IN THIS ISSUE ... 

Southeastern confers degrees

Facebook for business class

Fischetti named president-elect

Intern secures grant for non-profit

Sherman's novel honored

Chess Club forming

Students present research

Students partner for contest

Heart Walk update

Web-based database offered

Lunch with the President

Grantsmanship reception held

Southeastern in the news

This Week in Athletics

Professional activities


BYLION WILL BE PRODUCED EVERY OTHER WEEK DURING THE SUMMER. THE NEXT ISSUE WILL BE SENT OUT MAY 29. THE DEADLINE FOR BYLION SUBMISSIONS IS ALWAYS THURSDAY AT 4 P.M.


Southeastern confers degrees on over 1,200
Southeastern conferred degrees on more than 1,200 graduates Saturday, May 12, at the university’s spring commencement exercises. Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler was the keynote speaker at the 10 a.m. ceremony in the University Center arena. Candidates for associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees were honored.

     In his welcome, Southeastern President John L. Crain noted that the 1,219 individuals being recognized at commencement included 434 men and 785 women who were receiving 16 different degrees; and representatives from 18 states and 15 countries. One candidate received the doctorate in educational leadership.

     The university awarded its highest academic honor, the President’s Medal for Academic Excellence, to 13 students with the highest cumulative grade point average in the university’s five colleges. 

Medal recipients were:

     College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences – history major Stephen T. Pfeil of Hammond, 4.0 GPA; psychology major Chelsea M. Scarpuzzi of Chalmette, 4.0 GPA; English major Mary M. Tate of Franklinton, 4.0 GPA.

     College of Business – accounting major Donald L. Bastoe of Slidell, 4.0 GPA; marketing major Natalie D. Dodds of Franklinton, 4.0 GPA; accounting major Larissa J. Graves of Ponchatoula, 4.0 GPA; accounting major Devan L. Gray of Ponchatoula, 4.0 GPA; and accounting major Katelyn E. Kelley of Covington, 4.0 GPA.

     College of Education and Human Development – elementary education major Mary E. Cristina of New Orleans, 4.0 GPA.

     College of Nursing and Health Sciences – kinesiology major Ryan A. Bermudez of Slidell, 4.0 GPA; and communication sciences and disorders major Angela M. Threeton of Hammond, 4.0 GPA.

     College of Science and Technology – computer science major Elyse M. Bond of Covington, 4.0 GPA; and biological sciences major Nicholas J. Foto Jr. of Covington, 4.0 GPA.

1)President's Medal Winners2)Tom Schedler

 

1) PRESIDENT’S MEDAL WINNERS – Southeastern awarded its highest academic honor, the President’s Medal for Academic Excellence, to 13 students with the highest cumulative grade point averages in the university’s five colleges. Pictured on the front row, from left, are Angela Threeton of Hammond, Mary Cristina of New Orleans, Donald Bastoe of Slidell, Devan Gray and Larissa Graves of Ponchatoula, and Katelyn Kelley of Covington. Back row, from left, are President John L. Crain, Louisiana Secretary of State and commencement speaker Tom Schedler, Nataile Dodds of Franklinton, Nicholas Foto Jr. of Covington, Stephen Pfeil of Hammond, Ryan Bermudez of Slidell, Chelsea Scarpuzzi of Chalmette, Elyse Bond of Covington, Mary Tate of Franklinton, University of Louisiana System Board Member Andre Coudrain, and Rep. Steve Pugh.

 

2) SECRETARY OF STATE ADDRESSES SOUTHEASTERN GRADUATES – Secretary of State Tom Schedler addresses students and guests at Southeastern’s spring commencement ceremony Saturday.


