Tech’s Lagniappe Ladies award $77,000 in grants

In its 12th year, the Louisiana Tech University Lagniappe Ladies organization has awarded 20 grants totaling $77,000 to university programs.

This year, over 40 grant applications were submitted to the women’s philanthropic group.

“Women have just begun in the last 20 years to realize that they can be and should be philanthropists on their own,” said Beth Craig, Director of Donor Engagement and Stewardship. “The Lagniappe Ladies came about through the work of women who knew we needed to have a women’s giving society that benefited Tech.”

The Lagniappe Ladies voted to fund the following projects this year:

• Louisiana Tech Speech and Hearing Center, College of Liberal Arts – Purchase essential equipment for the screening, assessment, and treatment for individuals with neurological disorders

• Division of Nursing, College of Applied and Natural Sciences – Purchase simulation equipment for realistic clinical experience in the areas of nasogastric tube and tracheostomy training and care

• Prescott Memorial Library – Update the technology needs of the library through the purchase of a scanner and printer

• School of Design-Architecture Program, College of Liberal Arts – Purchase new virtual and augmented reality technology to replace and support outdated equipment

• School of Agriculture Sciences and Forestry, College of Applied and Natural Sciences – Complete renovation of John D. Griffin Horticulture Garden on South Campus through screening-in of the greenhouse

• Department of Kinesiology, College of Education – Purchase portable EKG lab equipment for Human Performance Lab

• A.E. Phillips Laboratory School – Classroom library enhancements through purchase of new books, flexible seating, bookshelves, etc.

• Computing Center – Purchase 3D-printer software license and supplies for 24-hour printing lab

• UTeachTech, College of Education – Purchase accessible STEM equipment and materials to incorporate accessibility awareness and instruction in the College of Education’s STEM teacher preparation program

• Athletics Sports Medicine – Partner with Hilinski’s Hope to promote awareness and education of mental health for student-athletes

• Department of Kinesiology-Law Enforcement Study, College of Education – Support materials needed to conduct research study aimed to help law enforcement professionals respond in the best manner in the most stressful situations

• Office of Admissions-Student Recruiters – Purchase tent for utilization at recruiting events

• Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Science – Create novel plant growth technology that yields safe and nutritious plant crops for long-duration NASA space missions

• Living with the Lab, College of Engineering and Science – Fund upgrades to “vending machines” to provide freshman engineering supplies

• Project-Based Learning Department, College of Engineering and Science – Purchase equipment for conducting experiments and hands-on demonstrations for thermodynamics courses

• Good Nutrition Mission Campus Food Pantry, College of Applied and Natural Sciences – Purchase a desk-top computer, printer, and other technologies to support the automation and data analysis of new online grocery ordering system

• Louisiana Tech Alumni Association – Purchase 150 new chairs for the Argent Alumni Pavilion as part of ongoing enhancement and maintenance plan for the space

• Campus Appreciation and Recognition of Employees (CARES) Committee – Fund the development of two recognition programs to honor employee service and outstanding professional achievements for Louisiana Tech faculty and staff members

• School of Music, College of Liberal Arts – Purchase a new printer for the use of all students in the School

• School of Music, College of Liberal Arts – Purchase professional grade Alto Flute with a curved mouthpiece for use in private flute studies and performing