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Financial support for UL Lafayette doesn’t benefit UL Lafayette alone. “We’re a vehicle,” explained Dr. Joseph Savoie, University president. “When a donor establishes a student scholarship, for example, or supports a faculty researcher’s innovative work, or gives to a community service initiative, their generosity does not stop at the campus’ edge. It flows through us. We’re stewards of it, but that donor has set in motion something far greater than us. They’re creating progress that benefits our region and, in many instances, the world.

“That’s what the Together campaign is all about – the University, working alongside its supporters, to shape a future that’s stronger for us all.”

UL Lafayette publicly launched the Together campaign in late 2021. It is the largest comprehensive fundraising initiative in University history. As of early this year, the campaign had reached nearly 71% of its $500 million goal. It concludes in 2025.

“This campaign already has provided more opportunities for student success, world-class facilities for our student-athletes and researchers, a deeper connection to this community and its culture, and a stronger, better prepared and more agile workforce,” said Dr. Jaimie Hebert, UL Lafayette’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

“And there’s more to come as we continue to work together,” added John Blohm, vice president for University Advancement and CEO of the UL Lafayette Foundation. “Our donors are dreaming big and infusing UL Lafayette’s academic, research and service missions with an intense energy. This momentum will benefit the community we’re proud to serve and the students who come here to pursue their dreams.”

together.louisiana.edu

The semester before I received the scholarship, I was in danger of dropping out because I didn’t have enough funds to finish college. This feels like a second chance in life.

Vanel Porter, ’22: Inaugural recipient, Dr. Ray and Jackie Boudreaux Scholarship in Bioengineering

The Importance of Annual Giving

Contributions to the Together campaign come in all shapes and sizes, and annual giving is a great way to help the campaign reach its goals. Annual giving enables the University to meet immediate needs for students and faculty through scholarships, classroom and laboratory resources, and retention initiatives.

When you give a gift of any amount, you join thousands of others who have chosen to support the University’s students, programs, faculty and staff through the power of annual giving and the Together campaign. And, since most UL Lafayette alumni join the local workforce after graduation, you are casting a vote of confidence for the future of the region.

One donation can completely transform a student’s life.

Abigail Fontenot: Scholarship recipient, Professional Energy and Resource Management

The Power of a Great Chair

In higher education, an endowed chair is synonymous with the highest honor and accolades a university can bestow upon its faculty. UL Lafayette has more than two dozen endowed chairs, made possible primarily by private donors with support from the state.

When a donor collaborates with the University to endow a chair, it demonstrates a strong, collective commitment to a particular academic program. The prestige associated with the chair strengthens efforts to recruit and retain world-class faculty who then pass their expertise on to the students they teach and mentor.

Through my donations, the University has an opportunity to fund new research, to recruit new faculty, and to develop and build new facilities.

Dr. Cindy Cobb, ’79: Alumna, College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Partners in Progress

The Together campaign is about more than funding brick and mortar projects – though support for capital improvements is an important part of the fundraising initiative, as well.

The campaign has resulted in new research facilities, renovations to facilities for student-athletes to compete and fans to enjoy, and labs and learning spaces that are enhancing the University’s role in creating tomorrow’s workforce.

To date, nearly 26,000 individuals and corporations have committed to shaping the future of UL Lafayette through the Together campaign. You can, too.

Cajun Field: Completed in 1971, the home of Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Football has never had a major renovation. It’s time to change that. Construction and renovation plans for the facility include premium suites for fans, a dining facility for student-athletes, a new videoboard, lights, sound system, renovated west side seating, new east side façade, and operational and office spaces for Department of Athletics staff.

A new home for the College of Engineering: Housed in a building that is nearly six decades old, the College of Engineering is ready to expand its physical space to better support excellence in education and research. With expansion, students will have access to a modern, cutting-edge facility that will support enhanced experiential learning opportunities, increased enrollment and retention, and the development of new programs.

The Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center: Construction on the third floor of Edith Garland Dupré Library is creating a permanent home for the center. Named for former Gov. Blanco, an alumna and the only woman to hold Louisiana’s highest public office, it is an archive and independent, interdisciplinary center that conducts applied policy-related research to assist decision-makers in their work.

Louisiana Solar Energy Lab: One of the largest outdoor solar testing facilities in the southeastern United States and the largest university-affiliated testing site in the state, the Louisiana Solar Energy Lab is already preparing UL Lafayette students for careers in renewable energy. Its Antoun Hall offers space for teaching, conducting advanced research and workforce development through hands-on courses.

The Learning Lab: As part of the College of Education & Human Development, the lab will provide a place for high-quality teaching and learning. Learning Lab students will dive into creativity and curiosity through innovation labs, outdoor classrooms and adventure playgrounds. Meanwhile, future teachers will be immersed in a living model of best practices and gain valuable skills.

Nursing Simulation Program: The College of Nursing & Health Sciences is home to one of only 130 nursing simulation programs in the world accredited by the Society for Simulation in Health Care. The high-tech simulators can be programmed to exhibit patient symptoms and reactions a nurse might encounter. This provides valuable, practical experiences that translate into improved patient care.

together.louisiana.edu

This article first appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of La Louisiane, The Magazine of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.