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VOLUME 91 • ISSUE 20

Elementary education rises to the top KACIE KAUFMAN News Editor | kjk019@ latech.edu

nce again, Louisiana Tech has received recognition at both the national and state

level. College Choice, an independent online publication, recently named Tech’s elementary education program as No. 1 in Louisiana and No. 4 in the country in its ranking of the “35 Best Elementary Education Degrees for 2017.” It was selected based on criteria such as program ratings and reputation scores calculated from other rankings. Amy Vessel, director of clinical and field experiences in the College of Education, said the ranking was a welcome exhibition for the hard work done in the elementary education field. “We know that we have a strong program, (and) we’re very proud of our program as a faculty,” she said. “But to have someone else acknowledge that from outside the walls of Woodard Hall, it’s humbling and it’s rewarding. It validates all the hard work that we’re doing.” Vessel said Tech recently implemented a method called the Teacher Educators and Mentors (TEaM) model, which provided the chance for senior elementary education majors to spend the fourth year of his or her education in a classroom, not just a portion of the year, as is often seen in traditional student teaching.

Photo courtesy of Amy Vessel

Elementary education students attend the Dogs With A Cause TEaM model clinical residency service project. “At Louisiana Tech, we’ve been doing clinical residencies longer than any other university in the state,” she said. Vessel said the TEaM model

was just one of the innovations made at Tech, and other efforts, such as the Dogs with A Cause service project and a new inclusive elementary program which pre-

pares elementary majors to meet the needs of all students with a double certification in elementary and special education, are being included in the curriculum.

Kristen Seal, a senior elementary education major, said she believes the clinical residency program distinguishes Tech from others. She has experienced the program firsthand as a resident in a fourth-grade classroom at Ruston Elementary School. “I have spent over 1,000 hours not only learning about what it is like to be a full-time teacher but experiencing it,” she said. “My mentor, Kathryn Martin, has created a co-teaching classroom that allows me to plan, teach and fill the role of a professional teacher.” Seal said she feels Tech’s success stems from the high expectations for those in the program. “I feel that this distinguished honor is a result of the high standards that are set for the Louisiana Tech education program and how the teacher candidates continuously rise above and beyond those standards, becoming not only the best teacher candidates but exemplary teachers,” she said. Seal said she chose Tech because she felt the staff was highly invested in the program. “I chose to pursue my dream of teaching at Louisiana Tech University because the passion that the professors presented their education program with was palpable,” she said. “I knew that I would call Woodard Hall home for the next four years because I could tell that the professors and staff truly did care about what it would take for me to excel at Louisiana Tech and in the field of education.”

Business students present research at economics conference BRYN YOUNG Staff Reporter | bjy001@ latech.edu Six Louisiana Tech students found themselves gaining both experience and recognition as they presented original research at the 11th annual Economics Scholars Program for Undergraduate Research March 31. Mary Peshoff, Clayton Saxon, Nathan Gardner, Sarah Funderburk, Skylar Harbin and Jacob Dietz presented papers brought together as part of senior research classes in the College of Business. The papers covered topics including STDs and the number of churches, baseball negotiations, teen pregnancy and more. The program, hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank

of Dallas and Austin College for undergraduates, offers students the opportunity to share and gain feedback on high-quality undergraduate research, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The mainstay of the Economic Scholars Program is the conference itself, garnering attention from 34 universities from all over the United States this year, including Kansas State, Rice, Pace and University of Wisconsin. Presentations are split amongst different categories with presentations of both papers and posters and discussion of the paper. Peshoff and Saxton were paper presenters and Gardner was the paper discussant. Gardner, Funderburk, Har-

bin and Dietz were all poster presenters at the conference. Robert Blackstock, assistant dean of undergraduate programs in the College of Business, considered this a great opportunity for business students at Tech, pointing to the conference’s history of highlighting students. “In fact, Dakota Oxford (’16) presented last year and is now employed by the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank,” Blackstock said. “Administrators at the Fed note that participation in the Economic Scholars Program was a key component in their hiring decision.” Excitement was shown by Tech presenters Skylar Harbin and Sarah Fundburk toward the experience gained by researching and

displaying their work. “The Economic Scholars Program gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of economic research,” Harbin said. ”Taking on this research project was a challenging yet worthwhile experience, and going to the conference has been one of the highlights of my time spent at Louisiana Tech.” Others enjoyed the chance to network and meet other students interested in their fields as well as gain insight and feedback on business research being performed by other undergraduates from across the nation. “The Economic Scholars Program conference gave me an opportunity to connect with like-minded students who value economic

Photo courtesy of Robert Blackstock

Six College of Business students participated in the Economics Scholars Program conference in Dallas, Texas. research and are passionate about their studies,” Funderburk said. “Sharing my data and hearing from other

students challenged me to dive deeper into my own research. It was truly a fantastic experience.”

NEWS

2 • The Tech Talk • April 21, 2017

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Community Coffee chairman visits Tech JONATHAN SHAUL Staff Reporter | jds103@latech.edu Coffee is a large business in the United States and helps people, such as college students, stay awake when they need to. One coffee company’s chairman of the board was able to come speak to Louisiana Tech students and faculty April 12. Matt Saurage from Community Coffee spoke about the values and branding of the company’s coffee business. “As management, my expectation of Community Coffee is that we stick to our values and what we do, and pay attention to who we are and particularly our name,” Saurage said. He said the company has to do two things, make and sell great tasting coffee and understand how to participate in the community. He said they can’t forget where they came from. “My great-grandfather started the business and named it community because of his friends and neighbors,” he said. “They are the ones who helped him be successful as an entrepreneur.” He said he wants to ensure the company is doing everything possible to help the community as a whole not just his home town. He said he wants the company to reach out as far as possible into communities around the world. “We define our philanthropy, our giving, on three pillars: education, the military and sustainability,” Saurage said. “When you have made a decision as a leader of a company to do something, you can’t stand for everything; you have to be very specific.” He said, with the military, his company supports soldiers in peace and wartime. Saurage said the company gives a soldier double of what their families ordered to send them while overseas. “They’re homesick and I know what it’s like to be away

Photo by Jonathan Shaul

Matt Saurage, chairman of the board for Community Coffee, speaking to Tech students and faculty about the company. from my home,” he said. “We aren’t for or against any kind of conflict, but we support our military, both veterans and active.” He said a company’s philanthropies can both motivate and attract employees to a company. He said it defines the brand because selling a product is not the only thing that matters, it’s necessary to draw a connection to your community. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business, said one

of the reasons Saurage was invited is because he is a Tech alumnus. “We want to showcase those alumi who have been successful at this particular level of business,” Martin said. “This series is called Inside the C-Suite, which focuses on anyone at a level with a ‘C’ in front of it.” He said Saurage was a great candidate for the series because students got to hear his perspective and see how the company works.

