Retired USAF Brigadier General, Louisiana National Guard chief named Alumnus of the Year
Contact: Christina Chapple
10/6/08
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HAMMOND – Kenneth L. Ross, a long-time Hammond attorney who rose to become a U.S. Air Force brigadier general and chief of staff of the Louisiana Air National Guard, has been named the 2008 Alumnus of the Year by the Southeastern Louisiana University Alumni Association.
Ross, who received his bachelor’s degree in government from Southeastern in 1967, began his military career as an air operations specialist in the Louisiana Air National Guard, receiving his commission in 1970 as a pilot trainee. Until his retirement in 1998, he served as a tactical fighter pilot flying the F-100, F-4 and F-15 Eagle aircraft, operations and plans officer, chief of plans, director of Air Operations, commander, assistant adjutant general and chief of staff.
“Ken Ross is a true hometown hero whose leadership has gone far beyond his own community,” said Interim President John L. Crain. “As a pilot and officer, attorney and civic leader, he has served our state and nation as well. We are very proud to honor one of Southeastern’s most distinguished graduates as part of our Homecoming celebration.”
A resident of Hammond for more than 50 years, Ross received his juris doctorate from Louisiana State University and is a senior partner in the law firm of Seale & Ross. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force’s Squadron Officer School and Air Command and Staff College and National Security Management Course.
He is president of the Hammond manufacturing company Ross and Wallace Paper Products, Inc., and managing partner of Ross Property Management, L.L.C. He served as treasurer of the National Guard Association of the United States and president of the National Guard Association of Louisiana. He has also been active in the American Legion, Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, and the Louisiana Bar Association. He is past president of the Tangipahoa Parish Manufacturers Association and Tangipahoa Parish Chamber of Commerce, and chairman of Leadership Tangipahoa.
Ross will be honored at the university’s Alumni Awards Evening Friday, Oct. 17. Tickets for the event, scheduled for 7 p.m., at Twelve Oaks, are available from the Alumni Association, 985-549-2150, 1-800-SLU-ALUM. Ross will also reign as grand marshal in the homecoming parade at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, Homecoming Day.
Southeastern Homecoming Week, Oct. 13-18, includes Business Week, a series of lectures sponsored by the College of Business; a variety of spirited games and activities for students; a community decorating contest; a bonfire on Thursday; and homecoming tailgating and reunions on Saturday. The week will culminate with the Southeastern Lions vs. Northwestern State football game at 6 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium.
For a complete schedule of Homecoming activities, contests and reunions, visit www.selu.edu/homecoming.
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