Much of my time this week was spent in interacting with some state and federal government leadership. We were pleased to welcome several members of Senator Bill Cassidy’s staff to campus on Tuesday. They were on campus to learn more about our programs and activities. Senator Cassidy has been particularly helpful in connecting Tech and our partners to research and education programs at the federal level. Late Tuesday, I drove to Baton Rouge for two days of meetings. Wednesday was recognized at the state capitol as University of Louisiana System Day. I began Wednesday at the Governor’s Mansion for a meeting with the Governor, other ULS Presidents and ULS Board members. We had a bus load of students, faculty and staff who arrived at the capitol mid-morning and then convened at the Alario Patio along with hundreds of representatives from other ULS schools. We all went to the capitol steps for photos before heading inside for various meetings. I believe it is important for our institution to have strong representation in these types of events, and it is great when our faculty and students can have direct interactions with those legislators who are making decisions that impact higher education’s future. I appreciate all of the efforts that our faculty, staff and students made for this event. And I appreciate Representative Rob Shadoin for meeting with me and introducing me to so many people around the capitol. On Thursday, I attended the ULS Board meetings which began with the selection of McNeese’s next President, Daryl Burckel, who is currently a McNeese Accounting Professor. I have enjoyed working with current president Phil Williams over the past few years and appreciate the leadership that he has provided for our state. I made it back to Ruston in time for Kathy and I to walk over to Argent Pavilion for the Lady Techsters’ Tip Off Club Fish Fry. On Friday morning, VP Stan Napper and I headed over to Bossier City to meet with several members of the Cyber Innovation Center Board to discuss some programs that we are developing together. VP Jim King, AVP Sam Wallace and counsel Justin Kavilir joined us there. After watching a few innings of Bulldog Baseball on Friday evening, Kathy and I walked over to Hale Hall to join our Alumni Association and SGA leadership for a new ring ceremony that includes a procession led by our AFROTC cadets. This was a special evening for us, and one that I am sure will grow in meaning to all of our students and alumni in the future. More on that later. Here are a few of my favorite pics for the week: