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Gratitude in Action | Herefords’ $500,000 Gift Advances the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Engineering Center of Excellence
Tue, 11/25/2025 - 8:30am
Richard "Dan" Hereford (ME '69) and his wife, Larry Ann, have made a transformative $500,000 gift to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's College of Engineering to support the Engineering Center of Excellence (ECoE). Their investment will bridge the gap between classroom learning and workforce needs, preparing students with both technical expertise and essential leadership skills.
Southwest Louisiana natives, Dan graduated from Sulphur High School and then the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a mechanical engineering degree in 1969, while Larry Ann later earned her business management degree from Barry University. Their gift honors the sacrifices of their parents, Drew Dow and Bertha Mae Etie Hereford, to whom they credit their success.
"It is an honor to support Dean Khattab's vision for the Engineering Center of Excellence," said Dan Hereford. "Over the course of my career with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, I saw top-notch engineers struggle in leadership roles—not because of technical ability, but because they lacked management skills. This initiative will give University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates a unique advantage in the workforce."
The Herefords' generosity will strengthen the new Engineering Student-Centered Collaborative building, a nearly 65,000-square-foot facility scheduled for completion in 2026. This state-of-the-art space will house the Engineering Center of Excellence and serve as a hub for collaboration and innovation.
"We are deeply grateful to Dan and Larry Ann for their visionary support," said Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering. "By emphasizing both technical excellence and professional skills development, we're creating a unique educational model that will set our graduates apart and advance Louisiana's engineering capabilities for decades to come."
During his distinguished career, Dan contributed to significant aerospace projects including the F-100 engine for F-15 and F-16 aircraft, NASA's RL-10 booster rocket engine, and the Airborne Laser Lab. After transitioning to engineering and marketing roles, he worked on the F-22 Raptor fighter program before retiring in 1998.
"We encourage fellow alumni to join us in supporting the Dean's vision and advancing engineering education, research, and workforce development," Dan added.
This story is part of the University's November "Gratitude in Action" series, highlighting the impact of private philanthropy across campus.
To learn more about supporting the College of Engineering, contact the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation at (337) 482-0700 or visit https://give.louisiana.edu.