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FA L L 2 0 1 2 , V O L U M E 5 I S S U E 1

It’s Never Too Late to Graduate page 6

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Contents

3..........From the Desk of the President: .Dr..Philip.C..Williams

4.........Learning.to.Be.Innovative

5..........A.Partnership.Between.McNeese.&.PPG.Industries

6-9......It’s.Never.Too.Late.to.Graduate

10-11...Doing.Something.Well

12-13....A.Little.Something.Extra

14-15...McNeese.Graduates.Take.on.the.World

16........The.Oak.Tree.–.A.Southern.Symbol.of.Strength

17........Ethics.in.Education

18........Geaux.Blue.at.the.McNeese.Bookstore

19........Pillars.and.Foundation.Staff

. Archives.Photo.Contest

20.......John.McNeese.Park

2012 Foundation Board of Directors

Officers

Bob Davidson, President

Judy Fuller, Vice President

Willie Mount, Secretary

James E. Taussig, Treasurer

Emma DiCarlo-Vincent, Immediate Past President

Members

Glen Bertrand

Roxie Boxie

Tom Henning

Joe T. Miller, Sr.

Lee J. Monlezun, Jr.

Ryan Navarre

George Paret

Patricia Prebula

Billy Rose

John Scofield

Jim Serra

David Stine

Charles Timpa

Ray A. Todd, Jr.

Tom Tuminello, Sr.

Aubrey White

Ex Officio Members

Philip C. Williams

Richard H. Reid

Advisory Board Members

Billy Blake

Coral Crain Byrd

David Drez

Fred R. Godwin

Marilyn Hays

Charles Viccellio

Scanning.this.mobile.QR-code.into.your.smart.phone.links.you.to.the.McNeese.State.University.Foundation.website..A.scanning.application/QR-code.reader,.such.as.Scanlife,.a.free.application,.is.required..Simply.take.a.picture.using.your.smart.phone.camera.

Become.a.McNeese.Foundation.Circle.member.with.an.annual.contribution.beginning.at.the.$100.level..For.membership.levels.and.benefits,.visit.www.mcneesefoundation.org/giving.and.then.click.on.“Memberships.”

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From the desk of the PresidentThrough the promotion of innovative teaching and learning methodologies, regional partnerships, service-learning opportunities,

applied research, cultural engagement, and athletic excellence, McNeese will play an active leadership role in the civic and economic renaissance likely to transform Southwest Louisiana over the next five years.

McNeese Vision Statement (2013-2017)

An.interesting.phenomenon.occurred.during.our.strategic.planning.brainstorming.sessions..While.I.made.it.a.point.not.to.mention.the.four.core.values.held.by.McNeese.since.2004-2005,.constituent.responses.given.in.the.33.brainstorming.sessions,.along.with.submissions.received.through.the.web-survey,.email.and.mail,.reaffirmed.the.following.core.values:

•.Academic.Excellence•.Student.Success•.Fiscal.Responsibility•.University-Community.Alliances

We.are.a.university.that.values.high.academic.standards,.we.care.about.the.success.of.our.students,.we.are.accountable.to.our.students.and.to.taxpayers.for.every.dollar.we.spend,.and.we.are.eager.to.partner.with.business.and.community.organizations.in.Southwest.Louisiana..These.four.core.values.are.prominent.components.of.our.new.vision.statement.

Another.important.point.that.was.repeated.over.and.over.in.the.strategic.planning.sessions.was.that.the.phrase.“Excellence.with.a.Personal.Touch!”.is.more.than.a.slogan..It.is.the.heart.and.soul.of.our.campus.culture.and.fosters.a.feeling.of.unity.and.belonging.among.students,.faculty.and.staff..It.also.promotes.a.spirit.of.innovation.that.we.can.harness.to.achieve.our.goals.

I.recently.reviewed.the.biography.of.our.namesake.and.found.some.striking.parallels.between.his.life’s.work.and.our.university’s.mission.and.goals.

John.McNeese.was.an.innovator.and.a.visionary..He.saw.the.need.for.an.organized.public.school.system.in.Southwest.Louisiana,.and.starting.in.1888.with.practically.nothing,.he.led.the.effort.to.construct.school.buildings,.increase.enrollment.and.improve.teacher.qualifications..

At.the.end.of.his.25.years.as.superintendent.of.schools.in.Imperial.Calcasieu.Parish,.he.had.built.a.well-respected.school.system.and.became.known.as.a.great.pioneer.educator..It.appears.that.decades.ago.Superintendent.McNeese.focused.on.those.same.values.of.academic.excellence,.student.success,.fiscal.responsibility.and.building.community.alliances.

As.we.begin.to.lead.McNeese.into.the.future.and.make.plans.to.celebrate.the.75th.anniversary.of.this.great.university.in.2014,.we.will.do.so.with.a.keen.understanding.of.our.core.values.and.a.passion.for.innovation!

Innovation Inspired by Tradition

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McNeese.will.soon.be.home.to.an.Innovation.Center.designed.to.provide.students.from.all.majors.with.the.tools.and.environment.needed.to.develop.innovative.thinking.skills.

As.one.of.just.two.universities.in.the.nation.to.offer.courses.in.the.Innovation.Engineering.Management.System,.the.McNeese.Innovation.Center.will.be.the.place.for.students.to.meet,.think.and.learn.to.be.creative.

“Our.students.must.understand.how.to.collaborate.and.generate.meaningful.ideas.as.well.as.solutions,”.Dr..Jeanne.Daboval,.McNeese.provost.and.vice.president.for.academic.and.student.affairs,.explained..“They.need.to.learn.to.be.flexible.and.to.adapt.to.changing.environments..We.want.to.develop.students.that.will.be.innovative.in.every.discipline,.every.major.and.endeavor.they.choose.”

Students.in.the.Innovation.Engineering.classes.will.use.the.Innovation.Lab.to.brainstorm,.generate.ideas,.test.theories.and.create.solutions..The.Innovation.Incubator.will.offer.students.space,.technology.and.tools.to.transform.their.entrepreneurial.ideas.into.new.businesses.

The.Engineering.Innovation.minor.consists.of.five,.three-hour.courses.that.build.upon.the.theories,.knowledge.and.skills.learned.in.each.previous.course..Faculty.in.the.program.advise,.mentor.and.encourage.students.to.look.for.alternative.solutions.while.they.gain.confidence.working.on.individual.and.team.projects.

The.McNeese.Innovation.Center.will.be.located.in.the.new.Southwest.Louisiana.Entrepreneurial.and.Economic.Development.(SEED).Center.that.is.under.construction.

on.seven.acres.of.McNeese.property.on.the.west.side.of.Ryan.Street..The.SEED.Center.is.scheduled.to.open.in.spring.2013.

The.SEED.Center.is.a.partnership.between.McNeese,.the.Southwest.Louisiana.Economic.Development.Alliance,.Calcasieu.Parish.Police.Jury.and.the.city.of.Lake.Charles.to.centralize.economic.development.and.entrepreneurial.activities.for.Allen,.Beauregard,.Calcasieu,.Cameron.and.Jefferson.Davis.parishes..

Known.as.the.“Career.Accelerator.Program,”.the.Innovation.Engineering.curriculum.was.developed.by.Doug.Hall.at.the.University.of.Maine..Hall.has.been.called.the.“innovation.guru”.to.America’s.top.corporations.including.Disney,.Nike.and.his.former.employer,.Proctor.&.Gamble..

Learning to Be Innovative

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A.partnership.between.McNeese.and.PPG.Industries-Lake.Charles.is.giving.McNeese.students.a.living.laboratory.to.conduct.research.in.plant.and.soil.sciences,.resource.conservation.and.wildlife.behavior..

