: LSU's Magic Year – 1958. Locker Room photos courtesy LSU Athletics.
No. 91 Breiden Fehoko.
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Celebrating 125 Years of LSU Football
LSU’s Greatest Games
Tigers Shocked SEC Champion Tulane in 1949 LSU’s Cinderella team of 1949 was famous for beating three conference champions. Rice, of the Southwest, fell 14-7 in the second game of the year; North Carolina, champions of the ACC, were beaten on the over-watered surface of Tiger Stadium, 13-7; and SEC champion Tulane was blanked 21-0.
Fast Start – Kenny Konz’ 92-yard punt return for a touchdown got LSU started, and the Tigers shut out SEC champion Tulane 21-0. The TD run was just one of several Konz contributions. He intercepted three Tulane passes to disrupt the Green Wave offense.
Tulane had trounced the Tigers 46-0 in 1948, one of five one-sided losses for LSU. That’s why the upset of the Green Wave in ’49 was indeed an unforgettable game for that period. The wipeout win of ’48 fanned the flames of the rivalry, and triggered raids on both campuses by students – or at least the students were blamed for it. Nobody envisioned the dramatic turnaround by the ’49 Tigers, especially the upset of Tulane. One student sneaked into Tulane Stadium a week before the game, predicting and painting the score – 21-0 – on a stadium ramp. A Times-Picayune photographer captured it for history, and the prank was presented on the newspaper’s front page. Another student sprinkled ice cream salt at midfield, killing the grass and spelling out L S U. Tulane students responded by painting “46-0” at several spots on the LSU campus, reminders of the 1948 Green Wave romp. Arch-rival Tulane had already clinched the SEC championship before the season finale, and the Sugar Bowl was planning to make public an invitation to the Green Wave at game’s end. Some fans in the then SEC record crowd of 79,292 hadn’t even found their seats when Konz returned Tulane’s first punt 92-yards for a touchdown. A product of six-man football in Weimar, Tex., Konz intercepted three Tulane passes before his day was done. LSU coach Gus Tinsley thoroughly enjoyed Kenny’s performance. “Konz played the greatest game at safety that I have ever witnessed,” Tinsley said. Tulane never recovered from the Konz punt return. This was essentially the same team that had dominated LSU in Baton Rouge the previous year. The Greenies put together a drive in the third quarter that reached the LSU 12 yard line. But the gritty Tiger defense threw Tulane for losses of twenty-three yards in four plays. After LSU took over, Lee Hedges sprinted up the middle for sixty-five yards and a touchdown. “All I had to do was run like hell,” he said.
Painted Prediction – A night visitor to Tulane Stadium made a prediction one week before the big game. The white-washed 21-0 prophecy was captured by a Times-Picayune photographer. And the LSU Tigers took the suggestion to heart.
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In the fourth quarter, following a Konz interception, LSU got its final touchdown. Billy Baggett took it in from the one-foot line. The Tigers’ 21-point win represented a 67-point swing from the 1948 result. “No team I’ve ever seen played as close to 100 percent of its capabilities as this 1949 bunch did against Tulane,” Tinsley said. “On every play, it seemed like we had four men or more around the ball.” The Tinsley staff had a plan for the Green Wave’s explosive running back, Eddie Price and his favorite play, the Tulane trap. The Tigers placed a nose guard over the Greenie center, and a middle linebacker behind the nose guard to take away the trap. The Tigers “cheated” the defensive ends out a little wider to take away the sweep, and dared Tulane to throw the ball. Every time they did, it seemed like Konz was there to catch it or knock it down. Sadly, midnight came for Cinderella on New Year’s Day. By beating SEC champion Tulane, the Tigers earned a Sugar Bowl bid and a meeting with Oklahoma, one of the great college teams of that era. The Sooners scored early and often in a 35-0 win over LSU, ending what had been a surprising and satisfying season for Tinsley’s Tigers.
“All I had to do was run like hell.”
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Locker Room
Celebrating 125 Years of LSU Football
LSU’s Greatest Games
LSU Beats Florida, Gets No. 1 Ranking
Game’s First TD – On a fourth-and-one in the second quarter, Billy Cannon ran over Florida’s All-America tackle Val Heckman for the game’s first touchdown.
Defense was the name of the game in 1958. LSU relied on its defense, the strong running of Billy Cannon, and a clutch field goal by Tommy Davis in a frenzied fourth quarter as the Tigers beat Florida 10-7, stretching their season record to 6-0. By Monday morning, The Associated Press moved LSU up to No. 1. LSU had entered the game ranked No. 3 behind Army and Ohio State. Florida had an edge in size and depth. The Gators' size at the line of scrimmage and depth throughout the lineup worried LSU coach Paul Dietzel, who had gotten more mileage from his roster by playing three platoons. The Gators entered the game with the third best rushing defense in the country, holding opponents to 65 yards rushing a game. In LSU’s two previous games – wins over Miami (41-0) and Kentucky (32-7) –Dietzel’s substitution strategy of keeping fresh players in the game had worked as planned. The Tigers’ White team played a little over a half of those games. The offensive specialists – the Go team – played 19 minutes against Miami and 13 minutes against Kentucky. The Bandits
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played 11 minutes against the Hurricanes and 14 minutes against Kentucky, holding the Wildcats without a first down. The Gators were coming off a 21-14 win over UCLA, holding the Bruins to 29 yards rushing. LSU assistant coach Abner Wimberly had scouted Florida. “Florida plays as many or more people than any team in the country,” Wimberly said. “Up to now, we’ve been able to wear the other team down. If we beat Florida, it won’t be because we’ll wear them down.” As expected, a defensive duel unfolded. Dietzel had to play his White team more on this night to keep the big and deep Florida team in check. Errors in the kicking game hurt the Tigers. There was a bad pass from center that kept Davis from punting, giving the Gators a good field position. A shanked attempt of a quick kick by Cannon gave Florida another break. For the first time in their championship season, the Tigers didn’t have a statistical advantage. The Gators out-gained LSU – 288 yards to the Tigers’ 181 total yards. Florida gained 151 yards on the ground. LSU’s strength – the running game – was held to 89 yards rushing.
Florida’s size advantage in the line kept the Tigers from moving the ball effectively. This chink in LSU’s armor would surface later against bigger teams – Duke later in the eighth game of the season and Clemson in the Sugar Bowl. LSU was forced to go to the air to keep drives going. Warren Rabb completed 10 of 18 passes for 92 yards, an essential output against the stout Gator defense. The Tigers came up with four interceptions and that was vital to the home team. Two of LSU’s picks came in the tense fourth quarter. Prior to Davis’ game winning field goal with 2:59 remaining, Bandit safety Daryl Jenkins killed a Gator drive with an interception in the end zone. In Florida’s final possession, Lynn LeBlanc made an interception from his defensive end position at the Gator 34. Cannon’s best run of the night – a 42-yard punt return to the Gator 11-yard line – was nullified by a clipping penalty. But Billy scored the game’s first touchdown, gained 61 yards rushing, and bulled his way for 20 of the 36 yards in the drive that set up the winning field goal. The Chinese Bandits' success story continued. The defensive specialists held the Florida Gators scoreless. For two straight weeks they gave a good account of themselves against worthy SEC opponents.
“The Chinese Bandits’ success story continued.”
YO U R C A J U N C O N N E C T I O N
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Locker Room
Celebrating 125 Years of LSU Football
LSU’s Greatest Games
Tigers Upset High-Scoring Auburn “This game was a bigger win for LSU because of what was at stake.”
