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| This page updated: 6/26/08 | |
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Alumni Spotlight |
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| Making a difference for current TTU students
Mechanical engineering grad Chris Privon, '79, and his wife, Keron, industrial engineering ‘80, visited campus recently to observe how 10 new Hewlett Packard computers that the Privon’s were instrumental in securing were being utilized by the students in Mechanical Engineering. The Privon’s were pleased with the progress that the Mechanical Engineering Department had made and are working to supply another six units for a senior design project lab in Mechanical Engineering. Chris is vice president of Hewlett Packard Imaging Division located in Boise, Idaho.
Keeping in touch
Electrical engineering grad Trudy Harper, ‘83, president of Tenaska Power Services Company in Arlington, Texas, was on campus to take part in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisory Board meeting. Trudy, who is originally from Soddy Daisy, Tenn., enjoys getting back to the Upper Cumberland region, visiting with TTU Development Officer Randy Van Deven and catching up on all the news associated with the College of Engineering and Tennessee Tech in general.
Preparing students for the real world
Michael Montgomery, chemical engineering ‘75, and his wife Janet, from Brookshire, Texas, near Houston, visited campus in October. Michael made a presentation to the College of Engineering students about opportunities in the oil field industry. Janet, a financial planner, gave a presentation to a finance class in the College of Business on the fundamentals of financial planning. Michael and Janet met current TTU student, Michael Coradini, a junior, majoring in mechanical engineering and president of the TTU Mini Baha team. Tennessee Tech University encourages our alumni to come back to campus and help us in preparing our students for real world experiences.
ACM New Male Vocalist Rodney Atkins adds college degree to his resume
There is no better poster child for "Good Things Come to Those Who Wait" than Rodney Atkins. Ten years after signing his record deal, Atkins achieved back-to-back multiple week number one hits, ACM New Male Vocalist honors, a platinum album and a Top 5 single with "These Are My People." If that isn't enough, nearly 14 years after he left Tennessee Tech University, Atkins was awarded his college degree -- without cracking a book. Atkins benefited from TTU's degree program -- a bachelor's degree program in interdisciplinary studies -- designed to help students with accumulated credits finish their degrees. While researching for former students who were within a few hours of completing a degree, the university found that Atkins was eligible for graduation as an interdisciplinary studies major without taking any additional course work. How lucky is that? "When I was going to Tennessee Tech, my parents must have thought I was trying to become an astronaut with the way I was just taking up space!" laughs Atkins. "I think going to college was definitely a benefit to me (even before getting my degree), but it's very satisfying to finally have the degree in hand, especially after paying back all those student loans!"
A collector with a need for speed
Paul Trussell, industrial technology '67, and his wife, Peggy, are car enthusiasts from way back. Seen here, in front of their latest prized possession, a 1937 Ford coupe that has dominated some of the most prestigious hot rod restoration car shows across America. The Trussell's enjoy bringing life back into vintage automobiles and were intrigued by the beauty of the '37 coupe, so they decided to purchase the vehicle. Paul's most prized possessions are two 1932 Fords, a coupe and a roadster that his father once owned. "These two cars are something extra special and will remain a part of this family forever," says Paul. Paul's love for cars extends to the racing field where he participates in IHRA competition within the Pro Modified series. Currently second in the points standings, he is aggressively pursuing the number one spot. To learn more about Paul and his need for speed, visit www.trussellmotorsports.com.
Fond memories of his alma mater
Industrial technology grad Bert Calvert, '69, is senior vice president,
Real Estate Management, for IDI Services Group in Atlanta. While
recently visiting with Randy VanDeven, he recalls many enjoyable
experiences he had Bert has spent the past four years watching his son play football for West Point Academy, a proud and honorable accomplishment.
Alumnus offers TTU co-op students learning opportunties
Civil engineering grad Ashraf Islam, '68, is pictured with TTU Development Director Randy VanDeven and two Tennessee Tech coop students, Abigail Fletcher and Dustin Scruggs. Ashraf is president of AIA Engineers, LTD., a consultant group based in Katy, Texas. He is very pleased to have two students from Tennessee Tech within his organization and hopes to be able to attract more to the Houston area.
