Alumni Columns - Northwestern State University Alumni

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