Southeastern LSBDC to host Facebook for Business Class
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southeastern, along with the Amite City Chamber of Commerce, will host the seminar “Effective Techniques for Using Facebook in Business.”
      The free event will be held May 25 at the chamber office in Amite, 101 S.E. Central Ave., from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
     “The buzzword in marketing is social media and the 800-pound gorilla in social media is without a doubt Facebook,” said Sandy Summers, assistant director of the Small Business Development Center. “It is common today for most businesses to have a Facebook page, but once you create the page, what do you do with it? This seminar will look at some advanced techniques for using Facebook as a marketing tool.”
     Summers said participants will learn about landing pages, page design, deals, analytics, best practices, contests and more.
     “Brian Walker, owner of 5 Stones Media, will instruct the class,” Summers said. “Brian is also a regional representative for Constant Contact and travels throughout the state to educate businesses on ways to reach and keep their customer base through effective and affordable marketing technologies.”
     There is no charge to attend the event; however, pre-registration is preferred. For more information, contact LSBDC Southeastern at 985-549-3831 or lsbdc.slu@lsbdc.org. Online registration is available at www.lsbdc.org.
Southeastern dean named president-elect of national groupJohn Fischetti
John Fischetti, dean of the Southeastern College of Education and Human Development, has been named president-elect of the Consortium for Research on Educational Accountability and Teacher Evaluation (CREATE).
     Fischetti will assume the position in October at the organization’s national conference in Washington, DC. He has been a member of CREATE since 2001 and has served on its board of directors for the last four years.
     The consortium was formed to advance the field of educational evaluation and is focused on improving student learning, development and achievement in pre-K through 12 schools, higher education institutions and other educational settings.
     “The importance of effective teacher and leadership evaluation methods has never been more evident. Not only in Louisiana are these efforts ‘real time,’ but across the country and globe as well,” Fischetti said. “CREATE has a long history as the leading think tank and scholarly hub for issues of teacher effectiveness and building and disseminating appropriate evaluation tools. The appointment is an honor for me and for our college.”
     An education leader with a research background in school reform and teacher preparation, Fischetti was appointed dean of the college in January. He previously served as a professor in the Watson School of Education at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
Social Work student intern secures grant for local non-profit organizationStudent secures grant for local non-profit
Southeastern social work student Brittany Boudreaux of Mandeville recently secured $80,000 in grant funds for Southeast Advocates for Family Empowerment (SAFE), a local non-profit organization that works to combat domestic violence.
     Boudreaux was working as an intern at SAFE and created a PowerPoint presentation outlining domestic violence and the evidence-based program, Safe Date, which is intended for young people regarding the prevention of dating abuse.
     The presentation was sent to a non-profit organization in Hammond that sponsors youth programs, said Heidi Kulkin, Southeastern Social Work Program coordinator.
     “In a nutshell, the director liked the program so much that he decided to award SAFE $40,000 to go into schools and implement the program in Tangipahoa, Livingston, St. Helena, and Washington parishes. The director also said that he will award them an additional $40,000 in December.”
     Boudreaux is excited about the grant and the impact it will make on the area.
     “The SAFE Program is a place where survivors of domestic violence come for assistance. The program is a non-profit organization; therefore, funding is through grants and community support,” Boudreaux said. “Since domestic violence is a topic not many want to discuss, it is extremely difficult to get funding and support from the community. This grant will help the agency kick off the Safe Date program, as well as a summer camp for teens in our four area parishes.”
     Kulkin couldn’t be more proud of Boudreaux’s efforts.
     “Brittany exemplifies what we strive to impart in our students – the value of service and the promotion of optimal social functioning in and for our region,” Kulkin said. “During her internship at SAFE she has certainly contributed to the surrounding community by helping to secure a grant that will positively affect our youth. We commend Brittany on her efforts. She is a remarkable student.”

Above: Southeastern Social Work Program Coordinator Heidi Kulkin, left, and social work student Brittany Boudreaux of Mandeville discuss Boudreaux’s grant winning PowerPoint presentation. As a result of the presentation she created during an internship, Boudreaux was able to secure $80,000 in grant funds for Southeast Advocates for Family Empowerment (SAFE), a local non-profit organization that works to combat domestic violence.


