By ADAM P. BARR

Staff Writer

The Marbury Alumni Center greets students as they enter the first part of campus at 900 Tech Dr. and is home to both the Alumni Association and the University Foundation.

This association and foundation provide funds to the students, staff and programs at the university.

The state of Louisiana's contributions to Tech only comprise one-third of the university's operating budget Kyle Edmiston, director of alumni relations, said.

The association maintains contact with alumni and friends.

"We are the link between the alumni and the university. We are the friend-building organization for the university," said Edmiston.

The association does everything from recruiting to honoring life-time achievement for alumni.

"We try to recruit alumni's children during their junior and senior years to attend Tech," Edmiston said.

Another service the association provides for alumni is The Louisiana Tech Magazine, a biannual publication that communicates with alumni and informs them of events and news about other alumni.

The University Foundation, founded in 1962, is a revenue-gathering association that helps the operation of the university.

Corre Stegall, vice president of university advancement, said, "[University Foundation] privately funds the mission of Tech."

It also provides endowments for students and professors' programs.

Tony Dixon, a sophomore history major, said he is a recipient of a scholarship from the Tech University Foundation.

"I am from out of state. If it wasn't for my scholarship, Tech would be too expensive," Dixon said.