(Lake Charles, Louisiana) – The SOWELA Foundation recently spotlighted exceptional individuals and organizations at its third annual Donor Appreciation Reception. Honorees were recognized for their invaluable contributions and played a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s mission and SOWELA Technical Community College.
The following organizations were honored with the Outstanding Community Partner Award:
The Calcasieu Parish School Board
The Calcasieu Parish School Board is commended for its commitment to expanding educational opportunities to students. Their valued partnership with SOWELA through the innovative Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) delivers live instruction from one central location to all 11 high schools in the Calcasieu Parish School District, allowing 10th–12th grade students to enroll in SOWELA courses and earn college credits while remaining on their high school campuses.
The City of Lake Charles
The City of Lake Charles for its vision and investment in the future of aviation in Southwest Louisiana. In March 2025, final approval was granted for a new 16,000-square-foot Flight School made possible through the commitment of several dedicated partners. The City’s $2 million investment reflects a bold vision for economic diversity and workforce training in our region.
Commonwealth LNG
Commonwealth LNG for its outstanding commitment to education and workforce development in our region. Through a generous $200,000 contribution to the SOWELA Foundation, Commonwealth LNG created multiple scholarships for students pursuing careers in Chemical Laboratory, Industrial Electrical, Industrial Instrumentation, Process Technology and HVAC. Their investment opens doors for students while strengthening the talent pipeline for the growing energy industry.
Phillips 66
Phillips 66 for their decades-long partnership with SOWELA, which has helped expand access to education, align training with real industry needs, and build a skilled talent pipeline that continues to strengthen our region’s economy. In 2024, Phillips 66 made a significant investment in the future of Southwest Louisiana, donating $1 million to expand SOWELA’s Process Technology Center. Phillips 66 represents a rare combination of long-term strategic vision, philanthropic generosity and true workforce impact.
In addition, the following individuals were honored:
Outstanding Alumni Award
From student to Welding Instructor, to Interim Assistant Dean, and now serving as Associate Dean, Jonathan Darbonne has continued to embody SOWELA’s spirit of excellence at every step. Even while working full-time, he returned to SOWELA as a student, earning his Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies. Not stopping there, he went on to enroll in SOWELA’s Business Administration program and has plans to pursue his bachelor’s degree. He is driven, passionate about his programs, and deeply committed to ensuring that every student in his school thrives and succeeds. He is a stellar example of what it means to be a SOWELA graduate — continuously learning, leading and giving back.
Outstanding Volunteers Award
Known for their passion for the culinary arts, these individuals consistently go above and beyond — agreeing to every opportunity presented or requested — and give of their time, energy and effort, including early mornings, evenings and weekends, to ensure SOWELA shines in our community. SOWELA Culinary Arts Chefs Jerry Sonnier, Roy Angelle and Chef Chad Jackson have demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating and motivating others to accomplish numerous philanthropic projects for the benefit of SOWELA, and have devoted a substantial amount of personal time, energy and creativity to the College.
In 2024, the SOWELA Foundation raised $2.5 million to support student scholarships and enhancements. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.sowela.edu/give.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College offers dynamic instruction and practical learning opportunities that prepare students to seamlessly transfer or to excel in today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.sowela.edu.
SOWELA Honors Community Partners at Third Annual Reception
The SOWELA Foundation recently spotlighted exceptional individuals and organizations at its third annual Donor Appreciation Reception. Honorees were recognized for their invaluable contributions and played a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s mission and SOWELA Technical Community College.
The following organizations were honored with the Outstanding Community Partner Award:
SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Aspinwall presents the Outstanding Community Partner Award to Calcasieu Parish School Board.
The Calcasieu Parish School Board is commended for its commitment to expanding educational opportunities to students. Their valued partnership with SOWELA through the innovative Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) delivers live instruction from one central location to all 11 high schools in the Calcasieu Parish School District, allowing 10th–12th grade students to enroll in SOWELA courses and earn college credits while remaining on their high school campuses.
The City of Lake Charles accepts their award from SOWELA.
The City of Lake Charles for its vision and investment in the future of aviation in Southwest Louisiana. In March 2025, final approval was granted for a new 16,000-square-foot Flight School made possible through the commitment of several dedicated partners. The City’s $2 million investment reflects a bold vision for economic diversity and workforce training in our region.
Commonwealth LNG Vice President for Corporate Communications Lyle Hana accepts the award for Outstanding Community Partner from Dr. Aspinwall.
Commonwealth LNG for its outstanding commitment to education and workforce development in our region. Through a generous $200,000 contribution to the SOWELA Foundation, Commonwealth LNG created multiple scholarships for students pursuing careers in Chemical Laboratory, Industrial Electrical, Industrial Instrumentation, Process Technology and HVAC. Their investment opens doors for students while strengthening the talent pipeline for the growing energy industry.
Phillips 66 Lake Charles Refinery General Manager Scot Tyler accepts the Outstanding Community Partner Award from SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Aspinwall.
Phillips 66 for their decades-long partnership with SOWELA, which has helped expand access to education, align training with real industry needs, and build a skilled talent pipeline that continues to strengthen our region’s economy. In 2024, Phillips 66 made a significant investment in the future of Southwest Louisiana, donating $1 million to expand SOWELA’s Process Technology Center. Phillips 66 represents a rare combination of long-term strategic vision, philanthropic generosity and true workforce impact.
In addition, the following individuals were honored:
SOWELA Associate Dean Jonathan Darbonne accepts the Outstanding Alumni Award from SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Aspinwall.
Outstanding Alumni Award: From student to Welding Instructor, to Interim Assistant Dean, and now serving as Associate Dean, Jonathan Darbonne has continued to embody SOWELA’s spirit of excellence at every step. Even while working full-time, he returned to SOWELA as a student, earning his Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies. Not stopping there, he went on to enroll in SOWELA’s Business Administration program and has plans to pursue his bachelor’s degree. He is driven, passionate about his programs, and deeply committed to ensuring that every student in his school thrives and succeeds. He is a stellar example of what it means to be a SOWELA graduate — continuously learning, leading and giving back.
SOWELA Culinary Arts Chefs Jerry Sonnier, Roy Angelle and Chad Jackson received the Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Outstanding Volunteers Award: Known for their passion for the culinary arts, these individuals consistently go above and beyond — agreeing to every opportunity presented or requested — and give of their time, energy and effort, including early mornings, evenings and weekends, to ensure SOWELA shines in our community. SOWELA Culinary Arts Chefs Jerry Sonnier, Roy Angelle and Chef Chad Jackson have demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating and motivating others to accomplish numerous philanthropic projects for the benefit of SOWELA, and have devoted a substantial amount of personal time, energy and creativity to the College.
In 2024, the SOWELA Foundation raised $2.5 million to support student scholarships and enhancements. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.sowela.edu/give.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College offers dynamic instruction and practical learning opportunities that prepare students to seamlessly transfer or to excel in today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.sowela.edu.