Students recognized in human ecology awards ceremony ANDREW BELL Staff Reporter | agb022@latech.edu

of so many award-winners in her fields of study. “There’s so many students here that I Human ecology’s top student perform- know do so well in our field,” Taylor said. ers overlooked the Tech football field April “So it is such an honor to be in such elite 12 as they were recognized for their aca- company. I look at all these people in my demic excellence at the school’s awards major and I’m just like, ‘oh my gosh they’re all so smart,’ so it makes me feel good to ceremony in Davison Athletic Center. The ‘changing lives one at a time’ be in their company.” Ethel Jones, director of the school of themed event honored four freshman, human ecology, welseven sophomores, 17 juniors comed the audience to and eight seniors with schol- “Seeing that many the event and gave closarships for their academic ac- hard-working stuing remarks. She spoke of complishments. There were the tradition that was set 16 students honored for hav- dents being awarded ing a 3.5-3.79 GPA and 13 stu- was like witnessing a in the past years of the school of human ecology dents recognized for having rebirth of the profesand how the award-wina 3.8-4.0 GPA. Other awards, including those related to resion. Witnessing such ning students embodied that legacy. search, were given to 21 stu- provided me with “Seeing that many dents. excitement and ashard-working students Anna Chestnut, a senior being awarded was like family and child studies ma- surance of the legacy witnessing a rebirth of jor, was awarded the Mildred that was established the profession,” Jones Trussel McGehee Spirit of back in 1896 when said. “Witnessing such Family award. She attributed Domestic Sciences provided me with exciteher success to her experiencment and assurance of es with her late uncle who had was first introduced the legacy that was estabDown syndrome, as well as a at Tech.” lished back in 1896 when boy she babysits with Down Domestic Sciences was syndrome. ETHEL JONES first introduced at Tech.” “My [uncle] had Down syn- Director of the school Jones reiterated the drome and he lived with us,” of human ecology theme of the ceremony Chestnut said. “He passed while conveying the poaway earlier this year. It makes tential impact these stume emotional. But I babysit a little boy who has Down syndrome too. dents’ accomplishments can have on the He has my heart. They both have a spe- human ecology program itself. “Students can and will become ambascial place in my heart. So I love to be with people who have a different perspective on sadors for human ecology, recruiting and changing lives one at a time,” she said. life.” Mary Taylor, a junior nutrition and di- “Whether it be with helping students (who) etetics major, was the recipient of the Mer- are undecided about their careers or sharle Burk undergraduate scholarship. She ing their experiences with younger stusaid it was an honor to be in the company dents, or even with family members.”

UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

• Guatemala Volleyball

• The Dog Dipe @ 8 AM - 4

• Diamond Dogs’ vs. UAB

• No Calendar Events

• International Day @ 4 PM

• Russian Ballet “Cinderella” @ 1:30 - 4:45 PM Howard Auditoium

• No Calendar Events

Fundraiser @ 6-10 PM Lambright Intramural Sports Center (LISC) • Dr. Lora Burnett, “Toward a Correct History of ‘Political Correctness’” @ 11:30 AM Wyly Tower

PM Reese Hall

• Diamond Dogs’ vs. UAB

@ 2 PM

* Lady Techsters vs. Southeastern Louisiana @ W 5-1

@ 1 PM

Student Center

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NEWS

April 21, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 3

Model UN holds meeting to discuss clean water accessibility ANDREW BELL Staff Reporter | agb022@latech.edu Model United Nation’s meeting on providing accessible water provided a forum for discussion about the measures needed to be taken to balance the access of water worldwide. The meeting was held in University Hall April 10. Countries represented included the United States, India, Russia, Qatar, China, United Kingdom, France, Pakistan, Iran, Germany, Ethiopia, Brazil, South Africa and Spain. Most of the discussion was centered around desalination plans and where the funding would come from. Stormi Verret, a freshman english and spanish major, is a member of Model UN’s travel team. “I think (providing access to clean water) is a really important issue,” she said. “That’s why we chose it. We wanted to have something that’s accessible to a bunch of different countries. I personally don’t have to struggle to find clean water but I think it’s really interesting to see what other countries go through and what those people have to experience.” Jemma Seaton, a freshman biomedical engineering and mathematics major, who is also the president of Model UN, acted as director and chair of the meeting, while various attendees of the meeting acted as the delegates. She said the goals for the meeting included introducing newcomers to the organization and for the travel team to prep for future events. “The main purpose of these meetings is to get people interested in joining the travel team,” she said. “I want to introduce people to what Model UN is because I know we will have a lot of new people come in. It’s also an opportunity for our travel team to get some practice.” Seaton said an underlying purpose for the meetings was to expose the attendees to public speaking and possibly advance

Photo by Jonathan Shaul

Tyler Libert, a freshman chemical engineering major, reads some of the prepared facts about the issue of clean drinking water at the Model UN meeting. their communication skills. “A lot of students come in kind of being afraid to speak,” she said. “So we want them gain public speaking skills because it’s really helpful with most jobs and situations.” Tyler Libert, a freshman chemical engineering major, is the vice president of Model UN. He said the current meetings