Novel picked for annual ‘Noir’ listingDayne Sherman
Welcome to the Fallen Paradise, a novel by Southeastern author Dayne Sherman, has been listed in the 16th annual “Hard-Boiled Gazetteer to Country Noir” by the American Library Association’s Booklist magazine.
     Sherman is the only Louisiana writer on the list of 23 authors in the United States. County Noir is generally recognized as a style of fast paced crime fiction characterized by high intensity and emotion usually set in a rural environment.
     The novel was previously named a Best Crime Novel Debut of the Year by Booklist and a Best Debut by the New Orleans Times Picayune.
     Welcome to the Fallen Paradise, published in 2004, is the story of a young man’s return to his hometown in fictional Baxter Parish, Louisiana, after serving 12 years in the military. The move home leads to confrontations with a variety of shadowy figures.
     “It’s a true honor to be on this annual list, especially considering the other authors, such as Elmore Leonard, Bonnie Jo Campbell and Daniel Woodrell,” said Sherman, who has recently completed his second novel.
     A Ponchatoula resident, Sherman is an associate professor and coordinator of user education in Southeastern’s Sims Memorial Library. A graduate of Southeastern and LSU, he has published numerous book reviews, essays, columns and short stories. He is a 2006 recipient of the President’s Medal for Excellence in Artistic Activity, one of Southeastern’s highest faculty-staff honors.
Chess club forming
Calling all chess enthusiasts! We are presently forming a club in the Hammond area.
     Our goal is to establish a group that meets on Saturdays to play casual games, as well as United States Chess Federation sanctioned tournaments.
     All interested parties may contact C. David Ragland, Jr. at 985-517-9345 or email: davidr1962@gmail.com.
Students present results of researchStudents present undergraduate research
Seven Southeastern students presented the results of their undergraduate research at the first annual University of Louisiana System Academic Summit on April 20 at McNeese State University in Lake Charles. 
     The students, the titles of their projects, and their faculty mentors are: 
     Sushovit Adhikari (Physics), “Characterization of Thin-Film Adhesion with Michelson Interferometer,” with Dr. Sanichiro Yoshida (Physics)
     Joseph Desselle (Computer Science), “Web-Based Case Studies for Verification-Driven CS Learning,” with Drs. Wendy Zhang and Theresa Beaubouef (Computer Science)
     Daniel Huggett (Physics), “Comparison of Various Force Fields of GROMACS Using Polymer Matrix Systems,” with Dr. Hye-Young Kim (Physics)
     Daniel Powell (Biology), “Morphological Variation and Trophic Partitioning Among Central Mexican Lake Silversides,” with Dr. Kyle Piller (Biological Sciences)
     Ramesh Shrestha (Physics), “Thermal Lensing Effect on a Beam Splitter of a Michelson Interferometer,” with Dr. Sanichiro Yoshida (Physics)
     George Tiley (Biology), “Species Delimitation of a Hybrizing Complex Through Phylogeographic Inference,” with Dr. Rick Miller (Biological Sciences)
     Lacey Williams (Computer Science), “Implementing Learning Approaches,” with Dr. Theresa Beaubouef (Computer Science).
     The Academic Summit is an annual celebration of academic excellence at UL System universities. It encompasses a system-wide service-learning conference, student art exhibition, and undergraduate research conference. The Second Annual Academic Summit will take place in April 2013 on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Above: Front row, from left, are Ramesh Shrestha, Sushovit Adhikari, Lacey Williams, Joseph Desselle. Back row, from left, are George Tiley, Daniel Powell, Dr. Gerard Blanchard, Daniel Huggett.


