The Omega Upsilon Chapter of Order of Omega at Lamar University inducted 18 exemplary members of the Greek community and one staff member during its initiation ceremony on March 28.

Unfettered growth of Chinese tallow trees in the southeastern United States does not bode well for native bird species, Lamar University researchers say. The soon to be published findings are from research conducted in 2009 and 2010 by Katy Gifford, who graduated Lamar with a M.S. degree in 2010, under the direction of Jim Armacost, assistant professor of biology at Lamar.

Students entering Lamar University this fall will benefit from a new course specifically designed to help them successfully transition to college both academically and personally. Lamar 1101: University Success Seminar will help students develop a variety of skills and resources they will need throughout their college careers and after graduation.

Caki Wilkinson, winner of the Vassar Miller Prize in Poetry, will read from her work Thursday, March 29, at Lamar University.

What do Snooki, Tony Soprano and Dante’s “Divine Comedy” all have in common? They are all elements that inspired Lamar Opera Theatre’s update of “Gianni Schicchi,” a one-act farce based on an incident in Dante's epic poem. The opera will be performed in its original Italian, with English subtitles, at 7:30 p.m. March 30-31 in the Rothwell Recital Hall.

Southeast Texas business leaders will have an opportunity to enhance their entrepreneurial skills at an upcoming seminar geared toward business owners and managers, civic leaders, executives and board members at non-profit organizations and governmental entities.

The halls of the Dishman Art Museum on the campus of Lamar University will be enlivened this spring with the comical capers of critters large and small with the exhibition of “Curious Creatures: Art by Ursula Vernon” April 4-26. Vernon, a freelance illustrator, author and cartoonist, is best known for the popular children's book series “Dragonbreath,” which features the adventures of a young dragon named Danny as he makes his way in the world.

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown, on the Lamar University campus, is seeking area athletes who would like to “step back in time” to play in a 1890s exhibition baseball game in May.

Romance. Elegance. Tropical paradise. It is the party of the year, and, this year, Le Grand Bal – “Some Enchanted Evening” – promises to transport guests to another time and place where romance reigns supreme and cares are washed away by the gentle winds of the South Pacific.

The Lamar University chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, will host Ted Goebel, associate director of the Center for the Study of the First Americans, in a free public lecture on Wednesday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Richard Price Auditorium, John Gray Center, Building A.

Three Lamar University senior electrical engineering seniors took top honors in the Annual Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technologies/Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Student Design Contest.

Lamar University students at the beginning of their collegiate careers will soon have an additional ally in their success with the introduction of a new Undergraduate Advising Center.

Lamar University invites new students planning to enroll in the fall to attend New Student Orientation on June 7, 14, 23 and July 14, 19, 26.

Christy Price, a nationally known expert on faculty development, will present two interactive faculty development sessions on Thursday and Friday at Lamar University in a visit sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning Enhancement.

The Lamar University Department of Mathematics hosted the annual Conference of Texas Statisticians (COTS) March 2-3 on the LU campus. Anthony Daspit, an LU math major from Nederland, won third prize at the conference poster presentation.

The Lin Scroggs Moore Memorial Scholarship in Mathematics will provide funds to exceptional students to further their studies at Lamar.

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown, on the Lamar University campus, will celebrate Youth Art Month at its next Wildcatter Weekend on March 10, 2012, from 1 to 4 p.m. with a number of art activities, including a group mural around the base of the museum’s derrick.

At the March 6 Lamarissimo! concert, not only will audiences hear Lamar’s talented Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, but they will also be treated to performances by the award-winning Psalm 150 Gospel Choir and two vocal soloists. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Julie Rogers Theatre.

The Lamar University chapter of Texas Nursing Student Association (TNSA) took second and third place in the Brain Bowl competition and earned other honors at the TNSA Annual Convention recently.

Richard Gachot remembers his grandfather showing him beautiful pictures when he was a boy. Those images, and the stories behind them, helped ignite his passion for art and design, a passion lived out in his career and studies in architecture and interior design. Now that passion has led to a history that expands Russians’ knowledge of one of their premier architects.

Six faculty members from the JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing recently earned statewide recognition for teaching innovation.

Sanderson’s saga of murder, mayhem and richly defined heroes and anti-heros takes another intriguing turn with “Dolph’s Team,” published recently by Ink Brush Press.

The Bangladesh Student Organization celebrated International Mother Language Day Feb. 21 with a ceremonial march from the Mary and John Gray Library to the Setzer Center quadrangle. The students and visitors placed wreaths of flowers at the Language Martyr’s Monument, erected by the students for the annual ceremony.

Lamar University MBA students will join students from 24 other leading business schools from around the world as they compete for recognition and $40,000 in prize money by exploring the significant and positive influence that well-managed business can have on society.

Black comedy, melodrama, horror and tragedy are themes that mark the adult drama “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh. Directed by Lamar instructor Joel Grothe, “Beauty Queen” will run in the Studio Theatre Feb. 23–26.

Lamar University released its official Spring 2012 enrollment figure of 13,773 students today.

A total of 911 Lamar University students earned places on the Deans’ List for the 2011 fall semester, deans of Lamar’s five academic colleges announced.

A total of 471 Lamar University students earned places on the President’s List for the 2011 fall semester, President James Simmons announced.

The Lamar University Department of Mathematics is hosting the annual Conference of Texas Statisticians (COT) March 2-3 in the Science Auditorium on the LU campus.

Lamar University’s Office of the Provost and the Department of English and Modern Languages will host the Lamar Literary Festival Monday through Tuesday, Feb. 13-15. Readings by authors from Lamar and across the state will begin at 4 and 7 p.m. all three days in the Elvis Mason Room in the John Gray Center.

The Lamar University JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing will host an open house at the High-Fidelity Simulation Center in the Mamie McFadden Ward building Feb. 17 from 2-4 p.m. The public is invited to tour the state-of-the-art nursing simulation facility designed to emulate the actual hospital environment nursing majors will encounter upon graduation.

Lamar University alumni will be the featured guests when the Lamar Cardinals take on the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Montagne Center.

Lamar University conferred 1,132 degrees during commencement ceremonies on Dec. 17, 2011. Here are Lamar’s fall 2011 graduates and their majors, listed according to their hometowns. The list is based on information provided by the office of the registrar.

The Lamar University Department of History will host its third annual Texas History Day onThursday, Feb. 23, attracting students from high schools and middle schools across Southeast Texas.

Lamar University is seeking nominations for the 2012 honoree in the Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series, sponsored by ExxonMobil. Feb. 29 is the nomination deadline.

Lamar University students will notice changes to class schedules, including a slightly shorter semester, starting in Fall 2012. Fall classes will meet from Aug. 27 to Dec. 5.

The master of nursing online program in the Lamar University JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing has been ranked third in the nation for excellence in faculty credentials and training by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings were made public recently in the magazine’s 2012 edition of Top Online Education Programs.

Lamar University’s Ed.D. program in deaf studies and deaf education has been selected for a $500,000 incentive award by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, officials announced.

Lamar University’s early college entrance program for high school-aged students will offer its semiannual glimpse into the opportunities provided for mature, academically-focused students at its spring preview day, Saturday, Feb. 18.

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Dr. Robert Ballard will share his adventures and scientific discoveries with more than 8,500 students, teachers and community members in the Montagne Center during a program hosted by the Jason Alliance of Southeast Texas.

Four notable Lamar University alumni will be honored as distinguished alumni Feb. 24. Jim Gilligan and Steve Moore will be honored as distinguished alumni. Don Pumphrey will be honored as distinguished alumnus for community service and Michele Smith as distinguished young alumna.

As a result of the long-standing partnership to focus on low-income initiatives, the Entergy Texas Charitable Foundation has awarded a grant to the Lamar University Community Outreach Program to develop a needs assessment study for rural areas of Southeast Texas.

High school students and college transfers will have an opportunity to learn about everything that Lamar University has to offer at a Spring Open House scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25. An annual event, the Spring Open House is being expanded this year to give prospective students and their families more time to gather all the information they might need about Lamar University.

Students still have time to register for spring classes at Lamar University. Late registration for the Spring 2012 semester has been extended through the close of business Tuesday, Jan. 24. Today (Wednesday, Jan. 18) is the first class day of the semester.

The Dishman Art Museum at Lamar University will host "Home Sweet Home: Works by Jasmyne Graybill" Untitled by Jasmyne Graybill, polymer clay, glass resin dishJan. 20 - Feb. 23. "Home Sweet Home" features sculptures by San Antonio artist Graybill that borrow from the familiar forms of fungus, lichen and mold to reflect the intrinsic beauty of natural growth and decay.

The Lamar University Community Outreach Program was recently awarded a grant from Entergy Texas to enhance its activities by increasing earned income tax credit (EITC) awareness and education and providing tax preparation services, financial education and economic development.

The Lamar University Foundation has announced the establishment of a new endowed scholarship for nursing majors. The Lila and Hunter W. Henry, Jr. Scholarship, honoring the nurses in the Cardiovascular Recovery Unit at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, will provide funds for students to further their studies in nursing.

Lamar University officials are expressing their gratefulness for the support they have seen in the university's first-ever campaign. The university's "Investing in the Future" comprehensive campaign has raised $95 million, nearing the $100 million goal with two years remaining in the seven-year effort, officials said. Now a new goal has been set at $125 million.

Lamar University public radio 91.3 KVLU will host “The Best of Eastern Canada” travel adventure Aug. 19– 27, 2012. The nine-day tour features stops in Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal, and will include a trip under the mighty Niagara Falls aboard the famed Maid of the Mist.

