193 graduate from LSUE

LSUE awarded 193 degrees to students from across the state Friday morning.
LSUE Chancellor Kimberly Russell said, “I would like to congratulate you. It takes hard work and dedication to complete an academic credential, and you have persevered.”
Degrees were awarded to students from as far away as Highlands, Texas, Shreveport, Monroe and Slidell. Of the spring 2016 graduates, 69 percent were female, and 20 percent are from under-represented populations. Two of the graduates had perfect 4.0 GPAs.
“One of the most important things about this class is that almost half of them graduated today with no student loan debt,” Russell said.
She continued, “We are all proud of you. I want to remind you that with your degree comes an even greater responsibility.”
Russell quoted passage from the Bible — the Book of Luke, Chapter 12, Verse 48.
“For everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded, and for the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked,” she said. “We have been entrusted with certain things. You now have earned an academic credential and thankfulness requires that we manage those things wisely and unselfishly.”
She continued, “Graduation is certainly an end to an academic course of study but it is also the commencement of a chapter in your life. I challenge you today, whether you are transferring to complete a baccalaureate program or whether entering the workforce, that you make LSUE proud by using your gifts and your talents to do good work and effect change both wisely and unselfishly.
“I enjoyed every single minute of getting to know you in the course of this academic year. I wish you all the very best.”
Russell introduced special guest Scott Angelle, District 2 member of the Louisiana Public Service Commission; and Eunice native, resident, former LSUE student and LSU graduate state Rep. Phillip DeVillier gave the commencement speech.
“I would like to congratulate the students on their incredible journey,” Angelle said. “I would like to congratulate the staff, management and leadership of the university for never giving up on one another and never giving up on the students.
“These students owe a great deal of gratitude not only to the faculty and staff, but to so many of the loved ones who are here — the moms, the dads, the sisters and the brothers, the grandparents and uncles and aunts, then nan-nans and the parans and all that contributed somehow, someway to help get you here.”
Angelle encouraged the students to use their education to make positive changes in the state, county and world.
“Be sure to thank those loved ones and stay involved with the university here, come back and be a member of the alumni,” he said. “Enjoy it, because what happens here today, it needs to happen here tomorrow and you can help that happen by being ambassadors throughout the world to tell them that indeed LSU Eunice is rocking the world and what you are doing here makes a difference.”
DeVillier next addressed the students. DeVillier graduated from St. Edmund Catholic High School in 1995 and then attended LSU Eunice. His ties to the university go back to his grandfather, Gladney Manuel, for whom Manuel Hall on the campus is named. DeVillier’s wife’s grandfather, Anthony Mumphrey, was the first chancellor of the school.
DeVillier graduated from the LSU School of Business with a bachelor of arts in 1999, and he returned to Eunice to apprentice in the family business. He owns Louisiana Structural Movers, and last year, he was elected to a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives. DeVillier serves on several committees as a representative. He and his wife, Lisa, have three children — Savannah, Jillian, and Cooper.
“A few months ago, just after being elected, I was asked to do this commencement speech,” DeVillier said. “It is an understatement to say how honored I am to be back at LSUE and giving commencement remarks to the 2016 graduating class.
“I am amazed at your accomplishments, and I am truly thrilled to share your success.”
DeVillier told the students that without LSUE, he would never would have been able to obtain a college degree.
“This school has some of the most talented faculty not too mention the athletic teams aren’t too shabby either,” he said.
DeVillier continued, “It took a massive amount of effort and money to get there today. I know who you are and what you have accomplished because I am one of you.”
DeVillier encouraged the students to stay focused and never give up on their dreams.
“When I was sworn in, the feeling I has then is very similar to the feeling you have today — I was filled with pride and anxiousness,” he said.
DeVillier continued, “This is the land of opportunity. Everyone has an equal chance. This is the land where success can happen to you, not because of who you know or who you are or where you come from. Many of you come from a family that is poor. Some come from a family that has everything, but what counts is that you successfully completed what you were here to do. What really counts is the determination and drive that you have. You have to remember that every day you will be tested — your education and learning are just beginning because the world is moving fast and information is changing all the time.”
Following DeVillier’s speech, degrees were awarded. Russell then addressed the students and told them it was time to turn their tassels.
“May all of you experience much success in the future,” she said.
Russell continued, “I encourage you to stay connected to LSUE and your relationships with our faculty, staff and of course each other. The network you have created right here will certainly help you in your future.”
Haley Cormier from Rayne obtained her degree in fire and emergency services.
“Right out of high school, LSUE seemed like the best place for me,” Cormier said. “Now I’ll be looking for a job.”
Maggie Richard of Opelousas earned her degree in general studies.
“I have a job lined up a State Farm in Opelousas,” Richard said. “I wanted to come to LSUE because it was close to home.”