LSUA NEWS & EVENTS

LSU Alexandria conferred 165 degrees on 163 students during the spring commencement exercises at the Alexandria Riverfront Center.

Veronica Fralick of Dry Prong and Brian Phillips of Pineville earned the Chancellor’s Awards for earning the highest grade point averages. Ms. Fralick, an elementary education major, earned the highest grade point average among baccalaureate-degree graduates, and Phillips, a criminal justice major, was recognized among associate-degree holders.

Students who earned baccalaureate degrees and graduated summa cum laude, with a grade point average of at least 3.9, were: Veronica Layne Fralick, Bobi Sue Delaney, Miranda Hope Deville, Shelby Paige Rice, and Ashton Suzette Merchant. Students who earned baccalaureate degrees while maintaining at least a 3.7 grade point average graduated magna cum laude. They were: Nathan Jacob Lewellyn, Calia Paige Willoughby, Emily Jane Blaney, Lisa Karol Bates, and Aubrey Lee Madewell. Students who earned baccalaureate degrees while maintaining at least a 3.5 grade point average graduated cum laude. They were: Brittney Marie Ducote, Mary Anna McMills, Kimberly Marie Johnson, Courtnei Paige Tate, and Kaeryn Marie Martin.

Sen. Gerald Long was speaker for the commencement.

The following is the complete listing of LSUA graduates, according to hometown:

Alexandria – Dena Basco, bachelor of science in elementary education; Sara Bindursky, bachelor of arts in history; Dominque Boney, bachelor of science in nursing; Colton A. Brister, bachelor of arts in communications studies; Barbara D. Buckley, bachelor of science in psychology; Lacey Coco, associate of science in nursing; Callie Croom, bachelor of science in elementary education; Jake Deshotels, associate of science in nursing; Alicia Elie, bachelor of science in elementary education; Jamie L. Ford, bachelor of science in business administration; Jeanne Gralapp, associate of science in nursing; Mercedes Gremillion, bachelor of science in psychology; Kaycee Henderson, bachelor of science in business administration; Mandy Huebner, bachelor of science in business administration; Steven James, associate of criminal justice; Ginger L. King, bachelor of arts in English; Debby Lawrence, bachelor of arts, English; Nathan Lewellyn, bachelor of arts in communication studies; Melissa Lewis, bachelor of science in psychology; Christine Mabou, bachelor of science in psychology; AubreyLee Madewell Jr., bachelor of science in biology;

Also, Kelsey M. Manuel, associate of science in early childhood education; Demetria Milford, associate of science in nursing; Samantha Mills, associate of arts; Darrisha Morris, certificate of pharmacy tech; Myesha Powell, associate of science in allied health; Noemi A. Ray, associate of science in nursing; Emilee Rayburn, bachelor of arts in English; Shelby Rice, bachelor of arts in history; Lindsay Rougeau, bachelor of science in elementary education; Matthew Sandifer, bachelor of general studies; Jessica Singleton, bachelor of arts in history; Jeremy Smith, bachelor of science in psychology; James Warner, certificate in pharmacy tech; Sparkle Watson, bachelor of general studies in psychology; Alyssa A. White, bachelor of science in psychology; Matthew Wilkinson, bachelor of science in business administration; Kara Williams, bachelor of science in elementary education; Toni Willis, bachelor of science in psychology;

Ball –Cindy Goulart, associate of arts; Rhonda G. Bardwell, associate of arts in social work; Samantha Harp, associate of arts; Brandy Marshall, bachelor of arts in history; Julie Carter, bachelor of science in criminal justice; Kristen Waldrop, bachelor of science in business administration; Laurie Bolden, bachelor of science in elementary education; Darryl W. Jordan, certificate in pharmacy tech;

Belle Chasse – Joey Dixon, bachelor of general studies in kinesiology;

Boyce – Kimberly M. Johnson, bachelor of science in business administration; Kenneth E. Neal III, bachelor of science in business administration; Christian Cooper, certificate of pharmacy tech;

Bunkie – Eugene Leary, bachelor of science in biology;

Cheneyville – Ramona Richard, bachelor of general studies in humanities; Lisa Bates, bachelor of science in criminal justice;

Colfax – Elasia Bowie, bachelor of general studies in biology; and Samantha Meeker, associate of science in nursing;

Cottonport – Lanie Gauthier, associate of science in radiologic technology; Crowley – Michelle K. LeJeune, associate of science in nursing;

Deville – Emily Blaney, bachelor of general studies in psychology; Ashley Deville, certificate in pharmacy tech; Miranda Deville, bachelor of science in criminal justice; Laurin Fairchild, bachelor of science in psychology; Cale Haney, associate of science in nursing; Brittany L. Mitchell, associate of science in nursing; Kacey Ryder, associate of science in nursing; Wesley Scofield, associate of science;

