In addition to 2024 Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumna of the Year Angie M. Gates and 2024 Norma Jane Sabiston Young Alumna of the Year Kheri Billy, the University of New Orleans will also honor distinguished alumni from its four academic colleges, the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Privateer athletics at the annual Distinguished Alumni Gala. The gala will take place on November 7 at 7 p.m. at The National WWII Museum U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center.
The honorees are:
Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration: Brian Rotolo. Rotolo is the New Orleans office managing partner of Ernst & Young, LLP. With nearly 35 years of public accounting experience, Rotolo provides leadership for 150 employees and is responsible for expanding the firm’s market position, connecting with the community and fostering a supportive culture. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from ɫɫо in 1990.
Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering: Timmy Couvillion. Couvillion is president and CEO of the Belle Chasse-based Couvillion Group, which specializes in marine construction and salvage, port and vessel maintenance services, emergency response, and disaster recovery for the oil, gas and marine industries. Its clients include BP, the U.S. Coast Guard, National Park Services and local governments. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from ɫɫо in 2004.
College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development: Dr. Patricia Glaser. Dr. Glaser is the CEO and founding head of school of Discovery Charter Schools Network. From its first school opening in 2013 with 420 students, Discovery has grown to three high-quality schools serving 3,400 students. She earned her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from ɫɫо in 2008.
College of Sciences: James Callaghan, MD. Dr. Callaghan is the chief medical officer at West Jefferson Medical Center and a managing partner of West Jefferson Emergency Physicians Group in Marrero. He has been practicing emergency medicine for more than 30 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1983 and a master’s in biology in 1986, both from ɫɫо.
School of Interdisciplinary Studies: Iam Tucker. Tucker is the president and CEO of Integrated Logistical Support, Inc. (ILSI Engineering), a New Orleans-based firm specializing in civil engineering, structural engineering and mechanical engineering. Under Tucker’s leadership, the firm has secured more than 100 contracts. She earned a bachelor of interdisciplinary studies in 2021 from ɫɫо.
Privateer Athletics: Gabriel (Gabe) Corchiani. Corchiani is the president and CEO of AMA Distributors, Inc. A businessman and entrepreneur, he opened up Fat Boys Pizza, which now has 10 locations in three states, and owns Tana Italian Restaurant in Metairie. He played four years of college basketball on the lakefront and was the point guard on the 1987 Privateers team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1988 from ɫɫо.
Proceeds from the Distinguished Alumni Gala increase funding for student scholarships and support the ɫɫо Alumni Association’s programming to ensure student success and alumni engagement. To purchase tickets to the gala, click here.
