Progress, Prominence, and Power. Throughout the month of

January, LSU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) and

MLK Commemorative Committee emphasized these principles

through various events for the University’s sesquicentennial Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The service project and

programs were designed to provide students, faculty, staff, and

community members with experiences that highlighted Dr.

King’s legacy of equality, inclusion, and community outreach.

The MLK Day of Service was the kick-off event on January

18, the federal observance holiday. An estimated 150 students

and community volunteers paused to give back to the Old South

Baton Rouge community by painting two homes and one local

business along the Thomas Delpit Drive corridor.

“Day of Service not only gives back to [the] Old South Baton

Rouge Community, but it shows that we as students care about

the people in our surrounding neighborhood,” said Angelica

Gibbs, sophomore business marketing major and co-team leader

for the event. The event was co-sponsored by the Center for

Planning Excellence and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.

Later that evening Chancellor Michael Martin led the cam-

pus’ candlelight vigil, where all gathered and sang songs from

the Civil Rights Movement, including the Black National An-

them.

Cont’d on page 3

Spring Issue · March 2010

The Bengal Bottom Line Spring 2010 Page 1

In this Issue:

Faith Tour 2

Brandon’s Bottom Line 2

Buchanan Reads 3

Holiday in OSBR 4

Yard of the Month 5

Bottom Line Online 5

Torchbearers 6

Over 75 community partners and cam-

pus leaders gathered at the LSU Faculty

Club for the 6th Annual Community Up-

dates Meeting and Breakfast hosted by

LSU Chancellor Michael Martin in No-

vember 2009.

The annual event is held to recap the

revitalization efforts in Old South Baton

Rouge throughout the calendar year, and

discuss the relationship between LSU and

its neighboring community. Guests in-

cluded Executive Vice Chancellor and Pro-

vost Astrid Merget, Center for Planning

Excellence (CPEX) President and CEO

Boo Thomas, and Campus Federal

Credit Union CEO John Milazzo. “While

we see a boundary between that neighbor-

Cont’d on page 4

Above: Chancellor Martin addresses attendees

at annual meeting and breakfast.

Above: Sweet Honey in The

Rock® perform at the MLK

Commemorative Program.

Left and Below: Volunteers at

work on MLK Day of Service

along Thomas Delpit Drive.

The Bengal Bottom Line Spring 2010 Page 2

Greetings on behalf of the LSU Community

University Partnership! As you may have

heard, LSU, like universities around the state

and country, is experiencing difficult times

due to an economic downturn and subsequent budget cuts. I

want to assure you that we are working tirelessly to protect

our programs and presence in Old South Baton Rouge.

We are also redoubling our efforts to secure private, cor-

porate, and foundation support for existing and proposed

initiatives. In short, this reality challenges us to be more

strategic and creative as we build partnerships for the

greater good of our community and we are committed to

doing just that. Money does matter, but it takes more than

that to build a community.

Please take some time to read this issue. Also, visit us

on the web at www.lsu.edu/cup for more frequent updates.

There are so many outstanding things happening in our

community as we move from POTENTIAL to PRO-

GRESS. Thank you and enjoy!

Among the sounds of organs, tambourines, choirs and

uplifting messages, Chancellor Michael Martin has been

singing LSU’s praises since last August when he kicked off

his Faith Tour of congregations in the Old South Baton

Rouge area. With initial visits to Greater Beulah Baptist

Church, Charity Christian Center, and St. Francis Xavier

Catholic Church, Martin began the tour of local worship

services to communicate the university's outreach efforts to

leaders and members of the faith community.

At each visit, Martin

highlighted the critical

role that churches have in

bringing people together.

“We know that church is

both a place to practice

faith and the center of

personal family life. By

joining them as they wor-

ship and socialize, we

have begun to better un-

derstand the aspirations

and the frustrations of the

people in this interesting

and diverse community,”

he said.

