Graduation

Another academic year has come and gone, and that means another class of graduating seniors. Friday, May 16th, our third year class received their diplomas and took part in graduation ceremonies. It was a time of celebration with family and friends and a time to reflect back on the past four years and their undergraduate careers. Our seniors have all made plans for their future and will move on to their next opportunity shortly. 12 of our seniors will pursue Graduate Assistantships in the Fall. They will spread out across the country from Florida to Michigan and New Mexico.

Yuri Ashley- University of Houston
Sarah Bair- University of New Mexico
Devon Bowie- Texas AandM
Derionne Brooks- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Eduardo Godoy- University of Nebraska
Tamaria Hollis- Michigan State University
Meaghan Hussey- Iowa State University
Brendan Jacob- The University of Southern Mississippi
Dalton LaFrance-  Houston Methodist Sports Orthopedic Clinic
Ben Morale- University of Florida
Trebrisa Thomas- Stephen F. Austin
Will Payne- Clemson University

Congratulations Seniors and good luck in the future! May you always bleed Purple and Gold!

Food Drive

This year, our student organization, Alpha Tau Sigma, has made a special effort in giving back to our community. One of the ways they accomplished this goal was through a non-perishable item collection. Students collected food and hygiene products to donate to the Saint John United Methodist Food Pantry throughout the year. The athletic community was also encouraged to donate items and drop them off in a collection bin in the Broussard Center for Athletic Training. We reached our goal of filling the donation box and the donation center was thrilled to accept the overflowing donations. The Saint John United Methodist Food Pantry is accessible to those in need in the local community, providing basic food and hygiene needs. Thank you to all who donated items and keep up the good work Alpha Tau Sigma!

New Bill, New Opportunities

In the state of Louisiana, certified athletic trainers have been anxiously awaiting the passing of HB 691, authored by Representative Broadwater. It was last scheduled to be heard in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. Our student and staff athletic trainers were all encouraged and invited to show their support of this bill by attending the hearing and signing a green card to back this movement.  HB 691 includes many positive upgrades to the profession of athletic training, one proposed law stating that “Louisiana Athletic Trainers Law has the purpose of protecting the public, health, safety, and welfare by providing for the licensing and regulation of the practice of athletic trainers in the state.”  In March, athletic trainers were also added to bill HB 542, authored by Representative Willmott, which promoted CPR and automated external defibrillators to be integrated into the curriculum of an existing required course of study in public high schools.  This was a huge occurrence and movement for the profession of athletic training.  We are proud to support the Louisiana Athletic Trainers’ Association and are excited to promote the profession across the state.  

Student of the Month

Congratulations to our student of the month for May, Josh Walker.  Josh is a second year student in our athletic training program and is currently working with our LSU Baseball team.  Josh also worked with LSU Track and Field last year and has always shown exemplary work ethic and athletic training skills.  Josh’s encouraging personality will brighten anyone’s day and he always knows how to maintain a positive work environment.   Cory Couture, LSU Baseball Staff Athletic Trainer, states that Josh “has done an outstanding job this year working with LSU Baseball.  He has been an integral part of our staff as well as an invaluable resource for me personally.  Josh’s passion for athletic training certainly shows.  There is no question that he has a very bright future in our profession.”  Congratulations again Josh and we all look forward to seeing you lead and excel as a senior next year!