Award recipients honored at 2009 Annual ULM Alumni Association Brunch

View a photo gallery of the 2009 ULM Alumni Association Awards Brunch

University of Louisiana at Monroe President James E. Cofer Sr. presented the Golden Arrow Award, the institution’s highest honor, to Betty Cummins of Richland Parish at the annual ULM Alumni Association Awards Brunch on Oct. 3 during ULM's Homecoming Week.

ULM President James E. Cofer with Betty Cummins, the 2009 recipient of the Golden Arrow Award.

“In a week like homecoming, where we celebrate the university and remind ourselves that education and learning are good things, Betty Cummins is one of those alumni who doesn't just talk about her belief in education – she acts upon it,” Cofer said to the packed audience who had gathered at the ULM Conference Center for the occasion.

The alumni association established the award in 1981 to recognize alumni who serve the alumni association and the university well, according to Cummins’ friend and ULM Executive Director Keith Brown.

Cummins graduated from ULM in 1960 with a bachelor’s of arts in elementary education, and later served on the ULM Foundation Board of Trustees for 11 years, becoming its president in 2006 and 2007.

During that time, she helmed a university residence project now known as Bon Aire, which serves as the home for the ULM President and family. The residence was one of the highlights of her long affiliation with ULM. Scott Plaza – the university’s “quad” area central to all campus activities – exists through a capital gift provided by the Thomas H. and Mayme P. Scott Foundation, established by Cummins’ parents in 1961.

The ULM Foundation, of which Cummins is a past president, provides a perpetual fund enabling the family to give back to the communities that played a vital part in their lives. Just one of the capital gifts of the Foundation include Bon Aire’s central reception and entertainment area, named in honor of ULM President Emeritus Dr. George T. Walker.

The Thomas H. and Mayme P. Scott Foundation is also the recipient of the 2005 Hall of Distinction Award, the university’s most prestigious award and is a Tower Society member of the Kitty DeGree Bell Tower Society, the highest recognition category for cumulative, lifetime giving to the university.

“I feel like I was destined to do this. My dad set the pace, and my mother, too. It’s a good pace,” said Cummins, upon receiving her award. “If we don’t give of our time, interest and money, then nothing ever happens.”

Jay Cummins, her husband, also graduated from ULM in 1960 with a degree in animal husbandry. In 1970, he began his farming career, raising cotton, corn and cattle on their farm near Mangham. The Cummins have two children, Scott Cummins and Mary Ellen Thompson, and five grandchildren.

George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award

Also at the awards brunch, President Cofer honored local business owners Tex and Carole Kilpatrick with the ULM Alumni Association’s George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award.

ULM President James E. Cofer with Carole and Tex Kilpatrick, the 2009 recipients of the George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award.

Founded three years ago, the award goes to those who distinguish themselves through professional and personal achievement, and who serve the university and the alumni association well during the course of several years.

Among their generous donations is the Carole and Tex Kilpatrick Dining Room, which graces Bon Aire. The couple co-chaired this 2006 capital fundraising project of the ULM Foundation, and Mrs. Kilpatrick also served on the decorating committee and was instrumental in helping procure its historical name.

Mrs. Kilpatrick has had a long and devoted tenure on the Presidential Lyceum Series Committee, a series that brings national speakers to campus to promote intellectual exchange among ULM students, faculty, staff and the community.

From 1998 to 2004, Mr. Kilpatrick served on several committees during his time on the ULM Foundation Board of Trustees, as well as the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. In the spring, the ULM College of Business Administration awarded Mr. Kilpatrick honorary membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Honor Society that honors the academic achievement of students who study business.

“Their support of the university comes from their deeply held belief in the benefits of higher education, combined with the acknowledgment that ULM is a major economic engine driver in this region,” said Cofer. Mrs. Kilpatrick responded, “Thank you so much for this very singular honor you have given us today,” said Mrs. Kilpatrick. “Our youngest daughter is the second generation to serve on the ULM Foundation Board and we’re so proud of her.”

Mrs. Kilpatrick added that her most memorable moment came in February 1958, as she was about to enter a music theory class at ULM. She said her future husband, and eventual ULM supporter, had just picked up her engagement ring.

“He said ‘this thing is burning a hole in my pocket!’ And I’ve never looked back,” said Mrs. Kilpatrick. “He also told me ‘stay with me and I’ll make you a star. Well, today, I feel like one.” “I’ve had a good time and Sally (Clausen) has been a good friend, and she still is,” said Mr. Kilpatrick.

“Thank you ULM, you all got a great president, we all do.” Mr. Kilpatrick was referring to Sally Clausen, Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education, who had driven up from Baton Rouge to celebrate the occasion with the Kilpatricks.

“We’re here in this facility that represents the future,” said Clausen. “And we will be able to reap the benefit of the (Kilpatrick’s) work … you are celebrating the best.”

ULM Service Award

Also at the awards brunch, University of Louisiana at Monroe Chief of Police Larry Ellerman received the 2009 ULM Service Award.

ULM Director of Alumni Affairs and Community Relations Keith Brown (left) with ULM Police Chief Larry Ellerman, the 2009 recipient of the ULM Service Award.

Since 1997, the Association has annually selected a ULM staff member for outstanding service to the university. Service award recipients must have completed at least three consecutive years at ULM and have contributed to the betterment of the campus community.

Cofer said Ellerman was hired as ULM’s Assistant Director of Police in 1979 at a time when the university was significantly smaller and quieter.

“Since that time, he has led the way in instituting community-oriented policing, where the same officer is assigned to a specific area on a permanent basis.”

This has brought ULMPD recognition statewide by other police chiefs and officers. Ellerman also provided oversight and sought grant funding for a department-wide communications system upgrade, with improved technology that enables officers to communicate effectively with one another, and with other area and state officers in promoting campus safety.

His other accomplishments include the development and maintenance of emergency preparedness plans for the campus, as well as the coordination of on-campus crime prevention programs.

Ellerman earned both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in criminal justice at the university. He and his wife, Claudine, have been married for 47 years; they have three sons, all of whom are ULM graduates, and are successful in their fields of work.

Ellerman, when not at work, ministers to various churches of all faiths, and at nursing homes, according to ULM Executive Director Keith Brown said.

Ellerman also serves as a liaison to the Louisiana State Legislature, leading the campaign against allowing concealed weapon permit holders to carry guns on any college campus. He is a long-time member of First Baptist Church in West Monroe, where he serves as deacon and is on the Community Restoration Committee.

“Through the years, God’s blessed me in so many ways,” said Ellerman. “One of those ways has been to be here, at this university. Thanks so much for this honor.”

Chapter of the Year Award

The Alumni Association also honored its Greater Baton Rouge Alumni Chapter as the Chapter of the Year at the Awards Brunch.

ULM Associate Director of Alumni Affairs Tommy Walpole with Vikki Day, accepting the 2009 ULM Alumni Chapter of the Year Award on behalf of the Greater Baton Rouge Alumni chapter.

Tommy Walpole, associate director of Alumni Relations, said the criteria for Chapter of the Year includes the number of alumni in the chapter area who are current on their dues to the Alumni Association, and whose Chapter president attends one of the Alumni Association quarterly board meetings, and which hosts at least one event in support of ULM in the chapter’s area.

The chapter hosts two alumni events each year, one in conjunction with Northern Exposure and then a family event each summer.

“This chapter has risen to the top and really has done a good job, for a very long time,” said Walpole.

“Under the Cofer administration, ULM has excelled in many ways,” said Vikki Day, accepting the award on behalf of the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter. “Again, thank you for this honor.”

There are over 30 alumni chapter across the country full of volunteers who support their alma mater.

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ULM Spanish alumni awarded assistantships to teach in Spain

Buchanan

The Ministry of Education of Spain awarded teaching assistantships to two recent graduates of the ULM Department of Foreign Languages, Michelle Roberson of Farmerville, La., and Becky Buchanan of Arizona. Roberson and Buchanan will arrive in Spain on Oct. 1 and remain through May, working with local schools and enjoying the same schedule as the teachers in Spain.

Roberson graduated from ULM in Fall 2007 with a degree in Spanish. She said she had such a positive experience in La Rioja, Spain, over the past year that she re-applied for the grant and will soon begin her second year of teaching, this time on the island of Mallorca.

"It was a wonderful experience that I just couldn't resist and do it all over again, but this time in another region of Spain," said Roberson.

While working to improve her own language skills, Roberson taught culture classes to children age's 6 to 10.

Michelle Roberson, left, with Ruth Smith, ULM Foreign Languages Department head, at Fall 2007 commencement.

"Working with kids that knew no English forced me to use what I learned here in the classroom. I definitely feel that my Spanish has greatly improved," she said.

Roberson's experience abroad included the opportunity to travel to several European countries.

Comparing life in her own hometown of Farmerville with that of La Rioja, a small city in the northern region of Spain known for its winemaking, she said, "I thought the life would be similar, and although it was in some ways, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw how different people were; everyone was friendly and open to not only teach me their culture, but also learn from my own."

