Alumni Columns - Northwestern State University Alumni

Magazine Summer 2008Northwestern State University of LouisianaDISTANCE LEARNING@NORTHWESTERN STATE

ALUMNI NEWSDISTANCE LEARNING @NORTHWESTERN STATEOn-line programs broaden opportunities for learnersWhen Clyde Coats gets abreak from his full timejob, he spends his freetime studying to earn an associatedegree in general education. Hisresponsibilities for his day job aresubject to frequent change and someassignments require more of his timethan others. Getting the properbooks for his class work can be achallenge. But Coats forges aheadwith the goal of eventually earning adegree in education and teaching atthe high school level. Northwestern’sinnovative approaches to distancelearning have made it possible forCoats and others like him to makestrides in meeting their goals from asfar away as Camp Loyalty, Iraq.“Some of the challenges besidesscheduling is the constant change ofbeing in a combat zone,” said SFCCoats, who is with the 4th Brigade10th Mountain Division in Baghdad.“Getting books on time can be aproblem, so you have to plan early.”Last spring, Coats was enrolledin a finance class through the NSU-Leesville campus.Although continuing with schoolhas been a challenge, Coats islooking forward to his retirement inthree years.“I really like to be home on myown land,” the Rosepine native said.“I should graduate from the associateprogram by the time I retire, if notearlier, depending on the job I getonce I get back to Fort Polk. Ishould then be finished with myteaching degree one and a half totwo years after that.”As the Military Liaison Officerfor NSU, Robert Triplett works withactive duty soldiers, familymembers, retirees, vets and anyoneelse who needs help.“I assist the active duty guys intaking several transcripts andworking up a degree plan with alight at the end of the tunnel,”Triplett said. “The soldier’s abilityto attend classes isbased on hisavailability. It isnormally dictated bytheir jobs,” Triplettsaid. “Once they getstarted, they are prettymuch like our othernontraditionalstudents. As with anyother student, thesoldier has to juggletime in order to attendschool and work fulltime, a challengefaced by most nontraditionalstudents.”“I have been astudent all my life,”Coats said. “You neverreally stop learning.”It is with thatsentiment in mind thatNSU has become apioneer in redefiningcampus borders,offering 14 on-linedegree programs alongwith a growingnumber of certification courses.Internet-only students do not pay anyout-of-state fees and with fullyaccredited on-line degree programsfrom the associate through themasters’ levels, and a full array ofsupport services, no student in needof an education should feel place ortime bound.In 2006, Kristin Shoemaker ofWarsaw, Ind., became the firstNorthwestern undergraduate to earnher bachelor’s degree entirely online,having never stepped foot on NSU’scampus until she arrived to collecther diploma. She earned a degree inpsychology with a 3.952 grade pointaverage. Shoemaker selected NSUafter rejecting other institutions thatpresented obstacles such asresidency requirements oraccreditation problems. Moststudents, however, take a mixture ofClyde Coatson-line and traditional classes. In2007, about half of all studentsenrolled at NSU were taking at leastone class on-line.NSU’s earliest distance learningcourses were offered via satellite,audio graphics and videoconferencing. In 1998, the first onlinecourse was offered through theCollege of Education.“The primary purpose for offeringcourses using distance learning wasto reach rural populations in ruralareas,” said Dr. Darlene Williams,acting vice president for Technology,Research and EconomicDevelopment. “Another reason forembracing distance learning as aviable delivery method was due tothe innovative nature and interest ofthe faculty. Also, NSU’s innovatorswere supported by visionary leadersSee Distance Learning Page 2Alumni Columns Summer 2008 / 1

ALUMNI NEWSLeft photo: Lt. Jeffrey Giering, S3, FutureOperations, sent a picture from Baghdad ofhimself and Cpt. Joe Barnett. Both graduatedfrom NSU in 1997 and “are carrying on in trueDemon fashion.” Above, Giering and his wifeMelissa (1997) visited the NSU campus,presenting the flag to Dr. Chris Maggio.Samuel Wise of Lena, a fourth generation of alumnus ofNSU, graduated cum laude with a degree in biology inMay 2008. Wise plans to attend graduate school andpursue a career in environmental biology. Wisegraduated from Northwood High School in Lena andchose NSU because of its proximity to his home andfamily. Wise comes from a long line of NSU graduates:Great-grandmother Lovenia Morea Wise earned ateaching certificate from Normal in 1917 and anothergreat-grandmother, Inez Rougeau Beebe, graduated inthe 1920s. His grandmother, Geraldine Beebe Wisegraduated in 1946. Father William Jackson Wise and mother June Jones bothgraduated in the 1970s and older brother William J. Wise graduated in 2006.Billy (1956) and Rose MarieDearing of Shreveport(1957), seated, created anendowed scholarship tobenefit a mathematicsstudent at NSU. Thankingthem on behalf of theuniversity were DrakeOwens and Jill Bankston.Class of 1957achieving pledge goalMembers of the Class of 1957have currently raised $31,219toward their goal of $60,000 tofulfill the Class of 1957Endowed Professorship. TheClass of 1957 began theendeavor last year to mark theirgolden jubilee and was the firstgraduating class to establish anendowed gift. Donations arestill being accepted as the groupstrives to meet its goal, whichwill be matched with $40,000from the State of LouisianaBoard of Regents. To supportthe endowed professorship,contact Jill Bankston at (318)357-4241 or Dr. VirginiaCrossno at (318) 357-4108.Continued from Page 1and support staff who recognized technology as anessential teaching tool for the future.”Technology has changed tremendously since theinception of distance learning at Northwestern and todayis utilized by both full-time students and differentcategories of non-traditional students and other adultlearners with full-time jobs.“NSU evolved from the use of news boards, basic e-mail and non-graphic web pages to full softwareprograms that provide a host of tools for faculty andstudents,” Williams said. “The university strives toprovide a seamless learning environment that isdedicated to fostering a culture of lifelong learning.”Alumni Columns Summer 2008 / 2Visit our website at:

