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UL Lafayette Students Design Revolutionary 5-Acre Research and Entertainment Park

As UL Lafayette students begin the first day of the 2024 spring semester, the Ragin’ Cajun Catholics at Our Lady of Wisdom will unveil a new Church and design for a Catholic Student Center to relaunch fundraising efforts. The project, valued at $35 million, will include a state-of-the-art church, a 25,000 square foot Catholic Student Center, and various community spaces.

The Vision

Our Lady of Wisdom Church and Student Center, located at 501 E. St. Mary Boulevard, will launch the final phase of a major capital campaign to build a much-needed new church and adjacent student center, made possible by an historic land swap between the Diocese of Lafayette, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

The Diocese of Lafayette’s Role

The Diocese of Lafayette, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette have partnered to make the project possible. The Diocese exchanged 5 acres of land with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in June 2022 to acquire 1.4 acres in the heart of the campus.

UL Lafayette’s Involvement

UL Lafayette is committed to making the project a reality. The university has established a capital campaign to raise $14.7 million toward the $35 million project budget. The fundraising efforts have already raised $10 million, and additional $3.5 million is still needed for the capital reserve fund.

Benefits of the Project

The 5-acre research and entertainment park will provide a new home for Jesus Christ and a home away from home for more than 15,000 students. The park will feature a new church seating 534, a 25,000 square foot Catholic Student Center, a cafe, game room, living room, and grand hall for large events.

Community Engagement

Community members are encouraged to participate in the project. The Diocese of Lafayette has announced plans to host a series of community events, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, to celebrate the project’s launch.

UL Lafayette’s Commitment

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is dedicated to making the project a success. The university has pledged to provide financial support for the project and to ensure that the new facilities are used for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff.

Diocese of Lafayette’s Vision

The Diocese of Lafayette is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for students and faculty. The Diocese’s vision for the project is to “create a new home for Jesus Christ and a home away from home for more than 15,000 students, while fostering a sense of community and faith throughout the campus.”

UL Lafayette’s Mission

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is committed to making a positive impact on the world. The university’s mission is to “provide a quality education and create opportunities for students to become leaders in their fields, while fostering a sense of community and social responsibility.”

Diocese of Lafayette’s Goals

The Diocese of Lafayette is committed to achieving its goals for the project. The Diocese’s goals are to:

• Create a new home for Jesus Christ and a home away from home for more than 15,000 students
• Foster a sense of community and faith throughout the campus
• Provide a safe and supportive environment for students and faculty
• Promote social responsibility and community engagement

UL Lafayette’s Objectives

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has established several objectives for the project:

• Raise $10 million for the capital reserve fund
• Raise $3.5 million for the remaining project budget
• Complete the project within the next two years
• Ensure that the new facilities are used for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff

Diocese of Lafayette’s Actions

The Diocese of Lafayette has taken several actions to support the project:

• Exchanged 5 acres of land with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• Raised $14.7 million for the project budget
• Announced plans to host a series of community events to celebrate the project’s launch
• Pledged to provide financial support for the project

UL Lafayette’s Actions

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has taken several actions to support the project:

• Established a capital campaign to raise $14.7 million for the project budget
• Announced plans to complete the project within the next two years
• Ensured that the new facilities are used for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff
• Provided financial support for the project

Diocese of Lafayette’s Recommendations

The Diocese of Lafayette recommends that the project be completed within the next two years and that the new facilities be used for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff.

UL Lafayette’s Recommendations

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette recommends that the project be completed within the next two years and that the new facilities be used for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff.

Diocese of Lafayette’s Resolutions

The Diocese of Lafayette resolves to:

• Continue to support the project and provide financial resources
• Ensure that the new facilities are used for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff
• Promote social responsibility and community engagement