Magazine Fall 2011 Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Dr. Randall J. Webb, 1965, 1966President, Northwestern State UniversityDear Alumni,On July 1, I was privileged to be able to celebrate 15years as president of Northwestern State University. It hasbeen an honor to serve this fine institution and play a role in providing educationalopportunities for students.Any university president inherits a legacy that has to do with the accomplishmentsof students, alumni and faculty and staff and the work done by administrators, boardmembers and legislators. You stand on the shoulders of those who have gone beforeyou. I have been fortunate to know many of the outstanding people who have servedNorthwestern over the years and it is humbling to follow in their footsteps.Northwestern is a different institution that it was in the mid-1990s and the changesmade over the years have helped the university grow.More private scholarships for students and support for faculty are available due tothe generosity of alumni and friends of Northwestern. Renovation has brought new lifeto Russell Hall, Morrison Hall, Williamson Hall and the Family and Consumer SciencesBuilding. The Intramural Building is now the Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center,which is heavily used by students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of NSU. A newStudent Support Center will open in January and we soon hope to start a renovationproject on East Caspari Hall. Northwestern also replaced outdated residence halls withUniversity Place Phase I and II.Northwestern has instituted admissions standards for the first time, helping usattract better students. The average ACT score of incoming freshmen at NSU exceedthe state and national average. Retention rates have increased. The university setrecords for the number of graduates in a calendar year in 2010 (1,955) and for thenumber of graduates in an academic year in 2010-11 (2,043).E-learning has become increasingly important for Northwestern. The universityhas 28 degree programs online, more than any other public college or university in thestate. More than half of the students at NSU take an online class each semester.Through all the changes, our faculty and staff have never lost their focus onstudent success. At Northwestern, we are in the life changing business and we work tobe a positive force for change every day.I am proud to be an alumnus of Northwestern State University. I thank you for yourcontinued support of this special university.Alumni ColumnsOfficial Publication ofNorthwestern State UniversityNatchitoches, LouisianaOrganized in 1884A member of CASEVolume XXI Number 3 Fall 2011The Alumni Columns (USPS 015480) is publishedquarterly by Northwestern State University,Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71497-0002Periodicals Postage Paid at Natchitoches, La.,and at additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to theAlumni Columns, Northwestern State University,Natchitoches, La. 71497-0002.Alumni Office Phone: 318-357-4414 and 888-799-6486FAX: 318-357-4225 • E-mail: owensd@nsula.eduNSU ALUMNI OFFICERSPresident................Joseph B. Stamey, Natchitoches, 1983Vice President...........Tommy Chester, Natchitoches, 1969Secretary-Treasurer........Dr. Lisa Mathews, Benton, 1992Executive Director..................................W. Drake Owens,Natchitoches, 2004, 2005BOARD OF DIRECTORSMatt Bailey.............................................Shreveport, 2003Jerry Brungart............................Natchitoches, 1969, 1971Monty Chicola..............................Alexandria, 1979, 1980Leonard Endris.............................Shreveport, 1974, 1975Ken Guidry..........................................Natchitoches, 1972Bobby Hebert.......................................New Orleans, 1983Trey Hill....................................................Carencro, 1985Adrian Howard.................................... Bedford, TX, 1989Patricia Hrapmann.....................New Orleans, 1973, 1978Gail Jones......................................... Natchez, 1981, 1998Matt Koury................................................Leesville, 1995Angela Lasyone...................................Natchitoches, 1986Bryant Lewis........................................ Haynesville, 1958Carroll Long..................................... Longview, TX, 1970David Morgan.........................................Austin, TX, 1973Kip Patrick.....................................Washington, DC, 1995Cliff Poimboeuf......................................Shreveport, 1984Denise Quezaire...................................Baton Rouge, 2005Glenn Talbert..........................................Shreveport, 1964Casey Jo Thompson................................Shreveport, 2001Carlos Treadway............................... Northville, MI, 1992Marti Vienne........................................Natchitoches, 1982Ricky Walmsley.....................................Rogers, AR, 1985Mike Wilburn..........................................Shreveport, 1975Dr. Leonard Williams..........................New Orleans, 1993Charles “Buddy” Wood.................................. Many, 1981STUDENT REPRESENTATIVEMark Daniels.................................................New OrleansSGA PresidentPublisher............................ W. Drake Owens, 2004, 2005Editor.....................................Leah Pilcher Jackson, 1994William Drake Owens, 2004, 2005Director of University AdvancementMy fellow Alumni,By the time this edition of Alumni Columns reaches you,we will be in our final preparations for Homecoming 2011. Ihope that many of you are planning to join us for an excitingweekend of activities, reunions and celebration.We have much to be thankful for at NSU. As you may know, we are now in ourfinal year of our capital campaign, “Excellence: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow.” Aswe near our goal, please know how appreciative the NSU family is to you, our deeplysupportive alumni. Your positive response to our campaign will play an invaluable rolein ensuring that our alma mater remains a vibrant place of learning and discovery anda resource to the entire northwest Louisiana region. We ask that you continue to do allthat you can to support Northwestern, through your gifts, your presence at events or byencouraging prospective student to explore what we have to offer.NSU has a rich heritage and a vision of excellence. With your assistance we areable to continue to move forward toward a bright future.Cover: Photo illustration with pyrotechnics created by Blake “Tricky” LeVasseur.Contributors...................................................David WestDoug Ireland, 1986Major Alan Hardin, 1990Photography............................................Gary HardamonDesign/Layout................... Beth McPherson Mann, 1975NSU Press Publications OfficeNorthwestern State University is accredited by theCommission on Colleges of the Southern Association ofColleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to awardAssociate, Baccalaureate, Master and Specialist degrees.It is the policy of Northwestern State University of Louisiananot to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,sex, national origin, age, or disability in its educationalprograms, activities or employment practices.This public document was published at a total cost of$14,000. 42,000 copies of this public document werepublished in this first printing at a cost of $14,000. Thetotal cost of all printings of this document, includingreprints is $14,000. This document was published byNorthwestern State University Office of UniversityAdvancement and printed by Moran Printing, Inc.,5425 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 tofoster and promote the mutually beneficial relationshipbetween Northwestern State University and its alumni,supporters and community partners. This material wasprinted in accordance with standards for printing by stateagencies established pursuant to R.S. 43.31. Printingof this material was purchased in accordance with theprovisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statues.

