A luncheon celebrating Louisiana Tech University’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni will be held during the University’s Homecoming festivities.
The University’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni are:
Alumnus of the Year: Lucius McGehee Jr. (1985)
A longtime financial services executive and community leader, Lucius McGehee Jr. serves
as president of institutional services at Argent, where he oversees services for governmental
and charitable entities. With more than 35 years of experience in the financial services
industry, McGehee provides expertise in financial management, corporate trust, philanthropic
governance, mineral management, retirement plans, and municipal finance. In addition
to his professional leadership, McGehee is deeply engaged in his community, serving
organizations including the Health Hut, Boys and Girls Club of North Louisiana, and
the Industrial Development Board of Lincoln Parish. His commitment to professional
excellence, community service, and leadership reflects a dedication to strengthening
North Louisiana and the organizations and people who call it home.
Young Alumna of the Year: Caitlin LeMaire (2010, 2012)
A two-time Louisiana Tech graduate, Caitlin LeMaire earned both her bachelor’s and
master’s degrees in accounting before building a successful career as a certified
public accountant and business leader. As an owner and partner at LJB CPA in Dallas,
LeMaire serves as chief operating officer, running the firm day to day and executing
its strategic direction across people, process, and technology. Her career reflects
a passion for people and the belief that business should serve everyone it touches:
the team she works alongside, the small and midsize business owners she guides, and
the community around them. An active Louisiana Tech alumna who returns to campus several
times a year, LeMaire has invested in the next generation of accounting professionals
by mentoring students as they prepare for the CPA exam and their careers, and she
remains committed to drawing more students into the profession.
College of Applied and Natural Sciences: Dr. Jason Cucchiara (2001, 2005)
Jason Cucchiara earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and an associate
degree in nursing before building a distinguished career in healthcare. Now a Doctor
of Nursing Practice and orthopedic trauma nurse practitioner, Cucchiara has extensive
experience in emergency medicine, orthopedic care, trauma services, and healthcare
leadership. Throughout his career, he has combined advanced clinical expertise with
a commitment to serving patients during their greatest times of need, including volunteering
in disaster relief efforts following hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies. His
dedication to patient care, professional excellence, and service demonstrates the
meaningful impact Tech graduates make in their professions and communities.
College of Business: Bruce Singleton (1985, 1986)
Bruce Singleton earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1985 and a Master of Accountancy
in 1986 before building a distinguished career in healthcare leadership. Recently
retired as senior vice president of network development strategy for Claritev, formerly
MultiPlan, Singleton spent more than 30 years developing expertise in operations,
finance, network development, and mergers and acquisitions. Throughout his career,
he has remained deeply committed to Louisiana Tech through mentorship, student engagement,
and leadership with the College of Business Dallas Roundtable. Along with his wife,
Elizabeth, Singleton has made a lasting philanthropic impact through an endowed scholarship,
the Singleton Legacy Conference Room, and a legacy gift commitment. His dedication
to Louisiana Tech reflects a family tradition of loyalty, generosity, and service
that continues to create opportunities for future generations of Bulldogs.
College of Education and Human Sciences: Maj. Jeremy Carter (2011, 2012)
Major Jeremy Carter earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2011 and a master’s
degree in exercise science in 2012 before embarking on a career in military service,
human performance, and research. An active-duty United States Marine for more than
a decade, Carter served six years as an infantry officer and has spent the past five
years as a special operations officer. His commitment to scholarship has continued
alongside his military career as a prolific author and researcher in human performance
and military studies and as owner and president of True Performance Realization. Carter’s
career reflects a commitment to leadership, scholarship, and excellence that demonstrates
the impact of a Louisiana Tech education in service to both profession and country.
College of Engineering and Science: Eric Johnson (1997)
A seasoned engineer and infrastructure leader, Eric Johnson serves as IDS Engineering
Group’s senior vice president, providing engineering and planning services to utility
districts, land developers, and municipalities throughout the Houston region. With
nearly 30 years of experience, Johnson has led projects ranging from district creation
and utility planning to capital improvements, infrastructure design, and the rehabilitation
of existing facilities. His expertise and thoughtful approach have helped clients
identify practical solutions for complex infrastructure needs, including the 1,350-acre
Jordan Ranch master-planned development in Fort Bend and Waller counties. Johnson’s
career has prioritized leadership, problem-solving, and service, continuing to shape
growing communities across the Houston region.
College of Liberal Arts: Qui Nguyen (1999)
A celebrated playwright and screenwriter, Qui Nguyen is the co-founder of New York
City’s Obie Award-winning Vampire Cowboys Theatre Company. His acclaimed body of work
includes Vietgone, She Kills Monsters, Soul Samurai, and numerous productions created with Vampire Cowboys, earning recognition including
the Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award
and nominations for the Edward M. Kennedy Prize and GLAAD Media Awards. Nguyen’s work
extends to television and film, including an Emmy Award for PBS’s Peg+Cat and writing for Walt Disney Animation Studios films Raya and the Last Dragon and Strange World. Through his distinctive storytelling and creative leadership, Nguyen has built a
career spanning theater, television, and film while bringing imaginative and original
voices to audiences across the country.
The Alumni Awards luncheon will be Thursday, Oct, 22 at noon. Tickets are available on the Louisiana Tech Alumni website. Events continue throughout the weekend, including the annual Homecoming parade Thursday at 6 p.m., followed by a pep rally on the TAC Steps and Tech-R-Treat and Tech Madness.
Homecoming Friday features the Golden Society Breakfast and college receptions, while Homecoming Saturday features the Alumni Association/LTAC Tailgate and the Bulldogs vs. Old Dominion at 4 p.m. at Joe Aillet Stadium.
For a complete list of events and to register, visit LATech.edu/Homecoming.