Senate recognizes Southern University guests, honors nurse Melissa Adams and congratulates SU women’s basketball team

During the April 1 session the Senate paused for several personal-privilege remarks to welcome visiting delegations and to honor long-serving public figures.

Senator Selders welcomed members of the Southern University System and listed system leaders visiting the Capitol, including presidents, chancellors, board members and student government officers. He noted the system’s history and local ties and said he was glad the delegation was at the Capitol; "I am a graduate of the Southern University System," he added while thanking the visitors for coming.

Senator Connick used personal-privilege time to congratulate Melissa Adams on her retirement after 52 years in health care, most notably at the Ashta Medical Center on the West Bank. Connick said Adams rose from staff nurse to chief nursing officer, led critical departments and helped pass legislation addressing workplace violence in health care settings (citing work on a workplace-violence bill), and concluded, "Melissa leaves behind a lasting legacy." The chamber offered congratulations.

Senators also celebrated the SU women’s basketball team and coach Carlos Frenchies for recent tournament successes and highlighted a reported 100% graduation rate among the women’s basketball athletes over the last eight years. Members welcomed the student-athletes to the Capitol and wished them continued success.

These recognitions occurred during personal-privilege remarks and ceremonial business and did not require formal votes.