Jesuit High School
Alumnus of the Year Archives


Hon. Jay C. Zainey ’69 Is Jesuit’s 2008 Alumnus of the Year


The Honorable Jay C. Zainey ’69 is Jesuit’s 2008 Alumnus of the Year.

Homecoming Mass

Audio: Listen to Fr. McGinn's
Introduction of Jay Zainey
(Total Run Time 2:43)

Homecoming Mass

Audio: Listen to Jay Zainey's
Address to Alumni
(Total Run Time 9:47)

The Honorable Jay C. Zainey, a 1969 graduate of Jesuit High School who is a tireless champion for people with special needs, as well as a staunch advocate for the homeless, has been named the school’s 2008 Alumnus of the Year.

The award is given annually to an outstanding alumnus who is recognized for his achievements and distinguished service, either to Jesuit or the community-at-large, and in many instances, both. Judge Zainey received the award at Homecoming Mass for Jesuit alumni on Sunday, October 12  in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs on the school’s campus. A jazz brunch and reception followed in the Student Commons.

 

“Jay Zainey embodies the Jesuit ideal of being a ‘Man for Others’ and we are proud to honor him as our Alumnus of the Year,” said Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J., president of Jesuit High School. “He has always set the bar high by working in a professional and ethical manner, while channeling his enormous energies into several humanitarian projects which have improved the lives of people, especially those with special needs in our community.”

2008 Homecoming Mass Photo Gallery

2008 Homecoming Reception & Jazz Brunch Photo Gallery

Class of 1969 Luncheon
in Honor of Jay Zainey Photo Gallery

Alumnus of the Year Dinner Photo Gallery

 

Judge Zainey, who was appointed by President George W. Bush in February 2002 to the federal bench for the United States District Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana, was characteristically humble upon learning that he is Jesuit’s Alumnus of the Year.

 

“I was truly taken aback because there are many Jesuit graduates who are true ‘men for others,’” said Judge Zainey. “Many of these Blue Jays are working in the trenches everyday to improve the lives of others but receive no recognition for the wonderful work they do for their fellow men and women. I accept this honor on their behalf. I also express my gratitude and thanks to my parents and all the priests, scholastics, and lay teachers who gave me such an outstanding education at Jesuit High School.”

 

While a student at Jesuit High School from 1965-1969, Zainey took part in activities and organizations


Jay Zainey’s senior photo in the 1969 Yearbook 

that provided a strong foundation for his community and charitable involvement, including the Sodality, the Cabinet, and the Philelectic Society. Additionally, he was an altar server and a reporter for the student magazine, The Blue Jay.

 

A devout Catholic who attends Mass daily, Judge Zainey is married to the former Joy Haik. They have three children, Margaret Z. Roux, Christopher (a 2001 Jesuit alumnus), and Andrew, who was born 20 years ago with autism and special needs and who is lovingly described by the Zainey family as “God’s special gift.”  
Throughout his professional life, Judge Zainey has been involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors, often creating practical, unique organizations designed to assist people who need help, including people with special needs, the homeless population, and lawyers confronted with a crisis or personal family tragedy.

Judge and Mrs. Zainey are the co-founders and motivating forces behind St. Andrew’s Village, a faith-based, long-term private campus living community on the North Shore where adults with developmental disabilities will be able to live, work, worship, and socialize throughout their lifelong journey. St. Andrew's Village will be the first long-term living community of its kind to serve people with special needs in the state of Louisiana. Judge Zainey serves as president of this non-profit organization.

 

The idea for St. Andrew’s Village came from another project, God’s Special Children, which the Zaineys started in 2004 to assist Andrew and other people with special needs in fully experiencing their Catholic faith. God’s Special Children facilitates a monthly Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church on Metairie Road. Additionally, the program also assists with preparation and receipt of the sacraments, bible study, parents’ retreats, and a buddy program in which members of Catholic youth ministries and Catholic high school students interact with special needs children.

 

When Judge Zainey read about the Harry Tompson Homeless Center in the Immaculate Conception Church bulletin in 2004, he formed Homeless Experience Legal Protection (HELP), a program designed to provide free legal consultation and notary services at homeless shelters throughout the New Orleans area. Through Judge Zainey’s initiative, HELP chapters in 15 cities around the country are now assisting the homeless with obtaining their birth certificates, identification cards, and social security benefits. An outgrowth of HELP has been the recent start-up of a pilot program in which law students from Loyola University’s School of Law visit homeless centers in the area to assist people in applying for social security benefits.

In an effort to provide services and support to members of the legal community who experience family tragedies, Judge Zainey co-founded SOLACE in 2002. SOLACE filled an important role in assisting attorneys and their families who were displaced by hurricanes in finding housing and office space and replacing office furniture and law books.