ALUMNI NEWSVasquez presents Natchitoches performanceDr. Ramon F. Vasquez (1994) performed in February withthe Auburn University Brass Trio in conjunction with an outreachtour of Texas. The trio was hosted by the School of Creative andPerforming Arts and, in addition to a concert at Trinity EpiscopalChurch in Natchitoches, presented a brass clinic to the NSU appliedtrumpet studio and a clinic for the university jazz orchestra.Dr. Vasquez plays trumpet in the Trio, the brass ensemble inresidence at Auburn University, which performs a broad repertoireof new and standard compositions and arrangements for brass.Vasquez has been on faculty at Auburn since 2005, where heteaches the applied trumpet studio, music appreciation and isdirector for the Auburn University Jazz Ensemble, TrumpetEnsemble and Student Brass Quintet.Vasquez graduated from NSU with a bachelor’s in musicperformance and earned a master’s degree in music performance atthe University of North Texas in 1997 and a doctor of musical artsin music performance from the University of Minnesota in 2005.He served on the faculty at the University of Minnesota-Duluthfrom 1998-2003 as well as a teaching assistant at North Texas andthe University of Minnesota.Since graduation from NSU, Vasquez had many opportunitiesto perform for many people across the world and with manyacclaimed celebrities“My education that I received from NSU has truly helped me gain so many opportunities through myGalindo Rodriguez and Dr. Ramon F. Vasquezexperiences from the professors at NSU, particularly [associate professor] Galindo Rodriguez. He took me under hiswing when I walked through the door in 1990 and showed me the various things a trumpet player needed to do inorder to become an artist and a versatile musician in today’s world,” Vasquez said.College of Education seeking nominationsfor Hall of Distinguished EducatorsNorthwestern’s College of Education Alumni AdvisoryBoard is seeking nominations for its Hall ofDistinguished Educators for 2008. Nominees must havegraduated from NSU’s College of Education at least 30years prior to nomination. The inductees will participatein NSU homecoming activities in the fall.If you know of an outstanding College of Educationalumnus who has had a distinguished career in education,please send the nominee’s resume or otherdocumentation outlining the reason for the nomination toJimmy Berry, Chair, Alumni Advisory Board, 454 WhiteOak Lane, Natchitoches, LA 71457 or email tojandmberry@suddenlink.net.Additional information is available from Berry at (318)357-8546 or Dr. Brenda Hanson in the College ofEducation at (318) 357-5518 or dailey@nsula.edu. Thedeadline to submit 2008 nominations is Aug. 1.Alums receive university appointmentsDr. Darlene Williams (1989, 1994,1998) has been named vice president forTechnology, Research and EconomicDevelopment at NSU. Williams willoversee the Offices of Electronic andContinuing Education, InformationSystems, Student Technology, Researchand Sponsored Programs and EconomicDevelopment.Marcus Jones (1992) has been namedVice President for University Affairs.Jones will be responsible for overseeingconstruction projects, maintenance,custodial and general upkeep of alluniversity facilities and grounds.Steven Gruesbeck (1997) has beennamed director of Service-Learning atNSU. Gruesbeck will coordinate andpromote the university-wide servicelearninginitiative.www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Summer 2008 / 3

ALUMNI NEWSNSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb, left,presented alumnus Joseph Dow ofPasadena, Texas, with an honorary doctorateof humane letters. Dow graduated from NSUin 1963 with a degree in mathematics and isthe owner of Dow Pipe and Fence Supply. Heis also a member of the NSU Alumni Hall ofDistinction, the Long Purple Line. Dow wascongratulated by Webb and by Dr. SteveHorton, dean of Graduate Studies.The first students to receive degrees atNorthwestern through the Contiuum for AllLouisiana Learners (CALL) initiative wererecognized during Spring CommencementExercises. seated from left, are Perry Loweof Robeline, Phyllis Edwards of Opelousas,Lasha’ Garner of Florien, CatherineHamilton of Natchitoches and GerrellThomas of Oklahoma City, Okla. On theback row are Jimmy Long, a member of theBoard of Supervisors for the University ofLouisiana System; Dr. Thomas Hanson,provost and vice president for Academicand Student Affairs, Northwestern President Dr. Randall J. Webb, Northwestern alumnus Joseph Dow, recipient of an honorarydoctorate; Dr. Darlene Williams, vice president for Technology, Research, and Economic Development and State Sen. Gerald Long.SP❂TLIGHTSKarren YoungAlexander(1981) haswritten her firstbook “InvisibleHand –OvercomingObstacles andChallenges.”Karren’s booktakes her readerson a personaljourney of herKarren Alexander challenges andprovides varioustechniques that people can applydaily to enrich their lives andrestore hope in two ways. First isto walk around MAD all the time;the word MAD is used as anacronym to teach people how tobe Motivated with an Attitude ofDetermination. Second, how todrive with no hands: Applysimple driving techniques andmaintenance requirements for acar to obstacles and challenges.Karren says “As a life coach andtransformational speaker, I like toteach people how to let go of pasthurts and offenses to achieve theirgoals and dreams. Many peopleneed to believe that the ability toaccomplish their goals anddreams is based on the strengthwithin.”Karren has also written andproduced a song titled “TheStrength Within.”Karren earned herundergraduate in accounting andbusiness management at NSU anda masters in accounting at StrayerUniversity in Arlington, Va.For more information about herbook or to contact Karren, visither web sitewww.karrenalexander.com.Tommy McClelland (2004,2005) was named athleticsdirector at McNeese StateUniversity in March. McClelland,a former NSU athlete, beganserving as interim athleticsdirector in June 2007. Prior to hisselection as interim athleticsdirector, he was McNeese’scoordinator of athletic events,sales and marketing after servingan internship for a year in theSouthland Conference office andbeing an intern in 2005 in theNSU athletics department.McClelland is the youngestathletics director in the SouthlandConference and is believed to bethe youngest athletics director forany NCAA Division I university.Alumni Columns Summer 2008 / 4Visit our website at:

