XU Saddened by Death
of Former Trustee [William T. McCaffrey]
New Orleans LA - The Xavier University of Louisiana community sadly notes the death of William T. McCaffrey, a long-time friend and supporter of the university and former chair of its Board of Trustees June 18.
McCaffrey, who had retired in 1998 as Senior Executive Vice President of Equitable Life, and Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of The Equitable Companies, joined the Xavier University Board of Trustees in 1982 after earlier service on the Business Advisory Committee.
McCaffrey worked tirelessly on Xavier’s behalf. He served four terms on the Board, including four years as chairman. During that tenure also chaired the development committee and was at the forefront of the University’s first two Capital Campaigns, which raised more than $70 million towards expansion of the campus. He was named a Trustee Emeritus in 2001.
Despite personal health challenges for the past several years, he never lost interest in Xavier's continued progress and well being. The main ballroom of the University Center is named in honor of him and his wife Mary.
Ribbon Cutting for College of Pharmacy’s New Health & Wellness Center
New Orleans LA - Xavier University of Louisiana’s College of Pharmacy has an initiative that focuses on minority health disparities and diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
The University’s new Health & Wellness Center in Harahan LA is committed to improving the health of the community by providing education, medication therapy management and screening services to those with Diabetes-related health care needs in the Greater New Orleans area.
Ribbon cutting will be held Wednesday, June 24, at 10:00 a.m. at the location next to the Harahan Wal-Mart store at 5110 Jefferson Hwy. Legendary chef Leah Chase will be on hand to give a healthy cooking demonstration.
The XU Health and Wellness Center will provide supplementary education and services to community members to assist in the management of diabetes and other related illnesses.
“The goal is to promote healthy living and eating habits among citizens of the Greater New Orleans area,” said William Kirchain Pharm.D., director of the center. “In addition, we hope to build partnerships in the community with other organizations which are also dedicated to the elimination of health disparities and enrich our pharmacy students clinical education through their interaction with the public.”
The XU Health & Wellness Center will offer free weekly courses on topics such diabetes and healthy eating, monitoring blood glucose, and stress and diabetes. The center will also offer free blood pressure and blood sugar checks with no appointment necessary. Other services including healthy cooking classes and medication check-ups and the classes, require an appointment and a fee applies.
For more information the XU Health & Wellness Center please call 504-733-1127 or email wellnessctr@xula.edu.
Alum Named 2009 Barbara Jordan Scholar [Trevonne Walford '09]
New Orleans LA - Trevonne Walford, a 2009 Xavier University honor graduate
was named a 2009 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholar by the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation. She is serving a nine-week (through July 27) position as staff to a congressional office and learn first-hand about health policy and the policymaking process.
Walford was one of 12 students selected nationwide, chosen from among more than 200 applicants. The Scholars have an opportunity to learn first-hand about health policy and the policymaking process as staff to a congressional office.
While at Xavier Walford, a native of Pikesville MD, was a biology major with a double minor in Spanish and Chemistry. She is a graduate of Notre Dame High School.
The Foundation established the Barbara Jordan Scholars Program in memory of former U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan – the first African American woman elected to Congress from Texas and a deeply respected member of the Foundation’s board of trustees.
“With health reform on the national agenda, this year’s Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars will have a window on an historic debate and an opportunity to gain practical health policy experience,” said Foundation President and CEO Drew Altman. “This program honors Barbara’s legacy, and she would be proud to see these talented and motivated students accomplishing her goals while achieving theirs.”
The program is designed to introduce students with an interest in issues affecting racial and ethnic minority and underserved communities to the federal legislative process and current issues in health policy. In addition to working on Capitol Hill, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits organized by the Foundation to broaden their knowledge of health policy issues. Under the guidance of the Foundation’s staff, the Scholars also complete an in-depth analysis of a health policy issue and produce a policy memo.
Cara James, Ph.D., is the Director of the Barbara Jordan Scholars Program at the Foundation. The program operates in partnership with Howard University.
Colorful Mural Encourages Youngsters to Get Their Hearing Checked
New Orleans LA - For young children, visiting a health professional can be scary and stressful. When youngsters visited Xavier University’s speech pathology department to get their hearing checked, the Xavier students who tested them first had to convince the kids to go into the booth. The sound proof booths resembled industrial freezers and the stark white and metal box was not inviting.
“When the children came to our center to get their hearing checked, they were always hesitant to go into the hearing booth because it looked so scary,” said Xavier University Speech Pathology major Paris Florence, a senior from New Orleans. “We wanted to make it look more appealing for little kids,” said Florence. They succeeded with the help of artist Elizabeth Traina who created a mural for the booths.
Paris and her classmates followed Traina’s direction and painted the mural, adding a personal touch. The result is a colorful, whimsical scene with friendly animals and even a monkey with headphones. [see photo]
“With this new colorful mural, I think it will grab the kids’ interest and make them want to see what’s inside,” said Meaghan Triplett of New Orleans as she put finishing touches on the artwork. “I didn’t know it was going to turn out so well, considering I’m no artist! But I learned a lot, and I’m really pleased with the result. I think the kids will be more at ease.”
Other students who worked on the mural were Melanique Lebeaud and Krystal Hill, both of New Orleans.
Visit the Communications & Speech Pathology department website for more information.
Pharmacy Faculty Named Editor of Major Health Journal
New Orleans, LA - Xavier University faculty member, Dr. Leonard Jack, Jr., has been named as the editor-in-chief of the Society for Public Health Education’s (SOPHE) peer-reviewed journal Health Promotion Practice (HPP).
Jack is the Director for the Center for Minority Health, Health Disparities, Research and Education; Endowed Chair of Minority Health Disparities; and Professor, Division of Clinical and Administrative Services, College of Pharmacy at Xavier. He begins a six-month transition period as head of HPP’s editorial board, with his five-year term officially commencing in January 2010.
Jack has more than 20 years of public health research and practice experience related to the socio-cultural aspects of disease management; psychosocial aspects of managing diabetes; health disparities; men’s health; and family, and community-based interventions. Before his entry into academia, he worked for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, and served in several editorial board positions.
Jack completed his undergraduate studies at Virginia State University and received a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy from The Pennsylvania State University in Health Education.
“We are delighted that Dr. Jack will assume the leadership of one of the nation’s premiere public health practice-based journals,” says Kathryn Meier, MPH, CHES, SOPHE President. “He brings a rich blend of research and practice experience in health promotion and education that has been the basis for the young journal’s outstanding success over the last decade.”
HPP publishes authoritative, peer-reviewed articles devoted to the practical application of health promotion and education and is one of two-peer reviewed SOPHE journals.
For more info visit the Xavier College of Pharmacy webpage at http://www.xula.edu/cop.
‘Home Team’ Honors Alumni and Local Jazz Legends June 14
New Orleans LA - The New Orleans Alumni Chapter of Xavier University will honor local alumni members and local jazz legends at the annual Jazz Round-Up event, Sunday June 14, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the McCaffrey Ballroom of the University Center on the Xavier campus. Admission is free.
The afternoon of jazz and fun will feature live music by the Xavier University Jazz Band and Dwight and Connie Fitch. The New Orleans Alumni Chapter, also known as Club #1 and the Hometeam, will honor three fellow Xavierites and two local jazz legends.
Alumni honorees include Rita Tregre Barre’57, Sophie Watts Amburo ’51 and Doris Sullivan ’49. New Orleans area Jazz Legends to be honored include Peter “Chuck” Badie Jr. and Wardell Quezerque.
Badie is a bassist who has toured and recorded with R&B singer Sam Cooke. He is known for his "romping" style on such R&B hits as Jessie Hill’s “Ooh Poo Poo Pa Doo”, Ernie K-Doe’s “Mother-In-Law”, Barbara George’s “I Know” and Chris Kenner’s “Something You Got”.
He was a part of the American Jazz Quintet around 1957, which consisted of Nat Perrilliat, Alvin Batiste, Ellis Marsalis and Ed Blackwell. He also did session work with Allen Toussaint.
Wardell Quezergue is an arranger, composer, and bandleader. He was born into a musical New Orleans family. His father Sidney was a guitar player. His brothers Leo and Alden were also jazz musicians. Quezergue played with Dave Bartholomew’s
band from the late 1940’s and was the bandleader of his own Royal Dukes of Rhythm. He has worked with numerous New Orleans musicians including Professor Longhair and Fats Domino.
