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A Homecoming: A Tribute to Professor Emeritus Jerry Newman at the Dishman

Aug

31st

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Professor Newman (1934 – 2008) taught at Lamar University for more than four decades. Upon his retirement in 1999 at age 65, The Texas State University System Board of Regents honored him as distinguished professor emeritus, stating that he “left an enduring legacy of artistic excellence in the brushes and palettes of students who themselves have garnered widespread attention and respect.” The artists selected for this exhibition will present their work honoring Professor Newman at an alumni show that opens Oct. 8.

Light refreshments will be served at the opening reception. The exhibition will run through Nov. 10. Admission is free. The Dishman Art Museum is located at 1030 East Lavaca, Beaumont, Texas.

Call (409) 880-8959 for more information or visit lamar.edu/dishman.

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Better Business Bureau Senior Expo in October

Aug

31st

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The 11th Southeast Texas SENIOR CELEBRATION and Consumer Expo is set for Thursday, October 14th, from 8:30am to 2:30pm at the Beaumont Civic Center. It’s an exciting day for adults of all ages. Admission is FREE! Parking is FREE!

On the HealthSpring Main Stage, enjoy Jerome the Magician, the Lamar University 17-piece Jazz Band, a style show with Dillard’s Department Store, celebrity models, BINGO with BIG prizes, special presentations, and more!

The Consumer Expo will feature over 100 booth exhibitors, health screenings, live music from Rick Danna, refreshments, ACES Classic Cars, clowns, door prizes, lots of valuable information, and fun! The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Texas Benefits Counseling Program will be on hand to help with Medicare Part D Open Enrollment.

For more information and to secure a booth(s) space, call 409/835-5951 x117 or debbiebridgeman@bbbsetexas.org. It’s the 11th Southeast Texas SENIOR CELEBRATION & Consumer Expo, which is a project of the Consumer Education Foundation of the Better Business Bureau, and sponsored in part by the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission’s Ozone Action Days and Southeast Texas Transit.

More than 2,500 adults attended last year!

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LSC-O nears completion of final renovations after Hurricane Ike

Aug

31st

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Almost two years have passed since the residents of Orange, TX and students of Lamar State College-Orange watched as Hurricane Ike put their homes and campus underwater. The damage was so significant that most people, including those at LSC-O, have spent the last two years renovating and cleaning up the mess that was left behind. But almost two years to the day later, LSC-O is finally in the last stages of completing the campus renovations that were necessary after Ike.
While the indoor renovations have been done for months, the storm damaged many of the oak trees on campus, as well as hundreds of other trees and shrubs. Much of the campus landscaping suffered significant damage due to salt water infiltration from the flooding and trees suffered root damage from being blown over by Ike’s winds.
According to Dr. Michael Shahan, LSC-O president, the chance to redo the landscaping on campus has allowed them to address the damage and to also make modifications that will improve the long-term appearance of the campus.
The decision to begin the makeover was made after settlement of the insurance for the damages. LSC-O has worked with the firm, Jeffrey Carbo Landscape Architects and Site Planners from Alexandria, La., to develop a campus landscape master plan. This plan coordinates the LSC-O campus landscaping with the landscape master plans for the City of Orange and the Stark Foundation. These three entities are the primary stakeholders in “downtown” Orange and Shahan says the properties are contiguous and complement one another.
Dana Rogers, Vice-President for Finance and Operations at LSC-O, said that through these efforts, when complete, the projects should produce a civic and education complex in downtown Orange that will be both functional and ascetically appealing. The campus used a competitive bid process and selected a vendor, Landscape Art, Inc., to do the landscaping renovation.
“Our landscaping opportunity dovetailed with the desire of the city and the foundation to create a downtown master plan,” said Shahan. “We opted to use the same architect as they had (Jeffrey Carbo) in an effort to coordinate our campus landscaping with improvements being made by our downtown neighbors.”
Rogers says that the development of the campus master plan was completed and accepted by LSC-O in March and that funding for the project has been done primarily through insurance proceeds and some supplemental grant funding. Work began on June 28 and is expected to be completed by early September. The extensive project includes planting more than 200 trees of various sizes and species and more than 2,300 shrubs. Initial landscaping for the campus was installed in June 2001 and the last landscaping makeover was just after Hurricane Rita in 2006 when several new trees were planted.
“Jeffrey Carbo was interested in promoting the use of native tree plantings on campus that would better tolerate inclement weather patterns experienced (in the Orange area) in recent years,” said Rogers. “Included in the master plan is the addition of autumn fern to be planted around three older live oaks located on the northeast corner of campus. The plantings will discourage any intense activities within the root zone, decreasing the compaction of the soils around the roots, thus increasing the longevity of the oaks.”
In addition, she says the plants will encourage the accumulation of natural leaf litter from the trees, creating a natural mulch layer within the root zone that will provide nutrients and prevent water evaporation and weed growth. Furthermore, there will be plantings of daylilies, Louisiana irises and decorative grasses on campus.
Though the summer is not generally the best time to achieve success with landscaping, administration proceeded in the hope of completing most of the work prior to the fall semester beginning. Their consultants indicated that the LSC-O sprinkler system would compensate for the summer heat and allow them to proceed with the makeover. They also agreed to replace any of the plants that failed because of the extreme heat and weather.
“Hurricane Ike took a significant toll on campus landscaping,” said Shahan. “Although we are not finished, I am very pleased by the way things look at this point.”

