La Make a Get Down 2007 Fall LouisianeThe Magazine of t he Universi t y o f L o u i s i a n a at L a fay e tt e Come See

Translation: Drop by for a visit. In Cajun country, we’ll make you feel right at home - whether you prefer to dance at a festival or catch a sunset over the cypress trees.

With Zydeco rhythms, Cajun & Creole flavors,

Louisiana scenery and Southern hospitality you’ll agree – there’s no place like Lafayette.

Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission www.lafayette.travel 337.232.3737 800.346.1958 Editor’s not e I've remindedthat thesteady stream ofDr. Authement’s PostIt have. I so And replied.regrets,” he without life your on back look will you but That’seasy right. always is not heart your in know you what do decision, tough a with faced “When students. offer would he advice what Doc asked someone ago, years few a But of issue entire an dedicating for readers messages. text and e-mail of days these in touch tant,find thetime topay attention toitand share itwith others. versitiesare doing. Their subtler message is:If something isimpor- hasdone hishomework, that it’s important toknow what other uni- university.the at ness busi- conducts he how and him about bit a quite reveal they that me to occurredretire. It to plans he that April late in announced is facing the right direction. right the facing is Lafayette at Louisiana of University the Doc, to Thanks walking.” keep is do to have you all direction, right the facing you’re “If willsoon end. One day,One PostIt a noticed I me. to forwards and universities other fromreceives he magazines to them attaches He 1993. in Lafayette UL at working began I since Authement heavy workload. heavy already his of because amazed was I along. them sending before through looks apparently He start: the from me to obvious been have should what grasp to messages inside” it. studied and page that to flipped immediately I course, Of done.” well is Article 20. “Page like, something written had he “FYI,” I’mfilled with sadnessa that can’tI even describe whenever I’m refreshingpersonal a also are notes handwritten little His Theyare consistent, direct andefficient. They tell methat he We hope you enjoy this issue of issue this enjoy Weyou hope walking. keep is do to have we All recently:read I proverb Buddhist a in comfort small is There I took the first few dozen for granted; they all looked alike. looked all they granted; for dozen few first the took I I’ve thought about those PostIt those about thought I’ve “See more couple a and “FYIs” more few a quite took It gotten hundreds of colorful PostIt colorful of hundreds gotten thatthis entire issue of whathehas done forthe university. We were afraid hewould askus not to pay so much attention tohim. influenced every aspect of the university and university the of aspect every influenced countless lives. We believe readers will look at the at look Wewill readerslives. believe countless University of Louisiana at Lafayette in a differenta in Lafayette at Louisiana of University way after reading about the remarkable journey he journey remarkable the about reading after way began long before becoming its president. its becoming before long began Believeitornot, wehave nottold Dr. Authement But Dr.But Authement’spositively has leadership Quite frankly, I expect to be criticized by some frankly,by Quite criticized be to expect I ® note that was different. Instead of different.Instead was that note ® notes a lot since Doc since lot a notes La Louisiane. La LaLouisiane to one topic. one to Louisiane La ® notes from Dr.from notes Ray of the magazines the of all –– Kathleen Thames Kathleen –– isdevoted to ® notes www.Golfballs.com Blvd. Arnould 126 Inc. Golfballs.com Boulevard www.efollett.com Mary St. E. 210 Store Book Follettʼs—The Street Johnston 4313 Goods Sporting Bellʼs Thruway Evangeline NE Caffery 1818 Ambassador 4400 & 2863 Street Johnston 2678 Albertsonʼs Caffery Ambassador 4232 Outdoors and Sports Academy htsyu sign? your What’s cdaaMall Acadiana Avenue Sports Boulevard Coolidge 902 Eight of Pieces Caffery Ambassador 4409 Street Johnston www.LIDS.com 5725 / Mall Acadiana LIDS oiin o Stuff Hot Louisiana www.RagincajunGEAR.com Caffery Ambassador 4600 Shop Gift Hospital Childrenʼs and Womenʼs Thruway Evangeline NW 1229 Caffery Ambassador 3142 Road Pinhook W. 2428 Wal-Mart www.louisiana.edu/bookstore McKinley 600 Bookstore University Street Jefferson 505 Gifts and Drugs Teche a visiting professor at the University of ryl Felder, head of the Bi- Research Park Tenants Research North Carolina at Chapel Hill. UNC, North ology Department, in an Carolina State University and Duke Univer- article published in the At A Glance sity had already formed Research Triangle Summer 1992 issue of La Park, which would become one of the most Louisiane magazine. successful university research parks in the So University Re- usgs National Wetlands Research Center United States. search Park was a viable Biological research is conducted here to help protect, restore South Louisiana would later experi- option for the NWRC. and manage natural resources, especially fish, wildlife and ence an outrageously prosperous Oil Boom. But other universities wetlands in the South. Bold Investment By the late 1970s, Lafayette had become across the country were the “Hub City” for oil companies, large courting that agency, too. University Research Park continues to flourish and small. The price of a barrel of crude So, Authement called for Lafayette Primary Care Facility oil rose from $14 in 1978 to $35 a barrel in some federal firepower. This is used to train medical residents in family practice. It n the late 1980s, motorists driv- ties that would boost the local economy 1981. A headline in the New York Times in “We needed two represents a cooperative effort by Lafayette General Medical ing along Congress Street near Cajun while helping the university (now known 1981 trumpeted: “Lafayette, La.: Home of a things: first, funding, Center, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, LSU IField saw horses and sheep grazing as UL Lafayette) elevate its stature as a re- Thousand Millionaires.” and second, the coop- Medical Center, University Medical Center and UL Lafayette. on property owned by the University of search institution. But just a couple of years later, the eration of the U.S. Fish Southwestern Louisiana. price of oil plummeted, taking with it the and Wildlife Service. By 1990, the livestock had been relo- Estuarine Habitats Coastal Fisheries When USL President Dr. Ray Authe- cated to the university’s farm in Cade, La. oil-dependent economies of Lafayette and Sen. Bennett Johnston Research Center ment looked at the same land, he saw the Thanks to some influential friends in Wash- Louisiana. So much focus had been placed secured the funding by future. In his mind’s eye, the farm animals ington, D.C., the first tenant in the 143-acre on the oil industry that other sectors of the virtue of his place on the Owned by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administra- and barns were replaced by research facili- University Research Park – the National economy had been neglected. Interior Appropriations tion, the center houses offices and labs for agencies such as Wetlands Research Center – opened for When state oil revenues dwindled, Subcommittee. Equally the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Army Corps of business in 1992. Authement was forced to reduce the important, Sen. (John) Engineers. University Research Park Quick Facts Today, the NWRC has lots of com- university’s budget. From 1982 to 1988, Breaux won over the USL endured eight budget cuts that totaled Fish and Wildlife Ser- pany. Its neighbors include: Abdalla Hall about $10 million. There were more reduc- vice, by virtue of the Land: 143 acres • the Lafayette Primary Care Facility; • the Estuarine Habitats Coastal Fish- tions ahead. great respect he com- Occupants of this university-owned building include the Land Available for Development: 76 acres eries Research Center; In the mid-1980s, USL decided to mands in the Capitol on Center for Business and Information Technologies and the Number of Tenants: 13 • Abdalla Hall; become proactive. “We set a goal to help, environmental issues,” Energy Institute. Employees: 431 • the Lafayette Economic Develop- to create companies and bring jobs,” Au- Authement said in 1988. ment Authority; thement stated in an article published in Louisiana’s Con- Lafayette Economic Development Authority Developed Space: 313,157 square feet • the Louisiana Immersive Technolo- the May 1, 2002, issue of The Times of Aca- gressional delegation Its mission is to contribute to economic growth in Lafayette Additional Space Currently gies Enterprise; and diana. Ultimately, he created 17 research was probably at the Parish. It does that in many ways, such as by helping local Under Development: 67,612 square feet • Hilton Garden Inn. centers to help reach that goal. peak of its power, due in companies develop markets and by recruiting business and Total Payroll: $26 million Construction of the Cecil J. Picard USL needed to entice an “anchor” ten- part, to its seniority. For industry. Center for Child Development is expected ant in University Research Park, just like a the next few years, it commercial developer needs an “anchor” continued to help send Eraste Landry Rd. to begin soon. Until then, LITE is the new- est kid on the block. store for a new shopping mall. One of the federal projects and Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise first prospects was the National Wetlands funding to USL. With LITE’s debut in 2006, UL La- Its three-story, egg-shaped glass enclosure reflects the ad- Research Center in Slidell, La., which was • In 1996, John- fayette stepped onto the world stage as vanced technology inside. LITE gives university researchers usgs National Wetlands Research a leader of technology and innovation. interested in relocating to a site closer to ston delivered a $10 Center and private industry access to supercomputers that can con- Researchers at LITE use a supercomputer, environmental biology researchers. Accord- million EETAP grant, Cajundome Blvd. Cajundome Blvd. vert massive amounts of data into graphical images. Using ing to a 2003 news release, NWRC sci- which was the biggest nicknamed “Zeke,” to quickly convert special equipment, researchers can then immerse themselves Estuarine Habitats entists “were the first group to document research grant in the Coastal Fisheries huge amounts of data into 3-D graphical in those images. Research Center Bertrand Dr. Bertrand Dr. the extent of wetland loss in Louisiana school’s history. Lafayette models. Wearing special headgear, they Economic between the 1950s and 1970s.” • USL was named Development can then immerse themselves in those Authority models. Connections to fiber optic net- Authement had positioned USL per- one of only four NASA Hilton Garden Inn Abdalla Hall RESEARCH & fectly about 15 years earlier by strengthen- Regional Application DEVELOPMENT works enable them to work on projects This 155-room hotel is also an educational resource for UL Devalcourt St. ZONE with collaborators around the globe. ing its Biology Department. One way he Centers in the United Lafayette students who are majoring in hospitality manage- Lafayette Primary Care Facility The State of Louisiana, LEDA and UL accomplished that was by reducing faculty States the same year. ment. It includes classrooms and faculty offices. Cecil J. Picard Center Lafayette formed a partnership to fund members’ teaching loads so they could • The federal Es- for Child Louisiana Hilton Garden Inn Development Immersive UMC the $27 million LITE project for the same conduct more research. It was a move that tuarine Habitats Coastal Technologies Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development Enterprise reason Authement created University Re- paid off in a big way. Fisheries Research Cen- search Park – economic development. “In 1990, a national team of biologists ter opened in University Construction is expected to begin in early 2008. The Center Cajundome W. Congress St. Authement had seen for himself that visited the state’s biology departments and Research Park in 1998. is a multi-disciplinary group of evaluation and research pro- Convention research can be a powerful economic tool. chose USL’s as the most outstanding, spark- It’s owned by the Nation- fessionals that focus on early childhood, K-12 education and Center His introduction to that concept oc- ing a special citation to the department from al Oceanic Atmospheric lifelong learning. Applied research is continually conducted in curred in 1961, when he spent a year as the state Board of Regents,” stated Dr. Dar- Administration. n all areas of child education, health and well-being.

 LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007 LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007  h c r r E S E A Rising Star Math, Computer Science Departments rank among nation’s elite

