UNIVERSITY PARK, PA-- Tragedy struck the faculty at Penn State University early Wednesday morning as audio-visual technician Claude LaGrange was found dead at his downtown home.

             LaGrange’s death was a huge blow to the faculty as he was the only technician who knew how to operate and maintain the projectors used in many lecture halls.

A group of mourners pays tribute to #4 during a humble service at a nearby church.

             While he was a valuable member of the faculty, many co-workers and students seemed more concerned about the status of the teaching tools they can no longer utilize.

             “Where the heck is that creepy A/V guy?” Professor Edward Menske wondered before his scheduled English class. “How can I possibly show my overhead displays if that little mutant doesn’t come to work?” After being notified of LaGrange’s death, Menske replied, “Isn’t there a replacement? Don’t they just keep those A/V guys locked up with the projectors anyway?”

             Although Penn State in the past has stored its technical support people in the bowels of lecture halls, this practice was deemed controversial and was outlawed in the late 80’s. The university administration has issued a statement regarding the tragedy, “We are deeply saddened by the death of Audio/Visual technician # 4. We offer our condolences to the estate of # 4”

             Student reactions were generally more optimistic. “This isn’t about mourning death, man, it’s about celebrating the life of that little guy,” said Jacob Larson (sophomore – English) “Its also about celebrating the fact that I don’t have to put up with those god awful PowerPoint slides today.”

             An estimated 20 lectures were cancelled due to the lack of equipment knowledge. Without the technical expertise of LaGrange, professors were left to turn on and operate projectors themselves. Since few if any were trained in basic computers skills, and fewer could fall back on actual teaching methods, all classes were cancelled.

             LaGrange will be missed, but only until a new technician is found. The university is now accepting applications.