Dillard University

 www.dillard.edu

Dr Marvalene Hughes by J.R. Thomason

Greetings!

Over the past two years, Dillard University has journeyed through one of the most tumultuous times in its history. Our progress, to date, has been the result of the commitment, dedication, and resolve of our faculty, staff, and students; it is sustained by the moral and monetary support of alumni, friends, and partners from the across these great United States and the world.

Through the courage, resolution, and hard work of the administration, Board of Trustees, students, faculty, and staff, Dillard University has returned to New Orleans to become a leader in the recovery process, not only for its campus, but for the Gentilly community in which it is located and the city as a whole. Out of the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina special bonds have been forged between Dillard and other institutions. Unique partnerships with the New Orleans Hilton Riverside Hotel, local universities, Ivy-league institutions such as Brown and Princeton, the Black College Fund, as well as local, state, and national governmental entities have significantly impacted the restoration and transformation of Dillard University.

Dillard campus - Photo by Jeff Johnston

As we continue our journey of transformation, Dillard is holding steadfast to its legacy of academic excellence with its 2008 ranking among the Top Ten Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. News and World Report listing of top HBCUs in the country.

Although the past two years have been the most challenging in Dillard’s 139-year history, we are grateful for the continued support of our alumni, friends and partners, Board of Trustees, students, faculty, and staff.

-- President Marvalene Hughes

Dillard Choir - photo by Jeff Johnston 2008	Groundbreaking 2007 - photo by Bernie Saul
Student Government 2007 - photo by Karen Celestan

Veronica Lynette Sumner
Miss Dillard University 2007-2008

Miss Sumner is majoring in Biology/Pre-Medicine with a minor in Chemistry. Throughout her time at Dillard, she has been actively involved with many clubs and organizations. She has served on the Royal Court as Sophomore and Junior Class Attendant. She has also actively participated as a member of the Dillard University Cheerleading Team for three years, retiring her junior year as Captain. Along with these activities, she is also a member of the Beta Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Minority Association for Pre-Health Students, Pre-Alumni Council, National Council for Negro Women, New Student Peer Orientation Leader, and a Dillard University Ambassador.

Mr. and Miss Dillard 2008 - photo by Bernie Saul

Miss Sumner is the 52nd campus queen and the sixth consecutive Miss Dillard from the Division of Natural Sciences. With the help of Mr. Dillard University and The Royal Court, she has facilitated Dillard’s participation in numerous community service projects such as volunteering at Children’s Hospital, community clean-ups, Breast Cancer awareness fund-raisers, and working with Habitat for Humanity. Based on her platform of empowering, equipping, and restoring a community through enriched community service, Miss Sumner has also started a new program for Dillard’s female community – R.O.S.E.S. (Real Optimistic Sisters Extending Service). R.O.S.E.S. is a program designed to address critical issues surrounding beauty, health, career and spiritual concerns. It is designed to help all women regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity or origin to become beacons of inspiration in their community. R.O.S.E.S. is also a mentoring program for high school females.

Miss Sumner has involved herself with internships focusing on molecular biology and medicine, including research and study at Princeton University and LSU–Shreveport. After graduation, Miss Sumner plans to attend medical school and become a pediatrician.

Kael Louis Saloy
Mister Dillard University 2007-2008

Mister Saloy is an Economics and Finance major, and is an Institutional and George McKenna scholarship recipient. Mr. Saloy arrived at Dillard University in the fall of 2004 as a student-athlete and since has evolved into leadership positions in campus organizations. His activities include Secretary of the National Association of Black Accountants, the Pre-Alumni Council, Phi Gamma Nu National Business Fraternity, a volunteer with Big Brother/Big Sister at Good Shepherd Elementary School, and a contributing editor for the Business Division’s newsletter Commerce 360.

Mister Saloy is the first elected Mr. Dillard University, a position established by the Student Government Association during the preceding reign of the 51st Miss Dillard University, Dianna Green. Fulfilling his role as Mister Dillard, Kael has assisted Miss Dillard University, with the help of the Royal Court, in hosting continuous community service events for the Dillard community. His initiatives during his reign will include a community and campus program – M.O.V.E. (Men of Vision and Excellence). The program will be designed to motivate Dillard’s male community to develop into distinctive leaders and refined young men. This program has been developed under Mister Saloy’s platform of “Faith, Family, and Finance.”

After graduation, Mister Saloy plans to attend graduate school to pursue a career in portfolio and risk management in financial markets.