(on) Tech Redneck Kix Brooks

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m ag a z i n e

KixBrooKs

Athletics on the move!

why Tech’sa hit with

2 From the 16th FloorGlad you asked …

3 Faculty And Staff We LoveRobert C. Snyder Sr.

4 Hall of Distinguished AlumniBobby Lyle Lu and Mildred McGehee

14 AthleticsFull Speed Ahead: Bulldogs defend their WAC football titleHoops preview, spring sports

18 Homecoming 2012Nov 2-3: Picture YOU back on campus!

20 Young AlumsJeff Albert (’08), Robin White Connell (’05), Mike McDaniel (’07): Wasting no time in making a difference

22 News Around Campus

26 Foundation Spotlight

28 News About YouIncluding Tech Triumphs: “Duck Dynasty,” Faith Jenkins, Debbie Primeaux Williamson, Stanley Nelson

36 Building TraditionTolliver

Alumni AssociAtionOfficersJason Bullock, PresidentCaroline Wilkerson Reaves, Vice PresidentDawn Young McDaniel, TreasurerGil Dowies, Member-at-LargeJeff Parker, Past PresidentDaniel D. Reneau, Ex-Officio

BOard Of directOrsDoyle Adams, Joanie Burton Andrew,Sean Cangelosi, David Caston,Lisa Porter Clark, Lacie Frasier Covington,Cathi Cox-Boniol, Wendell Delaney,Lee Denny, Brennan Easley, Brent Gregory,Kelly Harp Haber, Jeff Lee, Greg Lott,Dave Matthiesen, Jeff Pace,Stacee Miller Priddy, Terry Snook,Chris Stegall, Michael Stephens,Wade Stephens, Dustin Sumrall,Kim Ashy Swart, Bradley Walker,Keith Welch, Barry West, Trey Williams

alumni assOciatiOn staffCorre Anding Stegall – Vice President for University Advancement

[email protected]

Ryan W. Richard – Director of Alumni Relations

[email protected]

Jimmy D. Washington – Coordinator of Advancement Programs

[email protected]

Barbara Britt Swart – Administrative Coordinator

[email protected]

Lisa Graves Smith – Communications Coordinator/Editor

[email protected]

university communicAtionsDave Guerin – Executive Director

Teddy Allen – Writer/Editor

Mark Coleman – Designer

Donny Crowe – Photographer

AETN/Zach Dilgard – Contributing Photographers

Louisiana Tech Magazine is published semiannually by the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association.

We welcome your comments or suggestions.

A Word from theAlumni Director

contents

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LaTechAlumni.org Alumni Association, University Foundation and LTAC.

LaTech.edu News for today’s and tomorrow’s students.

LATechSports.com All Tech athletics, from tickets to game times.

facebook.com/LaTech facebook.com/LaTechAlumni facebook.com/LATechAthletics All your Tech “friends” are right here!

twitter.com/LaTech Get hooked up for quick answers to your Tweets.

youtube.com/LouisianaTech Tech videos created by staff, faculty and students.

flickr.com/photos/louisiana_tech/collections Collection of recent Tech photos, updated regularly.

High (on) Tech RedneckKix Brooks: A Hard Workin’ Man

Hello, Conference USA!

ConneCt with teCh

Marbury Alumni CenterLouisiana Tech University

P.O. Box 3183 Ruston, LA 71272

1.800.738.7950318.255.7950

318.251.8324 (FAX)

Summer is in full swing on the Louisiana Tech campus! Incoming freshmen are busy with orientation and learning their way around, while faculty and staff are preparing for the fall when these new students will begin their journey to become alumni.

More than 1,800 students made the transition from student to alumni this academic year, growing our total number of alumni to more than 93,000! Read about some of our exceptional young alumni on page 20.

Fall will be a busy time – a fun time – and we hope you’ll be a part of it. Our reigning Western Athletic Conference championship football team will play six home games, including the season opener in Shreveport against Texas A&M. See page 14 for a preview of this year’s team. (Need tickets? See the back inside cover for details and a schedule of home games.)

Make plans to tailgate with the Alumni Association prior to each home game and on the road at Houston. And join Tech alumni and friends in September for a trip to Charlottesville where your Tech Bulldogs will take on the Virginia Cavaliers.

Thank you for staying connected to your University! The Alumni Association is forming Alumni Chapters in several areas to bolster support and help alumni stay in touch with one another and their University. Watch for more information, or contact Jimmy Washington at [email protected] if you’d like to help with a chapter in your area.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine! And stay in touch – we love to hear from you!

Ryan W. Richard (’98/’02)

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Just What the Doctor orderedThe ‘new’ Lambright Sports and Wellness Center

Professor robert snyder holds a very special place in our lives and in the lives of literally thousands of students he taught in a remarkable 42-year career at Tech. He loved us and we loved him.

Mr. Snyder was a brilliant man, a scholar and a gentleman. He was that gifted teacher who not only changed your understanding of literature, he changed your life. He joined the English faculty at Tech in 1947, and generations of students were privileged to study under him.

Without a doubt, he could be irascible; he was intolerant of mean-spirited, lazy, ignorant, bigoted people, but he would exhaust himself trying to defend a person who had been wronged or was seeking to advance a just cause. He loved a good fight, and he knew how to win one – and what to do when the fight couldn’t be won. Without his faults, he probably would have had to fight fewer battles, but then we would have missed the lesson of courage based on true convictions. He never lost an opportunity to teach, challenge or inspire even the most unwilling pupil, and we are all the beneficiaries of the lesson he lived, day in and day out.

And he was pure magic in the classroom. It was here, among the acne and the ignorance, that he was perhaps most at home and at his best. He was a brow beater, a book waver, an insult slinger — and a literary fire starter. Among his most precious gifts shared was his ability to almost trick students into doing their best, his knack for making struggling students who “had to take English” find a side of themselves that needed and even longed for the lessons of literature.

Mr. Snyder instructed, encouraged, counseled, consoled, challenged and inspired. He did it with everything from Plato’s “Republic” to Frost’s poetry, all with a charm and passion, a shout or a whisper. He expertly navigated the classroom trail, sometimes changing tactics, but tailoring his presentation to students while stealthily making them rise to his level. He was always true to the old masters of the craft, to the mind of the past. Faithfully, he passed the lessons of those lives along.

Realizing life while we live it; making the most of every moment of every day, of every opportunity, every circumstance; learning everything that we can possibly learn; having the courage to stand up for the right things for all the right reasons, having fun and enjoying every day and every person – that’s what he tried to do and what he spent his life trying to teach us.

Even in the final words of one of his last speeches, he was still teaching, and his voice we hear even now:

“I have learned that if one lives confidently in the direction of his dreams, that he or she will find happiness unbelievable. Poverty will not be poverty. Loneliness will not be loneliness. Solitude will not be solitude. I have learned that all things are possible if you commune with the divine spirit. And finally, I have learned, as the poet Tennyson said, ‘More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.’”

Mr. Snyder is, as Hemingway said of Paris, a moveable feast. He’s the little book you always keep in your pocket. His words are the voice we will always hear; his lessons are the wisdom we will ever lean on; his classroom is the one we’ll never leave, and we thank our God for the life of this great man, our master professor.

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in many ways, these are the most stable of times at Louisiana Tech. Because of the thoughtful and deliberate long-range planning and dedication by our faculty, staff and administration, Tech continues to thrive.

At the same time, higher education in our state has always been a bit of a fluid situation and will continue to be, at least for a while. As you know, the Tech family has demonstrated its characteristic resolve and resiliency in recent years as much as ever; i’m certain of that remaining a constant, and i can sleep a lot better at night.

To update you, here are some answers from my point of view concerning the issues i’ve been asked about most often during the past several months. Each deals on some level with either stability or uncertainty.

Conference USA:Receiving the invitation to join Conference USA was certainly

a red (and blue) letter day in the long and proud history of our athletics program. It’s a credit to members of our athletics administration and student-athletes, past and present, our campus and alumni communities, and supporters of Louisiana Tech who have all worked so hard to get us to this point. It’s something we should all take a great deal of pride in. Now, let’s leave the Western

Athletic Conference this year in grand style, with class and championships.

The Proposed Merger with LSUS:As I have said from the very beginning, we did not initiate this

process or the resulting legislation to merge the two institutions. We were invited by the Shreveport/Bossier business communities to participate and, out of our longstanding commitment to improving higher education and economic development opportunities for all of north Louisiana, we supported the merger proposal and the potential for region-wide growth it represented. Despite the decisions made regarding the merger legislation, Louisiana Tech will continue to work for what is best for all of north Louisiana and to provide new opportunities for our entire region and state.

Budget cuts:During the past four years of constant and deep budget cuts,

there has not been an area of the campus that has not been significantly impacted. At the same time, there has not been an area of the campus that has not stepped up and continued to perform at the highest levels. Louisiana Tech is a great university because of its people and their commitment to growing and moving the institution forward, despite the financial challenges we’ve faced. Currently, we remain on watch and with the same plan as always: hope for the best, prepare for much less than that.

Physical expansion on campus:It’s inspiring to think that in the midst of some of the most

challenging budget years we’ve ever faced, we’ve seen a significant transformation of the physical campus with new construction taking place to enhance the educational and campus experiences and opportunities for our students. For example, the new College of Business building will provide a state-of-the-art learning environment and a link between the academic campus and the research park (Enterprise Campus), affording students unique opportunities to learn and interact with both academic and industry experts. Tech Pointe and University Hall are in operation, as is the “old meets new” Lambright Sports and Wellness Center, featured in this edition.

Finally, my thanks and congratulations to Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Ken Rea, who retires Aug. 31 from his most recent post. Throughout his splendid 44-year career, Dr. Rea has exemplified personal and professional commitment, loyal service, and strength of leadership for the faculty of Tech. I have been privileged to work with him and to have him by my side as academic vice president throughout my entire tenure as president. Much of Tech’s academic and programmatic progress has come as a result of his tireless efforts and dedication. We wish him well, thank him sincerely and congratulate him as the University’s Vice President and Professor Emeritus.

Linda and I wish you the best as you enjoy the last half of your summer. We hope to see you soon, either in town or on campus, and in the fall at Joe Aillet Stadium.

Daniel D. Reneau

from the 16th floor

Glad You Asked …

FAculty AnD stAFF We loveYou were a student once, and someone’s encouragement and dedication back then makes a difference in your life still. A Tech faculty or staff member inspired, instructed, directed or simply listened. Someone cared. Someone assured you that dreaming was not just oK, it was preferred, even necessary. Without their influence, where would we be?

Maybe it’s time we said thank you. Email your 600-word submission to [email protected] or send to Faculty and Staff We Love, Marbury Alumni Center, Louisiana Tech University, P.O. Box 3183, Ruston, LA 71272.

robert c. snyder sr.

ABout mr. snYDer: He served more than 40 years in Tech classrooms. He received the Modisette Award for Outstanding Trustee from the Louisiana Library Association in 1971 and was a member of Louisiana’s Commission on Governmental Ethics for more than 20 years. He is a former Chairman of the Department of English and Foreign Languages at Tech, was named Tech’s first ever Distinguished Professor in 1982 and was awarded the rare and coveted honor of Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 1982. In 2005, he was honored with the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award. He passed away June 8, 2011, at age 92, just nine weeks after the death of Virginia Webb Snyder, his wife of 65 years.

ABout the Authors: Vice President for University Advancement Corre Anding Stegall (’66) was first one of Mr. Snyder’s students, then served under his leadership as a teacher in the University’s English Department, and finally became and remained his close friend. Teddy Allen (’84) was also one of Mr. Snyder’s students and is still trying to memorize “A Child Went Forth,” assigned by Mr. Snyder in 1982.

4 | LouiSiANA TECH MAGAZiNE WWW.LATECH.EDu | 5

The Tower Medallion Award signifies membership in the Hall and is awarded to Tech alumni who have distinguished themselves by exceptional achievement, community service and humanitarian activities.

Dr. BoBBy B. lyleFew resumes from any university are either as varied or as accomplished

as the one which summarizes the career of Dr. Bobby B. Lyle.A 1963 Louisiana Tech graduate in mechanical engineering, Lyle has

distinguished himself as an engineer, corporate executive, entrepreneur, civic leader, professor and academic administrator during his impressive career. Earlier this year, he received Tech’s Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Alumnus Award and was the featured speaker for the College of Engineering and Science Convocation in September 2011 in Howard Auditorium.

But Lyle refuses to shift to neutral.“I know that there are so many other Tech alums that are more

deserving of the award, but none will ever be more appreciative,” said Lyle, who founded Lyco Energy Corporation in 1981 and has been recognized as a leader in the petroleum and natural gas industry for more than 25 years.

“Returning to Louisiana Tech to receive the Tower Medallion has evoked two very different emotions,” he said. “On the one hand, it feels like the completion of a very important journey. On the other hand, it feels like the beginning of a challenging period in which I have to try to earn the right to keep the Medallion. I know that I will spend a lot more time working on the latter than reflecting on what might have given rise to the selection in the first place. Our community has lots of significant challenges, and I plan to continue to do my part to meet those challenges head-on for many years to come.”

trio of Distinction

Hall of distinguished alumniThe late Lu McGehee (left) along with his wife

Mildred and Dr. Bobby Lyle (pictured above at commencement), became the University’s

newest Tower Medallion recipients when they were inducted into the University’s

Hall of Distinguished Alumni during spring commencement exercises Saturday, May 19, in

the Thomas Assembly Center.

Recipient of the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award in 1996 and of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Volunteer Center of North Texas in 2010 in recognition of years of service to the Dallas community, the 1958 graduate of C.E. Byrd High in Shreveport contends Tech was the ideal launching pad.

“Tech was the ‘right’ size, in the ‘right’ location and had the ‘right’ curriculum for me,” he said. “...Fortunately, the acculturation period was short and the next five years (yes, I did take a ‘victory lap’) proved to be some of the best of my entire life. For me, Tech was the right choice and I could not be more proud than to be a graduate of the University.”

His career as an entrepreneur has included service on the boards of more than 20 public or private businesses, many of which he helped start in diverse industries such as oil and gas, real estate, banking, restaurants, software technology, ranching, timber and textiles. Obviously, he’s an expert at spotting both what’s proven and what has potential.

“Students who graduate from Louisiana Tech are going to be extremely well prepared to face the challenges of our nation,” Lyle said. “…Tech is already well respected among engineering schools across the nation. It is positioned to take on an even more significant role in higher education in the years ahead. The plans that are ‘on the drawing board’ are bold and creative. I am hopeful that the state leadership will have courage and commit the resources to enable President (Dan) Reneau, (College of Engineering and Science Dean) Stan Napper and our other University leaders to implement those plans that will allow Louisiana Tech to reach its full potential. I am optimistic that will happen.”

He is the father of two adult children: Sharon, who resides in Dallas, and Christopher, who lives in Portola Valley, Calif., with his wife Lyndsay and their daughter Emerson.

milDreD AnD lu mcGeheeIt was in the late 1940s when the World War II veteran and

rookie poultry producer from Downsville called on the Castor school teacher for a date. Their marriage resulted in six children, but the couple didn’t stop there. Hugely successful in both the child-rearing and the chicken-raising business, Lu and Mildred McGehee made Louisiana Tech a part of their ever-expanding family, too. Through the years, the relationship exposed a very tangible love on both sides.

Very quietly, the McGehees have made an immense difference, both for Ruston and for Tech. When Lu passed away in November of 2010, Tech faculty, students, administration and coaches lost a wonderful advisor and voice of encouragement and humor. Yet his impact at Tech continues, both through gifts already in place and through the continued support of Mildred, a Tech graduate and Lu’s wife of more than 60 years, and their children, each a Louisiana Tech graduate.

“We always considered ourselves trustees of what had been given to us,” said Mildred. “God gets the glory. We love Tech and

knew the gifts would be used wisely there, and still are. Lu and Dan (Reneau, Tech president) are visionaries and always have been, not only in education and academics, but also in research and in things involving athletics.”

The faithful stewardship of this couple shows no sign of stopping as great-grandchildren are now arriving, even in multiples. The McGehees have never done anything halfway. Though unassuming, what they contend to be nothing more than “doing the right thing” has blossomed to benefit so many.

McGehee Poultry Company merged with ConAgra in the early 1970s, the beginning of the McGehees’ successful business dealings. Lu was instrumental in organizing Lincoln Bank and Trust Company and served on the Board of Directors. He also served many years as board president of the Northwest Louisiana Production Credit Association.

His business expertise proved beneficial to several volunteer organizations, including the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, Boy Scouts of America, the Greater Tech Foundation and the Ruston/Lincoln Chamber of Commerce;

the chamber recognized Lu and Mildred with the 1997 Russ Award for outstanding community service. And always, they were faithful in serving and supporting Grace United Methodist Church.

