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S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 , V O L U M E 4 I S S U E 2

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Contents

3..........From the Desk of the President

4.........Discern and Learn as an Intern

5 ..........A Song That Moves You...Literally

6/7 ......Mirror Images (cover story)

8..........Small Steps Can Make All the Difference

9 .........The Horse Tales Literacy Project

10 ........Knowing Your Language Is KnowingYour Culture

11 ........Make No Bones About It

12/13 ...Grooving to the Steel Drum Beat

14/15 ...McNeese Opens CAMPP

16/17 ...Green, Silver and Orange - The New Campus Colors

18 ........The Things He’s Seen!

19 ........McNeese Data

2012 Foundation Board of Directors

Officers

Bob Davidson, President

Judy Fuller, Vice President

Willie Mount, Secretary

James 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.

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Recently.we.celebrated.the.20th.anniversary.of.the.social.meet.and.greet.for.McNeese.Foundation.scholarship.donors.and.their.recipients..What.began.as.a.simple.reception.in.1992.has.grown.to.become.a.marvelous.Sunday.brunch.with.excellent.entertainment.for.more.than.325.donors.and.students!

When.it.incorporated.in.1965,.the.original.mission.of.the.McNeese.Foundation.was.to.raise.funds.to.support.endowments.for.student.scholarships..Today,.550.students.receive.varying.amounts.of.scholarship.assistance.from.the.Foundation.

These.scholarship.recipients.have.achieved.an.average.grade.point.of.3.32.with.94.of.the.recipients.earning.a.perfect.4.00.last.semester..They.also.participate.in.many.aspects.of.campus.life.including.student.government,.residence.life,.performing.arts,.athletics.and.professional.and.social.organizations,.all.while.maintaining.excellence.in.the.classroom..One,.Gabrielle.Basone,.was.just.named.the.McNeese.Student.Employee.of.the.Year.and.Sean.Hicks.won.the.campus-wide.design.contest.for.the.official.McNeese.holiday.card!

We.owe.a.debt.of.gratitude.to.the.business,.industry.and.civic.leaders.who.volunteered.their.time.and.gave.generously.during.the.early.years.to.provide.a.solid.footing.for.today’s.organization..With.the.dedication,.leadership.and.personal.generosity.of.so.many.through.the.years,.the.assets.of.the.Foundation.have.grown.from.$1.million.to.in.excess.of.$53.million..

Over.the.course.of.47.years,.the.Foundation’s.mission.has.expanded.to.include.support.for.endowed.professorships.and.awards.for.teaching.excellence,.cultural.programming,.research.and.other.specific.needs.that.are.critical.for.McNeese.to.remain.a.strong.and.viable.university..

On.behalf.of.the.students,.administration,.faculty.and.staff.of.the.University,.thank.you.to.our.donors,.volunteer.board.of.directors.and.advisory.board.members.for.your.personal.generosity,.leadership.and.dedication..

Dr. Philip C. Williams

From the desk of the President

Sean HicksGladys Clooney Stevenson Fine Arts Scholarship

Gabrielle BasoneEugene R. Cox Scholarship in Chemistry

Ginger RobertsonCollege of Nursing Scholarship andBlanche and Robert F. Michel Memorial Scholarship1-2

Ervin CutrightConoco, Dupont, Lundy and Davis Mossville Scholarship

Christopher GunterDr. Sam Emerson Music Scholarship,Pawnee Keelen Meek Scholarship in Music andPaul R. Stevenson Scholarship in Music Performance

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Discern and Learn as an Intern

“I.believe.that.the.top.students.at.McNeese.State.University.are.just.as.good.as.students.at.any.large.university.with.an.excellent.chance.of.success.within.our.profession,”.stated.McNeese.alumnus.and.McElroy,.Quirk.&.Burch.director,.Jason.L..Guillory.

Internships.provide.students.with.the.hands-on.experience.to.take.the.theoretical.concepts.learned.in.the.classroom.and.put.them.into.practice..Employers.hiring.interns.are.given.a.first-hand.look.at.the.skills,.abilities.and.personalities.of.potential.employees..Internships.help.students.discern.whether.the.workplace.where.they.are.serving.is.a.good.fit.with.their.ultimate.career.aspirations.

The.McNeese.College.of.Business.internship.program.has.been.successful.in.part.due.to.the.work.of.Mary.Kaye.Eason,.an.instructor.and.the.facilitator.of.the.program..Mary.Kaye.serves.as.the.go-between.in.speaking.with.potential.employers.and.advising.student.applicants..

MQB.places.a.high.value.on.the.COB.internship.program,.making.the.program.its.preferred.employment.pool.for.first-time.hires..According.to.Guillory,.“All.of.our.partners.are.McNeese.

graduates.and.the.majority.of.them.were.also.once.interns.themselves..It.is.part.of.who.we.are.”.MQB.has.hired.COB.interns.for.the.past.10.years,.generally.hiring.between.four.and.six.students.each.year.to.assist.during.tax.season.

Interns.receive.three.credit.hours.for.their.work,.with.positions.both.paid.and.unpaid,.depending.on.the.employer..Some.students.are.willing.to.take.unpaid.internships.in.sought.after.areas.such.as.sports.management.and.marketing..Non-profit.organizations.may.not.be.in.a.position.to.pay.their.interns,.but.the.students.can.still.gain.valuable.experience.from.their.employment.

An.intern’s.work.assignment.must.include.a.fairly.high.level.of.responsibility.so.that.the.student.truly.gains.real-world.experience..Paid.internships.can.be.at.minimum.wage.or.as.high.as.$17.per.hour,.and.the.time.commitment.and.length.of.internship.varies.by.employer.

Northwestern.Mutual.Financial.Network.in.Lake.Charles.is.another.ardent.supporter..According.to.Becky.Girola,.development.director,.“Students.applying.for.our.internship.undergo.an.extensive.interview.process..Once.hired,.they.become.fully.engaged.in.our.culture,.receiving.extensive.hands-on.training.and.making.face-to-face.calls.with.seasoned.veterans.”.Interns.can.earn.life.and.health.insurance.licenses,.paid.commissions.and.additional.stipends.based.on.productivity.

For.further.information,.contact.Eason.at.337.475.5554.or.email.meason@mcneese.edu.

“The College of Business internship program might very well be the greatest opportunity that has ever been given to me. It proved extremely beneficial in allowing me to test the waters of my profession and gain perspectives on which areas of accounting I prefer. In my case, the internship produced an entirely new me. I went in as a quiet and shy college sophomore, unsure of my potential, and came out as a collected young adult with confidence in my education and ability to work in a fast-paced environment,” stated Beth Raley, a December 2011 McNeese graduate and now a full-time employee of MQB. Beth was the recipient of the Langley, Williams & Co. – Lillie Mae Langley Scholarship and the McElroy, Quirk & Burch Scholarship while at McNeese.

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Jason Guillory with McElroy, Quirk & Burch interns

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network interns

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A Song That Moves You…Literally

Acceptable spellings include Jolie Blonde, Jolie Blon and Joli Blonde.

