Rushing Media employee to deliver Nicholls’ fall commencement address

The entire Rushing Media team would like to congratulate John DeSantis, The Times’ Senior Staff Writer, as he will deliver the keynote speech during Nicholls State University’s 101st commencement ceremony on Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. in John L. Guidry Stadium.

DeSantis has been a Rushing Media employee for several years and he’s spent decades as a newspaper reporter around the country.

His work has appeared in the Associated Press and the New York Times, among other publications.

DeSantis’ work has been in the headlines most recently because of the release of “The Thibodaux Massacre: Racial Violence and the 1887 Sugar Cane Labor Strike,” which was published this year.

In the book, DeSantis gave details of the Thibodaux Massacre, which led to both the Thibodaux City Council and Lafourche Parish Government to formally recognize the events – the first time local governments have acknowledged and honored victims of the tragedy.

The book has led to the creation of the nonprofit, The Louisiana 1887 Memorial Committee, which is working with archaeologists from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to verify alleged mass grave victims.

In creating the committee, DeSantis has also worked with Nicholls students on a public campaign to promote the committee’s goals.

“Addressing the 2017 commencement is an honor I would have never foreseen in my wildest dreams,” DeSantis said. “I hope to impart a message of hope to graduates that no matter where their paths lead them, there will always be opportunities to use what they have gained during their years at Nicholls to give aid and comfort to others, while also achieving success for themselves and their families.”

In addition to the keynote speech, DeSantis is going to receive an honorary doctorate during commencement.

“John is a tireless worker and a brilliant reporter,” said Casey Gisclair, Managing Editor of The Times. “His work to help people in this communityhas been admirable. Nicholls could not have possibly chosen a better person to deliver their keynote speech.” •

John DeSantis