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Herget Parents Association Newsletter Fall 2014 Meet the RLC Hola! My name is Ricardo Horne, and I have the pleasure of serving as the Residence Life Coordinator for Herget Residential College. My job is rather unique in that I oversee nine undergraduate resident assistants (RAs) and a graduate residence director, Sarah Lyon. I also serve as the professional live-in staff member for Herget residents. A little more about me: I’m from the neighboring state of Mississippi, where I attended Mississippi State University and received a bachelor’s in business administration. Afterwards, I relocated to southern Georgia to attend Valdosta State University, receiving my master’s in higher education last May. When I am not at work, I enjoy attending poetry slams, volunteering, or Skyping with my 6-year-old sister! As an LSU Tiger, I am thrilled to work in the Herget community. During fall semester here, we have developed a family within these walls. Daily, you can catch Herget students in the lobby socializing, playing games, or enjoying an LSU

away game. If you’re lucky, you can hear a Herget resident playing the piano or several residents jamming with guitars during the afternoon and evening hours. Personally, I enjoy Herget Theatre Night, which occurs once a month and is sponsored by Herget Residential College. Other exciting programs in Herget during the Fall semester are “The Geauxlden Celebration,” “Pinterest Party,” and our “Cash Cab” program: “Billion Dollars on the Elevator.” As a staff, we aim to implement programs that not only engage our students socially but also expand their cultural and academic interests. Herget is not only a place to live but a place to learn. Herget Residential College faculty, led by our rector Dorothy McCaughey, provides excellent instruction and one-on-one guidance for your Herget student. I could not have picked a better hall to work in on campus. Daily, students stop by my office to share their stories of how they are adjusting to LSU, how they are doing in classes, or what the dining hall is serving! I enjoy getting to know your Herget student. If you should ever have ANY questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email at [email protected]. Loving purple and living gold, the Herget way.

Community Council speaks for residents Herget Community Council serves as the voice for hall residents regarding policy and procedures. It also provides funding for hall developmental initiatives. Council officers include from left to right, Eryn Dorsey, senator; Hannah Clotiaux, vice president; Sarah Lyon, advisor; Emily Whiteford, president; and Colby Combel senator.

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Residential Colleges Academic Convocation welcomes author Sean Terry

Above: Sean Terry in center with RAs from left to right: Amanda Kuylen, Matt Waguespack, Emmanuel Smith, Jonathan Brown, Abby Lallande and Eileen DeLeo.. Below: Convocation crowd listens to Terry’s advice..

Convocation attendees at breakfast.

The morning of August 22, 2014, students and faculty filled the Herget lobby to meet new friends and grab a quick breakfast before heading over to the LSU Union Theater for a fourth annual Academic Convocation. Headlining the event was Dr. Sean Terry, author of Unwritten Rules of Success, a savvy self-help book that shows students how to succeed in life and college. Dr. Bob Rohli, Academic Director of Residential Colleges, opened the convocation with a presentation on the importance of undergraduate research. Reinforcing Rohli’s theme, Terry showed pictures of his research spaces: deep under water studying aquatic creatures or gathering ocean detritus. Terry’s environmental research takes him and his students to such exotic places as the Hawaiian islands. According to Terry, we can make our life’s work fun and exciting if we plan for success, keeping our short-, medium- and long-range goals always in sight as we traverse the minefield that college can sometimes be. Terry encouraged students to live by the “one more thing” rule: each day tackle an extra task that needs doing in the future. “Doing one more thing, no matter how trivial, can make a huge difference in your quality of life,” Terry said. Persistence and careful planning were pervasive themes of the convocation. Luck has very little to do with the exotic places he works in, Terry admitted. For instance, the trip to Hawaii with his students took years of planning and grant writing. Herget students who are practicing Terry’s good advice are the ones smiling in the Herget lobby: they are organized and happy because they are learning how to work smart and enjoy their college years.

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Presenting a league of extraordinary people: Herget RAs Herget staff includes nine resident assistants (RAs), who watch over students on each floor and provide help with courses and life. RAs also plan and execute stimulating academic and social programs in hall.

Jonathan Brown By Abby Lallande Jonathan R. Brown is a mass communication junior from Iowa, Louisiana, and serves residents on the first floor. Last year, he was selected as Resident Assistant of the Year by the University. This is his second year serving Herget. Jonathan is pursuing an English minor, and his hobbies include reading, writing, and hanging out. His dream job is to be a motivational speaker. His favorite food is gumbo, and he’s also Recruitment Director for Dance Marathon at LSU. Hang around Herget’s lobby, and you’ll be sure to get a smile and a friendly greeting from the “King of Herget.”

