THIBODAUX – Nicholls State University hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the renovated spaces for its Bridge to Independence program. This project was completed thanks to Colleen Hunter and Jeannette Guillory Thomason, who each donated $500,000 to the Nicholls Foundation to support the program. Both women made these contributions in honor of their late husbands.
The renovated spaces included the Bridge to Independence Academic Center and the Independent Learning Lab facilities, where degree program and certificate candidates spend a majority of their time learning, collaborating and completing coursework.
The Bridge to Independence H. Allen Thomason Independent Learning Lab is in honor of Jeanette’s late husband Hebert “Allen” Thomason. The lab is connected to a classroom and comes equipped with a full kitchen, washer, dryer and more for students to practice and learn independent living and job readiness skills. “When I learned about the Bridge to Independence program at Nicholls State University, I knew I wanted to support it. It is so wonderful to have a program that teaches certificate students the life skills they need to help them be productive members of society,” said Thomason.
The Bridge to Independence degree program, now known as the Bridge to Independence William Dewitt Hunter Academic Excellence Program, is in honor of Colleen’s late husband William “Bill” Dewitt Hunter. Hunter’s son is a two-time graduate of Nicholls in Interdisciplinary Studies and Geomatics with the support of Bridge to Independence. “The Bridge to Independence program holds such a special place for our family. William’s time here has helped him grow and prosper into adulthood. We are so happy to help grow the program so near and dear to us,” said Hunter.
Dr. Mary Breaud, associate professor of education and a Bridge to Independence co-founder said, “Our goal is for our students to be as successful as they possibly can be, and we provide the support for them. We are so fortunate for the donations from the Hunter and Thomason families that have helped us provide this wonderful learning atmosphere, space and resources for our students.”
Students with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder have the opportunity to enjoy the full college experience while gaining the leadership and social skills needed for future employment and independent living through the Nicholls Bridge to Independence program, the first dual-track program of its kind in Louisiana certified by the US Department of Education.
Bridge to Independence provides the support services needed for eligible students to attend regular Nicholls classes, participate in campus events and activities and join campus organizations. The program offers two pathways, a certificate pathway for independent living and workforce skills and a support pathway for students accepted to the university working on a traditional college degree. Along the way, peer mentors trained in Nicholls College of Education and Behavioral Sciences will assist Bridge students with their coursework and socialization.
The Nicholls Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 corporation, exists to support the mission of Nicholls State University by seeking gifts and grants and by managing those funds and other assets to support Nicholls through endowed chairs, professorships, scholarships and other enhancement efforts. To learn more about donating to Nicholls, visit nichollsfoundation.org.