LSU A.P. Tureaud Sr.

LSU, Baton Rouge Mourn the Loss of Huel D. Perkins

LSU Black Alumni — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:39:02 +0000

BATON ROUGE – Retired LSU Professor Emeritus of Humanities Huel Davis Perkins, one of Baton Rouge’s most beloved civic leaders and educators, passed away on April 15. He was 88 years old. Funeral arrangements for Perkins are pending.

Perkins, who served as assistant vice chancellor of Academic Affairs, executive assistant to the chancellor and special assistant to the chancellor during his 27-year career at the university, was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from LSU in 2005 for his service to education and the university. He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Thelma O. Smith Perkins; a son, former Baton Rouge news anchor Huel Alfred Perkins, and his wife, Priscilla Daigle Perkins; and two grandsons, Huel Jared Perkins and Vincent Perkins.

“The LSU and Baton Rouge communities lost a great ambassador with the passing of Huel Perkins,” said LSU Interim System President and Interim Chancellor William Jenkins. “Dr. Perkins has done so much for higher education in Louisiana, and his mark will be felt by many for years to come. He will be sorely missed.”

A native of Baton Rouge, Perkins graduated with honors from Southern University in 1947. He then earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees from Northwestern University in 1951 and 1958, respectively. He began his career in education at Lincoln University in Missouri as a music instructor in 1948. From 1951-1960, Perkins was an associate professor of music at Southern University. From 1968-1978, he was the dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at Southern before being appointed deputy director of education programming at the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C.

Perkins came to LSU as assistant vice chancellor of Academic Affairs in 1979. Perkins served as assistant vice chancellor at LSU until 1990, when he became the executive assistant to the chancellor and special assistant to the chancellor, where he served until 1998.

In 1988, Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer appointed him to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. In 1996, President Bill Clinton appointed him to the board of advisors of the J.W. Fulbright foreign scholarship program, where he served until 2002. Perkins also founded his own consulting firm and speakers bureau, Huel D. Perkins & Associates Inc.

In 2005, LSU named the Huel D. Perkins Doctoral Fellowship Program in his honor. The fellowship program “supports LSU’s goal to create an inclusive, respectful, intellectually challenging climate that embraces individual diversity in race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, spirituality, socio-economic factors, disability, family circumstances, life experiences, educational background, opinions, and ideas.”

The LSU Black Faculty and Staff Caucus also presents the Huel D. Perkins Leadership Award annually to an LSU student who exhibits outstanding leadership qualities during its annual Black Scholars Awards Program.

“Dr. Perkins was a national treasure,” said Katrice Albert, LSU vice provost for Equity, Diversity & Community Outreach. “He was exemplary in his dedication to higher education, the arts, community engagement and diversity. He was especially passionate about creating access and raising the educational levels of all.

“Dr. Perkins made a significant impact on each of the lives he touched. His warmth and generous spirit was a joy to be around. Through his example of visionary leadership and service, Dr. Perkins leaves behind a legacy of great character and integrity. He will certainly be missed.”

Perkins has been honored with the Humanist of the Year award from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities as Humanist of the Year, the Brotherhood Award by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Outstanding Educator award by the LSU Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, the Brotherhood Award by the Baton Rouge Human Relations Council, the Citizen of the Year award by the Istrouma Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, the A.P. Tureaud Award by the Louisiana Chapter of the NAACP, the Award of Merit by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and received the Centennial Award given by Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. He was also listed in the 57th edition of Who’s Who In America.

Perkins served as a member of the president’s board of advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and served on many additional boards, including the Baton Rouge Symphony, Louisiana Public Broadcasting Corp. and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Perkins was the first African-American elected to the United Way and the first African-American admitted to the Baton Rouge Rotary Club. He was also the recipient of many public service awards for his achievements throughout his life.

Source

Event: A More Noble Cause, Sacred Heart University – March 21, 2013

LSU Black Alumni — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:44:26 +0000

2012 Annual Legends Forum

LSU Black Alumni — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 01:51:45 +0000

The A.P. Tureaud, Sr. Black Alumni Chapter of the LSU Alumni Association invites you to its Annual Legends Forum, to be held Friday, November 9, 2011 from 7-9 PM in the LSU Union Atchafalaya Room. This year, we have elected—for good cause—to recognize three ‘legends.’ They are:

Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, first black Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court and alumna of the LSU Paul M Hebert Law Center; and
Maxine Crump, Community activist and LSU alumna; first black female to integrate LSU’s residence halls
The Late Judge Ralph Tyson, U.S. District Court and alumnus of both LSU and the LSU Paul M Hebert Law Center

In addition to honoring our legends, we will have a panel discussion entitled, “Affordable Care Act: A Good Thing for the Black Community?” which will examine the President’s landmark legislation and the implications for African Americans.

