ULM Magazine – Fall 2016 by University of Louisiana Monroe

FALL 2016 • VOLUME 16, NO. 1

EIGHTY FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF

LOUISIANA MONROE · 1931 – 2016

U N I T Y – L E A D E R S H I P – M O T I VAT I O N

EXCELLENCE

UNIVERSITY OF

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FROM OUR PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

IT’S hard to believe I am already embarking on my seventh year as president. The time continues to fly by and our many accomplishments are growing in number. As I walk across campus today and marvel at all that we have become I have great nostalgia for the 85 years that have led us to this very moment. This magazine is dedicated to help commemorate those 85 years.

Dr. Nick J. Bruno President

We take pride in the many accolades and recognitions ULM has earned over the past year. Among many such achievements, we are proud that the elite Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education has designated ULM as a “Doctoral University” classification, of which there are only six in the state. To be eligible for a “Doctoral University” classification, an institution must have conferred at least 20 research/ scholarship doctoral degrees during the update year. ULM has met and succeeded that requirement, which has resulted in an increase in classification. This is a clear earmark of the growth of our institution and the commitment of our excellent faculty and graduate students. We also moved up in our U.S. News and World Report ranking

TAKE FLIGHT!

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Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D. ULM President

of the best colleges from a “South Regional” ranking to the elite “Best National Universities.” This improvement is due in part to our latest Carnegie Classification, and we share this distinction with only a select few other higher education institutions in Louisiana. Our students and alumni continue to outshine their peers by doing amazing things in our community, on a national level, and on a global stage. Whether their career takes them to the classroom or to the boardroom, ULM is doing its part to ensure their success. We are making strides each day to continue to become a better institution for our students, a better workplace for our faculty and staff, and a better campus to call home for our alumni. With each turn of the year comes new hope and inspiration for the future, and one of our many goals is to continue to positively impact the community and make our alumni proud. As you can see with our many new designations and classifications, we continue to excel. We welcome you to come back and visit campus, sit by the bayou, cheer on the Warhawks, and rediscover the university you still call your own.

CONTENTS

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ON THE COVER COMMEMORATIVE ILLUSTRATION CREATED BY SRDJAN MARJANOVIC IN HONOR OF ULM’S 85TH ANNIVERSARY. THIS PIECE REPRESENTS DIFFERENT VISUAL STYLES DONE OVER THE PAST EIGHT DECADES. IT IS A MODERN “RETRO” STYLE THAT PLAYS WITH THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SHAPES TO FORM THE WHOLE DRAMATIC NUMBER, BUT WITH A TOUCH OF OVERLAPPING SHAPES AND LINES.

1966 – 2 016

J O I N U S A S W E C E L E B R AT E

CELEBRATING 85 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

10 INSPIRED TO INSPIRE: BROOKE FOY UNITING THE TWIN CITIES

OF THE SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

CONTENTS

50 YEARS SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

LEGACIE S

18 NEW AUTISM CENTER

30 MONROE, MY HOMETOWN

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LEGACIES

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FALL 2016 VOLUME 16, NO. 1 PRESIDENT Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ULM FOUNDATION AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Susan Chappell (BBA ’82, MBA ’87) PRESIDENT, ULM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Jeremy K. Moore (BBA ‘00, MBA ‘02) CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Lisa F. Miller (MS ’94) DIRECTOR COMM & MARKETING Julia B. Letlow, Ph.D. (BA ’02, MA ’05) EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF

EDITORIAL TEAM

MEDIA RELATIONS Brice C. Jones, Ph.D. CREATIVE DIRECTOR Srdjan Marjanovic (BFA ’12) GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRINT Shanette L. Washington (BFA ’02) PHOTOGRAPHY Emerald McIntyre (BFA ’13) CONTRIBUTORS Vladimir Jakovljevic Joey McNamara Ann Bloxom Smith Meredith McKinnie Michael Roboski Jeanette Robinson David Caldwell Eric Elliot Tyler Craig Desirae Trappey

The ULM Magazine is published for members of the ULM Alumni Association and friends of the University of Louisiana Monroe and the ULM Alumni Association. Letters and comments should be sent to: The ULM Magazine 700 University Avenue Monroe, LA 71209-2500 (318) 342-5440 Email: ulmmagazine@ulm.edu

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Any letters or comments may be published and edited for length. Contents © 2016 by the University of Louisiana Monroe and the ULM Alumni Association. All rights reserved. The University of Louisiana Monroe is a member of the University of Louisiana System.

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THE PURSUIT

photo by Emerald McIntyre

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Head football Coach Matt Viator speaks at the inaugural ‘The Pursuit’ on Thursday, August 25th at Fant-Ewing Coliseum. This new event marks the launch of a new athletic and academic year.

BY BRICE C. JONES

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CELEBRATING 85 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE ON January 14, 1994, former U.S. President Bill Clinton participated in a news conference in Moscow with former President Boris Yeltsin of Russia to discuss a new partnership between the U.S. and Russia. Russia was facing much social and political instability and seeking the U.S.’s full support of various reforms.

greatness in terms of the past,” said Clinton. “But in the end, the only people who really make it work are those who define greatness in terms of the future.” This year marks the 85th anniversary of our university—85 years of transformation, growth, and remarkable achievement. This landmark presents us with an

CELEBRATING 85 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

“ BUT IN THE END, THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO REALLY MAKE IT WORK ARE THOSE WHO DEFINE GREATNESS IN TERMS OF THE FUTURE. ” – BILL CLINTON, FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT

C. C. Colvert, ULM’s first president, 1931–1944.

At one point in the conversation, Clinton said that every country is required to redefine “greatness.” WWW.ULM.EDU

“And when times are difficult, and the Russian people have been through some difficult times, there are those, always, in every age in time, who can generate some support by defining

opportunity to reflect on the question: What makes our university great? GREATNESS IN TERMS OF THE PAST The university opened its doors on September 28, 1931 as Ouachita Parish Junior College. The institution faced myriad challenges in its formative years. And the

During World War II (1939-45), many universities — including the likes of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton — opened their doors to the military, allowing

The university opened for its first session in September 1931 as Ouachita Parish Junior College.

training programs to be implemented on campus. This was no exception for what was then known as Northeast Junior College (NJC) of LSU. In 1939, the university became one of 404 colleges to participate in the Civilian Pilot Training Program to train pilots for

Granted that Louisiana saw less turmoil than neighboring southern states during the Civil Rights era (1954-68), integration was nonetheless a challenge for the university administration during the '60s. Under the leadership of former President Dr. George T. Walker, the university successfully integrated in 1964 without incident, unlike some universities, which experienced violent responses. Enrollment of African-American students increased annually, reaching more than 15 percent of the total enrollment in 1975.

CELEBRATING 85 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

The Great Depression (1929-39) led to the transference of university operations, buildings, and grounds to Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1934. The change was positive for the junior college, as former university president C. C. Colvert explained in the October 5, 1934 issue of the student-led newspaper, The Pow Wow: “The outlook for the Northeast Center is exceptionally good. Student enrollment is up to last years and will exceed the 400 mark before the year is over.” It became financially independent of LSU only in 1950, when control was transferred to the State Board of Education. During the '50s and '60s, the university became more financially mature thanks to various federal and private funds.

war. Flight instruction was conducted at Selman Field in Monroe, and classroom instruction was given on campus. In 1967, the university, in acknowledgment of the rich history of military aviation on campus, implemented a fouryear bachelor’s degree in aviation, a degree that is still offered today.

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challenges were not merely local and institutional in origin. The university overcame several national challenges posed by the Great Depression, World War II, and segregation.

The university has experienced several name changes, which has been a sore topic for many over the years. The university changed its name to Northeast Louisiana University (NLU)

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in 1970, a name it would keep for 29 years. On August 27, 1999, the university officially changed its name to the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), marking the fifth name change in the school’s history. With time, however, ULM has become a household name along with the new “Warhawk” mascot adopted in 2006. In recent years, branding efforts have strengthened the public’s perception of ULM and increased the awareness of the Warhawk tradition, which has its roots in the local war hero, General Claire Lee Chennault, and the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk plane flown during World War II.

CELEBRATING 85 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

Like other universities, ULM has gone through many challenges and transformations, some more significant than others. But the university’s greatness is here realized in the fact that its people have overcome many of these challenges. Past presidents, administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters—these make up

the pioneers that laid a solid foundation for the university that is now called ULM. GREATNESS IN TERMS OF THE FUTURE Now, ULM looks to the future. If there is one thing that is true of our future, it is that it is bright. Under current President Dr. Nick J. Bruno’s leadership, university enrollment is at an all-time high, retention and graduation rates have increased significantly, the international student body is soaring, and university programs and faculty are seeing more and more national recognition. Campus continues to be transformed through renovations and new building projects. Athletic programs have been strengthened in the last year with better facilities, new coaching staffs for football and soccer, the continued revitalization of men’s basketball, and high Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores across the board in all sports. The president’s five-year strategic plan (2013-18) is on track with the goal of being recognized among the best-performing regional

universities in the South by 2018. Growth is evident, and with growth comes new opportunities and responsibilities. Our predecessors were all forward thinking and forward moving. Their dreams about what we needed to become have been realized. As we work to include alumni, friends, and community partners more fully in the realization of our own goals and dreams, we turn our gaze toward a bright future. Just as General Chennault led boldly by not always following the well-worn path of conventional wisdom but instead dared to venture great things, we at ULM are poised for our own bold ventures—ventures that will change our society and our world. So, we celebrate 85 years. We celebrate a history that we proudly call our own. We meet once again “by the bayou’s tranquil water” and celebrate the greatness of years past and the greatness of years to come.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 10 7 pm Kickoff Pep Rally, Malone Stadium

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11 11:30 am ULM Retirees Luncheon, To RSVP, call 342-5420

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12

6 pm Business Symposium Keynote Speaker, Kevin Mitnick, The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Famous Hacker, Brown Auditorium

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 5:30 pm Golden Society Cocktail Reception, honoring the class of 1966. To RSVP, call 342-5420

*Visit ulm.edu/homecoming for specific organization gatherings and events.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 9 am Homecoming Brunch & Awards, Library 7th floor $10 tickets available online* 2 pm Homecoming Parade, Spectators can join us on Northeast Avenue or in The Grove 6 pm Football Game, ULM Warhawks vs. Texas State, Malone Stadium WWW.ULM.EDU

5 pm University Mile, Hemphill Hall

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13

CAMPUS NEWS

CELEBRATING 85 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

#ULMHC16

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COLLEGE OF ARTS, EDUCATION & SCIENCES BY BRICE C. JONES

INSPIRED WWW.ULM.EDU

TO INSPIRE BROOKE FOY UNITING THE TWIN CITIES

photo by Emerald McIntyre

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COLLEGE OF ARTS, EDUCATION & SCIENCES

“WE NEED TO BRING SOME VIBRANCY TO OUR COMMUNITY. THE LITTLE THINGS MAKE A DIFFERENCE. PEOPLE CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE THE IMPACT UNTIL IT’S DONE.” WWW.ULM.EDU

— BROOKE FOY

photo by Emerald McIntyre

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COLLEGE OF ARTS, EDUCATION & SCIENCES

Brooke Foy, Instructor of Art, unveils the turtle sculpture in Bayou Park.

AS a young girl, Brooke Foy would watch her father, a contractor and builder, create things with his own hands.

classes to realize that architecture had too many rules and restrictions,” said Foy. “I loved to make, take photos, and use power tools.”

The banging of a hammer, the shrill whine of a power tool, and the rapid movement of a saw were all familiar sounds.

Foy made the decision to transfer to the University of Louisiana Monroe to major in art. After graduating from ULM with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she then moved to Memphis, Tenn. to attend the University of Memphis, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture just three years later.

Her father’s tools soon became instruments of her own mind, as she developed a passion to create things for herself. Today, she is uniting the Twin Cities of Monroe and West Monroe through her works of art and infectious passion for life.

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A native of West Monroe, Foy attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to play soccer and major in architecture. But she had a change of heart. “I completed just enough art

After brief stints in Memphis and Austin, Texas, she made her way back to northeast Louisiana, where she accepted a position to teach art in ULM’s School of Visual and Performing Arts. “We are very proud to have Brooke on our faculty,” said Lisa Miller, ULM Chief Communications Officer. “She is full of life, passionate about teaching, and incredibly talented as an artist— traits that make her stand out both on campus and within the community.”

At ULM, Foy teaches all of the art history, art appreciation, and studio ‘3D’ classes (sculpture and 3D). The students, she says, are what make ULM such a great place to teach. “Teaching at ULM has been the best experience for me,” she said. “It is my first full time position and I could not be happier to be here teaching such a wonderful group of students.” Her drive, passion for teaching, and enthusiasm in the classroom make her a campus favorite. “Brooke definitely makes learning fun,” said Heather Nicole Ramsey, a senior Art major from West Monroe. “As an artist, Brooke is very inspiring. As an art instructor, she is constantly coming up with new and exciting ways to get her students to learn.” Since coming back to the Monroe area, Foy has had a heartfelt desire to see the cities of Monroe and

according to the group’s website.