Though Lu attended but did not graduate from Tech, the University in 2000 awarded him a much-deserved, and cherished, Honorary

Doctorate of Humanities.As Lu felt a special call to support Tech’s agriculture and athletic

programs, Mildred felt the same toward its School of Human Ecology. A 1945 Tech graduate in home economics, Mildred was a highly successful and motivated teacher of Home Ec when she married Lu. Such was her interest in broadening the horizons of her students that in the late ’40s, she took several girls all the way from Castor to Kansas City for the national home economics meeting.

Early childhood education continued to be a great area of interest and remains so today. She served on the Board of Home Economics at Tech and as a Director of the Louisiana Tech Foundation.

Yet the McGehees found a way to support the entire University, not just the areas of their professional preferences. The couple’s support was vital in both the rebuilding of Hale Hall and the recent furnishing of University Hall, much of which was done through Mildred’s philanthropy in honor of her late husband.

For more than three decades now, every Tech faculty and staff member and student has felt the impact of this faithful pair.


Tech Mag: A lot of people think country music stars either do concerts in two hours or write songs in 10 minutes, then sort of fish or hang around. But you’re working on a holiday.Kix Brooks: “You bet. Today I’m working on the show; got to be in the studio for an interview at 10, and then the countdown. We’re in our fifth year now and just negotiated three more years with Cumulus. I’m also starting to host a five-day-a-week overnight show.

“I never realized what a good job ‘radio host’ was. I’m a musician and songwriter at heart, but that’s also why Cumulus was interested in hiring me – I have the inside track on some of these people. Plus they know I love to hear myself talk.”

TM: You love tech athletics and your contributions to make the annual Bradshaw-Brooks Golf tournament (pictured right) at squire creek country club a success make that evident. What are your thoughts about tech joining conference usA?KB: “Sounds like a great opportunity. It’s going to help us from a TV standpoint; as everyone knows, that’s what draws attention to your school. Once more people notice us, they’ll see what an awesome University we have. From a standpoint of integrity and

class, we’re already at the point where no one’s better. But sports, that’s what people eyeball; athletics is the window people see us through. So that’s what we need, to keep supporting the programs, keep improving, keep giving ourselves a chance to get better and a chance to be seen by more people.”

TM: like Bradshaw, you’ve given a lot of personal stuff to the university (see next page). Where would you like to see it displayed?KB: “You know, about that, I mean this in all sincerity: I’m honored that anybody even cares. What the University does with this stuff is up to them. Just the fact that they cared to have it makes me feel good.”

TM: talk about your mom a bit. (Patricia “Patsy” thompson Brooks of marion was a Kappa Delta, tech class of ’45.) her sorority friends have a lot of wonderful stories about her from when she was at tech.KB: “She died when I was 4, so I’ve had to know her mostly through all the stories I’ve heard, about her and dad, her playing the piano and singing and whatever. They were the life of the party, quite a show in their day. It’s fun to visit Tech and hear her sorority sisters tell me stories; it’s the only way I have of knowing her. My grandmother was really musical, too. A lot of the family is.”

TM: Playing the sundown tavern in ruston was one way for you to make some money as a student. Any favorite story from a night there?KB: “Every night at the Sundown was always an adventure. Bruce (Van Zandt) ran the place with an iron fist – and still does, I’m pretty sure. You never wanted to get too out of line. I saw more than one fight start back by the pool tables while we were singing or performing or whatever, and Bruce – he’s not the tallest guy but he’s built pretty solid – I saw him take some ol’ boys a lot bigger than him right out the front door, and with no problem.”

TM: What the best song you’ve written recently?KB: “In the past few months I’d say it’s ‘New To This Town,’ the new single. Not too bad. I like it. Like the video we shot for it too.”

TM: What class at tech was the hardest for you?KB: “Probably engineering. Like most kids I think I wanted to try and do something to please my father (Leon), who went to Tech. I didn’t know if I was good enough for music, so I thought I’d take engineering, see how that’d work. Didn’t work too good. Not enough gray matter in my brain, I don’t guess.”

TM: You were a favorite of Katie robinson, who was tech’s director of the school of the Performing Arts back then. she liked you a lot because you worked hard, even though theatre wasn’t your major. she said you wrote a play for her? how long did it take to finish that?KB: “It really didn’t take that long. ‘Grease’ was supposed to be the senior play and she was in a panic. We were sitting at Sundown actually, a few of us, and she was upset. The ‘Grease’ scripts had come in and for some reason, they were in Spanish. Unfortunately, nobody could read Spanish. In my naïve arrogance, I told her I’d write us a play. Me and Clyde Hargrove from Shreveport, he was at Tech

and we were always making 8mm movies and goofballing and making stuff up. We sketched out this ridiculous concept for a three-act play. We built screens, set up a projector in the middle of the theater and tried stuff out on film. The theatre department, like everywhere else, they had a little clique, but they jumped in and supported me. It was a huge deal. Without those people helping, we’d have never pulled it off. For them to jump in on a project with someone they barely knew, to risk their reputation as a theatre department and then for us to pull it off, that gave me a lot of confidence. It was really kind of amazing that we did it. That was one of the funnest times of my life ever. It had music in it: it was about a schizophrenic entertainer – who was me – a blues entertainer, so I got to perform the music I was into. Maybe it was a big train wreck but it was pretty fun. The title was ‘The Late Late Show.’”

TM: Did that tech experience help you when you started being in music videos?KB: “The videos reminded me that I did want to go back and get into acting or production. Now I’m partner in a film production company and I’ve acted in a couple of movies. (The company is Team Two Entertainment; the completed but not-yet-released western movies are “To Kill A Memory” and “Thriftstore Cowboy.”) But everything I learned at Tech helped me, from taking business administration as a freshman, right on through the music stuff. One thing school does is give you a sense of responsibility: having deadlines, studying for a test, preparing for the school play. You have deadlines. I see it all the time with writers and entertainers: ‘I’m gonna do that,’ but a lot of them never follow through. School teaches you that at some point, you have to be ready, whether it’s getting a song finished in time to play for an artist or whatever.”

High Tech Redneck

Famous in a music genre that’s long poked fun at itself, Kix Brooks (speech communications ’78) isn’t afraid to play along now and then. But there’s more “savvy” than “shucks” in this good-humored and talented Tech grad, an alum who counts his blessings, and one his University can count on. His donation to Tech of special memorabilia will be on display soon, and alums have come to enjoy and count on his company at the annual fundraising Bradshaw-Brooks Golf Tournament at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant.

Louisiana Tech Magazine caught up with the country star on Memorial Day Monday; he was heading to work as radio host of the nationally syndicated American Country Countdown. He’s also co-owner of a vineyard and production company, and he released his first post-Brooks & Dunn single in March, a song he co-wrote. Plus he’s a dad and a busy husband in support of wife Barbara, a star in quarter horse circles. Like the title song of the Brooks & Dunn ’93 album that yielded five hits, the accomplished Brooks is still a “Hard Workin’ Man.”

Kix Brooks is part of the most successful duo in country music history: Brooks & Dunn sold more than 30 million albums, scored more than two dozen No. 1 singles and became the most awarded act in American country music’s storied history during the Brooks and Ronnie Dunn 20-year partnership. Today Brooks is radio host of the nationally syndicated “American Country Countdown,” co-owner of Nashville-area Arrington Vineyards, involved in the quarter horse arena with his wife Barbara, and still singing, songwriting and entertaining. “New To This Town,” written with a couple of Nashville friends, was released mid-March (listen for the Joe Walsh guitar) and is his first Arista Nashville single.

BRooKS & FUN: A paisley-outfitted Kix with Tech president Dan Reneau and vice president for University Advancement Corre Stegall at the 2011 Bradshaw-Brooks Golf Tournament social.

“...everything I learned at Tech helped me, from taking business administration as a freshman, right on through the music stuff.” - Kix Brooks, Class of 1978

(continued)


Country Music Association (CMA) Vocal Duo of the Year, 1997“I wouldn’t say we (Kix and Ronnie) weren’t taking this whole thing seriously, but we didn’t think of ourselves as a real duo; we’ve been enticed into being a duo by the record company. Ronnie and I never thought it would last beyond the first album. Then when it turned out to be such a big hit (‘Brand New Man’ in 1991 produced four consecutive Number One singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts and sold more than five million copies), we figured we might as well make another one. Being in the business as long as we had, we realized what a fluke that many No. 1’s on an album is, and what a great opportunity it was. When we were still getting these awards seven years in, that’s when I said, ‘Man, where does it end?’ When people ask me, ‘When do you think you’d made it?’ I think this is the award I put a star on. I don’t say with any sense of arrogance that I’ve ‘made it’; all these kids in Nashville today can do stuff better than I ever could. But I do feel blessed that I’ve been able to take advantage of the skills I do have and the work I’ve been willing to put into it.”

Kix’s first electric guitarIt’s from Sears Roebuck, a “Sears Silvertone Model 1448 Guitar and Amplifier,” white and black with sparkly things in the black. The amp’s built into the guitar case: “My dad gave it to me when I was 12 and I knew two chords; I’d gotten my first acoustic when I was 10. In the sixth grade I had that electric and a band. We were The Originals. Did our first show at Johnny Horton’s house for his daughter’s birthday, in their garage off Audubon Place (in Shreveport). Played everything from The Monkees to ‘Hey Good Lookin’.”

His “bloody” cotton cowboy shirt from the “South of Sante Fe” video shootDunn and a posse chase Brooks, a dying gunfighter, who had to “get shot” and fall off his horse four times before the director got the take he wanted. There’s no visible music performance on the video, just a mini-western. Kix co-wrote the song and the video concept with a couple of Nashville buddies.

Prototype Red ‘Flame’ ShirtThe shirt Brooks wears on the cover of the “Hard Workin’ Man” album, and often wore in concert, began as a design in his mind. “I designed that going to Dallas to the shirt company on an airplane one day. I started drawing hot rod flames…they thought it was ridiculous. It IS ridiculous!” Western shirt maker Panhandle Slim out of Fort Worth, which collaborated with the duo for the first “Brooks & Dunn signature apparel” collection, describes the shirt as black with red “tongues of flame blazing down the shoulders in a fiery inverted triangle.” The one donated by Brooks is the “original” original: “those flames are actually glued together and glued onto the shirt; it’s the first flame shirt ever made.” But not the last: Kix said he was presented a plaque from the shirt makers, “like what they give you when you have a platinum album, but it has a shirt in it to commemorate so many sales.” And when he sees a guy walking down the street in one? “That’s pretty strange.” (We should mention: the shirts come in women’s and children’s sizes too.) Brooks donated a “black flame” shirt too, featuring “ZZ Top” on it and worn by Brooks onstage during a Country Music Television show featuring Brooks & Dunn teamed with the legendary rockers.

Academy of Country Music Top Vocal Duo of the Year, 2007“I think that’s the last one we won from them.” (Actually the group won their final – and 25th – ACM award in 2008, also for Top Vocal Duo of the Year.)

An acoustic guitar given to him and autographed by Chet Atkins“Sometimes I have to pinch myself because of things like Joe Walsh agreeing to play on my current single (“New To This Town”) and Chet Atkins even ever knowing who I was. Same with Roger Miller…Johnny Cash…those are the kinds of things that make you want to do good. For Chet to give me a guitar like that, that makes you WANT to practice. You don’t want him saying, ‘Man, that guy’s not very good.’”

inspired by buddy terry Bradshaw and the Blonde Bomber’s donation to tech of athletic memorabilia now on display at the louisiana tech museum in the charles Wyly athletic center, Kix announced at last summer’s Happening XXX his donation of artifacts that have been meaningful to him in hopes “that when students see them they might think, ‘Wow, that’s really interesting,’ and they’ll be inspired to achieve something and to have a life that was as blessed as mine’s been,” Kix said. “the thing i remember most about tech is how i was inspired by the people at the university to make me want to do something bigger and more exciting than i would have dreamed of growing up.” Here Kix talks about some of the things he’s donated (so far):

To Tech, From Kix


An expanded and reconfigured campus playground is drawing rave reviews.

“This rivals poolside resorts in Vegas.”“Whoever thought we’d have THIS in RUSTON!?”“This is a happy place.”Designed for relaxation and leisure, the Lambright Sports and

Wellness Center opened this spring after an approximately $12 million expansion funded by student fees. Formerly the Lambright Intramural Sports Complex – a cutting-edge complex of its type when it opened 30 years ago – the new facility literally picks up where the old one left off. Now that the new building has been connected with the old, the result is a facility that better connects with the needs of students.

“We’ve taken a huge stride toward more health benefits overall by combining intramurals and pure recreation with well-being,” said Jim King, Tech’s vice president for student affairs. “Students

who eat better and exercise regularly give themselves a better chance to perform well academically, to be more well-rounded students. This complex sort of screams at you to come have fun and feel better and improve yourself overall at the same time.”

It’s a place that’ll cure what ails you.There’s a lot to see in a brief tour of the facility, named in honor

of Tech Athletic Hall of Famer Maxie Lambright (see inset), the University’s former football coach and athletic director:

• A 25-yard indoor competitive pool, equipped with lanes for lap swimming; includes a zero-depth entry warm-up lane partitioned off to allow for swim classes; already this is a huge hit with Bulldog Aquatics, a club that includes 90 children – and it’s growing. The indoor pool is enclosed with glass walls with views toward Aillet Stadium and Tech Drive, and the lighting allows for an impressive view at nighttime looking in;

• While the indoor pool is more about exercise, the outdoor

pool is all about fun. The 50-meter pool allows for training (we’re talking to you, marathon swimmers!), but its curved sides are pools within the pool, places for lounging and playing hoops or volleyball; it’s cooled in hot weather and is situated for full sun all afternoon, and evening sun until at least 7, while at the same time a protruding roof blocks the sun’s glare for those inside;

• Tech director of recreation, Bobby Dowling, calls it “a Louisiana sundeck with a Caribbean feel,” and that’s just what surrounds the outdoor pool; the sundeck/cabana look is of garapa wood, plus there are chaise lounges, soft seating and tables, cooling misting machines, and tropical plants. “Designed for leisure,” Dowling said;

• Look Ma, no gutters!; both pools are constructed so that the water is even with the surface level;• Inside and just right for the health conscious, the new “Counter Culture La Tech” offers frozen yogurt,

sandwiches, salads and more, and students can have their refreshments brought poolside. Non-Lambright members are welcome, too; Counter Culture La Tech is open to the public. Walk in. Eat. Relax. Take a tour. Enjoy!;

• No need to walk around in a damp swimsuit: new locker rooms have quick-dry machines;• The most prominent addition just inside the entrance is a 29-foot tall, 50-foot-wide rock climbing wall

of both real and performance rock surfaces. Dowling’s staff is certified to train others in climbing: it takes just four classes, offered daily, of 15 minutes each, or a novice climber can climb with the aid and instruction of a certified student;

• An outdoor deck, great for visiting and eating, and in view of the pool;• Big screen TVs and eating areas in a large open space, also in view of the pool;• A workout area overlooking the indoor pool will open in August. The “old” Fitness Room downstairs in

the original building has been renamed the “Billy Jack Talton Fitness Room” in honor of “The Father of Louisiana Powerlifting” and retired Tech professor who started the Tech team in 1974: Tech’s men’s and women’s teams have won more than 27 national collegiate titles since. The team will move its training from Memorial Gym to Lambright: the hope is that, through fundraisers specific to the purpose, a new floor will be installed in the renamed and soon-to-be-remodeled fitness room, and the number of powerlifting stations will increase from four to 12;

• Parking lot work south of the facility and a sidewalk to connect the complex with the Marbury Alumni Center began as soon as spring quarter ended.

Most importantly, completion of the wellness center – exam rooms, counseling space and classrooms – will create the tie between the facility and the University’s academic programs, a component that “will give us a forum for a more proactive model for health,” King said. “Recreation is a big part of university life, and students' habits are usually formed now. Our goal is to provide them with the right information to make informed choices.”

The complex still has the bowling lanes, gyms, student workout areas and other amenities that had already made it a solid recreational complex.

This dream come true for Tech should translate into increased student retention and recruitment. As it does, Lambright will continue to evolve, Dowling said, as the University comes to understand how the facility can best meet the needs of the students and community.

Meanwhile…surf ’s up!* For information on memberships, go to LaTech.edu/students/recreation/LambrightMembershipInformation

Just What the Doctor orderedthe “new” Lambright Sports and wellness Center

MAxie LAMBRigHTThe architect of a “golden era” for Bulldog football, Lambright won seven conference championships during his 12 years as Tech’s head coach, captured the NCAA Division II national title in 1973 and earned a variety of five various national titles in 1972-73-74. From 1971-74, Tech went 44-4, and during 1973 and 1974, the Bulldogs won 23 straight games, the nation’s longest winning streak in college football. Coach Lambright, also the athletics director during his final eight years at Tech, retired after the Independence Bowl season of 1978. He passed away Jan. 28, 1980.

the Western Athletic conference has been good for Louisiana Tech.

