LSU Alumni Magazine - Fall 2011 by LSU Alumni Association

a l u m n i

m a g a z i n e

Fall 2011, Volume 87, Number 3

L SU Student U nion then and Now

A Message From the

Chancellor

Lean, Mean Purple & Gold Machine Put the dollars where the students are. That is a pretty simple premise, but one that has been harder to attain…until now. The passage of LaGRAD Act 2.0 means that many of the state’s inefficient administrative rules will be replaced by guidelines more fitting this university’s nationally competitive nature. LSU expects to generate $50 million over the next five years from savings and new revenue opportunities. That’s $50 million more to improve the student experience. Let me emphasize that this is not new revenue; it is simply money we spend now that we can direct toward teaching and student-serving programs. Currently, other non-LSU entities and agencies make many of the business decisions that directly affect LSU. Multiple levels of approval are required, and each subsequent layer includes people who are further from the mission of the University. Information technology purchases require several approvals before and after the acquisition is complete, and the waiting time ranges from a couple of weeks to a few months. I believe LaGRAD Act 2.0 creates a better alignment of management responsibility and authority. More efficient business operations will ensure greater investment into the classrooms. The LaGRAD Act also adds regulatory pressure to the equation by demanding higher student success rates. The state of Louisiana is demanding better performance of its higher education system. The regulatory and market forces are putting pressure on state colleges to perform. LSU will not shy away from reasonable performance goals, and we are confident we will hit our targets over the next five years. The Board of Regents has the performance reports on its Web site for all to view. There is also support coming from all corners of the campus. The Athletic Department annually gives millions of dollars to the University, much of which goes toward improving classrooms and to supporting the LSU student body. Residential Life, the housing office, is bringing faculty into the halls for classes and extra counseling. Everyone is committed to better serving our students. LSU will have to be more entrepreneurial with its available assets. The legislature even passed a resolution suggesting state colleges seek new ways to use vacant buildings. Incidentally, LSU has less empty space than other state universities. LSU is also about to expand its online degree offerings. Market analysis indicates that the greatest demand of online courses is from college graduates seeking higher degrees, specifically in business-related fields. Not only will we reach more students, but we will do it without negatively affecting any of the current degree programs that the institution offers. Much of this “spirit of change” is driven by the difficult financial times. State government saw that money could be saved by trying new administrative processes. Faculty and staff have offered to do more to preserve the educational experience. We are open to any ideas you may have. We are serious about business because we are serious about education.

Michael V. Martin Chancellor LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Publisher Charlie W. Roberts

Contents

Editor Jackie Bartkiewicz Editorial Assistants Ryan Buxton, Ben Wallace Advertising Kay Heath Amanda Haynes

a l u m n i

m a g a z i n e

Features

24 $798,217,300 More than 61,000 alumni, friends, and corporations united to surpass the $750 million goal set by Forever LSU: The Campaign for Louisiana State University. The campaign, publicly launched in 2006 to benefit LSU, the LSU AgCenter, and the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, was a joint effort of the LSU Foundation, the LSU Alumni Association, and the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

30 The LSU Student Union – Then and Now Fifty years ago this October, LSU officials gathered in the Memorial Oak Grove to break ground for the LSU Union, which officially opened in 1964. Though the Union had been updated and renovated over the years, in the early 2000s students and administrators alike noticed the need for more significant structural and space changes. Renovations began in September 2006.

38 Chronicling America More than 100,000 pages of Louisiana’s historical newspapers have been digitized for free online access through the Digitizing LSU Libraries’ Louisiana Newspaper Project.

In Each Issue 1 A Message from the Chancellor 4 President’s Message 6 LSU Alumni Association News 40 Around Campus 58 Locker Room 60 Tiger Nation

Cover: The LSU Student Union – Then and Now. Photo courtesy LSU Student Union and W. Randall Macon Design by Chuck Sanchez/STUN Design

2 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

20 44 58 78

Art Director Chuck Sanchez STUN Design & Advertising Contributors Ashley Berthelot, Kristine Calongne, Sara Crow, Matt DeVille, John Grubb, Zac Lemoine, Brenda Macon, Norm Marcocci, Shirley Plakidas, Will Stafford, Ben Wallace Photography Sissy Albertine, Matt DeVille, Larry Hubbard, Blair Lockhart, W. Randall Macon, Scott Madere, Eddy Perez, Bryan Wayne, Jim Zietz Printing Baton Rouge Printing 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 LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE is published quarterly in March, June, September and December by the LSU Alumni Association. A contribution of $50 or more for an annual subscription includes membership in the Alumni Association. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Please write to the address listed above. LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE reserves the right to edit all material accepted for publication. Publication of material does not indicate endorsement of the author’s viewpoint by the magazine, the LSUAA or LSU. © 2011 by LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LSU ALUMNI MAGAZINE, 3838 West Lakeshore Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808-4686 The mission of the LSU Alumni Association is to protect, promote, and foster the welfare of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College and to create and nurture mutually beneficial relationships between the University and its alumni and friends. The Association, using the talents and resources of alumni and friends of Louisiana State University, supports the University in pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and public service to future and current alumni. NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Guy Campbell III Chair, Monroe, La. Michael H. Woods, Chair-Elect, Shreveport, La. Gregory J. “Gregg” Cordaro Past Chair, Baton Rouge, La. Scott L. Anderson, Monroe, La. Jan K. Liuzza, Kenner, La. Jack A. Andonie, Metairie, La. Ted A Martin, Baton Rouge, La. Mary Lou Applewhite, New Orleans, La. Louis R. Minksy, Baton Rouge, La. Jon D. “Jay” Babb, Baton Rouge, La. Charles H. Moniotte, Baton Rouge, La. J. Hals Benhard, Palmetto, La. Richard C. “Ricky” Oustalet, Jennings, La. Patricia C. “Pat” Bodin, Houston, Texas John T. Shelton, Jr., Houston, Texas C. A. “Buddy” Brice III, Biloxi, Miss. Carl J. Streva, Morgan City, La. John S. “Johnny” Butler, Austin, Texas Susan K. Whitelaw, Shreveport, La. Robert W. Dugas, Baton Rouge, La. Lodwrick M. Cook, Director Emeritus Theresa M. Gallion, Tampa, Fla. Sherman Oaks, Calif. Ronald M. Johnson, Baton Rouge, La.

President/CEO’s

MESSAGE

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

With the successful completion of the Forever LSU campaign, the Association must now move forward and truly build for the future. In the last twenty years much time and effort was spent in developing the infrastructure – the buildings, the chapters, the magazine. Now, with that in place, we prepare for the next twenty years and beyond. The Association is developing a five-year plan, consisting of six major goals, which will be the focus of the board of directors and the staff. These final goals will be presented to the board for acceptance and approval in November. The five-year goals are: 1. Increase contributions in support of the unrestricted Alumni Fund. Annual unrestricted support is currently between $1.6 and $1.75 million. To maintain the level of operation and to cover future increased costs, we need to increase Alumni Fund support to $2.75 million to $3 million. 2. Increase the scholarship endowment. This endowment is funded at approximately $12.5 million. To adequately support the University scholarship program, which attracts outstanding students, our goal is to increase the endowment to $18 million. Planned giving by our alumni and friends will aid this program. 3. Increase the annual occupancy of The Cook Hotel. With the current status of the economy and a reduction in state travel funds and with an average occupancy of 60 percent, a concerted effort must be made to increase occupancy through a more aggressive marketing and sales campaign. Although a final goal has not been established, a goal of 68 to 70 percent occupancy is attainable. 4. Develop and fund capital projects. Within the next five years, three major projects will be considered. • Plans are to provide a covered walkway from The Cook Hotel to the Lod Cook Alumni Center to provide access during inclement weather. With the continued growth in hotel occupancy and use of the facilities for conferences, additional parking is crucial. • Plans are being developed to construct a parking garage adjacent to The Cook Hotel, with the possibility of including a banquet hall on the top floor. • Finally, plans are being considered to add an additional drive-thru driveway immediately outside the current port-cochere to allow better traffic flow. 5. Continue maintenance of all properties. Funds must be provided for replacement and maintenance of furniture, carpet, and general upkeep of The Cook Hotel, which is now ten years old, and continued care and upkeep of the Lod Cook Alumni Center, which is seventeen years old. 6. Develop an endowment for the total support and operation of the LSU Alumni Association. By far, this will be the most challenging goal. An endowment for the operation of the Association would free up much needed funds for student and faculty support. Now that we have established our organization, we must build for the challenges and complexities of the future. You, our alumni and friends, can and will play a major role in the future of this Association and the University. Forever LSU,

Charlie W. Roberts President/CEO

4 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

LSU Alumni Association

news

2011 Annual Meeting Past Presidents, Chairs Recognized at Luncheon

Photos by Larry Hubbard

LSU Alumni Association past presidents and chairs honored at the luncheon following the 2011 Annual Meeting on July 22 were front, left to right, Lucien Laborde, Dr. James Peltier, Dr. Mary Lou Applewhite, and Sonny DeVillier; back, Dr. Louis Minsky, Hals Benhard, Jay Babb, and Dr. Jack Andonie.

LSU Alumni Association development officer Larry Jones, Jerry Dumas, Peggy and Lucien Laborde, and Executive Vice President/COO Cliff Vannoy gather for the 2011 Annual Meeting.

6 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

The LSU Alumni Association paid tribute to its past leaders at the Past Presidents & Chairs Luncheon, which followed the 2011 Annual meeting on July 22 at the Lod Cook Alumni Center. Attending the event were past chairs or presidents Lucien Laborde, 1964-65; Sonny DeVillier, 1989; Dr. James Peltier, 1991; Dr. Mary Lou Applewhite, 1992; Hals Benhard, 1994; Dr. Jack Andonie, 1995-96; Jon D. “Jay” Babb, 2005-06; and Dr. Louis Minsky, 2007-08. National Board of Directors Chair Guy Campbell III, of Monroe, La., presided over the business meeting, with Michael H. Woods, of Shreveport, La., chair of

LSU Alumni Association development officer Pat Kelley, left, visits with Ken and Barbara Tipton and Dr. Jack Andonie before the 2011 Annual Meeting.

the finance committee, presenting the financial report (see page 13). and J. Hals Benhard, of Palmetto, La., chair of the nominating committee, presented that committee’s report. Unanimously approved for officer spots on the board were Michael H. Woods, of Shreveport, La., chair, and Dr. Andonie, of Metairie, La., chair-elect. Directors elected or re-elected were Campbell, immediate past chair, retroactively elected to continue serving at-large through 2013; Babb, District 1, three-year term; Carl Streva, of Morgan City, La., District 3, three-year term; Dr. Carney A. “Buddy” Brice III, of Biloxi, Miss., at-large, three-year term; Gregg Cordaro, retroactively elected to serve as at-large through 2013; Jan K. Liuzza, of Kenner, La., at-large, three-year term; and Dr. Fred G. “Gil” Rew, of Mansfield, national fund chairman, two-year term. All appointments take effect Jan. 1, 2012.

LSU Alumni Association

Fall Events September 3

Traveling Tigers LSU vs. Oregon in Arlington, Texas

LSU vs. NW State (H)

19-20

Senior Celebration

Traveling Tigers LSU vs. West Virginia (A)

October 1

Band Reunion LSU vs. Kentucky (H)

10th Anniversary of The Cook Hotel

LSU vs. Florida (H)

Traveling Tigers LSU vs. Tennessee (A)

Golf Tournament

LSU vs. Auburn (H)

November 5

Traveling Tigers LSU vs. Alabama (A)

Scholars Banquet

Alumni /Hotel Board of Directors Meeting

LSU vs. Western Kentucky (H) Homecoming

Senior Ring Ceremony

Traveling Tigers LSU vs. Ole Miss (A)

LSU vs. Arkansas (H)

December 6

Retired Faculty/Staff Christmas Party

Fall Commencement

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

LSU Alumni Association News

Stars and Stripes LSU Retirees Celebrate Independence Day

By Matt DeVille Photos by Larry Hubbard

Association staff members John Shorter, Jenee Galjour, and John Kazusky get into the patriotic spirit.

The “’21 Club,” from left, Jess Walker, Gene Tims, Oscar Richard, and John Capdevielle

Best dressed couple George and Millie Caldwell, best dressed gentleman Charles Barré, and best dressed lady Mary Elizabeth Norckauer.

8 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

The LSU Alumni Association hosted more than 200 LSU retired faculty and staff for the annual Independence Day Celebration held at the Lod Cook Alumni Center on June 30. The patriotic-themed event is a favorite of LSU retirees, who also enjoy a Christmas celebration in December. The staff of the LSU Alumni Association entertained guests with a parade of flags before everyone joined in for the singing the national anthem. Staffers served a fried chicken dinner complete with all of the trimmings, and dinner ended with a chorus of patriotic songs performed by the alumni staff. Awards were given honoring the best dressed lady and gentleman as well as the best dressed couple, and an array of door prizes was awarded. A special presentation was made to the “’21 Club,” a quartet of retirees who share the same birth year of 1921. John Capdevielle, former director of student housing and an Alumni Center docent, turned ninety on May 6; Jess Walker, Boyd Professor Emeritus of geography and anthropology, celebrated his ninetieth birthday on the Fourth of July; Gene Tims, professor emeritus of electrical and computer engineering on Halloween, Oct. 31; and Oscar Richard, former director of public relations, on Dec. 7, the date of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The four nonagenarians will “leave their mark” at LSU, thanks to the Association, which donated tiles on Tiger Walk engraved with the names, birth dates, and graduation dates of the birthday boys.

Presenting the colors.

Edith Babin, Jim Traynham, and Gresdna Doty.

Barbara and Don Delaville.

your A lumni Dollars at Wo r k

Among those recognized at the University-wide Distinguished Faculty Awards Ceremony on May 4 were faculty and a graduate student who received awards funded by the LSU Alumni Association. LSU Alumni Association Professorships - $6,500 of the professorship stipend

Randall W. Hall, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Webster Parish Chapter Alumni Professorship; Gestur Olafsson, Professor of Mathematics, Julian R. & Sidney Nicolle Carruth Endowed Alumni Professorship; Elisabeth Oliver, Associate Professor of English, Greater Houston Alumni Chapter Endowed Alumni Professorship; A. Ravi P. Rau, Professor of Physics, Robert Stobaugh Alumni Professorship

LSU Alumni Association Faculty Excellence Awards - $1,000

Alumni Association President/CEO Charlie Roberts; Vince LiCata, professor biological sciences, LSU Alumni Association Faculty Excellence Award; Brett Dietz, associate professor of music, LSU Alumni Association Faculty Excellence Award; Jayne Garno, associate professor of biology, LSU Alumni Association Faculty Excellence Award; Jason Hicks, associate professor of psychology, LSU Alumni Association Faculty Excellence Award; Provost Jack Hamilton; Alumni Professor A. Ravi Rau; Alumni Professor Gestur Olafsson; Terry Bricker, Robert Lipton, and Patrick Hesp, LSU Distinguished Faculty Awards; Alumni Professor Randall Hall; Wen Jin Meng, professor of mechanical engineering, LSU Distinguished Faculty Award; Alumni Professor Elisabeth Oliver; and Griffin Campbell, LSU Distinguished Faculty Award.

LSU Alumni Association Teaching Assistant Award - $250 Myron Minn-Thu-Aye, College of Science

Phi Kappa Phi Non-Tenured Faculty Award - $500 Nathan Crick, Associate Professor of Communication Studies Juana Moreno, Assistant Professor of Physics Supratik Mukhopadhyay, Assistant Professor of Computer Science

www.lsualumni.org/contribute | 1-888-RING-LSU

LSU Alumni Association News

Golden Tigers Reunion Class of 1961 Honored, Named Golden Tigers

By Matt DeVille Photos by Matt DeVille and Larry Hubbard

The 2011 Golden Tigers.

The Class of ’61 and Golden Tigers gather for a campus tour.

The Class of ’61.

LSU Alumni Association President/CEO Charlie Roberts and A.P. Turead, Jr., who received an honorary degree at spring commencement.

Don and Phyllis Dicken Sikes (‘61).

10 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

It was a year that opened one of the most tumultuous decades in history. It was the year of Roger Maris, Yuri Gagarin, the Beatles, and the Bay of Pigs. There was Breakfast at Tiffany’s and West Side Story, and Elvis Presley asked “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” The United States watched its oldest president give way to the youngest ever to take the oath of office. As weathered war hero Dwight Eisenhower left the White House, a fresh-faced John F. Kennedy challenged the country to “ask not what your country can do for you — what you can do for your country.” The country fell in love with the “Ken” doll, began an obsession with LEGOs, and changed its first Pampers disposable diaper. Fifty years might sound like a long time ago, but for those who experienced 1961,

it seems like yesterday. For a gathering of forty-five LSU alumni, it was 1961 all over again. In May members of the Class of 1961 celebrated the 50th anniversary of their graduation from LSU. They were invited back to campus to take part in the LSU Alumni Association’s annual Golden Tigers Reunion. Joining other Golden Tigers, the Class of 1961 was honored at a banquet on the night of May 19, at which they were awarded their 50th anniversary medals. On May 20, the Class of 1961 and fellow Golden Tigers donned gold caps and gowns and took part in the main commencement ceremony at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Prior to the distribution of degrees, Chancellor Michael Martin recognized the Golden Tigers, who received an ovation from the more than 5,000 in attendance.

