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Chamber Orchestra to perform ‘Farewell Concert’ May 2 in honor of retiring conductor
The Southeastern Chamber Orchestra will perform its annual spring concert on Tuesday,
May 2, at 7 p.m. in the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Hammond.
Titled “Farewell Concert,” the program will be the final concert at Southeastern
under the direction of retiring Professor of Violin Yakov Voldman. The concert, which
will feature classic pieces by Wagner, Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky and others, will
include a number of alumni musicians performing with the student orchestra.
General admission tickets are $10 for adults; $5 faculty, staff, seniors, and
non-Southeastern students. Southeastern students are admitted free with their university
ID cards. Tickets are available at the Columbia Theatre box office at 220 East Thomas
St. or at the door on the night of the concert. Call 543-4371 for ticket information.
The evening’s program will open with Prelude to Act III from the opera “Lohengrin”
by Wagner and will also include Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat major
BMV,” and two pieces by Mendelssohn: “Concerto in D minor” and “Violin Concerto in
E minor op.64.” The program will include well-known pieces such as Suppe’s “Light
Cavalry Overture,” Tchaikovsky’s waltz from “Swan Lake,” and will conclude with Rossini’s
“William Tell Overture.”
“This is a major life event for Professor Voldman and his family. We thank him
for his years of teaching and dedication to Southeastern and the Hammond community,”
said Dale Newkirk, interim head of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. “We
will witness the final concert under the direction of Professor Voldman, who will
retire after 24 years of dedicated service to Southeastern and his students. There
have been many memorable concerts throughout the years, and this concert performed
by his students from the past and present will be a memorable event.”
“I am sad that I will no longer be a part of the cultural landscape of this community
and Southeastern,” said Voldman, who will be moving with his wife, pianist Raisa Voldman,
to Colorado to be near his son. “I am eternally grateful that 24 years ago I was given
the opportunity to serve Southeastern, and I thank all the people who believed in
me and trusted in my ability to create the string program and build an orchestra from
scratch.”
Voldman said the concert leaves him with a bittersweet feeling in his heart.
“I am overwhelmed with joy seeing so many of my former and current students,
who are now accomplished musicians and exceptional individuals, come together for
this performance. I am honored, proud and grateful to have been a part of their growth
as musicians and to have witnessed and rejoiced in their successes.”
A native of Moldova in Eastern Europe, Voldman studied violin at the Moscow Conservatory.
In 1990 he moved to the United States, -- “the land of opportunity,” as he says –
to raise his son in a free nation. After a few years of menial employment – him stocking
shelves in a liquor store, his wife washing dishes in a restaurant -- both he and
his wife became proficient in English and were able to find work in their fields of
music.
The family moved to Hammond in 1992, where he joined the music faculty and organized
the string program which had few students at Southeastern. He said Southeastern then
did not have a strong string program, and focused primarily on teaching music education
majors the fundamentals of stringed instruments. Voldman said he turned to his contacts
throughout the world to recruit musicians from Eastern Europe, Asia, South America
and other regions to help build the string program at Southeastern.
“Since there were no strong string programs to speak of in our area, I knew that
if I was going to recruit talented string performers I would have to look elsewhere,”
he explained. “Southeastern could not compete with schools such as Julliard, the Eastman
School of Music, Indiana University and others in recruiting the top talent within
the United States. What we could do is recruit talented students who could not afford
to go to those institutions but who wanted to come to the United States to study.
And that led to the recruitment of other musicians, such as pianists and other instrumentalists,
because of their friends who came to study strings.”
Voldman finds teaching students with raw talent one of the most fulfilling aspects
of his life in music. Teaching applied music, he said, is as much art and intuition
as it is science.
“An applied music instructor is like a coach in sports. He gives direction, but
in the end it is the student’s own natural talent, drive and determination that produce
results. Sometimes your role is to be demanding when the student is not giving it
his or her best efforts. At other times, it’s important to comfort and reassure the
student when he or she is clearly putting in the effort. There is no ‘one size fits
all’ solution to every problem.”