Alumni NewsMovies continued from page 1body parts, as well as orchestrate pyrotechnics, flip cars,and coordinate smoke, fire, wind and rain for specifiedscenes.“When you are in special effects, you have to havetalents in several different areas…welding, molding, fabrication,even as a seamstress, when you’re sewing bloodpacks into clothing and making fake body parts,” he said.Pyrotechnics coordinated byBlake “Tricky” LeVasseur exploded on set.Below, LeVasseur operates a smoke machine.“I’m like MacGyver. I have to figure out how to makestunts happen, whether it’s flipping a car over or creatingan explosion.”As a kid, LeVasseur “was always building things andrigging stuff up.” He enrolled at NSU as an art majorfocused on sculpture but changed to graphic design. He’sbeen working with movies for four years.Working in the business is “all about who you know,”he said. He sent out numerous resumes before gettinghis first job as a back-up sculptor for “Year One.” To thatjob, he said, he gave 110 percent, earning a position aslead sculptor on another project. He was lead sculptor for“Breaking Dawn,” where he created a castle, statues, rockwalls and other objects out of Styrofoam that were thenpainted by artists.As for special effects, he started out learning how tobuild and use machines to control smoke, wind, rain andfire.“You can learn as much as you want as you goalong,” he said. “The effects guy gave me a chance andnext thing I know I’ve got a truck and I’m running acrew.”LeVasseur obtained a required explosives license androutinely coordinates gas explosions and other blow-ups.Working on “The Expendables” offered plenty of opportunitiesfor explosions, flipping cars and pyrotechnics.“Those are long days, sometimes 12-16 hours, andit’s fatiguing. It can be stressful,” he said. “It takes a tollon family life.”Creating special effects for one scene in “Battle: LosAngeles” involved hand making and wrapping 90-95explosives. “It took a lot of man hours. Then they blewup in five seconds.”LeVasseur works mainly in Louisiana, but hasworked on some commercials that were filmed out ofstate. Like Chad Watson, with whom he has worked onprevious projects,” he was occupied last summer with“Leatherface 3D,” a film with no computer-generatedspecial effects.“It’s old school,” he said.Perks of the jobs are rubbing shoulders with stars likeSylvester Stalone, Jessica Biel, Gerard Butler, Stone ColdSteve Austin and Kim Kardashian.“In special effects, you often work one on one withan actor and you develop a relationship with them,” hesaid. “When you are putting an explosive device on anactor or stuntman’s chest, they trust that it was built correctly.”It’s a profession he never expected.“I never would have guessed that Hollywood wouldcome find me,” he said.Kendrick Hudson (2001) is a location manager andan independent producer. He serves as a liaison betweenproperty owners and the production crew and has a handin logistics and security.“It’s a little bit of everything,” he said. “I alwayswanted to be a filmmaker. I studied theatre in college andalways had that entertainment bug.”After graduating from NSU with a general studiesdegree, the Shreveport native followed his dream to LosAngeles, where he worked on films directed by JamesCameron and Oliver Stone as well as other projects, runningerrands and “working my way up the chain.”He has been doing scouting work in Shreveport forabout seven years and has worked on “Soul Man,” “W,”“I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell” and “Trespass.”Working as a freelancer, he’s never sure what his nextproject will be, but said the creative side of his job is hisfavorite. He plans to continue work in the business andsees himself producing films in the future.“Finding a location that makes a cut in the movie andknowing I had a part in it. The visibility is the biggest reward.2 / Alumni Columns Fall 2011 Visit our website at:

Alumni NewsHomecoming weekend will soon be upon us and the NSU Alumni Association invites friends to joinin the festivities. Homecoming weekend is a time to meet with friends and classmates, reminisce aboutmemorable experiences and share stories from the good old days. Whether attending a departmentalreunion, supporting the Demons at the downtown pep rally or joining friends for tailgating festivities, wehope to see you in Natchitoches Oct. 13-15.October 13-15Alumni Art Show - Hanchey GalleryThursday, October 137 p.m. – SAB Concert: Quest Crew opening for YingYang Twins - A.A. Frederick’s AuditoriumFriday, October 1410 a.m. – Alumni Association Board Meeting - RedRiver Waterway Commission BuildingNoon– Homecoming Golf Tournament - NSURecreation Complex1:30 p.m. – NSU Foundation Board Meeting - Red RiverWaterway Commission Building5 p.m. – Homecoming Parade will start at PratherColiseum and end at the Natchitochesdowntown riverbank.5:30 p.m. – Pep Rally - Riverbank6 – 7 p.m. – Long Purple Line Reception - HancheyGallery7 p.m. – Homecoming Banquet/Long Purple LineInduction - Student Union Ballroom8 p.m. – SAB Lip Sync @ A.A. Frederick’s AuditoriumSaturday, October 158 a.m. – Homecoming 5K Fun Run/Walk - WRAC9 a.m. – N Club Hall of Fame Induction - MagaleRecital Hall10 a.m. – College of Education and HumanDevelopment Reunion - TEC11 a.m. – School of Business Reception - Russell Hall,Natchitoches RoomNoon – Demon Regiment ROTC Open House -James A. Noe Military Science Building1 p.m. – Tailgating Activities - Collins Pavilion(Free food and musical entertainment - bring thewhole family!)5:30 p.m. – Pregame Activities - Turpin Stadium(Honorees will be recognized.)6 p.m. – NSU vs. Southeastern - Turpin Stadium7:30 p.m. – Halftime Ceremonies - Turpin Stadium(Honorees will be recognized.)8 - 11 p.m. – Boogie on the Bricks - Front Street,downtown Natchitoches* Times and location of events is subject to change.Please verify events through sponsoring departmentsor by calling the Alumni Center at (318) 357-4414or visiting northwesternalumni.com4 / Alumni Columns Fall 2011 Visit our website at:

Alumni NewsSON Centennial continues with Fall reunionThe Spirit of Northwestern Demon Marching Band will continue to celebratethe band’s centennial with a fall reunion Friday, Sept. 30-Saturday, Oct. 1.Friday’s events include a recital by alumnusJosh Arvizu, principal oboist with the U.S. NavyBand in Washington, D.C. A reception for allband alumni follows in Hanchey Gallery.Those arriving too late for the recital areencouraged to attend the reception.Scholars’ inaugural class will celebrate 20th anniversaryGraduates of the LouisianaScholars’ College are invitedto the 20-year reunion of theinaugural class, on Oct. 7-9. Theevent includes a Friday eveningdinner, a Saturday afternoon picnicon the lawn near Russell Hall andan evening function on Saturday.Saturday’s events include a tailgate partyprior to the NSU-McNeese football game andrecognition of alumni band members duringhalf-time.For more information, contact JeffMathews, associate director of bands, at (318)357-4450 or e-mail mathewsj@nsula.edu.Hernandez seeking partnerships, opportunities for School of BusinessAntonio “Tony” Hernandez ischief development officer for theNorthwestern State University Schoolof Business. The privately-fundedposition was created to identify stakeholdersfor the School of Business,promote partnerships between theschool and the business communityand to develop programs that mutuallybenefit the students, alumni andeconomic development initiatives.Hernandez is a 1982 graduateof Northwestern, where he earned a degree in social sciencesand was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. As a student, heworked on campus in the recruiting and alumni offices beforeembarking on a career in customer service and corporatesales for private companies. He returned to Northwestern asassistant director of development in 2009. He began his dutiesas chief development officer for the School of Business lastmonth.“My job is not only bringing in funds but also bringing incorporate partners and business partners to help with recruiting,job placement and internships,” he said. He hopes his effortshelp create networking opportunities for students and businesses.Hernandez plans to organize social events for School ofBusiness graduates throughout Louisiana to encourage stewardshipand involvement in programs available to alumni andsupporters. He hopes to originate a School of Business women’sgroup, resurrect a business law group and would like todevelop a Professional Advisors Association that would includeattorneys, accountants and financial advisors. The associationnot only supports scholarship initiatives but also present forumsfor the public to address financial planning, tax issues andother topics of interest. He is working to establish an endowedprofessorship and would like to coordinate partnerships betweenthe School of Business, the Natchitoches Area Chamberof Commerce and the Small Business Development Center.“We are excited to welcome Tony to this new position.Tony is an energetic and dedicated individual and shouldprove to be a great asset to and integral part of the School ofBusiness,” said Dr. Nat Briscoe, professor and director of theSchool of Business.“The faculty in the School of Business are strong leadersin fundraising efforts, in providing contacts and traveling withme to meet prospective corporate partners,” Hernandez said.NSU alumnus David Morgan (1975) funded the positionwith the intention that it will eventually be self-sufficient andhopes to create interest in other individuals to initiate similarpositions for other academic disciplines.“In these tough economic times, everyone has cut back andNSU needs all the support it can get,” Morgan said.Hernandez is currently organizing a School of BusinessAnnual Campaign with four levels of stakeholder giving opportunities.His goal is to raise $500,000 by June 30, 2012.Funds will be used for scholarship, student recruitment, facultyresearch, job fairs and alumni initiatives.For more information or the to explore opportunitiesthrough the NSU School of Business, contact Hernandez at(318) 357-4243 or e-mail hernandeza@nsula.edu.Established in 1987 as the state’s only designated honors college for liberalarts, Scholars’ offer students the opportunity to pursue their academic andpersonal goals in a supportive atmosphere. The core curriculum combinesgreat books-based courses with courses in mathematics and sciences to providestudents with a strong foundation for their more focused study in one ofour concentrations or in a traditional major.For more information on the reunion or to be included on a mailing list, contactAssociate Director of Alumni Affairs Haley Blount at (318) 357-4415or blounth@nsula.edu or Andrea Elmore at andreaelmore@gmail.com.www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Fall 2011 / 5

Alumni NewsGiddens named Louisiana Teacher of the YearNorthwestern State University alumna AprilJessup Giddens, a sixth grade English/language artsteacher at Natchitoches Magnet School, was recognizedas Louisiana’s 2012 Teacher of the Year duringthe fifth annual Cecil J. Picard Educator ExcellenceSymposium and Celebration. Giddens earned abachelor’s degree in elementary education at Northwesternin 1996 and a master’s degree in 1998. Duringher 15-year teaching career, she taught at NSUMiddle Lab School and for the last four years hasbeen at Natchitoches Magnet.“I feel so blessed to be chosen. It’s very humblingand I’m very excited,” Giddens said. “Thiscasts a positive light on Natchitoches and on Northwestern.”“Teachers like Ms. Giddens are the backbone ofour educational system,” said Acting State Superintendentof Education Ollie Tyler. “She and othersare shaping the lives and future of our children, andwe enjoy thanking them in this very special way.”Giddens was selected from 24 regional finalistsfor Louisiana Teacher of the Year. She submitted aportfolio May 27 and went through an interview processprior to the symposium, which concluded witha banquet and the awards ceremony. Also announcedduring the event were the 2011 Superintendent ofthe Year, and the 2012 Teachers and Principals ofthe Year for elementary, middle and high school.Giddens’ principal Julee Wright (1983), a finalist forPrincipal of the Year, and Natchitoches Parish Superintendentof Schools Dr. Derwood Duke (1974) werepresent when the award was presented.Included among the many prizes Giddensreceives are use of a Mercedez-Benz for one year, aSMART Board TM with projector and software fromSMART Technologies and $5,000 from DreamTeachers, a non-profit organization that recognizesLouisiana educators and educational leaders.The SMART technology and software “will be akey component in my classroom this fall,” Giddenssaid. “There are parents whose children I will haveas students this year who have let me know howexcited they are.”A graduate of Florien High School in 1992,Giddens is married to Mike Giddens, a 1994 Northwesterngraduate, and has three children, Hannah,Timothy and Emma. She credited the exceptionalteachers she had at Florien, as well as her facultymentors at Northwestern, for her success.“There are teachers I had at Florien and at Northwesternwho were strong role models for me,” she said. “I feel like Ineed to thank all those teachers for preparing me.”“These distinguished educators and educational leadersare a fine representation of the high-quality teachers andprincipals we are fortunate to have in Louisiana,” said PennyDastugue, president of the Board of Elementary and SecondaryEducation. “We should all thank them and recognizethem for their hard work to improve the lives and futures ofLouisiana’s children.”In April 2012, Giddens represents Louisiana at the NationalTeacher of the Year event in Washington, D.C., whereshe and other top teachers from around the country will beintroduced to President Barak Obama.“I wish every teacher could get this award,” Giddenssaid. “There are so many deserving teachers out there.”6 / Alumni Columns Fall 2011 Visit our website at:

Campus NewsTrecey RewA champ on and off the fieldTrecey Rew’s collegiate resume islong, and strong.Her NSU track and field career concludedthis summer with a spectaculartrifecta: winning a national championship,earning Academic All-Americahonors, and being named the nationalfield events scholar-athlete of the year.The icing on the cake came in earlyAugust, when the Garland, Texas, nativewas named the NCAA Division I FieldEvents Women’s Scholar-Athlete ofthe Year by the U.S. Track & Field andCross Country Coaches Association.Rew won the NCAA discus titlewith a school-record of 192-4 throw onJune 8. She also earned second-teamAll-America honors in the shot put byfinishing 15 th at the 2011 NCAA Championshipsin Des Moines, Iowa.After graduating in May 2010 witha 3.86 grade point average in broadcastjournalism, Rew posted a perfect 4.0 inher first year pursuing a master’s degreein sport administration.Later in June, Rew was voted tothe Capital One Academic All-AmericaTrack and Cross Country Team as asecond-team Academic All-Americaselection. She was listed on one of three15-woman teams chosen by a CollegeSports Information Directors of Americapanel.Rew earned the 13 th AcademicAll-America Award by an NSU studentathletesince 1986. It is the first won byan NSU track and field competitor inwhat is traditionally one of the toughestAcademic All-America teams to make.A third of the 45 women honored haveperfect 4.0 GPAs, including seven on thefirst team.Voting for Academic All-America isdone by a national CoSIDA committee,which considers first-team All-Districtwinners from eight regions around thenation.Rew is the first Lady Demon to capturea national title. She gave the Northwesterntrack and field program its thirdNCAA crown and first since 1990, whenwww.northwesternalumni.comBrian Brown won the NCAA Indoorchampionship with a 7-8 leap in the highjump. Brown also won the 1989 USAOutdoor title by clearing 7-7.The first NCAA track and fieldchampionship captured by NSU came in1981, when the foursome of Victor Oatis,Joe Delaney, Mario Johnson and MarkDuper won it all in the 4x100 meterrelay. NSU remains the only FCS-levelDivision I school to win an NCAA relaytitle, indoors or outdoors.Rew swept the SouthlandConference Indoor and OutdoorTrack and Field Student-Athlete of the Year honors.She finished her career witheight individual Southlandtitles, winning the conferenceField Event Athleteof the Year award in thefinal three SLC championshipsshe entered.The Louisiana Sports WritersAssociation named her the2011 state Female Field EventsAthlete of the Year on the All-Louisiana Team.She is a three-timeAll-America recip- i-ent in the sport by virtueher finishes in the shot put anddiscus at the last two NCAAOutdoor Championships. Shewas ninth in the 2010 NCAAmeet in the shot put.The school and SouthlandConference record holder in bothevents, she has personal bests of192-4 in the discus and 57-0 ¼ inthe shot. Competing against someof the world’s best in late June atthe USA Track and Field Championships,Rew finished seventh in thediscus and 15 th in the shot put.Rew will remain in graduateschool at NSU and will train forinternational competition heading intothe 2012 Olympic year. She ultimatelyplans to go into coaching.ofTrecey Rew met with anotherNSU alumnus who won anNCAA track championship,Dr. Brian Brown, who is nowmeet director of the DrakeRelays in Des Moines, Ia.,and was a co-administratorof the NCAA Championships.Photo by Bryan Wayne, NCAA.NCAA champTrecey RewAlumni Columns Fall 2011 / 7

