The Colonel Spring 2017

the magazine of NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLONEL

THE

SPRING 2017

MEET THE NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Page 16

ALUM HELPS STUDENTS RELATE Page 14

CURTAINS UP:

Nicholls celebrates the reopening of the Mary and Al Danos Theater in style

Page 34

The Big Picture Geaux Colonels Nicholls cheerleaders show their support for the Colonels during their Oct. 8 Homecoming contest against Stephen F. Austin.

The Colonels won 35-28 and finished the season with their first winning Southland Conference record in a decade.

2 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

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the magazine of NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLONEL

THE

Spring 2017

FEATURES

22 30 34

Student-athlete? Or Athlete-student?

Nicholls student-athletes are making strides on and off the field but not without sacrifice. Three Colonels – Ainsley Pratt, Geoffrey Hebert and Stephanie Barnett – discuss how they balance being students and athletes.

Off-balance in Jordan Nicholls Professor and Fulbright Scholar Richmond Eustis shares how his perspective has changed during the past two years teaching at the University of Jordan.

Setting the Stage Nicholls unveiled nearly $10 million in renovations to the Danos Theater and Talbot Hall during a grand reopening in September. The upgrades and technology have already broadened the opportunities for many Nicholls students.

ON THE COVER

Nicholls State University reopened the newly renovated Mary and Al Danos Theater at Talbot Hall on Sept. 27, 2016. The nearly $10 million project will give the Nicholls and Thibodaux communities a first-class experience.

2 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

DEPARTMENTS 7

1 The Big Picture 4 A Letter from the President Colonel Pride 5 40 Alumni House 5 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 10 12 13 13 14

One Team Member, One Pride Nicholls Earns Reaccreditation for Next 10 Years Meet the New Face of Nicholls Finance Lecture Series Aims to Empower Female Chefs Continuing the Legacy of the College of Business New Nicholls Program to Create Opportunities for Disadvantaged Students On The Nicholls Nightstand English Professor Lives in ‘One Nation Under a Groove’ Gaining International Prominence Nicholls Student Profile Whatcha Got Cookin’?

Murphys’ Trip to Cuba Opens Door for Future Collaboration Jamaica Trip Leaves Lasting Impact on Nicholls Nursing Students Helping Students RELATE

16 The Red Zone

16 Meet New Athletic Director Matt Roan 17 New Leaders on the Colonel Sidelines 18 Gianelloni Knocks Freshman Season Out of the Park 19 Lee Aces Freshman Season for Nicholls Golf 20 Press Box Named After Successful Nicholls Alum, Former Quarterback 20 Congratulations to the 2016 Nicholls Athletics Hall of Fame Class

40

40 40 41 42 43 44

Turning Thibodaux Red on Fridays Alumni Unveils New Ways to Connect Colonel Notes A Never-ending Love for Nicholls Nicholls Honors Outstanding Alumni Nicholls Alum Brings People Together with Exercise 45 New Orleans Graduate Makes Nicholls Her Home 47 In Memoriam

48 Campus Cornerstone 48 48 49 50 53

More than Scholarships Your Gifts IN ACTION Honor Roll Making their Mark on Campus Architecture Bayou Community Comes Together to Help Nicholls Students Affected by Flooding 54 Thibodaux Regional CEO Strengthens Bonds with Nicholls 57 Son’s Legacy Leads to Cookbook Donation

60 A Colonel of Truth

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

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THE

the magazine of NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

SPRING 2017

COLONEL University President Dr. Bruce T. Murphy Vice President for Dr. Neal Weaver University Advancement Executive Director of Monique Crochet (BS ’98, MEd ’00) Alumni and External Affairs Director of Marketing Stephanie Verdin (BA ’06) and Communications

NICHOLLS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN Donald T. “Boysie” Bollinger

PRESIDENT Christopher H. Riviere (BS ’78)

VICE PRESIDENT Daniels Duplantis (BS ’69)

SECRETARY/TREASURER Arlen “Benny” Cenac Jr. (BS ’79)

BOARD MEMBERS Hunt Downer (BS ’68) Alexis A. Duval (BS ’92) Hugh E. Hamilton R.E. “Bob” Miller (BA ’75) Pat Pitre (BS ’72) NICHOLLS ALUMNI FEDERATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT Paula Rome (BS ’02, MBA ’13)

PRESIDENT-ELECT Chuck Bourg II (BA ’93)

VICE PRESIDENT Hal Callais II (BS ’12)

SECRETARY Cody Blanchard (BS ’10)

TREASURER Dr. Marilyn Kilgen (BA ’66)

PAST PRESIDENT Archie Chaisson III (BS ’08)

BOARD MEMBERS Margo O. Badeaux (AS ’84, BS ’11, MBA ’14) Kristen Dumas Callais (BS ’10, MA ’11) Dr. Tammy Cheramie (BA ’90, MEd ’93) Michael Hebert (AS ’98, BGS ’03) Albert Dupont (BA ’91) Sheri Haydel Eschete (BS ’84) David Heltz (BS ’84) Grant Ordoyne (BIS ’15) Jenna Portier (BA ’06) Jessica Vicknair (BS ’04, MEd ’10) THE COLONEL EDITORIAL STAFF

EDITOR Jacob Batte

ART DIRECTOR Jerad David (BA ’00)

PHOTOJOURNALIST Misty Leigh McElroy (BA ’03)

CONTRIBUTORS Marcelle Bienvenu • Farren Clark (BA ’03) Dr. John Doucet (BS ’84) • Sharon Doucet (BA ’78) Dr. Richmond Eustis • Jessica Harvey (BA ’06) Terry Trahan Jr. The Colonel is the official publication of Nicholls State University and is published twice a year by the Nicholls Foundation, Nicholls Alumni Federation and Nicholls Office of University Marketing and Communications. We welcome your story ideas, suggestions, alumni news and feedback.

Contact The Colonel at: P.O. Box 2033 • Thibodaux, LA 70310 Phone: 985.448.4141 • Email: jacob.batte@nicholls.edu

4 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

President Bruce Murphy and his pup, Guideaux, connect with Nicholls freshmen during Party at the Prez Rez, one of many events held during Welcome Week 2016.

Committed to Student Success Dear Nicholls Alumni and Friends,

O

ver the past year, Colonel momentum has been building both on campus and in the community. A few of you have even expressed envy that today’s Nicholls students are now greeted with a full slate of Welcome Week activities each fall and with a spirited tailgating and game day environment.

Early on in my presidency, I set an ambitious target to grow Nicholls enrollment to 8,000 students. While we still have much work ahead of us, the entire campus community has become more engaged in recruiting, enrolling and graduating more students. In Fall 2016, Nicholls saw student enrollment increase for the second consecutive semester, and we had a record-setting firsttime freshman retention rate of 70 percent. A restructuring of freshman math and English courses has led to increased student success, and our new Student Advising and Mentoring program aims to help students align their career goals with academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. With freshman applications for Fall 2017 already on the rise, Nicholls looks to continue its upward trend.

Despite budget challenges, Nicholls continues to grow into an even more attractive option for students as the university provides newly renovated facilities, such as the Mary and Al Danos Theater; renowned faculty, including our two Fulbright Scholars; and increasingly competitive athletic programs.

For decades, the university has built a reputation for providing high quality academic programs and life-changing college experiences. This past December, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) confirmed those high standards by reaccrediting Nicholls for the next 10 years — a great testament to our dedicated faculty and staff.

This success would not be possible without support from Nicholls alumni, friends and community members. I would like to personally thank you for continuing to cheer on Nicholls, and I encourage you to help spread the Colonel momentum by investing in campus programs or scholarships, attending campus events and encouraging students in your family to join the Colonel family. You are all part of the Nicholls success story!

With Colonel Pride, Dr. Bruce Murphy President

TEAM MEMBER PRIDE Rhonda Zeringue EVENTS COORDINATOR, NICHOLLS ATHLETICS

COLONEL SINCE 2004

What inspired you to join the Nicholls staff?

I’ve always wanted to work at Nicholls and be in a position where I could make a difference. I grew up with a learning disability so I went through high school asking for extra help. Back then, no one talked about dyslexia or learning disorders.

When my daughter Sarah (BA ’14) was diagnosed with dyslexia, I knew what she was going through. In 2004, an administrative assistant position came open in the Louisiana Center for Dyslexia at Nicholls, and I remembered how much Sarah enjoyed their summer camps and programs. I was honored to get the job because I believe in the work that the center does and personally understand the struggles of their students.

While working for the Dyslexia Center and then Student Publications, you supported Colonel athletics and their spirit groups. Did you ever imagine that one day you’d work in athletics?

It never crossed my mind. In 2007, my husband and I decided to buy Nicholls football season tickets because he felt like we needed to support where I worked. Our daughter, Sarah, would watch the Colonelettes and say, “Momma, one day, I want to be on that team.” When she tried out and made it, the whole household was ecstatic. Then after Sarah graduated, I became the Colonelettes sponsor … by accident. The team needed someone to go to camp with them, and Admissions Director Becky Durocher called me to see if Sarah would be willing to do it. Sarah couldn’t take off of work, but I asked if it was something I could do. I went to camp, stayed with the girls in the residence halls, and it was a nice bonding experience. When we got back, Band Director Joshua Hollenbeck told me that the Colonelettes wanted me to be their sponsor. He said, ‘If you’d be willing to help them, they’d love to have you.’ ‘So they want me to help them?’ I said. ‘That’s nice. I’d love to do that. It sounds fun.’ I volunteered as their sponsor for years because it was something I wanted to do and enjoyed.

What does your role as athletics event coordinator entail?

I loved working in the Dyslexia Center and Student Publications, but I reached a point where I wanted to be more than a secretary. In Athletics, I serve as an assistant to the athletic director; sponsor of the dance team, cheerleading squad and mascot; travel coordinator; and special events coordinator. It’s so busy, and I love the hustle and bustle of it, especially the atmosphere on game days. It’s amazing to watch everyone come together as a group to make sure games run smoothly.

What motivates you to keep spreading Colonel pride?

I’ve realized how much I love working with college students — hearing about their day, their accomplishments and struggles, and their plans for the future. When students graduate, I always tell them to come back and visit me years from now, and that would be the ultimate reward: to have a former student walk in with their kids to say hello. That’s what it’s all about. — Stephanie Verdin

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

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Colonel Pride Nicholls Earns Reaccreditation for Next 10 Years

C

ritically important to a university but often unknown to the general public, accreditation validates the quality of a university’s degree programs, campus experience and operations.

In December, Nicholls State University’s accreditation was renewed for another 10 years by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

“To be reaffirmed for 10 years with no findings is rare among colleges,” says Nicholls President Dr. Bruce Murphy, who was recently elected as a SACSCOC representative on the Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). “I am proud of everyone on campus who worked tirelessly to help Nicholls reach this

achievement, and I look forward to our future accomplishments as we intensely focus on improving student success through advising and mentoring.”

For the next decade, Nicholls will focus on carrying out its new Student Advising and Mentoring (SAM) Plan, which will empower students to work closely with faculty mentors for guidance in selecting a career path, becoming fully engaged on campus, graduating on time and ultimately securing a job upon graduation.

“We want our advisers to do more than just schedule classes,” said Dr. Lynn Gillette, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “Through this program, our advisers will become more proactive in identifying the opportunities and resources that each student needs for success beyond graduation. As

a result, this program will continue to help Nicholls improve its student retention, graduation and job placement rates.”

A few Nicholls programs have also been recently reaccredited: • The Nicholls Tutorial and Academic Enhancement Center has been recertified by the College Reading & Learning Association.

• The College of Education was reaccredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

• The university’s graduate programs in clinical mental health and school counseling were reaccredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

— Stephanie Verdin

MEET THE NEW FACE OF NICHOLLS FINANCE TERRY BRAUD

Vice President for Finance and Administration HOMETOWN: Houma, Louisiana PREVIOUS POSITION: Senior vice president and chief financial officer at Cross Holdings Inc. in Houma ATTRACTION TO NICHOLLS: “When you get older, things from the past tend to grow more important to you. I enjoyed my three years attending Nicholls as a student and saw this position as an opportunity to return to campus and give something back. Even in these challenging times, there is still a strong sense of community and family here on campus. This role also provides a new way for me to apply the skills I’ve learned throughout my finance career.”

APPROACH TO NEW POSITION: “My days involve a lot of listening and seeking input from the people on my team who are very competent and qualified in what they do. My job is to take those individual messages and initiatives and blend them into the mission and vision of the university. I also look for opportunities to bring my past business expertise outside of higher education inside this environment.”

FUN FACT: Has been a member of the Mardi Gras Krewe of Terreanians for 25 years, serving as a float rider, board member and the 2006 King

6 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

EMPOWERED WOMEN

CHEFS SERIES

COOK • EMPOWER • SUCCEED

Guest chefs for the Empowered Women Chefs Series included, clockwise, from top left, Anne Kearney, Susan Spicer, Nina Compton, Meg Bickford, Holly Goetting, Jacqueline Blanchard and Suzanne Willett.

Lecture Series Aims to Empower Female Chefs

T

he female-dominated kitchens at the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute are not an accurate reflection of the culinary workforce. Only 21 percent of restaurant industry jobs are held by women while nearly two-thirds of the students in the Nicholls program are female.

Seeing that discrepancy, Chef Amelie Benoit (BS ’06), assistant culinary professor, sought a way to help guide those students into a male-driven field. She found it with the Carl Perkins Non-Traditional Occupations Grant, which aims to provide students with inspiration and guidance to work in industries dominated by one gender.

Funded by the $9,000 grant, the Empowered Women Chefs Series launched in April 2016 and brought prominent female chefs to

the Nicholls campus for cooking demonstrations and inspirational discussions. The seven guest chefs included women who have broken barriers, written books, worked on television shows and become legends in the industry.

They discussed the obstacles they faced and how they overcame them. Benoit herself broke barriers by becoming one of the first female chefs to work on the front line at Commander’s Palace.

“When I was building my career, there weren’t a lot of female chefs I could look up to. It’s a man’s world, a man’s kitchen. It’s tough; you have to have thick skin,” says Benoit. “I wish I had had these role models when I was coming up through the industry.”

Guest chefs included Jacqueline Blanchard (BS ’06), owner of

Coutelier NOLA; Nina Compton, owner of Compère Lapin; Holly Goetting (BS ’00), executive chef of Charley G’s; Anne Kearney, owner of Rue Dumaine; Suzanne Willett, owner of Felicia Suzanne’s; Meg Bickford (BS ’08), executive chef at Café Adelaide; and Susan Spicer, owner and chef of Bayona, Mondo and Wild Flour Breads.

The guest chefs’ accolades are nothing short of impressive.

Bickford was the first female executive chef in the Commander’s Family restaurants. Goetting was named one of the 2016 Best Chef Legends by the American Culinary Federation of New Orleans. Spicer received a James Beard Award in 1993, appeared on the finale of Top Chef in 2009, was inducted into the James Beard Foundation's Who’s Who of Food and Beverage

in America in 2010 and into the Culinary Hall of Fame in 2012.

Students approached Benoit throughout the series to talk about how they were inspired by the event. She says she hopes the series provided aspiring female chefs with industry role models and tips for navigating challenges in the industry.

“A lot of the students have even started working for some of these chefs. I know Chef Nina Compton has a couple of our students now working for her,” Benoit says. “I befriended the chefs and have worked with them to place some of our students and graduates in their restaurants.”

While the grant has expired, Benoit says the department hopes to continue the series in the future.

– Jacob Batte

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

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Colonel Pride Continuing the Legacy of the College of Business

D

r. Marilyn Macik-Frey’s short tenure as dean of the College of Business Administration has been marked by firsts.

Macik-Frey is the first woman to hold the position of dean for the College of Business. The Nicholls Society for Human Resources Management won its first-ever state case competition. And for the first time, the university will offer a Master of Business Administration without requiring prerequisites starting this fall.

“There is a legacy to the Nicholls College of Business that goes back for years. It’s deeply connected to the regional business community.

I’m proud to serve as dean to keep that legacy alive,” says Macik-Frey,

who was named permanent dean in August 2016 after months serving as interim dean.

But the Texas native’s career didn’t start out in higher education.

Prior to working in academia, Macik-Frey owned a rehabilitation agency, providing speech pathology services in cooperation with physical and occupational therapy partners. She worked as a regional manager for a national rehabilitation provider in south Texas and was the national director of reimbursement training and research for a health-care consulting company.

She joined the Nicholls community in 2007 as a management faculty member and received the Candies Family

Endowed Professorship.

In the process of replacing longtime, retired dean Shawn Mauldin, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Lynn Gillette said the choice was clear early on. The national search sought candidates with business and academic experience, and the hiring committee found that in Macik-Frey.

“Marilyn has vast business experience, and she’s incredibly well-respected by the faculty in the College of Business Administration and across campus,” Gillette says. “I believe as dean she’ll be able to work with the faculty to foster innovation, develop new programs and improve the college to be even better than it already is.” – Jacob Batte

ON THE NICHOLLS New Nicholls Program to Create NIGHTSTAND Opportunities for Disadvantaged Students

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Assistant English Professor Nick Mainieri’s first novel, The Infinite (HarperCollins, 2016), is a suspenseful romance between undocumented Latina Luz Hidalgo and 18-year-old orphan Jonah McBee. Their love story, which is rocked when Luz gets pregnant, is set against a backdrop of post-Katrina New Orleans and drug wars in Mexico. The Infinite has received positive reviews in The New York Times, Publishers Weekly and other media outlets.

n 2014, the Houma-Thibodaux area received news it didn’t want to hear.

A financial news blog ranked the region as the 7th most uneducated in the country with only 13 percent of the area’s adults holding a college degree.

As Nicholls strives to do its part in increasing the number of local graduates, the university announced the creation of the Bayou Educational Opportunity Center, a program aimed at expanding higher education opportunities for disadvantaged and underrepresented students.

Housed at Nicholls and fully funded by a five-year, $1.2 million Federal TRIO Grant, the Opportunity Center will partner with local school districts and adult education centers to provide

8 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

readily accessible college guidance to qualifying high school seniors, adult education graduates and parents of low-income, firstgeneration college students.

“Our goal is to help more students understand and overcome the barriers to entry into higher education,” says Debi Benoit (BS ’72, MEd ’02), Nicholls director of research and sponsored programs. “The Opportunity Center will inspire more students to prepare for the job market of the future.”

Tutors and mentors will help participants improve their financial and economic literacy and connect them with local, state and federal scholarship opportunities, as well as other financial aid tools, like basic financial planning skills and

application assistance.

“A college education can change the trajectory of a person’s life.

We are excited that we received this grant from the Department of Education to help more first-generation, low-income students in our region obtain a college degree,” says Dr. Lynn Gillette, Nicholls provost and vice president of academic affairs.

Led by Ravae Payne, the Opportunity Center will work with at least 1,000 participants through August 2021. The center will partner with the Assumption, Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish school boards; Bayou Cane Adult Education School; South Central Louisiana Technical College; Fletcher Technical Community College; and other community groups. – Jacob Batte

English Professor Lives in

‘One Nation Under a Groove’ festival through working-class black neighborhoods. Inside the gates, the space is both private and public, both corporate and nonprofit.”

For over a decade, Walton and her research partner, Dr. Helen Regis, LSU associate geography and anthropology professor, have embedded themselves in the Jazz Fest experience to discover what happens when a popular folk environment is influenced primarily

by African-American culture but r. Shana Walton’s research consumed primarily by whites and creates a lot of tension in funded by commercialism but driven a place designed to escape by a nonprofit. just that.

Walton, whose research is For over 15 years, the Nicholls supported by a New Orleans Jazz associate English professor has and Heritage Foundation Archive entered the New Orleans Jazz and fellowship, is the first Nicholls faculty Heritage Festival’s gates each spring member to receive the Board of on an anthropological mission to Regents Award to Louisiana Artists study “tensions” that arise out of and Scholars (ATLAS), which the music, art and cultural festival’s provided her with the resources to perceived utopian atmosphere.

While spending seven days each year write a book on her Jazz Fest research.

“Jazz Fest shows us how human immersed in creativity is far from beings create community,” Walton tense, Walton recognizes that an says. “Helen and I sit and watch, take unorthodox meeting of race, culture and commerce not only exists but also notes and talk to the people, often in their own krewes and campgrounds, is celebrated at Jazz Fest. that return to recreate their utopian“Jazz Fest is a way to look at like experience every year.” how tensions like race, culture and Walton and Regis’ conclusions commerce intersect in modern are helping Jazz Fest organizers and American society,” Walton says. “It’s this big music festival that has a lot of archivists understand the festival’s layers that start revealing themselves role in the community. Countless relics and oral histories preserved outside the gate. Participants are mostly middle-class whites who can through the duo’s research are afford the ticket in, but they enter the helping to explain Jazz Fest’s purpose

D

As part of her anthropological research on the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Walton has encouraged festivalgoers to “Map your Jazzfest.” The project identifies what people remember most about their experience at the popular festival.

and secret to sustainability.

“Through Shana and Helen’s work, people are finding out that Jazz Fest has an archive that provides many layers of perspective on the festival,” says Rachel Lyons, archivist at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation Archive. “The relationships they have built have allowed us to gather a lot of materials that provide an encapsulation of what is happening in the city of New Orleans and in the state of Louisiana at a particular time.”

Fifteen years into their research, Walton and Regis have contributed valuable analysis of the activities

taking place away from the distraction of the main stages in the heart of the festival grounds.

“A concert is a business transaction. At Jazz Fest, other things happen. People get married; people host family reunions. There’s this idealized society with so many other layers,” Walton says. “You’re not just going to listen to music. You’re going to discover what makes the world a better place. They say you never see a fight at Jazz Fest. Once you enter the gate, everyone is the same. There is a vision of a world where we just get along — one nation under a groove.”

