Dr. Stephen Webre, the Garnie W. McGinty professor of history and interim associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Louisiana Tech University, has received a Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities award. Webre received the award for Individual Achievement in the Humanities for his contributions in north Louisiana. As a discussion leader in the LEH’s Readings in Literature and Culture (RELIC) adult reading series, he is a driving force for humanities programs in Ruston, Homer, Haynesville, Ringgold and Arcadia, with additional contributions made in Bossier City and Shreveport. He has led discussions of subjects ranging from contemporary Mexico to the history and culture of north Louisiana. Last year, Webre led the “Muslim Journeys, American Stories” program, funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association. “It’s enjoyable to meet literate and articulate people all over the area and lead them through materials and ideas that they might otherwise not encounter,” Webre said. “It’s a lot like teaching, which I enjoy, of course, but it has the advantage that everyone in the room actually wants to be there and is actually interested in what we’re doing. And, of course, there are no tests and no grades. Just learning.” Each year, LEH honors Louisiana residents who have made outstanding contributions to the study and understanding of the humanities. The LEH is a Louisiana affiliate of the National Endowment of the Humanities. “I’m sure there are people more deserving than I am, but it’s nice to be recognized for something that I really enjoy and also believe in,” Webre said. Webre will be honored at the Humanities Awards luncheon in New Orleans later this month.