On Saturday, March 30, 2019, Acadian Companies Chairman & CEO Richard Zuschlag and his family were honored at the UL Lafayette Alumni Association Spring Gala.
The Zuschlag family (wife Elaine, sons Blair and Blaise, daughter Beth, son-in-law Ross and daughters-in-law Sara and Monica) was recognized for their support of UL Lafayette and many other philanthropic endeavors. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a personal friend of the Zuschlag family, attended to lend his support. Former NFL Quarterback Jake Delhomme and Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Dr. Craig Greene also attended as special guests of the family.
In his speech, Richard recognized the tremendous impact UL Lafayette has had on Acadian Ambulance Service throughout the years. “A large number of our Acadian staff, including many of my senior management team, are UL Lafayette graduates. This university continually generates a well-rounded, well-educated workforce that every company in our region benefits from.”
He continued, “The university was also a key partner in the training of paramedics in the early 1980s. Because of Ray Authement’s vision and support, UL Lafayette was the first school in the state to offer a two-year paramedic degree. Those highly educated paramedics have saved countless lives and their legacy continues to serve the people of our area.”
Zuschlag also credited UL Lafayette’s information technology, engineering, healthcare, accounting, management and other programs that he says have created many of Acadian’s current and future leaders.
The Spring Gala is an annual event hosted by the UL Lafayette Alumni Association since 1997. Proceeds from the evening are dedicated to funding initiatives by the Alumni Association.
