President Ellen Rienstra, ’62, ’80, is a sixth-generation Southeast Texan and a lifelong resident of Beaumont. She currently works as a contract researcher and writer for the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation in Orange, Texas. She has been a Lamar Cardinal fan for over fifty years, and she has frequently said that she will match her education against anyone’s.

President-Elect Vernon Durden, '69,'04, retired from ExxonMobil and lives in China, Texas, with wife Johnnie Marie also a '00 Lamar Graduate. Vernon and Johnnie Marie both work tirelessly in the community and have endowed a scholarship in their names in the Department of Education at Lamar University

Past President Jake Tortorice, '76, owns and operates a local business, Rao's Bakery, with his wife, Mary Tortorice and his sons. Jake has fond memories of his days in Alpha Tau Omega and credits his business success to his professors and courses at Lamar's business school. He is the immediate past president of the Alumni Board and hopes to encourage other students to attend the university.

Director Rose Marie Ashabranner, ’70, began her teaching career in September of 1971. For five years she taught at St. Anthony Cathedral School, the first three years as a fifth grade teacher and the next two as an eighth grade teacher. In the fall of 1977, she returned to St. Anthony's as principal and remained in that position for four years. A sixteen year career in the school office of the Diocese of Beaumont followed. In the fall of 1997, she began working at Monsignor Kelly High School and is beginning her sixteenth year at Kelly this fall.

Director Brian Bean,‘04, is a Technology Teacher and Head Soccer Coach at Central Medical Magnet High School. He continues to work closely with students on campus at Lamar advocating community involvement and service to others, as well as steering area high school graduates towards his alma mater.

Director Mitzi Marino Burns, '91, is a native of Beaumont and a 1987 graduate of Monsignor Kelly High School. While attending Lamar, Mitzi was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and was a Lamar University cheerleader. She is married to Andrew R. Burns, '90.  Mitzi and Andy have two children, Drew, 12, and Ellie, 8. Mitzi worked as a Sonographer for St. Elizabeth Hospital and Southeast Texas OBGYN and Associates and was a Clinical Instructor of Radiology for Lamar University.   Mitzi enjoys being at home with her family and volunteering for various organizations.

Director Richard Cacioppo, ’74, ’75, is a Project Manager for Mustang Engineering in Houston. He, his wife Gay and two daughters live in the greater Houston area. He is grateful for the excellent technical education, the opportunities to compliment those technical skills in campus organization activities and the life-long friendships provided from the Lamar experience. He is Cardinal Proud! taking every opportunity to follow and promote Lamar academics and athletics in the community.

Director Dr. Timothy B. Chargois, ’91, '08, is the Superintendent for the Beaumont ISD.  He is a former principal, assistant principal, and music teacher.  He has been a technology advisor and a coordinator for interventions and awareness programs and has helped to develop after-school programs for students.  He has served on boards of many organizations such as Leadership Beaumont, Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Texas Arts Council, and the American Heart Association.  Most recently, Dr. Chargois has worked with professors from Lamar University to develop research-based, data-driven approaches to improve teacher-preparation programs.  Dr. Chargois and his wife Imogene have been married for 20 years.  They are members of The Anchor Church of Beaumont where he serves as church organist.

Director Warren Claybar is from Orange and is the owner of the Claybar Family of Companies.  He is married to Brandi Hinds Claybar, Lamar '05.  They recently had their first child, a son, Jett.  When Warren is not working, he can be found enjoying the outdoors or volunteering with civic organizations.  He currently serves as the Board President of the Southeast Texas Food Bank, Treasurer of the 100 Club of Southeast Texas, and in varying capacities in several other organizations in the community.  Warren, Brandi and Jett now live in Beaumont.  Warren understands the prosperity of Southeast Texas is directly tied to the growth and prosperity of Lamar University..

Director Pat Gafford Coldewey, ’70, recently retired as director of Anayat House in Beaumont, a medical hospitality house serving Southeast Texas. Her plans are to move to Houston to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren. She has very fond memories of campus life at Lamar and the great friendships she made as a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

Director Grace Naquin Cordts, ’89, started Lamar in 1967, but left before graduating to raise a family. When her daughters left for college so did she, finishing her degree in 1989. An active community volunteer, Grace made many great friends while at Lamar and will always be happy that she persevered to finish her education and earn her degree.

Director Nathan Cross CPA, ’73, is former managing shareholder of Edgar, Kiker & Cross, PC in Beaumont. He and his wife, Jo Ann live in Beaumont. Nathan is grateful to Lamar for providing a valued education preparing him for a professional career of over 40 years. He currently serves on boards of Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Southeast Texas, Samaritan Counseling Services, Beaumont Public Schools Foundation, and as trustee of Beaumont Firemen’s Relief & Retirement Fund.

