TALH Corner Developing the Heart and Mind”€¦ · Gonsoulin, Hana Hamilton, Amber Heldreth,...
Transcript of TALH Corner Developing the Heart and Mind”€¦ · Gonsoulin, Hana Hamilton, Amber Heldreth,...
FALL 2013
The opportunities afforded
to us can sometimes be viewed as
a hand of cards. Our intelligence,
giftedness, and talents (among
other attributes) are unique,
providing vast possibilities and
sustainable outcomes. An envi-
ronment conducive of cultivating
these assets is indeed worth the
yield it produces. The words of
Dr. Alvarez speak to our need to
“play the hand well” or in other
words, be advantageous of the
opportunities that can provide
the best lessons. Rather it is
advice from a parent or mentor,
recognition of mistakes and a vow
not to repeat it, wisdom gained
from our failures, or being cogni-
zant of our environment and the
growth benefits found within the
community. Overall, the key
word from Dr. Alvarez’s quote is “learn.” We are
lifelong learners. Those who seek knowledge will
always continue to grow and develop many skill sets
that can be used throughout life. It is my hope that
TALH students are well on their way to developing
additional skills from rigorous course work, advanc-
ing their intellect by conversing with new and excit-
ing professors and mentors, engaging in intellectual
conversations and activities with their peers, and
adapting to the university classroom with zeal and
a new found interest in learning.
Always play your hand well and
never cease reaching for the stars.
The fall semester has been busy
with activity. TALH students have
participated in a multitude of events
including our Humanities Seminar,
weekly community meetings, col-
lege presentations, Hitchcock movie
nights, and a host of field trips that
included plays, symphonies, muse-
ums, opera, and festivals. These ex-
tracurricular activities are designed
to enhance the learning experience
and provide students with opportu-
nities to explore the humanities
from different perspectives. The
academy would like to extend a
special thank you to Mr. Scott
Stevenson, Assistant Director
and Admissions Coordinator,
for the planning and facilitation of
our student field trips during the
fall semester. Students have had the pleasure of
attending a presentation by our 2013 Distinguished
Faculty Lecturer, Dr. Catalina Castillon. In her
presentation she explored “Hispanic Literary
Heritage: An American Experience.” Not only is Dr.
Castillon the 2013 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer,
but she is also an endearing professor to many of
our present and past students. She was also a guest
speaker at our Futurism Symposium in Spring of
2013. What wonderful opportunities lie within our
A M ESSAGE FROM THE D IRECTOR
DR. T ED H. S TUBERFIELD “With a good heredity, nature deals you a fine hand at cards; and with a good environment,
you learn to play the hand well.”– Walter C. Alvarez, M.D.
Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013
TALH Corner T e x a s A c a d e m y o f L e a d e r s h i p i n t h e H u m a n i t i e s
S e e D i r e c t o r ’ s m e s s a g e c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 2
“Developing the Heart and Mind”
Best Costume - James Acord
TALH Halloween Party 2013
Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013 Page 2
D IRECTOR’S MESSAGE CO NTINUED F RO M PAGE 1
learning community. We are indeed grateful for
these experiences.
I would also like to recognize our Counselor,
Ms. Karen Corwin, for facilitating the Mentor
Mixer earlier this semester. We applaud Lamar
faculty members who take time out of their busy
schedules to engage our students. Many students
have the opportunity to meet with faculty outside
of the classroom and discuss matters of academia,
research opportunities, or simply engage in conver-
sation that further develops the mentor/mentee
relationship and builds a rapport between students
and faculty. To have an opportunity to develop such
academic relationships is indeed special and more
than likely would not take place on a larger campus.
Having such a supportive environment is critical
to nurturing positive educational outcomes for
students. Mentoring has proven effective at all
levels of education and is a tool that is increasingly
being utilized at colleges and universities the like.
Welcome to Mr. Bruce Hodge, our new
Student Service Coordinator. Mr. Hodge is a
graduate of Lamar University with a Bachelor of
Arts in History and a Master of Arts in History.
