Coach Beryl Shipley and his family have been adversely affected by heart disease. The Shipley family has initiated "The Beryl Shipley Mended Hearts Scholarship." It's the first scholarship of its kind at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and from all available information, appears to be the first in the nation.

Proceeds beyond the cost of the Shipley Reunion will be applied to this scholarship, which will provide financial assistance to students who have survived heart surgery. The scholarship was made official by Coach Shipley on June 29, 2001.