ALUMNUS
OF THE YEAR
2026 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
WESLEY J. PALMISANO '99
A current legacy father, Wesley J. Palmisano is a proud Archbishop Rummel High School Class of 1999 alumnus. He and his wife Annie live in River Ridge with their son Wrex, a soon to be 2026 graduate, and daughter, Reed. A longtime supporter of Rummel, Wes recently managed and constructed the Raider Band Field observation tower, and RNGD completed the installation of new security entrance doors on campus. He is also the brother of Dr. Warren Palmisano III ’95.
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Founder and CEO of RNGD, Wesley grew up in a construction family inspired by service, beginning with his grandfather, WWII veteran Warren Palmisano Sr. He earned his Construction Management degree from Louisiana State University in three years, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and spent over a decade managing large-scale construction projects before launching WJ Palmisano (WJP) in 2013.
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For most of his life, Wes pursued a new vision for the construction industry through WJP and its collective of brands and initiatives. Built on a foundation of family legacy and industry expertise, Wesley pairs entrepreneurial drive with the company’s mission to “revolutionize how we build.”
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Over the following decade, WJP evolved through new ventures in construction, investment, innovation, leadership development, and real estate—pursuing a vertically integrated model that allows the organization to influence the full construction lifecycle while maintaining its renegade approach.
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Wesley launched the Palmisano Foundation in 2016, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on education initiatives and community impact. He also founded Renegade Academy, a leadership development program designed to cultivate the next generation of construction professionals.
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After growing from a small startup to a team of more than 500 people, Palmisano Construction rebranded as RNGD (Renegade) to better reflect its ethos and embarked on a regional expansion across the Southeastern United States.
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Wes is more than a successful businessman. Through his leadership, generosity, and service, he is actively shaping our community and forming the next generation of leaders. He truly represents the highest ideals of a Raider—a man of faith, community, service, and excellence—and is truly deserving of the distinction of Alumnus of the Year.
Kevin E. O'Brien '93
2025 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
A steadfast supporter of Archbishop Rummel’s mission, Kevin has contributed to the Alumni Association in various leadership roles including President and Event Chair. As a Raider, Kevin was actively involved in several clubs and competed on the soccer team.
Rev. Msgr. Frank J. Giroir, Jr. '73
2024 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
A champion of Archbishop Rummel, Fr. Frank shows his Raider Pride with all he meets including his beloved congregations. With over 40 years of pastoral work in South Louisiana, Fr. Frank generously gives back to his alma mater at every opportunity.
Jason Ural '97
2023 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
Since his days at Rummel, Jason has been integral in revitalizing alumni participation in events and ensuring the success of Beast Feast and Return to Severn. Jason has served his alma mater as Board President and School Board Member, as well as volunteer on various committees.
Edward "Ed" J. Womac, Jr. '76
2022 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
A champion of Archbishop Rummel High School, Ed Womac Jr. demonstrates his Raider Pride through diligent event sponsoring and participation. In addition, Mr. Womac has led three generations of Raider legacies. Mr. Womac publicly displays his pride in his alma mater as an example to others to follow.
Dominick F. Impastato III '97
2021 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
In academics, leadership, and service, Dominick has demonstrated his Raider Pride for Archbishop Rummel. As Student Council president, star athlete, and scholar, he is best friend to all his fellow Raiders. Dominick's father, brothers, and sons are Raiders, so the Impastatos will forever be a true legacy family.
Ray "RJ" Boudreau '73
2020 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
A dedicated student-athlete with participation in baseball and Big Brothers, RJ remained dedicated to his alma mater by working with the band and numerous organizations. RJ's focus has been with the Alumni Association, serving as the 2006 President and member of the Beast Feast and Fishing Rodeo committees.
John “Jay” Lauricella, III '71
2019 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
Always saying “Give me a call if you need anything,” alumnus John “Jay” Lauricella was loyal to his school and his alumni brothers. He honored his classmate and funded the Lige Hensley Scholarship for academics, leadership, and pride. He is Raider Pride!
Steve Scalise ‘83
2018 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
A proud alumnus who played a Congressional baseball game wearing a Rummel jersey, Congressman Scalise was named Alumnus of the Year hours before the President, in the State of the Union, acknowledged "the Legend from Louisiana" for his courage and worth ethic.
George Rucker ‘67
2017 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
As the first president of the Archbishop Rummel Alumni Association, George Rucker set an enduring precedent by serving on the board for over 30 years. As a Raider father, he cemented the Rucker legacy when four of his sons also became Raider alumni.
Carmen “C.J.” Bruno ‘66
2016 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
An outstanding student-athlete at Archbishop Rummel, C.J. Bruno has continued to be an avid supporter of his alma mater through long-time leadership in the Alumni Association and by sending his two sons to follow in his Raider footsteps.
Dominick “Nick” Impastato ‘68
2015 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
A past president of the Alumni Association, Nick Impastato has displayed unwavering loyalty to his alma mater by sending his three sons to Archbishop Rummel and by creating the "Return to Home Scholarship.
John Theriot ‘79
2014 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
A staunch supporter of "all things Rummel," John Theriot has been a model Raider for years, promoting his alma mater in the community, contributing expert financial guidance to the school as an advisory board member, and supporting multiple academic and extracurricular programs.
S. Pete Oddo ‘66
2013 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
​A past president of the Alumni Association, Pete Oddo has supported his alma mater selflessly through the years, repeatedly contributing his time and efforts, as evidenced by keeping close contact with his charter class of 1966.
Don L. Dubuc ‘68
2012 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
Popularly known as "Don the Outdoors Guy" on local television and radio, Don Dubuc has been a driving force behind the Alumni Association's most successful events, contributing to and promoting the Archbishop Rummel Fishing Rodeo and Beast Feast since their inceptions.
Robert “Bob” Whitman ‘69
2011 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
A star student-athlete while a Raider, Bob Whitman returned to Archbishop Rummel as a faculty member, guidance counselor and coach, quickly becoming a role model through his efforts on campus and his leadership in the greater New Orleans community.
David “Dave” Russo ‘71
2010 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
A past president of the Alumni Association, Dave Russo was a founder and chairman of the Archbishop Rummel Fishing Rodeo and Beast Feast, two of the association's most successful fundraising and community building events.