Here - Lamar University

In the wake of RitaNot a single Southeast Texas life was untouched by the fury ofHurricane Rita. All of us have worried, suffered and toiled. Thefour weeks between the anticipated arrival of the storm and theresumption of the fall semester have been difficult and taxing.As you have seen, heard and read, Lamar’s campus was hit hard. But I ampleased that we were able to resume classes on Oct. 19 and will be able to holdcommencement exercises on Dec. 22, allowing our graduating seniors to move onwith their lives, plans and dreams.Not enough thanks can be expressed to our police officers and staff – and especiallyour facilities management and operations employees – for their hard work under themost demanding conditions. The campus was never abandoned. And we reopened intime to complete the fall semester largely because of their extraordinary efforts.As we resume the semester, we understand that many of our faculty, staff andstudents still face tremendous personal challenges because of the hurricane and itseffect on the region. We have come this far with a spirit of mutual support, patienceand goodwill. I encourage those more fortunate to respond with a generous spirit totheir neighbors in need.One way to help is to give to the LU Student Hurricane Relief Fund in theLamar University Foundation. This project is sponsored by our alumni office withthe goal of helping Lamar students keep their college careers on course despite theloss of part-time jobs or other financial challenges resulting from the storm. You canfind more information on the campaign in this issue of Cardinal Cadence and onLamar’s home page.With Cardinal Pride,James M. SimmonsPresidentLamar UniversityFrom the PresidentTHE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEMBOARD OF REGENTSCharles Matthews, Chancellor • AustinC A R D I N A LCadenceThe StaffCardinal Cadence is published by the Division ofUniversity Advancement, Lamar University, a member ofThe Texas State University System and an affirmativeaction, equal opportunity educational institution.Brian Sattler, Executive Editor, Director of Public RelationsCynthia Hicks ’89, ’93, EditorLouise Wood, WriterChris Castillo, WriterContributors:Matt Bush, Daucy Crizer, Susan Holland,Amanda Rowell, writingDanny Bowden, Michelle Cate, Bobby Chapman,Ofir Farkash, Barry Johnson, Jason Jones, Jerry Lara,James Simmons, Mike Tobias, Rohn Wenner, photographyCirculation includes 54,000 copies distributed to alumni,faculty, staff and friends of Lamar University. If you havereceived more than one copy of this publication, pleaselet us know.Changes of address may be sent to:University Advancement,P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710, or byemail: mona.halvorsen@lamar.eduDivision of University AdvancementCamille Mouton, Vice PresidentJanice Trammell ’85, ’93, Director of DevelopmentMona Halvorsen ’95, Director of Advancement ServicesLoraine Thibodeaux, Director, University Reception CentersP.O. Box 10011Beaumont, Texas 77710(409) 880-8419 or fax (409) 880-8409email: advancement@hal.lamar.eduLamar University Alumni OfficeWhen visiting campus, you’re invited to stop by theAlumni Office at the John Gray Center, Building B,855 Florida, Suite 102.Juan Zabala, Director of Alumni AffairsLU Alumni OfficeP.O. Box 10005Beaumont, Texas 77710(409) 880-8921, or (800) 298-4839Email: alumni@lamar.eduwww.lamar.edu/alumniLamar University FoundationJanice Trammell, Executive DirectorLamar University FoundationP.O. Box 11500Beaumont, Texas 77710(409) 880-2117Email: foundation@hal.lamar.eduAlan W. Dreeben, Chair • San AntonioKent M. Adams, Vice Chairman • BeaumontDora G. Alcalá • Del RioJohn E. Dudley • ComancheDionicio “Don” Flores • El PasoBernard C. Francis • AddisonPollyanna A. Stephens • San AngeloGreg Wilkinson • PlanoCardinal Cadence (USPS 017-254) is published quarterlyby Lamar University, Division of University Advancement,211 Redbird Lane, Beaumont, Texas 77710-0011.Periodicals postage paid at Beaumont, TX, and additionalmailing offices.2 | Cardinal Cadence September - November 2005