Alumni Columns - Northwestern State University Alumni

Magazine Fall 2006Northwestern State University of Louisiana

My fellow alumni and friends,Dr. Randall J. Webb, ‘65, ‘66PresidentNorthwestern State UniversityDear Alumni:After six years of hard work by a number of peoplewith deep affection for Northwestern State University, I amextremely proud that we have met and exceeded the goalfor the university’s first-ever capital campaign with a year to go before completion.Our goal was $18.84 million and more than $27 million has been raised.This money will help all areas of the university. It will enhance academic programs,provide scholarships for students, help maintain our successful athleticprogram and more. I thank all of you who have been willing to help the university.Each contribution is important and goes to help improve Northwestern.As you receive this issue of the Alumni Columns, the fall semester hasbegun at Northwestern. We anticipate another strong freshman class this yearwith students who will become campus leaders and successful alumni.In addition to the Alumni Plaza, a number of important capital projects onthe Natchitoches campus are expected to move forward during the 2006-2007academic year. Renovation projects for Caspari Hall and Williamson Hall havereceived funding for planning and design work. The university hopes that constructioncan begin next year and the two buildings can be complete by 2008.Once work is complete, Caspari Hall will house the Office of Enrollment Services,the Registrar and Admissions Office and the Office of Financial Aid, simplifyingthe admissions process for students. Northwestern also hopes to obtainapproval for the second phase of new student housing. University Place, a 380-bed residence hall, opened last fall.I hope many of you will be able to join us for this year’s Homecoming celebration.Great things are continuing to happen at Northwestern and each of youplays a role in our continuing success.Dr. Chris Maggio, ‘85, ‘91Director of Alumni and DevelopmentIt is a wonderful time to be a part of the NSU family.The past year at Northwestern has been phenomenal onmany levels and school pride is at an all-time high. Even as our Capital Campaignexceeded all goals and expectations, the NSU family was still feeling positiveeffects of the exposure created for the school after basketball season.These and our many ongoing projects have me looking forward to Homecoming,when visiting alumni will be able to view our latest enhancement with theunveiling of the Alumni Plaza.Great events surround all of NSU’s athletic contests and provide a time forreunions, tailgating and supporting the Demons, both at home and on the road.Please continue to let us know about your milestones and accomplishments– your former classmates want to know where you are and what you aredoing. We invite you to visit campus, view the new Alumni Plaza and find thenames of former classmates, teachers and mentors among the engraved fixtures.Most of all, please continue sharing your Northwestern pride with others.The effects of positive words from our graduates can not be measured.Thank you for all you do in your continued support of our alma mater,Northwestern State University.On the cover: Funds generated through NSU’s Capital Campaign will reach students and faculty in many areas of theuniversity, providing scholarship opportunities and support for innovative programming. Thanking you for your generosityare Lane Lucky of Lake Charles, journalism; Sarah Newton of Bryan, Texas, hospitality management andtourism; Rodrique Nelson of Natchitoches, nursing; Katie Lopez of Jennings, journalism; Dr. Lissa Pollacia, professorof computer information systems, College of Business; Kevin Richardson, associate director of bands; JeremyMurray of Mansura, music education; Shanna Halford of Pearl, Miss., nursing, and Fugee Fournier of Opelousas,health and exercise science. Thank you for supporting NSU’s future.Alumni ColumnsOfficial Publication ofNorthwestern State UniversityNatchitoches, LouisianaOrganized in 1884A member of CASEVolume XVI Number 3 Fall 2006The Alumni Columns (USPS 015480) is published 4times a year by Northwestern State University, Natchitoches,Louisiana, 71497-0002Periodicals Postage Paid at Natchitoches, La.,and at additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the AlumniColumns, Northwestern State University,Natchitoches, La. 71497-0002.Alumni Office Phone: 318-357-4414and 888-799-6486FAX: 318-357-4225E-mail: maggioc@nsula.eduNSU ALUMNI OFFICERSPresident.........Jimmy WilliamsAlexandria, 1993Vice President.......K. Michael SawrieAlexandria, 1972Secretary-Treasurer.........Jerry BrungartNatchitoches, 1969, 1971Executive Director............Dr. Chris MaggioNatchitoches, 1985, 1991BOARD OF DIRECTORSBrandon Scott Andrews . . . . . . . . . .Baton Rouge, 1992Dane Broussard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Houston, Texas, 1986Jerry Brungart . . . . . . . . . . . . .Natchitoches, 1969, 1971Tommy Chester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arcadia, 1969Leonard Endris . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shreveport, 1974, 1975Adrian Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arlington, Texas, 1989Gail Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Natchez, 1981, 1998Matt Koury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leesville, 1995Bryant Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Haynesville, 1958Carroll Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tyler, Texas, 1970David Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Austin, Texas, 1973Kip Patrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shreveport, 1995K. Michael Sawrie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alexandria, 1972Joseph B. Stamey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Natchitoches, 1983Glenn Talbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shreveport, 1964Ricky Walmsley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Covington, 1985Ginger Wiggins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Metairie, 1986J. Michael Wilburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shreveport, 1975Jimmy Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alexandria, 1993Dr. Leonard A. Williams . . . . . . . . . .New Orleans, 1993STUDENT REPRESENTATIVEShantel Wempren..........ThibodauxSGA PresidentThe Alumni Columns is published inspring, summer, fall and winter.PublisherDr. Chris Maggio, 1985, 1991EditorLeah Pilcher Jackson, 1994ContributorsDavid WestDoug Ireland, 1986PhotographyGary HardamonDesign/LayoutBeth McPherson Mann, 1975NSU Press Publications OfficeNorthwestern State University is accredited by the Commissionon Colleges of the Southern Association of Collegesand Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award Associate,Baccalaureate, Master’s, Specialist and Doctoratedegrees.It is the policy of Northwestern State University ofLouisiana not to discriminate on the basis of race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its educationalprograms, activities or employment practices.