Thank You! Class of ’61 graduate Jonathan C. “Chuck” Fisher, of Dallas, was unable to attend the Golden Tigers Reunion. Event director Brandli Roberts sent his Golden Tigers medallion to him, and he writes: Just a note to thank you for sending the medallion to me. For a little family LSU history, my father, George Fisher, won the NCAA high hurdles championship while he was on the LSU track team, and he was one of the five that went to Chicago and won the National Championship for LSU in the early 1930s. My brother, George Fisher, Jr., played on the LSU football team in the late 1950s. I worked my way through LSU while working on the training table up to graduation in 1961. I am very proud to be a graduate of LSU, and receiving the medallion meant the world to me.

Class of 1961 classmates Mary Elizabeth Webster Richardson and Sally Hinkle Colvett.

Class of 1945 college roommates Joyce Peavy Caffarel and Muriel Jacob Santangelo.

Class of 1961 Pi Kappa Alpha brothers Alton D. Thornton, Tommy Rankin, Bob Rordam, Tom Stephens, Pat Blackman, and Al Hodapp. Photo provided by Pat Blackman

Judith Harris Redshaw (‘55) and Jane Bordelon Baudry (‘59).

Richard (‘61) and Susan Lipsey with Joy Lamendola Smith (‘60) and husband Bill Smith (‘58).

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

LSU Alumni Association News

Golden Tigers Reunion Continued

Jay and Noel Nelson Poché (‘61) and Beverly Charles Bond (‘60).

Laura Alexander Leach (‘61) receives her Golden Tigers medal from Mike the Tiger.

LSU Alumni Association Executive Vice President Cliff Vannoy, John Wilbert (‘61), and CALCO driver Ron Kirklin.

David Baker, professor of veterinary medicine and Mike the Tiger’s attending vet, talks with Golden Tigers at Mike’s habitat.

Class of 1961 graduates Dale Melancon Norred, Tom Stephens, and Tommy Rankin at the LSU War Memorial.

Class of 1961 graduates Jeanette Ducote Couvillion, Pearl Thompson Andrews, and Dottie Mendow Guenther.

12 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

LSU Alumni Association 2010 Annual Report The continued development, growth, and success of the LSU Alumni Association has been made possible by the dedicated and generous support of our donors and friends and a committed and energetic staff that makes it possible to achieve our goals and successfully complete all projects. In 2010 the Top 100 Scholarship (now the Flagship Scholars Award) endowment grew by 10 percent, nearing $5.4 million. The Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship (now the Global Leaders Scholarship) endowment increased by 15 percent, from which fifty students receive this one-year award. The Lod Cook Alumni Center – home to the Association, as well as the LSU Foundation – which turned sixteen on May 20, 2010, continues to be a favorite location for wedding receptions, business meetings, and reunions. The Cook Hotel, which celebrates its tenth birthday in October, has been a huge success for the Association and LSU. Perhaps one of our greatest sources of pride is the 125 alumni chapters around the world. Through these chapters, LSU alumni maintain contact and relationships with the University and other alums. Merchandise sales, sports trips, and magazine advertising sales continue to be revenue-generating operations, due in part to the success of outstanding athletic programs at LSU. The University reached and exceeded its Forever LSU campaign goal of $750 million, and the Association continues its effort to secure dollars for scholarships and professorships. As always, there are challenges ahead, but we will meet them and – with your continued support – reach and exceed our goals.

What We’re Worth This year the LSU Alumni Association has total assets in excess of $33 million. The major portion of these assets is restricted, including an endowment of $14.7 million. The Association has $15.7 million in physical assets such as the Lod Cook Alumni Center, The Cook Hotel, the Jack and Priscilla Andonie Museum, and the Sugar Woods building. Current cash, accounts receivable, and merchandise inventory total $2.2 million. Investments___________________ $15.0 m Property, Plant, Equipment_ ____ $15.7 m Current Assets_ ________________$ 2.2 m Other_________________________ $ .6 m

Forever LSU,

Charlie Roberts President and CEO

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

14 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

LSU Alumni Association News

Laremy Stilley, left, and his dad, Roy Stilley with Mike the Tiger.

Snapshots Ring Day – Among those receiving their LSU rings at the spring Senior Ring Ceremony on May 3 were Laremy Stilley, who will earn his degree in general studies in December, and his dad, Roy Stilley, a 1987 agriculture graduate, both of Independence, La. When he graduated from LSU, Roy Stilley was working at Genex and was father of two youngsters. “He could barely afford to get through college and was never able to get his ring,” says Laremy. “I was born two years after he graduated, and as his youngest and second of his three children to graduate from LSU, he always told me he would order his ring with me. My mom orchestrated the purchase, and we never told him that when I ordered mine we ordered his as well. He was extremely surprised when they called his name to receive his ring.” The Stilley family was on hand to see 175 soon-to-be graduates – and one alum – receive their rings from Mike the Tiger. Photo by Larry Hubbard Gunther Karger Day – The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners honored Gunther Karger for “extraordinary contributions to his community” by declaring May 17 “Gunther Karger Day.” The proclamation, presented in commission chambers by Commissioner Lynda Bell, cited the Kargers for improving the “overall quality of life in immeasurable ways by their dedicated civic activism.” The Kargers, of Miami, are donors of Shirley’s Doll Cove, a unique collection of dolls housed in the Jack and Priscilla Andonie Museum, and have also established a scholarship with the LSU Alumni Association.

Shirley and Gunther Karger

LSU Alumni Association President/CEO Charlie Roberts, Steve Uffman, and Layne McDaniel.

Donation Honors Uffman – The Credit Bureau of Baton Rouge (CBBR) made a generous contribution to the LSU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in honor of its former chief executive officer, Steve Uffman, a 1972 LSU graduate. Layne McDaniel, current president and CEO of Noesis Data, formerly CBBR, made the $100,000 donation to LSU Alumni Association President Charlie Roberts in June. The donation will be used to fund the first of the Association’s Global Leaders awards, and a portion will be deposited into the Association’s Annual Fund.

16 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Making Music A Tribute to Castro Carazo Photo by Matt DeVille

Ana Gabriela “Gaby” Castro Rosabal, the great-niece of LSU legendary band director and composer Castro Carazo entertained LSU Alumni Association staffers at an impromptu mini-concert in late June, playing violin renditions of Carazo’s “Fight for LSU” and “Touchdown for LSU.” The musical tribute was made even more special because the violin she uses is the one given to her by Carazo. Rosabal, a native and resident of San José, Costa Rica, was in Baton Rouge visiting her cousin, Nina Carazo Snapp, Castro Carazo’s granddaughter. Rosabal’s grandfather, Enrique Castro Carazo, was Castro Carazo’s brother. “My great uncle’s name was changed from Jose Carazo Castro to just Castro Carazo when he came to the United States,” says Rosabal. “He thought the ‘new’ name was a better one for a performer,” adds Snapp. A graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, Rosabal teaches violin at the University of Costa Rica and performs with the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica. Her musical talents run deep. According to Wikipedia in “The Music of Costa Rica”: Costa Rica also has a youth symphony orchestra, founded by ex-President Jose Figueres Ferrer in the 1970. “Concertina Ana Gabriela Castro-Rosabal” was the first 4 year old girl/ child/Costa Rican to direct the Youth Symphony Orchestra into tuning in its 1970 Debut, and first 4-year-old violin soloist to play Mozart under the direction of director Gerald Brown. Violinist Ana Gabriela Castro-Rosabal, master in violin performance was the key performer for the youth symphony orchestra Debut in 1970. “La niña violinista del Taburete” was how newspapers used to refer to 4-year old violin “Concertina Ana Gabriela Castro-Rosabal.” This affectionate title, was given due to the fact, that she was so small, that she used a wooden box, made by her father Enrique, to rest her feet. The wooden box became the “symbol” of how young this talented 4-year old violin concertina was. Castro Carazo was director of bands at LSU from 1934 to 1940. When Louisiana governor and later U.S. Senator Huey P. Long took a personal interest in the LSU Band in the early 1930s, he persuaded Carazo, then orchestra leader at the Roosevelt Hotel’s Blue Room in New Orleans, to become the new bandmaster. Long supervised many aspects of the band's image and life. He saw to it that the football band traded in its military dress for a showy stadium look. Halftime shows soon won LSU the nickname “The Show Band of the South.” Long co-wrote with Carazo several of LSU’s songs, most notably “Touchdown for LSU,” “The LSU Cadets March,” and “Darling of LSU.” “Touchdown” is still the predominant song in the band's famed pregame show in Tiger Stadium. He teamed with W.G. Higginbotham to write the more famous “Fight for LSU.” Although Long’s assassination in the fall of 1935 would cut short his budding love affair with the LSU band, Carazo’s efforts as influenced by Long continued throughout the 1930s. Thanks to the impeccable style and musicality of Carazo, the band enjoyed a period of unmatched evolution and fame. By the time Carazo left LSU in 1940, the Tiger Band was known far and wide as one of the country’s premier show bands.

LSU Alumni Association President/CEO Charlie Roberts holds the music for Ana Gabriela “Gaby” Castro Rosabal, the great-niece of Castro Carazo, as she plays informally at the Lod Cook Alumni Center.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

LSU Alumni Association News

Chapter Events

Indiana â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The home of Tom and May Ann Lampo in Noblesville, Ind., was the setting for the Indiana Chapter crawfish boil on May 28. About fifty alumni and friends took part in the annual rite of spring, putting away 200 pounds of mudbugs.

Twin Cities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LSU Tigers John and Pam Chandler hosted the fourth annual Twin Cities Chapter crawfish boil at their home in Mendota Heights, Minn., on May 21. Seventy-six alumni and friends attended the event, putting away 141 pounds of crawfish, as well as jambalaya and dozens of potluck dishes, according to John Chandler, chapter president. Current and entering students were among the guests, including incoming freshman Megan Fitzgerald, a Chancellor's Alumni Scholar and a member of the Golden Band from Tigerland.

18 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Southern California – “This year’s crawfish boil was a great success,” says Karen Lear, president of the SoCal chapter. “We had about 350 Louisiana and LSU faithful out at Redondo Beach to enjoy the sunshine, crawfish, boudin, and libations. We had a great silent auction and raffle with items donated from Louisiana and California retailers, a Les Miles football, LSU football tickets, Dodgers tickets donated by Steve Brown, and Dodgers tickets donated by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Between the raffle and silent auction, we raised enough money to send about $5,000 back to LSU to fund the SoCal Scholarship. The board is currently gearing up for football season, planning some awesome activities for the coming chapter Incoming board members, from left, Sara Watson, Mike Patin, Charles Jeffery, Karen Lear, year, and already planning for Suzanne Erdelyi, Stephanie Hingle, Roger Legros, the 2012 crawfish boil.” and Cathy Mueller.

a l u m n i

m a g a z i n e

Advertise

with us! More than

70,000

readers Four issues annually Competitive rates

Passin’ a good time!

An array of silent auction and raffle items.

For more information visit www.lsualumni.org/magazine or contact Kay Heath at 225-578-3337 or kheath@lsu.edu

Tarrant Tigers – Fort Worth-area Tigers gathered at Longhorn Park at Benbrook Lake on April 30 for the chapter’s sixth annual crawfish boil. Besides feasting on boiled crawfish and jambalaya, members and guests played baseball, softball, and volleyball.

Michelle and Robert.Bazet with sons Austyn, Dylan, and Tyler.

Margo McChesney and Cheryl McChesney.

Tom Schech, Sherry Thompson, Danielle Keuss, Erika Schroeder, and Linda Taylor. Keuss and Schroeder are recipients of Tarrant Tiger Chapter scholarships.

Al Caldwell, Linda Taylor, Phoebe Caldwell, and Joe Lancaster.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

LSU Alumni Association News

Northwest Chapters Miles Duo Entertains

Story and photos by Matt DeVille

Vince Lombardi was once quoted saying, “if winning isn’t everything, why do they keep score?”

Winning is everything in Baton Rouge, especially if you are the head coach of the LSU Tigers. No one knows that better than Les Miles. Since winning the national championship in 2007, there are some Kara Depingre, Pat Depingre, Caroline Cappello, Coach Les Miles, Jerri Depingre, folks who consider John Major Depringre, and Benny Depringre. eight and nine win seasons in 2008 and 2009, respectively, as subpar seasons in Tiger Town. Heading into the 2010 season, Miles had his share of critics among the fan base. But with eleven wins in 2010, a decisive Cotton Bowl victory over Texas A&M, and consideration as a favorite to compete for the 2011 national championship, the mood at LSU has changed dramatically. Toss in the fact the second-longest tenured coach in the SEC LSU Alumni Association President/CEO Charlie again refused an offer from his alma mater Roberts, Macy Grace Miles, Coach Les Miles. to become the next coach at Michigan, it’s pretty obvious where Miles stands as he enters year seven with the Tigers. And it was never more obvious than when Miles made his annual trip to northwest Louisiana on June 14. Miles addressed more than 450 at a luncheon at Shreveport’s East Ridge Country Club, an annual event hosted by the CaddoBossier LSU Alumni Chapter. Mark Kent Anderson, Coach Les Miles, Kent Anderson, and Ben Price. The Webster Parish Chapter hosted Miles for an evening dinner where the coach visited with more than 200 Tiger fans. “Think back to last year at this time,” said LSU Alumni Association President/ CEO Charlie Roberts as he introduced Miles. “Think back to what you were thinking last year. And then think about today.” Coach Les Miles visits with Sugar Woods and Tim Wheelahan.

20 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

A year ago, Miles took advantage of the day in to spend a little quality time with his youngest daughter, Macy Grace. The precocious eight-year-old both surprised and dazzled fans last year when she requested to sing for the dinner crowd at East Ridge.The youngest Miles got big smiles from dad and the approval of more than 500 with her rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story. “ A year later, young Macy Grace came ready to perform. Following a proper introduction by Roberts, Macy Grace further wowed those present with a moving performance of “Amazing Grace.” Dad couldn’t have been more pleased. At the evening dinner, the youngster took it one step further. She had enjoyed an afternoon of shopping with her dad prior to the drive to Minden and prepared for an impromptu surprise for her famous father. After again performing for the folks at Pine Hills Country Club, Macy Grace surprised Coach Miles with a Father’s Day gift and card. “Boy, she is stealing my thunder,” Miles said. Apparently, the word has gotten out about Macy Grace’s singing talents on the LSU Alumni Association chapter circuit. She recently performed the national anthem during a two-minute spoof featuring Coach Miles and his family on ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt Show. (Search Les Miles in “It Must Have Been the Shoes” on youtube.com.)

LSU Alumni Association News

By Norm Marcocci

Crawfish Boil Highlights Summer Events Bayou Fête VIII, a.k.a. the annual crawfish boil sponsored by the National Capital Chapter and several other Louisiana universities with alumni chapters in the Washington, D.C., area took place on June 5, at Fort Hunt Park. A sold-out crowd of more than 1,500 people feasted on five tons of mudbugs, jambalaya, potatoes, andouille sausages, corn-on-the-cob, and – to cool things off – flavored sno-cones. Entertainment included live Cajun, zydeco, and jazz music performed by the Dixie Power Trio and a moonbounce for youngsters. A reception was held for area graduates of the LSU College of Humanities & Social Sciences (formerly Arts & Sciences) at the Adams and Reese offices in Washington June 7. Dean Gaines Foster addressed the crowd and answered questions. On July 7, LSU and alumni from the other SEC universities attended “SEC Night at Nationals Ballpark” for a Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs baseball game. Although the Nationals dropped a close 8-9 decision, everyone had a great time cheering on their beloved home team. Alumni made another visit to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, bagging donated food items and stocking pantry shelves to assist the hungry living in the metropolitan area. Several members of the chapter along with alumni from other universities played in a summer football league sponsored by the Capital Area Network (CAN). Chapter members and friends are anxiously awaiting the start of another exciting season of football. View-ins will take place at the 18th Amendment on Capitol Hill and the Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill, located in Arlington, Va. For information on chapter activities visit www.lsudcalumni.com or join the e-mail mailing list at dclsualumni@yahoo.com.

Attention, Maryland Alums! For information on LSU license plates for Maryland, contact Norm Marcocci at normlsu88@yahoo.com or 703-263-9771.

DC-area alumni and friends at the annual crawfish boil.

The summer softball team.

Oklahoma OK! – Some fifty LSU Tigers in Oklahoma City got together at Hafer Park, Edmond, on May 21 for the Central Oklahoma Chapter’s annual crawfish boil. “Alumni and guests feasted on 175 pounds of crawfish, and a great time was had by all,” reports Jim Schnabel, chapter president. Oklahoma Tigers dig in.

22 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Cook Pete Gaskin.

Cook George Fulco.

798 , 217, 300 Forever LSU Donors Provide Support, Stability, and a Path Forward By Sara Crow Photos by Scott M. Madere

ore than 61,000 alumni, friends, and corporations united to surpass the $750 million goal set by Forever LSU: The Campaign

for Louisiana State University. The campaign, publicly launched in 2006 to benefit LSU, the LSU AgCenter, and the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, was a joint effort of the LSU Foundation, the LSU Alumni Association, and the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

“During Forever LSU, 24,938 alumni joined 28,971 friends and 7,477 corporations to make an astounding 233,595 gifts and pledges.”

LSU supporters celebrated the kickoff of the most ambitious fundraising campaign in school history in June 2006 at an announcement event in New York City. Former U.S. Congressman Henson Moore then led a cabinet of more than fifty LSU alumni and friends in nationwide efforts to engage LSU supporters in furthering LSU’s pursuit of excellence and academic distinction among universities worldwide. Forever LSU surpassed one-third of its $750 million goal by Dec. 31, 2006, with $33 million raised in six months and the remaining amount raised during the silent phase of the campaign, which began in 2001. It reached the two-thirds mark just 15 months later, with more than $500 million raised as of March 31, 2008. On Nov. 12, 2010, Forever LSU announced it had surpassed the $750 million goal, well ahead of the Dec. 31 end date. During Forever LSU, 24,938 alumni joined 28,971 friends and 7,477 corporations to make an astounding 233,595 gifts and pledges. Forever LSU’s pillars were student support, faculty support, University-wide support and campus infrastructure. Contributions were mostly in donor-specified funds and were largely invested in ongoing building projects, endowed scholarships for students, and endowed chairs and professorships. Forever LSU strengthened the University’s endowment for scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid; funded programs that enrich student life; endowed chairs and professorships; modernized research facilities and equipped laboratories; enhanced existing programs; and initiated and supported academic opportunities worldwide.

