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XU Quick Facts
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Warren Bell, Jr.
Associate Vice President, UMR
(504) 520-7568
(504) 235-8706 (cell)

Carol Dotson '82
Media Relations
(504) 520-5427

Irving Johnson III
University Photographer
Media Arts Specialist
(504) 520-5426

Richard Tucker
Director of Publications
(504) 520-5425

Trina Shelmire Vincent '85
Marketing and Special Projects
(504) 520-5428

UNIVERSITY AND MEDIA RELATIONS

News Releases
  DECEMBER 2007
y BET’s Jeff Johnson is Keynote Speaker for Annual MLK Week of Peace
r Nuggets Win Sixth Straight
y Hammer Named CAT Director  
r Nuggets Beat Sterling 68-56 for Fifth Straight Win
y Growth Leads to Creation of Division of Business at Xavier
r Rush, Nuggets Basketball Squads Both Nationally Ranked
y Gold Rush Give Jackson his 100th Victory
r Nuggets Beat Houston Baptist for the First Time
y Lake, Dumas Push Rush Past Savannah
r Student Newspaper Sports a New Look
  NOVEMBER 2007
y Nuggets Win 73-42; Browder Gets 200th Victory
r Stroger Selected for Alumnus of the Year Honors
y Wiley Gives Gold Rush its First Loss of the Season
r Nuggets Finish 2-0 in Xavier Classic
y Dumas Gets It Done; Rush Go to 5-0
r Xavier Team Grabs Seven More PRSA Awards in 2007
y Xavier Business Students Excel in Sales Competition
r Christian Brothers Snaps Nuggets Win Streak
y Ruffin Rescues Rush in Overtime Against Rams
r Nuggets Win on Road Against NCAA D-I Opponent
y Gold Rush is 5th in VSN's NAIA Rankings
r Stewart's Shot Caps Comeback Win
y Cleaves, Turnbull Help Gold Nuggets Whip Wiley
r Gold Rush Speed Past Wesley in Season Opener
y Xavier Jazz Ensemble Concert Nov. 15
r Modern Pioneers in "Jazz in New Orleans: the 1950’s” Symposium
y Runners Repeat as GCAC Men's and Women's Champs
r Nuggets Win 16th Consecutive Home Opener
y Langston Defeats Gold Nuggets 53-44 in Opener
r Miss Xavier to be Crowned Nov. 2
y Campus Leaders Make Annual Who's Who List
r Xavier Men No. 10 in NAIA Preseason Basketball Poll
  OCTOBER 2007
y Distinguished Alumna Dara Rahming is Guest for Xavier Concert
r Operation Diabetes a Success at Lakeside
y Xavier No.1 in Physics
r XU Concert Choir Performs in Two Free Concerts
y Jupiter Chamber Ensemble Presents XU Concert Nov. 2
r Dumas, Stewart Make Preseason All-GCAC Men's Basketball Team
y New Chairman, Three New Xavier Board Members
r Cleaves, Turnbull Are Preseason All-GCAC
y Exciting Fall Music Performances at Xavier
r Francis Receives Wisdom Award for Education
y Braud Named Director of Advancement at Xavier
r 'No Place Like Home' for Xavier Alumni Reunion
y University Honors 59 Long-Time Faculty/Staff Members
r

Men Picked First / Women 2nd in GCAC Basketball Polls
y Operation Diabetes Returns October 20 to Lakeside Mall
r Alumni Invited to XU 2007 Homecoming
y U.S. News Report Ranks Xavier Among Top HBCUs
r Donors, State Funds Create Endowed Professorships
y Salmon Shines at Rhodes CC Meet
r Walker Wins 2 Titles for Xavier Men's Tennis
  SEPTEMBER 2007
y Stephen Klineberg to Speak at Annual Phi Beta Kappa Couper Lecture
y Carnegie Commits Millions to Revitalize Xavier, New Orleans
r XU Students Continue Support of Jena 6
y Gold Rush CC Runs Season Record to 23-3
r McArthur Places Second in Consolation Tennis Bracket
y Carnegie Corporation Commits $14 Million to to Revitalize N.O. Intellectual Infrastructure
r Xavier Students Show Support for the ‘Jena 6’
y XU Teams Win at Big Easy Invitational
r Dumas Impresses at Adidas Basketball Experience
y XU Campus Ministry Presents "Many Voices, One Praise" Sept. 28
r Freshman Salmon Sets Men's CC Record
y Enrollment on the Rise at Xavier University
r Tennis Teams to Compete Twice in September
y Xavier Mourns Death of John T. Scott / IN MEMORIAM
r Xavier Men First in Tulane CC Meet
y Freshman Class Increases: Overall Enrollment Steady
r Biology Professor Brings World Famous Worm to N.O.
y Alumna Spearheads XU Recruiting Efforts in Harlem
r Committee Approves Faculty Promotions
y New Chairs Provide Leadership this Fall
  AUGUST 2007
r

Ohio Parishioners Deliver New Sanctuary to Xavier Chapel
y Cross Country Squads Ready for Another Run at the Titles
r Gold Rush Announce 2007-08 Basketball Schedule
y Nuggets Announce 2007-08 Basketbal Schedule
r XU Included Among The Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges”
y Xavier Ranks High in U.S. News College Guide
r “White Coat Ceremony” for New Xavier Pharmacy Students August 22 
y Freshman Orientation at Xavier Begins August 17
r Cross Country Teams Ready to Run in 2007
y Revised Orientation Program to Welcome New Freshman Class
  JULY 2007
r NAIA Honors Fugate and Richardson
y Math Gets Grant to Study Developmental Programs
r

XU Selected to Host GCAC Cross Country Championships

y Bracy Receives 2007 APPA Pacesetter Award
r Xavier Ranks High in Diverse Issues Report
y New Approach Should Benefit Incoming Freshman Students
r University's Top Students Designated Rousseve Scholars
y Psychology Professor Has Tales to Tell
r Healthy Homes Youth Art Contest
  JUNE 2007
r Students Learn Mardi Gras Indian Culture in Unique Summer School
y St. Charles Named VP for Institutional Advancement
r Theology Professor is Scholar in Residence at NYU and Paris
  MAY 2007
y Vincent, Richard, Murphy to Retire; Sister Monica to Head A&S
r Bell, Richardson, Knowles Make All-Louisiana Tennis
y Xavier Launches New Alumni NetCommunity
r 567 Scholars Make Spring ’07 Dean’s List
y Bell is First-Team NAIA Tennis All-American
r American Express CEO Says Xavier Graduates Well-Prepared
y Six from Xavier are Arthur Ashe Sports Scholars
r Xavier Still Tops at Placing African American Students in Medical School
y Entzminger Twins Leave Their Mark at Xavier
r American Express CEO to Address '07 Graduates
y Dumas Selected for LABC Award
r Athletics Returns From Hurricane Hiatus With a Bang
y President Enhances Student Life at Cal State Fullerton--
r New Student Leaders Selected
y Microsoft Pilot Program Succeeds
r XU Offers Mardi Gras Indian Arts Summer School
y Xavier Student Selected for Cannes Filmmaker Program

