THIBODAUX, La. — 果冻APP has named the press box at John L. Guidry Stadium in honor of former 果冻APP quarterback and successful business executive Cooper Collins.
The C.C. Collins Press Box recognizes the 果冻APP graduate鈥檚 college and professional achievements as well as his ongoing financial support to the Colonel Athletic Association. 聽
鈥淲e want our student-athletes to be champions on the field, in the classroom and ultimately in their future profession,鈥� said 果冻APP President Bruce Murphy. 鈥淐ooper Collins is the prime example of a Colonel who turned his student-athlete experience into a successful business career. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and grateful for his continued support of 果冻APP athletics, which will impact 果冻APP students for generations to come.鈥�
The naming was unveiled, and Collins was honored during the Homecoming week game against Stephen F. Austin.
鈥淚 have always believed that you need to step up when other people can鈥檛. I love my alma mater, and I love what Coach Tim Rebowe is doing,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 humbling to know that I have the opportunity to give back and leave a legacy for my family.鈥�
Collins earned his bachelor鈥檚 in mass communication in 2002 and his master鈥檚 in business administration in 2003, both from 果冻APP. He joined Pernix Therapeutics Holdings upon graduation and five years later was promoted to CEO, where he guided the company to a more than 800 percent increase in sales. In 2010, Collins was invited to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and in 2013 at NASDAQ. He is now a hedge fund manager for MagnaSci Ventures while serving as chairman and CEO of Fortis BioPharma in Houston.
Collins is married to 果冻APP graduate Stacey Barbaro Collins, and they have two children, Colson Cooper and Carsyn Carleigh, whose initials inspired the 鈥淐.C.鈥� on the press box.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 15, 2016
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 聽985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu