The $1 million endowment will provide funds for both undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships for students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering.

Larry Norwood graduated from LU in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. His wife, Cynthia (Smesny) Norwood, graduated in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in history.

“We are so pleased that Larry and Cynthia have enjoyed such success in their careers and so grateful that they have decided to give back to their alma mater,” said Lamar University President James Simmons in announcing creation of the scholarship.

Larry Norwood spent his entire career with Lubrizol Corp. He began working for the company as a student through Lamar’s cooperative education program. After graduation, he went to work for Lubrizol full time and steadily moved up through positions of increased responsibility. He retired last year as corporate vice president of operations, but continues to work as a consultant for the company, particularly in ongoing projects in China.

Cynthia Norwood has become a respected authority on the historical art of hand-hooked rugs. She has written one book on the art, is working on a second book and has established a successful business as an in-demand instructor across the country.

Jack Hopper, dean of the College of Engineering, said this major gift is special because it comes from a former student who has maintained ties to the university and because it will provide support for both undergraduate and graduate students.

“The university is moving in a direction of more scholarly activity and more research,” Hopper said. “For that to happen, you’ve got to have faculty who come in with the expectation of carrying out research, and you’ve got to have significant resources to hire Ph.D. students.”

Hopper said he appreciates the Norwoods’ support both financially and through Larry’s service on the College of Engineering Advisory Council. “Anybody at his level of management can make extremely valuable contributions to giving vision and direction to the college,” Hopper said.

Larry and Cynthia Norwood said they appreciate the great education they received at Lamar. “It enabled us to have a really good, challenging career,” he said. “We’re hoping with this gift to help some other students get a good education in engineering, get a degree and have a chance to have a successful career like we did.”

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

TheSoutheast Texas Financial Education Institute was established in 1998 to meet the educational needs of the employees of its member banks in Southeast Texas. The institute received its funding from those banks to provide courses and seminars to establish a foundation for employee’s upward mobility. The institute recently voted to dissolve itself and transform its resources and capital into an endowed scholarship for Lamar University finance students.

“It is always good for our students to know that there are people who can be counted on to think about them and look for ways to help them,” said Larry Allen, LU department chair for economics and finance. “This scholarship gives Lamar another opportunity to honor good students and encourage them to finish their studies.”

The Department of Economics and Finance is part of the College of Business at Lamar.Its primary goal is to ensure that all of the programs continue to serve the evolving and dynamic business marketplace in Southeast Texas and beyond. The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB-International), a distinction held by fewer than five percent of business schools worldwide.

Lamar’s College of Business continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of its students. The Economics and Finance department has seen dramatic increases in the quality of course offerings in addition to enrollment growth. The Fecel Financial Center, for example, allows students to study real life trends and movements of the stock market in real time. In addition to computers with dual displays, the center has a full range of analytical software for accessing and screening financial data. The center’s electronic marketing wall includes a touch screen for monitoring the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ, commodities, precious metals, interest rates, and exchange rates. Students in Lamar’s advanced finance classes and graduate finance classes use the finance lab for practical, real-world financial management experience.

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

“We are very excited to hear about the establishment of this new endowed scholarship,” said Paul Bernazzani, chair of the Department of Chemistry. “Many promising students at Lamar need financial relief for our rigorous science programs. I predict that the Groben scholarship will help educate a new generation of students and lead them to fruitful careers in the sciences.”

Scott and Patricia Groben are both practitioners in the field of chemistry. Patricia Groben graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Lamar. Her husband, Scott, graduated from Oregon State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering.

The Grobens commented this is an exciting time for them to be able to give back to Lamar University and assist students who desire to begin studies in chemistry.

The Department of Chemistry offers students the very best in educationalscience experience. Lamar University faculty members, collaborating with both graduate and undergraduate students, continually break new ground and make important scientific discoveries through their innovative research. External support for research is strong with faculty members securing more than $13 million in federal, state, business and foundation grants to fund their research. Funding sources include the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Education and endowed scholarships.

Outstanding incoming freshmen with exceptionally strong academic records are invited to apply for LU’s Mirabeau Scholars program. Mirabeau Scholars receive a full scholarship for four years covering tuition, fees, room and board, and books. Applicants must be first-time-in-college freshmen (dual credit and AP credit are not disqualifying) with a minimum SAT score of 1250 (math and critical reading) or an ACT score of 28 and a record of demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, service and/or creative endeavors.

Mike grew up in Gilmer, Texas, where he graduated from high school in 1958. Pat Aldredge is a 1959 graduate of South Park High School in Beaumont. Both are 1965 and 1961 graduates of Lamar University, respectively. Pat obtained her certificate in Secretarial Science.

Recognized as a Lamar Distinguished Alumnus in 1999, Mike received his degree in Industrial Engineering and began his career with Puffer-Sweiven, a provider of premiere products in the instrumentation and controls industry. Starting as a part-time clerk in 1961, he worked his way to sales engineer, then to vice president and culminated as chairman of the board and chief executive officer before retiring in 2001.

“I am grateful for the education and experience received while attending Lamar,” he said. “The skills learned, both technical and social, afforded me the opportunity to compete and achieve in today’s globalized economy.”

Mike is a past president of Lamar’s Alumni Association and the Lamar University Foundation and served on the board of both organizations. He is an active member of the advisory councils of the College of Engineering and the Industrial Engineering Department, and a member of the Cardinal Club in support of Lamar athletics.

The couple is among the great benefactors of Lamar University. In 2001, they established the Michael E. and Patricia P. Aldredge Chair of Engineering to promote research excellence and collaboration in the areas of industrial engineering, chemical engineering and information technology.

Currently, Aldredge serves as co-chair of Lamar’s Investing in the Future Campaign which has raised more than $100 million to support the university. Today, the couple lives on a Bellville-area ranch, where until this year they managed a commercial operation with purebred Brangus and Brangus-cross cattle.

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

“Establishing a permanently endowed scholarship such as this in honor of a loved one is a wonderful way to honor their memory while also helping generations of Lamar students to pursue their dreams of a college education,” said Laurie Ritchel, associate director of development of university advancement.

The scholarship was originally established in memory of Horace A. Butler, Jr. after his death in June 2002. Butler’s friends and family established a board of directors to create a non-profit corporation, The H.A. Butler Memorial Scholar Athlete Award, Inc., to launch a scholarship in Butler’s honor. In 2012, the organization made the decision to grant the scholarship administration and all of its proceeds to Lamar University.

“I think it’s pretty neat that a foundation that decided to discontinue their operations decided to give it to Lamar,” Ritchel said. “They had nearly $60,000 in assets and traditionally had students apply directly to their organization for the scholarship. After eight years, the board of directors decided to award the money to Lamar to permanently endow a scholarship which will forever honor Coach Butler.”

Butler was born and raised in Beaumont and developed a love for the outdoors at an early age.  He graduated from Beaumont High in 1951, where he excelled as both a football and baseball player. His talents in football landed him a scholarship to the University of Idaho. One long cold winter in Idaho convinced him to transfer to Northwestern University in Natchitoches, La. where he was a standout baseball player.

He was drafted in1953 by the U.S. Army where he served in Korea as a tank crewman in the demilitarized zone.  After his time in the service, Butler met his wife Floyce “Flo” Sanders, and together had four children.  He graduated from Northwestern University and joined the Beaumont Independent School District coaching staff.  He held several coaching jobs over the years, including Stephen F. Austin Jr. High, Beaumont High and Nederland High School. He coached football, baseball, basketball and golf at various times during his career.

Although not remembered for championships or coach of the year awards, Butler believed that an athlete should also be a well-rounded individual and encouraged students to also do well in the classroom. He admired hard work, respect for authority and a team-player attitude. He emphasized the importance of education to his players because he knew very few athletes would make a career playing sports.

“I think Coach Butler would be proud to know that his legacy of helping others will continue on at Lamar University,” said Ritchel. “I know that the students selected to receive this assistance will be inspired by his story.”

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation a t (409) 880-2117.

