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LU Weekly Update Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Faculty and Staff
Week of January 20, 2026
This Week in Beaumont 1-20

Join us for Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day at an upcoming Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ basketball game! As a special thank you, we’re offering two free tickets to the game this Saturday, Jan. 24 vs. Stephen F. Austin (3 p.m. Women's, 6 p.m. Men's).


Bring your family and friends to cheer on the Cardinals with additional tickets being just $5 each.

!

Thank you for everything you do to support our university and we can’t wait to see you at the game.

Go Big Red!
EVENTS
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMMUNITY
NEWS
EVENTS
Former LU Student to Host Book Signing

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 3:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: RC Miller Library (1605 Dowlen Rd., Beaumont)

Join us for a book signing with former first-generation LU student and McNair Scholar Kwanita Adair. Kwanita presented her research at Harvard and won a research award from the Center for History and Culture. She was mentored by Dr. Margot Gage (Sociology). Students and faculty are encouraged to attend.

HealthSelect Medical Deductibles, Coinsurance and Out-of-Pocket Maximums Reset on Jan. 1

January 1 marks a new year and a fresh start, including a reset on all prescription and medical deductibles, coinsurance and total out-of-pocket maximums for the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program health plans.

Spring URG Day
U.R.G. Kickoff Day

Date: Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Galloway Business Building, Landes Auditorium 101

All students and faculty are cordially invited to attend a symposium showcasing research projects sponsored by O.U.R., in Spring 2026. Twenty five undergraduate grant winners will briefly introduce their projects. News about the O.U.R. programs and events for Spring 2026 will open this event. More information? Call (409) 880-8290.

Opening Reception for "Luis Corpus: the tether that binds us"

Date: Friday, Jan. 23, 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Dishman Art Museum

Please join us for the opening reception of our newest exhibition, "Luis Corpus: the tether that binds us," with a gallery talk by the artist at 6:15 p.m.

Taylored Tuesday
Taylor-ed Tuesday

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 27, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Setzer Student Center, Live Oak Ballroom

Join Dr. Taylor, Dr. Titus, and faculty and staff representatives for an exclusive opportunity to elevate your professional style. Students attending will receive an LU tie, bow tie, or scarf. In addition, you’ll receive instructions on how to tie your new accessory with confidence and style. More info here.

Voya Workshop - Investing 101

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 27, Noon - 1 p.m.
Location: Setzer Student Center, Cedar Room 160

This seminar reviews the fundamental principles of investing, aiming to simplify complex concepts and help participants build a solid investment strategy.

NMDP Graphic
Join the National Marrow Donor Program

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 28, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: The Quad

Stop by the quad and learn about the National Marrow Donors Program. Representatives will be on campus hosting a stem cell donor drive where you can register and help save lives.

AI Pitch Competition for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

Date: Thursday, Jan. 29, 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: CICE Room 113

Bring your AI driven idea to the AWS AI Pitch Competition at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ. Startups, small businesses, nonprofits, and research teams are invited to compete for up to $50,000 in AWS AI services. Email sbdc@lamar.edu or check us out on for more information today!

Benefits Round-table with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 4, 10 - 11 a.m.
Location: on Teams

BCBS is pleased to discuss your HealthSelect medical plan benefits for Plan Year 2026, which runs Sept. 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2026. We will also review educational resources and tell you about some value-added programs and health and wellness resources that are included with your plan. More info.

Contribution Limits to Texa$aver and Tax-Sheltered Annuity Accounts Have Increased

Every year, the IRS announces retirement plan contribution limits for the upcoming tax year. For 2026, limits have increased for 457/403b. For more information about HR benefits and announcements, visit the link here.

HR Support Drop-In Sessions

Human Resources will begin hosting monthly HR Support Drop-In Sessions starting Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. These sessions will be available both in person and via Microsoft Teams on the second Monday of each month at 2 p.m. CST in the CICE Building, Room 113, and will last one hour.

You’ll have the chance to speak directly with representatives from:

Recruitment
Human Resources Generalist
Leave
HR Data (student hiring)
Benefits
Compensation
Provost’s Office
These open-house–style sessions are designed to give you dedicated time to ask questions about hiring, NEOED, benefits, leave, student onboarding, general HR topics, and more.

We know your schedules are busy, and our goal is to offer a convenient, supportive space where you can get answers and connect with the right HR resources.

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2026 Get Fit Texas!

Date(s): Monday, Jan. 12 through Sunday, March 29
Location: Virtual

The Get Fit Texas! Challenge helps build healthy habits, stay active with coworkers, and add a little friendly competition. Simply aim to complete 150 minutes of physical activity per week for at least six out of the 10 weeks. Registration opens Monday, Jan.12 at getfittexas.org.

Passport Day 2026
Passport Day Is Coming Back to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ

Date: Thursday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Setzer Student Center, Neches Room 120

Please bring all required documents to obtain a passport conveniently on campus at the Setzer Center. This is an excellent opportunity for students planning to study abroad or anyone who needs a passport. Complimentary passport photos will be provided.

Cardinal View Table Registration

Date: Saturday, Feb. 28, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center & Setzer Student Center

Cardinal View is the perfect opportunity for you to meet prospective students and inspire them to pursue their passions and interests. Cardinal View attracts hundreds of prospective students and guardians every semester. By participating, you can help future students get excited about LU. Register today!

Celebrate Research
Graduate Research Conference Accepting Submissions

Date: Monday, April 20, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Setzer Student Center, Ballroom A

The annual Graduate Research Conference, scheduled for April 20, is now inviting students across all disciples to submit proposals for paper and poster presentations. Graduate faculty are invited to apply for a to present a conference session on the topic of quality assurance.

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COMMUNITY
Athletics Jan 19
LU Athletics Weekly Calendar

Come join us this week for . Don't forget that you can also watch the LU Cardinals on the road on ESPN+. Go Big Red!



ANNOUNCEMENTS
Library
Library Renovation Update: Spring 2026 Information

The Library Building remains CLOSED except for Starbucks. The Circulation Desk is at 857 E Virginia St. Research help is available via chat, email, and scheduled meetings. Computers and Printing are in Setzer Center 271 & 273. For more services, our hours, and updates, visit the library website here.

2026 University Professor and University Merit Award Call for Nominations

The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Provost's Office is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2026 University Professor and University Merit Award. Nominations are due to College Deans by Monday, Feb. 2. Please see guidelines for nominations.

Excellence in Assessment Grant (Extended Deadline)

Deadline to submit: Saturday, Jan. 31, 11:59 p.m.

The Excellence in Assessment Grant enters its second year, offering three awards of up to $5,000 each to support innovative, student-centered projects that strengthen learning, enhance assessment practices, and advance institutional priorities. Faculty and staff are encouraged to submit proposals here.

Venture Center Launches Entrepreneurship In Residence Program

Learn about entrepreneurship through the Venture Center's new Entrepreneur in Residence program. Meet one-on-one with experienced founders for business advice and mentorship. Contact Kyle Scott at kscott74@lamar.edu Open to students, faculty, and staff.

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Have something to share?  (e.g., events, publications, faculty research, awards, departmental congratulations, grants, etc.) and the Office of Marketing Communications will get the word out through emails, web, social media and more. 

All approved announcements must be received by Thursday at 3 p.m. to be included in the following week's campus update.



NEWS
LU News, January 12 - January 20

Brittni Silva named January First Generation Student of the Month

Dr. Rafael de la Madrid wins David J. Beck Teaching Excellence Award




Get Social! Stay Connected to LU.


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4400 MLK Blvd., PO Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas 77710
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