N O. 1 4 | SPRING/SUMMER 2005 RESEARCH BEYOND BORDERS Tech Leads Drive to Topple Walls

IN SUPPORT OF INC. Incubator Hatches New Startup Businesses GAME FAR FROM OVER Karl Malone Receives Tower Medallion

In 1970, Tech’s engineering and science research was dawning. It was the year Apollo 13 astronauts said, “OK, Houston, we’ve had a problem here” after an oxygen tank exploded en route to the moon. SUBSCRIBING TO SUCCESS Also that year, Green Revolution visionary Norman Borlaug received the Nobel Peace Prize, teach-ins and rallies marked the first Earth Day, Rosemary Ellis Turns a New Page at Prevention floppy disks began backing up computers, the discovery of retroviruses foreshadowed genetic engineering, and Intel introduced a memory chip that stored 1,024 bits of data.

Louisiana Tech University Division of University Advancement NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 3183 Ruston, LA 71272-0001 PAID JACKSON, MS PERMIT NO. 80

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY www.latech.edu ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS Steve Bates Tim King – President – Vice President Russ Nolan Robert Kyle CONTENTS – Treasurer – Past President Daniel D. Reneau – Ex-Officio 2 | From the 16th Floor A model for progress BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Adams, Bobby Aillet, Ron Ainsworth, John Allen, Dr. John Areno, 4 | Collaboration Revolution Paige Baughman, Ayres Bradford, Tech leads drive to topple walls Carroll Cochran, Todd Davison, John Denny, James Duke, Allison Duncan, A WORD FROM THE Dr. Grant Glover, Kenny Guillot, ALUMNI DIRECTOR 8 | In Support of Inc. Chris Hammons, Justin Hinckley, Incubator hatches new startup businesses Marsha Jabour, Chris Jordan, Louisiana Tech just completed another outstanding academic year of Dr. John Maxwell, Mac McBride, accomplishments, capped by a commencement ceremony that will be remembered Cliff Merritt, Antonio Robinson, for countless years to come. Robert Saums,, Stephanie Sisemore, 10 | Game Far From Over Kristy Smith, Markus Snowden, Karl Malone receives Tower Medallion First, Gov. Kathleen Blanco gave the keynote address to the largest graduating Barry Stevens, Bennie Thornell, Eddie Tinsley class in the history of our institution. (See Page 23.) Speaking to a crowd of nearly 10,000, Gov. Blanco inspired everyone with her tale of pursuing and claiming the 12 | Subscribing to Success governorship against so many odds. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION STAFF Rosemary Ellis turns a new page at Prevention Corre Stegall Then, retired NBA great Karl Malone received the prestigious Tower Medallion – Vice President for University Advancement Award for induction into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni. Karl has been a stalwart 14 Kyle Edmiston supporter of Tech and a terrific ambassador for our university. Tech’s senior writer, | Summer of Hope Tech’s Explorers Camp opens doors for students – Director of Alumni Relations Darlene Bush Tucker, sat down with Karl to talk about family and his new life after Ryan Richard the NBA (Page 10). – Coordinator of Alumni Programs Barbara Swart Also during commencement ceremonies, Tech graduated 20 doctoral students and 16 | A Numbers Game – Administrative Assistant achieved the elite status of research university-doctoral 2, based on the number of Paul Millsap counts his blessings on and off the court doctorates awarded (30 or more per year for at least three years as specified by the Southern Regional Education Board). MARKETING AND 18 | Foundation Spotlight PUBLIC RELATIONS The reclassification is a significant step forward in our university’s research and Benefactors help students who walk in their footsteps Kate Archer development goals. Speaking of R&D, Tech is opening a technology incubator to – Director, Marketing and Public Relations spawn companies from research occurring inside the university (Page 8). 4 Darlene Bush Tucker 20 | Young Alumni – Senior Writer As you read this magazine, the university and the Alumni Association are finalizing Making strides in subtle and not-so-subtle ways Mark Coleman plans for the exciting months ahead. Visit www.latechalumni.org for details, but in – Designer August, the Alumni Association will host events in Alexandria/Pineville, Covington/ Donny Crowe Mandeville, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and El Dorado, Ark., as well as our signature 23 | News Around Campus – Photographer event in North Louisiana, Happening XXIV. A spectrum of highlights and firsts Melissa Humble – Contributing Photographer The Happening is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 9, at the Monroe Civic Center and is 10 12 14 the largest single event hosted by the Alumni Association each year. 26 | News About You Campbell Laird We share your milestones – Contributing Illustrator Meanwhile, plan on joining us Oct. 21-22 for Homecoming weekend. Our Bulldogs Anne McLean will face the University of North Texas at 3 p.m. on Saturday, and the university has – Contributing Writer many activities scheduled during the weekend including the Alumni Association 32 | What Matters to Alumni Elena Parker Awards Dinner at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, in the Student Center. A parents’ perspective on the Tech Family – Creative Services Manager Gather your family and friends and head over to reconnect with former classmates! Louisiana Tech Magazine is published semiannually by the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association. We welcome your letters: Louisiana Tech Magazine P.O. Box 3183 | Ruston LA 71272 www.latechalumni.org Meanwhile, Tech is completing more than $100 million in participants from throughout north Louisiana. improvements to support its programs, faculty, staff and students. Research paid off for Tech in still other ways this year when we signed joint agreements for invention licensing that will University Park, a $22 million student-housing complex, bring Tech its first direct royalty income from the university’s welcomed its first residents last fall. Located north of the main technology-transfer efforts. campus, the complex can house more than 400 students. At a cost of $550,000, a pedestrian bridge is under construction Then there was commencement. Not only did the ceremony that will join the complex to the main campus. pair Gov. Kathleen Blanco and Tower Medallion honoree Karl Malone, it also gave me a chance to share the good news that Also last fall, the new Hale Hall welcomed admissions and Tech had won reclassification as an elite Southern Regional architecture into space that blended modern amenities with Education Board research university-doctoral 2, based on the Hale’s historic look. Hale joined other buildings that got a number of doctorates it awards (30 or more per year for at least fresh chance to serve the university – the remodeled Ropp three years). Center and Tolliver Hall. FROM THE Also for the third straight year, graduate student enrollment set And the best is yet to come. a record at 2,379, up from 2,227 in 2003. Over five years, the increase totals almost 100 percent. A long-cherished dream gained a tangible foothold at Tech this 16TH FLOOR spring when a groundbreaking ceremony heralded the start of Other recognition for Tech’s improved graduation rates construction for a new Biomedical Engineering Building. The included notice from the Education Trust, a national $10.5 million project is expected to be completed by the end academics-advocacy group that commended Tech’s rates “EVEN BELIEVING IN THE TECH FAMILY LIKE I DO, I of 2006. improvement in a 2004 report. Then this spring, Tech was one of 12 campuses selected for an on-site visit as Ed Trust STILL STAND IN AWE OF YOU. BECAUSE YOU NEVER From a wider perspective, the Louisiana Optical Network partnered with the American Association of State Colleges and Initiative is coming, and Tech, led by Les Guice, vice president Universities, and the National Association of System Heads, to for research and development, took the initiative to host a FORGET WHO YOU ARE, AND YOU NEVER SETTLE study schools with graduation rate successes. LONI Symposium at the Institute for Micromanufacturing to help anyone interested get a handle on the powerful research And that’s Tech in a nutshell; a model for progress. FOR MEDIOCRITY.” capabilities coming our way. But you don’t have to just watch Tech grow. Because when you - Daniel D. Reneau, president Also in the spirit of technology collaboration, Tech, again led belong to the Tech Family, you can go home again. Just ask by Les, hosted Bio Research Day at the university’s Technology Karl Malone. Transfer Center in Shreveport. The event drew higher-ed

I’VE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN LOUISIANA TECH, BUT IT HUMBLES I see faculty researchers like Walt Besio motivated to reach out me time and again to see that belief so powerfully reflected in in the spirit of collaboration in order to further his calling to your commitment to excellence in education. fight pain and suffering.

Even believing in the Tech Family like I do, I still stand in awe Then when I turn to the wider university, I see more evidence of you. Because you never forget who you are, and you never of an enduring commitment to excellence. settle for mediocrity. A major marker of success for Tech was that we got a I see alumni like future Hall of Famer Karl Malone back preliminary “clean slate” recommendation from the visiting acting like a good neighbor and not an NBA superstar, and I committee of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern see alumni like Rosemary Ellis, leading one of the nation’s top Association of Colleges and Schools. magazines but chatting about work like any of us would. On other accreditation fronts, the College of Education and I see many of our other alumni more quietly revolutionizing the College of Administration and Business met with great their individual corners of the world, but with just as much success in their reviews. talent, heart and assurance as anyone anywhere. In other symbols of academic excellence, the ACT score for I see benefactors like Harry and Rubye Gaston, and like entering freshmen rose from 22.2 to 22.5, and 75 percent of Clarence Faulk, making sure more students get a shot at first-time, full-time freshmen from Louisiana came in as TOPS success. students, compared to 67 percent the year before.

I see a Paul Millsap tearing up the boards as a Bulldog and And several new programs were approved: a doctorate of President Dan Reneau and his wife, Linda, joined in the groundbreaking held this At spring commencement, Gov. Kathleen Blanco yet spending as much thought on building his character as his audiology in speech; a pioneering online master’s in health spring for the new Biomedical Engineering Building. helped out a cameraman who was interviewing NBA game. information management; and a nanosystems engineering star Karl Malone. degree, the nation’s first such undergraduate degree.

2 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 3 engineering groups are recognizing the value of collaborations During her presentation, Roerig shared information about RESEARCH BEYOND BORDERS in advancing discoveries and innovation.” her institution’s science and clinical departments, funding and grant sources, and areas of basic and clinical research. She TECH LEADS DRIVE TO TOPPLE WALLS Tech’s College of Engineering and Science, for example, hopes says a wealth of crucial communication could fall through the to build on an alliance already in place with LSU Health cracks without researchers making the effort to reach out to Sciences Center. A joint M.D./Ph.D. program, offered through one another. a cooperative agreement between Tech and the Shreveport center, takes only six years to complete both degrees. “We would miss out on new information and the exchange of ideas and just getting someone to help us see our own research “It’s really important we’re connected with a medical school, in a new light,” Roerig says. “That is why we are all here.” and it’s important for the medical school to work with engineering programs,” Guice says. “You can’t conduct the Other speakers included Dr. Karen Briski, head of basic research and development necessary for complex medical issues pharmaceutical sciences at University of Louisiana at Monroe. in isolation.” She shares research credit with Tech faculty members including Dr. Mike McShane, an associate professor of biomedical Another example of this partnership between engineering engineering. She sees hope for her own field in McShane’s and medicine is reflected in the development of a promising non-invasive detection mode of using light to measure glucose seizure-termination device. Dr. Walt Besio, an assistant in the brain. But working outside her discipline has given her professor of biomedical engineering at Tech, and Dr. Ravish something much broader, she says. “It has invigorated and Patwardhan, a practicing neurosurgeon from LSUHSC-S, have informed my own work as a researcher and as a neuroscientist. worked closely together to develop and evaluate this system for I have a more global view now,” she says. “It’s also something detecting and terminating the onset of brain seizures. that I communicate to my students and to other faculty.”

Besio says it was out of necessity that he reached out for the Erich Stein of New Orleans, a doctoral student in biomedical collaborative experience. engineering at Tech, recently spent six months at the Max Planck Institute in Germany where he did collaborative research. “All my work is toward limiting pain, suffering and disability, so I needed that collaboration from a medical school,” he says. He too is working with McShane in the area of glucose “I was over at the Health Sciences Center discussing what I do monitoring; in his case, on an implantable device that would and Dr. Patwardhan later talked to one of the people I talked eliminate the need for blood testing by needle sticks. to and they referred him to me about the seizure defibrillator.” “We have a working prototype, but now there are several other Bio Research Day drew more than 100 abstracts from other obstacles that we need to address, mainly biocompatibility researchers, among them Dr. Sandra Roerig, dean of graduate issues, how the body is going to react to these devices,” Stein studies and research at LSUHSC-S and a professor of said ahead of the Shreveport event. “I am just trying to get an pharmacology, toxicology and neuroscience. idea of different work that is going around and seeing if there is a possibility of having some collaboration with different Roerig works in areas ranging from cancer and cardiovascular researchers.” diseases to dermatology and diabetes. She says the time has definitely come for an event such as Bio Research Day. Dr. Tony Giordano, assistant director of licensing at LSUHSC-S and an associate professor in the department of biochemistry “I am excited about this,” she says. “It is the first time that we and molecular biology, is interested in the development of have ever gotten these people together like this.”

