Former Student Government of Association Business President, Ava Welborn cares about the well-being of her community. Her choice to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette centered around community and tangible growth.
She said, “I chose UL Lafayette because when I was looking at different universities to attend, UL Lafayette had a rich culture centered around the student body. Everything catered to the students’ growth, satisfaction, and experience.”
Ava confirmed, the welcoming environment and the University’s non-competitive freshman scholarships sealed the deal.
Ava always had a niche for event planning and wanted to expand her interests.
“I chose Hospitality Management because I have always had a strong passion for event planning, whether hosting a banquet, throwing a birthday party for a friend, or even having fun ideas for a girls' night," Ava said. "I also have a love for travel and human experience.”
She chose to minor in business management to learn how to successfully build a business while working well with others and managing daily duties and tasks.
“Having a business management minor has helped me understand these skills and how to apply them to the Hospitality industry, working extremely well with my major,” she said.
Her favorite courses are "Legal Issues in the Hospitality Industry" with Attorney Fred Davis and "International Tourism" with Dr. Ignatius Cahyanto.
“[Fred Davis] took us on field trips to different restaurants, event venues, and lodging facilities, where we heard firsthand from business owners what they have to do legally to run their business, including contracts, music licensing, and alcohol permits. He encouraged open discussion and often allowed us to talk through the course material during lectures to help us understand it fully.”
Being part of the University’s community brings Ava joy.
“Hands down, the people at the University are my favorite. UL Lafayette is blessed with such an amazing student body, faculty, and staff who truly care about others, the University, and the entire Lafayette community. I feel so loved, supported, and seen as I walk through campus every day, and it is all due to the amazing people we have here,” she said.
As the former SGA College of Business President, Ava enjoyed being a part of Moody Fest, a mini festival in the student quarters that highlights student-owned businesses. On top of being involved with SGA, Ava has been:
- a peer mentor,
- on the Honors Board,
- on the UPC Traditions Board,
- a member of the UL Lafayette Ducks Unlimited,
- a Student Ambassador for undergraduate recruitment,
- and a Tri Sigma Alpha Mu member.
"Being a member of this esteemed organization has allowed me to meet important contributing members of the Louisiana community, such as state legislators, generous benefactors, University Presidents, Deans, and department heads.
"It has given me the opportunity to talk about my amazing experience here at UL Lafayette with people from all across Louisiana, helping us really solidify our name as a top-tier university here in Louisiana," she said.
Ava feels that her experiences and skills from the University will greatly assist her in the hospitality industry.
“It’s helped prepare me for the professional world where I will work with a diverse group of people and how to make all of them feel welcomed and excited to attend an event,” she said.
After graduation, she plans to enroll in the Disney College Program (DCP) to gain hands-on experience working for a large corporation.
She said, “Once I complete the DCP, I hope to return to UL Lafayette to receive my master’s degree and eventually work here on campus in Student Engagement and Leadership, helping improve the student experience and ensure students make the most out of their college experience.”