Born in Silsbee, Perkins earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Lamar University in 1960 and 1970. He began his career teaching at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, and then returned to Southeast Texas and taught at Lamar for nearly four decades, where he took over the “University Press” as director of student publications in 1976.

“Basically, Howard built the ‘University Press’,” said Andy Coughlan, director of student publications at Lamar. “He built it into the newspaper that it is now, which is a newspaper with a strong reputation. We’re well respected around the state and have a reputation for quality journalism.  I think his vision was to create a fine newspaper.”

Perkins impacted many students’ educational journeys during his years with the “University Press”. His love for education, conversation and his friends and students are what people remember most about him, said Coughlan.

“One of the things that Howard and I always believed in was the students,” said Coughlan. “If you expect the students to do good professional work, they will do it. We have a very good student staff that represents the entire university.  It’s the students who make this paper great.   We just advise and create the environment and the expectations the students need to be successful.”

Not only did Perkins play a prominent role in the lives of his students, he was also avid in his service to the community. He donated his time as a docent at the McFaddin-Ward House for many years and also played the organ for several churches in Southeast Texas.

“Howard was a genius,” said Coughlan. “He fostered the idea that you should know a little something about everything. He had his own individual ways about him, but his delightful eccentricities made him a lot of fun to know and to be around. If you ask former students, it’s not just that he taught them the curriculum. He taught them how to be interesting people, and about the joy of learning and knowing things, and the joy of becoming an interesting person to know. If there is one thing that I hope that I could take away from knowing Howard, it would be to continue that love of learning and that love of just being interested in the world.”

After his retirement, and shortly before his death in Oct. 2010, Lamar University officials honored Perkins by naming the “University Press” office the “Howard Perkins Newsroom.”

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

The Lamar University Foundation has announced the establishment of a new endowed scholarship for all majors. The R.C. “Bobby” and Ramona Hext Scholarship will provide funding for full-time undergraduate students at Lamar University. Cynthia Hext Fontenot, the daughter of Bobby and Ramona Hext, established the scholarship in memory of her parents.

“Growing up in the 1950s and graduating high school in 1969, college was always a part of my parents’ plan for me and my plan for myself,” Fontenot said. “They worked hard and sacrificed much to pay for my education. I am establishing this scholarship to honor that hard work and sacrifice, as well as help future Lamar students.”

Cynthia graduated from Lamar in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, and eventually received an MBA in accounting in 1979. She taught principles of accounting at Lamar for 20 years, and credits her parents with making her education and career possible.

“We got a call one day out of the blue from Cynthia, who was a Lamar faculty member for several years,” said Laurie Ritchel, associate director of development for university advancement. “She just really wanted to do something to give back to her parents and honor their memories, and an endowed scholarship is what she decided to do.”

Bobby and Ramona Hext were both born in 1928. Bobby was from Bon Wier, and Ramona from Martin, Louisiana. Bobby graduated from Newton High School in 1945 and went straight to work. He worked for his father’s gas station, and also as a muleskinner for loggers. These jobs led to a 45-year career in lease pumping, where he maintained and kept records on producing oil and gas wells.

Ramona grew up in a small village where her father was a poultry and egg farmer, and grew cotton and other crops. Ramona and her sister helped with picking cotton around the farm, and were no strangers to hard work. When Ramona did have free time, she spent the majority of it playing “teacher”. Her father noticed this, and promised to send her to college. She graduated from Northwestern University in Natchitoches, La. with a home economics degree.

Her first teaching job was in Merryville, La., which is six miles from Bon Wier, Bobby’s hometown. Bobby and Ramona met there, and eventually got married in August 1950. She also taught at Newton High School for several years.

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

The Lamar University Foundation has announced the establishment of a new endowed scholarship for students majoring in music. The Dr. Barbara Mathis Vocal Scholarship will provide funding for full-time music majors with a concentration in either voice or vocal performance.

“I had the privilege of working with Barbara for about 20 years,” said Kurt Gilman, interim chair of the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music. “She was not only a very fine vocalist and a superb teacher of vocal music, but she was a superb researcher. She did extensive studies on the anatomy of the vocal chords and how singing is managed by the various anatomical systems.”

Mathis was a long-standing music professor at Lamar, where she taught a variety of voice classes including studio voice, language dictions, structure and function of the voice, and graduate vocal methods.

“She knew the business inside and out, and that’s what made her an exemplary teacher,” Gilman said. “It is always an honor when a faculty member of long tenure leaves and then endows a scholarship. It’s always a special thing.”

After 22 years of service at Lamar, Mathis retired during the summer of 2006. Upon her retirement, former students presented a two-hour recital in her honor. The initial contributions to the endowed scholarship came from these students, along with her friends and colleagues.

“Barbara was very pro-Lamar in everything she did,” Gilman said. “She always promoted Lamar very highly, both at Lamar and off the campus as well. “We’d all like to think that we would have funds available after we retire from an institution to give back in the form of a scholarship for a deserving student.”

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

Lamar University and the Beaumont Foundation of America have announced the 15th in a series of Southeast Texas Legends Scholarships, this one honoring Walter Umphrey, founding partner of Provost Umphrey Law Firm. The $100,000 endowed scholarship will assist underserved Lamar University students, said Lamar President James Simmons.

Born in Port Arthur, Umphrey received a football scholarship to Southern Methodist University then completed his bachelor's in business administration degree at Baylor in 1959.

Umphrey worked as an insurance adjustor before entering Baylor Law School and earning his Juris Doctorate degree in 1965.

Umphrey's dedication to the law in conjunction with the rights of individuals was inspired while being reared in the home of a justice of the peace. He began his career as a prosecuting attorney and ultimately Chief Felony Prosecutor for the Jefferson County District Attorney's office.

He founded Provost Umphrey Law Firm with partner David Provost in 1969. For more than forty years, Provost Umphrey's mission has remained to seek justice for those suffering from a personal injury, wrongful death or other legal wrong across Texas and nationwide through their lawyers in Beaumont and Houston, Little Rock, Arkansas and Nashville, Tennessee.

Umphrey is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Southern District of Texas, and the United States Supreme Court. His legal affiliations include the Port Arthur Bar Association, Jefferson County Bar Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, American Bar Association and State Bar of Texas. He is a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers.

The senior managing partner at Provost and Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont, Umphrey is well known as co-counsel, along with Wayne A. Reaud, Chairman of the Board of the Beaumont Foundation, in the historic $17.3-billion settlement for Texas residents against the tobacco industry in 1998.

Walter is board certified in the areas of Personal Injury Trial Law and Labor & Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers.

He was selected for inclusion in Texas Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters Business, 2003-2012, an honor only 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected for annually.

In June 2000, Umphrey was recognized as one of the top Texas lawyers of the 20th century in the Texas Lawyer publication "Legal Legends: A Century of Texas Law and Lawyering." Texas Lawyer also named Umphrey as one of the 25 greatest Texas lawyers of the past quarter-century in its special 2010 anniversary issue.

Additionally, Umphrey has been recognized for his contributions to the legal community by countless organizations, including receiving the prestigious Blackstone Award from the Jefferson County Bar Association.

Beyond the practice of law, Walter has provided unwavering support to important civic and community causes. He serves as director of the National Wildlife Association, director of the LadyBird Johnson Wildflower Center, director of both Texas Regional Bancshares, Inc., and CommunityBank of Texas.

Umphrey helped build the new Sheila and Walter Umphrey Law Center on the banks of the Brazos River at Baylor University that is hailed as a state-of-the-art educational facility. Recently the couple made a generous gift that will support construction of the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Bridge at Baylor Stadium connecting the new stadium with the law school across the Brazos River.

The newest cancer institute in Southeast Texas was named the Walter Umphrey Cancer Center. An annual sponsor of “Gift of Life” breast and prostate cancer initiatives, Walter Umphrey provides unparalleled support to important civic and community causes, ranging from cancer screening to education to conservation.

Umphrey has been very generous to Lamar University as well through the years, supporting LU athletic programs and Le Grand Bal for many years. In 2005 a $5 million gift was recognized in the naming of the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center when it opened in 2007, and a combined gift of $3 million from the law firm and an additional $1 million from Sheila and Walter Umphrey was recognized in the naming of Provost Umphrey Stadium in 2008 prior to the resumption of the football program at Lamar.

