College of Engineering Professor, Advisory Council Member Honored for Women's Advocacy at 2015 Esprit de Femme Awards Celebration

Two women from LSU’s College of Engineering were honored for their commitment to elevating the status of women in the community at the third annual Esprit de Femme Awards Sunrise Celebration, held Thursday morning at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge.

Doris Carver, a professor in the Division of Computer Science and Engineering, and Carroll Suggs, a member of the College’s Dean’s Advisory Board, were among eight women and one man awarded for their contributions to the arts, education, healthcare, business and industry, charity, and civic engagement.

“We’re thrilled to have not one, but two women who represent the College of Engineering recognized for their efforts to advance gender equality,” said Richard Koubek, dean of the College. “Dr. Carver and Ms. Suggs are both deserving of this award.”

Carver has held numerous roles in higher education and in the local community. On campus, she holds a Dow Chemical Distinguished Professorship and has served as the interim vice chancellor, senior associate vice chancellor, the senior associate vice chancellor for research and economic development, and interim dean of the graduate school. She has also stayed active in her research of software engineering. Off campus, Carver is involved in a variety of professional organizations, such as the IEEE Computer Society and the Computing Research Association.

“It’s gratifying to be recognized for work you love doing,” she said in a prepared statement read aloud by the event’s emcee. In addition to the Esprit de Femme award, Carver has received the IEEE Computer Society's Richard E. Merwin Distinguished Service Award and the LSU Foundation Teaching Award.

Suggs is the former board chairman and chief executive officer of Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., a worldwide provider of helicopter transportation and emergency medical services to the offshore oil and gas industry, government agencies and other institutions. Her service has been dedicated to education, community development and medical research.

Suggs now serves in leadership roles and holds memberships with a long list of boards and panels, ranging from the LSU Health Sciences Foundation to the National World War II Museum Board of Trustees to the Metropolitan Crime Commission. She has also been the recipient of many prestigious awards.

In addition to saluting the honorees, the event served as a fundraising opportunity for the LSU Women’s Center. All proceeds will ensure the center can continue to meet and expand the mission of promoting advancement of women’s issues and gender equity through services, advocacy efforts, and educational programs.

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About the LSU Women’s Center
The LSU Women’s Center promotes the advancement of women’s issues and gender equity through its services, advocacy efforts and education programs. The Center also provides support, referral, and information to students, faculty and staff on issues and concerns related to women.