Tag: Nicholls State

Bridge to Independence & Nicholls Foundation Celebrates Donor Gifts for Inclusive Learning

Nicholls State University recently marked a milestone in inclusive education by hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil newly renovated facilities for its Bridge to Independence program, as per this news release from the University. The project was made possible through the generosity of Colleen Hunter and Jeannette Guillory Thomason, who each contributed $500,000 to the Nicholls Foundation. Both women dedicated their donations in honor of their late husbands, ensuring the program would continue to thrive and expand opportunities for students with unique learning needs.

The renovations created two state-of-the-art learning environments where participants spend much of their academic and social time: the William Dewitt Hunter Academic Excellence Program and the H. Allen Thomason Independent Learning Lab. These spaces were designed to foster collaboration, strengthen academic skills, and provide real-world experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers and independent living. By enhancing both the academic and life-skills sides of education, Nicholls has reaffirmed its commitment to providing holistic support for every student.

The H. Allen Thomason Independent Learning Lab was named in memory of Jeannette Thomason’s late husband, Hebert “Allen” Thomason. Connected directly to a classroom, this innovative space features a full kitchen, washer, dryer, and other resources that allow students to practice household responsibilities while also building job-readiness skills. Thomason explained that she felt called to support the program after learning about its mission. She emphasized that it was invaluable to have a program that not only focused on academics but also gave certificate students essential life skills to help them thrive as productive members of society.

In addition, the William Dewitt Hunter Academic Excellence Program now honors the legacy of William “Bill” Dewitt Hunter. His wife, Colleen, recognized the life-changing impact the Bridge to Independence program had on her son, a two-time Nicholls graduate in Interdisciplinary Studies and Geomatics. She explained that the program held a deep place in her family’s heart because of the growth and independence her son gained through his time at Nicholls. Her family was proud to support a program that had helped him prosper into adulthood and now looked forward to seeing it expand for future students.

Faculty leaders also expressed gratitude for the project. Dr. Mary Breaud, associate professor of education and one of the program’s co-founders, described the initiative’s mission as helping students achieve their greatest potential. She emphasized that the donations from the Hunter and Thomason families provided a welcoming learning environment where students could access the resources needed to succeed academically and personally.

Bridge to Independence holds a distinctive place in Louisiana higher education. It is the first dual-track program in the state to receive certification from the U.S. Department of Education. The program is specifically designed for students with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism.

Spectrum Disorder, allowing them to pursue a full college experience. While enrolled, participants build leadership, academic, and social skills that equip them for employment and self-sufficient living beyond graduation.

At Nicholls, Bridge to Independence students have access to a wide range of campus opportunities. They can attend traditional Nicholls classes, join student organizations, and take part in university events. The program offers two clear pathways: a certificate pathway focused on workforce preparation and independent living, and a support pathway that assists students who are accepted into the university while they pursue a traditional college degree. Trained peer mentors from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences provide additional guidance, ensuring that Bridge students receive both academic and social support throughout their journey.

The renovated facilities and generous donations symbolize more than just new spaces—they represent a broader vision of inclusion, independence, and opportunity. Through Bridge to Independence, Nicholls is ensuring that students of all abilities can participate fully in college life, gain the skills to thrive in adulthood, and leave campus prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

For more education-related information, click here.

Nicholls Engineering Receives Key Backing from Educational Trust Fund

Nicholls State University recently received a generous contribution that promises to strengthen one of its most distinctive academic offerings, as per this news release from the University. The Contractor’s Educational Trust Fund (LA-CETF) donated $50,000 to support both scholarships and programming in the Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering, specifically within its geomatics program. This program, long recognized for its innovation and workforce impact, has produced graduates who step directly into high-demand roles across Louisiana and beyond.

Kenn Naquin, secretary of LA-CETF, explained that the donation reflected the industry’s need to invest in its future workforce. He noted that the students trained at Nicholls State University would become tomorrow’s employees, and it was in the best interest of Louisiana contractors to ensure the university produced the most qualified graduates possible. Naquin described Nicholls students as the “product” of this educational process, and emphasized the fund’s desire to help the university create the best professionals in the field.

