NEW ORLEANS — Nunez Community College held its 26th Commencement Exercises on Thursday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. in The Frederick Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette, LA. Dr. Tina Tinney, Chancellor, conferred associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates for 372 graduates.
Simone Bruni, Demo Diva, provided an inspirational message during her commencement address. Amongst the graduates, three completed their degrees with a 4.0 grade point average. They are Lauralee Burke, Brandon Kyle Swafford and Jimmie Smith, Sr.
Early College Academy students representing Chalmette High, LB Landry-Walker High and Phoenix High earned their associates degree while attending high school. They include Samuel Albers, Javier Aleman, Caleigh Armand, Victoria Bartholomew, Alexis Binschus, Walter Gamez, Paul Hammers, Fareionta Harris, Rico Hendrix, Hamilton Israel, Jermiah Johnson, Jacob Lofton, Darrin Mahler, Tyler Markham, Ryan Moliere, Blake Neyland, Giovanni Nicosia, Justice Polk and Allen Williams.
Giovanni Nicosia was the youngest graduate at 16 years old, while Ludy Pittman earned her degree at age 64.
The announcement of the 2018 Excellence in Teaching Award was part of the evening's ceremony. This recognition is given to a full-time faculty member who is chosen by their peers for outstanding teaching. Nominees included:
- Michelle Bennett, Nursing Instructor & Nursing Program Coordinator
- Don Bordelon, Industrial Technology Instructor
- Christine Griggs, Associate Professor in Mathematics
- Katherine Lemoine, Assistant Professor in Care and Development of Young Children & Teaching
The Lamarque Endowed Professorship for Excellence in Teaching was awarded to Katherine Lemoine.
