2019-2020 yearbook

Honors
Dr. Reynold Verret was honored at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Commencement
Xavier University of Louisiana President Dr. Reynold Verret was awarded an honorary degree from
the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai during its 2019 Commencement.
He was honored for his achievements as president of the nation’s only historically Black, Catholic university, as a “celebrated educational leader, scientist, and teacher whose work has shaped the course of higher education of many, and, in particular, the path forward for the next generation of STEM K-12 teachers of color”, and for his “efforts to develop programs and initiatives” to increase the number of U.S. students earning degrees in the STEM disciplines, including education.
Dr. Gary Butts made an introduction and conferred an Honorary Degree to Dr. C. Reynold Verret.
President Reynold Verret testified at a hearing to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor, and its subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 on the critical role of Community Colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority–Serving Institutions.
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At the hearing, President Verret discussed how Xavier University is an engine of economic mobility, programs that demonstrated this at the institution, and how these programs prepared students for the career workforce. Verret presented a brief history of HBCUs and why they were created.
Verret, who was asked to testify before the subcommittee, addressed why Xavier is considered to be one of the best value schools in the nation for a quality education and the importance of continued funding from the federal government.
He also attested to how HBCUs have been, and continue to be, under-resourced institutions that have
a large economic impact that often goes unnoticed. HBCUs are invaluable institutions that not only contribute to society, but provide an invaluable experience for our students, especially our students who are low-income and first-generation.
Source: Xavier alumni office, The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education and 6 other sources:
”93% of Xavier students qualify and over 65% receive federal Pell grants. In order to develop the whole person, Xavier relies on a combination of federal grants, tuition and partnerships to complete the full circle of enabling students to become servant-leaders in the community,” said President Reynold Verret.
President Verret acknowledged alumni support of the emergency fund he founded four years ago to provide funding for unanticipated expenses, so that students in good academic standing could persist in completing their degrees despite economic crisis.
Xavier yields minority students who are well prepared for careers. Xavier is #1 in African Americans who complete Med school, PhDs in life sciences, & baccalaureates in physics/physical sciences.
For Xavier specifically, the report indicated that my institution had an output impact of $200 million, a value-added impact of $135 million, a labor income impact of $95 million, and an employment impact of 1,715 jobs.
Xavier is considered to be one of the best value schools in the nation for a quality education, by US News. However, as a student comes closer to realizing their dreams of higher education, the more expensive those goals become to attain.
President Verret was
humbled and honored to be selected amongst New Orleans finest as @BizNewOrleans— Business People of the Year, 2020.


