Decathlete of the Week!

Trevor Hogan

Classification: Architecture/Appropriate Technology Major, Undergraduate Senior

Job Title: Site Operations and Transportation Manager 

Joined the Team: January 2011

How did you get involved?

"I knew several people that were involved. They all had great things to say about it, so I decided to join."

The Best Part?

"Representing Appalachian State University. I look forward to showing off what we've been working on in a global competition."

Outside the Team?

"I like to go hiking, tubing, swimming, fishing and whatever else I can do outdoors."

Two Bucket List Items

1- Winning the competition

2- I would like to travel and see different types of buildings from around the world."

If you had one more day to live...

" I'd finish the OMs and spend the rest of the day out on the beach with an ice cold beverage."

Through his display of hard work and dedication, Trevor has been tasked with overseeing all aspects of the seven outbuilding modules. He will be assembling a team that will be in charge of constructing and transporting the OMs.

Congratulations Trevor! With your leadership and determination we know you will have our OMs completed and delivered as scheduled! 

Sponsor of the Month

Sponsor of the Month

                The Solar Homestead Team would like to recognize Lowe’s Home Improvement as our Sponsor of the Month for May 2011.  In the fall of 2010 Lowe’s and Appalachian State University shook hands to join together in representing the Solar Homestead project at the Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011.  Lowe’s Companies Inc. and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation have contributed $350,000 to Appalachian State University’s Solar Decathlon 2011 project.  The donation includes tools, materials, and financial support needed to construct the Solar Homestead and has been a pivotal part of the projects operations.

                The Solar Homestead team has focused on gaining the support of North Carolina based companies for our project and Lowe’s couldn’t fit any better.  Founded in 1946, Lowe’s has grown from a small hardware store in North Carolina to the second largest home improvement retailer worldwide, and the 8th largest retailer in the United States.

                “For Lowe’s, education is the cornerstone to building bright futures and stronger communities,” said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation and president and chief operating officer of Lowe’s Companies.  “The leadership demonstrated by the Appalachian team to educate its peers, lead the state and share with the world its solutions for sustainable living is truly commendable. Like the Solar Homestead team, Lowe’s is committed to helping today’s homeowners and future generations make their homes more energy efficient and sustainable.”

                Appalachian State and the Solar Homestead team would like to again thank Lowe’s Company for their tremendous support, and we are extremely proud to recognize them as our May 2011 Sponsor of the Month!

Decathlete of the Week!

Laura Clark

Classification: Construction Management, Undergraduate Senior

Job Title: Project Management Team
Joined the Team: January 2011


How did you get involved?
“Dave came and talked to my class about the project one day, and when I heard the news and saw the excitement of Appalachian State being accepted in the The Solar Decathlon 2011, I
just knew I had to be involved.”


The Best Part?
“I really like working with everyone else on the team and
getting real life experience from it.”

Outside the Team?
“I like to be in my hammock while reading a book, and do anything outdoors.”

Would you rather?
 Be a giant hamster or a tiny rhino? “Probably a tiny rhino because baby rhinos are SO CUTE! Oh, and I could run around and stab people in the ankles.”

Favorite Overlook?
“Wiseman’s View because at night mysterious lights flicker in the woods.”

The rest of The Solar Homestead team would like to congratulate and thank Laura for her hard work. Laura has volunteered her time to work all-nighters when needed, helping finish a new model and contribute to all of the teams on The Solar Homestead project in addition to her work on the Project Management team. Thank you Laura for being such a valuable member of our team!