— Terry Trahan Jr.

Gaining International Prominence

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s one of the university’s most respected professors, Dr. Raj Boopathy continues to garner international recognition for his research expertise while helping catapult his students to their own successful careers. The Nicholls distinguished service biology professor, who was featured in the fall 2015 Colonel magazine, was recently named a Society of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology Fellow, recognizing his career-long contributions to the field. He also was named a Fulbright Senior Scholar Specialist, providing him with opportunities for the next five years to travel to universities across the globe that seek his environmental science expertise. Back on campus, Boopathy’s students continue to excel. In the past four years, three of his students have been invited to present their research at the annual Posters on the Hill event in Washington, D.C. Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

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NICHOLLS STUDENT PROFILE Enrollment:

FALL 2016

Gender:

6,267

total enrollment

90%

65% 35%

10%

female

male

Student origins:

5,647

620

undergraduates

graduate students

93%

in-state students

21:1

Student to faculty ratio

69%

5%

Ethnicity: 3.0%

TWO OR MORE RACES

out-of-state students

1.8%

2%

ALASKAN NATIVE/ AMERICAN INDIAN

1.3%

3.7%

international students

ASIAN

HISPANIC/LATINO

2.7%

20.4%

60

Over

OTHER

BLACK/ AFRICAN-AMERICAN

67.2% WHITE

degree programs and concentrations

400

Over students in University Honors Program

Nearly

600

students in fraternities and sororities

first-generation college students Special Populations

1,360

nontraditional students

(degree-seeking undergraduates 25 years or older)

273

new transfers

103

military students

RECENT RANKINGS • • • • • • •

2nd Best Online Bachelor’s in English and Creative Writing in the U.S. 3rd Best College Food in Louisiana 3rd Safest College Campus in Louisiana 4th Best Online College in Louisiana 4th Best Value Online History Program in the U.S. 10th Best College Newman Center (St. Thomas Aquinas) in the U.S. 14th Best Deal on U.S. Small Colleges for Secularists

10 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

COLONELS FROM NEAR AND FAR

SAVE THE DATE

35 states and U.S. territories represented: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin

54 parishes represented: Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Cameron, Catahoula, Concordia, Desoto, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Lasalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Point Coupee, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermillion, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, Winn

39 foreign countries represented: Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, China, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, India, Iran, Jamaica, Macedonia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, Ukraine, Vietnam

MARCH 4 Colonel Day Recruiting Event 7

Bonnie Bourg Lecture and Luncheon

7

College of Business Etiquette Dinner

13

Alumni Colonel Golf Classic at Atchafalaya

15

Career Day

16-19 Nicholls Players production of Godspell 23

Nicholls Jazz Ensemble Concert

24-25 The Vagina Monologues 28

Art Works Fundraiser

29

Alumni Awards for Excellence

APRIL 6-8 Nicholls Opera Workshop’s Production of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte 12

Nicholls Symphonic Band Concert

22

Alumni Crawfish Boil and Colonel Crawl

28

Nicholls Gospel Choir Concert

30

Chauvin Folk Art Festival & Blessing of the Fleet

MAY 2

Nicholls Concert Choir Concert

6

Colonel Day Recruiting Event

11

Athletics Seafood Extravaganza

13

Spring Commencement

JUNE 10

Louisiana Alumni D.C. Crawfish Boil

22-25 Manning Passing Academy AUGUST 19-25 Welcome Week 31

Football Home Opener vs. McNeese Visit nicholls.edu/calendar for more details on upcoming events.

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

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Colonel Pride Whatcha Got Cookin’?

Keeping it

FRESH with Chef Marcelle Bienvenu, culinary arts instructor

T

he arrival of warmer weather means a trip to the local farmers markets for fresh, garden-grown vegetables is just around the corner.

Plan your trip with your menu in mind. Maybe you’re looking to make a refreshing Creole tomato and feta salad, or perhaps the lazy afternoon is begging for a spring classic like grilled vegetables and pasta. Bright red tomatoes, tender green zucchini, small yellow squash and royal purple eggplants are popular at this time of year, especially in our kitchens at the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute. When it comes to selecting feta, I rely on my cousin Wanda to supply homemade cheese from her goat farm, but any crumbled feta will add the right flavor. While shopping, don’t forget to pick up fresh herbs like sweet basil, thyme and cilantro. These go a long way in turning a ho-hum dish into a gourmet delight.

TOMATO AND FETA SALAD Servings: 6 • 1 cup crumbled feta • 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onions • 1/2 cup seeded Kalamata olives • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves • 6 medium-sized ripe tomatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds), cut into wedges • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 3 tablespoons virgin olive oil • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar • 1 teaspoon Creole mustard

In a salad bowl, combine the feta, onions, olives, cilantro, basil and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar and mustard; whisk to blend. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently. Cover and chill for a few minutes before serving.

Visit nicholls.edu/culinary for an additional farmers market-inspired recipe for grilled vegetables with pasta.

12 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

Murphys’ Trip to Cuba Opens Door for Future Collaboration

N

icholls is no stranger to international relations.

Every summer, culinary students train in Europe while sugar producers and farmers travel to Thibodaux for Nicholls’ sugar institute. Colonel students regularly study abroad in England, Costa Rica, China and Europe, and more than 35 countries are represented in the Nicholls student body.

In an effort to expand that international reach, Nicholls President Dr. Bruce Murphy and his wife, Jeanne, visited Cuba in September 2015 as part of a trip orchestrated by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. They were the first group of higher education officials to visit the country since President

Barack Obama announced progress in diplomatic relations in December 2014. During the weeklong trip, they visited numerous universities and met with all 28 higher education leaders and the ministers of education, health and exchange.

“This mission was totally focused on education and how it feeds into their workforce,” Murphy says.

“Their totally different view of higher education gave me a perspective to look at ours a little bit better.”

Few similarities exist between the U.S. higher education model and Cuba. In Cuba, students take a test after the 11th grade that determines their future. They’re sent to college for free and graduate with a job, which they must hold for at least two years. The salaries of

a doctor and taxi driver are similar.

“Jeanne met a cab driver educationally trained as a physician. He left his career to be a taxi driver because he can make more money; he can supplement that with tourism increasing,” Murphy says. “It was mindboggling how the state could control all of that.”

Despite the differences, the Murphys saw several avenues for future partnerships with the country’s 28 universities. Cuban leaders were most interested in the Nicholls Raw and Refined Sugar Institutes, nursing and Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management programs. Murphy is hoping that this interest could lead to an exchange program between

Nicholls President Bruce Murphy discusses nursing faculty exchanges with Rector (President) Jorge Gonzalez Perez of the Medical University of Havana.

Nicholls and the country’s colleges.

“That would be a fantastic addition to our program to give students or faculty a semester abroad,” he said, adding that two members of Cuba’s nursing faculty are planning to visit the Thibodaux campus to discuss further collaboration. – Jacob Batte

Jamaica Trip Leaves Lasting Impact on Nicholls Nursing Students

W

hile other students were hanging out on the beach or sleeping in, four Nicholls nursing majors were fighting off the heat and the mosquitoes in Jamaica.

And they wouldn’t trade it for the world.

This past August, Cut Off natives Breely Danos, Sydney Esponge and Hailey Orgeron and Houma native Madison Knight accompanied Nicholls nursing professor Shane Robichaux to Kingston, Jamaica, to work with the Jamaica-based Missionaries of the Poor.

Nicholls students Hailey Orgeron, Partially funded by a $1,200 Madison Knight, Breely Danos grant from the Houma-based and Sydney Esponge, and Nicholls Cardiovascular Institute of the nursing professor Shane Robichaux South, the trip included visits to (second from left) show their various centers in impoverished Colonel Pride during their mission Jamaican towns where many of the trip to Jamaica over the summer. residents were either mentally or Photo submitted by Sydney physically disabled, or both.

Esponge

Although their primary duties consisted of feeding, bathing and clothing the residents, their impact was felt in other ways, like playing with the children, painting nails with the women or dancing and chatting with some of the other residents.

“A smile goes a very long way.

You can literally walk into the room, smile and they would light up,” Danos says. “They would run up to you and hug you; it was the best thing ever.”

One disabled child in particular, Bob, especially touched their hearts.

Bob had only one arm and one leg, but his attitude and his smile left a lasting impact on the students.

“The stories of how the residents got there is very heartbreaking, but to see how happy they are, despite the condition they’re in, is amazing,” says Esponge.

For Knight, the trip ran the gamut of emotions.

“Seeing the living conditions of these people made me feel very grateful for this wonderful life we have back in the States. Every morning, I would wake up so excited to get to the center and serve the residents living there because they were happy to see us each morning,” she says.

As nurses, the students will need to do more than take care of basic needs, Robichaux says. Good nurses are able to make a connection with their patients.

The trip left such an impact that students are already planning a return mission trip next summer.

“I miss them so much. I already told my mom, I just want to go back now. I want to stay in Kingston and be with the kids,” Orgeron says.

– Jacob Batte

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

13

Colonel Pride

Helping Students RELATE

A

s a mass communication student and aspiring poet, Farren Clark (BA ’03) sensed a void on the Nicholls campus. No on-campus organizations catered to poetry, and he lacked the reliable travel needed to participate in off-campus literary clubs.

That’s why, as an assistant professor of speech, Clark started RELATE, an open mic-like group that gives students, among others, the opportunity to share their artistic talents. Since its start in 2011, the group has grown at a rate that even surprises Clark.

Held once a month during the fall and spring semesters, RELATE brings together 40 to 60 participants each meeting. While they’re students, staff or faculty outside of RELATE, when they enter the doors of the Plantation Suite in the Student Union, they transform into poets, musicians, authors, dancers and stand-up comics.

“These are the young people we pass on campus. They’re classmates, roommates. It’s pretty interesting to see their hidden talents,” Clark says.

Clark recalls a specific RELATE meeting where members of the football team attended and challenged each other to share. One player, sophomore offensive lineman Al Wilson, appropriately nicknamed “Big Al,” delivered a monologue satirizing the life of a student-athlete. The rendition stuck with Clark, a former student-athlete, himself.

“It wasn’t just the content; it was the way he delivered it, the dry humor. If you didn’t catch his voice, you missed the joke. You missed the backhanded compliment to himself,” Clark says.

Pieces are tied to a theme picked out by Clark for each meeting. Past themes have covered topics such as love, freedom or pressure. After each performance, the artists will then elaborate on their inspiration.

“That person may end up sharing that particular place, that venue where it all started,” Clark says. “They’ll describe the audience, how they felt. It’s off-the-cuff, and they’re able to really elaborate and paint that picture.”

Five years since Clark initiated RELATE, the students have begun to take control and are transitioning the program into a student group.

“It feels good to come back and be teaching and provide a space for students that I didn’t have as a student,” Clark says. “Hopefully it continues to give the students and the campus community an opportunity to talk when it’s not a compulsory meeting, such as class or an organizational thing.” – Jacob Batte

14 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

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Get your Nicholls gear online: nichollsgear.com nich.bncollege.com Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

15

The Red Zone Meet New Athletic Director Matt Roan

A

lthough many challenges await new Nicholls Athletic Director Matt Roan as he transitions from his previous job at Eastern Kentucky University, how he cheers on the team isn’t one of them.

“It’s still Go Colonels; I just spell go a little differently,” Roan says, referencing the Cajun culture’s affinity for replacing the ‘o’ with ‘eaux’.

Roan, a Virginia native with family ties to Louisiana, took over as the leader of Nicholls athletic department on Nov. 15. His vision is for Nicholls athletics to become a premier athletic department nationally at its level and a point of pride for the community and region.

“Our focus will always be on the student-athlete, and every decision will consider how we can best provide a model experience for them during their time here,” Roan says. “We will strive to be excellent academically and athletically, and we will prepare our young people for success beyond competition.”

A former team captain on the Southern Utah University football team, Roan assisted with football operations at the University of Kentucky while working on his law degree, which he obtained from UK’s College of Law in 2012. He was then named deputy director of athletics at Southern Utah University before joining Eastern Kentucky in 2013 as the deputy director of athletics and special counsel to the president.

Nicholls President Bruce Murphy says he was impressed with Roan’s administrative, legal and athletic experience.

“Matt has significant experience in strategic planning and budgeting, outstanding communication skills and diverse experience in Division I athletics,” Murphy says. “He is wellversed in compliance and can relate to student-athletes as a former Division I student-athlete himself.”

While there are some challenges, Roan says he sees plenty of positives in the program, including veteran coaches like Seth Thibodeaux in baseball and DoBee Plaisance in women’s basketball, as well as exciting recent hires like Tim Rebowe, football coach, and Richie Riley, men’s basketball coach.

“We’re certainly going to be ambitious, and we’re going to dream big,” he says. “I don’t believe athletics should exist on the periphery of a university. I believe it exists to support the core function of the university.” – Jacob Batte

16 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

New Leaders on the Colonel Sidelines

GREG HARKINS

• Named head men’s and women’s tennis coach in September 2016 • Native of Atlanta

MAC MCBRIDE •

Named head soccer coach in July 2016

•

Native of Birmingham, England

•

•

Named head men’s basketball coach in April 2016

Spent the previous 15 seasons as the men’s soccer head coach at Notre Dame College.

He helped start the program in 2001 and transitioned them from NAIA to NCAA Division II. He led the Falcons to a 213-76-16 record, winning four division and three conference titles and making four appearances in the NAIA National Championship. At the Division II level, McBride led the Falcons to the NCAA Division II Tournament four consecutive years.

•

Native of London, Kentucky

•

Spent the previous two seasons as an assistant at Clemson, where he helped lead the Tigers to 10 ACC wins for just the fifth time in program history

•

During stints at University of AlabamaBirmingham and Eastern Kentucky University, he recruited and signed the core groups that led to NCAA Tournament berths for the Blazers in 2015 and the Colonels in 2014.

•

Played soccer and started his coaching career at Walsh University

•

•

Resides in Houma with his wife, Becky, and their two daughters, Roisin and Alannah

As an assistant at Coastal Carolina University, Riley helped the Chanticleers win back-to-back regular season championships and back-toback NIT appearances.

•

Played for two seasons at Eastern Kentucky under Travis Ford

•

Riley and his wife, Jess, have two sons, Reese and Rock.

• Recently served as tennis director at the Atkinson-Stern Tennis Center in New Orleans • Spent 2011-2015 as the women’s tennis head coach at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he led the Cajuns to 40 wins and an appearance in the Sunbelt Conference Tournament finals • Prior to ULL, Harkins was an assistant coach for men’s and women’s tennis at the College of Charleston. In 2010, he helped lead both the men’s and women’s teams to undefeated records, Southern Conference regular season championships and Top 60 rankings for the first time in school history. The women’s teams earned back-to-back conference tournament championships and bids to the NCAA Tournament.

RICHIE RILEY

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

17

The Red Zone

Gianelloni Knocks Freshman Season Out of the Park

A

manda Gianelloni did not have a typical freshman year of college.

The Napoleonville native started at shortstop on the Nicholls softball team and, despite being just one year removed from high school, led the Colonels in runs, hits, doubles, triples, homeruns, runs batted in and walks. She posted the second-lowest strikeout rate and finished fourth on the team in steals.

She parlayed that success into numerous honors and awards, including Freshman of the Year and being placed on the first team by both the Southland Conference and Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

“It was the greatest time of my life, for sure,” Gianelloni says. “To be able to play for the university you fell in love with is the greatest feeling.”

After the season, she was selected to the USA Baseball Women’s National Team to represent her country in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women’s Baseball World Cup in South Korea.

Gianelloni credits her success to her coaches, veteran teammates

18 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

and her father.

“By no means did I come in on the first day, snap my fingers and be successful. It took a lot of learning from the coaches and the older girls on the team,” she says. “I worked harder than I ever had in my life and once I got adjusted, that’s when I elevated my game.”

Though she grew up just down the road from Nicholls, Gianelloni says she was looking for a home away from home.

“I wanted to stay close to my family, and once I visited the campus and met the coaches, it felt like home,” she says. “It was a perfect balance of being near my family and the university itself feeling like home.”

Keyed by Gianelloni’s stellar freshman campaign, the Colonels logged one of the best seasons in program history. Although she is poised for a successful sophomore season, Gianelloni says her only focus is on taking the team to another level.

“My goal is to lead my team to a conference championship, above all. I think about that every single day,” she says. “I would give up every single individual award I got and will get for a conference championship.” – Jacob Batte

Lee Aces Freshman Season for Nicholls Golf

T

wo years ago, Jack Lee had yet to step foot on the Nicholls campus, but now he’s the reigning Southland Conference Golf Freshman of the Year.

Growing up in Bihorel, France, about a two hour drive from Paris, Lee knew he wanted to go to college and play golf in the U.S. “I sent a lot of emails to coaches in the U.S. and Nicholls Coach (James) Schilling answered me, sold me on the school and here I am at Nicholls,” says Lee, who had not seen the campus until he arrived to begin his first semester.

It didn’t take long for Lee to make his mark. He posted an outstanding freshman campaign with five top-10 finishes out of 10 total events, highlighted by a first-place finish in the Atchafalaya Intercollegiate. In 26 rounds of action, Lee posted a stroke average of 73.54, which was the

fourth-best mark in the Southland.

Lee’s top-10 finishes were the second most out of the 15 All-Southland members. In addition to his Freshman of the Year honors, Lee was named Second Team All-Southland as well, giving Nicholls its first second-team selection since Donny Schmitt in 2006.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I played great and everything went my way,” says Lee. “I try to keep playing and not worry about the score or how others are performing. It’s really fun to compete as a team.”

The business administration major says he didn’t know what to expect playing golf in the U.S. and credits his coach with fine tuning his game.

“Coach Schilling really helped me stay focused on what I had to do,” Lee says. “I’m looking forward to having a lot of Top-10 finishes again and maybe a win. Ultimately, I want us to get better as a team.” – Jacob Batte

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

19

The Red Zone Press Box Named After Successful Nicholls Alum, Former Quarterback

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Cooper Collins along with his wife, Stacey Collins, and their two children Carsyn Carleigh, left, and Colson Cooper, right, were honored on the field during the Nicholls Homecoming game on Oct. 8, 2016.

hen former Nicholls quarterback Cooper Collins (BA ’02, MBA ’03) stepped onto Manning Field during the Homecoming game against Stephen F. Austin, he felt a wave of déjà vu.

Although it had been 15 years since he had suited up for the Colonels, being in Guidry Stadium felt all too familiar, except this time his family’s name adorned the press box overlooking the field.

The C.C. Collins Press Box recognizes the Nicholls graduate’s college and professional achievements as well as his ongoing financial support to the Colonel Athletic Association.

“I don’t know if surreal is the right word, but it’s humbling to know that I had the opportunity to do this,” Collins says.

Choosing to go with initials instead of his first name is a reference to the initials C.C., which he shares with his two children, Colson Cooper and Carsyn Carleigh.

“I thought it would be more of a family name, instead of just drawing attention to myself,” he says. “I want them to be able to go back one day and see their name on the press box.”

Collins has experienced a multitude of

Congratulations to the 2016 Nicholls Athletics Hall of Fame Class Yale Vannoy, football, 2002-05 Leah Peterson, softball, 2003-07 *Kenny “Meatball” Ortolano, football, 1975-78 Leanne Beeler, softball, 1989-92 Not pictured: Anatoly Bose, men’s basketball, 2007-11 *Mere months after his Hall of Fame induction, Kenny Ortolano (BA ’84) passed away Jan. 21 at age 61.

20 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

successes since leaving Nicholls in 2003. He joined Pernix Therapeutics Holdings upon graduation and within five years was promoted to CEO. While at the helm, Collins guided the company to a more than 800 percent increase in sales. In 2010, Collins was invited to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and in 2013 at NASDAQ. He is now a hedge fund manager for MagnaSci Ventures while serving as chairman and CEO of Fortis BioPharma in Houston.

“Cooper Collins is a prime example of a Colonel who turned his student-athlete experience into a successful business career,” says Nicholls President Dr. Bruce Murphy.

Collins and his wife, Stacey (BA ’02, MEd ’04), whom he met at Nicholls, have always held their alma mater in high esteem. That is what led the couple to share some of their prosperity with the university.

“I always believe you need to step up when other people can’t,” Collins says. “I love my alma mater, and I love what Coach Tim Rebowe is doing. It’s humbling to know that I have the opportunity to give back and leave a legacy for my family.” – Jacob Batte

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

21

STUDENT -

O R AT

22 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

ATHLETE?

HLETE-STUDENT? In a society that idolizes sports figures, it can be easy to forget that the athletes on the field or the court are more than just players on your favorite college team.

Nicholls President Dr. Bruce Murphy poses for a photo with former Colonel football player Michael Henry during Spring Commencement 2016.

by Jacob Batte photos by Misty Leigh McElroy Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

23

I I

t’s 5:30 a.m., and the 287-acre Thibodaux campus is mostly asleep, with the exception of cars arriving at Barker Hall. There, football players are shuffling into the Leonard C. Chabert Strength and Conditioning Facility, where they will begin their day in the weight room.

As other students are just starting their day, Colonel student-athletes are walking to their backto-back-to-back classes, where they will spend the rest of the morning. Some will get a break for lunch, while others will head straight to practice or to the weight room for the rest of their afternoon.

From there, it’s dinner and on to study hall before getting home after 6 p.m.

While that schedule can differ for student-athletes depending on their degree program and whether they’re in season or off season, the average player spends more than 10 hours a day on campus during the week studying or practicing.

But they are turning that rigorous schedule in their favor.

Current and former Colonels say the skills they have learned balancing the classroom with the court have given them an advantage over their peers. And they have the graduation and retention rates to prove it.

FINDING THEIR FOCUS Procrastination is a luxury that student-athletes can’t afford, and few students understand the time demands like Geoffrey Hebert.

