Community Relations
REIMAGINE
We are committed to REIMAGINE our community by intentionally investing in people, communities and neighborhoods to compel them to grow through providing resources, support and training.
REBUILD
We REBUILD through grants and fundraising to seed strategic initiatives that align with furthering the efforts of economic development, education, health, cultural wealth and city growth.
RECOGNIZE
We RECOGNIZE people, neighborhoods and communities who create or provide impact and promote system-wide change that moves our community to a position of national leader in economic and social progress.
REVITALIZE
We are committed to the implementation of intentional efforts that are likely to REVITALIZE and lead to measurable increases in access to employment, living wage jobs, healthcare, supportive services, community amenities, transportation, quality and affordable housing while also remaining a strong proponent of these processes.
Timeline
We're making a difference in our communities!
2021
- Lamar University's Cardinal NEST innitiative expands to three additional school districts in the Golden Triangle Region: Hamshire-Fanett ISD, Hardin-Jefferson ISD and Port Author ISD. This expansion supports the student access focus between Lamar University and the Southeast Texas Region. The school districts have signed on to this business partnership and sponsors are stepping up in providing the resources and community volunteers needed to support the initiative.
- Norman Bellard, Special Assistant to the President for Community Relations announces final two Cardinal NESTs at Curtis Elementary and Caldwood Elementary. The firm pledges come from lifelong distinguished friends of Lamar University. The final two (2) pledges complete sponsorship for all twelve (12) eligible elementary campuses. Together, with the Beaumont Independent School District, we are creating a college going culture for the students of BISD and return providing service leadership and career readiness skills for our Lamar Univeristy cardinals.
- Southeast Texas Foodbank sponsors tenth (10) Cardinal NEST at Homer Drive Elementary.
- Education First Federal Credit Union sponsors ninth (9) Cardinal NEST.
- BISD School Board of Trustees recognized Office of Community Relations, Economic Develoment and Student Access, for the Cardinal NEST Project. During the Board Meeting Teresa Simpson, Executive Driector was able to announce that funding for all BISD eligible elementary campuses had been secured. Proudly, all nine (9) ribbon cuttings are set for the 2021-2022 school year. All twelve (12) eligible elementary campuses at BISD will have operating Cardinal NESTs, Innovative Learning Labs for the 2021-2022 academic year.
- Education First Federal Credit Union joins Cardinal SOAR to offer Financial Literacy Program at BISD Cardinal NESTs Campuses. The Financial Literacy program is being chaired by Cardinal SOAR leader, Taliah Belcher.
- 2021 Nancy Evans Memorial Scholars named from both West Brook High School and Beaumont United High School. The Nancy Evans Memorial Scholarship is a Lamar University Top Scholarship valued at over $120,000. LU Welcomes, Byanca Cabrera, salutatorian from Beaumont United High School and top graduate at West Brook High School, Taylor Cox. More on the Nancy Evans Memorial Scholarship
- BISD recognizes partners in education. Distinguished recognition went to the Office of Community Relations, Economic Development and Student Access for their Cardinal NEST initiative with BISD elementary schools.
- Cardinal SOAR welcomes Alumni Affairs Director, Shannon Figueroa, to speak at their Student Success Workshop in April. During the workshop the office of Alumni Affairs discussed opportunities on how to remain involved after graduation, Aurora Maldonado was extended a special gift as Nancy Evans Memorial Scholar first graduating senior and founding Co-Chair for Cardinal SOAR.
- All eight Nancy Evans Memorial Scholars were invited to have "Lunch with the President" as one of Dr. Evans' last events as Lamar University President. From the first scholar to the most recently awarded were in attendance.
- Cardinal SOAR, Chair Rylie George, is selected as adistinguished Lamar University Ambassador.
- Teresa Simpson, Executive Director reads to Charlton-Pollard Elementary kindergarteners and talks to them about the Cardinal NEST on Character Day. Kindergarten students were able to see the campus' Cardinal NEST for the first time.
- Teresa Simpson and Nancy Evans Memorial Scholar, Aurora Maldonado participate in Read Across America Week at Cardinal NEST Campus Blanchette Elementary. The reading zoom session was shared with every classroom at the campus for a 600+ student read along on two seperate days.
- The first Nancy Evans Memorial Commencement Stole was awarded to honors graduate, Aurora Maldonado by President Evans.
- The Greater South Park Community Garden welcomed Cardinals and community members during LU's Big Event.
- Southeast Texas Food Bank awards the Presidential Award of Service to Lamar University, the Honors Student Organization, and the Chemical Engineering Student Organization. Teresa E. Simpson was keynote speaker for the event.
- First Nancy Evans Memorial Scholar, Aurora Maldonado set to graduate May 2021.
