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PILLARS is published by the McNeese Foundation to educate and inform the community of the role that the Foundation plays in support of McNeese State University.
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FALL 2009 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1
DerrickFourroux May ‘10
A Leader by Examplepage 6
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Contents
3...........Creating.Value.in.the.Classroom:...Dr. Banamber Mishra
4.......... Sidekick.for.Life:..Judy and Bill Fuller
5........... Fuller.-.McNeese.Collaboration:..The Heifer Enhancement
Program
6 .......... Cover Story, A.Leader.by.Example:...Derrick Fourroux
7........... It.Only.Takes.A.Spark:....Josi Andrus Brady
8........... The.Typewriter:.. Theodore Witherspoon Petersen
10......... Smokey:..Erma “Smokey” LeBlanc
11......... Preparing.the.Nursing.Graduate:...McNeese College of Nursing
12......... Lake.Charles.High.School.Collection
13.........Old-School.Teaching:...Miss Murphy and Miss Leaton
14......... IRA.Charitable.Rollover
15......... Snowbirds.Really.Do.Fly.South:...Nancy and George Kuffel
16.........McNeese.Foundation,.Jennifer.Pitre.Griffith:..
Planned Giving & Donor Research Specialist
17......... Rotary.Club.Commited.to.Academic.Excellence
18......... Building.a.Solid.Foundation:...David Stine
2009 Foundation Board of Directors
Officers
Emma DiCarlo-Vincent,
President
Willie Mount, Secretary
James Taussig, Treasurer
Members
Bob Davidson
Judy Fuller
Tom Henning
Joe T. Miller, Sr.
Lee J. Monlezun, Jr.
George Paret
Patricia Prebula
Glenn Pumpelly
Donna Richard
Billy Rose
John Scofield
Jim Serra
Eli Sorkow
David Stine
Ray A. Todd, Jr.
Tom Tuminello, Sr.
Aubrey White
Ex Officio Members
Robert D. Hebert
Richard H. Reid
Advisory Board Members
Billy Blake
Coral Crain Byrd
Fred R. Godwin
Marilyn Hays
Charles Viccellio
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FOUNDATION TIESDr. Banamber Mishra • Recipient • JPMorgan Chase Bank Professorship in Business Research
When.Dr..Banamber.Mishra.developed.a.proposal.to.apply.for.a.professorship,.he.knew.it.was.not.a.simple.undertaking..Cultivating.an.idea.from.concept.to.publication.can.take.anywhere.from.three.to.five.years.
Dr..Mishra.obtained.all.of.his.degrees.in.economics,.including.a.bachelor’s.degree.from.Ravenshaw.College,.India,.a.master’s.degree.from.Jawaharlal.Nehru.University,.India,.and.a.second.master’s.degree.and.a.doctorate.degree.both.from.the.University.of.Alabama..With.such.an.extensive.education.and.22.years.of.employment.at.McNeese.State.University,.he.serves.as.a.tenured.professor.certified.to.teach.economics.and.finance.at.the.baccalaureate.and.graduate.levels.
When.McNeese.awards.a.professorship,.it.signifies.that.the.faculty.member.is.highly.knowledgeable.about.a.particular.subject..Professorships,.often.linked.to.research,.are.awarded.to.faculty.who.are.academically.qualified.from.an.institutional.point.of.view..Professorships.provide.a.financial.stipend.which.may.be.used.at.the.recipient’s.discretion..These.funds.are.expended.to.further.the.project.and.may.include.purchase.of.supplies,.software.or.equipment.or.for.travel.to.industry.conferences..Dr..Mishra.has.received.several.professorships.over.his.extensive.teaching.career.including.the.JPMorgan Chase Bank Professorship in Business Research,.which.he.now.holds.
To.be.awarded.a.professorship,.a.faculty.member.must.first.submit.a.proposal.on.an.appropriate.topic..According.to.Dr..Mishra,.“Topics.often.originate.from.the.researcher’s.previous.work.on.a.related.issue.or.from.a.subject.area.where.the.researcher.has.a.great.interest.”.The.proposal.may.be.a.short-term.project.of.one-year.duration.or.a.long-term.project.carried.out.over.multiple.years..Once.the.proposal.is.developed,.it.is.submitted.to.the.respective.college.for.review..Professorships.are.awarded.each.fall.pending.available.funds..Research.results.are.submitted.for.approval.for.presentation.at.industry.conferences.and.published.in.discipline-specific.journals.
McNeese’s.College.of.Business.is.one.of.only.14.percent.of.all.business.schools.internationally.to.be.accredited.by.AACSB.International–The.Association.to.Advance.Collegiate.Schools.of.Business..According.to.the.AACSB.Web.site,.“Accreditation.is.a.process.of.voluntary,.non-governmental.review.of.educational.institutions.and.programs.”.To.meet.the.high.standards.required.of.AACSB,.faculty.members.must.publish.at.least.two.articles.in.refereed.journals.within.the.past.five.years.for.undergraduate.instruction.or.at.least.three.articles.in.the.past.five.years.for.graduate.instruction.
Faculty.utilize.their.own.research.as.well.as.the.research.of.others.to.create.value.in.the.classroom..Dr..Mishra’s.current.project,.“Dynamics.of.Stock.Market.Return.Volatility:..Evidence.from.Singapore.and.Thailand,”.helps.students.to.understand.the.global.economy,.to.comprehend.global.markets.and.to.invest.on.a.global.scale..With.52.foreign.countries.represented.at.McNeese,.or.5.percent.of.the.student.population,.integrating.global.understanding.into.the.curriculum.is.sound.business.practice.
As McNeese experiences continued state budget cuts, funding for professorships is critical. A professorship may be funded with a donor’s $60,000 investment. The Louisiana Board of Regents matches the investment with a $40,000 contribution, bringing the total professorship to $100,000. Donors name the professorship and select the field of interest in which to designate the funds.
McNeese currently has 84 fully funded and 14 partially funded named professorships. To inquire about starting a professorship, contact Jennifer Griffith at 337.562.4191 or [email protected].
Creating Value inthe Classroom
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FOUNDATION TIESJudy and Bill Fuller • Donors • Judy and Bill Fuller Scholarship • Hester and Parrish Fuller Memorial Scholarship
Sidekick for LifeSidekick – a close companion who assists a partner in a superior position (dictionary.com). A person closely associated with another as a subordinate or partner (Merriam-webster.com).
As.Tonto.is.to.the.Lone.Ranger,.Dr..Watson.is.to.Sherlock.Holmes.and.Robin.is.to.Batman,.Judy.Fuller.is.to.Bill.Fuller..Wherever.William.Porter.“Bill”.Fuller.goes,.Judy,.his.trusted.sidekick.and.wife,.isn’t.far.behind..Judy.fondly.describes.Bill.as.a.pioneer,.a.dreamer.and.a.charmer..“He.expects.excellence.of.others,.especially.his.wife..He.thinks.there.is.nothing.that.I.can’t.do,”.stated.Judy.
Bill.is.the.son.of.Parrish.Fuller.and.Hester.Porter,.residents.of.Indiana.who.moved.to.Louisiana.in.1919.to.work.in.the.hardwood.industry.alongside.E.L..Hillyer,.J.B..Edwards.and.Col..Albert.Deutsch..Bill.attended.Culver.Military.Academy.in.Culver,.Ind.,.before.graduating.from.Oakdale.High.School..He.served.in.the.U.S..Navy.and.completed.course.work.at.the.University.of.Southeastern.Louisiana.(now.called.University.of.Louisiana.at.Lafayette),.Tulane.University.and.Louisiana.State.University..With.classroom.training.under.his.belt,.Bill.sought.on-the-job.training.in.the.family’s.sawmill.and.dimension.plant.operations.business..He.eventually.took.over.the.reins.of.Fuller.Forest.Products,.a.company.started.by.his.father.
