New scholarships for the Process Technology program at Nunez Community College will become available shortly thanks to a $12,500 donation from American Sugar Refining, Inc., owner of the Domino Sugar Chalmette Refinery and a member of ASR Group.

Representatives of ASR Group visited the Nunez campus Oct. 23 to present the check to Process Technology (PTEC) Chair Kyles Steib and Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Katherine Lemoine. Liz Mendoca, Vice President and General Manager for the Domino Sugar Chalmette Refinery, which currently employs more than 300 people, said the donation is an investment in the future of the college, the refinery, and the community that surrounds both.

“By supporting scholarships for students in Nunez’s PTEC program, we are committed to preparing the next generation of process technicians for rewarding careers here in St. Bernard, where we have been operating for more than 115 years,” she said.

The relationship between ASR Group and Nunez was personified during the meeting by the participation of Briahn Artigues, a 2018 graduate of the PTEC program who is currently an operations trainer at the company’s Chalmette Refinery. Artigues initially set out to become a process operator in an oil and gas refinery but found the skill set she learned at Nunez, such as reading P&IDs (piping and instrumentation diagrams) and understanding process flow, translated to troubleshooting applications across the refining industry, including at Domino Sugar.

“The training aids that Nunez provides their students are absolutely stellar. They provided me with insight and understanding of most equipment and operations before starting my career,” said Artigues. “The labs were hands-on experiences that allowed me to identify problems and resolve issues in the field. I credit the PTEC program with playing a large role in the success I have found so far in my career.”

The donation from ASR Group will provide more students with the opportunity to attain a similar skillset with minimal financial burden. Artigues encourages anyone considering the PTEC program to enroll at Nunez and trust that a career awaits them at the end of their studies.

“If you are looking for quality education and learning experiences, you’ll definitely find it within this program,” she said. “Enrolling is your first step on your path to knowledge expansion and success!”

Registration is currently open for both Winter Intersession (Dec. 16-Jan. 13) and Spring 2025 (classes begin Jan. 14) at Nunez.edu. Questions about the PTEC program can be emailed to ksteib@nunez.edu.

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.

About American Sugar Refining, Inc.
American Sugar Refining, Inc. is a subsidiary of ASR Group International, Inc. (ASR Group), the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar, with an annual production capacity of more than 6 million tons of sugar. The company produces a full line of grocery, industrial, food service and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group owns and operates six sugar refineries, located in New York, California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, the company owns and operates sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. ASR Group also farms sugarcane and owns sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The company’s portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle’s®, Whitworth’s® and Sidul®. ASR Group also owns Tellus Products, LLC, whose no added PFAS compostable foodservice and tableware products are made in the U.S. from U.S.-grown and imported plant fibers. ASR Group is owned by Florida Crystals Corporation. For more information, visit www.ASR-Group.com.