Healthcare is more than a profession. It’s a calling to show up for people on their hardest days, to advocate when patients cannot speak for themselves, and to bring both skill and humanity to every interaction. At the College of Nursing & Health Sciences, donors like you demonstrate what that calling looks like in practice, and today's students are following your lead.
As a proud Ragin' Cajun, you didn't just earn a degree; you became part of something that outlasts any diploma. Now, students walking a similar path are benefiting from opportunities that donors like you have helped make possible. Torin C., BSN, the 2026 Outstanding Graduate of the College and the University, shared this powerful message:
“As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, pursuing a nursing degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has been one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys of my life. Balancing the demands of a rigorous academic program, while working multiple jobs, there were times when financial hardships made continuing my education feel uncertain. However, through the generosity of university donors, scholarship support from the nursing department, and the unwavering encouragement of faculty and administrators, I have been blessed with the opportunity to help me pursue my dream of becoming a nurse.”
Your support has given Torin and hundreds of students like her, every reason to believe. As we look ahead this year, your generosity continues to fuel our momentum by:
- Breaking ground on the Regional Simulation Center, a 60,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that will transform clinical training and serve as a regional hub for interprofessional education across southwest Louisiana and beyond.
- Advancing plans for the Jakelynn Ammons Student Life Center in James D. Moncus Hall, creating a welcoming space where students can connect, collaborate, study, and build the community that helps them thrive throughout their academic journey.
Because of donors like you, we continue to build on a legacy of excellence while investing in the future of healthcare. This past year, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of the College of Nursing & Health Sciences with more than 300 alumni, supporters, and community partners, and launched the Faculty First Initiative in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health and Our Lady of Lourdes Health to help graduate nursing students earn master's degrees and prepare the next generation of nurse educators.
So much more awaits the College and our students. To continue to be among those who help build what’s next, make a gift today.
With heartfelt thanks and lasting Ragin’ Cajun pride,
Dr. Lisa Broussard, PhD, RN, CNE
Dean, College of Nursing & Health Sciences