Nicolas G. Bazan, MD, PhD

Director, LSUHSC Neuroscience Center of Excellence

Nicolas Bazan is a true renaissance man – entrepreneur, researcher, mentor, creative thinker, author and a man who quietly devotes significant time to his Catholic faith and his local community. He has a life-long dedication to conquering brain and retinal diseases  through research, has translated his discoveries into 20 patents and has led to experimental therapies in stroke, Alzheimer’s , macular degeneration, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and pain. He was one of the founders of In Site Vision, Alameda, CA.  With a local investor he also founded St. Charles Pharmaceuticals, one of the first biotech/pharmaceutical companies of New Orleans, and began the development of his non- addictive and non-toxic pain-killer. He has been an advocate for the development of a knowledge- based economy in the region during almost 30 years.  He has written the novel “Una Vida: A Fable of Music and the Mind”, a heartfelt journey of a musician whose memory is slipping due to Alzheimer’s. Another entrepreneurial project is the crafting of Nicolas Bazan Pinot Noir wines. He is Director-Founder of LSU Neuroscience Center of Excellence and Villere Chair for Retinal Degenerative Diseases.

Michael B. Bruno

Partner, Bruno & Tervalon, LLP

Michael B. Burno is managing partner of Bruno & Tervalon LLP, Certified Public Accountants in New Orleans, LA. During his career he has concentrated heavily in both auditing and providing management consulting services in the public sector. He earned his accounting degree from Southern University at New Orleans and joined the audit staff of Ernst & Young in Jackson, Mississippi as the first African American on the professional staff of a public accounting firm in Mississippi.

Today Bruno & Tervalon LLP is the largest African American owned accounting firm in Louisiana serving numerous clients throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. Bruno is active in alumni efforts of Southern University, and serves on several committees dedicated to the growth and development of youth, particularly African Americans and other minorities. Throughout his career he has received several awards for his leadership and community involvement. He and his wife, Paulette, are parents of four adult children and five grandchildren.

Ti Adelaide Martin

Co-Proprietor, Commander's Palace

Ti Adelaide Martin credits her mother, Ella Brennan, the “grande dame” of her family’s restaurant dynasty, in setting the stage for her love of the restaurant business. Martin moved through the ranks of the family business rising to the position of co-proprietor of Commander’s Palace in 1997, a title she shares with her cousin Lally Brennan. She has written three cookbooks including the James Beard Foundation nominated Commander’s Kitchen, and co-authored Commander’s Wild Side, inspired by the Commander’s “Off the Menu” television series.

Martin earned a business degree from Southern Methodist University and a MBA in Finance and Marketing from Tulane University. Outside the restaurant she enjoys the company of her nieces and nephews, and is active in numerous civic and restaurant organizations. She is a driving force in support of tourism, business, nonprofits, and universities, and recipient of several awards as well as the 2008 inductee to the Culinary Hall of Fame.

Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, PhD

President & CEO, The National World War II Museum

As president and CEO of the National WWII museum, Dr. Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller managed a major $300 million expansion on adjacent properties. Serving as Chairman of the Board, he spearheaded the fundraising and initial construction of the museum. Prior to his Museum career, he enjoyed a 33-year career as Professor of European History at the University of New Orleans. During his tenure he served as Dean, Vice Chancellor and founding President of the Research and Technology Park, along with founder of UNO’s Metropolitan College, its regional campuses, and the Business-Higher Education Council. Dr. Mueller developed the International Study Programs, served in leadership positions with national higher education associations and is a member of the University Continuing Education Hall of Fame. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Stetson University, an M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina, and has done postgraduate work at Yale, Harvard and several European universities.

Robert J. "Sandy" Whann, IV

President, Leidenheimer Baking Co.

The Leidenheimer Baking Company, known for its New Orleans-style French bread, is managed by fourth-generation family member and president, Robert “Sandy” J. Whann IV. A cum laude graduate and member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, he earned a degree in Business Administration in 1986 from Washington and Lee University. A New Orleans native, Whann joined the family business after internships with Sunbeam Bakery and Mrs. Baird’s Bakeries. In 2002, he received the “Rising Star” award from Baking and Snack Magazine.

With distributions in more than two-dozen states, the company does work on customized baking projects including Wild Flour Breads specializing in artisan breads with local chef Susan Spicer. Whann serves as Chairman of the Board with the Independent Bakers Association and board member of the Trinity Episcopal School. He is active in the Young President’s Organization and lives in New Orleans with his wife Leah and their children, Katie and William.

G. Frank Purvis, Jr.

Former Chairman, Pan-American Life Insurance Co.

G. Frank Purvis, Jr. was born in Rayville, LA in 1914.  He received his Law Degree from LSU in 1935 at the tender age of 20.  On his twenty-first birthday Purvis began practicing law in his private, one-man law firm in his hometown.  He volunteered for the Navy in August 1941 and was called to active duty on Pearl Harbor Day.  Purvis was immediately ordered to become an instructor in the V7 program at Northwestern University in Chicago.  He remained in this assignment until his request for sea duty was approved and he was assigned to be the anti-submarine officer on the destroyer escort USS Snowden.  The ship was engaged in anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic where it together with other vessels was engaged in destroying enemy submarines.  After the war, Purvis returned to work as an attorney for the Secretary of State for the State of Louisiana and he remained there until he began his career at Pan-American Life Insurance Company in September 1949.

Purvis performed several duties during his time at Pan-American.  He began his career in the legal department and after numerous other positions within the company he was promoted to president and Chief Operating Officer in 1963.  He later also became Chairman of the Board and remained on the board until 2008.  The beautiful buildings, Pan-American Life and Intercontinental Hotel, constructed under his leadership stand as monuments to his legacy.

Purvis has been honored by numerous organizations and has served on a multitude of boards and commissions during his time in New Orleans.  He served as chair of the Dock Board for the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.  He was also president of the Greater New Orleans Federation of Churches, the YMCA and the Council for a Better Louisiana.  Purvis has always been interested in education.  He served on the LSU Board of Supervisors as well as the Loyola University New Orleans Board of Trustees.  In addition, he served as a professor of law at LSU and taught insurance law for a number of years in Tulane’s University College.  During his time with Pan-American, he was chair of the largest association of life insurance companies in the U.S. as well as the largest health insurance association.  Purvis received the prestigious Integritas Vitae Award in 1991 from Loyola University New Orleans.  Purvis was also honored by the United Teachers of New Orleans as Man of the Year, was awarded the Order of Balboa from the president of the Republic of Panama and received a special honor from Pope John Paul II.

Purvis resides in New Orleans with his wife Helen.  He has three children and four grandchildren.

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