Campus leaders recognized at annual Centenary Founders’ Day
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College celebrated its annual Founders’ Day on Thursday, February 17, with a ceremony highlighting the College’s rich traditions and important contributions to the intellectual, cultural, and civic life of Shreveport-Bossier City. Retiring English professor, Dr. Steve Shelburne, delivered the keynote address.
During the convocation, Centenary president Dr. Christopher L. Holoman recognized faculty and staff for sustained service to the College, handing out service pins to the following members of the Centenary community:
35 Years
Michael Mims (Facilities)
Dr. David Hoaas (Frost School of Business)
Dr. Barbara Davis (Frost School of Business)
25 Years
Monica Powell (Business Office)
David Orr (Athletics)
20 Years
Taya Butler (Sodexo)
Connie Whittington (President’s Office)
Butch Jordan (Athletics)
Tina Feldt (Counseling Services)
Dr. Chris Ciocchetti (Philosophy)
Dr. Katherine Brandl (Mathematics)
15 Years
Frank Waruszcak (DPS)
Dr. Amy Hammond (Psychology)
10 Years
Renee Godfrey (Facilities)
Kennith Henderson (Sodexo)
Professor Jessica Hawkins (Communication)
Jackie Fain (Athletics)
Lt. Jeff Englade (DPS)
The Charleton Lyons Summer Research Award, President’s Excellence Award, and Outstanding Teacher Award were also presented during the convocation.
The Lyons Summer Research Award was presented to Dr. Janani Sridhar to support the creation of a collection of art songs to promote and celebrate music from the South Asian diaspora, including Sridhar’s native Singapore. The project will showcase music from a country and culture that has not generally been represented on classical music stages and will give Centenary students access to music that they otherwise might never hear.
Dr. Katherine K. Bearden, associate provost for institutional research and planning, received the 2022 President’s Excellence Award. Bearden’s nomination by a group of colleagues praised her willingness to go above and beyond the requirements of her position, particularly during the challenging COVID pandemic period. The nominators shared, “With concern for the health of our students, our loved ones, and ourselves at the forefront, her hard work, good nature, and ability to anticipate crisis points made it possible for faculty to do our jobs through unprecedented conditions.”
Dr. Kathrine R. Weeks, assistant professor of chemistry, received the 2022 Outstanding Teacher Award. Weeks received nominations from both students and faculty colleagues, who praised her “welcoming and positive presence” along with her brilliance, organization, dedication, honesty, and expertise in clear and straightforward communication. One student shared, “Dr. Weeks is so kind and always willing to help the students. She is a wonderful mentor and helps students truly understand the material. She won’t ever let the students overcome all the hard topics alone, but is by our sides if we need her.”
A photo gallery from the convocation is available at centenary.edu/photos, and video of the ceremony is available on Centenary’s YouTube channel.