‘Wild Out’ Wednesdays tradition returns to Tech RAHEEM PROCTOR Staff Reporter | rjp020@latech.edu

out, so every now and then I will drive to Ruston to help him (Williams) out,” Salter said. “It has even opened up doors for us to A Louisiana Tech tradition is slowly DJ at events for organizations at Louisiana Tech, Grambling and stretchstarting to sprout again this ing down I-20.” spring quarter on Wednesdays. No matter where the event, The return of “Wild Out the group always feel a little Wednesday,” WOW for short, has more special when doing what started back up. they love for the home team “A lot of people ask me evon a Wednesday. ery week will we be out there The once trio turned duo Wednesday and seem as if they excite freshmen and other stulook forward to the event,” said dents new to Tech’s campus Dakio Williams, a senior kinesiolyear in and year out, but it is ogy major. the returning students who apThis event usually lasts from preciate what the guys bring to noon until about 2 p.m. The campus. group of friends are DJs who Damascus Jacobs, a sestarted this event a few years “I’m sure that nior biology major, has been back when all three were attend- is one of those around to watch the duo grow ing Tech. and applauds them for con“It’s kind of funny when you feelings that tinuing their tradition. look back at how it all started,” you could never “After Niko (Green) passed, Williams said. “We really were really get over, they stopped for a very long just sitting around thinking what but it is great time and many of us did not could we do to liven campus up to see them out think they would ever do it just a little bit.” again,” Jacobs said. “I’m sure The original group consistsed here again and that is one of those feelings of Williams, Malcolm Salter Sr. bringing joy to that you could never really get and Nicholas Green. Green was campus.” over, but it is great to see them involved in a home invasion last out here again and bringing joy New Year’s Eve in which some- DAMASCUS to campus.” one took his life. JACOBS Students who have been Salter is back home in Bossier around a while typically exworking full time and devoting Senior biology major pect a crowd to draw up on his time to being a father. Wednesdays to eat lunch at “It is kind of weird that people the red tables while enjoying will contact me and ask if we are doing it again this week, and I have to some music. This often leads up to students gatherrespond with I’m back home in Bossier,” ing around to dance or for the Greeks to Salter said. The remaining group members said show off a new stroll. “It’s like the hump-day relief that stuthey feel as if they left their mark with what they started, but they do insist that it dents enjoy,” Jacobs said. “Take a load off is rather hard to continue the weekly tradi- and enjoy a few minutes with these guys before you go to class or hit the books tion being in separate cities. “It feels special to still be asked to come again.”

can act as building blocks toward the organization’s goal of attending official conferences in the future. “These are mostly practice meetings before we go to larger conferences,” he said. “(The official conferences) may be national, regional or even international level conferences.” Libert said he hopes the students at-

tending the meetings gain interest in debate and possibly join the team. “I hope (the students) get interested in debate as a whole,” he said. “I really hope it makes them want to come back to these meetings and start partaking more in debate as a whole. In doing so, I hope they might want to participate with the team eventually.”

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4 • The Tech Talk • April 21, 2017

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MORGAN’S MUSINGS

Agree to disagree MORGAN BERNARD Staff Reporter | mrb056@latech.edu As many college students do, I have learned more about myself and others as I spend my time here meeting new people and hearing their opinions and beliefs on different issues. Along with becoming more interested in political and world news, I have also come to notice how some people are so quick to judge when discussing such topics. Now before I go any further, I will admit sometimes I am guilty of judging people by what they do or say, or I may even disagree with what they believe. However, I am one to listen to another person’s ideas rather than angrily question them or start an argument. Possibly one of my biggest pet peeves is hearing a person calling another’s beliefs or opinions wrong. You can disagree with what someone else thinks, but that does not mean they are wrong or any less educated on the

matter being discussed. This is something I see every day, from family and friends to actual political leaders in the world. Especially in our nation’s recent politics, there seems to be more arguing and childishness than listening and cooperating. When discussing topics such as religion or government, people are quick to take sides and cause a battle without actually listening to what others have to say. I think this is why most people try to avoid talking about these things altogether. However, important topics like that must be talked about, and everyone should be able to express themselves without feeling attacked. Usually, I am a person who sees good ideas coming from both sides of the spectrum, which I believe is what makes me more likely to listen to others’ opinions. I also know that not many people want to meet in the middle and are very dedicated to their one side of an issue, which is OK, too.

Some people are capable of believing what they want while also respecting the beliefs of others that may be different from their own. Others may even feel stuck in the middle of certain topics or feel they do not know enough about it to think for themselves. When I was younger I had a habit of just going with what my parents believed, as I did not know much about these things. Now that I am older and I have viewed several different sides on politics and other subjects, I am more able to think for myself and express my own opinion. I think our nation as a whole, and even the entire human population, could work on understanding others’ beliefs and how they go about doing certain things. I am not saying that we all have to agree on one idea, but that we all should learn to respect one another’s decisions a little more. Morgan Bernard is a sophomore journalism major from Echo who serves as a staff reporter for The Tech Talk.

COLEMAN’S CORNER

Trump’s travels IMANI COLEMAN Staff Reporter | itc002@latech.edu President Donald Trump’s Twitter is frequently a source of the many condescending remarks he previously made as a private citizen and the actions he has taken since becoming president. The most outlandish of those remarks could easily be his criticisms on the cost of the President Barack Obama administration’s travels throughout his eight-year term. Trump is now expected to surpass these costs within his first year in office. In October 2014, Trump tweeted: “We pay for Obama’s travel so he can fundraise millions so Democrats can run on lies. Then we pay for his golf.” The most interesting aspect about this tweet is that since being inaugurated Trump has visited his private golf club Mar-a-Lago in Florida 16 times.

Each time Trump visits his club, it costs taxpayers more than $3 million, according to CBS News. It is estimated that his traveling expenses have cost $20 million in the first 80 days of his presidency according to CNN. The numbers don’t seem quite as staggering until you compare them to the $97 million Obama spent during his entire tenure. The costs include Air Force One and Secret Service for the president and whoever accompanies him. Trump also campaigned on the promise that he would not golf during his term which is a sound bite that is frequently replayed on most stations. “I’m going to be working for you. I’m not going to have time to play golf,” Trump said in August 2016 during his campaign. So what changed? Obviously, the job of being commander-in-chief to the entire free

world is expected to be a stressful task. Taking the time out for leisure is essentially expected and also probably welcomed. But too much leisure is also frowned upon. President Trump has only been in office for 11 weeks and his trips are starting to add up. Since being inaugurated, he has only spent six weekends in Washington D.C. No matter what party a person is aligned to, the monumental tax budget spending should be alarming. At what cost does it continue? At the end of his first term how much will he have spent? These are questions I believe all Americans should seeking the answers to. Imani Coleman is a senior political science and journalism major from Jennings who serves as a staff reporter for The Tech Talk.

