Last Updated December, 2000
Anthony J. Elam (Tony) is the Assistant Dean of Engineering, George R. Brown School of Engineering and Executive Director of the Computer and Information Technology Institute (CITI) at Rice Unversity. Cherie L. Elam is a homemaker, Division I Soccer Coach/Manager, and active volunteer in school projects. William A. Elam (Austin) is a senior at Clear Lake High School, Division I and High School Varsity Team Soccer player, philosopher, gamer and never wrong. Andrew L. Elam (Andy) is a Sophomore in High School, Division I and Junior-Varsity Soccer player and going out with a hot chic named Courtney! Augie Dogie is a six year old, red, miniature pinscher that runs the house. Welcome to our family web page.
- Tony Elam
- Cherie Elam
- Austin Elam
- Andy Elam
- Augie Dogie
I graduated with honors and received a BS in Computer Science (w/ double major in Mathematics and a minor in Military Science) from the University of Kentucky in 1977. I worked my way through college as a Computer Operator (weekend nightshift) and taught Fortran, Cobol and Introduction to Data Processing at a local Technical Institute. As an undergraduate I took the maximum number of independent study classes allowed (great advisor - thanks Dr. Baxtor) and I was awarded the Oswald Undergraduate Research and Creativity Award.
I have eighteen years experience in the Computer/Information Technology Industry and over 4 years experience in academic research management and development. The first half of my industrial experience (nine years) was in Development Engineering for IBM in a wide variety of computing technologies: from microcode program development for small system peripheral products, development of assemblers for custom processors, product planning and technical marketing support, to the design and enhancement of CAD/CAM graphical systems. The last nine years were focused on research and technical studies related to design and architectures for future high performance ground data systems such as the NASA Earth Observing System, DOE Superconducting Super Collider SDC experiment and the DOD Joint Training, Analysis, and Simulations Center. I have acted as an IBM site facility Research Manager and a member of the Federal System Company's Science and Technology Advisory Board. My focus was always on new business acquisition and diversification, proposal development and coordination of High Performance Computing projects across a wide variety of government agencies (DOE, DOD, NASA, Commerce). While employed at IBM I received 4 Outstanding Contribution and Achievement awards.
Today, I am the Assistant Dean of Engineering in the George R. Brown School of Engineering. I promote and manage our research interests and industrial relations. In addition, I am currently the Executive Director of CITI - Computer and Information Technology Institute at Rice University. My job is to foster joint interdisciplinary research projects between Rice Faculty associated with CITI and Industrial and Government partners. I have been at Rice University since March of 1996 and loving every minute of it! In addition, I am currently serving on the following committees and advisory boards:
Rice Unversity Research Council
Rice Unversity Patents Committee
Committee on the Digital Environment
Digital Architecture Committee
Baker Institute Advisory Committee
Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship Steering Committee
Rice Space Institute Advisory Committee
My hobbies include game collecting, game playing and participation in my kid’s activities (soccer and school). I have always been interested in games. I was raised in a small town and prior to college life was not aware of any published strategy games besides chess. So I use to make up my own combat/war board games to play by myself and with friends. After moving to a larger city to go to college I became aware of published strategy and war simulation games and so began my collection. After 30 years of collecting, and over 4000 titles - I'm running out of room! During the past five years I’ve had 3 newspapers and 2 TV stations do interviews/articles on my collection and hobby. Articles were published in the Houston Chronicle, Rice News and Houston Press. In addition I've had a couple TV interviews including a feature on a local ABC TV program, "The Sights and Sounds of Houston" and NBC Channel 2 News. My current collecting focus is on European board games (in particular German Games). I’m a Communicating Member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association) and a Member of the Association of Game and Puzzle Collectors.
Tony and Wife Cherie
I have lived in Houston most of my life, although I was born in Rhinebeck, New York, and have also lived in Lexington, Kentucky. My travel experiences include vacationing in Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin and in doing so travelling through ten other states.