A double major in business and accounting who carries a 4.0 GPA, Hebert is just the second Nicholls football player to ever earn Academic All-American. The Thibodaux native spends 12 to 15 hours a day studying or honing his athleticism on the field.

In the minutes before practice or a meeting, coaches say they’ll find him in the conference room with his head in a book.

“It’s all about keeping your eye on the prize,” he says. “You’ve got to know that at the end of the day, the stuff you do on the field and in the classroom is what is going to carry you forward.”

Ainsley Pratt knows the feeling well. The pre-med major starts her day in class at 7:30 a.m. and, because she also spends time as a tutor in the evening, doesn’t get back to her apartment until 9 p.m. or later.

Because her classes are tightly scheduled, she often attends class in her practice gear.

“Last year, I literally sprinted from Beauregard Hall all the way to the soccer field, which is a good distance, because my

Nicholls Student-Athlete Academic Progress Rate (APR) 2004-2005

1000

2014-2015

950

837

943

809

986 938 833

969 935

966

977 939

939

857

984

977

938 895

860

988

975

961

932 864

858

886

750

500

Baseball

Football

Men’s Men’s basketball cross country

Men’s golf

Men’s tennis

Softball Women’s Women’s Women’s Women’s Women’s Women’s basketball cross country soccer track volleyball tennis

The Academic Progress Rate (APR) is a measure of eligibility and retention rates used as an early indicator of eventual graduation rates. Teams with a score below 930 receive sanctions from the NCAA. A perfect score is 1,000.

24 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

Ainsley Pratt represented Nicholls and the Southland Conference at the 2017 NCAA Convention, serving on the NCAA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. A pre-med major from New Orleans, Pratt is the first Nicholls student-athlete to ever be invited to the national convention.

lab ended right as practice was starting,” Pratt says. “It can get overwhelmingly busy.”

All that work is showing up on their report cards and diplomas. This fall, 60 student-athletes posted at least a 3.5 GPA with 21 registering a 4.0. In the most recent NCAA Graduation report, 56 percent of Nicholls student-athletes graduated on time, 12 percentage points higher than their peers. Between 2012-2015, freshman retention rates ranged from 73 to 82 percent for student-athletes and 63 to 68 percent for non-athletes.

ELIGIBILITY AND OTHER HURDLES Behind the scenes, Assistant Athletic Directors Andrew Kearney and Lori Richard help students stay on track athletically and academically. Kearney, who oversees compliance, ensures that recruits are eligible to attend Nicholls and then discusses NCAA requirements with them when they arrive on campus. Richard, who is in charge of athletic academic services, works with academic advisors to set the players’ schedules and compiles reports for coaches during the year identifying players who are academically eligible or at-risk.

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

25

Geoffrey Hebert is the second Nicholls football player to ever be named Academic All-American.

A double major in business and accounting, the Thibodaux native has carried a 4.0 GPA throughout his time at Nicholls.

“I want our students to win some games, but more so, I want them to graduate,” Richard says.

“We’re not doing our job if you don’t have a degree when you leave,” says Kearney, a former basketball player at Lake Superior State.

Meeting those requirements can be difficult on players who face unique obstacles. For some, the time demands of school and sports are the biggest challenge. Others struggle with being away from home or picking a major.

It can get even more difficult when their hometown is on another continent. Homesick and required to take classes designed for students with a basic understanding of U.S. history initially made things tough on native Australian Stephanie Barnett. She finished her first semester with a 3.2 GPA, a low for Barnett.

26 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

“When I first got here, it was tough. I struggled a lot with being homesick. That was the worst semester I had,” she says.

But Barnett accepted the challenge and in just two years has become one of Nicholls’ most decorated student-athletes. In 2015, she was named both the Southland Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Year and the Southland Conference Women’s Tennis Student-Athlete of the Year.

Those who excel off the field become experts in time management – reviewing their notes for 10 minutes on the pitch right before soccer practice or practicing equations with their pads on before football practice.

For many student-athletes, homework is a bigger priority than sleep. Pratt, for example, is regularly up past midnight to study.

“If I fall behind, it’s a massive snowball downhill,” she says.

As a senior elementary education major, Barnett now has

to fit in observation time at local schools on Mondays and Wednesdays with class and practice afterwards. Organization, she says, is crucial.

“You have to use the weekends well. Those are the days to tackle the big assignments,” Barnett says. “It’s all about managing your time. Do your homework and little assignments here and there, in between classes. Try to get stuff done as you can.”

behind, “ Ifit’sI falla massive

Jordan Hanberry was the first Nicholls football player to be named an Academic All-American. Hanberry is now a thirdyear med student at LSU Medical School in Shreveport.

”

snowball downhill.

Because of how much time student-athletes spend on the road, they will often teach themselves the lesson, rely upon a classmate for notes and make up class work while traveling.

“Last year, I missed a quiz and had to take it on the bus on the way to a match, which is pretty hard because everybody is pretty loud, as you can imagine,” Barnett says.

To meet their goals, the students often rely on the Nicholls Tutoring and Academic Enhancement Center, as well as their professors and peers.

“There’s a lot of support around here. It’s like a big family,” Barnett says.

Education Professor and Faculty Athletic Representative Dr. Kimberly Reynolds (BS ’98, MEd ’05), a former Nicholls volleyball player, says she makes a point to check in on the athletes in her class to make sure they’re handling the dual demands.

“I’m a licensed counselor so I think I notice things in them more readily than others would. It’s a tough balance for them to figure it all out,” she says.

While student-athletes don’t always have the same opportunities for internships or part-time work as their peers, their ability to handle the physical and mental demands, as well as work with a team, can be just as attractive to graduate schools and employers.

“It takes a lot of planning ahead to handle everything thrown at you,” says assistant women’s basketball coach and former Colonel basketball player, Jenny Nash (BS ’15).

“I think it’s just as beneficial playing a sport as if I had the opportunities of other students.”

First Nicholls Academic All-American Eyes Surgical Career

J

ordan Hanberry’s medical school application was quite diverse: a pre-med graduate with a 4.0 GPA, a four-year letterwinner and the first-ever Academic All-American for the Colonels football team.

Many student-athletes struggle at first to acclimate to the time demands of playing a sport and going to class. Hanberry (BS ’14) was the opposite. He relished the challenge, and his extra efforts paid off.

“It was pretty surreal,” Hanberry says, of being named Academic AllAmerican. “When I decided I wanted to go to med school, I knew I had to be in the top of my class in academics. To get that honor felt really good. Hard work and dedication pay off.”

The Larose native attended John Curtis High School in New Orleans but felt he was coming back home when he chose to attend Nicholls. With biology as his major, he planned to become a scientist, but his college experiences redirected his interests toward med school.

“You really have to be self-disciplined and really learn how to manage your time,” Hanberry says. “As a college kid, there’s always things to do and hanging out with friends. But the biggest thing for me was being self-disciplined and knowing that school and football were the two most important things.”

Those time demands and that structure may have been a challenge at Nicholls, but they helped prepare him for medical school.

“Coming into med school, not many people have experience with 16 to 18hour days of doing work,” he says. “However, I had some days where I was on the Nicholls campus for 16 hours. It wasn’t all studying, but I had days where I would leave the house at 7 a.m. and not get home until 10 p.m.”

Now a third-year med student at LSU Medical School in Shreveport, Hanberry has turned his attention toward choosing a medical specialty. He’s leaning toward orthopedics, neurology or perhaps general surgery.

“The end game is that in seven to eight years, I’ll be a practicing physician.

Hopefully, I’ll still be involved in sports in some way,” he says.

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

27

Stephanie Barnett, a native of Melbourne, Australia, epitomized the term student-athlete during her sophomore year. The education major was named both the Southland Conference Women’s Tennis Player of the Year and Student-Athlete of the Year.

BATTLE FOR TIME In recent years, a debate over time demands at the NCAA level has put a magnifying glass on the daily lives of the average studentathlete.

Pratt found herself in the middle of that contentious dispute last year. Mere months before, Pratt was just a starting midfielder for the Nicholls soccer team. Now, she finds herself representing the entire Southland Conference in a discussion that could change the lives of student-athletes all over the U.S. At the center of the issue is the NCAA’s 20-hour rule that limits the amount of time student-athletes can spend on their sport. But the rule doesn’t include physical rehabilitation, medical treatment, travel or community service. Only practices, weight training, film study and coaches meetings count toward the rule.

28 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

Pratt attended the 2017 NCAA Convention in Nashville where the Power Five conferences passed legislation in an effort to free up more time for the students. Other Division I schools, like Nicholls, can opt-in to the changes, which include giving students at least seven consecutive days off once their season ends, at least 14 days off from athletic activities during the academic year, one day off each week during the season and no athletic activities scheduled between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

While many are still seeking even more change, Pratt hasn’t made up her mind on the subject. Her academic enthusiasm is countered by her competitive desire. Sure, she’d like more time for homework and socializing. But she wants to win.

“The problem is both sides want more time but nobody knows the best way to go about it,” Pratt says.

2016 GRADUATION RATE

56%

STUDENT-ATHLETES

44%

NON-STUDENT-ATHLETES

FALL 2016 GPA

2.81

STUDENT-ATHLETES

2.77

NON-STUDENT-ATHLETES

WOULDN’T TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD Student-athletes often make cultural and social sacrifices that their peers can’t relate with. Pratt’s teammates often needle her for not being more active on social media, and she says she’s years behind on TV shows and movies.

“I just saw Titanic for the first time last year. I watched it three times in a row because it was so incredible,” Pratt says with a laugh. “People make references that I miss.”

“But I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she adds. “I think the learning experience, time management skills, and the other character traits you can get from a sport are very beneficial. It’s a big accomplishment just to be able to manage both of those things and say, ‘Hey, not only did I graduate but I also played a Division I collegiate sport the whole time and I still graduated the same as you, GPA same as you.’ Feeling that extra bit of success, that you did something a little extra to set yourself apart, I wouldn’t trade that for anything, really.”

Ask student-athletes if they have any regrets about playing a sport in college and they will more than likely shift the attention to the bigger picture.

“I wouldn’t trade this for anything. The lessons I’ve learned playing college football are going to carry me through my life,” Hebert says. “There have been some ups and downs, highs and lows, and I’ve learned from it all. I wouldn’t trade this for the world.”

Barnett, who plans on moving back to Australia to teach after graduation, says she hopes to pass on the lessons she has learned to her students.

“Being on a team, you know you’re doing it for someone else.

You’re keeping your grades up for your team, and me, as a teacher, it’s not just for me but it’s for my future kids.”

Erin Flores is using the time management skills she learned as a student-athlete at Nicholls to excel as a neonatal nurse at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Time Management Remains Key to Former Nicholls Soccer Star, Nursing Grad

F

ormer Colonels soccer player Erin Flores (BSN ’16) almost didn’t become a nurse.

A nurturer by nature, the Illinois native thought she was destined to be a teacher. But upon suggestion from her dad, she gave nursing a look as a junior in high school. That opened the door for Nicholls.

Already searching for a different college experience, she quickly grew interested in the regional school located along the bayou after a Nicholls coach discovered her at a Florida tournament. While some programs steer student-athletes away from time-demanding majors like nursing, Nicholls faculty and coaches promised to work with her to accomplish both goals.

But life as a college student-athlete didn’t start off easy for Flores. Talented in the classroom as much as she was on the field, Flores was able to earn good grades with minimal effort in high school. That changed at Nicholls.

Time demands between soccer and nursing classes and clinicals were strenuous.

“Being on my own, especially so far away from my family, was tough,” she says. “The biggest adjustment was the studying. Once you’re in nursing school, the studying gets even more intense. Soccer actually helped with that. It set out a schedule that I could work around.”

However, Flores soon adjusted to her life as a student-athlete and excelled academically and on the pitch. Her senior class was the most successful in Nicholls soccer history, and before graduation she had already secured a job as a neonatal nurse in the intensive care unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Her advice for prospective student-athletes and future nurses is the same: “The No. 1 thing is time management,” she says. “That’s really important in nursing. You have to really think about what you’re putting your time toward and how it will help the patient. My experience as a student-athlete developed me into a great time manager and nurse.”

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Off-balance IN JORDAN

Dr. Richmond Eustis is an assistant professor of English and Spanish at Nicholls State University. In 2015, he was named a Fulbright Scholar and assigned to the University of Jordan in Amman, where he teaches world and English literature.

Dr. Richmond Eustis, an assistant professor of English and Spanish at Nicholls, walks the Wadi Rum in Jordan. A Fulbright Scholar, Eustis is teaching at the University of Jordan.

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By Richmond Eustis

T

he bayou is my home, but the past year has taken me to a new home in Amman, Jordan.

When I talk with friends, family and colleagues in the U.S., they have a lot of questions.

What is it like? What have I learned? How have I changed? What does all of this foreign travel and experience mean for me?

In short: I don’t know.

The simple explanation for my lack of knowledge is that trying to make sense of what I have learned in Jordan is really difficult, because I am still plunged in the process. The more complicated explanation is that rather than learning anything entirely new, my time abroad is forcing me to remember, reconsider and renew old lessons — lessons at least as old as Michel de Montaigne, who wrote in 16th-century France. These are lessons about recognizing how to live well in a world that eventually upends all certainties. I only have temporary, contingent answers, and my time in Jordan is reminding me that this is so more often than I usually realize.

I am a professor of English, and my training is in comparative literature, so it’s probably not especially surprising that I’m resorting to literature to try to explain my answer.

Montaigne (1533-1592) is best known for perhaps two things.

The first is his collection, Essays, in which he examines what it is like to be Michel de Montaigne at his time and in his place. The second is his often-repeated personal motto: Que sais-je? Rien. [“What do I know? Nothing.”]

I have taught Montaigne’s work a lot in my Nicholls world literature courses, if only to show students who’s responsible for inventing the now-dreaded personal essay. But rereading his work this year is helping remind me that my knowledge always is partial and subject to change.

Montaigne thought that to know ourselves properly, we have to remember that our minds are limited and consider ourselves in the context of the entire world — as much of it as we can understand and encounter. In his “Apology for Raymond Sebond,” Montaigne writes that the wisest people — those who have experienced and studied absolutely everything they can — “have found nothing solid, nothing firm.”

Montaigne traveled extensively in France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. He was fascinated by the way in which human nature and culture seem malleable. During his time, France was plunged into decades of bloody, horrific religious war between Catholics and Protestants (The Wars of Religion). Montaigne despised the violence and fanaticism manifest in his world, and he sought ways to counter it. The certainty both sides claimed about their beliefs seemed to him incredibly foolish.

My view of the world has had to accommodate life and travel in part of the Middle East. I live in Amman under the auspices of the joint Jordan-U.S. Fulbright Commission. I teach at the University of Jordan; I study Arabic; I explore the kingdom and its region a bit; I study beautiful and baffling Arabic music.

I’m perpetually off-balance. My Arabic is not good enough for me to navigate my day with anything like confidence, and even if I could, I would not blend well. I could spend five lifetimes trying to learn all nuances of language and culture in Jordan. For someone accustomed to making his living in the realm of text, it’s like trying to play guitar while wearing oven mitts. Arabic is a language rich in shading, in register, in the weight of accumulated history in its expressions and understood meanings. Just expressing my plain meaning in Arabic is tricky. I only aspire to colloquial fluency.

Metaphor, I’m afraid, will be a lifelong dream.

But the locals are extraordinarily welcoming and patient.

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The façade of Petra, a historical city in Jordan, is the country’s most-visited tourist attraction.

My neighborhood is not far from the university, in a town that includes many Iraqi and Palestinian families — refugees recent and less so. In the shops and cafés, the workers smile wryly at my attempts to speak Arabic, before we switch to a blend of Arabic and English to communicate. Simple things like trying to order food, to give detailed directions to a taxi driver, to get copies made for my classes become a vertiginous ongoing test of improvisation.

The improvisation, in a sense, continues at the university and in the classroom. The University of Jordan is the flagship university in the country, the center of much scholarly and intellectual activity. My colleagues are warm, friendly, brilliant — and overworked: very much like my colleagues at Nicholls.

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I teach in English, thank goodness. But studying literature with students whose first language isn’t English — and whose backgrounds and expectations differ in many ways from U.S. students — requires me to vary my usual brisk and sometimes (I confess) deliberately challenging classroom style.

I move more slowly, repeat myself more often, check more assiduously that the students are truly comprehending what we’re doing. In my University of Jordan classroom, I’m more than ever aware that classes are shared performances — more like staging a play together than like reading a book. The trick is staying open to nuances, alert to adjustments and recognizing that each student is in a sense an entirely new class, demanding an array of approaches.

The better at it we get, the more satisfying and successful our classes will be. I’m not as good at it as I’d like to be, but living abroad is a daily test of performance and improvisation, in the classroom and out of it. I hope my time in Jordan is teaching me to strengthen those intellectual and pedagogical muscles.

By virtue of their status as students, certainly my undergraduates at the University of Jordan are worried about many of the same things as their compatriots in the U.S. They want good grades. They want to graduate and get a good job. They would like more time to do all of the things their studies demand.

They would like to learn something valuable. They wish they didn’t have to work quite so hard.

But my students — overwhelmingly women, many from refugee families — face sociopolitical pressures my students at Nicholls might have a hard time imagining. Their histories and their

anxieties about the future shape the way we read works of classical and world literature together. In many cases, these works address literal matters of life and death for them — the rule of law, the role of hospitality, the sense of justice. In this sense, what is natural in a Jordanian student differs somewhat from the natural in my students at home. These cultural pressures and differences matter, as Montaigne notes.

There is a kinship, however. When Louisiana flooded in August, many of my students emailed me with prayers for those who lost their homes, and hopes that my family and I were all OK. Some of my friends had narrow escapes from the deluge. Others were not so lucky. It is a very familiar story, about the unpredictability of the terrain we trust, the things we think we know about our lives, and it is a lesson my students, too, have learned firsthand.

The very terrain of Jordan — its landscape and historical sites — are constant reminders of the changeability of the world. Amman’s famous Jabal al-Qala’a (Citadel Hill) alone bears the traces of other kingdoms and rulers over the past thousand years — the Romans’ Temple of Hercules, the magnificent Umayyad Palace, the Ayyubid Watchtower, the Ottoman Church. To the south, the awe-inspiring Nabatean city of Petra hid for centuries in the maze of rock from which it was chiseled. Even the wadis I have explored with friends and colleagues show the work of water and sand over millennia. It is a reminder that nothing is truly stable, that all things transform, though traces of them endure.

I returned to Jordan in fall 2016 for a second year. The Fulbright program took the unusual step of renewing my award. It’s an honor

“

Eustis is completing his second year teaching in the Fulbright Program.

— and an ongoing opportunity to share a little bit of Louisiana with people who know little of the United States beyond the largest cities and best-known figures of popular culture. I have more projects to pursue and new friendships to nurture and cultivate.

I did not return for a life of comfort and ease — although I like Jordan very much. However, if I did not find pleasure — joy even — in what I do, I wouldn’t attempt it. It’s not comfortable being offbalance all the time, wondering if I have put my foot in the right place, or if I’m dangerously off course. I’m hoping to refine my sense of perspective, to be of use to my country and to the students in this land where so many have made me feel very welcome.

It’s another chance to make a sort of home in an uncertain world that encompasses much more than my beloved bayou.

The very terrain of Jordan —

its landscape and historical sites — are constant reminders of the changeability of the world.

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34 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

After more than $10 million in renovations, the newly reopened Mary and Al Danos Theater provides the perfect venue for student learning and community entertainment.

By Jacob Batte Photos by Misty Leigh McElroy and Farren Clark Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

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“You come in off the street, through the doors of the theater. You sit down.

The lights go down and the curtain goes up. And you’re in another world.”

W

hile the quote belongs to award-winning journalist and author Robert Caro, you could easily attribute it to Mary and Al Danos without attracting skepticism. For years, the Larose couple was a staple at Nicholls musical and theatrical performances.

And though they have both passed away, their legacy lives on in the newly remodeled Mary and Al Danos Theater, which opened in September to a packed house of Danos family, friends, Nicholls supporters and Thibodaux community members who gathered to take in an eclectic performance by students and faculty.

“I am forever grateful to Nicholls for giving us a special place to remember our parents and have their legacy live on,” says Mary and Al’s oldest daughter, Rene. “They loved Nicholls so dearly. We’re excited that everyone will get to see this beautiful theater that’s like no other in our community.”

Previously, the 45-year-old theater sat in the middle of one of the oldest buildings on campus, Talbot Hall. But Al Danos, a successful businessman and leader on the Nicholls Foundation board, initiated interest in an upgrade by helping fundraise $1.5 million to renovate the theater. With help from State Sen. Norby Chabert (BA ’01), the project expanded to become a $10 million facelift for the 73,000-square-foot facility.

As part of the renovations to Talbot Hall, the stairwell is now located inside of the expanded lobby.

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The newly completed 5,500-squarefoot theater has a capacity of 326.

“If there’s one thing Al and Mary had an appreciation for, it’s the performing arts,” Chabert says. “I join them and their family in thanking the Nicholls community for making this possible.”

The 326-seat theater is the centerpiece of the renovations, receiving structural and technological enhancements, including new seating, curtains, flooring and state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment.

Beyond the aesthetics, the new theater includes improved acoustics and sophisticated recording equipment that will simulate a classic music hall setting and set the stage for the various musical and thespian groups to hold more ambitious productions. The Nicholls Players, for example, will perform Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell this spring.

In addition, the campus TV studio, KNSU radio station and two Talbot Hall classrooms received technological upgrades

to enhance student learning. The TV studio will soon be transformed into a production hub for sporting events that will be broadcast live through ESPN3.

Mary and Al’s spirit of philanthropy continues after their deaths. Their children – Rene, Alyce, Andre and Marcel – announced a $1 million donation from the Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation to be carried out over the next four years to support the theater and the academic programs that it benefits.