APRIL 2007

rBoutte Selected to Head Freshman Studies
yTennis Teams Bow Out in Regionals
rSummer Sessions Are Back at Xavier
yXavier's Summer Science Academy Accepting Applications
rEmergency Communications High Priority for Weather and Other Disasters
yXavier Sweeps GCAC Tennis Championships
rAmerican Express CEO to Address Xavier’s 2007 Graduates
yPhi Beta Kappa Couper Scholar Lectures April 19
r"Prescriptions for the Healthy Woman" Symposium April 26 
yPerfect Finish for Xavier Tennis Teams
rXU Music Department Schedules Two April Concerts
yStewart Makes Men's All -Louisiana 3rd Team
rCleaves is Women's 3rd Team All-Louisiana Again
yFuneral Arrangements Set for Sr. Mary Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, S.B.S.
rGold Nuggets Clinch No. 1 for GCAC Tennis Tournament
yMen's Tennis Beats No. 24 Oklahmona Baptist

MARCH 2007

yTennis Teams Drop Two
yLecture on Three Novels of the African Diaspora March 28 at Xavier
yMen's Tennis Defeats No. 25 Oklahoma Christian
yXavier Hosts Students on Alternative Spring Break
yDumas is Chosen NAIA Third-Team All-American
yNew Text Message System Keeps Xavier Community Informed
yTennis Teams Remain Unbeaten in Conference Play
yNW Oklahoma Ends Gold Rush Run
yTeam Xavier Triumphs in Ford HBCU Business Plan Competition
yRush Win First NAIA Tournament Game Since 1973
yGold Nugget Rally Falls Short at NAIA Tournament
yXU Opens 2nd Neighborhood Health & Technology Information Center
yStewart Enterprise Chairman Emeritus to Speak at XU Institute
y575 Scholars make Fall '06 Dean's List
yNuggets' Tennis Team Reaches NAIA Top 10 for First Time
yGold Rush Receives NAIA At-Large Bid
yNuggets to Meet Carroll in NAIA First Round
y“Mardi Gras Indians: A New Orleans Tradition" March 14 at XU
yOpen House at Xavier Draws Determined Students
yNuggets Earn NAIA Bid Despite Loss in GCAC Tournament Final
yNAIA Honors Sr. Grace Mary Flickinger With National FAR Award
yXavier and NYU Students Collaborate on Digital Storytelling Project
yNuggets Reach GCAC Title Game, Clinch NAIA Bid
yLSUS Knocks Rush from GCAC Tournament
yNSU Tennis Sweep Includes Women's First Loss
 yXU Celebrates St. Katharine Drexel Feast Day with Celebration
yStewart Sets Career Record in Rush's GCAC Tourney Victory
yNigerian Writer to Lecture at XU March 7
yFormer U.S. Surgeon General to Lecture on Health Disparities
yXavier Team Returns to Finals in Ford-HBCU Business Plan Contest
yWalk-on Helaire's the Hero in GCAC Quarterfinals

FEBRUARY 2007

Basketball Teams To Host Postseason Openers
Gold Rush Earns a Share of GCAC Championship
Xavier Women Beat Dillard, Clinch Second in GCAC
Xavier CoP Examines Health Disparities with Health Professionals
Kennedy's Career Night Keeps Gold Rush Atop GCAC
Gold Nuggets Rally to Reach 20 Victories Again
Tennis Teams Sweep Prairie View
XU Hosts First Archdiocesan Gathering of Black Catholics Since Katrina
Xavier Holds Open House for Prospective Students
Gold Rush in 3-Way Tie for First after Win at Belhaven
Nuggets Win 65-57 at Belhaven
Berlin Conductor to Give Master Class and Performance
LSUS Ends XU Men's WInning Streak
LSUS Scores First 17 Points in Win over Nuggets
Local Heroes Printmaking and Performance Project Honors John Scott
XU Forensics Team Shines at LSU Mardi Gras Invitational
Gold Rush Enter Top 25 for First TIme This Season
Okoroha Named GCAC Player of the Week for 2nd Time
Gold Rush Win 10th Straight
Nuggets Lose to SUNO
Gold Rush Earns Ninth Consecutive Victory
Loyola Knocks Nuggets Out of First
Tennis Teams Win Twice, Stay Perfect
CSLS Opens Neighborhood Center
Gold Rush wins 80-67 at Mobile
Mobile Rallies to Defeat Nuggets
Tennis Teams Ranked in NAIA Preseason Top 25
Gold Nuggets Move Up to 22nd in NAIA Poll
‘Heroes’ of the 7th Ward Focus of a N.O. Black History Arts Project
Gold Rush Moves to the Top of the GCAC
Turnbull Scores Career-High 20 in Nuggets' Win
Institute for Black Catholic Studies - Back Home at Xavier
XU Tennis Teams Sweep Spring Hill
Gold Rush Win Streak Reaches Six Games
Nuggets Win Again, Turnull Ties Scoring Mark

JANUARY 2007

Admissions Prospects Encouraging for Xavier's 2007 Freshman Class
Gold Rush Beats Dillard for 5th Straight Win
Second-half Surge Carries Nuggets over Dillard
 Tennis Teams Sweep Southern on the Road
Gold Rush Down SUNO for 4th Straight Win
SUNO Rallies Late to Step Nugget Streak
Nuggets Ranked No. 21 in NAIA National Rankings
Renowned Artist Howadena Pindell to Speak at Xavier Jan 29
Xavier to Benefit from "Evening of Stars" Tribute to Aretha Franklin
Rush Beats Carey for 3rd Straight Win
Cleaves Brings Nuggets Back Against Carey
NYU Professor and Xavier Art Courses Help to Rebuild New Orleans
Okoroha Leads Gold Rush Past Belhaven
Whitmore's 3-pointer Beats Buzzer, Belhaven
Gold Nuggets Advance to No. 22 in NAIA Poll
Dumas Leads Late Surge to Help Gold Rush Beat Loyola
Turnbull Takes Control in OT Win Over Loyola
Nuggets Take Sole Possession of First Place
Stewart Scores 28 in Gold Rush Loss at Spring Hill
Gold Nuggets Earn 4th Straight Win
Gold Rush Lose to 5th-ranked LSU-Shreveport
Early Start for XU-Loyola DH to Avoid Saints Game
Gold Nuggets Rally Past Mobile
Late Threes Help Mobile Defeat Gold Rush
Nuggets Extend Their Dominance Over Tougaloo
Gold Rush Lose GCAC Opener at Tougaloo
Nuggets, Rush Climb in NAIA Rankings
Okoroha is Selected GCAC Men's Player of the Week
Cornel West is Keynote Speaker for MLK Week of Peace
New College of Pharmacy Hires Latest in Alumni Faculty
XU Students to Host High School Leadership Summit
University Names New Registrar
XU to Benefit From Joyner Campaign

ARCHIVES 2005-2006

News Releases

BET’s Jeff Johnson is Keynote Speaker for Annual MLK Week of Peace

New Orleans, La. - Social activist, international journalist, and executive producer,  ‘Cousin’ Jeff Johnson, will be the keynote speaker for the 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week for Peace, January 19-25, 2008.

