Fairwell to the Boss

 
I have had the honor of working with two pillars of the Xavier community, Dr. Deidre Labat and Dr. Elizabeth Barron. Dr. Barron is retiring after 25 years at Xavier and having taken the reins as VP of Academic Affairs from Dr. Labat after the storm. I am personally grateful to both for working with me and establishing my presence at Xavier and particularly for Dr. Barron's opportunity to begin a research program from day one. Happy retirement...but don't throw out your XU ID too quickly! Your expertise will no doubt be call upon.

Marching Forward to Lead and Serve!

 

Dr. Tavis Smiley was the honored speaker at the 2008 Xavier Commencement, and what a honored speaker he was. With inspiring words by Dr. Benjamin Mays, Dr. Martin Luther King, William Cowper and Isaac Watts and with a tribute to our President, Dr. Norman C. Francis, the longest sitting president of any college or university in this country at 40 years, Dr. Smiley "went to church" and raised us to our feet more than once as he encourage the graduates and all present to move forward in hope to save one another by service to one another. A fitting end for many who were still feeling the ravages of the storm of 2005. It was an honor and privilege as well for me to serve and experience the Xavier University Class of 2008.

McGill-Toolen High School Reunion!!...oh the memories...huh?

So its that time. After the semester wraps up, grades delivered and caps and gowns put away and after a little respite and lab prep, I'm off to my 30th high school reunion. Yes 30 years! Some of those faces I haven't seen in 28 years and well, more than a few I probably won't recognize.

Why do we subject ourselves to this? Few were real friends then so are now even more distant. Much of the hatred and love has been forgotten...what am I saying...I'm a dude...the love rarely is forgotten.

They say some memories are best to remain memories (remember Walken's line in "Click"). Never-the-less, presumably we've aged and have learned to be civil either voluntarily or as a consequence of living over the last 30 years. Two days sober or drunk among strangers who are all linked to the past. This was Mobile Al in the 70's. I am now in the middle of a desegregation order in Jefferson Parish and its 2008! Imagine the climate in Mobile before 1978. We survived...to become what? We shall see.

Oh, me...I haven't changed much. A little less hair, a little less trusting but looking forward to reminiscing. I know the music will be great!

Join me in donations...then come walk with me!

Saturday, 4/26/08, 9:00 AM, LaSalle Park, Airline Dr. at Zephyr Field, New Orleans


The March of Dimes has changed the name of its biggest event to March for Babies. It's a great change because it makes it very clear exactly who I am walking for -- all babies. I am very excited to be a part of the “first” March for Babies; please support my participation.

We Need Your Data!!

Are you a graduating senior or a alumni from Chemistry at Xavier? Please fill in the online survey. (click the title to be redirected)

I think Hell just froze over...what do you think?

I applaud the effort, the courage and the shear nerve of these ladies. Multiculturalism will require steppin' out (pardon the pun) like this...but give us a little warning first. Come on by my office and let's talk.

Victory...but at what price in Jefferson Parish!

It was sad. Although we managed to bring to light the imperfections and inequities in the Consent Order submitted by the Jefferson Parish School System (JPSS)...what we are left with is a system still locked in the 1960's, with administrators still paying for the sins of the past and far worst, 44,000 students whose parents, according to their representative at the Fairness hearing, believe that leaving the responsibility of educating their children in the hands of JPSS is their only option. This is a call out! The parents of Magnet Schools have made their positions known. Now that you see that it is possible...PLEASE step in and take part in your children's education. If you don't the Greater New Orleans Public School System will continue to be substandard, ineffective and segregated not by races or rivers but by the caring and the uncaring for the education of our children.


Thank you Judge Engelhardt.