IN THIS ISSUE ... 

Science on Tap tonight

Guitar Quartet performs

Student receives LAB scholarship

Love of Learning Awards

Traffic changes planned

Non-credit courses offered

Southeastern in the news

This Week in Athletics

Professional activities


 

Science on Tap lecture to focus on wetlands restoration
The status of wetlands restoration in southeast Louisiana will be the focus of Southeastern's Science on Tap seminar scheduled Tuesday, May 6.
     The informal presentation – to be made by Professor of Biology Gary Shaffer  – will be held at 7 p.m. at Tope lá Catering, 113 East Thomas St., Hammond. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the presentation is free and open to all ages.
     Shaffer has been studying Louisiana wetlands for years and has compiled a significant body of research on the impacts that logging of native trees, erosion, nutrient starvation, saltwater intrusion, herbivores such as nutria and other factors are having on the deterioration of wetlands of southeast Louisiana.
     "Over the years, we've studied these factors in the lab as well as in locations such as our Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station on the Manchac land bridge," said Shaffer. "Over the past several years, a controversy has broken out on the effects that nutrients from river diversions and assimilation wetlands have on wetlands. In my presentation, I will discuss why some investigators find negative effects of nutrients while others find highly positive effects, using the Hammond Assimilation Wetland as an example."
     For more information, contact the Department of Biological Sciences at 549-3740.

 


Guitar Quartet performs at UL Academic Summit
Guitar QuartetThe Southeastern Guitar Quartet performed at the 2014 University of Louisiana System Academic Summit Academic Showcase at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on April 11. This was the second time for the quartet at this event, as they had performed at ULM last year.
     "I was very proud of, and indeed impressed by our students' performance," said Patrick Kerber, instructor of guitar. "They performed in a very dynamic fashion, and I will not hesitate to say that they were clearly a crowd favorite, garnering some of the most robust applause from the audience."
     The group performed Manuel de Falla's, Pantomima and Danza de Molinera arranged by Kerber. The students are: Dustin Dawson/junior, Blake Guidry/junior, West Lentz/senior, and Amon Straughter/sophomore.
     This was the third annual Academic Summit which featured academic participation in all of the disciplines from all of the ULS member universities, and the second year that a Performance Showcase was presented. The concert featured solo and ensemble performances from the ULS universities.
     "This excellent group is planning to present a full guitar quartet concert in the fall," Kerber added. "I would recommend looking for it, as these students will be in their third year of playing together. They possess the elusive ingredients of chemistry combined with talent, desire, and discipline." 

 


Southeastern Channel news reporter receives LAB scholarship   

Paul RiveraA student news anchor/reporter at the Southeastern’s educational television station has been named one of only two recipients of a 2014 Louisiana Association of Broadcasters scholarship.
     Paul Rivera, a Southeastern junior from Slidell and a member of the reporting team at the Southeastern Channel, was presented the award in Baton Rouge recently at the association’s annual Prestige Awards luncheon attended by the top television and radio broadcasters in the state. 
     For winning the $2,000 scholarship, Rivera will receive $1,000 per semester during his junior year at Southeastern.
     A communication major with a focus in electronic media, Rivera is a news anchor, reporter and producer for “Northshore News,” named one of the top four college newscasts in the nation by College Broadcasters, Inc. and first-place winner as the “Best in the South” by the Southeast Journalism Conference, which included universities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and North Carolina.
     He credits the real-world experience he receives at the Southeastern Channel with preparing him for the job market.
     “I have to find my own news stories, conduct my own interviews, shoot my own video and edit it all,” he said. “There aren’t many schools that give you that kind of hands-on experience. I feel like I will have more experience when I graduate over other people my age because I have worked at the Southeastern Channel.”
     The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters (LAB) established the scholarship program to support promising future broadcasters and aid them in seeking the best quality education in the field of broadcasting. By sponsoring the award, LAB hopes to encourage students of the highest caliber to enter broadcasting as a career and guarantee the future quality of broadcasting in Louisiana. 
     “Getting recognized by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters is huge,” Rivera said.  “After going to the awards ceremony and seeing how many noteworthy people were in attendance, I realized this award could give me the opportunity to reach new heights in my career. The scholarship being awarded by the LAB should hold weight with potential future employers.”
     “Paul is very deserving,” said Rick Settoon, Southeastern Channel general manager. “He’s extremely talented with a great work ethic and a promising future as a broadcast news journalist. He’s serious and single-minded about a career in the television news industry. Paul is the perfect example of what the LAB scholarship is all about, and we’re both happy for him and proud of him.”
     In his scholarship application, Rivera had to answer questions related to his choice of broadcasting as a career, along with questions on topics ranging from his career goals to broadcast advertising and the role of the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC. 
     Once he graduates, Rivera hopes to land a job as a news reporter at a small market television station and eventually progress through higher market stations.
     “I am just trying to get my foot in the door,” Rivera said. “Once I achieve that, the possibilities are endless, and I plan on climbing the news media ladder as high as I can.”

