Southeastern Louisiana University recognized distinguished alumni recently at is annual Alumni Awards Evening during Homecoming week.
Honored at the event were Genevieve May, a public safety executive and retired U.S. Marshal, as the Alumni Association Alumna of the Year and Jonathan Wong, an area business owner, as the Young Alumnus of the Year.
The event also included recognition of distinguished alumni from the university’s five academic colleges. Recognized by the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences was Barbara Tardo, a 1960 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in art. She was a faculty member at Southeastern for 31 years, teaching sculpture, drawing and art history. Bill Kingsmill, a 1976 graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in business administration, was honored by the College of Business. The College of Education honored long-term educator John Watson. Crystal Pichon, a 2006 graduate with a bachelor of science degree in health education and promotion, was recognized by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The College of Science and Technology honored Jonte Lee, a 2003 graduate with a bachelor of science degree in biological sciences.
Other special awards were presented at the event including the Kathy L. Pittman Distinguished Service Award to longtime Southeastern volunteers Marcia Barr and her husband, the late Cameron Barr; and the L.E. Chandler Award for student assistance to Professor of Communication and Director of the Honors Program Claire Procopio.
The Association’s Friendship Oak Award was presented to the Southeastern Wesley Foundation for operating the Southeastern Food Pantry. Also receiving the Friendship Oak Award was longtime Hammond resident Benny Latino, who is known for his kind, giving nature and helping others.