GUEST COLUMN

Dig in and read JULIE RUTLEDGE In a few weeks, through the generous support of the Lincoln Health Foundation, we will have delivered more than 25,000 books to Lincoln Parish preschoolers through the Bulldog Book Club over the past four years. How did we get there? We did a pilot study on parent-child reading time behaviors with preschoolers and their parents. We found that children who preferred “traditional” books were reported by their parents to be more engaged and spent more time on the daily reading task than children who preferred “electronic” books. More than 75 percent of the preschoolers said they preferred the “electronic” book. Mind you, this was not a tablet or a phone, it was a recordable book with the same voice (Dr. Amy Yates, a family and child studies professor) recording. We used these results as a catalyst to find a way to get children excited about traditional books and developed the Bulldog Book Club with the aims of: increasing preschoolers’ access to books in the home, increasing parents’ access to current, research-

based knowledge on children’s health and social development topics, encouraging children’s interest in books by creating a fun and rewarding reading environment, and encouraging parents to include reading time with their children in their daily activities. The majority of the BBC books center around health or social development themes, and we send parents a one-page sheet related to that theme. Every month, when children receive their books and parents receive their information sheets, children get a sticker to add to their yearly BBC book chart. They also receive some BBC Gear – crayons, zipper pull, keychain, eraser, pencil, etc. – with the BBC logo. In May, children receive a BBC backpack with books for May, June, July and August. Last year, Tech XXI helped us to deliver the summer bags. We have also partnered with some faculty at Tech for special MiniPrograms. Dr. Heath Tims, associate dean of undergraduate studies in the College of Engineering and Science, has created a car, skyscraper and truck kit for the classrooms to promote STEM learning. Dr. Greg Ly-

ons, an assistant professor of music, and the Tech Percussion Ensemble have gone to the schools for special performances to promote music and movement – the children all get a maraca and get to play along to the music too! Dr. Ernest Rufleth, an assistant professor of English, and I wrote a children’s coloring book on “Romeo and Juliet” (we left out a few scenes and children get to make up their own ending!) to promote fine arts, and a student from art did the illustrations for us. What an incredible gift to be able to take a creative idea, turn that into a research grant (we collect data, of course!), and give back to our community at the same time! Julie Rutledge is an assistant professor of family and child studies and the Mildred Trussell McGehee Endowed Professor. The Bulldog Book Club grant was funded through the Lincoln Health Foundation to Julie Rutledge and co-principals: Laura Chestnut, director of the Early Childhood Education Center; Amy Yates, the Sue Woodard Huckaby Endowed Professor in family and child studies; and Anita Pumphrey, an instructor of family and child studies.

Where does our food come from? Many people purport to be animal lovers. If you are the average meat-eating American, you might not think twice about making this statement. Do most people really love animals? The answer to this question relies on whether or not you are aware of the plight of animals on a basic level. Animals will most likely always be eaten and slaughtered by humans, and no amount of people going vegetarian will change that. This is not to comment on vegetarianism, as it a noble cause to not eat meat both for health and societal reasons, but this is the state of animal rights in the world. Some disgusting practices go on in slaughterhouses on occasion because some slaughterhouse runners let it happen and do not care. They ruin it for other meat eaters and slaughterhouses by treating the animals they slaughter like pure products that do not feel fear. This is why animal rights activists are ultimately in the right even if some of them often cross the line to get their point across. At their core, groups like PETA desire for animals to not have to suffer. Though you do not have to become a devoted animal rights activist, you can at least be aware of animal cruelty. There is proof in the world that activism big and small helps fight animal cruelty and it is not as futile as one might think. Identifying and reporting animal abuse when you see it, sending money to charity, writing letters to Congress and starting petitions are all effective ways to combat animal abuse. Another way one can prove to themselves that they are true animal lovers is to consider this issue through the perspective of another country. Laws in Taiwan banned the buying, selling and consumption of dog and cat meat about two weeks ago. This makes it the first country in Asia to do so. Though we may personally never eat dog or cat meat, who is to say they should be able to ban this practice or not? To some cultures, dogs are to them like chickens and cows are to us. Ethical, truly animal-loving, meat-eating Americans need to understand that this is a cultural difference that we must respect. The only thing to be concerned about is the abuse of the dogs that sometimes goes on. The law was put into effect due to the activism of true animal lovers who want to stop the abuse of tanookis, or raccoon dogs, during dog meat eating festivals that have cropped up in some Asian countries over the years. Though this law should not crack down as harshly on these dog eaters as they do, it will at least stop some of the abuse. This is a heartening development that should inspire all true animal lovers. You do not have to feel guilty about eating meat, but it helps to at least, again, be aware and spread the word of animal abuse. If you can manage to send a couple of bucks to a charity now and again that would be even better. Any form of activism from a true animal lover really can make a difference.

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April 21, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 5

‘Fate of the Furious’ contains unexpected betrayal and more Fast and the Furious 8 HHHHH JONATHAN SHAUL Staff Reporter | jds103@latech.edu It has been 16 years since “The Fast and the Furious” first gave the audience a NOS and destruction filled feature. The main characters were criminals according to the law, but they won the audience over by the end of the film. Brian O’Connor, played by Paul Walker, was an undercover cop sent to track the movements of Dominic Toretto (Dom), played by Vin Diesel. In the end Brian chose to become a part of Dom’s crew, which he viewed as a family. The eighth installment of the franchise, “The Fate of the Furious,” opened at Celebrity Theaters in Ruston April 13. The film is also referred to as “Fast 8.” Just like the other movies it had high-end cars, racing, theft, love, betrayal, action and, in the end, redemption. All of the films have led up to this point and many of the crew’s successful missions have lead them to this specific situation.

Universal Pictures

Dom, portrayed by Vin Diesel, betrays his family to work with cyberterrorist Cipher, portrayed by Charlize Theron. The film opens in Havana, Cuba, with Dom and Letty, played by Michelle Rodriguez, on their honeymoon when Dom receives a call from Hobbe, played by Dwayne Johnson. During the final leg of said mission, Dom betrays the crew and takes a dangerous weapon

of mass destruction. Many fans have been asking since the moment the first trailer was released, “How could Dom betray his crew, but more specifically Letty?” Dom literally calls his crew his family and he betrays them because of a woman named Cipher,

played by Charlize Theron. When Letty was presumed dead by the team and the government, Dom was heartbroken; now he betrays her shortly after they get married. Throughout the film the team hunts Dom down to figure out the answer to that

question. Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Kurt Russell, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jason Statham and others returned to reprise their roles from the previous films along with some new, and even some unexpected characters. There were also a couple of plot twists people didn’t

see coming, but they were hinted at earlier in the film. Humor was also tied in quite eloquently; none of it was really that slapstick type of humor or the type so dumb one can’t help but laugh. This can be attributed to both the script writers and the ability of the cast to make it sound genuine. Fast 8 is family friendly as well. It is rated PG-13 and the pre-production and production teams kept it relatively clean. There was not much profanity, no nudity and the fight scenes ending in death weren’t very gory. Much time was spent revealing more about previously existing characters and developing new ones, although some could have used a bit more background to fully understand the characters and their transformation through the film. Some of this could be attributed to scenes which were cut to make the film flow a little better, but the film definitely needed a bit more story to develop the new characters more smoothly. The overall plotline was great and really gave the viewer the action they’re used to, but also a decent amount of comic relief.

