A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI, STUDENTS AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS
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A P U B L I C AT I O N F O R A L U M N I , S T U D E N T S A N D F R I E N D S O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E W O R L E A N S
SPRING 2018
DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS: VOLUME 42 s ISSUE 1
As a university, our location is inextricably connected to our identity. There are many estima-
ble institutions of higher learning in New Orleans but only one is the University of New Orleans.
The Privateers are the only major college athletes whose uniforms bear the words “New Orleans.”
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
We take great pride in these distinctions. We consider the successes of our hometown to be our Rebecca Catalanello
own, which is why the past year has been such an exciting time to be a New Orleanian.
EDITOR
Have you been paying attention to recent New Orleans rankings? Here are just a few that Adam Norris
piqued my interest:
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
#1 Brain magnet in America #3 City to which millennial are flocking in Eric Gernhauser
#1 Most economical city by KPMG droves by Business Insider CONTRIBUTING WRITER
#1 Business climate by Business Facilities #4 Coolest city in America by Forbes Mallory Moore
#3 City winning the IT jobs battle #1 Healthcare job growth by STAT PHOTOGRAPHY
#2 Women’s share of technology jobs by the #2 Favorite city in America by Travel + Leisure Rebecca Catalanello
Brookings Institution #8 Happiest employees in the USA by Forbes Tracie Morris Schaefer
#8 City for women in technology by SmartAsset Clem Barbazon
Mallory Moore
Not to mention that The New York Times named New Orleans the No. 1 place to go in the Ron O’Rourke
world in 2018. Okay, so that is more than a few, and there are many more not listed here. Greater Catie Scorsone
New Orleans, Inc., a leading regional economic development alliance and a terrific part-
ner of the University of New Orleans, does a fantastic job of touting the rankings of
a city that is the new standard for reinvention.
The message is clear: while New Orleans remains a cultural mecca, it is also Send Correspondence to:
transforming into a hotspot for technology, entrepreneurship and social innova- Silver & Blue Editor
tion. With more than 45,000 alumni in the greater New Orleans region University of New Orleans
Administration Building 103
alone, the University of New Orleans prides itself on playing an instru-
2000 Lakeshore Drive
mental role in this renaissance. We are a platform for economic activity New Orleans, LA 70148
and growth. We work hard each day to ensure that we are training phone: (504) 280-6832
the talent that business and industry of the region demand. For our email: unomagazine@uno.edu
students, the city becomes their very own learning laboratory, and
they have exclusive opportunities like our GE Software Engineer-
ing Apprenticeship Program and internships in major tourism ini-
tiatives. For our business partners, our collaborations mean connect-
ing with the professors who are generating knowledge and identifying
opportunities to recruit the best emerging talent. Silver & Blue Magazine is published by
the University of New Orleans. Articles
There are examples throughout the country demonstrating that represent the opinions of the authors and
business—and the technology sector in particular—is drawn to areas do not necessarily reflect the views of
around universities because of the talent supply line. The resulting anyone but the authors.
partnerships boost productivity and stimulate the economy and wages To inquire about alumni events or to
for all people in the region. These cases make me incredibly excited join the UNO International Alumni
Association, contact:
and optimistic about our university and our region’s future economic Office of Alumni Affairs, University of
growth. Others are excited too; the University is experiencing a surge New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148
phone: (504) 280-2586
that amounts to roughly a 30 percent increase in freshmen appli- fax: (504) 280-1080
cations for the fall 2018 semester, and 35 percent more students email: alumni@uno.edu
attended our spring open house when compared to 2017. These © 2018 The University of New Orleans
This public document was published at a total cost of
students know that tomorrow really does begin here, in our city, at $17,503. 33,500 copies of this public document were
our university—the University of New Orleans. published in this first printing at a cost of $17,503. The
total cost of all printings of this document, including
Sincerely, reprints is $17,503. This document was published by
the University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Dr.,
John Nicklow New Orleans, LA 70148, to promote the purpose of
the University under authority of 17:3351(A)(12). This
material was printed in accordance with the standards
PRESI DEN T
for printing by state agencies established pursuant to
@UNOPresidentJN @unopresident R.S. 43:31. Printing of this material was purchased
in accordance with the provisions of Title 43 of the
Louisiana Revised Statutes.
2 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2018
F E AT U R E S DE PA RTM E N T S
p.
36 4 CAMPUS SCENE
New Student Lounge, Exploring UNO,
Krewe of UNO, Bela Fleck, National
Engineers Week, International Night
60 YEARS OF UNO
BY THE NUMBERS
On the anniversary of
10 NEWS & EVENTS
Nicklow Highlights Progress in State
its 1958 founding, the of University; $1M Anonymous Gift
University of New Orleans Modernizes Chemistry Labs; DXC
examines some numbers Partners with UNO; $1M NSF Grant
that tell our story. Provides STEM Scholarships; Treva
Brown Wins National Student Award;
New Endowment Honors Physics
Professor
p.
18 FACULTY FOCUS
UNO 25
The University announces
its inaugural class of 25
24 Jovanovich Honored for Community
Work; Mattei Named Interim
Engineering Dean; Hembree Wins
Privateer-led businesses that Excellence in Teaching Prize; Hassan
are having an impact. Awarded Research Fellowship; Faculty,
Students Awarded Nearly $300K;
Georgiou Seeks Answers About
Hurricanes and Marshes
39 THE UNO TRAVELER
Amy Nguyen Explores Japan
p. p.
40 ATHLETICS
The Unlikely Captain: Matthew Jiles’
28 32 journey from student-manager to
team captain.
45 DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Alumnus Chris Maurer gives back by
becoming a Legacy donor.
46 ALUMNOTES
News from UNO’s accomplished
graduates.
NOVEL COURTSHIP MORE THAN A LIBRARY
The University of New Orleans
Publishing Lab gives grad
students a crash course in
Newly named Library Dean
Ray Wang discovered a home
among the stacks.
50 IN MEMORIAM
birthing books.