Tell your classmates and friends! We hope to see you there!

Call for Nominations: LSU Legends 2012

LSU Black Alumni — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:19:21 +0000

Call for Nominations — LSU Legends 2012 • Deadline October 5, 2012

A.P. TUREAUD, SR., BLACK ALUMNI CHAPTER, LSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

LSU LEGENDS SELECTION CRITERIA

Those eligible for LSU Legends must satisfy the following criteria:

The candidate must be a former student, alumnus, faculty member, administrator, or affiliate organization of LSU;
Has achieved noteworthy accomplishments in engagement of African-American students, faculty/staff, alumni, and community at-large with LSU;
Has been associated with LSU for 20 or more years;
The candidate must be or have been a financially contributing supporter of the A. P. Tureaud, Sr., Black Alumni Chapter (or former A. P. Tureaud Chapter of the LSU Alumni Association);
The candidate has been recognized by his/her peers for a high level of achievement in his/her field and made significant contributions to that field at the state, national, and/or international levels;
The candidate has to have demonstrated leadership, character, and service by sharing his/her expertise at the community, state, or national initiatives.

To nominate a party, please submit a written narrative statement and supporting materials. The written submission should include the following:

(1) The name of the nominee

(2) Contact information for the nominee

(3) Narrative statement explaining why the nominee should receive the award. (It is recommended that the statement not exceed 200 words. You may attach additional documents to support your nominee to the extent needed. Self-nominations are permitted.)

Download a printable version here: Nomination Form

Send your nomination today to:

Shaun Mena at shaunmena@gmail.com or mail to: Shaun Mena, Social and Special Events Chair, A. P. Tureaud, Sr., Black Alumni Chapter, P. O. Box 80132, Baton Rouge, LA; 70898-0132

Nominations must be postmarked no later than: Friday, October 5, 2012

SAVE THE DATE: General Body Meeting – October 8, 2012

LSU Black Alumni — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 14:34:26 +0000

The annual general body meeting for members of the A.P. Tureaud Black Alumni Chapter, as stipulated by the bylaws, will take place at 4:30 pm, Monday, October 8, 2012, at the Lod Cook Alumni Center on the LSU campus.

If you need more information, contact us.

BMLI Fellows Program Featured in 2012 Cornerstone

LSU Black Alumni — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:04:43 +0000

The LSU Black Male Leadership Initiative, or BMLI, Fellows Program is featured in 2012 Cornerstone publication of the LSU Foundation. BMLI Fellows Program partnership with the Tyrus Thomas Foundation.

Photo includes (L to R): BMLI Fellows and LSU seniors Joshua Hollins and Joseph Hollins of Baton Rouge, LSU Alumna and AP Tureaud, Sr. Black Alumni Chapter Board Member Sevetri Wilson (CEO of Solid Ground Innovations), and Co-Director of the BMLI Fellows Program Dr. Marco Barker (Director of Educational Equity in the Office of Equity, Diversity & Community Outreach).

The LSU BMLI Fellows Program is an initiative of the Office of Equity, Diversity & Community Outreach and the Office of Multicultural Affairs, where Director Chaunda Allen serves as co-director. Learn more about or support BMLI by visiting www.lsu.edu/bmli or contact bmli@lsu.edu.

Dr. John Butler, Bradie James among honorees inducted into LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction in 2012

LSU Black Alumni — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 03:02:08 +0000

by Matt DeVille (LSUAlumni.org)

More than 300 people filled the Lod Cook Alumni Center’s Noland-Laborde Hall for the 2012 LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction gala on Friday, March 30.

The Association’s premier event of the year, the 2012 event spotlighted the 47th Hall of Distinction induction class. Leading the way for this year’s collection of honorees were 2012 Alumnus of the Year Dr. John Butler and NFL linebacker Bradie James, who was recognized as the Young Alumnus of the Year.

Other honorees included urban designer and landscape architect Kurt Culbertson; telecommunication industrialist Joseph Fail; lawyer and cattleman David Means; award-winning designer, writer and educator James Richards; food manufacturing mogul Donald Welge, and retired businessman Claude West.

The evening began with a welcome from LSU Alumni Association President Charlie Roberts and opening remarks from Chairman of the Alumni Association National Board of Directors Mike Woods.

Following the introduction of honorees, which included a champagne toast, 2011 Young Alumnus of the Year and world-renowned trumpeter Graham Breedlove entertained the attendees with an arrangement of LSU tunes.

James, an All-American linebacker at LSU from 1999-2002, was the first to be recognized as the 2012 Young Alumnus. James spent nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and recently signed with the Houston Texans. Away from football, he raises money for breast cancer awareness through his “Foundation 56,” an organization he started following the death of his mother in 2007.