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LU going Green in Student Government Association

Aug

31st

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Thaddeaus Green hopes to make improvements to student organizations, increase student involvement and pump up the Lamar University spirit on campus this year as Student Government Association president.
Green, senior communication major from Orange, has already made significant improvements for Lamar University and its students during his short time in office.
“My campaign for SGA elections last spring started as ‘LU going Green’ because of my last name, but it really has gone beyond that,” Green said. “It is going to really help us ‘go green’ with everyone filling out forms, student organization registration packets and more online.”
Green has implemented Orgsync.com, a paperless form of communication, for campus organizations to reduce the amount of paper waste. Student organizations began using Orgsync.com this semester.
Additionally, Green wants all students to show their LU spirit for Lamar University’s first football season in 20 years.
“I’m so excited about football being on campus because it is going to pump up Lamar, and that’s what we need,” Green said. “I feel like it’s going to be great for recruiting new students, especially local students, and it will be great for the community. I will definitely be out there at every game with my red on showing off my school spirit.”
Green and the other members of SGA are working on starting new football traditions and teaching students the Lamar fight song and chants. To promote this vision, a new student organization called L-Raisers has been formed to increase spirit at all Lamar University events.
“I really would love to see as many students as possible at all Lamar events,” Green said. “I have been personally inviting students to go to everything. Increased involvement is definitely going to help our campus.”
Involvement and hard work are familiar to Green. In his first two years in SGA, he served as freshman and sophomore senator for the College of Fine Arts and Communication. In January, he became secretary/treasurer.
This year, Green serves as SGA president along with Jamaal Goodwin, vice president, and Dylan Moses Bennett, secretary/treasurer, both senior communication majors from Orange. Green’s agenda this year revolves around bringing structure back to SGA. He would like students to leave meetings with helpful information about campus and other organizations. SGA needs to provide students with better information on how to join student organizations, Green said. He also wants SGA to provide information about events and news on campus.
In addition to SGA, Green is a member and past president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and a member of Greek Council. He has served as treasurer for the National Pan-Hellenic Council, peer advisor for New Student Orientations and mentor for Freshman Year Experience.
“I had a lot of people who helped me get involved with SGA and my other organizations,” Green said. “In return, I want to help incoming and continuing students and encourage them to become involved on campus. I want SGA and this campus to flourish after I’m gone.”
SGA meetings are held every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in the University Reception Center on the eighth floor of the Mary and John Gray Library. All students are welcome to attend.
For more information about SGA, call (409) 880-8891 or visit the Setzer Student Center, room 211. For information about student organizations, contact the Office of Student Organization Services at (409) 880-8739 or visit the Setzer Student Center, room 212.

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BRA-vo! Applause for the Cause

Aug

31st

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More than fifty breast cancer survivors provided their support and artistic flare during the “Gift of Life’s” BRA-vo! Applause for the Cause recent Kickoff highlighting breast cancer awareness.
BRA-vo! Applause for the Cause is a unique endeavor that uses bras as an expressive palate to convey breast cancer survivors’ stories and further emotional healing while sharing the importance of early detection. At the kickoff, BRA-vo! Co-Chairs, Vicki Bauer, and breast cancer survivors, Phyllis Loeb and Jane McBride, presented “Bra Starter Kits,” generously donated by Dillard’s.