When ex-Tigers gather, there are always those who dwell on the McClendon years and some of the great games played by Charlie Mac’s teams. They always talk about the big win over Notre Dame in 1971 and Bert Jones passing to his cousin Andy Hamilton. And when Jones’s name is mentioned, there is always a discussion of the 17-16 win over Ole Miss in 1972 when Jones connected with Brad Davis as time expired. And there is even discussion of the close losses to Southern Cal and Alabama in McClendon’s final season of 1979. Coach Mac had some memorable victories in his eighteen seasons at LSU. There was the 21-20 win over Auburn in 1969 when the Tigers scored on a halfback pass on the first play of the game and settled it in the fourth quarter when George Bevan blocked what would have been the tying extra point. Two of McClendon’s best wins came over unbeaten teams in the Cotton Bowl – Texas (13-0) in 1963 and Arkansas (14-7) in 1966. For my money, McClendon’s 1970 win at Auburn
Play of the Day – LSU’s Mike Anderson made the play of the day, stopping Auburn fullback Wallace Clark on fourth down at the 1-yard line.
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was one of his best wins, upsetting a 13-point favorite at their Homecoming game. There would be no sneaking up on Auburn. The game in Tiger Stadium the previous season was a bitter defeat for Shug Jordan’s Plainsmen. Auburn had virtually the same team back and they were outstanding on both sides of the ball. This game was a bigger win for LSU because of what was at stake. McClendon and Tigers were also winners at Alabama, 14-9, and finished with a 61-17 walloping of Ole Miss to claim the SEC championship. Auburn was 5-0 and sixth-ranked in the nation, and averaging 35 points a game. Quarterback Pat Sullivan gained almost 9 yards every time he ran or passed the ball. The Plainsmen had the SEC’s best pass defense and the third best defense overall. Little wonder that the home team was a two touchdown choice. All-America tackle Ron Estay got LSU off on the right foot, recovering an Auburn fumble on the game’s first play. Buddy Lee passed to Andy Hamilton to give the Tigers a lead they never relinquished. Bert Jones took LSU on an 85-yard drive in the second quarter with Art Cantrell scoring. The Tigers got a 2-point conversion the hard way when place kicker Mark Lumpkin picked up a fumbled snap and lofted an impromptu pass to his holder, Paul Lyons. In the final quarter, Estay, Buddy Millican, and John Sage threw Sullivan for a safety and another deuce. The Bayou Bengals held Auburn’s highscoring offense to three field goals. With the Tigers leading 17-9, the Plainsmen had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, moving to the LSU 3. On fourth down, All-America linebacker Mike Anderson stopped Auburn’s Wallace Clark with a chest high tackle at the 1.
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What a Team! Photos by Aaron Hyder/LSU Sports Information
LSU’s NCAA championship 4x100 meter relay team had a perfect season! They are the most legendary 4x100 meter relay team in collegiate history. Mikiah Brisco, Kortnei Johnson, Rachel Misher, and Aleia Hobbs closed out their fantastic season with a time of 42.25 in winning the national title. It’s the second title for the LSU women in the last three years, and it is the fifteenth 4x100 meter relay title in program history — best in the NCAA. With the 42.25 time, LSU now owns five of the top six times and six of the top eight times in collegiate history. Previously, the Tigers set the NCAA meet record with a 42.09. Hobbs closed out her sensational LSU career by winning the NCAA 100 meter dash, and running the anchor leg on LSU’s 4x100 meter NCAA champion team. She was named the 2018 Women’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
From left, Kortnei Johnson, Rachel Misher, Mikiah Brisco, Aleia Hobbs.
Alea Hobbs closed out her career by winning the NCAA 100 meter dash.
Making History - Jessica Golovin and Eden Richardson won the first national title in the history of LSU women’s tennis in the NCAA Championships at Wake Forest in May. They completely dominated the final round of the NCAA doubles championships, defeating Oklahoma State’s No. 13-ranked team of Vladica Babic and Sofia Blanca in straight sets 6-3, 6-2. “This win shows that LSU belongs among the teams that compete in the latter stages of tournaments and compete for the big trophies,” said cohead coach Michael Sell. Photo by Chris Parent/LSU Sports Information
NCAA tennis champs Eden Richardson, left, and Jessica Golovin.
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Tiger
NATION
1950s
Thomas R. Robinson (1959 BACH H&SS,1963 MD) was chosen as a Distinguished Tulane Ophthalmology Faculty Member by the Tulane ophthalmology residents at their residency completion banquet in the spring.
1960s
Patrick C. Morrow (1969 BACH H&SS, 1972 JD), founding partner of the law firm Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haikis in Opelousas, La., was profiled in the Acadiana Profile Magazine’s 50th Anniversary Issue as one of the Top Lawyers in Acadiana. Search Acadiana Profile Magazine at issuu. Degrees BACH Bachelor’s Degree MAST Master’s Degree PHD Doctorate SPEC Specialist DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine JD Juris Doctorate (LSU Law School) MD Medical Doctor (LSU School of Medicine) DDS Doctor of Dental Science (LSU School of Dentistry) Colleges/Schools AGR Agriculture A&D Art & Design C&E Coast & Environment H&SS Humanities & Social Sciences SCI Science BUS Business HS&E Human Sciences & Education ENGR Engineering M&DA Music & Dramatic Arts MCOM Mass Communication SCE School of the Coast & Environment SVM School of Veterinary Medicine SW Social Work
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com to view the article. Morrow also announced the firm’s 2018 scholarship recipients. Fifteen scholarships valued at $2,500 each were awarded to permanent residents of St. Landry and Evangeline parishes. Among the recipients were LSU students Heidi Bieber, of Mamou, La., and William Champagne, Taylor Guillory, and David Labbe, all of Opelousas, La.
1970s
David R. Cassidy (1972 BACH H&SS, 1975 JD), an attorney with Breazeale Sachse & Wilson, was listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Louisiana in the area of Corporate/M&A: Tax. Vicki Crochet (1977 BACH H&SS, 1980 JD), an attorney with Taylor, Porter Brooks & Phillips, was ranked in “Leaders in Their Field” in Chambers USA 2018 Directory in the area of Labor and Employment. Tom Exnicios (1979 BACH BUS), a partner at Hannis T. Bourgeois, was named chairman of the Board of Directors of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH). Exnicios volunteered with NOAHH for many years before joining the board in 2012 as head of the finance committee. Gregory D. Frost (1977 BACH H&SS, 1981 JD), an attorney with Breazeale Sachse & Wilson, was listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Louisiana in the area of Healthcare.
Cate Heroman (1974 BACH HS&E, 1977 MAST HS&E) received national recognition at the 2018 EXCEL Awards for her book Making and Tinkering with STEM: Solving Design Challenges with Young Children, a hands-on resource for those who want to introduce young children to science, technology, engineering, and math. The EXCEL Awards are presented by Association Media and Publishing and recognize excellence and leadership in nonprofit association media, marketing, and communications. Heroman’s book was awarded gold for a general audience book. Roger Johns (1978 BACH H&SS, 1983 JD), of Douglasville, Ga., author of the Wallace Hartman Mysteries, was named a 2018 Georgia Author of Year for his debut book Dark River Rising. The second book in the series, River of Secrets, was released in August. A former corporate lawyer and retired college professor, His checkered past includes, in no particular order, med school dropout, bookseller, ranch hand, drapery hanger, party photographer, hospital orderly, shoe salesman, and tuxedo rental clerk. Johns belongs to the Atlanta Writers Club, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. With four other crimefiction writers, he co-authors the MurderBooks blog at murder-books. com. Visit him at rogerjohnsbooks.com. J. Gerard “Jerry” Jolly (1973 BACH BUS) received Society of Louisiana CPAs (LCPA) Lifetime Membership Award recognizing his extensive record of achievement to benefit the future of CPAs throughout Louisiana. A longtime partner in the accounting firm KPMG
Responding to our request “What’s your Volunteer Passion?” is William “Bill” Austin (1972 BACH H&SS). “For the past two-and-a-half years, after retiring as a Department of Defense civilian, I have volunteered for the USO Warrior and Family Center in Ft. Belvoir, Va. As a retired U.S. Army officer, I have a special appreciation for service members and their families. This particular USO has myriad activities particularly focused on the soldiers assigned to the Wounded Warrior Transition Unit as they transition back into the active force.” Thanks for sharing, Bill!
until his retirement in 2012, he serves on the Board of PetroQuestEnergy. Jolly has served in leadership roles on many nonprofit boards, was inducted into the Catholic High School Hall of Fame and the Hall of Distinction at the E.J. Ourso College of Business, and was recognized as a 2017 Baton Rouge Area Volunteer Activist. Eve B. Masinter (1979 BACH H&SS, 1982 JD), an attorney with Breazeale Sachse & Wilson, was listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Louisiana in the area of Labor & Employment. Cynthia Peterson (1979 BACH SCI, 1981 MAST Med-S’Port, 1986 PHD Med-Sport), dean of the College of Science, was named to the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Influential Women in Business Class of 2018. Skip Philips (1972 BACH H&SS, 1983 JD), an attorney with Taylor, Porter Brooks & Phillips, was ranked in “Leaders in Their Field” in Chambers USA 2018 Directory in the area of Commercial Litigation.
