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Photo caption: The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has again earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s prestigious R1 designation, which is evaluated every three years. R1 status places UL Lafayette among the nation’s top tier of public and private research institutions. Photo credit: Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at Lafayette

UL Lafayette again earns Carnegie’s prestigious R1 designation

Fri, 02/21/2025 - 9:01am

LAFAYETTE — The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has again earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s prestigious R1 designation, which is evaluated every three years.
R1 status places UL Lafayette among the nation’s top tier of public and private research institutions, those with “very high research spending and doctorate production,” according to a recent report from Carnegie. The American Council of Education produces the Carnegie Classification.
About 5%, or 187, of the nation’s colleges and universities have R1 status, which is synonymous with academic excellence, research, innovation and global impact.
To earn the R1 designation, institutions must spend at least $50 million on research and development and award at least 70 research doctorates. UL Lafayette’s research expenditures were more than $225 million. The University awarded 85 doctorates.
“Earning our place among the country’s top research universities once again is a testament to our faculty, staff and student researchers whose scholarship and innovation draws national and international attention to our University,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president.
Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, the University’s vice president for Research, Innovation and Economic Development, said the benefits of R1 status extend beyond research labs and classrooms.
The designation further attracts exemplary faculty members, researchers and students; paves the way for new academic degrees and programs; offers added heft to graduates’ degrees; bolsters partnerships with industry seeking established sources of intellectual capital; can influence policymakers and lawmakers; and inspires philanthropy.
An ongoing focus on many of those areas will be guided by UL Lafayette’s Vision 2030 Research Engines, a component of the University’s strategic plan that is focused on increasing research expenditures and scholarly productivity across all disciplines.
“Vision 2030 Research Engines helps to drive workforce development, economic development, and human development outcomes across all of Louisiana and beyond,” Kolluru explained.
“So going forward, retaining our R1 status will rely on the same continued focus on excellence that has gotten us to this point. And that in no small part will include by strengthening, investing into, supporting and growing our doctoral capacity, students and programs,” he added.

Joseph Byrnes "J.B." Peré

Thu, 02/20/2025 - 11:29am

October 2, 1931 ~ February 18, 2025

KAPLAN — A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Reverend Nicholas Dupré will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Joseph Byrnes "J.B." Peré, 93, who passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 at Vermilion Heath Care Center. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be John Joseph Nordstrom, Erik Prejean, Derek LeMaire, Seth Prejean, Drey Vincent, Jared Prejean, and Lorenzo Russo. Honorary pallbearers will be John Wagliardo, Joey Russo, Jade Trahan, Mitch Prejean, Essay Hebert "Butch", Jr, Gene Dale Choate, Sammy Kershaw, Collin Schexnayder, David Wagliardo, and Edward Vincent.
J.B. was born in the Mouton Cove Community in 1931. He loved his family and friends and loved going to his parents home for family gatherings from 2007-2019. He loved animals, most of all, bird watching. J.B. had a very successful music career for 30 years. He was a self-taught guitar player at eight years old. He learned while listening to the Grand Ol Opry on the radio. He never dreamed he would have the honor to back up many well-known musicians with his band, The Music Macs. However, his all time favorite performer was Louis Armstrong and he loved performing "When the Saints Go Marching In", Louis Armstrong style.
J.B.'s faith was his priority. He was very sensitive to the sufferings of others and never turned down a prayer request day or night. "Put God first and never quit praying - its the only answer." "Lent is the most important to remember what Jesus did on the cross for us." Always give "God the glory, humble yourself and thank Him everyday for the blessings." "Help whoever you can and find the good in each other and you will have peace." And peace J.B. had as he rested in God and went home to the lord, praying for everyone. We will miss his love, his humor, wise counsel, and positive attitude. Be happy in your new home in heaven!
He is survived by his wife of 53 years Mary Faulk Peré of Kaplan; his daughters, Sue Russo (Joey), Judy Wagliardo (David), and Shelley Peré; grandsons, Joseph Lorenzo Russo, John Gabriel Wagliardo, and John Joseph Nordstrom; "daughters", Sherryl Broussard, Kathy Manuel (Craig), Lisa Saltzman, and Angie Vincent (Edward); 14 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends; most notably, his godchild, Tabitha Forstater; Evangeline Bernard, a lifelong friend; and Joe Trahan who was very supportive and a great friend to J.B.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lollie H. Peré; his parents, Marion Peré, Sr. and the former Noemie Guidry; siblings, Lillie Mae Hargrave, Loria Mae Hebert, Marion Peré, Jr., Johnny Peré, and Ray Peré; dear cousins, Dominique, Nolan, Glen, Bobby, and Jude Peré and Raymond and Raywood Mayard. J.B. is also preceded in death by his "son", Phil Prejean; son-in-law, Ken Saltzman; his band members "J.B. Peré and Music Macs", whom he loved as brothers; dearest friends, Pete Mouton (who saved J.B.'s life in The 1940 Flood), Isaac White, Lloyd Choate, Presley Bernard, and Mike Russo; godchildren, Gary Hebert, Ray Landry, and Slaton J. White (whom he loved dearly, like a son); and numerous nieces and nephews whom he missed so much.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who served and supported J.B. in his struggles; especially Veronica, Melba, and Tammy; his angels at home, Shannae Borel, "New York" Nebby and Joe Trahan; the entire staff of Vermilion Heath Care Center, especially Kimmy Abshire and the kitchen angels who made him so happy with delicious meals; the entire staff of Abbeville General Hospital, especially Dr. Myriam Hutchinson and Dr. Melisa Harrington; the staff of Hospice of Acadiana, especially Natalie, Brittnee, and Cristina for keeping J.B. comfortable and peaceful; everyone who took time to visit and pray for J.B; and all of the wonderful friends at Vermilion Health Care Center who became his "family" in the past two years. HE LOVED YOU ALL!
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan (337) 643-7276.