Southeastern, Hammond High students partner to win engineering competition 
A team of three Southeastern industrial technology students mentored a group of Hammond High Magnet School students to win Shell Oil Company's second annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Showdown held recently at the University of New Orleans.
     The competition involved teams working together to address a specific problem that required an engineering solution.
     The winning group – one of two teams of Southeastern and Hammond High students – won the competition by using a collection of miscellaneous items they were given to construct a product for the year 2050. With a variety of options, the team used the items to design an oil and water separator that could serve as a filtration system in the event of an oil spill.
     In another challenge, the students constructed a magnetic launcher and competed to see which device could propel a vehicle the furthest distance using the same amount of force.
     It was the first year Southeastern participated in the competition, which included students from UNO, Tulane, Loyola and Southern University. The university students were paired with a team of students from their area high schools.
     "Our students did an excellent job mentoring the Hammond High students," said Roy Bonnette, interim head of the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology. "Our industrial and engineering technology programs at Southeastern are applied, which makes them more hands-on than traditional engineering programs that are more theory-oriented. Our students are accustomed to working in teams where they have to design, layout and build projects from scratch. So they were pretty comfortable in the competition."
     The first place team members from Hammond High each received PC tablets, while the Southeastern student team captains each received $1,000 scholarships to be awarded at a national conference this summer in Orlando, Fla., with registration and other expenses fully paid.     
     Participating students from Southeastern were Matt Fontenette, Lacombe; Bishwas Gautam, Hammond; Justin Sanders, Franklinton; Richard Sahuque, Metairie; Brian Whittaker, Mandeville; and Justin Womack, Zachary. Hammond High students included Jacob Cobb, Torian Conerly, Tyler Davis, Ashlyn Dykes, Brittany Dykes, Justin Eleser, April Gaydos, Dylan Hutchinson, Drew LaBorde, Lazereo Nimox, Abelardo Pineda, Chase Richardson, Tyler Roddy and Alex Thompson.
     The Shell STEM Showdown is part of an initiative by Shell and Viva Technology designed to increase the number of students interested in pursuing science degree programs.
     The Southeastern Foundation over the years has forged a partnership with Shell Oil in efforts intended to engage students in activities focused on technology, explained Southeastern Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Lynn Horgan.
     "Our relationship with Shell gave us the opportunity to participate in the STEM competition," Horgan said. "We're proud that one of our teams was able to capture the first prize against institutions that have strong engineering programs."
Heart Walk updateAmerican Heart Association logo

Thanks to YOU the 2012 Tangi Walk hosted by Southeastern has raised over $4,000 and donations are still coming in!
     Despite the heat, we had a great time seeing everyone and watching as the community came together to build a healthier future. The money raised will have a significant impact on the fight against heart disease and stroke.
     Special congratulations go to:

 

The Top Fundraising Team:  Administration & Finance

Top Individual Fundraiser: Sheryl Francis in the Controller’s Office

 


Southeastern offers Web-based tool for agencies seeking student support
Community agencies in the area are being offered a free web-based database designed by a Southeastern Louisiana University business instructor to link organizations with student groups willing to volunteer and faculty initiating service-learning projects.
     The Community Development Collaboration Service (CDCS) was developed by Minh Huynh, associate professor in the Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, along with the assistance of several student assistants: MBA student Nilesh Chitrakar and computer science major Arjun Sharma, both of Hammond, and recent MBA graduate Oliver Escheverry of Katy, Tex. 
     Huynh said CDCS was developed from open source software. Its goal is to serve as a web portal providing information on the resources and needs within the community. Non-profit organizations can use it to create their web presence, as well as to advertise their specific needs for students and organizations looking to volunteer their services.
     He said the database is ideal for faculty who look for local organizations to serve as partners in service-learning projects in their classes.
     “Students can also use it to seek needs within the community,” he said. “This can help them in making choices about involvement in possible service-learning activities or civic engagement work tied to courses they may be taking.”
     The Community Development Collaboration Service can be accessed at http://cob.cdcs.selu.edu/.
     The required computer hardware and software and other information on setting up such as service was shared with other institutions participating in the University of Louisiana System’s recent Academic Summit held at McNeese State University in Lake Charles. In addition to Huynh’s work, several Southeastern students made oral and paper presentations at the conference, and others participated in a juried student art exhibit.
     The summit, “Celebrating Excellence in Teaching,” showcased the high caliber work taking place in the system’s nine regional institutions. Forty-four service-learning presenters discussed community impact projects in diverse areas such as robotics, pharmacy, computer information systems, music education and disaster preparedness. The activities culminated in a discussion of the UL System’s Journal of Service-Learning in Higher Education, a new online publication for scholarly submissions.
Students have lunch with the PresidentStudents treated to lunch with President Crain
As a special thank you, President John L. Crain hosted a lunch gathering at his home for Southeastern students who volunteered their time and talents at this year’s annual Chefs Evening, the University’s annual food festival and fund raiser. 
     The students, members of the Student Foundation Board, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Phi Mu Sorority, Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, the Southeastern Jazz Band, and Southeastern Foundation phonathon callers, took on various responsibilities, such as serving hors d’oeuvres during the President’s Toast, distributing ice and paper products to participating restaurants and wholesalers, selling raffle tickets, assisting guests at the silent auction, and serving as wait staff at the sponsor and patron tables. 
     Southeastern’s own jazz band provided their talent and entertainment for attendees’ enjoyment. Chefs Evening is the largest fund raiser for the University, and patron attendance generates unrestricted funds for the enhancement of academic programming at Southeastern.

