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�Ļ�Ӱ�� has appointed Timothy Pallone as interim director of athletic bands, entrusting the longtime music educator and proud Cardinal alumnus with leading The Showcase of Southeast Texas.

The College of Business launched its first-ever Cardinals in Command summer camp in June 2025, offering 40 local high school students a free, hands-on introduction to business leadership, marketing, data analytics, and finance.

Dr. Elizabeth Long didn’t enter nursing for the sentiment, but through decades of bedside care, teaching, and research, she’s come to believe the most important question in healthcare isn’t what’s the matter with someone, but what matters to them.

�Ļ�Ӱ��’s annual ChemE Camp gave Southeast Texas high school juniors and seniors a hands-on introduction to chemical engineering through industry tours, lab activities, and the popular ChemE Car competition, all supported by faculty, student mentors, and industry sponsors.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� students, faculty, and staff earned more than 30 awards across print, digital, audio, and broadcast categories at the 2025 Excellence in Media Awards, highlighting the university’s strength in storytelling, journalism, and media production.

After more than a decade in public health, Dr. Brittny Bratcher-Rasmus returned to �Ļ�Ӱ��—where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees—to teach, mentor, and inspire the next generation of public health professionals in the very classrooms that shaped her own journey.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� has been recognized as one of the nation’s top institutions for online accounting degrees, earning a place on Best Colleges’ 2025 list of “Best Online Accounting Degrees.”

�Ļ�Ӱ�� celebrated a major athletics milestone on June 10 by winning the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup for the second consecutive year.

�Ļ�Ӱ��'s L.I.T.E. Camp offered Southeast Texas middle schoolers a free, hands-on introduction to engineering through engaging activities, team projects, and mentorship from college students and industry professionals.

�Ļ�Ӱ��’s 2025 New Student Orientation Leaders are here to welcome new Cardinals, offering guidance, support, and campus insights to help make your transition to college life smooth, informed, and fun.

Twelve �Ļ�Ӱ�� alumni were recognized among the 2025 Reaud Excellence in Education Award winners for their exceptional commitment to student success and educational leadership across Southeast Texas.

�Ļ�Ӱ��’s new Leadership Studies program is designed to develop students’ personal and professional leadership abilities through a blend of classroom learning and practical, real-world application.

Kristyn Hunt Cathey, a �Ļ�Ӱ�� adjunct instructor, has become president of the Texas School Public Relations Association.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� announced 836 students named to the Spring 2025 President’s List for earning a 4.0 GPA and 1,327 students named to the Dean’s List for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher while carrying a full course load.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� has earned national recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications as one of only 27 institutions to receive both the prestigious Research 2 (R2) designation and the new Opportunity College & University (OCU) designation.

Porter LaPray’s path to �Ļ�Ӱ�� hasn’t been straightforward, but through setbacks, detours, and a renewed focus, he’s found his footing—and a future—in theatre.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� hosted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security CISA Region 6 Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Training Workshop from April 15–18, bringing together professionals from critical infrastructure sectors for hands-on training led by Idaho National Laboratory, with support from DOE grants and regional partners, to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and establish Lamar as a hub for industrial cybersecurity in Southeast Texas.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� recognized more than 130 staff members during its annual Staff Service Awards ceremony, celebrating milestone anniversaries and honoring three employees with the 2025 Distinguished Staff Award.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� held its spring commencement ceremony in the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montage Center on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, recognizing the achievements of its graduates, and conferring over 2,500 degrees. 

�Ļ�Ӱ�� celebrated its graduating Class of 2025 with a revived senior-only event featuring food, festivities, and swag, offering students a final moment to connect before commencement.

�Ļ�Ӱ��'s cheer team secured third place at the 2025 National Cheerleaders Association College Nationals, marking a significant improvement from last year and reflecting the team's strong bonding, experience, and positive mindset under coach Megan Thompson's leadership.

TAFE Day at �Ļ�Ӱ�� offered high school students a hands-on glimpse into the world of teaching through interactive lessons, peer-led activities, and educator preparation sessions designed to inspire the next generation of educators.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� (LU) celebrated the achievements of its top student leaders and organizations during the 45th annual Toast to Leadership Award Ceremony,

�Ļ�Ӱ��’s new Early Bird Admission Program offers qualifying high school juniors early college admission and guaranteed scholarships, totaling over $20 million so far, as part of a bold initiative to expand college access and recognize academic achievement across Southeast Texas.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� senior engineering students showcased innovative, real-world solutions—from autonomous firefighting robots to eco-friendly coffee roasters—at the 2025 Senior Design Showcase, marking the culmination of their college careers with industry-backed capstone projects that bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional engineering practice.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� will launch its first-ever rodeo team in fall 2025, led by Dr. Gene Theodori, giving students the chance to compete in collegiate rodeo through the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� will host a variety of summer camps in 2025, offering hands-on learning experiences in fields such as STEM, arts, sports, and business for students from elementary to high school.

�Ļ�Ӱ��'s College of Engineering hosted its annual Discover Engineering event on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

�Ļ�Ӱ�� marked Earth Day on Tuesday with a laid-back celebration on the Dining Hall lawn, bringing together students, campus groups and local organizations for an afternoon of hands-on activities and environmental outreach.