The Colonel alumni magazine, spring 2014 by Nicholls State University

Alumni Magazine of Nicholls State University

Moving

FORWARD

together

Get to know the fifth Nicholls president, Dr. Bruce Murphy, as he begins transitioning the university into its next stage in history. Page 2

Crawfish Day celebrates 40th anniversary Page 4

Colonels help open childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s museum Page 8

Alum finds second career as Pat Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s piano man Page 12

Spring 2014

COLONEL The

COLONEL COLONEL The

In this issue

Nicholls State University Alumni Federation Spring 2014

Features 8

15-year dream comes true Operating a children’s museum might seem like child’s play, but it’s taken the help of many Colonels, especially Executive Director Christy Naquin (BS ’95), to get the new Bayou Country Children’s Museum up and running.

We’re all in the mood for a melody Nicholls graduate Joel Jambon thought of music as mere hobby until he left behind his computer-programming career and found himself working as a piano man at the legendary Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans.

Departments

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS Monique Crochet (BS ’98, MEd ’00) ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS Jessica Harvey (BA ’06)

EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR Stephanie Verdin (BA ’06) ART DIRECTOR Jerad David (BA ’00) PHOTOGRAPHER Misty Leigh McElroy (BA ’03) WRITERS Nikki Buskey Jessica Harvey (BA ’06) Tyler Knowles

PRESIDENT – Eddie J. Hebert (AS ’71, BSN ’92) PRESIDENT-ELECT – Tommy Eschete (BA ’80) VICE PRESIDENT – Archie Chaisson III (BS ’08) SECRETARY – Ben Jones Jr. (BS ’11) TREASURER – Susan S. Gilbert (AS ’76, BS ’79, MEd ’88) PAST PRESIDENT – Stephen G. Peltier (BS ’75)

Colonel Chatter In your words; Remember when?

Around Campus Getting to know President Bruce Murphy; Join us for our Presidential Inaugural Week festivities

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT Dr. Bruce T. Murphy

2013–14 ALUMNI FEDERATION OFFICERS

ADMINISTRATION

2013–14 BOARD MEMBERS

Then and Now A Colonel crawdad tradition

The Red Zone Ducks and Tar Heels and Bears! Oh my!; Colonel to Watch: Jaimee Springer

Alumni Federation News Adding value to your membership; Membership card now offers discounts

Colonel Notes Alumni updates; Colonel named to Chiefs Hall of Fame; Graduate finds hope behind jail walls; Finishing what he started; Baby Colonels; Weddings; In Memoriam

In the Colonel Spirit Making Nicholls their home away from home

Margo O. Badeaux (AS ’84, BS ’11); Cody Blanchard (BS ’10); Dr. Tammy Cheramie (BA ’90, MEd ’93); Luke Ford (BA ’63, MEd ’69); Dr. Leslie Jones (BS ’91, MEd ’92); Richie Naquin (BS ’93); Ryan Perque (BS ’10); Paula A. Rome (BS ’02); Matthew Shelton (BS ’89, MBA ’91)

CONTACT INFORMATION The Colonel is published twice each year by the Nicholls State University Alumni Federation. Send comments and address corrections to: Office of Alumni Affairs Nicholls State University P.O. Box 2158 Thibodaux, LA 70310 Phone: 985-448-4111 Email: alumniaffairs@nicholls.edu Web: nichollsalumni.org Social media: facebook.com/nicholls.alumni.federation twitter.com/alumninicholls linkedin.com, Nicholls Alumni Networking Society

Colonel Chatter

In YOUR Words

asked the Nicholls Facebook community what song made them nostalgic about their college days. Here are a few of the highlights. Thanks for sharing, and keep commenting on the Nicholls Alumni Federation’s Facebook page.

“Black Water” by the Doobie Brothers — Makes me miss the bayous of Louisiana. Great fishing and good times! It was the early ’90s, so I’m in Houston now; they have bayous definitely “U Can’t Touch This” here, but they look more like creeks. If by MC Hammer. you catch a fish, you better mark your — Alyson Theriot (BA ’93, calendar because it’ll be a while before MEd ’98) you’ll catch another one here! — Daniel Neil (BS ’81, MBA ’99)

“Arms Wide Open” by Creed — As a member of the crosscountry team, we’d find crazy things to do to pass the time on our way back from meets. We’d try to imitate Scott Stapp’s voice. — Farren Clark (BA ’03)

Hate to say it, but Madonna was the popular choice in the mid-’80s, and “Lucky Star” comes to mind. — Larry Hunter (AS ’87)

“The Loco-Motion” by Grand Funk Railroad — Joan Melancon (BA ’75)

“Drumming Song” by Florence and the Machine — I love all of her music. When my boyfriend worked at the campus radio station, he would play that song when he knew I was driving to Nicholls.” — Celeste M. Roberts (BA ’11)

“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins — Kim Brannagan (BS ’86, “Jump Around” The Nicholls fight song MBA ’93) by House of Pain — Beth Nunez Risinger — Tammy Maestri Williams (BA ’82) (BA ’92)

r e b m e Remwhen?

“Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind — Scott Louque (BS ’03)

I have great memories of Nicholls but with no sound. I try very hard not to remember any 1980s music! — Stacy LeJeune (BS ’86, MBA ’96)

“Hotel California” by the Eagles — “Hotel California” was everything that Long Hall wasn’t. One semester in Long Hall made you appreciate anything else you lived in for the rest of your life. And I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. — Spuddy Faucheux (BS ’80)

“Those Were The Days, My Friend” by Mary Hopkin — Susan Blanchard Blair (BS ’58)

“Fight For Your Right (To Party)” by the Beastie Boys — Jason Baquet (BGS ’90)

Better Than Ezra’s “This Time of Year” — The song may be from many years before my time in college, but I listened to the greatest hits album so much during my freshman year. — Kelli Eastling (BS ’11)

With music coming from a nearby car radio, students do “The Twist” in the Quadrangle during Western Week in spring 1962. Share your stories about this La Pirogue photo or memories it brings to mind by emailing alumniaffairs@nicholls.edu. The

COLONEL SPRING 2014

Around Campus

Getting to know

President Bruce Murphy

ince his official start as the fifth Nicholls president in mid-January, Dr. Bruce Murphy has fully immersed himself in the campus and community culture. He has already donned an apron at his first Midterm Breakfast, navigated his first university closure during an ice storm, visited the nearby communities of Pointe-aux-Chenes and Morgan City among others, met with countless campus and community leaders, and thrown beads in a Thibodaux Mardi Gras parade. If you haven’t had the chance to get to know him yet, here’s a quick glimpse at the new president now leading your alma mater:

FAST FACTS

PERSONAL INTERESTS

HOMETOWN: Encino, Calif.

HOBBIES: I’m not really good at golf, but I enjoy playing and hope to get better. Jeanne and I also love traveling, and I like to take my camera along. I’m fasciFAMILY: Has one daughter, Alondra Howard, and one granddaughter, Ashley nated by the artistic side of photography. I try to assemble photo books of our Carnahan. Married for 20 years to Jeanne Picariello Murphy, a retired U.S. travels and share those with younger folks who might not see the value of travel. Army colonel who served as an army nurse and later led health and wellness programs in the Pentagon, where they met. Jeanne is also a former intercol- FAVORITE RECENT READ: I enjoyed His Excellency: George Washington by legiate and international athlete who served on the U.S. Olympic CommitJoseph Ellis. Most books about Washington put him way up on a pedestal, but tee and led the U.S. delegation to the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. this book goes beyond what everyone knows about Valley Forge and Mount Vernon and makes you think about what Washington really represented. Ellis EDUCATION: Holds five degrees including a bachelor’s degree in English gives you the sense of who Washington was as a person, both the pros and cons. from the University of California, Berkeley; Master of Business Administration in management from the University of Southern California; master’s MUSICAL TASTES: I can’t be from California and not be a Beatles fan. I also like degree in systems management from USC; master’s degree in higher nuevo flamenco, light jazz, background music and the Eagles. and adult education from Columbia University; and doctorate in human resource development from Vanderbilt University. FAVORITE TV SHOW: I watch a lot of news and Masterpiece Mystery series on PBS, especially Silk — a British legal drama following a female lawyer FIRST JOBS: Worked through college as a fry cook, flower/corsage distribuwho’s competing for the rank of Queen’s Counsel, known as silk. tor, liquor deliveryman (to movie stars) and aquatics instructor. MILITARY CAREER: Served 23 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Held various titles, including commanding officer of a 200-soldier infantry rifle company in Germany; special plans officer on the Presidential Inaugural Committee for Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration; and special assistant to the Commander-in-Chief for the U.S. Southern Command in Panama. HIGHER EDUCATION CAREER: Most recently held the vice president for academic affairs position at Air University in Montgomery, Ala. Previously served as founding dean of the School of Business at Point Park University in Pittsburgh; founding director of the organizational leadership graduate program at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa.; professor of military science at Vanderbilt University in Nashville; and assistant professor of leadership at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in New York. RESEARCH INTERESTS: Has extensively studied leadership, strategic planning strategies, suicide intervention training and stress management in the workplace.

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Teaming up with WWII Museum

Nicholls has partnered with the National World War II Museum in New Orleans to offer two new summer programs, including a 10-day study abroad trip to famous battlefields in Normandy, France. The trip, which will be led by museum staff and Nicholls history faculty, is open to college students and history-loving travelers. Learn more at normandyacademy.org.

LIFE AT NICHOLLS

Around Campus

Join us for our Presidential Inaugural Week festivities

TOP PRIORITIES AT NICHOLLS: I’m still spending time meeting with faculty and staff across campus and learning more about the university’s programs and initiatives, but I have established four main priorities: enhance student opportunity and success at Nicholls, encourage a spirit of innovation, boost the university’s internationalism, and serve the needs of the region and the state of Louisiana.

