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, LeMaire
helps lead the firm’s operations and strategic direction while overseeing its audit
practice and serving clients across a range of industries. Her career reflects a passion
for helping small and midsize businesses thrive through financial guidance, education,
and advocacy. An active Louisiana Tech alumna, LeMaire also invests in the next generation
of accounting professionals by mentoring students and providing guidance as they prepare
for the CPA exam and their careers. Her affinity for leadership and service reflects
the values of Louisiana Tech and continues to make an impact in both her profession
and her community.
College of Applied and Natural Sciences: Dr. Jason Cucchiara (2001, 2005)
A two-time Louisiana Tech graduate, 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)
A two-time Louisiana Tech graduate, 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)
A two-time Louisiana Tech graduate, 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
more than 20 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.