E. Fredrick Preis, Jr. (1971 BACH BUS, 1974 JD), an attorney with Breazeale Sachse & Wilson, was listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Louisiana in the area of Labor & Employment. Claude F. Reynaud, Jr. (1974 BACH BUS), an attorney with Breazeale Sachse & Wilson, was listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Louisiana in the area of Litigation: General Commercial. Peggy Scott (1973 BACH BUS), the first female office managing partner with the accounting firm Deloitte, held executive roles in healthcare, including chief operating officer and chief financial officer at Blue Cross. She is now board chair for Cleco and serves on the Blue Cross Foundation, which she previously served as chair/chief executive officers. She is a member and served as president of the E.J. Ourso College of Business Dean’s Advisory Council and was inducted into the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction and the College of Business hall of Distinction.
Laura Simpson (1978 BACH BUS), president, Dugas Pest Control, was named to the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Influential Women in Business Class of 2018. Fred Tulley (1970 BACH H&SS), an attorney with Taylor, Porter Brooks & Phillips, was ranked in “Leaders in Their Field” in Chambers USA 2018 Directory in the area of Commercial Securities Litigation.
1980s
Richard Arsenault (1980 JD), a partner in Neblett, Beard & Arsenault’s Alexandria, La., office, is chairing two symposia in September – a complex litigation symposium, “The Mass Tort Litigation Landscape – Critical Analysis,” in Napa, Calif., and the Louisiana State Bar Association's 25th Annual Admiralty symposium in New Orleans.
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Tiger Nation
Marie B. Constantin (1980 BACH H&SS), owner of Marie Constantin Photography, was named to the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Influential Women in Business Class of 2018. Mike Crawford (1984 BACH BUS, 1993 JD), an attorney with Taylor, Porter Brooks & Phillips, was ranked in “Leaders in Their Field” in Chambers USA 2018 Directory in the area of Bankruptcy/Restructuring.
Follow Poncho’s journey from his rescue during the 2016 flood to his recovery at the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. A worthy addition to your child’s library.
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Anne Crochet (1980 BACH MCOM, 1983 JD), an attorney with Taylor, Porter Brooks & Phillips, was ranked in “Leaders in Their Field” in Chambers USA 2018 Directory in the area of Environmental Law. John B. Dunlap, III (1986 BACH H&SS) was promoted to the rank of brigadier general during an official ceremony at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans on June 2. He will become the Louisiana Army National Guard’s (LANG) new assistant adjutant general. Dunlap, a Baton Rouge resident,
will serve as a principal military advisor to the LANG adjutant general and be responsible for assisting in the deployment and coordination of programs, policies, and plans for LANG. Dunlap is a member of Cadets of the Ole War Skule Board of Directors. Melissa Kraemer Hymel (1988 MAST H&SS), director of the Pointe Coupee Parish Library System, received the 2018 City of New Roads Mayor's Community Impact Award for service to the city.
Sherri LeBas-Firnberg (1985 BACH ENGR), president, G.E.C. Inc., was named to the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Influential Women in Business Class of 2018. Andrew Novosad (1991 DVM), head of the oncology service at Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists, Sugar Land, Texas, received the 2017 Texas Academy of Veterinary Practice (TAVP) Clinical Referral and Consultation of the Year Award in March. The award is given annually to a respected member of the veterinary referral community. A Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Medicine in the oncology specialty, Novosad frequently lectures on oncology, served on the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Oncology Residency Training and Credentials Committee, and is a former president of the Harris County Veterinary Medical Association. J. Phillip Pickett 1980 DVM), professor of ophthalmology in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, was conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. A member of the university community since 1988, Pickett brought international recognition to Virginia Tech for his scholarship in animal vision and eye care. He has held leadership positions in several professional organizations, including the credentials, ethics, residency, and genetics committees of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and
throughout his career received many professional honors, including induction into the Phi Zeta Veterinary Honor Society, the Edward E. Thompson Professorial Award, the Dr. and Mrs. Dorsey Taylor Mahin Award for Clinical Excellence, and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Director’s Award. Kim Hunter Reed (1987 BACH MCOM, 1995 MPA) was unanimously selected as the ninth Louisiana Board of Regents Commissioner of Higher Education in April. Previously, she was executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and served in President Barack Obama’s administration as deputy undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Education. She also led the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Reed chaired Louisiana’s higher education transition team in 2015 and served as the state’s policy director. Earlier, she worked at the Louisiana Board of Regents as chief of staff and deputy commissioner for public affairs. She received a doctorate in public policy from Southern University. Thomas A. Richard (1988 BACH BUS) was named managing partner of RTGR Law LLP, a California litigation firm with six statewide offices. Richard became a partner in 2011 and has served as commissioner and board member at the State Bar of California.
1990s
John T. Andrishok (1993 BACH BUS, 1997 JD), an attorney with Breazeale Sachse & Wilson, was listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Louisiana in the area of Construction.
Emily Black Grey (1994 BACH H&SS, 2000 JD), an attorney with Breazeale Sachse & Wilson, was listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business for Louisiana in the area of Healthcare. Jeffrey Koonce (1990 BACH BUS, 1994 JD), general counsel at Bernhard Capital Partners, received the Society of Louisiana CPAs (LCPA) Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry Award recognizing his contributions as a CPA to enhance the overall performance of his employer. Koonce earned an L.L.M. in Taxation from Boston University School of Law. Gaylynne Mack (1990 BACH BUS), executive director, Big Buddy Program of Baton Rouge, was named to the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Influential Women in Business Class of 2018. Photo by Collin Richie Jay Montalbano (1999 BACH BUS), a partner with Hannis T. Bourgeois, was elected treasurer of the Society of Louisiana CPAs (LCPA). Montalbano is a past president of LCPA's Baton Rouge Chapter. Beverly Brooks Thompson (1993 BACH H&SS, 2005 MAST H&SS, 2015 PHD HS&E), president and executive counsel, Brooks Thompson Consulting, was named to the Baton Rouge Business Report’s Influential Women in Business Class of 2018.
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Chris Trahan (1993 BACH H&SS) has joined SASSO, a Baton Rouge advertising/ branding aagency, to direct public relations and communications activities. Trahan has more than twenty years of experience in the fields of public relations, communications, and media relations, most recently working at Zehnder Communications, and serving more than six years as director of communications and community engagement for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. Prior to returning to Baton Rouge in 2004, he oversaw the lobbying arm for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the largest teacher education association in the country. He previously worked for The Cook Political Report, Association of American Publishers, and the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C.
