Louisiana Athletics Receives $1.5 Million Gift From James D. Moncus Family Foundation
Louisiana Athletics has received a $1.5 million gift from the James D. Moncus Family Foundation which will provide support for the continued renovation of Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium and the baseball clubhouse project at M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field at Russo Park.
In recognition of the transformational gift, the premium entryway on the West side of Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium will be named the Jim & Ruth Moncus Premium Entry.
"We are extremely grateful and very appreciative of this generous gift from the Moncus family," Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Bryan Maggard said. "This investment in Louisiana Athletics will play a key role in our continued efforts to transform our facilities which will enhance the experiences for our student-athletes, coaches and fans."
A native of Houston, Jim Moncus entered the oil and gas industry following service in the United States Marine Corps. He came to Lafayette in 1962, after his first oil and gas job in Casper, Wyoming, ended suddenly. Moncus worked for Lamb Oil for over a decade; in 1974, he founded Devin International, an oilfield equipment company. Moncus held patents for dozens of oilfield tools and procedures – many still being used today – during an almost 50-year career in the industry.
After selling the company in 2008, Jim and Ruth Moncus shifted their focus to continuing their decades-long commitment to philanthropy, creating the James Devin Moncus Family Foundation and investing in local and regional non-profits.
The Moncus Foundation locally invested millions to establish a new city park, further the arts and education, and ensure the very best of health care for the citizens of Lafayette Parish.
Among their many contributions to the University, the Moncus family has established scholarships and endowed professorships. Their longstanding support of the University resonates in many corners of campus, including arts, nursing, sciences and athletics.
"Jim was an avid and enthusiastic supporter of UL Athletics. He enjoyed attending all sporting events and was a loyal Ragin' Cajuns fan," said Debbie Spallino of the James D. Moncus Family Foundation. "The Moncus Foundation is very proud to be a part of this exciting time at the University and honored to continue Jim's legacy of giving back to the community he loved so much."
The University posthumously honored Mr. Moncus with an honorary Doctor of Nursing practice degree in December 2021, shortly after his death at age 81. His wife, Ruth, a nurse for 35 years, accepted on his behalf. Ruth Moncus has continued her late husband's philanthropic work through the Moncus Family Foundation; she was a driving force behind the $7 million gift to UL Lafayette from the James Devin Moncus Family Foundation that will enable the Health Sciences Campus' continued growth and fund an endowment to support the College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
The $1.5 million gift from the Moncus Family Foundation to Athletics is part of the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the University's history.
Announced in November of 2021, Together: The Campaign for the University of Louisiana aims to raise $500 million. Among the campaign's priorities: the renovation and maintenance of training and competition spaces for Ragin' Cajuns student-athletes.
Athletics projects completed as part of the Together Campaign include Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium, Russo Park, the renovation of E.K. Long Gym, the Donald and Janice Mosing SAPC Auditorium, and the Golf Indoor Teaching Facility at Oakbourne Country Club.
The renovated west tower of Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium will offer premium suites, a luxurious club level, loge boxes, and club seats, providing Ragin' Cajuns fans new opportunities to engage with the football program and the Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Foundation (RCAF).
Premium suites will include both indoor and outdoor seating, access to a climate-controlled club area, premium catering, and suite attendants. Loge boxes will feature private outdoor seating and premium parking access, while club seats will offer comfortable outdoor seating with armrests and beverage holders. Both loge box and club seat patrons will enjoy access to the exclusive McElligott Club and its amenities.
The upgrades to Russo Park will significantly enhance the facility's functionality and appeal, featuring a state-of-the-art clubhouse designed to meet the needs of players and staff. The baseball clubhouse will provide a comfortable and efficient space for team operations and newly renovated coaches' offices.
The renovations will introduce dedicated indoor hitting and pitching areas in the left field corner, allowing athletes to train year-round regardless of weather conditions. These upgrades are set to elevate the overall experience for the team and coaching staff, positioning Russo Park as a top-tier facility on the national level.
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Re: Louisiana Athletics Receives $1.5 Million Gift From James D. Moncus Family Foundation
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