Kaitlyn King By Rebekah Crandle If there was just one word to describe a particular Resident Assistant on Herget’s staff, it would be “passionate.” Kaitlyn King is a junior here at LSU majoring in mass communication and minoring in dance. Dance is something Kaitlyn has been passionate about since she was three and attended ballet classes near her hometown of Mandeville, Louisiana. To this day, dance is a major part of her life but in philanthropic way. Kaitlyn can be found advocating and fundraising for Dance Marathon at LSU. Over the years, Kaitlyn has also dedicated some of her time tutoring in local elementary schools. Aside from the great things Kaitlyn has given to her community, she enjoys going to football games and having fun times with her friends. If you didn’t know Kaitlyn, you wouldn’t understand her love for SpongeBob, classical movies, Beyoncé, country music, and the Saints. She is an excellent Ra and person who enjoys every moment of life while genuinely laughing and loving others.

Rebekah Crandle By Kaitlyn King Rebekah Crandle is a junior accounting major from Abita Springs, Louisiana. In Rebekah’s first year as an RA, she has made a great impact on Herget, especially her second floor residents. Rebekah can often be found giving them advice or talking them through their problems. She also loves playing games with residents in the lobby. She is very competitive; some of her favorite games include Spades and Mafia. In high school, Rebekah was the star of the Fontainebleau High basketball team. Rebekah’s love for basketball has led her to win several intramural championships at LSU. Rebekah isn’t very chatty, so when she does speak, you know it’s worth hearing. Rebekah’s levelheadedness and intuition make her an effective and professional RA, while her tendency to be silly makes her relatable and a joy to work with.

Brandon Addison By Matt Waguespack A native of New Orleans, Brandon is just as lively and creative as his hometown. He loves to dance and is even the president of the Legacy Dancers, a hip-hop organization here at LSU. Brandon says if his dream of becoming a back-up dancer doesn’t work out, he plans on going to graduate school to get his PhD in clinical psychology. Truly an example of what an RA should be, Brandon became an RA because he wants to help residents’ transition into college be as easy as possible. He is making that happen for his residents on the third floor. He loves to talk to people, and on the off chance he’s not dancing, he’s probably listening to music and chatting with anyone and everyone!

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Matt Waguespack By Brandon Addison Born in Laplace, Louisiana, Matthew Waguespack is as Cajun as he is an LSU Tiger. He is currently majoring in petroleum engineering and is resident advisor for third floor. Matthew chose to become an RA because he felt that he could help incoming freshman properly transition into life at college. He hopes that his wisdom can breed Tiger pride in everyone around him. An interesting fact about Matt is that he likes long walks on the beach and he plans to work in the petroleum industry for a few years, then retire and open his own wing shop.

Amanda Kuylen By Eileen DeLeo Amanda Kuylen hails from Abita Springs, Louisiana, and graces the Herget Hall staff as a junior communication disorders major. Amanda is quick to lend an ear to her residents and provide resources for those in need. She is heavily involved in Dance Marathon as Director of Dancer Relations and has a passion for volunteerism. Amanda shows love and kindness to all she meets and celebrates all of her residents around her, reminding them to always "be authentic." Amanda is a joy to work with and is a credit to the Herget staff.

Eileen DeLeo By Amanda Kuylen Eileen DeLeo is an economics and international studies double major sophomore from Baton Rouge. As an RA in Herget, Eileen is the perfect mix of helpfulness and fun to both her residents and coworkers.

Eileen is an honors student and the co-president of the International Relations Club. She loves Swing music and participating in small acts of kindness. Eileen enjoys camping trips and traveling. When she graduates she would like to work internationally. She is a bubbly person and is not afraid to lend a hand or an ear. Without a doubt, Herget would not be the same without her.

Turner Davis By Emmanuel Smith Turner Davis is a junior computer science major from Belle Chase, Louisiana. Turner is extremely knowledgeable about technology, and it is evident in his job as a resident assistant. Countless times he has shown his ability to improve the technology around the hall. Turner is great at helping others whenever needed, and he is open minded to experiencing new things. He loves action movies, and his favorite movie is Tron. He hopes to visit the North Pole one day to see polar bears and the Aurora Borealis. Turner’s favorite book is 1984. Turner loves to do graphic design. Turner is a great addition to the Herget staff bringing so much to the table. He is truly an irreplaceable person in the Herget family.

