Fletcher gala looks back and forward

Nearly 400 guests packed the Cypress Columns on Thursday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Fletcher Technical Community College. Attendees noted the development of applied education and its importance to the coastal parishes.

Chancellor Travis Lavigne offered an overview of the college from its first days of opening as the South Louisiana Trade School to technological advancement and the development of petroleum and marine industry educational programs during the past decade.

“This is an example of the support we have gotten,” Lavigne said as guests filed into the event. “It’s just overwhelming. It is great to see so many people contributing to help us continue the growth and success of the community college.”

An added avenue to help the educational institution was offered with a silent auction, from which proceeds will be used to finance scholarships, equip new and existing projects, purchase campus supplies and expand dual enrollment programs between Fletcher and Nicholls State University.

NSU President Stephen Hulbert offered reflections on the development of higher education in the region and made references to the personal and professional camaraderie that has developed between Fletcher and Nicholls as well as a friendship shared between himself and Lavigne.

Organizers of the event had invited Louisiana governors that had been in office from 1951 until today to attend Fletchers 60th anniversary celebration. The only one available was Edwin W. Edwards, known not only for the four terms he served (1972-1980, 1984-1988 and 1992-1996) but the 10 years he spent in federal prison on a conviction of racketeering, extortion, money laundering, mail fraud and wire fraud.

The 84-year-old former governor hawked his approved biography, “Edwin Edwards, Governor of Louisiana” and had a table set up where he and his wife, Trina Grimes Scott, who is 51 years his junior, sat where he signed autographs.

Edwards was presented as keynote speaker for the event on relatively short notice. “He did this off the cuff,” Fletcher Public Relations Director Elmy Savoie said.

Offering stories from his career, Edwards, originally from Avoyelles Parish, said he has always appreciated the close connection he has with south Louisiana.

“I’m proud of being a Cajun,” Edwards said. “I have never forgotten the kindness and support from this area [and] the vo-tech system was important to me.”

Well-known attorney Jimmy Degate sat next to the speaker as master of ceremonies, while Edwards said that not every person has the financial means to attend a four-year college, then graduate school to become a lawyer. “They want to work for a living,” he joked.

“Jobs are meaningful to [regional residents] but not available without places like Fletcher,” Edwards said.

The Fletcher gala theme was “Journey through Time.”

Those present said it was enjoyable to review the past six decades, but exciting to consider their future.

Fletcher Technical Community College Chancellor Travis Lavigne, left, receives an autographed biography from former Gov. Edwin Edwards during the 60th anniversary celebration of the college at the Cypress Columns. MIKE NIXON