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Southeastern faculty, staff receive top awards at university’s fall convocation 
Southeastern opened the 2015-16 academic year Friday (Aug. 14) with its fall convocation
that included presentation of the President’s Awards for Excellence, the university’s
highest honor for faculty and staff.
The event, held in the Student Union Grand Ballroom, also included recognition
of professors who were elevated to emeritus status, remarks by Southeastern President
John L. Crain, recognition of donors and service awards to faculty and staff who have
worked at the university for 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years.
Receiving the President’s Awards for Excellence were Music Instructor Philip
Schuessler, Artistic Activity; Biology Professor Kyle R. Piller, Research; Psychology
Professor Paula Varnado-Sullivan, Teaching; Associate Professor of Nursing Kristin
Whitty, Faculty Service; and Director of Safety and Hazardous Materials Management
Camille Moniotte, Unclassified Staff Service.
Schuessler was honored for his prolific portfolio of compositions, commissioned
music, and music publications. He joined with other members and former members this
past year to produce and perform in a new album entitled Embers – Music for Saxophone
with Piano and Electronics.
An ichthyologist, or fish expert, Piller was recognized for maintaining a broad
research program that involves collaborations with other researchers, locally, regionally
and internationally. He holds a strong record of publications and grants, including
his most recent one, a National Science Foundation research grant of $607,000, one
of the highest grants to an individual at Southeastern. He is known for including
both undergraduate and graduate students in his research.
Sullivan previously worked in a hospital-setting before coming to Southeastern
to teach a variety of undergraduate and graduate psychology courses. She is credited
with developing the university’s Research Incubator for Psychology Students to help
facilitate their undergraduate research studies. She serves as graduate coordinator
for the department and has chaired 23 thesis committees.
Whitty was recognized for her service during Hurricane Katrina when she volunteered
to work in a Baton Rouge temporary hospital taking care of hurricane victims. She
became trained in courses for the American Red Cross and now serves on the board of
the Capital West Chapter and as chair of the chapter’s fund raising program. She has
completed courses offered by Homeland Security and incorporated those principles in
a disaster-related course in nursing. She also serves on the Louisiana Emergency Response
Network as a representative of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and volunteers
with other non-profit organizations.
Moniotte has successfully led and supervised a broad range of activities designed
to make the campus safe, including the annual Occupational Risk Management Safety
Audits. Her service activities also go beyond the university. She contributes to the
community by training science teachers from Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes on
hazardous waste and lab safety; working with the Tangipahoa Parish Emergency Group
for hurricanes; and serving as the chairperson of the Hammond Safe Communities Committee
that was instrumental in obtaining the Safe Communities Award from the National Safety
Council for the City of Hammond.
EXCELLENCE RECOGNIZED - Receiving the President’s Awards for Excellence were, from left, Music Instructor Philip Schuessler, Artistic Activity; Director of Safety and Hazardous Materials Management Camille Moniotte, Unclassified Staff Service; Associate Professor of Nursing Kristin Whitty, Faculty Service; Professor Paula Varnado-Sullivan, Teaching; and Biology Professor Kyle R. Piller, Research.
Southeastern bestows emeritus honors on three faculty
Three retired members of Southeastern’s Department of Biology were awarded emeritus
honors at the university’s annual Faculty-Staff Convocation Friday (Aug. 14.)
Southeastern President John L. Crain presented plaques designating emeritus status
in recognition of distinguished and extraordinary service to biology professors William
P. Bond, William “Nick” Norton, and David M. Sever.
Bond served at Southeastern for 44 years, retiring in 2011. During his tenure,
he earned the President’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service in 2005. In 2009,
he was elected to the Southeastern Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his work
on the university’s Athletic Committee for 32 years. He was a faculty representative
to the Trans America Athletic Conference from 1992 to1995 and the Southland Conference
from 1996 to 2009. He served as vice president of the Southland Conference from 2004-2006.
Norton retired from Southeastern last year after having served as a member of
the department for 37 years. He was department head from 1997 to 2004 and served as
Director of the Institute of Biodiversity and Interdisciplinary Studies from 2002
to 2010, where he administered the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Research Program. Under
his guidance, the program received $5.3 million in research dollars. Norton also played
a key role in building Southeastern’s Electron Microscopy Center and personally obtained
over half a million dollars in research funding.
Sever also retired last year, having joined Southeastern in 2004 and serving
as head of the department. With an expertise in reproductive anatomy of vertebrates,
he is internationally recognized as one of the most important salamander biologists
in the world. He has received over $1 million in research funding. In 2013, he was
recognized by the Herpetologists’ League as its Distinguished Herpetologist, a title
held by only 32 other scientists.
Students begin college career with Traditions at Southeastern
Southeastern students will once again have the opportunity to begin a new semester
getting to know their peers and all that the university has to offer thanks to “Traditions.”
“Traditions provides new and returning students with various programming and
information to assist them in making Southeastern their home away from home,” said
Vice President for Student Affairs Marvin Yates. “Students have the opportunity through
Traditions to get to know each other and the campus and become comfortable with the
routine of campus life.