The shift to Conference USA should be great.The announcement in early May that Tech would relocate to a more

regional conference was met by both cheers of celebration and sighs of relief from Tech administrators, coaches, student-athletes and, probably most of all, fans. Tech is in the heart of C-USA, making travel now much easier on the pocketbooks of both the University and Bulldog/Lady Techster faithful.

The more regionalized 14-team, two-division league gives all 16 of Tech’s Division I sports an opportunity to create more compelling schedules. The move not only keeps Tech no more than one time zone away from a conference opponent, but it also allows fans to become more familiar with Tech’s opponents.

While Tech benefits from joining another highly regarded but closer-to-home league, C-USA welcomes a tradition-rich University that recorded a four-year student-athlete graduation success rate of 72 percent last year and continues to make substantial improvements to its athletic facilities.Tech has invested more than $50 million during the most recent four years in the construction of several new athletics venues and large-scale improvements to existing facilities.

But, first things first: the WAC finale.Then, onward to C-USA, onward to home.

no Place like homeAfter 11 seasons in the Western Athletic Conference, Louisiana Tech gets to play in its backyard again when it joins regionally based Conference USA next summer.

oLD DoMiNioN MoNARCHS (NORFOLk, Va.)Founded: 1930 Colors: Blue and silver

enrollment: 24,466 Miles from Ruston: 1,101

Trivia: Foreman Field, formerly the field hockey and women’s lacrosse teams’ home venue, was renovated to accommodate the football program, reinstituted in 2009; the Monarchs are 27-8 (9-2, 8-3, 10-3) since; ODU had discontinued football in ’41.

RiCe oWLS (HOUSTON)Founded: 1912 Colors: Blue and gray

enrollment: 5,760 Miles from Ruston: 312

Trivia: The private school is named after investor/businessman William Marsh Rice, victim of a sensational murder in 1900 (his lawyer and valet were convicted of conspiracy), who left the bulk of his estate to the founding of a college in Houston.

SoUTHeRN MiSS goLDeN eAgLeS (HATTIeSBURG)Founded: 1910 Colors: Black and gold


Trivia: Captain William H. Hardy founded the town in the 1880s and named it in honor of his wife Hattie; Tech has visited often, having played Southern Miss in football more than 40 times since 1935.

TexAS eL PASo (UTeP) MiNeRSFounded: 1914 Colors: Orange, blue and silver


Trivia: In El Paso, it’s usually “gonna be a hot time in the ol’ town tonight” – the annual average is 302 days of sunshine, 109 days above 90 degrees, and 20 days above 100.

TexAS SAN ANToNio (UTSA) RoADRUNNeRSFounded: 1969 Colors: Blue and orange


Trivia: Played its first football game (against Northeastern State) on September 3, 2011, at the Alamodome; the attendance of 56,743 is the record for the highest-attended game for an NCAA Division I FCS start-up program.

TULANe gReeN WAVe (NeW ORLeANS)Founded: 1834 Colors: Green and blue


Trivia: The New Orleans university has been closed twice in its long history: for the first semester after Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, and during the Civil War.

TULSA goLDeN HURRiCANeFounded: 1894 Colors: Blue, gold, red and yellow


Trivia: One of only two C-USA schools (ODU is the other) with a women’s rowing team.

ALABAMA-BiRMiNgHAM (UAB) BLAzeRSFounded: 1969 Colors: Green and gold


Trivia: One of only two C-USA schools (UTEP is the other) to compete in Div. 1 women’s rifle; the Birmingham area is home to the Birmingham Barons, the Class AA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox and the team Michael Jordan played for in ’94.

CHARLoTTe 49eRS (CHARLOTTe, N.C.)Founded: 1946 Colors: Green and white


Trivia: Begins football in 2013 (most recent game was in ’48); men’s basketball has been to the NCAA Tournament 11 times and went to the Final Four in 1977; until 2000, known mainly as UNCC.

eAST CARoLiNA PiRATeS (GReeNVILLe, N.C.)Founded: 1907 Colors: Purple and gold


Trivia: Beat Tech, 35-13, in Independence Bowl III, Dec. 16, 1978; actress Sandra Bullock went to school here; named after American Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Green, Greenville is a place of relaxation (it’s home of the world’s largest hammock manufacturer) and of daredevils (it’s known as "BMX Pro Town USA").

FLoRiDA iNTeRNATioNAL (FiU) PANTHeRS (MIAMI)Founded: 1965 Colors: Blue and gold

enrollment: 47,966 Miles from Ruston: 1,069

Trivia: One of three C-USA schools (UAB, Tulane are the others) to compete in Div. 1 women’s sand volleyball.

LoUiSiANA TeCH BULLDogS/LADY TeCHSTeRSFounded: 1894 Colors: Blue and red

enrollment: 11,804

Trivia: First university to award a bachelor’s of science in nanosystems engineering (’07); this year launched the nation’s first cyber engineering B.S. degree; located just 15 miles east of the state’s highest natural summit, humble Driskill Mountain, 535 feet above sea level.

MARSHALL THUNDeRiNg HeRD (HUNTINGTON, W.Va.)Founded: 1837 Colors: Green and white


Trivia: Alums include ’50s and’60s TV star Soupy Sales and NBA Hall-of-Famer Hal Greer; named after John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States.

NoRTH TexAS MeAN gReeN (DeNTON)Founded: 1890 Colors: Green and white


Trivia: UNT’s College of Music was the first school to offer a degree in jazz, and music award-winners Norah Jones, Don Henley, Meat Loaf and the Eli Young Band are all former Mean Greeners; Phyllis George, a trailblazer in female sportscasting and former Miss America (’71), was born in Denton.

What they're saying:

“…the athletic program takes another step forward. I expect the football team to compete at a very high level and keep getting better and better.” – Willie Roaf, NFL Hall of Fame, Class of ’12

“I’m most happy for the students and the fans who can see us play more often on the road now…it’s a lot more fun to play on the road when you see all these familiar faces there supporting you and cheering you on!” – Cheryl Ford, WNBA Rookie of Year (’03), two-time WAC Player of Year

“…it’s going to be a great union, for ALL sports. The proximity of the schools in the conference is going to create some great rivalries and hopefully give our fans and students an opportunity to really follow the Bulldogs!” – Tim Rattay, record-setting Tech and NFL QB

“…the culmination of an effort by our University and friends for the past 10 years…I am absolutely elated…this new affiliation will offer a legion of benefits for our University and its fans." – Mickey Slaughter, Denver and Tech QB and coach

“…an incredible milestone for our athletic program…we’ll reap huge dividends from this move for many years to come.” – Jim Oakes, former Tech A.D.



Few football seasons in ruston have been as highly anticipated as the one upcoming.

Louisiana Tech is expected to do something this year that it wasn’t expected to do last year but did, and in dramatic fashion: win the WAC.

The coach in Sonny Dykes is cautiously optimistic, but the fan in him is pretty excited about the cards he’s holding.

“I think we’ll be better overall as a team,” said the third-year head coach of the ’Dogs, who rallied from a snake-bit 1-4 start to win seven straight and claim the WAC title outright. “We’ve got more depth than we’ve had, which will make us a more solid team overall. And I think we have more big-play potential offensively; we should be more exciting to watch.”

That’s a tall order. Excitement was rarely in short supply last fall as Tech fought back from early-autumn disaster to finish 8-5, a season that ended with 11-2 Texas Christian scoring with four minutes left in the game to beat the Bulldogs, 31-24, in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.

Dykes gives a lot of credit for Tech’s turnaround to “fans still being supportive and not panicking” after a sour September.

“What the team accomplished was due to a combination of a lot of different things: growing and maturing as a program, becoming more sure of ourselves…The thing we did that I’m most proud of as a team and as a coaching staff and program is that nobody panicked,” Dykes said. “We knew we were doing the right things and we just kept getting better at what we were trying to do.

“A lot of times when things get tough, everything turns negative,” he said. “That didn’t happen with that team.”

A lot of “that team” is now “this team,” the 2012 Bulldogs. Most of them, you already know. That’s a good thing, when you’re talking about a defending conference champ.

The team’s deepest unit? “Probably offensive line and receivers,” Dykes said.

All-conference center Stephen Warner returns in the line, along with starters Kevin Saia, Oscar Johnson and Jordan Mills, but backups Larry Banks, Jeremy Graffree, Matthew Sheppard, Vincent Cano and Josh Parrish all played last year in a line that got stronger as the season got deeper. They’ll have their hands full this season protecting the one spot on Tech’s offense that’s thin of experience: quarterback. Colby Cameron, who took over the starting role midway through the seventh game last fall, is the only Bulldog on the roster who threw more than one pass last season.

The athleticism and speed the Tech receivers bring to the field will make Tech’s offense dangerous against any opponent and could lull opponents into forgetting about Quinton Patton until it is too late. But how under any circumstance can a defense forget about Patton? As a junior last year, he caught 79 passes for 1,202

yards and 11 touchdowns – several of the acrobatic variety – and his “Attaboy!” attitude did much to keep hope alive. Perpetual Motion Patton.

So there’s Patton. Speedy Myles White. And Jacarri Jackson, whose fingertip fourth-quarter catch at Reno was huge in Tech’s storied comeback win against Nevada. To that trio, add Andrew Guillot and Richie Casey and back/receiver Lyle Fitte, each who missed spring practice while recovering from injury. Spring was a coming-out party for Tulane transfer and West Monroe High School product D.J. Banks, giving Tech more ammo to go with Patton and White and Tevin King.

“All those guys are big-play guys,” Dykes said. “We’ve got more speed, more fast guys than we’ve ever had.”

But are either of those offensive units deeper than Tech’s bunch of running backs? Ray Holley (pictured left) and Hunter Lee and Fitte return, three different types of tailbacks with lots of game experience. Add the quickness of King and the powerful running of Kenneth Dixon – two freshmen who should have an impact this year – and you’re five deep. Then there’s Rickey Courtney and Marlon Seets, a pair of walk-on transfers who showed in the T-Day Spring Game that they can play.

Like Fitte, Holley and Lee have shown in games and in spring practice that they can line up at receiver as well, a nice option that should add to the confusion for opposing defenses and expand the Bulldogs’ offensive opportunities. With more targets for Cameron, defenses will be forced to take their double coverage off Patton, which should help the senior become an even more dangerous threat this fall than last, when he averaged a team-best 15.2 yards a catch.

It was almost impossible to run up the middle on Tech last year, and this year should be more of the same. Second-team All-WAC tackle Justin Ellis, Shakeil Lucas

and Jon’al White were big reasons Tech held 12 of its 13 opponents below their per-game rushing averages. End Kendrick James “keeps getting better,” Dykes said, and added that the other starter at end, I.K. Enemkpali, “is primed to have a great season.”

The linebackers, led by Rufus Porter, may not be as good as the Adrien Cole-Jay Dudley 2011 tandem on an individual basis, but a crew of Porter, Antonio Mitchum, Ty Hook, Ches Morrison, Solomon Randle and others have the opportunity to be just as good as a unit. Porter has plenty of game experience on special teams and was the most consistent linebacker during spring practice. He has also shown he can fire a team up when necessary.

The secondary figures to be busy. Coming off a solid spring, Dave Clark could be the leader back there among several players – Quinn Giles, Jamel Johnson, Javontay Crowe, Lavender Liggins and Craig Johnson – who all have substantial playing time. And keep your eye on Brice Abraham, the redshirt freshman corner:

he’s fast, he gained a lot of experience this spring, and he lettered in three sports in each of his four years at Jennings High. Athletes in the secondary can recover.

Steady placekicker Matt Nelson is back, as is possibly Tech’s most valuable player in 2011. Ray Guy Award winner Ryan Allen

flipped the field for Tech time and again with his punts last fall as he earned the title of college football’s best player at his position.

Now all that’s left is to play the schedule, which begins with a most worthy and familiar opponent: Texas A&M, in Shreveport’s Independence Stadium, Thursday evening, Aug. 30.

“We’ve got more depth than we’ve had, which will make us a more solid team overall. And I think we have more big-play potential offensively; we should be more exciting to watch.” - Sonny Dykes, head football coach

Louisiana Tech heads into its final football season in the Western Athletic Conference with a big-play-potential kind of team that could prove hard to forget, and for all the right reasons. The opportunity is there. Can the Bulldogs say goodbye with back-to-back titles?

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Softball:A record-setting finish

The Lady Techster softball team did something this spring only two other WAC teams have accomplished. Tech and perennial NCAA powers Fresno State and Hawai’i are the only three programs that qualified for the league’s postseason tournament for the seventh straight season.

The Techsters finished 25-33 and had trouble finding a consistent stride during the regular season, but in the WAC Tournament, they caught fire.

The sixth-seeded Techsters opened the double elimination event by defeating third-seeded Fresno State 17-7 in a record-breaking performance in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Tech set numerous team and individual records in the victory. Junior outfielder Dacia Hale made ESPNU Sportscenter and other local, regional and national newscasts when she hit three home runs and tied the NCAA Division I single game record with 11 RBI in the win. Hale and junior Meghan Knowles earned spots on the WAC all-tournament team.

Tech – which went 2-2 in the tournament before being eliminated – loses only two seniors from this year’s team and is set to host the 2013 WAC Tournament in Ruston.

The Tech men’s basketball team made enormous strides in the first year of the Michael White Era. Picked to finish last in the WAC by both the conference coaches and WAC media, the Bulldogs exceeded outside expectations in conference play and tied for fifth place in the regular season standings.

The eighth youngest team in the nation shocked the WAC by knocking off Utah State and Nevada on back-to-back nights to reach the WAC Tournament Championship game for the first time in school history. Tech fell just short of making its first NCAA Tournament since 1991.

WAC Freshman of the Year Raheem Appleby (pictured) is back to lead a group of talented vets that includes returning point guard Kenneth “Speedy” Smith – who broke the program’s mark for assists in a game with 15 against Central Arkansas – and Michale Kyser, who blocked 60 shots last

winter. Seniors Brandon Gibson and J.L. Lewis should provide veteran leadership to a promising group of signees. One of those – Florida Class 1A Player of the Year Alex Hamilton – averaged 21.3 points,9.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 4.6 steals per game for state champion Chipley High School.

Though a “down” year for the Tech teams, the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters still added to what is quite a run.

Redshirt senior Chelsea Hayes was named WAC Female Track Athlete of the Year and sophomore Dennis Richardson was named WAC Male Track Athlete of the Year; a Tech male athlete has won a WAC superlative award every year since 2007.

The Techsters finished third in the WAC, ending a run of seven consecutive outdoor championships; they’ve won 13 of the last 16 WAC Championships. The men finished fourth after a third-place finish last year.

Hayes’ accomplishments are most impressive: three gold medals and two WAC records at the conference meet, and 14 WAC gold medals in her career at Tech.

Richardson also won three golds and, like Hayes, won them in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay in the league meet in Idaho. Overall, Tech athletes won 18 gold medals and brought home 47

all-conference honors in two days of competition.Tech track and field student-athletes earned 17 entries into the

NCAA East Preliminary Championships in May, second only to LSU among the state’s Division I schools.

Following that competition, seven WAC athletes qualified for the NCAA Championships: six of those were Techsters. Hayes qualified for three events: long jump, 100m and 4x100m relay. Kenyattia Hackworth competed in the long jump and Kim Francis in the 100m hurdles.

At the NCAAs, Hayes finished third in the long jump and ran 11.58 in the 100m dash finals to finish seventh. Though it was her slowest 100m time of the year, she still broke another record by being awarded another All-America title by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), the sixth of her career. She surpasses Bryant Wesco’s five All-America titles for the most top honors to be awarded a Louisiana Tech athlete. More impressive, Wesco’s five honors came over a four-year time span. Hayes claimed all six of hers in only two years.

The final stats for Hayes: six-time All-American, 14-time WAC champion, 18-time All-WAC, four-time WAC Athlete of the Year and four-time WAC high point scorer.

Tech, in its 24th season under head coach Gary Stanley, should continue its reign of success when it moves to Conference USA for the 2014 track and field seasons. Of the 14 schools that will comprise C-USA in the spring of ’14, there were 15 total qualifiers for the NCAA Championships this spring. That means that Tech’s five entries represented one-third of the to-be league’s marks. Besides Tech, only Southern Miss, with four entries total, had multiple qualifiers this spring.

goLF: Closer to a breakthroughOn the verge of making program history this

season, coach Jeff Parks and the Bulldog golfers came within just a few spots in the Golfstat rankings of qualifying for the school’s first ever NCAA Regional appearance.

After a highly successful season that saw the Bulldogs enter the 2012 WAC Championships as the highest ranked team among the eight-team field, Tech struggled during the opening two rounds before finishing strong to place fifth overall and dropping just short of consideration for an NCAA Regional bid.

Senior Cody Blankenship capped his remarkable comeback from a snowboarding accident that shattered his arm just over a year ago to earn second team all-WAC honors.

Tech’s roster next season will include returners Sam Forgan, Jack Lempke, Travis Wilmore and Chandler Vilcheck, along with newcomers Brandon Newton, Victor Lange and Ben Robinson. Newton won his fourth straight individual state title in the spring for Cedar Creek High in Ruston and appeared in the June 4 issue of Sports Illustrated in the magazine’s popular “Faces in the Crowd” feature.