How Donors Gave Faculty Support________________________________________$203,578,545 Campus Infrastructure_________________________________ $399,774,397 Student Support_______________________________________ $124,493,449 Program Support_________________________________________$31,116,648 Unrestricted Giving________________________________________$5,214,261 State Matching Funds (professorships and chairs)________ $34,040,000 Total __________________________________________________ $798,217,300

At the November 2010 announcement that Forever LSU exceeded its $750 million goal were, from left, Maj. Gen. Ron Richard, Tiger Athletic Foundation president/CEO; Maj. Gen. Bill Bowdon, former LSU Foundation president/CEO; Charlie Roberts, LSU Alumni Association president/CEO; LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson; Beverly Brooks Major, Forever LSU campaign director; Henson Moore, Forever LSU campaign chair; Chancellor Michael Martin; and President Emeritus Bill Jenkins.

24 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Forever LSU

The Campaign for Louisiana State University made history in 2010 by exceeding its original goal of raising $750 million for the University. However, LSU’s need for support through private funding has never been greater. Every Tiger can make a difference at LSU.

Recruiting Scholars and Leaders

LSU Alumni Association

The LSU Alumni Association’s Leadership Scholarships (now called Global Leaders Scholarships) and Top 100 Scholarships (now called Flagship Scholars Awards) help LSU attract highly qualified and competitive students. The Global Leaders award – a one-time $2,000 study abroad stipend and the opportunity to earn up to an additional $1,550 per year in the Chancellor’s Future Leaders in Research Program – is given to the top fifty entering freshmen. The Top 100 Scholarship program, one of the University’s most established scholarship programs, has awarded scholarships to more than 3,900 high-achieving incoming freshmen. Each four-year scholarship includes a $2,000 annual cash stipend and a Chancellor’s Student Aide job. “LSU was a central experience in my life and has led to many opportunities for me in my career. The Alumni Association Scholarship program was very important to me, and I hope that future generations of LSU students can have those same opportunities.” –Larry Franceski (1977 BACH HSS), a former Top 100 Scholarship recipient, provided a generous gift to support the program.

The Forever LSU Campaign Cabinet, front, left to right, Lee Griffin, President Emeritus Bill Jenkins, Ron Richard, John L. Daniel, Cheryl Fassulo, Shelby McKenzie, Dr. Mary Lou Applewhite, Bert Boyce, Henson Moore, Sarah Clayton, Richard Lipsey, Milton Reese, Chancellor Bill Richardson, Bill Bowdon, and Tommy Hontzas; back, left to right, Charlie Roberts, Jay Babb, Art Halbrook, Chancellor Michael Martin, Terry Babin, Rock Palermo, Brian Haymon, Jack Weiss, and Beverly Brooks Major.

Continuing Athletic Excellence

Tiger Athletic Foundation

The Tiger Athletic Foundation’s focus is leading the University in building a comprehensively superior athletic program. TAF created the Foundation of Champions, a general scholarship endowment fund, to provide a perpetual source of financial support for athletic scholarships in each sport. “The stadium [new Alex Box Stadium] that we’ve been given is unbelievable. It’s second to none around the country. With 10,000 screaming fans every weekend, it’s a really special place. Thank you so much for spoiling us.” –Mikie Mahtook, LSU outfielder and member of the 2009 National Championship team.

Spirit of Generosity

LSU Foundation

James Carville, alumnus of LSU and the LSU Law Center, at Forever LSU’s June 2006 kickoff event in New York.

Gifts to the LSU Foundation support academics at LSU, the LSU AgCenter, and the LSU Law Center. The following speaks to the generous spirit of donors to colleges and departments in each. The Dr. William A. Pryor professorship was begun in 2004 by Pryor’s first Ph.D. student, Michael Griffith, who began the professorship as a tribute to his friend and mentor. Friends and family have contributed to the fund with the goal of honoring Pryor's legacy by reaching an endowed chair level of funding. Pryor, Thomas and David Boyd Professor Emeritus of chemistry, is a pioneer in the field of free radical research. "Boyd Professor Emeritus William A. Pryor and I have had a special relationship since we first met almost fifty years ago. Each of us recalls vividly my interview with him when I was searching for a research adviser as a first-year graduate student in the department of chemistry. After our discussion, the choice was easy, and that mentor/student relationship grew into a strong friendship over the years. Bill taught me so much and helped shape my skills and thinking as I went forward in my career. "We stayed close all these years. After I retired I wanted to give back to LSU, and to Bill, so I made a bequest in my will to fund a professorship in Bill's name. Soon it occurred to me: why wait? Why not set up the professorship now so that a deserving faculty member could enjoy the benefits, and Bill could see another contribution to the University and the department for which he was responsible. And he has been responsible for so many! It has given me great joy to be a part of the large community of people who hold Bill in such high regard and to add to the many honors he has received." –Dr. Michael G. Griffith (1968 PHD SCI)

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

A Message from the Chair

A few short years ago, the vision was launched of LSU becoming a flagship university and being recognized as a world-class institution. We knew we were on the cusp of becoming elite in terms of students, faculty, and staff, but we had to find a way to fund that vision other than from increased state funding or tuition increases alone. We needed to increase private financial support to really make that vision a reality. Therefore, the University's leadership made the historic decision to reach out to you to make the Flagship Agenda happen—to add endowed chairs and professorships, increase student scholarships, and build a new Business Education Complex and Band Hall. The Forever LSU campaign was the vessel by which we would engage you to meet these historic goals, and we did. Thanks to you, $798 million was raised, endowing 794 new scholarships, 429 new professorships and 36 new chairs. The Business Education Complex is under construction and the Band Hall soon will be open. LSU has ascended to the Top Tier of American universities for the first time through your dedication and contributions. Now we have to stay there and continue to improve, so our private support must also continue in the future. But through you, Forever LSU has reinforced for our flagship university a solid foundation from which to build as we enter our second 150 years. Much like the iconic arches that line our beautiful campus, you have provided support, stability, and a path forward to the future of our great university. You are an integral part of the rich history and tradition of LSU... and you will be forever.

Congressman W. Henson Moore Chair, Forever LSU

Selected Major Building Projects New Alex Box Stadium

Football Operations Center, including indoor and outdoor turf fields

Shaw Center for the Arts

Old Alex Box Parking Band Hall

Golf Practice Facility

New Softball Tiger Park

Basketball Practice Facility

LaHouse

Tiger Stadium-West Side

Business Education Complex

LSU Laboratory School Renovations and Gym

University Club Golf Course Renovations

Mike the Tiger’s Habitat

Veterinary Medicine Equine ICU

North Stadium Window Replacement

Women’s Basketball Locker Room

Pete Maravich Assembly Center Renovations

Multiple classrooms, laboratories, and research space

Clarence P. Cazalot Jr. Marathon Oil Corporation Atrium in the HoweRussell Geoscience Complex Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes

Rural Life Museum Visitors Center

26 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Soccer Stadium

Reflections Dr. Mark Emmert Former Chancellor and NCAA President “The Forever LSU campaign’s Former U.S. Congressman Henson Moore, chair of Forever LSU, and his wife, Carolyn, front, with Chancellor extraordinary results mark the Michael Martin, Chancellor Emeritus James Wharton, former Chancellor Mark Emmert, and President Emeritus culmination of years of collaborative, William Jenkins. dedicated work by LSU faculty, staff The Honorable Sean O’Keefe and donors to advance LSU’s Flagship Agenda. LSU set an Former Chancellor aggressive plan for achieving excellence when it introduced “From the beginning of my tenure at LSU, I had complete the Flagship Agenda. Donors to Forever LSU have helped the confidence in our university community’s ability to surpass University achieve many of those goals and helped to make LSU our own expectations. The Forever LSU campaign is the one of the best public universities in the country.” most significant fundraising effort in LSU’s history. Extensive Dr. William Jenkins preparatory work permitted us to launch the campaign at a President Emeritus and Chancellor Emeritus time of great need, immediately following the devastation “I am inordinately proud of the generosity and commitment of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The result is the Tiger spirit of our LSU donors and benefactors as we attain the goal set is alive and well, and the work of alumni and friends should for the Forever LSU campaign. I am equally proud of the be congratulated for rightfully positioning LSU as one of the dedication and determination of our LSU leaders, as well as nation’s top universities.” the Forever LSU Campaign Cabinet under the able leadership Dr. James Wharton of The Honorable Henson Moore, as they worked so hard and Chancellor Emeritus diligently over the years in pursuit of the campaign’s success. “There is an old saying that success has many fathers. We are at a defining time in LSU’s long and proud history. It is That is literally true for the historically significant Forever now obvious that to meet the University’s mission, goals and LSU campaign. We should all be grateful for the vision and objectives, as well as its competitive aspirations, the needed tireless efforts that Chancellor Sean O’Keefe put into the funding will become more and more dependent on private establishing the goals and kicking off the Forever LSU campaign. and non-state sources. Hence, the particular significance Today, everyone who contributed or raised funds should take of the great achievement accomplished by the Forever great pride in their contribution to this highly significant LSU campaign.” accomplishment in the history of Louisiana State University Dr. John Lombardi and A&M College. Only time will tell just how important this LSU System President campaign will be to the future of LSU and to Louisiana. “The success of the Forever LSU campaign brings essential Special thanks should go from the LSU family to the LSU resources in support of a great university and places LSU among Foundation, the LSU Alumni Association, and the Tiger an elite group of institutions capable of mobilizing dedicated Athletic Foundation, as well as many LSU employees. Extra support by virtue of the distinction of its programs. The special thanks should go to the hundreds or even thousands of investment of so many people in the future of this university private citizens led by Henson Moore, who shared in the dream ensures that LSU’s quality will remain forever pre-eminent.” of a truly great university.”

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Thank You! You did it.

You made it possible for the Forever LSU campaign to not just meet but to greatly exceed the most ambitious fundraising goal in LSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150-year history. And, you did it despite the extraordinary impact of major hurricanes and the most difficult economic environment in decades. It has been a humbling, inspiring experience to usher in the successful conclusion of Forever LSU. We have been on campus daily throughout the campaign, and that proximity has brought with it the privilege of being at the forefront of the countless successes Forever LSU has enjoyed. Yet, you have been the ones at the forefront of our minds throughout this journey. You are the reason for these successes. Forever LSU has been a successful partnership among the LSU Foundation, the LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation, and the LSU Alumni Association. On behalf of our organizations, we thank you for joining us in this historic effort. It is with tremendous pride and gratitude that we share with you that more than 61,000 friends and alumni contributed almost $800 million to Forever LSU to support LSU, the LSU AgCenter, and the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. That this communitywide support yielded such an outstanding result is nothing short of remarkable. We hope you will visit www.foreverlsu.org to read a special publication that celebrates just a handful of the myriad of achievements that happened for one simple reason: Tigers gave. Forever LSU, Maj. Gen. William G. Bowdon, USMC (Retired) Former President and CEO, LSU Foundation

Charlie W. Roberts President and CEO, LSU Alumni Association

Maj. Gen. R.G. Richard USMC (Retired) President and CEO, Tiger Athletic Foundation

Sara Crow is director of communications for the LSU Foundation.

ON THE WEB www.foreverlsu.org

28 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

LSU tudent S

nion

then and Now By Brenda and W. Randall Macon

In the beginning . . . Prior to the early 1960s, LSU, like most American universities, had no dedicated â&#x20AC;&#x153;student unionâ&#x20AC;? where all students could congregate. The closest thing to a union was instead the combination of the Huey P. Long Fieldhouse and the Gym Armory, the hub of student life in the first decades after LSU was relocated in the 1920s from downtown Baton Rouge to its current location. The campus post office was inside the Fieldhouse, and student organizations held events and activities, including dances, in the gymnasium. The Olympic-size pool on the lower level of the Fieldhouse also drew students.

30 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

By the 1950s, the trend toward creating a distinct space for student life was well underway and gaining momentum among universities in the United States. Peter Soderbergh, in Bright Journey: A Pictorial History of the LSU Union (Louisiana State University Union, 1993), attributes the roots of this trend to the “debating societies and ‘general clubs’ founded at Cambridge and Oxford in the nineteenth century” and points out that “‘commons areas’ reserved for student activity” began to take hold in some parts of the U. S. as early as the 1890s. This trend, however, was late in coming to southern universities, with several unsuccessful attempts at LSU throughout the early years of the new campus, according to Soderbergh. Then, in an article appearing in the April 17, 1956, edition of The Daily Reveille, a student once again raised the issue of creating a union at LSU. A student referendum had already passed in 1955 to raise funds for the facility, and students were anxious to see progress on its construction. Three years later, in 1958, the LSU Board of Supervisors approved the concept of a student union on campus, and on October 21, 1961, LSU officials gathered in the Memorial Oak Grove to break ground for the new facility. The new building was supposed to be finished by June 10, 1963, but several delays intervened. On January 6, 1964, LSU officially opened the completed facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Original Design: Continuity and Sense of Place The enduring history of the LSU Union is, of course, about more than just the physical facility in which activities are held, but the building does take on significance in the ways that students and alumni recall their days on campus. As Soderbergh points out in his book, since its first reference in the 1962 Gumbo, the Union has been a dominant topic in successive issues of the yearbook, as over 150 pages of each issue are devoted to the Union Photos courtesy Gumbo, 1958 and 1961

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Photos courtesy W. Randall Macon

and student activities. Such interest and use, then, dictates the importance of the physical structure, as well as the spirit, that is the LSU Union. Designed by Baton Rouge architect John Desmond, the original building reflected the surrounding landscape with pillars both inside and out that were sculpted to echo the shapes of the many live oaks on campus. Walls of glass brought in natural light and created a fluid boundary between interior and exterior. Modern concepts and technology were intentionally combined with traditional designs and materials to emphasize these characteristics of the LSU community. For this innovative design, Desmond was awarded the first American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honor Award for the Gulf States Region in 1965.

Forty Years on: Evolving Student Needs Dictate Big Changes In the early 2000s, students and administrators alike noticed the need for structural and space changes in the building. Along with these changes, the LSU Union also had a subtle name change, to the LSU Student Union. Funding for the building has always been primarily through fees that the students levied on themselves, so this small change seems appropriate in assigning the true ownership of the facility. Students worked diligently with the union staff and campus administrators to determine the current needs of the student body and the campus as a whole. The original design elements were conscientiously retained in the recently completed renovation project, while much-needed updates and improvements were also incorporated. LSU alumnus Jerry Hebert, a 1985 architecture graduate, headed the team at the Baton Rouge firm of Grace and Hebert Architects, who took on the challenge of introducing additional retail space and dining facilities, improvements in both the ballrooms and meeting rooms, and upgrades to the Union Theater. In addition to Grace and Hebert, HMS Architects, a New Orleans-based firm that specializes in theater design, collaborated on that portion of the renovation at LSU. WTW Architects, a firm out of Pittsburgh, Pa., served as a consulting architect. Photos courtesy LSU Student Union archives

32 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Fifty years ago this October, LSU officials gathered in the Memorial Oak Grove to break ground for the LSU Union, which officially opened in 1964. Though the Union had been updated and renovated over the years, in the early 2000s students and administrators alike noticed the need for more significant structural and space changes. Renovations began in September 2006. Today the LSU Student Union reflects an inspiring transformation that honors the sense of place and continuity of the original architectural design and will serve campus community far into future.

Groundbreaking photo: LSU Photograph Collection, Gumbo Photographs, RG #A5000.0305.3, Louisiana State University Archives, LSU Libraries

“When I was a student in the LSU School of Architecture,” Hebert recalled recently, “I and the rest of us in the school spent a lot of time at the Union. Our classes and studios were in Atkinson Hall, which is practically across the street. We were also very aware of the architectural importance of the building. In fact, the entire Grace and Hebert design team, including the interior designers, graduated from LSU, so we all had a stake in this project.” The renovation presented some monumental challenges. The most extreme of these was that the building was not to be closed during the construction, a requirement that called for an unprecedented number of construction phases. Even an act of legislation, proposed by the principals in the project, was required because of the project’s complexity. Because of its success, this project became a model for negotiating contracts for state buildings. Besides keeping the building in continuous operation, the team faced other challenges. One of the team’s most important priorities was to protect and preserve Memorial Oak Grove, a goal that, with the help of LSU’s Facility Services arborists, was achieved from the outset. Also, while the Union had only had minor renovations since 1964, no one had fully documented the changes, so the construction crews and design team found surprises almost daily behind the walls they removed. As a result, the team has completely documented the design of the newly renovated building to avoid future surprises. Photos courtesy LSU Student Union archives

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Memories The Fieldhouse and Gym-Armory By Laura A. Leach

When we were at LSU in the 1950s and 1960s the Fieldhouse was the gathering place for all students. It had a café and housed the post office boxes. Everyone went there to get their mail – and to see and be seen. Times were different. The boys would sit on the side of the steps and watch the girls go by. It was the place where everyone met. It was the place everyone went. Also, what is now the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes was, at that time, the Gym-Armory. The boys played basketball there, we had graduations there, we had concerts there, and we had dances there. There were classrooms on the second floor, and that is where we took dance classes, like modern dance and folk dance, which were physical education courses.

