THIBODAUX, La. — The Nicholls Alumni Federation honored several in the community who have contributed the most to the University at its annual Awards for Excellence reception on Wednesday.
President and CEO of The National WWII Museum Stephen Watson received the James Lynn Powell Award, Thomas Meyer the Harvey Peltier Award, United Community Bank received the Corporate Mark of Honor and Dr. Matthew and Kacy Porche the Honorary Alumni Award.
“Every year, Nicholls State University and the Nicholls Alumni Federation choose to honor the excellence among our former students and the generosity of the surrounding community,” said Katherine Gianelloni, acting director of the Nicholls Alumni Federation. “These men and women exude Colonel Pride and we are proud of their commitment to our students and to Nicholls.”
Watson (B.S. ‘97, MBA ‘98) was born in Little Brechin, Scotland, and relocated to Thibodaux in 1994 to pursue his degrees at Nicholls State University. Watson joined the staff of what would become the National WWII Museum in New Orleans in 2002. He was promoted to vice president and chief operating officer in 2004 and then to president and CEO in 2017.
Meyer is a private wealth advisor with Meyer Financial Group and he started the Ben Meyer Foundation in 2015 named after his late brother, Ben. A loyal supporter of Nicholls State University, Meyer made a gift to enable the athletics department last year to purchase the new LED scoreboard for the John L. Guidry Stadium and purchased synthetic turf for the Ray Didier Field, and the field itself has been renamed the Ben Meyer Diamond.
The Corporate Mark of Honor is selected by Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune for being a strong supporter of the University and its mission. United Community Bank has made numerous contributions to the University, including student scholarships for mass communications, A+ Scholars Night, Bite of the Arts and Athletic Scoreboards.
Dr. Porche serves as a physician for the Nicholls athletic department, treating the injuries sustained by athletes. He and his wife, Kacy, are also supporters of Nicholls, having contributed to Nicholls during numerous fundraising events and they have also been donors to the athletic department.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2018
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu
