Chapter Spotlight: Ragin' Cajuns Spirit Alumni

One of the most spirited alumni chapters is gearing up for a reunion this spring. The Ragin' Cajuns Spirit Alumni Chapter is excited to be hosting a reunion for its members and their families on Saturday, May 7. The chapter is open to all alumni who have been members of the spirit programs at UL Lafayette, which consists of Ragin' Cajuns Cheerleading and the Ragin' Jazz Dance Team. The dance team was also known as the USL Sweethearts from 1960 to 1981.

Bridgit Meaux '10 serves as president of the Ragin' Cajuns Spirit Alumni Chapter. Meaux was a member of Ragin' Cajuns Cheerleading during her time as a student. "Some of my favorite memories were traveling to away games and competing," said Meaux. After graduating, Meaux stayed engaged with the Alumni Association by attending events. However, it wasn't until she met Michelle Bernard, Director of Spirit and Traditions, at a Ragin' Cajuns Cheerleading tryout that she got involved with this alumni chapter. Bernard had recently started the Ragin' Cajuns Spirit Alumni Chapter, but she needed another set of hands to take it over. When she met Meaux, she knew she was the person to lead this chapter.

Under Meaux's leadership, the chapter has hosted several reunions over the past few years. She's extremely excited about their upcoming reunion on Saturday, May 7. The reunion will consist of a pre-game tailgate outside of the M.L. 'Tigue' Moore Field at Russo Park before a Ragin' Cajuns baseball game in the afternoon. Attendees will then get to watch the baseball game from a reserved location.

Alumni can also purchase custom apparel to wear at the reunion. The deadline to order custom Ragin' Cajuns Spirit Alumni Chapter apparel is March 28, and alumni should receive their items by the end of April. Meaux made sure to include enough options for everyone. "I really tried to listen to feedback for what people wanted in merchandise," said Meaux.

Even though the chapter is still growing, Meaux is excited about its future. "I'm hoping it can evolve into something bigger where we can have bigger events and interact more with the current spirit squad members," said Meaux. Her ideas include hosting fundraisers or even hosting a tailgate to serve food to spirit squad members during their tryouts. Regardless of what activities they plan next, we know this chapter will always be filled with tons of Ragin' Cajun spirit. For more information on upcoming Ragin' Cajuns Spirit Alumni Chapter events, make sure to visit the chapter's Facebook group or contact Bridgit Meaux directly.

Photo Caption: Members of the Ragin' Cajuns Spirit Alumni Chapter take photos with current Ragin' Cajuns spirit squads at tailgating. (Photo Credit: Courtney Bergeron / University of Louisiana at Lafayette)