Honoring a Legacy of Service: Chapman H. Hyams, III

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans has been shaped by visionary community leaders since its founding—and among the earliest and most devoted was Chapman H. Hyams, III, longtime executive vice president of The Times-Picayune Publishing Corporation.

A Harvard graduate with degrees in both arts and law, Hyams began his career at The Times-Picayune in the 1920s, rising through the ranks to serve as vice president, secretary, and director of the corporation, which also published The New Orleans States-Item. His leadership helped guide one of Louisiana’s most influential news organizations through decades of growth and transformation. A veteran of both World Wars, he achieved the rank of major in the U.S. Marine Corps and was also an active civic leader, serving on the boards of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, the Louisiana Safety Association, the International Trade Mart, and the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association.

Hyams was more than a newspaper executive—he was a founding board member of Junior Achievement of New Orleans and one of its earliest champions. His steadfast belief in empowering young people through business education and civic engagement helped establish JA’s foundation of opportunity that continues today.

Upon his passing in 1964, Hyams left an extraordinary bequest of $260,000 to Junior Achievement—a gift that strengthened the organization’s ability to serve generations of students. The 1965 Junior Achievement Yearbook was dedicated to his memory, recognizing him as “truly a friend of Junior Achievement in the New Orleans Area.”

Today, as JA celebrates 70 years of impact and prepares to serve its one millionth student, we honor Chapman H. Hyams, III’s enduring legacy—and the vital role of The Times-Picayune and The Advocate in championing JA’s mission from the beginning. We are grateful that The Advocate continues that tradition of partnership and storytelling, helping us share the journeys of young people across Southeast Louisiana who are building brighter, more financially secure futures.