“I have a vision for our community. I am trying to help others see the beauty in all things and to know what it means to be united,” she said.

“Brooke is a go-getter,” said Alana Cooper, President and CEO of the Monroe and West Monroe Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “She is the conduit that connects both cities together through her art. Her projects, like the medallion project, are helping to revitalize both downtown districts and to bring together schools, families, and businesses.”

Many locals see the Ouachita River as the “great divider” between Monroe and West Monroe, but Foy wants to change this perception. “We don’t need a divide; we need bridges,” she said.

One of the recent projects of ARROW is the creation of a 20-foot street medallion in the middle of Antique Alley in downtown West Monroe. This medallion, which depicts a steamboat and cotton around the words “Historic West Monroe,” was the brainchild of the Downtown West Monroe Revitalization Group, whose mission is “to further the common good and general welfare of the people who frequent Downtown West Monroe and for bringing back civic betterment and social improvements,”

Foy has also coordinated the painting of murals, public art projects, facilitated a gallery in downtown Monroe and a community garden, run art camps for kids, and much more. One of her highlighted projects from last year was “The One Mile of Love” project, where she and a team of artists repainted the Trenton Street levee wall with 270 drawings. And her work is not going unnoticed. On March 1, she was awarded the “Rising Professional Award” for her creative leadership at ULM’s inaugural Women’s Symposium. Three days later, she was awarded the Edmund Williamson Artist of the Year Award at the 31st Annual Artworks Awards of the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council.

One of her upcoming projects includes the restoration of four Coca-Cola “ghost” murals in Monroe and West Monroe. “There are two in Monroe and two in West Monroe, and my focus will be on cleaning them and repainting them back to their original, bright colors,” said Foy. She also has plans to spice up ULM’s campus with artworks similar to what she’s doing in the community, including a street medallion. One unique project has already been realized. In April, Foy publicly unveiled a new turtle sculpture that will reside in Bayou Park. The sculpture highlights the many different turtle species that live right on campus in the beautiful Bayou DeSiard.

COLLEGE OF ARTS, EDUCATION & SCIENCES

A year ago, she started a local art company called ARROW Public Art, which stands for “Artists Radically Reinventing Our World.” The main focus of ARROW is to bring together ideas and to establish partnerships within the community in an effort to unite the Twin Cities.

“I love taking on new projects, coming up with new ideas, and collaborating with like-minded people and groups who share my vision,” she said.

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West Monroe come together.

“I want people to realize that we need art,” Foy said. “We need to bring some vibrancy to our community. The little things make a difference. People cannot even imagine the impact until it’s done.” One might say there is a little taste of art in all of us. For Foy, the sky is the limit.

According to Foy, she has no intention of slowing down. photo by Srdjan Marjanovic

“SHE IS FULL OF LIFE, PASSIONATE ABOUT TEACHING, AND INCREDIBLY TALENTED AS AN ARTIST—TRAITS THAT MAKE HER STAND OUT BOTH ON CAMPUS AND WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.”

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— LISA MILLER

Foy accepts the “Rising Professional Award” from Miss ULM, Sarah Torregrossa.

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COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & SOCIAL SCIENCES

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BY ANN BLOXOM SMITH

SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FIVE DECADES AS THE PREMIERE INSTITUTION OF CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA IT is no secret that the construction industry took a big hit during the Great Recession of 2007–09 and continued through 2014. As a result of a scarcity of jobs, many construction professionals left the industry and haven’t returned to the field.

The School of Construction Management (SCM) at the University of Louisiana Monroe—the premiere institution of construction in the state of Louisiana—sees this as an important opportunity to train the next generation of construction professionals. The SCM was founded in 1966 and within 10 years the school became the first institution in the country to be accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)—accreditation that the program continues to maintain today. In April, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary. Former SCM graduates and spouses, as well as former and current faculty and administration, gathered for an evening to show its Respect for the Past, Pride in the Present, and Vision for the Future.

PRIDE IN THE PRESENT — The SCM honored their first recipient of the national construction certification, Associate Constructor Meredith Scelfo, a recent graduate of the program. The AC certification program is sponsored by the AIC and requires that applicants meet certain education and/or experience standards, then pass the Constructor Qualification Examination (CQE) Level 1.

“ALL THREE OWNERS OF OUR COMPANY ARE GRADUATES OF THE (ULM) PROGRAM...OUR SUCCESS HAS BEEN A DIRECT RESULT OF THIS EDUCATION.” – JOHN HUNTER, PRESIDENT OF STEEL FABRICATORS

VISION FOR THE FUTURE — The Don Beach Entry Hall will be a fitting tribute to a great leader in the industry and a display area for plaques recognizing winners of the Endowed Scholarships, Certified Constructors, Distinguished Alumni Awards, and the Constructor of the Year Awards. More future projects to be celebrated include a 2-story-high bay wing Construction Practices Lab and the renovation of all mechanical systems as well as the Construction Management offices and other public areas. Recently, the SCM earned its renewal of accreditation from the ACCE. The accreditation process includes a thorough peer review of curriculum, faculty credentials, student support, financial resources, industry engagement, and physical resources. Dr. Ron Berry, Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences stated, “It is rewarding to see the efforts of our construction faculty and the quality of our construction management program recognized by this accreditation renewal. I sincerely appreciate the work of the faculty, support of the administration, and engagement of the Industry Advisory Council that led to the renewal.” In July, Representatives from the Louisiana Licensing Board for

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RESPECT FOR THE PAST — The SCM honored Thurman Potts, who was the first director of the School of Construction. As a founding member, Potts proposed the name of the professional organization, the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). With his capable leadership, ULM’s SCM became the first

accredited program of the ACCE.

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Now, with the economy on the rebound, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics points to a big upswing in the demand for experienced, qualified constructors over the next decade. In fact, the numbers indicate that there will not be enough Construction Management graduates to meet the expected growth. Through the year 2024, the predictions are that 1,028 positions will go unfilled each year.

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CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016 photo by Emerald McIntyre

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & SOCIAL SCIENCES

The School of Construction Management receives a $262,000 donation from Louisiana Licensing Board for Construction Management (LLBCM) and the Contractors Educational Trust Fund (CETF) on July 13, 2016.

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“IT IS REWARDING TO SEE THE EFFORTS OF OUR CONSTRUCTION FACULTY AND THE QUALITY OF OUR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM RECOGNIZED BY THIS ACCREDITATION RENEWAL.” – DR. RON BERRY

Construction Management (LLBCM) and the Contractors Educational Trust Fund (CETF) presented a donation totaling $262,000. Portions of these funds will go toward the construction of the Don Beach Entry Hall. Berry stated that this was a state-wide effort and that “a lot of people have made this happen.” Due to demand, the SCM has

recently expanded its curriculum. Upon recommendation from the Industry Advisory Council, ULM’s Construction Management degree program created five new required courses in fall 2015: Construction Contracts, Digital Site Management, Construction Administration, Associate Constructor (AC) Exam Prep, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Plan Reading.

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COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & SOCIAL SCIENCES

1966 – 2 016

J OIN U S A S WE CE LE B RATE

50 YEARS OF THE SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Courses like these are preparing students for careers in construction, careers that graduates of the program are having no problem finding.

With all the new resources, a seasoned faculty, a rich history, and a high rate of job placement, the return on investment is significantly positive. According to Dr. Ed Brayton, Director of the SCM, “The Construction Management program at ULM provides students with the construction

management skills identified by contractors as essential for becoming a certified Associated Constructor (AC) through the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). Our learning labs help translate classroom instructions into the practical, hands-on skills students will need to excel in their careers.”

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According to John Hunter, President of Steel Fabricators of Monroe, “All three owners of our company are graduates of the (ULM) program…our success has been a

direct result of this education.”

LEGACIE S

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“I FONDLY RECALL AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS AT THE KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY HOUSE. FRIENDS THAT I MADE THERE WERE IMPORTANT TO MY DEVELOPMENT AND MANY REMAIN FRIENDS TODAY. IT WAS A COMMUNITY, MY FIRST NEW HOME AFTER MY PARENTS.”

LEGACIES

stePHEN futrell PARTNER, POMONA CAPITAL When Warhawk freshmen first step onto campus, no one can predict their flight path. Alumnus STEPHEN FUTRELL’S path would take him across the globe and span 28 years in the private equity industry revolutionizing the market place. Futrell received a B.B.A. in Marketing from ULM (formerly Northeast Louisiana University) in 1978. While on campus, he was heavily involved with the Kappa Sigma fraternity. “I fondly recall afternoons and evenings at the Kappa Sigma fraternity house. Friends that I made there were important to my development and many remain friends today. It was a community, my first new home after my parents,” Futrell recalls.

In 1995, Stephen joined the newly formed Pomona Capital as the CFO. Pomona Capital, a now global private equity leader with $8.1 billion in aggregate capital commitments, was one of the first secondary investing firms in the market, now with offices in London and Hong Kong. In 2000, Pomona Capital sold to Voya Financial and remains a private

equity group within Voya. Futrell also serves on the Alternative Asset Investment Committee for Voya Financial Group. Futrell was invited to speak at the ULM College of Business and Social Sciences Annual Business Symposium, an event that lets current students connect with leaders in business and finance. On speaking at the symposium, Futrell recalls, “It was a great opportunity to meet the students and faculty. All were enthusiastic and interested in hearing about former students’ careers. It is a great way to tell students today about opportunities they have even if they come from a small town in Louisiana. If they work hard and take chances, they can succeed at whatever they choose. I encourage all alumni to reach out to the school and tell your story. You will enjoy it very much.” Stephen Futrell and his husband, Tom Goldsworthy, split their time between the Hudson River Valley Town of Hillsdale and New Orleans.

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While at ULM, Futrell experienced his first taste of business by editing the ULM yearbook, The Chacahoula. Futrell states, “The yearbook gave me a chance to experience managing a staff, budget, and schedule along with creating a finished product I still enjoy reading today. It was my first real job.”

After cutting his teeth on The Chacahoula, Futrell’s illustrious career started with the firm Deloitte and Touche, New Orleans in 1983 with a focus on partnership taxation. From Deloitte, Stephen Futrell transitioned to various Treasurer and CFO roles when he took a position as Controller of Schroder Management International in 1989. Through his years at Schroder, Futrell also was the Treasurer and Vice President of Schroder’s fund management business, Assistant Deputy Group Financial Controller of the Schroder’s London branch, and the CFO for Schroder’s Venture International Life Sciences.

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“I AM A PROUD GRADUATE OF NLU/ULM AND ONE OF THE FIRST ON THE MATERNAL SIDE OF MY FAMILY TO ATTEND AND COMPLETE A COLLEGE DEGREE. ”

COLLEGE OF HEALTH & LEGACIES PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

A. KATRISE PERERA, ED.D. NATIONAL DIRECTOR FOR URBAN MARKETS, MCGRAW HILL EDUCATION DR. A. KATRISE PERERA describes herself as a life-long learner. Others consider her to be an innovative and visionary leader while promoting education for all grade levels. The plethora of accomplishments under Perera’s tenure in education make it is easy to see why she is the recipient of the distinguished “2015 Superintendent of the Year” award granted by The National Association of School Superintendents. Perera graduated with a B.A. in Merchandising and Marketing from ULM in 1990 while serving as a Division I college athlete on the women’s basketball team.

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“I am a proud graduate of NLU/ ULM and one of the first on the maternal side of my family to attend and complete a college degree. The experiences I had as a student athlete from 1986-1990 were critical in changing the trajectory of my livelihood,” she said.

She started her career as a humanities teacher and coach in Charlottesville City Schools in 1994, and then moved to serve in Henrico County Public Schools in Richmond, Virginia. She proved to be an effective district leader, deputy superintendent for instruction, building administrator, principal, classroom teacher, and coach. Perera continued her career as superintendent and school improvement officer in the nation’s seventh largest school district, Houston Independent School District. Within the system that housed over 43,000 students she contributed to improving and stabilizing the middle school enrollment, increased the above grade level reading and math scores by eight percent, and decreased the dropout rate by three percentage points. She started the 6th-12th grade all-female College Preparatory Academy, which was designed to deliver a curriculum that emphasized

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.). More recently, she served as the superintendent in Isle of Wight County Schools (IWCS) in Smithfield, Virginia from 2011-15 before being recruited and hired by McGraw Hill Education to lead their Urban Markets Division as the National Director. During her tenure as superintendent for IWCS she oversaw an expansion of new online courses, and dual enrollment opportunities. In addition to her degree from ULM, Perera holds a Post-Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University, a M.A. in Teaching from Mary Baldwin College, and a Ed.D. in Leadership and Policy Study at Virginia Tech University. Perera and her husband are the proud parents of twin daughters, who graduated with honors from IWCS and are honors scholars at Louisiana State University.

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“I ATTRIBUTE MY SUCCESS TO THE OUTSTANDING PROFESSORS AND MENTORS I HAD WHILE A STUDENT AT ULM.”

