Newman’s 2012 Distinguished Alumnus: James M. “Jay” Lapeyre, Jr. ’71

 

The Newman Alumni Association is pleased to recognize Mr. Jay Lapeyre ’71 as the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus. Lapeyre was honored at a celebration in the School’s Reynolds Ryan Art Gallery on March 15, 2012. A leader in both the New Orleans and Newman communities, Lapeyre was honored for his dedication and passion. President of Newman’s Alumni Board Charles Freeman ’81 began the ceremony with an introduction of the night’s events. Head of School Dr. T.J. Locke introduced the award, shortly followed by Past Chairman of the Board Rick Rees’ touching speech that honored Jay’s lifelong accomplishments.

 

Rick’s humorous tribute to Jay included quotes from fellow business associates and longtime friends of Jay. Rick’s own anecdotes honored the incredible work Jay has done in board rooms and his tireless work to transform New Orleans post-Katrina. Rick also read a quote from another Past Board Chair of Newman, Mr. Darryl Berger, “Jay is the ultimate representative and voice of Newman School. No one has ever more fully articulated the mission of the School, its effect on the lives of young people, the vital importance of Newman School to this city, and the responsibility we all share for preserving and enhancing this great place. To all of us in the Newman community who have known and worked with Jay throughout the years, Jay is Newman School, and Newman School is Jay.”

 

Upon receiving the award, Jay took the podium, and in his humble nature he began to talk about what lessons he garnered from his time at Newman. He recounted stories of lessons he learned in the hallways and courts here at the School. His gratitude was personal and heartfelt. He spoke about the joy of being a Newman graduate and the pride he felt when two of his own children graduated from the same institution. In his closing remarks, he humbly accepted the award of Distinguished Alumnus and tipped his hat to those in the room who also made significant contributions to Newman.  

 

While a student at Newman, Lapeyre was the basketball team captain, runner-up for governor of Boy’s State, and he received the Solis Seiferth Award, an award voted on by the faculty which is given to the member of the graduating class who has achieved and maintained excellence in character, scholarship, and leadership, as measured by ideals of conduct and faithfulness in the performance of daily duties, and who has provided through enthusiasm, cooperation, and attainment a wholesome influence and an inspiration for fellow students. As an alumnus, he has been extremely involved with the School, serving on the Board of Governors for 28 years and as chairman from 1992 to 1995. He was chair of Newman 2000, Newman's most successful Capital Campaign to date, as well as the chair of two Headmaster search committees. During the School's Centennial Celebration, Lapeyre served on the Steering Committee and as a Centennial recruiter. He and wife Sally are the parents of three children, two of whom are Newman alumni.

 

Though he graduated 40 years ago, it is arguable that he never left the School. He is a constant and positive presence on campus. According to Head of School T.J. Locke, “What is so impressive to me about Jay Lapeyre is that he has been so involved in developing the strength of this city. Whether it is his work with Newman, Tulane, or the New Orleans business community, he has earned universal respect for his hard work, intelligence, and wisdom. I have been fortunate to meet a multitude of caring, talented, and influential people over the last five years, and the one thing they all have in common is that they think the world of Jay. On a personal level, I have relied on his counsel and support many times. He inspires everyone to be better.”

 

Lapeyre earned his bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Texas and a master’s in Business and Juris Doctorate from Tulane University. Currently, he is president of Laitram, LLC. Laitram is a privately-held New Orleans-based global manufacturer of plastic conveyor belting, shrimp processing equipment, and space-saving stairs.

 

Lapeyre is Chair of the Tulane Board of Administrators, a member of the A.B. Freeman Business School Council, and Board Chair of The Atlas Society in Washington, D.C. He is a past Chair of The Business Council of New Orleans, The New Orleans Crime Coalition, and has served on a number of civic boards.

 

Post-Katrina, through the Business Council and in association with Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans, Lapeyre has been actively engaged in reform efforts such as consolidating the Regional Levee Boards and the Orleans Parish Assessors office and in supporting efforts to reform and improve flood safety, charter schools, criminal justice, and the office of the Orleans Inspector General and Independent Police Monitor.

 

The Distinguished Alumnus award is given each year to graduates who have made significant contributions in their specific fields of endeavor and taken a vigorous civic leadership role, bringing honor to the School through their achievements, both professionally and in the community. This award is the highest honor Newman bestows on its alumni. Past recipients include businessman Benjamin Rosen ’50, actor Bryan Batt ’81, real estate developer Darryl Berger ’65, civic activist Diana Monroe Lewis ’55, philanthropists Walda ’54 and Sydney ’45 Besthoff, and authors Walter Isaacson ’70 and Michael Lewis ’78. Last year’s recipient was Dr. Scott Kellermann ’63.