Ordinary people doing extraordinary things
Vernon Smith of housekeeping encourgages Xavier students in the UC by a smile and simple phrase— "Y'all stay focused"-Mr. Smith
L-R: Elizabeth Chatman, sophomore biology pre-med; Vernon Smith; Naejea Piper, sophomore chemistry major.
Left: Vernon Smith, received a token of appreciation from President Verret (right) at the Faculty Staff Institute for his service and dedication to Xavier's mission.
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Memorials
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Memorial
In Loving Memory of
Sister Monica Loughlin, S.B.S. February 2019
Sister Mary Monica Loughlin entered the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in 1964, taking her final vows in 1972. She graduated from Xavier in 1969 (Dr. Francis' first graduating class as Xavier's President) and earned a Ph.D. from LSU School of Medicine.
Sister Monica faithfully served Xavier University of Louisiana for more than 45 years in a wide variety of ways, including as both a faculty and staff member, as Instructor in Medical Technology (1972-76), Chair of the Medical Technology Department (1976-82), Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences (1994-96 and 2008- 2012); and finally as Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity and Mission Integration (2012- 2018).
Her presence on campus was interrupted twice when she was recalled to the Motherhouse in Bensalem, Pennsylviania to preside as President of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, during which time she also served on the University’s governing Board of Trustees
(1982-92 and 1995-2006).
Sister Monica celebrated her 50th Jubilee as a SBS in July 2014.
We, whose lives she touched, have many memories to cherish of our moments with sister. Let us all hold onto those moments and be inspired to pass her legacy to the next generation of Xavierites through our own interactions and service.
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John Pecoul
January 2019
John A. Pecoul, Jr., former Associate Vice-President for Development at Xavier University and former Special Assistant to New Orleans Mayor Ernest N. “Dutch” Morial.
John taught political science at Xavier University from 1971-78. After leaving the mayor's staff in 1986, John returned to Xavier as Associate Director/Associate Vice President for Advancement (1986-97), and served as
Vice President for Advancement (1997-2000). John's advancement work included three capital campaigns totaling $165 million, culminating primarily in the Norman C. Francis Academic/ Science Complex. John became Special Assistant to Xavier President Norman C. Francis in 2000, and retired in 2003.
Otis Washington
May 2019
Otis Washington, a member of multiple halls of fame and a 1961 Xavier University of Louisiana graduate.
Washington played football (linebacker/ offensive guard) and baseball (catcher) for the Gold Rush and was a member of XULA's last intercollegiate football team in 1959.
Joyce Kaufman Perkins
May 2019
Joyce Kaufman Perkins, a retired long- time Xavier employee. Mrs. Perkins was employed as a bookkeeper early on, before working several years at the Clarion Herald Newspaper followed by nearly 30 years of employment at Xavier University of New Orleans where she held positions in the Development Office, Alumi Affairs, and as Events Coordinator for the University.
Cesar Pelli
July 2019
The Xavier community mourns the loss
of Cesar Pelli, the architect and creative genius behind some of the world’s most recognizable buildings, including Xavier’s own St. Katharine Drexel chapel. The Xavier community will forever be indebted to Cesar and the Pelli Clarke Pelli Architect firm for designing and bringing to life Xavier's first permanent, stand-alone house of worship, which because its striking architecture and visibility from the city high rise, makes it one of New Orleans' most breath taking landmarks.
Elias Joseph Williams
May 2019
Elias Williams a 1952 graduate worked at Xavier for 25 years in various administrative capacities which included Student Services as Dean of Men, Fiscal-Auxiliary Enterprises, and Director of Human Resources.
Van Thibodaux
July 2019
A shuttle driver in the Office of Student Affairs. Wife, Gwendolyn Jones Thibodaux (Facility Planning and Management).
Atatiana Koquice Jefferson
October 2019
Atatiana Koquice Jefferson died as a result of a police shooting in Texas. Atatiana graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She worked in the Library while in school. There was a generative community dialogue about law enforcement, policing, and how to advocate for change, and concluded with a candlelight vigil. She was killed in her own home by
a policeman answering a non-emergency neighbor’s call about an open front door. He was charged with negligence
and murder.
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Angelique Reed
November 2019
Judge Angelique Aristell Reed was elected on Oct. 3, 1998 as the first African American Judge to serve in First City Court for the Parish of Orleans.
She was a graduate of Ursuline Academy, Xavier University and Loyola University Law school.
Keith Roussell
November 2019
Keith Roussell, Maintenance Technician - Xavier Building Services.
Chris Ferrand
November 2019
Chris Ferrand, Groundsman - Xavier's Building Services.
Frederick J. Carter
December 2019
Frederick J. Carter, a pharmacist in the class of 1969, whose life exemplified the legacy of service. Frederick served as the President of the Xavier University Chicago Alumni Chapter for more than twenty years and three terms as the National Alumni Association President.
He promoted the mission of Xavier throughout his professional and personal life. He recruited prospective students and mentored them. Under his leadership, the National Alumni Association established the Dr. Norman C. Francis and Blanche Francis Endowed Scholarship and coordinated an additional campaign of the association and its chapters to contribute to St. Katharine Drexel Chapel.
Joyce Clay Williams
January 2020
Joyce Clay Williams worked at Xavier for many years in the early 1970's as Dean of Women and Associate Dean of Student Services. She was the wife of Elias J. Williams.
"I was taught to live by three rules: pray, work and do for others. That's all you have to do." —Chef Leah Chase - Dies at 96
June 2019
We have lost a legend, a friend, and a great ambassador for the City of New Orleans and a beautiful example of a faithful Catholic mother! Chef, civil rights activist, and art collector, Leah Chase.
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October 2019
Dr. Reynold Verret—America lost a voice for justice and a shining
example of service and the pursuit of justice and humanity. Cummings exemplified the values of Xavier's institution, and dedicated his life to improving the human condition for all people.


Photo by Zaviyah Hudson Sculpture by artist John Scott
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Message from the Manager
Greetings Xavierites,
I am so excited and pleased to have contributed to the 2019-2020 yearbook this year! The goals for the yearbook staff are to showcase the inclusivity we share at Xavier. As an editor on the book, I make it my responsibility to serve and give this book as much undivided time as possible. Although it can be hard at times, the end result is always rewarding. I would like to thank Ms. Farve for allowing me this opportunity and for all her contributions to Xavier that often go unnoticed. Let this book not only embody the greatness we achieve at Xavier, but encourage you to keep going! To the graduating seniors, you made it! I hope this edition captured your highest moments in your last semesters at Xavier. To those not graduating yet, let’s finish strong! May God bless us all, "Deo Adjuvante Non Timendum,” With the help of God, there is nothing to fear.
Best wishes,
Zaviyah Hudson
Managing Editor
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Thank You
Thanks to the University for your support
Support staff:
Zaviyah Hudson, photography - endsheet design
André Farve, cover design and cap & gown portraits (partial), coronation ball
Yamlak Tsega, action photography cross country, tennis, basketball, groups
Physical Plant - moving new books
Technology Information - New student i.d. photos
Marguerite Giguette, Ph.D., Associate Provost & Chief Institutional Research Officer - Student information Joey Fasullo & Candid Campus Photography-cap & gown portraits-Pharmacy/Arts & Sciences (partial) Friesens Press, printer
Yearbook staff 2019-20:
Zaviyah Hudson Managing editor/photographer Telia Workman Blake, volunteer/photographer Portia Blanch Photographer/Copy - workstudy Kaleigh Bridges Layout/Copy - workstudy Amiya Brown - workstudy - fall 2019
Jaylan Brown, volunteer
Kadeem Burton, photographer/Layout - workstudy Amber Dukes, volunteer
Jazmynne Massey, volunteer/photographer
Veronica Farve, yearbook coordinator
Enjoy the memories from 2019 & 2020
Martin Luther King, Jr. & Saint Katharine Drexel: Champions of Justice
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From January 2020 presentation on Saint Katharine Drexel and Martin Luther King, Jr.