Director Bill Darling, ’85, is Area President of Capital One Bank in Beaumont. He and his wife, Crissy Petkovsek Darling, ’85, ’87, live in Beaumont where Crissy is employed as a Speech Language Pathologist for the BISD. They have three children, Emily (20) attends Texas A&M University, Will (17) and John (15) attend Monsignor Kelly High School.

Director Craig Escamilla, '06, '09, serves as Executive Director of The Symphony of Southeast Texas in Beaumont where he lives with his wife, Laura, '05, '06. Craig also teaches management classes in Lamar's College of Business, and enjoys supporting activities of students and faculty members in Lamar's Music Department.

Director Becky Fussell, ’82, a Chemical Engineer, is a Production Superintendent at the TOTAL refinery in Port Arthur. Becky lives in Port Neches with her five cats. She is an active member and past Chair of the Lamar Chemical Engineering Advisory Council. She also supports Lamar Chemical Engineering students through scholarship funding.

Director Mike Gonzales, '02, is the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services in Port Neches-Groves ISD. His wife, Dana Drago Gonzales, '93, and he currently live in Port Neches with their two beautiful daughters, Victoria and Karisa. Mike is currently working on his doctorate at Lamar and hopes to achieve that goal in the spring of 2013.

Director David A. Guidroz, '75, is an area sales manager for Giglio Distributing Co. in Beaumont. He and his wife Cindy have three children and five grandchildren. He serves on the Cardinal Club board of directors and was an Alpha Tau Omega at Lamar.

Director Karyn Kupiec Hawkins, ’93, ’95, is President & CEO Elect of United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County. She and her husband, Hugh, live in Beaumont with their son, Will. She enjoys attending Lamar sporting events with her family and supporting Red, White and You days.

Director Carol Patteson Hebert, ’89, ’90, is a community and government affairs manager at BASF FINA Petrochemicals in Port Arthur. Carol and her husband, Mike, ’95, ’06, live in Nederland with their two daughters. Carol has mentored many Lamar undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Communication Disorders and volunteers at a number of local non-profit organizations.

Director Michael Hoke, ’74, currently serves as Director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange. He taught in Orange and at various universities for 32 years prior to becoming the founding director of Shangri La. Michael currently serves on the boards of several environmental, educational and business organizations. He met his wife Sandra Gioviale Hoke, ’70, at Lamar. Michael credits the biology professors at Lamar for nurturing a love for teaching and science.

Director Randa Tooke Hurtado, '97 and '02 (MEd Counseling), is a stay at home mom. She and her husband Brian, '99, live in Beaumont with their two children Braxton and Preslee. She is active in the Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Association currently serving as Philanthropy Chairperson.

Director Ron Jackson, ’70, retired from Education First Federal Credit Union in 2008 after serving 31 years as President/CEO. He continues to serve the credit union as a member of the board of directors. He and his wife Brenda Long Jackson, ’68, live in Beaumont. Ron and his wife are proud to support the continuing growth of Lamar University.

Director Charlotte M. Jungen, CPA, CFP, ’97, is a shareholder with Edgar, Kiker & Cross PC, CPAs & Consultants. She is active in several professional and civic organizations including Rotary and the Texas Society of CPA’s & was recently awarded Young CPA of the Year by the TSCPA. Charlotte enjoys continuing her connection with Lamar through her participation on the alumni and accounting advisory boards. In gratitude for the scholarships she received as a student, she has endowed a scholarship through the Lamar University Foundation. She is from a family with 9 children, 6 of which are LU graduates.

Director Tommy Leicht, ’58, retired from banking after a 40 year career. He has been active in Young Men’s Business League for 60 years, having served as President, Fair Chairman, Keyman President, and served on the Board of Directors for 14 years. He has served on various boards including church council, Catholic Charities, Appraisal Review Board, Texas Veterans Land Board, Knights of Columbus, Finance Committee of Diocese of Beaumont, and received from Kelly High School the Distinguished Alumni Association Blue and Gold Award in 1999. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Beaumont and they have six children.

Hollis Lowery-Moore, Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Lamar University

Director Rob Madding, '73, is the Superintendent of the Nederland ISD. Rob was married to Roxie Minaldi Madding, '74, for 34 years until her death in 2007. Rob and Roxie have two daughters, Lindsey Madding, '02, of Houston, and Lauren Grigsby, '05, of Beaumont (husband Jason). Rob's granddaughter, Isabelle (Izzy) Brielle Grigsby, is the love of his life.

Director Maris Minton Mehaffy, '83, works as an Administrative Assistant/Medical Staff Coordinator for Beaumont Bone & Joint Institute. Maris lives in Beaumont with her husband, Jim Mehaffy.  They have four grown children. She has enjoyed watching the outstanding growth of Lamar University and the fabulous educational opportunities it offers everyone-what a beacon for our community!

