(August 24, 2015)

Wishy Nolan endows new scholarships for Centenary students

From left: Janet Nolan, Wishy Nolan '54, and President Rowe.

SHREVEPORT, LA — Reverend William E. "Wishy" Nolan '54 and President David Rowe signed formal agreements establishing two new endowed scholarships for Centenary College: the William Walter Nolan Memorial Endowed Scholarship in memory of Nolan's son Walt, and the John Charles Nolan Endowed Scholarship in honor of his son John. These two endowed scholarships will be added to a list of four others that the Nolan family has funded to support students pursuing an education at Centenary.

"Today, we are witnesses to history. There will be Centenary students 20, 50, and 100 years from now who will benefit from what Wishy and Janet Nolan are doing today to endow scholarships in memory of Walt and in honor of John," said President Rowe at the Nolan Endowment Signing Ceremony on August 17. "Their generosity will make it possible for generations of students to access a world-class Centenary education."

The Nolan family's relationship with Centenary began in 1928, when Wishy's uncle Earl was a running back for the Centenary football team. Nolan graduated from Centenary in 1954, and in 1963 was asked by President Joe Mickle to work for the College as the Director of Enrollment and Alumni Relations. He helped re-invigorate Centenary's Alumni Association in 2004, served as the association's president, and still maintains his position as an alumni board member. A 2011 recipient of the Centenary Alumni Hall of Fame Award, Nolan played baseball for the Gents, officiated the College's basketball games, and is still a leading supporter of Centenary athletics.

"Being around Centenary has been a delight; I love the people here and the association. When I leave home my wife can probably say, 'I know where you are, you're somewhere around Centenary,'" said Nolan at the ceremony. "Thank you all so much for making a difference in young peoples' lives."