From blockbuster-worthy tornadoes to the relentless force of Category five hurricanes and the unexpected plot twist of a global pandemic, the script of reality seems straight out of Hollywood. Yet, in the halls of academia and amidst the bustling energy of college life, the need for preparedness could not be more real. Despite these challenges, Xavier remains steadfast in its motto: “Fear Nothing. Press Forward." Now, with Maxwell Milam joining the Xavier University Police Department (XUPD) as their Emergency Management Coordinator, the institution stands better prepared than ever to live up to this creed.

The Xavier University Art Collection and Gallery recently celebrated a significant milestone as it secured a prestigious 2024 Emergency Mitigation and Disaster Preparedness Grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH). As the university prepares to celebrate its first century of service in 2025, the grant represents a pivotal step in fortifying Xavier’s ability to safeguard its invaluable collection against potential threats such as natural disasters.

Two Xavier University of Louisiana students, as prime examples of the institution’s near 100 years of excellence, were recently accepted into the accepted into the Public Policy & International Affairs Program (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute (JSI).Juniors Jamya Davis and Kadence Means were selected as fellows from a pool of 1300 competitive applicants to attend the six-week rigorous summer program at one of six host campuses. The foundation of the PPIA Fellowship, the JSI experience builds knowledge in economics, statistics, domestic & international policy studies, and leadership topics. The program prepares students for advanced schooling and careers in public service in both domestic and global affairs. Embodiments of the Xavier mission to promote a more just and humane society, both Means and Davis were selected for the fellowship for their merit as well as their “previous, current, and stated dedication to public service.”