 


Love of Learning Awards

Love of Learning Awards help fund post-baccalaureate studies and/or career development for active Phi Kappa Phi members to include, but not be limited to, graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, career development, travel related to teaching/studies. 
     One hundred forty-seven awards at $500 each are distributed each year. For an application, please visit PhiKappaPhi.org/LoveofLearning and contact Southeastern Phi Kappa Phi Chapter President, Danny Acosta at dacosta2@southeastern.edu. The application deadline is June 30, 2014.

 


Traffic changes planned for Southeastern Commencement May 17
Motorists and visitors planning to attend Southeastern's commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17, should anticipate heavy traffic and route changes affecting University Avenue (Hwy. 3234) between Interstate 55 and North Cherry Street.
     Southeastern will honor its most acclaimed alumnus, ABC's "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts, with an honorary doctorate during the 10 a.m. ceremony in the University Center, where approximately 1,200 students will receive associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.
     Carmen Bray, interim director of University Police, said the section of University Avenue between West Lion Lane and SGA Drive will be restricted from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that day. Local traffic will be allowed to proceed on University Avenue for as long as possible, but will be diverted through the campus as congestion increases.
     Prior to commencement, the University Center parking areas are expected to be filled early, and all traffic on University Avenue will be diverted. Eastbound commencement traffic will be diverted to West Lion Lane for parking at the University Center, and westbound commencement traffic will be diverted to the campus at SGA Drive.
     "Officers will begin directing traffic early in the morning," said Bray. "We anticipate the parking areas around the University Center to be filled before 9 a.m."
     Additional parking spaces around the University Center will be set aside for vehicles with appropriate handicapped placards. Individuals requiring handicap accommodations should try to arrive as early as possible.
     Vacant parking spaces in the Southeastern Oaks/Greek Village complex will also be used. Residents are requested to use the back gate for entering and exiting between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
     Southeastern Lion Traxx shuttle buses will be in operation before and after the ceremony to accommodate those parking in outlying areas or needing special transportation assistance, Bray said. Shuttle stops will be marked with signs and/or canopies.
Drivers not attending commencement are asked to use U.S. 190 (Thomas Street and Morris Street) or Natalbany Road (Hwy. 1064) to avoid University Avenue traffic.
     Southeastern students wishing to return rental textbooks that day should wait until after 2 p.m. to do so.

 


Non-credit courses

Winning through Customer Service
James Gilmore Jr., May 5, May 6, or May 7

Winning through Customer Service trains sales, service, and administrative personnel to demonstrate professionalism, communicate effectively, assess customer behaviors, use a structured customer service transaction model, as well as handle difficult customer service situations. Participants will prepare for a nationally accredited certification test in customer service. Learn more.

 

ACT Test Prep
Dates vary upon location

 

The ACT Review class is designed to help students prepare for the ACT college entrance exam. Students will review major concepts most commonly found on the ACT and will be provided test-taking tips and strategies. Register now.

 

QuickBooks Level III
Jason DeGraw, June 14

 

This course is for experienced QuickBooks users interested in obtaining an industry-based certification for Intuit QuickBooks Certified User. Read more.

 

You are the Customer Experience
Sharon Sandifer, M.Ed & David Kiviaho, May 13 and June 17

 

This course will increase the frontline staff members on the job performance through the exploration of the nine principles of customer management, as outlined in the business book, Customer Management: The Kiisa Service Cycle. With innovative business models, case studies, and interactive activities, this course fosters an environment for participants to learn how to become invested in the art of customer service and management. Start now.

 

Art Workshop 2014
Kim Finley-Stansbury , July 7 - 17

 

Students will create a variety of artwork using different media based on the theme "Animals." Students will model with Crayola's Model Magic, create mixed media collages, create their own stencils, paint painting, and make nature prints. Children 10-14 years of age will complete two fabric art projects. Children enrolled in the workshop will be instructed by art students who will be supervised by Dr. Kim Finley-Stansbury. Register today.

 

Zoom Early Bird Registration
Register before May 8 for the Early Bird price for Zoom into Careers. Registration cost after May 8 will increase $15.

 

Zoom into Careers is a summer program for rising 7th - 12th graders. Courses include Emergency Response, Animation, Creative Writing, Industrial & Engineering Technology, Photography, Criminal Justice, Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Web Design, Television, Movie Making, Radio, and Theatre. Register now.

