ByLion
IN THIS ISSUE, AUGUST 29, 2016

Campus enhancements for fall
Jaguars donate to Lions
Lion Ride Share created
Waterline to help flood relief

Disaster Relief Fund application available

 

CMS registration now open

Mindfulness series scheduled
Science on Tap Sept. 6
Pelegrin pens poetry collection

Art exhibit opens Sept. 8

Career Fair invites employers

ByLion takes a break
Southeastern in the News
This Week in Athletics
Professional Activities

 

BYLION STORIES

1) SLU construction2) Marketplace opens

 

1) CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES AT SLU – Construction continues on the Science and Technology Building at Southeastern. The new building is expected to be ready by the fall semester of 2017. Other developments greeting students on their return to classes include construction of a new park and parking lot on Oak Street.

 

2) MARKETPLACE OPENS - Celebrating the official opening of The Marketplace, a fresh food "grab and go" location in the Student Union near the bookstore, were, from left: Facilities Manager Ken Howe, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tena Golding, District Marketing Manager for Aramark Jessica Pratt, Aramark Head of Dining Services Martin Balisteri, President John L. Crain, Vice President for Advancement Wendy Lauderdale, Vice President for Administration and Finance Sam Domiano, and Director of Auxiliary Services Connie Davis.

 

Southeastern students to see enhancements on campus
Students who arrived at Southeastern for the start of classes last week were greeted with several changes to the campus landscape.
     The newly renovated Student Union saw the re-opening of Popeye’s Fried Chicken and a new “fresh grab and go” concept called The Marketplace located in the Student Union next to the bookstore.
     “Popeye’s has been a traditional favorite of students on campus, and our students no doubt will be pleased to see it back in operation,” said Robin Parker, director of Marketing and Strategic Services for Southeastern’s Auxiliary Services, “and more than likely a few faculty and staff members too.”
     The Marketplace, she explained will focus on fresh food, including fruit and produce, prepared sandwiches, salads and wraps, Jamba Go Smoothies, as well as other items.
     Later in the semester, a new Subway Café is scheduled to open in Tinsley Annex. Slightly different from a traditional Subway with expanded offerings, the restaurant will serve as a meeting place and will feature the standard Subway menu as well as various coffees and pastries with soft seating and inviting décor.
     Meanwhile, construction continues on the $24.4 million science and technology building on the southeast corner of the campus. The new building will be the primary home of the university’s computer science and industrial technology programs. It is expected to be ready by the fall semester of 2017.
     In the same general area, the old tennis courts have been removed to make way for a new passive recreation park. Currently lights are being installed and other elements such as benches, picnic tables and bicycle racks are being added, thanks to grant funding from the Student Government Association.
     A new parking lot on North Oak and Dakota streets is nearing completion and is expected to be ready early in the fall semester. The new lot will provide approximately 120 new parking spaces for upper class students.
     In Garrett Hall, home of the College of Business, renovations include an expanded lobby allowing additional space for students to study and work together on class projects. Funded through private donations, the enhancements also include new furniture, flooring and added lighting.

Jaguars send truckloads of donations to Lions, community
When Joel and Tina Erdmann parted ways with Southeastern seven years ago, they said the Hammond university would always hold a special place in their hearts.
     That sentiment led to five trucks loaded down with donated water, food, baby supplies, pet food, cleaning materials and other items courtesy of the people of the Mobile area who responded to the University of South Alabama’s (USA) call to help the people of south Louisiana impacted by the recent floods. It was a special delivery from the USA Jaguars and their community to the SLU Lions and their community.
     “I met with our staff and coaches last week and suggested we help, and they were in full support,” said USA Athletic Director Joel Erdmann, who served as athletic director at Southeastern from May 2007 to August 2009 when he returned to his alma mater. “I knew we needed to do something, so we put out a call to the community for supplies. I didn’t know what kind of response we would get. By the second day, I knew we would need a second truck. The supplies kept coming in and we ended up with five trucks full of supplies.”
     When Jamene Dahmer of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana saw the five large trucks loaded with supplies pulling into the Daily Star newspaper’s parking lot Monday morning, her first words were, “This is so heartwarming. It is an example of the best of human kindness.”
     After dropping off half the supplies in Hammond, the trucks headed to Lafayette to help the people in that area since USA plays in the Sun Belt Conference with the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.
     Last Monday was the first day of classes at Southeastern, and most of the student-athletes were in the classroom, so more than 40 coaches and staff members volunteered and worked together to unload the trucks and sort them in the warehouse.
     Dahmer said the supplies would be distributed to area churches and other organizations that are disseminating them to people in need.
     Southeastern Athletic Director Jay Artigues said he is impressed with the outpouring of volunteerism and support the area is receiving from people and organizations.
     “Joel contacted us last week and said he wanted to do something to help our area,” Artigues said. “It’s a very generous gesture.”
     “Our student-athletes gutted over 60 homes and worked in food banks and shelters,” he added. Last Monday it was the staff and coaches’ turn to do their community service.
     In addition to the response of the student-athletes, more than 160 other students worked cleaning and gutting more than 68 homes.
     On hand at the USA delivery was Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller. “This is overwhelming,” he said, “and shows we have friends all over the region. Joel’s efforts will make a real impact on those affected by the floods.”