Brandon Smith, LSU

community affairs liaison

and Dr. Katrice Albert,

LSU vice provost for Eq-

uity, Diversity & Com-

munity Outreach, have

accompanied Martin at

each visit. Most recently,

the group was joined by Mary Parker, executive director for

the LSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Student

Aid and Blaine Grimes, financial education coordinator

with Campus Federal Credit Union.

The second leg of the Faith Tour included visits to Liv-

ing Word Church, 1564 Nicholson Drive, led by Pastor

James Drumgole; Bethel African Methodist Episcopal

Church, 1358 South Street, pastored by Dr. Herman Kelly;

and Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 185 Eddie Robin-

son, Sr. Drive, pastored by Reverend Charles Smith. “It

was an honor for us to have him visit our congregation,”

said Pastor James Drumgole. “My constituents enjoyed the

way he interacted with them during and even after the ser-

vice. That meant more to them than anything else.”

The tour concluded on March 14 at First Emmanuel

Baptist Church, 575 Education Street, pastored by Rever-

end Henry Brown. But, according to Smith, outreach to the

faith community will not. “The tour has reminded us of the

great possibilities for partnering with people of faith. We

are invigorated to use this vehicle to connect with our com-

munity across the board—from outreach to recruiting,” he

said.

Chancellor Martin frequently echoed this sentiment when

speaking before the congregations. “LSU is the community’s

University,” Martin proclaimed. “Our ultimate goal is to help

revitalize the area by making everyone at LSU a neighbor-

hood ambassador, not just those in LSU’s community out-

reach team.”

The Faith Tour is an extension of the LSU Community

University Partnership’s (LSU CUP) mission to connect the

resources of its university to the needs of the community.

LSU CUP has a particular focus on Old South Baton Rouge

because of the community’s proximity to LSU and for its his-

torical significance.

For more information about the tour, contact Brandon

Smith at 225-578-8699 or by email at lsucup@lsu.edu.

Above: Congregants of Bethel A.M.E. Church listen as Chan-

cellor Martin participates in their weekly Bible Study. Martin

also discussed community initiatives.

Above: Hagar Anderson,

liturgical dancer and youth

leader at Charity Christian

Center, worships through

dance at a Wednesday night

service.

Spring 2010 The Bengal Bottom Line Page 3

The commemorative program of the celebration

occurred the following week with a historic performance

from Grammy-nominated Sweet Honey in The Rock®, an

acappella all-African-American female ensemble, marking

the first time the commemorative program culminated with

a musical performance instead of a keynote speaker.

Founded in the 1970s in Washington, D.C., Sweet Honey

uses a mixture of spirituals, African chants, blues, reggae,

traditional gospel hymns, jazz improvisation, and many

other sounds to create intricate rhythms and soulful harmo-

nies.

“This was a great achievement for the Baton Rouge and

LSU communities,” said Derek E. Gordon, President and

CEO of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, one of

the sponsors for the event. “Sweet Honey reflects the very

finest level of artistry with a deeply rooted connection to

trials and triumph of the civil rights movement. Today their

work continues to transcend racial, social and economic

boundaries and brings communities together in a unique

celebration of their shared humanity.” The group performed at

the First Baptist Church in downtown Baton Rouge.

The final event of the celebration was the Performing Arts

Night at the Bo Campbell Auditorium in the Cox Communica-

tions Academic Center for Student Athletes. The program in-

cluded dance, singing, and spoken word. “Each program ca-

tered to a different audience,” said Cerise Edmonds, OMA

Cross-Cultural Affairs Coordinator and MLK committee advi-

sor. “The audience for each event was excited and expected an

excellent program.”

Through its programming efforts, the Office of Multicultural

Affairs works to provide comprehensive educational, cultural,

and social activities that reflect the diversity that LSU has to

offer. Throughout the year, similar programs are developed to

celebrate different ethnic minority and underrepresented popu-

lations. Planning for next year’s MLK Commemorative Cele-

bration will begin in the upcoming fall semester. For more in-

formation about the MLK celebration and other diversity pro-

gramming, visit www.lsu.edu/oma or send an e-mail to

oma@lsu.edu.