- Fletcher Elementary students receive a Cardinal NEST with sponsorship by HEB.
- Susan Conn McCurry and Roger McCurry sponsor a Cardinal NEST at Regina-Howell Elementary making the eighth Cardinal NEST in the LU and BISD initiative. The McCurry's are lifelong distinguished friends of Lamar University.
- Dishman Elementary is newest Cardinal NEST and distinguished Dishman Eagle SOARS as future Success Ambassador.
- Martin Elementary next to receive a Cardinal NEST with sponsorship by the Rotary Club of Beaumont.
- Greater South Park Community Garden continues to benefit from dedicated student leaders. Most recently, the Mechanical Engineering Senior Project provided a new pergola at the garden.
- Nancy Evans Memorial Scholar, Aylin Galvan, is selected as one of twenty-eight 2021 McNair Scholars on this elite group of scholars.
- First graduating Nancy Evans Memorial Scholar, Aurora Maldonado is recognized as "Senior of Significance"at the Lamar University Toast of Leadership Banquet.
- Spring 2021, the Department of Nursing hosted their Pediatric Health Day at Cardinal NEST Campuses: Pietzsch-MacArthur and Charlton - Pollard Elementary.
- April 2021, Cardinal SOAR, volunteers at the Greater South Park Beautification Event. Volunteers worked with Harvest for the Lost Souls to paint a local business in the South Park Community. More on Cardinal SOAR
- Spring 2021, Aurora Maldonado a graduating senior, Nancy Evans Memorial Scholar and Social Work major completes her internship at Opportunity Now.
- LU student organization Engineers Without Borders build benches at the Greater South Park Community Garden.
- Cardinal SOAR, Chair Taliah Belcher, is selected as a distinguished Lamar University Ambassador.
2020
- ExxonMobil donates to Lamar University's Office of Community Relations to open the fourth Cardinal NEST at Amelia Elementary School.
- Lamar University Softball Team welcomes Charlton – Pollard Elementary reading millionaires and mathletes to the season-opening game. Charlton – Pollard Principal Valencia Greenwood and Counselor/ NEST coordinator, Kayla Wilson, threw out the first pitch.
- SOAR (Student Occupationally and Academically Ready) launched PILOT Program at Charlton-Pollard's Cardinal NEST. Volunteers from Lamar University students, student-athletes and ExxonMobil volunteer together in small group guidance sessions. Working with the campus’ reading millionaires and mathletes, SOAR guided the students in reading, integrated technology, cultural awareness and inclusion and digital citizenship a curriculum designed and led by Charlton-Pollard's own, Kayla Wilson.
- Summer 2020 allowed for a member of the Advisory Committee to share their love of fishing with South Park Neighborhood children. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime".
- Cardinals SOAR provide virtual reading (ROAR) and tutoring (ELAR 4th and 5th grades and Math 5th grade). Cardinal SOAR support Cardinal NEST campus needs mondays - thursdays 9am - 3pm.
2019
- The 4th annual “Day in the Park,” event was held on August 3; it was rescheduled from the initially planned date of April due to a weather event. It was a very successful event, approximately 900 South Park residents participated.
- The first ever in Southeast Texas "Innovative Learning Lab," a unique learning environment at Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary School was dedicated through a ribbon cutting. The NEST was designed with former first lady, Nancy Evan's passion project in mind, the restoration of the Student quad as one of her first projects as the first lady. The quad is filled with historical oak trees where Lamar Cardinals go to relax and take in the beauty and peacefulness of the Lamar University Campus. This inspiring, safe and peaceful environment was recreated in the Innovative Learning Labs, sharing this safe, peaceful environment with the "Cardinals of Tomorrow."
- The Rotary Club of Beaumont adopts the Cardinal NESTs as its their dedicated service project. Rotarians work with community relations staff and Lamar University student volunteers to set up each Cardinal NEST.
- The Office of Community Relations expands to include Economic Development and Student Access by securing external funding for the development of additional "Innovative Learning Labs," better known as "The NEST," Navigating Excellence Success and Triumph.
- External funding was secured for the dedication/ribbon cutting of the South Park Community Garden and 20 additional beds were installed for a total of 48. The Community Garden was dedicated in memory of former First Lady, Nancy Evans, and her love of gardening.
- The Cardinal NEST campuses, Pietzsch-MacArthur, Blanchette Elementary and Charlton-Pollard Elementary Scholars' Mathletes and Reading Millionaires, are recognized by Big Red to all of Cardinal Nation at the football season opener.
- Mascots, Big Red and LU soar over to the ribbon cutting for their NEST built at Blanchette Elementary, continuing the program, “Bobcat Today/Cardinal Tomorrow.”
