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Northwestern State University Alumnae who graduated 50 or more years ago gathered for their annual 50 Plus Club Reunion on Saturday, Nov. 1. The 50 Plus Club was founded by Marie Harper of Natchitoches and four other graduates many years ago. This year's reunion brought together around 100 people. Lucille Carnahan from Cloutierville and Claudia Durham of Pineville were the oldest graduates in attendance representing the Class of 1928. In all, 19 classes were represented. Two members who attended, Dr. Arnold Kilpatrick and Ed Greco, are members of NSU's Hall of Distinction known as the Long Purple Line. "This is our special group of Northwestern (Normal) graduates that we consider to be so important because they make up the spirit on which we have built what we have today," said Director of Alumni Development Elise James. Northwestern State University A Member of the University of Louisiana System Natchitoches, Louisiana

Alumni / COLUMNS Spring 1997 '

•

Dr. Randall J. Webb, President Elise P. James, Director Northwestern State University Alumni Development

In my role as president, I work Hmrollment is up again at your closely with the faculty, staff, adminis- alma mater. Spring semester 1997 trators and alumni to make North- saw 8,943 students register at North- western an even better place. But it's also important not western. This is up from 8,700 in the spring of 1996. Of to overlook another source of ideas that helps strengthen real importance, the count on the main campus is 5,880. NSU — the students. Active recruiting by the Admissions Office has helped Since I became president, it has been a top priority of to accomplish this feat. But, let us not forget that with my administration to listen closely to students and to all the recruiting in the world, unless faculty and staff keep their needs in mind when making decisions and do their job, this count would not be possible. Alumni developing priorities for improvements. are a part of this process by talking to their friends about the superior received I have promised our students that I would set aside education they at North- time each week to meet with them individually to get western and encouraging their friends to send their chil- here. their ideas about how to make campus life even better. dren Each Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon that I am in Some of the men, namely David West and Don Sepul- Natchitoches, students can make an appointment to drop vado, on my editorial staff, laugh at me in the spring and by my office and talk with me. I've also encouraged all say "Elise, get ready to write your crepe myrtle letter." other administrators to maintain an "open door policy," That is all right, because part of my job through this let- which means that they are available to meet with stu- ter is reminding you of the beauty of your campus. And dents whenever they are not in class or in other meet- it is that time again! Yes, the crepe myrtles are budding ings. out and students are making their way to Chaplin's Because of the meetings our administration has had Lake to sit in the sun, hoping to catch sight of our row- with students, we are making the repair and renovation ing team practicing on the lake and to feed the ducks. of our dormitories one of our top priorities. We are also They can hear the sounds of the National Anthem com- examining options for improving the parking situation ing from Brown-Stroud Field as another year of NSU on the Natchitoches campus, exploring the use of a multi- baseball kicks off. Don't you wish you had one more time purpose ID card, and investigating the feasibility of a of stretching out by Chaplin's Lake? Oh, those were the combination movie/residential programming/information days. center TV channel for students living in the dormitories. As you read this letter, the College of Business proba-

We have also added a national restaurant chain, Chick- bly has moved to the renovated Russell Hall building. It fil-A, to our food service operation and may add another is so beautiful and the Business Department needs that national chain within the next year. space because of its enrollment. Remember, Russell Hall

This semester, we set an all-time record for spring was the library when you and I were here. Scholars' Col- enrollment, 8,943. Enrollment has continued to grow lege is moving into Morrison Hall, which will be perfect because we have the best faculty, staff and students. As for them. Scholars' College is a unique program and if alumni, you help us by supporting Northwestern and you need information on this program, please let me helping us attract new students. Or as one student was know. quoted in an article in the Shreveport Times discussing The President, Dr. Randall Webb, is working very our enrollment, students like "individual attention from hard to take us into the 21st Century and we are all very the faculty and the small-town atmosphere at NSU and willing to help. He is a very thoughtful and kind person in Natchitoches." and will accomplish many things for Northwestern.

Another factor is that we have made education more Several Alumni parties are planned throughout the accessible, through our off-campus sites which have made state and out of state, to introduce Dr. Webb to Alumni. it possible for more people to begin their college educa- Please, when we come to your area, come see us. tion. We're going to continue working to give our students Until then an even better educational experience and attract more bright, capable students to Northwestern.

Thank you again for all your support of your alma mater, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

CONTENTS ABOUT THE COVER: The breezeway connecting the m Events page 7 new and old sections of the fine arts complex is pictured just as the morning light traces the shadows of an old oak NEWS page 3 tree across the architectural beauty of the A.A. Fredericks Creative and Performing Arts Center. PROFILES & Class Notes page 9 ( LWPJ - \

JOliOWIIig

J ohn Williams can see the portrait of his mother, Ora G. Williams, hanging on the back wall of the studio named in her memory, every - time he steps to the podium to teach students in his busi- ness law class via closed-cir- cuit television.

He calls that ironic. That his mother, who helped pioneer tele- vision teaching at Northwestern State University in 1962. did so near the same studio that Williams now teaches in each Monday. Wednesday and Friday at 9:00 a.m. In fact. Williams is the first professor to teach a class this semester on XSUs new cable channel 22. John Williams is pictured in the studio after finishing his lecture on Busi- ness Law 3050. Since Williams teaches simultaneously on closed-circuit Although he won't say he television and to his studio class, he had this to say about his classroom enjoys in being front of the cam- delivery. "Business law can be the most boring subject known to western era. will Williams say he learned man (except maybe for freshmen orientation) and I found out early on that from the best. Mrs. Williams I had to jazz it up a lot if I am to expect any results. I use a lot of actual studied communications for two examples and cases that I am familiar with and use everyday situations that these students come in contact with to make my points. A great deal summers at Columbia University of humor also helps. Put yourself in their shoes. Make every student in New York in the early 60s just believe that at some time in their life they are going to be confronted with to learn about television teach- these exact same problems and show them that they can solve these ing. But. she made her home at problems." XSU years earlier where she began teaching library science.

