Alumni News
Michael
Archer
BS
73
Present Job: Formation Evaluation Specialist---Chevron
News: Still working in Lafayette for Chevron as a log analyst. Kathy and I
have 2 grandchildren, a boy and a girl. Keeping busy working, playing golf
and softball, and spoiling the kids.
Jack
Baldwin
MS
83
Present Job: Geologist---Probe Resources
News: Still making money in oil and gas and wishing for better production
prices. Participating in wells in LA (on and offshore), TX and New Mexico.
Richard K.
Barr
MS
76
Present Job: Independent Geologist---Wilson and Barr Oil and Gas
Exploration
News: The family is doing well. Both the children are in Lee High School
this year. Beverly continues to do volunteer work for the schools. It was
a great year in the oil patch, I had several really nice gas discoveries
in S.E. New Mexico. I have gotten to work with George Ulmo on one of the
projects! Hi to all the old gang!
Roswell Keith
Barranco
BS
72
Present Job: Chief Project Geologist
News: I'm starting in my eighth year working on evaluating storage
potential out of Michigan. The first few years involved studies of
compressed air energy storage; then conventional NG storage in depleted
reservoirs and aquifers. Now it's salt cavern and a new non-conventional
method of storage.
Eric
Barton
MS
79
Present Job: President---STRATIC Energy
News: STRATIC is a publically traded junior oil company focusing on Africa
exploration and production. We have over 500,000 square kilometers
currently under lease in West Africa.
Michel J.
Bechtel
BS
70 MS 74
Present Job: Bechtel / Blue Moon Exploration Company
News: Hit the Big One!
135 feet of Marq Tex pay!
Karen Kruebbe
Belwood
BS
88
Present Job: Hydrogeologist---URS Greiner-Woodward-Clyde
News: Hi Y'all, we're still enjoying life here in Norfolk, VA. Have 2
boys now - Brett (6) and Hunter (10 mos.). Our co-URSG, just merged w/
Woodward-Clyde. If I'm lucky, I'll get to visit N.O. soon since we have an
office there. Really miss the N.O. culture. E-mail us if anyone wants
to - we'd love to hear from ya.
Terri Lauderdale
Blackwelder
Present Job: Asbestos Specialist / Chemist---NASA
News: We are fine and having fun! Christina is 15, Robby is 11. I
started school at the Art Institute of Houston. My major is computer
animation. I am still working at NASA and going to school in the evenings
3/4 and sometimes full time. LIFE IS BUSY!
Thomas C.
Boronow
MS
84
Present Job: Geologist---Shell Offshore, Inc.
News: I'm still working with Shell Offshore, Inc., in NOLA. I'm currently
working on the development drilling program at our SPIRIT Field in
VK780/736. We're developing a turbidite levee thin-bed reservoir. It's
challenging work and interesting working with drilling, production,
reservoir engineers. My family is doing fine. Eric just turned
thirteen and Christopher is almost eight. I continue to coach baseball,
soccer, and football in the Mandeville recreation leagues. Carmie keeps
her RN skills up to date by continuing part-time work at Ochsner's and St.
Tammany.
Brian
Bothner
MS
88
Present Job: Technical Lead---Interpretation Process Support, Chevron
Petroleum Technology Company
News: I'm looking forward to working with Laura Serpa and the UNO
Department of Geology and Geophysics to install and maintain Geologic
Interpretation and Modeling Systems at UNO.
Jason
Bourgeois
MS
88
Present Job: Geologist/ Environmental Specialist---Technical Environmental
Services
News: Presently doing consulting work with Technical Environmental
Services in New Orleans. Still teaching music and performing with The
Boogie Men. Michele (the wife) now working as chemist with Cytec. Still
no legitimate children.
Ronald
Brignac
BS
73
Present Job: Geologist--- Oil and Gas Trend Analysis
News: Still living in Mid-City, behind Liuzza's. Can't wait until we get
the street cars back. As of this time, we are hiring. Give me a call.
Ron
Brinkman
BS
73
Present Job: Geophysicist---Minerals Management Service
News: Working as unofficial agent for Louie Nugent Enterprises, bringing
Ernie-K-Doe underwear to the world populace.
Eric C.
Broadbridge
BS
83
Present Job: Independent Consultant
News: I still have my office in Metairie, at 671 Rosa Ave., near
Dorignac's. Doing some Geology consulting for Matrix Oil and Gas in
Covington. Also consulting for other companies. Generating prospects
with the left over time (not much). Anticipating working some 3-D seismic
and integrating it with my subsurface geology. Mary is doing great and
is at home with the kids and loving it. Anna will be four in March '99 and
Kevin will be two on Thanksgiving Day '98. It's hard to believe that I
have been writing to the Alumni Newsletter for over 15 years. I would
like to thank Dale for taking on the task of keeping the UNO Geology
Alumni in touch.
William D.
Brown
MS
76
Present Job: Exploration Geologist---Suemar Exploration
News: Once again, greetings and best wishes to all at UNO. All is well in
the Brown family. Four kids seem to keep us very active. I quit playing
the corporate game in May and went back to being a real geologist again,
making maps and thinking about geology. Life seems to be a little bit
simpler and more enjoyable.
