The Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Award Gala honors University of New Orleans alumni who have distinguished themselves in their field to reflect honor upon UNO, who provide service to their communities and the University; who are recognized for outstanding accomplishments and are a credit to the University of New Orleans. The gala also services as a primary fundraiser for the University of New Orleans Alumni Association.
The UNO Alumni Association cordially invites you to our 2022 Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Gala. Help us celebrate our 2022 Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumna/us and Norma Jane Sabiston Young Alumna/us of the year plus honorees from each college. You won't want to miss it!
Master of Science in Urban Studies
Journalist and Co-Host of "CBS Saturday Morning"
CBS News
Michelle Miller is a co-host of "CBS Saturday Morning." Her work regularly appears on "CBS Mornings," "CBS Sunday Morning" and the CBS Evening News. She also files reports for "48 Hours" and anchors Discovery's "48 Hours on ID" and "Hard Evidence."
Since joining CBS News in 2004, Miller has reported on stories of national and international importance. From presidential elections to the climate crisis, her area of coverage is wide-ranging, but her reporting around social justice has been particularly groundbreaking.
Miller has earned several prestigious journalism awards including an Emmy for her series of reports on the National Guard's Youth Challenge Academy and an Edward R. Murrow Award for her coverage of a day care center stand-off in New Orleans. She was part of the Alfred I. duPont Columbia Award-winning team for coverage of the Newtown, Conn. school shooting, and in 2019, Miller won a Gracie award for her reporting on the hidden world of sex trafficking in "'48 Hours': Live to Tell: Trafficked."
Miller previously worked at WWL-TV, the CBS affiliate in New Orleans. She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Howard University and a master's degree in urban studies from the University of New Orleans.
Master of Business Administration
Chief Executive Officer
Gibbs Construction
Lauren Gibbs is the second-generation owner of Gibbs Construction, a leading commercial, industrial and institutional general contractor founded by her father in 1976. Based in New Orleans, it serves Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Lauren took the helm in 2019 after serving in a variety of roles in the company including estimator, project coordinator, project engineers, project manager, executive in charge and vice president.
Gibbs holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's degree in engineering/construction management, both from Vanderbilt University, and an MBA from the University of New Orleans.
Michael M. Achary, '82 & '00
Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Hancock Whitney Bank
Nancy S. Degan, '79
Partner/Shareholder
Baker Donelson
Dalton Boutte, '77
President
Western GeCo
Darryl Willis, '93
Corporate Vice President
Microsoft Energy & Resources Industry
Stuart Weidie, '87
President & CEO
Blossman Gas
Your company or individual sponsorship helps us fund alumni programming throughout the year and contributes to our student scholarship fund, providing access to education for students who would otherwise be unable to attend UNO.
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Please contact Rachel Massey, AVP, External Engagement & University Events, with any questions.
rdmassey@uno.edu | 504-280-4436
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
Pierre & Cheryl Champagne
Dottie Beletto & Mary Landrieu
Boh Bros. Construction Co., LLC
Ricky & Jo Ann Burke
Bill & Joanne Chauvin
Deloitte
Clancy & Margo DuBos
First Horizon Foundation
Cary & Deb Elam Grant
Harrah's New Orleans & Caesars Entertainment
Harold & Linda Heno
Susan O. Hess
Tom & Connie Kitchen
Rocky & Adrienne Kolb
Donald & Mary Pat Landry
LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors
Liz & Dan Lund
MS Benbow & Associates
Gregory C. & Virginia B. Rigamer
Mark C. Romig
SBP, Inc.
Dr. Larry & Honorable Julie S. Stokes
