National Spotlights

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

It has been an exciting semester for UL Lafayette. First, I am proud of our freshmen class, which is the most academically prepared incoming class that we have ever welcomed. The class average high school GPA is a 3.3 with an average ACT score of 23. The class includes 87 high school valedictorians. Also, the Honors Program grew by 15 percent.

The new residence halls opened in time for the fall and our staff did a great job taking care of our students who sheltered in place during Hurricane Isaac.  Students not only enjoy a beautiful place to live, but campus housing is the most convenient option and there is a caring staff on hand to watch over them. Increasing the number of students living on campus has been a strategic priority of the university, as studies show it leads to greater student success.

I am grateful to our students for passing a recent self-assessed fee to support student-driven aspects of the Master Plan. I am equally proud that the turnout for the referendum was the largest ever for a fall SGA election. That fact signifies that our students are getting more engaged with campus life.

UL Lafayette has received several positive acknowledgements in college guides and media coverage, including being noted as the most affordable university in the state.

This past weekend, four of our students swept the top awards at the first International Collegiate Sales Competition, which was held at Florida State University. As a result, they’ve won a trip to Paris in April to compete in another international competition. Also, the Ragin' Cajuns water ski team placed second in the Collegiate Nationals tournament.

Next month, the UL Lafayette Marching Band will travel to New York City to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. More than 4 million spectators will watch the parade in person, with another 65 million viewers to watch on television. It is an honor to be one of only 10 U.S. bands selected. Band members need financial support. If you can help, please contact Brian Taylor at btaylor@louisiana.edu or 337-482-5157.

Even closer to home, tomorrow night, we can all do our part to make an impact on a national stage. Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns will take on Arkansas State at Cajun Field at 7 p.m. Coach Hud is asking everyone to dress in white Ragin’ Cajun shirts as part of a special Whiteout game that will air on ESPN2.  I hope to see you there!

Thank you for making UL Lafayette such a great university,

E. Joseph Savoie
President