The Week in Pictures

HOME................... THE WEEK IN PICTURES ARCHIVES 2012......

[LEFT] SPIRIT OF THE SEASON: Liberty Bank CEO Alden McDonald (right), backed up by a host of dignitaries and friends, presents a $40,000 check in support of Xavier to XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis during a special holiday celebration of the bank’s 40th anniversary. The concert – the first major non-university event to be held in the new Convocation Center – featured the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. [CENTER] ALL BUSINESS: Six business majors presented a plan for exporting shoes to Liberia (Steps for Empowerment) to executives at the 3M Corporation in St. Paul MN as part of their Sales for Social Impact Class. On hand were: (seated, L-R) Gina Ricard, Anjanique Hill, and Jacqre' Stewart; (standing, L-R) Division of Business Chair Dr. Joe Ricks, Jr. and Conrad N. Hilton Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship Mark Quinn, Nnenia Clark, Jacobe' Hollins, Timothy Jackson, and 3M marketing analyst Stacey Windon ’11. [RIGHT] GOING TO THE BIG APPLE: Two sophomores – (L-R) Nia Beasley, a biology major from New Orleans (Ursuline Academy), and Andrea Stewart, a history major from Shreveport LA (C.E. Byrd High) – meet with Dr. Kenneth Boutte Sr., Associate Dean of Summer Initiatives and External Programs, to discuss their participation in the XU/NYU Student Exchange Program, which will place them in New York NY for the spring semester.

[LEFT] REUNION CLASSES: Several members of the Class of 1952 – (front, L-R) Dr. Norman C. Francis, Ruth Newton Wilson, Fred Johnson, and MacLetus Terrell Dejoie; (back row) Leo Sam, Vera Davillier Stevens, and Lorraine Marrero Thomas – pose for their class photo at the annual Homecoming Gala, which drew a crowd of nearly 500 attendees. The 14 special five-year reunion classes presented the University with gifts totaling $485,565 at the event, the 52ers leading the way with 30 members contributing $134,647. [CENTER] ALL HANDS ON DECK: Dr. Joe Melcher (communications) and (L-R) senior speech pathology majors Corinne Williams of Lynwood IL and Taylore Che of Cincinnati meet up for lunch with XU alums Keisha Allen ’96, Joi Jackson ‘98, Mariea Becknel ‘99, Tiffany Francis ‘97, Denise Holland ‘99, and (kneeling) Jeanine Jackson ’91 during the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association convention, held in Atlanta GA. [RIGHT] THE OTHER WES MOORE: Author, entrepreneur, combat veteran, and youth advocate Wes Moore (center) visits with XU students – (L-R) Treyvon Merritt, Jasmine Douglas, Arkeyin Hayward, Page Johnson, Marlon Nessbitt, and Thomas James Nash – following an on-campus discussion of his best-selling memoir, "The Other Wes Moore”.

[LEFT] PUMP UP THE MUSIC: Musical legends The O’Jay’s bring down the house during their performance at the fifth annual Dr. Norman C. Francis Endowed Scholarship Benefit Concert, held before a huge appreciative audience at the Morial Convention Center. Grammy/American Music Award-winning recording artist Stephanie Mills also entertained. [CENTER] ON THE YARD: (L-R) Alumni Byrin DuVall ‘80, Bernard Griffith ‘71, Melvin Butler ‘77, Phillip Stelly ‘77, Earl Sconiers ‘77 and Thomas Hinton Jr. ‘77 renew old acquaintances at the annual Celebration On the Yard, which brought alums and current students together for good food, music and friends. [RIGHT] SCHOLARSHIP CONCERT: President Norman C. Francis presents a gift of appreciation to Karl Connor ‘91, Sr. Director, Government & Public Affairs BP America, Inc., in recognition of the company’s lead sponsorship for the 5th Annual Dr. Norman C. Francis Endowed Scholarship Benefit Concert.

[LEFT] FIT AS A FIDDLE: Education professor Sr. Jean Marie Craig, S.B.S., this year’s Wellness Awareness Week honoree, leads students, faculty, and staff members through some warm-up exercises as they prepare for the Walk with the President, an annual highlight of long-running event. Other activities included health screenings, physical activities, health and wellness exhibits, workshops, forums, and cultural activities. [CENTER] JUBILEES: Three Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament celebrating significant jubilees – (L-R) Sister Mary Ann Stachow (50 years), Sister Juliana Haynes (60 years), and Sister Grace Mary Flickinger (60 years) – are congratulated by XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis before a special Mass held in the new St. Katharine Drexel Chapel. The event also marked the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Associates of the S.B.S. at Xavier. [RIGHT] TOP ALUMS: The dynamic husband and wife duo of Consuella Broussard ’53 and Edmund Broussard ’54 accept the 2012 Victor H. Labat Alumnus of the Year awards from (L-R) Victor Labat, Jr. '55, XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis ’52, and National Alumni President Frederick Carter '69 at the annual Homecoming Gala. The annual celebration drew a sellout crowd to the University Center Ballroom.

[LEFT] EDUCATION WEEK: Members of Kappa Delta Pi, the Division of Education’s Honor Society, met for a meal in the UC dining hall to celebrate American Education Week and to promote camaraderie among its members. (L-R) Sr. Alicia Costa, S.S.F., secretary Kamaria Beamon, Mia Ward, vice president Doris Smith, and Mia Gonzales. Sr. Jean Marie Craig, S.B.S (not pictured) serves as president. [CENTER] REPEAT: The XU women's volleyball team defeated Tougaloo this past weekend to win their second straight GCAC conference tournament. XU's Chinedu Echebelem was chosen as tournament MVP. Get the details HERE. The Nuggets (22-7) are the first HBCU to qualify for the NAIA National Championship in consecutive seasons. [RIGHT] CORONATION BALL: Nikki Odofin, a senior psychology/premed major from DeRidder LA, is officially crowned Miss Xavier 2012-13 by XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis before a packed University Center Ballroom audience during the Annual Ball and Coronation.