2000s
Leslie Austin (2000 BACH SCI, 2004 JD) was named to Emergent Method’s senior leadership and operational management team in June as director of human resources. Austin was previously chief operations officer for HR Solutions. She is a Society for
Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional and is certified by Global Professionals in Human Resources. A graduate of Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s 2017 Leadership Baton Rouge program, she volunteers with a number of local nonprofit organizations in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Michelle Beauvais (2006 BACH A&D), an architect with Building Ideas in Nashville, Tenn., was promoted to associate and will serve as a member of the firm’s leadership team. While at LSU, she worked as a research associate in the Office of Community Design and Development. Prior to joining Building Ideas, she was part of the team responsible for the building information modeling and construction documentation of the twenty-nine story LEED Gold-certified Pinnacle at Symphony Place. She is LEED accredited and in 2017 passed the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Licensing Exam to become a Registered Architect in Tennessee.
Inc. He was previously a project manager and landscape architect with the firm. Brouillette, a licensed professional landscape architect with fifteen years of experience, is an active member of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Urban Land Institute of Nashville. T Elon Dancy (2008) PHD HS&E) was named the Helen S. Faison Endowed Chair and director of the Center for Urban Education in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. He was previously professor and associate dean for community engagement and academic inclusion in the College of Education at the University of Oklahoma. Prior to that, Dancy was a Fellow in the OU Office of the Senior Vice-President and Provost. He also held affiliate faculty appointments in African and African American Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies departments and the Center for Social Justice.
Jason Brouillette (2002 BACH A&D) was named landscape architecture group leader at the Nashville, Tenn., office of S&ME,
Wilson E. Judice (2003 BACH AGR, 2005 MAST AGR), an agronomist, joined the staff of the American Sugar Cane League with
Your Baton Rouge Realtor AMY DUPLESSIS CRS, ABR, SRS
Baton Rouge, LA 225.571.1382 amyduplessis@burnandco.com
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responsibility for the primary and secondary seed increase stations in the Bayou Teche and northern parish regions of the Louisiana sugar belt. After graduating from LSU, he returned to St. Mary Parish, where his family has been producing sugarcane for six generations, and has farmed full-time for the last thirteen years. Judice is active in the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, and the Ag Leaders of Louisiana Alumni Association. He serves on the LSU AgCenter St. Mary and Iberia Row Crop Advisory Committee and the St. Mary 4-H Advisory Committee. He is a commissioner for the St. Mary Parish Fire Protection District Number 2 and a director of First South Farm Credit ACA. He and his wife, Dana, and their four children reside Centerville, La., and attend St. Joseph Catholic Church. Jason MacMorran (2002 MAST BUS), a director with Postlethwaite & Netterville, was named 2018-2019 chair elect of the Society of Louisiana CPAs (LCPA). He has served on the board since 2014 and will automatically become chair in June 2019. Shane Mutter (2001 BACH BUS), president and CEO of Doerr Furniture was named to the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. Alison Smith (2006 MAST HS&E), chief engineer, Materials Analysis Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., was as a finalist for the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal. The award, also known as “The Sammies” – the Oscars of federal service
Investing in Tigers, Transforming Lives I’m a sophomore from Johns Creek, Ga., majoring in coastal environmental science. Since middle school, I’ve wanted to protect the natural environment. The President’s Alumni Scholars Award and LSU’s unique coastal studies program make it all possible. I quickly strengthened my leadership skills in Student Government Freshman Leadership Council, and I serve our local community through the Honors College Louisiana Service & Leadership Program (LASAL), through which I learn about poverty and how wetland loss affects coastal people and economies. Through President’s Future Leaders in Research, I assist with coastal research with Professor Michael Polito and undertook a project last May in the marshes off Port Sulphur, La. During my time in the marsh and through my lessons from LASAL, the beauty and peril of our fragile ecosystem became real for me. Thank you, LSU alumni, for helping me be a part of the solution. Because of your contributions to the LSU Alumni Association, LSU is able to attract more students like Alli every year. This doesn’t just make a difference now; it makes a difference for the future, for students like Alli will be tomorrow’s top scientists, educators, and business leaders. And you make that possible.
ALLISON BENELLI President’s Alumni Scholar
To contribute to or endow a scholarship, visit www.lsualumni.org/giving or call 225.578.3838.
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– honor unsung heroes in federal government who have made important contributions to the health, safety, and prosperity of the nation.
2010s
Savanah Dickinson (2017 BACH MCOM, 2017 BACH H&SS), of Dallas, Texas, was chosen for the Summer 2018 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program sponsored by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to provide an opportunity for students to develop critical literacy skills in a foreign language in a host country. She will spend several months in Amman, Jordan, studying Arabic. Dickinson graduated summa cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in mass communication and international studies with minors in political science and Arabic and with Upper Division Honors Distinction from the Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College. She has interned with the U.S. Department of State in both Washington, D.C., and Manama, Bahrain, and currently works as an account executive at Portland Communications. Erin Kilpatrick (2016 BACH BUS, 2017 MAST BUS) won an American Institute of CPAS 2017 Elijah Watt Sells Award, bestowed upon CPA candidates who obtained a cumulative average score above 95.50 across all four sections of the CPA examination, passed all four sections of the exam on their first attempt, and completed testing in 2017. Fifty-eight of the 95,858 individuals who sat for the exam met the award criteria. Kilpatrick, employed by EY
LLP in New Orleans, is the first woman from Louisiana to earn the honor since the exam changed to a computer-based test in 2004 and the only person from Louisiana to earn the 2017 award. Will Meyers (2017 BACH BUS), business development manager of New Orleans-based Beyond the Equator, was involved in the firm’s recognition with a national innovation award. The business earned a Best New Product sofi™ Award from the Specialty Food Association for its innovative 5 Seed Butter, a low sugar, allergen-friendly peanut butter alternative. A national panel of specialty food experts selected the product from more than 3,000 entries across thirty-nine awards categories. Allie Stevens (2015 MAST SLIS), director of the Calhoun County Library in Hampton, Ark., was named a Mover & Shaker Community Builder by the editors of the Library Journal in March. Stevens designed and built the library’s new website, created a children’s space, and increased the teen book selection to nearly 1,500 offerings. She also founded the Tiny Library Think Tank, a social media group that includes more than 200 librarians in other small/rural areas to give them a space to exchange resources and ideas.
BABY
BENGALS Sara Elizabeth D’Agostino Mathias (2000 BACH BUS) and hubby Steven Mathias announce the birth of their daughter, Odette Elizabeth, on June 7, 2018, weighing in at 9 lbs. 10 oz. The family resides in Houston, Texas, where Steve is with Silver Well Energy and Sara is with Solvay Chemical. The proud maternal grandparents are Charlie D’Agostino (1970 BACH H&SS, 1972 MBA ) and his wife, Susan Conrad D'Agostino (1970 BACH BUS). Claire and Stephens McVea announce the birth of their first child, Lilley Catherine, on May 27, 2018. Welcoming the future Tiger to the world were proud grandparents Warren (1976 MAST HS&E) and Catherine Drake and Tom (1972 BACH AGR) and Toni Stephens (1968 BACH H&SS) McVea. Claire is human resources director at the LSU Alumni Association.
SHARE YOUR NEWS Share news of your new job or promotion, your wedding, honors, awards, new babies, and other
celebrations with fellow alumni. To submit an item and photos for publication, e-mail jackie@lsualumni.org or call 225-578-3370.