The Fieldhouse was the gathering place. On the opposite side was, and still is, the Huey P. Long Swimming Pool. And, of course, it was bigger and better than an Olympic-size pool … it had to be. Swimming classes, as well as swimming and diving meets, were held there. We played volleyball and checked in for sports classes – like tennis and golf – on the lower floors. The campus was much smaller than it is now, and being a student then was very much different for girls. The girls resided across the Parade Ground – on the east side of campus – and boys resided on the west side. There was a standing joke, that Arden O. French, the dean of men, and Helen Gordon, the dean of women, stood guard between the two sides. We did have a few panty raids, however. You have to understand that at that time there were five men students to every woman student. It was a great time for ladies. Laura Leach, a 1961 graduate business graduate, is a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors.

Photo courtesy LSU Student Union archives and W. Randall Macon

Perhaps one of the most unique challenges was on the ground floor, where the design called for removing the bowling alley and creating the Live Oak Lounge, an airy, inviting space where students and visitors can relax, eat, watch any of several televisions, or visit with friends. This space was to have a series of glass walls to allow views of the Memorial Oak Grove. The back walls facing the memorial, were, however, eighteen inches thick. Cutting through the walls to make way for the windows became a major undertaking, requiring special equipment and expertise.

Into the Future: Keeping the Spirit Alive In the end, the project costs were less than the maximum allocated, a point that pleases Jerry Hebert. He also takes great pride in being part of the renovation and design of the LSU Student Union. One of his goals was to make the building accessible from all four corners, something that had been missing in the original design. He wanted to be sure that all students, no matter whether they were coming from dorms across Highland Road or from any of the surrounding academic halls, could easily walk to the Union. “This is where everybody meets. The Union is the common thread for all students at LSU, whatever their majors,” Hebert commented. “The renovation keeps that thread going by bringing the building up to today’s standards.” Just as John Desmond’s design won the original award, Hebert and his design team – including 1984 LSU architecture graduate Jody Gascon and 1987 LSU interior design graduate Kriste Rigby – received a Merit Award for the design of the LSU Student Union and Union Theater renovation in competition in the American Institute of Architects’ Gulf States Region Honor Awards from five states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The group worked within the parameters of the LSU Campus Master Plan to provide students, faculty, and staff with a facility that can accommodate the changing needs of the campus community for years to come. ON THE WEB www.unionweb.lsu.edu Brenda Macon, a Baton Rouge writer, is former editor of Kaleidoscope, the magazine for the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Her husband, Randy, is on the staff of Group Novak, LLC, an architectural firm in Baton Rouge, and is also a freelance photographer.

Shirley Plakidas Union Romanticist By Brenda Macon Photo by W. Randall Macon

In 1967,

when the LSU Union was only three years old, Shirley Plakidas arrived on campus as the new program adviser. A recent graduate of the University of Nebraska, Plakidas got busy with events and activities from her very first day. She coordinated with student organizations and committees that, for example, showed five movies a week at one point in the old Colonnade Theater, which was located below the main theater in the original building. From her early days at Nebraska, Plakidas knew she wanted to make a career working with these types of student organizations. Though she was a zoology major, she found her true calling when she became involved in union activities on the Lincoln, Nebraska, campus. She worked on the program board while she was a student and became, in her words, a “union romanticist.” When an opening was announced at LSU, she jumped at the chance – not only to work in union programming but also to escape the harsh winters of the Midwest. She has since overseen almost every aspect of the LSU Student Union. She has seen trends come and go, including Shirley Plakidas those weekly movies. “The evolution in programming has been in response to changing needs in the student population,” Plakidas comments. “Technology has had a profound effect on the kinds of programs we offer.” From reel-to-reel movies to the latest social networking media, however, one aspect of programming remains the same: providing LSU students with the types of events and activities they need to make their experience at the University one they will remember and value. Through the years, with this goal in mind, Plakidas has maintained her passion for making LSU students feel comfortable on campus. Working with students during the renovation project has affirmed her feeling that the Union holds a special place in campus life. “Students consider this [the LSU Student Union] to be their home away from home,” Plakidas explains. “Even during construction, students were involved in all aspects of the process. They recognize their stake in this facility, and we often heard from students who asked, ‘What are you doing to MY Union?’” Now, forty-four years after her arrival, Plakidas has her roots firmly in Louisiana. She met and married her husband, Sandy, after she settled in Baton Rouge, and the couple raised their family here. Their two sons, Tony and Kostas, are both graduates of LSU, as are their wives, Paulette and Alyson. Plakidas retired in September this year, and she plans to relax, pursue long-delayed hobbies, and spend a lot of time with grandchildren Sophie and Charlie. The LSU community has indeed been fortunate to have this transplanted Midwesterner in our midst for the last four decades, and we wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Down Memory Lane By Shirley Plakidas

In 1964... There was a 15-minute parking drive-through for cars under the pedestrian bridge on the north side of the Union. Today, the space is a courtyard with umbrella tables.

The Bookstore was squeezed into one space on the ground floor. In 1987, it was expanded to include the second floor, replacing the Reading and Listening Rooms where students could request their favorite vinyl records on one of four turntables, operated by an attendant. There was a large, double-line cafeteria and a snack bar called Tiger Lair. Today, students know Tiger Lair as a food court with brand-name concepts such as Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, CC’s Coffee, Quizno’s, Salsarita’s, and Jamba Juice. A small, 300-seat theater, the Colonnade, located under the large Union Theater, offered almost nightly movies and was the venue for numerous School of Music recitals. Today, the space is a multifunctional reception room for events in the Theater. The Plantation Room restaurant on the third floor was a waiter-service, linen-tablecloth, coat-and-tie restaurant. Today, the Magnolia Room is a more casual dining room with self-service serving islands and a daily all-you-can-eat option. The original Games Area – later named Tiger Pause – offered sixteen lanes of bowling, full-size billiards tables, and a table tennis room. In the 1970s and 1980s, fifty to sixty video games were added in an arcade. Today billiards has its own Tiger Pause room, Photo courtesy LSU Student Union archives and the bowling lanes have been replaced by the Live Oak Lounge, a high-tech lobby with tables that look out over the beautiful Memorial Oak Grove on the south side of the building. The original building had a two-tier outdoor patio on the southeast side of the building near Highland Road. Today, the four-story addition is located in this space, two floors of which are occupied by student organizations. The U.S. Post Office, originally located in the Huey P. Long Fieldhouse, moved into the Union on the ground floor. This fall, the space will be finished out by Ricoh into the new Copy and Mail Center. The breezeway between the main building and Theater was the home of the original Free Speech Alley, where campus politicos gathered weekly to debate the issues of the day. The renovation project enclosed the breezeway, creating additional meeting room space, a lounge adjacent to the Art Gallery, and numerous new dressing rooms for the Theater. Gone but not forgotten are a photo studio, where students had their Gumbo photos made, an ice cream store (Swenson’s), a student-managed Candy Shoppe, a jewelry store, a branch of City National Bank; and a travel agency. Today, the Union still has a barber shop, a branch of Campus Federal Credit Union, six ATMs, two ground-floor eateries – McDonald’s and Einstein Bros. Bagels; a branch of Cox Communications; the campus Tiger Card office; and Kaplan test preparation services. An optical store is planned to open in the fall semester. Photos courtesy Gumbo, 1998

36 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

The LSU Libraries’ Special Collections division is truly special. The division, housed primarily in Hill Memorial Library, has undertaken many laudable and ambitious projects, including digitizing documents related to LSU’s history, operating the T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History and maintaining an amazing – and amazingly large – collection of rare and fragile publications, manuscripts, and historic photographs. Most recently, the unit has been working with the Library of Congress to provide free online access to historical Louisiana newspapers. Because newspapers are intended for short-term use, the paper on which all such publications are produced, even today, is relatively unstable and easily disintegrates. Back in the 1940s, librarians at LSU began archiving state newspapers – including small, seemingly obscure ones – on microfilm, recognizing the vast store of local history available in the papers. This bit of foresight made it possible for LSU to compete successfully for a grant to participate in the National Digital Newspaper Program, a nationwide effort supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress. LSU’s involvement in

Athena Jackson, left, manager for Digitizing LSU Libraries’ Louisiana Newspaper Project, and Elaine Smyth, head of the LSU Libraries’ Special Collections.

the program puts Louisiana ahead of the curve, as one of only twenty-five states currently participating. Through an ongoing grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, LSU Libraries began the “Digitizing Louisiana Newspaper Project” (DLNP) in 2009. The goal in this first phase of the project was to digitize issues from the years 1860 through 1922 from nearly sixty of the state’s newspapers. An advisory group made up of teachers, historians, and archivists helped select publications based on their value for historical and genealogical research, as well as their geographical and chronological coverage. Some were selected to reflect Louisiana’s diversity, including one of the state’s only women’s publications, and some that served the African- American communities of Louisiana during the period. Preference was given to titles that have not been digitized before in order to increase access to newspapers previously available only on microfilm. This first phase was recently completed, and more than 100,000 pages of Louisiana newspapers have been digitized for “Chronicling America,” a keyword searchable database that provides information that, in many cases, can be found only in these historical newspapers. Elaine Smyth, the head of Special Collections, and Athena Jackson, the librarian responsible for DLNP, are excited about the possibilities that the database provides for education and research in a wide range of areas. LSU has microfilm of newspapers dating back to 1802, and the two librarians look forward to expanding and sharing the online collection with the public as this project moves forward.

More than 100,000 pages of Louisiana’s historical newspapers have been digitized for free online access.

hese newspapers provide an illuminating context for historical events . . . . Sometimes, what’s notable is what’s not reported.

Some of the papers provide vital information that has been lost in any other form. For example, the Colfax Chronicle, produced in the small town of Colfax, the parish seat for Grant Parish, is part of the database. In 1881, the courthouse burned, along with all parish records. The newspaper is now one of the only available public sources of government records for the period prior to the fire. “These newspapers provide an illuminating context for historical events,” Jackson explains. “For example, the biases in Louisiana during Abraham Lincoln’s campaign and election are clear in these newspapers, with many of them suggesting that Lincoln had no chance of winning. When he did win, contemporary newspapers usually provided only a brief acknowledgment of the election. Sometimes, what’s notable is what’s not reported.” Jackson enthusiastically anticipates the next phase of the project. Her team conducted a pilot test to digitize one French language newspaper, the Thibodaux Sentinel in summer 2011, and they plan to include both French and Spanish language papers in the next cycle of the project that will digitize papers from 1836 through 1923. “Newspapers have been said to be America’s first draft of history,” Jackson comments. “It’s all part of the grand scheme: preserving history.”

ON THE WEB www.lib.lsu.edu/special/cc/dlnp/ Brenda Macon is former editor of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences magazine, Kaleidoscope.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Around

campus

Legislative Update Capital Sized Change Is it possible that the greatest change in American public higher education this year occurred in Louisiana?

Yes. The passage of LaGRAD Act 2.0 could be the largest policy shift experienced by any public university in the U.S. The legislation authorized greater flexibility in procurement, investments, insurance, and other aspects of the University’s business operations. While most other state universities enjoy these benefits, the Louisiana Legislature was willing to try this administrative overhaul. For years, people have wanted universities to act more like business, yet were unwilling to give universities any of the flexibility or tools enjoyed by industry. Many of the common-sense business approaches, such as cooperative, or bulk, purchasing, have been off limits to state agencies and universities. Successes in Virginia and Kansas demonstrated that universities could retain the openness of government while getting even lower prices. “Thanks to the leadership of the governor, the legislature, and the Flagship Coalition, LaGRAD Act 2.0 cleared the legislature with only two dissenting votes,” said Chancellor Michael Martin. “Without a doubt we will save money and reinvest it in classrooms, laboratories, and student experiences,” he said. “Louisiana’s Flagship Coalition is an incredible teaming of LSU alumni and friends who want to see LSU succeed,” said Sean Reilly, coalition co-chair. The coalition is a group of thirty-seven business leaders and citizens from across the state supportive of enhancing LSU as a flagship university by Chancellor Michael Martin, Flagship Coalition Co-chair Sean Reilly, empowering the school with fundamental business practices to better utilize Senator Conrad Appel, and House Speaker Jim Tucker watch as Gov. Bobby Jindal signs LaGRAD 2.0 into law at the Lod Cook taxpayer and student dollars. Alumni Center. “Now more than ever, LSU and other universities in the state need the flexibility and autonomy contained in the bill to achieve savings and in a difficult budget cycle,” added Flagship Coalition co-chair Lane “Without a doubt we will efficiencies Grigsby. “We recognize challenges still remain for higher education funding, but we save money and reinvest it in believe this legislation will result in bottom-line savings for campuses.” Direct state support decreased this year but should be offset by expected tuition classrooms, laboratories, and revenue increases, meaning there is no expected major change in the total budget. The student experiences.” original LaGRAD Act permits a 10 percent tuition increase if LSU meets performance requirements, which it did. Though the percentage increase looks large, the actual dollar amount of $586 is moderate by regional comparison. On paper, the budget looks relatively flat, but LSU did not avoid any pain. There are mandated costs that rose this year forcing the University to reallocate money internally. Direct funding by the state will represent about 39 percent of LSU’s operating budget with the rest coming from student fees and self-generated revenue. At the time of this writing, the budget had not been finalized. While the budget is still grey, capital projects are a bright spot. Art lovers will be pleased to know that the Old Shops for Art project was approved for renovations. This will be the first major renovation on an original Theodore Link-designed building since the Hill Library renovation in 1985. The French House, home to the Honors College, is also slated for renovation. A new joint LSU/EASports facility known as the second phase of the Louisiana Emerging Technology Center will be built along South Stadium drive. “Huey Long knew this in the Depression, and we know it now: strengthen LSU in the down times and the state reaps the rewards in the good times. The governor and the legislature are committed to improvements, our alumni are energized, so I think this is the first of many progressive changes for LSU,” Martin said with an optimistic smile.

ON THE WEB www.laflagshipcoalition.org

40 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Around Campus

LSU 100 Recognizing Tiger Businesses The Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute (SEI) is focused on making a difference to LSU students, alumni, and the business community. SEI hosts a variety of programs designed to make an impact including the Entrepreneurship Fellows Program, the LSU 100: Fastest Growing Tiger Businesses, the Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Disabled Veterans, and Executive Education programs such as Personal Branding for Athletes and the Disney Institute Business Series.

LSU 100 The LSU 100 program was created by SEI as a way to identify LSU alumni who are making a difference in their communities through entrepreneurship, job creation, innovation, and positive economic impact. The success of the program in the first year exceeded all expectations and clearly shows the drive of the Tiger spirit. The LSU 100 program identifies, recognizes, and celebrates the 100 fastest growing Tiger-owned or Tiger-led businesses in the world. Chancellor Michael Martin, second from left, with Tiger leaders of HolThe first group of LSU lingsworth Richards Automotive Group, Polly Lemoine, Gaye Hollingsworth, and Mike Hollingsworth. 100 recipients consisted of businesses from five states and the District of Columbia and LSU alumni of graduating classes from 1961-2010 with ten colleges represented. A wide range of businesses were included, from law firms and insurance to healthcare and commercial construction. The oldest company on the list, Taylor Porter Attorneys at Law was founded in 1912, and the most recent graduate was from the class of 2010. The #1 company for 2011 was Broad Oak Energy, of Dallas. CEO David B. Braddock graduated from LSU in 1974. The company was founded in 2005 and

42 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

has grown to be a top business in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of onshore oil and natural gas reserves in Texas. Of the 300 nominees, Broad Oak had the highest percent of growth from 2007 to 2009. On the evening of April 7, LSU 100 honorees were welcomed to campus for a reception at the Lod Cook Alumni Center. The reception allowed honorees to get to know one another and to meet current LSU students and University dignitaries. The following day, many honorees attended breakfasts hosted by college deans. The festivities culminated with an awards luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel attended by some 600 people. The event, emceed by Chancellor Michael Martin, included entertainment by the School of Music Brass Quintet. The finale of the program was a stirring rendition of the “LSU Alma Mater” performed by Men of Note, an a capella group of LSU graduate students.

Special Thanks The staff of SEI is honored to have the privilege to recognize successful Tiger entrepreneurs. This amazing program would not be possible without the inspiration of SEI Advisory Board member Gregory Price and the dedication and commitment of William E. Balhoff , managing director/CEO of Postlethwaite and Netterville, the ”accounting firm of the LSU 100,” which reviews and verifies all information submitted by applicants. Companies included in the LSU 100 are determined by the number of years a company has been in business, its revenue from one year, and if a former LSU student owns or runs the company. In addition, the company must operate in a manner consistent with LSU’s mission. They are ranked by compounded annual growth from the previous three years. Businesses can be nominated by anyone, and the top 100 nominees will be part of the LSU 100. Nominations are open now for the 2012 program.

ON THE WEB www.lsu100.com

Scientific Style

Around Campus

Chemist Epitomizes Bow Tie-Wearing, Quirky Prof By Zac Lemoine Photos by Eddy Perez

To a chemist, mixing elements to create something new is simply a day in the lab, but chemistry professor John Pojman has taken this to another level – combining amphibians, vogue style, space flight, and pocket protectors with a result that makes him a unique staple on campus.