ALUMNI NEWSAKA, AΦA reunion planned this fallAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority andAlpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will host a35th anniversary and reunion celebrationduring Homecoming festivities Oct. 24-26. The two Greek organizations werechartered at Northwestern in 1973.Former members of the Eta ChiChapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha andTheta Chi chapter of Alpha Phi Alphi areinvited to participate in several plannedactivities, which will begin on Fridaywith participation in the Homecomingparade and pep rally, followed by a meetand greet reception and an old time stepshow competition. Saturday’s eventswill include tailgating and attendance at the Homecoming game, followed byan evening banquet that will include a recognition program for charter linemembers, graduate advisors of the chartering lines and graduate chapters.The group will participate in a worship service on Sunday.The national Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded in 1906. Thenation Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was founded in 1908 and is celebrating itscentennial this year.For more information or to register, contact former Alpha Kappa AlphaPresident Charlene Miller Voorhoos (1978) at charlenevoorhies@yahoo.comor (318) 797-8350; or former Alpha Phi Alpha President James Perry atjaypee1906@yahoo.com or call (218) 859-7787.Purple Jacketsseeking formermembersThe Purple Jackets organizationis developing an alumnidatabase. Women who weremembers of Purple Jackets areasked to contactFrances Watkins Conine,sponsor, at (318) 357-6703 ore-mail coninef@nsula.edu.Look for information on aPurple Jackets reunionin the Fall edition ofAlumni Columns.McClelland’s wife, Jessica StokesMcClelland (2002), is a former NSUathletics department student worker.Fekisha Rene Miller was elected tothe St. Landry Parish Council shortlyafter completing her master’s degreein physical therapy from LSU HealthSciences Center in Shreveport.Fekisha earned a B.S. in biologyfrom Northwestern in 2004.Mike Gallien was named the Aldine,Texas, Independent School DistrictSecondary Principal of the Year for2007-2008. Mike is the principal ofTeague Middle School, a position hehas held for the past eight years. Heis a 1981 graduate of NorthwesternState University with a degree insocial sciences education and has 27years of experience in education,including the last 25 in Aldine, anorth Houston school districtcomprised of 68 campuses with over60,000 students. Teague MiddleSchool is a State Recognized seventhand eighth grade campus whereMike has served as an administratorfor the past 21 years.Archie Anderson (1982) was namedpresident and chief executive officerof OCI, a healthcare benefits andrisk data management provider inApril. Anderson has more than 20years experience in the healthcare,benefits and risk managementservices industries. AT OCI, he willbe responsible for the overallbusiness and will devote his energiestoward further growth andexpansion. OCI helps the nation’slargest employers address thespiraling cost of benefits, one of themost expensive and complexbusiness problems. OCI provides aview of total benefits costs thatenables employers to deliver healthrelatedprograms to employees,identify opportunities forimprovement of benefits programs,improve the health and productivityof their employees and manage leaveprograms.Anderson was most recentlypresident of Intracorp. Prior to that,he spent 18 years at GENEXServices Inc. in a variety ofleadership roles including SVP salesand marketing.Anderson earned both a master’sdegree in higher educationadministration and counseling and aB.S. in business administration atNorthwestern.He will be relocating from thePhiladelphia area to OCI firmheadquarters in Denver.www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Summer 2008 / 5

ALUMNI GATHERINGSLittle RockNorthwestern alumni who gathered for Louisiana SaturdayNight in Little Rock in April were, from left, CammieHennigan (1994), Mike Corbell (1968), Nina Corbell, RyanReed (1999), Amber Reed (2000), Wanda Ford (1986),James Taylor (1990), Drake Owens (2004, 2005), RickRoper, Armour Bryant, Mary Roper, Debbie Hughes (1974),Neal Shankey (1995), Mike Hughes and Carolyn Lasseigne(1962).James Taylor (1990), Armour Bryant, Linda Crochet (1992)and Neal Sharkey (1995), joined guests at LouisianaSaturday Night in Little Rock which hosted graduates notonly from Northwestern, but also University of NewOrleans, University of Louisiana-Monroe, McNeese,University of Louisiana-Lafayette, and Southeastern.Baton RougeFoundation Board member Al Morrow (1966), MargaretteMorrow, Judy Edwards (1966) and Terry Edwards (1966)were among the guests at the Baton Rouge reception.Erica Adams (2003), Jason St. German (2003), Sara Tanehill(2004), Mia Guillory (2005), Michael St. German (2006), ErinBardin (2003), Michael Antoon (2007) and Mark Miciotta(2006), got reacquainted at the Baton Rouge reception.NatchitochesBossier CityRecipients of the Ted Jones Scholarship for the Natchitochesarea were, from left, Daniel Longino of Riverdale Academy,Assistant Director of Recruiting Ashlee Crooks-Hewitt (2001),Caitlin Cunningham and Claire Harrington of St. Mary’s,Nathaniel Hagan and Michael Hilton of Natchitoches CentralHigh School and Recruiter Nikki Ceaser (2007). The event washosted by David (1980) and Kim (1985) Wright.Amanda Emfiriger ofBenton High Schoolwas named recipientof the Ted JonesScholarship for theBossier area. Shewas congratulatedby Steven Wood(2006). Thereception washosted by MikeKnotts (1986) ofHaughton.Alumni Columns Summer 2008 / 6Visit our website at:

ALUMNI GATHERINGSLeesvilleShreveport Crawfish BoilGene (1963) and Martha Kourywere hosts of the Leesvillerecruiting reception.Attending the Shreveport crawfish boil were Hal Montgomery (1969), LindaMontgomery, Harold Holly (1970) and Sally Holly, above right, and Lisa Benson(2002), L.J. Benson, Doris Smith (1974, 1989) and Randy Smith, above left.Lake Charles/SulphurShelia Perez of Pickering HighSchool was named the recipientof the Ted Jones Scholarship forthe Leesville area. She wascongratulated by NSU Directorof Alumni and DevelopmentKevin McCotter and RecruiterNikki Ceaser (2007).ManyJoshua Meche of Sam Houston HighSchool, right, was named recipient ofthe Ted Jones Scholarship for theLake Charles/Sulphur area. He wascongratulated by recruiter NikkiCeaser (2007) and Gen. Erbon Wise.RustonTed Jones Scholarship winnersfor the Many area were AndrewKelly of Many High School, left,and Kendi Martinez of ZwolleHigh School, right. They werecongratulated by NSU RecruiterNikki Ceaser, (2007).Hosts of the Many recruiting reception were,from left, Steven (2003) and Mary Beth (2003)Van Sickle, Virginia Burkett (1973, 1975),Caleb Burkett, Ellianna Van Sickle, Don Burkett(1974) and Mandy Cathey (2006).LafayetteDanny and Lenn Prince (1975) werehosts for the Ruston reception.Victoria Cararas of SterlingtonHigh School was named TedJones Scholarship winner forthe Ruston area. She wascongratulated by Steve Wood(2006).Derek Clavier of Carencro High School, left, andCarmen Camouche of Northwest High School,right, were named recipients of Ted JonesScholarships for the Lafayette area. They werecongratulated by recruiter Nikki Ceaser (2007).www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Summer 2008 / 7

ALUMNI GATHERINGSNew OrleansDallas Crawfish BoilAttending the New Orleans alumni reception were, above left photo,Christopher Becker (1995), Stacy Spitzkeit (2004), Ashlie Fisher (2005) andMohn Maske, as well as Russell (1940) and Mona Bond, above right photo.Guests in New Orleans also includedRhonda Regouffre (1993), RandyWiggins (1978), Ginger Wiggins (1981),Patty Hrapmann (1973), KennyHrapmann (1973), Nicole Lagasse, NeilPonstein (2004) and Greg Burke.Reconnecting at the Dallas CrawfishBoil were, above photo from left, RavenBrown (1999), Andrea Bailey (1999),Carmen Peyton (1999) and QuencyPerkins. Below are John Brewton(1954), Judy Randolph and JimRandolph (1966).Shreveport Recruiting ReceptionJulie (1976) and Keith (1974) Bergeron, left photo, hosted the Shreveport-arearecruiting reception. Andrea Pugh of Northwood High School was namedwinner of the Ted Jones Scholarship, congratulated by Steven Wood (2006).Host Jill Cantrell Morrison (1993),center, visited with Kelley Mims (1996)and Angela Hennigan Kelso (1995).Dallas/Longview Recruiting ReceptionTed Jones Scholarship winners from the Dallas/Longview area wtih recruiter Ellen Dutsch are, from left, Ashely Hammett of LindenKildare High School, Heather Smith of Longview and Sam Furlow of Warren T. White High School in Dallas. Hosts for the Dallasreception were Tommy (1973) and Susan McCullough. Hosts for the Longview reception were Carroll (1967) and Susan Long.Dr. Harry Briggs, a professor of political science at NSU’sLeesville/Fort Polk campus, has initiated an AmericanLegion Scholarship. From left are Dr. Larry Monk,executive director of the Leesville campus; Briggs, HoliceWhite, American Legion Poast 145 commander; JillBankston and Leonard Hulson, finance officer of Post 145.Alumni Columns Summer 2008 / 8Visit our website at:

FOUNDATION NEWSFoundation Scholarship BanquetAmong the guests attending the Foundation Scholarship Banquet were, top photo from left, Sue F. Williams, John Williams,Markenia Nicole, Quincy Jackson and Frances Conine, and, bottom photo from left, Justin Krouse, Jill Bankston, MerleAntoon, Danielle Antoon, Melanie Deblieux and Lauren Lupo.Alliance Compressors presented a $10,000 donation tothe Northwestern State University Foundation duringhalftime of the March 1 basketball game. Thecontribution will support the Alliance CompressorEndowed Scholarship Fund and was funded through theEmerson Trust Fund, the charitable trust of Alliance’sparent company, Copeland Corporation. From left areNSU Director of Alumni and Development KevinMcCotter, E.J. Billedeaux, employee relations manager;NSU alumna Charmaine Owens, Alliance humanresources generalist, and Ken Garner, Alliance continuousimprovement manager.Alumni Association seeks more involvement, is promoting Annual FundDonors to the NSU AlumniAssociation’s Annual FundDrive have generated muchneededsupport for the university’s mostimportant needs, such as scholarships,recruiting, faculty recognition, alumniprograms and campus renovations. TheAnnual Fund has an impact on virtuallyevery aspect of Northwestern. Every giftis important and every gift helps make adifference.“All gifts, regardless of size, play animportant part in allowing NSU tocontinue to grow,” said Kevin McCotter,director of Alumni and Development.“Whether a gift is $25 or $25,000, takentogether, the Annual Fund provides oneof NSU’s most significant sources ofsupport.”This year’s Annual Fund Drive willbegin with a mail-out in August,followed by a phone-a-thon inNovember. There are several differentlevels of giving.“August, the start of the new schoolyear, is always an exciting time atNorthwestern. The annual Alumni FundDrive is a vital part of the NSUscholarship fund and allows alumni toparticipate to become a part of theDemon experience,” said AlumniAssociation President Jerry Brungart(1969, 1971). “We appreciate and thankall the alumni for their contributions.”Brungart said that by supporting theAnnual Fund Drive, the AlumniAssociation is furthering its mission ofpromoting academic excellence anddeveloping coalitions among alumni,students, friends and the universitycommunity. To get more alumniinvolved, the AA board of directors isencouraging alumni to activelyparticipate in recruiting, promoting theAssociation website and developing analumni recognition program. They arealso considering ways to improveattendance at tailgates, both at home andon the road, and exploring the possibilityof getting involved in area festivals.“Contributions to this endeavorsupport the Alumni Association’s effortsin engaging students and alumni throughreunions, local chapter programs, GradFest, Homecoming activities, facultyrecognition awards and scholarships,”McCotter said. “The AlumniAssociation also supports recruitingPictured from left are Joe Stamey,vice president; Dr. Lisa Mathews,secretary/treasurer; Jerry Brungart,president; Janay Matt, assistantdirector of alumni relations.receptions throughout Louisiana andTexas and enhances many aspects ofcampus life.”All gifts are tax deductible andsome companies offer a matchingprogram that allows a donor to double ortriple their contribution.For more information, visit ourwebsite at nsula.edu/alumni,e-mail mccotterk@nsula.edu,or call (318) 357-4414.Our toll free number is (888) 799-6486.www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Summer 2008 / 9

