HALL OF DISTINCTION - APRIL 6, 2000

Left to Right: Herman J. "Monday" Lowe Dean Thomas D. Clark, Jr. Norman V. Kinsey Joseph H. "Jay" Campbell

The newest recipients of the Ourso College's highest honor awarded to an individual were Joseph "Jay" Campbell - president/CEO of Associate Grocers Inc., Norman Kinsey of Norman Kinsey Interests - energy and personal investments, and Herman J. "Monday" Lowe - president/ CEO of the Bank of West Baton Rouge. In their acceptance speeches each of the inductees, who were all graduates of Ourso College, reflected on the special meaning LSU held for them. "I owe so much to the dozens of professors and educators that challenged me to improve, to grow, to learn, and to stretch my abilities," said Campbell, who added "they truly were special people who cared about their work product and the students at LSU."

Over 180 family members, friends, faculty and students were in attendance to support the honorees, including University president, William Jenkins; Chancellor Mark Emmert; executive vice chancellor and provost, Daniel Fogel; former business dean, William Ross as well as baseball coach, Skip Bertman. Chef John Folse & Co. catered the dinner.

Established in 1996, the Hall of Distinction recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to business, academia, or government as well as to their community. It is not necessary to be a LSU alumnus to be nominated for induction, however nominees are expected to have some connection with LSU. "We place a great deal of emphasis on this [ceremony] because the business and life stories of our members become those stories the old tell the young," said Tom Clark, dean of the Ourso College. He added, "These are important as we emphasize the importance of the opportunities in Louisiana and transfer our culture to our future leaders".

 Download Program from Ceremony (PDF Format)