Ted Schad Jr. loved Lou Ana Gardens. The president of Schad Industries built the facility near Evangeline Downs to grow and distribute cut flowers, sparing no expense. “That was his love, that was his passion, that was his hobby,” Wayne Denton said. As a businessman, Schad also believed the gardens would make money someday.
Denton was vice president for research at USL when Schad was building his dream. Sometimes, they talked about the possibility of USL and Lou Ana conducting a joint research project at the gardens. Then Schad learned he had cancer.

After his death, family members and USL officials began to talk about the possibility of the university purchasing the facility. “We had limited funds to offer for the property, but the family accepted our terms to help USL grow,” said USL President Dr. Ray Authement.
There was no doubt the gardens could be a tremendous asset, with its two one-acre greenhouse frames, irrigation systems, water wells and a 15,000-square-foot laboratory —all on 51 acres.