Red+ White - Lamar University
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
VOL. 48, NO. 1 | SUMMER 2020 Red+White TOGETHER
At Lamar University, challenges identified
RED + WHITE TOGETHER
| FROM THE PRESIDENT | CARDINAL CADENCE | IN THIS ISSUE |
the magazine of lamar university
are challenges met, as our friends, alumni,
T
his issue of Cadence is different from others you VOL 48, NO. 1 | SUMMER 2020
4 Educators using platforms
may have read in the past as it is shaped by a LU pioneered students, staff and faculty know well.
collective experience no one could have foreseen Cardinal Cadence is published by Lamar University,
a member of The Texas State University System
Throughout hurricane response and recovery,
6
for 2020. As you well know, COVID-19 has affected all of
us, some more than others. This issue focuses on just a few
and an affirmative action, equal opportunity
educational institution.
Small Business Development
of the many stories to unfold throughout our community Center: Taking care economic downturns and coronavirus
during this time. Lamar University’s alumni, faculty, Kate Downing, Executive Editor, Special
of businesses amid
staff and students have strived to find solutions and be
Assistant to the President and Director of
Marketing Communications coronavirus pandemic response, we have gathered as a community,
identified actions to take and ultimately,
proactive in the face of uncertainty. Cynthia Hicks ’89, ’93, Editor, Creative Director
One of the things we are thankful for is being a leader Daniel McLemore ’09, Associate Director of
Marketing Communications
8 E-Commerce evolution:
successfully, overcome the obstacles. This
in online education. This provided us an advantage
when 100% of our classes went to an online delivery Amanda Toups ’15, Graphic Design Coordinator Curb-to-car application keeps
buyers & goods connected
issue of Cadence shares some of the stories of
system during the last semester. LU faculty, such as those
featured in this issue from the College of Fine Arts and CONTRIBUTORS
Writing
in pandemic & beyond
our Cardinals and how they responded with
Communication, had the opportunity to showcase their
Mandy Arceneaux ‘10, James Dixon, Kate Downing,
unique and creative teaching methods while our digital Casey Ford ‘13, ‘15, Madison Franco, Daniel Houston,
11 Providing for our community
heart and hand when called.
learning platform helped K-12 educators across the nation so they could continue teaching Cassandra Jenkins ‘19, Grayson Meek ‘10, ‘17, Natalie
during the pandemic. Three alumni who are also educators, Alline Ayala, Stu Guthrie and Rhodes ‘14, J.T. Robertson, Shelbe Rodriguez, Hannah
Snodgrass, Haley Strahan ‘05, Shelly Vitanza
Helping through headbands
Barbara Ybarra, describe how they translated face-to-face learning into a digital environment.
12
Other areas on campus are assisting our community. LU’s Small Business Development Center Photography
Brandon Gouthier ‘96, Daniel McLemore ‘09 Connections: Innovative
11
is working with struggling local small businesses. Alumni are likewise engaged, in Southeast
Texas and beyond, helping in different industries affected by the quarantine. Lauren Martin is in Circulation includes more than 90,000 copies distributed
teaching during a pandemic
event management at The Laurels in Beaumont and is guiding couples whose plans were altered to alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Lamar University.
or postponed. Megan Mistric works at Buckner Calder Woods senior care home and plans If you have received more than one copy of this
publication, please let us know.
17 Unfinished Business:
activities to keep all of the residents busy, especially in the face of social distancing. Nutrition Alumna Daniella DeLaRue '03
and Senior Services’ CEO Janci Kimball maintained food needs for their clients by providing a Changes of address may be sent to:
drive-through service while Mary Beth Jones and Fred Antoine ran a sack lunch ministry out of
University Advancement evacuates from Tonga
P.O. Box 10011
St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica. Justin McCullough used e-commerce to create Curb-to-Car, an
18
Beaumont, Texas 77710
application that delivers food and various goods to individuals. or alumni@lamar.edu Judith Smith: Brave
Our alumni also are serving others through their careers as nurses, police officers and longtime leader
emergency medical technicians, among other professions, and developing products to help DIVISION OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Juan J. Zabala ’07, Vice President
these hometown heroes. Charles Daleo created a hand sanitizer provided at no cost to those
on the front lines while Kaylynn Tkachev sewed headbands with buttons on them for medical
Shannon Copeland Figueroa ’02, ’03, ’07, Director of 20 A cheerful presence in the
Alumni Affairs and Advancement Services
Cardinal community
21
personnel to attach to their masks for more comfort during long shifts. Judith Smith served as
Athletics News
12
P.O. Box 10011
manager and spokesperson for the coronavirus testing center at Jack Brooks Regional Airport in
24
Beaumont, Texas 77710
Alumni keep kids learning
22
her role as director of the Port Arthur City Health Department. Her work not only contributed (409) 880-8419 or fax (409) 880-8409
to early testing and monitoring but also for doing critical work in contact tracing for those who during the pandemic LU News
were positive with the virus. LAMAR UNIVERSITY ALUMNI OFFICE
When visiting campus, you’re invited to stop by the 32 Red + White Together
28
Articles in this issue also feature students making masks through 3-D printing, staff like
Kelsey Baden who keeps spirits high as Lamar University’s cheerleading team coordinator and
Alumni Office at the John Gray Center, Rudy C. Williams Dreams postponed
34
Building, Suite 102, 855 Jim Gilligan Way.
