Scholarship First Bus Tour
LSU Sets Out on 2024 Scholarship First Bus Tour
LSU President William F. Tate IV embarked on the second Scholarship First Bus Tour from October 15-18 with a goal to align LSU's priorities with the state’s needs, demonstrate the many ways its research supports Louisiana’s people and economy, and explore new pathways that drive even greater impact.
The tour began with a kick-off event at Start Elementary with special guests including Congresswoman Julia Letlow and a performance from country singer and LSU student Timothy Wayne, nephew of Tim McGraw.
Powered by A. Wilbert’s Sons, the bus will cover nearly 1,000 miles in four days, bringing President Tate and the LSU team around the state for hands-on opportunities to experience some of Louisiana’s leading industries.
Scenes from The Bus Tour
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Tour Dispatches
DAY 1: Tuesday, Oct. 15
Day One Dispatch from the Road
Start Elementary School (Start); Guardian Health Clinic and Richland Parish Library (Rayville); LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station (Chase); Fishing with LSUS Bass Fishing Team and Alumni Fish Fry (Monroe).
DAY 2: Wednesday, Oct. 16
DAY Two DISPATCH FROM THE ROAD
Logging with Rep. Jack McFarland and lunch at the Louisiana Political Museum (Winnfield); Fort Johnson; NUNU Arts & Culture Collective and reception at Bayou Teche Brewing (Arnaudville).
DAY 3: Thursday, Oct. 17
DAY THREE DISPATCH FROM THE ROAD
Tour of the Conrad Rice Mill Tour and an alumni lunch at the Cane River Pecan Pie Bar in New Iberia; tour of the McIlhenny Company's Tabasco sauce operations in Avery Island; Bayou Region reception at Danos Corporate Headquarters in Houma.
DAY 4: Friday, Oct. 18
DAY Four DISPATCH FROM THE ROAD
The final day began with a tour of a manufacturing facility at Performance Contractors. Participants then visited the Bridgeview Gun Club alongside the 4-H Championship Team.
Scholarship First in Action
Michaela Rose, an LSU Track & Field athlete and biology major, thrives on resilience. Her faith fuels her success in athletics and academics, winning SEC titles while exploring biology and plant physiology.
Nicolas Manica, a Brazilian student at LSU, is pursuing petroleum engineering while embracing research, leadership, and cultural exchange. He aims to impact the energy industry and build a global network.
Advanced AI platform provides LSU researchers and students with tools to address critical energy and national security challenges.
Among LSU's record-breaking incoming class are these in-state students who decided LSU was the perfect place for them to thrive in majors that represent the five Pentagon Priorities set forth by LSU President William Tate IV in his Scholarship First Agenda.
Lucio Miele, MD, PhD has been selected to be director of the LSU-LCMC Health Cancer Center. LSU President William F. Tate IV said Miele's background and contributions to cancer research uniquely position him to lead the center's life-saving work.
LSU alum Madison Menou turned her business degree into a thriving career as a scheduling analyst at Venture Global LNG, proving creativity and adaptability can unlock opportunities in the energy sector.
Media coverage
- The Reveille: LSU President Tate embarking on another statewide ‘Scholarship First’ bus tour (Oct. 14, 2024)
- KNOE: LSU presents scholarship to NELA student during 2nd annual Scholarship First Bus Tour (Oct. 15, 2024)
- Myarklamiss.com: LSU Scholarship First Bus Tour visits Richland Parish for Rural Health Roundtable (Oct. 15, 2024)
- The Advocate: LSU plans $107 million construction management building, announces $36.3 million in gifts (Oct. 18, 2024)