Voldman measures his success as a teacher by the success of his students. The
majority of Southeastern’s string majors are able to find positions in professional
orchestras before graduating.
“I feel the pride of a proud parent when I survey the achievements of my former
students,” he said. “While they have achieved great things already, I know that some
of them are destined for even greater successes. I can’t wait to witness their achievements.”
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Southeastern professor certified as Master Journalism Educator
Southeastern boasts the only Master Journalism Educator in the state upon Professor
Joseph A. Mirando recently receiving notice of his certification renewal from the
Journalism Education Association.
Having first earned the certification in 2007, Mirando successfully earned his
five-year re-certification. Only 179 teachers nationwide earned the certification.
“Journalism certification recognizes those teachers who have achieved national
standards of preparation to teach journalism classes and advise student publications,”
said Lucia Harrison, head of the Department of Languages and Communications. “Joe
has achieved national recognition and joins an elite group of Master Journalism Educator
teachers nationwide who regard journalism as an academic subject and recognize the
importance of having a highly qualified instructor in the journalism classroom.”
Mirando has taught for 35 years at Southeastern. He received an associate degree
in liberal arts in 1975 from Corning Community College in New York; a bachelor of
arts degree in journalism in 1977 from St. Bonaventure University, also in New York;
a master of arts degree in journalism in 1979 from the University of Alabama; and
a doctorate in communication in 1992 from the University of Southern Mississippi.
In addition to passing a written essay exam, the certification commission requires
each applicant to demonstrate an ability to contribute to the development and enhancement
of scholastic journalism education by submitting a project, such as a publishable
article, research, a survey, a textbook or booklet, or a teaching unit.
Mirando will be recognized at the spring JEA/NSPA national convention in Seattle.
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Southeastern Theatre Society wins national support to present touring children’s show
Jungle Book in region
The Southeastern chapter of Alpha Psi Omega National Honor Society is preparing a
touring production of “The Jungle Book” to be presented to children’s audiences next
year from Baton Rouge to Bogalusa.
In support of the effort, the university’s chapter of the APO theater organization
has received the first Frankie Day Chapter Advancement Grant in the amount of $1,000
from the national honor society, named after the late APO professor.
“The inaugural award was given to the Alpha Epsilon Psi Chapter at Southeastern
to support taking a production of ‘The Jungle Book’ on tour to schools in small towns
around Louisiana,” said APO national President Richard Jones of Stephen F. Austin
State University in Nagadoches, Tex. “In many cases, the kids exposed to this production
will never have seen live theater before. The national officers are proud to be able
to support this mission and are thrilled to have such a perfect example of what this
grant is intended for as the inaugural grantee.”
“The chapter has a proven record of success in bringing children’s shows to the
area, enriching the lives of many children who might not have this opportunity otherwise,”
said Karen Fontenot, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities. “The shows not only
promote theater, but make story book characters more vivid than they have ever been.”
Associate Professor of Theatre Jim Winter said the current academic year is the
first time in five years that Southeastern’s chapter was unable to produce a touring
show in the region due to many communities still recovering from the fall floods of
2016.
“We’re looking forward to bringing a show to the communities along the I-12 corridor.
It is our way of giving back to those communities for the support they provide to
Southeastern,” said Winter.
He said the grant will be used for construction and acquisition of props, costumes
and set pieces to be used in the 2018 production. A new script for “The Jungle Book”
is being prepared by Tommy Jamerson of New Jersey, an award-winning playwright known
for his adapted children’s plays such as “Choose Your Own Oz,” “Alice the Brave and
Other Tales from Wonderland,” and “Once Upon a Pine: The Adventures of Pinocchio.”
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Southeastern Channel student wins Capitol Correspondents Scholarship
A Southeastern student television news reporter has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship
by the Capitol Correspondents Association in Baton Rouge.
