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Held July 20-24 and July 27-31, the Center for Resiliency STEM camp welcomed incoming sixth- through 10th-grade students to campus for an immersive week of hands-on learning designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in STEM fields.

�鶹ӳ�� celebrated the achievements of more than 900 graduates during its spring commencement ceremony Friday, July 31 at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.

Judge John Stevens and his wife, Marcia, donated a rare original Frank Trost photograph of the 1901 Lucas Gusher to �鶹ӳ��'s Spindletop Boomtown Museum, preserving a pivotal piece of Southeast Texas and energy industry history for future generations.

�鶹ӳ�� historian David Robles researches overlooked stories of Chicana/o activism in South Texas, bringing award-winning scholarship and a passion for student mentorship to the classroom.

A student-produced short film written by �鶹ӳ�� student Heather Harmon and directed by Adam Baeza has been accepted into three film festivals, highlighting the filmmakers' emerging talent and the university's growing film production program.

Driven by a commitment to amplifying overlooked voices, Dr. Margot Gage's research, teaching, and advocacy examine how society shapes health and well-being, from health disparities and veterans' recognition to advancing the nation's understanding of long COVID.

�鶹ӳ�� has named kinesiology senior Karen Damien the July First-Generation Student of the Month, recognizing her dedication to higher education and the example she hopes to set for her family.

Six �鶹ӳ�� (LU) graduates have been recognized among Nederland Independent School District’s 2026-27 Teachers of the Year honorees, highlighting the university’s impact on educator preparation across Southeast Texas.

�鶹ӳ��'s Cybersecurity and Robotics Adventure Summer Camp introduced middle and high school students to cybersecurity, robotics and artificial intelligence through hands-on STEM activities and collaborative learning experiences.

�鶹ӳ�� has announced over 1,500 students who earned recognition on the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 semester, honoring undergraduate students for exceptional academic achievement.

�鶹ӳ��'s Nancy Evans Reading Center served approximately 1,367 students and distributed more than 7,500 literacy resources through expanded partnerships with five Southeast Texas school districts during the 2026 school year.

Three �鶹ӳ�� (LU) alumni have been recognized as Teachers of the Year for the 2026-27 academic year in Vidor Independent School District, highlighting the university’s continued impact on education across Southeast Texas. 

�鶹ӳ�� (LU) received the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Ethical AI Leadership, recognizing the university's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence responsibly across academics, technology, cybersecurity and institutional governance.

The Dishman Art Museum is featuring two summer exhibitions that celebrate �鶹ӳ�� alumni and the broader campus artistic community through works exploring creativity, resilience and belonging.

�鶹ӳ�� is launching a new Bachelor of Applied History program that blends traditional history coursework with communication training, GIS certification, and required internships to prepare students for careers in museums, media, government, and industry.

�鶹ӳ�� and its affiliated media outlets earned recognition across journalism, broadcasting, digital media, marketing and public relations categories at the 2026 Press Club of Southeast Texas Excellence in Media Awards Gala on Friday, June 12.

�鶹ӳ�� human resource management student Lea Walker expanded her personal and professional horizons by participating in the Business in Paris & La Rochelle study abroad program, which blended classroom learning with immersive cultural and corporate excursions across France.

�鶹ӳ�� has rebranded STAR Services as the Center for Academic Success to better reflect its expanded role in providing comprehensive academic support, tutoring, coaching, and retention services for undergraduate students.

Twelve of the 15 recipients of the 2025-26 Wayne A. Reaud Excellence in Education Award are graduates of �鶹ӳ��, highlighting the university’s significant role in preparing educators and school leaders who serve students across Southeast Texas.

�鶹ӳ�� alumni have been recognized as Teachers of the Year in Bridge City Independent School District.

Welcome new Cardinals! Meet your Orientation Leaders who are here to guide and support your transition to �鶹ӳ��.

�鶹ӳ��'s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program kicked off with a record 18 students presenting 16 faculty-mentored research projects across multiple disciplines, highlighting the university's growing commitment to undergraduate research and innovation.

Historian and University Professor Dr. Jeff Forret combines a passion for uncovering overlooked stories of slavery and the American South with a commitment to teaching critical thinking, demonstrating how archival discoveries can illuminate enduring connections between the past and present.

Third-generation engineer Brandyn New, a 2026 �鶹ӳ�� mechanical engineering graduate, will begin a career in cardiovascular research and development at Boston Scientific after gaining hands-on experience through internships, research opportunities and student organizations during his time at LU.

�鶹ӳ�� student Marlina Marks has been named the First-Generation Student of the Month for June 2026.

