Take a CloserLook at McNeese

McNeese State University www.mcneese.edu

August 2013

McNeese State University alumnus Adam Johnson won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for fiction with his novel, The Orphan Master’s Son, set in North Korea.

Johnson is a 1996 graduate of McNeese’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program and is currently an associate professor of English at Stanford University.

The Pulitzer committee cited Johnson’s book as an “exquisitely crafted novel that carries the reader on an adventuresome journey into the depths of totalitarian North Korea and into the most intimate spaces of the human heart.”

Johnson has also been named a 2013 Guggenheim Fellow in Creative Arts for Fiction. Guggenheim Fellows are appointed on the basis of impressive achievement in the past and exceptional promise for future accomplishment.

MFA Alum Wins Pulitzer

Fall Home Schedules Pg 8-9

Banners Season Preview Pg 10-11

75

th

AN

NIVERSARY 1939-20

14

McN

EESE

STATE UNIVERSITY

Sneak PeakMcNeese At 75 Pg 3

World Class University

U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 Best Colleges edition named McNeese one of the best regional universities in the South.

McNeese has been nationally recognized as one of the top public institutions for offering affordable tuition and high average salary earnings for its graduates.

Poets & Writers magazine has ranked the McNeese MFA program No. 24 in the nation.

Insid

e

He has also been the recipient of a Swarthout Writing Award, a Kingsbury Fellowship, a Stegner Fellowship, a Whiting Writers’ Award and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former McNeese MFA professor Robert Olen Butler taught Johnson and praised his former student.

“I know of no American writer who is more deserving of the Pulitzer Prize than Adam Johnson.  His innate brilliance was clear to me from the moment I read his application to McNeese.  But brilliance alone does not make a great writer.  He also had a remarkable work ethic, a ravenous engagement with life experience and an ever-deepening wisdom about the human condition,” said Butler.  “I am proud of Adam.  And I am proud of the McNeese creative writing program, which remains one of the finest in the country.”

THRIVE.7.13.indd 1 7/23/13 8:19 AM

A Closer Look at McNeese2

Research by McNeese faculty and students may lead to discoveries of new antibiotics, healthier beef and pork products, mosquito control strategies, coastal restoration and innovative ways to use native plants for their natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Undergraduate research projects involve diverse disciplines and showcase academic interests from biology and agricultural sciences to art and engineering as well as economics and social sciences. Students work one-on-one with faculty mentors to engage in research and scholarly activities.

McNeese supports and encourages students and faculty to engage in collaborative projects. Participating in undergraduate research and scholarly activities puts McNeese students in highly competitive positions to gain admission into graduate and professional schools.

Faculty & Undergraduate Student Research

McNeese is launching a radio station in 2014--KBYS 88.3 FM. The non-profit radio station, supported by volunteers from McNeese and the community, will be located in a building on the west side of Ryan Street across from the main campus. The format will broadcast several music genres, special hosted shows, information about McNeese cultural events, news and announcements related to weather and road conditions. Plans also include streaming the audio on the Internet for alumni and friends outside the Lake Charles broadcast area.

The new Burton Residence Hall is designed to engage up to 150 high performing students in a living and learning environment that enriches their college experience. Residents are selected using ACT and SAT scores, GPA and other academic factors.

Built on the footprint of the old residence hall that was severely damaged by Hurricane Rita in 2005, the new facility includes 42 suite-style units all with private bedrooms, shared living and bathroom areas, high speed Internet and cable television connections. WiFi is available throughout the building.

Each floor offers two multipurpose/study rooms designed for individual and small group use and several study areas feature smart television capability for connecting laptop computers and iPads. A multipurpose classroom located on the first floor will be used to teach selected Honors College seminars and other academic courses.

KBYS 88.3

Burton Residence Hall

Volunteerism & Community ServiceMcNeese students, faculty and staff are actively engaged

in volunteerism and community service both on and off the McNeese campus. Last year, McNeese logged over 75,000 volunteer hours in the Lake Area community.