The Martin Luther King Week for Peace is presented by Xavier, Tulane, Loyola and Dillard Universities. The theme for 2008 is “Are You Engaged, where do you stand?”

In addition to the featured Tuesday lecture – at which Lifetime Achievement and Student Community Service awards will be presented – other MLK week activities include an interfaith service, a community service day, a candlelight march and an Expressions of Unity celebration. All events are free and open to the public.

Jeff Johnson is a political motivator and a social commentator, most widely known for his appearance on Black Entertainment Television (BET) on the shows “The Jeff Johnson Chronicles” and “Rap City.”  On these shows, Johnson is known to speak of and challenge the issues of violence and voting. He is currently a commentator for several radio shows as well as BET and CNN.

A native of Cleveland, OH, Johnson attended the University of Toledo. He   was elected President of the Black Student Union twice, and played an integral role in the formation of black student awareness on campus. He has served as National Director for the NAACP’s Youth and College Division, and later, Vice President for the Russell Simmons Hip Hop Summit Action Network.

All of the Week’s events are free and open to the public. The complete calendar of MLK activities are as follows: 

Saturday, January 19, 2008
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Community Service Day (MLK Outreach New Orleans)

Students choose from eight sites including schools, neighborhood clean ups, playground building and more. http://www.mlkoutreachnola.tulane.edu

Monday, January 21, 2008
Interfaith Service - 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6331 St Charles Avenue

Tuesday, January 22, 2008
MLK Convocation: Reception - 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.; Convocation - 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
    Lifetime Achievement Award
    Student Community Service Awards
    Speaker: Jeff Johnson
Dillard University

Friday January 23, 2008
Candlelight March from Tulane Pocket Park to Xavier’s University Center - 4:45 p.m.
Expressions of Unity celebration follows in the XU University Center.

Nuggets Win Sixth Straight

Miami Shores, Fla. - Patrice Hawkins had career highs of 17 points and 13 rebounds Wednesday, and LaTashia Wise had career highs of 14 points and seven assists to lead Xavier University of Louisiana to a 79-47 women's basketball victory over Central Methodist in the Cruzin Classic.

Tiffany Norris had season highs of 13 points and 10 rebounds -- her second career double-double - for the Gold Nuggets (10-2), who won both their games in this event and their sixth straight overall. Xavier is ranked 21st in NAIA Division I. Stephanie Todd and Holly Wade scored 11 points apiece for Central Methodist (3-9), which was 0-2 in the event and has a four-game losing streak. Megan Hirsch scored 10 points.

Wise - who had a career-high 10 rebounds Tuesday in a victory over Sterling - scored 12 points to help Xavier build a 37-28 halftime lead. Hawkins scored 11 second-half points, including the final three of a 13-5 run which gave Xavier a 50-33 lead with 15:21 remaining. The Nuggets' biggest lead was 33 points. Xavier outshot the Lady Eagles 47 to 33 percent from the floor, outrebounded them 50-28 and held them to their lowest point total of the season.

Xavier's next game will be its Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opener at Belhaven at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 3. The Nuggets' next home game will start at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 10 against SUNO at The Barn.

Hammer Named CAT Director  

New Orleans, La. - Elizabeth Yost Hammer has been named Director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Hammer, who is also a professor in the Psychology department, received a bachelor of science in psychology from Troy State University (Alabama) and both a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Experimental Social Psychology at Tulane University.

Her research interests focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning, and she has published on service learning, mentoring, collaborative learning, and the utilization of social psychological theories in the classroom in publications such as The Handbook of the Teaching of Psychology and the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology. 

She is a National Past-President of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology and was recently elected as Treasurer for the Society for the Teaching of Psychology.

She is a co-author on the textbook, Psychology Applied to Modern Life (9th edition).  She is currently co-authoring a book entitled Psychology of Disasters for Blackwell Publishing. 

The Center for the Advancement of Teaching is an academic resource for Xavier University's faculty and the broader educational community. The Center’s mission is to advance the art and science of teaching and learning.

Nuggets Beat Sterling 68-56 for Fifth Straight Win

Coral Springs, Fla. - Jarryn Cleaves scored 15 of her 17 points in the first half Tuesday to lead Xavier University of Louisiana to a 68-56 women's basketball victory over Sterling in the Cruzin Classic. The victory was the fifth in a row for the Gold Nuggets (9-2), who are ranked 21st in NAIA Division I.

Cleaves, Xavier's only double-figure scorer, added five rebounds and three steals. Tiffany Norris scored eight points, and Erica Turnbull and Brittany Whitmore had seven apiece. Whitmore's point total was a season high, and LaTashia Wise grabbed a career-best 10 rebounds.

Jacci Tinkel scored 14 points, and Ashley Kraft had 11 points and 10 rebounds for Sterling (5-5). Britany Gasper scored 10.
Cleaves' 3-pointer at 9:20 of the first half put the Nuggets ahead to stay at 16-13. Xavier led 37-30 at halftime and took its biggest lead, 62-44, on a Norris free throw with 5:54 remaining.

Sterling outshot Xavier 41 to 39 percent from the floor, but the Nuggets had a 37-30 rebound advantage and gained 27 turnovers, six more than they committed. Xavier made 17 of 22 free throws for a season-high percentage of .773.

Xavier will play Central Methodist at 6 p.m. EST Wednesday (5 p.m. New Orleans time) at Miami Shores, Fla., to conclude its participation in this event, which includes 16 women's teams. Sterling, a 57-52 loser to Cardinal Stritch on Monday, finished 0-2 in the Cruzin Classic.

Growth Leads to Creation of Division of Business at Xavier

New Orleans, La. - Besides enjoying a national reputation as a school where students attend to major in the sciences and health related fields, one of the fastest growing areas at Xavier University of Louisiana has been in Business.  That growth has resulted in the creation recently of a new Division of Business, to replace what had been an academic department inside the university's College of Arts & Sciences.

Nationally accredited, with more than 250 students enrolled as majors, the Business department was already growing and expanding before Hurricane Katrina came along and delayed this latest expansion. According to department chairman Anil Kukreja, because of its increasing enrollment and after being accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, there was even discussion into the possibility of becoming a college of business. Those plans have been scaled back, but Business at Xavier is nevertheless pressing forward.
 
The department's ascendancy in November 2007 to become the Division of Business makes it the second academic division in the College of Arts and Sciences (besides Education.)    
 
“Our business program is unique in that we have four separate programs,” said Kukreja, adding that Xavier's programs of study in accounting, finance, management and sales and marketing cover the areas students want and where the demand is greatest in the business world.
 
“We’re excited about our change to a Division,” said Kukreja. “This new status will give us increased visibility and is a significant step towards our ultimate goal of becoming a college or school of business.”
 
For now the new Business division is focused on recruitment and building the program. Says Kukreja, "We've streamlined the curriculum, and we’ve done our homework to make ourselves ready for growth. There is a lot of growth potential in business, and we’re glad the University has shown its commitment by making us a division.”
 
Xavier students have consistently been successful in obtaining employment with Fortune 500 companies and they are also winning various regional and national business competition. A team of Xavier University business students won the 2007 Ford-HBCU Business Plan Competition, a national contest; plus, a team of Sales and Marketing students won recently at the Bayou Sales Challenge Competition.
 
The Xavier Division of Business currently hosts two pre-college programs, Business Scholars and Business Achievers for high school seniors. Students in both courses take an "Introduction to Business" course and obtain college credit.
 
The Division of Business has five endowed professorships and one endowed chair.  In addition Xavier has three joint programs with Tulane University where students may obtain an undergraduate degree and a masters degree in finance or accounting or an MBA degree. Currently there are four business students enrolled at Tulane in the joint programs.

For more information, contact the Division of Business at (504) 520-7505 or visit online at www.xula.edu/business.

Stroger Selected for Alumnus of the Year Honors

New Orleans, La. - John Stroger Jr. ’52 was honored as the University’s top alumni at the annual Alumni Homecoming Gala.

Stroger, who recently retired as president of the Board of Commissioners of Illinois’ Cook County (Chicago), was unable to attend the event due to illness, but his daughter, Yonnie Lynn Clark, accepted the 2007 Victor H. Labat Alumnus of the Year award for him on his behalf.
A powerful Democratic political figure in Chicago for decades, Stroger rose to the level of chief executive of one of the most significant counties in the nation, a multi-city area with a larger population and bigger budget than 35 states. He presided over a workforce of 23,000. The billion dollar Cook County hospital was named in his honor.

Stroger was recognized for his extraordinary dedication and service to his alma mater. He served as both a member and chair of the University’s Board of Trustees. He has given of his time and resources to the many endeavors of the Chicago Alumni Chapter.

A faithful financial supporter of the University, he and his wife Yonnie are charter members of the Xavier 500 Alumni Leadership Initiative – a select group of individuals who have committed $10,000 or more over a 10-year period to support student scholarships. This past year – at the request of his family – his John H. Stroger Jr. Charitable Foundation contributed $500,000 to establish an endowed scholarship fund for deserving Xavier students.

The annual Homecoming Gala drew a sell-out crowd more than 460 attendees to the University Center Ballroom. Class Agents for the 14 special five-year reunion classes presented the University with gifts totaling $620,693. The Class of ’52 led the way with 21 individual donors contributing $392,275.

Xavier Team Grabs Seven More PRSA Awards in 2007

New Orleans, La. - For a second consecutive year, Xavier University of Louisiana's Office of University & Media Relations (U/MR) brought home seven awards from the annual Public Relations Society of America, New Orleans Chapter Awards banquet, held Nov. 14. 

The U/MR team received Excellence awards for its online magazine "This Month At Xavier" (TMAX) and for a video production entitled “Norman C. Francis' 50 Years at Xavier: In His Own Words.” Both pieces may be viewed currently on the university's web site www.xula.edu.

In addition, Xavier photographer Irving Johnson III received an Excellence award in addition to a "Best in Category" citation for his photo promoting the university's “E-2 Campus sign-up" campaign.

The University & Media Relations team also received merit awards in the Feature Story category for “The Last Snap” about Xavier’s last football team, written by publications director Richard Tucker; in the External Publication category for its Xavier Gold alumni magazine; and in The Great Idea category, for the "E-2 Campus Text Messaging" campus sign-up campaign.
 
Associate Vice President Warren Bell, Jr. heads the University and Media Relations team for Xavier; which includes Tucker and Johnson, as well as Carol Dotson, media relations manager and Trina Vincent, marketing & promotions manager.

The U/MR team’s winning entries were judged in competition against entries from some of the top agencies and PR professionals in New Orleans.

Xavier Business Students Excel in Sales Competition

New Orleans, La. - Xavier University of Louisiana business sales and marketing students took home first place honors in the Fifth Annual Bayou Sales Challenge competition, held earlier this month. .

Giselle Rouson, a senior marketing major from Mobile, Ala. (McGill-Toolen High School), took first place in the Overall Competition; Christina Gilbert, a senior marketing major from West Des Moines, Iowa (Valley High School), won first place in the ‘Pressure Round’

Team Xavier took second place. Team members included Rouson and Gilbert, along with Jessica Taylor, a junior marketing major from Oxnard, Calif. (Oxnard High) and Tresa Northington, a senior Spanish major from Bellevue, Wash. (Newport High).

Bayou Sales Challenge is a sales role-play competition that gives students a chance to compete against each other and demonstrate their selling skills.  Students compete on an individual level and also on a team level representing their university. The judges for the competition are sales professionals from a variety of industries.

Dr. Joe Ricks served as the faculty advisor and coach of the winning team.  Last year Team Xavier also took home two first place awards and placed second in the competition.

Xavier Jazz Ensemble Concert Nov. 15

New Orleans, La. - The Xavier Jazz Ensemble will host its annual Fall Homecoming Concert under the direction of Dr. Timothy R. Turner on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Xavier Music Building Recital Hall.

The ensemble will feature masterworks from the Edward Kennedy Ellington Library. Literature for the evening will include “Latin American Sunshine” and “Oclupaca” from Ellington’s “Latin American Suite” as well as “Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue,” “Across The Track Blues” and other masterworks made famous by the Ellington Orchestra.

The Xavier University Jazz Ensemble is a featured group at the Annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and has toured the United States and other South American countries quite frequently. The group performs various repertoire ranging from big band swing to contemporary Jazz ensemble literature. Great emphasis is placed on providing an educational account of the historical development of Jazz that will serve to inspire audiences to appreciate and understand the contribution that Jazz has given the world of music.

The Jazz Ensemble concert is free and open to the public, and is sponsored by the Department of Music and is a part of the Xavier University Homecoming Festivities.

For more information concerning the concert and other scheduled musical events on the Xavier campus, contact the Department of Music or Dr. Timothy R. Turner, Director of Bands at 504-520-7597.

Modern Pioneers in "Jazz in N.O.: the 1950’s” Symposium

 New Orleans, La. - Local jazz pioneers will be the featured performers and panelists for a Nov. 14 program at Xavier University entitled “Jazz in New Orleans:  the 1950’s Part 1 – Modern Jazz.”
 
Ellis Marsalis, Harold Battiste and Jesse McBride and the Next Generation will be the panelists for the program at the University Center on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the University Center Mary & William McCaffrey Ballroom. The event is free and open to the public.
                             
The panel will be moderated by Xavier alum, professor and local jazz performer and historian, Dr. Michael White. Professor White is the university's Keller Endowed Chair in the Humanities. White, who is coordinating the event, also has plans to present a "Part II" of the "Jazz in New Orleans" symposia in 2008.
 
“New Orleans is the birthplace and land of traditional jazz,” said White. “In the 1950’s there were a few African Americans who took up and performed modern jazz as it was done in New York and they became pioneers or revolutionaries in New Orleans music.”
 
