South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) celebrated outstanding contributions to education and community at its inaugural Chancellor’s Breakfast, presented by Our Lady of Lourdes. The Foundation for SoLAcc awarded its Benefactor of the Year honor and introduced two new Distinguished Alumni Awards on February 20, at the Lafayette Campus.
Dr. Deiadra Garrett Named Benefactor of the Year
Now in its seventh year, the Benefactor of the Year Award honors individuals whose generosity has made a lasting impact on SoLAcc and its students. This year’s recipient, Dr. Deiadra Garrett, is a renowned pediatric surgeon and advocate for underserved families in South Louisiana. A Lafayette native, she has trained at Johns Hopkins and Northwestern University and has actively supported initiatives expanding healthcare access.
I am so incredibly humbled and grateful to SoLAcc for this incredible honor,” said Dr. Garrett. “SoLAcc’s mission is to transform the lives of people and communities by providing education and skills. We all benefit when we support this mission. I am proud to be one of many donors that support this institution and their students.”
Distinguished Alumni Awards Recognize Excellence
The Rising Star Award honors recent graduates making significant strides in leadership or service. This year’s recipient, Dr. Shayla Polk, earned her associate degree from SoLAcc in 2012 and has since obtained a doctorate in Clinical Social Work. She serves as Executive Director of the Office of Drug Policy for Governor Jeff Landry and is an educator, speaker, and mental health advocate.
The Guiding Light Award recognizes seasoned alumni who have demonstrated professional excellence and mentorship. Tye Miller, a 1994 SoLAcc graduate, began his IT career as an intern at Computers for Business Management (CBM). Over three decades, he advanced to become President of CBM Technology, contributing significantly to Acadiana’s IT sector.
“The Foundation for SoLAcc is proud to recognize Dr. Garrett, Dr. Polk, and Mr. Miller for their achievements,” said Lana Fontenot, Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of the Foundation for SoLAcc. “Their achievements highlight the power of education in changing lives and creating lasting change.”
The Chancellor’s Breakfast also provided an update on the 2030 Promise, SoLAcc’s initiative to award 500 scholarships annually by 2030, highlighting progress and reaffirming the college’s commitment to student success and community impact. The event resulted in 19 new scholarships for SoLAcc students.
If you are interested in starting a scholarship or learning more about the Foundation for SoLAcc, visit solacc.edu/foundation.