NEW ORLEANS – Loyola University will host its inaugural College of Music and Media
Hall of Fame Celebration on April 15 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum – a landmark
event that will honor the extraordinary accomplishments of alumni from the School of
Music and Theatre Professions and the School of Communication and Design.
The public is invited to participate through tax-deductible sponsorships or ticket
purchases. For sponsorship details and tickets, visit loyno.edu/cmmhof.
The event, which takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m., will feature live music, food, signature
cocktails, and opportunities for alumni, supporters and industry leaders to reconnect
and network.
The evening serves as the official launch of the College of Music and Media Hall of
Fame, a new tradition recognizing alumni whose careers exemplify innovation,
leadership, and Loyola’s Ignatian values on national and global stages.
“This historic celebration highlights the remarkable impact of our alumni and the
strength of our creative community,” said Sheryl Kennedy Haydel, Dean of the College
of Music and Media at Loyola. “Their achievements inspire our current students and
demonstrate the power of a Loyola education in shaping the future of the arts and
media.”
2026 Hall of Fame Honorees
Den of Distinction
- Dominic Massa ’98, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, WYES
New Orleans - Nessim Higson ’97, Global Creative Director, Studio IAAH
NextGen Den
- Lily Cummings ’20, Anchor/Reporter, WWL Louisiana
- Michael Lardizabal ’23, Coordinator, Redefine Entertainment
- Ashleigh Sparks ’16, Development Manager, The Idea Village
The Howlies - Kendall Cousin ’15, Senior Director of International Marketing, Interscope
Records - Chaz Sexton ’15, Chief Engineer, East/West Studios
- Ryan Rillette ’95, Artistic Director, Round House Theatre
- Bari Bellard ’17, Stage Manager, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”
- Alfred Walker ’94, internationally renowned operatic bass-baritone, The
Metropolitan Opera’s “Porgy & Bess” - Emily Barber ’16, Director of Production, Central City Opera
- In addition to honoring alumni, the College will introduce its first Ovation Awards,
recognizing outstanding contributions by faculty and staff.
The Hall of Fame Celebration also serves as a key fundraising initiative within the
College of Music and Media. Proceeds will directly benefit student initiatives, ensuring
continued support for emerging talent in music, media and the performing arts. - About the College of Music and Media
The College of Music and Media is comprised of two schools — the School of Music
and Theatre Professions and the School of Communication and Design. Students who
choose to study in the college prepare for careers in music, theatre, music industry,
graphic design, motion design, UX design, filmmaking, strategy, mass media and more.
