By JULIE MILLER

Staff Writer

Last Saturday, students gathered at The Greenwood Gymnasium, located at 1306 Cornell St., to give the building a facelift, "Extreme-Makeover" style.

The Louisiana Tech Engineers Association (LTEA) held its annual spring service project March 13 and March 20.

Arden Moore, vice president of LTEA and a senior mechanical engineering major, said about 23 people showed up to help out.

"It's been excellent," Moore said. "We had a great turnout."

The association, made up from students in the College of Engineering and Science, worked with Ruston Parks and Recreation to revamp the gymnasium.

Jay Ellington, director of RPAR, said the gym belonged to an elementary school in the late 60s.

"We'll use it as a day-use recreation center," Ellington said. "It'll have half-court basketball, volleyball, four-square and a table-games area."

Chris Kemp, a junior mechanical engineering major, said he enjoyed the time he spent working on the building, which included ripping out old insulation and rotten base boards.

"I think this is a good project that has lots of benefits to help the community, especially the younger kids," Kemp said.

"I love to work with my hands and finally got to put a little of all the theory that I learned in various classes to use in the real world."

John Elmore, a sophomore chemical engineering major, said the most memorable experience from the project was feeling satisfaction when he saw what they had done.

"I think the service project will really benefit the community around it by being a good place for local people to hold activities," Elmore said.

Ellington said he is excited about the improved recreation center.

"We've got a lot more to do, but we're glad to have [the LTEA] help us," Ellington said. "Their labor is invaluable to us."

Moore said he enjoys working and helping out around the community.

"It definitely felt good," Moore said of the experience. "It helps Tech students connect to the city of Ruston."