The true measure of a university’s greatness can be found in the achievements of its alumni, and Southeastern Louisiana University is certainly known to develop leaders in many fields of endeavor. A vast number of the University’s alumni have gained unique distinction through success in their professions, service to the University, and contributions their community. The Southeastern Alumni Association established its awards program in 1969 to honor outstanding graduates and to celebrate their achievements.
2025 Alumni Awards Evening
Friday, October 17, 2025
6 pm Cocktail Hour
7 pm Dinner and Program
Please note no physical tickets will be issued. Check in upon arrival to receive your table number.
Scott Perrilloux
District Attorney of the Twenty First Judicial District
Scott M. Perrilloux is a graduate of Hammond High School in 1980 before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in 1984 from Southeastern Louisiana University. After receiving his Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law, he was admitted to the Louisiana Bar on October 9, 1987.
Perrilloux began his private law practice in 1989 as a partner in the firm of Rolling, Perrilloux and Sledge before being elected District Attorney of the Twenty First Judicial District in 1996.
He is married to the former Nancy Bonicard and father of three children, Sara, Jim, and Seth.
David Cavell
State Government Affairs Director, Dow, Inc.
David Cavell holds a Master of Arts in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Southeastern Louisiana University, and recently earned an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts from Nicholls State University.
Before joining Dow, David spent nearly a decade in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving as District Director for Congressman Garret Graves and as a District Representative for Congressman Bill Cassidy.
Distinguished Alumna
Marcia Galatas
General Manager / Property of Galatas Realty
A New Orleans native, Marcia Galatas began her journey to earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Southeastern in 1974. She later attended the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas to earn her Master of Education in Elementary Education.
In 1980, she married fellow Southeastern graduate Rodney C. Galatas, and together they raised their son, Rodney II, while living around the world fulfilling their passion of service and education. Marcia hopes to be remembered for her generosity of spirit, her ability to bring diverse people together, and her dedication to providing educational opportunities for future generations.
Distinguished Alumnus
Lane Daniel
Founder/President of Lion Up Collective
Lane Daniel graduated in 1995 with a degree in Management and Finance. While earning his degree, Lane balanced full-time work with his studies, gaining a true appreciation for students juggling multiple responsibilities.
He gives of his time by supporting the Sales Program as a mentor, sponsor, and judge, while also serving on the Alumni Association Board, College of Business Advisory Board, Legislative Committee, and the Lion Athletic Association Executive Board. As founder and president of the Lion Up Collective, he has advanced NIL opportunities for student-athletes, providing mentorship, brand development, and community engagement.
Together with his wife, Tasha, he continues to give back to both the College of Business and College of Nursing, inspiring future generations of Lions through leadership, service, and generosity.
Distinguished Alumnus
Stephen Labbe’
Director of Southeastern Louisiana University Laboratory School
A 2001 graduate, Stephen is an experienced educational leader currently serving as Director of the Southeastern Laboratory School. With over 20 years in education, he has guided the school through COGNIA accreditation, enhanced campus safety, and strengthened academic programs to support student success.
A former collegiate All-Conference baseball athlete, Labbe’ is completing his Doctor of Education with a focus on school crisis management. He continues his family’s four-generation legacy in education, with his wife and daughter also serving as dedicated educators. In addition, he teaches as an adjunct instructor at Southeastern and gives back through church involvement and youth sports coaching.
Distinguished Alumnus
Dr. Samuel Hickey
Pediatrician at North Oaks Pediatric Clinic
Dr. Hickey earned his biology degree from Southeastern with an Honors certificate and his M.D. from LSU School of Medicine. He is a board-certified pediatrician who has served the Northshore community for over 20 years.
Dr. Hickey has cared for generations of families and held leadership roles at North Oaks Medical Center, including Chief of Staff.
His dedication has earned him numerous honors, including the 2023 Best Pediatrician of Tangipahoa award.
Distinguished Alumna
Dr. Heather Olivier
Assistant Professor at Southeastern Louisiana University
Owner and Licensed Professional Counselor at Olivier Counseling and Consulting, LLC
A 2017 alumna, Dr. Heather Olivier is a licensed professional counselor, supervisor, and assistant professor of counseling at Southeastern Louisiana University. Her work focuses on perinatal loss, psychosomatic trauma, and neurodiversity, with a commitment to inclusive curriculum design and advocacy. She co-founded the Southeastern Neurodiversity Initiative, which advances research and inclusive practices to better serve neurodivergent individuals.
Distinguished Alumnus
Dr. Matthew Bernard
Chief Medical Officer at Covington Trace ER and Hospital
Dr. Matthew Bernard is a physician executive, entrepreneur, veteran, researcher, and innovator in emergency medicine. He is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Covington Trace ER and Hospital in Mandeville, Louisiana, where he has led the transformation of emergency care delivery in the region.
A serial entrepreneur, Dr. Bernard also owns Healing Waves, a boating-based wellness company, and is a partner in Second Line Brewing in New Orleans. His ventures span healthcare, hospitality, early childhood education—he co-founded a Montessori preschool—and public health, reflecting a career committed to service, innovation, and community impact.
Emily Anthony
Director of Military and Veteran Success at Southeastern Louisiana University
Ms. Emily Anthony currently serves as the Director of Military and Veteran Success at Southeastern Louisiana University, where she is also the university’s VA School Certifying Official. In this capacity, she supports more than 600 military-affiliated students, coordinating year-round programming and events that foster a strong sense of community both on campus and throughout the local area.
In addition to her civilian role, Emily is a Captain in the Louisiana Army National Guard, currently serving as an Assistant to the S3 in the 205th Engineer Battalion based in Bogalusa. Her military service reflects a deep personal commitment inspired by her grandfather, Conway, who served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946.
Ranetta Marshall