n October, the National Sci- make projections related to biological a computer model that enables them to ence Foundation announced that issues and health issues. predict nutria population dynamics and Ithe University of Louisiana at Dr. Azmy Ackleh, a professor of ap- movement patterns. Lafayette has one of the top 100 math- plied mathematics, has attracted about Ackleh and some colleagues at ematics departments in the country. $2 million in research funding from other schools are also working on a UL Lafayette’s Computer Science agencies such as the NSF and National project that uses mathematical model- Department is among the top 60 univer- Institutes of Health. He is especially ing to test policies related to alcohol sity computer science departments in interested in using mathematical model- consumption by college students. the country, according to the NSF. ing to predict population trends. Their efforts could someday be used The latest rankings are based on the For instance, he and Dr. Jacoby to help curb binge drinking by college amount of external funding the depart- Carter, an ecologist at the USGS Nation- students across the nation. ments received in 2004. al Wetlands Research Center, developed Ackleh has received NSF funding Dr. Ray Authement, president of UL to establish a mathematical-biology op- Lafayette, has stressed research during his tion for undergraduates. 33-year presidency. UL Lafayette’s com- Current Research Computers are central to such col- puter science program has long been rec- Centers laboration. “We’re building a generation ognized for its innovation because of the of scientists that is accustomed to using attention he focused on it as president. Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development the computer as a tool. Math is a language Having a math department that’s Center for Advanced Computer Studies of science; a good mathematician is a among the top 2 percent in the nation Center for Analysis of Spatial and Temporal translator. A mathematician can translate is another indication that UL Lafayette’s Systems biological questions into formulas that stature as a research university is grow- Center for Business and Information can then be looked at by a computer. The ing, said Dr. Bradd Clark, dean of UL Technology computer is being used, through the mod- Lafayette’s College of Sciences. Center for Ecology and Environmental eling lens, as a tool,” Clark said. It also reflects the breadth of re- Technology UL Lafayette has the expertise and search conducted at the University of Center for Gifted Education computer power needed for complex Coming to doorsteps everywhere Louisiana at Lafayette. That scope was Center for innovative Learning and projects. Its Center for Advanced Com- Assessment Technologies acknowledged in 2006 when the Carn- puter Studies, for instance, is a leader in 1 egie Foundation designated it as a “Re- Center for Louisiana Inland Water Studies grid computing. This year’s edition of the most referenced directory in the Southeast search University with High Research Center for Louisiana Studies UL Lafayette’s Louisiana Immersive Center for Structural and Functional is now delivering in Lafayette. Page for page, AT&T Real Yellow Pages Activity.” Universities in that category Technologies Center has a supercom- Materials includes Clemson, Auburn and Baylor. puter that’s connected to the Louisiana has better information than any other directory. Look for it on your Center for Telecommunication Studies universities. The only other Louisiana Optical Network Initiative. LONI is a Cognitive Evolution Group doorstep soon. The new AT&T. Your world. Delivered. institution in the same category is the state-of-the-art fiber optics network that Corrosion Research Center University of New Orleans. Doris B. Hawthorne Center links research universities in Louisiana. “One or two departments will not Energy Institute LONI is also part of the National Lamb- get you that designation by the Carn- Health Informatics Center of Acadiana da Rail, which connects universities egie Foundation,” Clark said. “You have Institute of Cognitive Science across the United States. to have breadth.” Ira Nelson Horticulture Center “As UL Lafayette gets involved in The high rankings for UL Lafay- Louisiana Accelerator Center more and more complex questions, the ette’s Mathematics Department and Louisiana Immersive Technologies need for more and more power is avail- Computer Science Department are sig- Enterprise able. So we have the ability to work nificant for another reason: a growing Microscopy Center with data sets that are huge. That capa- cross-discipline approach to research. NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service bility is allowing us to bring in strong At UL Lafayette, for instance, Regional Application Center young researchers. They become excited mathematical modeling is being used to X-Ray Center about the possibilities,” Clark said. n 1Knowledge Networks 2006 YPA Industry Usage Study.  LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007 ©2007 AT&T Knowledge Ventures. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Knowledge Ventures. LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007  ©2007 YELLOWPAGES.COM, LLC. informally greeted students on the first day “We opened the door and there they 8, 1974, issue of The Vermilion shows Au- Students of class of the fall semester. Along with stood. So, we pulled out all the snacks in thement being presented with a giant rep- other university officials, he stood on the the house and fed them,” she said. lica of a parking ticket during a protest that corner of Rex Street and St. Mary Boule- Authement inherited a problem that drew more than 200 students. vard to hand out free doughnuts, fresh fruit stemmed from USL’s rapid growth after University officials implemented “park- and bottled water. World War II ended – more cars than park- ing lot control methods” that designated Sometimes, he worked the sidewalk ing spaces on campus. “A class boycott and which cars could park in certain parking like a dignified carnival barker. “It’s the only demonstration in front of Martin Hall have lots. In 1976, a shuttle system was intro- free thing you’ll get on campus this year,” he been called for Wednesday to protest the duced. Students parked their vehicles by A Promise Kept would joke to students walking past, or “I lack of action by the University administra- Blackham Coliseum and were transported to was up all night baking these doughnuts!” tion on the traffic and parking situation on campus by bus. Parking was later moved to Students remain at the top of Authement’s priority list Authement began his career as a phys- campus,” stated the lead story on Page One Cajun Field’s parking lot. In 1983, a lottery ics lab instructor, while a senior majoring of the Nov. 1, 1974, issue of The Vermilion was created to give students a chance to in physics at SLI. After earning master’s USL’s student newspaper. “win” a prime spot to park on campus. tudents first. That’s a pledge Dr. Raymond Blanco, UL Lafayette’s vice presi- and doctoral degrees in mathematics, he A photo on the front page of the Nov. The university’s first parking garage is Ray Authement made when he be- dent for Student Affairs. taught at Louisiana State University in Scame president-elect of the university During his 33 years as president, Au- Baton Rouge, La., and McNeese State Uni- in July 1973. He was speaking to an early thement has stayed in touch with students, versity in Lake Charles, La. He returned orientation and registration session for formally and informally. He has provided to SLI in September 1957 as an associate freshmen who would enter the University scholarships to as many qualified students professor of mathematics. He was named a of Southwestern Louisiana a couple of as he could and has helped keep tuition as Learning. Living. Growing. professor two years later and continued to months later. low as possible. Along the way, he has in- teach until 1966, when he was promoted to He has honored that commitment, fluenced countless young men and women academic vice president. according to many former students and through his guidance. Della Bonnette, UL Lafayette’s vice colleagues. “I don’t think there’s much that One constant in Authement’s presi- president for Information Technology, was a students asked for that he didn’t give,” said dency has been a standing meeting with student in one of his math classes. “He would Student Government Association leaders write a math proof on the blackboard, stand each week. aside and ask the class, ’Isn’t that beautiful?’ ” Sarah Berthelot, chief of philanthropy she said in a 1997 interview. at United Way of Acadiana and president Authement was named a University of of Junior League of Lafayette, was SGA Southwestern Louisiana Foundation Hon- president for the 2005-06 term. So, she ors Professor in 1965. met with the president regularly. He had the most interaction with “Dr. Authement listened to concerns students from 1966 to 1970, when he was and most often, entertained solutions pro- USL’s academic vice president, and from vided through the student perspective,” 1970 to 1973, as vice president. The 1960s she said. “For the record, I never got a and 1970s were decades of major social ‘No.’ On all occasions, he would immedi- change in the United States. Students on ately pick up the phone or send a memo to university campuses across the nation were respond to our concerns. . . This accessi- discussing and debating issues such as the bility enhanced the abilities of the SGA to Vietnam War, race relations, Watergate and represent the concerns of students.” marijuana use. There were a few students She recalled meeting with Authement demonstrations on USL’s campus then. for the first time as SGA president. “I was Authement’s wife, Barbara, said stu- rather nervous about requesting to move dents would sometimes go to the Authe- offices serving students with disabilities ments’ house on campus to meet with him to another location due to issues with a after USL had closed for the day. “They handicap lift. I knew it was a big request would come to talk and leave at 5 o’clock but it was a serious issue presented by sev- in the morning. We’d stay up all night with eral students. them,” she said. “Doc had assembled all representa- There were other times when stu- tives from the administration who worked dents showed up unexpectedly on the directly with that office to hear our con- Authements’ doorstep to celebrate. In the PreK-3 through 12th grade cerns. We presented our information and 1980s, for example, a Student Govern- then Dr. Authement asked the office to 337-365-1416

aul ment Association referendum calling for move to increase accessibility and asked USL’s name to be changed to the Universi- www.ESAcadiana.com for everyone’s support. At that moment, B lane F ty of Louisiana was approved by students. I understood the value Dr. Authement University President Dr. Ray Authement gives a student an apple on the first day of the Fall About 50 students wanted to share the 2006 semester. For many years, he and other UL Lafayette administrators have welcomed placed on the ‘student voice.’ ” victory with Authement. ESA does not discriminate on the basis of physical disability, race, religion, or national or ethnic origin. students back to campus each fall by handing out water, fruit and doughnuts. For many years, the president has

 LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007 LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007  under construction at the intersection of caused by fluctuating state revenues. for years – in Louisiana,” she said. St. Mary Boulevard and Taft Street. From 1982 to 1988, during the Oil Bust in Soon after Hurricanes Katrina and On the Throughout his career, Authement Louisiana, USL suffered eight budget cuts Rita devastated south Louisiana in the has particularly empathized with stu- totaling about $10 million, for instance. fall of 2005, Gov. Kathleen Blanco an- Lighter Side dents who are the first in their families He has stressed maintaining the nounced a freeze on state spending. to attend a university. “I was a first university’s budget in ways that would Officials needed to assess the storms’ How much do you know about tudents generation student, so I know what they impact students the least, such as con- impact on the state’s finances. UL Lafayette President Dr. Ray S feel. I’ve always tried to represent them trolling administrative costs and limit- “I was scheduled to speak to a Authement? Test your knowledge by in the best way that I could,” he said in ing the amount spent on maintenance group of parents. So I went to Dr. Au- taking this quiz. Here’s a clue: The an interview with La Louisiane. and repairs. In 1993, for example, USL thement beforehand and asked, ‘What correct answers may surprise you. The university president has also faculty, staff and administrators served can I tell them about scholarship offers for the 2006-07 school year?’ He said, 1. Dr. Clyde Rougeou, UL Lafayette’s fourth ‘You can tell them that I’m going to do president, gave Authement this nickname: everything in my power to keep the of- a. T- Ray fers the same that we have in the past b. Stud few years,’ ” Bulliard said. c. Buddy Authement’s daughter, Julie Authe- 2. The president does not have one of these ment Johnson, said her father’s own in his office in Martin Hall: experience as a student motivated him a. bookcase to help others. “Academically it came b. potted plant easy to him, but financially, just to stay in P hilip G ould c. computer Former SGA President Sarah Berthelot, Dr. Ray Authement and Former SGA President Shawn school every day was a struggle, to have Wilson. 3. Authement collects: enough money to buy books to be able to a. chess sets study. You have to know that hunger for add, subtract and multiply. I thought Paul ask. He would already be committed to say b. dimes education and hunger to learn. I think was someone who would enjoy that,” Au- ‘No, and this is why,’ or ‘Yes, and here’s how c. calculators that translates now into his desire to see thement said in a 2004 interview. I’m going to help you.’ I’ve never known him everybody have access to education.” Cloutier connected the kits and fig- to absolutely say flat out ‘No,’ without an 4. He has never traveled to: Providing access for students has not ured out how to use the computers to alternative or a better option made available. a. Europe b. Washington, D.C. only been linked to financial assistance. In make the phone ring, creating a primitive He will always find a way to achieve your c. California the 1970s, for example, the university of- computerized phone system. He had offers goal, maybe not with your strategy.” fered some classes on a special schedule to to attend MIT, Cal-Tech and Princeton after As a USL student, Wilson worked with 5. The president likes to tell:

ourtesy of UL A rchives C ourtesy accommodate people who worked in the graduating from high school, but he chose Authement to secure financing for con- a. knock-knock jokes Ray Authement shows students a mathematical formula. He earned a bachelor’s degree oil field “seven and seven.” They worked to enroll at SLI instead. struction of the Student Aquatic Center on b. Boudreaux/Thibodeaux jokes c. ghost stories in physics from Southwestern Louisiana Institute in 1950. After obtaining master’s and offshore for seven days and then returned Cloutier went on to become princi- campus. Students approved a self-assessed doctoral degrees, he taught at LSU in Baton Rouge, La., and McNeese State University in to land for seven days off. pal investigator of 13 NASA ionospheric fee that ultimately funded it. The center 6. He once planned to become: Lake Charles, La., from 1954 to 1957. Also, after Hurricanes Katrina and sounding rocket probes. He was lead inves- opened in 2002. a. a priest Rita shut down colleges and universi- tigator on the Pioneer Venus Bus and Or- Wilson said Authement showed him b. a chef related to students who have struggled twice as many students per employee as ties in south Louisiana, Authement biter Ion Mass Spectrometer experiments. how to “stay focused on a long term vision c. an engineer financially to attend UL Lafayette. the national average, according to figures extended the registration deadline at UL Shawn Wilson is another student and not let it change the lenses that I use to 7. What does he speak fluently? He grew up in Boudreaux Canal, from the U.S. Department of Education. Lafayette. About 800 displaced students who was influenced by Authement. He’s a see the present environment.” a. Pig Latin a small fishing community just a few Today, UL Lafayette’s tuition is one signed up for classes. confidential assistant in the Office of the When Authement was dealing with b. French miles north of Cocodrie, La., near the of the lowest in the nation, thanks to It’s impossible to determine how Secretary of the Louisiana Department a controversial matter, Wilson assumed it c. Spanish? coast. He saw how hard his parents comprehensive scholarship and finan- many individual students Authement of Transportation and Development. He would dominate the president’s attention. worked to support him and his five cial aid programs, including out-of-state has helped over the years. But some- served as USL’s Student Government As- “But there were other issues of advance- 8. Which of these sports did Authement play in high school? brothers and sisters. Neither of his par- fee waivers to qualified students. times he’ll mention the success of sociation president in 1994 and was elected ment for this institution that he was very a. football ents had advanced beyond the 7th grade Adele Bulliard, director of UL La- former students, such as Paul Cloutier. president of the UL Lafayette Alumni As- much focused on. That, in and of itself, is a b. soccer but they believed education was the fayette’s Scholarship Office, said Authe- Authement was a math professor at sociation in 2004. tremendous skill and gift and talent. It’s so c. squash ticket to an easier, more prosperous life. ment’s commitment to helping students SLI when Cloutier was attending high Wilson said Authement treated him easy to be distracted by what’s right in front Authement remembers asking his financially is evidenced by the number school in Opelousas, La. One of Clout- and other student leaders with respect. of you that you forget about where you’re 9. To unwind after a stressful workday, he father whether, after graduating from and total dollar amount of scholarships ier’s teachers recognized he had excep- “He allowed us to disagree, he allowed us trying to end up at the end of the day.” likes to: a. work a crossword puzzle Terrebone High School, he should stay awarded. For the past seven or eight tional talent; she asked Authement to to object and he also allowed us to make Berthelot said she treasures a letter Au- b. try to solve mathematical puzzles home to help with the family business or years, he has made sure that every UL meet with him. mistakes. . . He never strong-armed me or thement sent to her as she neared the end of c. cook seek a job elsewhere. His father insisted Lafayette student who was eligible and Authement also saw Cloutier’s other students and I’ve been pretty close to her term as SGA president. “He expressed that he go to college. “I said, ‘We can’t applied for a scholarship, received one potential. So, he gave the young man a other past SGA presidents and past Alumni his gratitude for my service and well wishes 10. He hates to: afford it.’ Dad said, ‘We’ll afford it.’ ” – even if they weren’t all large amounts. couple of computer kits. Association presidents.” for the future. I have placed it next to my a. have his photo taken b. attend Ragin’ Cajun basketball So, Authement entered SLI in 1947 “We’re the only university in the “Computers were just coming out Wilson noted that Authement was al- diploma because the education I received games

with a small scholarship. state that does this. He’s very proud of then...You could buy a little computer ways thinking ahead. “Many days, I’d go into while solving student problems – through c. go fishing

