Dianne Fuselier Olivier – Health & Physical Education, 1973; M. Ed., 1975; Ed. S., 1980

Dianne Louise Fuselier Olivier

USL Graduate:

                Bachelor of Science……..1973

                                Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

                Masters of Education……1975

                                Secondary Education, Minor in Health and Physical Education

                Educational Specialist……1980

                                Educational Administration, Minor in Psychology

Fellow USL Graduates,

                As a former student of the University of Southwestern Louisiana, it is enjoyable to recall many of the fond memories from my time as a USL student. I can recall entering USL in the Summer Semester of 1969, immediately after my graduation in May of 1969 from Breaux Bridge High School. I knew from day one that I wanted to be a teacher. Of course, graduating in 1969 from a small community and having attended a Catholic school from grades K-9, my choice of careers was viewed as very limited. The only careers I remember as options included being a teacher, a nurse, a secretary (non-degree), a nun (Catholic school upbringing), or getting married.  The choice seemed quite obvious at the time. In hindsight, I wonder why no one mentioned to us as young ladies, the possibility of degrees in medicine (other than a nurse), engineering, law, business, etc. Thank goodness times have changed.

                I eagerly pursued my education degree at USL by carrying a full load and attending every summer session (there was only one session per summer at that time). While I was an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to work as a student aid in the Office of Admissions. I worked in the Admissions Office the entire time that I attended as an undergraduate. This opportunity allowed me to grow as a student and a worker. I worked with Mrs. Wava Hoffpauir,  who took me under her wings and not only taught me office skills, but also instilled within me pride and self-confidence in my work. One of the secretaries that I came to know and respect was Sherry Young, currently President Authement’s secretary. Even back then as an undergrad, I recognized that Sherry was someone with talent. Since this office was one of the main offices visited by students coming into the University, we were always instructed to dress in a professional manner. It was not until my last year, that our boss allowed us to begin wearing “pants-suits” into the office, on the condition that the top was long enough to cover the rear area! My, how times have changed.

As an undergraduate, I was able to experience several avenues as a student: I commuted, like many students, during my first year; I lived in one of the “new” dorms, “Bancroft”, during my second year; and I experienced apartment living in my third and final years at USL.  There were definitely pros and cons to each living style. However, living on or near campus allowed me to be involved in many school functions: attending every football game at McNaspy Stadium and every basketball game (Bo Lamar days). I spent many evenings with the Physical Education Majors Club, with cohorts in the Delta Psi Kappa honorary organization, and many nights practicing gymnastic routines for Dr. Byrdie Eason at the Women’s Gym. Those evenings were indeed fun!

By attending summer sessions, I was able to complete school at the end of the summer session of 1972 and begin my teaching career in August of 1972. Back then, USL had only one graduation per year–in the Spring.  Although I finished in August of 1972, I did not attend graduation ceremonies until May of 1973. I always feel a little perplexed when stating when I graduated–1972 or 1973? Technically, I graduated after I completed my first year of teaching. I am grateful that current students are allowed to graduate upon completion of their curriculum.

I returned to USL in the Fall of 1973 to pursue my Masters of Education and completed this degree in May of 1975. This time was busy with both school at USL and teaching. However, since I’ve always loved learning as a student, I decided to return again to USL and completed my Educational Specialist Degree in May 1980 in Educational Administration and Psychology. During my last semester, Spring of 1980, I completed my degree while on sabbatical leave from teaching and received a graduate assistantship at USL. My assistantship allowed me to work for the semester in the office of High School Relations, under the direction of Dean Allen St. Martin. This semester of administrative experience confirmed my desire to pursue opportunities in school administration. The semester in the High School Relations office provided me with travel to high schools and an opportunity to tell students about all of the advantages of attending USL. I enjoyed doing this task because it was second nature for me to talk about USL.

Upon completing my Specialist degree in Educational Administration, I was offered an opportunity to put these skills into practice. In 1980, I received my first supervisory staff position with St. Martin Parish School Board, after having been a teacher with the system for eight years. I am currently in my eighteenth year as a Central Office Staff member and currently serve in the capacity as Director of Curriculum and Instruction. I am also currently a student again and nearing completion of my Ph.D. degree from LSU in Educational Administration, with a minor in Psychology. I indeed believe that my previous degrees at USL afforded me the avenue to continue my work as a student. I am certain that many of the encouraging comments that I received from professors at USL instilled within me the belief that I could continue to pursue my quest for learning. I will be forever grateful to these Professors at USL who sparked my continued interest in learning, including some of my most encouraging:  Dr. Ed Dugas, Dr. Clayton Arceneaux, Dr. Leon Beasley, Dr. Frances Zink, Dr. Stephen Hotard during my graduate days; during my undergraduate days with Dr. Byrdie Eason, Ms. Edwina Testerman, and Dr. Ed Dugas (Ed gave me encouragement through all of my degrees and still encourages me today).

My oldest son, Cy, graduated from USL in May 1998 in Business Administration, while my second and youngest son, Craig, will be entering USL in the Fall 1999. I am very grateful and pleased to see our family tradition of attending USL is continuing with my sons. I have and plan to continue to share with them the many fond memories that USL has given to me.

Sincerely,

Dianne L. F. Olivier