By Madeleine Bechac

“As soon as I saw her, I knew right away I wanted her to be mine.”

It was love at first sight for 102-year-old alumnus William “Charlie” F. McCarthy, as he met his sweetheart of 75 years, Frances Anzalone McCarthy, 95, near Southeastern’s campus.

The year is 1948. University students buzz over Truman’s presidential win and fears about the Cold War following the recent commencement of WWII. Young men and women put on their dancing shoes to swing to the latest Fats Domino record streaming through a jukebox at the local soda pop shop. Life is simpler, slower, and full of economic prosperity and hope.

Charlie McCarthy was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, and served in the United States military during WWII. After returning home from the service, Charlie received a call from a dear friend who was attending Southeastern at the time. The friend boasted about the excellence of the university and encouraged him to follow his thirst for knowledge by pursuing his undergraduate degree. According to Charlie, choosing Southeastern was a no-brainer, as he stated that “campus felt like family.” His passion for basketball led him to receive an athletic scholarship to attend the university. Upon receiving the good news, Charlie packed his things, said goodbye to his hometown, and excitedly began putting down roots in Hammond, Louisiana.

In contrast, alumna and Louisiana native Frances “Frankie” Anzalone McCarthy chose to attend Southeastern so she could be closer in distance to her family. At that time in history, it was slowly becoming more societally acceptable for women to chase their academic goals rather than enter directly into wifehood or motherhood. According to Frankie, she initially wanted to pursue a degree in interior design; however, due to the lack of local offerings for that major, she decided on business due to its broad scope of potential job opportunities. Similar to his wife, Charlie chose business administration as his degree path.

Charlie and Frankie first crossed paths in downtown Hammond near Southeastern. Charlie recalled noticing her beauty upon first glance, and decided that no other woman would do. He knew it was destined for him to make Frankie his wife. After meeting, the couple felt an immediate spark and soon their romance began to bloom.

The couple was committed primarily to their studies, but they took an active role in many organizations on Southeastern’s campus, leading to the formation of lifelong friendships and memories. In relation to his love for the game of basketball and due to his athletic scholarship requirements, Charlie was a member of the official collegiate basketball team for the duration of his education. In 1948, Charlie was elected president of the Commerce Club, which was the largest and most popular club on Southeastern’s campus at the time. Thanks to Charlie’s influence and their budding romance, Frankie also joined the Commerce Club, and the couple worked together to achieve the club’s goals. Additionally, Charlie was a member of the athletic-centered “S” Club, even being named secretary in 1949. He also took great pride in his fraternity, Kappa Delta Tau, and participated in the social group’s events and helped to further their campus presence.

Known campus-wide for her beauty and kindness, Frankie was included in the 1948 and 1949 yearbook section “Southeastern Beauties.” She was chosen to stand as a maid in the Homecoming ball and take part in the Homecoming parade. In 1949, she was graciously bestowed the title of “Miss Southeastern.” Frankie’s eyes sparkled as she recalled winning the pageant, thinking back to how honored she was to receive the designation. “I studied piano for years, but could never play a tune,” Frankie laughed, “So, I was just thrilled and surprised to have won.” As a special honor, the editor of the yearbook had famous New Orleans artist Vaughn Monroe select the most beautiful girl out of a group of eligible women for the Miss Southeastern distinction, and he chose Frankie as his favorite. Frankie was heavily involved in her sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau, serving as president of the Panhellenic council in 1949. She also took part in the Press Club and was on the Le Souvenir yearbook committee staff.

Despite both graduating with their undergraduate degree in business, the couple’s career choices divulged upon entering the working world. Charlie accepted a position with State Farm Insurance company and worked diligently to serve the greater Hammond community until his retirement at 94 years old. Frankie, however, was offered a position as an educator in civics at Independence High School. She noted that this switch in career paths was influenced by the high demand for teachers, as at that time in history, there was an influx of students entering the school system as a result of racial integration. Frankie moved up the administration ranks, eventually being named assistant principal by the time of her retirement.

In reflection of her career, Frankie noted that her work was fueled by her own personal motivation each day, and the couple encourages students to choose a path that will “Make you want to get up each morning.” Upon seeing their photographs as young Southeastern students, the couple remarked that they were very lucky to have been given many opportunities due to their undergraduate education. In addition, they expressed their gratefulness to Southeastern, for without attending, their love story of 75 years never would have been possible.

Southeastern has been recognized as one of the institutions for Best Online Master’s Programs in Louisiana in 2025 by Online Master’s Colleges (OMC). OMC is a leading resource for students navigating the online education landscape and helps them make informed decisions about their degree programs, universities, and career paths.

OMC said the award highlights Southeastern’s commitment to providing exceptional online graduate education and its dedication to offering high-quality master’s degree programs accessible to students worldwide.

The recognition from OMC is based on evaluation across key factors, including graduation and retention rates, affordability, program accreditation, and student support services. Southeastern was recognized for its academic excellence and innovation in online education, securing its place as a leader in the field.

According to OMC, students at Southeastern benefit from a wide range of online master’s programs across various disciplines, ensuring flexibility, academic rigor, and tailored learning experiences designed to meet their career goals. This, coupled with a strong reputation for delivering excellent educational outcomes, underscores Southeastern’s leadership in online education.

“Southeastern’s rich legacy of academic excellence and forward-thinking approach to learning solidify its position as a top choice for students seeking an online master’s degree in 2025 and beyond,” said OMC.

For more information about Southeastern’s online master’s programs, visit southeastern.edu.

The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal will hear oral arguments at Southeastern on April 15. Court will convene at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Union Theatre with a panel discussion following adjournment at approximately 11 a.m.