COLLEGE OF HEALTH & LEGACIES PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

ANN COOK PRINCIPAL, CYPRESS POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELIZABETH ANN COOK’S first career path was not education, but it has most certainly been her calling. In 1980, she received her B.B.A. in Marketing from ULM (formerly NLU) and worked in the banking industry in Monroe for several years before giving in to the desire to teach. She completed the Teacher Education Program at ULM in 1986 and landed her first teaching job at St. Frederick High School in Monroe teaching business courses and serving as the cheerleader sponsor.

In December of 2001, Cook received her M.Ed. in Administration and Masters +30 from ULM and in January of 2002, she left the classroom and began her career in administration. She was selected to serve as Principal at Cypress Point University Elementary School in 2003, a position she held for 13 years. Cook has experienced many successes in her almost 30 years in education both in the classroom and as an administrator. “I attribute my success to the outstanding professors and mentors I had while a student at ULM,” she said. She also agreed to have her school serve as a Professional Development School with the ULM College of Education. Through this relationship, she has assisted in developing many outstanding educators, many hired to serve as teachers at Cypress

Point. She states that almost all of her outstanding teachers came through ULM. On July 15, 2016, Cook was selected as the 2017 Louisiana Elementary Principal of the Year (POY) during the Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Symposium and Gala in Baton Rouge. Her desire as a state POY is to share her experience and expertise with other principals to assist in elevating student success across the state. She states, “If through my work, I have had an effective, positive influence on the education of the students who have crossed my path and the path of the teachers I helped develop, then my career as an educator has been successful.” This year, Cook starts her new role with the district as a central office supervisor working with her fellow principals. Elizabeth Ann Cook lives in Monroe with her husband Ken.

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In 1987, Cook took a position with the Monroe City School District as a seventh grade computer literacy and math teacher at Jefferson Junior High School. This is where she discovered her passion, teaching math. In 1997, she was recognized by the Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics for Outstanding Contribution to the Teaching of Mathematics. One of her proudest accomplishments was her selection as the 1999 Louisiana State Middle School Teacher of the Year. She

served as a teacher representative on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission for five years working to bring positive change to primary and secondary education in the state.

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“WE FEED A LOT OF ALUMNI AND STUDENTS, AND IT HAS TURNED OUT TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL. DR. BRUNO EVEN FELL IN LOVE WITH MY LAMB LOLLIPOP!”

COLLEGE OF HEALTH & LEGACIES PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

Andy Soileau OWNER, SOILEAU’S PHARMACY After receiving a B.S. in Zoology from LSU, ANDY SOILEAU pursued a B.S. in Pharmacy at ULM (formerly NLU), which he received in 1975. “My first exam was in pharmacognosy with Dr. Keller. This was the exam that weeded people out of the program. I was one of six people who passed his first exam. He accused all six of us of cheating,” said Soileau.

billing for diabetics, provide walkers and wheelchairs, test strips, and much more.” His youngest daughter, Kyla, runs the gift section and his son, Neil, is an insurance clerk for the store. His oldest daughter, Christie, graduated from ULM in 1997 with a B.S. in Pharmacy; she works as a pharmacist alongside her father in the store.

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Upon graduation from ULM, Soileau went to work at Broussard’s Pharmacy in New Iberia. In 1979, he bought the town’s Medicine Shoppe, which he owned and operated until 2005, when he converted the store into Soileau’s Pharmacy. In 2011, he purchased Thrifty Way Pharmacy of New Iberia and doubled the size of his store.

Soileau continues to garner attention around the state. In 2015, he was selected as the Pharmacist of the Year by the Louisiana Pharmacists Association for the second time (first in ’99), of which he previously served as president (‘96). In 2004, he received the Bowl of Hygeia Award. Currently, he serves as chairman of the Louisiana Independent Pharmacy Association (LIPA).

“We fill about 325 scripts per day, so we stay quite busy,” he said. “Four years ago, I allowed my daughter Kyla to come in and install a gift section. We have an over-the-counter, front-end section as well. I do a lot of Medicare B,

He is a familiar face to folks on ULM’s campus, especially in the grove during football games and homecoming. For the last 22 years, he has been in charge of tailgating for ULM’s homecoming, where he cooks around 200 quarts of gumbo,

30 quarts of jambalaya, 70-80 racks of lamb, oyster shooters, boudin, stuffed quail, boiled shrimp, sausage, and more. “We feed a lot of alumni and students, and it has turned out to be very successful. Dr. Bruno even fell in love with my lamb lollipop!” Soileau is a proud alumnus who has continued to support ULM in many ways. In particular, he was instrumental in helping to acquire the present pharmacy building (Bienville). For these and other reasons, Soileau was awarded the annual ULM School of Pharmacy Alumnus Pharmacist of the Year Award in 1995 and 2014 and the ULM School of Pharmacy Meritorious Achievement Award in 2008. He is also a lifetime member of the Alumni Association. “My experience at ULM was great. Still to this day we consider ULM a home away from home.” Soileau lives in New Iberia with his wife Donna.

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“I TRULY BELIEVE THAT ULM CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR AND PROMOTES TRUE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.”

COLLEGE OF HEALTH & LEGACIES PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

ANGELA McCRAY, j. d. ASSOCIATE AT GUNDERSON, DETTMER, STOUGH, VILLENEUVE, FRANKLIN & HACHIGIAN, LLP ULM alumna ANGELA MCCRAY always aims for the top. The guidance, mentorship, and education she earned from her time spent at ULM proved to be useful in the real world of accounting, law, and entrepreneurship.

launched ReMADE (Reentry: Making a Difference through Entrepreneurship), a project to foster the successful reentry of formerly incarcerated persons using the skills of entrepreneurship and one-on-one mentoring.

McCray received her B.B.A. in Accounting in 2004 and her M.B.A. in 2005 from ULM.

In 2011, McCray spent three months working as a legal intern at the Center on Regulation and Competition at the University of Chile focusing on changes to the regulatory structure of the Chilean higher education system. The following summer, McCray became a summer associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York City and then an intern at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in the Division of Integrated Partnerships designing a fellowship program for companies desiring to donate expertise and skilled labor to UNICEF.

While at ULM, McCray was a cheerleader and a member of 31 Ambassadors. She attributes these opportunities to the development of the professional skills she uses today. “I truly believe that ULM creates opportunities for and promotes true leadership development,” McCray recalls.

Eager to accomplish more, McCray enrolled at Stanford Law School in 2010 to pursue a law degree. A year later, she

McCray did not slow down. She became a student attorney for the Stanford Community Law Clinic in 2013 and an extern for the Insight Center for Community Economic Development. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Stanford that June.

McCray passed the New York bar exam in 2013. In 2015, McCray left Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and became an associate at Gunderson, Dettmer, Stough, Villeneuve, Franklin & Hachigian, LLP, representing several leading venture capital firms and start-up companies throughout various stages of their lifecycle. Through her unique life journey, McCray’s path has crossed many successful individuals and institutions that helped shape who she is today. However, she considers ULM and its accounting department to be responsible for shaping the foundation of her success today. She said, “The accounting program challenged and nurtured me in just the right measure and prepared me for my time at Stanford Law School, even before I’d ever considered becoming a lawyer.” McCray resides in New York, New York and is an associate at Gunderson, Dettmer, Stough, Villeneuve, Franklin & Hachigian, LLP.

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After graduation, McCray became a CPA in Louisiana and Texas. In 2006, she was hired as an audit associate for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, then later switched to the Personal Financial Services Tax practice.

By October, she was a full-time associate at Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Courtesy photos by David Caldwell

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016 BY BRICE C. JONES

COLLEGE OF HEALTH & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

A HEALTH CARE MISSION PHARMACY STUDENTS, FACULTY SPEND SPRING BREAK SERVING IMPOVERISHED REGION OF GUAYMITAS, HONDURAS FOR most students, spring break is a time to relax from the stresses and strains of academic life. For a group of pharmacy students at the University of Louisiana Monroe, however, it was a time of service. Eight pharmacy students, along with three faculty members, journeyed to the impoverished region of Guaymitas, Honduras over spring break as part of an organized effort to provide critical healthcare to members of the community. ULM partnered with Southeastern Medical International (SMI), an American organization that provides medical care to communities following a disaster. In 2010, the organization provided clinics and medical relief in Haiti following the catastrophic earthquake that killed more than 160,000 people and left close to 1.5 million people without homes. One of the missions of the SMI is to train the next generation of health care professionals to be involved in this kind of work. They take physicians and volunteers from all across the southeast “to the neediest places on Earth.”

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The eight students who participated are part of an elective course, now in its sixth year, within the pharmacy program titled “Medical Outreach Experience,” which culminates in a medical outreach trip to some impoverished region of the world.

In Guaymitas, the pharmacy students helped conduct interviews, take medical histories, and recommend therapy. They also offered recommendations to prescribing physicians based on the diseases being treated and the medications that were available. The team provided primary care to people with infections, chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and musculoskeletal problems.

“This trip has been the most valuable and life changing experience that I will probably ever have,” said Halie Verret. “It’s very hard to put all of the emotions into words. It opened my eyes to how bad some people’s living situations are. So many people told us that their doctors told them nothing was wrong when in reality these patients had very serious problems and we most likely saved their lives.”

According to pharmacy student Rino Nicholas, “Some of the people we saw had extreme cases, from cancer in an older gentleman that was at a late stage, to a baby who was experiencing fainting spells because of a possible major heart congenital birth defect.”

Another student, Heather Thuy, stated: “We gained more knowledge and developed new skill sets over the course of the week, but even more than that, we grew as a family and made connections with each patient we met which deeply touched each of us and created a special bond with humanity that I know will keep us whole for the remainder of our careers.”

For an entire week the students and faculty worked outdoors in extreme heat, conducting home visits and furnishing makeshift clinics in various communities that lacked basic resources such as clean water and sanitation. But harsh conditions did not deter students from doing what they set out to do. The ULM pharmacy team estimates that 200-300 patients were served and about 400-500 prescriptions were filled. The students were able to see just the kind of impact they had on the community, but the impact of the people of Guaymitas on the students was also clearly felt.

Dr. David Caldwell, Associate Professor of Pharmacy, indicated that this is just one example of the kind of outreach ULM pharmacy students are involved in. “This outreach trip reflects the hearts of our students,” said Caldwell. “They gave up their spring break to work a 40-hour week and to provide care to an underserved area. In addition to the professional training we provide, we also want to instill a passion for humanity in the lives of our students here at ULM.”

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ULMWARHAWKS.COM ULMFOOTBALL 25 ULM_FB

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COLLEGE OF HEALTH & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

at OKLAHOMA

at GEORGIA SOUTHERN

at AUBURN

vs IDAHO

vs TEXAS STATE

9.3.16

9.10.16

9.17.16

10.1.16

10.8.16

10.15.16

at NEW MEXICO

at ARKANSAS STATE

vs SOUTH ALABAMA

at GEORGIA STATE

at APP STATE

vs UL LAFAYETTE

10.22.16

10.29.16

11.5.16

11.12.16

11.19.16

12.3.16

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vs SOUTHERN

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U N I T Y – L E A D E R S H I P – M O T I VAT I O N

EIGHTY FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF EXCELLENCE · UNIVERSITY OF

COLLEGE OF HEALTH & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

LOUISIANA MONROE · 1931 – 2016

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COLLEGE OF HEALTH & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

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BY BRICE C. JONES

NEW AUTISM CENTER ULM HAS OPENED A NEW AUTISM CENTER (AC-ULM) THANKS TO A GRANT FROM THE LIVING WELL FOUNDATION

COLLEGE OF HEALTH & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

THE AC-ULM is a cooperative program between the SpeechLanguage Pathology and Occupational Therapy Programs at ULM, both of which have been part of the College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences for over 40 years. The new Center opened its doors one month in advance of World Autism Awareness Day (“Light It Up Blue”), which took place on April 2, 2016. “I am extremely grateful for the support from the ULM administration, faculty, and students as well as the Board of Directors for the Living Well Foundation to address a need for these services in this region and continue the mission of ULM,” said Dr. David Irwin, Professor and Director of the Speech-Language Pathology and the AC-ULM programs at ULM. The Living Well Foundation is a public non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health, wellness, and quality of life in northeast Louisiana. Founded in 2007, the organization serves residents of Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and Union parishes. The organization awarded ULM a one-year $14,000 startup grant, which comes with the possibility of renewal. According to its mission statement, the AC-ULM seeks “to serve as a comprehensive resource that will enhance the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” WWW.ULM.EDU

ASD is typically found in children between the ages of 1 and 18 and is characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction, and the presence of restricted, repetitive

behaviors. According to a survey conducted in 2010 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of ASD was 1 in 68 children, demonstrating an increase in ASD across the nation. Boys are four to five times more at risk of being diagnosed with ASD than girls. Many parents feel unprepared for the challenges that come with raising a child diagnosed with ASD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, while it is common for adolescents in their teenage years to become aware of other people and their relationships with them, teens with ASD face far more acute and painful complications related to the acquisition of social awareness and social skills. For these reasons, many treatment options, including social services and programs, are in place to provide vital care and education to help enhance the lives of both individuals with ASD and their families. And this is precisely what the ACULM seeks to provide—high-quality education, training and services for children and adults in need. These services include, but are not limited to: comprehensive evaluations conducted by licensed and certified speechlanguage pathologists and occupational therapists; consultative and direct services to a variety of agencies/ organizations on the specialized needs of individuals with ASD; classes or seminars for speech-language pathologists, education and medical professionals, paraprofessionals, students and parents including the northeast Louisiana region and beyond. “The AC-ULM will impact this region by providing high quality services to the residents of northeast Louisiana,

“I AM EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT FROM THE ULM ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY, AND STUDENTS AS WELL AS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE LIVING WELL FOUNDATION TO ADDRESS A NEED FOR THESE SERVICES IN THIS REGION AND CONTINUE THE MISSION OF ULM.” — DR. DAVID IRWIN

The regional impact is already evidenced through the AC-ULM’s growing list of partners throughout the state. The Center has established partnerships with local community organizations, agencies, and businesses, such as Families Helping Families of Northeast Louisiana, United Way of Northeast Louisiana, Chamber of Commerce in all parishes served by the

COLLEGE OF HEALTH & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

–CENTER–

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supporting professionals and parents needing education and training regarding evidence-based evaluation and treatment methods, and enhance the education/training of students while at ULM which they can use in future employment,” said Irwin.

