Scholarships - GNOBFA

Scholarship Opportunities

Applications accepted ONLY between: May 1st - June 15th

The GNOBFA scholarship program was established using funds raised from our seminar. Without the seminar’s success, we wouldn’t have scholarships to provide. We all understand that achieving success requires considerable effort and time. During the 2023 GNOBFA River & Marine Industry Seminar, GNOBFA President Karl Gonzales shared heartfelt news: each year, to honor our dedicated long-time organizers—Alan Savoie, Maurice Hebert Jr., and Fred Renoudet—scholarships will be named in their honor to recognize their hard work and commitment.

Since its inception in 1993, GNOBFA has awarded 310 grants totaling $406,900.00. In 2025, the Scholarship Committee recommended distributing $7,500 among four qualifying applicants. The Board of Governors approved this recommendation, and checks were sent to their schools to assist with their expenses.

Maurice C Hebert, Jr Scholarship – Nicholas Waguespack. Enrolled at Louisiana State University. He is the son of Warren Waguespack, Sr, of Crescent Marine Towing.

Fred Renoudet Scholarship – Liam Cohen. Enrolled at Northwestern State University of LA. He is the son of Mike Cohen of National Marine & Repair.

Fred Renoudet Scholarship – Rhys Cohen. Enrolled at Louisiana State University. He is the son of Mike Cohen of National Marine & Repair.

Alan Savoie Scholarship – Jesse Mitchell. Enrolled at the University of New Orleans. He is the son of Rayshell Mitchell of L & L Marine Transportation, Inc.

Just because you send an application does not mean you automatically receive a scholarship. The Scholarship program was implemented to encourage participation in the association. The number of scholarships awarded depends on funds available, the number af applications, and the level of PARTICIPATION BY the EMPLOYED REGULAR MEMBER and Regular Member company. As is our policy every year, individuals who participated the most in our Association’s educational activities and volunteered to serve on a committee received a larger financial compensation than those with minimal participation.

Because consideration is given to employees whose company does not permit them to attend certain functions, it was crucial that the Voting Delegate accurately marked the application. In other words, if the application indicated that the employee could attend functions but they elected not to, they lose points. Additionally, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that when ATTENDING General Membership Meetings, you sign in. If you were there but neglected to sign in, the Committee had no way to verify your attendance; therefore, no points were given.

Only employees of the local Regular Member Company are eligible to apply

Remember – those individuals who participated in programs got the most points. In other words – want more points? Want a scholarship? It’s easy – PARTICIPATE.

Thanks to the 2025 Scholarship Committee for their participation in the selection process.

Robin Rogers, Chair – Cooper/Consolidated (Southern Marine Operations)

Alan Savoie, Board Rep – Cooper Group of Companies (Northern Operations)

Tommy Grantham, Board Rep – Ingram Barge Triangle/Port Allen

Ross Creppel, Member Rep – Rodgers Marine

Kevin Lordo, Member Rep – Southern Devall

If you wish to serve on the committee next year, contact Robin Rogers, Scholarship Chairperson