Having.access.to.this.facility.with.its.diverse.ecosystem.allows.McNeese.students.to.perform.hands-on.research.in.a.natural.setting,.something.that.many.universities.cannot.offer....The.“classroom.in.the.woods”.includes.more.than.10,000.feet.of.trails.and.a.large.pond..Students.in.biological.science.and.engineering.classes.frequently.visit.the.facility.to.perform.field.experiments.or.work.on.research.projects.

Gary.Kratzer,.a.retired.science.teacher,.serves.as.the.Naturelab.Project.Coordinator.and.manages.the.day-to-day.operations..He.is.working.to.develop.age.appropriate.environmental.education.and.outreach.programs.designed.to.increase.usage.of.the.Naturelab.facility.by.school.and.youth.groups.

Area.boy.scout.troops.have.completed.work.to.build.trail.markers.and.bird.houses.and.the.Louisiana.Environmental.Research.Center.at.McNeese.is.establishing.a.wildflower.preserve.

This.is.a.unique.educational.experience.to.be.enjoyed.by.students,.teachers.and.various.clubs.and.organizations.in.Southwest.Louisiana..McNeese.and.PPG.are.working.together.to.ensure.that.the.Naturelab.has.an.even.greater.positive.impact.on.the.community.

A Partnership Between McNeese & PPG IndustriesA Partnership Between McNeese & PPG Industries

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FOUNDATION TIESShannon Allen • Recipient • Non-Traditional Student Scholarship • Edith and Adam LeDoux Memorial Scholarship • Dr. Thomas Leary Engineering Scholarship

La Toya Boutte • Recipient • Mildred and Jerry Harless Memorial Scholarship

Joel Daugherty • Recipient • W.A.K. Seale Memorial Scholarship

So,.you.think.it’s.too.late.to.return.to.college.–.Think.again..One.student.transferring.to.McNeese.took.52.years.to.complete.a.degree.and.the.University’s.most.seasoned.graduate.was.82.years.old.

Shannon Allen – College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

“As.a.non-traditional.student,.I.have.a.better.understanding.of.what.is.important.in.life..While.grades.reflect.on.learning,.it.is.just.as.important.to.put.content.learned.into.action,”.said.Shannon.Allen,.a.senior.in.the.College.of.Engineering.and.Engineering.Technology.

Growing.up.in.Maryland’s.Hartford.County,.Shannon.attended.Baltimore.Polytechnic.Institute,.a.preparatory.high.school.that.emphasized.a.science.and.engineering.curriculum..Shannon.tried.his.hand.at.college,.but.financial.obligations.got.in.the.way..He.went.to.work.as.an.electrician.before.deciding.to.join.the.U.S..Army.

Shannon.completed.basic.training.at.Fort.Knox,.Ky..Over.the.next.eight.years.he.was.stationed.at.the.Aberdeen.Proving.Grounds.in.Maryland,.at.Fort.Belvoir.in.Virginia,.at.Fort.Lewis.in.Washington.State.and.at.

Camp.Victory.in.Iraq..His.last.stop.brought.him.to.Fort.Polk,.La.,.where.he.served.with.the.2nd.Armored.Calvary.Regiment.

After.his.discharge.from.the.Army.in.2005.as.an.E-6.staff.sergeant,.Shannon.went.to.work.for.Electrical.Reliability.Services,.a.division.of.Emerson.Process.Management.

The.GI.Bill.combined.with.McNeese’s.Non-Traditional Student Scholarship.provided.the.financial.incentive.Shannon.needed.to.return.to.college.in.fall.2008.

As.with.many.non-traditional.students,.Shannon.is.pursuing.his.degree.while.working.full.time..As.a.senior.field.technician.performing.relay.testing.and.calibration.with.Tidal.Power.Services,.Shannon.stated,.“I’m.fortunate.that.my.company’s.management.supports.my.education.goals.”

Dr..Fred.Denny,.associate.professor.of.engineering,.said,.“I.have.taught.a.number.of.veterans.in.my.classes,.including.Shannon..I.enjoy.teaching.the.‘vets’.because.they.have.not.only.the.maturity,.but.also.the.desire.to.learn.practical.skills.for.the.next.phase.of.their.lives.”

It’s Never Too Late to Graduate

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FOUNDATION TIESJesse Eaker • Recipient • H.C. Drew Scholarship

Robert Estaville • Recipient • Robert Noland Nursing Scholarship • Christus St. Patrick Nursing Scholarship

Cathy Martin • President of Delta Sigma Pi • Development Director for Society for Human Resource Management

The.McNeese.Foundation.awarded.Shannon.the.Edith and Adam LeDoux Memorial Scholarship.and.the.Dr. Thomas Leary Engineering Scholarship..“The.financial.support.the.scholarships.provide.help.to.smooth.out.the.rough.edges.at.this.time.in.my.life,”.said.Shannon.

Shannon.will.graduate.in.fall.2012..He.hopes.his.parents.will.be.on.hand.for.the.graduation.and.to.meet.their.newest.grandchild,.Brayden,.and.see.their.other.grandchildren,.Jacob,.Grace.and.Gavin..After.graduation,.Shannon.and.his.fiancée,.Bridgett.Willis,.hope.to.take.more.time.out.for.family.activities.such.as.skiing.and.wakeboarding.

La Toya Boutte – Burton College of Education

“If.I.had.enrolled.in.college.when.I.was.18.years.old,.I.might.have.done.enough.to.get.by.–.but.more.likely.–.I.would.have.just.had.fun..Now.that.I.am.older.and.wiser.I.realize.the.importance.of.getting.a.good.education.and.being.a.role.model.to.my.children,”.said.La.Toya.Boutte,.a.junior.majoring.in.elementary.education.

After.graduating.from.LaGrange.High.School.in.2002,.La.Toya.enrolled.in.school.at.Delta.Tech.and.completed.the.requirements.for.an.associate.degree.in.occupational.studies..She.worked.as.a.medical.assistant.and.transcriptionist.at.the.Urology.Center.of.Southwest.Louisiana.for.three.years..However,.as.a.single.mother,.La.Toya.wanted.more.for.herself.and.her.family.

La.Toya.applied.for.student.loans.and.a.Pell.grant.and.enrolled.at.McNeese..Her.goal.was.to.become.an.elementary.school.teacher.

“I’m.happy.to.be.setting.an.example.for.my.children..I.hope.that.one.day.they.will.follow.in.my.footsteps.and.earn.their.degrees,”.stated.La.Toya.

La.Toya’s.children.are.Jaylon,.9,.and.Alaina,.4..Jaylon.is.an.honor.roll.student.at.Fairview.Elementary.School,.and.while.not.yet.old.enough.for.public.school,.Alaina.serves.as.“pupil”.to.La.Toya.as.she.practices.her.new.teaching.skills.

La.Toya.received.the.Mildred and Jerry Harless Memorial Scholarship.in.spring.2012..“The.scholarship.lightened.my.financial.burden.and.allowed.me.to.place.my.focus.on.the.most.important.aspect.of.school--learning.”.She.expects.to.complete.her.studies.in.December.2013.

As.a.first-generation.college.graduate,.La.Toya.stated,.

“My.family.is.very.proud.of.me..Since.my.parents.never.had.the.opportunity.to.attend.college,.I.will.be.the.first.in.my.family.to.earn.a.degree.”

Joel Daugherty – College of Liberal Arts

“I.returned.to.college.after.15.years.to.fulfill.my.dream.of.becoming.a.licensed.practical.counselor..I.hope.to.pay.forward.the.blessings.I.have.received.in.this.life.by.helping.families.in.crisis,”.stated.Joel.Daugherty,.sociology.major.in.the.College.of.Liberal.Arts.

Joel.came.to.McNeese.as.a.graduate.of.Westlake.High.School.in.1994.but.confesses.that.he.wasn’t.focused.on.his.studies..He.quit.school.when.a.youth.pastor.position.opened.up..His.wife,.Dawn,.supported.his.decision.while.being.a.stay-at-home.mom.raising.Kristen,.Abigail,.Anna.and.Elijah.

