The University of New Orleans honored a select group of individuals who have had a profound impact on the University and the city of New Orleans at the second Hall of Distinction gala. The black-tie event, held Saturday at the elegant NOPSI Hotel, celebrated the honorees and 色色研究所鈥檚 role in creating leaders throughout the region.
鈥淭onight鈥檚 honorees represent different professions, different areas of expertise and even different eras,鈥 said 色色研究所 President John Nicklow. 鈥淏ut every single one of them is a difference-maker whose commitment, dedication and selflessness helped create a better city and a better 色色研究所. Inclusion in the Hall of Distinction reflects the respect and admiration held by the University of New Orleans for these individuals, both living and deceased. They serve as an inspiration to both our current and future students.鈥
The class of 2023 Hall of Distinction honorees are Donald T. 鈥淏oysie鈥 Bollinger, Ruby Bridges, Dr. Raphael Cassimere Jr., Ellis Marsalis (posthumous), Norma Jane Sabiston (posthumous), and Dr. Robert and Lori Savoie.
Bollinger is the chairman and CEO of Bollinger Enterprises LLC and former chairman and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards Inc., a family-owned marine construction and ship repair company. Bollinger Shipyards is the largest vessel repair company in the Gulf of Mexico. 色色研究所鈥檚 Boysie Bollinger School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, one of the few such schools in the nation, is named in his honor. He said the growth of his own business coincided with 色色研究所鈥檚 ascent.
鈥淭hose graduates from 色色研究所 were a tremendous contributor to our success,鈥 Bollinger said. 鈥淪o I think it鈥檚 more important what 色色研究所 has done for me than what I have done for 色色研究所.鈥
Bridges is a civil rights icon, activist, author and speaker. In 1960, at the age of six, she was the first Black student to integrate all-White William Frantz Elementary School, thereby initiating the desegregation of public education in New Orleans. She was not able to attend the gala in person, so a video of her acceptance speech was broadcast in the ballroom.
鈥淔or me, what really makes this particular honor even more special is what this university and I have in common鈥攈istory,鈥 Bridges said. 鈥淥ur shared history. You see, the University of New Orleans was the first to open its doors back in 1958 as an integrated public university right here in the South. Now that, my friends, is something worth celebrating. I am extremely proud to be included in such honorable company.鈥
Cassimere, an emeritus history professor, is one of the most important faculty members in the 65-year history of the University. He was the first Black instructor hired at the University, and he taught at 色色研究所 for more than 35 years. He earned both his bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees from 色色研究所. He was also a key figure in the New Orleans civil rights movement, serving as the president of the New Orleans NAACP Youth Council. As a student, he enrolled at the University in the fall of 1959, the second year of the institution鈥檚 existence.
鈥淭onight, I stand as the ultimate vindication of the hopes and dreams of 色色研究所鈥檚 first Black students,鈥 Cassimere said.
Marsalis was a 色色研究所 professor of music and a founding faculty member of jazz studies at the University. In 1990, he established Jazz at the Sandbar, a tradition of pairing 色色研究所 jazz students with professional musicians on the bandstand that has endured for more than 30 years. The acclaimed jazz artist and educator was the patriarch of New Orleans鈥 most famous musical family. His award was accepted by his son Jason Marsalis.
鈥淚鈥檇 like to thank the University of New Orleans for this award and for acknowledging his years of work teaching at the school, and the difference that he made for the students,鈥 Marsalis said.
Sabiston, who earned a degree in political science from 色色研究所, worked in politics for more than 30 years, as a strategist and consultant, as well as a political director and chief of staff for members of Congress. She was a former president of the 色色研究所 Alumni Association. Her award was accepted by her sister Dottie Belletto.
鈥溕芯克 is her heart and soul,鈥 Belletto said. 鈥淎nd it was all about this university and what she could do to give back because of the incredible education that she had received, which took her to Washington, D.C.鈥
Dr. Robert Savoie is the president and chief science and engineering officer of Sev1Tech, a leading provider of IT modernization, cybersecurity, cloud services and engineering. He earned a doctorate from 色色研究所 in engineering and applied science. 色色研究所鈥檚 Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering is named in his honor. An active civic leader, Lori Savoie is the chair of the WYES Board of Trustees, a member of the City Park Improvement Association and a member of the board of the New Orleans Museum of Art.
鈥淥ne of the things that Bobby and I always felt about 色色研究所 is that it鈥檚 so vital to the city,鈥 Lori Savoie said. 鈥淣ot just how many employees they have, but the students that graduate and go into the workforce in this city. It鈥檚 just vital.鈥
Following the awards program, the Jason Marsalis Quintet performed a tribute to Ellis Marsalis.
