The University of Louisiana at Lafayette awarded diplomas to 1,335 graduates as part of Saturday’s Fall 2012 Commencement ceremonies.
Doctoral degrees were awarded at a general assembly at the Cajundome that was attended by all graduates. Master's and bachelor's degrees were conferred for each academic college at ceremonies at different campus locations following the general assembly.
“We have tried to provide you with academic and analytical skills, but also ethics,” said University President Dr. Joseph Savoie in addressing the gathering of graduates, faculty members and friends and relatives of the graduates at the general assembly.
Savoie also encouraged graduates to carry the same “hope, optimism, hard work and tenacity” that earned each a diploma into future personal and professional endeavors.
Madeleine Richard was named UL Lafayette’s overall Outstanding Graduate during the general assembly.
Richard, a finance major who graduated with a 3.948 GPA from the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration, completed her degree in three and a half years. She is the daughter of Gerard and Suzanne Richard of Kaplan, La.
Every spring and fall semester, deans from the eight academic colleges select an Outstanding Graduate based on leadership, scholarship and service. One is selected for the overall award by an Alumni Association selection committee which interviews each candidate.
Eight students were summa cum laude graduates. Those achieving perfect 4.0 grade point averages are:
Cari Creed, who majored in speech pathology and audiology, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts. She is the daughter of Billy and Gay Creed of Haughton.
Erica Kelly, who majored in mass communications Kelly received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts. She is the daughter of Richard and Angela Kelly of Metarie.
Elizabeth Pollard, who majored in organizational communication, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts. She is the daughter of Mary Pollard and the late Butch Pollard of Broussard.
Heidi Daigle, who majored in kinesiology/exercise science, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Education. She is the daughter of Kevin and Carole Daigle of Rayne.
Julia Pollard, who majored in health information management, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions. She is the daughter of Mary Pollard and the late Butch Pollard of Broussard.
Shayne Breaux, who majored in accounting, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration. He is the son of Shane and Monica Breaux of Breaux Bridge.
Amy Dugas LaViolette, who majored in accounting, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mr. Todd Dugas of Breaux Bridge and married to Joshua LaViolette of St. Martinville.
Kashia Vice, who majored in general studies, received a bachelor's degree from the College of General Studies. She is the daughter of Donna and Kenneth Vice of Youngsville, La..
The Fall 2012 commencement also featured new gowns that were vermilion, the University’s official color. The new vermilion-colored gowns were worn by graduates who earned bachelor's and doctoral degrees. Master's degree recipients wore black, but all graduates' gowns featured the University's fleur-de-lis.
Some of this semester's graduates showed off another "first" — graduation rings that feature UL Lafayette symbols. The red stone represents the university's primary color and also features its fleur-de-lis.
CONTACT: Charlie Bier
charlie@louisiana.edu