At the Alumnus of the Year dinner,
Fr. McGinn presents a special medallion to the Hon. Jay C. Zainey ’69,
who is Jesuit’s 2008 honoree.

 

Prior to his appointment as federal judge, Zainey was active in the Louisiana State Bar Association, serving as its president in 1995-1996. During his tenure, Zainey established a committee – the first of its kind in the country for a state bar association -- to provide legal referral services for the disabled. He also created the Community Involvement Committee, which brings together members of the bar to work on common philanthropic causes.

 

Currently, Judge Zainey is on the executive board of the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, secretary-treasurer of the Pro Bono Project, and is a member of the American Bar Association’s Hurricane Katrina Task Force. He wrote a chapter for Lawyers Working to End Homelessness, a book recently published by that organization’s Commission on Homelessness and Poverty.

 

Judge Zainey holds the distinction of being a Fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and is also active in the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association. Additionally, he is a frequent guest speaker to judges, attorneys, and law students across the country on ethics, professionalism, and providing pro bono legal services.

 

Judge Zainey has received numerous awards for his philanthropy and dedication to community work. Most recently, he was a recipient of the Homines Pro Aliis Award, given by the Jesuit Southern Province for his work at the Harry Tompson Homeless Center. He also has received the Louisiana Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Jurist Award. Judge Zainey was presented with the Humanitarian Award for Distinguished Leadership from Unity for the Homeless of Greater New Orleans, an umbrella organization comprised of social service agencies which advocate on behalf of the homeless.

 

Judge Zainey holds an undergraduate degree from the University of New Orleans and a law degree from the Louisiana State University School of Law. He was a practicing attorney in the New Orleans area from 1976 up until his appointment to the federal bench.


From the 1969 Jesuit Yearbook...


As vice-president of the altar boys in his senior year, Jay Zainey is front row, left.

Michael H. Rodrigue ’71 Honored as 2007 Alumnus of the Year

 


Mike Rodrigue ’71, who is Jesuit’s 2007 Alumnus of the Year, gathers with members of his family 
following Homecoming Mass in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs.

2007 Homecoming Mass & Reception Photo Gallery

Michael H. Rodrigue, a plucky entrepreneur who started his own insurance company right out of college and a congenial restaurateur whose acumen for uniting philanthropy and professional golf has benefited numerous New Orleans area charities, has been named Jesuit High School’s 2007 Alumnus of the Year.

Rodrigue, who graduated from Jesuit in 1971, will be recognized at the school’s annual Homecoming Mass on Sunday, October 14 at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. A jazz brunch and reception will follow in the Student Commons. 

“Few people in our city have worked more tirelessly and unselfishly for so many charitable causes than Mike Rodrigue,” said Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J., president of Jesuit High School. “Mike’s leadership has made a tremendous difference for numerous charities and for New Orleans itself.”


From the 1971 Yearbook, Mike Rodrigue the Cheerleader. 

Rodrigue is the 50th recipient of this award, which is given annually to an outstanding alumnus who is recognized for his achievements and distinguished service, either to Jesuit or the community-at-large, and in many instances, both.

Rodrigue said receiving the Alumnus of the Year award is a great honor for him and his family. “No matter what the charity or the cause or the circumstance, there is always a Jesuit connection, whether it is an alumnus, a spouse, or parents,” said Rodrigue. “It is not always the money that is important, but it is the time and persistence that it sometimes takes to get things done. My professional life, my family, and friends have all allowed me the opportunity to give my time to ‘my mission,’ and for that I am blessed.”

Rodrigue’s “mission” has been the region’s most important charitable golf tournament – the PGA event known as the Zurich Classic, which is produced by the Fore!Kids Foundation. As chairman of the foundation from 1998-2006, Rodrigue orchestrated the annual stop on the PGA Tour in New Orleans. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than $16 million to various local charities. The tournament, which is televised nationally and promotes some of the city’s greatest tourist attractions, pumps an estimated $25 million into the New Orleans area economy.

As chairman of the Fore!Kids Foundation’s Special Projects Committee, Rodrigue has been focusing his current mission on resurrecting golf and other revenue-generating activities in City Park.

While a senior at Jesuit, Rodrigue was a member of the National Honor Society and the Sodality, as well as a cheerleader and class secretary. He was also a JROTC battalion officer who held the rank of sergeant major. A lifelong passion for the game of golf fueled Rodrigue’s enthusiastic participation on Jesuit’s golf team for four years, culminating in his selection as the team’s captain in his senior year.


Mike Rodrigue was captain of the golf team in his senior year.