A total of 81 Lamar University students graduated with honors during winter commencement ceremonies Dec. 17 in the Montagne Center.

Five Lamar University students attained perfect 4.0 grade-point averages to share Plummer Award honors as the top academic graduates in Lamar’s class of December 2011. Earning Plummer Awards as top female graduates are Marianne Cowl of Liberty, who earned a bachelor of arts in French; Jami Sanders of Woodville, a bachelor of applied arts and sciences; and Katherine White of Orange, a bachelor of business in accounting. The male Plummer Award recipients are Ernesto Alvarez Jr. of Cotijo, Mexico, who earned a bachelor of arts in political science, and Ryan Grandusky of Temple, a bachelor of applied arts and sciences. Alvarez is a graduate of Port Arthur Memorial High School.

The holiday spirit comes to Lamar University public radio KVLU with a full complement of programs to enjoy during the coming days, including a special “Dugan on Classics” honoring the late Norma and Jerry White, longtime KVLU supporters. “The idea to pay tribute to the Whites came from one of our members, and we thought it was fitting considering their love of music,” said Al Dugan, host of the program that will air 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30.

Recently posted statistics show LU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates passed the Texas Board of Nursing National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses examination from October 2010 to September 2011 at a rate of more than 97 percent.

Lamar University has opened a new Admissions Visitors Center to better welcome prospective students and their families to campus. The new center is inside the John Gray Center, Building A, at 855 Jim Gilligan Way on the south end of campus across from Vincent Beck Stadium.

After a busy first semester as Lamar University’s new registrar, David Short is looking forward to overseeing his first commencement ceremony and to continuing to modernize operations for the benefit of LU students. Short was named registrar in September, replacing Sherry Benoit, who took on the new role of associate vice president of strategic enrollment management.

Barbara and Alan McNeill of Beaumont have established the Marie E. Gordon Presidential Scholarship in Nursing at Lamar University to honor the memory of Barbara McNeill’s mother – a multi-talented woman whose dreams of becoming a nurse were interrupted by the Great Depression.

Southeast Texas business leaders will have an opportunity to enhance their entrepreneurial skills at an upcoming seminar geared toward business owners and managers, civic leaders, executives and board members at non-profit organizations and governmental entities. Lamar University is partnering with INVISTA to host a seminar on Tuesday, January 10 titled “Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Potential of Your Organization.”

Two students from Lamar University’s Ad Fed were on the first and third place teams for the American Advertising Federation – Houston Student Conference/Competition, taking home trophies for their win. Six Lamar University Ad Fed students participated in the November competition.

From Gladys City Nights to Wildcatter Weekends to daily forays into living history, Lamar University’s Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum is the place to be for education and entertainment. And the driving force behind all of the activity is Mark Osborne, who, during almost nine months as the museum’s director, has instituted an exciting lineup of things to do at the re-created boomtown that celebrates the discovery of oil at Spindletop on Jan. 10, 1901.

Lamar University’s Dishman Art Museum will host “Telling the Story,” in which four students fulfill their requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design by presenting their senior thesis projects Dec. 2-20.

Lamar University’s Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum will embrace the joy of the Christmas season with HOLIDAZE! at Gladys City – a Wildcatter Weekend special event – on Dec. 10 and 11. The museum buildings and grounds will be decorated and bustling with people preparing for the holiday season, much like the boomtown in the early 1900s would have been.

The Lamar University Department of Student Development and Leadership recently announced a new volunteerism opportunity for student organizations and university departments to assist the Southeast Texas Food Bank. Operation R.E.D. (Reaching Every Doorstep) is a partnership between Lamar and the local food bank that will feature faculty, staff and students volunteering at the facility each Friday beginning the spring 2012 semester.

Lamar University’s Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum is pleased to welcome Diane Rose, “The Amazing Quilter”, as guest speaker on Dec. 15 during the museum’s December Gladys City Nights event. The free event will begin at 6 p.m. with Rose speaking at 6:30 p.m. A reception will follow in the museum’s Log Cabin Saloon.

Lamar University is scheduled to confer 1,149 degrees at winter commencement Saturday, Dec. 17, in the Montagne Center. State Senator Brian Birdwell, a decorated military veteran and graduate of Lamar, will be the keynote speaker. The ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. for the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Engineering and at 1:30 p.m. for the Colleges of Education and Human Development and Fine Arts and Communication and the Center for General Studies.

In her life, in her deeds and in her heart, Antoinette Mays defines what it means to help others. Following the example set by her mother, grandmother, aunts and other family members when she was young, Mays embarked on a mission of service. A. MaysBecause of her devotion to dozens of organizations and causes, Lamar University selected her as its 2011 recipient of the Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award.

Chelsea Barnard of Port Neches and Elisabeth Maxwell of Beaumont have been chosen as the 2012 recipients of Lamar University’s most prestigious undergraduate award, the David J. Beck Fellowship.David J. Beck Fellows Chelsea Barnard and Elisabeth Maxwell with LU President James Simmons This is the first time in the four-year history of the fellowship that two David J. Beck Fellows have been chosen in a single year and the first time that a student has been selected twice. Maxwell also is the 2011 David J. Beck Fellow.

The 2011 football season marked the second year Lamar University has worked to get the campus and the community more involved in supporting the Lamar Cardinals with the annual Get Your Red On promotion. Many departments on the LU campus participated in the GYRO decoration contests, vying for prizes and bragging rights. More than 10,000 visitors to the GYRO website voted each home game week for their favorite campus decorations.

Individuals and groups interested in helping with holiday preparations at Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown, on the Lamar University campus, are encouraged to attend a volunteer orientation on Sunday, Nov. 27, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gladys City Visitors Center to learn more about how they can help.

The Lamar University Foundation Inc. will host a program and reception Wednesday, Nov. 30, to honor the four recipients of the 2011 Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award. Regina Rogers, representing the Rogers family, will present the awards during a program in the Dr. Richard L. Price Auditorium of the John Gray Center, 855 Jim Gilligan Way in Beaumont.

Orchestral works associated with ballet and other dance arts will be the order of the evening when the Lamar Civic Orchestra presents its fall concert, “Invitation to the Dance,” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. The free performance will be in the Setzer Student Center Ballroom on the campus of Lamar University.

The newly published issue of the Texas Gulf Historical and Biographical Record marks the beginning of a formal association between the Texas Gulf Historical Society and the Lamar University Department of History. The history department has assumed full editorial responsibility for the Record, which the society started in 1964 and has published annually since 1965, said past editor John Storey, distinguished professor emeritus of history and former department chair.

The Lamar University officials responsible for trademarks and licensing have announced the confiscation of nearly $2,700 worth of unlicensed merchandise bearing LU trademarks, names and logos. The university’s licensing program has grown significantly with the return of the football program in 2010 and consequently so has the market for unlicensed LU products.

Lamar University’s Early Childhood Development Center, which has provided care and instruction for the children of faculty, staff, students and the community for more than 25 years, will close in May 2012 as a result of the university’s $15 million state budget cut.

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown, on the Lamar University campus, will offer its third Gladys City Nights evening on Thursday, November 17, from 6-9 p.m. in the museum’s Log Cabin Saloon. “We had such a great time in October that we decided to try an open mic night, this month,” said museum director Mark Osborne.

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown, on the Lamar University campus, will celebrate the fall harvest at its next Wildcatter Weekend on November 12 and 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. each day with art activities that make use of fruits, vegetables and nuts, such as blueberries, beets, squash and acorns.

Harley Myler, professor and electrical engineering department chair at Lamar University, has been selected for a Fulbright Specialists project in Tunisia at the EHigher Institute of Engineering and Technology (ESPRIT ) during February 2012, according to the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Prospective students from all undergraduate majors can learn more about the advantages of pursuing an MBA at Lamar University at an Open House scheduled for 6 p.m. November 14 in Landes Auditorium of the Galloway Business Building. With accelerated evening and early morning classes, the MBA program at LU offers flexible options for students interested in earning a graduate degree in business.

Lamar University will honor the sacrifice, commitment and service of veterans on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11 with a ceremony, “Remembering our Heroes,” presented by the 23rd Cardinal Command and the Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity. The ceremony will take place in the quadrangle at Lamar University at 11 a.m.

Lamar University Athletics officials have announced the opening night basketball doubleheader will honor all U.S. veterans. On “Veterans Appreciation Day” all veterans will receive free admission to the games and no veteran’s identification is required. The November 11 doubleheader will tip-off at 5 p.m. as the Lamar women take on Our Lady of the Lake University.

Diane Halpern, the Trustee Professor of Psychology and the founding director of the Berger Institute for Work, Family, and Children at Claremont McKenna College, will present two interactive sessions on Nov. 10-11 designed to help Lamar University faculty members improve their use of active learning instruction in their classrooms.

Stuart Wright, professor of sociology at Lamar University, will deliver a lecture discussing his new book “Saints under Siege: The Texas Raid on the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints” in the Dishman Art Museum Auditorium on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m.

Incoming Lamar University students, just like college students across Texas, will need a vaccination against bacterial meningitis to attend classes on campus starting in Spring 2012. To comply with Texas Senate Bill 1107, also known as the Jamie Schanbaum and Nicolis Williams Act, all new students under age 30 who attend on-campus classes must receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis or meet specific criteria for declining a vaccination. The requirement also applies to students returning after a break in enrollment for at least one fall or spring semester.

