Local writer leaves legacy to UL Lafayette Department of Communication

When longtime Louisiana journalist and historian Bernard Curet died on May 4, 2018 at the age of 94, it marked the end of an era for South Louisiana, but signaled the beginning of new support for UL Lafayette journalism students.

“My father’s career in journalism was a labor of love and I know in my heart that he believed in this University and the support that will help future journalists establish careers in the industry,” said Michael Curet, a 1985 UL Lafayette graduate in English-Journalism. 

With pledged support, The Bernard Curet Endowed Scholarship in Journalism will be given annually to a student majoring in communication with a concentration in journalism. Criteria for the awarded student includes demonstrating a commitment to a career in reporting, and editing or photography in either print or digital media.

“We place an emphasis on ethics when it comes to our journalism students and who better to support this than a veteran of the industry who displayed extraordinary journalistic standards throughout his career,” said Lucian Dinu, UL Lafayette Department of Communication Head.

Bernard Curet was a class of 1944 alumnus. He grew up on the banks of False River in Pointe Coupee Parish near New Roads, LA and enjoyed a career in journalism that spanned more than 60 years.  Curet served as newspaper editor of The Pointe Coupee Banner from 1952-1974. He authored the book “Our Pride, Pointe Coupee” in 1981. He also was a regular contributor to The Times Picayune, the State Times, and Morning Advocate.

He was perhaps best known for his long running weekly column "Fricassee" in the Pointe Coupee Banner, which he first introduced in 1947. During the column’s 60-year run, Curet never missed a week penning it.

Curet said he was “inseparable” from the column and quoted Robert Louis Stevenson’s famed line: “I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me.”

Photo: Bernard Curet pictured.