During the first week in April, Nicholls will host Presidential Inaugural Week festivities to install our fifth university president and to celebrate this historic moment for our campus community. The following events are open to all alumni and are free unless otherwise noted.

LEADERSHIP STYLE: I’d describe my leadership style as flexible. Sometimes, I have to be autocratic when it comes down to clear, simple decisions that have to be made quickly. Most of the time, I prefer to be a participatory leader because I want the people who will carry out the work to have a say in the decision-making.

1 p.m., Alumni House • Meet Dr. Bruce Murphy, and his wife, Jeanne, while enjoying a brunch buffet with jazz music from the Pride of Nicholls band. Free for dues-paying alumni; $30 for guests and non-dues-paying alumni. To RSVP, contact alumniaffairs@nicholls.edu or 985-448-4951.

LOUISIANA CONNECTION: My brother, who died during birth, is buried in Lafayette, where my father was stationed during World War II. Losing their first child had a big impact on my parents, and they talked often about Lafayette, Avery Island, Tabasco sauce and all kinds of other Louisiana things. That’s one of the reasons Louisiana felt sort of like a homecoming even though I had never lived here before. FAVORITE CAJUN DISH YOU’VE HAD SO FAR: Blackened red fish and gumbo were my favorites before I came here, but jambalaya has been the most surprising meal I’ve had here. For some reason, I thought it was a red, soupy, fishy dish. I’ve also enjoyed grits and grillades, which I had never heard of before. PRESIDENTIAL PET: None yet, but we’re in the market for a border collie. NEW NICHOLLS TRADITION: The President’s Challenge Coin is a tradition I borrowed from the military to reward excellence. I received my own challenge coin from Condoleezza Rice. It’s called a challenge coin because if I give you one, I can challenge you to see it at any time. If you don’t have the coin on you, you have to buy me my drink of choice. If you do have your coin, I have to buy you your drink of choice. You can’t buy the President’s Challenge Coin in the bookstore; you can’t apply for it. If I see excellence, I reward the person with a coin. I’ve given about 10 so far for various reasons.

Sunday, March 30

Alumni Jazz Brunch with the President • 10:30 a.m.–

Colonel Baseball vs. Oral Roberts • 1 p.m., Didier Field • Purchase tickets at

nicholls.universitytickets.com. Tuesday, April 1

Art Works fundraiser benefiting Department of Art students • 6–9 p.m.,

Ameen Art Gallery (200 Talbot Hall) • The evening will include art studio tours, demonstrations and hands-on art experiences. Tickets are $50, or in lieu of a ticket you may donate a 4” x 6” piece of original artwork. For tickets and details, contact connie.doran@nicholls.edu or 985-448-4597.

Colonel Baseball vs. Southern University • 6 p.m., Didier Field • Purchase tickets at nicholls.universitytickets.com. Wednesday, April 2

Herman J. Doucet Sr. Memorial Biomedical Lecture: Dr. Ryan Matherne (BS ’02), dermatologist, on “New Research on Common Dermatological Disorders” • 5–6 p.m., Gouaux Auditorium Symphonic Winds and Wind Ensemble Performance • 7:30 p.m., Danos Theater in Talbot Hall

Thursday, April 3

Inauguration Ceremony • 3:30 p.m., Peltier Auditorium Inauguration Reception • 5 p.m., Quadrangle Concert by Curtis Rayam, famed opera tenor • 7:30 p.m., Danos Theater

in Talbot Hall

Friday, April 4

Opera Master Class with Curtis Rayam • 2 p.m., 215 Talbot Hall International Film Club showing of Late Quartet (2012 Canadian film) • 6:30 p.m., Peltier Auditorium

Jazz Ensemble Performance • 7:30 p.m., Danos Theater in Talbot Hall Saturday, April 5

Colonel Softball vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi • 1 p.m., 3 p.m., Softball

Field • Purchase tickets at nicholls.universitytickets.com.

The COLONEL SPRING 2014 For more information, visit nicholls.edu/inauguration.

Culinary under construction

Then & Now

Construction has already begun on the corner of La. 1 and Bowie Road, where Nicholls is building a 33,000-square-foot facility for the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute. Visit nicholls.edu/culinary/new-building to watch the development of our latest campus facility.

A Colonel crawdad tradition Students dig in at the first Crawfish Day, held in the Student Union.

This time of year, I always get an envie for crawfish...

Al Thibodeaux

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Crawfish Day patrons line up in the John L. Guidry Stadium parking lot to get their meals.

Students burn off their meals in a bounce house, one of the many activities at Crawfish Day.

Drusilla Seafood cooks up 8,000 pounds of crawfish for hungry students.

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Students enjoy the Ferris wheel among other carnival rides.

Laughter is served with a side of Louisiana cooking at Crawfish Day.

A student carries crawfish trays for his friends.

Students chow down on 1,500 pounds of crawfish provided by the Nicholls Student Government Association and the cafeteria.

ften described by Nicholls students as the “most anticipated event of the spring,” Crawfish Day — celebrating its 40th anniversary this semester — has grown into one of the university’s most popular traditions. Now viewed as a much-needed break from studying, the event was initially organized as a way to keep students on campus during the weekends. Al Thibodeaux (’71-’74, ’79–’80), a student government senator from St. Martinville, says he was surprised to find that Nicholls was a “Monday to Friday suitcase college” with few students sticking around past Friday afternoons. “Being able to do something for students to stay on campus over the weekend became a quest for me,” says Thibodeaux, who fondly recalls living in Long Hall. “Food kept coming up as an idea. This time of year, I always get an envie for crawfish, and I knew Nicholls had a crawfish pond at the farm.” In spring 1974, Thibodeaux, food service committee chairman, pitched the idea of a crawfish boil to President Vernon Galliano, who agreed to donate crawfish from the pond. Students gathered to help catch the crawfish on a Saturday and enjoyed the boiled crustaceans, cold beer and local music at the Student Union on a Sunday afternoon. “We had an unbelievable turnout for our first annual student crawfish boil,” Thibodeaux says, “but I didn’t think of it as having a long-lasting effect.” Soon after, Thibodeaux transferred to another university and lost touch with his Colonel colleagues. Unbeknownst to him, the crawfish boil continued the next year before waning in the late 1970s. In 1981, the Student Programming Association revived the event by sponsoring a crawfish-eating contest in front of the union. The following year, the festivities were relocated to Guidry Stadium and included crawfish for all students and guests willing to pay $1 for three pounds. Since then, Crawfish Day activities have varied widely. In 1985, SPA rebranded the event as Springfest and added carnival rides to the offerings. Other entertainment over the years has included mimes, jugglers, caricature artists, pie-in-the-eye booths, a black bear wrestling contest, tarot card and palm readers, rock walls, henna tattoo artists and numerous inflatable games. While some Crawfish Day traditions have died out, others have been added. Caterers, rather than students, now handle the food preparation. Pirogue races are no longer held in conjunction with Crawfish Day but have become a staple of Homecoming festivities instead. The Pirogue Court and Queen — which once honored outstanding freshmen — has faded, but Mr. and Ms. Nicholls — awards recognizing outstanding seniors — are now announced during Crawfish Day festivities. Undoubtedly, Crawfish Day has morphed into a much different, more organized version of the weekend activity Thibodeaux planned back in 1974. But each spring, as his hankering for crawfish begins to set in, Thibodeaux beams with great pride as he recalls how his simple idea to keep students on campus spawned a lasting university tradition. — Stephanie Verdin

Then & Now

Charles “Chuck” Boutwell (BGS ’93) poses as Crawfish Man, a mascot who made his entrance by rappelling down an ROTC tower.

Satisfy your crawfish cravings at our Alumni Crawfish Boil Relive your Crawfish Day experiences at our annual Alumni Crawfish Boil on Saturday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Cotillion Ballroom. Tickets purchased by May 2 are $30 for dues-paying alumni and $40 for all others. Tickets purchased after May 2 are $40 and $50, respectively. Reserved tables, which include eight tickets and a free round of drinks, are also available for $300. To reserve your tickets, call 985-448-4111 or email alumniaffairs@nicholls.edu.

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Making history

The Red Zone

[

What a season it was for the Colonels soccer team, who finished with the best overall record in school history (12-6-2). Spencer Valdespino, featured in the last issue of The Colonel, was also named Southland Conference Soccer Player of the Year and the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Player of the Year.

Ducks and Tar heels

Oh my! Oh my

A look at why Nicholls plays the toughest teams in the country

efty opponents are nothing new for the Nicholls Colonels. In the past few years, they’ve played the Oregon Ducks, North Carolina Tar Heels, Baylor Bears, Indiana Hoosiers, Oregon State Beavers and Duke Blue Devils in either football or basketball. And in the fall, Colonel football players will face Arkansas, their first SEC opponent in school history, as well as Air Force and North Texas. Scheduling games against such perennial powerhouses comes with risks and rewards. The so-called “guarantee games” — where smaller schools are paid to play larger programs — can lead to injury, lower win-loss

records and deflated team morale. But they also bring significant dollars to the entire athletic department along with national publicity and unforgettable game-day experiences. “These games are a double-edged sword for me as a coach,” says football head Coach Charlie Stubbs. “They can be a real positive. It gives our guys a chance to step up and play against higher competition. But we tend to play them early in the year, so we don’t always go into conference play with confidence, and there’s always the chance of injury.” Athletics Director Rob Bernardi says Nicholls teams would ideally play only one or two guarantee games a season, but schedul-

Colonel guard Shane Rillieux drives down the court against a No. 5 North Carolina defender on Dec. 19, 2011. Coach J.P. Piper uses these games against elite teams as a recruiting tool.