During his presidency, Authement that. And I would say that we make some kit for $60 or $70. You could wire it and his office – about to ask for something – and collaborations such as Doc’s – was also an a 10. 9.b a 8. has faced many financial challenges of the best scholarship offers – and have energize it with batteries and it could he would already know what I was going to education in itself.” n b 7. c 6. b 5. a. 4. b 3. c 2. b 1. Answers:

 LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007 LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007  On Campus

Lasting Mark Campus reflects advancement during fifth president’s term

ore than 30 buildings were • 600 acres in Cade, La., for agricul- constructed and more than 25 fa- tural use; Mcilities were expanded or renovated • the former Lou Ana Gardens in north during Dr. Ray Authement’s presidency. Lafayette, a 51-acre tract that’s now UL Campus development since 1974 in- Lafayette’s Center for Ecology and Environ- cludes the addition of University Research mental Technology; Park, the Cajundome and adjacent Con- • Gulf South Research Institute in New vention Center, the Advanced Computer Iberia, La., which is now known as the New Technology Research Center, Paul and Lulu Iberia Research Center; and Hilliard University Art Museum, Moody • several residences near campus. Hall and Abdalla Hall. A parking garage is under construction The university also acquired: on campus. n Ph ilip Goul d

Advanced Computer Technology and Estuarine Habitats Coastal Fisheries Research Hall The $9 million facility, Research Center The second facility built in which opened this year, houses the Center for University Research Park is owned by the Na- Advanced Computer Studies and the Computer tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Science Department. Features include a motion Occupants include a variety of federal and state capture lab, 161-seat auditorium, nanotechnolo- agencies, as well as Ducks Unlimited. The build- gy lab and video conference room. Its supercom- ing design earned a premier award presented puter is connected to the Louisiana Immersive by the American Institute of Architects in 2002. Technologies Enterprise in University Research Park. The building faces Girard Park Circle. Ph ilip Goul d

10 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 11 ampus C N O

Moody Hall This $10 million, three-story structure on Hebrard Boulevard was built for the B.I. Moody III College of Business Admin- istration. It opened in 2005. High-tech class- rooms, laboratories, conference rooms and a large auditorium are located here, along with faculty offices. Moody Hall is officially an ex- pansion of F. G. Mouton Hall. The buildings are connected by two walkways. F. G. Mouton Hall was completely renovated in 2006. It contains Ph ilip Goul d Ph ilip Goul d classrooms and meeting rooms. Ph ilip Goul d

Edith Garland Dupré Library A $14 mil- lion renovation and expansion project, complet- ed in 2000, transformed UL Lafayette’s library. About 88,000 square feet were added and it’s now one of the most technologically advanced university libraries in Louisiana. The interior de- sign emphasizes convenience for students; the exterior maintains the Georgian architectural style of many buildings on campus. The library was constructed in the 1960s.

Forrest K. and Chantal Dowty Foundation Centre The 6,000-square- foot home of the UL Lafayette Foundation opened in 2000 at the intersection of St. Mary Boulevard and Taft Street. It features offices, an elegant rotunda and a large board room. Its Greek revival style incorporates some of the elements of the Foundation’s previous Ph ilip Goul d office building on Girard Park Drive, which was designed by architect A. Hays Town. Ph ilip Goul d

12 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 13 14 O N C ampus LA Art Museu Art Pa of any museum in Louisiana. Louisiana. in museum any of gallery span free largest the is that gallery 5,000-square-foot a as such wonders, more to treated are museum the inside step who Visitors them. between space tranquil a offers wall granite free-standing a on water Cascading building. style plantation- adjacent an of design striking Town’s Hays A. architect mirrors literally It campus. Lafayette’s UL on opened glass and stone steel, of made museum

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2007 i a rd rd U niversity niversity imploded tomakeroomforLegacyPark. seven-story, unoccupiedmen’s dorm,was residents’ vehicles.McCulloughDorm,a is agatedparkinglotforLegacyPark or patiosandnine-footceilings.There sion, Internetaccess,privatebalconies feature washersanddryers,cabletelevi- buildings areintheplanningstage.Units accommodate 468students;additional and EastLewisStreet.Eightbuildingscan at theintersectionofGirardParkCircle for studentsopenedoncampusin2003 Leg a cy cy Pa r k Apartment-stylehousing

Philip Gould Philip Gould Philip Gould

Philip Gould F Fletcher Hallopenedin1977. and softwareforcomputeranimation. tions; andsophisticatedequipment nium theaterusedforstudioproduc- wood fabricationlab;a145-seatprosce- metals fabricationlab;awell-equipped design andanimationmodelsin3-D;a architectural, interiordesign,industrial reality labthatenablesthemtodisplay resources includeastereoscopicvirtual becomes ahomeawayfromhome.Its and architecturestudents,FletcherHall l etcher etcher Hall ForULLafayetteart LA

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Bourgeois Hall Located on Cajun- Cajundome This 12,800-seat multipurpose In 2002, the $16.7 million Convention dome Boulevard, it provides recreational arena opened on UL Lafayette’s campus in Center opened for business next door resources for students, as well as class- 1986. It’s the home of Louisiana’s Ragin’ to the ‘dome. The complementary facility rooms and faculty offices. Offerings include: Cajuns® basketball team. Concerts and oth- provides nearly 100,000 square feet of racquetball courts, an indoor track, a weight er large events, such as commencements meeting space on two levels. Its versatile room, exercise equipment, basketball for UL Lafayette and area high schools, are design enables it to be used for a sit-down courts and aerobics classes. Outside, the held here. In 2005, the Cajundome became dinner for 2,000 people or for a convention Student Aquatic Center is one of the most an emergency shelter for thousands of or trade show. Both buildings are used for sophisticated facilities of its kind in the south Louisiana residents forced from their social events during Mardi Gras. South, with an eight-lane lap pool, leisure homes by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. pool, large spa and sand volleyball courts. A major expansion is planned for Bourgeois Hall; the project is in the design stage. Ph ilip Goul d Ph ilip Goul d

16 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 17 Louisiana Immersive Technologies ampus Enterprise LITE is a $27 million immersive C visualization facility in University Research

N Park. A three-story, egg-shaped enclosure, known as a Total Immersive Space, is a O focal point. At LITE, a supercomputer can convert huge amounts of data into 3-D graphical models. Wearing special equipment, researchers can immerse themselves in those models in the TIS. LITE is the first facility of its kind to provide affordable data visualization to private companies as well as university and government researchers. Ph ilip Goul d Ph ilip Goul d Ph ilip Goul d

Life sciences building at the New USGS National Wetlands Research Iberia Research Center The 30,000 Center University Research Park’s first ten- square-foot facility has laboratories, conference ant opened in 1992. Scientists here conduct rooms and offices for staff, researchers and biological research and development related students. It also contains a specialized housing to protecting, restoring and managing and cognitive testing facility for 20 adult natural resources, such as Louisiana’s fragile chimpanzees. The NIRC provides nonhuman coast. A spatial analysis team provides maps, primates used for applied and basic research remote-sensing research and geographic aimed at promoting human quality of life. information systems. About 5,000 nonhuman primates reside there. Ph ilip Goul d

18 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 19 0LA 20 O N C ampus Cam Center Accelerator Louisiana Center) Research Iberia New (at Building Sciences Life Facility Practice Indoor Moncla Leon Park Legacy Facility Care Primary Lafayette Hall Fletcher Centre Foundation Dowty Chantal and K. Forrest Center Care Day Center Convention TrackComplex Cajun Cajundome Fleur-de-Lis Cafe Lab and Barn Dairy Cade Center Tennis Culotta Village Cajun Hall Bourgeois Center Research and Technology Computer Advanced C Visitor Information Center Information Visitor Park Research University Center Aquatic Student Hall Rougeou Services Printing Museum Art University Hilliard Lulu and Paul Center Alumni the at Facility Multipurpose Hall Moody Field Moore “Tigue” M.L. L Heymann House, Property Property House, Heymann Ana Lou 51-acre House Roy House Hawkins Research South Gulf 69-acre Parish Martin St. in acres 600 Acquisitions onstruction a

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21 UN IVE RS IT Y AVEN UE during Dr. Authement’s tenure Major renovations/expansions Dr. Authement’s tenure Constructed oncampusduring True Love

To put Dr. Ray Authement’s tenure at UL Lafayette in perspective, con- sider this: a child born in 1974 – the year he was named president – could have grown up, graduated from college and had children of his own by now. ¶ Authement is the longest-serving president of a public university in the United States. But that’s just one aspect of a personal story that rivals the plot of a made-for-TV movie. ¶ A synopsis: A boy in a remote bayou town grows up to lead Louisiana’s second largest university to regional and national prominence. He devotes himself to the university, putting its success above almost everything else. As he begins to contemplate retirement, his eldest daughter is diagnosed with leukemia. She dies a year later. ¶ Here’s the twist, the part in a movie that would leave viewers shaking their heads over how life can take such unexpected turns: When grief threatens to consume him, it is the university that saves his life.