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Tigers in Print Gary Corbin (1981 BACH H&SS) The Mountain Man’s Badge (Double Diamond Publishing) Mountain Man Lehigh Carter, drafted into serving as acting sheriff of Mt. Hood County after exposing his predecessor's corruption, is compelled to arrest his new father-in-law for the murder of Everett Downey, the most despised man in town. Still learning on the job, Lehigh continues to investigate loose ends that don't add up, but ambitious prosecutor Ray "The Reverend" Ferguson seems intent on blocking him at every turn. Soon, Lehigh suspects that those most intent on pinning the murder on George McBride have reasons far more sinister than blocking Lehigh’s agenda of reform. Can Lehigh uncover the truth behind the crime without becoming the killer’s next victim? Russell Fielding (2010 PHD H&SS) The Wake of the Whale (Harvard Press) Despite declining stocks worldwide and increasing health risks, artisanal whaling remains a cultural practice tied to nature’s rhythms. The Wake of the Whale presents the art, history, and challenge of whaling in the Caribbean and North Atlantic, based on a decade of fieldwork. Each culture has developed a distinct approach to whaling that preserves key traditions while adapting to threats of scarcity, the requirements of regulation, and a growing awareness of the humane treatment of animals. Yet these strategies struggle to account for the risks of regularly eating meat contaminated with methylmercury and other environmental pollutants introduced from abroad. Fielding considers how these and other factors may change whaling cultures forever, perhaps even bringing an end to this way of life.
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A. Wilson Green (1977 MAST H&SS) A Campaign of Giants - The Battle for Petersburg Volume One: From the Crossing of the James to the Crater (University of North Carolina Press) Grinding, bloody, and ultimately decisive, the Petersburg Campaign was the Civil War's longest and among its most complex. Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee squared off for more than nine months in their struggle for Petersburg, the key to the Confederate capital at Richmond. Featuring some of the war's most notorious battles, the campaign played out against a backdrop of political drama and crucial fighting elsewhere, with massive costs for soldiers and civilians alike. After failing to bull his way into Petersburg, Grant concentrated on isolating the city from its communications with the rest of the surviving Confederacy, stretching Lee's defenses to the breaking point. When Lee's desperate breakout attempt failed in March 1865, Grant launched his final offensives that forced the Confederates to abandon the city on April 2, 1865. A week later, Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House. Roger Johns (1978 BACH H&SS, 1983 JD) River of Secrets: A Wallace Hartman Mystery (St. Martin’s/Minotaur) Louisiana is full of politicians who will say anything to suit their agenda, but when one of them winds up dead under suspicious circumstances, Detective Wallace Hartman must dig through his list of enemies to find out who wanted him gone – permanently. Was
it the politician’s son, with whom he had a troubled relationship? Was it the social justice activist who also happens to be related to Wallace’s childhood best friend? Does the cleaning lady who discovered the body know more than she is saying? While the detective works the case, she also has to deal with complications in her own life, including a standoffish new partner, her mother’s new suitor, and her own relationship. Glenn A. Moots (1993 MAST H&SS, 2007 PHD H&SS, 2008 MAST H&SS) Justifying Revolution: Law, Virtue, and Violence in the American War of Independence (University of Oklahoma Press) The American imagination exalts the Founders as the prime movers of the American Revolution, and the War of Independence has become the stuff of legend. But America is not simply the invention of great men or the outcome of an inevitable political or social movement. The nation was the result of a hard, bloody, and destructive war. The essays in Justifying Revolution explore from a variety of perspectives how the Revolution’s opposing sides wrestled with thorny moral and legal questions. How could revolutionaries justify provoking a civil war, how should their opponents subdue the uprising, and how did military commanders restrain the ensuing violence? Together, the contributions form the first sustained exploration of Americans’ and Britons’ use of just war theory as they battled over American independence.
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In Memoriam Dr. Billy A. Cannon, Sr. passed away at his farm in St. Francisville, La., on May 20, 2018. He excelled in sports at Istrouma High School and ran track and played football at LSU. He s known for wearing No. 20 and the "Halloween Run," an eighty-nine-yard punt return against Ole Miss in Tiger Stadium in 1958 – the year of LSU's first National Championship. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1959 and went on to play professional football for the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs. He was the first player to garner all-pro honors in two different positions. Each spring he attended the Dental School at Loyola of Chicago and the University of Tennessee, earning both D.D.S and M.S degrees. Cannon worked as a dentist at Louisiana State Penitentiary for twenty-two years, retiring in January 2018. See also page 46.
1940s George Anthony Bourgeois, 1949 BACH H&SS, 1953 JD, June 25, 2018, Santa Barbara, Calif. Rose Beverly Chew Butler Bourgeois, 1945 BACH AGR, July 56, 2018, Jeanerette, La. Wink Dameron Blair-Sutz, 1942 BACH H&SS, May 7, 2018, Scottsdale, Ariz. Joe Dae Burns, 1947 BACH AGR, 1948 MAST AGR, May 18, 2018, Shongaloo, La. Jeanne Teresa Girshefski Dunn, 1948 BACH AGR, April 21, 2018, Dutchtown, La. Mary Catherine “Marie” Barrett Furehan, 1943 BACH BUS, July 5, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Wren Allen Worley, 1947 BACH BUS, June 22, 2018, Dallas, Texas
1950s Nell Rose Wilkinson Andrews, 1951 BACH HS&E, July 3, 2018, Denton, Texas Robert Gabriel “Bob” Angelle, 1954 BACH SCI, May 11, 2018, New Iberia, La. Arthur J. Arceneaux, 1950 BACH ENGR, June 11, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Barbara Sue Berry, 1954 BACH HS&E, 1971 MAST HS&E, May 13, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Willie Easley “Budd” Bowman, Jr., 1955 BACH AGR, 1977 MAST AGR, June 11, 2018, Baker, La. Haley M. Carter, 1951 JD, June 28, 2018, Franklinton, La. Kathryn Nichols deGeneres, 1953 BACH HS&E, April 28, 2018, Shreveport, La. Davis A. Gueymard, 1957 BACH H&SS, 1959 JD, June 10, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Bush Davidson Joffrion, 1954 BACH AGR, 1956 MAST AGR, May 4, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Norma Smith Kates, 1952 BACH HS&E, June 2, 2018, Lafayette, La. Glynn Andrew Long, 1950 JD, April 19, 2018, Donaldsonville, La. Donald Joseph Mayeux, 1957 BACH HS&E, 1960 MAST HS&E, May 7, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Anatole Ray Matherne, 1955 MAST HS&E, July 8, 2018, French Settlement, La. Alma Newsom, 1950 BACH HS&E, April 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Ernest Eugene Padgett, Jr., 1955 MD-NO, July 9, 2018, Lafayette, La. Joan Winifred Starring, 1956 BACH HS&E, March 29, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Arthur Milton "Mann" Wallace, Jr., 1955 BACH BUS, 1961 JD, Jan. 17. 2018, Bossier City, La.
1960s Bennie Austin Adams, Jr., 1966 MAST SCI, May, 17, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Stanford O. Bardwell, Jr., 1962 BACH BUS, 1965 JD, June 11, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Elizabeth Coleman Becker, 1963 BACH H&SS, May 20, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Leon L. Borne, Jr., 1964 MSW, July 2018, Thibodaux, La. Al Danny Brown, 1969 BACH MCOM, April 25, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Leopold Drobnic, 1967 BACH ENGR, April 27, 2018, Austin, Texas Marguerite Inez Frohn “Ritz” Easley. 1969 BACH HS&E, April 2017, Baton Rouge, La. Nancy Glaspie Foss, 1964 MAST M&DA, Jan. 8, 2018, Garden City, Kan. Marguerite “Toddy” Gomila, 1966 BACH H&SS, March 31, 2018, Mandeville, La. Charles R. “Bee” Jarreau, Sr., 1962 MAST HS&E, April 17, 2018, Greenwell Springs, La. Ray Lewis, 1962 BACH HS&E, 1964 MAST HS&E, April 30, 2018, Clarksville, Ind.
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John Darryl Lieux, 1960 BACH ENGR, May 24, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Joseph Evans Loftin, Jr., 1966 BACH MCOM, 1968 MAST MCOM, 1977 PHD H&SS, May 6, 2018, Tyler, Texas Alfred Bruce Shapiro, 1965 BACH H&SS, 1968 JD, April 25, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Harvey David Smith, Jr., 1967 BACH SCI, May 18, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Susan Louise Spaht, 1967 BACH H&SS, May 28, 2018, New Orleans, La. George Tereshkovich, 1963 PHD AGR, July 7, 2018, Austin, Texas William H. “Bill” Waters 1967 MAST AGR, 1971 PHD AGR, Retired Associate Vice Chancellor Louisiana Agriculture Extension, May 214, 2018, Zachary, La.
