Southeastern honors Hammond attorney Andre Coudrain as Golden Ambassador
Thursday, April 23, 2015 
by: Rene Abadie
COUDRAIN HONORED – Hammond attorney Andre Coudrain, right, accepts the Golden Ambassador Award from Southeastern Louisiana University President John L. Crain in a ceremony held Tuesday. The award is one of the highest honors offered by the university and recognizes service, achievement, and humanitarian efforts.
HAMMOND – Hammond attorney Andre Coudrain was awarded Southeastern Louisiana University's Golden Ambassador Award, one of the highest honors the university bestows, on Tuesday (April 21) in a ceremony at the President's Residence.
"We give this award very infrequently, which speaks to its significance," said Southeastern President John L. Crain, noting that only nine other individuals have been honored with the award.
The award honors alumni, community leaders and friends of the university who have brought distinction to themselves and to the university through service, outstanding achievements or humanitarian efforts. The first award was presented to the late Louisiana Sen. John J. Hainkel Jr.
"For as long as I have known Andre, I have never met anyone – and this is absolutely true – who said something negative about him," Crain said. "Over the years I have called on him frequently for advice and direction about something pertaining to the university, and the discussion always turned back to what is best for the students."
Former Southeastern and University of Louisiana System President Randy Moffett praised Coudrain's wise counsel and calmness in handling any problems that arise.
"He leads in his own humble way and always goes above and beyond what is asked of him," Moffett said. "He truly is an ambassador for Southeastern and all university students."
"Southeastern has done so much for me, from the time I was a student here, where I met my wife Kelly, to today," said Coudrain, who served as the Student Government President and graduated with a bachelor's degree in government in 1979. "I always encourage students to come to Southeastern, to study here and graduate. I thank the faculty, staff and administration of Southeastern and encourage our community to participate in the university's activities, to come to events here, to buy tickets, to be involved in their university and donate when possible."
Coudrain served on the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System from 1996 to 2014, during which time he served as both vice chair and chair of the board. Over the years, he also chaired several board committees, including Finance, Legislation and Academic and Student Affairs.
After attending graduate school at Southeastern, he enrolled in Loyola University Law School, receiving his juris doctorate in 1983. He has served as the Hammond City Attorney since 2003 and maintains a private practice of general civil law with the firm Cashe, Coudrain and Sandage. He currently serves on the Diocese of Baton Rouge School Board for Catholic Schools, on the board of St. Thomas Aquinas Regional High School and as a trustee and member of the Holy Ghost Parish Finance Council.
