The University of Louisiana at Lafayette awarded degrees to 1,435 graduates during Fall 2016 Commencement ceremonies on Friday.
The graduates are part of the largest fall semester graduating class in the history of UL Lafayette.
Bachelor’s and master’s degrees were conferred at ceremonies that were held at different campus locations on Friday. Bachelor’s degrees were awarded to 1,226 graduates. Master’s degrees were awarded to 177 graduates. Twenty-three graduates received doctoral degrees. Five graduates received graduate certificates. Four graduates earned post-baccalaureate certificates.
“The world needs what you have to offer, critical thinking skills and the determination to stay the course,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, University president, during the General Assembly.
Savoie also urged graduates to remain positive when dealing with adversity.
“There is an overabundance of critics these days. And it’s easy to be negative, because not much in life is perfect. But you can decide to take a positive approach to almost any challenge that you face. You can choose to lift up, rather than put down. You can work toward finding solutions to problems, instead of just complaining about them. That may not be the easiest path, but it will always be the right path.”
Lloyd J. “Red” Lerille, a 1987 graduate of the University, gave the Commencement speech. He received an honorary doctorate of educational leadership. He founded and operates one of the largest health clubs in the south, Red Lerille’s Health & Racquet Club.
Lerille told graduates that a strong work ethic, passion for their jobs, attention to detail, and determination are some of the attributes necessary for successful careers and lives.
Most importantly, he said, “you can’t ever stop learning.”
Donald Mosing also received an honorary doctorate, in systems engineering. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University in 1950, which was known then as Southwestern Louisiana Institute.
Mosing was the longtime president of the family business known today as Frank’s International, N.V. The publicly traded company has 3,000 employees in 40 locations across the U.S. and around the world. He retired in 2011.
Amélie Desormeaux was named UL Lafayette’s Outstanding Graduate. A political science major with a concentration in international relations, Desormeaux received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts. She is the daughter of Catherine and Scott Desormeaux of Abbeville, La.
Jude Monte was recognized with the Outstanding Master’s Graduate Award. He received a Master’s degree for the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions.
Four students were recognized as summa cum laude graduates for achieving perfect 4.0 grade point averages.
- Meredith Broussard, who majored in sociology, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts.
- Amélie Desormeaux, who majored in political science, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts.
- Angelle Patout, who majored in nursing, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions.
- Olivia Savoie, who majored in English, received a received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts.
View the Fall 2016 graduates.