TeNNiS: Most wins since ’94After helping Tech complete its most successful

season in 18 years, senior Elne Barnard and junior Alena Erofeyeva were both named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association all-state teams.

Erofeyeva earned first team all-state honors; Barnard was a second team selection. The two all-state team selections are the most for the program in more than a decade.

Tech finished 14-8 – the program’s most wins since 1994 – and now has consecutive 10-plus-wins seasons for the first time since 1986.

BASeBALL: Season of heartbreakersAfter dropping close game after close game

while losing nine of its first 10 WAC regular season games, coach Wade Simoneaux and the Bulldogs showed their moxie by winning six of their final eight to qualify for the league tournament.

The 2012 (27-28) team then set a school record as Tech advanced farther in the WAC Tournament than any other team in school history and was one game away from the WAC Tournament Championship game(s). Tech eliminated three teams from the postseason and set a one-day runs record by scoring 33 runs in two wins on a single day after falling into the loser’s bracket with an opening-day loss.

The No. 6 Bulldogs eliminated No. 4 Hawai'i, No. 1 New Mexico State and No. 3 Nevada, respectively, while facing elimination in all three games.

TRACK AND FieLD:Lots of stars, but Hayes burned brightest

Lady Techsters: Help's on the wayWith the graduation of five seniors, head coach Teresa Weatherspoon’s

Lady Techster will have new look – and new attitude – in 2012-13 after a rollercoaster season that ended in a loss in the WAC Championship game.

Expected to have an immediate impact will be six newcomers, led by Clemson transfer Kelia Shelton, a strong, explosive guard who saw plenty of action in the ACC as a true freshman and who will have three years of eligibility remaining. Weatherspoon added three junior college signees: guard Brittany Jefferson (ranked No. 2 in scoring in the history of Texas high school girls basketball), forward Jasmine Bryant and point guard Janay Borum (who ranked among the nation’s leaders in assists and steals). Two area high school stars will also join the program: Benton guard Lulu Perry (Louisiana’s Miss Basketball) and Richwood forward Veanca Hall.

Those six will join six veterans, highlighted by forward Whitney Frazier, who was named to the WAC’s All-Defensive team and was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association State Freshman of the Year.

Watch out for Willie in the Hall!

A two-time all-South Independent Conference selection, two-time all-Louisiana offensive lineman and an all-American in 1992 as a senior at Tech, Willie Roaf will be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame during its Enshrinement Festival Aug. 4-5 in Canton, Ohio.

The No. 8 overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft and a finalist for the Outland Trophy as a senior, Roaf enjoyed a 12-year career highlighted by 11 Pro Bowl appearances as a member of the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs. Roaf and other Class of 2012 inductees will be introduced to the crowd Aug. 5 at the Hall of Fame Game between Arizona and New Orleans, the first official preseason game of the summer.

Bulldogs: They'll grow on you

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knowles

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homecoming 2012 schedule of eventsFRiDAY, NoVeMBeR 2Alumni Awards Luncheon • Tech Student Center

Class of 1962 Reunion • Ropp Center

Pep Rally and Presentation of Court • Thomas Assembly Center

SATURDAY, NoVeMBeR 3Alumni and Friends open House • Marbury Alumni Center

Bookstore open House

16th Annual golden Society Brunch• Louisiana Tech Student Center • Honoring the Class of 1962 and prior

years

Alumni and Friends Tailgate• Argent Pavilion

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners • Joe Aillet Stadium - 3 p.m.• To purchase tickets visit

LATechSports.com or call the Tech Ticket Office at (318) 257-3631

Check the Homecoming website – LaTechAlumni.org/homecoming2012 – for up-to-date information on Homecoming ’12!


It’s the first weekend in November.It’s an annual tradition that never gets old. And it’s a lot more fun when you’re here to join in.

Homecoming 2012 is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 3, a weekend we hope will be filled with good weather, good football and good times between old friends and new ones.

Friday is the annual Alumni Awards Luncheon, when the University honors its Alum of the Year and the colleges honor their Distinguished Alums of the Year. That’s kickoff to an evening of pep rallies and parties and a Saturday of tailgating and reunions.

The Class of 1962, this year’s 50-year class, is this homecoming’s MVP – Most Valuable People. The Class will be inducted into the Golden Society with a brunch Saturday morning.

Other events will be ongoing at the Student Center, at Tailgate Alley, at Argent Pavilion and at Garland Gregory Hideaway Park. Then at 3 p.m., Louisiana Tech’s Bulldogs, defending champs of the Western Athletic Conference, will take on the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners in Joe Aillet Stadium in Tech’s next-to-last WAC home football game.

Check the Homecoming website often as we finalize plans and release schedules for student and alumni events: latechAlumni.org/homecoming2012

GroWinG A comPAnyIn more ways than one, Robin White Connell has a

business that’s sprouting up all over the place. Good thing for this Louisiana Tech-educated designer, horticulturist and businesswoman.

“We provide indoor plant rentals and maintenance for commercial customers and residential customers throughout Central Arkansas,” said Connell. “My position includes operations support, sales, customer relations, financial reviews and making the day-to-day business decisions that small business owners face daily.”

Connell’s business makes live indoor plant recommendations for offices and homes, then provides ongoing care for the plantscape. Her touch is seen in the live, lush tropical indoor plants decorating and refreshing hotels, hospitals, malls, offices, living rooms, dens and retail space.

She began working for the company’s former owners not long after her graduation from Tech.

“They developed me to be in the position to take over ownership of the company,” said Connell, who purchased PLANTation Services last summer.

“Louisiana Tech definitely played an important role in enhancing my love for plants and showing me the many fields that were possible careers for my skill set,” Connell said. “I am very blessed to have found an industry that I love: product, customers, and industry peers and affiliates. My long-term goal is to stay in Little Rock with this company, continue to grow and possibly expand our services.”

She’s blooming in Arkansas, but it started in Ruston. “My older sister graduated from Tech the year before I started

there. She was responsible for introducing me to the University,” Connell said. “I attended because of the scholarships offered to me as well as the fondness I developed for Tech, something I’ll never lose.”


RoBiN WHiTe CoNNeLL (’05)Age: 30 | DegRee (DoUBLe): Plant Science/Ag Business

HoMeToWN: Hornbeck | NoW ReSiDeS iN: Little Rock, Ark.

FAMiLY: Husband Seth and two “blonde kids,” their dogs Oliver and Natalie

oCCUPATioN: Small business owner of an interiorscaping company, PLANTation Services, (plantationservices.com)

taking tech With them

enGineerinG teAm relAtionshiPsThough he graduated just five years ago, Mike McDaniel

is already heading into his third year as a member of Tech’s Engineering and Science Foundation Board.

“I love the continued interaction with the University,” he said. “I find that when I talk to people about what is going on at school they also get excited and want to help out in their own way. Most people just don’t have an opportunity to hear the stories and see the things that I have, so I make it a point to tell them and show them.

“Kaitlyn (also an engineer at Dow) and I try to come back as often as we possibly can,” he said. “We are already trying to get a big group of people to come see the Tech vs. Texas A&M game (Aug. 30 in Shreveport at Independence Stadium) since a large number of our co-workers went to A&M. We love seeing the campus and seeing the Bulldogs play – and win!”

McDaniel has created a website at Dow for Tech alums who work there. He keeps it updated himself to inform all his friends about all things Tech. Though the McDaniels are a young couple, they’ve already made a generous donation to the College of Engineering and Science building campaign and participated

in the College’s building auction fundraiser.

“I wanted to be an engineer and most of my friends were going to University of Arkansas,” McDaniel said. “I loved my friends but felt it was time to try something different. I had a cousin who was finishing up her graduate degree at Tech, and she had nothing but great things to say about the place. I visited and fell in love with the project-focused atmosphere (and the foundry) and never looked back.”

His typical workday consists of his acting as a piping consultant on projects or helping pipe leads answer technical questions or resolve design challenges. He also manages the piping specs resource center, which involves interfacing with tech centers.

“With people management all you can do is enable people and encourage them to do what needs to be done; they still have to do it,” he said. “It feels almost like your success is in other people’s hands, but I find it to be a very worthwhile challenge. It’s nice to celebrate successes as a team, and that is the type of environment I try to foster.”

MiKe MCDANieL (’07)Age: 26 | DegRee: Mechanical engineering

HoMeToWN: Pine Bluff, Ark. | NoW ReSiDeS iN: Houston

FAMiLY: Wife Kaitlyn (M.E. ’08) and their dog Buster

oCCUPATioN: Piping Specification Resource Center leader and Piping Materials Subject Matter Expert at Dow Chemical

sWinG trAininGBecause he wanted to go back to baseball, Jeff Albert came to

Louisiana Tech.“Tech offered the best combination of opportunities related to

my preparation for a career in baseball,” said Albert, a New York native and former player, first collegiately at Butler University and then in independent pro leagues. He came to Tech with an undergraduate degree in business.

“I finished my graduate degree in six total quarters, which included one quarter of undergrad courses and an internship with a professional baseball team,” Albert said. “Working directly with Dr. (David) Szymanski provided opportunities to assist with the baseball and softball strength programs, participate in several published research projects and acquire a highly regarded certification in the field.”

Albert was the first graduate of a relatively new Tech kinesiology program concentrating on sports performance. Szymanski’s line of research specifically evaluates baseball and softball physiology, or how physiological research directly applies to baseball and softball. In part, the research involves the effects of strength training with over- and under-weighted implements – think heavy and light balls and bats – and how these exercises may increase bat speed or throwing velocity.

As he played, coached, studied and taught during the past 20 years, Szymanski gradually developed – is still developing – a greater understanding of what type of specific training enhances baseball and softball performance (ways to allow athletes to swing and throw with greater speed). Both Szymanski and Albert have their own equipment to measure not only bat speed and throwing velocity, but also a player’s reaction time to a simulated pitched ball, a measurement that requires different technology than that which measures bat speed or throwing velocity.

“The beauty of having this equipment allows Jeff to give the hitters he’s working with immediate feedback about their reaction time and swing velocity,” Szymanski said. “A player can directly see the tangible effect of his training and swing mechanics. The quicker your bat speed, the longer you can wait to make a decision of whether to swing or not. This allows the hitter to be more selective, swing at good pitches, and ultimately hit the pitched ball hard and with greater regularity.”

Something easy to measure is the program’s success so far: Six students who have trained under Szymanski, including Albert in ’08, have either a job in professional baseball or an internship in pro baseball or with another university as strength and conditioning coach. Eric Beiser, Benn Fairbanks and David Accardo are with the Minnesota Twins organization; Tyler Donahue is an intern with the St. Louis Cardinals; Barrett Stover is an intern at N.C. State under former Oakland Athletics strength coach Bob Alejo. Three other former graduate students are in doctoral programs working on their Ph.D.s in exercise physiology: Jason Bean and Hung Sheng Hsu are at the University of New Mexico, and Jeremy Carter is at Texas A&M.

“If you want to be involved with baseball strength and conditioning, with baseball physiological research, this is the place to come,” Szymanski said. “I believe that we are the only institution in the country right now that has a program in ‘sports performance’ with an emphasis in baseball/softball sport science.”

A disciple of Tech’s department of kinesiology, Albert left Tech feeling like a pro, even as he became one.

“Dr. (Lanie) Dornier taught us to be good consumers of information and that has stuck with me,” Albert said. “While I’ve always been most interested in the technical aspects of biomechanics and movement, the kinesiology program combined aspects from several other important disciplines such as motor learning, physiology and sport psychology. Having the ability to find information and answers in these various areas has been an advantage for me.”

It’s this kind of information that Albert passes on to raw minor leaguers, helping them to “develop their talent with a lot of specified effort – both physical and mental. Most of the successful players, even the ones who appear to be the most natural, work very deliberately to refine their skills and reach the highest levels,” Albert said.

“Teaching and helping develop young players is what I enjoy doing,” he said, “and it’s fun to watch them as they make their way to the major leagues…It was also awesome to watch our major league team win the 2011 World Series!”

jeFF ALBeRT (’08)Age: 31 | DegRee: M.S., exercise science

HoMeToWN: Rochester, N.Y. | NoW ReSiDeS iN: Jupiter, Fla.

FAMiLY: wife Ashley, son Otto and dog Slugger

oCCUPATioN: Fifth year as hitting coach in the minor league system of the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals; currently with Palm Beach (Fla.) Cardinals.

Meet three of Tech’s many Young Alums who have wasted no time making a difference for their University, for their neighbors and for their world.

Emma Caroline Rea will turn 1-year-old in August. Like her grandfather, she won’t be working a fulltime job.

Kenneth Rea retires Aug. 31 after 44 years at Tech, giving him and wife Becky more time to spend with new granddaughter Emma and more time to travel to Shreveport to see her. Tech’s vice president for academic affairs since 1987, Rea holds a Ph.D. in Chinese history and also plans to visit China again since “I haven’t been back in several years,” he said. “I also have a few research projects that I need to complete.”

What he has completed is a dutiful career at the University, a most impressive run that began when he was a student and ends after service to Tech in several capacities, including history professor and associate dean.

“We plan to remain in Ruston and still be involved with Tech,” Rea said. “As a professor, administrator and alumnus of Tech, I recognize the important role that alumni play in supporting and promoting the University. Tech is blessed to

have alumni who are loyal, dedicated and willing to show their strong support.”A Ruston native, Rea learned about Tech’s care for its students when he began his

studies in history in 1962, when the University was still called Louisiana Polytechnic Institute. He intended to go to law school. But a course in the history of the Far East under Dr. John Winters sparked his interest in Asian studies, particularly in Chinese history. Dr. Winters and Professor Donald Lemieux, who taught Latin American history, influenced his decision to go to graduate school.

Later, Dr. Bill Thompson, head of the history department, and Dr. Paul Pennington, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, encouraged the young then-professor to move into higher education administration.

“They served as excellent mentors early in my career,” he said. “I had so many excellent teachers when I was a student here that I wanted to continue that tradition.”

Speaking of grand traditions, Margaret Alexander, assistant in academic affairs, also retires this summer after 36 years at Tech, 25 of those serving alongside Dr. Rea.

“Margaret has been an integral part of Academic Affairs and the University and played a key role in establishing the Office of Disabilities Services,” Rea said. “I have been extremely fortunate to have her with me for the past 25 years!”


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Dr. Ken Rea: A 'Grand' RetirementTHe ReA FiLe• The Dr. Kenneth W. Rea Honors

Scholarship has been established to provide study abroad scholarships for Honors Program students. Donations may be made to The Louisiana Tech Foundation, P.O. Box 3183, Ruston, LA 71272.

• Named “Vice President and Professor Emeritus” at a University-wide retirement reception held in his honor on May 15.

• A recognized scholar, he has authored four books on China, several chapters included in other books, and numerous articles.

• Under his direction as vice president of academic affairs, the University has added doctoral degrees in education, computational analysis, counseling psychology, audiology, industrial and organizational psychology, and just recently a Ph.D. in molecular science and nanotechnology; the University also gained Regents’ approval to offer 14 new masters and graduate certificate degree programs and to establish 14 academic and research centers.

• Has represented the University and the University of Louisiana System on numerous statewide committees, including two terms on the Louisiana Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission for Educational Excellence, Chair of Louisiana Board of Regents’ Support Fund Planning Committee (since 2004), Regents’ Task Force on International Education (chair) and International Education Advisory Council, Regents’ Task Force on General Education, and the Louisiana Library Network Commission.

Fishing club members catch winning prize

Two members of Louisiana Tech’s Bass Fishing Club have reeled in some serious cash.

Sophomore agriculture business major Peyton Igo and sophomore construction engineering major Matthew Loetscher placed first at the National Guard Forrest L. Wood College Fishing Southern Conference event in March at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Lufkin, Texas.

The dynamic duo caught five bass that weighed in at 15 pounds, 8 ounces. Igo and Loetscher won $5,000 and said the money will go back into the club account.

“The more money we win gives us the better chance to give more money to the school,” Igo said. “We’re representing Tech at every tournament…to defeat that many other schools and win is a feeling like no other. Our main goal is to win the national championship.”