“THE AC-ULM WILL IMPACT THIS REGION BY PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA.” — DR. DAVID IRWIN

Living Well Foundation, the Department of Health and Hospitals, clinics, public and private hospitals, schools, universities, among many others. WWW.ULM.EDU

photo manipulation by Shanette Washington

Those interested in evaluations, seminars/classes or consultations will find more information, including information about fees, at the Center’s website (ulm.edu/autismcenter).

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BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

MONROE, MY HOMETOWN

SIXTEEN years ago I made the decision to not attend a popular college four hours south and instead stay home and go to ULM, an institution only one year removed from its former name as Northeast Louisiana University. My best friend of 25 years made the same decision. And admittedly there was a comfort in making the life transition from high school to college in the familiar surroundings of the place and people I knew. I never questioned it then, but I have since. This friend and I agree that the one thing we regret the most is not going away to school, both of us believing it easier to leave the nest when we are transitioning anyway, before life gets in the way. And I’ve stuck with this logic and often used it to encourage students who are struggling to adjust to life miles from home. And then one day, as we were driving into Fort Worth for a visit to Boyfriend’s hometown, he said, “I left home at 18, and I never found my way back.” And there was sadness in his face, a longing. He loves going home; he loves Texas. He sometimes gets giddy as we cross the state border, an anxious anticipation of the familiarity I couldn’t leave sixteen years ago. And it got me thinking, what did I gain by not leaving? My family is engrained in me, and not in the negative way portrayed on TV or loathed in books, but in the roots kind of way; I exist as a result of these people and their choices. I see them in myself, and I’m most myself around them. I read in The New York Times the

“MONROE, MY HOMETOWN, PROVIDES AN IMMEDIATE BOND WITH THOSE WHO ALSO GREW UP HERE AND A FAMILIARITY THAT CONTINUES TO KEEP ME WARM.” – MEREDITH MCKINNIE other day that on average, Americans live only 18 miles from their mothers. I live six miles from mine. In fact, the house I bought last year had a lot to do with proximity to my parents. I like that closeness; I need that convenience. Some may see that as a negative, but I see it as choosing to invest time in my family, valuing the people God gave me. Friends that have long left and return sporadically all seem frustrated by the same inconvenience, balancing friends and family on the short visits to Monroe they’re afforded. One college friend, who was so excited to leave seven years ago, now would do anything to get back to Monroe. She said, “I’ve learned it’s more about the people than the place.” She craves

those connections she built back home and sees how distance makes those relationships more difficult to foster. When I asked some who have moved away, whether recently or twenty plus years ago what they miss, I heard the same response over and over: “I miss running into people I know at the grocery store. I hated it then, but I miss it now.” And again, that familiarity creeps in. The small town feel of a place where you have history and a name and a family tree, it all makes up the fabric of home. It’s a word with a definition that evolves as we grow older, but yet stays the same, like a warm quilt or a comforting embrace. I’ve come to terms with the choice I made well before I was mature enough to do so. The possibilities are endless for the future and who knows how the path may twist and turn. I’m open to the bends in the road that make us wake up and pay attention. I immerse myself in travel, love exploring culture and the energy of a new city and sometimes the quiet, almost still, peace in other spaces. It broadens my knowledge, fosters my humanity and forces me to examine my space from a different angle, a kinder one. I have a good life here, surrounded by a revolving door of people who inspire me, center me, and attempt to keep me humble. Monroe, my hometown, provides an immediate bond with those who also grew up here and a familiarity that continues to keep me warm.

* Previously published in BayouLife Magazine, April 2016

WWW.ULM.EDU photo by Emerald McIntyre

BEST NATIONAL UNIVERSITY ULM INCLUDED IN ‘BEST NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES’ RANKING BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

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BY BRICE C. JONES

BIG news came to the University of Louisiana Monroe’s campus in September when the U.S. News & World Report included the university in its 2017 “Best National Universities” ranking. This is ULM’s first appearance in U.S. News’ national ranking. For the last two years, U.S. News ranked the university among the “Best Regional Universities,” so the new ranking is a significant upgrade in status.

U.S. News & World Report defines a national university as an institution which offers a full range of undergraduate majors as well as master’s and doctoral degrees. In total, 298 schools were included in the 2017 ranking for Best National Universities. “Schools were ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence,” according to the ranking site. One of the reasons ULM moved into the national ranking was its reclassification in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education—the most widely accepted classification system in U.S. higher education and the basis for U.S. News’ rankings.

classified with the Master’s College and Universities – Larger programs (M1). The 2017 U.S. News national ranking also took into account the increase in ULM’s retention and graduation rates, which have risen every year since Bruno came to ULM in 2010. “Retention rates measure our ability to keep students on track toward graduation. The fact that we have seen a significant increase in both retention and graduation over the last six years indicates that we are improving as an institution in helping students attain life-changing degrees,” said Bruno.

“WE ARE NO LONGER MERELY A REGIONAL UNIVERSITY.”

Bruno indicated that the university would maintain its momentum as a nationally recognized university.

— DR. NICK J. BRUNO

“ULM has made the national stage more than once and this ranking certainly increases our visibility on that stage,” Bruno continued. “With all of our recent success, we must continue to be forward-moving. We are no longer merely a regional university. The nation is paying attention to what we are doing here in northeast Louisiana.”

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In February, the Carnegie Classification recognized ULM as an R3 (“moderate research”) doctoral-granting institution of higher education, joining the state’s other doctoral universities (R1: LSU-Baton Rouge and Tulane University; R2: University of Louisiana at Lafayette and University of New Orleans; and R3: ULM and Louisiana Tech University). Previously, ULM was

CAMPUS NEWS

“This is a landmark achievement for ULM, a clear indication of our progress as an institution of higher learning,” said ULM president Dr. Nick J. Bruno. “We have continued to recruit qualified students and have retained and graduated those students at growing rates. ULM is now listed among the most elite universities in the nation and we are quite proud of that fact.”

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DOCTORAL-GRANTING

UNIVERSITIES

IN THE STATE*

* Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education

R1 R2 R1

- Highest Research Activity

- Higher Research Activity

- Moderate Research Activity

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ULM EARNS

ELITE DOCTORAL DESIGNATION BY CARNEGIE CLASSIFICATION ULM REACHED A MAJOR MILESTONE THIS YEAR BY BEING RECOGNIZED AS AN R3 (“MODERATE RESEARCH”) DOCTORAL-GRANTING INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION BY THE CARNEGIE CLASSIFICATION OF INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

R1 R1: LSU-Baton Rouge and Tulane University

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R2 R2: University of Louisiana at Lafayette and University of New Orleans

R3 R3: ULM and Louisiana Tech University

THE UNIVERSITY JOINS THE RANKS OF 109 OTHER UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE U.S. AND ONLY 5 OTHER UNIVERSITIES WITHIN THE STATE.

BY BRICE C. JONES

THIS YEAR, ULM SAID GOODBYE TO THREE RETIRING PROFESSORS photo by Emerald McIntyre

A retirement party was held on Wednesday, May 11 to celebrate the retirement of Dr. Terry Jones, Dr. Edward ‘Gene’ Eller and Mr. Gary Ratcliff.

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

BITTERSWEET MOMENT All three professors retired from the university after having served for decades in higher education.

According to Jones, his retirement is bittersweet. “I’m excited about having more time to hunt, fish, and travel but I can’t help but wonder if I will be losing part of my identity,” said Jones. “I have been known as a ULM professor for a long time and it will be a bit strange not to have that connection any longer.” Dr. Edward ‘Gene’ Eller has served ULM for 25 years as a professor in the English program. He received his Ph.D. in English from Southern Illinois University. At ULM, he has taught courses in World and American literature, composition and poetry. He served as a moderator for the Honor’s College Quiz Bowl, director of technology for his college and program, and was recognized as the “Favorite Teacher” by the Baptist Student Union. “I am looking forward to change my lifestyle. My wife Susan and I started together in the country and now are going back to the woods to live the life, chickens and all,” said Eller.

From left to right: Gary Ratcliff, Dr. Edward ‘Gene’ Eller, and Dr. Terry Jones.

“THESE SCHOLARS HAVE CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO ULM, OUR STUDENTS, AND OUR COLLEGE. WE ARE INDEED SAD TO SEE THEM GO, BUT WE CELEBRATE THEIR LONG CAREERS AND THE LASTING IMPACT THEY HAVE MADE ON OUR UNIVERSITY.” — DR. SANDRA LEMOINE

featured in an exhibition hosted by Northwestern State University’s (NSU) Department of Fine and Graphic Art in 2014. For the last 40 years, he has taught all levels of pottery at ULM and actively participated in the Monroe community as a ceramics demonstrator and workshop performer. “I will miss the students and my coworkers, but I am excited to have a chance to set up my own pottery and focus on marketing of the ware I create,” said Ratcliff. According to Dr. Sandra Lemoine, Dean of the College of Arts, Education and Sciences, the retirement of Jones, Eller and Ratcliff should be seen as a celebration of their careers. “These scholars have contributed much to ULM, our students, and our College. We are indeed sad to see them go, but we celebrate their long careers and the lasting impact they have made on our university.”

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Mr. Gary Ratcliff has taught in the ULM Art department for 40 years. He received his bachelor’s degree from Greenville College and his master of fine arts from East Texas State University. His work in ceramics was

CAMPUS NEWS

Dr. Terry Jones, a native of Winn Parish, has served ULM for 25 years as a professor in the History program. He earned his Ph.D. in history from Texas A&M University. Jones has contributed greatly to the study of Civil War History in Louisiana. In 2014, he was awarded the Dr. Arthur W. Bergeron, Jr. Award by the Civil War Round Table of Central Louisiana, and since 2011, he has had 27 articles published as part of The New York Times online “Disunion” series.

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CAMPUS NEWS BY VLADIMIR JAKOVLJEVIC

THE PURSUIT: EMBRACING TH ULM HELD AN INAUGURAL EVENT IN AUGUST TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC YEAR WWW.ULM.EDU

IT has been said that those who neglect their past have no future. Our past proudly represents us, and the future is ours to create. With this in mind, ULM has introduced a new event called “The Pursuit” to mark the beginning of the new academic and athletic year. The inaugural event

35 photo manipulation by Srdjan Marjanovic

The P-40 Warhawk, identified by its shark teeth nose art, was no match for enemy aircraft. But Chennault trained his pilots with innovative air combat tactics. As a result of Chennault’s determination and aviation expertise, the P-40 Warhawk’s victories in the sky were many. In fact, the volunteer pilots never lost a single battle. The legend of the Flying Tigers was born, and General Chennault became a hero in China and around the world.

for the 2016 football season, and Coach Keith Richard gave an update on the highly anticipated basketball season. President Dr. Nick J. Bruno shared his vision for the upcoming year, exciting changes happening around campus, and some of our many accomplishments. Season tickets for all sports were sold at the event as well.

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American Volunteer Group (AVG), led by General Claire Lee Chennault.

It was the P-40 Warhawk and the heroism of General Chennault that served as the inspiration behind the selection of the Warhawk mascot ten years ago. The Warhawk is more than a name, however. It is a symbol of ULM’s overall vision and mission.

As a new event that brings us together, The Pursuit symbolizes a new path our institution has adopted; a path that marks the beginning of an academic and athletic year; a path that guides us through the year and prepares us for what is coming; a path that orients us toward a successful and sustainable future.

“OUR TARGET WAS 450 PEOPLE, BUT WE ENDED UP HAVING OVER 600 ATTENDEES”

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Through its name, The Pursuit is meant to reflect our tradition and our commitment to pursue excellence. In the words of General Chennault himself, “When an old, well-known road is blocked, a new path must be opened.”

