Louisiana Tech University will honor Elaine and Tim Petrus with the University’s highest honor, the Tower Medallion, at Fall Commencement ceremonies on Nov. 20.
Alexandria natives and Fort Worth, Texas residents, the Petruses have long supported implementation of Louisiana Tech’s master plan and the greening of campus and are faithful contributors to the College of Engineering and Science. The couple most recently made a leadership gift championing the Noble Trees project, which restored the health of existing trees, removed trees that were near the end of life, and planted new trees to restore the campus core.
“Elaine and Tim have been committed to our alma mater since our time together as undergraduates on the Louisiana Tech campus,” said Dr. Les Guice, Tech President. “I am grateful for their loyalty and appreciate their friendship personally. They have always shown a willingness to offer advice for our colleges and campus as we’ve worked to create an unparalleled and student-centered learning environment.”
Tim Petrus received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Tech in 1976, and Elaine Petrus earned her bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1976. Elaine has received the Urban Forestry Award from the Texas Forest Service, was named an Honorary Member of the Texas Society of Architects and an Outstanding Woman of Fort Worth and Fort Worth Texas Magazine Community Environmentalist 2010 Person of the Year.
Tim was named a Distinguished Electrical Engineering Alumnus and in 2016 was chosen by the Alumni Association as Alumnus of the Year. Both are committed to sustaining their local area through involvement with volunteer organizations in Fort Worth, including Big Brothers and Sisters, the Tarrant Area Food Bank, and the Friends of Fort Worth Nature Center.
“The Petruses are loyal blue Louisiana Tech graduates who live out our Tenets as they work in their communities and give back to our University,” said Brooks Hull, Vice President for University Advancement. “We are proud to pay tribute to them with the University’s highest honor.”
The Petruses will be honored at Fall Commencement, which will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 20 in the Thomas Assembly Center. The event will also be livestreamed on the University’s Facebook page.