WHEN LOUISIANA LASSOED A LEG OF THE NATIONAL faculty researchers at Louisiana Tech and LSU Health Sciences LambdaRail last year, (and with it all the rich, collaborative Center in Shreveport, was held at Tech’s Technology Transfer “COLLABORATION IS THE BIG THING RIGHT NOW IN NATIONAL research possibilities that the grid-computing infrastructure Center in Shreveport. Themes included biomaterials and promises), Louisiana Tech did not have to play catch-up. biosensors, pharmaceuticals and drug discovery, bioinformatics, CIRCLES, PARTICULARLY INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION. “THE and neuroscience and neurotechnology. University researchers Improve research outcomes through interdisciplinary and inter- checked out lectures and posters from their fellow scientists. institutional collaboration? Tech was already sold on the idea, NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF and enjoying a leadership role. Dr. Les Guice, Tech’s vice president for research and development, says partnering with other universities is key to ENGINEERING, AND EVEN MANY OF THE NON-SCIENCE AND The university continued in that role this spring when Tech claiming and keeping a good position on the technological and hosted the first inter-institutional Bio Research Day in April economic playing field. NON-ENGINEERING GROUPS ARE RECOGNIZING THE VALUE OF and then followed that in May with a come-one-come-all symposium on the Louisiana Optical Network Initiative “Collaboration is THE big thing right now in national circles, COLLABORATIONS IN ADVANCING DISCOVERIES AND INNOVATION.” (LONI), the state’s part of the National LambdaRail. particularly interdisciplinary collaboration,” Guice says. “The National Science Foundation, the National Academy – Dr. Les Guice, vice president for research and development Bio Research Day, its goal to foster collaborations among of Engineering, and even many of the non-science and non-

4 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 5 therapeutic treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer’s. about walls and worrying about who is doing what and who is getting the credit for what, and you just need to build a strong 2005 SCHEDULE “I came here a year and a half ago after spending my entire program,” he says. “I created a biotechnology entrepreneurship career working in industry,” he says. “LSUHSC brought me in course, but there’s better biotechnology activities going on at September 10 (5 p.m.) partly because of my background in drug discovery and partly Tech, there is no question about that. In a perfect world, I @ UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA because of my background in entrepreneurship. They were very would like to see this be not just an interdisciplinary program receptive to doing commercial science.” but also an inter-institutional program.” September 17 (6 p.m.) @ UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS Now one of his greatest hopes is to see barriers fall. Both campuses would be hooked up by the LONI network, and students from either site would be able to access classes “To be competitive regionally you have got to stop worrying October 1 (6 p.m.) and guest lecturers, he says. NEW MEXICO STATE* Speaking of LONI, Tech’s two-day symposium on the fiber- optics network drew 170 people who heard how LONI will October 8 (6 p.m.) interconnect supercomputers at the state’s major research UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII* universities and supply unheard-of opportunities for collaboration as it allows computation speeds of more than October 15 (3:05 p.m.) 1,000 times the rate currently possible. @ UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA*

Held in Tech’s Institute for Micromanufacturing, the symposium October 22 (Homecoming 3 p.m.) The advent of LONI featured LSU’s Dr. Ed Seidel, an astrophysicist recognized UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS will help cut down on worldwide for his work on high-performance computing. Dr. Dick Greenwoodʼs Fermilab jet lag. He is October 29 (6 p.m.) Guice, chairman of Louisiana’s LONI management council, part of a worldwide SAN JOSE STATE* collaboration of scientists also spoke about the collaborative power surge about to take conducting research on place with LONI. the fundamental nature November 5 (2 p.m.) of matter called the DØ He said LONI would connect the five research institutions @ UTAH STATE* Experiment at Fermilab. that were part of the first information technology initiative: LSU, Louisiana Tech, University of New Orleans, Southern November 12 (3 p.m.) University in Baton Rouge, and University of Louisiana at @ UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO* Lafayette. The Health Sciences Centers in Shreveport and New Orleans and Tulane University were added later. November 26 (TBA) BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY* LAB COLLABORATORS Guice told how the entire footprint of LambdaRail moved to include Louisiana because of support from the Board of At the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in December 2 (8 p.m.) Regents and from Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who pledged $40 Batavia, Ill., undergraduate and graduate students, @ FRESNO STATE* million over 10 years for the development and support of LONI. postdoctoral fellows and senior scientists are at work on the D-Zero project, weekly physics experiments in which “If Louisiana wasn’t part of National LambdaRail, then researchers push hard for answers to questions such we would be excluded from many major research and as, “Are there other dimensions?” and “Is something collaboration opportunities,” Guice says. “Now LONI has smaller than a quark?” attracted the attention of major funding agencies as well as industry. We believe that this positions Louisiana well in Currently, the collaboration consists of more than 500 enhancing its competitiveness for research and in expanding scientists and engineers from 60 institutions in 15 economic development throughout the state.” countries. More than 100 doctoral dissertations have been written so far on various aspects of the project. * Western Athletic Conference games Ultimately, LONI is expected to take collaboration to undreamt-of levels. Not only will it give the state significant A team of Louisiana Tech researchers (physics assistant returns on its investment, Guice says, it will also transform the professors Dr. Dick Greenwood and Dr. Neeti Parashar, way solutions are sought and the magnitude of problems we 1955 FOOTBALL TEAM HOLDS REUNION ESPN2 PICKS UP BATTLE OF THE BULLDOGS along with associate professor Dr. Lee Sawyer and can attempt to solve. A reunion for the 1955 Louisiana Tech football team is Louisiana Tech’s regular season finale against Fresno State has 2005 physics Ph.D. Mayukh Das, the first Tech student scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 26, when the Bulldogs play host been moved to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, in order to be televised to be based at Fermilab) are involved in the FermiLab “It is going to be the backbone of the next generation of to Boise State at Joe Aillet Stadium. by ESPN2 as part of the Western Athletic Conference’s 2005 project, too. They have set up a regional grid using research,” he says. “It is basically like creating a virtual network ESPN package. Linux clusters to solve some of the huge computations of computers that communicate as one. There are many big All team members of the 1955 Bulldogs football squad are required each week for the project. LONI is expected to projects that absolutely require that. The kinds of problems encouraged to attend the reunion and be part of the big A number of other Tech games are expected to be televised be of great value to them in advancing this work. people are trying to solve are just too complicated for any one weekend culminating with Tech squaring off against Boise State. by ESPNU, ESPN Regional, Cox Sports Television and other person to tackle.” regional outlets.

6 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 7 IT ONCE HOUSED ROW UPON ROW OF BOOKS. “FIRST-CLASS PROFESSORS AND STUDENTS

Soon it will house high-tech companies destined to create ARE ATTRACTED TO INSTITUTIONS WITH A things we’ll someday read about and which our children’s DEMONSTRATED COMMITMENT TO RESEARCH AND generation will likely use in their daily life. SOLID REPUTATIONS. BY PROVIDING A COMMERCIAL When Louisiana Tech’s Technology Incubator opens this summer in the former Lincoln Parish Library on Alabama MEANS FOR BUSINESSES TO DEVELOP AND Avenue, it will herald a new level of commitment to university research and development. FLOURISH, STARTUP COMPANIES WILL BECOME INVESTED IN REGIONAL RESOURCES AND LOCATE Startup companies that emerge from Tech-related research are currently applying for “housing” in the incubator and the THEMSELVES IN THIS AREA.” chance to be near crucial business services. – Bobby Rawle, director of economic development Bobby Rawle, Tech’s director of economic development, is kind of like the incubator’s apartment manager, shuffling through the applications and weighing the potential of each startup. He Rawle recognizes that when entrepreneurial people work hand understands that many of Tech’s research endeavors now need a in hand, the region’s economic development outlook improves. different kind of lab: Enter the well-appointed office space. “First-class professors and students are attracted to institutions “Young businesses are forced to address so many complicated with a demonstrated commitment to research and solid business decisions that can ultimately impact their future reputations,” Rawle says. “By providing a commercial means success,” Rawle says. “By supporting these companies through for businesses to develop and flourish, startup companies will those difficult times, Tech is playing an important role in become invested in regional resources and locate themselves in helping businesses mature and prosper.” this area.”

Incubator tenants will merely be down the hall from valuable The incubator can accommodate up to 10 tenants, and the counsel offered by Tech’s Small Business Development Center, office space can be modified for each tenant’s needs. something SBDC director Kathy Wyatt calls a “synergistic plus.” In addition, the building will offer a conference space, “It boils down to access,” Wyatt says. “It’s easy to step inside computer lab, and secretarial and other administrative support someone’s office to ask a question. Also, being located in the services. same building means an opportunity to know their businesses better and the challenges they confront on a daily basis, just Companies are expected to occupy their space for about because you regularly have conversations with these people.” three years. After that, they likely will have outgrown the incubator and require housing in a research park containing This convergence of expertise between researchers and manufacturing space. businesspeople is precisely what Tech’s vice president of research and development is counting on. Dr. Les Guice envisions an Eventually, the incubator will expand into additional space incubator ticking with entrepreneurial energy operating at the in the new Biomedical Engineering Building currently under speed of business. construction. A 7,000-square-foot wing of the building is designated for the incubator and includes space for testing and “The goal is to bring various business-related services together experimentation. in one location to facilitate creativity and opportunities for the startup tenants,” he says. Meanwhile, Rawle, like any good caretaker, wants to assist startup companies more immediately by way of the library IN SUPPORT OF INC. The incubator will also offer educational programs and other turned incubator. networking scenarios, dynamics that Guice says will naturally FRUITS OF TECH RESEARCH BEAR BUSINESS POTENTIAL IN INCUBATOR strengthen the startups. “It’s an exciting time for Tech,” he says. “The incubator is just one more way that the university supports and celebrates the “Tech wants to foster a mentor-mentee relationship with entrepreneurial spirit.” incubator tenants and will work to support the individual needs of each business,” he says. “It’s all about people; it comes down to people helping other people and creating a greater and stronger community.”

8 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 9 are our future. That’s what scares me the most, is our children. We don’t do enough to protect them; we don’t do enough to A NATIVE SON help them. But what I can do now is, I can do my little part by MAKES HISTORY giving back.” Karl Malone was born in As far as his alma mater, Malone has helped in a number of Bernice on July 24, 1963, ways, most visibly with the weight room he donated a decade and grew up in Summerfield ago and did not leave to languish: It has been upgraded where he graduated from through his recent gift of $85,000. high school into an intense recruiting battle among He helps out in his adopted state as well. colleges, a contest Tech won with the help of Shirley In 1997, he was named the first Utahn of the Year by the Malone Turner who wanted Salt Lake Tribune, and in 1998, he received the Henry B. Iba to keep watching her son Award for athletes who go out of their way to help others. play nearby. Active in the Utah Special Olympics, he also founded the Karl Malone Foundation for Kids in Salt Lake City. Malone came to Tech in 1981 where he led the team In a Sporting News story headlined “The Good Guys of the in scoring and rebounding in NBA,” Malone is painted as a charming frustration to the all three of his seasons and Utah Jazz PR folks because they always hear of his good deeds ultimately helped lead Tech second-hand. Where’s the photo op in that? Exactly, says into the National Collegiate Malone, who likes to deflect such attention. Athletic Association tournament for the first time.

