Nick Pugh III Named 2026 Lafayette Civic Cup Honoree

The local board selected the community leader for his contributions to education and aerospace research in the area.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Awards

Nick Pugh III Named 2026 Lafayette Civic Cup Honoree

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The Lafayette Civic Cup Board of Directors has named Nick Pugh III the 2026 recipient of the annual award. Pugh is recognized for his leadership and commitment to the Lafayette community.

Why it matters

The Civic Cup honors individuals whose vision and service have made a lasting impact on the region. This year's selection highlights significant contributions to local school initiatives and university-level research.

The Lafayette Civic Cup is now in its 94th year of operation. Nick Pugh III has committed up to $9.1 million through his family foundation to the Accelerating Campus Excellence model at local schools.

The players

Nick Pugh III

He is the 2026 Lafayette Civic Cup honoree, a graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana, and a significant benefactor for local educational and research projects.

Pugh Family Foundation

Established in 2000, this philanthropic organization has committed up to $9.1 million to support the Accelerating Campus Excellence model in Lafayette elementary schools.

Lafayette Civic Cup Board of Directors

This body oversees the annual award and selects recipients based on their leadership and impact on the Lafayette community.

The details

The selection committee, consisting of past recipients, chose Pugh for his long-standing dedication to civic improvement. His efforts include founding the Nick Pugh Aerospace Electronics Research Lab at UL Lafayette in 2018 and serving as a volunteer leader for the Cajun Advanced Picosatellite Experiment since 2005.

Nick Pugh III was born in 1945.
Pugh earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1968.
The Pugh Family Foundation was established in 2000.
Tickets for the celebration will be available for purchase starting October 12, 2026.
The Civic Cup celebration is scheduled for November 10, 2026.

Culture Shift

The Lafayette Civic Cup follows a tradition of recognizing local leaders that has spanned 94 years. This year's selection continues the practice of honoring individuals whose professional success drives tangible community improvement.

Residents interested in attending the ceremony can purchase tickets beginning October 12, 2026. The event at City Club at River Ranch provides a public opportunity to engage with local philanthropic and academic leadership.

The takeaway

Recognizing civic leaders encourages continued private investment in public infrastructure like local schools and research labs. Supporting such events keeps the community informed about the philanthropic efforts shaping the city.

What happens next

Tickets for the formal ceremony, which features a 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception and a 6:30 p.m. program at the City Club at River Ranch, will go on sale starting October 12, 2026.