— LISA MILLER

THE PURSUIT – AUGUST 25 The inaugural event took place on Thursday, August 25th at FantEwing Coliseum at 5:30 p.m.

HE FUTURE took place in August, and it was bigger and better than expected. ‘P’ IS FOR PURSUIT

Tickets for The Pursuit were sold at $50 per person, or $650 for a reserved table of eight. The proceeds from the ticket sales went toward the Athletic Foundation. Over 600 people purchased the tickets and attended the event in support of ULM’s continuation of pursuing excellence in the classroom, rigor on the field, and an exciting future for ULM and its supporters. Coach Matt Viator shared his plans

In keeping with the P-40 Warhawk theme, the event also included a highlight of 40 outstanding Warhawks. This list consisted of top studentathletes, alumni, faculty and staff. ULM’s Chief Communications Officer, Lisa Miller, said The Pursuit exceeded expectations. “Our target was 450 people, but we ended up having over 600 attendees,” said Miller, who hopes The Pursuit will keep gathering the community in years to come. “We are excited to have the support of our community with this event and are already planning and looking forward to the next year’s Pursuit.”

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The Pursuit takes its name from the “P” in the Curtiss P(ursuit)-40 Warhawk fighter plane, best remembered as the aircraft flown in WWII by the “Flying Tigers,” or

Ouachita Independent Bank was the official title sponsor for the event, and cocktails and dinner were provided by Waterfront Grill, Fieldhouse, Catfish Cabin, Marsala Beverage and Southern Glazer’s Distribution.

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CAMPUS NEWS BY VLADIMIR JAKOVLJEVIC

CAMPUS WWW.ULM.EDU

TRANSFORMATIONS

photo by Emerald McIntyre

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Barnes & Noble is the largest retail bookseller in the United States, and a leading retailer of content, digital media, and educational products in the country. They plan to be more involved with the students and community by hosting events at the bookstore starting this fall. FOUNTAIN AT SCOTT PLAZA The fountain at Scott Plaza will have a new design by the end of September.

BARNES & NOBLE The University of Louisiana Monroe has partnered with Barnes & Noble to serve the campus and community as the official bookstore.

In March 2016, a new design was approved and funding for the project was secured by President Bruno from a private donor along with support from the students through the Student Activity Enhancement Fee Committee. The project will improve the functionality of the fountain, and add landscaping and seating areas. The goal

Over 500 bricks will also be sold to donors and will be displayed around the fountain. STARBUCKS Starbucks has a brand new look on campus this semester. The renovation started in July and finished on August 10, just in time for the University’s Week of Welcome, a week of festivities and events for incoming freshmen. The interior received an updated design, and the project also included an expansion into the space previously occupied by the on-campus convenience store. The new space provides additional seating and storage space. “The new design looks sleek, elegant, and opens up the space for more patrons. I enjoy the easy access on campus and the specialty drinks they provide,” said Anastasia Hanson, a ULM senior majoring in English. The university is grateful to partner with Starbucks and hopes the students, faculty, staff, and guests will enjoy the updated and expanded space.

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Barnes & Noble formally opened its doors on February 29th in the newly renovated Sandel Hall and has enjoyed record sales during its brief tenure on campus.

The redesign of the fountain has been a hot topic of discussion due to a design flaw in the previous fountain that caused operational issues and left the fountain dormant for the majority of the time.

was to create an area that would be attractive to students, faculty, and staff, serve as a gathering place for students between classes, and be a focal point of campus during special events.

CAMPUS NEWS

“I love having Barnes & Noble on campus,” said Aaron Stewart, a freshman Criminal Justice major. “They are well organized, and I had a great experience finding everything I needed for class. They also have a great selection of accessories you can buy to show your Warhawk pride.”

BY VLADIMIR JAKOVLJEVIC

FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

photos by Emerald McIntyre

FOUNDATION AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

From left to right: Dr. Eric Pani, Martha Oliver, Joseph Jacobs, Sabrina McClain, Dr. Kioh Kim, Dr. Seetharama D. Jois, Dr. Bette Kauffman, Dr. Nick J. Bruno.

IN August, faculty and staff gathered in Brown Auditorium to honor excellence in research, teaching, creative/artistic activity, and service at the sixth annual ULM Foundation Awards for Excellence ceremony. Each winner was chosen based on a set of standards determined by a selection committee. For each category, recipients were awarded unique honors based on the recipients’ overall effectiveness in their field and their contributions to the university. Six awards were given, with four going to faculty members, and two going to staff. The award for excellence in research was presented to Dr. Seetharama D. Jois, associate professor of medical chemistry. Jois was recognized for his research in protein-protein interactions, work with graduate students, and his most prestigious achievement—a patent. Jois has earned over $1.5 million in grants, and he obtained funding from the Louisiana Board of Regents to establish a protein and peptide analysis facility at ULM.

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The award for excellence in creative/ artistic activity was presented to Dr. Bette J. Kauffman, professor of communication. Kauffman was touted for her work within the community. She created an interactive photo installation called “Waterline,” which

came as her contribution to the political will to rebuild and restore New Orleans and her people after hurricane Katrina. Kauffman’s dedication to the humanities, writing, photography, and the art of teaching are what make her one of the university’s most respected employees. The award for excellence in service was presented to Dr. Kioh Kim, associate professor of education. Kim’s service helped established strong academic and international programs at ULM and its surrounding community. His service in creating collaborative relationships between international universities and ULM has been outstanding as he helped ULM sign academic agreements with one university in Japan, nine universities in Korea, one university in China, and one university in Taiwan. The award for excellence in teaching was presented to business instructor Thomas J. DeNardin, whose colleagues call him an enthusiastic, motivating, and DeNardin dedicated teacher who often uses the word ‘remarkable’ in class to emphasize to students that they should be and can be remarkable in life.

DeNardin, who could not attend the ceremony, has 13 years of teaching experience and 26 years of experience in the field of business, which gives him ability to intertwine real-world lessons into his teaching. The award for excellence in service, given to an unclassified staff member, was awarded to Sabrina McClain, assistant to the associate dean of the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences. McClain is the gateway person for the office, working to solve problems for students, staff, and faculty alike. In addition to her outstanding service to the university, McClain is deeply committed to the community. She is actively engaged in donating to and volunteering at local food banks, area nursing homes, schools, and charitable organizations. The award for excellence in service, given to a classified staff member, was presented to Martha “Sue” Oliver, administrative assistant IV for the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences. Oliver has served the university for more than 36 years and has led the department by assisting and facilitating daily operations. Oliver’s dedication to helping the students, staff and faculty has been of immeasurable benefit to the university. Each winner was presented with a personalized plaque and monetary award.

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

photo by Desirae Trappey

ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS

RISING Young Alumni Award – JOEY TRAPPEY

photo by Emerald McIntyre BY JOEY McNAMARA

2016 ALUMNI

AWARD WINNERS GOLDEN Arrow Award – JAMIE MAYO The Golden Arrow Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an alumnus for outstanding personal achievement. The 2016 winner is Jamie Mayo, the Mayor of Monroe, LA. As mayor, Mayo’s policy focus is concentrated on economic development, public safety, partnerships in education, city beautification, housing, growth, and marketing Monroe as a whole. Additionally, Mayo’s administration has focused on sound fiscal management with eleven years of fiscal year budget surpluses and an A+ bond rating.

Mayo received a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1979. Mayo states, “I have the highest regard for the many experiences I had during my days at NLU/ULM. I met my wife Angela there. I played on the basketball team for four years, winning a conference championship my senior year. I earned a BBA degree which has benefited me throughout my 20+ year career in business, and my 20+ years in public service as a city councilman and now Mayor of the City of Monroe. Angela and I have been actively involved as alumni because we want to help further the strong academic reputation of our school. We are MONROE PROUD of ULM!”

Trappey received a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing in 2005 and returned to ULM for a Masters of Education in 2007. He was a member of the ULM football team from 20012005, serving as team captain from 2003-2005. He also was a member of the basketball team from 2005-2007. After graduation, Trappey has stayed involved with ULM through the Alumni Association, and through many events on campus. In 2015, he addressed the freshman class during the annual convocation. Trappey states, “I am just trying to do my part in helping the ULM students, alumni, and community experience a better ULM.” Trappey elaborates, “It’s important for all alumni to give back within their capabilities, and not just through athletics. ULM wouldn’t be possible if no one supports academics as well. As a marketing graduate, it’s important that all areas receive support because not all wins are made on the field.”

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Mayo began his post-ULM career in the insurance industry and Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corp. Before being elected mayor in 2001, he was

elected to Monroe City Councilman for District #5 in 1995 where he served the community for 8 more years.

This award is given to an alumnus who exemplifies school spirit, appreciates the value of education, and makes time to engage with their alumni community. And no one will doubt the school spirit on display at Trappey’s restaurants. He is best known locally for his popular Monroe eateries, The Fieldhouse and Trapp’s.

SOAR

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

COLLEGE OF HEALTH & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

TAKING THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE TO NEW HEIGHTS

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THE ULM MAGAZINE

The Campaign

After establishing the SOAR campaign in 2013, the University of Louisiana Monroe has seen a surge in support from the community in an effort to propel the university forward during continued budget challenges facing Louisiana higher education. ULM’s constituents, with help from the ULM Foundation, have shifted the university’s future by helping to advance its mission of giving students a safe, comfortable institution, which provides innovative technology and facilities. The SOAR initiatives provide opportunities for alumni and friends of the university to participate in every aspect of its future — from endowments supporting students and faculty to building projects adorning all areas of campus. During this leadership phase of the campaign, many have already stepped up to support several of the exciting SOAR projects, including: •

The Success of the President’s Top Hawks Scholarship program is evidenced by the tremendous growth in high ability incoming freshman who have selected ULM to build their future. Since its recent inception, the number of Top Hawks is building into the hundreds! This scholarship program provides technology and summer study-abroad opportunities, and its continued growth and success is completely reliant upon private donations to recruit and retain qualified students.

•

The Opportunities for faculty, such as the Endowed Professorships established by Freddy & Reba Nolan in Business Analytics, JoAnn and Miles Sager in Computer Information Systems, and Regions Bank in Accounting, will help meet the workforce demands for graduates, and provide funds critical for research, continuing education, instructional supplies, and more.

•

Achieving and sustaining competitive athletic programs and stateof-the art facilities are only possible through generous donations like those received for the enhancements of the baseball and softball complexes, the soccer field, and the brand new Malone Stadium Fieldhouse.

•

Renovation and building of facilities, such as the new National Champion Water Ski Team Facility and the upcoming ULM Performing Arts Center Main Theatre, will attract more top-tier students into the ULM family and provide enhanced community-atlarge engagement opportunities.

S O A R

UCCESS of its students is a major focus of ULMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture of excellence. ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

PPORTUNITIES for innovative academics define ULMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to excellence.

CHIEVING a competitive edge for ULM Athletic programs is a challenge that must be met. COLLEGE OF HEALTH & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

ENOVATION of existing facilities and building of new facilities ensures a quality living-learning environment at ULM.

WAYS YOU CAN

SOAR

WITH US!

Matching Gifts: Many companies participate in matching gift programs. Some companies will even match gifts made by retirees and spouses of employees. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer and send it completed and signed with your gift. We will do the rest. The impact of your gift may be doubled or even tripled!

For more information or to make a gift to SOAR, contact:

Tribute / Memorial Gift: Tribute or memorial gift is a wonderful way to honor someone you admire, respect, or want to remember in a meaningful way, including but not limited to a professor, an advisor, a mentor, a colleague, a family member, a friend, or an alum. Others have also utilized it as a thoughtful way to celebrate a wedding, graduation, new baby, birthday or any special occasion. For more information, contact the ULM Foundation office at 318.342.3636, or foundation@ulm.edu

ULM Foundation Development Office

Estate & Planned Giving: Many alumni and friends have chosen to support the University through planned gifts such as bequests, trusts, gift annuities and life insurance policies. The George T. Walker Heritage Society honors those donors who name the University as a beneficiary in their wills or who make other deferred or planned estate gifts to ULM. The ULM Foundation can provide you with general information about estate and planned giving options; however, you should consult your attorney and/or financial advisor for more specific advice.

or visit

318.342.3636

FALL 2015

WWW.ULM.EDU

ulm.edu/soar

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016 photo by rck_953/Bigstock.com

1956 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

WILLIAM KING is married to DORIS KING. He is retired and resides in Millersville, Maryland.

1959 JO LUTON REPPOND was married to fellow ULM graduate EVERETTE REPPOND†. He is a retired Teacher and resides in Rolla, Missouri.

1961 EDWARD AULDS is married to JEAN AULDS. He is retired and resides in West Monroe. GEORGE ARMSTRONG is retired and resides in Austin, Texas.

1965 MARY CLARE BRUSCATO DAVIS is retired and resides in The Woodlands, Texas. GARETH BOND is married to JANIS BOND. While at ULM, he was a member of SGA and several fraternities. He resides in Hamilton, Virginia. KAY CAROLYN BROOKS is retired and resides in Monroe.