BY KATHLEEN THAMES

Photography by Philip Gould

22 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 23 successful candidate will be a scholar of Shy and often taciturn, Authe- Right after Hurricanes Katrina and he’s pretty confident about, he’ll ride that “You have served as our ‘dean,’ both national prominence, a charismatic speak- ment prefers for his accomplishments to Rita devastated south Louisiana in 2005, wave and then find a way through it. It’s er, a successful fundraiser. Bold leadership speak for him. They are numerous. Col- Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco froze state not blind courage. It’s informed courage,” as a leader for our System office and required; affable personality preferred.” lectively, they paint a portrait of a man who spending. Officials needed to assess the Landry observed. It describes the post as “a job where is patient, shrewd, persistent, innovative, state’s financial condition. The anecdote also brings to mind an presidents. You’ve also been a friend – the the spotlight is bright, stakes are enormous self-confident and prescient. In an attempt to cut costs, Authement observation often attributed to best-sell- and, some say, expectations are impossible He is well known as president of the adjusted the university’s hours of opera- ing author H. Jackson Brown Jr.: “Our best friend higher education has had. to meet. second largest university in Louisiana and tion. Prior to the storms, the workday was character is what we do when we think “The president is a university’s public widely acknowledged from 7:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. no one is looking.” Thank you for giving us your life.” face, its most important fund-raiser, its big- as one of the most and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., gest cheerleader at athletic events, its aca- influential leaders in Monday through Friday. By I n late April, when Authement an- Dr. Sally Clausen, President of the University of Louisiana System demic steward, its dreamer of big dreams Acadiana. But few starting 15 minutes earlier nounced his intention to retire, Dr. Sally and the person who must take the heat people have the oppor- and working an additional 30 Clausen, president of the University of Loui- from faculty, parents, students, alumni, tunity to get to know minutes on Monday through siana System, thanked him for his service. trustees and even lawmakers when things Ray Authement or to Thursday, however, buildings “You have served as our ‘dean,’ both The University of Louisiana ing to a study conducted by the American go wrong.” witness how much he could be closed on Friday as a leader for our System office and presi- at Lafayette has had only five presidents Council on Education. That’s up from 6.6 Without knowing it, the Chicago and his family have afternoons to reduce utility dents. You’ve also been a friend – the best in its 107-year history. Three of them years in 2001. Tribune reporters who wrote that article willingly sacrificed for consumption. friend higher education has had. Thank dominated the school’s development: Dr. Serving as president of a university is described Authement almost perfectly. The the university. Soon after the revised you for giving us your life,” she said. Edwin L. Stephens, Dr. Joel L. Fletcher Jr. not for the faint-hearted. only omissions? His money management Family members schedule was implemented, a Her reference to Authement’s dedica- and Authement. A Chicago Tribune article, published in skills, which are so refined that he can and university person- department head dropped by tion to the University of Louisiana at Lafay- Combined, their presidencies spanned 2006 after the University of Chicago hired almost squeeze 11 dimes out of a dollar. nel who have worked Authement’s office at about ette was not an overstatement, according to 96 years and four school names. a new president, offered a job description. And, an unusual combination of supernat- with him closely for 4:35 p.m. to speak with him. people who know him well. Such longevity on a college campus is “Wanted: an educational visionary with ural memory and extraordinary attention many years offer in- He was told the president had Authement’s wife of more than 50 uncommon. In 2006, the average term of a the political skills of a senator and the dip- to detail; it forms a tightly woven net that sight into his character left for the day. A couple of years, Barbara, jokes that if he were asked university president was 8.5 years, accord- lomatic polish of a secretary of state. The keeps little from getting past him. and reveal the inten- minutes later, Authement re- to choose between her and UL Lafayette, sity of his devotion appeared in the doorway. she’s not sure which he would pick. It’s to UL Lafayette. They “I walked outside and saw a polished one-liner that usually draws describe a man guided by a moral compass the parking lot full of cars. I thought to my- a chuckle from her audience, but she that never fails him. Someone who is sensi- self, ‘We have some dedicated employees.’ glances away when she delivers it. What tive but whose judgment is not colored by Then it hit me: We don’t close at 4:30 any many people may not know is that it is emotion. And they portray him as one of more!” Authement reported. He went into her unwavering support that has enabled those rare individuals who finds the great- his office, flipped the lights back on and sat Authement to concentrate so completely est reward in giving. down at his desk to work until 5 p.m. on the university. Some critics claim that Authement’s It’s a telling anecdote. Julie Authement Johnson, the Authe- frugality and micromanagement have held It illustrates Authement’s work ethic. ments’ youngest daughter, is a consultant the university back in some ways. Others “He is willing to work as hard as anybody in Atlanta. She grew up watching her father blame him for UL Lafayette’s failure to be- on this campus and probably harder than pour his energy into running the univer- come a college football powerhouse. And, anybody,” said Dr. Steve Landry, UL Lafay- sity and was affected by his devotion to some critics equate longevity with being ette’s vice president for Academic Affairs. his work. The family would plan to take worn out. Like many CEOs of major corpora- a vacation, for example, but the needs of But two crucial aspects of Authement’s tions, the president’s workday doesn’t end the university would always come first. If a presidency are indisputable. when he walks out of his office at 5 p.m. It budget crisis arose before they could leave Above all, throughout his entire ca- just changes locations. He often works at town, the vacation had to be scrapped. Or, reer, he has been responsible for many ma- home at night if he’s not attending a board vacations could be cut short. jor developments that propelled UL Lafay- meeting for a civic organization or he’s not Johnson learned from her mother how ette, Acadiana and Louisiana forward. And, at a Ragin’ Cajun athletic event. to cope with the demands of the university. everything he has achieved professionally Few people would have begrudged In their own ways, her parents taught her has been for the university’s benefit, never the president a 30-minute head start that that, sometimes, love means putting other his own. day. But Authement doesn’t make deci- people’s needs first. In an interview a few years ago, Dr. sions based on what others may or may not Barbara Authement ultimately found Joseph Savoie, Louisiana’s commissioner of think. He is able to erase emotion from any a way to avoid the stress of abbreviated higher education, characterized the pres- situation before asking himself: What’s best vacations, for instance. “I told him, ‘Ray, ident’s service. Authement, he said, trans- for the university in the long run? why don’t we travel with the football formed the university, “almost totally by his “I admire his courage to take on an team?’ So, we leave on Fridays at 12 dedication, commitment and unselfishness. issue without regard for any early feedback o’clock and we come home on Sunday “He never used the place to further and sensationalism that surrounds it. He mornings. He has Sunday to rest and recu- himself. He has always used himself to fur- has had enough experience to know how perate and we can go out to dinner. We’ve Dr. Ray Authement’s workday has already started. He reviews a publication before a round of appointments begin. ther the place.” the public reacts. If he has an issue that been doing that for many years. It has

24 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 25 avoided a lot of arguments.” overwhelming and serious and she allows a Lafayette businessman, was a close friend her illness and seeking 1999. So, the timing seemed right. Johnson said Authement’s dedication him to see the humor in them. She allows of the Authements. “I’ve had the pleasure treatments for it. The president’s plans were suspended to UL Lafayette is matched only by Barbara him to relax. When he’s with my mother, of knowing all five of the university’s presi- On Nov. 29, when Kathy became ill. In the somber days Authement’s dedication to her husband. he is more at ease than any other time I dents and by far, the best was Barbara Au- 1999, Kathy died. after her death, he seemed lost in a world “When my father was in gradu- ever see him. thement,” he would joke. Johnson said her that was suddenly different, one that he ate school, my mom worked to put him “He genuinely enjoys her company Barbara Authement does act as a parents grieved pri- could not control. He gravitated to what he through school. I think that set the tone for and genuinely feels better, safer and happier sounding board for her husband. vately. “To the rest of knew best, the University of Louisiana at their relationship. She was always the sup- with her by his side. I think that’s the big- “She waits for him to get home and the world, they put on Lafayette, a familiar place that could dis- porter, the one behind the scenes who en- gest compliment that anybody can receive.” has dinner with him every night. That’s a pretty good face,” tract him from his sorrow. abled him to achieve whatever he wanted Although Barbara Authement has al- when she asks about his day and that’s she recalled. “But I Authement pursued new goals as ag- to achieve. In some relationships, spouses ways been supportive of her husband, she when he shares what’s going on and prob- thought at the time, gressively as ever before. For instance, he or partners might feel threatened by the has also pursued her own interests. For ably at that time, because he has had so ‘I don’t think Dad can managed a $130 million building boom on other’s success. I think it was just the op- many years, she worked in the oil indus- much information coming in all day, that’s make it through this...’ campus that ultimately resulted in the con- posite with them.” try. She played tennis and was active in his time to process. She offers him a chance Even with his struction of 10 buildings and the Student civic groups. to think out loud,” Johnson said. wife’s support, Authe- Aquatic Center, as well as the renovation or When Ray Authement was a senior The transition to a more public role “Mom’s the old-fashioned wife who ment seemed lost, expansion of 11 university facilities. at Terrebonne High School in Houma, La., – the result of Authement’s promotions always makes sure his shirts are ironed, Johnson said. “That “By concentrating on projects, he was he addressed the freshman class. His future at the university – was an issue she ad- his dinner is ready. She takes care of ev- was the darkest of able to slowly heal,” one university insider wife was one of the students in the audi- dressed directly. erything. She literally makes sure he has hours. Only his reli- noted. At the same of B arbara A uthement courtesy ence. But it wasn’t until Authement was “When Ray said he was going to be nothing to worry about but the day ahead gious faith got him time, Authement attending Southwestern Louisiana Institute vice president, I told him, ‘I have a request of him. It’s nice. The Authements relax on a beach vacation. They remain through that.” turned his atten- (now known as UL Lafayette) that they of you: Do not ask me to change. I cannot.’ “She’ll tell me, ‘He couldn’t survive best friends after 50 years of marriage. Faith and the tion to his three met. Barbara was a friend of without me.’ I don’t think she University of Louisi- grandchildren. Authement’s sister, Norma. could survive without having ana at Lafayette. Johnson is When visiting Norma one him to support and take care The Authements’ first child, Kath- Personnel in Martin Hall could see married to Chris day, Authement’s mom of. That’s where she gains her leen “Kathy” Authement, was born May 3, Authement’s grief expressed on his face and Johnson of Atlanta. urged Barbara to meet her pleasure in life – taking care 1952, while Ray Authement was in Gradu- in his dark eyes, which would sometimes She said the birth son, Ray. of him. It’s a unique, enviable ate School. fill with tears when anyone mentioned of their first child, “He was what I had way to be, I think.” “When Dad was writing his disserta- Kathy’s name. Jacob, in 2004 been looking for,” Barbara Johnson said some of tion for a master’s degree, he would take Before his daughter’s death, Authe- seemed to be a Authement would recall the family’s toughest times care of her at night. They didn’t have a ment had spoken at an annual luncheon turning point for more than 50 years later. were when Authement was crib, they had a dresser and she was in the held for retired university personnel. He her father. “When Jacob Johnson She had enrolled at aggressively pursuing a name dresser drawer next to him. She kept him told them that he expected to be sitting Jacob was born, it SLI but changed her plans change for the University of company,” Johnson said. “There was a bond among them the next year. In a sense, his was the first time when she began dating Au- Southwestern Louisiana. It between the two of them that in a long time that I could see the sparkle thement. Although he was was a controversial issue. was extremely special.” in his eye again. It was as if Jacob were a student, he also taught a “I remember him feeling Kathy earned a bachelor’s proof that life goes on and he found such physics lab; the school dis- so passionate about the need degree from USL in 1975 and joy in a new grand baby.” couraged instructors from for a name change and oth- a master’s degree in special In August, Michelle and Lauren en- dating students. ers coming out against it. I education in 1982. A special tered UL Lafayette as freshmen. Phillip will Barbara Braud and remember my mom’s support. education teacher at Duson graduate from UL Lafayette in the spring. Authement married about She would always tell him, Elementary, she married When Kathy was near death, Authement a year after they were intro- ‘You’re doing the right thing.’ Philippe E. Prouet, a Lafayette promised her that he would personally duced by his mother. At times when maybe he architect. present Phillip with his diploma. faced opposition, either from Kathy shared Authe- Johnson said Kathy is never far from Barbara Authement the community or within ment’s passion for Ragin’ Authement’s thoughts. is an extrovert who’s com- the university, she just stood Cajuns® sports, especially “There have been so many times after

fortable in social settings and of B arbara A uthement courtesy by his side and said, ‘Honey, men’s basketball. They would my sister’s death when Dad has said, ‘Oh, quickly puts others at ease. keep at it. You’re doing the sit next to each other at home how much fun it would be to share this of B arbara A uthement courtesy She is opinionated and often Barbara Authement prepares to cut a cake during a reception held right thing.’ games. When he traveled to with Kathy,’ like when he saw Phillip keep outspoken among friends. in 1984 to mark her husband’s 10th anniversary as USL’s president. “She can influence him to out-of-town games without The Authements and their eldest daughter, Kathy, a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Or when Despite the differences in a point, but when he has his her, they would talk by phone in June 1975. he talks about when Phillip will graduate, their personalities, she and Authement And he said, ‘I wouldn’t love you if you mind made up, she says ‘Well, then that’s – sometimes before the game he’ll say, ‘How proud she would be.’ complement each other. did.’ So that was the main hurdle.” the direction we’re taking.’ ” had ended. “He holds onto that thought and how “He’s my best friend and I’m his best She paused for a moment before add- Johnson said her parents react differ- In 1998, on the day before Thanksgiv- comment was not surprising. Speculation much she would find joy in everything that friend,” she says, simply. ing, “I told him, ‘Don’t fuss if I get out and ently to criticism of him. “Whereas he is ing, Kathy was diagnosed with leukemia. about his retirement had been swirling. is accomplished at the university.” Johnson said her mom injects levity work in my flower beds!’ ” thick-skinned and can say ‘Well, people Her son, Philip, was 12 years old; her twin He had reached many of his goals. UL La- And Authement finds great pleasure in into the university president’s life. “She will understand in time,’ she sees him at- daughters, Lauren and Michelle, were 9. fayette was already planning a year-long all the university has to offer his grandchil- takes situations that would sometimes be The late Herbert heymann, tacked and takes it personally for him.” The next year was spent coping with Centennial celebration that would begin in dren and future generations. n

26 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 27 Dr. Ray P. Authement

BORN: Chauvin, La.

MARRIED: Former Barbara Braud; two daughters, Kathleen (deceased) and Julie; two grandsons; twin granddaughters

EDUCATION: 1950 Bachelor of Science, University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, La. Major Field - Physics Minor Field - Mathematics

1952 Master of Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. Major Field - Mathematics

1956 Doctorate, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. Major Field - Mathematics Minor Field - Physics

EXPERIENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: September, 1954 - August, 1956 Instructor of Mathematics LSU, Baton Rouge, La.