52 THEN AND NOW
SPRING 2018 S I LV E R & B L U E 3
HEADLINES AND HAPPENINGS JAMMING WITH A MASTER Sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning banjoist and the New York-born Fleck shared thoughts on composing, composer Béla Fleck taught a master class at the improvisation and his journey to the banjo. Fleck also University of New Orleans on March 16. Fleck was in jammed with graduate music students Tevarri Huff- town to debut his Banjo Concerto No. 3, “Louisiana Boone (saxophone), Oscar Rossignoli (piano), Martin Concerto” with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Masakowski (bass) and Joey van Leeuwen (drums) as in celebration of New Orleans’ tricentennial. At UNO, part of the class. 4 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2018
A PLACE TO RELAX
The Captain’s Quarters Student Lounge opened March 1 at the University
Center to instant popularity. The space features three gaming systems; a
full sized pool table; six seated charging stations for laptops, tablets and
phones; 24 lockers; dedicated Wi-Fi; and a game table with board games.
Joy Ballard, coordinator for student governance, says student response has
been tremendous: “Clearly this was a student need that we have met.”
EXPLORING UNO
Nearly 400 future students visited campus
Feb. 17 for a chance to learn more
about New Orleans’ only public research
university and, in some cases, to compete
for scholarship dollars. Explore UNO, the
University’s annual spring open house,
drew more families than ever before, with
an estimated 868 visitors participating,
including 67 incoming freshmen who
interviewed in person for the prestigious
Homer Hitt Scholarship and 24 President’s
Scholarship winners who competed on-site
for additional scholarship dollars.
SPRING 2018 S I LV E R & B L U E 5
SIXTY YEARS OF CELEBRATION
Beads flew. Capes swished. Horns blared. The 6th Annual Krewe of UNO
Mardi Gras parade wound through the University of New Orleans campus
Feb. 6, with President John Nicklow and Stacy Nicklow leading the procession
aboard a rolling pirate ship fully stocked with Privateer-blue cups and beads.
Under the theme, “Six Decades of Celebration,” a salute to the University’s
60 years, 37 campus organizations and departments participated in the
parade and seemed undeterred by the intermittent rain that started to fall
midway through the route. The Sophie B. Wright Charter School marching
band joined the krewe, providing tunes to fuel the celebration.
6 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2018
ENGINEERING NEW ORLEANS’ FUTURE
Could you build a bridge using paper and scotch tape? What
would you do if an alarm on your spacecraft sounded? How would
you precisely measure out four ounces of liquid using nothing but
two cups – one that holds three ounces and one that holds five
ounces? About 1,300 middle and high school students from 23 New
Orleans-area schools took on these challenges and more during the
University of New Orleans’ celebration of National Engineers Week
in February. UNO’s College of Engineering partnered with Core
Element and the American Society of Civil Engineers on the event,
which included a planetarium visit and a screening of “Dream
Big,” a film that explores the human ingenuity behind engineering
marvels big and small.
SPRING 2018 S I LV E R & B L U E 7
SHARING THE WORLD
International Night continues to be the biggest student
organized event on campus. On March 24, the community
gathered again to enjoy food, live performances, exhibitions
and conversation about the diversity of cultures that
help make the University of New Orleans a place where
everyone can come together to share, learn and collaborate.
8 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2018DIGGING DEEP FOR SUSTAINABILITY
The Student Government Association collaborated with NOLA Tree Project in
March to plant 65 trees in the area of the mathematics and computer science
buildings. Volunteer help came from 34 students who were conducting service
projects with Campus Crusade while on break from St. Louis-area universities.
The trees included 15-gallon live oaks, red maples, Savannah hollies and about
eight to 10 fruit trees. Nigel Watkins, UNO student body president, below, said
the $5,000 project was paid for with SGA funds and is part of an ongoing
student effort to make the campus greener. “One day we’ll come back in 20
years and there will be a big canopy covering UNO,” Watkins says.
SPRING 2018 S I LV E R & B L U E 9Nicklow Highlights Gains in
Enrollment, Research and Outreach
THE UNIVERSIT Y OF NEW in areas where recruiters are
Orleans is making significant traveling at any given time.
progress toward increasing “With your help, we are on
enrollment, bolstering research track to meet our goal of 8,500 increased 37 percent in the The University is growing in
and improving community and students,” Nicklow said. “But second quarter, he said, from its efforts to recruit and retain
business partnerships. what happens between now and $1.6 million in 2017 to $2.2 successful students.
That’s the report University August is critically important.” million in 2018, with the
of New Orleans President Nicklow encouraged number of proposal submis- exciting external partnerships
John Nicklow gave during his employees to be brazen about sions up 11 percent. that have developed, including
biannual State of the University sharing their pride for the Also growing is the that with DXC Technology, an
address before UNO faculty university: “That kind of University Foundation’s IT services firm and $25-billion
and staff on March 15. individual recruitment is a endowment, which has risen company that is bringing 2,000
Year over year since 2017, tremendous force multiplier,” more than $8 million in a new high-quality jobs to New
he said, freshmen applica- he said. year to $74.9 million as of Orleans. UNO is one of the
tions to the University of New There is much to boast December. Much of the funds universities partnering with
Orleans were up 26 percent about. raised last year went exclusively the company to increase the
as of March while freshman Within one month’s time, to student scholarships and numbers of degrees awarded in
admits have risen 53 percent by the University of New Orleans support. areas DXC needs.