The McNeese State University song set includes Joli Blon; On McNeese, the official fight song; and the Alma

Mater. To hear all the songs, visit www.mcneesebands.com

Joli BlonPicture.this:.It’s.Saturday.night.and.you’re.enjoying.a.McNeese.football.game.in.Cowboy.Stadium..The.Cowboys.

score.a.touchdown,.and.you.immediately.start.to.think,.“Do.I.first.sway.to.the.left.or.to.the.right?”.Of.course.we’re.talking.about.swaying.to.Joli Blon,.McNeese’s.unofficial.fight.song.that.is.played.after.every.touchdown..

Joli Blon.is.a.popular.Cajun.waltz.and.is.often.referred.to.as.the.Cajun.National.Anthem..Where.the.song.originated.is.up.for.debate,.but.the.earliest.recording.of.Joli Blon.was.made.in.1929.by.the.Breaux.Freres..Freres.is.the.French.word.for.brothers..In.the.mid.to.late.1920s.Cajun.bands.started.playing.Joli Blon.in.Southwest.Louisiana,.and.The.Hackberry.Ramblers.recorded.it.in.1935..Since.then,.the.song.has.been.recorded.numerous.times.by.many.artists.

The.song.made.its.way.to.McNeese.in.the.late.1940s.when.band.director.Eddie.See.heard.student.Bob.Landry.playing.Joli Blon.on.the.piano,.and.See.asked.him.to.write.down.the.melody..See.then.arranged.the.tune.everyone.hears.on.Saturday.nights..The.opening,.which.comes.from.the.opera,.Pagliacci,.by.Verdi,.was.added.by.See.

At.the.time.band.members.thought.the.song.was.a.joke,.but.Joli Blon.caught.on.and.has.been.part.of.the.University’s.song.set.for.over.60.years.

McNeese.is.part.of.a.handful.of.universities.in.the.United.States.to.have.a.spirit.song.that.is.three-fourths.waltz,.according.to.Bill.Rose,.associate.professor.of.music..

“Spirit.songs.are.the.songs.that.carry.weight.and.emotional.meaning,”.said.Rose..“Joli Blon.is.a.song.that.has.become.the.soul.of.the.band,.and.it.must.be.played.well.every.time.”.

Another.unique.fact.about.Joli Blon,.Rose.added,.is.that.it.is.one.of.the.few.traditions.that.involve.everyone..“When.the.music.starts,.it’s.amazing.to.see.15,000.to.20,000.people.clapping.and.moving.to.the.music.”

While.the.crowd.may.not.be.moving.in.the.same.direction.at.the.same.time,.the.love.and.pride.for.McNeese.evoked.when.Joli Blon.is.played.is.shared.by.all.

And.for.the.record,.the.tradition.is.to.sway.to.the.LEFT.first.

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FOUNDATION TIESAshlyn Baggett • Recipient • Edgar “Mano” and Melba Stine Athletic Scholarship

It.is.often.said.that.twins.are.so.much.alike.that.they.can.finish.each.other’s.sentences..The.Urban.Dictionary.calls.this.phenomenon.“twintuition.”.In.the.case.of.McNeese.seniors,.Ashlyn.Kay.and.Caitlyn.Lee.Baggett,.twintuition.is.very.real.

The.Baggett.twins.have.mirrored.one.another’s.

actions.for.the.past.20.years,.not.just.in.appearance,.but.in.life.choices..Their.father,.Stan,.a.coach.at.Iota.High.School,.gave.them.a.basketball.when.they.were.toddlers,.and.by.2.years.old.they.were.playing.the.sport..The.girls’.bedroom.doorknob.was.even.shaped.like.a.basketball.

While.Stan.was.teaching.Ashlyn.and.Caitlyn.the.fundamentals.of.hoops,.mother,.Cheri,.was.teaching.them.the.fundamentals.of.reading,.writing.and.arithmetic..As.an.assistant.principal.at.Armstrong.Middle.School.in.Rayne,.Cheri.stressed.to.the.girls.the.need.for.good.grades.

High.expectations.from.both.parents.meant.high.achievements.for.the.Baggett.twins..Ashlyn.and.Caitlyn.played.softball,.soccer.and.basketball.while.at.Iota.High.School.and.also.ran.track..They.served.on.student.council.and.participated.in.Beta.Club,.all.the.while.maintaining.a.4.0.grade.point.average..Fiercely.competitive,.they.even.scored.the.same.on.Louisiana’s.LEAP.test.

The.Baggett.twins.were.actively.recruited.by.several.universities,.including.the.University.of.Mississippi.where.Brooks.Donald.Williams.was.an.assistant.basketball.coach.and.recruiting.coordinator..At.the.time,.Coach.Donald.Williams.was.also.interviewing.at.McNeese.for.its.head.coaching.position..When.she.was.awarded.the.position.at.McNeese,.Brooks.wasted.no.time.in.recruiting.Ashlyn.and.Caitlyn.to.play.for.her.new.university.on.athletic.scholarships.

Ashlyn.and.Caitlyn.were.also.recruited.for.their.academic.prowess,.receiving.TOPS.(Taylor.Opportunity.

Program.for.Students).awards.and.Enrollment.Management.Academic.Scholarships..Being.family.oriented.and.with.several.relatives.having.attended.McNeese,.their.decision.to.stay.close.to.home.was.sealed.

Their.academic.and.athletic.talents.that.freshman.year.were.obvious,.but.excelling.competitively.both.on.and.off.the.court.took.its.toll..After.their.freshman.season,.the.girls.withdrew.from.basketball.for.a.year.to.focus.on.their.studies..When.Ashlyn.and.Caitlyn.returned.to.the.court,.it.was.to.the.delight.of.their.fans.and.Coach.Donald.Williams.

Ashlyn.and.Caitlyn.major.in.nursing,.a.curriculum.that.can.be.difficult.to.mesh.with.other.time.commitments..They.live.together.in.Sallier.Residence.Hall.and.take.the.same.classes.on.the.same.day.and.at.the.same.time..“The.nursing.faculty.expects.a.lot.from.us.and.we.are.not.given.a.free.ride;.however,.they.do.help.us.out.with.our.basketball.schedules.and.support.us.by.coming.to.the.games,”.said.Ashlyn..“It.would.be.virtually.impossible.to.complete.a.nursing.degree.while.playing.collegiate.basketball.at.any.other.school..Here,.everyone.is.willing.to.take.the.extra.step.to.help.you.out,”.added.Caitlyn.

Ashlyn.was.also.awarded.the.Edgar “Mano” and Melba Stine Athletic Scholarship.through.the.McNeese.Foundation.in.2010-11..Both.girls.will.graduate.with.honors.in.December.2012.and.plan.to.pursue.their.graduate.studies.in.the.nurse.practitioner.program.

Recently.in.Old.Navy,.Ashlyn.was.looking.through.bathing.suits.on.a.rack..Unbeknownst.to.her,.Caitlyn.was.on.the.other.side.looking.through.the.same.rack..Each.noticed.what.they.thought.was.their.reflection.on.the.other.side,.thinking.it.was.a.mirror..They.both.laughed.when.they.realized.that.they.were.looking.at.each.other.

