November 2010 - LSU Alexandria

THE
SENTRY
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AT ALEXANDRIA
Volume 46, Issue 1
November 2010
Happy 50th Birthday LSUA
Year-long celebration coming to a close
The 50th Anniversary year will
come to a close in just a few weeks
with the LSUA Foundation Scholarship Gala event at the Alexandria
Riverfront Center serving as the final event for the celebration.
Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of
former President George W. Bush,
will highlight the LSUA Foundation
Scholarship Gala. All net proceeds
from the night of dinner and dancing
will be used for student scholarships.
Music will be provided by
Grady Gaines and the Texas Upsetters, and Dr. Robin Freedman of
Alexandria will be guest saxophonist. Freedman is a member of the
LSUA Foundation Board of Directors.
“This is the first event of its
kind for LSUA, and it concludes the
year-long celebration of our 50th anniversary,” said Dr. David Manuel,
chancellor. “On several occasions
this year we’ve celebrated the past.
The Scholarship Gala focuses on the
future by building a foundation of
scholarship funds for deserving students.”
A six-figure goal has been set
to support the scholarship fund.
Hager will share her stories of “creating change from ordinary people
doing extraordinary things.” She has
a keen interest in promoting literacy
and education, and she will talk
about how lives can be changed
when people are exposed to educational opportunities, community
Important
Dates
Final day of classes
Dec. 4
Final Exams
Dec. 6 - 11
Graduates grades due
Dec. 10 by 2 p.m.
Final grades due
Dec. 13 by noon
Photo by Missy LaBorde
Melissa Whitley and Stuart Spurlin, Allied Health faculty members, are
pictured after receiving their LSUA 50th Anniversary employee t-shirts at the
50th anniversary Kick-off event. The LSUA Foundation provided a customdesigned 50th Anniversary shirt for university employees.
support and compassion. The
former president’s daughter, a graduate of the University of Texas, has
worked with UNICEF in South
America and hosted segments of
NBC television education specials.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
with cocktails and dinner provided
by Al Mahfouz and Red River Grill
Catering. The attire is black tie or
formal. Tickets are $100 per person. Tables for eight are being sold
at various price levels. A limited
number of student tickets are available for $40 each.
A steering committee, which
includes Michael Jenkins, chairman
of the LSUA 50th Anniversary Committee, and Joy Hodges, chair-
woman of the LSUA Foundation,
has been working for nearly a year
on the Scholarship Gala.
“The LSUA Foundation’s No.
1 priority is student scholarships,”
said Hodges. “We think the Scholarship Gala will be a night to remember, and it will have a lasting impact
on the lives of LSUA students.”
Jenkins said the event is being
funded through private donations
with no money coming from the
university’s budget.
Tickets and additional information are available from Melinda
Anderson, executive director of the
LSUA Foundation, at 619-2916 or
[email protected].
Commencement
Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.
LSUA Foundation
Scholarship Gala
Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Holidays
Dec. 23 - Jan. 2
Registration
Jan. 11-12, 2011
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Holiday
January 17, 2011
Spring Semester begins
Jan. 18, 2011
LSUA’s Treuting honored as Executive of the Year
Submitted by LaPine IAAP
The LaPine Chapter of the
International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) recently announced Dr. Mary Boone
Treuting of Marksville as the winner
of the 2010 Executive of the Year
award.
Treuting serves as the Title III
Coordinator/Director of Faculty &
Staff Development and has been a
professor at LSU Alexandria for 16
years. She coordinated the efforts
to establish the Center for Teaching
and its necessity to central
Excellence through
Louisiana’s growth and
Title III funding bedevelopment.” Treuting
cause of her desire to
has been the holder of the
become a better
Huie Dellmon Trust Enteacher. She wants to
dowed Professorship
provide faculty with
twice and was awarded
the tools they need to
the 2003 Bolton Award for
help students learn.
Dr. Mary B. Treuting
Teaching Excellence at
Treuting is described as “someone who motivates LSU Alexandria. She volunteers in
and inspires her peers and stu- her community and can often be seen
dents…” in her nomination letter. serving as a judge at various fairs
Another excerpt reads “Dr. Treuting and school events.
In accepting her award,
is passionate about LSU Alexandria
Treuting was very humbled and surprised to have been selected. She
was nominated by LaPine member
Melanie Patterson, who has worked
with Treuting for the past year. In
the nomination letter Patterson said,
“her greatest gift is that she is genuine and her genuinely hopeful outlook is contagious.”
The presentation was made by
Wendy Roy, 2009 Executive of the
Year, who chaired the panel that
judged the nominees.
Congratulations, Dr. Treuting.
