Centenary celebrates local connections, academic excellence at annual Founders' Day
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College celebrated its annual Founders’ Day on Thursday, February 14, with a ceremony highlighting the College’s rich traditions and important contributions to the intellectual, cultural, and civic life of Shreveport-Bossier City. Shreveport city council member LeVette Fuller, a member of Centenary’s Class of 2000, delivered the keynote address and reflected on the ways that current Centenary students can contribute to their community while still in college.
“You are on a campus in the historic core of our city,” said Fuller during her address. “I want you to be aware of your surroundings and bring your energy to this community. We need talented, smart people who are able to step up when the city of Shreveport needs people, and what you gain is what you’ll give back.”
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
Mr. Bruce Allen (Art)
Dr. Jeff Hendricks (English)
30 Years
Dr. David Havird (English)
Dr. David Bieler (Geology)
25 Years
Mrs. Marcia Alexander (Library)
20 Years
Mr. Chris Derrick (Information Technology)
15 Years
Dr. Michelle Glaros (Communication)
Dr. Scott Chirhart (Biology)
Dr. Jeanne Hamming (English)
Dr. Karen Soul (Vice Provost for Academic Affairs)
10 Years
Mr. David Orr (Assistant Athletic Director for Recreation & Facilities)
Mr. Tom Hundemer (Music)
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. William Songock for his research into human papillomavirus (PHV), the most common sexually transmitted infectious agent that causes cervical cancer. Songock seeks to increase understanding of how HPV infects human cells and lays the groundwork for cancer development.
Deborah Scarlato, director of registration and records, received the 2019 President’s Excellence Award. Scarlato was nominated for the award by colleagues who praised her more than 20 years of dedicated service to Centenary as well as her “infectious laugh” and welcoming personality.
Dr. Joshua Lawrence, associate professor of chemistry, was chosen from a field of 28 nominees as the 2019 Outstanding Teacher. Students who nominated Lawrence highlighted his willingness to sacrifice his time outside of class to mentor and advise students, as well as to help them feel truly confident about the difficult material in his courses. One student wrote, “He remembers how difficult it was to learn the material he now teaches, and that helps him see the students’ perspective and understand what he can do to help them learn.”
Several faculty members were also recognized for previously announced research awards. Dr. Jennifer Stokes, assistant professor of biology, and Dr. Ray Mu, assistant professor of chemistry, are the recipients of Faculty/Student Research Awards. Dr. Amanda Donahoe, assistant professor of political science, and Dr. Maureen Murov, associate professor of Spanish, earned Faculty Research Awards.
Photos from the convocation are available at centenary.edu/photos.
You can watch video from the convocation on Centenary's YouTube channel.