alumni such as Daniella DeLaRue who volunteered in the Peace Corps before being evacuated as Ensuring seniors are Class Notes
P.O. Box 10005
a result of COVID-19. I encourage you to read these interesting and timely stories as well as find
healthy, happy
43
Beaumont, Texas 77710
out more information about how the Cardinal Emergency Fund positively affected two of the (409) 880-8921, or (800) 298-4839 Cardinal Emergency Fund
many students for whom your support was key. alumni@lamar.edu Adapting quickly to stands in the gap
Enjoy the sneak peek on the back cover of our new Welcome Center’s progress, and as we go lamar.edu/alumni
meet demand
to press with this issue of Cadence, I wish each of you and your loved ones continued health
and happiness. LAMAR UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION Supporting struggling | COLLEGE SNAPSHOTS |
Juan J. Zabala ’07, CEO
Karen Nichols ’83, COO
community members
10
With Cardinal Pride,
Business
30
P.O. Box 11500
Beaumont, Texas 77710 Safe... & Stylish
30 15
(409) 880-2117
foundation@lamar.edu Fine Arts &
lamar.edu/foundation Communication
Kenneth R. Evans, President
16
Cardinal Cadence (USPS 017-254) is published
by Lamar University, 211 Redbird Lane, T H E T EXA S STAT E UN I V ER S I TY SY ST EM B OA R D O F R EGEN T S Arts & Sciences
Beaumont, Texas 77710. Brian McCall, Chancellor | Austin
William F. Scott, Chairman | Nederland Dr. Veronica Muzquiz Edwards | San Antonio 27 Education &
David Montagne, Vice Chairman | Beaumont Don Flores | El Paso Human Development
Lamar University is an equal opportunity/affirmative
Charlie Amato | San Antonio Nicki Harle | Baird
action educational institution.
Duke Austin | Houston
Garry Crain | The Hills
Alan L. Tinsley | Madisonville
Amanda Lee, Student Regent | Huntsville
31 Engineering
| RED + WHITE TOGETHER |
for students in the format that works best for them, never
Lamar University’s more than 20 years of an overall considering that a day would come when online education was
25-year effort to provide education delivered the only option, as has been the case during the pandemic.”
directly to the student has played a critical role LU’s educational faculty and alumni assume
in transforming the industry and ensuring a leadership roles during pandemic
continuity of learning during the pandemic. When 90% of the world’s schools closed in 185 countries
and 1.6 billion children were sent home to finish the school
In 2005, with a few years of experience in the online space,
year via alternate instructional methods, Lamar University’s
the university was positioned to build a robust online program
education leadership faculty and its education alumni assumed
when Hurricane Rita disabled the physical campus.
a leadership role more than 20 years in the making.
“We were one of the early pioneers in the concept of
After a near seamless transition to a comprehensive online
providing a critical and value-added dimension to higher
platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, LU’s educational
education by delivering curriculum to students at their location,”
faculty began supporting educators across the country, and LU’s
said Kenneth Evans, LU president. “The reason many universities
alumni became leaders in their districts.
across the country and K-12 schools in Texas were able to flip
Krystal Hinerman, clinical assistant professor of educational
a switch, transforming their campuses to virtual classrooms
research; Ken Young, associate professor of educational
during the COVID-19 crisis, is because early pioneers like Lamar
leadership in the Center for Doctoral Studies of Educational
University, through experience and thorough investigation and
Leadership; and Cindy Cummings, assistant professor of
implementation and continuous analysis, developed systems
educational leadership, represent more than 30 years’
that have now been disseminated across the industry.”
experience in both PK-12 and higher education online teaching,
In 2007, LU launched three online master’s degree programs
course development and program planning. They led the cause
in the College of Education and Human Development with
to help individual educators and entire districts transition to
huge success. Since that time, the University has expanded its
online platforms.
online degrees to include programs in criminal justice, school
“The training we have received and the years of experience
counseling, computer science, cybersecurity, communication,
teaching online has prepared us for providing support in these
nursing, business and a Bachelor of Science in technology.
unique times,” said Hinerman. “We’ve looked at this as a state-
In fact, since launching into the online space, 21,741 students
wide effort in response to needs specifically for school districts
have earned degrees online—2,593 bachelor’s degrees, 18,592
but have addressed specific requests also, and all remotely.”
master’s degrees and 556 doctorates.
Hinerman, Young and Cummings offered free webinars to
“We now have 18 undergraduate programs, 21 master’s, one
demonstrate how to teach online using streaming video tools
doctoral program and six certifications online,” said Brenda
and provided tips on how to set-up and conduct instruction
Nichols, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
with students in an interactive format. Dozens of Lamar
“We have 4,000 graduate education students online across eight
University educational leadership faculty joined the effort to
different areas and another 3,500 graduate and undergraduate
support educators across the nation and developed additional
students totally online.”
webinars based on feedback from teachers and districts.
LU’s communication platforms for admissions as well as the
“It is in this spirit that we felt compelled to do what we
ongoing student experience are streamlined. Online students
could to support them in a manner that would not burden
have access to the same learning aids as on-campus students,
them or their institutions financially or otherwise,” said Young.
including library-enhanced learning platforms, tutoring,
“We’re not doing this as consultants for money or notoriety, but
coaching and advising.
because we care about them and the success of the students
“The same faculty members who teach on-campus classes
they teach. In our opinion, it is a practical way to bridge
also instruct the online students,” said Nichols. “We don’t use
the university and communities we serve to make a positive
EDUCATORS
teaching assistants to teach courses, and we try to maintain
difference in our state and beyond.”
small class sizes in order to meet the needs of our students.”
Since the initial webinar, the team has developed additional
USING
As a result of LU’s now vast experience in the online
webinars based upon the feedback they’ve received. They have
curriculum space and its students’ exposure to alternative
deployed links to recorded meetings and tutorials to anyone
learning methodologies (Many of LU’s on-campus students also
who requests them. They are curating resources to support
take online courses. Pre-pandemic, approximately, 5,000 of the
Texas educators and administrators and to be made available to
PLATFORMS
8,000 on-campus students take at least one course online.), the
whomever needs them.
university was able to move to a comprehensive online program
“Of course, we’re supporting Lamar University’s faculty, our
in the face of the pandemic. Now every student is taking online
students and alumni as many of them make this transition
LU PIONEERED
courses, from music to mechanical engineering.
to online teaching and learning, but we’re also continuing to
“The beauty of the platforms for digital learning environments
support the community members who are reaching out to us
is they are now being used by universities and colleges across
individually regarding support and resources for this process,”
For resources, visit the globe in response to the global pandemic,” said Evans. “Our
said Young.
lamar.edu/learnyourwaycadence by Shelly Vitanza early efforts were to make this transformative offering available
4 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 5
| RED + WHITE TOGETHER |
AssistHer, Restaurant Strong, Hello ends, most business owners have economy on a large scale in a long-term
Alice and local community grants also developed a wait-and-see approach. basis.” According to Sargsyan, this will
are being distributed immediately to Gevorg Sargsyan, professor of economics be a major test of the resiliency of all
small business owners affected by the and finance, believes the coronavirus small, medium and large enterprises in
economic shutdown. will have a dire impact on businesses, the area.
