To kick off our centennial celebration and commemorate our founding in 1925, we challenge alumni to support Xavier University in reaching a 25% ALUMNI PARTICIPATION GOAL.
25% of our alumni population is 5,250 proud Xavierites who truly know what it means to give back. Reaching this goal will set a record in alumni giving for Xavier University; we know we can do it! Today, we invite you to join us on the “Road to 25%”.
Visit giving.xula.edu or scan the QR code to make your gift and join us in this journey to reaching 25% participation. Join us on our road to 25% Alumni Participation during the centennial fiscal year.
is produced annually for Alumni and Friends of Xavier University of Louisiana through the Office of Institutional Advancement. For more information, please call (504) 520-7575.
C. Reynold Verret, Ph. D. President
Phillip D. Adams Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Kimberly Reese, ‘95, ‘98 Associate Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Edited by:
Leslie D. Rose, ‘05 Director of Advancement Communications
Special Recognition: Kendra Tircuit, ‘95 Executive Director, Advancement Services
Jimmie Johnson, ‘13 Alumni Relations & Development Coordinator
Terese Bennett Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer
Contributing Writers: Martie Bowser, Ed Cassiere, Alisha Tillery
Photos: Office of Marketing and Communications, Library Archives and Special Collections, Steve Capers, Darrin Defillo, Gavin Goins, Randall McHenry, Nate Ha, Donney Rose, Leslie D. Rose, Jeremy Tauriac, Elliot Thompson, Justen Williams and courtesy of subjects photographed or departments featured. ON THE COVER: Opera returns to Xavier. Photo courtesy of Sakinah A. Davis, DMA.
Xavier University of Louisiana 1 Drexel Drive, Box 66 New Orleans, LA 70125 (504) 520-7575 www.XULA.edu
Awards, Accolades, Recognitions, Grants
& Endowments
n Bloomberg Philanthropies announced a $5 million seed funding gift to support the creation of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM), a newly established medical school in New Orleans founded by Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health.
n Xavier has been chosen to receive a grant through the John Lewis NIMHD Research Endowment Program. A total of $60 million will be distributed among the six awardee institutions, and at Xavier, the endowment will fund its Precision Medicine, Education, Data Informatics, and Community Translation (PREDICT) Institute.
n Xavier celebrates the renewal of the Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) $22.3 million award, allowing the University to continue its substantial work in lessening health disparities for the next five years.
n Xavier, which is on the front lines of tackling climate change through research and innovation, will receive a $5 million grant through its membership in the Louisiana Hubs for Energy Resilient Operations (HERO) collaboration. .
n The Public Health Sciences Department at Xavier’s invaluable work in leading research efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic has been recognized with a grant to further its research and community engagement activities concerning climate change. Their initiative, “Bridging the Gap Between Climate Change and Determinants of Health in South Louisiana,” has received a $1.5 million grant from the National Academies of Science
n Xavier University of Louisiana has been chosen among ten recipients to receive a substantial $1.5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation as part of its impactful Humanities for All Times initiative.
n Louisiana Healthcare Connections presented $500,000 to Xavier for a larger program centered on eliminating health disparities to create a more inclusive, representative healthcare system.
n The McMillan-Stewart Foundation donated $300,000 to create a scholarship fund at Xavier.
n Xavier’s library received a $10,000 Building Library Capacity grant from the American Library Association to support library resources on campus.
n Xavier University of Louisiana captured the “Outstanding University” award from the Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) organization. The entire Xavier community- students, faculty, and staff- came together to clean up and beautify the campus and clinched one of the seven awards presented during KLB’s Love the Boot Week. During Earth Week, Love the Boot Week is dedicated to Louisiana’s largest litter cleanup effort, which is a partnership between KLB and the Louisiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor. KLB’s network consists of community and university affiliates, helping to bring attention to litter, waste, and sustainability issues. As a KLB University Affiliate, Xavier held a cleanup and a garden installation during Love the Boot Week.
President’s MESSAGE
Fall 2024
Dear Xavier Alumni and Friends,
As we near closer to our centennial, we enter a time to recommit to the founding promise to contribute to a more just and humane society. As our next century beckons, we press forward, fearing nothing.
Xavier has achieved much this year. We have launched new programs that broaden representation in professions and workspaces and will shape the university for decades to come. Sadly, we also bid farewell to some of our beloved members of the Xavier community. Their legacies will continue to inspire us.
In this “Xavier Gold” issue, I invite you to explore all the growth we’re experiencing at Xavier. Our alumni are building an equitable society everywhere; our students are learning and becoming agents of change, and we have reintroduced our legendary opera program. Our athletics department is home to scholar-athletes
and champions, we are working to build an intergenerational community among our alumni, and we remain faithful to our Catholic identity in many ways.
Please review the annual Honor Roll of Donors; our work at Xavier would not be possible without our donors. I cannot overstate that your continued generosity allows today’s Xavier students to learn, grow, and excel.
Do join us in prayer, service, and giving as we set the stage for the next 100 years of changing lives for God’s glory.
Sincerely,
Reynold Verret President
Faculty & Administration Highlights
Members Elected to Xavier University of Louisiana Board of Trustees
Xavier University of Louisiana has re-elected six members to its Board of Trustees for three-year terms: Dr. Richard Gilder, Ms. Suzanne Malveaux, Ms. Claudia Marmolejo, Mr. Meredith Marshall, Mr. Lyon Polk, and Mr. Joseph West.
At the summer meeting, the Board also re-elected Mr. Justin Augustine III, ‘80, as chair, Dr. Derek Robinson, ‘98, Mr. James Mitchell as vice chairs, and Dr. Jennifer Goldsmith Adams as secretary. Trustees continuing their terms include Ms. Alexandra Fell Allen, Sr. Amelia Breton, S.B.S., Rabbi Edward Cohn, Dr. Michelle Detwiler, Sr. Stephanie Henry, S.B.S., ‘00, Mr. Gladstone Jones, The Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle, ‘71, Sr. Jane Nesmith, S.B.S., ‘72, Fr. Thomas O’Hara, Ms. Chantel Shackleford, ‘90, Mr. James Swanson, Ms. Angela Vallot, and Ms. Carita Walker, ‘93. Xavier’s President, Reynold Verret, serves as an ex-officio member of the Board.
Faculty & Administration Highlights (continued)
President Dr. Reynold Verret was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Portland during its 2024 undergraduate commencement ceremony in recognition of his contributions to education and social justice.
Dr. Marguerite S. Giguette has been permanently named the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost after a brief tenure as the interim appointment in the role.
Ronald M. Carrere Jr. has been appointed Associate Vice President of Government and Community Relations. In this newly created role, Mr. Carrere will coordinate government affairs, community outreach, strategic partnerships, and the Hope Revitalization Corporation, with delegated authority from the president.
Dr. Florastina Payton-Stewart, ‘99, the Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Chemistry Professor, has been honored with the coveted Stanley C. Israel Award for the Southwest region by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Monica Pierre, a distinguished three-time Emmy winner and Mass Communication Assistant Professor, has been named an Alex Trebek Legacy Fellow.
Brittany Singleton, Pharm.D., ‘13, Clinical Associate Professor in Xavier’s College of Pharmacy’s Division of Clinical and Administrative Sciences, received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award to the island nation of Grenada for the 20232024 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
President Dr. Reynold Verret
Dr. Marguerite S. Giguette
Dr. Florastina Payton-Stewart, ‘99
Brittany Singleton, Pharm.D., ‘13
Ronald M. Carrere Jr.
Monica Pierre
Student Highlights
Xavierite Lundon Shields received the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, which supported her study abroad at Ming Chuan University in Taiwan in the summer of 2023.
Two Xavier students – Jamya Davis and Kadence Means – were accepted into the Public Policy & International Affairs Program Junior Summer Institute as fellows from a pool of 1300 competitive applicants to attend the six-week rigorous summer program.
As a spring 2024 initiate in Xavier’s Exponential Honors Program, Ja’lyn Jones was selected to experience one of the program’s many lifechanging benefits. This summer, he studied abroad in the United Kingdom at the University of Bristol as a 2024 Summer Fulbright participant.
Chloe Sims (Inset, above) was recognized with the American Chemical Society Leadership Award at the group’s January 2024 meeting in Atlanta.
Last summer, four Xavierites – chemistry pre-medicine majors Christian Davis, Alicia Hardrick, Kaleb Clark, and biology major Callie Blocker were selected for the Summer Health Professions Education Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a program for students to explore their interests in health professions. XG
xula.edu/news.
Jamya Davis
Kadence Means
Lundon Shields
Ja’lyn Jones
Building An
Mark Raymond Jr., ‘12, is Increasing
Accessibility
Offerings in New Orleans, Including Helping the City Prepare for the 2025 Super BowlMardi Gras Weekend
BY LESLIE D. ROSE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS
INA SPLIT SECOND, everything was different for Mark Raymond Jr., ‘12. Once unaffected by limited accessibility standards, the New Orleans native suddenly needed things he’d never considered – ramps, elevators, and larger spaces to navigate in a wheelchair, among other things. These sorts of widely non-existent accessibility offerings caused Raymond to struggle to navigate his hometown following a 2016 diving accident that damaged the vertebrae by the base of his neck, causing him to lose the ability to walk.
His immediate feelings after the accident were hopelessness and anger, but as he began to accept his outcomes, he realized that accessibility wasn’t personal—it wasn’t exclusive to his needs—it was essential to all who eventually may need those supports.
“It took me to get to a point where, one, I was mentally OK enough to fight the fight and not lose it on people because I’m still mad at the world that I’m disabled. So, I had to get my mental health checked first,” Raymond said.
“And then after that, it became a problemsolution angle for me.”
Two years after his accident, Raymond founded the Split Second Foundation, a New Orleans-based nonprofit community care startup dedicated to promoting the holistic wellness of individuals with disabilities. He also runs Universal Development Consulting, which focuses on implementing accessibility standards to conceptualize projects and developments.
Photo by Justen Williams
“For so long, accessibility was kind of like an afterthought,” Raymond said. “Right now, we’re adding “A” to DEI –diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, because disability has been an afterthought, but when you think about disability, it’s actually the largest minority population on the globe.”
In 2021, the U.S. reported 42.5 million people with disabilities of any kind. Globally, 1.3 billion people reportedly experience significant disability, according to the World Health Organization.
“One in four people globally have some physical, cognitive, or sensory disability, whether you were born with it, or it was acquired throughout the course of one’s life, and yet [the country is] still largely only trying to provide the bare minimum to that population,” Raymond said. “We’re coming up on the 34-year anniversary of the ADA, and largely, it hasn’t been substantively updated to reflect [what] we need in our ever-changing society. We can more holistically address these things and move people towards the middle.”
Raymond said accessibility is possible everywhere, even in a historic infrastructure like New Orleans, especially as the city hosts significant tourism, welcoming 17.53 million visitors in 2022. The Crescent City is now gearing up for a monumental Super Bowl and Mardi Gras weekend for its third occurrence ever.
However, Raymond is helping make it as accessible as possible this time.
“Right now, the Super Bowl is coming to town – tons of infrastructure improvements are being made – I’m making sure that those that are leading that effort are keeping accessibility at the forefront of all of what’s being done,” Raymond said.
His task is more specific to promoting accessibility from the tourist perspective.
“I’m working with New Orleans & Company to create a series of videos educating travelers with disabilities on how to get around the city and some tips on attractions and accommodations,” he said.
Raymond, of course, understands why people may not think about creating access for all. Still, now he feels it’s his duty to inform people of its significance, especially as it reaches far beyond disabilities.
“At 27 years old, it didn’t affect me until I had an accident,” he said. “Now, suddenly, I need all of this – I need the curb cuts and elevators. I need buildings with accessible doors that make my life more independent. I need renovated spaces that have wider hallways and fewer barriers. And it doesn’t just affect people in wheelchairs; it affects people with mobility challenges. That might be a mom pushing kids [in a stroller]. That’s a mobility challenge. It’s not a disability. I’ve always tried to frame it as a universal problem. I don’t know anybody who escapes life without encountering adversity or disability.”
Raymond said he believes a genuinely accessible world is realistic.
“I don’t know anybody who escapes life without encountering adversity or disability.”
by Justen
Photo
Williams
“According to the CDC in Louisiana, one in three people in Louisiana have some physical, cognitive, or sensory disability... Just because you aren’t disabled today doesn’t mean you won’t be tomorrow.”
“It takes investment just like anything else,” he said. “I’ve had the lovely pleasure of interviewing folks that really led the charge for the ADA, and it was amazing hearing them all say they looked at the Civil Rights Movement as the blueprint for the Disability Rights Movement.”
As the grandson of A.P. Tureaud, civil rights is in Raymond’s blood. Tureaud, as an NAACP Legal Defense attorney, is credited with handling nearly all the desegregation and other civil rights cases in Louisiana from the early ‘40s through the ‘60s, including education cases to allow Black students to attend the state’s flagship university.
“When I think about disability rights, it is civil rights, and it is just as much a legacy to the Civil Rights Movement because my grandfather did so much work in it. His work formed my understanding of how to get things done – the
legal path is always a path. Often, in our current environment, ADA improvements are only made after litigation. And then you’ve got those who are advocating for the policy change, which is helpful. I think understanding all of what it took to get that push through and looking at the legacy, I’m definitely taking cues and looking for inspiration from that.”
A part of Raymond’s version of the movement involves role-playing.
“Over the last seven years, I think one of the most influential things that we did was our ‘Roll with Me’ campaign, putting elected officials and business leaders and developers and civic planners into a manual wheelchair and having them navigate the environment to see for themselves what this experience is like. And everybody had this visceral reaction like, ‘Oh my God, this is hard as hell.’”
“...it was amazing hearing them all say they looked at the Civil Rights Movement as the blueprint for the Disability Rights Movement.”
Fellow Xavierite and Congressman Troy Carter, ‘86, participated in one of the ‘Roll with Me’ events.
“That translated from advocacy into funding for RTA to figure out how to make the entire streetcar accessible,” Raymond said. “We got $5.5 million [based on] Congressman Carter’s advocacy training.”
The biggest thing Raymond wants people, especially his fellow Louisianans, to understand is that accessibility is a universal need.
“According to the CDC in Louisiana, one in three people in Louisiana have some physical, cognitive, or sensory disability. And that’s because of all of the preexisting conditions that we live in, the food we eat, how we like to party, how we like to drink, smoking, all of those lead to strokes and heart attacks, heart disease,” Raymond said. “Just because you aren’t disabled today doesn’t mean you won’t be tomorrow.”
Raymond was admittedly a party-going, carefree kind of guy before his accident, and while he still enjoys life, he said he’s now truly experiencing his purpose.
“[This work has] given me purpose, belonging,” he said. “It’s helped me in so many ways. It gave me my life back. It gave me a right. I think a lot of times, especially post-accident, people just end up searching for a routine sense of normalcy, a sense of belonging, and a purpose. And that’s what all this work has given me. It’s also given me a massive family and people who are empathetic and emotional and have similar goals. That’s super important.”
You can learn more about Raymond’s work at SplitSecondFoundation.org. XG
Photo by Justen Williams
Accessibility in New Orleans with Mark Raymond, Jr.
Three Xavierites Helped to Create the Magical Experience
BY LESLIE D. ROSE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS
The perfect recipe for a fairy tale includes lots of pixie dust, creativity, and an impeccable imagination for making the impossible real and true stories magical. For the Disney Parks attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a Gold Rush of pixie dust encompasses the creation of the highly lauded experience, and three Xavierites—Stella Chase Reese, Myla Poree, ‘03, and Varion Laurent, ‘01—helped to wave the magic wand.
In 2009, Disney introduced its first Black princess, a native New Orleanian named Tiana, whose big dream was to someday own a restaurant. Throughout her journeys, she falls in love (with a frog who is actually a prince), befriends a trumpet-playing alligator, and carries her family’s tradition of hard work and passion. Crafted in the spirit of legendary Chef Leah Chase, the cartoon princess pays homage to the authenticity of the Crescent City and the Chase family motto – “Pray, work hard, and do for others.” Chase, who also has Xavier ties, received the Francis Anthony Drexel Medal, Xavier’s highest award given to a civilian.
Given the title of Honorary Imagineer, Reese shared insights and helped Disney Imagineers with their research into New Orleans’ history and culture.
“I’ve had the privilege of traveling with the Imagineers and given a hard hat to wear with [them] to celebrate Princess Tiana,” Reese said. “As I traveled [with them, I noticed], they even looked at blades of grass to make sure everything was naturally New Orleans, as they put it. They did so many things, including [getting] artists from our area, musicians from our area, getting ideas from people from our area.”
Reese cherishes the continued inclusion of authentic New Orleans and the uplifting of her mother’s legacy. During an opening event for the attraction at Disney World, she thanked Disney for the honor.
“Pray, work hard, and do for others.”
—Chase Family Motto
Creating the themed attraction for Disney Parks, a second chapter for Tiana, meant digging a little deeper. Disney Imagineers knew the perfect person to venture down that bayou with was Stella Chase Reese, Chase’s daughter, and president of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant Incorporated. Reese, an Associate Member of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, was chair of the St. Katharine Drexel Chapel Fundraising Committee at Xavier.
“[My mother] was a person who believed in unity,” Reese said. “She was a person who believed that you had to appreciate yourself, love who you were, and then open your doors to love other people as well, so we thank Disney for selecting the Chase family and for including us so that my mother’s values of entrepreneurship, faith, love of all people, and appreciation of who you are and your values and your culture, can live on for many years.”
Family, culture, history, and legacy are critical components of Tiana’s story, and the dedication to keeping things New Orleans was vital to the Imagineers. As such, all the artists involved in bringing the project to life are from the city, including Varion Laurent, a visual artist and a graduate of Xavier’s Mass Communication department.
Photo courtesy of Disney
On one of their exploration trips, Disney visited Xavier’s Art department. During the meeting, Laurent received a phone call asking him to come over for something, but he had no idea what it was. Upon his arrival and after casually being handed a non-disclosure agreement to sign, Laurent realized he had been invited to share insights with Disney for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
“Disney was doing a deep dive into the culture of the city – I hold my city and my culture in high regard, so to be able to make sure that a company of such global status valued the input from all of those that were there was completely amazing to me,” Laurent said.
As Disney reps made their way around the room to thank participants for their openness, they mentioned to Laurent how they were working with area artists to create work for the attraction, to which Laurent advised them he was also an area artist with work on tap to show.
“[The rep said] I’d like to see if you’d be interested in working with us,” Laurent recalled. “Now inside, I’m doing back flips. Inside, I was losing it. And on the outside, I was cool as a cucumber. I said, ‘Yeah, absolutely, I’d be totally interested in entertaining that. Absolutely. Let’s have the discussion.’ From there, after several conversations, Zoom calls, a ton of paperwork, and more NDAs, I was commissioned to create an official fine art piece for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It just completely was a dream come true.”
Prints of Laurent’s piece “Bayou en Fete,” which depicts a moonlit celebration featuring characters from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, are available at the attraction’s gift shop.
Now, what’s a story about a cooking princess without special spices? For this portion of the experience, New Orleans native Myla Reese Poree, a Division of Business graduate, was tapped to manage product development, including ideation, design, contracts, launch, and distribution for a spice line sold at the attraction’s gift shop.
The line includes Gumbo Base, Fried Chicken Seasoning, Meat Seasoning, and Seafood Seasoning, all under the name Dooky Chase’s.
“[The decision to launch this with Disney] was easy for us,” Poree said. “It’s going to be at both parks and online at Disney. And then when you come to New Orleans next time, it’ll also be at Dooky Chase’s.”
Poree’s work on the product aligns with her expertise. It allows her to uphold the community culture of her hometown and carry on the legacy
of Chase, her grandmother, and the significance of the social impact of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant.
“The restaurant was started to have a place where African Americans could celebrate parties, birthdays, and proms, but also, how innovative our grandparents and great-grandparents were,” Poree said. “When they had the restaurant, no banks would work with Black [people], so what did they do? They allowed the individuals to come and cash checks there. There were so many different things that they knew the community needed. So, [we] made sure that they were able to house that at Disney. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the community and how can we help the community when no one else is. It’s about continuing the legacy of our grandparents. And so, this is our way.”
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is an authentic Louisiana experience, complete with scenes from the bayou, foot-tapping music, and the scent of sweet beignets. It opened at Disney World this past summer and will open at Disney Land this November. The attraction includes the thrilling ride culminating in a 50-foot drop and a gift shop experience that provides items like Dooky Chase’s seasonings and other family-friendly gifts and accessories to commemorate the experience. XG
Stella Chase Reese, Photo courtesy of Axios
Myla Reese Poree, ‘03
Varion Laurent, ‘01. Photo by Leslie D. Rose
CATHOLIC OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY
Xavier University of Louisiana Art Gallery
Spotlights Work of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament
STAFF REPORT
FOR NEARLY A CENTURY, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (S.B.S.) have been at the core of Xavier’s achievements and student successes. The religious order founded by Saint Katharine Drexel is a part of the fabric of Xavier University of Louisiana. In honor of the Sisters’ work, a timely tribute to S.B.S. was displayed at the University’s Art Gallery in February in an exhibit, “Lighting the Path.”
“Lighting the Path” featured rarely seen photographs, historical papers, artifacts, memorabilia, and works of art from the Xavier University Archives and Special Collections. Among the featured items was the Thomas Mundy Peterson Medal, which was crafted to honor him as the first African American to vote in an election under the then-newly enacted provisions of the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
“For generations, the S.B.S. has been instrumental in the education, leadership, and faith guidance of thousands of Black and Native American students,” said XULA Archivist Vincent Barraza, whose research efforts were instrumental in curating the exhibit. “It is thrilling to display rarely seen historical ephemera from the XULA Archives & Special Collection in such a thoughtprovoking and reflective exhibit, and we look forward to commemorating the extensive and essential work they undertook, even in the face of animosity.”
Along with seldom-seen art pieces, historical papers offered a rare glimpse at works prepared for Mother Katharine Drexel by Xavierites during her convalescence at the motherhouse in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
“The uniqueness of this [exhibit] is how it manages to interweave all of these different elements–photographs, art, and artifacts, to weave a story of the strength of these women who quietly went about their work for Christ that was often on the cutting edge of the cultural, academic and social norms,” said Anne Collins Smith, Curator and Director of the Xavier University Art Gallery.
“Lighting the Path” was a collaborative effort of the Xavier University of Louisiana Art Department, Archives and Special Collection, and Office of Institutional Advancement.
A Legacy of Dedication and Support to Xavier Remembering Sister Dr. Mary Ann Stachow, SBS, ‘67
BY LESLIE D. ROSE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
mourns the passing of Sister Dr. Mary Ann Stachow, SBS, ‘67, its last faculty member from the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Over 42 years, and even sometime before her role as a professor of theology at Xavier, Sister Stachow was dedicated to the University’s founding mission of creating a more just and humane society, a mission she lived through service, mentorship, and care for the earth.
“Scholar and teacher, Sister Mary Ann Stachow led studyabroad trips to Rome and Israel. We give thanks for her [many] years of faculty service at Xavier and her generosity of spirit and intellect. Please join me in prayer for the repose of her soul and the consolation of her family and of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament who shared Sr. Mary Ann with us.”
— President Dr. Reynold Verret
Her first time on campus was well before she accepted a teaching position with the University, she told Xavier in an interview last year.
“I was among a group of younger sisters who arrived in New Orleans two weeks before Hurricane Betsy,” Stachow said. “We didn’t worry because nobody seemed worried. And then the storm came that night. It was the night of the 8th, the beginning of the 9th of September 1965. When we woke up the following day, there were trees down on
campus, roofs off some of the World War II temporary buildings, and the chapel in the middle of the administration building had been filled with several inches of water. So, we had to pin up our skirts and mop some water out of the chapel so the priest could say mass.”
Stachow, who received a Spirit of Xavier Award during Homecoming 2023, earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Xavier in 1967. She became a faculty member in 1981.
“I got to be here as a student with some of the classic members of the lay faculty and the sister faculty, so I heard many stories about the university’s earlier days and everything,” she said. “That sort of makes me, at this point, having started as faculty 42 years ago, a living walking history book. I was here before Dr. (Norman C.) Francis took over, and I returned at a time when he was president.”
Although she noted a difference in the campus after many sisters were gone, Sister Stachow greatly respected everyone and their beliefs.
“When I was a student here, all the faculty, whether Catholic or not, would usually begin with a moment of prayer before each class. The enrollment was smaller, so there wasn’t as tight a schedule, and the sister presence was much stronger,” she said. “When the students looked around, they saw more visible sisters, but one of the aspects of being Catholic today in a much more diverse world means respecting where the others are coming from.”
In her classes, Sister Stachow would introduce a text on Catholic social teaching values as a means of inclusivity for students of other religions and creeds.
“This handout is one page and goes through the human person’s dignity, rights and responsibilities, and the role of government options for the poor and vulnerable. We go over that, and I say, ‘So this came from a Catholic source, and Catholics have been
encouraged to do these things, especially since the late 1800s, but if you look at ‘em closely, you probably have heard your pastor or someone at the mosque preach on some of these same values.’ I try to show them the link between Catholicism and other religions, especially other Christian religions, in that sense of listening to the voice of the prophets who say to the rich, you are oppressing the poor, and God sees it, and the sense of the prophets who also spoke about social justice.”
Sister Stachow was an avid recycler, active mentor, and thoughtful person overall. Father Victor Laroche, University Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President for Catholic Identity, adored her attention to supporting others and doing what needed to be done.
“Her care for the people, for the children and everybody, I mean, the students, everybody – it was not unusual on weekends or even sometimes on weekdays for Sister Mary Ann to give a ride to students if one needed to go to the store,” Laroche said. “If there was a need, she would really fill the void. And she was always discreet, so you would never know unless you saw her doing it.
When I think about her, I think about the mission statement of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the individual segment. There is a call to challenge the deeply rooted injustice in the world today. So, Sister Mary Ann, during her time at Xavier, not just when she was in the classroom or on campus, but her whole life, is a testament to the mission of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. She lived the mission.”
CATHOLIC OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY
President Verret Receives St. Joseph of Arimathea Medal of Service
BY LESLIE D. ROSE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS
DR. REYNOLD VERRET, President of Xavier University of Louisiana, received the St. Joseph of Arimathea Medal of Service from FADICA, the Catholic Philanthropy Network, during its 2024 Annual Meeting and Symposium: The Future of Catholic Education is Now, partly held on Xavier’s campus in February.
“...Named for the leadership service shown by St. Joseph of Arimathea, [the medal] recognizes a leader who assumes considerable personal responsibility for the Church’s mission.
The St. Joseph of Arimathea Medal of Service, named for the leadership service shown by St.
Joseph of Arimathea, recognizes a leader who assumes considerable personal responsibility for the Church’s mission. Dr. Verret was selected for his incredible leadership of the University community.
“We are privileged to honor Dr. Verret, whose legacy of leadership has forged ways for all students to succeed,” said Alexia Kelley, President & CEO of FADICA. “His building up the Kingdom of God has been nothing if not humble, bold, and steadfast.”
FADICA also gives a Saint Katharine Drexel award each year at the convening. This year is the first time the award has been bestowed upon its recipient at Xavier University of Louisiana, founded by Mother Katharine and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. FADICA leaders noted how pleased they were to see her legacy shine on in the manner for which Xavier upholds it.
“We are immensely grateful to Xavier University of [Louisiana] for graciously hosting
the FADICA-Catholic Philanthropy Network at their extraordinary and beautiful campus,” Kelley wrote in a LinkedIn post. “Xavier University was founded by St. Katharine Drexel — the patron saint of philanthropy and racial justice — 100 years ago next year. Her motto is depicted throughout the campus: “Press Forward, Fear Nothing.” Thank you for your visionary leadership, dedication, and generous hospitality, President Verret! Many blessings on this eve of Xavier’s Centennial year.”
More than 100 participants gathered over three days for the annual convening, including 75 Catholic philanthropists, dozens of Church leaders from across the country, and members of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Other awards during the convening were the St. Katharine Drexel Award in Catholic Philanthropy to Terrell Richardson and the Mary Magdalene Medal of Service to Gayle Benson.
Pictured from left to right: FADICA President & CEO Alexia Kelley, Dr. Reynold Verret, and FADICA
of FADICA.
Xavierites Pay Homage to Sister Grace Mary Flickinger, SBS
STAFF REPORT
SISTER GRACE MARY FLICKINGER, SBS, was a pillar of Xavier University of Louisiana. She served with unwavering dedication as a biology faculty member from 1968 to 2016 and as the faculty athletics representative. She left this earthly life on June 10, 2024.
A New Jersey native, Sister Grace Mary Flickinger was a beacon of our Catholic identity at Xavier. She was a testament to service, entering religious life on August 25, 1952, and professing her final vows on August 3, 1960. Her motto, “That I might gain Christ Jesus,” was not just a phrase but a guiding principle that she lived by, enriching our community with her daily actions and unwavering commitment.
Her level of mentoring, guidance, and support for Xavier students and alumni knew no bounds. She even attended the medical school graduations of her former advisees. Tributes in her honor were common throughout her lifetime, so naturally, upon her passing, alumni tributes poured throughout social media, many simply thanking her for her direction as they matriculated through their rigorous pre-medicine program coursework and some personal stories about how she consistently went above and beyond to uplift them. In honor of Sister Grace Mary’s legacy, Xavier alumni and friends are welcome to give through her named memorial scholarship by visiting Giving.XULA.edu.
“When I walked into her office for the first time in August 1994 (she took me on when my pre-med advisor left), she didn’t even look up. But when she did, she halted the conversation, smiled, and darn near shouted, ‘Oh! You’re my diastema sister!’ I did not have the slightest clue what she was talking about and knew it wasn’t a word in either of the blue vocabulary card boxes. Looking dazed and bewildered, this hilarious genius pointed to her own front tooth gap and said, ‘See?’ I chuckled but thought, Lord, I’ll have to deal with her forever.
Then, in August 1995, I drew the schedule. Sister Grace Mary for Embryology. On the first day of class, she prayed that we were all successful and went on to become physicians or whatever we wanted and desired, but more than anything she prayed to ‘God and all his little green apples’ that she caught any of us cheating… Talk about setting the bar high! She expected the best and made us the best because she was the best. Our rock star—whenever we got to see her, catch up, and love on her fiercely.
“Sister Grace Mary, SBS is the [reason] we have so many Black Pre-Med students from Xavier University of Louisiana entering into medical schools. Please pray for the Sisters of Blessed Sacrament, Xavier University of Louisiana family, and the family of Sister Grace Mary. Eternal rest granted unto her soul, and may the perpetual light shine upon her. Rest in peace, Xavierite.” – Kevin A. Joseph, ‘86
We all are gladdened for our God to welcome her to her eternal home, but a little saddened now and forever that our Homecomings will miss her sweet and feisty persona and spirit. Sister Grace Mary, don’t be bossing God around up there, ya’ hear? And DO whisper down if He has a diastema – it’ll be our family secret (since we are made in HIS image).”
– Taffie Jones, ‘97
“Sister Grace Mary was a true believer, a compassionate counselor, a constant encourager, a playful jokester, and an honest straight shooter. She embodied all these qualities and more, becoming a legendary figure for me and many others. As a young college student, her guidance shaped my path, and her wisdom left a lasting mark on my life. Her legacy of faith, kindness, and leadership will continue to inspire me and countless others. Rest in peace, Sister Grace Mary. Your light will forever shine in our hearts.”
– Dr. Dawn Brown, ‘00
“Well, Xavierites, another gold and white soul from Emerald City, has received her wings. Sister Grace Mary Flickinger was a bundle of joy, love, and light. She will be missed.” – Anthony Sharp, ’03, ‘06
“Educator. Faithful servant. Protector of the grass. Thank you, Sister Grace Mary, for the support you gave to generations of Xavierites. Thank you for understanding and being a good sport when we debuted the Golden Girls PomPom squad, which has now evolved into the Golden Starlettes. You could have canceled us, but you let us express ourselves the way we wanted to, even if you hid your eyes sometimes. Thank you for encouraging me to pursue performing arts, ‘If that’s really in your heart to do.’ I should say thank you again because I was blessed to say this to your face the last time I saw you. Take your welldeserved rest, Sister. We love you, Sister Grace Mary.”
– Kellee Knighten Hough ‘99
CATHOLIC OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY
The Xavier Community Mourns the Passing of Sister Donna Gould, SBS
STAFF REPORT
FOR OVER TWO DECADES, Sister Donna Gould, SBS, was a dedicated servant to the Xavier community, specifically within the Department of English, where she served as an assistant professor before retiring in December of 2022. She passed away on September 7, 2023.
Sister
Donna’s time in Santa Fe greatly influenced her life, and its impact was often reflected in her teaching.
A native of Los Angeles, she attended Xavier University of Louisiana for her undergraduate degree in English. The S.B.S. then sent her to teach at the St. Catherine Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She later attended the University of Notre Dame for her master’s degree and the University of LouisianaLafayette, where she received her doctorate in American literature, folklore, and cultural studies. Her dissertation focused on women’s roles and conditions, themes that would be present throughout the courses she would go on to teach upon returning to Xavier.
Biljana Obradovic, Ph.D., a professor of English at Xavier who worked alongside Sister Donna, shared an anecdote of how the longtime Xavier figure’s generosity impacted all those around her: after hearing Dr. Obradovic mention in passing items that she needed – a baby gate for her son and window mesh to allow for open windows without being eaten by mosquitoes – Sister Donna found a way to help her fellow faculty member and kindly gave her the supplies she needed.
“Sister Donna was always so generous; even though she didn’t have a lot, she wanted always to help others,” Obradovic said. “I will never forget her kindness and generosity and will miss her.”
Sister Donna’s time in Santa Fe greatly influenced her life, and its impact was often reflected in her teaching. Inspired by the diverse cultures she observed, her English and folklore classes always included writings and literature from people of color. She would even bring Xavier students to Santa Fe for a seminar
so they could learn and be immersed in a culture with which they were not familiar.
“Her courses were always student-oriented,” said Thomas Bonner, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of English at Xavier, who also taught Sister Donna as an undergraduate. “Donna was a wonderful woman, dedicated to the mission of the Sisters of Blessed Sacrament and Xavier University of Louisiana. She will be remembered and missed by many.”
Many aspects of her life reflected her passion and love of literature. She was a program chair for a South-Central Christianity and Literature symposium in Taos, New Mexico. She edited and contributed to “Landscape & Epiphany,” a volume of essays produced at a symposium in Santa Fe. She also contributed to the research that enabled Leo Luke Marcello to publish “Blackrobe’s Love Letters,” which was based on correspondence by Xavier University of Louisiana’s foundress, St. Katharine Drexel. Xavier Review Press, the University’s nonprofit publishing press, distributed both publications.
For our Faith and in Reverence to Xavier
Join Xavier University of Louisiana for Its Centennial Celebration In Rome
You are cordially invited to join Xavier University of Louisiana on a trip to Rome, Italy, from November 17 to 27, 2025
INHONOR OF XAVIER’S CENTENNIAL and the 25th anniversary of Saint Katharine Drexel’s canonization, Xavier alumni and friends are cordially invited to join Xavier University of Louisiana on a trip to Rome, Italy, from November 17 to 27, 2025.
In this celebration of faith, food, and fellowship, attendees will visit wineries, open-air markets, small towns, and villas. Those in attendance will also experience the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square, where our dear foundress, during an audience with Pope Leo XIII, requested to staff the missions she was financing as a layperson. Responding to her request, Pope Leo XIII suggested she become the missionary she sought. The Xavier community owes the legacy of St. Katharine Drexel and her steadfast service to this moment. Justly this special place was also the site of her canonization on October 1, 2000, which our President Emeritus, Dr. Norman C. Francis, faithfully attended during his service as Xavier’s President.
Remaining connected to our Catholic identity as we pay homage to our foundress is a beautiful way to acknowledge our 100-year commitment to creating a more just and humane society through the dedicated service Saint Katharine Drexel made her legacy. Through this partnership with Blessed Trinity and St. Peter Claver Catholic churches, we hope you will join us in this spiritual journey as we explore the sacred and hallowed ground for our faith and in reverence to Xavier. XG
Dr. Norman C. Francis Speaks at the Canonization of St. Katharine Drexel while Pope John Paul II Prays.
Learn more and register at https://www.206tours.com/ cms/stpeterclaver/ or scan the QR code.
Inside eight decades of curating a welcoming environment for military-affiliated students
BY MARTIE BOWSER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Xavier University of Louisiana has always been unwavering in its commitment to serving those who served, including active-duty members, veterans, and their families. This commitment is reflected in various programs, policies, and resources designed to enhance military-affiliated students’ educational experiences and success.