Tom
Burns
MS
74
Present Job: Consultant Geologist
News: Continuing development of prospects and leads with the Hosston
``Turtle Backs'' --- North Lousiana, Paleozoic--- NE Mississippi, Wilcox
and Frio Miocene--- Texas and Louisana Gulf Coast including Bay waters.
Ronald Earnest
Casso
BS
70
Present Job: President
News: Still consulting mainly in the deep water GOM. What happened to
$20/bbl oil?!?!
Yong
Chen
MS
91
Present Job: Senior Systems Analyst---Houston Industries Incorporated
News: I am now working for Houston Industries Incorporated, one of the top
five combination gas and electric companies in the States, as a senior
systems analyst. It is in downtown Houston. It takes me an hour to get
here everyday. I design and program Win32 and/or Internet/Intranet
business applications. It is quite different with what a geologist does.
But I am really enjoying it.
Cielle Muller
Clemenceau
BS
81
Present Job: Director, Student Placement and Alumni Relations - Department
of Health Systems Management - Tulane University Medical Center
News: I am starting my fourth year on the faculty at the Tulane Medical
Center, specializing in graduate healthcare administration, and George is
approaching 18 years as a geologist with Amoco in New Orleans.
Unfortunately, due to the Amoco/BP merger - who knows where we'll be next
year! Since George's area of expertise is deepwater exploration and
development, if he stays with the new company, there is a good chance we
will be in Houston. But we won't really know anything for several months.
Gee - I just love uncertainty!!! Meanwhile, life goes on, and I have
officially become a ``SoccerMom.'' Anderson (1st grade) and Hunter
(Kindergarten) are both on soccer teams, and we now have an over-abundance
of shin gaurds, socks, shoes, shorts, and jerseys to keep track of and
keep clean!
George J.
Constance, Jr.
BS
82
Present Job: Paleo Consultant
News: My wife Daya and I had a baby girl, Mina Khatiya Constance, on
4-15-98. our older girls, Erica, age 11, and Emily, age 8, have been a
great help with her. Still consulting downtown. Everyone is welcome to
visit me at any time.
Paul
Credo
BS
77
Present Job: Global Technical Advisor---Halliburton
News: Working on resolving movable fluids with nuclear magnetic resonance.
Allen
Cregg
BS
79
Present Job: Geological Advisor / South Texas
News: Back to working the relatively safe environs of domestic (South
Texas)
Sylvia
Cureau
MS
90
Present Job: Geological Technologist
News: Still gainfully employed at Chevron in development geology. Having
fun here every day and part of an accelerated production team in the Bay
Marchand Field.
William
Dahl
MS
84
Present Job: Geologist---Texaco
News: Continuing to ride out the highs and lows of the oil industry.
Alfred P.
Daigle
BS
72
Present Job: (Petroleum) Geologist Specialist
News: Still evaluating tracts at MMS - in VERY Deep Water. July field
trip to KY - A far cry from '72 in Saltillo. Once again - his name was -
ANDRES RAMOS MENDOZA - as in ``Un poco de Musica, Andres, por favor.''
William Shawn
Davis
MS
95
Present Job: Senior Production Geophysicist
News: For the last three years in Mobil's New Orleans office, I've been
having a blast drilling wells to Pleisto-Plio reservoirs in offshore GOM.
international opportunity looks good, but come on $20/barrel. [Editor's note: It's amazing what difference a
few months made between mailing in your news and printing the Newsletter.] Half
finished a Tulane MBA. Happily single, and irrefutably, blissfully
unkidded!
Mike and Marcella Baxter
Dean
MS 95; BS
95
Present Job: Geologist- Shell (Mike); Geoscientist - Texaco (Mars)
News: Marcella is learning to play piano and taking physics classes while
still working full time. Mike is still playing rugby, however post-game
days are becoming more painful. The 2 cats, Lucy and Charley, are spoiled and
happy.
Walter (Jim)
Deister
BS
71
Present Job: Consulting Petroleum Geologist
Anthony Benjamin (Jamin)
Deprang
MS
97
Present Job: Geoscientist at Exxon
Eileen Ayres
Diaz
BS
83
News: We're enjoying our second year on Atlanta after moving from Denver.
Amy, Alex, and Dana are keeping me busy at home and at their schools.
Marcel
Digiovanni
BS
77
Present Job: Geologist--- Texaco in New Orleans
News: Getting older, grayer, and still work the Jurassic in East Texas.
Robert W.
Dillon
BS 80 MS
93
Present Job: Geologist---U.S.G.S.
News: Working very hard for early retirement set for 2002. Still with the
USGS, finishing Ph.D., and managing two financial and lucrative websites;
http://www.pennystockpicks.com
and http://www.hotstocknews.com.
Also,
working as a stock analyst-writing research reports for oil and gas
companies. Chris is 8 years old and Inge is helping with websites.
Taffy Foxx
Dineen
Present Job: Substitute Teacher
News: Once again I am subbing this year at 4 elementary schools, grades
K-5. It's great because I can set my own schedule. Mike is still with
Pennzoil, and Charlie is in 5th grade and Joey 3rd.
