Want to go?
WHAT: "A Glimpse Into the Future” Fundraiser for ɫAV EWLS
WHEN: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Saturday, March 23
WHERE: The Hangar, 601 Bayou Dr.
COST: General Admission, $50; reserved table for eight, $500
INFO: Tickets available online at
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe Emily Williamson Laboratory School (EWLS) invites the public to “A Glimpse of the Future,” a celebration and silent auction showcasing the school’s achievements and its rebuilding and expansion project. The event will take place on Saturday, March 23, in The Hangar on the second floor of the ɫAV Student Union Building at 601 Bayou Dr. from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $50 per person, and reserved tables of eight are available for $500. Tickets can be purchased at .
The original EWLS location suffered a devastating fire in October 2022. While no one was injured, the building was deemed a total loss. The school re-opened in March 2023 in its new temporary location on the first floor of the ɫAV Student Union Building. Funds raised at “A Glimpse of the Future” will go toward the building of a new permanent location for the school.
The Emily Williamson Laboratory School was previously known as the ɫAV Child Development Center. It was officially renamed in October 2020 in honor of Williamson, who served as the Director of the Child Development Center for 16 years until her passing in 2019.
“We want to provide attendees with a glimpse into EWLS's past, present, and future,” said EWLS Director Karen Ford. “The funds raised will help incorporate the latest educational tools and technologies, create a safe and nurturing environment, and deliver the highest quality early education possible,” Ford continued.
The evening will feature a silent auction and dinner, a performance from former EWLS students, and guest speaker Robert Williamson, husband of Emily Williamson. A cash bar will be available for general admission attendees, while wine and beer will be provided for tables.
The ɫAV EWLS offers services to ɫAV faculty, staff, students, and the community for children from infants to pre-k 4. The mission and guiding philosophy of the ɫAV EWLS is to promote innovation and excellence in education through teaching and learning. They are dedicated to addressing the needs of children from diverse backgrounds. The EWLS values teaching and learning environments that encourage each child’s natural joy of learning and creativity and supports a focused approach to intellectual inquiry and are a caring community of learners- students, teachers, staff, families and university students. The Lab School provides practical experiences to prepare professionals for various early childhood careers and beyond.
“This is an opportunity for the community to come together and make a meaningful difference. We invite everyone to join us in shaping a brighter future for our future Warhawks. Our new motto is ‘The Best Is on the Bayou forthe Next Generation,’” said Ford.
To learn more about the ɫAV Emily Williamson Laboratory School and to purchase tickets for “A Glimpse Into the Future,” visit .