Besides being covert, the giving is often hands-on – nothing In 1985, the Utah Jazz made him the 13th overall pick in unusual for a guy who relishes doing his own landscaping, the National Basketball Association draft. When he retired hauling his own logs, and selling cars himself from his own this year after 19 years of NBA play, even a partial list of his dealerships. accomplishments shows he had left his mark:

“I’m more handy than people think,” Malone says. “People say, • Selected in “50 Greatest Players in NBA History” ‘Oh, have somebody do that,’ but I’m a hands-on person.” • Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player NBA great Karl Malone gives both hands to Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau (Note: This does not apply to his famous nickname. “The best after receiving the Tower Medallion, the highest honor bestowed on an alumnus nickname you can have is one that someone else gives you,” • Eleven-time All-NBA First Team selection by the universityʼs Alumni Association. Karl Malone has helped his alma mater Malone says. “A Teddy Allen comes up, and boom, gives you often through the years, most visibly with the establishment of a weight room 10 that tag and it sticks!”) • Three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection years ago and a recent upgrade. The Sporting News story says Malone once sponsored a coat • Fourteen-time NBA All-Star selection who played in 12 games drive and then showed up himself to help hand out clothing. He has been known to invite Make-A-Wish kids to his home. • Ranks second all-time in points scored with 36,374, behind He has been found out anonymously paying the bills of a only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) GAME FAR FROM OVER family in need he only read about. MAILMAN HEADS FOR NEW ADDRESS, CLINGS TIGHT TO OLD VALUES • Holds the NBA record for most consecutive seasons scoring And when Malone offered a school a playground, he and his 2,000 or more points and shares the record with Michael children designed it. But that’s perhaps less about being hands- Jordan for most career 2,000-point seasons AT SPRING COMMENCEMENT IN LOUISIANA TECH’S THOMAS heart and for my family, and I challenge other alumni to do the on than about teaching his kids something his late mom taught Assembly Center, NBA great Karl Malone ducked low for same.” him: Give back. • Tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most consecutive seasons President Dan Reneau to hang a Tower Medallion around scoring at least 20 points per game his neck. Father to Daryl Ford, who picked up a Tech forestry degree Next he will work with Union and Farmerville law right after Dad picked up his award, and also to WNBA star enforcement – “doing a lot with kids” – something similar to • Scored a career-high 61 points against the Milwaukee Bucks The Tower Medallion Award recognized Malone for Cheryl Ford, Malone has four younger children who are a big what he did with Claiborne Parish when he was a new NBA exceptional career achievement, humanitarian and community part of his giving spirit. draft pick. • Holds the NBA record for most free-throws made and most service, and service to the university. free-throws attempted in a career He and his wife, Kay, are moving to a place near Squire Creek Life otherwise? Give or take the business interests (logging, real The Mailman’s retired Bulldogs number hung overhead, in Choudrant with Kadee, Kylee, Karlee, and Karl Jr., with the estate, franchises), it’s mostly about family. • A member of the men’s basketball “Dream Team” that won witness to an incredible homecoming. children already locally enrolled in school. the gold at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona and the “I just want to enjoy my brothers and sisters, enjoy my family, 1996 Dream Team that won gold in Atlanta His career is unquestionably legendary. On a quieter scale, so is And Malone feels their young eyes upon him. my kids,” Malone says. “My favorite vehicle is my camouflage his spirit of service. Dodge pickup because I love hunting so much. And I love to • Named NBA Player of the Week 22 times and NBA Player of “They watch things more than we think they do,” he says. “It’s laugh and smile. I was always like that, but when I lost my the Month seven times “I don’t think about it,” he says. “What I give, I give from the about legacies, it’s about how do you set examples. Our kids mom, it went to another level.” 10 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 11 Q: Your first internship was at Reader’s Digest where you trimmed Q: What about TV and movie portrayals of magazine editors? literary giants like Hemingway. Intimidating? A: I laugh because those are hyperboles but then there are SUBSCRIBING TO SUCCESS A: Yes, and it would still be intimidating for me today! people sort of like that. Like any profession, there are terrific people and there are people who are terrifically talented but not ROSEMARY ELLIS TURNS A NEW PAGE AT PREVENTION Q: How did your remarkable career develop? necessarily nice, and it is easy to parody them. I try not to be A: Through someone I met during that first internship, I those people. had another one set up with Working Woman by the time I graduated and moved back to New York. Over time I worked Q: You do know those magazine card inserts make us all crazy? at McCall’s, Travel and Leisure, and Self. I became executive A: Well, me too. When I get a magazine I go through and editor at Working Woman where I had once interned. Later I pull out every card. But the “blow-in” subscription cards are went to Time Inc. for five years where we created and rebuilt the least expensive, most productive source of subscriptions we Web sites including time.com, money.com, fortune.com and have. In terms of other inserts, advertisers pay more for such people.com. In 2003 I got headhunted for Prevention. premium spots. As long as the cards generate revenue, we aren’t going to turn them away. Q: Rodale Inc. has gotten attention for improved products, Prevention especially. How was the redesign accomplished? Q: Do you like doing TV spots? A: When I got there, we quickly re-invented the magazine and A: I do, but some editors really live for it and I don’t; I live to re-launched in January 2004, the same month my daughter work on the magazine. But I’ve done Good Morning America, was born; not the timing I recommend, but it worked out. The Early Show, and the Today Show, and when I first came Newsstand sales increased; we broke ad records right and left; here, I wanted the Today Show to ask us to go steady, but never we were even recognized by Advertising Age, a huge coup. dreamed it would happen. Now they have asked us for twice- monthly segments, and in fact, today is Take Your Kids to Q: What is a day in the life like for you with Prevention? Work Day, and we are testing kids’ backpacks for a fall issue so A: I tend to do my real work, quote/unquote, early and late we had all the kids who came to work become our testers. And because most days I’m in meetings. We publish 12 times a the Today Show sent a crew out to tape the kids. So it is really year and produce 20 special-interest publications, and there’s a wonderful relationship that we are forging with them. the Web site and videos; I’m just about to fly to L.A. to tape a couple. We are also launching several international editions this Q: Speaking of families, you are married to Tech alum Jim year. So, for example, two days this week I am meeting with Anderson, who works for the prestigious design firm Pentagram people from our partner company in England. And I have staff and who is known for, among other things, creating an Olympic in Pennsylvania where Rodale headquarters are and also in New logo for CBS. How did you meet? York, so the days I meet with them are more regimented. But A: We were at Tech, and he was dating a friend of mine. We other days it can be anything from working on a TV project to became dear friends and ended up sharing an art studio in checking final proofs to attending a story meeting. the old Hale Hall. We saw each other at our absolute worst because we were always up all night trying to finish projects. Q: Tech journalism Professor Sallie Hollis says you had lots of He got accepted into grad school in New York the same time writing tricks as a student. Doubtless you have more now? I graduated, and I wanted to move to New York, too, so we A: Take notes in complete sentences. You begin to have little moved up together. He moved in with a guy friend, and later bits and pieces of a story plus when you describe it in the we started dating, and to our mothers’ immense relief, we moment, you use better verbs. And Sallie taught me this: finally got married in 1989. We married in Fordyce, Ark., When you sit down to write, just bang out 10 or 12 leads and where I’m from. He’s from Pensacola, Fla. He has a degree in then set them aside. Later, the lead that’s good, that works, photography and a master’s in design. He heads up Pentagram’s really jumps out. And create outlines for pieces of any length. technology management. And rewrite again and again to sharpen a piece. Q: How’s life as a mom? Q: Why two degrees? A: My husband is such a fabulous father and terrific about A: I wanted to be a fashion illustrator, so I was studying absolutely being there and without that, there is no way that I graphic design. Then I went to Paris for a year as a nanny, could do this job. He is with her a lot during the week, and we and I kept sketchbooks like a good art student. When I came spend all of our weekend time with her. home, the books had more writing than drawing. Working at IN 1983, ROSEMARY ELLIS LEFT LOUISIANA TECH WITH UNDERGRADUATE the Morning Paper in Ruston, doing ad layouts to make rent, I Q: Any mindless pastimes? degrees in journalism and graphic design. Today she is senior vice president decided to take a journalism class. I had wanted to before but A: Rolling a ball on the floor with Lucy. It is really good to and editorial director of Prevention magazine. Look for her there in an it was just hard to fit in with a design curriculum. But after have something that forces you to have more balance in your editor’s note that informs and uplifts and introduces you to a magazine Paris I thought, I am going to scratch this. And I loved it and life. That is a gift that children give us. that always does the same – especially since she led a massive redesign honestly I was good at it, which makes you like it more. that incorporated the use of older fashion models and banished the exclamation-point frenzy common to many other women’s magazines. Q: What specifically did you take away from Tech journalism? Now with 10.6 million readers, Prevention has moved even higher up the A: I memorized the AP stylebook. I learned how to write a magazine A-list. BButut then RRosemaryosemary EEllisllis has nevneverer been a stranger ttoo the A-A-list.list. news story. I still keep the textbook from Sallie’s feature-writing class and refer back to it when I talk to young writers.

12 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 13 “We have franchised what we do at Tech, for lack of a better “I knew I wouldn’t make it to college financially,” she says. “So, word, and exported it to other universities,” he says. “The my mom was really up for this Explorers Club. She talked me SUMMER whole idea of this is to open up access and impact the lives of into it.” young people.” Like Murray, Whitaker has received a Rewards for Success OF HOPE Beer says Explorers Camp helps counter “summer learning scholarship, a part of the Louisiana GEAR UP program loss” by exposing students to different hands-on units such as designed to encourage and reward student behaviors that have TECH’S EXPLORERS CAMP engineering, natural and physical science, and multimedia – all been shown to indicate the potential for college. the while explaining career avenues in these areas. OPENS UP A WORLD OF Whitaker is now in her third year of GEAR UP, and she can POSSIBILITIES TO STUDENTS Tech senior Larry Shavers is beginning his second year as a see the change in her self-confidence. counselor at Tech’s Explorers Camp. The math and chemistry IN HIGH-POVERTY SCHOOLS education major from Denham Springs says it’s imperative to “The leadership training taught me to step up. I’ve gotten make learning fun, especially in the summer. out of my shell and met a lot of new people and learned not to judge people by their looks. The first year I was scared to “You have to make the connection between school and death. Now I’m outgoing, and I’m definitely going to college,” having fun. You can add them together and still accomplish she says. something,” he says. She also doesn’t mind the bragging rights that have come with By leaving home for a week and living in a dorm, students living on a college campus for a week each summer. learn independence and responsibility. According to Beer, this type of learning has a lasting impact on many children from “I come home and talk about how much more I know about low-income families, children who might not be able to attend college because I’ve kind of lived it for a week. Explorers Camp summer camp without GEAR UP. teaches you responsibility because you’re away from home and you have to keep a schedule. It’s tiring but fun.” “It’s hard to imagine a child from St. Helena Parish who may never have been out of St. Helena Parish. That’s all they know To learn more about Tech’s Explorers Camps, go to is St. Helena Parish,” Beer says of a parish where census figures www.latech.edu/lagearup. Glen Beer, Techʼs director of the Science and show the median household income is $24,970 and 23 percent Technology Center, captivates campers with of families are below the poverty line. “To put them on a bus his carbon dioxide lesson. More than 600 and take them to a college campus across the state and let them students from around the state come to Techʼs see another world; that is really powerful.” Explorers Camp during eight, back-to-back summer sessions. The Explorers Camp memories don’t end in the summer. The students return to school and start Explorers Clubs that focus on academic progress, good behavior, exploring colleges and careers, and service to their schools and communities.

