Article Courtesy: Paul Letlow, ULM L Club
New ULM L Club president Andy Snelling recently sat down for a Q&A with Paul Letlow. Snelling, a native and current resident of Shreveport, attended ULM from 1974-78 where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in Radio and TV Management. The former football and track manager is married and is the father of two current ULM students. He has been a representative for World Book, Incorporated's School/Library division for 20 years.
Letlow: What originally brought you to ULM?
Snelling: It had the curriculum that I was interested in Majoring in.
Letlow: What was it about your experiences at ULM that kept you involved through the years?
Snelling: The great teammates and friends. Being part of the John David Crow years and Bob Groseclose track team and the memories. Plus I want to help out the University in my small way.
Letlow: Who was the most influential person for you during your time on campus?
Snelling: Other than coaches and instructors, I'd say Dr. Preston Juvenal. He was the academic advisor for the athletic department. He helped me get back on the path to not only graduate, but go from an average student to being on the Dean's and President's lists my last year at ULM.
Letlow: Coach John David Crow, a former Heisman Trophy winner when he played football at Texas A&M, obviously had a big impact on you as a student. What was it about the man that you remember most?
Snelling: There are so many memories, but mainly that he was a very humble man even with all of the success and national awards he won. He always stressed that you should work hard to be successful. If you get knocked down, get up, brush yourself off, rethink and get back after it.
Letlow: The L Club officers and board have continuing plans to renovate the L Club house on campus. What are your thoughts on advancing this project?
Snelling: This is the number one project for the L Club and I want us to move forward on it. The building needs a major updates throughout. By completing this project it can be a source of pride and provide us with the ability host more L Club events for our members.
Letlow: What are some other points of emphasis for you as you continue your time as L Club president?
Snelling: I would like to increase membership and awareness of the L Club to the ULM nation and have more events for the former athletes and members.
Letlow: The L Club recently announced its 2016 class of Hall of Fame inductees. What do you look for in a potential Hall of Fame selection and what general criteria do we use?
Snelling: We look at their excellent ULM athletic success and their character.
Letlow: Nominations can come from anyone, right? So how can someone nominate a candidate?
Snelling: Simple: www.ulm.edu/lclub/lclub_fame
Scroll down the page where you can click on the link for the nomination form. Once filled out you can scan and email the form to lclub@ulm.edu or fax it to 318-342-3620. You may also mail in a nomination to: ULM L Club, 4400 Bon Aire Dr., Monroe, LA 71209
Letlow: The L Club stages a golf tournament in conjunction with the Hall of Fame induction. What are the benefits of sponsoring or playing in the tournament?
Snelling: Being a sponsor helps us put on the Hall of Fame weekend. As a business you have great exposure to people with good income and who have an interest in ULM. Playing helps also with support, it's fun, and a great chance to meet other former athletes and supporters. We have also had the ULM golf team help out, so you get to meet them. By the way, anybody can play in the tournament. It's great fun.
Letlow: The end zone pavilion and L Club tailgate at Malone Stadium is a great spot for members to enjoy football games. How can L Club members take part in the fun?
Snelling: Just show up. At most it's only $20.00 per game for members if you do not have a game ticket and there is great food and refreshments. It's a great place to watch the game.
Letlow: You weren't an athlete but you are an active member of the L Club, which isn't just for Athletes anymore. Who else can join?
Snelling: I was a football and track manager letterman. Any former trainer, manager and letter-winner in any sport, Coaches, dance team members, cheerleaders can become members. We have also opened membership to ski team and fishing team members.
Letlow: Someone wants to join the L Club. What do they get for their $50 annual dues?
Snelling: We are planning on starting a quarterly e-newsletter, you receive membership in the Warhawk Report web site. Here is the main thing: It helps fund our activities and events. We sponsor and help out in many things: Senior Day events, graduation luncheon for athletes, Hall of Fame and many other requests. If your teammates want to have a reunion, we can help plan, host and coordinate your event.
Letlow: The L Club is an active participant on Senior Days, awarding plaques to those ending their careers. What is your pitch to those departing seniors to stay involved through L Club membership?
Snelling: The L Club is your organization to stay involved in the University. It's a great way not only stay in contact with your teammates, but others who have paved the way for you. I like to use Coach Crow's quote that is now on the plaque at the John David Crow Athletic Director Office. "It is our obligation as the Athletic Department to provide a first-class educational and athletic opportunity for the student athlete. It is their obligation to go to class, study hard, and get that degree and then contribute back to their University so others can have the same opportunity they had." The L Club is a way to give back and be involved.
