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April 23, 2003

President's Speaker Series to Spotlight First ULM President C.C. Colvert

The University of Louisiana at Monroe's President's Speaker Series sponsored by CITGO presents "I think you can and I believe you will," A Celebration of the Life of Dr. C.C. Colvert. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. on April 30 at Brown Auditorium. A reception will follow at the other end of Brown Hall in Brown Gymnasium. ULM has invited all alumni from the classes of 1933-1946 along with several others including the three living past presidents of ULM. Everyone in the ULM and Monroe community are also invited.

Friends of the Library at ULM recently announced the arrival of the book "I think you can, and I believe you will" Selected Writings of C.C. Colvert 1932-1943. The book was edited by Associate Professor of Biology Dr. John A. Knesel and Assistant Professor in Educational Leadership and Counseling Dr. Holly B. Casey. ULM Friends of the Library published the book.

Clyde Cornelius Colvert known as C.C. Colvert was the first president ULM (then, Ouachita Parish Junior Colloege) and remained for 13 years. "I think you can, and I believe you will" Selected Writings of C.C. Colvert 1932-1943 is a book filled with short columns that Colvert wrote for the school paper, the Pow Wow. The book is on sale now at BellTower Books on the fourth floor of the ULM Library. You can also buy it in the ULM Library Director's Office. The book is $11 with proceeds going to Friends of the Library. The recently published Colvert book will be available for sale at this event.

The President's Speaker Series program will consist of introductory remarks by ULM President James Cofer and Knesel. ULM Professor Holly Casey will follow with a view of Colvert in his own words (reading from the book) and the campus that he saw (a slide show outlining "his" campus). Dr. Thomas Hatfield, noted WWII historian and close friend of C.C. Colvert, will then talk about the life of C.C. Colvert. A Book signing and reception in Brown Gym will follow.

Hatfield wrote his dissertation on the early years of ULM under the direction of Colvert. He also knows the early history of ULM intimately. During his friendship with Colvert they became so close that Hatfield delivered Colvert's eulogy at his funeral in 1991.

Dr. Hatfield says of Colvert, "He was perpetual motion, he was an expeditor, he was forever cheerful, he had a quick mind, he was a people person, and he had the best of motivation to do good for people. He was a smart and clever man who knew how to get things done through people as well as to move the paper off his desk as any good administrator has to do".

Hatfield, Dean of Continuing and Extended Education at the University of Texas at Austin, will talk about the effects Colvert had on his life and the impact Colvert made to this part of Louisiana through this University.

Hatfield is a noted military historian, lecturer and writer with a special focus on World War II. He teaches in the Normandy Scholars Program, an intensive undergraduate study of the War, which concludes with an educational tour of European battlefields and historic sites. Dean Hatfield organizes and leads many World War II study tours geared for adult learners. Hatfield is a military historian specializing in World War II. Widely sought as a lecturer and writer, he has led many undergraduate and adult groups across World War II battlefields in Normandy, the Ardennes, Italy, North Africa, and the Central Pacific.

The President's Speaker Series sponsored by CITGO began this spring. ULM President James Cofer created this outlet to bring distinguished speakers, lecturers, artists, and other talented people to ULM. A University is the perfect setting for accomplished professionals to share stories about their success and their vast knowledge of a particular subject matter. The President's Speaker Series is made possible by a gift from CITGO. ULM and surrounding communities can look forward to expanded educational opportunities through these free, public talks.

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