Club Spotlight: New York Metro Ragin' Cajun Club

Nothing replaces life at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Not even the exciting buzz of life in New York City. And this is precisely why UL Lafayette alumna Meredith Miller was determined to expand the New York Metro Ragin’ Cajun Club. 

Following graduation, Miller moved to New York City, by way of Dallas, to advance her marketing career. She has worked with household names like The Neiman Marcus Group, Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ and now for Auberge Resorts Collection.

Through it all, she has always reflected fondly on her time at UL Lafayette, from tailgating at Cajun Field to studying in the library with classmates. “My experience was strongly shaped by the B.I. Moody III Business College, as well as my time involved in Greek life with Alpha Delta Pi. The close-knit Ragin’ Cajuns community created a positive and exciting undergraduate lifestyle,” she said.

Upon settling in New York, Miller sought new and meaningful ways to connect with fellow alumni in the city. She partnered with the Alumni Association to expand the New York Metro Ragin’ Cajun Club and provide social and professional networking opportunities for other Ragin’ Cajuns in the metro area. 

The New York Metro Ragin’ Cajun Club held its first social event this fall – a football game watch party that “was a huge success,” she said. It brought together a mix of young alumni who recently relocated with those already established in the city. 

Events like this and others the club is working on planning help alumni form new friendships over old memories and shared experiences. “The watch party was a great night getting acquainted with one another and swapping stories of the restaurants we missed the most back in Lafayette and favorite pastimes while attending UL Lafayette," Miller said.

And just where do transplant Louisiana foodies go for a good, Southern meal in a place like New York City? “There are so many great spots in New York City, but I always look forward to going back to Lafayette for the unmatched culinary scene," Miller said. "Some of my favorite Southern spots in the city that remind me of Louisiana are Jacob’s Pickles in the Upper West Side and Bird Dog in West Village.” 

To join, volunteer or learn more about the New York Metro Ragin’ Cajun Club, you can update your contact information with the Alumni Association, or reach out to Meredith Miller via LinkedIn to get connected. 

Photo caption: Members of the New York Metro Ragin' Cajun Club attend a watch party in October when the Ragin' Cajuns faced Marshall. (Submitted Photo)