- Community Relations offers South Park Scholars Student Success Workshops through Innovative Educators and the Office of the Vice Provost for Distance Learning.
- SOAR is launched! SOAR is Students Occupationally and Academically Ready, a student commission for student access to higher education serving the Office of Community Relations. Lamar University student-athletes and service leaders volunteer through SOAR on all NEST campuses. SOAR includes members of collaborative partners for NEST campuses allowing students from both BISD and Lamar University to grow in their articulation of transferable career readiness skills while building their professional network.
- South Park Scholars are offered guest speakers from the community during their student success workshops for the 2019-2020 academic year. Guest speakers for Fall 2019 were Art Simpson, director of Recreational Sports and serves as co-chairman of SOAR; Tony Aguliar, director of Operation and Maintenance for the Beaumont Independent School District and Cindy Halloway, public and government affairs coordinator for ExxonMobil and SOAR Advisory Council Member.
- Ribbon-cutting is held for the second Cardinal NEST at Blanchette Elementary extending the program, “Wildcats Today/Cardinals Tomorrow.”
- Ribbon-cutting is held for the third Cardinal NEST at Charlton – Pollard Elementary extending the program, “Eagles Today/Cardinals Tomorrow.”
- NEST campus principals and NEST liaisons are provided professional development workshops exploring the innovative technology offered in their campus NEST (Innovative Learning Labs) by Micheal Chism, sales consultant with Visual Techniques Inc. (VTI).
- LU College of Nursing entering freshmen visit NEST campus, Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary School offering dental hygiene programs.
- Lamar University hosts Beaumont Independent School District elementary and middle school campuses to experience men and women’s basketball season tip-off games. Approximately 3,000 B.I.S.D. elementary and middle school students, teachers and administrators cheer on the Cardinals at each game.
- SOAR members from Tau Beta Sigma offer “Instrument Petting Zoo Night for all N.E.S.T. Campuses.
- Alum, Erica Babino, author of “Rolling Into Peace, Speaking in Green,” returned to her alma mater, Lamar University, and the community of Pear Orchard to present her book to principals at Pietzsch – MacArthur, Blanchette and Charlton – Pollard Elementary campuses as well as the superintendents of Port Arthur Independent School District and Hamshire Fannett Independent School District. The book provides an innovative method to develop conflict resolution skills.
- SOAR completes the Beaumont Independent School District required volunteer training. Lamar University Cardinals are ready to SOAR over to their NEST campuses and support their “Cardinals Tomorrow.”
- South Park Scholar, Alejandro Gomez, Freshman, Mechanical Engineering major tours ExxonMobil with GSPNP committee member and SOAR advisory council member, Cindy Halloway, government and public affairs coordinator for ExxonMobil.
- Norman J. Bellard receives a Distinguished Community Service Award from the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Nominated by LU Chapter 95 for his dedication to their motto, “Let the Love of Learning Rule Humanity.”
- South Park Scholar, Aurora Modalin, Junior and social work major, is inducted to LU Chapter 95 of the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
- “A Night with the Doctor is hosted at Lamar University featuring Julius Erving, a National Basketball Association Legend as the keynote speaker for the Lamar University Men and Women Basketball Season Tip-Off Banquet. Julius Erving spoke on the power of mentorship and the value he placed on those from diverse backgrounds that were critical to his development and who he is today. Approximately 600 community supporters were in attendance.
- Community Relations partners with Lamar University Division of Global Diversity, Inclusion and Intercultural Affairs offered “A Native American Storyteller” to all three NEST campuses
- Lamar University's staff senate holds book drive for Cardinal NEST campus, Pietzsch-MacArthur, in memory of former First Lady, Nancy Evans, and her dedication to the love of learning. 165 books were collected and donated.
2018
- Carindal Nation Welcome the first of the Cardinal NEST initiative Mathletes and Reading Millionaires. The Scholars at Cardional NEST Campuses: Pietzch-MacArthur, Blanchette and Charlton-Pollard Elementary were extended a BIG RED Welcome at the launch of the LU Football Season and first home game. https://www.bmtisd.com/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=100&ModuleInstanceID=8393&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=8228&PageID=2405
- The Greater South Park Neighborhood Partnership Committee hosted the third annual "A Day in the Park" at Alice Keith Park.
- Beaumont Independent School District recognized Lamar University as a “Valued Partner in Education.”
- The Texas Association of School Boards recognized Lamar University’s partnership with Beaumont Independent School District campuses located in the greater South Park community.
- The city of Beaumont’s concrete street resurfacing project on Jim Gilligan Way was completed facilitating a timely completion between the city engineer’s office and Lamar University.