Dry Prong – Melissa Ann Chandler, associate of arts and associate of science; Meagan Clark, associate of science in early childhood education; Veronica Fralick, bachelor of science in elementary education; Savannah Hammond, bachelor of science in criminal justice; Selina Leabo, certificate in pharmacy tech; and Kaeryn M. Martin, bachelor of science in elementary education;

Elmer – Zackary Thacker, bachelor of science in biology; Leslie Walker, associate of science in nursing;

Evergreen – Melissa Jones, associate of science in nursing;

Forest Hill – Sendy Johnson, bachelor of science in criminal justice;

Fort Polk – Esty Molina, bachelor of science in biology;

Georgetown – Matthew Roberts, bachelor of arts in English;

Glenmora – Taylor Monroe, associate of arts; Alicia Myers, certificate in pharmacy tech; Sarah Taylor, bachelor of general studies in kinesiology;

Greenwell Springs – Jessica Pocorello, bachelor of science in criminal justice and bachelor of general studies in business;

Hessmer – Theresa Alberes, bachelor of science in business administration;

Hineston –Ashton Merchant, bachelor of science in biology; Terri Smith, bachelor of arts in history;

Jonesville – Brittany Magee, associate of science in clinical lab tech;

Lacombe – Nicholas Jones, bachelor of general studies in humanities;

Lafayette – Cody Begnaud, associate of science; Ernest Cheramie Jr., bachelor of science in nursing;

Lecompte – Kerry D. Riche', associate of science in nursing;

Libuse – Lindsay Skinner, associate of science; Casie Wilson, associate of science in radiologic technology;

Mamou – Courtnei P. Tate, bachelor of science in elementary education;

Mansura – Arielle St. Romain, associate of science in nursing; Kayla Hale, bachelor of general studies in kinesiology; April Marler, bachelor of general studies in kinesiology; David St. Romain, bachelor of general studies in kinesiology; Cody M. Coco, bachelor of science in business administration;

Marksville – Tracy D. Alletag Jr., bachelor of science in nursing; Erin Bettevy, associate of science in nursing; Mary Brouillette, associate of science in nursing; Emma Ford, associate of science in clinical lab tech; Chad Gaspard, bachelor of science in biology; Kandie Gaspard, bachelor of science in psychology; Lacie Hakeman, associate of science in nursing; Charles Pennington, bachelor of general studies in kinesiology; Max Wilkinson, associate of criminal justice;

Melville – Sharon Sanders, associate of science in nursing;

Montgomery – Tiffany Graves, certificate in pharmacy tech;

Moreauville – Shelbi Ivey, bachelor of science in business administration;

Oakdale – Amy Arnold, bachelor of science in nursing;Hannah Perry, bachelor of general studies in psychology; Kerry Stanley, bachelor of general studies in psychology; Erica D. Gradney, associate of science;

Olla – Dena Griffin, bachelor of science in nursing;

Opelousas – Stacey Batiste, associate of science in nursing; Gwenatic D. McGlothen, bachelor of general studies in psychology; Jonathan Roberie, associate of science in radiologic technology; Jennifer Thomas, bachelor of general studies in humanities;

Patterson – Calla Willoughby, bachelor of science in business administration;

Pine Prairie – James McCollough, bachelor of science in criminal justice;

Pineville – Kimberly P. Braswell, associate of science in radiologic technology; Ashley Brunson, associate of science in nursing; Madeline Butterfield, bachelor of science in elementary education; Arron Constante, bachelor of science in psychology; Savannah Davis, certificate in pharmacy tech and associate of science; Bittney Ducote, bachelor of science in business administration; James Evans, bachelor of science in criminal justice; Anna Eyer, bachelor of science in psychology; Allison Farque, associate of science in nursing; Annalise G. Farque, associate of science in nursing; Emily Guillory, bachelor of science in business administration; Amber Julian, associate of science in nursing; Elias Karam, bachelor of arts in history; Chris Maddox, associate of science in nursing; Erin McNeal, bachelor of general studies in psychology; Annette McGehee, bachelor of science in elementary education; Bobbie McManus, bachelor of science in business administration; Melissa Owens, associate of science in nursing; Brian D. Phillips, associate of criminal justice; Obie Ward, bachelor of general studies in business administration; Taylor Wright, associate of science in radiologic technology;

Pitkin – John Holt, bachelor of general studies in kinesiology; Erica Thompson, certificate in pharmacy tech;

Pollock – Lauren G. Delaney, bachelor of science in business administration; Tiffany Deville, bachelor of science in criminal justice; Brittney Williams, associate of science in nursing;

Provencal – Jeslyn Elise Bennett, associate of science;

St. Landry – Evelina R. Beaubouef, associate of science in radiologic technology; Jade Fontenot, associate of science in nursing;

St. Petersburg, Fla. – Tiffani D. Masa, bachelor of general studies in humanities;

Sebring, Ohio – Mary McMills, bachelor of science in business administration;

Sieper – Derek Ware, bachelor of science in criminal justice;

Ville Platte – Heather Rollins Bordelon, associate of science in nursing; Julie Deville, associate of science in nursing; Saul J. Duos, bachelor of science in elementary education; Erroll Johnson, associate of science in radiologic technology; Brandy Soileau, certificate in pharmacy tech;

Walker – Jennifer Erwin, bachelor of science in psychology;

Woodworth – Bobi Sue Delaney, bachelor of science in elementary education.