26th Stage Combat Workshop offers chance to expand horizons JOHN STACK Staff Writer | jes062@latech.edu For the 26th year in a row the Stage Combat Workshop (SCW) 2017 took place April 14-16 at the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center. The Stage Combat Workshop at Louisiana Tech University is one of the oldest regional stage combat workshops in the country. Since its inception in 1991 by Mark Guinn, professor and director of the School of Performing Arts, the workshop has grown into one of the most widely respected and exciting workshops available.

“The SCW at Tech began as an alternative to the National Stage Combat Workshops produced by the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD),” Guinn said. “It also began as a responsibility of regional representatives for the Society of American Fight Directors and I was a regional representative.” He said most importantly, he began the workshop as an opportunity to provide a venue for young teachers in the organization to teach. Kathleen Schmidt, coordinator of the SCW, said she has enjoyed arranging these events over the past several years.

“I’ve coordinated the 24th, 25th and now the 26th Annual Stage Combat Workshops,” Schmidt said. She said the SCW has easily been the highlight of her four years at Tech, and even though it is a lot of work to put it on, she would do it again in a heartbeat. She is not the only one with a recurring presence at the SCW; Austin Harrison, a second-year graduate student graduating from Tech in May, will be a teaching assistant for his second year at the workshop. “The Louisiana Tech Stage Combat Workshop provides an excellent opportunity to meet com-

batants and teachers I otherwise would not have a chance to meet and establish a network for my further pursuit with the SAFD,” Harrison said. “In addition to this, the workshop gives me an opportunity to learn new and diverse stage combat techniques from masters and certified teachers while also allowing me a chance to assist them in classes as a TA.” He said his workshop helps to do more than just learn new skills and hone other ones; it provides an environment to broaden one’s horizons. Millie Omps, a secondyear graduate student at

“In my years coordinating, I have met tons of fantastic people and had the opportunity to work closely with fight masters and teachers from all over the world.”

KATHLEEN SCHMIDTH SCW coordinator

Tech is currently preparing to graduate and for a career in the field of stage combat. “The workshop here is so much more than classes,” Omps said. “It’s an op-

portunity to expand, educate and grow.” She said due to the variety of levels offered, people from all different backgrounds can find a class suited to them. “The SCW is also a great place for the community to learn about stage combat and the Society of American Fight Directors,” Omps said. “For those like myself, the multitude of students and teachers alike that come from all over the country allow for networking and asking questions about the field in other respective areas.” She said it is also just good, old fashioned, swordswinging fun. The National Russian Ballet will make another appearance at Tech April 26. The evening will be hosted by the Louisiana Tech Concert Association.

Russian Ballet to perform ‘Cinderella’ at Tech NEWS SERVICE The Russian National Ballet will bring the timeless tradition of classical Russian ballet to Tech’s Howard Center for the Performing Arts stage with its performance of “Cinderella.” As the classic tale goes, all Cinderella wants is to be freed from her life of torment at the hands of her stepmother, but she is granted more than she ever dreamed by a Fairy Godmother with some magical glass slippers. With choreography by Rostislav Zakharov and a timeless score by

Sergei Prokofiev, the ballet captures the delight, the fantasy and the drama of the classic fairy tale. This last Louisiana Tech Concert Association performance of the academic year will begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26. Tickets are $25 for an adult, $20 for individuals under the age of 14 and senior citizens, and $10 for students with a valid ID. The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded in Moscow during the transitional period of Perestroika in the late 1980s, when many of the great dancers

and choreographers of the Soviet Union’s ballet institutions were exercising their new-found creative freedom by starting new, vibrant companies dedicated not only to the tradition of classical Russian Ballet but to invigorate this tradition as the Russians began to accept new developments in the dance from around the world. The company, then titled the Soviet National Ballet, was founded by and incorporated graduates from the great Russian choreographic schools of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Perm. The

principal dancers of the company came from the upper ranks of the great ballet companies and academies of Russia, and the companies of Riga, Kiev and even Warsaw. Today, the Russian National Ballet Theatre is its own institution, with more than 50 dancers of singular instruction and vast experience, many of whom have been with the company since its inception. To purchase tickets or for more information contact the Box Office at 318257-3942. Box Office hours are 1:30-4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Photo courtesy of School of the Performing Arts

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6 • The Tech Talk • April 21, 2017

WEEKLYHOROSCOPE www.horoscopes.com

Aries March 21 – April 19 Your emotions may be erratic, Aries. You may want everyone to know what you’re feeling and act out in an immature manner to get noticed. In a way, you feel like a kid who will do anything to get a parent’s attention, even if the action is naughty. At the same time, you don’t want to be seen as the bad kid. As a result, you may just mope until someone asks you what’s wrong. Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 You may be fidgeting, Taurus, given your general restlessness. You’re anxious to get up and do some sort of song and dance, and yet you insist on waiting for the right time. Meanwhile, you’re getting extremely anxious for your big moment. You’re in charge of your own show. If you feel ready to go on, don’t wait. Added anxiety will only cause you to forget your lines. Gemini May 21 - Jun 20 Although you may pride yourself on your patience, Gemini, this quality could be hard to come by today. It’s possible that you’ve bent as far as you can and reached the breaking point. The final straw is about to be placed on the camel’s back. Let loose the explosion of emotion called for by events. There’s no use trying to maintain a saintly demeanor today. Cancer Jun 21 - Jul 22 People could be exploding with rage all around, and you may wonder what the big deal is. If anyone is likely to have a level head through today’s chaos, it’s you, and this gives you a tremendous advantage in any situation. The beauty of it is that you should be able to use these situations to your advantage. You understand the different sides and you know how to make them work for you. Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 The more you try to control others, the harder it will be to get what you want, Leo. People with equally strong wills are making it known they won’t be bullied by your manipulative behavior. If a straightforward approach doesn’t work, let it be. Perhaps the situation wasn’t meant to develop the way you wanted. Trust that things will work out for the best whether or not you get your way. Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 You may join hands with a spokesperson who’s willing to attest to your honesty and good nature, Virgo. This person is happy to step up and toot your horn for you. You’ve earned a space in the spotlight, so don’t shrink into the background when your name is called. Graciously accept