English and Greek mythology at heard of Greek mythology offered them, many times at the age of 19. and just explain it beautiful- our kitchen table." ly," said Williams' daughter. "It was always her dream Likewise. John Williams can't Ann Brittain of Natchitoches. to teach at the college level." remember a time when he was "I run into people all the time said Williams. growing up that his mother did who say they would never not have students in their home "My mother could take stu- have passed if it hadn't been for tutoring sessions. dents who had never even for her and the help she

Alumni Columns Springl997 I 3 Campus News

has to offer as well as a com- "Momma was always tutoring mitment to a lifetime of students in freshman Eng- learning. It is gratifying to lish." know that her efforts are "She would tell the coach- rewarded in that she lives on es to send their players to in the lives and thoughts of her and she would tutor her former students," said them," said Brittain. "She Webb. especially loved football and And carry on a legacy she did. baseball and she would make important of all, she was By pioneering closed-circuit tele- a deal with the players. She compassionate toward her vision teaching in the early would feed them a home students and was truly inter- 1960's, Mrs. Williams, along cooked meal and they had to ested in their learning the with Audio-Visuals Director sit at our table and go material she was teaching." Thomas Hennigan, created a through their English system that preceded a lessons. She taught so many IVXrs. Williams, a Minden statewide public television sys- students and loved everyone native, enrolled at NSU in 1926 tem by more than a decade. she instructed," said and graduated three years later. Williams. She immediately began teaching It is this legacy that has library science at NSU. She made it possible for John One student who recalls the decided to get her master's Williams to go from instructing love Mrs. Williams had for teach- degree from Louisiana State Uni- in the classroom to the studio. ing is NSU President Dr. Randall versity in Library Science, mak- "Even though my mother is J. Webb, who took a Greek ing her a member of the first not around to speak about mythology course under her. class to receive such degrees my performance, my dad is "She was everything my par- from LSU After she obtained her still here for some serious ents said she was," said master's, she returned to NSU and blunt critiques," said Webb. "She was an excellent where she taught until she Williams. His 87-year old classroom teacher, totally retired in 1970. father, Judge R.B. Williams, let devoted to teaching and to his son know real quick just serving her students. She "It is teachers such as Ora what he thought of his style. made the material interest- Williams who instill in stu- ing and applicable to every- dents an appreciation for the "I think it's outstanding," day life. Probably most finer things that education said Judge Williams of his

Business Law 3250 is taught in studio A of Kyser Hall in front of a class as well as on closed-circuit television. The class is

designed to give the student a working, functional and practical use and knowledge of business law terminology, the ability to

cognize potential business law problems, to avoid those problems if possible and be able to solve those problems if they occur.

Alumni Columns Spring 1997 I 4 Campus News

son's ability. "He does a good did, she did it to the very best ful role model, a> main of her job of keeping your attention of her ability." former students will attest We during his lectures. I'm very owe her others like "Every chance I get I remind and her a proud of him." debt Northwestern 's fine faculty mem- we can repay only by the A hat same pride swells in bers of the awesome responsibili- way in which we live our lives NSU Associate Professor of Jour- ty they have as teachers," said and relate to other people." nalism Tom Whitehead when he Webb. "They have the potential reflects on the bond he developed to change students' lives for the with the Williams family years better and thus make our world a ago. Whitehead served as a stu- much better place. Mrs. Ora dent worker for Mrs. Williams in Williams affords them a wonder- 1966 and 67 and recalls her dedi- cation to television teaching. "She didn't comprehend the

techniques involved I his picture shows in giving a lecture on Ora B. Williams T.V.," said Whitehead. appearing on a studio "So, she went on her monitor as she taught own time during two class via closed circuit televi- summers to Colum- sion. This picture bia University to appeared in the study and learn what December 1962 it lec- took to do the issue of the Alumni tures successfully on magazine. television." White- Our thanks to Dr. Ada head said her devotion Jarred, director of not only to television Watson Library and teaching but classroom Sonny Carter, media

teaching as well was specialist, for digi- inspiring to more than tally acquiring this just students, she had image from the the respect and admira- archives of the tion of her colleagues Cammie G. Henry Research Center. too. "She always went beyond the call of duty. Whatever she

Most administrators at NSU have e-mail addresses which allow you to keep in touch and pass along ideas or suggestions. Here are the e-mail addresses of some members of the university administration.

President, Dr. Randall J. Webb [email protected] Acting Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Thomas A. Burns [email protected] Vice President of Student Affairs, Fred Fulton [email protected] Vice President of External Affairs, Jerry Pierce [email protected] Asst. to the President and Director of Auxiliary Services, Harold Boutte' [email protected] Acting Dean of Grad. Studies and Research, Dr. Tom Hanson [email protected] Director of Enrollment Services, Chris Maggio [email protected] D rector of Student Financial Aid, Gil Gilson [email protected] Director of Institutional Advancement, Tony Gustwick [email protected] Director of Alumni Affairs and Development, Elise James [email protected]

Alumni Columns Spring 1997/5 Campus News

Editor's note: This column by Robert Wallace ran in the And these guys are called Demons? February 13 edition of the Shreveport Times and was Barnett was well aware of the crisis in Natchi- reprinted with permission of the Times. toches upon arriving in 1994. He said that while coaching at Louisiana Tech, Virginia Common- wealth and Tulsa, he recruited in the inner cities of These guys are too clean- Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and cut to be called Demons Detroit. But, he added, not too many urban kids seeking an A he Northwestern State men's basketball team athletic scholarship are going to flock to small-town is being ignored. Natchitoches.

All this attention is being paid to make Detroit Pis- "Most of our kids come from very good homes and tons good-guy Grant Hill look tougher, while a crisis haven't had to go through the survival techniques exists in Natchitoches. many urban kids endure," he said. "Do we have the toughness I'd like for us to have? Not overall. But While dunks and dirty words sometimes comprise a just because we have a lot of very nice kids doesn't college game, NSU has guys who set screens on mean we won't toughen up when adversity hits." every possession, always look for the open man, seek back-door layups and run the fast break about four Yes, there is hope these Demons will live up to times a game. their name.