Today, with 43 chapters and more than 300 students in Explorers Clubs, Beer may be achieving a breakthrough in his IN EIGHTH GRADE, DONALD MURRAY OF TALLULAH GOT HIS Undergraduate Programs. In 2002, Louisiana got a five-year, attempt to make college “cool.” first college scholarship. The $250 Rewards for Success check $12.5 million federal GEAR UP grant. It targets schools like “What makes something cool? You make what’s cool, cool – it’s was deposited directly into his college savings account where Murray’s where 85 percent of the students are eligible for free up to you what’s cool,” he tells the campers. “So, other students it will bear interest and go toward education expenses when or reduced lunch under the National School Lunch Act. at school are going to be watching you and wondering why Murray starts college in 2009. One facet of GEAR UP is summer camps, an area in which you are changed? That’s your opportunity to tell them that you Although this investment may seem like a modest beginning, Louisiana Tech takes a leading role. The Louisiana Systemic have a plan for college.” for Murray it’s a meaningful down payment on his future and Initiatives Council, the governing body that oversees the grant, This spring, student officers convened at Tech for the first it hints of good things to come. named Tech as the state model for the GEAR UP program. state Explorers Club Conference and Leadership Summit. Murray’s eyes get big when he talks about his studies. He says Glen Beer, Tech’s director of the Science and Technology Their weekend at Tech was one big idea swap. Students made some boys at Reuben McCall Junior High School are only Center and the key facilitator of GEAR UP, says he’s in the presentations on the projects and activities their Explorers focused on sports, not schoolwork. Still anticipating his growth business of changing lives. Last year, Beer tripled the size of Clubs have taken on. spurt, Murray has a different view. Tech’s weeklong Explorers Camp, hosting more than 600 Ninth-grader Sunnie Whitaker from Franklin Parish High in students from around the state during eight, back-to-back Winnsboro is president of her club. She admits she needed “I don’t care what goes on with other kids, but my schoolwork summer sessions. a nudge to get involved in GEAR UP. Now she’s concerned comes first before anything else,” he says, shaking his head. Franklin Parish High ninth-grader Sunnie Whitaker, left, strolls This summer, Beer is leading the expansion of Explorers Camp about getting enough done in her presidency. through Techʼs campus with Donald Murray and Latrice Jackson, Murray’s mind-set echoes the mission of Louisiana GEAR UP, whereby five universities, in addition to Tech, will be offering eighth-graders at Reuben McCall Junior High. The three became friends during the Explorers Club Conference and Leadership which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for camps. Summit this spring.

14 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 15 “I DON’T LET TOO MANY since no one even came close to his ’04-’05 rebound totals. kid, and his brothers are, too.”

THINGS GET TO ME BEFORE “It would be nice to get it again, but I never realized that A few more numbers: Millsap’s three brothers are University nobody had won it three times,” Millsap says. of Texas-San Antonio senior forward John, 22; Elijah, 17; and A GAME. IF YOU THOUGHT Abraham, 15. Then he shrugs. He’s actually prouder of his WAC freshman of the year award than his rebound title – “mainly because I did The biblical names are consistent for a mother who Simmons ABOUT IT VERY HARD, better than I was expected to,” he says. “I came in thin, kind of says often woke her boys early on a school day for a quick weak, 215, 220, kind of small in my position, but you know, I Bible study and prayer service. Simmons is the youngest of YOU’D PROBABLY MESS UP pressed through it and tried to show them I could hang in.” 10 children born to Lee and Lorene Simmons of Downsville. Millsap’s mother is the couple’s oldest child. OR DO SOMETHING OUT Along with his 12.4 rebounds per match-up this past season, he led Tech with 20.4 points per game and scored a career-high “It started when my sister moved back down here,” Simmons OF CHARACTER. MY FUTURE 31 points and 18 rebounds against Auburn. And the Louisiana says. “She wanted all her sons to have college scholarships. Tech forward was named to the Louisiana Sports Writers My background is in physical education, and she asked me, GOALS, I JUST WANT TO BE Association’s All-Louisiana Collegiate Basketball Team – for the ‘Will you work with them?’ And we started drilling, stretching, second straight season. jumping rope, working out. Now we’re two for two as far as SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE, PERIOD, scholarships go. Hopefully, we’ll get two more for Elijah and The sociology major, who has two years’ eligibility left, has Abraham.” AT WHATEVER I DO. RIGHT posted so many high-number rankings, including more than a few firsts, that the list could fill a page. Simmons himself was coached at Farmerville High for four NOW THOUGH, AS FAR AS years by his brother Johnny, a former assistant Bulldogs coach. But beyond the fact Millsap consistently puts up big numbers, DeAngelo Simmons sees the near-daily training sessions with there’s also the strength in numbers that helped produce the BASKETBALL, I JUST WANT the Millsaps as keeping up his end of a family tradition. His grounded young athlete – family strength. That’s because five sister, for example, didn’t marry till she was 30, waiting to start years ago single-mom Bettye Millsap moved her four sons from her own family until she had helped raise her siblings. TO SEE HOW FAR WE CAN Denver back home to Louisiana so extended family could help keep the boys on the high road. She had apparently seen a need. “What I’m doing for her is owed to her,” Simmons says. GET NEXT SEASON.” Millsap explains: “It was my Paul Millsap says he owes his – Paul Millsap surroundings, you know. But mother plenty too. His mother, then we moved down here near who works in the counseling family, and everybody just kept center at Grambling State, me in line. But up there it was knows what’s wrong with him just me and my mama and my even when he doesn’t tell her, brothers.” he says.

Among the dozens of close “She raised four boys by relatives ready to lend a hand herself,” Millsap says. “Going was an uncle, DeAngelo through what she’s been Simmons, now 29, a GM plant through, you know, I don’t employee by night and volunteer think too many people would trainer to the Millsap brothers have made it. That’s mainly my by day. hero right there.”

“I have a good work ethic The family bond extends to the because of him,” Millsap says of number on Millsap’s jersey. his uncle. BULLDOG FORWARD PAUL MILLSAP IS A NUMBERS MAN. “My older brother had 24 in Count on it. Even if he doesn’t. Simmons says his nephews repay high school. My next brother A NUMBERS his efforts with their dedication coming up, Elijah, he was No. At the end of his second year of play, the 20-year-old, 6- and attitudes. 24 in high school, too. It’s like a foot-8-inch, 243-pounder became only the fifth player to family number.” GAME win back-to-back National Collegiate Athletic Association “Paul has worked hard by rebounding championships, and the first to do so as a freshman showing up and being attentive So numbers do matter after all. and sophomore and as a player in the tough-as-nails Western and listening,” Simmons says. Athletic Conference. “I’ve never had problems with him. He’s an all-around good No NCAA player has ever won three consecutive rebounding Brothers John and Paul Millsap show a family resemblance as titles before, but if anyone can, Millsap looks to be first in line they face off in a game that pitted Johnʼs team, University of Texas-San Antonio, against Louisiana Tech.

16 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 17 FOUNDATION SPOTLIGHT FOUNDATION SPOTLIGHT

Later, with his father’s job decree hanging over his head, Faulk’s employment search was on. The Depression made it CREATING A PIPELINE FOR tough. “I applied 75 times before I found my first newspaper FUTURE ENGINEERS job,” he says. But the prescribed year of work passed. “Mother called and said Daddy was about to sell the paper because the AT AGE 28, HARRY GASTON AND HIS WIFE, RUBYE, MADE Depression was making it hard; there was no advertising. She said that he planned to buy The Leader.” their first, major career decision. Gaston, a 1952 petroleum engineering alumnus, left a promising corporate job at the Faulk Sr. did just that. And in 1931, Faulk Jr. became Leader Conoco refinery in Lake Charles for a small, employee-owned publisher and then married the woman with whom he eventually petroleum consulting firm in Houston. shared two sons and a daughter. (Mrs. Faulk died in 2003.) Fast-forward 40 years, and Gaston has witnessed Ryder Scott William Marbury and his wife, Virginia, are another couple Co. mature into a 115-employee operation with offices in who helped shape the region’s economy. But as a youngster, Houston, Denver and Calgary, Alberta. (Gaston always favored Marbury worked as a paperboy for Faulk. He says his ex-boss the Denver and Calgary offices for the skiing perks.) He served wasn’t a worrier. Once, when the Leader’s press broke down, as president of Ryder Scott from 1991 to 1997. news pages were whisked to Monroe to be printed. “Coming back the papers filled up the car and I had to ride on one “In the early days, we had contacts with independent oilmen running board,” Marbury remembers. “He was driving fast, who were really doing things – no bureaucracy or red tape,” and I said, ‘Mr. Faulk, that last car came awful close to me!’ He Gaston says. “We were primarily involved in appraising told me to just hold on, that he thought a lot more of himself properties for purchases and loans.” than he did of me and that he wasn’t about to get himself into It was during his tenure at Ryder Scott that Gaston realized a wreck.” the impact that scholarships could have on a person’s life. Faulk didn’t worry too much about the Depression, either. He recounts the story of one “extremely bright” Ryder Scott FROM THROWING PAPERS “We lived on barter, more or less,” Faulk says. “I would sell an engineer who had come from a migrant farm family on the ad and swap it for a sack of groceries or a tank of gas or some south Texas border. drugstore prescriptions.” TO THROWING A LIFELINE “I asked him, ‘How in the world did you get out of that Then World War II changed the economy. It changed other environment?’ ” Gaston recalls. “The slide rule. He won a state THE STORY SORT OF BEGINS IN THE EARLY 1920S WHEN things, too. Faulk had to hire more women. “It hadn’t been the slide rule contest that came with a one-year scholarship to “EDUCATION, OF COURSE, IS THE MOST IMPORTANT Clarence Faulk Jr. threw papers from horseback for his father, thing to do, for women to work,” he says. Yet Faulk’s own wife Texas A&M. After one successful year, A&M found him more scholarships so he could finish his engineering degree.” then-publisher of The Monroe News-Star. cast the deciding vote about starting Ruston’s first radio station. THING FOR ALL OF US. THE MORE WE CAN

