NEWS

It’s “happening” again at Louisiana Tech. Fans and alumni are gearing up for the Happening XXVIII, a yearly event bringing the Tech family together in anticipation of the upcoming year.

Tech President Dan Reneau and Athletics Director and head football coach Derek Dooley will speak about the challenges, changes and improvements Tech fans can expect athletically and academically.

“For years the Happening has been a great place for Tech alumni and friends to revisit and be updated on the athletic programs and the university,” said Ryan Richard, director of alumni relations. “Fans will be excited to hear about improvements happening at Joe Alliet Stadium with the video board, the new chair backs and coach Dooley’s continued enthusiasm for all athletic programs.”

Richard added that Reneau would speak on the budget issues facing Louisiana Tech and how to overcome those challenges.

“Dr. Reneau has shown great leadership and will share his plans for the upcoming year,” he said. “He will continue to keep the university moving forward despite the budget cuts.”

This event, which is sponsored by Argent Financial Group and will happen July 30 at the Monroe Civic Center, gives fans and friends of the university a chance to mingle with each other and with Tech coaches.

“During the reception, head coaches will be there to visit with alumni and friends,” Richard said. “Last year, we had the reception in the arena, which we will do again this year, and it provided an area for alumni to visit with each other as well.”

The bookstore will sell merchandise in the arena, and fans will have a chance to purchase season tickets.

Kyle McDonald, Argent president and CEO, said Argent Financial has had a long-term relationship with Tech and the alumni association, and the group is glad to help Tech with the costs.

“I always am able to reconnect with people I went to school with and learn about what’s going on at Tech from the speakers,” McDonald said. “It’s a chance to celebrate the success Tech has and is the largest gathering of Tech alumni outside of sporting events. It’s always well done, and we like to show support to Tech.”

Tickets are on sale now and are $25 for individuals and $250 for a table of eight. They can be purchased online by visiting www.latechalumni.org/happening or by calling Barbara Swart at the Marbury Alumni Center at (318) 255-7950. Tickets need to be purchased by July 20. The reception will begin at 6 p.m., and dinner starts at 7 p.m. The event will be emceed by Teddy Allen, writer/editor for the marketing and public relations department.

Written by Judith Roberts