AA December 2020 Email Newsletter

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

Connecting the past, present, and future
 for a stronger LSUS

IN THIS ISSUE Brandon Friedman, BA'00

FERMAND GARLINGTON CEO
DECEMBER 2020 FEATURED Rakkasan Tea Company
ALUMNUS ON CAMPUS
December 2020 Featured Alumnus

LSUS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
NAMES 2020
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AND
CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE
HONOREES

LSUS AHTLETICS BEGINS
CONSTRUCTION ON
BASEBALL ADDITION

DONATE TO THE ALUMNI
ASSOCIATION ANNUAL FUND
AND CHOOSE THE
SCHOLARSHIP YOU WISH TO
SUPPORT

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

Brandon Friedman, BA '00 is the CEO and
co-founder of Dallas-based Rakkasan Tea
Company. His company promotes peace
and economic development by importing
premium loose-leaf tea solely from small
farmers in post-conflict countries. The
specialty tea industry is heavily dependent
on personal relationships, so Brandon
spends a lot of time developing those
relationships with his growers and
suppliers in eight different countries. He
also spends time educating customers
about tea.

PHOTO COURTESY OF B. FRIEDMAN

Friedman started his career as an Army infantry officer in the 101st Airborne Division. "While deployed to
Afghanistan and Iraq, we drank a lot of tea during meetings with the people who lived there. That's how I got
hooked. But it was always a hobby and nothing more. After leaving the Army, I started working in politics in
2006. That eventually led to jobs in the Obama administration in Washington, DC, where I served in the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). At
HUD, I was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. After the 2016 election, we decided to move back
to Dallas. I needed a break from a decade in politics and decided to start a tea company."

Friedman, a C.E. Byrd High School graduate, began his college career as a baseball player and enrolled at Ole
Miss after a knee injury. After two years at Ole Miss, he decided to move home and finish his degree at LSUS.
"After attending an SEC school, I loved the small school atmosphere of LSUS. We did our best to get a lacrosse
team off the ground in 1999 and 2000. And of course, LSUS has always had great faculty members I'll always
remember. I learned a ton from my LSUS teachers. Not just how to do math problems, but also life lessons.
They really took an interest in students, and it propelled me into my first career. People who influenced me
for life include Dr. Bill Pederson in the Political Science department and Dr. Mike Leggiere in the History
department. Also, Keith Hunt led the ROTC detachment. I also had a Sociology instructor one summer who
took us to the Caddo Correctional Facility. I can't remember his name, but he opened my eyes to how race
impacts so much in our daily lives."

Friedman is no stranger to accolades. He considers his honors "Leading soldiers in combat, working in a
presidential administration full of firsts, including time working for now-Senator Tammy Duckworth and
former Secretary Julián Castro. I'm also proud to have started a company that does well by doing good in
communities impacted by war."

The advice Friedman has for current students is impactful. "Pick something you're interested in, not what you
think you're supposed to do or what you think will make you the most money. Do what you love, then figure
out a way to make money at it. For politics, start by volunteering with a campaign or a political nonprofit to
get to know people. And follow on Twitter all the people and organizations that interest you. For becoming an
entrepreneur, latch onto mentors from the very beginning. People are willing to help, but you gotta ask. And
make sure it's something you're passionate about. "

The success and drive Brandon possesses make him a stellar ANCHORED ALUM.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DECCEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DECCEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

In Memoriam

Leonard Selber

Leonard Michael Selber died on November 13, 2020 after a lengthy illness. Leonard was born in
Shreveport on July 19, 1934 to the late Aaron Selber and Frances Dreyfuss Selber. He grew up
in Shreveport where he attended Creswell Elementary School and C.E. Byrd High School. He
graduated from Tulane University with a degree in Business Administration and then served
in the U.S. Army before returning to Shreveport to work in the family retail business, Selber
Bros. Inc., from 1957 to 1987, serving as Senior Executive Vice-President and Board Member.
Following the sale of Selber Bros. to Dillard's Department Stores, Leonard worked as Vice-
Chancellor of University Relations for LSUS and later as Development Director for Loyola
College Preparatory School.

Leonard loved his family, friends, employees, co-workers, the City of Shreveport, tennis, and
ice cream. In return, he was beloved by all who knew him. Even until his last days, his family
received calls and letters from former Selber Bros. employees expressing gratitude for the
kindness and opportunities he offered them. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor, had an
easy way about him, and held an egalitarian view of the world. Leonard never met a stranger.
Leonard's volunteer work for the City of Shreveport brought him great joy. He served as
Chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Commission three times and Chairman of the
Shreveport Home Mortgage Authority.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to The LSUS Foundation, One
University Place, Shreveport, 71115; Providence House, 814 Cotton St., Shreveport, 71101; B'nai
Zion Congregation, 245 Southfield Rd, Shreveport, 71105; or the charity of the donor's choice.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

Fermand M. Garlington, II

University Records Manager and
Archival Associate
BA '95

December 2020 Featured Alumnus on Campus

Fermand M. Garlington, II is a lifelong
resident of Shreveport. He graduated
from Caddo Parish Magnet High School
in 1991; Louisiana State University in
Shreveport (LSUS) in 1995 with a
Bachelor of Arts degree in history; and
the University of Houston in 1998 with a
Master of Arts degree in history. Given
his passion for Colonial/Early American
history, his Master’s thesis explored
Benjamin Franklin and his philosophical
theories concerning spirituality and
education.