Judges Allison H. Penzato, Katherine Stromberg, and Wilson Fields will preside over the arguments. Students, faculty, local legal professionals, and the community at large are invited to attend.

Southeastern President William S. Wainwright has been working with Judge Penzato to bring the event to campus. This is the second time in recent years the event has taken place at the university.

“It really is a learning experience for undergraduate students in many different fields of study and for attorneys who have yet to appear before an appellate court,” Judge Penzato said. “Since our court is in Baton Rouge, in coming to Southeastern we hope to provide the community with an opportunity to view the court in session and learn more about its work.”

After oral arguments, the panel discussion will focus on the appellate process. The judges will explain the court’s rules and procedures, and they also will answer questions.

“Southeastern welcomes this as an opportunity for those interested in political science, criminal justice, and history,” Wainwright said. “We are very fortunate to have people in our community who support the university through these events, engaging with our students and understanding what this means to them.”

Law enforcement will be stationed at the entrance door to allow attendees in and out between each case. Attendees are permitted to bring keys, paper, and pens to the hearing. No book bags, purses, or cell phones will be allowed. Audience members must remain quiet throughout the proceedings.

Southeastern is now one of the national “Research Colleges and Universities” thanks to a new research designation from the American Council on Education and the 2025 Carnegie Classifications.

Two factors are considered when awarding designations: how much money a school spends on research and the number of degrees it confers. Schools must have at least $2.5 million in research expenditures annually to receive the designation.

“Southeastern has put a strategic focus on increasing both the volume and value of the research it produces,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “We see this as a significant recognition of our focus and success. In addition to our strong reputation as a teaching institution, we will now be recognized for our dedication to research, as we continue to lead the educational, economic and cultural development of Southeast Louisiana into our second century.”

Southeastern produces a growing body of research from many academic disciplines and places a strong emphasis on including student work on research projects.

“This is a well-deserved recognition and is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and students throughout the campus who have been actively involved in research activities for many years,” said Southeastern Dean of Research and Innovation Daniel McCarthy.

The numbers used to determine Southeastern’s designation were research expenditures from fiscal year 2023 ($2.858 million) and the number of research doctoral degrees (16) awarded during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Southeastern’s Health Systems Management (HSM) program will be available fully online for incoming students beginning this summer.

The purposes of the HSM program are to prepare graduates who are able to understand current and future healthcare industry trends and issues; to develop, communicate, and manage resources and develop solutions to challenges for healthcare systems; and to improve overall quality and outcomes of healthcare systems and services.

Department Head of Health and Human Sciences Jacqueline Guendouzi said Southeastern’s program offers hands-on, semester-long internships in the healthcare field, meets workforce needs in healthcare, and includes a non-clinical curriculum.

“Students who graduate with a bachelor of science in health systems management can work as health coaches; human resources representatives; and administrative assistants for hospitals, managed care companies, and insurance providers,” she said.

For more information about the program, contact the Department of Health and Human Sciences at hhs@southeastern.edu or at (985) 549-2309.

North Oaks Health System, the official healthcare provider of Southeastern Athletics, has partnered with Southeastern’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies to help recruit top students pursuing a master’s of science degree in athletic training (MSAT).

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, athletic training is one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions. Certified athletic trainers play a crucial role in the health and wellness of active populations, working in diverse settings—including sports, medical and industrial fields, the military, law enforcement, and performing arts.

North Oaks offers qualified aspiring athletic trainers the opportunity to participate in post-graduate work-study and internship opportunities through its sports medicine program. North Oaks Sports Medicine is also the exclusive provider of sports medicine and sports performance services for 14 area schools in Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes.

“We are proud to further partner with Southeastern to enhance its MSAT curriculum, provide valuable clinical learning sites, and attract the best and brightest future athletic trainers,” said North Oaks President and CEO Michele K. Sutton, FACHE. “With the demand for athletic trainers projected to grow by nearly 20 percent over the next decade, this partnership is truly a win-win. By strengthening our community’s healthcare resources, we’re ensuring a healthier future for its citizens and shaping the next generation of skilled athletic trainers.”

To be eligible for these opportunities, applicants must first be accepted into Southeastern’s MSAT program, complete the required prerequisite courses with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, and have at least 40 hours of observation under a certified athletic trainer. Additional application materials include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a current resume.

Southeastern’s Department Head of Kinesiology and Health Studies Charity Bryan said, “Southeastern Louisiana University offers the best MSAT program in Louisiana, and our partnership with North Oaks enhances its value and competitiveness.”

According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the rise in demand for certified athletic trainers stems from factors such as the growing demographic of active senior adults and heightened focus on the safety of youth sports. This trend has led to more health systems, like North Oaks, as well as schools and businesses seeking the expertise of athletic trainers to help prevent and treat injuries.

“Southeastern and North Oaks have a long-standing, fruitful partnership,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “We are grateful to have a partner like North Oaks that helps us prepare the next generation of caregivers with hands-on, real-world training.”

Dean of Southeastern’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences Ann Carruth added, “Support like this helps us attract the best students.”

Southeastern’s MSAT program is nationally accredited. It encompasses 2.5 years of comprehensive classroom instruction, skills labs, and valuable clinical experiences working with high school, collegiate, and professional sports teams. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification national exam.

To learn more about Southeastern’s MSAT program and work placement opportunities, interested candidates can contact Ryan Green at msat@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-2351.

To learn more about athletic training careers with North Oaks Health System, contact North Oaks Sports Medicine Manager Steven Poche at poches@northoaks.org or (985) 230-6177.