McNeese Announces 2025 Distinguished Alumnus 

The McNeese State University Alumni Association will present its 2025 Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award to Lake Charles businessman Ryan Navarre, owner of Navarre Auto Group, during halftime ceremonies at the McNeese vs. Weber State football game on Saturday, Sept. 13. 

This award recognizes McNeese graduates who have distinguished themselves in their chosen field of endeavor on a national or international level and is the highest award presented by the alumni association.  

A Sulphur High School graduate, Navarre attended McNeese and earned his degree in business. His career at Navarre Chevrolet started as a porter and he worked his way up through several departments, including parts, service and sales. Navarre transitioned into sales management, eventually becoming general manager and finally owner of Navarre Auto Group. 

Navarre has been a great supporter of both his alma mater and of McNeese Athletics. Recently, his $5 million naming rights agreement to name the football stadium Navarre Stadium is the largest naming rights gift in McNeese Athletics history. 

He is also a member of the McNeese Foundation Board of Directors, South Lake Charles Little League and the Chamber SWLA Alliance. Navarre is dedicated to supporting local schools, the arts and youth sports and contributes to hundreds of fundraisers every year. 

Navarre gives his time to developing the athletic abilities of local youth by coaching basketball, soccer and baseball. He owns Ballistic Baseball, an organization devoted to coaching and training children, which is one of the most successful travel baseball teams in the state. 

As a businessman, he has expanded the Navarre Auto Group franchise to include Navarre Nissan, Navarre GMC, Navarre Vinfast and Navarre Jeep Ram Dodge Chrysler. He says listening to customers and exceeding their expectations are the reasons for the success of his dealerships. As a result, he has earned several Mark of Excellence awards from General Motors, as well as several Presidents Awards from other franchises. 

Navarre has been recognized for his leadership and achievements with numerous awards, including the Chamber SWLA’s Business Development and Inclusion Award in 2020 and the prestigious Chamber Civic Service Award for 2019, the West Calcasieu Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year Award in 2024 and the Louisiana State Troopers Association’s Civilian Award in 2023.