700 students. When graduate announced two $1 million “It was not very long ago Wayward Owl Brewing
school applications are factored grants, including one from an when the University raised only Company last year began
in, total applications have risen anonymous donor that will between a half-million and a brewing Privateer Pale Ale,
by 17 percent and admits are up modernize and upgrade three million dollars a year,” Nicklow a craft beer sold in bars,
by 51 percent, he said. chemistry labs. said. “Those days are over.” restaurants and grocery stores
“So how are we finding Student retention efforts are By this time next year, including Rouse’s Super-
success in reaching prospective bearing fruit. In fall 2017, 81 Nicklow said, UNO will be markets.
students?” Nicklow asked. “We percent of full-time freshmen engaged in its first compre- “My theme this year has
are not introducing ourselves taking their first math class hensive fundraising campaign. been pride,” Nicklow said.
to students for the first time in had a grade of C or higher, up Alumni engagement is also Employees and students will
the fall of their senior year. We 10 percentage points from the getting stronger with successful see a number of improvements
are engaging much earlier and year prior. In addition, average events like UNO 25, which that include the launch of a new
more regularly with them.” freshmen class GPA is higher recognized 25 high-impact University website redesign,
Recruitment efforts start than the year before, from 2.58 businesses owned or led by extended library and dining
18 to 36 months prior to a in 2016 to 2.76 in fall 2017. UNO alumni, and an upcoming hours, resurfaced streets and
prospective student’s gradu- “At the end of the day, UNO Hall of Distinction that power-washed buildings and
ation. The University has made enrollment isn’t just about will seek to recognize those walkways.
it a priority to strengthen its numbers,” Nicklow said. “It is who have been influential Nicklow ended his address
relationships with high school about the lives we change, the leaders throughout the Univer- by thanking employees. “All
guidance counselors. Expanded students we serve. Each of us sity’s 60 years. that we are able to accomplish is
digital and print marketing plays a role in that effort.” Nicklow, who was named only because of your determi-
efforts are doing a better job Grants for sponsored UNO’s president in March nation and devotion to serving
targeting students, especially research have increased 2016, also touched on some of our students.”
10 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2018$1 Million Gift Will Modernize
Chemistry Labs
A $1 MILLION GIFT FROM AN and flooring. Students can take
anonymous donor will transform advantage of new storage areas
three University of New Orleans and safety equipment with
chemistry laboratories. The easy access to eye washes and
donation will drastically improve safety showers. A lab prep and
the labs in order to meet the stockroom will also be renovated
21st century learning needs of with new storage capability and
students. The gift funds upgrades improved workspace.
in the introductory chemistry Steve Johnson, dean of the
lab, the quantitative analysis and College of Sciences, says that
instrumental analysis lab, and the the new labs will have a trans-
organic lab. formative effect on students:
The renovations and “Substantial laboratory work is
purchase of new equipment will essential to develop the skills
meet the best practice standards necessary to successfully enter
recommended by the American the chemistry workforce. These
Chemical Society. Improvements laboratory experiences reinforce
include ergonomically designed concepts taught in the classroom
work areas as well as new and include hands-on use of The University of New Orleans’
lighting, washing stations, and modern instrumentation to solve redesigned website is both vibrant
chemically resistant benchtops chemical problems.” and responsive on mobile devises.
Graduate Wins National University Website Redesigned
Recognition for Doctoral with Future Students in Mind
Research on Autism THE UNIVERSIT Y OF NEW messages that the University has
PANAGIOTIS MARKOPOULOS , experience. Markopoulos was Orleans in March launched a already been sending those who
a fall 2017 graduate of the Ph.D. diagnosed with autism himself redesigned website that is as vibrant are looking to advance themselves
counselor education program at as a child. As a doctoral student, as the community it serves. and their degrees: “Tomorrow
the University of New Orleans, Markopoulos saw the potential Using images and infor- Begins Here.”
received the Graduate in using virtual reality to mation that authentically convey President John Nicklow
Student Research advance treatment. His the experience of being a part of prioritized the University’s
Award from the Inter- thesis aimed to demon- UNO, the new website includes a website redesign shortly after
national Association of strate the value of virtual number of features that will make taking the helm as UNO’s
Marriage and Family reality to counseling peers. it easier for future students and seventh leader in 2016.
Counselors during its “The ultimate goal is other key constituents to explore The website underwent its
world conference in that children will be able their potential at New Orleans’ last redesign in 2012. “The
February. to work with the practi- only public research university. redesigned site presents the
Markopoulos tioner on their social and The site, which utilizes Drupal University of New Orleans
Panagiotis
was recognized communication skills 8 content management system—a brand—its messages and visual
Markopoulos
for his dissertation development in a safe widely used open source identity—in a more consistent
work, which explores the use clinical setting,” Markopoulos platform—is responsive on mobile manner,” Nicklow says. “We will
of virtual reality technology in says. “The technology can provide devices. Navigation more easily depend on our website to help us
the treatment of children with high levels of immersion and also leads visitors through the informa- tell our story more effectively and
autism—and area of research a fun experience to keep the child tional, research and application persuasively.”
that arises out of his personal engaged during therapy.” process while better sharing the View the website at uno.edu.
SPRING 2018 S I LV E R & B L U E 11University to Play Central Role in Producing Graduates
for New Technology Services Company
IN ORDER TO MEET THE
workforce demand created by the
arrival of DXC Technology, the
University of New Orleans will
serve as one of the lead univer-
sities in the effort to increase the
number of degrees awarded in
key areas.
Virginia-based DXC
Technology in November
announced its plan to create a
2,000-job Digital Transformation
Center in downtown New Orleans.
The project is expected to create
more permanent direct jobs at one
site than any other prior economic
development deal in Louisiana.
To meet that workforce
demand, the State of Louisiana skilled graduates that it needs to mation Center in New Orleans The University of New Orleans is
will fund a $25 million higher flourish in New Orleans,” UNO expects to hire 300 IT and partnering with DXC Technology
education initiative to expand President John Nicklow says. “The business enterprise professionals to supply graduates for full-time
the number of degrees awarded state’s education initiative will during 2018, then ramp up to employment as well as students for
annually in computer science, fund additional faculty and new 2,000 jobs over five years and an internships.
management, and science, technology and facilities to support annual payroll exceeding $133
technology, engineering and our students and their success.” million by 2025. help meet the hiring needs for the
math, or STEM-related studies. The arrival of DXC UNO plans to partner Digital Transformation Center,
The initiative will be led through Technology, formed in April with DXC Technology to according to Celyn Boykin,
four lead campuses, including the 2017 by the merger of CSC and supply graduates for full-time director of the Office of Career
University of New Orleans. the Enterprise Services Division employment as well as students Services.