 


Southeastern in the news

BR Advocate
Professor introduces judo to SLU
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/8668185-123/professor-introduces-judo-to-slu

SLU society named exemplary for 11th year
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/8971347-123/slu-society-named-exemplary-for

 

N.O. CityBusiness
Performance software heads downtown for new offices
http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2014/05/01/performance-software-heads-downtown-for-new-offices/

 

N.O. Times Picayune

North shore high school, college students earn accolades
http://www.nola.com/community/st-tammany/index.ssf/2014/05/north_shore_students_earn_acco_1.html

 


This Week in Athletics
The Southeastern Louisiana track and field teams will compete in the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships during this week in Southeastern Athletics.
     The Lions and Lady Lions will travel to Conway, Ark. to compete in the league meet, which runs Friday through Sunday with live scoring available at www.Southland.org. The men's team won the indoor league championship back in February.
Fresh off taking two of three from Southland co-leader Nicholls State, the Lion baseball team (29-20, 14-10 Southland) will close out its 2014 regular season road schedule this week. The Lions will finish non-conference play on Tuesday, when they travel to Tulane for a 6:30 p.m. contest.
     SLU will then head to McNeese State for a three-game series that opens with a 6:30 p.m. contest on Friday. Saturday's game is set for 3 p.m. and the series concludes with a 1 p.m. contest on Sunday. All four of this week's baseball games will be broadcast live in the Hammond area on KSLU-FM (90.9) and on the Internet at www.LionSports.net.
     The Southeastern golf team will find out if it earned a fifth straight trip to NCAA Regionals this week. The 81-team field and 45 individuals not on those teams will be announced on Monday at 9 a.m. on the Golf Channel's daily morning show, Morning Drive. NCAA Regionals are set for May 15-17.
     Southeastern will also host the 2014 Southland Conference Softball Tournament, which runs Thursday through Saturday at North Oak Park. McNeese State, Northwestern State, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston State, Houston Baptist and Central Arkansas will compete in the league tournament with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
     Tickets for the softball tournament are currently on sale and can be purchased by contacting the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visiting LionSports.net.

 

Monday, May 5
Golf, NCAA Regional Announcement, Golf Channel, 9 a.m.

 

Tuesday, May 6
Baseball, at Tulane, New Orleans, 6:30 p.m. (KSLU)

 

Friday, May 9
Baseball, at McNeese State, Lake Charles, 6:30 p.m. (KSLU)*
Men's and Women's Track and Field, at Southland Conference Championships, Conway, Ark., All Day

 

Saturday, May 10
Baseball, at McNeese State, Lake Charles, 3 p.m. (KSLU)*
Men's and Women's Track and Field, at Southland Conference Championships, Conway, Ark., All Day

 

Sunday, May 11
Baseball, at McNeese State, Lake Charles, 1 p.m. (KSLU)*
Men's and Women's Track and Field, at Southland Conference Championships, Conway, Ark., All Day

 

* - Southland Conference contest

 


Professional activities
Dr. Mary Burke and Dr. Michele Ellis (School of Nursing) presented "Technological Stressors of Nurse Educators Teaching Clinical Courses" at the Assessment Technologies Institute 2014 National Nurse Educator Conference in Orlando, Fla. on Tuesday, April 15.
     Carolyn Blackwood, (Center for Student Excellence) attended the International Dyslexia Association Spring Board meeting in Baltimore, Md., April 24-26. She was elected to the board during the International Dyslexia Association Annual Membership Meeting at the 2013 Conference in New Orleans last November. Prior to election to the board, she served on the International Board Nominating Committee and in Branch Council leadership positions from 2005 through 2013.
     Drs. Alan Cannon and Kent Neuerburg (Mathematics) attended the Southern Regional Algebra Conference at Auburn University – Montgomery April 25 - 27.  Dr. Neuerburg presented a talk titled "Near-Rings in Which C(N) is a Subnear-Ring of N."  Undergraduate mathematics majors Vincent Glorioso and Taylor Triche also attended the meeting.
     Dr. Paul R. Sawyer (English) presented "Selling America's Pony Car: Mustang Advertising 1964-1966" at PCA/ACA's conference in Chicago on April 18.
     C. Roy Blackwood (Fine and Performing Arts and Columbia/Fanfare) chaired a session at the recent "Culture Connection" at the Louisiana State Capitol titled "Toward a Gulf States Presenters Consortium." Serving with Blackwood were Tom Pearson, director of the Mississippi Division of the Arts, and Al Head, director of the Alabama Division of the Arts. Blackwood represents the Louisiana Presenters Network on the Board of the Louisiana Citizens for the Arts and Louisiana Partnership for the Arts, both engaged in support of and lobbing for the Arts in Louisiana.

 


ByLion is published weekly online (bi-weekly during the summer session) for the faculty and staff of Southeastern Louisiana University. Send submissions to publicinfo@southeastern.edu, SLU 10880, fax 985-549-2061, or bring to University Marketing and Communications Office in East Stadium. Submission deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

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