2011-2012 RetireesJan Albritton (36 years) Director, Admissions

margaret s. Alexander (36 years) Academic Affairs, Assistant to Academic Administration

Aubra Glen Alford (12 years) Maintenance Foreman, Residential Life

sharon J. Alford (33 years) Administrative Assistant 5, President’s Office

Debra l. Blackman (14 years) Assistant Professor, College of Business

carol l. Bradley (14 years) Administrative Assistant, Engineering & Science

Dr. John c. Brewer (42 years) Director, Barksdale

Dennis r. carr (20 years) Custodian, Athletics

Dr. Alice P. carter (6 years) Assistant Professor, Psychology

Barbara A. crawford (30 years) Library Specialist 3, Prescott Library

stephen l. Defreese (36 years) Electrician Specialist Foreman, Physical Plant

Peter J. edwards (35 years) Plumber/Pipe Fitter Foreman, Physical Plant

robert J. Fakelmann (31 years) Professor, School of Architecture

Dr. Peter W. Gallagher (33 years) Professor, Agricultural Sciences

Dr. D. morris Griffin (28 years) Professor, Civil Engineering

shane Griffin (35 years) Superintendent; Support Services, Operations & Maintenance

John h. hill (30 years) Laborer, Physical Plant

Garland t. hood Jr. (32 years) Painter Foreman, Physical Plant

rose m. Jackson (11 years) Administrative Coordinator, Financial Aid

sherry J. Jones (17 years) Accounting Technician, Research & Development

Virginia Ann Jones (25 years): Custodian, Physical Plant

Pamelia G. labbato-Witt (15 years) Administrative Assistant 4, Liberal Arts

stacy o. maryland (16 years) Laborer, Physical Plant

mary c. mccorkle (6 years): Assistant Professor, Prescott Library

Dr. mark J. miller (32 years) Professor, Psychology

charlotte Abigail nelson (16 years) Librarian, A.E. Phillips Lab School

Dr. James D. nelson (32 years) Professor and Associate Dean, Civil Engineering

Billy J. norman sr. (25 years) Research Farm Assistant 1, Farm

Dr. Kenneth rea (44 years) Vice President, Academic Affairs

Gerald W. reeves (24 years) Director, Bookstore

John r. reppeto (23 years) Maintenance Repair Master, Physical Plant

sandra c. robinson (4 years) Procurement Specialist, Purchasing

Davey A. ruby (16 years) Administrative Coordinator 3, Professional Aviation

Dr. Patricia B. simeon (11 years) Instructor, Mathematics & Statistics

carl. B. smith (11 years) Locksmith Master, Physical Plant

Patricia s. stevens (15 years) Instructor, A.E. Phillips Lab School

Dr. Gary m. stokley (40 years): Associate Professor, Sociology

Flora n. stringer (33 years) Public Information Officer 2, Tech Talk

Judy sutton (died this year in active service)

Billy m. terrill (25 years) Maintenance Repairer 2, Housing

nellie K. theodos (29 years) Food Service Specialist, Food Services

Prentice rogers Vick Jr. (17 years) Director, Financial Aid

Dr. John m. Wakeman (34 years) Professor, Biological Sciences

Dr. carynn t. Wiggins (22 years) Director, A.E. Phillips Lab School

english honor society makes “A” markSeven members of Tech’s English honor society, the Rho Gamma

chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, made a notable impression on the organization’s international spring convention in New Orleans, including a first place award for scholarly research.

Brian Bellocq, a graduate English student from Metairie, placed first in the Critical Essays, British Literature category for his essay, “Male Homoeroticism in ‘Heart of Darkness’ and ‘Mrs. Dalloway.’” Bellocq received $500 for his achievement.

Five other Tech English majors presented research at the convention:

• missy Wallace, a graduate student from Ruston, presented “’He is Born Again and not of Woman’: The Womb and Rebirth in

‘All the King’s Men.’”• Patrick Boyd, a junior from Choudrant, presented “Panoptic

Paradoxes: Control and Captivity in Morrison’s ‘Beloved.’”• lillian Grappe, a junior from Jonesboro, presented, “The Wife

of Bath: A Tragic Caricature of Women.”• Kristin Farquharson, a junior from Ruston, presented,

“Assigning Blame in ‘Chronicle of a Death Foretold.’”• christina thompson, a senior from Ruston, presented “The

Panoptic Gaze of Kafka’s ‘The Trial.’”Members from more than 400 chapters attended this year’s

convention.


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Tech takes checkered flag againat Shell Eco-marathon

A team of Tech students won first place for design and first place for diesel fuel mileage in the Urban Concept class and first place for Team Spirit at the 2012 Shell Eco-marathon Americas in Houston.

The Tech team also earned second place for gasoline fuel mileage in the Urban Concept class.

Tech’s new Urban Concept vehicle, “Hot Rod,” won the diesel fuel competition in Urban Concept with a fuel efficiency mark of 488.7 miles per gallon. “Hot Rod” also won for best design with its retro hot rod look and red and white paint design featuring flames on each side of the front of the car. “Roadster,” which set an American fuel efficiency record of 646.7 miles per gallon in the Urban Concept class in last year’s competition, took second place with 321 miles per gallon. “Roadster” retained its American record through this year’s competition.

“Roadster” was featured nationally on ESPN2’s “NASCAR Now” program.“I couldn’t be more proud of our team and the way they have represented

us,” said Dr. Heath Tims, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and one of the team’s faculty advisors. “Even as we competed and worked to correct problems with our cars, we were still assisting other teams, especially the high schools from Louisiana that competed in this year’s event.”

The two-day competition challenged students to design, build and test fuel-efficient vehicles in an attempt to travel the farthest distance possible using the least amount of energy. High school and university teams from throughout North America took part in the event. Benton High, Airline High, Haughton High and North Desoto High all competed in this year’s event and received assistance from Tech during the school year.

The Tech students, who come from many different academic degree programs, participate in the project as volunteers and do not receive any class credit. They design, build, paint and test the cars on their own time, usually in the evenings, after class and on weekends, and they assist with fundraising and publicity.

While employing skills they learn in the classroom, these students are also developing leadership and project management skills that will serve them throughout their careers.

Last year the Tech team took home $8,000 in prizes – more than any other U.S. university in the competition – besting traditional powerhouses such as Purdue, Penn State, UCLA and the University of California at Berkeley.

Tech students overwhelmingly passed a new student fee and renewed a previous fee that will support the construction and improvement of several campus facilities and provide for new recreational and outdoor classroom spaces.

The assessment was voted on during Tech’s annual Student Government general elections this spring; 84 percent of students approved the $50 quarterly fee.

The new student assessment consists of a renewal of the “20 for 20” fee, which has contributed to the construction of several state-of-the-art student facilities including the $12 million Lambright Intramural Center expansion, and a new $30 campus enhancement fee. Projects to be supported by these fees include the construction of new campus parking facilities, recreational and parade fields, stadium field house expansion, and the demolition of decommissioned dormitories.

“This creates a lasting legacy that will benefit generations of future Louisiana Tech students,” said Tech president Dr. Dan Reneau. “This is only the second time in 25 years that I have asked for a specific student fee. I commend the students and the SGA. These resources will greatly enhance the academic and student life resources that are available to all students at Louisiana Tech.”

In addition to the physical campus enhancements, several academic and student life programs will also benefit from the new student fee. Tech’s kinesiology and ROTC programs, for example,

will have opportunities to utilize the new facilities and green space to grow and showcase their students and curricula.

Throughout the past several years, Louisiana Tech has focused its vision on growth and advancing the institution, both through strong academics and athletics programs. Guided by its strategic plan, Tech 2020, Louisiana Tech continues to enhance all areas of the campus’ physical infrastructure including housing, student leisure and recreation, health and wellness, research and development, and intercollegiate athletics.

Lagniappe Ladies: 15 equals $58,303.21Fifteen campus groups have recently been awarded Lagniappe Ladies grants totaling $58,303.21. A giving circle created for women who passionately support the mission and the vision of Louisiana Tech, Lagniappe Ladies awards grants to campus organizations, teams, projects and initiatives that it deems would make the most significant positive impact upon the University and the community.

For information about joining Lagniappe Ladies, contact Jennifer Riley ([email protected]) or Corre Stegall ([email protected]), or phone (318) 255-7950.

This year’s grants:

1. Department of Agricultural Sciences - $3,589 Jeff Hillard Memorial Courtyard

2. Department of Agricultural Sciences - $3,920.66 Sheep and goat care

3. The early Childhood education Center - $5,000 Smartboard technology for the Early Childhood Education Center

4. Division of Nursing - $2,017.76 Moveable partitions for new simulation lab

5. Division of Nursing - $1,806.62 Tables and chairs for simulation lab

6. College of education - $5,000 Teachscape

7. College of education - $2,669.17 Reading Resource Center for use with K-5 students

8. A.e. Phillips Lab School - $5,000 IPads

9. School of Performing Arts - $1,000 Permanent folders to hold sheet music for the ensemble; sheet music

10. School of Performing Arts - $5,000 Tuba repairs and new tuba cases

11. School of Architecture - $5,000 HabiTECH

12. Louisiana Tech Athletics - $5,000 Lighting for soccer field

13. Society of environmental and ecological Development (SeeD) - $4,300 Expand recycling effort throughout campus; build recycling drop-off depot; support H.A.T.S.

14. Department of Testing and Disability Services - $4,000 Acoustic art panels for testing area

15. Prescott Memorial Library - $5,000 Liberal arts books for the collection of Prescott Memorial Library

Lasting legacy: Students pass fee to construct, enhance campus facilities

More than 600 students participated in Greek Week events this spring to raise money for worthwhile causes.

Sixteen organizations planned and worked to raise nearly $10,000 in money and gifts.

Greek Songfest, a fraternity/sorority song, dance and skit competition, netted $750 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and more than 200 cans of food for Christian Community Action in Ruston.

“Penny Wars” was another fundraiser fueled by the sweat of fraternities and sororities. The result was a donation to Med Camps of $8,148.

And a Tech Greek Week record 401 pints of blood was donated to LifeShare.

In addition, The Big Event on April 14, the biggest community service undertaken annually by Tech, was again a meaningful success as 25 on-campus organizations of students, faculty and staff volunteered to work and make a difference at more than 120 community sites.

Finally, Tech was named to the 2012 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) for its leadership among institutions of higher education in Louisiana in supporting volunteerism, service-learning and community involvement.

The Honor Roll recognizes higher education institutions that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes in their communities. It is recognition from the highest levels of the federal government for commitment to service and civic engagement on a university’s campus and throughout the nation.

Tech is the only public university in north Louisiana and only institution in the University of Louisiana System to make the Honor Roll every year since 2008.

“I am very pleased that Louisiana Tech faculty and students continue to enhance learning opportunities through real world service learning and community service projects,” said Dr. Ken Rea, retiring vice president for academic affairs at Tech. “The value added to students’ learning experiences and to the community partners and recipients of the service is significant.”

Community engagement:Greek week, volunteerism means gifts for others


What is the Louisiana Tech University Foundation?The Foundation was established in 1962 to provide a means

whereby alumni and friends of the University can provide support for the educational mission of the University. The first name of the Foundation was "The Louisiana Tech Alumni Foundation"; in 1987, the Board of Directors adopted a resolution that changed the name to "The Louisiana Tech University Foundation." The Foundation operates under the umbrella of Louisiana Tech’s Division of University Advancement (which also includes the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association and the Louisiana Tech Athletic Club) and is housed at the Marbury Alumni Center at 900 Tech Drive in Ruston.

Why does Tech need a Foundation?As public higher education undergoes extensive change, the

role of the Foundation becomes increasingly important. Although Louisiana Tech is a public university, it receives less than half of its total budget from the state of Louisiana. Private support and commitment are crucial to the maintenance and growth of the quality educational experience at Tech. During the past three years, more than $10 million has been transferred from the Foundation to the University for scholarships and other university support.

What are the primary functions of the Foundation?The Foundation staff receives and processes thousands of

donations each year. Additionally, numerous annuities, life insurance policies, trusts, real estate holdings and other donated property are administered by the Foundation. The assets of the Foundation now total nearly $90 million, and more than 1,200 active accounts of the University and its departments and constituent groups are under its management, including the assets

of endowments for scholarships and other purposes.

Who “runs” the Foundation?The Foundation’s operations are governed by an alumni Board

of Directors. Current board officers are Benny Denny (pictured above), president; Jack Byrd, vice president; Elizabeth Green, secretary; Russ Nolan, treasurer; and Don Updegraff, immediate past president. Each year, five new members are elected to the Board to serve three-year terms, resulting in 15 regularly elected directors who serve with a number of privileged directors and directors emeriti. The Foundation has a staff that consists of five development (or fundraising), three accounting and three advancement services employees who are supervised by the Vice President for University Advancement, Corre Stegall.

how can I contribute?Your gift can be made in the form of a one-time gift by cash,

check or credit card; a pledge of monthly or quarterly payments; a stock donation; a planned gift such as an annuity or life insurance policy; or funds to establish an endowed professorship or chair (which may include matching funds from the state of Louisiana). Many donors or their spouses work for companies that have a matching gift program, allowing them to double or even triple the amount of their donation. You may designate your gift to the college, department or area of your choice or to the University Fund for use in the areas of greatest need. Donations can be mailed to the Foundation at P.O. Box 1190, Ruston, Louisiana 71273, or made online at www.LaTechAlumni.org. The Louisiana Tech University Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation, and all donations are tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS.

FounDAtionspotl

ightDonors of the Louisiana Tech university Foundation offer private gifts for a pure and public cause: to support the educational mission of the university. For information on how to be a part of the Foundation’s mission, call 1-800-738-7950.

the ABcs of the Foundation

BULLDOGSLEGACYFOR TOMORROW’S

LEAVE A

The McCann Society recognizes alumni and friends who include Louisiana Tech in their estate plans. The society is named in honor of the late Melvin McCann, an alumnus ofLouisiana Tech’s Class of 1940 and one of Tech’s mostgenerous supporters through planned giving.

A bequest in a will, a charitable remainder trust, an insurance policy or a gift annuity - all are examples of planned giftsadministered by the Louisiana Tech University Foundation. These gifts of future support will play an extraordinary role in ensuring Tech’s commitment to its students. The Foundation welcomes the opportunity to work with you to establish specific criteria for your gift, which can be named in your honor or for loved ones.

Contact Jennifer Riley ([email protected])or Corre Stegall ([email protected]) at318-255-7950 for more information.

Julian, Mcayla and Gabriel, children of Bill (electrical engineering, ‘87) and Sharon Bailey of Arab, Ala.

Melvin F. “Mac” McCann entered Tech in 1936 and worked his way through school as a teacher at the Civilian Conservation Corps camp in Ruston. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1940.

After retiring from the U. S. Marine Corps, Mac went to work for the U.S. Postal Service in Shreveport, and for years he worked the graveyard shift – his preference. Following the death of his wife, Robbie Sanderson McCann, he contacted President Dan Reneau to tell him that he wanted to leave his entire life savings – a million dollars – to the University.

Mr. McCann established a charitable remainder trust, and during his lifetime, he was able to have the pleasure of seeing

the benefits of his philanthropy and meeting his scholarships’ recipients. The McCann Scholarships provide assistance to worthy students who have great financial need.

Said McCann, “I know I had a hard time getting through school. I had to work the whole time I was there. I’m sincerely glad to contribute to the welfare of education and to scholarships.”

Melvin McCann died in 1999, and the proceeds of his charitable remainder trust provide the permanent endowment for the McCann Scholarships. Each year, several students are beneficiaries of Mac’s legacy. The Louisiana Tech University Foundation’s Planned Giving Society was named in Melvin McCann’s honor as a fitting tribute to this generous, dedicated Tech alumnus.

‘mac’ mccann: A legend and a legacy

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Louisiana Tech University Foundation maintains its original purpose: support the educational mission of the University

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1971Andy C. Malone, health and physical education (master’s health and physical education 1975), has been inducted into the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He finished with 861 wins in a 41-year baseball career. He retired following the 2007 season but returned to the coaching ranks and spent two seasons at Longview before calling it quits following the 2010 season.

1972Buie Harwood, interior design (master’s art 1973), was recognized by the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC)

with the Arnold Friedmann Educator of Distinction Award at the IDEC annual conference in Baltimore. She is only the second recipient of the award. She also received IDEC Merit and Service awards in recognition of her work as Chair of the IDEC 50th Anniversary Celebration Task Force. The Educator of Distinction Award is presented to an IDEC member in recognition of significant, sustained and distinguished contributions in interior design education.

1974Barbara Hughs Bloom, office administration, has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at City Savings Bank in DeRidder. She has been employed with City Savings Bank since 1996 and is the bank’s Partners in Education representative with Pinewood Elementary.

1979Stephen B. Walker, chemistry, has been named chief medical officer to oversee CNSI Clinical Affairs, a government provider of technology solutions, including evidence-based medical policy. The company currently provides health care solutions and services for state Medicaid projects as well as for those in the federal, military and commercial health markets.

1981Suzanne Harper Stinson, office administration (general business 1988, business administration 1992, master’s

business administration 1992,

master’s industrial/organizational psychology 1994), was selected to serve on the board of directors for the International Association for Court Administration (IACA). The IACA’s “founding principles envision a global association of professionals collectively engaged in promoting the effective administration of justice.” She is currently Court Administrator for the 26th Judicial District Court of Bossier and Webster Parishes, where she has been employed since 1982. She received her Fellowship from the Institute for Court Management. She is past president of the Louisiana Court Administrators Association, past president of the National Association for Court Management, and currently serves on the board of directors for the National Center for State Courts. She also serves on the advisory council for the Institute for Court Management and on the editorial board for Future Trends in State Courts. She was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court’s State Court Rules Committee and appointed by Chief Justice Catharine Kimball to serve on the Judicial Compensation Commission. She is past president of the Commission for Women of Bossier City and the Benton Rotary Club, and currently serves as president of the Shreveport-Bossier Bar Auxiliary.