September 1956 - August 1957 Associate Professor of Mathematics McNeese State University, Lake Charles, La. September 1957 - August 1959 Associate Professor of Mathematics USL September 1959 - Jan. 30, 1966 Professor of Mathematics USL 1962-63 Session Visiting Professor of Mathematics University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Feb. 1, 1966 - June 30, 1970 Academic Vice President USL July 1, 1970 - June 30, 1973 Vice President USL Clockwise, from top left, graduation from Terrebonne July 1, 1973 - July 25, 1973 High School, 1947; as a young man; SLI graduation, 1950; Acting President, USL with Miss America, Judy Ford; an early computer at USL; with U.S. Sen. John Breaux; as King Gabriel XXXVI with July 26, 1973 - June 30, 1974 his wife, Barbara; a family portrait, October 2007; with President-Elect, USL Barbara Authement; with New York Yankees pitcher Ron Guidry; and as King Cotton XXII in 1975. Center: Authe- July 1, 1974 - Present ment at work. President, University of Louisiana at Photos courtesy of Barbara Authement. Lafayette, formerly USL aul

28 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 B lane F LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 29 in and that it would come in a week or 10 uncomfortable with or days. Sure enough, 10 days later, he would tried to mislead anyone to Lessons in Leadership be back in the lab, asking me if the part had advance a cause. In crisis, come in and how it fit into my research. we’ve been on the same “It was amazing to me, that as a gradu- page – truth-seekers,” said ate student, he took such an individual- Simon-Dronet. ized interest in my work. Here he was, the “He does not rush to vol- president of the university, with a million unteer information because or anyone interested in same research category as Bay- or so things to do on a daily basis. And yet, that’s not his personality but acquiring or polishing lor and Auburn by the Carn- that essentially is what defines him.” when asked for information, Fmanagement skills, UL egie Foundation; and you will get the truth. Lafayette President Dr. Ray • has constructed more Fiscal responsibility “I believe that if you Authement has been a walking than 30 buildings and facilities, For more than 30 years, Authement has were to ask Dr. Authement textbook for more than three and renovated or expanded relied on the skills of Ovey Hargrave, UL what he would most like decades. more than 25 others. Lafayette’s vice president for Business and to be known for, it would He has steered the uni- Dr. Steve Landry, vice Finance. Their diligence has kept UL La- be his integrity. I can only Sherry Young, left, has been secretary to the president versity deliberately and confi- president for Academic Affairs, fayette financially sound. think of twice over the past for 22 years. Administrative assistant Julie Leday, cen- dently as it has advanced from has professionally interacted In late 1993, for instance, the univer- 16 years that he was truly a solid regional university to with Authement on many sity became debt free, when it paid what it ter, has worked in the president’s office for 16 years. upset about something uni- one worthy of national and levels. At UL Lafayette, he has owed on dormitories and other auxiliary versity-related. On both international attention. been a doctoral student, faculty facilities. “This accomplishment allowed would allow, Authement turned his atten- occasions his integrity was His list of major achieve- member and researcher, depart- us to contain our dormitory fees and meal tion to other departments and programs. wrongfully questioned. I know his integrity ments is impressive, by any ment head, center director and tickets, in spite of escalating expenses,” He remained patient when striving to to be impeccable.” measure. Under his leadership, university administrator. Hargrave said. reach his goals. He pushed for almost 20 for example, the university: “It’s a very enlightening And, every year, for the past 15 years, years to get USL’s name changed, for instance. Attention to details • changed its name to process to study an individual faculty members have received raises. Some critics accuse Authement of micro- the University of Louisiana at who has had so much success. I “Dr. Authement was able to make a lot Vision and passion managing. “My style is to educate myself Lafayette; think there’s a lot for people to of good decisions because he always knew “Vision and passion have long been a on a daily basis about what’s going on in • implemented academic learn from him about principles exactly what our financial condition was,” winning combination for Dr. Authement the university and what areas are moving admission standards; of management,” Landry said. Hargrave said. and certainly for UL Lafayette,” said Julie forward. That way, you can better assist • became the first Doctor- Below is a brief look at Simon-Dronet, director of Public Rela- people in reaching their goals,” Authement al II university in Louisiana; some key aspects of Authe- Priorities and perseverance tions and News Services for nearly half of said in a recent interview. • has always competed in ment’s leadership. When Authement became president of Authement’s presidency. According to Landry, Authement’s NCAA Division I, the highest USL in 1974, state revenues were limited. “His vision is truly remarkable. Is it ability to focus on details also enables him level of collegiate competition; Management by He decided to direct as much money as guesswork? No. He is a gatherer of infor- to prevent trouble. “You can handle a lot • increased its gifted as- walking around possible to the burgeoning field of com- mation and has a methodical mind that, of things as little problems before they be- sets from about $500,000 to Dr. Ramesh Kolluru arrived puter science. I believe, maps out game plans. He’s so come big problems.” more than $150 million; at UL Lafayette in 1992 as a “I believed that if we were perceived driven by passion for moving this institu- And, attention to detail has been cru- • weathered numerous graduate student. as being great in one area, we would be tion forward that he stays the course until cial in managing the university’s money, financial crises caused by state “I was so surprised to see perceived as great in other areas,” he ex- it’s done.” said Hargrave. “You have to know where revenue woes; Dr. Authement walk into the plained in 1994. He was vilified at the time your resources are coming from, where • helped diversify the lab on a weekly basis, asking by some faculty and students who resented Integrity they are being spent. You set goals and you economy by establishing 17 for updates, progress on my his concentration on one academic area. “Over the years we’ve experienced many set priorities, but if you don’t manage your research centers; projects. I would tell him I But USL became nationally recognized for challenges at the university and he has financial resources, then sometimes it’s • has been ranked in the was waiting for a part to come its computer science program. As finances never asked me to do anything that I was hard to achieve your goals.” n

1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1980 1981 1982 1983 n Dr. Clyde R. Rougeou, n Center for Louisiana Studies is n Stephens Memorial n USL hosts French n Gumbo U n Louisiana Legislature n College of n Offers first master’s degree in computing n Only university n Parking lottery begins president of USL, begins established Library converted to President Giscard established approves $18 million General engineering in the Southeast in nation to offer n Recession begins/ year-long leave of a computer center D’Estaing for a new convention Studies bachelor’s degree n First Lagniappe Day held on campus in n USL Foundation five-year endowment fund Louisiana governor absence and assembly center established in electrical the spring n Authement reigns n Shuttle bus drive begins proposes budget cuts engineering with n Dr. Ray P. Authement as King Gabriel transportation system n Constitutional Convention creates new n Banks join forces to make biggest donation in telecommunications becomes acting USL XXXVI during Mardi begins operation higher education governing boards university’s history, $750,000 to be invested for option president Gras n Authement receives academic enrichment. n USL acquires Van de Graaf accelerator prestigious Order of the from NASA Palms from the French government for efforts on behalf of french bilingualism in Louisiana

30 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 31 Prime Time at UL Lafayette President’s tenure ‘has been transforming’ by Dr. Gary Marotta

Dr. Gary Marotta served as UL Lafayette’s Dr. Authement. The “main thing” is not hat are Dr. Ray Authe- changed the name of the Board of vice president for Academic Affairs from some strategic plan vetted by the university ment’s most significant Trustees for Colleges and Universi- 1989-1999. A self-described “recovering ad- stakeholders. It is in Dr. Authement’s head. Wachievements as the fifth ties to the University of Louisiana ministrator,” he is now professor of history But we can discern its shape in the details president of the University of Loui- System. It also allowed two institu- at Buffalo State College, the largest four-year of decades of decisions and projects. Look siana at Lafayette? tions to change their names at the college in the State University of New York around to see their fruits: nothing less than Here’s a quick look at some of same time to the University of Loui- system. Marotta is former University Dean the University of Louisiana. them. siana at their geographical locations. at Long Island University and former provost I have worked with several university You can read about two oth- Four more years passed before of Buffalo State College. presidents and chancellors, in both the ers – the creation of University a second school in the UL System public and independent sectors. All have Research Park and campus develop- – Northeast Louisiana University in he University of Louisiana has been been smart, all have been dedicated, but ment – beginning on pages 2 and Monroe – was willing to change its fortunate to have had a number of none as tireless or as determined as Dr. 10, respectively, of this issue. name too. “University of Louisiana at Tremarkable presidents in its long Authement. He is not, like too many higher Lafayette,” was declared on Sept. 10, history; their stewardship, at key moments, education CEO’s, a careerist, opportunist, Name Change 1999, at a celebration held to kick off has been decisive. But President Ray Au- or mere image-maker. The University of In the early 1980s, Authement in- UL Lafayette’s 100th birthday. thement’s tenure – of unprecedented dura- Louisiana is not smoke and mirrors. It has troduced a proposal to change the tion and intensity – has been more than been built the old fashioned way: through name of the University of South- Selective Admissions decisive; it has been transforming. Dr. Gary Marotta long-term engagement, attention to detail western Louisiana to the University Until 1999, anyone who Today, the University commands re- J ohn C haisson and hard work. of Louisiana. There were plenty of earned a high school diploma was gional and national, indeed global, recog- presidency, from a provincial to a nation- Dr. Authement knows how to order reasons to seek a name that better eligible to attend the University of nition. It is a recognition grounded in the ally competitive institution, has been priorities, make adjustments, get results – reflected the school’s stature. Louisiana at Lafayette. academic and research core of the Univer- achieved in the face of financial and politi- and survive. No mean feat in Louisiana, or • Research showed that a On Sept. 10, 1999, USL was declared the University of But an open admissions policy sity, identified by distinguished programs cal densities of resistance. By consolidating any place else in higher education for that “double-directional” name, such Louisiana at Lafayette. could be detrimental to students in each of its colleges. A strong and pro- authority on campus, partnering with city matter. He is not an easy man to work for as “Southwestern Louisiana,” was unprepared to perform college- ductive faculty, an aspiring student body, and parish, astutely avoiding dangers, mas- because he believes in equality: He believes three times more likely to identify want to compete with Ragin’ Cajuns® on level work. More than likely, they committed alumni, all supported by state tering details, and pursuing a large vision, that everybody should work as hard and as two-year community colleges than four- the court, field or track. hadn’t received scholarships, so they took of the art infrastructure, backed by endow- Dr. Authement has overcome the obstacles smart as he does. If we did, he implies, we year universities. • It would increase donors’ pride in out loans for tuition, books and living ex- ments, have been assembled. And that is and created a modern, dynamic university. would be contributing to the building of a • A new name would improve the their affiliation with the university. penses. So, if college didn’t work out, they what matters and that is what endures – a There is an e-mail I send to my gradu- great institution, and that would invest our university’s ability to recruit the brightest For a brief time in 1984, USL was able had a debt to pay. place that cherishes the human mind. ate students; it says, “The main thing is to lives with meaning. And so it does. faculty and students. to adopt a new name – the University of Open admissions was costly for USL, The impact of Dr. Authement is, I be- keep the main thing the main thing.” The It was extraordinary to be on his team. • It would increase the perceived value Louisiana. But a subsequent court chal- too. Remedial courses were expensive. lieve, comparable to the impact that Presi- message helps them to sustain the focus What kind of team was it? It was a track of the university’s academic degrees. lenge nullified the move And, the state provides more funding for dent Charles William Eliot had on Harvard on the essence of the research projects team, and I had a 10-year run. Others fell • The new name would enable the It was a setback for Authement and upper-level students than freshmen. Tax- in the late 19th century and Nicholas Mur- or theses they are developing. Once they out earlier, some continued the pace. But university to better compete for the na- other name change supporters but they payers were paying for a student’s educa- ray Butler had on Columbia in the first half grasp its import, they get the job done. I the best run of all was that unprecedented, tion’s top scientists and most prestigious refused to give up. Instead, their efforts tion twice – first in high school and then in of the 20th century. The transformation do not recall the source of the aphorism, intense long-distance run – the one that research grants. became a crusade. remedial classes. of the University during Dr. Authement’s but it is the big lesson I have learned from transformed the University. n • More NCAA Division 1 teams would In 1995, the Louisiana Legislature Continued on page 35

1984 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 n USL becomes n Cajundome n University awards n CACS connects to n Creation of n USL Alumni n Authement n Office of n USL becomes n Louisiana n University receives $10 million n Enrollment reaches n Estuarine University of opens its first doctorate Internet Walk of Honor Association undergoes Minority third university Legislature creates federal EETAP grant, biggest all-time high of more Habitats open heart Affairs in world the University of Louisiana briefly in computer n Marine Survival announced purchases research grant in school history than 17,000 and Coastal engineering Heymann surgery created to offer Louisiana System; Fisheries Center n Center for Training Center opens n Ragin’ Cajuns® becomes n Investing in Our family doctorate in paves way for USL opens Advanced n Budget woes prompt n USL n Enterprise federally registered trademark Future campaign n La Louisiane residence Francophone name change Computer 10-hour, four-day achieves Center of begins magazine debuts on St. Mary studies Studies created work week during SREB Louisiana, Boulevard n Investing in Our summer session Doctoral II a business n University for use as an Future fund drive status incubator, acquires Gulf 1987 n Apparel Computer alumni center chairmen establish opens South Research Integrated endowed chair in Institute in New Manufacturing Authement’s name Iberia, La. (now Center (A-CIM) 1 NIRC) created

32 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 33 ‘Real Leadership Is Very Unselfish...’ Leading the Way