Recently the McNeese Book Nook opened in the Lake Charles Children’s Museum. Students and faculty in the Burton College of Education volunteer to improve reading skills at the Book Nook and at the Literacy Council. McNeese nursing professors and students volunteer at the Calcasieu Community Clinic on the McNeese campus and participate in a public health program that provides required vaccinations for children age 6 weeks to 18.

Over 120 student organizations support various national, state and local philanthropies with their time and fundraising efforts, including Habitat for Humanity, Keep America Beautiful, St. Jude’s Research Center, United Way, the American Heart Association, Colleges Against Cancer, Buddy Ball, Children’s Miracle Network and the American Red Cross.

THRIVE.7.13.indd 2 7/23/13 8:20 AM

A Closer Look at McNeese 3

Specialized Professional Programs

Preparing for specialized or advanced career options often requires additional academic study. McNeese offers several online post-baccalaureate certificate programs designed for individuals who have already completed an undergraduate degree. These condensed, concentrated courses are offered online for the convenience of working adults and lead to advanced certification in nursing case management, school librarian, family nurse practitioner and family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

A new graduate certificate program in business administration can ease the way for those with non-business undergraduate degrees to gain entry into the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program.

Offered in traditional and Web-hybrid formats, this 18 credit hour program does not require a GMAT or GRE score for admission. For more information, email mba@mcneese.edu or call the MBA office at 337-475-5576.

Online Degree ProgramsMcNeese offers several degree pro-

grams in an online format to meet the needs of busy adults trying to complete their college degrees. In many cases, a college degree will lead to career ad-vancements or new opportunities.

Online programs include the same content as traditional classroom courses but students do not have to travel to campus and can work at more con-venient times. There is a high level of interaction with the faculty teaching these courses.

Online undergraduate degrees are available in criminal justice, family and child studies, management, organiza-tional leadership, RN to BSN and sociol-ogy, while online graduate degrees are offered in criminal justice and nursing.

For more information contact the School of Extended Education and Online Programs at 337-475-5424 or exed@mcneese.edu

Honors CollegeMcNeese’s Honors College is

designed for highly motivated students with strong academic backgrounds. The College strives to create an environment that fosters active, innovative learning that includes multidisciplinary honors courses, independent studies with faculty mentors, unique internships, field trips, seminars and cultural and study abroad opportunities.

2013-2014 Class Profile:• 90 applicants for 25 openings• Average ACT score 28• 15 with a 4.0 high school GPA• 8 ranked first in their classThe majority of the students in

McNeese’s Honors College pursue graduate studies or are accepted into law, medical or veterinary schools.

InternshipsInternships provide McNeese students with

invaluable, hands-on experience and unique opportunities that often lead to job offers and lifelong professional mentors.

McNeese students from all majors participate in the Internship Program. They have completed internships at hundreds of corporations, medical facilities, retail businesses, non-profit organizations and industries in Southwest Louisiana and throughout the world.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md.

Vervet Monkey Foundation in South AfricaTexas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Fisheries

DivisionThe Walt Disney CompanyKerr Wildlife Management Center in Hunt,

TexasGrant Thornton International Accounting

and Business Advisory ServicesThe Louisiana Biomedical Research NetworkCongressional Offices

McNeese at 75A yearlong celebration in 2014

The 75th anniversary is a time to reflect on the important milestones in our history and to celebrate the significant achievements of the first 75 years. It is a time to strengthen our ties to the community and to retrace the University’s connection to the growth and prosperity of Southwest Louisiana. It is also the time to focus on the future.

A survey was sent to alumni, community members, employees and students to gather suggestions for activities and events that would honor the vision of the community leaders, alumni, faculty and students who built the legacy and traditions of the first 75 years, who helped define the mission and strategic goals of the future and who recognized the unique and vibrant community that surrounds McNeese State University.

The final calendar of events will be publicized this fall.

THRIVE.7.13.indd 3 7/23/13 8:20 AM

A Closer Look at McNeese4

Student Parking GarageA new three-story, 865-space student-

parking garage opened in May on the east side of the main campus off Common Street. All students, commuter and resident, with a current McNeese parking permit can park in the garage. Students voted during the spring 2011 semester to pay an additional fee to build the parking garage.