ATHLETICSDEMONS2008 FOOTBALL SCHEDULEAug 30 TEXAS A&M - COMMERCE 6:00Sep 06 Baylor 6:00Sep 13 GRAMBLING STATE 6:00Sep 20 CAL POLY 6:00Sep 27 SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA 6:00Oct 11 NICHOLLS STATE * 6:00Oct 18 Southeastern Louisiana * 6:00Oct 25 SAM HOUSTON STATE 2:00(Homecoming) *Nov 01 Texas State * TBANov 08 Central Arkansas * 4:00Nov 15 McNEESE STATE * 6:00Nov 22 Stephen F. Austin * 6:00Purple bold text indicatesHOME games at Turpin Stadium* indicates Southland Conference gamesVisit www.nsudemons.com for moreinformationSON prepping for afull slate of excitingperformancesThe Spirit of Northwestern DemonMarching Band has exciting programs instore for Demon fans this fall. In additionto seven home football games, the SONwill offer a performance at the ParkwayHigh School (Bossier City)Marching Contest inOctober, the Natchitochesmarching contest inNovember, a trip to theSteven F. Austin footballgame and the ChristmasFestival.Dr. Bill Brent, directorof bands, and head of theNSU Creative andPerforming ArtsDepartment, expects to addabout 80 new freshmen tothe ranks of the SONresulting in more than 300 musicians andauxiliary performers on the field.“It is interesting to see them arrive fortheir first rehearsal because the majority ofthem were the leaders in their high schoolbands, either drum majors, section leadersor officers,” he said. “We train ourupperclassmen to go out of their way tomake the adjustment period a positiveexperience. It seems to work because ourretention is really pretty good compared tomost university bands.”Widely regarded as one of the bestuniversity marching bands in the southeast,the Spirit of Northwestern is a focal pointThe 2008-2009 Demon Victory Fund annual fund drive campaign has begunas the NSU Athletic Association prepares to close the books on a bannerfundraising year for Northwestern State athletics in fiscal year 2007-2008.The Demon Victory Fund, which generates monies through the NSU AthleticAssociation for athletic scholarships for NSU student-athletes, is “the lifeblood of NSUAthletics. It provides support to the areas most critical to ensuring that Demon studentathletesare adequately prepared and substantially supported to compete at the Division Ilevel,” said Executive Director of the Athletic Association Dr. William Broussard.“Support received through the NSU Athletic Association has directly contributed tothe many success stories enjoyed by the Northwestern athletic program in recent years,”said Director of Athletics Greg Burke. “At the same time, it is exciting to know that there isstill tremendous potential for growth and that increasing both donors and dollars for the‘Demon Victory Fund’ will not only sustain what has been accomplished, but will enableour student-athletes and coaches to take their programs to a higher level.”The 415 Athletic Association 2007-2008 members, who donated nearly $217,000 lastyear, took the new slogan, “Securing our Tradition, Ensuring our Future Excellence” toheart in 2007-2008.Other areas of focus for growing the DVF and Athletic Association membership in2008-2009 include introducing no-cost memberships to Demon Rewards participants,former student-athletes graduating after 2005-2006, and providing members withincreased incentives to donate.Anyone who wants more information about the DVF or wishes to contribute whodoesn’t receive a packet is encouraged to contact Broussard at (318) 357-4295, or by e-mail at broussardw@nsula.edu, or click on the Athletic Association button on thewww.nsudemons.com website.at athletic events and represents theuniversity at functions throughout the year.“I have personally had Demonfootball players tell me more than oncethat they miss the Demon band when theytravel to out-of-town gamesand that the band helps getthem fired up,” Brent said.“If we are helping motivatethe team, I can’t help butbelieve the fans like theexciting sounds of theSpirit of Northwestern aswell.”The band is currentlyin the midst of a fund drivefor new uniforms andthrough student technologyfees was able to purchaseseveral much-needed newinstruments.“We started a campaign forinstruments and uniforms in the fall of2007 and have raised a little over$10,000,” said Brent, who is in his 25thyear as director. “It is not going as fast asI had hoped and we have delayedpurchasing the uniforms for another year,but we are going to complete our goal,which is $100,000. The uniform willretain the cape that has become atrademark of the band and we actuallyhave some students who partly come toNSU because they want to wear ‘thecape.’”According to Kevin Richardson(1997), associate director of bands andassistant professor of music, the new brassinstruments include 25 saxophones, 25baritones and 25 melophones, a marchingFrench horn, which will greatly enhancethe sound of the band.“One of the sousaphones we have isolder than Bill Brent. It was built in the40s,” he said. “When Bill started, we hadfive tuba players. Now we have 25.”With seven home games, Richardson,who arranges music and writes drills, hasplanned several exciting shows.“Our goal is to do three differenthalftime shows in addition to our otherprograms,” said Richardson, who began inDecember 2007 selecting themes for thisfall, with some student inputThe band will open with a DaveMatthews show that will feature twosoloists: professors Paul Forsythe onsaxophone and Andrej Kurti on electricviolin. The Sept. 20 halftime willincorporate All Honors Band Day, DemonDrum Line and Color Guard Dayparticipants with an expected 600 visitinghigh school students joining the band onthe field for a patriotic salute to the ArmedForces. Next will be a “television mysterymusic spy-theme show” that will includethemes from “Shaft,” “Dragnet,” “MissionImpossible,” “Perry Mason” and “HawaiiFive-O.” The season will end with a Latinshow featuring Latin standards.continued on page 11Alumni Columns Summer 2008 / 10Visit our website at:

ATHLETICSFormer coaches, playersand staff of the men’sbasketball team werehonored during areunion March 1. Theevent was a highlight ofNSU’s match-up againstrival Southeastern.Scoreboard replacement project moving forwardNSU received formalapproval from the Universityof Louisiana System to moveforward with an initiative toreplace outdated scoreboards atall of its athletic venues withscoreboards that feature thelatest video and audiotechnology. The project, apartnership between the NSU Foundation and the Department ofAthletics, will enhance fan experience, create pride among alumni andstudents, assist with recruiting and help the university avoid costly repairsto old equipment.NSU is working with Daktronics, the largest scoreboard company inthe U.S. The new scoreboards will enable the Athletic Department toincrease advertising revenue, as well as enhance the overall image andappearance of the University at venues which attract thousands of peopleto campus annually. The total value of the scoreboards is $1,595,000.“Receiving approval from the Board of Supervisors to move forwardwith this project is exciting because of the effect it will have on nearlyevery one of NSU’s teams. Recruiting, fan experience, and facilityaesthetics will all be positively impacted as a result of this ‘scoreboardmakeover,’” said Athletic Director Greg Burke. “Sponsorshipopportunities are still available. For more information on how to help,contact Burke at (318) 357-5251.Spirit of Northwestern continuedBrent and his staff hope the band’s new uniforms will debut in Fall 2009.“If you hold the old ones up to a new uniform, you really notice thefaded colors and the obvious wear and tear. There is only so much drycleaning can do,” Richardson said. “The lifespan of a uniform is about eightyears and these are now 12 years old.The cost of each uniform is $400. The SON has dubbed the drive theClose the Gap campaign and has asked SON alumni and friends to help meettheir fund raising goal.“The band is the largest spirit group on campus and we try to sendrepresentatives to several events throughout the year other than footballgames, including basketball, baseball and even soccer games from time totime,” Richardson said. “Most students in the marching band are not musicmajors, so the band scholarship definitely helps them attend college andpursue their degree, even it is not music.”For more information, contact Brent at (318) 357-4522, Richardson at(318) 357-6722 or e-mail them at brent@nsula.edu or ichardsonk@nsula.edu.Information is also available on the band’s home page,nsula.edu/demondband.Legendary retired football coach SamGoodwin, who won four conferencechampionships and steered NorthwesternState to three national playoff appearances whileproducing dozens of NFL players from 1983-1999, will be the guest of honor for a roast andgolf tournament Aug. 23.Goodwin will be in the spotlight at the firstBi-Annual NSU Athletic Association Roast andGolf Tournament, an event which will be held ineven-numbered years. The NSU AthleticAssociation has hosted its Scholarship Auctiondinner and festivities in odd-numbered years onthe final weekend before football season since1989.“There aren’t any more beloved figures inour athletic history than Coach Goodwin, so itwas a natural for us to kick off this event bymaking him the guest of honor at the roast,” saidDr. William Broussard, executive director of theAthletic Association and two-time All-Americancenter on Goodwin’s final two NSU teams.. Thegolf scramble will be held at the Demon Hills GolfCourse on the morning of Aug. 23, with the roastin Prather Coliseum that evening. Entry fees andticket prices will be announced later along withother arrangements and a roster of featuredspeakers.www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Summer 2008 / 11

ATHLETICSNFL award named forDemon Joe DelaneyApro football award honoring a top NFL running back has beennamed in honor of Joe Delaney, the late Demon great who wasa two-sport All-American and NFL star. The Joe DelaneyAward will honor one of the NFL’s best running backs who alsodemonstrates admirable character and unselfishness, traits that wereembodied by Delaney.Atlanta Falcons veteran running back Warrick Dunn a Baton Rougenative, was chosen as the first recipient of The Joe Delaney Award by theeditors of profootballtalk.com.Delaney was a running back who drowned in June 1983, in a heroicattempt to rescue three drowning boys, one whom survived. Delaney is amember of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Hall of Fame, the College FootballHall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and NSU’s Graduate NClub Hall of Fame.Soccer ReunionThirteen former Demon soccer players returned to campus for an April6 reunion that included a full field game against the current team.Among those returning to campus were 2007 Demon goalkeeper JohnnaKlohoker, who stood in as coach due to an injury, as well as 11 teamalumni who were part of at least one of the NCAA tournament teams.Romy Marroquin (2002) led the alumni team with 2006 alumniAshley Hadley and Stephanie Miller and 2006 Player of the Year HeatherPenico. Also participating were Katrina Pence, Carrie Crowell, MyaWalsh, Julie Zavala, Krystle Donaldson, Erin Hebert, NatalieWaguespack, and Tiffany Kawana-Waugh.The alumni proved to still have the talent they had as Demonplayers, as they held the game scoreless until the last 10 minutes whenjunior midfielder Gabby Assayag opened up the Demon scoring on abeautiful shot taken right under the 10-minute mark. Not too long after,freshman forward Rose Lawrence added the final goal of the game on aheader off a corner kick.Coach Jimmy Mitchell thanks every alumna for participating in thereunion weekend.Former Demon soccer players who returned tocampus for a spring reunion and matchupagainst the current team were, front row fromleft, Stephanie Miller (2005), NatalieWaguespack (2007), Carrie Crowell (2006),Katrina Pence (2004) and Romy Marroquin(2001). On the back row are Krystle Donaldson (2006), Heather Penico(2005), Tiffany Kawana-Waugh (2007), Erin Hebert (2007), JohnnaKlohoker (2007), Julie Zavala (2006), Ashley Hadley (2005) and MyaWalsh (2006).Chris Roper MemorialGolf TournamentFirst place winners in Chris Roper MemorialGolf Tournament sponsored by the NSUFoundation were, from left, Randy Robinson,Doyle Anderson, Charlie Ingalls, Danny Nolenand Kelvin Fee. The event raised over$8,000 for the Chris Roper MemorialScholarship Fund.The second place team in the April 26 ChrisRoper Memorial Gold Tournament were, fromleft, Rick Roper, father of the honoree; DonAshworth, Chad Burns and Mike Parting. Thetournament honors Chris Roper, a senior andtop golfer on the Demon squad, who waskilled in a traffic accident in 1982.The team consisting of Richard Tew, BillDecou, Danny Sullivan and Leonard Conville,from left, placed third in the 26th annualChris Roper Memorial Golf Tournament.Proceeds from the event will benefit the ChrisRoper Memorial Scholarship Fund, awardedannually to an NSU student majoring inhealth and human performance.2008 Demon head baseball coach J.P.Davis posed with 1998 Demons TomBatson, Ryan Anholt, Courtney Cowart,Brad Fontenot, Derek Nunn and PeteWardell and Director of Athletics GregBurke during a reunion in April.Alumni Columns Summer 2008 / 12Visit our website at:

ALUMNI UPDATESAlumniUpdatesCarlos TreadwayBy Leigh GentryAlumni Profile1940Lois B. Gellatly Salter isretired teacher and livesin Houston.1943Dorothy Lee Roach isretired and lives inRockwall, Texas.Sally Curry Hardenstein isretired and lives inDanville, Va.1951Billie Moss Westbrook isa retired teacher and livesNatchitoches.1952James Kenneth Howardis a retired teacher, writer,married and lives inShreveport.Dr. Darlene BennettBlackwell Thompson isretired, married and livesin Leesville.1954Suzanne SwannMiddleton is a retiredteacher, married to MeadMiddleton (’60) and livesin Germantown, Tenn.1957Reverend Hannah HayesHowe is an associatepastor at UnitedCongregational Church ofTolland, married and livesin Tolland, Conn.Sarah E. Ellison Heard isa retired nurse and livesin Logansport.1958Esther Rose KnouseTompkins is retired,married and lives inShreveport.1960Bob Johnson is retired,married and lives inBossier.1963James E. Smith Jr. isretired, married and livesin Gretna.Edgar Lee Johnson isretired and lives inAngleton, Texas.John Walter Mitchell Sr. isa retired math teacherand principal. He ismarried and lives inGarland, Texas andZwolle.1964Sandra Dean JoyceBullock is a retiredteacher, married and livesin Oxford, N.C.Linda Phenice Rogers isretired and lives inJennings.1965Linda Gauthier Amberg isretired, married and livesin Plaucheville.1966John B. Woodyard II iscurrently doing birdsurveys and Pinon Jayradio tracking for TheGreat Basin BirdObservatory. He ismarried and lives inBaker, Nev.1967Ginger Gail SmithEisenrod is the owner ofSoutheast RealtyEquities, married andlives in Coral Springs, Fla.Shirley Nell SimmonsWard is retired, married toJames Carlis Ward Sr.(’65) and lives inLeesville.1968Dr. Margaret Foster Landretired from Texas A&MUniversity-Kingsville. Sheis a co-owner of TexasEnvironmental Studies &Analysis and works as abiostatistician.Douglas Charrier isretired and lives inHessmer.1969Patricia Slifer Lane is anacademic advisingcoordinator at MontanaState University and livesin Bozeman, Mont.Janice Shivers Boley isretired, married and livesin Farmerville.Judy Hilburn Young isemployed by Van Eatonand Romero as a realestate agent and lives inLafayette.Carlos Treadway graduated from NSU inDecember of 1992 with a degree in businessadministration. He was able to pursue hiscollege football career as a tight end for the Demonsthanks to an athletic scholarship.Treadway chose business administration, becauseit was one of the best programs when he started in1988, and the program at NSU gave him a foundationthat allowed him to continue his education. Hegraduated with a masters in business with a concentration in finance from TexasChristian University.NSU prepared Treadway for his future career in more ways than one. Theuniversity’s small environment helped him to learn business skills, which wouldlater come in handy in graduate school as well as in his job. But what mostprepared him were the people with whom he attended class and played football.“They exposed me to different points of view,” he said.Treadway’s four years of college required him to balance the rigor of footballand schoolwork, he said, which prepared him for having to balance work, familyand life in the real world.Treadway works for Ford Motor Credit Company and has been with thecompany for 14 years. He is currently the director of Minority Dealer Relations& Multi-Cultural Affairs at Ford. As director Treadway manages programs forminority dealers and is responsible for advertising and marketing.Treadway, a native of Alexandria, lived in Texas for 10 years, dividedbetween Dallas and Houston, and later moved to Detroit where he lives with hiswife, Kim, and 19-month-old son Austyn.He fondly remembers the relationships he made at the university and on thefootball field, where he shined. He was one of the 13 honorary captains on the Top100 Demon Football Players of All-Time roster that was compiled last year.He misses the daily comradery of his teammates and the support of theuniversity and the whole Natchitoches community, he said.“You really come to appreciate Natchitoches even more after you leaveschool,” he said.1971Kenneth Michael Bates isretired from the UnitedStates Army, currently ateacher and coach. He ismarried to Donna E.Middleton Bates (’71) andlives in Natchitoches.Irene Morgel Robinson isthe president/owner ofKWCL-FM BroadcastingCo. and lives in Oakdale.1972Michael “Kirby” Ramsey isa professor of clinical labscience at the Universityof Louisiana at Monroe,married and lives inRuston.Charles William Boudreauis employed at VistaHealth, married and livesin Fayetteville, Ark.Captain John L. Taylor isthe owner of CaptainJohn L.’s Charters andlives in Buras.Curtis Wester is aregional operationscoordinator at LifetouchNational School Studiosand lives in Bulverde,Texas.1973Leonard Ford, Jr. isemployed by Region VIOffice for Citizens withDevelopmentalDisabilities as acommunity servicesspecialist supervisor,married and lives inAlexandria.1974Ronald Dale Carson isthe intensive care unitcharge nurse at PromiseHospital Bossier, marriedand lives in Bossier.Jerrie Ammons Choate isa teacher at MansfieldHigh School, married andlives in Mansfield.1975James E. Sanders isretired and lives in BatonRouge.Jesse Lee Nobles Jr. is abusiness math instructorat Richmond School ofHealth and Technology,married and lives inPetersburg, Va.Karen Mathies Keogh isthe manager of salestraining and developmentat Talecris Biotherapeuticsand lives in Glendale,Ariz.Stan Brouillette is thedirector of humanresources at RPC, Inc.,married and lives inHouma.1977Peggy Vidrine Brown isan accounting analyst atPPG Industries, Inc. andlives in Lake Charles.1978Charles H. Kern isemployed by the CaddoParish Indigent DefenderOffice as a juvenileinvestigator, married andlives in Bossier City.www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Summer 2008 / 13