Previous Southeast Texas Legends Endowed Scholarships honor Major T. Bell, Jack Brooks, Don Burgess, Dr. Joe Dickerson, Everett Lord
, Gilbert I. "Buddy" Low, George McLaughlin, Hubert Oxford III, Carl Parker Jr., James M. Simmons, Ward Stephenson, Joe H. Tonahill
, John G. Tucker, and Bob Wortham.

“We are grateful to the Beaumont Foundation of America for its commitment to Lamar University and the underserved individuals who will benefit from this generous endowment for years to come,” Simmons said.

The Beaumont Foundation of America, created in 2001, is a non profit grant making institution dedicated to enriching the lives and enhancing the futures of less fortunate children and youth, families and the elderly. The foundation provides grants and scholarships to a broad range of charitable, religions and educational organizations across the United States.

“The foundation is focused on the underserved and that mission starts with a fundamental reality of our global economy — education is essential for a successful life,” said Frank Newton, president and CEO of the foundation.

A passion for music and the visual arts will result in a permanent legacy for Southeast Texas arts patron Mary Jane Garth – a gift that will enrich the lives and cultivate the talents of students at Lamar University.

The Mary Jane Garth Regents’ Scholarship has been established in the Lamar University Foundation to benefit undergraduates majoring in music or art at Lamar University, President James Simmons announced.

“I am thrilled to think that I can be part of changing the lives of Lamar students for many years to come,” Garth said. “I have often pondered how I could best support the arts and music at Lamar, and I feel that this scholarship is something that will provide support for deserving students who may become our future leaders.

“This scholarship will enable the university to select and support the most deserving students who otherwise might not be able to continue their education,” said Garth, who said she selected art and music for the scholarships because “these are my passions.”

Garth was born in Houston, where she attended Rice University. While a student there, she met Tyrrell Garth and moved to Beaumont, where the couple raised their children, Terry, Harriet and David. In 1966, Mary Jane moved to Aspen, Colo., where she lived for more than 40 years on the Aspen Valley Ranch, which she owned and managed.

She returned to Beaumont seven years ago, and her entrepreneurial spirit has inspired her to continue to give many volunteer hours to the community, along with her generous charitable support of many deserving organizations. Recognized for her work with the Art Museum of Southeast Texas and the Symphony of Southeast Texas, Garth has created a scholarship endowment that continues this spirit of cultural enrichment.

“This scholarship will have an impact on the lives of Lamar art and music students for generations to come,” said Camille Mouton, vice president for university advancement. “It is a meaningful gift to the university from someone like Mary Jane Garth, who has had such an impact on the arts in Southeast Texas. It is a wonderful legacy for her.”

The Art Museum of Southeast Texas honored Mary Jane Garth – “Beaumont’s Master Patroness of the Arts” – at its 2011 ARTopia party. The Southeast Texas Arts Council recently named her the Outstanding Patron of the Arts for 2011.

“Mary Jane Garth is a true patron of the arts. We are so fortunate that she has returned to our community,” said Russ Schultz, dean of Lamar’s College of Fine Arts and Communication.

“One of her most wonderful traits is her desire to share with people the excitement of art by showing her extraordinary collection of paintings that adorn her home. She remains actively involved as a trustee for the Symphony of Southeast Texas, as well as the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. In all these roles, she has elevated the level of culture and quality of life in our community. This wonderful scholarship gift will make possible the pursuit of a career in the arts for someone who might otherwise not have been able to afford collegiate study.”

Mouton said one of the things she most admires about Garth is that she became very involved in the community in a short period of time after returning to Beaumont.

“A vibrant cultural environment provides a better quality of life to the community and provides the opportunity to attract new businesses and residents,” Garth said. “Art enriches the lives of people in all communities.”

During her time in Aspen, Garth was actively involved in many business and charitable activities, including local museums, the Episcopal Church and the Aspen Hospital. During the late 1960s, she became an integral part of the Aspen art community, where she met and actively dealt with young New York artists who were creating a new genre of modern pop art.

“I had a very dear friend who introduced me to some of the up-and-coming young artists and their work. This became the starting point of my love for art,” Garth said.

She subsequently became a founding member of the Anderson Ranch Art Center, president of the Aspen Art Museum and a supporter in the Aspen Music Festival and the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Garth was also a significant supporter and commercial dealer of the arts in Aspen and New York City for many years. She has traveled the world searching for special works of art and has accumulated an outstanding collection of international modern and pop art, which is displayed in her Beaumont home.

“My passion for contemporary art began as a collector and evolved into a business as I bought, sold and traded art work. I continue to sell some of my collection by more established artists and to invest in young artists,” Garth said.

“My participation in the Aspen art community, as well as other philanthropic organizations, was such a big part of my life that I wanted to continue my support after I relocated to Beaumont.”

The art and music departments at Lamar, the Symphony of Southeast Texas and the Art Museum of Southeast Texas have particular appeal to her because of their education and mentoring programs and visual and audio presentations, Garth said.

Now, the Mary Jane Garth Regents’ Scholarship will turn her passion into a legacy.

“Hermann is a role model for students who desire to progress professionally to the highest ranks of a company,” Jack Hopper, dean of the College of Engineering, said. “He is an individual who took a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and literally progressed from an entry level position with Air Products to the position of vice president of global operations.”

Born in Bogota, Colombia, Ortega came to Lamar University to pursue his degree in chemical engineering. He received his bachelor’s in 1967 and an M.B.A. in 1972.

With more than 40 years of experience in engineering, operations, and manufacturing, Ortega has held several management positions and has remained active in organizations at both national and state levels.

Ortega is currently serving as the sector vice president for Celerant Consulting where he is a part of energy management and works with refinery plant managers and CEOs of chemical companies across the nation.

He serves on the advisory board of the College of Engineering at Lamar. He and his wife, Bea, have two children and one granddaughter.

“Hermann and his wife are exceptionally generous people,” Hopper said. “He has been a long-time supporter of Lamar and we are deeply grateful for his continuous support.”

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

A memorial scholarship has been established honoring A.J. Leger’s service to the community. The A.J. Leger Memorial Scholarship will benefit outstanding students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition, dietetics and hospitality administration.

The scholarship was established by Leger’s many friends and family to honor his service and dedication to helping people in his community. The endowment was completed by a gift from the Sabine Area Restaurant Association in Leger’s memory.

Molly J. Dahm, associate professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, said A.J. Leger embodied the spirit of the restaurant industry and the community in a way her department hopes to foster in their students.

“This scholarship will allow selected students who demonstrate academic and service commitment to follow in Leger’s footsteps,” she said. “We hope this scholarship will ultimately help a student who might not otherwise have the resources to complete a degree.”

The Lafayette, La. native began his career in the food service industry at an early age when the 12 year-old Leger worked as a busboy at Don’s Seafood and Steakhouse. After graduating high school, Leger spent six years in the U.S. Marine Corps before marrying his high school sweetheart, Patricia. Upon returning home from duty, Leger went back to work at Don’s where he became the kitchen manager and began working at other Louisiana Don’s Seafood locations. In 1968, Leger relocated to Beaumont and opened his own Don’s franchise, which grew to one of the longest running and most successful businesses in the Beaumont area. Leger eventually retired from the restaurant industry and spent six years working at Kymoco Signs and Graphics, another family business.

Leger was acknowledged with many honors including his induction into the Texas Restaurant Hall of Honor in 1997. He is known by many for his love of cooking for the community. Leger organized cook-off fundraisers for the YMBL, Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, City of Beaumont, Texas Fire Museum, Boy’s Haven and at the Texas State Capitol. He was an active member and former president of “The Cooks 2 Dozen+,” an organization that raised funds for Boys Haven and other charitable causes.

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

A scholarship has been established in the Lamar University Foundation honoring Margie Hartsfield Fuller, a Lamar University alumna. The scholarship will benefit outstanding students enrolled in the Educator Preparation Program.

In recognition of her service educating young students, Fuller’s son Phillip and his wife Cheryl established the Margie Hartsfield Fuller Scholarship in Education with a gift to the Lamar University Foundation.

Fuller’s son Phillip said he and his wife set up the scholarship in his mother’s name to honor her commitment to teaching.

I grew up in a community of teachers,” he said.  “We hope that by honoring my mother with the scholarship that some of these individuals understand we appreciate their commitment to teaching as well.”

Fuller said he and his wife were fortunate to have graduated in an era of economic growth, and decided to give back to the community in a way that would help students facing more difficult economic conditions.

“We also hope we will inspire other Lamar graduates to consider giving back for the same reason,” he said.

Margie Hartsfield Fuller, homemaker and mother of three, began her career in education earlier than most. In 1938, the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel ran a story titled “East Texas’ Youngest School Teacher.” The article told the story of a 10 year-old Margie Hartsfield teaching her third backyard summer school session. Fuller earned a master of arts degree from Lamar University in December 1972. She retired from Port-Neches Groves High School in 1984 after 31 years of formal teaching. Her dedication to her students was always evident through her hours of work both in the classroom and at after school activities.

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

Beaumont attorney DeWayne Layfield and the Texas State University System Foundation were honored today with a scholarship thanks to the combined generosity of The Beaumont Foundation of America and The Texas State University System Foundation.

Each contributed $1 million to create the L. DeWayne Layfield – Texas State University System Foundation Scholarship.  The $2 million endowment will provide scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in engineering.  It is the largest single scholarship gift in the university's history.

"We are grateful to the Beaumont Foundation and the TSUS Foundation for their support in establishing the DeWayne Layfield-TSUS Foundation Scholarship," said James Simmons, president of the university. “It’s wonderful that these two foundations have joined in supporting Lamar University.”

"Mr. Layfield has distinguished himself in the practice of law and we are proud to count him among the outstanding alumni of Lamar University,” Simmons said. “It is fitting that his name will forever be associated with opportunity for countless students as they too realize their own personal dreams through higher education."

"Scholarships like the one we announced today are vital," said Jack Hopper, dean of the College of Engineering at Lamar. "Thanks to the Layfield-TSUS Foundation Scholarship, countless young men and women will excel in engineering at Lamar University, graduate and become the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow."

“Throughout my 40-plus years at Lamar we have had a large number of exceptionally talented engineering students,” Hopper said. “However, without a doubt, DeWayne Layfield is one of the most scholarly and talented individuals to ever graduate from Lamar. It is very appropriate to have a scholarship endowed in his honor.”

Larry DeWayne Layfield graduated summa cum laude from Lamar University in 1987 with a degree in chemical engineering. The top male graduate in his class, he went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law where he was a member of its most prestigious honor society.

An expert in the areas of civil litigation and class action/mass torts, he was instrumental in the historic class action settlement against Toshiba Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Corp. In 2004, Layfield was named to the “Texas Super Lawyers” list representing the top five percent of attorneys in the state.

“I’m excited for Lamar University and for Southeast Texas because this is a scholarship that will endure in perpetuity,” Layfield said.  “This scholarship will literally touch the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of students over the course of its future.”

The Texas State University System Foundation was organized in 1977 as a Texas non-profit corporation for charitable and educational purposes, and has focused largely on supporting special services and programs of the component institutions of the TSUS system and for the faculty, staff and students of those institutions. As the oldest multi-campus system in Texas, TSUS plays a critical role in the educational and economic development of the state.

Its eight members are Lamar University, Texas State University-San Marcos, Sam Houston State University, Sul Ross State University, Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College-Orange and Lamar State College-Port Arthur.

The Beaumont Foundation was organized in 2000 as a Texas non-profit corporation for charitable purposes.  The Beaumont Foundation has focused its charitable and social activities on gifts and grants that foster the development of knowledge, advance human welfare, nurture individual creativity, strengthen institutions and contribute to the well-being of the less fortunate in society.

The Texas State University System was represented with remarks by Regent and TSUS Foundation board member Kevin Lilly.   Frank Newton, president of the Beaumont Foundation of America, spoke on behalf of the foundation.

The announcement of the Layfield-TSUS Foundation Scholarship increases the university’s Investing in the Future comprehensive campaign total to more than $100 million toward the $125 million goal. The campaign concludes in 2013.

“We are very pleased to receive this endowed scholarship from the Granthams.  The nature of this funding will help our students at all levels,” said Brenda Nichols, dean and professor of arts and sciences at Lamar.  “A great number of our students are seeking to become nurses because of their love of people and their desire to help; but the journey is intensive and costly, so all assistance is important.”

High school sweethearts who married in 1945, the Granthams are lifelong residents of Beaumont and active supporters of Lamar. The Granthams elected to endow this scholarship at Lamar in recognition of Johnnie Grantham’s early interest in pursuing a career in nursing.

Bill Grantham attended Lamar before being called to active military service.  When he returned to Beaumont, Grantham began his career with Sanitary Supply Company, which he eventually purchased and has expanded into a leader in the custodial supplies and equipment industry serving Texas and Louisiana.

Bill Grantham and his wife Johnnie have been faithful supporters of Lamar Athletics and university events, as well as the Symphony of Southeast Texas and the local arts community.  Both of their children attended Lamar.  Their daughter, Jolynn Grantham Schenck, graduated with a degree in elementary education and their son, Larry Grantham, now serves as president of Sanitary Supply Company.

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

“The scholarship established in memory of Minh-Dang Nguyen honors her strong desire to become a nurse,” said Eileen Curl, department chair and professor of nursing.  “Future students who receive this scholarship will help to fulfill her dream.”

Born and raised in Beaumont, Nguyen is remembered as a generous and hard working young woman dedicated to her family and her community.  Nguyen attended West Brook High School where she participated on the Academic Decathlon team and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), a nationwide student organization promoting community leadership.  Her project involving children’s health and exercise earned Nguyen first place in the Texas State FCCLA contest her freshman year, and throughout high school Nguyen won three National FCCLA awards for community service projects concerning health care topics.

Nguyen attended Lamar through her sophomore year as a nursing student until her untimely death in August 2010.

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

Lamar University has announced the naming of the Charles and Eleanor Garrett Engineering Center on the LU campus to recognize a major gift from the Garland couple whose company is one of the world's largest manufacturers of metal-detecting equipment.

Their gift, of an undisclosed amount, will enable the establishment of three different types of funds that support both student scholarships and faculty enhancement; thus, the new annex to the Cherry Engineering Building will bear their name.

"This gift will enable Lamar to establish the Garrett Scholars, which will allow the College of Engineering to recruit the best and brightest students to careers that will impact the future of engineering and build on the wonderful Garrett legacy," President James Simmons said at a news conference Wednesday (April 25, 2012) in the University Reception Center of the Mary and John Gray Library.

The gift will establish the Garrett Engineering Faculty Enhancement Fund, which will provide opportunities to strengthen and enhance the work of the engineering faculty, Simmons said. The couple's gift will also establish the Charles and Eleanor Garrett Chair in Engineering.

The gift is a significant part of Lamar University's Investing in the Future Campaign, which is nearing its original $100 million goal, Simmons said. That goal was raised to $125 million in January 2012. The Garrett Chair is only the second academic chair to be funded during the campaign.

"Charles and Eleanor Garrett have demonstrated through numerous exceptional contributions their generosity and commitment to engineering education at Lamar University," said Jack Hopper, dean of the College of Engineering. "For Charles and Eleanor to leave the legacy of their name imprinted in the infrastructure of Lamar University brings great recognition and national respect for the quality of the education at Lamar."

Charlie Amato, chairman of The Texas State University System board of regents, was among special guests attending the news conference.

Charles Garrett, a 1959 electrical engineering graduate of Lamar, was honored as a distinguished alumnus of Lamar in 2003 and awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters in 2011. Eleanor Smith Garrett earned a bachelor of science in 1954 and a master of education in 1955 from what was then Sam Houston State Teachers College. She was honored by Sam Houston as a distinguished alumna in 2008 and awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree in 2010.

Also in 2010, Sam Houston State University announced naming of the Eleanor and Charles Garrett Teacher Education Center to honor Eleanor’s lifelong support of elementary, secondary and higher education and in appreciation of a noteworthy gift from the couple.

"I am just awestruck. I am flabbergasted," Eleanor Garrett said. "I never dreamed there would be a college building named for me and my husband anywhere and, now, two colleges is just beyond thinking. We are so happy and so proud, and we feel so humble that people were so kind to do this."

Charles Garrett's passion for treasure hunting and desire to create a better metal detector led him and Eleanor to establish Garrett Metal Detectors Inc., which has grown to become one of the world's largest manufacturers of virtually all types of metal-detection equipment.

"We know we cannot take what we have made with us . . . and we need to share it and help others to help themselves," Eleanor said.

"Because their company employs engineers from many disciplines, the Garretts wanted Lamar to use their gift to provide the greatest benefit to the College of Engineering," said Camille Mouton, vice president for university advancement. "Our greatest need is for scholarships and faculty enhancement. This transformative gift could not be more important or come at a more important time for our university."

Simmons said he cannot overemphasize the significance of the Garrett name in furthering academic excellence at Lamar. "Charles Garrett is an icon. He is a true pioneer in the field of metal detection. He and Eleanor are amazing friends both to Lamar and to its sister institution Sam Houston," also part of The Texas State University System.

And, he said, "The timing of this gift is wonderful because, to be able to recruit the best and brightest students, to be able to support our faculty in much-needed research, we must look to other sources of funding."

The Garretts previously established the Professor Floyd Crum Scholarship in Electrical Engineering in tribute to the professor who had inspired Charles during his years as a Lamar student. The couple also established the Charles Lewis and Eleanor Smith Garrett Scholarship in Engineering. After many years of service on Lamar's College of Engineering Advisory Council, he was named a member emeritus of the council at a luncheon in the Garretts' honor after the news conference.

Lamar University provided the education that Charles needed to achieve iconic status in his field, but it was Eleanor who made his education possible, Mouton said. She taught school in the Nederland and Port Neches-Groves school districts while Charles, home from his military service, pursued his electrical engineering degree from Lamar and worked for the Texas Highway Department and Texas Instruments.

In 1964, when Charles decided to turn his passion for treasure hunting into a business that started in the family garage, Eleanor withdrew her savings from the Teacher Retirement System to finance the company. "Since that time, under Charles' and Eleanor's leadership, the company has grown exponentially and has had a tremendous impact on the security industry worldwide, while maintaining its core philosophy of unparalleled customer satisfaction," Mouton said. "The Garretts' expertise was an invaluable asset as the U.S. shifted to tighter security in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks."

In 2010, two engineering students at Lamar University — Jorge Jimenez and Russell Barker — completed summer internships with Garrett Metal Detectors. "They were great guys, and we'd like to have two more just like them," Eleanor said.

All over the world, the black Super Wands with the eye-catching yellow GARRETT name are recognized as they help keep the flying public safe. Garret Metal Detector Co. also produces the walk-through detectors approved by the federal government for use in United States airports. Garrett metal detectors have provided security at the Olympics since 1984. Charles has acquired several patents for innovative equipment and features and has authored numerous books and videos.

The Garretts also are very successful tree farmers, owning many tracks of land in Trinity and Houston counties. In 2002, the Texas Forestry Association honored them with the Texas Tree Farmer of the Year Award.

Although the business consumes much of their time, Charles and Eleanor share their time and talent in many different ways. Charles has served as president of both the American Metal Detector Manufacturers Association and the International Treasure Hunting Society and is a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and Sons of the Confederacy.

Eleanor has held state office with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, a national office with the Magna Charta Dames and Barons and is a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is active in numerous other historical societies.

Charles graduated from Lufkin High School, which named him to its Hall of Honor. Eleanor is a graduate of Pennington High School in a school district where her father served as superintendent after serving as a principal in Lufkin. "From the time I was 5 until I was 10, I rode to school with him every day," she recalls. "Mother taught the primaries, and I grew up knowing how to write on a chalkboard before I could hardly walk."

During summers when she was a young teenager, she accompanied her father to Sam Houston, where he was working on his master's degree. By then, she had already decided which dorm she would live in as a student there.

"As their lives attest, the Garretts have never forgotten the importance of education in their own success," Simmons said. "This passion for seeking answers in their business has made it possible for them to support future entrepreneurs and teachers through their philanthropy. This extremely generous gift creates a well-deserved legacy for Charles and Eleanor Garrett at his alma mater."

Stephen Doblin, provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced the endowment – which he described as “transformative” – during Lamar’s annual university awards ceremony, marked by introduction of the 2012 University Professor and three merit award recipients, as well as recognition of two retirees.

“Our ceremony is doubly special because of the generosity of one of our own, the 1986 Lamar Regents’ Professor, Dr. Ann Die Hasselmo,” Doblin told faculty, executives and special guests. Among those in attendance were Hasselmo’s husband, Nils, former Lamar Presidents Bill Franklin (1985-1991) and John Idoux (1991-92) and several former LU officials.

“Today and henceforth, this ceremony will be underwritten by the endowment, and the university professor title – awarded for life – will also be designated the Ann Die-Hasselmo Faculty Scholar for the subsequent year,” Doblin said.

Jerry Lin, honored Wednesday as the 2012 university professor, became the first Lamar faculty member to receive the honor.

“As a student, I benefitted from (faculty members) who gave their time to nurture me, to instruct me, to provide mentorship to me,” Hasselmo said. “They are faculty committed to excellence in education, research and student achievement.

“I believe we all have the obligation and commitment to pass on that which was given to us, so it a pleasure for me to be here and have a part in this ceremony. Congratulations to each of the award recipients today. I wish you a career that continues in the spirit of excellence for which you are honored today.”

A native of Baytown and Silsbee High School graduate, Hasselmo graduated summa cum laude from Lamar State College of Technology in 1966 with a degree in psychology. She continued her education by earning a master’s degree from the University of Houston in 1969 and a doctor of philosophy from Texas A&M University in 1977. Her graduate degrees are in counseling psychology, and she is a licensed psychologist.

She was a popular, high-energy faculty member of Lamar during the 1970s and ’80s, Doblin said. “She climbed the ranks, earned tenure, received a regents’ merit award, was Faculty Senate president, served as assistant to the executive vice president for academic and student affairs and, even more challenging, she helped design a state program known as TASP – the Texas Academic Skills Program – today known as the Texas Success Initiative.”
While at Lamar, Hasselmo was selected as one of 29 Fellows of the American Council and Education and spent the 1986-87 academic year at the College of William and Mary, working with the president and provost on a variety of academic and administrative issues.

These experiences opened doors of opportunity and, from 1988 until 1992, Hasselmo served as dean of the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College and associate provost of Tulane University in New Orleans. She also held chaired the Newcomb Foundation board of trustees. From Newcomb, she was chosen president of Hendrix College in Conway, Ark.

“By all measures, Hendrix thrived during Ann’s watch, and she grew into one of America’s leading college presidents,” Doblin said.

She left Hendrix in 1992 to become managing director of Academic Search Consultation Service. Today, she is president of the American Academic Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C., a non-profit organization devoted to strengthening academic leadership in all sectors of public and private higher education.

Away from work, her community and professional activities have included refugee assistance issues, intercultural councils and numerous mental health, civic and performing-arts boards. She also sits on the board of Acxiom Corp., a world leader in marketing and information management.

Moore graduated from Lamar with both an undergraduate and master’s degree in mathematics and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She graduated from Lamar in 1971 and immediately started teaching mathematics at Nederland High School.  Upon receiving her master’s degree in 1975, Moore accepted a position with KBR, a global engineering, construction and service company as a cost engineer where she met her husband George Moore. They were married 34 years and had four children.

After the arrival of her first child, Moore left the business world to stay home until the last of her four children entered grade school. She began teaching again at Jersey Village High School in Houston, where she taught mathematics for 19 years. She was well known for beginning each class with a “Thought for the Day”. Moore felt that her students were an extension of her family and held them close to her heart.

Moore and her family attended the Jersey Village Baptist Church where she worked in the youth department teaching a girl’s Sunday School Class for many years. She was a sponsor for many youth events and mission trips.

Moore passed away Sept. 9, 2011 after a heroic battle with breast cancer.  Her husband, George Moore, created the Lin Scroggs Moore Memorial Scholarship in Mathematics to further the education of students. “We wanted to encourage students to continue their studies in mathematics,” he said.

For information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

Adams’ family and friends established the scholarship in her memory with a gift to the Lamar Foundation.

“She was an excellent golfer and a very fun person to be around,” said Pat Park, Adams’ golf coach and retired assistant professor of kinesiology at Lamar. “She was certainly an above average student, and she loved Lamar. She felt that Lamar and golf gave her an opportunity to expand her horizons, and she loved her classes, loved her teachers – she loved everybody.”

Adams attended Lamar from 1977-79 and played on the women’s golf team. She went on to become a professional golf instructor for several years, until her vocation offered her an opportunity to relocate to California where she began working in an intermediate care facility for those with disabilities. She returned to Texas and established several intermediate care facilities for individuals with mental retardation, and played a vital role in founding numerous Home and Community-Based Service programs. Adams died in 2011.

“She was always so full of life,” Park said. “She was very dedicated to her work here in Texas, and she was great about picking people up and encouraging them. She loved all sorts of people, and everybody loved her.”

The Texas Senate expressed its condolences to her family in 2011, paying tribute to Adams by creating Senate Resolution No. 63 in her honor.

For information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

Hunter W. Henry, Jr., an alumnus of Mississippi State University, and past president of Dow, U.S.A., died in June 2011. Lilalee Harlow Henry, a native of Port Arthur and an alumna of Southern Methodist University, died in January 2010.

The Henrys established five generous Lamar University scholarships honoring family members during their lifetime. The scholarships include the Marvin V. Harlow Scholarship in Engineering in memory of Lila Henry’s father, the Thelma Harlow Scholarship in Nursing in memory of Lila’s mother, the Martha and Haldane Vinson Memorial Scholarship in memory of Lila’s aunt and uncle, the Robert H. Harlow Scholarship in Electrical Engineering in honor of Lila’s brother and the Elaine Tatom and Hunter W. “Ticket” Henry Scholarship in honor of the Henry’s son and daughter-in-law. Elaine is a 1971 Lamar graduate.

“The Hunter Henry Scholarship supports students who are actively involved in nursing-related activities like the Lamar University Texas Nursing Student Association (LUTNSA),” said Eileen Deges Curl, department chair for the JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing. “The scholarship promotes academic excellence by providing financial support for students to fully engage in their nursing studies.”

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

Campaign co-chairs Greg Thompson of Beaumont and Mike Aldredge of Bellville, and honorary chair Elvis Mason of Dallas, decided to present the idea of increasing the campaign goal to the campaign cabinet members.

“Elvis, Mike and I are excited by the tremendous positive response from our Campaign Cabinet about raising the goal to $125 million,” Thompson said. “The university team is reenergized by the challenge and is 100 percent behind it. We stand at over $95 million due to the phenomenal work of many and the enthusiasm amid donors on the future of Lamar University.”

"In spite of an uncertain economy, friends, alumni and business leaders have given unprecedented support to the campaign," said Camille Mouton, vice president for university advancement. "There is a growing sense of pride in the university among its employees, alumni, friends, corporations and foundations.

"We are so thankful for the support we have seen," she said, "and we are very excited to set our eyes on a new goal as we enter the final stretch of the campaign."

The university began the campaign, its first ever, in March 2006.

Since its inception, more than 27,000 individual gifts have been given in the campaign, with 53 percent coming from Southeast Texas and 47 percent from beyond the region.

Of the total raised to date, $76.5 million has benefited academic programs, student scholarships and undesignated academic programs and $18.5 million is supporting athletics programs.

The university's original goal for the campaign was to raise $50 million over five years. However, when $46 million was raised during the first two years of the campaign, the university's cabinet members recognized the unprecedented support and enthusiasm for the university and set a much more ambitious goal of raising $100 million over seven years, Mouton said.

"We thought this was a real stretch goal for us, but so many have stepped up to the challenge that the wisdom of the cabinet's decision is abundantly clear," she said. “Now we are raising the goal again to accommodate many others who want to participate in the campaign and to further strengthen the university.”

"I have been both surprised and grateful for the outpouring of financial support for Lamar from across the nation," said Elvis Mason, a 1959 graduate of Lamar and the honorary campaign chair.

The giving has spread well across all areas of the university, Mouton said. So far 28 percent of the total raised has gone to scholarships, 35 percent to academic programs, 17.5 percent for undesignated purposes, and 19.5 percent to athletics.

Of the total amount given, 52 percent has come from alumni, 23 percent from friends of the university, and 25 percent from corporations and foundations. Of the 513 privately funded scholarships at LU, 187 have been created since the campaign began, a 36 percent increase.

"When the campaign began, it would have been hard for anyone to imagine the kind of impact its results are having," said University President James Simmons. "From the smallest to the largest gifts, every person's generosity is building a better campus and enriching the lives of our students. We're a more vibrant, successful university because of each one of our donors. The support we are receiving is transformational."

As the "Investing in the Future" campaign continues, more emphasis is being placed on the benefits of planned gifts and a specific goal of bringing in a third of the campaign total through planned giving has been set, Mouton said. Planned gifts now account for 27 percent of the total raised during the campaign.

"There are many charitable giving vehicles that benefit donors in their lifetimes while leaving a lasting benefit for Lamar University for generations to come," Mouton said. "Consideration of planned gifts often enables donors to make transformational gifts and create a legacy while benefiting their families - a true win-win!"

Lamar alumnus and Legacy Society member Don Lyle said "Once you’ve made the decision to give, there are investment professionals who, along with the staff at Lamar, are intimately aware of the current tax laws and the current structures through which you can make a planned gift in a way most beneficial to the institution and yourself."

The campaign has led to a number of significant improvements to the campus and the university:

- There are four named departments - the JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing, the Phillip M. Drayer Department of Electrical Engineering, the Dan F. Smith Department of Chemical Engineering, and the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music.

- More than $27 million has been raised in scholarship endowments, including support for the Mirabeau Scholars program, the $1 million Valero Scholarship and the $1.6 million Legends of Southeast Texas Scholarships, and the Gena and Albert G. Reaud Scholarship.

- Faculty and academic programs have benefited from $33 million in funds, including the Reese Construction Management Program and the David J. Beck Fellowship.

- Lamar’s campus is enhanced by the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center.

- The return of NCAA Division I FCS football was made possible through the support of Lamar’s students and facilitated, in large part, by gifts given during the campaign. The team works out in the Dauphin Athletic Complex, practices on the Vernon Glass Field of Champions and plays in Provost Umphrey Stadium. The Dan F. and Sandra A. Smith Press Box and Morgan Suites overlook W.S. "Bud" Leonard Field. Fans can keep track of the game on the state-of-the-art Education First Federal Credit Union scoreboard.

- LU athletics also boasts three brand new facilities to support other sports: The Emma and H.D. "Tex" Strait Baseball Training Facility, The Thompson Family Tennis Center and the Dauphin Athletic Complex.

Serving on the campaign cabinet are Elvis Mason, honorary chair, Dallas; Michael Aldredge, co-chair, Bellville; Greg Thompson, co-chair, Beaumont; David J. Beck, Houston; Dr. Tamerla Chavis, Beaumont; William Childs, Kerrville; Will Crenshaw, Beaumont; Phillip M. Drayer, Dallas; Tyrell Garth, Beaumont; Michael Grimes, Houston; Dan Hallmark, Beaumont; Don Lyle, La Jolla, Calif.; Charles Mason Jr., Beaumont; Douglas Matthews, Galveston; William Mitchell, Dripping Springs; Ray Moore, Beaumont; Pat Parsons, Beaumont; Jordan Reese III, Houston; Regina Rogers, Beaumont, William Scott, Nederland; Dan F. Smith, Houston; and Roy Steinhagen, Beaumont.

