Gratitude in Action | Powering Possibility: The Guidrys’ Gift Transforms Engineering Education

When Greg and Alexis Guidry envision the future of energy production, they see University of Louisiana at Lafayette engineers leading the way. Their $1.6 million investment in the College of Engineering goes beyond buildings and equipment to reimagine how tomorrow's engineers will tackle global challenges.

"We are disrupting the traditional engineering education model to address the skills gap between those acquired in classical engineering education and those needed in the workforce," says Greg, a 1982 mechanical engineering graduate who retired as a senior executive after a 37-year career with Shell. "Skills developed in areas such as critical thinking, communications, teamwork, community service, and international cultural awareness are especially valuable in today's global economy, regardless of industry."

The Guidrys' have contributed a three-part gift that strategically addresses this vision: the Greg Guidry Energy Systems Lab provides hands-on technical training; support for the Engineering Center of Excellence (ECoE) bridges the gap between academic learning and workplace demands; and the newly established Greg Guidry Engineering Innovation Endowed Chair, with anticipated support from the State of Louisiana Board of Regents Support Fund, ensures world-class faculty will guide students through these transformative experiences.

“Greg and Alexis Guidry embody what it means to be visionary partners,” said Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering. “Their investment and commitment strengthen our mission and inspire others to join us in shaping a bold, innovative future for engineering at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.”

This emphasis on practical application reflects Greg's own journey. "My experience at the College shaped me in a way that undoubtedly impacted my career," recalls Greg. "The caring faculty and the culture of the community provided me with not only the technical abilities to be a successful engineer but also the professional capabilities to be a successful leader in the industry. The College punches above its weight!"

The couple's investment in the Engineering Center of Excellence particularly exemplifies their forward-thinking approach. Set to be housed in the nearly 65,000-square-foot Engineering Student-Centered Collaborative Building currently under construction, the Center focuses on developing the increasingly rare but greatly desired skills that allow University of Louisiana at Lafayette Engineering graduates to stand out from the crowd. 

Beyond financial contributions, Greg brings his extensive global experience to campus through service as the Chair of the Dean's Advisory Council. While donors can and do make meaningful financial contributions, Greg says they "can have a huge impact by bringing their knowledge of their respective industries to campus." Having supervised, recruited, and mentored engineers worldwide while living in the United States, Europe, and Canada, his perspective proves invaluable to students preparing for global careers.

The Guidrys, who enjoy time with their three adult children and seven grandchildren, remain deeply committed to education. Greg serves as Chair of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette College of Engineering Dean's Advisory Council, as a member of the LSU Honors College Dean's Advisory Council, and as President of the Board for pediatric cancer non-profit, Skyhigh for Kids.

His message to fellow alumni is clear: "I would invite them to visit the College of Engineering. I was blown away by the growth and capability of the College since I left in the early 1980s," Greg shares. "They will be impressed and will want to be a part of such a winning program. Whether through their time, talent or treasure, the College will provide an opportunity for them to get involved."

To learn more about how you can make a positive impact on education, contact the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation via phone at (337) 482-0700, email at ulfoundation@louisiana.edu, or online at https://give.louisiana.edu.