It’s been 50 years since the class of 1961 graduated from Lamar University, back when the top songs on the radio included Dion’s “Runaround Sue,” Neil Sedaka’s “Calendar Girl,” Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” and Ben E. King’s timeless ballad, “Stand By Me.” 1961 was also the year Haley Mills played twins in “The Parent Trap,” Natalie Wood played Maria in “West Side Story,” and John F. Kennedy was sworn in to office as the 35th president.

The 22nd season of the Lamarissimo! Concert Series continues Thursday, Nov. 3, with performances by faculty artists from Lamar University’s Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music. The concert, sponsored byAmerican Valve & Hydrant Manufacturing Co., starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Julie Rogers Theatre in downtown Beaumont.

Lamar University’s Department of Mathematics will host the Conference of Texas Statisticians March 2-3, 2012. Kumer Pial Das, associate professor of statistics at Lamar, is conference chair. The yearly conference of all academic and practitioner statisticians, has met annually since 1981, includes plenary talks by well-known statisticians, sessions for young researchers, and poster sessions for undergraduate and graduate students.

Registration begins this week for Lamar University’s winter mini-session and Spring 2012 semester. Academic advisement for current students began last week and is continuing. Registration for special populations – which includes athletes, honors students, seniors and students with disabilities – begins Thursday, Nov. 3. Open registration begins Thursday, Nov. 10.

As a child, George Irwin wanted to be a paleontologist when he grew up, and in college he set out to be an electrical engineer. Instead, he became a physicist and educator – much to the benefit of the Lamar University students he has taught and mentored over the past 15 years.

When Mary Johnson graduated from Lamar University in 2000 with a bachelor of arts in English, the former nun hadn’t quite reconciled with her decision to leave the Missionaries of Charity. After 20 years of devoted service to the poor under the administration of Mother Teresa, Johnson needed 10 years and “a room of her own” to reflect on her experiences.

A new tool implemented this fall is helping Lamar University students better track their progress toward graduation. Students, academic advisers and staff members in the Records Office now have access to Degree Audit within the university’s Self-Service Banner system. The tool allows all parties to see the same information about what courses students have successfully completed and what courses still are required for students’ chosen degree plans.

Lamar University Department of Theatre & Dance’s production of “Slasher” promises to open HalloweenTwo students rehearse Slasher play weekend with a scream. The hilarious play about the filming of a low-budget horror flick premieres Thursday, Oct. 27, in the Studio Theatre, and runs through Oct. 31.

Lamar University today announced its first licensing agreement with a commercial company to market and sell a university-developed emergency alert system placed inside passenger vehicles. The patent-pending device will significantly increase safety for First Responders and Texas drivers and passengers.

Lamar University's MBA program has been listed in the Aspen Institute's Beyond Grey Pinstripes Global Top 100 for MBA programs for 2011. Beyond Grey Pinstripes is a biennial survey and alternative ranking of accredited business schools worldwide that highlights innovative full-time MBA programs integrating social, ethical and environmental stewardship into the curriculum and research.

Lamar University President James Simmons dedicated the Dauphin Athletic Complex on campus Wednesday in recognition of a $2 million gift to the university’s Investing in the Future campaign from Charline and Robin Dauphin and in memory of Sidney “Chief” Dauphin.

A master class in hip-hop Sunday, Oct. 23, will benefit the Lamar University Dance Team, which is hosting the event. Brixey Blankenship, LU Dance Team coordinator, and Justin Streeter, a local hip-hop instructor, will teach the class from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Fitness Studio in the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center.

The Dishman Art Museum on the campus of Lamar University will host “Anandam: Collages by MG Raffic Ahamed,” opening Oct. 28. The word “anandam,” or bliss, refers to the creative process that inspires Indian artist Raffic to create his richly colorful collages. The exhibition of four dozen multi-media collages will run through Nov. 23.

The Ruxpins, a local band, are ready to “rock” the Log Cabin Saloon at Lamar University’s Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 20. The event is part of the “Gladys City Nights” program which features guest speakers, films, music and special activities for adults followed by a reception with a cash bar in the museum’s Log Cabin Saloon.

When the 2011 homecoming queen is crowned at the Lamar vs. Central Arkansas homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 22, she will join a legacy of ladies including the legendary Miller sisters, who reigned during the late 1940s, and one shy beauty who braved an elephant ride during her campaign in 1958.

As part of an effort to better use resources and better serve students, Lamar University has reorganized its admissions office, centralizing undergraduate, graduate and international admissions into a single department. “We’re excited about it because it brings together all university admissions processing and allows us to respond to applicants more quickly,” said Melissa Gallien, director of admissions.

As part of an effort to better use resources and better serve students, Lamar University has reorganized its admissions office, centralizing undergraduate, graduate and international admissions into a single department. “We’re excited about it because it brings together all university admissions processing and allows us to respond to applicants more quickly,” said Melissa Gallien, director of admissions.

Pamela Saur, regents’ professor of German in the Lamar University Department of English and Modern Languages, has been appointed to an advisory board for an international scholarly organization supported by the United Nations.

Lamar University business students will have a new way to expand their knowledge of financial markets and gain new perspectives on the day-to-day global nature of monetary environments thanks to the generosity of Craig and Judy Fecel of Houston.

Amid chants of “Beat those Demons!” and cheers of “Go Big Red,” children at Lamar University’s Early Childhood Development Center got their red on Thursday to cheer on the Cardinals. Almost 100 youngsters, ranging in age from 18 months to 5 years, donned Cardinal colors – and Cardinal spirit – for the “Little Red Rally.”

A new scholarship in the Lamar University Foundation honors the late Joseph Adam Baj II, who served 33 years on the Lamar University faculty. The Joseph Adam Baj II Memorial Scholarship will provide funding for outstanding students majoring in mathematics.

Social workers, gymnastics coaches, medical doctors, and a university president are among the men and women who have cheered for the Lamar Cardinals – some of whom have lived as far away as Edinburgh, Scotland, while others still reside here in Beaumont. But when the Lamar University alumni cheerleaders reunite at this year’s homecoming game on Oct. 22, they will join together once again to do what they all love to do: cheer for Lamar.

Get Your Red On – Lamar University Homecoming 2011 will celebrate ties that bind campus and community as students, alumni, government leaders, businesses and individuals don Cardinal colors during the week of Oct. 17-22.

Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall and Lamar University President James Simmons joined Tuesday (Oct. 4, 2011) in announcing the appointment of William F. Scott of Nederland to the TSUS Board of Regents. Gov. Rick Perry appointed Scott for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2013. Scott is chairman and CEO of Trans-Global Solutions and a graduate of Lamar University.

The 22nd season of the Lamarissimo! Concert Series opens Thursday, Oct. 6, with a performance by the Lamar University Jazz Ensemble featuring guest trumpeter Walter White, formerly with the Maynard Ferguson Big Band. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Julie Rogers Theatre.

High school students from Southeast Texas will have opportunities to test their mathematics abilities and learn about many areas of science at the annual Lamar University Mathematics Festival — MathFest! 2011 — October 19 at the university’s John Gray Center.

For the first time since the 1986 season, the Lamar University Cardinals will be involved in a Southland Conference football race when they take on Southeastern Louisiana University Saturday in a 3 p.m. game in 7,408-seat Strawberry Stadium.

With the creation of a new Division of Strategic Enrollment Management, Lamar University is working to Sherry Benoitbetter serve students from the time they begin considering LU as their college choice until they leave as successful graduates. The new division, which officially got its start on Sept. 1, is led by Sherry Benoit, associate vice president for strategic enrollment management. Benoit previously served as Lamar University’s registrar.

High achieving high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to find out what Lamar University has to offer by registering for Academic Open House, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 5 on campus. The Academic Open House will begin at 10 a.m. in the University Theatre and is expected to conclude by 2 p.m. Check in will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Bette Stead, a 1957 graduate of Lamar, is the first woman to be inducted into the Lamar University College of Business Hall of Fame. An author and former LU faculty member, Stead holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas and a doctorate from the University of Houston.

Lamar is creating opportunities for the students of the City College of Kunming University of Science and Technology in Southwestern China. Lamar has established an exchange program that allows students from Kunming to attend Lamar for a year during their college career.

After several years helping exceptional students enter Lamar University’s College of Engineering, Katrina Brent will be engineering her own future thanks to the “Grow Your Own” Scholarship awarded by The Texas State University System. Brent has been chosen as the recipient of the Grow Your Own scholarship, which will provide her financial assistance to complete her doctoral degree.

Lamar University public radio 91.3 KVLU will implement major program changes to weekday evenings beginning Oct. 1. “Jazz Tonight,” a new program hosted by Byron Balentine, station manager for operations, will air from 7 to 9 p.m. following the NPR news program “All Things Considered.”

Lamar University public radio 91.3 KVLU will begin its annual fall fund drive Tuesday, Oct. 4, with a scheduled end date of Friday, Oct. 14. A goal of $50,000 has been set for the 10-day campaign, themed “Jump Right In.”

Lamar University computer science students will have access to training in new cutting-edge computer programming techniques thanks to the university being named a NVIDIA CUDA Teaching Center following the submission of a proposal by computer science professor Quoc-Nam Tran.

Tess Pape, associate professor of nursing at Lamar University, is a recipient of the Professional Issues Writer’s Award from MEDSURG Nursing: The Journal of Adult Health. Pape shares the award with co-author Ruth Roberts for their article “Scholarship in Nursing: Not an Isolated Concept,” published in the January/February issue of MEDSURG Nursing. The article discusses how nurses working in hospitals can contribute to academic research in terms of policies, procedures and patient care.

Lamar University has set another all-time enrollment record, officials announced today. Official figures for the fall 2011 semester taken on the 20th class day show Lamar has set the highest enrollment in the university’s 88-year history. More specifically, Lamar's headcount is 14,522, up 1 percent over last fall's record enrollment of 14,388.