Judith.Lane.Mizell,.called.Judy,.grew.up.in.Glenmora.and.graduated.from.Bolton.High.School.in.Alexandria..Upon.completing.her.degree.in.business.administration.at.LSU,.Judy.took.a.job.in.the.office.of.Fuller.Forest.Products..Although.Bill.was.busy.with.logging.and.lumber.procurement,.he.wasn’t.too.busy.to.take.notice.of.Judy..As.a.self-described.tomboy.with.strong.agrarian.values,.it.didn’t.take.long.for.Judy.to.respond.to.Bill’s.advances..Bill.and.Judy.married.on.Oct..6,.1969,.and.will.soon.celebrate.their.40th.anniversary.
Bill.Fuller.is.a.pioneer,.much.like.his.father,.Parrish,.who.pioneered.reforestation.as.a.way.to.replenish.one.of.Louisiana’s.greatest.natural.resources–timber..Bill.has.designed.a.trailer.capable.of.transporting.double.loads.of.logs.from.sawmills.to.increase.efficiency..He.has.successfully.grown.corn.to.produce.corn.silage.on.acreage.where.others.said.it.was.impossible..Bill,.who.would.describe.himself.as.a.practical.engineer,.has.a.keen.ability.to.solve.problems.using.trial,.error.and.relentless.pursuit.
He.also.loves.auto.racing..While.Judy.doesn’t.particularly.“love”.auto.racing,.she.does.love.Bill..As.he.pursued.his.passion.for.racing,.Judy.was.in.the.sidecar..They.followed.vintage.racing.before.transitioning.to.sports.cars..Bill.served.as.the.driver,.Judy.as.the.cheerleader..The.Fullers.spent.many.years.traveling.from.coast-to-coast.to.racing.events.living.out.of.a.van.Niesmann.+.Bischoll.CLOU.motor.home..The.motor.home.was.one.of.only.two.in.the.United.States.that.had.a.garage.in.the.back.where.a.car.could.be.driven.under.the.queen-sized.bed.
In.designing.the.couple’s.dream.home.in.Kinder,.Bill.mulled.over.his.plans.on.an.octagonal.table.that.had.been.handed.down.to.him.by.his.family..Eventually.inspiration.took.flight.as.Bill.designed.their.3,000.square.foot,.multi-southern.hardwood,.octagonal-shaped.home..After.Judy’s.initial.shock.at.the.idea.wore.off,.construction.began.with.Judy.concluding,.“As.long.as.it.(the.house).was.on.a.concrete.foundation.without.wheels,.I’d.be.happy.”
Education.has.played.a.significant.role.in.the.Fuller.dynasty.with.Parrish.having.served.on.the.Louisiana.State.Board.of.Education.for.six.consecutive.terms.(1929-53)..Judy.and.Bill.have.continued.this.legacy.and.commitment.to.education..The.Hester and Parrish Fuller Memorial Scholarship,.established.in.memory.of.Bill’s.parents,.is.open.to.agribusiness.or.mechanical.engineering.students..The Judy and Bill Fuller Scholarship.is.designated.for.the.College.of.Business..The.Fullers.have.also.donated.more.than.100.acres.in.Kinder.to.McNeese’s.Harold.and.Pearl.Dripps.Department.of.Agricultural.Sciences.to.conduct.research.to.learn.about.the.corn.silage.cattle.feed.business..The.650-acre.Soileau.Farm.owned.by.the.Fullers.has.also.been.donated.to.McNeese.to.grow.corn.and.soybeans..The.Fullers.have.also.partnered.with.the.department.to.build.a.heifer.enhancement.and.development.program.on.an.800-acre.cattle.operation..The.goal.of.this.one-of-a-kind.program.is.to.help.local.cattle.producers.improve.the.quality.of.their.herd.and.maximize.their.cattle.operation.potential.
The.Fullers.don’t.idle.well..When.they.aren’t.busy.tending.to.their.hardwood,.cattle.and.farm.operations,.Bill.may.be.found.cooking.homemade.jelly.while.Judy.knits.or.sews..According.to.Judy,.“Wherever.home.is,.and.Bill.is.content,.I’m.going.to.be.happy.”.With.a.sidekick.like.Judy,.Bill.can’t.go.wrong!
Judy and Bill Fuller
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FOUNDATION TIESJudy and Bill Fuller • Donors • Judy and Bill Fuller Scholarship • Hester and Parrish Fuller Memorial Scholarship
FULLER – McNEESE COLLABORATIONThe Heifer Enhancement ProgramThe Heifer Enhancement Program (HEP) began with a generous donation from Judy and Bill Fuller. The Fuller Farm, composed of more than 100 acres in Kinder, was donated to McNeese State University’s Harold and Pearl Dripps Department of Agricultural Sciences for the purpose of education and research. The farm operation consists of land to grow row crops, pasture to graze cattle and produce hay, cattle working facilities and an asphalt surface for feeding cattle.
The Fullers and the McNeese agricultural sciences department share a common interest–the farming industry in Southwest Louisiana. The traditional crop in this region is rice. While rice farming has been lucrative in years past, some farmers have undergone difficult economic times and their land now sits idle. Mr. Bill would like to see this unused resource put back into production.
This may be accomplished by non-traditional uses of the land. One such farming enterprise that has been extremely successful for Bill is the implementation of a feedlot system for cattle. The Kinder Farm property was originally a family operated sawmill. The sawmill had a hard surfaced area adjacent to it that now functions as an area to feed cattle. He grows corn that is processed as corn silage and fed to growing cattle. The challenge was to grow corn in an area that is not conducive to producing this grain crop. To put that land back to work in agriculture, Bill proposed opening a feedlot sustained by raising corn silage. Initial results were poor. Starting with the first yields of approximately 25 bushels per acre, he now produces 130 bushels of corn per acre.
Soil conditions in Southwest Louisiana with its clay pan would not seem conducive for growing corn, but Bill worked to prove otherwise. He cultivated the soil, installed center pivots for irrigation and planted a crop. The corn silage is cut when it is nice and green and moist. The silage is placed in poly-bags that hold 130 tons, pressed down and fed to cattle, providing a high energy, affordable content that maximizes the cattle growth.
After the Fullers donated the property, McNeese professors and Bill discussed possible options for the operation that would benefit everyone involved and provide important information for producers and farmers. The best fit was to utilize the feedlot and the corn silage program to develop heifers for area producers. The HEP encourages producers to develop replacement heifers for their herds as opposed to selling the heifers after weaning. Producers turn responsibility for developing the heifers over to McNeese’s department of agricultural sciences, which is in charge of feeding them corn silage produced on the Fuller Farm. The development period lasts between 150-180 days. Producers pay a per diem cost for enrolling their stock in the program.
The Heifer Enhancement Program has been beneficial to all participants. McNeese faculty and staff have gained hands-on experience and research knowledge that would be difficult to attain from a book. Faculty and students collect data on average daily gain, temperament and carcass merit and examine the heifer for reproductive tract soundness. Producers receive healthier heifers at program’s end, and in turn, strengthen their overall herds. Producers also have the option of enrolling their heifers in the artificial insemination program. McNeese compiles and disseminates monthly results to the producer who may then select the better performing heifers to retain in their herd. Seeing their land used to support agriculture and education provides Judy and Bill Fuller tremendous satisfaction.
Dr. William “Bill” Storer, McNeese assistant professor/research associate, is assigned to the Fuller Farm full time to monitor operations, to conduct research and to work with undergraduate and graduate students and student interns. According to Dr. Chip LeMieux, department head, “The Fuller’s donation of farmland, supplies and equipment enables us to work within a segment of the agricultural industry that we would never have been able to do before. The HEP is a unique program to this area.”
In addition to the Kinder farm, McNeese is able to utilize the Fuller’s 650-acre farm located in Soileau. This acreage is used to grow corn and soybeans that are combined and used as feed grain. This year a 40-acre experimental plot of forage soybeans was planted to determine yield and quality. This is another non-traditional farm crop for this area. Hopefully, the McNeese/Fuller partnership will continue for many years and will be able to cultivate this property into a research station that will provide beneficial information for producers throughout Southwest Louisiana.
The Heifer Enhancement Program, now in its fourth year, accepts heifers on a consignment basis. The 2009-10 program begins Oct. 19. Heifer calves weighing between 400 and 600 pounds are eligible for the four-month program on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information, contact Bill Storer at 225.266.1821.
