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�첥���� alumna Angie Gates said her journey that led to winning two Emmy awards started while she was taking a class in the Performing Arts Center. Her assignment was to create a silent film, which she titled “Stages of Life.” It depicted the progression of life with the opening scene of a candle being lit and the closing scene of her 92-year-old nana blowing out the candle. 

“I think that was an Emmy-winning film right there,” Gates said with a laugh of her earliest cinematic work. “But that was my foundation at UNO. It was about putting your best foot forward and doing your best work, not expecting anything in return. That was the end result—getting the Emmy. I just wanted to do the best work and that ended up coming to fruition.”

Gates recounted her career path and her alma mater’s influence on her life on Thursday as she received the 2024 Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Award at the annual Distinguished Alumni Gala. The sold-out event was held at the National WWII Museum. Gates is the president and chief executive officer of Events DC, the official convention and sports authority of Washington, D.C. 

Gates previously served in the administration of Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as the director of the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment. She also held other roles, including traveling chief of staff, director of operations for the mayor’s transition team, and director of inauguration. Gates was executive producer of Mayor Bowser’s inaugural celebrations in 2019 and 2022. In 2006, Gates became the first African American general manager of the iconic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. She began her career as a film specialist for the New Orleans Film Commission. 
 
She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1992 and a master’s in arts administration in 2001, both from the �첥����.

Kheri Billy was named the 2024 Norma Jane Sabiston Distinguished Young Alumna of the Year. She is the CEO of Reconcile New Orleans, Inc., a nonprofit that supports young adults as they transform their lives by encouraging personal growth, providing workforce development and training, and equipping them with tools to achieve their potential. Café Reconcile is the organization’s well-known restaurant and training space in the Central City neighborhood.

Billy, who earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UNO in 2006, had her senior year of college interrupted by Hurricane Katrina, forcing her to temporarily transfer to LSU. 

“It took a lot resilience to come back to school, and work hard and graduate, and that means a lot to me,” Billy said. “So, I make sure that I’m supporting the next generation of talent, not only at Reconcile, but directly at my school that afforded me the opportunity to grow and become who I am today.”

•    The Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration honored Brian Rotolo, New Orleans office managing partner, Ernst & Young LLP.
•    The Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering honored Timmy Couvillion, president and CEO, the Couvillion Group.
•    The College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development honored Patricia Glaser, CEO and founding head of school, Discovery Charter School Network
•    The College of Sciences honored Dr. James Callaghan, chief medical officer, West Jefferson Medical Center
•    The School of Interdisciplinary Students honored Iam Tucker, president and CEO, Integrated Logistical Support, Inc. (ILSI Engineering)
•    Privateer Athletics honored Gabriel (Gabe) Corchiani, president and CEO, AMA Distributors, Inc.

“The people who we celebrate tonight are shining examples of how the �첥���� has impacted our city, region, and country,” said UNO President Kathy Johnson. “Each of them has not only excelled in their career but has devoted their time and talent to improving their communities through their leadership, service and philanthropy. They are role models to us all, and it is truly my honor to recognize them this evening.”
 
Gates was the 41st honoree to receive the Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Award. The honoree is selected by a committee of former award recipients.