List of University of Louisiana at Lafayette people
This is a partial list of notable people affiliated with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Alumni
Arts and entertainment
- Royd Anderson, filmmaker
- Marc Breaux, (deceased), popular choreographer of movies such as Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, etc.
- James Lee Burke, novelist, writer; The Lost Get-Back Boogie was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
- Isiah Carey, television news reporters (KRIV, Houston, Texas)
- Kody Chamberlain, comic book writer and artist.
- Sue Eakin, Louisiana historian.
- Judith Ford, Miss America (1969).
- Adrianne Frost, comedian.
- Hedwig Gorski, poet, author.
- Leigh Hennessy, movie and TV actress and stuntwoman.
- Ali Landry, Miss USA (1996); actress.
- Gary Lavergne, non-fiction novelist, who writes about serial killers.
- Akkineni Nagarjuna, Indian actor and television producer.
- Gregory Krikko Obbott, sketch artist
- Eddy Raven, American singer and songwriter; six No. 1 songs on the country music charts.
- George Rodrigue, artist known for his Blue Dog series and early art depicting Cajun life.
- Richard Simmons, exercise guru.
- Floyd Sonnier, (deceased) Cajun artist.
- Keith Sonnier, neon sculptor, minimalist artist
- Daniel Sunjata, actor, Tony Award nominee, winner Theatre World Award (2003).
- Scott Tatman, writer, actor appearing in "Chappelle's Show" and "Saturday Night Live."
- A. Hays Town, architect
Business
- Joe J. Colletti Jr., president of Marsh Bellofram Corporation, past president of MDT Software
- Lloyd Gaubert, founder and owner of L.F. Gaubert & Co.
- Gary LaGrange, executive director of the Port of New Orleans
- Patrick LeBlanc, architect and founder of LCS Corrections Services, Inc.
- Ali Saberioon, president and CEO of Sabco Oil and Gas Corporation.
Law, government and politics
- Scott Angelle, Louisiana lieutenant governor (2010) (D).
- Ernie Alexander, Louisiana state representative (2000–2008) (R).
- Charlotte Beers, former undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs (2001–2003).
- J. Rayburn Bertrand (deceased), mayor of Lafayette (1960-1972 (D).
- Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Louisiana governor (2004–2008) (D).
- Charles Boustany, U.S. representative (2005-) (R).
- Kenny Bowen, (deceased) mayor of Lafayette, (1972–1980; 1992–1996) (D).
- Jack Breaux, (deceased) former mayor of Zachary, Louisiana (1966–1980) (R).
- John Breaux, former U.S. senator (1987–2005) (D).
- Jefferson Caffery, (deceased) former U.S. ambassador (1926–1955).
- Patrick T. Caffery, former U.S. representative (1969–73) (D).
- Cindy Courville, U.S. ambassador to the African Union.
- Page Cortez, Louisiana state representative (2008- ) (R).
- Mike Cross, Louisiana state representative (1981–1996) and mayor of Baker (1976–1981) (D)
- Virginia deGravelles, political activist (R).
- James "Jimmy" Domengeaux, (deceased) former U.S. representative and Cajun cultural activist from Lafayette (D)
- Joey Durel, mayor-president of City of Lafayette and Lafayette Parish (R).
- William T. Dzurilla, international attorney and law clerk to Justice Byron White of the United States Supreme Court (1982–1983).
- Lether Frazar, (deceased) former Louisiana lieutenant governor (1956–1960) (D).
- Gregory L. Fruge, former state representative from Eunice (1996–2004) (R).
- Allen C. Gremillion, (deceased) former state representative from Crowley (1964–1971) (D).
- Paul Hardy, former Louisiana lieutenant governor (1988–1992) (R).
- Jimmy Hayes, former U.S. representative from Seventh District (1986–1995) (R).
- Bob Hensgens, state representative from Cameron and Vermilion parishes (R).
- Mike "Pete" Huval, state representative from St. Martin Parish (R).
- J. Lomax "Max" Jordan, Jr., former state senator from Lafayette and Acadia parishes (1992–2000) (R).
- Charles D. Lancaster, Jr., Louisiana state representative from 1972–1976; 1980-2008 (R).
- Jeff Landry, Republican nominee for U.S. House of Representatives, Third Congressional District, 2010 (R).
- Dud Lastrapes, former mayor of Lafayette (R).
- Dudley J. LeBlanc, (deceased) former Louisiana state senator (1940–1944; 1948–1952; 1964–1971) (D).
- Wade O. Martin, Jr., (deceased) former Louisiana secretary of state (1944–1976) (D), later (R).
- Charlie Melancon, U.S. representative (2005-) (D).
- Louis J. Michot, former Louisiana representative (1960–1964), Louisiana Board of Education (1968–1972) and state superintendent of education (1972–1976) (D).
- Michael J. Michot, state senator from Lafayette (R).
- Roderick Miller, (deceased) former Louisiana representative (1966–1968) (R).
