Lamar University shines brightly as she marks her 100th year, a beacon of excellence in Southeast Texas. This institution has consistently stood out, with its engineering, business, audiology and deaf studies, education, arts, and several other academic programs setting the benchmark in higher education.
I'm honored to have co-led the transformative capital campaign which amassed over $132 million, elevating Lamar to unparalleled heights. Kudos to Dr. Simmons and his awesome wife Susan, Camille Mouton, Juan Zabala, Janice Trammel and countless others for their pivotal roles in this remarkable initiative.
Our combined efforts saw the revival of football, the introduction of women’s soccer and softball, the christening of the Provost Umphrey Football Stadium, and the inception of the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Rec Center. We also established the Thompson Family Tennis Center — and speaking of tennis, a nod to our very own Tyler who's always served up excellence on and off the court!
Further achievements include the Reaud Honors College and the groundbreaking Mirabeau scholarship program, which grants full scholarships to the creme de la creme, amplifying opportunities for countless students.
Reflecting on the 2017 commencement address I delivered, I highlighted LU's distinctive role in advancing education in SE Texas and molding future leaders for both our region and the state. The power of higher education cannot be understated. It metamorphoses individuals, spurring them to realize their fullest potential.
Our gratitude extends to Dade Phelan and the Legislature for championing Lamar University as a front-runner across multiple disciplines. Personally, Lamar set the stage for my academic journey, catapulting me to institutions like UT, Harvard, and Pepperdine. A heartfelt shoutout to Professors Howard Perkins and Joann Stiles – your dedication and passion inspired us to never settle and always aim for the zenith.
Here's to Cardinal Nation's illustrious 100 years and the many more milestones to come!