Pojman shares his small, second-floor office in Choppin Hall with the eel-like Chrissy, a three-toed amphiuma and a handful of crawfish that are, as he puts it, “food, not friends.” While it is difficult to ignore the amphibian in the room, all the attention immediately lands on the man wearing the bow tie and pocket protector. Pojman’s collection of pocket protectors numbers well into the thousands, and while he views his collection as “priceless,” the cost of purchasing each protector adds up to nearly $6,000. Each one has been scanned and loaded onto his Web site “The World’s Largest Webseum of Pocket Protectors!” “I love my carp leather pocket protectors, which I made,” says Pojman, who has truly adopted the look of the stereotypical professor from his ink-stain-stopping protectors to forgoing a long tie and adopting a bow tie. Pojman’s affinity for bow ties is not rooted in style but practicality. “I have a fear of getting my tie in gumbo . . . seriously, I like the fact that it is not the ‘norm,’ jokes Pojman. “I don’t want to be mistaken for a corporate executive. Professors should have a bit of style.” After digesting Pojman’s style and colorful personality, it’s difficult to continue to dismiss the writhing slime-covered creature in the giant John Pojman sports his trademark bow tie and pocket protector. aquarium. The three-toed amphiuma is colloquially called a congo eel or

44 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Tiger Trivia 1. How did Isaiah Stokes, one of the cadets who entered the Louisiana Seminary of Learning and Military Academy in 1860, make an impression on Superintendent William Tecumseh Sherman? Made straight A’s Rode 150 miles on horseback to see if the Seminary really existed Joined the Union Army at the Lettered in football outbreak of the Civil War

congo snake. The amphiuma is the second largest salamander in the world and likely lives in the ditch outside your house. There is a tremendous population density – about 1 pound for every 10 square feet,” says Pojman. “I caught twenty-seven in a ditch across from Pennington [Biomedical Research Facility].” Many people have never encountered an amphiuma because they are nocturnal and skittish around people – often burrowing quickly into the mud and out of sight. Pojman began research centered around the amphiuma’s ability to regenerate without infection from a continued slew of bites and cuts received in its natural habitat. The amphiuma seemed similar to the alligator because about 10 percent of alligators will lose a limb fighting at some point in their lives, but they don’t die of infection. Current research shows the amphiuma doesn’t have an immune system to match the alligator, but an undaunted and eager Pojman began to look at the amphiuma’s slime, which could contain antibacterial properties that keep away infection. “So far it doesn’t seem as if the mucus is antibacterial, but we have found that some of the slime has anti-fungal properties,” says Pojman, adding that anti-fungal finds are much rarer. Not limiting himself to studying amphiumas, Pojman’s research in miscible fluids – fluids that dissolve completely in each other – sometimes brings him out of Earth’s gravitational field. During the past decade, Pojman has participated in more than 800 parabola flights aboard NASA’s KC-135 aircraft. On the outskirts of Earth’s atmosphere, Pojman replaces oil with honey to test for the presence of effective interfacial tension. Honey and water are miscible fluids, and by injecting one into the other, he is able to analyze the rate and degree in which the two mix without gravity aiding the process. Pojman’s hobbies bring him to ditches all around Baton Rouge, and his research finds him floating in microgravity, but his daily life has him walking around LSU’s campus – adorned in a pocket protector and bow tie.

ON THE WEB www.pojman.com and www.pocketprotectors.info Zac Lemoine, a May 2010 mass communication graduate, is a student writer in the Office of Communications & University Relations.

3. When was the main library named the Troy H. Middleton Library? 1953 1958 1973 1979 4. According to the 1869 disciplinary rules, how many times per day were the cadets’ rooms subject to inspection? Once Twice Three times Four times 5. According to LSU’s Time Table of General Daily Duty of 1877, what time was reveille? 5:30 AM 7:00 AM 8:30 AM There was no reveille 6. What was the building that is now Acadian Hall called when it first opened? Boyd Hall The Rabenhorst Building The Pan-American House The Pan-Hellenic Building 7. What was the original purpose of the building in Question 6? It was a dormitory To foster cultural exchange between students from the United States and Latin America It housed classrooms It was a cafeteria 8. Which building served as the main dining hall when the present campus opened in 1926? The Gym-Armory The Huey Long Fieldhouse Foster Hall Thomas Boyd Hall 9. In which two statistics did the Tiger basketball team lead the nation during the 1969-1970 season? Most rebounds and most games won Most games won and most players taller than seven feet Most fouls committed and ejections Most miles traveled to games and largest home game attendance 10. In which sport was LSU the last SEC school to field a team? Boxing Martial arts Curling Cycling 11. Which Oscar- and Emmy-winning composer is an LSU graduate? Marvin Hamlisch Bill Conti Henry Mancini Jan Hammer 12. Which LSU graduate played key roles as an engineer in the space program? Neil Armstrong Leo Lassalle Arlo Landolt Max Faget Answers: 1.b, 2.a, 3.d, 4.c, 5.a, 6.c, 7.b, 8.c, 9.d, 10.a, 11.b, 12.d

A selection from John Pojman's pocket protector collection.

2. What is the name of the sculptured metal screen in the lobby of Middleton Library? The Torch of Learning The Tree of Knowledge Forever LSU The Font of Wisdom

Shades of Grey

Around Campus

South Louisiana’s Historical Ties A year and a half after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill took the lives of eleven men and devastated the livelihoods of many coastal Louisiana residents, the complicated relationship between people and oil remains blurred. However, dependence upon oil hasn’t lessened, laying the groundwork for significant debates between environmentalists and economists. Michael Pasquier, assistant professor of religious studies at LSU, developed “Standard Lives: Visualizing the Culture of Oil in Louisiana,” to complement scientific investigations of the Deepwater Horizon disaster by documenting the cultural impact of environmental stressors on Louisiana’s coastal communities.

By Ashley Berthelot

LSU art students and Michael Pasquier after a day of fieldwork. Left to right, Justin Stroemple, Pasquier, Jean-Paul Bernard, Colin Roberson, and Blair Lockhart. Photo by Blair Lockhart

“This is about our history and our culture – this is about us and our future.”

46 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

“To do this, it’s necessary to look at oil from ‘the ground up,’ so to speak,” says Pasquier. “I knew we needed to take a long and unbiased look at Louisiana’s relationship with the oil industry and, by extension, its effects on the everyday lives of refinery and offshore workers, as well as the businessmen, teachers, farmers, fishermen, mariners, homemakers, and others with direct and indirect ties to petroleum-based services.” Pasquier started his project by delving into the Standard Oil photo collection at the University of Louisville. In 1943, Standard Oil hired Roy Stryker, famous for directing the United States government’s Farm Security Administration photography project during the Great Depression, to organize a team of photographers to document the “benefits of oil on the everyday lives of Americans.” Many of the 100,000 photos in the collection were taken in Baton Rouge, Kaplan, Pierre Part, Golden Meadow, Grand Isle, and other small towns across Louisiana and underscore how integrated oil was into the lives of the people it impacted – and to the culture and way of life of Louisianans. “As a native of Louisiana, I grew up in a family and in communities with deep stakes in the oil industry, so I already had my finger on the pulse of a people economically

August 1, 1945. Barataria, Louisiana. At the annual blessing of the shrimp fleet. The procession is on its way from the church. Photo courtesy Standard Oil (New Jersey) Collection, University of Louisville Photographic Archives

and culturally invested in oil. Now, what I wanted to do was to find a way to look behind the typical photos of a literally oiled landscape to see the faces of people who are directly impacted by even the most subtle of economic and environmental changes,” says Pasquier. “When we look at the photos of oily pelicans or an oiled coastline, we should also be trying to understand the backstory that was there long before the oil spill. We should also be looking for the everyday human story that isn’t drenched in oil.” Once he realized how complex these stories were, Pasquier joined forces with LSU’s Coastal Sustainability Studio to determine the intersections between people, land, and water – and oil. Most Louisianans feel the dangers associated with drilling are necessary for the state’s economy. That’s why so many people here reacted so strongly to the offshore drilling moratorium,” says Pasquier. “The oil spill isn’t just a one-off event. Most people know that there are environmental risks associated with the exploration, extraction, and refinement of oil, but, in talking with residents, it’s a risk many people are comfortable taking.” However, Pasquier says, “that isn’t to say that people aren’t asking themselves serious questions, ethical and moral questions, about the past, present and future of oil dependency at the local level. Many people have lost their jobs or taken new jobs, which has transformed the daily lives of some hardworking families.” Pasquier’s project takes him all over southern Louisiana, interviewing residents about their lives and heritage on the coast. He and his students are producing eight short documentaries chronicling personal stories of individuals they have met in Bayou Lafourche – a starting point toward understanding relationships between people, the oil industry, and the environment. “This isn’t about justifying our use of oil, or being pro-oil or proenvironment,” Pasquier says. “It’s about assessing the terrible consequences of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster by taking the time to focus on and understand the big picture, the realities that exist in everyday life for many Louisianans. This is about our history and our culture – this is about us and our future.”

ON THE WEB ww.artsci.lsu.edu/phil/relig/religmain.htm Ashley Berthelot is a research editor in the Office of Communications & University Relations and editor of LSU Research.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Noteworthy

Around Campus

Charles F. D’Agostino, executive director of the Louisiana Business & Technology Center and LSU Innovation Park at LSU, received the National Business Incubation Association’s 2011 President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in the field of business incubation. The award was presented at the NBIA International Conference in San Jose, Calif. D’Agostino, the second recipient of this award in the history of the NBIA, founded the LBTC at LSU in 1988 and has served as its executive director for the last twenty-three years. The LBTC won the 2005 National Business Incubator of the Year Award and has won several other international awards over the last ten years. Charles F. D’Agostino

Graham Bodie

Bryan Carstens

Bijaya Karki

Kalliat Valsaraj

Kevin Cope

Robin McCarley

Pinki Diwan

Among faculty recognized at the 2010 LSU Rainmakers banquet on June 1 were Graham Bodie, assistant professor of communication studies, and Bryan Carstens, assistant professor of biological sciences, who received Emerging Scholars awards recognizing junior faculty members exhibiting success at the assistant professor level; Bijaya Karki, associate professor of computer science, who received the MidCareer Scholar Award recognizing a faculty member at the associate professor level or recently promoted to full professor; and Kalliat Valsaraj, chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering, who was awarded the Senior Scholar Award, acknowledging a faculty member whose work is comparable to the quality of that considered for the Distinguished Research Master award or Boyd Professor designation. Kevin Cope, professor of English, and Robin McCarley, the Barbara Womack LSU Alumni Association Professor of Chemistry, were named Distinguished Research Masters on April 28 during a ceremony at the LSU Faculty Club. Cope received a bachelor’s with honors in English literature and philosophy from Pitzer College, and a master’s and Ph.D. in English and American literature and language from Harvard University. He is president of the LSU Faculty Senate. McCarley holds a bachelor’s degree from Lake Forest College and a master’s and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina. He has been a major influence in the subdiscipline of chemistry focusing on interfaces and their chemical nature and reactivity. The Distinguished Research Master Award provides winners a salary stipend and the University Medal – the symbol of exceptional academic accomplishment at LSU. Also recognized at the event were Richmond Eustis and Adam Lodygowski, recipients of the annual Josephine A. Roberts Alumni Association Distinguished Dissertation Award in Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, and the LSU Alumni Association Distinguished Dissertation Award in Science, Engineering & Technology, respectively. The awards are given to doctoral students whose research and writing demonstrate superior scholarship. Pinki Diwan, director of research and prospect management for the LSU Foundation, has been awarded the President’s Call to Service Award, the highest service award given to volunteers by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. Diwan was recognized for her 4,000-plus hours of community service. Fewer than 1 percent of Americans have received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award was presented to her by the Capital Area Family Violence Intervention Center. Diwan holds leadership positions with ten community organizations and is president of the Baton Rouge Battered Women’s Program and director of Sharing Shores.

48 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Noteworthy

Around Campus

Daphne S. Cain

MaryKatherine Callaway

Rebecca S. McConnico

Sumanta Acharya

G. Lee Griffin

50 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Daphne S. Cain, Master of Social Work program director and associate professor, has been named interim dean of the School of Social Work. Cain holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree from East Carolina University, and a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University. She won the LSU School of Social Work Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award in 2007. She has been a faculty research adviser for two students in the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, served as faculty adviser to the Social Work Student Association, and served on the LSU Faculty Senate Courses & Curriculum Committee, the Centers for Excellence in Learning and Teaching Advisory Council, the LSU Curricula Integration Committee, and numerous committees within the School of Social Work. MaryKatherine Callaway, director of LSU Press, has assumed leadership as president of the Association of American University Presses for 2011-2012. Callaway joined LSU Press as director in 2003, and over the past eight years the Press has won its fourth Pulitzer Prize, published three National Book Award finalists, and received many other prizes. She began her career in the marketing department at the University of Georgia Press before crossing the Atlantic to open the UK marketing office for the Johns Hopkins University Press. Upon her return to the states, Callaway continued her fourteen-year stint at JHUP, first as international sales and subrights manager and then marketing director. Rebecca S. McConnico, associate professor of veterinary medicine in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, spoke at the 17th World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine held in June in Beijing, China. McConnico’s presentations were part of a veterinary component of this international meeting due in part to expanding global concerns about societal responsibilities for including animals in local, regional, and federal disaster planning. Her topics were biosecurity considerations for equine

emergency sheltering and experiential learning in disaster response for veterinary students and veterinarians. The event was attended by more than 1,600 participants from fifty-seven countries. Sumanta Acharya, the L.R. Daniel Professor of Mechanical engineering, received the 2011 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Heat Transfer Memorial Award in the science of heat transfer category. The award was presented to Acharya for his “seminal and long lasting research contributions in gas turbine heat transfer and combustion, natural and mixed convection, and computational methods enabling improved design of gas turbine engines, enhanced capability of computational fluid dynamics software, and a better understanding of complex transport phenomena.” G. Lee Griffin has been named interim president and CEO of the LSU Foundation. Griffin, the retired chairman and CEO of Bank One of Louisiana (now Chase), holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in economics and finance from LSU. He was named to the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction in 1992 and the E. J. Ourso College of Business Hall of Distinction in 1996. He is the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals 2008 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser and Greater Baton Rouge Business Report and Junior Achievement Hall of Fame’s 1996 Businessperson of the Year. Griffin is the longest serving active member of the LSU Foundation board of directors and was chairman of the second half of the LSU Campaign, LSU’s first major fundraising campaign. He will serve as interim president and CEO until the position is filled. Juniors Mytrang Do and Winston Capps were selected as Goldwater award winners for 2011 by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. Do, a biochemistry major, was named a Goldwater Scholar. She hopes to pursue a combined M.D./Ph.D. and plans to concentrate her career on developing novel treatments to completely eradicate all forms of HIV. Capps, a mechanical engineering major, was selected as Honorable Mention. He wants to earn a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering and build spacecraft to discover astrophysical bodies.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Around Campus

Photo Ops

Chancellor’s Day Parade – Army, Air Force, and Navy ROTC Cadets from LSU and Southern University took part in the Chancellor’s Day Parade at the LSU War Memorial on April 28. The annual event is an opportunity for the chancellor to reassert the University’s commitment to a military presence at LSU and express support for ongoing efforts to strengthen the Corps of the Cadets. Photo by Eddy Perez

52 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Tiger Walk

Looking for that

PERFECT GIFT?

Y.A. Tittle, Betty Huxel, Vonnie Hawkins, Chancellor Emeritus James Wharton, Interim Dean Laura Lindsay, and Provost Jack Hamilton.

Education Honors – Yelberton “Y. A.” Tittle, an LSU football legend and NFL Hall of Famer, and Elizabeth “Betty” Bollinger Huxel, professor and architect, were among ten alumni, faculty, and friends recognized at the LSU College of Education’s first annual awards banquet on April 28. Tittle received a College of Education Alumni Distinction Award. Huxel also received an Alumni Distinction Award for her accomplishments as an architect, photographer, professor, and pioneer in computer-aided design. Chancellor Emeritus James H. Wharton accepted an Award for Outstanding Service in recognition of his long-time voluntarism to the University and the University Laboratory School, and Vonnie Hawkins accepted the Philanthropist of the Year award on behalf of the Irene W. and C. B. Pennington Foundation for their generous support of the LSYOU program for at-risk youth.

Bowdon Retires – LSU Foundation employees and board members joined by friends and family of Maj. Gen. Bill Bowdon, gathered in LSU’s Tiger Den Suites on June 3 to honor Bowdon’s retirement as president and CEO of the LSU Foundation. Bowdon, an LSU alumnus, assumed the post in August 2004, Laura Dauzat, chair of the LSU Foudnation board of when he retired from the U.S. directors, Billand Sally Bowdon. Marine Corps after thirty years of service. Bowdon played a critical role in the planning, launch, and successful completion of the Forever LSU campaign, the largest fundraising initiative in LSU’s history. During his tenure, the LSU Foundation expanded its capacity for bringing private dollars to LSU and celebrated a half-century of service to the University. Bowdon shepherded numerous major fundraising initiatives on behalf of LSU, the LSU AgCenter, the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center,and the LSU System Office. Photo by Rachel Saltzberg

Remember your special Tiger with a personalized Tiger Tile and make them a permanent part of LSU history. Tiles are available on Tiger Walk, the entrance to the Lod Cook Alumni Center, and Tiger Plaza, in front of the Jack and Priscilla Andonie Museum.

Contact Brandli Roberts at 225-578-3852 or order online at www.lsualumni.org.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Around Campus

Photo Ops Honorary Degrees – LSU awarded two honorary degrees at the spring commencement main ceremony on May 20. The Honorable W. Henson Moore, chair of the Forever LSU campaign and former representative of Louisiana’s sixth congressional district, delivered the commencement address and received the degree Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa. Alexander Pierre “A.P.” Tureaud, Jr., was also awarded the Doctor of Humane letters honoris causa. Tureaud, LSU’s first AfricanAmerican undergraduate student in 1953, was rejected by his fellow students and teachers. He completed his undergraduate studies at Xavier University in New Orleans and earned a graduate degree from Columbia University in New York. He has been a professional educator for nearly four decades in White Plains, N.Y., and is currently involved in historical activism in civil rights and African American history in Louisiana.