�鶹ӳ��’s 2026 summer camps offer hands-on learning opportunities in arts, STEM, business, engineering, and athletics for students of all ages, with programs ranging from free enrichment camps to specialized training sessions across its Beaumont campus.

After 30 years at �鶹ӳ��, Dr. Terri Davis reflects on a career dedicated to teaching constitutional law, mentoring generations of students and helping shape one of the university’s most successful pre-law programs.

�鶹ӳ�� honored employees for milestone years of service and recognized outstanding staff members during its annual Staff Service Awards ceremony on May 6, celebrating the dedication and contributions of faculty and staff across the university community.

�鶹ӳ�� honored more than 90 graduating first-generation seniors, along with faculty, staff and student leaders, during its First Gen Awards Celebration recognizing academic achievement, leadership and support for first-generation student success.

�鶹ӳ�� College of Engineering celebrated its 75th anniversary by hosting its largest-ever Discover Engineering event, bringing the community together for hands-on STEM activities designed to inspire the next generation of engineers.

�鶹ӳ��’s Early Bird Admission Program expanded in its second year, partnering with 17 high schools and awarding nearly $30 million in scholarships.

�鶹ӳ�� celebrated the achievements of more than 2,700 graduates during its spring commencement ceremony Friday, May 15, at the Neches Federal Credit Union.

�鶹ӳ�� honored Dr. Xuejun Fan with the inaugural Excellence in Research Award at its Faculty Excellence Awards Banquet, recognizing his globally impactful semiconductor research and contributions to the university’s growing research mission.

The Reaud Honors College at �鶹ӳ�� celebrated graduating honors students and faculty at its annual Spring Reception on April 23, recognizing achievements in leadership, research, community service and teaching.

The �鶹ӳ�� Cheer Team delivered another standout performance at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, earning a second-place finish during the April 9-11 competition, and continuing the program’s rise on the national stage.

For the first time in program history, the �鶹ӳ�� Dance Team captured the Division 1 (D1) Small Hip Hop national championship at The College Classic in Orlando, Florida in April 2026.

�鶹ӳ�� SGA President Carsen Barrett is driving campus engagement through his student organization The Flock and multiple leadership roles aimed at increasing participation in athletics and strengthening student connections across campus.

Dr. Brielle Frost, associate professor of music at �鶹ӳ��, has received a Fulbright Scholar Award to teach flute and collaborate internationally in Sweden at Karlstad University during Spring 2027.

�鶹ӳ�� engineering students showcased capstone projects ranging from flood monitoring systems to rocket controls at the annual Senior Design Symposium, highlighting real-world problem-solving developed through yearlong, team-based work with industry partners.

Students from a variety of majors in Dr. Julia Fischer’s honors course, “The Fate of Art in World War II,” presented original board games exploring art theft and preservation during an interactive showcase at the SOL Gallery.

�鶹ӳ�� honored student leaders, organizations, and graduating seniors at its 46th annual Toast to Leadership ceremony, recognizing excellence in academics, service, and campus involvement while highlighting top awards like Seniors of Significance and the Gentry-Kemble Legacy Award.

�鶹ӳ�� physics senior Alysa Patteson has been selected as one of just 11 students nationwide for the prestigious DOE-INFN Summer Students Exchange Program, earning the opportunity to conduct nuclear physics research in Italy this summer.

Scholars and criminal justice professionals from around the world gathered at �鶹ӳ�� for the Fourth International Conference on Justice, Resilience, and the Rule of Law, connecting global research on justice systems and resilience to local efforts in Southeast Texas.

�鶹ӳ�� has named Alyssa Bergeron, a senior University Studies major from Port Neches, as its First-Generation Student of the Month.

�鶹ӳ�� has named four faculty members as recipients of its 2026 University Professor and Merit Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in teaching, research and service.

�鶹ӳ�� Department of Art and Design students continued a 45-year tradition by successfully completing a collaborative 750-pound iron pour, blending art, science, and hands-on training with support from faculty and visiting artists.

�鶹ӳ�� College of Fine Arts and Communication will celebrate Dean Golden Wright’s 20-year tenure with a retrospective dance concert featuring students, alumni, and two decades of his choreography.

Dr. Ashley Dockens, associate provost of academic innovation and digital learning at �鶹ӳ��, has been named one of the Top 50 Voices to Follow in Higher Education for 2026.

�鶹ӳ��’s Earth Day celebration brought together students, faculty, and staff for sustainability-focused activities, community engagement, and the planting of two oak trees.