For more information about the campaign, call (409) 880-8422.

Instead, Gordon devoted more than 30 years to serving as a volunteer at Baptist Hospital, assisting and understanding the important work of the nurses employed there. Gordon also saw her daughter become a nurse, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University in 1963.

The McNeills established the scholarship in the Lamar University Foundation, which will award it annually to an undergraduate student in the JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing.

“The Marie E. Gordon Presidential Scholarship in Nursing will forever benefit students majoring in nursing at Lamar University,” said Eileen Deges Curl, chair of the nursing department. “This scholarship enables students to focus on studying nursing rather than having to split their time between school and work. We are honored to have such a scholarship provided by the McNeill family, especially because Mrs. McNeill is well respected for her career in nursing.”

Barbara McNeill said she had the opportunity to work with Lamar nursing students at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth several years ago. “We are very impressed with the nursing department at Lamar, with the people who are running it and with the students coming out of Lamar,” she said. “We want to help further that effort. I think our community is going to need a lot more nurses. They’re going to take more responsibility in the future for medical care.”

“Mother had always wanted to be a nurse,” Barbara McNeill said. “She fulfilled part of that dream by volunteering at Baptist Hospital and got to know the nurses there and some of the students who worked there. She was always so helpful to them, and they just loved her.”

Marie Eddins Gordon was born in 1916 and moved to Beaumont from Kingsville after marrying John B. Gordon, whose uncle, W.D. Gordon was involved with the original Spindletop oil discovery of 1901. She became active in the Women’s Club and First Christian Church, where she remained a member until her death in 1998.

“It was Alan’s idea to create a scholarship in Mother’s name,” said Barbara. They had a special relationship, she said, restoring and producing pecans from the Gordon Pecan Orchard on Major Drive.

“Marie Gordon’s life was her family, her church, music and her concern and love for others,” said Alan, a local attorney.  “She would be pleased by this honor of a gift to nursing, a career that serves others.”

For information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

Sina and Sohelia Nejad own and operate Sigma Engineers, Inc. located in Beaumont since 1993. Sohelia manages the daily operations of the business while Sina designs structures, many of which can be found throughout Southeast Texas. Among some of the projects he has worked on are the design of the Beaumont Telco Credit Union building, the redesign of the Nathan building, and the design of the oil derrick used during the Spindletop centennial ceremony at the Spindletop/Gladys City Boomtown Museum. Adding to the couple’s local commitment, Sina currently serves on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Beaumont, the board of directors of the Anayat House and the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce. He is a past president of the Symphony of Southeast Texas.

Sina received both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in civil engineering from Lamar and serves on the board of trustees of the Lamar University Foundation. Sohelia attended the University of Southern California and has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business management.

“The College of Engineering is deeply appreciative to Sina and Sohelia Nejad for establishing a scholarship in their children’s names in the civil engineering department. Sina has been a long time supporter of the College of Engineering and Lamar and I am pleased that he has chosen to honor his children, Amir and Layla, in this manner,” said Dr. Jack Hopper, Dean of the College of Engineering.

For information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

The Dauphin family gift brings LU’s campaign total to $88 million, approaching the $100 million goal. This was the Silsbee family’s second gift to the Investing in the Future campaign. The Dauphin Athletic Complex houses the Dauphin Family Football Office Suite, which recognizes the family’s earlier contribution.

“With the dedication of the Dauphin Athletic Complex, the Dauphin name will forever be associated with Lamar University. What a wonderful legacy for a family that has given so much to this community,” Simmons said during a Wednesday ceremony in the complex to announce the gift and the name.

The 54,000-square-foot Dauphin Athletic Complex, which sits just south of Provost Umphrey Stadium, opened in August 2010 as Lamar University prepared for its first season of Cardinals football in 21 years. The state-of-the-art facility includes everything student athletes need to be successful both on and off the field.

Simmons cited the gift as a great example of the theme of his presidency – building strength in community. “We’re gathered to celebrate a wonderful gift from someone who did not go to Lamar University but lives in this community. That makes it very special to us,” Simmons said.

Charline Dauphin, who attended the dedication with her daughter Robin Dauphin, said she loves her association with Lamar and her friendships with Simmons and head football coach Ray Woodard.

“I think the support Lamar is getting is just phenomenal now. I think we’ve come a long way, and I’m really proud to be part of it,” Dauphin said.

Dauphin and her late husband, Sidney “Chief” Dauphin, came to Lamar University years ago as competitors, not students. She was a Rangerette at Kilgore College, and he played football at Tyler Junior College. He continued his education at what became Texas A&M-Commerce and began his career as a football coach. He later coached at Silsbee High School, which now has the Sidney “Chief” Dauphin Silsbee Tiger Field House.

Together, Charline and Chief Dauphin started Texas Home Health, which allowed them to help families care for their loved ones at home. When Charline sold the business after Chief’s death, she had more than 12,000 employees and more than 30 offices across Texas.

In addition to contributing to Lamar University, the Dauphin family has generously supported charities to help those touched by cancer, including the Charline and Sidney “Chief” Dauphin Cancer Screening and Prevention Center in Beaumont. Charline Dauphin also has worked with the Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program and served on the Board of Visitors for M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

The Dauphin Athletic Complex plays an important role in the success of all LU athletics programs. The facility includes a players’ lounge and academic center, a strength and conditioning center, locker rooms for LU Football and visiting teams, meeting rooms and an auditorium. The Dauphins enjoy watching home football games from Woodard’s office upstairs. He called Charline a dear friend, which makes the gift very special.

The Dauphin family’s gift was announced in the middle of Homecoming Week during Lamar University’s first football season of Southland Conference play. Simmons urged all Cardinals fans to “Get Your Red On” and come to Saturday’s game.

The Dauphins will be honored during pregame festivities on W.S. “Bud” Leonard Field on Saturday before the Lamar University Cardinals take on the University of Central Arkansas Bears at 3 p.m.

“Dr. Williams and Dr. Wooster, by their obvious love of history, ignited in me a passion for the discipline that happily became my life’s work. They were the first to suggest that I had ‘what it takes’ to become a professional historian; and their support made it all possible,” said Leland Bellot. “I, along with my wife Marlita, who was also a student in Dr. Williams’ and Dr. Wooster’s classes, agreed that the best way we could repay our debt to them was to provide Lamar students with similar opportunities by creating the scholarship.”

Preston Buckner Williams began teaching at Lamar State College of Technology in 1949, the same year he was granted his doctorate from the University of Texas. He became the first head of the Department of History in 1957 and was appointed dean of the College of Liberal Arts in 1967. He retired in 1977 and died in 1987.

Ralph Wooster joined the Lamar faculty in 1955. He served as chair of the history department in 1966, dean of graduate studies in 1976, dean of faculty in 1977, assistant vice president for academic affairs in 1980, and associate vice president for academic affairs in 1985. He took early retirement in 1991, but continues to teach one class each semester.

The scholarship will benefit a Lamar graduating senior, majoring in history, and admitted to graduate school with plans to teach. According to Dr. Howell Gwin, graduate students are not allowed to teach the first year of graduate study making that somewhat difficult for the student. This award will assist the student during the entry period.

Leland Bellot served Cal State University-Fullerton forty-two years in roles ranging from professor of history, to dean of humanities and social science and ultimately vice-president. Marlita Bellot taught elementary school in Texas and California for almost twenty years.

For information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

The couple contributed a major gift providing the resources to establish and maintain operations of the newly created Fecel Financial Center within the College of Business.

“Judy and I believe the FFC will enhance the skills of the current students. Also, we are hopeful that it may become an exciting ‘enticement’ to attract future students to Lamar,” Craig Fecel said.

“The high quality of my education at Lamar was the important first step in my career path,” Fecel added. “I’m grateful to Dr. Venta for helping me find a meaningful way to give back to Lamar. I can only dream about this resource being available to me 47 years ago, but now it’s available to all students qualified to experience it.”

“It is most fitting that the center be named for an individual who has distinguished himself in the world of finance throughout his career,” said Henry Venta, dean of the College of Business.

“Lamar was a critical first step in my career path,” Fecel said. “At Lamar, I had nurturing teachers who helped me build my self-esteem and gave me the problem-solving tools I would need in the future to meet the challenges I would face in my career.”

Fecel earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Lamar in 1966, and then completed a Master of Science in industrial administration from Purdue University the following year.

A financial advisor in Houston for more than 40 years, he is now a PIA Program Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Vice President - Investments with Merrill Lynch’s Galleria Office in Houston.

Fecel is the author of the book “How to Profit from the PSYCLE” (1983) and appeared as a special guest on television’s Wall $treet Week with Louis Rukeyser in 1980. In 1995, he was one of five financial advisors nationwide elected to Research Magazine’s Broker Hall of Fame. Also, in that year, Barron’s magazine featured an exclusive interview with Fecel titled “Psyching Out Stocks.”

“The Fecel Financial Center will strengthen and enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities in the College of Business,” Venta said. “Both students and our faculty will grow through practical experience and through research using the financial center resources. The center will function as an advanced learning laboratory as well as a highly specialized classroom.”

The center will be housed in a newly renovated classroom complete with new computer stations and associated audiovisual and display equipment. Students will have access to specialized software and databases to allow for financial research and financial alerts and tools not currently available to them in college.

“Both our undergraduate and graduate students will learn to apply complex financial concepts in an exciting, virtual real-world environment, just like those they will encounter in their careers,” Venta said.

In addition to computers with dual displays, the center is well-equipped with software for student projects and research, said Tommy Thompson, associate professor of economics and finance, who oversees the student-managed investment fund that began with $250,000 from the Lamar University Foundation and is exceeding market averages.

In addition to a full complement of software already in use by the college, the center will have Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ and Research Insight analytical software for accessing and screening Compustat data. The lab will display news and financial data in real time, Thompson said. The center’s market wall will include a touch screen for monitoring the stock indices such as the New York Stock Exchange, and the NASDAQ, as well as commodities, precious metals, interest rates and exchange rates.

“We will also be able to create a watch list that we can access throughout the day and run comparisons to performance on the previous day, five days ago, 30 days ago, a year ago or five years ago,” Thompson said. “Lamar’s advanced finance classes will use the lab as well as graduate finance classes. It will be very well-used and will allow for more interactive learning.”

Mark Etheridge, director of Wood Products & Tier 1 Accounts, Thermo Fisher Scientific, a 1980 alumnus and member of the college’s board of advisors, helped furnish the center.

Lamar University's College of Business is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB-International) a distinction held by fewer than 5 percent of business schools worldwide. Princeton Review ranked Lamar's College of Business as one of the top 300 business schools in the nation. The Aspen Institute has ranked Lamar’s MBA in its biennial "Beyond Grey Pinstripes Global 100" list in 2007, 2009 and 2011.

Baj’s wife, Catherine, established the scholarship with a gift to the Lamar Foundation.

Baj, who died in 2009, moved to Beaumont in 1964 to accept a position in the mathematics department at Lamar. He served as a faculty advisor to Pi Mu Epsilon mathematics honor society and the mathematics club before his retirement in 1997.

He had many fond memories of his students and colleagues and enjoyed watching Lamar change and grow over the years. “He especially liked to show students how to use logic and prove theorems. He was always available to students and encouraged them to join the mathematics fraternity, Pi Mu Epsilon, which he sponsored,” said Michael Laidacker, associate professor of mathematics.

Baj served his country during World War II, joining the Army Air Force in 1942. He was accepted into Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a second lieutenant after graduating. At the time of his honorable discharge inNovember 1945, he was serving as a flight officer and bombardier-navigator. Baj studied commercial art before attending Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa., where he met his wife, Catherine. He attended Heidelberg College in Ohio for one year. In 2001, he represented the college at Southwestern University’s 14th presidential inauguration. Subsequently, Baj earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics in 1955 from Kent State University in Ohio.

After teaching high school math and physics to various schools in Ohio, Baj earned a National Science Foundation grant to the University of Texas at Austin and other grants to continue his education at Hiram College and Purdue University. He graduated with his master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Texas and completed graduate work toward his Ph.D. at the University of Houston.

For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

“We are grateful for the support of Ronn and Anna Lee Haddox,” said Enrique “Henry” Venta, dean of the College of Business. “In these difficult times, scholarships are even more important to enable our students to complete their degrees.” Born in Brenham, Ronald “Ronn” Dennis Haddox attended Lamar and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. While a student at Lamar, he met Anna Lee Dunn of Beaumont, a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. Ronn graduated in 1964 with a bachelor of business administration degree in management, and Anna Lee graduated the same year with a bachelor’s degree in home economics.

Ronn earned a juris doctorate in 1970 from the South Texas College of Law and pursued his career as a lawyer.Today, he is in private law practice in Baytown. Anna Lee was a homemaking teacher for 10 years and retired when the children, Jason Haddox and LeAnne Redwine, went to college.

Ronn is involved in several civic and professional organizations in the Baytown and Houston Communities. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Baytown, a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, chairman of the Baytown Industrial District Appraisal Board and a regent for the Lee College board of regents (former secretary).

For information about establishing an endowed scholarship, contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.

Weinert, who holds two graduate degrees from Lamar University, established The Michael G. Weinert Entrepreneurship Lecture Series Endowment to provide funds to bring dynamic, high-profile entrepreneurs to the university for lectures in entrepreneurship.

"Mike Weinert is passionate about the role that individual potential plays in our economic system,” said Henry Venta, dean of the College of Business. “His gift is a tangible statement of that passion and how we can foster it at Lamar University."

"Appropriate role models are most important in helping students find their path in life,” Venta said. “Mike's gift will enable the College of Business to bring to campus outstanding entrepreneurs so that future generations of Lamar University students can truly see the importance that entrepreneurship can play in our economy and on their own personal lives."

Weinert is a decorated military officer with more than 30 years of service in the US Army and US Coast Guard. During his career, he accumulated more than 2,200 flight hours in numerous types of helicopters and holds a commercial instrument rotary wing license. In his civilian career, he held real estate sales and brokers licenses and was licensed by the National Association of Securities Dealers.

Weinert created the endowment “to inspire LU students to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship and to reach their true potential in life” with an initial gift of $200,000 and a commitment to bring the total endowment to $500,000. At that point, the dean of Lamar’s business college will use the proceeds generated by the endowment to bring nationally recognized speakers to campus.

A sixth-generation Texan, Weinert, the son of Army career officer Col. Charles M. Weinert, lived throughout the U.S. and abroad during his formative years. His mother, Dolores Belzons, is a descendant of Samuel and Celia McCarley, settlers of Stephen F. Austin’s second colony. She was also the great-great granddaughter of Theodore Lee, who served in the Texas Army at the Battle of San Jacinto.

Weinert graduated with a degree in management from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1979, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Regular Army after completing the Army ROTC program at UT-Arlington and the US Army Airborne training.

Weinert graduated first in his class from the Transportation Corps Officer Basic Course, then attended and graduated from the US Army’s Flight School, the Army’s Aircraft Maintenance Officer’s Course and the US Army Maintenance Test Pilot course for OH-58 Kiowa helicopters. He served with the US Army’s Air Cavalry in Korea for one year and then served several years with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Ft. Campbell, Ky.

After receiving a direct commission in the US Coast Guard in 1984, Weinert began flying search and rescue missions from Corpus Christi and later transferred to New Jersey. Initially he flew Sikorsky HH-52 amphibious helicopters, but soon began flying the Coast Guard’s newer Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin helicopters.

In 1988, Weinert left active duty and returned to the Dallas-Fort Worth area where he worked for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and other employers while continuing to serve in the Coast Guard Reserve in Corpus Christi. In 2000, he began flying helicopters to oil and gas fields in the Gulf of Mexico. One week after the Sept. 11 attacks, the Coast Guard recalled him to active duty. He transferred to the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Port Arthur in July 2002 and began attending evening classes at Lamar University.

Weinert earned a Master of Public Administration from LU in 2007, then continued his education, earning an M.B.A. from Lamar in 2009. While a student, Weinert was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society and Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society.