James Phillip Webb Jr., petroleum engineering, has joined Denbury Resources Inc. as Vice President, East Region. He will oversee all of Denbury’s operations in Mississippi and Alabama. Denbury is a growing oil and natural gas company. The Company is the largest oil and natural gas operator in both Mississippi and Montana.

1982Kevin Longino, marketing (master’s business administration 1985), has been appointed to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Board of Directors. A consultant to small businesses and technology companies and a private dealer of contemporary photography, he previously held multiple senior management positions during his 13-year tenure at Compaq Computer Corporation.

1983Leo F. Nelson, agricultural business, has been named Regions Bank’s city president for Monroe. He is responsible for leading all lines of business and new banking

relationships within the Monroe and northeastern Louisiana markets as well as Alexandria. He will also be responsible for agriculture-related business within the bank’s Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas footprint.

1984Susan Stierheim Adams, general studies (psychology 1995), is the 2012 recipient of the Distinguished

Service Award from the Association for Adult Development and Aging (AADA), a division of the American Counseling Association. She is an associate professor of counseling and development at Texas Woman’s University. She is also an internationally known speaker on adults dealing with grief and loss and was the immediate past president of the Texas Counseling Association (TCA), the largest state counseling association in the U.S.

Laurie Whitten James, speech, has been chosen as the 2012 recipient of the Sue Bernie Justice Award. The state-level award is given by the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault and acknowledges those that demonstrated outstanding support of victims’ rights and willingness to educate self and colleagues about sexual assault. She is assistant district attorney in Lincoln Parish.

1987John M. Sullivan, graphic design, is the new president of the Art Academy of Cincinnati. He was formerly vice president of academic affairs and dean of the faculty at Watkins College of Art, Design and Film in Nashville, Tenn.

Perrye K. Turner, mathematics, has been named special agent in charge of the FBI’s Louisville Division. He had most recently served as deputy assistant director of the Information Technology Engineering Division at FBI Headquarters. He began his career with the FBI as a special agent in 1991 assigned to the Birmingham Division, Huntsville Resident Agency.

1988Kyle Edmiston, finance, has been appointed assistant secretary of the Louisiana Office of Tourism. He has served as

president and CEO of the Ruston-Lincoln Parish Convention and

Visitors Bureau for six years and was involved extensively in statewide tourism efforts, serving separately as vice president, secretary and treasurer of the Louisiana Travel and Promotion Association. He also served as president of the Louisiana Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau and sits on several regional tourism boards.

1989Carla K. Corkern, technical writing, has been nominated for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur award. The award recognizes entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, hard work and perseverance have created and sustained successful, growing

business ventures. She is Chief Executive Officer at Talyst, a leader in pharmacy automation, and helps pharmacies enhance efficiency, provide greater inventory control and improve patient safety by delivering enterprise-class software and proven hardware components.

Doreen Lilly Griffith, accounting, has been named National Managing Partner of Tax Services at Grant Thornton LLP. She is currently the firm’s Regional Tax Partner in the West region, a role she has held since August 2007, and is the Tax Practice Leader for San Francisco and San Jose. As part of the firm’s National Tax Practice Leadership team, she has

played a key role in setting the firm’s tax strategy and developing talent for the practice.

1991Thomas Steen Trawick Jr., zoology, has been appointed to the boards of directors of Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Home Federal Bank. He is currently Vice President of medical staff of CHRISTUS Schumpert and CHRISTUS Highland and medical director of CHRISTUS Highland Hospitalist Program. He serves as the president of the Shreveport Medical Society and is actively involved in the Louisiana State Medical Society.

n e W s A B o u t y o u

WhAt’s neW With you?Do you have news to share in the News About You section? We want to share the stories of your accomplishments and milestones. Photos are always welcome, too. Submit your information for News About You online at LaTechAlumni.org where you can then click on “News About You.”



Phil roBertson (’69, ’74)

“I’m gonna fear God, love my neighbor, shoot ducks, and let the chips fall where they may.”

The Duck Commander and former Tech quarterback takes a shot at television – and scores big. Watch the highly rated and acclaimed “Duck Dynasty” on A&E this fall. Check aetv.com/duck-dynasty for air times; in its premier season, “Duck Dynasty” aired new episodes Wednesday nights at 9 CST.

Just when you thought you’d plucked just about every interesting feather off one of LA Tech’s most endearing athletic personalities – and arguably its finest duck hunter – here comes Phil Robertson again, starring, quite by accident, in a hit reality series on cable.

What? You haven’t watched an episode of “Duck Dynasty”? Are you a quack? Trust us: if you want originality and the humor that comes from people being exactly who they were created to be, you’ll love these real-life tales from what might be the Bayou Country’s favorite family.

Robertson, owner of a master’s in health and physical education and the family patriarch, gave up football for hunting about the same time he sold his first Duck Commander duck call, about 40 years ago. Tech fans have known this.

But now, America is getting to know the Robertsons. Not only has the business expanded, but so has the brood of his and Kay’s, Kay being Phil’s high-school sweetheart. A more fun bunch to be around, you may never find.

Once reality TV discovered the Robertsons, we’ve been treated to episodes like “Leave It To Beavers,” “Willie Stay or Willie Go,” “Frog In One,” “Redneck Logic,” and “Plan Bee.”

And each was filmed right down the road from Ruston near the Robertsons’ home in West Monroe.

Most of the time, a reality series is the LAST thing you’d want an alum starring in. But not this alum, and not this show. It’s bull’s-eye real and funny and original. There’s only one Duck Commander, and only one “Duck Dynasty.”

FAith Jenkins (’99)

“Competing in the Miss America system helped shape me into who I am today.” (Follow Faith at faithjenkins.comand on twitter @faithjenkins1)

The former Tech Pom Pon Girl, Miss Tech (’98), Miss Louisiana (’00) and first runner-up to Miss America is a New York-based lawyer and regular contributor to cable news dialogue.

Current oCCupations: Attorney; TV legal analyst

Hometown: Shreveport

now resides in: New York, N.Y.

degree: Political Science

wHat brougHt you to teCH? The campus was beautiful and everyone I met was so welcoming and friendly. It was also close to home so I thought it was perfect for me.

Career stops: Currently, civil litigation for a litigation firm in New York. Former criminal prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

your best memories of teCH: I was a member of several organizations at Tech, but two stand out the most: (1) Louisiana Tech Pom Pon Girls – I got to dance on a great squad with people like Mette Boving (another former Miss Louisiana), Christina Cherry, who was a wonderful dancer and friend, and Anna Zielinski, who is now an actress in Los Angeles. I didn’t make the squad the first year I tried out, but Candee Terry encouraged me to come back and the second time was a charm! (2) Orientation Student Leaders. That was a life-changing experience. Chris, Lisa, and Les were our advisors. I don’t think I’ve ever bonded with a group of people more than them and the OSLs that year. It was one of the greatest experiences of my college years and life in general.

How did tHe pageant system Help you ‘grow up’? Competing in the Miss America system helped shape me into who I am today. It all started with my dream of becoming Miss Tech. I wanted to represent my school. As Miss Tech, I learned how to speak to large groups of people, be a leader on and off campus, and be a positive role model for young people. I also learned basic things, like how to apply makeup. Before Miss Tech, I never wore makeup.

you’re on a lot of news sHows as a legal Contributor. do you get nervous? I do get nervous, especially when I’m on shows like “The O’Reilly Factor” or “Hannity” on Fox News, but it’s the nerves that help make me better. Bill O’Reilly is a challenging interviewer and I have to be prepared to think on my feet…I like doing legal commentary on TV. I get to share my perspective with viewers, debate hot legal topics, and analyze some of the highest profile cases in the country. I consider it an honor. I just started contributing on a regular basis this year, so it’s something I see myself doing for the near future.

Faith is scheduled to be a legal pundit on “Unresolved: Celebrity Cases,” a new TV series scheduled to film this summer (2012) and air this fall on TV One. The investigative show will look back at important cases of national interest and offer viewers an updated perspective on their impact. Check local listings for air times.

For more about Faith, go to LaTech.edu/TechTriumphs


SC State University as an associate professor of education and as the assistant vice president for student affairs, and currently serves as a member of the faculty preparing for reaffirmation of teacher education programs by NCATE.

2005Heather Dixon Bush, elementary education, has received an award for Teacher of the Year for the Texas Arlington

Independent School District in the elementary school division. She is in her seventh year and teaching first grade in a Title I School.

Giselle M. Chatelain, speech, had a successful run in the inaugural Times Square International Theatre Festival with Woyzeck Musical Deathmetal – a new musical in which she originated the role of Carny/Ensemble. It was extended at the Roy Arias Studios & Theatre Off-Broadway Theatre.

Megan E. Davenport, French, has appeared on the television show “Jeopardy!” She ultimately placed second in the episode which aired April 12. She has always wanted to be on “Jeopardy!,” so she took an online test, then received an email asking her to compete in games in Kentucky, and two months later received a call from the show.

2006Ryan C. Collins, accounting, has joined French Creative Group, Monroe-based advertising, marketing and public relations firm, as an accountant in the accounting department. He is a first lieutenant in the Army National Guard and has served in Afghanistan and in operations for Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Gustav and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Travis G. Napper, marketing, has been named as the Ruston-Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau president and

CEO. He was previously director of orientation at Louisiana Tech University for the past six years.

John Corey Whaley, English (master’s secondary education 2009), author of “Where Things Come Back,” published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, a division of Simon & Schuster, received the 2012 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young

Adult Literature. In addition, he received the William C. Morris Debut Award, the first time an author has won both awards. Also, Publishers Weekly chose the novel as one of the best books of 2011, and the National Book Foundation named him a 2011 “5 Under 35” Author.

2007Monica M. Bennett, mathematics, received her Ph.D. in statistics from Baylor University in May 2011.

2008Leigh Anne Forehand Chambers, speech, has been named the 2012 Alumna of the Year in Theatre by Louisiana Tech’s School of the

Performing Arts. She is the Executive Director of the North Central Louisiana Arts Council and is instrumental in the artistic growth within Lincoln Parish and the entire North Central Louisiana geographic area.

2009Jeffery Ray Anderson, nanosystems engineering and biomedical engineering, has been appointed the director of public utilities for Bossier City. He joined the public utilities staff in June 2009 as an engineering aide and was promoted to assistant public utilities in September. He assumed his new position in February 2012.

Laura Hogan Katzenmeyer, English, graduated with a juris doctorate from Mississippi College in Jackson, Miss. She was the recipient of several awards, including multiple American jurisprudence awards and the Litigation Section of the Mississippi Bar Award. She served as casenote/comment editor of the Law Review, member of the Moot Court Board and member of the Order of the Barristers.

Cheylon K. Woods, history, is one of seven archival fellows currently participating in Increasing African American Diversity in Archives: The HistoryMakers’ Fellowship, Mentoring, Training and Placement Institute. She is an archival fellow

WWW.LATECH.EDu | 31

1992Leon J. Anderson, music education, has been named the 2012 Alumnus of the Year in Music by Louisiana Tech’s School of the Performing Arts, Department of Music. He is an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at Florida State University.

1996Judson G. Banks, marketing, has been named partner at the Baton Rouge-based law firm Crawford Lewis, PLLC. He practices areas of commercial litigation and corporate/business law.

Raymond C. McKinney, psychology (accounting 2000), has been named partner with Gollob Morgan Peddy PC. He has been with Gollob Morgan Peddy since 2004 and his focus is real estate taxation, including cost segregation studies. Gollob Morgan Peddy has provided personal and business tax planning and preparation, audit, business valuations, appraisals, and other consulting services for 30 years.

1997Brian M. Davis, architecture, has been named executive director of Historic Salisbury Foundation, Salisbury, N.C. He was the preservation services director of Galveston (Texas) Historical Foundation. He has served on the board and steering committee of Galveston Historical Foundation and is a member of the board of the statewide organization Preservation Texas. He also served on the city of Galveston’s building standards commission and was its chair. He has been responsible for saving and preserving many historic buildings in Galveston as director of the foundation’s active revolving fund.

2000Jessica Watson Hammons, accounting, has been elected Partner at Thompson & Knight, LLP law firm

in Dallas. She is a member of the Firm’s Corporate and Securities Practice Group, advising clients on securities matters, mergers and acquisitions, as well as the adoption and implementation of corporate governance policies and procedures.

Ramunda K. Russell, mechanical engineering, has been recognized by The Global Directory of Who’s Who for outstanding contributions and achievements in the field of Energy, Utilities and Resources. She is a senior engineer at NRG Energy, specializing in mechanical engineering. She is a licensed professional engineer in Teas with 11.5 years experience and a recipient of the TXU Diversity Advancement Award.

Kyle Steven Templin, chemical engineering, was named “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama” at the

2011 Los Angeles Web Series Festival for his work in “Breaking Point,” an independent television project designed to air online. Season 2 launched April 10. The show’s website is breakingpointshow.com

2001Jeremy W. Gantt, accounting, was re-elected to serve as a Director to the Deep South Equipment Dealers Association. The Deep South Equipment Dealers Association is made up of Agricultural, Industrial and Outdoor Power Equipment Dealers in Louisiana and South Mississippi, and is headquartered in Baton Rouge. He is manager of Ruston Tractor, Inc., a New Holland and Kubota dealer.

Ella Marin Kennen, industrial/organizational psychology, is a finalist in a popular competition by storybook app MeeGenius. Her latest children’s tale, “The Reluctant Caterpillar,” advanced among a field of nearly 400 to reach the final 13.

2002Brooke Lassiter Stoehr, business administration, has been named co-head coach along with her husband, Scott, for the Northwestern

State Lady Demon basketball team. This will be the Stoehrs’ first head coaching post from a combined career that included coaching stops at North Texas, Texas Tech, Arkansas-Little Rock, Southern Mississippi and Louisiana Tech.

2003Christopher Ellender, aviation management, has been appointed as a senior regional sales manager for Product Support Sales at Gulfstream in Luton, United Kingdom. He is responsible for maintenance sales to Gulfstream operators in Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Bradley R. Pullin, marketing, has been selected as a 2011 PING Regional Club Fitter of the Year for his commitment to helping golfers of all skill levels improve their games through custom fitting. He is Director of Golf and Head Golf Pro at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant.

2004Valerie S. Fields, curriculum and instruction, has been appointed interim vice president for student affairs at South Carolina State University. She has previously served


30 | LouiSiANA TECH MAGAZiNE


DeBBie PrimeAux WilliAmson (’85, ’86)

A champion as a Lady Techster, this mom, professor, athletic director’s wife and No. 1 fan of Johnny’s Pizza is still knee-deep in the NCAA as Women’s Basketball’s National Coordinator of Officials and Secretary-Rules Editor.

title/oCCupation(s): Consultant to the NCAA as National Coordinator of Officials and Secretary-Rules Editor; Online Physical Education Instructor for North Carolina State University; Asst. Professor for Physical Education at the University of West Alabama.

Hometown: Hayes; graduate of Bell City High School in Bell City

now resides in: Livingston, Ala.

degree(s): B.S. and M.S. in Health and Physical Education; Doctorate of Education, University of Houston

family: Husband, Stan Williamson of Ruston and Tech grad (’85); daughter, Courtney (22), and two sons Mark (20) and Nathan (15). Courtney and Mark are students at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C.

wHy did you CHoose tHis Career? Basketball and teaching have always been my passions. I spent my first years as a full-time NCAA Division I assistant coach and the travel was too much for me as a first-time mother, so I forfeited that career so I could raise my kids. While I homeschooled the kids, I finished my doctorate which allowed me to do research in women’s basketball. I have spent the past 15 years teaching college students while dabbling in basketball as a part-time coach, referee and an independent contractor for NCAA Women’s Basketball. My most recent opportunity with the NCAA will allow me to take some time away from classroom teaching and focus on the national basketball officiating program. Outside of having my children, almost everything I have done has been driven by my love for the game of basketball and my desire to serve Jesus on that platform.

your best memories of teCH: Our home-game crowds at Memorial Gym; game-winning hits on our new softball field; winning and winning and winning basketball games; my softball and basketball teammates; seeing the country while sharing the front seat with Ms. Hogg; trying to beat Coach Barmore at anything; being the first Tech volleyball coach; being treated like a queen by my foster parents, Betty and Butler Hampton and The Tip-off Club; great Bible studies at Wesley and the BSU; seeing my first football game; people not being able to understand my Cajun accent; being proposed to by Stan in front of the Thomas Assembly Center; being taught by the best physical education teachers, then leaving with two degrees; and LOTS of Johnny’s Pizza.