The University’s digital archives hold letters from 1941 where Sister Madeleine Sophie Ryan, who served as dean then, would correspond with 271 former students serving in the Army during World War II. This correspondence was the foundation of XU’s initiative to create a supportive and welcoming environment for military-affiliated students. Less than three years later, on June 22, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the GI Bill (formally known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944). When signed, President Roosevelt stated, “Servicemen and women the opportunity of resuming their education or technical training … not only without tuition charge … but with the right to receive a monthly living allowance while pursuing their studies.” The requirements indicated that individuals must serve 90 consecutive days in the U.S. Armed Forces and have not received a dishonorable discharge.
According to Archives.Gov, “approximately eight million veterans received educational benefits within seven years after the bill was passed.” The bill was intended to assist all veterans regardless of race; however, due to systematic oppression and racism, Black vets were typically excluded. Although HBCUs were not provided the same government assistance as predominantly white institutions, universities such as Xavier welcomed veterans.
Photograph of Sister Madeleine Sophie Ryan, SBS who served in the Education Dept., and as Dean of Women at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Xavier has a history of storied military veterans, including U.S. Air Force General Bernard P. Randolph, ‘54, who served as Commander of Air Force Systems Command. Rear Admiral Stephen W. Rochon, ‘84, the second African American to achieve the rank of Admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard, was the first African American White House Chief Usher. He and Rear Admiral Will E. Watson, ‘96, the sixth African American to reach the rank of Admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard, are among only seven African Americans to serve as Flag Officers in the branch.
Over time, Xavier has created and become involved in several initiatives to support military-affiliated students. In addition to its investment in the Post-911 GI Bill, XU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which allows eligible students to receive up to 100% tuition coverage at both undergraduate and graduate levels. In 2021, Xavier was designated a Military Friendly School.
These following Xavierites are just a few examples of leaders who have carried University pillars while serving their country. These stories highlight Xavier’s commitment to supporting military-affiliated students and ensuring their academic and professional successes across industries.
“No one really wanted the veterans.”
– Dr. Clarence Becknell Sr., ‘75, ‘88, ‘23
Dr. Clarence Becknell Sr. served in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972.
After returning home from the Vietnam War, his quest for educational support led him to Xavier University, where former president Dr. Norman Francis initiated the Career Opportunities Program. Funds offered in participation with COP, coupled with his GI Bill, allowed Becknell to attend college, beating the “trend” of Black veterans returning home to little to no options.
“That was the only thing you could do: go in the military, spend two years, come out, then get a job in the post office. Be a postman, be a teacher,” he said, agreeing that Xavier was an exception to that rule. “No one really wanted the veterans. [Dr. Francis] opened the doors for veterans to attend the program.”
The program allowed veterans to receive their Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, creating an influx of Black educators
lacking in America’s school system. Becknell began working in the New Orleans Public School System in 1972 and retired in 2005. He continued his military service for 36 more years, becoming part of the Louisiana Air National Guard and the Louisiana Army Guard, retiring in 2008 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After retiring, Becknell returned to Xavier in 2023 to further his education, earning his doctoral degree. His dissertation, “A Sacrifice for Their Country and A Commitment to Their Community: A Phenomenological Study of Veterans Transitioning from Soldier to Student,” gained praise for its focus on improving access for veterans transitioning to higher education.
Xavier University Military Band Performing on the Steps of the Xavier University Administration Building at the Library Dedication Ceremony 10.16.37.
Members of the Xavier University of Louisiana Military Band at a Football Game.
“I wish every HBCU student knew about these opportunities.”
–Captain Kelly Elmore,
M.D.,
Dr. Kelly Elmore’s journey with the United States Navy began as she prepared to walk across the graduation stage. She completed her first year of undergraduate studies with a 4.0 GPA and received the University’s prestigious Rousseve Scholarship, which assisted in covering her tuition for medical school. She continued her education at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine with the help of the Health Services Professional Scholarship sponsored by the military.
“Xavier helped me build my professional and educational portfolio, and I did an extremely great job on my MCAT, as well as outside services and internships. If I had not gone to Xavier, I would not have met people who told me about the HSP scholarship,” Elmore said.
As a Board-Certified OB/GYN, Chief of Staff for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and owner of KOE Medical Consulting Firm and VivaLife Health Hub, Elmore is
‘98
passionate about ensuring more HBCU students understand the benefits of militaryassociated programs and scholarships.
“Number one, these opportunities are things a lot of people don’t know about, and number two, people may be fearful of them because they think, ‘Oh, my God, I have to go into the military. I have to fight. I’m going to die.’ No. There are so many opportunities. The military is a STEAM organization—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math—and that’s what Xavier offers,” she said. “I wish that every HBCU student knew about these opportunities.”
Elmore retired from the United States Navy on July 1, 2024, as Captain but still considers it her duty to share the endless possibilities available through the military.
“We, as members of the United States military forces, need to return and welcome students to the military forces. We need to be mentors, sponsors, and advocates for you.”
“Having a group of people who will reinforce that you belong is vital.” – Captain Rashad Wilkerson, D.O., ‘96
After graduating from Xavier, Captain Rashad Wilkerson, D.O., utilized the Health Services Professional Scholarship to pursue his medical degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
While several members of his family were veterans, his main reason for choosing the military was the financial support and endless educational opportunities. Although he said he understands their apprehensions, Wilkerson encourages students to take the “leap of faith” that is entering the military.
“There are so many opportunities and so many things you’re exposed to when you’re a physician in the military compared to when you’re not in the military,” Wilkerson said.
Wilkerson mentioned that access to leadership roles is also a perk of military affiliation, such as “running half of the hospital to running a whole hospital” or “working for Congress” as a physician. These “eye opening” opportunities are just a small part of the narrative Wilkerson feels students, especially those at HBCUs, should be exposed to.
His pride as a Xavier alumnus lies in the “foundation of self-worth and understanding” the University instilled in him. “It opened my eyes to not allowing negative influences to change your positive course,” he said.
Wilkerson’s career as a gastroenterologist has placed him in many rooms where he is often the minority. However, he recalled a moment when he was brought to tears at a conference because every physician in attendance was Black.
“When you are in specific spaces, you may become an anomaly until you reach a place where you are no longer an anomaly,” he said. “Then you join the group of people who always tell you ‘you belong’ regardless of who you are. Having a group of people that will always reinforce ‘yes, you belong here,’ regardless of your background. Xavier has given that to so many people. That propels you forward and lifts you up in a way that can’t be explained.”
Wilkerson serves as the Director of Medical Services at Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center.
Xavier’s commitment to veteran education extends beyond just offering programs. The University is actively working to improve access and support for veterans in higher education. It offers a range of educational programs that can build upon skills gained during military service and prepare them for leadership positions within and outside of their service.
“You can
dream big, as big as you want to.” – Commander Denise Boggs-Wilkerson, D.O., ‘01
Commander Denise Boggs-Wilkerson, D.O., ‘01, utilized the Health Services Professional Scholarship to continue her education at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. The scholarship provided coverage of her medical school tuition and offered a cost-ofliving stipend, which was very helpful when she became pregnant during her first year. The assistance enabled Boggs-Wilkerson to complete her education and gain her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in 2006.
“Medical schools do not necessarily offer scholarships. It’s very difficult,” BoggsWilkerson said, referring to the minimal funding sources that often deter students from enrolling. “But knowing that schools like Xavier have scholarship opportunities like this, where you don’t have to worry about the cost, means you can dream big. Dream as big as you want to go to whatever school you want. It is a wonderful opportunity.”
While in medical school, Boggs-Wilkerson began her military career as a Commissioned
Officer in the Navy. Her undergraduate degree qualified her for employment in management roles, putting her on the fast track to advancement in her military and medical careers. She emphasized the need to debunk the myth that active military enlistment can derail one’s educational process.
“We need doctors in the military as well. The goal is to get you through, not to slow you down or take you away,” she said.
Boggs-Wilkerson has surpassed her “service for education” exchange time and remains an active Navy officer. She is a family medicine physician and serves as the Deputy Director for Forced Medical Readiness at the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
“There’s a reason I’m still here. I never expected to be a military doctor, but I love the community that I serve. I love the population I serve and the opportunities I have to be a leader and use the skills I learned at an HBCU. We are well prepared for such environments because we are taught to stand up and speak up to be experts in everything we do and accept anything but excellence from ourselves. Those kinds of leadership traits are what the military needs and are highly valued.”
“You are taught that one day, you will lead people.” – Lieutenant Colonel Kenesha Pace, ‘09
Lieutenant Colonel Kenesha Pace’s participation in JROTC in high school put her on an easy path to success. She earned an ROTC Cadet scholarship to assist her through her undergraduate studies from 2001 to 2005.
“There are a variety of options for entering the military, whether you’re trying to become an officer or just get educational benefits,” Pace said.
Pace’s goal of becoming a medical service corps officer was one of the driving forces behind her pursuit of her College of Pharmacy degree.
One of the most significant lessons she said she learned while forging her military and educational path was the leadership skills instilled in her by both facets.
“We get more exposure to the leadership aspect early,” she said. “Yes, you’re taught to follow commands and follow orders. But we also taught that you will one day lead people. So, you need to understand what leadership is.
While Pace said she understands the military “is not for everyone,” she isn’t looking to end her 14 years of active service in the United States Army anytime soon.
“You learn a lot and say, ‘OK, I can see where I’m making a difference here. I see how my skills are being used.’ And I’m serving at the same time. I contribute to the health care of the beneficiaries of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who support active-duty service members when they’re gone,” she said.
With the financial support afforded through her active duty, Pace is constantly taking advantage of continued education opportunities, including becoming a boardcertified pharmacist, which provides her with an additional pay incentive. She is a pharmacist at the Defense Health Agency, managing the automation systems supporting U.S. military pharmacies. XG
Dr. Norman C. Francis, ‘52 Honoring Dr. Norman C. Francis, ‘52
BY LESLIE D. ROSE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS
Abronze statue honoring President Emeritus
Dr. Norman C. Francis, ‘52, was unveiled at Xavier on February 24.
Created by artist Russell Whiting, the statue is temporarily affixed in the Convocation Center. In the future, it will be placed in the quad facing out from the Administration Building, greeting students, alumni, and friends as Dr. Francis does each time he’s on campus.
During the ceremony, surrounded by Xavierites, family, and friends, Dr. Francis received kind words about his leadership, personhood, and dedication to everything he does. The audience then joined for a collective tribute with responses derived from our favorite Dr. Francis-isms, which you can read at right.
Collective Tribute
Leader: Today, in the presence of these avid supporters and loyal sons and daughters of Xavier, we gather to pay tribute and thanks for the many contributions of Dr. Norman C. Francis.
People: It takes courage to take risks
Leader: As a Xavierite, Dr. Francis excelled as an honors student and leader until his graduation in 1952. He went on to make history as Loyola University’s first Black graduate in 1955. Then he came back home to serve Xavier.
People: It takes courage to take risks
Leader: In service as the Dean of Men, Dr. Francis became a social justice icon, giving refuge to the Freedom Riders on this campus in 1961 when no one else in the city could or would offer them shelter.
People: It takes courage to take risks
Leader: His dedication to justice and equity afforded him the opportunity to become Xavier’s first Black and lay president, a position he maintained for 47 years.
People: It takes courage to take risks
Leader: As president, Dr. Francis tripled University enrollment, expanded the campus, and weathered the extensive damage to Xavier in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He even ambitiously chose a reopening date before cleanup began, and by God, the University reopened as planned.
People: It takes courage to take risks
Leader: Dr. Norman C. Francis is a highly lauded legend. He has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among countless prestigious accolades and recognitions. But first and foremost, we call him a son of Xavier. So, today, in recognition of his many decades of outstanding leadership, civic impact, and loyalty to his beloved Xavier University of Louisiana, we honor him for all he’s given and continues to give.
People: Every day, a miracle
If you want to assist with the statue project or support the Dr. Norman and Blanche Francis Endowed Scholarship, please visit Giving.XULA.edu.
Photo by Nate Ha/Verite News
Xavier University of Louisiana announced that it has raised over $100 million, marking a significant milestone for its $500 million Centennial Campaign. This signific ant milestone demonstrates the value of Xavier, not only as the nation’s only Black and Catholic institution of higher education but as one that invests in educating, empowering, and producing the nation’s next generation of leaders.
“This important fundraising milestone is a testament to Xavier’s value as an institution that produces some of our nation’s most thoughtful leaders – leaders with the ability and intellect to take on our greatest challenges,” said Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Our generous supporters know that an investment in Xavier is not only an investment in our current students, but it’s an investment in social justice and the communities and the nation they serve.”
For nearly a century, Xavier has been a driving force for students who believe in the power of higher education rooted in the values of service, equity, and social justice. The Association of American Medical Colleges recently named Xavier one of the top universities sending African Americans through medical school. Xavier remains one of the country’s leading producers of Black pharmacists and students continuing on
Xavier Raises More Than $100 Million, Reaching Key Fundraising Milestone in $500 Million Centennial Campaign
STAFF REPORT
to pursue doctoral studies in STEM disciplines. Xavier University of Louisiana was recognized as one of the nation’s top HBCUs by the U.S. News Media Group.
The Centennial Campaign is built upon the university’s founding mission of creating a more just and humane society through education via four key initiatives:
Increasing Affordability & Access Through Financial Assistance: Xavier will ensure its transformative education is accessible to more students, regardless of income or socioeconomic status.
Matching Our Campus to Our Potential: Xavier is committed to building infrastructure that enhances the student on-campus experience and reflects Xavier’s academic excellence.
Investing in the Well-Being & Success of the Entire Student Body: Xavier is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.
Recruiting and Retaining Exceptional Faculty & Expanding Academic Programs: Xavier will invest in a world-class faculty and an innovative and research-rich program to ensure graduates are ready to address the most pressing challenges of their communities.
“Xavier continues to solidify itself as an educational leader and option for young people looking to become trailblazers of tomorrow,” said Campaign Chair Gladstone Jones. “I am beyond confident that by surpassing this first campaign
milestone, we are well on our way to reaching our total $500 million goal and setting up Xavier for its next century of excellence and triumphs.”
Centennial Campaign funds have helped establish 48 new endowed scholarships, two new endowed professorships/chairs, 54 new annually funded scholarships, and 38 current use/endowed programs. Phase II of the Centennial Campaign is well underway with the objectives of growing Xavier’s endowment to $300 million, doubling the number of Black American graduates entering medical school, renovating and rejuvenating the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Convent, and exceeding the $200 million mark in contributions by the end of 2025.
With the continued support of generous donors, Xavier will expand access to education, enhance academic offerings, and strengthen its dedication to fostering diverse and inclusive academic excellence.
Scan the QR code to learn more about the Campaign.
2023 Honor Roll of Donors
The following Honor Roll of Donors includes gifts received by the University from January 1 to December 31, 2023.
Xavier is thankful for the many gifts it receives from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and other supporters. Through their generous donations, these benefactors confirm their belief in our educational mission and help to ensure that both current and future students receive a solid academic foundation.
Placement into the respective Honor Roll of Donor categories considers both the sum total of all personal contributions plus receipts from any donor-advised fund and matching gifts during that time frame.
Xavier strives for accuracy and thoroughness. If you believe an entry is listed in error, or have questions about the Donor Honor Roll, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (504) 520-7575.
Alumni
$250,000 to $499,999
The Estate of Dr. Marie Valentine McDemmond
$100,000 to $249,999
The Estate of Mrs. Ruby Folse Age
Dr. Gilda A. Barnum-Barabino and Mr. Joseph Barabino
Mr. Alden J. and Mrs. Rhesa O. McDonald
Anonymous Donors (Collective)
$50,000 to $99,999
Dr. Tondra Newman Taylor
$10,000 to $49,999
The Estate of Mrs. Lorraine G. Desbordes
Dr. Katrice Annette Albert
Mr. Justin T. Augustine, III
Daria E. Babineaux, M.D.
Mr. Lyndon J. Barrois, Sr.
Tara D. Benjamin, M.D.
Carolyn Brown Block-Arnelle, Ph.D.
Mr. Randall N. Boseman*
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Brown III
Lorena S. Chicoye, M.D.
Mr. Christopher and Mrs. Kathryn L. Crawford
Dr. Torijaun and Mrs. Michelle Dallas
Mrs. Dionne DeBose-Hampton*
Dr. Farrell David Fort*
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy B. Francis, Esq.
The Estate of Mr. Lionel Hampton
Mr. William H. Harris, Jr., Esq.*
Ms. Teal A. Holden *
Dr. and Mrs. John H. Jackson, IV
Dr. Patrice P. Jean, J.D., Ph.D. and Mr. Darren Collins
Mrs. Ruth Campbell Jean
Senior Federal Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle and Mrs. Patricia Lemelle*
Mr. Geoffrey T. Marshall and Mrs. Rhonda J. Marshall
Dr. David R. and Mrs. Synthia Miller
Dr. James A. Paschal*
Drs. Derek J. and Shawn S. Robinson
Dr. Tanya Robinson*
Dr. Ida L. Rose
Ms. Paula T. Saizan
Taryn H. Taylor, M.D.
Dr. Frederick M. and Mrs. Olivia A. Toca*
Cynthia Bowman Vernon, Pharm D.
$5,000 to $9,999
Capt. Eugenia Foster Adams, Ret.*
Mayor Timothy J. Adams
Mrs. Leslie M. Bourgeois Truss
Mr. Bernard L. and Mrs. Diane V. Bynum
Dr. Eunice V. Hodges and Mr. Horace C. Bynum, Jr.
Mrs. Melonie A. Coleman-Richard*
Mr. Learnard G. Dickerson
Mr. and Mrs. John L. Finley, III*
Mrs. Mildred Young Gardner*
Dr. Lloyd A. Gavin and Mrs. Eunice C. Gavin*
Dr. Otis Gowdy, Jr.
Mr Cedric S. Grant
DeShawndranique D. Gray, M.D.
Ms. Piia T. Hanson
Mrs. Gaylene V. Watts Harris*
Dr. LeWanza M. Harris
Ms. Veronica L. Harrison*
Mrs. Jenna R. Hatton-Cobb
Sr. Stephanie Henry, S.B.S.
Mrs. Alexis M. Herman
Mrs. Janice A. Rouzan Howard*
LaToya S. Clark Hughes, M.D.
Dr. Dana M. Iglesias
Regina Whitfield Kekessi, M.D., MPH
Dr. Adrena V. Lee
Mrs. Carolyn Millet Lee
Dr. Carla Gayle Massey
Brian L. McGee, M.D.
Mr. Chester W. and Mrs. Barbara A. Mitchell
Shayla B. Nesbitt, M.D.
Sr. Jane M. Nesmith, S.B.S.
Captain Vincent L. (Brown) Nzinga
Mrs. Tiffany Milam Owens*
Ms. Dianne R. Pajaud
Mr. Ulysses A. and Mrs. Rise Pichon
Dr. Steven T. Player and Dr. Celeste O. Player
Mrs. Lynne K. Raphael*
Dr. Oneka Y. Richardson*
Mrs. Lila June Courtney Riley*
The Estate of Mr. Leo P. Sam, Jr.
Dr. Keira N. Scanks
Ms. Chantel Shackleford
Dr. Odessa K. Spraggins*
Mr. Herbert Thomas, Jr. and Mrs. Nellie Thomas
Dr. Trevonne M. Thompson and Dr. Nicole C. Thompson*
Paula M. Verrette, M.D.
Mrs. Carita S. Walker, Esq.
Dr. Denise A. Webb, M.D.
Dr. Constance M. Williams and Mr. Luther S. Williams
Lashonda L. Williams, M.D.
Yolanda A. Williams, D.D.S.
$2,500 to $4,999
Captain Sanders W. Anderson and Mr. Lewis Anderson*
Archie Andrews, Ph.D.
Mrs. Cheri and Mr. Verge Ausberry
Dr. Reneathia P. Baker, M.D.
Mr. Rashi J. Bates and Dr. Karmen Robertson Bates
Ms. Donn C. Beaubien*
Stacy C. Benton, PsyD.
Dr. Montianna S. Bingham
Mr. Irvin C. Blackburn and Mrs. Wanda Haney Blackburn
Dr. Sheila D. Bouldin
Ms. De Etra Branch*
Mr. Kenneth J. Broussard
Dr. Carolyn M. Brown
Lina Bonita Caldwell, M.D.
Ms. Barbara J. Carmon*
Dr. Brenda Mary Ann Chappell
Miss Misti C. Clark
Drs. Mark A. and Kimberly S. Clay
Dr. LaTedra M. Collins
Mrs Savitra M. Collins
Drs. Errol Crook and Tammy Lawrence Crook
Ms. Helen G. Cuillier
Mr. Robert D. Defrantz, III
Ms. Denise R. Dunn
Dr. Kathryn L. Elmore
Mr. Christopher and Dr. Treniece Eubanks
Natasha Fievre, M.D.*
Mrs. Marguerite Rey Florent
Mr. Henry J. Glover, Sr., MBA and Mrs. Janice R. Glover*
Dr. Pheophilus H. Glover*
Mr. Cary M. Grant
Drs. Antwar M. and Angelica Harrell
Carol D. Harris, M.D.
Ms. Janice Heard-Guidry
Mr. Larry G. Higgins
Mrs. Serena J. Hunter
The Honorable Judge Brian A. Jackson*
Dr. Aniika R. Jackson-Smith
Dr. LaToya D. Jackson Street
Adrienne M. Johnson, Pharm D.*
Mrs. Michaelle V. Jones*
Ms. Taffie Nicole Jones*
Kimberly J. Keller, M.D.*
Dr. Nicole Lee Kerley-McGuire
Ms. Kristen R. Labat*
Mr. Louis E. Livers, Jr.
Mr. Marlon Lloyd
Dr. Quinisha K. Logan-Nash*
Dr. Ashla L. Martin
Mrs. Shawana J. McGee-Fayolle
Randy G. McKee, Esq.
Dr. Warren P. McKenna, Jr.
Mrs. Tamara J. McLemore
Mrs. Patrice E. McNeal
Dr. Brooke M. Mobley
Dr. James W. Moore, Captain, USPHS, Retired*
Mrs. Erica Lynn Morgan-Taylor*
Dr. Sophia L. Morris
Dr. Steven A. and Mrs. Shannon S. Morris
Dr. Nicole E. Mourillon
Mrs. Lillian Polk Nash
Mr. Donald R. Naylor, Jr., Esq.
Ruth E. Reid Neal, M.D.
Mrs. Claire H. Ojeh and Mr. Olisa Ojeh*
Sancerie J.
O’Rourke-Allen, D.D.S.*
Alejandro R. Perkins, Esq. and Mrs. Dina G. Perkins*
Dr. Marina E. Rasnow-Hill
Dr. Elizabeth Moore Rhodes
Dr. Mary L. Carter Robinson
Dr. Keisha T. and Mr. Michael D. Robinson
Dr. Quintin R. Robinson
Dr. Kelley H. Rouse
Mrs. Lois Milton Roux
Mrs. Anna Rita Smith Scott
Attorney Juval O. Scott
The George and Ola Sewell
Fund of Infaith Community Foundation
Ms. Charles Etta Silas
Mr. Errol J. and Mrs. Emma Simmons*
Dr. Brandi A. Sinkfield
Dr. Elton J. Smith, M.D.
Mr. Mark and Mrs. Rachel S. Spears
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell J. Stevens
Mrs. Evangeline H. Tierney*
Mr. Perry (Ret. Army) Tillman
III and Mrs. Diane S. Tillman
Drs. David A. and Markitta J. Travillion*
Mrs. Sylvia Haydel Tureaud*
Miss Vanessa M. Vavasseur
Dr. Carla B. Washington
Drs. Joseph and Jenelle F. Watts
Mr. Warren W. Welters, III
Angele T. White, Pharm.D., J.D.*
Ms. Lisa L. Wilkerson
Mr. James D. Woods, MFT Cheynita
Woodson-Jones, M.D.*
Mrs. Erika D. Young
$1,000 to $2,499
Ms. Clotia C. Abbey-Mensah
Dr. Carlton Z. and Mrs. Inez Gaudin Adams
John S. Adams, Sr., M.D.
Mr. Dwayne A. Aikens, Jr.
Dr. Oladapo A. Alade
Dr. Ashli P. and Mr. Michael Alexander
Belinda B. Alexander, M.D.
Dr. Ronda E. Alexander
Mr. Joe L. Allen, Jr.*
Dr. Garrett D. Anderson
Mr. Joseph D. Antee
Emma L. Aristide, Pharm D.
Mr. Paul J. Atkins
Dr. and Mrs. Theodore E. Atkinson, III*
Ms. Carmen Maria Austin
Janeen R. Azare, Ph.D.*
Mrs. Mabel Francis Bailey
Mr. George W. and Mrs. Carla D. Gibson Baker
Dr. Tracy A. and Mr. Mark Banks
Dr. Antoinette M. Bannister
Mr. Norman E. Barnum, IV and Mrs. Dionne Gremillion Barnum
Dr. Angel B. Bettis
Mr. Alvin Blackmon III*
Eric D. Blakney, M.D.
Ms. Bernadette D. Blount
LCDR Denise A. BoggsWilkerson
Mr. Edward Holland and Mrs. Melanie Boston-Holland
Dr. Michael C. Boucree, M.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Danny J. Boykins
Mr. Joseph A. Brooks, Jr.*
Mrs. Beverly Anna Avery Broussard*
Malcolm Broussard, RPh.
Ms. Mercedese Broussard*
Mr. Samuel L. Brown
Attorney Nicole Brunson
Dr. Sylvester J. and Mrs. Margaret A. Bryan
Dr. Bobby P. Burkes, Sr.
Mr.and Mrs. Harold Cade
Dr. Rosemarie Jack Caillier
Charlette M. Cain, DVM*
Mr. Emerson Carey, Jr., Esq.*
Ms. Joyce A. Carter
Mr. Kenneth L. and Mrs. LaQuita Carter
Nikki Harrison Carter, M.D.*
Dr. Monet A. Casey, M.D.
Colonel Dexter E. Caston and Mrs. Demetria George Caston*
Mr. Meyer J. and Mrs. Mary E. Chambers
Mr. Kenny K. Chase
Dr. Dawn M. Chinn, Pharm. D.
Drs. George E. and Christie L. Clayton*
Attorney MiAngel C. Cody
Dr. Arthur C. and Mrs. Sarah G. Coleman
Dr. Denise A. Coleman, Pharm D.
Mrs. Christina A. Coleman-Erwin
Kimberlee A. ColemanHenderson, M.D.
Dr. Ashté K. Collins*
Mr. Donald C. Collins
Dr. Jenifer M. Conde and Mr. John P. Conde
Attorney Karl J. Connor, J.D., L.L.M. and Mrs. Monika Connor
Mrs. Catherine E. Cottles
Ms. Michelle A. Covalt*
Attorney Kimela W. Cox
Mr. Johnny and Mrs. Shirley Crear
Mr. Douglas Cunningham*
Ms. Doris Davis
Ms. Shawn C. Davis
Dr. Kibibi N. Davison
Mrs. Roxanne M. Deams
Mrs. Kathleen Keyes
DeGrange*
Mr. Alvin S. Deloach
Ms. Tiffany T. Devereaux*
Jasmine E. Oliver, M.D.
Dr. Jhan Doughty Berry*
Ms. Merchell A. Douglas, Pharm D.
Beverly Brown Dupre, Ph.D.
Mr. Errol Duronslet
Carmen G. Echols, M.D.
Rev. Dr. Nathaniel L. Edmond and Mrs. Christine D. Edmond
Sonni P. Elliott-Libutsi, M.D.
Mr. Marvin E. Ellis
Mr. Claude I. Elmore*
Mr. James and Mrs. Cheryl Elmore*
Dr. Nicholle B. Espadron, M.D.
Mr. Amos J. Evans and Mrs. Barbara Keyes Evans*
Mrs. Latina S. Fauconier
Dr. Joi M. Findley-Smith
Ms. Keisha D. Flen
Miss Kash’Mir Foley
Aja J. Fowler, M.D.
Dr. Ryan A. Francois
Mr. Carroll L. and Mrs. Gloria Frank*
Drs. Coleridge T. and Cheryl Franklin*
Mr. Wilfred George Gaspard
Dr. Charles J. Gibson, M.D. and Dr. Holly Gibson
Kidada N. Gilbert-Lewis, M.D.*
Dr. Titilola Fadahunsi Glass
Dr. Gisele A. Goff
Mrs. Nicole Marchand Golden
Marcellus Grace, Ph.D. and
Mrs. Laura D. Grace
Dr. Kevin Granger, D.D.S., P.C.
Ms. Beverly Winona Grant
Teas E. Gray, M.D.
Mrs. Jacquelyn Jones Green
Ms. Janie L. Green
Professor D. Wendy Greene,
Esq.
Dr. Keva K. Gwin
Dr. Rosalind Pijeaux Hale*
Dr. Jeanine E. Hall
Mrs. Mattie Johnson Hall
* - Loyalty Society | HD - Honorary Degree
2023 Honor Roll of Donors
Dr. Danielle Haney
Adrienne A. Hanson, M.D.
Shellie M. Harden, D.D.S., MPH
Mrs. Cynthia Hardy
Dr. Davina J. Harkey-Nero
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Harland, II
Tomia Palmer Harmon, M.D.
Ms. Lisa R. Harris
Ms. Mia H. Harris
Mr. William T. and Mrs. Elizabeth Bostick*
Dr. Leneshia Haynes
Mr. Troy J. Heard
Roger D. Hector, M.D.
Mr. Ian P. and
Mrs. Marielle Heisser
Dr. Anna I. and Mr. Trent S. Heisser
Mr. Ruston G. Henry, Sr.
Dr. Cherie C. and Mr. Carl C. Hill
Mrs. Ruby N. Hill*
Mr. Morris L. Honore
Dr. Mary Dean Hunter*
Cynthia Darensbourg Hurd
Ms. Camiel J. Irving
Ernest W. Jackson, D.M.D.*
Mrs. Melazie Vavasseur
Jacobs*
Mrs. Kuiana M. James
Mr. Percy Johnson and Mrs. Carol Haller Johnson
Dr. Clanford L. Johnson
Dr. Latasha M. Bright Johnson and Mr. Jerome C. Johnson
Drs. Lamont Randall-Desean Jones and Teniesha N. Wright-Jones
Dr. Maiysha D. Jones
Ms. Marsha M. Jones*
Dr. Nadja N. Jones
Mrs. Joy A. Joseph
Ms. Kara M. Keller
Drs. Joseph A. and Deidre Labat
Ms. Justina M. Lafitte
Mrs. Rochelle N. Lampton
Dr. Melissa I. Lancaster
Courtney A. Landry, M.D.*
Ms. Jennifer M. Lear
Lester A. Lee, Sr., Ph.D.
Treva A. Lee, Ph.D.*
Dr. Warren G. Lee, III
Dr. Brian N. Lewis and Dr. Tamara H. Lewis
Dr. Januari S. Lewis
Drs. Willie L. Lewis and Mary L. Gauthier-Lewis
Ms. Sherrie B. Littlejohn*
Mrs. Rochelle B. Littleton
W. Irene Love, Pharm D.
Mrs. Tracy Ransom Mackie
Dr. Christie W. and
Mr. Gregory Magee*
Judge Njeri B. Maldonado
Dr. Edwin R. and
Mrs. LaQuita N. Malone
Ms. Veronica A. Malone
Dr. Jarrett Manning, D.D.S., MPH*
Dr. Christopher E. Marrero*
Dr. C. LaToya Mason-Bolden
Nicole A. Matthews, D.O.
Mrs. Robyn T. Mays
Captain (Ret.) Leon McClain, Jr
Mrs. Susan R. McCleskey*
Attorney Karl Eugene McDonald
Dr. Cedrek L. McFadden, M.D.
Dr. Jill E. McGovern
Mrs. Andrea and Mr. Randall McHenry
Ms. Brendolyn M. McKenna*
Mrs. Carolyn Jennings McLain*
Ms. Greer E. Mendy
Dr. Asia K. Richardson Michel
Mr. Allen C. and Mrs. Imani D. Miller
Mr. Adolph J. Moline, Jr.
Mr. Brian D. Monette
Mrs. Tomika D. Moody
Dr. Calandra R. Tate Moore
Mrs. Raya Llorens Moore
Dr. Tanisha R. Moore
Mr. Jarvis J. Morgan
Mr. Brandon M. Morning
Ms. LaToya B. Moseley*
Attorney Dwight and Mrs. Elodie Murray
Mr. Johnny S. and Mrs. Linda G. Narcisse
Mrs. Stephanie R. Navarre
Mr. Stevey T. Neal
Mr. Kevin A. Nelson
Kenneth E. Nixon, M.D.*
Vuyisile T. Nkomo, M.D., MPH
Drs. Gershom and Tracy L. Norfleet
Ms. Monique Angelia Norfolk, MPH
Dr. Shenita A. Outland*
Selika R. Owens, M.D.*
Mrs. Cheryl Thomas-Paige, CPA
Ms. Javonne D. Patterson
Mr. Lewis Pryor and Mrs. Tiffinie N. Payne-Pryor
Dr. Michelle A. Perkins
Dr. Marjorie E. Person
Dr. Hongloan T. Pham
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory G. Pierce
Mrs. Myla Reese Poree*
Mrs. Lisa Cochran Porter
Mr. Lester A. and Mrs. Vanessa S. Pourciau
Miss Ayanna D. Prather
Dr. Adrian A. Price
Mr. Eugene A. Priestley*
Dr. Lawrence J. Prograis, Jr.
Dorothy L. Pugh, R.Ph.
Dr. Henry Rachal, III and Dr. Funmilayo A. Rachal
Mrs. Annie F. Tureaud
Lewis Ramsey
Mr. Donald A. Reed
Dr. Jo Shani Reed
Ms. Kimberly M. Reese*
Ms. Synim N. Rivers
Mr. McLouis and Mrs. Harriette G. Robinet*
Dr. Melanie RobinsonWoodard
Ms. Janira Rodriguez
Mrs. Leslie D. Rose
Jade Brice Roshell, M.D.
Dr. Kimberly M. Lyles Rowsom
Dr. Donald M. Rozzell
Ms. Joyce M. Sandifer*
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Shanks, Jr.
Miss Lashonda B. Sherman
Ms. Belvadere Reneé Simon
Ms. Candyce M. Simpson-Pecot
Chanda R. Simpson, M.D.
Ms. Marla Singleton
Mr. Jeffrey P. Sloan and Mrs. Demetria F. Sloan*
Ms. Ada Nicole Smith*
Dr. Klyne L. Smith and Dr. Raquel L. Rivera
Mr. Lionel Beaver Smith
Attorney Monica Lynn Smith*
Dr. Melissa D. Smith-Noel
Ms. Louise J. Sonnier
Dr. Anisa S. Ssengoba-Ubogu and Dr. Erobghene E. Ubegil
Mrs. Marcia Armant St. Martin
Mr. Eugene L. and Mrs. Beverly Newman Staes
Mrs. Michele Simon Stanley
Mrs. Geneva A. Stark-Price
Dr. Margaret C. Stewart*
Mrs. Audrey F. Sudbury and The Late Mr. Leslie G. Sudbury
Dr. Samella Sutton
Ingrid Taylor, M.D.
Ms. Teresa Spikes Terry*
Ms. Shelia A. Thompson
Mrs. Laura Vinnett Triggs
Dr. Jacquelyn S. Turner
Dr. Maesha M. Twyner-Steele
Mr. Patrick A. and Mrs. Penny T. Victorian
Mr. Christopher W. Vincent*
Ms. Monique T. Wakefield*
Mrs. Cassandra M. Walwendah
Anne Bouise Ward, M.D.
JoAnn E. Warrick-Gable, M.D.*
Dr. Monica O. Watts
Ms. Nicole D. Webb
Mrs. Alicia J. Weber
Ms. Quo Vadis M. Webster*
Mr. Shawn and Mrs. Renee
M. Welch
Dr. Niesha J. Westmoreland
Dr. Dolly C. Penn White
Dr. Michael G. White
Mr. Philip J. and Mrs. Carolyn Wallace White*
Ms. Jimmie C. Wickham*
Mr. and Ms. Alan C. Williams
Mr. Alexander Oscar Williams*
Dr. Charity A. Williams and Mr. David T. Williams
Dr. Damon L. Williams, Jr
Mr. Elijah J. Williams
Dr. Gregg Joseph Williams, DPM, MBA
Ms. Joy M. Williams
Dr. Karen Williams and Mr. Cornelius Lewis
Ms. Mollie Marie Williams
Mr. John and Dr. Krystene Woodard
Dr. Felicie G. Wyatt
$500 to $999
Mr. Henry C. Alexander III
Dr. Gary L. Anderson
Mrs. DeJeune S. Antoine
Ms. Arlene A. Aranha*
Mrs. Anita Roussel Ashmore
Mrs. Larna J. Atkinson*
Angel Harper Barrymore, M.D.
Mrs. Katherine L. Beale
Dr. Angela M. Bell
Mrs. Jane Jupiter Bell
Dr. Kathleen Dorsey Bellow
Dr. Melanie Thibodeaux Bibb and Mr. Christopher O. Bibb*
Mrs. Felicia M. Black-Townsel*
Ms. Arlene C. Booker
Shameza L. Boyd-Dennis, M.D.
Mr. Darryl R. and Mrs. Cheryl W. Boykins*
Dr. Marcus L. Brinson, Pharm
D.
Mr.and Mrs. Harry D. Brock
Ms. Felicia M. Broussard
Dr. Aliya N. Brown
Mr. Charles J. Brown, Jr. and Mrs. Tammy Honoré Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin P. Brown, Jr
Dr. Shawn S. Brown
Dr. Yasmin K. Brown*
Dr. Katura C. Bullock
Sharm El’ Buras, M.D.
Mrs. Rosiland A. Burton
Mrs. Trudy Ben Cage
Dr. Jarrett D. Cain, DPM, M.Sc., FACFAS
Dr. Alexis L. Ponder Calloway
Dr. Carissa E. Campos
Attorney Benjamin E. Cannon
Dr. Stephanie Carmicle-Davis and Mr. Dereck B. Davis
Mr. William L. and Mrs. Barbara C. Chambers
Mrs. Audra Evans Chavis
Mr. Edward E. and Mrs. Lolita V. Cherrie
Dr. Quentin J. Chevalier
Dr. Evella M. Chretien
Dr. Carla D. Collins*
Mr. Marcus T. and Mrs. Katherine Glover-Collins
Ouida M. Collins, M.D.
Dr. Charlie W. Colquitt and Dr.
Vonda J. Colquitt
PonJola S. Coney, M.D.
Miss Terry A. Cook*
Jacinta E. Cooper, M.D., Ph.D.
Ms. Stephanie M. Cooper
Dr. Christina Council-King
Mrs. Charlotte Faciane Craven
Ms. Nellie S. Crawford
Mr. James Leonard Currence*
Dr. Glen Winfield Dace, II
Dr. Markesha Winn Daniel
Dr. Deborah A. Daniels, P.C.
Dr. Kimberly M. Davis
TenecQua M. Davis, Pharm. D.
Dr. Rachel Davis-Haley
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Dean, LCDR, USN, (Ret.)*
Mrs. Verlie R. DeCay
Mrs. Gail Martin Dennis
Ms. Adrienne L. Dobbins
Ms. Crystal N. Dobbins
Jeniqua R. Duncan, M.D.
Ms. Charmagne M. Eady
Mrs. Iris T. Eagleton
Dr. Martha Brown Earls*
Mrs. Stephanie A. Easton
Dr. Sabrina M. Echols, M.D.
Dr. and Mrs. Brandon M. Edgerson
Dr. Ryane A. Edmonds, M.D.
Ms. LaTonya R. Edwards
Mr. Kelvin P. Esters*
Mr. Terry J. and Mrs. Janice M. Felton, Sr.
LaReesa M. Ferdinand-Dukes, M.D.
Dr. Michelle A. and Mr. Perris Fields*
Mr. Sterling J. Fleury
Mr. Verbie C. and Mrs. Dorothy E. Florence
Dr. Erin D. Fonbah
Dr. Alice M. Fray, M.D.
Mr. Mikhail Z. Frazier
Mr. Louis C. Gaignard, Jr. and Mrs. Carol Gaudin Gaignard*
Dr. Tametra L. Garnier
Mrs. Yolanda D. Gautier*
Dr. Kevin D. Givens, D.D.S.
Drs. Rossie J. Gomez and Karen J. Gray-Gomez
Dr. Wendy Goodall McDonald
Mrs. Marilyn Grant
Dr. April D. Green
Dr. Torrance T. Green
Dr. Stacy A. Greene
Mrs. Julie Smith Griffin*
Mr. James D. Guidry
Mr. Robert R. Guidry
Mr. Osama A. Hamdan
Dr. and Mrs. Larry Hampton
Mrs. Deidra R. Harper
Dr. Tamara V. Walker Harper
Ms. Charlotte Louise Harrell
Mrs. Imogene Vassar Harrell
Ms. Cheryl J. Harris
Mrs. Etiennette King Harris
Dr. Kenneth D. Hartwill
Ms. Chauntina R. Hill
Mr. Keith T. and Mrs. Judy J. Hill
Dr. Sarita N. Hithe, D.D.S.
Mr. Gary R. Hollimon
Dr. Helen M. Hollomon-Delaney
Ms. Chakita R. Holmes*
Mrs. Wanda Minor Howard*
Ms. Techecia T. Idowu
Tasha R. Inniss, Ph.D.
Ms. Keli D. Jackson*
Dr. Jarvis B. Jacobs*
Dr. Mark A. Jamison
Dr. Claude D. Jarrett and Mrs. Azzari C. Jarrett
Dr. and Mrs. Patrick D. Jefferson*
Dr. Elliot M. and Mrs. Janelle B. Jessie*
Ms. Deanna N. Johnson
Mr. Harry E. Johnson, Sr., Esq.
Julie L. Johnson, M.D.
Mrs. Lynell Jones Johnson*
Ms. Valla Marie Johnson
Mr. Ted and Mrs. Evelyn Jones
Ms. Tina M. Jones, C.P.A.
Dr. Cindi E. Jones-Woods*
Dr. Andre W. Jordan
Mrs. Lillian A. Ebanks Joseph, MBA
Mrs. Shirley Melton Judge*
Ms. Chandra J. Kerley
Mrs. Helen Kerley
Dr. Donna L. Kiel
Mr. Herman G. King
Drs. Anil and Poonam Kukreja
Mrs. Janice Labeaud-Wash
Mr. Jerrol M. Larrieu*
Mrs. Eleanor M. Leak
Dr. Leslie C. Leathers
Dr. Kim M. LeDuff
De’ Shondra N. Leonard, D.D.S.
Drs. Brandon J. and Velissa A. Lewis
Dr. Myra Marion Lewis
Mrs. Tamara N. Lewis
Ms. Tanya L. Lombard
Mr. Bobby Major, III
Dr. Brandy Gallen Malbrough*
Dion N. Martin, M.D.
Mr. Vernon Martin E. and Mrs. Sandra Livsey-Martin
Mrs. Adrian G. Mason
Mrs. Courtney P. Mathews
Mrs. Felecia Mouton McCree*
Dr. Angela D. McGee-Boothe
Lieutenant Colonel Dwight and Mrs. Sheila C. McGhee
Dr. Shawn McKinney
Dr. Dia S. McPherson-Hurt
Mr. Eugene H. Mills, Jr.
Mr. Jeremy G. Mills
Mrs. Patricia T. Dufauchard
Mincer
Mrs. Gloria Williams
Monconduit
Dr. Margo and Mr. Jamaal
Montgomery-Richardson
Ms. Joyce Marie Morgan
Attorney D’Andrea J. Morning McCants
Ms. Angela M. Morris
Dr. Tommy C. Morris
Ms. Kenya M. Moszzkley
Allen E. Moton, Pharm D.
Dr. and Mrs. Dawud Muhaimin*
Dr. Jennifer L. Mullen
Mrs. Nicole Tureaud Newell
Mrs. Elise Tureaud Nicholls
Drs. Victor C. and Nadrea A. Njoku
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Noble
Dr. Toi A. Olden
Ms. Tyra N. Ordone*
Dr. Kay R. Pace
Mr. and Mrs. Quillie N. Parker, C.P.A.
Mrs. Nina H. Payne
Dr. Marcia J. Pecot
Dr. Marcia A. Peete and Mr. Tecumseh Peete
Mrs. Catina Green Peoples
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Perez
Dr. Satira T. Perry
Dr. LeCresha A. Peters
Mr. Gary J. Tanner and Mrs. Audrey M. Pinera-Tanner*
Dr. Sarah J. Price-Adekoya
Mr. DeVon A. Pruitt
Dr. Errol J. and Mrs. Linda M. Quintal
Dr. Aisha O. Redmond
Mrs. Sondra C. Reine*
Dr. Ramona L. Rhodes
Ms. Marsha
Richard-Hart, MSPH
Ms. Debra M. Richardson
Dr. Lakeisha W. Richardson*
Mrs. Charlene Woods Robins
Rear Admiral (Ret.)
Stephen W. Rochon and Mrs. Shirley A. Rochon
Ms. Farrah M. Roybiskie
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Saberre, Sr.*
Dr. Reginald O. Salter, D.D.S.
Mrs. Deanna D. Sanders
Dr. Akilah S. Scott
Mrs. Linda St. Martin Scott
Mr. Elmore J. and Mrs. Alva N. Seraile*
Dr. Gregory L. Shannon
Dr. Claricia (Simmons) Shepherd
Mrs. Angel Novel Simmons
Mr. Willie D. Simmons
Ms. Makeda J. Smith
Dr. Shayna A. Roaf Smith and Mr. Tequiero Smith
Dr. Xavier L. Smith, M.D.
Mrs. Denise G. St. Cyr
Dr. Mark Anthony St Cyr
Mrs. Mary M. Stallworth
Mr. Wayne A. Steele, Sr.*
Mrs. Yvonne Davis Stepter
Mrs. Cynthia Sylvain-Lear
Dr. Courtney R. Tafesse*
Dr. Jessica D. Tanksley
Mr. Alcide J. Tervalon and Mrs.
Jo Ann Mohr Tervalon
Ms Shelia M. Thompson
Dr. Roderick O. and Mrs. Courtney Thornton
Miss Taylor D. Thornton
Mrs. Kendra Woodard Tircuit*
Mr. Yamlak Tsega*
Dr. Patrice J. Tyson
Ms. Joan Ulmer*
Dr. Elizabeth O. Unachukwu*
The Late Mrs. Jean A. Benjamin-Vappie and Mr. Russell M. Vappie
Ericka Vaughn, M.D.
LaToya Renee Walker, M.D.
Mr. Morris and Mrs. Lee A. Washington
Dr. Nina T. Washington, M.D.
Dr. Terri Washington
Ms. Lawana J. Welch
Mr. Shanté Y. Wells
Dr. Marceé J. White, M.D.
Dr. Yolanda C. Wilkins
Ms. Eileen T. Williams
Mrs. Inez D. Williams
Mr. Justin D. Williams
Miss Latoya L. Williams
Attorney Sharonda R. Williams
Rev. Starsky D. and Dr. LaToya
Smith Wilson*
Dr. LaToya Nicole Woods*
Dr. Najaz Woods-Bishop
Attorney Sharon and Ms. Huiling Zealey-Chen
$250 to $499
Dr. Mecca A. Abdullah
Mr. Nelson Alexander
Deidra D. Allen, M.D.
Mr. Shay T. Allen
Mrs. Shirley Ann WilliamsAnderson-Napier
Ms. Lora L. Antoine
Ms. Quintina A. Ashley
Dr. Tonja R. Austin
Dr. Jacquelyn A. Bailey
Dr. Jaqwiana S. Baker, M.D.
Dr. Monica E. and Mr. Joseph Baldridge
Mrs. Gwendolyn E. BallJulien*
Attorney Danese K. Banks
Mr. H. Jamon Barrow
Ms. Marleesa S. Bastian
Ms. Stacey M. Bastian
Deborah A. Beal, D.D.S.
Ms. Camillia B. Bell*
Commander Nicole M. Bell
Ms. Raquel Z. Bell*
Mrs. Clara Joyce Bishop
Mackie J. V. Blanton, Ph.D.
Dr. Natalie J. Boulware
Mrs. Migheon M. Bey
Dr. Carmel R. Boykin-Wright and Mr. John A. Wright, Jr.
Ms. Elease M. Bradford*
Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D.*
Dr. Ronda L. Broady, D.O.
Dr. Bria M. Broussard, Pharm D.
Mr. Leroy M. Broussard, Jr.
Mrs. Adiaha N. Brown
Dr. Dawn K. Brown*
Ms. Melanie N. Brown
Dr. Shunji Q. Brown-Woods
Mrs. Tiffany M. Brumfield
Asha S. Bryant, M.D.*
Ms. Geralyn L. Buford
Dr. Kimberly M. Bush, M.D.*
Mrs. Mary Cecile Kiper Camp
Dr. Vivian D. Campbell
Mr. Steven M. Capers
Ms. Cintrella K. Carter
Kimberly Nichole Carter, M.D.
Mr. Raphael Cassimere and Mrs. Inez Hale-Cassimere
Mrs. Willie Phillips Chaffers
Mrs. Hattie Allen Chambers
Mrs. Alva D. Chase
Mrs. Cynthia Cheri-Woolridge
Mr. and Mrs. John L. Citizen
Mrs. Joan Kiper Clark
Dr. Carnecia Y. Cole
The Honorable Donna F. Coleman-Stribling, Esq.
Mr. William P. Collins
Dr. Derek J. Colston
Dr. Aryian L. Cooke
Dr. Lauren N. Cooper*
Ms. Donna K. Crawford
Mr. Damien L. Cuffie
Alauna Davis Curry, M.D.*
Mr. Edward R. and Mrs. Anita Y. Dalferes
Dr. Christian O. Davillier, MPH*
Dedra Gourdine Davis, RPH, MHA
Ms. Janet Margaret Davis*
Mr. and Mrs. Morris A. Davis
Mrs. Tammara J. Davis
Mrs. Toinita S. Conner
Dr. Tyrus J. Demouchet
Mrs. Raymonda Perry Dennis
Mrs. Angel C. DeSquare, MSN, RN
Dr. Jazmine B. Dillard and Dr. Melvin L. Dillard, III
Mrs. Lisa Dixon
Ms. Lacey Douglas
Mrs. Leslie Courtney Thorpe
Douglas
Victor A. Dubuclet, III, J.D.
Ms. Barbara Cooper Duhe*
Mr. Leo D. Dunn, Jr
Drs. Teddrick L. and Felecia N. Dunson
The Honorable Royce
Duplessis
Dr. Michelle R. Easton
Dr. Ijeoma L. Ejigiri
Mrs. Adrienne N. Embry-Ammons
Ms. Phyllis J. Ferrouillet
Mr. Glyn and Mrs. Gilda Marie Fisher
Ms. Janice M. Florent*
Dr. Suzanne P. Foster, MBA
Mrs. Juanita Marie Freeman
Dr. Thomas C. Freeman
Dr. Candice N. Frye
Claire V. Fuller, M.D.
Mr. Arnold and Mrs. Lynne Garibaldi
Mr. George J. Gilliam
Theresa Ford Gilstrap, Esq.
Mrs. Louaunne
Williams Gilyot*
Ms. Ainka C. Gonzalez*
Mr. John H. and Mrs. Bobbie J. Gordon, III
Mr. Ryan Goudeau
Ms. Veldore F. Young Graham
Mrs. Jennifer Adger Grant
Ms. Lorrie D. Green
Dr. Mrs. Tasha Merritt Green
Mr. Bernard W. Griffith
Ms. Yvonnein D. Guice
Mr. John C. Hale and Mrs.
Ra’Nell A. Davis Hale
Okyeame Haley, Esq. and Mrs. Melissa S. Haley
Ms. Risa D. Hall
Ms. Gladys Hampton*
Dr. Cindy G. Harden
Miss Andrea N. Harper*
Dr. Katrina M. and Mr. Onaje
S. Harper
Mr. and Mrs. Bobby L. Harrington
Toya Rena Harris, Pharm D.
Ms. Jazmine A. Harris-Branch*
Dr. Portia M. Harris-White and Mr. Marcus White*
Ms. Willia Margaretta Hatter
Mr. James V. and Mrs. Leslie S. Haydel
Dr. Worth Kamili Hayes*
Dr. Kendra D. Hayslett, M.D.
Honorable Ellen M. Hazeur
Ms. Yameika A. Head
Danielle A. Holmes, M.D.
Mrs. Glenda G. Hebert
Mrs. Kemba A. Hendrix
Mrs. Faye G. Hill
Mr. Kurt A. Hill, Sr.
Ms. Bridgett D. Hitchings
Dr. Elorice Horam Hodge
Mr. Leroy Holmes, Jr
Mr. Charles A. Honoré
Dr. Ebony R. Hoskins
Dr. SeBrina B. Houston
Ms. Tara N. Hughes
Ms. RaChell L. Hunt
Ms. Hyacinth Hope Hutchinson*
Attorney Angell J. Jackson
Ms. Karen Jackson
Ms. Lateresa Renae Madison
The Late Gloria Jackson
Bacon, M.D.
Mr. Jerald F. James, Jr.
Mr. Brian S. Johnson
Mr. Gerard M. Johnson
Ms. Karmen L. Johnson
Mrs. Judith Curry Jones
Dr. Orien D. Joseph
Dr. and Mrs. Peter J. Jupiter
Judge Steven M. Jupiter
Dr. Zenita Wade Keys
Dr. Earraina R. King
Dr. Niquelle P. Lackings
Ms. Gwendolyn A. LaCroix*
Dr. and Mrs. Glenn L. Laird
Dr. Alicia M. Landry, M.D.
Charlene C.
Larche-Mason, Esq.
Mrs. Philomena D. Lawson
Ms. Cynthia Guillaume Lee
Ms. Kyla A. Leon
Mr. and Mrs. Robert V. Lewis
Dr. Markus D. Little
Mr. and Mrs. George J. Love, Sr. Nicole Sheree
Luddington, M.D.
Dr. Terri R. Lunsford
Dr. Iris R. Mabry-Hernandez
Maxime Madhere, M.D.
Mrs. Cassandra R. Mallary
Mrs. Desiree M. Mance
L. Karenna Senors Manning, M.D.*
Marlah H. Mardis, M.D.
Ms. Renee D. Markham
Mrs. Charmaine M. Marrero*
Mrs. Mavia A. Marsalis
Mr. Errol J. and Mrs. Carolyn G. Martin
Drs. John and Kimberly Massey
Dr. Kristin Y. Matthews
Mr. Hewitt
and Mrs. Barbara Fields May
Dr. Karwin L. McCain and Mrs. Shonte Foster McCain
Mrs. Angelique Beauford
McClendon
Mr. and Ms. Ted W. McField
Dr. Marlisa J. McKenzie and Mr. Dock A. McKenzie
Dr. Nikki L. Meadows
Miss Kelly D. Merrick
Mr. Treyvon Merritt*
Dr. Contessa D. Metcalfe
Ms. Charel A. Middleton
Kimberly E.
Miller-Hammond, M.D.
Dr. Amya Herrington Mitchell
and Mr. Trevor Mitchell*
Ms. Linda T. Molezion
Ms. DawnMarie Montgomery*
Atty. Stevens E. and Mrs. Emma Moore
Dr. Robin M. Moore
Evelyn E. Morning, M.D.
Ms. Kimberly A. Moss
Mrs. Alice U. Murchison*
Adela’ M. Narcisse, M.D.
Mr. Carl and Mrs. Tonya L. Neely
Dr. Tian Merren Owens*
Mr. Melvin O. and Mrs.
Stephanie Jacques Parent, Jr.
Dr. Tennille McGee Parris
Dr. Lt. Col. Rachael L. Parrish
Dr. Chrisna M. Perry
Dr. Christie McGhee Person
Mr. Larry J. Pete
Dr. Yolonda R. Pickett
Mrs. Ursula M. Pollock*
Mr. Scott Ponder
Miss Robin E. Pratts
Mrs. Dawn Sherron Purnell
Mrs. Glenda Morgan Rankin
Dr. Kristi M. Rapp
Dr. Stacy T. Reynolds
Dr. Carryn N. Rice*
Dr. Jennifer Billingsley
Richardson
Mr. Mark D. Richardson
Mr. Patrick W. Roberson
Ms. Mia R. Robins
Mrs. Chalita Brossett Robinson
Mr. Michael J. Ruffin
Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Rush*
Mr. Michael R. Rutherford
Mrs. Carmen R. Jackson Sallay
Mr. Michael D. Sanders, Jr
Dr. Sherrika D. Sanders
Dr. Samarlos Boykin Scott*
Dr. Courtney B. Scrubbs, Esq.*
Mrs. Dorothy M. Seay
Mrs. Lori Seibert Matthews
Ms. DaRhonda M. Sheard
Dr. Julia K. Simmons
Dr. Joseph L. Singleton, Jr., M.D.
Drs. Raegan Higgins Siwatu and Kamau O. Siwatu*
Dr. Siobhan E. Smith-Jones
Mrs. Petrinella H. Sowell
Mrs. Teresa M. St. Luce
Mrs. Charlene Lillian Stamps
Dr. Alexis J. Stokes
Jeneé J. Gibson Stubbs, M.D.
Ms. Jameika M. Stuckey
Keisha L. Sullen, Pharm D.
Mrs. Michelle Warren
Swanson
Dr. Gertrude Perkins Taylor
Miss Kenya C. Taylor*
Mrs. Monica P. Taylor
Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Tenette
Ms. Richele T. Theodore
Mr. Jeffery L. and Mrs. Zolee
J. Thomas
Jennifer A. Thomas-Taylor, M.D., MPH
Shelly L. Thompson, M.D.
Miss Victoria Thompson
Ms. Charla M. Travis*
Rheba J. Upshaw, Pharm D.
Mr. Gerard M. Victor*
Ms. Shannon M. Vincent
2023 Honor Roll of Donors
Mr. Shaun H. Vincent
Dr. LaQuia Walker Vinson*
Miss Amanda Ware
Ms. Gabrielle U. Webster
Mr. Charles Eugene Wesley
Mrs. Cosette West-Kaufman*
Dr. Brittany N. Williams
Mr. Byron D. and Mrs. Faye Williams
Ms. Kamekea R. Willis
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Winand, Jr
Ms. Brandy R. Winchester
Mr. Byron J. Wing
Mr. Parker M. Word, II
Dr. Vernon L. York, Jr.
Dr. Mrs. Lisa L. Young and Mr. Kevin Young
$100 to $249
Ms. Carmichael L. August
Mrs. Desireia Valteau
Abegunrin
Dr. Elaine Marie Parker-Adams
Mark T. Adams, Esq.
Dr. Tremaine J. Afetorgbor
Mr. Jon P. and Mrs. R. Maria
Owen Aguilar
Mrs. Nanette Harris Ajayi
Ms. Cerise T. Akins
Mrs. Carole Bibolet Alarcon
Mrs. Kimberly Waters
Alexander
Troy A. Alexander-El, M.D.
Ms. Darlene T. Allen
Dr. Miya E. Allen
Mrs. Talita G. Allison
Dr. Clive L. Alonzo
Dr. LaKica R. Amos
Mr. Jared S. Anderson
Dr. Sarah Ann AndersonBurnett
Mr. Phillip P. Andrews
Dr. Sharhonda M. Ansley
Alana P. Anthony, M.D.
Dr. and Mrs. Patrick Antoine
Ms. Victoria N. Anyanwu
Mrs. Adrianne D. Appleberry
Dr. Rashad V. Arcement
Ms. Carla M. Armstrong
Dr. Tyeshia V. Babineaux and Mr. Joshua J. Babineaux
Mrs. Linda Bailey
Dr. Janel Bailey Wheeler*
Mr. Maurice Baird
Mrs. LaKeesha D. Ball
Ms. Shandra E. Banks
Ms. Kimberly M. Bardell
Mr. Keith T. Barker, M.S.
Ms. Nadine S. Barksdale
Mr. Kevin L. Barnes*
Ms. Valerie A. Barnes
Sebrena J. Pollard Bartlett, R.Ph., J.D.
Mrs. Gaynielle T. Bastian-
Troutman
Dr. Gilberte Bastien
Mr. Brandon B. Batiste
Ms. Tenitra R. Batiste
Mrs. Terez R. Battiste
Dr. Nichole M. BauknightBoles and Mr. Eundra L. Boles
Ms. Christy P. Beal
Ms. Kinda A. BecklesWilkinson
Dr. Anika L. Bell
Dr. Eliza M. Belle
Mrs. Katrice Bell Jefferson
Ms. Shanda L. Bennett
Dr. Phillitha D. Penny Benton, Pharm D.
Ms. Monique Berry
Attorney Youshea A. Berry, Esq.
Mrs. Brenda X. Bethune-Colbert
Mrs. Barbara Guillory Bieniemy
Dr. Nia A. Bigby
Tiffany S. Bingham, Esq.
Ms. Ayana A. Bishop, C.P.A.
Ms. Debbie Bissett*
Linda D. Blakley, M.Ed, Ph.D.
Mr. Keith and Mrs. Septa H. Blossom
Mrs. Brittany J. Blue
Mrs. Tammie Boggan-Brady
Dr. Michelle Bell Boissiere
Mrs. Paula M. Bolds
Ms. Arlene Stewart Bornes
Mr. Justin T. Bostic
Ms. Tamara Brickham Bourda
Mr. Raymond and Mrs. Laverne Bourgeois
Dr. Kenneth G. Boutte, Sr.
Dr. Miller W. Boyd, III
Ms. Elizabeth A. Boykin
Ms. Kimberly R. Boykin
Miss Jasmyne Bracy
Mrs. Edna V. Branch
Dr. Elizabeth A. Breda
Ms. Terri L. Bridges
Ms. Tiffany R. BrinkleyBarrow
Matilda H. Shields-Bronson, Pharm. D.
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory D. Brooks
Dr. Lt. Col. Jim A. Brooks, II
Dr. Keith S. Brooks, Ph.D.
Mrs. Trevia L. Young Brooks
Dr. Chad E. Broussard
The Late Mr. Garfield Broussard
Ms. Ashley G. Brown
Ms. Demetria S. Brown
Mr. James D. Brown
Mr. Ranald Michael Brown
Terrence H. Brown, Pharm. D.
Mr. William Bernard Broyard
Ms. Malinda Winder Bryant
Dr. Yolanda Bryant
Mrs. Jeanette R. Buffert
Dr. Kristin Walker Burt
Mrs. Joyce Whitfield Burton
Emmary S. Butler, M.D.
Mr. Jamin P. Butler
Ms. Lavanza K. Butler
Mr. Frederick and Mrs. Rosalind G. Butler
Mrs. Natasha D. ButlerMonteau
Francine D. Bynum, M.D.*
Mrs. Santrell M. Caison
Ms. Judy K. Caldwell
Dr. Octavia Cockrell Calhoun
Ms. Shari Calicker
Mr. Lester A. Caliste, Jr.
Ms. Karla M. Cameron
Mrs. Monica Miles Camp
Ms. LaKeeta H. Campbell
Dr. Angela R. Canady
Mr. Curtis T. Carkum
Ms. Ariane M. Carrier
Mrs. Sylvenie C. Carriere-Jones
Mrs. Mary Carter
Mrs. Michelle W. Carter
Dr. Terrence J. Carter
Dr. Laquisha L. Cartwright*
Mrs. Marie Chachere-Christian
Dr. Chantelle N. Charles
Drs. Justin N. and Denisa D. Charles
Mrs. Regina Storms Chenault
Mrs. Jovita A. Chevalier-Taty
Attorney and Mrs. Milton Lee Childs
Mr. Kevin F. Choice
Dr. Tammuella C. Chrisentery-Singleton
Mrs. Melanie R. Christopher
Mrs. Kendrea L. Clark
Dr. Natalie A. Clark, Pharm. D.*
Mr. Richard E. Clark
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Clark
Mrs. Bobbie J. Clark-Alexander
Mrs. Jewell Cobb-Pitts
Ms. Treniere A. Cohens
Attorney Daisy D. Coleman
and Mr. Rufus Coleman
Mr. Milton Coleman
Mr. Vernal Coleman, Jr.
Mr. Roderick A. Collette
Mr. and Mrs. Caribee L. Collier
Mrs. Aloha M. Collins
Mrs. Inga Q. Collins
Dr. Joseph A. Collins and Dr. Meredith Coleman Collins
Ms. Shelia A. Collins
Mrs. Tira C. Collins
Mr. William Collins, Jr.
Dr. Ariane O. Conrad
Dr. Cori M. Cooper
Mrs. LaTanya M. Copeland
Mrs. Arnel T. Cosey
Dr. Erika P. Cox
Ms. Karen S. Crawford
Dr. Jaime A. Crawley*
Rev. David G. Cray, S.S.E.*
Mrs. Lynn Sarpy Crean
Mr. Percy P. Creuzot IV
Ms. Raijanel S. Crockem
Mrs. Kim Rabb Crump
Angie L. Curtis, M.D.
Ms. Stephanie C. Curtis
Ms. LaShonna M. Curtis-Hill
Mr. Frank Louis Daggs, Sr.
William E. Dailey, Jr., Esq.
Mrs. Dione May Dancy
Judge June Berry Darensburg
Dr. Kimberley M. Darey
Dr. Myrna V. Dartson
Mr. Benjamin L. Davis
Mr. Kendrick Davis
Mr. Roger F. Davis
Ms. Romona T. Davis
Ms. Valerie A. Davis
Michelle Davis-Dash, M.D.
Mr. Carl F. Dawson
Mrs. Denise P. Debose
Ms. Joi T. DeFrantz
Ms. Dana Delpit
Mrs. Sherry B. Desvignes
Mr. Derek G. and Mrs. Robin Eugenia Russaw
Mr. John F. and Mrs. Daisy Guitart Dimaggio
Mr. James C. Dirden
Dr. Brooke E. Christian Dishmon
Dr. Tonya R. Dobbs*
Mr. Golden R. Donato and Mrs. Sharon Lefrere Donato
Mrs. Dionna L. Douglas
Ms. Shannon E. Douglas
Vanessa L. Dowdy-Sigur, DDS, PC
Rashida M. Downing, M.D.*
Dr. Ireiel M. Duke, Pharm. D.
Minister Volney O. Duncan, Jr.
Mrs. Shalaan M. Dungey
Ms. Katrina L. Dunson
Mrs. Karen M. Durand
Mrs. Jacquelyn Hurley Duvernay
Ms. Sheryl M. Eaglin
Dr. Dawn C. Edwards
Mrs. Deadra Joseph Edwards
Mr. David Elliott, III
Mr. George W. Ellis, Jr.
Mr. Lawrence Epps
Ms. Shyrelle N. Eubanks
Dr. K. T. Ewing
Ms. Amanda M. Brown Fabin
Dr. Taiya S. Fabre
Dr. Temeika L. Fairley
Ms. Christian A. FauriaRobinson
Mrs. Patricia Feagin
Larry Ferdinand, Jr., M.D.
Mrs. Janelle B. Ferguson
Miss Asia Fernandes
Ms. Myrtle W. Ferrande
Ms. Ingrid R. Fields
Ms. Adrienne D. Finley
Dr. Triwanna LaShaun FisherWikoff
Mr. Cquincy A. Fletcher
Mr. Frank J. Flowers
Dr. Pamela Payne Foster and Mr. Bill Foster
Mr. and Mrs. Roland Foster, Jr.
Mr. Terrence R. Franklin and Mrs. Donelle Humphrey Franklin
Mrs. Myra P. Frost
Dr. Rachelle T. Fryer-Simmons
John Thomas Fuller, R.Ph.
Mr. Fredric L. Fullerton, II, Esq.
Miss Alexis M. Gabriel
Lavonne J. Gaffin, DVM
Mr. Melvin Gaines
Ms. Phyliss S. Gaines
Mr. Kevin A. Gallien
Ms. Debra P. Ganthier
Mrs. Karen B. Gardiner
Dr. Margot Y. Garrick
Mr. Ronald C. Gathe, Jr.
Ms. Shannon Richards Gatlin
Mrs. Wendy M. Gatlin
Mrs. Barbara Ann Gibbons
Mr. John Gibson, Jr.
Ms. Nina L. N. Giddens
Dr. Christopher J. Gillard
Mrs. Courtney D. Givens
Mrs. Toni B. Vernon-Glasper
Ms. Sharrone M. Godfrey*
Dr. Stacey A. Godley*
Dr. Susan P. Goggans*
Ms. Joyce E. Goins-Fernandez
Mrs. Connie C. Goodly-LaCour
Ms. Eboni S. Goodman
Dr. Paul Raymond Goodwin
Mrs. Robin Goodwyn
Dr. Brittany Gorden
Mr. James H. Gordon
Ms. Lona M. Gordon
Alexis C. Graham, Ph.D.
Mrs. Lolita Tillery Grant
Mr. Alan M. Green*
Ms. Geannette Y. Green
Dr. Glenn J. Green, Pharm. D.
Mrs. Jasmine C. Green
Dr. Reginique L. Green
Ms. Paula Thomas Grier
Dr. Pamela Michelle Grier-Hall
Miss Alexandria M. Griffin
Mr. and Mrs. Ron D. Grimmette
Mrs. Octavia B. Gross
Dr. and Mrs. Alfred J. Guillaume, Jr.
Mrs. Gwendolyn Battle Guillmette
Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Vivian B. Guillory*
Mrs. Mary J. Hadnott-Mims
Mr. Blair K. Haley
Mr. Brian G. Hall and Ms. Erica E. Townsend-Bell
Ms. Kathleen M. Hall
Ms. Christina T. Hamilton
Dr. Jasmine M. Hamilton
Dr. Ambra M. Hannah
Mr. Larnzell “Jay” Harper, Jr.
Mr. Allen and Mrs. Adrienne A. Harris
Ms. Jacklyn H. Harris
Ms. Lorianna F. Harris
Mrs. Tondra K. Thomas-Harris
Tyra C. Harris, M.D.
Dr. Opal M. Harrison
Mrs. Rhonda Harris-Scott
Linda N. Harvey, M.D.*
Mr. William K. Harvey
Mr. Kwame K. Haven
Mrs. Etta L. Hawkins
Dr. Soyini A. Hawkins
Ms. Valencia M. Hawkins
Aliya S. Heyliger-Hayes, M.D.*
Mrs. Teresa Y. Hayes
Miss Angela M. Haynes
Dr. Deanna M. Haynes
Ms. Sandra R. Heard
Ms. Arriana R. Heins
Dr. Ayana Rowley Henderson
Ms. Regina D. Hendrix
Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick J. Henley, Jr.
Mrs. Elvira Day Henry*
Dr. Crystal L. Henson, Pharm D.
Dr. Bernard Hill
Dr. Brittaney J. Hill
Dr. Mandy J. Hill
Drs. Renard and Vonetta L. Hill
Dr. Xavier Hill
Ms. Krystal M. Hill-Carter
Mr. Kenneth and Ms. Lisa Hines
Ms. Darlene Hobbs
Dr. Janelle N. Holden
Mrs. Mesha D. Holland
Miss Oma S. Holloway
Mrs. Sharon M. Holloway
Ms. LaTonya S. Holmes
Mr. William D. Holmes, Jr.
Ms. Cynthia A. Holston
Mrs. Bennetta C. Horne, M.S.
Mrs. Kellee Knighten Hough
Miss Brianna M. Houston
Mr. Lawrence C. Houston
Ms. Jewel O. Howard
Mr. Harvell and Mrs. Rosa Selina Howard
Ms. Carissa S. Hubbard
Dr. Charmaine D. Huggins
Mr. David G. Hughes
Ms. Keala Jovan Hughes
Dr. Tiffany R. Humes
Dr. Jamila D. Hunter
Mrs. Terrah N. Hunter, M.Ed
Ms. Janna C. Hutchinson
Mr. Darryll and Mrs. Daphne Ingram
Mrs. Cynthia M. Isaac-Romar
Mrs. Shanae L. Ivey
Mr. Dannton C. Jackson
Erica Brown Jackson, M.D.
Dr. Jeanine A. Jackson
Dr. Lawrence J. Jackson
Rozalie V. Jackson, M.D.
Dr. Sha-Ron Jackson-Johnson
Ms. Torri A. Jacobus
Ms. Devinne R. James
Ms. Robin A. James, Pharm D.
Dr. Cornelius D. Jamison
Dr. Monique P. Jenkins
Dr. Joyce and Mr. Aaron Johnson
Ms. Claudette T. Boyance Johnson
Mr. Javon M. Johnson
Mr. Jimmie S. Johnson, Jr.
Mr. Joel A. Johnson
Mrs. Kimberly A. Johnson
Rev. Malene Minor Johnson
Mrs. Mercedes S. Johnson
Mr. Randall L. Johnson
Mr. Sedric P. Johnson
Mrs. Kimberly I. JohnsonHenry*
Dr. Andrea N. Jones
Mrs. Carolyn A. Carmon-Jones
Mrs. Kesler K. Camese Jones
Mr. Michael A. Jones
Mrs. Monique M. Jones
Miss Remeka S. Jones
Dr. Stacy D. JonesPedescleaux
Mrs. Le’Anza M. Davis Jordan
Dr. Tomi D. Joseph
Ms. Twilynn M. Toy Jourdain
Ms. Sharon D. Juzang
Ms. Danielle L. Kennebrew
The Late Mrs. Marcella M. Keyes
Mr. Charles Linares and Mrs. Mary T. King-Linares
Ms. Linda F. Kinsey
Mrs. Leta M. Knighten*
Dr. Sika B. Koudou*
Mr. Leroy and Mrs. Shirley F. Labbe*
Mrs. Dawn L. LaFargueArmelin
Dr. Michele T. Lagarde-May*
Dr. and Mrs. Maurice W. Landers, Jr.
Mr. Calvin A. Lane, Jr.
Mrs. Kimberly A. Lang-Kelly
Ms. Kimberly A. Lapeyrolerie
Katrice K. Larece, M.D.
Ms. Angela M. Larkin
Mrs. Jeanette Latimore
Mrs. Edna Landry Leary
Ms. Lori M. LeDuff
Mr. Craig B. Lee
Mrs. Davetta N. Cooke Lee, Esq.
Ms. Carolyn E. Lewis
Mrs. Cheryl Buckhalter Lewis
Ms. Dorothy L. Lewis
Dr. Inga C. Lewis
Mr. Livingstone T. Lewis, Jr.
Dr. Leonard Lightfoot and Mrs. Tinesha Lightfoot
Dr. Jarah J. Lindo, PsyD.
Mrs. Sonjia L. Little
Dr. Kimberly B. Lockett
Mr. Stanley Paul Logan*
Dr. Dzifaa Lotsu
Mrs. Char Dae S. Love-Jones
Mr. Kenneth W. and Mrs.
Andrea C. Loyd
Mr. and Mrs. Khristopher W. Loyd
Ms. Alma Brooks Lyle
Ms. Nikole A. Lyles
Dr. Tonya A. Lyles
Mrs. Tammy A. Lyles-Arnold, M.D.
Ms. Eleanor Nicole Mack, Esq.
(Ret.) Gen. Tracy D. Madison
Ms. Shanna A. Magee
Ms. Danielle N. Malone
Ms. Alisa P. Maniger
Miss Maya Mann
Davida E. Manor-Ward, M.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Marc Manuel
Dr. and Mr. Eddra Y. Marchand-Von Lotten
Ms. Lisa M. Margerum
Ms. Trista J. Marshall
Ms. Cynthia Hughes Martin
Dr. Dale J. Martin, Jr.
Ms. Sheena E. Martin*
Mrs. Kacey P. Martin-Johnson
Ms. Antoinette Massey
Ms. Nia B. Matherson
Mr. Terence L. Mathious
Dr. Taylor N. McBride
Ms. Ursula M. Brown McCandless
Mrs. Cynthia J. Pender-McCarthy
Ms. Candice Q. McCarty
Ms. Wendy T. McClinton*
Dr. Jossie A. McCloud*
Ms. Kaamilya J. McCullough
Dr. Hope H. McDanielDesarmes
Mrs. Dana M. McDowelle
Mrs. Achontyrausi Y. McFarland
Mrs. Lynda P. McGee
Mr. Michael A. McKenna
Dr. Kandys R. McKinley-Foster
Mr. Wellington McKissick, Sr.
Dr. Ashley N. McPhie
Mrs. Patricia S. Meiklejohn
Dr. Gwenesta B. Melton and Dr. Kenneth Melton
Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Merrett
Tanya M. Meziere, M.D.
Mrs. Melanie G. Mickel
Mrs. Jennifer Charbonnet Miles
Mrs. Malika W. Millican-Tatum
Mrs. Lillian E. Millon, Ed.S.
Ms. Latia M. Mills
Ms. Adrianne P. Mitchell
Dr. Deidre T. Mitchell
Ms. Myrissa Mitchell
Ms. Jessica N. Mitchum
Dr. Anthony J. Montegut, USAF
Mrs. Tanya P. Montgomery
Ms. Jaime L. Moody
Ms. Gloria G. Moore
Miss Morgan M. Moore
Lakisha D. Moore-Smith, Ph.D.
Dr. Quinesha L. Morgan, Ph.D.*
Mrs. Raquel James Mornay
Ms. Joan L. Morris
Miss Shacory R. Morris
Ms. Sher’Ron M. Morris
Ms. Ta’Mia C. Morrissette
Mrs. Shelia Mosley
Dr. Renard L. Murray
Dr. Jessica E. Nash
Ms. Patrice S. Nash
Dr. Lucretia D. Nave
Tarin M. Bynum-Neal, M.D.
Dr. Daina and Mr. Richard Nelson
Mrs. Kelli L. Nelson-Armstrong
Ms. Gayle J. Newcomb
Mrs. Zona E. Newman
Dr. Nwamaka A. Ngoddy, O.D.*
Dr. Loan L. Nguyen
Ms. Denyce M. Nichols
Dr. April R. Noble
Ms. Tresa M. Northington*
Dr. Shamekia A. NwaforSavoy, O.D.
Mrs. Nneka N. Odinga
Dr. John I. Okogbaa
Ms. Chiemeka Okoronkwo
Dr. Alisa D. Orduna
Mr. Calvin J. Ortique, Jr.
Fr. Jeffery M. Ott, O.P.
Dr. Lisa Southall Oubre
Ms. La Dauna A. Overby LeCesne
Ms. Vanessa A. Overton
Dr. Tashonda M. Palmer
Dr. Kalin C. Palmer-King
Ms. Ashaunti V. Parker
Mr. DaReek Parker
Mrs. Sharon H. Parker
Dr. Melanie L. Parks
Ms. Riqui J. Patrick Dewitt
Dr. Joyce McWilliams
Patterson
Mr. Wendell A. Payne III
Mr. Wilbur J. and
Mrs. Hope Perez
Ms. Milea A. Perry
Ms. Natalia Perry
Dr. Sylvia M. Perry
Eric A. Peters, Pharm. D.
Mrs. Sylvia J. Petit
Dr. Jeffery C. Pierre
Cassandra M. Pillette, M.D.
Mr. Justin E. Platt
Mrs. Angela K. Poe
Mr. Leslie J. Pollard, Jr.
Mr. Zackary Pounders
Mr. Justin B. Pourciau
Mr. Benjamin W. and Mrs.
Irma Prescott
Dr. Kendra N. Prevost
Ms. Arndreya D. Price
Mrs. Tameka D. Ramsey
Mrs. Kristi A. Randolph-Simon
Ms. Heather J. Ray
Rev. Dr. Warren J. Ray, Jr.
Dr. and Mrs. Clarence J. Red, III
Mr. Grady D. Reed, III
Mr. Julian M. Reed
Dr. Tayiana J. Reed
Colonel Terrance J. Reese USMC
Mrs. Hortense Haydel Reine
Mrs. Marissa Anne Reliford
Dr. Mark W. Reynolds, Jr., M.D.
Ms. Roberta L. Rhoades
Dr. Paula R. Rhodes
Ms. Gina M. Ricard
Mr. Herbert and Mrs. Linda Barthé Roberts
Ms. Jalonda M. Robertson
Ms. Juliet T. Robertson*
Alyssa G. Robillard, Ph.D.
Ms. Erin M. Robins
Dr. Akayla D. Robinson
Dr. Candace S. and Mr. Walter J. Robinson, Jr.
Mrs. Donna S. Robinson, R.Ph.
Dr. Jason N. Robinson
Mrs. Margaret Ransom Robinson
Dr. Gilbert L. Rochon III, Ph.D. and the Late Mrs. Patricia S. Rochon
Mrs. Rochelle L. RocqueJackson
Mr. Howard L. Rodgers IV
Mrs. Dianne Lewis Roebuck
Mrs. Kaye L. Rolland*
Mr. Howard Rollins, Jr.
Ms. Venus T. Roper
Dr. Laura V. Rouzan
Ms. Brandy D. Roy
Dr. Kalina M. Sanders, M.D.
Mrs. Rosie Walker Sanders
Mr. Louis Savoy
Dr. Chandler D. Schexnayder, Pharm. D.
Mrs. Sandra C. Scott
Dr. Tarrow D. Seals
Dr. Erin J. Searles
Mrs. Muriel E. Pitchford Segré*
Ms. Dawn E. Segura, Esq.* Attorney Rhonda Session-Shanklin
Toya D. Shanklin, MBA
Dr. Ebonee Faith Shaw
Mr. Harold A. Sias, II
Mrs. Aissatou A. Sidime-Blanton*
Dr. Bridget D. WilliamsSimmons and Mr. Chris E. Simmons
Mr. Stephen Charles Simmons
Mr. Christopher M. Sims
Mrs. Yolanda Martin Singleton
Mr. Alphonse Smith
Dr. Charita L. Wallace Smith
Mrs. Doris Smith
Mrs. Edmonia Rita Smith
Ms. Engrid S. Smith, MA
Mr. Jairus Smith
Mr. Justin T. Smith
Ms. Na’Diah L. Smith
Dr. Natalie R. Smith
Mr. Winston C. Smith
Dr. Gia B. Soublet*
Mr. Derrick T. Spears
Dr. Kristopher G. and Mrs. Bonita Spears
Mrs. Saleeta R. SpencerThomas
Mr. and Mrs. Keith St Cyr
Mr. and Mrs. Eric P. Stallworth
Dr. Devona M. StalnakerShofner
Ms. Khaleah M. Stapleton
Mrs. Robin J. Stevenson
Mr. Julian L. and Mrs. Kisha Deshawn Stewart
Ms. Linda J. Stewart
Mrs. Deadra Woods Stokes
Ms. Michelle D. Strong*
Mr. Timothy Max Stuart
Mrs. Monique Suell
Ms. Melanie A. Sullivan
Ms. Zanthia J. Sutton
Mrs. Damita T. WilliamsSwanson
Ms. Denise T. Tanner
Dr. Dolores D. Tarver
Ms. Angee M. Taylor
Ms. Doris Anita Taylor
Ms. Kiersten P. Taylor
Mr. Lawrence A. Taylor
Ms. Paulette Taylor
Ms. Samantha A. Taylor
Ms. Michele L. Terrie
Mr. Brian D. Terry
Mrs. Sandra L. Terry-Turner
Mrs. Adrianne Brown Texeira
Mrs. Deidre Johnson Thomas
Dr. Shala L. Thomas, Ph.D.
Ms. Tangular N. Thomas
Dr. Ara M. Thomas-Brown
Mrs. Danyetta D. ThomasUlmer
Ms. Cherril Thompson
Dr. Donna Thompson
Mrs. Patrice S. Thompson
Mrs. Claudette W. Tolbert, M.Ed
Mr. and Mrs. Keith J. Toney
Mr. Thomas J. Trahan, R.Ph.
Mr. Calvin S. and Mrs. Judy B. Tregre
Ms. Kay M. Trotter
Mr. Erroll C. Trouillier
Mr. Erbin L. Troutman
Mrs. Shirley Peete Tucker
Mrs. Angela C. Flowers-Turner
Dr. Charles T. Turner, Jr
Rellamichelle Washington
Tyree, RPh, MBA and Mr. Darrell Tyree
Dr. Yolanda M. Tyson
Dr. Reanna A. Ursin
Mrs. Kamala
Valadares-Rimmey
Mrs. Tyra L. Valteau-Sorapuru
Mr. Kimmie L. Vaulx
Mr. Rashawn W. Venerable
Rev. Troy K. Venning
Ms. Christina M. Victor
Dr. April N. Tasso Viger
Mr. Gerald A. Villavasso, Jr.*
Mrs. Richella B. Vincent Lee
Attorney Angelia Wade Stubbs
Mr. Anthony G. Wagner II
Ms. Paulette W. Wagner*
Mr. Derek R. Walker
Mr. Lavar L. Walker
Dr. Paul Walker, Jr., Ph.D.
Mr. Willie J. Walker, Jr.
Ms. Dana R. Walter
Ms. Ceressa T. Ward
Mr. Stephen M. Ward and Mrs.
Christina M. Sommer Ward*
Ms. Evadell Ware
Ms. Sharon D. Ware
Ms. Rondalynn D. Warrior
Mrs. Denise Blackwell
Washington
Dr. Gregory Washington
Mrs. Lynette Dillon
Washington
Mrs. Mia Gonzales Washington
Ms. Sabrina Washington
Mrs. Troye L. Madison
Washington
Ms. Autumn D. Watkins
Ms. Karen DeGrange Watkins*
Mrs. Pansy R. Watson
Miss Lachelcia K. Watts
Akilah F. Weber-LaShore, M.D.
Mr. Branden A. and Mrs. Candace N. Weber
Dr. Donald D. Weddington*
Ms. Kamilah D. Weems
Mrs. Zakiyah D. Wesley
Mrs. Josepha Marie Weston
Mrs. Deneen A. White
Dr. Mia J. Robinson White
Ms. Monica Y. Moore White
Ms. Shantrell R. Graham White
Ms. F. Veronica Wilhite
Mr. Alfred E. Williams, Jr.
Amanda C. Williams, D.D.S.
Mrs. Anne Zeta Williams
Mr. Byron R. Williams, Jr.
Ms. Julia E. Williams
Dr. Kenneth L. and Dr. Maritza G. Williams
Dr. Kimiyo Y. Williams
Dr. LaKeisha L. Williams
Father Dr. Manuel B. Williams, C.R.
Mrs. Mary Thomas Williams
Ms. Portia D. Williams
Ms. Raquel T. Williams
Mrs. Renee F. Williams
Ms. Amber C. Williamson
Ms. Janiece H. Williamson
Dr. Jacques P. Williams-Pascal and Mr. Leroy B. Pascal
Mrs. Clarissa Willis
Dr. Marcella G. Willis-Gray
Ms. Arletha Michelle Wilson
The Late Mrs. Brenda J. Wilson
Ms. Carlene D. Wilson
Dr. Erika P. Wilson
Dr. Woodrow J. Wilson, Jr.
Dr. Stanley J. Wiltz
2023 Honor Roll of Donors
Mrs. Jawan Wiltz-Shivers
Mr. Keon D. Wimberly
Dr. Sundée A. Winder
Dr. Trishawna E. Winston*
Mrs. Monica J. Witherspoon
Dr. Aurelia C. Holland Wood
Mrs. Shane M. Woods
Dr. Zakiya Woods
Ms. Cheryl L. Worthen
Dr. Alison F. Anderson-Wright
Ms. Anastasia E. Wright
Mr. Harold W. Wright and Mrs. Margaret Wright*
Dr. Matara L. Wright
Ms. Melody D. Wylie-Johnson
Ms. Brigetta D. Yancy
Mrs. Karen E. Yarbrough
Ms. Denisha Y. Yerger
Mrs. Antoinette M. Young
Dr. Kavon L. Young, M.D.
Dr. Michael A. Young, M.D.
$1 to $99
Ms. Kristal N. Adams
Dr. Jamel H. Alexander
Miss Jasmine C. Alexander
Ms. Regina A. Alexander Giammancheri
Dr. Clarke M. Allen
Mr. Timothy Ambrose, Jr.
Ms. Alexa A. Anderson
Miss Khila R. Anderson
Mrs. Rikki Y. Lester Anderson
Dr. Stephanie C. Arnaud
Mrs. Michelle A. Scioneaux
Ms. Andrea M. Augustus
Ms. Quinesia L. Ayers
Mr. Joseph D. Babineaux
Ms. Alisha M. Bailey
Mr. Bertell P. Bailey
Karla R. Banks
Mr. Marc A. Barnes
Miss Taylour M. Barnum
Ms. Brandi C. Barre
Dr. Jordan D. Bates, Pharm D.
Miss Mikayla J. Bates
Mr. Todd Battiste
Ms. Kamaria D. Beamon
Dr. Nia E. Beasley
Ms. Jamesha N. Turner
Beckham
Mr. Donald and Mrs. Naimah Becton
Ms. Charnesa K. Bell
Mr. Christopher I. Bell
Sr. Gilda Marie Bell
Mrs. Yolanda Louis
Ms. Teniesha M. Biagas
Mrs. Bonnie L. Blakes
Ms. Sierra N. Blanchard
Ms. Angeli E. Blaze
Ms. Leslie R. Boone
Mrs. Stephaine Smith Boone
Mr. Albert C. Bouise, III
Ms. Javon E. Bracy*
Ms. Heather A. Brightharp
Mrs. Danielle L. Brinkley
Mrs. Raven R. Brooks
Mrs. Brittany B. Broussard*
Mr. Bentley J. and Mrs. Olivia M. Broussard*
Dr. Adrienne M. Brown
Mrs. Faith S. Dagadu Brown
Dr. Joyce R. Brown, Pharm D.
Ms. Latoya A. Brown
Mr. Pervis D. Brown, Jr.
Mr. Richard H. Brown, Jr.
Mrs. Jennifer A. Bullock
Mrs. Edra C. Bush
Ms. Winter S. Bush
Dr. Evita G. Bynum
Ms. Coneka M. Caleb
Ms. Tai C. Cambre
Ms. Danielle B. Campbell
Dr. Shelita M.
Cannon-Hoey, Ed. D.
Miss Kennedy C. CareyPrescott
Ms. Korinne B. Carr
Miss Corliss M. Carter
Dr. Yvonne Lynette Carter
Miss Sharaé S. Celestine
Mr. Lucien S. and Mrs. Deidre
M.Charlot
Mr. Travis S. and Mrs. Chastity M. Chase
Ms. Valerie Chatman
Mrs. Linda G. Chevis
Dr. Chika I. Chukwu
Ms. Cordelia R. Cochran
Ms. Valena Mirabin Coco
Ms. Lisa M. Coleman
Mr. Frank Collaso
Ms. Oto E. Collins
Ms. Consuela M. Colston
Ms. Lorin P. Comer
Mr. Blair and
Mrs. Lashon S. Conerly
Ms. Meshawn A. Cook
Dr. Jessica L. Cooper
Mr. Wilray J. Cormier, Jr.
Ms. Kawana T. Coulon
Mrs. Croscina O. Crockett
Mrs. Alice R. Currie-Williams
Mrs. Cara Morgan
Morgan-Daniels
Mr. Malcolm B. Davie
Mrs. Mary E. Kahn Davis
Ms. Natalie J. Davis
Nicholas A. Davis, R.Ph. and Dr. Brenda Kavanaugh-Davis
Mrs. Adrienne L. Davis-Lott
Mr. Keith A. and
Mrs. Judy S. Dawson
Ms. Michelle D. Dennis
Mrs. Roberta A. Dickerson-Esmond
Rhonda R. Dickey, M.D.
Dr. Michael A. and Mrs. Michelle Dietrich
Ms. Aarika M. Diggs
Dr. Jasmine M. Dillard
Drs. Nkrumah H. and Shantina Dixon
Ms. Carol J. Dotson
Ms. Ashley P. Doucette
Mr. Dwayne R. Doughty
Mrs. Kynisha Ducre
Ms. La Rhonda A. Eason
Mr. Chadvett D. Ebanks
Mr. Anthony J. Edgar, Esq.
Mr. Christopher L. Edwards
Dr. Vincent Ekenga*
Raenetta L. Ellison, Esq.
Mr. DeMarkius M. Erwin
Jada M. Etienne, M.D.*
Mrs. Joy C. Eubanks
Dr. Jasmin P. Eugene
Ms. Aloysia M. Everett
Ms. Destiny P. Farmer
Ms. Amanda E. Farrell
Attorney Cassie L. Ford
Dr. Lionel J. Forstall
Miss Brianne N. Frugé
Dr. Alecia McCall Gabriel
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley B. Gaddis
Mr. Ronald D. Gaines*
Ms. Chantel Kanika Gant*
Dr. Aja R. Boyd Gardner
Ms. Brandi G. Gilds
Mrs. Shirley Marsalis Gimblin
Dr. Sonya R. Givens
Mrs. Jeri A. Glodowski
Ms. Joelle L. Goggans
Ms. Cecilia A. Golson
Ms. Kimberly N. Granderson
Mrs. Germaine S. Green
Mr. Joshua C. Green
Ms. LaShunda C. Green
Dr. Rosalind Green-Holmes
Miss Kynedi Grier
Ms. Lisa A. Griffin
Dr. Nastosha A. Griffin
Elder Sheila Griffin
Mrs. Varsha L. Gusman
Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Guynn
Sr. Patsy C. Guyton, S.F.C.C.
Ms. LaKeasha R. Hamburg
Mrs. Courtney Hamlin
Dr. Tony A. Hampton and Mrs. Karon L. Hampton
Ms. Anya R. Hancock
Dr. Bridget D. Harris, Ed. D.
Dr. Melanie B. Haydel
Mrs. Michelle D.
Henderson-McCray
Miss Alexandra J. Henry
Mr. Joseph E. and
Mrs. Beverly R. Henry
Miss L’Oreal Henry
Renee B. Hickson, M.D.
Miss Kimberly J. Higgs
Miss Jodi D. Hill
Mrs. Ophelia Thomas Hill
Mrs. Sandy R. Hithe-Brumfield
Ms. Shannon N. E. Hodge
Ms. Darlene Hooks
Mrs. Linda C. Hopkins
Ms. Allison B. Hudson*
Ms. Etana-Niara Imani
Ms. Kareemat Ipaye
Mr. Reginald V. Williams and Mrs. Sheila L. Irions-Williams
Ms. Martina G. Isaac
Mr. and Mrs. Mark K. Jackson
Dr. Gwendolyn S. Jackson
Ms. Joi L. Jackson
Mr. Kevin M. Jackson
Mrs. Marie Ella Phillips
Jackson
Ms. Patrice A. Jackson
Ms. Taquisha S. Jallah
Miss Elizabeth A. James
Mrs. Janice L. JamesThreadcraft
Mrs. Typhanie T. Jasper-Butler
Dr. Christopher A. and Mrs. Jeanene L. Johnson
Mrs. Elaine M. Keller Johnson
Mrs. Evelyn La Croix Johnson
Mrs. Lovida J. Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Barry F. Jones
Ms. Jacquelyn B. Jones
Mrs. Raynelle C. Jones
Mr. Robert C. Jones II
Dr. Rhonda J. Jordan
Dr. Tamajah M. Jordan
Mrs. Dione M. JosephBreckenridge
Mr. and Mrs. Frank T. Joshua, Sr.
Professor Eileen J. Julien
Mrs. Nannette C. Keller
Dr. Rosalyn V. Kent
Mr. Anthony and Mrs. Carolyn King
Ms. Erin L. King
Mrs. Lauren N. King
Miss Asia N. Knowles
Ms. Loren C. Labbe
Ms. Jonnell A. Landsman
Dr. Crystal J. Lane
Ms. Danella N. Lang
Mrs. Kim L. Bishop
Mrs. Jean S. Lang-Moore
Ms. Kailah C. Lathan
Mrs. Carolyn M. Lawson
Drs. Henry and Nichole LeBoyd, III
Dr. Sandra W. Leconte
Mr. Bobby L. Leduff II
Ms. Akerria L. Lee
Ms. Toni Y. Lester
Mr. and Ms. Ernest Lindsey
Mrs. Phyllis Charbonnet Lodrig-Burns
Mr. Wayne A. Lopez
Ms. La’Nese J. Lovings
Ms. Harolyn G. Lowe
Mrs. Ashley M. Woods Lucineo
Mrs. Nicol M. Lumar Cox
Drs. Ndidi E. and April M. Madu
Mrs. Safiyah K. Malvin
Mrs. Laura M. Manson
Ms. Lyndsay H. Marks
Ms. Gayle Martin
Mrs. Valerie A. McCamy-Blake
Mr. Duane P. McCollum
Mr. Stephen GregoryAugustine McMullen
Ms. Lare T. Meachum
Ms. Rhana N. Menefee
Mrs. Gailene M. MercadelAnderson
Ms. Veronica C. Miles
Ms. Michelle E. Miller
Mrs. Cleo Mitchell
Mr. Lee H. Mitchell and Mrs. La’Keidra Hardeman Mitchell*
Ms. Nicole P. Moliere
Ms. Brittani N. Monroe*
Mrs. Shawn M. JosephMontegut
Ms. Amithyse H. Moore
Ms. Bianca N. Moore, Esq.
Dr. Kristie Y. Moore
Ms. Lonique T. Moore
Mrs. Monita C. Moore
Ms. Vanessa Y. Moore
Mrs. Pamela Moore-Rogers
Mrs. Geralyn Labbe-Morrell
Mrs. Jameaker O. Morris
Dr. Kenya P. Muhammad and Mr. Gerald V. Muhammad
Mrs. Serena N. Muhammad
Ms. Jennifer N. Murray
Mr. Godwin O. Ndukwe
Ms. Rachel C. Neal
Ms. Talea M. Nelson
Mrs. Tanya M. Netter-Wilson
Ms. Serena F. Newberry
Mrs. Tiffany Nobles-Bass
Mr. Victor M. Nonato
Ms. Layna K. Orise
Mr. Gregory and Mrs. Roseanna F. Pappion
Dr. Celeste R. Parker
Miss Liyah V. Patrick
Ms. Marva Pattillo
Mrs. Shannon M. Payseur
Mrs. Jovonna L. Harris Perkins
Mr. Larry D. Perkins, R.Ph.
Dr. Challon R. Perry
Mr. Gregory L. Person
Mrs. Brigitte M. Peters Collins
Ms. Samantha M. Pichon
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Piper
Ms. Latoya N. Polk
Sister Marianne T. Poole, S.B.S.
Dr. Valencia L. Potter*
Mr. Gregory H. Powell
Miss Stephanie A. Powell
Ms. Erica E. Preatto
Ms. Brianna Pulliam*
Mr. Brocklin Qualls
Dr. Melinda M. Reed-Linton
Ms. RaKeesha R. Reeves-Pelt
Dr. Kyoo Jackson Ricard
Mrs. Alexius J. Richard
The Late Mr. Edward J. Richard
Ms. Rachel L. Robertson
Mrs. Candice Robinson and Mr. Edgardo Ferreira
Mrs. Carolyn E. Robinson*
Mrs. Catura D. Robinson
Miss Kyra Robinson
Ms. Melody M. Robinson, MPH
Dr. Tommie M. Robinson, III
Ms. Holly D. Roby
Mrs. Debonee D. Ross-Rolland
Ms. Meckela J. Ruggs
Ms. Justina E. Russell
Ms. Jocelyn M. Sanders
Mr. Roy Sanders
Miss Taylor Sanders
Miss Alana A. Sarrazin, R.Ph.
Miss Chelsea M. Scott
Shemal Bloom Scott, M.D.
Ms. Haley N. Severin
Ms. Yvonne M. Shanks
Mr. Anthony D. Sharp, Jr.
Ms. Kimberly D. Shelton
Mr. Richard L. Shivers, Jr.
Dr. Gigi J. Simmons
Ms. Angela M. Simon*
Ms. Tawny C. Small-Burnam
Ms. Candice M. Smith*
Ms. Candyce A. Smith
Ms. Erika R. Smith
Ms. Gina M. Smith
Mrs. Juanita Summers Smith
Mr. Kevin J. Smith, Jr.
Ms. LaToyia D. Taylor
Mr. Victor L. Smith
Ms. Mary S. Smith-McGowan
Mr. Wilbert O. Solomon, Jr.
Ms. Monique A. Spears
Ms. Jyteca N. Spencer
Mrs. Kathy M. Spurlock
Miss Henrietta D. Ssettimba
Mr. Silas A. Steele
Ms. Allison J. Stephens
Ms. Elise Sterling
Mr. Merlin A. Sterling
Mrs. Pauline S. Storms-Perkins
Ms. Letitia M. Sweat
Mrs. Diane M. Sweezer-Davis
Ms. Nikki Y. Swett-Smith
Dr. Ashley M. Taylor
Mrs. Cherie S. Taylor
Dr. Erica L. Taylor*
Ms. Jazmine G. Taylor
Mrs. Victoria E. Taylor
Mr. Joseph E. S. Tennial
Mrs. Keiara T. Thierry
Ms. Cheryl M. Thomas
Mrs. Hermanese Thomas Thomas-Ravasio
Attorney Brandon L. Hudson
Mrs. Sheila Ellington
Humphrey
Ms. Priscilla E. Hydell
Mrs. Zarinah Y. Mahmoud-Deen
Ms. Allison D. Malone
Mrs. Bertha Keys Malone
Mrs. Carolyn R. Rachel-Price, R Ph, CMTM
Dr. Lindi Randall-Hayes
Ms. Mia D. Raspberry
Ms. Karen Thompson
Ms. Tiffany V. Thompson
Dr. Desiree L. Tigner
Mr. and Mrs. Ned Tolliver
Paul E. Toth, R.Ph.
Dr. Shuana K. Tucker
Mrs. Ericka W. Turner
Ms. Jacqueline Turner
Dr. Georgina N. Ushi
Mrs. Bronson Jill Walker
Dr. Tamarah Shelton Walker
Ms. Pamella Jean Walters
Ms. Tabitha A. Washington
Mrs. Adimu K. Watson
Mr. Leon K. Watson
Dr. Gwenevere White
Ms. Shauna K. White
Ms. Cherell L. Williams
Miss Corinne A. Williams
Dr. Horace B. Williams, Jr.
Mrs. Scemond Cooper Wilson
Mrs. Sharyn Winborn
Ms. Heidi C. Woodard
Ms. Felecia V. Woolens
Ms. Yves-Yvette Young
Gifts of Artwork or Property
Mr. Adolph F. Bynum, Sr.
Corporation
$1,000,000 or Greater
Takeda Pharmaceuticals, U.S.A., Inc.
$500,000 to $999,999
LCMC Health
$250,000 to $499,999
Healthy Blue
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
$100,000 to $249,999
Entergy Corporation
Humana Healthy Horizons of Louisiana
National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine
$50,000 to $99,999
Benevity Community Impact Fund
Victory Capital Management, Inc.
$10,000 to $49,999
Amazon Bank of America
Charitable Fund
Biogen Corporation
Capital One Services, LLC
Coca-Cola North America
Flower Holdings, LLC
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
Idlewild Experiential
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Moderna Therapeutics
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Shell Oil Company Matching Gifts Program
Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated
Textron Inc.
The Blackbaud Giving Fund
The Childrens Dental Group LLC
The Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund
The Louisville Institute
UJA Federation of New York
Walgreens Company
$5,000 to $9,999
American Chemical Society
Capital One, N.A.
Duane Morris LLP
ED&F Man Liquid Products
Gallo Mechanical Services, LLC
Golden Bank
Johnson Charitable
Mc H & N Management Co., Inc.
Microsoft Corporation
Rivsie Management and Finance Inc.
Systems Application & Technologies, Inc.
The Hirsch Family
The Pediatric Care Center
$2,500 to $4,999
Atlanta Consulting Group
Advisors, LLC
Bethanna Enterprises LLC
Boston Foundation/Polaroid Fund
CLC
Frontstream Health Care Services Corporation
High Level Speech & Hearing Center
Hotard Coaches, Inc.
Louisiana Lottery Corporation
Medtronic, Inc.
United Health Group Giving Campaign
$1,000 to $2,499
Araminta Medical Group, PA
Bacardi
ChevronTexaco Corporation
Comerica Bank
Cornerstone Capital, LLC
CSX Transportation
Fluor Federal Petroleum Operations, LLC
Google, Inc.
HondaGo Volunteer Program
McDonald’s Restaurant # 4968
NextEra Energy
Potomac Valley Alumnae
Chapter Fund, Inc
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.
$500 to $999
Abbott Laboratories
AT&T Corp.
Constellation
Fidelity Giving Marketplace
Glam Mercy Designs, LLC
More Than a Doctor, LLC
Nordstrom
Perrier Real Estate LLC
The J.M. Smucker Co.
The Law Office of Mitchell D. Shanks Jr.
$250 to $499
1925 Society LLC
Ecolab, Inc.
Gordon Injury Lawyers, P.C.
McKee Law Firm
Queen On Wheels Truck Raytheon
TransUnion
USAA
Word Investments
$100 to $249
3 Points Development Corp, LLC
ADP (Automatic Data Processing)
Alvin R. Crusto, Jr. Real Estate
Apple, Inc.
AYM Medical Services Inc.
Boeing Company
BonterraTech
Boston Scientific Corporation
Byrd House Catering
Congeni Law Firm LLC
EF Robinson Realty Company Inc
Endo International
IBM
James Boudreaux, LLC
N.O. Native Printing LLC
People1st LLC
Rhonda J Session, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PC
River Way, LLC
SchexLevel Education LLC
Sea Cliff Beautification Committee
Telagen LLC
Toyota North America
Travelers Community Connections
Wright Place Properties, LLC
$1 to $99
Agilent Technoligies, Inc.
Headquarters
BAE Systems, Inc.
C. H. Robinson
Edison International
Erie Insurance
Marathon Oil Company
Marathon Petroleum Corporation PAC
Marsh & McLennan
Companies US and Canada
Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
Plano Child Development Center
Random Harvest Group LLC
Stubbe & Associates, Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Union Pacific Charity Custodial Account
Gifts of Artwork or Property
Bacardi
Foundation
$1,000,000 or Greater Gilead Foundation
$500,000 to $999,999
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
The Allen Family Foundation, Inc.
The Evelyn Davis Foundation
$250,000 to $499,999
Goldring Family Foundation
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc.
McMillan-Stewart Foundation
The Philadelphia Foundation
$100,000 to $249,999
Booth-Bricker Fund
Fidelity Investments
Charitable Gift Fund
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
Shell Oil Company Foundation
The Riversville Foundation
$50,000 to $99,999
Truman Capote Literary Trust
US Charitable Gift Trust
$10,000 to $49,999
American Endowment Foundation
Caesars Foundation
Charities Aid Foundation of America
CVS Health Foundation
Edgar “Dooky” Jr. and Leah
Chase Family Foundation
Fund II Foundation
Na Pua Foundation
The Chisholm Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Greater New Orleans Foundation
The Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Inc.
Torijaun & Michelle Dallas Foundation, Inc.
$5,000 to $9,999
ASHP Foundation
Charities Aid Foundation
America
E & M Foundation Inc
Foundation for Louisiana
Halliburton Foundation, Inc.
HSIAO Family Foundation Inc.
Laurence Flood Foundation
PepsiCo Foundation, Inc.
The Catholic Foundation
The Thomas W. Bean Foundation
$2,500 to $4,999
Abbvie
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Matching Gifts Program
CDC Foundation
GNO-ABO Charitable and Education Foundation
Louisiana Independent College Foundation
McKesson Foundation
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation
Pearl Yeh Charitable Foundation
Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc.
The Catholic Foundation
The Community Foundation For Greater Atlanta
The Defrantz Family Foundation
The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation
Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing
$1,000 to $2,499
Balgley Family Charitable Foundation
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Matching Gift Program
Eskenazi Health Foundation, Inc.
ExxonMobil Foundation
GlaxoSmithKline Foundation
Greater Washington Community Foundation
Methodist Health System Foundation, Inc.
Pfizer Foundation
State Farm Companies
Foundation
The Abbvie Foundation
The Joshua & Luke Welch Charitable Fund
$500 to $999
AmazonSmile Foundation
Prietto Cueto Fund of Sacramento Region
Community Foundation
Santa Barbara Foundation
The Tom Joyner Foundation
$250 to $499
Verizon
$100 to $249
Cigna Matching Gifts Program
Marathon Oil Company Foundation
New York Life Foundation
The Goggans Family Fund
The HCA Foundation
$1 to $99
Give Lively Foundation Inc.
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
KPMG U.S. Foundation, Inc.
Pledgeling Foundation
US West Foundation
Individual
$1,000,000 or Greater
Ms. Alexandra F. Allen
The Estate of
Mr. Alvin S. Lee, Sr.
$10,000 to $49,999
Dr. Richard Gilder
$100,000 to $249,999
Dr. John V. Forrest
Mr. Gladstone N. Jones, III, P.C.
Mr. James Mitchell, Jr.
Fr. Thomas J. O’Hara, C.S.C.
Mr. Martin W. Rodgers
$50,000 to $99,999
Elizabeth Clark Dooling, M.D.
Mr. E. Brandon Garrett, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Turner
Dr. David and Mrs. Jacqueline Weill
2023 Honor Roll of Donors
$10,000 to $49,999
Dr. Jennifer and Mr. Benjamin Adams
Mr. Philip D. Allen
Belinda B. Baptiste
Mr. Jason Bowles
Dr. Dale Mason Cochran
Dr. Gene A. D’Amour
Dr. Michelle Dipp
Mr. John R. Drexel IV
Mr. Richard and Mrs. Sarah Freeman
Ms. Vivian J. Galloway
Ms. Deborah A. Hawkins
Mr. Victor L. Haydel
Mrs. Beverly and Mr. Maurice Henderson
Mrs. Courtney and Mr. Michael Katzenstein
Mr. Bruce S. and Mrs. Kim Levin
Ms. Suzanne Malveaux
Mr. Terence M. and Mrs.