But it also begins when Faulk Sr. himself went to work at the Someone was angling for a station permit, and Faulk thought Keeping with their belief in scholarships, last year the Gastons GET OUR YOUNG PEOPLE EDUCATED FROM ALL paper around 1903. His salary was meager, but it came with he might be more experienced at selling ads and providing made a $100,000 gift to the College of Engineering and BACKGROUNDS AND ECONOMIC LEVELS OF shares of company stock. “My father rode his bike for most news and entertainment. But he felt his hands were full. His Science establishing the Mattie Black Gaston Memorial of the time he worked at the newspaper,” says Faulk, now 96. Scholarship in honor of Harry’s mother. wife cut short his doubts, saying she would help. “You just get SOCIETY, THE BETTER OFF ALL OF US WILL BE IN THE “People would holler at him, ‘Hey, why don’t you get one of on the phone and find out what to do to get it,” she said. these new automobiles?’ He would say, ‘I will when I can pay This year, after completing their estate planning, the Gastons LONG RUN.” for it.’ He didn’t buy on credit.” The Faulks operated the station for more than 20 years, selling made a $1 million gift focusing on cutting-edge research it in 1968. He sold the newspaper in 1962. But while he still facilities in the new Biomedical Engineering Building and – Harry Gaston The older Faulk ultimately tapped years of frugality and stock ran the paper, he hired a teenager named Wiley Hilburn Jr. Bogard Hall. shares to buy the newspaper. The son always planned to step in beside his dad, so he headed back south after graduating from Hilburn became head of Tech’s journalism department almost Most of the Gastons’ gift, $600,000, will be put toward the University of Missouri’s journalism school in 1930. But his four decades ago, but had only been chairman a short time equipment in the wet and dry laboratories on the second floor But there was a date waiting for him elsewhere. Harry and father told him he didn’t need any help. when he went to Faulk saying the program was in jeopardy. of the Biomedical Engineering Building. The other portion of Rubye, now a retired teacher, met in Texas and married soon The Faulks gave the department $60,000, changing it forever. the gift will help create a projects laboratory in Bogard Hall after Harry finished his master’s in petroleum engineering at “I had tears running down my face. My father told me, ‘You go “Before the Faulks stepped in,” Hilburn says, “the thing that that will allow engineering students the space and equipment University of Texas at Austin. off and work about a year, and then come back, and we’ll talk.’” comes to mind is a wasteland.” to carry out their individual research projects. They’ve built their life around the value of education and Faulk had a sweetheart back at school in Columbia, so he Over the years, Faulk money has helped provide scholarships, At the May groundbreaking ceremony for the Biomedical benefits that come from it. The Gastons want to share the gift quickly crafted a plan to combine job hunting with courting establish the Faulk Reading Room, renovate offices, underwrite Engineering Building, Gaston reminisced about his days as a of education with as many future engineers as they can. the beauty from Topeka named Louise. a permanent journalism classroom, bring in newspaper student, pointing in the direction of Bogard Hall. professionals, and pay for everything from a podium to a trip “Education, of course, is the most important thing for all of “It was all work and study. No recreation, except for a They had met at a sorority dance where she wore a blue velvet for students learning to cover away games. us,” Gaston says. “The more we can get our young people dress. He asked to see her the next day and learned she had pingpong game before hitting the books,” he recalled. “In educated from all backgrounds and economic levels of society, only one hour during which no gentleman callers were booked. Last December, the department received $25,000. “A bequest engineering, there wasn’t much dating or social life because the better off all of us will be in the long run.” (“She had several beaus,” Faulk says with pride.) He seized the really from Mrs. Faulk and me,” Faulk says. “I haven’t quite moved we had class and labs four days a week and all the business empty time slot and quickly ran off the other suitors. in with her in Greenwood Cemetery, but I will before long.” students were courting the girls!” 18 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 19 YOUNG ALUMNI YOUNG ALUMNI TANYA GARY SMITH RICHARDSON BOWER MAKING THEIR MARK Class of ‘98 Class of ‘95 “When you think you They headline the New Orleans jazz scene but still put students M.S., Chemical Engineering B.A., Speech with Theatre Tanya Concentration hit a brick wall, take a first. They work tirelessly on research to make the to-go cup more breather and look at the problem Earth friendly. They light stages halfway around the world. They from a different angle.” are budding playwrights. As their careers flourish many miles from Ruston, these young alums have a fan base in their alma PAPER BREAKTHROUGH ENLIGHTENED WORLDVIEW mater. They are Tech Triumphs. HOMETOWN: Vidalia HOMETOWN: I’m from a military family, so I lived all over. I primarily grew up in Minden. UNDERGRADUATE: Chemistry major, Northeast Louisiana University NOW RESIDES IN: A lot of places. Currently I live in Japan. POSITION: Process Manager, Mississippi River Corp., a Natchez- based recycled pulp manufacturer FURTHER EDUCATION: 1998, M.F.A., University of Memphis

ABOUT MY JOB: I maintain and develop the de-inking process, POSITION: I’m head of lighting for the Cirque du Soleil show, Gary“If you really want my job, get install and make changes to equipment, administer trials, and “Alegria.” We are currently on tour in Japan. your hands dirty, ask questions develop ways that could make our processes more efficient. and seek answers.” ABOUT OUR CREW: We have 150 artists and technicians in ENGINEERING LESSONS: One thing that Tech opened my eyes to was “Alegria.” We travel with a special K-12 school, kitchen and teamwork. Tech emphasized group projects, and that mirrors office staff – and we’re one of the smaller Cirque tours. what happens in the real world. ABOUT MY CAREER PATH: I listened to my professor and mentor, A BREAKTHROUGH PATENT: We have patented a process that takes Mark Guinn (professor of theatre), and moved away for recycled pulp and makes it suitable for food contact. We did graduate school. After getting my M.F.A., I went to work for that through years of research and development and a lot Playhouse on the Square in Memphis as resident lighting and of analytical methods. (We have this joke that I was single sound designer. During my two years there, I was on a sound when we started the research, and now we’ve finished and I’m designer’s listserv and applied for a job that was posted to it. married with two kids.) The upshot was Cirque du Soleil flew me to Spain to interview for an assistant sound operator position with the European tour STARBUCKS FIRST IN LINE: The FDA granted approval to Mississippi of “Quidam.” Mind you, I didn’t have a passport and hadn’t River Corp. for the first-ever recycled pulp to be used in really traveled much so this was all very new and exciting. I got food contact. Starbucks was the first to announce that their the job and toured with “Quidam” for a few months. I then “If I apply myself, I will succeed.” hot beverage cups will be 10 percent recycled material from transferred to New York, still working for Cirque. That’s when Ashley Mississippi River Corp. The new cup is expected to lower the my current position opened, and I’ve been head of lighting for company’s dependence on tree fiber by more than 5 million two years and with the company for five. pounds annually. A TYPICAL DAY: I go in at 10:30 a.m. and make sure all the lights TOUGHEST PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: Trying not to get thrown off are properly focused and cued and that the equipment is track. When you think you hit a brick wall, take a breather and running properly. We have two performances that last 2 ½ look at the problem from a different angle. It’s usually pretty hours each with about a 45-minute break between shows. After simple if you’re not thinking so hard. about a nine-hour day, we go back to the five-star hotel and kick back. There’s a Hard Rock Café across the street and a RIDING ON STARBUCKS’ COATTAILS: Starbucks had a news release in baseball stadium next door. November 2004 that appeared everywhere. The announcement sparked a lot of interest throughout the industry, and MY TOUGHEST PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: I have to stay within the Mississippi River Corp. is excited about the potential growth of established structure of the show. I must make sure the show this product. People really listened when Starbucks stepped up looks the same and everything is timed, or cued, the same to using recycled pulp. wherever we perform.

A TRIUMPH IN MY LIFE: Being able to be a good mother and a TRIUMPHS IN MY CAREER: Getting both my degrees and a job with Leon“It’s an honor and privilege to be able to grow valuable employee at the same time. It can be done, especially Cirque. I owe a lot to Mark Guinn who kicked me out of the musically with jazz pioneers who’ve been out there with an understanding employer. nest into the real world. It’s the best thing that could have longer than I have.” happened to me.

20 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 21 YOUNG ALUMNI NEWS AROUND CAMPUS LEON ASHLEY TIME MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHTS CLASS, CROWD ANDERSON EDWARDS TECH’S RETENTION SUCCESS CHEER GOVERNOR, A national report brought Wendy Cole, a MAILMAN Class of ‘92 Class of ‘03 reporter from Time magazine, to Tech’s campus Leave the state if you need to, B.A., Music Education B.A., English in April. Gov. Kathleen Blanco told Tech’s 272nd graduating class “She was drawn to Tech for the story when this spring, but then come she came upon a national study that featured home. “We need your help, the university’s greatly improved graduation talent and energy,” she said. rate,” says Pamela Ford, dean of enrollment management. The story is anticipated to run One native alumnus was back: ALL THAT JAZZ THE GRAD ZONE this summer. Retired NBA star Karl Malone HOMETOWN: Shreveport HOMETOWN: Pine Bluff, Ark. was at commencement to While in Ruston, Cole interviewed groups of collect the Tower Medallion NOW RESIDES IN: Tallahassee, Fla. NOW RESIDES IN: Fayetteville, Ark. students to find out why they thought Tech has Award. (See Page 10.) such a high retention rate. FURTHER EDUCATION: M.M., Music Performance, Southeastern POSITION: Pursuing M.F.A. in playwriting at University of Inside a jammed Thomas Louisiana University Arkansas “I think she was expecting to find a program Assembly Center, Malone or single thing that is the reason for the and a record-size class of 872 POSITION: Director of Jazz Studies, Florida State University ON MAJORING AT TECH: I started in theatre but soon realized I was graduation rates, but it really is a combination NBA great Karl Malone and Gov. Kathleen heard Blanco tell how one not passionate about acting. I went to my next love, writing, of many different things,” Ford says. Blanco clasp hands as Maloneʼs son Daryl small-town teacher and mom ABOUT MY CAREER PATH: collects his diploma. My parents were my main inspiration for and I was really fulfilled in Tech’s English department. I took became Louisiana’s first woman wanting to play and teach music because they were both music playwriting as an elective with Dr. Ken Robbins and found my Orientation student leaders, athletes and governor despite the naysayers. educators. At Tech I did marching, concert and jazz band. I true calling. I can meld my love for writing and theatre. Student Government Association members was also a jazz drummer in a combo that played gigs around were among the students interviewed. “So ignore the false prophets,” she advised. “I knew that if I ran, there could Ruston. I pursued graduate school at Baylor University but LIFE AFTER TECH: After graduation, my husband (Benjamin be two answers from the voters – yes or no. If I didn’t run, there could only be quickly realized my heart was in the New Orleans jazz scene. I Edwards, studio art 2001) and I moved to Fayetteville, and I SGA President Kimberly Ludwig caught one. So don’t be afraid to fail. You will survive.” moved to Hammond and began freelancing and practicing for worked at Walton Arts Center for a year. WAC is Arkansas’ Cole’s eye with her own story about caring my audition at Southeastern. My first gig was at Mississippi largest performing arts institution. I was accepted into advisers and second chances at campus The appearance of Blanco and Malone at the same event made for some Coast, where I played with New Orleans musicians. Eventually, University of Arkansas last fall. involvement. Ludwig, a business management endearing moments. At one point Blanco helped a hands-full TV reporter by my name got around and I launched my career as a jazz and entrepreneurship major from Ruston, holding up the microphone as Malone was interviewed. drummer. While studying at Southeastern, I performed in a ON A ROLL: My play, “The Red Zone,” was one of six performed graduated this spring. jazz recital at University of New Orleans. Ellis Marsalis, who at the American College Theatre Festival - Region VI in Moments later, Tech President Dan Reneau gave notice that he was sharing the was on the faculty there, heard my performance and invited Fayetteville. There were 200 scripts submitted for this festival. stage with the world’s two most recognized Louisianians. me down to Snug Harbor to sit in with him. From there, I My play won the 10-minute play festival and now my script started touring internationally with Mr. Marsalis and others. will be published in an anthology. In April, I advanced to the “President Reneau,” the governor said, smiling, after she got up to speak, “you Fortunately, this happened as I was finishing my master’s. I national festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. gave me extra status when you compared my standing to Karl Malone’s.” took a part-time jazz percussion teaching position at UNO An award-winning student director directed and student actors and continued my performance career. One day I got a call performed my script. At the national festival, I was awarded a from Florida State regarding a full-time jazz drum set position fellowship to have my play performed at Dad’s Garage Theatre’s opening. They wanted someone with a performance and “8 ½ x 11: Atlanta’s Most Dangerous Short Play Festival.” MINT-CONDITION STAMP COLLECTION education background. I got the job and have been at FSU NOW RESIDES AT TECH since 1998. ADVICE TO A BUDDING PLAYWRIGHT: Educate yourself in all fields, especially in things that interest you — history, science, More than 50 years after Dr. Gustaf H. Panula began teaching at Tech, a valuable WHAT IT’S LIKE TO PLAY WITH JAZZ LEGENDS: It’s an honor and privilege literature, theatre. The list goes on. A writer needs to know contribution has been made to the university in the late professor’s name. to be able to grow musically with jazz pioneers who’ve been out about his/her generation and society. You have to be well- there longer than I have. The greatest thing is their life stories. educated in the world to write about it. I believe playwrights Tech’s Prescott Memorial Library is now the home of the Panula United Nations It all blends into their music. are historians for their time. People will someday look back at Stamp Collection. Ursula Panula of Ruston recently donated the stamp collection that plays and examine the mind-set of the period. her husband collected as a hobby. TOUGHEST PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: The road to becoming a tenured professor was a very hard process. The other thing MY TOUGHEST PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: Not knowing what Peggy Carter, director of special collections, manuscripts and archives, says the staff is is maintaining a successful university jazz program while will happen when I finish my M.F.A. I could be a famous happy to have such a valuable addition. continuing my personal performance career. playwright or a starving writer. Regardless, it’s not worth giving up the dream that my plays will have an audience. If I apply “This is something someone worked for and had a passion for,” Carter says. “We are TRIUMPHS IN MY LIFE: Getting an opportunity to play with myself, I will succeed. aware of its worth, and we want to preserve it for future generations.” musicians whose records I listened to as a youngster. Having a family. I always aspired to have what my folks had. Growing TRIUMPH IN MY LIFE: Getting my play produced at the Kennedy The collection is in mint condition and includes 39 different stamp names ranging from 1951-1957. The FSU’s music program. When I got here, there were 10 jazz Center. It gives me hope that there are people out there who stamps are on exhibit in the reading room area of special collections, manuscripts and archives. An online majors; now we have about 60. That’s a bit of a victory. like my plays and that I have a chance in this arena. exhibit is at www.latech.edu/specialcollections/exhibits/panula.shtml. 22 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 23 NEWS AROUND CAMPUS NEWS AROUND CAMPUS

