The Nicholls State University Alumni Federation will hold its Annual Meeting and Crawfish Boil on Saturday, April 26 in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Donald G. Bollinger Memorial Student Union.
The business meeting will be conducted from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and more than a ton of crawfish will be served at 7 p.m.
“The annual Alumni Crawfish Boil is a 20-year tradition,” said Debbie Raziano, NSU director of Alumni Affairs at Nicholls. “We want to keep it rolling. Everyone looks forward to a good time, and we do our best to provide it.”
“Our bylaws require that we have an annual stockholders meeting, and some type of banquet,” Raziano said. “We were tired of banquet food so we started the crawfish boil in 1982. We have come a long way; the first boil had 500 pounds of crawfish, now it is 3,200.”
The Alumni Federation was established on September 13, 1960. Its mission is to foster and promote the University by providing scholarships, tutorial programs and Homecoming expenses. It also sponsors academic, athletic and student organizations.
So just what qualifications must one possess to be a member of the Nicholls Alumni Federation?
“You must be an NSU graduate and an active alumnus who pays dues, which is $25 dollars for single people and $40 dollars if they are married,” Raziano said.
The evening will also include a cash bar and entertainment provided by the Soul Survivors, an oldies but goodies Thibodaux band.
This event is paid for by funds received from the alumni. In addition to crawfish, the Omnicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Society will be selling sweets.
Some members of the alumni federation will also receive awards. The Ramon Labat Service Award will be given to Ronald Chatagnier and Audrey Dovar for former or current civil service employment.
Other recipients are as follows: Dr. Ayo, Marie Fletcher Distinguished Service Award; George and Shirley Picou, Harvey Peltier Award for non-graduates who financially support the University and the J.B. Levert and Company, Corporate Mark of Honor.
Glenn Antizzo, associate professor of history and social sciences, Chris Cenac, orthopedic surgeon of Houma and Bill Oliver, president of LA Operations for Bell South, also will receive honorary awards.
Alice Pecararo, vice president of academic affairs will receive the prestigious James Lynn Powell Award.
Raziano explained that a major function such as this entails much planning.
“Everyone says to me, ‘Raz, this ought to be an old hat to you.’ The most difficult thing is never knowing what crawfish season will be like, and we always go after the biggest crawfish, ” Raziano said. “It is difficult, but not overwhelming.”
A turnout of 450 to 550 alumni is expected.
“I do not know of anyone who has not had a good time at this event,” Raziano said. “I encourage everyone to come out and have a good time.”
Tickets for the crawfish boil are $20 per person for dues-paying alumni and NSU faculty and staff, if purchased by April 18. Tickets may also be purchased the evening of the event for $30 and $35, respectively. For more information on the Nicholls Alumni Federation or its annual crawfish boil, contact the University Office of Alumni Affairs at (985) 448-4111.