“The Federal Reserve has additionally For small business owners most in
offered to back some of the loans of the need of immediate assistance, Mulcahy
much larger companies,” Mulcahy said. said there are more funds and resources
“I really want business owners to know, ahead. “The SBDC plans on extending
don’t get frustrated and just hang in its hours to ensure that customers can
there. Relief is on the way.” come see us. We have funding from
Aside from financial distress, Mulcahy the CARES act coming in and virtual
said the second biggest question on the meetings available. I’m also bringing in a
minds of local business owners will soon bilingual counselor to serve the Hispanic
be, ‘where are my customers?’ “You need population here in the Southeast Texas
to find new ways of doing things. You community,” he said. “We’re here to get
have to morph your company to make particularly in the Southeast Texas area. the consumers the information they need
some things happen,” he said. “The way “Like the rest of the nation, coronavirus so they can weather the storm, whether
we did business yesterday is not the way has resulted in lower demand for goods it be this one or the next.”
we will do business tomorrow. It will be and services across the economy. The
a different world, and the only way that Southeast Texas community relies heavily For more information on
we will benefit from it is if we adapt.” on oil and gas, construction and real resources and funding for
small businesses affected by
With shelter-in-place orders slowly estate sectors,” he said. “Coronavirus has
lifting and no clear view of how created an unprecedented situation and
businesses will fare after the pandemic activated all three threats against our coronavirus, visit sbdc.uh.edu.
Kristy’s Korner Framing
Small Business Development Center:
Taking care of business amid coronavirus pandemic
D
espite coronavirus shutdowns, for one mom Aside from customer service, another tactic that has
by Shelbe Rodriguez and pop shop, it’s been business as usual. For worked for this small business is budgeting and cutting
nearly two decades, Beaumont-based business unnecessary costs. The pair said that they “tightened the
Kristy’s Korner Framing has served the Southeast Texas belt” years ago in hopes of one day retiring. “We didn’t
J
ust a few weeks ago, the World out of this situation.” Those businesses providing future business owners with
community and beyond. Owners, Kevin and Barbara need to use any SBA loans and that’s mainly in part to us
Health Organization declared the that have financially prepared will current information so that they can
Couron ’80 believe that it’s their “old school” business living within our means,” Kevin said. “That’s the key—live
rapidly spreading coronavirus have easy access to money, capital and act appropriately.
tactics that has kept their business afloat during within your means and prepare for tragedy tomorrow.”
a pandemic, causing a paradigm shift other resources because, according to According to the SBA, capital access
the pandemic. While most business owners have relied on social
in businesses across the globe. David Mulcahy, they are healthier companies. is among the top common issues
“We run our business in an honest and trustworthy media and online distribution to keep their businesses
Mulcahy, director of the LU Small For those businesses that are struggling that small businesses will face during
manner,” Kevin said. “We offer a good product at a afloat during the shutdown, Barbara suggests reaching
Business Development Center, says significantly from the social disruption, this time. To combat this, on Mar. 27,
good price while implementing a caring customer out directly to your customer base. “Check on them and
only those business owners who have the SBDC offers funding options and President Donald Trump signed into
service program.” let them know that you are thinking of them and ask
planned well in advance will come out relief resources. law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and
While they weren’t classified as essential, the pair if there’s anything that you can do for them,” she said.
on top. The SBDC provides the road map for Economic Security Act, which contains
continued to work amid shelter-in-place orders, taking “Think outside the box on how you can help them.
“As a business owner, even before a current and future business owners with $376 billion in relief for American
custom orders via phone and email. They also relied That’s the way Beaumont operates; we help each other
disaster, you need to have at least six free consultations, daily webinars on U.S. workers and small businesses. The SBA
on commercial accounts they’ve landed throughout out during times like this.”
months of operating cash just in case Small Business Administration Recovery has developed the Paycheck Protection
the years, one being ExxonMobil, to maintain their As shelter-in-place orders begin to lift, Kristy’s Korner
something happens. Those who do not Assistance as well as low-cost training Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan
workload. “When you’re a ma’ and pa’ shop, your Framing is among those businesses that have officially
will be in trouble,” Mulcahy said. “About programs and seminars. The center also Emergency Advance and SBA Express
customers become like family. We build a relationship reopened their doors. Kevin and Barbara said that
60% of businesses have survived, and serves as a link between the SBA and the Bridge Loans and provides SBA debt
with our customers and they learn quickly that they can they will continue to sanitize their work areas and
40% are out there trying to figure out consumer with the main goal of relaying relief for small businesses in economic
count on us,” Kevin said. “It is those relationships that are wear protective masks, and, not surprising, they
what’s going on and how they can get information from the legislature and distress. Sam’s Club, Google, LiftFund,
priceless and can ultimately determine the success of will continue to be here when the community
your business.” needs them.
6 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 7
| RED + WHITE TOGETHER |
E-Commerce evolution:
Curb-to-Car application keeps buyers and
goods connected in pandemic and beyond
by Casey Ford
Beaumont band back exigency to
I
together,” and today in help business
their Round Rock offices, owners back
n a time when we are all his dad—surely everyone recognizable business names
McCullough works with into business
missing human interaction, owned a business and had in Southeast Texas. Feedback
several LU alumni, including with curbside
technology might two beepers and multiple from his early customers
his vice president of product, pickup
seem a cold solution for offices. As he speaks about validated that McCullough’s
Adam Haynes ’09, his lead capabilities.
connection. But our phones his father, McCullough tears professional purpose was
architect, Chris Allen ’09; lead Curb-
and computers have, of up—in 2007, he lost the focused on others. For him,
software engineer, John Tyler to-Car is a
necessity, replaced hugs and man who taught him that entrepreneurship has always
’14, and software engineers contactless
handshakes, so technological “you can change where you been less about financial
Zeb Barnett ’13 and Matt pickup
innovators have sought out live, where you work, but success and more about
Williams ’13. application usable by any
warm, fuzzy solutions to you cannot change your innovating to serve and lead.