During Dr. Ray P. Authement’s presidency, UL Lafayette has built an impressive ow did Dr. Ray Authement remain tion of a moral leader to do what is right by enterprise moving forward. record of ‘firsts.’ some examples: an effective, innovative university the people they represent.” “Real leadership is very unselfish and Hpresident for more than 30 years? Authement has those qualities – and he is one of the most unselfish leaders First university in Louisiana to: That’s a question Dr. Sally Clausen, more, she continued. that I’ve ever worked with. He sets high • acquire MULTICS computer system (second president of the University of Louisiana “He’s dedicated. He has vision. He expectations. He shares. He stays engaged. in the nation after MIT) System, is particularly qualified to answer. works hard. He collaborates with people He encourages. He’s not afraid of assess- She served as state commissioner of higher and sometimes he has to make some ment. He’s always in direct contact with • install a fiber optic backbone on campus education and was isolated decisions, know- students. In fact, he keeps his focus on • earn a Doctoral II research designation president of Southeast- ing that he’s going to take the students. He believes that diversity is • develop a center dedicated just to job creation ern Louisiana Univer- some heat. something that should define us but not • use computerized patient simulators to train sity from 1995 to 2001. “But his vision has divide us; he embraces it. And, he changes student nurses Earlier this year, she always been impressive with the times.” was inducted into the because he seems to antici- Authement earned credibility over the • obtain an atom smasher Louisiana Political Hall pate where the university years by building a record of success, Clau- • have its students design and launch a working of Fame. ought to be in the next few sen said. Dr. Ray Authement looks down on Cajun Field from a stadium skybox. satellite Clausen noted that years and makes con- • establish an Americorps service learning university presidents scious decisions now Members of the Continued from page 32 They were: Louisiana State program must satisfy many to ensure that it gets But until 1998, Louisiana did not have University in Baton Rouge, La.; • create a finance, insurance and risk “bosses,” including state there. Otherwise, we University of Louisiana System a statewide community college system, the University of Louisiana at management program education boards, state wouldn’t have Uni- so there were few postsecondary options. Lafayette (then known as the and federal lawmak- versity Research Park, • Grambling State University, Grambling, La. Once one was established, UL Lafayette University of Southwestern Loui- • compete in the prestigious DARPA Grand ers, parents, students, the LITE Center, the • Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, La. implemented selective admissions, gradu- siana); and Tulane University in Challenge for robotic vehicles (CajunBot) faculty, sports fans and Dr. Sally Clausen Paul and Lulu Hill- • McNeese State University, Lake Charles, La. ally raising the academic requirements. New Orleans. • establish a marine survival training center community leaders. So, of university L ouisiana S ystem C ourtesy iard University Art • Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, La. The results are gratifying: The average In general, larger schools • offer a bachelor’s degree with specialization in university presidents are “decision mak- Museum or Moody Hall. We wouldn’t • Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, La. ACT scores and high school GPAs of in- compete in Division I. computer graphics and animation ers by consensus and if you cannot draw necessarily have well over $100 mil- • Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, La. coming freshmen have been rising steadily. NCAA Division I members • establish an intensive care laboratory for consensus around major issues, you cannot lion in endowments. And, UL Lafayette has attracted a record voted in 1978 to create three sub- • University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, La. nursing students succeed. Anyone who can attain consensus “So many things that he has en- number of high school valedictorians. divisions, 1-A, 1-AA and 1-AAA. • University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, La. over such a long period of time is truly an visioned and worked to accomplish So, UL Lafayette’s graduation rate will Again, the larger universities First University in South/Southeast to: amazing leader. are the sheer genius of his thoughtful rise, too, in coming years. sought the top tier, 1-A. So did • create a master’s degree in computer “You do so by the sheer power of your anticipation, while always, however, stay- “And he doesn’t break his word. Trust Authement. drive, your intellect, your personality and ing in tune with the politics of the area, the is not built overnight and the power of his Doctoral II Ultimately, all major Louisi- engineering your willingness to understand the big pic- state politics, the students and their needs, word, his trustworthiness and his follow- For the average person, USL becoming a ana universities joined Division • establish a Ph.D. in cognitive science ture,” she said. and the faculty’s need for resources.” through instilled confidence in those who Southern Regional Economic Board Doc- 1. But not all made the climb to • offer a bachelor’s degree in industrial design Effective university presidents know Clausen noted that Authement were affected by his decisions. I think that’s toral II university in 1992 was hardly a Division 1-A. This year, there are • acquire equipment that could manufacture their ideas and actions will sometimes be doesn’t seek the limelight. “His quiet, the mark of a real leader and history will, reason to pop open a bottle of champagne. four state, public universities in compact discs controversial and “sometimes very diffi- daily work, every day, day in and day out, I believe, reflect on him as one of the great But for the university, it was cause for cel- Division 1-A: LSU, UL Lafayette, cult. Yet, they have the courage of convic- on little issues and big issues, keeps the leaders of our time.” n ebration. UL Monroe and Louisiana Tech. first university in Nation to: One reason: The Louisiana Board of In addition to convey- • establish a birthing lab, with computerized Regents allocates more state funding to ing prestige, the Division 1-A patient simulators, for nursing students Doctoral II universities. So, UL Lafayette designation affects guarantees 1999 2000 2001 2003 2004 2005 2007 received an extra $2.023 million. and scholarships. “Guarantees” • offer bachelor’s degree in telecommunications That “big step” took five years to refers to the amount a team • appoint a black vice president at (a n USL becomes n New UL n Cayenne n LACES n CajunBot, an n UL Lafayette houses and n UL Lafayette University of Lafayette debuts as created autonomous robotic assists Hurricanes Katrina is first in achieve. It started when Authement com- will pay an opponent to entice predominantly white university) Louisiana at Foundation new spirit vehicle, is one of only and Rita evacuees Louisiana to mitted to an expansion of the doctoral it to play. Guarantees are much • establish a digital immersive visualization Lafayette building leader 15 vehicles who earns have a satellite n College of Nursing and fellowship program at USL. The fellowship bigger in Division 1-A. Also, opens the chance to compete in orbit that center to be shared by government, private n Centennial n Center for Allied Health Professions in desert race for $1 was designed program steadily increased the number of Division 1-A programs can offer Celebration Cultural and becomes only the seventh industry and academia million prize from U.S. by students doctoral candidates at the university. more scholarships. begins Eco-Tourism college in nation to earn Department of Defense • be designated as an apparel computer established prestigious Center of NCAA Division 1-A affects n Selective integrated manufacturing center n Kathleen Babineaux Excellence designation NCAA Division 1 the status of other university admissions n President implemented Authement Blanco becomes first n Exclusive Ragin’ Red spice After the National Collegiate Athletic As- sports by increasing a school’s • establish a center to promote bilingualism plants USL graduate to serve introduced sociation decided in 1973 to create competi- visibility and boosting its image. as governor of Louisiana North America: Second tive divisions, only three Louisiana universi- Dan McDonald, a sports Century Oaks ties chose to join the top tier – Division 1. writer for The Advertiser, Lafay- • to offer a Ph.D. in Francophone studies

34 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 35 ette’s daily newspaper and former UL Lafayette was capable of sports information director at UL competing with major insti- Lafayette, wrote a commentary tutions in the country. But, a Two Louisiana Universities published Sept. 12, 2007, that sup- regional sounding name – the ported Authement’s decision to University of Southwestern Have Longest-serving Presidents remain in Division 1-A in football. Louisiana – set the wrong McDonald noted that UL tone. The current name bet- Lafayette’s baseball, softball, bas- ter reflects the school’s stat- ketball, track and golf teams have ure as an institution worthy assion for his work and keeping lay president of Xavier University – and its been successful in conference and of national and international focused on priorities are two keys first male president – in April 1968. post-season play. attention. Pto Dr. Ray Authement’s success and Xavier now has about 2,500 students in He also observed that UL Clark noted that UL La- longevity as president of UL Lafayette. its College of the Arts, 590 in its College of Lafayette’s athletic budget is much fayette competes with institu- That’s the assessment of Dr. Norman Pharmacy and 200 in its Graduate School. smaller than most other Division tions of significance around Francis, president of Xavier University in According to the Chronicle for Higher 1-A athletics budgets “but it is the country and is a nation- New Orleans. Education, Xavier “sends more minority still significantly higher than the ally recognized university. Francis is the longest-serving presi- students to medical schools and graduates state’s I-AA membership. And it’s “When the Carnegie dent of a private university in the United more minority pharmacists than any other no secret that the more money a Foundation listed us with States. He has been Xavier’s president for university in the country.” It has also pro- program has, the more successful other well-recognized institu- 40 years. duced one of every four black pharmacists it can be. Those funds have helped tions, and said we’re at that Authement is the longest-serving pres- in the United States since 1957. and continue to help in UL’s com- level, it’s another example of ident of a public university in the nation. Authement was named president of plete program.” bringing reality and percep- In late April, Authement announced he UL Lafayette, then called the University tion of reality together for will retire after 33 years as UL Lafayette’s of Southwestern Louisiana, in 1974, after Endowments us,” he said. top leader. serving a year as its interim president. A review of UL Lafayette’s financial According to a survey conducted by Today, UL Lafayette is the second largest progress after Authement became Economic the American Council on Education, the university in the state, with more than president in 1974 shows a gradual Diversification average tenure for a university president 16,000 students. Dr. Ray Authement planted oaks in University Research Park Dr. Norman Francis increase in private donations. The oDue t a decline in world oil in 2006 was 8.5 years. That’s up from an By the mid-1980s, USL had about amounts of financial contributions on Jan. 1, 2006, to close a year-long Centennial Celebration. and natural gas markets, the average of 6.6 years in 2001. $500,000 to invest. Now, it has more than grew, also. Hub City’s economy started Francis and Authement are friends, as Francis grew up in Lafayette, down $150 million in gifted and pledged assets. But the university’s financial $400,000, in state money to establish a $1 spiraling downward in the well as colleagues, who enjoy mutual respect. the street from UL Lafayette, which was One of Francis’ biggest trials as presi- status was vulnerable to the fluctuations million endowed chair. mid-1980s, taking the rest of Louisiana’s oil- Francis will deliver the keynote ad- known then as Southwestern Louisiana dent occurred when Hurricane Katrina of state funding. Authement repeatedly Authement embraced the opportu- dependent economy with it. dress at UL Lafayette’s Commencement Institute. SLI – like every other public slammed into south Louisiana in 2005. had to pare USL’s budget when state rev- nity. He aggressively sought contributions Under Authement’s leadership, the in December, when Authement will be university in the Deep South – prohibited A breach in the protective levees around enues were cut. So, he decided to establish for endowments. UL Lafayette launched university became a leader in efforts to honored. He will also receive an honor- black students from attending then. New Orleans inundated the Xavier cam- a stable revenue source that could supple- the Investing in Our Future campaign in diversify both economies. Over the next ary doctorate in educational leadership During UL Lafayette’s Commencement pus with seven feet of water that sat for ment state monies. 1997. Its goal was to raise the university’s several years, he created a tasty alphabet from UL Lafayette during that ceremony. in December 2004, Authement spoke about three weeks. By the early 1980s, USL had accu- endowments to $75 million. Today, UL soup of 17 research centers. MEPOL, the “Dr. Authement is passionate about that period of history. He recalled a conver- In the storm’s wake, Francis had to lay mulated about $500,000 it could invest. Lafayette has more than $130 million in Manufacturing Extension Partnership of his commitment to educating young people sation with Francis a few years ago. off more than a third of the school’s staff Authement asked the late Alfred Lamson, endowed funds. Louisiana. A-CIM for in Louisiana and, particularly, in Acadiana “He told me over dinner one day, ‘Ray, and faculty and deal with more than $35 a successful Lafayette oilman, to help apparel manufactur- and Lafayette. He gives his total talents, ev- it was very, very hard to ride my bicycle million in damage to its campus. He also raise another $500,000. The combined Carnegie Foundation ing. MSTC for marine ery day, ” Francis said. “He gives that will- through that campus when I was a teenager lost everything in his family home. total of $1 million would be invested; only Designation survival training. Also ingly. That commitment inspires others at and to know that I could not enroll be- Nonetheless, Francis agreed to serve the earned interest would be used by the What do Clemson, Baylor, Au- established: the Small the university to work as hard as he does. cause of the color of my skin. I was denied as chairman of the Louisiana Recovery university. burn and UL Lafayette have in Business Development “The key is that he has kept his at- an opportunity to attend my home univer- Authority, a reconstruction advisory Lamson would only agree to raise common? Center. tention and his focus on the core elements sity just a few blocks from my father’s bar- board, when asked by Gov. Kathleen Babi- funds if the goal was raised to $10 mil- They are all universities “It’s amazing be- – students first and faculty, or what we call bershop and our family home.’ ” neaux Blanco. lion. Within four years, that total had with high research activity, ac- cause Dr. Authement the first among equals, meaning that it’s Authement enrolled at SLI in 1947. In Norman and Authement were honored been obtained. cording to the Carnegie Foun- did all this during both students and faculty. 1954, four years after Authement gradu- earlier this year during the 69th annual In 1986, UL Lafayette got a huge break dation for the Advancement of the worst economic “He never forgot that the institution ated with a bachelor’s degree in physics, Conference of Louisiana Colleges and Uni- when citizens approved the creation of a Teaching. times in the century. It was founded to serve students and he SLI became one of the first all-white public versities. permanent trust fund with $505 million in Universities want to share was even worse than always had with him really committed fac- universities in the South to integrate. In December 2006, Francis was award- offshore oil royalties and future offshore categories with other top uni- during the Depres- ulty and staff to serve that core mission. By then, Francis had earned a bach- ed the Medal of Freedom by President revenues. Half the interest generated by versities because there’s value in sion, when half the “That is the secret, not only to lon- elor’s degree from Xavier University, the George W. Bush. He has been an adviser to the fund was ear marked for higher educa- name-dropping. It’s all about im- campus was built by gevity but the secret to making sure the only historically black Catholic University several U.S. presidents. tion. Interest from those endowed state age, all about others’ perception. various governmental university has the quality to serve students. in the nation, and was about to become the President Ronald Reagan appointed funds was used to attract large private Dr. Bradd Clark, dean of UL Lafayette’s programs,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, com- And he’s done it well. Lafayette, the region first black graduate of Loyola University Francis to a national commission that re- donations. A $600,000 gift from a private College of Sciences, likens it to the univer- missioner of higher education, in an article and Louisiana have been lucky to have had New Orleans College of Law. leased “A Nation at Risk” in 1983. It was a donor for instance, would be matched with sity’s name change in 1999. Before then, published in Louisiana Business in 2000. n him for all these years.” At age 36, Francis became the first landmark call for education reform. n

