Nicholls State University Alumni Federation

Nicholls Alumni Making Headlines ♥️⚔️

Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois, a graduate of the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University, has earned a 2026 James Beard Foundation Broadcast Media Award nomination for his series “Duck Camp Dinners”! In addition to this prestigious nod, Chef Jean-Paul is currently competing for a $100,000 grand prize on the new Food Network series, “Chopped Castaways”.

We are incredibly proud to see a Nicholls alum shining on the national stage, brilliantly showcasing Louisiana’s rich outdoor traditions and culinary culture. We will be cheering you on. Good Luck! 👨‍🍳

Read more: https://www.nicholls.edu/news/2026/05/11/nicholls-alumnus-chef-jean-paul-bourgeois-nominated-for-james-beard-award-and-stars-in-food-networks-chopped-castaways/

Nicholls Alumni Making Headlines ♥️⚔️

Congratulations to Hunter Legnon, Nicholls Alum Class '24, on receiving the WoodmenLife Contribution to Youth Award. Hunter teaches Special Education at H. L. Bourgeois High School and is the head Cross Country Coach. This award is presented by WoodmenLife fraternal chapters to recognize individuals who go above and beyond to support, guide, and inspire local students and community members.

Congratulations, Hunter! We are very proud of your commitment to education and leadership! 🌟

Nicholls Alumni Making Headlines ♥️⚔️

Congratulations to Rhonda Pontiff on receiving the prestigious WoodmenLife Contribution to Youth Award! A graduate of Nicholls State University, Rhonda currently serves as a 3rd Grade ELA teacher at Bayou Blue Upper Elementary School. This honor recognizes her many years of dedicated leadership, passion, and the incredible encouragement she pours into her students every day. From being named the 2014 Lafourche Parish Elementary Teacher of the Year to this latest recognition, Rhonda continues to be a shining example of the impact our educators make in the community.

Congratulations, Rhonda!

Thank you to everyone who came out to Alumni Grill in April and ordered the "Gumbo Burger", sponsored by First American Bank and Trust. Thanks to your support, we raised $510.25, benefitting the Nicholls Alumni Federation! 🍔 ♥️ ⚔️

Nicholls Alumni Making Headlines ♥️⚔️

Kesha Eymard, Secondary Education Alum ’25, has been named a finalist for the Louisiana Department of Education 2027 New Teacher of the Year awards program! After graduating summa cm laude from Nicholls, Kesha returned to her alma mater, South Lafourche High School, to teach U.S. History and Civics. Earlier this school year, she was also selected as the Lafourche Parish School District’s high school-level New Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment, Kesha!

Read more:
https://www.mylpsd.com/article/2829058

Are you (or a Colonel you know) crushing career goals? We want to hear about it! ♥️⚔️

Whether that be promotions, passion projects, community outreach, awards, or really any achievement you’re proud of, let us celebrate you!

How to nominate a standout Colonel Alum: Direct Message our page or Email us at [email protected].

What to send over:
First and last name
Graduation year & degree
A little about your career and achievements
A high-quality headshot
What Nicholls means to you
Advice for current Nicholls students and recent grads

Let us spotlight you and your story to inspire the next generation of Colonels!🌟

Congratulations to our 2026 Graduates! 🎓

We are incredibly proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and we are thrilled to officially welcome you into the Nicholls Alumni Federation.

Did you know that all new graduates receive one free year of Alumni Federation Membership? Don't be a stranger; stay connected and involved. We'd love to see you at tailgates and events! ♥️⚔️

Remembering and honoring the brave this Memorial Day. Thank you to all who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. 🇺🇸♥️

A huge THANK YOU to our amazing sponsors, Nicholls Athletics, and Brooke Griffin at Haus of Glow for generously donating door prizes for this year’s annual Nicholls Alumni Crawfish Boil! 🦞

We truly appreciate your generosity and support in helping us make this such a memorable afternoon for our Nicholls Alumni community! ♥️⚔️