There are three entrance/exits and two additional entrances only, two elevators and five stairwells spread evenly throughout the structure. A counting system that tracks the number of vehicles entering and leaving the

structure and real time counters on the ramps tell drivers precisely the number of vehicles on each level, and electronic signs on the outside of the garage show if the garage is open or full/closed.

Security features include 66 high definition color cameras, two emergency blue-light call boxes that dial directly to campus police and have speakers tied into the University’s outdoor emergency broadcast system. Each elevator has emergency call buttons and security cameras.

Earn Dual Credit - Get AheadAcademically qualified high school

juniors and seniors and homeschooled students are eligible to enter the McNeese early admission and dual enrollment program. Currently the program serves hundreds of students from 38 high schools in nine parishes. Students earn both high school and college credit in such courses as language arts, science, chemistry, math, history, psychology and introductory classes in athletic training, nursing, engineering and education.

Dual enrollment courses feature an advanced curriculum and are taught by McNeese faculty or instructors certified by McNeese.

By earning dual credit, students can reduce the time-to-degree and maximize their TOPS funds or reduce the amount they need in student loans while completing a bachelor’s degree in eight semesters or less. They are also more likely to be successful in upper level college courses and complete a bachelor’s degree or higher.

For more information on dual enrollment, call 337-475-5615.

Sonia Adtani, who graduated in May 2013, enrolled as a first-time freshman with over 50 hours of dual enrollment and advanced placement courses and graduated at age 18.

THRIVE.7.13.indd 4 7/23/13 8:20 AM

A Closer Look at McNeese 5

McNeeseCareer Center

2013 Homecoming

The services and resources offered by the McNeese Career Center are available to all McNeese students and includes assistance with determining a major, writing resumes and cover letters, interview preparation and strategies for finding part-time and full-time positions.

Current students and alumni can access Cowboy JobLink to post resumes and search for job opportunities. The Career Center also hosts fall and spring career and teacher fairs that give students and alumni opportunities to meet potential employers.

For more information, call 337-475-5612 or go online to www.mcneese.edu/career.

Fall Career FairSept. 23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fall Teacher FairOct. 28 from 8:30 a.m.-Noon

Celebrate the 2013 McNeese Homecoming and enjoy one of the best parades in Southwest Louisiana on Oct. 17. Starting at the corner of Ryan and East LaGrange streets, the bands and floats travel down Ryan Street past the judging area in front of the President’s Home and end at Cowboy Stadium. Everyone is invited to the pep rally and fireworks show inside the stadium after the parade.

Community organizations can enter floats in the McNeese Homecoming Parade. Entry forms are available by calling the McNeese Office of University Services and Campus Life at 337-475-5706.

McNeese takes on Sam Houston State University on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Home-coming game. Individual game tickets are available by calling 337-562-4MSU, visiting the ticket office in the Jack V. Doland Field House located at 700 East McNeese St. or going to www.mcneesesports.com and clicking on the Tickets tab.

THRIVE.7.13.indd 5 7/23/13 8:20 AM

A Closer Look at McNeese6

Antigone Oct. 2-6Shearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

Written in 1942 when Nazi forces occupied France, the story revolves around the conflict between the idealist, Antigone, and her rigid uncle, Creon, over the proper burial of Antigone’s broth-er, Polynices. Based on Sophocles’ tragic play of the same title, Jean Anouilh’s Antigone and Creon represent two types of people: Those who think for themselves and those who do what they are told. The play explores the individual integrity it takes to give up one’s life to honor one’s family.

The Glass Menagerie Nov. 13-17Ralph Squires Recital Hall/Shearman Fine Arts Center

McNeese Theatre brings Tennessee Williams’ classic “memory play” to the stage. Watch Tom Wingfield relive how he, his mother, Amanda, his sister, Laura, and friend, Jim O’Conner, try to over-come their difficulty in accepting and relating to re-ality by hiding from it. They are each creating their own personal reality that is as fragile as the small, glass figurine that gives the play its name. Brook Hanemann-Swire directs this production with a vision of “wiping the dust off “ this play by showing how the characters are connected to Tennessee Williams, his family and our families today.

