We had our 4th candidate for the VP for University Advancement position on campus Monday. This is a crucial position for the university and we want to be thorough in evaluating candidates to identify the best possible fit for our needs. On Tuesday, I met with some architects who are designing a Louisiana Tech Research Institute facility before heading over to CenturyLink Headquarters in Monroe to have a meeting with Congressman Ralph Abraham. We were pleased to have the opportunity to visit with the Congressman, several of our Regents, and other NELA higher ed leaders to talk about needs and opportunities for the region. I have been impressed with the Congressman’s abilities to synthesize complex information and develop plans of action. His medical background certainly helps him understand more of the science and healthcare issues that we face. On Wednesday, I went to Baton Rouge for a Board of Regents meeting. We did not have a lot of items on the agenda, but I wanted to meet with some of the Regents and also learn more about future budget plans and other projects. I stayed in Baton Rouge through Thursday morning to attend the University of Lousiana System Board meeting and then headed back to Monroe for The Happening XXIV on Thursday evening. We had an excellent turnout of Tech Family and friends at The Happening. This event is one of the most enjoyable events of the year where we all get together to kickoff the new academic year. Over 800 people filled the floor of the Monroe Civic Center to join in on the fun, food and fellowship. Teddy Allen served as emcee, and both Tommy McClelland and I made some remarks. The highlight of the evening was an on-stage interview session with Coach Skip Holtz and new men’s basketball head coach Eric Konkol. On Friday morning, I had a meeting with the Executive Committee of the University Foundation followed by a meeting with a consortium of I-20 technology company representatives. In the latter meeting, we discussed worforce and educational needs of the IT companies in the region and received some excellent guidance for the future. In walking across campus this week, I captured a few photos to show the significant construction that we have going on across the campus. I am also including a few photos from The Happening.