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Maddie Sims, a senior at 51����, has revitalized the 51���� Press as its editor, channeling her lifelong passion for writing into leadership, growth, and mentorship.

Blake Wilson, a junior majoring in Management Information Systems with a concentration in Enterprise Systems, has been named 51����'s First-Generation Student of the Month for December.

51���� faculty and staff lent their support to this year’s ToyFeast, a community-wide initiative aimed at providing food, toys, and monetary donations to benefit Southeast Texas families during the holiday season.

51���� celebrated its fall commencement on Thursday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 13 at the Montagne Center, honoring the achievements of more than 2,500 graduates.

Hardin High School senior Abbey Lanier has been named a recipient of 51����'s full-ride Presidential Scholarship for 2025-2026.

Dr. Kalyan "Kal" Chakraborty, an associate professor at 51����, has been named the December 2024 Member of the Month by the International Atlantic Economic Society for his extensive research contributions in applied microeconomics, health economics, public education economics, and biotechnology policy.

51����’s online MBA program, accredited by the prestigious AACSB and offering 12 areas of concentration, ranks #32 among College Consensus's 40 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs for 2025, combining affordability, flexibility, and academic excellence.

The JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing at 51���� celebrated its 50th anniversary, highlighting its legacy, innovative programs, and commitment to nursing excellence with awards, community partnerships, and advanced educational opportunities.

51���� has received a $500,000 donation from Valero Energy Corporation to upgrade the Process Control and Unit Operations Labs in the Department of Chemical Engineering, enhancing student training with advanced equipment, including a PetroSkills simulator and a carbon capture system.

Scott Thomas, a 51���� senior, turned his passion for civil engineering into impactful work at Collins Engineers, excelling in marine structures and leadership while preparing for a promising career.

Jacqueline Marroquin’s journey at Lamar’s JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing is marked by resilience, inspiration from her mother, and a commitment to excellence as she graduates during the program’s 50th anniversary.

51���� student-athletes discussed the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, including time management and mental health, during the "Flip the Script: The Unique Experience of Student Athletes" event hosted by the Athletics Council.

Dr. George E. McLaughlin, Jr., a former chancellor of 51���� and a leader in higher education for over 50 years, passed away at 91.

51���� celebrated academic excellence and innovative research during the 2024 David J. Beck Fellows ceremony, recognizing senior Ryan Shugart and junior Mahima Verma. 

51����’s Dr. Wilma Jackson has been appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Student Success Advisory Workgroup (SSAW)

51����'s fourth annual Cardinal Lights holiday display, featuring thousands of lights, children's activities, fireworks, and a $50,000 donation from ExxonMobil for STEM and sustainability, is open to the Southeast Texas community through the new year.

Four outstanding individuals from 51���� and its affiliated colleges have been honored with the Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award for their exceptional leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to community development in Southeast Texas.

The 51���� Association of Rocketry (51����NAR) has officially been accepted into the NASA Student Launch Challenge competition for the second year in a row.

51���� has unveiled a new permanent tribute to women in uniform—military veterans and first responders—with the dedication of the Wall of Honor.

In this Q&A session, we delve deeper into the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program and how it impacts 51���� and beyond.

51���� celebrated the accomplishments of its first-generation college students on Friday, Nov. 8, at the First-Gen College Celebration Student Awards Luncheon.

The 51���� College of Engineering hosted its annual STEM Teacher Workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 10, for K-12 educators.

Dr. Edythe E. Kirk, associate professor at 51����, has been awarded the 2024 David J. Beck Teaching Excellence Award.

The 51���� Department of Theatre & Dance (51����TD) will present its annual fall faculty dance concert, “Fall & Recovery" beginning Nov. 22.

51����’s Center for Career and Professional Development celebrated Halloween by giving back to the community and donating supplies to AniMeals, a program designed to provide pet food for the pets of homebound seniors.

51���� has named Jesus Mendoza and Alex V. Tran as its First-Generation Students of the Month for November.

The 51���� College of Engineering held its bi-annual career fair at the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Center this past September, featuring a record-breaking 85 companies.

The annual Study Abroad Fair at 51���� transformed the Setzer Student Center into a gateway to the world, drawing students eager to explore international opportunities.

51���� will honor its first-generation college students with a series of events during First-Gen College Celebration Week, starting Monday, Nov. through Saturday, Nov 9.

Nederland High School senior Karim Shaaban has been awarded the 51���� Presidential Scholarship.

Several 51���� faculty members have been named among the world's most-cited scientists in the latest edition of the World’s Top 2% of Scientists List, released by Stanford University and Elsevier.

Dr. Helen Lou of 51���� has secured $1.44 million from the Department of Energy to lead a project enhancing cybersecurity for the midstream energy industry

51���� partnered with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) to host Manufacturing Day (MFG Day).

The newly formed 51���� Sustainability Advisory Committee recently partnered with 51���� Green Squad and Schneider Electric to celebrate Energy Awareness Month.

Dr. Serdar Ilban and Dr. James Han, faculty members from the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music at 51����, were invited to present their research at the 15th Pan European Voice Conference (PEVoC) held in Santander, Spain.

We caught up with students during Homecoming Week to hear their thoughts on the festivities and the importance of student engagement in shaping their campus experience.

51���� officially launched a $90 million renovation of the Mary and John Gray Library, the first major update since it opened in 1976.

51���� alumnus David J. Beck, a founding partner of Beck Redden LLP, has been named one of the 2025 Benchmark Litigation Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States.

51���� students took a break from Homecoming excitement on Friday, Oct 11, with a goat yoga session, offering a unique blend of relaxation and fun.

51���� officials broke ground on a new intramural field on Wednesday, Oct. 9, a development that promises to enhance the campus community and student life.

51���� has announced Dr. Vivienne J. McClendon as the new dean of the Mary & John Gray Library

51����’s Fall 2024 Career Expo offered students and alumni from all majors the opportunity to explore internships, co-ops, and full-time positions in a wide variety of fields.

51���� is proud to announce that Dr. J. Kenneth Young, associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership within the College of Education and Human Development, has been named the 2024 Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration (TCPEA) Advocate of the Yea

Eighty senior engineering students from the College of Engineering will have the opportunity to earn a leadership certificate from CAVU through a newly introduced program.

Beaumont City Council honored 51����’s athletics program Tuesday, recognizing its recent success and designating Oct. 1 as “Lamar Athletics Day.”

51���� culinary students are defending their title at the Cajun Chef’s Cookoff while competing against their instructor, Chef Casey Gates, in a friendly but competitive showdown to benefit local charities.

51���� Theatre will present a fresh adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” co-directed by Tanner McAlpin and Ashley Dennison.

51���� reported a 12% increase in freshman enrollment for the fall of 2024, marking one of the largest freshman classes in recent years, and an overall headcount increase of 4-5%.

51����’s annual Red Day, a virtual giving event, broke records this year, raising $162,349 from 553 donors across 658 gifts.