He has worked in a university setting for nearly
10 years and understands the academic needs of
students as they transition from the high school to
the university classroom. He has worked as an
academic advisor and is very familiar with schedul-
ing. Mr. Hodge has had the opportunity to travel
abroad to France and Spain and has keen insight
into French culture. As the semester ends and the
spring semester starts, he will be in contact more
frequently. We welcome Mr. Hodge to TALH.
I would be remiss if I did not say thanks to Mrs.
Cindy Colichia, our Administrative Coordinator.
She has done a fantastic job with additional duties
this summer and the fall semester. We appreciate
her dedication to our students, parents, and stake-
holders alike. We are grateful for her service to
TALH.
I am so very proud of our student body Co-
Presidents, Ryan Huff and Amber Randolph,
Vice-President Ashleigh Ray, and Secretary Emily
Sherman for their guidance. Over the past few
months, they have provided superb leadership. In
addition, Ryan, Amber, and Ashleigh serve as
family captains with Cole Collins, Savannah
Layfield, Katherine Werner, and Emily Wilkins.
Our captains have demonstrated great leadership
as well in matters of mentoring, advising, tutoring,
scheduling, campus life, and of course, symposium
research for Futurism. In addition, Katherine and
Savannah headed the Halloween Party Committee
and made the event a successful venture. The stu-
dent leadership of TALH is extremely important.
These students express the needs of our student
body and help with the success of many events and
activities throughout the year. They are truly com-
passionate leaders who are committed to excellence
and the tenets of TALH. I commend them and the
fine example they provide to the Class of 2015.
SERVICE
This month we have met with our wonderful
service organization representatives at the annual
TALH Humanities and Ethics in Leadership Pro-
gram (H.E.L.P.) Barbeque. Representatives from
the organizations where our student perform com-
munity service are invited to share a meal and
engage in conversation. This is an opportunity for
students to share with the representatives how
grateful they are to experience community service
through their organization. Individual students have
been asked to share their experience in addition to
the TALH community as a whole. We value service
as one of the tenets of TALH and feel that the
service opportunities are needed to teach civic
engagement and responsibility within the learning
community and greater community in which we
live. What better way for future leaders to express
their appreciation towards those who assist others
on a daily basis. We applaud our service providers
SEE D IRECTOR’S MESSAGE CO NTINUED O N PAGE 3
D IRECTOR’S MESSAGE CO NTINUED F RO M PAGE 1
Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013 Page 3
and wish them continued success in their quest to
assist others. Currently TALH students have con-
tributed a total of 650 hours of service and are on
target for serving more than 800 hours this semes-
ter. We truly learn through our service.
SCHOLARSHIP
The intellectual prowess of our students is of
great merit and we welcome the opportunity to
wish them continued success in their academic
pursuits. As mentioned in our previous TALH
Corner, we have two students recognized as
National Merit Semifinalists: Michael Dane Hall
and Amber Randolph; three students honored as
National Achievement Semifinalists: Simone
Oliver, Amber Randolph, and Ashleigh Ray; and
five students, Alex Breland, Simone Oliver, Emily
Sherman, Jake Starkey, and Nick Wilcox, who
received commended status for their achievement
on the PSAT. We are thrilled to announce the
names of students who met the requirement for the
President’s List for the Spring 2013 semester. These
students were Alex Breland, Cole Collins, Ryan
Huff, Clayton Jannise, Ashleigh Ray, Emily
Sherman, and John Tohme. The students on the
Dean’s List for the Spring 2013 semester were Abby
Gonsoulin, Hana Hamilton, Amber Heldreth,
Lauren Huff, Savannah Layfield, Simone Oliver,
Amber Randolph, Jemima Varughese, and Nick
Wilcox. We are pleased with their accomplishment
and wish them and all of our students continued
success in their educational endeavors.
FUTURISM SYMPOSIUM
Our Futurism Symposium Captains have
been working diligently with their teams. This
year, students will focus on the topic, The Future
of Texas: Amending our State Constitution.
