Laura Laborde Dauzat
Laura Laborde Dauzat of Marksville, La., is an alumna of LSU, where she received a
bachelor's degree in human ecology in 1972 and was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Dauzat is active in her community and participates in numerous social, civic, educational,
and church activities, including serving as the vice chairman of the Cottonport Bank
Board of Directors (director since 1985). She and her husband, Ruben, have three children,
Tommy, Jennifer, and Julia.
In 1996, Dauzat was named the Outstanding LSU College of Agriculture Alumnus of the
Year for her extensive service and numerous accomplishments throughout the state.
Dauzat has also served as president and secretary of the LSU College of Agriculture
Alumni Association and is a current member of the College of Agriculture Dean's Council.
She and her husband recently established the Laura and Ruben Dauzat Scholarship in
the College of Agriculture. Dauzat was the first female chairperson of the LSU Foundation
Board of Directors.
My LSU Giving Story
What is your favorite memory involving LSU?
My favorite memory is probably being on the football field as a sophomore and receiving
the homecoming award for my sorority decorations—the band playing, students cheering,
awesome Tiger spirit—and of course, meeting my husband, Ruben, there 51 years ago!
Another favorite memory is the dedication of our new Center for Philanthropy, which
was built by the LSU Foundation during my term as chairperson of the Foundation, benefitting
all colleges.
What makes LSU unique?
I think that we here in Louisiana have the great advantage of our Southern culture
that many other top universities do not share. It’s a large campus and network of
campuses, but we all feel at home and make our out-of-state students and professors
also feel at home with our “Southern hospitality.”
Why did you choose to attend LSU?
Both of my parents are LSU graduates. Mom was the first woman to graduate with a degree
in agronomy from LSU. Both have been very involved with the College of Agriculture
Alumni Association and the LSU Foundation, so it was a natural that their four children
would attend LSU, just as it was natural for my three children to go there. There’s
no better place on earth!
Why do you support LSU?
To give back and prepare students for a successful professional life, just like LSU
did for Ruben, our three children, and me.
If someone asked you why he/she should make a gift to LSU, what would you say?
The future of LSU and its students is of tremendous importance to the future of Louisiana.
Without our loyal supporters, we cannot be "Fierce for the Future."
What is your vision for LSU, and how do you think philanthropy can drive that vision?
My vision is for LSU to rise to the top nationally and give our students the best
possible education available. We need to have the support of all alumni and friends
of LSU. We can no longer depend on state funds, so we all need to be "Fierce for the
Future." I believe that, working together, we CAN get there.
What motivated you to join the LSU Foundation Board of Directors?
My dad was a former LSU Foundation board member and loved promoting LSU. So, when
I was asked, I was ecstatic, and I love doing whatever I can to help push LSU onward
and upward along with the amazing talent we have on staff.