THIBODAUX – Local Lafourche Parish Ward 6 seniors and graduate students at Nicholls State University have a new scholarship available, thanks to a $100,000 contribution from Michael and Christine Bourgeois.
The Michael C. and Christine P. Bourgeois Endowed Upper Class/Alumni Scholarship #7 is designed to provide financial support to upperclassmen as they begin their last push to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees.
The Bourgeois family has endowed multiple awards at Nicholls, including scholarships for first-generation college students, students in the Bridge to Independence program and legacy scholarships for local upperclassmen.
The inspiration for this scholarship is rooted in the founders’ own history as Nicholls alumni from the Chackbay community. After graduating in the 1970s, Mike went on to a 36-year career with ExxonMobil, while Christine spent her career teaching hundreds of local children at Chackbay Elementary. Through this gift, the Bourgeois family continues a legacy of giving back to the community that raised them.
“We wanted to create this scholarship to give some support to local students who are working hard to cross the graduation finish line,” said Michael and Christine Bourgeois. “Investing in our community’s future is important to us, and by setting this up as an endowment, our goal is to see this fund grow over time so it can keep supporting Colonels from Ward 6 for generations to come.”
The Bourgeois family put $10,000 into a fund to make the scholarship immediately available while the remaining $90,000 endowment fund grows, ensuring the scholarship supports local students for generations to come.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a full-time Nicholls student enrolled as an undergraduate senior or a graduate student who is an alumnus of Nicholls.
- Be a graduate of a Lafourche or Terrebonne Parish high school.
- Be a U.S. citizen currently registered to vote in Ward 6 of Lafourche Parish, with a valid voter registration card attached to the application.
- Be in good academic standing with the university.
Initially, the university will offer up to four $500 awards each fall and spring semester. When choosing the recipients, the scholarship committee will give priority consideration to students of minority ethnicity, those with military affiliation and those who demonstrate strong character, leadership and active involvement in professional or charitable groups. Past recipients must reapply each semester, and first-time, qualified applicants will be given priority over repeat winners.
Additional contributions can be made directly to Scholarship #7 through the Nicholls Foundation, helping to increase future award amounts. To learn more, visit nichollsfoundation.org/memorial-scholarships.
To apply for scholarships at Nicholls, visit www.nicholls.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.