A.P. Turead, Jr. and W. Henson Moore

Norman Deumite, Janis Carse, and Chancellor Michael Martin.

54 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Photo by Jim Zietz

Wall of Honor – As groups across America recalled the contributions and sacrifices of its military veterans, LSU paid special tribute to alumnus Cpl. Nathan Brock Carse, who was killed in Afghanistan earlier this year. Carse’s name was unveiled on the LSU War Memorial Wall of Honor on May 30 during the annual LSU Memorial Day Ceremony sponsored by the University and Cadets of the Ole War Skule. Carse,

a native of Harrod, Ohio, earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from LSU in 2007. He died Feb. 8 in Kandahar province, while serving with the 595th Engineer Company “Sapper.” After Carse’s name was unveiled, Chancellor Michael Martin and incoming Cadets of the Ole War Skule President Norman Deumite presented an etched rendering of his name to his mother, Janis Carse. Photo by Eddy Perez

G E A U X T I G E R S

G E A U X T I G E R S s hop. l s ualu m n i . o r g G E A U X S H O P

THE SHELTON GIFT SHOP 3848 WEST LAKESHORE DRIVE BATON ROUGE, LA 225/383-0241 LOCATED IN THE LOBBY OF THE COOK HOTEL

1. Men’s Nike Pass Route White Polo S-3X $60 2. Men’s Nike Pass Route Black Polo M-3X $60 3. Women’s Nike Purple Tee Jersey XS-XL $32 4. Women’s Nike 1/2 Zip Pullover Purple Top XS-XL $55 5. Men’s Polo Purple Mesh with Gold Stripe M-3X $55 6. Nike Purple Coaches Legacy Cap $20 7. Nike White Coaches Legacy Cap $20 8. Nike Purple Half Back Pass Pullover S-2X $66 9. Women’s Nike White Jersey Tee XS-XL $32 10. Men’s Hawaiian Shirt with Pockets M-2X $41 11. Women’s Endzone Tee S-XL $25 12. Nike Purple Swoosh Flex Cap 11 $22

James Moroney

Focus on

Faculty

Glenda Wooters Streva Alumni Professor By Ben Wallace

James Moroney

“I actually have always enjoyed teaching freshman biology . . . it’s usually the student’s first semester, and they’re excited to be in college.”

NASA ended its roughly forty-year space shuttle program in July and can boast introducing the world to the likes of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and LSU professor of biological sciences James Moroney. “I grew up watching the space program, from the Mercury program through Apollo, and that got me interested in science,” says Moroney, who has now studied biology for roughly forty years. Moroney grew up in Albany, N.Y., and moved west almost 300 miles to attend the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo as a biochemistry major. While at SUNY-Buffalo, he heard a lecture given by 1967 Nobel Laureate and esteemed Harvard Professor George Wald, who introduced Moroney to his work on retinal, a pigment essential to vision. “From that point [on], I was interested in how light interacts with living cells and how organisms perceive outside stimuli, like light,” he says. While skiing, Moroney met a scientist from a downtown Buffalo hospital, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where he eventually landed a job as a researcher. “I enjoyed the work except for working with mice and rats. I did not enjoy that part at all,” he says. Eventually he focused on plant biochemistry as his field of choice, which he studied at Cornell University while earning his doctoral degree in biochemistry, cell, and molecular biology. After earning his Ph.D., Moroney enrolled at Michigan State University where he completed postdoctoral research in biochemistry. Since then, his research has focused acutely on photosynthesis and more specifically the carbon dioxide concentrating mechanisms of algae. In 1986 Moroney settled into his new home as an assistant professor at LSU. “I don’t care for the summer heat and humidity here, [but] I don’t miss winter at all. The weather here from October to May is very nice, so I’m happy,” he says. Moroney generally teaches BIOL 1001 or 1201, the freshman introductory biology courses. “I actually have always enjoyed teaching freshman biology,” he says, “because it’s usually the student’s first semester, and they’re excited to be in college. I just wish the class was smaller, as I can only get to know a fraction of the students.” When searching for biology professors with the last name “Moroney” at LSU, “Jim” isn’t alone. There’s a Patricia Moroney, too – an instructor in biological sciences. “My wife and I met at Cornell, where we both worked in our first formal biochemistry lab. We went on to work as postdoctoral researchers at MSU before coming to Louisiana,” he explains. And when the biochemistry and botany departments at LSU merged under the roof of biological sciences in 1997, the two were suddenly teaching in the same department. The Moroneys have three children. Their eldest son graduated from LSU with a bachelor’s degree in English and now teaches at McKinley High School in Baton Rouge, and their second son is a senior in LSU’s history department. Their daughter attends Princeton University, where she studies classical languages. When asked if he had any interests outside of biology, he replies, “Coin collecting, sorry, not too exciting. [But] I also enjoy genealogy and travel.” Ben Wallace, a student in the Manship School of Mass Communication, is the entertainment director/producer/anchor of “The Ramen: The Soup for College Students” on Tiger TV.

56 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

LSU Track & Field

Locker

ROOM

Eyeing the 2012 Olympics

By Will Stafford Photos by Bryan Wayne/LSU Sports Information

LSU’s winning 4x100-meter relay team, left to right, Kimberlyn Duncan, Rebecca Alexander, Kenyanna Wilson, and Semoy Hackett.

Olympic hopeful Riker Hylton.

In the summer of 2008, thenLSU senior Richard Thompson prepared to make his first career appearance in the Olympic Games for Trinidad and Tobago after being crowned the NCAA champion in the 100-meter dash at the conclusion of the collegiate season. Despite his success, Thompson could never have imagined walking away from his Olympics debut at the National Stadium in Beijing, China, as the silver medalist while finishing runnerup only to world-record holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica. It proved to be a banner year for the University, which was represented by more track and field athletes at the Olympic Games than any other collegiate program. Twelve Tigers and Lady Tigers made the trip to Beijing, and Auburn and the University of Texas at El Paso followed with eleven Olympians in athletics. Fast forward three years. LSU Track & Field is sure to be a leader once again as a new crop of superstars prepares for a trip to the 2011 IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, and the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The Lady Tigers feature one of the

58 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

world’s leading 200-meter sprinters in sophomore Kimberlyn Duncan, who recently wrapped up the 2011 collegiate season with a sweep of NCAA championships in the 200-meter dash with one of the most decorated seasons in the event in collegiate history. Her winning time of 22.24 seconds in the 200-meter final at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in June is not only a new personal record but also the third-fastest time in collegiate history and the thirdfastest wind-legal time in the world for the 2011 outdoor season. Duncan is only the sixth sprinter in NCAA history to sweep indoor and outdoor national titles in the 200-meter dash, and the first Lady Tiger to do so. A native of Katy, Texas, Duncan was the leading individual point scorer of this year’s NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships with 20.5 points as she also anchored the Lady Tigers to an NCAA title in the 4x100meter relay and finished as the national runner-up in the 100-meter dash in Des Moines, Iowa. That performance earned her a selection as one of three finalists for The Bowerman in 2011, which is college track and field’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. The men’s and women’s recipients of The Bowerman will be

announced on Dec. 14, at the annual convention for the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association in San Antonio. The Lady Tigers feature another of the world’s leading 100-meter and 200-meter sprint prospects in junior Semoy Hackett, a native of Trinidad and Tobago who transferred to LSU from NCAA Division II power Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. Hackett, who joined Thompson as part of the Trinidad and Tobago squad competing at the Beijing Olympics, has already proven herself as a national title contender while earning a total of four All-America honors in her first season with the Lady Tigers. The Tigers feature a pair of Olympic hopefuls of their own in the sprints and hurdles as Barrett Nugent and Riker Hylton recently wrapped up the 2011 collegiate season as two of the NCAA’s best for their respective events. Nugent, a product of Maurice, La., became just the second LSU Tiger in program history to be crowned the NCAA Outdoor champion in the 110-meter hurdles with his performance in the season finale at Drake University. Nugent, who had finished as the NCAA silver medalist on two previous occasions, struck gold in the final by winning his first career NCAA championship with a wind-aided effort of 13.28. As Nugent continues to develop as one of the country’s elite sprint hurdlers, he is sure to compete for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. Hylton has also emerged as a true Olympic hopeful for Jamaica with his performance in 2011 as he was recently crowned his country’s 400-meter champion at the Jamaican Senior Open Championships held in Kingston from June 25-27. That is where Hylton shattered his lifetime personal record in the event with a winning time of 45.30 in the final to earn a spot on the world-famous Jamaican sprint team that will compete at the World Championships later this summer in Daegu, South Korea.

Olympic hopeful Barrett Nugent.

Will Stafford is associate sports information director.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Tiger

NATION

1950s

Jake Schales (1951 ACH AGR), Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), is the 2011 recipient of the National Agricultural Alumni Development Association, or NAADA, Jane Longley-Cook Volunteer Service Award. The award recognizes service to NAADA and one’s alma mater. Nominated by Arlette Rodrigue, assistant dean, and Jody Bissett, administrative coordinator, in the College of Agriculture, Schales was described in the organization’s announcement as “an icon for both his institution and our organization.” He helped to establish the College of Agriculture Alumni Association in 1984 and continues to serve as that board’s Area 10 representative from his home in Carmichael, Calif. His service to the college also includes leadership of an alumni fundraising effort that secured more than $100,000 for student scholarships. Schales’ commitment to and enthusiasm for LSU was recognized

Degrees BACH Bachelor’s Degree MAST Master’s Degree PHD Doctorate 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 HSS Humanities and Social Sciences SCI Science BUS Business EDUC 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

60 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

by the LSU Alumni Association in 1994, when he was named Alumnus of the Year.

1960s

Joan Cronan (1966 BACH EDUC, 1968 MAST EDUC) was named University of Tennessee interim vice chancellor/director of athletics in June, making her the first woman in the Southeastern Conference to oversee an entire athletics department. After graduating from LSU, Cronan served as UT women’s basketball coach from 1968-70 then joined the College of Charleston in South Carolina, where she served as the athletics director for ten years. She returned to UT in 1983 and is entering her twenty-ninth year as women’s athletics director. She has been inducted into numerous halls of fame, served on the NCAA and SEC executive committees, and has to her credit ten NCAA titles, forty-six Top-Five NCAA finishes, eighty Top-10 finishes, twentynine SEC regular-season crowns, and twenty-four tournament championships. Ronald Rousseau (1966 BACH ENGR, 1968 MAST ENGR, 1969 PHD ENGR) has received the 2011 Malcolm E. Pruitt Award from the Council for Chemical Research (CCR). The award recognizes the outstanding contributions to the progress of chemistry-related sciences and engineering by promotion of mutually beneficial interactions among universities, the chemical industry, and government. Rousseau holds the Cecil J. “Pete” Silas Chair in chemical engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and is also chair of the Georgia Tech School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. He was the 1997 chair of CCR, has held numerous leadership roles in AIChE, and co-

authored the definitive textbook used in most introductory chemical engineering courses, Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes. Rousseau was inducted into the College of Engineering Hall of Distinction in 1991 and is a member of the college’s Industrial Advisory Committee.

1970s

Gregory J. Cordaro (1977 BACH BUS), president and managing broker of Cordaro Companies, based in Louisiana and Mississippi, announced in May that the company had been acquired through a national expansion by Hendricks & Partners. As a result of this acquisition, Cordaro will add his regional expertise to Hendricks & Partners’ elite, national advisory network. He has more than twenty-five years of experience in brokerage and has been highly successful in multifamily brokerage with over $2 billion (25,000 units). Cordaro is a member and former chairman of the LSU Alumni Association National Board of Directors. Theresa Gallion (1976 BACH HSS, 1982 JD), partner in Fisher & Phillips LLP’s Tampa office, was selected by her peers for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers & Rising Stars in the employment & labor law category. The honor is bestowed on only five percent of lawyers in the state. Gallion was also featured in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2011 and has been featured in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Business Lawyers since 2003. She has also been selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers since 2007 and The Best Lawyers in America since 2006. Gallion is a member of the LSU Alumni Association National Board of Directors.

Tiger Nation Cate Heroman (1974 BACH EDUC, 1977 MAST EDUC), Candy Jones (1978 BACH EDUC, 1988 MAST EDUC), Carol Aghayan (1988 MAST EDUC), and Diane Burts, authors and developers of the early childhood curriculum, The Creative Curriculum® System for Preschool, received the 2011 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP) at the organization’s Annual Awards Banquet & Gala in Washington, D.C., in June. The AEP awards program and its seal of excellence are widely recognized by educators, administrators, and parents as a mark of outstanding educational value. Heroman,

62 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

vice president of curriculum and assessment for Teaching Strategies, Inc., and Jones, an early childhood consultant, taught in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System and were administrators at the Louisiana Department of Education. Aghayan was lead teacher at LSU Preschool in the School of Human Ecology, and Burts is professor emeritus of human ecology. Joe Herring (1978 BACH BUS) chairman and chief executive officer of Covance, Inc., in Princeton, N.J., received the Ernst & Young Master Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 2011 New Jersey program’s twent-fifth anniversary gala in June. The award – Ernst & Young’s highest honor – recognizes individuals who demonstrate the ability to maintain management excellence over a sustained period of time, in conjunction with sound management practices, high

company values, and strong relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, and shareholders. Herring appeared in the LSU Flores MBA Program Distinguished Speaker Series in the fall of 2004. Ronald “Ron” Jarnagin (1971 BACH BUS), staff scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., was installed as president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) at its 2011 Annual Conference in June. As president, Jarnagin directs the society’s board of directors and oversees its executive committee. Past service includes all offices on the executive committee; chair of the president-elect advisory committee, members council, advocacy committee, the building energy quotient ad hoc committee; and a consultant to the Standard 90.1 committee, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. He formerly

Tiger Nation chaired the Standard 90.1 committee and chaired committees that wrote three Advanced Energy Design Guides. He is a recipient of the Exceptional Service Award and the Distinguished Service Award. Jarnagin received a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida. He and his wife, Linda, have a daughter, Kaitlin.

Sixth District Dental Association. A major in the U.S. Air Force for seven years, he currently works in private practice in Baton Rouge and also is a clinical assistant professor at the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and has published several papers. Simon was named the School of Dentistry Alumnus of the Year in 2005.

Denis E. “Chip” Simon III (1972 BACH HSS, 1976 DDS) has received the Edgar D. Coolidge Award, the highest honor conferred by the American Association of Endodontists, or AAE, for his leadership and exemplary dedication to dentistry and endodontics. Simon has volunteered his time and support to several dental associations for more than twenty years and has served as president of the AAE, the AAE Foundation, the Louisiana Dental Association, the Louisiana Association of Endodontists, and the

Belle Wheelan (1974 MAST HSS), president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or SACS, received a Women of Distinction Award on June 2 during the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. More than 500 college-age women from around the nation attended the conference, which gives the next generation of leaders the tools needed to make a difference on their campus and in their communities. Wheelan, the first African American and

64 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

the first woman to serve as president of SACS, earned a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin.

1980s

Ann Hay Conn (1985 BACH ENGR, 2000 MD) has been selected in Becker’s Orthopedic and Spine Rerview as one of the “70 Best Pain Management Physicians in America.” Physicians were selected for the list based on the awards they received from major organizations in the field, leadership in those organizations, work on professional publications, and positions of service held at hospitals and surgery centers. Conn is board certified in neurology, pain management, and headache medicine and is in private practice in Mandeville, La. She is a clinical associate professor at LSU Health Science Center.

Tiger Nation

BABY

BENGALS

Tigers in Print Charles R. Embry (1967 MAST HSS)Voegelinian Readings of Modern Literature (University of Missouri Press) The work of renowned thinker Eric Voegelin is largely rooted in his literary sensibility. For Voegelinian Readings of Modern Literature, scholar Charles R. Embry, professor emeritus of political science at Texas A&M University, has collected essays that consider particular pieces of literature in light of the philosopher’s work. These essays supply a theoretical grounding for the reading of novels, poems, and plays and reveal how the Voegelinian perspective exposes the existential and philosophical dimensions of the literary works themselves. The collection shows how modern pieces of literature can symbolize their creators’ participation in the human search for the truth of existence – just as myths, philosophical works, and religious texts always have. Melanie Fowler (2001 BACH HSS) Look at My Eyes – Autism Spectrum Disorders: Autism and PDD-NOS Look at My Eyes – a universally recognized plea uttered by parents of children with autism – is the title of Melanie Fowler’s first book, which highlights the importance of early autism diagnosis and treatment. Her message is clear and urgent: Do not wait. With courage, passion, conviction, humility, and humor, Fowler advocates for early diagnosis

and treatment. Her practical and sensible advice helps readers avoid the unscrupulous charlatans peddling silver bullet treatments, leading them straight to the evidence-based interventions that are scientifically proven to produce meaningful outcomes. Fowler, a certified educational diagnostician, volunteers at the Jane Justin School at the Child Study Center in Forth Worth, Texas, which her son, William, attends. Stephan Kinsella (1987 BACH ENGR, 1990 MAST ENGR, 1991 JD) Louisiana Civil Law Dictionary (Quid Pro Books) With obscure terms like emphyteusis and jactitation, the language of Louisiana’s civil law can sometimes be confusing for students and even for seasoned practitioners. But the Louisiana Civil Law Dictionary can help. It defines every word and phrase contained in the index to the Louisiana Civil Code, plus many more – in clear and concise language – and provides current citations to the relevant statutes, code articles, and cases. Students, researchers, lawyers, judges, notaries, and paralegals will find the book indispensable, as will common law practitioners. The dictionary translates civil law terminology into familiar concepts, explaining, for example, how “naked ownership” is different from “usufruct.” Civil law dominates the world’s legal systems, so the book will find a home with libraries and scholars everywhere.

