Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a not-for-profit instructional company recognizing the accomplishments of exceptional people as well as motivating young people to seek their desires with college, today revealed that Donald T. “Boysie” Bollinger, Chairman as well as CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER of Bollinger Enterprises, LLC as well as retired Chairman as well as CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER of Bollinger Shipyards, has actually been chosen for subscription in this distinguished company.Mr Bollinger signs up with 12 various other extraordinary service, public as well as social leaders from throughout North America in getting 2023 honors. For 76 years, the Horatio Alger Award has actually been every year presented upon renowned people that have actually prospered in spite of dealing with hardships, as well as that have actually stayed fully commited to education and learning as well as philanthropic initiatives in their areas.
Mr Bollinger was birthed in Lockport, Louisiana right into a bad off family members. Shortly prior to his birth, his dad started Bollinger Shipyards without university level as well as nearly no funding. At 12-years-old,Mr Bollinger started operating at the shipyard making $1.25 a hr. Inspired by the solid job principles of his dad,Mr Bollinger gained a level in service management from the University of Louisiana inLafayette Following college graduation, he went back to the family members service as well as used the education and learning he got to broaden upon the structure his dad constructed for the shipyard.
Mr Bollinger climbed with the rankings at Bollinger Shipyards, ultimately coming to be chairman as well as chief executive officer in 1985. He functioned relentlessly to broaden business prior to marketing the firm in 2014. Today, Bollinger Shipyards is the biggest vessel repair service firm in the Gulf of Mexico area with 12 departments in Louisiana as well as 2 in Mississippi.
“Mr. Bollinger understands the power of hard work from his years working on the family shipyard and seeing his father’s efforts to build the business from the ground up,” claimed Terrence J. Giroux, executive supervisor,Horatio Alger Association “He used his education to take what his father started and developed it into something even greater. He is a wonderful example of what you can do when you pursue your dreams through higher education and we are honored to present him with this Award.”
Mr. Bollinger is not just business-minded, however a specialized benefactor, too. He commits much of his time to repaying to specialist as well as public companies consisting of the united state Coast Guard Foundation, the Nicholls State University Foundation, as well as the Nature Conservancy of Louisiana, to name a few. As assistant to the Bollinger Family Foundation, he has actually made substantial contributions to education and learning, the Audubon Zoo as well as theNational Coast Guard Museum In 2015, he as well as his other half, Joy, given The National World War II Museum with the biggest personal contribution in its background. As an outcome of his effect on his residence state,Mr Bollinger is the recipient of many honors such as Entrepreneur of the Year, the Woodrow Wilson Award, as well as the Junior Achievement Laureate Award, in addition to being called a Louisiana Legend by Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
“I’m proud to be recognized for my professional accomplishments, but even more honored to become a Horatio Alger Member for my dedication to giving back to my community and beyond,” claimedMr Bollinger. “I’m passionate about giving back to the next generation of great leaders and I look forward to sharing my story with students to demonstrate to them the doors that can be opened through higher education.”
Since 1984, theAssociation has actually granted yearly need-based scholarships to secondary school trainees that have actually shown commitment to seeking college in spite of substantial challenges throughout their lives. The Association likewise intends to enlighten youths regarding the limitless possibilities readily available by the free-enterprise system with dedication, sincerity, as well as persistance. The scholarships are implemented with the Association many thanks to the kindness of itsMembers, that will certainly have jointly given greater than $245 million to 35,000 trainees by 2023.
“Each year, it is our utmost honor to present outstanding leaders who have displayed extraordinary perseverance in overcoming challenges with the Horatio Alger Award,” claimed James F. Dicke II, chairman, Horatio Alger Association as well as 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient.“Each of these incredible leaders has also shared their success with others, giving generously to important causes and communities in need. The 2023 awardees exemplify the Association’s mission and are proof that the American Dream is within reach for all who seek it.”
Mr Bollinger as well as the Member Class of 2023 will certainly be officially sworn in right into the Association throughout the Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. from March 30 with April 1, 2023. The three-day occasion is a yearly event to recognize both the accomplishments of Members as well as National Scholars, that will certainly have numerous possibilities to fulfill, communicate as well as trade tales of determination.