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ST. AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL PURPLE KNIGHTS
CLASS OF 1965
CLASSMATES HONORED
Classmate Rhaoul Guillaume was selected to grace the cover of KREOL magazine, denoting a lifetime of significant accomplishments as the founder of an engineering firm known as GOTECH. Rhaoul's firm is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana but includes projects far beyond south
Louisiana. He is one of the engineers who worked on the Superdome in New Orleans.
Rhaoul was also recently honored by the Baton Rouge chapter of the Urban League for his professional success and community involvement.
While attending St. Aug, Rhaoul was a member of the concert band as well as the Marching 100. He is the father of four. He and his two sons are now spearheading a large residential and commercial development area in Baton Rouse known as Pointe Marie.
BOBBY MAJOR JR.
2025 ST. AUG
HALL OF FAME
Classmate Bobby Major Jr. is a longtime benefactor of activities held by our alma mater. He is one of the original organizers of our Class of 1965 Committee, and he is known as a Legacy Donor.
Bobby and his wife Karen founded Major Services Inc. It is a computer consulting firm now headed by his son Bobby III and daughter Brittany following Bobby's retirement.
At St. Aug Bobby was a member of the football team. After graduation
he earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting at Southern
University, then became the first black controller for the City of New
Orleans. Despite the indoor nature of managing I-T services for city and
state agencies, Bobby loves the outdoors and is an avid deer hunter.
In addition to his donations through the Class of 1965 Committee, Bobby has also established his own scholarship fund for needy students.
.
The St Aug administration honored him as
an alumnus of "faith, perseverance, and innovation who embodies the true spirit of
St. Augustine High School."
Classmate Furnell Chatman was recently awarded the 2025 Legacy Award by the New Orleans Association of Black Journalists. He
made history as the first African American hired by any TV news
station in New Orleans, then became the first Black to anchor his own newscast in Louisiana. But his path was not easy. On his very first day he endured racial slurs and was even locked out of the tv studio.
During his first six months as a TV reporter, Furnell was never seen just heard. It was management's effort to avoid alienating the audience. All of his reports were "voice-overs". But within two years, Furnell was anchoring his own newscast --- The News at Noon with Furnell Chatman. His presence opened the doors for future generations of black journalists.
Furnell retired after more than 40 years in TV news in New Orleans, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. His awards include Emmys, Golden Mikes, and a lifetime achievement award from Minorities in Broadcasting. While attending St. Aug, Furnell was captain of the Marching 100, and was named Class Speaker for the 1965 graduation ceremonies. He has been honored by his alma mater with the St. Aug Trailblazer's Award.
As a St. Aug alumnus, Furnell has spearheaded efforts to raise funds for scholarships for deserving students. He built, maintains, and updates a website to solicit funds to help pay student tuition and fees,
Wayne Benjamin was honored by the Knights of Columbus as "Knight of the Year 2025" for his community service and commitment.
Wendell Knox was selected by the St. Aug
administration as an honoree during Black
History Month in 2025. Each day an alumnus
is honored during "28 Days of Purple" for
outstanding achievements and support for our
alma mater. He has been a consistent and a
major donor to St. Aug.
Dr. Edgar Dapremont was inducted into the Tulane Black Med School Hall of Fame. He has established a St. Aug scholarship fund on his own.
Retired restauranteur Wayne Baquet was named to the St. Aug Hall of Fame in 2023. He currently serves as chairman of the Class of 1965 Committee.
Real estate developer and civil rights activist Danny Bakewell was named to the St. Aug Hall of Fame in 2022. Danny has been a major benefactor and the first of three 1965 alumni to enter St. Aug's Hall of Fame.
Website Designer/Administrator: Furnell Chatman
Consultant: Brittany Major, Major Services Inc.
St. Aug Class of 1965 © All Rights Reserved
Classmate Furnell Chatman was recently awarded the 2025 Legacy Award by the New Orleans Association of Black Journalists. He
made history as the first African American hired by any TV news
station in New Orleans, then became the first Black to anchor his own newscast in Louisiana. But his path was not easy. On his very first day he endured racial slurs and was even locked out of the tv studio.
During his first six months as a TV reporter, Furnell was never seen just heard. It was management's effort to avoid alienating the audience. All of his reports were "voice-overs". But within two years, Furnell was anchoring his own newscast --- The News at Noon with Furnell Chatman. His presence opened the doors for future generations of black journalists.
Furnell retired after more than 40 years in TV news in New Orleans, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. His awards include Emmys, Golden Mikes, and a lifetime achievement award from Minorities in Broadcasting. While attending St. Aug, Furnell was captain of the Marching 100, and was named Class Speaker for the 1965 graduation ceremonies. He has been honored by his alma mater with the St. Aug Trailblazer's Award.
As a St. Aug alumnus, Furnell has spearheaded efforts to raise funds for scholarships for deserving students. He built, maintains, and updates a website to solicit funds to help pay student tuition and fees, 1965 alumni have contributed more than 300-thousand dollars for scholarships. An endowment fund of nearly 100-thousand dollars has also been established to provide scholarships in perpetuity.
Wayne Benjamin was honored by the Knights of Columbus as "Knight of the Year 2025" for his community service and commitment.
Wendell Knox was selected by the St. Aug administration as an honoree during Black History Month in 2025. Each day an alumnus was honored during "28 Days of Purple" for outstanding achievements and support for our alma mater.
Website Designer/Administrator: Furnell Chatman
Consultant: Brittany Major, Major Services Inc.
St. Aug Class of 1965 © All Rights Reserved
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