PHOTO COURTESY OF F. GARLINGTON

Before returning from graduate school to Shreveport in 1998, he served two professors as a Research Assistant
at the University of Houston from 1995-1997. Since then, he has served his undergraduate alma mater as an
Adjunct Instructor of History, in the Department of History and Social Sciences, from 1998-1999; as Circulation
Desk Manager and Interlibrary Loan Director, at the Noel Memorial Library, from 1999-2005; and, since 2005, as
University Records Manager and Archival Associate at the LSUS Northwest Louisiana Archives on the third floor
of the library building. Correspondingly, since late 2019, he officially assumed additional responsibilities in the
Archives as its Multimedia Archivist.

Now at age 47, Fermand has never married and has no children as he typically prefers a life of unencumbered
solitude and limited distraction; consequently, rather than seeking to pursue the customary traditions,
commitments; and, securities of modern 21st-century domestic life, he has instead elected to focus primarily
upon his various obligations and responsibilities here at LSUS. Including his willingness to volunteer, each year
since 2006, at the Annual Capital One LSUS Pilots Alumni Association Golf Classic—most particularly given his
lifelong passion for the game of golf. Moreover, given his consummate dedication to LSUS, he has likewise
served as a member of the LSUS Staff Senate from 2005-2008; and, once more, from 2013-2016. Indeed, his
dedication to LSUS is arguably second-to-none; for, in fact, a few years ago when the roof of the Noel Memorial
Library would leak routinely in the immediate aftermath of a torrential downpour, frequently placing various
collections held in the Archives at the risk of extensive, beyond repair water damage; Fermand, when necessary,
would often most willingly, graciously, frequently, routinely; and, voluntarily remain in the building overnight to
ensure that the various collections in question would not suffer any appreciable impairment.

Nevertheless, on those truly most exceedingly rare occasions when he is not actively engaged in supporting the
stated mission, goals, and, aspirations of LSUS, you might discover him (at least before COVID-19) on the
platform of Brookwood Baptist Church, here in Shreveport, as a member of its Worship Team; or, immediately
thereafter, visiting with the congregation of Grace Creek Church in Longview.

Fermand has truly devoted and dedicated himself to the stated mission, goals; and, aspirations of LSUS, and we
are proud to have him as an ANCHORED ALUM.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 2 DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

GOV. EDWARDS ANNOUNCES TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT WITH
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY SHREVEPORT

Gov. John Bel Edwards and Chancellor Larry Clark of Louisiana State University Shreveport announced a more
than $3 million agreement to advance student careers in technology. Louisiana Economic Development will
contribute $1.2 million and LSUS will contribute $2 million through a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to build
a next-generation learning environment, one that advances technology through all degree programs at the
fastest-growing university in the state.

The CEA follows an additional investment of $750,000 by LSUS to create a Design-Thinking Lab and a 10,000-
square-foot Cyber Collaboratory, which was dedicated at today’s announcement and is central to the
technology agreement. Through these creative learning spaces, LSUS students will build skills in high-demand
careers, support K-12 students and teachers, and also collaborate with industry on solving real-world
problems.

“Our administration is committed to ensuring that all our young people have ample access to the tools,
programs and training needed to compete in today’s marketplace,” Gov. Edwards said. “I am proud to have
worked with both LSU Shreveport and LED to create this opportunity, and to further strengthen the success of
the I-20 Cyber Corridor. Under his leadership, Chancellor Clark has placed LSU Shreveport on a path of
sustained growth and excellence, and this agreement is the latest initiative to foster growth at the university.”

The CEA covers four years through the 2023-24 academic year, and comes after LSUS welcomed a record
9,995 students to the university for the Fall 2020 semester. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, LSUS posted a 16
percent enrollment increase over Fall 2019, making it the fastest-growing college in Louisiana. The technology
agreement will expand STEM academic curricula – such as computer science, analytics, data visualization and
cyber systems – and target a 70 percent increase in freshman-application interest for those programs.

“LSUS thanks Governor John Bel Edwards and LED for the opportunity to partner with LED in its continuing
efforts to strategically develop a globally competitive workforce and help build the economies within
Louisiana, especially here in North Louisiana,” Chancellor Clark said. “We look forward to sharing best
practices that we will develop with industry partners and other colleges and universities of North Louisiana."

”A multidisciplinary faculty committee is already at work, focused on curricular changes to help prepare all
LSUS students to be successful in the 21st century workforce,” said LSUS Vice Chancellor Julie Lessiter, who
leads strategic initiatives for the university. “This includes the infusion of new concepts into General Education
and strengthening cutting-edge disciplinary fields of importance to Northwest Louisiana.”