ONLINE MASTER’S OK’D FOR HEALTH NEW TECH ID CARDS REGENTS APPROVE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT REQUIRED IN SECURITY PIONEERING Tech will add an online master’s in health information management this fall, the first UPGRADE NANOSYSTEMS DEGREE completely online degree program of its kind in the nation. In an effort to help protect identities, Tech The Louisiana Board of Regents ID cards have been replaced with new granted final approval in February “There are other programs in the nation that ones that no longer show Social Security for Tech to offer a nanosystems have some of the same components as ours, numbers. engineering degree program, the first but their students have to come to campus,” such program in the nation. says Angela Kennedy, head of Tech’s health With identity theft on the rise, says information management department. university Registrar Bob Vento, the change Tech’s new Bachelor of Science degree “For this program you never have to come is part of a new ID system that incorporates program will be implemented this fall. to campus unless you want to walk at updated security technology and improved graduation.” hardware and software capabilities. “Approval of this degree gives the state of Louisiana a chance to lead the Last fall, Tech launched an online bachelor’s “Access to Social Security numbers will be nation in work force development for in health information management and an LONG NAMED FOURTH restricted on a need-to-know basis,” Vento the new growth areas of our economy,” associate’s in health information technology. HEAD COACH IN LADY says. “We’re doing everything we can to says Dr. Stan Napper, dean of Tech’s The undergraduate degrees are also available TECHSTER HISTORY help students, faculty and staff protect their College of Engineering and Science. on campus. identities.” A researcher works in Techʼs Institute for “There’s definitely a national need that Micromanufacturing clean room. After a 10-day search by the Tech we are responding to.” Health information is a vast and growing field administration, Chris Long was The cards have a new background and a Professor Angela Kennedy uses that centers on managing electronic records introduced as the fourth head coach randomly assigned eight-digit number in According to the National Nanotechnology Initiative, a federal coordinator of Tegrity technology to teach an within the medical environment, something in Lady Techster history on April 8 place of a Social Security number. multi-agency efforts in nanoscale science, engineering and technology, external online course. Kennedy says is part of a massive need. by President Dan Reneau in a press funds are available to help support nanotechnology programs. conference held in the Hall of Fame Room of the Thomas Assembly Center. ���������� Federal funding for nanotechnology research and development has increased from $116 million in 1997 to $961 million in 2004, according to the NNI, which also NEW SCHOLARSHIP SENDS THREE TO STUDY ABROAD After a six-year stint as an assistant estimates that worldwide, government funding topped $2 billion in 2002. coach on the Tech staff, including three Thanks to a new scholarship program designed to promote international education years under both Leon Barmore and “The funding is evidence of the capability and interest. As there is an increase in experiences, three Tech students are spending this summer immersed in two other Kurt Budke, Long replaced Budke who both the application of nanotechnology and of funding, there’s a need for trained countries’ languages and cultures. accepted the head coaching position at scientists and engineers,” Napper says. Oklahoma State. The recipients, all seniors, were selected by Tech’s International Education Committee. The three scholarships, which total $7,500, are being funded by the “Chris Long is a fine individual,” Reneau office of Dr. Kenneth Rea, vice president for academic affairs, and by the offices of says. “He is very popular with our the academic deans. fans and his own players and has great PASSWORD-PROTECTION INVENTION coaching talents. He is obviously the man Julie Haynes of West Monroe, majoring in both elementary education and Spanish, for the job.” DELIVERS FIRST PAYOFF and Spanish major Allison Brazzel of Ruston will participate in the new Tech-Costa Rica foreign language program at Forester Instiuto Internacional in San José. Tech President Dan Reneau signed joint agreements in February Reneau, along with Tech Athletic for invention licensing that will bring the first direct royalty Director Jim Oakes and senior women’s Christy Pitre of Cut Off, a double major in studio art and French, will study at income Tech has ever received from its technology transfer efforts. administrator Mary Kay Hungate, led Université Paris Sorbonne. the search. The signing event sealed contracts for password-protection Scholarship recipients technology involving Tech, The Pennsylvania State University, and Christy Pitre, Julie Haynes According to Reneau, the search drew Issaquah, Wash.-based BioPassword Inc. and Allison Brazzel pose incredible national interest before being with Dr. Kenneth Rea, vice whittled down to two finalists, Long “Louisiana Tech, in combination with Penn State, now that’s president for academic affairs. and Western Carolina head coach Kellie not too shabby company. And I hope they recognize the honor,” Jolly Harper. Following Harper’s two-day Reneau says. visit to campus, Reneau and the Athletic Council made the decision to stay in- Inventors associated with Tech are Dr. Vir Phoha, an associate Tech President Dan Reneau signs licensing agreements for password- house with the hire. professor of computer science, and alumnus Sunil Babu (2003, protection technology. Standing from left are Dr. Les Guice, Techʼs M.S., computer science). vice president for research and development; Wayne Parker, “I’m honored that Dr. Reneau and Jim member of the ULS Board of Supervisors; and University Research Oakes have the confidence in me to Phoha says the invention will enhance password-protection Foundation board members William Marbury, Jimmy Love and Benny Denny. Seated at left is Bobby Rawle, Techʼs director for economic get this job done,” Long says. “And not software already in place at BioPassword Inc. The project studies development, and at right, Dr. Vir Phoha, an associate professor of only done, but done by Lady Techster different ways people type when entering passwords and how to computer science at Tech and one of the four inventors. standards.” make that process more secure.

24 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 25 NEWS ABOUT YOU

WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU? 1965 ...... DR. CHRISTINA EDWARDS John Burton, accounting, was named Business HONOR MEDICINE Do you have news to share in the News About You section? Lawyer of the Year by the Business Law Section of the State Bar of New Mexico. He HOMETOWN: Shreveport Have you changed jobs, received a promotion, started a company? Written a book? Received an award? Made a and his wife, Anne, live in Santa Fe where he scientific breakthrough? Exhibited your work in an art show? Married, had a child? is a lawyer and director at Rodey Law Firm. NOW RESIDES IN: Nashville, Tenn. DEGREE: 2001, B.S., Animal Biology, Chemistry minor News About You is just that. We want to share the stories of your accomplishments and milestones. Photos are always 1969 ...... FURTHER EDUCATION: 2005, M.D., LSU Health Sciences Center welcome, too. You can submit your information for News About You online at www.latechalumni.org and click on “Send Michael Burrow, mechanical engineering, was - Shreveport Announcements.” Or, fill out the form on page 31 and mail your information to us. named 2005 Engineer of the Year by the Sabine WHAT I DO NOW: Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional I just began a five-year general surgery residency Engineers. He is chairman and CEO of at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. I like surgery because Beaumont, Texas-based ENGlobal Corp. it’s technical, you work with your hands, and it involves 1957 ...... anatomy, which was always my favorite subject in college. It also KEVIN WILLIAMS Larry Savage, forestry and wildlife, a 28-year incorporates the medicine aspect in terms of determining whether surgery is the best option. Ron Harrell, A PERSISTENT TONE veteran of Louisiana Department of Wildlife As of today, I think I’d like to be a pediatric surgeon; however, that’s subject to change as I get petroleum and Fisheries, was appointed turkey biologist further along in my residency. HOMETOWN: Haughton engineering, retired in the LDWF Upland Game Section. He had MEMORY OF TECH: The coolest thing was watching the construction of Centennial Plaza and seeing from the top post been Deer Management Assistance Program DEGREE: 1998, B.A., Music Education my name on a brick. at Houston-based coordinator since 1998. CURRENT POSITION: Director of Bands, Haughton High School Ryder Scott Co., a MY TOUGHEST PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: As a med student, someone always looked over my shoulder petroleum consulting EXPONENTIAL GROWTH: When I took over at Haughton, there 1970 ...... and weighed in on my decisions. The biggest hurdle is bridging over to be the decision maker. firm. His five-year It’s my sign-off now. I know we’re all human, but you don’t want it to be your mistake that’s were 18 students at the first band practice. Today, there are Glenn Jackson, history (master’s 1991), was tenure as CEO detrimental to a patient. The good thing is upper-level residents guide you through this over 100. elected to the board of directors at Citizens brought public transition. You’re not on an island. ABOUT MY CAREER PATH: In 1998, I spent half the year subbing at attention to Ryder National Bank in Bossier City. He is the bank’s DOWN THE ROAD: Bossier High School while the band director was on medical Scott that culminated in record annual sales executive vice president and CFO. I would like to go back home to Shreveport and make a difference in my leave. The band was in a similar state when I took over at in 2004. He also led the exploration of issues community. When I go back in 10 years or so, I wonder if I’ll recognize the place because it’s Haughton. The kids didn’t play so well, but by the end of the year I had them really progressing. regarding reserves reporting requirements with 1973 ...... growing so rapidly. It’s especially good to see that growth in the medical field. That summer I was looking for a job and the Haughton principal called me to say: “I’ve got this the Securities and Exchange Commission. As Dr. Gary Joiner, history (master’s 1975), TRIUMPHS IN MY CAREER: In my third year of medical school, I was inducted into Alpha Omega job for you if you want it.” I’ve been at Haughton ever since. I love the kids. I always tell people a reserves expert, Harrell was often tapped earned his doctorate from St. Martin’s College, Alpha, the medical honor society. It’s very difficult to be inducted as a third-year student. You that I don’t go to work. I go have fun every day. for interviews by media organizations like Lancaster University, in England. The degree really have to be top of your class. I was humbled and really happy to see that my hard work Dow Jones, Reuters, and Bloomberg. He will ON MUSIC EDUCATION: My theory is if you play an instrument, you’re going to teach. The first time was conferred by Her Royal Highness Princess paid off. I was also humbled to receive the William and Charlotte Cadbury Award during the remain chairman of Ryder Scott. He joined Alexandra of Kent, the university’s chancellor. Association of American Medical Colleges’ annual meeting in Boston. It was really something for you lean over to the person on your right and say, “You’re a little sharp on that note,” you just the company as a reservoir engineer in 1968. taught. Joiner is an assistant professor of history at them to choose me out of hundreds of physicians across the country. He became vice president in 1970, director LSU-Shreveport. TWO FAST RULES: (1) Do the right thing always – that applies to life as much as it does to band. in 1980, and president in 1998. Harrell is a member of Tech’s Engineering and Science James Morris, business administration, is (2) Have fun. If you’re not having fun, then you don’t need to be in band. I stole those two rules 1976 ...... Hornets, and in the college ranks with from my mentor Jim Robken, Tech’s director of bands. Foundation Board. president of Huntsville, Ala.-based Schwarze University of New Orleans and Iowa State. Industries Inc., a publicly held international Dr. Linda Griffin, English (master’s English MY TOUGHEST PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: Allowing other people around my band. I won’t lie. I’ve ...... heavy-equipment manufacturer. 1978; master’s business administration 1980), Ben Walker, business administration, obtained worked very hard to get it where it is. I’m very protective of it. It’s like you build this wonderful 1964 an English professor at Houston Community the Certified Commercial Investment Member thing and you don’t want anyone to touch it. It’s my 3-year-old syndrome – these are mine! Carolyn Kelley, ...... College, received the 2005 Teaching Excellence designation from the CCIM Institute. The elementary 1974 SECRET TO SUCCESS: Persistence. I’m a driven guy. Growing up I had a lot of things trying to hold Award. The college bestows this award on designation is awarded upon completing education, was Charles Gill, geography, trains shuttle me back. I had people who didn’t think I was college material. I never quit. I made mistakes but teachers who have helped their students realize a graduate-level curriculum and obtaining inducted into the astronauts and flight controllers on all aspects I never gave up. their full potential. Griffin lives in Houston experience in the field. Kansas Teachers’ of SPACEHAB payload operations in support with her husband, Paul. Hall of Fame. The of upcoming STS 116 and 118 missions...... Hall of Fame was 1978 ...... Jack Ramsaur II, 1977 ...... 1951 1954 established in 1977, industrial management Roger Hilburn, accounting, was named (master’s 1975), was named a U.S. Air Force A children’s research laboratory in Monclova, Charlie Rugg, health and physical education the first in the Tim Floyd, health regional director of the U.S. Department Reserve brigadier general. He is director of Mexico, was named in honor of James, (master’s business administration 1958), was country. This year, and physical of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security operations at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., electrical engineering, and Jeanne, journalism inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of seven teachers were education, was Administration in Dallas. He leads a staff of and a DC-10 captain with FedEx. He and 1952, Adams, and their niece, Ruth C. Fame in Vicksburg. He coached basketball and inducted. She taught second grade for 25 years named head men’s 47 investigators, auditors, and pension benefit his wife, Sylvia Shofner Ramsaur, fashion Anderson. The Adams/Anderson Children’s tennis at Belhaven College and was athletic in Manhattan, Kan., and retired last summer. basketball coach advisers, and oversees operations of private- merchandising, live in Germantown, Tenn. Laboratory will treat cancer, heart disease, director from 1963-1995. His crowning She and her husband, John Kelley Jr. (biology at University of sector pension, health, and other benefit severe trauma, diabetes and viral disorders in achievement was leading the tennis team to 1963), live in Manhattan and spend time Southern California. plans in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, ...... children. Monclova is located in the northern the National Association of Intercollegiate at their second home on Lake Felsenthal in 1975 He previously Oklahoma and Texas. Mexican state of Coahuila. The laboratory is Athletics national championship in 1983. Arkansas. Albino Hinojosa, art, won the poster contest coached with the expected to attract physicians from across the for the 2005 Squire Creek Louisiana Peach Chicago Bulls United States. Festival in Ruston. and New Orleans