Maria Goddard of New Orleans, a reporter-anchor for the Southeastern Channel’s
award-winning student newscast “Northshore News,” was presented the award at the Capitol
Correspondents Association’s 66th Annual Gridiron Show in Baton Rouge.
The Capitol Correspondents Association of Baton Rouge is a non-profit organization
that supports print and broadcast journalists who report on Louisiana state and local
government and politics. The organization performs an annual gridiron show that provides
an opportunity to roast the political figures they cover with satirical, sharply comedic
musical skits. Proceeds from the show support scholarship programs for journalism
students as well as other charities.
“I just want to thank God and the Capitol Correspondents Association,” Goddard
said to the audience upon receiving her check at the event. “I’m really honored that
you consider students this much and want to support our education and our future,
and it’s really such an honor to meet all of the big shots of journalism.”
“I also want to thank Mr. Rick Settoon and everyone at the Southeastern Channel
because I came in from scratch knowing nothing about broadcasting, and they really
taught me everything and gave me great opportunities,” Goddard added.
To become eligible for the scholarship, a student must have at least junior standing
and major in broadcast or print communications at Southeastern, LSU, the University
of Louisiana-Lafayette or Southern University. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average
is required, along with a letter from the student and three examples of the student’s
work in either broadcast or print format.
The panel of judges for the CCA scholarship committee was made up of current
and former journalists in the print and broadcast professions. Goddard was presented
the scholarship check by CCA president Marsha Shuler, a long-time reporter for the
Baton Rouge Advocate who now works for the Division of Administration of Gov. John
Bel Edwards. Shuler noted that the journalism scholarship is especially important
for Louisiana college students with recent cuts to TOPs funding.
Goddard was also recently honored by the Mississippi-Louisiana Associated Press
Broadcasters with first place in the “Best College TV Feature Story” category for
her story, “Lucky the Horse.” She also recently won a “Mark of Excellence” award given
by the Society of Professional Journalists for Region 12 (Louisiana, Mississippi,
Arkansas, Tennessee) for “Best College TV Feature Story.”
Over the past two years Goddard, a communication major who graduates in May,
has also been honored with the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters’ WDSU Billy Pilgrim
Scholarship, the Press Club of New Orleans Scholarship, and the Public Relations Society
of America Multicultural and Diversity Scholarship.
“When I was looking at colleges I put all my eggs in one basket, which was Southeastern,
because I was told time and again that Southeastern had the best communication program
in the state,” Goddard said. “And I was able to witness it myself. Now that I’m graduating
I’m very grateful for having chosen Southeastern, as it’s really prepared me for the
workplace.”
 CORRESPONDENTS AWARD- Southeastern student Maria Goddard of New Orleans, left, was recently presented
a $1,000 scholarship check by the Capitol Correspondents Association of Baton Rouge.
Goddard, a television reporter-anchor for the Southeastern Channel’s award-winning
student newscast “Northshore News” was presented the check by CCA President Martha
Shuler, also former reporter for the Baton Rouge Advocate and now with the Louisiana
State Division of Administration.
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Sims Library’s Kelsey recognized by Louisiana Library Association
Paul Kelsey of Southeastern’s Linus A. Sims Memorial Library has been recognized
by the Louisiana Library Association as a recipient of its Article of the Year Award.
Head of acquisitions at the library, Kelsey was honored for his article, “Demand
Driven Acquisitions: Perspectives from a Second Year Pilot,” which was selected by
the award panel based upon its technical merit and educational value to Louisiana
librarians. Published in “Louisiana Libraries,” the official journal of the Louisiana
Library Association, the article presents guidelines, suggestions and perspectives
regarding the practice demand-driven acquisitions (DDA), which is now an established
ebook acquisitions model in many academic libraries. The project detailed in the article
is entering its third year at Southeastern.
