Major Sponsor Spotlight: Dr. Luke and Sonja Laborde

In the world of waterfowl conservation, few people exemplify the intersection of passion, education, and unwavering commitment like Dr. Luke and Sonja Laborde. As Ducks Unlimited Legacy Sponsors and Grand Slam Diamond Heritage Sponsors, this remarkable couple has spent nearly four decades building bridges between academic excellence and conservation leadership, inspiring countless students and fellow conservationists along the way.

The Labordes’ conservation journey began in 1987, when they attended their first DU banquet. During that pivotal event, Luke and Sonja recognized the powerful connections between education, agriculture, and wildlife conservation, a vision that would guide their contributions for decades to come. What started as community involvement quickly blossomed into a lifelong mission that would reach three countries and countless young minds.

“Growing up on a large farm in the bottomlands of the Mississippi River, I experienced at a young age how conservation and agriculture could work hand in hand,” Luke reflects. “The same land that feeds our communities can also provide critical habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.”

Luke’s academic journey reflects his deep commitment to education. After earning his bachelor’s degree in agronomy in 1976 and master of business administration in 1978, both from Louisiana State University (LSU), he studied waterfowl ecology and management, completing his PhD in wildlife management in 2014. Luke’s impact on LSU extends far beyond his recognition as an exemplary educator. Since 2009, he has served as the patriarch of DU’s Tiger Chapter, transforming the way students engage with conservation science.

Each summer, Luke leads graduate students on transformative study-abroad programs that span the continent’s most important waterfowl habitats, including the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota and Manitoba, where students visit the DU Great Plains Regional Office, DU Canada’s Oak Hammock Marsh, and the historic Delta Marsh. He has led two LSU study-abroad classes to the coastal wetlands of Mexico at Ducks Unlimited de México’s John E. Walker Research and Education Center in Celestún. These programs provide students with firsthand experience in international conservation efforts.

“Luke has this unique ability to help students see the bigger picture,” said Erin Brown, director of development for DU. “He shows them that waterfowl conservation isn’t just about ducks—it’s about entire ecosystems, international cooperation, and sustainable land management practices.”

As a DU volunteer, Luke has served the organization in numerous leadership roles, including as state chair, regional vice president, senior vice president, and chair of the National Varsity Scholarship Program. Currently, he serves on the board of directors of Ducks Unlimited de México, bringing his international perspective to continental conservation efforts.

Understanding that conservation’s future lies in educating tomorrow’s leaders, Luke and Sonja have established the Luke and Sonja Laborde Varsity Scholarship, which supports promising conservation students. “Education is the foundation of all successful conservation,” Sonja explains. “By supporting students who share our passion for wildlife and wetlands, we’re ensuring that this work continues long after we’re gone.”

Honoring Decades of Conservation Work

Recognized as the 2025 Baton Rouge Sponsor honorees, Luke and Sonja exemplify DU’s mission. Luke embraced a continental approach to fundraising, operating at a Grand Slam level that perfectly matched the scope of DU’s continental campaign. His efforts yielded an impressive $1.3 million in new commitments for the DU Gulf Coast Initiative, Ducks Unlimited de México, and DU Canada. A dedication was held to honor Luke and Sonja at the Nevdoff project site in Saskatchewan, Canada, celebrating the Labordes’ generosity and leadership, and a plaque was unveiled to forever commemorate their lasting conservation legacy.