[LEFT] MELTING POT: Revelers dressed in traditional clothing from various nationalities dance the night away at the University’s annual Cultural Night celebration, which brought together a display of the music, cuisine, customs, and fashion from around the world. [CENTER] BRAND SPANKING NEW: Players, coaches, cheerleaders and fans observe the playing of the national anthem just prior to tipoff of the first basketball game (and first event) in Xavier's new state-of-the-art Convocation Center. [RIGHT] COMMUNITY OUTREACH: (L-R) P3 Mona Khashan of Flowery Branch GA and pharmacy professor Dr. Kendrea Bryant provide a Lakeside Shopping Mall visitor a free blood pressure test and diabetes consultation during the College of Pharmacy’s annual "Operation Diabetes" community outreach event. Scores of pharmacy students and faculty participated.

[LEFT] ALL NET: It was smiles all around as Xavier dedicated its new six-court, lighted tennis facility. Participating in the ribbon-cutting were: (L-R) Manning Architects associate John Prather, XU VP for Administration Calvin Tregre, XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis, XU Tennis Coach Alan Green, XU AD Dennis Cousin, and XU VP for Facilities Planning & Management Marion Bracy. [CENTER] FOLLOW ME: (L-R) Brittany Allison ’09, who is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in chemistry at Vanderbilt University, was back on campus extoling the benefits of attending her school’s programs to Brandi Green and other current XU students during the Office of Graduate Placement’s Fall 2012 Graduate and Professional School Fair. [RIGHT] SHOWTIME: The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha show off their steps before a packed house in The Barn at the recent Greek Neophyte Show.

[LEFT] WELCOME RECEPTION: XU President Norman C. Francis presents a plaque to Hebei University VP Dr. Wang Fengming in recognition of their partnership in the Confucius Institute at Xavier during a welcoming reception. The CI is partnership between Xavier, Hebei, and Hanban committed to building bridges between the American and Chinese cultures. [CENTER] RIBBON-CUTTING: (L-R) S.B.S. President Sister Patricia Suchalski, Hebei University VP Dr. Wang Fengming, Chinese Houston Consul General Xu Erwen, XU President Norman C. Francis, XU Board of Trustees Chair Mary Zervigon, XU Confucius Institute Director Dr. Yu Jiang, and Consul & Director of Education Zhang Yiqun participate in the official ribbon-cutting for the CI offices in St. Joseph’s Academic and Health Resources Center. [RIGHT] CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE: (L-R) XU President Norman C. Francis, Chinese Houston Consul General Xu Erwen, and Hebei University VP Dr. Wang Fengming, unveil a plaque commemorating the official opening of the Confucius Institute at Xavier.

[LEFT] TAKING THE LEAD: (L-R) SNPhA president Joseph McDonald of New Orleans (St. Augustine High) huddles with Pre-Pharmacy Student Association officers Anthony Poche of Marrero LA (Thomas Jefferson High), DeMaurian Mitchner of Duncanville TX (Duncanville High), Dominique Reed of New Orleans (Edna Karr High), and Mahalia Dees of New York NY (Notre Dame High) during the College of Pharmacy’s annual Night Out with the Dean. [CENTER] RUN FOR FUNDS: Xavier students, faculty, staff, and alumni turned out in force for the 25th annual UNCF 5K Walk for Education, which was held at the Audubon Park and Zoo’s Riverview Area this past weekend. [RIGHT] SOLIS VISIT: President Dr. Norman C. Francis welcomes U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis on her first visit to the Xavier campus, where she addressed education and training initiatives and issues before a local audience in the University’s new Convocation Center Annex.

[LEFT] A GRAND OPENING: The Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, pours oil on the altar as part of the consecration ceremony for the new St. Katharine Drexel Chapel, which was officially dedicated this past weekend. [CENTER] OH HAPPY DAY: (L-R) Long-time XU administrator Sister Monica Loughlin S.B.S., XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis, and world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli share a light moment following the official dedication and consecration ceremonies for the University’s new St. Katharine Drexel Chapel. [RIGHT] TAKE A BOW: Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament – (L-R) Sister Juliana Haynes (music), Sr. Jean Marie Craig (education), Sister Grace Mary Flickinger (biology), Sister Nathalee Bryant (Xavier Prep), Sister Donna Gould (English), and Sister Mary Ann Stachow (theology) – receive well-deserved applause during the official dedication and consecration of the new St. Katharine Drexel Chapel.

LEFT: Student organizations have taken the lead to get students registered to vote in the November elections. iVote Week began Monday with 100 students registering and enjoying a voting-themed cake donated by Breaux Mart in Chalmette. Among those actively engaged were (L-R) Gerard Williams Jr., SGA vice president; Nikki Odokin, Miss Xavier; Brie Merritt, XTV; Alexis Ellis, SGA secretary; Celeste Edwards, Gamma Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. social action chair; Jimmie Johnson, Xavier Herald political editor; and Nia Matherson, DST member.CENTER: Emma Carter (left), an administrative assistant in Admissions, and Calvin Tregre (right), Senior Vice President for Administration, are congratulated by XU President Norman Francis for 45 and 40 years of service to Xavier at a special Founder’s Day reception. Francis, who topped them both at 55 years, was also among the 64 long-time faculty and staff members honored. RIGHT: Participants in the Department of Public Health Sciences’ Majors and Minors Student Orientation enjoy some camaraderie, (front L-R) Kiara McIntyre, Yves-Yvette Young, MaQue Hollins, Jamilia Emerson, Prema Bhattacharjee, Megan Sutton, Ebubechukwu Onujiogu, and James Singleton; (back L-R) Kofi Bissah, Megan LaCour, Toddria Hall, Brittany Bradford, Naja Battle, and Raven Holmes.

