Published August 28, 2017
Fant-Ewing Coliseum was filled with University of Louisiana Monroe supporters, fans
and alumni Thursday for the second annual ULM’s The Pursuit. The event is a kick-off
for the 2017-18 academic and athletic year.
The event is a kick-off for the 2017-18 academic and athletic year.
FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM ULM’S THE PURSUIT, VISIThttp://photos.ulm.edu/p975816007
The Pursuit is named after the Curtis P-40 “Warhawk” fighter planes flown by Gen.
Claire Lee Chennault’s Flying Tigers during World War II. The ULM Warhawk mascot takes
its name from the planes, which are iconic with the noses painted with an open shark’s
mouth with jagged teeth.
ULM videos from the year were highlights of the evening, beginning with the new “The
Big Reveal,” which introduced the new institutional logo.
Mary Elizabeth Bridges, right, holds her Faculty Recognition
Award, presented by Dr. Mary Adams, chairperson of the
University Athletic Advisory, at ULM’s The Pursuit on Thursday.
Bridges was recognized for her work mentoring student athletes.
Emerald McIntyre/ULM Photo Services
The first speaker was President Nick J. Bruno, whose presentation highlighted some
of the accomplishments over the past year and some plans for the 2017-18 year.
The exciting new video “We Started on the Bayou,” which will be played on ESPN during
televised Warhawk football games, was shown for the first time to an enthusiastic
crowd.
New Director of Athletics Nick Floyd spoke, as did new ULM Baseball Head Coach Mike
Frederico, Women’s Head Soccer Coach Keyton Wheeler and Head Football Coach Mike Viator.
Two awards were presented during The Pursuit. Mary Elizabeth Bridges was presented
with the Outstanding Faculty Member Award by Dr. Mary Adams, Professor of English
and Chair of the University Academic Advisory. Bridges is an instructor in psychology
in the College of Business and Social Sciences and works closely with student-athletes.
Buddy Embanato, left, holds his Scogin Exemplary Service
Award while President Dr. Nick J. Bruno makes the “Talon Out” sign
at ULM’s The Pursuit on Thursday. Embanato was presented with the
award by the ULM Athletic Foundation for his contributions and
support of ULM athletics.
Emerald McIntyre/ULM Photo Services
Long-time ULM supporter and active alumnus Buddy Embanato received the Scogin Award,
presented by Guy Barr, past president of the ULM Athletic Foundation. He was honored
with the award by the ULM Athletic Foundation for his contributions and support of
ULM athletics.
Bruno and all the speakers encouraged the community to support the student-athletes
and the university by attending sporting events. Warhawk football begins August 31
when ULM travels to Tennessee to take on the University of Memphis Tigers. September
16 is the first home game, when the University of Southern Mississippi Eagles come
calling.
The event was sponsored by Ouachita Independent Bank and proceeds benefit the ULM
Athletic Foundation