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ing more of these matchups has become a necessity due to the budget crisis. Last year, guarantee games in football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball generated $1.1 million, which significantly helped fund the overall athletics program. As Nicholls continues to receive less state funding, revenue-generating activities have become crucial to athletics, which must raise about 55 percent of its $6.5 million total budget. “I commend our coaches, who are understanding and schedule these games unselfishly,” Bernardi says. “This is something we can do to help offset budget cuts and to do our share in these difficult financial times.” Although playing multiple guarantee games is not ideal, Nicholls coaches and athletes are quick to point out the positives. For one, the games bring national exposure to the entire university. The day of the NichollsOregon football game, traffic to the university’s website, nicholls.edu, increased by more than 13,000 visitors. “I’m at a loss to find another event, other than these games and the Manning Passing Academy, that draws that much attention to the university,” Bernardi says. Men’s basketball head Coach J.P. Piper says scheduling games against elite teams also helps with athlete recruitment. “We tell kids that we understand they didn’t grow up necessarily dreaming of coming to Nicholls; most kids dream of playing at Duke, Indiana, Kentucky,” he explains. “But what we’ll do at Nicholls is take you into those venues, and it’s a pretty neat experience for them to play in Dean Dome [North Carolina]

and Bears!

]

Colonel to Watch Jaimee Springer After coming off of a sophomore year slump, Jaimee Springer was determined to make a comeback last year. But the javelin thrower never dreamed that she’d make it all the way to the 2013 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships and become the first track and field All-American in Nicholls history. Now in her senior year, she’s looking to keep breaking school records. Meet javelin thrower Jaimee Springer: Major: Psychology with a health promotion minor

The Colonels made the long trek to Eugene, Ore., to take on the Ducks in a game that brought the university national television coverage as well as a payday of $450,000.

[

... to play in front of thousands of roaring fans, whether they’re cheering for you or booing you, is like waking up in a dream. Quarterback Kalen Henderson

or Assembly Hall [Indiana]. Our game against Indiana was sold out, and when Indiana went on a run, the place went bonkers. Even though we were on the opposite side of that, it was like a ride at Disney World for a basketball player.” Stubbs says he loves watching his players hop on a plane — many flying or traveling out of state for the first time in their lives — and seeing the pride in their eyes when they run out on the field representing Nicholls on such a large stage. “I believe they truly appreciate the challenge and value the experience,” he says. “These kids wouldn’t trade that for anything.” Quarterback Kalen Henderson describes the experience of playing the Ducks as electrifying. “You see these packed stadiums on TV all

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the time, but to play in front of thousands of roaring fans, whether they’re cheering for you or booing you, is like waking up in a dream,” he says. “We weren’t supposed to put up the defensive numbers we did against Oregon, so that game was a real confidence builder for us.” And though unlikely, winning guarantee games is far from unheard of. The week following the Oregon football game, the Colonels pulled off a huge upset against FBS opponent Western Michigan. In 2010, the men’s basketball team beat LSU. “You can’t win those games if you don’t play those games,” Piper says. “It’s like taking an ax to chop down a big tree. It may take 1,000 swings, but you will eventually chop down the tree.” — Stephanie Verdin

Hometown: Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada Nickname: When I started getting serious about track in high school, everyone started calling me “Spear Chucker.” Your pre-meet routine: For breakfast the day of the meet, I always eat a bowl of Fruit Loops. Then, I usually get to the track pretty early to familiarize myself with the facility, and I keep the same routine as I warm up and right before I throw. The second I release the javelin, I always grunt. I’ve been doing that since I was 10. I was told it makes the javelin go further. My competitors automatically know something is wrong if I don’t grunt. Goals for upcoming season: I obviously want to make it back to the national championships at the University of Oregon and place higher than last year while trying to become an All-American again. I’d also like to beat former Colonel Leslie Bourgeois’ record javelin throw of 49.20 meters (161 feet, 5 inches). Life in Louisiana: During my senior year, I took a class on Canadian history, and we did a mini unit on the Acadians and how they were banished to Louisiana. I thought, Who would want to go to that state filled with gators and swamps? Two months later, I signed my National Letter of Intent to compete for Nicholls. I’ve loved it, especially the food and the weather. I’m still not used to the humidity yet, but it’s much better than training in the blizzards back home. — As told to Stephanie Verdin The

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15 year dream comes true

After more than a decade of planning and fundraising, Executive Director Christy Naquin (BS ’95) and other Colonels help bring the Bayou Country Children’s Museum to life.

By Nikki Buskey Photos by Misty Leigh McElroy The

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id-afternoon on a winter Wednesday, Thibodaux’s new Bayou Country Children’s Museum sits quiet. “It’s nap time,” Executive Director Christy Naquin (BS ’95) explains. Around 2 o’clock each afternoon, the daily lull gives the museum’s employees and volunteers a chance to restore order after the morning rush. Once school lets out, the building will once again fill with the noise of discovery and play. Children will scramble onto a full-size John Deere sugar cane harvester and clear imaginary fields; some will hop aboard a shrimp trawler named “Miss Clotille,” while others fish off a replica oil derrick outfitted with a delightfully speedy slide. “Occasionally, I’ll go into the play space and just listen,” Naquin says. “I love hearing the laughter and the shrieks. Children just love it. They have so much fun here. And as for parents, I think we exceeded everyone’s expectations.” Conceived by former Thibodaux physician Dr. Ethel Marie Mendenhall (BA ’73, MEd ’80), the $3.6 million children’s museum is a dream 15 years in the making and has been more successful than anticipated. But the uniquely south Louisiana museum might have remained just a wishful sketch if not for the efforts of Nicholls marketing graduate Naquin and a number of other university employees, students and supporters who helped bring the project to life. “It’s amazing to finally see the exhibits that I’d only imagined for such a long time,” Naquin says. “I was so tired of going place to place armed with the artist’s drawings, trying to build support for the project. Now people can see the real thing, fully built with children having a good time — it’s very fulfilling.” Naquin manages the museum’s day-to-day operations as well as oversees the ongoing fundraising initiatives. For years, without realizing it, she had been preparing to take on such a role. The Thibodaux native known for her spunky personality discovered a natural affinity for marketing while taking business classes at Nicholls. “I knew for sure I didn’t want to major in finance or accounting,” Naquin recalls. “Marketing is something that was much better suited to me, and it led me right where I was meant to be.” Upon graduation, Naquin landed a tourism dream job — marketing director at Oak Alley Plantation

Exhibits at the Bayou Country Children’s Museum are steeped in south Louisiana culture such as the “Miss Clotille” shrimp trawler, the mini Rouses grocery store and an actual-size John Deere sugar cane harvester. SPRING 2014 The COLONEL

in Vacherie — but was unexpectedly let go when tourism plummeted postHurricane Katrina. Never one to remain idle and wanting to continue developing her marketing skills, she took on marketing internships at the yet-to-be-built Bayou Country Children’s Museum and Thibodaux Regional Medical Center while also volunteering with the United Way of South Louisiana. Although Naquin’s career path quickly rebounded — she accepted a full-time job with SEACOR Marine and then a marketing position at Nicholls — she continued her volunteer work with the museum. Meanwhile, having settled on a location, finalized its business plan and secured a loan, the museum board — led by then President Kathleen Gros — was ready to hire an executive director. The board immediately turned to Naquin. Her experience in tourism marketing, event planning and nonprofit work gave her the experience necessary to help steer the museum into the future. Naquin felt conflicted about leaving her job at Nicholls, but she couldn’t pass up the opportunity. “It was something I could really see happening, and it was something I felt in my heart. I really wanted to be a part of it,” Naquin says. Now, five years later, as children explore the 34 exhibits steeped in Cajun culture, the Bayou Country Children’s Museum definitely feels like a dream realized. Since opening in September, the 12,700-square-foot building has seen more than 12,000 visitors from 25 states. “It’s a true blessing, as far as I am concerned,” says Gros, a Nicholls supporter and widow of former Nicholls College of Business Administration Dean Ridley Gros. “So often we tackle projects and one thing or another makes us stop. It’s wonderful to see it come to completion.” A large globe at the entrance to the main exhibit space traces the paths of eight different cultures that settled south Louisiana: French, Spanish, German, African, Irish and Native American. The idea of rooting the museum in south Louisiana culture and industry never wavered, Naquin says. “ Ev e r y t h i n g i s unique and recognizable,” she says.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, the museum is located at 211 Rue Bethancourt, which was leased to the museum board by Thibodaux entrepreneurs Jake Giardina and Ronald Adams for $1 a year.

“How many times have you seen one of these sugar cane harvesters on the side of the road? But it’s not until you’re standing right next to it that you realize how enormous it really is. We recognized that we had something special to build on here.” Themed “A Bayou Runs Through It,” the museum’s exhibits blend seamlessly together, offering lessons about local industry, culture, health and even safety. Children can operate a replica offshore supply vessel or race pirogues down a model bayou outfitted with locks and floodgates. They can also shop at a child-size Rouses grocery store and prepare their purchases at a homey Cajun restaurant. There’s a Mardi Gras exhibit with beads to throw to a Carnival crowd, a pit to dig for buried treasure and a stage with plenty of costumes for dress up. The museum’s only guided exhibit, “Safetyville,” is a small replica home that is staffed by a local law

enforcement officer. Designed to teach children fire and severe weather safety, the living room rumbles and shakes, which cues WWL-TV Chief Meteorologist Carl Arredondo to appear on the TV and offer safety tips. In a makeshift bedroom, smoke pours from under the door, promoting a lesson on how to escape a fire. “The first time I went in the museum to work, I overheard a little girl say to her mom, ‘This is the best place I have ever been.’ To go in there and hear the excitement of children — you know we’ve created something special,” Gros says. Although the doors have only been open a short time, there are already plans to expand the museum and add new exhibits, including one dedicated to the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department. To bring phase two of the dream to reality, Naquin remains focused on raising money for the museum; securing sponsorships; and planning popular events such as Play it Forward Casino Night and Night at the Boo-seum, the beloved annual trick-or-treating event. “Planning for the future of the museum is so much fun, especially now that I get to do it to all that pitterpattering and giggling out there,” Naquin says with a smile. ◊

Since opening in September, the museum has welcomed more than 12,000 visitors and now plans to expand upon its 34 exhibits.