ALMUNI NEWSOur Brighter TomorrowCapital Campaign reaches individuals, provides pathways to the futureShane Creppel isn’t waiting to showhis thanks for the assistance he hasreceived in attending Northwestern StateUniversityCreppel, a freshman from Natchitoches,is the recipient of the Joe SampiteFamily Scholarship and the J.W. JohnsonKiwanis Scholarship. Creppel, the firstperson in his family to go to college, saidgetting involved is one way to acknowledgethe support he received and be asuccessful student. He is a HospitalityManagement and Tourism major andserves as a senator for the Student GovernmentAssociation.“It’s up to us to get involved andmake the university more competitive,”Creppel said. “Students should getinvolved and give back. It gives the universitya better image.”Creppel is among the students whohave benefited from Northwestern’s firstCapital Campaign. The campaign beganin 2000 with a goal of $18.84 million bythe end of 2007. But with more than ayear to go, the university has raised morethan $27 million to enhance academicprograms, provide scholarships and assistthe NSU athletic program.“I have had complete confidencefrom the time this campaign was envisionedthat our alumni and friends wouldshow their support for Northwestern in anunprecedented way,” said NSU PresidentDr. Randall J. Webb. “Those associatedwith Northwestern know that this institutionis a special place. They are willing togenerously support the university whenasked to do so.”NSU has received donations for itsfirst three $1 million endowed chairs. TheErbon W. and Marie Wise EndowedChair in Journalism, the Charles RagusFamily Endowed Chair in Business andthe Melba Law Steeg Endowed Chair inEducational Technology Leadership,were established with a gift of $400,000to the NSU Foundation, which wasmatched with $600,000from the Board ofRegents Support Fund.Endowed chairs allowNorthwestern to provideresearch funding andsupport for a nationallyrecognized scholar.The university alsohas more than 30endowed professorshipsworth $100,000 each.Interest generated by theendowment will fundfaculty research anddevelopment along withneeded equipment.“This campaign hasraised awareness amongour alumni and friendsabout the importance ofprivate giving in assistingNorthwestern,” saidDirector of Alumni andDevelopment Dr. ChrisMaggio. “The universitycan no longer rely on juststate allocations to carryout its mission, but needs donors to augmentsalaries, provide faculty and programsupport and create scholarships forstudents.”Maggio said this campaign haschanged perceptions about those whosupport Northwestern.“In the past many people thoughtNorthwestern alumni and friends couldn’tor wouldn’t give to the university in amajor way,” said Maggio. “This campaignhas shown what our supporters cando as a group. Each gift has been importantas we worked to meet and exceed ourgoals. We have built momentum in thearea of fundraising and will build on thatmomentum.”NSU’s College of Nursing has benefitedfrom two joint ventures which willbe worth approximately $5.5 million overfive years. Because of the support, Northwesternhas expanded opportunities fornursing students in Shreveport andAlexandria.“Gifts that we have received duringthe Capital Campaign have helped theCollege of Nursing in a major way,” saidDr. Norann Planchock, dean of the Collegeof Nursing. “Because of limitedresources, we had to limit the number ofstudents in the program. These joint ventureshave allowed us to hire additionalfaculty and increase enrollment.”The College of Nursing was able toenroll 50 additional students because ofthe gifts it received. One donor also provideda stipend for students. This type ofsupport in addition to private scholarshipshas allowed a number of students tocontinue their education.“A number of our students have atough time making ends meet while theyare trying to earn a degree,” said Planchock.“Without the generosity of individualswho contribute toward scholarships,they would not be able to continuetheir education. Any type of financialhelp eases a burden on them.”Northwestern’s athletic program hasalso been a major part of the capital campaign.According to Director of AthleticsSee Capital Campaign Page 2Alumni Columns Fall 2006 / 1

ALMUNI NEWSUniversity appointments confirmedCollege of EducationDr. Vickie S. Gentry has been nameddean of the College of Education atNorthwestern State University. She hasserved as acting dean since 2004. Theappointment has been approved by theBoard of Supervisors of the University ofLouisiana System.Gentry has been at NSU since 1997as a faculty member in the Department of Health and HumanPerformance. She was named acting head of the Department ofHealth and Human Performance in 2000 and department head in2001. Gentry was promoted to the rank of full professor in 2002.Research and Graduate StudiesDr. Steven Horton has been nameddean of Graduate Studies and Researchand Associate Provost at NSU. Hortonwill oversee the university’s graduateprograms, the Office of Research andSponsored Programs, the Office of InstitutionalResearch, the Office of Planningand Assessment, and efforts to promoteand develop academic research by faculty and students. He willalso coordinate the University’s international program initiatives,including the International Student Exchange Program.Louisiana Scholars’ CollegeDr. T. Davina McClain has beennamed director of the Louisiana Scholars’College at Northwestern. McClain was anassociate professor of classical studiesand an advisor for nationally competitiveawards at Loyola University of NewOrleans.McClain has been a member of Loyola’sfaculty since 1995 with areas of special interest in historiography,women’s studies, Latin literature and the Greek novel.She also was on the faculty of Hobart and William Smith Collegesand Indiana University where she received a master’s anddoctorate. McClain received her bachelor’s degree at TrinityUniversity.Student AffairsDr. Patrice Moulton has been namedvice president for Student Affairs atNorthwestern State University. She hasbeen acting vice president since September2004.In her new role, Moulton will overseeareas including the Departments ofStudent Activities and Organizations, StudentServices, Residential Life, Public Safety and Transportation,Wellness and Recreation and Enrollment Management.Over the past year, Moulton has overseen the implementationof Northwestern Express, a new program designed tobring together all areas of the campus community. She has alsosupervised the transition to University Place, a new campus residencehall and the first year of operation at the Wellness, Recreationand Activity Center.Continued from Page 1Greg Burke, 22 endowed athletic scholarshipshave been established since thebeginning of the Capital Campaign andtwo more are pending. That total includesthree fully endowed $100,000 scholarships– The Charles Ragus AthleticScholarship, The Dan and Lilly ChaseAthletic Scholarship, and The Jack ClaytonAthletic Scholarship.Private funds raised during the campaignhave assisted with several capitalprojects and physical improvements,including the grandstand project atBrown-Stroud Field, creation of the JohnnieEmmons Academic Center and theStroud Hospitality Room in the AthleticFieldhouse. The athletic program has alsoreceived funding assistance for installationof Astroplay all-weather turf atTurpin Stadium, installation of lights andother enhancements at the Demon SoccerComplex and renovation of the WalterLedet Track Complex.Burke said that annual dollars generatedthrough the NSU Athletic Associationhave enabled the Athletic Departmentto keep up with the rising costs ofathletic scholarships. Since the beginningof the campaign in 2000, the athleticscholarship budget has increased byover $750,000. Yet, because of annualgifts from alumni and friends, NSU hascontinued to offer the full complement ofscholarships in all sports permitted underNCAA guidelines“Development efforts for the NSUathletic program must focus on bothtoday and tomorrow,” said Burke.“There is the ongoing challenge of keepingup with rising costs in areas such asscholarships, travel, and equipment. Atthe same time, the program is not movingforward without also addressing longtermprojects, such as endowments andfacility enhancements. NSU AthleticAssociation donors have been tremendouslyhelpful on both fronts and aregreatly appreciated for their vision andgenerosity.”Alumni Columns Fall 2006 / 2Visit our website at:

ALMUNI NEWS2006 HOMECOMING SCHEDULEA full slate of activities awaitsreturning alumni and friends during the2006 Homecoming Festivities Oct. 26-28. We look forward to welcoming ouralumni, friends and future students tocampus.Times on some activities are subjectto change and checking with organizers isrecommended.Homecoming Banquet7:00 p.m. – Student Union BallroomJoin us for the annual banquet, as we honor the LongPurple Line Recipients, the President’s DistinguishedService Award Recipient, Excellence in TeachingAward Recipients and the N-Club Inductees. Ticketsare $15 per person and can be purchased at theAlumni Center or by calling 357-4414 or 1-888-799-6486. A reception prior to the banquet will be heldfrom 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the lobby of the StudentUnion.Saturday, October 28Alumni Art Show/Picnic12:00 Noon — Orville Hanchey GalleryNorthwestern State University’s School of Creative &Performing Arts, Fine & Graphic Arts Department, willhost an inaugural alumni exhibit in conjunction withthis fall’s Homecoming celebration. For more information,please call Leslie Gruesbeck at (318) 352-6974or email at gruesbeckl@nsula.edu.Pregame Activities1:30 p.m. - Turpin StadiumEnjoy the pre-game show by the Spirit of NorthwesternMarching Band and other game day activities.Thursday, October 26NSU Retirees Reception3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — President’s HomeReception for all Northwestern Retirees.Friday, October 27Alumni Association Board Meeting10:00 a.m. at the Red River Waterway CommissionBuilding on the Highway 1 Bypass directly across thestreet from the Mariner’s Restaurant. Annual Board ofDirectors meeting open to the public.Homecoming Golf Tournament1:00 p.m. — NSU Recreation ComplexCome participate in the annual golf scramble on the18-hole golf course for $50 per player (includes golfcart and lunch by Coach Gene Knecht). Tee time is at1:00 p.m. and lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m.Reservations can be made by calling Drake Owens at(318) 357-4243 or email at wdowens82@yahoo.com.NSU Foundation Board Meeting1:30 p.m. at the Red River Waterway CommissionBuilding on the Highway 1 Bypass directly across thestreet from the Mariner’s Restaurant. Open to thepublic.Alumni Plaza Dedication3:00 p.m. — Creative and Performing Arts ComplexJoin us as we unveil the new Alumni Plaza Courtyardin the heart of the Creative and Performing Arts Complex.For more information, please call Drake Owens at(318) 357-4243 or email at wdowens82@yahoo.com.Homecoming Parade5:00 p.m. (approx.) – Campus/Town Annual HomecomingParade for both the Northwestern and Natchitochescommunities. Begins at Prather Coliseum andends at the Downtown Riverbank. Pep rally on theRiverbank will follow parade.Reception6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Student Union LobbyHonoring Alumni Board, Foundation Board, Excellencein Teaching Award Recipients, Long Purple Line Recipients,and President’s Distinguished Service AwardRecipient.College of Education Reunion8:30 a.m. – Teachers Education BuildingAll graduates of the College of Education are invitedto attend a breakfast that will honor the inductees ofthe College’s Hall of Distinguished Educators. Formore information, call the College of Education at(318) 357-6288.Track Alumni Reunion9:00 a.m. — Walter Ledet Track ComplexFor more information, please call the Athletic Departmentat (318) 357-5251 or email burkeg@nsula.edu.College of Business Brunch10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon—Natchitoches Room, RussellHallAll College of Business alumni are invited to renew oldfriendships before the game. For more information,call the College of Business at (318) 357-5161.University Bookstore Open10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Student UnionGo by the bookstore and buy all of your NSU memorabilia!N-Club Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony10:30 a.m. – Magale Recital HallFor more information, please call Gil Gilson at (318)677-3141 or email at Gilson@nsula.edu.Alumni Tailgating11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Tailgating FieldThe Alumni Association will be serving plate lunchesfor $5 per person. All NSU Alumni are invited to comeby the tent and grab something to eat before thegame. It will be a great time to visit with friends youhaven’t seen in a while.Tailgating Activities11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Tailgating Field adjacent toTurpin Stadium. Various groups, including the Greekorganizations, N-Club and College of Education will betailgating prior to the football game.1956 Football Team Reunion Reception11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Stroud Room in the AthleticFieldhouseFor more information, please call Janay Matt at theNSU Alumni Center at (318) 357-4415 or email atgiblinj@nsula.edu.Homecoming Game vs. Texas State2:00 p.m. – Turpin StadiumHalftime Ceremonies3:30 p.m. (approx.) – Turpin StadiumBand Alumni Party5:00 p.m. (approx.) – Alumni CenterPostgame Reception for Homecoming Court5:00 p.m. (approx.) – Stroud Room in the AthleticFieldhouseFor more information, please call Yonna Pasch at(318) 357-5438 or email paschy@nsula.edu.By invitation only.N-Club Barbeque5:00 p.m. (approx.) – Shriners’ ClubFor more information, please call Gil Gilson at (318)677-3141 or email at Gilson@nsula.edu.“Boogie on the Bricks”7:00 p.m. (approx.) — Front StreetJoin Demon fans in the Historic District for live music,food and drinks as Natchitoches puts on its best forthe Demons!Other Homecoming ActivitiesKappa Sigma 40 th Anniversary ReunionFriday & Saturday, Oct. 27-28Activities include receptions, chapter meeting, tailgating,& football game. Activities for families included!Information mailed to membership in July 2006For more information, please call Steve Horton at(318) 357-5851 or email at hortons@nsula.edu.Pi Kappa Phi 50 th Anniversary ReunionFor more information, please call David Morgan at(512) 694-4639 or email at ddm@daviddmorgan.com,Wes Breeden at (425) 213-4978 or email atwesbreeden@aol.com, or Jack McCain Jr. at (318)352-8624, or Mike “Mickey” Murphy at (504) 443-5004.Cane River Belles/Demon Dazzler 30 thAnniversary Alumni ReunionFor more information, please call Abe Anthony at(318) 357-5088 or email at Anthony@nsula.edu.www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Fall 2006 / 3

ALUMNI NEWSAlumni artexhibit to openAn untitled work, acrylic on canvas by James M. WebbNorthwestern State University’s Schoolof Creative and Performing Arts, Fine &Graphic Arts Department, will host an inauguralalumni exhibit in conjunction with thisfall’s Homecoming celebration. The exhibit,An Alumni Affair: Theartistic evolution of fiveNSU graduates, will featurethe work of NSUalumni Preston Gilchristof Alexandria (MA 1993),Bill Gingles of Shreveport(BA1979), Phyllis Lear(MA1994), Susan ClaryNorman of Natchitoches(BA 1975, MA 1996), andJames M. Webb of Austin,Texas (BS 1984, MA1986).An Alumni Affair will open in the Orville“Joyful Sorrow,”mixed media workby Phyllis LearJ. Hanchey Gallery, Monday, Sept. 25 andwill culminate at noon on Saturday, Oct. 28with a brown bag picnic/artists’ reception andan artists’ talk by the participating artists.The picnic will take placeon the lawn of the Creativeand Performing Arts Complex.The public is invitedto attend. The event is cosponsoredby the Fine &Graphic Arts Department,the Student Art Society andthe Office of AlumniAffairs at NSU.Untitled work incharcoal onpaper byPreston Gilchrist.General gallery hoursare 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday, or byspecial appointment. Forfurther details, please contactLeslie Gregory Gruesbeck,Gallery Director (NSU 1987, 1994),Orville J. Hanchey Gallery, at 318 357-4483,or gruesbeckl@nsula.edu.25th anniversary salute to spotlight1981 NCAA championship relay teamMarking the 25th anniversary of Northwestern State’s 1981 NCAA4x100 meter relay victory, NSU director of athletics Greg Burkeannounced on June 6 that coach Jerry Dyes and the four All-Americansprinters on the fabled team will be honored this fall at the university’s Oct.28 homecoming festivities.The relay team and Dyes will be enshrined in the Graduate N Club Hall ofFame, the highest honor Northwestern affords its former athletes and coaches.“These five men were responsible for what many consider the most remarkablecompetitive achievement in the nearly 100-year history of athletics at NorthwesternState University,” said Burke. “Our homecoming celebration this fall isan appropriate time for thousands of Demon fans to pay tribute to the groundbreakingnational championship and the men who made history, and especiallyto Coach Dyes for his incredible contributions to our athletic legacy.”The foursome of Victor Oatis, Joe Delaney, Mario Johnson and Mark Duperwon Northwestern’s first NCAA Division I championship on a steamy Saturdayevening, June 6, 1981, at Bernie Moore Track Stadium on the LSU campus inBaton Rouge. They were an obvious crowd favorite, lining up against Georgia,Tennessee, Arizona State, San Jose State, Florida State, Arizona, Oklahoma Stateand Baylor in the final.Among the world-class sprinters who saw the Demons’ heels were Georgia’sMelvin Lattany and Herschel Walker, Tennessee’s Willie Gault and Jeff Phillips,Ron Brown and LaMonte King of Arizona State, and Virgil Torrence from SanJose State.The Demons’ 39.32 time set a stadium record. After winning, Northwesternvaulted into sixth place in the team standings, with six of the 16 points comingfrom a third-place showing by Steve Stockton (252-10) in the javelin earlier inthe day.Delaney, who died in a heroic 1983 rescue attempt of three drowning children(one survived), was already inducted in the Graduate N Club Hall of Fameat NSU for his track and football exploits. Delaney was a two-sport All-Americanfor the Demons and an All-Pro running back for the Kansas City Chiefs.Duper, who began his football career as a junior at NSU and became an All-Pro receiver for the Miami Dolphins, was elected last year to the Graduate NClub Hall of Fame but his induction was delayed because a scheduling conflictpreventing him from attending. Duper and Delaney are members of the LouisianaSports Hall of Fame.Oatis, also a two sport star for the Demons who went on to play in the NFL,was previously chosen for Graduate N Club Hall of Fame honors, but was unableto travel home from Canada for the ceremonies. Johnson, who like Duper wonAll-America honors again in 1982 with a second-place finish in a school record39.03 time at the NCAA meet, is serving in the military in the Far East and willreturn to NSU for the Oct. 28 event.Dyes built a nationally-competitive program at Northwestern with the relayteam and Stockton’s performances as the most outstanding highlights.The Demons won the NCAA title only weeks after Delaney was the KansasCity Chiefs’ second-round selection in the 1981 NFL Draft.Alumni Columns Fall 2006 / 4Visit our website at:

CAMPUS NEWSCulinary Arts concentration provides a taste of foodand beverage industry for aspiring chefs/managersNSU’s burgeoning concentration inculinary arts is attracting students fromwidely diverse backgrounds who areinterested not only in learning how to preparefine dining cuisine, but also the businessside of the food and beverage industry.Culinary arts courses are offeredunder the Hospitality Management andTourism (HMT) program and appeal tostudents interested in careers in cateringand restaurant management as well as theepicurious.“Some students are crossing overfrom other majors to take the classes aselectives. You can get a minor in culinaryarts or pursue the concentration underHMT. There may be a situation in whicha business major or general studies majorgets a minor in culinary arts,” saidinstructor and NSU Alumnus Todd Barrios.“We’re opening up the availabilityof classes to a greater range of people.”Barrios, a Certified Executive Chef,teaches four culinary arts classes andplans to increase the program’s visibilityby offering leisure cooking classes anddemonstrations for the general public.Classes currently being offered includeadvanced baking, Garde Manger: the artof the cold kitchen, advanced food prepand catering/buffet. A food sciencecourse and lab are prerequisites for theclasses. Other courses tied to the concentrationare meal management, large quantitycooking, food and beverage management,which teaches the business behindthe industry, and food service layout, acourse in which students learn how todesign a commercial kitchen.“It’s a complete restaurant and foodproduction curriculum,” Barrios said.“We added the concentrationbecause we had quite a few studentrequests and phone calls asking if we hada program,” said Dr. Patricia Pierson,head of the Department of Family andNSU culinary arts students Chance Price and Justin Nelson learn to prepare differenttypes of meringue with help from instructor Todd Barrios, right.Consumer Sciences (FACS). “Weresearched other curricula from schoolsall across the country and developed whatwe thought was a good fit for our program.”Barrios, an award-winning chef whospent a portion of his career in restaurantmanagement, earned an undergraduatedegree in 1993 through NSU’s Departmentof Family and Consumer Scienceswith a concentration in Hospitality, Managementand Tourism before HMT wasits own full program. As an undergraduate,he was a member of the Spirit ofNorthwestern drum line. Barrios workedin restaurants and well-known establishmentsin New Orleans and Baton Rougebefore joining NSU’s staff in January andmoving back to Natchitoches with hiswife, the former Sheree Griffin, and theirchildren, Camryn and Caden.“I was finding as an executive chefand as a food and beverage manager thata lot of kids coming out of culinaryschools were not prepared for the industryin terms of the knowledge and thedemands and the pace,” Barrios said.“I’ve been doing this the last 12 years. Ineed to prepare them for what to expectin this line of work.”Valerie Thornton, a senior HMTmajor from Lakeland, Fla., was interestedin the culinary arts concentration becauseshe operates her own catering companyand wanted to learn more about foodpreparation and gain hands-on experiencein the production area of the food andrestaurant business.“Some things that have surprised meabout the business are the amount ofhours you are required to work even afteryou earn your degree and the amount ofturnover there is for managers in corporaterestaurants,” Thornton said. “Somethings that have surprised me about beingin the kitchen are how intricate the bakingprocess is and how much hands-onknowledge you need in a kitchen. Thereare so many tricks and tidbits that youlearn that a book can not teach you.”Before choosing HMT as a major,Thornton worked in the restaurant busi-www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Fall 2006 / 5

CAMPUS NEWSNurse working abroad plans reunion for NICU unitAndrea Noggle, whoearned a bachelors degree innursing in 2004, is currentlyemployed at LandstuhlRegional Medical Center(LRMC) in Germany, thelargest military hospital outsidethe United States and thereferral center for Europe, theMiddle East and Africa.While still a relatively newpart-time employee in theNeonatal Intensive Care Unitpart-time and expecting herthird child, Andrea plannedthe first-ever NICU reunionfor LRMC.According to KathleenBailey, NSU nursing facultywhose husband was transferredto Germany, Andreaplanned the event fromscratch with no funding orassistance.“She planned a greatevent that was well-attendedby over 200 families whosechild or children started out atthe LRMC NICU,” Kathleensaid. “It was great for thefamilies and for the staffmembers.”The neonatal unit treatsbabies born pre-term or whodevelop problems after birth.The reunion was heldJuly 15 and several families ofNICU babies were reunitedwith their caregivers and hospitalstaff.Because the relationshipsthat develop at the hospital arestrong, the event was a success.“The reunion was fabulous.It turned out just as Ihad pictured. When my husbandand I lived in Okinawa,Japan, I worked in the NICUand we had reunions there, sowhen I accepted the job herein Germany I asked if theyhad any reunions so that Icould help,” Andrea said. “Itwas wonderful to see a lot ofthese families again. I had ascrapbook area so that familiescould write down theirmemories from the NICU.Several families put in pic-Andrea Noggle, RN, BSN, left a 2004 NSU graduate, organized areunion for families treated in the NICU of her hospital in Germany.She was joined by Kathleen Bailey, RN, BSN, MA, MS, formerassistant professor in NSU’s College of Nursing.tures and lots wrote howgrateful they were to have theNICU team.”Forty-six families attended.Among the former patientswere one 5-month-old Trisomy18 “miracle baby” andthe first-ever identical tripletsdelivered at Landstuhl.“We had so much fun andit was just amazing to havepeople come up to you andthank you for putting on suchan event, it really meant a lotto all of those there and I lookforward to next year,” Andreasaid.Culinary Arts...continued from Page 5Bridgette Coleman and Carrie Beth Burns bakedmeringue to form cookies and pie discs during anadvanced baking class at NSU. The studentstopped the baked meringue pie crusts with fruit preservesand chocolate.ness as a server and cook’s assistant.“Currently, my career ambitions areto stay on track with my catering businessand use all of my culinary classes to aidin making it very successful,” Thorntonsaid. “If I decide to move out of the localarea, I would like to be a catering managerin a hotel or work in events planning ata major venue.”“Starting this past summer and rotatingevery other summer after that, I willbe teaching a Creole Cuisine class for thenew Creole Heritage Studies curriculum,”Barrios said.“As we grow, I definitely would liketo take students to visit professionalkitchens and bring other professionals in,such as a pastry chef,” Barrios said. “Apositive aspect of this degree program isthat it teaches the business and financialaspects as well as the culinary aspect.Successful managers should understandthe concept of what they’re serving.”For more information about Northwestern’sculinary arts concentration, callthe Department of Family and ConsumerSciences at (318) 357-5587.Alumni Columns Fall 2006 / 6Visit our website at:

CAMPUS NEWSWhere to Retire Magazine listsNatchitoches as among mostdesirable college townsNatchitoches was listed among eightsmall cities in Where to Retire Magazine’sarticle “Captivating Towns withCollege Spirit.” The article appears in theJuly/August edition of Where to Retire.The cities were selected for their “laidback,culturally diverse and intellectuallystimulating” environments that appeal toretirees with consideration to cost of living,housing, scenery, and variety ofleisure activities.The article describes the quaint Europeanambiance found in Natchitochesalong with the cultural activities supportedthrough Northwestern’s presence, suchas the symphony and theatre, the numerousfestivals held in the area and the mildclimate.Other cities listed were Las Vegas,N.M.; Chico, Calif.; San Marcos, Texas;Flagstaff, Ariz.; Boone, N.C.; Gainesville,Fla., and Durango, Colo.“People who are natives of Natchitochesor who have lived here a long timeare well aware of its allure, and knew itlong before the city’s increased visibilitywithin the past couple of decades,” saidNSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb. “It isgratifying that people, including magazinewriters from far-flung places havecome to appreciate Natchitoches as anhistoric city with special charm, quaintnessand fine people.”According to Webb, “the increasedexposure reminds prospective Northwesternstudents and their parents that we havean outstanding university with a nationalreputation in a city that is known nationallyas well.“In view of the fact that NSU hasbecome a leader in distance education, wenow attract students from all over theworld,” he said. “The more opportunitiesthey have to learn about Natchitoches andits partnership with the university, regardlessof the source, the greater the likelihoodthat more discerning students willmake this their university of choice.”The city of Natchitoches also enjoys itsworking relationship with Northwestern.Reprinted with permission from Vacation Publications Inc.“We feel the university creates a specialatmosphere in our community thatcannot be found in other small towns,”said Natchitoches Main Street ManagerCourtney LaCour Hornsby (NSU 1999)“Inclusion in this national publication willlet people know that Natchitoches is awonderful place to retire and, thanks toNorthwestern, our city has ready access toquality education programs, entertainmentand athletics.”Spotlight■ Dr. Willie Hey (M.ED. 1987), aMarthaville native who is currently professorof health education within theDepartment of Health, Physical Educationand Recreation at Jacksonville StateUniversity in Jacksonville, Ala., was recognizedas the Health Education Professionalof the Year for Colleges and Universitiesby the American Association ofHealth Education (AAHE). He receivedthe award at the April AAHPERD nationalconference in Salt Lake City.The national award is presentedannually to recognize an individual whohas made substantial contributions as apractitioner to professional practice ofhealth education at the college/universitylevel.■ Normal School alumna NoraTrosclair celebrated her 100 th birthdayon June 27. Mrs. Trosclair attended theNormal School in the summers of 1924-26 and took correspondence courses toobtain her teaching certificate. She taughtfor 11 years and worked for the LouisianaState Department as a caseworker for 18years.■ Jim Hawthorne, a 1967 graduate ofNorthwestern widely recognized as thevoice of LSU sports, has penned a bookentitled “The Man Behind the Voice.”Hawthorne got his start in sports broadcastingdoing Demon games with NormFletcher and one chapter of the book isdevoted to Hawthorne’s years as a Demonbroadcaster. The book was published byDr. John Price and his Southern LegaciesPress and by Moran Imprint in BatonRouge. An accomplished singer,Hawthorne has also recorded a CD.■ NSU freshman distance runner CadeGentry is the third generation of his familyto attend NSU and contend as an athleteat Northwestern. His grandfather, RoyGentry, attended NSU on a footballscholarship and graduated in 1940. Dr.Roy Gentry Jr., Cade’s father, was along-time professor at NSU, who receiveda scholarship to play football in 1960.Cade began his career this semesteras a member of the NSU cross countryteam and will compete as a middle distancerunner on the track beginning in thespring.www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Fall 2006 / 7

ALMUNI GATHERINGS6th Annual Buddy Bonnette Memorial Day Golf ScrambleFirst flight first place winners were Benny Barron,Brett Knecht, Gene Knecht and David Sparks.First flight second place winners were David Wright,Jay Bankston, Greg Swearingin and Stuart Wright.First flight third place winners along with Bonnettefamily members, were Paula Bonnette Nelson,James Barrios, Vera Bonnette, Brian Bonnette,Randy Bonnette and Jackson Bonnette.Second flight first place winners were Kevin Johnson,Charlie Wilson, Gene Pickering and Mike Marton.Second flight second place winners were Wayne Poynter,Bonnie Poynter, Nona Fowler and Sam Fowler.Second flight third place winners were Bill Callens, Dr.James Haley, Dr. Phillip Haley and Larry Skinner.Washington, D.C., Crawfish BoilSeveral NSU alumni joined the fun during the Washington, D.C., Louisiana Collegiate Coalition Crawfish Boil. The event was held Saturday, May 13 at Fort HuntPark in Alexandria, Va., and was attended by alumni from several Louisiana Universities.Alumni Columns Fall 2006 / 8Visit our website at:

ALMUNI GATHERINGSHouston Area Crawfish BoilReconnecting at theHouston gatheringwere Michelle Strickland,(’93), Brett Harris(’91), Assistant Directorof Development JillBankston (’97) andKendall Acosta (’88).Mary Warren Hernandez(’98), Matt Smith(’99) and Patrick (’99)and Kristin Worshamwere among thosewho attended theHouston event.Bobbie Olson (’50) and Billy Scroggins (’51), left photo, and John (’75) and Connie (’75) Roberts, rightphoto, enjoyed the crawfish and fellowship at the Houston gathering.Catching up in Houston were Charmetria James,Anthony Bailey, and Secunda Bailey '96.Library Science LuncheonBaton Rouge Coaches ReceptionEnjoying the Library Science Luncheon wereJoanne Pickett (’76, ’81), Margaret Crane (’74, ’77),Donna Leblanc (’83), Mary Walker (’72, ’79, ’83)and Cynthia Johnson (’75, ’80).Richard and Sharon Gary (’73, ’74) wereamong the guests for the Baton RougeCoach’s Reception.Pauline Jobe (’42), Glen Paddie (’91) andNSU Men’s Head Basketball Coach MikeMcConathy visited during the BatonRouge reception.Sherry Baumgardner (’73), Leola Loftin (’38) andJoy Faucett attended the lunch.Don Morgan (’57) greeted NSU Men’s andWomen’s Track Coach Leon Johnson.Present for the Library Science lunch were, seated,Marietta Booth (’61) and Pat Beal (’76). Standingare Geri Sexton (’61), Carolyn Weber (’63), PollyWindham (’57) and Diane Gunter (’68).NSU Volleyball Coach Brittany Uffelman,Dewain Strother (’84) and NSU Women’sBasketball Coach Jennifer Graf (’00) visitedat the reception.Ellis Coutee (’60) and Carl Soileau (’84)were among the guests at the BatonRouge event.www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Fall 2006 / 9