1970s Walter Gregory “Breg” Arnette, Jr., 1973 JD, May 16, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Gregory Bilyeu, 1974 BACH H&SS, 1978 JD, May 4, 2018, Monroe, La. John James “Ike” Capdevielle, 1978 BACH A&D, June 24, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Richard James Dardenne, attended 1974-76, 1977, June 19, 2018, Fort Worth, Texas Julia Suzanne Woolery “Judie” Dunigan, 1977 MAST HS&E, June 2, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Christopher “Chris” Finger, 1978 MAST AGR, May 24, 2018, Thibodaux, La. Thomas “Tommy” Hamilton, 1972 BACH HS&E, May 22, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Janice Lynette Harper Collins Hughes, 1974 BACH MCOM, April 4, 2018, Gainesville, Fla. Barbara Taylor “Bobby” LeBlanc, 1972 BACH HS&E, Baton Rouge, La. Bruce LaCour, 1978 MBA, April 27, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. John William “Bill” Mathews, 1972 BACH BUS, June 4, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Jhn Peter Murray, 1975 BACH H&SS, July 8, 2018, Sterling, Va. Randal Dale Rebowe, 1979 BACH H&SS, May 23, 2018, Baton Rouge, La.
1980s David John Bella, 1983 BACH ENGR, May 1, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Norman Wayne Danford, 1981 BACH BUS, Feb. 23, 2018, Gainesville, Va. Eugene Joseph LeBlanc, Jr., 1983 BACH AGR, June 12, 2018, Sunshine, La. Barry Thomas, 1986 BACH BUS, June 7, 2018, Vestavia, Ala.
1990s Howard S. Arceneaux, 1993 BACH H&SS, July 5, 2018, St. Francisville, La. John Leighton Harvey, 1996 BACH BUS, May 19, 2018, Key West, Fla. Louise Margaret Landry Hill, 1990 BACH HS&E, May 28, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Randolph “Randy” Piedrahita, 1993 JD, June 7, 2018, Baton Rouge, La.
2000s Adam Tabary Dows, 2006 BACH ENGR, June 2, 2018, Baton Rouge, La Thomas Anthony Marcello, 2004 BACH H&SS, 2006 BACH H&SS, June 26, 2018, Baton Rouge, La. Susan Kay Hunt Snowbarger, 2004 MAST HS&E, July 7, 2018, Greenwell Springs, La.
Betsy Ann Belba Juneau Alumna By Choice May 16, 2018 Baton Rouge, La. Dorothy Hodges Bankston Retired Assistant Professor Education May 13, 2018 Baton Rouge, La. Mary Evelyn Baszile Retired Assistant Vice Provost for Equity & Diversity April 23, 2018 Baton Rouge, La. Donald Wayne Hammons Retired Head of Independent Study May 2, 2018 Baton Rouge, La. Peter F. Haynes Retired Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine June 20, 2018 Baton Rouge, La Quentin Arthur Lot Jenkins Retired Professor and Chair of Sociology May 19, 2018 Baton Rouge, La. Alworth Duane Larson Retired Professor of Microbiology June 7, 2018 Baton Rouge, La. Patrick Cleburne Lipscomb, III Retired Professor of History July 8, 2018 Baton Rouge, La. Richard Peck Former Adjunct Professor of Library & Information Science May 23, 2018 New York, N.Y.
If you would like to make a gift to the LSU Alumni Association in memory of a family member, friend or classmate, please contact our office for additional information at 225-578-3838 or 1-888-746-4578.
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Road Trippin’ with Terry Burhans By Ed Cullen
Weatherman Terry Burhans at WBRZ-TV in the early 1970s.
Terry Burhans at WCHS TV-8’s Chroma Key wall booth at the Charleston, W.V., Home Show in April. “Teri LeMasters, with the station’s sales department, drew the short straw and had to put up with my shenanigans and nerdy ideas for two hours.”
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If it wasn’t selling ice in cups at LSU football games in 1960, it was declining a National Weather Service offer of 500 one-cent stamps for the return of a device that landed in his backyard or editing a clip to make it look like he was water skiing with a squirrel. Future big market television weatherman Terry Burhans (1975 BACH H&SS) was always figuring angles. Burhans, with U.S. Army training in meteorology and a degree from LSU has won seven regional Emmy Awards in a forty-five-year career that started at Baton Rouge television station WBRZ in the early 1970s. Burhans and WBRZ’s John Spain grew up together on Tams Drive in Red Oaks subdivision. Spain did three weeks as a weekend weatherman at WBRZ and was a reporter weekdays before recommending Burhans to news director Fred Brooks as the weekend weather guy. Spain would go on to head the news department. Burhans would, well, go on. When Burhans started at WBRZ, the pay was $1.72 an hour and the weather map symbols were magnets. Supervision was lax on the weekends. Burhans was free to entertain while doing the weather. Management got calls Monday morning from viewers. The reviews were generally favorable. Viewers tuned in to see what Burhans would do next. In the early 1980s, a national television audience was introduced to Twiggy, a pet squirrel whose owners had taught to water ski behind a remote control toy boat. Burhans wasted no time editing a clip of the water skiing squirrel to make it look like the weatherman and the squirrel were skiing together. As Twiggy appeared to ski behind Burhans, the young weatherman in, swim suit and life vest, held onto a ski rope tied to a studio camera. Viewers saw just the rope and Burhans and Twiggy. As he went out of the shot, Burhans wet his hair for effect before coming back into the frame. “It was a 38-second bit,” sixty-eight-year-old Burhans said from the editing room of the Charleston, W. Va., television station where he does a show that takes viewers on the road to landmark places and festivals. A television talent head hunter happened to catch the Baton Rouge broadcast in Mississippi and asked Burhans to send him the squirrel clip. A month later, Burhans signed on at WMAQ in Chicago for almost $40,000 a year. He was making $22,000 at WBRZ. Burhans was back at WBRZ a few years later making $64,000 a year before going to a Cleveland station to take a position vacated by NBC Today Show weatherman Al Roker. Changes in the business and fortuitous phone calls make Burhans’ career moves look like the itinerary of a Chevy Chase family vacation: Baton Rouge, Chicago, Cleveland, San Diego, where he worked for twenty years, and now Charleston where he does the segment “Road Trippin." Burhans – and future respectable citizens – held forth at 229 Maximillian Street (rent $75) with Burhans in the role of the Very Rev. Nelson Boax, leader of the Damn Right Chorus, a collection of friends who happened to play instruments. The Maximillian address is a church parking lot today, he said. “My freshman year at LSU, I met Harmon Drew, the organ player with the Ivy Peebles Medicine Show. Peebles, the justice of the peace in Woodville, Miss., was the inspiration for the band’s name.” Other popular bands of the time included Potliquor, Luvrakers, Isosceles Popsicle, and Goat Leg. “Harmon was a big influence. He became my brother.” Burhans’ older brother, Greg, was killed in a spring break accident in Florida in 1967. Drew Harmon became a lawyer. Television, when Burhans was coming up in the business, suited his dare-to-bedifferent approach to life. When he found a radiosonde in a tree in his backyard, Burhans, a sixth grader, and his dad took the device to the National Weather Service in Baton Rouge where he was told there was a $5 reward for return of the weather data transmitter. “It turned out you had to send it to Philadelphia,” he said. “I found
out later they didn’t give you $5. They sent you 500 one-cent stamps.” Burhans kept the radiosonde, turning it into his science project that year. He still has the transmitter. As a Boy Scout selling Pepsi at 1960 LSU football games, Burhans decided to ignore the concessions admonition to not sell ice by the cup. Some fans poured whiskey over the ice. “They gave you this aluminum tray, a bottle opener, and ten Pepsis. You gave (concessions) $2 and made $2.25 a tray.” Burhans stashed each round of ten bottles of Pepsi. All he was selling were cups of ice at 50 cents a cup. Scouts turned in their unsold bottles for $2 a tray. Burhans had a number of still capped bottles. Young television reporters are still poorly paid, Burhans said. “They use stations like WBRZ as lily pads. In Charleston, fifteen people have left in the six years I’ve been here. They leave for other stations or public relations where they make twice the money.” Burhans, a drummer for years, is married to audiologist Deedy Burhans, a native of West Virginia. Married thirty-five years, the couple has a son. Contact Burhans at info tlburhans@sbgtv.com and visit wchstv.com/community.