Unloading supplies

 

UNLOADING SUPPLIES – Southeastern head women’s soccer coach Blake Hornbuckle hands off supplies destined for flooded regions in the Hammond area. The supplies were collected through a drive spearheaded by a University of South Alabama drive. Southeastern coaches and staff unloaded the supplies and sorted them in the Hammond Daily Star’s warehouse under the supervision of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana.

Southeastern Disaster Relief Fund
The Southeastern Disaster Relief Fund application is now available for students, faculty, and staff affected by the recent flooding disaster. 
     For those of you who still have an interest in helping faculty, staff, and students affected by the flooding disaster, please click here and select the program to which you would like to contribute (SLU Disaster Relief Fund for Students, SLU Disaster Relief Fund for Faculty/Staff, or SLU Food Pantry Program).

Community Music School registration now open
The Southeastern’s Community Music School (CMS) will begin its fall session on Aug. 29. Registration has already begun and will remain open throughout the semester.
     Students of all ages may participate in private lessons on various instruments and voice. Opportunities for group instruction and ensemble formation are also available.
      “In the fall 2016 semester, we will add two new faces to our instructional roster, Katie Walker and Lisa Rhonis. Ms. Walker, a Southeastern voice student, will be teaching voice at our Hammond location, while Ms. Rhonis, who holds a masters degree and is also a certified Suzuki instructor, will teach guitar at our Mandeville location,” said CMS Director Jivka Duke. “In addition, we hope to add a string orchestra class on Saturday mornings on the Southeastern campus.”
     Duke said that due to sponsorship of the program by First Guaranty Bank this academic year, the CMS will once again offer discounted tuition to students who are on reduced or free lunch at their schools.
     For more information about CMS programs and general registration, call 549-5502, or visit the CMS website at www.southeastern.edu/cms.

Alison PelegrinPelegrin pens new poetry collection
Alison Pelegrin’s fourth poetry collection, Waterlines, has just been released by LSU Press.   
    
Pelegrin is the author of three previous poetry collections and the recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Division of the Arts. Her essays and poems have appeared in Poetry, Ploughshares, and The Southern Review, as well as on Poetry Daily, Verse Daily, and The Writer’s Almanac.
    
Pelegrin’s book is available for purchase at local bookstores or at her office.

Lefevor on exhibit at Southeastern Contemporary Art Gallery
A photographic exhibition by artist and historian David LeFevor will be on display from Sept. 8 - 29 at Southeastern’s Contemporary Art Gallery. LeFevor will also present an artist lecture in the gallery’s lecture area on Sept. 27 at noon.
    
The exhibit, “Cuba: Histories of the Present,” will feature 30 large format prints taken in Cuba from year 2001 to 2015. LaFevor’s work in Cuba began as a student at the University of Havana.  
    
The gallery will host an opening reception on Thursday, Sept, 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The gallery is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
    
Gallery Director Dale Newkirk said, “These images focus on daily life, racial identity, and material culture.”
    
LeFevor is an assistant professor of Latin American History and Digital Humanities at the University of Texas in Arlington. The exhibit is organized by UTA’s Center for Greater Southwestern Studies.
    
For more information, contact the gallery at 549-5080.

ByLion takes a break
Due to the Labor Day Holiday next Monday, ByLion will not be published. The next edition of ByLion will be Sept. 12.

Southeastern offers Lion Ride Share to help students, faculty and staff
In order to help those struggling with transportation to and from campus following the recent historic flooding, Southeastern has created Lion Ride Share.
     “When communicating with students, faculty and staff who suffered from flooding, one common concern was finding transportation to and from campus after having lost their vehicles,” said Executive Director of Public and Governmental Affairs Erin Cowser. “Lion Ride Share was created to help facilitate a means for those who could use a ride to class or even a ride home for the weekend to help with recovery work.”
     Both those in need of a ride and those willing to share a ride are invited to connect with fellow students, faculty and staff members through the website www.southeastern.edu/lionrideshare.
     As an added bonus, Lion Ride Share allows users to determine their own criteria for choosing a fellow rider.
     “We hope you find this resource useful. Remember to buckle up and Lion Up,” Cowser added.