Motoko M. Murphy
Ms. Janice C. Roberts
Mrs. Jenny and Mr. Michael M. Rue, Esq. HD
The Estate of
Mr. Daniel J. Stocker
Ms. Angela E. Vallot and Dr. James Basker
Dr. Reynold Verret
The Late Mr. Richard A. Voke
William J. and Ann Hart Wernz
$5,000 to $9,999
Mr. John A. Clark and Ms. Elizabeth H. P. Barringer
Dr. and Mrs. George L. Bernstein
Mr. Anthony Scott Bingham
Sr. Amelia Breton, S.B.S.
Ambassador Dwight L. Bush, Sr. and Mrs. Antoinette Bush
Ms. Janel Angerberg Callon
Mr. Stephen J. and Mrs. Ellen
M. Casey
Dr. Ollie G. Christian
Dr. Juan and Mrs. Anna Gershanik
Drs. Elliott D. and Elizabeth Y. Hammer
Mr. Mark N. Howard
Dr. Debra M. Lewis, Ph.D.
Dr. Joe A. Melcher
Mr. Colvin G. Norwood, Jr.
Dr. Patrick and Mrs. Belinda O’Connor
Mr. Greg A. Otterson and Mrs.
Mary Ann Murphy
Mrs. Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo
Drs. Thomas G. and Theresa P. Pretlow*
Mr. Peter R. Quirk
Mr. Stephen F. H. Revard
Rev. Gregory A. Rom
Mr. Thomas Osborne Stair
Dr. Dana M. Thompson
Mr. Alexander T. Walsh and Mrs. Sally C. Walsh
Mr. Joseph K. West
Stephanie A.
Whyte-Williams, M.D.
Mr. Derryk Wilson
$2,500 to $4,999
Phillip D. and Patricia A. Adams
Mr. Kenneth J. Bongort Sr.
Ms. Margaret M. Buckley
Mr. James S. Cook Jr.
Mr. Earl R. Falls
Mr. Larry Fitzgerald Jr.
Shawanna Fowler
Dr. Marguerite and Dr. Ray Giguette*
Mrs. Eva B. Grant
Mr. James W. Hung
Dr. Kathleen B. Kennedy
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Krolikowski*
Mr. Noah Levin
Dr. Anne E. McCall
Mr. Jeffrey Pash
Mr. David G. Perlis
Mr. Ashton Phelps, Jr.
Mr. Luke Schaeffer
Mr. Eddie J. Sinkfield
Ms. Lizzy Smith
Mr. Peter and Mrs. Laurie Thomsen
Dr. Pamela N. Waldron-Moore*
Mr. Alford Williams
Dr. Monique M. Williams
Mr. Curtis Trent Wright
$1,000 to $2,499
Dr. Renee V. Akbar
Mr. Kenneth Bartels and Ms. Jane Condon
Dr. Amy Bellone-Hite
Ms. Jessica Bennett
Mr. Bradford William Berger
Ms. Monica Armstrong Billinger
Mr. Darren Blackwell
Ms. Kim M. Boyle
Mr. Frederick Braggs
Ms. Joan K. Bringaze
Dr. J Kamala Buckner
Dr. Bruce K. Burnett
Mr. Jocelyn Carter
Ms. Francheska M. Castex
Mr. Abraham J. Chen
Dr. Lyrial Chism
Dr. and Mrs. William L. Cody
Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn
Reverend Edward V. Davis, M.M.
Mr. Michael J. Dawson
Ms. Carol Tureaud Dean
Mr. John A. Dooley
Captain and Mrs. William A. Fagan
Ms. Pam Fitzgerald
Drs. Talisman Ford and Michael Roshon
Mr. Henry and Mrs. Judith M. Frantz
Ms. Carrie L. George
Dr. Danielle Gilliam*
Ms. Geneva Green
Mr. Faruq El Haqq*
Mr. Rhoman J. Hardy
Drs. Belmont F. and
Nina J. Haydel
Mr. James D. and Mrs. Eileen S. Holzhauer
Mr. George E. Johnson HD
Ms. Joyce L. Jones
Mrs. Nicole Jones
Ms. Patricia Joseph
Dr. Karen Kennicott
Ms. Marie Louise Landry*
Ms. Therese M. Lemelle
Dr. Michael R. and Mrs. Patricia A. Lucey*
Ms. Jeanne B. Lynch
Ms. Ti Adelaide Martin
Mr. Richard D. Matusiak
Mr. Shawn A. Meekins
Mr. Henry Meyers
Ms. Raquel Murray
Ms. Marjorie O’Connor
Dr. Claude Grandford Perkins
Mr. Kemp C. Peterson
Mrs. Judith Phelan
Ms. Olivia Polius
Ms. Gwendolyn D. Rouzan
Ms. Sujata Roy
Ms. Selma P. Ryave
Mrs. Chimene G. Saloy
Mr Daniel C. Sauls
Ms. Kathy L. Schulz
Mrs. Lynn Skelding
Ms. Nancy D. Smith
Dr. Stacey Smith-Andrade
Dr. Nancy P. Stork
Mr. John and Mrs. Rachael Tolliver
Mr. Eugene Varnado
Ms. Lucy Vasserman
The Honorable Shirley
N. Weber, Ph.D.
Mrs. Christine A. Weeks
Mr. Wayne Weiten
Mrs. Patricia Whisenhunt
Mr. Stephen and Mrs. Patricia Whitman
Mrs. Melva D. Williams*
Ms. Melva M. Williams
$500 to $999
Mrs. Tricha Arabie
Ms. Lezli Baskerville, Esquire
Ms. Patrice A. Bell
Ms. Helaine H. Benjamin
Mrs. Terese Bennett
Mr. Marion B. and Mrs. Judy Bracy
Ms. Donna Brazile HD
Ms. Sharon Cannon
Mr. James Carter
Ms. Camilla Clarke
Mr. Vince Contreras
Dr. Andrea L. Cooper
Dr. Cecily DeFreece
Mr. Humphrey Doermann HD
Dr. Nathaniel R. Evans II
Mrs. Barbara Fitzhugh
Mr. Carlos Gavilondo
Mrs. Margaret Faulwell
Gordon
Ms. Emrie F. Green, TTEE
Dr. Jeffrey A. Hale
Mr. Qadry Ahmad Harris
Dr. Brian Hatot
Dr. Jason T. Hayes
Ms. Gabriella S. Holland
Mrs. Monchieré
Holmes-Jones
Mr. Joseph Hookfin
Mr. Joseph J. Houska and Ms. Christine Paige
Dr. Helen R. Houston
Mrs. Mavis Jean-Gilles
Dr. Yu L. Jiang
Ms. Nedra Kelly
Mr. Michael D. Kessler
Mr. Christopher Lastrapes
Mr. Derrick R. LeBeauf
Dr. Marcia Jenkins Littles
Ms. Ann P. and Mr. Lee Littlewood
Mr. Harold Spencer and Ms. Ruth D. MacNaughton
Dr. Madisa Macon
Mr. Eric C. Marshall
Mr. James R. and Mrs. Olivia McInerney*
Mr. Darrel Metoyer
Elsie C. Morris, M.D.
Mr. Trevor Mundel
Mr. Robert E. and Mrs. Margo J. Murphy, Jr.
Dr. Andrea Murray
Dr. Amber Newell
Ms. Leeandra M. Nolting
Mr. Douglas L. and Mrs. Melba Hill-Paschal
Mr. Edward J. Phillips, Jr.
Mr. Chris Plum
Mrs. Wanda Pritchett
Ms. Jennifer A. Quezergue
Dr. Richard D. Quint, M.D.
Reverend Philip D. Reifenberg
Brigadier General Joan M. Rutherford
Mr. Robert and Mrs. Marie B. Scott
Ms. Jetasha Shine
Ms. Kelley J. Simmons*
Mr. Richard A. Goins, Esq. and Ms. Nannette Smith*
Ms. Robbi Tara Stiell
Mr. Bruce D. Strathearn
Will Stubbs
Ms. Tammy Jeffries Stuckey
Mr. Joel F. Studebaker
Ms. Donna M. Tasket
Mrs. Patricia H. Vaultz*
Ms. Leah M. Wallace
Ms. Regina Wattley
Mr. Larry Wilcher
Mr. and Dr. Alan K. Williams
Dr. Christopher Williams*
Mr. Jeryl S. Williams and Mrs. Toye Williams
The Late Professor Clifford S. Wright, CPA
$250 to $499
Mr. Richard Ammons
Dr. Beverly G. Andry
Ms. Debra L. Bacon*
Ms. Sharon K. Beasley
Mr. Ronald Bechet
Dr. Joan W. Bennett
Dr. Jason Berntsen
Mr. Harvey and Mrs. Jacqueline Bolshoun
Mr. Howard Boyd
Mr. Sydney M. Brazile Johnson
Ms. Robbyn Brown
Ms. Torena Brown
Mr. Sean Bruno
Mr. Michael M. Byrd
Mr. Daniel T. Casey
Mr. Edgar Chase, IV
Ms. Shellond Deneen Chester
Mr. Shawn Cobb
Mrs. Ruby C. Collins
Mr. and Mrs. Tim & Anna Cook
Mr. Emmary and Mrs. Cassandra Cotton
Ms. Genevieve Coyle
Dr. Valerio De Angelis
Mr. Frank Battaglia and Mrs. Patricia DeHart
Mr. Keith V. Dillon*
Dr. Patrice Dupart
LTC. (Ret) Holman Edmond, Jr. and Mrs. Lee D. Edmond
Rev. Donna Faith Eldredge
Ms. Mallory England
Mr. Brett Evans
Mr. Charles Freeman
Dr. Annie M. Garraway
Drs. Galina Goloverda and Vladimir Kolesnichenko
Mr. Dedrick L. Gordon
Mr. David G. Gray
Rev. Dr. Herbert Griffin
Ann Hasselmo
Colonel and Mrs. John C. Holley
Mrs. Mary Dyer Hubbard
Mr. William L. and Mrs. Deborah M. Jeffrion*
Mr. Meredith W. Johnson
Mrs. Worell B. Johnson*
Mr. Gino Jones
Ms. Patricia A. Kendrick
Mr. Lawrence S. Kullman
Mrs. Megan Loffredo
Mr. Kevin M. Lyman
Ms. Claudia Marmolejo
Ms. Adrian Hunt Marshall
Mrs. Shirley Massenburg*
Dr. Bervis B. McBride, III
Mr. Eric Mendoza
Ms. Joyce M. Mills
Attorney Brian D. O’Neill
The Late Dr. Joel B. Oppenheim and Mrs. Susan Oppenheim
Mr. Gregory M. Perry
Ms. Kris Pottharst
Mr. Peter Price
Mr. Michael Rawles
Professor Julie Reuben
Ms. Lucinda Robb and Mr. Lars Robb
Ms. Diane W. Roberts
Dr. Joseph F. Ross*
Ms. Sondra K. Ruckwardt
Mrs. Ingenué SchexniderFields
Mr. C. Scott Schlesinger
Ms. Florina Sheard
Dr. Tina Simpson
Mrs. Sally S. Smith
Mr. Thomas Stein
Ms. Anne Taylor
Reverend Douglas Taylor
Ms. Faith Taylor
Ms. Esperanza Tervalon-Daumont
Ms. Ashley M. Thomas
Jide Tinubu
Attorney Angelia Tucker
Mrs. Phyllis M. Wadley
Mr. John E. Warren
Ms. Anne W. White
Mr. Terrence White
Mr. David S. Williams
Ms. Tonya Williams
Raphael Wilson
Dr. Shael Wolfson
$100 to $249
Professor Ralph Adamo
Dr. Michael R. Adams
Mr. Cornell Alfred
Mr. Donald Allen
Eric Allen
Miss Iolet E. Ambrose, R.Ph.
Mr. Cecil Armstrong
Ms. Sheila Ashmon
Ms. Aubrie G. Augustus
Ms. Candace A. Austin
Ms. Rosalyn Bailey
Dr. Peter Barrett*
Ms. Sharon Barrett
Dr. James R. Bartkus
Candice Beasley
Mr. Christopher A. Bell
Ms. Kerri Bennett
Candace Berry
Dr. Teresa Birdwhistell
Ms. Gail Blattenberger*
Ms. Cynthia B. Boykin
Mrs. Monica Bozonier
Ms. Ruth A. Broussard
Mr. Robert Browder
Mr. Winston Brown
Mr. Michael Bruno, C.P.A.
Ms. Natalie E. Bumpers
Rev. John E. Burger, S.S.C.
Katrina Byrd
Mrs. Kim D. Byrd
Mrs. Carrie L. Caldwell
Mrs. Anitra Fenae Calvin
Ms. Clepathia Campbell
Mr. Chetwin Carter
Mrs. Yttria Carter
Carla Chandler
Ms. Nicole Charbonnet
Ms. Azella Collins
Mr. Michael Colloway, Sr.
Mrs. Geraldine Connors-Lynch
Phoebe Cook
Mr. Kevin O. Cooper
Mr. David N. Crapo
Mr. Percy Creuzot III
Ms. Margaret J. Cunningham
Ms. Charlotte Y. Davis
Mr. Gary G. De Leaumont
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Derbes
Ms. Kathryn DeYoung
Mr. John Dimry, Jr.
Andreana Dobbs
Chef Lawrence Dodd
Ms. Leslie D. Doles
Mr. Milton Douglas, Jr.
Mr. Thomas Duffy*
Mr. Jerry and
Mrs. Gina Kay Dunn
Ms. Julie Dupre
Mrs. Karen B. Eastman
Ms. Julie Einhorn
Mr. Siddieg Elsiddieg
Mr. Stephen Engel
Ms. Kimberly McCraw Epps
Dr. Onita Estes-Hicks
Mrs. Stephanie Evans
Mr. Louis C. R. Farrelly
Mr. Floyd D. Feeling, Esq.
Ms. Rae Fellows
Mr. Kenneth J. Ferguson
Dr. Amy and Dr. Lee Fineburg
Ms. Sara Flowers-Dent
Ms. Wilma Foreman
Dr. Maryam K. Foroozesh
Ms. Virginia M. Francois
Ms. Barbara J. Franklin
Mrs. Eunice Franklin-Ortiz
Mr. David Freddie
Tracy Freeman
Mrs. Wanda Freeman-Sewell
Mr. Lamont M. Fulton
Mr. Stephen Furney-Howe
Dr. Antoine M. and Mrs. Carol J. Garibaldi
Ralph Gaspard
Ms. Terree Gayle
Ms. Ramona Gibson
Sharon Gilmore
Mr. Milton E. Goggans
Mrs. Victoria and Mr. John Gold
Ms. Maryah Gomez
Ms. Hattie T. Gordon
Mr. Albert P. Grammer
Mr. David M. Gray and Mrs.
Kimberly A. Gray
Ms. Relanda Gray
Ms. Leona S. Green
Dr. Toni Green-Barrett
Ms. Anne Marie Gualtieri
Ms. Helena Hall
Mr. Bruce J. Hamilton, Sr.
Mr. Mark Hammer
Ms. Charlotte V. Hankton
Susan Harden
Mr. Douglas Hardy
Ms. Jallure Harrell
Mr. Miwako Hattori
Ms. Julianne Haugh
Mrs. Laura Ann Hewett Haydel
and Mr. John P. Haydel, Jr.
Mr. Roger G. and Mrs. Mary
Kay Hehman
Ms. Amanda E. Helm
Ms. Simone M. Henderson
Gillette Herrington
Brad Higginbotham, D.D.S.
Charles Hill
Ms. Christina Hill
Mr. Maurice Hoffman
Ms. Barbara B. Holdridge
Mr. Ricardo Houston
Mr. Shelton A. Howard*
Ms. Vanessa Hughes
Ms. Adrienne M. Hunter
Ms. Vanessa Hunter
Gary Huntley
Mr. Albert L. Hyland
Dr. Alison G. Hyslop*
Ms. Diane Irvin
Mrs. Ireon W. Jackson
Ms. Janice Janz
Mr. Stanislaus Jeanmard
Mr. Phillip S. Joffray
Ms. Tiffany D. Johnson
Mr. Frank W. Jones
Ms. Lena Jones
Pamela Boykins Jones
Ms. Patricia K. Jones
Ms. Michelle Keagle
Mr. Frank Kennebrew
Mrs. Bonnie Kennedy*
Ms. Jacqueline Kinard
Mrs. Mapo Kinnord-Payton
Mrs. Mary B. Kittles*
Mr. Ronald J. Knill
The Late Dr. Vlajko L. Kocic*
Mr. Daniel LaFavor
Mr. Gerald Lagarde
Ms. Barbara H. Lake
Fr. Victor Laroche
Mr. Victor J. Lawrence, M.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Eugene Leitzinger
Mr. Michael J. LeJeune, Sr. and Mrs. Pamela Lejeune
Ms. Dannette J. Lewis
Nelsy Lipford
Mr. Lawrence J. Loomis
Mrs. Karen Mackie
Mr. John P. Mahaffey
Mr. Frank and Mrs. Judy Mastrocola
Andrea Mazzacano
Ms. Barbara Margaret McAteer
Mr. Carl and Mrs. Margaret Rose McCalla
Mr. E. Michael McCann
Ms. Susan V. McCloud*
Mr. Marc McCulloch and Mrs. Ewa McCuloloch
Ms. Rhonda S. McCutchen
Ms. Deirdre McElhaney
Mr. Henry McKee Jr
Ms. Lane McNeil
Ms. Michelle McNeill
Ms. Andrea Menotti
Ms. Virginia B. Michel
Mr. Nolan J. Millet, Jr.
Ms. Beverly and Mr. Steve Mills
Ms. Dorothy A. Mills
Amy Misko
Mrs. Meredith M. Montgomery
Dr. Cecilia A. Moore
Dr. Mable J. Moore
Mrs. Nancy D. Moore
Mr. Thomas J. Motley
Mr. and Mrs. William S. Murphy
Mr. David Myers
Dr. Patience Obih*
Clint Odom
Ms. I Nicole Okezie
Mr. Nmcghee Osse
Mr. Gordon C. and Mrs. Laura Ousset
Mrs. Virginia Pellerin
Dr. Lisa C. Perry-Gilkes, M.D.
Ms. Shinita Pettiford
Dr. Robin Pike
Mrs. Rebecca L. Pittman-Edwards
Dr. Martha Plowden and Mr. Nathaniel Plowden
Mr. Byron Price
Mr. Tony Proctor
Dr. Harish Ratnayaka
Mr. Simeon B. and Mrs. Linda S. Reimonenq, Jr.
Andrew Richardson
Mr. Frank J. Rienzo*
Mrs. Ann E. Ringia
Ms. Lillie Robbins
Dr. Shearon D. Roberts
Mrs. Christie K. Rodriguez
Ms. Brenda C. Rogers
Dr. Stephen Rosenman
Ms. Sarane H. Ross
Mr. William Rueb
Mrs. Laurie Ruettimann
Ms. Monique Sanders
Ms. Keyana M. Scales
Ms. Ruby Shackleford
Ms. Debra Shenk
Angel Sheppard
Mr. Kaleb Shervington
Mr. Jack M. Simmons, III
Mr. Herbert Simmons, Jr., J.D.
Mrs. Sharon Singleton
Khalilah Spencer
Mrs. Serena Spurlock
Mrs. Abigail Strawberry
Ms. Angela M. Sullivan
Jennifer Swartz
Mrs. Susan Tanabe
Ms. Lynette Taylor
Ms. Noreen Taylor
Jess Tejeda
Mr. William J. Tobias*
Ms. Ida Tomlin
Mrs. Cassandra Triggs-Tucker
Mr. Jeremy Tuman
Dr. Brian L. Turner
Ms. Donna Vance
Ms. Karen Vander
Ms. Yadira Vazquez
Mr. Dyron Walker
Ms. Marie Saul Walters
Ms. Gina F. Walton
Dr. Ernst and
Dr. Teresa Wanser
Ms. Charmaine Williams Ward
Ms. Anna Lovelace Ware
Mr. Erik D. Waters
Ms. Gloria Weber
Mrs. Roxana C. Weber
Mrs. Gina M. West
Mr. Kelwyn White
Mr. Robert L. White
Ms. Kristin H. Whitlock
Tamika Wiggins
Ms. Miriam J. Wilbon
Ms. Beryl Williams
Mr. Claude S. Williams IV
Ms. Teyanna L. Williams
Mrs. June Young
Ms. Diane Yurkas
Mr. Jay C. Zainey, Jr.
$1 to $99
Mr. Oluwasegun Segun
Abegunrin
Olubisi Aina
Angela Allen
Ms. Robin Allen
Jen Almiron
Mr. Hrimgalah Amen
Mr. Louis J. Babst, Jr.
Mr. Robert M. Ballasty
Mr. Everett Bass
Ms. Linda L. Bishop
Mrs. Sharlena Black-Johnson
Mr. Delovunn Blackmon
Ms. Carole Blanks
Mr. Brian M. Bolden
Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Judith Bonner*
Ms. Bridgette Boudreaux
Mr. Raymond Boutte
Ms. Alexandra Bowen
Ms. Barbara Bowers
Ms. Tavia Bell Bowers
Mr. Eric Braley
Ms. Jones Brayanna
Sr. Donna Breslin, S.B.S.
Mr. Bertrand Brickham
Ms. Shawntel Broadus
Mr. Jason B. Brossett, Sr.
Ms. Deborah Brown
Mr. Dexter Q. Brown
Ms. Marilyn Brown
Ms. Erica Bryant
Patrick Burden
Ms. Cheryl Burton
Matthew Bush
Tamra Butler
Mrs. Lori A. Cade
Ms. Shannon Canavin
Ms. Linda Cannon
The Late Mrs. Justyna
M. Carlson*
Dr. Arthur F. Carter Jr.
C Carter
Eulalia Edwards Carter
Mr Rex Carter
Manuel Castellon
Shawon Clark
Ladawna Cole
Ms. Leatrice Coleman
Ms. Synedra I. Coleman
Mr. Calvin L. Cooper
Skiler Cornish
Ms. Ester Cosby
Ms. Marian Crawford
Reshawn Crowley
Reverend Jennie L. Curry
Ms. Mariana Daniels
Ms. Chrisula W. Davillier
Mr. Derwin A. Davis
Mrs. Elaine P. Davis
Ms. Elaine Davis
Ms. Jo-Ann Stutz Daylor
Ms. Mary Lu Dempsey
Mr. Kevin Dengel
Mrs. Margaret D. Diaz-Fugetta
Ms. Shirley Dillard
Jai R Dorsey Sr
Mrs. Adrienne Dotson*
Mr. Brandon Dove
Casey Dupart
Ms. Jabari Anderson
Ms. Cheryl P. Ellington
Natalie English
Ms. Roxane Evans
Ms. Lorriane M. Everson
Mr. John E. Faherty
Drs. Joe and Paddy Favazza
Swan Fleming
Mr. Herman and Mrs. Katherine Flora
Sr. Joan K. Flores
Renita Flowers Jackson
Ms. Chandra Foster
Ms. Jenelle Franklin
Ms. Myrtle Freeman
Mr. V. Allen Gale*
Samuel Gallaspy
Dr. Morewell Gasseller
Dr. Dominique
M. Gendrin-Magnuson
Ms. Lorie D. Gie
Ms. Marcia Gilroy
Mr. Blaze L. Gilyot, Sr.
Ms. Lizbeth Gonzalez
Dr. Denise L. Gordon
Ms. LaTanya Graham
William Grand
Kevin Grant
Ms. Doriana Green
Ms. Pamela Greer
Ms. Esther L. Grissom
Mr. Howard L. Hale, Jr.
Mr. Julian C. Hale
Mr. Derrick Hall
Ms. Chenise N. Hamilton
Mr. Edward L. Hamilton
Ms. Lisa Harrell*
Dr. Janice Harrington Winder
Mrs. Emma E. Harris
Mr. Derrick D. Harvey
Morgan Hawkins
Ms. Nia Haydel
Ms. Keanuh L. Hebert
Mrs. Alma L. Henderson
Ms. Larenzia Henderson
Ms. Lisa Henderson
Ceasar Hendricks
Camaran Henson
Amanda Hill
Mr. Claude Hill, Jr
Ms. Michelle T. Hill
Mrs. Ashley Hohenkirk Rollins
Ms. Charmaine Holley
Ms. Leslie Holley
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hood
Mrs. Janice M. Houston
Nigel Hudson
Deborah Hutchison
Mrs. Betty A. Irby
Mr. James E.T. Jackson
Mr. and Mrs. Victor Jackson
Joy Jackson-Guilford
Ms. Equilla James
Kelly James
Gina Dupart
Ms. Quiandine Jarrett
Ms. Lisa Laws
Ms. Avis LeDuff
Mr. Robert S. and Mrs.
Kathleen A. Gilliam
Ms. Lynne Marie Lee
Sherita Lee
Mr. Virgil and
Mrs. Alexis B. Robinson
Ms. Pearlie H. Robinson
Ms. Kim Roddy
Ms. Candace Armstrong
Ms. Nya Assis
Dr. Douglas Athey
Ms. Ayesha Dwyer
Laretta Earls-Rozelle
Ms. Paula Edwards
Stephanie Edwards
Ms. Ariana Jefferson
Mrs. Barbara J. Johnson
Ms. Johnetta Johnson
Kira Johnson
2023 Honor Roll of Donors
Miss Letitia Johnson
Patrice Johnson
Mr. Robert Johnson, Jr.
Ms. Tracy E. Johnson
Ms. Kathleen Marie Rouse Jones
Ms. Lacrecia A. Jones*
Ms Tiffanie L. Jones
Mr. William Jones IV
Mrs. Tammy Joseph
Ms. Erin Keller
Mr. David A. Keough, SMC
and Mrs. Patricia A. Keough*
Mrs. Gloria P. Kindrick*
Ms. Kawana King
Ms. Allison Kleiman
Mrs. Carol J. Koch
Luke Kues
Mr. Louis E. Labat
Ms. Sharlene LeBlanc
Mr. Daniel Lee
Ms. Stephanie Lemelle
Tabitha Liddell
Tyler Litt
Dr. Letoya M. Lofton
Warren Lowe
Ms. Deloris Mabins
Mr. Jameson MacDonnell
Jamika Mack
Ms. Aisha Madhi
Terrell Malone
Dr. Elizabeth Manley
Dr. Nancy L. Martino
Drs. Joseph A. and Kay Matan
Mr. Henry Maury
M Maxwell
Ms. Nichole McHenry
Ms. Elizabeth Meisman
Mr. Randy Melton
Dr. Howard W. Mielke, Ph.D.
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Miller
Ms. Ananie Mitchell
Mr. Tyrone L. Mitchell
Ms. Patricia Moore
Ms. Angela Morgan
Brenda Morrison
Ms. Dionne Narcisse
Mrs. Karen Hodge Nathan*
Christopher Newsome
Anh Ngo
Ann Nguyen-Chung
Ms. Danitra L. Nichols
Ms. Brittany Nixon
Ms. Sharon Okoh
Mr. Omar O’Neil
Ms. Renee Onyebuagu
Mrs. Nancy A. Paes
Regina Parks
Austin Penny
Mr. Richard C. Peters
Ms. Brigette Philpot
Mr. Achenald Pierre
Ms. Pauline Pierre
Ms. Natalie Pierson
Ms. Elizabeth Polakowski
Ms. Gloria A. Polite
Jordy Polk
Mr. Samuel Polson
Kristin Powers
Carl Puckett
Ms. Sharon Faye Rahman
Mr. Wayne Reese, Jr
Mrs. Marla Reid
Ms. Regina Reyes
Ms. Nancy S. Reynolds
Ms. Torranda Richardson
Ms. Lasaundra Roberts
Troylynn Roberts
Aliyah Robertson
Mr. Merritt A. Robertson
Ms. Marie Robinson
Miss Tiffany S. Rogers
Ms. Josephine W. Roper
Ms. Francisca A. Sabadie
Angelica Salmeron
Ramon Sam
Ms. Rebecca Hamilton Sanchez*
Sylvester Sanford
Ms. Patricia Schaaf
Ms. Alisha Shelton
Ms. Pamela SimpsonDiedrick
Michelle Sims
Dr. Sunil Sirohi
Dr. Elizabeth A. Slaughter
Ms. Ava Smith
Ms. Caroline Smith
Mr. James Smith
Ms. Michelle J. Smith
Ms. Sheila R. Smith
Tjuan Smith
Catrina Snyder
Mr. William Stanley
Mrs. Avis M. Stuard*
Ms. La Tasha Sublett
Mr. John P. Sullivan
Ms. Julia Swaby
Gregory Swafford
Ms. Chamika Taylor
Howard Terrell
Ms. Gloria Thomas
Melany Thomas
Mr. Rodney J. Thomas, III*
Ms. Valerie Thomas
Troy Thompson
Dr. Mary Todd
Ms. Gwendolyn Tolbert
Mr. Karol Townsend
Ms. Delanius Trask
Ms. Kami K. Tucker
Jarrette Tuircuit
Artis Ulmer
Ms. Solange Isabelle Unger
Dr. Sindhu S. Unnithan
Ms. Virginia Vaughan
Miss Alexus K. Vaughn
Ms. Kristie Vead
Mr. Earl S. and
Mrs. Myrna Vincent
Ms. Adicia Waddell
Mr. Christopher Walker
Ms. Tracey Walker-Hines
Ms. Barbara Walsh
Jacqueline White
Ms. Renee C. White
Ms. Julia Whitehead
Mrs. Stephanie M. Wiebke
Mrs. Biyaka N. Warren
Williams
Dr. and Mrs. Calvin Williams
Mrs. Cynthia Williams
Kaya Williams
Lathon Williams
Matthew Williams
Mr. Tony Williams
Mrs. Tonia Williams-Horton
Mr. Fenesi Wills
Mrs. Ariel Wiltz
Ms. Sylvia Essex Winder
Allison Winokur
Louise Wise
Mr. Bernard Wojnowski
Ms. Barbara Woods
Ms. Tracie J. Woods
Stephanie Wright
Elaine Wright-Forris
Mr. Ryan Yancy
Ms. Jacqueline L. Young
Mr. Qiang Zhang*
Gifts of Artwork or Property
The Estate of Ms. Betty Chambers
Organization
$1,000,000 or Greater
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
$250,000 to $499,999
The Historic Fund I, LP
$500,000 to $999,999
Morehouse School of Medicine
The Clarence and Anne Dillon Dunwalke Trust United Negro College Fund
$100,000 to $249,999
National Center for Teacher Residencies
The Schwab Fund for Charitable Giving
The Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program
$50,000 to $99,999
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston
$10,000 to $49,999
A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds
American Library Association
Black and Indian Missions
National Association of University WomenNew Orleans Branch
The Student Freedom Initiative
Xavier University Alumni Association-Houston Chapter
Xavier University of Louisiana National Alumni Association
$5,000 to $9,999
Epsilon Tau Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament
The University of Southern Mississippi
Xavier University Alumni Association-Birmingham Chapter
$2,500 to $4,999
Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
New Orleans Chapter Knights And Ladies Of Peter Claver
Studs Club, Inc.
Xavier University Alumni Association - Atlanta Chapter #16
Xavier University Alumni Association-Chicago Chapter
Xavier University Alumni Association-Dallas/Fort Worth
Xavier University Alumni Association-Memphis Chapter
$1,000 to $2,499
Miss Xavier Endowment Fund
Mount Zion Progressive MB Church, Inc.
Second Baptist Church STEM NOLA
Texas A&M UniversityTexarkana
Xavier University Alumni Association-New Orleans Chapter #1
$500 to $999
Baptist Community Ministries
City of Memphis, Tennessee Concordia University
Wisconsin
Northwestern University
St. John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church
Xavier University Alumni Association-Northern California XI Sigma
$250 to $499
Xavier University Alumni Association-Meridian MS Chapter
Xavier University Alumni Association-Montgomery Chapter
Xavier University Alumni
Association-Southern CA Chapter
$1 to $99
Philanthropi Charitable - The Blackwell Family Fund
Student
$500 to $999
Mr. Timothy Bennett
$250 to $499
Ms. Zakryscha Hayes
$100 to $249
Ms. Veralyn Clemons
Ms. Keturah Crease
Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor
$1 to $99
Ms. Aerial Anderson
Ms. Imani Buskin
Ms. Demadria Davis
Youma Diabira
Lonzo Hamilton
Anthony Haynes
Kirsten M.
Miss Maliah J. Mayweather
Ms. Kennedy Osum
Ms. Dezha A. N. Robinson
Ms. Tyra Smith
Ms. Breanna Washington
Ms. Milahni Wilkerson
Thank you for your support!
1925 Legacy Society 1925 Legacy Society
You may already be eligible to join.
Our Legacy Society was created to recognize those donors who have generously remembered Xavier University of Louisiana in their estate plans.
Membership in the 1925 Legacy Society is available to anyone making a planned gift to Xavier University of Louisiana, no matter the amount.
Dr. Elaine Marie Parker-Adams
Mr. Allegretto F. Alexander*
Captain Sanders W. Anderson and Mr. Lewis Anderson
Ms. Carmen Maria Austin
Mrs. Melody K. Baddoo
Mr. George W. and Mrs. Carla D. Gibson Baker
Ms. Stacey M. Bastian
Carolyn Brown Block-Arnelle, Ph.D.
Ms. Stephanie A. Bolling *
Ms. Linda M. Bolt*
Ms. Antonia M. Bossier*
Mrs. Louise M. Bouise*
Dr. and Mrs. C.
If you have already included Xavier University in your estate plan, let us know. If you are interested in learning more about making a planned gift to Xavier University, contact: Office of Institutional Advancement (504) 520-7575
ia@xula.edu giving.xula.edu
Dr. Norman C. Francis
Mr. Noel M. Gagnon*
Mr. Theodore and Mrs. Maria S. George
Rev. Dr. Peggy A. Gibson
Jesse F. Goodwin, Ph.D.*
Mrs. Jennifer Adger Grant
Dr. Lois C. Gray
Dr. Noel Gray*
Ms. Josephine Rebecca Grier *
Ms. Catherine A. Guillory*
Dr. Rosalind Pijeaux Hale
Okyeame Haley, Esq. and Mrs. Melissa S. Haley
Mr. Okyeame and Mrs. Melissa Smith Haley
Ms. Jean B. Meggs*
Mr. Cyrus S. Mercier*
Mr. Louis H. * and Mrs.
Claudia M. Meyi, Sr.*
Dr. David R. and Mrs. Synthia Miller
Dr. Judith G. Miranti
Mrs. Veronica LeDoux Mitchell*
Dr. Miranda F. Mitchell-Simmons
Dr. James A. Oakes, III
Dr. Toi A. Olden
Ms. Frances Parker
Dr. James A. Paschal
Mrs. Gloria Patin*
Mr. Charles J. Patio*
Michael Bowman
Mrs. Nellie M. Reed Bowman*
Mrs. Angela D. Braud
Dr. Robert W. Brawley*
Mrs. Gladys E. Brennan*
Mr. Searl G. Brier *
Honorable Lois G. Bronz* and Mr. Charles Bronz*
Mr. W. O. Bryson, Jr. *
Rev. John E. Burger, S.S.C.
Mrs. Myrtle J. Burns *
Mrs. Christine J. Butler-Powell*
Ms. Margaret Mary Butz *
Mr. Frederick J. Carter* and Mrs. Joyce Carter
Ms. Joyce A. Carter
Mrs. Louise D. Carter *
Ms. Marie M. Cavanagh *
Ms. Betty Chambers*
Ms. Agnes M. Cizek*
Mr. Tilford J. Cole *
Mrs. Juliet B. Crawford*
Drs. Elizabeth Y. and Elliot D. Hammer
Drs. Elliott D. and Elizabeth Y. Hammer
Mrs. Cynthia Hardy
Ms. Brandi M. Harris
Mrs. Gaylene V. Watts Harris
Anonymous Donor*
Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Hicks*
Mr. René Himel, Jr.*
Ms. Velva T. Hollier*
Mr. Charles A. Honore’
Mrs. Serena J. Hunter
Mr. Albert L. Hyland
Jennifer C. Johnson, M.D. and Mr. Alpha Johnson
Dr. Derrick D. and Mrs. Leontyne P. Jones
Professor Eileen J. Julien
Mr. Clyde P. Jupiter* and Mrs. Pat Jupiter
Mrs. Florence B. Kelleher*
Ms. Phyllis C. King*
Mr. John J. Cunningham*
Mrs. Gladys C. deBen Majeau*
Dr. Carolyn M. Dejoie*
Mr. Willard Dennison *
Mrs. Lorraine G. Desbordes*
Dr. Hampton P. Deslonde, Sr.*
Mrs. Helen B. Drye *
Mrs. Audrey H. Duncan*
Ms. Denise R. Dunn
Ms. Eloise T. Dyson *
Mr. Malcolm N. Ellington*
Mr. Frances B. Ellis *
Dr. Patricia E. Evans*
Ms. Yvonne Evans
Mrs. Marguerite Rey Florent
Mrs. Carolyn Millet Lee
Mr. Alvin S. Lee , Sr.*
Monsignor Paul A. Lenz, D.D.*
Dr. Debra M. Lewis, Ph.D.