Jeff Crouere

Peace will be Trump’s greatest achievement

Wed, 02/19/2025 - 9:33am

In the first month of his second term, President Donald Trump has set a dizzying pace. He is “flooding the ...

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Rescore the green new deal (IRA) tax cuts to find room for real cuts

Wed, 02/19/2025 - 9:23am

Former President Joe Biden and his Democrat cronies piled a series of green incentive tax cuts into the faux Inflation ...

Lee “Woody” Wood stands next to the photo of the Maurice council meeting taken in 2002. The photo is on display at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Wood was in Boston this past week.

Maurice meeting photo on display in the Boston Fine Arts Museum

Tue, 02/18/2025 - 10:36am

Former alderman went see photo in person

Have you ever considered how many people can stroll into the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and spot a picture of themselves hanging on display? That’s what happened to Maurice resident Lee “Woody” Wood.
Last week, Wood traveled to Boston to see a photograph taken by national photographer Paul Shambroom. The color photo was captured at the Village of Maurice City Hall during a city council meeting on May 15, 2002.
From 1999 to 2003, Shambroom visited 150 government meetings in towns with populations of fewer than 2,000 in the United States in the hope of documenting what he described as “the body that represented the smallest increment of local government.”
He took hundreds of photos at small-town council meetings throughout the country and had a book printed showcasing these images.
Of all the images Shambroom took of council meetings— dof Bernice and governments in other only the Maurice picture made it to the Boston museum as part of its current exhibit “Power of the People: Art & Democracy.”
The photo is almost five feet wide and looks like a painting.
The framed photo is one of over 100 items on display at the exhibit, which shows how art has expressed ideas about democracy through history and how artists asked citizens about the promise of democracy, the museum’s site indicates. The museum purchased Shambroom’s photo in 2005.
The framed photo is just one of more than 100 pieces showcased in the exhibit, highlighting how art has conveyed thoughts on democracy throughout history. It also features how artists have engaged with citizens regarding the ideals of democracy, according to the museum’s website. The museum acquired Shambroom’s photo back in 2005.
The late Paul Catalon, Lee “Woody” Wood, Marlene Theriot, Maurice’s secretary Mary Hebert, and the late mayor, Barbara Picard, were on the Maurice council at the time.
Recently, Wood received a Facebook message from a tour guide at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts asking if he was the same “Lee Wood” featured in a photo being displayed in the museum.
Wood knew the photo was out there because he saw it promoting Shambroom’s book on the Internet years ago.
“I remember him taking the photo,” said Wood from Boston. “He walked in before the meeting and asked if he could take a photo. I remember him having a wooden box camera.”
He got excited when he learned where the photo was and decided he wanted to see it on display. He called his sister, who lives in Boston, and asked if he could stay with her for a few days.
Wood mentioned that it’s pretty cool for the town of Maurice to be featured in such a well-known museum.
“I just think it’s really neat for the town of Maurice to have something like this, to be represented in such a prestigious museum,” Wood said. “It’s an opportunity to tell our story. There are all sorts of other things for the exhibit — protests and other small town things — but this is the only picture of a council in the exhibit.”
Former Maurice council lady Marlane Theriot does not remember the photographer taking the photo. She first saw it on Wood’s Facebook page.
“The photo is a good thing for Maurice,” said Theriot. “The town the size of Maurice is being represented. That is a good thing.
“Barbara would be excited and proud at the same time.”
Caroline Picard, the daughter of Barbara, said, “Mom would be proud. She loved Maurice.”
Picard was the mayor of Maurice for 24 years and died five years ago.
Wood spent a couple days in the museum. He sat and watched as people viewed the city council photo. He even educated a school group that walked by and looked at the photo.
“How many times in my life am I going to get to sit there and watch people stare at my picture on the wall?” Wood said. “It’s just kind of funny to me. A bunch of the staff wants to ask me questions. They’re actually getting a bigger kick out of this than I am. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Vivian "Bebin" Patin Broussard

