VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB

MARCH 15, 2016

   The Ville Platte Rotary Club today (Tuesday) heard from a number of guest speakers at Nicks on Main.

   LSU E Chancellor Dr. Kimberly Russell addressed the club to share her concerns over the continuing budget issues with the state over higher education funding. She said when she became new chancellor replacing retiring Dr. William Nunez, the budget had been reduced 13 times following six years of declining enrollment.

   Dr. Russell said “LSU E has turned the corner with enrollment up for the spring.” However the university is facing more problems from Baton Rouge. If the legislature does not find the extra revenues, LSU E will be facing a $110,000 short fall in funding for the next four months. In addition, the university is having to absorb a ten percent loss in Tops funding.

   She said “I will continue to fight to make LSU E affordable and accessible to every student to help educate the next generation of tax payers.”

   Dr. Kimberly Russell who was accompanied by Denise Foret was presented a check for its Rotary Scholarship fund by Dr. Willie Buller. The fund has over $90,000 in its account.

   In other business, the club heard from:

--Gilbert Winky Aucoin speaking about the “Le Grand Hoorah Cajun Heritage Festival planned for April 15 and 16 at Chicot State Park with a special tribute to Steve Riley, Cajun Bands and plenty of food including a Cochon de Lait that Friday night;

--Valerie Cahill, the new owner of Cazan Hotel, spoke to the Rotarians, said she has fallen in love with our local residents and our local culture. She wants to work with local groups in promoting Mamou and Evangeline Parish to the world.