Alexandre “Alex” Theriot, Jr.

B.S. Civil Engineering – 1959

Founder – Alex Theriot Jr. & Associates, Inc.

Alex, lovingly known as “Doonie”, from nearby St. Martinville, La., received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (SLI). Initially employed by the Louisiana Department of Public Works, then the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alex formed his own civil engineering, architecture, and land surveying company, Alex Theriot Jr. & Associates, Inc., in January 1965 in Denham Springs, La. Alex also served as the city engineer for Denham Springs for more than 24 years and as the Livingston Parish engineer for more than 20 years. In 1994, Governor Edwards commissioned him to serve on the Louisiana State Board of Commerce and Industry, and he was elected chairman of the board in 1995. In June 1999, Alex sold his firm, which at its peak had 52 employees.

Throughout his career, Alex formed and invested in many ventures including engineering, architecture and land surveying, oil and gas drilling, computer software, cattle, and real estate. Alex was a founding member and former board chair for Tuscaloosa Commerce Bank, owned a Honda motorcycle dealership, and had a working interest in PetroQuest Energy. 

He was active in many civic organizations, served on many corporate boards, and belonged to several professional societies including American Society of Civil Engineers and Louisiana Engineering Society. He and his wife, Loretta, were generous philanthropists who improved the lives of countless people through their support of community organizations, secondary and higher education, and their church. Alex passed away in 2015. He is fondly remembered for his hard work, common sense, numerous accomplishments, and his belief in giving to others.