September5 Faculty/Guest Artist Recital

Patrick Sheng, saxophoneRalph Squires Recital Hall

6 Faculty Potpourri - Celebrate the ArtsShearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

20 Faculty/Guest Artist RecitalDave Scott, trumpet, Jay Kacherski, guitar, Lonny Benoit , percussion, Lina Morita, pianoShearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

22 Faculty/Guest Artist Recital“The Music of Bill Rose”St. Luke Simpson United Methodist Church

October7 Junior Recital, Trumpet

Luke Russel Ralph Squires Recital Hall

8 Chamber Singers ConcertShearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

10 Faculty/Guest Artist RecitalAlexander Dossin, pianoShearman Fine Arts Theatre

14 Senior Recital, PercussionMichael RoyerRalph Squires Recital Hall

22 Senior Recital, Mezzo-SopranoCarie BarnesRalph Squires Recital Hall

24 Wind Symphony ConcertShearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

27 Faculty/Guest Artist RecitalPatricia Horvath and Barbara Belew, harp duoShearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

McNeese Department of Performing Arts The Department of Performing Arts hosts numerous senior recitals, band and choral concerts and a faculty/guest recital series

each semester that are open free to the McNeese community. For more information, contact the department at 337-475-5028.

29 Faculty/Guest Artist RecitalCarol Line, sopranoFirst United Methodist Church

November

1 Senior Recital, Mezzo-SopranoCamryn MillerRalph Squires Recital Hall

5 Senior Recital, Guitar Masson LeMieux Shearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

11 Chamber Recital Shearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

12 Junior Recital, Violin Christy McClainShearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

15 Junior Recital, Mezzo-SopranoKelly RowlandShearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

18 Senior Recital, TrumpetStephanie LaCoste and Zachary AlcantaraShearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

19 McNeese Choir Concert Shearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

21 Band Spectacular Concert Shearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

December3 Junior Recital, Soprano

Megan VoorhiesRalph Squires Recital Hall

8 MessiahF.G. Bulber Auditorium

13-15 NutcrackerShearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

McN

eese

Thea

tre

2013

-201

4

THRIVE.7.13.indd 6 7/23/13 8:20 AM

Untitled: A Devised Theatre PieceFeb. 12-16Black Box Theatre/Shearman Fine Arts Center

McNeese Theatre boldly goes where few theatres have gone before: Creating a full-scale live theatrical performance from scratch. Collaboration is the key to successful Devised Theatre. It invites the use of different art forms and asks a group of diverse individuals to bring their talents, strengths and interests to create a unique theatrical production. Members of the company serve as playwrights, designers and, if they wish, performers. This will be the inaugural production in McNeese’s new Black Box Theatre and the production will focus on this season’s theme, “The Family.”

McNeese Theatre Musical RevueApril 9-13Shearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre

This “Blast from the Past” musical brings selected songs from 75 years of McNeese Theatre productions to celebrate the universi-ty’s Diamond Anniversary. Current and former members of the McNeese Theatre family will lend their voices and talents to celebrate the works of Sondheim, Berlin, Rogers & Ham-merstein, and many more. This anniversary production will embrace our 75th anniversary theme of “Celebrating the Past ~ Pioneering the Future.”

A Closer Look at McNeese 7

McNeese Department of Visual Arts The Department of Visual Arts hosts various student,

faculty and guest artist exhibitions in both the Grand Gallery and in Abercrombie Gallery in the Shearman Fine Arts Center throughout the year that are open free to the public. For more information, contact the department at 337-475-5060.

