Alumni Spotlight: Austin Wisby '14

What is your degree and graduation year?

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management; May 2014

Where is your hometown?

Shreveport, Louisiana

Where is your current residence?

Shreveport, Louisiana

What is your occupation?

Production Manager/Brewer at Red River Brewing Company

Why did you choose UL Lafayette?

When I was looking at colleges my first thought was something closer to home. However, I didn’t want to go to a huge university either. At the time I didn’t know much about UL Lafayette. My two best friends convinced me to make a visit with them, and we were all sold after the tour. The swamp on campus and newly built apartments were absolutely beautiful, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

What has your career been like after graduating from UL Lafayette?

After graduating from UL Lafayette, I started in the oilfield supply industry selling hoses and parts for anything dealing with the industry. I enjoyed the job and picked up industrial knowledge that would benefit me in the future. I was looking for another career opportunity in my spare time when my sister mentioned a brewery expanding in Shreveport. Even though it was only part-time on the weekends, I decided to apply. It turned out they were looking for someone full-time and I dedicated myself to learning the craft of brewing in my spare time. I brewed two homebrews and assisted the head brewer with Red River Brewing Company on several different brew days. On my third brew-day I was offered a full time job working in a brewery and I jumped on the opportunity. Since then I’ve been learning non-stop about the craft of brewing and have grown with the company ever since.

What was your favorite memory as a UL Lafayette student?

My favorite memory as a student would have to be freshman year (2011) when a few fraternity brothers and I performed in the Greek Talent Show for Homecoming Week. Being new to UL Lafayette and not knowing many people, it was very nerve-racking. However, it was a great experience to overcome.

What influenced you most while on campus?

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity had the biggest impact on me throughout my college experience. Holding positions taught me responsibility and how to use teamwork to run a chapter. The friendships I made in Pi Kappa Alpha were amazing as well. I learned so much from the friends I made and know we will continue to create great memories.

What is the most important thing you learned outside of class?

The most important thing I learned was to not be so fearful of what can happen. Put the best effort forward you can and hope for the best. Time spent worrying about the outcome is a waste.

What do you miss most about Lafayette and the University?

Football games and amazing food! I miss tailgating with all my college buds, the camaraderie from all the fans and locals, and not to mention the delicious food you can’t find anywhere else. You can’t get quite the same food in Shreveport as you can in Lafayette.

Caption: Heliopolis (left), a beer brewed by Wisby (right), was awarded a bronze medal in the Munchner Helles, Light category in the 2017 U.S. Open Beer Championship. (Credit: Red River Brewing Co.)

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