Department News

Congratulations to Elmer B. Ledesma and Lisa Brenskelle who were married on Saturday, April 16,2005. Ledesma is a postdoctoral research associate working with Mary J. Wornat and Brenskelle is a Ph.D. student under the direction of Martin Hjortso. The wedding took place at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior on Jones Creek Road in Baton Rouge. We wish them the best of luck.

Benjamin McCoy, Gordon A. and Mary Cain Chair, has retired from LSU with the close of the spring 2005 semester. McCoy was the first Cain Chair hired following the 1998 donation from Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Cain. He came to LSU following a lengthy career at the University of California, Davis. He was a valuable asset to the department and we are sorry to see him leave. We wish him the best as he embarks upon retirement.

Hazel Ann LaCoste passed away on August 28, 2004. She worked as an executive secretary in the department beginning in the late 1960s through the early 1980s. Lauder “Larry” Veilleux, a research associate in chemical engineering from 1967-1987, passed away on May 25, 2005. He was a native of Maine and a veteran of World War II. Both are well remembered by their former colleagues and friends in the department. We extend our belated condolences to their families.

The 3rd Annual Chemical Engineering Alumni Reunion that was scheduled for October 8, 2005, has been postponed due to Hurricane Katrina and the aftereffects the storm poses for this area.

We plan to reschedule the reunion for spring 2006 and will disseminate more information once a date is established.