The numbers had it, thanks to "100" and "50" and Links in between.

On a recent Thursday evening in the Napoleon Ballroom of the Hilton Riverside, the LSU Medical Alumni Association Committee of 100 -- Champions of Excellence held its 29th annual black-tie-optional banquet. A one-hour reception preceded the dinner of bisque, salad, beef tenderloin, shrimp and a dessert trio.

More than 700 individuals are included in the Committee of 100, and they are committed to the financial support of the School of Medicine though professorships, chairs, the Isidore Cohn Jr. MD Learning Center and the Russell C. Klein MD, Center for Advanced Practice. Among the 150 attendees were new members, such as Drs. Janine Parker with daughter Samantha, Kevin Riche, Sanjiv Jindia, Louis Levin, Ann Kay Cefalu Logarbo and Jerry Poche, the latter five with spouses Catherine, Deborah, Donna, Brian and Tessa. They listened attentively to speakers Drs. Charles Hilton, associate dean for Graduate Medical Education, and faculty member Paul Thein, who were with their wives, Drs. Deborah and Diana.

Still others were Dr. Fred Cerise, vice president of LSU System for Health Education, School of Medicine Dean Dr. Steve Nelson, interim LSU Hospital Medical Director Dr. Juzar Ali, and, with husband Frank Modica, Dr. Cathi Fontenot, interim CEO LSU Healthcare Network and associate dean for Alumni Affairs and Development. The above Dr. Klein (with Donna), who preceded Dr. Fontenot as an associate dean, now answers to emeritus professor.

From the committee's top ranks came Dr. Fred Rodriguez, president of the steering committee, and Dr. Bernard Samuels, a Committee of 100 founder, whose wives, Susan and Jeannine, made rounds as well. So did Drs. Bo Sanders, Jack Strong and Harvey Gabert -- with Julia, Mihoko and Ave Maria -- and a pair of half-century celebrants. Hailing 50 years since their graduation from the med school were Drs. John McLachlan and Mack Thomas with Betty and Victoria.

"White Rose Jazz Brunch" bannered the midday to-do given by the Pontchartrain Chapter of The Links Inc., which unfolded in LACE, the Grand Ballroom, with sponsorship from Gertrude Geddes Willis, First NBC Bank, Sheriff Marlin Gusman, and Metro Disposal. A highlight of the event was an overview provided by chapter President Hattie Broussard (with son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Krystal) of the chapter's community service initiatives. Additional high points were the entertainment provided by Clark J. Knighten and 4 x 4 Connection with Gina Brown; pretty centerpieces consisting of the signature white roses accented with silver jazz-instrument ornaments; a menu of traditional breakfast foods and an omelet station; and a 40-item silent auction showcasing local artists, including Terrance Osborne, Harlin Miller Jr., Ted Ellis, and Amy Bryan.

Yvonne Mitchell-Grubb chaired the bunch with Renee Gusman as her "co." Their guests were daughter Alicia Grubb and Sheriff Gusman. Further Links luminaries were Southern Area Director Eneid Francis and niece Nia Mason, President Hattie Broussard, Vice President Sarah Moody Thomas, immediate past President Anita Dabon, and Therese and state Rep. Austin Badon.

In-attendance committee members were Claudia Clark with Lloyd, Belva Pichon, Rhoda Timpton with Link mother Mary, Dr. Janet Barnes with Dr. Shelton, Dr. Erica Broussard Bart, Shaniece B. Bickham, and Kiana Aaron Mitchell with husband Craig Mitchell. They caught up -- or linked -- with the latest of Dr. Lynn Bernal-Green and spouse Dr. Dwight Green, Currita Waddy with husband Dwayne Pierce, Carolyn Lewis, Dr. Jinx and Robert Broussard, and G. Rochelle and Winston Brown.

At The Rose Garden in Elmwood, De La Salle High School's Dr. Warren F. Caire Tribute Dinner honored "50 Years of LaSallian Education." Folks mingled for an hour before the bounty of the buffet.

Among the many expressing formal congratulations -- either in person or in absentia -- were Gov. Bobby Jindal, U.S. Sen. David Vitter, Jefferson Parish President John Young, Brother Gale Condit, FSC (representing New Orleans-Santa Fe Provincial Brother Timothy Coldwell, FSC), Janell Weber (for St. John Parish, where the honored "Doc" lives), Joe Rosolino, Tony Behan, Michael Buras, and the school's Parents' Club.

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LSU Medical Alumni Association Committee of 100 — Champions of Excellence hold 29th annual banquet to benefit the ...