Following his acceptance speech, James presented a check for $60,393 to Woman’s Hospital executives Teri Fontenot and Lynn Weill on behalf of Foundation 56.

A second presentation came later in the evening when Franklinton, La., councilman T.J. Butler presented his brother, 2012 Alumnus of the Year John Butler, with the key to the city.

A distinguished scholar, author, educator, war hero and musician, Butler addressed the gathering with an eloquent 15-minute address, which began with a tribute to his 94-year-old mother, Johnnie Mae Butler, who was in attendance.

The first African-American member of the LSU Tiger Band and a Vietnam War Bronze Star winner, Butler has authored more than 20 books on entrepreneurship and has been a professor at the Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas for almost 40 years.

Butler complimented the guidance of his parents and grandparents for his success in education and business. He talked about the importance of a college education in his family and how every member of his family since 1900 has a college degree.

(All photos by Jim Zietz)

Event: A.P. Tureaud, Sr. Residence Louisiana Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony

LSU Black Alumni — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:38:10 +0000

You are invited to attend the A.P. Tureaud, Sr. Residence Louisiana Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony on May 19, 2012 at 1pm. The ceremony is located at 3121 Pauger St. in New Orleans, Louisiana.

LSU Program Hosts Discussion on Black Male Stereotypes

LSU Black Alumni — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:26:40 +0000

The LSU Black Male Leadership Institute, or BMLI, along with Black & Proud and the Theta Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, recently co-hosted “Black Masculinity in America: A Sideline Story,” a program on African-American gender role conflicts and the perception of black hip-hop masculinity.

Beginning with short videos highlighting the stereotypes and conflicts facing black men, the program then featured a panel discussion on the issues and ways to increase the perception of educational achievement in the black community. The discussion was facilitated by Roland Mitchell, associate professor in the LSU College of Education’s Department of Educational Theory, Policy, and Practice, or ETPP.

“Given the strong connections between racial and gender identity, this talk occurring between Black History Month and Women’s ‘Herstory’ Month was timely, and based on audience feedback, needed,” said Marco Barker, assistant to the vice provost and director of educational equity. “From the images shared during the discussion to the thoughtful comments of the panelists and audience, this dialogue epitomized the essence of our Flagship Agenda focusing on learning, discovery and diversity.”

The panel included Kyle N. Boone, a doctoral candidate in the higher education administration program; Herbert Dennis, a senior kinesiology major; Javoris Hollingsworth, a doctoral student in chemistry; S. Mandisa Moore, a third-year student at the LSU Law Center; and Brian Morris, a doctoral student in sociology.

“It is important for us to have an honest and in-depth conversation about the construct of black masculinity – the harmful effects of this construction and the possibilities of what we can achieve if we deconstruct it,” said Moore. The program left both panelists and the approximately 100 guests with ways to reinterpret the understanding of masculinity and, particularly, black masculinity in this country.

The BMLI Fellows Program is a retention and leadership development program established by the LSU Office of Equity, Diversity & Community Outreach and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. For more information, or to support BMLI, contact Barker at 225-578-5736 or Chaunda Allen at 225-578-4339, email bmli@lsu.edu or visit the BMLI website at www.lsu.edu/bmli.

Upcoming Book Events for A More Noble Cause: A.P. Tureaud and the Struggle for Civil Rights in Louisiana

LSU Black Alumni — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:47:40 +0000

Please mark you calendars for the following events:

Tuesday, February 28, Book Talk and Book-Signing, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, February 28, Documentary Screening, Book Discussion and Reception at Ascension Parish Library, 708 South Irma Boulevard, Gonzales, Louisiana, 6:30 p.m., For more info, contact Chriselle L. Henry at (225) 647-3955 (225) 647-3955 or chenry@state.lib.la.us.
Wednesday, February 29, Southern University, The Chancellor’s Master Class Series, featuring A. P. Tureaud, Jr., 6 p.m., Royal Cotillion Ballroom, Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union, Southern University, Book-signing to follow presentation and question & answer period. Free and open to the public.
Thursday, March 1, Noon, Reception, and 1 p.m., Book Talk, St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School, in Algiers, 3131 Eton Street, 70131
Saturday, May 19, Historic Site Marker Placement Ceremony at the A. P. Tureaud Home on Pauger St., New Orleans, Louisiana (Details TBA) Rain date, Sunday, May 20
Wednesday-Saturday, October 3-6, “Crossroads: Exploring Vibrant Connections Between People and Place,” 2012 American Association of State and Local History (AASLH) Annual Meeting, Journey for Justice: The A. P. Tureaud Story, Video Screening and Book Talk, Salt Lake City, Utah
Wednesday, October 24 Shreveport Bar Association Luncheon Book Talk and Book-Signing, Journey for Justice: Local History, Civil Rights, and the Power of Place (Further Details TBA)