THIBODAUX, La. — The Nicholls State University Bayou Studies Program will enhance its ability to educate students on Bayou Region culture and history, including coastal erosion and restoration, thanks to a donation from the popular local event, Swamp Stomp.
The Bayou Studies Program will receive $27,320 to enhance existing programming, like the annual Bayou Studies Symposium in the fall, as well as for new events, such as hosting guest speakers. Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. John Doucet said he wants to use the money to amplify education on the environmental issues surrounding the Louisiana coast.
“Part of the mission of the Bayou Studies Program is to conserve, preserve and teach about the culture and the history of South Louisiana, and with this money, I believe we’ll be able to do that even more effectively,” said Dr. Doucet.
Recognized for several years as a top event in the Southeast, Swamp Stomp began in 2009, stemming from research by Nicholls Librarian Anke Tonn’s research into Cajun dance halls.
In 2015, the event was transferred from Nicholls to the nonprofit Cajun Music Preservation Society, which was co-founded by Nicholls faculty and staff. The money used for the donation was the remaining profits left in the university’s Swamp Stomp Committee account.
“The Bayou Studies Program is going to keep the money in the spirit in which it was made,” said Quenton Fontenot, professor and department head of biological sciences, member of the Swamp Stomp Committee and co-founder of the Cajun Music Preservation Society. “Their values align with ours, especially when it comes to preserving the heritage of South Louisiana, so it made sense that we help support their efforts.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2018
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu