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COVER STORYDerrick Fourroux • Recipient • Josi Andrus Brady Memorial Scholarship
A Leader by ExampleTo.read.the.statistics.that.Derrick.Fourroux.has.achieved.in.just.three.
short.years.as.a.first-string.quarterback.is.impressive..To.get.to.know.Derrick.Fourroux.as.a.person…now.that.is.remarkable.
Derrick.lives.in.Erath,.a.small.Louisiana.town.with.about.2,100.residents.in.Vermilion.Parish,.nestled.between.Abbeville.and.Delcambre.on.U.S..Highway.14.
Unlike.his.cousins.who.spent.hours.hanging.out.in.their.grandfather’s.machine.shop,.Derrick.preferred.being.outside.playing.ball..“Ball”.could.be.baseball,.basketball.or.football..He.was.proficient.at.them.all..His.first.introduction.to.the.quarterback.position.was.playing.parish.league.football.at.8.years.old..It.was.only.natural.that.he.was.named.quarterback.his.freshman.year,.playing.the.position.all.four.years.for.Erath.High.School’s.Bobcats..He.earned.all-state.honors.as.quarterback.for.football,.all-district.honors.as.forward.for.basketball.and.as.pitcher.and.shortstop.for.baseball.and.all.district.and.regional.honors.for.javelin.and.triple.jump.for.track.
Brothers,.Bruce.and.Zach,.sister,.Jasmine,.and.extended.family.were.always.in.the.crowds.cheering.Derrick.on..His.most.ardent.supporter.back.then.and.to.this.day.is.his.mom,.Patricia..Derrick.describes.his.mom.as.a.“hard.working.mom”.who.never.pushed,.but.provided.consistent.discipline.and.support..Recognizing.Derrick’s.talent.and.passion,.his.mom.worked.hard.to.afford.to.send.him.to.McNeese’s.football.camps.and.to.the.Manning.Passing.Academy..It.became.obvious.that.the.training.was.not.in.vain.when.McNeese’s.Head.Coach.Matt.Viator.recruited.at.Erath.High.School.during.Derrick’s.junior.year.and.offered.him.a.football.scholarship..Derrick.describes.Coach.Viator.as.“a.great.coach.who.really.has.a.mind.for.the.game.”
Players.may.be.“red-shirted”.their.first.year.to.allow.them.time.to.learn.“the.lay.of.the.land”.or.at.another.point.in.their.college.career.due.to.injury..A.red-shirted.player.may.practice.with.the.team.but.not.play.in.any.games..Red-shirting.preserves.another.year.of.eligibility.for.the.player..Derrick.was.red-shirted.his.first.year.at.McNeese.and.younger.brother,.Zach,.an.entering.freshman.in.2008-09,.was.also.red-shirted..Derrick.now.leads.the.Cowboys.as.starting.quarterback..He.is.a.dual.threat.in.the.conference,.excelling.in.both.his.running.and.passing.games..Zach,.who.seems.destined.to.follow.in.Derrick’s.footsteps.one.day,.is.currently.the.third-string.quarterback.for.the.Cowboys.
While.Derrick’s.activities.on.the.field.are.to.be.commended,.his.accomplishments.off.the.field.are.even.more.impressive..Derrick.is.a.senior.nursing.student.with.an.excellent.academic.track.record..Students.enrolled.in.McNeese’s.nursing.program.undergo.a.rigorous.course.curriculum.that.includes.extensive.off-site.hours.in.a.clinical.setting..Despite.the.demands.on.his.time,.Derrick.has.been.successful.in.all.his.endeavors.and.has.been.named.to.the.Southland.Conference.Commissioners.Honor.List..His.dad,.Bruce,.a.nurse.himself,.served.as.Derrick’s.inspiration.in.pursuing.a.health.care.career..As.a.child,.Derrick.used.to.meet.his.dad.at.Lafayette.General.Hospital.where.Bruce.worked.in.the.Oncology.Department.
He.said.the.key.to.his.success.has.been.“time.management.”.With.a.schedule.that.starts.with.strength.training.on.Monday,.a.full.class.schedule.Tuesday-Friday,.a.game.Saturday.and.football.practices.and.study.time.in.between,.there.is.no.time.wasted..His.nursing.study.group,.which.he.meets.with.several.times.a.week,.has.provided.structure.and.motivation.
Derrick.Fourroux.is.the.recipient.of.the Josi Andrus Brady Memorial Scholarship,.awarded.to.a.deserving.football.player.in.good.academic.standing..“Financially,.things.are.not.that.stable..If.not.for.the.scholarship,.I.wouldn’t.be.at.McNeese..I.would.probably.be.in.the.National.Guard.or.the.Marines.or..
I have had the privilege of knowing Derrick since he was a freshman here at McNeese because I am the nursing athletic adviser. One thing that has always impressed me about him is his non-assuming attitude. He has always been very courteous and respectful, and in my opinion, has been able to accomplish things that other students could not.
I feel the reason that Derrick has been able to juggle his very busy nursing curriculum and the rigors of being a student-athlete is that he is committed. Early in his academic career, he had many semesters when he was enrolled in many rigorous courses. I never heard Derrick complain---he just got the job done. He knows what is necessary for him to be successful in the classroom as well as the football field.
I feel that Derrick has the drive and integrity to be successful in his chosen career, and he has proven himself as an outstanding McNeese Cowboy in the football arena. It has been my pleasure to know this young man, and I wish him continued success.
Cynthia (Cindy) Howard, Assistant ProfessorCollege of Nursing
continued on page 9
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McNeese Athletic FoundationWendy and Keith Romero • Donors • Josi Andrus Brady Memorial Scholarship
It Only Takes A Spark
“Josi.was.an.ordinary.person.who.touched.so.many.in.an.extraordinary.way,”.wrote.Tanya.Emmer.Miles.in.her.self-written.book, Josi Stories, A Tribute.
Josi.Andrus,.David.Brady,.Jace.Eskind.and.Tanya.became.fast.friends.while.students.at.New.Iberia.High.School.where.they.graduated.in.1976..Since.parting.ways.was.out.of.the.question,.all.four.moved.to.Lake.Charles.to.attend.McNeese.State.University..They.soon.joined.the.band.and.became.active.participants.at.the.Catholic.Student.Center.
Keith.Romero.and.Wendy.Frederick.were.also.frequent.visitors.to.the.Catholic.Student.Center..Who.knew.that.a.competitive.game.of.“Horse,”.in.which.Wendy.challenged.Keith,.would.plant.the.seeds.that.would.eventually.blossom.into.25.years.of.marriage..By.the.way,.Wendy.won.the.game.hands.down.with.the.loser,.Keith,.taking.her.to.dinner.
Activities.at.McNeese.and.the.Catholic.Student.Center.nurtured.friendships.that.lasted.the.test.of.time,.
tribulations.and.celebrations..The.friends.all.completed.their.McNeese.degrees.and.went.on.to.productive.lives.as.community.members,.employees,.parents,.and.always,.friends..Josi.Andrus.married.David.Brady,.Keith.Romero.married.Wendy.Frederick,.Tanya.Emmer.married.Ray.Miles,.another.member.of.the.Catholic.Student.Center,.and.Father.Jace.Eskind.married.his.faith.
Upon.Josi’s.graduation.in.1980,.she.began.her.life.as.a.teacher..Her.education.prepared.her.well.for.the.field,.but.it.was.her.enthusiasm.for.life.that.garnered.her.“Teacher.of.the.Year”.awards.
Sadly,.Josi.died.in.2005,.leaving.behind.a.husband.and.two.children,.Matthew.and.Tyler..Wendy.and.Keith,.honoring.Josi’s.memory,.started.the.Josi Andrus Brady Memorial Scholarship..With.matching.funds.from.Keith’s.employer,.Smith.International,.the.scholarship.was.established..In.2007,.to.celebrate.the.scholarship.and.to.provide.others.the.opportunity.to.pay.tribute.to.Josi,.Tanya.and.Ray.hosted.a.fundraiser.in.their.home..With.family,.friends,.McNeese.administrators.and.the.scholarship.recipient.in.attendance,.the.event.was.a.rousing.success.financially.and.is.a.testament.to.Josi.and.her.lifelong.friendships.