Mad hatters,

baseball players,

talking bunnies,

a n d e v e n

“Sharpay” from

Disney’s High

School Musical®

roamed the halls

of Buchanan Ele-

mentary in honor

of a famed author

of chi l dren’ s

books. Students,

faculty and staff,

as well as several

business profes-

sionals and com-

munity partners participated in the event by reading a book

of their choice to several classrooms throughout the day.

Read Across America is an annual awareness program of

the National Education Association, which promotes learn-

ing through reading for students from kindergarten to sixth

grade. The event usually coincides with the birthday of

Theodor Seuss “Dr. Seuss” Geisel. “It’s an all day event,”

said Sara Bratton, first grade teacher at Buchanan Elemen-

tary. “The kids get really excited about all of the activi-

ties.”

Among the readers were 15 volunteers from LSU.

Kathryn Loveless, Student Support Services counselor in

University College, participated by reading I Can Lick

Thirty Tigers Today by Dr. Seuss to a kindergarten class. “It

was a rewarding experience, and I plan to participate in years to

come,” said Lovelace.

Students looked on with excitement as readers gave colorful

illustrations and brought storybook characters to life with artis-

tic oration, stuffed animals, or puppets representing characters

from the books. Some even wore costumes of one of the book’s

characters.

“It’s all about being interac-

tive,” said Dominique Duval

Diop, a parent volunteer at Bu-

chanan Elementary “When

you’re excited, they’re excited,”

Community members were

not the only individuals con-

vincing students that reading is

fun. Many Buchanan students

read to fellow classmates

or other classrooms, including

more than 20 fifth grade stu-

dents who already serve as tu-

tors in the before-school reading

program. Dr. Doug Samson, fifth grade gifted teacher at Bu-

chanan Elementary, said “The fifth graders serve as ambassa-

dors for our guests, and they love it.”

The students agreed. “It gives us a chance to be really ma-

ture when we read to the younger kids,” said,” Renee Desporte,

a fifth grade student in the gifted program at Buchanan Elemen-

tary.

Above: Alexis Pierra, 4th grade student at Buchanan Elementary.

LSU College of Education students Nancy

Lloyd and Lauren Ferguson dress up as

Cookie Monster and Eeyore.

Spring 2010 The Bengal Bottom Line Page 4

Throughout the past holiday season, members of the LSU

community participated in several events to spread cheer and

goodwill to its neighboring Old South Baton Rouge (OSBR)

community. LSU’s Community University Partnership

(CUP), Office of the Dean of Students, Campus Life and the

Black Faculty and Staff Caucus, all celebrated the season by

giving their gifts of time and service to members of the com-

munity. “It is always important for us to demonstrate our con-

cern for one another, especially in the season of giving, said

LSU Community Affairs Liaison Brandon Smith. “We are

particularly proud that campus departments and affiliates are

taking the initiative to engage our community.”

CUP participated in the Annual South Baton Rouge Christ-

mas Parade, riding a truck donated by the LSU Fire and Emer-

gency Training Institute (FETI). Smith and others tossed out

candy and several prizes donated by Campus Life and the LSU

Homecoming Committee. Hosted each year by local officials,

the parade is a staple of the community. The parade is primar-

ily planned and coordinated through the Office of Council-

woman Tara Wicker (D-District 10) and Representative Pat

Smith (D-District 67). The parade started and ended at

McKinley Senior High School. “The parade was a success.

We have developed a partnership that is a wonderful opportu-

nity to enhance seminars for our constituents,” said Rep.

Smith. “The number of financial supporters and volunteers

shows that this community comes together when asked,” she

added.

Cont’d on page 5

hood and the University, in reality, there is none,” Martin said.

“As we grow this institution, I believe it is clearly in the best in-

terest of the student population, faculty, and staff that [LSU] is

part of a community that serves them and that we serve well.”

The event is coordinated by the LSU Community University

Partnership (LSU CUP) and was held at the LSU Faculty Club.

