South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) is honored to announce a generous donation of $250,000 from the Allen and Jeannette Guillory Thomason Foundation. The gift, donated to the Foundation for SoLAcc, will create two endowed scholarships, each in the amount of $125,000, aimed at supporting students in the Nursing and Allied Health programs, as well as those pursuing Construction Industry-based programs.
"This gift from the Allen and Jeannette Guillory Thomason Foundation is transformative, not just for the students who will directly benefit but for the entire college community and our region,” explains Brittany Decote, Development Coordinator for the Foundation for SoLAcc. “Scholarships like these provide opportunities that allow students to focus on their education without the added stress of financial barriers. The impact will be felt for years to come as these students go on to become professionals in industries that drive the growth and well-being of Acadiana."
Allen and Jeannette Guillory Thomason built a legacy not only in business but in their shared commitment to hard work and community impact. Jeannette was an equal partner throughout their journey, working by Allen’s side at every job site and even operating road equipment herself. Together, along with others, they founded DSLD Homes, a testament to their shared vision and dedication.
Construction Industry Endowed Scholarship
One of the scholarships is dedicated to students enrolled in construction industry-based programs, such as Civil Engineering, Surveying & Mapping, Drafting & Design Technology, Electrician, HVAC, or Welding. Students who meet the eligibility criteria—including U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency, full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours), and a minimum GPA of 2.5—will be able to apply.
Nursing & Allied Health Endowed Scholarship
The second scholarship will benefit students pursuing careers in Nursing programs, including Practical Nursing (PN), Registered Nursing (RN), Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), as well as Allied Health programs like Medical Assisting (MA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Paramedics. This scholarship also requires applicants to be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, full-time students with a 2.5 or higher GPA.
"My late husband, Allen, and I deeply believe in the power of education to change lives and uplift communities,” said Mrs. Jeannette Guillory Thomason. “Through these scholarships, we hope to inspire and enable students to follow their passions. The fields of Nursing, Allied Health, and the Construction industry are so vital to the future of our region. Together with Allen, I and others founded and managed several businesses, including DSLD Homes. My hope is to continue this legacy of building—whether it’s homes or futures—by providing opportunities for students to achieve their dreams."
The Foundation for SoLAcc is grateful to Mrs. Jeannette Guillory Thomason and the Allen and Jeannette Guillory Thomason Foundation for their generosity and vision. The two endowed scholarships, set to be matched by Board of Regents funds, will be invested and start providing financial assistance to students in the coming semesters.
These scholarships will offer life-changing financial support to students as they work toward their academic and career goals in fields critical to the region’s economy. For students interested in applying for a scholarship or for individuals who would like to establish their own endowment, please visit SoLAcc.edu/foundation.