Ellis Marsalis is a pianist, composer, music teacher and patriarch of the musical Marsalis family. He is the dean of jazz education in New Orleans.
 
Harold Battiste is a composer, saxophone player, and arranger. “He was very forward thinking in terms of both music and also Black image. He was a proponent of Black musicians coming together and controlling their own destiny.” Battiste founded the All for One (AFO) record label and the American Jazz Quintet – a modern jazz group that recorded on that label.  Battiste has arranged for Sam Cook, and started the careers of many jazz musicians. He was the musical director for the Sonny and Cher television show.
 
Both Marsalis and Battiste taught in the jazz program at the University of New Orleans. They are now both retired. “This program is a rare opportunity to hear them talk about their experiences and perform,” said White.
 
Jesse McBride and the Next Generation is a young band that plays some of the material of the American Jazz Quintet. McBride moved to New York following Hurricane Katrina and has continued to perform in New Orleans.
 
Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions at the forum. For more information on “Jazz in New Orleans: the 1950’s Part 1 – Modern Jazz,” visit the Xavier website at www.xula.edu.

Miss Xavier to be Crowned Nov. 2

New Orleans, La. - Megan Minor will reign as Miss Xavier University of Louisiana 2007-08.  The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native will be presented and crowned at the annual University Ball and Coronation Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 2 at 9:00 p.m. at the downtown Hilton Hotel.

Megan, a senior pharmacy major, is a 2004 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy.  She is the daughter of Monica Boissiere Minor and Marty Minor, Sr.  During her Xavier career Meagan has been a member of the Delta Eta Chapter of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc., the Academy of Student Pharmacists, the student chapter of the Louisiana Society of Health Systems Pharmacists and the Student Government Association. She served as Miss Junior on last year’s homecoming court. She is an honor roll student and has received a College of Pharmacy scholarship and is a TOPS Honors Recipient.

Also on the 2007-2008 Homecoming Court are Miss Freshman, Erin Elise Mitchell, a psychology/premed major from LaPlace, La. A 2007 graduate of East St. John High School, she is the daughter of Stacy Mitchell and Tarni Jones-Mitchell.

Miss Sophomore, Kristyn Patterson, a biology/premed major from Chicago Ill.  She is a graduate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep High.  She is the daughter of Julie and Cecil Gill.

Miss Junior, Natalie Clark, a pharmacy major from Baker, LA. The 2005 graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School is the daughter of Albert and Evangelynn Brown Clark.

Miss Senior, Alicia Pressley, a biology premed major from Slidell LA. She is the daughter of Anthony and Belinda Barney Pressley.

Distinguished Alumna Dara Rahming is Guest for Xavier Concert

New Orleans, La. - The Xavier University Music Department continues a long operatic tradition when it presents distinguished alumna, Dara Rahming ‘95, soprano, in vocal recital. The program, free and open to the public, happens Friday, Nov. 16, at 6:00 in the Xavier Music Building Recital Hall. 

The concert is part of the Alumni Reunion activities.

Rahming has been guest artist with the Washington National Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera Theater of St. Louis and the Dundas Center for the Performing Arts in Nassau, Bahamas. In 2006 Ms. Rahming was a finalist in the Altamura/Caruso International Voice competition. She is a winner of the Paul Robeson Vocal Competition; a winner of the Metropolitan Opera’s National Council Auditions and a Bel Canto Vocal Scholarship finalist. 

The program at Xavier will include arias and art songs by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Margaret Bonds, Gustave Charpentier, Erich KIorngold, George Gershwin and Moses Hogan. Joining Ms. Rahming in duets from the operas I Pagliacci and Porgy and Bess will be bass/baritone Brian Keith Johnson who is also enjoying outstanding success on the operatic and musical theater stages. She will also be accompanied by Xavier Artist-in-Residence, Dr. Wilfred Delphin ‘71.

The concert is free and open to the public. For more info please call:  504-520-7597.

Operation Diabetes a Success at Lakeside

New Orleans, La. - Nearly 150 area residents learned more about Diabetes prevention and management of the widespread disease when Xavier University of Louisiana’s College of Pharmacy students and faculty recently hosted their third annual “Operation Diabetes” outreach event at the Lakeside Shopping Center mall.

Xavier’s American Pharmacists Association student chapter and Student National Pharmaceutical Association co-sponsored the event.

Xavier student pharmacists provided blood pressure and glucose screenings to participants and brochures to educate the public on symptoms of diabetes and ways to manage the disease to prevent long-term complications. The students also gave out door prizes.

XU No.1 in Physics

New Orleans, La. - The latest report from the American Institute of Physics (AIP) on physics enrollments and degrees, confirms that Xavier is first in the nation in awarding physics BS degrees to African Americans.

The report, which covers the latest available three-year period (2003-05), shows Xavier with an annual average of 10 bachelor’s degrees. Benedict College (South Carolina) and Dillard are tied for second with an average of seven. All of the schools finishing in the Top 10 are either an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) or a predominately black college or university.

To view the report [it's on page 20], visit HERE

XU Concert Choir Performs in Two Free Concerts

The Xavier University Concert Choir will perform in two concerts, the first on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 5:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal
Church 1329 Jackson Avenue, as part of the Trinity Artist Series. 

The group will perform again on Monday, Nov.  5 at 7:00 p.m. on the Xavier campus in the Music Building Recital Hall. Both
concerts are free and open to the public.

The choir will perform Haydn’s “Te Deum”, Charpentier’s “Magnificat” and works by Judith Baity, Geoffrey Burgon and Roland Carter. The Xavier Concert Choir is under the direction of Dr. John E. Ware. For more information contact the Xavier Music Department at 520-7597.

Jupiter Chamber Ensemble Presents XU Concert Nov. 2

New Orleans, La. – The Jupiter Chamber Ensemble will perform at Xavier University of Louisiana on Friday, Nov. 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

Professional musicians and dedicated amateurs make up the Jupiter Chamber Ensemble which was founded in 1981. Coached and led by violinist, Sojiro Yamada, the group plays a classical repertoire. They have played concerts in numerous churches, uiversities, and as part of the Trinity Artists’ Series in New Orleans

Xavier student musicians have performed as members of the Jupiter Chamber Ensemble on several occasions. Special guest performer with the Jupiter Ensemble will be Xavier artist-in-residence, Dr. Wilfred Delphin, who will play the cembalo.

Dumas, Stewart Make Preseason All-GCAC Men's Basketball Team

New Orleans – Xavier University of Louisiana guards Shaun Dumas and Mark Stewart were selected to the preseason All-Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball team by the league's head coaches.

Dumas is a 5-foot-11 junior from New Orleans and a 2004 graduate of St. Augustine High School. He averaged 13.2 points, 6.1 assists and 3.1 steals this past season for the Gold Rush and was a third-team NAIA Division I All-American.

Stewart, a 6-1 senior from Destrehan, La., and a 2002 graduate of Destrehan High School, was All-GCAC this past season and third-team All-Louisiana. As a junior he led the Gold Rush with a 16.8 scoring average and set Xavier records for 3-pointers made in a season (109) and career (202). He scored a game-high 19 points, including five 3-pointers, in Xavier's 82-79 upset of NAIA No. 3 Georgetown (Ky.) – the Gold Rush's first victory in the national tournament since 1973.

The Gold Rush, 22-10 this past season, will travel to the University of Texas for an exhibition game next Friday (Nov. 2). Xavier will play Wesley (Miss.) at The Barn in the regular-season opener on Nov. 6.

New Chairman, Three New Xavier Board Members

New Orleans, La. - Xavier University of Louisiana's governing Board of Trustees has new leadership with the election of a new chair and the addition of three new members.

The newly elected chair is Dr. Myron Moorehead, local surgeon and director of the Women’s Laser Institute in Kenner, La., and a board member since 2004. He takes over the leadership reins from Carroll Suggs, who had served in that capacity the past three years.
 
The three newest members of the board – selected for their first three-year terms – are Sister Doris Blum, S.B.S. ’55, James Garner and Janice Frielot Wilkins ’67.
 
Blum, who retired from Xavier in 2005 after forty years of service to the University as a professor of education and music, is currently a music therapist at the Senior Center in Covington, Tenn. She is also organist at St. Alphonsus Church.
 
Garner is an attorney and partner in the law firm of Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein & Hilbert, LLC in New Orleans, specializing in professional liability, commercial, toxic tort and environmental and insurance coverage litigation. He previously served on the Xavier Board of Visitors.
 
Wilkins is director of internal audit and vice president of finance and enterprise services with the Intel Corporation in Woodside, Calif. She has been at Intel for 26 years. Wilkins previously served on the XU Board of Visitors.
 
Besides chairman Moorehead, active carryovers on the 23-member board, who are serving either their first or second terms, include: Richard Bachmann, Oliver Butler '62, the Most Rev. Dominic Carmon, S.V.D., Sister Elizabeth Collins, S.B.S., Sister Juliana Haynes, Dr. Timothy Franson, Dr. Norman Francis ‘52 (ex-officio), John Kallenborn, the Rev. Monsignor Paul Lenz, Sister Amedee Maxwell, S.B.S., Ponchitta Pierce, Michael Rue, Leo Sam Jr. ’52, Paula Saizan '69, Sister Rhonda Sherrod, S.B.S., Sister Patricia Suchalski, S.B.S. (vice chair), Sister Eileen Sullivan, S.B.S., Dr. Everett Williams ’53 (secretary/treasurer) and Mary Keller Zervigon (assistant secretary).

Leaving the Board of Trustees after serving two three-year terms are Suggs, Alexis Herman ’69 and Sister Kathleen Kajer, S.B.S.

Exciting Fall Music Performances at Xavier

New Orleans, La. - The Xavier University of Louisiana music department will offer concerts from its performance groups as well as individual student recitals and special guest appearances. 

The Xavier Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. John E. Ware will perform Nov. 4 at Trinity Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue, as part of the Sunday Artists series, and again Nov. 5 on campus. Xavier's special guests, the Jupiter String Ensemble, will perform on campus Nov. 2.  Xavier alumna Dara Rahming ‘95 will be the guest for the Homecoming Vesper Concert Nov. 16.  The Jazz Lab Band concert is set for Nov. 15 while the Symphonic Band Concert is Nov. 29. The University Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Malcolm Breda, gives the final concert of the semester Dec. 2.

Student recitals are scheduled for Thursdays on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 8, 15, and 29.

All performances are free and held in the Music Building Recital Hall unless otherwise noted.  For more information on Xavier’s music performances contact the Music department at 504-520-7597.

Xavier Music Calendar - Fall Semester 2007

Nov. 2 - Jupiter String Ensemble at 7:00 p.m. in the XU Recital Hall          
Nov. 4 - Concert Choir Concert at 5:00 p.m. at Trinity Church         
Nov. 5 - Concert Choir Concert at 7:00 p.m., Recital Hall            
Nov. 15 - Jazz Lab Band Concert at 7:00 p.m., Recital Hall            
Nov. 16 - Vesper Concert featuring Dara Rahming ‘95 at 7:00 p.m., Recital Hall             
Nov. 29 - Symphonic Band Concert at 7:00 p.m., Recital Hall             
Dec. 2 - University Chorus Concert at 3:00 p.m., Recital Hall  

Francis Receives Wisdom Award for Education

Washington, D.C. - The National Visionary Leadership Project (NVLP) awarded Louisiana Recovery Authority Chairman and Xavier University of Louisiana President Norman C. Francis the distinguished Wisdom Award for education today at its 2007 Intergenerational Summit on the State of Black America.

"We are so proud to honor such an extraordinary leader in education as well as pay tribute to his tireless commitment to his beloved city during its most trying times," said Camille O. Cosby, co-founder and president of the NVLP.

The NVLP is a Washington, D.C. based non-profit educational organization created in 2002 "to ensure that the wisdom of our country's extraordinary African-American elders is preserved by and passed on to the young people who will lead us tomorrow."

The summit, held at the Library of Congress, featured Dr. Francis as one of six extraordinary "visionaries" or African-American elders who have made a significant impact in shaping the history of the United States. Other notable "visionaries" honored in the past include historian Maya Angelou, musician Ray Charles and civil rights activist Coretta Scott King.

To learn more about the National Visionary Leadership Project visit http://www.visionaryproject.org.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated South Louisiana, claiming 1,464 lives, destroying more than 200,000 homes and 18,000 businesses. The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) is the planning and coordinating body that was created in the aftermath of these storms by Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco to lead one of the most extensive rebuilding efforts in the world. The LRA is a 33-member body which is coordinating across jurisdictions, supporting community recovery and resurgence, ensuring integrity and effectiveness, and planning for the recovery and rebuilding of Louisiana.

Braud Named Director of Advancement at Xavier

New Orleans, La. - Glenn Braud, Sr. has been named Director of Advancement Services at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Braud has worked at Xavier for the past five years as chief accountant in the Office of Fiscal Services. Prior to coming to Xavier, Braud worked with the Xerox Corporation and Chevron.

In his new position Braud reports to the vice president of Institutional Advancement. He is responsible for advancement operations including overseeing the gift acknowledgement system, and maintaining the database and computer system for gift and alumni records. He will also coordinate stewardship activities and supervise a staff of three.

'No Place Like Home' for Xavier Alumni Reunion

New Orleans, La. - Xavier alumni agree that there’s “No Place Like Home” and that is the theme of Xavier University of Louisiana’s 2007 Alumni Reunion Homecoming, scheduled for Nov. 15-18 on campus.

All alumni, especially reunion classes (2’s and 7’s), are encouraged to participate in this year’s reunion.

The weekend kicks off with a free concert from the Xavier Jazz Ensemble on Thursday night. Friday is a busy day starting with the National Alumni Association’s Board of Governors meeting, which is open to all alumni. At noon the ‘No Place Like Home’ Celebration on the yard, co-hosted by the Alumni Office and the Student Government Association, is an opportunity for current students and alumni through the years to get together and share a picnic on the yard.