Opportunity for survivors to tell their personal stories while raising breast cancer awareness and letting the community know about the ‘Gift of Life’s’ mission,” said McBride, an author and newspaper columnist. “Following the gallery showings, we hope to have the bra creations displayed at select Pink Shopping Card venues throughout the region.”
After being designed and embellished, these one-of-a-kind works of art will be displayed at local art museums during Putting on the Pink, the “Gift of Life’s” month-long celebration of survivorship and hope in October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. BRA-vo! participants are also asked to share their own inspiring stories of courage in brief essays, which will accompany their unique bra creations.
“This is such an exciting project to create awareness,” Bauer said. “We hope to engage survivors and allow them to relay their stories through creativity. While I was constructing my bra, called ‘Back in the Saddle,’ I thought of a close friend who is currently battling cancer. I know my time working on this bra is nothing compared to what she is going through with treatment.”
Bras unveiled during the kickoff were BBS Collection’s “BRAzilliantly Bedazzled!,” Bauer’s “Back in the Saddle,” Ania Bender’s “Who Let the Dogs Out?,” Peggy Bordelon’s “Steel Magnolias,” Roger Iker’s “Hooters” (an owl-themed creation), Leigh Gibson’s “King Tuts,” Susan Mosier’s “The Blessed Nest,” and Jana Nichol’s “Get Carried Away.”
The BRA-vo! exhibit will debut at a Gallery Show & Reception at Lamar University’s Dishman Art Gallery on Friday, October 1, followed by a showing from Tuesday, October 19 – Friday, October 29, at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.
Additional Putting on the Pink activities include free mammograms for medically underserved women; extensive educational outreach; the Pink Shopping Card Project (Discount Shopping Days: Thursday, October 21 through Monday, November 1); and on Monday, October 18, “An Evening with Marie,” featuring dinner and dancing at the Beaumont Civic Center, the Breast Cancer Survivors’ “Walk of Courage” and an exciting performance by renowned entertainment icon, Marie Osmond, at the Julie Rogers Theatre. (Tickets and sponsorships are currently available.)
For more information about BRA-vo! Applause for the Cause, Putting on the Pink or to find out if you qualify for a free mammogram, please call the “Gift of Life” at (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.

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Lamar University announces new faculty for 2010

Aug

29th

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More than 30 faculty members began teaching assignments at Lamar University with the 2010-2011 academic year. New faculty and staff were introduced Aug. 16 at Lamar’s annual back-to-school convocation. Fall classes began Aug. 23.
Lamar officials announced several new directors and chairs, including Todd Pourciau, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Enhancement and the Active and Collaborative Engagement for Students (ACES) project; Johnny Jarrell, director of the Center for Distance Education; and Paul Bernazzani, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Others are Terri Davis, interim chair of the Department of Political Science; Mary Kelley Scheer, interim chair of the Department of History; and George Irwin, interim program director in physics.
In addition, Oney Fitzpatrick has assumed duties as interim associate provost for student retention, while Victor Zaloom is the interim dean of graduate studies, as well as associate dean of the College of Engineering.
These are the other new full-time faculty members and their positions:
Arts and Sciences – Erin Burke, instructor of chemistry; Gregory Friesz, instructor of nursing; Rachel Kilgore, assistant professor of nursing; Terry Price, instructor of physics; Meghan Ruggles, instructor of chemistry; Yasuko Sato, assistant professor of history; and Jason Sides, assistant professor of political science.
Business – William Galose, visiting assistant professor of economics and finance, and Christopher Scott, assistant professor of information systems and analysis.
Education and Human Development – Sheryl Abshire, assistant professor of educational leadership; Kathy Attaway, assistant professor of educational leadership; Mihae Bae, assistant professor of health and kinesiology; Roy Benavides, assistant professor of educational leadership; Jimmy Creel, associate professor of educational leadership; Ordene Edwards, assistant professor of professional pedagogy; Janice Kimmons, assistant professor of family and consumer sciences; Gary Martin, professor of educational leadership; Diane Mason, assistant professor of educational leadership; and Julia Yoo, assistant professor of professional pedagogy.
Fine Arts and Communication – Kimberly Holley, Lakeysha Jones and Dawn Katz, instructors of communication; Jessica Dandona, assistant professor of art and director of the Dishman Art Museum; Crispin Prebys, assistant professor of art; Ryan Smith, instructor of music and assistant director of bands; and Ronald Zank, visiting instructor of theatre and dance.
Library Services – Helena Arthur-Okor and Michael Saar, assistant professors of reference.
The group includes faculty members who began their Lamar careers after the start of the 2009-2010 academic year.