Captain Cole Collins’ topic is The Future of Immi-
gration in Texas; Ryan Huff will examine The
Future of Education in Texas; Savannah Layfield
will investigate The Future of Technology in Tex-
as; Ashleigh Ray will concentrate on The Future of
the Environment in Texas; Amber Randolph is
exploring The Future of Gun Control in Texas;
Katherine Werner will focus on The Future of
Capital Punishment in Texas; and Emily Wilkins
will posit The Future of Poverty in Texas. We
look forward to the leadership of each captain and
research contribution of each family to the symposi-
um. The symposium will be held February 25 and 26,
2014 on the 8th floor of the Mary and John Gray
Library.
Lamar University will be closed for the
Thanksgiving holiday.
All TALH students must depart by
4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27
and may return after
2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1.
Students are not allowed back in the dorms
during the closed holiday period.
With my warmest regards,
D IRECTOR’S MESSAGE CO NTINUED F RO M PAGE 2 D IRECTOR’S MESSAGE CO NTINUED F RO M PAGE 2
Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013 Page 4
D IRECTOR’S MESSAGE CO NTINUED F RO M PAGE 2 FALL 2013 F INAL EXAM SCHEDULE
Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013 Page 5
Graduation
2014 is scheduled
for Friday, May 9,
2014 at 7:00 p.m.
in the University
Theater at Lamar University. We
do not limit your number of
guests because we all want to
celebrate your student’s success.
Graduate Sales, our gradua-
tion supplier, will meet with the
seniors on Tuesday, November 19,
to distribute the graduation bro-
chures and order forms. Gradu-
ate Sales will return to take your
student’s order on Tuesday,
December 3. This will enable you
to peruse the material over the
Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Your student’s order, including
invitations and caps and gowns,
will be delivered to the TALH
Office in the spring. We will noti-
fy the students when the items
arrive. TALH keeps the caps and
gowns in the office for safekeep-
ing. We appreciate that some
parents would like to have formal
graduation photos taken. We use
black caps and gowns and most
photographers stock these items.
If you have any questions, please
call Mrs. Colichia at (409) 880-
2377.
Thank you parents for
submitting your weekend travel
passes! We appreciate your help
in keeping your children safe.
Please remember that passes are
due by Wednesday at 4:00 PM.
We count on you to submit travel
requests by the deadline so that
we have enough time to keep our
security staff informed. If your
plans change during the weekend,
please remember that the new
TALH Security Office number is
409-880-8482. Our next closed
holiday and weekend will be No-
vember 27 (after classes) through
December 1. Because our security
staff is off on closed holidays and
weekends, students are not per-
mitted to stay at the dorms on
these dates.
Fall Preview Day was a huge
success! Over 70 students and
parents from around the state
attended the event held at the
University Reception Center on
the 8th Floor of the Mary and
John Gray Library at Lamar Uni-
able to all attendees as it was a
pleasure for all students and staff
to welcome them and share their
experience of the unique oppor-
tunities available to them at
TALH and Lamar University.
versity on Saturday, October 12.
TALH students greeted attendees,
served on panels, showed their
rooms during dorm tours, and
acted as general ambassadors
throughout the day. We hope the
day was as informative and enjoy-
Recruitment for the TALH
Class of 2016 continues! We have
begun receiving applications and
strongly encourage students to
submit all of their admissions
documents by December 15 to
meet the early notification dead-
line. TALH students and parents
know the program from their own
unique perspectives, and we urge
you to contact us with the names
of any students you feel would be
strong candidates, or if through
school or PTA contacts you are
able to give us access to make a
presentation on the TALH experi-
ence.
RECRUITMENT UPDATE
FALL PREVIEW DAY
WEEKEND TRAVEL
GRADUATION 2014
Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013 Page 6
It’s time for the students to
begin thinking about course
selections for the Spring 2014
semester. Course offerings are
available on the Lamar University
website.
Students met with Dr.