Because of the ways the goods-providing business.
keep us connected to the name, and the McCullough When Hurricane Harvey
pandemic immediately Some Austin businesses
people—and foods, goods name means something.” A aftermath moved McCullough
changed their own day- using it successfully
and services—we love and successful business owner and his family away from
to-day business routines, include coffee companies,
that make us feel normal. in petrochemical shipping, Beaumont and out to
McCullough and his team booksellers, other retailers
Justin McCullough this father encouraged his Central Texas,
realized early on that they and restaurants, including
’02 and his team at FSG young son to make his own he assumed
had an opportunity to think those of the world-
SmartBuildings, based in path in business, so by the his role at
about how they could make renowned Hai Hospitality
Round Rock, Texas, have time McCullough graduated FSG Smart
something immediately Group. When asked if he
used their “down-time” since from Orangefield High Buildings,
deliverable and useful to thinks the world will ever
the pandemic began to School in 1996, he was set
businesses that might be go back to the old way of
stimulate e-commerce with on a path toward technology
struggling to adapt and buying stuff, McCullough
their Curb-to-Car application. entrepreneurship. It would
thrive. He compared it said, philosophically, he
The app is not only keeping lead him to Lamar State
to the way that a shoe thinks not.
businesses connected to their College-Orange, where he
company transitions “The customer is like
homebound customers—and would meet Renae, his wife
to mask-making or a water,” he said, “seeking the thinks many people are world-changing, but then
customers connected to their of now 20 years, and then to
distillery converts path of least resistance in its not going to want to go people must understand it
favorite stuff—but it also is Lamar University and a
to hand sanitizer inevitable course downhill. back into the store as often. and use it the way it was
evolving virtual commerce, B.B.A. in management
production—their It’s my mission to follow the Curb-to-Car is just one way intended, and it has to
as it allows for simple information systems.
development of customer and help cut that that technology can make propagate in beneficial ways
interactivity, convenience McCullough jokes that
Curb-to-Car was path for them—technology is it easier for businesses to long-term. The key to this
and safety. It may seem back then, before there
the culmination of the cutting tool, a virtual river give customers what they kind of success, then, would
ironic that technology would were names for “what
past e-commerce moving through all manner of need and want—removing seem to be an understanding
have significant interest in he is,” he thought of his
experiences and efforts obstacles to make commerce impediments between buyers of what people want and
the happiness and safety of studies ambiguously as where he serves
in building an IoT—Internet more customer centric.” and goods. need and then caring enough
human beings, but it makes “half-computer science, half- today as chief
of Things— platform for During the pandemic, people McCullough acknowledges about them to give them
much more sense when we management”, but what he products officer.
smart buildings. They were have largely had no choice that it can be difficult today access. McCullough and
meet entrepreneurs like really learned during his MIS He had the
able to leverage this system but to opt for curbside to find a new niche in entrepreneurs like him are
McCullough and understand time at LU was that his big opportunity in
architecture into the creation pickup or delivery, but once technology. Consumers are innovating for connection in
the heart that beats beneath passion was people. To earn the beginning
of an app in a moment of this all resolves, McCullough discerning because they have a world looking for ways to
the interface. a living during his studies, to build an
endless options. A heal itself and move into
“ It’s my mission to follow the customer and help cut
For most of his childhood he built a business designing FSG innovation
and adolescence, McCullough and hosting turnkey web team, so he concept can seem the future.
that path for them—technology is the cutting tool...
thought everyone was like sites for some of the most “got the
—Justin McCullough ”
8 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 9
| COLLEGE SNAPSHOT: BUSINESS | Providing for
New Cardinal Success
Coach meets challenges
our community
With student success and retention among
its top priorities, the College of Business
named Kristin Helm as its new Cardinal
success coach. The New England native
relocated to Southeast Texas in early
February of last year to serve as a career
consultant for the College of Fine Arts and
Communication. “Thinking back to when
I was a college student, I really valued the
mentors that I had in my life, and I just
wanted to give back like my mentors had
given to me.”
Online course delivery Helm assumed her new position just one
article published week after Tropical Storm Imelda hit the
Helping through
Last fall, a collaborative article Southeast Texas community last fall, and it
titled “Evaluating Online Complex was her first lesson in understanding the
Technology-Enabled Course importance of her role. “I spent countless
Delivery: A Contextualized View hours speaking with students and trying
headbands
of a Decomposed IS Success to help them to meet their basic needs
Model,” featuring delivery of and discuss how they could successfully
online education, was accepted move forward in the semester,” she said.
for publication in Communications “From that experience, I really feel more
of the Association for Information connected to our students and
Systems, the official journal of the university.”
the Association for Information On the heels of that challenge came university closures and shelter-in-place orders brought on by
Systems, which published the COVID-19, and again students had a semester other than the one they anticipated. But Helm says it’s times Charles Daleo my father’s and three siblings’
Kaylynn Tkachev “My professors made me
article in its February 2020 issue.
-68 comes from a
like these when her role matters most as she works with at-risk College of Business students, connecting education and allowed all feel known and supported
The authors are assistant them to campus resources and communicating with faculty. of us to achieve our ’15 loves sewing, a and were always willing to
professor of information systems “During such an emergency, retention is key,” she said. From spotty WiFi and academic distress to family where they university degrees.” passion her mother share their expertise and
and analysis Yu Zhao, professor financial need and health concerns, Helm said, “It’s hard to know that students will potentially drop out
and chair of the Department of because they can’t afford future semesters, or they don’t have access to basic necessities.” have pharmacy One way of giving back
instilled in her, and meaningful advice, even
and LU in common.
to the community he grew after graduation,” she says.
