Film and Media Industry

On April 22, 2008 a ground-breaking celebration took place in the City of Shreveport. Of course we refer to the exciting project called Millennium-Ledbetter Film Studio. Arlena Acree is the current director of Film, Media & Entertainment for the City of Shreveport.

The BTW family and community should certainly look to leverage our Telecommunications magnet component as this industry continues to take shape locally. Alums and friends of BTW should be alert to any and all opportunities for our students and campus to participate in this market.

For more information on this industry, visit the City of Shreveport's Web site at http://www.ci.shreveport.la.us and click on the Lights, Camera Shreveport icon.

Cyberspace Innovation Center

It would be in the best interest of BTW and the surrounding community to come up to speed on this significant area development. There is no reason why we should not actively support, be involved in and participate in this exciting regional initiative. Our Computer Science magnet component would appear to be a natural fit.

For more information, please visit the Center Web site at http://www.cyberinnovationcenter.org/ or see our link to this site.

The Passing of a Legend (Mr. Andrew Harris)

The Shreveport Sun ran today as usual. Just as it has for the last 30 years or so, Mr. Andrew Harris was again involved. However, today marks a historic day in the history of the Sun and the city. You see today's edition of our paper features coverage of the funeral services for Sun Editor Andrew Harris.

There he is on the front page. Looking at you as if ready to deliver one of his famous one liners, as only Andrew could do. With a straight face, and the voice of an accomplished sage, he was known to let loose some pearls of wisdom with machine gun speed.

Andrew departed this life for a greater place on Wednesday morning, April 2, 2008. A 1960 graduate of BTW, Andrew was a formidable leader in this community.

The entire BTW alum community wishes to extend its sympathy to the Harris family. We pray that you know others share with you in the loss of your loved one and our dear friend.

God can and will sustain you in the difficult days ahead. Lean on Him and trust in Him.

Thanks Andrew for your friendship and support of BTW over the years. You have earned your rest. Now, enjoy the place that was prepared just for you. We hope to see you on the other side where we can get your take on "them" Cowboys and other important and not so important issues of the day.

Improving the Lives of Children

Recently, Mrs Alma Powell, chair of the America's Promise Alliance, launched a nationwide campaign to contain and reverse the adverse high school drop out crisis.

The new program is called 15 in 5. The idea is to reach 15 million mostly at risk young people in the next 5 years with the five promises.

The five promises are:
-Caring adults
-Safe places and constructive use of time
-Healthy start and development
-Effective education for marketable skills and lifelong learning
-Opportunities to make a difference through helping others.

We have created a link to the 15 in 5 Web site. This is a great site and offers outstanding resources for anyone interested in kids and their education.

The BTW Alumni Foundation is proud to link up with this initiative which is also central to our purpose.

Please share this information with others. It is clear that a commitment from the community is needed to improve not only our beloved BTW but more importantly, the lives of the children we treasure.