The Dishman Art Museum at Lamar University will exhibit “Hidden Worlds: Paintings by Page Laughlin" Sept. 23 through Oct. 21. The North Carolina artist’s paintings have received acclaim for their rich, vibrant colors and bold exploration of the interior landscape of people’s lives.

Lamar University’s Department of Theatre & Dance will open the 2011-12 season Sept. 22 with the suspenseful British parlor drama “An Inspector Calls” by J.B. Priestley. Directed by senior theatre major Bonnie Dupuis of Groves and starring Lamar instructor Joel Grothe in the title role, the play will run through Sept. 25 in the University Theatre.

Linda Nilson, director of the Office of Teaching Effectiveness and Innovation at Clemson University, will present three sessions on Sept. 27-28 designed to help Lamar University faculty members improve their use of active learning instruction in their classrooms.

The Lamar University Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi will host a lecture by Elena Ivanova, chief educator at the Stark Museum of Art, Thursday, Sept. 29, on the Lamar campus. Ivanova will speak on “Text, Sound, Image: The Russian Avant-Garde Book” from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Spindletop Room of the University Reception Center, on the eighth floor of the Mary and John Gray Library.

Lamar University conferred 1,172 degrees during commencement ceremonies on August 13, 2011. Here are Lamar’s summer 2011 graduates and their majors, listed according to their hometowns. The list is based on information provided by the office of the registrar.

The Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities (TALH) will host prospective students, parents and high school administrators at the program’s Fall Preview Day on Saturday, Oct. 8, for an informative glimpse into Lamar University’s early-entrance college program for outstanding high school sophomores.

Tipton Golias ‘62, founder, president and CEO of Helena Laboratories Corp., will speak to Lamar University students as part of the Entrepreneurship Lecture Series Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. in Landes Auditorium in the Galloway Building. “As a very successful entrepreneur, Tipton Golias' visit will serve as encouragement to the growing number of students thinking about including entrepreneurship as part of their careers”, said Henry Venta, dean of the Lamar University College of Business.

Embracing the goal of spreading great ideas, several Lamar University MBA students are bringing a TEDx event to Lamar University from 1-5 p.m. this Friday (Sept. 16) in the University Reception Center on the eighth floor of the Mary and John Gray Library. This independently organized event will follow the format developed by TED, a non-profit organization dedicated to “ideas worth spreading” with annual conferences and a website featuring hundreds of free TED Talks on a variety of topics.

Business students at Lamar University will have new opportunities to be inspired to create new businesses thanks to the generosity of LU alumnus Michael Weinert. Weinert, who holds two graduate degrees from Lamar University, established The Michael G. Weinert Entrepreneurship Lecture Series Endowment to provide funds to bring dynamic, high-profile entrepreneurs to the university for lectures in entrepreneurship.

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, on the Lamar University campus, will launch a new series of monthly evening programs called "Gladys City Nights", from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 15 as part of a renewed effort to provide educational and entertaining programming at the museum.

The Department of Theatre & Dance had one main goal in mind when planning the 2011-12 season: involve the audience in a wide range of interesting productions. “We wanted to select shows that we felt would be audience pleasing,” said Judy Sebesta, department chair. “In ‘An Inspector Calls,’ there is a mystery of sorts, and we felt that held lots of audience appeal. We also have a hilarious dark comedy with Slasher, and conclude the season with a very popular Broadway and touring show, ‘Twenty-Fifth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.’”

The Lamar University Foundation has announced a new endowed scholarship, established by the Jefferson County Medical Alliance for nursing, pre-medicine and pre-physical therapy students at Lamar University.

Margaret Ann Randall left provisions in her will to create three new scholarships at Lamar University in memory of her parents, grandson and to honor her son. The scholarships will provide funds for students of all majors to further their studies in higher education.

Elisabeth Maxwell still thrills at the memory of seeing a pajama shark swim right in front of her as she snorkeled during her internship with the South African Shark Conservancy in Hermanus, South Africa, this summer. She can still picture the gorgeous, smooth-as-glass Breede River during a boat trip to the location where researchers had caught a world-record bull shark not long before.

Lamar University’s Ku-yen Li, professor of chemical engineering, will be honored as a regents’ professor by The Texas State University System (TSUS). Li will be formally recognized at its quarterly board of regents’ meeting.

A new scholarship has been established in memory of James Smith, a longtime Beaumont educator and leader. Smith’s family, former students and friends established the James G. Smith Memorial Scholarship through their gifts to the Lamar University Foundation. The endowment will provide funds for science majors seeking teacher certification.

To celebrate the second season of the return of collegiate football to Southeast Texas, Lamar University is reminding fans to “get their red on” – starting with the home opening at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, in Provost Umphrey Stadium.

Lamar University and Lamar Institute of Technology will recognize Constitution Day Wednesday, Sept. 14, with a program focusing on slavery and the Constitution. Jeff Forret, associate professor of history, and Paul Griffith, associate professor of English and modern languages, will speak at the event, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Center of the Multipurpose Building, 802 E. Lavaca on the LIT campus. The program is open to the public without charge. Refreshments will be served after the program.

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, on the Lamar University campus, will launch a new series of monthly evening programs called “Gladys City Nights,” from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 15 as part of a renewed effort to provide educational and entertaining programming at the museum.

Lamar University College Panhellenic Council will hold formal recruitment Sept.9 – 12, 2011. Formal recruitment is a four-day process when potential members are given the opportunity to meet with active members of each sorority and learn about Greek Life at Lamar. At the end of formal recruitment, potential members will have been provided with an in-depth look at the uniqueness that each sisterhood holds.

The kickoff time for Lamar University’s 2011 season-opening game on Sept. 3 has been changed to 7:30 p.m.

Girls in kindergarten through eighth grade will have a chance to rev up routines for Saturday night lights when Lamar University hosts a Spirit Team Football Clinic Saturday, Sept. 10. The clinic will be in the Montagne Center, with registration from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and instruction and activities from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn routines they will perform at the Sept. 17 home football game in Provost Umphrey Stadium. The Lamar Cardinals will take on the Cardinals of San Antonio’s Incarnate Word in the 7 p.m. grid match-up.

Within a year, the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) chapter at Lamar Students promoting pancake saleUniversity went from defunct to distinguished, and Gina Watson, faculty advisor for the organization, credits students in the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences for the achievement.

Students still have time to register for fall classes at Lamar University. Late registration for the Fall 2011 semester has been extended through the close of business Friday, Aug. 26. Today (Monday, Aug. 22) is the first class day of the semester. University officials decided to extend the registration deadline as a service to students, especially those whose educational plans might have changed.

The Lamar University Foundation has added five new trustees to its board. Joining the foundation are Sandra Clark, Colby Crenshaw, Dr. Mike Kessler, Bart Simmons and J. Mark Smith.

Eight Lamar University students graduated with honors during summer commencement ceremonies Aug. 13 in the Montagne Center.

Lamar University has selected Jason Goodrich, a 16-year law enforcement veteran, as chief of police, officials announced today. Goodrich will begin his duties Sept. 13. “We are very pleased to bring Chief Goodrich to Lamar University,” said Gregg Lassen, vice president for finance and operations. “He brings tremendous qualifications and experience to the position as well as a keen knowledge of policing in the university environment.

While tackling challenges resulting from state funding cuts, Lamar University remains steadfast in its commitment to the success of its students, President James Simmons told faculty and staff attending the annual back-to-school convocation. “Our mission is higher-education instruction and scholarship with a commitment to high quality,” Simmons said Monday (Aug. 15, 2011) as more than 500 gathered in the University Theatre to mark the start of the 2011-2012 academic year.

Lamar University renamed its Cardinal Village residence halls today, bringing back four names well known to its alumni and adding a new name, that of its first African American faculty member, to the roster. A standing-room-only crowd of descendants and friends of the families of the honorees joined James Simmons,Monroe president of the university, and other university and community dignitaries, for a brief ceremony in the lobby of the Commons Building of Cardinal Village Phase 5 – which was soon renamed Monroe Hall in honor of Claude E. Monroe who joined Lamar’s business faculty as associate professor of economics in 1969, becoming the university’s first African American faculty member.

Lamar University is among the nation’s Top 100 universities to confer the most graduate degrees among minority students a recent study found. The magazine Diverse: Issues in Higher Education recently released its annual “Top 100 Bachelor’s Degrees Conferred” report and Lamar ranked in the Top 100 in numerous categories.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) announced today the launch of “Grad TX” (pronounced “Grad Texas”), a program designed to help adults return to college and finish their bachelor’s degrees. Offered by eight Texas universities, including Lamar University, Grad TX targets the more than 40,000 adults in Texas who “stopped out” of college with 90 or more credit hours, but have not finished the 120 credit hour requirement to receive a bachelor’s degree.

Holly Bruder, a coach who has established a reputation for building fledgling softball programs, was named the head softball coach at Lamar University, Interim Director of Athletics Jason Henderson announced today. Lamar, which had softball from 1983 to 1987, is reviving its softball program starting with the 2013 season.

Lamar University’s Early Childhood Development Center, a National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited program, has openings for its 12-month and 9-month programs, said center director Margaret Swope. The Center, at 950 Jim Gilligan Way, is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and is the only NAEYC-accredited program in Southeast Texas. The center is fully staffed by degreed and state-certified teachers.

