News Summary
The University of New Orleans will honor six outstanding graduates at the 2025 Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Gala at The National WWII Museum. The event celebrates the achievements of these alumni in their professions and communities. Honorees include leaders from various fields such as finance, engineering, arts, and athletics, with Kim Cook-Nelson receiving the Distinguished Alumna of the Year award. This gala also serves as a fundraiser for student scholarships.
New Orleans – The University of New Orleans (UNO) will honor six distinguished graduates at the 2025 Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Gala set for November 6, 2025, at The National WWII Museum’s Boeing Freedom Pavilion. The event, which will run from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, is powered by Entergy and aims to celebrate graduates who have achieved excellence in their professions and made significant contributions to their communities and the university.
Among the honorees, Kimberley Cook-Nelson, an Entergy executive and a three-time UNO graduate, has been named the 2025 Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumna of the Year. Chef and entrepreneur Edgar “Dook” Chase IV will receive the 2025 Norma Jane Sabiston Young Alumnus of the Year award. In addition to these prestigious recognitions, the gala will honor alumni from each of UNO’s four academic colleges and from Privateer Athletics, acknowledging their contributions and achievements.
Recognized Alumni
This year’s distinguished alumni include:
- Daniel L. Crumb, a 1987 finance graduate, who will receive the Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award. Crumb serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Kansas City Chiefs and has won three Super Bowl championship rings.
- Henry J. Singer, a 1969 engineering graduate, will be awarded the Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award. Singer is notable for his leadership in federal government safety, health, and fire protection engineering policy, having earned the GSA Administrator’s Meritorious Service Award three times.
- Peter Halley, a 1978 MFA graduate, will be honored as the College of Liberal Arts, Education, and Human Development Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. He is an influential figure in the Neo-Conceptualist art movement and currently directs graduate studies at Yale School of Art.
- John M. Reuther, a 1978 chemistry graduate, will be recognized as the College of Sciences Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. Reuther served as the president and CEO of Eurofins Analytical Laboratories for 17 years, where he developed contamination testing methods.
- Wayne B. Harer, a former UNO baseball player, will receive the Privateer Athletics Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award. Harer has a nine-year professional baseball career and is currently the executive managing director at Newmark in Columbus, Ohio.
Supporting Event Information
The gala not only aims to honor these distinguished graduates but also serves as a fundraising event, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships at UNO. Tickets for the gala are available, and interested individuals can find more information at uno.edu/gala.
About the University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans, established in 1958, is a public research institution that offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs. Drawing a diverse student body from Louisiana, across the U.S., and over 140 other countries, UNO has contributed to New Orleans’ economy and culture for over 65 years. The university focuses on producing graduates who excel in their fields and give back to the community, making this gala a fitting tribute to its core mission.
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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
