Published October 30, 2023
CAPTION: ULM Alumni Association President Joseph Beard addresses the crowd at the annual Good
Morning Gala brunch as part of Homecoming Week 2023.
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe presented their 2023 alumni awards on Saturday,
October 28, during the annual Good Morning Gala at Bayou Pointe Event Center during
Homecoming festivities.
The annual brunch honors recipients of the prestigious Golden Arrow Award, Rising
Young Alumni Award, and Best on the Bayou Award. This year also featured a rare awarding
of the George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award, which had not been presented since
2015.
The Rising Young Alumni Award recognizes professional or personal achievement before
the age of 40, which includes service to ULM and the community, and reflects ULM’s
values of excellence, integrity, service, and diversity and is presented to someone
who demonstrates emerging and unique success in their chosen career, community organizations,
and philanthropic endeavors and demonstrates commitment to ULM and the Alumni Association
and continued investment for future involvement with ULM.
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2023 Rising Young Alumni Award winner Rebecca Hamm with President Berry.
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The 2023 Rising Young Alumni Award was presented to Dr. Rebecca G. Hamm. During her
time as a student at ULM, Hamm was active and engaged, leaving an indelible mark on
campus life. Rebecca received her Bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology from
ULM in 2013 and attained a Master of Education in 2014, also from ULM. She recently
achieved a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Louisiana Tech University
earlier in 2023. Hamm is currently an Associate Professor of Radiologic Technology
at ULM and has also worked as a radiologic technologist in local hospitals since her
graduation. According to the Alumni Association, “her unwavering commitment to education,
her dedication to her field, and her enduring love for her alma mater make her a truly
deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.”
The Golden Arrow Award recognizes outstanding service to ULM and the community which
reflects ULM’s values of excellence, integrity, service, and diversity and is presented
to someone who distinguishes themselves through professional achievement in local,
state, or national affairs and demonstrates outstanding and continuing service to
the University and the Alumni Association by giving of their time, talents, and resources
over a period of no less than five years.
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2023 Golden Arrow Award winner Patrick Mitchell with President Berry.
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The 2023 Golden Arrow Award was presented to Patrick Mitchell. During his time at
ULM, Patrick’s commitment to excellence was evident in his extensive involvement.
As a three-year letterman and the 1982 football team captain, he showcased exceptional
leadership and sportsmanship on the field. Mitchell was an Honors graduate from ULM
when he received his bachelor’s degree in 1982, which he followed with a master’s
degree in 1983. Mitchell has been a longtime supporter of ULM Athletics, serving as
chairman of the football search committee in 2015 and founding the P-40 Squad, an
organization dedicated to assisting ULM athletes secure NIL deals. In his professional
life, Mitchell has coached at various schools and had a successful tenure as a pharmaceutical
sales representative. In 2002, he founded St. Joseph Hospice, eventually evolving
it in The Carpenter Health Network, spanning across six states and encompassing over
50 healthcare facilities.
The Best on the Bayou Award recognizes a ULM employee for continuous support to the
Alumni Association. The recipient of this award must distinguish themselves on campus
as an Alumni Association advocate, and promote and demonstrate outstanding and continuing
service to the University and the Alumni Association by giving of their time, talents,
and resources over a period of time.
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2023 Best on the Bayou Award winner Melissa Rhodes with President Berry.
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The 2023 Best on the Bayou Award was presented to Melissa Rhodes. Rhodes currently
serves as the Assistant Director of Institutional Research within the office of Institutional
Effectiveness. Rhodes received a Bachelor of Business Administration from ULM in 1995.
She has had several roles at ULM since 2014 including Financial Aid Processor and
Associate Director of Financial Aid Operation. She has served as part of the Women
Take Flight mentoring program, a member of the Staff Senate, and on the Campus Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT). Melissa is also involved in her community, serving
with the Northeast Union Fire District, Crestview Baptist Church, Union Parish Chamber
of Commerce, and the 4-H Advisory Board.
The George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes distinguished, long-term
professional achievement, leadership, and service to ULM and the recipient’s community.
The award takes into consideration the recipient’s lifetime focus on ULM’s values
such as excellence, integrity, service, and diversity. This award may not be given
out every year and is reserved for alumni who have dedicated themselves to ULM and
the community over the course of their life.
The 2023 George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award was posthumously presented to
Charles “Freeman” Stamper. Mr. Stamper passed away on October 22, 2023. The award
was accepted by his close friend Barry Delcambre.
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Barry Delcambre (left) accepted The George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement award on
behalf of his friend, the late Charles "Freeman" Stamper.
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Charles “Freeman” Stamper received his Bachelor of Science in Secretarial Science/Office
Administration from ULM, then known as Northeast Louisiana State College as a top
honor graduate in the School of Business in 1968. After graduating from his beloved
university, Freeman enlisted in the US Army where he obtained the rank of E5 Specialist
and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Freeman went on to become a pillar in the ULM community. He was a Lifetime Member
of the Alumni Association and has been recognized as one of the lead donors in the
initial SOAR Capital Campaign. He is a member of the Tower Society of the Kitty DeGree
Bell Tower Honor Roll as well as the George T. Walker Society. In 2022, Freeman received
the Warhawk Ambassador Award. Freeman has been recognized by ULM President Berry as
the newest Hall of Distinction honoree, which is presented to an individual, couple,
company or foundation who has honored ULM through an exceptional lifetime of distinction
and/or exemplary service to, support for, or promotion of the University.
Freeman could often be seen on campus attending athletic events, VAPA concerts and
performances, ULM Foundation events and just about every Alumni Association event.
The Alumni Association is deeply saddened by his passing.
About the ULM Alumni Association Awards
Recipients are nominated by alumni and community members and the Awards Selection
Committee reviews submissions, discusses, and selects the award winners. All names
are removed from the nominations so that nominees are judged on their accomplishments
and involvement. The only exception is the George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award.
