The University of Holy Cross recently held its annual Award Dinner, where hundreds gathered to honor retiring Professor of Nursing, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Chair of the Department of Nursing, Patricia M. Prechter, EdD, MSN, BSN. Serving the university and community for the past 43 years, she also had a distinguished career as an Army Nurse Corps officer in the Louisiana National Guard. The gala event was marked by speeches, dinner and the presentation of a $50,000 donation by the Methodist Health System Foundation to endow a chair in Dr. Patricia Prechter’s honor.

In the same vein of appreciation for community leaders, the inaugural reception for the 2025 All Star Awards of Excite All Stars took place at the Jones Walker Law Firm. The event recognizes individuals leading in community service, corporate leadership, emerging leadership and acting as community champions. Notable attendees included City Council Member Oliver Thomas, Troy Henry, Ruston Henry, Avi Salomon, and Sue Killam, M.Ed.

Lastly, A Studio in the Woods hosted their Mudbugs & Boots fundraising event. The afternoon boil was a celebration of art, community and, of course, crawfish, taking place on a Saturday afternoon in a beautiful home in the Garden District. High-profile attendees included board chair Emily Wilkerson, development manager Gary Watson, managing director Ama Rogan, among others.

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