With over 14 years of dedicated service at Laredo College, the late Millicent Slaughter left behind a legacy defined by compassion, servant leadership and warmth. Retiring as the Director of Donor Relations and Special Projects, Slaughter’s generosity and caring spirit touched countless lives and will be deeply missed.
A cherished role model in our community, Slaughter’s impact will live on through a commemorative bench to be installed close to the Ft. McIntosh Pvt. David B. Barkley Cantu Veterans Memorial Chapel. This tribute honors her years of service and jubilant personality.
“Millie was an absolute gem of a person and a true friend to our community,” LC President Dr. Minita Ramírez said. “She was the embodiment of altruism and dedicated years of her life to the betterment of our students. Una amiga unica, we will never forget her and this dedication will ensure that a small piece of her everlasting legacy is always on campus for everyone to see.”
A paragon of perseverance with a welcoming attitude, Slaughter was very humble, which made her radiate positivity, and everyone always liked her, according to LC Donor Relations Coordinator Angelita Nuñez-Gomez.
Nuñez-Gomez, who worked closely with Slaughter leading up to her retirement, said that she was not just a mentor but someone she was blessed to know for 22 years.
She described the bench dedication as “a marker to remind everyone that, no matter what the circumstances might be, we must press on.” The inscription on the bench ‘Always Forward’ reflects Slaughter’s enduring optimism, disposition and care for others.
As a founder of the Laredo College Education Foundation, Slaughter helped ensure that the institution and its students benefited from the generosity of local partners and donors. For years, the foundation created a structured pathway that bridged the community’s support for higher education and the institution’s mission to transform students’ lives through high-quality, innovative and affordable programs and services.
Slaughter was a member of the Society of Martha Washington, where she portrayed Martha Washington in 1982 and served as President in 1981. She was also a member of the Luncheon Club, a big supporter of the arts, including the Laredo Philharmonic and Civic Music, and was a member of the Webb County Heritage Foundation before serving as its president in 2019.
The bench dedication represents a heartfelt reminder of the love, service and joy Slaughter brought to Laredo College and the community. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy continues to inspire all who knew her.