Two weeks ago against Northeast Louisiana, they Believe it or not, one of their players took second in went the entire first half and almost half the second a statewide high school dunk contest. Ironically, it's without one dunk. also a player Barnett considers one of the least ath- letic on the team. Something must be done. But it's a start. Maybe, it will spread. After all, We're obviously one of the least athletic teams in Detroit's Hill set the example earlier this season by the league," Coach J.D. Barnett said. getting a technical foul. NSU players could put on That's not all. some fake tattoos for games. They could throw lob passes for dunks a few times. Ever seen the back of the NSU media guide? Instead of finding any McDonald's All-Americans or However, the Demons shouldn't go too far with this All-Southland Conference honorees, you'd see the new tough-guy image. After all, we don't want pho- grade-point averages for three key players, all above tographers working near the floor at NSU games to 3.2. Center Seth LeGrand, one of those three, is worry about getting kicked. majoring in physics and seeks a Ph.D.

Those three players, LeGrand, Stephen Barnes and Ryan Bundy, have already made the SLC's all-acade- mic team this season.

Want more? Thumb through the guide, and you'll find another player who was senior class president in high school. Another was student body president. Another was a four- year honor student.

That doesn't even include one whose father is a mechanical engineer.

All of the players are dressed in coats and ties for their mug shots. One is married. None of them is wearing an earring.

And dealing with the media? Guard Charles Duncan, its top player, talks in paragraphs, then smiles and kes your hand when the conversa-

i concludes. Barnes sitting nearby, - Char|es Duncan Ryan Bundy March Beard Chris Kennedy and Lemue| [most eager for his chance to Jones 0n the back row are Gera|d Ho||jns Chrjs Larson Dameon McQuar. r questions. ters Stephen Bams Setn LeGrand, Kenta Alexander and Sam Alexander.

Alumni Columns Spring 1997 I 6 Alumni Events

"Nth" Degree recognition theatrical productions and was developing a play at the time of his death. of former athletes two Also a skilled jazz and zydeco musician, Williams was a member of the Spirit of Northwoi P ormer Northwestern student-athletes Jerry em Marching Band, the NSU Symphonic Band and Richardson and Vince Williams were honored the Jazz Ensemble as an undergraduate. posthumously with presentation of the "Nth" Williams passed away suddenly in January of Degrees by the university during activities saluting this year. "Black History Month." Richardson was profiled in Readers' Digest for The "Nth" Degree is presented by President Dr. his work as girls' basketball coach at Shiprock, New Randall J. Webb in recognition of unselfish devotion Mexico, a Navaho Indian reservation. Shiprock to duty and willingness to make an extra effort in High had a 50 percent drop-out rate and students meritorious service to mankind. were plagued with low self-esteem, but Richardson,

Richardson and Williams were track and field in just four seasons, turned the team and the school teammates as undergraduates at Northwestern. around. Each became nationally-renowned in his profession- By instilling in his players the value of hard al career, Richardson as a basketball coach and work and the rewards associated with it, Richard- Williams as an actor and musician. son guided the Lady Chieftans to more than 200 Williams, a Natchitoches native, became best victories, including four district titles, one state known for his work from 1989-96 in the continuing runner-up finish and four state championships. role of Hampton Speakes on the Television CBS The amazing about-face by the team and com- soap opera "The Guiding Light." Williams became munity was so profound that it inspired the Read- the first non-white contract performer on the er's Digest article and a television documentary. longest running show in television history. Richardson, a native of Texarkana, Texas, He was a founding member of Proud Kolumbra became head women's basketball coach at Central Images, a society ofAfrican-American performers dedi- Florida and led the Golden Knights to the NCAA cated to "fostering African-American aesthetics." Tournament last season in his second year. He died

Williams did several other network television in an automobile accident in August of 1996 while roles as well as commercials for McDonald's and on a recruiting trip. Levi's 501 Jeans. He performed in off-Broadway

Northwestern's Alumni Association

sponsored four area alumni events in March and April. The meetings took

place in Many, Alexandria, Haynesville and Shreveport. "Each of these events were designed to make sure our alum-

ni had an opportunity to get together and learn about the exciting things going on at Northwestern," said NSU Director of Alumni Development Elise

P. James.

Pictured are some of the Sabine

Parish alumni that were in attendance

at the home of Julian Foy. Appearing

from left to right is President Randall Webb, Cecile Lites, Charles Maines,

Julian Foy, Booker T. McFarland and Connie Ammons.

Alumni Columns Spring 1997/7 Alumni Events

Scholarship Fund is set up by Cormack family

J\ scholarship fund has been set up at

Northwestern State University in memory of Donald Edward Cormack, a 1966 graduate of Northwestern who

passed away recently. Cormack. who was also a graduate of

Tulane University, was a pioneer in the computer industry.

He was co-founder, vice president and chief financial offi-

cer of Setpoint, Inc. Hilla James, a 1949 graduate of Northwestern, He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Cormack, two recently held a retrospective art show, "A Decade of daughters, Deborah Cormack Kalina and Nicole Marie Cor- Impressions of Northern New Mexico, 1986-1996," mack; a sister, Sharon Cormack Mize; a brother, Dewayne at River Oaks Square Arts Center in Alexandria. Cormack and his father, Leeman Jewell Cormack. The show included acrylic paintings that were expressionistic with vibrant colors in red, purple, Donations for the Cormack Scholarship Fund can be pink and green. Scenes depicted included mountain addressed to the Athletic Fieldhouse. Northwestern State vistas, adobes and still life. The show was dedicated University, Natchitoches, LA 7 1497. to the memory of Ella's sister, Dixie James Willis, who died last April. Dixie's husband, Jim, built cypress frames for the show.

James was born and raised in Boyce. She contin- ues to live at the family home, Cordelia Place. She is the mother of three and grandmother of seven. Since retiring from teaching, she has concentrated her interest in art and has had six one person shows.

James has earned two degrees from Northwestern and has also studied art at LSU, Tulane and Louisiana College. Her paintings are in private and corporate collections in Louisiana, Texas and Cali- fornia. Her work is in the permanent collections at the Alexandria Museum of Art and the Louisiana IN SU Alumnus Stan Parham of Vero College Art Department. She has also served on the Beach, Fla. is shown with three NSU boards of the Alexandria Museum of Art and the music students Brandon Bornes, Chad River Oaks Square Arts Center. Howlin and Ken Miller, who performed this summer at the Riverside Cafe in Since 1986, James has attended the art course Vero Beach. Parham met the students taught in New Mexico by NSU professor of art Dr. and was so impressed with the students Bill Bryant. The course is taught at Ghost Ranch and their playing ability that he obtained near Abiquiu, N.M., a 22,000-acre working ranch an NSU banner and had it placed in the owned by the Presbyterian Church and a place cafe. The three students are among sev- where artist Georgia O'Keefe both lived and eral students from the Vero Beach area worked. The ranch features a conference center and who are part of the "Spirit of Northwest- accommodations for study groups. ern" Marching Band. in exhibit each fall featuring the work

its who accompany Bryant on his trip.

"./ Columns Spring 1997/8 Profiles I Class Notes

Beverly Bruce number one priority," said Bruce. "Investing in education and infrastructure improvement will bring about good economic development. These two things seem to be the greatest concern of peo- F or 23 years, State Rep. Beverly Bruce worked in ple in District 7." adult education as a home economist to improve life for the families she served. Today, the Northwestern If you ask the Natchitoches native what her

State University graduate says her work is virtually most noted accomplishment as a representative the same even though she now serves in the has been thus far she will tell you the procurement Louisiana State Legislature, a position she was of $113,000 in Rural Development funds which elected to in 1995. she, along with Sen. Ron Bean, Sen. Mike Smith and Rep. Joe Salter, helped district governing bod- "I saw the opportunity to continue to serve families ies apply for. "I was also instrumental in making on a higher level," said Bruce. "To help them solve sure that capital outlay requests of Northwest problems and seek opportunities with the state and Louisiana were approved by the Legislature." federal government as a state representative." Looking ahead, Bruce knows there are goals yet Bruce retired last January from the Louisiana to be met, but now that she knows the ropes, she State University Agricultural Center, Cooperative looks forward to her second session. "I am opti- Extension Service where she served Caddo and DeS- mistic about this year's session because members oto Parishes. That same year, she decided to do of the Legislature seem to have their constituents something no one else in her family had ever done. interest first and not their own personal agendas," She became politically active. She won the represen- said Bruce. tatives race for District 7, came out of retirement

and has been working tirelessly since she was sworn in. Bruce graduated from St. Mary's High School in Natchitoches in 1953 and from NSU with a Bache- "I had visited the House of Representatives several lor of Science Degree in Home Economics in 1956. times, but only as a spectator sitting back and She obtained her master's degree at Northwestern watching the proceedings," said Bruce. "Perhaps the in Family Life & Child Development in 1964. biggest fear I had was the unknown." Reflecting back on her years at NSU, Bruce says

Bruce says she has settled in her home away from there were many reasons she enrolled at NSU. "I home rather nicely. During the legislative session, chose Northwestern because Natchitoches was my you can find her at committee meetings in the hometown and I lived only a few blocks from the

morning, in the House chamber in the afternoon and campus. It never occurred to me that I would go to

usually turning the lights off in her office around 7 any other college. I wanted to major in Home Eco-

or 8 p.m. "I have great support," said Bruce "My nomics Education and Northwestern had the repu-

husband is there to support me and I don't have any tation as the best in the state for teacher training,"

children living at home so I can make the time for all said Bruce. the demands that go along with this job." Bruce says several professors in the school of

And make time she has had to do in order to work Home Economics had a great influence on her life. on some of the problems she says were present in "Mrs. Ruby Dunckleman, who visited my home her district. Since taking office, Bruce has sought to often, was the head of the Home Economics improve her district's roads, water and sewage sys- Department and she often enlisted the help of my tems, in hopes of enticing new business to South mother, Lucille Gourdon. Mrs. Dunckleman sewed Caddo and DeSoto Parishes. She also wants to pro- beautifully but didn't like to make the buttonholes mote tourism to bring economic development to Dis- in her custom made garments, so my mother

trict 7. Her third goal is the implementation of the would do those for her. During her visits she state's welfare reform program. would keep me entertained with stories about her career in home economics. These stories motivated Bruce has also spent time this past year listening me to want to follow in her footsteps." to her constituents. "I believe the State Legislature has gained greater respect from the people because "Miss Mary Esther Robson was assigned to be the administration has education as their new put Continued

Alumm Columns Spring 1997 I 9 Profiles & Class Notes

retired nurse from Caddo Parish '66 Mike lives in my advisor and taught clothing, textiles and home Lococo Schools and lives in Bossier City, West Chester, Ohio. He is a pro- furnishings. She was like a mother to all of her Louisiana. duction supervisor at Sun Chemi- cal in Cincinnati. girls," said Bruce. "Dr. Marie Dunn also made a last- '57 Mary Byrne Pozzi was a ing impression on my life. She recognized that I was member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, '66 Billy Scott is married Newman Club, and the yearbook and lives in White Settlement, a shy individual and lacked confidence and she staff. She lives in Houston, Texas Texas. He is a senior evaluator for helped me to overcome this handicap by requiring and is a retired elementary school the U. S. General Accounting Office librarian. She has two children. in Dallas. He has two children. oral reports in class. She also helped me get

through my oral exams while I was working on my '57 Michael Murphy is '67 Elaine Durand has married to Pat Robertson Murphy recently been named a 1996 Out- of master's degree by giving me words encourage- (class of '60) and they have two standing Teacher of the Year. She ment." children. He is owner/agent of is a math teacher and lives in State Farm Insurance Agency in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She is "My greatest mentor was Mrs. Lucille Carnahan. Natchitoches, Louisiana. He was a married to William Durand (class former NSU cheerleader. of'62). She taught Library Science and arranged for me to '60 Carolyn Spruill '68 Pauline Taglialavore have a working scholarship as her secretary. I was McGougan lives in St. Joseph, Johnson is married to Dr. Charles not the best typist, but in her gentle manner she Louisiana and has one child. She Johnson (class of '65) and they live has recently retired from the in Piano, Texas. She is a professor taught me how to do her correspondence, class Department of Corrections where & director of the graduate program assignments and tests. I will always be indebted to she served with juvenile correc- in Nursing at Baylor University in tions in the administrative capaci- Dallas. They have four children. her because the job helped me pay most of my school ty- expenses and took that burden off my parents," said '68 Terry Brown is a real '60 Pat Robertson Murphy estate agent for D.O.T.D. in Bruce. is married to Michael Murphy Alexandria, Louisiana. He is mar- (class of '59) and they have two ried, has one child, and lives in

