Nicholls to Renovate Bridge to Independence Academic Center and Rename Degree Program

THIBODAUX, La. - Colleen Hunter donated $500,000 to the Nicholls Foundation for naming rights to the Bridge to Independence degree program, now known as the Bridge to Independence William Dewitt Hunter Degree Program in honor of her late husband William "Bill" Dewitt Hunter. This donation is part of a $1M project to renovate Nicholls' Bridge to Independence Academic Center and the Independent Learning Lab facilities.

Hunter's son is a two-time graduate of Nicholls in Interdisciplinary Studies and Geomatics with the support of Bridge to Independence. "The Bridge to Independence program holds such a special place for our family. William's time here has helped him grow and prosper into adulthood. We are so happy to help grow the program so near and dear to us," said Hunter.

"This donation from the Hunter family is very special to everyone at Bridge. William was with us when the program started in 2016 and now holds two bachelor's degrees from Nicholls and is working in the field of geomatics. Colleen was instrumental in the planning and creation of the degree program. Bill, her late husband who the William Dewitt Hunter Degree Program is named for, was always there for us and a contributor to the program's growth. Everyone at Bridge is forever thankful to the Hunter family and their generous support," said Dr. Mary Breaud, Nicholls associate professor of education.

Students with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder have the opportunity to enjoy the full college experience while gaining the leadership and social skills needed for future employment and independent living through the Nicholls Bridge to Independence program, the first program of its kind in Louisiana certified by the US Department of Education.

Bridge to Independenceprovides the support services needed for eligible students to attend regular Nicholls classes, participate in campus events and activities and join campus organizations. The program offers two pathways, a certificate pathway for independent living and workforce skills and a support pathway for students accepted to the university working on a traditional college degree. Along the way, peer mentors trained in Nicholls College of Education and Behavioral Scienceswill assist Bridge students with their coursework and socialization.

The Nicholls Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 corporation, exists to support the mission of Nicholls State University by seeking gifts and grants and by managing those funds and other assets to support Nicholls through endowed chairs, professorships, scholarships and other enhancement efforts. To learn more about donating to Nicholls, visit nichollsfoundation.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 7, 2024

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