2016 Humanist Zachary Richard Emboldens Humanities at Bright Lights

Humanist of the Year Zachary Richard held a rapt audience in thrall as he wove the story of Louisiana’s Acadians through the opening moments of the Bright Lights Awards Ceremony. The event was made even more special by the presence of Governor John Bel Edwards, First Lady Donna Edwards, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and former Mayor Moon Landrieu, and all of the awardees and celebrants who were entertained and feted during a French circus-themed, picture-perfect spring evening. For photos of the festivities, click here.

The LEH extends our gratitude to these generous sponsors: Houmas House Plantation and Gardens, The Helis Foundation, IBERIABANK, Jones Walker Law Firm, The Haynie Family Foundation, BHP-Billiton Petroleum, Mary Ann Sternberg, Union Pacific Railroad Foundation, Mrs. Bertie Deming Smith, Capital One Bank, Brad Adams, Hola Nola Foods, Dorian Bennett’s Sotheby’s International Realty, Postlethwaite and Netterville, Bellwether Technology, and Valentino Hotel Management.

We further thank the many artists and supporters for the wonderful offerings for our first online auction, including Peggy Bishop, Mike Boyle, Douglas Brinkley, Bess Carrick, Michael Deaton, Tom Dunne, Rosemary Ewing, Ernest Gaines, Walter Isaacson, Michael Jenkins, Neil Johnson, Deborah Luster, Rick Olivier, Cokie Roberts, and Richard Sexton.