Mr. Walter T. Lewis, Jr.*
Mr. Halvan J. Lieteau* and Mrs. Theyon D. Lieteau
Mr. Henry Loftin*
Ms. Mary Macomber*
Dr. John M. Mallette*
Mrs. Melba Fortuné Martinez*
Dr. Marie Valentine McDemmond*
Dr. Jill E. McGovern
Ms. Brendolyn M. McKenna
Mrs. Dolly M. McKinney*
Mrs. Juanita Betz Peterson
Mr. James L. Petivan, Jr.*
Mr. and Mrs. William R. Porter
Mrs. Oaptar A. Prosper*
Mrs. Mildred V. Prudeaux*
Dorothy L. Pugh, R.Ph.
Mr. Allison B. Randolph, Sr.*
Mrs. Corinne Reeves*
Mr. Stephen F. H. Revard
Mrs. Anna M. Rhodes*
Ms. Annie G. Roberts
Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert D. Robichaux*
Drs. Derek J. and Shawn S. Robinson
Mr. Marlon E. Roundtree
Mr. Henry E. Rouson*
Mr. Leo P. Sam, Jr.*
Ms. Kathy L. Schulz
Ms. Lillie V. Scott*
Mrs. Aissatou A. Sidime-Blanton
Mr. and Mrs. Frank B. Stewart, Jr.
Mr. Daniel J. Stocker *
Mrs. Minola T. Stuart*
Mr. Wellington D. Swindall*
Mr. Andrew Tobias
Mr. Trevor K. Thompson*
Anne Bouise Ward, M.D.
Mrs. Louella C. White*
Ms. Jimmie C. Wickham
Mr. Charles H. Wilcox, Sr.*
Mr. and Mrs. Gary F. Willett
Reverend Nathan S. Willis*
Mr. Rawson L. Wood*
Ms. Margaret A. Zimmerman
(*Deceased)
XAVIERGIVING
L O YA LT Y
THE ANNUAL FUND at Xavier is the lifeline to the University’s operation. Gifts to the Annual Fund benefit the entire Xavier community by funding student life, maintaining and enhancing campus infrastructure, and securing renowned faculty.
In recognition of annual giving, the Loyalty Society honors alumni that have made a commitment to Xavier by making consecutive annual fund gifts.
The various degrees of loyalty range from our Ambassador members, who are young alumni just beginning their lifelong commitment to annual giving, to our Legacy supporters, who have given to the university for multiple years.
Qualifying Levels
Membership in each level is based upon the amount of the donor’s annual gift. All donors must be an annual donor for 5 or more years (except the Piety Membership which is 10 or more years).
For a list of Loyalty Society benefits, please refer to the following page. For more information about the Loyalty Society, call (504) 520-7575 or go to www.xula.edu/alumni.
SUSTAINER
Dr. Norman C. Francis
LEADERSHIP
Dr. Farrell David Fort
Dr. James A. Paschal
.Dr. Tanya Robinson
CRESCENT
Captain Sanders W. Anderson and Mr. Lewis Anderson
Dr. Rosalind Pijeaux Hale
Ernest W. Jackson, D.M.D.
PIETY
Capt. Eugenia Foster Adams, Ret.
Mr. Joe L. Allen, Jr.
Ms. Arlene A. Aranha
Dr. Brian G. Ashford
Mrs. Larna J. Atkinson
Janeen R. Azare, Ph.D.
Dr. Janel Bailey Wheeler
Mrs. Gwendolyn E. Ball-Julien
Mr. Kevin L. Barnes
Mr. Norman E. Barnum, IV and Mrs. Dionne Gremillion Barnum
Dr. Peter Barrett
Ms. Debbie Bissett
Mr. Alvin Blackmon, III
Ms. Gail Blattenberger
Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Judith Bonner
Mr. William T. and Mrs. Elizabeth Bostick
Mr. Marion B. and Mrs. Judy Bracy
Ms. Elease M. Bradford
Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D.
Ms. De Etra Branch
Mrs. Beverly Anna Avery Broussard
Mr. Bentley J. and Mrs. Olivia M. Broussard
Dr. Yasmin K. Brown
Asha S. Bryant, M.D.
Dr. Kimberly M. Bush, M.D.
Charlette M. Cain, DVM
Mr. Emerson Carey, Jr., Esq.
Ms. Barbara J. Carmon
Nikki Harrison Carter, M.D.
Colonel Dexter E. Caston and Mrs. Demetria
George Caston
Mrs. Betty J. Caudle
Drs. George E. and
Christie L. Clayton
Miss Terry A. Cook
Dr. Jaime A. Crawley
Mr. Douglas Cunningham
Mr. James Leonard Currence
Alauna Davis Curry, M.D.
Ms. Janet Margaret Davis
Mrs. Kathleen Keyes
DeGrange
Ms. Tiffany T. Devereaux
Mr. Keith V. Dillon
Dr. Tonya R. Dobbs
Mrs. Adrienne Dotson
Rashida M. Downing, M.D.
Mr. Thomas Duffy
Ms. Barbara Cooper Duhe
Dr. Martha Brown Earls
Mr. James and Mrs. Cheryl B. Elmore
Mr. Kelvin P. Esters
Mr. Amos J. Evans and Mrs. Barbara Keyes Evans
Mr. Ronnie L. Favors, II, J.D.
Dr. Michelle A. and Mr. Perris Fields
Natasha Fievre, M.D.
Mr. and Mrs. John L. Finley, III
Ms. Janice M. Florent
Drs. Coleridge T. and Cheryl Franklin
Mr. Louis C. Gaignard, Jr. and Mrs. Carol Gaudin Gaignard
Mr. Ronald D. Gaines
Mrs. Mildred Young Gardner
Mrs. Yolanda D. Gautier
Dr. Lloyd A. Gavin and Mrs. Eunice C. Gavin
Dr. Marguerite and Dr. Ray Giguette
Kidada N. GilbertLewis, M.D.
Dr. Danielle Gilliam
Mr. Henry J. Glover, Sr., MBA and Mrs. Janice R. Glover
Dr. Pheophilus H. Glover
Ms. Sharrone M. Godfrey
Dr. Susan P. Goggans
Ms. Ainka C. Gonzalez
Ms. Gladys Hampton
Mr. Faruq El Haqq
Miss Andrea N. Harper
Ms. Lisa Harrell
Mr. William H. Harris, Jr., Esq.
Mrs. Gaylene V. Watts Harris
Ms. Jazmine A. Harris-Branch
Ms. Veronica L. Harrison
Dr. Portia M. Harris-White and Mr. Marcus White
Linda N. Harvey, M.D.
Aliya S. HeyligerHayes, M.D.
Mrs. Elvira Day Henry
Ms. Teal A. Holden
Ms. Chakita R. Holmes
Mr. Shelton A. Howard
Mrs. Wanda Minor Howard
Mrs. Denikka L. Hull-Blackmon
Dr. Alison G. Hyslop
Mr. Benjamin M. and Mrs. LaToya D. Jackson
Ms. Keli D. Jackson
Dr. Jarvis B. Jacobs
Mr. William L. and Mrs.
Deborah M. Jeffrion
Mr. and Mrs. William L. Jeffrion
Mrs. Lynell Jones Johnson
Mrs. Worell B. Johnson
Mrs. Kimberly I. Johnson-Henry
Ms. Taffie Nicole Jones
Ms. Lacrecia A. Jones
Mrs. Shirley Melton Judge
Mrs. Bonnie Kennedy
Mr. David A. Keough, SMC and Mrs. Patricia A. Keough
Mrs. Gloria P. Kindrick
Mrs. Mary B. Kittles
Mrs. Leta M. Knighten
Drs. Anil and Poonam Kukreja
Ms. Kristen R. Labat
Ms. Gwendolyn A. LaCroix
Mr. Jerrol M. Larrieu
Mr. Stanley Paul Logan
Dr. Quinisha K. Logan-Nash
Dr. Michael R. and Mrs. Patricia A. Lucey
Dr. Brandy Gallen Malbrough
L. Karenna Senors Manning, M.D.
Dr. Jarrett Manning, D.D.S., MPH
Dr. Christopher E. Marrero
Mrs. Shirley Massenburg
Mrs. Susan R. McCleskey
Ms. Brendolyn M. McKenna
Mrs. Carolyn Jennings McLain
Dr. Amya Herrington
Mitchell and Mr. Trevor Mitchell
Dr. James W. Moore
(Captain, USPHS, Ret.) and Mrs. Avis Senigal Moore
Dr. Quinesha L. Morgan, Ph.D.
Ms. LaToya B. Moseley
Dr. and Mrs. Dawud Muhaimin
Mrs. Alice U. Murchison
Mrs. Karen Hodge Nathan
Dr. Nwamaka A. Ngoddy, O.D.
Kenneth E. Nixon, M.D.
Mrs. Cynthia Ball Nixon
Dr. Patience Obih
Selika R. Owens, M.D.
Dr. Tian Merren Owens
Mrs. Tiffany Milam Owens
Alejandro R. Perkins, Esq. and Mrs. Dina G. Perkins, MHA
Mr. Gary J. Tanner and Mrs. Audrey M. Pinera-Tanner
Mrs. Myla Reese Poree
Mr. Eugene A. Priestley
Ms. Kimberly M. Reese
Mrs. Sondra C. Reine
Dr. Carryn N. Rice
Dr. Oneka Y. Richardson
Mr. Frank J. Rienzo
Mrs. Lila June
Courtney Riley
Ms. Juliet T. Robertson
Mr. McLouis and Mrs. Harriette G. Robinet
Mrs. Kaye L. Rolland
Dr. Joseph F. Ross
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Saberre, Sr.
Ms. Rebecca Hamilton
Sanchez
Ms. Joyce M. Sandifer
Dr. Samarlos Boykin Scott
Mrs. Aissatou A. Sidime-Blanton
Ms. Kelley J. Simmons
Drs. Raegan Higgins Siwatu and Kamau O. Siwatu
Mr. Jeffrey P. Sloan and Mrs. Demetria F. Sloan
Ms. Candice M. Smith
Attorney Monica Lynn Smith
Dr. Gia B. Soublet
Mr. Wayne A. Steele, Sr.
Ms. Michelle D. Strong
Dr. Courtney R. Tafesse
Mr. Gary J. Tanner and Mrs. Audrey M. Pinera-Tanner
Dr. Erica L. Taylor
Ms. Teresa Spikes Terry
Dr. Trevonne M. Thompson and Dr. Nicole C. Thompson
Mrs. Kendra Woodard Tircuit
Mr. William J. Tobias
Mr. Yamlak Tsega
Ms. Joan Ulmer
Mrs. Patricia H. Vaultz
Mr. Gerald A. Villavasso, Jr.
Ms. Paulette W. Wagner
Ms. Monique T. Wakefield
Dr. Pamela N. Waldron-Moore
Mr. Stephen M. Ward and Mrs. Christina M. Sommer Ward
Ms. Karen DeGrange
Watkins
Ms. Quo Vadis M. Webster
Dr. Donald D. Weddington
Angele T. White, Pharm.D., J.D.
Ms. Jimmie C. Wickham
Mrs. Melva D. Williams
Mr. Alexander Oscar Williams
Rev. Starsky D. and Dr. LaToya Smith Wilson
Dr. LaToya Nicole Woods
Cheynita WoodsonJones, M.D.
Mr. Harold W. Wright and Mrs. Margaret Wright
Mr. Qiang Zhang
AMBASSADOR
Dr. Brittany A. Allison
Mr. Treyvon Merritt
Ms. Tresa M. Northington
Dr. Valencia L. Potter
Ms. Brianna Pulliam
Mrs. Carolyn E. Robinson
CENTENNIAL SOCIET
PHILANTHROP
The Centennial Soc Centennial Campaign during the campaign's circles, each with a alumni, friends, and c
• Cumulative campaign giving $1M+
• Circle honors Xavier ’s foundress, Saint Katharine Drexel, and longest-serving president, Dr Norman C. Francis, ‘52
• Benefits include an invitation to the President’s Leadership Breakfast, a commemorative Xavier Centennial pin, listing on the Centennial donor wall, VIP access to all Homecoming events, priority seating at all University events, a special listing in Xavier Gold, and private dinner with the President and Chairperson of the Board annually
• Cumulative campaign giving $250K - $499.9K
• Circle honors the first Sister of the Blessed Sacrament to serve as President of Xavier University
• Benefits include an invitation to the President’s Leadership Breakfast, a commemorative Xavier Centennial pin, listing on the Centennial donor wall, priority check-in at Homecoming, and priority seating at special University events
• Cumulative campaign giving $500K - $999.9K Circle honors Xavier's generous alumnus donor, Leo P. Sam, Jr., ‘52
• Benefits include an invitation to the President’s Leadership Breakfast, a commemorative Xavier Centennial pin, listing on the Centennial donor wall, priority check-in at Homecoming, priority seating at special University events, and a special listing in Xavier Gold
• Cumulative campaign giving $100K - $249.9K Circle honors former Vice President for Administration Anthony Rachal, '49
• Benefits include an invitation to the President’s Leadership Breakfast, a commemorative Xavier Centennial pin, listing on the Centennial donor wall, and priority check-in at Homecoming
• Cumulative campaign giving $25K - $99.9K
• Benefits include an invitation to the President’s Leadership Breakfast, a commemorative Xavier Centennial pin, and a listing on the Centennial donor wall
In gratitude for the generous contributions of scholarship donors, we introduce the Clarence J. Jupiter ’48 Scholarship Society to recognize donors whose lifetime giving to the scholarship program totals $10,000 or more and/or who have established annual or endowed donor named scholarships at Xavier University of Louisiana during the Centennial Campaign. Because of their benevolence, “Doors of Opportunity” are open to allow talented and deserving students to study in their chosen fields.
~ Lyndon B. Johnson 36th President of the United States of America
The Society is named after Mr. Clarence J. Jupiter ‘48 who in 1968 was named as the first Director of Development under the new lay administration at Xavier. He was later named Vice President for Development, a post he held until his retirement in 1998. In those capacities he spearheaded Xavier’s fundraising, alumni relations, and public affairs, and was the “architect of the thirty years of growth” at Xavier. In recognition of those achievements, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education endowed in Mr. Jupiter’s name the Clarence J. Jupiter Fellowship Program in Institutional Advancement.
LE VELS
“We must open the doors of opportunity. We must equip our people to walk through those doors.” gold
To recognize donors who have endowed scholarships at Xavier with a minimum corpus of $25,000 to fund the scholaship.
LSI VER
To recognize donors who have established annual named scholarships at Xavier and contributed $2,000 annually to fund the scholarship bronze
To recognize donors who have established annual named scholarships at Xavier with a minimum contribution of $10,000 and contribute $2,000 annually to fund the scholarship.
BENEFITS
• Commemorative Pin
• Invitation to Scholarship Donor Appreciation Luncheon
• Invitation to President’s Breakfast (with gifts of $5,000 or more in the calendar year)
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Beta Tau)
Fraternity to raise the most money and with the most donors
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Alpha)
Sorority to raise the most money and with the most donors
Class of 2002
Alumni Class to raise the most money
Class of 2004
Alumni Class with the most donors
Houston Alumni Chapter
Chapter to raise the most money
Atlanta Alumni Chapter
Chapter with the most donors
Xavier South Nannette Smith- Team Captain
Campus Building to raise the most money and with the most donors
William & Liz Haydel Bostick
Couple to raise the most money
Chloe Ward
Individual with the most donors
Board of Trustees
Group to raise the most money
College of Pharmacy
Group with most donors
LIFE SAVER DONOR HONOR ROLL
DONORS
WHO GAVE $1,000 OR MORE ON
DAY
Life Savers 2024
Katrice A. Albert
Ashli S. Alexander
Belinda B. Alexander
Garrett D. Anderson
Melissa V. Antoine
Emma L. Aristide
Allister D. Arnold
Brian G. Ashford
Daria E. Babineaux
Jacquelyn A. Bailey
Reneathia P. Baker
Tracey A. Banks
Antoinette M. Bannister
Karmen N. Bates
Tara D. Benjamin
Stacy C. Benton
Youshea A. Berry
Montianna S. Bingham
Denise A. Boggs-Wilkerson
Melanie B. Boston-Holland
Michael C. Boucree
Sheila D. Bouldin
Shameza L. Boyd-Dennis Verron Brade
Malcolm J. Broussard
Carolyn M. Brown
Charles J. Brown
Dawn K. Brown
Isaac Brown
Shunji Q. Brown-Woods
Lina B. Caldwell
Benjamin E. Cannon
Dean M. Cannon
Kenneth L. Carter
Marion T. Christie-Campbell
Mark A. Clay
Kimberlee A. Coleman-Henderson
Melonie A. Coleman-Richard
Ashté K. Collins
Karl J. Connor
Lucius Craig
Douglas Cunningham
Torijaun D. Dallas
Torijaun & Michelle Dallas
Foundation, Inc.
Wallace L. Davenport
Kibibi Davidson
Alvin S. Deloach
Learnard G. Dickerson
Jacquelyn A. Dinvaut
Jeniqua R. Duncan
Yolanda A. Dupre
Michelle R. Easton
Brandon M. Edgerson
Renata D. Ellington
Kathryn L. Elmore
Christopher D. Eubanks
Barbara K. Evans
Reynaud M. Farve
Paul Fine
John L. Finley
Farrell D. Fort
Timothy B. Francis
Henry Frantz
Lavonne J. Gaffin
Mildred Y. Gardner
Charles J. Gibson
Peggy Gibson
Marguerite S. Giguette
Henry J. Glover
Rossie J. Gomez
Otis Gowdy
Marcellus Grace
April D. Green
Carole Guss Mulligan
Tomia P. Harmon
LeWanza M. Harris
Mia H. Harris
Veronica L. Harrison
Jenna R. Hatton-Cobb
Elizabeth M. Haydel-Bostick
Troy J. Heard
Trent S. Heisser
Ruston G. Henry
Betty Henson
Cherie C. Hill
MaCalus V. Hogan
Teal A. Holden
Camiel J. Irving
John H. Jackson
Katherine A. Jackson
Marjorie Jackson
Torri A. Jacobus
Ruth C. Jean
Michaelle V. Jones
Nadja N. Jones
Taffie N. Jones
Leah Jordan
Lillian A. Joseph
Kara M. Keller
Kathleen B. Kennedy
Nicole A. Kerley-McGuire
Melissa I. Lancaster
Courtney A. Landry
Alison J. Lavigne
Carolyn M. Lee
Ivan L. Lemelle
Christina A. Levings
Marlon Lloyd
Quinisha K. Logan-Nash
Maxime Madhere
Cassandra R. Mallary
Veronica A. Malone
Kevin T. Marks
Claudia Marmolejo
Roy R. Marrero
Nicole A. Matthews
Robyn D. Mays
Cedrek L. McFadden
Brian L. McGee
Randall McHenry
Randy G. McKee
Tamara J. McLemore
Patrice E. McNeal
Joe A. Melcher
Gwenesta B. Melton
Asia K. Michel
Chester W. Mitchell
Tanisha R. Moore
Joyce M. Morgan
Tommy C. Morris
LaToya B. Moseley
Kimberly A. Moss
Shayla B. Nesbitt
Kenneth E. Nixon
Victor C. Njoku
April R. Noble
Monique A. Norfolk
Claire H. Ojeh
Sancerie J. O'Rourke-Allen
Selika R. Owens
Tiffany M. Owens
James A. Paschal
Javonne D. Patterson
Mary Pattillo
Alejandro R. Perkins
Marjorie E. Person
Steven T. Player
Yashoda V. Pramar
Peter R. Quirk
Funmilayo A. Rachal
Clarence J. Red
Aisha O. Redmond
Jo S. Reed
Tamika E. Reed
Stephen F. Revard
Ramona L. Rhodes
Lakeisha W. Richardson
Lisa M. Ripoll
Derek J. Robinson
Melanie J. Robinson
Michael D. Robinson
Quintin R. Robinson
Tanya M. Robinson
Ida L. Rose
Kelley H. Rouse
Farrah M. Roybiskie
Michael M. Rue
Bridget R. Russell
Chimene G. Saloy
Joyce Sandifer
Keira N. Scanks
Anna R. Scott
Courtney B. Scrubbs
Chantel Shackleford
Ashley N. Shanks
Demetria F. Sloan
Klyne L. Smith
Nannette Smith
Mary M. Stallworth
Michele A. Stanley
Mitchell J. Stevens
Margaret C. Stewart
Nancy P. Stork
Alvin R. Styles
Audrey F. Sudbury
Gloria M. Sudbury
Ingrid T. Taylor
Cleopatra E. Thompson-Ebanks
David A. Travillion
Jacquelyn S. Turner
Erica Twyman
Wallisa T. Vaughn
Vanessa M. Vavasseur
C. R. Verret
Monique T. Wakefield
JoAnn E. Warrick
Monica O. Watts
Denise A. Webb
Alicia J. Weber
Angele T. White
Dolly C. White
Jimmie C. Wickham
Lisa L. Wilkerson
Donielle F. Williams Collins
Damon L. Williams
Elijah J. Williams
Karen R. Williams
Lashonda L. Williams
Toye Williams
Yolanda A. Williams
Clarice A. Wimberly
John A. Woodard
Charlotte H. Wooten
Xavier University Alumni
Association-Chicago Chapter
Sharon J. Zealey
Opera!
XAVIER IS KNOWN for serving as a cornerstone for Black students and excellence. Part of this legacy is its service as a home and haven for Black performing artists, specifically in the opera music genre.
Sister Mary Elise Sisson, SBS
Xavier's live production of “The Pirates of Portsmouth,” based on Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance”
Reviving a Deeply Rooted History Opera Returns TO Xavier
BY ALISHA TILLERY | CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A Beacon of Light in Crescent City
Founded in 1934 by Sister Mary Elise Sisson, SBS, Xavier’s opera program was designed to ensure that students were exposed to the arts of the time despite Jim Crow laws that excluded people of color from overarching cultural and recreational activities. Within a year of its establishment, Xavier became the first HBCU to produce a full-scale opera production, and New Orleans would later be known as the “first city of opera.”
Sisson’s foundational work and musical footprint remained decades beyond her departure from Xavier in 1969, introducing students and the region to the genre and, in turn, a new cultural outlook.
Joyce Carter, ‘69, an esteemed mezzo-soprano, concert artist, and educator, recalled her experience watching Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida and Francis Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites” as an understudy. During her time as an undergraduate, she auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera and New Orleans Symphony, performing in the role of Bess in a concert performance of “Porgy and Bess” her senior year. She credits her audacious success with her exposure, experience, and mentorship from Xavier faculty. She later received a teaching assistantship and pursued
postgraduate study at Indiana University, working and teaching the arts ever since, never giving up on her dream to be an opera singer.
Xavier’s historic opera program allows students to bet on themselves and receive worldclass instruction. “It’s an opportunity for them to explore and try [opera], especially if they have that talent,” Carter said. “And if they have that talent, they can come to Xavier and improve it, and grow and develop.”
After more decades in existence, the XU Opera program began to take a different shape, still continuing to produce renowned performers –the late Debria Brown, ‘58, noted opera singer who became known for her signature lead role in Bizet’s “Carmen” at New York City Center Opera and Gail Gilmore, who’s performed in opera houses globally, including Teatro de le Fenice, La Scala, and Carnegie Hall. Lavergne Monette, ‘72, ‘19, another opera great and Xavierite, sung at Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera Company, touring abroad, and soprano Annabelle Bernard, who spent 40 years with the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Eventually, funding, cultural impacts, shifts in music interests, and faculty might’ve led to a downturn in the program.
Xavier’s historic opera program allows students to bet on themselves and receive world-class instruction.
Scene from Xavier's live production of “The Pirates of Portsmouth”
Opera! Opera Returns TO Xavier
A New Era of Xavier Opera
Always serving with a global view, Xavier has revamped the program to acknowledge its rich history, preparing students today for a multi-skilled future. Career vocalist and performer Sakinah Davis, Ph.D., who is an assistant professor in the Department of Music, is building on the groundbreaking history of Xavier’s opera program. She also wants students to know they can be active in the genre without having to grace the stage as a vocalist.
In her Opera Workshop course, which increases students’ awareness and knowledge of their options in the genre, students are exposed to other competencies, skills, and career pathways involved in staged productions, such as lighting and music administration. Performance majors must take at least one semester of an opera workshop, but it’s open to all students for exploration.
Continuing to produce graduates who would go on to become accomplished performers, such as Simone Brown, ‘15, and Taylor White, ‘20, the Music Department began rebuilding its opera program, preparing for
a production in early 2020, but was stopped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-pandemic, Davis and other faculty worked to reorganize the program and ready students for productions, presenting musicals as a gateway to full opera productions.
In Spring 2024, the program put on its first opera in years, “The Pirates of Portsmouth,” an adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance,” revamped to celebrate the history and legacies of HBCUs. As a testament to the program’s swift impact, students, even those not enrolled in the workshop course, were eager to participate.
“They’re (students) very creative and very talented, a number that had musical experience before they got here,” Davis said. “They love building community, so they try to problem-solve. They always have ideas, and some of the suggestions have gotten incorporated into a show.”
Rising senior and Liberal Arts— Music major Devin Sloan was part of the Portsmouth cast. He joined Opera Workshop to feed off fellow students’ energy, spending time learning and reviewing lines, eventually joining the cast as a key performer. He says current and incoming students should take advantage of the available unique learning opportunities.
“Being on the stage, as well as singing, was a very fun experience, especially during my first production ever,” the Orlando native says. “I think that [Opera Workshop] is awesome.”
He encourages current and incoming students to utilize the program’s resurgence. “I see it as building onto a legacy that was already there –and building on a new era. For a long time, these types of things weren’t available, and now that we brought them back, I would say to the student who might be interested or just want to see the show, come out, come support,” Sloan said. “It would be very important, not only just for us, the Xavier community, but the community, overall.”
Looking Forward to Uncovered Possibilities
In her sixth year as a Xavier faculty member, Davis is most excited about the opportunities available to students beyond what meets the eye. Xavier remains on the cutting edge by providing a comprehensive view of the music genre.
“They’re interested in all these different things,” she said. “A lot of them just don’t know the possibilities, and part of it is because traditional music programs focus on performance and skill craft. You can be stage manager, you can perform on stage, or you can come up with your own performance curation. There are so many options.”
“Being on the stage, as well as singing, was a very fun experience, especially during my first production ever."—Devin Sloan
Vision-casting, Davis is developing an explicit trajectory to accommodate the many pathways students can take for a viable career in opera. “The thing about opera that’s interesting is that it’s so expansive,” she said. “It involves behind the scenes, singing, acting, instrumental performance, and sometimes it’s hard to get it all in one course. It’s like putting the puzzle together.”
Reintroducing opera to the community at large through alumni and community engagement and technology is also a priority, as well as making the program sustainable for longevity.
Expanding the program also provides more opportunities to teach the campus environment and extended community about the hidden history of the longtime Black presence in opera.
Davis says the primary goal of Xavier’s opera program is to use the art form “to connect students to reflections of themselves.”
Learn more about the Xavier Department of Music by scanning the QR code (below). XG
Learn more about the Xavier Department of Music by scanning the QR
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ATHLETICS REVIEW
BY ED CASSIERE ASSOCIATE ATHLETICS DIRECTOR FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
continued its longtime athletics success in 2023-24. XULA won two more national championships and six additional team championships at the conference or unaffiliated group level. The successes have raised XULA’s total team championships to 172 since opening in 1925 — 125 championships in the last 21 seasons.
Seth Alexander (above) earned his second consecutive National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national championship in the men’s triple jump with 15.42 meters/50 feet 7 1/4 inches on March 2 at the indoor meet in Brookings, South Dakota. Alexander finished fourth at NAIA outdoor nationals in Marion, Indiana — he was the champion in 2023 — and set a school record of 15.47 meters/50 feet, 9 1/4 inches.
Competitive Cheer earned the other national title. On April 13 at the National Cheerleaders Association meet in Daytona Beach, Florida, XULA outscored Westcliff 91.3375 to 89.7166 to win the advanced large coed NAIA division. The championship occurred two weeks after the Gold placed second at NAIA nationals in Ypsilanti, Michigan. St. Ambrose outscored XULA 97.28 to 96.91, and those schools produced the two highest scores in meet history.
The April victory was XULA’s second national title in five seasons as a varsity program. The Gold won the 2022 NAIA championship and became the first XULA team in any sport to win an NAIA-sponsored national title.
Competitive Cheer won the national title on April 13 at the National Cheerleaders Association meet in Daytona Beach, Florida.
XULA’s other championships:
• Women’s Soccer won the Red River Athletic Conference regular season in its first varsity season and reached the second round of NAIA nationals.
• Women’s Volleyball, for the 13th consecutive season, won a conference tournament and an automatic bid to NAIA nationals. XULA trailed 13-8 at home against Our Lady of the Lake in the fifth set of the Red River final before rallying for a 7-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 19-17 decision.
• Men’s Tennis, playing at home in its unaffiliated group final against OLLU, won 4-2. It was the third consecutive group title for the Gold Rush and a school record for the 15th successive berth for NAIA nationals.
• Women’s Tennis defeated LSU-Alexandria 4-0 in the Red River final at San Antonio, Texas, and qualified for NAIA nationals for the 12th consecutive time. The Gold Nuggets reached the semifinals of NAIA nationals for the seventh time, and indoors in February, they were the ITA NAIA national runner-up. XULA’s 23 dual-match victories were a program record.
• XULA won an outdoor title in Women’s Track and Field for the seventh consecutive time and the 10th in its last 11 attempts. The Gold Nuggets, competing in New Orleans at Tad Gormley Stadium, scored 392 points, the most ever by a women’s team at the Red River meet.
• Also, Men’s Track and Field set the overall Red River record for points at a league meet with 405 at Gormley.
Cheer Coach Glen Caston, NAIA Competitive Cheer National Coach of the Year
Track coach Yhann Plummer, Louisiana Coach of the Year award winner, with the Men's and Women's trophies from the Red River Meet.
Men's and Women's Coach Alan Green, Louisiana Coach of the Year award winner.
More XULA highlights:
• XULA’s other debut program, Men’s Soccer, entered the final week of the regular season in a tie for first place in the Red River. The Gold Rush finished third in the 14-team league and reached the conference tournament’s semifinals. The Gold Rush made a big enough splash to earn votes in two of the regular season’s final three NAIA coaches’ polls.
• Freshman Dylan Sonnier was NAIA Co-Cheerleader of the Year as part of the organization’s All-America team.
• Glenn Caston was chosen NAIA Competitive Cheer National Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons.
• On the All-Louisiana Women’s Soccer team, Luci Schroeder was chosen Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, and Ashley Cordeiro earned Coach of the Year.
• XULA earned three other Louisiana Coach of the Year awards: Yhann Plummer in Men’s Track and Field and Alan Green in Men’s Tennis and Women’s Tennis.
• Green reached 300 career victories with the Gold Rush when XULA defeated Texas Wesleyan 6-1 on April 5 at Alexandria, Louisiana. Green notched his 300th victory with the XULA women in 2023.
• Women’s Basketball was 25-7 — the Gold Nuggets’ winningest team in 12 seasons — and qualified for NAIA nationals for the 23rd time in the last 30 seasons.
• Men’s Basketball narrowly missed an at-large bid to nationals, but XULA reached 20 victories for the 36th time to extend its Louisiana men’s college basketball record. The Gold Rush (22-7) was a 20-game winner for the third consecutive season and the 16th time in the last 21 seasons.
• Nour Abbes (Women’s Tennis), Shaun Dumas (Men’s Basketball), Eddie Flint (Football, Basketball, and Baseball), Dannton Jackson (Men’s Basketball), and Demetria Lang (Women’s Basketball) were voted in June into the XULA Athletic Hall of Fame. They’ll be inducted Nov. 7 in a 6 p.m. banquet on the third floor of Xavier’s University Center.
Visit XULAGold.com for more information about XULA Athletics and xulagold.com/archives for news. Follow Athletics on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @xulagold. XG
At center, Freshman Dylan Sonnier, NAIA Co-Cheerleader of the Year
Soccer Coach Ashley Cordeiro , Louisiana Coach of the Year award winner
Above right, All-Louisiana Women’s Soccer team member Luci Schroeder was chosen Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
Members of the Men's Tennis team celebrate a victory over Our Lady of the Lake
Xavier University of Louisiana has announced continued progress with Ochsner Health, the Gulf South’s leading academic medical center in training physicians, to launch their transformational Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM), focusing on allopathic medicine. This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing medical education by addressing health disparities in diverse communities and helping fulfill the urgent need for more physicians in Louisiana and the nation.
Fast Facts: Here’s What You Need to Know
Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, or XOCOM, will be located in the burgeoning BioDistrict New Orleans, which is located downtown in Benson Tower next to Caesars Superdome.
Xavier and Ochsner officials have announced that Leonardo Seoane, M.D., FACP, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Ochsner Health, will serve as the new HBCU medical school’s founding dean.
When it opens, the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will be one of a handful of HBCU medical schools, joining the nation’s four existing historically Black medical schools: Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. 1 2 3 4 5 6
The announcement on April 29, 2024, follows votes by the Xavier University of Louisiana Board of Trustees and the Ochsner Health Board of Directors in February to approve the formation of the new medical school.
XOCOM is slated to be the only HBCU medical school in the Gulf South when it opens. (There is no official opening date available)
Xavier University of Louisiana will seek approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). XOCOM will seek preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
Institutional Advancement
Welcomes New Team Members!
Your Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) plays a crucial role in building and stewarding relationships in support of the University’s mission, vision, and philanthropic goals. Through our initiatives and services, IA increases support for scholarships, academic and student support programs, and institutional priorities and fosters lifelong connections with students, alumni, and the greater community.
Meet the new members of our team.
Demetria George Caston, ‘98 Regional Gifts Officer
Jimmie Johnson, ‘13 Alumni Relations & Development Coordinator
Shelly Lindsey Regional Gifts Officer
Leslie D. Rose, ‘05
Director of Advancement Communications
Tiffany Guillory Thomas Database
Manager
Shelly Lindsey
Demetria George Caston, ‘98
Jimmie Johnson, ‘13
Leslie D. Rose, ‘05
Tiffany Guillory Thomas
A CHANGED APPROACH TO PREMEDICAL EDUCATION & SUPPORT
Remembering PROFESSOR EMERITUS JW Carmichael, Ph.D.
BY LESLIE D. ROSE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS
The passing of Professor Emeritus JW Carmichael is a cause for sadness but also joy as we recall his life of purpose and deep love for Xavier students and the decades of graduates blessed by his influence. [His] imagination and dedication shaped Xavier’s great work in STEM and pre-medical education and are a foundation for the current and future work of the University. Professor Carmichael lived a calling as he gave of himself to Xavier students and colleagues. May we each take lesson from his example.
– Reynold Verret, Ph.D., President, Xavier University of Louisiana
JW CARMICHAEL, PH.D., became a legend at Xavier University of Louisiana from the first time he stepped on campus fresh from an evening of partying for an informal chat with two members of S.B.S. to explore his potential hiring. Surprisingly, the vibrant young man, stout with sandy hair still dressed from the night before, was invited back for a formal interview and thus began a five-decade career assisting premedical Xavierites with securing life-changing careers in medicine.
“As to my early professional career, coming to Xavier and discovering I loved New Orleans and the students at Xavier were extremely important to me… Within three years, I knew I was not going anywhere unless they kicked me out because I loved my job,” Carmichael told George Dawson, M.D., in a 2005 National Medical Association (NMA) interview.
While Xavier has long been known for producing a top number of African American graduates who go on to complete medical school, Carmichael noted that in the mid-1970s, the University placed fewer than 10 students into medical school annually.
“Xavier was always strong in the sciences because of the College of Pharmacy. However, premed was very small in the mid-1970s. We were placing five to eight students into medical school and another couple into dentistry. Over the next 10 years, we grew large enough to
place about 25 per year into medical school and another 10 or so into dentistry, veterinary medicine, etc.,” Carmichael told Dawson.
At the time of the NMA interview, Carmichael reported that Xavier was generally placing 75-85 students into allopathic medical schools and another 45-60 into dentistry, osteopathic medicine, and other areas of medicine. Overall, however, Xavier had solidified itself as a leader in premedical studies.
“As far as I can tell, from 1975 to the fall of 2004, premed placed approximately 1,285 into allopathic medical school, 55 into osteopathic medical school, 240 into dental school, 24 into veterinary school, 53 in optometry school, 53 in podiatry school, and 275 in public health or health administration graduate programs,” Carmichael said.
Over the past 20 years, 803 Xavier graduates earned medical degrees in the U.S., a credit
to its premedical office, which Carmichael founded. He joked that he was ‘roped into’ the role of premedical advisor because he complained about prior guidance available to premed students. His name became synonymous with pre-medicine at Xavier, and incoming freshmen were told to meet him immediately to explore all the possibilities of their future careers.
“My cousin started Xavier a few years before me, and when I arrived on campus, she told me I had to meet [Dr. Carmichael] if I was going to be a doctor,” said obstetrician-gynecologist Cherie C. Hill, M.D., ‘05. “Our first interaction was not what I expected—he told me all the things I had better do otherwise—he was going to send a letter to my mama! I had the pleasure of working as a student tutor in his premedical office and really saw his dedication to our success and his ability to tell students when it was time to pursue other fields. Dr. Carmichael
certainly had the magic formula to help me succeed, and his passion and persistence pushed me to the start of this amazing career.”
At notice of his passing, tributes filled social media. Black doctors across the industry noted how Carmichael had been the perfect combination of stern and playful that they needed to send them along their successful medical journeys.
“[I met] Dr. JW Carmichael during the Howard Hughes Summer Program at Xavier in the summer of 1996,” said surgeon and freelance medical correspondent Cedrek McFadden, M.D., ‘00, in a social media post. “Before meeting him… I was expecting someone in a suit—polished, proper, and all business. Instead, in walked this intriguing, slightly ornery but deeply sincere man who, while laid-back, was still all business—mentoring with humor, purpose, and just the right amount of sarcasm from day one. I remember working in the premed office, running errands, even driving his car to Office Max for supplies—little moments that at the time seemed small but were shaping something greater. His legacy is etched in the countless doctors who now walk hospital corridors and serve communities nationwide. We carry his lessons, discipline, and belief in our potential. We are his living legacy, and for that, I will always be grateful.”
Quo Vadis Webster, ‘00, Director of Xavier’s premedical program, began working with Carmichael long before she became his successor. As a freshman in 1996, Carmichael was her premed advisor.
“Having worked closely with Dr. Carmichael on Xavier’s campus, as well as assisting him with his personal life both pre-and post-retirement, I have many, many, many stories I could share
about him, but I will just say here that he has had a huge impact on my life as a student, as a professional, and as a friend,” Webster said in an op-ed for The Xavier Story Project. “On a personal note, the impact Dr. Carmichael has had on my life since graduating from Xavier University cannot be overstated. When I couldn’t enroll in medical school because my mom was sick, he created a full-time position for me; he made sure that I remained on the payroll during the Hurricane Katrina closure; he introduced me to food I’d never eaten, movies I never would have watched, and NPR; he has been a surrogate father, grandfather, zany uncle, and friend to me; he invested in my work and personal well-being. He is truly family to me, and while he can be a thorn in my side, I cannot forget the beautiful rose that is JWC.”
Carmichael, born in Lamesa, Texas, in 1940, grew up in New Mexico. He attended Eastern New Mexico University, earning a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and mathematics, and later received his doctorate from the University
of Illinois in 1965. In 1970, he accepted a teaching role at Xavier where he later developed its Summer Science Academy and founded the premedical office. He served as Premedical Office Director until his retirement in 2016 when he was named Professor Emeritus. For five decades, industry experts studied Carmichael’s methods as a model of success; however, when reflecting on his greatest professional moment, Carmichael was less than boastful, only remarking that doing everything he could was his true mark of achievement.
“…As far as I am concerned, the only accomplishment worthwhile was being able to look back at any time and say that I had done everything humanly possible to help as many students achieve their goal of becoming a health professional,” he told Dawson in 2005.
“I won’t have a headstone on a grave because I have written that I want to be cremated and have my ashes poured out in front of an all-night bar on Bourbon Street. It is legal, I checked. However, if I had a headstone, all I would want it to say is, “Here lies an honest man who did his best to make the world a better place.”
JW Carmichael passed away on September 7, 2024.
Ever dedicated to Xavier University of Louisiana, Carmichael established the Premed Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance to the Premed program and scholarships for its students. To support the fund, please scan the QR code or visit giving.xula. edu. XG
COMMENCEMENT 2024
Xavier University of Louisiana Awards
more than 650 Degrees at 2024 Commencement
A total of 656 graduates were awarded their degrees during the two ceremonies celebrating Xavier University of Louisiana’s 97th annual commencement on May 11, 2024. The first ceremony celebrated graduates of Xavier’s College of Pharmacy (COP) and College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Programs. The second honored those graduating from Xavier’s Undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences.
Deborah H. Telman (center) receives an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Xavier University of Louisiana. Pictured with Reynold Verret, Ph.D., President (L), and Marguerite Giguette, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost (R).
Deborah H. Telman Gives Commencement Address at College of Pharmacy and Graduate Programs Ceremony
STAFF REPORT
“Your dreams may look different when you wake up… often that pivot is the stepping stone to success.” — Deborah H. Telman, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and General Counsel at Gilead Sciences, to Xavier’s 2024 graduates in the College of Pharmacy and graduate programs.
Those words of encouragement derived from her fantastic career that shifted when she realized she no longer wanted to become a doctor. A Juris Doctor paved the way for the dedicated work she continues to do in advancing health equity.
Like many Xavierites, Telman was a first-generation college student in her family. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania before earning her Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law. Throughout her more than 25year career, she has held increasingly advanced positions with several Fortune 500 companies, including Johnson Controls, Boeing, Abbott Laboratories, Sorrento Therapeutics, and Morgan Stanley, before joining the Gilead team in 2022. PR Weekly Magazine also named her a “Top 30 Health Influencer” in 2022.
Her dedication to furthering health equity exemplifies the values of Saint Katharine Drexel and Xavier’s mission. Telman encouraged this year’s graduates to use their voices and ‘who’ they are to speak truth to power to affect change.
COMMENCEMENT 2024
Toasting to Success
More than 300 members of the Class of 2024 joined the Office of Alumni Relations, the National Alumni Association, and the Student Government Association to participate in a senior toast, a new tradition at the University.
As a gift to all Xavier graduates, the National Alumni Association extended a one-year free membership to an alumni chapter in their respective cities. Alumni chapters provide a great resource to all Xavier alumni. Chapters often host networking, social, and mentoring events.
The Need for History TODAY
XAVIER HAS ADDED A PROGRAM to its roster that will help illustrate the cultural conditions that led to its establishment with the launch of its African American and African Diasporic Cultural Studies Program (AAADCS). The new program will carry the name of the current minor, African American Diaspora Studies (AADS).
Xavier Welcomes
New African American and African Diasporic Cultural Studies Program
STAFF REPORT
“Xavier has always embraced diversity and inclusivity as core values and is committed to expanding programs that create more opportunities for Xavierites,” said Dr. Marguerite Giguette, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. “The AADS program has an interdisciplinary approach that builds historical and cultural knowledge for program students and allows them the chance to gain experience and receive an education preparing them to be of service to global society.”
The AADS Program is a new major offered at Xavier University that started in the spring of 2024. However, a “soft launch” of the program in August made select courses available to students during the fall 2023 semester. Spearheaded by Dr. Sharlene Sinegal-Decuir, ‘99, the program intends to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the African American Diasporic experience in a global world, allowing Xavierites to learn and understand the development of social, political, and economic structures of several countries. Funded through a grant by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the largest supporting grant program of the arts and humanities in the United States, the new program will help students understand historical and cultural shifts in the Black experience and teach the necessary facts about a history that is essentially their own.
“I was blown away by the fact that I did not know anything about our history.”
“Today, it is evident that students are not receiving knowledge [about Black history] as school systems tend to remove the African American Diasporic experience from history and learning. Students are entering HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) with little to no knowledge of the value and contributions of the diaspora,” Sinegal-DeCuir said. “This does a real disservice to us [Black people]. Our youth doesn’t know our history. I remember being a student at Xavier back in the ‘90s and taking some African American Diasporic minor courses; I was blown away by the fact that I did not know anything about our history. Taking those minor courses fueled my desire to learn more about my history. After teaching African American History for 15 years at Xavier, I clearly saw the need to expand the AADS minor into a major. Our students are eager to learn more about their history!”
Alumni Highlights Alumni Highlights
BY MARCIA PECOT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
AS
WE APPROACH our centennial, remaining connected to our dedicated alumni becomes even more of a priority. This past year, we’ve been around the country and even Belize to support opportunities to share space, grow, and engage with Xavierites. Here are just a few highlights.
Alumni Leadership Conference
The Xavier University of Louisiana Alumni Leadership Conference occurred in June 2024 in Washington, D.C. The annual conference aims to empower chapter leaders, strengthen connections among alumni, promote volunteerism, and educate alumni about the National Alumni Association, Office of Alumni Relations, and other departments at XU. Attendees at the Leadership Conference gained insights into effective chapter management strategies. They explored opportunities to take on leadership roles within the alumni community and various volunteer initiatives and programs available to them. The conference provides a platform for alumni to discuss the University’s mission, values, and future direction. It also provides a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage in meaningful conversations about faith service and the impact they can make within the XU community.
Golden Alumni Holiday Party
During the Christmas holidays, the Xavier community gathered to celebrate and reflect on the concept of community with our Golden Alumni at the iconic Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. As we shared stories and memories, the significance of community and connection became even more evident, bridging generations and reinforcing Xavier’s values. The gathering was not just a celebration of the festive season but also an homage to the enduring legacy of our alumni. The Golden Alumni, who have contributed so much to the Xavier ethos, were honored and celebrated for their lifetime of achievements and service. This event reminded us that community is not just about proximity but about shared values, mutual respect, and the collective effort to support one another.
The annual Dr. Rudy Lombard Symposium on Civil Rights was created at Xavier to remember Lombard’s powerful legacy and is sponsored by Xavier’s Office of Alumni Relations. The 2024 symposium featured several panelists who discussed voting rights as a critical election year looms, including the Honorable Ronald C. Gathe Jr., ‘96, United States Attorney for the Baton Rouge-based Middle District of Louisiana; the Honorable Ellen Hazeur, ‘86, judge for the Orleans Parish Civil District Court Division A in Louisiana; and Dr. Cassandra Shepard, adjunct professor of African American Studies at Xavier; class of 2024 student panelists Kennedy Carey-Prescott, president of Xavier’s Student Government Association; Terrol Perkins, president of the Xavier chapter of Collegiate 100; and Layla Dent, president of the NAACP at Xavier. Dr. Sharlene SinegalDeCuir, ‘99, moderated both panels. The Honorable Judge Edwin A. Lombard, brother of Dr. Rudy Lombard, ‘61, was a featured guest.
The Belize Girls’ Trip was about caring for ourselves and each other. A group of Xavier women spent the days reminiscing about familiar stories and experiences at our beloved Alma Mater, enjoying adventures and excursions, shopping at local artisan shops, and bonding over food and family. It was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new memories. We laughed, cried, and supported each other like true sisters. The trip was a reminder of the importance of self-care and the power of female friendship and the Xavier woman.
College of Pharmacy Alumni Dinner – Chicago
The College of Pharmacy’s Chicago area alumni dinner provided a unique opportunity for former students to reconnect with their peers, reminisce about their academic journeys, and witness the advancements and achievements within Xavier’s College of Pharmacy. The dinner aimed to strengthen alumni bonds and inspire continued involvement in the College’s endeavors by fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The evening’s program included inspiring speeches, updates on current projects from XUCOP Dean Kathleen Kennedy, and heartfelt testimonials from alumni. These narratives highlight the transformative impact of pharmacy education and underscore the importance of continued support to sustain and expand Xavier’s mission. By coming together, alumni play a pivotal role in ensuring the College of Pharmacy continues to thrive and produce the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Equity in Healthcare Fireside Chat at the National Medical Association Convention
National Association of Black Journalists Convention
Xavier was proud to co-sponsor the 2024 Sports Task Force Scholarship Jam, held during the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Chicago. Gregory Lee, Jr., ‘96, was a facilitator for the event and assisted the University with celebrating Xavier-educated journalists and communications professionals that evening, as well as engaging with other media experts who have an interest in HBCUs and the amazing work the University is doing, especially leading up to its centennial.
During the 2024 National Medical Association Convention & Scientific Assembly, Xavier and Ochsner hosted a panel discussion on health equity, addressing the urgent need for representation in clinical practice and medical research. Moderated by Dr. Derek Robinson, ‘98, panelists included Dr. Dawn Brown, ‘00, Dr. Regina Benjamin, ‘79, and Dr. Leo Seone, Founding Dean of XOCOM. The room was filled with many Xavier-educated doctors who later joined President Reynold Verret for a photo along with NMA President Dr. Yolanda Lawson. XG
Central Florida
This chapter year, the Central Florida Alumni Chapter held and participated in the following events:
• 50-50 Raffle
• Bayou Classic Watch Party
• Black Santa Photo Holiday Mixer
• Holiday Basket Raffle
• GLX Central Florida Alumni Fete
Dallas
This chapter year, the Dallas-Fort Worth Alumni Chapter hosted the following events:
• The 2023 XULA DFW Freshmen Reception was held on Sunday, August 6, 2023. We welcomed 35 students, parents, and alumni to celebrate the Class of 2027. The XULA DFW Alumni Chapter gave $15,000 in scholarships, bringing our total scholarship fundraising donations to over $100,000 since 2001.
• The 2nd Annual HBCU Awareness & Recruitment Event was held on Sunday, September 10, 2023. The HBCU Project hosts this event, which includes participation from 25 HBCUs, a college preparation panel discussion, scholarships, and attendance from over 1,500 students, parents, and teachers from the Dallas—Fort Worth metropolitan area. This is the largest HBCU event in North Texas, and XULA DFW was proud to represent the university.
• Our XULA DFW Alumni Chapter Scholarship Fundraiser Old School Day Party was held on Sunday, April 28, 2024. The theme was “Dress in the Decade of Your Choice.” We hosted over 70 attendees, including Centennial Campaign Vice-Chairperson Teal Holden, and raised over $15,000 in proceeds to benefit scholarships for DFW area Xavierites.
Atlanta
This chapter year, the Atlanta Alumni Chapter hosted the following events:
• Membership Drive
• HBCU Alumni and D9 Night with the Hawks
• A Derby Attired Affair Scholarship Fundraiser
• Participated in HBCU College Fairs
• Alumni Chapter Holiday Event
• Give.Love.Xavier Event at the Beverly
• Atlanta Alumni Business Expo
• Young Alumni Social
• Sunday Soiree Scholarship Fundraiser
Chicago
This chapter year, the Chicago Alumni Chapter hosted the following events:
• Summertime Fete Annual Scholarship Fundraiser
• Various Chicago Area alumnithemed events and Gatherings
• Support prospective students and current Xavierites throughout the year, including school tours, college fairs
• Awarded the Alumni Chapter of the Year award and Alumnus of the Year award went to Mrs. Joyce Carter, ‘69.
Houston
This chapter year, the Houston Alumni Chapter hosted the following events:
• XULA Houston Alumni Mardi Gras Gala
• The Vincent Rachal Jazz Brunch and Scholarship Fundraiser with Attorney Alejandro Perkins and State Representative Jarvis Johnson as speakers.
• Annual crawfish boil and fish fry membership drive
• Participated in various events to support prospective and current students, such as XU Comes to You and the Annual HBCU College Fair
DMV (DC, MD & VA)
This chapter year, the DMV Alumni Chapter hosted the following events:
• 5K Run/Walk
• Black Tie Scholarship Gala
• Provided Two Freshman Scholarships
• Supported the XU Comes to You event for admitted students
• Hosted the DMV Holiday Social
Memphis
This chapter year, the Memphis Alumni Chapter hosted the following events:
• A Night with the President, January 15, 2023
• Brunch and Bubbles, March 5, 2023
• Community service food drive with St. Augustine Catholic Church, Xavier students and alumni
Montgomery
New Orleans
This chapter year, the New Orleans Alumni Chapter hosted the following events:
• Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser
• Participated in the HBCU + Divine 9 Night at the Smoothie King Center
• Homecoming Raffle
• Annual Membership Drive and Crawfish Boil
• Senior 2024 Care Package Distribution
• Scholarship Fundraiser at the Helis Foundation John Scott Center
This chapter year, the Montgomery Alumni Chapter hosted the following events:
• Quarterly-themed bingo games
• A Christmas gathering
• Mardi Grasthemed event
This chapter year, the New York Tri-State Area Alumni Chapter hosted and participated in the following events:
• Archdiocese of New York prayer brunch
• HBCU Fair at the Barclay Center
• Karaoke Night mixer with alumni
• Black History Month Mass and National Day of Prayer for the African American and African Family at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
New York Tri-State North Louisiana
Southern California
This chapter year, the Southern California Alumni Chapter hosted the following events:
• Pre-GLX Bowling Fundraiser/Meet-Up
• Give.Love.Xavier Day Event
• First Chapter Scholarship Fundraiser held at Darrow’s New Orleans Grill in Carson, CA
• Black College Expo Table
This chapter year, the North Louisiana Alumni Chapter hosted the following events:
• Membership Drive
• HBCU Alumni Mixer
• Participated in the HBCU College Fair
• Alumni Chapter Holiday Event
Joyce Carter, ‘69
Honored with Xavier’s Esteemed Victor H. Labat Sr. Alumnus of the Year Award
BY LESLIE D. ROSE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS
Xavier University of Louisiana has named Mrs. Joyce Carter, ‘69, our 2023 Alumnus of the Year. The South Holland, Illinois resident and native of Mobile, Alabama, received the esteemed Victor H. Labat Sr. Alumnus of the Year award at the annual Homecoming banquet in November.
“I’m just an ordinary citizen,” Carter said about receiving the award. “I am deeply honored and privileged to receive this award, and I accept it on behalf of all our committed and hardworking alumni, families, friends, staff, and administrators of this world-class institution of education. I am deeply humbled and privileged to be able to stand on the shoulders of those who came before me – each of us is working in concert to lay a solid foundation for our aspiring young people.”
Carter remains dedicated to Xavier as a Chicago Alumni Association chapter member. She and her late husband, college classmate and sweetheart Frederick J. Carter, RPH, tirelessly devoted themselves to raising funds for the Chicago Alumni Association and Xavier University of Louisiana, a commitment she maintains. She also created the Post-Holiday Party and In-Coming Student Reception and is a mentor and advisor to the chapter and Xavier students and graduates. This unwavering support of her alma mater made her stand out as this year’s award recipient.
Xavier’s National Alumni Association President Chantel Shackleford, ‘90, said she is encouraged by Carter’s humble giving spirit.
“Mrs. Carter taught us how to serve without shining,” Shackleford shared. “She taught us how to give without bragging and how to be silent when we wanted to speak up. Because of her silent service that she has been faithful and consistent with, we are standing here today as her legacy and will continue to serve for years to come.”
Upon receiving her Bachelor of Arts in music from Xavier and her Master of Music from Roosevelt University of Chicago, Carter, a mezzo-soprano, embarked upon a fruitful career in the performing arts that found her working alongside legendary artists, bestowing music knowledge and skill upon younger generations, and living out her dreams on stages across the world. She said Xavier truly prepared her for those opportunities.
"I want to help get scholarships. I want kids to have to get the opportunity to go and get that higher education. I feel like it’s necessary.”
“One big memory that comes to my mind is that unforgettable moment as an undergraduate when I got a chance to sing the role of Bess in a concert performance of “Porgy and Bess” with the New Orleans Symphony conducted by the world-renowned conductor Carlos Manati,” she said. “While Xavier did present its own opera [productions at that time,] it meant an awful lot to me to be able to sing in that performance. The type of training that I got [at Xavier] – I am very grateful for it.”
Carter credits Xavier with much more than just her career; because of this, she works hard to find multiple ways to support the University, paying it forward for students, current and prospective. “Xavier made a way for us to take care of ourselves and our families and made a way for us to commit ourselves to the community and reach back,” she said. “It has provided an opportunity for us to show the next generation how it should be done, not just get ours. So, I want to help
get scholarships. I want kids to have to get the opportunity to go and get that higher education. I feel like it’s necessary.”
Using her experience as a former opera singer, concert artist, and full-time educator, she now works as a piano and voice instructor who also donates considerable time to serving her community. Carter is a shining example of what it means to commit yourself to something greater than your dreams. As an active member of the Chicago community, she is a 29-year member of the Links Incorporated, South Suburban Chicago Chapter, where she served as a two-term vice president and two-term chapter president. She is chapter president of The Society, Incorporated Chicago Chapter for the Arts, a board member, treasurer, and the National Chair of Ethics and Standards of the Harold C. Jones Memorial Center of Chicago Heights, and a member of The Nathaniel Dett Music Association. She serves on the African American Network Advisory Board of the Chicago Symphony Center. She is also a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member, where she previously served as chair of the Arts and Letters committee. Further community commitments include her loyal and longtime membership at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Chicago. Her past memberships include the National Council of Negro Women and a 20-year tenure in South Suburban Jack and Jill leadership roles, including vice president and two terms as president.
She is the proud mother of Dr. Jocelyn A. Carter (Christopher), a physician-scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and James F. Carter (Lisa), an investment banker and Central Regional Director of Academy Securities.
Fred Toca, ‘62
Reflects on His History-Making Legacy
BY MARTIE BOWSER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Frederick Toca, Ph.D., CIH, CSP, is the epitome of a Xavier legacy that has come full circle.
He began his educational career at Xavier University Preparatory School. With the encouragement of the sisters and his family, Toca chose to continue to Xavier University to earn his bachelor’s degree.
“My father loved it because I would be staying home instead of going away, and he wouldn’t have to pay for room and board,” Toca said jokingly.
Influenced by several family members in the science and medical field, Toca focused on medical technology and served as president of the club associated with the program.
After receiving his degree, Toca enlisted in the United States Army to gain access to their scholarship programs. He served four years in the military, making him eligible for the GI Bill, which he used in conjunction with various government-issued grants to complete his graduate degrees.
He attended the University of Michigan to earn his master’s in physiology, with plans to become a research scientist. He soon pivoted to industrial health after beginning his work under Dr. Warren Cook, the first industrial hygiene professor at the University of Michigan and co-founder of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
Toca was among the few African American students in the course but quickly excelled due to his undergraduate education at Xavier.
“Xavier prepared me,” Toca said. “When Warren Cook looked at my resume, he said, ‘Well, you know, you could do great in industrial hygiene because you have taken all of the chemistry courses.’”
With Cook as his mentor, Toca was introduced to several industrial and occupational health areas. Public health service grants continued to fund his education, and he completed his master’s in 1968.
After graduating, he obtained his first position at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, where the first atomic bomb was developed. Toca was the only Black employee in the occupational health department. In his position, he monitored scientists as they completed their research to create plans to ensure their health at every step. Although the position had risks and required strenuous and meticulous work, Toca said the people made it a memorable experience.
“It was a great environment,” he said. “The head of the group I worked for was more like a second father to me. There were just a lot of good-natured people. So, I was able to learn on that job and apply a lot of stuff that I already had because it wasn’t a pressured environment.”
Toca’s work at Los Alamos solidified his love of lab work and furthered his interest in scientific research. He worked there for two years as a laboratory technician before leaving to pursue his doctorate, which he earned in 1972 in preventive medicine from the University of Iowa. His toxicology and industrial hygiene education made him a leading voice within policy and compliance.
His expertise in the field was evident in his executive positions at prominent organizations – he was the former Director of Occupational Safety and Health for Hoechst Celanese, Director of Industrial Hygiene Safety and Compliance for USX Corporation (U.S. Steel), and Manager of Environmental Protection for General Electric Company’s Plastics Division. He also held director-level roles at Tenneco Chemicals and Gulf Oil. Throughout his corporate career, Toca worked in various industrial and occupational health sectors; however, his most challenging role was managing people rather than scientific findings. “It was a people thing,” he said. “How do you get people to do a good job and enjoy it? I made a few mistakes there, but like I said, I had some really great people and some that weren’t so great.”
In 1989, Toca was named president of the AIHA, where he led the 12,000-member organization until
1990. To date, he is the only African American to serve as president. He admits he experienced some “pushback” from the executive director at the time, but eventually, he was able to take over the position and implement the needed changes.
In 1996, he co-authored the book "Management of People and Programs in Industrial Hygiene," which remains a significant resource for environmental health professionals.
Throughout the years, Toca has become a staple on HBCU campuses nationwide, speaking with students interested in environmental and industrial health. His influence is evident in L. Faye Grimsley, Ph.D., CIH, MSPH, the head of Xavier’s Department of Public Health Sciences. Toca served as a professional mentor for Grimsley and has been cheering her on as she has developed the department from the ground up.
“I felt very good about it,” he said.
Toca and his wife, Oliva, continue to give back to Xavier through the Frederick & Oliva Toca Endowment Scholarship, which awards financial support to a student majoring in any field of science.
While he officially retired from consulting within the environmental and industrial health industry in 2019, his legacy in the field is evident in the influence of minority professionals he has mentored and impacted. His dedication to research and contributions have become the foundation for improving today’s workplace safety and health standards.
When reflecting on his expansive 40+ year career, Toca referred to the parable of “listening, understanding, and acting” as his guide.
“I used to tell the students, ‘You have to listen to what the workers say,’” he said. “Understanding – understand what they are doing and how they can do it. Then, take some action to prevent exposure and prevent abnormal health effects from happening. That actually applies to all of life.”
ALUMNI NOTES
Dr. Alisha Bailey, ‘11, received the prestigious Hall of Honor award at the 2024 UNCF PreAlumni Leadership Conference and Alumni Summit.
Youshea Berry, ‘98, was appointed to the U.S. Foreign Service. She will serve as a U.S. diplomat at the Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, as the Resident Legal Officer for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). She previously served as the Deputy Assistant General Counsel at USAID in D.C. and as Director for Global Development & Strategic Planning at the White House’s National Security Council.
Dawn Kamilah Brown, M.D., ‘00, provided a psychiatry perspective at the 11th Annual Brain Health Panel held during the 37th Annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party in Las Vegas.
Nicole Brunson, ‘98, joined A.O. Smith Corporation.
U.S. Congressman Troy Carter, ‘86, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Urban League’s Whitney Young Gala on July 26.
"Austin Black Business Journal & Community News Magazine" named Demetria George Caston, ‘98, one of its Top 40 Professionals and Entrepreneurs honorees. Caston was also recognized with the inaugural SERVE award by the Young Women’s Alliance.
Kev Choice, ‘98, has been elected San Francisco Chapter President of The Recording Academy.
Sharlene Sinegal-DeCuir, Ph.D., ‘99, has been promoted to Professor of History at Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. DeCuir began her career in the History Dept. at Xavier as an Assistant/Associate Professor in 2009.
Dorian Doss, MS RD LD, ‘97, has selfpublished a guide “3 Steps to Prep: A Meal Planning Journal for Women on the Go,” which is available on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
Walter Reed National Military Hospital held a flag ceremony for Captain Kelly O. Elmore, ‘98, on April 4 to culminate her tour of duty as its first African American Chief of Staff.
Christina Francis, ‘89, was awarded the Lead with POWher award from the World Woman Foundation. The award is given to those who strive to positively impact the lives of women and girls worldwide.
Dr. Alayna Freeman, ‘17, has recently achieved the milestone of being selected as an Air Force Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Her commitment to the mental health and well-being of young individuals will soon take her overseas for her first assignment following her rigorous training. In addition to this role, Dr. Freeman has also been chosen for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship training at Yale University, set to commence with the class of 2026.
Nina Giddens, ‘23, represented Xavier University of Louisiana in the HBCU Zone segment at the 2024 Urban One Honors. Sponsored by Walt Disney World Resort, the HBCU Zone highlights students and graduates who dream beyond their imagination.
Jesslyn Magee-Gonzales, ‘15, completed her Doctor of Medicine at the University of California, Davis – School of Medicine.
Allyson Graham, Ph.D., ‘13, defended her dissertation and was appointed Clinical Assistant Professor of Counseling at the University of Memphis.
Henry A. Grant, Jr., ‘75, has been named a 2024 Warren Easton Charter High School Hall of Fame inductee. Selection to the high school’s Hall of Fame is based upon outstanding contributions and demonstrated love for Warren Easton.
D. Wendy Greene, ‘99, the Center for Law, Policy, and Social Action director at Drexel University Kline School of Law, delivered the 2024 Hartman Hotz Lecture in Law and Liberal Arts at University of Arkansas. Greene, a prominent legal authority on grooming code discrimination, presented “#FreeTheHair: Locking Black Hair to Civil Rights Movements.”
Dr. Rosalind Hale ‘69, was honored as the Woman of the Year for the National Association of University Women – New Orleans Branch.
The Blairisms, founded by Blair Dottin-Haley, ‘02 and Brandon Dottin-Haley, has a John Lewis-inspired 2020-designed face mask featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture collection.
LaMiah Hall ‘19, in participation with the National Football League’s Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative, will complete a clinical rotation with the New Orleans Saints sports medicine department during the 2024 training camp.
Rachel Hardeman, ‘04, has been named to Time 100. Her selection was based on her antiracism research in the fight to end the nation’s maternal health crisis.
Joseph Harland, II, ‘94, President & Managing Broker of Atlanta-based Commercial Real Estate Brokerage firm, À la Carte Investments, LLC, has launched a new commercial capital subsidiary, À la Carte Commercial Capital. The new firm offers businesses access to capital including loans for medical and dental practices, SBA loans, and more.
LeWanza Harris, M.D., MPH, MBA, MS, ‘93, has been selected as Becker’s Healthcare 2024 Black Healthcare Leaders to Know. These leaders have been selected for their outstanding capacity to cultivate enriching patient experiences, educate the next generation of healthcare providers, and advance health equity.
Cherie C. Hill, M.D., ‘05, is part of an allwoman research team crafting a study protocol for the implementation of “Centering Patients with Fibroids,” a novel group education and empowerment program for patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids.
ALUMNI NOTES
Teal Holden, ‘02, has been acknowledged as this year’s United Way of Greater Houston’s Young Leader of the Year. The award recognizes a bold young professional who is a pacesetter in their company or organization, leads by example, and makes a name for themselves through hard work, active engagement, and great results.
Dr. Candace Holmes, ‘95, celebrated the release of her new book “Transform Your Brain with Neurofeedback.”
“Brown Girl, Brown Girl,” a book by Leslé Honoré, ‘98, is available for preorder everywhere books are sold.
Patrice Jean, ’93, has been elected to serve as President of the New York Intellectual Property Law Association.
Victor M. Jones, Esq., ‘07, has been selected as the Louisiana State Bar Association Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year.
Christina Angela Kalonji, ‘22, was recognized as an Outstanding Young Alumni at the 2024 UNCF Pre-Alumni Leadership Conference and Alumni Summit.
High school English teacher Dawn Lafargue, ‘97, ‘03, was named High School Teacher of the Year at Riverdale High in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Three Xavier alum completed a complex cardiac procedure at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge – Max Madhere M.D., ‘02, Director of Cardiac Anesthesia, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center; Lance LaMotte, M.D. ‘90, Interventional and Structural Cardiologist, Baton Rouge Cardiology Center; and Justin Player, a post-baccalaureate student at University of New Orleans.
Marlah H. Mardis, M.D., DABFM, ‘87, started a new role as Statewide Medical Director at Georgia Department of Corrections.
Miranda D. McDonald, MPA, ‘07, was hired as Director of Community Programs at the Tennessee Titans.
Jasmine Merlette, ‘18, presented “The Call for Trauma-Informed Practices in Schools” at the APA Division 12 Inaugural Conference.
Dr. Kendall McManusThomas, ‘12, ‘15, has been named principal of Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans.
March 8, 2024 was proclaimed Dr. Contessa Metcalfe Appreciation Day in Fulton County, Georgia. Presented by District 4 Commissioner Natalie Hall, the proclamation, given to Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, ‘98, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, emphasized her advocacy and commitment to health equity. Hallmark Mahogany Honors has also selected Dr. Metcalfe as one of thirty trailblazing Black women across generations, diverse backgrounds, and industries who are making extraordinary contributions that have shaped history and inspired our communities.
ALUMNI NOTES
Diverse: Issues In Higher Education highlighted Nadrea Njoku, Ph.D., ‘05, among 40 women who have made a difference in academia by tackling some of higher education’s toughest challenges, exhibiting extraordinary leadership skills, and making a positive difference in their communities.
Kimberly Novod, ‘03, contributed to Fanaroff & Martin’s Perinatal-Neonatal Medicine textbook in a chapter titled “Improving the Quality, Safety, and Equity of Neonatal Intensive Care for Infants and Families.
Dr. Elaine Parker Adams, ‘61, has released a new collection of lowku poetry, “Respirator Blues,” which is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book and eBook outlets.
Dr. Jacenta Parker, DVM, ‘05, is the esteemed owner of Franklin Turnpike Veterinary Hospital in Ramsey, New Jersey. This full-service general practice offers preventative care, medical care, general dentistry, and general surgery.
The Baton Rouge Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. has named Alejandro Perkins, ‘99, and Dina Perkins, ‘01, Mother and Father of the Year.
Chef Jamika Pessoa, ‘01, was featured on the Drew Barrymore Show during the Black History Honors segment.
Jordan Pierre, DDS, ‘15, is a 2024 Meharry Medical College 10 Under 10 young alumni honoree. The award recognizes ten young alumni who have graduated within the last ten years.
Rebecca Pittman-Edwards SPHR, SCP, ‘99, has been named one of the Top 25 Women in Business by the Charlotte Business Journal for 2024. For 28 years, this award has honored 25 outstanding businesswomen who have made significant contributions to their professions and their communities yearly.
Lauren Powell, MPA, Ph.D., ‘06, has joined Biogen as Head of Health Equity. In this role, she will focus on embedding health equity in research, development, and medicine.
Gina Ricard, ‘13, served as a panelist at the Parity Project Symposium to discuss the critical role that corporations can play in closing the racial wealth gap.
Deirdre Roberson, ‘08, founder and CEO of Eumelanin, has announced the brand’s first luxury retail partnership. Eumelanin’s HEX Bag, once available only via e-commerce, is now also in-store at ELUXEIT in Atlanta.
Dr. Derek Robinson, ‘98, has started a new position as Divisional Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Enterprise Health Care Management at Health Care Service Corporation.
Avita Care Solutions has promoted Atlanta “Top Doc” Quintin R. Robinson, M.D., AAHIVS, ‘98, to the position of medical director of AvitaCare Atlanta, its medical center and pharmacy.
Robert Russell, M.D., MBA, ‘97, has started a new position as Chief Medical Officer at Majestic Care.
Sherrika Sanders, ‘98, has received the Women Who Steam Award from the Links, Incorporated Dallas Chapter.
Juval Scott, ‘97, has been named Executive Director of The Bronx Defenders. She is the first African American and woman of color to lead the organization in its 27-year history.
Chantel Shackleford, ‘90, was awarded the Drum Major award, a lifetime honor given to community members representing faith, business, and political sectors, during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamer’s Breakfast in Chicago.
Carita Shanklin Walker, J.D., ‘93, was the keynote speaker at Xavier’s annual Black History Month Convocation.
Dennis Sigur, ‘97, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Dillard University, was named an SAS HBCU+ Fellow.
Demetria Sloan, ‘95, was featured in “The Legacy of Excellence: Phenomenal Black Women in Central Florida,” an exhibit presented by The African American Women’s History Month Project and The Poinsette Foundation.
Tahira Stalberte ‘96, is celebrating her 10th anniversary in Union County Public Schools and the beginning of year 23 in school public relations.
Kennedy St. Charles, MBA, ‘16, graduated in the inaugural cohort of Administrative Fellows from LCMC.
Touro has announced the appointment of Dr. Candace Stevens Robinson, ‘01, as chief medical officer. Robinson, a physician and healthcare executive, brings more than 15 years of medical experience and more than nine years of healthcare leadership to her new role.
L. Chris Stewart made Forbes’ inaugural list of America’s Top 200 Lawyers.
Myiesha Taylor, M.D., CFMP, FAAEM, FACEP, ‘96, has started a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine (AIHM).
Christy Valentine Theard, ‘96, President and CEO of Healthy Blue Louisiana, facilitated a $400,000 Give.Love.Xavier Day gift on behalf of Healthy Blue.
Chevelle Thomas, LTC, Ret., ‘96, was selected for two awards: Golden Apple Teacher and Serving Those Who Serve Award. Ret. LTC Thomas is a Senior JROTC instructor at Murphy High School. She retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years of service.
ALUMNI NOTES
George Tolbert, II ‘04, was named Director of Philanthropy at ACLU of Tennessee. He is also the Chief Consultant for at his own firm, The POURS Network, LLC.
Takara Turner, ‘13, joined John Hopkins University as a business analyst.
Robert Vinson, ‘96, has been named Senior Manager of Regional Marketing Operations at Genesis Motor America, the luxury vehicle brand of Hyundai Motor Company.