TTU alumnus becomes familiar face on stage
Tenor Richard Cox has become a familiar face on stage since graduating from Tennessee Tech in 1996 with a degree in music. The Chattanooga native has been heard at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Stanley Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center, to name a few. In the 2006-2007 season, Richard debuted at the Metropolitan Opera as the Erste geharnischter Mann in Die Zauberflöte as well as several other productions. On the concert platform, he's participated in the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation Concert at Alice Tully Hall, and a duo recital with soprano Meagan Miller and pianist Thomas Bagwell at Brown University. In December 2007, he appeared at New York’s St. Bartholomew’s Church for their On Wings of Song recital series. In Spring 2008, he returns to the Staatsoper Dresden for Adolar in Weber’s Euryanthe, and will join the Washington National Opera for a production of Jenufa. Richard has been the recipient of numerous awards, scholarships and grants. He holds degrees from Tennessee Tech University, Florida State University, and The Juilliard School.
Former Tech basketball player uses talents to aid Special Olympics program
Robyn Markey has been working with Special Olympics for the past seven years and in her current job as senior manager of coach development with Special Olympics North America for the past four years. Her responsibilities focus on developing curriculum for colleges and universities and enhancing coach education for Canada, United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Prior to bringing her talents to Special Olympics, Robyn was a Division I college basketball coach for 17 years at Delaware, Vermont, Florida State and Ball State. She became the youngest head coach in America at the age of 24 when she took over the Vermont program. At Tennessee Tech, she started for three years for the Golden Eaglettes basketball team that averaged 22 wins a season. She led the conference in steals and assists and finished ninth on the school's all-time list with 362 assists and sixth with 196 steals. Robyn, who now lives in Raleigh, N.C., is also a member of the South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame. "It has been very rewarding; it has been an honor to be still around athletics," Robyn said.
Miss Tennessee Tech 1932 returns for TTU's Homecoming Celebration
Jim Brock of TTU joins Miss Tennessee Tech 1932 Rema Schubert Robbins, whose 97th birthday was Nov. 20, 2006, as she makes her annual trip to Cookeville to watch Tennessee Tech's Homecoming parade. Mrs. Robbins is brought to the Homecoming parade each year from her home in Signal Mountain, Tenn., by her daughter, Louisa Robbins Mesich, biology '71, who founded the Phi Mu sorority at TTU. Mrs. Robbins was originally from Wartburg, Tenn.
Alumnus honored for professional excellence
Allen Atkins, electrical engineering '70, and his wife Natalie attended this year's Homecoming football game and enjoyed visiting with their many friends at Tech. Allen was honored at this years Homecoming as Tennessee Tech University's 2006 Distinguished Alumnus. This award is the highest honor Alumni Relations bestows upon its graduates who have demonstrated professional excellence by achieving success and recognition such as to effect great pride among the faculty, students, and alumni of TTU. Allen is retired VP/general manager of engineering at McDonnell Douglas Corporation located in St. Louis, Mo. We wish Allen and Natalie the very best.
Alumnus honored as Outstanding Young Alumnus
Despite the cold weather, Art Blanchford, electrical engineering '93, and Tonya Shockey Blanchford, finance '91, enjoy the Homecoming football game from behind the Sigma Chi cheering section. Art was honored as Tennessee Tech University's 2006 Outstanding Young Alumnus. Art is VP and general manager Global Business Unit for Autoliv ASP Inc., located in Auburn Hills, Mich. He and Tonya are proud parents of two boys, Alex and Sawyer, and are expecting a new addition soon as they anticipate adopting a little girl from China. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Blanchford family.