OSRP holds annual grantsmanship recognition
The Southeastern Office of Sponsored Research and Programs held its annual Grantsmanship Recognition Reception recently, where university faculty and staff were honored for their work in attracting research and other grants.
     Among those honored by Director Cheryl Hall were first time awardees John Fischetti, dean of the College of Education and Human Development; Sharon Landry of the College of Nursing and Health Studies, Linhong Wang of the Department of Mathematics, and Dayne Sherman and Beth Stahr of Sims Memorial Library.
     Also recognized were:
Bonnie Lewis and Erin Matheny, Social Science Research Center, Largest Award, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Studies;
Jerry Patton and Linda Starnes, Discovery Family Resource Project, Largest Award, College of Education and Human Development
Ann Carruth, Largest Award, College of Nursing and Health Sciences;
Debra Dolliver, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Largest Award, College of Science and Technology;
Andrea Dangerfield, Educational Opportunity Center, Largest Award for Other University Divisions; and
Ron Abel, TRIO Programs, Largest Number of Awards made to the University.

 

1)OSRP Awards2)OSRP more awards

 

1) Pictured at the OSRP recognition reception were honorees, from left, Dayne Sherman, OSRP Director Cheryl Hall, Beth Stahr and John Fischetti.

2) Also honored at the reception were, from left, Erin Matheny, Lorinda Sealey (on behalf of Ann Carruth), Andrea Dangerfield, Ron Abel, Linda Starns and Debra Dolliver.

 


Southeastern in the news
Hammond Daily Star
Education students wave wand over Discovery Center exhibits
http://www.hammondstar.com/articles/2012/05/08/top_stories/8265.txt

 

BR Advocate
Friendly dogs help students cut stress
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/2709107-123/friendly-dogs-help-students-cut
 
Civil War forum topic: Lee's generals
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/2763067-123/briefs-for-may-10-2012

 

SLU awards 1,200 degrees at commencement

http://theadvocate.com/news/2781658-123/slu-awards-1200-degrees-at

 

Graduates adjust to tough job market

http://theadvocate.com/home/2799622-125/graduates-adjust-to-tough-job

 

WAFB.com

Southeastern, Hammond High students partner to win engineering competition
http://livingston.wafb.com/news/business/53250-southeastern-hammond-high-win-stem-competition

 

Action 17 news

Secretary of State Schedler addresses SLU commencement

http://www.actionnews17.com/News/AllNews/tabid/83/ArticleID/1035/ArtMID/435/Secretary-of-State-Tom-Schedler-addresses-SLU-commencement-Saturday.aspx

 

Southeastern faces budget cuts

http://www.actionnews17.com/

 

Schedler's advice to graduates: Choose a career you love

http://www.actionnews17.com/News/AllNews/tabid/83/ArticleID/1073/ArtMID/435/Schedlers-advice-to-SLU-grads-Choose-a-career-you-love.aspx

 

Southeastern Business Center incubator client growing

http://www.actionnews17.com/News/AllNews/tabid/83/ArticleID/1107/ArtMID/435/Southeastern-Business-Center-incubator-client-growing.aspx


