Alumnus Chris Dier is Louisiana Teacher of the Year - 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 2020
Alumnus
Chris Dier
is Louisiana
Teacher
of the Year
Sand under their feet and a blanket of blue sky overhead makes for perfect beach volleyball practice conditions for the Privateers.
2 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2020
T A B L E O F
UNO alumnus David Burnham,
paleontologist at the University of Kansas
Biodiversity Institute and Natural History
Museum in Lawrence, Kansas.
F E AT U R E S
22 LOUISIANA TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Chalmette High School history teacher and
UNO alumnus Chris Dier is the Louisiana
Teacher of the Year and one of just four
finalists for the national title.
26 DIGGING UP THE PAST
Paleontologist David Burnham unearths
rare finds.
30 OUTSTANDING IN HER FIELD
Alumna Yelena Rivera, a civil engineer, plots
a course to success.
32 A FRANCOPHILE IN FRANCE
Graduate student Kathy Bradshaw always
had an affinity for all things French. An
internship in France was a dream come true
for the self-proclaimed “Francophile.”
34 STRINGS IN HARMONY
T-Ray the Violinist performs popular hits in
a fresh way.
DEPARTMENT S
5 CAMPUS SCENE
10 NEWS AND EVENTS
18 FACULTY FOCUS
36 THE UNO TRAVELER
40 ATHLETICS
44 DONOR SPOTLIGHT
46 ALUM NOTES
52 THEN AND NOW
SPRING 2020 S I LV E R & B L U E 3
DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS:
DURING THESE EXTRAORDINARY TIMES, MUCH WILL CHANGE BET WEEN THE
time I am writing this message and you are reading it. Disruption has roiled our campus,
VOLUME 44 s ISSUE 1
our university community and our world, leaving us acutely aware of our vulnerabilities as a
society. The worldwide pandemic has provoked understandable fear and anxiety among our
students and employees; I am sure the same is true for many of you. We’ve been forced to EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Littice Bacon-Blood
cancel traditional campus events. Students have returned home prematurely to continue their
EDITOR
classes via remote instruction. Faculty and staff are working from home. Sadly, we decided to
Adam Norris
postpone spring commencement.
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
In spite of all of these challenges, I thought it important to make sure that this issue of Silver Eric Gernhauser
& Blue arrived in your mailbox. The people contained within these pages—UNO students, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
faculty and alumni—are the connective tissue of our university community. These are our fellow Matt Schaefer
Privateers. We are linked through a common affinity for and a pride in our institution. This PHOTOGRAPHY
university is more than just a physical place; it is our people and our triumphs. The stories you will Shane Banegas
Avery Gray
read here can inspire hope and be a salve for the spirit as we endure this collective hardship. As we Joshua David Matthews
have been since our inception, the University of New Orleans is a resilient community. It was the Tracie Morris Schaefer
first and only university in New Orleans to reopen during the fall 2005 semester after Hurricane
Katrina and the failure of the levees. That resilience has been on full display in recent weeks.
I offer my gratitude to our faculty and staff who have chosen to put our students first. All Send Correspondence to:
Silver and Blue Editor
instructors had to quickly move their courses online and continue to teach remotely. University of New Orleans
This is a Herculean task. I could not be more appreciative of their dedication, Administration Building 103
2000 Lakeshore Drive
creativity and innovation. Our staff has continued to support our students in a
New Orleans, LA 70148
variety of ways. The delivery method may be different, but their approach of Phone: (504) 280-6832
care and concern remains intact. I would like to thank our students for Email: unomagazine@uno.edu
their patience and understanding. They are the reason we do what we
do. We will help them through these travails together. Finally, I’d like to
acknowledge the steadfast support, encouragement and assistance of
our alumni and friends. I believe the bonds that connect us all will
only strengthen as we persevere through this crisis.
Please allow me to make an appeal on behalf of our students.
Silver & Blue Magazine is published by
Many of our supporters have asked me how they can help. For those the University of New Orleans. Articles
who have the ability, please consider a gift to the UNO First Student represent the opinions of the authors and
do not necessarily reflect the views of
Support Fund (give.uno.edu). Its purpose is to support our students in anyone but the authors.
their pursuit of a UNO degree. Given the unprecedented circumstances To inquire about alumni events or to join
of the pandemic, those needs have become more critical. I will close the UNO Alumni Association,
contact: Office of Alumni Affairs,
by quoting the insightful words of UNO alumnus and political University of New Orleans,
New Orleans, LA 70148
commentator Clancy DuBos: “Today, as we confront COVID-19, Phone: (504) 280-2586
plenty of folks who aren’t sick are still suffering. Many are out of work, Fax: (504) 280-1080
Email: alumni@uno.edu
while others, especially health care workers, are pushed beyond
© 2020 The University of New Orleans
human limits. So let’s remember the most important lesson of Katrina This public document was published at a total cost
of $21,475. Forty-five thousand (45,000) copies of
by doing all we can for one another—friends, family and strangers this public document were published in this first
and only printing at a cost of $21,475. There will be
alike. That’s what instills the priceless gift of hope.” no reprints, so the total cost of all printings of this
document is $21,475. This document was published
UNO Proud, by the University of New Orleans, 200 Lakeshore
John Nicklow Dr., New Orleans, LA.70148, to promote the purpose
of the University under authority of 17:3351(A)(12).
PRESIDENT This material was printed in accordance with the
standards for printing by state agencies established
@UNOPresidentJN @unopresident pursuant to R.S. 43:31. Printing of this material was
purchased in accordance with the provisions of
Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.
4 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2020
INSIDE
SWAMPBALL
CARNIVAL UNO
CAREER FAIR
NATIONAL
ENGINEER’S DAY
JAZZ AT THE
SANDBAR
HEADLINES AND HAPPENINGS
MARQUES COLSTON SPEAKS
AT FALL COMMENCEMENT
Entrepreneur and former New Orleans Saints
star receiver Marques Colston was the principal
speaker at the University of New Orleans fall com-
mencement on Dec. 13.
SPRING 2020 S I LV E R & B L U E 5
FALL
COMMENCEMENT
In his address, Marques Colston
urged graduates to set actionable
goals that exceed expectations, to
become a master of their craft and
to work consistently to create posi-
tive habits.
“The harder you work, and the
more you dig in, the more you stack
the odds of success in your favor,”
Colston said.
CAREER FAIR
A career fair sponsored by
the Office of Career Services
in October attracted nation-
al, international and local
companies who recruited for
internships, part-time work
and full-time positions. Em-
ployers represented a range
of industries, including those
from hospitality, retail and
food service to engineering,
financial services, medical
and government agencies.
6 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2020
JAZZ AT THE SANDBAR
Famed jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis, an emeritus faculty member, plays at
Jazz at the Sandbar at The Cove on the University of New Orleans’ campus
on Oct. 2. Jazz at the Sandbar is presented each Wednesday night for eight
weeks during the fall and spring semesters and features a different renowned
jazz artist who performs with UNO music students. Marsalis established
the music series in 1990. Sadly Marsalis died in April at the age of 85 from
pneumonia brought on by COVID-19, according to family members.
TRUNK OR TREAT
Snowballs, popcorn, a kid
friendly DJ and a bouncy
slide – along with lots of free
candy – marked the trunk-or-
treat event held in the Human
Performance Center parking
lot on Oct. 28. The event was
sponsored by the Progressive
Black Student Union.
SPRING 2020 S I LV E R & B L U E 7
NATIONAL
ENGINEER’S DAY
The University of New Orleans offers
the only civil, electrical, mechanical
and naval architecture and marine
engineering programs in the metro
area, making it the ideal host for a
National Engineer’s Week event. The
value of engineering was on display
with dozens of interactive exhibits
during a daylong event held on cam-
pus Feb. 19 that drew nearly 2,000
area middle and high school students.
SWAMPBALL
It was dirty fun for a
good cause when teams
of students, alumni and
residents battled for the
golden volleyball trophy
in the annual mud fest
known as Swampball.
The volleyball games,
played in water-filled pits
in the quad, raise money
for student scholarships.
The event is sponsored by
the UNO Ambassadors
each fall.
8 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2020CARNIVAL AT UNO
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Indeed, the
good times did roll as the Krewe of UNO
made its way through campus on Feb. 18,
celebrating its 2020 theme of “2 Infinity &
Bey0nd!” Parade-goers were bestowed with
plenty of Privateer-flavored throws and
savored free king cake as the parade culmi-
nated at the University Center.
SPRING 2020 S I LV E R & B L U E 9University Celebrates Alumni- President John Nicklow speaks during
the celebratory luncheon honoring the
Led Businesses at UNO 25 Event 2020 class of UNO 25.
PRIVATEER PRIDE TOOK others. Some serve families
center stage at a celebratory in their own neighborhoods
luncheon Jan. 16 for the 2020 while others have clients across
class of UNO 25. The event, the country and around the
held in the silver and blue hued globe.
Grand Ballroom at the Ritz- “To all of our honorees,
Carlton, New Orleans, honored your university is especially
25 businesses and nonprofit proud of your accomplish-
organizations led or owned by ments,” UNO President John
UNO alumni. Nicklow said. “Your achieve-
Honorees represented a ment is the best form of valida-
variety of industries includ- tion that your alma mater can
ing engineering, health care, receive. Your professional status
education, transportation, confers a level of prestige on the
hospitality, accounting, bank- University of New Orleans that
ing, construction, technology, we cannot generate in any other
human resources, marketing way. We deeply appreciate you
and public relations, among and your success.”
The 2020 class of UNO 25 is:
Baptist Community Ministries, New Orleans Hotard Coaches Inc., New Orleans
Blue Runner Foods, Mandeville Infinity Engineering Consultants LLC, Metairie
Brand Society, New Orleans M S Benbow & Associates, Metairie
CommTech Industries, Metairie Parking Management Services Inc., New Orleans
Crescent Technology Inc., New Orleans Payroll RX LLC, Metairie
Davis Davis & Harmon LLC-Sales Tax Experts, Dallas, Texas Satsuma Café, New Orleans
The Dupuy Group, New Orleans Second Line Brewing, New Orleans
Edward Hynes Charter School, New Orleans Spears Group, New Orleans
Electromedical Products International Inc., Mineral Wells, Texas Stokes & Associates, Metairie
Eustis Engineering LLC, Metairie TJ’s Carnival & Mardi Gras Supplies, Terrytown
Fourrier & de Abreu Engineers LLC, Baton Rouge Universal Data Inc., New Orleans
French and Montessori Education Inc., Audubon Schools, New Orleans UNO Federal Credit Union, New Orleans
Gibbs Construction, New Orleans
10 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2020Gloria Walker is New Vice President for Business Affairs
GLORIA WALKER, THE NEW house,” says Walker, who grew
vice president for business affairs up in Dallas.
and chief financial officer at Walker spent seven years
the University of New Orleans, as the executive vice chancellor
laughingly refers to herself as an for finance and administration
analytical “bean counter” and a and CFO for the 70,000-student
“workaholic.” Houston Community Col-
She also considers herself lege where she oversaw a $300
fiercely loyal to her employees million operating budget and a
and a motivator who believes $600 million capital improve-
mentoring is a key to helping the ment budget, among other
University meet its mission of duties.
providing educational excel- “I’m not afraid to make hard
lence. decisions,” Walker says. “I take
“I don’t like to get in the a strategic approach to decision
weeds—I have the skill set to do making and understanding what
that—but I really like to men- the issues are. I’m a fact finder.”
tor folks and give my staff as Walker says her role in
much control over their subject keeping the University of New
matter as possible,” says Walker, Houston Community College. operations and business services Orleans successful is ensuring
a certified public accountant by When Walker arrived at gleaned from different types of that resources are available for
trade and a big-city girl by birth. Texas Southern, the university institutions. Early in her career, the institution to execute its
“Critical, I think, to the mission was on the brink of insolvency. she worked as a state auditor in mission.