The

Nicholls lends a helping hand Many Nicholls employees, students and alumni had a hand in bringing the Bayou Country Children’s Museum to life. Board members, past and present, have included Kathleen Gros, wife of late College of Business Administration Dean Ridley Gros; Dr. Chuck Viosca (MBA ’85), College of Business assistant dean for graduate programs and special projects; Dr. Leslie Jones (BS ’91, MEd ’92), College of Education dean; Becky Hulbert, wife of former Nicholls President Stephen Hulbert; and Deborah “Raz” Raziano (BA ’74), director emeritus of alumni affairs. Graduate Cheri White D’Albor (BA ’07) designed the logo and original marketing materials for the museum as a class project for Trisha Zeringue Rabalais (AS ’94), assistant professor of art. Dr. Ken Chadwick (BS ’84, MBA ’88), head of the Department of Management, Marketing and Business Administration, helped develop the business plan that secured the museum its loan.

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We’re all in the moo r science graduate Joel Jambon (BS ’89) e t u p m Co ond career as a piano man at Pat O ifnds sec ’Brien’s. By Stephanie Verdin Photos by Misty Leigh McElroy

he unmistakable melody of “Brown Eyed Girl” drifts through Pat O’Brien’s Piano Bar, where fruity rum punches crowd copper-topped tables and memories made by millions of locals and tourists thickly coat the walls. Up on stage, seated behind one of two polished baby grand pianos, Joel Jambon (BS ’89) taps his left foot as his fingers build momentum during the spirited chorus. Once a burned-out computer programmer looking for a more fulfilling career path, Jambon can hardly believe his luck. Four nights a week, he now clocks into work at perhaps the most legendary bar in New Orleans. “Playing the piano is what I would do to enjoy myself at home, so to be able to earn a living doing this is just the best thing ever,” says Jambon, a piano player at Pat O’s since 2006. “To do what you love is like not working.” A Golden Meadow native who masks his Cajun accent remarkably well, Jambon discovered his musical talent at age 11, when he began taking organ lessons. Barely a teenager, he landed his first gig of sorts at Our Lady of Prompt Succor, a Catholic church just a short bike ride from his home. He later picked up the trombone while at South Lafourche High School and continued playing during his freshman year at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. But despite his passion for music, Jambon had been set on pursuing a computer science degree since the ninth grade. “The Apple II had just come out, and I was intrigued by all the computer stuff floating around,” Jambon recalls. “Computers were poised to keep exploding, and I thought, That’s a growing field I should be a part of.” 12

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Music continued to fill a large chunk of the computer science major’s time, especially after he transferred to Nicholls in 1987. Jambon joined the KNSU radio station staff first as a DJ and then as program director, responsible for training staffers and buying records. “Sometimes, I’d sneak into the piano practice room in the music building, which they thankfully kept unlocked,” he says. “I spent a lot of time in there playing just to relax myself. I considered changing my major a couple of times, but I stuck with the safer career choice.” Before graduation, Jambon secured a programming job with Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in the Detroit area, but even after five years there, he never acclimated to the snowy conditions. Slowly, Jambon migrated back south, where he ultimately was hired by Hibernia Bank in New Orleans to do Y2K programming. “I clearly remember attending a summer program in the early ’80s, and they told us, ‘There’s this Y2K problem that y’all are going to have to fix one day.’ I thought it would be fixed long before, but no, it was waiting for me in 1999, and I spent 18 months doing Y2K coding and testing. It was a slog.” Just as the worn-down Jambon began considering a career change, his mother unexpectedly passed away. “I had been dissatisfied with my work for some time, and my mother’s death made me think, When I die one day, don’t I want to say that I played more music and did less programming?” says Jambon, who left Hibernia in 2001. “I wanted to do what made me happy, and I thought, What better place than New Orleans to try to make a living as a musician.” Jambon applied at Howl at the Moon, a dueling-

piano bar chain once located on Bourbon Street, and although he had little experience in singing or entertaining a crowd, he got his first professional gig. “I didn’t even know ‘Piano Man,’ the No. 1 requested song,” he says. “That’s how green I was.” The new job pushed the introverted Jambon out of his comfort zone. Not only did he have to memorize the 150 songs in Howl at the Moon’s repertoire, but he also was expected to jump on the pianos, tell jokes and pump up the crowd between songs. Just as he was finding his groove, Hurricane Katrina swept it away. Howl at the Moon never reopened, and when Jambon returned to New Orleans, jobs — especially for musicians — were scarce. Even the esteemed Pat O’Brien’s, then open only three days a week, wasn’t hiring. Jambon kept afloat by playing one-time gigs, including a month-long “pity job” at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. In the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras 2006, Pat O’s announced that it was reopening seven days a week and needed piano players to entertain the anticipated crowds. Jambon auditioned, and the manager agreed to try him out for a week. “He never actually told me I had the job; he just kept putting me on the schedule,” Jambon recalls. “After a couple of months, I thought, I guess I got the job.” For Jambon and most others lucky enough to land a spot on the coveted piano bar staff, the job is one they plan to keep until retirement. There’s no mistaking that the work can be tough. Musicians work in teams of four with each pair playing every other hour from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. on weekends and 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays. And, of course, there are the intoxicated customers who

od for a

melody

occasionally cause trouble. But the job pays well and is revered. In the 18th century building on St. Peter that houses Pat O’Brien’s, live music has been a staple since 1942, and some of the piano players have been on the staff for more than 30 years — continuing to perform well into their 80s. “To be a part of that long tradition is amazing for a musician because, as I learned, clubs come and go,” Jambon says. “But this place and its reputation have endured. We can take more chances than other dueling-piano bars because we have a legacy of players who have been here for decades. They remember older songs when they were new hits.” Using the bar’s WiFi and a laptop set atop the piano, Jambon can look up the lyrics and play by ear any song he’s heard at least five times. Requests range from the overplayed favorites to the obscure stumpers. Although Jambon lights up when he receives requests for old standards by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, he doesn’t shy away from the more modern picks. He even does piano renditions of hip-hop favorites such as “Gin and Juice,” “Baby Got Back” and “Ice Ice Baby.” As requests for new songs he doesn’t know pile up, he adds them to his “to-learn” list, expanding his repertoire to meet the crowd’s demands. When he isn’t presiding over a piano at Pat O’s, Jambon enjoys quiet time at home reading, surfing the Internet and playing more music. Recently, he purchased an organ, which takes him back to those pre-teen performances at the Golden Meadow church. Of course, his musical venue has changed quite a bit since then, but he says the gigs aren’t entirely different. “In both cases, we wanted the crowd to sing along.” The

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Scholarship honors Raz

Alumni Federation News

An endowed scholarship was established this fall in honor of our longtime Colonel spirit leader Deborah “Raz” Raziano (BA ’74), who retired in January 2013 after serving as director of alumni affairs for 32 years. The annual scholarship recipient will receive $1,000 for two semesters. For more information, call 985-448-4111.

p i h s r e b m e m r g value to you

Addin

hip. In the past e to your members lu va e or m en ev New Orleans on adding d alumni socials in ste ho but we’re working , er lett ws ne elonel football d a monthly dition before all Co tra g year, we’ve launche in at ilg ta ni m our inaugural started an alu event, so we threw ni and Houston, and m alu al rm fo a champagne u requested ete with a Colonel pl m games. Some of yo co — sh Ba r the works. ni Fundraise ut the region are in ho New Year’s Eve Alum ug ro th ts en ev hear more More alumni mine, so I’d love to is it as toast at midnight. h uc m as n d help me federatio olls ambassador an ich This is your alumni N a lf se ur yo er you’ll consid re in Thibodaux. of your ideas. I hope iversity we have he un t ea gr e th t ou spread the word ab

y first year e having fun, and m ime flies when you’r an excitdirector has been as Nicholls alumni ing to the rience. I love driv ing, fast-paced expe ng; meeting with mpus every morni ca ls ol ich N ul tif beau d soaking in the ulty and students; an fac , ni m alu g in at fascin rsity. ds our vibrant unive u, and your energy that surroun y an to know m of yo ng tti ge d ye jo en e I’v the Nicholls e big changes for m so d ire sp in ve ideas ha award-winning fall, we designed an is Th n. tio ra de Fe and started Alumni olonels, s discount program es sin bu ni m - Come Home C alu em m an d ni m ce du alu w tro in ne , ed 90 membership card itiative alone attract . emberships. This in m ve a long way to go e ha im ll et sti lif g we in t er bu off rt, sta ce ni a s it for me?” e members. It’ ’98, MEd ’00) en ask “W hat’s in oft u rs bers and 66 lifetim be em m e Monique Crochet (BS g bl in ay da -p or es ochet@nicholls.ed aff du an ’t en en ar be airs • monique.cr have always Aff Alumni who ni ps hi um rs Al be , or em , ct m els ire n D on ni Federatio generations of Col Well, Nicholls Alum and support future er at m a alm ur yo way to give back to

Membership card now offers discounts

icholls Alumni Federation membership cards are no longer just wallet fillers. This fall, the cards underwent a complete design makeover — adopting a bolder, colorful look and transitioning from paper to plastic. But less obvious are the discounts that members can receive by showing their alumni card or key tag at local businesses. Monique Crochet, director of alumni affairs, says her office started the discount program to add more value to Nicholls Alumni Federation memberships and to build positive relationships with local business leaders. Twenty-one companies agreed to participate in the first year of the discount program, and Crochet hopes to continue adding more businesses throughout south Louisiana and beyond. If your company is interested in joining the program, please call 985-448-4110. This year’s alumni discounts include: THIBODAUX RESTAURANTS • Foundry on the Bayou: 10 percent off of appetizer, entree and dessert and free entry to music venue • Grady V’s American Bistro: free glass of wine with entree purchase • Peppers Pizzeria: free cheesy bread with any pizza purchase • Santa Fe Cattle Co.: free appetizer with entree purchase • Wingstop: five free wings with any wing order purchase

Nicholls Alumni Federation membership cards can now be used to get discounts at several local businesses, including Urban Loft in Houma. The store’s owners, Eva Smith (’90) and Susan Vizier Danos (AS ’92), offer alumni members a 15-percent discount on purchases.

