Best Buddies LSU Named Outstanding Chapter in Louisiana at International Conference

BATON ROUGE, LA – Best Buddies LSU was named the Outstanding Chapter of Louisiana at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) in Bloomington, Indiana, recognizing the chapter’s efforts to advance the organization’s mission of creating inclusive, lasting friendships between individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Allie Lowery, a pre-physical therapy student in the LSU School of Kinesiology and Best Buddies LSU chapter president, accepted the award on the chapter’s behalf and attended the three-day conference. 

The conference brought together approximately 3,000 participants and gave Lowery the opportunity to network with fellow college chapter leaders, learn from advocates and individuals with IDDs and develop skills she can bring back to LSU. She participated as a member of the organization’s Expansion Team, a group of states with a limited number of Best Buddies chapters that work together to strengthen their programs and expand the organization’s reach. 

“BBLC was a surreal experience that was educational, fun and allowed me to make friendships throughout the entire United States,” Lowery said. “This was the first time I have been in one building with so much inclusivity and support for each other without a sense of judgment. It is the exact environment I dream for LSU Best Buddies to reach.”

Throughout the conference, Lowery connected with student leaders from colleges and universities across the country, including The College of New Jersey, Florida International University, Tulane University, the University of Alabama, the University of Tulsa, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Delaware and South Dakota. 

The conference also featured speakers who shared personal experiences and perspectives on disability, friendship and inclusion. Speakers included Madison Marilla of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan, actress and author Holly Robinson Peete, and six-time Ironman finishers Kyle and Brent Pease.

In addition to hearing from speakers, Lowery participated in sessions focused on fundraising, conflict resolution and advocacy. She also worked with representatives from Illinois and Rhode Island to evaluate the strengths and areas for improvement within the LSU chapter and identify ways to build a stronger presence on campus.

The conference concluded with a Friendship Walk led by Best Buddies Founder and CEO Anthony Shriver, a tradition that brings participants together to celebrate friendship, community and belonging. 

“Our Best Buddies LSU chapter has created a community where every student is welcomed, included and valued,” Allie Boquet, PhD, assistant professor of professional practice in the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education and Best Buddies LSU faculty advisor, said. “What makes this group so special is that our student leaders take complete ownership of the chapter; they plan events, communicate with our Integrative Community Studies students, and make sure everyone knows they’re invited and has a place to belong. They don’t wait to be asked; they simply see a need and step up. This Outstanding Chapter Award is a reflection of their dedication, leadership and genuine commitment to building meaningful friendships that make a lasting difference.” 

Lowery said the experience will have a lasting impact on both her and LSU Best Buddies as the chapter continues working to create a more inclusive campus community.