36 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 37 encouraged people to go to college. He was intercollegiate athletic program. Mouton Hall, Montgomery Hall, Madison known for encouraging students to excel in According to Saloom, Frazar orga- Hall, Angelle Hall, Olivier Hall, Griffin Hall 107 Years, Five Leaders education and to do well academically.” nized the effort to get a railroad company and Coronna Hall were built. According to the retired city judge, to take students to out-of-town football Saloom served as Alumni Association Retired city judge shares memories of former presidents one of the keys to Stephens’ success was his games on trains, so the team would have president from 1958-59. selection of faculty members. “Dr. Stephens fans “on the road.” In 1960, SLI earned university status, was instrumental in getting some excellent Saloom finished his college studies dur- which enabled it to change its name to the hen a presidential search com- teachers who stayed with the school for ing Frazar’s term. University of Southwestern Louisiana. mittee asked for the public’s many, many years,” he said. One of them Frazar resigned from SLI in 1940. He Fletcher retired in 1965 after 25 years opinion about the qualities UL was Stephens’ wife, Beverly Randolph Ste- went on to serve as a state representative, of service. He died April 25, 1972. W phens, who taught drawing and gymnastics. dean of McNeese State College and as lieu- Lafayette’s next leader should have, it got a rare perspective from one man. Saloom recalled that Stephens was an tenant governor during the Earl K. Long r. Clyde L. Rougeou began teaching Retired Lafayette City Judge Kaliste avid photographer who used his camera to administration. He died May 15, 1960. at SLI during Stephens’s presidency. J. Saloom Jr. has known all five university document much of the first four decades of DHe was also head of the Department presidents. He also served as parliamentar- campus life. he university’s third president, of Animal Husbandry before being named ian for the panel which ultimately recom- As an SLI student, Saloom was a Dr. Joel Lafayette Fletcher Jr., was the institution’s fourth president. mended Dr. Ray Authement to become UL sportswriter for The Vermilion. Tknown for From 1966 to 1974, Rougeou Lafayette’s fifth president in the 1970s. Stephens would also organize events for his personal interest guided the university through a criti- Saloom asked committee members students. “On freshman day, we’d have what in students’ welfare. cal period of rapid growth and cur- to select someone who will continue to we called the freshman parade. The male Any student tailed budgets. During his term, en- improve the entire state by continuing to freshmen usually sheared their hair, and they who was planning rollment rose from 8,400 to more than improve the university. wore skull caps,” Saloom said. They would to resign from SLI 12,000 – a 43 percent increase. In an interview with La Louisiane a parade from their dormitories, down Jeffer- was required to first To accommodate the larger stu- few weeks later, he provided his views son Street and then back to campus. talk with Fletcher dent population, Rougeou coordinated on the university’s presidents. Stephens retired as president in May so the president $34 million in construction projects. Authement, Saloom said, showed 1938 and died in New Orleans less than could determine Maxim Doucet Hall, Wharton Hall, strong leadership skills while serving as seven months later. whether anything the Student Union, Cajun Field, the vice president in Dr. Clyde Rougeou’s could be done to Athletic Complex and the two upper administration. ether Edward Frazar succeeded Ste- enable him or her floors of Dupré Library were con- When Rougeou took a one-year phens in 1938. Although he served to stay in school. structed during his presidency. leave of absence in 1973, Authement be- Lonly two and a half years, Frazar As dean of the The university also expanded supervised the construction of many cam- College of Agricul- academically, as it added graduate pro- came acting president. In 1974, he was Dr. Joel Lafayette Fletcher Jr. named Rougeou’s successor. pus buildings, such ture, he had grams in English, history, microbiol- Saloom credits Authement with as the president’s taken advantage ogy, mathematics, statistics, computer increasing the amount of national and house, Mouton of the National Youth Administration science and education. In 1968, USL began international recognition UL Lafayette Hall, Broussard and the Works Projects Administration granting doctoral degrees. has received in several different areas. He Hall, Burke Hall, to provide jobs for poor students who “He saw that the university would have noted Authement’s success in recruiting Hamilton Hall, Earl needed money to attend SLI. Some of to move to more liberal arts teaching than and keeping top-notch teachers and re- K. Long Gym and those students grew vegetables on agriculture or the searchers. The university’s president has Stephens Memorial the school’s farm. Others worked applied sciences,” “a broader vision and he created a confi- Library. in campus offices. Many worked Saloom said. - dence in the faculty. He’s always sought Retired Lafayette City Judge Kaliste J. Saloom Jr. Saloom said in the dairy, where they helped Although Rou to keep a high level of D oug ugas Frazar also helped make cheese and butter. geou was a “very faculty,” he said. So he literally began to build it tion. The Vermilion student newspaper and the campus grow “The dairy farm made some quiet president,” ac- Here’s a brief look from the ground up. In January L’Acadien yearbook had been established. through the pur- of the best cheese in the world. cording to Saloom, at UL Lafayette’s first 1901, Stephens planted oak tree Saloom said he grew up “in the shad- chase of additional From time to time, they would he kept “a high pro- four presidents, along seedlings on campus. Many flour- ows of the university.” When he enrolled in land, primarily the distribute it in the community,” file for the school.” with Saloom’s observa- ished; a few remain today and are 1935, the street in front of the school was former Whitting- Lether Edward Frazar Saloom said. Fletcher would also Near the end of tions about them. known as the Century Oaks. known as “Industrial Avenue;” decades lat- ton Estate. have barbecues at Whittington his presidency, Rou- When SLII began offering er, it would be renamed University Avenue. Frazar, who was 34 years old when Hall and invite members of the com- geou asked Saloom r. Edwin L. Ste- classes, it was a vocational edu- Southwestern had become a four-year he became the school’s second president, munity to attend. to serve as parlia- phens became cational institution. By the time college in 1925 and had dropped “Indus- developed the Colleges of Agriculture and “President Fletcher served in mentarian for the the first presi- Saloom was born in 1918, much trial” from its name. By 1932, it was ac- Engineering and added the Departments of difficult times during World War II,” selection committee D progress had been made. The credited as a College of Teacher Education, Music, Commerce and Publicity. said Saloom. “He had the campus all that would recom- dent of Southwestern Dr. Clyde Lee Rougeou Louisiana Industrial “Main Building,” DeClouet Hall with degrees ranging from art to biology to Saloom said Frazar “believed in mod- out for supporting our air force, our mend his successor. Institute, at age 27, on and Foster Hall had been built. physical education. ernizing the college and bringing in faculty army, our navy. And he did a lot after When Rougeou Jan. 3, 1900. The school Baseball, football and track teams Saloom described Stephens as “an that would expand the college.” the war to bring the veterans back to finish took a year-long leave of absence in 1973, had no campus, no fac- had been formed and Stephens academic leader. He believed in a well- The second president also created the their education.” Authement became acting president of USL. Dr. Edwin L. Stephens n ulty and no students. had formed an alumni associa- rounded education and liberal arts. He campus marching band and the school’s first During Fletcher’s presidency, F. G. Rougeou died in 1980.

38 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 LA LOUISIANE | FALL 2007 39 • This summer, Authe- Postseason Appearances by Team, 1974-present UL Lafayette’s men’s bas- Sports ment helped initiate a fund- ketball team has competed ing plan that, when approved in the NCAA Tournament by the state Board of Regents, seven times and in the Na- raised the amount of state tional Invitational Tourna- monies public universities ment five times. can earmark for athletics. Without question, the pin- The net result: UL Lafayette’s nacle of Ragin’ Cajun football budget for athletics in- success was the 29-22 Authement Set the Bar creased $1.4 million for defeat of the Texas A&M this fiscal year. Aggies at Cajun Field on Cajuns compete at top level of NCAA collegiate competition Oh, what a difference 34 Sept. 14, 1996. The Ca- years can make. juns earned that victory f there were an MVP Award for pledge totalling $2 million in cash and in- When Authement was pro- in front of the largest crowd Ragin’ Cajun athletics, President Ray kind-services from Cox Communication. moted from vice president to in UL Lafayette’s history, IAuthement would be the top candi- • Also in September, the $4 million acting president of USL (now 38,783. It was the first time date this year. Leon Moncla Indoor Practice Facility UL Lafayette) in 1973, he that a Ragin’ Cajun football Here’s why: opened near Cajun Field. UL Lafayette is faced the unenviable task team had defeated a nationally • In September, he accepted the larg- only the second university in Louisiana to of defending the univer- ranked team. est single sponsorship in the history of UL provide its student-athletes with a weath- sity against the NCAA’s Jake Delhomme of Breaux Lafayette’s athletic program – a 10-year erproof place to prepare for games. charges of 125 basket- Bridge, La., was captain of ball recruiting viola- USL’s team that year. He went tions. The school ulti- on to become quarterback mately received the NCAA’s of the Carolina Panthers Death Penalty, which shut down and led that team to the the men’s basketball program for Super Bowl in 2003. He’s

two years and put other Ragin’ A nne D arrah one of a long list of top drawer Cajun sports on hold. UL Lafayette players who went on to Also in 1973, the Ragin’ Cajun play professional football, such as Brandon football team had the worst season in Stokley, Charles Tillman, Orlando Thomas, USL’s history. Ten games. Ten losses. 25 teams in the nation. Last season, UL and Brian Mitchell. Authement was undaunted. The Lafayette had a 45-17 season and won the Authement’s support of Ragin’ Cajun NCAA created three divisions for collegiate Sun Belt Conference student-athletes competition in 1973 – Divisions 1, II and regular-season title. started long before III. In 1974, he chose to join the top tier. The Cajuns made he became presi- “We wanted to send a clear message, that it to the SBC Tour- dent in 1974. “USL UL Lafayette intended to compete at the nament and to the athletes returning highest level of athletics, just as it does in final round of the from road trips academics,” he recalled in an interview for NCAA Tournament’s have become ac- the Spring 2002 issue of La Louisiane. “We College Station Re- customed to find- haven’t looked back.” gional. ing Dr. Authement And when the NCAA subdivided its In 2000, the there to greet them. collegiate divisions for football in 1978, Ragin’ Cajuns® took As vice president Authement again chose the most competi- their first trip to the of Southwestern, tive level, Division 1-A. College World Series he recognizes the Former UL Lafayette Athletic Director and placed third. place of athletics Nelson Schexnayder said Authement’s deci- The Ragin’ within the univer- sion reinforced the university’s ambitious Cajun softball team sity framework as goals. “UL Lafayette, Tulane and LSU were is consistently one a rallying point for the ones who made the decision to be in of the best in the students, alumni 1-A from the start. No one else (in Louisi- country. It went to and interested ana.) Some other universities have joined the Women’s Col- citizens of the com- since. So, he made a wonderful decision.” lege World Series in munity,” the late A look at Ragin’ Cajuns® success 1993, 1995, 1996 Mario Mamalakis, during Authement’s tenure confirms that and 2003. It has had USL’s director of

assessment. 35 All-Americans, y of UL A rchives C ourtes publications, wrote Take baseball, for example. In late including co-head in a press release

D ou g u as Garland Williams and Dr. Ray Authement, then- UL Lafayette President Ray Authement is shown in the Leon Moncla Indoor Practice Facility, which September, Rivals.com released its pre-fall coach Stefni Whit- vice president of USL, confer during a game in in the early ’70s. ® opened this fall. It will be used by Ragin’ Cajun football, baseball, basketball and softball teams. rankings. The Ragin’ Cajuns are in its Top ton Lotief. Blackham Coliseum. Sports fans