Impaired FacultiesImpaired Faculties releases original song to support flood relief 
Impaired Faculties, a local rock band whose members also happen to be Southeastern professors, has released an original song, Waterline, intended to raise funds for students and their families affected by the recent floods.
     The song, written by Communication Professor Joseph Burns and produced by bassist Randy Settoon, was recorded by the band one week after the historic floods devastated southeast Louisiana. Waterline reflects on the nature of flooding in Louisiana and the resilience and hope of its people in the face of disasters.
     Burns said the song is being sold for $1 through the website impairedfaculties.com, and can also be purchased as CDBaby.com and will be available on iTunes and Amazon.com soon. A purchaser of Waterline will also be allowed four other songs by the group free of charge if purchased on the website. The band has pledged all proceeds from the sale of the single to the SLU Disaster Relief Fund, a collection point for donations to aid students impacted by the flooding.
     In addition to Burns, members of the group include Dan McCarthy, guitar and vocalist, dean of the College of Science and Technology; Bill Robison, guitar and vocalist, head of the Department of History and Political Science; Professor of Business Settoon, bass guitar and vocalist; and Ralph Wood, drums, assistant dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
     The song is the first release by the band since its 2015 debut album, Lipstick and Whiskey.

SUPPORTING FLOOD RELIEF – Impaired Faculties, a local rock band whose members also happen to be Southeastern professors, has released an original song, Waterline, which is being sold online with proceeds going to the SLU Disaster Relief Fund. The group includes, from left, Professor of Business Randy Settoon, Dean of the College of Science and Technology Dan McCarthy, Professor of Communication Joe Burns, Head of the Department of History and Political Science William Robison, and Assistant Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Ralph Wood.

Peace and purpose imagePeace and Purpose Committee hosts Mindfulness Series at Sims Library
Introduction to Mindfulness is a series of meditations and discussions for students, faculty, and staff. Join us Thursday, Sept. 1, at 4 p.m., at Sims Library, room 252.
     This four-part series meets the first Thursday of each month during the fall semester. For more information, email Roxanne Stoehr at roxanne.stoehr@southeastern.edu.

Fresh water fishes of Louisiana is topic of Science on tap presentation
Southeastern’s Department of Biological Sciences will launch its fourth year of Science on Tap, a series of scientific discussions geared to the layperson, with a presentation on fishes of Louisiana on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
     Professor of Biological Sciences Kyle Piller will address “Inland Fishes of Louisiana: An Overview of a Unique and Underappreciated Fauna” at the presentation scheduled at 7 p.m. at Tope Lá Catering, 113 East Thomas St. in Hammond. The lecture is free and open to all ages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
     “Fishes are the most diverse group of vertebrates on the planet,” said Piller, an ichthyologist or fish specialist. “Although many of Louisiana’s marine fishes – such as the redfish and speckled trout – are familiar to Louisiana’s sportsmen, the state’s freshwater fish diversity remains unfamiliar and underappreciated. This is despite the large number of species in our streams, rivers, bayous and lakes.”
     Piller said the presentation will provide an overview of Louisiana’s inland freshwater diversity and will highlight some of the interesting life-histories, behaviors, and habitats of the many freshwater fishes in the state.  
     For information on future Science on Tap presentations, contact the Department of Biological Sciences at 549-3740.

Employers invited to participate in Southeastern's Career Fair Sept. 15
Southeastern’s Office of Career Services is recruiting employers and businesses to participate in its annual Career Fair scheduled this year for Thursday, Sept. 15.
     An event planned exclusively for Southeastern students and alumni, Career Fair 2016 will be held in the Pennington Student Activity Center on the corner of University Avenue and General Pershing from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
     Ken Ridgedell, director of Career Services, said the fair typically attracts more than 130 area and national employers.   
     “Career Fair 2016 gives employers the ability to conveniently interact directly with over 1,000 students and alumni ready to learn about career opportunities,” Ridgedell said. “The event allows employers to more effectively identify candidates with the right mix of qualifications, personality, attitude, ability, and desire that best fits their organization’s culture, philosophy, and job openings ­ whether those openings are available now or in the near future.”
     Ridgedell added that many Southeastern students express an interest in meeting with employers who offer national, regional and local opportunities.
     For additional information on Career Fair 2016 or to register as an employer participant, visit www.southeastern.edu/careerfair or contact Career Services at (985) 549 2121 or careerservices@southeastern.edu. Deadline to register as an employer participant is Sept. 1.

