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Twins' passion for life and career lives on through School of Geosciences gift

Patrick and Paul McWilliams were identical twins, but they shared more than a mirror image.

Those who remember the brothers say both were passionate about their careers in geology, their hobbies, and their alma mater.

And now, as the result of a $1 million bequest to the School of Geosciences, the McWilliamses have ensured current UL Lafayette students will inherit their mutual love for the discipline.

The late brothers' gift will directly support the annual geology field camp which cemented their commitment to career paths in petroleum exploration. "They would go on and on about the field camp; it was hands-down their favorite academic experience," says Paysse McWilliams, executor of the estate and a nephew of the McWilliams brothers.

The brothers always spoke highly of the faculty and quality of education they received. The smaller, more tightknit feel of the University and the community made an ideal atmosphere for the duo to lay the foundation for successful careers.

Beyond their profession, their joie de vivre was felt by whomever they encountered. "They were inseparable, and definitely did things their own way," said Jay Pennington, the twins' nephew and fellow geologist, as he described the non-conformist approach to their jobs and living life to the fullest.

The brothers' independent spirit and interest in philanthropy was instilled in them through the example of parents Elleonora P. and William K. McWilliams Jr., one of the co-founders of Freeport-McMoRan. "It's no surprise that the brothers wanted to share their passion with current students so they can be inspired as well," Pennington said.

The McWilliams' cousins are excited about what this gift will mean to students. Pennington hopes that sharing the brothers' story before each camp trip will allow students to realize their potential, especially since not all schools have a field camp available. Paysse McWilliams hopes that beyond providing job readiness through the course, seeing how the brothers gave back to something they valued encourages others to also contribute and perpetuate the high quality of the program.

Dr. Eric Ferré, director of the School of Geosciences, was thrilled to learn about the gift and fascinated by Pat and Paul's story that led to this legacy endowment. "The students' true passion comes through as they learn through this capstone course, and this bequest substantially lowers the cost to attend field camp. The timing couldn't be better."