The.Romeros.specified.that.the.Josi Andrus Brady Memorial Scholarship.be.given.to.a.deserving.football.player.in.good.standing..The.football.coach.selects.the.recipient..In.that.way,.Keith.said,.“Every.time.we.meet.for.a.football.game,.we.will.remember.why.we.are.there…for.Josi.”
Wendy and Keith Romero
continued on page 9
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FOUNDATION TIESMarianne and Paul White • Donors • Theodore Witherspoon Petersen Scholarship in Business
The TypewriterThe.most.vivid.memory.Marianne.White.has.of.her.father.is.that.of.
him.sitting.behind.his.desk.working.away.in.a.white.starched.button-down.shirt.and.tie.while.pecking.feverishly.at.the.typewriter.keys.
Theodore.“Ted”.Witherspoon.Petersen.was.the.grandson.of.Otto.Julius.Petersen,.superintendent.of.the.Franklin.Sugar.Refinery.in.Philadelphia,.Pa..To.rise.to.the.rank.of.superintendent.in.the.early.1900s.was.a.significant.accomplishment.for.an.immigrant.from.Germany..The.senior.Petersen’s.business.prowess.set.the.standard.for.his.grandson’s.business.accomplishments.later.on.....
After.a.brief.stint.with.Budweiser,.young.Ted.went.to.work.for.Beneficial.Finance.Company..With.a.wife,.four.children.and.a.much.loved.bassett.hound,.Cleopatra,.in.tow,.Ted.moved.around.the.country.as.he.moved.up.the.corporate.ladder..The.family.finally.settled.in.Houston,.Texas,.in.1963.
Ted’s.family.spent.considerable.time.with.him.at.his.office..The.office.was.rather.drab–the.basic.white,.sterile.room.filled.with.uninviting.furniture.and.with.a.few.awards.scattered.about..To.daughter,.Marianne,.it.was.heaven..She.loved.to.watch.her.father.work,.typing.away.one.finger.at.a.time.on.his.manual.Royal-brand.typewriter..He.would.occasionally.roll.the.paper.feed.to.check.for.errors.before.hitting.the.carriage.return.again..The.carbon.paper.used.to.make.duplicate.copies.in.those.days.made.it.difficult.to.correct.his.numerous.mistakes..At.that.time,.liquid.paper.and.correction.tape.were.not.yet.invented.and.“spell-checker”.was.still.decades.away..Marianne.was.fascinated.with.her.dad.and.mesmerized.by.the.typewriter.while.the.other.children.tugged.on.mom’s.skirt.tail.to.signal.they.were.impatient.to.go.home..
Over.time,.the.manual.typewriter.evolved.to.an.electric.typewriter,.a.Selectric.typewriter,.and.eventually,.a.computer.with.keyboard..Ted.Petersen,.however,.did.not.evolve.with.technology,.choosing.instead.to.continue.using.his.faithful.companion.
The.memories.of.her.father.as.a.businessman.undoubtedly.shaped.Marianne’s.decision.to.pursue.her.education.and.her.employment.in.business.just.as.her.father.and.his.grandfather.had.
Marianne.and.Paul.White.have.started.the.Theodore Witherspoon Petersen Scholarship in Business.in.honor.of.her.father..The.scholarship.will.be.awarded.to.a.business.student.that.maintains.at.least.a.3.0.grade.point.average..Their.contributions.are.matched.dollar-for-dollar.up.to.$3,000.per.year.by.Paul’s.employer,.Entergy..With.additional.matching.funds.received.from.the.McNeese.Foundation.during.its.capital.campaign,.the.$20,000.endowed.scholarship.will.be.fully.funded.in.five.years.
Many.years.ago,.Ted.gave.Marianne.one.of.his.awards.for.his.business.accomplishments.at.Beneficial,.a.plastic-encased.silver.dollar..While.it.holds.little.value.monetarily,.it.is.priceless.to.her..The.other.item.Marianne.hoped.to.receive.one.day.was.Ted’s.trusted.and.lifelong.companion,.the.Royal.typewriter..Ted.surprised.her.several.years.ago.with.the.official.handing-over-of-the-typewriter..The.manual.typewriter.holds.a.special.place.in.her.house.and.an.extraordinary.place.in.her.heart,.permanently.bonding.her.with.her.father,.Theodore,.and.great-grandfather,.Otto.
The.displayed.typewriter.now.holds.a.letter.that.a.young.Ted.had.typed.to.his.cousins.in.1948,.while.serving.in.the.U.S..Navy.in.Hong.Kong..Although.it.is.full.of.misspelled.words.and.grammatically.incorrect.sentences,.to.his.daughter,.it.is.perfectly.written.
9
With.the.scholarship.off.to.a.great.start,.the.Romeros.felt.called.to.do.more..After.Hurricane.Rita,.the.baseball.complex.was.in.shambles..Keith.and.Wendy.launched.the.Field of Dreams.fund,.again.matched.by.a.grant.from.Keith’s.employer..“Smith.International.has.been.a.wonderful.company.to.work.for.and.with..They.are.very.positive.and.generous.toward.education,”.said.Keith..Additional.support.came.from.baseball.family.members.and.from.friends.through.the.GeauxCowboys.Web.site..The.Field of Dreams.fund.combined.with.generous.contributions.from.other.donors.has.produced.a.McNeese.baseball.field.that.is.state-of-the-art.
The.Romeros.are.active.supporters.of.McNeese.sports.and.are.members.of.the.Cowboy.Club,.Tip.Off.Club,.Diamond.Club.and.Athletic.Cowboy.Corral,.to.name.a.few..Recent.contributions.to.the.
women’s.basketball.team.and.men.and.women’s.strength.training.program.have.been.matched.by.Smith.International..Keith.explained,.“By.being.supportive.and.helping.the.student-athletes.have.a.wonderful.experience.here.at.McNeese,.we.hope,.in.turn,.that.when.they.become.alumni.they.will.support.their.alma.mater.”.The.generosity.comes.full.circle.
Live, Love, Learn and Leave a Legacy.is.not.just.a.motto.to.Wendy.and.Keith.Romero;.it.is.a.way.of.life..As.the.song.goes…“It.only.takes.a.spark.to.get.a.fire.burning…”.The.Romeros.are.sparks.which.have.ignited.a.fire.of.generosity,.a.spark.that.started.with.their.tribute.to.Josi.Andrus.Brady.
something..I’m.very.thankful.for.the.scholarship,”.stated.Fourroux..Derrick.hopes.to.become.a.nurse.anesthetist.one.day..He.will.graduate.in.May.2010,.and.if.not.playing.football.professionally,.he.will.work.for.Lake.Charles.Memorial.Hospital.where.he.served.as.a.student.extern.this.summer.in.the.intensive.care.unit..He.will.be.the.first.child.and.the.first.grandchild.in.his.family.to.graduate.from.college.
Derrick’s.mom,.his.high.school.sweetheart,.Megan.Dronet,.and.family.members.from.Erath.can.be.heard.in.the.stands.rooting.loudly.for.their.favorite.quarterback..Right.beside.them.are.Erath’s.high.school.coaches.and.town.folk.who.Derrick.says.are.“like.family…very.supportive.and.caring.”.Traveling.by.caravan,.Erath.supporters.begin.tailgating.early.on.game.day..When.the.lights.of.Cowboy.Stadium.dim.you.will.find.Derrick.heading.to.the.parking.lot.to.join.his.extended.family.and.greatest.fans.
continued from page 6
continued from page 7
Derrick Fourroux is interviewed following the Tulane game by Alex Hickey (left) of the Lake Charles American Press and Rick Sarro (right) of Lagniappe and Soundoff.
10
SmokeyErma.“Smokey”.LeBlanc.spent.most.of.her.adult.life.healing.the.
sick..“Erma.was.a.nurse..That.means.a.lot.more.than.someone.who.empties.your.bedpan.for.you,”.recalled.Vivian.Jester.Whitman,.her.co-worker.and.friend.
Smokey.served.with.the.United.States.Army.during.World.War.II.in.the.European.Theater,.receiving.four.battle.stars..Erma.met.her.future.husband,.M.A..“Chic”.LeBlanc,.in.France.during.the.war..She.was.the.first.nurse.to.go.into.France.on.a.glider.and.she.helped.set.up.the.second.MASH.(Mobile.Army.Surgical.Hospital).unit..Chic.landed.at.Normandy.on.D-Day.in.the.third.wave.and.earned.the.Silver.Star.
