University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
December RCAF Investor of the Month - Iva Lee Clement
12/10/2024 3:23:00 PM | Athletics, RCAF
Iva Lee Clement: A Legacy of Dedication to Louisiana Athletics and the Lafayette Community
Iva Lee Clement's connection to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (formerly USL) runs deep, beginning with her upbringing in Jeanerette, Louisiana. Inspired by her mother, Gayle Clement, a USL alumna who earned both bachelor's and master's degrees, Iva Lee was destined to become a proud Ragin' Cajun. After graduating from St. Joseph High School, she eagerly embarked on her collegiate journey, earning a bachelor's degree in education in 1983. She continued her studies as a graduate assistant athletic trainer under the guidance of John Porche and completed her master's degree in 1986.
Her years as an athletic trainer with Louisiana Athletics provided a foundation for professional success, instilling values such as punctuality, adaptability, accountability, and resilience. These lessons, coupled with a commitment to community service, became cornerstones of her career.
After graduation, Iva chose Lafayette as her home. Her first role as Director of Sports Medicine at Lafayette General Medical Center grew into managing Community Health, overseeing programs like wellness, diabetes resources, and employer wellness. She later transitioned into strategic planning at Lafayette General, a move that set the stage for her next role as Vice President of Government Affairs at SCP Health. Reflecting on her diverse career path, Iva acknowledges her journey from athletic training to healthcare leadership, crediting each experience as essential to her growth.
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Iva's dedication extends far beyond her professional achievements. She has held leadership positions in national organizations such as the Emergency Medicine Practice Management Organization and the Emergency Medicine Policy Institute. Locally, she has contributed to numerous boards and committees, including the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association, the Athletic Trainers Advisory Committee to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, Oil Center Renaissance Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and One Acadiana, where she served as Chair in 2019.
Her commitment to personal and professional development is evident through her participation in Leadership Lafayette, Class XV, and Leadership Louisiana in 2009.
Memorable Moments with Louisiana Athletics
Iva's most cherished memories include walking onto Cajun Field as an athletic trainer for the first time, attending her first bowl game and win in 2011, and sharing the excitement of Ragin' Cajuns sports with her family. Among her favorite experiences is introducing her grandchildren - Henry, Millie, Charlotte, and Bernadette—to UL Athletics. Together, they cheer on the Cajuns at football and baseball games, with UL Baseball Fan Day being a family highlight.
Looking ahead, Iva is thrilled by the ongoing renovations at Cajun Field and the plans for the baseball clubhouse, optimistic about the continued growth and national recognition of Louisiana Athletics.
She takes pride in the program's contributions to the community and feels privileged to support their efforts.
Louisiana Athletics Family Traditions
Iva's pride in UL extends to her family, including her son Alex Clement and his wife, Sarah Rabalais Clement, both UL graduates. Alex earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2008, and Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2006. Iva is hopeful her grandchildren will carry on the family tradition of becoming Ragin' Cajuns.
Until then, the Clement family will remain loyal fans, eagerly attending football and baseball games and celebrating the spirit of Louisiana Athletics. For Iva, being recognized by the RCAF is a humbling honor, a testament to the profound impact UL and its athletic programs have had on her life.
Iva Lee Clement's connection to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (formerly USL) runs deep, beginning with her upbringing in Jeanerette, Louisiana. Inspired by her mother, Gayle Clement, a USL alumna who earned both bachelor's and master's degrees, Iva Lee was destined to become a proud Ragin' Cajun. After graduating from St. Joseph High School, she eagerly embarked on her collegiate journey, earning a bachelor's degree in education in 1983. She continued her studies as a graduate assistant athletic trainer under the guidance of John Porche and completed her master's degree in 1986.
Her years as an athletic trainer with Louisiana Athletics provided a foundation for professional success, instilling values such as punctuality, adaptability, accountability, and resilience. These lessons, coupled with a commitment to community service, became cornerstones of her career.
After graduation, Iva chose Lafayette as her home. Her first role as Director of Sports Medicine at Lafayette General Medical Center grew into managing Community Health, overseeing programs like wellness, diabetes resources, and employer wellness. She later transitioned into strategic planning at Lafayette General, a move that set the stage for her next role as Vice President of Government Affairs at SCP Health. Reflecting on her diverse career path, Iva acknowledges her journey from athletic training to healthcare leadership, crediting each experience as essential to her growth.
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Iva's dedication extends far beyond her professional achievements. She has held leadership positions in national organizations such as the Emergency Medicine Practice Management Organization and the Emergency Medicine Policy Institute. Locally, she has contributed to numerous boards and committees, including the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association, the Athletic Trainers Advisory Committee to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, Oil Center Renaissance Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and One Acadiana, where she served as Chair in 2019.
Her commitment to personal and professional development is evident through her participation in Leadership Lafayette, Class XV, and Leadership Louisiana in 2009.
Memorable Moments with Louisiana Athletics
Iva's most cherished memories include walking onto Cajun Field as an athletic trainer for the first time, attending her first bowl game and win in 2011, and sharing the excitement of Ragin' Cajuns sports with her family. Among her favorite experiences is introducing her grandchildren - Henry, Millie, Charlotte, and Bernadette—to UL Athletics. Together, they cheer on the Cajuns at football and baseball games, with UL Baseball Fan Day being a family highlight.
Looking ahead, Iva is thrilled by the ongoing renovations at Cajun Field and the plans for the baseball clubhouse, optimistic about the continued growth and national recognition of Louisiana Athletics.
She takes pride in the program's contributions to the community and feels privileged to support their efforts.
Louisiana Athletics Family Traditions
Iva's pride in UL extends to her family, including her son Alex Clement and his wife, Sarah Rabalais Clement, both UL graduates. Alex earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2008, and Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2006. Iva is hopeful her grandchildren will carry on the family tradition of becoming Ragin' Cajuns.
Until then, the Clement family will remain loyal fans, eagerly attending football and baseball games and celebrating the spirit of Louisiana Athletics. For Iva, being recognized by the RCAF is a humbling honor, a testament to the profound impact UL and its athletic programs have had on her life.
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