the praise you receive - you deserve it. Next, learn how to toot your own horn. Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 You may get frustrated when people who’ve taken shortcuts gain on your position, Libra. You believe that hard work is necessary to get where you need to go. You aren’t afraid to expend the blood and sweat needed for success. You’ve planned well and you’re on track. Try not to get upset by others who take the easy route. They may seem like they’re gaining on you, but you’re light-years ahead. Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 You may not realize the effect of your erratic behavior on other people, Scorpio. They may try to understand your viewpoint, but at times it seems you’re talking in riddles. Slow down and clarify your thoughts before you dictate orders to others. You have incredible power. Learn how to harness it and become a good leader so you can make the most effective use of the resources at hand. Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 It may be best if you stay out of the line of fire, Sagittarius. Don’t get into others’ battles. By choosing sides, you create enemies. Use your compassion to soothe the situation. Use your caring nature to put out the fire. Don’t get sucked into the flames where you may add to the confusion. Your job is to stand aside. You can care about the outcome without throwing yourself in headfirst. Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Although your general mood is good, Capricorn, this doesn’t mean your day will go off without a hitch. When it comes to projects and getting things done, you may be the one to take the lead. You’re good at motivating the troops to move as a unified force. The one thing to be careful of is having selfish motives. If you don’t consider the needs of others, there will be mutiny on your ship. Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Difficult situations may arise in which you feel like you’re doomed no matter what you do. Finding a working solution seems impossible due to the egos of the people involved. Even if everything looks workable on paper, this is no guarantee that things will work out in real life. Be honest and practical and make it a point not to choose sides or be biased in any way.

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Across 1. Actor Penn 5. Rights org. 9. Point in question 14. London greeting 15. Bank offering 16. Great bargain 17. Wear well 18. St. Louis landmark 19. Packing heat 20. Blossom 22. Capital city of Yemen 24. Belief system 25. Satan 29. Rasp 32. Inner surface of the hand 34. Exultation 35. 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet 36. Chocolate substitute 37. Georgetown player 38. Mimics 39. ___ having fun yet? 40. Walked on 41. Emailed 42. Misanthrope 43. Process of combustion 44. Que ___? 45. Columnists’ page 46. Office solution 47. Loudvoiced person 49. Apiece 50. Coup ___ 52. Private 56. Loosen 59. Role for Lucy Lawless 61. To ___ (just so) 62. Laughing

Down 1. Ego 2. Mideast airline 3. As well as 4. In spite of 5. Waker 6. ___ anglais (English horn) 7. Resinous substances 8. Not sacred 9. Designer Mizrahi 10. Direct 11. Religious sch. 12. Persian Gulf fed. 13. Antiquity, in antiquity 21. Legal ending 23. Quantity 26. Former British coin 27. Pal of Pooh 28. Person with a paper, perhaps 29. Understands 30. Say again 31. In ___ (sort of) 32. Slip of the tongue 33. Narrow mountain ridge 36. Partnership 46. X 48 Molars, e.g. 49. Device with 88 keys 51. Garr or Hatcher 53. Yours, in Tours 54. Gather, harvest 55. Cub Scout groups

56. Coffee maker 57. Never, to Nietzsche 58. Skater Babilonia 60. Cambodia’s Lon ___

6/28/2016

BestCrosswords.com Puzzle #1 for June 20, 2016 Across 1 Tree house; 5 Does a Daffy Duck impression; 10 Tribute; 14 Racer Yarborough; 15 Standard of perfection; 16 Between ports; 17 Egg; 18 Actress Davis; 19 Lump of dirt; 20 Leak slowly; 21 Period of blissful harmony; 23 Dig in!; 25 Pasture used for grazing; 26 50 cents; 31 Vertical face of a stair; 35 ___ Saud; 36 Writer Loos; 38 Hermit; 40 Singer Young; 42 Actress Scacchi; 44 Mex. miss; 45 Words on a Wonderland cake; 47 Name on a bomber; 49 Scrap; 50 Artist Matisse; 52 Umbilicus; 54 Chem. or biol.; 56 Magician's prop; 57 Republic in N Central America; 62 Shoppe sign word; 66 Choir voice; 67 Chocolate substitute; 68 Call for; 69 "It's ___ real"; 70 Glass marble; 71 Salinger girl; 72 Zaire's Mobutu ___ Seko; 73 Minor, in law; 74 Bridle strap; Down 1 Sgts., e.g.; 2 Roof overhang; 3 Swing around; 4 Heat of mind; 5 Illuminating; 6 Prefix with logical; 7 Perceived; 8 Discussion group; 9 Killer; 10 ___ Bell; 11 Scandinavian capital city; 12 Revolutionary Trotsky; 13 Young fellow; 22 Letters, e.g.; 24 Lawyers' org.; 26 Of high grade; 27 Belief involving sorcery; 28 Come together; 29 Airfilled rubber hoop, become fatigued; 30 Shorthand taker; 32 Distress call; 33 Sign up; 34 Fashionably oldfashioned; 37 Smallest component; 39 Phooey!; 41 KO connection; 43 Language letters; 46 Formerly, once; 48 I get it!; 51 Polar cover; 53 Yom Kippur observer; 55 Icon; 57 Exultation; 58 Western Indians; 59 First class; 60 Smell ___; 61 Monetary unit of Lesotho; 63 ___ majesty; 64 Actress Moore; 65 Paradise lost; 66 Tummy muscles;

DAILY U

Have any ideas for future comics or feedback? Email dwyer@latech.edu

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FRIDAY

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SUDOKUPUZZLE Difficulty EASY

ing solution on campuses across the nation. “Aramark began implementing the application at universities over a year ago, and once it had proven successful, our Aramark team here at Louisiana Tech pursued implementation of the app,” she said. The app, released in March of this year, can currently be used at Chick-fil-A, McAlister’s, Burger Studio, Bene, Java City and Jamba Juice on Tech campus. Tapingo is designed to eliminate long wait times if the campus dining establishments are being overloaded with orders. Pratt said the dining staff has begun to efficiently incorporate the application into their daily routines.

