Two Northwestern State University alumnae have been as 2018 Champions of Service by Volunteer Louisiana. Barbara Jo Pease was chosen from as Greater New Orleans Champion and Lois Rector was selected as Capital Area Champion.
Volunteer Louisiana names Champions of Service to honor people, groups and businesses in Louisiana who demonstrate compassion and dedication, leadership and initiative or innovation and creativity in addressing community challenges while serving others. Champions are chosen from a pool of statewide nominees.
Pease has been involved with Louisiana Youth Seminar, a high school leadership program held each summer, since its inception in 1971. She recruits and fundraises for the organization, singlehandedly creating a scholarship program. Peace serves with College Track New Orleans, a group that provides extracurricular and academic skills to help students graduate from high school and college. Peace, a member NSU’s Long Purple Line, serves on the NSU Foundation Board.
Rector, who has volunteered with Knock Knock Children’s Museum since 2015, spends at least three days a week as an ambassador for play and learning. She also chaired the committee that helped create the museum’s Art Garden Learning Zone.
Pease, Rector and seven other Champions of Service will be honored during National Volunteer Week, when a gala will be held April 18 at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge. Tickets and sponsorships are available at VolunteerLaFoundation.org.
