International Alum Gustavo Venegas earned his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from UL Lafayette in 2016. He is currently a student at HRC Culinary Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Gustavo's Testimonial:
I decided to attend UL Lafayette after I came visit for spring break. After spending a week in Lafayette and having witnessed the hospitality and having met some great people I knew I had to transfer and finish college there.
UL Lafayette is a very diverse university and very welcoming for international students. There are a lot of activities that unite the students, faculty and community.
I acquired many professional skills by working with the Housing Department where I started at the front desk my first semester and then moved to the office, where I finally ended up doing my internship.
Throughout my college years, three of my college professors from the Hospitality Program were my biggest influences and inspired me to achieve all my goals. Every time I had a concern, question or was in doubt, I came to them and they knew exactly what to say to get me back on track to achieving my goals.
After graduation, I started working in a local restaurant where I was the General Manager. I am currently working towards finalizing my paperwork to be able to pursue my final educational goal, which is going to culinary school. I will be attending a school in a different country, but one thing I am taking with me is the southern hospitality that I was lucky enough to have felt while living in Lafayette.
It has been so far one of my greatest experiences, where I got try some of the best food, and meet people from all over the world as well as locals who have in some way or another helped me grow professionally and intellectually. For me, it is a great honor to be a part of the Ragin' Cajun family.