Benny Cenac, Houma Philanthropist, Provides LSU Endowment

Benny Cenac, Houma Philanthropist and CEO of Cenac Marine Services, was honored for his donation of $250,000 for an endowed Scholarship towards the Swimming and Diving programs at LSU. The scholarship is named The Cenac Family Endowed Scholarship Fund.

At the LSU VS. Auburn game on October 14th, many Tiger Athletic Foundation (TAF) donors were honored for their generous gifts made to support the LSU Athletic programs. In a video the TAF posted on Facebook, you can watch the ceremony.

The ceremony was a special presentation to honor a group of incredible individuals who are committed to the TAF and the athletic foundation.  These honorees will be remembered forever for their incredible passion and effort to educate student athletes at LSU.  Along with the honorees on the field were legacy students, athletes and coaches who have also committed to giving LSU their all on and off the field.  Also on the field to present awards was President and CEO of the TAF, Rick Perry and Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, Joe Alleva.  Mr. Benny Cenac, Houma Philanthropist and owner of Cenac Marine Services, was honored to be amongst those in attendance.

The donation will go into a fund with LSU and is accrued from the investment fund used to provide scholarships. Mr. Cenac’s donation will help the Swimming and Diving program as long as LSU is in existence.

LSU’s Swimming and Diving program is one of the best in the country, thanks to donations and support like that given so generously by prominent businessman, Mr. Benny Cenac.  Opened in the summer 1985, the LSU Natatorium has served as the exclusive home of the swimming and diving teams for the past 26 seasons.

The complex features a 50-meter pool, which can be converted into two 25-meter or 25-yard pools with the use of bulkheads. Furthermore, the facility houses a championship diving well, which was completely renovated in the summer 2003 with one- and three-meter springboards and five-, seven- and 10-meter platforms.

With donations from supportive philanthropists and business like Cenac of Houma, programs added new graphics and signage throughout the venue in the fall 2011 and upgraded the scoring system in the fall 2008, unveiling a pair of state-of-the-art videoboards. Refurbished locker rooms were also completed in September 1998. The spacious locker rooms feature separate varsity lockers, both for men and women, and include public showers and locker areas.

The facility has played host to several national competitions, including the 1985 National Sports Festival, the 1986 Men’s Southeastern Conference Championships, the 1987 NCAA Diving Regional and the U.S. Diving National Championships in the spring 1987. The Natatorium was also the host facility during the 1999 NCAA Regional Diving Championships.

Last season both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving squads posted fifth place finishes at the SEC Championships. The second consecutive top-five finishes for both teams bodes well for the future of the program.

LSU has returned six women and two men who qualified for the NCAA Championships, including NCAA All-American Honorable Mention divers Alex Bettridge and Daniel Helm and distance swimmer Craig Hamilton. In addition to a strong recruiting class, four athletes named to the All-SEC Freshman team return to solidify the team’s core.

The landmark is located immediately north of the LSU Field House and can comfortably accommodate 2,200 spectators. Admission to all LSU swimming and diving meets is free.

Thank you, Mr. Cenac, and all other donors that understand the importance and impact they have on these talented students.

For more information on the endowment Scholarship, you can click here. And you can find more information on the Tiger Athletic Foundation, here. For more on Benny Cenac’s Houma Philanthropy please click here.

 

13 Reasons Why a to Visit New Orleans for Halloween is a Must

 

The cool weather has finally arrived in Louisiana and Halloween is almost here. Whether you enjoy dressing up or you are just looking for a fun place to sit and people watch for this Holiday, New Orleans is the place to be. From themed parties to historical reenactments and even some places that are celebrating Halloween for a great cause. You’ll want to check out these tops reasons that will give you an excuse to visit one of the most exciting places in the U.S.

11 Things Longtime Louisianan’s Wish They Could Tell Newcomers

 

Although the list of things us longtime Louisianan’s would want to tell newcomers is probably endless, this article does a great job of summing up some of the most important highlights that we NEED outsiders to know before coming. Louisiana truly is one of kind. The culture and melting pot that we are is irreplaceable and cannot be duplicated. From trying the food to exploring off the beaten path for many reasons, you will want to read this.

New Orleans Extinct Compagno’s Tiramisu Recipe Revealed

 

There is nothing better than going to a restaurant, enjoying your meal to no end, THEN finally getting your hands on that secret recipe. Which is why we were so excited when we saw the Compagno’s Tiramisu recipe finally revealed!

If you haven’t heard of Compagno’s before you missed out because they are no longer open but they definitely made their mark over the years on St. Charles Street in New Orleans. To read more on the full history of this famous restaurant, you can read this article which also has more information on the delicious recipe.

 

Tiramisu
Serves 20

2 cups espresso coffee (very strong)
1-3/4 cup sugar, divided
1 cup rum, divided
4 eggs, separated
17-1/2 ounces marscapone cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
14 ounces lady fingers, about 48
3-4 tablespoons cocoa

Make strong coffee. Add 3/4 cup sugar and allow to cool. Add 1/2 cup rum. Set aside.

Beat egg white until stiff, then refrigerate.

Mix 1 cup sugar and egg yolks until light yellow and creamy. Add 1/2 cup rum and mix. Add room temperature cream cheese and mix until very creamy. Add marscapone and mix until creamy.

Turn mixture to slowest speed and gently fold in egg whites until well blended.

To assemble: In a 9-by-13-by-2 pan. (If you have 9-by-13-by-3 pan, use that.) Dip each lady finger into coffee for just a few seconds. Allow to drip and place in pan with the long side of the lady finger to the long side of the pan. Form a single layer.

Pour half of the mascarpone cheese mixture on top and spread, being sure to cover the entire surface evenly.

Add the next layer of coffee-dipped lady fingers on top of the cheese mixture, placing the long side of the lady finger to the short side of the pan. Pour the remaining cheese mixture on top, once again, being sure to cover it completely and evenly.

Sift cocoa on top of cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.

 

 

Local Survey Shows Best NOLA Restaurants to Visit

 

It’s safe to say that New Orleans is one of the top tourist places to visit whether you are from Louisiana or anywhere around the globe for that matter. A well-known New Orleans Facebook page called “Where NOLA Eats”, recently had a member ask for recommendations of the top restaurant to take someone who has never been to New Orleans before- the response was overwhelming. With over 140 references, Nola.com took note of all the different restaurants mentioned and tallied up some of the top runners. So if you are planning a trip to New Orleans soon, be sure to check out these highly suggested places to eat around town, right here!

Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls is the Only 4 year Program in the State

 

As stated recently on their twitter page, Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls University is the only four year culinary program offered in the state of Louisiana. This state of the art facility opened in 2015 with Mr. Arlen “Benny” Cenac Jr. as one of the major fund building contributors.

With world famous Chef John Folse as the Certified Executive Chef, this four year program boasts some of the newest and up to date culinary equipment. For more information on program and institute, you can visit their website here.