Four Lamar University students experienced weightlessness as they conducted their carefully crafted experiment aboard a reduced-gravity aircraft on July 12 and 13 as part of the “Grant Us Space” program of NASA’s National Space Grant Consortium. The four became the 12th LU team to experience weightlessness since student flights began in 1995.

Ten Lamar University undergraduate computer science students are taking on the role of teacher this week asKathryn Ballard, David Hemmenway, Elizabeth Hancock they lead a workshop to teach K-12 school teachers fundamental computing concepts and help the teachers develop curriculum materials for the coming year.

Eighteen area high school and middle school students recently learned how to program computer games andEthan Hasson and Valerie Hunter build their own web pages at an innovative computer science academy hosted by Lamar University’s INSPIRED – Increasing Student Participation In Research Development - program and supported by a National Science Foundation Broadening Participation in Computing grant and grants from ExxonMobil.

Veteran music educator Barry Johnson, vice president for student affairs at Lamar University, will enter the Phi Beta Mu Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame at the Texas Bandmasters Association annual convention July 26 in San Antonio. The international bandmasters fraternity selected Johnson for the prestigious honor in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments as a band director, teacher and mentor. Johnson’s career spans almost 50 years in which he inspired decades of students at Texas high schools, as well as Lamar University.

Former Houston Oilers coach and Lamar University alumnus O.A. “Bum” Phillips will be interviewed on the next “LUTV on Fox” episode to premiere at 1:30 p.m.Sunday, July 24. A Southeast Texas native, Phillips played football and attended Lamar in the 1940s. KBTV Fox 4 sports anchor James Ware conducted the in-depth interview. Ware is also an alumnus of Lamar.

The fall 2011 semester will mark the arrival of the latest class of Mirabeau Scholars to Lamar University. “The Mirabeau Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships we offer,” said Stephen Doblin, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Mirabeau Scholars are held to a higher level of academic and extra-classroom performance because these students are among our best and brightest.”

Lamar University will host tryoutsSaturday, July 23, to select Big Red mascots for upcoming Cardinal athletic seasons. Big Red – the spirit of Lamar University – will join the Cheerleading Team and Dance Team to perform at home football and basketball games, as well as other campus and community events, said Kristyn Henderson, cheer and mascot coordinator.

Lamar University’s online programs have moved to the head of the class with the approval of its proposed online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board today. The degree, which will be offered through a 100-percent online program, builds upon the university’s experience in online education and its expertise in education as a NCATE-accredited institution of higher learning.

Meeting the needs of college students today requires employing new student-centered learning methods. What worked even 10 years ago may no longer be effective. Armed with this understanding, Lamar University is continuing its commitment to redesign courses in ways that engage students as active participants in the learning process.

A Lamar University student team will fly an experiment aboard a reduced-gravity aircraft in July as part of the "Grant Us Space" program of NASA’s National Space Grant Consortium becoming the 12th LU team to experience weightlessness since student flights began in 1995.

Twenty-three students enhanced their mathematics skills at the Lamar Achievement in Mathematics Program (LAMP), a two-week free residential camp for high school students entering 10th and 11th grades.

While season tickets offer fans the same great, guaranteed seats to every home football game, Lamar athletics understands that not every fan can commit to attending all six games that the 2011 season has to offer. But thanks to the newest offering by the Cardinals’ ticket office, Lamar fans can still enjoy some of the biggest games of the season and save money.

As the university addresses a $15 million budget cut in state support, administrators are focusing on the university’s core missions of teaching and research as they make budget adjustments. All auxiliary operations are being evaluated to determine if they are the best way to continue to do business or if more efficient and effective means are possible, officials said.

A Lamar University student team will fly an experiment aboard a reduced-gravity aircraft in July as part of the “Grant Us Space” program of NASA’s National Space Grant Consortium becoming the 12th LU team to experience weightlessness since student flights began in 1995. The students will travel to NASA Johnson Space Center’s Ellington Field in Houston to conduct their micro-gravity experiments aboard the modified Boeing 727 aircraft operated by Zero-G Corp.

Lamar University’s Department of Earth and Space Sciences 16th annual Teaching Environmental Science summer institute introduced Southeast Texas' EC-12 teachers – and students studying to become teachers -- to local environmental issues through first-hand experiences. The participants concluded the two-week course on the Neches River where they learned about programs to prevent and contain oil spills in local coastal waters.

Lamar University conferred 1,507 degrees during commencement ceremonies on May 14. Here are Lamar’s spring 2011 graduates and their majors, listed according to their hometowns. The list is based on information provided by the office of the registrar.

Fourteen Southeast Texas science teachers and future teachers learned about the local environment recently Hilary Allen catches grass shrimpwith field trips throughout the area in Lamar University’s Department of Earth and Space Sciences 16th annual Teaching Environmental Science summer institute.

A total of 398 Lamar University students earned places on the President’s List for the 2011 spring semester, President James Simmons announced. Students who qualify for the President’s List carry a full course load of 12 semester hours or more with grade point averages of 4.0 for that semester. They automatically earn places on the Deans’ List.

A total of 746 Lamar University students earned places on the Deans’ List for the 2011 spring semester, deans of Lamar University’s five academic colleges announced. To qualify for the Deans’ List, a student must carry a full course load of 12 semester hours or more and have grade-point averages of 3.5 or above for that semester.

Lamar University educator and writer Paul Griffith explores the visionary realm of folklore in a new book inspired by stories that intrigued him as a child growing up in Barbados. The result is “Wha’ Sweeten Goat Mout’: Short Caribbean Tales,” recently released by PublishAmerica.

As Lamar University’s David J. Beck Fellow for 2011, Elisabeth Maxwell of Beaumont is spending the summer in Hermanus, South Africa as an intern with the South African Shark Conservancy. Maxwell, 20, a sophomore biology major, plans a career as a marine biologist and sees the internship as an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the field of marine conservation and management.

The Lamar University Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) has scheduled a perennial favorite, the Lamar Superkids 2011 program. The summer program will begin the week of June 20 with classes held Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. and a 1:30 p.m. dismissal time each Friday. The program consists of four week-long sessions through the week of July 18-22 with no classes scheduled for the week of July 4.

Charles and Frances Alberto, both longtime community leaders in Beaumont, have established a new scholarship in the Lamar University Foundation. The Charles V. and Frances W. Alberto Scholarship will be available to all majors.

Former NASA astronaut Bernard Harris will visit students attending the summer science camp bearing his name June 14 at the Shangri La Botanical Gardens in Orange. The media is invited to attend from 10 – 11 a.m. asB Harris Harris interacts with campers of the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp. The annual science camp is sponsored by the ExxonMobil Foundation and held at Lamar University. Shangri La is a perennial partner and special presenter for the summer camp.

ExxonMobil employees who are alumni of Lamar University, or whose family member attends or has attended Lamar, made good use of the company’s generous matching gift program in 2010. Daniel Risso, ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery plant manager, and Rob Tully, Beaumont Chemical Plant site manager, presented Lamar University President James Simmons with a matching gift check of $134,470 Friday.

The Press Club of Southeast Texas honored Lamar University President James Simmons as Newsmaker of the Decade at its 20th Annual Awards Banquet June 3. Simmons was selected by the club members as Newsmaker of the Decade for his extraordinary leadership at Lamar University during a decade in which there have been major improvements in facilities, academics and research, more than $80 million raised in the university's first-ever comprehensive campaign, expansion in enrollment despite two major hurricanes, and the much-celebrated return of college football to the university.

A new scholarship has been established in the Lamar University Foundation in honor of Howell H. Gwin Jr., a longtime history professor at Lamar University. Elizabeth Smith Gwin, Howell’s mother, established the Dr. Howell H. Gwin Jr. Scholarship in History to honor her son’s commitment to teaching and academic service.

Thirty-five students from 18 area high schools will visit Lamar University and CHRISTUS Hospitals St. Elizabeth and St. Mary Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11, to gain first-hand experience in the nursing and medical professions.

Lamar University’s Hospitality Management program recently hosted its seventh annual Hospitality Challenge 2011 with students from area high schools competing in three categories of culinary and food service contests.

Family and friends of Belle Mead Holm have established a Lamar University scholarship that pays tribute to the pioneering educator, administrator and advocate for women’s athletics. The Dr. Belle Mead Holm Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to dance or kinesiology students at the university.

The Dishman Art Museum on the campus of Lamar University will host two summer exhibitions through Aug. 10. “(An)other Face: Masks from the Collection of Dr. William Brown” opens Friday, May 27, in the Upper Gallery, and “He Said/She Said: They Spoke with One Voice, Figurative Works by David and Patty Cargill,” starts Friday, June 3, in the Lower Gallery. Both shows open with a reception at 7 p.m.

A total of 136 Lamar University students graduated with honors during spring commencement ceremonies May 14 in the Montagne Center. Forty-seven graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors), with grade-point averages ranging from 3.8 to 4.0.

The Lamar University Alumni Advisory Board has elected Jake Tortorice Jr. of Beaumont to serve as 2011-2012 president. Clayton Lau III of Baytown is past-president and Ellen Rienstra of Beaumont will serve as president-elect.

Lamar University signed 23 students Wednesday (May 18) as members of the university’s new Co-ed Cheerleading Team. With the return of football in fall 2010, Lamar announced its first group of Cardinal cheerleaders in 21 years. Like that ensemble, the Co-ed Cheerleading Team will cheer and perform at all home football and basketball games and other campus and community events.

Students, alumni and employees of Lamar University now have another convenient way to stay connected to campus. LamarMobile, a versatile application for smart phones and other mobile devices, is now widely available at no charge. LamarMobile may be downloaded for free from the App Store for iPhone, iPod and iPad or from Android Marketplace for Android devices.

