Feature
March
24
Six Louisiana Women will be Honored at Annual Nicholls Event
by Graham Harvey
The Louisiana Center for Women and Government, headquartered at Nicholls State University, will honor six Louisiana women for their outstanding public service on Saturday, March 26, during a luncheon at the New Orleans Hilton Riverside.
The hall of fame ceremony will feature the induction of Dr. Alice Pecoraro of Morgan City, Adele Waddill Ransom of Monroe, Jean Rice of Metairie, Suzanne Haik-Terrell of Metairie and Blue Ribbon Award winner Hoda Kotb of New York. In addition, a Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Sandra Thompson Herman of New Orleans.
Phyllis George, Miss America 1971, television host, sportscaster, actress, author, businesswoman and mother will deliver the keynote address. During her extensive career, George has been First Lady of Kentucky; co-anchor of the “NFL Today Show;” co-host of “CBS Morning News;” first female co-host of “Candid Camera;” host of “Woman’s Day TV” on TNN; creator and host of TNN’s “Spotlight with Phyllis George;” co-host of “American Crafts with Phyllis George” on QVC; guest host of ABC’s “Good Morning America;” and host of the “People Magazine” television show.
Her honors include the Rita Hayworth Alzheimer’s Award as well as “Celebrity Businesswoman of the Year” and “Winner’s Circle Award” from the National Association of Women Business Owners. George was also named among the “50 Greatest Women in Radio and Television” by American Women in Radio and Television and was designated a “Leading Woman Entrepreneur of the World” in Madrid, Spain, along with 40 other women entrepreneurs from 40 different countries. She supports many charitable organizations as well.
Blue Ribbon Award winner Hoda Kotb is an NBC News anchor, host of “Today’s Health” and co-host of the fourth hour of the “Today Show.” She has brought national and international attention to the achievements and plights of women via the program “Dateline NBC” and has promoted the Louisiana Center for Women and Government and its programs since her days at WWL-TV in New Orleans.
Eric Paulson, anchor of WWL-TV Eyewitness Morning News, will serve as master of ceremonies at the hall of fame luncheon.
Tickets to the awards ceremony are $60 per person, or $500 for a table for 10. A cash bar will open at 11 a.m., followed by the noon luncheon and awards ceremony.
In addition, a patron party honoring George and the hall of fame inductees has been scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 25 at 4717 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. Tickets are $75 per person or $120 per couple and cocktail attire is required.
Due to limited space, those interested in attending either the patron party or the hall of fame luncheon must purchase tickets in advance. Call 985-449-7059 to reserve seats.
Established in 1991, the Louisiana Center for Women and Government encourages and promotes the leadership of women by providing resources and non-partisan support through educational workshops, training seminars and outreach programs. With more than 600 members from eight regions across Louisiana, the center promotes women in government and public service, acknowledges achievements of women and teaches all citizens about the importance of public service and responsible citizenship.