Information Systems and Analysis,
Kakoli Bandyopadhyay and
When the university initially moved to online learning, Helm knew that she had to act fast in order
to ensure that business students adapted successfully. She reached out to College of Business deans, up in was through the constantly works on “I made lifelong friends and
professor of marketing and directors and department chairs for assistance in pinpointing which students might be most in need
His father, Anthony ’31 creation of hand sanitizer projects in her important career connections
associate dean of Graduate of resources. She then collaborated with Craig Escamilla, executive director of retention and student graduated from South Park
Studies and Research Soumava success, on university calling campaigns to both online and on-campus students. Junior College, while Charles
for first responders. “In the
craft room. through internships, student
past, it has not been legal organizations and other
Bandyopadhyay. “I felt so much pride in that—there’s so much value in a student hearing from a real person asking what and his brother Frank -59 When a neighbor, who works
“The article focuses on for pharmacists in Texas various opportunities.”
they need and if they are okay,” she said. “It was through these calls that we were able to get feedback took pre-pharmacy classes at a nearby hospital, mentioned
understanding the factors that that ultimately changed how we were serving our students.” One change the calls generated was the to compound a medication
how the constant use of masks
She and her husband,
are likely to impact the success in the 1960s at Lamar
establishment of two additional WiFi locations on campus for those students who lacked the resources for without a prescription Artur ’17, moved to Denver
of online delivery of courses University before graduating was rubbing the back of her
internet access. from a practitioner,” Daleo in February for his job and
involving complex technologies,” Helm says working specifically with College of Business students pushes her professionally “because with pharmacy degrees from ears, Tkachev jumped at the
explains. “But the pandemic are doing well during the
Kakoli Bandyopadhyay said. they are such driven students. They are always willing to do more to ensure their success, so it makes me the University of Texas at opportunity to help. She
The team conducted a survey of has allowed it.” Because of pandemic, believing there are
do more. Through this role, my hope is that I can help these students find their way.” Austin. Their sister Antoinette created a comfortable fabric
business students from four mid- this current great need for
headband with buttons on
many things to be thankful
sized state universities in the U.S. (Daleo) Mabe earned her hand sanitizer, the Food for right now. “It’s times
Fall Honors Convocation AmeriCommerce Motiva shares either side so the mask can be
Each university was a member of degree in education from LU
Awards Ceremony CEO visits LU branding success and Drug Administration
secured on the buttons and not
like these that show you
the SAP university alliances, and The College of Business, The Michael G. Weinert The Financial Management in 1958, and Charles Daleo’s and the World Health how much good there is in
the students had taken at least along with the Student Entrepreneurial Lecture Association National Honor son Grady graduated from LU the ears. “So far, I have sewn
one online SAP-enabled course. Organization have authorized humanity,” she says. “I am so
Advisory Council to the Series presented Ed Society hosted Motiva in 2014. thirty headbands,” she says.
The findings indicate that system Dean, hosted its 28th annual Sturrock ‘02, CEO and co- Enterprises, the largest oil pharmacists to compound
“There are very few materials
filled with pride and love for
quality, information quality and Fall Honors Convocation founder of AmeriCommerce refinery in North America. The brothers opened Daleo alcohol-based hand sanitizer. my friends who are working
service (instructor) quality are all Awards Ceremony Ecommerce Software last Students of all majors had Compounding Pharmacy and needed –just a couple of
Daleo Pharmacy has already on the front lines, and I can’t
significant antecedents of student recognizing the honor and fall. Sturrock founded his the opportunity to learn Wellness Center in 1980, still strips of fabric, thread and
achievement of scholarship company as an LU student, about social awareness, provided numerous bottles wait to give them the biggest
satisfaction; system quality and located on Calder 40 years two buttons.”
recipients which highlighted and in 2005, just three career opportunities in of their hand sanitizer to first hug once this is all over.” For
information quality are significant Originally from Southeast
more than 40 donors for years after graduating with the oil and gas industry, later. A Beaumont native,
antecedents of perceived learning their generosity. Among his B.B.A. in management and how the company has
responders and remain open
Texas, Tkachev graduated
now as Tkachev looks toward
outcomes; and only system quality Daleo believes LU serves with regular store hours so
them were Dr. & Mrs. Sam information systems from successfully branded itself in 2015 with her Bachelor
the future, she will continue
is a significant antecedent of Parigi, Mr. & Mrs. Herman Lamar University, he and his for nearly two decades. Southeast Texas well. “Lamar people have access to this making and donating these
students’ continued intention to Wilson, Barbara Mattison partners took their company University is a tremendous of Fine Arts in Music
hard-to-find necessity innovative headbands to
use online learning. and David Aysen on behalf nationwide. asset to our community,” he Education and enjoyed her
of Dr. Don Warren Jr. right now. those in need.
says. “It has been a part of time at Lamar University.
by Kate Downing
10 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 11
| RED + WHITE TOGETHER |
Collaborate, accessible to our artists. Suddenly, we favorite childhood books, the authors
innovate, create.
were in a situation where we had to be enjoyed it as well,” said George. “We
very creative and experimental,” said were able to ask them questions and find
That’s the motto for the College of Fedorchenko. “We went back to the out what inspired their stories.”
Fine Arts and Communication at Lamar Renaissance age and used the same George would like to keep some of the
University. Never has the faculty had materials artists used hundreds of new learning instruments in place when
to live this more than in the pandemic years ago.” life returns to normal. She would like
time of COVID-19. As classes began Fedorchenko had to utilize her entire to see some of the Zoom meetings for
their work through online meeting, house to set up different classrooms. students who are absent and to also have
the question abounded, how do you For her printmaking class, she set up PowerPoint presentations available with
live and teach the fine arts through a her kitchen island to have room to clickable links to lessons.
