Lourdes University, founded by the Sisters of St. Francis in 1958, is set to shut its doors. The announcement, made on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, carries both emotional and historical weight for the community.

After 43 years of dedicated service, Loretta Lester is retiring from The Arc Caddo-Bossier’s Goldman School and Child Development Centers in Shreveport, Louisiana. Spanning more than half of the school’s 71-year history, Lester’s remarkable career has been a testament to her commitment to inclusive education and transforming young lives.