Alumni NewsSP TLIGHTSMichelle Hendrix-Nora, professionaleducator at Beloit MemorialHigh School in Beloit, Wis., earneda Herb Kohl Educational FoundationTeacher Fellows Award. Hendrix-Nora is a special education teacher,specializing in math and work skillsareas of instruction. She received herbachelor’s degree at Hampton Universityin Virginia (2002), Master ofArts in Advertising Design from theAcademy of Art University in California(2004), and her Master of Artsin Special Education from NorthwesternState University (2008).Hendrix-Nora developed theKnightingales group for students touse cheer, dance and other spiritrelatedperformances to enhance andpromote the spirit of the high schoolcommunity. In addition to the workput into routines and event-planning,students in the group are encouragedto embody Purple Knight ideals byvolunteering to give back to theircommunity, promote respect amongthe student body and strive to achievetheir potential in education and life.An active participant in bothschool and community, she is activelyinvolved in the Merrill CommunityCenter, Boys & Girls Club, DeltaSigma Theta Sorority and in herchurch as president of the publicityand education committees, memberof the Youth Advisory Board, VacationBible School teacher and FreeHot Lunch Program volunteer.Pottery by Wayne Horton(1970) was featured in June at theSchepis Museum in Columbia, La.Horton received a bachelor’s degreein advertising design at NSU and amaster’s in ceramics at Universityof Louisiana at Monroe. He retiredafter 33 years as an art teacher atBastrop High School and is now onfaculty at ULM.The late Al Dennis Jr. (1968)was inducted into the GramblingLegends Sports Hall of Fame in July.Dennis, a New Orleans native andWorld War II veteran, was one ofGrambling’s most celebrated earlyfootball captains. Playing from1946-49, he was a two-time All-America blocker for future CollegeHall of Famer Paul “Tank” Younger.In 1968, he became the first African-American to receive a master’s degreein health and physical educationfrom NSU. He coached and taughtfor more than 45 years, notably atBrown High in Springhill.Susan Urankar McCormick(1972) and Eliot Knowles (1966,1972) were friends while marriedto others for more than 40 years.Both of their spouses passedaway and the two reconnectedtwo years ago. Susan is a surgicalnurse and runs a dog trainingcenter in Haughton. Eliot hasbeen the director of RutherfordHouse in Shreveport for 36 years.The two married in Oaks Bluff onMartha’s Vineyard when they arrangedto have the ceremony onthe island as part of a three-weekcruise. “Love can happen at anyage,” Eliot writes.Army Col. James F. Bowie(1980) was honored with a retirementceremony in July recognizing31 years of service. The event washeld at Stafford House at CampBeauregard. Before his retirement,he completed a three-year activeduty assignment with the LouisianaNational Guard as the state inspectorgeneral. Bowie commissioned intothe transportation corps in 1980. Heheld many positions, including timesas the commander of the 765 th TransportationBattalion in Fort Eustis,Va., and served a combined total ofeight years in Korea.Bowie’s awards and decorationsinclude the federal and Louisiana Legionof Merit, Defense MeritoriousService Medal, numerous MeritoriousService Medals and Army CommendationMedals, the Army SuperiorUnit Award and the Army StaffIdentification Badge. Bowie wasnamed the senior Army instructor forthe Junior Reserve Officers’ TrainingCorps at McKinley High Schoolin East Baton Rouge for the 2011-12school year. After graduation fromNSU, Bowie earned master’s degreesfrom Webster University and the U.S.Army War College.Carl Maddox was among theoutstanding athletes, coaches andadministrators to be inducted intothe LSU Athletic Hall of Fame thisyear. The long-time athletic directorwas inducted posthumously. A 1932graduate of Louisiana Normal College,he died in 1996 at the age of 83.Maddox served as athletic directorat LSU from 1968-78 duringwhich time he was responsible forunprecedented growth in LSU’sathletics facilities and the dawn ofthe age of women’s varsity sports oncampus. Maddox served in variouscapacities at LSU for a quarter of a8 / Alumni Columns Fall 2011 Visit our website at:

Alumni NewsMartha Koury of Leesville was recognized as an honoraryalumna of Northwestern State University. Mrs. Koury and herhusband Gene Koury annually host the Leesville Recruiting Receptionand support NSU through the Alumni Annual Fund andthe Athletic Annual Fund. Gene Koury is a 1963 graduate ofNorthwestern. The couple’s son, Matt Koury, is a 1995 graduateof NSU and their daughter-in-law, Martha Hooper Koury, a2003 graduate, is the coordinator of student services at NSU’sLeesville campus. NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb presentedthe honor to Mrs. Koury during a luncheon in Natchitoches.More than 30 alumni and initiates ofKappa Alpha order from the 1960s tothe 1970s gathered at the NatchitochesShrine Club last spring to renew old acquaintances,make new ones and honorbrother KAs who have passed away.Planned by Martial Broussard (1969)and Jim Pierson (1972) the group dinedon catfish provided by Wayne Branton(1970). Members traveled from as far away as Atlanta to attend the gathering. The group plans to meet again in 2013, the 50th anniversaryof the founding of KA at NSU. On the front row from left are Martial Broussard, David Centanni, Rick Githens, John Garcia, Gary Pittman,Jim Stevens, Tom Morales, Rick Oeder, Jimmie Brossette and Mike Tingle. On the back row are Mike Maloney, Tom Lawhon, LarryLieux, Bubba Atkins, Denman Shaffer, Dick Robertson, Sam Cooksey, Thom Williams, Steve Shine, Duan Ferrera, Dean Caldwell, RalphDeKemper, Glen Sapp, Malcolm Morris, Wayne Branton, Dickie McElhatten, Louis Ledet, David Poe, Warren Ward and Jim Pierson. Notshown are Mike Restovich, Tom Whitehead and John Coleman.century, including six years as assistantfootball coach from 1954-59 andeight years as director of the LSUUnion from 1960-68 before becomingathletic director. The LSU FieldHouse was named in his honor.Maddox also served as athleticdirector at Mississippi State from1979-83 and in 1986 he received theJames J. Corbett Memorial Awardpresented by the National Associationof Collegiate Directors ofAthletics for lifetime achievement inathletic administration. He is a memberof the Louisiana and MississippiSports Halls of Fame, the LSU TigerHall of Distinction, the NorthwesternState University Athletic Hall ofFame and the LSU Alumni Hall ofDistinction.Dan McDonald (1975), alumnusand former sports informationdirector from 1975-80, was enshrinedin the College Sports InformationDirectors of America (CoSIDA) Hallof Fame last June, the highest awardpresented by the organization. As astudent at Northwestern, he was thestudent assistant SID under PeskyHill, spent two years on the campusnewspaper - one as editor - and waspart of the group that founded theschool’s first radio station, KNSU, in1974. He also was a stringer for RollingStone magazine when musicianJim Croce perished in a plane crashin Natchitoches after a concert atNSU. He earned his degree in threeyears.After one year as a sportswriterat the Alexandria Town Talk, Northwesternhired the 22-year-old tobe the SID of what was about tobecome a Division I athletics department.After four years, he went tothen-Southwestern Louisiana (nowLouisiana-Lafayette), where he spentthe next 19 years.He retired from USL to becomesenior sports writer at the LafayetteDaily Advertiser and over the nextnine years has won 34 writing awardsfrom the Louisiana Sports WritersAssociation, including three ‘Writerof the Year’ awards in a five-yearspan.Today he serves as vice presidentof McD Media, Inc., a marketingand public relations firm in Lafayettefounded by his wife, Mary Beth(1981). McDonald has a daughter,Kristi, son-in-law Mike and threegrandchildren.www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Fall 2011 / 9