ATHLETIC NEWS1966 Football team will remember sterling seasonMembers of the NSUDemons’ unbeaten1966 football team will commemoratethe 40 th anniversaryof that incredible seasonwith a reunion coinciding withthe Saturday, Oct. 7 homefootball game at Turpin Stadiumagainst Sam HoustonState.The game is scheduled tokick off at 6, although indicationslate this summerwere that kickoff might shiftback an hour to 7 for a FoxSports Southwest networktelecast of the game. Checkwww.nsudemons.com forupdated information.Team members andfriends are asked to contactthe NSU Athletic Departmentat (318)357-5251 for moreinformation about reunion activitiesfor the Oct. 7 weekend.The players and coacheson the 1966 team, workingwith others who served underhead coach Jack Clayton, willalso enjoy reflecting on theirtime at NSU with a visit to theClayton Plaza located at thesouth end of the playing field.The Clayton Plaza honorsthe impact of Coach Claytonon his alma mater and on thelives of hundreds of youngmen he influenced as theDemons’ head football coachfrom 1957-66. He led Northwesternto four conferencechampionships in 10 seasons,culminated by the unbeaten 9-0 team in 1966.Return to Paradise...Basketball trip planned for December 12-17visit to Hawaii as NSU visitsAloha, again!the University of HawaiiTraveling to Hawaii forNSU Demons basketballaction (and much more) wasso much fun last year, we’redoing it again this winter. TheNSU Alumni Association, inconjunction with NSU Athleticsand the two-time SouthlandConference championDemon basketball team, isorganizing a fabulous five-dayRainbow Warriors on Saturdaynight, Dec. 16.The tour group will flyContinental Airlines out ofAlexandria on Tuesday,December 12, connecting inHouston and continuing toHonolulu. The tour includes 5nights in Honolulu just ablock away from WaikikiBeach. The group will departHawaii on Sunday, December17 and will arrive back inAlexandria late on Mondaymorning, December 18.The $1,160 per personrate includes all ground transportationto and from theHonolulu airport and to andfrom the NSU-Hawaii gameSaturday night, Dec. 16.It also is based on a doubleoccupancy room at the OhanaBeachcomber Hotel, just afew dozen steps away fromWaikiki Beach. The packagedoes include a a game ticketalong with access to teampractices and other team functions.Please call the NSUalumni center, (318) 357-4501 or inquire via e-mail tomaggioc@nsula.edu for moreinformation.After leadingNorthwesternState basketballtounprecedented success overseven seasons highlightedby a spectacular 2005-06campaign, Coach MikeMcConathy has been giventhe first multi-year contractin the school’s history.The Board of Supervisorsof the University of LouisianaSystem, meeting June 23 inBaton Rouge, approved afour-year contract with a basesalary of $99,000 plus incentivesfor McConathy, 51,McConathy receives NSU’s first multi-year contractwhose Demons won a schoolrecord26 games last season,culminated by a first-roundNCAA Tournament victoryover 15th-ranked Iowa.”Our program is at high alevel as it’s ever been,” saidNSU Director of AthleticsGreg Burke. “It’s importantthat we do everything we cando to position ourselves tokeep moving forward. This isan opportunity for the universityto make a commitment toMike the way he has made acommitment to us.”McConathy’s Demonshave been to the NCAA Tournamenttwice (2001, 2006),winning a game each time,and have four appearances inthe Southland Conferencechampionship game. NorthwesternState has posted backto-back20-win seasons and isthe two-time defending SouthlandConference champion.The Demons captured thehearts of the nation last Marchwith their appearance in theNCAA Tournament. NSUbecame the “Cinderella team”in the first-round of the tournamentby beating Iowa, 64-63, on a last-second basketthat completed a run from a54-37 deficit with eight minutesto play. Iowa was ranked15th in the country and hadjust won the Big Ten ConferenceTournament.Northwestern State alsoranked among the top 10 percentof Division I basketballteams in the nation in the AcademicProgress Rates reportcompiled by the NCA, trackinghow well universities doin advancing their athletestoward graduation. Undercoach McConathy, 23 of the26 players who have finishedtheir careers at NSU haveearned diplomas.Alumni Columns Fall 2006 / 10Visit our website at:

FOUNDATION NEWSScholarships and EndowmentsAs the Capital Campaigncontinues, several generousdonations have madeit possible for Northwestern tocontinue its mission of providingscholarship opportunities for thechanging needs of students.■ A scholarship to benefit a studentaffiliated with the Baptist church hasbeen established through the LouisianaBaptist Foundation.The T.M. and Emma Bailey Scholarshipwill be awarded in the amount of$1,200 per year to a recipient selected bythe NSU Foundation. First preferencewill be given to a student affiliated withthe Baptist church.The endowed scholarship was establishedby Rev. Doyle and Barbara Baileyof Natchitoches to honor Rev. Bailey’sparents.Rev. and Mrs. Bailey previouslyestablished the Doyle and Barbara BaileyFamily Scholarship for a Baptist studentand the Armand and Docia LestageLaCour Scholarship for nursing at Northwestern.■ The Manship Ney WilliamsEndowed Scholarship has been establishedwith a donation to the NorthwesternState University Foundation. Thescholarship will be awarded with firstpreference to a business major. Band studentsor students with musical interestwill receive extra consideration. Thescholarship was endowed at the $10,000level.The scholarship honors ManshipNey “Man” Williams. Williams graduatedfrom Northwestern in 1970, where hewas a member of the Demon MarchingBand and Concert Band. He was a partnerand co-owner of F.S. Williams CountryStore in Ethel. Mr. Williams was killed inan accident in December 2005 at age 57.The scholarship was made possiblethrough donations from the community,according to his daughter, StacyWilliams.■ The Service League of Natchitochespresented a $3,000 check to the NorthwesternState University Foundation thatwas dispersed among three scholarshipsthe League annually funds, along withestablishing three new endowments.The Service League gift provides$500 each for the Shirley Pittman SmileyScholarship, the Marcia Thomas PendletonScholarship and the Anna CloutierHarrington Memorial Scholarship. Additionally,the League has funded three newendowments of $500 each in the names ofSmiley, Pendleton and Harrington.The Shirley Pittman Smiley scholarshipis awarded to a nursing student withjunior or senior standing who has completedspecific coursework. The full-timestudent must maintain a grade point averageof 3.0 or better and be of financialneed. Preference is given to a studentfrom Natchitoches Parish who completedlower division education at NSU.The Marcia Thomas PendletonScholarship is presented to a junior orsenior full-time student with a gradepoint average of at least 2.5 and demonstratingfinancial need. First preferenceis given to a student from NatchitochesParish.The Anna Cloutier HarringtonMemorial Scholarship is presented to afull-time junior or senior female studentmajoring in physical education with agrade point average of 2.5 or better.Applicants must submit two letters ofrecommendation and a statement indicatingthe applicant’s reason for applying forthe scholarship, her need for financialassistance and career goals. Preference isgiven to a student from NatchitochesParish. Children of past or present membersof the Service League are not eligible.Purchase NSU merchandise at shop4nsu.comIf you’re an online shopper, there’s a new website that covers yourneeds and support Northwestern State athletics.It’s the www.shop4nsu.com website — NSU athletics’ official onlineshopping mall.A percentage of each purchase (typically 10-30 percent) madeonline at www.shop4nsu.com comes back to support NSU Athletics.The prices are the same as if you bought directly from the business.The fee that NSU athletics receives from your use of our new websiteis not an additional charge.There are dozens of nationally-known stores and vendors availablefor your online shopping through shop4nsu.com online. While NSUathletics strongly believes in shopping locally first, and especiallysupporting businesses that are owned/operated by NSU alumni andthose businesses who are Purple Partners who support NSU athletics.Clearly, online shopping, especially for items that may not beavailable locally, is soaring in popularity, and that’s the idea behindthe shop4nsu.com website.Online shopping is only going to increase. As those who supportNSU go online to shop, they can get great prices, top-caliber merchandiseand support NSU Athletics at the same time.www.shop4nsu.comwww.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Fall 2006 / 11