Photo by Steven Chambers - McNeese Freshman

Photo by Steven Chambers - McNeese Freshman

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The Baggett twins were members of the

history making Cowgirls basketball team in

2010-11, winning the first outright Southland

Conference title, only the second time in

school history (the 1985-86 team was co-

champions). That same year the team also

won the program’s first Southland Conference

Tournament and received the program’s first

NCAA Tournament berth. In 2011-12, the

team won its second Southland Conference

Tournament championship and made its

second appearance at the NCAA Tournament.

Ashlyn and Caitlyn are exceptional students. Succeeding in the nursing curriculum and playing full-time basketball prove their commitment to our university and the community. They

have positive attitudes, motivation and determination, and a willingness to learn and excel in all their endeavors. Their

enthusiasm is contagious which makes them awesome role models for our school and community. We are very blessed to

have them. Mary DubrielAssistant Professor, Undergraduate Nursing

Thoughts from Women’s Basketball Coach Brooks Donald WilliamsCaitlyn is a competitor and a pleaser. She wants everything to be just right for

everyone and at the same time she is competing at an extremely high level. She is one of the best point guards in the game right now and I would put her up against the best in the country. She has a special feel for the game. Caitlyn makes our offense work and does a phenomenal job of creating opportunities for others. Off the court, Caitlyn is a great ambassador for our program and McNeese. She serves this community very well.

Ashlyn is determined and confident. She plays with that mentality on the court as well as in the classroom. Ash has a passion for the game which you can see in her eyes. She is a competitor. She brings those qualities to the gym every day and is constantly working on her shot. Ashlyn wants to do her best and wants her team to win. I loved her mentality when she came back on the team last year with such determination. She was determined to help this program, and wow, did she! Just like Caitlyn, Ashlyn is a superb student and ambassador for McNeese.

The girls are special young ladies and players, playing with a passion for winning in their hearts. They have different personalities and talents in basketball, but both share a passion for winning in basketball and excelling in the classroom. Their tremendous work ethic leads them to go above and beyond in everything they do. Ashlyn and Caitlyn always have their books with them. I am proud of the work they have done and what they have helped this program accomplish thus far – and they are far from done.

Photo by Steven Chambers - McNeese Freshman

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“I.find.myself.bending.over.backwards,.making.the.silliest.noises.and.making.myself.look.more.ridiculous.than.I.ever.thought.I.would.just.to.hear.those.little.laughs,”.said.Britni.Page,.a.psychology.graduate.student.working.with.children.served.through.the.McNeese.Autism.Program.

The.MAP,.a.state-of-the-art.treatment.facility,.was.founded.in.spring.2008.under.the.direction.of.psychology.professor,.Dr..Cameron.“Cam”.Melville..With.the.psychology.program.in.the.process.of.a.curriculum.redesign,.the.idea.for.

The estimated number of U.S. autistic kids has skyrocketed by 78 percent

since 2000, according to a report from the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One in 88 American kids has autism, according to the new figures. Among boys, it’s one in 54. Why? One expert says: “Better diagnosis, broader diagnosis, better awareness and roughly 50 percent of ‘We don’t know.””

Small Steps Can Make

All The Difference

Lettie Alexander, spring ’12, and Amber Myers, staff behavioral analyst

FOUNDATION TIESAlbertson’s LLC Inaugural Community Partners Challenge • Donor

By two and a half years old, *Brady was still unable to speak. Evaluation and assessments led his physician to a diagnosis of pervasive development disorder, an illness that falls within the spectrum of autism disorders. When Brady’s parents learned about his condition, they considered relocating to a larger city with an applied behavior analysis program – but then they learned about the MAP. “There is never a day without challenges with Brady,” stated his mother, *Emily, “but the small steps he takes make such a big difference in his life. Now 4 years old, Brady can sound out words and read, thanks to this program. Brady recently said, ‘Daddy and I want to have a surprise birthday party for you and get you a birthday cake and balloons.’ To hear Brady say those words brought tears to my eyes. I am so gratified by the program at McNeese. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything the staff is doing for Brady and I wouldn’t trade the program for the whole world,” stated Emily.

Names changed to protect client anonymity.

creating.an.applied.behavior.analysis.treatment.program.came.into.focus.after.Dr..Melville.had.crossed.paths.with.a.student.seeking.guidance.for.her.autistic.child.

MAP.serves.two.needs:..first,.it.provides.hands-on.training.for.graduate.psychology.students.to.take.the.methods.they.learn.and.put.them.into.practice;.and.second,.it.provides.direct.care.services.and.consultation.to.families.and.children.in.need.

“Our.goal.is.to.transition.a.child.back.into.the.school.environment,.to.improve.that.child’s.quality.of.life,.and.to.bring.that.child.to.a.point.where.behaviors.are.relatively.indistinguishable.from.a.peer’s.behavior,”.stated.Scott.Williamson,.board.certified.behavior.analyst.and.MAP.director.

Services.are.provided.by.a.qualified.team.of.experts,.comprising.two.full-time.BCBA,.four.part-time.consultants,.including.a.doctoral-level.applied.behavior.analyst,.and.about.eight.graduate.student.interns.majoring.in.psychology.with.concentrations.in.applied.behavior.analysis.

“The.MAP.internship.exposed.me.to.populations.and.experiences.that.were.previously.only.discussed.in.textbooks.and.by.professors..I.knew.that.my.work.being.done.through.the.autism.program.was.making.a.

difference.in.the.lives.of.the.clients,.as.well.as.their.families..What.I.didn’t.expect.is.that.it.would.be.making.such.a.difference.in.my.life,.too..I’ve.learned.to.look.past.the.diagnosis.to.see.each.client.as.an.individual,”.stated.Britni.

“McNeese’s.autism.program.is.the.only.university-based.treatment.provider.in.this.region..The.next.closest.university-based.facility.is.located.at.Florida.State.University,”.stated.Dr..Melville.

The.autism.program.is.completely.self-funded..While.some.insurance.companies.cover.treatment,.those.families.without.insurance.pay.based.on.a.sliding-fee.scale..The.MAP.staff.also.has.consulting.contracts.with.area.schools.and.other.agencies.to.garner.additional.support.

The.Albertson’s.LLC.Inaugural.Community.Partners.Challenge.recently.awarded.the.program.a.$7,500.grant..Contributions.may.be.made.to.the.McNeese.Foundation,.Box.91989,.Lake.Charles,.LA.70609,.memo:..MAP.or.visit.www.mcneesefoundation.org/giving.to.contribute.online.

The McNeese Autism Program falls under the umbrella of the Kay Doré Counseling Center. Funding for the Center was provided by the William J. Doré Family Fund Communities Foundation of Texas.

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THE HORSE TALES LITERACY PROJECTWith.thoughtful.collaboration.among.volunteers.and.staff.of.McNeese,.Steeds.of.

