NEWS

Louisiana Tech University’s Engineering and Science Association (ESA) will provide the College of Engineering and Science (COES) community with gumbo, games, and camaraderie at Gumbo Fest 2021. Between 5 and 8 p.m on Thursday, Oct. 7, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the College will join together in the Integrated Engineering and Science Building Amphitheater for fun and fellowship.

Gumbo Fest is a long-standing COES tradition that began as a way for students to connect with classmates, faculty, and staff when Louisiana Tech President Dr. Les Guice served as dean of the College. Each fall, the ESA, a student organization that includes all majors within the College of Engineering and Science, plans the logistics of Gumbo Fest.

Over 20 years, the event has grown to include alumni and friends of the College and an organization browse. This year, the ESA has updated the event to include new activities. Students will have the opportunity to play games and compete against each other in tournaments, as well as network with alumni, learn about organizations, and visit with classmates and professors as they dine.

The event is sponsored by Graphic Packaging, and representatives from the company will talk to students about careers in the company and industry.

“Gumbo Fest enabled me to connect with people that I would have never thought would be in my life as a college student,” Sarah Siharath, president of the ESA, said. “Thinking back to my freshman year, I would say that this event was the reason I wanted to invest my time into COES! It is also one of the biggest events we host every year, so I think it’s really awesome to see everything that our council has worked on, especially our wonderful Event Chairs, McKenzie Walker and Ashley Phillips!”

“Gumbo Fest has been a tradition for over 20 years, and it is a great chance for our students to connect with the College,” Dr. Heath Tims, associate dean of undergraduate studies at the COES, added. “We are excited to bring it back after having to scale it back last year.”

Along with Gumbo Fest, the ESA is organizing Professional Development week, during which students can attend mini development events to prepare for future interviews and the Louisiana Tech Career Fair.

Join us for Gumbo Fest this Thursday! Your $12 admission buys a T-shirt that serves as a ticket into the event. Food and games are free.