In 1964 he formed NOLA Records and was associated with popular artists and hit records such as ‘Barefootin’ and ‘Mr. Big Stuff’. He also produced and arranged the Grammy Award winning Dr. John album ‘Goin’ Back to New Orleans’ in 1992.
Supriya Jindal to Address MSTI Fellows at Xavier
New Orleans LA - Louisiana’s first lady, Supriya Jindal will address the inaugural class of the Xavier University/ExxonMobil Math Science Teacher Institute (MSTI) Fellows at a luncheon in their honor on Friday, May 29, at noon at Xavier University.
Truman Bell, ExxonMobil's Senior Program Officer for education and diversity will also attend.
The Xavier/ExxonMobil Math Science Teacher Institute is designed to develop outstanding 4th-8th grade math and science teachers whose effectiveness will close the achievement gap in these two vital subjects between students in Orleans Parish and their peers in the state and nation.
The program provides training and support to selected upper Elementary math and science teachers to help them build content knowledge, integrate effective instructional methods and enhance classroom strategies.
Seventeen math teachers from nine New Orleans open admissions public schools made up the inaugural class of the Xavier/ExxonMobil MSTI Math Fellows. That group spent two intensive weeks on the Xavier campus last summer utilizing curriculum developed by Leading Educators of New Orleans and Marilyn Burns’ Math Solutions.
The program continued with five evening workshops, two all day Saturday Workshops and monthly classroom observation of each Fellow by a Master Teacher.
According to Xavier University president Dr. Norman C. Francis, the Xavier/ExxonMobile MSTI program is an example of Xavier's focus on 'teaching the teachers' to better serve the students in math and science.
The Math Fellowships will continue in the coming year, and the 2009-2010 Fellows will also be introduced at the luncheon. Starting in the summer of 2010, the Xavier Science Fellowships will begin.
The MSTI program is made possible by a grant from ExxonMobil.
The 2008-09 MSTI Fellows include: Gloria Batiste (Edgar P. Harney Elementary), Jennie Christenson (S.J. Green Charter), Mark Cooper (G.W. Carver Elementary), Kevin Glapion (James Singleton Charter), James Hamilton (Andrew H. Wilson Charter), Grant Harris (S.J. Green Charter), Leslie Jones Lewis (Sophie B. Wright Charter), Eric King (Lafayette Academy Charter), Da Ven Lewis (Mary McLeod Betheune elementary), India McDougle (transitioning), Meghan Mercadel (Sophie B. Wright Charter), Cassie O’Neil (Andrew H. Wilson Charter), Darlene Rivers (Sophie B. Wright Charter), Jennifer Rogers (Andrew H. Wilson Charter), Ahmad Shakir (S.J. Green Charter), Joey Stalzier (S.J. Green Charter) and Sinnedra Taylor (James W. Johnson Elementary).
Lagniappe Weekend at Xavier May 29-30
New Orleans LA - In the vernacular of New Orleans, the term "lagniappe" connotes "something extra" that you get when you purchase an item or services.
That is the idea behind Xavier University of Louisiana's "Lagniappe Orientation Weekend" for regional students already admitted for the Fall 2009 semester. It is part of the university's strategy to address a nationwide need to better prepare incoming freshmen for academic life at the college level.
Students from Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee have been invited to participate in the Lagniappe Weekend. They will have the opportunity to meet current Xavier students and talk to faculty in their prospective academic departments. Advance placement tests will be offered in reading and mathematics, plus those students who require any developmental courses will learn about summer sessions at Xavier where they can take those courses – and many others – for credit and take advantage of the most affordable summer tuition in the city.
Parents are also invited to be part of Lagniappe Weekend. They can meet with representatives from administrative areas like financial aid, student health services, student accounts. In addition, campus and city tours will be available for parents.
New freshmen who have paid their deposit and verified their health clearance will be able to complete their class registration during the Lagniappe weekend.
“This saves them time in the fall and they avoid the rush of everyone else trying to register at the same time,” says Dr. Kenneth Boutte, Dean of Freshman Studies.
Lagniappe students are invited to stay in the residence halls on campus to get a taste of student life at Xavier. Non-local students will be given preference for campus accommodations and space is limited. Parents will have to make their own lodging arrangements and hotel information is available.
For more information on Xavier’s Lagniappe Weekend Orientation, call (504) 520-5133 or (504) 520-5466, weekdays, by e-mail at lagniappe@xula.edu and online website at the university web site: http://www.xula.edu/lagniappe/index.php.
Auburn Montgomery Eliminates Gold Rush at NAIA Tourney
Mobile AL – Auburn Montgomery's men's tennis team defeated Xavier University of Louisiana 5-0 Wednesday in the second round of the NAIA National Championship at Copeland-Cox Tennis Center.
The Senators (19-2), the three-time defending champion and the tournament's top seed, won all three doubles matches and two singles matches, and for the second consecutive year they ended the season of the unseeded and 18th-ranked Gold Rush (17-7).
Xavier, a come-from-behind 5-4 winner over Oklahoma Christian in Tuesday's opening round, could not produce similar magic against AUM. The closest doubles match was Mike Green and Terry Richardson's 8-5 loss to Michael Johnson and Monte Tucker at No. 1. AUM closed the dual when Johnson defeated Green 6-2, 6-0 at No. 1 singles and Nikola Miskovic beat Cameron Knowles 6-1, 6-1 at No. 5.
AUM defeated Xavier by the same team score in the semifinals of the 2008 NAIA Region XIII Tournament.
Four of the Gold Rush losses this season were to ranked NAIA opponents, two to AUM. The other three losses were against NCAA Division I teams. The 17 victories are a school record for Xavier's men.
All eight second-round men's duals were delayed about three hours because of rain, and the start of the Xavier women's second-round match against Berry was pushed back approximately 2½ hours.
Berry Rallies past Gold Nuggets in NAIA Second Round
Mobile AL – Xavier Xavier University of Louisiana scored two points against ranked opponents, but Berry rallied for a 5-3 women's tennis victory Wednesday in the second round of the NAIA National Championship at Copeland-Cox Tennis Center.
Third-seeded and third-ranked Berry (14-3) overcame a 3-2 deficit, reached the quarterfinals for the fifth consecutive season and denied 15th-ranked Xavier (19-7) its first quarterfinal berth.
The Gold Nuggets' Anastesia Opata and Angelina Callis defeated Stephanie Herz and Marina Lebrao, No. 12 in the ITA/NAIA rankings, 8-3. Opata also beat Herz, rated fifth in singles, 4-3, retired. Berry clinched the dual when Lebrao defeated Callis 6-3, 2-6, 6-4.
Tennis Teams Draw Union (Ky.), Oklahoma Christian
New Orleans LA – The women of Union (Ky.) and Oklahoma Christian's men will be the first-round opponents of Xavier University of Louisiana in next week's NAIA National Tennis Championships at Mobile, Ala.
Xavier (18-6), No. 15 in the final coaches’ poll, will get a 1 p.m. rematch May 12 with unranked Union (13-3), which lost 5-0 to the Gold Nuggets on April 11 at Rome, Ga. It will be the second consecutive appearance in the national tournament and fourth overall for the Nuggets, who are 3-0 in first-round matches.
The Gold Rush (16-6), ranked 18th and in its first appearance at NAIA nationals, finally will get a shot at No. 16 Oklahoma Christian (9-5) at 9 a.m. May 12 after they were rained out on consecutive days in mid-March during the Auburn Montgomery Invitational.
Xavier is the first HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) to qualify for the men's NAIA National Championship since its dual-match format began in 2000.
The Xavier-Oklahoma Christian winner will play top-ranked and three-time defending champion Auburn Montgomery (17-2) at 9 a.m. May 13 in the men's second round.
The Xavier-Union winner will play third-ranked Berry (13-3) in the women's second round at 1 p.m. May 13.
Copeland-Cox Tennis Center, formerly Mobile Tennis Center, will be the site of the tournaments for the sixth consecutive year. Twenty-four men's teams and 24 women's teams will compete. Both Xavier teams received automatic bids by winning the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference tournaments April 24.
New Honors for Outstanding XU Faculty at Commencement
New Orleans, LA - For the first time, six faculty members will receive special honors at commencement ceremonies for Xavier University of Louisiana on May 9.
The faculty will receive the inaugural "Norman C. Francis Faculty Excellence" Awards, designed to bestow the highest honors annually to faculty members who exemplify first rate performance in the areas of teaching, scholarship and service.
There will be six awards, three to "junior" faculty (those who have worked at the University for seven years or less) and three to "senior" faculty members (more than seven years of service.)
