Laramie Harris Guillot
Agricultural Business
About Me
My name is Laramie Harris Guillot and I am a senior Agricultural Business major from Coushatta, Louisiana, and a graduate of Saline High School. My parents are Bob and Loretta Harris, and I have two younger sisters, Mackenzie and Stonie. Since my start at Louisiana Tech in 2004, I have been very active in the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Through organizations including Alpha Zeta, Agricultural Ambassadors, and Block & Bridle I have been very involved and have held numerous offices. Last May, I finished my term as President of Block and Bridle. That year I learned a lot about my fellow peers through all of the great activities and planning for the annual sale and banquet. There may have been some rough spots when trying to get all the details perfected, but in the end we accomplished our goal and we couldn't have done it without each other. All of that just further proved the commitment of the South Campus family!
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Everyone always said that these four years would be the best years of my life, but they would go by really fast! They weren't lying! I do know that my college experience would have been more difficult and definitely more stressful without all of the help of my professors and friends in the department.
Mentor
Recognizing just one professor that has made an impact on my college career would be impossible. Either through classes, departmental activities, or on a personal basis I have had the opportunity to learn from them. They have all been instrumental in helping me prepare for the future. I feel privileged to have been a part of this great department.
Scotty May
Agricultural Business
About Me
My name is Scotty May. I am a senior Agricultural Business major with a minor in Plant Science, concentration in Landscape and Turf Management. In 2004, I graduated from Rayville High School. My parents are Alvin and Renea May of Start, LA, and I have one older brother Brian. While searching for a university to further my education, Louisiana Tech was my final decision because Tech has the most extensive agricultural program in north Louisiana. During my college career at Tech, I have been a member of Greenscape and have been chosen to be the President for 2007-2008.
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“Genius without education is like silver in the mine.” - Benjamin Franklin.
Mentor
I would like to thank all of the professors in the Agricultural Sciences Department who have taught me in the last several years. Also, I would like to give special thanks to Dr. Gallagher and Dr. Winstead. These two professors have been an instrumental part of my education at Louisiana Tech University.
Josh Dahlem
Agricultural Education
About Me
My name is Josh Dahlem and I’m a senior from Florien, Louisiana majoring in Agricultural Education. My parents are Tommy and Frances Dahlem, and I have one younger brother Patrick. Throughout high school I did not know where I wanted to go to college at, but after visiting La Tech and south campus my mind was made. When I talked to students and saw how much the teachers cared about their students it was clear that this would be were I would go to college. I have been a member numerous organizations such as collegiate FFA, Block & Bridle, SGA, and Union Board. When I graduate, I plan on staying in Louisiana and teach. I believe what I have learned throughout the last four years at La Tech have prepared to be an effective teacher.
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Being an education major, I have had to opportunity to take numerous classes on both main campus and south campus. I have told many people how much more I enjoy south campus because everyone knows your name and the staff will go out of their way if needed to help you. I think my college experience would have not been the same had it not been for south campus.
Mentor
Track Kavanaugh would have to be my mentor. I have always heard about how intimidating he was as an Ag teacher in high school and I wondered how he really was. Once I met him I learned that he cares about his students and will fight for them if it comes to it. He helped find a job my first year in college and has been someone who I can say helped prepare me to be a better teacher in the future. I would like thank Track for helping and teaching me thought the last four years, and the staff for being so helpful.
Lela Bogard
Animal Science - Pre-Veterinary Medicine
About Me
My name is Lela Bogard. I am a senior majoring in Animal Science with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. My hometown is Dry Creek, LA where my parents, Frank and Janet Bogard, both work at Dry Creek Baptist Camp. I have one brother, Ben, who attended Louisiana Tech University and now lives in Baton Rouge. As I am a third generation Tech student, choosing a school was not a difficult choice for me and I have made many lasting friendships with the students at Louisiana Tech University, especially those here on south campus. Over the last 3 years, I have worked in the Agricultural Sciences department for Dr. Green and Dr. Murphey, and I am involved in the Pre-vet club, Alpha Zeta, Agricultural Ambassadors, and First Baptist Church of Ruston. In May I will graduate from Louisiana Tech University, and I am currently applying to veterinary school at LSU where I hope to attend next fall.
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Louisiana Tech University has made a wonderful, lasting impression on my life. The school is not too small and not too big; it’s just the right size. The south campus and the faculty and students there make you truly feel welcome and comfortable.
Mentor
All of the faculty that I have had the chance to be around at Reese Hall has been wonderful. They are always friendly, and keep me laughing. Dr. Green and Dr. Murphey have become mentors for me, but they are more than that, they are great friends. I appreciate everything they’ve done for me, and I am very thankful that they have put up with me as long as they have.
Valerie Hoffpauir
Animal Science - Pre-Veterinary Medicine
About Me
Hello, my name is Valerie Hoffpauir. I am a Senior Animal Science (Pre-veterinary medicine) major. My mother is a Pathologist, and she lives in Metairie, Louisiana. In 2004, I graduated from Archbishop Chapelle High School. Louisiana Tech University was my first and only choice after learning about the Tech Agricultural Science department at a fair in New Orleans: I was so excited, but also scared! Being a “city girl” in this small rural town called Ruston, I was initially intimidated as a freshman; compared to the other students I felt inadequate in the realms of animal experience and agriculture. The Animal Science program, however, along with the agricultural faculty and students quickly dispelled my fear. They provided me with the welcoming atmosphere and small classes to learn about agriculture. The clubs I participated in, such as Block and Bridle, Pre-Vet, Alpha Zeta, and the Equestrian Club, also drew me out of my shell, built new friendships, and gave me invaluable hands-on experience. The friends I have made from my years at Tech are truly lasting ones. As I apply for Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine this fall, I always keep my new Tech family in mind—I am forever indebted to this great program.
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“Be not afraid!” –Pope John Paul II
Mentors
I cannot name just one. I will never forget the personal tour of South Campus that Dr. Mark Murphey gave me and mother the spring before my freshman year—or the green van with the broken door! Nor will I ever forget the personal care and attention that Dr. William Green has for each one of his students, no matter how often we knock on his door. I am also grateful for the Equine Science Special Problems lab offered by Mrs. Aleta Overby, who taught me more about foal behavior and training than anyone ever has. Mrs. Erin Tucker has also helped me to appreciate meat science and has given me cause to consider a career in food animal medicine. These professors are truly sincere, patient, and amazing people who not only helped me feel included in the agricultural
community, but have always supported me in my personal endeavors and helped me to make good life choices.
