University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
April RCAF Investors of the Month: Sonny & Sandra Launey
4/2/2024 2:31:00 PM | RCAF
Sonny Launey is from Norco in St. Charles Parish and developed a profound affinity for the University of Louisiana when he attended his first football game at McNaspy Stadium and a basketball match at Blackham Coliseum in 1963. His fortuitous encounter with Sandra, a Ville Platte native and a registered nurse trained at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, occurred during a blind date at an engineering crawfish boil in Girard Park. They were later married at Our Lady of Wisdom Church on the UL campus in 1967, shortly after Sonny completed his college education and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
Following over five years of active military service and a 22-year career at Freeport McMoRan in New Orleans, Sonny transitioned to a consultancy role with Denson Engineers, where he eventually retired. Sandra concluded her nursing career after serving in Lafayette, San Angelo, TX, and Metairie. Following Hurricane Katrina, they relocated to Lafayette. While Sonny continued his work with Denson Engineers, he also undertook the position of Adjunct Professor in Civil Engineering at UL. Currently, Sonny serves as the past president of the UL Alumni Association, and Sandra actively participates as a member of the UL Alumni Association.
Sonny and Sandra choose to give back to Louisiana Athletics because they have been impressed with the quality of the Louisiana student-athletes over the years. They believe that Ragin' Cajuns student-athletes sacrifice so much to participate in their sport and contribute to Lafayette's cultural environment every day. They enjoy attending the games and supporting various Louisiana Athletics sports programs.
Sonny says, "Athletics contributes so much to the college environment, and supporting our programs enhances recruiting students for our academic programs as well."
One of Sonny and Sandra's most cherished Louisiana Athletics moments was witnessing Elvin Ivory, Marvin Winkler, and Leslie Scott play basketball as the first black athletes on campus. They believe this pivotal moment transformed the Louisiana basketball program and marked a new era for the state. Another cherished moment for Sonny and Sandra was getting to experience "The Kick," a triumphant field goal at the New Orleans Superdome against San Diego State. They recall the electrifying atmosphere of the crowd, initiating a three-year period of remarkable victories and spirited audiences at the New Orleans Bowl Game.
While Sonny and Sandra take immense pride in the University of Louisiana's research and academic programs, they strongly believe that Louisiana Athletics enhances the overall experience for fans, the community, and students alike. They advocate for supporting the RCAF and Ragin Cajuns student-athletes as an integral part of the university's comprehensive mission.Top of Form
Following over five years of active military service and a 22-year career at Freeport McMoRan in New Orleans, Sonny transitioned to a consultancy role with Denson Engineers, where he eventually retired. Sandra concluded her nursing career after serving in Lafayette, San Angelo, TX, and Metairie. Following Hurricane Katrina, they relocated to Lafayette. While Sonny continued his work with Denson Engineers, he also undertook the position of Adjunct Professor in Civil Engineering at UL. Currently, Sonny serves as the past president of the UL Alumni Association, and Sandra actively participates as a member of the UL Alumni Association.
Sonny and Sandra choose to give back to Louisiana Athletics because they have been impressed with the quality of the Louisiana student-athletes over the years. They believe that Ragin' Cajuns student-athletes sacrifice so much to participate in their sport and contribute to Lafayette's cultural environment every day. They enjoy attending the games and supporting various Louisiana Athletics sports programs.
Sonny says, "Athletics contributes so much to the college environment, and supporting our programs enhances recruiting students for our academic programs as well."
One of Sonny and Sandra's most cherished Louisiana Athletics moments was witnessing Elvin Ivory, Marvin Winkler, and Leslie Scott play basketball as the first black athletes on campus. They believe this pivotal moment transformed the Louisiana basketball program and marked a new era for the state. Another cherished moment for Sonny and Sandra was getting to experience "The Kick," a triumphant field goal at the New Orleans Superdome against San Diego State. They recall the electrifying atmosphere of the crowd, initiating a three-year period of remarkable victories and spirited audiences at the New Orleans Bowl Game.
While Sonny and Sandra take immense pride in the University of Louisiana's research and academic programs, they strongly believe that Louisiana Athletics enhances the overall experience for fans, the community, and students alike. They advocate for supporting the RCAF and Ragin Cajuns student-athletes as an integral part of the university's comprehensive mission.Top of Form
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