LEFT: Speech Pathology majors (L-R) Taylore Che of Cincinnati OH (McAuley High), Tiffany Ransom of Mobile AL (McGill-Toolen High), and Corinne Williams of Lynwood IL (Thorton Fraction High) administer a hearing test to a young student during their summer visit to Honduras, where they joined two other XU students in providing speech and hearing clinics in both English and Spanish to regular education children, special education children, and adults with disabilities. CENTER:(L-R) Winston Burns, Sr. ’50, of New Orleans, is presented with a Congressional Gold Medal by Lt. Gen. Steven Hummer, Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve and Marine Forces Northern Command. Burn, 87, was one of the first African-Americans to join the Marine Corps when the branch of the service allowed African-Americans to serve. Visit HERE for more info. RIGHT: First-year College of Pharmacy students – (from left) David Jones of LaPlace LA (St. Augustine High), Jaime Johnston of New Orleans (Cabrini High), Katerra Williams of Hammond LA (Hammond High), Kelly Giardina of New Orleans, and Brittany Porrier of Kenner LA – sign their professional oaths at the 11th annual White Coat Ceremony, during which the neophyte students received their first professional uniform - the white jacket - symbolizing ethical practice and signifying the beginning of their professional pharmacy educations.

LEFT: Division of Education chair Dr. Rosalind P. Hale welcomes new English education freshmen twins Kaylen and Kirsten Sanchez into the Xavier family at a meet and greet event held during New Student Orientation. After a week’s recess to let Hurricane Isaac pass through the area, the fall semester has begun anew. CENTER: Enthusiastic members of Xavier's incoming Freshman class – (front, L-R) Taylor Brazley, Chelsey McDonald, Kennedy St. Charles and Kaylen Temple (back, L-R) Kadedra Murph, Thomas Nash III and Roland Daniels – proudly display their new Class of 2016 baseball caps for the first time following the annual "capping" ceremony, part of the University's week-long New Student Orientation program. RIGHT: P1 pharmacy students (L-R) Danyelle Kimble of Memphis TN (Kirby High), and Jaime Johnston and Taylor Davis, both of New Orleans (Cabrini High) enjoy a nice sunny day on campus. After a week off to let Hurricane Isaac pass through the area, the fall semester is now in full swing.

LEFT: Resident Assistant (RA) Leon Vaughn helps Ronnie Conley and his dad, Devin Conley, settle into St. Michael’s Residence Hall, the incoming freshman’s new home away from home this fall. Classes begin Monday. CENTER: Sophomore Resident Assistant (RA) Whitney Davis of Zachary LA, relaxes in her newly remodeled room in the Living Learning Center, one of several campus residence halls which received substantial renovation during the summer months. RIGHT: XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis (left) greets new incoming freshman Nathan Hines (center) and his family – (L-R) dad Dr. Bruce Hines ’81, brother Nicholas and mom Cynthia – at the President’s Welcome Reception for new students, parents and families during New Student Orientation 2012 week.

LEFT: Amid the ongoing construction, a rare glimpse at the interior of the new Convocation Academic Center (CAC), which is rapidly progressing toward its expected fall opening. Designed to replace the 74-year old “Barn”, the CAC will house the University’s first spacious assembly area (4,000+ seats) and be the new home of the basketball and volleyball teams. CENTER: XU head men’s basketball coach Dannton Jackson served as a court coach at the 2012 USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team training camp, which determined the 12-member roster that represented the USA at this year’s FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Americas U18 Championships in Brazil. Team USA went on to the Gold Medal by defeating Brazil in the finals. RIGHT: Nighttime view of the new St. Katharine Drexel Chapel.

LEFT: (L-R) St. Louis MO physician Dr. Ingrid Taylor Trasada ’89 is welcomed back to campus by her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sister Gia Soublet ’91, XU Assistant VP for Corporate and Foundation Relations, during a special reception held for alumni who were in New Orleans attending the annual National Medical Association (NMA) Convention. CENTER: Long-time XU biology professor Sister Grace Mary Flickinger S.B.S., shares a light moment with Dr. Myiesha Taylor ’96 and her three children during a special campus reception for Xavier-educated doctors. Flickinger is holding a collage featuring the Disney Channel’s animated character Doc McStuffins encircled by 131 African American women who are Doc's real life-counterparts – most garbed in their scrubs or doctor's coats – which Taylor sent to Disney to show their appreciation for the character, who has become a symbol of pride and hope for black women in medicine and the daughters they want to inspire. RIGHT: Natural diffused sunlight filters into the 65-foot tall main sanctuary of the new St. Katharine Drexel Chapel, which will be officially dedicated with a series of activities the week of Oct. 6-12.

LEFT: Xavier faculty members participated in New York University - Faculty Resources Network Summer 2012, including (L-R) Paula Singleton, Nancy Hampton, Dr. Michael White, Dr. Pamela Franco, and Dr. Ronald Dorris. Fr. Phillip Linden Jr. also participated. CENTER: XU President Norman C. Francis welcomes the Chicago IL husband and wife duo of pharmacist Christopher Moore '93 and physician Dr. Yvonne Collins-Moore '92 to a special campus reception for alumni who were in New Orleans attending the annual National Medical Association (NMA) Convention. RIGHT: Master of Theology degree graduates of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies – (second from left) Garnet Smith and Linda Mitchell-Blount – celebrate with (from left) Bishop Joseph Perry of the Archdiocese of Chicago IL, XU President Dr. Norman Francis, and XU Senior VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Loren Blanchard following the conclusion of this year’s summer program.