After.more.than.10.years.working.in.the.ministry,.Joel.and.Dawn.decided.to.pursue.their.degrees..Dawn.graduated.from.McNeese.in.May.2012.with.a.Bachelor.of.Science.degree.in.psychology..Joel.is.nearing.completion.of.his.sociology.degree.with.graduation.expected.in.December..He.has.taken.his.course.work.mostly.online.through.the.Center.for.Adult.Learning.in.Louisiana,.or.the.CALL.program..Joel.said,.“The.CALL.program.is.extremely.convenient.and.right.at.my.fingertips..I.can.study.at.night.after.the.kids.go.to.bed.or.at.my.leisure.anytime.of.the.day.”

As.a.requirement.of.his.course.work,.Joel.interns.with.the.Family.and.Youth.Counseling.Agency..He.received.the.W.A.K. Seale Memorial Scholarship.in.spring.2012.

Joel.and.Dawn.both.plan.to.pursue.graduate.degrees.in.psychology.beginning.in.January.2013..Their.goal.is.to.become.licensed.professional.counselors.and.marriage.and.family.therapists.

“Through.my.years.serving.in.the.ministry,.I.have.seen.the.struggles.families.go.through..I.believe.that.as.a.counselor,.I.can.make.a.tangible.difference.in.the.lives.of.others,”.said.Joel.

Jesse Eaker – College of Science

“When.you.graduate.from.high.school,.you.aren’t.sure.about.life.in.general..I.probably.would.have.flunked.out.of.college.then..Now.I.am.more.focused.and.care.about.my.studies..I.have.a.lot.invested.in.it.since.it.is.my.money.and.my.responsibility.to.succeed,”.said.Jesse.Eaker,.a.junior.majoring.in.natural.resources.conservation.management.

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with.an.emphasis.on.wildlife.

Jesse.graduated.from.Alexander.Central.High.School.in.Taylorsville,.N.C.,.and.joined.the.U.S..Navy..He.was.stationed.at.Whidbey.Island,.Wash.,.his.entire.seven-year.career,.serving.as.an.aviation.electronics.technician.2nd.class.

After.discharge,.Jesse.graduated.from.the.Divers.Institute.of.Technology.in.Seattle.and.became.a.certified.commercial.diver..He.intended.on.working.inland,.diving.in.water.towers.or.around.bridges.and.dams,.but.at.the.time,.employment.for.inland.divers.was.scant..Jesse.accepted.a.position.with.Global.Industries.(now.Technip).and.moved.to.Louisiana.to.work.in.the.offshore.oil.market..

While.commercial.diving.proved.lucrative,.Jesse’s.passion.was.the.outdoors.–.above.water.outdoors..He.hopes.to.find.a.government.position.with.the.U.S..National.Park.Service,.the.Department.of.Agriculture.or.the.Geological.Survey.after.graduation.

The.Chapter.33.(Post-9/11).GI.Bill.is.supporting.his.efforts..Jesse.enrolled.at.McNeese.in.the.summer.of.2010.and.continues.to.work.part-time.at.Global..He.received.the.H.C. Drew Scholarship.in.fall.2011.

This.past.summer,.Jesse.completed.an.internship.in.the.swamps.of.the.Atchafalaya.Basin..“My.job.was.to.catch.frogs.and.snakes.for.use.in.amphibian.and.reptiles.research,”.stated.Jesse..When.asked.about.the.dangers.of.working.in.the.swamps,.Jesse.responded,.“I’m.never.afraid.of.the.animals,.but.sometimes.there.are.crazy.swamp.people.out.there.who.shoot.at.you.if.you.get.near.their.property!”

Jesse.will.graduate.in.December.2013..He.is.anxious.to.rejoin.his.high.school.sweetheart.and.wife.of.nine.years,.Kristy,.who.is.a.biologist.working.at.The.Elephant.Sanctuary.in.Hohenwald,.Tenn.

Robert Estaville – College of Nursing

“I.had.been.dodging.the.nursing.bullet.for.some.time..I.knew.I.had.a.heart.for.helping.people,.but.I.wasn’t.sure.how.it.was.going.to.come.about..When.I.learned.that.the.GI.Bill.was.a.‘use.it.or.lose.it’.proposition,.I.knew.it.was.time.to.go.back.to.college,”.stated.Robert.Estaville,.a.senior.in.the.College.of.Nursing.

Robert.comes.from.a.family.with.extensive.military.service..His.late.father,.Jerry,.served.in.the.U.S..Navy.aboard.a.submarine.and.in.the.U.S..Army.as.a.commissioned.artillery.officer..His.brother,.Daniel,.is.currently.an.Army.JAG.officer..Both.Jerry.and.Daniel.are.McNeese.alumni.

After.graduating.from.Sam.Houston.High.School.in.1995,.Robert.joined.the.U.S..Army.National.Guard.and.completed.his.basic.training.at.Fort.Knox,.Ky..Upon.returning.to.Lake.Charles,.he.enrolled.at.McNeese.

After.one.semester,.Robert.realized.that.he.lacked.the.maturity.to.succeed..He.quit.school,.completed.his.National.Guard.commitment.and.worked.odd.jobs.in.Louisiana.and.California.

Robert.re-enlisted.in.1999,.signing.up.for.active.duty.in.the.U.S..Army..He.was.stationed.in.Germany,.transferred.to.Fort.Hood.in.Killeen,.Texas,.and.deployed.to.Bagdad,.Iraq,.with.the.1st.Squadron.-.7th.Cavalry.Regiment.-.1st.Brigade.Combat.Team.-.1st.Cavalry.division..Robert.served.as.a.Calvary.Scout.riding.in.a.Bradley.Fighting.Vehicle.which.was.hit.16.times.during.his.deployment..

“I.was.in.constant.fear.–.every.day.–.all.the.time..I.lost.13.men.that.I.had.served.with,”.stated.Robert..All.told,.he.served.in.the.National.Guard.for.five.years.and.on.active.duty.another.six.years.

In.fall.2009,.the.“bullet”.finally.caught.up.with.him..Robert.enrolled.at.McNeese.in.its.nursing.program..Ruth.Hinchee,.Robert’s.grandmother.and.a.1974.alum.and.College.of.Nursing.faculty.retiree,.provided.inspiration.

Robert.received.the.Robert Noland Nursing Scholarship.in.spring.2011.and.the.Christus St. Patrick Nursing Scholarship.in.fall.2011..He.participates.in.the.STEP.program.(Student.Training.and.Employment.Program).through.the.ICU.at.Christus.St..Patrick.Hospital.

Robert.will.graduate.in.spring.2013.with.a.Bachelor.of.Science.degree.in.nursing..He.and.his.wife,.Gena,.and.daughter,.BrookLynn,.plan.to.relocate.to.the.Florida.coast.after.graduation.

Jesse Eaker

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Cathy Martin – College of Business

“As.the.director.of.the.business.office.at.Women.and.Children’s.Hospital,.I.watched.younger.employees.get.hired.at.salaries.$20,000-30,000.more.than.I.was.making.because.I.didn’t.have.that.piece.of.paper.[a.college.diploma],”.stated.Cathy.Martin,.a.senior.in.the.College.of.Business.

Cathy.was.raised.by.a.great.aunt.and.uncle.who.believed.that.children.were.brought.up.to.work..After.graduating.from.Vidalia.High.School.in.1979,.Cathy.became.a.switchboard.operator.at.the.Natchez.Community.Hospital.in.Mississippi..She.worked.her.way.up.the.ladder,.passing.through.virtually.every.position.short.of.nurse.

A.former.supervisor.recruited.Cathy.to.move.to.Van.Buren,.Ark.,.where.she.worked.as.a.business.office.director.at.another.hospital..One.night,.Cathy.was.caught.driving.on.black.ice..That.incident.convinced.her.that.it.was.time.to.head.south..As.a.single.mom.raising.Amanda,.Leslie.and.Stafford,.Cathy.decided.to.move.the.family.to.Lake.Charles.