My academic interests include mathematics and science. The courses I have enjoyed the most include AP Biology, AP U.S. History, and American Literature. AP U.S. History was very challenging in that it helped develop my critical thinking skills and essay writing ability. American Literature was also an outstanding course because of the class discussions on philosophies and the exposure to a variety of writing styles.
My long-range career goals include a quality education at a major university and pursuit of study in the natural sciences, perhaps genetics, cell biology, or bioengineering. At this time, I plan to be involved in a career of research or possibly the medical profession. The courses I would most likely take in college would involve the natural sciences. I am planning to take courses in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and bioengineering. Potential majors include natural sciences, biomedical engineering, or premed.
When I am on my own; I like to read books on philosophy. My friends and I have formed a group outside of school where we hold discussions on philosophy, specifically on Objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand. The friends that I most often spend this time with are Matt Hall, Matt Wall, and Charlie Beel. I learn well by listening, by hands-on activity, and interaction.
This past summer I spent three weeks volunteering as an assistant coach at Coach Doug Elder’s All American soccer camps. He is now the head soccer coach at Midwestern University. I worked in training kids from age 4-12 years old. It was a good opportunity to support my community. Even though there were no financial rewards, the hard work and the appreciation of the young children and parents was enough. Also, I was able to enhance my relationship with Coach Elder and the other staff members.
My strengths are in leadership and in communication. I am able to take charge, organize, and lead a group in class or on the field. Intermediate classes in drama/theater gave me the confidence in presenting before a group of people. My large base of interest makes me comfortable in communicating with a variety of groups in various circumstances.
My mother says I am perfect. Actually, because of my variety of interests and sports commitments I need to strive to do a better job of time management. My extra-curricular activities in school include soccer, Interact Club, Philosophy Phorum, and NHS. I have definitely put the most time into soccer for many different reasons. First, I enjoy the sport, and being part of the team. Next, I am a very hard-working and competitive person. I enjoy seeing my teammates and myself progress, becoming stronger players and more mature individuals. Lastly, winning is important. Clear Lake High School has the best soccer program in the area and it is good to be a part of it. We have not lost a game in district play since I have been on the team. If you ever run into Chad Yeamans, Justin Dahl, or Josh Miles just ask them about our great team!
My five most important honors include my membership in National Honors Society, my three letters as a Varsity Soccer player, and my membership in Who’s Who of American High School Students. Also, I was nominated for the top fifteen students of Clear Lake High School my junior year.
I play division 1 soccer on a local team where I receive special training from a professional trainer. In addition to regular season games, this involves training several hours a week for eight months out of the year and travel in and out of state for pre and post season tournaments. Also, I am co-president of Clear Lake Anime and Gaming (CLAG) Club, which is a group of about 20-30 students who meet to watch and discuss Japanese Animated films and play a variety of strategy games. Key members of this club include Colin Dusek (co-president), Chad Lucas, Ben McCalib, Charlie Beel, Matt Hall, and Matt Wall, and my brother Andy.
I have always enjoyed drawing fantasy characters. I am mostly self-taught and my skills have improved greatly through experimentation with oils and charcoal. It is a fulfilling form of expression for me, but I rarely have the time for it. I have participated in a gifted and talented art program at the University of Houston that I was invited to, and I look forward to expanding this hobby. I have also written a series of role playing adventures that my friends and I have played over a span of five years. Writing has always been a creative outlet and something I intend to continue.
I am a very goal-oriented individual. Once I have committed to an objective, a project, or a team, my loyalty and dedication compel me give the maximum amount of effort I have to succeed.
Austin Looking Cool
Typical Austin
Austin's 18th Birthday at Hooters - Don't Ask
Austin and the Yellow 'Stang
Austin, Andy and friends at the Renaissance Festival
Sup…its me Andy. I see that you have picked me. Good choice.