Later that day alumni are invited to attend the Homecoming Art Exhibit featuring Ayo Scott ’03; a Vesper Concert featuring Dara Rahming ’95; the Homecoming Basketball Game; and the Alumni Mixer.

On Saturday alumni are invited to tour the campus and meet and mingle with old friends. Saturday evening is the main event with all honored classes at the homecoming Gala in the University Center. The weekend ends with the Sunday Alumni Mass and continental breakfast. Former homecoming queens are invited to attend the Queen’s Brunch hosted by current Miss Xavier Meagan Minor.

For more information on Reunion 2007, contact the Xavier Alumni Office at 504-520-6782 or 1-877-WE-LUV-XU.

University Honors 59 Long-Time Faculty/Staff Members

New Orleans, La. - Fifty-nine long-time faculty and staff members were honored as part of Xavier University of Louisiana's annual Founder’s Day celebration. 

Topping the list of honorees celebrating anniversaries of their employment at XU were Dr. Norman Francis with 50 years of service in administration (including the last 39 as president), Dr. Malcolm Breda with 40 years of service in the music department, and Emma Carter of admissions, also with 40 years of service.

Other employees honored were:

35 years – Calvin Tregre, senior vice president for administration.

30 years – Jean Augillard, MBRS program; Dr. Thaddeo Babiiha, English; Harriet Mason, ITC; Joanne Paige, music; and Dr. Adrian Woods, academic enhancement.

25 years – Sister Jean Marie Craig, S.B.S., education; Earnest Haynes, central plant; Shirley Labbe, counseling; Dr. Cheryl Stevens, chemistry; Dr. John Ware, music, and James Williams, student center.

20 years – Katherine Clark, ITC; Albert Cornish, campus police; Dr. Gary Donaldson, history; Wanda Doss, auxiliary and support services; Carol Dotson, university and media relations; Lucy Johnson, fiscal services; Dr. Kathleen Kennedy, pharmacy; Joyce Sandifer, fiscal services; Robert Skinner, library; and Lester Sullivan, archives.

15 years – Dr. Karen Becnel-Moore, languages; Rose Cordier, fiscal services; Patricia Coston, library; Dr. Tien Huang, pharmacy; William Jeffrion, associate vice president, auxiliary and support services; Barbara Johnson, ITC; Dr. Alden Reine, sponsored programs; Dr. Royal Saunders, biology; Florina Sheard, institutional-advancement; Dr. Susan Spillman, languages; Gloria Thomas, education; Andrea Toles, financial aid; Mary Watson, housing; and Dr. Naijue Zhu, chemistry.

10 years – Dr. Janel Bailey-Wheeler, pharmacy; Joyce Brossett, pharmacy; Robert Browder, athletics; Larry Calvin, human resources; Gloria Clark, housing; Dr. Richard Collins, English; Roland Francis, ITC; Sister Donna Gould, S.B.S., English; Dr. Tammy Hart, pharmacy; Dr. Dana Jamero, pharmacy; Eric Joseph, library; Kenneth Kirk, ITC; Irwin Lachoff, archives; Dr. Biljana Obradovic, English; Dr. Justina Ogbuokiri, pharmacy; Dr. Joe Ricks, business; Sheryl Rodriguez, pharmacy; Diane Scott, library; Dr. Donna Stutson, mathematics; and Melva Williams, ITC.

Operation Diabetes Returns October 20 to Lakeside Mall

New Orleans, La. - Education is key in learning to live with diabetes. Operation Diabetes, an annual initiative of the Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy, will once again offer free screening and educational information on controlling and preventing diabetes. Operation diabetes 2007 will be held Saturday, Oct. 20 at Lakeside Mall, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Xavier’s American Pharmacists Association student chapter and Student National Pharmaceutical Association are co-sponsoring the event.

“Diabetes is a health disparity in the African American community,” said Alexis Omari, president of the APhA student chapter. “We are happy to provide this important service for the community. Many people may not got to the doctor for these screenings and don’t realize they have the disease. Many also don’t realize that their weight and lifestyle can lead to diabetes.”

Launched nationally in 2001, Operation Diabetes is a promotional campaign designed to increase awareness of diabetes, provide information on the dangers associated with the disease, and identify patients with undiagnosed diabetes. The campaign also promotes public awareness of the pharmacist’s role in diabetes management and care.

Operation diabetes began as a statewide screening day in California. Since that time the project has grown into a national Campaign, with 65 chapters participating in 2006. Student pharmacists screened almost 19,000 patients for risk factors of the disease and referred more than 2,400 to their primary care health professionals.

Xavier student pharmacists will provide blood pressure and glucose screenings to participants as well as educate the public on symptoms of diabetes and ways to manage the disease to prevent long-term complications. The screenings are FREE to the public and door prizes will be offered.

Diabetes is the leading cause of death by disease in the United States and the 5th leading cause of death by disease in Louisiana. For more information on Operation Diabetes, contact Alexis Omari or Dr. Cori Brock at 504-520-5677.

Alumni Invited to XU 2007 Homecoming
 
New Orleans, La. - Plans are well underway for Xavier University of Louisiana’s 2007 Alumni Reunion Homecoming, scheduled for November 15-18 on the Xavier campus.
 
Acting Alumni director Lakeysha Arthur is encouraging all alumni and especially the Reunion classes (years ending in 2’s and 7’s) to participate in this year’s reunion.
 
The weekend kicks off with a concert featuring the XU Jazz Ensemble on Thursday, November 15.  Friday is a busy day beginning with a meeting of the National Alumni Association’s Board of Governors followed by the Homecoming art exhibit, Vesper concert, alumni mixer and basketball game. On Saturday, XU alumni are invited to tour the campus and meet old friends. Saturday evening is the "main event" with all Reunion classes being honored at the Homecoming Gala in the University Center.  The weekend ends with the Sunday Alumni Mass and a continental breakfast.
 
For more information on Reunion 2007, contact the Xavier alumni office at 504-520-6782 or 1-877-WE-LUV-XU.

U.S. News Report Ranks Xavier Among Top HBCUs

New Orleans. La. - Xavier is ranked eighth among eighty-one historically black colleges and universities in U.S. News & World Report magazine's first-ever ranking of the nation’s HBCUs.

The 2008 edition of “America’s Best Black Colleges” marks the first time U.S. News has released a stand-alone ranking of historically black colleges and universities, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. The issue is the latest extension of the magazine’s expanding “Best” series which also includes the annual “America’s Best Colleges” special edition.

In the article accompanying the rankings, U.S. News acknowledges one of Xavier’s strengths, noting: “Indeed, HBCUs do seem to offer unique success. Xavier University in New Orleans places more African-American students in medical school than any college in the country …”

Heading the list of magazine’s top HBCUs was Spelman College. Rounding out the top ten schools were: Howard, Hampton, Morehouse, Fisk, Tuskegee, Claflin, Xavier, Dillard and John C. Smith.

Of the 81 schools eligible for the list, only 37 were included among “Best Black Colleges” rankings. Another 33 so-called “second tier” schools were listed alphabetically, while still another 11 were unranked.

