MEETING MINUTES AND OTHER STUFF

It has been a little more than a week since our last meeting. I wanted to have a little more information before I posted, however I feel it prudent to get this information out to the rest of you.

First, for those who did not attend the meeting on Tuesday last, it was very productive. Hans Breaux, AIAS President, was in attendance. I am hoping that he will attend, or send a representative from AIAS, to each of our meetings. We will be working very close to him and the rest of the student body at ULL this next semester getting the BGCA CD’s for the Granberry Unit together.

On the same line, we will be instituting a mentoring program with AIAS and the architecture students to assist them for the next stage of their career in our profession. By doing this, the transition from school to office will be somewhat easier for them. We can also inform them of what is expected from the intern in the professional environment and offer suggestions on how best to prepare themselves for this next step.

We will also be utilizing the student body with our HC Ramps projects and possibly with the Guy Ledoux Memorial Seating Area. Hans is also looking into the Freedom by Design project as well as collaborating with AmeriCorps on the Ramps projects and he has also shown interest in helping us with the memorial.

While on the memorial subject, Jeff Gonsoulin is looking into salvaged wood from the city and Sam Rue is checking into some fiberglass and steel tubes. I spoke with Mrs. Melancon about our direction and she is fine with whatever we chose to do.

As some of you know, I have written a letter requesting that our local AIA Chapter set aside a small amount of money each year to assist us in funding EPSOLA. I will give this letter to Geoff Gjertson, President AIA-SOLA, at the AIA meeting this evening(Thursday 1-18-07). He will then present it to the Executive Board on February 6 for final presentation and vote at the February AIA meeting. Keep your fingers crossed for approval.

One final note, there will be an Intern Social with IDP Coordinator Marsha Cuddeback in the near future. There will also be an Intern Summit. Now the previous statement gives you as much information as I know at this time. As soon as I know more, I will post it here and in the newsletter (if time allows).

Please let me know if you have any questions about any of the items above or any other questions concerning EPSOLA.

Brent Frick, EPSOLA President