Although.Cathy.felt.a.great.sense.of.accomplishment.in.her.career,.she.knew.that.she.still.lacked.that.piece.of.paper..At.age.48,.Cathy.enrolled.at.McNeese..“At.the.time.I.was.scared.to.death.but.I’ve.always.enjoyed.a.challenge,”.she.said.

Cathy.attends.classes.with.students.half.her.age.and.confesses.that.she.has.never.had.more.fun..“My.children.see.their.mom.hanging.out.with.all.these.kids.their.own.age.and.accuse.me.of.having.a.more.active.social.life.than.they.do.”.She.serves.as.president.of.Delta.Sigma.Pi.and.as.development.director.for.the.Society.for.Human.Resource.Management.in.the.College.of.Business.

Graduating.with.a.Bachelor.of.Science.degree.in.business.management.with.a.concentration.in.human.resources.in.December,.Cathy.hopes.to.continue.her.studies.at.McNeese.in.the.Master.of.Business.Administration.program.

Non-traditional students usually fall into one of two categories – those that start college but drop out when life gets in the way and those who have never attended college.

The students who dropped out are generally motivated by something to return. They reorganize their lives and put an all-out effort into achieving their academic goals the second time around. They usually complete their course work at the head of the class.

The non-starters decide to enroll in college for the first time as adults to move ahead for employment, to satisfy a personal self-esteem goal or to set an example for their children. They may struggle at first but they soon catch up and move ahead quickly.

It is a pleasure teaching non-traditional students. These are adults who are balancing the trifecta of the stresses of family responsibilities, the demands of full-time employment and the requirements of a full course load. Taken as a group, non-traditional students are strongly committed, highly motivated, open to learning, respectful in their approach and focused on their goals. Their time is precious. As faculty, we are challenged to help them use their time wisely and productively. It is a joy and a privilege to see them through to graduation, to be part of their sometimes difficult journey and to witness the pleasure and fulfillment of their dreams.

Dr. Allison GibbonsAssistant Professor, Social Sciences

10

Doing Something Well

“I. graduated. from. high.school.at.a.time.when.it.wasn’t.cool.to.

do.well.in.school,”.said.Dr..Gault.H..Townsend,.a.certified.medical.review.officer.and.pathologist.at.the.

Pathology.Laboratory.in.Lake.Charles.

“As.a.child,.I.didn’t.apply.myself.in.school..I.knew.that.it.was. important. to. be. able. to. do. something.well,. but. I.lacked. self-confidence. and.wasn’t. sure.what. I. could. do,”.said.Gault..While.listening.to.KAOK.radio.one.day,.Gault.began.tapping.along.to.the.beat..He.found.that.he.could.maintain.excellent. rhythm..He.practiced. that. rhythm.by.turning.metal.garbage.cans.over.and.drumming.on.the.flat.surface..If.he.wanted.to.replicate.the.sound.of.a.snare,.he.wrapped.a.T-shirt.around.the.top..If.he.wanted.to.replicate.the.sound.of.a.symbol,.he.placed.pennies.across.the.surface.

Finally,. in. high. school,. Gault’s. parents,. Jeff. and. Joyce,.bought.him.a.real.set.of.drums.from.Zypiens.Music.–.the.drums.were.blue.agate.pearl..He.joined.a.band.called,.“The.Living.Ends,”.which.included.Mike.Veron,.rhythm.guitar,.Freddie.Theriot,.lead.guitar,.Victor.Pohorelsky,.keyboards,.Ronnie.Louviere,.bass,.and.of.course,.Gault,.at.the.drums.

After.graduating.from.Lake.Charles.High.School,.Gault.moved.to.Ruston.to.attend.Louisiana.Tech.University.and.joined.a.fraternity..His.educational.endeavor,.however,.was.cut.short.when.he.developed.mononucleosis.

Back.home.one.day.pondering.his.future,.Gault.saw.a.television.program.about.hospital.orderlies.and.thought.maybe. that. was. an. occupation. that. he. could. fill.. The.next. day. he. walked. over. to. St.. Patrick’s.Hospital. from.his.home.on.Helen.Street.and.applied.for.a.position..The.

receptionist.told.him.that.the.only.opening.St..Patrick’s.had.available.was.in.the.laboratory..Gault.–.the.future.pathologist.–.responded,.“Working.in.a.laboratory.is.not.for.me.”.Not.taking.no.for.an.answer,.the.receptionist.marched.Gault.upstairs.to.the.lab.where.he.was.hired.as.a.phlebotomist.

Gault.eventually.returned.to.Louisiana.Tech,.graduating.in.1972.with.a.Bachelor.of.Science.degree.in.pre-medicine..He.moved.to.New.Orleans.to.work.at.Charity.Hospital.on.the.night.shift. in.the.emergency.room.lab..It.was.during.this.time.that.Gault.first.entertained.becoming.a.physician.

One. weekend. Gault. came. home. to. Lake. Charles. so.his.mom.could.wash.his.clothes..As.he.backed.out.of.his.driveway.to.return.to.New.Orleans,.his.path.was.blocked.by.a.car.driven.by.Mrs..Edmund.C..(Edna).Campbell..She.asked.Gault. to. deliver. a. pack. of. steaks. to. her. daughter,.Evie,.a.nursing.student.in.New.Orleans..Reluctantly,.Gault.agreed..He.remembered.meeting.Evie.from.a.previous.and.unremarkable.date.the.two.had.the.year.before.

Back.in.New.Orleans,.Gault.put.the.steaks.in.the.freezer.and. forgot. about. them..One.day,.he. and.his. roommates,.who.included.[Senator].Dan.W..“Blade”.Morrish,.decided.to. throw. a. party. with. the. steaks.. Eaters-remorse. set. in.

“I.will.never.forget.where.I.came.from.and.what.it.took.for.me.to.get.where.I.am.today..Giving.back.to.those.that.helped.me.to.achieve.my.goals.is.a.‘no.brainer.’”

- Dr. Gault Townsend

11

FOUNDATION TIESDr. & Mrs. Gault Townsend • Donors • Dr. George V.S. White Scholarship in Pre-med • Dr. and Mrs. Edmond C. Campbell Scholarship in Nursing

the. next. morning.. Gault. called. Evie.to. confess,. “I. ate. your. meat.”. That.started.a.five-hour.conversation.which.has.continued.37.years..They.married.Dec..29,.1974.

Gault. decided. that. the. time. had.come.to.do.something.well.that.would.support. his. family.. With. fear. and.trepidation,.he.enrolled.in.the.biology.graduate.program.at.McNeese.

His. mentors. included. Mary.Kordisch.Hebert,.a.zoology.professor.and. pre-med. adviser. who. cautioned.Gault. to. “stay. out. of. the. beer.joints,”. and. Melvin. E.. Schmidt,. a.zoology. professor. who. warned. him.about. “keeping. up. his. studies. in. a.classroom.of.young.bucks.”.However,.Gault’s. most. influential. mentor. was.Dr.. George. V.S.. White,. a. biology.professor. and. department. head.. Dr..White. expected. performance. from.his.students.–.slacking.off.was.not.an.option. –. and. perform. he. did!. Gault.was. awarded. a. Master. of. Science.degree.in.biology.in.1978,.completing.the.program.with.all.A’s.and.one.B.

Back. at. St.. Patrick’s. Hospital. lab.working. post-graduation,. Gault.applied. to. and. was. accepted. by.numerous. medical. schools.. He.

enrolled.at.Louisiana.State.University.in. New. Orleans. in. August. 1980.. A.short. nine. years. later. he.was. serving.as. the. chief. resident. in. pathology. at.Charity.Hospital.