“Future big market television weatherman Terry Burhans was always figuring angles.”
Ed Cullen, an LSU journalism graduate, is author of Letter in a Woodpile, a collection of his essays for National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.” He is retired from the Baton Rouge Advocate where he wrote the Sunday column “Attic Salt.”
Band Reunion November 16-17 2018 LSU VS. RICE For more info, call (225) 578-3838 or register at lsualumni.org/bandreunion
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Andrew Young: A Forerunner in Stained Glass Innovation By Ed Cullen
Andrew Cary Young speaking to a tour group of visiting children. Photo courtesy of Pearl River Glass Studio
Father of Waters (2018), stained, fused, and painted glass, leaded came construction, LED panel. A permanent installation at the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience, Meridian, Miss. Photo by Adrienne Domnick
Andrew Cary Young (1975 BACH A&D) didn’t work a day as a licensed landscape architect, but he credits his 1975 landscape architecture degree from LSU with the success that led to his becoming president and chief designer of Pearl River Glass Studio in Jackson, Miss. In June, Young shared the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Noel Polk Lifetime Achievement Award with fellow Mississippian Robert Ivy, chief executive officer of the American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C. Other Mississippians who’ve received the Polk Award include actor Morgan Freeman, writers Eudora Welty and Shelby Foote, artist Walter Anderson, and singer Leontyne Price. Polk was a writer, professor of English at the University of Southern Mississippi, editor of The Southern Quarterly, and preeminent Faulkner scholar. “I owe the landscape architecture department so much,” Young said. “Their design class was an art class. There was strenuous emphasis on solving problems in the design process.” Robert Reich, for whom the LSU School of Landscape Architecture is named, was one of Young’s teachers. Reich founded the landscape architecture program at LSU.
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“Dr. Reich was a remarkable person,” Young said. “My exposure to him influenced me greatly.” Landscape architecture is in the Design Building today. In the mid1970s, it was in the Huey P. Long Field House. Art courses were in Foster Hall. Landscape architecture’s curriculum allowed Young and other landscape architecture students to spend a lot of credits in Foster Hall. Baton Rouge stained glass artist Steve Wilson, one of Young’s classmates in landscape architecture, remembers the Mississippian as a talented student in both landscape design and water colors. Wilson would go on to get a master’s degree in fine arts from LSU. Wilson never practiced as a landscape architect, either. Young took as many art classes as he could but only one stained glass class. The class was with Paul Dufour, who gave LSU a national reputation in stained glass in the 1970s. These days, Young worships at St. Columb’s Episcopal Church in Ridgeland, Miss., beneath stained glass windows produced in his studio in Jackson. “It’s nice to go to church and see your handiwork,” he said. Young didn’t marry until he was fortyfive. He poured his free and working hours into his studio, the study of stained glass production, iconography, and four years studying for an Education for Ministry degree at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. Young is a lay minister. Pearl River Glass Studio employs twelve people, half of them artists. “I’m the employer of last resort for some of them,” Young laughed. Set up like an old time art production studio, PRGS artists work thirty hours a week, which gives them time to do their own work, Young said. When Young left Baton Rouge with his degree, it was to return home to Jackson and a one-car garage downtown behind an antiques store. Young and Reggie DeFreese of Bastrop, La., Young’s classmate and roommate at LSU, co-founded PRGS. They set out
with the idea that stained glass was a medium of artistic expression like easel painting and sculpture, Young said. After DeFreese arrived, the studio moved to a small building on North State Street and then to Millsaps Avenue, where it is today. The studio’s first employees were trained under the federal Comprehensive Employment Training Act. Young is working on a book, a readable, he hopes, manual to running an art studio for profit. The book is a document that breaks down the art, production, and business process that PRGS went through in going from a $20,000 a year enterprise to $1 million in sales in 2008. During The Great Recession of 2008, the studio’s sales dropped by half. PRGS survived by taking austerity measures until recovery began in 2013, Young said. Stained glass windows must not only be art but what the client wants, and the finished work must be able to stand the rigors a building’s daily life. “When making stained glass windows, you are also learning to repair stained glass windows,” Young said. “In the early years, one of the great teachings of the craft was to take a window apart and put it back together again. We were able to see what worked and what didn’t.”
The Noel Polk Award citation calls Young a forerunner in stained glass innovation, pioneering such techniques as fused glass in leaded windows and the use of acid etching in new ways. Young’s studio is a member of the Stained Glass Association of America. Young is a past president of the association. A painter as well as a glass artist, Young’s mixed media paintings of figure drawings have been exhibited at Jackson’s Fischer Galleries. Young uses his talent as a water colorist to paint on top of gesso and then ink in lead lines to make renderings for stained glass commissions. On the rendering, gesso keeps the water color image from going into the paper. It’s hard to distinguish between a photograph of a completed window and the water color rendering. Visit the studio’s website, pearlriverglass.com, to see the work of Young and his fellow artists.
“In the early years, one of the great teachings of the craft was to take a window apart and put it back together again.”
Ed Cullen, an LSU journalism graduate, is author of Letter in a Woodpile, a collection of his essays for National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.” He is retired from the Baton Rouge Advocate where he wrote the Sunday column “Attic Salt.”
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Kari Johnstone – The People’s Veterinarian By Cody Kahling
Public health vet Kari Johnstone.
“We are all in this together, and I truly want everyone to feel they make a difference.”
Kari Johnstone (1987 DVM) has been dedicated to food safety for more than eighteen years. A supervisory public health veterinarian (SPHV), she begins her typical workday by ensuring that the inspection line is fully staffed before touring the evisceration department to ensure all inspections are carried out correctly then performs presentation checks and verifies Good Commercial Practices – observing the appropriate handling of live poultry. Johnstone understands how necessary it is to protect the public from potentially adulterated food. “Food safety is growing in importance to the public,” Johnstone explained. “The public demands more information from USDA and FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service). The public has become more involved in what happens to food in processing.” Johnstone is a capable, compassionate team member whose talents and passions enrich her professional work. She believes in the power of spirited teamwork. “When I am doing presentation verifications and standing next to the food inspector on the line, I ask how they are doing and how the birds look. I really work to promote the idea of the inspection team,” she said of her everyday work process. Johnstone attributes much of her circuit’s success to collaboration. “My work unit meetings with the team are conducted as discussions. I want their ideas and points of view to resolve any issues we may be having. It’s been effective. We are all in this together, and I truly want everyone to feel they make a difference.” She strives to work collaboratively and be both a source of confidence and pillar of strength for her coworkers, a great demonstration of the agency's core value of collaboration. “I try to be positive and uplifting. I want to do my best at the job and carry my share of responsibilities. I want my coworkers to feel at ease and know that I will handle situations that arise. I put myself in others’ shoes and treat them as I would want to be treated,” said Johnstone. She values professionalism but recognizes the power of humor in the workplace. “I love to talk to inspectors and my fellow SPHVs, and sometimes I talk their ears off. I enjoy making everyone laugh. Laughter is the best medicine. I take my job seriously, but if I’m going to be somewhere for eight hours or more, I’m going to enjoy it,” Johnstone says, explaining the fulfillment she receives from working for FSIS and being a “people person.” In 2017, Johnstone was awarded the title of “Best Supporter of Employee Wellness,” recognizing her constant efforts to uplift the health and wellbeing of those who work around her. Johnstone holds bachelor’s degrees in music performance from Oklahoma Christian University, in biology from Pittsburg State University, and in medical technology from the Lester E. Cox School of Medical Technology. After being board certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, she worked as a medical technologist in clinical microbiology, virology, and hematology before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from LSU. She was in private veterinary medicine practice in Bentonville, Ark., before joining FSI. Johnstone is not only a dedicated public servant but also a gifted musician. She performed her first flute recital from memory at the age of eleven and received a fulltuition music scholarship to Oklahoma Christian University to pursue a successful career as a professional flutist. She continues to perform professionally through various outlets in her community and hopes to focus on music in retirement. Johnstone spends her free time with her husband, Brian, and their two Dalmatians, Tango and Almighty Thor. An avid health enthusiast, she recently competed in the Shrineman Olympic triathlon in Shreveport, La. As president of the Texas Public Health Veterinary Team of the USDA-Agriculture, she encourages others to pursue fitness. Cody Kahlig is a public affairs specialist with the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education (OPACE).
