Alison Lucas Carlino – Elementary Education, Summer, 1999

Alison Lucas Carlino

Current President of the College of Education

Summer, 1999 – Graduate in Elementary Education

As I write this letter, I am reminded of the first day of my college career in the fall of 1994.  It seems like centuries ago, but somehow it is only over my shoulder.  I was a worried freshman; I wondered exactly why I left my hometown of Pineville, Louisiana where all my family, friends, and familiar surroundings were, what was I doing at this university, and if I would ever learn how to get around and how to speak this thing called “Cajun”. Well, time brings about change, and change surely has happened,  not only did I find my spot in the teaching profession, but I can also understand and communicate with the Cajuns.  Not bad for a “hill girl.

I will graduate in the summer of 1999 from USL with a bachelors degree in Elementary Education.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate career because of the academic and social activities I chose to be a part of very early on.  I have participated in leadership activities, such as serving as drum major for the Pride of Acadiana Marching Band and the President of the College of Education with USL’s Student Government Association.  I have marched in the band and played in the top audition only wind ensemble for four years.  I served as a senator for the College of Education for one year before I was elected to the prestigious position of President.  I have spoken to high school seniors at USL’s Preview Day with Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Blanco and State Superintendent of Education Cecil Picard at my side.

I have pledged a social sorority, Tri Sigma, and will pledge the educational honor society, Kappa Delta Pi, very soon.  I have been on the dean’s list for almost my entire college career making grade point averages, such as 3.6 and higher with 18 or more hours each time.  I have been nominated for the USA Today’s College Academic Team.  I was a member of the committee that selected the college’s new academic dean and a member of the committee responsible for the planning of the new library for our campus.  I am a eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church on campus and was once in the Newman Club.  I volunteer with A (Volunteer Instructors Teaching America) and teach high school band camps before school begins each fall.  I have been nominated for the Homecoming Court twice, and have had many television appearances in support of the band and of the College of Education.  Somewhere along the way, I married a USL accounting graduate named John Carlino.  We met in the marching band here at USL!  His last semester was my first.

Upon graduation, we will be moving to the Lake Charles area because John’s company is relocating.  I will attend McNeese State University and receive my masters degree in Educational Technology.  We would love to move back to Lafayette and raise a family here.  I look forward to educating young minds in Acadiana.

I must also say how important being involved in the College of Education’s Academic Showcase has been.  I realize that I will not see another centennial celebration for our great university.  That is why I put 100% into my job as president of our college, so we could celebrate our rich history and tradition.  I can’t imagine anyone challenging the academic excellence and the memories that I will take with me from USL.  It will be exciting to see where this great university will go as the new century approaches!