Alumni NewsMaking an ImpactCall to Action scholarship recipients raise awareness of animal welfareOne can never underestimate theimpact that one or two individualscan have for the greater good anda unique scholarship initiated byan Northwestern State Universityalumna offers recipients valuable experiencein affecting positive change.The Call to Action Animal WelfareScholarship is a project-driven awardfocused on raising awareness andfacilitating community action to improveanimal welfare through studentinitiatives. Jennifer Walsh, a 1991graduate of the Louisiana Scholars’College, initiated the scholarshipto address animal welfare issues inNatchitoches and give students anopportunity to develop leadershipand community engagement skills.“The ideal student recipient isone from any academic disciplinewho wants the opportunity to completea project that is both challengingand rewarding in the lives theyaffect, both for animals and humans,”Walsh said. “Recipients should notonly be passionate about helpinganimals, but also be looking forreal-world experience. I want them torealize that you don’t have to have amillion dollars or be a public officialto make a difference.”Michelle Alford and GracieEmily McGeeScholarship criteria seek studentswho are motivated, task-oriented andaccomplishment driven. Each mustsubmit a proposal and participate inan interview process before selection.“My goal was to make our animalshelter a more welcoming placeand increase adoptions,” said ShelbyMcCain of Natchitoches, the 2010-11recipient. McCain coordinated thecreation of a designated area at theentrance of the Natchitoches AnimalShelter in which potential pet ownerscan become better acquainted withthe animals in a friendlier environment.“Through this process, I havegrown to learn better communicationskills because I have had to scheduleappointments with several differentpeople and groups in order to get thisproject started,” McCain said. “I ama psychology major, so this projectdoesn’t relate to my career field, butI’ve had a special love for animalsfor as long as I can remember andwith this project I am finally able tohelp make a difference in animals’lives.”As a result of this year’s interviews,Walsh decided to award twoCall to Action scholarships. EmilyMcGee of Florien and Michelle Alfordof Deville are recipients for the2011-12 academic year.“I was impressed with their commitment,”Walsh said. “They are bothgrounded and focused with realisticgoals and are clearly committed tothe projects.”McGee, whose interest is equinewelfare, is developing a campaigncalled Good Horse Sense. McGeecompetes in rodeo events and wasalready doing demonstrations onequine health when she heard aboutthe Call to Action Animal WelfareScholarship.“The Animal Welfare Scholarshiphas allowed me to expand whatI’m doing to more schools in Natchitochesand Sabine parishes,” shesaid. “The kids love it. I always bringone of my rodeo horses and I try tobring an abused horse and encourageadoption for the abused horse.”The abused horses come from thoserescued by the Humane Society inMany, and McGee often has a handin their rehabilitation.McGee developed a website,GoodHorseSense.com, a Facebookpage and an accompanying brochurewith tips and resource information onrecognizing and reporting abused orneglected horses.McGee is enrolled as a biologymajor at NSU and plans to pursuepharmacy or animal pharmaceuticalresearch as a career. The scholarshipis important because her savingsover the next three years will see herthrough pharmacy school. As part ofthe service project, she will presentfive equine health demonstrations persemester and document her progressin a report. She welcomes the opportunityto speak at fairs, rodeos, farmsupply stores and other events.“I generally talk to fourth gradestudents, but I hope to bring the messageto high schools and 4-H programs,”she said.She intends to continue her programeven after the scholarship expiresand foresees continued effortstowards equine rescue and rehabilitationin her future.Alford’s plans are to develop adog training program to benefit Hope10 / Alumni Columns Fall 2011 Visit our website at:

Alumni NewsBurns scholarship will assist Anacoco studentsAfter a long career as an educator,Billy John Burns intends to spendhis remaining years as a mentor tostudents. Burns has demonstrated hisstrong commitment to assist deservingstudents from his hometown byestablishing a scholarship at Northwestern.First preference for the BillyJohn and Judith Burns Scholarshipwill be given to an incoming freshmanfrom Anacoco High School.Burns, who lives in Bossier City,earned a B.A. in education at NSUin 1954, M.A. in 1958 and plus 30 in1966. Born and reared in Anacoco,he taught at Anacoco High Schoolfor 31 years working at various timesas a social studies teacher, librarian,assistant principal, principal, girlsbasketball coach and co-sponsor ofthe yearbook. He retired for oneyear and moved to Shreveport, wherehe taught for 14 years at CalvaryBaptist Academy and served as principalfrom 1990-2000. Events fromhis life and career are detailed inan autobiography, “One Last StrollDown Memory Lane,” completed in2007.Burns overcame tremendousphysical challenges as a child andattended Northwestern on a rehabilitationscholarship.“When I started at Northwestern,I didn’t have a job or any money. Igot a rehabilitation scholarship andgraduated in three years,” said Burns,who after 45 years as an educatorcontinues to mentor and assist collegestudents.Burns said the ideal candidatefor the NSU scholarship would besomeone with a financial need anda strong interest in attending Northwestern.As this year’s recipient,Sydney Sterling has demonstratedSydney Sterling, an honor student andrecent graduate of Anacoco High School,is the first recipient of the Billy John andJudith Burns Scholarship established afor a student from Anacoco High School.academic achievement, involvementin extracurricular activities and goodcharacter, he said.“Ninety-five percent of my life isbehind me and in my last few yearsI am interested in helping others becausewhen I was at Northwestern somany people helped me,” Burns said.Making an Impact continued from page 10for Paws, a Natchitoches non-profit organization dedicatedto the rescue, rehabilitation, fostering and adoptionof animals. Working with animals in obedience trainingimproves their chance for adoption, explained Alford,who is a sophomore majoring in biology/pre-veterinarymedicine.Alford’s father is a dog trainer and she has yearsof experience training dogs to sit, heel, walk and obeyother commands.“It’s important to be patient and steady with the animals,”she said. Alford volunteers in caring for the Hopefor Paws dogs and has participated in adoption days.She hopes to partner with the City of Natchitoches tooffer dog training classes to pet owners. She was alreadyconsidering volunteering to train the animals before sheheard about the scholarship. The financial benefit isespecially important now, as her father was diagnosedearlier this year with a life-threatening illness.“I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 8 and I’mhappy to be getting closer to that reality,” she said.Walsh was in the first graduating class of the LouisianaScholars’ College where her concentration washumanities and social thought. She earned graduate degreesin public affairs from the University of Texas andnational security and strategic studies from the NationalWar College. She is employed with the U.S. Secretaryof Defense and is very involved with animal rescue inthe Washington, D.C., area. A visit to Natchitoches inwhich she noticed a number of unhealthy, stray and feralanimals raised her concern about animal welfare in thearea.“I wanted to do something for NSU and create anopportunity in which students realize they can make actionhappen, they can develop their ideas and their ideascan be validated,” she explained.Rather than be a one-time award, Walsh hopesthe Call to Action scholarship will encourage studentsinterested in animal welfare to take action and be heldaccountable for bringing their initiatives to fruition.Scholarship proposals are not limited to pets ordomestic animals; all projects that raise awareness ofanimal welfare are considered.“The purpose is for students to have ownership of aproject and see it through. This is a scholarship that willgive them experience in working with other people andhelp them later in life,” she said. “It’s about them learningthe value of hard work, patience, persistence andfinding inner strength to keep going.”www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Fall 2011 / 11