For more about debbie, go to LaTech.edu/TechTriumphs

stAnley nelson (’77)

A finalist for a Pulitzer Prize in 2011, Stanley Nelson was honored in the “local reporting” category for the stories he wrote about the unsolved murder of Frank Morris. On December 10, 1964, Morris' shoe repair shop in Ferriday was burned. Morris was still in the building and injuries he received killed him four days later. It was widely believed that Morris was killed by the Ku Klux Klan. Nelson has written about 150 stories about the murder, including one that identified a suspect.

title: Editor, Concordia Sentinel

Hometown: Sicily Island

now resides in: (Cash Bayou) Catahoula Parish

degree: Journalism

wHy did you CHoose tHis Career: I knew I wanted to write and on a lot of days as a freshman on my way to the post office at Keeny Hall I’d pass The Tech Talk offices and look in through the window at people my age sitting in front of typewriters writing. I wanted to get on the other side of that glass.

your best memories of teCH: Wiley Hilburn. Plus, his creative writing class and all of the written comments he made when grading my journal (which I still have). Keeny Hall and the post office (all the girls walked by The Tech Talk sports office, which is why I started out in sports). All of the great journalism faculty, advisors and students there (we had great parties). Great concerts, all kinds of sports, outstanding professors, a creative environment. When I think about it, I miss those days, and the great friendships.

tell us How tHe series of pieCes began tHat led to your pulitzer reCognition: In February 2007, the FBI released its list of 100-plus unsolved Civil Rights-era murders that it was considering reopening. The name of Frank Morris (murdered in the arson of his shoe shop in Ferriday in 1964) was on the list. I wrote my first story about him two hours later.

talk a little if you would about How your interest/passion for tHe story grew, and How your life migHt Have CHanged just a little, or not, sinCe your investigation and storytelling of tHis issue began: Frank Morris’ granddaughter (Rosa Williams) called and said “thank you for writing about my grandfather.” She said she’d learned more in my first article than she had in 43 years – that no one in law enforcement or anyone in authority had ever talked to her about his murder and that for all of her life she had been in the dark. She thought the truth was important, and I soon came to understand that Ferriday and Concordia Parish needed to know the truth, too.

I contacted families of other murder victims from the region and I began to realize how deep the limbo of anguish is for victims of unsolved homicides, especially those that occurred during the hate-filled days when the Klan terrorized communities. I promised them all two things: To write and investigate until the crimes were solved or until there was nothing else to be done and secondly, to keep them informed and stay in touch.

The lesson for me is that justice is precious and that we all share responsibility for what happens in our communities. I have a better appreciation today of the Golden Rule.

For more on Stanley, go to LaTech.edu/TechTriumphs

2001Kimberly Hood Audi, family infancy and early childhood education, and Daniel James Audi, daughter, Abigail Elizabeth, Feb. 15, 2012, Arlington, Texas

Amanda Arnold Cauley, psychology, and Nicholas James Cauley, general studies 2004, daughter, Josephine Joy “Josie,” Jan. 31, 2012, Ruston

Johanna Brown Moak, speech, and Michael Moak, daughter, Emerson Kate, Jan. 22, 2012, Conroe, Texas

Barbara Noles Tims, elementary education, and Heath Eric Tims, mechanical engineering, son, Graham David, Feb. 10, 2012, Ruston

Gerrud Alexander Wallaert, electrical engineering, and Kelly Davenport Wallaert, son, Jack Alexander, May 2, 2012, Chicago

Lauren Thurmon Wiley, biology, and Jimmy Wayne Wiley, history 1996, daughter, Sydney Josephine, Jan. 27, 2012, Baton Rouge

2002Craig Michael Bryan, human resources management, and Lori Waddell Bryan, son, Dylan Michael, April 2, 2012, Overland Park, Kan.

Ryan Reeves Kilpatrick, history, and Sarah Grigsby Kilpatrick, son, Rhodes Benson, March 25, 2012, Ruston

DeAnna Carter Morrow, family infancy and early childhood education, and Daniel Shane Morrow, computer information systems 1999 (master's business administration 2011), son, Mayson Carter, March 21, 2012, Ruston

Jean Dailey Sanders, environmental science, and William Pearson Sanders, biology, son, William Dailey, April 25, 2012, Ruston

James Blakely Smith, electrical engineering technology, and Dominique Smith, son, Austin Ripley, June 27, 2011, Baton Rouge

2003Rachael Guagliardo Beck, family and child studies, and Denis Paul Beck, elementary education 2002, daughter, Camille Elizabeth, Feb. 27, 2012, Covington

Magan Foster Causey, economics, and Maxie Timothy Causey, marketing 2002 (master's business administration 2003), son, Barnes Clinton, March 8, 2012, Shreveport

Brandon P. Jordan, political science, and Whitney Jordan, son, Rivers Lee, March 13, 2012, Deridder

Marie McCarthy Myers, marketing, and James Edward Myers, professional aviation, son, Christopher Allen, April 27, 2012, Thibodaux

Kristen McCartney Telford, elementary education (master's curriculum and instruction 2010), and Jeremy Lane Telford, business management and entrepreneurship 1999, daughter, Emma Kate, Jan. 22, 2012, Dubach

Melissa Clark Whitworth, sociology (master's industrial/organizational psychology 2005), and Andrew James Whitworth, son, Michael Lee, April 3, 2012, Fort Thomas, Ky.

2004John Robert Bolton, business administration, and Tiffany Bolton, daughter, Sloane Emerson, Jan. 12, 2012, Fort Worth

William Martin Cantrell, secondary education, and Sheila Colvin Cantrell, son, Thomas Drew, April 26, 2012, Ruston

Lauren Zachry Carter, general studies (elementary education 2006), and Jared W. Carter, daughter, Carley Rae, April 4, 2012, Ruston

Valerie Gashel Costanza, nutrition and dietetics (master's nutrition and dietetics 2005), and Samuel Thomas Costanza, industrial engineering 2003, son, Thomas Anderson, May 9, 2012, Ruston

Nicole Broussard Napoli, journalism, and Matthew C. Napoli, mechanical engineering, daughter, Eleanor Marie, June 15, 2011, Alexandria, Va.

Lindsey Thurmon Norris, biology, and Bradley Heath Norris, business management and entrepreneurship, daughter, Emma Elizabeth, March 7, 2012, Madison, Miss.

Jamie Michael Roberts, finance (nursing 2012), and Tammy Owen Roberts, son, Cale Ryan, Jan. 26, 2012, Ruston

Jana House Thomas, merchandising and consumer studies, and Christopher Scott Thomas, son, Porter Alexander, March 28, 2012, Dubach

Rebecca Neal Williams, mathematics (master's mathematics 2006), and Gereme Lea Williams, elementary education 2000, son, Charles Neal, May 3, 2012, Ruston

2005Amy Grifka Crittenden, elementary education, and Kelly Blayne Crittenden, biomedical engineering 1996 (doctorate engineering 2001), son, David Bradley, Feb. 23, 2012, Ruston

C. Allan Martin IV, marketing, and Amanda Maxwell Martin, son, Avery Stone, Sept, 2, 2011, Monroe

Kristin Kilpatrick Stuart, elementary education, and Robert Franklin Stuart, daughter, Pearce Elizabeth, May 2, 2012, Orlando

2006Kasy Robinson Black, accounting (master's accounting 2007), and Matt Black, son, William Matthew “Liam,” March 13, 2012, Ruston

Nicole Power Brossett, accounting, and Kenneth Paul Brossett, graphic design, son, Sawyer Paul, April 1, 2012, Alexandria

Allison Burns Dixon, animal science, son, Brannon Levi Burns Dixon, Dec. 6, 2011, Ruston

Benjamin R. Lemoine, construction engineering technology, and Susie Barr Lemoine, daughter, Clara Faith, Dec. 2, 2011, Moreauville

Lida Millman Mathews, family and child studies, and Kenneth Lynn Mathews, aviation management, daughter, Kenley Olivia, March 7, 2012, Spring, Texas

James Windsor Pipes, mechanical engineering, and Naomi Chrissoverges Pipes, daughter, Bailey Ann, Feb. 14, 2012, Katy, Texas

Tiphanie Warren Sumrall, elementary education, and Jerry Dustin Sumrall, computer information systems, daughter, Molly Kate, March 14, 2012, Pineville

Christal Beach Workman, architecture, and Stephen Anthony Workman, business management and entrepreneurship 2007, daughter, Reagan Leigh, May 8, 2012, Alexandria

2007Carrifrances DiCarlo Alexander, biology (master's secondary education 2009), and Michael Jason Alexander, son, Grant Robert, March 29, 2012, Ruston

Crystal Robinson Ehrhard, merchandising and consumer studies (master's secondary education 2011), and Steven Lloyd Ehrhard, social studies 2006, son, Nolan Barnett, May 6, 2012, Ruston

Lisa Bradley McGehee, merchandising and consumer studies, and Robert Paxton McGehee, agricultural business 2008, son, Paxton Andrew, April 10, 2012, Monroe

Cydni Hightower Scroggs, family and child studies, and Matthew Christopher Scroggs, business

administration, son, Sidney Maxwell, Dec. 22, 2011, Ruston

Jena Stubblefield Shockley, photography, and Daniel Wayde Shockley, English 1998 (sociology 1999, speech 2000), daughter, Kennedy Isabelle, Dec. 7, 2011, Ruston

Shantrell Moore Williams, sociology, and Tramon Vernell Williams, sociology 2005, daughter, Trinity Lynette, March 14, 2012, Richmond, Texas

2008Rebekah Ann Bethke, family and child studies, and Thomas L. Bethke, general studies 2007, son, Dean Matthew, April 23, 2012, Longville

Mattieu T. Bissell, nursing, and Kristen Ledet Bissell, daughters, Emma Kate and Lily Grace, Nov. 13, 2011, Ruston

Millie Carroll Haymon, family and child studies (master's early childhood education 2010), and Jacob Daniel Haymon, construction engineering technology 2007, daughter, Birdie Claire, May 8, 2012, Ruston

2009Joseph Andrew Hearington, social studies education, and Laura Gardner Hearington, son, Joseph Andrew II, May 16, 2012, West Monroe

Jessica Copes Williams, family and child studies, and Brandon Wade Williams, accounting 2006, daughter, Sadee Grace, Sept. 28, 2011, Choudrant

2010Tara Kaufman Stone, family and child studies, and Matt Stone, daughter, Audrey Grace, May 10, 2012, Ruston

2011Emily Thomas Kozar, early childhood education, and Graham Edward Kozar, computer information systems 2004, daughter, Catherine Claire, May 22, 2012, Ruston

in memoriAm1922Mary Mount Puddy, 108, education, March 15, 2012, Peachtree City, Ga.

1933Elena Rodgers Leblanc, 99, arts and sciences, March 19, 2012, Williamston, Mich.

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in residence at The Alabama Department of Archives & History. The archive’s collections include records of those of enslaved men and women within estate files, manumission records, court documents, the Alabama 1867 voter registration records database, and the governor’s papers dating back to 1819.

WeDDeD Bliss1997Katherine Elizabeth Palmieri, consumer affairs (master's secondary education 2010), and Chad Lowery Beach, Feb. 19, 2012, West Monroe

1998Jamie Nicole Gibson, psychology (master’s industrial/organizational psychology 2001), and James Matthew Pipes Land, Dec. 17, 2011, Choudrant

Patrick James Thibodeaux, educational psychology, and Shirley Mae Bee, Feb. 25, 2012, Eunice

2001Jonathan Michael Tynes, political science, and Carey Norman Rushing, March 10, 2012, Shreveport

2003Lindsey Ann Daugherty, marketing, and Clay Sawyer Costello, agricultural business 2004, March 10, 2012, Bastrop

Joseph Patrick Fitzmorris, kinesiology and health promotion, and Jacqueline Marie Gulla, Feb. 18, 2012, Simsboro

2004Courtney Denise Buffington, marketing, and Benjamin Martin Worley, Feb. 2012, Atlanta, Ga.

Joan Robison Grafton, marketing, and Ryan Keith McMaster, May 19, 2012, Shreveport

Gregory Wayne Smith, biology, and Lillian Elaine Haik, March 17, 2012, Ruston

Jennifer Denise Watson, journalism, and William Edmiston, March 31, 2012, Shreveport

2005Elizabeth Irene Chisolm, civil engineering (master's engineering 2007), and John Clifton Matthews, construction engineering technology 2004 (master's engineering 2006), April 14, 2012, Ragley

Michael Wayne Eddy, chemical engineering, and Ashley Adair

Lindsey, May 21, 2012, Texarkana, Ark.

Leslie Diane Highfill, biology (master's biology 2007), and Nicholas Emmanuel Oglesby, April 14, 2012, Monroe

Austin Thomas Lash, biology, and Aubrey J. Johnson, Feb. 4, 2012, Shreveport

Margaret Baughman Roane, nutrition and dietetics, and Preston Rabun Smith, sociology 2007 (marketing 2009), April 6, 2012, Shreveport

2006Amanda Ruth Davis, interior design, and Robert Brown Haynie, computer information systems 2004, May 26, 2012, Shreveport

Mary Katherine Radcliff, general studies, and John Michael Sour, May 5, 2012, Minden

2007Megan B. Hayes, social studies, and Joseph Hutchinson Johnson, May 20, 2012, Shreveport

Claudia Elizabeth Thomas, family and child studies, and Carlton Brock Haggard, business management and entrepreneurship 2009, March 10, 2012, Shreveport

2008David Thomas Atkins, biology, and Heather Elizabeth Lancaster, March 10, 2012, Shreveport

Joseph Thomas Bowman, construction engineering technology, and Sarah Michelle Nichols, Feb. 25, 2012, Shreveport

Anna Katherine Coates, nursing, and Robert Casey Plummer, April 28, 2012, Dallas

Lindsey Ann Graham, sociology, and Patrick Spencer Avinger, March 3, 2012, Dubach

Michelle Lee Jones, kinesiology and health promotion, and Jacob Daniel Landry, Feb. 4, 2012, Ruston

Holly E. McKay, preprofessional speech language pathology (master's speech pathology 2011), and Klein Matthew Swannie, professional aviation 2007, March 24, 2012, Grapevine, Texas

Adam R. Tidwell, business administration, and Kathryn Marie Locantro, Oct. 1, 2011, Baton Rouge

Kyle Daniel White, finance, and Erica Leigh Combs, April 13, 2012, Lafayette

Jonathan Donald Willard, civil engineering, and Emily Cooper Anders, May 5, 2012, Baton Rouge

2009Stacey B. Brown, math education, and Coy Brotherton, March 24, 2012, Greenwood

K’Anne Marie Cash, biology, and Caleb Michael Arthur, biology 2006, May 12, 2012, Shreveport

Lane Matthew White, health and physical education, and Sara Janee’ Griffin, May 26, 2012, Berwick

2010Megan Elizabeth Boggs, family and child studies, and James Ryan Faler, May 5, 2012, Shreveport

Lee Alan Gilley, mechanical engineering, and Leigh Ann Simpson, April 14, 2012, West Monroe

Emily Diane Gullatt, interior design, and Taylor Caraway Byrd, March 24, 2012, Jackson, Miss.

Caitlin Denise McAlpin, accounting (master's accounting 2012), and Paul Harlan LeMaire, construction engineering technology 2011, March 10, 2012, Robeline

Kelsey Suzanne Nash, nursing, and Jeremy Jerome Redden, May 5, 2012, Arcadia

Candace Nicole Payne, counseling and guidance, and Matthew Cole Guice, March 3, 2012, Bossier City

Amber Faith Ryals, nursing, and Clay Dean Bryant, nursing, April 14, 2012, Ruston

Peter Gaines Scurlock, mechanical engineering, and Holly Ann Gaines, March 10, 2012, Stuttgart, Ark.

Rodney Alan Smith, photography, and Jessica Ashley Forsse, Feb. 25, 2012, Ruston

Quandrea Tobin, accounting, and Phillip Allen, May 19, 2012, Ruston

2011Lauren Michelle Abshier, pyschology, and Robert Erich Cathey, April 2012, Monroe

Alyssa Marie Chelette, accounting, and Jacob Ben Allen, April 21, 2012, West Monroe

Christy Lynn Duncan, merchandising and consumer studies, and Justin Warren Post, business management and entrepreneurship 2010, March 10, 2012, Ruston

Joseph Grant Ford, sociology, and Lauren Kate Simmons, March 10,

2012, Bossier City

Meghan Elizabeth Jordan, biology, and Adam Dwain Bryan, electrical engineering technology 2010, May 12, 2012, Simsboro

Christopher H. Rathburn, business management and entrepreneurship, and Megan Reichert, May 26, 2012, Ruston

Ashley Marie Townsend, biology, and Kaleb Micah Hamby, mechanical engineering 2009, May 5, 2012, Haughton

Jon Michael Wages, speech, and Reagan Bess Robinette, May 26, 2012, Jonesboro

Corey Daniel Wells, general studies, and Celena Frances Chandler, April 21, 2012, Bossier City

2012Jodie Ann Bimle, speech, and Reece Aaron Morphew, marketing 2009, April 14, 2012, Ruston

stork rePort1993Robyn White St. Andre, psychology, and Dustin St. Andre, daughter, Graceanna Glynn, Jan. 13, 2012, Ruston

1996Leigh McCready Gass, accounting, and David Gass, daughter, Nola Katherine, Jan. 23, 2012, Phoenix, Ariz.