“Students who become engaged with their selected institution early in their college
careers generally perform better academically and socially,” Yates added. “We see
this as a way of engaging new and returning students at Southeastern.”
Traditions begins Sunday, Aug. 16, with Move-in Mane-ia from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
in the Student Union Ballroom. Students can check in at their designated move-in time
and receive Traditions materials.
Additionally on Sunday at 7 p.m., Luau Night featuring Desert Polynesia Dance
Company will be held adjacent to Fayard Hall and the Student union near the Katrina-Rita
Fountain. The event will feature authentic Pacific Island entertainment sharing the
spirit of Aloha and perpetuating the Pacific Island cultures through songs and dances
of Hawaii and other Pacific regions. DJ Cloud will provide the music as students enjoy
free food and drinks with a Hawaiian Luau flare.
Today, Aug. 17, University Housing and Hall Council will host a Paint Party at
7:30 p.m. at Lee Field.
Today and tomorrow, students will be able to participate in concurrent activities
happening all over campus, such as a trip to the mall via the Lion Traxx shuttle service.
These events will be hosted by recognized student organizations.
Tuesday concludes with Strawberry Jam, the official semester kick-off party in
Strawberry Stadium. Sponsored by Athletics, Strawberry Jam is scheduled from 6 – 8
p.m. and includes DJ music, free food and t-shirts. In the event of inclement weather,
the event will move to the parking garage.
Traditions will continue on Wednesday, Aug. 19, the first day of classes, with
First Day Q&A. Scheduled from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Union Quad, students
can stop by the Traditions tent to get answers to all their first day questions on
Wednesday and Thursday.
The following week holds more Traditions events, such as a service fair in the
Student Union Mall on Monday, Aug. 24, a movie presentation throughout the day on
Tuesday sponsored by CAB, a student organization browse sponsored by the Office of
Student Engagement on Wednesday, and a part-time job fair sponsored by the Office
of Career Services on Thursday.
For more information about Traditions, go to southeastern.edu/traditions.
Approximately 1,000 students took advantage of the opportunity to move into their
residence halls on Sunday. Danny Collins, left, gets some assistance from Southeastern
students Jonathan Jee and Christian Carlin, members of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry,
as he carries supplies for his daughter, freshman Robyn Collins. Members of various
student organizations were on hand helping families moving in students into the residence
halls.
Aug. 22 Lion Nation Celebration to feature quality auction items
A number of quality auction items will be up for bid at the Lion Athletics Association’s
Lion Nation Celebration 2015 on Aug. 22 in the University Center.
The event, which runs from 5-8 p.m., will celebrate Southeastern Athletics, while
also officially kicking off the 2015-16 athletic year. Proceeds from the event will
support Lion and Lady Lion student-athlete scholarships and overall operations for
the athletic department.
Highlighting the list of auction items are game day experiences with the SLU
football, baseball and basketball teams. Multiple vacation packages to Destin, Florida
will also be up for bid.
Fans will also have an opportunity to bid on a Q-Link Rodeo 700 EFI 4x4 ATV.
Signed apparel will also be available, including autographed memorabilia featuring
the Southland Conference champion football and baseball teams, as well as sports legends
Terry Bradshaw, Mariano Rivera and LaDainian Tomlinson among others.
All auction items are listed and tickets can be purchased at http://bidpal.net/lnc15.
Individual tickets are $25. Table seating for eight are available for as low
as $300 with corporate sponsorship tables starting at $500. Dinner and cocktails will
be served and fans are encouraged to wear their green and gold.
For more information on the event, to purchase a table or to become an official
LNC 15 corporate table sponsor, contact Southeastern Assistant Athletic Director for
Marketing and Development Tom Dawsey at 549-5226 or laa@southeastern.edu.
Non-Credit Programs
Fluid Power Systems
This course focuses on the fundamentals and industrial applications of fluid power,
including both pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Functional examination of components
for industrial fluid power systems such as pumps, valves, actuators, and controls
will be introduced. Simulated systems emphasizing design, construction, and troubleshooting
will be used to develop problem solving skills. Safety regulations and standards for
operation and common tools for maintenance will also be discussed. Read more.
Intro to Microcontrollers
This is an entry level programming course for adults and high school students that
exclusively depends on hands-on projects. The course allows students to learn in a
fun, supportive, and friendly atmosphere. Students will learn how to write instructions
to a microcontroller board using simple-to-learn C-language and can make a light glow
or faint, a motor spin on either direction, a robot move and avoid obstacles, and
many more fun projects. The course is divided into sections that cover a sequence
of skills. Each section is supplemented by simple projects that progressively increase
in complexity. Read more.
Programmable Logic Controllers
This course is intended to teach high school students and adults PLCs as they became
heavily incorporated into industry to organize the performance of machines and processes.
The course will introduce students to one of the commercially available PLC modules
through a series of different input-output configurations. Students will learn how
to read schematic diagrams and connect different types of inputs (sensors, switches,
timers, counters, etc) and outputs (lights, motors, fans, valves, cylinders, pneumatic,
vacuum, etc). Also, students will learn ladder logic and how to write a sequence of
rungs to achieve certain functions. Read more.