The awards of $5,000 each will be split evenly between the award recipient and his/her academic area for the following year.
During the commencement ceremony, the faculty members will receive a medallion specially designed and minted to convey this distinctive honor. The medal was created by art department faculty member Ron Bechet.
Receiving the Norman C. Francis Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching – given to faculty members who exhibit the highest qualities of instruction and pedagogy – are: (junior faculty) Dr. Renee Akbar in the Division of Education and (senior faculty) Dr. Karen Becnel Moore in languages.
Receiving the Norman C. Francis Faculty Excellence Award in Service – given to faculty who with a sustained and consistent record of service to various institutional efforts, and who exemplify a spirit of volunteerism – are: (junior faculty) Dr. Ross Louis in communications and (senior faculty) Sr. Grace Mary Flickinger, S.B.S., in biology
Receiving the Norman C. Francis Faculty Excellence Award in Scholarship – given to those whose scholarship and research distinguish the University, and who make a substantial contribution to their discipline – are: (junior faculty) Dr. Bryan Bilyeu in chemistry and (senior faculty) Dr. Cheryl Stevens in chemistry.
The 2009 Commencement will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Kiefer Lakefront Arena.
IBCS Summer 09 Session Offers
Training for Ministers & Laymen
New Orleans, LA - Preregistration is underway for one of the more unique 2009 summer sessions available anywhere; namely, the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana.
The Xavier University Institute for Black Catholic Studies was founded in 1980. The goal of the Institute is to prepare lay men and women, religious and clergy from all racial-cultural backgrounds to engage in a more meaningful and effective Catholic ministry within the Black community.
Continuing education and enrichment programs include Catechist Formation in the Black Community, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and the Leadership in Faith
Community program.
The master’s degree program summer sessions begin June 21, while the one-week, Certificate and Enrichment (C&E) programs will be held June 6-10, June 13-17 and
June 29-July 3.
The degree program offers students an intensive three-week summer session focusing on assisting participants to engage in a highly effective ministry in Black Catholic or multicultural and multi racial parishes.
“Given the fact that most Black Catholic and multicultural parishes are staffed by European American or other cross cultural priests from African and Asian cultures, our one-week seminar Pastoral Leadership in Black Catholic and Multi-Cultural Parishes, led by Fr. Freddy Washington, CSSP, is offered to assist these priest in
their understanding of the Roman Catholic Church in the U.S. as it finds expression in the Black Catholic Community,” said Sr. Jamie Phelps, O.P, director of the Institute.
“Our students have opportunities for intellectual, cultural and spiritual growth that integrates the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church and the Black religious experience,” said Phelps.
“In addition we have a dynamic, outstanding faculty from across the country who come to New Orleans for the Institute to share their knowledge and passion for ministry in the African American community.”
These non-degree continuing education programs offer assistance in the areas of Catechesis (Religious Education) and Youth Ministry and Leadership.
Two new seminars will enrich the C& E Curriculum this summer. The Seminar for Pastoral Musicians is led by Mr. Rawn Harbor, is one of the preeminent African
American Catholic liturgists and musicians in the U.S. today. He is a gifted pianist and composer, and a sought-after workshop facilitator, speaker and liturgist.
It focuses on helping liturgical musicians understand more profoundly the theological foundations and guidelines for Catholic liturgy and the appropriate role of music in our liturgical celebrations.
The Seminar for Campus Ministers, “Black Perspectives on the Gospel on Campus,” is led by Fr. Dr. Edward Branch, who is the Director of Catholic Campus Ministry for the Atlanta University Complex (Morehouse, Spellman etc.), focuses on those desiring or currently engaged Catholic campus ministry on both Catholic and State Universities.
“There is a definite need for more Black Catholic campus ministers and cross-cultural campus ministers who are knowledgeable about and supportive of Black Catholic students’ particular cultural world view and experiences,” said Phelps.
For more information on the IBCS 2009 summer session, including a check list for newcomers, visit the website at http://www.xula/IBCS or call 504-520-7691.
From the Storm to the Stage- Hurricane Katrina Freshmen Graduate from XU
New Orleans, LA - “From the Storm to the Stage” is their senior class theme and it aptly describes the experience of the 2009 Xavier University graduating class.
As freshmen in August 2005, many of these students not only experienced their first New Orleans hurricane, a yearly natural threat to the Gulf Coast, but the worst natural disaster in New Orleans’ recent history.
What makes these seniors stand out is that, whether a New Orleans native or first time resident, they were intent on returning to Xavier following the devastation of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, which had most of the city underwater and impacted the entire region.
Following the storm, Xavier president Dr. Norman C. Francis corralled his administrative staff to work on Xavier’s recovery. The staff worked to meet the president’s demand that Xavier re-open as soon as possible. They succeeded and the University re-opened in January 2006. That spring the majority of students returned to the campus. Xavier, with its campus buildings lit up at night, served as a beacon of hope to returning residents in the city.
The new fall ’05 freshman class had only been on campus for a few weeks before the hurricane hit and displaced them. What made these students want to return even after enrolling in other universities that fall semesters? Most say that they had already established a bond for the campus and their new friends. Some said even after attending XU for only a few weeks, their experience at other campuses did not compare to the warm family feeling, the sense of belonging and camaraderie they felt at Xavier. Some of their classmates did not return for various reasons, but more than 74% did. And they are now facing the euphoria of graduation day.
“Xavier is more of a family for me than when I was at another school after the storm,” said senior business major Traylon Williams of New Orleans. “Xavier has more of a network,” he said. “The friends I’ve met at XU, I see us being friends
forever. Besides, there are other reasons, like the faculty. They really work with all of the students and even the staff, like Career Services. They introduced me to the recruiter for the position I have now.” Williams currently works with the
FBI. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in public administration.
“After the storm, when I attended another school, sure I had fun at the parties and the football games, but that wasn’t college for me. My mom attended Xavier and when I read about it, I realized it wasn’t just great in the medical fields, but in everything.
“I’m glad I had the opportunity to come back after the storm. I joined Kappa Alpha Psi in the fall of 2007. I could have pledged at another school, but I wanted to be a part of Xavier’s Greek life. I’m also excited about the Division of Business
which offers such great networking opportunities. I think Xavier really prepared me for the real world.
According to Psychology major Blake Clark attended a Texas college after the storm. “It was different learning environment, a different social environment. I love Xavier’s
atmosphere and environment. I was ready to come back and I’m very happy I came back.
"Initially I wasn’t going to come to Xavier as a freshman. But I attended a summer program here and fell in love with Xavier and the city.
Clark will attend Tulane’s PhD program in social psychology on a full fellowship.
Pharmacy student Takena Reese was newly accepted into the XU College of Pharmacy in 2005. “There were so many reasons I just had to come back,” she said.
“There is absolutely no place in the whole wide world that is like Xavier or New Orleans! It was a long road for me to get to pharmacy school, a lot of challenges, but I considered it an honor and a privilege, everyone doesn’t get this opportunity. I felt like I had made a covenant with Xavier when I signed up. The mission, the goals of the university, I live my life that way. I identify with everything Xavier stands for and that’s where I needed to be. I didn’t even try to get into another pharmacy school, or like some of my classmates, take courses elsewhere. I was intent on finding a place to live and getting back to Xavier.” Reese is currently employed with Slidell Memorial Hospital and plans to continue to work there and in the Tenet Health System.
All of the students agree that returning to New Orleans and Xavier was a given. “I wanted to be a part of the rebuilding of my city,” said Williams. “Not coming back or giving back through community service wouldn’t benefit the city. The more people that come back and give back, the better our city will become.”
The 440 graduating seniors are looking forward to becoming alumni of Xavier University and pursuing careers and advanced degrees. Fifty-two have already been accepted to medical school with more expected.
The Xavier University commencement will be held Saturday May 9 at 10:00 AM at the New Orleans Kiefer Lakefront Arena. There Takena, Traylon, Blake and their classmates will move ‘From the Storm to the Stage,” to a bright future.
Xavier Sweeps Tennis Titles, Makes History at GCAC Tournament
Mobile AL - Xavier University of Louisiana won the men's and women's tennis championships Friday at the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament, and both teams earned automatic bids in next month's NAIA National Championships.
The Gold Rush, 16-6 and 18th in the NAIA coaches poll, defeated Mobile 6-0 to win the men's title for the third consecutive year and become the first HBCU to qualify for the men's national tournament since the event went to a dual-match format in 2000. The No. 15 Gold Nuggets (18-6) beat Mobile 7-1 to win their sixth title in eight years and earn their fourth bid to nationals and their second in a row.
Xavier's Terry Richardson and Anastesia Opata were named GCAC players of the year after rallying to win No. 1 singles matches in the finals. Richardson, a senior who also won the men's award in 2007, defeated Ale Vial 3-6, 6-1, 6-0. Opata, a junior, scored the final four points of her match to beat Claudia Borges 3-6, 6-0, 1-0 (10-8).
XU freshman Steffen Giles-Osborn was selected men's Newcomer of the Year, and XU's Alan Green won the men's and women's Coach of the Year awards.
The team titles give Xavier a school-record four teams which qualified for NAIA National Championships in the same academic year. XU's men's and women's cross country teams qualified for nationals in November. During the past four seasons Xavier teams combined to win 17 GCAC team championships and qualify for 12 NAIA national tourneys.
Xavier's women, who lost 5-4 to Mobile in the 2008 final, reached the championship round with a 7-0 victory over Belhaven. The Gold Rush defeated Spring Hill 6-0 in a men's semifinal which include five matches won without losing a game.
Business Plan Competition Winners Announced at Xavier
New Orleans LA - Winners were announced for first campus-wide business plan
competition at Xavier University of Louisiana, sponsored by Xavier’s Entrepreneurship institute in the Division of Business.
First place winners were the student team of Aaron Burgess, a senior mass communications major from Lancaster, Calif.; Kory Twaites, a computer science junior from Kent, Washington; and Alexandria Broussard, a senior chemistry
major from Columbus, Ohio, with “Challenge My Style” an internet business providing opportunities for social networking and more.
Second place winners were “Room 247” – a community providing services, supplies, food, tutoring and computer access, created by Vernia Walker (psychology, juionr, Mobile, AL), Bretton LeFlore (biology,senior, Mobile, AL); Third place: “RSVP, LLC Cay Spa and Salon” offering various massage styles and sports treatment, created by Lawrence Chambers (business administration, junior, Temple hill, MD), Dominique Payne (accounting, senior, Baton Rouge), Jarroid Warner (Marketing, sophomore, New Orleans); and Fourth place “La Familia Grocery Store” supplier of Latin American Foods, led by Jeffrey Smith (business administration, senior,
New Orleans), Harold Reese (Finance, senior, Altadena, CA) and Edward Jenkins (political science, senior, Kenner).
According to Beverly Andry, director of Xavier’s Entrepreneurship Institute, the Business Plan Competition is a competition for Xavier students from any department.
To compete in the Business Plan Competition students formed teams of up to five degree seeking students of Xavier University who were full-time students and enrolled during the semester of the competition.
Student teams were required to submit a brief description of their idea for review
by the business faculty in order to get early feedback and direction on preparing the business plan. Final business plans were then submitted and evaluated and the top four semi-finalists were invited to present their plan to a panel of judges composed of the Division of Business faculty members.
This is the first year that the Entrepreneurship Institute of Xavier University has sponsored the Business of Entrepreneurship – Business Plan Competition. On top of
great resources, participating in this type of competition helps students learn from and get exposure to experienced professionals on their business plan ideas.
The Entrepreneurship Institute of Xavier University of Louisiana purpose is to infuse the spirit of entrepreneurship into Xavier’s curriculum, conduct seminars, plan community outreach initiatives, and develop a program in entrepreneurial studies.
For more information the Entrepreneurship Institute or the Xavier Division of Business, visit the website at www.xula.edu/business or call 504-520-7505.
Summer School at XU 2009 a Great Value
New Orleans LA - Xavier University is offering two summer sessions open to all college students. The sessions will be held May 25-June 27 and June 29-August 1.
“We are offering courses at the affordable cost of $110 per credit hour, the lowest rate of any local university,” said Dr. Loren Blanchard, Xavier’s vice president for Academic Affairs.
The two five-week summer sessions allow students to meet degree requirements in a variety of study areas from core areas such as the sciences, English, History, mathematics and languages to art, computer science, philosophy theology and women’s studies, and more.
“Summer school is a great time to take a full semester course in just weeks,” said Blanchard.
For a complete list of courses and requirements for non-Xavier students, visit the Xavier website at: http://www.xula.edu/summer/index.ph.
XU Hosts Public Education in Post Katrina New Orleans Forum
New Orleans LA - A panel of education research specialists will join graduate
students from Xavier University’s Education Law course to discuss public education in New Orleans three and a half years after the state took control of more than 100 New
Orleans public schools.
The community forum will be held April 23 in the XU College of Pharmacy Building from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Panelists include The Center for Action Research on New Orleans School Reform, Dr. Barbara Ferguson, Dr. Raynard Sanders and Mr. Charles Hatfield.
Panelists will address topics such as teacher’s qualifications, compensation equity, student discipline, testing, charter schools, privatization, special education, the need for school boards and more.
The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. To reserve a seat or for more information, contact the XU Graduate Studies department at 504-520-7536 or email
program coordinator Miriam Denis-Harper at mdavisha@xula.edu.
XU to Host SNMC PreMed Luncheon
New Orleans LA - Xavier University of Louisiana will host the Pre-medical Forum Luncheon as part of the Student National Medical Associations’ Annual Medical Education Conference, the largest gathering of minority premedical and medical students, April 8-12 in New Orleans.
The Pre-medical Forum Luncheon will be held Saturday April 11 with keynote speaker Linda Kenney Miller, author of “Beacon on the Hill.”
Miller, a former teacher, has worked as a medical administrator, and ran a medical management consulting business, which served numerous physicians in the Washington, DC area for many years. Both her father and grandfather were doctors.
Her grandfather was John A. Kenny, son of former slaves who went on to become the personal physician to Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver at Tuskegee. Miller inherited her grandfather’s journals and papers dating back to 1897 and decided to write his story. “Beacon on the Hill’ was awarded the 2008 Best Books Award in Fiction-Historical from USA Book News.
Xavier University of Louisiana’s Premedical Program is #1 in the nation in placing African-Americans into medical school. And, we also do very well at placing students into related health professions such as osteopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, and public health/health care administration
Xavier was named “Hottest School for Premeds” in 2005 by the Newsweek Guide to Colleges.
The SNMA was founded in 1964 by medical students from Howard University College of Medicine and Meharry Medical College. It is the nation’s oldest and largest, independent student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns
of medical students of color.
For more information on the SNMA conference visit the site at www.snma.org/amec.php.
Concert Choir Presents In the Spring
The Xavier University Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. John E. Ware, will present their spring concert Tuesday, April 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Building Recital Hall.
The concert is free and open to the public.
The “In the Spring” Concert will feature music from English composers, as well as American Negro Spirituals and secular German and French pieces. All of the selected music revolves around the theme of spring. Love, flowers in bloom, and Easter praises are among the focus of the featured music.
For more info contact the Xavier Department of Music at 504-520-7597.
Political Strategist Donna Brazile to Address XU Graduates
New Orleans, LA - National political strategist Donna Brazile will deliver the keynote address and receive an Honorary Degree, and award winning actor-director-producer Forest Whitaker will receive another Honorary degree, when Xavier University of Louisiana holds its 82nd annual Commencement on Saturday morning May 9, 10:00 a.m. in the Keifer Lakefront Arena.
Brazile, one of the best known and most influential women in modern American politics, will address more than 450 graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Pharmacy and the Graduate School and their families at the graduation ceremony. She will also be awarded an honorary degree.
Also receiving an honorary degree will be Academy Award-winning actor/director/producer Forest Whitaker, not only for his contributions to the arts but also for his humanitarian efforts around the world.
The university's annual Baccalaureate Mass will be held the preceding evening, Friday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the Gymnasium.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION FOLLOWS-
Donna Brazile, a native of New Orleans, is chair of the Democratic National Committee’s Voting Rights Institute (VRI), established in 2001 to help protect and promote the rights of all Americans to participate in the political process. She is the author of “Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics,” a memoir about her life in the political arena.
Brazile made history as the first African American women to lead a major presidential campaign when she served as campaign manager for Gore-Lieberman 2000. Prior to joining the Gore campaign, Brazile served as chief of staff and press secretary to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia, where she helped guide the District’s budget and local legislation on Capitol Hill. A veteran of numerous national and statewide campaigns, Brazile had previously worked on the Democratic presidential campaigns of Jimmy Carter, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Walter Mondale, Dick Gephardt, Michael Dukakis and Bill Clinton.
Brazile is the founder and managing director of Brazile and Associates, a political consulting and grassroots advocacy firm based in Washington DC. She is a weekly contributor and political commentator for CNN, a political consultant for ABC News, and a contributor to NPR’s Political Corner. She is also a syndicated columnist. In addition she serves as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.
Brazile, who earned her undergraduate degree from LSU-Baton Rouge in 1981, served on the board of directors of the Louisiana Recovery Authority at the bequest of former La. Governor Kathleen Blanco.
Forest Whitaker is one of Hollywood’s most accomplished actors/director/producers who has showcased his talents in a multitude of demanding and diverse roles. He is the fourth African
American male to win an Academy Award for Best Actor, and he has also received a Golden Globe and other honors.
Whitaker has done extensive humanitarian work for organizations like Penny Lane, providing assistance to abused teenagers. During the last few years, he has also become a spokesperson for Hope North Ugandan orphanage and Human Rights Watch.
Carnival Time at Xavier April 8
New Orleans LA - It’ll be Carnival Time once again at Xavier University of Louisiana Wednesday, April 8, when a host of well known personalities discuss the history, characteristics and meaning of their respective traditions at a special event, “African American Mardi Gras Traditions of New Orleans.”
This program is designed to provide an inside view into unique local Carnival traditions by featuring discussions with long time participants. These traditions are often widely seen and publicized, but rarely understood or discussed in a collective public setting.
Guests include a host of well known personalities who will discuss the history, characteristics, and meaning of their respective traditions: Darryl Montana (Mardi Gras Indians), Clarence Becknell (Zulu Club), Charmaine Neville (Baby Dolls), and Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes (Skull & Bones Gangs). A special guest will be Al “ Carnival Time” Johnson who will discuss the music of Mardi Gras and his ever popular seasonal anthem It’s Carnival Time, which he wrote and first recorded in 1960.
The program will also include authentic local Carnival music performed by Dr. Michael White and the Mardi Gras Stompers, which will feature Wendell Brunious (trumpet), Roderick Paulin (saxophone), Herman Lebeaux (drums), Mark Stone (guitar), Kerry Lewis (bass), Steve Pistorius (piano) and Dr. White (clarinet).
The program will be held at the Xavier University Center Ballroom (3rd floor) and will begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is free and open to the public. Second lining welcome!
This event is sponsored by the Keller Endowed Chair in the Humanities.
International Opera Singer in Concert at Xavier April 6
New Orleans LA - International opera singer and Xavier University alumna Gail Gilmore will visit her alma mater for a master class and performance in April.
The mezzo-soprano will offer a master class on Saturday, April 4, at 1:00 p.m. at the Xavier Music Recital Hall. The class is free and open to the public.
Gilmore will perform in concert on Monday, April 13, at 7:00 p.m. The concert is also free and open to the public.
“She is one of our most distinguished graduates,” said Wilfred Delphin, Xavier’s artist in residence. “Xavier has produced several international careers and she is one that is presently enjoying an international following.”
Gilmore, a 1972 Xavier graduate, also studied at Indiana University in Bloomington. She started her career in Germany. She has performed at Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Arena di Verona (in Aida), in Milan at La Scala as Venus in Tannhäuse; at the Metropolitan Opera and at Carnegie Hall as well as at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. In 1994 she made her debut at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires as the Gräfin in Lulu, and at the Prague Opera as Strauss' Salome.
1995 she had her debut as Tosca in Strasbourg. In 1996, she debuted in Germany as Turandot, and in May 1997 she had yet another very successful debut as Elektra. In early 1998, she debuted in the title role of Fosca by the Brasilian composer Carlos Gomes with a very successful tournee in major Brasilian cities. As a versatile singer she also sings in many concerts. She is well known for her "Opera Aria" concerts, but her repertoire also includes Strauss' Four Last Songs, Berlioz's La Mort de Cléopatre, and works by American composers Barber, Berstein, Gershwin, etc.
Gilmore also has several recordings including an album of spirituals and gospels as well as a recording with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London.
Her opera repertoire is extensive with roles as Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, Eboli in Don Carlo, the title role in Elektra, Leonore in Fidelio, Flora Tosca in Tosca, Abigaille in Nabucco, Ortrud in Lohengrin, the Lady in Erwartung, Judith in Herzog Blaubart,
the title role in Fosca (Carlos Gomes) and the title role in Carl Orff's ANTIGONE, and others.
For more information on Gail Gilmore’s Xavier concert, please contact the Xavier Department of Music at 504-520-7597.
State of Our Health Symposium at XU
New Orleans LA - "The State of Our Health in New Orleans 2009: An Overview,” a symposium for health professionals and citizens throughout the area, hosted by the New Orleans Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2009, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm in the University Ballroom at Xavier University. The symposium is free and open to the public.
XU third-year pharmacy student DeShawn Stevenson coordinated the event, which will feature speakers such as Dr. Kevin Stephens, Director, City of New Orleans Health Department; Dr. Larry Hollier, Chancellor, LSUHSC New Orleans; Mr. Joseph Kimbrell, Chief Executive Officer, Louisiana Public Health Institute; Dr. Leonard Jack, Jr., Director, Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education; Dr. Janet Johnson, Associate Professor, Tulane University School of Medicine; and Ms. Timolynn Sams, Representative, Neighborhood Partnership Network.
The symposium will focus on health statistics and disparities, medical education, local/state health policy, community partnerships and challenges related to mental/behavioral health in the city.
The U.S. Schweitzer Fellows Programs® provide community service fellowships for graduate students in health-related professional fields who are dedicated to addressing unmet health needs in their local areas
For more information contact the New Orleans Albert Schweitzer Fellowship program director Raymond Tsai at 504-301-9848.
Deadlines Approaching for April’s Health Disparities Conference in New Orleans
New Orleans LA - Health Professionals with a particular interest in the issue of health disparities still have time to register for the Third Annual Health Disparities Conference April 19-21 in New Orleans, hosted by the College of Pharmacy at Xavier University of Louisiana.
March 18 is the deadline for early bird hotel discount at the Sheraton New Orleans on Canal Street and the conference pre-registration deadline is April 3.
The conference titled “Building Partnerships to Eliminate Health Disparities: Effective Chronic Disease Management Models to Improve Health Outcomes,” is designed specifically for health care professionals and will include guests such as Dr. M . Rony Francois, newly appointed Assistant Secretary for Public Health, Louisiana DHH; John Agwunobi, senior vice president and president of professional services division, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc,; Rodney Armstead, chief executive officers Arizona Physicians IPA, United Health Group; and Sybil Richard, deputy secretary for the Louisiana DHH.
For more information, including a complete conference agenda and registration links, visit http://xula09.the1joshuagroup.com.
Xavier Student Elected to the Board at National Catholic Student Conference
New Orleans LA - Xavier University of Louisiana pharmacy major Ifeanyi Onor was elected to the executive board of the National Catholic Student Coalition (NCSC) at the Leadership Conference in Atlanta GA earlier this year. Onor was elected international relations chair. He is a second year pharmacy student from Nigeria.
Also attending the NCSC conference were Xavier students Corey Anderson, a sophomore chemistry/pre-pharmacy major from Eunice, LA (Eunice High School) and Chioma Obih, a sophomore chemistry/pre-pharmacy major from New Orleans (Dominican High School).
Xavier alumnus, Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon, now the White House Chief Usher, paid the conference fees for the students to attend.
XU Women’s Studies Hosts Dinner & Roundtable Discussion March 12
New Orleans LA - Xavier University’s Women’s Studies program will host a dinner and roundtable discussion with local activists in recognition of International Women’s Day (March 8) and Women’s History Month.
“We’re celebrating the strides that women have made over the years and acknowledging of the ongoing struggles we encounter,” said coordinator Dr. Pamela Waldron-Moore.
Titled, “The Kitchen Table in Flux: Activist Voices on Women, Housing and Social Justice,” the event is Thursday, March 12, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 205 of the Xavier University Center. The event is free but you must RSVP to Dr. Waldron-Moore (pnmoore@xula.edu) or Dr. Robin Vander (rvander@xula.edu).
Students, staff, faculty and the community are invited to join the conversation exploring the intersections between women’s issues and global health, housing, environmental justice and human rights.
Xavier Music Ensembles On Tour March 10-18
New Orleans LA - The Xavier University Department of Music will hit the road
for their Spring 2009 Tour March 10-18. Among the cities where the Xavier music ensembles will perform are Philadelphia PA, Atlanta GA, Durham NC, New York City NY, and Washington, D.C.
“We’re excited to join with the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (SBS) in honoring Dr. Norman C. Francis for 40 years of service to Xavier as he receives the SBS’s National Justice Award on March 14. The department’s tour is focused around this
celebration,” said department chair, Dr. Tim R. Turner.
In addition to Philadelphia, the Xavier Jazz Band, Concert Choir and University Chorus will also perform in the cities of Atlanta GA, Durham NC, New York NY and
Washington, D.C. Those concerts are free and open to the public. Xavier alumni and friends are invited to attend.
Faculty members participating in the tour include Drs. Malcolm J. Breda, John E. Ware, Wilfred Delphin, Timothy R. Turner and Dara Rahming.
A complete calendar of the tour is below.
Tuesday March 10 7:00 p.m.
Warren Memorial United Methodist Church
181 Joseph Lowry Blvd., Atlanta, GA
Wednesday March 11 7:00 p.m.
Mt. Vernon Baptist Church
1007 Roxboro St., Durham, NC
Friday March 13, 7:00 p.m.
Mother Zion AME Church,
146 137th St., Harlem, NY
Saturday March 14 7:00 p.m.
SBS National Justice Award Event
Celebrations Hall
2201 Galloway Road, Bensalem, PA.
Sunday March 15 10:00 a.m.
SBS Motherhouse
Bensalem, PA
Monday March 16 7:00 p.m.
St. Gabriel Catholic Church
26 Grant Circle, Washington DC
Xavier President to Receive
National Justice Award
New Orleans, LA - Xavier University president Norman C. Francis is slated to receive the St. Katharine Drexel National Justice Award from the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Bensalem, Pennsylvania – near Philadelphia.
“Dr. Francis is being honored for his national leadership not only in education, but also in the fields of social justice and community relations, not to mention as an outstanding President of Xavier University of Louisiana for 40 years,” said Sr. Patricia Suchalski, president of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (SBS) whose Philadelphia-born foundress Katharine Drexel established Xavier University in 1925 and scores of other schools for African Americans and Native Americans across the nation.
The award will be the latest to recognize the achievements of Francis, who is the nation’s longest-serving university president. Francis has advised eight U.S. presidents on matters involving education and civil rights, beginning with President John F. Kennedy. In December 2006 then-President George W. Bush presented him with the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, for his leadership over Xavier’s recovery following Hurricane Katrina while at the same time serving as Chair of the Louisiana Recovery Authority created to oversee the state’s recovery.
The SBS National Justice Award gala will be held Saturday evening March 14 at Celebrations, 2201 Galloway Road in Bensalem, PA. Entertainment for the evening will include performances by Xavier University’s Concert Choir and the Xavier University Jazz Ensemble. Honorary chairs for the 2009 gala are Mary McLaughlin (sister of former SBS president Mother Mary David Young), and Wendell Young III, a 2008 award recipient. The event is being hosted by the Xavier Alumni Chapter of Philadelphia.
Rev. Kenneth Brown, a Xavier alumnus and former English professor, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the March 14 gala and as Celebrant for Mass on March 15.
For more info on the honoree, Norman C. Francis, visit the “President’s Pages” at the Xavier website; for more info on the St. Katharine Drexel National Justice Award, contact the Sr. Patricia Downs by e-mail or call the SBS
Mother House in Bensalem, PA at 215-244-9900, ext. 402.
Xavier Summer Programs Accepting Applications
New Orleans LA - The Xavier University summer programs are now accepting applications.
Xavier’s summer offerings include several programs for incoming freshmen including EPsAR, Business Achievers, Upward Bound, and STEM Scholars Summer Bridge as
well as several programs for youth. Those include:
The Mardi Gras Indian Arts Summer School – An 8-week summer program where students will develop an awareness and appreciation of Mardi Gras Indian traditions and the art of masking and create designs.
The Summer Science Academy of MathStar (grades8-9), BioStar (grades 9-10), ChemStar (grades 10-11) and SOAR (rising seniors). For more information, contact 504-520-5418.
SuperScholar EXCEL, intensive four-week residential summer enrichment program geared toward students interested in pursuing college degrees in the arts, humanities, social sciences and education. For Rising or graduating seniors. For more information call 504-520-7633.
For more information on any of Xavier’s summer programs visit the web at http://www.xula.edu/summerprograms, or call 504-520-7633.
COP Hosts 3rd Annual Health Disparities Conference
New Orleans LA - Xavier University of Louisiana's College of Pharmacy will host the 3rd annual Health Disparities Conference April 19-21, 2009 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.
The 2009 conference, "Building Partnerships to Eliminate Health Disparities: Effective Chronic Disease Management Models to Improve Health Outcomes, includes opening keynote speaker, Congresswoman Donna Christiansen, Chair, Congressional Black Caucus Health Brain Trust. She will discuss the legislative involvement in eliminating health disparities under the new Obama administration.
The conference, presented by College of Pharmacy's Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities, will offer topics focused on successful interdisciplinary models to reduce health disparities through community, academic and health system partnership interventions around disease states that include cardiovascular, cancer and diabetes, among others. Issues relative to patient and provider communications and cultural and linguistic competence areas will also be explored.
According to Program Chair, Dr Kathleen Kennedy, Associate Dean for the School of Pharmacy, "this conference highlights the critical role of pharmacists, nurses and other allied health professionals and health policy makers, educators, researchers, public and community health leaders at the community level where the improvement in health disparities realistically takes place. Our plenary sessions, workshops and posters provide an excellent opportunity for information exchange between the soldiers in the field."
The main purpose of the conference is to provide learning sessions and to review and develop skills, techniques and approaches which influence outcomes.
The conference pre-registration deadline is April 3, 2009. The deadline for participants interested in submitting abstracts for poster presentation is February 23, 2009.
For more information or to register online for Xavier's 3rd annual Health Disparities Conference, interested participants should visit
http://xula09.the1joshuagroup.com/ or call (504) 559-6191.
New Issue of XU Undergraduate Research Journal Available Online
New Orleans LA - The Center for Undergraduate Research at Xavier University of Louisiana is pleased to announce the publication of XULAneXUS, Xavier's online undergraduate research journal. Volume 6, Issue 1 is now available online at: http://xulanexus.xula.edu.
The current issue features scholarship from projects that emerged from the Communications, English, and Psychology departments. It was reviewed by an Editorial Board consisting of faculty and students from Fine Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and STEM disciplines. Student authors in the current issue include:
Kimberly Tran (Xavier, 2008; Biology, Pre-Medicine and Chemistry); Jada Etienne, Psychology, Pre-Medicine; Andrew Harris, Philosophy; Chante Calais, Biology, Pre-Medicine
The articles can be viewed online and downloaded as printable versions. XULAneXUS publishes the outstanding scholarship of undergraduates in every academic discipline at Xavier through annual or bi-annual online volumes. The journal's office is located in Xavier South, Suite 500.
The 2008-2009 Editorial Review Board includes: Mr. Ron Bechet, Art; Dr. Mark Gstohl, Theology; Dr. Christopher Faircloth, Sociology; Dr. Antonio Lopez, Computer Science; Victoria Kyerematen, Psychology, Pre-Medicine and Spanish; Joseph Drexler-Dreis, Theology and History; Candice Claiborne, Psychology; Mercianna Oliver, Psychology; Mercedes Proctor, Biology, and Samantha Taylor, Biology. Courtney Watson, Psychology serves as the journal's Editorial Assistant.
XULAneXUS is now accepting submissions to Volume 6, Issue 2 through March 2. See the journal website for submission guidelines and forms. If you have questions or comments about the journal, please contact Dr. Ross Louis (rmlouis@xula.edu; ext. 5103).
Music of Chevalier de Saint-Georges Lecture-Recital
New Orleans LA - Xavier University’s Music Department will present New Orleans
native, tenor Aubry Bryan in a lecture-recital on “The Music of Chevalier de Saint-Georges” Monday, Feb. 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall. The performance is free and open to the public.
Bryan has enjoyed an outstanding career as a performer of opera and oratorio here in the United States, Europe and the Far East. He will be accompanied by Xavier faculty members Valerie Francis, soprano and Wilfred Delphin, piano.
Joseph de Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges,was born on the island of Guadeloupe in 1745 to a slave mother and white plantation owner father. As a child he was taken to Paris where he spent most of his life. His exceptional musical talent was recognized and nurtured by leading teachers of the day and St. George ultimately became a widely recognized composer, conductor and virtuoso violinist. The title of 'Chevalier' was given him in recognition of his equally exceptional skill at the sport of fencing.
The Chevalier de St. Georges wrote many works in the Classical Period style. These include symphonies, string quartets, piano pieces and opera. The Xavier concert will feature the vocal compositions.
For more information contact the Xavier music department at 504-520-7598 or 7597.
YMTF/BEEP Professionals Make Annual Campus Visit
New Orleans LA - Nearly 60 accomplished professionals from the public and private sectors – including 21 alumni – will visit the Xavier University of Louisiana campus Feb. 15-17 for the Office of Career Service’s annual Youth Motivation Task Force/Black Executive Exchange Program (YMTF/BEEP).
The event, which brings a team of successful African American professionals to campus to serve as positive role models, students will have the opportunity to interact with the participants via classroom visitations and several other venues.
This year’s team will consist of successful professionals from medicine, law, government, education, the clergy and the corporate arena.
XU alumni participating in this year’s program include Dr. Katrice Albert ’94, Ambassador Charles Baquet III ’63, LTC Clarence Becknell ’75, Dr. Kenneth Boutte ’76, Dr. Patricia Boyer ’80, Chad Broussard ’99, Charlese Brown ’81, Conchetta Carpenter ’99, Dr. Lynette Smith Causey ’72, Kristi Hubbard ’78, Dr. Ernest Jackson ’75, Dr. Adrienne Johnson ’95, Terri Laurant ’99, Patrick Marrero ’92, Dr. Ambrose Martin III ’76, Vernon Martin, Jr. ’73, Giovanni Morris ’90, Donald Naylor Jr. ’96, Tahra Taylor ’91 and Vernon Williams ’84.
The 2009 Industry Chairperson is Melanie A. Sullivan ’88, technical project manager for eVenture Technologies in New Orleans, while Carolyn Duvigneaud Thomas ’71, XU director of career services, is serving as University Chair.
For more info contact Stay tuned for more details. For more info, contact Carolyn Thomas.
Pharmacy Student Receives MLK Service Award
New Orleans LA - Launchland Roberts, a fourth-year Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy student from Tampa FL (C. Leon King High School), was honored for his community service during the 23rd annual Martin Luther Ling, Jr., Week for Peace Celebration.
Roberts was recognized for embodying Dr. King’s spirit of a “drum major for justice” as both a leader and participant in various efforts to restore, rebuild and renew the New Orleans community through his active affiliation with Xavier Peer Dean program, through his fraternity and through Mobilization at Xavier.
He is currently serving as project coordinator of G-Whiz, a new comprehensive recycling program aimed at improving environmental awareness among the XU community, and is spearheading the Alternative Spring Break trip to assist hurricane victims in Galveston TX. He also coordinated monthly campus service days post-Katrina.
Roberts was one of the four students from the MLK Week-sponsoring local institutions (XU, Tulane, Dillard and Loyola) to receive a community service award during the convocation. The Honorable “Lindy” Boggs, the first women to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana and elected to nine-terms before retiring in 1990, was presented the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award during the same event.
Comedian, nutritionist, and social and human rights activist Dick Gregory delivered the keynote address at the convocation. Other MLK Week for Peace events included a community service day, interfaith service and expressions of unity celebration.
SuperScholar Program Taking Applications
New Orleans LA - Xavier University of Louisiana's SuperScholar/EXCEL (SSE) program returns to the campus this summer June 21- July 18. Applications are now being accepted for the four-week summer program, which prepares African American students for college and ultimately for graduate or professional school.
Both popular and successful, the program has left an indelible mark on past participants.
“The impact of EXCEL was immeasurable in terms of helping me develop critical thinking and study skills,” said Dr. Rockell Brown, a ’93 EXCEL alum and ’97 XU graduate. “The Sister to Sister sessions really stand out in my mind because they exposed me to the cultural dynamic of my spirituality. The competitiveness and being around high achievers really motivated me and inspired me. I’ve maintained life-long relationships.”
“EXCEL changed my life,” concurs Michael Molina, a ‘92 EXCEL alum and ‘97 XU graduate. “I was a good student, but I became a great student at EXCEL. The level of expectation, the challenge, the inspiration and guidance set me right for a solid senior year of high school and a great college career.”
SSE participants learn test-taking strategies that will enhance their performance on standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT. Participants will take non-credit courses in Quantitative Reasoning (Math), Critical Thinking/Writing, Speech/Debate, Philosophy and African-American History. Participants will be introduced to an array of research strategies and methods, including instruction in MLA (Modern Language Association) and American Psychological Association (APA) formatting and citation style. The top two research papers will be selected for publication. All participants will perform community service.
Students are required to live on campus and also participate in social and cultural events.
Extracurricular highlights include the Essence Festival, a steamboat cruise and a talent/fashion show. The total cost of the program is $1,950; merit scholarships up to $1550 are available.
Eligible participants include students who will be high school seniors in the fall of 2009 or graduating seniors who have been admitted to Xavier for the fall. Applications are available HERE. The deadline is March 15.
Artists Highlight Humanities Speaker Series
New Orleans, LA - Collaborative Artists Bradley McCallum and Jacqueline Tarry, whose work challenges audiences to face issues of race and social justice, will give a lecture at Xavier University of Louisiana, Thursday January 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. The lecture, “A Conversation with McCallum and Tarry” is part of the Xavier University Endowment for the Humanities Speakers Series and is free and open to the public.
Mc Callum and Tarry’s work includes large-scale public projects, performance sculpture, painting, photography, video and self-portraiture. Locally their work can be seen currently at The African American Museum of Art History and Culture, as part of Prospect 1, the largest biennial of international contemporary art ever organized in the United States. The exhibition closes January 18th.
Visit the artists' website at www.mccallumtarry.com.
Beyond Jena: Forum on Bloggers, Education and Social Justice
New Orleans, LA - Beyond Jena: A forum on bloggers of color, education and social justice in New Orleans will be hosted by Xavier University of Louisiana Jan. 31, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom.
The forum will convene diverse panels of bloggers of color, faculty, students and community activities in order to engage in informative discussions concerning the rise of the blogosphere in New Orleans and the unique ways that grassroots media can be utilized to enhance pedagogical practices as we seek to realize the Xavier mission on social justice within the classroom and beyond.
“The Jena protest of 2007 was organized through blogs and grassroots media and became mainstream,” said Dr. Kimberly Chandler, communications professor at Xavier and one of the conference organizers. “After that, people began to realize the potential for blogs and in particular the black blogosphere, for getting the message out and organizing struggles for social justice.”
Community blogger and multimedia specialist at Xavier, Bart Everson is also one of the conference organizers. “As we realize Xavier’s mission, for a more just and humane society, we are incorporating it into the classroom, through service learning, and student bloggers.”
The conference is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Students, faculty, community members and bloggers are invited to attend. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Guest panelists include: Jordan Flaherty, director of the New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival; Clifton Harris, of VIA Link and author of his own blog;
Dedra Johnson, Dillard University professor and Assistant Dean of Humanities;
Paul Beaulieu, talk show host and political columnist; and Xavier professors Dr. Marion Carroll and Dr. Ross Louis.
Admission is free, but registration is required. For more information on the conference or to register, visit the website at www.BeyondJena.com.
CUR Awards $50,000 in Campus Research Grants
New Orleans, LA - The Xavier University of Louisiana Center for Undergraduate Research has awarded more than $50,000 in research grants for the spring 2009 semester.
Those receiving grants and their respective research projects are:
- Farrah Gafford (sociology), Community Interrupted: Rebuilding Community in Pontchartrain Park in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina;
- Dr. Dominique Gendrin (communications), Cognitive Processes, Relational Variables and Life Satisfaction Among African American and Vietnamese American Women;
- Dr. Gloria MaGee (chemistry), Microdevice Electrophoresis Determination of Estrogen Metabolites;
- Dr. Peter Martinat (biology), Behavioral and Chemical Ecology of the Gulf Fritillary in New Orleans;
- Dr. M.A. Qasim (chemistry), Predicting the Reactivity of Kazal Family Inhibitors from their Sequence Slone;
- Dr. Robin Vander (English), Performing Exile: Housing and Human Rights in Post-Katrina New Orleans; and
- Dr. Frank Wesselmann (physics), Sub-Nuclear Degrees of Freedom: Studying the Spin Structure of Protons and Neutrons.
