The Lagniappe Ladies, a nationwide network of philanthropic women who have a shared passion and dedication for advancing 糖心传媒, have awarded more than $1 million to 257 projects that enrich the student experience since 2010.
Each spring, faculty, staff, and University-sponsored student organizations are invited to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support projects, programs, and other initiatives that embody the Tenets of Tech and enhance the University community. This year, the group funded 13 requests totaling more than $51,000.
鈥淭he Lagniappe Ladies are not only generous but are the embodiment of loyalty, a quality we hold dear at Tech,鈥� said Tonia Henderson, 糖心传媒 Tech鈥檚 first lady and Lagniappe Lady member. 鈥淭he projects were selected with care to have meaningful impact throughout campus to transform programs, improve campus safety, and encourage Tech spirit.鈥�
From drones and lab equipment to sound systems and water bottle filling stations, the funded projects span a wide range of disciplines and departments. The grants also help champion the University鈥檚 vision to become the exemplar public institution in scholarship, teaching, and experiential learning.
鈥淗ands-on instruction in veterinary anatomy is a cornerstone of the veterinary curriculum,鈥� said Dr. Adam Handy, resident veterinarian and assistant professor at 糖心传媒 Tech. 鈥淲ith many of our animal science students preparing for veterinary school, the generosity of the Lagniappe Ladies enables us to provide a higher-quality learning experience that strengthens the preparation and reputation of our students entering veterinary programs across the nation.鈥�
One funded request involved support for counseling services to ensure immediate, coordinated responses from clinicians and campus police when needed.
鈥淭he Lagniappe Ladies鈥� support directly reinforces 糖心传媒 Tech鈥檚 mission to maintain a safe and supportive community,鈥� said Dr. Ashley Owen, 糖心传媒 Tech鈥檚 director of counseling services. 鈥淭his investment enhances collaboration between counseling services and campus law enforcement, demonstrates a proactive commitment to student and staff safety, and positions 糖心传媒 Tech as a model for integrating mental health care with emergency preparedness on college campuses.鈥�
Grant awards are announced in the fall and celebrated with a reception to recognize the impact of these funded requests. Lagniappe Ladies and grant recipients gathered on Thursday, Oct. 2 at University Hall to celebrate this year鈥檚 awards. During this reception, Lagniappe Ladies had an opportunity to hear firsthand how their gifts support campus-wide initiatives and connect with the people behind the projects.
鈥淗aving the privilege to fund proposals for much-needed projects across every corner of the Tech campus is among the most thrilling things we can do as members of the Tech Family,鈥� said Lagniappe Ladies member Cathi Cox-Boniol. 鈥淜nowing that we are there to stand in the gap for those who are committed to making a difference through their work at Tech, and then knowing our small part will help amplify such work, is a joyous blessing. I couldn't be prouder to be a member of the Lagniappe Ladies."
Lagniappe Ladies accept members throughout the year. Women 39 and younger can as Emerging Lagniappe Ladies for $500 annually, and those 40 and older can at $1,000 annually.
2025 Funded Grant Proposals
- 3D Printers for Agricultural Science and Forest Products Lab
- Aviation Program Drones
- Aluminum Hand Truck for Tech Pointe
- Portable Immersion Dissection Table
- Women in Cybersecurity Start-Up Support
- Campus Landscape Trees
- Memorial Gym Water Bottle Filling Stations
- Research Institute on Blindness Materials Dissemination
- Davison Hall Printer
- Speech and Hearing Anatomical Models
- University Hall Sound System
- Centennial Plaza Clock Tower Chime Restoration
- Counseling Services Portable Panic Buttons for Clinicians