“The University of New of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, for internships. On average, 97 The DXC Technology project
Orleans is committed to forging cements Louisiana’s position as percent of University of New represents the state’s largest single
a close relationship with DXC one of the fastest-growing software Orleans graduates remain in higher-education investment
Technology in order to provide and IT destinations in the U.S. Louisiana, which makes the in a private-sector workforce
it with the prepared and highly The new Digital Transfor- University well positioned to partnership.
Fraternity Chapter Donates $112,000 for Student Scholarship
THE HOUSING CORPORATION Kappa Theta Legacy Endowed When the chapter disbanded, increase as the endowment
for a former University of New Scholarship, which will support the Phi Kappa Theta New grows.
Orleans fraternity chapter the educational needs of UNO Orleans Building Association The scholarship will be
has donated $112,000—origi- students. and the alumni of the chapter available to full-time UNO
nally raised to buy a fraternity Phi Kappa Theta, which elected to use the funds to students. It can be renewed for
house—for a student schol- operated as a chapter at the endow a scholarship at the up to four years if the recipient
arship at the University. With University of New Orleans University. The endowment maintains a minimum 2.5
the gift, the Phi Kappa Theta from 1964 until 2008, origi- is likely to provide an annual grade point average. Students
New Orleans Building Associ- nally raised money in order scholarship of approximately pursuing a degree in any
ation will establish the Phi to acquire a fraternity house. $4,000, and the amount will academic discipline are eligible.
12 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2018UNO Students Win Louisiana Association
of Health Plans Scholarship
THE LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION Healthy Blue, one of Louisiana’s awareness of HIV/AIDS in Jasmine Perkins Pate
of Health Plans has awarded five Healthy Louisiana Medicaid New Orleans.
its annual Gil Dupré Graduate managed care plans. She previ- The Gil Dupré scholarship
Student Scholarship to two ously worked as special assistant was established by LAHP as a
University of New Orleans to the secretary at the Louisiana community service to promote
students seeking careers in Department of Health. careers in the health insurance
the health care field. Chelsea Perkins Pate is pursuing an and health benefits industry.
Ardoin and Jasmine Perkins MBA with a concentration in The award is named for LAHP’s
Pate each received $5,000 healthcare management. She founder and long-time chief
toward the final semester of is an accountant for the City executive officer who retired in
their degree programs in New of New Orleans as well as the 2012 after a 41-year career in the
Orleans. founder and director of DO It health benefits industry. Ardoin
Ardoin is pursuing an FOR ME, a Christian organi- and Perkins Pate were the year’s
Executive MBA and works for zation that works to create only recipients. Chelsea Ardoin
Funding Support Grows for Massive Slave Ads Digitization Database
THE UNIVERSIT Y OF of Alabama and Edward E.
New Orleans has been Baptist of Cornell University.
awarded a $201,000 grant The project includes a crowd-
from the National Historic sourcing component that will
Preservation and Records enable the general public to take
Commission, a division of part in creating the database.
the National Archives, to “Our research team is
support Freedom on the Move, excited to see growing support
a collaborative digital database for Freedom on the Move,”
of fugitive slave advertisements Mitchell says.
currently under development. The National Endowment
The project’s goal is for the Humanities awarded
the creation of a database $325,000 to the Freedom on
containing as many as 100,000 the Move project last year.
fugitive slave advertisements This latest grant from the
printed in North American will fund the collection of
newspapers before the Civil thousands of ads and the
War. Freedom on the Move will development of additional
make these sources available for features by programmers at
statistical, geographical, textual Cornell’s CISER Institute for as instructional tools for Mary Niall Mitchell is one
and other forms of analysis. Social and Economic Research, both museum and classroom of three historians leading
Mary Niall Mitchell, who including a museum kiosk, a educators.” Freedom on the Move.
holds the Ethel & Herman L. portal specifically for educators More than 100,000 runaway
Midlo Chair in New Orleans and the incorporation of GIS ads are estimated to have
Studies and the Joseph Tregle data. survived from the colonial or social and cultural history of
Professorship in Early American The museum kiosk and the pre-Civil War United States. slavery and the thousands of
History at UNO, is one of three educator portal, in particular, They provide significant people who resisted it, but they
historians leading Freedom on Mitchell says, “will make quantities of individual and have never been systemati-
the Move, along with Joshua thousands of individual stories collective information about cally collected into one digital
Rothman of the University of resistance to slavery available the economic, demographic, database.
SPRING 2018 S I LV E R & B L U E 13University of New Orleans Gets $1M NSF Grant for STEM Scholarships
N E A R LY $ 1 M I L L IO N A $1 million grant from the
awarded by the National Science National Science Foundation
Foundation will go to support builds on existing efforts by the
University of New Orleans University to support students
students who have financial need entering the STEM fields.
and show academic promise in
the areas of science, technology,
engineering and math.
The grant will fund at least
18 scholarships over five years these students.”
for students who are pursuing The goal of the project is to
bachelor’s degrees in computer improve academic outcomes for
science, chemistry and biological STEM students by providing
sciences. The aim of the NSF’s a network of comprehensive
“Early Engagement for Entering support, engagement activities,
Freshman Science Majors” and internships and research
project is to increase the persis- the University to build on its Orleans has many academically opportunities. It also seeks to
tence and graduation rates of existing focus on retention in talented students who are the enhance career and graduate
STEM majors at highly diverse STEM fields while also allowing first in their families to attend school success through
institutions. it to leverage partnerships with college,” Schluchter says. “Pairing mentoring and career training,
Wendy Schluchter, professor local companies who provide the scholarships with these as well as increasing student
and chair of biological sciences is training and internship programs training opportunities integrated confidence and preparedness
the grant’s principal investigator. for students. into their educational experience to pursue a career in a scientific
She says the project will enable “The University of New will be truly a game-changer for field.
Wayward Owl Brewing Presents Privateer Pale Ale
WAYWARD OWL BREWING An automatic labeler at
Co. and the University of New Wayward Owl Brewing Co.
Orleans have teamed up to in New Orleans displays the
create Privateer Pale Ale. The Privateer Pale Ale logo.
Belgian-style pale ale is the
newest offering from the locally-
owned craft brewery located in
the Broadmoor neighborhood,
in the heart of New Orleans. It the beer has already generated
is UNO’s first officially licensed additional Privateer pride
beer. among alumni and members of
Justin Boswell, founder and the community. “This is another
head brewer of Wayward Owl example of the University
Brewing Co, says he was excited enjoy the beer.” tap at a variety of other bars in engaging in mutually beneficial
to be chosen to represent the Privateer Pale Ale is New Orleans, Metairie, Baton partnerships, and we could not
Privateers. “We believe that local available at Wayward Owl’s Rouge and Lafayette and is be any happier with the final
partnerships like this push us taproom, 3940 Thalia St. in sold at Rouses Supermarkets, product.”
to be more innovative in how New Orleans and, of course, 504 Craft Beer Reserve, Breaux Boswell describes Privateer
we support our community,” the Sandbar, the renowned jazz Mart, Whole Foods and more. Pale Ale as having a malty but
Boswell says. “We hope alumni venue located inside The Cove University of New Orleans slightly dry and spicy fruit
and friends of the University on UNO’s campus. It is also on President John Nicklow says aroma.
14 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2018While a doctoral
student at the
University of New
Orleans, Treva
Brown recieved the
Winifred Burks-
Houck Graduate
Leadership Award
from the National
Organization for
the Professional
Advancement of
Black Chemists and
Chemical Engineers.
Treva Brown: Engineering Her Future BY MALLORY MOORE
F O R T R E VA B R O W N , Dillard University and a master’s says. Mentorship was key to who calls her an “excellent
things are coming full circle. degree from Atlanta University. launching her academic career, scientist.” Brown defended
Just before graduating She died in 2004. she says, and so she is grateful her dissertation on atomic
with a Ph.D. in chemistry in Brown had attended the for the opportunity to inspire force microscopy last fall
December, the University of conference regularly since others. and received her Ph.D. in
New Orleans student received her days as an undergraduate Brown’s ability to connect chemistry at UNO’s fall 2017
the prestigious Winifred at LSU. She credits her early with others through her love commencement.
Burks-Houck Graduate interest in the STEM disci- of science is likely one of On Sept. 25, the same day
Leadership Award from the plines—science, technology, the reasons she was chosen she learned that she would
National Organization for the engineering and math—to a to receive the Burks-Houck receive the Burks-Houck
Professional Advancement of high school physics teacher. In award. At the University of award, Brown received a job
Black Chemists and Chemical college, mentor relationships New Orleans, she served as offer from NASA at Stennis
Engineers (NOBCChE). became increasingly important. president of the Graduate Space Center. Brown now uses
The award, which Brown With guidance from a female Chemical Society. She her knowledge of microscopy
received at the organization’s professor, Brown became the organized events to promote to help build partnerships
conference in November, first freshman to engage in awareness of STEM education relevant to NASA’s mission.
recognizes her for demon- research in the instructor’s among students young and She remains a fan of those
strating leadership, scientific chemistry lab. old, recruiting both graduate who have paved the way for
achievements and community Brown says she was inspired and undergraduate students others. When former NASA
service while pursuing a career by the scholars she saw receiving to participate. Brown is also a astronaut Joan Higginbotham,
in science. awards and recognition at founding member of the UNO one of only three African-
The Winifred Burks-Houck conferences. She collected chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma American women to have
Graduate Leadership Award is business cards and took photos chemistry fraternity, where traveled to space, was tapped
named for the organization’s with professionals she admired. she implemented volunteer to give the commencement
first female president, who also At the most recent NOBCChE outreach activities. address during the ceremony
happens to be the great, great, meeting, she found herself Brown completed her where Brown received her
great granddaughter of Harriet being sought after for workshop graduate studies under John doctorate, Brown made it her
Tubman. Burks-Houck was an appearances and photos. Wiley, a research professor and goal to meet Higginbotham in
environmental organic chemist “That kind of attention director of UNO’s Advanced person.
with a bachelor’s degree from is very rewarding,” Brown Materials Research Institute, And, of course, she did.
SPRING 2018 S I LV E R & B L U E 15University of New Orleans to Play Key Role in Development
of Coastal Geohazards Atlas
MARK KULP, ASSOCIATE Louisiana, including the impact hardcopy versions to follow next tives from two environmental
professor of earth and environ- of subsidence, faulting and year. consulting firms.
mental sciences at flooding to landscape, Leading the effort to Kulp’s work focuses on the
the University of land use and infra- produce the atlas are the identification of faults within
New Orleans, is part structure. New Orleans Geological the Pontchartrain Basin and the
of a team working The group’s goal Society, a group led by energy impact they have on the coastal
to produce a map of is to create a unified, industry professionals, and the landscape. Kulp is working with
geological features peer-reviewed portrayal Louisiana Geological Survey, John Lopez, coastal sustain-
affecting the landscape of the entire Mississippi the state’s chief resource ability program manager at
of coastal Louisiana. River delta plain to for geological information. the Lake Pontchartrain Basin
Described as a better inform planning Other team members include Foundation, to examine fault
“geohazards atlas,” Mark Kulp and mitigation efforts faculty from LSU, Tulane and effects on the New Orleans Land
this project will at the federal, state and the University of Louisiana- Bridge, the Causeway Bridge
compile maps and reports local levels. A complete draft of Lafayette, a representative from infrastructure, the Highway
describing the geologic and the atlas is expected by the end the Lake Pontchartrain Basin 11 Bridge, and the I-10 Bridge
structural framework of coastal of 2018 with final digital and Foundation and representa- Twin Spans.
UNO-CHART and Partners Receive $1 Million Grant
from Rockefeller Foundation
THE UNIVERSIT Y OF NEW
Orleans Center for Hazards
Assessment, Response and
Technology (UNO-CHART) and
a coalition of local partners have
been awarded $1 million from
the Rockefeller Foundation.
The funding comes in the
form of two grants that will
go toward the creation of a
three-part series of roundtable
discussions designed to build a
portfolio of best practices that
address global climate change.
UNO-CHART shares the
grant with the Foundation for
Louisiana and Concordia LLC. social science hazards research says Monica Farris, director of The grant comes on top of
The Global Transformation center collaborates with Louisiana UNO-CHART. “Every person nearly $300,000 UNO-CHART
Roundtable Series will bring communities and surrounding and every community needs received as part of a team for a
together international experts, parishes in the development to have a basic literacy on this project that aims to help Louisi-
state leaders and community of best practices for reducing challenge and its solutions, and ana’s coastal communities develop
organizers to share strategies risks to achieve comprehensive that’s what this three-part series resiliency plans before disaster
and lay a blueprint to combat community resilience. aims to provide.” strikes. That work is funded
growing threats from climate “We know we are going to All events will be facilitated by the National Oceanic and
induced coastal erosion, rising face a higher degree of flood risk by Concordia LLC, a longtime Atmospheric Administration
sea levels and extreme flooding. and land loss over the decades partner in design, planning, and through the Baton Rouge-based
UNO-CHART’s applied and generations yet to come,” community engagement. Center for Planning Excellence.
16 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2018Master’s Degree in Finance Gives
Students Professional Edge
STARTING IN THE FALL finance and economics. “We will
2018 semester, the University of focus on skills that are valued
New Orleans will offer a master by employers in areas such as
of science degree in finance. quantitative methods, corporate
This is a professional degree for finance, financial reporting and
students who want to specialize analysis, derivatives, investments
in finance. A 30-credit hour and portfolio management.”
program, it can be completed in The demand for financial
15 months by full-time students analysts is expected to grow Walter Lane, chair and associate professor of finance and economics, leads
or 18 months by part-time 16 percent faster than average a class at the University of New Orleans.
students. from now through 2022,
“Students in this program according to the Bureau of Labor (CFA) designation. A student master’s degree in finance will
will receive broad and deep Statistics. The curriculum of the must pass three exams in order give graduates an edge in the job
exposure to finance and financial program is tailored to prepare to obtain the CFA charter. The market, Lane says.
markets,” says Walter Lane, students who want to obtain combination of the presti- The first class will enroll in
chair and associate professor of the Chartered Financial Analyst gious CFA designation and the August 2018.
New Endowment Honors Memory of Distinguished
Physics Professor George E. Ioup
A NEW $50,000 ENDOWMENT known to possess: passion, graduate Educator Award. Ioup
has been established to honor motivation and dedication was also instrumental in devel-
the memory of George Ioup, in the study of physics, intel- oping the Ph.D. in Engineering
who spent more than 45 years lectual curiosity, generosity, and Applied Science, one of
as a researcher and professor of helpfulness, determination and the most successful doctoral
physics at the University of New hard work. programs at the University.
Orleans. George Ioup was a prolific Ioup’s research specialty was
The endowment is funded researcher, a dedicated teacher signal and image processing,
by a gift from Ioup’s widow, and an academic innovator. which he applied in areas such
Juliette Ioup, who is also a He earned an undergraduate as underwater acoustics. He
UNO physics professor. The Dr. degree in physics from MIT studied how whales could be
George E. Ioup Endowed Award and a doctorate in physics identified in the Gulf of Mexico
Physicists George and Juliette
in Physics will provide awards from the University of Florida. from their underwater clicks. In
Ioup, taught together at the
of $1,000 to one undergraduate In 1969, he joined the physics 2000, he co-founded the Littoral University of New Orleans for
and one graduate student each department at the University Acoustic Demonstration Center more than three decades until
year. of New Orleans, marking at UNO, which produced high- George’s death in 2012. Juliette,
Physics department faculty the beginning of a long and quality research on the effects of who remains on faculty as a
will evaluate applications and distinguished career that human behavior on the Gulf of professor of physics, now honors
select awardees. The endowment would continue for the rest of Mexico and its animals. her husband by establishing an
sets forth qualifications for his life. During his tenure, he His unflagging commitment endowment in his name.
the award, including full-time directed dissertation research to the University is illustrated by
enrollment in a physics degree for doctoral students, thesis the fact that he retired in 2012
program and a cumulative 3.0 research for master’s students at the age of 73, yet continued January 2016.
grade point average. and research for non-thesis to perform all of his teaching, “He never stopped,” Steve
Additionally, awardees master’s students. In 1976, he graduate student mentoring Johnson, dean of the College
should share some of the was awarded the Amoco LSU and research duties on a gratis of Sciences, says. “He lived and
qualities George Ioup was System Distinguished Under- appointment until his death in breathed UNO.”
SPRING 2018 S I LV E R & B L U E 17Kim Jovanovich:
Living a Life
of Devotion to
Engineering and Kim Jovanovich
Community
TO SAY KIM JOVANOVICH dizzying, but here are a few engineering pursuits are of public service and without
stays busy doesn’t exactly highlights: clearly central to his message, compensation.
capture his momentum. He teaches two to three Jovanovich says he always His peers say he is
As the interim associate courses each semester, advises hopes to convey something deserving. “When you envision
dean of the College of the Eta Kappa Nu engineering broader about what it means to a cheerleader, chances are
Engineering, professor of society and the Dean’s learn: “Education is important you wouldn’t conjure up Kim
practice and the Chevron USA Leadership Council on campus, regardless of what career path Jovanovich –but that is exactly
Endowed Professor of Electrical and helps coordinate National you follow. Knowledge is one what Kim is,” says Norma Jean
Engineering, Jovanovich has Engineer’s Week events and of the few things that can never Mattei, interim dean of the
become a passionate go-to other events that seek to involve be taken away from a young College of Engineering. “He is a
spokesperson for all things students from the community. person.” fabulous cheerleader for STEM
engineering at the University of He has taught at UNO in When Jovanovich is not education, engineering as a
New Orleans. some capacity since 1980. And involved in UNO-related career, and for UNO’s College of
“I tell students how since joining the UNO faculty pursuits, he invests his time Engineering and the University
important science and full-time in 2012, he has traveled and interests in improving New as a whole—promoting all
engineering are because they to countless high schools, Orleans, the city where he was of this with enthusiasm and
must depend on one another,” middle schools and elementary born and raised, and beyond. personal conviction.”