of the institution, is having Over a three-year period, she Texas but quickly realized her “Just as if you were in a For-
people who are well-versed in helped develop a financial plan personality was not suited to the tune 500 company, you’re trying
their subject matter.” and created operating policies often-isolating work. to develop the best product,”
Walker comes to the Uni- that kept the university finan- “I’m a people person,” says Walker says. “The best product
versity with more than 25 years cially stable. Walker. “When I got to higher is our student, that’s our end
of executive-level leadership “I, working with the president education accounting, I was just results. So, in order to do that
experience in higher education. and the leadership team there, flourishing! I really love being we must have the resources to
She holds a bachelor’s degree in was able to keep them from be- around the students. You can see deliver education in a fashion
accounting from the University ing insolvent,” Walker says. the bigger picture of what higher that students are going to have a
of Houston, an MBA from the Throughout her tenure in education does.” monetary gain at the end of the
University of St. Thomas in higher education, Walker has She left state government day from being with us; either
Houston and a doctoral degree been primarily responsible for for the private sector, working getting a better job or getting a
in higher education administra- establishing the finance plan and as an accountant in the oil and job or going into research.”
tion from Northeastern Univer- polices, and financial report- gas industry for several years. Walker says higher educa-
sity in Boston. ing for the institution. She has She later became the chief tion is a business with a budget
She succeeded Gregg Lassen developed, implemented and financial officer and controller that spans across all areas of the
who retired. maintained internal control for the Harris County-Houston institution.
Walker, who arrived on cam- and financial reporting policies, Sports Authority where she was “It’s incumbent on us to
pus Jan. 21, was most recently standards and procedures that responsible for construction and make sure our product is good,”
vice president for finance and ensure compliance. managing the debt on Houston’s she says. “The business side of
administration at Cowley Col- “I’m about growing the professional sport arenas and that is looking at the resources
lege in Kansas. She was previ- bottom line. I’m about students ancillary facilities, including the and how do we develop those
ously executive vice president being successful,” says Walker. construction of Minute Maid monetary resources and how do
and chief operating officer at “If students are successful, our Field for the Houston Astros. we get the money beyond tuition
Texas Southern University in bottom line is going to grow. It’s “I knew they did a lot of and fees, state appropriation—all
Houston as well as executive going to attract more students.” construction and bonding of those avenues … to make sure
vice chancellor for finance and Walker has broad knowledge in Texas so I wanted to learn the institution is affordable for
administration and CFO at of all major areas of financial finances from that side of the the students we attract.”
SPRING 2020 S I LV E R & B L U E 11Alumni Achievement Celebrated at 2019 Distinguished Alumni Gala
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT honored their own distinguished College of Business the Department of Veterans
was on full display at the 2019 alumni of the year. Administration: Timothy J. Affairs, including serving as
University of New Orleans Former Homer Hitt Adams. Adams is the president the director of pathology and
Distinguished Alumni Gala at Alumnus of the Year Clancy and CEO of Systems Appli- laboratory medicine at the New
The National WWII Museum. DuBos served as the master of cation & Technologies, Inc. Orleans VA Medical Center.
The U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The ceremonies and President John (SA-TECH) in Maryland. Athletics: Randy Bush.
Boeing Center, was a dramatic Nicklow provided the audience College of Liberal Arts, Bush has spent 13 seasons as the
venue for the 500 attendees with a review of recent university Education and Human Devel- assistant to the general manager
celebrating the University and highlights, including growth in opment: Jan Aronson. An of the Chicago Cubs. He was
the profound influence of its enrollment and an expansion of accomplished painter, Aronson the head baseball coach at the
graduates. partnerships. has exhibited her works both University of New Orleans from
Entergy Louisiana president “I hope that tonight’s event nationally and internationally 2000-04, and he spent his entire
and CEO Phillip May received will continue to build shared over the past four and a half 12-year major league baseball
the 2019 Homer L. Hitt Distin- pride and reinforce the value decades. career playing for the Minnesota
guished Alumni Award, while of our beloved university,” College of Engineering: Twins.
Roxanna Rodriguez-Torres, Nicklow said. “As I say to nearly Riley Parker. Parker is the
the National Security Council’s every group I speak to: New discipline lead and technical
Honorees Roxanna Rodriguez-
director for Transnational Orleans doesn’t work without the authority for instrumentation Torres and Phillip May in
Organized Crime, accepted the University of New Orleans.” and controls engineering for photograph on the left. Honorees
2019 Homer Hitt Young Alumna In addition to May and Shell in the Gulf of Mexico. seated from left, Timothy Adams,
of the Year Award. Additionally, Rodriguez-Torres, the following College of Sciences: Riley Parker, Jan Aronson, Dr.
the University’s four academic UNO alumni were also recog- Dr. Fred H. Rodriguez Jr. Dr. Fred Rodriguez, Randy Bush,
colleges and Privateer Athletics nized: Rodriguez spent 35 years with Rodriguez-Torres and May.
12 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2020news in brief
UNO’s Green Initiatives
As University of New
Orleans officials plan for the
evolution of the campus,
sustainability efforts are criti-
cal elements in determining
the future of the institution’s
physical space, President
John Nicklow says.
The University’s Sustain-
ability Circle, made up of
faculty, staff and students, has
implemented several initiatives around campus, such as the new bicycle
fix-it station located between the University Center and the Recreation and
Fitness Center.
Two of the university’s visible green initiatives are a new recycling
team and the installation of thousands of energy efficient bulbs around
campus that not only saves money but also brightens the campus and
improves safety.
The University also has finalized plans with Entergy New Orleans (ENO)
for a solar panel project on top of two buildings on campus that will add
600-Kilowatts of clean energy to the New Orleans grid. This partnership with
UNO is an important step for ENO’s commercial rooftop solar program, and
the community, according to company and university officials.
Career Services Opens ‘Suited for Success Career Closet’
The University of New Orleans Office of Career Services has opened a
career closet that contains business attire for students to use for interviews,
career fairs or other professional networking events.
The clothing is free and students get to keep the items, career services
director Celyn Boykin says.
The career closet, which is located in Room 250 in the University Center,
has men and women clothing and shoes. Students can make an appoint-
ment to shop at the closet through the career services Handshake app.