“I am delighted that Paul Kelsey is the recipient of this year’s Article of the
Year Award from the LLA,” said Sims Library Director Eric Johnson. “Our academic librarians
wear many hats, one of which is that of scholarship, and Paul definitely exemplifies
the scholarly aspect of our role. His article was well deserving of the award, and
we're proud of his success.”
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 Southeastern's Science on Tap presents ‘GMOs’
The term “genetically modified organisms” and the abbreviation GMOs are now seen frequently
in grocery stores, advertisements and restaurants, mainly promoting a GMO-free product.
But do most people really know what this is about? That’s the question to be addressed
at Southeastern’s next Science on Tap presentation on Tuesday, May 2. This will be
the final Science on Tap presentation this year until the series resumes in the fall.
Sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences, the presentation by Instructor
Tara Turley-Stoulig will be held at 7 p.m. at Tope La Catering, 113 East Thomas St.
in Hammond. The lecture is free and open to all ages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
“GMOs are generated using biotechnology, and there is considerable confusion regarding
their uses, benefits, concerns and misconceptions,” Turley-Stoulig said. “The field
of genetics has seen rapid advancement in the technologically fast-paced world of
modern science. We will explore the types of GMOs being produced and whether this
is a technology meant only for plants.”
She said her presentation will include a primer on DNA and chromosomes as well
as genes and how they work.
“We’ll discuss the role of genetic engineering in today’s society and what the
future holds for this ever-changing field,” she added.
For information on this or future Science on Tap presentations, contact the Department
of Biological Sciences at 549-3740.
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 Southeastern Channel now available on mobile devices
Southeastern’s cable television channel is now available on mobile devices.
The live 24/7 broadcast of the Southeastern Channel is available for viewing
on all mobile platforms, including iPhone and Android. Known for its diversity of
educational, community, entertainment, cultural and sports programming, the channel’s
live television broadcast can now be watched on all mobile devices at southeastern.edu/tv/live.
The channel, available through Charter Communications, airs on Channel 199 in
St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena parishes and currently reaches
90,000 homes on Charter with a potential viewing audience of 250,000 on the Northshore
alone.
Until recently, online viewers of the Southeastern Channel’s live 24/7 simulcast
have had to watch on a desktop or laptop computer from the channel’s home page southeastern.edu/tv.
That monthly viewership has registered in all 50 U.S. states and 47 countries each
month.
“Recent updates to our studio and broadcast equipment now make the Southeastern
Channel's live broadcast available to anyone, anywhere, on any desktop computer, laptop,
smartphone or tablet,” General Manager Rick Settoon said. “Whether it’s educational
programming like history shows or telecourses, community programs, performances like
musical concerts, or Southeastern sports events, we receive regular requests to watch
our programming from loyal viewers who are often on the go. Now they can watch if
a television, desktop or laptop isn’t accessible, as can viewers who are more dependent
on their mobile devices.”
The Southeastern Channel recently upgraded to High Definition (HD) for studio
production, broadcast and delivery.
The channel has also expanded its streaming capabilities to include live streams
of its production of Southeastern sports events, dual enrollment classes and entertainment
events. The Southeastern Channel has live streamed football, soccer, basketball, baseball
and softball games, along with the Miss Southeastern pageant during the past year.
Next year volleyball games and additional music events will be added to the streaming
lineup.
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Northlake Community Band to present free concert
The Community Music School at Southeastern will present a free Northlake Community
Band Concert titled “From the Sublime to the Frivolous” on Tuesday, May 9, at 7:30
p.m. in Pottle Auditorium on Southeastern’s campus.
“The Northlake Community band brings together current and retired professional
musicians, many high school students, as well as musicians who just recently came
back to playing music,” said Community School Music Director Jivka Duke. “Dr. Jerry
Voorhees, the band’s director, brings an immeasurable talent in presenting concerts
that are skillfully performed, well presented and a true joy to attend.”
“The Northlake Community Band is one of the great assets to the cultural life
of the Northshore community,” she added.