Smokey.was.a.native.of.Altoona,.Pa.,.while.Chic.was.a.native.Louisianian.from.New.Orleans..After.their.war.service,.the.LeBlancs.settled.in.Lake.Charles,.and.had.two.children,.Roger.and.Ann..Ann.remembered.that.when.she.and.Roger.got.in.trouble.as.children,.“the.little.colonel,”.as.they.called.their.mom,.would.bring.them.into.“the.office”.for.discipline.
Smokey.and.Chic.were.ardent.storytellers.who.saw.life.through.humorous.lenses..Smokey.would.tell.of.sneaking.out.to.farms.during.the.war.to.steal.chickens.so.she.could.make.chicken.broth.for.the.wounded.men..One.Thanksgiving.Chic.found.two.turkeys.and.wrung.their.necks,.only.to.find.out.that.they.were.the.general’s.personal.pets..Oops!
Smokey.worked.alongside.the.nuns.at.St..Patrick.Hospital.as.the.director.of.nursing.(DON)..Vivian.was.a.young.graduate.nurse.trained.by.nuns.at.St..Mary’s.Hospital.in.Galveston,.Texas,.when.she.moved.to.Lake.Charles.to.work.under.Smokey..Vivian.reminisced,.“I.have.never.been.more.scared.of.someone.in.my.entire.life..Smokey.carried.around.that.clipboard.like.it.was.armor!”
After.moving.to.Lake.Charles.Charity.Hospital,.now.W.O..Moss.Regional.Medical.Center,.with.Smokey.as.the.DON.and.herself.as.a.nurse.anesthetist,.Vivian.became.less.intimidated.by.Smokey..In.fact,.Vivian.came.to.love.Smokey,.stating,.“What.can.be.better.than.friendship.and.high.respect?”
When.Joint.Commission,.the.accrediting.agency.for.health.care.organizations,.came.to.inspect.Moss.Regional’s.nursing.service.under.Smokey’s.leadership,.the.department.was.in.100.percent.compliance.with.no.deficiencies..Dr..Everett.Schneider,.head.of.pediatrics.from.1964-92,.remembered,.“Smokey.demanded.excellence.and.placed.good.people.under.her..As.the.hospital.expanded,.Erma.always.recruited.the.best.nurses.in.their.field.”
Smokey.expected.her.nurses.to.tow.the.line..Linda.Patterson,.a.nurse.working.under.Smokey,.said,.“She.was.mean.as.could.be.with.a.heart.of.gold..I.worshiped.her.”
Smokey.kept.an.open.door.policy.for.her.supervisors,.welcoming.their.suggestions.but.expecting.loyalty.on.the.floor.at.the.same.time..Schneider.said,.“You.always.knew.where.you.stood.when.you.worked.for.Smokey.”
Even.when.she.was.diagnosed.with.cancer,.Smokey.continued.to.work.despite.undergoing.extensive.treatment..Vivian.helped.Roger.and.Ann.with.caretaker.duties..In.fact,.Smokey.trusted.Vivian.to.the.extent.that.she.posted.a.sign.on.her.bed.that.read,.“In.case.I.am.rendered.unable.to.make.medical.decisions,.please.call.Vivian.Whitman.”.
Nursing.staff.at.Moss.Regional.Hospital.and.friends.created.the.Erma LeBlanc Memorial Scholarship.as.a.tribute.to.Smokey..The.contributions.received.from.Mr..and.Mrs..Roger.LeBlanc.have.brought.the.scholarship.to.an.endowed.level..The.Erma LeBlanc Memorial Scholarship.provides.funds.to.support.a.nursing.student.in.good.standing.for.up.to.four.years.
FOUNDATION TIESFriends of Smokey and Roger LeBlanc • Donors • Erma LeBlanc Memorial Scholarship
Erma “Smokey” LeBlanc
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FOUNDATION TIESDr. Peggy Wolfe • Recipient • Emily and Charles Stokes Trust Professorship in Nursing
Preparing The Nursing Graduate
If.you.drive.by.the.corner.of.Common.Street.and.Sale.Road,.you.might.notice.a.three-story.building.with.a.red.metal.roof..It.may.look.like.the.Red.Roof.Inn,.but.it.is.actually.home.to.McNeese.State.University’s.College.of.Nursing.
The.College.of.Nursing.has.grown.from.humble.roots..In.the.early.1950s,.area.organizations.including.the.Calcasieu.Parish.Medical.Society,.the.Lake.Charles.District.Nursing.Association.and.the.Seventh.District.Medical.Association.came.together.to.encourage.the.addition.of.a.nursing.curriculum.at.McNeese.State.College..Fifty.plus.years.later,.McNeese’s.college.of.nursing.is.one.of.the.most.respected.and.largest.nursing.programs.in.operation–with.an.undergraduate.enrollment.of.1,244.and.a.graduate.enrollment.of.92.
Fifteen.percent.of.all.students.who.enrolled.at.McNeese.in.the.fall.of.2009.enrolled.in.the.College.of.Nursing..And,.nursing.is.no.longer.considered.only.a.woman’s.career.with.more.and.more.men.entering.the.profession..Nineteen.percent.of.the.students.enrolled.in.the.college.of.nursing.for.fall.2009.were.men.
Most.nursing.schools.admit.students.into.their.programs.according.to.grade.point.average.(GPA)..The.McNeese.College.of.Nursing.has.a.unique.admission.policy.that.honors.McNeese’s.own.students.first..A.student.enrolled.at.McNeese.and.meeting.the.published.minimum.GPA.has.priority.over.a.transfer.student.with.a.higher.GPA.from.another.school.applying.for.admission..Nursing.faculty.supported.this.decision.to.ensure.that.Southwest.Louisiana.stays.equipped.with.adequate.nursing.staff.who.choose.to.live.and.stay.in.this.area.
McNeese.is.fortunate.to.have.a.dedicated.faculty.who.work.hard.to.ensure.that.nursing.graduates.receive.the.quality.education.that.prepares.them.to.pass.the.strenuous.NCLEX.exam,.the.licensing.exam.for.nurses..According.to.a.report.issued.in.October.2008.by.the.Louisiana.Board.of.Nursing,.McNeese.has.far.fewer.faculty.per.graduate.than.does.Northwestern.State.University,.Southeastern.Louisiana.University.and.the.University.of.Louisiana.Lafayette.
McNeese’s.College.of.Nursing.is.the.beneficiary.of.three.Emily and Charles Stokes Trust Professorships in Nursing..The.professorships.were.established.by.the.Stokes.Family.through.bequest..The.professorships.are.dedicated.to.program.development.which.includes.expenses.related.to.accreditation,.travel,.equipment.purchases.and.faculty.training.for.the.Associate.Degree.in.Nursing.(ADN),.the.Bachelor.of.Science.in.Nursing.(BSN).and.the.Master.of.Science.in.Nursing.(MSN).programs..Each.professorship.is.assigned.to.a.faculty.member.who.manages.the.award’s.use.and.expenses.
The.baccalaureate.program.recently.underwent.a.redesign.to.ensure.the.curriculum.reflected.the.best.preparation.possible.for.the.student..According.to.Dr..Peggy.Wolfe,.dean.of.the.College.of.Nursing,.“We.work.to.prepare.the.nursing.graduate.to.practice.in.the.real.world.”.Tremendous.community.support.is.received.from.outside.agencies.who.allow.their.master’s-prepared.nursing.employees.to.serve.as.clinical.adjuncts..By.combining.outside.resources.with.inside.talent,.McNeese.students.are.provided.opportunities.to.implement.theoretical.training.in.a.live,.on-the-job.setting.
Applied.Technology.Research.Corporation.of.Baton.Rouge,.in.a.March.2009.report,.found.that.McNeese.graduates.nearly.80.percent.of.all.nurses.employed.in.Lake.Charles.and.surrounding.communities..The.next.time.you.seek.health.care.in.a.clinic.or.hospital.setting,.take.comfort.in.the.fact.that.you.are.probably.being.cared.for.by.a.McNeese.nursing.graduate.
Anetha Craft, left, clinical adjunct faculty member, and Dr. Peggy Wolfe, nursing dean
12
Lake Charles High School Collection
The.Archives.and.Special.Collections.Department.of.Frazar.Memorial.Library.collects.and.preserves.materials.and.books.that.document.the.University.and.the.history.in.and.around.Southwest.Louisiana.
Among.the.Archives’.vast.collections.are.memorabilia.from.the.years.of.1895-2003.at.Lake.Charles.High.School.(LCHS)..When.LCHS’s.Wildcats.merged.with.Lake.Charles.Boston.High.School’s.Cougars,.LCHS.lost.much.of.its.history..Thankfully,.alumni.came.together.to.preserve.their.history,.donating.trophies,.yearbooks,.personal.items.and.other.mementos.to.the.collection.
The.McNeese.Archives.not.only.collects.and.preserves.donated.materials.of.value.for.the.community,.but.it.also.makes.the.collections.available.for.review.and.research..The.LCHS.collection.includes.catalogs,.photographs,.clothing,.scrapbooks.and.other.memorabilia.from.its.era..The.items.are.often.used.at.class.reunions.or.similar.events.
Archives.staff.clean,.arrange.and.catalog.historical.items.donated.to.McNeese..Materials.are.preserved.in.archival-quality.containers.that.minimize.the.ill.effects.of.temperature,.light.and.moisture..Fragile.items,.such.as.old.newspapers,.certificates.and.diplomas,.are.preserved.using.special.conservation.techniques.such.as.deacidification.and.encapsulation.
If.you.are.interested.in.the.collections.available.at.the.McNeese.Archives,.visit.http://library.mcneese.edu/depts/archive/index.htm..If.you.are.interested.in.making.a.financial.contribution.in.support.of.the.Archives.or.you.wish.to.inquire.about.starting.a.collection,.contact.Pati.Threatt,.assistant.archivist,.at.337.475.5734..
13
FOUNDATION TIESFormer Students & Friends of LCHS • Donors • LCHS Murphy/Leaton Scholarship, Murphy/Leaton Professorship in Teaching Excellence
Old–School TeachingStudents.often.recall.their.favorite.teachers,.but.few.start.a.scholarship.in.their.
honor…unless,.of.course,.you.were.instructed.by.Miss.Iris.Murphy.and.Miss.Lucille.Leaton.
Miss.Murphy.and.Miss.Leaton.taught.together.at.Lake.Charles.High.School.(LCHS).for.30.years..Miss.Murphy.taught.English.and.Latin.while.Miss.Leaton.taught.Spanish.and.English..Both.taught.at.a.time.when.
the.instructors’.mere.silence.created.fear.and.trepidation.among.students..Strict.discipline.in.the.classroom.stimulated.respect.from.students.who.strived.to.achieve.just.so.their.teachers.would.be.proud.of.them.
According.to.Jo.Ann.Cline.Humble,.LCHS.class.of.‘47.president,.“Miss.Leaton.was.undoubtedly.my.favorite.teacher..
She.was.extremely.elegant,.learned,.intelligent.and.gracious..She.displayed.the.best.of.manners.and.she.called.upon.her.students.to.show.their.good.manners.as.well.”.Daniel.Ieyoub,.class.of.‘52.and.later.LCHS.principal,.remembered,.“Miss.Murphy.and.Miss.Leaton.were.prim.and.proper..They.would.carefully.set.their.plates.at.lunch.to.include.a.sprig.of.mint.for.decoration.”
Back.in.the.days.before.Title.IX,.LCHS.had.boys’.sports,.but.the.girls.were.left.on.the.sidelines..Principal.G..W..Ford.suggested.starting.a.girls’.marching.squad,.and.in.1939,.the.Kilties.were.created.
Though.they.weren’t.the.first.and.only.sponsors.during.the.Kilties.44-year.existence,.Miss.Murphy.and.Miss.Leaton.were.the.most.renowned,.taking.over.its.leadership.in.1942..They.would.draw.out.the.formations.while.
sitting.at.their.coffee.table..Cissie.McLeod.recalled,.“Miss.Murphy.and.Miss.Leaton.could.make.you.do.things.that.you.didn’t.think.you.could.do,.such.as.marching.in.a.pinwheel.in.perfect.unison.”.These.two.teachers.commanded.absolute.perfection,.giving.students.the.confidence.needed.to.achieve.whatever.was.set.before.them.
Under.their.direction,.the.Kilties.gained.national.recognition.appearing.in.the.Sugar.Bowl.and.Cotton.Bowl.and.marching.in.numerous.local.and.regional.parades..As.“all.good.things.
must.come.to.an.end,”.the.Kilties.tradition.came.to.a.close.in.the.early.1980s.
Former.students,.Kiltie.members.and.friends.of.Miss.Murphy.and.Miss.Leaton.created.the.LCHS Murphy/Leaton Scholarship.and.the.Murphy/Leaton Professorship in Teaching Excellence..
Faren.Kleckley.White,.senior.nursing.student,.is.the.recipient.of.the.scholarship..“Being.given.the.opportunity.to.receive.the.Murphy/Leaton Scholarship.at.McNeese.has.given.me.the.extra.inspiration.to.get.through.school.knowing.that.people.believe.in.me...Having.that.extra.push,.especially.when.registering.for.the.semester,.reminds.me.that.I.
can.and.I.will.succeed.in.school,”.said.Faren.
Their.students.were.like.family.to.Miss.Murphy.and.Miss.Leaton,.and.they.remained.in.close.contact.with.their.students.long.past.retirement...Miss.Leaton.died.in.1998.and.Miss.Murphy.died.in.2005..Honored.guests.at.Miss.
Murphy’s.funeral.included.former.Kilties.and.Wildcats.from.LCHS.
A.memorial.to.LCHS.stands.proudly.at.Lock.Park.in.Lake.Charles..On.occasion,.you.can.still.watch.former.Kiltie.members.doing.their.220.
steps-per-beat.shuffle.when.the.rumble.of.drumbeats.commence.
Excerpts included from “Footprints of the Kilties,” by Nola Mae Ross and Susan McFillen.
Miss Murphy and Miss Leaton with Kiltie drum
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DOING THE ROLLOVERThe IRA Charitable Rollover
There.are.many.ways.to.make.a.planned.gift.to.the.McNeese.Foundation..In.2009,.the.IRA.Charitable.Rollover.may.be.one.of.the.best.options.
The.Emergency.Economic.Stabilization.Act.of.2008.extends.the.IRA.charitable.rollover.provision.through.Dec..31,.2009..This.provision.allows.individuals.who.are.70.1/2.or.older.the.ability.to.make.a.tax-free.distribution.to.the.McNeese.Foundation.from.their.IRA.up.to.a.value.of.$100,000.per.year..A.distribution.made.to.the.Foundation.prior.to.the.end.of.2009.is.totally.excluded.from.income..Before.this.law.was.enacted,.contributions.to.charities.from.an.IRA.were.treated.as.taxable.income.under.federal.law.and.under.some.state.laws,.and.then.offset,.or.partially.offset,.with.a.charitable.itemized.deduction.
Who.benefits.most.from.an.IRA.charitable.rollover?•.Individuals.who.are.70.1/2.or.older.that.are.required.to.take.minimum.distributions.from.their.IRAs,.whether.they.need.the.funds.or.not.•.Individuals.who.would.like.to.make.a.charitable.gift.in.excess.of.50.percent.of.their.adjusted.gross.income.•.Individuals.who.do.not.itemize.their.deductions.•.Individuals.who.live.in.states.that.don’t.provide.tax.incentives.for.charitable.deductions.•.Single.individuals.who.want.to.reduce.estate.tax.attributable.to.their.IRA.
When.Marianne.White,.coordinator.of.planned.giving.and.donor.research.in.the.McNeese.Foundation,.asked.William.“Bill”.Beaton.why.he.chose.to.use.an.IRA.charitable.rollover.to.start.a.scholarship,.he.responded,.“It.just.makes.good.sense.”.Bill.taught.economics.and.finance.in.the.College.of.Business.in.the.late.1980s/early.1990s..Dr..Michael.Kurth,.former.department.head,.interviewed.and.hired.Beaton.for.an.instructor.position..Many.years.later,.in.gratitude.to.Dr..Kurth,.Bill.Beaton.created.the.Dr. Michael Kurth Scholarship in Finance.
