The Lagniappe Ladies, a nationwide network of philanthropic women who have a shared passion and dedication for advancing Louisiana Tech University, have awarded more than $1 million to 257 projects that enrich the student experience since 2010.
Each spring, faculty, staff, and University-sponsored student organizations are invited to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support projects, programs, and other initiatives that embody the Tenets of Tech and enhance the University community. This year, the group funded 13 requests totaling more than $51,000.
“The Lagniappe Ladies are not only generous but are the embodiment of loyalty, a quality we hold dear at Tech,” said Tonia Henderson, Louisiana Tech’s first lady and Lagniappe Lady member. “The projects were selected with care to have meaningful impact throughout campus to transform programs, improve campus safety, and encourage Tech spirit.”
From drones and lab equipment to sound systems and water bottle filling stations, the funded projects span a wide range of disciplines and departments. The grants also help champion the University’s vision to become the exemplar public institution in scholarship, teaching, and experiential learning.
“Hands-on instruction in veterinary anatomy is a cornerstone of the veterinary curriculum,” said Dr. Adam Handy, resident veterinarian and assistant professor at Louisiana Tech. “With many of our animal science students preparing for veterinary school, the generosity of the Lagniappe Ladies enables us to provide a higher-quality learning experience that strengthens the preparation and reputation of our students entering veterinary programs across the nation.”
One funded request involved support for counseling services to ensure immediate, coordinated responses from clinicians and campus police when needed.
“The Lagniappe Ladies’ support directly reinforces Louisiana Tech’s mission to maintain a safe and supportive community,” said Dr. Ashley Owen, Louisiana Tech’s director of counseling services. “This investment enhances collaboration between counseling services and campus law enforcement, demonstrates a proactive commitment to student and staff safety, and positions Louisiana Tech as a model for integrating mental health care with emergency preparedness on college campuses.”
Grant awards are announced in the fall and celebrated with a reception to recognize the impact of these funded requests. Lagniappe Ladies and grant recipients gathered on Thursday, Oct. 2 at University Hall to celebrate this year’s awards. During this reception, Lagniappe Ladies had an opportunity to hear firsthand how their gifts support campus-wide initiatives and connect with the people behind the projects.
“Having the privilege to fund proposals for much-needed projects across every corner of the Tech campus is among the most thrilling things we can do as members of the Tech Family,” said Lagniappe Ladies member Cathi Cox-Boniol. “Knowing that we are there to stand in the gap for those who are committed to making a difference through their work at Tech, and then knowing our small part will help amplify such work, is a joyous blessing. I couldn't be prouder to be a member of the Lagniappe Ladies."
Lagniappe Ladies accept members throughout the year. Women 39 and younger can join as Emerging Lagniappe Ladies for $500 annually, and those 40 and older can join at $1,000 annually.
2025 Funded Grant Proposals
- 3D Printers for Agricultural Science and Forest Products Lab
- Aviation Program Drones
- Aluminum Hand Truck for Tech Pointe
- Portable Immersion Dissection Table
- Women in Cybersecurity Start-Up Support
- Campus Landscape Trees
- Memorial Gym Water Bottle Filling Stations
- Research Institute on Blindness Materials Dissemination
- Davison Hall Printer
- Speech and Hearing Anatomical Models
- University Hall Sound System
- Centennial Plaza Clock Tower Chime Restoration
- Counseling Services Portable Panic Buttons for Clinicians