“Our dad always had everything planned and prepared. Even in his passing, he wanted to make sure this theater was taken care of. Our parents would be really proud of this,” Rene told the audience during the grand reopening of the theater. “This will forever be a special place in our hearts to remember everything they’ve done. We can’t thank Nicholls, Senator Chabert and the community enough.”

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Top Left: Members of the Danos family commemorate the opening of the newly renovated theater. The family announced a $1 million donation to the project on opening night.

Top middle: Renovations, both inside and outside, make the theater more accessible, including a new walkway just outside of the building.

Bottom Left: The Nicholls Players perform A Midsummer’s Night Dream on Oct. 13. It was the group’s first full performance in the renovated theater.

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Top Right: Nicholls students try out the new equipment in the TV Studio in Talbot Hall. The upgraded studio has the capability to serve as a production hub for live sporting events on the Nicholls campus.

Middle: New paneling along the walls and behind the stage of the theater provide Nicholls performing arts programs with professional-level acoustics and patrons with a first-class experience.

Bottom Right: The Nicholls State University Choir, directed by Nicholls professor of music, Dr. Kenneth Klaus, performs “Bring Me Little Water, Sylvie,” during the theater’s grand re-opening.

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Alumni House Turning Thibodaux Red on Fridays

I

t’s often simple actions that turn into long-standing traditions. That’s what happened in fall 2015 when we asked Thibodaux Mayor Tommy Eschete to help us build community excitement for Coach Tim Rebowe’s first home game. Mayor Eschete proclaimed Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, as Colonel Pride Red Day and asked the community to wear red in support of Nicholls football coaches and players for the Homecoming game. Little did I know that a new Nicholls tradition had just been born on the steps of city hall.

In no time at all, every Friday became Colonel Red Out Friday. Local schools, banks, insurance companies and retail outlets started submitting photos of their employees and students decked out in Colonel red on Friday. Schools began requesting Nicholls to visit their classrooms and even host special recesses or pep rallies. President Bruce Murphy, Tillou, coaches, student-athletes and cheerleaders joined me on Fridays as we took Colonel Pride to our local schools, businesses and even nursing homes. Consequently, over the past two seasons, Nicholls has drawn some of the largest crowds to Guidry Stadium in years, creating just the kind of tailgating and game-day atmosphere that Colonel fans have longed for.

Now when people see me — in restaurants, at the grocery store or even on the beach in Grand Isle — they come up to me and express guilt if not wearing red. “Mo, I know it’s Friday, and I should have my Nicholls red on,” they’ll say.

And what a great big leap forward that is for our community and Nicholls fan base.

In addition to proudly wearing red on Fridays — no matter what sport is in season — I encourage you to reconnect with your Nicholls classmates by attending one of our upcoming alumni events. This spring alone, Nicholls Alumni will host our annual golf classic in Patterson (March 13) and the Alumni Awards for Excellence ceremony on campus (March 29). We have also added a new twist to our ever-popular alumni crawfish boil (April 22) by incorporating a downtown Thibodaux bar crawl. You won’t want to miss it!

Come Home Colonels,

Monique Crochet (BS ’98, MEd ’00) Executive Director, Alumni and External Affairs monique.crochet@nicholls.edu 985.448.4110

Alumni Unveils New Ways to Connect New Website

This spring, the Nicholls Alumni Federation launched a completely redesigned website filled with interactive features that make it easier for graduates to network with one another and become engaged with their alma mater.

By visiting nichollsalumni.org, you will now be able to: • Search our online alumni directory based on location, class year or employer • Become a mentor to current Nicholls students seeking career advice • Post job and internship opportunities, and search those submitted by other alumni • Track your alumni membership and join an alumni chapter • Register and purchase tickets to alumni events • Donate to alumni scholarships and programs • And so much more Best of all, you can sign into the new Nicholls Alumni website using your existing Facebook or LinkedIn account or your email address.

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New Alumni Chapters for Business and Education Graduates This year, the Nicholls Alumni Federation welcomed its first two alumni chapters: the Nicholls College of Business Administration and the College of Education. Housed under the Nicholls Alumni Federation, college chapters are designed as avenues for alumni to reconnect with former colleagues, professors and new members. Chapter memberships include the cost of Alumni Federation dues and the benefits of both organizations. Katherine Gianelloni (BS ’14), alumni engagement coordinator, plans to continue adding chapters for various academic colleges, departments, student organizations or even geographic locations. For more information, contact Gianelloni at katherine.gianelloni@nicholls.edu or 985-448-4109.

COLONELS

Colonel Notes denotes Alumni Federation member

1950s Frank Simoneaux (DIP ’54), a Baton Rouge attorney and former state cabinet secretary and speaker pro tempore, was inducted into the LSU Hall of Distinction in March 2016. He remains active in his private practice, which focuses on corporate and environmental law as well as government.

1960s Peggy Doucet Rome (BA ’61), co-founder of the Holistic Living Network, published Tell Me Your Soul Story: Making Connections in Groups (2016).

Lisette Hughey Borne (BA ’68) served as lector at an outdoor Mass in St. Peter’s Square in May 2016 as thousands, including Pope Francis and her husband, Deacon Dan Borne, (BA ’68) listened.

Mary Lynn Bisland (BS ’69, MEd ’77) received the 2016 Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce Star award for her outstanding leadership, customer service and volunteer community involvement. Bisland has been the executive director of Terrebonne Arc (TARC) since 2007.

1970s Paula Weyl Millet (BA ’72) retired after 36 years of teaching high school speech and English. She works part time at Tellus

Science Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, and has published Angelique’s Storm (2016).

Sandra Mullikin Prejean (BS ’72) retired after 36 years in education, including 31 years teaching chemistry at Vandebilt Catholic High School.

Michael Toups (BS ’73) is the public works director for Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government. Before joining the parish, he was employed in the maritime industry for over 40 years.

Thad Toups (BA ’73) was named president of the Louisiana Association of Drug Court Professionals.

He has been an assistant district attorney in Lafourche Parish and the 17th Judicial District for over 32 years and plays an integral role in the Lafourche Parish Drug Treatment Court, Lafourche Parish Truancy Program and the Domino Effect Program.

on the COVER Michael Gulotta (BS ’03) appeared on the December cover of New Orleans magazine, which named him chef of the year.

Josh LaJaunie (BA ’11) was featured on the November cover of Runner’s World magazine, which shared how he lost over 200 pounds by running.

Henry J. Lafont Jr. (BA ’76), a Larose attorney, was recognized by Lafourche Chamber of Commerce as the Business Person of the Year. Lafont also served as the Grand Marshall for the 43rd French Food Festival in October 2016 in Larose.

Dr. Chris Portier (BS ’77) is semi-retired and living in Switzerland. In his parttime work, he consults and advocates for better use of science in U.S. and European policy decisions.

In addition, he is a senior collaborating scientist with the Environmental Defense Fund and an adjunct professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Maastricht University in the Netherlands and the University of Queensland in Australia.

Greg Champagne (BS ’79), St. Charles Parish Sheriff, was installed as the 2016-17 president Rick Delcoure (BS ’74) is of the National Sheriffs’ the senior project manager Association at their annual for Sabey Corporation and conference in June. oversaw the construction of a $140 million multi1980s tenant data center in George Bell (BA ’81), Quincy, Washington. a retired health care executive in Baton Rouge, Mary Reynaud (BA ’74), has been named president director of Virtual and CEO of the Capital Academy of Lafourche, Area United Way. He was recognized by continues to play trumpet Lafourche Chamber and perform locally in his of Commerce as the spare time.

Educator of the Year.

Keith Hodges Sr. (AS ’82; AS, BS ’85) is vice president of pipeline and facility design for Shafer, Kline and Warren Inc. (SKW), where he is responsible for design operations, marketing, business development, energy markets strategy and company business planning for the company’s Houston and North Kansas City, Missouri, offices.

Marlene Naquin (BA ’83) teaches mathematics and mathematics education at the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast campus, where she has started a one-on-one mathematics and science tutoring lab.

Mark Plaisance (BA ’83), Lafourche’s chief public defender, argued and won the case of Henry Montgomery v.

State of Louisiana before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The ruling has national implications, allowing inmates serving life in prison for homicides committed as juveniles to ask for a resentencing.

Lisa LeBoeuf Lapeyrouse (BA ’84) retired after 30 years of teaching and now works for Terrebonne

Parish District Attorney’s Office as a case manager for the Youth Intervention Program.

Mary Cosper LeBoeuf (BA ’84), director of the Terrebonne Parish Library System, was named president of the Louisiana Library Association.

Kyle Wilson (MEd ’84) was promoted to assistant athletic director of sports medicine at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he has worked for 32 years.

Blayne Bergeron (BGS ’87) retired after more than 29 years working as the Resident Agent in charge of the Houma office for Homeland Security Investigations.

1990s Wendy Roussel (BS ’90) was the 2015-16 Lafourche Parish Teacher of the Year.

The Thibodaux High School physical education teacher has been teaching and coaching for 26 years.

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Alumni House JAMES LYNN POWELL AWARD

A Never-ending Love for Nicholls

C

The face of Nicholls for over 30 years, Debbie “Raz” Raziano started many of the Alumni Federation’s beloved traditions including the annual crawfish boil and golf classic.

Claire Guarisco (BA ’91) has been appointed as supervisor of child nutrition for St. Mary Parish School System.

She formerly served as principal of Bayou Vista Elementary.

Christie Hymel Crooks (BS ’92), former Ascension Parish principal, is a program manager for the Louisiana Department

of Health and Hospitals.

She and her husband, Marshall Crooks (BS ’94), assistant baseball coach at St. Amant High School, began the “Strike Out Autism” campaign, which promotes awareness of autism at high school and college baseball games during Autism Awareness Month.

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apturing the magnitude of Debbie “Raz” Raziano’s impact on Nicholls during her 32 years as alumni director is nearly impossible. There’s no easy way to put a value on the number of graduates she connected with, events she planned, traditions she started or times she sang the Fight Song. In honor of her immeasurable contributions, the Nicholls Alumni Federation honored Raziano (BA ’74) with the 2016 James Lynn Powell Award — the highest honor awarded to a Nicholls alumnus.

The irony is that Raziano almost didn’t attend Nicholls. As a high school senior at Archbishop Blenk High School in Gretna, she planned to enroll at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette) until her father read about the university’s No. 1 party school ranking in Playboy magazine. He insisted that his daughter, a first-generation college student, attend Nicholls. Although initially disappointed, Raziano says life puts you where you need to be.

“Needless to say, I came to Nicholls, and in 10 days, I knew everyone I needed to know,” says Raziano, who went on to become Nicholls senior class president and Miss Nicholls 1973.

Throughout her entire career, she held only two jobs: field representative for her

Mary Abadie Dazé (BSG ’92) is assistant principal of Galvez Middle School.

She previously worked as a Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) mentor teacher and master teacher at Donaldsonville High School.

Arthur Joffrion (BA ’92, MEd ’95) is the superintendent of Iberville Parish School Board. He was formerly

beloved sorority, Delta Zeta, and alumni director for her beloved alma mater, Nicholls State University, where she retired in 2013.

“Raz cannot be surpassed in the support and passion she has demonstrated toward Nicholls,” says Monique Crochet (BS ’98, MEd ’00), executive director of alumni and external affairs. “She represented Nicholls with Colonel Pride everywhere she went and with everything she did and still does today. Raz lives in the true spirit of Nicholls.”

Although retired, Raziano’s pace has barely slowed. Still a vocal supporter of Colonel athletics, she now helps organize the annual Art Works fundraiser and spent three summers traveling abroad with the Nicholls art department. When she’s not volunteering for Delta Zeta or vacationing with family and friends, she lends her hospitality and event management talents to the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation by assisting with events such as Gleason Gras and the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans. Nicholls, of course, is never far from her mind.

“My love affair for Nicholls has never, ever stopped,” she says. “It has been and continues to be unwavering. Once a Colonel, always a Colonel!”

— Stephanie Verdin

the executive assistant superintendent for Rapides Parish Schools.

Johnnie Bernhard (attended ’94) received Top 10 finalist recognition in the 2015 William FaulknerWilliam Wisdom Creative Writing Competition for A Good Girl, which will be published in spring 2017

by Texas Review Press.

Frank Wilson (BGS ’97) finished his first season as head coach of the University of Texas-San Antonio football team by leading the program to its first bowl game in school history.

Claudette Robey (BA ’98) is the regional economic and workforce development specialist for the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment

Research in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a national think tank on issues surrounding employment, unemployment and labor markets. She is also the managing editor of Economic Development Quarterly, a national peer-reviewed journal focusing on economic development and workforce development research.

2000s Jewel Bush (BA ’00) runs a literary activism workshop called Writing.

As.Resistance. that teaches participants the power of narrative writing.

field operations teams in Kentucky and Southern Ohio, along with oversight of facility operations.

Melissa Vedros Angelloz (BA ’02, MEd ’14) and Thad Angelloz (BA ’03) announce the birth of twin sons Grant and Gram on Nov. 7, 2015. Melissa is a special education teacher at Thibodaux Elementary School, and Thad is the director of grants and economic development for the City of Thibodaux.

Michael Gulotta (BS ’03) was named Chef of the Year by New Orleans Magazine. The owner and executive chef of MoPho recently opened a new “Trey” Grady Crawford (BS ’00) serves as vice chair of restaurant, Maypop, in the New Orleans Central government relations on Business District. He the Associated Builders also runs Rum and the and Contractors (ABC) Pelican Chapter’s Executive Lash kitchen inside Finn McCool’s Irish Pub and Board and is slated to be the Italian kitchen TANA 2017 chair elect. at bar Treo.

Annette Fontana (BA ’00) was elected as Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court and took office July 1, 2016.

She also has a broad civil practice with the law firm of Morvant & Cavell, APLC.

Jessica Thornton (BS ’03) is a business development representative for Duplantis Design Group.

Kandace Mauldin (BS ’04, MBA ’09) is the chief financial officer for Terrebonne Lisa Ledet Mitchell (BS ’00) Parish Consolidated practices optometry at Government, where she Mitchell Family Eye Care oversees the parish’s in Thibodaux with her accounting, purchasing, husband, David. customer service and information technology Travis Brown (BS ’01) is divisions. She was the senior director of regional business planning formerly employed by Bourgeois Bennett LLC. for Charter’s Southern Ohio region, where he is responsible for all financial aspects of the

Nicholls Honors Outstanding Alumni The Nicholls Alumni Federation honored the university’s top alum from each academic college during its 2016 Awards for Excellence ceremony. The 2017 ceremony will be held March 29 in the Cotillion Ballroom.

FROM THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Dr. Windy Satterlee Rachal (BA ’94, MA ’11)

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR, PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH CARE OF SOUTH LOUISIANA “I was one of those students in high school who was not terribly goal-oriented so had my mother not urged me in the direction of Nicholls, I don’t know that I would have gone on to get multiple degrees after that. To me, that’s the most amazing thing Nicholls does for our community — it gives people opportunities to grow and discover talents they might not otherwise have had the opportunity to do.”

FROM THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Frances Diane Yeates (MBA ’04)

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, TERREBONNE GENERAL MEDICAL CENTER “One thing my father did was offer higher education to all six of his children. That obviously had to be a great sacrifice to him, but he highly encouraged it. Nicholls is really a gem in our community. What’s really special about Nicholls is that every year they have to fight for their funding, and they do it with grace and honor while still producing a high-quality program.”

FROM THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Summer Skarke (BA ’99)

2016 LOUISIANA MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR, LACACHE MIDDLE SCHOOL “I met with my adviser and told him I wanted to be a motivational speaker. He did pop my dream bubble for a minute and told me that Nicholls did not offer that. So I became a psychology major, and during that time I had a calling from God and knew that I was meant to be a teacher. I appreciate that Nicholls played a part in preparing me for my gift. When you say yes to your calling, there is nothing you can’t do. And, I’ve now been asked to give motivational speeches. Even though there was a point in my life when I thought that would never happen, Nicholls eventually got me to that place.”

FROM THE COLLEGE OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH Joseph Eppling (BSN ’87)

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF NURSING-CRITICAL CARE, UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER NEW ORLEANS “My wife, Wanda, also a Nicholls graduate, would sit in Beauregard Hall while I was doing all my clinical skills and learning how to wash my hands and make beds. Both of our daughters are now getting graduate degrees: one in speech-language pathology and one as a physician’s assistant, so the legacy of the Epplings will continue in health care, providing quality care to the citizens of Louisiana.”

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

43

Alumni House YOUNG ALUM

Nicholls Alum Brings People Together with Exercise

I

f you’ve lived in Thibodaux during the last three years, chances are you’ve seen or heard of the group of runners moving through the city like a pack of gazelles.

Thibodaux native and Nicholls education alum, Erika Esteve Grabert (BS ’12, MEd ’13) was inspired to create the Thibodaux Running Group by a similar faction in New Orleans.

Rather than being frustrated by a lack of local options, her thenboyfriend, now husband, insisted she create her own runner’s group in Thibodaux.

Grabert reached out to a few runners on Facebook and began organizing weekly runs. At first, the only people who showed up were her parents and their friends. But eventually the group ballooned with as many as 400 running at one time. The Facebook group now has more than 1,600 members and attracted the attention of U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-Baton Rouge), who ran with the group during the fall.

“We just kept going, and more people kept showing up,” says Grabert, who started running with her father while she was in high school. “We made T-shirts; and before long we had hundreds showing up to run.”

Those runners, initially strangers to Grabert, are now her close friends. From the casual joggers who show up for three miles and a brew to the dedicated runners who complete marathons and 100-mile races — “the crazies” as Grabert refers to them.

“When we first started running, not all of us knew each other,” she says. “The crazy runners started out just running halfmarathons, but now they’re running full marathons and 100s.

Before they used to just be crazy by themselves, but now they’re crazy together.”

Grabert’s pace with the group has slowed following a marriage and a new job teaching at Bayou Community Academy, but even with her diminished role the club is plugging along.

“I feel like I know every person who runs; we catch up every week. I’ve either taught their kids or I’m going to teach their kids,” she says. “I’ve definitely met a lot of people and made a lot of connections through the club.” – Jacob Batte

Ryan McNeil (BS ’04) and Daniel Dreher (BS ’06) own and operate two locations of Fresh Kitchen in Baton Rouge.

Casey Peltier (BS ’04) is director of human

resources at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center.

Nicholas Landry (BS ’05) is a corporate research and development chef for Southeastern Mills – East Coast.

44 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

Jonathan Serigne (BA ’05) and Randi Rousseau Serigne announce the birth of son Jacques Elvis Serigne on July 28.

Jonathan is the director of sales for the Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport.

Jessica Roland (BSN ’07) is the director of nursing for Divinity Home Health Services in Thibodaux.

Grant Gautreaux (BS ’08) and Becky Breaux Gautreaux (AS, BS ’08) announce the

birth of son Amos Reed Gautreaux on July 11.

Ugo Ezema (BS ’09) is completing his medical residency at Chabert Medical Center.

HONORARY ALUMNA

2010s Leah Garber (BS ’10) earned a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry from LSU, receiving the Timothy S. Evenson Polymer Award for her outstanding research. She is a chemist for MedComp Sciences in Baton Rouge.

Alice O’Keefe (BA ’10) earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri - St. Louis in August 2016. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Ben Jones Jr. (BS ’11) married Kelly Granier (BA ’12) on Feb. 5.

Jamie Juckett (BS ’11) is a physician assistant for Ochsner Health System in New Orleans. She is certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants.

Mallory Vedros (BA ’11) is a senior accountant for the New Orleans Saints.

Bijeta Prasai (BS ’12) who is pursuing her Ph.D. in chemistry at LSU, received the 2016 Dissertation Year Fellowship from LSU for her outstanding research work.

Claire Broussard (BSN ’13), a staff nurse at Lourdes Regional Medical Center, was honored as one of the

top 25 nurses in Acadiana Parish.

Hal Callais II (BS ’12), managing director and chief investment officer at Callais Capital Management, received the Young Deal Maker of the Year Award from the Louisiana Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth.

Courtney Denoux (BS ’13) earned a Master of Science in public health education and promotion from Northwestern State University in 2015. She is employed by Ochsner Health System as an athletic trainer for Fisher High School.

Courtney Hicks (BGS ’13) married Seth Richard (BGS ’14) on June 10.

Kelsey Kerner (BS ’13) married Brant Gauthreaux (BS ’13) on April 2. Kelsey is the victim-witness assistance coordinator with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, and Brant is a field operations technician for Baker Hughes Inc. Deja’ Steib (BS ’13) works for Morguard Management Company, which specializes in commercial and residential real estate.

Carly Clark (BS ’14) is the student activities coordinator and Student Programming Association adviser at Nicholls.

New Orleans Graduate Makes Nicholls Her Home

K

im Corales Lafont might have earned her business degree from the University of New Orleans, but it’s clear that she’s a Colonel at heart. She and her husband, Henry Lafont (BA ’76), are regulars at Nicholls fundraisers and athletic events, and the long-time supporters have even hosted Nicholls events at their Larose home. The Nicholls Alumni Federation recognized Kim’s dedication and love of Nicholls by formally welcoming her to the Colonel family with the 2016 Nicholls Honorary Alumna Award.

“I really enjoyed my college experience at UNO and have transferred that love to Nicholls,” says Kim, whose daughter Renee is also a Nicholls graduate. “It is such an honor to be welcomed into the Nicholls family as an honorary alum, and I truly love that the university community has become such a large part of my life. Nicholls is critically important to our region. It not only provides an opportunity for students to get a quality education at a manageable cost that otherwise might be difficult to obtain, but the university also has a significant economic impact on the community.”