The Sentry Volume 46, Issue 1
Page 2
LSUA Empty Space Players win theatre competition
By Richard Gwartney
Director of Theatre
LSU Alexandria’s Empty
Space Players have just returned
from participation in the Louisiana
state component of the Kennedy
Center American College Theatre
Festival in New Orleans. This annual festival/competition was hosted
by the University of New Orleans,
Department of Theatre, Film and
Television. Participating Louisiana
university theatre programs included
University of Louisiana/Lafayette,
Southern University/Shreveport,
McNeese State University University of New Orleans, Louisiana College, Delgado Community College
and LSU Alexandria.
Fully staged, full length productions are presented in this annual festival and are adjudicated by a theatre professional from outside the
region and by regional theatre professionals from other states within the
region. This year the national judge
was Michael Allen, chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance,
Montclair State University,
Montclair, New Jersey; regional
judges were Harold Hynick, theatre
faculty at Missouri Valley College
and Bob Stevenson, director of theatre at the University of Arkansas,
Fort Smith. Each year, recognitions
and awards are given to universities
and individuals for their work on
participating productions and to individual students who are eligible for
Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship nominations.
This is LSUA’s second year of
participation in this 30 year old program and this year’s entry in the festival was the University’s recent production of Charlotte Jones’
HUMBLE BOY, directed by Richard Gwartney and originally performed locally at the Kress Theatre,
September 30 through October 10.
The LSUA production was honored
with six awards; more than any other
production in the festival.
Three LSUA students were
honored with Irene Ryan Nominations: Jonathan Belgard, senior theatre major, Lauren Campbell, junior theatre major, and Maura
Heroldscheimer, first semester performing and visual arts major.
LSUA’s entire acting company
was awarded a citation for “Excellence in Ensemble Acting” and Richard Gwartney was given a citation for “Excellence in Production
Design.”
Finally, the entire production
was selected by the national respon-
dent for consideration of
inclusion in
the Region VI
festival/competition,
scheduled for
late February
2011 in Amarillo, Texas.
The next
step in this
process is a
DVD submission of a thirty
minute segment from the
play to the
national committee and a DVD submission to the
Region VI committee members. Final selection of regional participants
is expected later this semester.
All three Irene Ryan nominees
and their acting partners will compete in the Regional Competition in
Amarillo.
Also in the cast and crew for
this production are Matthew Butler,
Caroline Randall, Jeremiah X.
Johnston, Amber Hicks, Katherine
Clark, John Cady, Ty Cedars,
Payden Moore, Cade Cascio,
Tommy Brasher, Tory Parks, Geor-
gia Fox and Dr. Rhonda Shook.
LSUA is proud of the accomplishments of our theatre students
and faculty members. It is particularly rewarding to receive such recognition at a time when we are challenged to fund our theatre program
due to recent budget reductions and
cuts.
If you wish to support this
worthy student-centered effort,
please contact Richard Gwartney,
director of theatre, LSUA at
[email protected] or by phone at
(318) 427-4469.
Looming budget cuts impact faculty, students
By Kristen Meche
Sentry Reporter
Due to our struggling economy,
Louisiana’s higher education systems
will see an unfortunate decrease in
funding next year. Budgets have already been drastically cut over the
past few months.
Although there are many complaints circulating from current and
perspective students at LSUA about
the dwindling chance of scholarship
opportunities and raising tuition, the
students are not the only people who
are affected by this decrease in availability of funds.
The budget cuts will also inflict
a great strain upon the lives of LSUA
faculty and staff as well. Many of
their lives and livelihoods may be
affected by the budget cuts with the
fear of possible job losses and proposed lowered salaries looming.
The fear alone imposes stress on
existing staff. Thus, classes could
eventually be negatively impacted as
educators may alter teaching methods, as survival becomes priority
when dealing with budget cuts.
The fear for most of the newer
LSUA faculty has been whether they
will be guaranteed job security or
not with the threat of budget cuts on
the horizon. However, not every-
one has a negative take on it. Even be reduced, but their motivation will
with the possibility of a rough future not be affected.”
ahead, one recent addition to the
Even though some faculty may
LSUA faculty, assistant professor fear for their jobs, Wu seems to keep
Min Wu, is thinking positively. “I’m
still confident that I can stay here and
do my job well,” Wu said.
Although many of the students
fear the cuts may have a negative
effect on the way LSUA educators
handle their classes, Wu feels this
isn’t likely. “Our teachers love teaching and they love their jobs,” she
said. “I do not assume their teaching methods would be negatively affected. Our funds for supplies may
higher education and feels that it
could be a while before higher education re-establishes itself. Depending on the actual percentages cut, she
fears this may greatly influence things
such as TOPS and other scholarship opportunities.
“This trimming of the budget
Waving home-made signs and
has been going on for quite a while
chanting, several hundred students
and faculty members from colleges
now, but I’ve never seen anything
around the state gathered on the
this dramatic,” Purifoy says. “I think
state Capitol steps on Wednesday
that if you asked any educator, they
to protest cuts to higher education
would tell you that the money needs
that have drained more than $310
to be in education.”
million from colleges, universities,
and technical schools since July 1,
Purifoy expresses a strong be2008. Several LSUA students
lief that if our national economy was
attended the rally.
healthier, we may not have these individual state problems.
Many LSUA faculty voice that
it is unreasonable for the government
to take funds from healthcare and
higher education rather than focus
an optimistic outlook on the situa- on their importance. The debate is
tion at hand.
that cuts could either influence eduSome LSUA educators fear cational decisions and likely dissuade
that the massive budget cuts will af- students from healthcare and edufect more than just their lifestyles. cation degrees, persuade them to
Most of the dedicated teachers who seek out education elsewhere or
have been in education for many compromise educational values peyears express sincere concern for the riod.
economic impact on the lives of their
Watch for email updates from
students.
Chancellor Manuel to keep
Sandra Purifoy, instructor of
the LSUA community up to
biolody, fears for the recovery of
date on the budget situation.
Page 3
The Sentry Volume 46, Issue 1
Avery Michaels & Exit 209 rock the quad
LSUA partnered with the City of Alexandria to bring the Downtown Rocks concert to the LSUA quad as part of the 50th anniversary celebration for the campus. About 200 people attended the free
event held on the campus in October.
“We are grateful to the City of Alexandria for bringing this event
to our campus as part of the Golden Anniversary celebration,” said
Melinda Anderson, executive director of institutional advancement/
LSUA Foundation.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the public to get acquainted
with LSUA and enjoy terrific music in a safe and fun environment.”
Top photo: Avery Michaels and Exit 209 perform on the
quad at LSUA during LSUA Rocks. Upper right: LSUA
Communication Studies students Grace Farmer and Kim
Cowan hang a sign at the Student Center promoting the
LSUA Rocks concert. Right: Communication Studies
students Kim Cowan and Heidi Spohn draw with sidewalk
chalk to help promote the LSUA Rocks concert. The
students are part of a public relations practicum course
offerred this semester to help promote the 50th anniversary
activities. Left: Members of Sigma Kappa Sigma were
among the student groups who supported the LSUA Rocks
concertby providing concessions for the event.
50th Anniversary events stretched throughout year
By Kasey Lindsey
Sentry Reporter
In September of 1960, LSUA
registered its first students ever.
Take a look around campus,
and anyone can see that the University has definitely come a long way.
LSUA, which started off as a
two-year commuter college, now
offers 12 bachelor’s degrees and 7
associate Degrees. In addition to the
growing educational opportunities,
the university has recently built the
first on campus student housing.
So many accomplishments
have been made in 50 years which
calls for some celebrating. LSUA
has held many fun events to let everyone kick back and celebrate the
past 50 years.
The celebration kicked off
back in January with an employee
appreciation event chaired by Missy
LaBorde, assistant professor of communication studies. The event featured Rev. John Alley as gues
speaker. Faculty and staff were
treated to a free meal, tshirts and
door prizes including a 4-day cruise
for two won by Dr. John Allen.
On September 8, 2010 LSUA
celebrated with a 50th Birthday
party. Students were joined by faculty, staff, and supporters for cake
and lemonade. More than 100
people attended the birthday party.
On October 1, LSUA hosted
the first ever “2010 LSUA Rocks/ Pictured above at the LSUA 50th Birthday party are (l to r) Melinda Anderson,
Downtown Rocks” concert. This Felix Guillot, Missy LaBorde, Winnifred Guillot and Mary B. McCampbell.
entertainment was held on the campus quad and featured Avery
Michaels and Exit 209.
The final 50th anniversary
event, LSUA Foundation Scholarship Gala, will take place on December 17 at 7 p.m. This elegant occasion will celebrate the end of the 50th
anniversary year. The proceeds will
be used to establish an endowed
scholarship for the LSUA Foundation.
Several members of Sigma Kappa Sigma attended the 50th Birthday party.
Happy 50th Birthday LSUA!
The Sentry Volume 46, Issue 1
Page 4
LSU Alexandria: Celebrating 50 Years available at bookstore
Colt Brister
Sentry Reporter contributed to
this story
Dr. Jerry Sanson recently
signed copies of his 144-page history of LSU Alexandria titled “LSU
Alexandria: Celebrating 50 Years.”
The idea for the book was proposed by Sanson, professor of history and political science at LSUA,
nearly five years ago as a sentimental way to look back on the story of
the campus and its humble beginnings. The book starts in the mid
19th century with the beginnings of
Louisiana State University just
across the river in Pineville.
Some of the primary sources
were Dudley Frickie, the school’s
first registrar, and Fran Bolton Davis,
whose father, James C. Bolton, was
a pioneer supporter of establishing
a branch of the state’s flagship university in Central Louisiana. Sanson
also extracted an extensive amount
of information from records of the
LSU Board of Supervisors, LSUA
Archives, The Alexandria Town Talk
and The Sentry.
The hardcover book contains
more than 125 photographs, most
of which were selected by LSUA
archivist Michelle Riggs. It was published by Donning Co. Publishers of
Virginia Beach, Va. Proceeds from
book sales support scholarships
administered through the LSUA
Foundation.
The book chronicles LSUA’s
history – which is the second oldest
in the LSU System outside Baton
Rouge – in seven chapters. It also
includes lists of the original 25 faculty members, chancellors and
deans, and presidents of the Student
Government Association since the
university’s founding in 1960.
“One of the constant themes I
discovered during the research process was that the state seemed almost embarrassed to provide higher
education in Central Louisiana,”
Sanson said. “What LSUA is today
was accomplished in the face of incredible odds.”
Sanson is a member of the
prestigious Company of Fellows of
the Louisiana Historical Association
and has written several books and
chapters on state and local government and history topics. The book
is available in hard-cover copies
only, through both the university
bookstore and online for $40 plus
tax and shipping if ordered online.
Any proceeds will be donated to
student scholarships.
Dr. Jerry Sanson, is pictured at right.
His book, is pictured below.
Students attend public relations conference
The Sentry is looking for a student
editor for the spring semester. If you are
an organized student writer interested in
applying for this paid position, please
email Missy LaBorde at
[email protected].
[email protected]
We’re looking for...
Four Communication Studies
students were invited to attend the
Southern Public Relations
Federation annual conference this
semester in Baton Rouge. Picture
above are (l to r) Heidi Spohn,
Kimberly Cowan, faculty member
Missy LaBorde, Natalie North and
Grace Farmer. Pictured at right are
Natalie North and Heidi Spohn
after Heidi won a door prize during
one of the conference break-out
sessions. The students were able to
attend the conference through
LaBorde’s Title III mini-grant.
Send it to
The Sentry at
see how PR people handle different
situations and the details of their
jobs.”
“Also the Gulf Oil Spill Crisis
Communications Panel presented
interesting information about how the
spill was handled by the government,
who was allowed to talk about it and
what was allowed to be said,”
Farmer said.
Heidi Spohn said the conference was educating and enlightening.
“The first workshop I attended
was the “How to Write a Winning
Resume and Portfolio” where I
learned how to construct a professional cover letter and résumé, how
to improve my job search skills, and
interview preparation,” she said. I
enjoyed the numerous and informative examples that helped me improve my own résumé, as well as
preparing me for what to expect
from potential employers.”
Got news?
Students participating in an
Integrated Public Relations
Practicum this semester had the
opportunity to network and learn
about public relations during the
Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) annual conference in
Baton Rouge.
“I knew that our students
would benefit from attending the
conference, and I’m so glad we
had the funds available in the Title
III mini grant,” said Missy
LaBorde, assistant professor of
communication studies. LaBorde
has been a member of SPRF for
almost 20 years.
“I wanted to students to attend the sessions and have a
chance to network with professionals from throughout the region.”
Communication studies major Grace Farmer said, “I enjoyed
meeting so many people at the
conference. It is very interesting to
Happy
Holidays!
From
TheSentry!
Page 5
The Sentry Volume 46, Issue 1
LSUA’s Trick or treat Street
LSUA’s annual Trick or Treat
Street brought hundreds of people
to the State Evacuation Shelter just
south of campus. This campus tradition has become a favorite for student organizations as well as faculty
and staff. Thanks to everyone who
made Trick or Treat Street 2010 a
huge success! Photos by Saurabh
Singh.
Thursday, October 28th 5pm—7pm
The Sentry Volume 46, Issue 1
Page 6
Upper level biology students gain field experience
By Abby Doherty
Sentry Reporter
LSUA students are well aware
of the tremendous advantages of
small class sizes. Small numbers allow for more one-on-one time with
professors, which is very helpful in
gaining the overall understanding of
course materials.
Students often find themselves
taking numerous classes with one
another while working toward their
degrees. Peers become comfortable
with one another making study
groups a normal sight around campus. Along with the academic help,
students gain friendships.
Small class size especially
opens up opportunities within the
Biological Sciences department.
With the upper level biology courses
having approximately five-12 students per class, opportunities such
as field trips and actual field research
are possible here at LSUA.
Campus’ close proximity to
such diverse wildlife habitats is a big
plus for the wildlife conservation
concentrations of the biology majors. In Biology 3500, Natural History of the Vertebrates, taught by
either Dr. Carol Corbat or Dr. David
Huey, field trips during lab hours are
a weekly occurrence. Out-of-state
weekend excursions with the class
occur approximately three times
within the duration of the course.
According to many students,
fieldwork helps you to gain more
knowledge and understanding of the
subject while providing an enjoyable
and beneficial method of learning
course material.
“Biology 3500 is a very informative class for the wildlife minded
student,” said Clint Perkins, LSUA
Senior.
According to Dr Corbat,
Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, with the limited number of
faculty and the service load our Biology professors must provide, the
upper level courses are on a rotating semester schedule.
“I wish we had more faculty”
said Corbat. “More faculty around
to share the service load would allow for even more diverse upper
level biology courses that could be
taught more often.”
An amazing opportunity for
each biology major is an independent research project done completely one on one with a Biological
Sciences professor of their choice.
This part of LSUA’s Biology pro-
gram is its hallmark. These research
projects are developed completely
by the students with the aide of their
professors. Ask any upper level student who is working on their independent research and you will see
an instant spark of excitement and
desire to explain their findings.
Walter Randall, a senior biology
major, is conducting a research
project on nitrogen fixation agents
in the agriculture market. He shared
a full bed of information and true
intrest in every aspect of the research.
With LSUA’s limited number
of professors and the strain of the
budget cuts, success stories from
students are still evident. LSUA’s
tough course work and high expectations from professors are providing the students with the knowledge
and skills necessary to succeed in
their various careers, graduate programs, and professional schooling.
Students in one of Dr. David Huey’s biology courses check the seine net in the
Ouachita River near Pencil Bluff, AR. Dr. Robert Cavanaugh, (right) former
LSUA Chancellor, has been inviting biology students and professors to his
property in Arkansas to conduct field research for many years.
Greek organizations add to campus life
By Rob Young
Sentry Reporter
When most of us think about
fraternities or sororities, the images
that come to our minds are that of
John Belushi, dressed in a toga,
smashing a beer can against his head
and Will Ferrell (aka “Frank the
Tank”) uttering the immortal phase,
“You my boy, Blue!”
Or perhaps it’s that of a house
full of bleached-blonde ‘bobbleheads’ consumed only with their
clothes and makeup and oblivious
to the world around them. Well,
these depictions, though much loved
and very funny, are in no way accurate of what a Greek organization
is, what it stands for, and what it
does.
But, since “Greek Life” is relatively new to LSUA campus, all that
most of us know about fraternities
and sororities, or Greek Letter Organizations, is what we’ve seen in
these types of movies.
In fact, LSUA’s fraternities and
sororities are far less interested in
beer-soaked toga parties and mayhem than they are in community service and raising money for philanthropic endeavors and scholarships.
It’s important to note that there’s a
distinct difference between a social
Greek organization and an academic
one. Academic groups are based
upon excellence within a particular
field of academic study, such as Phi
Beta Kappa, the Nation English
Honors Society, which was the very
first fraternity, founded in 1776 at
William and Mary College. Its members are pursuing, or have attained
degrees within a single, specific field
of academic study. On the other
hand, social organizations’ members
are bound by a social ‘brotherhood’
or ‘sisterhood’, and have varied
fields of academic study.
There are two ways to start a
Greek organizaion on a college campus, and neither is easy. In fact, it
requires a “Herculean” effort. (Pardon the pun!) There’s plenty of paperwork, including, among other
things, the scripting of a constitution,
writing of by-laws, and construction
of a detailed account of philanthropic
and scholarship goals.
The first way to start a Greek
organization is to petition an existing
group, to become a chapter or
colony of that group. If the ‘parent’
organization chooses to accept the
proposal, the fledgling group will be
named a ‘colony’ for a period of
time until being formally recognized
as a chapter. Such was the case with
LSUA’s Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
The group was a colony for two
years, and is now a chapter of the
national fraternity. According to Jer-
emy Morales, an officer of LSUA’s
chapter, Kappa Sigma is ranked 7th
in the nation for philanthropic contributions, and their membership,
both nationally and here at LSUA,
is growing.
