Wayne & Connie Elmore
2018 Spring Gala Honorees

D. Wayne Elmore and Connie D’Aquin Elmore have served as leaders, philanthropic activists, and overall supporters of the Acadiana community for decades. As USL alumni, they are also proud advocates for the University. Whether it’s through giving back to charity or volunteering their time in the community, Wayne and Connie Elmore have always made it a priority to contribute to the advancement of Acadiana.    

Wayne was born in Graceville, Florida. After living as a military brat in Germany, Japan and numerous military bases across the United States, his family eventually ended up in Louisiana where he attended Leesville High School (Fort Polk). After high school, Wayne knew that he wanted to attend the University of Southwestern Louisiana and moved to Lafayette. While in college, Wayne studied business management and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Wayne graduated from USL in 1971.  After graduation, Wayne decided to return to USL to earn his Masters in Businesses Administration. While in graduate school, he discovered an affinity for banking and attended LSU School of Banking, Commercial School of Banking at the University of Oklahoma, and Louisiana Banking School for Supervisory Training. Hired by B. I. Moody, III, in 1973 as a management trainee, Wayne eventually became the Sr. Executive Vice President for First National Bank of Lafayette. He graduated with his MBA in 1978 and continued to work at First National Bank of Lafayette until 1984. From there, Wayne’s career skyrocketed. He worked as the Vice Chairman and President/CEO of Commerce and Energy Bank, and in 1989 became Co-Founder/CEO and Co-Chairman of the Board with his partner, Thomas R. Galloway, Sr., for Communications Corporation of America, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of the Louisiana Physician Corporation, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of the Mississippi Physician Corporation, and recently, CEO of Knight Oil Tools.  

Currently, Wayne serves as the CEO/Owner of Mello Joy Coffee, CEO/Owner of ChairSlippers LLC, Managing Partner for numerous real estate holdings, and chairman for the D. W. Elmore Family Foundation.               

Just like Wayne’s career, his civic involvement is extensive. A few of his past involvements include past president of the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette, past Kiwanian of the Year, Board Member, recent Board Chairman, and Executive Committee of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Board Member of Junior Achievement of Lafayette, and a member of the St. Thomas More School Board.

Wayne is also very involved with Mardi Gras activities in Acadiana. He served as a Royal Duke for the Krewe of Gabriel, Krewe of Bonaparte, and Krewe of Attakapas. He had the distinct honor of serving as King of Washington Mardi Gras.

Currently, he volunteers his time to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the UL Lafayette Foundation, a Board Member for the Community Foundation of Acadiana, a member and investor of One Acadiana, and a member and elder of Grace Presbyterian Church.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has always held a special place in Wayne’s heart. He is a past board member and treasurer of the UL Alumni Association, board, executive committee member and Chairman of the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation, and Co-Chairman of Investing in our Future Campaign Athletic Division.

Wayne makes sure to stay active in social and recreational activities in Lafayette and is an avid golfer and hunter. He is a member of several clubs including LeTriomphe Golf and Country Club, Oakbourne Country Club, City Club at River Ranch, the Petroleum Club of Lafayette and The Coastal Hunting Club.

Connie D’Aquin Elmore was born and raised in Crowley, Louisiana. She graduated from Crowley High School and then proudly attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Connie was a very active student and immersed herself in the culture of campus. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and served as a cheerleader. Connie was honored as one of the University Favorites, as a Kappa Sigma Star and Crescent Girl and was Kappa Sigma  Sweetheart. She graduated from USL in 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and shortly after began to work for the Lafayette Parish School Board as an elementary school teacher. After many years of working in the education system, Connie decided to return back to her roots and work for the University. She was a Union Program Council Advisor and the USL Cheerleader Advisor from 1988 to 1998. In her role as UPC Advisor she actively guided many student activities including the Homecoming Court, the Lagniappe Day, Spirit, and Travel Committees.

Connie has continued to stay very active in the Acadiana community over the years. She is a member of the UL Alumni Association, Kappa Delta Sorority Alumni Chapter, and a member of the Grace Presbyterian Church. Connie has also been actively involved in Mardi Gras activities through the years. A former member of the Krewe of Bonaparte, she was honored as a Royal Maid in the krewe’s coronation ball.  Most importantly, Connie is a devoted mother and grandmother.

The Elmore Camellia Room of the UL Alumni Center was dedicated to the memory of Connie’s parents, Myrtis McCutchan D’Aquin who reigned as the first Camellia Queen in 1934, Edmond D’Aquin, and her brother, William “Bill” Arthur D’Aquin, and made possible through the generous donation of Connie and Wayne Elmore.