Recognizing the importance of higher education is one thing, but Kim and Henry also believe in helping students make their college dreams a reality. The Lafonts have endowed a Nicholls scholarship for first-generation college students from South Lafourche High school, and they regularly participate in Nicholls fundraising events sponsored by PRO-NSU, Athletics and the Nicholls Foundation.

“My husband and I both received scholarships to help us through our college careers, and we enjoy being able to give back and invest in the future of our community,” says Kim, who manages her family’s business, Nu-Lite Electrical Wholesalers, with her two brothers. “Higher education played an important role in my life. It’s as much about actual education as it is about networking and building relationships with people who can point you in the right direction along the way in life. I’m a firm believer that higher education allows students to better themselves, their communities and society as a whole.” — Jessica Harvey

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

45

Alumni House Emily Daigle (BS ’14) is teaching fourth-grade math, science and social studies at South Thibodaux Elementary School.

Amanda Parham (BS ’14) married Stephen Stromeyer on Dec. 19, 2015. Amanda is in Physician Assistant School

at LSU Health Sciences Center.

operative registered nurse at Terrebonne General Medical Center.

Grant Ordoyne (BIS ’15) is an administrative assistant for Nicholls Karen Bergeron (BS ’15) is Graduate Studies. He is a graduate assistant in the Jess Dazé (BS ’15) married also currently pursuing Nicholls Academic Testing Michelle Duhe (MAT ’16) a graduate degree from Center while pursuing her on Dec. 18, 2015. Jess is an Nicholls in higher graduate degree in school auditor with Postlethwaite education administration. counseling. & Netterville, and Michelle is a teacher at Mary Rhodes (BSN ’15) is Amie Chauvin (BSN ’15) is Sixth Ward Elementary enrolled in the Medical/ a medical-surgical/postSchool.

2017 NICHOLLS ALUMNI COLONEL

Surgical Nursing Residency program at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge.

Celia Ordoyne (BS ’16) is a 2016-17 Phi Mu chapter consultant, traveling across the country to assist Phi Mu collegiate chapters and colonies.

2016 GOLF TOURNAMENT

GOLF CLASSIC SPONSORS SAVE THE DATE

MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2017

8 A.M. FLIGHT ATCHAFALAYA GOLF COURSE PATTERSON, LOUISIANA

For more information: call (985) 448-4109 email: katherine.gianelloni@nicholls.edu

46 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

THANK YOU!

2016 Clubhouse Sponsor Callais Capital Management, LLC 2016 Beverage Cart Sponsor Mayor Tommy Eschete

2016 Green Hole Sponsors Synergy Bank Omega Industrial Suppliers, Inc.

2016 Tee-Box Sponsors Premier Properties of the South Vision Communications 2016 Hole Sponsors Acadia Land Surveying, LLC Mike Bednarz, State Farm American Sugar Cane League Insurance Bill Melancon, Edward Jones Neil Maki, MD Investments Richie Naquin Bourgeois & Associates, Inc. Riviere Insurance Agency Bruce Vicknair, New York Life South Louisiana Bank Bubba’s II PoBoys Thibodaux Physical Therapy Coastal Commerce Bank TKE Mu Zeta Alumni Crown Marketing Association Firehouse Subs Walters, Meyer, Trosclair & Johnny’s Men Shop Associates LANCESCAPING, LLC Wendy’s Old Fashion Luke Ford Hamburgers Mark & DesLey Plaisance National American Sales Corporation Nicholls College of Business EMBA

In Memoriam FACULTY/STAFF

Dr. Aaron Caillouet (BS ’64, MBA ’70) of Thibodaux on June 19, 2016, at age 73. A former Lafourche Parish president, he taught accounting at Nicholls for 23 years and also served as a parish and city councilman.

Dr. Richard Morris Coats of Thibodaux on Dec. 3, 2015, at age 60. A well-published public policy economist, he was a Nicholls economics professor from 1985 until his death.

Joseph Fakier of Thibodaux on Nov. 6, 2015, at age 63.

An avid Nicholls athletics supporter, he served as the official scorer for Colonel basketball and volleyball, public announcer for baseball and play-by-play broadcaster for softball.

Marshall Curtis Kinchen Sr. of Thibodaux on April 23, 2016, at age 93. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he taught administrative services and vocational business education at Nicholls from 1957 to 1978, retiring as a professor and department head and was later named professor emeritus.

Martha Jones Leese of Huntsville, Alabama, on June 21, 2016, at age 82. She taught nursing at Nicholls.

Gale Martin of Labadieville on Jan. 5, 2017, at age 71.

Martin joined the Nicholls staff in 1965 and spent her clerical career working in several campus offices. Most recently, she worked in Financial Aid, retiring with

over 40 years of service in July 2016.

Carol Mathias of Houma on Jan. 16, 2017, at age 71. Mathias joined the Nicholls staff in 1991 as head of Archives and Special Collections in Ellender Memorial Library and served as library director from 2002 until her retirement in 2011.

Nicholls from 1967 to 1988.

He later served as the writerin-residence at William Carey University, and his work was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry.

Patricia Ulmer Lavigne (BA ’64, MEd ’69) of Gonzales on Feb. 17, 2016, at age 86. She taught at Chackbay, L.T. and Lafargue elementary schools.

the offshore rental company Cro Equipment.

Dr. Thomas Kearns (BS ’81) of Thibodaux on March 13, 2016, at age 56. He was a Audrey Cortez Lewis (BS ’65) of solo practitioner of general Peggy Ordoyne Toups of Morgan City on May 2, 2016, dentistry in Metairie for 30 Thibodaux on Dec. 8, 2015, years. at age 72. She taught speech at age 72. She worked as the and English at Morgan City secretary to the Nicholls High School, Franklin Junior Alan Matherne (BS ’81) of College of Education dean Larose on April 11, 2016, High School and Central for more than 30 years. at age 58. The founder Catholic High School.

Dr. Merlin Ohmer (BS ’75) of of Mathco Computer, he Thibodaux on Nov. 16, 2015, worked in the private sector Eugene Naquin (BS ’66) of ALUMNI at age 92. A 40-year Rotarian, Lafayette on April 7, 2016, at and served as a marine he taught mathematics and extension agent with the LSU age 73.

Gerald Gaston (BS ’59) of Vero was a dean of the College of Agricultural Center.

Beach, Florida, on March 1, Sciences at Nicholls from Milton Paul Arabie (MEd ’68) 2016, at age 83. A U.S. Air 1966 to 1984, later becoming Joseph Casse Jr. (MEd ’83) of of Raceland on May 16, Force veteran, he retired professor and dean emeritus.

2016, at age 85. A U.S. Army Thibodaux on Dec. 24, 2015, as chief executive officer of at age 64. He taught religion veteran, he retired from American Bankers Insurance Dr. Jimmy Nolan Ponder of and history and coached Lafourche Parish School Group after 22 years of Thibodaux on Nov. 19, 2016, Board after serving 39 years during his 40-year career at service. A frequent lecturer at at age 79. The professor E.D. White Catholic High as a teacher, coach and the Harvard Business School, emeritus of accounting School. principal. he received an honorary joined the Nicholls family in doctorate in business from 1968 as accounting professor Kenny “Meatball” Ortolano (BA Charles Page Jr. (BS ’72) of Nicholls. and served as department Baton Rouge on Nov. 2, 2015, ’84) of Belle Chasse on Jan. head of accounting from 21 at age 61. at age 65. A U.S. Marine Alphonse “A.J.” Cenac Jr. (BA 1973 until his retirement in Corps Reserve veteran, he ’60) of Houma on Dec. 1996.

Patricia Roshto Prejean (AS ’95, owned and operated High 8, 2015, at age 77. A U.S. Tech Security Inc. since 1981. BSN ’99) of Houma on Feb. Air Force Reserve Corps Reshenda Williams Rounds 17, 2016, at age 62. She was a veteran, he taught at Houma (AGS ’02 BGS ’08, MEd ’12) nurse at Terrebonne General Novel “Nick” LeBoeuf Jr. (BS Junior High School, South of Gray on Oct. 14, 2016, Medical Center for 18 years. ’73) of Houma on April 25, Terrebonne High School and at age 45. Rounds worked 2016, at age 68. A U.S. Air Oaklawn Junior High School for Nicholls for over 20 Stephanie Percle (AS ’00) Force veteran, he retired as before ending his career years and served as assistant of Thibodaux on Nov. 26, a deputy of the Terrebonne as principal of Montegut director of financial aid prior Parish Assessor’s Office after 2015, at age 51. She was Elementary School. to her passing. a registered nurse in the 30 years of service.

Ambulatory Care Unit at Clark Bonvillain (BS ’64) of Dr. Larry Stout of Thibodaux Thibodaux Regional Medical Anne Weimer Zabel (BS Houma on Feb. 12, 2016, at on Jan. 16, 2017, at age 70.

Center. ’74, MS ’76) of Severance, age 75. A U.S. Army veteran, A licensed psychologist, Colorado, on May 29, 2016, he owned and operated Stout taught psychology Cheryl LeBoeuf (BS ’01) of at age 62. A member of Clark Bonvillain Accounting in the Nicholls College of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Houma on Nov. 28, 2015, and Tax Services and was Education from 1988 until she was a mathematician and at age 37. A member of Phi a past president of the his death.

Mu sorority, she worked as computer programmer.

Terrebonne Parish School a speech therapist for the Board.

Dr. Glenn Swetman of Biloxi, Charles “T-Joe” John Boyne (BS Terrebonne Parish School Mississippi, on March 10, System, a private therapist ’77) of Houma on Dec. 20, 2016, at age 79. A U.S. Army and a CrossFit instructor.

2015, at age 60. A certified veteran, he taught English at public accountant, he owned Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

47

Campus Cornerstone More than Scholarships

W

hen making a contribution to Nicholls, the first thing that often comes to our minds is scholarships. As college graduates who remember our own financial struggles, we all understand the importance of ensuring that today’s students can afford to earn degrees, live in the residence halls, become active in campus organizations or even travel abroad. And now with the uncertainty surrounding TOPS, the need for scholarship dollars has grown even more important.

While scholarships are certainly the bread and butter of the Nicholls Foundation, they are far from the only option to make a lasting impact on the lives of future Colonels. Capital One has recently partnered with the Nicholls Foundation to provide additional faculty training and resources for freshman-level core classes. Early results are showing that the investment in revamping freshman math classes, for example, is leading to higher student pass rates, retention and overall student success. Thanks to many of our donors, the Nicholls Foundation now funds 58 faculty professorships along with two endowed chairs. By providing the financial resources for Nicholls to recruit and retain its best faculty and fund faculty research and professional development opportunities, our supporters are helping improve the academic experience for hundreds, if not thousands, of Nicholls students.

This fall, the Nicholls Foundation was honored to reopen the renovated Mary and Al Danos Theater and humbled by the $1 million donation from the Danos Family Foundation to keep the theater in pristine condition for generations to come. This donor-and statefunded facility will not only improve the college experience for music, theater and journalism students but will also bring artistic and cultural performances to the entire campus and community.

On behalf of the Nicholls Foundation, I would like to thank all of you for your ongoing support and commitment to Nicholls State University. It is because of your generosity that our regional university continues to thrive and attract talented students who become our region’s future nurses, teachers, accountants, doctors, chefs and business leaders. As you consider your gift this year, I encourage you to contact the Nicholls Advancement Office at 985-448-4005 to discuss how your donation can leave a lasting legacy and help generations of Colonels to come.

Your gifts IN ACTION More than

2,000 people

donated over

$2 million

to NICHOLLS in 2015-16

282 scholarships worth

OVER $259,000 awarded this year to students from the Nicholls Foundation

17

first-generation endowed scholarships now offered

58

faculty professorships and

2 endowed chairs supported by the Foundation

Sincerely,

Christopher H. Riviere (BS ’78) President, Nicholls Foundation

Over $20,000 raised at the

2016 Sponsor A+ Scholar Food & Wine Tasting Extravaganza 48 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

Honor Roll Includes gifts to the university from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.

Multiple efforts have been made to publish an accurate, comprehensive list. Please call 985.448.4134 to report an error or omission.

$10,000 & ABOVE James Alexander Anheuser-Busch, Inc. AT&T Bollinger Shipyards Billy Brown Glenny Lee Buquet Capital One Bank Crawfish Agape International Crescent Crown Distributing Susan Crosby Daneco, LLC Divinity Home Health Services, LLC Duplantis Design Group, PC Nick & Elaine Fry Galliano Marine Service, LLC Patricia Gautreaux Jubilee: A Festival of the Arts & Humanities Ruth Kohler Henry & Kim Lafont Major Equipment and Remediation Thomas Meyer R.E. “Bob” Miller Charles & Melanie Monier Morgan City Oilfield Fishing Rodeo Bruce & Jeanne Murphy Lew & Linda Myers Nicholls State University Alumni Federation Otto Candies, LLC Wayne Patten Cynthia Poskey Raising Cane’s USA, LLC REJ Properties Rouses Enterprises, LLC Shamrock Energy Solutions Synergy Bank Terrebonne General Medical Center The Giardina Family Foundation The Greater New Orleans Foundation The Lorio Foundation The Peltier Foundation UBS Financial Services, Inc. Voya Insurance and Annuity Company

$5,000 TO $9,999 2015 Las Vegas Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament All Aboard America! Holdings, Inc. Amerigroup Corporation Magnus Arceneaux Michael & Christine Bourgeois Brett Candies Rita Candies Central Boat Rentals, Inc. Kirt Chouest Chris Fakier Insurance Agency,

Inc./Farm Bureau Insurance Roy Daigle & Kathryn Gradle Todd Danos Brian Desselles Gordon Dove Jr. Foundation Betty Kleen Jeramy Meacham Monsanto Fund Morris P. Hebert, Inc. New Orleans Wine & Food Experience Norman Swanner Big Boy Fund, Inc. Joe & Judith Owens Paradigm Investment Group, LLC Peoples Drug Store Inc. Peoples Health Network Rotolo’s of Thibodaux SEACOR Marine, LLC William Smith Southeast Ag Services, LLC Bryon Talbot U.S. International Media

$1,000 TO $4,999 A&G Refrigeration, Inc. Academy Sports + Outdoors Advanced Graphic Products, Inc. Ardoin, McKowen & Ory, LLC Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. ASI Federal Credit Union Ray Autrey Jay Baker Ron & Jackie Bartels B.A.S.S., LLC Jane Bernard Michelle Bernard Beyer, Stagni & Co. Big D Farms of Luling, LLC Lester & Laverne Bimah Birdsall Plaza, LLC Block Law Firm Andrea Bollinger Charlotte Bollinger David Boudreaux L. Vernon Bourgeois Tina Bown Clara Brady Brandmuscle Brinker International Deirdre Broussard Chapman Burguieres Burke Thibodaux Wings, LLC Hugh Caffery Charles Michael Callais Harold & Kristen Callais William & Alice Calloway Campaign Sports, LLC Cantrelle Apartments, LLC Leona Cantrelle Cardiovascular Institute of the South

CAT Enterprises (McDonald’s) Danny & Belinda Cavell ChemConnections M.J. Cheramie Leslie & Sandra Clement Anna Lisa Coats Charles Comeaux Community Foundation of Acadiana Conrad’s Family Foundation Daniel Conrad Crowning Exterminating, Inc. Kenneth Cruse CTR Football, LLC Cycle World Daigle, Himel, Daigle Physical Therapy Center Garret Hank Danos Emily D’Arcangelo Alfred Delahaye Glenn & Nancy Diedrich John Doucet Leonard Duhe’ Daniels Duplantis David Duplantis Steven Dupuis Alexis Duval E Healthcare Eatel Entergy Corporation Marguerite Knight Erwin Tommy & Sheri Eschete David Falcon Marie Falgoust Quentin Falgoust John Ferrara First American Bank Mark Folse David Fuhrer Jacob Giardina Eugene Gouaux Lee Guarisco Grace Gueydan Gregory & Brenda Hamer Elliott Harold Chad Hebert Julie Hebert Leo Hebert Lauren Henry Jason Higgins Bill Hochstetler Hooters of Louisiana, LLC Lionel de la Houssaye Randall Howard Larry Howell Lucas Huddleston Edward Hymel III International U.S. Media Jamie Bouterie Investments, Inc. JLB Properties of Lafourche, LLC JMB Partnership, LLC Joe’s Septic Contractors, Inc. Jones Insurance Services, LLC

John J. Jones Jr. Joshua Jones Mary Jones Kevin Gros Offshore, LLC Peter Knoop Kohler Foundation, Inc. Judith Kountoupis L&M Botruc Rental, Inc. Toby Lafont Tony Lafont Lancescaping, LLC Deborah Landry Tommy Landry Mark Lane Christian Lapeyre LCD Management, LLC Lori LeBlanc Dawn Ledet Jerry Ledet Louisiana Garden Club Federation, Inc. Louisiana Lottery Louisiana Society of Professional Surveyors Education Foundation LPL Financial LSPS Every Member Campaign Lula-Westfield Ross Lundgren Neil Maki Donna Malbrough Manning Passing Academy Marvin Marmande Martin Companies, LLC Andrea McConn Guy McInnis Meredith McKoin MHIA, LLC MidSouth Bank Megan Mire Mitchell Eye Care Associates, LLC Montco Offshore Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC Morvant and Cavell MOS No. 1, LLC David Nash Northwestern Mutual Financial Network of Louisiana, LLC On-Demand Publishing, LLC Lee Orgeron Otto Candies, LLC Stephen Peltier John Perry Peter Joseph Mire Estate Picciola and Associates, Inc. Patrick Pitre Mark & DesLey Plaisance Quality Sitework Materials, Inc. Rachel Ianni Memorial Fund John Raymond Republic Finance Christopher Riviere Elizabeth Riviere Robert Riviere

William Riviere Francis Robichaux Howard Robichaux Sterling James Robichaux Salon Tropics, Inc. SCRR, LLC Sealevel Construction, Inc. Shell Oil Company Foundation Simple Value Solutions Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Inc., Delta Section Joshua Son South Louisiana Bank Southern Lodging, LLC Southland Dodge Chrysler Jeep, LLC Southland Drugs #2, Inc. Spahr’s Seafood Co., LLC Elden Spear Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency, Inc. Stranco Rental, LLC Terrebonne Motor Co. The Center for Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine The Gray Foundation The Sanford Foundation Laura Theriot Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Brandie Toups Duane Toups Trapp Cadillac, Chevrolet, Inc. Lori Trotti Unifirst Holdings, Inc. Bruce Vicknair John Waldrop Walk-Ons Enterprises Neal & Kristi Weaver Michael Wiedemann Kenneth Wood

$500-$999 A & R Floor Center, Inc. Acadia Land Surveying, LLC Robert Acosta Lawrence Albarado Nicholas Arcement Derek Atkins Donald Ayo B & J Martin, Inc. Baker Physical Therapy Clinic Jennifer Baker Alison Balfantz Gary Barbaro Barker Honda Brett Barksdale Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC Andrew Bergeron Louise Bonin Booster, LLC

Chester Boudreaux Bourgeois Bennett LLC Hannis Bourgeois Roger Bourgeois Dean Bourque Andre Brunet Sonya Buccola Patsy Burt Mike Callahan Nicklus Caplenor Carroll P. Folse Jr. Insurance Agency, LLC CFG Co./Contractors Specialty Norby Chabert Charles C. Theriot & Company, CPAs, LLC Rene Cheramie Perry Chiasson Chic Chateau Interiors William Christensen Kathleen Daigle Trent Degruise Delta Music Co., Inc. Delta Zeta Michael & Linda Detillier Eugene & Brenda Dial Ralph Dicharry Doctors Flynn-ManceauxArcement-Pizzolato-Porche of Thibodaux Logan Doughtery Rachel Dufrene Robert Dumas Ruble Encalade Energy Marine Services Eric Andolsek Charitable Fund, Inc. Michael Fakier Woody Falgoust Nolan Falgout J. Robert Field FLW Outdoors James Fontenot Gallagher Basset Services, Inc. Michael Gautreaux Kristie Goulas Richard & Julie Grabert Craig Guidry Mary Guidry Hugh Hamilton Herbert Hodovsky Alaina Hood Patricia Hotard Houma-Thibodaux Automobile Dealers Association Houma-Thibodaux Spine & Rehab, LLC Brooke Huddleston Michael Kieffer Marilyn Kilgen Jordan Lagarbo Shelly Lajaunie Ashleigh Lambiotte

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

49

Campus Cornerstone CORPORATE MARK OF HONOR

Making Their Mark on Campus Architecture

Y

ou don’t have to look very far to see the influence of the Duplantis Design Group on the Nicholls campus.

The engineering and architectural firm has played a key role in renovations to Ellender Memorial Library, Talbot Hall, the Mary and Al Danos Theater, Galliano Dining Hall, Stopher Gymnasium and the Ledet Culinary Arts Building.

Because of their historic impact on the campus architecture, the Thibodaux-based company received the Corporate Mark of Honor at the 2016 Nicholls Alumni Awards for Excellence banquet.

During the awards ceremony, Nicholls President Dr. Bruce Murphy praised CEO David Duplantis for his contributions to Nicholls over the years, including his support for the Nicholls Alumni Federation and Athletics Department as well as his company’s sponsorship and promotion of Nicholls events in the community.

“The Corporate Mark of Honor Award is presented to those who show a strong support of Nicholls,” Murphy says. “Thanks to the corporate support of generous donors like Duplantis Design, Nicholls continues to successfully carry out our mission.”

A Thibodaux native, Duplantis says he was humbled and honored when Nicholls first approached him about the honor.