1966 WWW.ULM.EDU

MARY MARTIN LADART is married to ROSS LADART and resides in West Monroe.

1967 KIRBY DESORMEAUX is married

† – deceased

to SALLY DESORMEAUX. He is retired and resides in Alexandria.

1968 ALBERT DOUROUX is married to VICKI DOUROUX. He is retired and resides in Sumter, South Carolina.

DAVIS (’78). They reside in Austin, Texas. JAMES GALPIN was a member of the Alpha Eta Roe Aviation Fraternity while at ULM. He is retired and resides in Brookshire, Texas.

1971

LAWRENCE ROBINSON is married to fellow ULM graduate ANN GREENE. He is retired and resides in Germantown, Tennessee.

JOHN C. BLITCH is married to DEBBIE BLITCH. He is the Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering and resides in Celebration, Florida.

GARRY OUBRE is married to DR. LAYNE SPITZENBERGER. While at ULM, he was a member of SGA and Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He resides in Katy, Texas and is the owner of Garry Pierre Oubre & Associates.

LINDBERG HEBERT is retired and resides in New Iberia.

MICHAEL ENRIGHT is married to CYNTHIA ENRIGHT.

1969 GEORGE KING is married to MARYNELL CORLEY KING. While at ULM, he was a member of Phi Delta Chi fraternity. He resides in Huffman, Texas.

1970 GEORGE MCDUFFIE is married to fellow ULM graduate ROSALIE WACHOWSKI MCDUFFIE. He is a retired Teacher and resides in Cataula, Georgia. DAN MCKAY is married to ADRIENNE MCKAY. While at ULM, he was a member of SGA and Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He is an Attorney at Law and resides in Bunkie. W. EDWARD DAVIS (’70, ’77) is married to fellow ULM graduate BETTY ROBINSON

TOM BAKER is married to DEANIE BAKER. He is the owner of TheToggery. com and resides in Monroe. DOROTHY HOLLER resides in Shreveport. DOUG DENMON is married and resides in Monroe.

1972 H. WADE EARNHEART is married to fellow ULM graduate SANDRA EARNHEART. While at ULM, he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity and NLSC men’s track and field team in 1967. He resides in West Monroe. BARBARA GILBERT DAVIS (’72, ’79) was a member of the NLU Concert Choir from 1968 to 1972. She is retired and resides in Monroe. DALTON BRACKIN is married and resides in Kirbyville, Texas. DAVID STEWART is married to LEONA STEWART. He is a President’s Professor of Marketing and Business

Sarasota, Florida, and is an Internet Sales Manager for Lexus of Sarasota.

CHARLES J. MILLER is married to DONNA DENIECE. He resides in Monroe and is a Pharmacy Manager for Rite Aid Pharmacy.

RALPH D. HOLLEY is married to fellow ULM graduate CLODY W. HOLLEY. He is retired and resides in Marion.

RAY GUILLORY is retired and resides in Montgomery, Alabama. WAYNE CHAMBLESS resides in New Orleans.

1973 LAURENCE FAVALORA resides in Metairie and is the President of Favalora Constructors, Inc., in Kenner. JOHN BALLANCE is married to SHERRI WOODALL BALLANCE. While at ULM, he was a member of the ULM men’s basketball team. He is a Sheriff for the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office and resides in Arcadia.

1974 ALBERT KU (’74, ’76) is married to BARBARA KU. He is retired and resides in Fairview, Texas. GARY FERGUSON is married to KAREN FERGUSON. He is retired and resides in Shreveport. WAYNETTE BESSER is a Funding Coordinator for CATD, Inc., in Memphis, Tennessee. He resides in Germantown, Tennessee. OWENS HAM ALTHEIA is married to JOHNNY ALTHEIA. She is employed by Ouachita Independent Bank and resides in West Monroe. MICHELLE CANTERBURY SIMON is married to fellow ULM graduate BRUCE D. SIMON. She does Quality Assurance for AIMS, Inc., and resides in Marshall, Texas. TIMOTHY SYKES is married to CYNTHIA SYKES. He resides in Slidell and is a Tax Officer II for the State of Louisiana. PATSY HAMMONDS RIALS (’74, ’76) is retired and resides in Monroe.

STEVE HEINIGER is married to TRACY HEINIGER. He resides in

JOEL DAVIS is retired and resides in Granbury, Texas. DORIS GRAY BROWN is married to fellow ULM graduate ADELL BROWN. She is a Public Health Executive Director for DHH/OPH and resides in Baton Rouge. BRET MCCOY is employed by Fast Signs and resides in Bossier City. BARBARA STEWART JOHNSTON is married to fellow ULM graduate JOHNNY JOHNSTON. She is a Staff Pharmacist at Walmart Pharmacy in Checotah, Oklahoma. She resides in McAlester, Oklahoma. KAREN TRAHAN DAVID is married to HARRY DAVID. While at ULM, she was a member of Kappa Psi sorority. She is retired and resides in Cut Off. EARL ROULAINE resides in Tyler, Texas, and is a Pharmacist for Fred’s Pharmacy.

1976 CLAUDEAN MELTON CARTWRIGHT is married to W. CLIFFORD CARTWRIGHT. She is retired and resides in Chatham. LINDA SINGLER-MILES HOLYFIELD is married to JOE HOLYFIELD. She is the President and CEO of P&S Surgical & SMSO. She resides in Monroe. BRUCE HANKS (’76, ’77) is married to CAROL HANKS and resides in Monroe. JEFFREY BROADWAY is retired and resides in Huntsville, Alabama.

ROBERT BALES (’77, ’82) is married to JEANETTE BALES. While at ULM, he was a member of several fraternities, ULM Baseball team, and Sound of Today. He is a Lead Accountant for CenturyLink and resides in Eros. KATHY HALL HOPKINS is married to fellow ULM graduate DAVID S. HOPKINS. She is retired and resides in Farmerville.

1978 MARK FERGUSON is married to CONNIE FERGUSON. He resides in Shreveport and is a Senior Project Manager for David Boland Construction. CAROLINE BOZEMAN PHILLIPS is married to FRED E. PHILLIPS. She resides in Shreveport where she is a Pharmacist for Albertsons Pharmacy. CLARA JO SARTOR is married to BRIAN SIVILS. She resides in Rayville. DUSTY GATES is married to CAMILLE GATES. He resides in Farmerville where he is a Sheriff for the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office. STEPHEN FUTRELL is a Partner with Pomona Capital in New York, New York. While at ULM, he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He is married and resides in Hillsdale, New York. WANDA POUNDERS resides in Houston, Texas, and is an Investment Analyst III for the Amegy Bank. STEVE FOWLER is married to LAURA FOWLER and resides in Pineville.

1979

EQUILLA JOHNSON WHITE is married to DUANE WHITE and resides in Cerritos, California.

STEVEN BOWDLE is retired and resides in Malvern, Arkansas. While at ULM, he was a member of Alpha Eta Rho Fraternity.

THOMAS KEITH resides in West Plains, Missouri, and is a Pharmacist for the Department of Defense.

ELIZABETH MERKLEIN JOHNSON resides in Portland, Oregon, and is a teacher at Edison High School.

1977 ROBERT WAYNE FERRAR is married to EME FERRAR. He resides in McKinney, Texas.

DAVID ROGERS is married to MICHELLE ROGERS. He resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the owner of the David Rogers Builders.

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L. KING SCOTT is married to KARI SCOTT. He resides in West Monroe and is a General Dentist for L. King Scott DDS.

1975

HARRY G. PROPHIT IV is married to fellow ULM graduate ALICE M. PROPHIT. He resides in West Monroe.

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

JOHN FOSTER is married to CINDY FOSTER. He resides in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, and is a selfemployed business owner.

CURTIS BRUNO is married to SHARON BRUNO. While at ULM, he was a member of the ULM football team. He is retired and resides in Lowell, Arkansas.

DARRELL BREAUX is married to MELINDA BREAUX. He resides in Missouri City, Texas, and is a Senior Critical Care Business Manager for Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals in Hampton, New Jersey.

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

Law at Loyola Marymount University. He resides in Playa Vista, California.

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

MIKE HAMMOCK is married to MARY HAMMOCK. He resides in Monroe and is a self-employed Real Estate Appraiser. LES OSTERBERGER is married to JUDY OSTERBERGER and resides in Pine Valley, California.

1980 ELIZABETH SINGLER MCCALL is an Attorney for the Reed Smith LLP. While at ULM, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority and the Pre-Law Society. She resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ROBERT NEWMAN (’80, ’83) was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the ULM Football team while a student at ULM. He resides in Baton Rouge and is a Manager at East Baton Rouge Parish.

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

JERRI DE PINGRE is married to BENNY DE PINGRE. While at ULM, she was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. She was the Miss NLU 1979. She resides in Minden and is the President and CEO of Minden S. Webster Chamber of Commerce. W. NELSON SHEPHERD is married to KAY SHEPHERD. While at ULM, he was a member of the ULM football team. He resides in New Orleans and is an Agent for Farm Bureau Insurance. JEFFREY PONN is married to TERRY PONN and resides in Fort Myers, Florida.

1982 RUSSELL TODD ROBERTS is married to fellow ULM graduate ROBYN ROBERTS. He resides in Jackson, Mississippi, where he is the President of ERS, INC. KATHRYN ELMORE RUSSELL is an Assistant Vice President and a Senior Business Systems Analyst for J.P. Morgan Chase, N.A. While at ULM, she was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and took a title of Miss Black NLU. She resides in Houston, Texas. CYNTHIA BROUSSARD SHEEHAN (’82, ’12) is married to JUSTIN SHEEHAN. She resides in Covington and is employed by Berry Plastics. CURTIS MARTIN (’82, ’84) is employed by Miracle Ear and resides in Waco, Texas. WWW.ULM.EDU

MICHAELLE WOLFE SCELFO is married to fellow ULM graduate ROBERT SCELFO and resides in Covington. KEITH RICHARD (’82, ’86) is married

to fellow ULM graduate HOLLY RICHARD. He resides in Monroe and is the ULM head Men’s Basketball Coach.

1983 SHERRY GRAHAM BOWEN resides in Monroe and is an Executive Director to CEO for CenturyLink. KAREN BOYET FERLAND is married to GENE FERLAND. She resides in Kansas City, Missouri, and is a Scrum Master for DST.

SCOTT RUNDELL is married to CARLA RUNDELL. He resides in Baton Rouge and is the Director of Tolling Operations for the La. Department of Transportation and Development.

1986 BRYAN WILSON resides in Diboll, Texas. JOSEPH ODOM is married to LYDIA LEBLANC ODOM and resides in Lake Charles.

LAURA BLACKBURN is married to PETER TREECE. She resides in Autsin, Texas, and is a self-employed IT Consultant and Pharmacist.

CATHY BERNHARDT HOROWITZ is married to ROBERT HOROWITZ. She is an American Sign Language Teacher at Walt Whitman High School. She resides in Potomac, Maryland.

SHERYL SCOTT SHEPARD resides in Jacksonville, Florida.

CHERYL LONG resides in Lewisville, Texas.

PATTY HANSON resides in Jennings and is a Dental Hygienist for Leger Family Dentistry.

LANE TOLAR is married to fellow ULM graduate LISA TOLAR and resides in West Monroe.

KENNETH HALL is married to VANESSA HALL. While at ULM, he was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He resides in Spring, Texas, and is a Business Development Manager for Stantec.

JOSEPH ODOM is married to LYDIA LEBLANC ODOM. He resides in Lake Charles.

1984 DOUGLAS MCBRIDE is retired and resides in Lithonia, Georgia. He was a member of the ULM men’s soccer team from 1980 to 1984. ALIDA LEBLANC LEWIS is married to fellow ULM graduate JEFFREY D. LEWIS. She resides in Lafayette. MARIANNE STEVENS LECLERC is married to FRANCOIS LECLERC. She is a Web Publisher for Contractor for Schlumberger and resides in Dallas, Texas. ROBERT CAMPBELL is married to fellow ULM graduate REBECCA BARR CAMPBELL. He resides in Covington and is a Pilot for American Airlines. KAREN TOMS resides in Bossier City.

1985 MICHAEL CUPIT resides in Houston, Texas, where he works as a Teacher for Klein Independent School District. CHERYL MCKENNEY is married and resides in Sidney, Maine. She is a Probation Officer for the State of Maine. PENNY SISSON NUGENT is a Senior Analyst for CenturyLink and resides in Monroe.

ROBERT SULLIVAN resides in Sparks, Nevada, and is an Itinerary Band Teacher for Washoe County School District. GABRIEL LAI resides in Vancouver, Canada, and is the Director of Finance for NCIX.com. DONNA TOLEFREE MCFADDEN is married to LEE MCFADDEN and resides in Little Rock, Arkansas.