All of the research projects receiving grants include significant participation of Xavier undergraduate students who plan on attending Graduate School. The funding for each project, provided through a Title III grant, range from $4,800 to $10,000.
Library to Increase Evening/Weekend Hours
New Orleans, LA - Responding to student requests, the Xavier University of Louisiana Library Resource Center will be open for longer hours beginning in January 2009, according to Robert Skinner, University Librarian.
When the new schedule goes into effect, the Library will be open until 12 midnight – one hour later than previously – Monday through Thursday. Hours will also be extended on Sunday, opening an hour and a half earlier (12:30 p.m.) and closing two hours later (12 midnight). Friday and Saturday hours will remain unchanged.
“Whether it’s to see an old text, to survey back files of a particular journal or just to find a quiet place to study, we all know that there’s no substitute for an open library,” said Skinner. “Students come to Xavier to learn and the library is the key to learning.”
Skinner indicated that the staff will monitor the new schedule to see how well the library is satisfying user demand and make further adjustments as needed.
Effective in January, the new Library hours will be:
Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 12 midnight
Friday 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 12 noon to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 12 midnight
Xavier to Host Dialogue on Black/Jewish Relations Jan. 17-19
New Orleans, LA - African Americans and Jews have had a long history of cooperation when it comes to civil rights and the fight for racial equality in America, although that relationship has eroded over the past thirty years. More recently, Jewish Americans and Black Americans were the two ethnic groups that voted in the largest numbers for President-Elect Barack Obama.
But what do those facts mean? And what can a renewed Black-Jewish alliance hope to achieve, particularly in a worsening economic climate? Those are the kinds of topics being explored during a special conference on Black-Jewish relations being held January 17-19 on the campus of Xavier University of Louisiana.
“Americans at the Pulpit and in the Public Square: A Conversation on Race, Religion and Rhetoric” will be held over Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend and on the eve of the Obama presidential inauguration. It is an effort to examine and re-invigorate Black-Jewish relations in a new context. Major organizing sponsors are the American Jewish Committee and the Office of Black Ministry of the Archdiocese of New York,
along with several other organizations.
The conference will feature an impressive line-up of top academics, activists, and elected officials including:
- Professor Cheryl Greenberg, author of Troubling the Waters: Black-Jewish Relations in the American Century. (“The vexed topic of Black-Jewish relations in 20th-century America requires a brave writer, and Greenberg confronts the issue with honesty and dedication.” - The Atlantic Monthly)
- Lucia Small, Co-Producer and Co-Director of the documentary film “The Axe in the Attic.” (“One of the most challenging and unsettling American films of the year.” – Cinema Scope Magazine)
- Dr. Norman C. Francis, President of Xavier University & advisor to seven US presidential administrations
- Miami City Council member Andre Williams
- Rabbi James Rudin, advisor to world leaders on inter-religious affairs, including Pope John Paul II and a number of US presidents.
The conference offers a unique opportunity to engage academics and advocates from around the country, interact in small discussion workshops, and participate in hands-on service. Everyone is invited to participate, in particular diocesan and parish
ethnic ministry leaders, university faculty and students, community
leaders, and clergy.
For more information and to register, visit http://www.nolaconference.blogspot.com.
Dick Gregory Keynote Speaker for MLK Week for Peace
New Orleans, LA - Dick Gregory will be the keynote speaker for the 22nd
annual Martin Luther King Jr. Week for Peace, January 16-23, 2009.
The Martin Luther King Week for Peace is presented by Xavier, Tulane, Loyola and Dillard Universities. “The Dream Fulfilled in the Midst of the Storm” is the theme for 2009 celebration.
“This year we’ve changed our schedule,” said Carolyn Pierre, committee chair. “The week will start on the Friday before with a kick-off on each campus and we will have an evening event on Martin Luther King Day.”
On Saturday January 17 students will participate in a community service day. On the holiday Monday Jan. 19 the schools will host a candlelight vigil and interfaith service on the Dillard campus at the Lawless memorial chapel. The candlelight vigil will be at 4:00 pm followed by the interfaith service at 4:30 p.m.
Dick Gregory will speak on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the MLK Convocation held on the Xavier University campus in the University Center Ballroom. The lifetime achievement award and the student community service awards will be presented
at this time.
Finally, the week closes with the Expressions of Unity on the Loyola campus in Nunemaker Auditorium at 7:00 p.m., Friday January 23.
Dick Gregory was on the frontline in the sixties during the Civil Rights Era; today he continues to be a "drum major for justice and equality."
Gregory, was one of the first African-American comedians to cross over to mainstream white audiences, he was also one of the fiercest sociopolitical satirists of his day; using the nightclub stage as his soapbox
African-American comedian, civil rights activist, and spokesman for health issues, who became nationally recognized in the 1960s for a biting brand of comedy that
attacked racial prejudice.
His comedy career breakthrough came in 1961, when a one-nighter at the Chicago Playboy Club turned into a six-week stint that earned him a profile in Time magazine and a television appearance on “The Jack Paar Show.” In his numerous subsequent television, nightclub, and concert routines, he targeted poverty, segregation, and racial discrimination.
Active in the Civil Rights Movement, he participated in numerous demonstrations and was arrested for civil disobedience several times; in 1963 he was jailed in Birmingham, Ala. His activism spurred him to run for mayor of Chicago in 1966 and for president of the United States in 1968.
In the early 1970s Gregory abandoned comedy to focus on his political interests, which widened from race relations to include such issues as violence, world hunger, capital punishment, drug abuse, and poor health care. He generated particular attention for his many hunger fasts. At this time he became a vegetarian, a
marathon runner, and an expert on nutrition. He soon began a successful business venture with his nutritional product, the “Bahamian Diet,” around which he built Dick Gregory Health Enterprises, Inc. Through his company, he targeted the lower
life expectancy of Black Americans, which he attributed to poor nutrition and drug and alcohol abuse.
Gregory has written many books, including Nigger: An Autobiography (1964) and No More Lies: The Myth and the Reality of American History (1971). He made a brief return
to the comedy circuit in the mid-1990s.
His most recent book, Callus On My Soul, which became a best-seller within weeks of
publication, is an autobiography that updates his earlier autobiography (Nigger), because as Dick says, "I’ve lived long enough to need two autobiographies which is fine with me. I’m looking forward to writing the third and fourth volumes as well."
The comedian and speaker was honored at the Kennedy Center in 2000 at an event hosted by Bill Cosby and featuring nearly a dozen luminaries, including Sinbad, Dorothy Height, Coretta Scott King, Marion Barry, and Stevie Wonder.
For more information on the Xavier/Tulane/Loyola/Dillard Martin Luther King Week for Peace events, call 504-520-5450 or 865-5181.
CAT Launches New Podcast Series
New Orleans, LA - The Center for the Advancement of Teaching (CAT) has announced the official launching of a new podcast series designed to examine how teaching intersects with a diverse range of topics.
The podcast series, entitled Teaching, Learning, and Everything Else, consists of a chain of audio programs distributed free over the internet. Each episode consists of a conversation with a teacher in higher education, with the interviews conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Yost Hammer, Director of Xavier’s CAT.
The four episodes currently available online include conversations with Dr. Suzie Baker of James Madison University about teaching, learning and technology; with Dr. David Park of Xavier about teaching and service learning; with Dr. Marcia Rossi of Tuskegee University about teaching, learning, and dealing with personal problems of students; and with Dr. William Buskist of Auburn University about master teachers.
“This series offers a fresh and personal approach to faculty development that will appeal to anyone who teaches at the college level, regardless of discipline or rank,” said Bart Everson, CAT Multi Media Artist and the series producer. “We're just getting started, and hope to continue branching out and exploring new topics with each episode.”
For more info and to listen to the show, please visit the CAT website at http://cat.xula.edu/podcast.
Burrell Named Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations
New Orleans, LA - Danielle Burrell has been named as the director for Corporate and
Foundation Relations at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Burrell, a 1997 Xavier graduate, worked as a business consultant and career development specialist with the Jefferson Parish Youth Training Center before coming to Xavier
As Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations in Xavier’s Institutional Advancement division, Burrell will be responsible for building partnerships and collaborations with corporations and foundations, and soliciting gifts that support the university’s priorities and capital campaigns.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree from Xavier, she holds a Master of Education
from the University of New Orleans and is certified as a health education specialist
by the National Commission for Health Education.later, aided by the 1994 healing of a deaf girl accepted as attributable to miraculous intercession, she was canonized in 2000.