This Week in Athletics
The Southeastern men’s golf team will make its third straight trip to an NCAA Regional, while the Lion baseball team celebrates Senior Day during this week in Southeastern Athletics.
     The Lions, ranked 59th in the most recent GolfStat national rankings, will compete in the Stanford Regional on Thursday through Saturday at the Stanford Golf Course and live stats will be available at www.gostanford.com. Southeastern is the No. 10 seed in a challenging 13-team regional field that features 12 teams ranked in the Golfstat Top 100. No. 2 California, which won the Pac-12 Conference, is the regional’s top seed, followed by tournament host and No. 9 Stanford, as well as Mountain West Conference champion San Diego State, currently ranked No. 14 nationally.
     The 4-11 seeds are all held down by at-large entries, starting with No. 22 Central Florida as the No. 4 seed. Southeastern’s in-state rival No. 25 LSU is the regional’s No. 5 seed, followed by No. 37 UAB, No. 38 Wichita State, No. 47 Tennessee, No. 50 Oregon State, Southeastern and No. 66 San Francisco.
     The regional is rounded out by a pair of automatic qualifiers. Western Athletic Conference champion San Jose State, ranked No. 77 nationally, is the No. 12 seed, while Big West Conference champion UC Davis is the 13th and final seed. Ten individuals will also compete with the low five teams and the low individual not on those teams from the regional advancing to the NCAA Championships, which are set for May 29-June 3 at the Riviera Golf Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif.
     The Southeastern baseball team (34-18, 18-12 Southland) will close out the 2012 regular season welcoming McNeese State for a three-game series at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field. In conjunction with Thursday’s 6 p.m. series opener, Southeastern will host Little League Day, as all kids wearing their little league uniforms will receive free admission and the first 200 fans will receive free hot dogs.
     The series continues with a 6 p.m. contest on Friday and concludes on Saturday at 2 p.m. Prior to Saturday’s regular season finale, Southeastern will honor seniors Josh Janway, Jonathan Pace, Michael Rutland, Joseph Koon, Torin Lucas, Jacob Fisher and Cody Gougler in a pre-game Senior Day ceremony. All of this week’s games will be broadcast live in the Hammond area on KSLU-FM (90.9) and on the Internet at www.LionSports.net.

Thursday, May 17
Men’s Golf, at Stanford Regional, Stanford, Calif., All Day
Baseball, vs. McNeese State, Alumni Field, 6 p.m. (KSLU)*
- Little League Night (All kids wearing Little League uniforms receive free admission)
- Free hot dogs for the first 200 fans
Friday, May 18
Men’s Golf, at Stanford Regional, Stanford, Calif., All Day
Baseball, vs. McNeese State, Alumni Field, 6 p.m. (KSLU)*
Saturday, May 19
Men’s Golf, at Stanford Regional, Stanford, Calif., All Day
Baseball, vs. McNeese State, Alumni Field, 2 p.m. (KSLU)*
- Senior Day
Southeastern home events in bold
* - Southland Conference contest


Professional activities
Jackie Dale Thomas (Leadership Development and Student Activities) recently served as the keynote speaker for the Honesty and Integrity Awards given by the Bogalusa Masonic Chapter. This was her third such speech for the lodge, and she was honored to be asked as she was told she is the only woman ever allowed to speak on the floor of the Bogalusa Masonic Lodge.
     Charles Elliott (History and Political Science) presented “Incorporated into the United States and admitted as soon as possible to the Principles of the Federal Constitution: Promises, Perceptions, and Problems of Louisiana Statehood in 1812” as the LSU Libraries Special Collections’ “State in Transition: Louisiana Circa 1812” exhibition-opening lecture at Hill Memorial Library on April 29.      
     James D. Kirylo (Teaching and Learning) was an invited guest speaker at Texas State University at their university lecture series, Common Experience. The title of his lecture was “The Voice Heard Around the World: Paulo Freire and Social Justice.”  Kirylo was also recently the featured speaker at the fifth annual Anti-Racist/Anti-Bias Conference in Milwaukee, Wis.

 

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