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Dance, lectures, music and art highlight Fanfare’s second week
Dance, lectures, music and an art exhibit are some of the events highlighting the
second week of Fanfare, Southeastern’s annual fall arts festival.
First up is Southeastern Dance’s presentation of “DanceInterwoven: A Night of
Improvisational Dance and Music” on Oct. 10. Scheduled at 6:30 p.m., the event begins
outside of Pottle Music Building and evolves into a night of live music and dance
on stage.
Tickets to the 60-minute concert are $8 for students, seniors and children and
$10 general admission and will be available one hour prior to the performance in the
Pottle lobby.
For more information, contact Costa at Keith.Costa@southeastern.edu.
On Oct. 11, the Department of History and Political Science’s “Then and Now Lecture
Series” continues with the second presentation of the free series. Southeastern HIPS
faculty member Keith Finley will present “Local World War II Veterans Tell Their Stories:
The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies Interviews” at 1 p.m. in Pottle Auditorium.
“World War II veterans often were reluctant to talk about their experiences when
they first returned home. But approaching old age, many began to tell their stories
for posterity,” Finley said. “Dozens came forward to do so at Southeastern’s Center
for Southeast Louisiana Studies. I will describe that process and recount some of
the best anecdotes the center collected.”
Also on Oct. 11, Southeastern’s Contemporary Art Gallery will open a sculpture
installation by Jamey Grimes, an instructor of drawing, sculpture, and 3D design and
engineering at Alabama. The free opening reception will take place from 5 – 7 p.m.
in the gallery.
The exhibit, “Fragments of a Conversation with Nature,” will be uniquely tailored
by Grimes for the CAG’s space, has been described by the artist as creating an environment
of organic forms that are both alien and familiar. The exhibit will remain open until
Nov. 10 and is free and open to the public.
The final lecture of the free series, “Generations of Struggle: Perspectives
on Race and Justice from Reconstruction to the Present,” is scheduled Oct. 12 at 6:30
p.m. in the Hammond Library.
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will present “Evening at the Cinema” on
Oct. 13. Scheduled at 7:30 p.m. in Columbia Theatre, the concert includes Verdi’s
“Overture to La Forza del destino,” Bock’s “Fiddler on the Roof for Violin and Orchestra,”
and Tchaikovsky’s “Suite from Swan Lake.”
General admission tickets are $37 and $20 and are available at lpomusic.com.
Rounding out the week is a free book festival at the Hammond Library, located
at 314 East Thomas St. in downtown Hammond. Scheduled Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
the event will have an autumn adventure theme featuring a canned and nonperishable
food drive benefiting the Tangi Food Pantry, as well as a pumpkin decorating station,
where children can decorate a free pie-sized pumpkin from the library. Local non-profits
and other organizations will be in attendance to provide the public with giveaways
and information items. Everyone will be provided with a free book.
Fanfare tickets are on sale at the Columbia/Fanfare box office, 220 E. Thomas
Street, 543-4371. The box office is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
and one hour prior to Columbia performances. For a complete schedule, contact the
Columbia/Fanfare office at 543-4366 or visit columbiatheatre.org.
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Employee Benefits and Wellness Fair is Oct. 10
The Employee Benefits and Wellness Fair is scheduled tomorrow, Oct. 10, in the Student
Union Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Employees can make changes to current benefits, add new benefits, and find new
ways to save for retirement.
Two presentations will be offered this year. The first is scheduled at 9:30 a.m.
and is titled “Maximize Your Life: Three Healthy Lifestyle Tips to Energize and Revitalize.”
The second is scheduled at 2 p.m. and is titled “Get Your Laugh On.”
Additionally, blood pressure checks will be offered, and attendees can enjoy
fun snacks.
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Southeastern art gallery to showcase Tuscaloosa sculptor
An exhibit by University of Alabama sculptor Jamey Grimes – titled “Fragments of
a Conversation with Nature”—will be on display in Southeastern’s Contemporary Art
Gallery Oct. 11 – Nov. 10.
An instructor of drawing, sculpture, and 3D design and engineering at Alabama,
Grimes’ work is described by the artist as resembling corals and lattices of living
vines resting on pedestals or suspended from the ceiling.
The opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 11 in the gallery. The
gallery is located in East Stadium, 411 Ned McGehee Drive. The exhibit is free and
open to the public.
