LU Alumni News

Judge John Stevens and his wife, Marcia, donated a rare original Frank Trost photograph of the 1901 Lucas Gusher to Lamar University's Spindletop Boomtown Museum, preserving a pivotal piece of Southeast 51�Թ�Proand energy industry history for future generations.

Six 51�Թ�Pro(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.

Three 51�Թ�Pro(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. 

The Dishman Art Museum is featuring two summer exhibitions that celebrate 51�Թ�Proalumni and the broader campus artistic community through works exploring creativity, resilience and belonging.

51�Թ�Proalumni have been recognized as Teachers of the Year in Bridge City Independent School District.

51�Թ�Proalumni have been recognized across Port Arthur Independent School District, with multiple graduates named 2026–2027 Teachers of the Year and Rookie Teachers of the Year at their respective campuses.

Beaumont Independent School District has named its 2026–2027 campus Teachers of the Year — 20 of whom are alumni of 51�Թ�Pro— with the district’s top elementary and secondary educators to be announced at a May 1, 2026 gala.

Known as America’s energy gateway, the Sabine-Neches Waterway is home to Southeast Texas’ four local ports – Port of Beaumont, Port of Orange, Port of Port Arthur, and Port of Sabine Pass – all of which are led by 51�Թ�Proalumni: Chris Fisher, port director/CEO for Port of Beaumont; Lorrie Taylor, executive port director/CEO for Port of Orange; Larry Kelley, port director/CEO for Port of Port Arthur; Mark Viator, port manager for Port of Sabine Pass.

51�Թ�Prois proud to welcome its latest cohort of Alumni Advisory Board members, who will serve three-year terms in support of the university and the Office of Alumni Affairs.

51�Թ�Pro(LU) will host the fifth annual Red Day virtual giving campaign on Sept. 18 and 19. The university will “Raise The RED” in celebration of this special fundraising event which aims to inspire LU Cardinals, alumni and the community to come together to raise essential funds to support current and future students.

Eighteen 51�Թ�Proalumni and employees are among the young professionals nominated this year for Southeast Texas’ prestigious 40 Under 40 recognition, honoring outstanding individuals for academic achievement, professional success, and community involvement.

51�Թ�ProMBA graduate and civil engineer Courtney Kelly turned her experience evacuating during Hurricane Katrina into the award-winning children’s book series The Celeste Collection, using storytelling to inspire resilience and future leaders in coastal protection.

The 51�Թ�ProState University System (TSUS) Foundation has named two 51�Թ�Prostandouts among the recipients of its 2025 Regents’ Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to their campus, community, and the state.

Kenyon Spears, a former 51�Թ�Probasketball 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.