The other way to start a Greek
organization is to organize a number
of motivated and dedicated ‘likeminded’ people, choose a combination of identifying Greek letters
that no other organization is using,
and hash out an agreement with the
university to establish the organization There are three such sororities
on LSU-A campus: Sigma Kappa
Sigma, Theta Sigma, and Sigma Phi
Mu. Sigma Kappa Sigma is currently completing the process of affiliation with Theta Phi Alpha, a national women’s fraternity
The president of Sigma Phi
Mu, Christine Smith, stated that
what she wanted students to know
about the sorority is that “they’re not
typical; no hazing, and they’re a close
sisterhood of women who are interested in community service.”
Natalie North, the president of
Sigma Kappa Sigma, says her sorority is “excited about starting another year, recruiting new members,
and their continuing involvement with
LSUA and the community.” Each
of these sororities has fewer than 25
members, so all students are encour-
aged to get involved and consider
joining.
The open recruitment period,
in which students express their interest in becoming a member of a
Greek organization, is called “rush”.
Rush Week will be held in the spring
so watch for signs. Students should
look for the booths in the Quad, with
the Greek representatives outlining
the principles of their organizations
and taking names of prospective
“pledges”.
“Greek life improves college
campuses and enriches the students’
college experience. Social networks, formed now, can become
important contacts, beneficial to careers after college, and friendships
that can last a lifetime. Participation
in “Greek Life” not only benefits the
organization and the student, both
now and in the future, but also improves the campus and our community as a whole.
Below are the names and email
addresses of an officer from each of
the Greek organizations:
KAPPA SIGMA
Jeremy Morales ([email protected])
SIGMA KAPPA SIGMA
Natalie North ([email protected])
THETA SIGMA
Tiffany Dales ([email protected])
SIGMA PHI MU
Christine Smith ([email protected]
Page 7
The Sentry Volume 46, Issue 1
Student organizations offer numerous benefits
By Anita Metoyer
Sentry Reporter
Organizations are a big part of
today’s college society and society
as a whole. To be a part of an organization can have many benefits. For
many people, organizations can promote leadership skills, networking,
and friends.
Oftentimes, people who are
members of the same organization
have similar interests. Lifetime
friendships can be made and bonding can be apart of sharing ideas and
working together with fellow members.
Some of the perks of joining
an organization on a college campus can be very beneficial. Here at
LSUA organizations range from professional, service, honor societies,
special population, sports, and student government. There are just under 40 organizations that are active
at LSUA.
The top rganizations for the
Spring 2009-2010 that excelled in
campus service, community outreach, community service and
fundraisers were Gamma Beta Phi
(Honor Society), Sigma Kappa
Sigma, Theta Sigma, Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), The Catholic Student Organization, and
Gamma Lambda Tau - Clinical Lab
Tech. The Outstanding organization
of the year which ranked at number
one was The Student Nurses Association.
Currently there are two non
Greek sororities here on campus
which are Sigma Kappa Sigma and
Theta Sigma. Sigma Kappa Sigma
is in the process of establishing a
chapter of Theta Phi Alpha, a Na-
Faculty advisors and student members of various LSUA student organizations are pictured above during the Student
Services Awards banquet. Organizations on campus range from professional and honor societies to Greek organizations.
A complete listing of student organizations can be obtained from the Student Services office.
tional Panhellenic Conference fraternity (NPC). Theta Sigma is also interested in chartering with the National Pan-Hellenic Council
(NPHC) which is governed by nine
historically African American fraternities and sororities.
According to Nicolette Luna
who is a member of the Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), her membership helped her find her place on
campus.
“Being that I was new to the
area and the school, joining this organization helped me to connect with
other students which made me more
comfortable”.
College organizations can give
students a comforting environment
and encourage a positive social atmosphere. Students who are a part
of an organization can find a wide
range of opportunities that
will help them during college and upon completion
of their college experience.
If a student should
decide to join an organization on campus it would
be in their best interest to
become fully engaged
within the activities that the
organization is involved in
to get all of the benefits.
Each organization will
have goals that they would
like to meet. Usually, the Sigma Kappa Sigma president Natalie North,
mission statement of an right, accepts the Outstanding Student Leader
organization explains who award from LSUA’s Student Activities
they are, what they do, Coordinator, Renisha Beaudion.
and how they plan to accomplish terested in joining an organization
their vision.
please call the student center at 318If you are a student an are in- 473-6545.
Are you a PC or a Mac?
By D’Andre Kelly
Sentry Reporter
Hey LSUA, are you a PC
or a MAC? For those students
who are interested in digital media or those in communication
studies, a new platform other than
PC Labs is available. Introducing
LSUA’s MAC LAB.
A Mac, or Macintosh, is a
computer designed by Apple,
makers of the iPod and iPhone.
The lab was proposed three years
ago and was established here at
LSUA in the fall of 2008 by a
grant written by Dr. Doran
O’Donnell.