Robert W. Anderson III (1994 BACH, 2009 MAST MCOM) and his wife, Leigh Truluck (1999 BACH BUS), announce the birth of Baby Bengal Emma Jane on April 6. Emma weighed 5 lbs. 3 oz. The family resides in New Orleans. Michelle Zeringue Spielman (1999 BACH MCOM, 2001 MAST HSS) and E. Stewart Spielman (2000 BACH HSS) are excited to announce the birth of their daughter, Emerson Adele, on March 29. “Emerson can’t wait to make it to her first game this fall in Tiger Stadium! Geaux Tigers!” says mom Michelle. Cher Green Broussard (2004 BACH HSS, 2007 MSW) and husband Matthew Broussard of Denham Springs, La., announce the birth of their son, Valen Matthew, born at 7:10 a.m. on Feb. 14. Valen weighed 8 lbs. 9.5oz. and measured 19.875 inches long. Carl Neels (1991 BACH AGR) and his wife, Betty, of Pensacola, Fla., announce the birth of their daughter, Willow Abigail, on April 4.

Patrick Downs (2006 BACH HSS) and his wife, Jesse Gomez Downs (2004 BACH EDUC), are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, future Tiger Julia Barnett (Class of 2033), born on May 3, 2011. Jesse is assistant director of LSU Career Services.

66 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Tiger Nation J. Eustis Corrigan, Jr. CPA (1986 BACH BUS) has been named a partner at Horne LLP, in Ridgeland, Miss. He will be the partner in charge of the practice group that delivers comprehensive assurance, tax, fraud, forensic, and litigation consulting, as well as business advisory and accounting services. Corrigan has also been named the firm-wide director of Horne’s tax practice. Corrigan joined Horne in January 2010, bringing with him more than twenty years of tax experience and managerial experience with multiple national firms. He served as chief financial officer for a Southeast-based regional bank holding company and has extensive experience with public and private companies. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the AICPA tax section, and he serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Journal of Accountancy. Arthur J. “Jamie” Ensley (1987 BACH HSS), SBA business development officer for Wells Fargo Bank, has been named chairman of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival’s board of directors. Ensley has been involved with the festival, one of the city’s largest and most distinctive cultural events, for six years. The 2011 event attracted an estimated 300,000 people and twenty countries enriched the Atlanta Dogwood festival with samples of their music, dance, and cuisine. Patrick Hamilton (1984 BACH ENGR) has been named vice president– international real estate with Walmart. A tenyear Walmart veteran, Hamilton served most recently as vice president–construction and prior to that as vice presidentfacilities maintenance and director of facilities maintenance. In his new role, he will be responsible for helping drive cost

68 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

efficiencies in design and construction programs across the globe, with emphasis on the integration of new markets. Before joining Walmart, Hamilton was vice president-engineering for Lord & Taylor Department Stores. He achieved the rank of lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy’s civil engineer corps and earned a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

organized drives, phases of NLRB process, and all labor and employment law matters such as employee handbooks, management training, discipline, hiring and firing decisions, and wage and hour matters. Cooper also defends management clients in all phases of employment law litigation, including DOL, TWC, EEOC, and TCHR investigations.

Jeffrey W. Holeman (1983 BACH ENGR) has been named manager of new business development for Entergy’s Louisiana utilities. In his new role, Holeman will manage competitive commercial and residential business opportunities for Entergy in Louisiana. He was most recently Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, LLC’s regional customer service manager for the greater Baton Rouge region.

Gina Dugas (1992 BACH BUS), chief financial officer of the LSU Foundation, was named to the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report’s 2011 Influential Women in Business. Her professional experience includes controller for the Excel Group and audit staff as well as senior- and manager-level positions at Postlethwaite & Netterville. Dugas joined the LSU Foundation in May 2002 as a coordinator in the CFO’s office and became CFO in September 2006. Prior to being promoted to that position, she was also in an accountant supervisory position and was associate director of business affairs. Dugas is on the board of McMains Children’s Developmental Center and is active in her church parish.

Sherry L. Phillips-Hymel (1989 BACH HSS, 1991 MPA), chief budget analyst and director of fiscal services for the Louisiana State Senate, was named Master of Public Administration Alumna of the Year by the Public Administration Institute at the E. J. Ourso College of Business on April 27. In her role as director of fiscal services, Phillips-Hymel reviews fiscal legislation and coordinates the work of the Louisiana Senate budget analysts and the analysis of budgets within state departments.

1990s

Jennifer J. Cooper (1996 BACH, 1999 JD) has joined Cozen O’ Connor as an associate in the labor and employment practice. Her experience includes advising and representing clients during union-

Peter D. Dugas (1999 BACH BUS) has joined the Washington, D.C., office of Clark Hill PLC as director of government affairs. Dugas, former deputy assistant secretary in the Office of Legislative Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, was most recently vice president of government relations for a boutique government affairs firm in Washington, which specialized in banking and financial

Where Are You? Who are you? Where are you? What are

you doing? Tell us and share news of your new job or promotion, your wedding, honors, awards, new babies, and other celebrations with fellow alumni. Send your information, news items, and photos for publication to jackie@lsualumni.org or call 225-578-3370.

In Memoriam Derryl Houston Haymon died in Baton Rouge on July 6, 2011. Born near Leesville, La., Haymon attended LSU for two years beginning in 1935 but was forced to leave to help support the family during the Depression. He worked for Standard Oil Company for thirty-three years with a break to serve with the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. In 1952 he founded Petroleum Service Corporation, which grew into a company that handled dock facilities in several states. The company was sold in 2004 to a global firm based in Geneva, Switzerland. Haymon and his wife, Helen, were major University benefactors. Their support included the creation of an endowed professorships and scholarships in the School of Music, gifts to the College of Engineering, and donations to the LSU Alumni Assocation, for which they received the prestigious Purple & Gold Award. Haymon was inducted into the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction in 1998.

1930s

Mary Pearl “Girlie” Carville Blakeney, 1939 BACH, July 13, 2011, West Plains, Mo.

1940s

Leon Harold Bombet, M.D., 1948 BACH, 1952 MD), May 29, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Pauline Huddleston Hathaway Colvin, 1941 BACH, July 17, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Alex Green Finney, Jr., 1949 BACH, May 18, 2011, Houston, Texas Chares Carter Garvey, 1947 BACH, July 3, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Conan Himber Millstein, 1940 BACH, May 1, 2011, San Antonio, Texas Florette Matherne “Flo” Nickens, 1941 BACH, April 30, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Wallie Row Obier, 1948 BACH, June 9, 2011, Rosedale, La. Marjorie Josephine Hall Shafer, 1940 BACH, June 12, 2011, Seminole, Fla.

1950s

Robert Bruce “Bob” Agee, 1956 BACH, 1969 MAST, July 28, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Phil J. Boogaerts, 1951 BACH, Nov. 26, 2009, New Orleans, La. Joseph Farley Day, 1950 BACH, July 6, 2011, Roswell, Ga. J.C. Duncan, 1953 BACH, June 12, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. George Chester Freeman, Jr., 1952 BACH, June 19, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Charles Reginald “Bill” McDonald, 1951 BACH, May 9, 2011 David Cornelius “D.C.” McLaughlin, Jr., 1954 BACH, July 11, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Viola Braud Phillippe, 1950 BACH, April 23, 2011, Gonzales, La. James W. Reddoch, 1955 PHD, Professor Emeritus of Management, Vice Chancellor Emeritus for Administrative Services, June 14, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Joseph Rinaudo, Jr., 1952 BACH, April 27, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Ovide J. Roussel, Jr., 1956 BACH, June 26, 2011, Lutcher, La. Lennie Thomas Scallan, 1950 BACH, May 20, 2011, Bunkie, La. W.M. Stevenson, 1954 BACH, June 2011, Wimberley, Texas

1960s

Betty Jean Kuhn, 1966 MAST, July 1, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Sally Anne LeBlanc Brinkley, 1966 BACH, 1970 JD, May 16, 2011, La Jolla, Calif. William Jackson Clark, 1966 BACH, June 12, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Frances Clanton Farlow, 1965 BACH, April 20, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Raymond E. Fontenot, 1963 MAST, May 18, 2011, Eunice, La. William “Bill” Irving III, 1962 BACH, June 7, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Daniel James Grady III, 1964 BACH, 1967 JD, May 2011, Harlingen, Texas Lubertha Gant “Bert” Miller, 1960 MAST, May 24, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Albert Carter Mills III, 1966 BACH, 1969 MAST, June 18, 2011, Zachary, La. Gerald Joseph “Jerry” Smith, 1968 BACH, June 9, 2011, Prairieville, La. Patricia “Pat” Templeton, 1968 BACH, April 30, 2011, Liberty, Miss. James Eugne “Jim” Williams, 1961 BACH, 1968 JD, June 28, 2011, Crested Butte, Colo.

1970s

Deborah “Debbie” Bates, 1976 BACH, June 6, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. George Byron “Ronnie” Benton III, 1972 BACH, June 9, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Ruby Duncan Clark, 1973 BACH, April 20, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Deborah “Debbie” Bates Pierce, 1976 BACH, 1987 MAST, June 6, 2011, Central, La. Ralph Tyson, 1970 BACH, 1979 JD, July 18, 2011, Baton Rouge, La.

1980s

Daniel Konrad Willis, 1980 BACH, 1984 JD, May 30, 2011, St. Francisville, La.

1990s

Michah Anthony, M.D., 1995 BACH, May 27, 2011, Shreveport, La. Kerry Elizabeth Arnold Degeyter, 1999 MAST, May 17, 2011, Baton Rouge, La. Jeffrey David “Jeff” Nolan, 1998 BACH, May 29, 2011, Baton Rouge, La.

2000s

Anne Elizabeth Paterson, 2002 BACH, April 30, 2011, Baton Rouge, La.

Arthur Bruckner II Retired Professor of Industrial Engineering May 21, 2011 Baton Rouge, La.

Audrey Clark Gurie Former Pi Beta Phi and Alpha Xi Delta Housemother April 23, 2011 Baton Rouge, La.

John P. Hollis Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology June 11, 2011 Chatsworth, Calif.

Robert Emmett Chumbley III Associate Professor of French July 11, 2011 Baton Rouge, La.

Woodroe Hodges Retired Assistant Director of Graphic Services April 25, 2011 Baton Rouge, La

Rev. W.F. Jaak Seynaeve Former Professor of Religious Studies April 17, 2011 Bruges, Belgium

Lorraine “Mimi” Stafford Former Phi Gamma Delta Housemother July 4, 2011 Baton Rouge, La. Julian T. White Former Professor of Architecture July 19, 2011 Baton Rouge, La.

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.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Tiger Nation services as well as energy and gaming. Prior to this appointment, he worked at the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, as manager of public and legislative Affairs, serving as both communications director and legislative liaison for the organization’s public policy and regulatory agenda before Congress. Dugas also held senior positions with the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Julie Kane (1999 PHD HSS), a professor of English at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., was appointed Louisiana’s poet laureate by Gov. Bobby Jindal in May. She will serve a twoyear term. Kane’s collections of poetry, including Jazz Funeral, Rhythm & Booze, and Body and Soul, celebrate New Orleans and its culture. She won the Donald Justice Poetry Prize for Jazz Funeral

70 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

and the National Poetry Series Open Competition for Rhythm & Booze. She was a finalist for one of the major prizes in American poetry, The Poets’ Prize for the Best Collection of American Poetry, and a judge for the 2005 National Book Award in Poetry. Sheara A. Williams (1994 MSW), associate professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, completed Programs in Professional Education, Management Development Program at Harvard University on June 17. The program provides the tools and insight to think more strategically, balance the demands of colleagues, and spend more time providing forward-thinking leadership. Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation psychology from Southern University in 1992 and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina in 2004.

Mark Zelden (1992 BACH HSS) has joined the Washington, D.C., office of Adams and Reese as governmental affairs adviser in the Special Business Services Practice Group. With more than twenty years of federal experience, Zelden is a former senior adviser to the C2 Group in Washington, which provides government affairs consulting services to Fortune 100 and 500 companies and represents clients before the congressional and executive branches of the federal government. He co-founded Bell, Heroux & Zelden, a government affairs and strategic planning consulting firm, and was president of Louisiana-based Zelden Consulting Group. Zelden also practices in health care, education, transportation, and local municipalities. He earned a master’s degree from Catholic University of America in 1999.

2000s

Liz Brunet (2005 BACH ENGR), formerly a controls system engineer at Shell Geismar Chemical Plant, was promoted to run and maintain team leader for the process automation and control optimization group at Shell Geismar Chemical Plant in Geismar, La., effective June 16. Russell “Joey” Coco, Jr. (2000 BACH ENGR, 2006 MBA), of Baton Rouge, will receive the American Society of Civil Engineers 2011 Edmund Freidman Young Engineer Award for Professional Achievement at the group’s annual conference in Memphis, Tenn., this fall. Coco, a principal of Engensus, is deputy director of the Louisiana Infrastructure Report Card, which grades the state’s roads, bridges, and ports to provide an objective analysis of them and determine where best to commit infrastructure funding. Mario J. Garner (2002 BACH SCI) has been named chief operating officer (COO) at Fairview Park Hospital, an affiliate hospital of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) in Dublin, Ga. Prior to joining Fairview, Garner served as a consulting administrator for HCA’s executive development programs in Nashville, Tenn., and as COO of Regional Medical Center of Acadiana in Lafayette, La. He has been with HCA for eight years, as associate administrator at HCA/West Houston Medical Center in Houston and administrative resident at HCA/Tulane University Hospital in New Orleans. During his tenure, Garner has led improvement initiatives including: LEAN hospital operation processes, patient satisfaction improvement, employee and physician engagement, facility renovation and construction planning, executive development curriculum design, and community outreach and public relations. Garner earned a master’s degree in

healthcare administration from Tulane University in 2004 and a doctoral degree in administration and supervision from the University of Houston in 2010. He is credentialed as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), and is a member of LSU’s National Diversity Advisory Board, an annual guest lecturer in the College of Science for Careers in Life Science, BIOL 2090, and an alumnus member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Donna Howell (2007 PHD SCI) was promoted from assistant professor of chemistry to associate professor of chemistry at Park University in Austin, Texas. The promotion was approved by the university’s board of trustees effective July 1. Howell joined the Park faculty in 2007 and teaches organic, inorganic, and general chemistry. Abiodun O. Ishola (2007 BACH SCI) completed all requirements for a doctoral of medicine dgree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Ala., in May. He will continue his clinical training in internal medicine at Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. Travis Michel (2000 BACH ENGR), P.E., CPESC, was appointed to the City of Austin Urban Renewal Board of Commissioners in July. Michel, a project manager at Espey Consultants, Inc., has more than eleven years of experience providing analysis, design, project management, and construction management in the areas of water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater collection, creek bank stabilization, and land development. He volunteers his time to the local branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers and will serve as president-elect in 20112012 and as president the following year.

Delwyn Mitchell (2008 BACH ENGR), formerly an ERO-environmentalist at Motiva Port Arthur Refinery, was appointed blending support engineer at the Motiva Port Arthur Refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, effective May 1. Barry J. Morales (2000 MAST EDUC) received his doctor of education degree in educational leadership from Louisiana Tech University in May 2010. He is director of student development at Louisiana Tech, serving as faculty adviser to the Student Government Association, the Union Board, and radio station KLPI, and is chapter adviser of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. His duties also include teaching responsibilities in the College of Education. David Mustain (2008 BACH ENGR), formerly an engineer in the Shell Geismar Chemical Plant reliability department, will transfer to Pulau Bukom Complex, Singapore, as a turnaround planning engineer in October. Sean Odom (2002 BACH ENGR), formerly a maintenance supervisor-field at Shell Geismar Chemical Plant, was promoted to maintenance execution manager and transferred to Motiva Port Arthur Refinery in March. He will be accountable for maintenance execution during commissioning and startup of the Motiva Port Arthur Refinery Crude Expansion Project in Port Arthur, Texas. Charley Grant Silvio (2008 BACH HSS), of Lake Charles, La., was awarded a master of arts degree in literature and a master’s degree of fine arts in creative writing from McNeese State University on May 21. He maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA for his entire graduate school career and received the Robert Olen Butler Award for Short Story. Silvio will be teaching English at McNeese State University and Sowela Technical Community College in the fall.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Tiger Nation Elizabeth Rouillier Stiegman (2006 BACH EDUC) received a 2011 Distinguished Educator Award from Cabrini High School in New Orleans. Stiegman was one of six elementary school teachers named Cabrini Distinguished Educators at the school’s annual Distinguished Educators Convocation. Each recipient was nominated by a Cabrini student who demonstrates outstanding character and holds a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. To nominate a teacher, each student wrote an essay about an elementary school teacher who impacted their lives in some way. Stiegman teaches at St. Stephen Catholic School in New Orleans. She and her husband, Scott, were married on July 16, 2010, and reside in St. Gabriel, La. Reid Williams (2006 BACH ENGR, 2009 MBA), formerly a change management specialist at Shell Geismar Chemical Plant was transferred to Shell Pernis Refinery as a turnaround and projects excellence manager in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, effective July 1.

