The Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo and Golf Scramble once again demonstrated its deep commitment to education and community development in South Louisiana, donating $10,400 to the Nicholls State University Department of Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management (PETSM) and an additional $2,600 to Nicholls Veterans Services. According to this news release from the University, these funds continue a longstanding partnership that bridges the energy industry with higher education and local veteran support.

The donations are being used to renovate and modernize classrooms, enhance technology, and expand the department’s state-of-the-art well-control simulation lab, which provides hands-on training for students pursuing careers in the energy sector. The contribution to Nicholls Veterans Services is earmarked to support student veterans—many of whom are enrolled in PETSM—whose federal education benefits have expired. A university panel will select recipients based on academic performance and other eligibility criteria, ensuring that those who have served the nation can continue to advance their education and career goals.

Since its inception, the Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo (MCOFR) has become synonymous with generosity and community spirit. Now in its thirteenth year, the event has donated an impressive $124,500 in total to Nicholls’ PETSM program and Veterans Services. As Joey Cannata, vice president of Tanks-A-Lot, explained, the rodeo’s mission extends beyond sport—it’s about investing in the future of Louisiana’s workforce. He emphasized that the PETSM program remains a vital resource for the energy industry both locally and internationally, helping graduates secure high-paying, stable jobs while supporting national energy needs.

Founded in 2013 by Tanks-A-Lot, a deepwater container specialist headquartered in Morgan City, MCOFR was created to strengthen ties within the oil and gas community while promoting charitable giving. The organization’s goal has always been to provide a family-friendly environment where participants can enjoy fishing and golf while supporting local causes that shape the region’s future. Each year, the event grows in popularity, reinforcing its reputation as one of the Morgan City area’s most celebrated community gatherings.

The 2025 Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo took place in June, drawing anglers and golfers from across the tri-parish area. Proceeds from the event were donated to Nicholls PETSM as well as other local charities that promote education, community development, and economic opportunity. To date, MCOFR has contributed over $200,000 to the tri-parish region and shows no signs of slowing down. Its organizers continue to champion causes that align with their mission of enriching the lives of residents and fostering pathways to higher education. Those interested in learning more about the rodeo’s impact or upcoming events can visit the MCOFR official page for details.

The Department of Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management at Nicholls stands out as one of the university’s most distinctive programs. Designed for nontraditional and working students, it accommodates the demanding schedules of professionals employed in the Gulf of Mexico energy sector and beyond. With flexible course offerings and rotations that mirror industry schedules—such as seven-days-on/seven-days-off or fourteen-days-on/fourteen-days-off—the PETSM program empowers students to continue their education without interrupting their careers. This model has become a benchmark for accessible, workforce-aligned education across Louisiana.

Nicholls’ commitment to serving veterans and the energy workforce reflects the university’s broader mission to drive regional progress. The partnership between Nicholls and MCOFR demonstrates how collaboration between higher education and industry can lead to tangible benefits for students, veterans, and the local economy alike. As MCOFR looks toward future events, its growing contributions stand as a testament to the enduring connection between community engagement and educational advancement.

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