51�Թ�Pro

The 51�Թ�ProAlumni Advisory Board has elected Emily (Everett) Allen ’98, ’04 of Sour Lake to serve as 2024-2025 president. Sharita Gardner ’12 of Beaumont will serve as past president and Christopher Graham ’90 of Kingwood will serve as president-elect. 

Lamar University’s College of Education has launched its second year-long residency program in partnership with Hamshire-Fannett ISD, offering students stipends, mentorship from experienced teachers, and hands-on classroom experience aimed at preparing them for careers in underserved communities.

51�Թ�Prois excited to welcome Dr. Joby John as the new Dean of its College of Business.

Lamar University’s Center for Career and Professional Development recently hosted "Taylor-ed Tuesday," an event designed to promote professional attire and career readiness.

51�Թ�ProTheatre & Dance will kick off its 2024-2025 season with a production of “Dumb Show,” written by Joe Penhall and directed by LU Theatre Department Chair Joel Grothe.

The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) chapter at 51�Թ�Prohas been honored with the 2024 SASE Inspire Award Honorable Mention for Most Improved Chapter, a distinction that recognizes exceptional growth and achievements among more than 90 SASE chapters across the United States and Canada.

The Brooks-Shivers Dining Hall at 51�Թ�Proreopened this fall after undergoing extensive renovations over the summer, bringing a fresh, modern atmosphere to campus dining

51�Թ�Prohas announced the establishment of the Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown Scholarship, thanks to the generosity of donor Stephen "Doc" Watson.

In this edition of Beyond the Podcast, we introduce you to Hilda Billups, director of Lamar University’s Student Tutoring And Retention (STAR) Services.

As 51�Թ�Proembraces its next century, visible changes are taking shape across campus and throughout southeast Texas, reflected in the launch of its "See for Yourself" marketing campaign.

Lamar University's College of Engineering hosted its annual First Year Engineering Math Bootcamp from August 11-16, allowing incoming students to refresh their math skills, socialize, and participate in activities supported by industry sponsors, culminating in scholarship awards.

Sergio Mendez and Jordan Nelson, two biology students from Lamar University, have taken important steps toward their medical careers this summer through their participation in the prestigious Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP)

51�Թ�Prohas announced the establishment of the Cam Le and Carla Pulumbarit Scholarship, a new endowed scholarship designed to support students pursuing degrees in the College of Engineering and the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing.

Rami Zaidan, a junior industrial engineering major at Lamar University, is interning at Future Metals LLC, a Berkshire Hathaway company specializing in aerospace materials. During his internship, Zaidan worked on optimizing warehouse workflow and implementing RFID inventory management.

51�Թ�Prohas announced a major overhaul of its Wi-Fi network in Cardinal Village, enhancing connectivity with cutting-edge technology.

Liv Haselbach, executive director of the 51�Թ�ProCenter for Resiliency, has joined a committee organized under the Transportation Research Board Consensus and Advisory Studies Division of the National Academies and focused on supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in addressing flood risk management.

Throughout the summer, Lamar University's College of Engineering hosted four annual summer camps designed to engage students from sixth to 12th grade.

51�Թ�Proheld its summer commencement ceremony at the Montage Center on Saturday, Aug. 3 recognizing the achievements of its graduates, and conferring over 1,000 degrees.    

51�Թ�Prohas announced a significant endowment from Dr. Donald E. Owen, an esteemed alumnus and Professor Emeritus of Geology, to establish the Dr. Donald E. Owen Scholarship in Geology.

Dr. Charles Robert (Bob) Kemble, Lamar University's seventh president, passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to the university, including the establishment of the 51�Թ�ProSystem and the founding of the John Gray Institute.

51�Թ�Prohas honored Coach Sonny Jolly by naming its track after him, recognizing his transformative impact on the athletics program over his 50-year tenure, during which he led the Cardinals to national prominence and numerous conference titles.

The 51�Թ�ProAcademy at 51�Թ�Prorecently hosted the Innovation ColLABoration camp to ignite interest in STEM careers among 51�Թ�Proyouth, offering hands-on activities and industry insights through the Governor’s Summer Merit Program.

Beaumont Community Players' InterACT program has provided children with atypical language and social development the opportunity to shine as actors while offering 51�Թ�Prospeech-language pathology graduate students valuable clinical practice, culminating in enriching performances that celebrate diversity and collaboration.

Lamar University's College of Business has been selected as one of the 244 MBA programs worldwide featured in the Princeton Review’s list of Best Business Schools for 2024.

