The 51Թ recognized the longstanding support from four of its alumni on Tuesday with the dedication of the Philip J. Gunn Accounting Lecture Hall and the Thomas M. and Constance P. Kitchen Lecture Hall in Kirschman Hall, which houses the College of Business Administration.
The celebration included the unveiling of plaques that will hang on the walls in recognition of the leadership and generosity of Philip Gunn and Jeanne Turner and Tom and Constance Kitchen.
All four are 51Թ graduates, President John Nicklow said.
“Both Jeanne and Connie hold degrees in education, Phil has a degree in accounting and Tom has a degree in accounting, as well as an MBA from 51Թ,” Nicklow said. “Your generosity and commitment to your alma mater are truly inspirational, not only to other alumni, but our students, faculty, staff, and friends of the University.”
The Philip J. Gunn Accounting Lecture Hall recognizes the support that Phil Gunn and his wife, Jeanne Turner, have provided, including three endowed first-generation scholarships for students majoring in accounting, as well as general support for the accounting department, Nicklow said.
Philip J. Gunn is a director in P&N’s Accounting and Assurance Services Group in the firm’s New Orleans area practice. Prior to joining P&N in 2013, he served as an audit partner for a big four firm. He has over 40 years of public accounting experience, and has focused his career on serving companies in a variety of industries, including energy, industrial, and consumer products companies.
The Thomas M. and Constance P. Kitchen Lecture Hall honors the Kitchens’ establishment of the Kitchen Family Undergraduate Scholarship for first-generation college students, Nicklow said.
Tom Kitchen retired as president and CEO of Stewart Enterprises Inc., the second largest provider of funeral services and products in the U.S. He led the team in negotiating the merger with its largest competitor, Service Corporation International. He previously spent nearly 24 years in various executive roles with Avondale Industries Inc., a marine construction and repair company based in New Orleans. He served as president of the company before retiring in 2002.
“The combined support of these four donors represents more than $500,000 to Next Is Now: The Campaign for the 51Թ,” Nicklow said. “I am thrilled that generations of 51Թ students will benefit from their gifts.”