Chris
Douglas
MS
78
Present Job: Exploration Manager---Manti Resources
News: I've been at Marti for about 3 years. I was recently involved in my
first South Louisiana discovery last year---Marquidio---Jeff Davis
Parish. There ain't no rxs like that in the Wilcox! The family is fine.
My daughter is in 9th grade, and my step-daughter is in 7th grade. Still
love to hunt and fish. Went to Alaska and fly fished for rainbows and
Costa Rica for Tarpon last year. Life is good!
Alvin E.
DuVernay,III
BS
76
Present Job: Biostratigrapher - Shell Deepwater
News: Still trying to simultaneously dodge the Shell downsizing bullet
and interpret stratigraphy. Spare time is full of fishing, hunting and
collecting sea shells by the sea shore. Recent exotic business trips have
included Belgium, Puerto Rico, the Netherlands and Chalmette. Health is
good, have more money than Midas but still uglier than Higgins.
Harvey
Edwards
BS
82
Present Job: Project Engineer, Bureau of Reclamation
News: There's been a big change in our focus at Reclamation. I've changed
directions from hazardous waste to designing wetlands and river
restoration projects. I am working on several projects to create habitat
for endangered species. I still need to work on my tree-hugger bed-side
manner, though.
Monica Guidry
Ezelle
BS
79
Present Job: Ezelle, Ezelle, and Assoc., Inc.
News: We are still on the Westbank and still in the oil business. We have
a 9-month-old grandson named Caleb and are expecting our second
grandchild any day now.
Mark
Gallagher
BS
81
Present Job: Senior Geologist---Sonat Exploration
News: The family moved up to the piney woods of East Texas last summer.
They are fine, I am homesick. Don't forget me.
Mary
Gentry
MS
90
Present Job: Geologist---LDEQ
News: Still at LDEQ after nearly 8 years. My how time flies when you're
having fun! I'm now working on the development and implementation of the
State's new Source Water Protection Program for all public water supplies
in the State. I've got my work cut out for me. Still participating in
the O'Flahrety's Celtic Christmas Show for extracurricular activity.
Sara M.
Gratton
MS
88
Present Job: Geologist
News: Drilling wells in East Texas and Oklahoma and attended the AAPG
Convention in Salt Lake City.
Carolyn
Green
BS
78
Present Job: Staff Geologist---Shell Deepwater
News: I experienced severe culture shock in moving back to N.O. after 11
years. But after a very short time (a year now) it is finally beginning
to feel like home again. I just keep telling myself: Change is good!
Change is good!
Alvin
Grevemberg, Jr.
BS
85
Present Job: Project Hydrogeologist---Applied Earth Sciences
News: Presently working with Applied Earth Sciences. Working on
manufacturing all natural pure soap! Hope to market it before Christmas.
Everyone loves it! Probably will include hand lotion with natural oils.
Miss everyone, But you know how work keeps you busy.
George
Groetsch, Jr.
BS
77
Present Job: Owner/manager---Groetsch Wholesale
News: Blanca, the kids, and I are all doing well. The kids are now teens and
life is zooming past. Forty is NOT old after all---SALUDOS!
Kevin P.
Guilbeau
BS
79
Present Job: General Manager, Offshore Exploration and Development---CNG
News: I experienced serious dejavu while in Hot Springs, AR dodging
Georges. Forced family to dig for quartz and consume BBQ at Stubby's.
Robert O.
Hafner
MS
80
Present Job: Production Geologist---Mobil
News: Working on Mobil's Green Canyon 18 Field. It is a great experience
for deep water reservoirs and its associated production. One- and five-year
girls make it a must this industry stays stable.
Patricia M. Ford
Hall
BS 80 ,MS
90
Present Job: Senior Geologist--- Shell Deepwater Production Company
News: Hi, all. I survived the Shell downsizing and am working the Auger
Field and surrounding basin.
Marian C. Bennett
Hanna
BS
88
Present Job: Sr. Geophysicist
News: Continuing to work in downtown Houston for the British. Missing
N'Awlins something awful but I visit often. The family is fine, price of
oil is too low and these cutbacks and mergers are a little unnerving.
Presented at the SEG '98 in N.O. on gravity modeling nonetheless. Thought
of Laura often while working on the project. Wishing all much happiness
and good fortune! Take care... Marian.
Bradford C.
Hanson
Present Job: Geology Supervisor---LGS
News: Wow--- a busy year! Still with Louisiana Geological Survey developing
educational software. Involved with economic development issues along
with more traditional survey projects. Really enjoying what I do!!
Dr. Sarah
Hanson
BS 87 MS
90
Present Job: Assistant Professor---Adrian College
News: It finally happened. I got a real job. Now I'm a responsible member
of society. Does this mean I have to grow up? At any rate, I now have a
tenure-track position at Adrian College in Adrian, MI. I'll be in N.O.
over the Xmas break. Hope to see some of you then.