Foundation Design Juried Exhibition – Student WorksAbercrombie Gallery/Shearman Fine Arts CenterThrough Aug. 30

Mysterio ExhibitionAbercrombie Gallery/Shearman Fine Arts CenterSept. 12-Oct. 4

Faculty ExhibitionGrand Gallery/Shearman Fine Arts AnnexSept. 12-Nov. 22

An Illustrated Popol Vuh ExhibitionAbercrombie Gallery/Shearman Fine Arts CenterOct. 10-Nov. 8

Fall Senior ExhibitionNov. 21 – Dec. 12Abercrombie Gallery/Shearman Fine Arts Center

Holiday Art SaleDec. 6Grand Gallery/Shearman Fine Arts Annex

McNeese’s SAGE (Senior Adult Group Encounter)

program offers a series of short lectures and discussions

centered around a central theme each fall and spring.

Designed for the 50 and over set, the lectures are held

on Monday afternoons on the McNeese campus. For more

information on the dates, topics and presenters for the

Fall SAGE program, call 337-475-5616.

The 74th season of the McNeese Theatre Bayou Players will feature four productions with “The Family” as the theme. Auditions for the fall productions are Aug. 30. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for McNeese faculty/staff, senior citizens and youth, and free for McNeese students with an ID. Season tickets are $45 for adults and $30 for McNeese faculty and staff, senior citizens and youth (K-12). For more information, call 337-475-5040.

THRIVE.7.13.indd 7 7/23/13 8:20 AM

A Closer Look at McNeese8

Rowdy and Mystery Rider

The first costumed Rowdy mascot debuted in 1982 and the mascot is named after Clint Eastwood’s character on the Rawhide television series.

Since 2007, the horse and rider

statue at the Entrance Plaza comes to life at every home football game. The Mystery Rider, aboard Moondancer, enters the stadium during pre-game and scans the crowd intently to make sure the stadium is filled with Cowboy fans. Once satisfied with the crowd, they leave the stadium to round up the last of the tailgaters and search out imposters.

Geaux Blue!In 2013 McNeese was the only public university in Louisiana

where every sport recorded above the 930 mark on the NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR).

McNeese had a league-high 108 students placed on the Southland Conference Commissioners Spring 2013 Academic Honor Roll.

McNeese led all SLC schools with 22 student-athletes earning a perfect 4.0 GPA in spring 2013. 

21 McNeese student-athletes from 9 sports were named Southland Conference All-Academic in 2012-2013.

Caitlyn Baggett received the 2013 Southland Conference Steve McCarthy Citizenship Award. Three McNeese athletes have won this award since 2008.

 The Cowgirls basketball team reached the championship

game of the 2013 Women’s Basketball Invitational national tour-nament and Ashlyn Baggett was the first player to be named the Southland Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Year for three consecutive years.

Two McNeese athletes were selected to participate in the 2013 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. One earned USA Track and Field Junior All-America honors.

 A McNeese woman ended the 2013 tennis season with a

perfect 21-0 record and ranked 13th in the final ITA Southern Region standings. She was the only player from the SLC in the top 15 and earned Southland Conference “Player of the Year” and “Freshman of the Year” honors. 

 Cowgirls Softball won the 2013 Southland Conference regular season championship and ranked 28th in the nation. Three McNeese softball players were ranked in the top 20 in the nation at the end of the 2013 season and a senior pitcher was ranked in the top 10 by the NCAA.

Men’s cross country won the 2012 Southland Conference championship and David Rooney became McNeese’s first-ever cross country All-American.

 A Cowgirl golfer was named to the All-Conference First Team

and another made the Second All-Conference Team and earned Southland Conference All-Academic Team honors.

THRIVE.7.13.indd 8 7/23/13 8:20 AM

A Closer Look at McNeese 9

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec-tetur adipiscing elit. Morbi id arcu vel purus ornare mattis id non nibh. Mauris euismod ultrices diam nec placerat. Nulla facilisi. Donec elit purus, fermen-tum sit amet eleifend et, aliquam quis velit. Phasellus imperdiet pharetra lec-tus, in placerat purus laoreet sagittis. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consecte-tur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque tempor nulla nec risus aliquam volutpat. Fusce et bibendum libero. Etiam id libero diam, quis volutpat mi. Integer vitae imperdiet nisl.