Stuberfield and Ms. Corwin for
advising to discuss their sched-
ules for the spring semester. You
are asked to review your child’s
schedule. Please call us if you
have any questions or concerns.
We always welcome parental in-
put. Please remember that each
student’s graduation plan is an
individual plan that is deter-
mined by the individual student’s
previous courses, grades, test
scores, and teacher recommenda-
tions. Our first priority is to de-
termine the courses that remain
for each student to complete our
program. Electives are selected
from courses required for the
university core. These core cours-
es are generally easily transfera-
ble to other universities.
Students will turn in the
final advising form (with classes
and time selections) to Ms.
Corwin. She will double check
the forms and then forward to
Mrs. Colichia. Mrs. Colichia will
check to ensure that all classes
selected are in compliance with
the student graduation plan. All
registration holds (unpaid ac-
count balances, parking tickets,
etc.) must be removed before
students may register.
ever, contact our counselor, Ms.
Corwin, at any time to inquire
about your child’s progress. She
may be reached by phone at
(409) 839-2992 or by email at:
We encourage you to visit
with your child regularly regard-
ing his/her classes. Your child is
the best source of information.
Each student receives a syllabus
in every class. The syllabus con-
tains contact information for the
professor and course require-
ments. Please ask to see your
child’s syllabus. One purpose of
the monthly closed weekends is
to give you an opportunity to vis-
it with your child about classes
and discuss any issues that he/
she may be dealing with.
Progress reports are mailed
to the Lamar faculty at the begin-
ning of each month. Please re-
member that although we
strongly encourage the Lamar
faculty to return the notices, this
is a university and some profes-
sors do not respond to our in-
quiries. Mrs. Colichia will contact
parents immediately if we receive
a progress notice with a grade or
absence concern. You may, how-
Co l l e g e Acc e p ta n c e s a n d S c h o l a r s h i p s
Please send information regarding college acceptances,
awards, honors, and scholarship offers to Ms. Corwin. She
will forward the information to Mrs. Colichia for inclusion
in our monthly newsletters and graduation program. We
want to highlight your child’s achievements.
SPRING 2014 ACADEMIC A DVISING
COLLEGE A CCEPTANCES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS
Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013 Page 7
TALH
Fall
Field
Trips
Festivals
Museums
Symphony
Opera Theater
Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013 Page 8
Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013 Page 9
Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013 Page 10
COLLEGE PREVIEW DAYS
Abilene Christian University
Wildcat Premier Weekends
February 14
March 17
http://www.acu.edu/admissions/visit/
wildcat-preview-day.html
Baylor University
Spring Premier
April 5
http://www.baylor.edu/visit/index.php?
id=81925
Howard Payne University
Yellow Jacket Mondays
November 25, January 20, February 17,
March 17, April 28
http://www.hputx.edu/campus-offices/
admissions/yellow-jacket-mondays/
Houston Baptist University
Experience HBU
January 29, March 5
Preview Saturday
April 26
http://www.hbu.edu/Choosing-HBU/
Admissions/Visit-Campus.aspx
Sam Houston State University
Saturdays at SAM
November 16, March 29
www.shsu.edu/~visitor/saturday.html
Southern Methodist University
Mustang Spring Fest
www.smu.edu/Admission/Visit/
SpringFest
Stephen F. Austin State
University
Showcase Saturday
February 22, March 29
http://www.sfasu.edu/admissions/
visitsfa/showcase.asp
Southwestern University
Pirate Preview Days for Seniors
February 17
Southwestern Showcase for Juniors
March 29
http://www.southwestern.edu/admission/
campusvisits/events.php
Texas A&M University
College Station
Freshman Information Day for Seniors
November 25
www.tamu.edu
Texas A&M University
Galveston
Come SEA us
February 14
http://www.tamug.edu/admrc/index.html
Texas A&M University
Kingsville
Javelina Preview Days
January 25, February 15, March 22
www.tamuk.edu
Texas Christian University
Mondays at TCU
December 2, February 17, March 3,
April 14
http://www.admissions.tcu.edu/visit/
Texas Lutheran University
Junior Visit Day — April 5
Dog Days — April 26