According to the report, the methodology used to rank the undergraduate education at the colleges was based on several standards: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving.

The complete list is available online at HERE.

Donors, State Funds Create Endowed Professorships

New Orleans, La. - Xavier’s commitment to attracting the finest instructors to its roster of faculty is a never-ending process.

This month the University took another giant step forward in that direction by establishing another endowed academic chair and seven endowed professors, thanks to the generosity of some private donors and an additional $680,000 in matching monies from the Louisiana Board of Regents’ Louisiana Education Quality Support Fund.

Each year the Board of Regents awards grants to public and private colleges across the state to assist in creating special $1 million academic chairs and $100,000 professorships. Money from the Louisiana Education Quality Support Fund is added to private donations secured by the respective universities to create the endowed accounts. The state fund provides 40 percent of the cost of establishing an endowed chair or professorship, with private donors covering the balance.

Earnings from an endowment can be used to enhance a professor’s salary or pay for support items, such as travel or a research assistant.

With this year’s matching state funds, Xavier has added one new chair – the College of Pharmacy’s endowed chair in Minority Health Disparities, supported by the Schlider Foundation – and seven professorships.

Endowed professorships include the J.P. Morgan Chase Business Solutions to Urban Problems Professorship in business, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Professorship in Theology, the Holzer Family- Professorship in Accounting, the W. Emile & Alitia D. Coleman Professorship in Pharmacy Practice, and the Malcolm N. Ellington  Professorship in pharmacy, as well as two professorships from the Times-Picayune/Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation.

“These positions mean a great deal to the University because they allow us to offer students a quality education by providing the best faculty at the forefront of their respective fields,” said Dr. Elizabeth Barron, vice president for academic affairs. “Offering our professors additional funds for research and specialized academic pursuits is vital to the overall development of our students.”

With this year’s additions, the University now has four chairs and forty-one professorships in its Eminent Scholar Chairs and Professorships program.

Salmon Shines at Rhodes CC Meet

Memphis, Tenn. – David Salmon ran 8,000 meters in 27 minutes, 21 seconds – the fastest by a Xavier University runner in the past two seasons – and finished 19th out of 128 runners Saturday in the Rhodes Invitational cross country meet at Plough Park.

Salmon, a freshman from Shorewood, Wis., has finished in the top 20 of all five Xavier races and beaten 88 percent of his opponents. Teammate Darren Wallace, a junior from Baton Rouge, La., finished 41st in 28:15, less two seconds slower than his career best.

The Gold Rush entered the meet with a 23-3 record but placed 10th out of 12 schools with 239 points for its first lower-division finish of the season. Texas-Tyler was first with 42 points, and the Patriots' R.J. Cowan won the race in a school-record 25:39.

In the women's race, Xavier's Ebony Harding ran 5,000 meters in 20:51 to finish 30th in a field of 137. The junior from Baton Rouge has led the Gold Nuggets in all 11 of her races in two seasons. Teammates Lonique Moore (21:49) and Ashley Broden (21:51) finished 55-56, and both recorded season bests at that distance.

Xavier's women scored 262 points to place 10th out of 18 teams. Birmingham-Southern was first with 79 points, and Emily Malinowski of Memphis won the race in 18:29.

Xavier will return to Memphis next Saturday for the Brooks Memphis Twilight Classic at Mike Rose Soccer Complex. It will be Xavier's final meet before the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships on Oct. 20 at Highland Road Park in Baton Rouge.

Walker Wins 2 Titles for Xavier Men's Tennis

Atlanta, Ga. – Xavier University's Matthew Walker won a pair of men's titles Saturday in the HBCU National Tennis Championships at Sugar Creek Tennis Center, and Xavier won its first women's team championship in this event.

Walker, a sophomore from Charlotte N.C. (Country Day), defeated Florida A&M's Boris Jenkins 8-3 to win the B-flight singles consolation championship. Walker and Mikhail Vaval-Desse won the B-flight doubles title after beating FAMU's Michael Moore and Maurice Wamukowa 9-8 (7-3) in the semifinals and Alcorn State's Aziz Abdurazzakov and Yannick Hawkins 8-6 in the final.

Xavier edged Southern University and Alcorn for the women's team title, which was determined by the number of match victories. Xavier finished second in the men's team standings, behind FAMU and ahead of third-place Hampton. Fifteen men's teams and 16 women's teams competed.

"It was a great tournament for our men and women," fifth-year Xavier Coach Alan Green said. "Both teams looked good and conducted themselves well. Not only was this our first women's team title here, it was also the highest our men have finished."

In A-flight women's doubles, Xavier's Yuliem Dominguez and Colleen McArthur lost 8-4 in the championship match to Southern's Megan Wiltz and Kathryn Curtis.
Dominguez and McArthur defeated Bethune-Cookman's Shaunda Gaiter and Chanetra Brown 8-1 in the semifinals. Xavier's Dominique Bell and Anastesia Opata lost 8-6 to Bethune-Cookman's Monika Musilova and Jenice Ward in the semifinals of the women's doubles A-flight.

The event was the second of two in the fall semester for Xavier, an NAIA school in New Orleans. The Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will resume their schedules in January with dual matches.

Stephen Klineberg to Speak at Annual Phi Beta Kappa Couper Lecture
 
New Orleans, La. - Stephen Klineberg will be the speaker for the annual Phi Beta Kappa Couper Lecture at Xavier University of Louisiana, Monday, Oct. 1, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 105 of the Norman Francis Science Building.

Klineberg will speak on the topic of "Making Sense of Our Times: The Economic and Demographic Transformations of Houston and America."   

In 1982, he and his students initiated the annual "Houston Area Survey," now beginning its second quarter-century of systematic research into the changing demographic patterns, experiences, attitudes, and beliefs of Harris County residents.

For 26 years, the annual Houston Area Survey, consisting of random-digit-dialed, computer-assisted telephone interviews, has been tracking the continuities and changes in demographic patterns, life experiences, attitudes, and beliefs among successive representative samples of Harris County residents. No other metropolitan area in the nation has been the focus of a long-term study of this sort. None more clearly exemplifies the remarkable transformations of American society at the dawn
of the twenty-first century.

The presenter will review more than a quarter century of systematic survey research to take the measure of these remarkable transformations. He will describe how he and his students explore the way they are unfolding both in Houston and in the nation as a whole, and consider their implications for the challenges that lie ahead. 

A graduate of Haverford College, with an M.A. from the University of Paris and a Ph.D. from Harvard, Stephen Klineberg joined Rice University's Sociology Department in 1972. The recipient of nine major teaching awards at Rice, Klineberg is at work on a book that will explore the way the general public is responding to the economic, demographic, and environmental challenges of our time.

The Couper Scholar Program is supported by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and endeavors to serve the types of colleges and universities underrepresented among the Society’s host institutions, such as historically black institutions and those serving Hispanic communities.

Carnegie Commits Millions to Revitalize Xavier, New Orleans

New Orleans, La. - Xavier has received a $4 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York as par