Ignatian Circle Benefactors Hosted by Carol and Al Bienvenu ’88

Posted August 23, 2016 / Last updated August 26, 2016

After the rain had passed, the backyard at the Bienvenu home was the perfect backdrop for the evening reception.

View Photo Gallery of the Ignatian Circle Donor Reception

At the beautiful home of Carol and Al Bienvenu ’88, every man—and woman—felt like a “king” as Jesuit thanked its major benefactors for keeping the school affordable, accessible, and thriving. The 2016 Ignatian Circle donor reception, which included nearly 150 guests, took place on Sunday, Aug. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Members of the Ignatian Circle donated at least $3,000 to Jesuit in fiscal year 2016, which started on July 1, 2015 and concluded on June 30, 2016.

In addition to the wonderful spread, the setting also offered guests a bit of historic lore. The Bienvenu’s Audubon Boulevard home was once owned by colorful Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long. Providing the evening’s entertainment, New Orleans 4 Jazz treated the crowd to traditional jazz music fit for the Kingfish himself.

The reception concluded with words of gratitude from Jesuit president Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J., who thanked benefactors for their support of Jesuit’s Parents’ Annual Giving drive, Living Endowment Fund drive (the alumni component of the school’s annual giving program), and Parents of Alumni drive. He then thanked the guests for their continued support of Jesuit’s endowment through scholarship donations. Fr. McGinn also expressed his and the school community’s excitement over the arrival of new president Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J., who will arrive in January.

For their exemplary contributions, Fr. McGinn presented handsome wooden plaques to Philip Nimmo, chairman of the 2015-16 Parents’ Annual Giving drive; Marc Bonifacic ’92, chairman of the 2015-16 Living Endowment Fund drive; and Shannon Daigle, senior co-chair of Jesuit’s gala and auction, Celebration 2015.

The Ignatian Circle donor reception moves around the city, often tying into a significant piece of local history. The 2015 brunch event took place in the Roosevelt Hotel’s historic Blue Room. Other recent venues include the Lakefront Airport, New Orleans Museum of Art, and City Park’s Pavilion of the Two Sisters.

The 2016-17 donor levels that make up the Ignatian Circle are:

The President’s Club: $25,000 and above

The Founders Club: $10,000 – $24,999

The Honors Club: $5,000 – $9,999

Gallant Fighting Sons: $3,000 – $4,999

Donations for 2016-17 may be made here.

Galleries

Ignatian Circle Donor Reception, Aug. 21, 2016

Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J., visits with the hosts of the reception, Carol and Al Bienvenu '88.
The stunning home of Carol and Al Bienvenu '88 was once the residence of Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long.
Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J. enjoys conversation with Judy and José Abadin.
Fr. Norman O'Neal, S.J., Br. Terry Todd, S.J. '58, Al Bienvenu '88, and Tom Bagwill, who is Jesuit's director of institutional advancement
Brennan's provided catering for the event...
...which included an assortment of sweet treats for dessert.
Susan and David Vignes '76
The New Orleans Banjos + 2 provide music for the event.
Br. Billy Dardis, S.J. '58, visits with Mary Jane and John Becker '57.
Carol Bienvenu, Stephanie Myers, and Peggy Ryder
Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J., with Lisa and Rick Kuebel '82 and Sharon and Mark Rodi '59
Ana and Byron Berry '84
Kris and Pat Huete '84, Fr. Billy Huete, S.J. '70, and Stacey and Paul Schott '82
Young and Greg Buisson with Debra and Tony Richards
Christine and Tucker Couvillon '04
Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J., Julie and Phillip Nimmo, and Jeremy Reuther '01
Robin and Vlaho Mjehovich
Carrie and Clayton Mazoue '92 with parents Cheryle and Ed Mazoue '62
Shannon and Rocky Daigle '85 with Catherine and Greg Kessler '83
The backyard of the Bienvenu home provides the perfect backdrop for the evening reception.
Sandra and Elwood Cahill '73 with Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J.
Holli and Michael John Gaspard with Amy and John McMahon '87
Al Bienvenu '88, Amy and Peter Kernion '90, Dawn and Glenn Gillen '85
Guests gather to hear the presentation given by Fr. McGinn.
Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. '66, gives an update on the improvements to Jesuit High School and thanks donors for their generosity.
Fr. McGinn thanks the Celebration gala and auction senior co-chair, Shannon Daigle, for her service to Jesuit High School.
Fr. McGinn recognizes the great service that Marc Bonifacic '92 has given as the chairman of the 2015-2016 Living Endowment Fund.
Fr. McGinn shows appreciation to the efforts of Phillip Nimmo, who was the chairman of the 2015-2016 Parents Anual Giving drive.
Guests give Fr. McGinn and Jesuit's special honorees a well-deserved round of applause.