More than 100 UL Lafayette students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and supporters honored the College of Business Administration’s namesake, B.I. Moody III, in connection with the 15th anniversary of the renaming of the college.

At the Feb. 1 event, UL Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie and Dr. Gwen Fontenot, interim dean of the college, gave welcomes before the unveiling of three bronze plaques that will be displayed permanently in the Moody Hall lobby.

The unveiling was followed by a presentation in an adjacent auditorium about the impact of Moody’s contributions to the University, which total over $8.2 million, including a Moody Match program implemented in 2006.

“We are elated to share in this celebration of Mr. Moody and his family’s legacy. Many students have asked about him, so this was not only a way to honor him but a great way for the students to learn about his life. The highlight of his night was meeting students who introduced themselves and expressed their gratitude for his support,” Fontenot said.

Moody, 91, is chairman of The Moody Company and of Louisiana State Newspapers Inc.

Moody’s college career was interrupted by service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war ended, he graduated from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now UL) in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is a founding partner in the CPA firm of Moody, Broussard, Poché & Guidry and later became president and CEO of Chart House Inc. in Lafayette and chairman of the board for First National Bank of Lafayette.

Moody has served on the boards of directors of many other companies, including First Commerce of New Orleans, Riviana Foods Inc., Celeron Oil Company Inc. and Quantum Restaurants.