“They have done an exceptional job implementing the application thus far and have treated the Tapingo orders as if there is an invisible person waiting in line,” she said. “Once they complete the Tapingo order, they move on to the next person in line. We are well aware this may cause students in line to question why that is happening, but are hoping it will encourage them to use Tapingo as well.” Pratt said the local Aramark team began the process of implementing the app on Tech campus last year. “Our Aramark team began meeting with Tapingo about a year ago and then brought it to Dickie Crawford, dean of student life,

www.sudoku-puzzles.net LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9.

Dining services implements mobile ordering app For many Louisiana Tech students, the days of waiting in long lines for campus dining will soon be over, thanks to the university’s employment of a new mobile ordering application. The app, called Tapingo, allows students to order food and drinks from campus restaurants through their mobile phones. The orders are then set aside to be picked up, eliminating the need for students to wait in line for long periods of time. Jessica Pratt, a senior district marketing manager at Aramark, said Tapingo was created specifically for university dining and is the most utilized mobile order-

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Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Be quick to point out when you see an injustice, Pisces. If someone says something offensive or untrue, don’t let it slide. If you do, you’re just as much at fault as the person who committed the offense. When you know you’re right, say so. It’s important that others respect you. Your honest nature and good moral sense are important qualities and should be recognized accordingly.

WEEKLYWEATHER

STARLA GATSON Managing Editor| sjg021@ latech.edu

LAST ISSUE’S SOLUTION Puzzle #1 for June 20, 2016

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and Jim King, vice president for student advancement, in the summer of 2016,” she said. “Since that time, we have been working on deploying the application.” Shy Anthony, a senior biomedical engineering major, said though she has not used the app, she feels the system will be beneficial in decreasing wait times for food. “I think that would work, so you don’t have to wait in long lines,” she said. “Whenever I pass McAlister’s, it always seems like there’s a lot of people who are waiting for food.” Anne Theriot, a senior graphic design major, works at both Java City and McAlister’s and said many students have taken advan-

tage of the app and its convenience. “At Java, I think there’s maybe five a day that use it,” she said. “But especially at McAlister’s, there’s easily like 20 a night.” Theriot said the implementation of Tapingo has been enjoyable not only for students, but also for employees. “I think it’s helped us a lot,” she said. “At McAlister’s especially it’s very helpful. We used to have the call-in orders. Instead of us having to stop and answer the phone, it comes right through and the process is really seamless. As far as being a worker, I enjoy it, and I think it’s really helpful for students. I would use it, too.”

THE TECH TALK

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More Talk

April 21, 2017 • The Tech Talk • 7

Aerospace Engineering Club

Aims High

ENGINEERING STUDENTS GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE OF CLASSROOM JOHN STACK Staff Reporter | jes062@ latech.edu The new College of Engineering and Science’s (COES) Aerospace Engineering Club has high sights for the potential of both the students here at Louisiana Tech and for the school itself. As of April 8, the Louisiana Tech Aerospace Engineering Club has successfully completed the second mission in its “Harley” high altitude balloon project. The goal of “Harley II” was to launch a payload containing a GoPro camera, 3D printed bulldog and the necessary tracking equipment on a large helium weather balloon to an altitude of 115,000 feet to collect video and photo of the flight. The GoPro was able to capture the horizon of Earth at that altitude, with the 3D printed bulldog in the frame. John Aguillard, president of the club and a sophomore electrical engineering major, explained the reasoning behind doing this. “Our goal was to take a photo of a bulldog with the curvature of the earth in the background,” Aguillard said. “Also, to promote to the public the College of Engineering and Science’s ability to tackle high-risk aerospace engineering challenges.” He said when they launched a weather balloon over 115,000 feet (about four times the height at which passenger jets cruise) they got back some pictures that will be released for the E & S (Engineering and Science) Day. “We’re coordinating with the communication department to turn some of our photos and videos into desktop wallpapers and promotional materials for Tech,” Aguillard said. “We’re trying to secure a contract from NASA to build a satellite here at Tech.” Riley Luttgeharm, vice president and a sophomore electrical engineering major, said this will benefit Tech. “For this particular launch, we wanted to retrieve photos and videos for the university to use on their social media,” Luttgeharm said. “In the future, we hope to continue to grow the club into multiple different opportunities.” He said there will be several steps in realizing this. “First, we have already started to plan a high school outreach competition for high schools in the area to build and compete for a chance to design a payload for us to send

students participating and taking leadership roles. “The students gain hands-on engineering experience with large scale projects not typically seen in their coursework until senior year, requiring long term planning and preliminary testing,” Spence said. “With the high-altitude balloon projects’ the stakes are much higher than the students are used to, as the failure of a mission could lead to the loss of thousands of dollars of money which they raised Photos submitted by Aerospace Engineering Club themselves.” Photo from Aerospace Engineering Club GoPro of Harley II reaching 115,000 feet. He said project experience like this is up,” Luttgeharm said. “Also, there is the long-term goal of very valuable to students when applying for jobs because someday opening up an aerospace department through the they will be able to point to a proven record of responsibiluniversity.” ity as well as an increased familiarity with engineering deHe said this is an ambitious goal, but they must start sign techniques and principles as compared to their peers. somewhere. “The club also provides an excellent opportunity for T.J. Spence, adjunct instructor in the department of elec- younger students to interact with and learn from uppertrical engineering, is the club’s faculty adviser and wanted classmen engineering students, which I believe is one of the to share the overall efficacy of the club. most important things freshman and sophomore engineer“Currently the club is one of the largest student organi- ing majors can do to enhance their education outside of the zations in the COES with approximately 50-60 members,” classroom,” Spence said. “The club is also dedicated to the Spence said. “The club’s main activities are extracurricular enhancement of the university and its image.” engineering design projects that focus on aerospace and He said the most recent high altitude balloon mission, atmospheric sciences; the students do the fundraising, mis- Harley II, was entirely dedicated to generating public resion planning, prototyping and fabrication on their own with lations materials for the university from the high-altitude guidance from the involved faculty members.” camera footage, and a longer-term goal of the club is to atHe said the group is interdisciplinary by nature, with tract the attention of NASA and other potential aerospace all kinds of engineering majors and even non-engineering industry employers to the university.

