We are looking for any photos that include Staci or any photos of Staci-planned events or activities on the LSU campus. As she meant so very much to so many of us, we seek to honor her memory and continue her admirable work.

*****
Staci Ann Pepitone, 43 years young and a resident of Baton Rouge Louisiana, peacefully passed from this world on March 11, 2010 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Staci was a beloved daughter, friend and mentor to many and she leaves behind a great legacy of thoughtfulness, compassion, leadership and friendship. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Staci was a graduate of Wright State University, and an alumna by choice of Louisiana State University where she was pursuing a degree in Higher Education Administration. Staci served in various roles during her employment at LSU including the LSU Union and most recently as the Assistant to the Vice Chancellor in the Division of Finance and Administration. She will be best remembered on campus for her creation and work with such programs as Groovin’ on the Grounds, Homecoming, Idea Walls, Concert promotions and her work on various movie sets. She changed the lives of her students and colleagues daily with her generosity, honesty, ease in finding solutions to difficult problems, her vision of inclusiveness, and most importantly, her steadfast friendship.Staci leaves behind her beloved mother, friend, and confidant, Brenda Pepitone and a host of family and friends to numerous to count, who’s hearts are deeply grieving. She is also survived by her father, Anthony Pepitone, Jr. Staci is proceeded in death by grandparents, Martha and Nick Kolentus and Anthony and Alberta Pepitone.All are invited to celebrate the life of our beloved Staci Pepitone.Tuesday, March 16, 2010Christ the King Catholic Student Center, LSU8:00-9:00AM Visitation9:00-9:30AM Memorial Service 9:30-10:30AM Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Fr. Paul Yi. Immediately following, friends and colleagues are invited to join in a dedication of the Staci Pepitone Oak on the LSU Parade Ground and afterwards for refreshments and fellowship at the African American Cultural Center. LSU friends are encouraged to enjoy the day by walking to the services.. All others may park in the visitor’s center. Per Staci’s wishes, guests are encouraged to wear purple and gold victory attire. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make a contribution to the Staci Pepitone Oak Endowment. Once the endowment is fulfilled, a scholarship for student leadership development will be created in Staci’s honor.Checks made payable to:
LSU Foundation
Mail to:Staci Pepitone Oakc/o LSU Foundation
3838 West Lakeshore Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
On the check note: Staci Pepitone Oak

Or go online to:
https://www.lsufoundation.org/contribute.php?opt1=1&opt2=Other&fund=Staci%20Pepitone%20Oak

****

In much of the promotion, all I continue to hear is that ‘this will make Baton Rouge the next great American city.’ As much as I want Baton Rouge to be a great American city, I disagree that this is the way we get there.

We don’t get there by taking a chance that another arts/entertainment venue will help spark a downtown revival, we get there by adding competitive jobs, industry and careers for our residents inside of our city/parish. I’ve often heard the argument that ‘we need arts/entertainment before industry will come here’ and I agree to that statement, but where I disagree is that arts come first. Industry has to be drawn and fostered first then lets compliment it where I can get a glass of wine and an art gallery.

I would still be inclined to vote for the proposal sans ‘Alive’ – we do need the infrastructure improvements and that is an investment we can afford. It is a crying shame that this has to be a package deal, even if it would shave years off the bond payback, according to projections.

I am not wholeheartedly against taxes and completely understand the idea that we need to take ownership in our future, I get that. What I will not take sitting down is what I consider a bad proposal, coupled with bad assumptions and unattainable projections that has a fancy catch phrase and an endorsement from every name and organization ‘in the know.’

You know where I stand, and I don’t expect to change your mind. I only hope I have provided a dissenting opinion that makes sense, unlike some of the other dissent I’ve heard.

GEAUX BATON ROUGE!

Disclaimers::
-I do like Kip Holden as mayor, think he’s done a great job. I just happen to disagree w/him on this one issue.
-Baton Rouge is a great capitol city and college(s) city, one of the best. However, we’ve become a commuter city because of it. Only industry and career-jobs place enough permanence in our area to maintain. Our economy does not need to be based on tourism, instead a willing commitment to reward those who live and work (therefore contributing) here.

http://lifehacker.com/5397713/google-dashboard-provides-a-top+down-look-at-your-google-use

Sure, we can get into theory about visual intelligence, summation strategies and usability, but this isn’t really the place. I’ll admit – not too many places would be ‘the place’ for that discussion.

Whats important is two things. The first is that google is adapting in the world of quick and consolidated information, meaning business intelligence will continue to be a driving force of business since Google is an ‘opinion leader’ for both business standards and technology adaptation. The second is that now you can see what google knows about you – and you are allowed to be frightened by that!

http://www.google.com/dashboard

-d-

Thinking to the future reminded me of the past. I kept up a blog called ‘The Heisman Run’ for about two years (05-07) and took a couple minutes to enjoy some of the things I’ve written in the past. I’m glad to share, if you’d like to listen.

I used to blog…

about my obsessive hatred for ‘buzzword nasty’ writing
http://heismanrun.blogspot.com/2006/02/thinking-outside-of-loosing-my-mind.html

about my initial discovery of my psoriatic arthritis
http://heismanrun.blogspot.com/2006/01/this-time-its-personal.html

about the first time I tried to adjust to contacts (so far, attempt #2 has been more successful)
http://heismanrun.blogspot.com/2005/07/contact-lenses-vision-update-i-dont.html

about great concerts I had attended at that point
http://heismanrun.blogspot.com/2006/03/groovin-my-time-away.html

about my reflections on the first time I heard Mitch Hedberg
http://heismanrun.blogspot.com/2005/07/contact-lenses-vision-update-i-dont.html

about my utter disgust with Brittany Spears’ lack of financial support for South Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina
http://heismanrun.blogspot.com/2005/09/namin-names.html

Here’s hoping there will be a successful return to blogging -

-d-