Nunez Community College’s theme for its Convocation program to kick off the 2024-2025 academic year was “Love Your Flock,” so the Pelicans spread their wings to welcome some special guests to the college’s Chalmette campus.

Holding its first Convocation in the brand-new Student Testing & Career Counseling Center, which celebrated its ceremonial ribbon cutting July 30, love was in the air. Love for faculty and staff, love for economic development partners, love for local employers, love for Nunez students, and love for a brand new, top-notch facility.

Nunez Chancellor Tina Tinney, Ed. D., kicked off the day-long event with her annual State of the College address, which outlines priorities and opportunities for the academic year. Dr. Tinney also moderated two panels featuring visiting experts, and emceed the ultimate expression of love: Passing out awards to faculty and staff.

The following Nunez employees were recognized with awards:

• Jason Hosch, Director of IT – Outstanding Professional Staff Award
• David Ballero, Facilities and Fleet Manager – Outstanding Professional Support Staff Award
• Kathy Huff, CDYC Program Director/Instructor – Excellence In Teaching Award (Presented during Commencement in May)
• Stephanie Hoskins, Admissions and Records Coordinator – Student Centered GEM Award
• Seth Braniff, IT Assistant – Teaching & Learning GEM Award
• Alex Powell, Fitness Center & Special Projects Coordinator, Assistant Baseball Coach – Caring GEM Award
• Kyle Steib, Process Technology and Instrumentation Program Chair – Integrity Gem Award
• Don Mieger, EMSE Program Director/Chair – Innovation GEM Award
• Chef Ruth Varisco, Professor of Culinary Arts – 30-Year Service Award
• Klaus Heyer, Professor of Biology – 20-Year Service Award
• Hannah Camp, Office Manager – 5-Year Service Award
• Tai Nguyen, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Operations – 5-Year Service Award
• Wallace Rodrigue, Instrumentation Instructor – 5-Year Service Award
• Jon Verret, Payroll and Accounts Payable Manager – 5-Year Service Award

Hosch, Ballero and Huff will each be recognized during the Louisiana Community & Technical College System (LCTCS) Annual Conference this October in New Orleans.
 
In a departure from the traditional Convocation format, Nunez expanded its scope to include several panels, inviting experts share perspective and advice on a range of issues affecting the college. The following individuals participated:

Economic Development Panel

• Dr. Tinney – Moderator
• Osmar Padilla, Assistant Secretary at Louisiana Workforce Commission
• Kelly DiMarco, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Plaquemines Parish
• Lacy McManus, Executive Director of Future Energy, GNO Inc.

Employer Panel

• Dr. Tinney – Moderator
• Mindy Nunez Airhart, CEO SSE Steel Fabrication
• Lani Fast, CEO St. Bernard Parish Hospital Ochsner
• Jared Wimberly, Refinery Manager Chalmette Refining

Faculty Panel

• Reggie Poché, Nunez Vice Chancellor for Education, Training and Student Success – Moderator
• Kyle Steib, Process Technology and Instrumentation Program Chair
• Leslie Sam, Head Librarian
• Nick Slie, Associate Professor and Program Manager for the Louisiana Transfer Degree program

Student Panel

• Nick Slie, Associate Professor and Program Manager for the Louisiana Transfer Degree program – Moderator
• John Tsai, Aerospace Manufacturing Technology student and former SGA President
• Hannah Gehring, Medical Billing & Coding student and SGA member
• Kymberly Cooper, Nursing student and SGA Secretary
• Marcus Hempfling, Aerospace Manufacturing Technology student
• Troy Sino Jr., Welding student and former Dual Enrollment student

Additional guests included Coffee House owner Matt Woodward, University of New Orleans Federal Credit Union Marketing & Business Development Director Gay Parvazi and staff members of the Nunez Health Center, which is operated by Methodist Health System Foundation. The new STCCC building includes the Coffee House Nunez, which provides drive-through and walk-in service right off of Paris Road on the Nunez campus. GNO FCU sponsored lunch for Convocation 2024. And the Nunez Health Center treats Nunez students, faculty and staff at low or no cost, including physical and mental health services.

Classes for the Fall 2024 semester and Mini-Session A begin Aug. 20. The last day to adjust classes for the fall semester is Aug. 24.

Registration is currently open for Mini-Session B, which begins Oct. 15 and concludes in December. Students can register online at Nunez.edu. Students who require assistance are welcome to call 504-278-6467 contact the Student Success Team at Nunez.edu/Advising.

About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.