Painting by local folk artist and Southeastern grad to highlight Nursing School's 50th anniversary celebration
Thursday, September 25, 2014 
by: Rene Abadie
FOLK ART TO HIGHLIGHT ANNIVERSARY EVENT – Dayna Breaud, second from left, a local artist and graduate of the Southeastern nursing and respiratory programs, presents her piece "Southern Grown" to members of the committee helping to plan Southeastern Louisiana University's 50th anniversary of the School of Nursing. Pictured are, from left, Eileen Creel, head of the School of Nursing; Breaud, who is also a school nurse at Hammond High Magnet School; Assistant Professor of Nursing Luanne Billingsley; and Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Ann Carruth.
HAMMOND – A painting by Hammond folk artist Dayna Moreno Breaud commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southeastern Louisiana University's School of Nursing will highlight a silent auction planned as part of the program's gala celebration scheduled Oct. 10.
Breaud, a school nurse with the Tangipahoa Parish School System since 2008, is a self-taught artist who loves all things Southern. Using acrylics, house paints and mixed media on wood, she creates folk art fulfilling her love of art that she says she has had forever.
The painting will be a centerpiece at the nursing school's gala, said Ann Carruth, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
"It's very special that we have this unique piece created by one of our own," Carruth said.
"It captures elements of the nursing profession and the South that everyone can relate to."
Breaud is a 1993 and 1997 graduate of Southeastern in both the nursing and respiratory programs. She worked in critical care at North Oaks Medical Center before joining the school system. "The experience of working in a hospital gave me a unique perspective of life and its fragilities," she said.
Breaud said she started her hobby only a few years ago with the encouragement of several friends and their belief in her creative abilities. They pushed her to participate in Hammond's Hot August Night two years ago.
When Southeastern nursing school faculty began planning the 50th anniversary several months ago, Assistant Professor of Nursing Luanne Billingsley suggested asking Breaud to contribute a piece of her unique art.
"I have known Dayna professionally for many years, both as a nurse and a respiratory therapist," Billingsley said. "Recently I was exposed to her talent as an artist. Her folk art comes from the soul. Since Dayna has a long history at Southeastern, I knew she would want to be a part of the 50th anniversary celebration. When invited, she didn't hesitate. She has created a unique piece of artwork to commemorate the event and everyone who has seen her work loves it."
The painting will be auctioned at the event to help support community outreach activities by the school. Signed posters of the painting will also be sold.
The golden anniversary celebration will be held in cooperation with the Southeastern Alumni Association on Friday, Oct. 10. The ticketed event will be held in the Grand Ballroom on the third floor of the new Student Union. A social hour from 6-7 p.m. will start the evening with a short program and socializing to follow until 9 p.m.
"Our alumni, current students former members of the faculty, students, staff and friends of the university who want to join the School of Nursing as we celebrate 50 years of excellence are being invited to the event," said Eileen Creel, head of the School of Nursing.
The event will feature memorabilia of the school, a brief program highlighting the history and accomplishments over the years, and recognition of "50 for 50," a listing of distinguished nursing alumni from both the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Tickets are $40 per person and $25 for students. More information on the event can be obtained by calling 985-549-3772 or on the school's website, southeastern.edu/nursing.
