This semester, the Foundation for South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $10 million in total assets. This accomplishment highlights the dedication and generosity of Acadiana’s communities, local businesses, and the countless individuals committed to fostering student success through higher education.
Formed in 2003, the Foundation for SoLAcc has been instrumental in providing essential financial support for the college. Governed by a 17-member board comprised of business and community leaders from the parishes served by SoLAcc, the Foundation’s mission is clear: to empower students and strengthen the region by fostering private financial support.
Driving Change Through Investment in Students
When Lana Fontenot, the current Executive Director, assumed her position in 2014, the Foundation had around $800,000 in assets. In just a decade, that number has exceeded $10 million.
"Every dollar raised goes toward improving the lives of our students and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed," said Lana Fontenot, Executive Director of the Foundation for SoLAcc. "We’re not just investing in the college — we’re investing in the future of Acadiana. These donations ensure students from all walks of life have access to world-class education right in their communities."
Over the years, the Foundation has funded critical areas, including scholarships, program improvements, technological advancements, staff development, and capital expansion.
Notable Accomplishments
Acadiana’s support has enabled the Foundation for SoLAcc to make significant strides over the past few years:
- Raising $2.1 million in private match funds for the construction of SoLAcc’s Health & Sciences Building.
- Securing $500,000 in support to establish the college’s first-ever Registered Nursing program, filling a critical healthcare workforce need in the region.
- Creating first-of-its-kind Home Health Training Labs, developed through a collaborative $2.5 million project between SoLAcc, LHC Group, and the Myers Family Foundation to revolutionize home healthcare training across multiple campuses.
- Increasing scholarship support 20-fold since 2012, dramatically expanding financial aid opportunities for students.
- Awarding more than $200,000 in scholarships for the 2023-24 Academic Year, helping to alleviate the financial burden for students pursuing their educational goals.
- Exceeding $5.5 million in the college’s endowment, and awarding more than $250,000 in endowment funds for the 2024-25 academic year, further solidifying the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable support.
- Recently, the Foundation also responded to growing food insecurity by establishing Pantry locations at every SoLAcc campus, ensuring students have access to essential nutrition during their studies.
Growing Partnerships
The Foundation’s ability to cultivate new partnerships has also been a driving force behind its success. A recent partnership brought in a $250,000 scholarship investment from a private foundation with no prior connection to SoLAcc — the result of a single phone call.
Another significant partnership was formed with Ochsner Lafayette General, which donated two state-of-the-art nursing pods, valued at $22,000, to support the needs of the college’s working mothers and student-mothers. The project has been in the works for nearly a year and represents the continued collaboration between SoLAcc and leading healthcare providers in the region.
Community Leadership
The Foundation’s achievements reflect the dedication of its board members, many of whom have deep roots in the Acadiana community.
"We’re incredibly proud to have reached this financial milestone, but what matters most are the lives being changed because of these efforts," said Gregory P. Daigle, President of the Foundation for SoLAcc and Partner with Pinnacle Group, Insurance & Financial Services. "It’s about giving students the chance to build a future for themselves — and, in turn, strengthening the fabric of our communities."
What’s Next for the Foundation
As the Foundation for SoLAcc continues to expand its impact, the future looks brighter than ever for the college’s students and the Acadiana region. With more than $10 million now secured, the Foundation is positioned to take on even more ambitious projects, all with the goal of elevating educational opportunities and fostering economic growth across South Louisiana.
This year, the Foundation kicked off its “2030 Promise: 500 Dreams Realized” scholarship campaign. This campaign is an ambitious initiative to exceed the national average of private scholarships given at public institutions. The Foundation is dedicated to more than doubling its current scholarships provided by awarding 500 scholarships annually by 2030. This will allow the Foundation to open more doors for countless students to pursue their educational and professional dreams.
If you would like to learn more or get involved in the Foundation’s efforts, call 337-521-9026 or email foundation@solacc.edu.