Champions of Ä¢¹½tv: Dedicated and High-Achieving People of Ä¢¹½tv Featured in 2025

December 11, 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re celebrating some of the incredible Tigers who defined this year through their dedication, creativity, and passion. From groundbreaking research to innovation, and lifelong dreams fulfilled, these stories remind us what makes Ä¢¹½tv exceptional — its people. 

Innovation born from compassion

Ä¢¹½tv Students Create Life-Saving Car Seat Device 

A group of Ä¢¹½tv engineering students transformed tragedy into innovation when they designed a car seat safety device to prevent heat-related child deaths. Their invention automatically alerts parents and emergency contacts if a child is left unattended, proving that Ä¢¹½tv students don’t just dream about a better world — they build it. 

 

Fighting Antibiotic Resistance

Dr. Mario Rivera’s Groundbreaking Work 

Dr. Mario Rivera, a biochemist in Ä¢¹½tv’s Department of Biological Sciences, is tackling one of the world’s greatest health challenges: antibiotic resistance. His research explores new ways to combat bacterial infections and safeguard the effectiveness of life-saving drugs. Rivera’s discoveries not only advance science but also highlight Ä¢¹½tv’s vital role in addressing global health threats. 

 

Unearthing Ä¢¹½tv’s Past


Ä¢¹½tv Students Dig into University History 

At an archaeological site in Pineville, a group of Ä¢¹½tv students and researchers spent their summer uncovering the earliest history of the university — literally. Their hands-on fieldwork brought new discoveries to light about Ä¢¹½tv’s first campus, deepening our understanding of where we came from and how far we’ve come. 

 

Inspiring Future scientists

Ä¢¹½tv Biochemistry Alum Paves the Way

Biochemistry alum Kayla Cureaux is turning her passion for science into purpose. Growing up deaf and searching for a role model in STEM, she’s now becoming that example for others. From her time in Ä¢¹½tv’s labs to her commitment to inspiring future deaf and hard of hearing students, Cureaux proves that with dedication and support, every Tiger can make an impact. 

 

educating the state's educators

Preparing Future Teachers with GeauxTeach 

Ä¢¹½tv’s GeauxTeach STEM program trains future teachers by letting undergraduates earn a BS in biology, chemistry, math, or physics and a secondary teaching certificate in four years. Backed by the Robert Noyce Scholarship, students commit to teaching in high-need schools. Students receive hands-on teaching experience, and for some recent Ä¢¹½tv grads like Owanaemi Bestman, who after graduating, is staying in Louisiana to staying in Louisiana to teach. 

 

A Man, a Dream, and a Tuba

Kent Broussard’s Inspiring Story 

For Kent Broussard, music was more than a passion — it was a calling. When most people think about retirement, they imagine slowing down. But for 66-year-old Broussard, retirement became the perfect chance to chase a dream he had carried with him for decades—marching down Victory Hill as a member of as a member of the Golden Band from Tigerland. 

 

A Voice That Captivated the Nation


John Foster speaks to the judges on "American Idol"

John Foster speaks to the "American Idol" judges.

John Foster on "American Idol"

When John Foster stepped onto the "American Idol" stage, he brought with him more than just a powerful voice — he brought the Louisiana and Tiger spirit. Balancing coursework and music, Foster’s journey was one of Foster’s journey was one of determination and artistry.  

 

Bringing Tiger Pride to Omaha


Giant parade float of Mike the Tiger

A group of Ä¢¹½tv alumni created a Mardi Gras float of Mike the Tiger. 

Ä¢¹½tv Alumni Create a Mardi Gras Mike the Tiger Float 

When Ä¢¹½tv Baseball made its way to the College World Series, a group of creative alumni made sure Tiger fans felt right at home — with a full-sized Mardi Gras float featuring Mike the Tiger himself. The float became a roaring success, and a vibrant symbol of the passion and pride Ä¢¹½tv fans bring wherever vibrant symbol of the passion and pride Ä¢¹½tv fans bring wherever the Tigers play. 

 

Achieving a Lifelong Dream


Linda Young

Linda Young earned her Ä¢¹½tv degree at 75 years old.

At 75, Linda Young Earned Her Ä¢¹½tv Degree

Linda Young’s journey to her master’s degree in higher education is one of persistence, passion, and Tiger pride. At 75, the Ä¢¹½tv Online graduate proved that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. A long-time advocate for Ä¢¹½tv in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Young’s story is a testament to lifelong learning. 

Next Step

As we build teams that win for Louisiana, the nation, and the world, Ä¢¹½tv is putting our state and its citizens on firmer footing for a brighter tomorrow — one win at a time.