University Foundation: Authement a 'farsighted and responsible steward'

Joe Giglio Jr., chairman of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation Board of Trustees, issued the following statement on the death of Dr. Ray P. Authement, University president from 1974 to 2008.

The UL Lafayette Foundation invests and manages private gifts to the University.

During Dr. Authement’s tenure, the University increased its gifted and pledged assets from about a half million dollars to more than $150 million. Authement also oversaw the Investing in Our Future Campaign, which raised $100 million for the University.

Giglio’s statement follows.

The UL Lafayette Foundation Board of Trustees joins the University community in remembering the life and legacy of Dr. Ray P. Authement.

Dr. Authement was a farsighted and responsible steward of the University’s gifted and pledged assets who believed that the economic and social health of this community was in direct proportion to the wellbeing of the University.

This was his guiding principle throughout this tenure. Donors and friends understood that, and they wanted to support the University because they knew every decision he made was focused on the future – both of the institution and of the community that it served.

This University was fortunate to have had him as its president. And this community was fortunate to have had him as its friend.

The Board of Trustees and I offer condolences to Mrs. Barbara, Julie and the entire Authement family.

Memorial contributions can be made to the UL Lafayette Foundation or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Lafayette. Donations in memory of Dr. Authement may be made to the UL Lafayette Foundation.  Checks should be made payable to the UL Lafayette Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 44290, Lafayette, LA 70504.