Celebration of Academic Excellence

Last December, the College of Liberal Arts proudly celebrated academic excellence at a special pre-commencement reception honoring distinguished undergraduate award recipients, graduating master’s and doctoral candidates, and other award honorees. The event highlighted the scholarship, service, research, and academic achievements that define the heart of the college. Guests gathered following the program to enjoy light desserts and recognize the individuals whose accomplishments continue to elevate the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Haley Montet was an Outstanding Graduate Finalist for the College of Liberal Arts with a 3.96 GPA in criminal justice. The only Fall 2025 graduate to complete and defend an Honors Baccalaureate Thesis, she presented her research at the Undergraduate Research Conference and the University of Louisiana System Academic Summit. She served as an Honors Ambassador, president of the Criminal Justice Society, and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in criminology at Michigan State University or Rutgers University.

William Dailey was named the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Outstanding Master’s Graduate and was recognized during the Fall 2025 Commencement. A finalist representing the Department of Modern Languages in the College of Liberal Arts, he completed a master’s degree in Francophone studies.

The first student to complete the department’s Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s program, Dailey excelled in graduate coursework and independent research, including archival work in Moncton, New Brunswick that will support his future doctoral studies. Active in cultural and community initiatives, he contributed to the Modern Languages French Club and public programming with the Center for Louisiana Studies. He plans to teach in a French immersion school in Vermilion Parish before pursuing a Ph.D. in Francophone studies.

Charles Boustany was the Outstanding Master’s Graduate Finalist for the Department of History, Geography & Philosophy in the College of Liberal Arts and received a master’s degree in history. A former surgeon and U.S. congressman, his thesis examined interwar intellectuals and policymakers whose work helped shape collective security and international institutions, drawing on archival research from Princeton University and other collections. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in history at LSU, expanding his research in international, global, and modern European history.

During the ceremony, the College of Liberal Arts also recognized our distinguished retiring faculty. We thank them for their years of dedicated service to the college and enduring contributions to our students and academic community.

Dr. Chet M. Rzadkiewicz
History, Geography, & Philosophy

Dr. Richard Winters
Modern Languages

Denise Marceaux
Modern Languages

Dr. Rick Swanson
Political Science

View more photos of the awardees