72 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

2010s

Napoleon Johnson (2010 MBA), of Madison, Miss., has been named vice president of customer operations for Entergy Mississippi. Johnson previously served as director of safety and Entergy Continuous Improvement for the company’s utility group. His experience includes significant work in the company’s nuclear operation, where he served as the nuclear director of Entergy Continuous Improvement. He serves on the board of United Way of the Capital Area and is a member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, Golden Key International Honor Society, Mississippi Manufacturers Association, and Mississippi Energy Policy Institute.

Kate Middleton (2010 BACH HSS), creative associate in the Nashville, Tenn., office of Zehnder Communications has been promoted to junior copywriter. Middleton served as an intern in Zehnder’s Baton Rouge office prior to joining the Nashville office in January. Laura Williams (2010 BACH HSS) has two poems published in Soup for the Soul: Just For Teenagers (Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, 2011). Williams lives in Baton Rouge, La. Rouge and volunteer four days a week at Adult Literacy Advocates while seeking employment.

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.

Profile

Tiger Nation

Redesigning Home By Zac Lemoine

“The opportunity to design something special for Louisiana, where our roots run deep, was truly a dream come true“

Incorporating fun with functionality can be a challenge, but one LSU alumna is doing just that by applying her expertise in Jefferson Parish. Rebecca Bradley graduated from LSU’s Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture in 2001 and co-founded Cadence, a full-service planning and landscape architecture firm headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Although based in Florida, Bradley, a native of Shreveport, La., keeps close ties to home. She recently won the first prize of $30,000 in a national design competition in Jefferson Parish, La., for the redesign of the West Esplanade Drainage Canal – beating seven other design firms from around the country with her plan to convert the canal into a usable green space. “For this specific project, we sought to utilize the same creative approach that we offer all our clients,” said Bradley. “But the opportunity to design something special for Louisiana, where our roots run deep, was truly a dream come true.” The canal, which was functional but not very attractive, spans a 2.4 mile long stretch in Jefferson Parish and is surrounded by residential and commercial land. Cadence’s comprehensive solution provided space for community events, a playground and several educational components including a pilot bioswale program that filters stormwater runoff, minimizing the contaminants drained into the canal. Rebecca Bradley “It was essential that we create a responsible design solution that incorporated components of fun,” said Bradley. “Louisiana’s unique culture emphasizes the joy of life, so we wanted to provide Jefferson Parish with an environmental asset to display that.” The plan strives to unite the strengths of the project site with the vivacity of the local community and inspire a renewed sense of pride in the West Esplanade Canal. “Louisiana has a unique culture,” said Bradley. “We do like to socialize and have a good time.” Bradley is keeping busy. Cadence is currently working on residential and commercial design projects throughout Louisiana, Florida, and the Bahamas. Zac Lemoine, a May 2010 mass communication graduate, is a student writer in the Office of Communications & University Relations. ON THE WEB www.landscape.lsu.edu

Several other Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture alums also garnered high honors in the Jefferson Parish project competition. Winners of the second prize of $5,000 were Dana Brown (1979 BACH A&D), Chris Africh (2009 BACH A&D), and Madeline Suba Ellis (2006 BACH A&D) of Baton Rouge-based Brown Danos Land Design. Winners of the third prize of $5,000 were Christine Forsman (1999 MAST A&D), Brian Goad (2003 BACH A&D), Jenny Harbourt (2002 BACH A&D), Stephen Rust (2007 BACH A&D), Beth Sansovich (2008 BACH A&D), and Bill Reich (1976 BACH A&D), of Reich Associates of Baton Rouge; Max Conrad, professor of landscape architecture; Alissa Gros (2004 BACH A&D) and Scott Nesbit (19897 BACH AGR, 1991 MAST AGR) of the Baton Rouge firm Natural Resource Professionals.

74 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Tiger Nation

Profile

Swim Key West LSU alums Geoffrey Grice, Heather Hageman, Dustin Smith, and Lad Wells competed as a relay team and kayak support in the 35th Annual Swim Around Key West on June 4. Former LSU swimmers Geoffrey Grice (2003 BACH MDA) and Heather Hageman (1994 BACH HSS), along with Lad Wells (1998 BACH HSS, 2003 BACH HSS, 2003 BACH ENGR), entered as a three-person relay team, while Dustin Smith (2009 BACH HSS) provided kayak support. The 12.5-mile endurance swim attracted more than 140 competitors from twenty-one states and international competitors from Switzerland and

Geoffrey Grice and Dustin Smith, standing, with Heather Hageman and Lad Wells.

76 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

India. Each member of the relay team swam a four-mile leg, and kayak support provided swimmers protection from motorized vehicles. Founded in 1977 by Anna Fugina, the meet benefits organizations in Key West. Last year, the event raised $2,000 that was donated to the Key West High School cross country team. Hageman and Wells also competed in the Lowcountry Splash in Charleston, S.C., on May 28. The swim is a 2.4 mile open-water swim in the Cooper River, beginning at the Hobcaw Yacht Club, going along the Mount Pleasant shoreline passing under the Cooper River Bridge, and finishing at the Marina at the USS Yorktown. Proceeds from the Lowcountry Splash benefit the Logan Rutledge Children’s Foundation and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Profile

Tiger Nation

Track Record Alumnus Finds Labor of Love in Horse Training

By Kristine Calongne

“It was like Tiger Stadium on Saturday night“

It was Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, and excitement was in the air. The sun had set, the lights were on, and the stands were packed. ESPN was broadcasting and fans across the country – across the world – were watching, wondering if there would be an upset. There was.

But it wasn’t the LSU-Alabama football game in Tiger Stadium, although the Tigers did upset Bama that night. It was the Breeders’ Cup Classic horse race, in which a four-year-old colt named Blame, trained by alumnus Al Stall, Jr. (1984 BACH SCI), upset the favorite, a legendary mare named Zenyatta, to win one of horse racing’s biggest events. “It was like Tiger Stadium on Saturday night,” Stall said of storied Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby and host of the Breeders’ Cup Classic that night. “Churchill had put in lights and the race was at night. There were 72,000 people there, and when you threw in the ‘Zenyatta factor,’ the drama was off the charts. They say LSU’s record at night is better than during the day, and after what I went through, I understand. There’s so much more drama when it’s dark. The night time really kicks it up.” Stall’s father, Al Stall, Sr., was a prominent horse trainer and owner at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, which enabled Stall to work at the racetrack during high school and college. And like his father, Stall also Blame (5), right, edges out Zenyatta (8) to win the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic. Photo courtesy Churchill Downs majored in geology at LSU. After graduation, he went to

78 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Blame's trainer, alumnus Al Stall Jr. Photo courtesy Hodges Photography/Fair Grounds

work for Pel-Tex Oil Company in New Orleans, beginning a career that had absolutely nothing to do with horses. After about three years, Pel-Tex shut down its New Orleans office, but Stall didn’t mind being laid off. He packed up his things and went straight back to the track. Today, Stall trains scores of race horses for some of the nation’s top horse breeders, including world-renowned Claiborne Farm in Kentucky, which was once the home of Triple Crown champion Secretariat. Stall said he has “peace of mind” now that one of his horses has won a major race like the Breeders’ Cup, but he plans to continue producing more winners. Currently, some of his best prospects are a three-year-old colt named Bind, a four-year-old colt named Apart, and a filly named Might, who has captured attention because she’s a full sister to Blame. My money’s on the man from LSU. Kristine Calongne is assistant vice chancellor for communications in the Office of Communications & University Relations.

Presidential Management Fellows Three Named 2011 Finalists LSU graduate student Danielle LaRock (2011 MAST SCE) of Virginia Beach, Va., Dana Tumblin (2008 BACH MCOM, 2010 MAST MCOM), of St. Rose, La., and Keith Courville (2010 MAST EDUC), a native of New Iberia, La., who now resides in Baton Rouge, have been named finalists for the 2011 Presidential Management Fellows program, a prestigious and highly competitive program administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Selection qualifies the students for a two-year internship with federal government agencies and an inside track to some of the top federal jobs in the nation. The finalists were chosen based on their academic and leadership achievements, future career goals, and interest in working in federal public service. The three finalists are a part of 850 students selected for the class of 2011 finalists, out of an applicant pool of 9,102 students. All finalists were assessed on their superior writing, interpersonal, analytical, and leadership skills.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Profile

Tiger Nation

Former LSU All-American David Toms Tiger Alum Roars Back at Colonial

By Matt DeVille

David Toms dons the trademark plaid jacket and hoists his trophy after winning the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. Photo courtesy Getty Images

Never say never. There were those who believed David Toms’ competitive career was in its twilight as the former LSU golfer turned 44 in January. Five years removed from his last win (the 2006 Sony Open), it seemed the one-time PGA Champion was headed toward retirement. All that ended in Ft. Worth, Texas, on May 22. Toms set a PGA Tour record with backto-back rounds of 62 before losing the lead in the third round only to surge from behind to capture the 2011 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. He surrendered a seven-shot, 36-hole lead shooting a four-over par 74 in the third round to fall a stroke back of Charlie Wi. After a quiet final round front nine, Toms roared on the back when he holed out a wedge from 83 yards on the par-5, 11th hole for an eagle to leapfrog Wi into the lead. “I’m not dreaming, am I?” Toms said in the moments after sinking a three-foot par putt to secure his 13th career win. “This is actually happening, right? Wow, to be quite honest, I didn’t know if this day would ever come again.” One of the most satisfying wins of his long career came a week after what was likely the most gut-wrenching finishes Toms had ever endured. After leading most of the way in the final round a week earlier, Toms squandered a three stroke lead before losing to K.J. Choi in a playoff at The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

“I have always had a problem with self doubt. I don’t always feel like I have an advantage every week. And it kinda beats you up,” Toms said. “To come back after what happened last week is probably the most satisfying victory I’ve ever had out of all the other ones. Even the major championship. Even winning in my home state.” Speaking of his home state, Toms had plenty of company from Louisiana along the way at Colonial. When he sank a 14-foot putt for birdie on No. 14 Sunday, chants of L-S-U rang through the trees along the historic golf course. Toms has never forgotten his roots that run deep in Baton Rouge and at LSU. An avid Tiger fan and regular at LSU home games, he has given back to his alma mater and the Baton Rouge community. In a recent article on GolfDigest.com, Toms talks about his ties to Baton Rouge. The article, an installment written by Dave Shedloski as part of a series entitled “My Town,” paints a picture of how “Louisiana’s capital is close to the heart of this LSU alum and part-time resident.” In the feature, Toms makes sure to mention one of his favorite places to stay when he is in Baton Rouge. “There’s a place right on campus called The Cook Hotel,” Toms said. “It’s named after one of our alumni, Lod Cook. It’s in a convenient location for a lot of different things. The rooms are painted in LSU colors, just to make visiting teams feel at home when they stay there.”

Louisiana Legends Bill Conti

Norman Kinsey

80 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Laura Leach

Jerry Stovall

Four LSU notables joined the ranks of Louisiana Legends at the Louisiana Legends Gala on May 5. The annual event, sponsored by Louisiana Public Broadcasting, showcases nationally prominent Louisiana natives who have brought honor to the state through their accomplishments. The 2011 LSU honorees include Oscar and five-time Emmy Award-winning composer Bill Conti (1963 BACH M&DA, Doctor of Humane Letters 1985), of Los Angeles; energy and land-development leader Norman V. Kinsey (1947 BACH BUS), of Shreveport, La.; business leader and philanthropist Laura A. Leach (1961 BACH BUS), of Lake Charles, La.; and former LSU All-American, LSU football coach, and NFL football player Jerry Stovall. Also honored was Lt. General Russel L. Honoré, U.S. Army (Ret.), commander of Joint Task Force Katrina.

Tiger Nation

Profile

Update Kyrgyzstan

Editor’s note: Judson Moore (2007 BACH HSS) joined the Peace Corps earlier this year (see “Assignment Kyrgystan,” Summer 2011 issue of LSU Alumni Magazine). This and future issues of the magazine will carry brief updates on Moore’s experience. His blog can be seen at judsonlmoore.com.

Well friends, I did it! Today’s swearing-in ceremony marks a momentous occasion. Training has been very intense. The past two months have been solid six-day weeks of regimented language, cross-cultural, and technical training. When I haven’t been in class or experiencing the Kyrgyz culture, I have tried to get as much precious sleep as possible.

The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, celebrates the 4th of July. “The man on the left with the blue shirt is the Kyrgyzstan country director for the Peace Corps, and the African-American woman is America's ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Pamela L. Spratlen,” writes Judson Moore (in sunglasses). “I can't provide the volunteers’ names. We stand in front of a yurt, which is the traditional housing of the nomadic Kyrgyz people and hold a shurdock, an example of the fine handicrafts typical to this area.

82 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

After I swear in, I will head to my permanent site in Talas City in the western part of the country. The host family that awaits me there is amazing. I have a mom, dad, three sisters (ages 7, 12, 20), and a brother (age 10). My host-dad is an architect and my hostmom is a human rights attorney. My job will be working at a radio station called RadioMost (radiomost.org). In September the plan is for me to restart a radio soap opera that was very popular – and be one of the characters. We currently broadcast to about 200,000 people and are tripling transmitter wattage this summer. As soon as I get to Talas I will confirm my new mailing address. If you are interested in sending a care package, then I am VERY interested in receiving it! Many “American” items are available locally, but are fairly expensive (especially on a volunteer budget!) I am happy to send you a list of things that I am missing most, but you can’t go wrong with Kraft classic Macaroni & Cheese, coffee, acoustic guitar strings, powdered Gatorade (red), new music, and as random as this sounds, athletic socks (black). Well that’s all for now. See Facebook for photos, follow me on Twitter for daily updates, and e-mail me at judsonlmoore@gmail.com for anything else!

LSU Salutes, Call for Memorabilia LSU and Cadets of the Ole War Skule plan two major events this fall, the annual LSU Salutes observance and a Call of Memorabilia for the proposed LSU Military Museum. Twelve LSU alumni will be inducted into LSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military Hall of Honor on Saturday, Nov. 12, during LSU Salutes weekend. The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. at the LSU War Memorial on the LSU Parade Ground. This event is free and open to the public. The honorees will also be recognized during pre-game activities for the LSU vs. West Kentucky football game at Tiger Stadium. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inductees are the late Lt. Col. Ralph Brown, U.S. Army, Baton Rouge; Lane Carson, U.S. Army, Covington, La.; the late Col. Richard Chappuis, Sr., Lafayette, La.; the late Brig. Gen. Steve Chappuis, U.S. Army (Ret.), Tacoma, Wash; the late Col. George Dalferes, U.S. Army/U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Kensington, Md.; Billy Ezell, U.S. Army, Lake Charles. Dexter Gary, U.S. Army, Baton Rouge; the late Paul M. Hebert, U.S. Army/USAR, Baton Rouge; Norman Kinsey, U.S. Army Air Corps, Shreveport, La.; the late Lloyd F. Love, U.S. Army Air Corps, Ferriday; Lt. Col. Ralph Stephenson, Jr., U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Baton Rouge; and Capt. Carl Weiss, U.S. Navy, Mechanicsburg, Pa.

LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

Profile

Tiger Nation

Alumna Garners Top Honor By John Grubb

Novella Bridges

Novella Bridges, training manager for the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for the Radiation Portal Monitoring Project, or RPMP, was named one of twenty-three Distinguished Women in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. RPMP was created by the federal government to deploy radiation detection systems at all U.S. Customs and Border Protection ports of entry. The awards were given as part of the United Nation’s International Year of Chemistry, which marks the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded to Marie Sklodowska Curie in 1911. Th awards were presented at the IUPAC World Chemistry Congress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in August. “I am truly humbled to receive this prestigious honor,” says Bridges. “As a chemist, I always aimed to be my very best and to make a lasting impact on the science community. As an AfricanAmerican woman, I am extremely proud

to be a positive role model for other young people aspiring to be chemists or other STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] careers.” Bridges earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Jackson State University and received her doctorate in inorganic chemistry from LSU in 2001. While at LSU, she worked in George Stanley’s research lab. Her previous research involved in the development of radio-labeled composites as therapeutic agents for cancer treatments. She served a one-year term as chair for the Richland Local Section of the American Chemical Society providing leadership for career development opportunities for women in chemical science fields and promoting women’s professional and scientific accomplishments. She has received several honors and awards, including a 2006 PNNL Women of Achievement award and a 2004 ACS Regional Industrial Innovation Award. John Grubb, retired director of communications for the College of Science, is sales manager at The Cook Hotel.

LSU Alums Highlight Louisiana Book Festival Several LSU alumni, including The Southern Review authors James Gordon Bennett (1940 JD), John Ed Bradley (1980 BACH HSS), Laurie Lynn Drummond (1986 BACH HSS, 1991 MFA), and Olympia Vernon (2002 MFA) will participate in the this year’s Louisiana Book Festival, set for Oct. 29 in downtown Baton Rouge. Sponsored by the Louisiana Center for the Book and the State Library of Louisiana, the festival features local, state, and regional writers and their books, offering opportunities for booklovers of all ages to interact with writers, poets, and storytellers and to enjoy an inspiring variety of book-related activities, exhibitions, and demonstrations. The LSU Press, The Southern Review, and LSU Libraries are among the exhibitors. Many LSU Press authors will be in attendance, including Seymour Topping and Robert Mann. MaryKatherine Callaway, director of the Press; Cara Blue Adams, fiction and nonfiction editor of The Southern Review; and LSU alumna Jessica L. Faust (1988 BACH EDUC, 1990 MFA, 1998 PHD HSS), poetry editor for The Southern Review will participate in panel discussions.

ON THE WEB www.louisianabookfestival.org

84 LSU Alumni Magazine | Fall 2011

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAI D Baton Rouge, LA PERMIT 159 Louisiana State University and A&M College 3838 West Lakeshore Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808