“You don’t do this for the award,” Duplantis Cindy Larpenter Latter & Blum, Inc. C.J. Landry Darrin Loup M.A. Patout & Son, LLC M C Bank Jan McVicker John Melancon Patricia Melancon Samuel Meredith Mike Bernard Consulting, LLC New York Life Insurance Nicholls International Community William Oliver Byron Oncale Onshore Materials, LLC Artie Ourso Terry Parks Michelle Pellegrin

Rebecca Pennington Petroleum Club of Nicholls Jay Pitre Monica Portier Professional Equipment Services, LLC Richard Pumphrey Quatro Macho Outfitters, LLC Balaji Ramachandran Lisa Ray Francis Richard Doug Robichaux Benjamin Roth Easton Roth Paige Roussel Steven Sauce Ross Schexnayder Lara Seamon Andrew Simoncelli

50 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

Employees at Duplantis Design Group pose outside of their headquarters in Thibodaux. The company was awarded the Corporate Mark of Honor from the Nicholls Alumni Federation because of their campus support and architectural impact.

says from his office, which is adorned with Nicholls memorabilia. “You do these things because as a successful company in this community, we have an obligation to help in any way we can. Obviously, supporting our local university is very high on our priority list.”

Founded in 1997 by Duplantis, DDG began as a civil engineering firm with one office in Thibodaux. Nearly two decades later, the company has grown into a multi-disciplinary regional firm that has expanded to offer

architectural and landscape services with additional offices in Covington, Baton Rouge, Houma and Houston.

Duplantis describes Nicholls as one of the Bayou Region’s gems that attracts new residents and business to the area.

“I hold Nicholls in high regard and to receive this honor from the university is a special moment,” Duplantis says. “It’s recognition that our company has chosen to be a significant player in our community.” – Jacob Batte

Karen Sinibaldi Novella Smith Sodexo, Inc. & Affiliates Southern Colonial Homes, Inc. Southland Steel & Supply, LLC State Farm Companies Foundation–Princeton Glynn Stephens Greg & Monica Stock T. Baker Smith, LLC Wilbert Tauzin TBS Spark Foundation Christopher & Mary Terracina The Bedford Group, LLC The James Agency, LLC Charles Theriot Cheryl Thibodaux Thibodaux Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic

Alicia Babin Lonny Babin Richard Barker Mike & Veronica Bednarz Susan Bergeron Harold Block Claire Bourgeois Constance Bourgeois Jean Bourgeois Bubba’s II Poboys Business First of Baton Rouge Donald Callais Capital Appraisal Service of Thibodaux, LLC Carrot Patch Health Food Store Cenac Towing Co. Century 21 Acadia Realty, Inc. Camile Chiasson

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center Corey Thomas Touchstone Center, LLC Toups Insurance Agency Tucker Pool Service Voyager Travel, Inc. Waste Connections, Inc. Elizabeth Wigginton David Wolfe Sonia Zeringue

$250-$499 American Society of Associated Executives Amy Falcon Insurance Agency, Inc. Annette Arboneaux Gregory Aucoin

Margaret Chouest Creative Art Academy Albert & Mary Davis Michael Davis Bart Denys Roberta Dickerson Milton Donegan Helen Dufrene Enterprise Marine Services, LLC Louis Erwin Carroll Falcon Silas Gonzales Gordon E. Dove Gossen-Holloway & Associates Lynn Guidry Bobby Hebert Audie Hymel Tiffany Hymel

J.B. Levert Foundation, Inc. J. Peter Johnson Anna Keller Marilyn Kilgen Frank Kolwe Joseph Kolwe KP Services of Louisiana, LLC Lafourche Sugars, LLC Lafourche Telephone Co., LLC Lanaux & Felger, CPAs, APC Tamera Landry James Leonard Stephanie Leonard Little Dreamers Childcare and Preschool Wes & Betsy Magee Marrero Land & Improvement Association, Ltd. Edmund McCollam Cecily McMahan Meche Investments, LLC Sharon Miller Morgan Stanley Motiva Enterprises Lucy Naquin Leslie Ogden Cidney Ordoyne James Oretgo Patrick Parenton JP & Renee Piper Lisa Pitre Jimmy Ponder Porteous, Hainkel, Johnson & Sarpy, LLP Postlethwaite & Netterville Judy Quinilty R.C. Houma Group (Buffalo Wild Wings) Rick’s Fitness Center Tommy Ridgley Donny & Kara Rouse RPM Pizza, LLC (Domino’s) Diane Saadi S.A.L. Investments, Inc. (Chevron Express #3) John Sirois Claudette Smith Southland Conference Everett Stapler Kim Tarver Rene Theriot Erica Thomas Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, LLC Travis Gravois Insurance Agency, LLC Stephen Watson Michael Wehby Velma Westbrook Tony Whited Curtis Zeringue

$100-$249 Acadia, Inc. Ashley Adams Advance Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, LLC Lee Amedee Edward Angelloz Anna Falcon Medical, LLC Brittany Arabie B.W. Capps & Son, Inc. Mame Ba Damon Baldone Laynie Barrilleaux Robin Bell Debra Benoit Sheard Ber Jason Bergeron Scott Bergeron Adrian Bernard Debra Bertrand Mary Blackburn Carol Blanchard Elise Blanchard Anthony Bonadona Benjamin Bordelon Sheila Boudreaux Ellis Braud Rickey Broussard Wesley Brown David Buckmeier Marcia Budreau Tommy Bullington Brandy Burbante Gretchen Caillouet Patricia Caillouet Cantrelle Ventures, Inc. Edward Catoire Cheramie & Stentz, APLC Rollin Clark William Clements John Clune Johnny Conrad Laura Coogan Melba Council Scott Council Tyler Crouch Dabs Properties, Inc. James Dagate Lenita Davis Monica Decker Ashly Delatte Rick Delcoure Dixon Golf, Inc. Therese Dobard Donnes Real Estate, Inc. Dub Downing Duane & Lisa Duet Karen Dufrene Jennifer Dunn Marcia Duplan Tyler Duplantis Lance Dupuis

Carey Ecl Allen Ellender F. Andrew Ellis Enterprise Products Stapler Everett Nolan Falgout Michael Felterman Final Finishers, LLC Raymond Folse Annette Fontana Betty Ford Lance Ford Meca Foret Alexa Frampton Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Alison Frost FSU Foundation, Inc. Scott Gauthreaux Anthony Giardina James Goff Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School Debra Graham Bianca Green John & Allene Green Marcia Griffis Robert Grimm Harley & Nell Gros Kathleen Gros Jude Guidry William Gunnell Ben & Melanie Harang Charles Harigel Michael Hartman Ramona Hartman Thomas Hartman Boyd Hebert Rusty Hebert Amanda Helm Henry Enterprises Inc. (Daniel’s Fast Food Restaurant) William Hidalgo Jane Higgins Burl Hill Obie Cleveland Hill James Hoffmann Robert Thomas Holden Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi HTV 10 Stephen & Becky Hulbert Sharon Hymel Jackie Jackson Jackson’s Bayou Boys Alice James Elizabeth James Joseph P. Kolwe, CPA JP Morgan Chase C. A. Junot Just N Time Lawn Services, LLC Edwin Kalke Jordan Karst Mary Kees Donna Kelsey

The Nicholls graphic design lab received a $50,000 renovation thanks to a donation from the Lou & Dane Ledet family and a matching grant. Art students now have access to new iMac computers, inkjet printers and a 3-D motion graphics editing area.

From left are Nicholls President Bruce Murphy; Becky Bonnecarrere; Jeanne-Claire Carrere; Dane Ledet Jr.; Lou Ledet; Jean Donegan, head of the Nicholls art department; Dawn Ledet; Francesca Ledet and Cinda Ledet.

Pamela Kivett Donovan Kliebert Klondyke Mini Mart Walter Kraskowski Vic Lafont John Lajaunie Craig Landry Charles LeBlanc Dalton Leblanc Daryl LeBlanc Holly LeBlanc David Leboeuf Lance Lejeune Kenneth Lewis Little Caesar’s of Houma, Inc. Cornelious Lynch Hansel Mabile Thomas Mahfouz O’Neil Malbrough Glenn Manceaux Bobby & Lesley Marcello Martin & Pellegrin, CPAs Merrick Matthews Ann-Michelle Maxwell Stephanie McCollum Ross McWhorter Helene Melancon Joy Menard Milford & Associates, Inc. Eddie Molloy Devin Morrill D’Ann Morris John Morris Christopher Murrill Jeannette Naquin Paula Nunez Carley Olden Baylor Ordoyne Dirk Ory Bryan Paille George Parker

Allison Passman Alice Pecoraro Performance Contractors Diane Peters Robert Petty Nicholas Plaisance David & Amy Ponson Kenneth Portier Chris Raymond Debbie Raziano John Rea Lauri Reese Regions Bank Regions Morgan Keegan Trust Lori Richard Rene Richard Robichaux Ford Michael Robinson Gwain Roundtree Kristine Russell Rachel Rutter Scott Sewell Julie Shermer Harry Shields Roy Simpson Andrea Smith John Soignet Vivian Solar Bill Spear Spurcon, LLC St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church Leo Sternfels Stockard James, LLC Mark Stoker Cornelia Stone Deborah Sweatman Shirley Talbert Mark Taylor Thomas Taylor The Source Group CBO, LLC Alice Thompson

Daniel Tompkins Traci Patin Real Estate, LLC Jonathan Triggs University Honors Program Leandra Valdez Danny Vannatta Clyde & Stephanie Verdin Andrew Vodicka Bonnie Walters Karen Watson Linda Weaver John Weimer Nott Wheeler Beth Wheeler-Dean Larry Williams Veronica Williams Laurie Witt Faye Wuestney Rachel Yezak Michael Zerlin

$1-$99 Joyce Aaron Caitlin Abadie Roberta Abbott Justin Abshire Acadia Agricultural Holdings, LLC Joycelyn Acosta Sammi Acosta Sydney Acosta Action Insurance Agency Abby Adams Colby Adams Denise Adams Dustin Adams Jessica Adams Louise Adams Michael Adams Rosemary Adams Ryan Adams

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Campus Cornerstone Tiffany Adams Tiffany K. Adams Elaine Adolph Kristen Ahearn Barbara Aikens Sofiane Aili Tyler Alario Brennan Albarado Emily Albert Ora Albert Janice Albright Constance Alex D’Lane Alexander Judy Alfred Linda Alfred Andree’ Alleman Carla Alleman Hunter Alleman Iris Alleman Peggy Alleman Ashley Allemand Bruce Allemand Nicky Allemand Tommy Allemand Austin Allen Brandie Allen Miyosha Allen McKenna Aloisio Jan Alvarez Alissa Amedee Katy Ampe Catherine Anderson Jacob Anderson Louis Andolsek Justin Andras Janeicia Andrews Debra Anselmi Kristen Anselmi David Antilley Sadie Arabie Alyssa Arcement Paige Arcement Adeline Arceneaux Allyson Arceneaux Christopher Arceneaux Erin Arceneaux Lawrence Arceneaux Ryan Arceneaux Jessica Archer Annmarie Ardoin Tanei Armendariz Brandi Armstrong Sarah Arnouville Asia Ashley Amy Ashton Ashleigh Aubin Alyse Aucoin Cammie Aucoin Cynthia Aucoin Debra Aucoin Haley Aucoin Kayla Aucoin Marcia Aucoin

Renee’ Aucoin Waletta August Leslie Austin Amy Authement Azilda Authement Dale Authement Dexter Authement James Authement Jobe Authement Alisha Autin Bryant Autin Sean Autin Terry Autin Hannah-Marie Avants Brittany Avet Sharon Ayers Aaron Ayme Adam Ayme Allison Ayo Jennifer Ayo Susan Aysen Tila Aytch-Henderson Yaye Ba Amber Babin Ashley Babin Barbara Babin Dianne Babin Henry Babin Jessica Babin Michael Babin Michele Babin Jack Bach Margo Badeaux Denise Badgerow Anthony Baham Elizabeth Baham Chelsi Bailey Scottie Bailey Nathalie Ballansaw Dwayne Ballard Michael Ballard Kellie Bani-Saaid Christy Banks Alyse Barclay Charlene Barker Cheryl Barker Austin Barksdale Bryan Barnes Eric Barnes Tiffany Barnhart Demian Barrancotto Kassie Barrancotto M.L. Anthony Barreto-Neto Beth Barrilleaux Brianne Barrilleaux Donald Barrilleaux Stephanie Barrilleaux Russell Barrios Thomas Barrios Alexis Barthelemy Jack Barton Claire Bates Lauren Batiz

52 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

Rachael Battaglia Larry Baudoin Marie Baudoin Gloria Baudouin Jordan Baugh Lauren Bayhi Wiesha Baytop Lisa Beam Alyssa Beard Lauren Beaudean Lynn Beaudean Brooke Becho Dawn Becker Linda Becker Alexander Becnel Anne Becnel Celia Becnel Christopher Becnel Connie Becnel Lona Becnel Melanie Becnel Whitney Becnel Brian Bednarz Kaitlin Beier Britany Bell George Bell Kellee Bell Shalan Bell Terra Bell William Bell Jared Bellow Jason Ben Illouz Donna Benda Lindsay Bennett Alexandra Benoit Betty Benoit Christopher Benoit Constance Benoit Diamond Benoit Earl Benoit Edgar Benoit Ian Benoit Leah Benoit Maria Benoit Rachel Benoit Samuel Benoit Tracy Benoit Kacie Benson Bradley Ber Andrew Bergdahl Brock Berger Adria Bergeron Alicia Bergeron Anastasia Bergeron Andrew Bergeron Annette Bergeron Blayne Bergeron Brandon Bergeron Candace Bergeron Carey Bergeron Chelsie Bergeron Heidi Bergeron Jo Anne Bergeron

Karen Bergeron Krista Bergeron Lydia Bergeron Madelyn Bergeron Roy Bergeron Sarah Bergeron Steven Bergeron Susan Bergeron Brian Berlin Avery Bernard Brittany Bernard Dawn Bernard James Bernard Natalie Bernard Ray Bernard Rob Bernardi Cally Berner Kim Berthelot Charles Berthelot Stephen Berthelot Kayla Bertucci Danielle Besson Joan Beverlin Ian Bigelow Jason Bilello Karen Bilello Adam Billiot Grace Billiot Rebecca Billiot Stephen Billiot Walter Billiot Benton Bimah Mary Lynn Bisland Andri Bjornsson Kara Blackmon Sue Blakeman Cody Blanchard Dalton Blanchard Donald Blanchard Joshua Blanchard Kayli Blanchard Laini Blanchard Lauren Blanchard Nicole Blanchard Orland Blanchard Elizabeth Block Sabrina Bodenheimer Brandon Bolden Kent Bollfrass Katherine Bollinger Nicholas Bond Lewis Bonfanti Luis Bonilla Christopher Bonvillain Dianne Bonvillain Kirby Bonvillain Lawrence Bonvillain Marion Bonvillain Maureen Bonvillain Marikate Book Ramaraj Boopathy Shelbi Booth Emily Booty

John Bordelon Lauren Bordelon Charles Borne Gregory Borne Jason Borne Lizzy Borne Nicole Bosch June Bouchereau Alicia Boudreaux Benjamin Boudreaux Britni Boudreaux Calvin Boudreaux Delaune Boudreaux Denise A. Boudreaux Denise L. Boudreaux Hailey Boudreaux Jennifer Boudreaux Jeremy Boudreaux Joe Boudreaux, Jr. Kayley Boudreaux Krystal Boudreaux Sean Boudreaux Shirley Boudreaux Tana Boudreaux Terry Boudreaux Thomas Boudreaux Trevor Boudreaux Trixy Boudreaux Amber Bouffanie Henri Boulet Mary Bounds Carrie Bourg Charles Bourg Christopher Bourg Kenny Bourg Allison Bourgeois Andrew Bourgeois Brad Bourgeois Chad Bourgeois Charles Bourgeois Darren Bourgeois Gretchen Bourgeois Jennifer Bourgeois Jeremy Bourgeois Justin Bourgeois Kristy Bourgeois Koethe Bourgeois Leah Bourgeois Matthew Bourgeois Maude Bourgeois Morgan Bourgeois Olivia Bourgeois Randy Bourgeois Sara Bourgeois Sunny Bourgeois Whitney Bourgeois Anne-Sophie Bousselet Mary Anne Bouterie Nicholas Boutte Brette Bouvier Cambria Bouzigard Melody Boyd Harry Boyer, Jr.

Michael Boykin Janel Boylan Amanda Boylson Jose’ Bran Kim Brannagan Magan Brasher Brandy Braud Donna Braud Ellis Braud Shauna Braud Peggy Brazan Bradley Breaux Courtni Breaux Eden Breaux Johnene Breaux Joshua Breaux Kelly Breaux Monica Breaux Paige Breaux Robert Breaux David Breerwood Loretta Brehm Dean Breindel Rebecca Brennan Michelle Brien Brittny Briggs Anee Briglio Isla Brock Matthew Brodnax Kathleen Broggi Beau Brooks Chaundell Brouillette Carol Broussard Catherine Broussard Daniel Brown Fabiola Brown Gregory Brown Jaslyn Brown Jason Brown Kimberly Brown Lesli Brown Marissa Brown Shairda Brown Valenchia Brown Alisha Bruce Andrea Brunet Derek Brunet Justin Brunet Jeanette Bruno Mary Bujol Megan Burgess Ava Burks Ansely Burrell Dianna Burrell Patricia Burt Erin Busby Cindy Butler Laura Butts Airin Byrd Aja Byrd David Caillet Stephen Caldarera Rowland Caldwell

Bayou Community Comes Together to Help Nicholls Students Affected by Flooding

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magine sitting on top of a truck surrounded by water in your driveway with only your pets and loved ones. You’ve lost most of what you own and your surrounding neighbors and their families are going through the same experience.

This past August, that was a reality for Jessalyn Bourgeois (BS ’13), a Denham Springs resident who teaches at Gonzales Middle School and is pursuing a master’s at Nicholls.

“I’ve got our dogs, my fiancé, and I’m hoping that someone will come down the street and rescue us,” Bourgeois recalls. “We had a neighbor that went in to inspect how bad the flooding was. He was on a four-wheeler and had to stop when the water was above his elbows.”

In a rush to evacuate, Bourgeois only managed to grab a few bags with her teaching supplies. “The only things I have left are what I was rescued with,” she says.

The 1,000-year flood damaged more than 40,000 homes in the Baton Rouge area and killed 10 people, leading to an outpouring of help from the rest of the state.

Bourgeois and many other Nicholls students were among the hundreds of thousands whose lives were affected by the disaster.

In an effort to ease some of the burden from returning students and their families, Nicholls raised $10,000 with the Emergency Flood Relief

Stacy Calhoun Lionel Callahan Susan Callahan Alyssa Callais Lee Callais Clinton & Amy Campo Gina Campos Heather Cancienne Ashia Cannon Victoria Cantrell David Carbo Natalia Cardiff James Carmouche Kevin Caro Ashley Carpenter Jacob Carpenter Patricia Carrier Ronald Carrier Stacie Carrier Victoria Cart Fallon Carte Ben Carter

Rebekah Casey Erika Cashio Mariah Casimier Courtney Cassard Cynthia Cassard Amelia Castell Manuel Castillo Jerisha Castine Blake Whitehead Jeremy Caudle Jeffery Causey Kaci Cavalier Lacee Cavalier John Cavan Stephen Cazalot Steven & Jennifer Cazenave Gabriella Celestin Felix Cerna Joan Chadwick Hayden Chadwick Alexis Chaisson Ashley Chaisson

Fund, an online crowdsourcing fundraiser to help affected students pay for books and school supplies and replace clothing and other necessary items.

Many of the inundated homes were without flood insurance. Sophomore nursing student Madeline Kohan, a St. Amant native, had to move her grandparents and father into her Thibodaux apartment, and is worried more about her family than she is herself.

“The flood relief fund helped me get the textbooks I needed without my family having to struggle and worry about where they would get the money or how they’ll rebuild the house because they have to buy me things for school,” Kohan says. “They’ve never let me suffer and have always gotten me nice things, but we’re never going to have that anymore and, quite frankly, I’m worried if they’re going to have the things they need.”

Support for the fundraiser poured in quickly.

Bayou residents donated online and purchased $10 jambalaya plate lunches from the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute.

But aid streamed in from out-of-state as well.

Nicholls’ first football opponent, the University of Georgia, encouraged their own community to chip in.

It was four days after the flooding when Jarrell Rogers finally heard from his family.

The rains had knocked out the phones where Samantha Chaisson Valerie Chaisson Alice Champagne Melvin Champagne Tess Champagne Casey Chance Rhonda Chance Derra Charles Destinee Charles Ashlyn Charlet Tysman Charpentier Amie Chauvin Brittany Chauvin Candace Chauvin Chelsea Chauvin Elizabeth Chauvin Fallon Chauvin Jude Chauvin Kattie Chauvin Linda Chauvin Megan Chauvin Victoria Chauvin

Kelsey Cheatham Kim Cheesebrough Katie Chenier Brent Cheramie Jackie Cheramie Karen Cheramie Sissy Cheramie Tammy Cheramie Amanda Chiasson Crystal Chiasson Desirae Chiasson Donald Chiasson Emily Chiasson Mark Chiasson Ricky Chiasson Taylor Chiasson Tyler Chiasson Joseph Chircop Ronald Chludil Allison Christen Lacey Christensen Marissa Cisneros

The Nicholls community rallied together to assist Baton Rouge flood victims in August.

Nicholls student-athletes volunteered their time in Baton Rouge while the university raised more than $10,000 to help Colonels who had been affected by the floods.

the Nicholls sophomore wide receiver grew up in Baton Rouge. Safe in Thibodaux, he spent the early days of fall camp worried about his family.