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Mini-Profile
Behind the Scenes Bumps and bruises are part of Floyd Johns’s job. That’s because the LSU graduate is a stuntman in movies and television shows. “I’ve been very fortunate that I haven’t been seriously injured,” said Johns (2015 BACH H&SS). “My favorite stunts are riding wires, meaning I am harnessed and get thrown in the air or even thrown through a wall, which happened to me on the television show The Originals.
By Rachel Holland
Johns wasn’t always a performer; he graduated with a degree in political science, but an LSU connection opened the door to Hollywood. “During my sophomore-junior year, former LSU football player Raion Hill introduced me to the stunt coordinator of the film The Butler. I met with him and the director, Lee Daniels. They hired me on the spot.” Johns said he quickly became hooked on the career. “I decided I wanted to really pursue a career in the film industry after my first day on set, actually. Particularly with the stunt department because the stunt crew has to work like a heartbeat; we all have to be on the same page. If not things can go terribly bad.” Johns has been in some well-known and popular movies, including Black Panther and The Avengers: Infinity War. And, he’s been on set with another LSU Tiger. “I shared some screen time with a mentor of mine named Michael Papajohn. We worked on the movie Selma,” said Johns. “My time at LSU put me in the right place at the right time. Being at LSU brought forth networking opportunities, which helped me with my career and is still helping me to this day.” Rachel Holland is a content coordinator at LSU Strategic Communications.
Stuntman Floyd Johns.
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Tigers Around the World
Tiger Nation
The LeBlanc Legacy Continues The LeBlanc Tigers legacy continues to grow. Eugene LeBlanc, Sr. (1955 BACH H&SS) and his wife, the late Rachael Anne Broussard (1952 BACH AGR) met at LSU in 1948 in front of Memorial Tower and married in the summer of 1952, after Rachael’s graduation. As of May 2018, the family boasts fifty LSU graduates with sixty-two degrees – and six future alumni in the wings.
Rachel and Gene LeBlanc.
Madeline LeBlanc, Luke LeBlanc, Stephen LeBlanc, Elizabeth LeBlanc, and Jacques Comeaux.
Rebecca Nguyen.
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Recent grads include Madeline Amanda Holley. LeBlanc (2018 BACH C&E), who was awarded the inaugural LSU Engaged Citizen Distinction, recognized as an LSU Discover Scholar and a LASAL (Louisiana Service and Leadership) Scholar, and won an ERAMUS Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarship to study water and coastal management in Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Jacques Comeaux (2018 BACH ENGR) earned a computer engineering degree at age twenty; Elizabeth LeBlanc (2017 BACH HS&E, 2018 MAST HS&E) was awarded a master’s of art degree in teaching; and Rebecca Hill Nguygen (2013 BACH SCI, 2017 MAST SCI) received a master’s in math. Philip LeBlanc (2017 BACH ENGR) earned a bachelor’s degree in construction management and his fiancée, Amanda Holley (2017 BACH H&SS), received a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders. 2018 high school graduates Stephen LeBlanc and Luke LeBlanc joined currently enrolled LeBlanc Tigers Julia Helen Comeaux, Marie Suzette Comeaux, Renee Catherine Hill, and Emma Caroline LeBlanc on campus this fall. Both Stephen and Luke received Tiger Legacy Excellence scholarships. In addition, Stephen received Flagship Scholars Resident and President's Student Aide awards, and Luke received a Tiger Excellence Scholars Resident and Innovation Excellence awards.
Philip LeBlanc.
On Duty – U.S. Army Capt. Zachary “Zach” Oliver (2016 BACH ENGR), far right, shares a photo of his unit, the 4th Route Clearance Platoon, Bravo Company, 317th Brigade Engineer Battalion, deployed out of Ft. Polk in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Oliver was LSU ROTC corps commander.
Zach Oliver and his unit.
Touring Tigers – Dr. Gene and Kathy Hoffman, Dr. William “Bill” and Gwen Black, and Karl and Dr. Gaye Winter were among the travelers on the Italian Lakes Tour of Bellagio, Isola San Giulio, and Stresa along the shores of Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta in May and June. “It was a blast. Can't wait to go on more trips,” writes Gaye Winter. To schedule a trip, visit lsualumni.org/travel-and-tours.
Seated, from left, Kathy and Dr. Gene Hoffman and Dr. William “Bill” Black; standing, Dr. Gaye and Karl Winter and Gwen Black.
An Engineering Tradition – “LSU engineering has become a tradition for the
men in our family,” writes Jonathan Costello (1966 BACH ENGR), of Hermitage, Tenn. “My oldest son, Ryan, graduated from LSU in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a minor in transportation engineering and is employed with Stantec Engineering Services Company in Raleigh, N.C. My younger son, Evan, is starting his junior year in mechanical engineering at LSU and is scheduled to graduate in in May 2020.
The Costellos – Jonathan, Jena, Ryan, and Evan.
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Tiger Nation
Tigers Around the World Tigers All – Sid Rodgers (1962 BACH BUS), of Deatsville, Ala., welcomed greatgrandson Dominic to a family of Tigers, albeit some of the Auburn variety. As an LSU fan and Alumnus by Choice in honor of his dad, son John wore LSU purple for the Team Rodgers photo, while Dominic and his dad, Kyle – an Auburn Tiger – donned Auburn blue. Auburn might win this one – Dominic’s mom, Kate, is an Auburn grad, as is John’s wife, Elaine.
Sid, John, Kyle and Dominic Rodgers.
We’re Everywhere – Douglas Clark (1986 BACH BUS) of Baton Rouge, writes: “Three weeks ago, while travelling on Kauai in Hawaii, we were stuck in traffic passing through a little community called Kapaa on the beach and noticed the LSU helmet sign. What are the chances? We are everywhere!”
Tiger in the Outback – Stan Woods (1979 BACH H&SS, 1991 BACH AGR), of Baton Rouge, while traveling through the Outback in Australia, was prepared to help grow the awesome LSU brand. He convinced the owner of the sports bar to display the purple and gold LSU sticker. Thanks, Stan . . . LSU Ambassador. Thanks to Stan Woods (1979 BACH H&SS, 1991 AGR), of Baton Rouge, this Blinman, Australia, establishment now sports an LSU sticker.
Licensed to Brag – to Silvia Alonso White (1972 BACH HS&E) shares a shot of her car’s license plate and tire cover. “This is how I drive around in Jupiter, Fla.,” she writes, “I get a lot of honks!”
FAN4LSU.
WHAT’S YOUR VOLUNTEER PASSION? Send a photo of yourself “in action” and tell Tigers Around the World how and why you share your time and talents with others.
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