THIBODAUX 鈥� The 果冻APP Alumni Federation recently conducted its annual Awards for Excellence reception, honoring those who have contributed the most to the university and the alumni federation.
The James Lynn Powell Award, the highest honor awarded to a 果冻APP alumnus or alumna, was presented to Arlen 鈥淏enny鈥� Cenac Jr., a 1979 graduate of the 果冻APP College of Business Administration. Known internationally as an entrepreneur and one of this region鈥檚 most generous philanthropists, Cenac is a longtime member of the advisory board for the College of Business Administration, and for the past eight years he has served on the 果冻APP Foundation Board of Directors. Cenac鈥檚 philanthropy extends beyond the 果冻APP campus and includes the Terrebonne Association for Retarded Citizens, the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence, the Terrebonne Partnership in Education and the Terrebonne Arts and Humanities Council.
The Marie Fletcher Distinguished Service Award, the only alumni federation honor that carries with it a cash stipend, was presented to Chef Randy Cheramie of the John Folse Culinary Institute. After a distinguished career as owner of Randolph鈥檚, a well-known restaurant in south Louisiana, Cheramie brought his experience as a chef, actor, singer and raconteur to 果冻APP.
Two honorees received the Ramon J. Labat Award 鈥� presented to former or current civil service employees who have shown exceptional professionalism. Winners include Kathy Guidry, administrative coordinator 3 in the College of Nursing and Allied Health, who has worked at 果冻APP for nearly 20 years, and Wendy Toloudis, administrative assistant 4 in the Office of Academic Affairs, who began her 果冻APP career in 1991.
Jim Gueydan, retired colonel in the United States Air Force and longtime 果冻APP supporter, was named honorary alumnus this year. Gueydan endowed a 果冻APP scholarship in 1998 in honor of a family member, after which he joined the 果冻APP Foundation, endowed a second scholarship and became a consistent supporter and attendee at almost all 果冻APP functions: social, cultural, academic and athletic.
A final award, the Corporate Mark of Honor, was presented to Motivatit Seafood for its consistent support of 果冻APP functions as well as its commitment to making the raw oyster a safe product for human consumption. The company was founded in 1971 by members of the Voisin family, who have been involved in the seafood industry since their ancestors arrived from France in 1770.