Celebrating a wave of achievement: 51st Tulane Alumni Awards Gala

One of the most anticipated events of the year, the 51st annual Tulane Alumni Association Awards Gala was an opportunity to celebrate the wide-ranging contributions of alumni. Held April 5 at the National WWII Museum, this special night honored exceptional alumni whose achievements and dedication continue to inspire at Tulane — and far beyond.

“The Tulane Alumni Awards Gala provides a wonderful opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of alumni and to reconnect with our Tulane family,” says Jennifer Mills, MD, Tulane Alumni Association president.

“The gala is such a special time to gather, celebrate and honor the achievements that set Tulane alumni apart.” — Jennifer Mills, MD, Tulane Alumni Association president

Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations Lori Hurvitz regards the gala as a celebration of Tulane’s most valuable resource — its vibrant alumni community. “Tulane’s alumni network is so powerful because of our extraordinary alumni. The gala not only honors their achievements, it serves as an inspiration for current students and the entire alumni community.”

Please join us in congratulating this year’s Tulane Alumni Association award recipients:

Myrna L. Daniels (NC ’52) received the Dermot McGlinchey Lifetime Achievement Award. Given by the university, the Dermot McGlinchey Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated service, volunteer involvement and commitment to Tulane and their hometown communities. Daniels, a retired speech pathologist, has deep ties with Tulane, including three generations of her family standing as Tulanians. She recently made gifts to Tulane that will fund geriatric and healthy aging initiatives, clinical research, a faculty chair in geriatrics and capital improvements at Tulane School of Medicine.

John D. Georges (B ’83) received the Distinguished Alumni Award. CEO of Louisiana-based conglomerate Georges Enterprises, Georges has dynamically grown his firm into the second largest privately-owned company in the region. With global investments and assets in diverse business sectors such as food distribution, food service, media, family entertainment, real estate development, construction and raw materials management, Georges Enterprises also includes Louisiana’s largest daily newspaper, The Advocate, and Galatoire’s, the grand dame of New Orleans’ old-line restaurants. 

Angela O’Byrne (A ’83) received the Lisa Jackson Professional Achievement Award. A licensed architect in over 20 states, a licensed general contractor in three states, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and a LEED-Accredited Professional, O’Byrne is president of Perez, APC in New Orleans. Under her leadership, Perez APC has grown into an international firm with locations across the country and projects around the globe.

Daniel G. Bausch (F *94, PHTM *94) received the International Award for Exceptional Achievement. Bausch is an internationally recognized leader in global health research, education and program implementation, with over 25 years of experience in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and Asia. A past president and scientific program chair of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, he is a professor at the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. 

Ruth Janelle Nguyen (SoPA ’21) received the Community Builder Award. Nguyen is a learning and development specialist for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, where she creates and manages learning and development programs for USOPC staff, its more than 50 national governing bodies, and various partners in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. A former Division I athlete, Janelle advocates for the Paralympic Movement and para sport, with the goal of making the Paralympic Games a can’t-miss event for sports fans.

Jane L. Wolfe (SLA ’12) received the Scott Cowen Service Award. Wolfe is an adjunct professor at Tulane and the University of Holy Cross. She is also an accomplished veteran entrepreneur as former co-founder and chief operating officer of Wagner’s Meat Markets, co-founder and former marketing executive for Wolfman Construction, and founder of Melba’s Famous Po Boys. She has additionally worked as a nonprofit executive with Eat and Read Literacy Project and created a Family Read & Learn Space adjoining Melba’s.

Andrew L. Plauché Jr. (A&S ’69, L *72) received the Bobby Boudreau Spirit Award. He is a retired founding partner at Plauché Maselli Parkerson LLP and former associate and partner in his family’s firm, Plauché Smith and Nieset. A tireless supporter of all things Tulane, he has been an enthusiastic and thoughtful contributor to the university through his meaningful philanthropy, dedicated volunteer service and outstanding Green Wave pride.

Juan Carlos Monterrey Gómez (SLA ’14) received the Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Professional Award. Monterrey Gómez is a global climate leader, serving as Panama’s special representative for climate change, where he spearheads the country’s climate diplomacy, drives national climate policy and leads high-level international negotiations. A recognized thought leader, he was a finalist for the 2023 Pritzker Environmental Genius Award, nominated by acclaimed television producer Shonda Rhimes.

Andrew A. Pritzker (SLA ’14) received the Robert V. Tessaro Young Volunteer Award. A co-founding partner of TAWANI Ventures, an early-stage venture fund based in Chicago, Pritzker has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to promoting Tulane’s mission and values beyond campus borders. He is a member of the National Campaign Council and the Center for Public Service (CPS) Executive Director’s Advisory Council as well as a staunch advocate of Tulane Debate Society.

Joseph E. Bavaria (E ’79, M ’83) received the Tulane Medical Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni Award from the Tulane Medical Alumni Association. Dr. Bavaria is the executive director of the Bruce and Robbi Toll Heart and Vascular Institute at Jefferson Health and chair of the Department of Cardiac Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College. He is also a director of the nonprofit organization Angel Flight East, which serves the needs of people with limited resources who must travel great distances for critical medical care.

Paulin Basinga (SLA *06, L *09) received the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Outstanding Alumni Award from the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Dr. Basinga is the Africa director for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. An affiliate associate professor in Global Health at the University of Washington, he and his wife Nathalie Muhoze Furere are founders of the Moyo Center in Rwanda, which is dedicated to transforming autism care and inclusive education in Africa.

Andrew E. Friedman (B ’99) received the A. B. Freeman School of Business Outstanding Alumni Award from the Freeman School. A former analyst for Bear Stearns and associate for a private equity firm, Friedman is currently president of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers.