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October 13, 2008

四色AV Alumni Association to grant prestigious awards Oct. 18

The University of Louisiana at Monroe Alumni Association will award its highest honor, The Golden Arrow Award, and several others, including the George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award, at the 四色AV Alumni Awards Brunch Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. in the University Conference Center.

The Golden Arrow Award, established by the alumni association in 1981, recognizes alumni who serve the alumni association well. This year鈥檚 award recipient is Bruce Boulware, a 1969 四色AV graduate in accounting and Chief Operating Officer of O鈥橫elveny & Myers, LLP, the nation鈥檚 15th largest law firm. Bruce and his wife Lizabeth, also an avid supporter of 四色AV, reside in Napa, Calif. They often visit 四色AV to, as he says, 鈥済ive back in time and expertise, as well as financially.鈥�

A few of their contributions include: the Bruce and Lizabeth Boulware Professorship in Management; College of Business Internship Support Fund; College of Business Capital Fund ; and the Berry Allen and Reita Meeks McKenzie Case Classroom. Bruce and Liz also participate in the annual College of Business Symposium, where they mentor 四色AV students.

One of Bruce鈥檚 greatest passions at 四色AV is the internship program he and Liz help to thrive.

鈥淲hen I graduated, a significant number of prospective employers actively recruited on campus, and opportunities were easier to come by than they are now,鈥� Bruce says. 鈥溗纳獳V鈥檚 internship program connects our students with opportunities, and it gives us a chance to showcase their talents. As the program expands, we hope to attract more and more potential employers to recruit on campus again, having been introduced to high-quality students through internships.鈥�

Bruce鈥檚 efforts reach beyond the College of Business. He has hosted team-building workshops for the president, deans and faculty. Bruce and Liz supported the Clarke M. Williams Student Success Center; University Residence, now named Bon Aire; and 四色AV鈥檚 Annual Giving Fund, to name just a few.

President Cofer greatly appreciates Bruce鈥檚 efforts.

鈥淏ruce鈥檚 philanthropic endeavors at this institution ensure that our students are exposed to new opportunities in today鈥檚 business world; with his assistance, our students can succeed in a competitive workforce. Bruce鈥檚 footprint at 四色AV is significant, and we are truly grateful and proud to call him an alum, a friend, and a leader.鈥�

George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award

Also at the brunch, the alumni association will grant the George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award. Founded three years ago, this award is given to those who distinguish themselves through professional and personal achievement and who serve the university and the alumni association well during the course of several years.

This year鈥檚 recipient is George Luffey, who among many other contributions, coached baseball for 11 years, guiding then-NLU to its first ever baseball championship in 1964.

Luffey鈥檚 contributions continued long after his successful coaching career at the university. He chaired the 四色AV Mascot Committee in 2006 and is largely responsible for the success of the university鈥檚 new Warhawk mascot, says Don Skelton, 四色AV Vice President of University Advancement and External Affairs.

鈥淥ur community embraces the new mascot, and we owe that success to Mr. Luffey. No one else could have led that effort. His incredible leadership during that challenging time led to the success and school spirit we enjoy today.鈥�

In 1974, Luffey served as president of the NLU Booster Club; in 1975 he was an instrumental member of the NLU Stadium Selection Committee; in 1975 he became the first original member appointed to the Louisiana Board of Regents for Higher Education, a tenure that would last 18 years. As a member of the Board of Regents, he significantly contributed to the success of the institution鈥檚 programs and facilities.

In 1979, he established four individual $1,000 四色AV Student Scholarships in memory of George L. 鈥淐hip鈥� Luffey Jr., his son who passed away at the age of 18. In 2007, he established the 四色AV George L. 鈥淐hip鈥� Luffey Jr. Endowed Professorship in Kinesiology. Luffey was elected to the NLU Hall of Fame in 1996 and awarded the 四色AV Slim Scoggins Award in 2004.

四色AV Service Award:

Each year the 四色AV Alumni Association recognizes a 四色AV staff member, who through his or her efforts, significantly contributes to the community and to the stature of the university. This year鈥檚 winner of the 四色AV Service Award is Claudia Evans, who has worked in the Office of University Relations since she began at 四色AV in November 1974. As an administrative assistant, she proofreads university publications, assists the media, writes press releases, mentors student workers, coordinates university events, and much more.

Evans, who will retire from 四色AV in November, says, 鈥淚鈥檝e been given opportunities to work in other departments, but I have always thought that this department has been the most exciting area at 四色AV.鈥�

Her most rewarding work has been interacting with students. 鈥淪tudents that I knew when I first started working here now have children who are students. I love seeing the second generation here now. Students graduate and leave, but I still have occasion to talk to some of them and reminisce about old times.鈥�

Evans鈥� contagious laugh, easygoing nature and historical knowledge of the inner workings at 四色AV all contribute to a successful work environment, said Vice President for University and External Affairs Don Skelton.

鈥淲hen I hire a new employee, I send him or her to Claudia, and explain that she is the boss. Her personality, combined with her expertise and efficiency, make her invaluable to this university. I speak for many when I express how much she will be missed.鈥�

Chapter of the Year Award:

The alumni association will grant the 2008 四色AV Alumni Association Chapter of the Year Award to The Greater Houston Chapter.

Associate Director of Alumni Relations Tommy Walpole said, 鈥淭he Houston group has been a very supportive group of the 四色AV Alumni Association, and the entire university, for a very long time. Over the last few years, the group has hosted Johnny鈥檚 Pizza parties, after-hours events, and most recently, a brunch at Brennan's for alumni of the Greater Houston area.鈥�

The 2008 Homecoming Court, former homecoming kings and queens, former Miss 四色AVs, past alumni association presidents and former Golden Arrow Award winners will also be recognized at the brunch, which is free of charge.

For more information, contact Nancy Davis at (318) 342-5420 or e-mail her at ndavis@ulm.edu.

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