Hall of Distinction
Please join us for the Hall of Distinction Ceremony
March 24, 2026 at 4 - 6 p.m. | St. Francis Hall
Join us for an afternoon of celebration as we recognize individuals who have made meaningful and lasting contributions to our community. We look forward to welcoming you to this special event.
Call for Nominations
Annually, since 2008, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University has proudly recognized alumni and community leaders who exhibit the highest professional standards and a Franciscan-inspired commitment to service.
Nominees selected for recognition at the Hall of Distinction exemplify Franciscan values. Their lives contradict our society’s stress on individualism and materialism and are led, instead, by joyfulness of spirit, reverence of life, justice, humility and service.
When submitting a nomination please provide the full name of the nominee, graduation year for alumni and a brief narrative (1/2 page to 1 page). A successful nomination will address at least 2-3 of the listed criteria related to the intended award and will describe what qualities the nominee possesses to make them worthy of recognition.
Nominations will be blind reviewed by an award selection committee. Final award designees will be approved by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University President’s Cabinet.
All nominations will be confidential and only winners will be notified. Awards will be presented at the Hall of Distinction on March 24, 2026.
The deadline for submitting nominations is January 16th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. For more information, please check the Nominations page or contact brady.munn@franu.edu.
2026 Hall of Distinction Recipients
Distinguished Alumnus
Benjamin J. Boudreaux, B.S.
Class of 2007, Bachelor of Science in Health Service Administration
Ben exemplifies FranU’s Franciscan values through his leadership, service and commitment to community. As CEO of the Neuro‑Medical Center, he oversees the organization’s financial, operational and strategic direction and is widely respected for his integrity, humility and collaborative approach.
He brings joy, perspective and servant leadership to every setting, including his work on FranU’s Board of Trustees, where he has played a key role in board development and the Centennial Gala. Ben actively supports healthcare education rooted in mission and advocates for forming future providers in faith‑based, life‑affirming principles. His community leadership has been recognized with awards including the Louisiana ACHE Regent’s Award. Ben remains deeply engaged with FranU and is a proud ambassador for his alma mater.
Rising Star
Kayla Jacobs BSRT, R.T.(R)(M)
Class of 2021, Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology | Class of 2023, Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology
Kayla is a dedicated alum who continues to live the mission and values of FranU. She works full time at Woman’s Hospital and serves in the FMOLHS system as needed. Since graduating, she earned her bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology and her mammography certification. She also teaches as a clinical instructor and plays a vital role in helping FranU students succeed.
Beyond her profession, Kayla is deeply committed to service. She volunteers weekly at her church and mentors high school girls. She has served at youth summer camps, the World Changers Conference and on mission trips to Mexico and Swaziland. Kayla’s commitment to her faith, community and profession makes her a true rising star.
Shining Star
Joshua Todd MBA, DNAP, CRNA
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
Joshua serves as Vice President of Operations and Chief Nurse Anesthetist at DPI Anesthesia and will begin his role as Senior Vice President of Operations at the Spine Hospital of Louisiana in April 2026. He holds degrees in community health, nursing, business administration and nurse anesthesia. His scholarly work has been presented at state conferences and has contributed to policy discussions affecting anesthesia services in Louisiana.
Joshua’s clinical experience includes high‑risk cardiovascular and transplant anesthesia at Houston Methodist Hospital before returning home to Baton Rouge. He teaches in both FranU’s DNAP program and LSU’s MBA program and mentors doctoral students. He is active in professional organizations, mission work, youth ministry and community leadership. His recognitions include Greater Baton Rouge Forty Under 40 and Baton Rouge Business Report Executive Leadership alumnus.
Previous Recipients
Distinguished Alumni
2025 Vikki Lee Wilbon RN, CCHC, 07
2024 Nicole St. Germain, ‘03
2021 Marlene Colter ‘61
2021 Margaret Rome ‘62
2020 Kristen Fontenot Gradney*, ‘16
2019 Rebecca Cotton Simoneaux, ‘97
2018 Andrea Normand ‘70
2017 Sandra Launey, ‘62
2016 Sr. Helen Cahill, F.M.O.L., RN, ‘70
2015 Ginger Miller, RN, CEBT, ‘62
2014 Barbara Anthony, RN, LNC, ‘72
2013 Phyllis C. Simmons, RN, ‘69
2012 Sr. Brendan Mary Ronayne, F.M.O.L. ‘66
2011 Charla Buford Johnson, MSN, RN, ‘87
2010 Sr. Martha Ann Abshire, F.M.O.L. ‘72
2009 Wanda Raby Spurlock, DNS, RN, ‘76
Rising Star
2025 Mary Kathryn Edwards APRN, FNP-C, '04, '16, '18
2024 Morgan Anacker, ‘21
2021 Alicia Vick, ‘18 and ‘21
2019 Travis Lambert, ‘16
2018 Taylor Bush, RN, ‘17
2017 Lisa McDivitt, MD ‘13
2016 Amanda Bolton, RN, ‘13
2015 Laura Martinez Wright, LMSW, ‘08
2014 W. Chandler LeBoeuf, MEd, ‘11
2013 Shanna T. Cormier, RN, ‘04, ‘07 and ‘09
2012 Alysha Bonvillian, BSRT (R)(T), ‘04
2011 Mary Pat Thevenot, MSN, RN, ‘07
2010 Christopher Savoy, RT(R)(T), ‘07
2009 Jason Kutinac, RRT, ‘06
Shining Star
2025 Tyler Vizier, '20
2024 Brandon DeVold, ‘11
2021 Sarah Goncalves, ‘08
2019 Katherine Montgomery Helo, ‘09 and ‘10
2018 Sarah Deyo, ‘09
2017 John Vincent, CRNA, ‘11
2016 Sandra Mathes, MSN, RN, ‘10