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.
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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.
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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. |
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