This $50,000 investment was not the trust’s first show of support for Nicholls. Over the years, the LA-CETF has contributed to a range of initiatives that bolstered both student opportunities and faculty development. These past donations included $100,000 toward the Endowed Geomatics Student Scholarship, $25,000 for the Jules Oreste Chustz Endowed Student Scholarship, and $50,000 in need-based scholarships designated for Nicholls students who faced hardship following Hurricane Ida. Additionally, funding has helped the School of Engineering recruit and retain talented faculty members, as well as establish endowed professorships that ensure long-term academic excellence.

Dr. Esra Tekdal Yilmaz, director of the School of Engineering and an associate professor of geomatics, expressed deep gratitude for the trust’s consistent backing. She explained that LA-CETF’s support was vital to sustaining the university’s nationally recognized geomatics program and preparing students to enter a field that required precision, technical knowledge, and adaptability. Dr. Yilmaz underscored that without such partnerships, the program could not continue its record of success in both education and job placement.

The geomatics program at Nicholls has built a reputation for excellence, boasting a 100% job placement rate for its graduates. Students are trained in the fundamentals of surveying and mapping but also gain expertise in cutting-edge technologies. Coursework and hands-on experiences expose them to Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Geographic Information Systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and advanced laser scanning techniques. This combination of traditional skills and modern innovation ensures graduates are highly competitive in industries ranging from construction and urban planning to environmental management.

The Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering also extends its impact through collaborative degree pathways. Nicholls students can pursue studies in civil and mechanical engineering through a partnership with the University of New Orleans. This arrangement allows students to complete UNO’s Bachelor of Science curriculum in fields such as mechanical or civil engineering while remaining on the Nicholls campus for most of their undergraduate studies. In their final year, they transition seamlessly to UNO to finish their degrees, creating a flexible and affordable route into the engineering profession.

The Contractor’s Educational Trust Fund itself plays a unique role in Louisiana’s educational and professional landscape. Established as a nonprofit, the fund provides resources to universities across the state that offer programs tied to construction and contracting. Its financing comes from violation fines collected by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. These reinvested funds ensure that penalties for noncompliance are transformed into opportunities for students, scholarships, and academic advancement.

Taken together, the consistent partnership between LA-CETF and Nicholls demonstrates a forward-looking vision for Louisiana’s workforce. By channeling resources into student scholarships, faculty development, and program innovation, the fund is helping to guarantee that the next generation of geomatics and engineering professionals are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. In doing so, it underscores the importance of collaboration between higher education and industry to secure both academic excellence and economic growth.

For more education-related information, click here.

Give N Day Brought in Donors from Across 7 Countries and 40 States

Nicholls State University recently marked a major milestone with its 2025 Give N Day, setting a new record for the annual fundraising event. Now in its eighth year, Give-N-Day generated over $270,000 in just 24 hours, making it the most successful one to date, as per this news release from the school. A total of 1,750 donors contributed through 2,309 separate gifts, pushing the total raised across all eight years to over $1.4 million.

Organized by the Nicholls Foundation, Give-N-Day serves as a campus-wide initiative to raise funds for university programs, departments, athletics, and student organizations. This year, 117 different groups benefited from at least one donation. In fact, many donors opted to support multiple organizations—16% gave to more than one cause. Contributions poured in not only from across the United States (40 states in total), but also from donors representing seven countries, emphasizing the broad support for Nicholls’ mission and community.

Jeremy Becker, Executive Director of the Nicholls Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the outcome. He credited the remarkable results to the coordinated effort across campus. According to Becker, the success was a reflection of widespread involvement—from the participating groups who strategized and contacted supporters, to the university’s marketing team who helped spread the word far and wide.

On the Give N Day fundraising leaderboard, Colonel Athletic Association Soccer stood out as the highest earner, collecting an impressive $38,991. St. Thomas Aquinas Colonel Catholics followed with $15,950 in donations, whileColonel Athletic Association Track & Field/Cross Country brought in $15,520. Scholarships at Nicholls State Universityreceived $13,740, and the Accounting Program was close behind with $12,170. The Bridge to Independence program garnered $11,960 in support, while Colonel ESports raised $11,115. Colonel Athletic Association Beach Volleyball also had a strong showing with $10,226 raised.