Le Kèr Creole Exhibit Unveiled At The Cabildo
The Louisiana State Museum, in partnership with the Neighborhood Story
Project at the University of New Orleans and L’Union Creole, has unveiled
“Le Kèr Creole (The Creole Heart): Runaway Slaves, Music, and Memory in
Louisiana” at the Cabildo in New Orleans.
The exhibition explores the legacy of the Louisiana Creole language
through the historical memory of Juan San Malo, the leader of a com-
Jazz Studies Professor Steve Masakowski Receives munity founded by former enslaved people in the 1780s and contemporary
Lifetime Achievement Award in Music Education Creole music.
Rachel Breunlin, University of New Orleans assistant professor of
University of New Orleans jazz studies professor Steve Masa-
anthropology and co-founder of the Neighborhood Story Project, curated
kowski was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Music
the multimedia exhibit along with artists Bruce Sunpie Barnes and
Education by OffBeat Magazine, a publication dedicated to New
Francis X. Pavy.
Orleans music and culture.
Masakowski arrived at UNO in 1992 and holds the Coca-Cola
Endowed Chair of Jazz Studies, a title first held by his teacher and Bayer, Spicer awarded Computer Science Scholarship
mentor, Ellis Marsalis. He has released numerous CDs and has been Founded By Google Engineer
an active member and composer for the award winning New Orleans
RYAN HODGSON-RIGSBEE PHOTOGRAPH
University of New Orleans students Ashley Bayer and Veronica Spicer
jazz group, Astral Project.
are the recipients of the 2019 Women in Computer Science scholarship
Masakowski has published lessons in Guitar Player magazine,
founded by University of New Orleans alumna Sabrina Farmer, who is vice
authored a book on jazz ear training for Mel Bay, and also performs
president of engineering site reliability at Google.
and records with his children, bassist Martin and vocalist Sasha, a
Bayer and Spicer each received a $6,000 scholarship to offset the cost
graduate of UNO.
of tuition, books and living expenses for the fall 2019-2020 academic year.
He received the lifetime achievement award at the OffBeat Best of
They also receive mentoring from Farmer who earned a bachelor’s degree
the Beat Business Awards on Jan.16.
in computer science from the University in 1995.
To read more about these stories, visit news.uno.edu.
SPRING 2020 S I LV E R & B L U E 13The Privateer Pledge: A Promise to Orleans Parish Students
STARTING IN THE FALL order to qualify, students must fall 2020 semester. education and ensure there is
2020 semester, the University of be admitted as a freshman to “A University of New Or- one less obstacle in a student’s
New Orleans will begin offering the University of New Orleans leans education can transform pursuit of a UNO degree.”
the Privateer Pledge, a promise and must have filed the Free a student’s life,” says President In order to maintain the
that the University will fill the Application for Federal Student John Nicklow. “The Privateer award, students must remain
unmet financial need for tuition Aid (FAFSA). They must also Pledge is our promise to eligible enrolled full-time (minimum
and fees of eligible New Orleans be eligible for a Pell Grant and Orleans Parish students that we of 12 hours) and keep a GPA of
students. their annual family income will marshal all of the federal, 2.0 or higher.
The pledge applies to Or- cannot exceed $60,000. The first state and institutional aid neces- The Privateer Pledge covers
leans Parish residents who grad- group of Privateer Pledge fresh- sary to fill any financial gap four years of unmet need for
uate from a public or private man students will need to enroll for tuition and fees. This will tuition and fees or until gradua-
Orleans Parish high school. In full-time by July 1, 2020 for the support greater access to higher tion, whichever happens first.
14 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2020Raphael Cassimere Jr.,
University of New Orleans
professor emeritus of
history, (right) talks about
his experiences in the civil
rights movement.
Civil Rights Activist and UNO Historian Raphael Cassimere Jr.
‘I Was Able to Change Minds’
R A P HA E L C A S S I M E R E J R . , ring to the targeted violence lead a successful boycott and “When I walked into the
University of New Orleans pro- directed at members of the picketing campaign of local class and announced that I
fessor emeritus of history, who civil rights organization as they businesses on Canal Street that would be teaching the class, two
made his mark on the politi- campaigned against discrimina- had refused to hire African whites walked out and demand-
cal landscape of New Orleans tory practices locally and across American workers in capacities ed that they be given a transfer
by helping lead boycotts as the U.S. other than janitors and cooks. to another class ‘for obvious rea-
president of the NAACP Youth It was 1960, a tumultuous The businesses also refused to sons,’’’ Cassimere recalled. “The
Council during the civil rights time for race relations, particu- serve black people in the restau- department chair kind of knew
movement in the early 60s and larly in the South. rants and lunch counters. what the obvious reasons were
70s, did not set out to make Cassimere, a student at Cassimere still savors the and he told them ‘for obvious
history. what was then LSUNO, said he victory because their actions reasons’ he would not!”
In fact, he hadn’t even reluctantly followed a friend help to make positive changes. Cassimere would remain in
planned to major in history, to an NAACP meeting in New “It was very successful,” he the history department for more
he told an audience at UNO in Orleans and “got caught up.” said. “It was something that I than 35 years, rising to rank of
February. Cassimere quickly be- feel very good about.” professor. He retired in 2007.
Cassimere, who received his came actively involved in the In 1967, Cassimere became Cassimere said he learned
bachelor’s and master’s degrees organization’s mission to end the first African American to navigate the prejudices inside
in history from UNO, shared his prejudicial practices and racial teaching assistant at UNO and and outside his classroom by
experiences as the first African discrimination. It led him to in 1969, he was the first African learning how to live with others
American instructor hired at change his college major. American instructor hired at the who were different and by teach-
UNO and as a leader in the civil “I was a pre-med major for University. ing his students to be willing to
rights movement. 2 ½ years,” Cassimere said. “This It was a difficult time, he listen to other people’s opinions.
“Bad things happened to was almost like a revolution. I got said. Some students balked at “That’s one thing I learned
people who belonged to the so caught up in the movement.” having him as their history as a teacher, I was able to change
NAACP,” Cassimere said, refer- In 1962, Cassimere help to teacher, Cassimere said. minds,” Cassimere said.