LaHaye Skin Care: 10 percent off of all skin care treatments, facials, chemical peels and spray tanning • Queeny’s Boutique: 25 percent off of clothing purchases of $50 or more • Thibodaux Playhouse Inc.: $2 off of single ticket (box office only — one discount per card per production) • Three Stitches: 5 percent off of purchases of $50 or more •

• •

Edible Arrangements: 10 percent off of purchases Urban Loft: 15 percent off of purchases

OTHER • Charter Media: $150 off of production of 30-second spot to air on networks • Louisiana Ink Art (lainkart.com): 10 percent off of any art show purchase • S & S Boutique — Etcetera (etcetera.com, contact HOUMA RESTAURANTS THIBODAUX RETAIL/SERVICES sagilbert1@yahoo.com): 10 percent off of any one item • Peppers Pizzeria: free cheesy bread with any pizza purchase • A & G Refrigeration: 5 percent off of equipment, 15 percent • Wingstop: five free wings with any wing order purchase valued at $150 or more off of parts • Spuddy’s Cajun Foods Inc. (Vacherie): 10 percent off of • Acadian Animal Hospital: $20 off of first exam homemade andouille and/or smoked sausage HOUMA RETAIL/SERVICES • Awé Sha: 10 percent off of purchases (excluding Pandora) • A & G Refrigeration: 5 percent off of equipment, 15 percent • What Now Magazine: one additional month of advertis• Conservative Nation LLC: free first consultation and 15 off of parts ing free with purchase of a half-page or full-page ad for six percent off monthly services • BG Bicycles: 15 percent off of MSRP or 12 months Alumni-owned and/or -operated businesses

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Colonel Notes Member of the Nicholls Alumni Federation

1970s Dr. David Manuel (BS ’70), president of Drury University in Springfield, Mo., was appointed to CoxHealth’s board of directors. Lawrence “Sonny” Albarado (BA ’73), projects editor for the Arkansas DemocratGazette, was elected to the Associated Press Media Editors board of directors. Albarado previously served as president of the Society of Professional Journalists for 2012-13. Ruth Thibodeaux (BA ’73), an English teacher at E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux, will retire at the end of the school year after 28 years of service.

served as the supervisor of worked for Superior Shipsecondary education and yard and Fabrication as well career and technical educa- as S.J.I. Inc. tion in Terrebonne Parish. Iris Brown Reedom (BSN Gwain Roundtree (BS ’79) ’86) is a lieutenant colonel is division manager for Inter- in the U.S. Air Force Nurse tek US Construction (formal- Corps. She is currently in her ly Moody International and 20th year of military service. ISI) in Amelia. He previously served as the company’s busiEarl J. Eues Jr. (BS ’88) ness development manager owns KEE Environmental and operations manager. Services LLC in Houma and also serves as the director of 1980s the Terrebonne Parish Office June Shaw (BA ’80) was re- of Homeland Security and elected to her third term rep- Emergency Preparedness. resenting Louisiana on the Board of Mystery Writers of Paul Amedee (BS ’89) is vice America’s Southwest Chapter. president of safety for Safway She is also serving her third Group in Waukesha, Wis. He term as published author has more than 20 years of liaison for Romance Writers experience in the safety field. of America’s South Louisiana Chapter. Shaw writes books in Riley Cheramie (BGS ’89) various genres; they are avail- was promoted to the rank able at juneshaw.com. of colonel in the U.S. Army. He is also working toward a Glynn Boyd (BA ’84), pub- master’s degree in strategic lic information spokesperson for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff ’s Office, launched his own clothing line called Yes Indeed! NOLA. His merchandise is on sale at yesindeedneworleans.com.

Colonel named to Chiefs Hall of Fame

Richie Clements (BA ’74), president of Clements Insurance Services in Chalmette, was voted president-elect of the Dr. John Doucet (BS ’84), dean National Association of Pro- of the College of Arts and Sciences at Nicholls, wrote fessional Insurance Agents. Torn Page, a play that debuted Bill Guion (BA ’75) self-pub- at the Bayou Playhouse in lished Heartwood, Meditations Lockport in September and on California Oaks, a fine art October. The play was directbook showcasing photos of ed by Perry Martin (BGS ’86), his favorite subject — oak director of the Bayou Playtrees. He previously published house, and starred Chef Randy Heartwood, Meditations on Cheramie (BA ’76), executive Southern Oaks and Heartwood, director of the Chef John Further Meditations on Oaks. Folse Culinary Institute. Nason “Tony” Authement (BS ’76) is the superintendent of Rapides Parish School District. Authement previously

studies at the U.S. Army War Todd Napier (BA ’93) is the College in Carlisle, Pa. vice president of marketing/ public relations and partner Kris Lasseigne Guillot (BS ’89, of Results Media and MarketMEd ’94) was named the ing LLC in Nashville. Napier 2012-2013 Brother Linus previously worked for WWLTeacher of the Year. A biology TV in New Orleans, HTV in teacher, Guillot has taught at Houma and an NBC affiliate E.D. White Catholic High in Huntsville, Ala. School for 22 years. Chris Lapeyre (BGS ’94), with 1990s two other partners, formed Scott Sanders (’87–’90), the company Pelican Waste owner of the Sanders Base- and Debris, which provides ball and Softball Academy in waste disposal services in Thibodaux, is now cancer-free Terrebonne and Lafourche after a battle with liposarco- parishes. ma, a rare connective tissues cancer. Sanders is also the Karen Millwater McGowen pitching coach at E.D. White (’93–’94) owns Creative U Catholic High School. in Houma. She teaches art classes, offers home school art Anna Boudreaux LaBauve (AS lessons, and hosts art parties ’93) was appointed regional for both children and adults. director for People’s Health’s Southland Region. She is a Michael Gary (AS ’96) is a staff registered nurse responsible nurse in the emergency departfor management and recruitment of St. James Parish Hosing of her staff. pital. He is also president-elect

James Callahan (BS ’85, MBA ’90) is the director of finance and administration for Danos in Larose. He previously

Photo courtesy of Kansas City Chiefs.

1960s Dan Borne (BA ’68), president of the Louisiana Chemical Association and the Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance, gave the keynote address for Nicholls’ fall commencement ceremonies.

Colonel football great Gary Barbaro (BS ’80), center, was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Arrowhead Stadium. The first Nicholls player to be drafted into the NFL, Barbaro played for the Chiefs from 1976 to 1982 and still holds the team’s record for longest interception return for a touchdown — a 102-yarder in 1977. The

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Colonel Notes Member of the Nicholls Alumni Federation and membership/web chairMike Hebert (AS ’98, BGS man for the Louisiana Emer- ’03) and Tressa Vauclin gency Nurses Association. Hebert (BA ’03) own and run Edible Arrangements in Kevin George (BGS ’96, BS Houma. Mike also works as a ’99, MEd ’03) is the superin- port director for Customs and tendent of St. John the Baptist Border Control. The couple Parish Public School System. has two daughters, who are current Nicholls students. Tonia Brickley (BS ’97) works for All Star Automotive Dr. Brigett Scott (BS ’98), Group in Baton Rouge. head of the Department of Allied Health Sciences and Antoine Techenet (MBA ’97), assistant professor of dietetics a native of Paris, France, has at Nicholls, earned her docpublished Le Culte des Goules, torate from the University of a terror/mystery book set in Southern Mississippi. She has 1703 and based on the works also published three books: In of H.P. Lovecraft. He is also Love with the Enemy, What’s a street artist, tour guide and That in Mom’s Belly and The judicial interpreter to the police. Game Warden’s Catch. Nicole Formeller Gould (MBA ’98), attorney for Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson LLP in Baton Rouge, has been named a Rising Star in the 2014 edition of Louisiana Super Lawyers.

2000s Cory Melancon Haik (BA ’00) is the executive producer for digital news at The Washington Post. She has also shared in three Pulitzer Prizes. Previously, Haik worked for both The Times-Picayune and the Seattle Times. Martina Musmeci Salles (BS ’00), a licensed dietitian nutritionist, has been appointed to the Louisiana State Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition by Gov. Bobby Jindal.

