Tennessee Tech University

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, TN, 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Easing the way for others

Erin Percell, chemical engineering '89, and his wife Sheri have established the Percell Engineering Scholarship Endowment in recognition of the value that Tennessee Tech has historically placed on high-quality undergraduate education, and in appreciation of the financial support provided through the Engineering Development Foundation while Erin attended school.

Erin says, "I still remember getting that phone call in early 1985, telling me that Tennessee Tech was offering me an engineering scholarship. That help meant a lot to me, and I have certainly gotten my money's worth out of my education at Tech. I'm glad we have the opportunity to help ease the way for other deserving young people."

Alumni promote academic excellence at TTU

In February, TTU Senior Development Director Randy Van Deven visited Chris Privon, mechanical engineering '79, and Keron Chew Privon, industrial engineering '80.

Chris is VP of Engineering for Hewlett-Packard in Boise, Idaho and Keron handles the bulk of the work keeping up with three boys: Chris, a junior in high school; Peter, a student at Notre Dame; and George, a student at Rochester Institute.

Many thanks to the Privon's for their eagerness in helping promote the academic excellence at Tennessee Tech University.