Zoom call? In this article, we discuss experiment printing with ladles, spoons, “It has been so precious to see my
some innovative ways students lived a stone egg and other materials she students learning technology and
and practiced the arts, as well as how a had. The class used rolled up fabric as a interacting through different ways,” said
Beaumont Independent School District dabber and leather as a stamper. Other George. Who knew doing jumping jacks
principal had to implement new learning kitchen essentials used were spices such through Zoom P.E. could be so fun?”
strategies overnight. as turmeric, cinnamon and vegetable One of the highlights for George
For Travis Prokop, assistant professor oil to make ink. For her Alternate during this phase was planning a parade
of dance in the Department of Theatre Fibers class, Fedorchenko set up in a for her students to see their teachers and
and Dance, he knew he needed to adjust different room to make paper and had for the faculty and staff to celebrate the
accordingly and fast. He began filming to experiment with different chemical students. As they were riding through
dance combinations that he could send reactions to see what they could create. the neighborhoods of their students,
to his students and researched different The class made paper from using grass she heard one student exclaim, “I knew
forums to connect through like Zoom and okra slime instead of the typical lye my principal would be here. I knew she
and Microsoft Teams. that would have been used at school. would show up!”
“My biggest worry was how to do an “I believe this group of students will Colleagues in the Mary Morgan
online dance class. We play off of each be more resilient and stronger critical Moore Department of Music hit all the
other’s energy in person, and I didn’t thinkers and creative problem solvers high notes of collaboration, striking an
know how that would work through because of how they have had to adapt innovative chord and creating a
a computer screen. I knew this would to COVID-19,” said Fedorchenko. harmony of instruction, practice
be the largest pitfall to overcome,” said For Belinda George, ’03, ’08,’15, and ultimately learning.
Prokop. “The next obstacle to overcome principal of Homer Drive Elementary Immediately, many of the faculty
was what our dancers focus on with the in BISD, going virtual for her wasn’t began recording short videos and
space they were working with.” scary. The hardest part was knowing her posting them in order to conduct
Prokop decided to be realistic and students couldn’t interact with her or asynchronous teaching on various
choose one goal—to keep connections their teachers. platforms, including Zoom. Brian Shook,
established. He wanted to also focus “I created a Q and A from the state the chair of the department, focused
on his students’ mental health and mandate of the school closure for the on updating his YouTube channel, a
knew dance was what they needed as a teachers and created Zoom meeting resource for LU faculty as well as faculty
distraction and a way to cope. trainings for my faculty and staff. I had across the country.
“What I’ve enjoyed the most through to learn how to present information “By and large, we had no dramatic
Connections:
this situation is seeing people dance and virtually, but by the third week we had problems. Professors came up with
do choreography more on social media. our rhythm down,” said George. alternative assignments that still focused
More people are enjoying the arts, and To connect with her students, George on objectives of the courses and the
everyone is realizing they can become an started virtually reading books to her
“ I believe this group of
artist,” mused Prokop. students and their families on the Homer
For Xenia Fedorchenko, associate Drive Facebook page. Because this was
professor in the Department of Art such a success and seemed to connect students will be more resilient
and Design, panic planning and her families, George started reaching out and stronger critical thinkers
experimentation is what got her and her to the authors of the children’s books and creative problem solvers
Innovative teaching art students through this difficult time. she was reading and invited them to
participate in Zoom meetings with the
because of how they have
had to adapt to COVID-19.
”
“Normally we teach our art students
during a pandemic in an amazing facility with access
to labs, studios, ink, paint, rollers
students.
“Not only did our students love getting
—Xenia Fedorchenko
and many other media that are very the chance to meet the authors of their
by J.T. Robertson & Shelly Vitanza
12 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 13
| COLLEGE SNAPSHOT: FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION |
Keith Holtzhausen’s Strategic Communication to be
Carter translated and offered in paperback
Fifty Years Derina Holtzhausen, dean of the College of Fine Arts and
“Keith Carter Communication, has been recognized for her international book, The
Fifty Years” Routledge Handbook of Strategic Communication, with a translation
opened at into Chinese and the textbook being offered in paperback.
the Dishman “I co-edited this book with my colleague from Germany, Ansgar
Art Museum Zerfass,” said Holtzhausen. “My research involved interviews with
this past fall 65 scholars from all continents. This book offers a truly international
to celebrate perspective on strategic communication.”
the life and Strategic Communication, first published in 2015, was released as
works of Keith Carter, Walles a hardback, but as a result of demand, the book will be released in a
Chair and professor of art in the paperback edition. The publication, with a reputation for national and
Department of Art and Design. international research on postmodern principles in communication, is
“For decades my photographs cited weekly on an international basis.
overall spirit from the faculty remained incorporated Flipgrid for students to Dueppen, who teaches applied music, have explored our relationship “This book has a world-wide reach and delves into areas such as conceptual foundations of strategic
to time, place, memory and communication, institutional and organizational dimensions, implementing strategic communication and
positive,” said Shook. “It’s stressful, but make recordings and Skype, FaceTime low brass, jazz band and chamber music,
vernacular culture. I tend to think domains of practice. I was just interviewed this week by scholars in Germany and Kenya on the research,”
everyone understands the situation and or Zoom to meet up and listen to instructs many students individually, said Holtzhausen.
of them as a visual diary. I often
everyone had a can-do attitude.” the recordings. which was a real challenge during the
draw from the world around me, Strategic Communication joins Holtzhausen’s other published book, Public Relations As Activism, both
Shook, and many of the LU faculty, “The quality of the performance was pandemic. He used Skype, Zoom and literature, the animal world and of which have provided a valuable resource for scholars and students in public relations and have been
turned to a Facebook group created to not as good as in person, but Skype Collaborate to see students every week folklore to examine externally used in advanced courses on public relations theory, PR management, organizational communication and
objective, yet internally boundless, other related areas.
discuss teaching higher education music. worked well for hearing the tone,” at their regularly scheduled class time.
The 10,000-member group shared tips, said Brielle. “Flipgrid is a great visual For the ensemble classes, the group used themes where our chaotic world
is at once both mysterious and Tackling tinnitus
tricks and techniques for teaching music component, although heavy ended Skype, but the emphasis of the course Vinaya Manchaiah, Jo Mayo Endowed Professor in the Department of
ordinary,” said Carter.
using alternative modalities. on the teacher’s side. It was easy for shifted from playing together to each Carter’s explorations include Speech and Hearing Sciences, began a tinnitus research project this past
Jack Benson, an instructor teaching students to log in, and we could perform playing his or her part well. the use of the traditional chemical November. He is looking for research volunteers who have tinnitus (ringing
music appreciation and theory, started and talk about what they were working “Obviously you can’t replace in-person darkroom and arcane historical or buzzing in the ear) to volunteer for an eight-week internet-based program,
processes, as well as contemporary Tackling Tinnitus. Tinnitus, which affects more than 30 million people in the
his own discussion board to get his on in that musical passage. It also had an contact, but the online medium gave
practices. In doing so, he hopes U.S., can be very bothersome and disrupt many aspects of daily life.
students’ feedback about the best open grid for a studio class so everyone us an opportunity to focus on different “Although there is no cure for tinnitus, research has identified strategies that
to examine both the history of
approach to teaching online. “I didn’t could comment on each types of things. Students worked on photography and our own shared can help people better manage their tinnitus,” said Manchaiah. “This program
want them to feel pressured or frustrated other’s performances.” their own parts and what they really natural histories. shares these strategies.”
and wanted to get a feel for their Although Flipgrid had some needed to get better on and took turns This free program runs during an eight-week period with more than
20 modules providing strategies for individuals with the condition. The
perspective,” said Benson. “They were limitations, Frost found the visual aspects evaluating each other’s playing,” All State Choir Camp
information can be read online, downloaded or printed. It is structured in a way
very kind with suggestions, and I made of the application, as well as the ability said Dueppen. The Mary Morgan Moore
to make it easy to read and includes videos and worksheets to track progress.
Department of Music hosted a
adjustments to the syllabus.” for students to record themselves and Dueppen, the area coordinator for the The intervention is available in both English and Spanish. Participants must be at least 18 years in age with
record-breaking All State Choir
Benson had been teaching music hear their recordings played back, were brass festival as well as the organizer of troublesome tinnitus and have access to the internet. Spanish speaking individuals with tinnitus are highly
Camp last summer with more than
theory online for years but not his other extremely beneficial. the Collage Concert, used the extra time encouraged to participate.
200 students in attendance. Coty
For more information about this program, to register as a participant or to learn more about the researchers
classes that require students to listen “They created a vibe story about to plan these events. He also reached out Morris served as the director.
involved, please visit tacklingtinnitus.org.
to and discuss music. He opted to use who they are with fun pictures. Many more to students. “I’m surviving by doing “We finished our 2019 camp with
more than 200 talented and highly
Zoom to create a live classroom setting at downloaded the application, even though the stuff I can do to get caught up for Communication and Theatre and Deaf Studies and Deaf
motivated high school singers Media recognized Dance presents Ed students visit Paris
the time students were used to attending it’s web based, and it was another way when the university opens back up,” said and a great team of enriching, by Intelligent.com Permanent Collection Sixteen students from the
class. Benson expected attendance to for them to learn and a great process Dueppen. “We are all kind of making this top-notch and highly skilled The Department of “Permanent Collection,” Department of Deaf Studies
decline, but he was surprised. for students who recorded themselves work in some way. With a great attitude, clinicians and staff,” said James Communication and by Thomas Gibbons was and Deaf Education visited
“Most days we were right at 100%,” numerous times, listened with a critical confidence and resilience, we can step Han, associate professor of music Media has been awarded the second production in Paris this past summer on
and director of choral activities top ranking status by the Department of Theatre their study abroad trip.
said Benson. “I was in awe they were so ear and then recorded. I think some of up to the challenge that the world Intelligent.com, recognizing & Dance’s 2019-2020 The students met and
at LU. “New to our team last year
faithful, but this generation of students is them spent hours that first few weeks,” is facing.” it as one of the best season. Caitlin Grammer, interacted with Deaf people
was Coty Raven Morris, who is
very tech driven.” said Frost. Brian Shook has a YouTube channel— communications degree a senior theatre major from from around the world
currently pursuing her Master of programs in the nation. Bridge City, directed the at two conferences, the
Brielle Frost, assistant professor Tim Dueppen, assistant professor of “Brian Shook”— and additional resources Music in Choral Conducting at This student-focused production, which featured World Association of Sign
of flute who also conducts the flute music, also found his students practiced are available at Michigan State University. Ms. comprehensive research seniors Austin Jones, Language Interpreters and
ensemble, also found the transition to more than usual, possibly because of Morris joined our choir camp guide is based on an Houston, and Temesha the World Federation of the
as our camp manager. With assessment of 1,604 Ramsey, Beaumont; juniors Deaf Conference.
online easier than she expected because the isolation and extra time they had. “I briellefrost.com her charisma, she was exciting, accredited colleges and Josh Pendino, Lumberton,
the students were so adaptable. She didn’t think it would go as well as it did,” engaging, most thoughtful and universities. Each program and Brianna Butler,
trombonetim.com was evaluated based Baytown; and sophomores
used a variety of platforms, and students said Dueppen. “The students worked ensured our campers enjoyed a
on curriculum quality, Dustin Smith, West
most productive camp full of
embraced them. really hard and focused on specific parts jackbensonmusic.com graduation rate, reputation Hardin, and Taylor
Like Benson, Frost used Zoom of their performances that were lacking.” fun activities.” and post-graduate Bell, Colmesneil.
for larger studio class meetings. She employment.
14 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 15
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
| COLLEGE SNAPSHOT: ARTS & SCIENCES |
Couch named “highly Alumna Daniella DeLaRue ’03 evacuates from Tonga
effective” math educator
PJ Couch, associate professor of by Daniel Houston
mathematics, has been named one of the
top mathematics educators in the country.
Most of us know Couch as “the guy who
rides the unicycle around campus.” He
E
was one of three mathematics educators
in the nation to receive the Henry L. Alder arlier this year on March 15, more than 7,300 Peace Corps volunteers in 60 countries
Award that is given annually to faculty were forced to retreat in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, leaving behind
members whose teaching has been students, friends, families and the country in which they’d dedicated so much time.
effective and successful in
Daniella DeLaRue ’03, a Peace Corps volunteer stationed in Tonga
undergraduate mathematics.
