NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEP A I D
PERMIT NO. 502BEAUMONT, TX 77710
Join in a Standing Ovationas we honorJimmy and SusanSimmonsMarch 2, 2013Details page 45
Be part of the momentum that is propellingLamar University forward!
We are experiencing growth like never before.With record-breaking enrollment and new andinnovative programs, the possibilities are infinite!
Lamars excellence is attracting the highestcaliber students, like the ones featured here.They are drawn to the innovation that is ahallmark of Lamar.
The generosity of alumni and friends like youhelps Lamar keep this momentum going. Makea difference by giving to the annual fund.
Your support of the annual fund helps makeour innovative programs and quality educationavailable to Lamar University students.
Together, we can give our students a futurefilled with infinite possibilities.
Please send your gift today, or to make animmediate impact, make your gift onlineat www.LUAnnualFund.com.
I give a lot of credit to my mentors here at Lamar fortheir support and input. They guide us and make us intowho we are.
Humberto Hernandez, LU senior Biology major
The classes are small enough that you can have personalrelationships with your professors. Getting to know theprofessors personally helped me to figure out who I am as aperson and what I want to do with my life.
Christine Zabala, LU senior English & History major
As a student-athlete, Ive had to become more disciplinedin my studies, and throughout my courses at Lamar, myprofessors have really pushed me academically. My experienceat Lamar has prepared me to succeed in graduate school andother future academic pursuits.
Joshua Raglon, recent LU grad, Psychology major
2 | CARDINAL CADENCE 40:2 NOVEMBER 2012
As we round the corner to 2013 and Lamar Universitys 90th year,we can look back on 2012 as another great time in our history. Wehave seen growth on many levels, from record enrollments to amajor milestone in the comprehensive campaign, to name but two.
Lamar posted record enrollment again this fall, despite raisingour entrance requirements. Lamars 20th class day headcount was
14,675, up 2 percent over fall 2011. And, by the time this semester ends, even more studentswill have started and completed online courses bringing the total number of students enrolledat LU during the fall to around 15,000.
Earlier this fall, Lamars Investing in the Future comprehensive campaign topped morethan $100 million raised thanks to the incredible support of so many alumni and friends, and itcontinues to grow. We are so thankful to everyone who is making the future of LamarUniversity better for all.
A few weeks ago I announced that I would be stepping down from the presidency effectivein 2013. It had been an extremely difficult decision for Susan and me. We have been a part ofLamar University for more than 42 years and have grown to love being so much a part of lifehere. It has been a very, very special time for us both.
Because the legislative session is such an important time for the university, our chancellor,Brian McCall, has asked that I continue to serve until Lamars next leader can be on campus.That will take place sometime before the fall semester. I will gladly do so, for there are manyexciting things on the horizon. Lamar University is stronger than ever, and even though challenges remain, there is incredible momentum and enthusiasm across the campus.
After taking a leave of absence, I look forward to returning to the faculty of the MaryMorgan Moore Department of Music to pursue my first lovesteaching and music.
In the meantime, the Chancellor has assembled an exceptional team and the search processis underway for Lamars 11th president. I am confident they will find the right person for thejob and that Lamar Universitys greatest days lay ahead.
With Cardinal Pride,
James M. Simmons President Lamar University
C A R D I N A LCadenceT h e S t a f f
From the President
Charlie Amato, Chairman | San Antonio
Donna N. Williams, Vice Chairman | Arlington
Jaime Garza | San Antonio
Kevin J. Lilly | Houston
Ron Mitchell | Horseshoe Bay
David Montagne | Beaumont
Trisha S. Pollard | Bellaire
Rossanna Salazar | Austin
William F. Scott | Nederland
Andrew Greenberg, Student Regent | Rockwall
THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERS ITY SYSTEMBOARD OF REGENTS
Brian McCall, Chancellor | Plano
Cardinal Cadence (USPS 017-254) is published biannuallyby Lamar University, Division of University Advancement,855 Jim Gilligan Way, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
Cardinal Cadence is published by the Division of UniversityAdvancement, Lamar University, a member of The TexasState University System and an affirmative action, equalopportunity educational institution.
Brian Sattler, Executive Editor, Director of Public Relations
Cynthia Hicks 89, 93, Editor, Publication Specialist
Larry Acker 10, Assistant Director, Writer
Beth Gallaspy 09, Marketing Specialist, Writer
Louise Wood, Media Specialist, Writer
Frances Simpson 95, Senior Administrative Associate
ContributorsErik Cox, Sharon Forret, Pat Murray, Andrew Strange, writingMatt Billiot, fjgaylor, Keith Carter, Pete Churton, BrandonGouthier, Landers Photography, Jason Kindig, Sharon Forret,photography
Circulation includes 68,000 copies distributed to alumni,faculty, staff and friends of Lamar University. If you havereceived more than one copy of this publication, please let us know.
Changes of address may be sent to: University Advancement, P.O. Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710, or byE-mail: [email protected]
Division of University AdvancementCamille Mouton, Vice PresidentJuan Zabala 07, Associate Vice PresidentFloyd F. McSpadden Jr., Director of Planned GivingJanice Trammell 85, 93, Director of DevelopmentTracie Craig, Director of University Reception CentersShannon Copeland 02, 03, 07, Director of Advancement Services
Mark Osborne, Director of Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum
Richard Atkins, Director, Web Services
P.O. Box 10011Beaumont, Texas 77710(409) 880-8419 or fax (409) 880-8409
Lamar University Alumni OfficeWhen visiting campus, youre invited to stop by the Alumni Office at the John Gray Center, Building B, Suite 102, 855 Jim Gilligan Way.
Linda LeBlanc 75, Director of Alumni Affairs
LU Alumni OfficeP.O. Box 10005Beaumont, Texas 77710(409) 880-8921, or (800) 298-4839E-mail: [email protected]/alumni
Janice Trammell 85, 93, Executive DirectorLamar University FoundationP.O. Box 11500Beaumont, Texas 77710(409) 880-2117
C A R D I N A LCadenceV O L . 4 0 N O . 2 | N O V EM B E R 2 0 1 2
31 On campus 40 Arts & Culture 44 Class notes 56 Athletics
DEPARTMENTS
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Magazine design: Mike Rhodes | On the cover: Susan and Jimmy SimmonsCover photography: Keith Carter 70, internationally renowned photographer and Homer D. Walles Chair, College of Fine Arts and Communication
F E A T U R E S
8 An excellent runThe Simmons presidency has left an indelible mark
10 Its who I amA champion of students and their surroundingswill always hold LU in her heart
12 Life and timesAlumni and friends say thank you to a uniquelyLU president
16 With the flowAlan 64 and Peggy Plummer 65 built a companythirsty for clean water
18 Bite-sized goals lead toglobal-sized firmPeople count for Roland Rodriquez 74
20 Delivering in the midst of disasterFaith Wallace gets help to where its needed
24 Lifetime tiesLU was the key code for Bill 65 and Libby Nylin 64, 65
26 The accidental psychologistTennis to terrorism research and backpacking tobasketball, James Esser is on the move
28 Reaching for the futureChristine Zabala and Quentin Jiles discover careers for life
55 From geological discovery to enlightening young mindsClaudia Ludwig 66 inspires many to envisionnew opportunities
60 Boomtown boomDiscovery continues at Spindletop-Gladys CityBoomtown Museum
62 Preserving the art of printingLambs Print Shop stands again to tell the tale ofhot metal
63 Doing things her wayTexas Super Lawyer Elizabeth Marsh 81 takescare of business
64 Spark of invention burns brightThe research headed by Tipton 62 and AnnGolias has led to break-through discoveries
66 Fine feathersLU salutes exceptional Cardinals
LAGNIAPPE
22 Cardinal Views
30 Presidential search underway
45 Save the date for Standing Ovation
50 Upcoming Cardinal Adventures
68 Contribute to LU momentum!
NOVEMBER 2012 40:2 CARDINAL CADENCE | 3
THE FACE OF THE CAMPAIGNINVESTING IN THE FUTURE
4 Gift honors DeWayne Layfield andTSUS FoundationEngineering students benefit from$2 million scholarship
6 DreamMakersEndowments create legacies that honor thecommitment of alumni and friends to others
7 A passion for the artsMary Jane Garth establishes a legacy to cultivatestudents talents for generations
23 You may already be an insiderand not know it
47 The Mirabeau SocietyMaking historyyear by year
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