Pamela
Harry
BS
85
Present Job: FMC--- Subsea Service Engineer
News: Hello New Orleans. I just graduated with a BS in Mechanical
Engineering in May 98. This makes 6 weeks with FMC and I'll be on the
deep water projects (maybe overseas) doing well completion, etc. (subsea
trees.)
Linda Rosenbaum
Hart
BS
78
Present Job: Earth Science Technologist--- Chevron
News: This year's highlight was winning a contest to be in the audience
for the New Orleans themed David Letterman Show. Also had a wonderful
visit with Rachel Burks, who was in town for her high school reunion.
Glenn
Hebert
BS
75
Present Job: Exxon---Houston
News:
From an email to Bill Ward: ``I'm going to have surgery to remove some
arthritis from my neck. The arthritis is pinching some nerves, causing a
considerable loss of function. Examples of function I've lost include pushing
myself easily, getting into/out of cars and bed, and even locking my brakes.
The surgery should correct all or most of this. We found out today that it
will be Dec. 29th.'' (Glenn came through the three hours of surgery very well
and is home recuperating with the help of his wife Marilyn and mother Ruth.)
Karl
Hebert
BS
73
Present Job: President/Owner---Kattt Corp.
News: Still in Slidell and all kids out of high school and in college. If
you're in Slidell, give us a visit, we're in the book.
Rob
Herbert
MS
91
Present Job: Hydrogeologist---Utah DEQ-Division of Radiation Control
News: Life is good on the Wasatch Front in Salt Lake City, Utah. Trent
(5) started kindergarten and stays active with karate and soccer. Zachary
(3) is holding his own with his big brother. In May, had 200 lbs. of
live crawfish flown in from New Orleans for a great party. Showed these
westerners how to eat right with boiled crawfish, jambalaya, and red beans
and rice. Teri and I enjoyed another fun summer of camping with the boys
in Utah's wonderful outdoors. Still working for the state trying to
protect pristine groundwater aquifers (Jurassic Entrada and Navajo
sandstones) in southeastern Utah from radiologic contaminants at uranium
mills. Great geology and hydrogeology down there. Became a Ute fan
watching their run to the NCAA basketball final. Really miss New Orleans
food, especially po-boys and boiled crabs.
Diane Hyatt
BS 81, MS 90
Present Job: President's Council on Environmental Quality.
News: I have survived the Washington experience and actually had a
great time, but I have decided to come back to Texas. My friends and family
are too far away. DOI asked me to stay, but my heart belongs to Texas. I am
coming back to resume the Directorship of my program (Natural Resources Damage
Assessment for Texas).
Vince
Ibanez
BS 86
Present Job: Earth Science Teacher---Corpus Christi, Texas
News: Howdy ya'll! Hazel and I have moved around a couple of times since
1986. We moved to Las Vegas for three years where I taught high school
geology and Hazel learned to teach software packages to various
businesses. When my daughter (Lia) was born in 1990, we thought Vegas
wasn't the place to be, so we packed up and moved to Corpus Christi,
Texas. I am currently teaching 8th graders Earth Sciences, and Hazel is
self employed teaching business software applications to a variety of
clientele. Eric was born in 1995 and is showing both of us how different
a boy child is from a girl child. I spend most of my summers searching for
gemstones in as many far away places as I can afford, and then I grind
them into dust with my faceting equipment. (I do save the pretty crystals
for my mineral collection, Skip) Keep in touch.
Stanley J.
Indest, Jr.
BS
74
Present Job: Emergency Response Coordinator
News: Another year in paradise, property values are soaring in Houston and
so are the Astros.
Jeff
Jandegian
Present Job: VP Exploration--- Clovelly Oil Co. Inc.
Jonathan
Jee
MS
81
Present Job: Sr. Petroleum Geologist---Exxon Co., USA - N.O. Production
News: Missed 97's Newsletter - another move! This one, full circle, to
Louisiana! Laura is 8, Greta is a junior in H.S., and Becky is a college
freshman. Susan and I are enjoying Mandeville and I LOVE my job!
David B. and Mary G.
Johanson
MS 86; MS
92
Present Job: Mary: Homemaker; Dave: Naval Oceanographic Office
News: Things are pretty much the same since the last time we reported.
Dave is still at the Naval Oceanographic Office. He does alot of
traveling around the world, so Mary stays home with the kids, Emily, 4,
and Robert, 1. We like living in Mandeville. It's a great place to raise
a family. Dave is teaching himself Windows programming in his spare
time, and Mary plans to reinter the working world (not that she doesn't
work now) in the beginning of 1999.
Tom
Johnson
MS
94
Present Job: Hydrogeologist
News: Finally took the 10 day trip down the Colorado River. It was great.
Do it!
Kellie
Kachler
BS
96
Present Job: Student Trainee Geophysicist---MMS
Charles Joseph
Keller
BS
72
Present Job: President---Complete Owner Builder Systems
News: After 20 years, moved to NM from CO, living in the Rio Grande
Valley south of Albequerque. Mary Ellen and Kevin (son) doing great. Kev plays
golf for Western New Mexico University. COBS (Company that bought my
mortgage business) is a green builder. We build straw bale homes, or help
people build their own - great fun. Ivy - email me. Has anyone seen
Boykin?