The keynotes for the meeting included presentations from

LSU Community Affairs Liaison Brandon Smith and CPEX Di-

rector of Redevelopment Susan Ludwig. Smith offered CUP’s

five-year strategic plan, “Potential to Progress.” The plan in-

volves expanding the University’s outreach by using CUP as a

primary contact for community members who wish to collaborate

with the University. The plan also calls for CUP to secure fund-

ing to revive signature programs and start new ones.

Ludwig presented on CPEX’s recent revitalizations efforts in

the community through their home rehabilitation and commercial

façade initiatives. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to

increase homeownership and clear titles on abandoned properties

in the community which, according to Ludwig, would lead to a

reduction of blight and spur economic growth. “We must empha-

size to our community that all of these efforts are interconnected.

Success in one area leads to success in others,” she said.

Both presenters proposed the establishment of a resource cen-

ter to meet many of their goals and the pressing needs of the com-

munity.

Pictured from left to right: Community Leaders Rev.

J.P. Woodland, Evonne Thomas, and Eddie Johnson.

Pictured from left to right: Brandon Smith, Chancellor

Martin, Marco Barker, CPEX President Elizabeth “Boo”

Thomas, Provost Merget, CPEX Vice President Rachel

DiResto, and Susan Ludwig.

Pictured from left to right, BFSC President Linda Griffin, Mat-

thew Patterson (Butler Center), and Brandon Smith.

Spring 2010 The Bengal Bottom Line Page 5

TO NOMINATE SOMEONE OR YOURSELF FOR

YARD OF THE MONTH:

E-mail us at lsucup@lsu.edu or call us at

225-387-5131.

Bottom Line Online! Check out pictures from a recent Saturday In-

Service and a cultural event with McKinley High

School Students!

Visit our PHOTO GALLERY at

www.lsu.edu/cup

Later in the month, sounds of carols and smells of Southern

hospitality filled the Dr. Leo S. Butler Community Center,

which hosted the Annual Sensational Seniors Christmas Cele-

bration and Program. The event marked the second time the

Dean of Students and its reporting offices joined the celebra-

tion. Staff members helped serve the holiday dinner, facilitate

games and activities, and even participate in the program.

“Meeting the seniors was a tremendous experience. Their en-

ergy, holiday spirit and joy was tangible,” said Katie Barras,

Assistant Dean of Students and Associate Director with LSU’s

Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability. “This is the

type of connection to Old South Baton Rouge that LSU must

continue to foster and grow,” she added.

While some gave of their time, others gave to a cause. The

Black Faculty and Staff Caucus of LSU hosted the Pack the

Pantry food drive to collect non-perishable items for the food

pantry at the Butler Community Center. “Each year we en-

deavor to conduct a community service project that may benefit

our neighbors beyond the gates of LSU,” said Linda Smith

Griffin, Associate Librarian at LSU and caucus president.

Overall, the group collected over 500 canned goods for the

pantry, which will assist the center service families of the com-

munity throughout the year. “Students from the AACC helped

pack the food items, and Debra Joseph, the food drive chair and

I delivered the items to the Center,” Griffin added.

If you or your department/organization is interested in par-

ticipating in future holiday celebrations in the community,

please contact CUP at lsucup@lsu.edu or (225) 578-8699.

LSU’s Community University Partnership is happy

again to name a winner in its Yard of the Month contest.

This month’s winner is Karen J. Anderson of 1854 Arkan-

sas Street. Ms. Anderson has been keeping a garden for

twelve years and proudly credits her green thumb to her

mom. “I learned how to garden from my mom. When I

garden, I feel like it connects me to my mom.”

As a prize, Ms. Anderson will receive a $25 gift card to

Lowe’s. The LSU CUP Yard of the Month sign will also be

on display in her yard.

CUP’s Yard of the Month program is part of CUP’s

commitment to neighborhood and community beautifica-

tion. To continue this proud program, we are gladly ac-

cepting nominations for the next Yard of the Month winner.

Above: Sensational Seniors and LSU staff bring in the holiday

spirit with singing.

Right: Karen J. Ander-

son and Brandon

Smith pose on Ms.

Anderson’s finely

manicured lawn.

Below: A view of Ms.

Anderson’s award-

winning yard.

Spring 2010 The Bengal Bottom Line Page 6

Special thanks to CHASE BANK

for assisting with newsletter printing costs

Editor: Berlisha R. Ricard Contributing Writers: Marco Barker, Brandon Smith, Alex Bellard, Wilson Blum, Lauren Fields,

Raynard Geason Advisors: Dr. Katrice Albert, Marco Barker, Brandon Smith, Melissa Foley

OFFICE OF EQUITY, DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Community University Partnership

950 East Washington Street

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

During Black History Month, the Office of the Chancel-

lor recognized pioneers and trailblazers from Tiger athletics,

band and spirit teams. These former student-athletes, band

members, Golden Girls and cheerleaders were honored for

being ethnic minority trailblazers, breaking the color barrier

in LSU athletics. The "Tiger Torchbearers" event took

place on February 20, with a reception honoring these trail-

blazers at the LSU Faculty Club and culminating with a spe-

cial ceremony during halftime of the LSU vs. Mississippi

State men's basketball game in the Maravich Center.

The LSU trailblazers honored included Joanette Boutte,

volleyball and women's basketball; Renee Boutte Myer,

Homecoming Queen; Myra Burrell Brown, softball; Fallon

Bucker, women's soccer; John Sibley Butler, Tiger Band;

Mike Carter, men's gymnastics; Kyle Copeland-Muse,

women's tennis; Ladeta Crowley, cheerleading; Paula Ed-

wards, softball; Herman Harris, cheerleading; Lora Hinton,

football; Paula Jackson, Golden Girls; Gary Joseph, base-

ball; Henry LeBoyd Sr., baseball; Somalia Lindsay,

women's soccer; Joe Lott, wrestling; Saundra Mims Minor,

Golden Girls; Claudeidra Minor, Golden Girls; Donald

Newman, baseball; Courtney Rawls, Miss LSU-USA; Debra

Ross, women's gymnastics; Michelle Spillman, women's

gymnastics; Collis Temple Jr., men's basketball; Edward

Walker, baseball; Elma Walker, Pom Pon squad; Mikell

Williams, football; and Lloyd Wills Jr., track and field.

bbbLSU's Black History Month celebration was coordinated

by the African American Cultural Center, led by coordinator

for African American student affairs Niya Blair.

Pictured from left to right (front row) C. Rawls, Miss LSU-USA;

C. Minor, Golden Girls; R.

Myer, Homecoming Queen (2nd Row) S. Minor, Golden Girls

(3rd Row) L. Crowley, cheer-

leading; F. Bucker, women’s soccer; Somalia Lindsey,

women’s soccer (4th Row) M.

Brown, softball; G. Joseph, Baseball (5th Row) H. LeBoyd,

Sr., baseball; J. Lott, Wrestling;

J. Boutte, Women’s volleyball and basketball (6th Row) C.

Temple, Jr., men’s basketball; L.

Willis, Jr., track and field; L. Hinton, football; and Mikell

Williams, football.

Not Pictured: J. Sibley Butler, Tiger Band; M. Carter, men's gymnastics; K.

Copeland-Muse, women's tennis; L. Crowley, cheerleading; P. Edwards, soft-

ball; H. Harris, cheerleading;P. Jackson, Golden Girls; H. Harris, cheerlead-

ing; D. Newman, baseball; D. Ross, women's gymnastics; M. Spillman; E. Walker, Pom Pon squad; and E. Walker, baseball.

Events included programs that focused on scholarly dis-

cussion, artistic expression, personal and economic develop-

ment, and a celebration of LSU legacies.

"It is important to host events that acknowledge and cele-

brate people and events that have made an impact in soci-

ety," said Blair. "By doing this, you empower the commu-

nity with knowledge and the legacy that others have left be-

hind continues."