Top 5 Highlights from 2024

  1. News
  2. Top 5 Highlights from 2024

As we reflect on 2024, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has much to celebrate, it was truly a remarkable year! From notable achievements to meaningful milestones, our community came together in incredible ways. While many exciting things happened, here are our top five highlights from last year. We can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring.

Picnic 029

5. Centennial Picnic

On March 23, the FranU community and their families came together for a day of fun and celebration at the Centennial Picnic. Ashley Manor Catering served up delicious burgers, hotdogs and fried fish, while guests enjoyed games and activities for all ages. Special appearances by Wally and the Easter Bunny were a big hit for the day.

Hall of Distinction 1 2 09

4. Inaugural Hall of Distinction Awards Ceremony

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University honored three alumni at its inaugural Hall of Distinction Awards Ceremony on March 13 in St. Francis Hall to recognize alumni and leaders who have significantly impacted the University and the future of healthcare and healthcare education.

Morgan LeBlanc Anacker, BSN, RN, MS, FNP '21 and '18 (right), received the Rising Star Alumni Award; Brandon Devold '11 (left), Radiologic Technology, received the 2024 Shining Star Alumni Award; and Nicole St. Germain '03 (middle), Radiologic Technology, received the Distinguished Alumni Award.

The Alumni Association Board of Directors also announced the establishment of the Sr. Martha Ann Abshire Scholarship at the event, which will provide tuition assistance for deserving recipients.

Veterans day and American Flag 028

3. Presidential Plaza Dedication

With the installation of its new flagpole, FranU hosted a memorable Veterans Day celebration on November 11. The event featured a stirring "Presentation of Colors" by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, accompanied by music from the Marine Corps Band. In a heartfelt surprise, the newly unveiled space was named the Presidential Plaza and dedicated to Dr. Tina Holland, a veteran and the president of FranU. Coleman Partners and Milton J. Womack generously gave their time to develop and build the Presidential Plaza.

Week 2 Healthfellows 047

2. Wolfpack: Health Fellows Academy

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University launched Wolfpack: Health Fellows Academy, a three-year pilot project to engage 120 students with intensive, immersive educational experiences leading to heightened awareness of healthcare careers, personal wellness and community health that began over the summer thanks to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation Funding of $110,000.

HFA was designed for high school students from communities defined by low quality-of-life metrics, including healthcare access/outcomes and low participation rates in post-secondary education. Goals include increasing the number of capable and highly motivated high school students interested in entering and completing healthcare-related studies; expanding career and educational choices of under-resourced, diverse high school students; and supporting the personal health of each Fellow and the members of their communities.

Over the summer, HFA hosted two cohorts of rising sophomores and juniors for a week-long intensive, hands-on learning experience on FranU's campus. Fellows were introduced to various healthcare careers, including but not limited to in Radiologic Technology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Nutritional Sciences, Respiratory Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis.

FCPD 07

1. Franciscan Center for Professional Development Launch

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University launched the Franciscan Center for Professional Development (FCPD), a first of its kind in the state of Louisiana that provides learning experiences specifically tailored for individuals working in the healthcare field. On November 18, FCPD began to offer a range of high-quality, accessible and customized professional development programs that include in-person workshops and online courses. Each course is designed to help healthcare professionals enhance their skills and advance their careers by providing practical and immediate applicable knowledge.

Related News