Allergist Carlos Vital, M.D., FACAAI, ‘95, was unanimously voted by the Texas Senate and Gov. Greg Abbott to be reappointed to serve on the Texas Health Services Authority.
Sherman “Trey” White, ‘12, a media personality at iHeartMedia, served as a host with McDonald’s during Essence Festival in New Orleans.
Kennetha Wiggins, ‘05, has been promoted to Principal Global Experiences and Engagement Manager at Amazon.
Damon Williams, ‘01, participated in a panel discussion exploring trends shaping diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia at the 2024 Leadership Alliance Presidential Forum in Washington, D.C.
Elijah J. Williams, ‘05, has been named Senior Advisor to City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire.
Xavierite Accomplishments & Good News
The Office of Alumni Relations wants to celebrate your good news. Please keep us up to date on all the fantastic happenings in your life, from weddings to job advancements to awards and accolades and all things in between!
To submit news, please email alumni@xula. edu with the subject line “Good News” or scan the QR code.
Alumni Experts Needed
Are you an industry expert who wants to offer your voice on hot topics relevant to our community? We’re always looking for alumni who can either speak or write about important things we all need to know. If this is you, please email alumni@xula.edu with the subject line “Industry Expert” and tell us what you can discuss.
Update Your Information
To keep up with you, we have to know how to find you. To update your information in our system, please email alumni@xula.edu with the subject line “Update Info” or scan the QR code.
Keep up with all things alumni by following us on social media.
Homecoming ‘23 Homecoming ‘23
2023 HONOREES
The 40 Under 40 Awards, established in 2014, celebrates alumni 40 years of age and younger who are making significant strides in their careers and living Xavier’s mission to promote a more just and humane society.
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
Allen J. Antoine, M.Ed. (’04)
Director, Computer Science Education Strategy
The University of Texas at Austin’s Texas Advanced Computing Center
Ashley N. McPhie, M.D. (‘07)
Chief Medical Officer, Tampa Family Health Centers
Brittaney Hill D.D.S, M.S., MPH (‘11)
Clinical Assistant Professor and Pediatric Dentistry
Residency Program Director
University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry
The University of Texas at Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy
Jordan Reaves (‘15)
Associate Controller
Mosaic Development Partners JV (Mosaic)
Keairez Coleman, P.T., D.P.T., CSCS (‘19)
Performance Physical Therapist
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kwame Terra, MPH (‘15 & ‘22)
Founder & CEO
bEHR Health Systems, Inc.
Young Alumni Awards
Mark Veals Jr. (‘20)
Assistant Director of Marketing & Digital Media
Xavier University of Louisiana
Mecca Abdullah, D.D.S. (‘07)
Owner/Orthodontist
Harvest Grove Orthodontics
Mia Gonzales Washington, MAT (‘08 & ‘10)
Director of the New Orleans College & Career Attainment
Network (NOLA CCAN) at the Cowen Insititute
Tulane University
Michael Dwight Sanders Jr., Ed.M. (‘08)
Marketing + Communications Lead, Social Impact & PlayStation
Career Pathways
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Naomi Winston (‘21)
Founder & Creative Director
Revolutionary Hearts Industries
Nwamaka Ngoddy , O.D. (‘07)
Founder and CEO
EyeServe & Anwuli Eyewear
Pauline Sequoia Storms-Perkins (‘11)
Founder & CEO
Storms Secured Services
Peyton Williams, MBA (‘15)
Sustainability and Communications Specialist
NTT Data Services
Porscha Showers, Pharm.D., AAHIVE (‘14)
Principal Medical Scientist
Gilead Sciences
Rev. Javon Elisea Bracy (‘14)
Minister & Mental Health Counselor
Ronicka Briscoe, Ph.D. (‘06)
Chair - Department of Education, University of Holy Cross
Shandrell Briscoe (‘09)
Senior Manager of Strategic Communications InspireNOLA Charter Schools
Timothy Al Ambrose Jr. (‘19)
Presidential Fellow
Xavier University of Louisiana
Torrey Fingal (‘08)
Lead Pastor
The City of Love
Tyre’ Jenkins, Ed.D. (‘21)
Literacy and Learning Specialist
The Center for Literacy & Learning
Varsha Castro Gusman, MPAS, PA-C (‘06) Program Director of the Xavier-Ochsner Physician Assistant program
Xavier University of Louisiana
Vernon K. Dunn Jr., Ph.D. (‘10) Research Staff Science and Technology Policy Institute
Vincent Ekenga, Pharm.D. (‘12)
Clinical Associate Professor
Xavier University of Louisiana
Zoe Trask (‘23)
Journalism Graduate Student
University of Southern California
Alexis Stokes, Ed.D. (‘05)
Associate Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
Harvard University
Silver Anniversaries
During Homecoming 2023, the 1998 line of the Epsilon Tau chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. celebrated its silver anniversary.
“When we became sisters bonded by service to all mankind on October 26, 1998, we were still dreamers on XULA’s campus; the world was ours to make our mark. Through these 25 years, we have supported and encouraged each other as we have made our dreams a reality. We are doctors, attorneys, dentists, pharmacists, authors, educators, wives, mothers, mentors, and more. We have stood by one another through highs and lows, wins and losses, successes and failures, marriages and divorces, births and deaths. Even though distance may keep us physically separated, if anyone places a need or request in our robust GroupMe, someone will answer the call, and whenever we can connect in person, the vibes are just vibing! I am continuously inspired by these remarkable women and perpetually grateful to call them my sisters! We are Alpha Kappa Alpha, we are Fall 1998, Epsilon Tau!”
—
Cassandra Pillette, M.D., FAAFP
L to R:
Jessie, Tiwine Coulon, Lori M. LeDuff, Cassandra Pillette, Jesalyn Taylor, and Ariane Stevens Carrier.
L to R: Candyce Smith, Pharm.D., Jarelle Morgan Scott, M.D., Demetria Brown, LaShunda Rosette-Green, Pharm.D., Tawny Small-Burnam, MA, CCC-SLP, Jacinta Robinet, Pharm.D., Monita Chambers Moore, MSOT, OTR, Najaz K WoodsBishop, M.D., FAAP, Tamara Sadler Lewis, Dawn K. Brown, M.D., Megan Jackson Morris, M.D., and Aliya Smith Brown, Pharm.D.
During Homecoming 2023, the 1998 line of the Gamma Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrated its silver anniversary.
“25 years have come and gone, and we have reached a milestone that deserves celebration! We have known each other for more than half of our lives and shared a strong bond through Delta. Over the years, that bond has grown even stronger, and we have all evolved into the powerful women we are today. We are all unique and special, with our strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments. I am immensely proud of every one of my line sisters and wholeheartedly accept them for the women they are today and will be tomorrow. Words will never express the honor I feel in sharing this occasion with them. Our sisterhood unites us forever, and we are all forever E.V-O.L.U.T.I.O.N. Let’s celebrate our achievements and continue to grow and thrive together!”
— Najaz K Woods-Bishop, M.D., FAAP
Photo:
Photo:
Dayna Ellison, Arriana Heins, Alisha G. Reed, Janelle
College of Pharmacy Honors Alumnus
ARTHUR BURTON, ‘52, toured Xavier’s campus during Homecoming 2023 and was recognized by the College of Pharmacy for his history-making career as the first Black pharmacist in Jefferson Parish when he opened his store in Metairie.
Spirit of Xavier
Established in 2018, by the Office of Alumni Relations, the Spirit of Xavier Award is presented to alumni in recognition of their outstanding service and contributions to Xavier.
THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS has officially launched its podcast, “Xavier Gold Live.” Hosted by mass communication students Ja’lyn Jones and TaShia Hogue and supervised by Alumni Relations Coordinator Jimmie Johnson, ‘13, this intergenerational podcast seeks to highlight the remarkable achievements of alumni in various fields and demonstrate how their endeavors align with Xavier’s mission.
Named after the annual alumni magazine "Xavier Gold," the podcast provides an additional platform to bring alumni stories and experiences to life. Each episode of the inaugural season allows alumni to share insights and successes with the Xavier community, including their peers, friends of Xavier, faculty, staff, and students. Along with the standard podcast interview approach, student hosts also run through a round of rapid-fire questions in a segment called “The LIVE Five,” which focuses on guests’ unique Xavier experiences.
“Offering a podcast is our way of expanding story-sharing opportunities within our community and the community at large,” said Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kimberly Reese. “This additional platform helps to foster a sense of alumni pride, cross generations, and encourage support for Xavier’s legacy.”
Among the interviewees is Dr. Derek Robinson, ‘98. As an alumnus and Xavier Trustee, the Divisional Senior Vice President
ABOUT THE HOSTS
and Chief Medical Officer at Health Care Service Corporation shared lots of insight, encouragement, and Xavier pride during his episode.
“Xavier, I think, really is a gift to the nation, it’s a gift to our global community, and I think we all carry an enduring commitment to Xavier’s mission, and it’s reflected in the lives you see Xavier graduates living. Both in New Orleans, across the nation, and around the world,” Robinson said.
Stories like Robinson’s, which grow from the Xavier community and seek to pour back their time, talent, and treasure, make “Xavier Gold Live” an essential platform. Utilizing student hosts further exemplifies Xavier’s mission while allowing alumni to connect with students and providing mass communication majors with a real-world opportunity to apply the skills they are learning and cement their place in fostering Xavier’s legacy.
“Xavier Gold Live” is available on Apple, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are listened to.
TASHIA HOGUE is a mass communication major minoring in creative writing from the South Side of Chicago. As co-host of “Xavier Gold Live,” she brings her personality to life while exploring various forms of storytelling. On campus, Hogue is active in organizations like Women of Xavier and The Xavier Herald. She believes in the power of storytelling and communication to inspire change, build bonds, and amplify marginalized voices. She volunteers as a music technician at her church and works at the campus bookstore. Her previous work experience includes interviewing, camera operations, and social media marketing. She has also assisted in producing video projects like XU News and promotional work for the DePaul Community Health Center. Aspiring to become a radio personality, Hogue enjoys binge-watching TV shows and YouTube interviews in her free time.
JA’LYN JONES is a mass communication major with a concentration in multimedia from Holly Springs, Mississippi. As co-host of “Xavier Gold Live,” Jones utilizes his skills in editing, interviewing, camera operation, and social media marketing. Alongside his podcast hosting duties, he’s a contributing writer to The Xavier Herald and pursues music production and writing. He is a scholar of multiple organizations, including the Exponential Honors Program, the US-UK Fulbright Commission, the Horatio Alger Association, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. While passionate about music, poetry, motivational speaking, and content creation, Jones remains intentional about dedicating time to connecting with God, spending time with family and friends, playing video games, and participating in sports.
Tashia Hogue
Ja’lyn Jones
Remember When?
Scenes from Xavier’s Past
Photos clockwise from top left: Homecoming 1990; Registration Day in The Barn, circa 1950s; Students studying, Dedication of Admin Building; “we’re not new to STEM, we’re true to Stem,” undated.
Opposite page clockwise from top: Female students in a dormitory; Men on campus; Dr. Norman C. Francis speaking on two phones at once; Activist Angela Davis in The Barn; Activist Julian Bond speaks with students; Stevie Wonder visits campus; Students being welcomed to their dormitories, undated.
Remember When?
More Scenes from Xavier’s Past
Photos clockwise from top left: Mother Agatha Ryan, S.B.S. (Left) and Mary McLeod Bethune (Right), 1938; First Lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson (Right) Shaking Hands with Blanche Francis (Left) while Visiting Xavier University of Louisiana, 1968; James Baldwin and Oscar Bouise, English Professor at Xavier, 1963; Group of freshmen, 1945; Xavier Football Squad and coaches, Fall 1943. Coach Giles Wright and Coach Jason Dupinace at the left. Coach J. A. Wright at right.
Photos clockwise from top left: Graduating Class of 1952; Mr. Chapelle (Class of 1959), a pitcher for Xavier’s Baseball Team; 1986-1987 Women’s Basketball team. Front Row, L to R: Courtney Simon, Samantha Lambert, Delanor Junis, Regina Bowen, Sheleen Jones, and Dorcas Harvey; Back Row, L to R: Elaine Johnson, Robin Woods, Scarla Franklin, Angela Rixner, Head Coach Ernest Lewis, Henrietta Mitchell, Kim Williams, Demetria Lang, and Oma Holloway; 1968-1969 Men’s Basketball team. Standing L to R: Coach James Wadley, Bernard Griffith, Kenneth James, Wilfred Haydell, Paul Rivers, Willie Jackson, Robert Sanders, Bernard Metoyer (manager), and Enos Peters (statistician); Kneeling L to R: Richard Clark, Hubert Morton, Timothy Williams, Charles Winfrey, Walter Knowles, Kenneth Broussard; Members of the Xavier University Alumni Executive Board;L to R: Edna Cordier, Etta Blanchet, Unkown, Mable Henry, Victor Labat, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Warren McKenna, Walter Morial, 1942; 1974 Track and Field squad. From left to right: Row 1 - Portene Pugh, Maria Conant, Joan Porter, and Winston Rudder, Row 2 - Claudette Thompson, Pamela Lynch, and Margaret Ransom. Row 3 - Ronald Walker, Grandival Grier (Captain), and Ernesto Keith Lane.
We Remember…
1944 Mrs. Jacqueline P. Kendall
1949 Mr. Clyde P. Jupiter
1950 Dr. Wilbur B. Clarke
1951 Brigadier General Albert S. Bryant, Sr.
1951 Jesse F. Goodwin, Ph.D.
1952 Dr. W. Jean Porter
1953 Mrs. Ann Preston
1955 Mrs. Jessie M. Smallwood
1955 Mrs. Joyce Signal Graves
1955 Mrs. Marjorie V. Wynn
1955 Mr. Victor J. Labat
1956 Mr. William S. Fischer
1957 Mr. Calvin I. Smith, Jr.
1957 Mrs. Iris G. Billinger
1958 Gloria Jackson Bacon, M.D.
1958 Mrs. Renette Viltz Scott
1959 Mrs. Annie F. Tureaud Lewis Ramsey
1959 Mrs. Ella J. Frost
1960 Mr. Gerald J. Hardy
1960 Mrs. Claire Burnett
1960 Ms. Natalia Maruja Jones
1961 Mrs. Claire F. Wilson
1961 Mr. Thomas R. Bailey
1961 Mr. Alfred M. Palmer
1963 Mr. James L. Addison
Mrs. Miriam B. Haydel
Ms. Mary F. Butler
Mr. Thomas E. Brinkman, Sr.
Mr. Curtis Graves
Dr. Matthew Causey
Mr. Edward J. Davidson III
Ms. Rosie M. James
Mr. David K. Sullivan
Alumni & Class
1963 Mrs. Helen M. Butler
1963 Mr. James Fuller, Esq.
1964 Mrs. Marcella M. Keyes
1965 Sr. Mary J. Blanchard
1967 Mrs. Dolores D. White
1967 Sr. Dr. Mary Ann Stachow, S.B.S., Ph.D.
1968 Mr. Richard F. Roussell
1968 Mrs. Anita Broussard
1969 Mrs. Brenda J. WIlson
1970 Mr. Walter J. Nicholas III
1970 Herbert J. Richardson, Jr., P.D.
1973 Mr. Melvin F. Thompson
1973 Mrs. Jean A. Benjamin-Vappie
1974 Mr. Martin Leon Lecour
1974 Ms. Wanda R. Jackson
1974 Mr. Michel Sterling
1974 Mr. Meaurex M. Williams
1975 Mr. Callistus I. Agochukwu
1975 Mr. Edward Griffin
1976 Dr. Milton D. Moore, Jr., M.D.
1976 Mrs. Debra G. Shropshire
1977 Ms. Antoinette Aubry-Guillory
1977 Ms. Elise VanDergriff
1978 Mr. Albert D. Dumas
1979 Ms. Pernell R. Denet
Friends of Xavier (FOX)
Dr. George M. Neely, Sr.
Ms. Wilhelmina Armour
Dr. William L. Cody
Mr. Carling Dinkler
Mr. Richard A. Voke
Mr. Arnold Johnson
Mr. Keith E. Weatherspoon
Dr. Joel B. Oppenheim
Dr. Edgar L. Chase, III
Dr. Thomas G. Pretlow
Mrs. Mae Ancar
Ms. Nelda Matirne Jones
Mrs. Dolores B. Felton
Dr. Royal D. Saunders
1980 Sr. Donna M. Gould
1980 Mr. Randall Schexnayder
1981 Ms. Dorette M. Howard
1981 Ms. Carol Jenkins-Gaye
1981 Mr. Louis F. Lecour, Sr.
1984 Mr. Joseph Coleman, Jr.
1987 Ms. Juanita C. Perriatt
1988 Mr. Stephen C. Ayers
1988 Ms. Deneen M. Schexnider
1988 Ms. Audrey J. Lee
1988 Mr. D'Juan Hernandez
1989 Ms. Mary L. Absher
1989 Ms. Marietta M. Noel
1991 Ms. Stephanie E. Hale
1992 Ms. Alisia N. Cantrelle
1996 Ms. Crystal J. Baker
1996 Ms. Myra B. Johnson
1997 Mr. Anthony J. Lonero
2003 Mr. Jules Ambrose, Sr.
2005 Mrs Helen Marie Bazile
2010 Mr. Brock J. Williams
2013 Mr. Eric J. Nethercott
2014 Mr. Rahim A. Alem
XULA Faculty & Staff
Sr. Grace Mary Flickinger, S.B.S.
Dr. Vlajko L. Kocic
Dr. Cheryl K. Stevens
Professor Clifford S. Wright, CPA
The Xavier family extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the following deceased alumni and friends of Xavier. They remain in our prayers and memories. The University was notified of these deaths at some point during the period dating from 5.12.23 to 06.24.24. If a name has been inadvertently omitted or incorrectly listed, please accept our apologies.
A Life Lived Through Our Mission
Remembering Five Trailblazing Xavierites Who Passed Away in 2024
WRITTEN/COMPILED BY LESLIE D. ROSE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS
Built upon the foundation of creating a more just and humane society, Xavier University of Louisiana instills in its students pride in changemaking. Xavierites uphold the legacy of foundress Saint Katharine Drexel and strive to create equitable outcomes.
Since its founding in 1925, the University has had great leaders across a multitude of industries, legendary changemakers, and revolutionary industry firsts grace its campus. From STEM groundbreakers and mentors to media mavens and influential doctors to activists who rightly challenged the status quo, Xavier is proud to play a foundational role in the lives of people who go on to change something that so desperately needs changing.
In 2024, the University said several sincere farewells to Xavierites who made their life’s work matter to many people and the communities they served. These legends quested for decades to create a society where everyone could thrive. They lived through our mission and uplifted their beloved alma mater every step of the way.
Health Equity Trailblazer Dr. Gloria Jackson Bacon, ‘58
2018 Victor H. Labat Alumnus of the Year
award recipient Dr. Gloria Jackson Bacon, ‘58, was a health equity trailblazer long before the words were all the buzz. A retired physician and former elected official who championed health equity for the underserved, she passed away in New Orleans on February 9, surrounded by her family.
A native New Orleanian, Dr. Bacon’s often unorthodox approach was centered on collaboration to achieve success in issues affecting the quality of life of persons of low income and from disadvantaged backgrounds. Upon completion of her Bachelor of Science from Xavier, she attended Howard University School of Medicine, completing two years of medical school training, before enlisting the help of U.S. Sen. Everett Dirksen (IL) to transfer to the University of Illinois School of Medicine, to join her first husband, Herbert Jackson, after having their first child. In 1962, She earned her M.D. In 1984, she earned a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Illinois School of Public Health, and in 2006, at 69 years old, she earned a Master’s in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago.
In 1964, she worked part-time at a public health clinic at Altgeld Gardens, an impoverished community on Chicago’s far South Side. After having her second child in 1965, she found that primary care permitted her to find a better balance between work and family, and she joined the clinic full-time. By 1970, she had become so engrossed in her patients’ unmet needs and so appalled by the lack of quality public health services that she founded a new medical clinic. The Clinic at Altgeld, Inc. (now TCA Health) would care for thousands of patients annually. As founder and executive medical director, she guided The Clinic at Altgeld to have an enormous impact in the area, most notably, a significant drop in the community’s infant mortality from 50.2 deaths per thousand in 1970 to 9.2 by 1990. More than 30 years later, in 1997, after opening a new state-of-the-art facility, she retired as medical director, continuing as a consultant until 2001. Satisfied that the clinic would continue to provide critical health care, she was eager to expand her service to the community beyond traditional healthcare to help the children she cared for succeed.
“I saw that the medicine that people came to the doctor for was only a little piece of the care they needed,” Jackson Bacon recalled as she retired. “They had so many other needs.”
In 1980, she remarried to Retired BG Frank Bacon. She began to pursue other interests. Most notably, she became the second Black woman to be elected to statewide office in Illinois when she was elected to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, lighting the path for U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (IL), the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate. In 2007, Dr. Bacon came out of retirement to return to New Orleans, answering the call for physicians in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. She served as an ambulatory care services physician at LSU Hospital Health Care Services Division until 2010.
Physics Pioneer Clyde Jupiter, ‘48
A New Orleans native, Clyde Jupiter, ‘48, was a pioneering African American in physics. After completing his studies at Xavier, Jupiter became one of the first African Americans to attend the University of Notre Dame in 1949. He pursued a career in physics, where he was renowned for his contributions to nuclear radiation detection and the advancement of nuclear energy.
Civil Rights Champion
Sybil Haydel Morial
An activist, Civil Rights champion, and purveyor of class and graceful leadership, Sybil Haydel Morial, a member of the class of 1952, was shaped by her lived experience of growing up in New Orleans in the ‘30s and ‘40s, a time when Black folks weren’t free to move about at leisure. That, coupled with her curiosity, led her down the path of carving out change, not just for herself but for many, many others who benefited from her zest and spunk.
His dedicated career as a leader in the nuclear field included working for such agencies as the Atomic Energy Commission, Lawrence Laboratories, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Jupiter also served in various leadership roles for the American Nuclear Society from 1978-2000, worked as an adjunct professor at Howard University from 1981-1987, and was an invited lecturer at various universities across the United States. Other career highlights include being featured on the cover of Ebony Magazine (“Negroes at Notre Dame,” February 1950). He was also the subject of a 1979 United Negro College Fund ad with the headline, “This Jupiter Is No Myth.”
After resigning from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 1987, he and his wife Pat started Jupiter Corporation in Wheaton, Maryland, working with government agencies on nuclear waste management research. He later co-founded AZ Isotopes in Bunker Hill, Indiana, where he served as a senior scientist providing radioisotopes for nuclear medicine imaging and research. In October 2023, he was inducted as a National Academy of Engineering member.
“Growing up with dad, we would often hear stories of his college days, particularly of times spent at Xavier University in Louisiana and being a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (‘All Hail the Black and Gold!’). His biggest hero was his brother, Clarence (CJ) Jupiter, and they attended Xavier together until grad school,” The Jupiter Family shared in a statement to Xavier. “Dad has had many accomplishments throughout his lifetime. Although we knew of his work at government agencies such as Lawrence Laboratories in Livermore, CA, EG & G in Nevada, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Washington, D.C., starting his own company, Jupiter Corporation, and finally co-founding AZ Isotopes, it wasn’t until his final years and after his passing that we truly knew the depth and scope of his career. But above all this, he was always humble, with family being the most important. He was always there for us and would happily invest his time and efforts to support and elevate those he believed in. Many friends and family can attest to his indelible warmth and dedication to shaping us into strong, confident, successful adults. We miss him every day and will always cherish those precious moments we had with him.”
Jupiter’s personal life was filled with family, fun, food, and brotherhood as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956 at the Chemical Corps Laboratory in Fort Detrick, Maryland. He was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved sailboats, woodworking, and cooking Louisiana Creole delicacies such as gumbo and turtle stew. He passed away peacefully on March 31, at age 95.
“Our love and prayers go out to the family of Sybil Haydel Morial. We remember her generous life and legacy and the deep, lasting connections that she and her family have maintained with Xavier University of Louisiana over many decades; we are inspired by her activism, leadership, steadfastness, and commitment to serve,” said Reynold Verret, Ph.D., President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “She has been neighbor to many, as taught in the parable of the Samaritan. A member of Xavier’s class of 1952 and a longserving administrator here for 28 years, our university has been greatly blessed by her intellectual and personal gifts that manifest not only on this campus but throughout New Orleans, Louisiana, and worldwide. Her gift to all is enduring, and she will be sorely missed.”
While Haydel Morial began her higher education at Xavier, she completed her undergraduate studies at Boston University, at the same time, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. worked on his doctoral degree. In Boston, Haydel Morial relished life outside of Deep South segregation and politics, but New Orleans still tugged at her roots. Upon the Brown V. Board of Education decision, she returned to her beloved hometown and successfully enrolled in Tulane University for two courses until they noticed ‘Negro’ checked off on her registration forms – she was asked to leave and later rejected from nearby Loyola for the same reason. This further fueled her dreams for an inclusive environment. She returned to Boston to finish her graduate studies and began her professional life.
In 1955, she married fellow Xavierite Ernest “Dutch” Morial, ‘51, who at the time had just become an example of Civil Rights as he had been the first African American to receive a law degree from Louisiana State University the year before wedding Haydel Morial. He would later continue to make history as New Orleans’ first Black mayor. “Dutch,” with his fearless activist wife at his side, began a career of prominence in civic engagement in the fight for equity and equality.
Racial rejection continued to rev Haydel Morial’s quest, and upon being disqualified from membership in the League of Women Voters, she and several other women formed their own organization, CiCulSo (Civic, Cultural, and Social Organization). The organization evolved into the Louisiana League of Good Government –a racially inclusive group of women that pursued voting rights and ensured voter rolls included Black people. As tensions rose in the ‘60s, Haydel Morial fought even harder. In 1963, she filed lawsuits against the Orleans Parish School Board for enforcing a law that prevented Orleans Parish teachers from advocating for integration or belonging to associations that favored integration. As a New Orleans Public Schools teacher, she offered cultural awareness as a Civil Rights champion and community organizer.
In 1977, Haydel Morial returned to Xavier University of Louisiana, where she served for 28 years, retiring in 2005 as Vice President for External Affairs. Throughout the decades, the Haydel Morial family has been deeply connected to Xavier in various capacities, encompassing time, talent, and treasure.
In an interview for The Xavier Story Project, Haydel Morial reflected on the significance of returning to New Orleans in the wake of civic uprisings and, ultimately, Xavier’s legacy. “Even though we loved the freedoms of the North, we all wanted to go back to the South to be a part of the change when it came. And we did.” Haydel Morial also talked about her beloved HBCU and the cultural hub it was, from creating opera opportunities for Black singers to being a haven for the Freedom Riders, among other significant civic engagement and equitable efforts.
Haydel Morial passed away on September 3, at age 92.
Media Maven
William ‘Bill’ Rouselle Jr., ‘67
William ‘Bill’ Rouselle Jr., ‘67, was a pioneering media maven from New Orleans. His longstanding career, including being the first African American reporter for WDSU, where on his first day of work, he covered the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout his career, he hosted several prominent shows and held numerous other leadership roles, including nearly 40 years as the founder of Bright Moments, a public relations, marketing, and advertising firm.
His life in the media was rooted in a desire for the truth, a commitment to change, and a will to leave this world a better place. During his time at WDSU, he saw first-hand how media censorship works when police authorities convinced the TV station not to air information on the riots in other urban areas in America. They feared similar reactions from local citizens. His passion for truth and commitment to his people grew stronger. In 1969, he left WDSU following a controversial interview with the protesters fighting the SUNO merger into the LSU System. He would be appointed Deputy Director of the City’s Human Relations Committee where he engineered the passage of a local Public Accommodations Ordinance, opening restaurants and bars to all citizens.
Following a year at City Hall, he worked 10 years in the community with the Free Southern Theater. He helped organize a community-based effort to include African Americans in the TV media. The Media Project challenged TV stations’ licenses in the early 1970s and won concessions from most local TV stations. In the mid-70s, he hosted a weekly TV show on the public television station WYES-TV called Nation Time while serving as producer for the Free Southern Theater. During this period, Rouselle joined the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation board following a community-based protest for Black involvement in the event. He would eventually serve as president and help oversee the festival’s development into one of the world’s premier music events. Rouselle later worked as director of the Parent Community Alliance, an organization developed to encourage parents to be more involved in public school policy. He learned about community organizing in this role under the tutelage of Oretha Castle Haley, his most important mentor. In the late ‘70s, Bill headed the Ad Hoc Committee for Accountable Police, which won increased civilian oversight of police involved in brutal citizen interactions.
In the early 1980s, Rouselle put his publishing skills to work at the Black Collegian Magazine, a Black-owned and operated national publication based in New Orleans. Then, in 1984, he and former Black Collegian editor Kalamu ya Salaam opened the doors of Bright Moments. The company has provided public relations, marketing, and advertising services to many clients, including enduring clients like Liberty Bank, Total Community Action, The City of New Orleans, Entergy, and New Orleans Public Schools. Rouselle was also noted as one of the city’s leading political strategists, having managed successful campaigns for Public School and City millage elections, as well as numerous political candidates such as Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the first female African American mayor of New Orleans, Dorothy Mae Taylor, the first Black woman legislator in Louisiana, Mayors Ray Nagin and Mitch Landrieu, and former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu.
“William Rouselle Jr. was a dear friend, trailblazer, media personality, and civic leader,” Congressman Troy Carter, ‘86, said. “His impact on New Orleans and the people in our community will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Bill.”
In 2007, the New Orleans Ad Club presented Rouselle with the local advertising industry’s highest honor, the Silver Medal, equivalent to a lifetime achievement award. The Silver Medal honored him for his many firsts and significant contributions to the industry. He entered eternal rest on July 21 at 77 years old.
Educator & Mentor Randall Schexnayder, ‘80
Randall Schexnayder, ‘80, a beloved pharmacy educator and native New Orleanian, earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy. He continued his studies at Tulane University, earning a Master of Science in Public Health. His dedication to educating future pharmacists began in 1984 and culminated in a 38-year tenure in Xavier’s College of Pharmacy, retiring as the Assistant Dean for Professionalism.
He was a mentor to many students, particularly African American males. Over the years, he served in several positions, including Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and as an advisor for many student organizations. He was an active member of several pharmacy organizations and was elected to serve as the Orleans Regional Director of the Louisiana Pharmacists Association to focus on diversity and inclusion. Schexnayder was also instrumental in working with the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum –the oldest in the country— to establish the African American Pharmacy in New Orleans exhibit, which was on display in September 2023.
His love for Xavier was palpable, and he always led the ‘Give Love Xavier Day’ campaign for the College of Pharmacy. He was a passionate historian and had a keen eye for photography. His collection included memorable images from the canonization of St. Katharine Drexel. In 2022, Schexayder was honored with the prestigious Spirit of Xavier award, a testament to his deep connection with the University.
“As the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound impact Randall had on our community. Randall was in my first class as a faculty member here at Xavier. He was a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him. His dedication to excellence in service was unparalleled, and his legacy will continue to resonate within our halls for generations to come,” said Kathleen Kennedy, Pharm.D., Malcolm Ellington Professor of Health Disparities Research and Dean, College of Pharmacy.
A faithful servant of God, devoted family man, and esteemed member of the pharmaceutical community, Schexnayder departed from this life on January 30 at the age of 66. In honor of his legacy at his alma mater, the College of Pharmacy established the Randall Schexnayder Endowed Scholarship Fund, dedicated to supporting aspiring pharmacists who embody his passion for pharmacy and commitment to serving others. XG
It is never easy to say goodbye, so we instead extend our gratitude to these legendary Xavierites and wish their family and friends great peace in the wake of their loss.
Recognizing Our Loyal Supporters
Gifts from 1925 Legacy Society members help secure Xavier’s long-term future
For many of our alumni and friends, the joy of giving back to Xavier through financial support is a deeply fulfilling experience. Our Xavier family, hailing from diverse backgrounds and locations, find this act of generosity a source of great satisfaction.
The 1925 Legacy Society recognizes loyal supporters who have remembered Xavier with gifts in their estate plans. Eligible gifts can be made through a will or trust, a beneficiary designation on a life insurance or retirement account, a charitable gift annuity, or other vehicles.
During Homecoming 2023, Xavierites and friends of Xavier gathered in celebration and recognition of the 1925 Legacy Society members at a special jazz brunch. Dr. Reynold Verret updated everyone on Xavier’s march toward its centennial, both fundraising and academic progress. Vice President of Institutional Advancement Phillip D. Adams introduced the newest members of the 1925 Legacy Society: Carmen M. Austin, ‘70, Rev. John Burger, Dr. Debra Lewis, Dr. Toi Olden, ‘03, and Stephen Revard. Named in honor of the year of the founding of Xavier as a college, the gifts made by our 1925 Legacy Society members today will impact the University’s long-term future.
For information about joining the 1925 Legacy Society, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Dr. Box 66, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125. Call (504) 520-7575 or email ia@xula.edu.
PHOTOS: Dr. C. Reynold Verret, President; Sanders Anderson, ‘78 Dr. Toi Olden, ‘03 and Mr. Michael Rachal; and Carolyn Block Arnelle, ‘63
Celebrating the classes of 4s and 9s
HOMECOMING IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 6 – 10, 2024
We are excited to welcome all alumni back to campus for homecoming weekend! Celebrating the classes of 4s and 9s 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019.
PRAYER SERVICE
WEDNESDAY NOV 6
THURSDAY NOV 7
Let’s start our celebration in praise and worship. Join us for a prayer service remembering our mission and purpose.
ALUMNI AUTHORS
University Center Bookstore, 2nd Floor
Join the Xavier University Alumni Relations Office as we celebrate books written by Xavierites (books may be purchased throughout the weekend).
NEOPHYTE PRESENTATION
LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST (On Campus)
Join President Reynold Verret at an invitation only breakfast for Xavier alumni and friends who have given at the leadership level during the 2024 calendar year.
ALUMNI GOLF CHALLENGE
Join the National Alumni Association for a morning of fun and golf while supporting the students of Xavier University.
3RD ANNUAL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME EVENT
Join us as we salute and celebrate Xavier’s rich legacy of athletics.
HOMECOMING 2024 KICK-OFF EVENT (Off Campus) All Alumni are invited
GOSPEL CHOIR CONCERT (On Campus)
Former gospel choir members and students join together to perform alumni favorites.
VIP SPONSOR AND CORPORATE MIXER (Private Location Off Campus) Invitation Only
FRIDAY NOV 8
BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING (On Campus)
National Alumni Association annual fall meeting. All Alumni are invited.
CELEBRATION ON THE YARD
Remember Fridays on the Yard? Reconnect with classmates and faculty while sharing this uniquely Xavier tradition with students, shopping alumni and student vendors, and enjoying our favorite DJs.
GOLDEN CELEBRATION
Is Soul Train, the Commodores, and the Spinners more your speed? Join your classmates from those eras to reconnect, reminisce and remember your Xavier experience. Refreshments will be served.
FRIDAY NOV 8 CONT
SATURDAY NOV 9
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY CONTINUING EDUCATION SEMINAR AND RECEPTION
Celebrate 96 years of pharmacy at Xavier through lifelong learning and reconnecting with classmates.
CLASS REUNION RECEPTION AND CLASS PHOTOS (The Higgins Hotel)
An evening celebrating our Alma Mater and friendships through the years. We will celebrate the reunions of the class years of 4s and 9s.
HOMECOMING BANQUET (The Higgins Hotel)
A celebration of epic proportions. Celebrating classes ending in 4s and 9s.
ALUMNI AFTER PARTY
There is no party like a Xavier party; end the evening with a night of dancing.
PLANNED GIVING SEMINAR (Invitation Only)
TAILGATE BBQ (Convocation Center Parking Lot)
Catch up with classmates and friends before the game (Tents are available for rental). Alumni may choose the VIP Experience.
VIP TAILGATE (Convocation Center Parking Lot)
An upscale tailgating experience that includes a private tent, extended menu selection, and open bar.
GOLD RUSH/GOLD NUGGETS BASKETBALL GAME
Let’s sell out the Convocation Center!
SUNDAY NOV 10
SGA LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST
Past SGA Presidents, Queens, and members of SGA leadership who served at Xavier University of Louisiana.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Remembering our alumni who passed before us.
ALUMNI MASS
Let us close out in prayer and thanksgiving.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
Qatar Pharmacy Atrium
For nearly 100 years, Xavier has broken barriers and promoted a more just and humane society, helping shape the nation and world through education and representation. But our work isn’t done; at the crossroads of 100 more years of impact, we have the power to transform lives through affordable education, student success and well-being, a state-of-the-art campus environment, rigorous academic programs, and top faculty who want to make a difference. We are ready to exponentially unlock access as our graduates personify societal change for generations.
