........"The Newsletter for Enterprising People"

Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Lamar University...........................................................March 2006

Clark LaFosse – Entrepreneurship Scholar

In the fall of 2005, the Allred family established an entrepreneurship scholarship in memory of the late local entrepreneur, Bruce Allred. Students qualified to apply for the scholarship had to have a 3.0 GPA at the undergraduate level and a 3.25 GPA at the graduate level. They also had to show that they were genuinely interested in entrepreneurship. MBA candidate, Clark LaFosse was the 2005 recipient of the Bruce Allred Memorial Scholarship in Entrepreneurial Studies, and was selected because of his demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship, as well as his scholastic achievements.

LaFosse grew up in the Beaumont area and attended Hamshire-Fannett High School. He began his education at Baylor University, majoring in Finance with a minor in Mathematics. His interest in entrepreneurship developed after taking entrepreneurship courses at the undergraduate level. The courses appealed to him because they “encompassed all aspects of business”. In addition to an interest in entrepreneurship courses, LaFosse found that he had a knack for thinking of business ideas that, according to his professors, could make viable ventures. This encouraged him to further pursue his interest.

After obtaining his undergraduate degree in 2003, LaFosse planned to pursue an MBA that fall. However, tragedy struck as doctors discovered that he had a brain tumor. Determined to move forward, he enrolled in Lamar University’s MBA program for the spring of 2004. Unfortunately, due to his condition he was forced to drop his classes by spring break.

However, like most people with the drive to become an entrepreneur, LaFosse was not afraid to persevere through his challenges. Tenacious and determined to “chart his own path”, he re-enrolled in the program in the spring of 2005 after his health improved. He is currently scheduled to graduate in August 2006 with a concentration in entrepreneurship. Afterwards, he plans on obtaining a PHD in entrepreneurship, launching his own venture, while teaching students how to do the same.