Southeastern Louisiana University

Open house 'full house' The Office of Admissions had a "full house" for its Nov. 16 open house as approximately 1,000 students and parents visited campus to learn about academic programs and student life.      Above, left, Auxiliary Services marketing coordinator Robin Parker gives information about housing and other services to Vicki and Rachael May of Prairieville and June and Kaitlin Foley of Mandeville. Above, right, Student Publications students Brittany Dinino and Katie Domingue give a pitch about Le Souvenir and the Lion's Roar to Derrick Skinner and Devron McClinton from L.W. Higgins High School in Marrero. Table of content

Roomie, CMS students to participate in St. Tammany's 'Holiday of Lights'
Youth ensembles from the Community Music School and Roomie, Southeastern's lion mascot, will join in the festivities of St. Tammany Parish's annual "Holiday of Lights."
     The Holiday of Lights will take place at the Tammany Trace Trailhead on Koop Drive at Louisiana 59, north of Interstate 12 near Mandeville, Dec. 1, 2, 8, and 9, 6-9 p.m. The annual event, now in its seventh year, features thousands of holiday lights on trees and a variety of displays, food, carolers and other live entertainment.
     "We're excited about joining in the festivities," said Laura Zammit, assistant director of Southeastern's St. Tammany Center, which is located on the third floor of the parish government complex on Koop Drive. "Roomie will be on hand to visit with children at the playground, and on Dec. 8 our Community Music School students will contribute their talents to the entertainment line-up."
     On Dec. 8 from 8-9 p.m., the Community Music School's Select Vocal Ensemble, directed by Amy Pratt, will perform holiday selections and the CMS String Ensemble, directed by Jivka Jeleva, will perform holiday favorites and other pieces.
     Select Vocal Ensemble students are Katy Bertrand, Sarah Bertrand, Laura Brooks, Rudi Darouse, Katie Flynn, Kimberly Gordon, Erin Holloway, Lauren Joiner, Amanda LaNata, Erin Long, Amanda Lucas, Bridget Lyons, Rebecca Olinde, Cooley Patenotte, Stephanie Tedder, Becca Wagner, Meghan Wagner and Sarah Whittle.
     Zammit said string students who will be performing solos and duets include Alivia Johnson, Ashley Johansen, Alexandra Morgan, Tessa Flesher, Laila Bour, Kelsey Curry, and Gabriela Carter.
     String Ensemble members are: on violin, Lia Kepner, Cooley Patenotte, Stephen Johnson, Shad Stout, Marie Wathersby, Katie Allen, Emily Schaumann, Tessa Flesher, Ashley Johansen, Timothy Long, Michael Kepner, Nathan Schaumann, Kelsey Curry, and Heather Miller; on viola, Erin Long; and, on cello, Ruth Waltman.
     The Community Music School offers private instruction on all instruments and voice to students of all ages and levels of experience. Lessons are taught by Southeastern faculty and music students at the St. Tammany Center, Southeastern's Pottle Music Building Auditorium, and at the new Livingston Literacy and Technology Center in Walker. For information, visit www.selu.edu/cms or contact (985) 549-5502 or cms@selu.edu.
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Concert Choir plans Dec. 3 'Music for the Holidays' concert
The Southeastern Concert Choir's Dec. 3 "Music for the Holidays" concert will mark conducting debuts for two choir members and the world premiere of a student composition.
     The free concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Hammond's First Baptist Church, 410 W. Morris.
Choral Director Alissa Mercurio Rowe said the first half of the concert "is a mixture of carols and classical choral literature with text that represents the Christmas season." The second half is part one of Handel's "Messiah," performed with orchestra.
     "'The Messiah' is a holiday classic and a piece that everyone in town should come and hear," she said.
     During the first half of the concert, Rowe will surrender the conducting baton to music education majors Cali McQueen of Gonzales and Brian Martinez of Montz, who will conduct "Noel Nouvelet," arranged by Richard Zgodava, and "O Holy Night," arranged by John Rutter, respectively.
     "They have rehearsed their music with the choir from scratch and are looking forward to performing," Rowe said. "It has been an incredible learning experience for them and wonderful preparation for their student teaching next year."
     Rowe said the choir will also sing "Gloria de Noel," a work by sophomore music education major Nathan Constant of Meraux.
     "This is one of Nathan's first compositions and he is thrilled to be having the concert choir perform it," Rowe said. "He approached me about the composition and I was very taken by it. It is an exceptional piece for a sophomore. The work is extremely musical and full of energy."
     In addition to Constant's world premiere, the first half of the concert will also include popular holiday songs such as "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "White Christmas," and "Silent Night" along with classical pieces such as Grieg's "Ave Maris Stella."
     The 36-voice Concert Choir is Southeastern's premier vocal ensemble. In addition to Martinez, McQueen and Constant, the choir also includes Blair Abene, Jessica Bryan, Laura Freeney, Jane Rownd, Betty Turner, Travis Bush, and Brandon Bosarge, Hammond; Cassie Arnold, Paula Vickers, Danielle Willie, and D.J. Pevey, Ponchatoula; Maria Burkett, Chalmette; Margaret Davis and Karie Lancon, Walker.
     Also, Melissa Simien and Chris Griffin, Baton Rouge; Angela Miller, Brandon Wear, Colby McCurdy, Scott McDonough, Steven Palmisano, and Ryan Thomas, Slidell; Kimberly Hilliard, Dustin Johnson, and Emily Stokes, Covington; Elyse German and Kendall Kyzar, Pearl River; Sarah Kennemer, Mandeville; Katie Morgan, Gonzales; Christina Babin, Prairieville; Eryn Minor, Luling; Charlene Robinson, Destrehan; and Patrick O'Malley, Hahnville.
     For additional information, contact the Department of Music and Dramatic Arts, 985-549-2184.
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This week in the Center for Faculty Excellence
Workshops: All workshops are held in Tinsley Hall, room 103, unless otherwise noted. Registration is required 24 hours in advance of all workshops. Walk-ins are welcome, if space is available; please call the center to verify. For information, contact the center at 5791 or center@selu.edu.
     Wednesday Nov. 29, noon-1 p.m., Service Learning Brown Bag Workshop -- The topic for this session will be "Celebrating Citizenship Through Service." Bring your lunch and a friend. Drinks and dessert will be provided.
     Thursday Nov. 30, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Science & Religion Brown Bag Discussion -- All faculty, staff, and students are invited. Bring your lunch and a friend; drinks and cookies will be provided.
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This week in athletics
A Southeastern basketball doubleheader Tuesday evening in the University Center highlights this week in Southeastern Athletics.
     The Lions (4-1) will host Jackson State on Tuesday at 7:45 p.m. with the Lady Lions (2-3) opening up the action versus William Carey at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday will also be 1970s night in the University Center and fans are encouraged to wear their retro attire.
     Both games will be broadcast live in the Hammond area on KSLU 90.9 FM and on the Internet at www.LionSports.net, where live stats will be available. Tuesday's game will also be taped by the Southeastern Channel and air at a later date.
     Following Tuesday's game, the Lions will fly to Las Cruces, N.M., to compete in the Lou Henson Classic on the campus of New Mexico State University. On Friday, the Lions will play San Francisco at 7 p.m. Southeastern will close tournament play on Saturday, taking on Chicago State at 7 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live in the Hammond area on KSLU 90.9 FM and on the Internet at www.LionSports.net.
     The Lady Lions will also be on the road this weekend, heading to New Orleans to participate in the Four Points by Sheraton UNO Lady Privateer Invitational. Southeastern will face host UNO on Friday at 7 p.m. Tip-off for Southeastern's game on Saturday depends on the result of Friday's game and the result of Friday's other first round game between Richmond and Appalachian State. A loss on Friday would put Southeastern in the consolation game at 1 p.m. on Saturday, while a win over UNO would allow the Lady Lions to advance to the championship game at 3 p.m.
     Friday's game will be available on the Internet at www.LionSports.net, while Saturday's game will be broadcast live in the Hammond area on KSLU 90.9 FM, as well as on the Internet.
     Tuesday, Nov. 28
     Men's Basketball, vs. Jackson State, University Center, 7:45 p.m. (KSLU 90.9 FM)
     Women's Basketball, vs. William Carey, University Center, 5:45 p.m. (KSLU 90.9 FM)
     Friday, Dec. 1
     Men's Basketball, vs. San Francisco (Lou Henson Classic), Las Cruces, N.M., 7 p.m. (KSLU 90.9 FM)
     Women's Basketball, at UNO (UNO Lady Privateer Invitational), New Orleans, 7 p.m.
     Saturday, Dec. 2
     Men's Basketball, vs. Chicago State (Lou Henson Classic), Las Cruces, N.M., 7 p.m. (KSLU 90.9 FM)
     Women's Basketball, vs. Richmond/Appalachian State (UNO Lady Privateer Invitational), New Orleans, 1/3 p.m. (KSLU 90.9 FM).
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Santa Bear collection continues
Many gifts for the annual Santa Bear toy collection were received at the Southeastern Celebration of the Lights last week, but the drive continues for those that are interested in bringing in a gift for an underprivileged child.
     Gifts for children from birth to 12 years of age are still being accepted in the Office of Leadership Development and Student Activities, Student Union, room 110. Leadership Development/Student Activities, Campus Activities Board, Gamma Beta Phi and Recreational Sports and Wellness continue to collect toys to go to the parish drive.
     The deadline to be a part of the Southeastern drive is Friday, Dec. 1. Contact Jackie Dale Thomas at 549-2233 or jthomas2@selu.edu, if you have any questions.
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Voice students place in NATS competition
Three students from Southeastern vocal music studios were among the winners in the recent National Association of Teachers of Singing Southern Regional competition.
     Singers from Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas, including 18 from Southeastern, participated in the competition, held Nov. 9-11 at Henderson State College in Arkadelphia, Ark. Of the Southeastern students competing, 15 advanced to the semifinal round. The students are from the vocal music studios of music faculty David Bernard, Joy Ratliff, Stephen Rushing and Kay Schepker.
     David Thomas of Slidell, who studies with Rushing, finished first place in the adult student division, while Sarah Kennemer of Mandeville, a student of Bernard, placed second in the junior women's division. Meghan Wagner of Hammond, who studies with Schepker through Southeastern's Community Music School, took fourth place honors in the women's high school division.
     Also participating in the competition were Bethany Barnes and Jane Rownd, Hammond; Dennis Pevey, Ponchatoula; Emily Johnson, Colby McCurdy, Scott McDonough and Brandon Wear, Slidell; Kimberly Hilliard, Dustin Johnson, and Emily Stokes, Covington; Cara Williams, Franklinton; Cali McQueen, Gonzales; Chris Giffin, Baton Rouge; Brian Martinez, Montz; and Charlene Robinson, Destrehan.
     Southeastern pianists Raisa Voldman and Irina Cunev accompanied the students.
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Student achievements
The Campus Activities Board's officer team traveled to the Regional Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities Conference in Dallas, Texas Nov. 17-19. During the conference, CAB was awarded two awards in the graphics competition. First place was awarded in the 3-D division for their Spring Calendar Tablet and a second place award was earned for the poster design for "Cuts for a Cause." All of the officers volunteered throughout the conference, and Brandon Parker was recognized for going above and beyond as a volunteer. CAB was able to book two great acts for the coming year including comedian Tre' Luv and the phenomenal show of Recycled Percussion.
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Professional activities
The Fluriano Trio -- Dr. Nicole McPherson, flute; Dr. Andrew Seigel, clarinet, and Dr. Henry Jones, piano (Music and Dramatic Arts) -- recently completed a series of concerts in the region. The group gave a recital of French chamber music and also taught master classes at Southeastern on Sept. 1; the Christwood Retirement Center on Oct. 3; University of Southern Mississippi on Oct. 24, and Louisiana State University on Nov. 15. Their most recent performance at LSU will be broadcast on WRKF in the near future.
     C. Roy Blackwood (Visual Arts) co-chaired a panel and delivered a paper at the National Council of Art Administrators annual conference in Toronto, Nov. 8-11. The panel, "Re-Building After Catastrophe," was comprised of Blackwood's paper, "The Arts: Mirroring Post-Katrina New Orleans," and "Rebuilding Lamar University" by Donna Meeks of Lamar University. There were many tears and a standing ovation for the speakers...really for the content. "Many people assume things are just fine on the Gulf Coast by now," Blackwood said. "They just don't know how it has been."
     Dr. Natasha Whitton (English) presented a workshop in early November at the National Writing Project Conference in Nashville on "Facilitating Online Response Groups and Building Community."
     From Nov.17-20, two faculty and nine students from the Department of Biological Sciences presented papers at the meeting of the Louisiana Herpetological Research Group held at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) coastal laboratory in Cocodrie. Department Head Dr. David M. Sever, professor and department head, gave the keynote address on Nov. 17, and Dr. Roldan Valverde spoke on Nov. 18. Also presenting on Nov. 18 were graduate students Leonel Tiffer, Dustin Siegel, Thomas Eimermacher, April Bagwill, Rosemary Becker and Ryan Chabarria, and undergraduate students Judd Thompson and Jean Elbers.
     Charles Elliott (History and Political Science) presented "Colonists, Caluments and Yellow Corn: Perpetual Thanksgiving on the French Louisiana Frontier 1699-1762" as part of the 2006 Christwood Arts and Lecture Series held in Covington on Nov. 14, and led a three week directed readings and discussion session on "In the Cross-Hairs of Hurricanes: (Re)Considering Katrina in a Regional Context" as part of a Readings in Literature and Culture project (RELIC) sponsored by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and the Louisiana Library Association on Monday evenings, Nov. 6, 13 and 20 at the West Feliciana Parish Library in St. Francisville. He served as a tour guide for the Teaching American History Saturday teachers' workshop and museum field trip to Baton Rouge on Nov. 11 and his interview in an article on French Colonial Louisiana and Houma Indian History appeared in the October issue of France's Geo magazine.
     Dr. David C. Wyld (Management) presented two papers at the 2006 American Society of Competitiveness Conference held in Washington, D.C. in November. The papers were titled "The National Animal Identification System: Ensuring the Competitiveness of the American Agriculture Industry in the Face of Mounting Animal Disease Threats" and "The Importance of Pedigree: Why Instituting RFID-based Tracking of Pharmaceuticals is Essential to Counteracting Counterfeiting and Maintaining Both the Health of the Public and the Potency of the American Drug Industry." Both papers have been accepted for publication in the society's journal, the Competitiveness Review.
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