- Ellen Bryan Moore (deceased) former Register of State Lands attended ULL but graduated from Louisiana State University (D).
- Ashton J. Mouton, (deceased) youngest mayor in Lafayette history; served 1948-1956 (D).
- Cecil J. Picard, (deceased) Louisiana educator, legislator, state superintendent of education from 1996-2007 (D).
- Beth Rickey, (deceased) political activist who opposed David Duke (R).
- Joel Robideaux, Speaker Pro Tempore of the Louisiana House of Representatives (I}.
- Craig Romero, Louisiana state senator (1992–2008); president of the Iberia Parish government from 1984-1992 (R).
- Tom Schedler, Louisiana state senator (1996–2008) from St. Tammany Parish (R).
- Joseph Tabarlet, (deceased) former mayor of Jonesboro, Louisiana (D).
- Gerald Theunissen, banker in Jennings who served from 1992-2008 in both houses of the state legislature (R).
- David Thibodaux (deceased), English faculty, Lafayette Parish School Board member, four-time congressional candidate (R).
- J. Emile Verret, (deceased) former lieutenant governor of Louisiana (1944–1948) (D).
- Randy E. Wiggins, state representative from Rapides Parish from 1996-2000 (R)
- Aubrey W. Young (deceased), drug and alcohol abuse coordinator within the Department of Health and Hospitals, 1965–1999; aide-de-camp to Governor John McKeithen (D)
Military, science and technology
- Albert H. Crews, former U.S. astronaut (1962–1988).
- Charles B. DeBellevue, first Air Force weapon systems officer to become a flying "Ace" and most successful American flying ace of the Vietnam War.
- Jefferson J. DeBlanc, (deceased) Congressional Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient; World War II flying ace.
- Bennett Landreneau, major general, director of the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
- Alex McCool, manager NASA Space Shuttle Projects Office (1960-).
- Clifford Schoeffler, (deceased) former brigadier general, United States Air Force.
- Wilma Subra, environmentalist, 1999 MacArthur Fellow.
- Brod Veillon, brigadier general, assistant adjutant general-air for Louisiana.
Religion
Sports alumni
- Michael Adams, cornerback Arizona Cardinals (2007–Present).
- Louis Age, offensive tackle Chicago Bears (1992).
- Patrise Alexander, linebacker Washington Redskins (1996–1998).
- James Atkins, offensive tackle Seattle Seahawks (1994–2097), Baltimore Ravens (1998–1999), Detroit Lions (2000).
- John Bandura, Brooklyn Dodgers (1943).
- D'Anthony Batiste, offensive tackle Carolina Panthers (2006), Atlanta Falcons (2007–08), Washington Redskins (2008–2009).
- Charles Bennett, defensive end Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins (1987).
- Karl Bernard, running back Detroit Lions (1987).
- Bill Blackburn, center Chicago Cardinals (1946–1950).
- C. C. Brown, safety Houston Texans (2005–2008), New York Giants (2009–Present).
- Chris Cagle, (deceased) halfback New York Giants (1930–1932), Brooklyn Dodgers (1933–1934), College Football Hall of Fame (1954).
- Anthony Clement, offensive tackle Arizona Cardinals (1998–2005), San Francisco 49ers (2005), New York Jets (2006–2007).
- Kenyon Cotton, running back Baltimore Ravens (1997–1998).
- Willie Culpepper, wide receiver Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1992).
- Richie Cunningham, place kicker Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars (1997–2002).
- Joe DeForest, linebacker New Orleans Saints (1987).
- Jake Delhomme, quarterback New Orleans Saints (1998–2002), Carolina Panthers (2003–2009), Cleveland Browns (2010–Present).
- Virgil Eikenberg, quarterback Chicago Cardinals (1948).
- Tyrell Fenroy, running back, school, state and Sun Belt Conference all time leading rusher and 1 of 8 NCAA FBS players with 4 consecutive 1,000 yd seasons.
- Brad Franklin, defensive back Jacksonville Jaguars (2003).
- Chris Gannon, defensive end/tight end New England Patriots (1989–1993).
- Mark Hall, defensive end Green Bay Packers (1989–1990).
- Kyries Hebert, defensive back Houston Texans (2002), Cincinnati Bengals (2008–Present).
- Keno Hills, tackle New Orleans Saints (1996–1998).
- Weldon Humble, (deceased) offensive linemen Cleveland Browns (1947–1950), Dallas Texans (1952), College Football Hall of Fame (1961).
- Elvis Joseph, running back Jacksonville Jaguars (2001–2002).
- Saxon Judd, Brooklyn Dodgers (1946–1948).
- John McGee, offensive guard Philadelphia Eagles (1948–1955).
- Randy McClanahan, linebacker Oakland Raiders (1977), Buffalo Bills (1978), Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1980–1982).
- Brian Mitchell, running back Washington Redskins (1990–1999), Philadelphia Eagles (2000–2002), New York Giants (2003).