26 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 27 NEWS ABOUT YOU

Tweel. He and his family live in Greenville, S.C. summer. Oscar lives in Gonzales and Rebecca DR. DONNA REESE lives in Baton Rouge. GERARD BRAUD FOR THE LOVE OF TEACHING 1984 ...... A STORY WORTH TELLING Carla Koen, journalism, has opened Oval HOMETOWN: I was an Army brat; I grew up all over. My parents Karin Jones, nursing, was named director of Artist Management and Gallery in Little Rock, HOMETOWN: Luling are from Alto and Mangham. I graduated from high school in nursing at Green Clinic Surgical Hospital, a Ark. She manages and promotes artists, and NOW RESIDES IN: Mandeville Silver Spring, Md. state-of-the-art facility in Ruston. runs the gallery. DEGREE: 1980, B.A., Journalism NOW RESIDES IN: Starkville, Miss. John White, ...... biomedical 1990 FURTHER EDUCATION: Fellowship in Environmental DEGREE: 1979, B.S., Computer Science engineering, was Elizabeth Pratt, nursing, is a nursing Communications from Loyola University in New Orleans FURTHER EDUCATION: M.S. and Ph.D., Computer Science, Texas inducted into the instructor at Southern Arkansas University in HOW I GOT TO TECH: I always had a way with words and enjoyed A&M University College of Fellows Magnolia. telling stories. Originally, I planned to attend Tech to get a TEAM PH.D.: My husband, Bob Reese, and I got married two of the American degree in wildlife management so I could be a park ranger. Institute of Medical Jason Smith, finance (master’s 1995), was days after graduating from Tech. He got his bachelor’s in elected to the executive council of the Giving tours seemed like a great way to combine my storytelling electrical engineering. We later went to grad school together at Texas A&M intending to just get and Biological skills with my love of the outdoors. However, the National Park Service advised me there would Engineering, Louisiana Young Bankers Association. He is our masters’. We couldn’t stop! (His master’s and doctorate are in electrical engineering.) a senior vice president with Citizens National be no jobs available upon graduation. With my heart set on attending Tech, I learned the comprised of the university had a top-notch journalism department. Having enjoyed journalism in high school, I CURRENT POSITION: Associate Dean for Academics and Administration, Mississippi State University’s Bank in Bossier City. top 2 percent of decided I wanted to become a television reporter. Later in my career I became an environmental Bagley College of Engineering bioengineers in the world. He was inducted reporter, which let me tap into my love of the outdoors. Today, more than 25 years after 1991 ...... ABOUT MY JOB: I deal with overall undergraduate programs. Examples of things under my for his contributions to quantitative graduation and more than 10 years since leaving journalism, one of my favorite clients is the jurisdiction are accreditation visits, technical writing, K-12 outreach, and diversity programs. neurophysiology and the design of real-time Steve Anderson, chemical engineering, U.S. Forest Service. control systems for neurophysiology. He is an is pharmaceutical plant superintendent AFTER GRADUATING FROM TECH: My husband and I went to work for General Dynamics in Fort associate professor of biomedical engineering for Noramco Inc., a Johnson & Johnson LEAP OF FAITH: Leaving my career as a television journalist and eventually starting my own business Worth, Texas. The job fit our dual-career lifestyle. We were there 15 months and then decided at Boston University. subsidiary in Athens, Ga. He and his wife, are my greatest leaps of faith, although God did some pushing along the way. While I loved to go to grad school. My now 20-year-old son was born two weeks before my Ph.D. defense. Jennifer, live in Bishop, Ga., and are life being a reporter and essentially going on field trips every day, I eventually grew tired of the After grad school, we moved to Austin, Texas, and I sat out of the work force for awhile. I 1985 ...... members of the Louisiana Tech Alumni business side of reporting. It is a rather unstable profession. taught computer science at University of Texas at Austin between my two children. We moved Association. ABOUT MY CAREER PATH: These days I travel as an international speaker, trainer and consultant. to Starkville, Miss., when my youngest was 9 months. My husband had gotten a tenure-track Ameder W. Danzy, mechanical engineering, is Many of the workshops I teach are based on what I learned in my 15 years as a front-line position. They offered to interview me, but I wasn’t ready to go back. When my children were vice president of manufacturing and logistics Trey Curtis, accounting, is a financial adviser journalist. I teach corporate and government clients how to understand the wants, needs and a little older, I got an assistant professor position at Mississippi State. I’ve been on the computer and senior project manager for Jackson, Miss.- with Raymond James Financial Services desires of reporters, so they can be more effective communicators. My keynote presentations science faculty for 16 years, and 10 years ago I became undergraduate coordinator of the based IMS Engineers. IMS was ranked 32nd located at Progressive Bank in West Monroe. are more motivational in nature, based on other life experiences. Deep down inside, I’m just a department. Last year, I was named interim associate dean, and in April it became permanent. on Inc. Magazine’s list of fastest-growing urban He was named to the Raymond James 2004 storyteller. companies in America. Danzy joined IMS American Funds President’s Club and the MEMORY OF TECH: Late nights in the basement of Wyly Tower programming with punch cards, and in 1999 as a senior project engineer and was American Funds All-Star Team. TRIUMPHS IN MY PROFESSION: My journalism career was certainly filled with many high points, card ribbons running out of ink. promoted to vice president in 2002. including covering at least five presidents, reporting on the visit of Pope John Paul II to New TRIUMPHS IN MY CAREER: I love teaching, and I was extremely excited and humbled to be named a Nikki Mobley, speech, was promoted to trust Orleans, covering every major hurricane for 10 years, flying in hot air balloons, flying in F-15 Grisham Master Teacher, which is an endowed annual award at Mississippi State that recognizes 1987 ...... manager at Argent Financial Group in Ruston. fighters, scuba diving with dolphins, and reporting for CBS, NBC, CNN and the BBC. As a outstanding teaching. I was also humbled to be named a 2004 Outstanding Faculty Adviser by Deann Alford, Dr. Steen Trawick, zoology, is a hospitalist public relations professional, my greatest triumph is watching each person I work with become a the National Academic Advising Association. Spanish and with Christus Schumpert Sutton Family better communicator. history (journalism Children’s Medical Center. He provides care 1989), writes for for children admitted to the hospital. He and 1980 ...... 1982 ...... evangelical and his wife, Ronda, live in Shreveport. 1992 ...... James Walker Jr., accounting, was named religion publications manager of inspections for the Public Bob Robinson, electrical engineering, is Carol Elkins Chrisman, elementary education Gayla Arnold, journalism, was selected as a and news services, Kenneth L. Company Accounting Oversight Board based the unmanned ground systems principal (master’s 1985), was named Wal-Mart’s special district judge for Seminole County, including Washington, in the Dallas office. The PCAOB is a non- investigator and embedded software engineer Teacher of the Year for Lincoln Parish. She Okla. She is a member of the Seminole, Christianity journalism, is profit corporation that oversees the auditors in the Phantom Works division of The Boeing teaches kindergarten at Choudrant Elementary. Oklahoma and American Bar Association. Today, Religion managing editor for of public companies in order to protect the Co. in Huntsville, Ala. His job is to grow News Service, Phillips Investment interests of investors and further the public Boeing’s business in the area of unmanned Gretchen Haien, master’s art, won a ...... and Evangelism and Missions Information Resources. He lives 1993 interest in the preparation of informative, fair vehicles. He works closely with Carnegie photography award from the Mississippi Service. She also works for Geneva Global, a in Fort Washington, Susan Barton, management information and independent audit reports. Mellon University’s Red Team, part of Institute of Arts and Letters. She teaches at professional services firm for philanthropists. Md., with his wife, systems, joined Extraco Banks in Temple, Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute. He helps Belhaven College in Jackson, Miss. Her work takes her around the world, from Charlene, and son, Texas, as a banking specialist. She and her Brian Weaver, management (master’s 2000), students write vehicle-autonomy software and Colombia to Pakistan. She lives in Austin, Texas. Jeremiah. husband, James (computer science 1989), live was promoted to vice president of logistics for gives software/systems-engineering guidance. 1983 ...... in Temple. Federal Home Products of Ruston. The Red Team is entering two driverless Ronald “Bart” Thompson Jr., mechanical 1989 ...... Hummers in the DARPA (Defense Advanced engineering, was interviewed on the Discovery ...... Carol Jones Yost, elementary education 1994 ...... 1995 Research Projects Agency) Grand Challenge, Channel from the Detroit Auto Show. He Oscar Evans, finance, and his sister, Rebecca and library science, was named principal of Jarrett Rodriguez, marketing, is co-founder a 175-mile, desert race for unmanned vehicles discussed practical applications of the Tweel, (management 1993), opened Louisiana’s first John Michael Holland, civil engineering, Visintainer Middle School in Brunswick, Ohio. of Sport Insight Group, LLC, a research firm in October. a tire and wheel combination. He is a 20-year Cheeburger Cheeburger restaurant in Baton started structural engineering firm Holland specializing in online, database-driven survey employee of Michelin America’s Research and Rouge. The sibling business partners are Engineering in Lindale, Texas. He is president. development, implementation and processing. Development Center and lead engineer of the opening a second location in Shreveport this