- TXDOT completed an exit ramp on Cardinal Drive for direct access to the LU campus at Rolfe Christopher, the future gateway to campus.
- A formal school/business partnership with Beaumont Independent School District, specifically with Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary and South Park Middle School (located in South Park Community) was established.
- The Office of Community Relations secured donations from community partners to develop an Innovative Learning Lab, the Cardinal NEST (Navigating Excellence Success and Triumph). The NEST was designed to bring Lamar University students and community partners together to provide career readiness programming through volunteers to the NEST. The intended goal was to innovative space for the campus teachers to use to spark or enhance a love of learning for BISD students.
- Community Relations hosted the second annual, “Kite Festival and Family Picnic;” approximately 200 community members attended.
- GSPNP members began hosting every other meeting off-campus in a community forum format in an effort to create resident engagement.
- Through one of the first community forum-style meetings, it was determined that stop signs at the corner of Highland Avenue and Cardinal Drive feeder road would create a safer intersection.
- Family Services of Southeast Texas bestowed the GSPNP with the Southeast Texas Family Services Bill Leger Family Advocate of the Year Award.
- Community Relations expanded programs supporting "Cougar Today/Cardinal Tomorrow." Lamar University students and 2018 Southeast Texas Hispanic Society Queen read to Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary Cougars.
- Lamar University Veterans student organization serve as keynote speakers for NEST Campus, promoting “Cougar Today/Cardinal Tomorrow” program at Pietzsch-MacArthur.
- Lamar University faculty member offers a reading program to Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary on the value of service animals to children and the community.
- Lamar University students volunteer to serve as judges at NEST campus, Pietzsch MacArthur Elementary, hosting the District UIL Competition.
- Lamar University Department of nursing offers service to NEST campus, Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary School, through Service Learning Project.
2017
- In 2017, Entergy Texas invested $21 million in reliability improvements in the South Beaumont substation outside of LU’s campus. This investment helped modernize equipment in the substation to improve reliability in the area. As part of the investments in the substation, Entergy also partnered with the LU to ensure the look of the substation fit with the University's long-term plans for the south campus entry.
- Susan Conn McCurry and Roger McCurry donated $465,000 LU’s men and women’s locker rooms.
- Beaumont Health Coalition announced support for the GSPNP Committee and hosted the second annual Kite Festival and Dive-in Movie Pool Party at Lamar University Vernon Glass Practice Football Field.
- “Cougar Today/Cardinal Tomorrow” partnership launched between Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary and Lamar University offering a successful education program/pep rally at Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary School; Lamar University senior administrators, athletic staff, cheerleaders and mascots were in attendance and all students, faculty and staff received t-shirts.
- Lamar University established the South Park Neighborhood Scholarship for incoming freshman, providing for the full cost of tuition, fees, room, board and books.
- Several “small victories” were achieved to establish a safer environment in the South Park Community. Diversified events were established to appeal to the Latino population. (Latino enrollment at one of the largest elementary schools in Southeast Texas, Pietzsch-MacArthu, exceeds 40%.
- The city of Beaumont completes a $1.1 million street resurfacing project in South Park.
- Distinguished Alumni Susan Conn McCurry and Roger McCurry a sponsor a Christmas bicycle giveaway at Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary School. Everyone of the 900 students receives a bicycle, approximately a $30,000 contribution by the McCurrys.
2016
- Lamar University establishes a partnership with Beaumont Independent School District in support of its ROAR program. The reading program begins serving Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary children second-grade students.
- The GSPNP hosts the second annual Day in the Park in the fall.
- The City of Beaumont designates the South Park Neighborhood an Empowerment Zone with the goal to promote development, improve the local economy and enhance the quality of life for the citizens. The City of Beaumont also gives additional incentives: https://texasbusinessincentives.com/viewer/975cfb535beb934dc122e988fb7fb6a1/
- Entergy awards a $75,000 grant for LED lighting for the South Park Neighborhood.
- LU makes weekly math tutoring at South Park Middle School and Pietzsch – MacArthur Elementary available.
- Beaumont Health Coalition supports the community by hosting the first ever Kite Festival and Dive-in Movie Pool Party.
2015
- The Greater South Park Neighborhood Partnership Committee forms and holds its first meeting in March.
- Susan Conn McCurry and Roger McCurry contribute $1 million for a video board for the Montagne Center.
- The South Park Neighborhood community garden is established in collaboration with Lamar University's Department of Sustainability.
- On September 15, the newly established partnership committee hosts the first-ever community engagement to the Greater South Park Neighborhood.
- Multiple community clean-up events are held.
- The Texas Department of Transportation initiates ramp reversals and a beautification project on Cardinal Drive.
