David G. Trepagnier, Sr. ‘83
“To rescue young people from ignorance, to prepare them for life, and give to them knowledge and love of religion, Father Andre Coindre, in 1821, founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.” President of Brother Martin High School John Devlin referenced this passage from Educational Mission and Ministry, as he introduced this year’s Senator Allen J. Ellender Alumnus of the Year award recipient, David G. Trepagnier, Sr. ‘83.
On Sunday, March 12, David was honored by the Board of Directors of Brother Martin High School for his commitment to God, service and his alma mater as the 2017 Alumnus of the Year. He was presented with the award by John Devlin, President of Brother Martin and David R. Gallo ‘77, 2010 Alumnus of Year and Chairman of the Board of Directors. David reflected on his time at Brother Martin while thanking his family for their love and support. His wife, Marianna, sons David Gerard ‘14 and Harrison ‘15, daughter Marin, and friends and family proudly witnessed this great honor. Alumnus of the Year events included a gentlemen’s breakfast, Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond ’67 CJ, and a cocktail reception at the home of Karen and 2011 Alumnus of Year Charles P. “Chuck” Stall ‘76 to honor David and other former recipients. “It’s men like David who make our founder’s dream come true each and every day,” said Devlin.
On August 21, 1978, David began his formation at Brother Martin as an eighth grader and as a third generation Crusader where he was actively involved in NJROTC as a student. In 1983, David graduated with “faith, courage, and confidence” that helped him to succeed throughout his adult life.
As a 1988 graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans, David received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He was elected treasurer of Beggars Fraternity as a sophomore and served as their president during his junior and senior years.
In May of 1988, David entered into a contract with New York Life and was elected “Rookie of the Year” by the General Agent Managers Association (GAMA) in 1989. In 1995, he received the “Agent of the Year Award” from the Louisiana Association of Life Underwriters. In 1995, 2006 and 2007 David led the New Orleans General Office in life insurance sales. He’s a “29 consecutive Council qualifier”, a Lifetime Member of the council, and at age 43, David became Senior Nylic. He is a “29 year qualifier of the Million Dollar Round Table” and a member of National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU).
As an Executive Member of St. Matthew the Apostle Church’s three-phase Capital Campaign David assisted in raising $3 million. He is also a member of the Archdiocese Life Insurance Foundation.
David with this family at the annual brunch.
David was a major donor in Brother Martin’s Phase II Capital Campaign (James B. Branton Chapel) and currently serves on the Phase III Capital Campaign Steering Committee and on the board of the St. Aloysius Century Foundation. David, his wife Marianna, and their family support the Celebration of the Crest: Auction, Brother Martin athletics, NJROTC, and numerous other school events.
“This has been a truly humbling experience. It is an honor to have my name added to this legacy of great men. I am blessed to have shared this with my wife and children as well as my extended family and so many dear friends. The Brothers of the Sacred Heart have been and continue to be a major influence in my life. Their commitment to holistic education and developing young people is an inspiration. This weekend was amazing and will never be forgotten,” said David.
Thank you to the Trepagnier family, friends and classmates, and school administration who were in attendance at the 2017 Senator Allen J. Ellender Alumnus of the Year weekend.
The Senator Allen J. Ellender Alumnus of the Year award is presented annually by the Board of Directors of Brother Martin High School to an alumnus selected for contributions to his profession and for his religious, civic, business, educational, and community involvement.
Amateur Cor Jesu. Loved be the heart of Jesus.
2017 Alumnus of Year Program
Photos courtesy of Romaguera Photography.