In terms of the number of individual gifts, Colonel Soccer once again led the pack with a total of 300 donations. The Xi Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. secured 101 donors, making it the second-most supported organization by individual count. Colonel Athletic Association Indoor Volleyball followed with 98 donors, and Colonel Athletic Association Beach Volleyball wasn’t far behind with 89. Colonel ESports received 79 donations, Bridge to Independence had 73, Sigma Alpha Epsilon gathered support from 67 individuals, and the CROWN organization (Cultivating Respect, Opportunity, and Wellness through Networking) earned the support of 54 donors.

Launched in 2018, Give N Day was designed to open new fundraising opportunities for campus-based organizations that previously lacked the infrastructure to conduct their own campaigns. Since its inception, the event has allowed donors to designate funds directly to the group or program of their choosing, ensuring transparency and targeted support. Every dollar raised goes straight to the designated recipient with no administrative fees deducted, a feature that has helped boost donor confidence and participation year after year.

The Nicholls Foundation, which organizes the event, is an independent nonprofit entity classified as a 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to support Nicholls State University by securing financial gifts and grants, managing those resources responsibly, and enhancing the institution through scholarships, endowed faculty positions, and other academic advancements.

Given N Day reflects not only the generosity of Nicholls supporters but also the deep connection between the university and its extended community. From athletics to academics to student life, the funding generated will help ensure that these programs continue to grow, thrive, and meet student needs for years to come.

Events like Give-N-Day highlight a broader trend in higher education: participatory philanthropy. Rather than relying solely on large institutional donors, schools like Nicholls are creating avenues for grassroots support, empowering alumni, students, families, and faculty to give directly to the causes they care about most. This approach encourages a sense of ownership and community investment, both of which are vital for sustaining vibrant and responsive educational environments.

For more education-related information, click here.

How a Fishing Rodeo and Golf Are Supporting Higher Education in South Louisiana

The Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo and Golf Scramble (MCOFR) recently made their annual contributions to Nicholls State University, continuing a tradition that has significantly benefited the university’s Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management (PETSM) program and its Veterans Services. As per this news release from Nicholls, the organization generously donated $10,000 to the PETSM department and an additional $2,500 to support Nicholls Veterans Services, marking the twelfth year of donations to PETSM and the fourth year of contributions to veterans.

These donations have had a profound impact on the university, helping to enhance its educational facilities and technology. For the PETSM program, the funds have been instrumental in renovating and expanding classrooms, improving technological resources, and creating a state-of-the-art well-control simulation lab. These enhancements ensure that students are learning in an environment that mirrors the cutting-edge technology used in the energy industry today. The $2,500 contribution to Nicholls Veterans Services helps veterans whose educational benefits have expired. A panel will carefully select veterans for the program based on factors such as their academic performance, making sure those in need receive the necessary financial support.

The success and sustainability of MCOFR’s annual event can largely be attributed to the community’s long-standing support. Joey Cannata, vice president at Tanks-A-Lot and a key figure in the event, emphasized the importance of South Louisiana’s natural resources and the community spirit that fuels the rodeo’s growth. He explained that the fishing rodeo was founded with a vision to bring the community together in a fun, outdoor environment while also giving back to educational and charitable causes. Over the past decade, the rodeo has grown and expanded to include a golf tournament held at the Atchafalaya at Idlewild Golf Course in Patterson. Joey Cannata expressed pride in MCOFR’s growing contributions, stating that this year’s donation of $12,500 brings their total contribution to Nicholls State University to an impressive $111,500 since 2013. He also noted that the organization plans to introduce an offshore fishing division in 2025, further expanding the event’s scope and impact.

MCOFR was founded in 2013 by Tanks-A-Lot, a specialist in deepwater containers, with the primary goal of promoting community spirit in the local oil and gas industry while supporting organizations that encourage future growth in the community. The corporation seeks to provide a family-oriented environment where local residents can gather to enjoy the camaraderie and sportsmanship of both fishing and golf, creating a fun and engaging event that reflects the unique culture of Morgan City. Over the years, the rodeo has become a signature event in the region, attracting participants from across South Louisiana and beyond, helping to showcase the natural beauty of the area to visitors.

The 2024 edition of the Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo took place in June, and once again, the proceeds were designated for educational and charitable causes within the local community. In addition to donating to Nicholls PETSM program, MCOFR also supported South Louisiana Community College and other charitable organizations within the tri-parish area, aiming to enrich the region through educational opportunities and community service. Over its history, MCOFR has donated more than $200,000 to these causes and remains committed to contributing even more in the years to come.

The partnership between MCOFR and Nicholls highlights the positive impact that community-driven events can have on higher education and local growth. Through events like the fishing rodeo and golf scramble, MCOFR not only provides a platform for outdoor recreation but also helps fund essential programs that benefit both the local economy and future generations of workers in the energy sector. As MCOFR looks to expand its events and contributions in the coming years, its influence on the tri-parish area is likely to grow even stronger.

For more education-related information, click here.

Celebrating Excellence at Nicholls Fall Convocation

Nicholls State University kicked off the fall 2024 semester by recognizing the outstanding contributions of its faculty and staff during the University Convocation held on Wednesday, August 14, according to this news release from Nicholls State University. . The event, which marks the beginning of the academic year, provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the past year and look forward to the future.

The convocation began with opening remarks by Vice Provost Dr. Todd Keller and President Jay Clune, PhD. Both leaders extended a warm welcome to the faculty as they returned to campus for the new semester. Dr. Clune’s State of the University address served as a central highlight of the event, where he took the opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the faculty and staff over the past year. He also discussed the current and upcoming upgrades to the campus, which aim to enhance the learning environment for students and faculty alike.

During his address, Dr. Clune acknowledged the challenges the university faced, particularly in terms of budgetary constraints, but he emphasized that despite these difficulties, the university managed to achieve remarkable success. He attributed these achievements to the dedication and talent of the university’s faculty and staff, noting their commitment to the students and the region they serve. This acknowledgment served as a reminder of the crucial role that educators and administrators play in the success of the institution.

One of the key moments of the convocation was the presentation of the Alcee Fortier Distinguished Service Professor Award to Jean Donegan, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. This prestigious award is presented to faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in instruction, a strong commitment to academics, and significant professional accomplishments. The award is a testament to Donegan’s dedication to her students and her field. Recipients of this award receive an annual professional stipend of $2,500, as well as additional funds for travel and research assistance, enabling them to continue their work and contribute further to their academic disciplines. Additional awards were presented to faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields.

The university also recognized several faculty members with the Academic Affairs Awards for Teaching Excellence, made possible through the continued generosity of Regions Bank. Recipients of these awards are chosen based on their consistent performance over five years, including outstanding student and administrative evaluations. The 2024 awardees included Dr. Alexis Fabrizio-Sumpter from the College of Liberal Arts, Kaitlin Gravois from the Al Danos College of Business Administration, Dr. Himanshu Raje from the College of Sciences and Technology, Dr. Cynthia Vavasseur from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and Denise LeBlanc from the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing. Each of these educators received a one-time stipend of $500, recognizing their commitment to excellence in teaching.

Endowed professorships were also awarded during the convocation, providing financial support to faculty members for their research and academic endeavors. Among the recipients were Eugene Gouaux, who was awarded the Harold J. Callais Endowed Professorship in Economic Development, and Dr. Mary Breaud, who received the Jeanne Picariello Murphy Endowed Professorship. These endowed positions are vital for the continued academic growth of the university, enabling faculty to pursue innovative research and contribute to their fields.

The Fall 2024 Convocation at Nicholls State University not only marked the beginning of a new academic year but also served as a celebration of the achievements of its faculty and staff. Through these awards and recognitions, the university highlighted the importance of excellence in teaching, leadership, and service, ensuring that its community continues to thrive.

For more education-related information, click here.

From Louisiana to Edinburgh: Nicholls State University’s Global Conservation Journey

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.

For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.