By Norm Miller, LC News
PINEVILLE, La. (LCNews)–Thanks to the generosity of alumnus Don Hill and Terry, his wife, Louisiana College in Pineville unveiled a newly equipped and remodeled Computer Science classroom, Oct. 18.
“I am deeply grateful that Don and Terry recognize the importance of Louisiana College’s mission and vision and have demonstrated such loyalty to Don’s alma mater,” said Dr. Rick Brewer, president of Louisiana College, told about 50 members of Louisiana College’s Board of Visitors gathered for its annual fall meeting.
Hill, a 1964 graduate from LC, is an entrepreneur and restaurateur from Dallas who co-founded Saltgrass Steak House and the more recent Texas-based Lupe Tortilla. He is a member of LC’s Board of Visitors, whose combined annual gifts of more than $200,000 solely and wholly support qualified student’s scholarships.
“This gift provides a huge lift to our emerging Computer Science major and our commitment regarding STEM becoming STEAM,” said Dr. Rick Brewer, president of Louisiana College.
“I want to say thank you to Louisiana College because the four years I spent here were the four most important years in my entire life,” Hill said. “LC was the spring board for me to go on and have some success.”
The new classroom will attract students to Louisiana College because there is an increasing national demand for computer coders and popularity regarding cyber security training, Brewer said.
“The remodeled classroom has four learning stations for 16 students, complete with laptops. The collaborative style furniture will enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.” said Louisiana College’s CIO and Vice President for Information Technology Mark Shoemaker.
The classroom is equipped with video recording and transmission capabilities for reviewing lectures and for real-time online instruction.
“The classroom is a blessing for Louisiana College” Shoemaker said. “And I want to personally thank the Hills for their investment in our students.”
Liberal arts colleges are facing many challenges because of a shrinking pool of students related to a decline in birth rates 20 years ago, and Louisiana College is not exempt for those effects, Brewer noted.
“This is another reason why the Hill’s exemplary overture is so vital to Louisiana College,” he said. “However, I am sure that Terry and Don would say that their generosity results from the blessings of God and hard work. And they would agree that God deserves all the glory.”