But why a Mac lab? According to Dr. Arthur Rankin the purpose was for user-friendliness for
media. “It opens up avenues for
students interested in digital media and digital photography to gain
experience in those fields,” he said.
The lab boasts 15 Mac Pro
computers equipped with some of
the latest industry software. The Mac
lab is currently open for those students involved in digital media, photography, and communication studies “It is designed as a practical laboratory for students interested in
learning media and photography.”
Rankin said.
One of the main elements of
the lab is practice and store creating
a workspace where students can
save their work without worrying
about it being deleted and have it
protected. According to Jeremy
Simmons, associate professor of fine
arts, the lab is focused on the special needs of these students. “(The
lab) is reserved first for the students
who need it,” he said.
Student project files take up a
lot of space; having a place to
store these files helps students tremendously. The lab also allows
students to work with the latest
industry software better preparing them for the workplace
For the future of the Mac
Lab, plans are to continue building in the areas of digital media
and to one day add a graphic
design component. The Mac lab
is an important tool for a variety
of reasons.
Rankin and Simmons agree
that they’re both Macs, are you?
Campus-wide
Christmas
Luncheon
Dec. 20
Look for details coming
your way soon
through email!
The Sentry Volume 46, Issue 1
Page 8
Alumni & Friends Golf Tournement & social held
The LSUA Alumni and Friends Association hosted its first Golf
Tournament and social this fall at the Oakland Plantation Golf Course
on campus. The 3-man scramble tournament included 16 teams.
The social was held at the conclusion of the tournament and was
open to all Alumni and Friends members and potential members.
Proceeds from the event support student scholarships.
Steve Wells(below) provided
entertainment for the AFA
Social.
Chancellor Dave Manuel and his wife, Betty Coe (far right), visit
with Mike and Jenny Jenkins and Dr. Brenda Ellington at the
AFA social.
LSUA students
Natalie North (left)
and Heidi Spohn
drive the beverage
cart for the golf
tournament.
A golfer celebrates sinking a put during the AFA Golf
Tournament at LSUA.
These golfers enjoy the beautiful weather as they wait to move on
to the next hole during the LSUA Alumni and Friends Golf
Tournament. The tourney was part of the 50th Anniversary
celebration for LSU Alexandria.
Final Exam Schedule
Full Semester & B-Term
Classes
Exam Date
Exam Time
8:00 M,MW,MWF,W
Monday, December 6
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
8:00 T,TTH,TW
Tuesday, December 7
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
8:30 T
Monday, December 7
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
9:00 M, MWF
Wednesday, December 8
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
9:00 T
Tuesday, December 7
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
9:00 TTH
Thursday, December 9
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
9:00 Saturday
Friday, December 10
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
9:20 TTH
Thursday, December 9
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
9:30 TTH
Thursday, December 9
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
10:00 M, MW, MWF
Monday, December 6
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
10:00 TW
Thursday, December 9
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
10:30 T
Thursday, December 9
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
10:30 TTH
Thursday, December 9
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
11:00 M, MW, MWF
Wednesday, December 8
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
11:00 TTH
Tuesday, December 7
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
12:00 M
Friday, December 10
10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
12:30 MW
Monday, December 6
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
12:30 TTH
Tuesday, December 7
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
1:00 M, W, MW, MWF
Monday, December 6
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
1:00 T, TTH
Tuesday, December 7
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
1:00 TH
Friday, December 10
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
1:00 F
Friday, December 10
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
2:30 W, MW
Wednesday, December 8
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
2:30 T, TTH
Thursday, December 9
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
3:00 M
Wednesday, December 8
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
3:00 T
Thursday, December 9
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
3:30 W
Wednesday, December 8
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – After M ONLY
Monday, December 6
NIGHT
4:00 p.m. – After T ONLY
Tuesday, December 7
NIGHT
4:00 p.m. – After MW, W
Wednesday, December 8
NIGHT
4:00 p.m. – After TTH,TH
Thursday, December 9
NIGHT
All Math 0092 Classes
Friday, December 10
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Final examinations will be administered in the regular classrooms with the exception of the final
exams for MATH 0092 which will be administered at the time indicated on the schedule above.
Instructors will announce room assignments for the Math 0092 final exam prior to the exam date.
Page 8
The Sentry Volume 46, Issue 1
Campus works to adjust to Moodle
By Blake Tison
Sentry Reporter
Are you in the Mood-le?
LSUA students’ desire to learn
just got Moodled.
Over the past few years, social networking has been on a fast
train. It was not too long ago that
Xanga was first on the scene with
its blogging community. Other
sites such as Myspace and
Facebook closely followed. All of
these sites have one thing in common: connecting people. They all
also are trying to become more
user friendly and consumer navigable.
