New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno to Inspire Delgado Community College Graduates at Fall Commencement Ceremony on December 17

November 22, 2024

Delgado Community College is excited to welcome Helena Moreno, New Orleans City Council president, to address nearly 1,500 graduates and their guests at the college’s fall commencement at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17, at the UNO Lakefront Arena.

Since our founding in 1921, Delgado has been a cornerstone for education and workforce development, driven by an enduring partnership with business and industry. This legacy of service and innovation continues to shape our role in empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and transforming the New Orleans region.

"We are privileged to have Helena Moreno, a true champion for progress in New Orleans, as our commencement speaker. Her dedication to public service and her unwavering commitment to uplifting our community reflect the values we instill in our students at Delgado. I know her words will inspire our graduates as they embark on their own journeys to make a difference," said Chancellor Larissa Littleton-Steib, Ph.D.

“I am truly honored to speak at Delgado Community College's commencement and celebrate this incredible milestone with the graduates. Delgado’s commitment to empowering students and strengthening our community is admirable, and I am excited to share a message of hope, resilience and the boundless opportunities that lie ahead for each of these bright, talented individuals," Moreno said.

Helena Moreno continues to be a relentless advocate for New Orleans. Her accomplishments as a council member and former state legislator include securing violence interruption funding, expanding summer jobs, raising wages, instituting paid leave for City employees, shielding sexual assault victims and addressing inefficiencies like delayed vendor payments. Moreno has also driven climate action, infrastructure renewal and criminal justice reform.

“We are delighted to have Helena Moreno address our graduates at this fall’s commencement ceremony. Her remarkable journey and tireless advocacy resonate deeply with Delgado’s mission. I am confident her message will encourage our graduates to pursue their goals with the same determination, purpose, and commitment to excellence she exemplifies," said Dr. Timothy Stamm, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs & college provost at Delgado.

Stamm will preside over the commencement exercises, joined by Chancellor Steib; college administrators; Elizabeth Shaye Hope, president of the faculty senate; and Nakia Brown-Bates, alumni association president. Kristopher LaMorte, professor of theater, will announce the names of the graduates.

Moreno began her career in New Orleans as an Emmy-winning investigative reporter for WDSU-TV, where her coverage of Hurricane Katrina and political system issues inspired her transition to public service. Elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2010, she represented the diverse District 93, advocating for women, domestic violence reform (featured in the documentary Five Awake), criminal justice, healthcare, early education and elder care. As a New Orleans City Council member, Moreno chairs the Climate and Sustainability Committee, Economic Development Committee and formerly led pivotal committees regulating Entergy New Orleans and the city’s budget, driving progress on energy, public safety and economic growth.