Ray Newbold
Journal Correspondent

The annual Lloyd P. Blackwell Lecture was held at Louisiana Tech University with Commissioner of Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF), Dr. Mike Strain, as guest speaker. Dr. Strain addressed students in the School of Forestry along with many industry and university guests. Describing the work and staffing of the LDAF, Dr. Strain emphasized the importance of forestry to Louisiana and the impact budget reductions would have on service and fire suppression in the State.

Strain shared several truths he has learned in his career that lead to success and progress toward goals:

* Sometimes you tick people off, but you have to do the right thing.
* If there are no problems, there is no leadership.
*Don't be afraid to challenge the experts. Avoid complacency.
* As change occurs, seize the new opportunities.
* Your best assets are people - share the credit.
* Don't let ego get ahead of you.
* Look for the possible in all situations.

Many challenges face agriculture and forestry including natural disasters, globalization, trade barriers, environmental pressures, food safety, government restrictions of biodiversity, agricultural lending, shrinking farm populations, and the cost of fertilizer and fuel. Louisiana is well positioned for a future in biofuels based on its location to ports and transportation routes, its vegetation diversity, its climate, and its agricultural infrastructure. Opportunities still exist in areas of e-commerce, value-added products, niche markets, and partnerships with both traditional and non-traditional organizations.

After the lecture to the general audience, Dr. Strain spoke separately with the students. The student discussion was followed by a student awards banquet held at the Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center, a ministry facility of the Louisiana United Methodist Children & Family Services, Inc. located on an 800 acre site near Ruston. Student awards were presented for scholastic achievement (30 School scholarships plus 35 Louisiana Forestry Foundation scholarships); most improved student; student organization leadership; featured students majoring in Forestry, Wildlife Conservation, and Geographic Information Science; outstanding student in the School for 2008-09; and 2009 Louisiana Society of American Foresters Outstanding Student. Dr. Mike Strain was again the featured speaker and delivered the keynote address to approximately 160 students and their families, Tech faculty, and alumni.

The Blackwell Lecture is presented each year and named in honor of Professor Lloyd P. Blackwell, the founding Director of the School of Forestry at Louisiana Tech University who served in that position for the first 40 years of the School's history. The current Director is Dr. Mark Gibson.

Scholarships, awards

Scholarships and special awards to Louisiana Tech Forestry students were announced:
Louisiana Forestry Foundation: Jared Allement, Kimberly Treese.
Charles Lewis, Jr. Scholarship: Kyla Ballus.
George M. Houston Scholarship: Ross Brown, David Druen, Adam Foster, Jason Mack, Wacey Taylor.
Joe D. Burns Scholarship: Eric Clapp.
H. Leon Walker Scholarship: Andy Cline.
Henrietta Hardtner Hutchinson Scholarship: Rachel Dunn.
John A. Bel Scholarship: Michael T. Franks.
W.M. (Bill) Palmer, Jr., Scholarship: Cody Garrett.
Commander Bertrand Dean Scholarship: Michelle Gonzales, Steven Green, Michael Guilbaux, Rebecca Patrick.
H.D. Burkhalter Scholarship: Andrew Haynie.
Gordon Condit Scholarship: Kaleb Herrington.
Ed Russell Scholarship: Ben Holten.
Violet Hardtner Howell Scholarship: Alicia Kennedy.
L.L. Brewton Scholarship: Zeb Kile.
James E. Mixon Scholarship: Shaun Lasyone.
Juliet Hardtner Scholarship: Reba McCoy.
Ruth E. Krause Grant: Ethan Miller.
Parrish & William Fuller Scholarship: Jeffrey Molen, Daniel Rush.
Q.T Hardtner, Sr., Scholarship: Jacob Nelson.
James Lafayette Barron Scholarship: Brandon Boles.
Franklin H. Mikell Scholarship: John Owen,
Henry Hardtner Scholarship: Mark Ritter, Damien Reynolds.
Henry Dade Foote Scholarship: Brad White.
Warren Dietrich Scholarship: David White.
Denvor H. (Benny) Martin Scholarship: Kensie Worsham.

School of Forestry Awards
E.R. Andrulot 2008 Summer Camp: Daniel Browne.
Most Improved Forestry Student: Steven Holmes.
Forestry Featured Students: Michelle Gonzales, Michael DiCarlo.
Geographic Information Science: Robert Kessler, David Lamb.
Wildlife Conservation: Rachel Dunn, Christine Smith.
2009 Louisiana Society of American Foresters: Michelle Gonzales.
School of Forestry Scholarship: Rachel Dunn, Reba McCoy.
Jennifer Arceneaux Memorial Scholarship: Leah Michelle Gonzales.
Lloyd P. Blackwell Memorial Scholarship: Michelle Gonzales, Shaun Lasyone, John Owen.
Wirt L. & Althea E. Bond Scholarship: Reba McCoy.
Forestry Department Endowment Scholarship: Rachel Nicole Dunn.
John T. & Elizabeth McBride Endowed Scholarship: Andy Cline, Shaun Lasyone.
Roy O. Martin Scholarships: Andrew Haynie, Jason Mack, Ben Holten.
Dan & Dave Metz Memorial Endowment: Rebecca Patrick.
Mr. & Mrs. E.W. Merritt Forestry Endowed Scholarship: Rebecca Patrick, Wacey Taylor.
Louis E. Pirkle & Frances Rue Scholarship: Michael Guilbeaux, Kensie Worsham.
Forestry Presidential Scholarships: Jared Allement, Kyle Balius, Ross Brown, Eric Clapp, Daniel Dubois, Adam Foster, Cody Garrett, Chase Green, Chase Guidry, Kaleb Herrington, Alicia Kennedy, Ethan Miller, Jacob Nelson, Brandon Noles, Mark Ritter, Kimberly Treese, Sarah Turner, Davis White.

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