THIBODAUX – Qualified students at Nicholls State University stand to benefit again this year, thanks to the family of the late Norman Swanner – Thibodaux city councilman, businessman and Nicholls enthusiast.
On behalf of the Swanner family, Norman’s brother, Neal – with whom Norman co-founded Bubba’s Restaurant and Sports Lounge in Thibodaux – funded a series of Nicholls scholarships in 2007 to memorialize his brother.
The first set of scholarships is awarded annually to six Nicholls freshmen, each of whom must have graduated from one of four area high schools. Totaling $500 per recipient, the one-time awards are designated for two graduates of E.D. White Catholic High School, two graduates of Thibodaux High School, one graduate of Central Lafourche High School and one graduate of South Lafourche High School. Recipients must have demonstrated financial need and met additional criteria.
The Swanner family also funds a series of five scholarships for Nicholls sophomores and juniors. Reserved for one student each from the Division of Art, Division of Music, John Folse Culinary Institute, College of Education and College of Nursing and Allied Health, these one-time scholarships total $500 per recipient. Primary consideration is given to qualified residents of Lafourche Parish.
Finally, the Swanner family has established a scholarship specifically for senior student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility. Currently endowed at $20,000, the award is presented to two qualified students each year – $500 for a student athlete who played football and $500 for a student athlete who participated in any other sport.
“What Neal has done is truly noteworthy,” Dr. David Boudreaux, vice president for institutional advancement, said. “All who knew Norm saw that he was a wonderful fan and a devoted supporter of Nicholls athletics. Those of us who knew him well also realized that he strongly advocated the academic mission of the university. Neal has really hit the exclamation point in stating the importance of supporting our students, and his doing so in Norm’s memory makes it very special.”
For additional information about these or any other Nicholls scholarship, call the Office of Scholarships at (985) 448-4411.
