In a grand ceremony held at the Biodiversity Ball at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, the esteemed Lady Amelia Windsor presented the prestigious Golden Gorilla Award. This accolade was bestowed upon the dedicated faculty and students from Nicholls State University’s Department of Mass Communication, as per this news releasefrom Nicholls State University. The award was a testament to their remarkable global conservation efforts and innovative projects undertaken by the newly established Nancy Sanderson Matherne Institute for Global Communication.

The award recognized the team’s inaugural project, aptly titled “A Tale of Two Habitats.” This project was an ambitious endeavor aimed at drawing parallels between global conservation efforts, thereby fostering a broader dialogue about conservation on a global scale. Through their work, the team introduced the Cross River Gorilla Project, a UK-based charity dedicated to the protection of the critically endangered Cross River Gorillas in Cameroon, to an audience in South Louisiana.

The faculty and students involved in this groundbreaking campaign had the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom to showcase their work. Their participation at the Biodiversity Ball provided a unique platform to present their findings and initiatives. This gala event brought together a diverse group of conservationists, activists, academics, and university students, all united by a common goal of reviewing and discussing conservation research. Among the notable participants were Students Against Species Extinction (SASE), a volunteer group comprising students from three countries across two continents. Students from various disciplines, including law, marine biology, zoology, media, and mass communication, represented Newcastle University, The University of Edinburgh, and Nicholls State University at the gala.

The Nancy Sanderson Matherne Institute for Global Communication at Nicholls State University serves as a vital link connecting the university to the broader global community. By providing a robust communication structure, the institute aims to benefit not only the local community but also the faculty, staff, and students of Nicholls State University. The institute’s establishment was made possible through the generous contributions of Dr. Brian Matherne, a physician from Houma, and his daughter, Kellie Daniels, who is a lecturer in public relations and corporate communications at Newcastle University in England. The institute is named in honor of Dr. Matherne’s mother, Nancy Sanderson Matherne, a native of the United Kingdom, a long-time resident of Terrebonne Parish, and the first female member of the Terrebonne Parish School Board.

Kellie Daniels, one of the founders of SASE and a board member of the Cross River Gorilla Project (CRGP), also serves as a communication consultant for the charity. Her involvement has been instrumental in bridging the gap between the conservation efforts in the UK and the awareness and support from South Louisiana.

The Department of Mass Communication at Nicholls State University is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in various mass media industries. The department’s mission is to provide a comprehensive education that prepares students for professional roles requiring mass communication skills and to foster engaged and informed citizens. Faculty members are committed to helping students develop the professional competencies and ethical values essential for thriving in media-related fields. In addition to technical skills, students are encouraged to build a solid foundation of general knowledge and critical thinking abilities.

In summary, the recognition of Nicholls State University’s Nancy Sanderson Matherne Institute for Global Communication with the Golden Gorilla Award highlights the significant impact of their conservation initiatives. Through projects like “A Tale of Two Habitats” and partnerships with organizations like the Cross River Gorilla Project, the institute is making a meaningful contribution to global conservation efforts. The dedication and hard work of the faculty and students are a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of conservation and global awareness.

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