Ronnie Gaspard made an impact on lives both in and out of the golf community during his too-short life, and his name continues to make that same impact.

The tournament that now bears his name makes a difference in the area that Gaspard felt was most needed — educating young people. Specifically, it’s helping the UL Petroleum Engineering Department, and the man who runs that department says that impact can’t be understated.

"That tournament has brought life to this place," said Dr. Fathi Boukadi, head of the UL department. "Because of it, we’re in the 21st century."

The fourth Ronnie Gaspard Memorial Tournament is set for Monday, April 23, at Le Triomphe, and in its four years of existence the event has raised over a quarter-million dollars for UL’s petroleum engineering program. That department, like many state agencies, struggles with funding, and Boukadi said the extra funds are a blessing and a lifeline.

"We’ve been able to change so many things," said Boukadi, who came to the UL department in 2007. "We’ve re-equipped the labs, revamped a couple of them, completely redone the computer lab where we added about 12 more computers and bought desks and state-of-the-art boards. We’ve redone the lecture room and added a student lounge, we’ve bought chairs and desks for the faculty.

"More than anything else, we’ve made it where it’s a place that students want to come and a place that can impress students when they come here to visit."

The UL program was facility-challenged not too many years ago, before Gaspard and Jimmy McCartney had the idea for a fund-raiser tournament. At the time, it was named after close friend and fellow program supporter Francis Broussard, and the Broussard tournament raised approximately $250,000 in five years for scholarship.

"We had no idea that we’d have this kind of impact for so long," said McCartney. "At the first one, I thought we were just going to help clean up one room and make it usable over there, and it was something to honor Francis for all he did for golf and for that department."

When Gaspard passed away five years ago from complications following heart surgery, his loss left a hole in the local golf community. But it also gave McCartney and others more reason to go the extra mile for the UL program.

"There are several hundred students there, and Ronnie spent a lot of his time helping out the students that were there at the time," McCartney said. "We’re helping them have better equipment, a better learning environment and a place they can be proud of."

Boukadi’s spirits were raised after seeing the benefits from the early tournaments, and the individuals and companies that pitched in to help.

"Jimmy’s a very positive and proactive person," Boukadi said. "When I saw him, I had an idea we were going to make some moves with this place."

Along with the facility additions and renovations, the tournament and a contribution from the Eddy Knight Foundation is currently being used to landscape around the Rex Street facility.

"The tournament’s been a catalyst for a lot of other things happening," McCartney said. "Companies have donated equipment, and alumni are getting more involved and are excited about what’s coming about. It’s a snowball effect, and the landscaping is just a nice addition to the whole department."

The April 23 tournament already has a full field, but McCartney said that individuals and companies wishing to get involved are always welcome. He’s still taking tee sponsorships at 261-1188 or 298-7070 or at jmccartney@workoverspec.com.

"We’re so glad to have them, and we hope it continues because we can still do so many things for our students and staff," Boukadi said. "We’re going to be out there helping at the tournament "» that’s the least we can do, go out and support them because of what they’ve done for us."

This will be the final year that the tournament will bear Gaspard’s name, something that was planned from the start. But McCartney said there’s no question that the tournament will continue.

"Ronnie used to say himself that you can only drag a dead dog for so long," he said. "He never did any of this for himself "» it was always to help out others. The folks at UL have done a great job, won some national awards over the last few years, and this tournament’s helped them to do that."

"Making the Turn" appears each Wednesday. Clubs, courses and individuals with information about local golf events may email Dan McDonald, editorial director at Golfballs.com, at danmcdonald@cox.net, FAX to (337) 857-8763 or call (337) 857-8754 and leave a message with phone number. Listen to the "Making the Turn" radio show each Wednesday from 8-9 a.m. on ESPN -Sports Radio 1420.