LEFT: (center) XU Senior VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Loren Blanchard and Department of Languages Chair Bro. Herman Johnson, OP, welcome (left) Fr. Bruno Cardore, OP, Master General of the Order of Preachers [Dominicans] and (right) his assistant Fr. Edward Ruane, OP, to campus during the world-wide leader’s visit to the local province. The Dominicans have long tradition of teaching and campus ministry at Xavier, which began in the 1930's. CENTER: Six XU faculty/staff members paid a highly productive visit to Hebei University, meeting with colleagues from the Colleges of Art, Education, International Education and Exchange, and Pharmaceutical Sciences to discuss exchange opportunities through the Confucius Institute (CI). The delegation – which included (L-R) art professor MaPo Kinnord-Payton, CI director Yu Jiang, education chair Rosalind Hale, CI associate director Wen Rongyao, pharmacy professor Lori Crawford, and Center for Intercultural and Internaional Affairs associate director Wendy Gaudin – also consulted Hanban/CI Headquarters in Beijing for future curricular development and community outreach. RIGHT: Civil Rights pioneer Mrs. Doratha “Dodie” Smith-Simmons (center) visits with EXCEL summer program participants (from left) Shane Sibley, Jordan Randles, Allison Grinnage, Jahylin Mckee, Claire Stevenson, and Ethan Ellison after sharing her experiences with the much larger group of students as part of their Harambee class. Smith-Simmons was one of the original Freedom Riders.

LEFT: Representatives from the Admissions and Institutional Advancement offices teamed-up to staff a booth at the recent Essence Music Festival held in New Orleans. Hundreds of alumni and prospective students visited to learn more about the exciting developments taking place on the Xavier campus. CENTER: Institutional Advancement representative Nicole Summers walks alumna Celestine Thomas MA ’86 through the basics of email during a free computer class co-hosted by Alumni Relations and the Office of Technology. Free computer classes are being offered each month on a variety of topics for all alums in the Greater New Orleans area. Visit HERE for details. RIGHT: Third-year (P3) pharmacy student Tommy Curtain (R) guides Jewvan Smith, a participant in the College of Pharmacy’s Summer Enrichment Program, through the practice of compounding. The four-week session is designed give a small group of high school students interested in pharmacy a broader perspective of the academic requirements and exposure to various career opportunities in pharmacy.

LEFT: Crystal Ashby (R), executive vice president of government and public affairs for BP America, addresses students participating in this year’s MathStar program, one of five components in the BP STEM Summer Institute. Looking on is Dr. Timothy Glaude, director of Xavier’s Star and SOAR programs. CENTER: Big Chief Daryl Montana of the Yellow Pocahontas, an instructor in the University’s annual Mardi Gras Indian summer art camp, keeps a careful watch on campers Nile Hedrick and Bria Johnson as they thread beads into cloth for the costume that participants in the popular program are creating. RIGHT: High School participants in Xavier’s popular MathStar summer program – (L-R) Blake Reddix, Kelsey Raymond, and Maici Williams – team up to investigate the effect of slopes during an interactive lab session. MathStar, a component of the BP STEM Summer Initiative, is one of five programs for high school and pre-college students currently active on campus – another 10 will gear up later this month and in July.

LEFT: Greg Lee, Jr. ‘96 (right), senior assistant sports editor for the Boston Globe newspaper and President of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), accepts a gift from XU President Norman C. Francis during a special reception held on campus for board members of the organization, which was in town for its annual convention. CENTER: (L-R) Xavier professor Brenda Edgerton-Webster and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Bryan McDonnell help St. Augustine High School sophomore George Aidoo, Jr. write a script for a television broadcast during the third annual National Association of Black Journalists High School Workshop co-hosted by XU's Mass Communication program. The purpose of the comprehensive four-day workshop is to expose high school students to journalism and work with some of the strongest professionals and educators in the industry. The workshop was held on Xavier's campus. RIGHT: With the exterior of the new St. Katharine Drexel mostly completed, the focus of workers – seen here unpacking pews and other furniture – has shifted to the interior design. Expected to officially open in early October, the octagon-shaped, energy-efficient spiritual center will house a sanctuary, sacristy, meditation room and garden, day chapel and bell tower.

LEFT: Work continues in earnest on the university’s new tennis courts, which is being constructed near the Art Village on Stroelitz and Pine Streets in Gert Town. The facility is expected to be completed in August. Down the street the Convocation Academic Center – the new home for the basketball and volleyball programs – is also racing to completion. CENTER: (L-R) Xavier art professor Mora Beauchamp-Byrd, art administrative assistant Trechere Washington, and A&S Associate Dean Kim Vaz share a light moment with Tara Hernandez, President JCH Development, at the grand opening of the Blue Plate Artist Lofts on Jefferson Davis Parkway. A silent auction held during the event featuring several local artists raised funds in support the University’s Community Arts Program. RIGHT: Representatives from several organizations in healthcare, health, education, transportation, and public service met for two days on the Xavier campus to identify ways to build a stronger foundation for public health preparedness, promote continuous quality improvement for public health systems, and strengthen the science base for public health practice improvement in Louisiana. Participating in the assessment were: (seated L-R) Claire Norris, Xavier; Annrose Guarino, LSU Ag Center; Charlotte Parent, City of New Orleans; and Liljana Johnson, National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI); (standing) Jack Dale, Tulane University Medical School; Nic Turrentine, M Squared Strategies, Inc.; Jessica Riccardo, New Orleans Health Department; Selena Hunn, M Squared Strategies, Inc.; Janna Knight, Louisiana Public Health Institute; Leonard Jack, Jr., Xavier; Yvette Wing, New Orleans Health Department; Mikal Giancola, New Orleans Health Department; and David Wagner, Daughters of Charity.

LEFT: Current National Football League (NFL) players and members of the Gold Rush basketball team relax at midcourt following a hard-fought game in the second annual Jacoby Jones Celebrity Basketball Slam Jam, a fundraiser game for the XU men's basketball program held in The Barn. Jones, a New Orleans native and NFL receiver, recently signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens. CENTER: Recent high school graduates in Xavier’s TRIO Upward Bound program – (sitting L-R) Jamie Thomas, Ryesha Williams, Amber Williams, Kimberly Franklin, Erica Thomas, Jonea` Gordon, and Ivoryana Davison; (standing) Ricky Coston, Bertrand Dezara, Wesley Jenkins, and Troy Simon – were honored at the annual Senior/Alumni Celebration 2012. Ten of these students will enroll at XU this summer as Summer Bridge participants to prepare for the transition from high school to college. RIGHT: Nineteen students were among the first inductees of the new XU chapter of The Collegiate 100 Black Men, including: (front row, L-R) Alex Presley, Josiah Fielteau, Antonio Roberts, Ephraim Opara, Quentin Guillory and Marvin Stewart; (2nd row) Justin Charles, Christopher Holloway, Toluwanimi Adebanjo, Bruce James II, Treyc Terry, Keegan Rayford and Keithan Rayford; (3rd row) Xavier Simien, Breelin Clark, Marlon Williams and Marquise Turner. Jonathan Watson and Gerard Williams Jr. were also inducted. The Collegiate 100's purpose is to provide volunteers to assist the local 100 Black Men Chapter in providing role models to the youth in the area. The Collegiate 100 will assist in areas such as educational, social, emotional, and physical needs.

LEFT:A banner for Xavier's Confucius Institute (CI) takes center stage above the performance stage during the Asian Heritage Festival held at the Audubon Zoo. New director Dr. Yu Jiang and several volunteers engaged visitors to the CI booth with a showcase of Chinese culture, as well as information on planned teaching and community outreach programs. CENTER: Incoming freshman Taylor Denton of Memphis TN (Central High School) and her parents Gyneon and Janet Denton – winners of the tuition lottery held during the University’s Lagniappe New Student Summer Preview Weekend – are all smiles as they accept a representative check from XU Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Loren Blanchard. RIGHT: Newly graduated Xavier physicians and current medical students muster at the University of Rochester School of Medicine’s 2012 Commencement, during which U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin ’79 (back row, center) was awarded an honorary degree. On hand are: (front row L-R) Dr. Ellegant Pearson ’08, Chante Calais ’11, Kordell Hunter ’11, Kristen Walker ’11, and Dr. Dorcas Pinto ’08; (back row) Steve Morgan ’11, Dr. Arie Shaw ’08, Benjamin, Conisha Holloman ’09, and Dr. Thomas Fugate II ‘07.

LEFT: Xerox chairman and chief executive officer Ursula Burns delivers the commencement address at Xavier’s 85th annual graduation ceremony. Burns, the first African-American woman CEO to head a Fortune 500 company, addressed 550 undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional students and their families, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business degree. Read her remarks HERE. CENTER: XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis presents an honorary Doctor of Music degree to local jazz performer and composer Terence Blanchard at Xavier’s 85th annual commencement in recognition of his artistic and professional success, and in appreciation for his contributions to the jazz form and his drive on pass it on the next generation. RIGHT: Rihab Kaissi, a PharmD candidate of the Qatar University College of Pharmacy, is welcomed to campus by XU pharmacy dean Dr. Kathleen Kennedy and clinical assistant professor Dr. Sara Al-Dahir. Rihab, who earned a BS in pharmacy in 2011, is now pursuing a one-year PharmD program, which includes a one-month rotation at the Trauma Intensive Care of the Interim LSU Hospital as part of the Xavier-Qatar collaboration.

LEFT: XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis (center) accepts a Centennial Medal on behalf of the University from (L-R) Fr. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA and Gordon Wadge, CEO of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. The Centennial Medal, a symbol of Catholic Charities USA's first 100 years, was presented to Xavier in recognition of the University's commitment to racial equality. CENTER: XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis presents an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Fr. Cyprian Davis, O.S.B. – a Benedictine monk, author, and professor of black Catholic Church history – at Xavier’s 2012 commencement in recognition of his unique devotion and extraordinary commitment to his faith, and his untiring zeal to evoke that same spirituality in us all. RIGHT: (L-R) XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis and Board of Trustees Chair Mary Zervigon share the commencement stage with the five faculty members awarded 2012 Norman C. Francis Faculty Excellence Awards, including: Teaching – Dr. Stassi DiMaggio (chemistry) and Dr. Janet Privett (chemistry), Service – Dr. Joe Melcher (communications), and Scholarship – Dr. Hector Biliran (biology) and Dr. Dominique Gendrin (communications).

LEFT: (L-R) Two freshmen – English major Mia Ruffin of Baton Rouge LA (Baton Rouge Magnet) and political science major Devon Pruitt of Meridian MS (Meridian High) – have been named to the Kemper Scholars Program’s Class of 2013. Designed to prepare students for leadership and service, the prestigious program promotes education in the liberal arts while providing opportunities for career exploration and practical experience through internships. CENTER: Four members of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) champion women’s volleyball team – (L-R) Chinedu Echebelem, Taylor Reuther, Moira Kirk and Patrice Hightower – show off their All-Conference Awards at the annual XU Athletic Banquet. Hightower was also one of the 18 student-athletes who received their academic degrees at Xavier’s 2012 commencement. RIGHT: (L-R) XU President Norman C. Francis presents the University’s two most coveted senior service awards – the Mother Agatha Ryan Award and the St. Katharine Drexel Award – to Kaitlyn Gaddis of Snellville GA and Mia Holmes of New Orleans during the 2012 Baccalaureate Mass and Honors Convocation.

LEFT: The College of Pharmacy Class of 2012 gathers on stage during the annual Honors and Awards Ceremony to recite the Oath of a Pharmacist in which they promise to devote themselves to a lifetime of service to others. CENTER: Patrick Jackson ’11, one of the founding members of the XU chapter of Phi Sigma Iota, the International Foreign Language Honor Society, works the crowd during the recent induction ceremony, which saw 25 new undergraduate members initiated. RIGHT: XU’s top summa cum laude graduates – (center, L-R) Asia Matthew of Quincy MA, Jasmine Holmes of New Orleans, and Ashley Matthew of Quincy MA, all 4.0s – join (L-R) XU President Norman C. Francis, Trustee Mark Romig, honorary degree recipient Fr. Cyprian Davis, O.S.B., keynote speaker Ursula Burns, honorary degree recipient Terence Blanchard, and Trustees Mary Zervigon and Leo Sam backstage prior to the 2012 Commencement ceremony at the Kiefer Lakefront Arena.

LEFT: Randall McHenry '86, President of the Houston Alumni Chapter, is flanked by Frederick Carter '69, National Alumni Association President and Dr. Norman C. Francis ' 52 as he presents a check for $5,000 to the University at the inaugural Vincent Rachal Luncheon, held in Houston TX. More than 100 alumni and friends attended. CENTER: Long-time biology professor Dr. Deidre Labat (right), who is retiring after 35 years of service at Xavier, is congratulated by XU President Norman C. Francis after being awarded the title of Professor Emeritus during the annual Faculty Awards Night in recognition of her outstanding record of teaching, research and service to the University. RIGHT: 2nd-year pharmacy student Kearston Barnes of Fort Valley GA (center) expresses her thanks in person to Joan Mueller Holt (right), wife of the late James Holt, Jr. '58 and donor of the James Holt, Jr. Pharmacy Endowed Scholarship, during the latter’s campus visit. Also on hand is College of Pharmacy Dean Dr. Kathleen Kennedy. Barnes is the current recipient of the endowed scholarship.

LEFT: Senior chemistry/premed major Ashley Matthew of Quincy MA (Quincy High) explains her research conducted under the mentorship of chemistry professor Dr. Terry Watt to junior science/elementary education major Mia Ward of McKinney TX (McKinney High) and senior chemistry/premed major Keishondra Sampson of Baton Rouge LA (McKinley High) during the annual campus-wide showcase of scholarly student research. Looking on is her sister, Asia, also a senior chemistry/premed major. More than 200 students participated. CENTER: XU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Loren Blanchard (center) accepts an award on behalf of the University from New Orleans Black Chorale officers Kathy Fortner-Celestine and B. Paul Bailey. Xavier was recognized for its success in recovering from Hurricane Katrina and in providing students from New Orleans and across the country with an outstanding education during the group’s Black History Concert. RIGHT: Students in Dr. Judith Miranti’s (Division of Education) Freshmen Seminar class (front row) and graduate students in Xavier’s Clinical Mental Health program (back row) reach out into the neighboring Gert Town community to help plant vegetable gardens at Philip Memorial United Baptist Church and the Greater King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church.

LEFT: XU Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Giles Conwill (right) poses with Morehouse College President Robert Franklin following his induction into the Martin Luther King Jr. International Board of Preachers. He was the only Catholic among the 36 preachers from around the country who were inducted. CENTER: Xavier’s nationally-ranked men’s tennis team – (sitting, L-R) Sean Richardson, Steffen Giles-Osborn and Zach Taylor, (standing) student assistant Hassan Abbas, Amir Rahbar, Loic Didavi, Corey Huggins, Viktor Svoboda, and head coach Alan Green – closed out the regular season with a win at Alcorn. Next stop is the NAIA unaffiliated group qualifying tournament April 27 at Norcross GA. RIGHT: (L-R) Shavonne Temple, a junior biology/premed major from New Orleans LA (St. Mary’s Dominican H.S.); Maura Jones, a junior biology/premed major from Monroe LA (Ouachita H.S.); and Princess Carter, a senior biology/premed major from Philadelphia PA (William Sayre H.S.), have been accepted to participate in San Diego State University’s Minority Health-Disparity International Research Training (MHIRT) Program for summer 2012 in Ghana, Africa at the University of Cape Coast. Read more HERE.

LEFT: Four alums – (L-R) Monica Smith ’04, Claire McDaniel ‘04, Shelina Davis Foderingham ’05 and Kamau Foderingham ‘05 – prepare to experience “the Circle of Life” with fellow Xavierites at the Office of Alumni Relations-sponsored evening of theatre and camaraderie in New Orleans at The Lion King, which included a pre-show reception and transportation. CENTER: Three freshman coeds – (L-R) psychology/premed major Andrea Stewart of Shreveport LA (Byrd High), biology/premed major Peyton Williams of Sunset LA (Grand Coteau High), and mass communication major Jazmin Taylor of Berlin NJ (Eastern High) – take in the National Players Theater traveling production of The Taming of the Shrew. RIGHT: Terri J. Vaughn (center), film/television actress and founder of her own non-profit "Take Wings” Foundation, shares a moment with senior chemistry/premed major Danielle White of Rowlett TX (Rowlett High) and senior biology/premed major Mia Holmes of New Orleans (Ben Franklin High), before appearing as a panelist for the national touring Legacy Lecture Series.

LEFT: Officers of Xavier's Sigma Kappa Chapter of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and their faculty advisor, Sr. Grace Mary Flickinger, S.B.S., welcome new members into the fold at their recent induction. (L-R) graduate initiate Dr. Thomas Huckaba, Parixit Joshi, Brittany Melson, Chigozie Dike, Chante Jones, Shaheera Chughtai, Antonio Roberts, Christan Williams, Davon Carter, Maura Jones, Donielle Williams, Michael Seaberry, Kim Chi Troung, Jessica Cooper, LaTasha Henderson, advisor Sr. Grace Mary Flickinger, S.B.S., Michael Nguyen and Monique Westley. Photo by Dr. Kenneth Boutte, Sr. ‘76. CENTER: A sneak peek inside the construction site of the new Convocation Academic Center (CAC) reveals the arena playing and seating areas starting to take shape. The multipurpose facility, scheduled for completion by fall, will be the new home for Xavier basketball and volleyball, as well as other major university events. RIGHT: XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis '52 shares a casual moment with UNCF Director of Government Affairs Edith Bartley, his daughter Christina Francis '89, and NAFEO President/CEO Lezli Baskerville at the 38th National Dialogue on Blacks in Higher Education in Washington DC, where he was honored for his commitment to minority education and service to the community. See details HERE. Photo by Dr. Rosalind Hale ’69.

LEFT: Workers encase the heretofore 15-foot tall wooden cross atop the octagonal roof of the new St. Katharine Drexel Chapel in copper. Rising to 90 feet above the ground at its highest point, the cross will serve as a new religious beacon and as a landmark for Xavier. CENTER: Iyesha Rosser, a freshman biology/premed major from Portland OR (Jefferson High), visits the campus St. Joseph’s Altar which was hosted in the St. Joseph’s Academic and Health Resource Center lobby. She was particularly interested in the cross, which she created. All donations from the altar were dedicated to an emergency scholarship fund intended to aid currently enrolled students with dire financial need. RIGHT: Twins Asia and Ashley Matthew, senior chemistry/premed majors from Quincy MA (Quincy High School), huddle in front of the Norman C. Francis Science Complex. Both have been accepted into the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Medical School’s highly-selective 2012 MD/PHD program in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences .See story HERE.

LEFT: Committee members, chapter officers, and winners of the inaugural hat contest share the winners circle with a victorious jockey and owner during the New Orleans Alumni Club #1’s annual Day at the Races. On hand were (L-R) Josie Lewis ’54, Jimmie Wickham ’61, Jane Jupiter ’73, Maria Sly George ’58, Shirley Judge ’57, Lorraine Williams ’47, Louise Sonnier ’56, Dianne Pajaud ’60, Whitney Forstall ’03 and Elvira Henry ’58. CENTER: Dr. Leonard Jack, Jr., (left) director of the XU Center for Health Minority Health & Health Disparities Research and Education, chats with Catharine Georges, a member of the AARP National Board, and Kermit Payne, president of marketing, meeting and management firm The 1Joshua Group, during a break at the 5th Annual Health Disparities Conference, hosted by the College of Pharmacy here in New Orleans. RIGHT: XU President Norman Francis congratulates three members of the storied “Freedom Riders” – (L-R) Jerome Smith, Doratha Smith-Simmons, and Claude Reese – who were honored at a special Xavier event for their “bravery, dedication and commitment to social justice” in testing application of the Supreme Court decision banning discrimination in interstate rail and bus travel in 1961.

LEFT: Fitness guru Molly Kimball of the Ochsner Elmwood Medical Center addresses the issue of proper nutrition with students in biology professor Dr. Peter Bartlett’s Freshman Seminar class. CENTER: Serving as judges and mentors at the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in Atlanta GA were Xavierites (L-R) Dr. April Savoy ’02, a program manager at SA Technologies; Dr. Gregory Bogin, Jr. ’03, assistant professor at the Colorado School of Mines; Dr. Kelley Harris-Johnson ’03, a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin; and Dr. Kenneth Boutte, Sr. ’76, associate dean at XU. Sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Science Foundation (NSF), the conference featured science, engineering, and mathematics presentations from students throughout the country. RIGHT: Acclaimed Cuban-born artist Jose Bedia, commissioned by architect Cesar Pelli to create the Stations of the Cross for the new St. Katharine Drexel Chapel, pays a visit to the construction site to see first-hand where his work will be displayed. He now works and lives in Miami FL.

LEFT: Members of the visiting Waseda University New Orleans Jazz Club, joined with junior English major Veronique Dorsey and professor/performer/class historian Dr. Michael White ’76 to entertain students in the latter’s African American music class. Last December, White was a special guest and performed at the Waseda group’s 50th anniversary recital. Participating in the event are Shizuho Soga, Dorsey, Mayu Demoyo, Issay Hidaka, White, Makota Shimodaira, Tsubasa Goto, Akihiro Nobe, Tui Matsuba and Kenji Tamura. CENTER: American television/film/stage actor and author Hill Harper (second from left) shares a private moment with Student Services staffer David Lewis, senior psychology/premed major and XAB president Chavez Scott of Memphis TN (Whitehaven High), VP for Student Services Joseph Byrd, and senior political science major Xavier Semien of Eunice LA (Eunice High) before his distinguished speaker lecture, part of Xavier’s Black History Month celebration. RIGHT: Stacy Milner, author of the book Leveraging Up! The Key to Launching Your Entertainment Career, shares some valuable pointers with three New Orleans’ mass communications majors – (L-R) senior Brooke Adams (Cabrini High), and sophomores Ruston Henry (St. Augustine High) and Jimmie Johnson (Algiers Technology Academy) – during the regional Entertainment College Outreach Program, which was hosted by Xavier.

LEFT: Dr. Kenneth Boutte, Sr. ‘76, Associate Dean of Summer Initiatives and External Programs and Professor of Biology and the procession leader at all formal University events, proudly displays Xavier’s new ceremonial mace, which was introduced at the annual Black History Month Convocation. Visit HERE for more details. CENTER: Harry Johnson, Sr. ’77, a career attorney who served as President and CEO of the Washington DC Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, visits with seniors (L-R) Mia Holmes, a biology/premed major from New Orleans (Ben Franklin High); Ariel Johnson, a mass communication major from Baton Rouge LA (Baton Rouge Magnet); Maya Jones, a mass communication major from New Orleans (Plano West High-Plano TX); and Dudley Grady, a mass communication major from New Orleans (Science & Math High); after delivering the keynote address at Xavier’s annual Black History Month Convocation. RIGHT: The walls start closing as construction crews work unabated on the University's new Convocation Academic Center. When completed in late 2012, the facility will include a 4,500-seat arena suitable for athletic and other large-scale events.

LEFT: President Norman Francis ’52 and XU Director of Career Services Carolyn Duvigneaud Thomas ’71 pose with a team of 58 African American professionals – 23 of them alumni – who visited the campus to participate in the annual Youth Motivation Task Force/Black Executive Exchange Program (YMTF/BEEP). CENTER: Dr. Marion Carroll, ALD advisor and director of Xavier’s First Year Student Success program, poses with students following their induction into the Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) National Honor Society for First Year Students. 117 students were inducted into the national honor society that recognizes and encourages academic excellence among first year students. RIGHT: XU senior admissions counselor Holly Terrie (left) welcomes Ayana Cole-Price of College Point NY (St. Agnes Academic High School), her cousin Carrigan Holloman and mom Bobbie Cole to campus during the Office of Admissions annual Open House.

LEFT: Junior biology/pre-med majors (L-R) Jasmine Brooks of New Orleans (St. Mary’s Academy), Shavone Temple of New Orleans (Dominican High), and Quinette Thomas of New Orleans (Dominican High), check out opportunities for expanding their respective horizons with International Studies Abroad representative Lauren Kolls during The XU Center for Intercultural and International Programs’ Study Abroad Fair. CENTER: Professional stone carver John Nash of London England, the only sculptor world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli allows to work on his designs, begins chiseling two quotes and the name of the building into the limestone walls and ramp as work proceeds on the University’s new St. Katharine Drexel Chapel. RIGHT: (L-R) Jaime Johnston, a sophomore chemistry/pre-pharmacy major from New Orleans (Cabrini High) and Jasmine Branch, sophomore biology/pre-med major from Orangeburg SC (Wilkinson High) sport t-shirts commemorating the last night of intercollegiate basketball in The Barn. The Nuggets and Gold Rush made sure the venerable old building went out in style, sweeping the doubleheader from Tougaloo before a packed house. Next year the teams will play in the new Convocation Academic Center.

LEFT: Calvin Moret (center), the last surviving New Orleans member of the famous Tuskegee airmen, reflects on his 2007 Congressional Gold Medal and other artifacts with students during a visit to Dr. Silas Lee III’s sociology class. Looking on intently are (from left) Julien Grayer, Domonique Bartley, Hakeem Rashid, Evan Pipion, Joan Ulmer, Dr. Farrah Gafford, and Lee. CENTER: Junior forward Denzell Erves of Vicksburg MS is fouled by a Dillard player as he goes up for a basket in the Gold Rush’s 64-37 conference win over their cross town rivals in the last game of the series to be played at the Barn. The Nuggets made it a sweep, beating the Dillard women 74-60. Next season Xavier will play in its new CAC arena. RIGHT: It’s smiles all around at the ribbon-cutting signifying the official opening of the new energy efficient St. Joseph Academic & Health Resource Center. Taking part in the event are (from left) Manning Architects reps Miwako Hattori and William Raymond Manning, Woodward Construction rep Paul Flowers, XU President Norman Francis, SGA president Kaitlyn Gaddis, Board members Mary Keller Zervigon and Sister Patricia Suchalski, S.B.S., and Xavier’s Dr. Harold Vincent and Carolyn Thomas.

LEFT:Harry Johnson '77, president of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, (left) accepts a plaque from Randall McHenry '86, president of the Houston XU Alumni Chapter, during the chapter's annual Mardi Gras in December. Johnson, a partner in the Texas city’s Law Office of Glenn and Johnson, was recognized for his leadership role in the creation of and the funding for the National MLK Memorial in Washington DC. CENTER: The former St. Joseph’s Residence Hall - heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrina and at one time scheduled for demolition - has since been transformed into the new energy efficient St. Joseph Academic & Health Resource Center. The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for this new campus student hub was held Jan. 27. RIGHT: Raven Jackson, a P2 pharmacy student from Palmetto LA (North Central High School), is congratulated by educator, author, and keynote speaker Dr. Steve Perry after she was awarded a Student Community Service Award during the 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Week for Peace convocation, hosted by Xavier.

LEFT: Xavier basketball is in full swing. Experience the excitement and the action first-hand as the nationally-ranked Gold Rush and Nuggets begin a five-game home stand Jan. 10 against archrival SUNO. Check out the rest of the week’s schedule HERE. CENTER: Since last August the University has been running a media campaign in the Times-Picayune newspaper featuring a weekly one-half page color ad highlighting a key Xavier activity, event or profile. The ads appear every Monday. See all 23 ads to date HERE. The campaign runs through January 2012. RIGHT: Consultant Julia Wilson, CEO/Founder of Wilson Global Communications, is awarded a plaque from XU Senior VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Loren Blanchard and President Norman Francis during the Faculty Institute in appreciation for her leadership and service in the establishment of Xavier’s Confucius Institute. Dr. Monique Guillory, XU Special Assistant to the Administration, received similar recognition.