Autumn Ado
President and Praise
Inauguration and Integritas were key words at the recent 1912 Society Dinner, Loyola University New Orleans, which took place in The Roosevelt Hotel three hours after a new university president, Xavier Cole, was officially recognized. The inauguration ceremony unfolded in Holy Name of Jesus Church with a reception on campus.
Cocktails launched the 1912 Society Inauguration Dinner, followed by prandial pleasures and a program. Features of the hotel’s Waldorf Astoria Ballroom — large gold and crystal chandeliers, Grecian columns, and statues in niches — received chromatic embellishment thanks to Loyola’s colors of maroon and gold. They appeared in the flower arrangements and centerpieces by Kim Starr Wise Floral Events. Loyola Christmas ornaments added a holiday touch at each place setting. Prior to the formalities, Kate Duncan directed the Crescent Collective, a talented faculty quartet.
Guests first enjoyed a roasted pear and arugula salad, and then braised short ribs and Louisiana crab cakes. A dessert reception beckoned one and all to the Conti/Lafitte Room, where a lively Afro-Cuban ensemble added noteworthiness, as it did during cocktails. Wayne Maureau was the director.
During the annual dinner, the Integritas Vitae Award, which recognizes a life of integrity, is awarded. The 2023 recipient was Amy Cyrex Sins, ’98, “a New Orleans chef, philanthropist, author and speaker,” whose nonprofit, Fill the Needs, helps those affected by natural disasters, including families in Afghanistan and Ukraine. Joining her at the award dinner was spouse George Sins III. Last year, the prestigious honor befell former judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon, J.D., ’64.
Among those breaking bread were Loyola President Dr. Xavier Cole, and spouse Dr. Susanne DeBerry Cole, a historian; board chair Robert LeBlanc Jr. and Danielle Webb LeBlanc; Society of St. Ignatius Giving Society inductees Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Bell; 2023 Young Alumnus of the Year Benjamin C. Fields; and alumni board president Eugenio Hernandez III with Emily. And board members Michael Skehan and Morton Katz with Andrea and Carole, Dean of the College of Law Madeleine M. Landrieu and husband Paige Sensenbrenner, Xavier University of Louisiana President Reynold Verret, and from the city council, Eugene Green Jr. and Lesli Harris. Also, Wayne Amedee, Dr. Robert A. Savoie, the Rev. Gregory Waldrop, S.J., Ph.D., state Rep. Polly Thomas and Dr. Bob Thomas, Chris Wiseman,’88, Ph.D., who opened the program and, after president Cole’s closing remarks, the Rev. John Cunningham, S.J., who concluded with the benediction.
They All Masked for You
Clover, formerly Kingsley House, booked Calcasieu on Tchoupitoulas Street for its Harvest Moon Masquerade, “an enchanting evening of merriment, mission and mouthwatering delights.” To launch the levity, “a captivating cocktail” reception saluted sipping and the music of cellist Harry Hardin. Next was “Discover,” the time to amass spell-bound treasures from the silent auction of nine coveted items, which included the luxury Mexican getaway purchased by Luanne LeBlanc. Yet another beat was the donning of costume masks for the masquerade. For culinary showcasing, renowned master chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski orchestrated a festive dinner to tantalize the taste buds. Lush velvet linens, floating candles and golden candelabras put the “A” in atmosphere.
Mastheading “Masquerade,” and espousing Clover’s mission to educate children, strengthen families, and build community, were board president Chimene Grant Saloy, Clover CEO Keith Liederman, Ph.D. and Luanne, Sheldon “Skip” Brechtel and Patti, Dickie Brennan, Dr. Daniel and Melanie Bronfin, Leslie Edwards, Kit and Gus Fritchie, Sheldon Lykes, Isaac MacDonald, Margaret Montgomery-Richard, Anthony Richard, Martha and John Landrum, Thomas Ogg, Louisiana Policy Institute for Children Executive Director Libbie Sonnier, Ph.D., and Agenda for Children CEO Jen Roberts.
During the course of the evening, there was so much to see and appreciate. One such attraction was a heightened, multicolored butterfly costume mask that was made of black lace and 10 feather butterflies.
Tilling and Telling
On its premises, Liberty’s Kitchen presented Come Grow with Us, “an evening of food, fun, and festivities” to celebrate the reopening of the cafe. The event was also dedicated to friend and founder Janet Gorence Davas, whose visionary leadership made the space and event possible. As recipients of the award that bears her name, Kayla Butler and Xavier Chambers spoke to the assembly. The former came to Liberty’s Kitchen in the summer of 2022, after her high school graduation, and participated in the Youth Development Program. Xavier Chambers likewise is a graduate of the program. Both Janet Gorence Davas Youth Achievement awardees are working hard with goals in the culinary field.
A warm and cozy ambiance awaited guests, thanks to florals, such as roses, mums and lilies; signage incorporating a food motif; and welcoming bistro lighting. T-Ray the Violinist performed, and, for the gastronomy, Copper Vine, Seaworthy, Josephine Estelle, Devil Moon BBQ, and Liberty’s Kitchen filled the bill.
Making their rounds in Liberty’s Kitchen Café were board chair retired Judge Calvin Johnson with spouse Deidre Hayes; vice chair Kara Johnson; board members Neal Cohen with spouse Jenelle Slobof, Herb Anderson with Jane, Lori Johnson, and JaNet Peters; and executive director Bernadette Lucas. Also, Tiffany Harvill, Matt and Christa Schwartz, Brian Kish, chef Amy Mehrtens, Charlie Fontenelle, Renee Bellows, and chef Syrena Johnson (Liberty’s Kitchen), who with chef Byron Bradley (The Deep) co-chaired the “Back to Broad (Street)” gala. The event supports the youth of New Orleans through the transformative programs of Liberty’s Kitchen.