FOUNDATION NEWSPortraits from the PastOhio artist finds inspiration in faces of Northwestern’s BeautiesMiss Jean HallMiss Bobbie MontgomeryMiss Clayton HallThe “Northwestern Beauties” picturedin the 1936 Potpourri werethe inspiration for a series ofpaintings by an Ohio artist, who foundthe photos in a yearbook that belonged toa friend’s mother.Artist Lesley Midlam Walton of Vandalia,Ohio, created a series of oil paintingsinspired by the black and white portraitsof co-eds selected by the studentbody based on their attractiveness withconsideration for friendliness, characterand personality.Walton’s friend, Martha HardcastleGuthrie of Clayton, Ohio, is the daughterof Anna Mae Edwards Hardcastle, whoreceived a 2-year teaching certificatefrom Northwestern in 1934 and laterreturned to pursue a bachelor’s degree,which she completed in 1946. AnnaMae’s sister, Alberta Edwards Forbes ofBaton Rouge, also attended NSU, graduatingin 1928. Other relatives of theEdwards family who attended NSU wereMary Edna (Melba) Woodward (1934),who was a Beauty in 1933 or 1934, andDorothy Diane Forbes Kaufman of BatonRouge (1957).“The only one of the Beauties that Iknew was Bobby Montgomery, who wasa good friend of my mother’s,” Marthasaid. “She went on to do modeling andwas the mother in a series of primaryreaders in which actual photographs ofpeople were used as illustrations.”Walton’s Beauties series was exhibitedlast year in Dayton, Ohio, as part of anostalgic collection of artwork by Midlam,inspired by photographs from the1930s and 1940s.“I have always loved nostalgia. Iwould prefer to watch an old black andwhite film to any current films withcolor,” Walton said. “I realized that Icould feel like Dorothy when she lands inOz and opens the door to color. I feel likeI’m taking the subject out of their grayworld and bringing them to life throughcolor.”Walton began the Graduation paintingsin oils on paper to appear more likepages from a yearbook. She prepared acollection for exhibit and was contactedby her friend Martha, a newspaperreporter, about an article.“Martha was asking me about theGraduation series when I mentioned thatI had planned on doing other pieces. Itold her I was having trouble findingyearbook photos from the 30’s. That iswhen she went and pulled the 1936 Potpourribook off her bookshelf,” Waltonsaid. “I was thrilled. When I went to lookI was fascinated with the Beauties. As Iturned the pages I could just see them aspaintings. But then I turned the page andsaw the Other Beauties. I was shockedand I felt so bad for them. Not only to bethe Other Beauties, but to have to sharethe page with the others as smallerimages.”Walton completed one set of imagesof the Beauties and is currently workingon the Other Beauties. She exhibits atThe Cannery Art and Design Center inDayton, Ohio, and is a member of theDayton Visual Arts Center and the DaytonSociety of Painters and Sculptors.Walton enjoys portraiture because of thepersonality one can see in a face.“I don’t see ugly in people’s faces,but I have seen ugly in people’s attitudesand actions,” she said.Alumni Columns Fall 2006 / 12Visit our website at:

ALMUNI UPDATES1999Vivian Robak Vidrineis a plant technicianat Procter & Gamble,married andlives in Pineville.Kelly Grace FerringtonWhite is a physicianassistant atHematology, OncologyLife Center,L.L.C., married andlives in Pineville.Jaime Caillet isemployed at RehabAccess PhysicalTherapy as a physicaltherapist andlives in Destrehan.2001Shelley Yvette Sturdivantis employedat Morgan Keegan &Co., Inc. and lives inWest Monroe.2002Amie Lynn StennettSins is co-operatorof Coast Cabinets,married and lives inSlidell.Lakeytha ShurrellGuillory Clayton is amedical social worker,married and livesin Baton Rouge.2003Erica MichelleAndrus is a paralegalat Talbot, Carmouche& Marcelloand lives in BatonRouge.Arthur Fields is aparticipant servicerepresentative forMecer HR Servicesand lives in Houston,Texas.2004Ashley Ann StevensKerr is an X-raytechnologist at DenhamSprings UrgentCare Clinic marriedand lives in BatonRouge.Bert LeBlanc isdirector of accountsat Pinnacle BusinessSolutions and livesin Lewisville, Texas.2005Ashley RaeComeaux is aresearch technicianat UT SouthwesternMedical Center andlives in Dallas,Texas.Amy WakefieldComeaux is anassociate minister ofmedia at First BaptistChurch ofLafayette, marriedand lives inLafayette.Kenny Ray Haymonis a physical educationteacher andhead coach of girl’sbasketball team atEvans High School,married and lives inLeesville.Alumni ProfileAlyson CourtneyAlyson Courtneyrecalls her experiences atNorthwestern as amongher fondest memories. Anative of Vivian and a1998 NSU graduate,Alyson was involved inmany aspects of campuslife. She was vice presidentof Tri Sigma Sorority her senioryear and a Freshman Connector fortwo years, and was a member of theStudent Government Association, theOrder of Omega and Purple Jackets.She was on the Homecoming Court in1996 and Homecoming Queen and aKappa Alpha Rose in 1997. Courtneygraduated with a degree in broadcastjournalism with a minor in marketing.Courtney’s interest in broadcastjournalism was sparked as a highschool student at North Caddo HighSchool, where she graduated in 1994.“We had a cutting edge telecommunicationsprogram that gave me agood idea of what the business wasabout and I was hooked,” she said.“When I was at Northwestern, NSU 22was fairly new. Being part of that programtaught us so much about how aTV station works, the different jobsand people it takes to create a newscastand that it’s not all as glamorous as itlooks. I anchored some of the newscasts.Looking back now, I realizehow terrible I was, but how much ithelped me develop my talent and lovefor broadcasting.”Courtney’s first job after graduationwas at the NBC affiliate station inShreveport, where she was a producerfor the morning newscast. A year anda half later, she took a job as an on-airreporter/anchor at the ABC affiliate inVictoria, Texas. In 2003, she moved tothe CBS affiliate station KTHV in LittleRock, Ark., where she is a generalassignment reporter.“The TV news business is alwayschallenging. You have to move aroundto move up, but it’s also a truly rewardingprofession. I have done interviewswith everyone from President BillClinton to New York Mayor RudyGuiliani. I’ve covered plane crashes,murders, explosions, high profile trials,soldiers preparing for combat inIraq, political races and even a chickenthat almost died but was saved when anurse did mouth to beak resuscitation.Every day is new. You never knowwhat might happen or who you mightmeet. It’s an exciting job.”Courtney is married to KTHVweekend sports anchor Wess Mooreand the couple has one child.“It’s hard with both of us being insuch a demanding business, especiallynow that we have a 1-year-old,” Courtneysaid. “Our daughter Brooklyn wasborn in August 2005. She is my greatestaccomplishment so far. I hope oneday she will be a Demon too.”Alumni Columns Fall 2006 / 14Visit our website at:

ALMUNI UPDATESNew Equine Center completeThe new Equine Center is completeand is located across fromthe University Columns Apartments.The barn was designed by PhysicalPlant staff with input from faculty inthe veterinary technology program. Thenew barn includes 12 stalls, tack room,office and hayloft. The facility replaced adilapidated wooden building that wasdemolished.“The new barn is nice and easier towork in,” according to Dr. BrendaWoodard, director of the veterinary techprogram. “It has stalls that open to theoutside and the inside, which makes iteasier to move horses.”In designing the barn, “we were ableto tell Physical Plant how many stalls weneeded and what size,” Woodard said.The facility houses eight horses.The Equine Center was wellreceived by the Budweiser Clydesdalesand staff, who used the barn during theNatchitoches Christmas Festival.“The Budweiser staff said that theywere very impressed by the barn and thatit was one of the nicest they have stayedin on their tour around the country,” saidChris Sampite, Physical Plant director.Future Physical Plant projectsinclude interior renovations of the CampusPolice building, including electricalwork, structural stabilization and a newroof. Constructed in 1920, the CampusPolice building is the oldest building oncampus and for years was the collegeinfirmary.Physical Plant also has begun renovationson Caspari Hall and WilliamsonHall. Both facilities are under contractswith architects for renovations. Caspariwill be the Student Services Center, a“one-stop” for students to take care ofregistration, financial aid and admissions.Williamson houses the Departmentof Engineering Technology andwill undergo renovations and upgrades tosupport that program.A 90 th birthday celebration washeld for Dr. Kenneth I. Durr onSaturday, July 1 in Nacogdoches,Texas, hosted by his family. Morethan 100 people attended, includingDr. Durr’s wife, Gloria Durr,his children, grandchildren andmany friends. Dr. Durr was abeloved accounting professor tomany NSU alumni. He taught atNSU for several years in the1950s and 1960s. Former studentsare in the process of establishinga professorship in Durr’shonor in the College of Business.More details will appear in theWinter edition of Alumni Columns.In Memory’34 Lois Bonds Nugent, Natchitoches, June 30, 2006’50 Nadine Smith Simmons, Natchitoches, June 12, 2006Virginia M. Harmeyer, RN, Ph.D., Valdosta, Ga., March 9, 2006Paul Hill Keyser Sr., Natchitoches, May 21, 2006,Billy Mac Norred, May 26, 2006Romer A. Barth Jr., April 26, 2006Earleen R. Evans, Feb. 24, 2006www.northwesternalumni.comAlumni Columns Fall 2006 / 15

ALMUNI NEWSCoach Jack Clayton, freshfrom an undefeated seasonand No. 1 national rating infootball took over the reins of theNorthwestern State College baseballteam in the spring of 1967.Clayton replaced Coach Alvin“Cracker” Brown who retired fromcoaching after 26 years as headbaseball coach at Northwestern.Coach Clayton inherited a teamthat had lost its three most consistentrun producing hitters and AllGulf States Conference pitcher“Deacon” Lewis, who chose todevote his time to the Demon footballteam.On the bright side was thereturn of All Gulf States Conferencecatcher Don Calvert. Alsoreturning to bolster the team’sstrength were Terry Alario, EdHartfield, Mike Herron, GaryJohnson, Wayne Jowers, DonRobinson, Dean Sclavounous,Danny Turner, Harry Wilmore andDavid Smith.Several freshmen hopefulslooked good in early workouts.They were Charles Soileau, LeroyHusser, Ron Dupre, Jackie Lewis,Don Shields, Bob Hetrick, MauriceHendrix and Eddie Tompkins.That season, the team won theGulf States Conference championshipand went to the NAIA playoffin Coach Clayton's last season- 23-11 overall, 18-8 in the GSC.1 9 6 7Coach Jack Clayton andgraduate assistant Herbie SmithGuess Who?Congratulations to the following individualswho correctly identified the B.S.U.quartet. They were Jerry McDonald,Byron McCain, Ray Teal and EddieSpurgeonMs. Blanchie Morrison--1955Elmer, LAMs. Barbara Jean Ables--1954Sherman, TXMrs. Barbara Hicks Spence--1953Springhill, LAMr. Ray Teal--1955 and 1960Atlanta, LAMr. Loren Martin--2005DeRidder, LACan you named these members of the 1966 State FairCourt who shouted from the sidelines as the Demons“Wrecked Tech?” The first 10 readers to contact the AlumniAffairs office at (318) 357-4414 will win a prize.Mrs. Glenita McCainRosepine, LAMs. Adrienne Rayborn--1956Baton Rouge, LAMs. Sophie Packard--1963Natchitoches, LAAlumni Columns Fall 2006 / 16

Alumni Information UpdateVisit our website at www.northwesternalumni.com and 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 your informationupdates are vital to making the system work. The information from this form is also used for entries in the “ClassNotes” section. Please make a copy of this page and give it to any NSU graduate who may not be on our list. Wecan't keep in touch with you if we can't find you! Thank you.Date_____________________SSN:_________________________________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 or the NSU Athletic Association, youcan contact them at the following address:University RecruitingSouth HallNatchitoches, LA 71497(318) 357-4503800-327-1903www.nsula.edu/enrollmentservices/recruitingFinancial AidRoom 109, Roy HallNatchitoches, LA 71497(318) 357-5961www.nsula.edu/financialaidAthletic DirectorRoom 101CAthletic FieldhouseNatchitoches, LA 71497(318) 357-5251www.nsudemons.com

Demons of DestinyIt was a thrilling ride with the 2005-06 NSU Demons basketball team.“The Demons of Destiny” rockedthe college basketball worldand rewrote the record bookunder the guidance of CoachMike McConathy.To commemorate this magnificentseason, the NSU Athletic Associationand the Demon basketballprogram offers a selection of souveniritems, some which are limitededition pieces nearing sellouts.To review all the items andmake online purchases, visitwww.nsudemons.com and click onthe “Demons of Destiny” souvenirbutton on the upper right side of themain page. If you’re not an onlineshopper, call the athletic departmentat 318-357-5251.Prices range from $15 for a commemorativewall or window postersuitable for framing, up to $200 forthe premiere piece, “CinderellaWears Purple.”That 18x24-inch piece features theclassic Doug Daniels photograph ofJermaine Wallace shooting thegame-winning 3-pointer to beatIowa, with an Iowa player stretchingto block the shot and the scoreboardand crowd in the background.Wallace and McConathy autographedthe photo. The piece alsoincludes a copy of the box scorefrom NSU’s 64-63 win over 15thrankedand third-seeded Iowa, anda picture of NSU supporter KarenTerrell holding the now famous“Cinderella Wears Purple” sign inthe stands. Less than three dozenof these pieces remain availablefrom the original 100 on sale.The “Demons’ Dream Season”video yearbook DVD, a 40-minuteinside look at the remarkable teamand its accomplishments, is availablefor just $20. Special edition T-shirts and the unique “Let’s Go toWork” hard hats, autographed by allteam members, are also available.T-shirts are $20 for adults, $15 foryouths, while the hard hats are $40.Less than two dozen hard hatsremain available.Also on sale is another limited edition,framed and matted piece entitled“Demons in the Dance. The18x24-inch piece features apanoramic shot, autographed byMcConathy, of game actionbetween NSU and West Virginiaand the majestic Palace of AuburnHills, and an authentic game ticketfrom the Demons’ first-ever secondroundNCAA Tournament game,along with photographs of the teamcelebrating the win over Iowa. Lessthan half of the initial 60 remain.Alumni ColumnsNorthwestern State UniversityNatchitoches, LA 71497-0002PeriodicalsPostage PaidPostal PermitUSPS 015480