Nearly 150 local high school students interested in becoming teachers will be on the Lamar University campus May 24 for “A Celebration of Teaching.” This event is sponsored by an ExxonMobil grant and is being hosted by the College of Education and Human Development.

Six Lamar University students attained perfect 4.0 grade-point averages to share Plummer Award honors as the top academic graduates in Lamar’s class of May 2011. The class is by far the largest in Lamar history, President James Simmons said, with graduates receiving a total of 1,543 degrees.

The Lamar University Foundation has announced a new endowed scholarship established by the Lamar University Class of 1957. The Class of 1957 Scholarship honors the classmates’ dedication to their alma mater and will provide funds for all majors.

Lamar University’s Community Outreach Program recently completed its fourth successful year of providing free tax preparation through the Community Tax Center Program. This year, the program helped more than 500 working families and senior citizens with income tax returns and processed more than $1M in refunds.

Current and prospective students are encouraged to register as soon as possible for summer and fall classes at Lamar University. Early registration is even more important this year because the university will not be able to offer as many small enrollment sections of classes as in years past, said Kevin Smith, senior associate provost.

Lamar University Aquatics will hold open registration for its Learn to Swim program from 4 to 7 p.m. May 23 to 26. Swim lessons are available for ages 1 year to adult. Classes are divided into skill levels ranging from preschool to adult. For the first time, the aquatics program also will offer parent-and-child classes for 1- and 2-year-old children. Parents are required to enter the pool with their child.

Lamar University honored three students for their exceptional service at the 2011 Toast to Leadership Awards Program. Brittany Ross of Carrollton earned the Bess Gentry Award, recognizing her as outstanding senior woman. Alan Kondo of Fannett earned the C. Robert Kemble Award as outstanding senior man. Thaddeaus Green of Orange received the Ann Shaw Award in recognition of exemplary student leadership.

Lamar University is scheduled to confer a record 1,528 degrees during spring commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 14, in the Montagne Center. Distinguished alumnus Paul Fregia, founder and president of Grandma Maud’s Inc., will address graduates in both ceremonies – at 9:30 a.m. for the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Engineering and at 1:30 p.m. for the Colleges of Education and Human Development and Fine Arts and Communication and Center for General Studies. Fregia is a 1981 electrical engineering graduate.

The National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi initiated 90 Lamar University juniors and seniors into membership during the organization’s annual spring ceremony. Seniors elected to membership must rank in the upper 10 percent of their graduating class, while second-semester juniors must rank in the upper 7.5 percent of their class.

William Vacchiano was principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, taught at The Julliard School for 67 years and influenced countless musicians. But one of the things that most impressed Brian Shook, author of a newly released biography about Vacchiano, was his great love of people.

Lamar University will award the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Lamar alumnus Charles Garrett, founder, president and chief executive officer of Garrett Metal Detectors Inc., at spring commencement May 14. A resident of Garland, Garrett grew up in Lufkin and graduated from Lamar in 1959 with a degree in electrical engineering. Lamar honored him as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2003.

A new scholarship has been established at the Lamar University Foundation for the College of Business. The Floyd H. Mize Scholarship in Business will provide funds to exceptional students to further their studies in higher education.

A new scholarship has been established at the Lamar University Foundation for the College of Business. The Carole and Bob Garner Scholarship in Business will provide funding for outstanding students to further their studies in higher education. Tommy and H. Edward Garner established the scholarship in honor of their children, Carole and Bob.

To recognize his dedication to the teaching profession and his outstanding academic, scientific and scholarly achievements, Lamar University’s James Westgate joins an elite group educators as a 2011 Piper Professor. Westgate, university professor of earth and space sciences, is one of 10 faculty members in Texas to be honored by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation during the current academic year – and the 12th Lamar faculty member to receive the honor since the program began in 1958.

Lamar University is scheduled to confer 1,551 degrees at spring commencement Saturday, May 14, in the Montagne Center. Lamar distinguished alumnus Paul Fregia, founder and president of Grandma Maud’s Inc., will be the keynote speaker.

The 2011 Brooks Conference will attract about 130 Southeast Texas nonprofit, civic and government leaders – including more than 30 prominent speakers – to Lamar University Thursday, May 5, for a day-long series of programs on topics ranging from the role of nonprofits in society to substance abuse. Lamar’s Jack Brooks Chair in Government and Public Service will host the conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the John Gray Center.

That seemingly forever elusive 1,200th victory finally arrived for Lamar University coach Jim Gilligan Wednesday night. After six-straight unsuccessful tries and with an excited Beck Stadium crowd of 1,529 looking on, the Cardinals made the necessary plays to defeat the University of Houston 7-4.

Jim Sanderson, professor of English at Lamar University, is a finalist for the top fiction award to be presented at the 75th-anniversary meeting of the Texas Institute of Letters, Saturday, April 30, in Dallas. Sanderson’s collection of short stories, “Faded Love,” will compete for the Jesse Jones Award for Fiction for best fiction by a Texan or about Texas for 2010.

Lamar University President James Simmons will express his appreciation for the university’s international community by hosting the first Lamar University International Student Summit on Tuesday, May 3 at 3 p.m. in the University Theatre. All international students and their supporters are invited to attend the event.

French Elementary School students will participate in a day of decision making, character building and learn about the judicial process Friday, April 29, thanks to the Jefferson County Bar Association’s “Pipeline Project.” The diversity program designed to encourage kids to stay in school, develop citizenship skills, gain knowledge of legal processes and procedures, and perhaps one day pursue a legal career.

Lamar University led the nation in the number of graduate degrees in education awarded to Hispanics during 2010. The university graduated 342 Hispanics during the year, according to The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, a national magazine dedicated to exploring issues related to Hispanics in higher education.

Lamar University is now accepting applications for the university’s most prestigious undergraduate award, the David J. Beck Fellowship. For the first time this year, the university will name two recipients of the Beck Fellowship, which provides a full academic scholarship to LU covering all tuition, fees, books and on-campus room and board for one calendar year. Additionally, Beck Fellows receive up to $10,000 each for summer projects, which may include research, travel, an internship or some other pursuit to help them achieve their personal and professional goals.

Born in 1911 in Port Arthur and raised in Beaumont, Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias is considered one of the greatest female athletes of the 20th century. The Lamar University Department of Theatre & Dance will present her life story in “Beaumont's Babe: A Sportrait of Babe Didrikson Zaharias,”April 28 through May 1in the Studio Theatre.

The Lamar University Department of Civil Engineering will host the Eckenfelder Lecture Series Monday, May 2. The lectures are free to Lamar students and faculty. Members of the public wishing to participate in the event must register with the Eckenfelder Lecture Series Foundation by contacting David Kujawski at dk@refinerywater.info or (949) 433-0301.

The Lamar University Jack Brooks Chair in Government and Public Service will host the 2011 Brooks Conference Thursday, May 5, on the Lamar campus. The conference will focus on nonprofit organizations and substance-abuse issues.

Lamar University public radio KVLU (91.3 FM) has successfully completed its recent spring fund drive and exceeded the goal by $250 for a total of $50,250. The spring campaign was April 5-15 – and finished on time.

Lamar University’s Dishman Art Museum will host an opening reception for “Dilating Perspective” from 7 to 9 p.m. April 29. Eleven students will fulfill their requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree by presenting their senior thesis projects, ranging from painting, photography, printmaking and drawing to computer graphics.

Thirteen retirees – representing more than 400 years of teaching excellence at Lamar University – received recognition April 20 during the university’s annual faculty awards ceremony.

The Lamar University Foundation has announced a new endowed scholarship for accounting majors. The Don S. Shaver Scholarship in Accounting will provide funds for students to further their studies in higher education. Keith Kebodeaux, friend and colleague of Shaver, established this scholarship to honor Shaver for his professional accomplishments and contributions to Lamar University.

A new scholarship has been established in the Lamar University Foundation for the college of business. The George Anne and Gene C. Monger Scholarship in Accounting in Memory of Norma Hall will provide funds to accounting majors to further their studies in higher education. George Anne and Gene Monger established this scholarship in appreciation for the guidance that Norma Hall had for her student, Gene, and for leading him into his banking career.

Lamar University honored Peggy Doerschuk, professor of computer science, as the 2011 University Professor, with officials applauding her as an innovative and accomplished researcher as well as a teacher and mentor who has deeply touched the lives of her students.

Lamar University has honored three faculty members with 2011 University Merit Awards in recognition of outstanding performance in the classroom. Award recipients are assistant professors Chiung-Fang Chang, sociology, and James Curry and Xinyu Liu, industrial engineering. A university-wide committee selected them from candidates – all junior faculty members – nominated by committees from LU colleges.

Lamar University officials have announced the formation of a new department in the College of Education and Human Development. The Department of Counseling and Special Populations offers bachelor’s and graduate programs that lead to master of education degrees in professional school counseling, counseling and development, and special education.

A new scholarship has been established in memory of the late Myra and Herbert Caldwell. The Myra Keen Caldwell and Herbert Kimbell Caldwell Scholarship will provide funds for students of all majors. Both Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell were very interested in young people pursuing an education,” said Charles Locke, the Caldwells’ step grandson.

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Audience members will hear something they know and love at the Lamar Civic Orchestra’s “Memorable Music” concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19. Familiar tunes from George Gershwin and from Frank Loesser’s musical “Guys and Dolls” will be the order of the night when the LCO takes the stage at its annual spring concert in the Performing Arts Center at Lamar State College - Port Arthur.

