The Ray P. Authement College of Sciences at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette launched the celebration of its 50th anniversary on Sept. 19 in James R. Oliver Hall Auditorium.
Dr. Azmy S. Ackleh, the college’s dean, welcomed faculty, staff, students, alumni, administrators and supporters to the event, which recognized the impact the College of Sciences has made since it was established in September 1974.
“This celebration is not just about looking back at the rich history of success,” said Ackleh. “It's about recognizing the pioneers who created the foundation for what we are today and the role we play in shaping the future of science and research at this University.”
President Dr. Joseph Savoie said the work of each department in the College of Sciences over the past 50 years has helped the University “dream bigger.” The fields of biology, chemistry, computing and informatics, geosciences, mathematics and physics have continued to drive the University’s reputation and R1 status. This effort is a testament to the vision of the college’s founders and the work of its faculty, staff and students over the past half century, Savoie said
“In creating a separate College of Sciences 50 years ago, our leaders were making a statement that this University could be a place where curiosity becomes innovation, where research is transformed into real-world applications and where students emerged as leaders to tackle the greatest challenges of our time,” he said.
Event speakers chronicled significant moments in the college’s history. Dr. Steve Landry, former provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, recalled memories from his time at the University and recognized the people who had a part in creating something that would endure.
“I spent 20 years immersed into what is today the College of Sciences, then I spent 10 years in the research office serving and observing the College of Sciences, then I spent 10 years in Academic Affairs once again serving and observing the College of Sciences; what a blessing; what an adventure,” said Landry. “There were so many great students, so many great faculty, so many great mentors — there's a lot to celebrate.”
Dr. Jaimie Hebert, current University provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, spoke about the personal impact the College of Sciences had on his life. Hebert earned three degrees – a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate – from the college.
“As an alum myself, and more specifically an alum who was born and raised right here in Acadiana, I can tell you that this college is far more than just a cornerstone for this University,” said Hebert. “This college and the people who built it are the cornerstones of my entire career and my entire life.”
“This college has always been an incubator of ideas, but it's also an incubator of people,” Hebert continued. “People with the ability to thrive in their discipline, people who have the ability to be academics, who thirst for knowledge for its creation and its dissemination, and people who desire to share their passion and open doors for people around the world.”
The College of Sciences will continue its anniversary celebration throughout the year.
Watch a video of the program speakers
Photo caption: Dr. Jaimie Hebert, current University provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, President Dr. Joseph Savoie, Dr. Azmy S. Ackleh, College of Sciences dean, and Dr. Steve Landry, former provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, kicked off the anniversary celebration for the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Photo credits: Doug Dugas, Paul Kieu / University of Louisiana at Lafayette Video credit: Michelle Mata Gomez / University of Louisiana at Lafayette