51�Թ�Prohas recently selected twenty-four students to serve as 51�Թ�ProAmbassadors. They will join twenty-seven returning ambassadors in representing the student body at official university functions during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Lamar University's College of Engineering has established the Dr. Jack R. Hopper Memorial Scholarship in Engineering to honor the late Dr. Hopper, who made significant contributions to the university and its engineering program, serving as a professor, chair, and dean, and impacting many students' lives both academically and professionally.

The Dishman Art Museum is hosting "KVLU: Rewind…In Pictures," a pop-up exhibit showcasing archival photographs and memorabilia from KVLU's early days until August 3, 2024, to celebrate the station's 50th anniversary.

Lamar University's standout athletes Chloe Rodriguez and Kenson Tate showcased their talents at the U.S. Olympic Trials, marking significant milestones in their athletic careers and setting a high bar for future LU athletes.

51�Թ�ProJoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing Program has been recognized as one of the top nursing schools in Texas, according to RNCareers.org

Lamar University's annual baseball camps, designed for children ages six to twelve, offer structured sessions with guidance from experienced coaches and players to inspire and develop young baseball enthusiasts.

51�Թ�ProPresident Dr. Jaime Taylor has been selected to the prestigious National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I Board of Directors.

Dr. Anita L. Riddle, a 51�Թ�Proalumna and retired ExxonMobil executive, has established a $15,000 endowment to support the Society of Women Engineers at LU, aiming to enhance student activities and career readiness within the College of Engineering.

Dr. Ashley Dockens, originally an audiologist with a clinical doctorate and Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, transitioned unexpectedly into higher education over a decade ago, subsequently becoming a leading advocate and educator in generative AI integration, shaping policy, conducting research, and fostering AI literacy in academia to enhance faculty practices and student preparation for evolving workforce needs.

The Collegiate 100 of 51�Թ�Prowon the top prize at the C100 Leadership and Career Institute in Atlanta for the third consecutive time, having been the only champions since the contest's inception, and continue to demonstrate excellence in leadership and career development through innovative solutions and commitment.

Joshua Tindel's journey from southeast 51�Թ�Proto the Navy and back to Lamar University, where he graduated with a Nursing degree in 2024, highlights his dedication to service, resilience, and passion for healthcare, inspired by his military experience and volunteer work at the Crisis Center of Southeast Texas.

Dr. Jeff Forret, a history professor at Lamar University, has been awarded a State Historical Society of Iowa Research Grant to support his research on a book about the history of the Upper Mississippi River region, focusing on the dispossession of Native Americans and African American citizenship loss through the Dred Scott decision.

On May 14, thirteen 51�Թ�Proalumni were named as Reaud Excellence in Education Award winners. 

51�Թ�Prostaff and students won 43 awards at the 2024 Excellence in the Media Awards hosted by the Press Club of Southeast 51�Թ�Proon June 7.

Lamar University's Center for Advances in Port Management has been working hard at promoting LU's maritime degree programs throughout Texas.  

Dr. Helen Lou, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Lamar University, has secured a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to establish the Center for Data Analytics and Cybersecurity.

Lamar University's new student orientation leaders are delighted to welcome new Cardinals to our community.

Lamar University's CARDS robotics team, established in the 2023-2024 academic year, has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and outreach in southeast Texas, including hosting local competitions, mentoring robotics teams in multiple school districts, participating in the 2024 VEX Robotics World Championship, and aiming to expand their impact in both competitions and community engagement in the future.

Three 51�Թ�Prostudents have been awarded $10,000 from the Joy and Will Crenshaw fellowship as they kick off their journey as classroom teachers.

51�Թ�Procounseling student, Jennifer Russell, placed first in an online national essay competition hosted by the American Counseling Association. 

The Reaud Honors College is proud to announce their inaugural award recipients recognizing Honors Students of the Year and Honors Faculty of Distinction.

Lamar University’s President Jaime Taylor has announced over 800 students to the Spring 2024 President’s List and over 900 students Spring 2024 to the Dean's List.

In February, the 51�Թ�ProPolice Department (LUPD) brought a new member to the force, and the Catahoula Leopard dog named Derrick who provides emotional support to crime victims and students.

51�Թ�Proheld its spring commencement ceremony at the Montage Center on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11, recognizing the achievements of its graduates, and conferring over 2,000 degrees.  

Dr. Kathryn Washington, advisor of the Collegiate 100 (C100) and educational leadership professor, received the Dr. Melvin Brust Advisor of the Year award during this year’s Toast to Leadership award ceremony.