Author Dinner


Since the first Author Dinner in 1986, the Friends have compiled an impressive list of speakers,
including Ernest Gaines and James Lee Burke.
"The Author Dinner is an opportunity to come together with other Friends and the community for an
entertaining evening with an interesting speaker," remarks Friends President Alverta Hasling.
Speakers are chosen with an emphasis on Louisiana authors or authors who have written about
Louisiana. This is also the occasion when the Friends honor one of their members with the Friend of
the Year Award.
The Friend of the Year Award has been given for 23 years.   This award honors the individual who has been of
exceptional service during the previous year.    The recipients are listed below:

1989  Carol Tufts*                                  1998 Nelmo Renoux                             2007  Bobbie Dunbar
1990  Betty Wilson                                 1999  Virginia Red*                               2008  Arlene & Larry Jagneaux
1991  Walter Borowski                            2000  Alverta Hasling                           2009  Jean Brunson       
1992  Delores Owens                             2001  Gary Alexander                          2010  Marilyn Long   
1993  Ella Jane “Jick” Swan*                   2002  Maxine Leon                              2011  Jack Turner
1994  Rosemary Frederic                       2003  Madelyn "Madi" Rice                 
1995  Flossie Turner                              2004  Dennis Sullivan                     
1996  Marion Embree*                            2005  Lee Dotson
1997  Dee Nolan                                     2006  Sue Roberts                                   







*Deceased
Friend of the Year