Dr. Nick J. Bruno, President of the University of Louisiana Monroe, has been recognized
for his outstanding work in education, diversity and the community with the CAMEO
Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Iota Chapter.
The awards ceremony was Nov. 16 at Delta Community College with the theme “Exemplifying
Excellence Through Service.” CAMEO stands for Community Service, Arts, Medicine, Education,
Organization. The CAMEO Awards began in 2003 when, according to the sorority, they
“chose to celebrate those in the community who gave tirelessly of their time and talents
to promote the greater good of mankind.”
Bruno was chosen because, “Your visionary impact on our community and your dedication
has earned you the right to be honored …,” according to AKA-OIO.
“I am honored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Iota Omega Chapter for
presenting me with their CAMEO Award for Education,” said Bruno. “This organization
is acutely aware that to support education is to support the future. And that future
is students; students who have as much right as we do to an education, but they don’t
yet have the right to secure it. That responsibility is up to us.”
Patricia Turner, AKA-OIO member and Co-Chairman of the 12th Annual CAMEO Awards, stated
of Bruno’s selection, “ … for over 40 years Dr. Bruno has made exceptional strides
in his career as an educator. We respect and salute all of his achievements, but ultimately
selected to honor him for arriving in Monroe and reaching out to the community by
creating the Business and Community Advisory Committee, a group that analyzes the
workforce needs of the region."
“This is the type of vision that creates jobs by pulling and keeping businesses in
the area. It pulls people of all ethnicities together and seeks to bridge the divide
and celebrates diversity. And, yes we honor him for his love of family, his love for
ULM and this entire community and for his candor, commitment and courage; we remain
proud to have honored this outstanding educator!" she said.
Turner cited Bruno’s community impact as a champion of diversity, stating, “We honor
him for his direct approach to tackling the growing anguish of his ULM minority students
by hosting a race forum to hear their concerns; and for his continuous support of
the ULM Black Alumni Organization which is evident by his recurrent attendance at
their biennial reunions.”
Bruno’s write-up by the sorority mentioned just a few of his accomplishments.
* Former UL System vice president for business affairs.
* 8th president of the University of Louisiana Monroe.
* Revitalized ULM campus with $100 million in improvements.
* Has served on the board of directors for the Monroe and West Monroe-West Ouachita
Chambers of Commerce.