There.are.a.few.rules.for.making.an.IRA.charitable.rollover.to.the.McNeese.Foundation:
•.Distributions.must.be.made.in.the.form.of.an.outright.gift.to.the.Foundation.
•.Distributions.must.originate.from.either.a.traditional.or.Roth.IRA.
•.Distributions.must.be.made.directly.from.the.IRA.custodian.to.the.Foundation.
•.Distributions.cannot.be.made.to.donor.advised.funds.and.supporting.organizations.
It.is.always.wise.to.check.with.a.financial.adviser.prior.to.executing.an.IRA.charitable.rollover.
To.begin.the.process.of.contributing.funds.from.an.IRA.or.to.receive.a.brochure.with.more.information,.contact.the.McNeese.Office.of.Planned.Giving.and.Donor.Research.at.337.562.4107.or.mariannewhite@mcneese.edu.
15
FOUNDATION TIESMs. Margaret Munro • Donor • John J. Munro III Memorial Scholarship
Snowbirds Really Do Fly SouthHow.do.two.snowbirds.from.the.northernmost.regions.of.this.
country.wind.up.in.hot,.humid.Southwest.Louisiana.and.decide.to.call.it.home?
Maj..George.S..Kuffel.hails.from.St..Cloud,.Minn.,.while.wife,.Nancy,.is.a.product.of.British.Columbia,.Canada..Looking.for.a.bit.of.adventure,.Nancy.enlisted.in.the.Royal.Canadian.Air.Force..George.was.looking.for.a.bit.of.adventure.himself.when.he.joined.the.U.S..Army.via.the.ROTC.program.at.North.Dakota.State.University..
He.was.commissioned.into.the.Army.after.graduation,.began.his.career.with.the.Korean.Police.Action.and.was.stationed.in.cities.around.the.world.before.he.retired.from.active.duty.20.years.later.after.his.last.trip.to.Vietnam..While.stationed.in.France,.George.met.Nancy.who.was.working.in.a.civilian.position..Upon.returning.to.the.United.States,.the.couple.eventually.married.
One.of.their.many.stops.along.the.way.included.Lake.Charles..While.stationed.here,.the.Kuffels.had.the.opportunity.to.observe.the.impact.McNeese.State.University.had.on.the.community.of.Southwest.Louisiana..Upon.Maj..Kuffel’s.retirement.in.1971,.he.and.Nancy.decided.to.call.Lake.Charles.“home.”
Although.George.retired.from.the.Army,.he.didn’t.retire.from.his.love.of.learning..George’s.proclivity.to.education.was.developed.from.childhood..His.father.served.as.the.psychology.department.chair.at.Western.Michigan.State.University.while.his.mother.received.her.library.science.degree.from.the.
University.of.Indiana..George.graduated.from.North.Dakota.State.with.dual.majors.in.chemistry.and.zoology.
Once.the.couple.settled.in.Lake.Charles,.George.enrolled.as.a.graduate.student.in.McNeese’s.psychology.department..He.received.his.master’s.of.science.degree.in.1972.and.worked.as.a.graduate.assistant..George.also.served.as.counselor.at.DeQuincy.High.School.for.three.years.before.returning.to.McNeese.to.work.in.the.Office.of.Continuing.Education..George.retired.from.McNeese.in.January.1995..Fourteen.years.later,.he.still.continues.to.teach.psychology.courses.at.McNeese.
George.has.committed.the.past.37.years.of.his.life.to.education.and.he.continues.to.do.so.today..George.and.Nancy.Kuffel.have.left.a.planned.gift.to.the.McNeese.Foundation.through.a.bequest.in.their.wills.with.the.funds.dedicated.to.establishing.professorships.in.the.Burton.College.of.Education.
George.serves.as.president.of.the.Outriders,.the.McNeese.retiree.association..When.George.isn’t.teaching.or.volunteering,.he.can.be.found.crafting.fishing.lures.or.toiling.away.in.his.workshop..Nancy.keeps.busy.cooking.for.friends.and.family.and.playing.bridge..The.Kuffels.are.often.spotted.amidst.the.social.scene.in.Lake.Charles.attending.Banners.events,.art.shows.or.symphony.concerts..They.continue.to.participate.in.their.Friday.night.happy.hour.with.their.retired.military.friends,.a.tradition.that.has.surpassed.20.years.
(For information on making a bequest or other planned gifts, visit www.mcneesefoundation.org/plannedgiving).
Nancy and George Kuffel
FOUNDATION TIESNancy and George Kuffel • Donors • Professorships in Education and Psychology
16
JENNIfER PITREGRIffITHPlanned Giving &Donor Research Specialist
Within.the.Office.of.Development.and.Public.Affairs,.there.is.another.area.few.people.are.familiar.with–the.Office.of.Planned.Giving.and.Donor.Research.
Established.in.2004,.the.mission.of.the.planned.giving.and.donor.research.office.is.to.support.the.missions.of.McNeese.State.University.and.the.McNeese.Foundation.by.working.with.individuals.interested.in.making.a.contribution.through.planned.gifts..Jennifer.Pitre.Griffith.became.the.first.planned.giving.and.donor.research.specialist.in.the.office.in.2007.
Planned.gifts.include.bequests,.charitable.gift.annuities,.charitable.remainder.trusts.and.charitable.lead.trusts,.among.others..There.are.numerous.ways.to.make.these.types.of.planned.gifts.including.cash,.securities,.stock,.retirement.plan.assets,.savings.bonds,.real.estate.and.life.insurance..
It.is.this.office’s.responsibility.to.identify,.cultivate,.solicit.and.steward.current.and.potential.donors.making.sure.that.the.donor’s.philanthropic.intent.aligns.with.the.core.values.of.the.University.
The.planned.giving.and.donor.research.office.is.not.limited.to.just.those.areas..It.also.assists.with.marketing,.Web.presence.and.donor.relations.efforts..Both.PILLARS and.Dispatch from the Outriders,.the.retired.faculty.and.staff.newsletter,.are.produced.biannually.by.the.office..The.Foundation.Web.site.was.completely.redesigned.under.the.office’s.direction.in.conjunction.with.the.Web.company.Bizzuka..The.planned.giving.program.was.also.revived.with.a.new.name,.The.1939.Living.Oak.Society,.for.those.making.a.planned.gift.to.the.Foundation.
The.retired.faculty/staff.association,.the.Outriders,.continues.to.grow.under.the.planned.giving.and.donor.research.office..An.annual.picnic.and.day.trips.are.held.each.year.to.help.keep.retired.faculty.and.staff.connected.to.each.other.and.the.University.
Jennifer.is.responsible.for.maintaining.the.Foundation.Web.site,.assisting.with.online.giving,.conducting.donor.research,.updating.the.donor.database.and.helping.with.marketing.and.donor.relations..For.more.information.on.planned.giving,.visit.www.mcneesefoundation.org/plannedgiving or.contact.Jennifer.at.337.562.4191.or.by.e-mail.at.jgriffith@mcneese.edu..
gf
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Rotary Club Committed to Academic Excellence
The.Rotary.Club.of.Greater.Lake.Charles.has.contributed.greatly.to.this.community.since.the.initial.charter.was.granted.by.Rotary.International.in.July.1963..The.Club,.with.over.70.members,.continues.to.uphold.its.long-standing.reputation.for.philanthropy.
The.Rotary.Club.of.Greater.Lake.Charles.is.one.of.Rotary.International’s.33,000.clubs.with.more.than.1.2.million.members.worldwide..Club.members.adhere.to.the.motto,.“Service.Above.Self,”.volunteering.to.combat.hunger,.to.fight.domestic.abuse,.to.educate.youth.and.to.promote.world.peace.
Perhaps.Rotary.is.best.known.for.its.international.work.to.eradicate.polio..The.spread.and.fear.of.polio.were.very.real.world.wide.not.too.long.ago..Baby.boomers.and.older.generations.may.remember.ingesting.inoculation-laced.sugar.cubes.as.children..In.1985,.Rotary.made.a.commitment.to.immunize.children.against.polio.worldwide..Other.partners.soon.joined.forces,.including.the.World.Health.Organization,.the.U.S..Center.for.Disease.Control.and.Prevention.and.UNICEF..More.recently,.the.Bill.and.Melinda.Gates.Foundation.has.formed.a.$555.million.funding.agreement.with.Rotary.to.continue.its.polio.project..According.to.Rotary.International’s.Web.site,.“In.1988,.polio.infected.nearly.1,000.children.every.day..In.2008,.fewer.than.2,000.cases.were.reported.for.the.entire.year.”
The.Rotary.Club.of.Greater.Lake.Charles.was.created.from.the.merging.of.two.smaller.clubs–the.Rotary.Club.of.South.Lake.Charles.and.the.East.Lake.Charles.Rotary.Club..Since.joining.forces,.the.Club.has.actively.supported.youth.outreach,.victim.abuse.and.education,.among.others.projects..The.Club.started.the.first.Interact.Clubs,.service.clubs.for.high.school.youth,.in.Southwest.Louisiana..In.fact,.LaGrange.High.School,.[Washington].Marion.High.School.and.Lake.Charles.High.School.Interact.Clubs.were.the.first.in.Louisiana..The.Club.also.sponsored.a.statewide.high.school.championship.tennis.tournament.many.years.ago,.which.contributed.to.the.formation.of.the.Lake.Charles.Racquet.Club..The.Club.participated.with.Rotary.International.when.the.Group.Study.Exchange.program.first.began.and.continues.its.involvement.of.that.program.today..
Funds.to.support.Rotary.International.or.local,.regional.or.state.projects.begin.with.each.member.contributing.quarterly.dues..Clubs.also.host.varying.fundraising.projects.such.as.the.Rotary.Club.of.Greater.Lake.Charles’.annual.auction..Held.each.spring,.the.auction.includes.dinner.and.silent.and.live.auctions..Members.may.also.become.fellows.in.the.“Paul.Harris.Society,”.a.distinction.reserved.for.members.who.contribute.$1,000.or.more.annually.to.Rotary.International..
The.Club.created.the.Rotary Club of Greater Lake Charles Scholarship.in.December.1991.to.provide.funds.for.a.Calcasieu.Parish.resident.maintaining.an.overall.GPA.of.3.0.to.attend.McNeese.State.University.for.up.to.four.years..The.initial.$10,000.contribution.funded.one.scholarship..Eighteen.years.later,.the.Rotary Club of Greater Lake Charles Scholarship provides.funds.for.17.students.to.attend.McNeese..All.told,.75.students.have.received.the.scholarship.since.its.inception,.making.this.the.largest.single.scholarship.fund.established.by.a.civic.organization.for.the.McNeese.Foundation.
“Recognizing.the.importance.of.education,.the.Rotary.Club.of.Greater.Lake.Charles.has.made.it.a.priority.to.contribute.to.the.McNeese.Foundation.to.provide.scholarships.that.will.help.deserving.students....Rotary.members.place.a.high.priority.on.education.and.literacy,”.stated.John.Hoffpauir,.Rotary.president.
I am a freshman majoring in agricultural sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine. All of my life I have wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and last semester I began my pursuit.
I currently work at a local veterinary clinic where I have been on staff for five years seeking to obtain priceless experience. Once I complete my doctorate, I plan to come home to Lake Charles and open up a practice.
Thank you for your extreme generosity in funding the Rotary Club of Greater Lake Charles Scholarship. I am very thankful for the opportunity to be the recipient of this award.
Sincerely, Kevin Shrewsberry
FOUNDATION TIESThe Rotary Club of Greater Lake Charles • Donors • Rotary Club of Greater Lake Charles Scholarships
18
First Name: Last Name:
Street Address:
City: State: Zip:
Home Phone: Work Phone: Cell Phone:
E-mail Address:
Preferred Method of Contact: E-mail Mail Home # Work # Cell #
Comment/Suggestion:
Please contact me regarding making a contribution or planned gift to the McNeese Foundation.
FALL 2009 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1
We.trust.that.you.have.been.informed.or.enlightened.by.something.you.have.read.in.this.issue.of.PILLARS...Comments.or.suggestions.for.future.bi-annual.editions.are.welcomed.and.appreciated..Please.take.a.moment.to.complete.this.form.and.return.it.to.the.McNeese.Foundation,.Box.91989,.Lake.Charles,.LA.70609.or.send.comments.via.e-mail.to.mariannewhite@mcneese.edu..You.are.also.encouraged.to.visit.the.Foundation.Web.site.at.www.mcneesefoundation.org.for.further.information.about.our.activities.or.methods.of.giving.
Dear.McNeese.Foundation.Supporters,
McNeese.State.University’s.three-year.Building a Solid Foundation.endowment.campaign.has.now.come.to.a.conclusion..The.McNeese.Foundation.is.pleased.to.announce.that.despite.recent.economic.downturns.the.campaign.goal.of.$15.million.has.not.only.been.reached,.but.also.exceeded.
The.McNeese.Foundation.serves.as.the.conduit.to.provide.an.outside.funding.source.to.the.University..The Building a Solid Foundation.campaign,.begun.November.2006.and.ended.June.2009,.was.initiated.to.raise.funds.to.grow.the.endowment,.a.pool.of.funds.held.by.the.Foundation.and.invested.over.time.for.the.purpose.of.achieving.a.positive.return..The.endowed.principal.remains.intact.while.the.income.from.the.investment.is.used.to.support.student.scholarships,.faculty.professorships.and.chairs,.and.other.projects.that.advance.the.University’s.mission..The.McNeese.Foundation.endowment.has.now.provided.over.300.academic.scholarships,.35.athletic.scholarships,.one.First.Generation.Scholarship,.84.professorships.and.two.chairs.
I.would.like.to.thank.the.McNeese.Foundation.and.its.donors.for.the.opportunity.of.serving.as.the.chair.for.the.Building a Solid Foundation.campaign..While.the.campaign.has.drawn.to.a.conclusion,.the.work.of.the.McNeese.Foundation.continues..Your.philanthropic.contributions.as.a.donor-.past,.present,.and.future-are.greatly.appreciated.and.ensure.that.McNeese.State.University.remains.on.the.forefront.of.higher.education.in.Southwest.Louisiana.and.beyond.
Sincerely,
David StineDavid.StineCampaign.ChairMcNeese.Foundation.Board.of.Directors.Member
Building a Solid
Foundation
19
PILLARS.is.published.by.the.McNeese.Foundation.to.educate.and.inform.the.community.of.the.role.that.the.Foundation.plays.in.support.of.McNeese.State.University...The.name,.PILLARS,.was.chosen.to.represent.the.importance.of.the.Foundation’s.support.of.McNeese.as.an.institution.of.higher.learning.
Contact Information
McNeese.FoundationBox.91989Lake.Charles,.LA.70609.Phone.337.475.5588....Fax.337.475.5386
www.mcneesefoundation.org
EDITOR
Marianne White
Coordinator of Planned Giving and Donor
Research
STAFF WRITERS
Jennifer Griffith
Planned Giving and Donor Research Specialist
ART DIRECTION, DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHY
Anne Cobb
Graphic Designer/Multimedia Specialist
Renee LeLeux
Public Information Officer II
FOUNDATION STAFF
Kimberly Donalson
Gift Management Specialist
Jennifer Griffith
Planned Giving and Donor Research Specialist
Kelly McGough
Administrative Assistant
Pam McGough
Coordinator of Athletic Development
Melissa Ellis Northcutt
Director of Development Operations and Special
Events
Richard H. Reid
Vice President of Development and Public Affairs/
Executive Vice President, McNeese Foundation
Beryl Romero
Administrative Specialist
Marianne White
Coordinator of Planned Giving and Donor
Research
McNeese/Tulane Game 2009
20
McNeese.Foundation,.Box.91989,.Lake.Charles,.LA.70609
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage PaidPermit No 336
Lake Charles, LA
www.mcneesefoundation.org