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8 • The Tech Talk • April 21, 2017

Bulldogs spring into action Bulldog football splits into Blue and White teams for Spring Game face-off BRYN YOUNG Staff Reporter | bjy001@latech.edu Louisiana Tech fans got a sneak peek at the coming 2017 football season Saturday, April 8 at Tech’s Spring Game presented by Dairy Queen at Joe Aillet Stadium. Blue and White teams were chosen through draft by Louisiana Tech coaching staff. Both the home Blue team and visiting White team demonstrated their talents, running over 140 plays as the Blue team came from behind in a 2617 win. Though the team won merely bragging rights, the game gave both fans and head coach Skip Holtz a chance to see how players will react in game situations as well as answer some questions that have been looming since the 2016 season. “There was some great work done out here today,” Holtz said. “This was a great evaluation putting guys in game-like situations just to see how they would respond. I thought some guys did some really good things today. I thought the crowd was great. I appreciate everybody coming out and it was a beautiful day for it. We still have a long way to go, but I really like the attitude, the energy and the way they are playing together.” The biggest shadow for the Bulldogs this year is over the receiving corps following the loss of 1,000-yard receivers Carlos Henderson and Trent Taylor. A solution might be found in Teddy Veal, who transferred from Tulane, Marlon Watts and others already familiar to Bulldog fans. Veal picked up eight catches and 120 yards on the day which started out with a touchdown on the opening drive as quarterback J’mar Smith showed off his arm, speed and a chemistry that led to several gains of 10 or more yards throughout the day. “We talked about how when Trent Taylor and Carlos Henderson were gone, somebody has to step up and pick up that slack,” Holtz said of his receivers. “I thought Marlon Watts made some big plays out there today. I thought Javonte Woodard went up in some 1-on-1 situations and came down with some balls. Teddy Veal made a bunch of catches and Alfred Smith did a good job. Marcus Gaines made some catches today, so I think it is going to be much more by committee with a group of wide receivers rather than have just one or two targeted like the last couple of seasons.” Holtz said he was impressed with his starting quarterback’s performance but is still hoping to find a suitable back-up as neither Price Wilson nor Jack Abraham have improved enough over the spring to take up the mantle. “J’Mar Smith has done a great job of picking up the offense more and more and making good decisions,” Holtz said. “He is definitely a weapon with his feet as well as his arm. I think as he continues to train his brain to be able to read it, throw it and also run with his feet, it potentially

Photos by Jonathan Shaul

Wide-receiver Rhashid Bonnette (86) dives for a catch in the end zone. has the makings of a really dangerous quarterback for opponents.” The most exciting of the day’s events came not from beautiful catches or Ephriam Kitchen’s late interception, which was the only turnover of the day; instead, it came as Bulldogs got a glimpse of running back Jaqwis Dancy as he returned to the field following his battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Dancy recorded a 24-yard reception from Price Wilson and a 23-yard run that was eventually recalled on a penalty. Though he might not have played long, it was enough to inspire hope for coach and fans. “It was great to see Jaqwis out here,” Holtz said. ”You got to see a little bit of his elusiveness. I know nobody was happier to be on the field than he was today. With the battle he has fought, he is down about 15 pounds right now, but he is going to gain his weight back and he had the opportunity to get out there and get in a couple plays. We tried not to give him more than two or three plays at a time, but when he has the ball under his arm he has the chance to be really explosive.” Dancy enjoyed his time back on the field in a game-like situation too. “The feeling was just amazing,” Dancy said. “Everything is just so surreal being back out here. It really feels great and gave me more passion to play with.”

Quarterback J’mar Smith (8) runs the ball under pressure from defensive end Matthew Ydarraga (95).

Lady Techsters set standards high on and off the pitch TIFFANY WILKINS Staff Reporter | tmw048@latech.edu Aside from setting goals on the field, the Louisiana Tech women’s soccer team also sets higher goals with their team grade point average standing above the 3.0 mark. Currently, these studious women are keeping a combined cumulative 3.595 GPA to stay in the game. They’ve registered a program-best six league wins and have made the conference tournament for a third year straight. Kevin Sherry, head coach of the team, said the players are highly dedicated to maintaining this standard. “The team average GPA is one of the highest in Division I athletics in the nation, and remember this is a team of over 30 players on the roster, which makes this even more incredible,” Sherry said. “We as coaches make the team accountable for their academic performance. I am immensely proud of this team, who are doing

such great things on the field, in the com- ceived multiple awards during her outmunity and in the classroom. Louisiana standing four-year career on the field as Tech soccer is much well as in the classroom. more than just wins and She is the Lady Tech“I am immensely proud of sters’ all-time career losses.” Recently, 31 out of this team, who are doing leader in almost every the 33 Lady Techsters statistical category – received recognition on such great things on the points (89), goals (36), the Conference USA field, in the community shots (231), shots on Commissioner’s Honor and in the classroom. goal (120) and gameRoll for the 2016-17 acawinning goals (13). demic year. In 2013, only Louisiana Tech soccer is On April 11, Sloan 28 received this honor. much more than just wins received further recogniThis award is given tion for her accomplishto student-athletes who and losses.” ments. maintain a cumulative KEVIN SHERRY The Kansas City, Misgrade point average of head women’s soccer coach souri, native was select3.0 or above. ed as the 2016 AcademAlso, it was the highic All-American of the est number that any women’s soccer team Year for Division I Women’s Soccer, which has seen in the league in this period of was announced by the College Sports Intime, which brought their four-year total to formation Directors of America (CoSIDA). the league-best of 106. Sloan, a communication arts and design Senior forward Kathryn Sloan has re- major with a 4.0 grade point average, be-

came the first student-athlete in Tech history to accept this honor. She was a third-team CoSIDA Academic All-American, a recipient of the Commissioner’s Academic Medal and a three-time C-USA All-Academic First Team honoree. Athletics Director Tommy McClelland said Sloan has been an outstanding student-athlete. “Katie Sloan has exemplified what we want our student-athletes to be during her four years at Louisiana Tech,” McClelland said. “She is one of 14 student-athletes in Louisiana Tech history to be named an academic All-American and just the third to earn the honor multiple times. That’s impressive enough in its own right.” McClelland said he is also proud of Sloan for being named the 2016 CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year for Division I women’s soccer. “We are so proud of Katie and all of her incredible accomplishments on and off the field,” McClelland said.