LSU'S Biweekly Newsletter for Faculty & Staff
June 2, 2006 |
VOL. 22, NO. 19 |
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| U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney delivers the commencement address to graduating students, their guests and special guests of LSU during LSU’s 259th commencement exercises. |
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney delivered the commencement address and 3,164 students received degrees during LSU’s 259th commencement exercises held May 18-19.
Cheney addressed the graduates and received a University Medal from LSU Chancellor Sean O’Keefe at the main commencement ceremony on Friday, May 19. Degrees were conferred for all students during that ceremony, and Ph.D. candidates were recognized individually.
Separate diploma ceremonies for each college were held on Thursday and Friday, May 18-19, at various times and locations across campus. At those ceremonies, every student was recognized individually.
Some 400 students graduated with honors, including 33 who received University Medals for graduating with perfect grade-point averages. University Medalists were recognized at a special ceremony at the LSU Faculty Club on Thursday, May 18.
The oldest graduate was 83, and the youngest graduate was 20. Both received undergraduate degrees. The May 2006 graduates represented 58 Louisiana parishes, 42 states and 76 countries. Fifty-five percent of the graduates were women, and 45 percent were men.
Twenty-two students graduated from the Honors College. Eighteen, who received Sophomore Honors Distinction and completed the upper-division honors program, graduated with College Honors. Four, who completed the upper-division honors program, graduated with Upper Division Honors Distinction.
Also during the main ceremony, LSU Chancellor Sean O’Keefe presided, and recognized the LSU class of 1956 and the Golden Tigers, or those who graduated at least 50 years ago. LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman Roderick K. West conferred degrees, and LSU Faculty Senate President William Daly served as mace bearer.
The processional and recessional music was by the LSU Commencement Band, conducted by Linda Moorhouse, associate director of the LSU School of Music’s Department of Bands. Daniela Cecilia Mack, candidate for a master of music degree, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the LSU alma mater. The invocation and benediction was by Father Than Vu, pastor of Christ the King Catholic Center at LSU.
Lt. Col. Philip M. Pugh Jr., professor of military science, recognized nine newly commissioned Army and Air Force ROTC cadets who graduated. The cadets were officially commissioned at a separate ceremony on Thursday, May 18, at 1 p.m. in the Campbell Auditorium of the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student Athletes.
LSU Alumni Association President and CEO Charlie Roberts welcomed the graduates to the association, and LSU System President William L. Jenkins delivered closing remarks.
Several noteworthy graduates included:
Murphy J. Foster IV, grandson of the recent Louisiana Gov. Murphy J. “Mike” Foster Jr., received degrees in psychology and sociology from the College of Arts & Sciences. He is also a graduate of University High School. His father, Murphy J. Foster III, and son of the recent governor, holds a law degree from LSU from 1979. Gov. Foster holds a degree in chemistry from LSU from 1952, and he received a law degree from Southern University this semester. The governor’s grandfather, also named Murphy J. Foster, was also a former governor of Louisiana in the 1890s, and Foster Hall on LSU’s campus was named for him.
Troy H. Middleton IV, the great grandson of the namesake of LSU’s Middleton Library, graduated from the College of Arts & Sciences with a dual degree in international studies and Spanish. He plans to attend law school at Emory University.
A mother and her two daughters all graduated. Linda Brown, a candidate for a master of education degree with a concentration in curriculum and instruction, graduated from the College of Education. Her daughter, Ashley Brown, received a bachelor of science degree in business with a concentration in finance. Her other daughter, Brittany Brown, received her high school diploma from LSU’s Laboratory School on Friday, May 26. The family’s LSU tradition includes Linda Brown’s father, Al Swanson Jr., who was a former LSU baseball coach, and her grandfather, Al Swanson Sr., who was a former member and chair of the LSU Board of Supervisors.
A posthumous degree was awarded to Rachael Stafford Thomassee at the College of Art & Design diploma ceremony. She received a bachelor of interior design degree.
Hurricane Katrina devastated homes and lives along the Gulf Coast. It also had a tremendous impact on the area’s pets. One of those pets is Molly, a 15-year-old Shetland pony, who had one of her legs amputated and received a prosthetic limb by the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Health Studies Program as a result of injuries sustained after the hurricane.
Molly was rescued after the storm, but she and several other ponies were attacked by a pack of dogs in their pasture. Molly sustained damage to one of her front legs. The damage was extremely severe, and her veterinarian, Allison Denny-Barca of New Orleans referred her owner, Kaye Harris, to the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Health Studies Program.
Molly came to the school on Jan. 14. The equine clinicians consulted and came to the conclusion that amputation was the only thing that would save her life. As Molly’s operation approached, the plan was to amputate the right front limb and fit her with a prosthesis. This procedure is extremely rare.