SOUTHEASTERN IN THE NEWS

Baton Rouge Advocate
SLU creates regional flood relief web portal
QuickBooks seminar planned in Hammond

ESPN
Robert Alford eager to help Baton Rouge flood victims
Hammond Daily Star
Universities Unite: Former Lions athletic chief initiates donations drive in Mobile

SLU offers counseling after flood
Band sings of resilience, draws relief donations

Faculty Senate president to advocate for higher ed
The Hayride
University faculty band releases song for Louisiana flood victims, donating all money to relief efforts
 

THIS WEEK IN ATHLETICS

The Southeastern football and cross country teams will open their respective 2016 seasons during this week in Southeastern Athletics.
     The Lion football team will open the season in Stillwater, Oklahoma, facing Oklahoma State at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The host Cowboys are ranked No. 19 in the coaches poll and No. 21 in the Associated Press poll in the FBS national rankings. SLU is receiving votes in the coaches poll at the FCS level.
     Saturday’s game will be televised live on Fox Sports Network (FSN). Channels which the game will be broadcast on specific platforms will be announced early in the week. The game can also be heard on the Southeastern Sports Radio Network, which includes flagship station KSLU-FM (90.9), as well as affiliates Kajun 107.1 FM, The Highway 104.7 FM and WFPR-AM (1400). Fans can also hear the game online at www.LionSports.net/listenlive and the TuneIn Radio app.
     The cross country teams will also open up their 2016 season this week. The Lions and Lady Lions will be in New Orleans on Friday to compete in the UNO Invitational.
     The SLU soccer team (1-2-1) will open the week at home, hosting Mississippi Valley State on Friday at 7 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium. LionVision subscribers will be able to access a live video of Friday’s match at www.LionSports.net. On Sunday, the Lady Lions will hit the road for a 6 p.m. match at Louisiana-Lafayette.
     The Southeastern volleyball team (1-1) will begin a 10-match road swing this week with four matches on the slate. On Tuesday, Southeastern will be at Troy for a 6 p.m. match before heading to Mobile, Alabama to compete in the Jaguar Invitational hosted by South Alabama.
     The Lady Lions open the tournament versus the host Jaguars at 1 p.m. on Friday, before facing Florida A&M later in the day at 4 p.m. On Saturday, SLU closes the tournament with a 10:30 a.m. match versus Florida International.

MON

AUG 29

Football, Inside Southeastern Football with Ron Roberts, Cate Street Seafood Station, 11 a.m.
Football, Ron Roberts Coaches Show, Buddies Bar and Grill, 7 p.m. (KSLU 90.9) (Kajun 107.1) (The Highway 104.7) (WFPR 1400)

   
TUES
AUG 30

Volleyball, at Troy, Troy, Ala., 6 p.m.

   
FRI
SEPT 2

Soccer, vs. Mississippi Valley State, Strawberry Stadium,

7 p.m. (LionVision)
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, at UNO Invitational, New Orleans, All Day
Volleyball, at South Alabama (Jaguar Invitational), Mobile, Ala., 1 p.m.
Volleyball, vs. Florida A&M (Jaguar Invitational), Mobile, Ala., 4 p.m.

   

SAT

SEPT 3

Football, at Oklahoma State, Stillwater, Okla., 2:30 p.m. (FSN) (KSLU 90.9) (Kajun 107.1) (The Highway (104.7) (WFPR 1400)
Volleyball, vs. Florida International (Jaguar Invitational), Mobile, Ala., 10:30 a.m.

   
SUN
SEPT 4

Soccer, at Louisiana-Lafayette, Lafayette, 6 p.m.

Southeastern home events in bold.
* - Southland Conference contest

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Dr. Michael Ruybalid (Teaching and Learning) recently gave a successful oral defense of his dissertation, allowing him to earn his Ph.D. in music education from the University of Oklahoma. His dissertation, “Predictors of Elementary Students’ Intentions to Continue in Music when Entering Middle or Junior High School,” was an examination of the potential variables that influence children’s enrollment decisions in music classes when leaving elementary school and entering the secondary grades.

 

ByLion is published weekly online (bi-weekly during the summer session) for the faculty and staff of Southeastern Louisiana University. Submission deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Send Submissions to
Email: publicinfo@southeastern.edu
Mail to: SLU 10880, Hammond, LA 70402
Fax: (985) 549-2061
Or bring to the University Marketing and Communications Office in East Stadium.