Buchanan, also a Spanish major, graduated this past spring and was named by the Department of Foreign Languages as the Outstanding Spanish Senior. She became interested in living in Spain after travelling there in 2007 with a study abroad program sponsored by the ULM Department of Foreign Languages.

"For the last five years I have known what to expect when school started, and now I have no idea," said Buchanan. "I am nervous, excited and happy to start something new while learning a different culture. Although I will miss my family and friends, I cannot wait to meet other people and learn more about their culture."

Buchanan feels that all her knowledge started in the classroom: "My classes prepared me a great deal; they gave me the foundation for the two weeks in Spain, and they wakened my interest in Hispanic culture."

Buchanan hopes that she will be able share with the students in Spain her own interest in and enthusiasm for learning about other cultures. As she puts it, "I really want to be able to show my students my own culture, I am taking recipes, fun facts and pictures from Arizona, Louisiana, New York, Hawaii and California to illustrate my culture."

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Upcoming VAPA Events

Now through Nov.5 : “We Saw The Wrecked” a solo painting exhibit by Michael Stillion, Bry Gallery

Tues. Oct. 20: Guest Artist On Campus Series: Juli Wood, soprano, Biedenharn Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Wed. Oct. 28: New Music Recital, Biedenharn Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Tues. Nov. 3: Guest Artist On Campus Series: Bruce Tychinski, trombone, Biedenharn Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. $15 public, free for ULM students, faculty and staff with ID.

Thur. Nov. 5: Low Brass Soloists, Biedenharn Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Fri. Nov. 6: Wind Ensemble Concert, Brown Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Mon. Nov. 9: Flute Soloists, Biedenharn Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Nov. 9 - 24: "Big and Tall" Sculpture Exhibition, Sculpture Exhibition, Bry Gallery, free. Artist reception, Nov. 12, 5-7 p.m. in the gallery.

Nov. 11-13, and 15: "Bat Boy: The Musical", Black Box Theatre. 7:30 p.m. $15 public, free for ULM students, faculty and staff with ID.

Sun. Nov. 15: Flute Choir and High School Flute Invitational, Biedenharn Recital Hall, 4:00 p.m. Free.

Mon. Nov. 16: Jessica Reed, Senior Flute Recital, Biedenharn Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Tues. Nov. 17: ULM Jazz Ensemble, Brown Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Free.

For more VAPA and ULM events, call 318-342-1414 or visit www.ulm.edu/calendar

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ULM involved in Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival - You're Invited!

The City of West Monroe cordially invites you attend the 5th annual Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival, October 24-25 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe.

As you may be aware, programs like this have helped to promote Northeast Louisiana as a tourist destination and as a place of rich cultural heritage and diversity. To involve the next generation of fine musicians, the ULM Sound of Today and the School of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Theatre & DanceWorks will perform special shows throughout both days of the festival.

ULM's 31 Ambassadors, International Student Association and other campus groups are planning to send volunteers to help out. These students will have the opportunity to interact with performers and scholars from around the globe, from Grammy-nominated bands to Cannes Film Festival winners to professional ethnographers and linguists.

ULM Track and Field alum and NCAA All-American James Parman will be hosting our sanctioned Highland Games competition and clinics. He won the SGA World Championship in 2004 and is currently an assistant track coach at Texas State University.

On Saturday, the high energy celtic infused rock group Needfire will present a special 7p.m. concert showing free to all university students. ULM "Guest Artist on Campus series" performer Paddy Keenan — the "Jimi Hendrix of the Bagpipes" — is a headliner at this year's festival. Some of you may remember Paddy's show at ULM in 2007.

The festival is also now in its second year of underwriting the Celtic Connections radio program on KEDM. University students with ID enjoy half-price admission to the festival and we have extended this special discount to ULM faculty and staff for the weekend.

Children under 12 are admitted free to add to the budget-friendliness of the festival. Regular admission is $10 each day. Come enjoy the music, food and culture, and support our fine ULM organizations that will be performing.

For more infomration or would like to get involved, visit www.nelacelticfest.net for more details.

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Join the Fun with your Fellow Alums!

Athens (Piraeus) to Barcelona
June 29 – July 10, 2010
From $2,999 per person double occupancy
(including airfare)

Uncover the cultural and historical riches of the Mediterranean while cruising aboard the luxurious and intimate 684-passenger Oceania Cruises’ Nautica.

This All-Louisiana Alumni Cruise includes alum from: The University of Louisiana at Monroe; The University of Louisiana at Lafayette; The University of New Orleans; Northwestern State University; Louisiana Tech University; McNeese State University; and Nicholls State University.

Brochures for this wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime trip will be mailed in early August.

To find out more click here or contact Tommy Walpole at 318-342-5419 or walpole@ulm.edu.

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ULM baseball announces dates for Ninth Annual Hackers Classic Golf Tournament

The ninth annual ULM Baseball Grand Slam Hackers Classic Golf Tournament will take place the weekend of Nov. 13-14, head coach Jeff Schexnaider announced. The festivities begin Friday at 6 p.m. with the ULM Baseball Social at the Anna Gray Noe Alumni Center overlooking Bayou DeSiard on Warhawk Way.

This year’s golf tournament will be a three-man scramble at Frenchman’s Bend Country Club beginning Saturday at 9 a.m. Teams will be provided a cart, lunch, snacks, soda, water and a free gift.

The tournament will be divided into two flights, with the top three finishers of each flight winning gift certificates to the Frenchman’s Bend Pro Shop. Prizes will also be awarded for the closest to the pin, long drive and accuracy drive on specific holes on the course.

Registration is only $150 per individual or $450 per team. Hole sponsorships are also available for $200 and all proceeds go to the ULM baseball program.

The weekend culminates Saturday afternoon at Malone Stadium when the ULM football team hosts Western Kentucky in a key Sun Belt Conference game beginning at 3 p.m.

For more information or to register, contact Cory Barton at 318-342-5395 or 318-801-0911.

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ULM Athletic Foundation offers new membership programs

The ULM Athletic Foundation has added several new exciting membership programs: the "Young Grads" program and the "Jr. Warhawk" program.

The "Young Grad" program is for any ULM alum who has graduated in the last five (5) years and is an excellant way for young alumni to support ULM athletics at an entry level. Membership is $50.00 per year and includes:

• Warhawk Frequent Flyer Pass (all sport plan – general admission seating)
  
• Invitation to Annual Kick-Off Party
  
• Preferred football parking permit
  
• Athletic Foundation Car Decal

The "Jr. Warhawk" program is a special membership for Warhawk fans age 12 and younger! Membership is $20.00 and all Jr. Warhawk Club members receive:

• Season ticket to all home Warhawk athletic events
  
• Jr. Warhawk Club T-shirt and membership card
  
• Invitation to exclusive Jr. Warhawk Club events
  
• Name on Jr. Warhawk Club Web site
  
• Autographed picture of Ace
  
• E-Birthday card (sent to parent ’s email)

The ULM Athletic Foundation is the pillar of support for ULM Athletics. It is composed of individuals and businesses with a common mission, which is as follows:

The mission of the ULM Athletic foundation is to raise awareness and financial support for the Warhawk athletic programs, positively promote all athletic events, grow the Warhawk fan and donor base, and enhance the lives of over 300 student-athletes.

For more information about any of membership programs available from the ULM Athletic Foundation, contact Melissa Lawson at 318-342-5428 or lawson@ulm.edu.

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Help ULM recruit students!

Be watching your e-mail for more information on these dates.  ULM will be hosting an “Evening with ULM” in the following locations this fall:

New Orleans: Tuesday, October 20 at the Magnolia Plantation in Harahan, LA
Baton Rouge: Wednesday, October 21 at the Sheraton Baton Rouge Convention Center Hotel
Shreveport: Thursday, November 5 at the Shreveport Convention Center
El Dorado: Tuesday, November 17 at the South Arkansas Arts Center

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Nominations for the 2010 ULM Sports Hall of Fame class

The L Club is currently accepting nominations for the 2010 ULM Sports Hall of Fame class. Nominations for the 2010 ULM Sports Hall of Fame class must be submitted by December 31, 2009.

Click here to download the 2010 ULM Sports Hall of Fame nomination form [ as a Microsoft Word .doc ]

For more information about ULM's Sports Hall of Fame, contact Robert Williamson at 318-342-5427or lclub@ulm.edu.

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Houston alumni chapter hosts 2nd Warhawk football watch party

They had so much fun doing it on Oct. 13, the Houston folks are doing it again!

On Saturday, Oct. 24, ULM will be playing at Kentucky – the game will be televised on Fox Sports with kick-off slated for 6:00 p.m.

Our Greater Houston Alumni Chapter will be hosting a watch party at The Homeplate Grill located across the street from Minute Maid Park. They have reserved the mezzanine section which is located over the bar. There is no charge to attend the event – just pay for whatever you want to eat/drink – but they would appreciate an RSVP so they will know how much room is needed.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP to our Greater Houston Chapter President, Elizabeth Riser Parker at riserne@hotmail.com.