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- in - - 43 - ALUMNI nent of all, he has a big heart.” of Legacy Park, an apartment-style stu- Association Ardoin was president of the UL La- dent residence; the Paul and Lulu Hilliard fayette Alumni Association from 1987 to University Art Museum; the Advanced 1988. He worked closely with Authement Computer Technology and Research Hall; to create the Walk of Honor, a path on and the Louisiana Immersive Technologies campus made of bricks bearing the names Center in University Research Park. of all graduates of the university. Dan Hare, executive director of the UL Authement received a bachelor’s de- Lafayette Alumni Association, said Authe- gree in physics from Southwestern Louisi- ment and the Association have a symbiotic Double Honor ana Institute in 1950 and went on to earn relationship. master’s and doctoral degrees in mathemat- “Dr. Authement has always started Authements receive prestigious alumni awards ics. He taught at McNeese State University each year off by welcoming the Alumni As- in Lake Charles, La., and Louisiana State sociation president during a private meet- aul hen Dr. Ray Authement was average salary paid by universities in 16 University in Baton Rouge, La., honored with the UL Lafayette states who are members of the Southern B lane F before joining the SLI faculty W Alumni Association’s Outstand- Regional Education Board. With the pay Ken Ardoin in 1957. ing Alumni Award in late October, he hikes, UL Lafayette faculty are in the same Among his accomplish- expressed his appreciation, then deflected salary league as universities such as Geor- In April, Authement announced his ments as president are the fol- the attention. gia Tech and Baylor, Authement reported. intention to retire. His successor is expected lowing. Like a polite guest who takes a hostess The NSF also ranked UL Lafayette’s to be chosen by the University of Louisiana • USL changed its named gift to a dinner party, Authement offered Computer Science Department in the top System in December. to the University of Louisiana some announcements about UL Lafayette’s 60 university computer science depart- Dr. Steve Landry, vice president of at Lafayette. most recent success. ments in the nation. Authement said that Academic Affairs at UL Lafayette, gave an • Academic admission He just learned that its Mathematics recognition was especially rewarding be- update on the university, which he said “is standards were implemented. Department was ranked by the National cause the university began developing its incredibly healthy in almost every academ- • The university’s en- Science Foundation as one of the top 100 renowned computer science program years ic way, every support way. . . It has been Dr. dowments rose from about university math departments in the country. ago, when the school’s budget was tight. Authement’s mantra for the past 15 years to $500,000 to more than $120 And, pay raises awarded this fall mean “But now we have money. We have insure raises for the faculty because it’s his million. that UL Lafayette’s faculty are earning the money thanks to you, thanks to the UL mantra that academics comes first. . . “ • UL Lafayette has been

Lafayette Foundation and thanks Ken Ardoin, executive director of recognized by the Carnegie aul to the governor and legislature. University Advancement, noted that Foundation as a “research This has been the best year ever in Authement has affected the lives of thou- university with high research B lane F The Alumni Association nominating committee voted unani- the history of the university. . . sands of people. He described the univer- activity,” which placed it in the mously to honor Dr. Ray Authement and Barbara Authement. “I thank you so very much sity president as caring, sacrificing and same research category as Bay- for this honor and I don’t really unselfish. “Probably the biggest compo- lor and Auburn. ing that I attend as well. They each have ® deserve it. You do, because you • Louisiana’s Ragin Cajuns compete a chance to share their goals for the year have done so much for the uni- in NCAA Division I, the highest level of and Dr. Authement gives an update on the versity,” he told Alumni Associa- collegiate competition. university’s perspective. They also discuss tion members. • University Research Park was estab- any objectives that he would like the Asso- Authement also thanked his lished and developed. ciation to assist with,” he said. wife, Barbara. “What a magnificent • More than 30 buildings and facili- For more Alumni Association news, partner and lady who has helped ties were constructed; more than 25 others go to www.louisianaalumni.org n me in so many crises,” he said. were renovated or expanded. The Alumni Association paid Authement kept the tribute to Barbara Authement, too, university sound fiscally, Would you like to send your best wishes by surprising her with its Honor- despite repeated budget cuts to Dr. Ray Authement? ary Alumni Award. It is presented when the Oil Boom went to individuals who are not UL bust in south Louisiana He announced in April that he plans to retire after Lafayette alumni but deserve rec- in the 1980s. At the same serving as the university’s president since 1974. That ognition for their “loyalty, service time, he contributed to the makes him the longest-serving president of any public and support of the university,” diversification of the oil- university in the United States. said Alumni Association President dependent local and state You can send a letter or card to this address: Martin Audiffred. The award has economies by establishing Attn: Retirement Committee been presented only three times in 17 research centers and as- Public Relations and News Services the past 15 years. sisting area businesses. v is G authier aul Since 2000, he su- UL Lafayette

Barbara Authement thanked T ra P. O. Box 41009 the Association. “It has been a A brick bearing the university president’s name pervised a $130 million B lane F building boom on campus Lafayette, La 70504 Dr. Ray Authement congratulates his wife, Barbara, who received the Alumni Association’s wonderful journey and all of you is near Moody Hall. He graduated from South- Honorary Alumni Award. have made it possible,” she said. western Louisiana Institute in 1950. that included construction Or, you can email a message to him at [email protected]

44 LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007 LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007 45 Authement was also instrumental in ficer of Stuller Inc.; Clay Allen, an attorney, supplement faculty salaries. Foundation establishing a joint operating agreement Allen and Gooch; and Bill Fenstermaker, UL Lafayette has one super chair and between the Foundation and UL Lafayette, chairman and chief executive officer of C. twice as many $1 million endowed chairs which serves as the management agree- H. Fenstermaker & Associates Inc. Honor- – 20 – as any other school in the University ment for the private 501c3 organization ary co-chairs were Herbert Abdalla, the late of Louisiana System. Louisiana Tech in with its public institution counterpart. Herbert Heymann, former U.S. Sen. J. Ben- Ruston has 10, the University of Louisiana “As a nonprofit entity of the univer- nett Johnston and the late Alfred Lamson. at Monroe has seven and Nicholls State sity, it behooves you to have those types of They, in turn, worked with other commu- University in Thibodaux has six. agreements in place,” Falgout said. “That nity leaders to solicit contributions. UL Lafayette has almost twice as many President’s Legacy was done a number of years $100,000 endowed profes- ago, before most people even UL Lafayette Endowments 1974-Present sorships – 217 – as any other Authement pledges, ‘When I go, we’ll be in good shape.’ realized that it was considered institution in the UL System. best practice.” Louisiana Tech in Ruston he University of Louisiana at the mastermind. His long-term strategy UL Lafayette’s Develop- ranks second, with 126. Lafayette had about half a million was expressed in the name of the fund- ment Office was established in McNeese University in Lake ayette yette university dollars to invest when Dr. Ray Au- 1991. John T. Landry, director oflaf louisiana university Charles is third, with 68. T raising campaign conducted in conjunc- oflafa louisiana thement became its president in 1974. tion with UL Lafayette’s Centennial Cel- of development, said Authe- The Foundation man- 1 SUPER CHAIR Today, the University of Louisiana La- ebration in 2000: Investing in Our Future. ment stressed from the start ages 446 endowed scholar-

that its focus would be on 217 ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS ships, 47 endowed faculty fayette Foundation has over $150 million After serving as the university’s presi- $2 million in gifted and pledged assets, which in- dent for 33 years, Authement will retire endowments. “A lot of univer- $21.7 million development funds, 226 yette ayette sities scramble for operating university university non-endowed scholarships cludes over $122 million in endowments. within the next few months. As he pre- oflaf louisiana oflafa louisiana Through endowments, the university has dicted in an article published in The Times funds, so basically they’re and 26 non-endowed fac- focusing on keeping the doors ulty development funds. established perpetual sources of funding, of Acadiana in July 2005, “When I go, we’ll 20 ENDOWED CHAIRS because the principle is invested and left be in good shape.” open. His focus is long-term,” 446 ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS Although these are not untouched. Only a portion of the earned Authement, as university president, is Landry said, adding that the $20$20 millionmillion $4.46 million matched with state monies, interest is spent. a voting member of the board of trustees of permanency of an endowment they are invested with the Such substantial financial growth was the UL Lafayette Foundation, which is re- is compelling to donors. Foundation’s portfolio and accomplished through the efforts of many sponsible for governance and oversight of When the Investing in have returned earnings to people over the past three decades. But endowment management and investment Our Future campaign began the accounts each year to Authement, a shrewd money manager, was of funds donated to the Foundation on in 1997, UL Lafayette’s gifted help them grow. behalf of the university. “He has been assets totaled about $45 mil- Falgout said having an asset to our governing board, help- lion. The campaign pitch was such a large sum of endow- ing us move forward. He has been a based, in large part, on Authe- ments and program funds is visionary with our management of ment’s fiscal responsibility. A advantageous because “you A nne D a rr h endowments, and with determining booklet given to prospective can diversify your portfolio what the best needs for the university donors states: quite a bit more to achieve are,” said Julie Bolton Falgout, the “USL has succeeded because it has Those campaign leaders could offer a a greater rate of return. With our growing Foundation’s executive director. always strived to be more than it is, set- powerful incentive to prospective donors: endowment, we’ve had the ability to do But Authement’s relationship ting its goals higher and higher, fueled by a matching state funds. In 1988, Louisiana that. We have some very astute invest- with the Foundation is broader than determined spirit. It has advanced steadily, established a permanent trust fund with ment managers and board members who tracking its portfolio. The Paul and using limited resources wisely for the $505 million in offshore oil royalties and have a clear understanding of investment Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum maximum benefit. If USL can do so much future offshore revenues. Half the interest management that allows us to achieve a is an example of a joint project. Lead with so little, what can it do with more? generated by the fund was earmarked for high rate of return. At the end of the 2007 donor Paul Hilliard, the board and Through support for the Investing in Our higher education. The Louisiana Board of fiscal year the Foundation’s investment Authement saw a need for a univer- Future campaign, the answer is clear: any- Regents manages those monies, which are portfolio averaged over an 18 percent re- sity art museum and worked together thing it puts its mind to.” used to attract large private donations by turn. The portfolio is well diversified with to achieve it, Falgout said. The original goal was to increase the providing a 60/40 match. A $60,000 private an asset allocation blend of 69 percent “It was through this generosity of sum of gifted assets to $75 million. But by gift is matched with $40,000 in state funds. equities (stocks) and 31 percent fixed Paul and Lulu Hilliard that we were the time the campaign concluded, the total A $600,000 donation is matched with income (bonds), which continues to sus- able to even consider such an expan- had reached $100 million. $400,000. A $1.2 million gift is matched tain the Foundation’s primary investment sive project. It has been a tremendous “That’s a testament to the generosity of with $800,000. objective of prudent growth of capital, asset to the university,” she continued. our public, which includes alums and non- Under Authement’s leadership, UL La- through conserving principal and enhanc- The university provided a site on alums. We’ve had gifts come from people fayette aggressively took advantage of the ing capital appreciations.” campus for the Foundation’s office who did not graduate from here, but who opportunity to parlay a $1.2 million dona- For more information about the Foun- building, which opened in 2000. “We realize the importance of the university to tion into a $2 million endowed super chair; dation, send an e-mail to juliefalgout@ ise r Br ad K emp / T h e A d v rt have a long-term lease. We built the the region,” Landry said. a $600,000 donation into a $1 million en- louisiana.edu or call (337) 482-0700. To Co-chairs of the Investing in Our Future campaign – Matt Stuller, Bill Fenstermaker and Clay Allen – created There were three co-chairs of the dowed chair; and a $60,000 donation into contribute to UL Lafayettte, send e-mail to a $1 million endowed chair in computational mathematics in honor of UL Lafayette President Dr. Ray Authe- building through a generous donation Investing in Our Future campaign: Matt a $100,000 endowed professorship. Inter- [email protected] or call the Office of De- ment. Authement received a kiss from his wife, Barbara, when the chair was announced in October 1997. by Chantal and Forrest K. Dowty,” n Seated, from left, are Julie Authement Johnson and the late Kathy Authement Prouet. Falgout said. Stuller, chairman and chief executive of- est earned on those endowments is used to velopment at (337) 482-0922.

46 LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007 LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007 47 E L E N S h T g h ou T h r

In May 2008, Dr. Ray Authement will present his grandson, Phillip Prouet, with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. They are shown here in the late 1980s in front of Martin Hall.

“The university is an instrument, a tool one can use to open the door of success and opportunity.”

Dr. Ray Authement, Jan. 21, 1966

48 LA LOUISIANE | Fall 2007 What’s your sign?

Academy Sports and Outdoors LIDS Teche Drugs and Gifts 4232 Ambassador Caffery Acadiana Mall / 5725 Johnston Street 505 Jefferson Street www.LIDS.com Albertsonʼs University Bookstore 2678 Johnston Street Louisiana Hot Stuff 600 McKinley 2863 & 4400 Ambassador Caffery 4409 Ambassador Caffery www.louisiana.edu/bookstore 1818 NE Evangeline Thruway Pieces of Eight Wal-Mart Bellʼs Sporting Goods 902 Coolidge Boulevard 2428 W. Pinhook Road 4313 Johnston Street Sports Avenue 3142 Ambassador Caffery Acadiana Mall 1229 NW Evangeline Thruway Follettʼs—The Book Store 210 E. St. Mary Boulevard Womenʼs and Childrenʼs www.efollett.com Hospital Gift Shop 4600 Ambassador Caffery Golfballs.com Inc. 126 Arnould Blvd. www.Golfballs.com www.RagincajunGEAR.com Make a Pass Get Down Come See

Translation: Drop by for a visit. In Cajun country, we’ll make you feel right at home - whether you prefer to dance at a festival or catch a sunset over the cypress trees.

With Zydeco rhythms, Cajun & Creole flavors,

Louisiana scenery and Southern hospitality you’ll agree – there’s no place like Lafayette.

Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission www.lafayette.travel 337.232.3737 800.346.1958