Olinda Ricard, sociology senior from Kileen, Texas, and Alex Barnes, government senior from New Orleans, were announced as Mr. and Ms. Nicholls Thursday at the Student Programming Association’s annual Crawfish Day.

Ricard describes her experience at Nicholls:

Q: How would you sum up your experience at Nicholls in one sentence?

A: I am convinced my experiences at Nicholls have provided me with the types of opportunities that are irreplaceable, incomparable and more rewarding than I could have hoped for.

Q: Is there any one professor you would like to thank or mention in regards to your educational endeavor at Nicholls?

A: James Butler has and continues to be the most influential professor I have had. He has motivated me to think beyond the bachelor’s degree I was limiting myself to.

Q: What was your reaction upon hearing your name announced at Crawfish Day?

A: For weeks I had made up in my mind I would not be the winner, so, of course, I was very surprised when my name was called.

Q: What does winning Ms. Nicholls mean to you?

A: Winning the title of Ms. Nicholls is truly an honor for me. I accept it as a token of appreciation from the student body for my dedication to them and our fine University.

Q: As someone officially representing Nicholls, what do you think the mascot should be or encompass?

A: I think it’s important our image be one that ALL members of our Nicholls family (alumni, students, faculty, administration and staff) can be proud of. I am personally in favor of a zany character to excite the crowd and entertain children during our games and other events. Of course, our school colors must be incorporated. The name “colonel” can be used with any image, even one not defined by the word colonel.

Barnes gives advice to aspiring leaders and comments on the mascot:

Q: What was your reaction upon hearing your name announced at Crawfish Day?

A: When my name was announced at Crawfish Day as Mr. Nicholls, I felt honored and happy to finally hear the results.

Q: What advice do you have for upcoming students who want to become more involved in school?

A: Any student who wants to be more involved on campus just needs to realize there is always someone here willing to help them. That is one thing I love about Nicholls.

Q: What does winning Mr. Nicholls mean to you?

A: To Me, winning Mr. Nicholls means the students recognize my dedication to them and the University.

Q: Do you think the award should be announced at Crawfish Day?

A: Yes, I do think it is a good idea to announce the winners at Crawfish Day because in the past it was announced at the end of the semester at the SGA banquet. No student outside of the SGA, SEALS or SPA would know the results because they were not at the banquet.

Q: As someone officially representing Nicholls, what do you think the mascot should be or encompass?

A: I think the mascot should be a symbol all students can unite behind. A figure that does not single out our differences but shows what it is we have in common.