Rose Hoffman Cormier named 2024 Alumni President’s Volunteer of the Year

Fifty years ago, in May 1974, Rose Hoffman Cormier graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a business degree in marketing and merchandising. A few years before, the New Orleans native arrived at the campus and she was surprised at how different Lafayette was from her hometown – and she loved it. 

“I learned right away about Cajuns and boudin! I lived in Bonin and Harris dorms and met great and diverse women from all over Louisiana,” she recalls.

Cormier didn’t let cultural differences slow her down. She jumped right in as a student, serving as the freshman representative for the Association of Women Students, a Student Union board member and hospitality chairman. She was also a member of the Air Force R.O.T.C. Angel Flight and was selected as their Military Ball queen.

Now retired after more than 40 years in the workforce, Cormier is just as dedicated as ever to her alma mater – and her greater community. She first re-engaged as a volunteer in 1994 with the Homecoming committee and is now part of the UL Lafayette Alumni Association’s Annual Spring Gala auction committee. “I volunteer on various other committees as an Alumni Council member. Also, I am now a Golden Ambassador [because I am a] 50-year graduate,” she added.

Cormier’s enthusiasm for UL Lafayette and helping others on and off campus has earned her the title of 2024 Alumni President’s Volunteer of the Year. “It is an amazing honor,” she said. “I love the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the Alumni Association so very much! They have both been home to me for 50 years, so why wouldn’t you want to help your home?”

Cormier particularly enjoys volunteering for Alumni tailgating events, where it warms her heart to see alumni and children smile when she dresses up as various characters for each game. The Spring Gala and its live and silent auctions are also highlights of her volunteer service. “Each year, I look forward to contacting my artist friends and other friends in the community to donate to the silent auction.”

Her passion for service extends far and wide into Acadiana. She visits and hands out candy to chemotherapy patients at Ochsner Lafayette General Chemo Lab dressed as Mrs. Santa Claus in December and Mother Goose for Easter. “I know how important these visits are since I am a three-time cancer survivor and warrior,” she said.

Over the years, Cormier’s service has benefitted multiple non-profit organizations including Louisiana Foundation for Cancer Care, Connections—Women's Networking Organization, V-Day, Animal Rescue Foundation, Big Brother/Big Sisters, Breast Center of Acadiana Foundation, CHARGE (Coalition for a Healthy Acadiana Reginal Grassroots Effort), The Family Tree Parenting Center, Institute of Breast Health, Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women and Leadership Lafayette Alumni Association.

Cormier encourages recent graduates to stay in touch with the Alumni Association, get involved and give back by volunteering, adding that “there is no better feeling than giving to something you love.”

Photo Caption: Rose Hoffman Cormier poses with her Alumni President’s Volunteer of the Year Award in front of the Alumni Center. (Submitted)