Acceptance.and.Renewal.(SOAR).and.The.Stables.at.LeBocage,.The Horse Tales Literacy Project.began..The Horse Tales Literacy Project.helps.children.in.first,.fourth.and.fifth.grades.to.improve.their.reading,.writing.and.language.skills..The.national.program,.based.on.author.Walter.Farley’s.book,.The Black Stallion,.combines.educational.instruction.with.hands-on.learning.

Dr..Linda.W..Hurst,.McNeese.assistant.professor.of.teacher.education.and.project.sponsor,.received.a.$5,000.stipend.as.one.of.seven.recipients.of.the.Pinnacle.Excellence.Awards*.in.2010-11,..the.year.the.awards.focused.on.service-learning.

“Service-learning.links.what.McNeese.students.are.currently.learning.in.a.particular.class.to.fill.a.particular.community.need..Learning.and.

doing.are.accomplished.in.conjunction.with.one.another,”.stated.Dr..Michael.Buckles,.service-learning.coordinator.

The.Department.of.Education.Professions.modified.the.worksheet-based.national.curriculum.to.become.more.interactive..With.funding.and.resources.limited, The Horse Tales Literacy Project.was.only.introduced.to.first-grade.students.enrolled.at.Henry.Heights.and.T.H..Watkins.elementary.schools.

The.“First.Touch”.experience.brought.a.miniature.horse.to.each.school.wearing.a.saddle.bag.containing.the.hardcover.book,.Little Black, A Pony,.for.each.child..A.photo.was.then.taken.of.each.child.petting.the.horse..This.experience.was.followed.by.SOAR.volunteers.bringing.a.black.horse.and.a.chestnut.colored.horse,.representing.“Little.Black”.and.“Big.Red”.from.Farley’s.books,.to.the.classrooms.

The.following.six.weeks,.McNeese.students.enrolled.in.Methods.of.Teaching.Language.Arts.courses.(EDUC.321.and.328).visited.classrooms.to.work.with.the.children.either.one-on-one.or.in.small.groups.using.activity-themed.instruction.

At.the.semester’s.end,.the.first-graders,.accompanied.by.McNeese.and.SOAR.faculty.and.staff,.attended.a.field.day.at.The.Stables.at.LeBocage.for.the.“Second.Touch.”.They.made.crafts,.rode.stick.horses.and.“Buckley,”.the.mechanical.horse,.and.practiced.roping.the.“air.”.After.lunch,.show.jumping,.barrel.racing.and.side.saddle.riding.demonstrations.were.performed..The.final.activities.of.the.day.included.reading.to.a.horse,.followed.by.delivery.of.their.second.book,.Little Black Goes to the Circus.

The.children’s.success,.tracked.through.the.Iowa.Test.of.Basic.Skills.(ITBS).test.scores.and.the.accelerated.reader.program,.showed.marked.improvement.and.progression.in.reading.skills.

Dr..Hurst.hopes.to.continue.the.program.based.on.authentic.Louisiana.horse.stories,.such.as.that.found.in.Molly the Pony..Molly.survived.Hurricane.Katrina,.waiting.in.her.stall.to.be.rescued..She.found.new.life.on.a.farm.and.made.many.animal.friends,.with.one.exception.–.a.wild.dog.that.attacked.her..She.lost.her.foreleg.and.was.fitted.with.a.prosthetic.limb..Molly.had.to.learn.to.walk.all.over.again.and.she.now.spends.time.making.new.friends.

*The Pinnacle Excellence Awards are funded by Pinnacle Entertainment, parent company of L’Auberge Casino Resort. Pinnacle has provided a total of $210,000 since 2003 to fund the awards.

This wonderful experience would not have been possible without the help and support of the McNeese students. They provide the

manpower and educational expertise which makes it all possible, from the “First Touch” at school to the “Second Touch” during the field trip.

Nathalie Miller, SOARS volunteer and Henry Heights Teacher

9

10

Since.2007,.McNeese.has.partnered.with.the.Coushatta.Tribe.of.Louisiana.to.ensure.that.the.tribe’s.language.–.Koasati.–.does.

not.become.extinct..Koasati.is.an.endangered.language.with.fewer.than.300.fluent.speakers.among.the.Tribe’s.800.plus.members..

The.Koasati.Language.Project.was.developed.to.preserve.the.tribal.language..McNeese.has.received.two.grants.totaling.$581,000.from.the.National.Science.Foundation’s.Documenting.Endangered.Languages.program.for.documenting.and.revitalizing.the.spoken.language.among.the.Coushatta.tribal.members..

An.initial.three-year.$450,000.grant,.“Kowasa:ton.il:halas.–.Let.Us.Hear.Koasati:.A.Filmic.Documentation.Project.of.Koasati,”.called.for.the.creation.of.a.Web-based.electronic.archive,.audio-dictionary.and.searchable.database.of.word.lists,.personal.narratives.and.naturally.occurring.conversation.for.the.endangered.Koasati.language.

An.additional.NSF.grant.of.$131,000.is.funding.the.first.phonetic.study.of.Koasati.

Serving.as.co-principal.investigators.for.these.grants.are.the.husband-wife.team.of.Bertney.Langley,.director.of.the.Coushatta.Tribe’s.Heritage.Department,.and.Dr..Linda.Langley,.McNeese.research.professor.of.anthropology.

The.project.has.resulted.in.the.creation.of.a.1,200.word.topical.dictionary,.an.audio.CD.of.sounds.and.word.pronunciation,.and.a.children’s.picture.book..“Project.leaders.and.volunteers.continue.to.work.to.transcribe.and.translate.almost.100.hours.of.recorded.interviews.and.conversations.with.tribal.members,”.said.Linda..These.materials.will.provide.additional.content.for.a.website,.new.books.and.teaching.materials,.as.well.as.the.Coushatta.Heritage.Center..The.Center.will.house.a.theater,.interactive.digital.exhibits.and.video.displays,.genealogical.materials.and.a.Koasati.language.library.

McNeese.students.and.tribal.members,.Heather.Williams,.an.elementary.education.major,.and.Crystal.

Williams,.a.government.major,.have.assisted.in.the.project.Heather’s.fascination.with.her.culture.began.while.

watching.her.mother.and.grandmother.create.pine.needle.and.raffia.baskets..She.would.listen.to.their.conversations,.but.not.fully.understand.it...“I.was.concerned.that.the.language.was.dying..Working.with.the.Langleys.while.in.high.school,.I.was.able.to.research.and.document.the.language.and.to.develop.a.children’s.picture.dictionary.and.phrase.book,”.said.Heather.

