Student-athletes representing all Louisiana Ragin鈥 Cajuns NCAA sports will attend the first home football game of the season Saturday, but not as spectators.
They鈥檒l be stationed inside the four entrance gates to Cajun Field to collect donations for the University鈥檚 Annual Fund. All contributions to that fund made through Sept. 30 will be used to provide financial assistance to students affected by the recent historic flooding.
The student-athletes, who will be wearing their team apparel, will accept donations from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Kickoff for the Boise State vs. Louisiana Ragin鈥 Cajuns game is 11 a.m. Student-athletes will also collect contributions at the Sept. 10 and Sept. 17 home football games.
鈥淥nce the floodwater recedes, it鈥檚 easy to forget that there are students who are still grappling with the aftermath,鈥 said 星空无限传媒 Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie. 鈥淪ome lost their homes; some lost vehicles that they relied on to travel to campus. Some families whose homes sustained water damage are facing the unexpected expense of repairs that make it difficult or impossible to pay for students鈥 tuition.鈥
鈥淲e know that our fans are generous and want our students to succeed academically. If we all give a little, together we can make sure that all of our students can stay on course.鈥
Priority financial assistance will be given to students whose attendance is at risk because of the catastrophic flooding.
The University has postponed tuition payment deadlines and created payment plan options to help students affected by flooding.
Student-athletes have unloaded supplies donated to flood victims by the University of South Alabama, cleared and cleaned water-damaged homes, and conducted a food drive for flood victims.
In addition to this Saturday鈥檚 game against Boise State, Louisiana will face the McNeese Cowboys on Saturday, Sept. 10, and the South Alabama Jaguars on Saturday, Sept. 17. Both games begin at 6 p.m. at Cajun Field.
Donations to the University Annual Fund can also be made , by mail or by phone at (337) 482-0700.
Checks made payable to the 星空无限传媒 Lafayette Foundation should be mailed to: P.O. Box 44290, Lafayette, LA 70504. Please note on the memo line Student Emergency Relief.