The following can be attributed to Dr. Joseph Savoie, ÐÓ°ÉרÇø president. He succeeded Dr. Ray P. Authement as president in 2008. Dr. Savoie served as vice president of ÐÓ°ÉרÇø Advancement and in other roles during Dr. AuthementÐÓ°ÉרÇø™s presidency.
Dr. Ray P. Authement was president of this ÐÓ°ÉרÇø for 34 years, yet longevity alone is an insufficient measure by which to assess the transformational nature of his tenure.
Through dedication, determination and selflessness, he changed how the ÐÓ°ÉרÇø saw itself and how others perceived it as well. He guided our growth from a strong regional ÐÓ°ÉרÇø to one recognized nationally and globally for its research and scholarship.
During Dr. AuthementÐÓ°ÉרÇø™s presidency, we became the ÐÓ°ÉרÇø, a significant center of learning, an engine of economic growth, and a place that prioritizes student success and academic excellence.
Our ÐÓ°ÉרÇøÐÓ°ÉרÇø™s achievements today ÐÓ°ÉרÇø“ and its importance to LouisianaÐÓ°ÉרÇø™s future ÐÓ°ÉרÇø“ are rooted in the foundation he built. UL Lafayette stands as a monument to his visionary leadership.
Gail and I join the ÐÓ°ÉרÇø community in offering our condolences to Barbara, Julie and the entire Authement family.
Photo caption: Dr. Ray P. Authement greets spectators at Cajun Field in an image from 2007. (Photo credit: ÐÓ°ÉרÇø)