SPRING 2020 S I LV E R & B L U E 15InnovateUNO Symposium
Showcases Students Scholarly
Research and Creative Designs
THE UNIVERSIT Y OF NEW from every discipline and area and room moderators staffed ning and urban studies graduate
Orleans’ eighth annual In- high school students engaged the event. student, was one of two present-
novateUNO wrapped up Nov. with UNO programs. “The impact UNO has on its ers awarded a $500 travel grant.
21 with an awards ceremony “This was our biggest Inno- undergraduate students through Moore is creating a pub-
recognizing the winners of the vateUNO, with a 30% increase engagement in research, scholar- licly accessible GIS map and a
research and creative sympo- in presentations compared to ship and creative activities was calendar that lists government
sium. The first and fourth floor last year,” said Matthew Tarr, more evident than ever,” Tarr meetings that involve decisions
of the Earl K. Long Library was vice president for research and said. “UNO’s impact on the on coastal issues. The public
the center for the showcase in economic development. “We regional, national and interna- will be able to add events to the
which students presented their saw participation from across tional communities was also calendar and upload their own
independent research, schol- disciplines and effectively in- clearly demonstrated.” pictures and maps to help docu-
arly or creative activities to the volved our entire campus com- This year, Louisiana Sea ment changes along the state’s
campus community. munity as well as high school Grant also hosted a Coastal coastline, Moore said.
Over the course of the students, alumni and business Connections Competition open The best-ranked presenta-
three-day event, 415 presenters, partners.” to graduate students from UNO tions were awarded a total of
co-presenters, and collaborators The presentations were and Tulane University. Eleven $3,800 by the Office of Research
delivered 237 oral, poster, art, evaluated by 63 judges including students from a broad range of and the Oscar J. Tolmas Chari-
theater, music, and film pre- UNO faculty, staff, graduate stu- disciplines presented on coastal table Trust. Both undergradu-
sentations. Presenters included dents, alumni and business part- issues. ate and graduate students were
UNO students, faculty and staff ners. More than 20 volunteers Alahna Moore, a UNO plan- awarded prizes.
The University of New
Orleans’ eighth annual
InnovateUNO, held
Nov. 19-21, showcased
outstanding research,
scholarly activity and
creative work.
16 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2020A panel of mental
health professionals
discuss “Mental
Health in the Black
Community” during a
forum at the University
of New Orleans.
Mental Health Panelists: ‘Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help’
MANY PEOPLE FIND THE “As a group we have a ten- excited that these young men emotional struggles, include
topic of mental illness difficult dency to not necessarily identify chose this topic because I believe severe changes in eating or
to discuss, in part because of mental health as an issue,” said it shows somewhat of a shift in sleeping habits, being constantly
the negative stereotypes as- Watson, who is African Ameri- overall thinking. I think people angry or worried, said Al White,
sociated with it, according to can. “It wasn’t something that are open to having more of these owner and director at Self-En-
mental health professionals. we discussed. It was something conversations.” hancement Center, Inc.
However, an alarmingly steady mostly to hide.” The panelists discussed the A constant theme from the
rise in the number of suicides The need to bulldoze that need to be “self-aware” about panelists: Don’t be afraid to ask
among young people, particu- uncommunicative wall led to the your mental health, and to know for help.
larly among people of color, Nov. 20 panel discussion “Mental when to ask for help. “Everybody in here is men-
means society has to remove Health in the Black Community.” “As a practitioner I tell my tally ill. If you’ve grown up in the
the fear of labels when it comes The organization is an aca- clients all the time that there United States, you’ve got issues,”
to mental health and seeking demic and social support pro- is no ideal state of mental Watson said.” You have baggage.
professional help. gram established to address the functioning,” said Danielle I have issues. I’m in constant
Suicide is the leading cause needs and challenges faced by Burton, a doctoral student in recovery. The only question is
of death for African Ameri- African American male students UNO’s counselor education and how far does the impact go and
cans aged 15 to 24, said Zarus at the University. The program’s supervision program. “What are you aware?”
Watson, University of New 16 members chose the topic of you can do is define for yourself Ryan O’Pry, assistant direc-
Orleans associate professor of mental health for its fall panel who you are, what your values tor and coordinator of clinical
counseling. discussion, said Taryn Chevis, are and what your baselines are training of UNO’s Counseling
Watson said the suicide manager of academic adminis- in terms of what you’re able to Services, gives this reminder: “I
rate for African Americans was tration and a co-director of the accomplish … So, a mentally always think that it’s important
a “trace” number in the early program. healthy person does recognize for me and clients and anyone to
1970s and climbed over 250 “A few lighter topics were those limitations and a mentally just remember that our mental
percent by 1995. He thinks part thrown out for us to choose unhealthy person is usually just health is not our whole iden-
of the reason is because mental from, however, the guys unaware.” tity,” he said. “It’s part of us, just
illness was “swept under the overwhelmingly chose men- Possible signs that someone like our physical health or our
rug” for so many years. tal health,” Chevis said. “I was may need help or is having some spirituality.”
SPRING 2020 S I LV E R & B L U E 172019 Medallion Award
Winners Named
THREE UNIVERSITY OF who spent 33 years at UNO as a
New Orleans employees were professor, dean, vice chancellor,
recognized for their outstand- the founding president of the
ing contributions and presented UNO Research & Technology
with University medallions by Park and co-founder of The Na-
President John Nicklow during tional World War II Museum. It
his State of the University ad- is awarded to an individual who
dress in October. has provided significant leader-
The recipients of the three ship toward the international-
annual awards are: ization of the University.