28 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 29 NEWS ABOUT YOU

B. Johnson Space Center. In 2004, she was 2001 ...... QUI NGUYEN JOYCE CRAFT REVOIR named Young Engineer of the Year by the Kelly Bailey, graphic design, is a visual VAMPIRE COWBOY KNOWS HER ABCs Houston-area SWE chapter. information specialist at the Defense HOMETOWN: El Dorado, Ark. Dr. Brent Parker, physics, is a medical Acquisition University in Fort Belvoir, Va. She HOMETOWN: Destin, Fla. physicist and assistant professor in the lives in Washington, D.C. NOW RESIDES IN: New York NOW RESIDES IN: Newnan, Ga. department of radiation oncology at The Melissa McManus, English (master’s business DEGREE: 1999, B.A., Speech with Theatre emphasis DEGREE: 1987, B.F.A., Graphic Design University of Texas Medical Branch at administration 2004), joined the Orlando FURTHER EDUCATION: 2000, Certificate in Screenwriting, Galveston. He resides in League City, Texas. Magic as an inside sales associate based in ABOUT MY CAREER PATH: I am the illustrator and creative director for Imaginary Academy, Croatia; 2002, M.F.A., Playwriting, Orlando, Fla. children’s book publisher Alpha-kidZ. I started it with a friend, Ohio University 1998 ...... Cindy (Gist) Foust, who wrote the stories. I’ve also operated Stormy Roark, health information Martie Cordaro, marketing, is general my own design studio, Joyce Revoir Illustration and Design, CURRENT POSITION: Playwright/Fight Choreographer/Artistic administration, is director of health information manager of the Southwest Michigan Devil since 1997. I do mostly editorial illustration for publishing, Director and Co-founder, Vampire Cowboys Theatre Co. management at Promise Specialty Hospital of Rays, the Class A affiliate of Major League Web design, and packaging. The studio opened in Nashville, Shreveport. She lives in Shreveport. ABOUT MY CAREER PATH: After graduating I went directly to Baseball’s Tampa Bay Devil Rays franchise. He Tenn., and relocated to Denver in 1998. Most of my experience grad school for playwriting. While in school, I traveled a bit to find that city where I would and his wife, Sara, live in Battle Creek, Mich. comes from five years as art director for Christian Music’s largest label, Sparrow Records/EMI best fit in. After interning in New York, I discovered that the Big Apple was just big enough 2002 ...... Christian Music Group, where I designed packaging and directed promotions and marketing Dr. Matthew Lowe, for a brash young lad like me. So, I moved here and became … a waiter (surprise, surprise). master’s math, graduated Kimberly Deal Husband, accounting, was efforts for more than 90 releases a year. From 1993-1994, I also worked to market a design for After spilling my share of drinks and yelling at my share of rude customers, I lucked out and from Ohio University’s College of Osteopathic promoted to vice president, compliance officer the Nashville newspaper The Tennessean and two design firms. But my first job was in Ruston scored a few opportunities that led my way out of the “waiting life.” I landed a New Dramatists Medicine. He is a psychiatry resident at The and risk manager at Argent Financial Group with “Tommy’s Tees.” When I designed some shirts for a Sigma Kappa party in 1984, Tommy writing fellowship so I could focus on the arts. Since then, I’ve run the gamut on theatre jobs. Ohio State University. in Ruston. Cline hired me on the spot. I created every shirt he did until 1987. Tommy still does printing I’ve taught playwriting and stage combat to adults and children. I’ve worked as a desk jockey for my clients. Christopher Simmons, finance, was named for several of New York’s leading art organizations. I’ve earned my pay as a freelance fight vice president of private banking at Houston- 2004 ...... MY TOUGHEST PROFESSIONAL CHALLENGE: Learning patience … but it also has been putting my money choreographer and writer. It’s been a really fun and satisfying journey, except for the waiting based Amegy Bank of Texas. He recently where my mouth is and going after my dreams. Working for EMI-Sparrow was a luxury of tables part. Kranthi Kiran Vistakula, master’s biomedical passed the certified financial planner exam. engineering, is a research assistant at MIT “unlimited budgets,” though I always try to be a good steward. I want clients to get more than VAMPIRE BEGINNINGS: I started Vampire Cowboys Theatre Co. because I wanted to create the kind Sloan School of Management in Boston. His they pay for, and I try to think outside the box. I love branding new products like Alpha-kidZ. of theatre that I always wanted to see. Too often, I see plays that are really smart, but extremely 1999 ...... research team won the MIT $1K Award in the Stepping out on my own was scary, but it was the best thing I’ve done. boring to watch. Or I see plays that will really tickle me, but have as much intellectual weight Janna Jones Ellis, consumer products category. In this business TRIUMPHS IN MY JOB: I’ve had several industry praises. Being able to vote in the Grammy® is fun as diet soda. VCTC is my attempt to create the kind of theatre that is both fun and thought- speech (master’s plan competition, he was up against 100 teams because I am such a music fan. Getting nominated for a Dove Award was exciting. I think the provoking. It’s a company that specializes in creating and producing plays that emphasize 2001), is director made up of students from Harvard and MIT. best reward is what I call “the stop.” That’s when someone stops in front of a painting to really comedy and the controversial. It combines the sexiness of spectacle and the power of drama with of audience services His team also won seed money from the Army look at it. It’s when the client is just speechless, makes that nod-and-smile motion, and they are a colorful landscape of pop culture that both celebrates and critiques modern-day society. at Yale Repertory to compete in the finals of MIT’s Institute stunned that the logo came in both fast and perfect. WHAT’S IN A NAME: We came up with “Vampire Cowboy” because we wanted something that would Theatre/Yale School for Soldier Nanotechnologies Soldier Design CHECK OUT ALPHA-KIDZ: www.alphakidz.com make us stick out from the plethora of New York theatre companies. We liked the dark eternal of Drama. She Competition. aspect of the vampire and the ruggedness of the cowboy. So we married the two words. Plus, we resides in New Rachel Villarrubia, graphic design, is graphic just liked the sound of it: “Vampire Cowboy.” How cool is that? Haven, Conn. designer/branding director at Insignia ON PLAYWRITING: I love writing and telling stories. However, the reason I’m a playwright instead of Marketing in Metairie. a novelist is because I’m not a big fan of being alone. The process of writing is very solitary, but the joy of creating theatre is based on community. I need both. 2000 ...... To send your news, complete this form and mail it to: Marbury Alumni Center, Louisiana Tech University, P.O. Box 3183, Ruston LA 71272 Lori Burke, merchandising ...... Name: ______Maiden name: ______1996 been a movement coach, fight coordinator and consumer Angela Cummings, marketing, is an FBI and performer. In the video game “Chronicles studies, is senior Year(s) of graduation: ______Major: ______operations security assistant in Los Angeles. of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay,” he is brand and retail * the body of Vin Diesel and performs the fight marketing manager Home address : ______City: ______State: ______ZIP: ______Chris d’Aquin, journalism, is an independent scenes. at Scholastic Inc. * * contractor in Web applications and software She does marketing Home phone : ______Email address : ______Lana R. Fountain, engineering in Athens, Ga. He is also a for the licensing biomedical Employer: ______freelance photographer. He and his wife, division and works engineering, was Rachel, have a son and four daughters. They with movie and toy * * elected lieutenant Business address : ______Business phone : ______live in Chamblee, Ga. companies to create books and toys based on governor of Society major film releases. She lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. Your News About You: Lee Denny, human resources management, of Women Engineers was named Ruston Jaycee Outstanding Young - Region C, covering Kurt Nixon, civil engineering, joined Bossier Person of the Year. Arkansas, Louisiana, City-based Coyle Engineering Co. as a civil Mississippi and engineer and surveyor intern. He is also 1997 ...... Texas. She is a president of the Shreveport branch of the senior payload safety Leraldo Anzaldua, speech, is a Houston-based American Civil Engineering Society. engineer for GHG Corp./NASA Lyndon independent contractor in the arts. He has *not for publication in Louisiana Tech Magazine

30 | Louisiana Tech Magazine www.latech.edu | 31 WHAT MATTERS TO ALUMNI: STAY CONNECTED. A PARENTS’ PERSPECTIVE JOIN THE LOUISIANA TECH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TODAY.

I enjoyed reading Mrs. Marlow’s letter in the fall/winter edition “BEING A MEMBER OF THE LOUISIANA TECH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IS A GREAT of Louisiana Tech Magazine, and wanted to add to her parent’s perspective. My wife, Connie, and I met at Tech, married during WAY TO SUPPORT THE UNIVERSITY AND TO STAY ABREAST OF THE MANY EXCITING college, and we graduated in 1973. To say the least, Tech has had a EVENTS OCCURRING AT YOUR ALMA MATER. BY BEING A PARTICIPANT IN ALUMNI positive impact on my life both educationally and personally. ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES, YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTERACT WITH We were fortunate enough to have all three of our children graduate OTHER ALUMNI TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME. JOIN TODAY, from Tech. Lindsey (1999), Ayres Jr. (2003), and Davis (2005), have AND STAY INVOLVED FOREVER.” all experienced the Tech tradition that Connie and I experienced years before them. The quality of education that Tech afforded our - Steve Bates (‘82), Alumni Association president children has put them on the path to success in each of their chosen professions. The additional experiences that they were offered out of the classroom were equally beneficial in molding them into well- rounded young adults prepared for life after college.

For the past 10 years, we have had at least one of our children enrolled at Tech. During that time, we encountered many of the faculty and staff, and each time we came away impressed with their individual knowledge and overall concern for students.

I hear people often speak about the “Tech family,” and I am very proud that my children are a part of this great family. As alumni and parents, Connie and I thank the Tech community for providing an educational experience of which we can all be very proud. Tech continues to make a difference in the lives of its students for yet another generation.

Sincerely,

F. Ayres Bradford (B.A., journalism, 1973) and Connie Elkins Bradford (B.A., elementary education, 1973) Please cut along dotted line and send to the following address or join online at www.latechalumni.org/association.

Alumni Information Update – mail to: Alumni Association | P.O. Box 3183 | Ruston LA 71272

Louisiana Tech alums F. Ayres and Connie Bradford have their own version ______of the Tech Family: daughter Lindsey and sons Davis and Ayres Jr., all of Name: Last First Middle/Maiden Class Degree Social Security # whom are Tech alums, too. ______Spouse’s Name: Last First Middle/Maiden Coll./Univ. & Class Degree Social Security # ______Home Address: Street City State ZIP Home Phone # FOR YOUR SUPPORT. ______THANK YOU Employer Bus. Address Bus. Phone # Position with Firm THE LOUISIANA TECH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SALUTES THESE LIFETIME MEMBERS ______Steven & Jennifer Anderson Dr. R. Guthrie Jarrell James W. Skeeles Spouse’s Employer Bus. Address Bus. Phone # Position with Firm Dr. G. Albert Cook Keith & Leah Jordan Stephen R. Thames ______Email Address Spouse’s Email Address J. Bret Dronet George & Terry McConathy Todd & Sharmon Votteler Lee Fletcher Billy & Janet Moore Tommy & Cindy Walker ■ $35 Single Membership ■ $50 Joint Membership ■ $500 Single Life Membership ■ $600 Joint Life Membership Dr. Steve & Laura Fowler Richard Paylor I have enclosed: $______Charge to my ■ Visa ■ Mastercard ______Michael W. Green Wanda Shelby Card Number Expiration Date Please make your check payable to the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association. ______These names have been added to the lifetime roster since the previous issue of the magazine. Thank you for your membership and continued support of Louisiana Tech. Signature as it appears on your credit card

32 | Louisiana Tech Magazine N O. 1 4 | SPRING/SUMMER 2005 RESEARCH BEYOND BORDERS Tech Leads Drive to Topple Walls

IN SUPPORT OF INC. Incubator Hatches New Startup Businesses GAME FAR FROM OVER Karl Malone Receives Tower Medallion

In 1970, Tech’s engineering and science research was dawning. It was the year Apollo 13 astronauts said, “OK, Houston, we’ve had a problem here” after an oxygen tank exploded en route to the moon. SUBSCRIBING TO SUCCESS Also that year, Green Revolution visionary Norman Borlaug received the Nobel Peace Prize, teach-ins and rallies marked the first Earth Day, Rosemary Ellis Turns a New Page at Prevention floppy disks began backing up computers, the discovery of retroviruses foreshadowed genetic engineering, and Intel introduced a memory chip that stored 1,024 bits of data.

Louisiana Tech University Division of University Advancement NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 3183 Ruston, LA 71272-0001 PAID JACKSON, MS PERMIT NO. 80

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY www.latech.edu