Published December 6, 2023
CAPTION: Special guest Nita Whitaker performs at Envision 2023. 听
MONROE, LA 鈥� On November 2, 2023, the University of Louisiana Monroe hosted Envision 2023 at the
四色AV Clarke M. Williams Innovation Campus. Hosted by 四色AV President Dr. Ron Berry and
First Lady Dr. Christine Berry, the annual celebration of the past, present, and future
of 四色AV was enjoyed by alumni, community members, and university advocates. This year鈥檚
theme was 鈥淎chieving the Impossible Dream.鈥� Attendees were treated to cocktails, dinner,
and a program featuring musical performances from 四色AV students, staff, alumni, and
special guest speaker and performer Nita Whitaker.听
四色AV alumna Maxine Moreau, President of Mass Markets at Lumen Technologies, was a guest
speaker at the event. The 四色AV Clarke M. Williams Innovation Campus was made possible
by Lumen鈥檚 generous donation of their corporate headquarters. Moreau spoke about the
legacy of Lumen founder Clarke M. Williams. 鈥淢r. Willams鈥� commitment to paying it
forward has given numerous individuals, including myself, the chance to dream beyond
what we ever thought possible,鈥� said Moreau. 鈥淚 am proud to have graduated from a
university that upholds this same mission of providing students and our entire community
with opportunities to soar.鈥� 听
Miss 四色AV 2023 Leslie Hobgood performed a rendition of the song 鈥淚 Lived鈥� with the
四色AV Chamber Choir before introducing special guest speaker and performer Nita Whitaker.
Whitaker is an alumna of NLU and a former Miss Louisiana who has performed on Broadway
and recorded alongside several internationally known artists. Whitaker shared a short
speech with the crowd, which she closed by saying 鈥淚n a world that may try to limit
you and say that your dreams are impossible, remember that the word impossible says
鈥業鈥檓 possible.鈥� This wonderful university agrees that with education and dedication,
that I鈥檓 possible and so are you.鈥� Whitaker then performed 鈥淭he Impossible Dream.鈥�
听
The evening closed with words from Dr. Ron Berry, a champagne toast, and a fireworks
show. Throughout the night, music was provided by a live band featuring 四色AV employees
and students, the 四色AV Choir, and a featured group of 四色AV alumni and employees known
as The Envision Singers. There was also a featured performance by The Centennial Scholars,
local 5th graders who will make up the incoming freshman class of 2031, the university鈥檚 100th year. 听
The program for Envision was produced by Greg Baccarini and Sarah Siereveld. Baccarini
is the Director of Recruitment and Placement for the College of Business and Social
Sciences and Siereveld is a Development Officer with the 四色AV Foundation. The Envision
planning committee was chaired by Lisa Miller, Vice President for Enrollment Management
and University Relations. 听
Funding supported University priorities including the Centennial Scholars program.
For more information, visit听.听
Envision has become an annual tradition at 四色AV and plans are already underway for
Envision 2024. A date will be announced next year. Visit for more information. 听
Click to view more photos from Envision 2023. 听