Alumni GatheringsBonnette Memorial Golf TournamentMembers of the Bonnette family werepresent for the Bonnette Memorial GolfTournament. On the front row from left areBen Lambert, Vera Bonnette, Anna VeraNickel and Emily Jo Lambert. On the backrow are Danny Lambert, Paula BonnetteNelson, Claire Nelson, Brian Allen Nelson,Lisa Bonnette Lambert, Brian Lambert,Randy Bonnette and Hunter Talley.Vera Bonnette, center, presented awardsto first place winners in Flight One of theBonnette Golf Tournament. From left areZach Trichel, Drake Harrington, Bonnette,Jared Donahoe and Tyler Trichel.Vera Bonnette, center, presentedawards to first place winners in FlightTwo of the Bonnette Golf Tournament.From left are Chuck Levy,Catherine Levy, Bonnette, Joe Beasleyand Chris Levy.Chris Roper Golf TournamentFirst place winners in the annual ChrisRoper Golf Tournament, held April 30 atNorthwestern Hills, were Richard Tew,Bill DeCour, Rickey McBride and De-Wayne Mitchell.Second place winners were Charlie Ingals,Danny Nolen, Randy Robinson andDoyle Anderson.Third place winners were Sam Fowler,Bryan Edens, Steven Wood andFrancis Deloney.Rick and Mary Roper, parents of the late ChrisRoper, introduced Jackson McNeil, center, as therecipient of the 2011 Chris Roper Scholarship.There is one year left in NorthwesternState’s current Capital Campaign,“Excellence: Yesterday, Today andTomorrow.” Gifts have come in the form ofannual fund pledges, million dollar estategifts and corporate matching funds. TheCapital Campaign total currently sits at$20 million and the university is strivingto reach its goal of $25 million by June30, 2012. The Alumni Association wouldlike to thank all of our faithful alumni thathave supported the Capital Campaign. Formore information on how to contribute tothe Capital Campaign, contact the Office ofUniversity Advancement at (318) 357-4414.12 / Alumni Columns Fall 2011 Visit our website at:

Alumni NewsBriggs’ 90th birthday swim raises funds for Cenla nursing, rad tech studentsNorthwestern nursing students congratulatedDr. Harry Briggs at thecompletion of a swim across KincaidLake to celebrate his 90th birthday.The occasion also served as a fundraiserfor NSU’s Cenla Center in Alexandria.The benefit took place atTunk’s Cypress Inn. On the front rowfrom left are Ansley Thiels, JeannieJoy, Katrina Myers, Lauren Williams,Kayla Hilger, Briggs, Brandi Martin,Michelle Watts with daughter Lily andDana Zimmerman. On the back roware Racquel Ravare, Michelle Shimko,Megan Basco, Justin McDaniel,Tiffany Achord, Paula Teta, KaraJohnson, Lisha Edwards and BrookeCox. The May 19 event was the thirdtime Briggs has completed a swim onKincaid Lake and the second time theoccasion was designated as a scholarshipfundraiser. Briggs, a politicalscience instructor at NSU’s Leesvillecampus, initiated several scholarshipendowments to benefit current and futureNSU students.Alum surprises mom with honorary scholarshipFormer Drum Major Bruston Manuel (2003) hascreated an endowed scholarship to honor hismother in thanks for her positive influence on hislife. The Carolyn Smith Manuel Music Scholarship willbe presented to an upperclassman music education major.First preference will be given to a male student who participatesin the NSU choir and marching band.“My mom loves music,” Bruston Manuel said. “Shewas in her high school band, the McNeese State Universityband and she attended all my concerts. She’s donea lot for me and I want to pay it forward. She was verygood about letting me pave my own way.”Carolyn Manuel, a retired math and science teacher,lives in Kinder.Bruston Manuel began his college career as a musiceducation major and later changed to vocal music,performing with the concert and chamber choirs. Aftergraduating in 2003, he moved to New York City, beganauditioning for musical theatre roles and discovered anaffinity for the business side of Broadway. While stillauditioning, he worked for a private family-run office,which influenced him to start his own company, PaperBoy Productions. He and a friend started the productioncompany last year which has co-produced three Broadwayproductions thus far.Among his fond memories of NSU, Manuel listedthe family atmosphere and nurturing environments heexperienced in the music department and the Spirit ofNorthwestern. As a performer, he also gained experiencein predicting what an audience will positively respond to.“My training at Northwestern gave me a vast amountof experiences which I use to help me pick musicals thathave a subject matter that appeal to a broad range ofpeople,” he said. “I often think back to when I was in collegeand draw on what types of performances audiencesresponded most to.”Manuel, who also contributed to the band’s uniformdrive, surprised his mother with news of the scholarshipon Mother’s Day.“This year has been particularly good for me,” hesaid. “I felt like the next best gift I could give my mom,besides going home, was something that could giveanother individual the opportunity that I had. When shesaw the certificate, she was very honored.”www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Fall 2011 / 13

