RUSTON – A celebratory ceremony took place on Friday as the official groundbreaking was held for the Origin Bank Center for Student-Athlete Success.
 
Made possible through both state funding and private donations, the morning ceremony was held near the north end zone of Joe Aillet Stadium.  The facility will serve as a significant educational space that will provide world-class academic, wellness, and leadership resources for all Louisiana Tech student-athletes.
 
Origin Bank, the official bank of LA Tech Athletics, is the naming partner for the state-of-the-art facility after making the largest corporate gift ever to the University.
 
"Today's groundbreaking marks more than the start of a new facility — it represents a longstanding partnership committed to the growth, well-being, and long-term success of student-athletes," said Drake Mills, chairman, president, and CEO of Origin Bancorp, Inc. "We believe in connecting people to their dreams, and the Origin Bank Center for Student-Athlete Success will provide a space to develop individuals to grow into all they can be."


 
The Success Center is the latest installment in a multiphase enhancement of Joe Aillet Stadium that has already seen the additions of the Sarah and A.L. Williams Champions Plaza as well as the LED ribbon board and video board, which will stand over the facility once construction is complete.
 
"Our student-athletes tirelessly train to advance their skills for competition," said LA Tech Athletics Director Ryan Ivey. "The Origin Bank Center for Student-Athlete Success will provide a vital space for them to train and advance their knowledge for the classroom. We appreciate our generous donors and the State of Louisiana for making an investment that will enhance Tech's ability to prepare students for life and career success."
 
The project has an expected completion date of Fall 2026.