he says. “Science empowers the schools as a lecturer and visitor He is an organist, an organ Mattei says students learn so
creativity and imagination of in hopes of spreading the gospel restorer and a civic volunteer. much from Jovanovich as he is a
engineers who then take new of engineering, math, science Now, his contributions seasoned lecturer and educator
and exciting scientific discov- and technology—and the good have been recognized by the as well as researcher, entre-
eries and apply them to creating news of UNO’s programs. He Louisiana Engineering Society, preneur and past engineering
new products and technologies. works with the Pelicans, the which has named Jovanovich business owner.
This is how civilization techni- New Orleans Babycakes and the recipient of the 2018 Jovanovich serves on
cally matures into an advancing the Saints on STEM outreach Andrew M. Lockett Medal for many boards, including
society capable of space explo- programs. And he’s always up Civic Activity. Given annually boards of directors for the
ration, electric vehicles, auton- for a turn at the mic to share if merited, the award aims to Greater New Orleans Science
omous robots, new materials his passion for engineering as a recognize a Louisiana engineer and Engineering Fair, FIRST
and diagnostic tools.” career. who has exhibited distin- Louisiana-Mississippi, Inc. and
The list of his activities is While science and guished service in the interest Recovery Associates, Inc. (RAI),
18 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2018an organization that seeks to 27,000 using the space as a base Karen Thomas, associate degree in telecommunica-
facilitate rebuilding efforts of operations since 2006. dean in the College of Sciences, tions from the University of
following catastrophes such as In his role as the only is responsible for STEM Southern Mississippi. He is a
Hurricane Katrina and flooding engineer on the RAI board, outreach and recruitment at lifetime member of Institute
in South Louisiana. Jovanovich, whose business and the University of New Orleans. of Electrical and Electronics
RAI established a program home were destroyed during Thomas and Jovanovich often Engineers, as well as a member
called Camp Restore at Prince Katrina, often voluntarily work together to coordinate of the Louisiana Engineering
of Peace Lutheran Church, advises the group when it comes events that draw young people Society, IEEE Lightwave Society,
where Jovanovich served as to more technical operations together in celebration of STEM Tau Beta Pi, Eta Kappa Nu and
senior organist, choirmaster and and projects. He has also exploration at the University. the Illumination Society of
a music minister for 25 years. assisted with the establishment “Kim is always willing to North America. He received
When the school associated of a Camp Restore site at Trinity help UNO students and the the Louisiana Engineering
with the church was damaged Lutheran Church in Baton broader community,” Thomas Society’s Faculty Professionalism
following Katrina, the group Rouge following the 2016 floods said. “His commitment and Award in 2015 and he advises
converted the space into dormi- as well as another at Mt. Calvary passion for engineering comes numerous graduate students
tories to house, feed and deploy Lutheran Church in Detroit, a through in everything he does theses as well as non-thesis
volunteers who came to New city that has long struggled with and he is a true inspiration to research.
Orleans to help rebuild homes, population loss and resulting budding engineers.” Jovanovich has been married
churches and communities. In blight. He says the concept of Jovanovich holds a to Janet Meynier Jovanovich for
the last three years alone, 8,000 the project is simple, but the bachelor’s degree in electrical 43 years. They have three sons
volunteers have come through effects have been humbling and engineering from Tulane and six grandchildren.
the facility, with more than profound. University, and a master’s
Norma Jean Mattei
Mattei Named Interim
Dean of Engineering
U N I V E R SI T Y O F N EW 114,000 Chi Epsilon members
Orleans civil engineering nationwide, Mattei is the 64th to
professor Norma Jean Mattei has have been elevated to national
been appointed interim dean of honor member status.
the College of Engineering. Mattei is also serving a
Mattei has been a faculty nine-year term as one of three
member in the department civilian engineers on the Missis-
of civil and environmental sippi River Commission. In
engineering since 1995. She has that role, she advises Congress
held a number of leadership and the executive branch on
positions in the college and matters related to the Missis-
with national organizations. sippi River watershed, from system. She held multiple Engineering. She was a design
Mattei is the immediate past its headwaters in Minnesota positions within the National and project engineer in the New
president of the American to the Louisiana delta. She has Council of Examiners for Orleans area before entering
Society of Civil Engineers. served the state of Louisiana as Engineering and Surveying and academia. Her technical
When she became president a member of its licensing board is now an emeritus member, research interests include
in 2017, she was only the third for professional engineers and and she has been active in large watershed management,
woman in the 163-year history land surveyors and currently sits the American Society for material and structural testing,
of the organization to hold the on the nominating committee Engineering Education as well sustainable reuse of spent
prestigious post. Last year Mattei for the Southeast Louisiana on the boards of several STEM- construction/fabrication
was the first woman selected as Flood Protection Authority, the related educational organiza- materials, and residual stress
a national honor member of Chi entity charged with maintaining tions. measurement. She took over
Epsilon, an honor society for the physical and operational Mattei previously served the dean position in January,
civil engineering students and integrity of the regional flood as both department chair and replacing Emir Macari, who
professionals. Of the more than control and risk reduction interim dean of the College of stepped down after three years.
SPRING 2018 S I LV E R & B L U E 19Alumni Association Names
Hembree Winner of 2017
Excellence in Teaching Award
POET CAROLYN HEMBREE, instructional methods, all of
assistant professor of English, which Schock says result in an
in December was named “unparalleled ability to get all of
the 2016-17 recipient of the her students to participate.”