Lamar University’s INSPIRED program recently hosted two free computing academies for middle school students and is now accepting applications for a free summer high school academy. INSPIRED, which stands for Increasing Student Participation in Research Development, is supported by a National Science Foundation Broadening Participation in Computing grant and by grants from ExxonMobil.

Southeast Texans who are seeking to begin or complete a bachelor’s degree are invited to attend the Adult Student Open House April 26. The open house will be held 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Montagne Center Cardinal Club Room. Information about enrollment, course availability and academic advisement will be presented.

Louisiana Poet Laureate Darrell Bourque will read from his work Thursday, April 14, at Lamar University. The reading will begin at 7 p.m. in the Science Auditorium, sponsored by the Department of English and Modern Languages, the estate of Eleanor Perlstein Weinbaum and Pulse, Lamar’s student literary magazine. The reading is open to the public without charge.

April is National Poetry Month, and “Dr. Seuss” visited the Lamar University Writing Center Friday to help celebrate. The program featured a dramatic reading of works by Dr. Seuss, performed by Kelly Draper, associate professor of theater at Lamar. Draper selected three lesser-known poems by Seuss: “The Zax,” “What Was I Scared Of?” and “The Big Brag.”

Registration will begin Monday, April 11 for Lamar University’s May mini, summer and fall sessions. Early registration is even more important this year because the university will not be able to offer as many small enrollment sections of classes as in years past, said Kevin Smith, senior associate provost.

The Lamar University chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, will host Bette Otto-Bliesner, a climate expert with the American Meterological Society, in a free public lecture April 19. Otto-Bliesner is a senior scientist in the Paleoclimate Group in the Climate and Global Dynamics Division at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colo. She will discuss “Climate Change: What Could Happen and What Can Earth’s Past Tell Us?” at 7:30 p.m. in Room 101 of the Geology Building on the LU campus.

The Lamar University Chapter of Sigma Xi, the scientific research society, will co-host a town hall meeting on the Keystone XL tar sands proposed pipeline at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 14 in Geology 101 lecture hall.

The Lamar University Department of Theatre & Dance will present its spring concert “Dancelation” at 7:30 p.m. April 7 and 8 in the University Theatre. It will feature a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, modern, tap, musical theatre, improvisation and hip-hop.

Lamar University’s College of Business is one of 25 business schools around the world chosen to participate in the Aspen Institute’s 2011 Business and Society International MBA Case Competition this year. Sixteen Lamar MBA students, competing on five teams, completed the first round of the elite event last week.

Lamar University will begin a new era in its men’s basketball program with the naming of Pat Knight as its head coach, announced Director of Athletics Larry Tidwell on Tuesday. Knight comes to Lamar after 10 seasons at Texas Tech, including the final three plus years as head coach. Named head coach designate at Tech prior to the 2005-06 season, Knight took over for his Hall-of-Fame father Bob Knight toward the end of the 2007-08 season.

The Reese Construction Management Program students of Lamar University will participate in their spring 2011 service project on Saturday, April 9. The project will take place at Collier’s Ferry Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. where approximately 30 students will be constructing picnic tables and benches to enhance the park for the community.

Sixteen members of the Lamar University Greek Community were inducted into Order of Omega, National Greek Honor Fraternity on March 30. Order of Omega recognizes outstanding fraternity men and sorority women who have attained a high standard of leadership and scholastic achievement.

Lamar University will unveil its new state-of-the-art athletic complex to the public on Sunday (April 3, 2011) from 2 to 5 p.m. Lamar Cardinal fans will have the opportunity to tour the 54,000-square-foot complex at the south end of Provost Umphrey Stadium.

Lamar University has selected 13 students to serve as Lamar Ambassadors. They will join 17 returning Ambassadors in representing the student body at official university events during the 2011-2012 academic year. “Lamar University is fortunate to have many alumni and friends who are dedicated to supporting the goals of our university,” said President James Simmons. “The Ambassadors are excellent representatives of the students who benefit from the support of these loyal friends of our institution.”

A new scholarship has been established in honor of Gloria and Charles Locke, both active members in the Beaumont community. The Gloria Swarts Locke and Charles Blakey Locke Presidential Scholarship in Theatre honors the couple’s dedication to public service and provides funds for theatre majors.

The Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities (TALH) lecture series on “The Future of Texas” will present Armando Alonzo on April 7. Alonzo will present on “The Rise of Hispanic Texas” as part of a five-speaker series that will continue through April 14.

The room is more than 10 feet tall and 20 feet long. It’s populated with tables, a chair, a lamp, books, a bowl of fruit, even a pair of boots. Landscape art decorates the walls. And every item in it, including the room itself, is made of cast iron and steel. Ed Wilson’s “Ironist Interior,” is one of about 30 pieces by 15 artists on display at the Dishman Art Museum on the campus of Lamar University in “Arrested Form: Recent Sculpture by the Texas Atomic Iron Commission.”

Alan and Cherrie Hefty of Beaumont have endowed three new scholarships at Lamar University. The three scholarships are in accounting, education and chemical engineering, offering opportunity to students having diverse interests and goals. “We have always appreciated the education we received from Lamar,” the Heftys said.

Lamar University’s JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing honored faculty member Rose Harding of Beaumont with the first DAISY Award at the department’s first awards ceremony. An instructor of nursing and 13-year faculty member, Harding accepted the award at a March 21 program co-sponsored by Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas.

The JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing at Lamar University presented eight top awards and recognized other nursing students for academic achievements at its first nursing awards ceremony March 21. Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas co-sponsored the event in the University Reception Center of the Mary and John Gray Library.

Lamar University officials recognized ten outstanding student employees at the 2011 National Student Employee of the Year award ceremony on March 16. This is the third year the university has presented the award which is sponsored nationwide by the National Student Employee Association and is recognized by universities across the country.

The Lamar University Honors Student Association will host a bake sale on Saturday, March 26 at the Lamar University Cardinal baseball game against the Texas State Bobcats at Vincent-Beck Stadium. The bake sale is an effort to raise money for the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief fund. All money raised will go directly to the Red Cross to help those affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Lamar University students, Matt Morrison and Danny Iles, are making waves in the world of collegiate fishing. The two mechanical engineering majors have been representing the Collegiate Anglers of Lamar since 2008. With their exemplary talent and teamwork, these anglers are successful at catching fish and reeling in an admirable reputation for Lamar University.

Visitors to Lamar University’s Setzer Student Center may stumble upon a surreal sight Wednesday — a graveyard. No, it’s not the popular October holiday come early — it’s an attention-grabbing display aimed at younger smokers.

Lamar University will unveil its brand new athletic complex to the public on Sunday, April 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. giving Lamar Cardinal fans an unprecedented opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at the state-of-the-art facility. Combined, the stadium and complex represent a $28 million investment that accompanied the return of football to Lamar.

Lamar University’s Students Advancing through Involvement in Research Student Talent Expansion Program (STAIRSTEP) aims to increase the number of undergraduate students receiving bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Several STAIRSTEP students will have the opportunity to present their research at professional conferences this spring.

The Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities (TALH) lecture series on “The Future of Texas” will present Char Miller on March 24. Miller will present on “Why the Suburban is the State Car of Texas” as part of a five-speaker series that will continue through April 14. Miller is the director of the environmental analysis program and W.M. Keck professor of environmental analysis at Pomona College.

The JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing at Lamar University will host its first nursing awards ceremony Monday, March 21, in the University Reception Center of the Mary and John Gray Library. The event is co-sponsored by Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas. Activities will begin at 6 p.m., with a dinner and short speech before presentation of the awards, scheduled to start about 7 p.m.

Steve Roccaforte has been relieved of his duties as head men’s basketball coach at Lamar University, announced Director of Athletics Larry Tidwell on Monday. Roccaforte just completed his fifth season at Lamar, compiling a 76-78 overall record and a 39-41 mark in Southland Conference play. The Cardinals finished 13-17 overall this season, including a 7-9 record in SLC games which tied for ninth in the league standings.

Lamar University will showcase its new, state-of-the-art athletic complex with public tours from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 3. Campus visitors will have the opportunity to tour the 54,000-square-foot complex at the south end of Provost Umphrey Stadium.

Prospective students from all undergraduate majors can learn more about the advantages of pursuing an MBA at Lamar University at an Open House scheduled for 6 p.m. April 11 in Landes Auditorium of the Galloway Business Building. With accelerated evening and early morning classes, the MBA program at LU offers flexible options for students interested in earning a graduate degree in business.

Lamar University’s College of Business will host Bob Pearson, chief technology and media officer for WCG, a global communications company, as ExxonMobil Executive in Residence March 17, 2011. He is also the author of PrE Commerce: How Companies and Customers are Transforming Business Together (Jossey-Bass, 2011).

“Rhapsody in LU” will honor the fine arts at Lamar University onSaturday, March 19, 2011, when Lamar’s Friends of the Arts present Le Grand Bal, a gala evening of art, fine dining, dancing and entertainment.Le Grand Bal is the major annual fundraiser for the College of Fine Arts and Communication.

he JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing at Lamar University has won a statewide Teaching Innovation Award for 2011. Department faculty members earned the honor from the Texas Organization of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Education, which recognized the department for a disaster planning simulation focusing on communication, teamwork, collaboration, quality and safety, said Eileen Deges Curl, chair of the department.

Several Lamar University faculty members won awards, presented papers and played leadership roles in a recent statewide meeting of college English teachers. Lamar’s Department of English and Modern Languages was well represented at the annual joint meeting of the Conference of College Teachers of English and the Texas College English Association March 3-5 at Tarleton State University in Stephenville.

