By Justin Martin
Lagniappe Editor
John Weimer graduated from Nicholls in 1976. In the 30 years since then, he has received a Juris Doctor degree from Louisiana State University and served as Judge pro tempore of the 17th Judicial District Court, Division D. He has also been elected Judge for the 17th Judicial District Court, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals and associate Justice for the Louisiana Supreme Court.
Ask him if, as just another freshman roaming Peltier Hall, he ever thought he would hold a such a prestigious position, and Weimer has an often rehearsed response, “Absolutely, positively not.” But he credits his time at Nicholls as his first step to where he is today.
“The education received at Nicholls enabled me to attend law school and serves as a foundation to my career,” Weimer said.
While at Nicholls, Weimer participated in the Student Government Association and worked at both The Nicholls Worth and KNSU.
“All of that helped develop certain skills that have helped me throughout my career,” Weimer said of his extra curricular activities.
After passing the bar exam, Weimer spent 15 years in private practice and also taught business law at Nicholls. He was a full-time faculty member for eight years while in private practice until he was elected to the 17th Judicial District Court and his obligations became too great.
He considered himself to be a very demanding teacher but fair and concerned about the individual students.
“What surprised me most about teaching was that students touch your life in a very positive fashion also,” Weimer said.
Weimer says his life at Nicholls has been key to his career as an elected official.
“The faculty and classmates I came in contact with served as the basis of my support in any elections,” Weimer said. “It also was simply remarkable how helpful my former students were.”
Of all his awards, Weimer considers The Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence his most treasured.
“To be recognized in a field you care about doing well in is very gratifying,” Weimer said.
He also considers several awards he received from victims’ groups high points in his career. They recognized him for implementing a program that contacted victims of crimes for input before sentences were issued.
Weimer is still a resident of Thibodaux. He enjoys some of the same friendships he formed at Nicholls, most notably, his wife Peggy whom he met while teaching.
Weimer continues relationships with many others he met at Nicholls, even as a student. He remembers who was on stage with him when he took the oath of office for the Louisiana Supreme Court in Talbot Auditorium in 2001.
“There were five of us on stage who had entered Nicholls in 1972,” Weimer says. “We had all remained friends for roughly 30 years.”
When asked if he has any official current relationship with Nicholls, Weimer simply replies, “Proud alumni.