THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University is proud to announce a $9,000 donation from the Morgan City Oilfield Fishing Rodeo.
The money will help upgrade Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management classrooms in Gouaux Hall.
“The PETSM program is very important to this region. Nicholls is educating young minds that have the potential to drive our industry forward,” said Joey Cannata (AS ’05, AS ’05, BS ’05), operations manager at Tanks-A-Lot. “The energy industry has gone through a slowdown. But things are picking back up. As they do, you’ll see new faces. This program lends well to a good foundation for the new workforce.”
The fishing rodeo has donated more than $63,000 to the PETSM program since 2013. The money has been used to renovate and expand classrooms and improve technology. The donations have also helped build the state-of-the-art well control simulation lab.
Tanks-A-Lot, a deepwater container specialist, founded the fishing rodeo in 2013. The rodeo’s goal is to promote a community spirit in the local oil and gas industry. This objective is achieved by contributing to notable, forward-thinking community organizations like Nicholls.
Tanks-A-Lot employees and countless volunteers have worked to ensure that each rodeo is successful.
The PETSM program has educated oil and gas professionals for over 40 years. It is one of the most popular and unique programs on the Nicholls campus. A feature is the ability for students to register for classes that meet their rotational work schedules, such as 7-on, 7-off and 14-on, 14-off. PETSM graduates work in management and leadership positions in the oil and gas industry around the globe.
“This kind of support from the community shows our value to this region,” said Dr. Milton Saidu, PETSM department head. “Our graduates work for service companies. They work for big companies. It’s a good feeling when we see they are successful and giving back.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 23, 2019
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@nicholls.edu