Southeastern in the news
Action News
Southeastern opens new semester with convocation
http://www.actionnews17.com/Southeastern/southeastern-opens-new-semester-with-friday-convocation-1151282
BR Advocate AT&T $25,000 donation to fund SLU scholarships
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/13048147-123/att-25000-donation-to-fund SLU to host Northshore Gubernatorial Forum
http://theadvocate.com/news/livingston/13048234-123/slu-to-host-northshore-gubernatorial
Hammond Daily Star Crain says Southeastern depends more on tuition
http://www.hammondstar.com/news/crain-says-southeastern-depends-more-on-tuition/article_576086e2-42dd-11e5-853e-c32388125e52.html
N.O. Times Picayune Business expo in Mandeville to focus on franchise opportunities
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2015/08/business_expo_in_mandeville_to.html
WVUE-TV (New Orleans) / WAFB-TV (Baton Rouge) Heart of Louisiana: Turtle Cove Environmental Station
http://www.wafb.com/story/29710838/heart-of-louisiana-turtle-cove-environmental-research-station
This Week in Athletics
The 2015-16 Southeastern Athletics season officially kicks off during this week in
Southeastern Athletics.
The Lady Lion soccer team, which earned a 2-0 exhibition victory at Louisiana-Lafayette
on Saturday, will open its season this week. SLU will host Jackson State at 7 p.m.
on Friday night under the lights in Strawberry Stadium. On Sunday, Southeastern opens
its road schedule with a 3 p.m. match at Mississippi Valley State.
The development arm of Southeastern Athletics, the Lion Athletics Association
(LAA) will host Lion Nation Celebration 2015 on Saturday from 5-8 p.m. in the University
Center. Proceeds from the event will support Lion and Lady Lion student-athlete scholarships
and overall operations for the athletic department.
Highlighting the list of auction items are game day experiences with the SLU
football, baseball and basketball teams. Multiple vacation packages to Destin, Florida
will also be up for bid.
Fans will also have an opportunity to bid on a Q-Link Rodeo 700 EFI 4x4 ATV.
Signed apparel will also be available, including autographed memorabilia featuring
the Southland Conference champion football and baseball teams, as well as sports legends
Terry Bradshaw, Mariano Rivera and LaDainian Tomlinson among others.
All auction items are listed and tickets can be purchased at http://bidpal.net/lnc15.
Individual tickets are $25. Table seating for eight are available for as low as $300
with corporate sponsorship tables starting at $500. Dinner and cocktails will be served
and fans are encouraged to wear their green and gold.
For more information on the event, to purchase a table or to become an official
LNC 15 corporate table sponsor, contact Southeastern Assistant Athletic Director for
Marketing and Development Tom Dawsey at 549-5226 or laa@southeastern.edu.
On Tuesday, Southeastern Athletics Student Marketing and Promotions will host
Strawberry Jam at 5:30 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium. The event will feature a pep rally
beginning promptly at 6 p.m. The first 900 students will receive free t-shirts and
free food will be available to SLU students.
All SLU student-athletes will be in attendance at the event, which runs until
7:30 p.m. The Southeastern cheerleaders, Spirit of the Southland Band, Lionettes,
Roomie the Lion and Phil the Pig will provide entertainment. Music will be provided
by local DJ, Keaton Carter.
A rock wall will also be available for student entertainment. Students will also
have the opportunity to spin the prize wheel after signing up for the new Lion Up
Loyalty app that will be available beginning Tuesday.
Tuesday, August 18
Strawberry Jam, Strawberry Stadium, 5:30 p.m.
Friday, August 21 Soccer, vs. Jackson State, Strawberry Stadium, 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 22 Lion Nation Celebration, University Center, 5 p.m.
Sunday, August 23 Soccer, at Mississippi Valley State, Itta Bena, Miss., 3 p.m.
Bold indicates home game.
Professional activities
Dr. Robert R. Kraemer (Kinesiology) attended the annual American College of Sports Medicine meeting in
San Diego May 26 – 30 and presented a research poster titled “Effects of partial vascular
occlusion on irisin responses to loaded muscle contractions.” Co-authors on the paper
included Greg Reeves (Kinesiology), Dr. Allan Goldfarb (Univ. North Carolina-Greesboro), and V. Daniel
Castracane (Texas Tech Univ. Health Sciences Center, Odessa). Kraemer was also co-author
on another poster presentation with Brian Williams (Kinesiology) titled “Acute cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses in kettlebell
high-intensity interval training versus sprint interval cycling.” Additionally, Kraemer
was co-author on another presentation by his graduate student, Lauren Dutton, titled
“Does the Wii Zumba© game meet ACSM’s recommended guidelines for cardiorespiratory
fitness?” Other co-authors on this presentation included graduate students Jenna Karcher
and Erin Murrill.
ByLion is published weekly online (bi-weekly during the summer session) for the faculty and staff of Southeastern Louisiana University. Send submissions to publicinfo@southeastern.edu, SLU 10880, fax 985-549-2061, or bring to University Marketing and Communications Office in East Stadium. Submission deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.
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