“It’s great for the community to come together like this for us,” Rogers says. “For most of us, this is all we have: a college education, a chance to come to Nicholls State, to wear this jersey, to wear this N.” – Jacob Batte Alissa Clark Lyonesha Clark Sylvia Clark Colleen Clarke Mary Clausen Effie Clayton Cammie Claytor Amber Clement Claire Clement Louise Clement Nikki Clement Pamela Clement Jessica Coates Adam Cobb Amy Cobb Clothilde Cobert Aaron Coffman Patricia Coffman Monique Cole Rachante Colebrook Danielle Coleman Denise Collins

Marty Collins Tyler Collins Denice Collinson Jorden Comardelle Benjamin Comeaux Donna Comeaux Edward Comeaux Ashley Comeaux-Foret Jill Compeaux Kim Conces Justin Conklin Kathryn Connell John Constant Stephanie Constant Shaneka Cooks Sharon Cooley De’Janiero Cooper Keslie Copeland Brittney Cortez Carla Cortez Dillon Cortez Ferdina Cortez

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Campus Cornerstone HARVEY PELTIER AWARD

Thibodaux Regional CEO Strengthens Bonds with Nicholls

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In his tenure as CEO, Greg Stock has not only expanded Thibodaux Regional Medical Center but also strengthened its partnership with Nicholls.

Trey Cortez Victoria Corzine Leonard Cotte Adrian Craft Frank Crifasi Gail Crochet Monique Crochet Tyler Crouch Martha Culotta Cynthia Cunningham Kirsten Cunningham Randall Cunningham Alex Cuntz Whitney Curole Kourtney Curry Lakeisha Curry Tisheata Curry Allison Curth Robert Czeck D & S Enterprises, Ltd Blake Daigle Ellen Daigle Gloria Daigle Gregory Daigle Jacob Daigle

Joel Daigle Justin Daigle Katelyn Daigle Kristen Daigle Natalie Daigle Victoria Daigle Nicole Damen Kaylie Daniels Allen Danos Toni Danos Larry D’Antoni Klarisse Darby Runiqa Darby Jessica Darensbourg Michael Darnell Marvin Daspit Chelsea Davaine Ann David Jerad & Christy David Judy David Sarah Daviet Mary Davis Betsy Davis Brandon Davis Christopher Davis

54 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

ocated mere minutes from each other, Nicholls State University and Thibodaux Regional Medical Center have been partners for years. But Greg Stock has taken that collaborative relationship to another level.

Since becoming president and CEO of Thibodaux Regional in 1990, Stock has lent his support by investing in the Nicholls nursing program, especially during nursing shortages; providing meals for student-athletes during the holidays; sponsoring campus events; and personally serving on the College of Business Executive Advisory Board. In 2014, Thibodaux Regional became the official sports medicine provider of Nicholls Athletics — a gamechanging partnership for both organizations.

As part of the agreement, Thibodaux Regional’s certified athletic trainers provide sports medicine services to Colonel student-athletes during practices, competitions and games.

Recognizing his contributions, the Nicholls Alumni Federation honored Stock with the 2016 Harvey Peltier Award, the highest recognition Eric Davis Jacquelyn Davis Kolten Davis Stephanie Davis John de la Bretonne II Krystal Dean Monica Debetaz Chasen Deese Allyson Dehart Kalena-Sue Dehart Jessica Dehnke Brittany Delatte Carol Delatte Jeanne Delatte Lucille Delatte Lynn Delatte Ryan Delatte Cheri Delaune Kristy Delaune Murphy Delaune Linda Delcambre Cynthia Delise Kelly Demarco Thomas Dempsey Heather Dempster

Sara Dempster Marcia Denning Charles Dennis Sierra Dennis Beverly Denonovich Kerri Denoux David Deroche Katie Deroche Kristi Deroche Tyla Deroche Raymund Desentz Keri Desselle Georges Detiveaux Lani Detiveaux Ann Dettman Tyra Devare Andrew Diaz Todd Diaz Rita Dickie Raymond Didier Chalayne Dies Diamond Dillard Gabrielle Dinger Lan Do Jeff Dodd

given to a non-graduate of Nicholls.

“Nicholls is such an important part of this area,” Stock says. “It’s critical. If we only could trace the downstream benefits of the university itself and of all the people who graduated from it. We see it in healthcare, and that’s just one segment.”

Thibodaux Regional employs over 250 Nicholls graduates — from nurses and physicians to accountants and IT professionals.

“Under his leadership, Thibodaux Regional has grown in size, reputation and performance,” says Monique Crochet, executive director of Nicholls alumni and external affairs. “His collaborative management style, easy-going manner, sense of humor and ability to challenge his staff to perform at their very best enables him to continue achieving and earning the loyalty and respect of others. Greg not only realizes the importance of Nicholls in our community and the region it serves, but he also does his best to assist us in achieving our mission and providing better opportunities for our students.” — Stephanie Verdin Dalton Dodich Nico Doggett Angelle Doiron Brooks Domangue Dallas Domangue Kelsey Domangue Gonellie Domingue Danette Dominique Harlie Dominique Jared Dominique Jasmin Dominique Schae Dominique Chao Dong Robyn Donnell Margot Donnes Zachary Dornier Adam Doucet Kaylie Doucet Margaret Doucet Matthew Douglas Quenell Douglas Linden Dousay Terri Draper Lloyd Dressel Tiffany Droz-Bartholet

Leigha Duay Nancy Dubin Richard Dubus Rhonda Ducote Joshua Dudley Jace Duet Demi Duffy Cheri Dufour Tiffani Dufren Barry Dufrene Cody Dufrene Dylan Dufrene Mark Dufrene Robert Dufrene Tori Dufrene Blair Dufresne Casie Dufresne Justin Dufresne Tabitha Dugal Annelle Dugas Mona Dugas Paulette Dugas Taylor Dugruise Kasi Duhe Michelle Duhe

Joseph Dullary Eliska Dumas Christopher Duncan Sean Duncan Robert Dunn Casey Duplantis Jayme Duplantis Jordan Duplantis Kaley Duplantis Kathleen Duplantis Scott Duplantis Terese Duplantis Thomas Duplantis Valerie Duplantis Albert Dupont Amber Dupre Corey Dupre Faith Dupre Maryssa Dupre Dorian Durald Danielle Durocher Gerald Durocher Kathleen Durocher Wess Durocher Emily Duthu Benita Dzhurkova Glenn Earles Kaci Eaton James Eby Ronald Edgens Zachary Edgens Crisiana Edison Suma Edmonds Cindy Edrington Wesley Edwards El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant Alexander Ellender Cynthia Eshleman Jackie Este Jamie Estes Keith Estevens Mia Estevens Michael Eunice Loretta Evans Jessica Everett Seth Evers Nnamdi Ezema Brian Falgoust Gerald Falgoust Nicholas Falgoust Alayna Falgout Erica Falgout Ernest Falgout Peggy Falgout Ashley Fangue Catherine Fangue Lacey Fangue Nicholas Fangue Jennifer Fanguy Don Faucheux Hailey Faucheux Kayla Faucheux Robert Faulkner

Justin Fazzio Michelle Felterman Monique Ferdinand Tristan Fernandez Allyse Ferrara Joanne Ferriot Joseph Fertitta Blakley Fields Diamond Fields Kristen Fillmore Amy Fischer Shaquawna Fleming Chad Fletcher Katherine Fletcher Erin Flores Aric Flowers Brian Floyd Willard Foley Ashlyn Folse Beth Folse Connie Folse Stuart Folse Bryan Fonseca Matthew Fonseca Aimee Fontenot Jerrylene Fontenot Joshua Fontenot Houston Fontenot Andrea Foote Lee Foote Enjoli Ford Kevin Ford Traci Ford Alexis Foret Drew Foret Haley Foret Heather Foret Jordan Foret Joshua Foret Lindsay Foret Maci Forrestier Adele Forshag Jade Forssander Kenneth Fountain David Fournet Marcel Fournet Britney Fournier Lance Foussell Lanis Foussell Marcus Fox Rayni Francis Chelsea Frank Lakesha Franklin Chyna Frazier Alison Frederick Loma Frederick Thomas Freeman Bobbie Fremin Dononvan & Amanda Fremin Wendy Fremin Austin Frey Trever Freyer Heath Freyou

Sylvan Friedman Glenn Froisy Dianne Frost Megan Frost Jenea Fryou Wiltz Fuhrer Yolanda Funderburk Boyd Fussell Joel Fussell Nancy Gaines Benjamin Galbraith Samantha Gale Erik Galindo Mitzie Galjour Skyla Galjour Myra Gallegos Jordan Galliano Christopher Galloway Olivia Galtier Gordon Ganaway Elonah Garner Sarah Garner Shane Garnett Timothy Garrity Macey Gaspar Rhea Gaspard Ginger Gaubert Glenn Gaubert Tiffany Gaubert Bryan Gaudet Don Gaudet Henry Gaudet Kelsey Gaudet Daniel Gauthe’ Jesse Gauthier Michael Gauthier Taylor Gauthreaux Alana Gautreaux Andrew Gautreaux Brenda Gautreaux Brennan Gautreaux Dixie Gautreaux Franklin Gaylor Geraldine Gayral Lisa Gele’ Kaitlynn Gentry Alexandria George Noel George Gerald F. Arceneaux: A Professional Law Corporation Chett Gervais Ruby Gervais Katherine Gianelloni Danielle Gibbs Jonathan Gibson Lucas Gilbert Mandy Gilbert Curnika Gilmore Dawn Gilmore Janet Giroir Michael Giroir Steven Giroir Lauren Gisclair

The Morgan City Oilfield Fishing Rodeo donated $13,000 to help Nicholls improve classrooms and labs for the petroleum engineering technology and safety management program. From left are David Zerangue, Michael Gautreaux, Dr. Bruce Murphy, Tammy Stevens, Loretta Dupre, Dr. Lynn Gillette and Dr. Neal Weaver.

Ulysses Gisclair Amanda Glorioso Shanerrika Glover Samantha Godfrey Haley Golden Marla Gomez Brigid Gonzales Dex Gonzales Courtney Gorman Destiny Goss Jason Graffeo Christine Graham Jenna Graham Sean Graham Brady Granier Stephanie Granier Heloise Grant Carolyn Graugnard Colette Gravois Denis Gravois Monica Gravois Toni Gray Donald Grayson Greater Horizons Gregory Greely Lee Green Melissa Green Tyronne Green Debra Greene Kerry Gregory Matthew Gregory Alex Gremillion Aaron Griffin Damien Grillot Julie Grim Candice Grivet Arestile Gros Brandee Gros Brandon Gros Gail Gros Linda Gros Michael Gros Michele Gros Natalie Gros Paige Gros

John Grosch Gerald Gruenig Lee Guarisco Rebekah Gueho Jaime Guenard Esmeralda Guereque Alison Guerrero Daisy Guidroz Allison Guidry Brooke Guidry Kelsie Guidry Kyle Guidry Rachelle Guidry Randy Guidry Tiffany Guidry Vickie Guidry Cody Guilbeaux Jennifer Guillermo Allison Guillory Dane Guillot Jamie Guillot Jennifer Guillot Laurie Guillot Suzanne Guillot Toni Guillot Carol Gumpert Leslie Guttuso Tiffany Guy Leif Haas Abigail Hagen David Hagen Garrett Haight Kaitlyn Hall Lacie Hall Roger Hamilton Bradley Hammonds Ben Hamner Michael Hanchar Robin Haney Connie Hanna Mary Ann Harden Wydrick Harding Shannon Harper Lauren Harrington Faye Harris

Andrell Harvey Cynthia Hataway Elaine Hauler Shannon Hauler Lenette Hawk-Hill Alyce Haydel Hannah Haydel Ann Hayes Langston Hayes Linpeng He Amber Hebert Amy Hebert Ann Hebert Ashley Hebert Becky Hebert Beth Anne Hebert Billy Hebert Brett Hebert Caitlin Hebert Cole Hebert Eddie Hebert Janet Hebert Jeffery Hebert Julie Hebert Leah Hebert Madeline Hebert Mary Hebert Meagan Hebert Michael Hebert Michaela Hebert Saul Hebert Amelia Heck Michael Heck Kristin Helms David Heltz Lauryn Henderson Thomas Henderson Alison Henry Lorraine Henry Michael Henry Paris Henry Scott Henry Bryan Hernandez Taylor Hernandez Logan Hickman

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Campus Cornerstone Courtney Hicks Renee Hicks Stephanie Hightower Crystal Hill Felicia Hill Kirsten Hill Lois Hill Zack Hill Becca Himel Darren Himel Ramona Himel Colby Himes Bria Hines Alyssa Hodgeson Gina Hodgson Katharine Hoffmann Ted Hoffmann Skipper Holloway Vera Holloway Heidi Holmes Cody Hood Simone Horita Elizabeth Hornsby Julie Houbiers Patrick Howard Erica Howell Monroe Howell Chris Hubbell Anne Hudson Terrijon Hughes Rashmi Humagai Brittany Humphries Alexis Huss Frank Huss Scott Hutchinson Adrian Huval Henry Hyde Jamie Hymel Katie Hymel Matthew Hymel Octave Hymel Christine Hypolite Amanda Iland Adelyn Imbraguglio Brandon Inness Emily Irvine Joseph Isbill Dawn Isidore Elisa Istre Angele Jackson James Jackson Caitlin Jacob Derek Jambon Ileah James Larry James Rico James Taylor Janulewicz Alexander Jarrell Alison Jennings Jamie Johanson Chelsea Johnson Cornelius Johnson Desiree Johnson

Emily Johnson Jason Johnson Jonathan Johnson Kasey Johnson Kayla Johnson Kenneth Johnson Perry Johnson Paige Johnson Reyana Johnson Sara Johnson Shaloni Johnson Tremayne Johnson Emil Joller Brandi Jones Gregory Jones Kimberly Jones Mollie Jones Tonya Jones Christy Jordan Lisa Jordan Anthony Joseph Kareema Joseph Wayne Joseph Brandi Joshua Krystan Judice Shawn Jupiter Just2Kool Enterprise, LLC Christine Justilian Evan Karatzas Daryl Karpinski Laure Karquel Serge Kazadi Jennifer Kazusky Aditi KC Betty Kea Jordan Keaghey Mary Katherine Kearns John Keck Gufielle Keller Seth Keller Shawane Keller Nisbet Kelley Debrah Kelly Madeline Kelton Christopher Kennedy Todd Kennedy Meagan Kenny Andrew Kessler Samundra Kharel Rachel Kidder Rachael Kilgen Daislynn Kimball Danielle Kimble Megan Kimble Ross Kinchen Kyron King Renisha King Kelsey Kingsbery Matthew Kirby Ashlyn Kish Kevin Kittrell Eugene Kliebert Demi Kliebert

56 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

Michael Kliebert Matthieu Klitting Corey Knight Jordan Knight Kate Knight Chris Knobloch Emily Knobloch Lori Knobloch Rosalie Knobloch Briana Knuppel Frank Kolwe Lauren Kong Cari Kraemer Haley Kraemer Hunter Kraemer Tanily Kraemer April Kreamer Joanna Kreamer Hailey Labat Rene’ Labat Ricky Labat Thomas Labat Dustin Labit Jenny Lacoste Elizabeth Bergeron Ladl Susanna LaFleur Eric Lafont Tressa Lafont Colette Lagarde Emily Lagarde Tonya Lagarde Morgan Lagrue Tiffany Laird Mi Lam Adam Lamartina David Lambert Dustin Lambert Sarah Lambert Stephen Lambousy Roja Lamichhane Rebecca Lanaux Dana Lancon David Landreneau Erin Landry Frank Landry Jared Landry Jeremy Landry Kiley Landry Lydia Landry Sandy Landry Kyle Lanegrasse Alexia Laneheart Nicholas Lapeyrouse Roxane Larousse Loretta Larsen Bradley Lasseigne Todd Lasseigne Kayla Lasserre Jeffrey Latino William Lattanzi Erin Lawrence Michael Lawrence Floyd Lawson

Claire Lebeouf Shavon Lebeouf Ashley LeBlanc Charles LeBlanc Collin Leblanc Daphne LeBlanc Jacob Leblanc Kurt Leblanc Mallory Leblanc Ricky Leblanc Sadie Leblanc Slade Leblanc Sylvia Leblanc Tara LeBlanc Zachary Leblanc April Lebouef Brittany Leboeuf Christopher Leboeuf Ciera Lebouef David LeBoeuf Nicole Leboeuf Rachel Leboeuf Samuel Lebouef Brandi Lecompte David LeCompte Nicholas Lecompte Beryl Ledet Eric Ledet Erin Ledet Holden Ledet Johnathan Ledet Kaitlynn Ledet Michael Ledet Patrick Ledet Stephanie Ledet Susan Ledet Tadd Ledet April Lee Edward Lee Adam Lefort Bria Legania Philodia Legendre Randy Legendre Raymond Legendre, Jr. Tiffany Legendre Edwin Legrand Brittany Lejeune Debra LeJeune Stacy Lejeune Walter Lemoine Sheridene Lenton Bonnie Lester Linda Lester Gayle Levenson Christopher Levron Chandler Lewis Lynn Lewis Monita Lewis Rebecca Lewis Rhian Lewis Roy Lewis Kai Ling Liao Courtney Lichenstein

Lyddy Lindley Philip Liner Autumn Lininger Sandi Lirette Katie Lively Brooke Lobre Tobias Lofton Jeanne Logarbo Patricia Lombardo Brandi Lombas Lesley Long Brooke Lopez Claire Lopez Hilary Lopez Katelyn Lord Landon Lottinger Colby Loupe Erin Loupe Katherine Loupe Lindsey Loupe Amy Louviere Bonny Louviere Mary Louviere Tammy Louviere Bradley Lovell Bryan Lowery Gwendolyn Luc Terry Lucas Ada Luminais Bryce Luquette Michael Lyons Philip Lyons Rhea’ Mabile Julie Mace Jan Madere Tiffany Madere Mandy Mahler Mary Mahoney Hope Mair Paul Major Joan Malbrough John Mallary Matshediso Malope Simone Maloz Jovana Mandic Catherine Marcello Francesca Marek Robin Marks Bryan Marlborough Eric Marmande Mark Marshall Chrishauna Mart Brandi Martin Camille Martin Chelsi Martin Diane Martin Michelle Martin Rebecca Martin Tony Martin Maegan Martines Alyssa Martinez Judie Martinez Stephen Martinez

Susana Martinez Mandy Martinolich Casey Mason Kelsi Mason Ariel Matherne Cullen Matherne Evan Matherne Macie Matherne Melvina Matherne Michaela Matherne Shelby Matherne Rebecca Mauldin Charles Maurer Mary Maurin Amber May Meggie Mayberry Paulette Mayon Ingrid McBride McCalla Family Dentistry Liann McCarthy Melanie McCorkel Chyna McCormick Peyton McCulloch Sherrie McCully Chelsie McDaniel La’Teyana McDaniel Courtney McDonald Hunter McDonald Jerry McDonald Leo McDonald Gary McDonnell Miranda McDonough Mitchell McGehee Jared McGlocklin Antoinika McGuin Haley McInnis Trevor McLafferty Patrick McLaughlin Lanney McMann Marlene Meades Nicole Meariman Baileigh Meche Matthew Meche Kaitlin Meier Cecilia Melancon Corey Melancon Guy Melancon Lauren Melancon Logan Melancon Pamela Melancon Paul Melancon Zachary Melancon Brianna Melanson Laura Melton Catherine Menard Dale Menard Magean Meral Anna Merlos Katie Merrifield Kirsten Metrejean Rachel Meyers Joseph Michel Meghan Michel

Son’s Legacy Leads to Cookbook Donation

F

or years, decades of culinary expertise from all over the world sat on bookshelves in the Thibodaux home of Judy Danos.

Her collection of nearly 1,000 cookbooks ranges from a book autographed by renowned chef James Beard to a scrapbook filled with recipes clipped out of the local newspaper, the Daily Comet.

Her collection started when she was a teenager, and diversified extensively during a 12-year stint as a travel nurse.

“I traveled around the country, including Maine, New York City and Washington, and if I saw a recipe I liked, I bought the book,” Judy says.

Earlier this year, the 76-year-old nurse decided to donate the vast culinary wisdom to the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls. That variety, history and depth of her donation has led to the creation of a culinary library in the Ledet Culinary Arts Building. Students have already catalogued the books and are working on organizing them by subject matter.

“They’re a resource for our students, who I think really respect the history behind the books,” says Culinary Department Head John Kozar.

“There’s quite a range of what is available in her collection to inspire our future chefs.”

Judy had originally planned to donate the books to her late son, James. James, who graduated from

John Michelli Stephen Michot David Middleton Amy Migliore Mike Waguespack Campaign Fund Dakota Miles Bertrell Miller Lashawn Miller Ashley Millet Maria Millet Tasha Millet Michael Mills Cassidy Mire Colby Mire Kristyn Mire Nicole Mistretta Morgan Mitchell Aaron Mobley Rodrigo Molina Maria Mondello Megan Monier Leslie Montet Lawrence Montz

Robert Moon Carolanne Moore Jeff Moore Cody Morales Jordan Moreau Murray Morella Alice Morgan Caitlin Morgan Nikki Morlas Terri Morris Charles Morton Robert Morton Dana Morvant Karen Morvant Kevin Morvant Michelle Morvant Paige Morvant Amira Moujir Jaunita Moxley Molly Mullaly Monica Mullooly Shawn Murphy Phyllis Mury

the Culinary Institute of America in New York before the Nicholls culinary school had gotten off the ground, was well-respected in the New York City culinary industry before his passing in the early 2000s following a battle with a brain tumor.

He learned from industry giants like Jacqueline Greaud, Gray Kunz, Tom Colicchio and Mario Batali, and cooked for or hosted celebrities such as Diane Sawyer, Rod Stewart, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elton John, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martha Stewart.

But Judy says it wasn’t his connection to the rich and famous that made James exceptional. It was how he treated people.

“He always tried to make you feel special, whether you were famous or Joe Blow off the street,” she says.

James earned the nickname “Big Daddy” for the way he treated others. Once, a dishwasher from Saudi Arabia couldn’t afford to fly home for his father’s funeral, so James paid his way. Another employee, a cook, was burned handling food in the kitchen, so James paid his medical expenses.

He even paid to have the uniforms of a local fire company washed following the events of 9/11.

Judy hopes the Nicholls culinary students learn from her son’s legacy.

“Be a Big Daddy to everybody. Not just in your presentation, but in your compassion.” – Jacob Batte Lauren Myers Megan Myers Kimberly Nagle Alexie Naquin Caitlin Naquin Cameron Naquin Christine Naquin Jill Naquin Josh Naquin Lisa Naquin Marlene Naquin Meagan Naquin Melissa Naquin Olivia Naquin Paige Naquin Ramona Naquin Sharon Naquin Tad Naquin Terri Naquin Trey Naquin Salita Natasine Gypsy Navarre Theresa Neal

Samantha Neale Breah Neil Laura Neil Hope Nelson Jerica Nelson Whitney Nelson Whitney Nelton Quadri Newson Vero Ngeleza Halafu Linh Nguyen Quoc-Huu Nguyen Tran Nguyen Thien Nguyen Vu-Binh Nguyen Jessica Nichelson Elisabeth Nichols Elizabeth Nickell Regan Nohra Samuel Norman Katherine Normand John Norvell Rebecca Nugent Anthony Nunez

Judy Danos donated her collection of nearly 1,000 cookbooks and thousands of recipes to the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute. She made the donation in honor of her late son, James Danos, who was a well-known restauranteur in New York City.

Tre’Shaun Nunez Joel Nyman Lauren O’Brien Dustin Ockman Alice O’Keefe Michael Okito Ruth Olin Wagner Bruno Oliveira Duarte Allison Oliver Jade Oliver Breana Olivier Laura Olivier Meryn Olivier Teri Olivier Roxanne Oncale Celia Ordoyne Grant Ordoyne Renee Ordoyne Shelley Ordoyne Mark Orgeron Michelle Orgeron Ryan Orgeron Shannon Orgeron

Sierra Ortega Cora Osborne Michael O’Shaughnessy Boyd Ourso Junyi Ouyang Aimee Owens Lynn Owens Jacqueline Paige Joseph Palmisano Harley Papa Kerry Papa Candace Parker Kristoffer Parker Logan Parker Willie Parker Frances Parkes Troy Parria Mandy Pascual Megan Passalaqua Courtney Passman Simeon Patout Alexis Pellegrin Angie Pellegrin

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Spring 2017 |

57

Campus Cornerstone Kori Pellegrin Henry Peltier Mary Ellen Peltier Steve Peltier Dustin Percle Kourtney Percle Koby Percle Lacey Percle Stuart Percle Troy Percle Elise Pere Sharon Perkins Lizabeth Perque Ryan Perque Lisa Perrin Alexa Perry Mistie Perry Nicole Perry Kacy Pertuit Sarah Petrie Jessica Phillips Kassie Phillips Thomas Phillips Andrew Phillpott Alexandre Picard William Picard Joel Picolo Mary Pierce Michael Pierce Sadie Pierce Jessica Pierre Leland Pierre Me’Lond Pierre Logen Pietraroia Amy Pilant Jessica Pineda Lisa Pinell Hayes Pipsair Lauren Pipsair Billy Pitre Dana Pitre Jacoby Pitre Jenny Pitre Jo Ann Pitre Jordan Pitre Ryder Pitre Stefan Pitre Whitney Pitre Rondreka Pitts Wesley Pitts Brooke Pizani Jesse Pizzolato Alexi Plaisance Eric Plaisance Morrison Plaisance Rachel Plaisance Rebecca Plaisance Susan Plaisance Jassi Platt Kyle Plouhar Aaron Plunkett Chelsea Poche Daniel Poche

Holly Poche’ Judy Poche Robert Poche Yvanna Pogue James Pohto Kristy Poiencot Jaci Poirrier Alyssa Pokluda Dominique Polk Marisabel Ponce Cordero Mary Poplin Adam Porche Danielle Porche Hunter Porche Jamie Porche Donald Portier Christopher Powell Raven Powell Amy Prejean Brittany Prejean Carly Prejean Hunter Prejean Maria Prejean Shane Prejean Yvonne Prejean John Prejeant Michelle Prentice Blake Prest Jessica Prestenbach Lindsey Prestenbach Andrew Preston Gerard Preyan Jamie Price Jose Prieto Darla Primeaux Kate Primeaux Dana Prine Michael Prosperie Werlien Prosperie Bryan Protich Cynthia Puetz Winona Pugh Colby Quatrevingt Jesslyn Quatrevingt Joy Rabalais Tonie Ragland Corey Ragle Marlene Raidl Angela Rains Alexandro Ramirez-Farias Katherine Ramirez Steven Ramsey Chiffon Randolph Patricia Rasberry Lea Ratley Kathy Rauch Kaitlyn Ray Jeremy Reaves Tyler Rebowe Jessica Rebstock Henry Reddick Donna Redmond Casey Reece

58 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

Nicholas Reece Brittany Reed Kubarra Reed Iris Reedom Gregory Reese Lucas Remisz Gregory & Kimberly Reynolds Aaron Rhodes Mary Rhodes Thomas Rhodes Janel Ricca Arthur Rice Richard Weimer Architects, AIA-LLC Austin Richard Caroline Richard Charlene Richard Holly Richard Jordan Richard Leah Richard Lisa Richard Timothy Richard Darryl Richardelle David Richardson Thomas Ridgley Schane Rillieux Beth Risinger Patricia Ritchie Falynn Rivere Robin Rivers Jodie Rivet Tyler Rivet Konstantinos Rizos Jacinda Roach Bianca Robertson Darrian Robertson Jess Robertson Shakeena Robertson Brock Robichaux Elizabeth Robichaux Emily Robichaux John Robichaux Katelin Robichaux Kristina Robichaux Mark Robichaux Douglas Robinette Dana Robinson Robin Robinson Carla Roddy Clark Rodrigue Dain Rodrigue Farrel Rodrigue Grant Rodrigue Heidi Rodrigue Jacob Rodrigue Penny Rodrigue Ryan Rodrigue Tricia Rodrigue Cassie Rodriguez Brittney Rogers Clint Rogers Dena Rogers Jade Rogers

Shelby Rogers Becky Rohner Kryshell Rolle Willie Rollins Lindsey Rome Paula Rome Jennifer Romero Rondon Anderson Rental Properties Mallary Roots Amber Roper Jacody Rose Philip Roth Edward Roubal Tonya Rounds Kirk Rousse Joyce Roussel Kelsey Roussel Lauren Roussel Summer Roussel Elizabeth Rousseve Michael Ruester Blake Rumore Kristine Russell Brandon & Georgia Ruttley Michael Rybiski Diane Sabo Michael Safley Alexis Salazar Dominic Salazar Raleigh Salazar Brian Salisbury Martina Salles Hayden Sampey Madeline Sampey Regan Sampey Alicia Sanchez Brittanie Sanchez Francisco Sanchez Maria Sanchez Ramirez Cody Sanders Gerald Sanders Ron Sapia Kay Saraceno Alyssa Sarrazin Keith Sauce Mary Sauce Brandon Savoie Doris Savoie Mia Savoie Nealie Savoie Thomas Sawyer Joseph Scalise Glenn Scheuermann Herbert Scheuermann Bobbi Sue Schexnayder Emily Schexnayder Irving Schexnayder Jenny Schexnayder Reed Schexnayder Jennifer Schexnaydre Carol Schexnyder Heather Schieffler

Andrew Schlesinger Kathleen Schneider Savannah Schoener Kelley Schulz Ellen Sciambra Angela Sclafani Brigett Scott Brittany D. Scott Brittany L. Scott Hillary Scott Lacey Scott Maria Scull Jarrod Segura Hugo Seilly Rebecca Senette Maria Serrett Callie Sevin Rylan Seymore Amanda Shackleford Lennah Shakeri Abby Shanks M. Leslie Shatzen Mary Shaver Palma Shaver Cheston Shermer James Sherrill Kacie Shields Carmen Shropshire Ryne Simmons Brooke Simon Lee Simon Rebecca Simon Brittanie Simoneaux Dawn Simoneaux Joyce Simoneaux Kimberly Simoneaux Lindsi Simoneaux Paul Simoneaux Cody Simons Tyler Sims Bhavtaran Singh Destinee Singleton Joshua Singleton Kiala Singleton Raven Singleton Linda Smathers Andre Smith Dalton Smith David Smith Delisa Smith Diane Smith June Smith Kade Smith Lauren Smith T.L. Smith Wayne Smith, Sr. Dwana Smothers James Soignet Deanie Soignier David Soileau Corey Sonier Patricia Sorrell James Sothern

Ashley Soudelier Cari Spain Jeffrey Spann Brian Sparks Bernadette Spears Adrianne Speer Shelby Spinella Lucille Sposito Risley St. Germain Marcie St. Germaine Codie St. Pierre Arthur Stagni Lana Stagni Bonnie Stall Melissa Stallings Tess Stanford Linda Stanga Brandon Stansbury Matthew Stansbury Gabrielle Steele Kieara Steib Sharon Steib Craig Stephens Laura Stevens Robert Stevenson Christopher Steward Britanny Stickney Jessica Stillinger Carolyn Stilts Gabrielle Stinchcomb Louise Stock Frank Stouder Kris Suard Emilio Suarez Kelly Sumrall James Swift Alvin Sylvester Tammy Szanyi Ginger Szush Amanda Tabary Courtney Tabor Courtnie Tabor Brandon Talbot Crystal Talbot Emile Talbot Jordan Talbot Lawrence Talbot M’Lea Talbot Blake Talos Ernest Tanoos Amber Tassin Misty Tatom Naomi Taylor Orvil Taylor Alison Teal Seth Temple Paul Templet Jena Terrebonne Nicollette Terrebonne Abby Theriot Anastatia Theriot Anna Theriot Gwendolyn Theriot

Hailey Theriot John Theriot Judy Theriot Kaila Theriot Kelsi Theriot Nicole Theriot Peyton Theriot Ellen Thibeau Andrea Thibodaux Becca Thibodaux Bethanie Thibodaux Jennifer Thibodaux Patricia Thibodaux Carly Thibodeaux Jacques Thibodeaux John Thibodeaux Kaleb Thibodeaux Sarah Thibodeaux Sayer Thibodeaux Tanner Thibodeaux Gregory Thomas Jarell Thomas Miranda Thomas Merrill Thomassie Theresa Thomassie Christopher Thompson Cindy Thompson Jordan Thompson Jaslynn Thornton

V. Ray Thornton Laura Tinney Jeffery Toloudis Kristen Toloudis Wendy Toloudis Tomeny BGP Holdings, LLC Anke Tonn Don Torres Aimee Toups Alexis Toups Karl Toups Shelby Toups Tammy Toups Vickie Toups Brooke Trahan Meryl Trahan Zada Trahan Jerry Traigle Sara Trax William Treuting Tori Triche Grace Trosclair Janie Trosclair Keith Trosclair Kristin Troxler Kyle Truxillo Joni Tuck Alexander Tucker Ashlyn Turner

Bobby Turner Lizbeth Turner James Tuttle David Udeh Dorothy Underwood Patrick Ural Tammy Usie Spencer Valdespino Kayleen Valure Tina Vanheeswijk April Varnum Megan Varvaro Emilee Vegas Monty Vegas Alora Verdin Heidi Verdin Kaylab Verdin Kylie Verdin Tanya Verdin Glenn Verdun Robert Verdun Adam Verret Lynsey Verret Julie Vesich Wayne Vice Ellen Vicknair Jessica Vicknair Andetrie Vicks Ian Vignes

Ashley Villeret Margaret Rose Vinci Reece Vitale Tyler Vizier Judy Vo Stephanie Wagner Waguespack & Gallagher, LLC Aaron Waguespack Brookes Waguespack Craig Waguespack Herman Waguespack Jacqueline Waguespack June Waguespack Matthew Waguespack Sandra Waguespack John Waitz Maylon Waldrop Daniel Walker Malcolm Walker Shanice Walker Edward Wallace Victoria Wallace Julie Walraven David Ward Justin Ward Debbie Washburne Chance Waters Meachelle Watkins Katie Watson

Stephanie Watson Xavian Watson Emily Weathers Haley Webre Macie Webre Rhondell Webre Tyler Webre Seth Webster Marissa Weil Carlos Wells Courtney Wells David West Johnneka West Caren Westerman Joel Westmoreland Rico Weston Ashley White Keoika White Latasha White Stephanie White Fabian Whitney Keith Whitney Mejoan Whittington Andrew Williams Collin Williams Derrick Williams Dylan Williams Jerilyn Williams Jessica Williams

Kit Williams Rosa Williams Ryshique Williams Sheay’Dra Williby Charlene Wilson Melissa Wilson Susan Wilson Timothy Wilson Elizabeth Winkler Jennifer Wise Christina Wong C. Scott Worsham Kimberly Wright Brent Wuestney Angela Yesso Sarah Youens Ashley Young Gregory Young Kierra Young Malcolm Zabaneh Taylor Zenon Heather Zeringue Kenneth Zeringue LauraMae Zeringue Marcey Zeringue Nicholas Zeringue Enmin Zou

Nicholls Alumni Federation Lifetime Members Robert Acosta Pat Adams Lawrence Albarado Donald Ayo Paul Babin Jennifer Baker Alison Balfantz Laynie Barrilleaux Donaldo Batiste David Belanger Andrew Bergeron Matthew Beyer Lester Bimah Joseph Boudreaux Michael & Lauren Bourg Charles Bourg II David Bourgeois Michael & Christine Bourgeois Roger Bourgeois Edward Bouterie Toby & Stacy Brady Colette Breaux Vance & Deirdre Broussard Kylee Brown Sonya Buccola Harold & Kristen Callais II

Brett Candies Kelly Candies Sidney & Kelly Candies Danny & Belinda Cavell Archie & Ashley Chaisson III Craig Cheramie Rene Cheramie Tony & Jamie Cheramie III Kevin Chiasson Robert & Marie Cipolla Paul & Donna Conner Gregory & Tonia Cook Roy & Kathi Daigle Dave & Mona Defelice Mickey Diez Marguerite Knight Erwin Carmelita Escalante Nolan Falgout III J Robert Field Miles Forrest Trisha Fuhrman Raleigh & Dawn Galiano Jr. Susan Leonard Giardina Susan & Walter Gilbert Gene & Toni Gouaux Nicole Gould

Linzie Green Albert Gros Geralyn Boudreaux Haan Julie Hebert Mark & Rachel Hebert Bill Hochstetler Herbert Hodovsky Alaina & Cody Hood Malik Hossel Patricia Hotard Larry Howell Stephen & Rebecca Hulbert Megan Oubre Hymel Patrick James Johnathan Johnson Albert Jones Donald Kasten Michael Kieffer Marilyn Barrios Kilgen Betty Kleen Michael & Deanna Lafont Toby Lafont Marvin & Barbara Lagarde John & Loretta Landry Chris & Colette Lapeyre David LeBoeuf

Buddy Ledet Anne Richard Lejeune James & Jacqueline LeJeune Stacy LeJeune John Lombardo Glenn Mason Louis Mason Cecily McMahan Barry & Patricia Melancon Dawn Matherne Meyer R.E. “Bob” Miller Virginia C. Mire Gary & Lauren Moore Richy Naquin II Alaina Cavell Nugent Michael & Marie Ordogne Joseph & Angela Orgeron Kristine Schexnayder Ourso Joe & Judith Owens George Parker Jr. Alice Pecoraro Drew & Linda Peltier Stephen & Martha Peltier Raymond & Diane Peters Patrick & Deanie Pitre Mahlon Poche Jr.

Jenna Portier Kenneth Portier Monica Portier Jason & Lisa Ray Francis & Helen Richard Elizabeth Riviere Robert Riviere William Riviere Kelly & Kelley Rodrigue Gregory & Paige Roussel Roderick Russell Ross Schexnayder Edna Marie Campbell Sevin Frank & Debbie Sevin Andrew Simoncelli Frank Simoneaux Wendy Simoneaux Novella Smith Donovan Soignet

Kerry & Laura St. Pe Glynn Stephens Jr. Billy Tauzin Kristie Tauzin-Goulas Gerald & Cheryl Thibodaux Wendell Thomas Thomas & Martha Thomassie III Kim Richard Thompson Brandie Toups Lance & Lori Trotti Bruce & Martha Vicknair Roland Waguespack Stephen Watson Geri Danna Parra Welch Elizabeth Wigginton Robert & Robin Wittmann Gregory & Mindy Wood Laurie Hubbell Wood Sonia Zeringue

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A Colonel of Truth

Remembering the Bus Alumni

by Dr. John P. Doucet

S

ome say the path to a college degree is a long and winding road. They have no idea.

For people like me born in far reaches of the state, riding a public school bus was the way — often the only way — to get to college in the early ’80s.

From the creosote pier beyond the floodwall at the front of my street in Golden Meadow, it was a mere 50 miles up Highway 1 to the front of the Nicholls Student Union.

According to Google Maps, that trip should take one hour and four minutes. But that’s a nonstop ride.

In reality, it took a good two hours plus to get to campus. And then two hours back. Every day.

At first, it was a bit disheartening.

After all, riding on one of those big, noisy yellow trucks was what you did in elementary school. Not making things better was the thought of catching a ride at 6 a.m. in the frozenness of February or in the heat of August, as well as on all the foggy and rainy and windy and humid days

in between.

But just like elementary school, it got better after the first day. Our buses weren’t air-conditioned like they are nowadays, but at least they were climate-controlled. Just like Elkins Hall before the 1970s: If it was too hot, you’d roll the window down, and if it was too cold, you’d roll it up.

And, if you had a quiz or exam, you could always depend on studying during the long ride, buffered from distraction by the roar of the diesel engine and the rumble of the road.

When you’re cooped up in a stuffy bus for four hours a day, you meet and remember a lot of people. For instance, each semester there was always a Marilyn who sat beautifully in the front of the bus to collect and return a smile from each and every person climbing aboard. And there were always one or more Einsteins who tried to impress her with their understanding of mass-energy equivalence.

Famous musicians rode the bus as well — by riding radio waves. I

rode the bus for three years, heard lots of their songs over the bus radio, but never really caught on to the meanings. For instance, I absolutely cared about money, even though it couldn’t buy me love. And her kiss was certainly on my list, so why would I want an American woman to stay away from me? I often gave up trying to understand and just lowered my head into textbooks. But all that science I didn’t understand — it was just my job five days a week.

Actually, it was more like seven days a week.

One unforgettable bus driver was nicknamed after a prominent amphibian. I don’t know why this was so, but I’m glad his webbed and sticky hands better gripped the steering wheel of a bus frequently needing to recover from bouncing across potholes. In case you’ve forgotten, buses don’t have the best shock absorbers. Maybe there’s none at all. I never checked.

And humans weren’t the only things riding. There were bulletin

Illustration by Sharon Doucet (BA ’78)

60 | Spring 2017 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

boards for education majors, band instruments for music majors, canvases and supplies for art majors, and even twist-tied cat cadaver bags for pre-meds. On mornings when there was a thick fog, you really never knew who or what was waiting by the bayou side to crawl onboard.

Back in the day, buses took students to Nicholls. Nowadays, radio waves bring Nicholls to students online. Boy, I could have saved many good studying hours to have Nicholls delivered to my home. But then I would have never had the chance to meet the Beatles or to smile at the Marilyn.

Riding the bus to Nicholls was like a Hemingway movable feast, complete with conversation in French but without the debauchery.

It was more like a movable village, complete with aspiring educators and pre-doctors and many fab four who adroitly played the game of Pedro while bouncing across Highway 1 — “the longest street in the world” made true.

Before the great sprawl of parking lots across campus, buses parked at Nicholls. For thousands of students, the great yellow caravan braved winding bayous and sunken swamplands to get us to college.

Buses made Nicholls. In turn, Nicholls made us. My name is John, and I am a bus alumnus.

Aside from being a poet, writer and editor, Dr. John P. Doucet (BS ’84) holds many titles: dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, distinguished service professor, director of the University Honors Program and Louisiana’s first certified public health geneticist.

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4TH ANNUAL ART WORKS FUNDRAISER

Department of Art

AT NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

OPEN STUDIO NIGHT, ART SALE & AUCTION TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2017 6 P.M. Talbot Hall, Nicholls State University

Come See. Come Do.

Tickets are $50 each.

Come casual and comfortable for an entertaining evening, exciting art experiences and an opportunity to explore the studios of the Nicholls Department of Art.

In lieu of a ticket, you may

This creative evening includes: • Tours of art studios.

• Student and faculty demonstrations, including metal pouring, printmaking and blacksmithing.

• Opportunities to participate in hands-on experiences like creating pottery, photography and letterpress printing.

• A silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind artwork by faculty, alumni, local artists and students.

• A student art exhibition with all pieces on sale for $50. This is your chance to preview and purchase works by the next great artists.

• Unique, hand-painted furniture available for sale and created for this event by faculty, alumni, local artists and students.

• An exhibit of local artists with work on sale for $50.

• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.

All proceeds support scholarships, student development activities and the attainment of art studio equipment.

To purchase tickets by phone: 985.448.4597

create and donate an original piece of artwork approximately 8” x 10” in size that will be displayed and sold during the evening. These must be original works of art received by the Department of Art (221 Talbot Hall, 448-4597) or

by Old Estate Art Gallery (202 E. 7th St., Thibodaux, 447-5413) by March 16.

Work may be in any 2-D media (sorry, no photography) and must be signed on the back only. Include name and contact information. (Art donations accepted from adults 18+.) Please call with questions.

Visit nicholls.edu/art/artworks to preview some of our silent auction items.

THE

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