Alumni UpdatesAlumniUpdatesScholarship will benefit first generation students1969J. Kirby is a partner in Burleson L.L.P.,married and lives in Houston.1973Rosalyn Anne Scroggs Beall is a retiredRapides Parish speech therapist andcurrently employed as a speech pathologistwith the Aurora R-8 School System. She ismarried and lives in Cape Fair, Mo.2001Antoinette Pittman is employed by theVernon Parish School Board as a first gradeteacher at North Polk Elementary, marriedand lives in Fort Polk.In Memory1931 – Nevada Self Salter, May 23, 2011,Lake Charles1933 – Joe P. Durham Sr., May 29, 2011,West Monroe1935 – Dr. George T. Walker, June 19,2011, Monroe1938 – Pete Antie, December 27, 2007,Melville1939 – Eunice Koonce Nowlin, June 15,2011, Natchitoches1939 – Marion C. Waguespack, July 11,2011, Lockport1946 – Shirley Babin Frost, May 16, 2011,LaPlace1949 – Juanita Cordozier Kilpatrick, July 15,2011, Natchitoches1954 – Ben Brewton, April 14, 2011,Houston, Texas1954, 1961 – Kenneth Shaw, July 26, 2011,Natchitoches1957 – Daniel Chase, June 1, 2011,Baton Rouge1960 - Wanda Gunn, May 5, 2011,Shreveport1962 – Dr. Dencil R. Taylor, Aug. 6, 2011,Wichita Falls, Texas1965 – Doris Hanna Pitts, May 27, 2011,Shreveport1977 – Dr. Gregory Ellis Garland, April 9,2011, Palm Bay, Fla.1990 – Rangi Jason Lim, May 16, 2011,Louisville, Ky.For more Alumni Updatesplease visit our website:www.northwesternalumni.comIda Simpson presented a donationto the NSU Foundation to initiate ascholarship for first generation collegestudents. The donation was presentedto Director of University AdvancementDrake Owens.A Northwestern State Universityalumna and World War II veteranis helping first generation collegestudents through an endowed scholarshipthat was supplemented withstate matching funds. The Ida EmilySimpson First Generation EndowedScholarship will be created throughthe Louisiana Board of Regents Supportfund that matches $60,000 with$40,000 to create an endowed scholarshipin the amount of $100,000.“Ms. Simpson inquired aboutstate matching funds for scholarshipsand we informed her about an opportunityto endow a scholarship for firstgeneration college students, ” saidDrake Owens, director of UniversityAdvancement and executive directorof the NSU Foundation.Simpson’s early life was difficultand earning her was education astruggle. Born in 1922, Simpson wasorphaned as a child and cared for byneighbors and relatives. She graduatedas valedictorian of her class atMonterey High School and plannedto attend nursing school, but the ladywith whom she was living encouragedher to attend college at LouisianaNormal, as Northwestern wasthen known. She enrolled on a workscholarship and had wanted to pursuejournalism, but her caregiver discouragedthe idea. Instead, Simpsonearned a degree in health and physicaleducation.Following graduation, sheenlisted in the Army in 1943. Duringa 20-year Army career, she wasstationed in England, France, Germanyand the U.S. After the war,stationed both stateside and abroad,she worked for military newspapersand in public information offices, doingpublic relations work and newswriting,including serving as head ofthe public information office at FortMonroe, Va. She retired in July 1964as Sgt. First Class E-7. After her discharge,she lived in New Orleans for20 years, where she became an avidgolfer, before moving to Florida to benear friends and relatives. She nowresides in Washington, D.C.“Ms. Simpson was delightedwith the prospect of creating thisscholarship for first generation studentsand knowing that her contributionwas enhanced so much by thematch,” Owens said. “She has agreat love for this school.”Simpson previously supportedNorthwestern through contributionstowards a scholarship for a femalestudent earning a degree in journalismand was among the donors whocontributed at the highest level to theNSU’s first professorship in militaryscience, the Demon Regiment EndowedProfessorship, in acknowledgmentof her career of service in theU.S. Army. For this contribution, shewas presented with the RegimentalSaber Award. Simpson’s scholarshipin journalism will be awarded to astudent pursuing a degree in communicationswith a concentration inmass communications.14 / Alumni Columns Fall 2011 Visit our website at:

Alumni NewsWhy I Love NSUIn September of 1961 my parents drove me from Smackover, Ark., toNatchitoches with a suit case, a box of bed linens, a portable typewriterand a clock radio. I was about to embark on a journey of whichI had only dreamed. I was assigned to Agnes Morris Dormitory andit was about supper time that my family left me with my clothes unpacked,the bed made, many instructions and $20 in my purse. Dueto some rearrangements in the roommate selections I found that I didnot have a roommate so I bravely joined a group of girls who weregoing to the cafeteria. It was at one end of the square formed by thefour freshman girl’s dorms. I thought the grounds were beautiful. Thefood was slightly less exciting than the line of cute boys serving trays.I had never felt such freedom and independence in my life!! I was incollege!!Very soon I made friends and found a roommate. The courses wereexciting, and as a nursing major I was very taken with the nursingskills lab and the procedures that we learned. I have yet to this dayto see anything like those outfits we wore for PE. I loved the footballgames and when the State Fair Game was played in Shreveport midstthe huge chrysanthemums and purple ribbons I felt I had truly arrivedin the big city life. The Christmas lights and parades on the banks ofCane River were a spectacle that has stayed with me all my life resultingin many adult trips on the first Saturday in December to show myfamily the lights.I was very sad when the time came for nursing majors to move toShreveport for clinicals. I considered changing my major in order tostay, but my parents refused to pay out of state fees for a major I couldget in Arkansas. Many of my friends were moving to Shreveport aswell so we made the adjustment to the very different life style leadingto our BSN degree. I still remember some of the patients that I workedwith and I know our faculty prepared us well. After a semester or two,Florence Nightingale had nothing on us!!The trips back to campus to visit friends kept me connected to thewonderful world of Northwestern. The semesters passed quickly andin May of 1965 I graduated. I returned to Arkansas and went to work inLittle Rock. I was married in 1969 and we raised two daughters. I waswidowed in 1999. That BSN degree provided me with many opportunitiesover my forty year career. I worked in education most of mycareer retiring in 2005 as Director of Development and Student Affairsfrom University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Nursing.- Benni Sue Johnson Ogden Fambrough (1965)Family establishes scholarship to honor 1932 alumnaA DeSoto Parish family is honoringtheir loved one by establishing an endowedscholarship in her name at NSU. The MaryLeigh Marshall Gallaspy Endowed Scholarshipwill be awarded to a junior or seniorenrolled in the Department of Family andConsumer Sciences at NSU. Preference willbe given to a student first from DeSoto Parishand second from Sabine Parish.The Mary Leigh Marshall Gallaspy EndowedScholarship was established througha donation to the NSU Foundation from theGallaspy family and the San Patricio CattleCompany, LLC, who contributed $120,000to the scholarship.Mary Leigh Marshall Gallaspy wasborn Feb. 23, 1913, in a log house on AllendalePlantation near Stonewall to a familywith deep roots in DeSoto Parish. Shegraduated from Stonewall High School in1928, the youngest graduate ever from thatschool. In the fall of 1928, she arrived atLouisiana State Normal College, as NSUwas then known, and graduated four yearslater with a degree in home economics. Shewas offered a scholarship for graduate studyat LSU, but declined after receiving a joboffer to teach home economics at PelicanHigh School. She arrived in Pelican bytrain from Stonewall to begin teaching inthe fall of 1932.She married Francis Norman GallaspyAug. 10, 1938, and moved to his familyhome in Pelican, where she still resides. Sheended her teaching career in 1939 to becomea full time homemaker. She and Normanestablishedthe San PatricioCattleCompany(SPCCo) in1974, whichincludes Mrs.Gallaspy’schildren andgrandchildren,Gallaspy,Myersand GarlingtonfamilyMary Leigh MarshallGallaspymembers. After his death in 1988 she becamepresident of SPCCo, diligently carryingout all the duties involved until five yearsago when her health became more delicate.“She was a wonderful record keeper,” accordingto her daughter, Kathleen GallaspyMyers.“Before she turned 90, Mother did herown household chores as well as managingSPCCo. I cannot imagine a person whosehomemaking skills could be any more perfectthan hers were,” Myers said. “Just assome of her former students have commentedthrough the years when sharing theirmemories of her appearance – ‘she never hada hair out of place’ -- she seemed never tohave anything undone in her home. Therewas never a dirty dish left to be washed anddried after a meal. Even today, she is uncomfortableif shades are not pulled down atthe same level at each window and curtainties do not match.“Perhaps something could be saidabout changes she has seen in her life -- norunning water, no gas or electricity or indoorplumbing compared to today’s lifestyle.She has basically lived in only two housesthroughout her 98 years -- the 1854 Allendalelog house in Stonewall and the 1920shome in Pelican where she now resides.”“It is obvious from Mrs. Gallaspy’s verysuccessful life management skills that shewas a wonderful student and role model witha ‘can do’ spirit,” said Dr. Patricia Pierson,head of the Department of Family and ConsumerScience, which is marking a centennialthis year. “Although the name of ourprofession has changed through the years,its mission remains to improve the lives ofindividuals, families and communities andMrs. Gallaspy has certainly done that herentire life. She will continue to touch andimprove students’ lives through she and herfamily’s marvelous generosity.”“Our family has been blessed, especiallyin recent years, by the sacrifices mygrandparents made to build up their propertyholdings,” said Dr. Leigh Ann Myers,professor of mathematics at NSU and Mrs.Gallaspy’s granddaughter. “We recognizethe importance of NSU’s commitment toeducating the people of northwest Louisiana,which has continued throughout its historyand served three generations of our family,beginning with my grandmother. We arepleased to help students and the departmentof Family and Consumer Sciences in herhonor.”www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Fall 2011 / 15