Sed vel leo non velit varius luctus id in orci. Fusce id rutrum risus. Ut lectus sapien, adipiscing eu dignissim aliquet, adipiscing nec dolor. Pellentesque elementum interdum egestas. Sed tellus libero, interdum et vestibulum interdum, tempus vitae sapien. Curabi-tur mauris metus, viverra eget ultricies in, congue quis mauris. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis par-turient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Nunc congue nisl non erat consectetur ullamcorper. Nam eget metus in dolor gravida elementum ut vitae est. Vestib-ulum justo mi, sagittis vehicula elemen-tum aliquam, adipiscing ut nulla. Nam aliquam vestibulum ultricies.

Phasellus dictum, dolor eget fringilla aliquet, magna erat lacinia mi.

Joli Blon

Football

The official McNeese spirit song, Joli Blon, is a popular Cajun waltz and is often referred to as the Cajun Na-tional Anthem. The song made its way to McNeese in the late 1940s when band director Eddie See heard student Bob Landry playing Joli Blon on the piano and asked him to write down the melody. See then arranged the tune - with a variation on the spelling - everyone hears on Saturday nights. The opening, which comes from the opera, Pagliacci by Verdi, was added by See.

Cowboy Stadium seats 17,810 and ranks as the largest stadium in the Southland Conference.

Highlights of the 2013 Cowboy football season include the Hall of Fame game on Sept. 7, Athlete of the Year presentation on Sept. 14 and the honoring of the 1963 football team—the first undefeated team in football history—at the Homecoming game on Oct. 19.

Football Home Games Date TimeUniversity of Arkansas - Pine Bluff Sept. 7 7:30 p.m.*University of West Alabama Sept. 14 7 p.m.Weber State University Sept. 21 7 p.m.Sam Houston State University (Homecoming) Oct. 19 7 p.m.Southeastern Louisiana University Nov. 2 7 p.m.Northwestern State University Nov. 16 7 p.m.

Individual game tickets are available by calling 337-562-4MSU, visiting the ticket office in the Jack V. Doland Field House located at 700 East McNeese St. or going to www.mcnees-esports.com and clicking on the Tickets tab.

* The Sept. 7 game will be broadcast live by Comcast SportsNet Houston and has a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

Volleyball Home Games in Memorial Gym Date TimeAlcorn State University Sept. 4 7 p.m.Big Daddy’s Invitational (McNeese Hosts) Sept. 13-14 TBATexas A&M - Corpus Christi Sept. 17 7 p.m.Lamar University Sept. 19 7 p.m.Sam Houston State University Sept. 21 2 p.m.Southeastern Louisiana University Oct. 3 7 p.m.University of New Orleans Oct. 5 2 p.m.University of Central Arkansas Oct.17 7 p.m.Oral Roberts University Oct.19 2 p.m.Nicholls State University Oct. 26 2 p.m.Houston Baptist University Nov.12 7 p.m.Cross Country (Men and Women) McNeese will host the SLC Cross Country Championships Nov. 1.Aug. 30 McNeese 6k Relays Ward 3 Multi-Sports Complex Sept. 28 McNeese Cowboy Stampede Enos Derbonne Sports Complex Women’s Soccer Home Matches at Cowgirl Field Date TimeMcNeese will host the SLC Soccer Championships Nov. 7-10 for the second consecutive year.Jacksonville State University Aug. 23 7 p.m.Jackson State University Aug. 25 1 p.m.Texas Southern University Aug. 27 7 p.m.University of Louisiana at Monroe Sept. 1 1 p.m.Texas State University Sept. 6 7 p.m.Louisiana Tech University Sept. 8 1 p.m.Southeastern Louisiana University Sept. 22 1 p.m.Sam Houston State University Sept. 29 1 p.m.Houston Baptist University Oct. 6 1 p.m.Lamar University Oct. 18 7 p.m.University of the Incarnate Word Oct. 25 7 p.m.Abilene Christian University Oct. 27 1 p.m.Men’s Basketball Fall Home Games Burton Coliseum Date TimeLouisiana College Nov. 15 7 p.m.Dillard University Dec. 31 6 p.m.Women’s Basketball Fall Home Games Burton Coliseum Date TimeWiley College Nov. 8 7 p.m.Rice University Nov. 14 7 p.m.Southern University at New Orleans Dec. 11 7 p.m.Louisiana Tech University Dec. 17 7 p.m.University of Louisiana at Monroe Dec. 21 1 p.m.