ALUMNI NEWSMembers of that year’s team were, front row from left, DaveMoody, Danny Boyette, Don Cook and Loyd Huval. On the middle rowwere Sonny Martinez, Johnny Tinnell, Don May, John Waldo, BillPearson, Barry Johnson, Jerry Ainsworth and Henry Walton. On theback row were Hugh Holey, Terrell Leach, Charles Fulco, BobKnighton, John Nipper, Mickey Murphy, Melton Cook, Alan Lundgrenand Ken Terewey. Not show are Charles Partin and Manager HerbertTemple.Balance Act: Terrell Leach, Bill Pearson and Charles PartinNorthwestern boasted a champion gymnastics team in1957. That year, the team, under the direction of JoePiscopo, went undefeated in all meets for the fourthyear in a row with some meet records dating back evenfurther. The muscle men brought the championships of theGulf AAU, the Southern AAU, the Southwestern AAU andthe Mid-South Intercollegiate meets.Guess Who?The NSU chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha was chartered 35 years ago touphold the standard of God first, people second, self last. Their colors,salmon pink and apple green, stand for high scholastic achievement. As asorority they are dedicated to “The Service of all Mankind.” Can you namethe officers of Alpha Kappa Alpha from 1983? The first five readers to call theAlumni Center (318) 357-4414 will win a prize.Congratulations to the following individuals who correctly identified theCurrent Sauce staff from 1981. They were, seated from left, Allison Arthur,Editor David L. LaVere and Sandi Therell. On the second row were JoeCunningham, Susan Higgs Monday and James Ingram. On the back rowwere Mark Cosand, Mike Gallien, Kevin Murphy and David Stamey.Ms. Daphne Hines - 1984 – Natchitoches, LAMrs. Fern Land - 1981 – Colfax, LA2004Melissa J. Hardaway iscurrently a grad student atLSU, working on hermasters incommunications studiesand lives in Baton Rouge.Tiffany Dawn Stevensonis a fifth grade teacher atFaith Family Academyand lives in Carrollton,Texas.Tina Cowan Kimmons isemployed by CorinthSchool District as aschool counselor andlives in Corinth, Miss.Christopher D. Pearson isa CCP for JP MorganChase and lives inMonroe.Brooke Byrd McCorkle isa kindergarten teacher atRed River ElementarySchool, married toMichael McCorkle (’04)and lives in Castor.Carisma Ramsey is amarketing producer atNBC 5/KXAS and lives inIrving, Texas.2005Darnel Winns is employedby Supports & ServicesCenter as a social servicecounselor 2 and lives inMarksville.Candice Detillier Huber isa technical recruiter atStrategic StaffingSolutions, married andlives in Kenner.Monique Shunta Atkins isemployed by theShreveport PoliceDepartment as PCO I andlives in Shreveport.Jacob Benjamin Davis isan energy trading analystfor Stream Energy,married and lives inRichardson, Texas.Pamela Brittany HungRutledge is a salesrepresentative, married toBilly Ray Rutledge (’05)and lives in Arkadelphia,Ark.Reed Markham isemployed by the UnitedStates Army as anexecutive officer and livesin Colorado Springs,Colo.Britany Coleman is anacademic advisor atMcNeese State Universityand lives in Lake Charles.2006Carrie Dawley is employedby Vernon Parish SchoolBoard as a teacher andlives in Leesville.Lauri Johnson Woodsonis an academic secretaryat East Texas BaptistUniversity and lives inMarshall, Texas.Jessica Lacobee isemployed by CaddoParish Schools as ateacher and lives inShreveport.Tiffany Nicole Garcia isemployed at LSUHSC asa registered nurse andlives in Shreveport.2007Laura Worsham Mayeauxis a labor and deliveryregistered nurse and livesin Coushatta.Shantell Marie Francis isa child welfare specialistand lives in New Iberia.Kristen Joubert Bailey isan accounts payablespecialist for ABCImaging, married andlives in Arlington, Va.Alumni Columns Summer 2008 / 16

Visit our website atwww.northwesternalumni.comand click on “Update our files”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 usedfor entries in the “Alumni Updates” section. Please make a copy of this page and give it to any NSUgraduate who 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 800-327-1903www.nsula.edu/enrollmentservices/recruitingFinancial AidRoom 109, Roy HallNatchitoches, LA 71497(318) 357-5961www.nsula.edu/financialaidAthletic DirectorRoom 101C,Athletic FieldhouseNatchitoches, LA 71497(318) 357-5251www.nsudemons.com

50-Year Graduates, Class of 1958ROW 1 from bottom L to R: James L. Rougeau, Paula Walden Burnitt, Juanita Martinez Coutee, Frank Ebarb, James P. Plumb, Andrew MorrisBruce, David Vargas, James Kenneth Corley, Linda Whitehead Perot, Jimmy D. Hayes. ROW 2: Frances Elouise Sanders, Katherine MuseTimon, Jean McGlothlin Doerge, Katie Jean Myers Young, Patricia Cowart Wilkerson, Kenneth Lee Terwey, O. Bryant Lewis, Jane Brown Huff,Max Huff. ROW 3: Anita Ruth Simmons Stedman, Carolyn H. Erwin Rigsby, Mary Jo Masingill Whittington, Winnie L. Bennett, James F. Bennett,Charles E. LaRoux. ROW 4: Marianne Jones Juneau, Bobbie Kornegay Voorhies, Carl O. Speed, Billy Plunkett, Wilburn Crnkovic. ROW 5:Tommy Glynn Johnson, C. Elizabeth Walker Johnson, Hollis R. Bray, Dewey Page, Lloyd M. Swor, Randell A. Fletcher, Bobbie Rae Stott.Alumni ColumnsNorthwestern State UniversityNatchitoches, LA 71497-0002PeriodicalsPostage PaidPostal PermitUSPS 015480