Molly’s limb was amputated on Jan. 15, and she wore a cast with a built-in prosthetic through Feb. 14. On that day, she was fitted with a prosthetic limb, and she is doing exceptionally well. Molly now works as a therapeutic friend for children who have also suffered life-altering injury or illness.
In 2004, Swine Palace opened “Always…Patsy Cline,” resulting in Swine Palace and Baton Rouge theatre history. Ted Swindley’s musical about the legendary singer quickly sold out and was extended for weeks. Since that summer, the show’s legions of fans have been clamoring for its return. They are getting their wish when the show returns to the stage on Tuesday, June 13.
“Always…Patsy Cline” returns to Swine Palace on June 13 with a VIP preview. Other preview shows will be held Wednesday, June 14, and Thursday, June 15. The show officially opens on Friday, June 16, and runs through Sunday, July 2. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. June 13 through July 2 with 2 p.m. matinees held June 18 and 25 and July 2.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $19 for LSU faculty & staff and senior citizens (65+) and $12 for children and full-time students. Discounts are available in advance for groups of 10 or more.
Featuring 27 of Patsy Cline’s classic songs, this delightful play is perfect for the entire family. It tells the true story of how Patsy Cline met her biggest fan in a roadhouse in Houston and of their lifelong friendship. Along the way the audience steps into the life of the beloved singer of “Crazy,” “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “I Fall to Pieces.”
“The thing that’s so wonderful about this show is that it has such a sense of warmth. You can’t help smiling,” said returning director Jennifer Jones Cavenaugh.
In response to the tremendous public demand, Swine Palace took the unprecedented step of putting individual tickets for “Always…Patsy Cline” on sale in December. Performances are already selling out and special Sunday evening performances have been added to the schedule.
To bring the incomparable Patsy Cline to life, Swine Palace has cast Becky Barta, a performer who has wowed audiences across the country with her amazing vocal talent. Barta’s impressive resume includes the Broadway production of “Les Miserables” and playing Cline during the original New York production of “Always…Patsy Cline.”
Returning to Baton Rouge to play the pivotal role of Louise is accomplished Houston actress Leslie Maness. Filling out the chorus are six talented LSU students: Brett Gremillion, Kayla Herrington, Michelle Mahone, Derek Mudd, Allison Usher and Lance Wise. In the band are Josue Ramirez, Jonathan Boswell, Joel Martinez, Royce Tarver and Shane Madere.
“Always…Patsy Cline” is sponsored in part by Kean Miller, Texas Roadhouse Restaurants, the Louisiana Lottery, Manda Fine Meats, The Charles Lamar Family Foundation, the Arts Council of Baton Rouge and the LSU Student Performing Arts Fee. The production is licensed by the Family and Estate of Patsy Cline - all rights reserved.
Tickets are available at the Reilly box office. More information is available at 225-578-3527 or www.swinepalace.org. All performance dates and times are subject to change.
The LSU Community University Partnership, or CUP, partnering with Advocates for Change and North Gate Merchants Association, is promoting a dialogue initiative in Old South Baton Rouge, or OSBR, between the police and businesses in the area.
Members of the LSU CUP Advisory Panel, representatives of the North Gate Merchants Association and Advocates for Change met with the former captain of District 2 and his shift commanders to discuss crime in the OSBR community. A very fruitful dialogue occurred and various ideas were discussed on how to promote positive dialogue starting with the OSBR business owners as well as those who frequent their businesses. In addition, the group provided the captain and his crew with some simple suggestions on how to have a more visible appearance in the community. These ideas were taken under advisement. Newly appointed Captain Joe Bourgeios has reviewed this initiative and supports the effort.
One suggested idea that promotes positive dialogue between business owners and law enforcement is “Coffee for Cops.” “Having the businesses in the area have a pot of coffee brewing and displaying a sign that welcomes the policeman in the area to come in, is a simple way to promote positive relationships and dialogue,” said Iman Fahmee Sabree of the Advocates for Change. “District 2 is a very large area and we want to do some positive things no matter how small, starting with the businesses and hoping it will spill over to residents inviting the police officers to stop in and have a good cup of coffee.”
Jimmy Weatherford, owner of Louie’s Cafe, said, “Louie’s has been doing this for some time and we see the positive effects just having the officers stop in from time to time and talking to our patrons. We do hope that most of the businesses in OSBR would welcome the opportunity to promote this initiative by displaying the sign in their establishment and having a good pot of coffee on for the officers in OSBR.”
OSBR businesses began receiving letters promoting this initiative May 30 and are encouraged to respond, indicating their involvement.
LSU CUP is offering this as a part of its outreach activities in the OSBR area. CUP Coordinator Pat Smith said, “We will be looking at additional initiatives that will seek to develop more positive relationships between the community and law enforcement as a complement to the Strategic Plan for OSBR. So look for the “Coffee for Cops” sign in the OSBR businesses.”
