Six alumni receive career honors at Southeastern Louisiana University banquet
The university recognized professionals from fields including finance, education, and software engineering during its Homecoming week ceremony.
By Pedro Barnes ·
Southeastern Louisiana University awarded six individuals for their professional achievements during its annual Alumni Awards Evening. The ceremony took place during Homecoming week, honoring graduates who have advanced in their respective fields since leaving the university.
Rob Dugas, a 1986 graduate, received the Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year award. Dugas is a retired business executive who currently works as a part-time business coach and consultant. His career began in broadcasting at WHMD-FM in Hammond, where he served as on-air talent. He later joined the university staff as the operations manager for KSLU before moving into the restaurant industry.
Dugas spent a substantial portion of his career with Chick-fil-A. In that role, he built experience in operations, supply chain management, and strategic leadership over a span of more than four decades.
Nyoki Mokeba was named the Young Alumnus of the Year. Mokeba earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2011 and a master of business administration in 2013. He currently serves as the director of equipment sourcing at Performance Contractors, Inc. In that position, he provides enterprise leadership for pricing strategy, capital planning, and asset profitability across the company’s operating divisions.
The university also recognized distinguished alumni from its academic colleges. The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences honored Amy Bumgarner, a retired brigadier general in the United States Air Force. Bumgarner earned a bachelor’s degree in government in 1991 and a master’s degree in history in 1994. She entered the Air Force as a second lieutenant in November 1995. Her first assignment was to the Air Force Pentagon Communications Agency. She later cross-trained into the Air Force Office of Special Investigations career field in July 1999.
Toby Cortez received an honor from the College of Business. He is the managing director at Stifel’s Baton Rouge office and the founder of Summit Bike Academy. Cortez has worked in public finance for more than 27 years. During that time, he helped raise more than $10 billion for schools, universities, utilities, and local governments.
The College of Education recognized Arthur Joffrion, the deputy assistant superintendent of educator talent and workforce development for the Louisiana Department of Education. Joffrion has a 35-year career in education. He began his professional path as a sixth-grade teacher in St. Mary Parish. He now oversees educator credentialing, certification, and teacher development.
William Dede was honored by the College of Nursing. He is the senior director of event operations and community affairs for the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Dede develops operational plans for major sporting and city-wide events in the New Orleans area.
The College of Science and Technology recognized Dale Baker, a 1996 graduate with a bachelor of science in computer science. Baker serves as a principal software engineer and group leader at Applied Research Associates, a national research and engineering company.
The College of Honors and Excellence honored Timothy Reling, a first-generation college student and 2014 alumnus. Reling is an assistant research professor at Mississippi State University’s National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center. His research informs criminal justice and workforce policy in Louisiana and Mississippi.
The event also included special awards for service. Amy Gowland, the assistant vice president of people operations and human resources at St. Tammany Health System, received the Kathy L. Pittman Distinguished Service Award. Craig Marinello, the director of Southeastern’s Career Services, received the L.E. Chandler Award for student assistance. Becky Ferrara, the vice president and branch manager at Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company, received the Alumni Association’s Friendship Oak Award.