Parviz Rastgoufard, pro- Davidson, who was in
fessor of electrical engineering, Austria and was unable to
was awarded the Cooper R. attend the ceremony, has
Mackin Medallion. The Mackin worked for 30 years to enhance
Medallion was established to the internationalization of
honor the third chancellor of the University, Nicklow said.
the University of New Orleans “Colleagues cite Dr. Davidson
and was first presented in 1998. for her passion, ingenuity and
It is awarded to a faculty or tenacity,” he said.
staff member who has made Karen Thomas, associate
outstanding contributions in dean for STEM recruitment,
support of the University’s retention and outreach in the
mission. College of Sciences; received
“Dr. Rastgoufard is an the Presidential Staff Medal-
eminent scholar, researcher and lion. It is awarded to the staff
teacher,” Nicklow said. “He has member who has demonstrated
served as a principal investiga- outstanding service to the Uni-
tor on more than 50 research versity community.
projects and his mentorship of “Dr. Thomas is an outstand-
junior faculty members ensures ing communicator who works
his legacy is a lasting one.” closely with academic advisers
Margaret Davidson, to improve student success,” TOP: President John Nicklow (far right) with
resident director and faculty Nicklow said. “She supports two of the three recipients of the University’s
member of the UNO Innsbruck undergraduate students groups annual awards, (l-r)Parviz Rastgoufard
Academic Year Abroad pro- with a special focus on women and Karen Thomas. ABOVE: President John
gram, was awarded the Gordon in STEM. And she plays a key Nicklow presents a University medallion to
H. “Nick” Mueller International role in bringing young people Margaret Davidson.
Leadership Medallion. The and community organizations
medallion is named for Mueller, to campus for events.”
18 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2020University of New Orleans
Researchers Teach Coastal
Environment in Ghana
T WO UNIVERSIT Y OF NEW research by teaching about
Orleans researchers spent time wetlands and coastal ecosys-
in West Africa last summer as tems and leading a laboratory
part of the Coastal Ocean En- exercise on plastic transport in
vironment Summer School in the ocean.
Ghana (COESSING). Ebenezer The 2019 summer school
Nyadjro and Madeline Foster- was held Aug. 5-10 at Regional on a range of subjects in the University of New Orleans
Martinez lectured, conducted Maritime University in Accra, morning, including wetlands, researchers Ebenezer Nyadjro and
hands-on labs and led project Ghana and attracted 350 appli- satellite oceanography, plastic Madeline Foster-Martinez spent
teams for the school, which cants for the 120 available spots. transports in the ocean and a week along the Gulf of Guinea
serves undergraduates, gradu- The participants at the school, Gulf of Guinea oceanography. teaching coastal environmental
concepts to graduate and
ate and faculty participants which is free, are mainly from In the afternoon, hands-on
undergraduate students in Ghana.
from across that country. Ghana and Nigeria, but others laboratory exercises were
Since 2015, a group of are from Benin, Liberia, Côte conducted on those subjects
ocean experts from the U.S., d’Ivoire and Cameroon. and participants were taught raphy or ocean modeling. For
Italy and France has teamed Ghana’s location on the where and how to obtain data others, it may be their first time
up with colleagues in Ghana Gulf of Guinea in West Africa for their research work, as well programming for data analysis,
to run the weeklong intensive gives it access to resources such as how to process and analyze using oceanographic instru-
summer school that is designed as fisheries, tourism, and oil the data. ments or going on a boat.
to increase interest and build and gas, but bordering an ocean The school, which receives “The school also provides
knowledge capacity in coastal and having a coastline also funding from the National the opportunity to network and
and oceanography research. brings challenges, Nyadjro says, Science Foundation, the build future collaborations.”
Nyadjro, an assistant profes- such as coastal erosion, pollu- University of Michigan, and Nyadjro and Foster-Marti-
sor of research in the physics tion and piracy. The International Centre for nez said the summer school has
department at UNO and a “There has been limited Theoretical Physics in Italy, was been a success because it has
native of Ghana, has taught formal research to understand started by University of Michi- helped many budding scientists
satellite oceanography since the how people co-exist with, and gan professor Brian Arbic. in the sub-region to develop
school’s inception. sustainably use these resources “COESSING is important their research skills in coastal
Foster-Martinez, a post- in West Africa,” Nyadjro says. because it provides an oppor- processes and oceanography.
doctoral research associate in “COESSING was established tunity for new experiences,” After the summer session,
the Pontchartrain Institute for to help expand the interest and Foster-Martinez says. “For the facilitators keep in touch with
Environmental Sciences, has expertise in coastal and ocean some participants, it is their the participants, and help them
spent three summers in Ghana research.” first time studying topics like acquire and analyze data for their
pursuing her interest in coastal The school offered lectures satellite oceanography, hydrog- studies and dissertations.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COESSING
SPRING 2020 S I LV E R & B L U E 19Center Austria Director Guenter Bischof
Receives ‘Scholar of the Year Award’
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEW Founded in 1997, Cen- Innsbruck to UNO—
Orleans history professor ter Austria is a research and 1,000 or so since 1998—
and Center Austria director discourse hub for Austrian and is much appreciated in
Guenter Bischof was honored European studies at UNO and Austria and not taken
by his home state of Vorarlberg, in New Orleans. The center for granted,” Bischof
Austria with the “Scholar of the advances understanding of says.
Year Award.” Austrian and Central European Bischof, who
Bischof grew up in the culture through scholarly and received his master’s de-
Alpine village of Mellau on the artistic activities, and academic gree in history from the
Swiss border. From skiing and partnerships. University of New Or-
playing soccer as a youngster, The award was bestowed by leans, enjoys teaching at UNO’s Center Austria director Guenter
Bischof says he has graduated Vorarlberg governor Markus international summer schools in Bischof (center) received the
to swimming and hiking in his Wallner during a November Innsbruck and Prague. “Scholar of the Year Award” from
beloved Alps. ceremony at the state capitol in He has been a visiting the Austrian state of Vorarlberg
The award is in recognition Bregenz, Austria. professor at the Universities of with Markus Wallner (right),
for Bischof ’s work in Austria “To me this award indicates Munich, Innsbruck, Salzburg, governor of Vorarlberg, and Lt.
and for his work bringing that my work on Austrian- Vienna, the Economics Uni- Gov. Barbara Schoebi-Fink.
students from the University of American relations and our versity in Prague and the State
Innsbruck to UNO on a regular Center Austria work to bring University for the Humanities in
basis through Center Austria. students from the University of Moscow.
