This is a continuation of my last post on the progress of U L as an institution to include Athletics!
I did mentioned the population in a 32 mile radius of Lafayette of apprx 550-575 thousand and the average per capita income in the top 25 in the nation as reported by the Wall Street Journal in 2008. Southern living magazine rated Lafayette and Acadiana as one of the top 10 places to live in the South in 2008!
Do realize that U L assumes a position of a tier 2 school as per The Southern Regional Education Board that encompasses 16 southern states and rates all of the public institutions in these states.
With the new academic admission requirements U L will graduate in four years at least 54-55% (the national average) of their students. We have adopted the same admission requirements as Tech and we will assume these numbers due to the new admission requirements.
Do realize that Dr. Savoie is determined to achieve great success as an institution of higher learning while promoting athletics as well. He realizes that athletics can become the "front porch" of advertising for an institution if developed properly! He is determined to achieve this initiative!
We are nearing completion of the softball stadium to be completed by Nov 1, paid in full. Then, we will embark on the baseball stadium with major donors on board to aid in the finance portion. The plans are being completed and we are looking at approx. 7-8 million dollars in costs! Both facilities are constructed to qualify as facilities for regional play as per the NCAA requirements! Afterwards, a major renovation to the football stadium is on tap within approx 24 months.
Keep in mind that our sister schools of McNeese and Nichols passed athletic fees by their students of $79 per semester at Nicholls and $40 at McNeese!
Our location and Acadiana is a blessing to our institution! We have started the RCAF and we are doing very well in these dire economic times! We are on the move! So, let's keep rolling!
If you are reading this and considering joining the Ragin Cajun Athletic Foundation (RCAF) then do so! There is power in numbers and enrollment is doing very well! Become a member today or tomorrow will do, but make the commitment!
So, let's Go Cajuns! Thanks!