Contacts:
Dr. Stephen Doblin, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (409) 880-8398
Louise Wood, Media Specialist, (409) 880-8415

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Football Season Events Schedule, Fall 2010

Aug

28th

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lufootballlogo Home football game weekends: Sept. 11, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Nov. 13, Nov. 20
GET YOUR RED ON
Individuals are asked to wear red on Friday and Saturday of home game weekends
Businesses are asked to decorate inside and out with Lamar University gear
Prizes will be awarded for the groups and businesses that show the most Cardinal Spirit
Visit: www.lamar.edu/alumni and follow the GET YOUR RED ON link for updates and to locate vendors who carry Lamar University gear.

Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010
Lamar University delegation, including university officials, representatives of the football program, alumni, local business owners and students athletes, visits Beaumont City Council to promote Get Your Red On and receive a proclamation.
1:30 p.m., Council Chambers at Beaumont City Hall.

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010
Football: Lamar Cardinals vs. Webber International Warriors
6 p.m., Provost Umphrey Stadium

Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010
Former football players’ reunion *
Football: Lamar Cardinals vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats
6 p.m., Provost Umphrey Stadium.

Monday, Oct. 4, 2010
Red, White & You Celebration*
5:30 -7:30 p.m., Bistro LeMonde, 3199 N. Dowlen Road, Beaumont (complimentary appetizers and cash bar)
Reservations: 409-880-7984 OR rsvpalumni@Lamar.edu

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010
Lamar University delegation, including alumni, officials and students (members of marching band, Cheer Squad, Dance Team, Big Red mascot) visits Beaumont City Council to promote Red, White & You-Homecoming 2010 and receive a proclamation.
1:30 p.m., Council Chambers at Beaumont City Hall.

Friday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010: Homecoming
Friday, Oct. 8, 2010
Cards and Techsans welcome party *
6:30 p.m., University Reception Center, eighth floor of Mary and John Gray Library
Reservations: Reunion registration information at advancement.lamar.edu/reunion-2010

Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010
Cards and Techsans self-guided tours of campus *
All day
Marching band reunion cookout, John Gray Center *
12:30 p.m., John Gray Center, 855 Jim Gilligan Way
Reservations: Reunion registration information at advancement.lamar.edu/reunion-2010

Pre-game tailgate parties for Cards, Techsans and marching band alumni *
4 p.m. Cardinal Club/Alumni Tent, Provost Umphrey Stadium parking lot
Football: Lamar Cardinals vs. Langston University Lions
6 p.m., Provost Umphrey Stadium

Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010
Football: Lamar Cardinals vs. South Alabama Jaguars
6 p.m., Provost Umphrey Stadium

Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010
Football: Lamar Cardinals vs. South Dakota Coyotes

Friday, Nov. 19, and Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010
50th Anniversary Reunion of Class of 1960 *

Friday, Nov. 19, 2010
Class of 1960 welcome party *
6:30 p.m., Dishman Art Museum
Reservations: Reunion registration information at advancement.lamar.edu/reunion-2010

Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010
Luncheon hosted by President and Mrs. James Simmons to honor Class of 1960 *
11:30 a.m., University Reception Center, eighth floor, Mary and John Gray Library
Reservations: 409-880-7984 OR rsvpalumni@Lamar.edu

Pre-game tailgate party for Class of 1960 (weather permitting) *
4 p.m. Cardinal Club/Alumni Tent, Provost Umphrey Stadium parking lot

Football: Lamar Cardinals vs. Oklahoma Panhandle Aggies,
6 p.m., Provost Umphrey Stadium

* Reservations required, (409) 880-8921 or www.lamar.edu (Open to news media)

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Fans to “get their red on” in celebration of Cardinal spirit

Aug

27th

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lufootballlogo “Get Your Red On” activities at Lamar University and across Southeast Texas will begin the week of Sept. 6, with Lamar encouraging individuals, organizations and businesses to don their Cardinal colors to celebrate the return of football to the university. In addition, a Lamar delegation with visit Beaumont City Council at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 7 to promote “Get Your Red On” and receive a proclamation. To spur school spirit, Lamar is asking supporters to wear red to work on the Friday and all day Saturday before each home football game and for businesses and organizations to decorate with Lamar merchandise, logos and signs. The home games are Sept. 11, Oct. 2, Oct. 9 (Homecoming), Oct. 16, Nov. 13 and Nov. 20, all beginning at 6 p.m. in Provost Umphrey Stadium. Lamar also is staging a “Get Your Red On” contest to select the most spirited Cardinal fans, with winners to be announced at football games Oct. 9 and Nov. 20.For additional information or to enter or vote in the spirit contest, visit the “Get Your Red On” web site at www.lamar.edu/alumni.

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