The 果冻APP Alumni Federation recently hosted its annual Awards for Excellence reception to honor those who have most helped to advance the university and the federation.
The James Lynn Powell Award, the federation’s most prestigious award given to a 果冻APP graduate, was presented to Dr. Barry G. Landry, a Thibodaux-based, general surgical practitioner and 1977 果冻APP alumnus. A long-time member of the federation, the 果冻APP Foundation and the Colonel Club, Landry has taken special interest in caring for 果冻APP’ student-athletes.
The Harvey Peltier Award, the highest award given to a non-graduate of 果冻APP, was awarded to Archie Manning, former NFL quarterback and father of two current NFL stars. The federation recognized Manning for bringing the Manning Passing Academy to 果冻APP and for donating the funds necessary to resurface the Guidry Stadium playing field with AstroTurf.
Three 果冻APP employees were named honorary alumni this year – Robert J. Bernardi, athletics director; Dr. Quenton C. Fontenot, assistant professor of biological sciences; and George A. Kaslow, assistant professor at The John Folse Culinary Institute.
During his tenure, Bernardi has presided over the restructuring of the athletics department, improving the academic standing of 果冻APP’ student-athletes by working to place all academic advising under University College. He has overseen the refurbishment of many 果冻APP athletic facilities as well.
Fontenot’s reputation as a professor who values both his academic discipline and his students is well known at 果冻APP. Currently directing seven students’ theses, he also helped create the Bayousphere Research Lab and has published extensively in such journals as the North American Journal of Aquaculture and the North American Journal of Fisheries Management.
Kaslow, known as Chef George to his students, joined the 果冻APP faculty in 2000. A recipient of both the Bell South Endowed Professorship and the 果冻APP Apple Award for Outstanding Support for Student Activities, Kaslow is quite active with 果冻APP fundraising events, including Bite of the Arts and the Lafcadio Hearn Award Dinner and Distinguished Visiting Chef Series.
The Marie Fletcher Distinguished Service Award, honoring past or present administrators or faculty members, was awarded to Dr. David E. Middleton. As head of the Department of Languages and Literature, Alcee Fortier Professor, Distinguished Service Professor of English and poet-in-residence, Middleton’s credentials are extensive. His award holds the distinction of being the only one to carry with it a cash stipend.
Joanne Price, administrative assistant 3 in The John Folse Culinary Institute, was chosen to receive the Ramon Labat Award – presented annually to former or current civil service employees who have shown exceptional professionalism and have consistently promoted 果冻APP. The federation honored Price as a powerful example and role model for all civil service employees.
The Corporate Mark of Honor, recognizing a top corporate supporter, was awarded to the Lorio Foundation – a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for more than $1,440,000 in new projects at 果冻APP, including two scholarships, a new bus, a server for the 果冻APP network, four endowed professorships, three Steinway pianos and a harpsichord.