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December 1, 2006

ULM’s new Professional in Residence Program honors Luffey family

The College of Business unveiled a new program this fall that will honor John and Rosemary Luffey for their many years of service to the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

When John Luffey, Sr., an accounting professor at ULM for nearly 28 years, passed away in 2002, several of his friends, family members and former students contributed money to the College of Business in his memory.

Because of the impact that John and Rosemary had on higher education and the business community, the college decided to create the John and Rosemary Luffey Professional in Residence Program in their honor. Each semester, the position will be given to a business professional in the community who will then teach for one semester in the College of Business.

James Hood, accounting department head from 1969 until 2003, remembers Luffey’s contributions well. “As a professional CPA, Mr. Luffey brought the practical applications of accounting and taxation into his classes on a daily basis. He was really a professional in residence in the classroom as he taught and prepared students for graduation and the CPA examination.”

John Luffey, Sr., graduated from Northeast Junior College in 1947 and returned to teach business at Northeast Louisiana State College in 1950. Prior to beginning his teaching career, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Centenary College and a master’s of business administration degree from the University of Texas. He completed additional graduate work in accounting at Louisiana State University.

Rosemary Luffey received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northeast Louisiana State College. A strong advocate and supporter of the institution and higher education, she encouraged all of her children and grandchildren to attend college, with many of them attending what is now ULM.

"We think this is a perfect way to pay tribute to the Luffey family," said Ron Berry, College of Business dean. “Mr. Luffey was a well respected professor and CPA in the state of Louisiana and Mrs. Rosemary is still a strong supporter of ULM and the College of Business.”

This fall, two ULM alumni and respected members of the community are giving back to the institution that gave them a great start by serving as the inaugural holders of the Luffey Professional in Residence positions. John Luffey Jr., who received his accounting degree in 1973, and Daniel M. Van, who received his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1982, are each teaching in the College of Business this semester.

Luffey, an accountant, and Van, city president of Regions Bank, bring valuable life experience into the classroom, said Berry. "Their current, real-life experience in the work place is truly enlightening for our students."

The ULM Foundation is managing the endowment that is supporting this program. If you are interested in supporting this program, please contact Anne Lockhart at 318-342-5426 or e-mail her at lockhart@ulm.edu.

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