FRIENDS OF LPB ANNUAL MEETING COMMEMORATES SUCCESSFUL YEAR & HONORS PRESIDENT'S AWARDS RECIPIENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Louisiana - Statewide -- The Friends of LPB welcomed supporters and champions of Louisiana Public Broadcasting to their 2024 Annual Meeting at the LPB Studios in Baton Rouge on Thursday, September 26. The occasion served as a celebration of the achievements of the past year, a look ahead at new programs on the horizon, and was also an opportunity to recognize two LPB President's Award honorees, as well as Friends of LPB board members.

LPB President and CEO, Clarence "C.C" Copeland, welcomed guests to the newly enhanced television studio and began the program by saying, “This evening is to recognize 49 incredible years made possible by the tremendous support of our members. This year, a record 21,000 members who appreciate and support LPB's programming and educational initiatives are making a difference in communities large and small throughout Louisiana and beyond.”

Copeland then introduced and thanked Friends of LPB Board Chair, Therese Nagem of Monroe, who reported on the great success of the 2024 Louisiana Legends Gala and recognized members of the Louisiana Legends and Visionary Societies, and the Boards of Directors of Friends of LPB, Louisiana Educational Television Authority, and the Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Nagem introduced guests to incoming Friends of LPB board members: Dana Baker and Pilar Blanco Eble from Lafayette; Brad Boyd, Wally McMakin, Jody Montelaro, Vera Olds and Shauna Sanford from Baton Rouge; and Seva May from Shreveport.

Incoming Friends of LPB Board Chair, Bo Harris of Shreveport, recognized Therese Nagem for her exemplary service over the past year and presented her with the Chairman’s Award. Harris also recognized outgoing board members completing six years of service: Emily Babineaux, Matt Dardenne, April Kirwan, Jimmy Oustalet, Cathy Seymour, Walter Rudd, and Lela Mae Wilkes, as well as board members completing three years of service: David Aubrey, J’on Blumberg, Nicole George, and Sand Marmillion.

The gathering was also an occasion to celebrate the 2024 LPB President’s Award Honorees. The awards were presented by LPB President and CEO, C.C Copeland, to honorees, Thomas Whitehead, preservationist for the Clementine Hunter Collection and steadfast supporter of Friends of LPB and LPB, and Southern Strategy Group, champion of the Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcasting, advocating for LPB's mission of public service.

Additional highlights from the evening included a look at the 2024 Fall Preview Reel, featuring new films, series, and more from PBS and LPB, and an unveiling of the redesigned Board Room featuring iconic PBS and LPB personalities, and LPB's Louisiana Legends and Louisiana Young Heroes. Guests also had a chance to see the newly redesigned second floor lobby featuring a Clementine Hunter painting that the late artist painted as a gift to LPB to commemorate the network's first televised broadcast on September 6, 1975. These renovations are the first updates to these spaces since the statewide public television network moved into the building in the 1980s.

To become a member of Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting, to stay best informed about the programs and services offered by LPB, visit lpb.org/friends.