|
IN THIS ISSUE ...
|
||
|
|
|
|
Lady Lions choose “Bunko” scooter winner
Paul Simoneaux of Hammond was the winner of the Cali 50 scooter raffled by PRIDE (Positive Role Models Involved in the Development of Excellence), the Southeastern Lady Lion basketball team’s support and mentoring organization.
The winning ticket for the scooter was drawn at PRIDE’s Bunko for Basketball scholarship fundraiser held in early May.
An active supporter of Southeastern athletics, Simoneaux, who has been a member of the university’s Department of Teaching and Learning faculty for 12 years, purchased his ticket at a Southeastern home baseball game. His winning ticket was one of 936 sold for the scooter, which was donated to PRIDE by Michael and Denise Holly of Hammond in memory of Michael Holly’s father, Floyd, who coached high school girls basketball. The scooter was purchased from Big Easy Scooters and Cycles in New Orleans.
The $4,680 in raffle ticket sales contributes to the $21,650 raised by 2011 Bunko for Basketball. Proceeds go to the Southeastern Development Foundation to fund the PRIDE Scholarship, which provides Lady Lion basketball student-athletes with financial support for post sports eligibility coursework.
RIDING WITH PRIDE – Paul Simoneaux of Hammond was the winner of the Cali 50 scooter raffled by PRIDE as part of the Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lions’ support and mentoring group’s annual Bunko for Basketball scholarship fundraiser. From left, are Big Easy Scooters and Cycles owners Allen and Mercedes Harvey, Simoneaux, Lady Lion Head Basketball Coach Lori Davis Jones and PRIDE member Bobby Carter, coordinator of the scooter raffle. The scooter was donated for the raffle by Michael and Denise Holly.
Southeastern professor publishes “The Word on Words” 
Words are the tools that professor and writer Norman German works with on a daily basis.
An author of novels, short stories and popular magazine articles, the Southeastern English professor is now sharing his passion for words in a new book that taps into the knowledge and experience gained through his 30 years of teaching writing and etymology courses.
The Word on Words: The Play of Language takes an innovative, interactive approach to vocabulary building and uses humor and etymology – or word origins – as memory devices to help build a more dynamic vocabulary.
“This is not your parents’ vocabulary book,” German said, referring to the books of years ago that pushed obscure and rarely used words designed to make an individual appear to be well educated. The words he incorporates in The Word on Words have practical, everyday applications in education, business, law, medicine and other disciplines.
The book has five major focuses: vocabulary, etymology, memory devices, usage and the ludic or playful aspects of language. It defines 1,500 words used in a wide range of areas in the context of fascinating essays about their origins and roots.
German – who has had a fascination with words since his youth – said he wrote the book to serve as a general text for students preparing for aptitude or admission tests, such as the SAT, ACT or GRE or as a supplemental text for individuals who are acquiring English as a second language.
“With only a few tantalizing exceptions, I chose to not introduce obscure words that few people use,” he said. “I’ve taught vocabulary and word origins for years, but I’ve never read or heard a single instance of words like ‘condign’ or ‘temerarious’ being used. While these words appear in good vocabulary books, the authors seemed to be reaching for words that few had heard of in order to justify the existence of the book.”
Linda J. Palumbo and Frank J. Gaik, authors of Vocabulary for a New World, said German’s book illuminates, noting that he “charms us with his tales of words and their histories, making this one of the few books that could be placed in Reference or in Travel.”
The American book review magazine Kirkus praised Word on Words for the way it reinforces reader retention with exercises, puzzles and quizzes. “It’s a fun read that sparkles with photographs, bright colors and crazy-quilt fonts; but this smorgasbord is still a serious textbook – readers will gain not just a store of factoids but a sharpened ability to analyze new words and a deeper appreciation for the history and beauty of the language.”
Word on Words is available through Amazon.com.
Southeastern biologist edits book on snake reproduction
A Southeastern snake specialist has co-edited a comprehensive text on the evolution and reproductive biology of snakes.
David M. Sever, head of the Department of Biological Sciences, co-edited the book Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Snakes with Robert D. Aldridge of St. Louis University. The book is the ninth volume in a series on reproductive biology and evolution of a wide variety of animals.
Published by CRC Press, a publisher of scientific and technical works, the book contains a number of chapters authored or co-authored by Southeastern biologists, including Brian Crother, Mary E. White, graduate student Justin L. Rheubert, and Sever.
“While the book was written primarily for scientists and advanced students, anyone with an interest in snakes would find much to learn from it,” Sever said. “With 17 chapters, the book is profusely illustrated, and many of the illustrations are in color.”
A widely recognized herpetologist, Sever is the recipient of a $230,000 grant awarded in 2008 by the National Science Foundation to study the development of male sexual characteristics in snakes and lizards.
SNAKE AUTHORITY EDITS TEXT – David Sever, head of the Department of Biological Sciences at Southeastern, carefully handles a copperhead snake in one of the department’s labs. Sever recently co-edited a 759-page text on the evolution and reproductive biology of snakes.
Researcher exploring state oversight and regulatory needs on emerging nanomaterial use
Health and safety concerns associated with the use of nanomaterials warrant precautionary measures, but few state agencies are equipped with the knowledge needed for oversight and regulation of the use nanomaterials, minute particles of matter considerably smaller than the width of a human hair, according to a Southeastern Louisiana University occupational health and safety specialist.
“Nanomaterials are being used in so many products now, including fabrics, sunscreens and cosmetics. We simply don’t know their safety or health impacts, and we don’t want to wait and see health problems arise, such as those associated with DDT, thalidomide and PCBs, which caused those products to be removed from commercial use,” said Ephraim Massawe, assistant professor of occupational safety, health, and environment in the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Massawe is exploring the information and technical needs of state government agencies and programs across the country, beginning with an examination of work practices and nano-enhanced technologies used at various Environmental Protection Agency superfund sites. Two grants totaling nearly $110,000 from the Louisiana Board of Regents are supporting his research.
With applications in manufacturing, medicine, environmental remediation and numerous other commercial and non commercial uses, engineered nanoparticles have been hailed as the biggest innovation since the Industrial Revolution, with far-reaching social and economic implications.
“While the potential benefits of nanotechnology-based materials and products are significant, there are concerns about the possible safety, environmental and occupational health risks associated with exposure from the handling of these materials during their production, transportation, use and ultimate disposal,” said Massawe.
The field is still new, he said, and regulations and enforcement regarding the production, use and disposal of nanomaterials are in their earliest stages.
Read more
Columbia Theatre needs your vote
The Hammond Downtown Development District has entered Columbia Theatre in the “2011 This Place Matters Community Challenge.” With voters’ help, the theatre could be the recipient of up to $25,000! Columbia Theatre is competing against 99 other locations across the nation, so every vote counts.
Here are the quick & easy instructions from the DDD:
1. Click here http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/this-place-matters/community-challenge/places/la-main-street.html to go to the “Place Page”
2. Register in the blue box on the right side of the page.
3. Check your email for your new “community challenge” password.
4. Return to the “Place Page” and Login in the blue box.
5. Click the “Vote Now!” button in the blue box.
6. Please also ask friends and family to vote.
You can only vote once. Voting ends on June 30, 2011. Thank you so much for your vote and thank you to the DDD for entering Columbia Theatre and spreading the word!
Southeastern TV student stories on WAFB’s “Louisiana Unplugged”
Fourteen television news and sports stories produced by Southeastern Channel student reporters are currently airing on “Louisiana Unplugged,” part of WAFB-TV Baton Rouge Channel 9’s website.
The video stories, produced by student reporters working on the channel programs “Northshore News” and “The Big Game,” can be seen at http://www.wafb.com/category/176891/louisiana-unplugged.
“Louisiana Unplugged” is a collection of pieces written by journalism students at colleges and universities in Louisiana. WAFB-TV has teamed up with colleges and universities to showcase the pieces of work that students generate.
Southeastern student news reporters for “Northshore News” who contributed stories included Chrissy Carter of LaPlace with “eBooks Gain Popularity,” “Children’s Discovery Museum in Hammond,” and “Texting and Driving.” Jessica LeBlanc of New Orleans produced “Tracking Disease with Twitter” and “Hurricane Preparations,” while Anna de Tiege of Mandeville contributed “Mock Train Disaster in Hammond” and “New Levee Proposal for Slidell Residents.”
Branden Summers of Slidell reported on “Bath Salts: A Synthetic Drug Epidemic” and “Proposed Lakefront Park in Slidell,” while Nanuli Danelia from the country of Georgia (Ukraine) produced “Quebedeaux Sentenced” and “Egyptian Revolution Hits Home for Student.”
From “The Big Game” student sports show, Hunter Robinson of Hahnville reported on “GMA’s Robin Roberts Has Jersey Retired” and “Adonson Shallow: Foreign Track Star Finds a Home.” Trey Mongrue of Baton Rouge produced “Jonathan Pace: Transfer Shines on Southeastern Diamond.”
“We’re excited our students can showcase their talents and training in WAFB’s Baton Rouge market,” said Southeastern Channel General Manager Rick Settoon. “This will broaden their exposure and add to their resumes. We appreciate the opportunity provided by Channel 9.”
The “Northshore News” student program was recently named “Best College Television Newscast” from all colleges in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee for the third time in the last four years in the Society of Professional Journalists’ Region 12 Mark of Excellence Awards competition. The student newscast has garnered the Southeastern Channel distinction as “Best College Television Station in the South” in a competition held by the Southeast Journalism Conference in an eight-state region.
Off-campus learning 
Dr. Claudia Salcedo met with Jason Sheridan, a student from her online Spanish class for an in person makeup exam during the semester break. Both student and professor were coincidentally going to be vacationing within an hour from each other on the west coast and made plans to meet.
“I try to make arrangements to meet students even if it involves after hours or going off-campus; in this case it happened to be very far off-campus,” Salcedo said.
Salcedo regularly teaches online courses and recently attended the South Central Association for Language Learning Technology conference at the University of Texas with a grant sponsored by the Center for Faculty Excellence. The conference on “Language Teaching & Learning in an Open World” focused on current issues leading to greater student involvement with other students and the teacher in online classes.
Southeastern in the news
Southeastern Lady Lions choose “Bunko” scooter winner
http://tangipahoa.wafb.com/news/business/simoneaux-wins-pride-raffle/49274
Southeastern honors top graduates (Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences convocation)
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/livingston_tangipahoa/Southeastern-honors-top-graduates-faculty.html
College at SLU honors students, alumnus (Business convocation)
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/livingston_tangipahoa/Southeastern-honors-top-graduates-faculty.html
Homeland Security News
Suicide bombers: expedient tactics, not express of Islam (Margaret Gonzalez-Perez)
http://www.homelandsecuritynewswire.com/suicide-bombers-expedient-tactics-not-expression-islam
Algebra review course at Southeastern
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF0_k7x579g
Hammond
Zumba (Thursdays beginning June 6, 5:45-6:30 p.m.)
Eliminate the “work” from “working out” by combining amazing, irresistible Latin and international music with dynamic, exciting, yet simple exercise moves, using its unique intermittent training format. The cost is $50.
Algebra Review (3 Mondays beginning June 13, 3 – 5 p.m.)
Topics of this refresher math class include operations with real numbers (fractions, integers, decimals), solving linear equations, introduction to graphing, and multiplying polynomials. This is a great course for students who are struggling in math 092 or apprehensive about taking math courses as they advance towards their degree requirements. The cost is $60 and students must purchase the book.
MandevilleWriting the Winning Grant (June 21 & 23, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.)
How to identify, define, and develop grant proposals will be examined in lecture and via practical exercises. One CEU credit will be provided. The cost is $245.
WalkerWriting the Winning Grant (July 12 & 14, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
How to identify, define, and develop grant proposals will be examined in lecture and via practical exercises. One CEU credit will be provided. The cost is $245.
Zoom into Careers (June 20 to 23)
Career workshops for high school students include:Zoom into Culinary Arts (9 a.m.to 4 p.m., White Hall; $280/$295)
Students can get a taste for a career in the culinary arts. With over 15 years of experience, chef Kevin Foil will organize participants into various positions needed to run a successful kitchen.
Zoom into Inventing (9 a.m.to 4 p.m., Anzalone Hall; $280/$295)
Michael Beauvais, assistant professor of industrial technology, and other design professionals, will teach the fundamentals of sketching, and building parts and solid models using the modeling software AutoDesk Inventor.
Zoom into Photography (9 a.m.to 4 p.m., St. Tammany Center, $280/$295)
Led by certified professional photographer Chuck Billiot, students are taught the instructor’s “dare to be unique” approach to learning skills directly applicable to a career as a professional photographer.
Zoom into Television (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Southeastern University Center; $280/$295) Students attracted to careers in front of or behind the camera gain experience in producing news story packages at the Southeastern Channel. Workshops will be led by General Manager Rick Settoon and students will produce a two-minute news story segment that will be aired on the Southeastern Channel and Southeastern’s website.
Zoom into Theatre (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vonnie Borden Theatre, D Vickers; $280/$295) Do you see yourself in lights? This workshop is a hands-on approach covering all aspects of theater. Students work with theatre professionals to give them a true taste of what goes into creating a live theatrical event. The workshop culminates with a short public performance.
An overnight option is available for those workshops held in Hammond. To register, or for further details on these or other courses that are available please visit: Hammond- www.selu.edu/es Mandeville- www.selu.edu/stc or Walker- www.selu.edu/livingston.
Professional activities William B. Robison (History and Political Science) had a poem entitled “The Apotheosis of St. Leroy,” accepted for publication in the journal Anemone Sidecar.
Dr. Martin Kearney (English) presented his essay entitled “A Failed Quest, A Hopeful Resolution: The Recasting of Dante’s Commedia in Walker Percy’s Lancelot” this spring at the Association of Core Texts and Courses Conference sponsored and hosted by Yale University.
ByLion is published weekly online (bi-weekly during the summer session) for the faculty and staff of Southeastern Louisiana University. Send submissions to publicinfo@selu.edu, SLU 10880, fax 985-549-2061, or bring to Public Information Office in East Stadium. Submission deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Return to By-Lion directory