Alumni NewsThe Entertainers were a campus vocal group that represented Northwestern at eventsin Louisiana and the surrounding area by performing music from the recording industry’sbiggest stars. Selection was by audition. The Entertainers from 1980-81included Brent Thibodaux, Natalie Craig, Don Brewer, Scott Stuart, Leigh Wood,Vickie Corley, Randy Walker, Mark LaCour and Jimmy Davis. Under the directionof Dr. William Hunt, the Entertainers performed at the Louisiana State Fair, the RedRiver Revel, in conjunction with the Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy,the 54th Natchitoches Christmas Festival, the International Arabian Horse Associationconvention in Dallas, the 96th annual Homecoming, a television special onKALB-Alexandria and at many high schools in the south.Guess Who?Two Queens reigned over Homecoming Festivitiesat Northwestern in the fall of 1960. Canyou name the Homecoming Queen, the HonoraryQueen and their court?The first five alumni to call the Alumni Centerat (318) 357-4414 with the correct answers willwin a prize.Pictured in the Summer 2011 edition of GuessWho: Barbara Jean Uhrbach, Judy Bob Roberts,Linda Lattier, Charlotte Beebe and VickyWest.“Guess Who” winners from Summer 2011:Steve Murphy (1964)Judy Easley (1963)Helen West Moses (1963)16 / Alumni Columns Fall 2011 Visit our website at:

Visit our website atwww.northwesternalumni.comand click on “First Time Log-In”or use this printed form.Please fill this page out as completely as possible. We are constantly revising our records and yourinformation updates are vital to making the system work. The information from this form is also used forentries in the “Alumni Updates” section. Please make a copy of this page and give it to any NSU graduatewho may not be on our list. We can’t keep in touch with you if we can’t find you! Thank you.Date_____________________Name: (Miss, Mrs. Mr.)______________________________________________________________________________________Please Circle Last First Middle MaidenCurrent address:__________________________________________________________________________________________City:________________________________________________________State:_____________ Zip:_______________________Phone:_____________________________________________________E-Mail:________________________________________NSU undergraduate degree(s):______________________________________________Year of graduation:__________________NSU graduate degree(s):___________________________________________________Year of graduation:__________________During which years did you attend NSU?________________________________________________________________________Which organizations were you involved in while a student at NSU?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Place of employment _______________________________________________________________________________________Job title:____________________________________________________Work phone:___________________________________Spouse’s name:___________________________________________________________________________________________Is your spouse an NSU graduate? ____Yes ____ NoIf yes, what degree(s) did he / she earn?Spouse’s undergraduate degree (s) _________________________ Year of graduation_________Spouse’s graduate degree (s) ______________________________ Year of graduation________Do you have children who are potential Northwestern students?Please tell us their names, contact information, and what high school they attend.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Please return to: Alumni Center • Northwestern State University • Natchitoches, LA 71497If you would like information from Admissions, Financial Aid orthe NSU Athletic Association, you can contact them at the following address:University RecruitingSouth HallNatchitoches, LA 71497(318) 357-4503 or 800-327-1903.nsula.edu/enrollmentservices/recruitingFinancial AidRoom 109, Roy HallNatchitoches, LA 71497(318) 357-5961nsula.edu/financialaidAthletic DirectorRoom 101C, Athletic FieldhouseNatchitoches, LA 71497(318) 357-5251NSUDemons.com

Northwestern State UniversityAlumni ColumnsNatchitoches, LA 71497-0002PeriodicalsPostage PaidPostal PermitUSPS 01548050 Year Graduates from the Class of 19611st Row: Juanita Miller Brumley, Helen Armadine Miller Wright, Gail Rucker Schwarzbach, Beth Savill Hill, Ellen Stella HolmesCraig, Marty Cooley Driggers, Ursula Wahl Williams, Barbara Beebe Wolf, Jerre Prestridge Perry, Ann Wilson Oberle & Mary EloiseCaraway Walden. 2nd Row: Marie Michel Masson, Linda Fedd Culpepper, Marietta Hammock Booth, Gerry Haworth Sexton, EdithMothershed Hawkins, Michaelene Beckman Flasch, Patricia Pittman Cantrell, Jo Ann R. Gregg, Judith Wright Ibsen, Nell GatlinBankston & Mary Eleanor Harper Bonnette. 3rd Row: Michelle Drane Smith, Jill Kelley Riel, Martha Louise Fletcher Hoolahan, MarySebren Jordan, Diana Jordan Hart, Sarah Oliver Todd, Rita Raye Findley Bozeman, Frances Jackson Freeman, Blanche HelenMiller Harrison, Sandra McCalla, Louvenia McGee Carter & Peggy Joe Robinson Pike. 4th Row: Wayne Louis Williamson, RalphE. McNabb, Jr., Lovick H. Johnson, III, James Douglas Harris, John M. Millar, Frank L. Peske, Rastus O’Neil Massey, Robert EarlTurner, David Franklin Eason, Mack Daniel Knotts, Harry L. Goodfellow, Jerry H. Norwood, John I. Morrow, William Paul Spillers,Cecil Franklin Easley, Jr., Carolyn Roberts Davenport & B.J. Lewis.