Researcher Awarded NSF Grant To Study
Marriage Attitudes in the 21st Century
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF graduate-level courses in feel about marriage and family
marriage in American society is social psychology, gender and and why? We also want to ask
seen in the myriad ways that it sexualities, research methods questions about divorce and
binds individuals legally, social- and social statistics, has been involvement with the State.”
ly, politically and symbolically. awarded a $261,666 grant from Compton says the research
Marriage entails not only social the National Science Founda- is important because many of
and emotional attachments, but tion to research attitudes toward those questions have not been
also legal obligations and access marriage among heterosexual asked to a national sample and
to privileges, says University of and same-sex couples. the responses can be compared
New Orleans sociology profes- Compton is conducting the across sexual orientations.
sor D’Lane Compton. research in collaboration with There is very little nationally D’Lane Compton
Historically, marriage has Gayle Kaufman, a sociology representative data on topics re-
meant heterosexual mar- professor at Davidson College in lated to the LGBT community, feel the same toward marriage as
riage and has been studied North Carolina. Compton says. the heterosexual community?”
overwhelmingly as such, says “We have seen some signifi- “For example, we know that The three-year study will
Compton. She wants to under- cant changes in behavior—more some of the LGBT community include a national survey con-
stand what marriage attitudes folks are opting out of marriage, is very pro-marriage and we also ducted by AmeriSpeak and will
are in the 21st century, par- and are waiting longer to get know there are people that are include follow-up interviews
ticularly in the wake of the 2015 married,” Compton says. “Same very against marriage. But we with LGBT adults in diverse
U.S. Supreme Court ruling in with regards to having children. have no rate. We also have no regional locations around the
which same-sex marriages were We also are seeing new types of way of comparing LGBT indi- country, Compton says, who ex-
deemed legal. family structures and chosen vidual’s attitudes toward mar- pects to complete a book based
Compton, who currently family formations. riage with non-LGBT individu- on the findings within the next
teaches undergraduate and “We want to know how folks als. Does the LGBT community several years.
20 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2020Chemistry Researchers Are Going Green
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEW very mild “green” conditions, These characteris-
Orleans chemistry researchers Trudell says. tics are all extremely
have developed a new, environ- Making such connections important to highly
mentally friendly material for between molecules, called desirable clean, envi-
the production of important Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling, ronmentally friendly
molecules that are used in is significant for the production green chemistry,
pharmaceuticals and agro- of important molecules used in Trudell says.
chemicals, such as herbicides pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals “This catalyst will
and insecticides. and other fine chemical prod- allow chemists to
The research appeared in a ucts, he says. make a large variety of
recent edition of the prestigious What is especially exciting important molecules,
American Chemical Society about this discovery, Trudell impacting all areas
Journal “Organic Letters,” and says, is that, unlike previous of synthetic organic
chemistry department chair systems, which required high chemistry,” he says.
Mark Trudell is currently seek- reaction temperatures and The catalyst consists of The research team, led by
ing both U.S. and international expensive, environmentally a naturally occurring clay Trudell, also includes chemistry
patents on the invention. unfriendly solvents, this new nanoscale tubular mate- doctoral student Alexis Blanco,
Jumanah Hamdi, a chemis- catalytic material works at rial, halloysite, with palladium undergraduate Brooke Diehl
try doctoral student in Trudell’s room temperature, in water, nanoparticles inside. Nanoscale and John Wiley, chemistry
group, developed the new and can be used repeatedly materials are about one ten professor and director of UNO’s
catalyst that allows molecules without significant loss in activ- thousandth the width of a hu- Advanced Materials Research
to form chemical bonds under ity or leaching of the metal. man hair, Trudell says. Institute.
Researchers To Study Community Resilience
as Part of $5.5 Million Grant
RESEARCHERS IN THE group of scientists from 10 the Gulf region to improve the and other short- and long-term
University of New Orleans universities, including Tulane dissemination of information stressors while maintaining the
Center for Hazards Assess- University. about potential hazards to resi- integrity of its community and
ment, Response and Technology The University’s portion of dential housing that can change culture.
(UNO-CHART) will study ways the grants is just over $290,000, overtime. The United Houma Nation is
to enhance the resiliency of Gulf according to Monica Farris, The ultimate goal of the a Louisiana state-recognized tribe
Coast communities as part of director of UNO-CHART. project is to identify practices primarily based in southeastern
two grants totaling more than A project titled “The New most likely to result in residents Louisiana that is striving to main-
$5.5 million from the National First Line of Defense: Building taking actions to reduce risk and tain its unique culture amidst
Academies of Sciences, Engineer- Community Resilience through increase resilience. dramatic climatic, environmental
ing and Medicine’s Gulf Research Residential Risk Disclosure,” was The second project, titled and socioeconomic change.
Program. awarded a $3.4 million grant. “Climate, Culture, Movement: The project team will col-
UNO researchers will work Led by the University of Cen- Navigating Decision-Making laborate with the United Houma
on the two projects in collabora- tral Florida, researchers will work in a Shifting Landscape for a Nation to examine existing and
tion with an interdisciplinary with communities throughout Resilient United Houma Nation,” emerging stressors, identify
was awarded $2.1 resilience strategies and produce
million. actionable information, tools and
Led by Tulane interventions that can be used
University, the goal by the tribe to navigate these
of this project is challenges.
to determine how Researchers say the project’s
the United Houma findings will be useful to other
Nation can adapt Gulf Coast communities facing
to climate-related similar issues.
SPRING 2020 S I LV E R & B L U E 2122 S I LV E R & B L U E FALL 2019
ALUMNUS
CHRIS DIER
is
LOUISIANA
TEACHER
of the
YEAR
BY LITTICE BACON-BLOOD
PHOTOGRAPHS BY TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER
FALL 2019 S I LV E R & B L U E 23C
CHRIS DIER, THE 2020 LOUISIANA TEACHER OF THE YEAR That class, Room 215, is loaded with memorabilia acquired
and a finalist for the national title, once considered becoming an during summer travels abroad. Inspirational quotes from Caesar
attorney. However, during his senior year in college, frustrated by Chavez, Marcus Garvey, Helen Keller, Mark Twain and others adorn
a constitutional law course, he accepted his mother’s invitation to the walls, along with student-drawn pictures of Dier. One drawing
observe her teaching class at Chalmette High School. has a conversation bubble written in Spanish that says “Tenga un
As he watched his mother, a veteran educator of more than 30 buen dia!” (Have a nice day). Around the room an eclectic offering
years, Dier saw an entirely new world—and a different career path of books—classic and contemporary fare—spill from shelves.
for himself. Traveling, particularly to foreign countries, challenges him and
“I was immediately taken aback by the atmosphere in her offers new perspectives, Dier says. He wants to bring a similar sense
classroom. Students were learning, discussing, asking questions and of exploration to his students, he says.
developing a sense of self in real time,” says Dier, who teaches world “It might not be appealing for students to just hear me talk about
history and AP human geography at Chalmette High School. “It was Peruvian culture, but what if I passed around a tapestry hand-woven
the first time I watched a class from the teacher’s perspective. After by an indigenous Q’eros family for them to feel?” Dier says. “Simi-
that day, I decided to give teaching a go.” larly, I also bring stories of other cultures to my students. In Vietnam,
Dier, who grew up in St. Bernard Parish and evacuated to Texas I explored how they study the Vietnam War, or as they call it—the
after Hurricane Katrina’s floodwaters inundated his community in American War, and share those perspectives with my students.”
2005, returned to Louisiana after completing a bachelor’s degree in While studying the Holocaust, Dier held class in a grassy
history at East Texas Baptist University. courtyard outside. He assigned students to explore what the Jewish
He applied for teaching positions and enrolled at the University people faced while being held at the German concentration camp in
of New Orleans where he earned master’s degrees in teaching and Auschwitz using photos and text excerpts left at designated stations.
educational leadership. The assignment was intended to allow students to discuss the
“I was drawn to the University of New Orleans because it pro- traumatic events from the Jews first arrival, to their daily work
vided a sense of community while providing an opportunity to get assignments and ultimately the deadly gas chambers disguised as
a high-quality education,” Dier says. “UNO is a staple in the New showers.
Orleans community. My first program there was such a success that I “What didn’t you know?” Dier asks one group.
went back to get another degree.” “About the different types of tests they did,” student Derek
Dier followed his mother’s lead and has become a history teacher Hutchinson says.
who attempts to contextualize the subject by bringing real-world “Right, there were a lot of different experiments conducted on
examples and an infusion of empathy and diverse viewpoints into the Jews,” Dier says.
the class. A picture of a mother leading her child on what history has
revealed was a death march, stood out
to Jenna Riess.
“She didn’t know,” Riess says.
Dier agrees. “Looking at that
picture now we know, and it’s an eerie
feeling. It gives us chills.”
Courtney Assavedo and Logan
Dusang, both seniors at Chalmette
High School, say they enjoy Dier’s class
because he’s passionate about what he
teaches and makes it interesting.
“He puts it into perspective to us
now, like everything he teaches he
relates it back to us and how it has af-
fected us,” Assavedo says. “It makes it
easier to learn.”
For example, during a study of
world wars, Dier created a skit and
assigned students different countries to
represent their interest in the conflicts,
Assavedo recalled.
“He doesn’t just teach us about it
from one perspective,” Dusang says.
“He teaches about other countries’
perspectives as well.”
An accurate study of history offers
valuable lessons for the future and al-
Traveling, particularly to foreign countries, challenges him and lows students to gain a greater under-
standing of other cultures, values and
offers new perspectives, Dier says. He wants to bring a similar beliefs, Dier says.
“This understanding fosters
sense of exploration to his students. empathy for others as it centers on
24 S I LV E R & B L U E SPRING 2020human connection. So many societal issues are due to
misunderstandings; an accurate study of history is the first
step toward addressing misunderstanding,” Dier says. “I
“Since Katrina, our district has become more diverse as
work to create an environment of understanding each day
in my classroom because our students deserve communities we have immigrants from Latin America, the Middle East
where that is also true.”
LOUISIANA TEACHER OF THE YEAR
and Southeast Asia. These waves of immigration provide
Dier has taught school for 10 years and was selected as
St. Bernard’s Teacher of the Year to represent the parish in plenty of opportunities to incorporate other cultures
the state competition last year. It was the second time he’d
earned the honor of the parish’s top teacher.
On July 19, 2019, following months of interviews and
and histories into my classroom.”
making the list of nine finalists that were culled from more
than 200 applicants, Dier was named the 2020 Louisiana pleted an Advanced Placement Summer Institute course at Fordham
State Teacher of the Year at the state’s 13th annual Cecil J. Picard University and currently participates in professional development
Educator Awards Gala held in Baton Rouge, La. programs at Harvard Business School that focus on case method
“I was in a state of disbelief and shock. I almost thought they teaching.
made an error because I did not think it would’ve been me,” says “I believe students flourish when they see themselves reflected
Dier. in the classroom, and we have a lot of culture in our state,” says Dier
Dier says the biggest highlight was seeing his mother’s face when who points out the current demographics of St. Bernard are radically
the announcement was made. different from the homogenized parish that he grew up in prior to
“She just burst out in tears,” he says. “She is still a teacher and Hurricane Katrina.
first inspired me to become a teacher, so I think it’s more than just a “Since Katrina, our district has become more diverse as we have
moment of being proud of a son for an accomplishment.” immigrants from Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast
In addition to representing Louisiana in the national competi- Asia. These waves of immigration provide plenty of opportunities to
tion, Dier also has a state and national platform from which he gets incorporate other cultures and histories into my classroom.”
to tout his education initiatives on student equity and inclusion. Incorporating student diversity into the classroom also brings a
Dier says he wants to collaborate with other educators to develop certain level of learning “ownership,” Dier says.
culturally responsive teaching practices across the state, “from Cajun “If we make their identity a part of their education, then students
country to north Louisiana.” take ownership over their own learning and become autonomous
In 2016, he was selected as a Hollyhock Fellow at Stanford Uni- learners,” he says. “By spotlighting identity and culture, we teach to
versity, a program that brings educators together to work collectively students’ strengths and experiences, thus empowering students to
toward creating classrooms that are more inclusive. In 2018, he com- succeed while supporting their emotional well-being.”
SPRING 2020 S I LV E R & B L U E 25You can also read