The exhibit, which will be uniquely tailored by Grimes for the CAG’s space, will
immerse the audience in an environment of organic forms that are both alien and familiar.
In a 2017 interview with Locate Art’s blog “The Focus,” Grimes said that his early
interest and studies in biology set him on his pursuit of a career in art rather than
science.
“When studying biology, I discovered that my biggest and best questions fit more
appropriately in an art conversation rather than within a scientific career,” he said.
“I’ve definitely been inspired by explorations and observations of the natural world.”
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Grant from 23andMe aids in genetics instruction at Southeastern
An educational grant from the genetics testing firm 23andMe, Inc. (“23andMe”) will
enable some Southeastern students taking undergraduate biology courses the opportunity
to gain a greater understanding of genetics than in a traditional course.
Biology Instructor Tara Turley-Stoulig was awarded 100 complimentary 23andMe
Health + Ancestry Service kits after applying to the 23andMe Education Grant program.
Turley-Stoulig was selected as one of the three grand prize winners for her innovative
teaching proposal that advances genetics education.
“We will be using the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service to give students the
opportunity to gain greater insight into basic genetics,” Turley-Stoulig said. “These
will be very interactive classes with lots of participation by the students.”
Approximately 100 students in her introductory biology course and genetics course
will have the option to participate in the project.
Turley-Stoulig believes students are expected to show significantly more interest
in the topic of genetics when their personal profiles are involved.
“The project will enhance the biology learning experience and provide a mechanism
by which students become aware of technologies and information that they may not otherwise
have exposure to,” she explained. “In addition, I think this may encourage students
to pursue studies in genetics and other STEM (science, technology, engineering and
math) disciplines.”
Students involved in the project will take a pre-assessment test to gauge their
current knowledge of genetics and an after-project test to determine what they learned.
Turley-Stoulig said the science behind the genetics testing will be discussed,
including the processing of the sample and how the data is generated. Included will
be instruction on the molecular techniques used in the lab.
Using the 23andMe kits, the students will provide a saliva sample in the tube
provided in the kit. Once results are available online, the class will be able to
talk about what the data means, Turley-Stoulig said.
“We will involve the students in learning how to interpret the data from their
results so they can see frequencies of certain variants in the class and learn about
human traits,” she said. “It’s important that the students learn what the data can
and cannot tell you.”
A final aspect of the program involves a collaboration with the Southeastern
Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology. Working with Assistant Professor
of Computer Science John Burris, the students can opt-in to share their 23andMe genetic
data to be mapped in mathematical algorithms to yield an artistic rendition of their
genetic information. The algorithms will be used to create a musical rendition of
each student’s genetic data and a piece of computer-generated visual art.
“This is an unusual approach to genetics data interpretation, but it is a fun
and creative approach that allows students to appreciate their genetic makeup in a
different light,” Turley-Stoulig said.
“We expect this project to enhance the biology learning experiences for undergraduate
students,” she said. “Research shows that diverse modes of instruction result in increased
learning, and by employing this model the students will be exposed to higher-level
lab skills and techniques that are not generally covered with students at this level.”
LEARNING ABOUT GENETICS – Southeastern nursing student Emily Kron of Ponchatoula, left, receives her 23andMe
Health + Ancestry Service testing kit and instructions from Southeastern Biology Instructor
Tara Turley-Stoulig. Southeastern students are participating in an interactive genetics
course designed to provide a more intensive orientation to the topic of human genetics.
The project is sponsored by the geneticd testing firm 23andMe, Inc.
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Southeastern conducts blood drive
 Devan Hariford, right, a Southeastern nursing major from Brusly, gives blood Wednesday,
while Nolita Carrier of the Blood Center preps accounting major Karen Villegas of
Kenner for donation. The blood drive was held on campus as part of Homecoming Week.
The students said they were inspired to donate blood after seeing the news of the
Las Vegas shooting.
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The Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability relocates
The newly-renamed Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability (formerly Student
Conduct) is now located in 207 Mims Hall. The office moved from its previous location
in the Student Union Annex Suite 1305.
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Jazz Ensemble and Combo concert tonight
The University Jazz Ensemble and Combo, under the direction of Michael Brothers and
John Madere, will present their first concert of the fall 2017 semester tonight at
7:30 p.m., in Pottle Music Building Recital Hall. Admission is free.
The program will include “Bye Bye Blackbird” by Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon,
arranged by Tom Kubis; “Computer,” composed and arranged by Bob Mintzer; “Speak Like
A Child” by Herbie Hancock, arranged by Bob Mintzer; “Four” by Miles Davis, arranged
by Willie Maiden; “A Brazilian Affair,” composed and arranged by Bob Mintzer; and
“Nostalgia In Times Square” by Charles Mingus, arranged by Ray Leonard.
For more information, contact the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at 549-2184.
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Southeastern’s Columbia Theatre to present The Heart Behind the Music
Southeastern’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts will present Teddy Gentry,
a member of the country music group Alabama, Grammy Award Winner John Berry, “The
Voice” finalist Lauren Duski, pictured above, and Dove Award Winner Lenny LeBlanc
in one night of hit songs and stories in “The Heart Behind the Music,” songwriter’s
showcase.
Scheduled Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m., the concert will take place in the downtown
Hammond theatre. Following the concert, fans can take part in a free meet and greet
with the artists.
Columbia Theatre Director Roy Blackwood said the songwriter’s showcase brings
to the stage some of the world’s best singers and songwriters who share the meaning
and music behind their songs.
“This concert provides an up close and personal insight into some of the greatest
music ever written and performances by some of the music industry’s most talented
musicians,” said Blackwood. “We are excited about bringing these award-winning musicians
to the Columbia Theatre in this great, family-oriented production.”
Gentry co-wrote 16 of Alabama’s 43 number one hits, including “Christmas in Dixie,”
“Give Me One More Shot,” “How Do You Fall in Love,” “Why Lady Why,” and many others.
Berry, a well-known country singer and songwriter, has had 19 hits on Billboard
Hot Country Songs charts, including the number one single “Your Love Amazes Me.” He
also received the Horizon Award and was nominated top male vocalist by the Country
Music Association.
Duski, a rising country singer and songwriter, started performing in public at
the age of seven and has written songs since middle school. She found a place in the
hearts of millions of viewers during her recent appearance as a finalist on NBC’s
television show “The Voice.”
Singer and songwriter LeBlanc has had number one hits for Michael W. Smith (“Above
All”), Sawyer Brown (“Treat Her Right”), and the most current release from Willie
Nelson (“Old Timer”). A powerful vocalist, LeBlanc was also a part of the duo LeBlanc
and Carr, who had the top 10 hit “Falling.”
Tickets for “The Heart Behind the Music” are $30 in the orchestra or balcony
and $40 in the loge. Tickets can be purchased at the Columbia Theatre Box Office at
220 East Thomas Street in Hammond, which is open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Friday,
online at columbiatheatre.org, or by phone at 543-4371.
A special student ticket price of $15 is available for all students of any school,
while supplies last. Students must present their school IDs at the Columbia box office
to receive the discounted price.
Additionally, all Southeastern faculty, retired faculty or university staff with
ID may purchase one ticket for the concert and receive one ticket at half price. Both
tickets must be purchased in the same transaction and for the same price at the Columbia
box office.
For more information, contact the Columbia Theatre at 543-4366.
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Southeastern names Armand writer-in-residence
Award-winning novelist and Southeastern English Instructor David Armand has been
named the university’s writer-in-residence.
A native of Folsom and resident of Hammond, Armand is the author of three novels,
a book of poetry and a memoir based on the mental health struggles of his mother.
He is due to have another novel published next year.
“We’re so fortunate to have a writer as prolific and talented as David serve
as our writer- in-residence,” said Karen Fontenot, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities
and Social Sciences. “David is a nationally recognized author who excels in a variety
of genres, including fiction, memoir, and poetry. Our students are lucky to have him
as a resource.”
“As our new writer-in-residence, David Armand will provide our students with
ongoing support for their writing beyond what he is already teaching in creative writing
classes and thesis direction,” said David Hanson, head of the Department of English.
“I cannot count how many times students throughout the university have made a special
point to tell us how a class taught by David turned out to be a transformative experience
for them because his teaching raised them to an appreciation of literature and a love
of writing that they had never suspected possible for themselves.”
As writer-in-residence, Armand will be allowed some time away from teaching in
order to spend more time on writing. He will continue to teach creative writing, will
direct graduate students’ theses and expects to set up special readings and talks
in Southeastern’s Writing Center.
Armand received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in English at Southeastern;
he readily acknowledges the instruction and support he received from the university
and faculty members who served as mentors.
In 2016 he was honored with Southeastern’s President’s Award for Artistic Activity
and was named the St. Tammany President’s Artist of the Year. His first novel, “The
Pugilist’s Wife,” earned the George Garrett Fiction Prize, and his second novel, “Harlow,”
was listed on Amazon’s best novels about dysfunctional families.
Armand has been recognized by reviewers as an up-and-coming Southern author whose
works have been compared to William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor and Cormac McCarthy.
He draws heavily from his experiences in south Louisiana in his work.
“I always have to be writing about Louisiana; it is what I know,” he said. “One
of the most powerful aspects of literature is how the most inherently regional stories
are often the most universally understood.”
In addition to “The Pugilist’s Wife” and “Harlow,” his works include the novel
“The Gorge,” the memoir “My Mother’s House,” and the book of poetry “The Deep Woods.”
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Let's Talk Art scheduled Oct. 18
The second lecture of the free fall series “Let’s Talk: Art,” sponsored jointly by
Southeastern’s Department of Visual Art + Design, the Hammond Regional Arts Center
(HRAC), and Friends of Sims Memorial Library, is scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 18, at
5 p.m.
The presentation will be held at the Southeastern Contemporary Art Gallery on
campus.
Brianna Reeves, art history concentration student, will present “Jean Dubuffet’s Return
to Humanity in the Context of World War II.”
“In 1940s Paris during the German occupation, the French modern artist Jean Dubuffet
created an art style known as Art Brut, in which he demanded a return to humanity.
Inspired by the art of children and the insane, Dubuffet renounced traditional academic
painting in the face of an ‘anti-rational’ world,” said Sims Library Director Eric
Johnson. “This talk is an evaluation of this seminal work and a discussion of its
relevance today.”
For more information, contact Johnson at 549-3962.
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 Southeastern receives donation from performance contractors
Steve Bomar of Performance Contractors, Inc., one of the state’s largest industrial
contracting and fabrication firms, presents a $2,500 check to Southeastern senior
Rashaan Albert of Baton Rouge, president of the SLU chapter of the American Welding
Society. The funds will be used to send several Southeastern students to the national
organization’s annual meeting in November in Chicago.
Pictured are, from left, Southeastern Vice President for University Advancement
Wendy Johns Lauderdale, Director of Development Lynn Horgan, IT Instructor Anthony
Blakeney, Bomar, Albert, and industrial technology students Elliot Crosby of New Orleans,
Samson Ajayi of Nigeria, and Mac McGuire of Mandeville.
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Wine Tasting to benefit Sims Library
The group Friends of Sims Library (FoSL) is hosting its ninth annual “Wine with Friends,”
a fundraiser for Southeastern’s Linus A. Sims Memorial Library, at 7 p.m. on Friday,
Nov. 3.
Held on the second floor at the library, the popular event will feature six wines
paired with food samplings, live music, a silent auction that boasts art, books, wine
and gift certificates, and door prizes, said Library Director Eric Johnson.
“We have some unusual auction items this year, such as a Turtle Cove boat tour,
a 12-month Mystery Experience subscription, and a VIP pass to the Tennessee Williams/New
Orleans Literary Festival,” Johnson said. “Once again, wines will be introduced by
Todd Delaune from The Red, White and Brew in downtown Hammond. Todd will provide details
about the wine’s history and flavor adding to the evening’s culinary experience.”
FoSL is an organization that supports the activities and collections of the library.
Funds generated by FoSL are used to supplement the library’s annual budget, purchase
needed equipment and resources, and provide programs, lectures, author readings and
signings, and other special events.
Johnson said all funds raised go directly to the library, thanks to donations
from area businesses.
Tickets are $35 each. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the tasting beginning at 7
p.m. Space is limited, so early reservations are requested. Tickets will not be sold
at the door.
Order tickets online at southeastern.edu/libraryfriends or via check payable to Southeastern Foundation, SLU 10896, Hammond, LA 70402.
For more information about the wine tasting or the FoSL, contact Janie Branham
at 549-2186 or jbranham@southeastern.edu.
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Football, Ron Roberts Radio Show, Tope La Catering,