Duke said the Northlake Community Band always welcomes new members.
For more information, contact the Community Music School at cms@southeastern.edu or 549-5502.
For the Community Music School’s summer band camp and workshops, visit www.southeastern.edu/cms.
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Southeastern’s Delta Tau Delta Chapter earns top award
Epsilon Phi Chapter of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at Southeastern is the recipient
of the prestigious Hugh Shields Flag, presented to only the top 10 chapters across
the United States.
The Hugh Shields flag is the highest award the national fraternity can bestow
upon a chapter and is based on overall performance and programming in the areas of
academics, finances, recruitment, membership education, operations, campus leadership,
service and alumni relations.
The award marks the 17th time the chapter has been named among the fraternity’s
top 10.
Other awards won by Epsilon Phi included excellence in academics and educational
programming for life beyond college. The awards were given at the fraternity’s annual
Southern Division Conference which was held recently in Marietta, Ga.
Chapter President for 2016 Justin Archote was named President of the Year for
the Division. The awards capped another impressive year for Epsilon Phi. Their cumulative
GPA for fall 2015 was 3.18; for spring 2016 it was 2.967.
The chapter conducted a number of community service projects during 2016, including
numerous charitable causes such as MADD Dash, the Hammond Police Union Ball, the Tangi
Humane Society, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Founation, the fraternity’s national
philanthropy. Nearly $11,000 was raised for JDRF at the chapter’s first-ever clay
Shoot Competition last April. Campus service included work at the Southeastern Laboratory
School, Chef’s Evening, and Champagne Bingo. The chapter also sponsored programs on
sexual assault, the importance of voting and interview tips, among other topics.
“This Southern Division Conference was efficient and effective in better preparing
me for the coming year as President,” said current Chapter President Tristyn Wheeler.
“The Conference left me, and the rest of our chapter, feeling renewed and ready to
go. This year we are looking forward to our second annual JDRF clay shoot on April
29, where we will be looking to break last year’s dollars raised.”
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Center for Faculty Excellence news
As part of The Center for Faculty Excellence’s “Celebrate” initiative, the month
of April was dedicated to the celebration and recognition of Sims Library. Students,
faculty, staff and visitors left “Thank You” messages on the appreciation banner,
which was presented to the director, Eric Johnson.
Sims Library strives to provide resources and services that will serve as a launching
pad for students and faculty to achieve their goals. The library put tremendous effort
into instruction, which includes one-shot research starter sessions, a credit-bearing
library research skills class, and the heavily used 24/7 live chat reference service.
Ultimately, the goal is to empower library users with the skills necessary for productive
and enjoyable information seeking.
Sims Library also endeavors to be the creative and intellectual hub of campus.
Through events and exhibits Sims Library is the go-to place for showcasing talent
around campus.
For nearly two decades, “Readings at Sims” has invited talented creative writers
from the community to share their work and encourage literacy through listening.
“Let’s Talk: Art,” a collaboration with Visual Arts and the Hammond Regional Art
Center, features art lectures by faculty and art history upper-classmen as well as
community artists.
As part of Southeastern’s “Peace and Purpose” initiative, the Library provides
“Take a Breather” study breaks during final exams week, introducing mindfulness and
mediation breaks to students for success on final exams. A newly renovated second
floor study area has quickly become a popular venue with its comfortable furniture,
whiteboards for individual or group presentations, and charging stations for mobile
devices.
Most importantly, a very talented and experienced library faculty and staff is
on hand to provide assistance, build collections, and ensure that the university community’s
research needs are being met.
 THANK YOU SIMS LIBRARY - Pictured from left are Cathy Tijerino, Debbie Johnson, Angela Dunnington, Eric
Johnson, Beth Stahr and Paul Kelsey.
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Baseball, The Matt Riser Show, Buddies’ Bar & Grill, 7 p.m. (KSLU) (Kajun) (The Highway)
(WFPR)