For 34 years, Howard Perkins imparted knowledge and inspired learning among his students while allowing them to hold on to their sense of self and creativity. He knew the value of mixing professionalism with a joy for the work. Perkins was advisor, teacher, mentor and inspiration for generations of Lamar University students now achieving success throughout the communication profession.

The Wind Ensemble and Concert Band Lamarissimo! concert on March 3, takes Lamar University’s motto, “Texas Roots, Infinite Possibilities” to the Beaumont stage, with a local focus and homegrown talent. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Julie Rogers Theatre.

The Texas State University System has honored Lamar University professors Keith Carter and Pamela Saur as regents’ professors, the system’s highest faculty award. System regents recognized Carter and Saur as “exceptional and outstanding” professors who have achieved excellence in teaching, research and publication, as well as community service, “demonstrating in performance of their duties an unwavering dedication to their students, universities and communities.”

Surrounded by fellow members of the oldest and largest music fraternity for men, Lamar University President James Simmons accepted Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity’s highest honor Feb. 19 in a ceremony on the Lamar campus. Phi Mu Alpha recognized Simmons as a “Signature Sinfonian,” honoring him “for a lifetime of excellence” and as an alumni member who has achieved a high standard of accomplishment in his profession.

A total of 425 Lamar University students achieved perfect 4.0 grade-point averages to earn places on the President’s List for the 2010 fall semester, President James Simmons announced. To qualify for the President’s List, a student must carry a full course load of 12 semester hours or more and attain a 4.0 GPA.

Perhaps no name is more synonymous with the storied Lamar University basketball tradition than Billy Tubbs. That name, along with his wife of 52 years Pat, will become a permanent part of the basketball legacy on Saturday night as the Montagne Center floor will be named “Billy and Pat Tubbs Court” in their honor.

High school students and college transfers will have an opportunity to learn about everything that Lamar University has to offer at a Spring Open House scheduled for Saturday, April 2.

Lamar University’s College of Business will host Carmen Jordan, executive vice president and chief lending officer of Encore Bank, as ExxonMobil Executive in Residence Feb. 22, 2011. She also serves as executive vice president of Encore Bancshares, Inc., Encore Bank’s holding company.

The Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities (TALH) lecture series on “The Future of Texas” will present Ty Cashion on Feb. 17. Cashion will present on “The End of Texceptionalism and the Future of Texas History” as part of a five-speaker series that will continue through April 14.

The Lamar University Academic Lecture Series is proud to present original freedom writer, Manuel Scott on March 1 at 7 p.m. at the LU University Theatre. Scott will share his unique message that has inspired, educated, and empowered almost a million people, helping them make the most of their lives.

Lamar University is seeking nominations for the 2011 honoree in the Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series, sponsored by ExxonMobil. March 14 is the nomination deadline. Lamar faculty, staff, students, alumni and retired faculty and staff are invited to nominate outstanding teacher/scholars for the award, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, said Steven Zani, co-chair of the Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Award Committee.

Magic. Romance. Lamar University Theatre will brim with the excitement of William Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage as the Department of Theatre & Dance opens its new Bard on the Bayou series with “The Tempest.” This fantastical hour-long adaptation features the work of Tony-Award winning guest artist Scott Pask and will run Thursday, Feb. 17, through Sunday, Feb. 20, in the University Theatre.

Lamar University released its official Spring 2011 enrollment figures showing continued growth with record credit hours and its second-largest spring enrollment, officials said. “Lamar University’s enrollment momentum continues this spring, and we are especially pleased to observe the increase and high numbers in these economically difficult times,” said Kevin Smith, senior associate provost.

Lamar University will honor three alumni who have made their marks in community service, special education and sports broadcasting as 2011 Distinguished Alumni. Honorees are Vernon Durden of China, Grace Davis England of Spring, and Bill Macatee of Newport Coast, Calif. They will be recognized at a reception and dinner on March 4 at the University Reception Center on the eighth floor of the Mary and John Gray Library.

Lamar University is proud to promote the importance of education to elementary and middle school students by hosting The JASON Project at the John Gray Center. This innovative project was established to connect students with scientists and researchers to provide mentored, authentic and enriching science learning experiences.

The Lamar University Department of History will host its second annual Texas History Day on Thursday, Feb. 10, attracting students from high schools and middle schools across Southeast Texas. Lamar’s event is part of National History Day 2011, whose theme is “Debate and Diplomacy in History.”

Lamar University conferred 1,014 degrees at fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 18. Here are Lamar’s fall 2010 graduates and their majors, listed according to their hometowns. The list is based on information provided by the office of the registrar.

The Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities (TALH) is bringing an informational lecture series on “The Future of Texas” to Lamar and Beaumont beginning Feb. 3. A generous grant from Humanities Texas was awarded to TALH to make this lecture series possible with five outstanding speakers from across Texas. Each presentation will provide an opportunity for the speakers to share their own unique view of the future of Texas.

The Lamar University Spirit Team is thinking big as it prepares for its sixth annual “Showdown” Cheer and Dance Clinic Saturday, Feb. 12, on the Lamar campus. Besides gaining new skills and polishing their talents, participants will take the spotlight at the Cardinal men’s basketball game.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has included Lamar University in its latest list of Doctoral/Research universities, placing Lamar in the upper echelon of degree-granting institutions nationally. In addition to LU, Sam Houston State University maintains its position on the Carnegie Foundation list.

The JASON Alliance of Southeast Texas (JASET) and Lamar University will host this year’s JASON Project event Operation Tectonic Fury at the John Gray Center on the LU campus Jan. 21 - Feb. 8. The nearly 10,000 southeast Texas 4-8th graders and their teachers will attend the program that this year focuses on geological sciences.

The University Press, the newspaper of Lamar University and Lamar Institute of Technology, will host a reunion of former staff members Jan. 29 to celebrate the legacy of long-time director Howard Perkins, who died Oct. 22 after 34 years at the paper. The event will include the unveiling of a plaque dedicating the office as the Howard A. Perkins Newsroom.

The Lamar University Foundation has announced a new scholarship in honor of Sandra French Clark, an accomplished and well-known lawyer in the Beaumont area. The Sandra French Clark Scholarship in Choral Music will provide funds for music majors participating in the choral music program to pursue their dreams.

Gregg Lassen will join Lamar University’s executive team Feb. 15 as vice president for finance and operations, officials announced today. Lassen has served as executive vice president with a portfolio that includes all business affairs and student affairs functions at the University of Texas at Tyler since 2006.

Students still have time to take advantage of a Lamar University education this spring even though classes began Jan. 10. Late registration for the Spring 2011 semester has been extended through Friday, Jan. 14.

The Lamar University Community Outreach Program has been awarded a grant from the Internal Revenue Service to increase earned income tax credit (EITC) awareness and education, provide financial education and economic development. Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (V.I.T.A) Grant Program, the outreach program is providing services for individuals and families, students, senior citizens, and non-English speaking people in Southeast Texas.

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum will blow its replica oil gusher at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Lucas Gusher, the discovery well of the Spindletop field that blew in on Jan. 10, 1901. Viewing of the gusher is free to the general public. Living history re-enactors will be on hand throughout the afternoon to provide entertainment and to re-enact the discovery.

Lamar University public radio KVLU-FM announced this week that plans are in place for a trip through the Canadian Rockies by rail July 18-26, 2011. An informational meeting on the trip is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, in the lecture hall of the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 500 Main St. in downtown Beaumont.

A new endowed scholarship at Lamar University honors Enrique J. Venta, father of Enrique “Henry” R. Venta, dean of the College of Business at Lamar. Venta, and the Venta family, established the Enrique J. Venta Memorial Scholarship in Accounting as a tribute to his late father’s dedication to the accounting profession.

Four Lamar University students attained perfect 4.0 grade-point averages to share Plummer Award honors as the top academic graduates in Lamar’s class of December 2010. Earning the Plummer Awards are Nicholas Duplan, a mathematics major from Port Neches; Jeffery Mitchell of Wichita Falls, who earned two degrees – in accounting and in management information systems; Tabitha Trapasso, a biology major from Beaumont; and Hillary Alyce Rose Victoria, a Spanish major from Vidor.

Application packets for 2011-2012 Lamar University Ambassadors will be available through March 18 in the Office of Alumni Affairs on the Lamar campus. Fourteen openings will be available for new Ambassadors in the fall of 2011.

Sixty-eight Lamar University students graduated with honors during winter commencement ceremonies Dec. 18 in the Montagne Center.

Registration for Lamar University’s Spring 2011 semester is open and will continue through Jan. 7. Spring classes begin Monday, Jan. 10. Students are encouraged to register for classes as soon as possible so that they will be able to take the classes they want at the times that are most convenient for them.

The work of three artists, friends and colleagues will come together in “The Specious Instant” at the Dishman Art Museum Jan. 10 through Feb.18 with the works of Steve Hodges, Justin Varner and Jakob Christmas. Members of the community are invited to the free opening reception Jan. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Lamar University is scheduled to confer 1,048 degrees at winter commencement Dec. 18 in the Montagne Center. Lamar will conduct two ceremonies to accommodate the large number of graduates – a procedure that began in December 2009. Brian McCall, chancellor of the The Texas State University System, will be the keynote speaker.

Sandra Harris, professor and director of the LU doctoral program in educational leadership has been selected to receive the 2011 Living Legend award by the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA). “Dr. Harris’s ongoing contributions embody NCPEA’s commitment to the practice and study of educational administration,” said NCPEA executive director James Berry. “She has spent more than a decade developing the capacity of junior faculty, mentoring them at the NCPEA conference and through numerous publications.”