Bruce is married to Andrew Morris Bruce, Sr. and children. She is an RN/Home Colfax. Health Aide Supervisor at Natchi- they have one son. Mrs. Bruce's husband is also an toches Hospital Home Health '68 Audrey Burkhalter NSU graduate, having pitched on the NSU Baseball Agency. Broussard was a member of the

Rodeo Club. She is married to Team. Her office address is P.O. Box 884, Mansfield, '60 Dr. Roy Hatton lives in John Broussard (class of '68) and LA 71052. She can be reached by calling 318-872- Murray, Kentucky. He was a pro- they live in Grand Rapides, Michi- for thirty years at gan. She is a realtor for Century 1666. fessor of History ^ Murray State University and is 21 Sturgis. They have five chil- now semi-retired. He is married dren. and has three children. '68 Babette G Stephen has '61 Dr. Bill Robinson is been married for 28 years and has married and has two children. He one child. She received her M.Ed, '30 Irene Lawton Sibley is Louisiana. They have three chil- is orthodontist at W. in '95. She is a teacher and science owner/manager of W. L. Sibley dren. an Wm. Robinson, D.D.S., M.S.D., Inc. in department head at Opelousas Farm in Shreveport, Louisiana. Sherman, Texas. He has recently Senior High School in Opelousas, '50 Robert Parrott is a been installed as the new presi- Louisiana. '41 Daniel McCuller and retired United Methodist campus dent of the Southwestern Society Margery Buatt McCuller (class of minister from the University of of Orthodontists. '69 Dr. David Law is a '44) have been married for 51 years. Tennessee in Knoxville. He is mar- physician at the Doctor's Clinic in They have one child. He is a ried, has two children and four '62 Judith Beggs is an Springhill, Louisiana. He is mar- retired rice grader, Department of grandchildren, including a set of attorney in Denver, Colorado. She ried and has three children. Agriculture, Crowley, Louisiana. triplets. was assigned for a month by U. N. Volunteers to the Organization for '69 Charlotte Gremillion '44 Margery Buatt '50 Maxcy Howe, Sr. is mar- Security and Cooperation in St. Romain is a science teacher at McCuller is a retired elementary ried to Mary Dena Crawford Howe Europe, serving in Bosnia-Herce- Carencro High School in Lafayette, school teacher. She is married to (class of '47) and they have two govina as an election supervisor. Louisiana. She has been a teacher Daniel McCuller (class of '41) and children. He is retired and lives in for 27 years and recently received they live in Crowley, Louisiana. Gloster, Louisiana. '63 Presidential for Excel- They have one child. Martha Geyer Oldham the Award is married and lives in Winston, lence in Science Teaching. She and '51 Herbert Sudbury is a is a retired social her husband live in Cottonport, '45 Marjorie Barre' lives in retired buyer from Shell Pipeline Oregon. She worker from the Department of Louisiana. They have two chil- Dallas, Texas and is a retired asso- and lives in Slidell, Louisiana. He Veterans Affairs. dren. ciate professor, School & Allied is married to Dorothy Canafax Health, University of Texas. Sudbury (class of '53) and they '63 is retired '69 Renee' Bates Mayher is have two children. Herb Roach '47 Jean Thomas Dorrell and lives in Greensboro, North married and has two children. She Carolina. is married and has is a supervisor of child nutrition has four children. She lives in '52 Agnes Burks O'Quinn He two children. He was a former for Natchitoches Parish School Vidor, Texas and is a retired profes- lives in Colfax, Louisiana. She is cheerleader. Board. She lives in Provencal, sor from Lamar University in married to James O'Quinn (class of NSU Louisiana. Beaumont, Texas. '48) and they have three children. '64 Janice Powell She is retired. Freeman '70 is a '48 James O'Quinn, Sr. has is a special education specialist Stan Parham resource manager at Beck- ed for 50 years to Agnes '56 Ann Fitzpatrick Gra- with the Houston Independent human School District in Houston, Texas. er Holding Corp. in Fort Pierce, O'Quinn (class of '52). Il<-^ ham is married, has three children, She has three children and one Florida. He lives in Vero Beach. live in Colfax, and five grandchildren. She is a grandchild. He has two children.

Alumni Columns Spring i<>97 / w Profiles & Class Notes

Ledet Designs solution containing a steroid, antibiotic, morphine and anesthetic is injected at the time of the mi anon

Internationally Famous "Prior to the mini-lap, surgery was basically a large incision where the incision was approximately three to Medical Procedure four times the size of my method," said Ledet. "The mtu cles were all incised so that the healing and the average hospital stay was seven or more days. The average hospi-

tal stay for this procedure is eight hours. Mean time for return to work is one to 10 days for patients undergoing J-ileven years ago when Dr. Walter Ledet, Jr., a mini-lap versus four to six weeks for the open procedure." Natchitoches native and Northwestern State University of graduate, performed his first "mini-lap cholecystectomy" As January 1996, Ledet and Seale had performed 869 gallbladder surgeries with little did he know he would be the subject of so much a success rate of 100 percent. interest. "There have not been any patients who were candidate- for this type of procedure who were not able to be dis- But, that was 1986 and a lot has changed for the Sul- charged home within 24 hours of hospitalization," said surgeon since then. phur based Ledet.