“Education has created many and former director of the Lamar University McNair Scholars
opportunities for me, and Lamar Program, was discussing plans for college with one of her
University’s role in my success has been students when the email arrived that would ultimately send her
paramount,” said Couch. “It feels great to be able to parlay LU’s investment in me to the benefit of others, and her fellow volunteers back home.
and I hope that this recognition can help me create more opportunities for more people.”
“I remember trying to figure out just how quickly it was
Cardinals Esports hits As a faculty member, Couch has founded the MaPP Challenge for high school students, has displayed
a passion for undergraduate research, is a part of the Key Communicators initiative with Beaumont spreading,” said DeLaRue, recalling the days and weeks leading
the ground running
Cardinals Esports was founded Independent School District and an active member of the Lamar University Greater South Park up to the exodus. “Because of the communal nature of Tonga’s
in October of 2019 by Interim Neighborhood Partnership. culture, I knew how quickly a virus like that would spread.”
Associate Dean Tim Roden and With 53 volunteers living among four island groups, DeLaRue
computer science senior Zachary Stinson receives prestigious pondered the implications of not only all these members
Mosteller. In the five months community service award evacuating their posts, but also those of Peace Corps posts
since Cardinals Esports started, Cynthia Stinson, chair of the JoAnn Gay Dishman School of
Nursing, has been honored as the 2019 Julie and Ben Rogers
around the world.
the organization has added 42
full-fledged members and has Community Service Award recipient. Although Stinson has “This is completely unprecedented—like so many things
over 150 students in their discord served at Lamar University for 25 years, she’s been a Cardinal with the pandemic—that every volunteer was evacuated back
channel. Cardinals Esports—a form much longer. She received her bachelor’s degree from LU to the U.S.,” said DeLaRue. “In the midst of packing and
of sport competition using video in 1980 and then continued her education at other giving out all the hugs I could to everyone before I left, it
games—currently supports Texas institutions.
The Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award was
was difficult to process.” Two days later, DeLaRue and her
multiple teams.
Of the teams, Overwatch, Rocket established in 1979 to acknowledge the members of Lamar fellow volunteers would be on a flight back to the U.S. “It was
League, Fortnite and League of University’s faculty and staff who make a lasting impact on the simply heart-wrenching for everyone.”
Legends competed in full-fledged Southeast Texas community through an outstanding record With the current education project underway, DeLaRue was
collegiate seasons throughout the of service and volunteer work. Individuals from LU, Lamar an English literacy facilitator on the main island of Tongatapu, and
fall 2019 semester. All competitive Institute of Technology, Lamar State College – Port Arthur
and Orange are chosen.
the program manager for their learning center and library. She also managed the
teams have made great strides
during the past semesters and Stinson combines her vocation with her life experience American Center, which the U.S. Embassy in Fiji sponsors, and provided resources
promise to be top contenders through service leading. She serves on the Board for the such as free internet access and guidance for students wanting to study in the
in collegiate esports. Team Pink Power Support Group, organized “Cancer Crusaders,” U.S., as well as events for the public like the Saturday morning reading club that
Overwatch recently hit a milestone and formed the collaboration between the Gift of Life and DeLaRue and her staff also conducted.
by defeating the Columbia Dishman School of Nursing to teach high school students
about the dangers of tobacco and risks of cancer. Not only has she served on many committees and in
“Everything has been disrupted,” she said. “I had a feeling we would be
Chicago College Renegades. This
win is proof of all the hard work organizations at Lamar University, but she continues to present on numerous topics to community members evacuated for safety reasons, but I had hoped it wouldn’t be this soon. We could
and practice the members of the outside of the classroom on topics such as health and disease, treatment and caregiving. not predict how quickly this would consume resources and shake infrastructures
Overwatch team have put in. Students within the School of Nursing average around 6,000 hours of community service to local agencies in travel and healthcare.” DeLaRue remains in touch with the school in Tonga
Jason Chambliss, leader of each year, largely attributable to their service-oriented leader, Stinson. and supervises the staff from a distance. She has plans to reinstate as soon as
the Overwatch team, said they
Recent grad accepted Biology student Med school
volunteers are cleared to return to finish her service.
felt “vindicated” by this victory
and that it was proof of what is into Ph.D. program selected to present acceptance goes viral “I, like so many others, really feel I have unfinished business
Judah Roden ‘18, a Tyler Nelson, a biology Omar Hamza ’20 received
to come. Another team to watch there,” said DeLaRue.
recent master’s degree in major, presented at the his medical school
is the League of Legends headed DeLaRue describes the connections she had with
computer science graduate Gulf Coast Undergrad acceptance and shared
by Tommy Nguyen. Nguyen is a and son of associate Research Symposium at his mother’s reaction the Tongan people as crucial to her understanding and
proven competitor in the Esports professor Tim Roden, was Rice University. The topic of through social media. appreciation of their culture. “The best part of my service
scene. He has won tournaments accepted into a doctoral his presentation was “Effect Hamza received more
and prize money playing League program in the Department of Varying Cell Culture than half a million views in Tonga had to have been the relationships I built, whether
of Legends in high school and is of Computer Science and Conditions in SKNO-1 Acute within 24 hours as well as it was with my host family, teachers at my school, the
looking to continue winning. In Engineering at University Myeloid Leukemia Cells.” congratulatory messages students I taught, vendors in the market, other volunteers in
their first season, they defeated of North Texas to study Nelson was chosen through from around the world.
game design and a selective process. He will attend Texas A&M my cohort, or other friends I made,” said DeLaRue. “I miss
Baylor University, who is a strong
artificial intelligence. College of Medicine. the feeling of home I felt, even thousands of miles away
competitor on the Esports scene.
from Southeast Texas.”
16 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 CARDINAL CADENCE | Red + White Together | SUMMER 2020 17
You can also read
