The Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Award Gala honors 51±¾É« alumni who have distinguished themselves in their field to reflect honor upon UNO, who provide service to their communities and the 51±¾É«; who are recognized for outstanding accomplishments and are a credit to the 51±¾É«. The gala also serves as a primary fundraiser for the 51±¾É« Alumni Association.
The UNO Alumni Association cordially invites you to our 2025 Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Gala. Help us celebrate our 2025 Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumna/us and Norma Jane Sabiston Young Alumna/us of the year plus honorees from each college. You won't want to miss it!
Angie M. Gates, '92 & '01
President and CEO
Events DC
Angie Gates is currently the president and chief executive officer of , the official convention and sports authority of Washington, D.C. Under Gates’ leadership, Events DC has created events that result in jobs, economic impact and unique experiences. She has launched a number of inaugural events that contribute to the city’s economy and quality of life, including Met Fest, which is the district’s largest gaming festival, and Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival, a showcase of comedians of color that was named one of USA Today’s top 10 new festivals of 2023.
Gates previously served in the administration of Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as the director of the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment. She also held other roles, including traveling chief of staff, director of operations for the mayor’s transition team and director of inauguration. Gates was executive producer of Mayor Bowser’s inaugural celebrations in 2019 and 2022. In 2006, Gates became the first African American general manager of the iconic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. She began her career as a film specialist for the New Orleans Film Commission.
Gates is the recipient of numerous awards and is a two-time Emmy Award winner. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1992 and a master’s in arts administration in 2001, both from the 51±¾É«.
Kheri D. Billy, '06
CEO
Reconcile New Orleans, Inc.
Kheri Billy is the CEO of Reconcile New Orleans, Inc., a nonprofit that supports young adults as they transform their lives by encouraging personal growth, providing workforce development and training and equipping them with tools to achieve their potential. Café Reconcile is the organization’s well-known restaurant and training space in the Central City neighborhood.
Before becoming CEO, Billy served as chief financial officer of Reconcile New Orleans for four years. She previously worked for other nonprofits including Second Harvest Food Bank, DePaul Community Center and De La Salle High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UNO in 2006.
Brian J. Rotolo, '90
Managing Partner
Ernst & Young, LLP
Patricia R. Glaser, Ph.D., '08
CEO & Head of School
Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy
Dr. James W. Callaghan, '83 & '86
Chief Medical Officer
​​​​​​​West Jefferson Medical Center
Timothy M. Couvillion, '04
Owner
The Couvillion Group
Gabriel J. Corchiani, Jr., '88
President & CEO
AMA Distributors, Inc.
Iam C. Tucker, '21
President & CEO
Integrated Logistical Support, Inc.
William Berg & Helene Cerise
Henry Bernstein
Beuerman I Miller I Fitzgerald
Café Reconcile
James Callaghan M.D.
Bill Chauvin
Deloitte
Joseph M. Dempsey
Susan & William Hess
Thomas & Constance Kitchen
Donald & Mary Pat Landry
Rosie & Sonny Lee III
Newell Normand & Shawn Bridgewater
Brian J. Rotolo
Taylor Porter, LLC
Iam Tucker
