Hall of Fame

2025 Hall of Fame Gala

The Opelousas General Health System Foundation Hall of Fame provides a forum for the hospital to recognize, celebrate and publicize the work of exemplary individuals whose longstanding contributions have lasting impact on the hospital, the community and the patients we serve. The awards will be presented at the Annual Hall of Fame Gala.

The 2025 Hall of Fame Gala will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Evangeline Downs Event Center in Opelousas, LA.

The OGHS Foundation Hall of Fame Gala celebrates the successes of the over 67 years of care provided by Opelousas General Health System. Those successes would not have been possible without the care, support, and commitment of people who gave selflessly to their patients and community. The Hall of Fame Gala provides an opportunity to celebrate its' inductees with a cocktail hour, live music, dinner, and presentation program.

Inductees are retired members of the Board of Trustees, physicians, or employees who are nominated by the community. A special committee of the Board of Trustees and OGHS Foundation Board selects the final inductees for each year. The Hall of Fame Gala recognizes and celebrates the work of exemplary individuals whose contributions have a lasting impact on the hospital, the community, and the patients we serve.

Join us for the 2025 Hall of Fame Gala as we celebrate over 67 years of care provided by Opelousas General Health System.

The Gala provides a forum for us to recognize the work of exemplary individuals whose longstanding contributions have had a lasting impact on the health system, the community, and the patients we serve. Those successes would not have been possible without the care, support, and commitment of people who gave selflessly to our patients and the community.

The event will begin with a cocktail hour from 5:30 to 6:30. At 6:30 pm, guests will enjoy dinner and a special program honoring our inductees. The following individuals have been selected as the 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees:

• Dr. Donald J. DeBlanc, Family Medicine (posthumous)
• Gary Keller, Former CEO of OGHS
• Rita Keller, Speech Pathologist (posthumous)
• Joy Poulet, Nurse Anesthetist (posthumous)
• Ann Ruffino, RN, Women's Services Director

The inductees were selected by a special committee of the Board of Trustees from nominations received from employees, physicians, and the community.

The Opelousas General Health System Foundation is a registered charitable organization that raises funds to support OGHS through relationships, stewardship, and philanthropy. Funds are raised through donations and grants from generous individuals, businesses, special events, and legacy gifts.

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Click here for more information about the 2025 Hall of Fame Gala, including how to become a sponsor or purchase tickets.

Click here for auction item information.

NOMINATE Year round!

Return all Nominations to this address or complete the form below.

OGHS Foundation
c/o Cindy Torian
3983 I-49 South Service Road
Opelousas, LA 70570

Nomination Form:

• Nominees can be living or deceased.
• Must be affiliated with the hospital (physician, board member, volunteer, or philanthropist).
• Must have exhibited a commitment to the hospital and the community.
• Must have exhibited dedication to the healthcare field and the service of others.
• Must not be a current employee or board member of OGHS.

Nomination Process:

• The nominator should complete this nomination form and provide a clear statement (two pages maximum) of the candidate’s contribution(s) related to the nomination criteria.
• Inductee(s) will be notified at least 4 months prior to the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
• Please send all nominations to OGHS Foundation, 3983 I-49 South Service Road, Opelousas, LA 70570, or complete this form.

Since its inception in 2018, 25 members have been inducted into the Hall of Fame:

2018 Inductees

Dr. Charles Bertrand

Pediatrician

Wayne Gilmore

Past OGHS Board of Trustees Chair

Dr. Gerald Posner

OB/GYN and Anesthesiologist

Garland Roberts

Director of Environmental Services

Alzada Spraggins

Registered Nurse

2019 Inductees

Mr. Sidney Sandoz

Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Ms. Stella Thomas

OGHS Board Member

Dr. George Prather

Pediatrician

Dr. A.C. Terrance

Family Practitioner

Mr. John Clary, Sr.

Director of Laboratory Services

2020 Inductees

Dr. George Bourgeois

Family Medicine

Dr. Daniel Buller

General Surgeon

Margie Quebedeaux

LPN and Board Certified Counselor

Dr. Calvin White

Family Medicine

Darryl Wagley

OGHS Administrator

Dr. John Kempf

OB/GYN

2022 Inductees

Mary Ruth Clues

Head Chef

Dr. Frederick Lionel Mayer

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Lana Metoyer

Family Medicine

Judy A. Theall

Director of Community Relations and Physician Recruiting

2023 Inductees:

Dr. Wilfred J. Briley

Family Practice

Linda Diesi Cornette

Guest Relations

Dr. John V. Ferrazzano

OB/GYN

Dr. Frederick G. Rodosta

Urologist

Willie Mae Thibodeaux

RN, Nurse Manager

2024 Inductees:

Dr. Suzanne "Sally" Bourgeois

Anesthesiologist

Dianne Celestine

LPN

Dr. James Dugal

Radiologist

Virginia Erlingson

RN, Nursing Supervisor

Jackie Harbour

RN, Critical Care Director

Theresa "Sue" Kirkpatrick

RN, Nursing Supervisor