The University of Louisiana at Lafayette awarded diplomas to 1,479 graduates as part of Saturday’s Spring 2013 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.
“You have worked hard to make it to this day, and you have arrived,” 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.
“Your achievement is tangible evidence you have met not only all of the academic criteria required to graduate, but also of your ability to persevere when you set a goal,” Savoie said.
“Even though you become alumni today, you will always be part of the University and the University will always be part of you,” he added.
Brandon Plaisance was recognized as UL Lafayette’s overall Outstanding Graduate during the general assembly.
Plaisance, a chemical engineering major with a minor in mathematics, graduated with a 3.896 GPA from the College of Engineering.
He is the son of Darrel and Crystal Plaisance of Youngsville, La.
Every spring and fall semester, deans from the eight academic colleges select an Outstanding Graduate based on leadership, scholarship and service. One of those eight selected for each college is selected for the overall award by an Alumni Association selection committee, which interviews each candidate.
Eight students were recognized as summa cum laude graduates at the general assembly. Graduates who achieved perfect 4.0 grade point averages are:
• Kylie Dold, who majored in interior design, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of the Arts.
• Jessica Chachere, who majored in speech pathology and audiology, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts.
• Jean-Paul Fonte, who majored in mass communication, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts.
• Angelique Latiolais, who majored in sociology, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts.
• Laura Lege, who majored in English, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts.
• Jordan Racca, who majored in speech pathology and audiology, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts.
• Lauren Souther, who majored in history, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts.
• Nadine Bayard, who majored in business administration, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration.
• Kelsey Etheredge, who majored in chemistry, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.
• Dillon Robin, who majored in biology, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.
• Jacob Sellers, who majored in biology, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.
• Sarah Tinsler, who majored in biology, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.
View a list of all graduates for Spring 2013.