1987 KAREN CANADY BARNES is a Car Sales Professional for Holmes Honda in Shreveport. While at ULM, she was a member of SGA, Prep Staff, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Sound of Today Band. She resides in Bossier City. KELLY GIVENS HARBERT is married to NATHAN HARBERT. She resides in Broomfield, Colorado. KEITH PRICE is married to LYNN PRICE. While at ULM, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Sorority as well as a member of Prep Staff. She resides in Shreveport and is a Pharmacist for Healthcare Pharmacy. MARTHA IRVIN HANKINS is married and resides in Nederland, Texas. ROBERT NEIDER resides in Bedford, Texas, and is the Director of Flight Operations at Envoy Air Inc.

MARY SCOGIN DIAZ is married to Luis Diaz. She resides in Sachse, Texas. DOMINICA COLEMAN resides in Arlington, Texas. LISA WATKINS BARR resides in Olive Branch, Mississippi.

1988 MATTHEW MADARY resides in Metairie and is a Coffee Trader for the International Coffee Corp.

GARELD DEWITT is married to CHRISTINA DEWITT. While at ULM, he was a member of Phi Delta Chi fraternity. He resides in Monroe and is a Partner with DeWitt French Giger & Sitton, LLP.

LISA BUSBY WALSTON is married to BYRON WALSTON. While at ULM, she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She is self-employed and resides in Lakeway, Texas.

JARED WEST (’91, ’96) is married to fellow ULM graduate VALERIE WEST. He resides in Grayson, Georgia, and is the Director of Marketing at Touching Lives Inc.

1989 ANNA HOLMBERG NEIDER resides in West Palm Beach, Florida.

MICHAEL MARTIN resides in Hermosa Beach and is employed by DHS. While at ULM, he was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity. JANE PARKER BIGGS is married to fellow ULM graduate BILLY BIGGS. She resides in Columbia and is an Assistant Principle at Kiroli Elementary in West Monroe. DOYLE WILSON is married to AMY WILSON and resides in Arlington, Texas. LISA HIGGINBOTHAM resides in Shreveport and is a Telecommunications Analyst for LSU Health at Shreveport. ANDREA DANIEL BAHAM is married to fellow ULM graduate MELVIN J. BAHAM JR. While at ULM, she was a member of Kappa Epsilon sorority. She resides in Baton Rouge and is a Pharmacy Manager for Albertsons, LLC. TAMMY WILLIAMS TOLLIVER is married and resides in Greenville, Mississippi.

1990

BRETT CHATELAIN is married to KATIE CHATELAIN. He was a member of the ULM Football team from 1986 to 1990. He resides in Baton Rouge and is a Teacher

for Livingston Parish School System. CATHERINE WOOD resides in Wake Village, Texas, and is a Territory Manager for Virbac in Fort Worth, Texas. OSWALD JACQUET JR. is married and resides in Baytown, Texas. LANE MCGUIRE is married to WENDY MCGUIRE. He resides in Monroe and is a Finance Manager for CenturyLink. AGNELLA KATRISE LEE PERERA is married to fellow ULM graduate RAJIV PERERA. While at ULM, she was a member of the ULM Women’s Basketball team. She earned her doctorate of Education Leadership & Policy from Virginia Tech in 2014. She is the National Director for Urban Markets at McGraw Hill Education. She resides in Humble, Texas. KEITH HUNTER is married to fellow ULM graduate TYRA M. HUNTER. They reside in Lake Village, Arkansas. JAMES AHREND is an Attorney at Frascogna Courtney, PLLC. While at ULM, he was a member of the SGA and Delta Sigma Pi fraternity. He resides in Florence, Mississippi. WILLIAM RODGERS is married to MONICA RODGERS. He resides in Webster, Texas, and is the Director of Finance & Administration for the City of Webster.

1991 MARK BONIOL is a Receiving Manager for Party City. He resides in Metairie.

CHRISTY BURGESS KELLY (’91, ’02) resides in Oak Grove and is a Math Teacher for West Carroll Parish Schools. While at ULM, she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority.

1992 MICKEY ROBERTS is married to KIM ROBERTS. He resides in Alexandria where he is the Director of Information Technology for Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital. LONNIE MENZINA is married to fellow ULM graduate JILL BROWN MEZINA and resides in Ruston. DEANA MCPHERSON RAGUS is married to JOHN RAGUS. She is selfemployed and resides in Epps. DEBBIE WHITE KINDRIX is married to fellow ULM graduate JACKIE KINDRIX and resides in West Monroe.

1993 PATRICK CLAY is married to PENNY CLAY. While at ULM, he was a member of Phi Delta Chi Fraternity. He resides in Fort Worth, Texas, and is a Professor for the UNT System College of Pharmacy. CASSANDRA BARKER-CARR (’93, ’96) is married to fellow ULM graduate LARRY CARR. While at ULM, she was a member of ULM Women’s basketball team. She is employed by ACT, Inc, and resides in Conyers, Georgia. NEAL MARK is married to fellow ULM graduate RHONDA MARK. While

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ANDREA TATE RICKLEFSEN is married to JIMMY RICKLEFSEN. She resides in Lake Charles and is a Pharmacist for WalMart Pharmacy.

photo by JonW/Bigstock.com

JOE GREMILLION is the owner of the Twin City Granite. While at ULM, he was a member of SGA and Sigma Nu fraternity. He is married and resides in Monroe.

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

CRAIG WASHINGTON is married to KIALYNSHIA WASHINGTON. He was a member of ULM Football team from 1984 to 1989. He resides in Houston, Texas, where he is an Operation Manager for YRC Freight.

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

KEVIN JACKSON was a member of both Alpha Phi Alpha and Delta Sigma Pi Fraternities while at ULM. He resides in Hutto, Texas, and is an Underwriting Supervisor for ProAssurance.

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

a student at ULM, he was member of several fraternities. He is the owner of the Neal Law Firm and resides in Monroe. MAHESH KARWA is married to SUMAN KARWA. He resides in Pune and is the Director of Bestosys Solutions Pvt Ltd. RICHARD BASWELL is married to BRENDA BASWELL. He is a Logistics Operations Officer for Alabama National Guard. He resides in New Braunfels, Texas.

1994 LISA FREY MILLER is married to LYLE MILLER. She resides in Monroe and is the Chief Communications Officer at ULM. MEREDITH HEARD RICHARDSON (’94, ’01) resides in West Monroe and is a Manager, Finance BU Support for CenturyLink.

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

DREW PRISNER is married to KARERN PRISNER. While at ULM, he was a member of the track & field and cross country team. He resides in Houston, Texas, and is an attorney for the Law Office of Drew Prisner. PHYLLIS BALFA is a Pharmacist for Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and resides in Lake Charles. ANTOINETTE MCCORMICK resides in West Monroe and is a Safety Specialist. DEBRA LEWIS resides

in Lewisville, Texas. LISA RYALS TURLEY is married to ANTHONY TURLEY. She resides in Metairie and is an Occupational Therapist for Ochsner.

1995 ADRIA BEAL BARNETT is married to SCOTT BARNETT. She resides in Birmingham, Alabama, and is an Occupational Therapist for the Childrens of Alabama. REBECCA SANDERS SMITH resides in LaGrange, Kentucky. WARREN LANCE FUTCH resides in Farmerville and is an Assessor for the Union Parish. BRADY BRYAN resides in Memphis, Tennessee. NIKISHA WINSTON GARRETT is married to KEITH GARRETT and resides in Gonzales. BRIAN WALLACE resides in San Francisco, California.

1996 CATINA DANIELS BROADWAY is married to fellow ULM graduate HARRY BROADWAY. She resides in North Charleston, South Carolina. JOYCE ROBERTS MCCARGAR is married

to fellow ULM graduate REX MCCARGAR. She resides in Eldon, Missouri. LISA BEASON ARANT is married to JAMES ARANT. She resides in West Monroe. MICHELLE LAWRENCE (’96, ’97) is a Product Specialist for ABS and resides in Monroe. CHRISTINA GROSS GLASS is married to DANIEL GLASS. She resides in Wylie, Texas, and is an Underwriter for State Farm. FREDDIE NOBLE resides in Fresno, Texas, and is the owner of Freddie L. Noble, State Farm Insurance. JAMES BOYETT is married to fellow ULM graduate STACI DICKERSON BOYETT. While at ULM, he was a member of the ULM football team. He resides in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and is an Agent for State Farm.

1997 DEE DOUGLAS JONES is married to DR. ROGER JONES. She resides in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and is a Learning Resource Specialist for Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Alabama. MANUEL RAMOS is married to JENNY RAMOS. He is the Executive Director of the Boy Scouts of America. He resides in Corpus Christi, Texas.

T WEN T Y-S I X YE AR S OF

E XCELLENCE WWW.ULM.EDU

ALISA MURPHY ZUJOVIC (’99, ’04) was a member of the ULM women’s track & field team while student at ULM. She is married and resides in Tampa, Florida.

LAUREN ASHLIE HARPER resides in Crossett, Arkansas, and is the President of Harper & Associates, PLLC.

ANDREA JOINER HAMM (’99, ’08) is married to J. WESLEY HAMM. While at ULM, she was a member of ULM’s Sound of Today and Tau Beta Sigma sorority. She resides in Romansville, Pennsylvania.

1998 KIMBERLY CHITMAN resides in Cedar Hill, Texas. KIERSTEN COLEMAN ALEXANDER is married to GEOFF ALEXANDER and resides in Evansville, Indiana. MICHAEL REESE is married to MORGAN REESE. While at ULM, he was a member of SGA and Prep staff. He resides in Leesville and is the Owner of Reese Transportation.

1999

LEE JONES is married to PATRICIA JONES. He is a Maintenance Area Manager for Walmart Distribution Center in Bentonville, Arkansas. He resides in Garfield, Arkansas. KELLIE WILLIAMS resides in McKinney, Texas.

APRIL WATKINS MOODY is married to HELVIS MOODY and resides in Waxahachie, Texas.

2000 REBECCA SAMROW is married and resides in Ruston. JAI ESCHETE is married to fellow ULM graduate LORI VICTORIANO ESCHETE. He resides in Tupelo, Mississippi, where he is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for North Mississippi Medical Center.

KRISTEN SUTTON VANDEVEN is married to DONNIE VANDEVEN. She resides in Newellton and is an Assistant Vice President for Cross Keys Bank. REBECCA BEVERLY SAMROW is married and resides in Ruston.

2002 LORI VICTORIANO ESCHETE is married to fellow ULM graduate JAI W. ESCHETE. While at ULM, she was a member of Kappa Epsilon Sorority. She resides in Tupelo, Mississippi, where she is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist and provides Surgical Services for North Mississippi Medical Center. JAVVI LEWIS was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity while ULM student. He is an I.T. Specialist for Fbop and resides in Austin, Texas.

AMANDA WEST SEVIN is married to JUDE SEVIN. She is an Account Specialist for Allergan Pharmaceuticals.

JULIA BARNHILL LETLOW (’02, ’05) is married to LUKE LETLOW. She is the Director of Marketing & Communications at ULM. She earned a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of South Florida in 2011. She resides in Oak Ridge.

RONY MANUEL PALMER is married to ELIZABETH PALMER. He resides in Toronto, New York, and does the Studio Operation at IT & Finance

SHANETTE WASHINGTON was a member of Sound of Today. While a student at ULM, as well as a member of several sororities. She is a Graphic

THOMAS BLOXOM (’00, ’06) is married and resides in Cedar Park, Texas.

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

JASON HAWKINS is married to KARA HAWKINS. He resides in West Monroe where he is a VP Credit Analyst 3 for Origin Bank.

MARA NABORS resides in Monroe.

for Corus Entertainment Inc. ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

WILLIAM COGBURN is married to fellow ULM graduate PATTI COGBURN. He resides in Winter Garden, Florida, and is a Manager at Walt Disney Company.

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photo by Emerald McIntyre

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

Design Coordinator for ULM. She earned her MBA from Louisiana Tech University in 2011. She resides in West Monroe. MICKI CAMPBELL BARTLETT is married to fellow ULM graduate CHRIS BARTLETT. She is Systems Analyst/Programmer III at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield and resides in Sheridan, Arkansas. CHRISTY MARTELLO is married to ROBERT CAMPBELL. She resides in Brentwood, Tennessee. JULIE RENEE WHITE resides in Golden, Colorado. RHETT DESSELLE II is married to ELIZABETH DESSELLE. While at ULM, he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He resides in Baton Rouge and is a Right of Way Agent for Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. MIOSHIA TAYLOR resides in West Monroe.

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

BENJAMIN BUFFINGTON is married to fellow ULM graduate HANNAH BUFFINGTON. While at ULM, he was a member of several fraternities and ensembles. He resides in West Monroe and is a Senior Accountant for the ULM Foundation. SHANTELLE MILES resides in New Orleans and is an ITIL Business Analyst for General Electric.

2003 BEN WRIGHT is married to CHARLOTTE WRIGHT. While at ULM, he was a member of the ULM Football team. He is a Hospital Medicine Director at Apogee Physicians and resides in New Orleans. KEVIN JACKSON is married to fellow ULM graduate RHONDA JACKSON. He resides in Irving, Texas. ERIN LARPENTER resides in Gray. TAMIKA MORRISON resides in Bastrop.

