Danos family donates $1 million during Talbot Hall grand opening

Members of the Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation presented a $1 million donation to Nicholls State University during the grand opening of Talbot Hall last night.

The Opening Night Showcase of Arts recognized the four children representing their parents Mary and Al Danos, who the newly renovated theatre memorializes.

“This donation is intended to carry out Mom and Dad’s legacy and we would like to thank you all for capturing our parents in this beautiful place,” Rene David, daughter of Mary and Al Danos, said.

Students and faculty members performed samples of traditional art such as music and theatre to highlight their talent and features of the renovation.

“The sound is what’s most impressive. It elevates the whole experience compared to what it was before,” David said.

Performances were separated by segments of attribution, one of which featured insight into the personalities and aspirations of Mary and Al Danos.

“Hearing the story about how passionate they were about the arts makes me really proud to get up there and perform to bring honor to their name,” Cassie Cavalier, freshman in general studies from Thibodaux said.

David said her family hopes the renovations attract more students and members of the community to enjoy the facilities as well as productions put on by the University’s nationally accredited traditional and liberal art programs.

“This new facility will serve as the cornerstone of the University’s mission to serve as the intellectual, economic and cultural part of the bayou region,” John Doucet, Dean of the Department of Arts and Sciences, said.

Neal Weaver, Vice President for University Advancement, said  the renovations in Talbot hall are equally beneficial to students, faculty, staff and members of the community.

“It is a blessing to be able to experience here on campus the beauty, cultural enrichment and socialization that surround art productions,” Weaver said.