http://www.tlu.edu/admissions/visit
Texas State University
Bobcat Day
February 15, April 5
http://www.admissions.txstate.edu/visit/
bobcat-days/bcdsign-up.html
Texas Tech University
Individual Appointments
http://www.ttu.edu
Trinity University
Trinity in Focus
November 23, January 25, February 33
http://new.trinity.edu/admissions-aid/
campus-visits-programs/trinity-focus
University of Houston
Cougar Preview
March 1
http://www.uh.edu/admissions/connect/
schedule-visit/cougar-preview/index.php
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Crusader Preview
November 22-23
http://future.umhb.edu/preview
University of North Texas
UNT Preview Weekend
November 22-23
http://untpreview.unt.edu/
schedule
University of St. Thomas
Open House
March 29
http://www.stthom.edu/Admissions/
Visit_Campus/Events/
UST_Open_House.aqf#.UoZddFfAaM0
University of Texas at Arlington
Preview Day
February 1, April 5
https://www.uta.edu/admissions/events/
preview-day/
University of Texas at Austin
Longhorn Monday, November 25
Explore UT, March 1
http://www.utexas.edu/events/
exploreut/
University of Texas at Dallas
Scholar’s Day—Check site for Spring
date
http://www.utdallas.edu/enroll/visit/
scholarsday.php
Contact Ms. Corwin at (409) 839-2992 for further information.
Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013 Page 11
ABE AND ANNIE SEIBEL FOUNDATION: (www.everychanceeverytexan.org/funding/aid/scholarship/
scaasf.php) PO Box 8210 Galveston, TX 77553-8210 Phone (409) 770-5665; The Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation
is a zero-interest educational loan program available through Frost National Bank in Galveston, Texas. Qualified
applicants may contact the Foundation by telephone or mail after November 1 each year to request an application
packet for the upcoming fall/spring long-term school year. Applicant must be a USA citizen and Texas resident,
graduate of a Texas high school, enrolled full-time at a Texas college or university, and working toward a first
undergraduate degree. Application deadline is February 28.
CHARLES, LELA AND MARY SLOUGH FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP (www.midland.edu/slough): Scholar-
ship awards up to $5,000 per year ($2,500 per Fall and Spring semesters) for a total of 5 years or the completion
of a Bachelor’s Degree or total accumulation of 136 semester hours or 36 credits, whichever comes first. Smaller amounts may be
awarded on a one-time basis with no guarantee of future awards. Applications begin January 1 and deadline to submit an applica-
tion is April 1. Applicants must submit application online.
GATES MILLENNIUM SCHOLARS (www.gmsp.org): The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS), also known as the Bill Gates Scholar-
ship, aims to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for thousands of outstanding students with significant
financial need to reach their fullest potential. Eligible students must be African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian
Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American. Paper applications must be postmarked by January 11, 2012. Online applications
must be submitted by January 15.
THE HARALDSON FOUNDATION (www.haraldsonfoundation.org): Haraldson Foundation need-based scholarships are awarded
the University of Texas-bound high school seniors who have high SAT or ACT scores, are graduating in the top 10% of their
graduation class, and who demonstrate leadership in extra curricular activities, community service, and moral characters. Award
amount is $20,000 over 4 years. Deadline for application is December 1.
TOYOTA COMMUNITY SCHOLARS (www.toyota.com/about/philanthropy/education/scholarships/) The Toyota Community
Scholars program awards 100 scholarships valued at $10,000 and $20,000 over four years to outstanding high school seniors
nationwide. Participating high schools may nominate one student who exemplifies outstanding academic excellence, leadership and
most importantly—commitment to community service. Past Toyota Community Scholars have done everything from spearheading
charity drives and organizing cultural and educational summits, to establishing their own community service organizations. The
program includes an all-expenses paid recognition trip. The program is administered by Educational Testing Service. Applications
due early December. Applicants must be nominated by the school.
WAL-MART FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS (foundation.walmart.com/our-focus/associate-scholarships): Wal-Mart continually
supports education initiatives to help students of all ages and background achieve their dreams of going to college. The Wal-Mart
Foundation offers student scholarships for associates, customers and communities.
ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION 2014 MOST VALUABLE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP (www.elks.org/enf/scholars):The Elks
National Foundation provides more than $3.64 million in college scholarships each year through its three scholarship programs.
The application process and deadlines vary for each program. All applications must go through a local Elks Lodge before reaching
the Elks National Foundation office. Awards are 500 4-year scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $60,000.
Hmmm…. I’ve been accepted to one of the colleges I applied to.
Hmmm…. I’ve just received a scholarship.
What do I do now?
Tell us all about it. Please let us know when you receive acceptance notifications
(even if you don’t plan to attend). We also want to know about all scholarship offers
you receive (even if you do not accept). Please give Ms. Corwin a copy of the notifica-
tion letter. We keep a record in our office. We are proud of you and want to share
your accomplishments!
SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOAN PROGRAMS
Page 12 Volume 14 Issue 2 November 2013
TALH STAFF
Dr. Ted Stuberfield
Director
(409) 839-2995
Mrs. Cindy Colichia
Administrative Coordinator
Newsletter Editor
(409) 880-2377
Ms. Karen Corwin
Counselor
(409) 839-2992
Mr. Bruce Hodge
Student Services Coordinator
(409) 839-2993
Mr. Scott Stevenson
Assistant Director
(409) 839-2990
Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities
Lamar University
P. O. Box 10062
Beaumont, TX 77710
Phone: (409) 839-2995
Fax: (409) 839-2991
Email: [email protected]
W E ’RE ON THE WEB !
WWW.TEXASACADEMY.ORG
MON THLY REMINDERS
We welcome your calls. If you ever have a
concern about your student or just want to keep in
touch with us, please call.
Weekend travel forms are due to Mrs. Colichia
by 4:00 p.m. each Wednesday. Mrs. Colichia will
confirm that students have permission to travel by 5:00 p.m. on
Thursday. Weekend travel information is distributed to TALH
administrators, TALH community assistants and TALH security
every Friday morning, so we ask that travel plans be finalized by
Wednesday afternoon. Your help is appreciated!
CLOSED WEEKENDS: Reminder: All students are required to
vacate the dorm for closed weekends and required holidays by 4:00
p.m., Friday. Students may return after 2:00 p.m. on Sundays (or
Mondays if Monday is a holiday).
TEA VERIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT: The Texas Education
Agency (TEA) states, “School enrollment and attendance as a
condition of licensing a student to operate a motor vehicle applies
to persons under 18 years of age unless a high school diploma or its
equivalent has been obtained.” In order to obtain or renew student
driver’s licenses, students must obtain a Verification of Enrollment
form from Mrs. Colichia.
SAT and ACT fee waivers are available. Students must meet qualifi-
cations. Please contact Ms. Corwin for more information.
Students and parents are reminded that when applying to other
colleges, both TALH and LAMAR UNIVERSITY transcripts are re-
quired. TALH transcripts may be requested by sending an email to
Mrs. Colichia at: [email protected]. Lamar University
transcripts may be requested from the Lamar Records Office locat-
ed in the Wimberly Building Room 112.
Students are reminded that a two-week turnaround is required for
letters of recommendation from TALH administrators. Students
needing letters of recommendation must fill out a request form
(available next to Mrs. Colichia’s office) and turn it in to the admin-
istrator from whom you are requesting a recommendation, along
with all pertinent information and/or attachments. Updated re-
sumes must accompany each request. Please be courteous and ask
the administrator in person PRIOR to filling out the request form.
Lamar University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educational institution and employer. Students, faculty and staff members are selected without regard to their race, color, creed, sex, age,
handicap or national origin, consistent with the Assurance of Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Executive Order 11246 as issued and amended; Title IX of the Education Amend-