To. this. day,.Gault. still. reveres.Dr..White. and. credits. the. mentoring.he. received. at. McNeese. with. the.accomplishments. he. has. achieved.today.. Dr.. White. reminds. Gault. of.Professor. Charles. W.. Kingsfield. Jr..from. the. 1973. classic. movie,. The Paper Chase,. aptly. played. by. the. late.actor.John.Houseman..The.symbiotic.relationship.between.the.student.and.the.professor. in.the.movie. felt.eerily.similar.to.Gault’s.own.experience.as.a.student.in.Dr..White’s.class.

Gault. said. the. greatest. thing. that.ever.happened.to.him.was.when.Mrs..Campbell. blocked.his.departure. that.fateful. weekend..He.may. have. never.been. reintroduced. to. Evie,. the. key.person.in.his.life,.otherwise.

Gault.and.Evie.are.the.proud.parents.of. five. children:. Sara,. a. registered.nurse,.and.Elizabeth,.a.dietician,.both.McNeese.graduates;.Chad,.a.McNeese.drumline.member.before.transferring.to. Louisiana. State. University;. and.Kate. and. Patrick.. They. have. three.

grandsons.and.a.granddaughter..Gault’s.mother,. Joyce. Gault. Townsend,. is.also. a. 1943. graduate. of. McNeese.and. served. as. the. only. “May.Queen”.named.at.McNeese.when.it.was.still.a.junior.college.

In. his. spare. time,. Gault. retreats.to. his. above-the-garage. man-cave.to. listen. to. music.. He. taps. along. to.the. sound. of. the. drums. in. a. room.surrounded. by. musical. memorabilia..Oh…the.nostalgia….

Dr.. and.Mrs..Gault.H..Townsend.established.the.Dr. George V.S. White Scholarship in Pre-med.and.the.Dr. and Mrs. Edmond C. Campbell Scholarship in Nursing.. They. also. support. the.Sonny Watkins Athletic Scholarship,.the. Anita and Joe Tritico Performing Arts Scholarship. and. the. Endow an Oak.campaign.

12

McNeese Named a Top-Tier Regional University by U.S. News & World ReportMcNeese was named one of the top-tier regional universities in the South in the 2013 Best Colleges edition of U.S. News & World Report. McNeese was ranked the highest Tier One Louisiana regional public university in two categories: Best Regional Universities-South category, where McNeese was the second highest rated Louisiana university; and in the Top Public Schools-Regional South category, where U.S. News ranked McNeese in a tie for 43rd place. There are 625 institutions nationwide included in the regional category, with 134 regional institutions in the South.

MFA Program Ranks No. 24 in NationMcNeese’s Master of Fine Arts program has been ranked for the second year in a row as one of the top 50 MFA programs in the United States by Poets & Writers magazine. The McNeese program is at No. 24 – a jump from No. 40 in the nation last year. Housed in the Department of English and Foreign Languages in the College of Liberal Arts, the McNeese program ranked better than major programs at Boston University, Columbia University, University of South Carolina, Purdue University, Ohio State University, University of Mississippi and the University of Arkansas.

SHRM Chapter Recognized as Top 10 Chapter in NationThe student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management was recognized as one of the top 10 Outstanding Student Chapters in the nation for 2011-2012 for the second consecutive year. This award recognizes SHRM student chapters whose programs, activities and levels of participation distinguish them from more than 475 student chapters. The SHRM chapter also received its second consecutive Superior Merit Award for excellence and achievement. SHRM chapter members accepted the award at the 64th Annual SHRM Conference and Exposition in Atlanta, Ga.

Holiday Art Sale SetThe annual holiday art sale will be held from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, in the Grand Gallery on the first floor of the Shearman Fine Arts Annex. The event, sponsored by the Student Art Association, will offer over 300 artworks produced during the past semester by students and faculty for sale. For more information, contact the McNeese Department of Visual Arts at 337.475.5060.

A Little Something Extra

13

College of Nursing Provides Community OutreachThe College of Nursing provides numerous community outreach opportunities for its nursing students within the Lake area. Nursing students, under the supervision of nursing faculty, help provide free vaccinations through the college’s immunization clinic for children between the ages of six weeks and 18 on the first Tuesday of every month. Nursing students also volunteer their time at various health fairs that take place throughout the community, where they conduct blood tests, urine screenings, patient interviews and blood pressure measurements on those patients attending the fairs.

Accounting Students VolunteerAccounting students in the College of Business serve as interns during tax season for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program through United Way of Southwest Louisiana. These students provide free basic tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers on campus and at sites in Lake Charles, Sulphur and Jennings under the supervision of an accounting professor.

Student-Athletes Make the GradeMcNeese student-athletes are making the grade in the classroom! During the spring 2012 semester, 175 of the 343 student-athletes made the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll, including 19 with a 4.0 grade point average. Four McNeese student-athletes have a cumulative 4.0 GPA for their academic careers!

College of Business Names New DeanDr. Musa Essayyad has been named dean of the McNeese College of Business. He was previously associate dean and professor of finance in the school of business at the University of Texas at Brownsville. He has degrees in accounting and behavioral studies and he received his doctorate in finance from the University of Alabama. Essayyad has held diverse academic, business and governmental positions both nationally and internationally. In academia, he has held endowed chair professorships and taught courses in corporate finance, investment management, international finance, and oil and gas finance. He has also attended executive training at Harvard University.

A Little Something More!More than 13,000 students have graduated from McNeese in the past 10 years.

McNeese nursing graduates make up approximately 80 percent of all nurses working in Lake Charles and the five-parish area.

Approximately one-third of all engineers working in the local petrochemical industry are McNeese graduates.

More than 70 percent of the educators in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis parishes earned a degree from McNeese.

McNeese offers four online baccalaureate degrees through the Center for Adult Learning in Louisiana (CALL) Program. Currently, students can enroll in criminal justice, sociology with a concentration in family and child studies, sociology or management programs. These degrees offer accelerated course work and the flexibility and convenience of online delivery. McNeese will soon launch a new online degree in organizational leadership that is a collaboration among the nine universities in the University of Louisiana System.

14

What.do.a.resident.physician,.a.communication.specialist,.a.teacher.and.a.nurse.have.in.common?.They.are.all.McNeese.graduates.who.excelled.in.the.classroom,.received.academic.scholarships.through.the.McNeese.Foundation.and.were.featured.in.past.issues.of.PILLARS..Post-graduation,.they.continue.to.excel.in.the.working.world.as.ambassadors.representing.McNeese.

Raphiel.Heard,.who.was.featured.on.the.inaugural.cover.of.PILLARS,.is.now.Dr..Raphiel.Heard..He.graduated.from.McNeese.in.2008.with.a.Bachelor.of.Science.degree.in.biological.science.and.with.a.Doctor.of.Medicine.degree.from.Louisiana.State.University.at.Shreveport.

Health.Sciences.Center.in.May.2012..

Raphiel.is.a.past.recipient.of.the.Dr. Charles D. “Chick” White Pre-Med Scholarship.and.the.Dr. John Stevens Memorial Scholarship..

“While.nothing.can.truly.prepare.you.for.medical.school,.I.believe.that.McNeese.gave.me.a.solid.educational.foundation,”.said.Raphiel..“The.leadership.positions.I.held.at.McNeese.gave.me.the.experiences.I.needed.to.be.a.leader.in.my.medical.school.class.”

During.his.time.at.McNeese,.Raphiel.reinvigorated.the.Pre-Medical.and.Pre-Dental.Society.and.served.as.

president..He.also.served.as.president.of.McNeese’s.American.Chemical.Society.and.was.involved.with.the.Student.Government.Association,.Future.Business.Leaders.of.America,.Campus.Affairs.Committee.and.the.Technology.Advancement.Student.Committee.

While.a.student.at.LSUSHSC,.his.leadership.continued.with.his.service.as.class.vice.president,.president.and.student.representative.on.the.Medical.Curriculum.and.Student.Admissions.Committees.

