In light of Women’s History Month, Loyola honored a notable honorary degree recipient.

The university celebrated Louisiana’s first congresswoman, Lindy Boggs on Tuesday in Roussel Performance Hall.

Over 300 people attended the “Celebrating Lindy Boggs — A Legacy of Change” event.

While Boggs was unable to attend the event, several keynote speakers spoke on her behalf.

The Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., Loyola’s president, began the event by highlighting Boggs as an ideal person to honor for Women’s History Month.

“She exemplifies the ideals of Jesuit education, has dedicated her life to public service, and is known for her charming personality,” said Wildes. 

Following Wildes’ speech, the guests viewed a film, titled “Lindy Boggs: Steel and Velvet.”  

The award-winning film was produced and co-directed by Bess Carrick and narrated by Boggs’ granddaughter, Rebecca Roberts.

The film covered Boggs’ life in a convent, her political career and her southern charm.

Boggs, who attended a convent at nine-years-old, credited her career success to her education at the convent.

 “I had a glorious education,” said Boggs in the film.   The influence of the sisters made her believe, “women could do everything.”

In the film, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) said Boggs was born at a time where “women were not supposed to lead.”

Nonetheless, Boggs helped women gain many rights.  She fought for the right of women to own a mortgage on a home and developed the first women’s caucus.  

Aside from her political career, the commentators in the film viewed Boggs as a “shrewd politician with Southern charm.” 

Many suggested that Boggs made tough political figures work in her favor with a simple whisper in the ear.

“Lindy was effective in dealing with getting people to agree with her,” said Harry Lee, sheriff of the Jefferson Parish Police Department from 1980 until his death in 2007.

After the film, Dubuisson interviewed Boggs’ daughter, Cokie Roberts and her granddaughter, Rebecca.

According to Rebecca, when she interviewed Boggs for the video, she witnessed a different side to her grandmother.

 “Her personality was the same, but she was more open about the different events in her life and career,” she said.

Aside from questions about the video, Dubuisson asked if there was another side to Boggs, one that wasn’t always calm and collected. 

 “She never loses it,” said Cokie.

“She would often say that she was provoked, making it your fault not hers,” Rebecca jokingly said.

Cokie also recalled her mother’s unique punishment tactics during her youth.

“When you came home late, she would sit by your bedside saying the rosary,” said Cokie. “That was a good cause for never coming home late.”

As for their impression of Boggs, Cokie said, “She’s a smart woman.” 

“I hope I can follow in her footsteps,” said Rebecca.                     

Kieu Tran can be reached at [email protected].