Where locals used to try on dresses and suits at the old Mall St. Vincent Sears will become a new state-of-the art research building for LSU Health Shreveport.
According to an architectural rendering, it will be labeled: LSUHS Cancer and Cardiovascular LSU Health.
Chancellor Dr. David Guzick made a surprise announcement at “An Evening for Heroes – Celebrating Heroes, Healing and Hope,” which was held at the Shreveport Convention Center. The event raised over $536,000.
As for the old Sears facility: “LSUHS leadership partnered with LSU Health Sciences Foundation, which purchased the property for its benefit,” according to a press release. It also said a timely expansion of research space is essential to retain and recruit research talent. The facility has 160,000 square feet of interior space on 18 acres, with more than 800 parking spaces.
“Evening…” is a fundraising event presented by Ochsner Health and hosted by LSU Health Shreveport Foundation.
It serves as a platform to honor and celebrate Shreveport-Bossier community’s first responders, physicians, nurses, allied health professions and other healthcare providers who each play a vital role in saving lives of patients at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, according to the program. “Evening…” tells stories of the many who took care of two different patients, following them from the time the first call goes out until they leave the hospital. The program thanked the patients “for allowing us to tell their incredible stories.”
Ochsner Health was the Presenting Sponsor and LSU Health Shreveport Foudation hosted. A shoutout to 2024 chairs: Dr. Mike and Caitlin Busada.
“We continue to be amazed at the generosity of this community in supporting ‘An Evening for Healers,'” said Kevin Flood, president and CEO of LSU Health Shreveport Foundation. He said the foundation was grateful for Ochsner’s support, “as well as every sponsor who ensures the agency remains a pillar of this community for years to come.”
For 13 years, the fundraiser has drawn a packed crowd of VIPs, which one year included U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson before he was Speaker of the House. This year, Johnson regretted, but made an appearance via a video. In the past, governors and LSU presidents and LSU Women’s Basket Ball Coach Kim Mulkey have also RSVPed. He was program listed, but LSU President William F. Tate IV regretted because of Hurricane Francine challenges.
The theme for the evening: “Aiming High … Together Stronger.”