Abby Lallande By Jonathan Brown Abby Lallande is a mass communication major and theatre minor from Mandeville, Louisiana. She is an RA for the sixth floor. Her hobbies include rock climbing, dancing, and backpacking. Her favorite color is blue, and she enjoys freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Abby loves cats, meeting people, and has a heart of gold. Last year, she helped raise more than $100,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. After LSU, Abby aspires to travel the world and be an adventure journalist for Outside Magazine.

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Herget Theatre Nights offer provocative drama

RA Abby Lallande with director Erin Sheets at Eurydice.

This fall Herget organized three Theatre Nights, which included Frankenstein at the Claude Shaver, The Fifth of July in the Reilly Theatre and Eurydice in the Studio Theatre. In Frankenstein, Herget learned how playing God can destroy families and communities. The Fifth of July showed the terrible cost of the Vietnam War, and Eurydice revealed a Greek Underworld featuring a chorus of very unhappy talking stones. As is customary for Theatre Night, students and faculty enjoy either a catered dinner or pizza in the Herget living room before the play. After supper the play’s director gives an insightful overview of the play Herget will see. Theatre Nights build Herget community in an entertaining and thoughtprovoking way. When residents experience good drama together, they want to talk about it among themselves and with their instructors. Some of the best discussions occur in Herget after Theatre Night.

Director Richard Holden (second from right) with instructors Christina Armistead and Darius Spieth and RLC Ricardo Horne at Fifth of July.

Dotty McCaughey with director George Judy at Frankenstein

Julian Plaisance and English instructor Eric Schmitt at Eurydice.

Jonathan Brown, Lindsay Vaughn, Victoria Krig and Amanda Kuylen at Eurydice.

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What Herget would fight for By Rebekah Crandle On Friday, October 10, 2014, residents of the Herget community came together to experience a night of crafts and reflection during the program titled “What I’d Fight For.” During the evening, residents chatted among friends and shared dinner, all while designing visual icons of world causes they deemed important to them. A common concern among residents was world peace while other residents shared some unique causes such as Ending Human Trafficking and Battling for the Net. At the end of the program, residents placed each of their visual icons on a foam board that helped raise awareness to some of the issues that face the world today.

Oriona Bear, Anita Imoh, Rebekah Crandle, Chris Danos, Rosie Ewert, and Emmanuel Otiocha with the poster of what they would fight for.

“Billion Dollars on the Elevator” delights residents Much like the popular “Cash Cab” TV program, “Billion Dollars on the Elevator” put a unique twist on transportation this fall. Two resident assistants, Eileen DeLeo and Amanda Kuylen, set up in one of Herget’s elevators and surprised students as they got on. Eileen and Amanda quizzed elevator riders on topics ranging from academics to LSU traditions. If they answered correctly, students were able to choose a prize from a bowl of goodies.

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Herget learns “How to Do LSU”

How to D

On October 28, 2014, Herget counselor Joyce Wakefield presented “How to Do LSU” to Herget residents. The purpose of “How to Do LSU” is to guide first-year students in keeping track of course requirements for their major. As part of the program, Joyce explained degree audits and showed students how to schedule courses for spring semester. She also discussed important academic resources that are available on campus. Many students took advantage of this chance to gain essential knowledge of how to succeed at LSU.

Joyce Wakefield (second from left) with RAs Matt Waguespack, Brandon Addison, and Kaitlyn King.

Jackson Pitner, Traci Hardwick, Rosie Ewert and Creighton Jordan. Joyce helps Blaise Lacour.

Herget Parents Association Newsletter Joyce with Austin Harris.

Editor: Dorothy McCaughey Contributors: Ricardo Horne, Sarah Lyon, and Herget RAs. A special thank-you to Jonathan Brown for help with photos.

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Fall programs make Herget a happening place Geauxlden Celebration

Residents participate in a blur of activities during Herget’s “Geauxlden Celebration.”

Opening in 1964, Herget Hall has been an important facility in Residential Life history, and this year marked its 50th year of operations. Herget staff welcomed Hergeteers to their new home with a celebration, including social activities, ice cream, and an opportunity to meet fellow residents for the first time.

Herget Royale Herget staff members hosted a game night event complete with card games, trivia about the university, and a photo station. Students dressed up, and Herget staff provided light snacks and beverages. The event was an idea first brought to the staff by Herget residents.