Dr. Joe
Kelley
FAC.
79 - 82
Present Job: State Marine Geologist
News: Having just completed an atlas of the seafloor of the Gulf of Maine,
I am focusing on seafloor mapping off Ireland and Alaska (watch out
Toby!) next year. Alice is deep into a Ph.D.~ in geoarcheology and the
kids grow and spend. Next time y'all get hot down there come on up and
enjoy Maine for awhile, its cool!
Stephen
Kennedy
BS
74
Present Job: Senior Exploration Geophysicist
News: Still with the CNG Producing in New Orleans. Lots of UNO alumni
working here. Wife and kids doing fine. Jeff getting ready to graduate
from USL and Amy graduating from Dominican H.S.
Gregory A.
Kirby
BS
85
Present Job: Hydrogeologist
News: Working hard to finish Master's Degree. Wife and cats are great. Now
mining gem beryl for hobby at Palermo Mine in N.H.
Jennifer
Koch
BS
97
Present Job: Teaching Assistant (UNO)
News: One degree down... one to go! Worked for Mobil for the summer with
fellow alum, Allen Cregg. Finishing my MS (hopefully in the next year) in
coastal geology. That is if we don't have any more major hurricanes to
add to my list of study!
Roy E.
Lassus, Jr.
BS 70 MS
74
Present Job: President/ Pelican Oil and Gas, Inc.
News: '98 has been another good year for Pelican (more luck than brains).
Family is doing great and I'm poised on the brink of becoming an OLD MAN.
Joel
Lazzeri
MS
79
Present Job: Senior Project Manager---EA Engineering
News: Leslie, Kristin, Katie, and I are starting our 2nd year in the San
Francisco area and enjoying the change of scenery. I am still managing
RI/FS projects in the western Pacific. Still trying to make it back to
the Big Easy, but never make it past San Antonio.
Michael M.
Ledet
Present Job: Geologist---CNG
News: Boom or bust - Who knows? Let's keep marching toward depletion!
William R. and Eve Lindsay
Leger
MS 88; BS
88
Present Job: Will: President of Network Support Services, Inc.; Eve: Real
Estate Agent
News: Nothin' could be finer than bein' in Carolina!! Will begins his
fourth year as President of Network Support Services, Inc. (computer
network consulting). There is nothing like being self-employed. Eve is
enjoying selling new homes in a golf course community. We visit the
mountains for our dose of geology on a regular basis - real sapphires,
rubies and pegmaitites here in the NC mountains! Surf on over to
www.nssi-online.com and drop a line or two. Anyone who finds themselves
near Charlotte should look us up - love to see you. (PS - Carl Young
visited us from Paris, France earlier this year ... fun enjoyed by all!)
Denise
Mack
BS
98
Present Job: Graduate Student---UNO
Kevin
Marty
MS
94
Present Job: Geologist, Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office
News: Hello Everyone! I hope you all are fine. I'm enjoying work with
the BLM, and I work part time at ``1230 KXO'' (the best oldies on the
radio). We broadcast the Padres games - a much better team than the Giants
(Dr. Busch). I might see you at the Jazz Festival this year!
Philip
McCarty
BS
96
Present Job: Research Assistant---UNO
Phyllis Ducote
McClelland
BS
79
Present Job: Manager of Geology
News: Keeping very busy. Just acquired a new block in China, so I'll be
spending more time there. Hope everyone is well. John has had health
problems but he's getting better. Ian will graduate this year! Already!
Marybeth C.
Mcdevitt
MS
83
Present Job: Middle East Analyst---Department of Defense
News: My husband and I just completed our first year in London with the
American embassy. I'm still working as a Department of Defense
Political/Military Middle East analyst, but currently working with the
Brits on joint US/UK policy issues concerning the Middle East, for
instance the situation in Iraq. We are really enjoying London, it's much
easier living then some of my Middle East posts and its a great jumping
off point for touring the rest of Europe. If any alums are passing
through, please feel free to contact us at 0171 218-3846.
Jennifer (Kim)
McLean
BS
96
Present Job: Graduate Student
News: During the summer of 1997, I began my grad school experience by
flying
half way around the world to the country of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. I
spent 2.5 months there with several other geologists working on a NSF
continental dynamics project. The experience was incredible! The Kyrgyz
people have such a rich culture. I learned to drink the local drink,
cummis (or fermented mare's milk) with a smile on my face, and ate about a
ton of mutton. As far as geology goes, I saw incredible structures
associated with compresional tectonics. For my Master's thesis, I am
attempting to constrain the amount of Neogene shortening that has occurred
across the Naryn and At Bashi Valleys, in the southern Kyrgyz Tien Shan.
I went back to Kyrgyzstan this past summer to map out the map and
mesoscopic scale structures in detail. After 2 months of hard work, I was
ready to return to western culture. My good friend, and field
assistant, Carrie and I spent a week in Berlin, and 3 days in Genoa,
Italy. By September 1, we were ready to return to the USA. Since
returning home, I have been hard at work, creating balanced cross
sections for my thesis area. I will present my results at the December AGU
meeting. At the present time, I am visiting MIT. My advisor, Dr.
