The Callais family recently donated $660,000 at the retirement dinner held on June 16 for Donald Ayo, University president, making this the largest contribution ever to Nicholls.
“Harold Callais and his wife have always been close friends of mine. He was a successful citizen, businessman and strongly believed in education at all levels. Receiving this gift was both exciting and humbling,”Ayo said.
The Louisiana Board of Regents Quality Support Fund will contribute $400,000 to match the majority of the Callais’ donation and will be used for student scholarships.
“Harold Callais was a member of the board of Regents and had a previous relationship with Ayo and remained close throughout the years. It is my understanding the family particularly wanted to make the contribution before Ayo’s retirement,” Michael Delaune, director of university relations, said.
According to a recent press release, “endowed chairs will allow the University to attract eminent scholars who will provide excellence in teaching and significant research contributions.” Details of the donation will be finalized at a meeting held next week.
The late Harold Callais was a prominent entrepreneur and civic leader from Golden Meadow. He founded many businesses across South Louisiana, most of which were in the field of mass communication, banking and solid waste disposal. Callais began as a member of the Louisiana Board of Regents in 1983, and served as chairman from 1996-1998.
Family of the late Harold Callais includes his wife Gloria and four sons: Corey, Michael, Paul and Peter. Cory was a 1985 general studies graduate from Nicholls.
According to Cory Callais, his family was happy to donate the money to Nicholls because his father was a great believer in the value of a college education.
“We were very proud to be able to donate the money to Nicholls because of my dad’s entrepreneurial spirit and hard work. We are proud to contribute some of his financial success back to the community,” Cory Callais said.