Community and campus leaders recognized at annual Centenary Founders’ Day
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College celebrated its annual Founders’ Day on Thursday, February 20, with a ceremony highlighting the College’s rich traditions and important contributions to the intellectual, cultural, and civic life of Shreveport-Bossier City. Shreveport mayor Adrian Perkins delivered the keynote address and urged Centenary students to keep seeking a larger purpose rooted in lifelong learning and service to others.
“We can pay the bills and feed our spirit at the same time,” said Perkins during his address. “When you leave Centenary College, you will change the world. Stay curious, continue to study and work hard, and never stop pushing forward. Love and service is the true path.”
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:
30 Years
Mrs. Sharon Chevalier (Interlibrary Loan Officer)
Dr. Helen Sikes (Professor of Accounting & Finance)
Dr. Steve Shelburne (Professor of English)
Dr. Scott Vetter (Professor of Geology)
25 Years
Dr. Tom Ticich (Professor of Chemistry)
Mr. Arthur Henderson (National/Facilities)
20 Years
Ms. Pat Gallion (Administrative Assistant/MBA Coordinator)
Mrs. Deborah Scarlato (Director of Registration and Records)
Dr. Lisa Nicoletti (Professor of Art History & Visual Studies)
Dr. Maureen Murov (Associate Professor of Spanish)
15 Years
Chief Eddie Walker (Chief of Public Safety)
Ms. D’an Gates (Sodexo)
Mr. Mike Diaz (Head Baseball Coach)
10 Years
Mr. Emlyn Aubrey (Men’s/Women’s Golf Coach)
Dr. Chad Fulwider (Associate Professor of History)
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. Ruipu (Ray) Mu to support his research into the occurrence and characterization of heavy metals in natural and drinking water in the Shreveport area and the occurrence and characterization of Halonitromethanes (HNMs) in the drinking water system. This work will provide the community with accurate guidance with respect to heavy metals and water disinfectant by-products levels.
Mark Miller, dean of students, received the 2020 President’s Excellence Award. In his remarks, Holoman highlighted Miller’s willingness to take on projects outside of his role as well as his positive relationship with students, both as SGA advisor and as a one-on-one resource for questions and concerns about student life at the College.
Dr. Amy Hammond, associate professor of psychology, was chosen from a field of 24 nominees as the 2020 Outstanding Teacher. Students who nominated Hammond praised her “knowledge and approachability,” noting that she not only makes learning fun but also is invested in helping students navigate the challenges of college life and work. A student noted that Hammond is “very organized” and “at the top of her game,” and another wrote, “I consider her an amazing teacher and role model.”
A photo gallery from the convocation is available at centenary.edu/photos, and video of the ceremony is available on Centenary’s YouTube channel.