2004 GLADYS HARVEY SONNIER is married and resides in Dickinson, Texas. While at ULM, she was a member of the ULM women’s track & field team.

JORDAN HUFFSTUTTER ANDERSON is married to fellow ULM graduate RICHARD ANDERSON. She resides in West Monroe and is an Assistant Professor at ULM.

2005 LEAHA TOWERS LARGE is a Health Coach at the Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System. She is married and resides in Mineola, Texas. PHILIP CORY MAHER resides in West Monroe. KACI RHODES MCMILLAN is married to KALEB MCMILLAN. She resides in Little Elm, Texas, and is a Senior Administrative Assistant at the Town of Little Elm.

2006 ANNA PRITCHARD WHITE is married to fellow ULM graduate DEREK WHITE. She resides in Olla and is a Senior Accountant for Hardtner Medical Center. AMIE SONNIER BODIN is married to fellow ULM graduate TODD BODIN. She resides in Youngsville and is a Pharmacist for Thrifty Way Pharmacy in Lafayette. LORI LEGGITT GAUBERT is married and resides in West Monroe. LYNDA ALDERMAN was a member of Beta Alpha Psi sorority while at ULM. She resides in West Monroe and is a Lead Technical Project Manager for CenturyLink.

2007 TUAN NGUYEN is married to KIM-QUA TRAN. He resides in Prairieville and is a Senior Industrial Hygienist for Shell Oil Company. ANTTI KEMPPE is married to HANNA KEMPPE and resides in Jyvaskyla, Finland.

2008 FORREST FONTENOT is married to KRYSTI FONTENOT. He resides in Church Point and is a Pharmacy Manager for Walgreens Pharmacy in Scott.

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WILLIAM DAYTON is married to fellow ULM graduate ASHLEY DAYTON. He resides in West Monroe and is a Producer at Moreman, Moore & Co., Inc.

JESSICA BALDINO MAHAN is married to fellow ULM graduate MICHAEL MAHAN. While at ULM, she was a member of the ULM Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams. She resides in Great Falls, Montana, and is a Family Nurse Practitioner for U.S. Air Force.

ANGELA GATTEN ROARK is married to JON ROARK and resides in Shreveport.

BRIDGETTE BURRELL resides in Little Rock, Arkansas.

photo ULM archives

D’MARIO PAYNE resides in Irving, Texas.

2009 JESSICA GREGORY STEPHENSON is married to LANE STEPHENSON. She resides in Shreveport. TERRENCE ADUBA is married and resides in The Colony, Texas. SHARON FRANKLIN BLAKE is married to BRANDON BLAKE and resides in Bastrop. KORY STRAIN RHODEN is married to fellow ULM graduate CURTIS RHODEN. While at ULM, she was a member of Phi Mu sorority. She resides in Franklinton. CLAIRE LEONARDS HOANG is married to fellow ULM graduate Son Hoang and resides in Crowley. MARANDA CARRAWAY resides in Winnsboro.

MELISSA TINGLER FRICK is married to BRENNEN W. FRICK and resides in Shreveport. JOSH BLACKMAN is married to fellow ULM graduate JERILYN BLACKMAN. He resides in Monroe and works for JPS Equipment Rental. MARIE JAUBERT THORNTON is married to fellow ULM graduate DONALD JR. THORNTON. She resides in West Monroe and is an Assistant Professor at ULM. THERESA DO (’10, ’11) resides in West Monroe. LINDSEY EICKMAN resides in Dallas, Texas.

2011 ADRIENNE JACKSON resides in Downsville.

GARRETT GIBBENS resides in Saint Gabriel and is employed by Cajun Industries.

KATHLEEN DURHAM resides in Houston, Texas, and is a Planner for Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

ADRIENNE JACKSON resides in Downsville and is a Medical Office Receptionist for Affinity Health Group.

MAKEVA ARMANT was the president of the English Student Society. While student at ULM, as well as the president of the Phi Tau Gamma Sorority. She resides in Pearl, Mississippi.

2012 JOSEPH BRISTER is married and resides in West Monroe. SHANNAN SMITH is a Child Welfare Specialist II for the Department of Children & Family Services in the State of Louisiana. She resides in DeRidder. TIFFANY LEGENDRE BROUILLETTE is married to STEPHEN BROUILLETTE and resides in Baton Rouge. MARY WIDMER BOYTE is married to fellow ULM graduate LARRY BOYTE. She resides in Oak Grove and is a Principle for West Carroll Parish Schools.

STEPHEN DAMPIER is married to HEATHER DAMPIER. He resides in Monroe and is employed by CenturyLink.

HEATHER SIMMONS (’11, ’13) resides in Monroe and is employed by Vantage Health Plan.

ZACH DUCHESNE is married to fellow ULM graduate EMILY DUCHESNE and resides in Calhoun.

LAUREN WEEKS DOBBINS is married to BRANDON DOBBINS and resides in West Monroe.

BRANDY SPRINGER resides in Calhoun and is a Therapy Manager for United Homecare.

PRISCILLA LAUREN MBIANDJA was a member of the ULM women’s basketball team while a student at ULM. She is married and resides in Monroe. BRITTANY JORDAN was a member of CAB, SGA, PREP Staff and the Kappa Delta Sorority while student at ULM. She resides in Monroe. DEANNA CHEATHAM BRADLEY (’11, ’16) was a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Sorority while at ULM. She resides in Dover, New Hampshire. KIOSHA MARTIN resides in Houston, Texas, and is employed by Tomball Regional Hospital.

MELISSA TISDALE BEINKEMPER is married to fellow ULM graduate JAMES BEINKEMPER and resides in Monroe.

JOHN ROMERO resides in Carencro.

2013 HEATHER BOND PARKER is married to TERRY PARKER. She resides in Winnsboro and is a Radiologic Technologist for Winnsboro Medical Clinic. MARK SANDLIN is married and resides in Simpsonville, South Carolina. KAITLIN ALISON O’BIER is married to fellow ULM graduate JEFFERY ALLEN O’BIER JR. While at ULM, she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. She resides in Bossier City and is an Assistant Banking Center Manager for Origin Bank. CHRISTIN WIGGINS resides in Lafayette.

2014 JORDAN TEMPLE resides in Monroe and is employed by Scott Equipment Company. KELLEY WHITE HENSLEY resides in Shreveport.

CHRISTINE MAYBERRY resides in Monroe. LUKE RICHARD resides in Monroe and is the Director of Basketball Operations at ULM. VICTORIA ODEN SISTRUNK is married to fellow ULM graduate JARON SISTRUNK. She resides in Bastrop. RACHEL HATTAWAY is a Teacher for Richland Parish School Board. She resides in West Monroe. SIMILOLUWA OGUNDARE resides in Lithonia, Georgia. JEFFERY CROWNOVER is married to fellow ULM graduate SUSAN C. CROWNOVER. While at ULM, he was a member of the ULM track and field team. He resides in St. Gabriel.

2016 HANNAH MATHENY was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority while at ULM. She resides in Monroe. TANNER HEBERT resides in Zachary. BRENDA WALKER resides in West Monroe and is a Probation and Parole Specialist for LA Probation and Parole. TAYLOR MASHAW ROBERTS is married to DUSTY ROBERTS. She resides in Bernice and is a Math Teacher at the Union Christian Academy. TRA’VON WASHINGTON was a member of both Phi Epsilon Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi fraternities while at ULM. He resides in Monroe. TERRI LAND SIMPSON is married to J. T. QUINN SIMPSON. While at ULM, she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi sorority. She resides in Sulphur and is a Teacher for Calcasieu Parish School Board. LYNDA KWENTOH is married to VICTOR KWENTOH. She resides in Monroe and is a Teacher for Ouachita Parish School Board. RANDAL OTT resides in River Ridge.

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ALICIA PERRY THOMAS is married to PHILLIP THOMAS. While at ULM, she was a member of several sororities and the ULM’s Sound of Today. She resides in Winnsboro.

JASON ARMSTRONG resides in Gilbert.

HEATHER TERRELL resides in Monroe and is a Software Developer II for CenturyLink.

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

LILA DOHERTY KEOMALITHONG is married to STEVE KEOMALITHONG. She is the President and CEO of Royal 9 Corporation as well as the General Manager of Café RawZ in West Monroe. She resides in Monroe.

2015

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

2010

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

RETIREMENTS JULY 2015 Charles Fredrick Frost NOVEMBER 2015 Ralph Eugene Swillie DECEMBER 2015 Jack Weldon White JANUARY 2016 Lawrence B. Thorn Patricia Hearn Tolar MARCH 2016 Denise Marie Duplechin

RETIREMENTS & IN MEMORIUM

APRIL 2016 Joyce Upshaw Melinda L. Mitchell MAY 2016 Carol Ann Robertson Edward E. Eller Gary Lynn Ratcliff James T. Wood Steven D. Kelley Terry Lyle Jones JUNE 2016 Donald Raymond Smith James Casey Lori LaBorde JULY 2016 Harihara M. Mehendale Vernon Lynn Thompson Susie Ann Clay Terry Lynn McBethe Fricker Ruthoe Earl Kyles AUGUST 2016 Adonis M. Pate

IN MEMORIAM Adella Paul Amira Ceric Ann M. Cook Betty J. James Betty L. May Beverly R. Wilson Billie Spatafora Billy R. Edge Carolyn A. Palo Cecilia A. McCandlish Charles D. Thompson Charles E. Haynes Charles F. Jackson Charles R. Westerchil Charles W. McGough Cleo H. Wiggers Donald L. Kennedy Dorothy Korn Doug Perry Dwain C. Tharpe Edmund N. Williamson Eli Brown Elizabeth R. Durham Ella L. Kelley Floyd B. Boughton Francis S. Barringer Gail Bunch Gary F. Joye Gary L. Bankston Gaytha B. Johnson Gladys Murphy Gretchen J. Ford

H. R. Wood Harold L. King Harvey W. Ferguson Holly S. Casey Howard R. Hunter J. Wesley McComb Jack B. Key James E. Canfield James E. Lieux James L. Adams Jamie L. Wilhite Janet G. Leake Jean S. Vaughn Jerry L. Ball Jimmie L. Grant Jimmy Childress John A. Glorioso John B. Redditt John M. Ward John T. Johnson Joseph L. Sanders Joye K. Graves Kay L. Armstrong Keith P. Kelley Kenneth Frith Larry D. Avery Larry J. Bourg Larry J. Hebert Lawrence I. White Linda Copeland Louis R. Soulier Margaret L. Till

Martha A. Smith Mary S. Sweet Matthew O. Allain Maurice F. Browne Neva K. Brown Otis D. Korn Patsy Antley Patsy McDonald Paul J. Guilbeau Paul M. McElroy Paula Shields Peggy R. Buffington Randy L. Bond Richard S. Tullos Robert D. Wood Robert N. Schendle Roy K. Varner Sally Kimball Shirley A. Alford Stephen B. Dearmon Stephen J. Davitt Susan L. Morison Tarah L. Busbice Terry L. Martin Thomas H. McGehee Thomas L. Day Thomas O. Bancroft Tracy R. Moore William H. Pryor William J. Nunnally William R. Graves Wynona J. Spangler

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PRESIDENT: Jeremy K. Moore (BBA ‘00, MBA ‘02) PRESIDENT ELECT: W. Adams Rodgers IV (BBA ‘98)

Moore

ULMMAGAZINE FALL 2016

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PAST PRESIDENT: Brenda B. Dudley (BBA ‘84, MBA ‘86) VICE-PRESIDENT: Sara Benecke Brice (BA ‘90)

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

SECRETARY-TREASURER: Julie Harlan O’Brien (BA ‘80) REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS:

Rodgers IV

AREA 1:

Sharon Green (BA ‘87)

AREA 2:

Kyle Keeler (BS ‘95)

AREA 3:

Mary Ann Riddle (BA 74; BA 77)

AREA 3A: Fritz Winke (MA ‘99)

Dudley

Brice

AREA 4:

Jamie Hilburn (BA ’04)

AREA 4:

Eric Weatherly (BS ‘07)

AREA 5:

Bobbye Fletcher Earle (BS ‘61)

AREA 5:

Lance Futch (BBA ‘95)

AREA 5:

Glen L. Williams (BA 60; BS 63)

AREA 6:

Todd Burgess (BGS ‘92)

AREA 6:

H. Wade Earnheart (BBA ‘72)

AREA 6:

Sam L. Moore III (BS ‘90, Med ‘93)

AREA 6:

Chris Rightsell (BA ’04)

AREA 6:

Kay Heck Shipp (BA ‘70, MA ‘73)

AREA 7:

Dr. Jeff Hood (BA ‘91, MA ‘94)

AREA 7:

Wally Mulhearn (BS ‘85)

AREA 8:

Doug Nielsen (BA ‘08)

Complete bios are available at

O’Brien

WWW.ULM.EDU

ulm.edu/alumni/board.html

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