A Legacy Six Decades in the Making: The Poirrier Family Invests in the Future of Professional Sales at UL Lafayette

For the Poirrier family, the connection to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette consists of a family tradition that spans six decades. Now, with the establishment of the Poirrier Group, LLC Founder's Partner Investment Fund in Sales, by Keith and Daniella Poirrier, that legacy is evolving from a history of service into a partnership for the future of professional sales. 

The Fund supports students at the University’s B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration as they prepare for professional sales careers, by working to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry reality. It’s also helping to build a talent pipeline of graduates who are prepared for real world industry challenges, offering mentorship, and exposure to applied learning opportunities in executive sales careers – “a winning combination for all," says Keith.

The Fund was established in honor of Keith’s parents, Dr. Gail and Mr. Steven Poirrier, whose connection to the University stretches back to 1964, when they joined what was then the University of Southwestern Louisiana  family. Steven was a football player and business graduate from USL, whose career in retail business and wealth management was built on a foundation of integrity, hard work, and resilience.

Gail, who is Dean Emerita of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, has had a five-decade career in nursing and education, with the last 21 years as Dean of the College.
Under her tutelage, the college became nationally known for one of the Top 4 BSN programs and Top 10 Nursing Colleges in the United States. Her career in nursing was defined by charismatic leadership and an unwavering commitment to developing the students and professionals who came after her. Gail has also served on several local hospital boards, providing service and support to the local healthcare community. 

Together, Steven and Gail represent the kind of legacy that doesn't fade but multiplies, and the Poirrier family sees this Fund as a fitting continuation of everything they’ve built – providing the business leaders who come next with the tools they need to succeed. 

"This Fund is deeply personal to Daniella and me. My parents built their lives around this University and the belief that hard work, integrity, and service to others are the cornerstones of a life well lived. As graduates of what was formerly the College of Applied Life Sciences, the College of Agriculture and Human Resources, and the MBA program at USL, Daniella and I know firsthand what an education at UL Lafayette makes possible,” Keith said. “Establishing this Fund felt like the natural next step, by investing in future generations of students the way this University once invested in us.”