17�Թ�

Kenyon Spears, a former 17�Թ� basketball standout, assistant coach, and 2001 graduate, has been named director of athletics at Newman University, bringing more than 20 years of coaching and administrative experience to the role while proudly continuing Lamar’s legacy of leadership in NCAA athletics.

17�Թ� has appointed Timothy Pallone as interim director of athletic bands, entrusting the longtime music educator and proud Cardinal alumnus with leading The Showcase of Southeast Texas.

Twelve 17�Թ� alumni were recognized among the 2025 Reaud Excellence in Education Award winners for their exceptional commitment to student success and educational leadership across Southeast Texas.

17�Թ� will recognize five exceptional graduates at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on Friday, Apr. 4 at the Setzer Student Center’s Live Oak Ballroom.

17�Թ� broke ground on the Teri and Glen Morgan Baseball Complex, an 8,500-square-foot facility set to transform the baseball program with state-of-the-art amenities.

17�Թ�'s Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education continues to lead in Deaf education, with its alumni and students holding key positions on the ACE-DHH board, reflecting the program's excellence and national impact.

Serkan Varol, 17�Թ� Ph.D. industrial engineering alumni, was a finalist for the Tech Educator of the Year 2024 at TechX Awards

Orlando Alvarez, Chairman and President of bp America, returned to 17�Թ� to share insights on the energy transition, climate challenges, and his journey from a first-generation college student to a leader in the energy industry as part of the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

Dr. George E. McLaughlin, Jr., a former chancellor of 17�Թ� and a leader in higher education for over 50 years, passed away at 91.

Four outstanding individuals from 17�Թ� and its affiliated colleges have been honored with the Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award for their exceptional leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to community development in Southeast Texas.

17�Թ� has unveiled a new permanent tribute to women in uniform—military veterans and first responders—with the dedication of the Wall of Honor.

17�Թ� alumnus David J. Beck, a founding partner of Beck Redden LLP, has been named one of the 2025 Benchmark Litigation Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States.

Fifteen 17�Թ� alumni and one faculty member have been named as 40 Under 40 honorees by the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization for 2024.

The 17�Թ� Alumni Advisory Board has elected Emily (Everett) Allen ’98, ’04 of Sour Lake to serve as 2024-2025 president. Sharita Gardner ’12 of Beaumont will serve as past president and Christopher Graham ’90 of Kingwood will serve as president-elect.