The 小蝌蚪APP小蝌蚪APP檚 Campaign for Scholarships raised over $10.2 million dollars, an amount more than double its initial goal of $4.5 million.
小蝌蚪APP淚t小蝌蚪APP檚 a testament to the 小蝌蚪APP小蝌蚪APP檚 generous, devoted alumni and supporters,小蝌蚪APP said David Comeaux, interim director of the 小蝌蚪APP小蝌蚪APP檚 Office of Development.
The campaign was UL Lafayette小蝌蚪APP檚 first fund drive devoted solely to raising money for scholarships.
The public phase of the historic campaign began in April 2011. Fifteen months later, the initial goal was met, more than two years ahead of schedule. Based on that success, 小蝌蚪APP President Dr. Joseph Savoie adjusted the goal, to $6.5 million. The new goal was also reached. The campaign eventually surpassed $10 million.
As a result, more than 180 new scholarships have been created. Most are endowed. A minimum of $10,000 is required to establish an endowed scholarship. Endowments are perpetual sources of funding because the principal is invested; only a portion of the interest earned is spent.
Comeaux said a donor determines whether a gift will be allocated for an endowed or non-endowed scholarship.
During the campaign, some donors added to existing endowed scholarships or created non-endowed scholarships.
Tanya Yentzen, an alum with a degree in education who participated in the Campaign for Scholarships, has helped to establish two endowed scholarships. One is for business students, the other for arts students.
小蝌蚪APP淚 just really believe in UL, and I think it小蝌蚪APP檚 important to provide opportunities to help students earn a college degree,小蝌蚪APP she said.
Scholarships are as important as ever. Higher education in Louisiana has sustained about $700 million in state funding reductions since fiscal year 2008-09. As a result, tuition has increased at most 小蝌蚪APP of Louisiana System schools.
UL Lafayette has been one of the most affordable universities in Louisiana for several years, according to the U.S. Department of Education小蝌蚪APP檚 College Affordability and Transparency List. The last list was released in 2014.