I am 15 years old and a sophomore at Clear Lake High School, and currently playing on the JV soccer team. Also I am in the CLAG (Clear Lake Anime and Gaming) club. My main interests for the future are flying and the study of psychology. Psychology, in its entirety, has always interested me. I first became interested in psychology when my friend caught a cold and was griping about how much it hurt him to sniff. So, having just read a really cool book on how to hypnotize people, I hypnotized him. After telling him that it would hurt to sniff, he has yet to sniff to this day, and is known for blowing his nose right into his own hand if he has to, just to avoid sniffing…That was 2 years ago. Flying has also been an interest to me for a while. My interest in flying spawned when I was 13 and had an eye exam, and the results were incredible. I currently have 20/13 vision and want to be a fighter pilot for the Air Force. And hopefully, sometime soon, I will get my private pilot’s license.
Right now I have a very select group of friends that consist of mostly seniors. Since I was small, I have always hung out with my brother and most of his friends. This trend has now resulted in almost all my friends being older. Of all my friends, (besides my brother), I would have to say that 4 stand out the most. Chad Lucas has got to be one of the craziest bastards I have ever met, and over the years that unique character trait has given me a lot of great memories. Every minute is a party with this guy, and things are always more exciting when he is around. Another good friend of mine is Matt Hall. I don’t think that there are many people I could enjoy talking to more than him. His extensive knowledge of philosophy has always kept me interested in what he has to say, and he always seems to be able to get to the bottom of every question or problem I could come to him for help with. Also I he has accomplished a lot in his life, aside from his pilot’s license, he can play the guitar with incredible skill, and I always enjoy listening to him play.
There are two other people that stand out the most in my life, one of which, being my best friend, is Ben McCalib. We have been best friends for almost 6 years now. Growing up, I modeled myself after him, and this can be seen in the way we act together. Many of his morals and principles have been carried over into my life, and I thank him greatly for being there for me when I needed him. Ben has had such a great affect on my life, and I am glad to have been his friend all these years. Saving the best for last, and possibly the most important person to me right now, is my girl friend, Courtney Eickmeier. I feel very lucky to have met someone like her, and I fully intend on spending a lot more time with her. Every moment I am with her nothing else seems to matter except making her happy, and I love it when I make her smile. She is perfect. And I have never been happier.
Well, I hope this give you some idea about who I am. Oh yea, my dog rules!
Andy - Cute "Woola"
Typical Andy
Courtney - Andy's "Special" Friend
Charlie, Austin, Andy, Chad (1st Row)
Ben, Matt, Collin (2nd Row)
The gang playing games
Augie Dogie is a miniature pinscher that thinks she is a doberman. She is a 12 pound, five and a half year old red minpin. Actually, Augie is a great alert dog! However, we think that she is really a terrorist dog. We suspect that she makes bombs at night while we're asleep. She may have been the New York City Trade Center bomber, the Oklahoma City Federal Building Bomber, the TWA Flight 800 bomber, the sniper at Fort Bragg and she may actually be the real Unabomber, too. We have caught her with sunglasses and a wig in her bed! We also suspect that she is building an army of miniature pinschers with plans to invade Mexico and conquer all the chihuahuas. But she is too smart for us and we really don't have any proof! She seems to have an unusual interest in the X-files!
Augie loves to go for long walks, lie belly-up in the hot sun, run the fence and bark at the neighbor and, of course, eat mass quantities of dogie snacks which she gets for being good. According to Augie, she is always very good. She no longer crews on everything. Only in her first year (childhood and adolescence) did she crew up (multiple times) the TV Cable line, controls for the sprinklers, orthotics and various other footwear. Luckily, she survived these tense family moments during her formative year. And today she rarely makes a break for freedom when the backyard gate is opened. And she has been known to actually come when you call her. This has happened a couple times now.
Augie is a house dog that doesn't know she is a dog. Actually she acts more like a cat. She holds things with her paws. She sits on the back of the couch and watches things. She sits and walks on the insides of the window seals. She can jump about 3 feet in the air! Augie is different and fits well in our family. We all love Augie (thank goodness she never developed a taste for games)!
Augie Loves to go out
Killer/Terrorist Dog