Meghan Miller, is a visiting professor at MIT this year, and she asked me
to spend time at MIT while working on my thesis. If all goes well, I
expect to graduate in June, 1999 with a MS in Geology. Once I have
completed my MS, I will either take a year or two off and gain experience
either through an oil company, or a consulting firm, or I will begin
working on my Ph.D.
Madonna H.
Montz
BS
95
Present Job: Trainee Petroleum Engineer---MMS
News: Currently pursuing a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering at UNO while
working at MMS.
Louis
Nugent
BS
74
Present Job: Northern Hemisphere Morph
News: At most morphs I find myself constantly adapting. City Park,
Audubon Park, morning coffee on Magazine St., afternoon coffee on
Esplanade Ave., renting in the morning, buying by nightfall, and
Rock'n'Bowl by 10 p.m., maybe Mandina's, maybe Liuzza's. How long can I
successfully Morph-My-Way... Each time I'm given another day... I say!!
Joan Smith
O'Connor
BS
86
Present Job: TGS - NOPEC
News: Living in Houston for 7 years now; married and have a 1 year old
son... Kyle.
Michael
O'Friel
MS
90
Present Job: Senior Geophysicist---Rozel Energy, LLC
News: Well, after 9 years with Texaco (New Orleans) I finally made the
``big'' move to a ``small'' company, Rozel Energy (Lafayette). It's great
being ``back home'' --- Vickie and the kids (Matthew 6; Garrett 2; and
Katie 2) are equally thrilled about the move. Life at Rozel Energy is
simply great---it seems like the perfect job for me.
Louis C.
Pakiser
Present Job: Geophysicist---USGS (retired)
Steve
Patti
MS
90
Present Job: Chevron Overseas Petroleum Technical Advisor - Asia New
Ventures
News: Just returned to the US after a couple of years in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Great experience, but it's good to be back.
Clay M.
Pilie
BS
84
Present Job: Physical Scientist---MMS
News: Surrently working for MMS as a physical Scientist after jobs with
Koch, Entergy, and LL and E. Happy to still be working in New Orleans!
Married for 10 years with 2 kids: Scot (4 years) and Mallory (7 months).
Kay
Plavidal
BS
81
Present Job: Contract Technical Writer
News: Well, I stopped working on October 9, 1997, and thought I'd just
spend the next year or so finding out what it meant to be bored. Instead,
I have never been busier in my life! In January, I was elected Chair of
the Austin Sierra Club, a 5500-member organization that is very active in
protecting Austin's environment. As a result, several exciting things have
happened to me, such as having the Austin newspaper print an editorial of
mine (complete with photo), being interviewed by TV and radio stations,
and being quoted in a number of newspapers. I now spend my time attending
meetings, participating on citizen and Sierra Club committees, speaking
at Public Hearings, composing press releases and organizing Sierra Club
campaigns. Quite a change from technical writing and geology, but I like
it! Maybe I'll have time to get bored next year.
Glenn
Raby
BS
78
Present Job: Geologist
News: Poking around among bones od mososaurs and hadrosaurs in the San
Juan mountains! Hi to all those Georges refugees in good old N.O.
-that brought back memories!
William A.
Ranson
MS
74
Present Job: Chairman of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
at Furman University
News: I'm very pleased to report that my family and I are spending a
year's sabbatical in Canberra, Australia, while I am doing research at the
Australian National University on Appalachian and Australian metamorphic
rocks. Allison is able to work a few hours a week via email, but is
mostly enjoying some free time. Our 3 girls are enrolled in school, and
we are all enjoying the Australian experience! We will return to South
Carolina next August when I will resume my duties as chair of the Dept. of
Earth and Environmental Sciences at Furman University.
Nicholas
Rasheta
BS
82
Present Job: Business Manager---UNO Chemistry Deparment
Raymond
Raterman
BS
73
Present Job: Technical Advisor---Halliburton Energy Service
News: Mid-life crisis! Could not afford Corvette, so left Atlas after 24
years and went to work for Halliburton. All is good.
Phil J. and Sheri F.
Richardson
BS
93; BS 96
Present Job: Philip - Geologist/CTI; Sheri - Geotech/Forcenergy
W. Phil
Richardson
BS
92
Present Job: Lead Research Geophysicist---Chevron
News: Finally defended my Ph.D. in March. It was a difficult decision
between industry and academia but I took an industry position with Chevron
- they sent me back to New Orleans!
Traci
Rodosta
MS
97
Present Job: Geologist---Texaco
News: I am living in Colorado ( Denver) working for Texaco. I am working
two development fields in southwest Wyoming...Cow Hollow and Stagecoach
Draw. Both of which are tight gas sands. I am also doing some of my own
exploration in southwest Wyoming. I have been doing a lot of riding...the
competition level is much harder here. In fact, it is not uncommon to
race with professional women racers at any race. They are always around
for they reside in the Denver/Boulder/Colorado Springs area. I guess the
most important thing that has happen this year is..``I have had no
accidents!'' I am starting a new sport this weekend called Cyclocross. It
is a cross between mountain biking and road racing. I have heard it is the
hardest of all types of cycling....so I am up for the challenge!
David M.
Rolling
BS
79
Present Job: Senior Exploration Geologist---CXY Energy, Inc.
News: Recently skidded rig from NEGX to CXY.
Shelia L.
Ross
BS
79
Present Job: Geologist - Exxon- Production Dept.
News: Not much new to report this year. Maybe next year...
William P. and Renee H.
Ryan, Jr.
MS
86
Present Job: Renee: Southeast Region Staff Mngr--- CH2M Hill, Energy, Environment and
Systems Business Group; Wm: Division Chief---Environmental Restoration
Div., Kelly Air Force Base
News: Renee and Wm. ~continue to be gainfully employed at CH2M Hill and Kelly
AFB, respectively. Milestones: Patrick and Kelsey started kindergarten;
Mom and Dad joined PTA; Still enjoying occasional (not often enough) Hill
country reunions with Drs. Ward, Paul Sunby, Diane Hyatt, Carl Young, Kay
Plavidal, and others.
David and Margarite S.
Salley
BS
85/86
Present Job: Attorney/ General Contractor
News: Since our lives didn't seem busy enough we've decided to totally
renovate our house, from top to bottom. To really complicate things, we
are going to do it ourselves. Tune in next year to see if we survived.
George and Melinda McCoy
Salley
BS 87; MS
87
News: Hello to all. Melinda and I are still renovating our
home/ocean-going vessel. The new galley is complete and we now have
running water just like the rich folks up in the big house. Melinda
continues to excel in the Womens Ocean Racing Sailing Circuit and I
continue to fish and drink beer (Hey, we've all got to do what were good
at!). The Environmental Consulting business is still booming out here in
California, thanks to the State Regulatory Agencies. We can be reached at
our e-mail addresses (gesalley@aol.com and mccoym@hninc.com). We are
planning a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2000. Anyone else going? Bye
for now. Oh, one last thing....Pavlis, Get A Life!!
Bayardo
Salmeron
BS
96
Present Job: Core-analyst with OMNI Labs, Inc
News: I am doing quite well and have been working close to a couple of
years. I had my first paid vacation in Colorado this summer, it felt
weird. Although, I must say that I truly miss the student life and
specially all the cool field trips. The '93 Brazil trip with Skip Simmons
and Karen Webber and a whole crazy gang is undisputedly the most memorable
trip of all. For those of you who were unfortunate, that was the twenty
or so student trip to Brazil on a mission to study pegmatites......yea
right.....Ha Ha Ha Ha. Well, aside from all the fun, I did learn
something, how to ask for a ``CAIPIRINA'' Ha Ha Ha. Well to end, I would
like to ask all the other Alumnus to support the department. It is
essentially where we came from.
John C.
Scheldt
MS
76
Present Job: Directional Surveyor/ Environmental
News: Still travelin', puttin' in lotsa pipelines, cables,etc, and seein'
lotsa different geology --- ``LIFE IS ONE BIG FIELDTRIP!!''
Philip A.
Schenewerk
BS
74
Present Job: Associate Professor Petroleum and Geological Engineering,
University of Missouri, Rolla
News: Colette, Kate, Laura, and Suzanne are fine. We've all managed to
settled in here and are enjoying life in the Ozarks. I did one week of
our (UMR) field camp in Utah last summer. I got the week when we camped
our way from north central Utah to the Grand Canyon. I collected lots of
trilobites and discovered why the National Park Service does not recommend
hiking to the bottom of Grand Canyon from the North Rim and back in 2
days. Field camp is sure lots more fun when all you're doing is driving
and grading!
Tricia
Schmidt
BS
94
Present Job: Onsite Consultant---Landmark Graphics at Texaco New
Orleans.
Jeffrey
Schneider
BS
95
Present Job: Geoscientist---Texaco
Frank C.
Sheppard,III
BS
84
Present Job: Senior Explorationist---EDX Technologies, Houston, TX
News: Another story of ``struggling independent fights downturn prices.''
My year at EDX has been fast, furious, and fun. Still find time to enjoy
my latest passion---recent carbonates, a.k.a. scuba diving. Laurie and I
just returned from a week in Bonaire!
Stacy
Smith
MS
90
Present Job: Deepwater Exploration---GOM
News: My wife (Kelly) and I now have a baby boy (born Nov 97) - so life
has really changed for me. All the UNO alumni at Texaco are doing well.
Suzanne Bernhardt
Smith
BS
80
Present Job: Geophysicist---Vastar Resources Inc.
News: Resigned from Amoco Feb 1997 after 17 years, and came on board to
Vastar Resources Inc. (domestic Arco). Due to toximia, gave birth to a 2
lb 3oz baby boy 11 weeks early on December 1st 1997 to Phillip Andrew
Smith. He is doing great for a premie, and 9mos later he's 19 lbs.
Developing fine and he is so much fun. Tad and I are very lucky and
blessed! Hey there Dr. Ward!!
Jeffery A.
Spencer
MS
82
Present Job: Geologist---Spirit Energy
News: After 16 years with Amoco, I quit in February and joined Spirit
Energy (UNOCAL's lower 48 business unit). With the recent BP-Amoco merger
announcement, it looks as though I may have made an even better decision
than I thought I had! I'm back working the GOM, which I find more
enjoyable and challenging than my last year at Amoco working W. Africa.
Linda is still at Amoco working the Deep Water GOM. The kids are doing
great! Emily is 4 1/2 and Rebecca is 19 months. Rebecca adores her big
sister and Emily is super with her.
Kevin
Stephens
BS
94
Present Job: Geoscientist---Texaco, Deepwater Exploration
News: Married Tracey Hebert (BS 94) in April 1998.
Tracey Hebert
Stephens
BS
94
Present Job: Chemist--- USEPA Environmental Lab, Stennis Space Center, MS
News: Graduated in Dec with MS in Marine Science, emphasis in Chemistry from
University of Southern Mississippi. Began working full time in Jan as Chemist for USEPA
Environmental Chemistry Lab at Stennis Space Ctr, MS. GOT MARRIED in
April to fellow alumn Kevin Stephens at Nottoway Plantation, followed by a
wonderful honeymoon on Cat Island, Bahamas!
Edwin E.
Sticker
MS
79
Present Job: Partner--- Seabrook Resources, Inc.
News: It was great seeing some of you ``Alums'' this year. If you are ever
in Jackson (or desire to explore in Mississippi) give me a call.
Randy
Stilwell
MS
80
Present Job: Geologist---Altura Energy, Houston
News: Altura (Amoco/Shell spinoff) is still staying afloat in the Permian
Basin after $11 oil. After drilling my best well ever last year (500
BOPD) they moved me into a team doing reservoir characterization studies
of our key fields in preparation for new/improved CO2 or water floods.
Chris and I have managed to release one of the kids from our nest, but
the other four still keep us extremely busy and either in laughter or
tears. We have much to be thankful for out there on the Katy prairie.
Deborah
Stone
MS
97
Present Job: Software Trainer---Productivity Point
Iris
Totten
BS 91, MS
94
Present Job: Exploration Geologist--- Mobil Oil
News: Staying busy with 2 kids (Cody 2 1/2, Wyatt 18 months) and working
in the Deepwater Group at Mobil. Recruiting at UNO. Building a house on 9 1/2
acres in Abita Springs. Matt is teaching me how to plumb and frame
in our spare time.
Samuel W.
Washington
BS
82
Present Job: Teacher---Orleans Parish Schools
News: Now I know what it's like on the other side of the desk... Doing my
best to raise up future rock hounds.
Tonya
Washington
BS
96
Present Job: Geotech/ Geoscientist---Texaco
Glen
Weber
BS
73
Present Job: Geologist---MMS
News: Twenty-one years with MMS with 10 to 15 to go. Corrine and I busy
with 22 month old Amber. Studied some geology in Kentucky in September.
Enjoying the comforts of Metairie when there is time.
Charles W.
Wickstrom
MS
79
Present Job: Exploration Manager---Ceja Corporation
News: This year's geologic field trip was a sailboat charter to the
islands of Guadeloupe, Ilse de Saintes, Marie Galante and Dominica. The
area is an interesting mixture of volcanics, carbonates and the respective
influence of plate tectonics. The scuba diving is wonderful. We were
there at Carnival. It's much different than Mardi Gras. Some of the parades
on Dominica started at 2:00 AM and lasted until the last person dropped.
I missed news of Skip Simmons in last years letter. Any update on Skip?
Good news, oil is up 40% in the last six months! All the best!
Dr. William P.
Wilbert
Faculty
65-68
Present Job: Independent Geologist
News: Moved, but not far; drilled, but not deep; found, but not much.
May go into partnership with Wahl in ``Dare's Bait Shop.'' Seriously, I was
Vice-Chair for DEG at AAPG in San Antonio; currently VP of SIPES.
Robert F.
Yelverton, Jr.
BS
85
Present Job: Chief---EO/IR Systems Branch
News: Luci, Jess and I are still doing great over here in Ft. Walton Beach.
I'm still working for the air force and Luci is with the YMCA now. Can't
believe Jess is 13 already! Time flies! Come see us if you're over this
way.
Carl and Gaby Womble
Young
MS 85; BS 89
Present Job: Manager---Remediation Department of the Duke Engineering
Paris Office
News: Put geologically, we've entered a new Age; Gaby and I are devoting
large blocks of time to conducting research in the Kimmeridgian limestones
of central France. While Ostrea virgula is a reliable marker fossil, the
chablis vines are much more rewarding as indicator vegetation. Gaby
regularly spelunks the depths of the Paris Metro. We're deciphering the
French and their language in fits and starts. Say! Didja know that
mispronouncing the word for `dress suit' produces the (vulgar) word for
`penis'? As in: ``Do you have any black dress suits in my size?''
Warren G.
Zimmerman
BS 70, MS
89
Present Job: Director of Staff Education---SELH
News: The gig remains the same---nurse educator---enjoying life and
checking out the possibilities.