Raphiel.is.currently.living.in.Richmond,.Va.,.while.he.completes.a.three-year.internal.medicine.residency.program.at.the.Virginia.Commonwealth.University..When.he.completes.his.residency.in.summer.2015,.Raphiel.plans.to.return.to.the.Lake.Charles.area.to.practice.general.internal.medicine.

Martina.Malone.received.her.Bachelor.of.Science.degree.in.marketing.in.2010.and.is.currently.working.at.L’Auberge.Casino.Hotel.Baton.Rouge.as.a.team.member.engagement.specialist..The.past.C. Marshall Abadie Memorial Scholarship.recipient.worked.as.a.sales.representative.after.graduation,.and.like.many.new.graduates,.thought.she.would.automatically.land.the.perfect.job..“Much.to.my.surprise,.I.found.that.my.dream.job.would.not.fall.in.my.lap,”.said.Martina..“I.learned.that.I.had.to.work.hard.to.make.my.desires.become.a.reality.”.

Martina.loves.the.fast-paced.nature.of.the.gaming.industry.and.the.challenges.it.presents.because.it.allows.her.to.push.herself.to.levels.she.thought.were.impossible..She.credits.McNeese.with.helping.her.get.to.where.she.is.today.

McNeese GraduatesTake on the World

McNeese GraduatesTake on the World

1

FALL 2008 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

Raphiel Heard May ‘08

This Grand Chenier native’s admiration

for small-town life led to his decision to

become a doctor. page 6

1

SPRING 2009 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

MartinaMalone May ‘09There just aren’t enough hours in a day pages 6, 7

Martina Malone is a team member engagement specialist at L’Auberge Casino Hotel in Baton Rouge.

Dr. Raphiel Heard ’s mentors included Dr. William Dees and Dr. Mark Wygoda.

15

“My.McNeese.education.provided.a.solid.foundation.for.the.basic.principles.I.needed.to.succeed.in.the.work.force,”.Martina.stated..“It.also.taught.me.the.true.meaning.of.networking..I.can’t.stress.enough.how.important.it.is.to.join.organizations.and.participate.in.internships.”.She.met.her.current.boss.through.an.event.she.planned.while.president.of.McNeese’s.American.Marketing.Association.chapter..

Martina’s.future.plans.include.obtaining.both.a.master’s.degree.and.a.doctorate.in.business.and.becoming.a.college.professor.

Kimberly.Boyett.Parfait,.a.past.recipient.of.the.Alma W. and G.W. Ford Memorial Scholarship,.graduated.in.2010.with.a.Bachelor.of.Science.degree.in.early.childhood.education..She.has.been.

teaching.at.Brenda.Hunter.Head.Start.for.two.years.and.has.helped.plan.school-wide.activities.such.as.the.annual.Monster.Mash.Math.event..

One.McNeese.experience.that.stands.out.for.her.is.the.amount.of.hands-on.classroom.experience.she.received.as.part.of.her.education..“The.classroom.experience.was.a.huge.advantage.when.it.came.time.for.me.to.have.my.own.classroom,”.explained.Kimberly..“I.was.not.at.a.complete.loss.and.at.least.had.an.idea.of.how.I.wanted.to.organize.my.classroom.and.plan.lessons.”

She.has.come.full.circle.with.several.McNeese.students.observing.in.her.classroom.over.the.past.two.years..“Knowing.that.McNeese.is.sending.these.students.out.into.Head.Start.is.great.because.it.is.a.very.real.possibility.that.it.may.be.where.they.teach.”

Kimberly’s.future.plans.include.teaching.either.kindergarten.or.first.grade.and.possibly.writing.a.children’s.book.using.photography.

Former.Cowboys.quarterback.and.Josi Andrus Brady Memorial Scholarship in Football.recipient.Derrick.Fourroux.traded.his.football.uniform.for.nursing.scrubs..Derrick.works.at.the.Regional.Medical.Center.of.Acadiana.in.Lafayette.as.an.ICU.nurse.and.at.the.Moss.Regional.Hospital.in.Lake.Charles.critical.care.unit.on.an.as-needed.basis..He.graduated.from.McNeese.with.a.Bachelor.of.Science.degree.in.nursing.in.2010.

From.the.beginning.of.his.nursing.career,.Derrick.chose.to.work.in.the.intensive.care.unit..“As.an.ICU.nurse,.I.take.care.of.very.sick.people,”.said.Derrick..“From.one.night.to.the.next.I.can.see.the.patient’s.progress..It’s.a.good.feeling.knowing.I’m.helping.a.person.recover.”

Had.Derrick.not.received.a.scholarship,.his.career.would.have.likely.gone.down.the.military.path..“The.scholarships.I.received.helped.me.focus.on.my.studies.so.that.I.didn’t.have.to.work.full.time,.go.to.school.and.play.football,”.he.stated..

He.credits.McNeese’s.nursing.program.for.his.excellent.training..“The.nursing.program.at.McNeese.definitely.prepared.me.for.the.working.world..I.knew.what.I.was.doing.when.the.time.came.to.transition.from.student.to.professional.nurse.”

These.successful.McNeese.graduates.are.just.four.examples.of.how.giving.to.the.McNeese.Foundation.provides.an.excellent.return.on.your.investment.

9

A Tradition of TeachingKimberly Diane Boyett is on the road to becoming a pre-kindergarten to third grade teacher. “I

chose PK-3 because I have always had a connection with younger children. I love teaching them

basics and then pushing them to think even deeper toward more complex problems,” said Kimberly.

Kimberly enrolled at McNeese State University as a Vidor (Texas) High School graduate and

transfer student from Lamar University. She moved into Collette Hall where she has lived ever since

along with her roommate, Pla, from Thailand. Kimberly joined the Pride of McNeese Marching Band

and played the French horn before putting away her instrument this past year due to time constraints.

With an extended family full of teachers and firemen, Kimberly’s career options were limited.

Teachers and future teachers in her family include her mom, sister, fiancé, seven cousins, four

aunts, two great aunts and two uncles. Firemen and retired firemen in her family include her

father, fiance’s father and grandfather, two great uncles and two cousins. While a career as a

fireman was a possibility, Kimberly had her eyes set on becoming a teacher.

According to Dr. Faye White, professor and director of Student Teaching and Professional Education Services, students enrolled

in early childhood education are well-qualified as they graduate and enter the classroom. Early childhood education majors complete

a practicum which entails one course with 60 clock hours and another course with 90 clock hours of classroom instruction. Students

teach 15 lessons in the classroom. Both the classroom instructor and a university faculty member conduct evaluations which result

in the student’s class grade. According to Dr. White, “The practicum is the first time early childhood education majors learn to

maneuver in the real world of education.”

The practicum helps the student learn teaching strengths and weaknesses. “I was really hesitant about classroom management and

discipline. I wanted to structure the lessons so that I didn’t waste time but I delivered all the content. The practicum has allowed me

to be in multiple classrooms with instructors who all have different methods of teaching. Based on these examples, I am now able to

create a style all my own,” said Kimberly.

The Alma W. and G.W. Ford Memorial Scholarship is one of several scholarships that Kimberly has been awarded to assist her and

her family with college expenses. Kimberly said, “I feel very blessed to have a family that

supports me financially. I can’t imagine having a full-time job while being a full-time student.

The scholarships definitely help me with tuition costs and room and board expenses.”

Since not all universities offer a practicum, Kimberly is thankful to attend McNeese where

the practicum is required. “I love the early childhood education program. I can’t believe all the

things we get to do. We are out in the field a lot gaining hands-on experience. This program has

definitely prepared me for my career as a teacher when I get out of school,” she said.

Currently, Kimberly is student teaching in a first-grade classroom at A.A. Nelson Elementary.

She will graduate from McNeese in May 2010. A wedding to her childhood sweetheart, Kyle

Parfait, a McNeese music education major, will take place soon after graduation.