Outstanding Service Award honoree speaks at the Tenneessee Tech Tuba Ensemble 40th Anniversary Celebration
Chuck Cagle, political science '78, M.S. '80, consistently serves his alma mater with enthusiasm. As a former member of the Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble, he was emcee of the TTTE 40th Anniversary Celebration, held Nov. 4-5. He supports TTU's music department and has made major contributions to department projects throughout the years. Chuck acts as an ambassador for the university in several roles. He consistently gives of his time as a presenter and consultant in several university-sponsored workshops and seminars, including the annual Safe and Accountable Schools Conference and the Upper Cumberland Educators Conference. He chairs the Board of Advisors for the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Extended Education and serves on the board of Tennessee Tech's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics (STEM) Center. He also holds adjunct faculty appointments at TTU and at George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University where he teaches graduate courses in education law. Many thanks to Chuck for his outstanding service for Tennessee Tech.
TTU alumni & friends return for Homecoming
In prime viewing position for the 2006 Homecoming parade is Clayton Clem, civil engineering '79, of Ooltewah, Tenn., and his wife Diane Fortier, M.D. Clayton was on campus for the Electrical and Computer Engineering Industrial Advisory Board annual meeting; he is a senior manager for TVA. Dr. Fortier operates a family medical practice and is originally from Quebec City, Canada.
Alumnus attributes success to TTU
Mike Bowers, mechanical engineering '87, of Bowers Consulting in Salisbury, N.C., made the choice to attend Tennessee Tech after he and his parents sought to find the best college for him to obtain an engineering education. According to Mike, once he set foot on campus, there was never any doubt that he'd made the right choice. He says Dr. Bagci, his advisor, taught him to appreciate the value of hard work which in turn prepared him for establishing a successful career in HVAC consulting. And, with clients like Food Lion Supermarket, Mike looks forward to continued growth for his company. Mike has proven to be an excellent ambassador for Tennessee Tech, and he's encouraging a junior employee to consider attending Tech in the fall of 2007.
Alumni friendships extend beyond graduation
John Powell, industrial engineering ‘97, and Mason Guy, electrical engineering ‘93, enjoy an afternoon of sailing in the San Francisco bay area prior to attending the Tennessee Tech University alumni event held in San Francisco on August 11. John has developed into quite a sailor while Mason learns the ropes keeping the sails set to the wind. It’s not often one gets to see the San Francisco skyline from such a vantage point on the water. This photo was taken just south of Alcatraz Island. John and Sarah are proud parents of their son Jack, 18 months, while Mason and Sue are parents of Bradley, 4, Matthew, 2, and are expecting a daughter this fall. John and Mason are employed at Intel, located in San Jose, and
would be happy to assist other Tennessee Tech grads interested in
working for this world leader in silicon innovation.
Tech alumnus helps support Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble
Carl Sandlin, chemical engineering ’71, recently presented a donation for the Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble's (TTTE) 40th Anniversary Celebration. Sandlin, with the assistance of matching funds from Exxon, is responsible for the largest single contribution to help finance the newest recording of the TTTE. Originally from Union City, Tenn., Sandlin, an excellent tuba player, was a founding member of TTTE. He not only maintained his membership in the ensemble throughout his undergraduate years, but has also been a constant supporter of the group since graduation. For more information about the TTTE's 40th Anniversary Celebration, contact Winston Morris at wmorris@tntech.edu.
Tech Alumnus establishes new scholarship in Elementary Education
On April 15, 2006, more than 100 family members and friends gathered at the Leslie Town Center to celebrate the 90th birthday of Esther Lee Welch, education '38, a long-time educator who devoted her life to education in the Upper Cumberland region. In honor of Mrs. Welch's birthday, daughter Judith Barfield and cousin Dr. Carolyn Livingston helped to establish a scholarship at Tennessee Tech for a deserving student from Tennessee seeking a degree in Elementary Education. Dr. Beth Mannle, Assistant Dean of Education, expressed her appreciation to Mrs. Welch and invited her and her family members back to campus to help present the inaugural scholarship. Tennessee Tech is proud to be associated with the Welch family and would like to extend the family's heartfelt thanks to all those that were kind enough to participate in establishing this wonderful tribute.
Tech helps alumnus become a creative thinker John McClure, business '89, is a hedge fund manager for Profit Score Capital Management in Boise, Idaho and enjoys all the outdoor activity that comes with living out west. He says his educational experience at Tennessee Tech helped him learn how to think "outside the box" in a most competetive field, financial planning. |
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