Director Stephanie Dollar Molina, '00, is the Director of Marketing for the Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau. She and her husband, Shawn Molina, live in Beaumont with their two daughters. She has fond Cardinal memories of being a charter member of Lamar's AAF Chapter and competing in the NASC (American Advertising Federation - National Advertising Student Competition).

Director Dennis Moncla, ’94, owns Colorado Canyon miniature golf course. He lives in Beaumont with his wife Jean and their two children. Dennis is a big fan of LU Cardinal football.

Director Danny Montalbano, '99, is a limited partner with Edward Jones Investments. He and his wife, Heather, '99, live in Beaumont with their three children, Jack, Sam, & Alice. Active in the community, he volunteers as a Beaumont Youth Soccer Coach, and is a member of the Nederland Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving on the board of Goodwill Industries. In his free time, Danny enjoys tailgating and watching Lamar football with his family.

Director Elaine Moore, ’75, retired from Southwestern Bell in 2010 after 33 years of service. She and her husband, David, live in Beaumont. Elaine is an active member of Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church and serves as Financial Secretary in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Omega Omega Chapter.

Director Nancy Brooks Neild, ‘78, is an Independent Consultant with Rodan & Fields Dermatologists. She retired from banking in 2009 after serving over 20 years as the community relations officer. She lives in Beaumont and is the proud grandmother of three. Nancy has been an LU basketball season ticket holder 40+ years. She believes Lamar is Southeast Texas’ most valuable asset.

Director Shawn Oubre, ’92, ‘93’, and ’02, is the city manager in Orange, Texas. He and his wife, Roxanne Ronsonette Oubre, ’81, live in Orange and have two daughters, Katie and Megan ’12. Shawn is currently completing his PhD in Public Policy. He credits his success in his career in the public sector to the preparation he received from his classes at Lamar. Shawn also serves on many community boards in Orange and Jefferson counties.

Director Janey Nosek Phelan, ’67, is a Texas registered interior designer and member of ASID who owns Deco Designs in Beaumont. Her husband Michael ’67, their 7 children and 12 grandchildren are the joys of her life. While attending Lamar, Janey was an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha and the Lamar Tech cheerleaders. She continues to give back to the university, using her design talent to assist in decorating the University Reception Center and other campus venues. Working with her daughter Michelle, who owns It’s All ‘N The Presentation, Janey also creates the decorations and floral designs for many Lamar University events including the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner, Jimmy Simmons and Friends concerts and Le Grand Bal.

Director Don Pumphrey, ‘88, has been the customer service manager for Entergy’s Port Arthur Network for 16 years. He has served on numerous boards, including Goodwill Industries of Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana, Port Arthur Public Schools Foundation; Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, Nederland Chamber of Commerce, Boys Haven, Golden Triangle Utility Coordinating Council, and the Rotary Club of North Port Arthur where he is currently serving a second term as president. He and his wife the former Elaine Frazier of Beaumont have been married for 41-years. They have two children, Nicole, a 1998 graduate of Texas A&M University, and Amy, a 2010 graduate of Lamar University.

Director George R. Rienstra, ’76, ’87, ’99, currently serves as principal of Highland Park Elementary in Nederland. He and his wife Diane live in Beaumont where they raised their two children Michael and Ann. George is active in his church, teaching senior high Sunday School as well as working with the youth group, and is active coaching in the local soccer clubs. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and student government during his days at Lamar.

Director Matthew Ruggles, '09, is a Mechanical Engineer at the Beaumont ExxonMobil Refinery. He and his wife, Meghan Merritt Ruggles, '08, '10, live in Beaumont. He enjoys volunteering with his church and has great memories of his experiences with the Lamar Ambassadors.

Director Rodney Saveat, '80, is the Athletic Director for the Beaumont Independent School District. He and his wife Senecia Helm Saveat, ’99, ’09, live in Beaumont and are the proud parents of two children. Rodney continues to partner with the Lamar Alumni Office to promote Cardinal Pride throughout the community.

Director SGM Thomas P. Sigee, Sr., ‘91, is employed with the Jefferson County Auditing Department and is married to Alicia (Principal Certification ‘11). They have 5 children ages 18-28. Thomas had 33 years of military service, and was awarded the Bronze Star for actions during Desert Storm and for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Active in the community, Thomas works with Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Dispute Resolution Center (DRC), Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, Black Adoption Council, Kappa Alpha Psi and is an umpire for Little League Baseball. He is an advocate for Lamar University, both academically and athletically.

Director Ronnie Turner, Jr., '07, an attorney, is an associate at Provost Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont. Ronnie and his wife, Brittani L. Turner, also reside in the Beaumont area. Ronnie is an active member of several civic and social organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of Greater Beaumont, and the Board of the Foundation of Southeast Texas. Ronnie will always remember the invaluable experience he gained while serving as Student Body President and Vice President while at Lamar University.