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Miss Louisiana Katherine Putnam makes guest appearances at three ULM football games

Miss Louisiana 2009 Katherine Putnam, a ULM senior, was in The Grove prior to the 2:30 p.m. kickoff on October 3 visiting with fans. Once the game kicked off, Putnam was signing autographs in the Kids Zone in the south end zone from midway through the first quarter until halftime.

She made a return trip to Malone Stadium on Oct. 13 when the Warhawks host Arkansas State in front of a nationally televised audience on ESPN2. Putnam participated in the pregame coin toss at midfield and watched the game with ULM’s radio sideline reporter Amanda Joseph, who was Miss Louisiana 2007.

Putnam will make her final Malone Stadium appearance on Nov. 14 to sing the National Anthem before ULM’s game against Western Kentucky. She will also serve as a judge for the Alumni Association’s Annual Chili Cook-off prior to the game.

Fans can purchase tickets for ULM’s two remaining home games by visiting the ticket office in Malone Stadium, or by calling 318-342-3ULM or online at www.ulmwarhawks.com.

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Alumni Travel Season for 2009 Finished

Thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who helped plan and host the 2009 Alumni Travel Season!

There are already several events on the 2010 schedule which is located at www.ulm.edu/alumni/events, which includes photos from the 2009 events.

REMEMBER:   We are no longer mailing individual cards or letters on the events. Everything will be sent to you by email. You can help your alumni association and local chapter by forwarding those emails to your alumni friends that we do not have an email address for.

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Home and Away Tailgating Schedule

November 7 - at Denton, Tex. vs the University of North Texas – Johnny’s Pizza tailgating party
November 14 – Chili Cook-off
November 21 - at Lafayette vs UL-Lafayette
November 28 – Middle Tennessee

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Quarterback Club Luncheon

The weekly Quarterback Club luncheons are now underway — each Wednesday during the football season — at 12 noon in the Anna Gray Noe Alumni Center on the ULM campus.

Remember — you don’t have to be a quarterback or in the club to join us for lunch each week; Quarterback Club luncheons are open to the public.

Come hear Warhawks head coach Charlie Weatherbie, members of his coaching staff and student-athletes give the inside scoop on ULM football. Plus, enjoy a great lunch provided by Aramark, all for just $8.



"Hawk Talk" is back!

Join us on 104.1-FM each Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. or better yet, join us live at the Fieldhouse Bar and Grill located on U.S. 165 North.

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Keep up with all the “scoop” on ULM Athletics

Several ULM alumni have sites that you can join to keep up with all the scoop on ULM Athletics.

Warhawk Report - The Warhawkreport.com is a part of the Rivals.com network that covers ULM Athletics and Recruiting. This alumni ran site is a way for fans to keep up with the latest news on the Warhawks and interact with other Warhawk fans on its message boards. Subscriptions are $9.99 a month or $99.95 for an entire year which grants access to all sites on the Rivals Network so you can follow competing schools also.

For more information you can contact Dusty Thibodeaux (BGS '06) at dusty@warhawkreport.com.

WarhawkNation - www.warhawknation.com or http://ulm.scout.com is operated by alumnus Matt Wilson. Matt writes stories and features covering all of ULM’s sports and regularly publishes interviews with current and former ULM athletes, coaches, and student athletes who are considering offers from ULM.

WarhawkNation is a member of the scout.com Internet publishing network which syndicates more than 1,100 pieces of content daily to more than 2.1 million subscribers. For more information you can contact Matt Wilson at mattwilson3@comcast.net

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ULM Career Connections, Warhawk Network, offer employment services

The Office of Career Connections & Experiential Education at ULM (formerly Career Services) has recently launched an online job posting service serving ULM students and alumni. The Web site, www.ulm.edu/careerconnections allows employers to post part-time and full-time positions as well as internship opportunities.

Anyone may browse the jobs, however, an active Campus Wide Identification number (CWID) will be needed to apply online. Alumni that graduated more than five (5) years ago should call Career Connections at 318-342-5338 to apply for positions.

Currently, the Web site has a Controller position, a CFO position, and several computer specialist jobs, as well as a wide variety of other opportunities. Log onto www.ulm.edu/careerconnections and click on “Students: Browse & Apply for Jobs & Internships”.

Employers will also find on the Career Connections Web site the link “Employers Submit Job or Internship” in order to post any job openings or internship opportunities at their organization. The Web site currently has over 110 positions available.

Visit the Office of Career Connections Web site for Tips about with resume preparation and interviewing skills are available online also, or call 318-342-5338 for an appointment.