Louisiana Athletics and the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation (RCAF) announced its best fundraising year in department history following the 2020-21 athletic campaign, continuing the surge of momentum both on and off the field for the Ragin’ Cajuns.
The department saw a 468% growth in total giving over the last year, increasing from $6,386,746 to $29,887,782.62. The RCAF set its previous fundraising record during the 2017-18 athletics year when it raised $12,470,493.
“This record-setting achievement is a reflection of the continued success of Louisiana Athletics,” Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Bryan Maggard said. “We are very grateful for the transformational support shown by our investors and the community. This accomplishment is the culmination of the tremendous work and dedication of numerous individuals, including our RCAF staff, the Board of Directors, and our departmental and campus leadership.”
In June, the department received the largest philanthropic gift in Ragin' Cajuns Athletics history when Our Lady of Lourdes committed $15 million to secure the naming rights for Cajun Field. The highly-anticipated renovation project is continuing to move forward.
Other program enhancements that have significantly improved the gameday experience for donors and fans include the new videoboard at Lamson Park and facility upgrades in and around Russo Park.
The increase in support for the Annual Fund has also contributed to the rise of academic and competitive excellence for Ragin’ Cajuns student-athletes.
Louisiana boasted a record-setting academic year in 2020-21, while Football won the Sun Belt Conference Championship, Women’s Basketball secured its first-ever Sun Belt Regular Season Championship and Softball claimed the league’s Regular Season and Tournament titles.