University of New Orleans “Faculty members in our
Alumni Association Excellence department who have closely
in Teaching Award. observed Ms. Hembree’s
Since she began teaching at teaching agree that her dynamic
the University of New Orleans teaching style clearly succeeds,”
15 years ago, Hembree has Schock wrote in a letter
earned a reputation among nominating Hembree for the
students and colleagues as a award. “Her students rise to the
high-energy, devoted instructor challenges she sets before them
who helps students at all instead of being intimidated by
levels find their voice, connect her persona.”
with literature and immerse Hembree’s instruction has
themselves in rigorous critical received exceptional ratings and
exercises that improve their feedback from students as well.
reading and sharpen their In evaluations and letters written
writing. to the selection committee by
“This teacher changed the students and alumni, students
way I feel about school,” wrote describe Hembree’s approach as
one student in an evaluation of “charismatic,” “thoughtful” and,
Hembree’s instruction. in several cases, life-altering.
Hembree began teaching at Jessica A. Morey-Collins, rewarding. “I can’t speak highly Carolyn Hembree, assistant
the University of New Orleans a 2016 graduate of the MFA enough of her as a teacher, professor of English, is
in 2001 and was named assistant program in poetry, wrote that scholar, poet and human being,” photographed with husband Jon
professor in 2012. She has taught one of the first assignments Groom wrote to the selection Padgett and daughter Mamie
courses in English composition, Hembree gave her class—to committee. after being awarded the Excellence
poetry writing, creative writing spend 10 days meditating, in Teaching prize at the UNO
In addition to her
and reading drama. In the Lakefront Arena in December.
dream journaling or eaves- outstanding instruction,
last five years at UNO, she has dropping and then reflecting on Hembree’s creative work has
directed 23 MFA theses while the impact of that experience been recognized with several
reading another 15. on their poetry— “shook the awards, including the $35,015
Peter Schock, professor and confines of my poetic practice, Award to Louisiana Artists
chair of English, says students encouraging me to reconsider and Scholars prize from the and the Marsh Hawk Press
seek Hembree’s services as a arbitrary boundaries I’d created Louisiana Board of Regents Rochelle Ratner Prize.
mentor, adviser and reader for what was and was not part of to complete her forthcoming Hembree holds a bachelor’s
because she routinely exhibits my poetry.” project, O Pony of South degree in English and theatre
extraordinary care and concern Alumna Kia Groom (MFA, Derbigny O Leaping Yellow. from Birmingham-Southern
for her students and their ’15) said Hembree was instru- Hembree’s full-length collection College and received her MFA
academic growth. She is meticu- mental in recruiting her move poetry, Rigging a Chevy into a in Creative Writing from the
lously prepared for her classes, to New Orleans from Australia Time Machine & Other Ways University of Arizona. The
exhibits thorough mastery of to join the MFA program and to Escape a Plague, published Excellence in Teaching recog-
the subject and employs great remained the primary reason by Trio House Press, has been nition comes with a $2,500
humor in her multi-pronged her experience at UNO was so honored with the Trio Award award.
20 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2018Academy of Economics and Finance Awards
Research Fellowship to UNO Professor
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEW In 2016, the academy
Orleans professor M. Kabir honored Hassan with a Teaching
Hassan has been named the Fellow Award for his exemplary
2018 Academy of Economics achievements as a teacher.
and Finance Research Fellow. Hassan is a researcher,
He is the Hibernia Professor educator, mentor and advocate
of Economics and Finance and for empirical research in
Bank One Professor of Business economics and finance. His
at UNO. areas of expertise include
Each year, the academy financial institutions and
membership votes to select one markets, emerging markets
fellow whose sustained contri- and financial development,
butions toward research merit international finance, corporate
recognition. As the honoree, finance and Islamic finance. He
Hassan received a cash prize as is currently the chief editor of
well as a plaque acknowledging two scholarly journals focused
his “extraordinary accomplish- on Islamic and Middle Eastern
ments” in the field. finance and guest editor for University’s Privateer Under- M. Kabir Hassan is the Hibernia
Hassan also won the Best several other publications. He graduate Research and Scholarly Professor of Economics and
Paper Award for a treatise he has presented more than 350 UNO Experience program, in Finance and the Bank One
co-authored entitled “Corporate research papers at professional which undergraduate students Professor of Business.
Lobbying and Financial conferences around the world conduct studies and make
Institution Firm Performance: and has had more than 200 presentations at an annual doctoral theses, Hassan has
Evidence from security class- papers published in academic juried showcase of campus-wide also worked on several industry
action litigation.” His collabo- journals. research, scholarly and creative research studies with local
rators on the paper were Omer As an educator, Hassan activity. and regional financial institu-
Unsal and William Hippler, both encourages and supervises In addition to his work tions, including Gulf Coast
graduates of UNO’s financial student engagement in scholarly mentoring Ph.D. students Community Bank, Jefferson
economics doctoral program. research. He participates in the and supervising more than 50 Credit Union and Whitney Bank.
Malay Ghose
Malay Ghose Hajra Honored for Hajra, associate
Professionalism in Engineering professor
of civil and
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEW Ghose Hajra, an associate environmental
Orleans engineering professor professor of civil and environ- engineering,
Malay Ghose Hajra received the mental engineering, earned speaks to
2018 Faculty Professionalism his doctorate from Kansas a packed
engineering
Award from the Louisiana State University. His research
class in March.
Engineering Society. interests include soil mechanics,
The award is presented geo-environmental engineering
annually to one engineering and coastal restoration. He
faculty member from each serves as graduate coordinator
university in Louisiana for UNO’s graduate certificate
with accredited engineering program in coastal engineering.
programs. The recognition aims Among his current applied Water Institute of the Gulf to erosion.
to highlight and encourage research endeavors is a project study the strengths of different In December, he was elected
professional licensure among funded by the Louisiana Coastal coastal soils, which could lead to be president of the Louisiana
engineering faculty at each Protection and Restoration to better understanding of how Section of the American Society
campus. Authority and managed by the different marsh types withstand of Civil Engineers.
SPRING 2018 S I LV E R & B L U E 21You can also read
