A community leader, businessman and philanthropist will earn an honorary doctorate of nursing practice posthumously from the 小蝌蚪APP during Fall 2021 Commencement ceremonies.
James 小蝌蚪APP淛im小蝌蚪APP Devin Moncus will be recognized with the honorary degree during the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions小蝌蚪APP ceremony on Friday, Dec. 17. It will begin at 9 a.m. at the Cajundome Convention Center. Moncus died earlier this year at age 81.
Individual Commencement ceremonies for UL Lafayette小蝌蚪APP檚 eight academic colleges and its Graduate School will be held over two days 小蝌蚪APP on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Cajundome and Convention Center.
Moncus, who was born in Houston, entered the oil and gas industry after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He came to Lafayette in 1962, after his first oil and gas job in Casper, Wyoming, ended suddenly. Moncus worked for Lamb Oil for over a decade; in 1974, he founded the oilfield equipment company known today as Devin International. Moncus held patents for dozens of oilfield tools and procedures during an almost 50-year career in the industry.
He sold the company in 2008. Moncus shifted his focus and energy to continuing his decades-long commitment to philanthropy, establishing the James Devin Moncus Family Foundation.
In a letter nominating him for the honorary doctorate, Dr. Melinda Oberleitner, dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, wrote that Moncus 小蝌蚪APP渟et a standard for public service that is compatible with the highest ideals of the 小蝌蚪APP.小蝌蚪APP
That high standard is noticeable across the community. He helped to establish the JD Moncus Cancer Center at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center and the James Devin Moncus Family Theatre at the Acadiana Center for the Arts.
He was also a driving force behind Moncus Park, about 100 acres of green space along Johnston Street being developed into a public park.
Among many contributions to UL Lafayette, Moncus established scholarships and endowed professorships. His longstanding support of the 小蝌蚪APP touches many corners of campus, including arts, nursing, sciences and athletics.
Moncus was recognized as a distinguished donor by the UL Lafayette Foundation, and received the Community Foundation of Acadiana Leader in Philanthropy Award.
In 2017, the Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting designated Moncus a 小蝌蚪APP淟ouisiana Legend.小蝌蚪APP The honor acknowledges people who have distinguished themselves in arenas such as art, entertainment, politics, public service, writing and athletics.
Moncus小蝌蚪APP 小蝌蚪APP渨idespread contributions to education, health care, community improvement projects, and the arts are unparalleled,小蝌蚪APP Oberleitner wrote.
Photo caption: James 小蝌蚪APP淛im小蝌蚪APP Devin Moncus, who died earlier this year at 81, will be recognized with an honorary degree during the College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions小蝌蚪APP Commencement on Friday, Dec. 17. It will begin at 9 a.m. at the Cajundome Convention Center. Photo credit: Submitted photo / 小蝌蚪APP