Crystal’s.focus.was.on.researching.traditional.tribal.dance..“Years.ago,.Christian.missionaries.visited.Indian.communities.and.brought.their.own.teachings.and.beliefs..That.influence.resulted.in.the.banning.of.our.traditional.dances,.such.as.the.Stomp.Dance..Being.involved.in.this.project,.I’ve.learned.that.it.is.possible.to.restore.culture.and.value,.as.long.as.the.community.is.dedicated.to.the.future.(our.children)..Our.elders.say.‘Knowing.your.language.is.knowing.your.culture,’.and.in.order.to.keep.it.alive.within.our.community,.we.have.to.keep.practicing.it,”.said.Crystal

The.Langleys.are.now.working.with.Jack.Martin,.a.professor.at.the.College.of.William.and.Mary,.and.Matthew.Gordon,.a.professor.at.the.University.of.California.Santa.Barbara,.on.the.phonetic.study.of.the.Koasati..“Jack.is.an.expert.in.the.Muskogean.language.family,.while.Matthew’s.area.of.expertise.is.phonetic.analysis,”.said.Linda.

“Our.studies.suggest.important.differences.between.our.tribal.language.and.both.Creek.and.Chickasaw..The.finding.of.our.work.will.contribute.to.knowledge.of.sound.patterns.in.Koasati,.Muskogean.languages,.North.American.languages.and.language.in.general,”.said.Linda.

Knowing Your Language Is Knowing Your Culture

Heather Williams goes over parts of the face

in Koasati

Crystal Williams displays a fan made of turkey feathers used in traditional tribal dances of the Coushatta Tribe

11

FOUNDATION TIESConnie Young • Recipient • Judge Edwin F. Hunter Jr. Endowed Professorship in Health and Science

Knowing Your Language Is Knowing Your Culture

Make.no.bones.about.it.–.Connie.Young.loves.her.profession..Since.1989,.she.has.instructed.students.as.an.assistant.professor.of.radiologic.technology.and.clinical.coordinator.in.the.biology.and.health.sciences.department.at.McNeese.

Connie’s.path.to.teaching.began.in.a.hospital..After.graduating.from.McNeese.with.a.Bachelor.of.Science.degree.in.radiologic.technology,.she.worked.at.Lake.Charles.Memorial.Hospital,.first.as.a.staff.radiographer.in.surgery.and.mammography,.and.following.a.promotion,.as.a.clinical.instructor.and.mammographer.

Her.job.duties.included.providing.clinical.instruction.to.radiologic.sciences.students.assigned.to.the.hospital.site..Connie’s.interaction.with.the.students.combined.with.the.accolades.from.her.supervisor.piqued.her.interest.in.becoming.an.educator..In.1989.she.began.working.on.a.Master.of.Education.degree.and.teaching.at.the.university.level,.and.she.hasn’t.looked.back.

As.a.recipient.of.the.Judge Edwin F. Hunter Jr. Endowed Professorship in Health and Science,.Connie.utilized.the.award.to.hire.two.radiologic.sciences.students.to.assist.with.research.and.data.gathering.for.a.project.studying.breast.cancer.disparities.in.women.based.on.race.and.economics..Connie.and.her.assistants.compiled.data.based.on.age,.ethnicity,.mammogram.date.and.result,.need.for.follow-up.and.patient.insurance.status..Positive.mammogram.results.were.further.analyzed.by.reviewing.treatment.plans.and.studying.the.patient’s.health.records..

This.project.is.Connie’s.first.foray.into.the.research.aspect.of.teaching..“This.professorship.has.helped.me.become.more.confident.professionally.to.seek.out.other.research.avenues,”.she.said..“It.was.also.a.beneficial.experience.for.those.two.students.to.be.a.part.of.this.”

The.radiologic.sciences.program.at.McNeese.started.in.1978.and.currently.more.than.200.students.are.enrolled..Radiologic.sciences.majors.receive.both.classroom.and.real-world.experience..The.pre-professional.phase.of.the.program.includes.three.semesters.of.general.education.courses..The.professional.program.comprises.the.remaining.five.semesters.and.includes.student.rotation.through.area.hospitals.and.clinics.

After.completing.the.program,.students.are.eligible.to.take.the.American.Registry.of.Radiologic.Technologists.certification.examination..McNeese.graduates.have.had.a.99.percent.pass.rate.on.the.national.exam.since.1980.

Connie.also.worked.part-time.as.a.radiologic.technologist.at.W.O..Moss.Regional.Hospital.on.weekends..“Working.on.weekends.enabled.me.to.understand.more.of.what.my.students.go.through,”.she.explained...

Currently,.Connie.is.finalizing.the.follow-up.data.collected.from.the.patients.and.will.be.incorporating.the.data.to.be.presented.at.a.local.professional.meeting.

McNeese alumni make up 60 percent of the X-ray technologists

in Southwest Louisiana.Make No Bones About it

12

GROOVING TO THESTEEL DRUM BEATMcNeese is making music with 55-gallon barrel drums, and it sounds pretty good, too. The music of Trinidad and Tobago, funk and pop are brought to Southwest Louisiana by the McNeese Steel Drum Band.

The steel drums, also called pans, are constructed from the bottom of a 55-gallon barrel, sunk down in a concave fashion and tuned with precision.

The idea for a steel drum band originated with Lonny Benoit, assistant professor and percussion coordinator, and his predecessor, Dave Walton. The only obstacle that prevented the band from forming was a lack of funding to purchase the drums. When funding became available in 2006, their idea became a reality and the McNeese Steel Drum Band was born.

Dr. Michael Buckles, department of performing arts head, has credited the Steel Drum Band with being the most active performance group in the department, which has enriched both students and audiences.

“In some ways, this group embodies what I might call ‘traditional’ music training, in that students learn the fundamentals of ensemble work – which is an essential skill for professional musicians and can only be gained through performance,” Michael

explained. “In other ways, the steel band is also a good representative of music from other cultures, cultures different than traditional western music. So as a pedagogical tool, the steel band also broadens the mind for both our students and audiences.”

The number of students playing in the band varies, but the maximum number performing at any one time is limited to six. Freshmen wishing to enroll in the Steel Drum Band must wait until their second semester so that performances don’t interfere with the Freshman Foundations course. Other than that requirement, participation is open to anyone. According to Lonny, “You don’t have to be a music major - you just have to be able to groove.”

Mathew McMillen, a junior K-12 instrumental music education major from Sulphur, is in his fourth semester as an ensemble member and instantly fell in love with the music the first time he heard it. “The steel drum music is fun and relaxing and has a great groove,” he said. “It seemed truly unique to me at the time. I waited and jumped in when I had the opportunity to join in my second semester.”

Steel Drum Band members are enrolled in Music 389, Percussion Ensemble, and meet every Friday afternoon for two hours. “This is not your typical structured class,” Lonny

STEEL DRUM

13

explained. “It’s very loose and fun, and the students are encouraged to dance and move.”

The band has performed at campus events, such as the grand opening of the Shearman Fine Arts Annex and the McNeese retired faculty/staff picnic, and at recruiting events, as well as at other venues such as church masses. Mathew’s favorite performance was when the Steel Drum Band played the St. Francis in the America’s mass along with the St. Luke-Simpson Methodist Church choir. “The work was a Caribbean spin on the traditional Catholic mass and was a blast to play as a double second player because of its complexity,” stated Mathew. “That performance was an amazing experience that was amplified by the positive reception at the church and with their choir.”

The band will have the opportunity to play with Andy Narell, the world’s foremost pan authority, as part of the Banners Cultural Series 2013 season. “We’re excited because this will take the steel drum ensemble to the next level,” said Lonny.

Lonny would like to increase the number of drums so that more students could participate. With more drums the group could venture into playing classical music, keep up with the current trends and possibly try a world fusion ensemble.

One steel drum costs approximately $3,500, and McNeese currently owns 15 drums. Lonny supplies three of his personal drums for performances. Anyone wishing to contribute towards the purchase of steel drums may donate through the McNeese Foundation.

Added Michael, “Without a doubt, the Steel Drum Band is simply fun for our students to participate in and enjoyable for our audiences.”

According to the website,ehow.com, “The steel drums or ‘steel

pans’ were invented on the small Caribbean island of Trinidad (now

Trinidad & Tobago) in the late-1940s.The cultural significance of the steel drum’s evolution traces

back to British colonial rule on the island. Drumming served as a tangible link to the

past, or more poignantly, to “home” for the enslaved Africans, and was utilized as a

form of communication. The colonial elite deemed this practice dangerous (for fear of an organized uprising) which led to the

banishment of drumming. The eventual resurgence of drumming on the island (and

ultimate creation of the steel drum) acted as a means by which African heritage could be reborn and cherished freely. Read more at: http://www.ehow.com/facts_4963522_

what-origin-steel-drums.html.

13

14

McNeese Meats? Cowboy Cuts? Rowdy’s Roast? It.is.possible!

McNeese.has.officially.opened.the.Center.for.Advancement.of.Meat.Production.and.Processing.(CAMPP)..While.CAMPP.is.not.offering.retail.products.to.the.public.today,.it.may.be.possible.to.purchase.fresh.beef,.pork.and.lamb.products.in.the.future.

For.now.it.will.serve.as.a.hands-on.teaching.and.research.facility.and.offer.limited.custom.meat.processing.

Located.on.a.16-acre.tract.of.land.just.off.I-10.in.Jefferson.Davis.Parish,.CAMPP.is.just.a.short.25-minute.ride.from.the.McNeese.main.campus..The.7,350-square-foot.facility.is.a.satellite.campus.under.the.administration.of.the.Harold.and.Pearl.Dripps.Agricultural.Sciences.Department.

The.center.will.be.used.to.support.workforce.development.by.preparing.students.for.a.wide.variety.of.jobs.in.the.agricultural.and.food.science.industry,.according.to.Dr..Chip.LeMieux,.associate.professor.and.department.head.

“This.is.a.modern.meat.processing.facility.that.contains.equipment.capable.of.processing.beef,.swine,.sheep,.goats.and.deer..There.is.equipment.for.sausage.making,.custom.meat.processing.and.commercial.refrigeration..A.retail.sales.area.is.also.part.of.the.facility,”.LeMieux.said..

The.McNeese.agricultural.sciences.department.maintains.

approximately.1,000.acres.of.farmland.in.three.operating.areas.of.Allen.and.Calcasieu.parishes..In.addition.to.growing.rice,.corn,.soybeans.and.hay,.livestock.including.cattle,.sheep,.goats.and.swine.are.produced.and.raised.on.the.farms.

“Our.existing.facilities.allow.us.to.breed.and.raise.animals.to.weaning.and.market.weights.but.we.were.unable.to.harvest.these.animals..With.this.meats.laboratory.we.can.complete.the.production.cycle.and.provide.valuable.education.and.training.that.will.make.our.graduates.more.marketable.and.job.ready,”.LeMieux.said..

Students.from.other.academic.programs.and.departments.including.nutrition.and.food.science,.business,.biology,.chemistry.and.engineering.can.also.benefit.from.the.CAMPP..“Access.to.this.unique.facility.will.open.doors.to.a.variety.of.diverse.job.markets.including.meat.producers,.U.S..Department.of.Agriculture.and.state.inspectors,.plant.managers,.sales.representatives,.food.service.distributors,.quality.control,.marketing.managers.or.live.animal.buyers,”.Dr..Jeanne.Daboval,.McNeese.provost.and.vice.president.for.academic.and.student.affairs,.explained.

“Education.and.training.in.meat.harvesting.and.processing.are.segments.of.the.agricultural.industry.that.have.been.neglected.in.Southwest.Louisiana.due.to.a.lack.of.available.space.to.hold.seminars.and.clinics..No.training.program.exists.in.any.state.that.focuses.on.meat.processing.and.all.of.the.related.aspects.such.as.packaging,.preservation,.marketing,.transportation.and.food.safety,”.said.LeMieux.

McNeese Opens CAMPP

15

Southwest.Louisiana.is.rich.in.livestock.production..According.to.the.Louisiana.Summary.of.Agriculture.and.Natural.Resources,.livestock.produced.in.Allen,.Beauregard,.Calcasieu,.Cameron.and.Jefferson.Davis.parishes.had.a.one-year.gross.farm.market.value.of.$48.million.

The.CAMPP.facility.will.also.be.used.for.community.outreach.and.to.provide.workforce.training.workshops.and.continuing.education.seminars.on.food.safety,.basic.meat.processing,.product.preparation,.packaging.and.food.industry.marketing.

High.school.students,.particularly.those.involved.in.Future.Farmers.of.America,.home.economics.or.family.and.consumer.sciences.programs.throughout.the.five-parish.area.will.benefit.from.the.center..“Each.year,.our.department.hosts.numerous.school.clinics,.field.days.and.short.courses.and.we.can.use.the.facilities.at.the.center.to.introduce.these.

students.to.the.meat.processing.segment.of.the.agriculture.industry,”.LeMieux.said.

The.McNeese.agricultural.sciences.program.prepares.students.for.careers.in.many.facets.of.the.agricultural.industry.including.agribusiness,.animal.science,.food.science.and.nutrition,.dietetics,.natural.resource.conservation.management,.plant.and.soil.science,.pre-veterinary.medicine.and.equine.science..

.According.to.McNeese.President.Dr..

Philip.Williams,.“This.is.a.unique.opportunity.for.McNeese.to.enhance.the.agriculture.industry.and.economic.development.in.Southwest.Louisiana..The.vision.for.the.Center.for.Advancement.of.Meat.Production.and.Processing.also.includes.collaborating.with.SOWELA.Technical.and.Community.College.to.develop.and.offer.meat.processing.programs.”

.The.McNeese.Foundation.assisted.the.University.

with.acquiring.the.shuttered.meat.processing.plant.and.surrounding.property..Funds.to.purchase.the.property.came.from.a.$775,000.Louisiana.Hurricane.Recovery/

Economic.Development.Grant.and.a.$110,000.donation.to.the.McNeese.Foundation.from.Jeff.Davis.Bank.

15

16

Nearly.everywhere.you.look.these.days.you.see.green,.silver.and.orange.construction.fencing.on.the.McNeese.campus.

With.more.than.$65.million.in.planning,.construction,.renovation.and.major.repairs.in.progress,.traversing.the.campus.is.almost.as.difficult.as.finding.a.parking.space!.

Funding.for.the.projects.comes.from.a.variety.of.sources.including.the.state.capital.outlay.budget,.federal.and.local.money,.construction.bonds,.grants,.private.donations.and.student.self-assessed.fees.

The.inconveniences.won’t.last.forever,.but.the.results.will.change.the.future.of.McNeese.

Here.is.a.snapshot.of.what’s.happening.

1).Kaufman.Hall,.one.of.the.original.campus.buildings,.is.getting.a.complete.makeover.including.energy.efficient.lighting,.painting,.new.ceilings.and.floors,.ADA.accommodations.

and.elevator.repairs..This.$6.1.million.project.was.scheduled.to.begin.in.September.2005.and.was.delayed.due.to.Hurricane.Rita.

Offices.were.relocated.to.other.buildings.and.construction.began.in.January.2011..This.building.should.be.back.on.line.for.the.spring.2013.semester.

2).The.Band.Rehearsal.Hall.was.built.in.1982.and.has.been.completely.gutted.for.this.$1.7.million.

project.to.reconfigure.the.space.to.improve.the.acoustical.treatments,.lighting,.heating.and.air.conditioning.units.and.make.ADA.improvements..This.project.began.in.April.and.is.expected.to.be.completed.for.spring.2013.

3).Work.on.John.McNeese.Memorial.Park.began.in.2010.when.a.statue.of.the.renowned.

educator.and.namesake.was.unveiled..Sidewalks,.seating.areas,.landscaping.and.lighting.will.complement.the.recently.completed.Quad.renovation.when.this.$265,000.project.wraps.up.in.summer.2012..

4).Burton.Residence.Hall.has.been.shuttered.since.2005.due.to.damage.from.Hurricane.Rita..The.five-story.building.will.be.demolished.and.

replaced.with.a.three-story.residence.hall.that.

will.accommodate.148.students.and.include.a.multi-purpose.classroom,.computer.lab,.and.study.and.recreation.areas..The.$7.2.million.project.is.expected.to.be.ready.for.students.in.summer.2013.

5).Construction.on.a.three-story.parking.garage.that.will.accom-modate.800-900.student.cars.will.begin.this.summer.on.the.east.side.of.the.campus..The.facility.will.have.entrances.and.exits.on.Common,.Cameron,.Vermilion.and.Vernon.streets.and.is.expected.to.be.completed.for.the.spring.2013.semester.

Students.voted.a.self-assessment.fee.of.$75.each.semester.to.pay.for.the.$13.8.million.garage.that.will.include.an.elevator,.system.to.tell.drivers.the.number.of.remaining.spaces.on.each.floor,.and.security.cameras.

Improving.pedestrian.safety.by.increasing.parking.on.the.main.campus.has.been.a.priority.for.several.years.

6).The.McNeese.Foundation.has.facilitated.the.purchase.of.nearly.five.acres.of.property.on.Sale.Road.

that.was.formerly.the.site.of.the.Charles.

Green, Silver and Orange - The New Campus Colors

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Issue Date

McNeese State University

21 March 2012

Parking Garage

1717

Cinema..This.property.may.be.used.as.a.temporary.parking.lot.while.the.parking.garage.is.under.construction.

7).Planning.for.the.$14.million.Southwest.Louisiana.Entrepreneurial.&.Economic.Development.(SEED).

Center.began.in.2009..Located.on.seven.acres.of.McNeese.property.on.the.west.side.of.Ryan.Street,.this.is.a.joint.project.with.the.Calcasieu.

Parish.Police.Jury,.the.Chamber.Southwest.Alliance.for.the.five-parish.area,.the.city.of.Lake.Charles.and.McNeese.State.University.to.centralize.economic.development.and.entrepreneurial.activities.for.Allen,.Beauregard,.Calcasieu,.Cameron.and.Jefferson.Davis.parishes.

The.50,341-square-foot.SEED.Center.will.house.the.Chamber.Southwest.Alliance,.10.business.incubator.sites,.the.Louisiana.Small.Business.Development.Center.at.McNeese,.IMCAL,.Workforce.Investment.Board,.H.C..Drew.Center.for.Economic.Development.Information.Services,.as.well.as.accommodations.for.training,.conferences.and.classrooms

8).Nearly.$3.million.in.ADA.improvements.to.sidewalks,.parking.lots.and.elevator.upgrades.and.repairs.are.in.progress.campus-wide.

Upcoming Projects1) Renovations to the Frazar Memorial Library will begin in spring 2013

and are expected to continue for 22 months. Library personnel are in the process of boxing and storing some books and materials and relocating others to accessible locations on campus to prepare for this $7.8 million

project that will improve lighting, make necessary ADA accommodations, repair and replace flooring and install new ceilings. Named for the first

president of McNeese, the original building was completed in 1961 and a four-story addition was added in 1974.

2) The $6.5 million project to replace the heating and air conditioning system and install new lighting in Frasch Hall Annex has been delayed

to spring 2013 because faculty and staff from Kaufman Hall had to relocate to this building.

3) The older portion of the Shearman Fine Arts Building will be renovated and updated pending funding approval of the $3.4 million

project. The original facility was built in 1950 with an extension added in 1962. Named for Flora I. and Thomas B. Shearman Sr. in 1991,

the 56,000-square-foot building houses the 220-seat Ralph Squires Recital Hall, built in the 1950s and named for the former dean of fine

arts in 1963, the band rehearsal hall, built in 1982, and the Abercrombie Exhibition Gallery named in memory of Lillie Frank Abercrombie in 1983.

4) Chozen Hall, named for area businessman and philanthropist David Chozen, is a former residence hall. It is being revitalized and will reemerge

as a new one-stop shop for prospective students bringing together several offices currently located in three buildings. Phase I is complete

and Phase II, at a cost of $1.7 million, includes repairing and replacing all finishes, modifying old shower rooms for restrooms, installing an elevator and repartitioning dorm rooms into offices, meeting and reception areas.

Recently CompletedShearman Fine Arts Annex - $17.8 million

Doland Field House Expansion and Renovation - $10.5 millionQuad Renovation - $1.3 million

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

18

He.has.worked.at.McNeese.State.University.for.five.presidents.and.every.athletics.director.in.its.history..(For.the.record,.that.is.eight.).Since.he.started.working.at.McNeese.in.April.1966,.Louisiana.has.elected.seven.different.governors,.including.one.man.four.times,.and.Americans.have.sent.nine.men.to.the.White.House..In.the.sports.world,.the.first.Super.Bowl.would.be.played.after.he.finished.his.first.football.season.with.the.Cowboys.

Louis.Bonnette,.the.legendary.McNeese.sports.information.director,.has.announced.his.retirement.after.46.years.at.the.university..An.event.to.celebrate.Bonnette’s.career.will.be.held.on.July.24.

“Louis.is.the.only.sports.information.director.that.has.served.McNeese.athletics,”.Tommy.McClelland,.athletics.director,.said..“It.is.appropriate.that.we.honor.him.with.a.celebration.and.by.raising.funds.to.endow.a.scholarship.in.his.name.”

The.Pineville.native,.and.Louisiana.Tech.graduate,.has.received.numerous.professional.honors.in.his.career..Twice.he.served.as.president.of.the.Louisiana.Sports.Writers.Association.and.the.LSWA.presented.him.with.its.highest.honor--the.Mac.Russo.Award..He.was.inducted.into.the.Louisiana.Sports.Hall.of.Fame.in.the.sports.journalism.division,.and.in.2009,.he.was.inducted.into.the.College.Sports.Information.Directors.of.America.Hall.of.Fame.

Through.the.years.Louis.has.seen.McNeese.win.many.different.conference.championships.and.play.at.the.national.level,.cheered.on.McNeese.athletes.that.made.the.leap.to.the.pros.and.learned.to.adapt.

to.changing.conference.names.and.opponents..One.of.those.opponents,.then.University.of.Southwestern.Louisiana,.beat.the.Cowboys.7-0.in.1966,.his.first.football.season..After.a.21-year.hiatus,.Louis.would.also.work.the.last.meeting.of.the.two.teams,.a.McNeese.win.in.2007..By.then.the.“Bulldogs”.had.become.the.“Ragin’.Cajuns”.and.USL.had.changed.its.name.to.the.University.of.Louisiana.at.Lafayette..

Later.in.that.2007.season,.local.businessman.Robert.Noland.committed.to.fund.the.completion.of.the.artificial.turf.project.and.surprised.Louis.by.asking.that.the.football.field.be.named.in.his.honor..Bonnette.worked.his.500th.consecutive.football.game.on.Oct..24,.2009,.and.no.one.knew.that.he.would.end.his.streak.on.Nov..20,.2011,.at.527.in.Conway,.Ark.

“I.have.enjoyed.my.career.at.McNeese.and.am.looking.forward.to.retirement.and.spending.more.time.with.my.family,”.Bonnette.said..

Finding.family.time.is.a.challenge.with.sons.Michael.serving.as.Louisiana.State.University’s.associate.athletics.director.and.SID.and.Matthew.serving.as.associate.SID.at.Northwestern.State.University..“My.daughter,.Anne,.chose.nursing,”.Bonnette.quipped,.“and.my.wife,.Willene,.is.a.teacher.”.Soon,.at.least.one.member.of.the.family.will.have.an.easy.schedule.to.work.around.

Louis.is.compiling.some.interesting.stories.from.his.career.at.McNeese.to.share.with.friends.at.his.retirement.party..“I’ve.seen.some.of.the.greatest.coaches.and.players.in.all.sports.and.we’ve.had.some.interesting.travel.adventures!”

1966-The Texas Western Miners defeat

the No.1 ranked Kentucky Wildcats to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.

Muscle cars are king and the price of gasoline is 32 cents per gallon.

Groundbreaking takes place for the World Trade Center.

Gemini 9 launches into space and astronaut Gene Cernan completes the second U.S. spacewalk.

Peggy Fleming wins the Ladies’ World Figure Skating Championships.

Billy Casper amassed $121,945 to become the leading money winner on the PGA tour.

Jack Nicklaus wins the British Open and becomes the fourth player to win all four major professional golf championships.

Steve Spurrier wins the Heisman Trophy.

The Things He’s Seen!

Save the Date1220

Louis Bonnette Roast

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PILLARS.is.published.biannually.by.the.Division.of.University.Advancement,.McNeese.State.University,.a.member.of.the.University.of.Louisiana.System.and.an.affirmative.action,.equal.opportunity.educational.institution.Contact InformationBox.91989,.Lake.Charles,.LA.70609Phone.337.475.5588.Fax.337.475.5386Email:..mcneesefoundation@mcneese.eduWebsite:..www.mcneesefoundation.org

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

OTHER FOUNDATION STAFFPam 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

Beryl RomeroAdministrative Specialistbromero@mcneese.edu

Pam TateGift Management Specialistpamtate@mcneese.edu

Shanie MillerAdministrative Assistantsmiller2@mcneese.edu

Pillars Staff

Enrollment and Student Profile•.Fall.2011.Enrollment.-.8,791•.74%.are.full-time.students•.72%.are.from.Calcasieu,.Allen,.Beauregard,.Cameron.and.Jefferson.Davis.parishes.

•.Over.40%.are.first.generation.college.students

•.62%.are.female•.22%.are.minority•.71%.work.an.average.of.11-20.hours.per.week

•.89%.are.commuters•.70%.are.under.25.years.of.age

Tuition and Fees* •.$2,200.per.semester.Louisiana.resident

•.$6,611.per.semester.out-of-state.resident

*Does not include optional or special course fees, on campus housing or meal plans.

McNeese Quick Facts•.Annual.economic.impact:.$335.million.•.Awards.nearly.70%.of.the.public.four-year.college.degrees.earned.by.residents.of.Southwest.Louisiana.

•.Students.who.graduated.during.2009-2010.had.an.86%.acceptance.rate.into.medical.schools—double.the.national.average.of.43%.

•.McNeese.is.one.of.the.few.four-year.universities,.and.the.only.university.in.the.University.of.Louisiana.System,.to.have.a.model.chemical.plant.to.train.future.engineers.and.technicians.

•.More.than.600.high.school.students.from.Allen,.Beauregard,.Calcasieu,.Cameron,.Jefferson.Davis.

and.Pointe.Coupee.parishes.are.taking.dual.enrollment.courses.in.courses.in.English,.history,.biology,.college.algebra,.pre-calculus,.calculus,.communications,.Spanish,.psychology,.art.appreciation,.sociology,.introduction.to.engineering,.statistics.and.nursing.that.will.give.them.both.high.school.and.college.credit.

•.McNeese.is.just.the.second.university.in.the.country.to.offer.the.Innovation.Engineering.Career.Accelerator.Program..These.unique.courses.in.the.creation,.communication.and.commercialization.of.innovative.ideas.are.open.to.students.of.any.major..

•.The.59,918-square-foot.addition.to.the.Shearman.Fine.Arts.Building.was.named.the.Best.Higher.Education.Project.for.2010.by.South.Central.Construction.Magazine.

•.The.McNeese.CALL.(Center.for.Adult.Learning.in.Louisiana).Program.offers.four.online.baccalaureate.degrees.that.provide.accelerated.course.work.and.offer.the.flexibility.and.convenience.of.online.course.delivery.for.adult.learners..

•.The.Master.of.Fine.Arts.program.in.creative.writing.is.ranked.at.No..40.in.the.nation.in.the.2012.Poets.&.Writers.Top.50.MFA.Programs..McNeese.ranks.higher.than.programs.at.Columbia,.Boston.University,.University.of.South.Carolina.and.University.of.Massachusetts..The.program.is.celebrating.its.30th.anniversary.this.academic.year..

McNeese Data

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

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

20th Annual McNeese Foundation Scholarship Donor and Recipient Brunch