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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AV 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AV's Spindletop Boomtown Museum, preserving a pivotal piece of Southeast Texas and energy industry history for future generations.

�鶹AV 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AV 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AV 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AV (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AV'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AV 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AV'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AV (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AV (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AV alumni and the broader campus artistic community through works exploring creativity, resilience and belonging.

�鶹AV 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AV 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AV 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AV 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AV, highlighting the university’s significant role in preparing educators and school leaders who serve students across Southeast Texas.

�鶹AV 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AV.

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

�鶹AV student Elizabeth Diaz Arreola has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to serve as the Texas State University System student regent for the 2026-27 term.

�鶹AV’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AV, 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AV 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.