Ourso College Alumni Recognitions

The LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business is proud to honor individuals who exemplify excellence in their professional endeavors and their unwavering dedication to our college and community. Through the Hall of Distinction Honorees and the Outstanding Young Alum Award, we celebrate the achievements, leadership, and impact of our extraordinary alumni and friends. These recognitions highlight the values and mission of the Ourso College, showcasing individuals whose careers and contributions reflect the college’s legacy of innovation, leadership, and integrity.

Explore the criteria for each award, and nominate someone who has made a difference. Together, we can shine a light on those who elevate our college and inspire future generations of leaders.

The Hall of Distinction and the Outstanding Young Alum nomination period is closed. If you have questions about a nomination, please contact Danielle Basilica. 

 

Awards Criteria & Nominations

Hall of Distinction

Individuals chosen for induction into the E. J. Ourso College of Business Hall of Distinction have demonstrated remarkable achievements in business, academia, or government while making significant contributions to their communities and maintaining a lasting relationship with the Ourso College. 

Eligible individuals, living or deceased, include LSU and E. J. Ourso College of Business alumni, emeritus faculty, and friends of the college. These individuals have made outstanding contributions in the areas of business, academia, or government, as well as their community. Nominated individuals should have formative associations with the E. J. Ourso College of Business. No individual can be considered while an employee of the university. Consideration will be based on accomplishments across a career and include the individual’s interactions with the college or the university, as well as the following criteria.

  • Exceptional professional record
  • Significant personal achievement
  • Educational, professional, or service activities that provide a strong bond between the individual and the college
  • Strong integrity and humanitarianism

Outstanding Young Alum Award

The Outstanding Young Alum Award celebrates graduates under 40 who demonstrate exceptional early-career success, leadership, and a strong bond with the college.

Nominated individuals should have formative associations with the E. J. Ourso College of Business, as well as meet the following criteria.

  • Must have a degree (undergraduate or graduate) from the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business
  • Under 40 years of age (by the date of the HOD ceremony)
  • Exceptional early professional record
  • Educational, professional, or service activities that provide a strong bond between the individual and the college
  • Strong integrity and humanitarianism

The Outstanding Young Alum Award recipient receives special recognition at the Hall of Distinction ceremony but is not inducted into the Hall of Distinction. However, they may be considered for the Hall of Distinction if they are later nominated and meet the eligibility criteria.

Nominees for the Hall of Distinction and the Outstanding Young Alum Award may be submitted by anyone. The Office of the Dean may request additional information if needed by the selection committee. Nominees and nominators will be contacted if chosen.

Ideally, selected honorees will attend an in-person event held in the fall semester of the award year. 

Nominations for the 2025 HOD and OYA will open in February 2025. 

If you have any questions about nominating an individual, contact Danielle Basilica.

Meet the Honorees

 

 

 

Hall of Distinction Event Gallery 

Hall of Distinction inductees and Outstanding Young Alum award winners are celebrated a banquet held at the Business Education Complex each fall semester. 

Fussell, Harris, Breaux, Brandau - HOD 2024Whitney Breaux speaking on stage, HOD 2024Lyt Harris with student mentee, HOD 2024Joaneane Smith and Mike the Tiger, HOD 2023.

Jacques and Cassie Bourque, HOD 2023.Joaneane Smith speaking on stage, HOD 2023.HOD 2023 banquetKip Knight speaking on stage while holding his book, Learn to Leap. HOD 2023

Jared Llorens, Kip Knight, Joaneane Smith, and Jacques Bourque, HOD 2023Brandon Landry, HOD 2022Jaime Glas, Outstanding Young Alum 20222022 Honorees Landry and Glas with Dean Llorens

HOD Reception 2022Hall of Distinction 2021Nick Speyrer, Outstanding Young Alum 2021Hall of Distinction 2021

Scott Agosta, HOD 2021Hall of Distinction 2021Suzanne Mestayer, HOD  2021Dal Miller, HOD 2020

2019 Honorees, Schneckenburger, Donadio,  ZehnderRobert Schneckenburger, HOD 2019Jeff Zehnder, HOD 2019Marcela Donadio, HOD 2019

Hall of Distinction 2018Claire Cagnolatti, HOD 2018Skip Robichaux, HOD 20182017 Honorees, Songy, Borders, Parr