“Kimberly Boyett is an

exceptional student. From

the first time she came into

my office she had a plan. She

is so responsible and always

turns everything in on time,

no excuses; however, when I

think of Kimberly I will always

remember how respectful

she is. As an advisee or a

student in my class she does

not hesitate to ask questions

or ask for further explanation,

and this is always done with

polite respect for me as the

professor. Her enthusiasm

as a future teacher is

refreshing. She will make a

wonderful teacher who will

be dedicated to giving her

students her very best every

day. One thing is certain, she

will always be prepared.”

Deborah M. King

Associate Professor

Department of Teacher

Education

Kimberly Diane Boyett

FOUNDATION TIES

Kimberly Diane Boyett • Recipient • Alma W. and G.W. Ford Memorial Scholarship

1

FALL 2009 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

DerrickFourroux May ‘10

A Leader by Examplepage 6

McNeese GraduatesTake on the World

Kimberly Boyett Parfait with Annie Mouton at Brenda Hunter Head Start’s Monster Mash Math event.

Derrick Fourroux’s favorite nursing faculty were Dr. Lori Groves and Ginger Basone.

16

Southwest.Louisiana.without.trees.would.be.like.the.Sahara.Desert.without.sand.–.unimaginable.

Trees.are.one.of.the.oldest.forms.of.life.on.Earth.and.are.necessary.for.man’s.survival,.taking.carbon.dioxide.from.the.air.and.replacing.it.with.life-sustaining.oxygen..According.to.Steve.Nix,.a.professional.forester,.“A.mature.leafy.tree.produces.as.much.oxygen.in.a.season.as.10.people.inhale.in.a.year.”

Trees.cool.the.air,.filter.the.rain,.stabilize.the.soil.and.shade.the.ground..Beholding.their.sheer.beauty.may.help.to.lower.stress.and.induce.calm.

If.those.benefits.are.not.enough.to.warrant.their.value,.trees.are.great.for.climbing,.building.tree.houses.and.playing.hide-and-seek.

Lake.Charles.Junior.College,.as.McNeese.State.University.was.first.called,.was.“planted”.in.1939.on.an.86-acre.tract.of.land.–.the.original.site.of.the.Parish.Poor.Farm..Once.the.buildings.of.F.G..Bulber.Auditorium,.the.Ward.Arena.and.Kaufman.Hall.were.erected,.live.oak.trees.were.planted.around.them.

Robert.W..Alexander,.McNeese’s.superintendent.of.building.and.grounds.in.the.early.1940s,.developed.a.long-range.landscaping.plan.which.would.include.the.planting.of.azaleas,.camellia.japonicas,.crepe.myrtles,.red.bud.trees.and.other.flowering.shrubs.

According.to.a.March.3,.1943,.American.Press.article,.“With.its.completion,.the.campus.of.John.McNeese.Junior.College.will.undoubtedly.be.one.of.the.most.beautiful.in.this.part.of.the.country.”

Over.the.years,.through.the.combined.efforts.of.grounds.personnel,.various.campus.organizations.and.individual.efforts,.more.trees.have.been.added.

The.Marshall-Squires.Oak,.planted.next.to.the.Shearman.Fine.Arts.building.in.1965,.was.named.in.memory.of.Dr..George.R..Marshall.and.Dr..Ralph.Squires..Dr..Marshall.was.a.professor.of.music.at.McNeese.from.1954-1965.as.well.as.conductor.for.the.Lake.Charles.Civic.Symphony..Dr..Squires.was.the.Dean.of.the.Department.of.Fine.Arts.from.1956-1962.and.also.the.namesake.for.the.Ralph.Squires.Recital.Hall.in.the.Shearman.Fine.Arts.Center..The.tree.was.transplanted.from.a.sprout.in.Dr..Marshall’s.yard.that.had.originally.started.out.as.an.acorn.in.Dr..Squire’s.yard.

In.1978-1979,.the.Inter-Fraternity.Council.raised.funds.to.plant.58.water.oak.trees.across.campus.

To.encourage.the.continued.nurturing.and.care.of.the.campus’.stately.oaks,.the.Endow.an.Oak.program.began..To.date,.60.trees.have.been.“adopted.”.An.oak.may.be.endowed.with.a.contribution.of.$1,000,.a.Protector.Endowment,.or.$2,500,.a.Benefactor.Endowment,.depending.on.its.size.and.location..The.endowment.provides.a.permanent.source.of.funds.for.the.tree’s.lifetime.care,.and.if.necessary,.its.replacement..The.funds.cover.periodic.pruning,.mulching.and.fertilizing,.and.treatment.for.disease.or.damage.caused.by.construction.projects,.parking.or.foot.traffic.

Donors.may.endow.an.oak.as.a.tangible.tribute.to.recognize.or.memorialize.a.family.member.or.friend.or.to.pay.tribute.to.an.organization.or.company..A.customized.plaque.recognizing.the.gift.is.placed.near.the.tree’s.base.

If.you.are.interested.in.endowing.an.oak.tree,.contact.the.McNeese.Foundation.at.337.475.5588.

The Oak TreeA Southern Symbol of Strength

17

Imagine.spending.the.night.in.cadet.barracks.situated.on.the.campus.of.the.oldest.continuously.occupied.military.post.in.America.–.the.U.S..Military.Academy.at.West.Point,.N.Y.

Over.the.last.four.years,.McNeese.students.have.had.just.such.an.opportunity.by.attending.the.National.Conference.on.Ethics.in.America.hosted.by.the.U.S..Military.Academy.

The.purpose.of.the.NCEA.is.to.raise.consciousness.of.ethical.issues.undergraduate.students.may.face.while.in.college.and.during.their.professional.careers.

Erin-Beth.Hanks,.a.December.2008.general.studies.graduate.and.current.master’s.degree.student.in.curriculum.and.instruction,.experienced.this.first.hand.

“Being.at.West.Point.is.like.being.in.another.world.-.a.very.respectful,.reverent,.clean,.calm.and.orderly.world..Staying.on.campus.in.a.dorm.with.one.other.cadet.was.eye-

opening..As.a.senior.cadet,.she.was.up.way.before.me.in.the.morning.and.in.bed.way.after.me.at.night.and,.as.a.cross-country.runner,.she.still.found.time.to.train.in.30-degree.weather..The.dorms.were.far.from.a.Holiday.Inn.with.decent.but.not.luxurious.beds,.shared.shower.rooms.and.cold.floors..There.were.few.decorations.and.very.little.of.that.‘warm,.cozy’.feeling,”.reminisced.Erin-Beth.

The.three-day.conference.features.decorated.military.personnel,.industry.leaders.and.experts.in.the.field.of.ethics..Bradley.Robichaux,.a.May.2012.English.and.mass.communication.graduate,.said,.“Much.of.the.conference.took.place.in.break-out.sessions.with.our.assigned.group..Discussions.didn’t.shy.away.from.controversial.issues..We.discussed.topics.such.as.end-of-life.issues,.human.trafficking,.adopting.foreign-born.children.and.human.drug-testing..Perhaps.the.most.refreshing.take-home.from.the.NCEA.was.that.despite.often.widely.diverging.viewpoints.and.passionate.debates,.we.always.ended.the.day.as.friends..Maybe.it.was.something.about.the.theme.of.ethics.that.encouraged.people.to.recognize.that.debates.need.not.be.taken.personally.”

According.to.Dr..Nikos.Kiritsis,.dean.of.the.College.of.Engineering.and.Engineering.Technology.and.2011.NCEA.McNeese.faculty.delegate,.“Listening.to.hundreds.of.college.students.from.across.the.nation.express.their.ideas,.beliefs,.concerns.and.values.about.ethics.was.remarkable..The.organization.of.the.program.and.dedication.of.the.military.cadets.were.impressive.

“Of.historical.note,.West.Point.Military.Academy.happens.to.be.home.to.the.first.engineering.school.in.the.country,”.he.added..

McNeese.is.one.of.95.universities.and.military.academies.that.participate.in.the.NCEA..Student.representatives.receive.free.registration.and.lodging,.but.airfare.is.an.additional.cost.and.faculty.delegates.must.fund.their.own.way..The.H.C..Drew.Endowment.has.been.McNeese’s.principle.supporter.in.funding.attendance.at.the.NCEA.conference.

Matthew.“Ross”.Theriot,.a.May.2012.mass.communication.graduate,..said,.“It.was.interesting.to.see.how.the.smallest.things.can.create.such.a.large.ethical.dilemma.for.individuals.and.companies..I.gained.insight.into.how.to.be.conscious.of.ethical.situations,.how.to.prevent.them.and.how.to.handle.the.crisis.that.may.unfold.as.a.result..Now,.that.I.am.attending.graduate.school.in.Chicago,.I.know.that.I.will.be.immersed.into.a.different.culture,.knowing.that.what.I.learned.at.the.NCEA.will.carry.over.into.my.future,”.

Ethics in Education

…Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never

to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won…

Excerpt from the West Point Cadet Prayer

Erin-Beth Hanks, a December 2008 graduate and current master’s degree student, with other participants at the National Conference on Ethics in America hosted by the U.S. Military Academy.

Both Bradley Robichaux, 2012 May graduate, left, and Dr. Nikos Kiritsis, dean of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, learned first-hand about ethical issues in education while attending the NCEA.

18

Cowboy.fans.can.“Geaux.Blue”.with.the.latest.trends.in.collegiate.merchandise.at.the.McNeese.Bookstore...The.bookstore.is.more.than.just.a.place.to.buy.books,.according.to.Sharamie.Moore,.bookstore.director..“It.offers.something.for.everyone.”.

This.includes.the.latest.in.name-brand.fashion.apparel.for.students,.parents,.children,.alumni.and.Cowboy.fans,.along.with.classroom.supplies,.backpacks,.glassware,.sports.equipment,.jewelry,.tailgate.items,.banners.and.flags,.novelties,.gloves.and.scarves,.hats.and.caps,.umbrellas,.plush.toys.and.children’s.books,.gift.cards.and.fleur-de-lis.décor.

“We.make.a.diligent.effort.to.carry.McNeese.brand.items.for.all.ages.and.tastes,”.said.Moore..“Customer.requests.are.heavily.considered.when.we.purchase.our.merchandise.for.each.fiscal.year...It.is.important.to.us.to.satisfy.our.customers.by.offering.both.unique.and.quality.McNeese.items...We.have.new.clothing,.gifts.and.game-day.items.arriving.daily.”

The.bookstore.has.an.item.of.the.week.featured.on.its.Facebook.page..“Also,.check.us.out.on.Pinterest,”.said.Moore.

Hours.are.7:45.a.m..to.5.p.m..Monday.through.Friday..Go.online.to.mcneesecowboystore.com.to.check.out.the.latest.in.Cowboy.merchandise.from.the.bookstore..For.more.information,.call.337.475.5494..

at the McNeese Bookstore

Candace Townsend, Director of Public Relations, contributing writer/photographer

19

PILLARS.is.published.by.the.McNeese.Foundation.to.educate.and.inform.the.community.of.the.role.that.the.Foundation.plays.in.support.of.McNeese.State.University...The.name,.PILLARS,.was.chosen.to.represent.the.importance.of.the.Foundation’s.support.of.McNeese.as.an.institution.of.higher.learning.

We.know.that.there.is.a.story.behind.your.loyal.support.and.we.would.really.like.to.hear.it..Contact.Marianne.White.at.337.562.4107.or.mariannewhite@mcneese.edu.

Contact InformationMcNeese.FoundationBox.91989,.Lake.Charles,.LA.70609.Phone.337.475.5588....Fax.337.475.5386www.mcneesefoundation.org

They.say.a.picture.is.worth.a.thousand.words..Tell.us.what.YOU.think.this.picture.says!.Send.us.your.best.caption.for.the.chance.to.win.a.$25.gift.certificate.to.the.McNeese.Bookstore..

Submit.your.caption.to.Jennifer.Pitre.either.by.email.at.jpitre2@mcneese.edu,.by.phone.at.337.562.4191.or.by.mail:.McNeese.Foundation,.Box.91989,.Lake.Charles,.LA.70609..Please.include.your.name,.mailing.address.(if.emailing.or.calling).and.phone.number.with.your.caption.

Deadline.for.submissions.is.Nov..26,.and.the.winner.will.be.announced.Dec..3..The.picture.and.winning.caption.will.be.posted.on.the.Foundation.website’s.news.section,.www.mcneesefoundation.org/news,.on.Facebook,.www.facebook.com/McNeeseFoundation.and.in.the.spring.2013.issue.of.PILLARS.

EDITORMarianne WhiteCoordinator of Planned Givingand Donor Researchmariannewhite@mcneese.edu

STAFF WRITERJennifer Pitre

Planned Giving andDonor Research Specialist

jpitre2@mcneese.edu

ART DIRECTION, DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHYAnne CobbGraphic Designer/Multimedia Specialistcobb@mcneese.edu

Renee LeLeuxPublic Information Officer II

rleleux@mcneese.edu

Pam McGoughCoordinator of Athletic Developmentpmcgough@mcneese.edu

Melissa Ellis NorthcuttDirector for University Advancement

Operations and Special Eventsmnorthcutt@mcneese.edu

Richard H. ReidVice President for University Advancement/Executive Vice President, McNeese Foundationrreid@mcneese.edu

Shelley ShawAdministrative Specialist

sshaw@mcneese.edu

Pam TateGift Management Specialistpamtate@mcneese.edu

Shanie MillerAdministrative Assistantsmiller2@mcneese.edu

Pillars Staff

Candace Townsend, Director of Public Relations, contributing writer/photographer

Foundation Staff

20

McNeese.Foundation,.Box.91989,.Lake.Charles,.LA.70609

Nonprofit Org.

U.S. Postage PaidPermit No 336

Lake Charles, LA

AddresseeXXXXX STXXXXXXX,XX 55555

A.park.area.located.near.the.center.of.campus.will.be.officially.opened.and.named.in.honor.of.John.McNeese.during.Homecoming.Week...A.statue.of.McNeese.was.placed.there.in.2010.and.the.area.has.been.improved.with.new.landscaping,.seating.areas.and.lighting.

The.University’s.namesake.was.born.on.July.4,.1843,.to.Scottish.immigrant.parents.near.Baltimore,.Md..After.serving.in.the.Union.Army.during.the.Civil.War,.he.moved.to.Menard,.Texas,.and.became.a.successful.cattle.grazer.and.mercantile.businessman..In.1873,.John.McNeese.decided.to.start.a.new.life.in.what.is.now.Calcasieu.Parish.after.a.failed.cattle.drive.ended.in.Southwest.Louisiana..

He.supported.himself.as.a.professor.of.penmanship.and.music.and.married.the.daughter.of.one.of.the.area’s.earliest.settlers,.William.Bilbo..John.and.Susan.moved.to.

Lake.Charles.where.he.studied.law.under.Judge.G..A..Fournet.and.later.attended.Tulane.Law.School..

McNeese.practiced.law.briefly,.but.his.passion.was.education..He.worked.to.establish.the.public.school.system.and.became.the.first.superintendent.of.schools.for.Imperial.Calcasieu..He.served.as.superintendent.from.1888.until.his.retirement.in.1913,.and.he.brought.many.innovations.to.the.Imperial.Calcasieu.School.System..He.died.in.1913.at.the.age.of.70.and.is.buried.in.Oak.Grove.Cemetery.in.Lake.Charles.

John.and.Susan.McNeese.had.nine.children..The.three.remaining.granddaughters.and.their.families.have.been.invited.to.the.opening.of.the.park.and.to.serve.as.grand.marshals.in.the.Homecoming.Parade.

Statue by sculptor Janie Stine LaCroix

John McNeese Park Opening