Patrons who attend the UL Lafayette Alumni Association’s Spring Gala can take a chance at having dinner for eight at the Governor’s Mansion with Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and First Gentleman Raymond S. Blanco.
The governor will be honored during the April 3 black-tie event. She is a 1964 graduate of USL and is Louisiana’s first woman governor.
“To be recognized by your university is one of the finest things that can happen to a person,” Blanco said.
Proceeds from the April 3 event benefit upkeep of the Alumni Center. Spring Gala features fine food, refreshments, music and silent and live auctions.
“This year, we are not only excited about our honoree, but we are also excited about auction items that have been contributed. In addition to dinner with the Blancos, we are auctioning a travel package with Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns football team,” said Darren Guidry, the Gala auction chairperson.
For a $5,000 sponsorship, contributors will receive two tickets for a private dinner with the governor prior to the Gala. The private dinner will be March 22 at the Governor’s mansion. Those contributors also will receive eight gala tickets and have reserved seating and valet parking. The sponsor’s name will be listed on the evening’s program and permanently on a plaque at the Alumni Center. Patron tables can be purchased for $2,000. This sponsorship also includes eight gala tickets, reserved seating and valet parking at the Alumni Center.
“We are proud to recognize Governor Blanco, not only as an alumna of the university, but for her stellar record of public service and her commitment to higher education in Louisiana,” said Dan Hare, the Association’s executive director.
Blanco, a native of New Iberia, La., received a bachelor’s degree in business education in 1964.
Other honorees have included the late Herbert Heymann, 1997; U.S. Sen. John Breaux, 1998; former Gov. Mike Foster, 1999; Dr. Ray Authement, UL Lafayette’s president, 2000; retired City Court Judge Kaliste Saloom Jr., 2001; and Lafayette businessman Alfred Lamson, 2002.
The 2003 honorees, Clay Allen, Matt Stuller and Bill Fenstermaker, were chairs of the Investing In Our Future Centennial Campaign, which raised the university’s gifted assets to almost $100 million.
Tickets are $75 for individuals and $150 for couples.
Call the Association at (337) 482-0900 for tickets or more information.