Eric Bartel graduated in 2004 with degrees in finance and insurance and risk management.
鈥淚 chose to double major in finance and risk management because I thought I wanted to be a sports agent,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 wanted to learn how to make money and manage risk.鈥
With a passion for sports, Eric found UL Lafayette to be the best choice.
鈥淚 chose UL Lafayette because I always wanted to play Division 1 college football where my dad coached,鈥 he said. 鈥淗e was hired at USL (which is now UL Lafayette) in the spring of 1999 鈥 I started college that fall.鈥
Eric鈥檚 focus on football didn鈥檛 keep him from engaging in other aspects of campus life.
鈥淚 played football at UL Lafayette, served as College of Business President in Student Government Association, and I enjoyed working on the ,鈥 he said. 鈥淏eing a part of those teams created many friendships and opened my eyes to so much diversity.鈥
鈥淯L Lafayette is a wonderful university in a wonderful town where I made a bunch of wonderful memories,鈥 he said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing in the world like a Ragin鈥 Cajun, and I鈥檓 proud to be one.鈥
After his time at UL Lafayette, Eric earned his master鈥檚 degree in sports business and finance. While still in school, he interned with the Houston Texans, the New York Jets, and an NFL sports agent. After graduating, his plans changed a little.
鈥淚 decided the better career fit for me and my family long term was in financial planning,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 started my career as a captive agent at AXA Advisors then went independent after one year.鈥
Eric now spends his time between his financial planning firm, coaching his kids鈥 sports teams, and taking care of his family. Eric鈥檚 daughter, Annabelle Grace, was diagnosed with bone cancer in December, but with the help of her family, friends, and community, she is staying .
Even though 2020 was a challenging year, Eric鈥檚 plan is 鈥渢o serve well, continue to lead well, and see the good through the bad.鈥