Brent Barker (BS ’01) is a sales representative for Bollinger Shipyards Inc. in Lockport. He has more than Rosalind Weber-Davis (BA 10 years of experience in the ’98, MEd ’04) is the principal oil and gas industry. at Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School. Casey Bergeron (BS ’01) is the An educator for 16 years, chief information officer for she previously worked as an the Cardiovascular Institute of assistant principal for the past the South in Houma. He previsix years. ously worked at Terrebonne General Medical Center.

Craig Breerwood (BS ’01, BS ’02) is the tax manager for the public accounting firm of Cottrill, Arbutina & Associates in Beaver, Pa. He previously was a tax practice director with Charles Theriot, CPA in Houma.

Rachelle Hitt Bilbo (BA ’05) and her husband, Brandon, launched Cross Church of Houma, which offers services each Sunday at the AMC Palace Theatre. Karen Cheramie (AGS ’05), administrative coordinator for the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Nicholls, is working on a master’s degree in educational leadership/ higher education administration at Nicholls.

Michael Gulotta (BS ’03) opened MoPho, a restaurant serving Asian cuisine with a New Orleans twist at 514 City Park Ave. in New Orleans. Previously, Gulotta was the executive chef at John Besh’s Restaurant August. Latrandra Hills (BGS ’05) is currently enrolled in the LSU Elmer Tatum (AS, BS ’03) School of Nursing in New is a drill site manager for Orleans and also competes in Chevron Romania Explo- fitness competitions. ration and Production in Bucharest, Romania. Clayton Shelvin (’01–’05) is a senior academic/career Jameeta Youngblood (BA ’04, adviser at Tulane University MBA ’07) is the business in New Orleans. He also was manager for the radio station the choreographer for the WWNO in New Orleans. Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré’s production of HAIR in November.

Graduate finds hope behind jail walls

former beauty products businesswoman with a bright smile and warm, welcoming demeanor, Renee Brinkley (BGS ’03) is not the person you’d expect to find running the parish’s correction facilities. Lafourche’s head administrator of corrections for the past three years, Brinkley oversees the parish jail in Thibodaux — an overcrowded, aging facility housing up to 245 inmates. At it’s best, the jail is an unpleasant place to spend a day. At it’s worst, it can be downright dangerous. But where many people see a place of punishment, Brinkley sees opportunity. She views inmates as people who are facing not only the biggest challenges of their lives but who are also being presented with a chance to change their path. “Whether great or small, we have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life every day,” Brinkley says. 16

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The first woman promoted to major in the Lafourche Parish Sheriff ’s Office, Brinkley has worked in law enforcement for 14 years, but her path wasn’t always a clear one. She initially struggled with devoting herself to her studies and deciding on a major, and she left Nicholls before finishing her degree. Brinkley later returned and earned her general studies degree after University College Dean Al Davis convinced her that having diverse interests wasn’t a bad thing. “He really put it together for me when he said, ‘Renee, it’s okay that you want to be Miss America and the president and a veterinarian and a counselor,’” Brinkley recalls. “For the first time I really felt like I was okay being a person who was interested in so many different things.” A Thibodaux resident for much of her life, Brinkley began her career a long way from the jailhouse — selling bath and beauty products and

guiding businesses for Neill Corporation. When the company was bought out, Brinkley found herself at a crossroads. She ran into Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre at a football game, and he convinced her to work for him as executive director of Weed and Seed, a federally sponsored program that aims to prevent and reduce crime in targeted neighborhoods. “Working in my community and working with people was always my passion, so, for me, it was the perfect job,” she says. After watching Brinkley navigate tough neighborhoods, her coworkers suggested she undergo formal police officer training. Having never touched a gun before, Brinkley recalls her training as “shocking” and “life-changing.” Leaning on what she learned at the academy, at Nicholls and in her graduate program at the University of New Orleans, she steadily rose through the ranks, serving

Colonel Notes

What’s new with you? We want to know.

The Colonel wants to share your good news. Let us know about your recent wedding, baby, grandbaby, new job, new degrees, awards and accomplishments by emailing alumniaffairs@nicholls.edu. Hope to see your name in the fall issue!

Jean-Paul Bourgeois (BS ’06) is executive chef of Blue Smoke, a New York City restaurant specializing in American regional cuisine and barbecue. He previously served as chef de cuisine of Gramercy Terrace at The Gramercy Park Hotel. Dr. Johnathan Davis (MS ’06) is an assistant professor of biology at Young Harris College in Young Harris, Ga. He was named the 2012 Faculty Member of the Year and received the 2013 Exemplary Teaching Award. He also earned grant funds to study sicklefin redhorse — a rare, elusive fish that’s a candidate for the endangered species list.

Jarrett Hawkins (BA ’07, AS ’11) is pursuing a master’s degree in advanced safety engineering and management at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Archie Chaisson III (BS ’08) is the parish administrator for Lafourche Parish. Kappy Cullum (BS ’08) is president and owner of C & R Land Surveying in Broussard. Crystal Robichaux Beyer (BA ’09, SSP ’13) is a school psychologist for Livingston Parish Public School System.

Taryn Naquin Clement (BA ’09) is the distillery manager at Donner-Peltier Distillers Christian Falcon (AS, BS ’07) in Thibodaux. She previously is a senior account manager worked in insurance sales. for Superior Energy Services in Houma. He previously 2010s worked on oil rigs for 15 years. Tamarris Durham (AS, AS, BS ’10) is a deep-water regulatory specialist for Shell Oil.

as deputy commander of support services, captain of the personnel division, major of the civil department and finally head administrator of corrections. Running Lafourche Parish’s corrections system takes a firm attitude and the ability to tell people the truth, even when they don’t want to hear it. But the job also takes empathy, something Brinkley has a lot of. “I have a huge heart, and sometimes I think that’s my downfall,” she says. “I go home and I worry about the people I’ve met, and I pray for people.” That’s especially tough in the corrections system, where the goal is to reform inmates in hopes that they’ll change their lives and never return. In reality, many end up back behind bars. “When I see the revolving door, I can’t help but question myself and say, where did we fail? I always want to know if I could have done something more,” she says. Not everyone’s going to jail forever, she adds. Ultimately, many inmates are coming back into the community. They could be your neighbor, your

He worked 10 years in the field before returning to Nicholls to earn three degrees and make the connections that landed him his current job.

Veronica Traigle (AGS ’10, BS ’12), Dalton Primeaux (AGS ’12, BA ’13) and Haley Hebert (BA ’13) presented WildHouse Fashion, a cocktail event and live fashion design competition inspired by wildlife in June. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Audubon Institute. Primeaux is the editor-in-chief of The WareHouse District blog based in New Orleans. Traigle serves as the blog’s creative director, and Hebert is an intern.

John Kerry (BA ’10) owns Conservative Nation LLC, a business and political consulting company specializing in marketing, generating revenue and managing campaigns. He also published his first book Fraudulent Representation: The Tainted Mindset of Black America, which examines African-American communi- Dillon Baronne (BS ’11) is ties and their political choices. a land surveying intern for Angelette-Picciola Consulting Louis Raiford (AS, BGS, BS Engineers and Surveyors LLC ’10; MEd ’13) is the director of in Cut Off. residence life at McNeese State University in Lake Charles. Randy Missildine (AS, BS ’11) is the executive chef at LuViNicole Russo (AS, BS ’10) ci’s Restaurant in Athens, Ala. owns and operates Coley’s Café in Houma. Celeste Roberts (BA ’11) is a technical writer for Submar Inc. in Houma and writes for What Now Magazine in

Thibodaux. She previously worked for Amity Corporation, teaching English in Tottori, Japan. Sarah Baudoin (BA ’13) is a United Way campaign associate in the HoumaThibodaux area. Aaron Boquet (BA ’13) is a graduate assistant at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he is working toward a master’s degree in flute pedagogy. Masy Hebert (BA ’13) owns and operates What a Relief Prints, featuring her relief printing press in Lockport. She creates and sells prints on both paper and fabric. Gavin Johnson (BA ’13) is working toward a master’s degree in English/rhetoric and composition at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

mother’s neighbor, a co-worker or someone who does your home repairs. “Wouldn’t you want to know we did something to make them better?” she says. While Brinkley has never felt unaccepted by her mostly male peers in law enforcement, it took time for her to learn that she didn’t have to change her personality or harden herself. She’s kept her big heart intact, even if it means crying at drug court graduation, which celebrates drug offenders who reach sobriety. “I was so proud of the graduates,” she says. “For some of them it took years, but they finally beat their addiction and that’s something to celebrate. So yeah I get excited and I cry — I learned a long time ago that it’s okay for me to just be who I am.” — Nikki Buskey With her big heart and no-nonsense attitude, Renee Brinkley (BGS ’03) tries to reform inmates in her role as head administrator of corrections for Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office. The

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Colonel Notes Member of the Nicholls Alumni Federation

Finishing what he started I t was a Christmas gift the Muscato family had not expected. It wasn’t flashy, shiny or the newest gadget on everyone’s wish list. As Linda and Arky Muscato unwrapped their gift, tears of joy filled their eyes. What they found underneath the wrapping was a simple piece of paper showing that their son, Michael, was now a college graduate. “We were shocked; we had no idea he had been working on finishing his degree,” Arky says. “With the pressures of his job, the time changes he encounters traveling worldwide and the expense, we just had no idea, but we could not be more proud of him for accomplishing this goal. My wife and I taught for 30 years, so we have always placed a high importance on education.” After leaving Nicholls in 2007, short of completing his degree, Michael — a former Nicholls baseball player hailing from Phoenix, Ariz. — set out to make a name for himself. After a short career in minor league baseball, Michael packed up and headed out west to Los Angeles. He was looking to “escape reality” while earning a shot as a video engineer for Disney television shows, movies, music videos and commercials.

Not yet completely fulfilled, Michael made yet another life-changing decision by joining the armed services. “I earned my Navy Seal contract with the U.S. Navy, but injury inevitably ended that dream for me,” Michael says. “What I did learn was the word commitment. It was after this humbling life experience that I decided I was going to finish what I started.” Michael began taking classes through Nicholls Online while traveling worldwide as a video engineer with musical artists such as Rihanna, Neil Young, Selena Gomez and Lil Wayne. This year alone he will be traveling to Europe, Australia, Canada, Asia and South America as the video crew chief for the pop artist Drake, all while planning his upcoming wedding and running his own CrossFit gym based in Glendale, Ariz. Juggling multiple responsibilities made finishing his degree in interdisciplinary studies challenging, but the new Nicholls Online format made it possible for him to overcome those obstacles. “Finishing my degree through Nicholls Online

Through Nicholls Online, Michael Muscato (BIS ’13), former Colonel baseball player, was able to finish his degree while continuing to work as a video engineer for popular musical artists such as Drake and Rihanna.

was a great experience, and I am so thankful Nicholls added that capability,” Michael says. “This degree was important because I wanted to show my parents that I am a man who lives a life of standing true to his word. I did not need to graduate from college. I wanted to.” — Tyler Knowles

Baby Colonels Brad Becnel (BS ’02, BS ’03) and Kimberly Nelams Becnel announce the birth of son Liam Brad Becnel on Feb. 14 in Lafayette.

Kris Curole Hymel (BGS ’04, MEd ’08) and Chris Hymel (BS ’04) announce the birth of daughter Emma Grace Hymel on Nov. 25 in Thibodaux.

Georgia Diedrich Ruttley (BS ’02) and Brandon Ruttley (BS ’05) announce the birth of daughter Mary Louise Ruttley on Oct. 28 in Thibodaux.

Travis Beyer (BA ’05) and Crystal Robichaux Beyer (BA ’09, SSP ’13) announce the birth of daughter Abigail Therese Beyer on Sept. 7 in Baton Rouge.

Letha Dawson Boudreaux (BS ’03, MS ’05) and Perry Boudreaux (BS ’03, MS ’06) announce the birth of son Owen Douglas Boudreaux on Sept. 29 in Houma.

Kate Leblanc Costanza (BS ’06) and Clint Costanza (BS ’07) announce the birth of son Cai Michael Costanza on Aug. 7 in Baton Rouge. Kate was Ms. Nicholls 2006 Tracy Simoneaux Caldarera (BS and Clint was Mr. Nicholls ’04) and Courtney Caldarera 2007, so their family refers announce the birth of daugh- to Cai as “Double Nicholls.” ter Kynlee Rae Caldarera on Nov. 1 in Thibodaux. 18

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Ariel Ferchaud Triggs (BA ’06) Beau is the grandson of Vic Lafont (BS ’78) and and Jonathan Triggs (BS ’07, AS ’13) announce the birth Dr. Pamela Kirkley (BS ’79, of daughter Alexa Rae Triggs MEd ’80). on April 17 in Thibodaux. Bevi Jimenez Olivier (BA ’07) Kandice Lafleur Birdsall (BGS and Scott Olivier (BS, BS ’08) ’07) and Gary Birdsall Jr. (BS announce the birth of daugh’09) announce the birth of ter Eva Kate Olivier on Dec. 10 son Gary Joseph Birdsall III in Thibodaux. on Aug. 7 in Metairie. Leah Talbot Reppel (BA ’07) Heather Heltz Irwin (BS ’07, MS and Justin Reppel (BSN ’09) ’10) and David Irwin (BA announce the birth of daugh’07, MEd ’13) announce the ter Whitney Marie Reppel birth of daughter Peyton Marie on Sept. 5 in New Orleans. Irwin on Jan. 13 in Thibodaux. Ashley Morgan Chaisson (BA Bryan Myers (BGS ’07, ’08) and Archie Chaisson BS ’09) and Lauren Lafont III (BS ’08) announce the Myers (BS ’08, MEd ’10) birth of daughter Evelyn Morannounce the b ir th of gan Chaisson on July 17 in son Beau Warren Myers Thibodaux. on Dec. 24 in Thibodaux.

Ashley Comeaux-Foret (BA ’08) and Adam Foret (BME ’09) announce the birth of daughter Aurora Elizabeth Foret on April 18 in Raceland. Mandy Folse Martin (BS ’08) and John Martin announce the birth of son Jax Espn Martin on Aug. 29 in Thibodaux. Caitlin Morris Bacon (BS ’09, BSN ’11) and Jeffrey Bacon announce the birth of daughter Vera Jane Bacon on May 18 in Raceland. JennaLynn Galjour Chiasson (BA ’09, MEd ’11) and Grant Chiasson announce the birth of their son Gavrie Paul Chiasson on May 4 in Thibodaux.

Alumni golf pros

Colonel Notes

Congratulations to the Nicholls Alumni Federation John Brady Golf Classic winners. The morning flight’s winning team included Kelly Candies (BS ’93), Otto Candies III (BS ’86), Sid Candies (BGS ’91) and Matt Kerrigan. The championship team for the afternoon flight included Lee Arcement (BS ’91), David Bourgeois (BS ’82, MBA ’94), Richard Bourgeois and David Tate (BS ’81).

Thank you to the 2013 John Brady Golf Classic Sponsors Benton Ayo

C & E Boat Rentals The Peltier Foundation

Corporate Foursomes

A & G Refrigeration Acadia Land Surveying LLC C & D Production Specialist C & E Boat Rentals Cam Morvant, District Attorney Colonel Athletic Association Duplantis Design Group Gulf Island Fabrication Inc. Lafourche Shrine Club LaTour Golf Club McDermott

Hole Sponsors

Acadia Land Surveying LLC American Sugar Cane League Babin Farms Bourgeois & Associates Bruce Vicknair C & D Production Specialist Cam Morvant, District Attorney Chris Fakier Insurance Chris Lapeyre, RHU – Insurance Services Corporate Marketing Craig Webre, Sheriff Daigle Himel Daigle PT & Hand Center Danos Dee Richard, State Representative Duplantis Design Group Gage Telephone Systems Gary Barbaro Gulfland Office Furniture and Supplies

MidSouth Bank Norby Chabert, Senator Otto Candies LLC Peltier Foundation Pernix Therapeutics Rouses The Dupont Group LLC Tommy Eschete Campaign Thibodaux Regional Medical Center Wingstop

Henry J. Lafont Jr., Attorney at Law In Memory of Norman Swanner Johnny’s Men Shop Jones Dermatology Jones Insurance Services LLC Mike Bednarz, State Farm Insurance Neil Maki, MD Peltier Agencies, Insurance and Travel Ribuck LLC Santa Fe Cattle Co. Southland Steel & Supply LLC Stella Lasseigne Stephen G. Peltier, Alumni Federation Past President Synergy Bank TKE Mu Zeta Alumni Association T.S. Kearns & Co., CPA Walters, Meyer, Trosclair & Associates

Weddings Allen Theriot III (’00–’02) Mandy Percle (BA ’08) of and Amanda Martin (BS ’12), Plaquemine married Terrent both of Houma, were mar- Broussard of Abbeville on ried on Sept. 7. Oct. 26.

Teryn Richardson (BS ’10) of DeRidder married Brad A. Williams of Rosepine on Sept. 15.

Elmer Tatum (AS, BS ’03) of Lafayette married Karen Bye Stassi of Prairieville on June 15.

Shaye Sedotal (’04–’08) and Kevin Duffy, both of New Orleans, were married on June 14.

Katie Duet (BS ’11) and Brent Soignet (BS ’11), both of Thibodaux, were married on July 5.

Azadeh Alavi (BS ’04) of Paradis married Mark Anthony Ockman of Chackbay on Nov. 23.

Danielle Clayton (BGS ’09) of Patterson married Jonathan Courtney of Morgan City on July 19.

Devin Bourgeois (BS ’12) and Katherine Harang, both of Thibodaux, were married on June 29.

Jonathan Percle (BS ’04, BS ’05) of Plaquemine married Blair Bass (BA ’10) of San Antonio on April 20.

Michelle Luquette (AS ’09, BS ’10) of Des Allemands married Joshua Hart of Houma on Nov. 10 at the Louisiana Castle in Franklin.

Monique Trahan (BS ’12) of Montegut married Clifford DeHart of Chauvin on Oct. 26.

Jonathan Serigne (BA ’05) of Chalmette married Randi Lauren Plaisance (BS ’10) Rousseau of Ponchatoula on and Lee Lasserre, both of May 10. Chackbay, were married on Dec. 13. Stephanie Detillier (BA ’06) of Raceland married Clyde Verdin Jr. (BA ’08) of Morgan City on June 8.

Chandler Guidroz (BS ’12) of Cut Off married Shelly Waguespack (BS ’12) of Chackbay on Dec. 20. Ali Bouchereau (BS ’13) and John Kocke, both of Donaldsonville, were married on June 8 in Navarre, Fla.

Nathan Folse (BA ’07) and Jennifer Nunez (BA ’09), both of Thibodaux, were married on Oct. 26.

RINGING IN 2014 Special thanks to all who attended our inaugural New Year ’s Eve Alumni Fundraiser Bash and to the following businesses who contributed in-kind services:

Thanks also to Bayou Signs Outdoor and Simply Elegant.

Our New Year’s resolution is to see more of you at our bash this year. Mark your calendars for Dec. 31, 2014, and plan to ring in 2015 with your Colonel friends. The

COLONEL SPRING 2014

Colonel Notes

Stay in the loop

Are you receiving our Nicholls Alumni e-newsletter? If not, sign up at nichollsalumni.org to receive campus and alumni news delivered monthly to your email inbox.

In Memoriam FACULTY/STAFF Dr. Ridley Gros Jr. of Thibodaux on Aug. 16 at age 72. He started his career at Nicholls in 1968 as an associate professor of business administration and later held the titles of department head, vice president for institutional advancement, vice president for administrative affairs and College of Business Administration dean. Gros retired in 2002 and was named professor emeritus, but he was rehired in 2003 and again served as the College of Business dean until 2005. Loretta Grace Haddad of Houma on April 20 at age 77. She was an associate professor of music, teaching piano at Nicholls from 1971 to 1994. Dr. Alva Howard Harris of New Bern, N.C., on March 19 at age 84. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran, he was a professor of

natural science from 1965 to Giles E. Padel of Dallas on 1988 and was named profes- Dec. 6 at age 88. He was the sor emeritus upon retirement. director of placement from 1986 to 1997. Dr. Helon Marie Baldwin Harwell of Tyler, Texas, on May 2 Donald Toups of Raceland on at age 92. She came to Nicholls Jan. 2 at age 87. A U.S. Army in 1967 as an assistant professor veteran, he taught math at of English and retired in 1990 Nicholls from 1958 to 1984. as a professor, distinguished education consultant and ALUMNI teacher education depart- Gerald Francis Lofaso (DIP ment head. ’50) of Jennings on Sept. 8 at age 82. A lawyer, he was the Dr. Nolan LeCompte (BA ’60) first Nicholls student body of Houma on July 26 at age president, the fourth Nicholls 77. A U.S. military veteran, he Alumni Federation president, held various titles at Nicholls and while serving as a state from 1962 to 1997, including representative, he voted for professor, head of the Depart- Nicholls to gain university ment of English-Liberal Arts, status. dean of College of Arts and Sciences, and vice president Amy Simon Breaux (BA ’60) for academic affairs. Upon of Vacherie on Aug. 4 at age retirement, he was named 74. She taught English at professor and vice president Holy Savior and Lockport for academic affairs emeritus. schools, retiring as librarian at Lockport Junior High School.

Colonels for life The Nicholls Alumni Federation’s new lifetime membership program offers an opportunity to support Nicholls and show your Colonel pride forever. Lifetime dues help fund alumni programs and student scholarships for decades to come. Interested in upgrading to a lifetime alumni membership? For a one-time donation of $500 for individuals or $750 for couples, your alumni dues are paid for life. Lifetime members also receive a T-shirt, two free tickets to a lunch or a dinner at Chef John Folse Culinary Institute’s LeBistro restaurant and an alumni gift. Visit nichollsalumni.org/membership or call 985-448-4111 to learn more. 20

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Editor of The Nicholls Worth as a special education teacher, during 1959-60, Breaux was a principal, special education Nicholls Hall of Fame graduate. coordinator and the pupil appraisal coordinator, retiring Kathleen Brumfield Turner as the special education super(MEd ’72) of New Orleans visor for St. Helena Parish. on May 26 at age 76. She taught math and science in the Michael Joseph Madere (BA Jefferson Parish School System ’76) of Baton Rouge on Nov. 14 at age 58. A licensed clinical for 50 years. social worker, he was a retired Milton Bourgeois (MBA ’74) employee of Pupil Appraisal of Raceland on Dec. 26 at Services of East Baton Rouge age 67. A U.S. Army veteran, Parish Schools. he was the CEO of Ochsner St. Anne Hospital from 1988 Paul Howard Hotard (BS ’80) until his death. Previously, he of Houma on March 17 at served as a corporate officer age 58. He worked for Trapp of a multi-state engineering Chevrolet for 35 years. company as well as a co-owner, board chairman and general Mitzi Corkern Crochet (BGS ’92) partner of two oilfield service of Baton Rouge on Dec. 29 at age 44. A member of Delta Zeta companies. Sorority, she was a teacher Alan Brent Graham (BA ’74) for the Terrebonne Parish of Mt. Hermon on Aug. 26 at School Board. age 60. He worked for Washington Parish School System

JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEW LIFETIME ALUMNI MEMBERS: Jennifer Baker Ward David Belanger Lester Bimah Edward Bouterie Stacy and Toby Brady Deirdre and Dr. Vance Broussard Kristen and Harold Callais II Belinda and Danny Cavell Donna and Paul Conner Mickey Diez Dawn and Raleigh Galiano Jr. Susan Elizabeth Leonard Giardina Susan and Walter Gilbert Albert Gros Geralyn Boudreaux Haan Rachel and Dr. Mark Hebert Tina and Larry Howell Don Kasten Dr. Betty Kleen Marvin Lagarde Loretta and John Landry Colette and Chris Lapeyre Buddy Ledet Anne Richard LeJeune

Dawn Matherne Cecily McMahan Richie Naquin II Angela and Joseph Orgeron George Parker Jr. Linda and Harvey “Drew” Peltier III Martha and Stephen Peltier Diane and Raymond Peters Deanie and Patrick Pitre Jenna Portier Kenneth Portier Elizabeth Riviere Robert Riviere William Riviere Roderick Russell Anthony Schexnayder Edna Marie Campbell Sevin Wendy Simoneaux Novella Smith Laura and Kerry St. Pé Glenn Stephens Jr. Roland Waguespack Jr. Stephen Watson Robin and Robert Wittmann

In the Colonel Spirit

Making Nicholls their home away from home A native of Nicaragua, Steve Escobar (BS ’06, MBA ’08) quickly made a name for himself on the Nicholls campus — serving as a student government senator, becoming a leader in Tau Kappa Epsilon and pulling off a memorable Borat impersonation at Song Fest. Lidia D’Agostino (BS ’09), hailing from Fort Washington, Pa., had a more low-key campus experience — making friends with international students, enjoying midnight walks across the campus and focusing on her student teaching. Neither planned to stay in Thibodaux after graduation — until they met each other, got married and slowly realized how much they had grown to love the community and their alma mater. friends with many international students. One Choosing Nicholls day, we were hanging outside of Rox’s Bar when Lidia: I visited Nicholls once as a child before my roommate started talking to Steve.

even the thought of college was near. My mom, Gena Vitale D’Agostino (BA ’85), is originally from Napoleonville, and my dad is from Italy but moved to Louisiana and once owned a pizza shop in Thibodaux. My mom worked for the local paper and met my dad while selling him an ad for the restaurant. They relocated to Pennsylvania, where I grew up, but we’d visit my mom’s family every single summer. Louisiana was more like a vacation spot for me, and I knew I wanted to attend college here. I originally wanted to go to LSU, but my mom convinced me to tour Nicholls, and I fell in love with the small campus atmosphere. It was small enough where you felt like you knew a lot of people but large enough to still meet new people every day.

Steve: A lot of Nicaraguans come to the United

States to attend college, and when I graduated from high school, it seemed like everyone was going to Gainesville, Fla. I was trying to do something different and planning to attend Loyola in New Orleans. I had my dorm picked out and everything. When I didn’t get enough scholarship money, I decided to come to Nicholls for a semester or two. I ended up loving it here. It felt like home, and I had my hands in everything I could.

I knew of Steve Escobar; he was big man on campus. I walked over to him and said, “You’re Steve Escobar.” He said, “I’m sorry. Have we met before?” I said, “You don’t know me, but I know you and I thought you’d be a lot cuter in person.”

Steve: I was conflicted on whether to be flattered by my reputation or offended because I’m not as cute. But it went from there. We went on a date that weekend and have been together ever since. Proud to be Colonels and Thibodaux residents Lidia: Before we knew each other and once we

met, we thought, “We’re not going to stay here.”

Steve: We thought living in Thibodaux would

be temporary, but we slowly realized we enjoyed it here. I just took a job as the chief financial officer for All American Grease Services Companies in Kenner, and Lidia is a fourth-grade teacher at St. Bernadette Elementary School in Houma. We find ourselves returning to the Nicholls campus often for fundraisers, football games and tailgating with my fraternity brothers.

Lidia: What our future holds is unknown, but Lidia: I think both of us can agree that for now Thibodaux treats us right. We had a

what ultimately made us stay at Nicholls wonderful experience here, and getting involved and love it were the people we met. with the Nicholls Alumni Federation has helped us understand that we can help ensure that future Colonel romance generations also have the same great experience Lidia: My junior year, one of my roommates we did while in college. was from Bosnia, and through her I became —As told to Stephanie Verdin The

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Alumni Magazine of Nicholls State University

P.O. Box 2158 Thibodaux, LA 70310 Return Service Requested

COMING UP Presidential Inauguration Week............. Sunday, March 30 to Saturday, April 5 Athletics Seafood Extravaganza..................................................Thursday, May 22 Nocturne................................................................................................. Friday, May 9 Manning Passing Academy......................... Thursday, July 10 to Sunday, July 13 Women’s Night Out........................................................................ Thursday, May 8 John Brady Golf Classic.....................................................................Friday, Oct. 10 Alumni Crawfish Boil.....................................................................Saturday, May 10 Family Day........................................................................................Saturday, Oct. 18 Spring Commencement................................................................Saturday, May 17 Homecoming.....................................................................................Saturday, Nov. 1

Parting Shot

And the crowd goes wild

Colonel fans who packed Stopher Gym on Jan. 31 witnessed one of the most exhilarating games in recent Nicholls men’s basketball history. After trailing Oral Roberts during the second half, the Colonels rallied to force the game into overtime and clinch a last-second upset over the Golden Eagles. Fans jumped out of their seats, and some rushed the court to celebrate the 73-72 victory.