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| Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Risa Palm (center) announced the retirement of Michael Groves (right) as dean of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and the appointment of Peter Haynes (left) as interim dean. |
On Wednesday, May 10, LSU Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Risa Palm addressed the faculty of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine to announce the retirement of Dean Michael G. Groves, effective June 30, and the appointment of Peter F. Haynes as interim dean. Haynes is currently the school’s executive associate dean and has served the school and the university for 32 years.
“According to the evaluation of the dean among the faculty, Dr. Groves has shown tremendous support to the faculty and staff, increased the school’s scholarly standing, communicates well and acknowledges the contributions of others,” said Palm. “Dr. Groves is an extremely effective advocate for the school, and these will be very, very big shoes to fill. We are grateful to Dr. Haynes for his selfless service and his willingness to serve as interim dean.”
Palm informed the faculty that a search committee has been appointed. Kevin Carman, dean of the College of Basic Sciences, will chair the committee, which consists of William Henk, professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences; Joseph Francis, assistant professor in the Department of CBS; Marlene Orandle, assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences; Daniel Paulsen, professor in the Department of PBS; Amy Grooters, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; Susan Eades, professor in the Department of VCS; David Baker, director of the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine; Thomas Klei, associate dean for research and advanced studies; Gleeson Murphy, an LSU School of Veterinary Medicine alumnus and current Ph.D. student at the school; Christine Navarre, associate professor with the LSU AgCenter; and Patrick Thistlethwaite, a local clinician and former president of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association.
Palm asked the faculty to play an active role in recruiting a new dean by urging them to contact their colleagues about applying for the position. She also informed the faculty that Haynes can be a candidate for the permanent position of dean while he serves as the interim dean. After answering questions from the faculty, she asked Haynes to address the group.
“I am honored by the Provost’s confidence in me,” said Haynes. “It has been a real pleasure to be a part of the current administrative team, and we should be grateful for the leadership Mike Groves has given us over the last seven years. My commitment is to continue the initiatives that have made us an emerging program in academic veterinary medicine, including the recruitment of faculty of the highest quality and resource allocation and funding to support and enhance the environment for success in our instructional, research and service programs.”
Haynes came to the school in 1974 as an equine surgeon. He became the executive associate dean in 2000.
Groves joined the faculty of the school in July 1990 as head of the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health. In 1996, he was appointed to serve as director of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. He served as both department head and director of the veterinary diagnostic laboratory until he was appointed dean of the school in April 1999.
Groves closed the meeting by saying, “In administration you learn that you get the blame and the credit for a lot of things you have nothing to do with. This has been a team effort, starting with the associate deans and department heads down to the rest of the faculty, staff and students. Pete [Haynes] knows the day-to-day workings of the school, and he has the vision that will take the school way beyond that.”
One of the strategic initiatives for the Flagship Agenda calls for incorporating educational technology into the classroom. That rather daunting task has been made easier because faculty can now work one-on-one with advisors from the Center for Faculty Development, or CFD, to incorporate appropriate instructional technologies into their classes in ways that lead to effective learning outcomes. Thanks to funds from the Student Tech-nology Fee, the CFD has been able to hire two highly qualified graduate assistants to work with faculty to enhance their courses through the infusion of technology.
Barbara McManus, educational technology consultant for the CFD, heads the program and is seeking faculty to work with these graduate assistants. Maria DeLouise, a Ph. D. candidate in the Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Counseling, has experience in educational technology, professional development and curriculum design. Rajiv Soundararajan, Ph.D. candidate in electrical engineering, is an experienced teaching/research assistant and served as support personnel in a center for professional development. He has wide knowledge of software and online course support. This highly-qualified team can assist faculty both in and out of the classroom by providing advice on redesigning course sites, lecture presentations and/or assignments and by assisting them with arrangements for any technical support needed in the classroom.
Presently the team is working with a variety of faculty and programs, including six English instructors in two residential colleges: I.T. Residential College and Herget Residential College. Freshmen in these residences will attend their English classes in their dorms, and Herget residents will have an opportunity to take a newly developed course titled English 2123 Odysseys – An Introduction to University Life. The team is also working with faculty from Middleton Library and the Departments of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Information Systems and Decision Sciences and Mathematics.
The team is working with faculty on goals such as improving the organization and effectiveness of Blackboard or Semester Book course sites; enhancing communication through online discussions, student Web sites and collaborative assignments; building a sense of community among students; incorporating e-portfolios into course requirements; and perfecting presentation skills with software tools. Additional objectives include integrating service learning components and meeting Communication across the Curriculum’s requirements for Communication-Intensive Courses.
Faculty members interested in working with this CFD team may contact McManus at 578-1135 or bmcman1@lsu.edu.