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SHREVEPORT – “Mr. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.”

That’s the nickname bestowed on Hardy Foreman for the myriad ways he’s been involved with his alma mater.

The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Alumni Association honored Foreman as the 2023 Distinguished Alumnus on Thursday at the organization’s annual banquet.

Foreman, a partner and certified public accountant at firm Carr, Riggs and Ingram, has served on the boards of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Foundation, Red River Radio, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Alumni, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ College of Business and Bossier Parish Community College among others.

“That’s what this is about – service over self,” Foreman told banquet attendees in the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Ballroom. “This university has given me so much, and there’s no way I can repay it for everything I’ve received, but I’ve tried in every way I can.

“Only a fool thinks they can get here by themselves, and there’s so many great people I’ve worked with through the years that have given so much back to me.”

On top of Foreman’s service in a number of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ organizations – usually for a decade or longer on each board – perhaps his greatest contribution is the opportunity he’s given to fellow ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ alumni.

“He’s hired or given internships to more than 60 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ graduates,” said ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Chancellor Larry Clark. “There’s probably few if any alumni who could match him for the total number he’s been involved with hiring.

“How many alumni owe him thanks for helping position them for a career or employing them outright? His willingness to accept leadership roles because of his love and dedication to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is remarkable … and he does it because of a genuine belief in the mission and work of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.”

Foreman isn’t just a member of various boards, he’s occupied leadership positions, including as past president of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Foundation and Red River Radio Community Advisory Board.

Two other ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Alumni Association board members -- president Keith Perkins and member Dr. Barzanna White Brown -- were recognized for their outstanding service.

“Keith Perkins has served as president for three consecutive years when standard service calls for one year,” said Jazmin Jernigan, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ director of alumni affairs. “He held the organization’s hand through the pandemic and is constantly looking for new ways to positively impact our local area and our alumni community.

“Rain, sleet or shine, I know I can always count on Dr. Barzanna White Brown to show up with a smile. She’s acted in every single role of board service – president, secretary, treasurer, historian, patron and cheerleader. She has provided invaluable insight and guidance.”

Alumni mingled and networked during the event, which included a cocktail hour and dinner.