Although summer is typically considered a time of relaxation, young people interested in baseball, softball, academic enhancement, and college prep will be taking advantage of programs at LSU Alexandria this summer.

The campus will host multiple camps and programs throughout the summer. They include:

- LSU Alexandria Generals (baseball) high school showcase – 2:00 p.m. June 2 - LSU Alexandria Generals (baseball) total skills camp I – 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. June 3-7 - CAPS (Children’s Academic Program for Summer) – 12:50 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., June 3-7 - Central Louisiana Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math-Science summer program – June 10 through July 17 - LSU Alexandria Lady Generals (softball) Youth Pitching Camp – 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., June 10-11 - LSU Alexandria Lady Generals Youth Hitting Camp – 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., June 13-14 - LSU Alexandria Generals (baseball) total skills camp II – 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. June 24-27 - GEAR UP residential summer camp program - July 7-13 - LSU Alexandria Generals (baseball) hitting camp – 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., July 15-18.

The Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math-Science summer program is conducted by COPE, Inc. of Alexandria. The GEAR UP summer camp is sponsored by Lafayette Gear Up-LGU and the Lafayette Parish School System. Seventy two Lafayette Parish high school students will spend the week on LSU Alexandria campus, focusing on college readiness by immersion in the campus setting.

CAPS and the baseball and softball camps are hosted by LSU Alexandria. Information and registration forms for each of those camps can be obtained at www.ce.lsua.edu.

The deadline to register for the 30th annual Children’s Academic Program for Summer (CAPS) is May 24. CAPS will be held June 3-7 on the LSUA campus from 12:50 – 4:30 p.m.

The academic enrichment program is offered for students completing grades 1-5 who have at least a B average or who are certified as gifted.

CAPS participants will have hands-on, interactive experiences in art, math, computer, fitness and much more. All courses are taught by LSU faculty and staff, local teachers, and local artisans.

Cost for the program is $165 for the first child and $150 for each additional child. Costs include registration, class materials, a CAPS t-shirt, and an afternoon snack.

The program is offered through the Office of Continuing Education. For more information, visit www.ce.lsua.edu or email caps@lsua.edu.

LSU Alexandria will hold commencement exercises on Thursday, May 23 at 10 a.m. at the Alexandria Riverfront Center in Alexandria. Senator Gerald Long will be the commencement speaker.

On Wednesday, May 22, graduating students from nursing and allied health will be honored during pinning ceremonies. The allied health pinning, for clinical laboratory science, phlebotomy, and radiologic technology, will be at 5:30 p.m. in Coughlin Auditorium on LSU Alexandria campus. The nursing pinning will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the LSU Alexandria Fitness Center.

Sen. Long is serving his second term in the Louisiana State Senate, representing District 31. He was first elected to the Senate in 2007, and was re-elected without opposition in 2011.

He has served as vice chairman of the Senate Committee of Insurance. He sat on the Revenue & Fiscal Affairs Committee, Education Committee, and also was on the Select Committee on Homeland Security. He currently serves as chairman of the Natural Resources Committee and sits on the Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development Committee, Insurance Committee, Retirement Committee, is an interim member of Finance, and serves on the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. He is a member of the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, Legislative Advisory Board for the Southern Regional Education Board, and the Legislative Rural Caucus.

His work experience prior to becoming a senator included teaching at Houma Junior High School and Leesville High School and a career with State Farm Insurance. After retiring from the insurance business he and his wife became representatives for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes where they served students throughout the district by providing leadership and setting a positive example.

The LSU Alexandria Generals’ season may not extend into summertime, but players and coaches will be hitting the field this summer to help upcoming baseball players improve on their skills. The Generals will hold several baseball clinics this summer to help participants with all aspects of the game.

A high school showcase is scheduled for Sunday, June 2, beginning at 2 p.m. The showcase is open to 15-18 year old participants. Cost is $30 per participant.

Two total skills camps will be held this summer as well. The first is June 3-7, and the second is June 24-27. Total skills camps are for participants 5-12 years old. The cost for the total skills camp is $99 per participant. The total skills camp will include hitting, pitching, catching, baserunning, and fielding mechanics. It will include classroom discussion as well as a video analysis for each individual camper.

A hitting camp is also scheduled for July 15-18. That camp, which runs from 9 a.m. until noon, is for 13-18 year olds, and is $99. Participants should plan to bring a baseball glove, spikes (or cleats), tennis shoes/turf shoes, a baseball hat, and a baseball bat.

Early drop-offs for camp will be available beginning at 7:45 a.m. each day.

For information on camp, contact Coach Brandon Bravata at 318-427-4451 or bbravata@lsua.edu. Registration for camp can be done online at www.lsuagenerals.com or by phone at 318-473-6495.