Centenary Alumni Named to Shreveport's "40 Under 40" List

SHREVEPORT, La. — Six Centenary College Alumni are among 40 young professionals from the local area honored by the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and named to this year's class of "40 Under 40."

The 40 Under 40 Award recognizes successful young professionals from northwest Louisiana for their outstanding professional achievements and community involvement. The selection committee looked for those under age 40 years of age who represented "Northwest Louisiana's outstanding entrepreneurs, executives, managers and professionals in public, private or nonprofit sectors."

"We are very proud of our alumni and what they have been able to accomplish," said Dr. Ken Schwab, President of Centenary College. "It is very rewarding to know that of the 40 young professionals being honored, six are Centenary alumni. The College has long been known not only for its vibrant academics, excellent preparation of students for graduate and professional schools, but also for community service and the strong partnerships our students maintain throughout the Shreveport-Bossier area. They all do great things across this country and right here in the Ark-La-Tex, which is evident by the number of Centenary '40 Under 40' award winners."

Agreeing with Dr. Schwab, former National Alumni Board President Hoyt Bain added that many of the alumni choose to stay and contribute to the Shreveport-Bossier communities after graduation. "Students from across the state and the country choose to come to our community to attend Centenary and then choose to remain here," said Bain. "That says something about the Shreveport-Bossier communities. We are very proud of our alumni and for six of the honorees to have started their careers at Centenary reinforces what many have known for a long time...that Centenary is a great place to start...and this proves once again what a huge asset Centenary is to our great community."

Among the 40 young professionals being honored for 2008, six have graduated from the College. They include:

Dr. Shelley Nicole Armstrong
Scott J. Auer
Geoffrey "G.B." Cazes
F. Cole Lollar
Adam H. Sistrunk
Angela L. White

Allison DeFatta

Adam Sistrunk

Angie White

"G.B." Cazes

Jeffrey Everson

Scott Auer

Tyler Speckman

Shelley Armstrong

Dr. Shelley Armstrong received her Bachelor of Science from Centenary in 2000 and her Master's of Arts in Teaching from the College in 2003. She continued her education and received her PhD from Texas Women's College in 2007. Currently she is the Interim Chair of Health & Exercise Science Department, Assistant Professor in Health & Exercise Science, and Cross Country coach at Centenary College.

Scott Auer graduated from Centenary College in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business with a minor in economics. He currently serves as the controller and treasurer of Praeses, LLC.

"G.B." Cazes received his Bachelor of Science degrees in business administration and finance from Centenary in 2002. He is currently the Vice President of the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City.

F. Cole Lollar attended graduate school at Centenary and received his Master's of Business Administration degree in 2003. He is a business banker with Capital One Bank.

Adam Sistrunk received his MBA from Centenary in 2005. He is the Vice President of Bancorp South.

Angela White graduated from Centenary in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science. She is the Vice President of workforce marketing, Northwest Louisiana Economic Development Foundation.

In 2007, the College was also represented in the 40 Under 40 awards when three alumni were honored for their achievement, experience, innovation vision and leadership. They included Allison DeFatta '06, Jeffrey Everson '01, and Tyler Speckman '99.

The 40 Under 40 Award Gala will take place Tuesday, Dec. 2 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Sam's Town Magnolia Grand Ballroom. For more information, call 318.677.2505.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South. In 2008 Centenary College celebrates 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.