South Louisiana Community College Alumni

09/04/2026

🌟 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Chelsea Thomas 🌟

Meet Chelsea Thomas, a proud SoLAcc alumna who is now helping other students discover their own paths! 💙🦉

Chelsea attended SoLAcc online from 2020–2022, earning her degree in General Studies. Today, she has come full circle and serves as a Career Coach at SoLAcc, helping students explore opportunities and build confidence in their futures.

Chelsea’s college journey was not a straight line, but every experience along the way helped her grow. Through her time as a student worker in Career Services, she gained hands-on professional experience, strengthened her communication skills, and discovered her passion for helping others. That experience eventually opened the door to her full-time career at the College.

💬 “SoLAcc didn’t just help me earn a degree. It helped me discover my voice, believe in my abilities, and build a career where I can help other students realize their own potential.”

Her advice to current students? Step outside of your comfort zone and say yes to new opportunities.

💬 “You never know which experience could change the course of your life. Believe in yourself, keep an open mind, and don’t let fear keep you from discovering your potential.”

We are proud to have Chelsea as both an alumna and a member of the SoLAcc family! 🦉💙

Are you a SoLAcc alum? Join our Alumni Network here: www.solacc.edu/alumni

09/01/2026

Congratulations to SoLAcc’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni, Tim Marks and Christopher “Tipper” Esponge!

During our inaugral Legacy Luncheon, we were proud to celebrate two outstanding alumni whose lives and careers reflect the very best of leadership, service, and community.

Tim and Tipper’s journeys are a reminder that the impact of a SoLAcc education extends far beyond the classroom. 💙🦉

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Distinguished Alumni! 🎉👏

We are proud to announce Tim Marks and Christopher “Tipper” Esponge as SoLAcc’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni!

We celebrated both honorees during this year’s Legacy Luncheon, recognizing the incredible dedication, leadership, and heart they bring to our Acadiana communities every day.

Tim Marks – Guiding Light Award
Tim graduated in 1996 from our Practical Nursing program in Opelousas and has dedicated his life to caring for his neighbors by strengthening healthcare access across Louisiana. Today, he leads partnerships for Opelousas General Health System and continues giving back through his service on the Foundation for SoLAcc Board.

Christopher “Tipper” Esponge – Rising Star Award
After a life-changing injury sustained during his service in the Louisiana National Guard, Christopher found a fresh start and earned his Industrial Technology (INDT) degree in 2013. He went on to build E&L Construction Group and now serves his hometown family and friends as the Mayor of Delcambre.

“At SoLAcc, we believe our greatest measure of success is found in the achievements of our graduates,” said Dr. Vincent June, Chancellor of South Louisiana Community College. “Tim and Christopher have each used their education as a foundation for lives of purpose, leadership and service. Their stories remind our current students that where you begin does not define where you can go, and we are proud to recognize them as our 2026 Distinguished Alumni.”

Please join us in sending a warm congratulations to Tim and Tipper! 🎓

See the full release in the comments below.

08/21/2026

As we wrap up our first week of the Fall 2026 semester, we’re shining our Alumni Spotlight on Artel January! 🦉💙

A recent SoLAcc Nursing graduate, Artel is preparing to begin her career as a licensed practical nurse. She credits SoLAcc’s Nursing program with building her clinical skills, confidence, and commitment to providing safe, compassionate patient care.

Her advice to current students is simple and powerful:

“Your struggles don’t define you. You being here is proof that you have what it takes to succeed and reach your goals. Keep going. I’m proud of you!”

Artel also encourages students to get involved on campus and take advantage of every opportunity to become part of the SoLAcc community.

One week down, and a whole future ahead! Keep going, SoLAcc! 🦉✨

Are you a SoLAcc Alum? Join our Alumni Initiative: https://www.solacc.edu/alumni/index

07/16/2026

🦉Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Arceneaux

From student to instructor, Matthew Arceneaux's journey is a true full-circle story.

After graduating from SoLAcc's Practical Nursing program more than 30 years ago, Matthew returned to his alma mater and now serves as Practical Nursing Co-Chair/Coordinator at our Lafayette Campus, helping shape the future of nursing.

He credits SoLAcc with providing the strong foundation that launched his career and is grateful for the instructors whose guidance continues to inspire him today.

His advice to current students: "In order to live your dreams, you must take full ownership of them."

We're proud to celebrate alumni like Matthew who continue to make a difference by giving back to the next generation.

06/18/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Helen McGrath 🌟

Helen McGrath's journey is a great example of how education can open doors to a lifetime of growth and opportunity.

A Morgan City native and graduate of Young Memorial Vocational-Technical College (now SoLAcc), Helen excelled as a student, earning a 4.0 GPA and the Outstanding Student Award in Office Occupations/Accounting. Today, she serves as Program Director of the Maritime Program at SoLAcc, helping prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.

Helen says the skills she gained at SoLAcc, including communication, critical thinking, budgeting, and technology, have been valuable throughout her career.

Her advice for current students:

"Believe in yourself. Find what brings you joy, seek out a mentor, and don't be afraid to make changes along the way."

Thank you, Helen, for continuing to make a difference in our communities and workforce.

💙🦉

06/15/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Marko Mansion 🌟

From SoLAcc to Dallas, Marko Mansion is putting his Business Administration degree to work as a Client Success Associate with Gartner.

Marko credits SoLAcc with giving him the confidence and business foundation needed to thrive in his career, along with a supportive community that encouraged his success every step of the way.

His advice for current students:

"Figure out what you want in life and go for it. Be honest with yourself, work hard, and don't be afraid to chase your goals."

We're proud to see Marko representing SoLAcc and making an impact in the business world!

💙🦉

06/08/2026

The best conversations often start over a simple cup of coffee. ☕

On Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting with one of our very own SoLAcc Owlumni, Faryal Atif, who now serves as Assistant Director of Student Engagement with the UL Alumni Association.

Our conversation centered around something that is at the heart of both of our institutions: building strong communities, creating meaningful connections, and supporting students and alumni long after graduation. 🦉🤟🏼

06/04/2026

🌟 Owlumni Spotlight: Sammy Lazare 🌟

From student to instructor, Sammy Lazare's journey has come full circle.

A native of Opelousas, Sammy studied Civil Surveying & Mapping at SoLAcc's Lafayette Campus. Today, he's helping shape the next generation as an instructor in Industrial Maintenance and Aviation Maintenance Technology at our New Iberia Campus.

When reflecting on his time as a student, Sammy remembers the close-knit learning environment and instructors who genuinely cared about student success.

"The instructors cared about your education and really wanted you to succeed," Sammy shares. "And the affordable tuition made pursuing my goals possible."

His advice for current students?

"Soak in all the knowledge you can from your instructors. And take advantage of job fairs and workshops. Those opportunities make a difference."

Outside the classroom, Sammy enjoys running and has completed the Louisiana Marathon, proving that dedication and perseverance can take you far, both personally and professionally.

We're proud to not only celebrate Sammy as an Owlumni, but also as a valued member of the SoLAcc family whose passion and experience continue to impact students every day.

Thank you for inspiring future generations and continuing to make a difference, Sammy. We're proud to celebrate you as part of our SoLAcc Owlumni family!🦉

06/04/2026

💙 Our Owlumni continue to make a difference every day.

Congratulations to Ashia Sells, who was recently named 2026 Caregiver of the Year at A Place At Home! After earning her CNA certification at SoLAcc while balancing work and family, Ashia now serves others with the same compassion and dedication that helped her succeed.

We’re proud to celebrate this incredible achievement. Congratulations, Ashia! 🎉

💙🦉

05/21/2026

Alumni Spotlight: Sharelle Gboro

From Breaux Bridge to Church Point, Sharelle’s SoLAcc journey is still making an impact across Acadiana.

A proud alum of Louisiana Technical College – Lafayette (Bertrand) Campus from 2004-2006, she now serves in the Lafayette Parish School System as an Accounting Clerk. She shares that her time at SoLAcc helped build the organization, communication, and leadership skills she relies on every day.

💭 Her advice to students is simple and powerful:
“Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. The skills you build today can open
doors you may not even see yet.”

We’re proud to celebrate Sharelle as part of our Owlumni family!🦉