Carlos Antonio Torres, finance, and Alicia Celaya Torres, son, Sebastian, Feb. 28, 2012, Avondale, Ariz.

1997Melanie O’Quin Rice, civil engineering, and Andrew Rice, daughter, Tierney Paige, June 1, 2011, Tucson, Ariz.

1999Kristy Culpepper Powell, early childhood education, and Scott Powell, son, Colton Scott, Oct. 13, 2011, Quitman

Julie Berry Shirley, merchandising and consumer affairs, and Matthew Randolph Shirley, health and physical education/fitness wellness 1998, son, Levi Thomas, March 16, 2012, Ruston

2000Amanda Russell Brown, elementary education, and Nicholson Brown, son, Brett Andrew, March 10, 2012, Ruston




Sally Hewitt Daniel, 65, education, Feb. 6, 2012, Greenwood Village, Colo.

Jack Dalton Hatcher, 67, general studies, Jan. 30, 2012, Shreveport

Sandra Beaty Moors, 65, education, Feb. 13, 2012, Dennis, Texas

1969Lee Arron Montet, 66, mathematics, March 20, 2012, Erath

Bruce Frazier Robinson, 65, mechanical engineering, April 10, 2012, Kingwood, Texas

1970Madelyn Newman Haynes, 64, education, April 16, 2012, West Monroe

Howard Clinton Shaw Jr., 64, civil engineering, Feb. 23, 2012, Navasota, Texas

Corinne Sills Strickland, 91, home economics, Feb. 27, 2012, Shreveport

1971Larry D. Martin, 64, accounting, May 17, 2012, Irmo, S.C.

1972Gregory L. Farque, 61, industrial engineering, May 20, 2012, Little Rock, Ark.

Nancy Dennard Kilbourne, 60, fine arts, May 22, 2012, Ethel

Gregory A. Luetkemeyer, 64, business data processing (master’s business administration 1982), May 14, 2012, Freeburg, Mo.

Tommie Baird Pepper, 84, science education, April 4, 2012, Haughton

David Michael Waller, 65, general studies, March 12, 2012, Monroe

1973Raymond Richard Giska Jr., 64, business administration, March 4, 2012, Monroe

Carlton Harvey Hall, 63, professional aviation, March 24, 2012, Shreveport

Charles W. McCreary, 60, business administration, May 24, 2012, Shreveport

Sally Elisa Seeliger, 60, education, May 16, 2012, Shreveport

1974Joel Gaylon Chandler, 68, economics, May 7, 2012, Shreveport

Charles M. Robertson III, 60, psychology, March 9, 2012, Lake Charles

1975Charles Thomas C. Rutledge, 65, forestry, May 26, 2012, Benton

1976Robert Henry Lotz, 64, electrical engineering, April 4, 2012, Luling

Alice Springer Warren, 73, education, Jan. 7, 2012, San Antonio

1977Ned Richard Duffey, 60, electrical engineering, Jan. 12, 2012, Crossett, Ark.

1978Gregg Howe II, 56, plant science, March 8, 2012, Gloster

1979Walter Green Fornea Jr., 53, land survey technology (civil engineering 1984), Jan. 25, 2012, Madisonville

1981Harvey Lorin Skraback, USAF (Ret.), 82, general studies (master’s industrial/organizational psychology 1984, master’s counseling 1988), Feb. 23, 2012, Bossier City

1982Teresa Purdy Bush, 63, special education, April 27, 2012, Kenner

John Harold Pepper, 53, architecture,

Feb. 15, 2012, Townsend, Del.

Robert Lawrence Sanders, 59, art, April 20, 2012, Glen Allen, Va.

1983Danny Joe Fuller, 69, industrial/organizational psychology (master’s business management and entrepreneurship 1987), April 28, 2012, Springfield, Mo.

1985Stephen Joseph Davitt Jr., 59, finance, April 8, 2012, Mobile, Ala.

1987Christopher Chibuzo Ibeh, 58, engineering, Feb. 6, 2012, Indianapolis, Ind.

Richard Lee Rodgers, 60, general studies, Jan. 8, 2012, Fayetteville, Ark.

1989Susan Griffith Donald, 55, nutrition and dietetics, April 12, 2012, West Monroe

Kay Godfrey Ellender, 69, English education, March 27, 2012, Columbia

Darlene Williams Knight, 57, nursing, April 23, 2012, Downsville

1990Paul Langenbeck Jr., 45, mechanical engineering, Feb. 21, 2012, Metairie

Tracy Sean Robinson, 43, general studies, Feb. 7, 2012, Dubberly

1994Jason Matthew McKean, 40, professional aviation, Jan. 19, 2012, Amite

1998Kasey T. Kramer, 39, nursing, Dec. 21, 2011, New Iberia

2002Kourtney Martin Morgan, 34, nutrition and dietetics, March 6, 2012, Slidell

2005Catherine Elizabeth Hickman, 30, animal science, April 12, 2012, Shreveport

2007Nagesh Babu Idupulapati, 29, molecular sciences and nanotechnology (doctorate engineering 2009), March 2012, Richland, Wash.

in memoriAm (FRiENDS oR RETiRED FACuLTY/STAFF)Abraham M. Attrep, 79, April 29, 2012, Ruston

Eugene Cottrell, 85, April 26, 2012, Shreveport

Maxine Stephenson Davis, 85, April 17, 2012, Ruston

Patricia Carmichael Edmiston, 74, April 29, 2012, Ruston

C. Lloyd Halliburton, 77, April 15, 2012, Natchitoches

Lola Barnes Harris, 88, March 18, 2012, Springhill

Benjamin Pat Kincannon, 87, April 16, 2012, Ruston

Alfred L. Miller, 87, May 2, 2012, San Antonio

William John Raggio Jr., 85, Feb. 24, 2012, Reno, Nev.

James A. Webb Jr., 87, April 1, 2012, Ruidoso, N.M.

Emmett Craig Wroten, 87, Feb. 7, 2012, Metairie



1936Christine Hardin Driggers, 96, education, Feb. 13, 2012, Las Cruces, N.M.

1938Helen Hollis Colvin, 94, business administration, Feb. 26, 2012, Bernice

1939Clement Scott Yeager Jr., 93, mechanical engineering, Feb. 27, 2012, Ball

1940Lucile Davis Ashby, 92, business administration, April 7, 2012, Downsville

Carolyn Null Butler, 91, arts and sciences, Feb. 24, 2012, Shreveport

1941Eleanor Stout Philippi, 91, office administration, May 8, 2012, Opelousas

Ira Dean Reeves, 92, agricultural education, May 18, 2012, Jonesboro

1942Helen Price Rutledge, 91, arts and sciences, June 4, 2012, West Monroe

1943Mary Alice O’Neal Campell, 91, home economics, May 31, 2012, Monroe

Dorothy Wood Glover, 89, education, Jan. 9, 2012, Loudon, Tenn.

John Dale Holland, 89, accounting, May 11, 2012, Jackson, Miss.

James R. Phillips, 88, business administration, May 31, 2011, Richardson, Texas

1944Euline Blackmon Hollis, 89, home economics, Dec. 29, 2011, Plano, Texas

Nettie White Robinson, 88, arts and sciences, March 5, 2012, Sheffield, Ala.

1945Mary Talbot Busbee, 85, arts and sciences, March 3, 2012, Stone Mountain, Ga.

Mary Cole Colvin, 86, home economics education, April 23, 2012, Ruston

Albert John Ehlert, 90, arts and sciences, Jan. 20, 2012, Coral Gables, Fla.

1946Allie Ingram Brooks, 87, arts and sciences, May 9, 2012, West Monroe

1947Madge Risinger Chandler, 84, education (master’s education 1970), March 5, 2012, Ruston

1948Samuel Sentell Cappel, 86, speech, Jan. 2, 2012, Covington

John Denmon Garner Sr., 90, education, May 17, 2012, Ruston

Ruth Killgore Tolson, 88, arts and sciences, Jan. 30, 2012, Monroe

1949Clarence Edward DePingre, 90, electrical engineering, Feb. 3, 2012, Galveston, Texas

Judith Clinton Yarberry Holland, 83, art (master’s art education 1964), May 11, 2012, Ruston

Audna Acklen Young, 83, home economics, Jan. 21, 2012, Shreveport

1950Carl Davis Bonner, 84, electrical engineering, Jan. 9, 2012, Lake Providence

Robert Uriah Brasher, 90, education, May 17, 2012, Ruston

Alvin Truett Conn, 89, life sciences, Feb. 12, 2012, El Dorado, Ark.

Myra Cummings Deaton, 84, home economics, May 3, 2012, Kentwood

Bruce Elton Facundus, 82, chemistry, May 16, 2012, Clancy, Mont.

Charles Davis Golson, 85, electrical engineering, May 1, 2012, Sterling, Va.

Norman H. Martien Jr., 85, chemical engineering, Feb. 1, 2012, Denham Springs

Benjamin E. Means, 86, civil engineering, Oct. 21, 2011, Hot Springs, Ark.

Doyle Rehfeldt Parker, 86, English, March 18, 2012, Monroe

Bennie Liner Thompson, 85, home economics, April 5, 2012, Ruston

1951James Wilson Beck Sr., 87, accounting, May 13, 2012, Dubach

Marvin E. Bryant, 82, mechanical engineering, April 13, 2012, Beavercreek, Ohio

Mary Lynch Foil, 82, education, Jan. 29, 2012, Alexandria

John R. Humble Jr., 84, chemical engineering, May 16, 2012, Bellingham, Wash.

1952Oreatha Saterfiel Bond, 81, education (master’s education 1964), Jan. 19, 2012, West Monroe

George William Byrnside, 81, marketing, April 28, 2012, Ruston

M. L. Kilpatrick Jr., 82, music (master’s music education 1970), April 6, 2012, Arcadia

Otis L. Pratt, 82, civil engineering, May 11, 2012, Theodore, Ala.

William Earl Sears Jr., 87, civil engineering, May 2, 2012, Ruston

1953Reber C. Dillard, 81, business administration, Oct. 15, 2011, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Patsy Scogin Holloway, 79, office administration, March 26, 2012, Dallas

Fred Byron Hudgens Jr., 79, business administration, March 30, 2011, Crossett, Ark.

Cleo Clark Matkins Jr., 82, agricultural engineering (master’s counseling and guidance 1978), May 6, 2012, Shreveport

Thomas Rutledge Post, 80, business administration, May 16, 2012, Winston Salem, N.C.

1954James E. Davis, 82, business administration, Oct. 12, 2011, Richmond, Ky.

Bobby Ray Parker, 79, health and physical education, March 8, 2012, Minden

1955George Wayne Byram, 79, pre-med, March 12, 2012, Minden

1956Peggy Mitchell Lewis, 77, art, Feb. 23, 2012, Irving, Texas

Roe Kinson McCasland, 78, forestry, Oct. 25, 2011, San Antonio

Hilda Manchester Randall, 77, education, April 10, 2012, Youngsville

Charles Landry Wiley, 77, chemistry, Jan. 11, 2012, Blanchard

1957Ralph Donald Cross, 76, business administration, May 26, 2012, Shreveport

1958Betty Kelly Whitaker, 75, education, April 1, 2012, Tyler, Texas

1959Louis Sanford Harp, 89, life sciences, Jan. 25, 2012, Sherwood, Ark.

Elzie Efton Rockett, 79, math education, Feb. 2012, Spearsville

1960Vernon Thomas Baldwin, 85, pre-med, May 9, 2012, Winnsboro

Joy Kennedy Cathey, 72, education, May 23, 2012, Clarksville, Tenn.

1961Jimmy Harvey Head, 82, education (master’s education), March 24, 2012, Monroe

1962Monroe L. Ingram Jr., 75, education, Dec. 19, 2011, Longview, Texas

Jerry Vance Rockett, 71, forestry, April 15, 2012, Heathsville, Va.

1963John Michael Fitzsimons, 71, arts and sciences, May 20, 2012, Baton Rouge

James O. Ricks Jr., 72, forestry/wildlife, May 4, 2012, Shreveport

1964James Patrick Shows, 69, business administration, March 21, 2012, Shreveport

1965Marion Charles Battenfield, 72, electrical engineering, April 4, 2012, Barboursville, Va.

1966Tommy Wilson McKinney, 67, accounting, Jan. 20, 2012, Harvey

John Randall Tabor, 72, education, Jan. 17, 2012, Bethany

1967Judith Telford Crawford, 66, elementary education (master’s elementary education 1984), May 15, 2012, Dubach

1968Sondra McCrary Clark, 65, journalism, April 21, 2012, Ruston


GEORGE BYRNSIDE, VICE PRESIDENT EMERITUSHe was a “rock” for Louisiana Tech, sure and steady, wise and loyal. When George Byrnside passed away in April at age 81, Tech lost a true friend and a person that made all those around him better.

A native of Lafayette, Byrnside was a Ruston resident for more than 60 years. He was a member of both the football and track teams while a student at Tech, as well as Kappa Sigma and Delta Sigma Pi. After graduation from the College of Administration and Business in 1952, he served three years in the United States Army and returned to Tech in 1960 as Assistant Business Manager. In 1972, he was named Vice President for Administrative Affairs, a position he held for 25 years until his 1997 retirement. He was recognized as Alumnus of the Year by Tech’s College of Administration and Business in 1993.


tolliver today is the den at your house when all your friends come over. In the old days, it was only the dining room. Set in a high-student-traffic area just off Centennial Plaza, Tolliver is an all-hours campus hot spot and has been since re-opening in 2003 after an extensive makeover.

Upstairs at Tolliver is “where it’s at.” Chain sandwich and pizza shops. Convenience store. Coffee. Big-screen TV. Lots of room to mingle, eat and work, and away from the dining area, couches and a quieter atmosphere for relaxing or studying.

Plus the Student Government Association, Union Board and Greek Life offices are in Tolliver. Nice setup.

Below is the campus post office, as it has been since the early ’80s.For years the favorite Food Service site of Tech students with cafeterias both

upstairs and downstairs, Tolliver was completed in 1939 and is named after Irene Tolliver (inset), the University’s chief dietitian, who died in 1955. For a while the Union Board Coffee House was in the basement; the cozy atmosphere was special for twice-a-week movies and the occasional small concert.

Keeny Hall’s renovation in the early ’80s necessitated Union Board’s move to the Student Center as campus police and the post office moved from Keeny to Tolliver’s basement. Except for the post office, Tolliver was closed around ’88; the Student Center had just been renovated and Tolliver needed significant repairs to remain open. Food Service used it for storage for more than a decade until its modern, most functional rebirth.

Special thanks to Archives and Special Collections, Prescott Memorial Library, to Sam Wallace, and to Joshua Williams and Thomas Soto, authors, “Louisiana Tech University Building History.”

campus central

BuilDinG trADition | Each issue, we look back at Louisiana Tech’s history through its buildings and their namesakes.

Time ouT for TechSaturday, Oct. 20

Bring your high school student to visit your alma mater!Cost: $10 a person, includes a meal and ticket to Tech vs. Idaho

Call or visit us online:318.257.3036 or 1.800.LATeCH1latech.edu/admissions/toft

v

Top 10 Reasons to Love Ruston 10. Quality housing 9. Strong sense of community 8. Easy to access 7. Regional hub for healthcare

services 6. Diverse business base and strong

entrepreneurial spirit 5. Downtown - the heart of Ruston 4. Quality education system 3. Flourishing arts and entertainment 2. Thriving quality of life 1. Louisiana Tech University - A Top Tier

National University

For more information, visit www.ruston.org orcontact Kristi Lumpkin, City of Ruston’s Economic

Development Administrator, at (318) 251-8643.

Remember Ruston

Louisiana Tech Alumni Association900 Tech DriveP.O. Box 3183Ruston, LA 71272-0001

nOnPROfiT ORg.u.s. POsTAge

PA iDknOxviLLe, TnPeRmiT nO. 1

F O O T B A L L T W O T H O U S A N D T W E L V E

LOUISIANA TECHVS

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIAF O O T B A L L G A M E T R I P

sponsored by theLA TECH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION and LTAC

SEPTEMBER 27-30AVAILABLE TOURS

UVA Rotunda and Academic VillageMontpelier (Home of James Madison)

Monticello (Home of Thomas Jefferson)Michie Tavern

Ash Lawn-Highland (Home of James Monroe)PRE-GAME PARTY

GAME TICKETSALL GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Register today at www.LaTechAlumni.org/UVATripor call the Marbury Alumni Center at 318-255-7950.

Starting at $205 per person(airfare and accommodations not included)

Documents

(on) Tech Redneck Kix Brooks