Tue, 02/18/2025 - 10:32am

October 13, 1934 - February 17, 2025

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at a 2 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maurice for Vivian Rita Patin Broussard, age 90, who passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at her residence in Maurice.
The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN Location on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. A Rosary will be recited on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home led by Deacon Robert LeBlanc.
Reverend Paul Bienvenu, pastor of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and officiate the services. Interment will be held in St. Alphonsus Mausoleum with her beloved husband.
She leaves to cherish her memory a son, Michael Broussard (Debra), and a daughter, Sharon Duhon (Bradley), all natives of Maurice, LA; three sisters, Lois Patin Bonin (Edward), Linda Patin Carlisle (Doug), Vickie Patin Thompson (Aubrey): five grandchildren, Blaine Broussard (Gwen), Meaghan Broussard (Brandon), Jess Broussard (Lauren), Kelsi Duhon (Amanda) and Ashlynn Bourque (Kody); thirteen great grandchildren, Lunden Schexnider (Sage), Camrin Hebert, Sophi Broussard, Lyla Broussard, Brooklyn Broussard, Briley Granger, Nora Broussard, Wyatt Duhon, Walker Duhon, Wiley Duhon, Kooper Bourque, Abigail Bourque and Adola Bourque; two great great grandchildren, Lux & Linc Schexnider.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pierre Dalton “Cat” Broussard; a daughter, Deborah Dartez (Roger); her parents, Gilbert and Annette Broussard Patin of Lafayette, LA; grandparents, Hilaire & Marie Leocadie Vial Patin and Edward & Elvige Broussard Broussard; eight sisters, Clara Belle Patin, Ruby Thibodeaux (Walden), Dorothy Landry (Wallace), Annabelle Steele (Fred), Dolores Montet (Charles), Verna Hebert (John), Judith Morvant (Don), Kathleen Dore (Archie), and three brothers, James (Hazel), Raymond and Michael Patin.
Vivian Rita Broussard was born in Lafayette, Louisiana on Oct 13, 1934. She met the love of her life Pierre Dalton “Cat” Broussard and married in a double matrimony with her twin sister Verna & John on their birthday, Oct 13, 1951. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, sister and great friend to all that met her. She is remembered by always having a smile. She said her job was to cook great meals for her family and all who stopped by. She was a wonderful caregiver for many family members. She loved playing cards and Pokeno with all her friends. When crabbing, a crab didn’t stand a chance when she was around, that was one of her passions. She will be deeply missed by so many.
Pallbearers will be Blaine Broussard, Jess Broussard, Kelsi Duhon, Perry Turner, Ralph Montet, and Raymond Montet.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Acadiana. A special thanks to Lisa Abshire who gave her special care from beginning to the end of her illness. Also, to Lisa Laviolette who cared for her at the beginning of her illness.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com
Martin & Castille Funeral Home - DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506, 337-234-2311.

U-Haul area field manager Kenneth Fredette (right) hands John Craig Hebert a 45 year service plaque.

Craig’s Exxon Service Station turns 47 years old this week

Mon, 02/17/2025 - 1:12pm

John Craig Hebert took over gas station in early 20s

John Craig Hebert has a reason to celebrate this week.
This past Friday, Feb. 14, John Craig Exxon, located at 1708 Memorial Drive in Abbeville, turned 47 years old. It is one of the longest, if not the longest, full-service gas stations in Abbeville.
Hebert was around 22 when he opened the gas station on Feb. 14, 1978.
He purchased it from his uncle, Cladu Hebert.
“I enjoyed the service station business,” said Hebert, explaining why he purchased the gas station at a young age. I got in the business to stay in the business.”
Hebert, 70, plans to remain open for at least four more years.
His gas station has undergone changes over the years. It was once a detail shop, and a full-time mechanic was on duty for years.
A year after opening the gas station, he became a U-Haul dealership.
“I opened this business in 1978 and started renting U-Haul trucks in 1979,” Hebert said. “I was looking for a way to bring people into the store, but it became so much more. When folks were moving to town, I would be the first person to greet them.”
On Tuesday, Kenneth Fredette, the area field manager for U-Haul, was in Abbeville to present Hebert with a 45-year service plaque.
Hebert’s 45 years in the U-Haul business make him one of the longest-lasting dealers in the southern region, which covers Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and Beaumont, Texas.
“Craig lives and breathes U-Haul,” Boudreaux continued. “People in Abbeville know he’s the U-Haul guy, and we’re so glad to have him representing us. He’s part of our team.”
When he retires from his service station in four years, he will also retire from the U-Haul business.

Reagan Semien (13) comes from behind to knock the ball away from a St. Thomas More player, creating a turnover for STM. STM had 39 turnovers against North Vermilion.