The LSU Board of Supervisors, on October 26, 2012, approved naming the new LSU Law Energy Law Center in honor of John P. Laborde, LSU Law Class of 1949. The newly established academic and research center will be known as the “LSU John P. Laborde Energy Law Center” in recognition of Mr. Laborde’s commitment to the Center and the school.
Mr. Laborde recently pledged $2 million to support the new energy law initiative. The gift is the largest gift and pledge in the history of LSU Law. Mr. Laborde’s gift is comprised of a double endowed chair and a programmatic endowment to support operations of the center.
“We are proud to hoist the Laborde ‘flag’ over our new Energy Law Center,” said LSU Law Center Chancellor Jack Weiss. “John Laborde’s landmark gift will benefit generations of LSU Law students and the growth of our state’s economy. It is hard to think of another graduate whose leadership in the energy sector, in our state, and at LSU better exemplifies the ideals of LSU Law or who is more deeply devoted to LSU,” Weiss added.
“Given my lifetime career in the energy service industry, and recognizing how my law degree served me well in navigating the complexities of running a public company in the international arena, I am pleased to give back to the school that has given me so much,” said John P. Laborde. “My gift will establish the Energy Law Center, and, hopefully, serve as the catalyst for future growth and perfection in the energy law field.”
John P. Laborde graduated from Louisiana State University with B.A. and J.D. degrees. He has served in multiple leadership roles with the Law Center, and was honored as the LSU Law Center’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 1993. He has been a longtime member of the Law Center’s Chancellor’s Council, a former member of the Law Center’s Alumni Board of Trustees, and a member of the Law Center’s Forever LSU Campaign Steering Committee. Mr. Laborde served as Chair of the Law Center’s Annual Fund Campaign from 1999 – 2003.
Upon entering LSU as an undergraduate student, Mr. Laborde was an active participant in the ROTC program until he was called to active duty in 1943. Before leaving LSU, he successfully acquired the rank of Cadet Colonel, Infantry Regiment of the LSU ROTC. Mr. Laborde served in the United States Army (Infantry) in the Pacific in World War II, where he attained the rank of captain. He also served on the Adjutant General’s staff of General Douglas MacArthur.
After his graduation from LSU Law, Mr. Laborde spent 40 years of his career as the head of Tidewater Marine until his retirement in 1994. He has served as chairman of Stewart Enterprises, Inc., VT Halter Marine, Inc., Laborde Marine Lifts, Inc., Laborde Products, Inc., Lab-More Properties LLC, and Laborde Integrated Services, Inc. He has served on the boards of several major corporations and is a well-known and respected business and civic leader in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. In 2000, Louisiana Public Broadcasting honored him as a “Legend of Louisiana” and in 2003, Junior Achievement honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Most recently, he was recognized by LSU A&M as the Peoples Health “Illustrious Alumnus of the Game” during the LSU-Kentucky game in 2011.
The Laborde family is deeply rooted in the success of LSU. Mr. Laborde’s son, Cliffe, has a long record of service to and support of LSU. He is former Chair of the LSU Law Alumni Board of Trustees, a longtime member of the Chancellor’s Council, as well as a member of the LSU Foundation. He holds both an undergraduate and J.D. from LSU. Mr. Laborde’s son, Gary, received his undergraduate degree from LSU and is a member and Chair-elect of the LSU Foundation. He served on the Forever LSU Campaign Cabinet, is a member of TAF, and serves on the Coast and Environment Advisory Council. Mr. Laborde’s son, John Tracy Laborde, received a Business degree from LSU and is also an LSU supporter. Son, John Peter Laborde and daughter, Adrienne Laborde, are graduates of Tulane University. Mr. Laborde’s granddaughter, Celeste Claire Laborde McNulty, is a 2008 LSU Law graduate. He is married to Sylvia Laborde, and they reside in New Orleans.
