Distinguished Alumni Gala

university of new orleans
distinguished alumni gala

The Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Award Gala honors �鶹��Ƶapp�� alumni who have distinguished themselves in their field to reflect honor upon UNO, who provide service to their communities and the University; who are recognized for outstanding accomplishments and are a credit to the �鶹��Ƶapp��. The gala also serves as a primary fundraiser for the �鶹��Ƶapp�� Alumni Association.

overhead shot of all tables during the program

group shot with Capt. BrUNO and Dr. Johnson

Nomination Form PAST HONOREES

2025 Gala Information

Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 7 - 10 p.m.

The National WWII Museum: Boeing Freedom Pavilion | 1043 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

The UNO Alumni Association cordially invites you to our 2025 Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumni Gala. Help us celebrate our 2025 Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumna/us and Norma Jane Sabiston Young Alumna/us of the year plus honorees from each college. You won't want to miss it!

2024 Event Recap

2024 Honorees

Homer L. Hitt Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Angie M. Gates, '92 & '01
President and CEO
Events DC

Angie Gates is currently the president and chief executive officer of , the official convention and sports authority of Washington, D.C. Under Gates’ leadership, Events DC has created events that result in jobs, economic impact and unique experiences. She has launched a number of inaugural events that contribute to the city’s economy and quality of life, including Met Fest, which is the district’s largest gaming festival, and Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival, a showcase of comedians of color that was named one of USA Today’s top 10 new festivals of 2023.

Gates previously served in the administration of Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as the director of the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment. She also held other roles, including traveling chief of staff, director of operations for the mayor’s transition team and director of inauguration. Gates was executive producer of Mayor Bowser’s inaugural celebrations in 2019 and 2022. In 2006, Gates became the first African American general manager of the iconic Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. She began her career as a film specialist for the New Orleans Film Commission.

Gates is the recipient of numerous awards and is a two-time Emmy Award winner. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1992 and a master’s in arts administration in 2001, both from the �鶹��Ƶapp��.

Norma Jane Sabiston Distinguished Young Alumna of the Year

Kheri D. Billy, '06
CEO
Reconcile New Orleans, Inc.

Kheri Billy is the CEO of Reconcile New Orleans, Inc., a nonprofit that supports young adults as they transform their lives by encouraging personal growth, providing workforce development and training and equipping them with tools to achieve their potential. Café Reconcile is the organization’s well-known restaurant and training space in the Central City neighborhood.

Before becoming CEO, Billy served as chief financial officer of Reconcile New Orleans for four years. She previously worked for other nonprofits including Second Harvest Food Bank, DePaul Community Center and De La Salle High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UNO in 2006.