Local Residents Receive Degree from Loyola University New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, La. (Grassroots Newswire) May 26, 2009 — Loyola University New Orleans awarded 987 degrees at its 98th commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, at the Louisiana Superdome. * Joshua Collins, from Houma (70360), received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Humanities & Natural Science, and graduated cum

laude.

* Sonia Fanguy, from Houma (70360), received a Master of Science in Nursing degree from the College of Social Sciences.

* Keith Ferguson, from Houma (70360), received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Social Sciences.

* Joseph Morgan, from Houma (70361), received a Master of Business Administration degree from the College of Business.

* Jessica Bordelon, from Houma (70364), received a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from the College of Social Sciences.

* Holly Fonseca, from Houma (70364), received a Master of Criminal Justice degree from the College of Social Sciences.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal addressed the Loyola University New Orleans 2009 graduating class, and internationally renowned jazz musician and chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, Herbie Hancock, received an honorary degree during commencement ceremonies today at the Louisiana Superdome.

In October 2007, Bobby Jindal became the first Indian-American governor in United States history. A Louisiana native, Jindal first entered public office in 1996, when he was appointed secretary of the Louisiana Department of Heath and Hospitals. During his tenure as secretary, he revitalized Louisiana’s Medicaid program and improved healthcare for children, the elderly and the disabled. In 1998, he was appointed executive director of the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare, and after that, he was appointed president of the university system in Louisiana, the 16th largest higher education system in the country. In 2001, he was appointed assistant secretary of the U.S.

Department of Heath and Human Services. Two years later, he returned to Louisiana to run for public office, where he first campaigned for governor, and then for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition to being the commencement speaker, Jindal also will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Loyola.

Herbie Hancock is recognized as a legendary pianist and composer and has been an integral part of every jazz movement since the 1960s. As a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, he became one of the pioneers of the avant garde sound. His recordings during the 1970s combined electric jazz with funk and rock sounds in an innovative style that influenced decades of music.

In addition to Jindal and Hancock, a slate of accomplished Louisianians also received honorary degrees from Loyola at the ceremony.

Lt. Gen. (ret.) Russel L. Honoré, of the U.S. Army who led military efforts in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina; chef and Dooky Chase Restaurant owner Leah Chase, who is a civic leader and advocate for the arts; and Wardell Quezergue, legendary New Orleans music arranger, producer and bandleader, known for his work with renowned artists such as Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Irma Thomas, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson and B.B. King; were all honored for their extraordinary achievements and service as role models to Loyola graduates.

The following students received awards at Loyola’s Baccalaureate Mass on Friday, May 8:

Puja Cuddapah, receiving a bachelor of science degree, was presented the Ignatian Award for Outstanding Senior Female.

Greg Fontenot, receiving a bachelor of business administration degree, and graduating magna cum laude with an honors certificate, was presented the Ignatian Award for Outstanding senior Male.

Jana Justine Levitov, receiving a master of criminal justice degree, was presented the Ignatian Award for Outstanding Graduate Student.