Fall Home Schedules

THRIVE.7.13.indd 9 7/23/13 8:20 AM

A Closer Look at McNeese10

Harlem String Quartet - March 9The Harlem String Quartet is

“bringing a new attitude to classi-cal music, one that is fresh, bracing and intelligent,” says the Cincinnati Enquirer. The quartet’s mission is to advance diversity in classical music and engage young and new audiences through the discovery and presenta-tion of varied repertoire that includes works by minority composers.

Bridgman Packer Dance - March 21Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer,

artistic directors of Bridgman|Packer Dance, have collaborated as perform-ers and choreographers since 1978. Their innovative work developing “Video Partnering” - the integration of live performance and video tech-nology — has been acclaimed for its highly visual and visceral alchemy of the live and the virtual.

FROGZ - March 27FROGZ has been

described as Cirque du Soleil, evoking ac-robatics mixed with Mummenschanz-like mime, set in a unique - yet accessible - French-influenced avant-garde play-ground. FROGZ is a madcap revue of illusion, comedy and fun that has inspired audiences world-wide.

2014 Banners Cultural Season PreviewThe Banners Cultural Season brings nationally and internationally known artists and

sculptors, musicians, authors and lecturers, and exhibits to Southwest Louisiana during the spring for Lake Area residents to enjoy.

Members Opening Gala - March 8 We will kick off our 2014 Banners Cultural Season with a members-only gala - one of

the benefits for our Banners supporters. We will provide an opportunity to learn more about the artists for the upcoming season.

THRIVE.7.13.indd 10 7/23/13 8:20 AM

A Closer Look at McNeese 11

Sam Bush - April 5Grammy Award-winning multi-in-

strumentalist Sam Bush doesn’t seem old enough to be a musical legend. And he’s not. But he is. Alternately known as the King of Telluride and the King of Newgrass, Bush has been hon-ored by the Americana Music Associ-ation and the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Kenya Safari Acrobats - April 11

Kenya Safari Acrobats are a spectacle for the eyes, ears and the heart. Death defying stunts, comedy, audience participation and heart-pounding music combine to create a production that will have all ages on the edge of their seats.

Lightwire - April 4Creators Ian Carney and Corbin

Popp met while dancing in Twyla Tharp’s Broadway show Movin’ Out. An immediate connection was made as they discovered their mutual love of art, theater and technology. After coming across a product called EL wire, the lights turned on. They began to develop puppetry-based creatures that quickly gained personality and a show.

The Alley Cats - April 26Doo Wop was never this fun! Tight

harmonies, universal humor and unbe-lievable a cappella energy equal the Al-ley Cats. The Alley Cats have appeared on television, radio shows, corporate events, performing arts centers, fairs, schools and even a USO show aboard the John C. Stennis aircraft carrier. Cur-rently, the Alley Cats are the opening act for Jay Leno in Las Vegas.

ETHEL and Robert Mirabal - April 25ETHEL, a pioneering string quartet,

and Grammy-winning Native American flutist Robert Mirabal present a program inspired by the sun mythology of Native America. Using instruments of the string quartet, Native American flutes and drums, as well as the voices of students and community members, ETHEL and Mirabal unite to create a cross-cultural contemporary music event.

McNeese Jazz Festival with Joey DeFrancesco - May 3

Joey DeFrancesco has been around the world and back dozens of times with his own trio, but he is also play-ing and recording with some of the greatest musicians in the world, such as Ray Charles, Bette Midler, David Sanborn, Arturo Sandoval and many more.

The Hit Men - April 13Amazing performers, superb

musicians, superior vocalists, great ar-rangers and creative composers - the Hit Men perform the hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Group members have performed with acts including Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Tommy James and the Shondells, Cat Stevens, Carly Simon and Jim Croce.

