(November 13, 2013)

Centenary alumni and staff named to 40 Under 40 list

SHREVEPORT, LA — Five members of the Centenary community have been selected as recipients of the prestigious 40 Under 40 award given annually by the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Initiative. The awards will be presented at the seventh Annual Northwest Louisiana Young Professionals Gala presented by CityLife on Friday, December 13, at Horseshoe Casino's Riverdome.

"I am excited to be part of a city that is growing creatively and culturally," said Jeremy Johnson, Centenary Director of Digital Media. "To be nominated among so many who, like me, have the privilege to be involved in that process is a true honor."

Johnson was recognized for his work at Centenary as well as his own illustration and apparel brand, TOOMASOOBA. He also devotes time as a member of the Highland Jazz and Blues Board, the Artspace Advisory Board, and the Louisiana Film Prize.

Four other Centenary community members join Johnson on the 2013 40 Under 40 list:

Stephanie Beauvais '10 graduated from Centenary with a degree in business. She is employed at Heard, McElroy & Vestal as a licensed public accountant. Beauvais volunteers at various non-profits, including the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, Chimp Haven, Chi Omega Alumnae of Shreveport-Bossier, Junior Achievement of NWLA, and the Red River Revel.

LaToya Hemphill joined Centenary in 2010. She serves as the Assistant Director of Community Engagement, helping to coordinate MLK Service Day and the BIG Event, two of Centenary's biggest service days. Hemphill also volunteers her time with the Fuller Center for Housing of NWLA, Holy Angels, the Minority Business Council, the Red River Revel, and the Young Professionals Initiative.

Wesley Pepitone '07 graduated from Centenary with a degree in business administration and is the Nursing Facility Administrator at Heritage Manor Stratmore Nursing & Rehabilitation. Outside of his work at Stratmore, Pepitone serves the West Shreveport Lions Club and Shreveport's Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Kezia Pigford is currently a Master of Arts in Teaching candidate at Centenary. She teaches sixth grade science at J.S. Clark Elementary and is active in the community through her work with Operation Christmas Child, the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, and the Southern Black Theater Festival. Pigford is a member of the Centenary Graduate Student Advisory Board.

The 40 Under 40 award recognizes successful young professionals from northwest Louisiana for their outstanding professional achievements, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to improving the Shreveport-Bossier City community.