While social networks have
blazed a trail into uncharted territories, one after the other, they have
made room for a new way of learning.
Enter… the school resource
websites. LSUA has hopped on a
similar fast paced train and left D2L
behind exchanging it for Moodle.
According to its website, Moodle is
“a software package for producing
Internet-based courses and web
sites. It is a global development
project designed to support a social
constructionist framework of education.
Moodle is provided freely as
Open Source software. Basically
this means Moodle is copyrighted,
but that you have additional freedoms.”
When a LSUA student logs on
to Moodle, they will see the splash
page of frequent updates of
Moodle’s progress. Also, the menu
on the left hand side displays a list
of helpful links. One of the most important links is a guide to using
Moodle for the first-timer, alongside;
site news, FAQ’s, using Moodle
book, and more.
Some LSUA students are expressing remorse over the loss of
D2L. “I liked D2L better.” said
Nicholas Clifton It was what I was
used to. Moodle is difficult to get
around after being with D2L for so
long.” And since we can’t bring D2L
back, hopefully, George Lucas can
find a place alongside C-3PO and
R2-D2 in his next Star Wars film.
Austin Waters, about Moodle
he said jokingly “Moodle’s the new
Facebook”. Another freshman,
Lauren McLeod, said, “It’s very accessible and easy to navigate”.
Some mixed feelings toward the site,
but it’s here to stay.
Some kinks are still being
worked out. Students and facutly
should try to be patient, and approach this change in a good Moodle.
Why do students choose LSUA?
By Matt Chatelain
Sentry Reporter
There are over fifty colleges in
Louisiana. So why do people pick
LSUA? For that matter, how do
people pick any university? The
main factors that play in to the equation are, proximity to home, what the
school offers, affordability, and the
overall college experience. So what
does LSUA have to offer students?
“I go to LSUA because it’s
right where I’m from, and it’s pretty
cheap.” Said Evan Kee, a student
of LSUA. LSUA is known to be
one of the more affordable colleges
around. Kee, for example, said it’s
close to his home, but so is LC. His
decision was based on price, and
LSUA wins that battle.
Stafford Mikell said that he
went here because he did not make
good grades in the college he was
attending out of town, and came
home to go to LSUA while he tried
to bring his grades up. This seems
to be common. LSUA seems to be
a good transition school for the
people from around here, due to the
home, and field of study. Are there
affordability and accessibility.
“I go to LSUA because it was any other reasons?
LSUA is rich in tradition of
the cheapest closest school from
where I live,” Said Brittany Parsons agriculture and history. This year
happens to be LSUA’s 50th annifrom Marksville.
Proximity and price are now versary. The older oaks, with the
established as the two leading fac- modernized student union, makes
tors in student’s decision to come to LSUA a beautiful campus just a
LSUA, so what about the other rea- couple of miles out from the city limits. If you want a beautiful, affordsons?
“I didn’t do good at ULL, and able campus, not too far away,
LSUA has a good nursing program.” LSUA is a good place to look.
Said Lauren Paige
of Alexandria,
who is also in a
transition of
schools,
but
Michael Herrin
said he went to
LSUA first; for
nursing, and of
course, proximity
to home and
price.
So far it
Students and their parents attend an Open House event at
seems the three LSUA. Open House opportunities are offered each
main reasons to semester with the most recent held on Nov. 23rd. Along
go to LSUA are: with seminars and question/answer opportunities,
price, proximity to students can visit classes.
Ode to Finals Week!
by Andrew Hund, 1993
Twas the night before finals,
and all through the college,
The students were praying
for last minute knowledge.
Most were quite sleepy,
but none touched their beds,
While visions of essays
danced in their heads.
In my own apartment,
I had been pacing,
And dreading exams
I soon would be facing.
My roommate was speechless,
his nose in his books,
And my comments to him
drew unfriendly looks.
I drained all the coffee,
and brewed a new pot,
No longer caring
that my nerves were shot.
I stared at my notes,
but my thoughts were muddy,
My eyes went a blur,
I just couldn’t study.
”Some pizza might help,”
I said with a shiver,
But each place I called
refused to deliver.
I’d nearly concluded
that life was too cruel,
With futures depending
on grades had in school.
When all of a sudden,
our door opened wide,
And Patron Saint Put-It-Off
ambled inside.
His spirit was careless,
his manner was mellow,
When all of a sudden,
he started to bellow:
”On Cliff Notes! On Crib Notes!
On last year’s exams!
On Wingit and Slingit,
and last minute crams!”
His message delivered,
he vanished from sight,
But we heard him laughing
outside in the night.
”Your teachers have pegged you,
so just do your best.
Happy Finals to all,
and to all, a Good Test!”
Good luck
on finals!!