We are celebrating Dustin Guidry and Coy LeBlanc, who both walked across the stage in cap and gown on Friday at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s graduation ceremonies!

Having received his Bachelor of General Studies from the University in 2008, Dustin went back to school for his Engineering degree after discovering a passion. Dustin recounts, “My first run in college, I was in architecture and dabbled in Civil Engineering, but decided to finish out in General Studies because I had bounced around so much. When I started working here at Fenstermaker, it put that bug back in my ear, and I really wanted to go back and pursue this. I knew the Engineering team was willing to work with me to get it done, so everything lined up perfectly. What I’ve learned in school has helped my projects and work product, and also what I’ve learned on the job here helped me out in school. Whichever way you look at it, it was a lot easier going back to school while working at Fenstermaker because I had a lot of experience going into certain classes already. My family kept me motivated; my wife is a very strong woman, raising both our kids when I was not able to be there. She kept pushing through and kept pushing me along the way as well. Also knowing that this company had invested in me… that investment helped me to keep going.”

Behind this investment is a team of skilled engineers who see wonderful potential in Dustin. As he has already passed the Engineering Intern exam, Dustin joined the ranks upon graduation as our newest E.I.! Engineering Director, Jeanne Arceneaux Hornsby, P.E. says, “Dustin has worked for the Lafayette Engineering Division for the last 6 and ½ years as both an inspector and an engineering technician. Throughout this time, he has managed to balance career, family, and school as he has worked towards obtaining his B.S. in Civil Engineering. Dustin is a born leader who steps up to any challenge that is placed in front of him. He has an eye for detail which shows through in the plans he generates as well as the construction activities he oversees. With these traits, we are lucky to have him on our team and I see a bright future ahead for him.”

Coy, after reaching this milestone of earning a Master’s in Coastal Ecology and Advanced Technologies, said that he is aiming for a PhD, and he sees this is a stepping stone. Coy gave the following insight into his motivations: “Dr. Foret mentioned that he wanted us to pursue further training and UL was starting their master’s program, so I decided this was the perfect time to advance in reaching my career goals. Initially, I wanted to provide better for my family, and knew that taking this step would allow me to do that. Once I got started, the research really intrigued me into further investigation of alternative methodologies. I believe my research is going to provide a new service for the company.” Coy successfully defended his thesis in April, “Above ground biomass estimation in a Sagittaria lancifolia marsh using advanced remote sensing.”

Senior Environmental Specialist, Nicholas Gaspard, speaks highly of his colleague, stating: “The level of growth I have seen from Coy throughout the pursuit of his master’s degree is nothing short of spectacular. When speaking of his UAV adventures, Coy’s knowledgeability and passion are extremely evident. I have always thought of Coy as one of the smartest people here at Fenstermaker and this most recent accomplishment is a reflection of his brilliance. The one thing that stands out to me most about Coy is his ability to find the answers for that which he doesn’t know—he has a real thirst for knowledge and I look forward to working alongside him for many years to come.”

Huge congratulations are in order for these two gentlemen! We applaud your efforts, and appreciate your tremendous contributions to our organization. You make us proud; you make us better.

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