Sybarite5 - May 2From Mozart to Radiohead, the

eclectic repertoire and dynamic performance style of SYBARITE5 are turning heads throughout the music world. SYBARITE5 has taken audiences by storm all across the United States, forever changing the perception of chamber music performance.  This quintet of talented, diverse musicians takes the audience on an exciting ride.

A basic membership, which includes two tickets to all performances and special reception invitations, is available for $150. New this season is a single ticket membership to all events at $80. Friend memberships, which include four tickets, are $300. Patron memberships, which include six tickets, are $500.

Memberships also include reserved seating. Tickets to individual performances are available at the door at $20 for adults, $5 for students and free to McNeese and Sowela students with IDs. Lectures are free to the public. More information is available on the website at www.banners.org or by calling the Banners office at 337-475-5123.

THRIVE.7.13.indd 11 7/23/13 8:20 AM

We invite you to schedule your personal campus tour any time to take an exclusive look at our campus! Our recruiters provide personal campus tours by appointment Monday through Friday.

We tailor the tour to fit you! To schedule your tour, call 475-5504.

Academic CalendarAugust

19 Regular Fall Registration Ends21 Freshman Orientation, 8 a.m., F.G. Bulber Auditorium23 Late registration begins26 Classes begin27 Late registration ends

September2 Labor Day Holiday (University offices closed.)20-21 Parents and Family Weekend21 ACT National Test23 Fall Career Fair, Recreational Complex

October5 Volunteer Day 10-11 Fall Break (Evening classes will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 9.)12-19 Homecoming Week14 Mid-Term26 Rouge et Blanc26 ACT National Test28 Fall Teacher Fair, Burton Coliseum30 Fall Grad Fest, Student Union (Old Ranch)

November13 Economics Day, SEED Center 16 Fall Cowboy Q&A Day25-29 Thanksgiving Holiday (Classes will not meet Saturday,

Nov. 30. University offices closed Nov. 27-29.)December

1 Priority deadline for scholarship applications4 Classes end (Evening classes will meet.)5 Study Day (Final examinations for evening classes begin.)6 Final examinations begin8 Handel’s Messiah, 3 p.m., F.G. Bulber Auditorium 11 Final examinations end13-15 Nutcracker, Shearman Fine Arts Performing Arts Theatre14 ACT National Test14 Commencement, 10 a.m., Burton Coliseum20 University offices close at 4:30 p.m. and reopen on

Monday, Jan. 6.January

6 University offices reopen at 7:45 a.m.15 Freshman Orientation, 8 a.m., F.G. Bulber Auditorium16 Late Registration Begins20 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (University offices closed.)21 Spring Classes begin22 Late Registration Ends

Fall 2013 Regular Semester

A Closer Look at McNeese12

There is no better way to learn about McNeese and all the campus has to offer than with a visit and a personal tour. Admissions counselors are available Monday through Friday and tours are personalized for each student. The H.C. Drew Enrollment Information Center is located at the corner of Ryan Street and Beauregard Drive. For more information or to schedule a personal campus tour, call 475-5504 or go to www.becomeacowboy.com which will take you directly to the McNeese Office of Admissions and Recruiting website.

ACT Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5142Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5356Basic Studies & Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5135Campus Visits & Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5504Doré School of Graduate Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5394Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5065Honors College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5456Registrar’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5356Scholarships & TOPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5140Extended Education & Online Programs . . . . . . 475-5424Services for Students with Disabilities . . . . . . . . 475-5916Veterans Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5625Other Important Phone Numbers McNeese Toll Free Number . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-622-3352McNeese Switchboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5000Alumni Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5232Athletics Ticket Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5200Banners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5123Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5494Career Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5612Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5725Marketing and Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562-4150McNeese Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5588Public Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5635 University Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5502University Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475-5706

*The area code for Lake Charles is 337.

www.mcneese.edu www.mcneesesports.com www.mcneesefoundation.org www.mcneesealumni.com

www.facebook.com/McNeeseStateU

Follow us on Twitter: @McNeese

EEO/AA/ADA McNeese is a member of the University of Louisiana System. OPR 7/13

Admissions Information

THRIVE.7.13.indd 12 7/23/13 8:20 AM