NEWS

Louisiana Tech University mourns the loss of its longest-serving first lady, Mrs. Linda Digby Reneau. Wife of President Emeritus Dan Reneau, Linda was a fixture on Tech’s campus for decades.

“For more than 45 years, Linda faithfully served Louisiana Tech — 26 of those, tirelessly as first lady alongside President Emeritus Dan Reneau,” President Jim Henderson said. “The contributions of a first lady are often unseen: nurturing the culture and feel of campus, caring deeply for students, and connecting meaningfully with alumni and the broader community. Linda lived that calling with grace. Tonia and I grieve along with our entire Tech family at this loss.”

Linda graduated with a degree from Tech’s College of Business in 1980. Prior to Dr. Reneau’s retirement in 2012, she reflected on her time serving Tech.

“Louisiana Tech is such an important part of our lives, and we’ve had so many wonderful experiences over the past 50 years,” said Mrs. Reneau.  “We raised our family with Bulldog pride and passion and with the cherished traditions of our beloved university.  The Tech Family is our family, and we will always be faithful in our support and affection for Louisiana Tech.”

The Reneaus established an endowment to care for landscape maintenance, and, in 2019, the Quad’s rose garden was named the Linda Digby Reneau Garden. During the dedication, the Reneaus reflected on shared dates and long talks on campus enjoying the red rose bushes. They also shared a story about the garden’s significance that accurately reflects the first lady’s service:

One day, Mrs. Reneau was gathering roses to decorate for an event at their home. She was working in the red rose bed that connects the Lady of the Mist with Howard Auditorium, one of the most striking areas in Tech’s Quad, and was soon joined by a student who told her, “These roses belong to us,” implying she wasn’t allowed to take from the University’s, and by extension the students’, rose bed.

Reneau took the time to introduce herself to the young man and struck up a conversation with him about the campus’ beauty and perseverance. After Reneau finished gathering flowers for the evening’s event — and charming that student — he carried the basket of roses to her car.

Mrs. Reneau’s contributions remain evident today and will be present for generations. The University mourns alongside President Emeritus Reneau, their children Dana and John, their grandchildren, and the innumerable students, alumni, faculty, and staff who were impacted by her service.