Frank's CAD laboratory debuts

Published

Industrial technology major Jeremy Roy was as pleased as anyone gathered at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for the recent dedication of Frank’s Computer Aided Design Laboratory.

The student-oriented laboratory in Rougeou Hall houses 48 computers outfitted with state-of-the-art CAD software.

“It’s awesome,” said Roy, 35, a sophomore working on one of the computers. “Having this lab is a huge advantage. When we first started our classes, we had to do (design) work by hand. It also makes a big difference not having to provide your own computer and a very expensive program.”

The computer-aided design laboratory was funded with $230,000 of a $2.83 million gift from Lafayette businessman Donald Mosing in January 2012.

The personal gift from Mosing is the largest of its kind for UL Lafayette’s College of Engineering. Mosing, of Frank’s Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc., graduated in 1950 in mechanical engineering at UL Lafayette.

“In an economy that’s ever-changing and challenging, private donations ensure and reaffirm our commitment to a first-class education,” said UL Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie.

In addition to the computer-aided design laboratory, Mosing’s $2.83 million gift will fund a $1 million endowed chair and a student career development program.

At the dedication, Mosing said the new laboratory will help encourage high school students to pursue mechanical engineering degrees and careers.

“I think it’s very well put together, and important,” Mosing said of the new laboratory.

Dr. Mark Zappi, dean for UL Lafayette’s College of Engineering, thanked Mosing for “providing a classroom for future engineers and technicians.”

“The lab has already had a huge impact on students, as well as those who might want to come here.”

Mosing is the eldest son of Frank and Jessie Mosing. He contributed 67 years to Frank’s Casing Crew and Rental Tools, the family-owned business founded by his father and based in Lafayette.

Mosing retired as president in 2011. His leadership and innovation resulted in 36 patents and growth of the original company and affiliates into a global organization that serves the domestic and international energy industry.