LED FastStart®, the nation’s No. 1 state workforce training program, will lead the CEA with LSUS. FastStart will
combine the capabilities of LSUS and its relationships with regional higher education peers to advance student
success in software, information technology and related science, technology, engineering and math fields.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 2 DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

LSUS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM EARNS NATIONAL
RANKING

Louisiana State University Shreveport’s Early Childhood Education program is ranked 20th in the top 85
most affordable programs by Discover Early Childhood EDU. This ranking aims to help students make
informed decisions about the best programs available.

The criteria for the Discover Early Childhood EDU Top 85 Affordable ECE Programs ranking requires that an
institution specialize in early childhood education while offering a variety of degree programs. The selected
institutions are high quality and distributed throughout the U.S. Additionally, the ranking is determined
based on quantitative data including retention rate, graduation rate, tuition, and overall enrollment
statistics. The full ranked list can be found below.

“We are thrilled with the honor of being so highly ranked in the nation,” Department of Education Chair and
Professor Dr. Cay Evans said. “Our Early Childhood Education program prepares students for career options
in a variety of settings: K-12 schools, public and private preschools, child advocacy agencies, community
programs, child care centers and private enterprise.”

LSUS offers opportunities for future early childhood educators to choose between an undergraduate degree
in Early Childhood Education with a PreK to Grade 3 certification or an Early Childhood add on certification
if the student already has a teaching certificate.

“Our Department of Education exemplifies the highest quality of teaching and teacher preparation,” Dean,
College of Education and Human Development Dr. Dennis Wissing said. “Our Early Childhood Program is a
clear example of this quality at an affordable cost to students. Affordability makes us competitive, but we
work hard to ensure that students also have access to superior instruction and training.”

A strong early childhood education program positively impacts the growth of elementary education. A child’s
future success, both as an individual and economically, depends on the early learning environment. Such
important work requires a sound education, steeped in the best practices and latest research for teaching
young minds.

About LSUS Early Education Programs
LSUS provides future students with early childhood programs to foster long-term success in a career
teaching and guiding children early in their lives. Students can choose between an undergraduate degree in
Early Childhood Education with a PreK to Grade 3 certification or an Early Childhood add on certification
is possible if the student already has a teaching certificate. LSUS also offers programs for masters, specialist
programs and a doctoral degree in education. Each program is in coordination with the standards of the
National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Standards of Professional Practice, and
internships are available.

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 2 DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

PILOTS HIT HOMERUN WITH NEW BASEBALL BUILDING

BY LSUS ATHLETICS

LSUS Athletics has announced that they are once again expanding their athletic complex with the
addition of a new permanent building at Pilot Field. This offseason has come with numerous
renovations to Pilot Field including the addition of a new scoreboard, visiting team dugout, and the
extension of the outfield wall down both lines, but the upgrades don't stop there. The plans have been
announced for a brand new baseball building and home dugout for the upcoming season.

"Great things are happening for our program and this is another example of the support Athletics
receives from the University. We have worked hard to ensure Athletics is something that the campus
community can be proud of and we are reaping the benefits of that support," said Director
of Athletics, Lucas Morgan. "We want to make sure that Chancellor Clark, Barbie Cannon, Art Shilling,
and Justin Baker receive the credit they deserve for continuing to help us grow."

The 3000 square foot building will be connected to the home dugout and allows for transitions
directly from the baseball locker room to the dugout. The new baseball building will include the locker
rooms, coaches offices, umpire rooms, a trophy room/recruit lounge and will be complete with
showers and restrooms.

Pilots Head Coach Brad Neffendorf believes this new building helps take the program to the next level,
"Our entire program is extremely excited about breaking ground on our new locker room. The
facilities have continued to be upgraded and the locker room will give it an entirely new look. This will
be a major asset to our program! The support by our administration and athletics staff has been
second to none and plays a major role in the process of all our upgrades." Neffendorf on the tradition
of Pilot Field, "The current locker room has a ton of tradition and success built into with many years of
different rosters walking in and out. Our current roster understands they are the last team to use it
and the first to walk inside our new one upon completion. It's something they don't take for granted."

The construction will begin immediately and is expected to be completed in early 2021, prior to the
start of the upcoming season of baseball. Morgan also added, "This isn't the last of the major
construction projects happening for LSUS Athletics. Make sure to keep an eye out for the next big
project as great things seem to come in threes." LSUS Athletics will post updates throughout the
building process to showcase the newest addition to the Pilot Field.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 2 DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

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we recommend students download the free Adobe
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live-online class session. Instructions for downloading
the application and using it to access live class sessions
and class recordings will be emailed to students after
they register for a live-online course. If you have
questions about the technical requirements for live-
online courses, please email [email protected] for
further guidance.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DECEMBER 2020
NEWSLETTER

LSUS ALUMNI MASKS

Any individual who joins the LSUS Alumni Association as
an annual member will receive an LSUS Alumni face mask
in addition to an LSUS Alumni Association hand sanitizer!
Need an extra mask? After joining, members can purchase
additional masks for $5 each. Email [email protected] for
more information.

Fall 2019 graduates who enroll in the Alumni Association
will recieve two masks!