One of the university's long-time supporters is now being featured on the Athletic Network (www.athleticnetwork.net). A history on Herbert Heymann and the Herbert Heymann Football Classic can be found by clicking on “History of UL Athletics” on the website’s homepage
Heymann, a Lafayette businessman and community pillar, died April 10, 2001. His dedication to the university can be seen throughout campus. His contributions include sitting on the committee that created Cajun Field, home of Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns; and selling the Heymann Home on St. Mary Boulevard to the university, which is now known as the Alumni Center.
In addition, Heymann made many contributions to the Lafayette community. He facilitated the conversion of the Children's Museum in downtown from the place where he held his first job into a place for children to grow and learn. He also created the Heymann Center for Performing Arts and was instrumental in providing land for such prominent Lafayette projects as the University Art Museum, the Lafayette Natural History Museum and Planetarium and Lafayette General Medical Center, among others.
The 2004 football campaign and third season under head coach Rickey Bustle will begin in front of the home crowd as Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns host Northwestern State for the 4th annual Herbert Heymann Football Classic on Sept. 4 at Cajun Field.