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