- Donovan Morgan, wide receiver Houston Texans (2005).
- Lance Poimbeouf, offensive guard Dallas Cowboys (1963).
- John Reveto, place kicker Chicago Bears (1981–1982).
- Willie Sims, linebacker Minnesota Vikings (1994).
- Todd Scott, defensive back Minnesota Vikings (1991–1994), New York Jets (1995), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1995–1996), Kansas City Chiefs (1997).
- Rafael Septien, place-kicker Dallas Cowboys (1978–1986).
- Antwain Spann, cornerback for the New England Patriots (2006–2008).
- Brandon Stokley, wide receiver Baltimore Ravens (1999–2002), Indianapolis Colts (2003–06), Denver Broncos (2007–2009), Seattle Seahawks (2010).
- Ike Taylor, defensive back Pittsburgh Steelers (2003–Present).
- Orlando Thomas, defensive back Minnesota Vikings (1995–2001).
- Charles Tillman, cornerback Chicago Bears (2003–Present).
- Clarence Verdin, wide receiver Washington Redskins (1986–1987), Indianapolis Colts (1988–1993), Atlanta Falcons (1994)
- Win Williams, Baltimore Colts (1948–1949).
Baseball
- Jose Alvarez, Atlanta Braves (1977–1978).
- Gene Bacque, Only non-Japanese player to receive the Eiji Sawamura Award; Hanshin (Japan) Tigers (1962–1968), Kintetsu Buffaloes (1969).
- Paul Bako, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Florida Marlins, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals (1998–2009).
- Javi Dejesus, Minnesota Twins.
- Phil Devey, Canadian baseball pitcher.
- Scott Dohmann, Colorado Rockies (1999–2000).
- Jason Fernandez, Oakland Athletics (2006-).
- Ron Guidry, Cy Young Award winner; New York Yankees (1969–1970).
- Gary Haught, Oakland Athletics (1991–1992).
- Xavier Hernandez, Toronto Blue Jays (1984–1986).
- Chris Howard, Seattle Mariners (1988 - 1988).
- Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers (2010–present)
- Papo Ramos, Oakland Athletics.
- B. J. Ryan, Baltimore Orioles (1997–2005), Toronto Blue Jays (2006–2009) Chicago Cubs (2009–Present)
- Donne Wall, Houston Astros (1988–1989).
Basketball-NBA
- Kevin Brooks, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Adelaide 36ers (1990s).
- Bo Lamar, former Detroit Pistons and ABA player.
- Fred Saunders, former Phoenix Suns (1974–1976) and Boston Celtics player (1976–1978).
- Andrew Toney, former Philadelphia 76ers (1980–1988).
- Marv Winkler, former Milwaukee Bucks (1970–71), Indiana Pacers (1971–72).
Basketball-WNBA
Golf
- Mike Heinen, American professional golfer.
- Craig Perks, professional PGA golfer; 2002 New Zealand Sportsman of the Year.
Tennis
- Tony Minnis, UL Lafayette's all-time winningest singles player with a 94-40 college career; Louisiana Coach of the Year 1995 & 1999.
Track and field
- Hollis Conway, high-jump athlete; Olympic medalist, 1988 silver, 1992 bronze.
- John McDonnell, UL Lafayette track athlete (1966–69); coached Arkansas to 42 NCAA championships.
Faculty
- Barry Jean Ancelet, folklorist of Cajun culture and expert of Cajun music and language.
- Ray Authement, university president (1974–2007); longest to serve as president of a public university in the United States, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.
- Carl L. Bankston, former professor; sociologist, immigration expert
- Carl A. Brasseaux, historian of French Colonial North America
- Charles deGravelles (1913–2008), former chairman of the Louisiana state Republican Party taught oil and gas law from 1955-1962.
- Henry C. Dethloff (born 1934), American historian, taught at ULL from 1962–1968
- Michael Doucet, Cajun fiddler; winner National Heritage Fellowship; designed and taught the first college course on Cajun music.
- Ernest Gaines, writer-in-residence; nominated for the 2004 Nobel Prize in Literature and the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for fiction; author of The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and A Lesson Before Dying.
- Jesse Glass, former resident poet.
- Jeff Hennessy, former trampoline coach to world champions.
- Elemore Morgan, Jr., landscape painter, retired professor.
- Nabendu Pal, statistician, university biostatistics expert on Hyla cinerea (frog) populations.
- Paul Prudhomme, American chef famous for his Cajun cuisine; former adjunct.
- Burton Raffel, former professor; poet, noted for his translation of Cervantes's Don Quixote.
- Roy Vernon Scott, historian of agriculture and railroads at Mississippi State University, taught at ULL from 1957-1958.
- Bruce Shriver, former faculty and vice president; IEEE Fellow; computer science entrepreneur
- John Kennedy Toole, (deceased) former professor; American novelist, author of A Confederacy of Dunces.
- George T. Walker, business; later president of the University of Louisiana at Monroe[1]
References