Dr. And Mrs. Watkins at the 2016 Leadership Banquet

For Dr. and Mrs. Watkins ‘57 volunteer and philanthropic support has been an important part of their lives. Dr. Watkins is a lifetime member of the Centenary College Board of Trustees, a member of the Centenary Alumni Hall of Fame, a member of the Rotary Club of Shreveport, Committee of 100, and on the board of the Bio-Medical Research Foundation. Mrs. Watkins was named Samaritan of the Year in 2006 by the Samaritan Counseling Center in recognition of her numerous years of service as a counselor and board member. The George D. Nelson, Sr. award for a Lifetime of Volunteer Service to Centenary College was awarded to Dr. and Mrs. Watkins in 2016.

The Watkins name is linked to Centenary College in perpetuity through the Bonnie and Juan Watkins Family Endowed Scholarship which was established in May 2004. The endowed scholarship echoes Dr. and Mrs. Watkins standard of volunteerism by providing financial assistance to students who show an interest in community service. Since its inception, the endowed scholarship has assisted over 10 students as they achieve their dream of higher education. In addition to the endowed scholarship support, the Watkins are also devoted supporters of the Centenary College Choir and the Christian Leadership Center.

The current Watkins Family Endowed Scholarship recipient, Caleb Alexander is a junior from Pittsview, Alabama majoring in Biology and on the Gents Basketball team.

“My scholarship has assisted me greatly in coming to Centenary and has given me an opportunity to enjoy my first year on a real college campus coming from two years of junior college. I would like to personally thank you, because without you I wouldn’t be at Centenary today. All your help is greatly appreciated by me and my family.”