Nicholls’ Bridge to Independence Program receives $1 million donation

Colleen Hunter donated $500,000 to the Nicholls Foundation for naming rights to the Bridge to Independence degree program, now known as the Bridge to Independence William Dewitt Hunter Degree Program in honor of her late husband William “Bill” Dewitt Hunter. This donation is part of a $1M project to renovate Nicholls’ Bridge to Independence Academic Center and the Independent Learning Lab facilities.

Hunter’s son is a two-time graduate of Nicholls in Interdisciplinary Studies and Geomatics with the support of Bridge to Independence. “The Bridge to Independence program holds such a special place for our family. William’s time here has helped him grow and prosper into adulthood. We are so happy to help grow the program so near and dear to us,” said Hunter.

“This donation from the Hunter family is very special to everyone at Bridge. William was with us when the program started in 2016 and now holds two bachelor’s degrees from Nicholls and is working in the field of geomatics. Colleen was instrumental in the planning and creation of the degree program. Bill, her late husband who the William Dewitt Hunter Degree Program is named for, was always there for us and a contributor to the program’s growth. Everyone at Bridge is forever thankful to the Hunter family and their generous support,” said Dr. Mary Breaud, Nicholls associate professor of education.

In addition, Jeannette Guillory Thomason donated $500,000 to the Nicholls Foundation for naming rights to the Bridge to Independence Independent Learning Lab, now known as the Bridge to Independence H. Allen Thomason Independent Learning Lab in honor of her late husband Hebert “Allen” Thomason. This donation is part of a $1M project to renovate Nicholls’ Bridge to Independence Academic Center and the Independent Learning Lab facilities.

“When I learned about the Bridge to Independence program at Nicholls State University, I knew I wanted to support it. It is so wonderful to have a program that teaches certificate students the life skills they need to help them be productive members of society,” said Thomason.

Students with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder have the opportunity to enjoy the full college experience while gaining the leadership and social skills needed for future employment and independent living through the Nicholls Bridge to Independence program, the first program of its kind in Louisiana certified by the US Department of Education.