After graduating with an economics degree in 1975 from Tulane University (he played on the Green Wave’s golf team), Rodrigue immediately launched his business career by founding RODCO Worldwide, Inc., a managing general insurance agency. Based in Metairie with 13 employees, RODCO is a specialty surplus lines boutique agency with a niche market that focuses on commercial property and general liability insurance.

With an eye towards reviving a classic and funky eating joint, Rodrigue in 1985 purchased Acme Oyster House, the iconic French Quarter restaurant which had fallen on hard times a few years earlier. With Rodrigue at the helm, Acme once again began to flourish and has since expanded beyond its original environs to other markets, including Covington, Metairie, and Sandestin.

   

When Rodrigue is not supervising insurance matters at RODCO or managing Acme’s culinary fare, he is a constant presence at charitable golf tournaments all over the New Orleans area, and in many cases, serves as an organizer, sponsor, and promoter of these events.

Rodrigue has also served on the board of directors of Boys Hope/Girls Hope, a non-profit organization that provides a stable home and positive support environment to at-risk youth. Organized by Rodrigue and small cadre of sponsors, the annual Boys Hope Golf Tournament remains a critical revenue source for the organization. As a member of the President’s Advisory Council from 1987-1999 at Jesuit High School, Rodrigue served as a sounding board on insurance issues.

 

Rodrigue’s son, Michael, Jr., graduated from Jesuit in 1999, and his stepson, Anthony “Tony” Gusler, is a member of the Class of 2010. Rodrigue and his wife Lori reside in Metairie.

 

Jim Amoss ’65 Is Jesuit’s 2006 Alumnus of the Year

Jim Amoss ’65
2006 Alumnus of the Year


Arthur Mann III ’64 Is Jesuit’s 2005 Alumnus of the Year

Arthur Mann ’64
2005 Alumnus of the Year

 

Archbishop John C. Favolora ’54 Is Jesuit’s
2004 Alumnus of the Year
 

Archbishop John C. Favalora ’54
2004 Alumnus of the Year

 

Donald C. Wetzel ’45 Is Jesuit’s 2003 Alumnus of the Year

 

Donald C. Wetzel ’45
2003 Alumnus of the Year


Alumnus of the Year Recipients 1958-2009

        1958  Edwin W. Toribio ’34*

1959  Honorable Leo B. Blessing ’27*

1960  C. Ellis Henican ’22*

1961  Honorable Robert A. Ainsworth, Jr. ’27*

1962  G. Gernon Brown ’20*

1963  John C. Paquette ’25*

1964  Leon Sarpy ’24*

1965  Henry P. Dupre ’25*

1966  Charles L. Dufour ’21*

1967  Most Rev. Joseph G.Vath, D.D. ’34*

1968  A. Louis Read ’32*

1969  Robert R. Barkerding, Sr. ’34*

1970  Honorable Moon Landrieu ’48

1971  Peter P. Finney, Sr. ’45

1972  Honorable James E. Fitzmorris, Jr. ’39

1973  Clayton J. Charbonnet ’38*

1974  Joseph S. Childress ’35*

1975  William R. Brown, Jr. ’29*

1976  Clement Betpouey, Jr. ’24*

1977  Joseph W. McCarron ’37*

1978  Charles I. Denechaud, Jr. ’31*

1979  Honorable Thomas A. Casey, Sr. ’48

1980  Rev. Msgr. Arthur T. Screen ’34*

1981  Emmett M. Fitzpatrick ’45

1982  Raymond S. Rizzo ’32*

1983  Hon. Adrian G. Duplantier ’45*

 

1984  Curtis P. Rome, Jr. ’53

1985  Owen E. Brennan, Jr.’52

1986  John J. Dardis ’59

1987  Stephen B. Rodi ’32*

1988  Ardley R. Hanemann, Jr. ’61

1989  Dr. Joseph P. Licciardi, Jr. ’53

1990  J. Michael Early ’33

1991  Daniel J. (Rusty) Staub ’61

1992  Robert L. Perez ’61

1993  Milton J. Retif, Sr. ’51

      1994  J. Garic Schoen ’38

1995  Frank B. Stewart, Jr. ’53

1996  Robert F. Talbot, Jr. ’55

1997  Marcel Garsaud, Jr. ’50

1998  Robert H. Boh ’47

1999  Peter R. Quirk ’54

2000  Michael O. Read ’61

2001  Michael E. Nolan ’63

2002  Ashton J. Ryan, Jr. ’65

2003  Donald C. Wetzel ’46

2004  Most Rev. John C. Favalora ’54

2005  Arthur S. Mann ’64
2006  W. James Amoss ’65
2007  Michael H. Rodrigue ’71
2008  Hon. Jay C. Zainey ’69

2009  Kevin G. Heigle ’69

* Deceased

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