The gall bladder removal technique that Ledet, along The procedure itself is in a constant state of modifica- with his medical partner Dr. A. Kent Seale, developed has tion, however, Ledet feels like it has reached the point been proven to be safer, more cost efficient, faster and that no major significant modifications will be necessary better for the patient than the laparoscopic technique in the future. "This is certainly not to say that attempts commonly used for the past decade in the United States are not being made to improve it, because they are on a for treating symptomatic gallstones. Laparoscopic constant focus to be improved." surgery is done with a scope to peer into the abdominal cavity. Ledet attended Northwestern from 1960 to 1964 where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biology "It is safer because comparative studies regarding open and a minor in microbiology. He currently serves as a cholecystectomy versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy staff surgeon at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital in Sul- have shown that the complication rate is one half that of phur. He attended Northwestern on a basketball scholar- the laparoscopic method," said Ledet. "It is cheaper ship. It seems as though athletic ability runs in his fami- because no disposable equipment is required." Dispos- ly. His father, Walter Ledet, Sr, had a significant impact able equipment increases the cost of as surgery much as on NSU's athletic program as assistant football coach and more per case. $2,500 head track coach, leading Demon track squads to five

Ledet says it is faster because studies have proven that straight Gulf States Conference titles. The senior Ledet the operating time is an average of 30 minutes less for a was Northwestern's first football Ail-American, making open cholecystectomy versus laparoscopic cholecystecto- the small college squad for Louisiana Normal School as a my's, with his time even shorter. pulling guard and linebacker in 1938. Ledet, Sr., was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame on June "It is better because 100 percent of all cholecystec- 24, 1995. He retired in 1980 from NSU, having also served tomies can be done with this technique, and if any other as manager of Prather Coliseum and the university's reg- procedures need to be performed on the common bile duct istrar after leaving his coaching post. or liver, they can also be performed through this same Besides the father-son duo, four other family members incision, and they are done by us on a routine basis," said of Dr. Ledet's have attended Northwestern. Dr. Ledet Ledet. says it's a very special university to his family. "One of These proven advantages have led to inquiries about my fondest memories actually had to do with a test that I the procedure from all over the world. Take for instance took at Northwestern. The subject was history and the the letter from Doctor in Erik Nilsson Sweden who professor was Dr. Ray Culp. By that time, I was a junior writes: "I have tried your technique and have been sur- or senior and had a reputation as being a straight A stu- prised list is by my patients smooth recovery." The end- dent. After finishing one of Dr. Culp's tests, I got a call at less of those physicians surgeons the U.S., and and from home from Dr. Culp. He told me that I had missed a around the world who have requested information from whole page of the test, and that he would wait for me in

Ledet. his office, if I would come back and finish the exam. That certainly made a big impression on me to know that one, "I have traveled to West Virginia, where I presented my of to actually call me at home to technique to the State Medical Board Society," said Ledet. he thought enough me finish Two, that he trusted me enough to know "I taught the procedure to doctors in Monterrey, Mexico an exam. that it was an accident and three, that he cared enough to and Motalo, Sweden. I have had surgeons from Okla- all of above," said Ledet. Ledet said he thanked homa, Texas, Sweden and Louisiana come to Sulphur to do the privately, but never felt like it was enough. "I am observe and participate in performing and learning this him publicly procedure." glad that I have the opportunity to thank him at this time." For the last 15 years Ledet and Seale have been refin- ing their procedure which is done through a 5 centimeter incision. The incision is performed so that no muscles are cut, merely separated. The gall bladder is removed and a

Alumni Columns Spring 1997 I 11 Profiles & Class Notes

'83 '71 Edward Chopin is mar- Louisiana State University Press Patricia Skidmore Louisiana. She lives in Brusly. ried to Michelle Packard Chopin in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is works at San Diego City Schools in (class of '78) and they live in married and has two children. La Jolla, California. She was a '89 Brenda Burns Dudley Shreveport, Louisiana. He member of Who's Who among Col- lives in Texarkana, Arkansas. She received his M.Ed, in '78. He is a '78 Ronda Stiles Lachney lege Students. is a pharmaceutical sales represen-

drafting teacher at North DeSoto lives in Lewisville, Texas. She is tative in Philadelphia, Pennsylva- High School in Stonewall, chairperson and teacher, computer '83 Mike Robinson is mar- nia. She is married and has two Louisiana. They have three chil- department, First Baptist Academy ried and lives in Fallon, Nevada. children. She was an NSU Cheer- dren. in Dallas. She is married to Kent He is an athletic director for MWR leader. Lachney (class of '78) and they at the Naval Air Station in Fallon. '71 Carol Chaney Keys was have one child. He has three children. '89 Sharon Pittman Lay- a member of the Demonettes and cock is married, has two children, '83 Wesley Foundation. She lives in '78 Clyde Adkins II is mar- Mary McMillin Heffing- and lives in Atlanta, Louisiana. Albany, Oregon and is in the field ried and lives in Houston, Texas. ton is a health center administra- She is a teacher at Montgomery of science and technology. She has He is a pilot for Continental Air- tor for Orlando Health Care Group. Junior High School. five children. lines. She is married and lives in Alta- monte Springs, Florida. She has '89 Farra Lawson Shaw '71 Joey Waters is married '78 Michelle Packard two children. was a Louisiana Scholars' College

and has two children. They live in Chopin is supervisor of child nutri- graduate. She is married, has one '83 San Antonio, Texas. He is vice tion programs for the Caddo Parish Doris Murphy Ellias child, and lives in Camp Lejeune, president of materials manage- School System. She is married to received her M.Ed, in '91. She is a North Carolina. She is an attor- ment with the Methodist Health- Edward Chopin (class of '71). They teacher at Leesville High School in ney-at-law, Law Office of Farra D. care System. He was a member of have three children and live in Leesville, Louisiana. She is mar- Shaw in Jacksonville. She also the ROTC. Shreveport, Louisiana. ried and has one child. owns Fancy Jane Fireworks in Monroe, Louisiana. '83 '71 Robert Miller is a pro- '78 Kent Lachney is a Ginger Shelton Mueller gram manger in agri-science with CPA/accounting manager for The lives in Winnfield, Louisiana and '89 Karen Taylor Squires the LA Department of Education in O'Briens in Dallas. He is married has two children. She is a teacher has two children and they live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is to Ronda Stiles Lachney (class of for Winn Parish School Board. She Coushatta, Louisiana. She married, has three children, and '78). They have one child and live received her M.Ed, in '96. received her M.Ed, in '96. She is a lives in Ville Platte. in Lewisville, Texas. teacher at Coushatta High School. '84 Reginald McCray is

'73 Linda Sprowl lives in '78 Morris Busby is princi- married, has one child and lives in '89 Kenna Kotarski is a Dallas, Texas where she is the pal at Shongaloo High School. He McCalla, Alabama. He is a mainte- psychological associate with Dr. owner/president of Para Eagles; and his wife live in Minden, nance support clerk for the U. S. Paul Ware in Shreveport, Roots; 8 is Enough. She has two Louisiana. They have two chil- Postal Service in Birmingham. Louisiana. children. She was a member of the dren. NSU orchestra. '84 Rhonda Stephens Miller '89 Kimberly Deen Ramon '80 Anita Atchley Lockwood lives in Zwolle, Louisiana. She is is married and lives in Pensacola, '73 Janet Stratton Stinson was a member of Sigma Theta Tau. an RN for Dr. Garland D. Miller. Florida. She is an information spe- is married and lives in Bossier She is a senior consultant for Affili- She is married and has five chil- cialist for the Pensacola Area City, Louisiana. She is a business ate Services at Schumpert Health dren. Chamber of Commerce. teacher/DECA marketing coordina- System in Shreveport, Louisiana. tor at C. E. Byrd High School in She received her MSN in '96. She '84 Tammy LaFleur Pons is '90 Melissa Frank-Alston Shreveport. She has two children. has three children. a middle school French teacher and husband live in State College, with the Vermilion Parish School Pennsylvania. They both are stu- '73 TerriHuffSharpisa '80 Dr. Diane Knight Board. She is married and has two dent affairs administrators at Perm systems coordinator for California received her Ed.D. in '86. She lives children. They live in Lafayette, State University. State-Fullerton. She is married in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Louisiana. and lives in Chino, California. '90 Lisa Cote' has one child They have four children. '80 Victoria Kitchin Farley '85 Cynthia Berry was a and lives in Shreveport, Louisiana.

is married to Timothy Farley (class member of the Lady Demon Bas- She is a pharmaceutical represen- '74 Jo Gay Veiga is married of '76) and they live in Biloxi, Mis- ketball and Softball Teams. She is tative with Schering-Plough. and has one child. She is an RN at sissippi. She is a dentist at Keesler an operator for Exxon Company Omaha VA Medical Center in AFB. They have two children. USA in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. '90 Cindy Wilson Ankrom

Omaha, Nebraska. was Miss NSU 1990. She is an '85 '81 Stan Scroggins is a Lydia Brewer lives in American government and sociolo- '75 James Arthur lives in senior accounting analyst for Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is a gy teacher at Orange Park High Houston, Texas. He was a member American Airlines in Fort Worth, supervisor of instruction at Park- School. She is married, has one of the NSU band and is now a Texas. He is married, has one way Baptist High School. child, and they live in Orange pianist. child, and lives in Carrollton. Park, Florida.

'85 Chris Lee is married '76 Rick Reass has two chil- '81 Sharon Swains received and has two children. He is the '91 Mark Stephens is an dren and is vice president of mort- her M.S. in '96. She is owner/agent vice president/chief financial officer attorney with Weems, Wright, gage operations with First Com- of Sharon E. Swains Insurance at First Federal Savings Bank in Schimpf, Hayter & Carmouehe in merce Bank of Polk County. He Agency in Alexandria, Louisiana. Shreveport, Louisiana. They live Shreveport, Louisiana. He was a lives in Winter Haven, Florida. He She has one child and lives in in Bossier City. graduate of Louisiana Scholars' was a member of the varsity bas- Alexandria. College. ketball team. '85 Laurie-Ann O'Connor is '82 Marlene Quahlebaum the president of Darkzone Tech- '91 Tracy Mount Cocker- '76 Robert Stringfield is Garner is married and has two nologies Inc. in Winnipeg, Manito- ham is married, has one child, and married and lives in Harvey, children. She is a librarian at Kei- ba. She was a member of Psi Chi. lives in Jonesville, Louisiana. She

Louisiana. He is a dock foreman thville Elementary Middle School. She has one child. is a traffic assistant at KALB-TV res & Rucks Inc. in Venice. They live in Shreveport, Louisiana. Channel 5 in Alexandria. '86 Janie Gauthier lives in '77 Roger Bumgardner lives '82 Janis Williams Chris- Broussard, Louisiana. She is a '91 Danna Page Pray in Hon He is an tenson is married and lives in West data processing manager at the received her M.A. in '96. She is a

i lor with the Houston Com- Fork, Arkansas. She is a Rehabilitation Hospital of counselor with NSU Student Sup- ( 'oll(!ge System. nurse/manager for the Generations Lafayette. port Services. She has two chil- Geri Psych Unit at Washington dren and lives in Natchitoches, Willi, im Bossier is the ' inal Medical Center in Fayet- '88 Jamie Fontenot is an Louisiana.

er for the le, Arkansas. attorney at law with Audrey A. McCain (APLC) in Plaquemine,

An WNi Columns Spring 1997 I 12 Profiles & Class

'91 Kimberly Dowden Hop- Rouge, Louisiana. She is a case '94 Becky Cos \ inet ii mar- ' reed i.h a petrole kins is marketing coordinator for manager for General Health Sys- ried I "94) U> Deweyue Vinei clan of u in landman Ebl I < I I !. . I lie in Crowe Chizek Co. in Columbus, tems. & and they have one child. She is a n a Ohio. is married and lives in She business teacher at Crowley High member of tin Rugby ciubund '93 Reynoldsburg. Leonard Williams is a School. They live in Jennings. Rowing Team PC Computer specialist/trainer for '92 Rachel Penny Cunning- United Companies Financial Corp. '94 Dewayne Vines is an Stephanie Adkhu Hill- received her M.Ed, in '96. She in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. ham He English teacher at Jennings High i- married and baa two children is married and teaches 5th grade lives in New Orleans. School. He is married to Becky Cox They live in Shreveport, l-<>uisiano. at East Natchitoches Elementary Vines (class of '94) and they live in sin- 1- tin- charge aune for Natchitoches, Louisiana. '93 is School in Craig Tappel married Jennings. They have one child. women- health at LSU Mi-dual to Josie Venable Tappel (class of Center '92 Keri Moses is a former '94) and they live in New Orleans, '94 Pamela Bates Whittikm NSU cheerleader/coach and mem- Louisiana. He is a CPA and insur- lives in Frisco, Texas and has three '95 China (Annie) Jamet ber of Phi Mu. She lives in Destre- ance consultant at Advi- Insurance children. She is a special edu was a member of tin- I'm |ili han, Louisiana and teaches kinder- sors, Inc. in Marrero. teacher at Claude Curtsinger Ele- eta and NSU Band. She is an MBA garten for St. Charles Parish mentary School. ' nt of finance at I^ouisiana '93 Schools in Norco. Lisa Bowman is a dis- State University in Baton Rouge.

trict manager for Century Cellunet '94 Josie Venable Tappel is Louisiana. '92 Eliza Brittain Behrend- in Gaylord, Michigan. married to Craig Tappel (class of sen and husband live in Denver, '93) and they live in New Orleans, '95 Glynn Deguia Sbipli '93 Colorado. She is a legal assistant Dimple DuFrene Bow- Louisiana. She is a staff RN in the an RN in CCU at Arlington Memo- for Laff Stein Campbell & Tucker, ers is married, has two children Rehab Care Center at West Jeffer- rial Hospital. She is married anil PC. in Englewood, Colorado. She and lives in Coushatta, Louisiana. son Medical Center in Marrero. lives in Irving, Tc is president of the Denver Junior She is a third grade teacher at

Chamber of Commerce and Fairview Alpha Elementary School. '94 Sarah Kiely is an asso- '95 TaraTietjen Smith is received the Gold Key Man Award ciate to a psychologist at Pinecrest married to Stephen Smith (el '94 and the U. S. Junior Chamber Alana Mack Bishop is Developmental Center in Pineville, '93) and they live in Shreveport,

Local Chapter Vice President currently working on her M.A. She Louisiana. Louisiana. She is an exercise spe- Award. is married to Robert Bishop (class cialist in cardiac rehabilitation at of '95) and they live in Pineville, '94 Karen Breeding lives Bossier Medical Center. In May of '92 Sharon Lewis Delaney Louisiana. She is a psychology and works in Owensboro, Ken- '96 she was crowned Mr- is married and has one child. She extern at Pinecrest Developmental tucky. She received a BS in ele- Louisiana International. is a direct care person for Vision Center. mentary education from Kentucky Community Homes in Leesville, Wesleyon College in '96. '95 Cathy Wilson lives in '94 Louisiana. She lives in New Llano. Aimee Browne is mar- Jacksonville, Florida. She is a

ried and lives in Maquoketa, Iowa. '94 Lori Trahan is an assis- credit manager for Northwest '92 Douglas Nelson lives in She is an accountant/bookkeeper tant director for Employer Rela- Financial. She was a member of Pineville, Louisiana. He is married for Families of Northeast Iowa. tions at Southern Illinois Universi- the Pom Pon Line, Alumni Associa- to Monica Williber Nelson (class of She was a member of Beta Gamma ty in Edwardsville, Illinois. tion, and Phi Beta Lambda. '93) and they have one child. He is Psi. a cost budget accountant at Afco '94 Jennifer Zimmerle was '95 Phyllis Baker Perkins is

Industries Inc. in Alexandria. '94 Louisa Bruch lives in an NSU batgirl coordinator. She is a special education teacher at Wal- Richmond, Virginia. She was a an office manager and imaging con- nut Hill School in Shreveport. '93 Elizabeth Keasler member of Sigma Kappa. She is a sultant at the Image Enhancement Louisiana. This is her 14th year of Dierksmeier is president of the graduate student at Virginia Com- Center of New Orleans in Metairie, teaching. She is married and has Chamber of Commerce in Harker monwealth University. Louisiana. one child Heights, Texas. She is married and has three children. '94 Carrie Mosley Cooper is '95 Rudolph Hennigan, Jr is '95 Amanda Tarou has two a medical data analyst for Commu- married, has three children, and children and lives in Anacoco, '93 Loyd Goodbar is a MIS nity Health Network in Baton lives in Robeline, Louisiana. He Louisiana. She is a underwriting manager at the Las Vegas Casino Rouge, Louisiana. She is married received his M.Ed, in '96. He is a loss control representative for in Greenville, Mississippi. and lives in Denham Springs, teacher at Lakeview Junior High. Ameri Safe in DeRidder. Louisiana.

'93 Don Forrest is married '95 Lamuel Holmes is a '95 Susan Baxter Warford is to Lisa Napalo Forrest (class of '94) '94 Bethany Cowser was a sales consultant at Hixson-Hopkins married to Todd Warford (class of and they live in Vine Grove, Ken- member of Kappa Delta Pi and Autoplex in Alexandria. Louisiana. '94) and they live in Alexandria, tucky. He is a research analyst for Intramural Sports. She lives in He lives in Wildsville. Louisiana. She is an accounting the Human Resources Research Coushatta, Louisiana where she is technician with NSU Business Organization in Fort Knox. a 7th grade teacher for Red River '95 Jennifer Birdwell was a Affair- in Natchitoches. He is an Parish School Board. member of Phi Mu, Phi Beta Lamb- assistant manager/sales repn '93 Mario Gintella is mar- da, and the Pre-law Society. She is tative at Avoyelles Farm Supply in ried to Elizabeth Veatch Gintella '94 Linda Davis lives in Lit- a student at Loyola University- Bunkie. (class of '92) and they live in River tle Rock, Arkansas. She is assis- School of Law in New Orleans. Ridge, Louisiana. He is an attor- tant director of career development '95 Paul Myers is married ney in New Orleans. at Hendrix College in Conway, '95 Becky Boykin is a juve- to Brenda Williams Myers iclass of Arkansas. She is a former NSU nile school teacher at LA Training 96). HeisastaffnurseinSICUat '93 Alissa Hanson Ham- cheerleader, was Homecoming Institute, Department of Public LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, mons is a marketing assistant at Queen in 1990, and Miss NSU in Safety & Corrections in Bridge Louisiana. South Trust Bank and an aerobic 1991. City. Louisiana. She lives in Gret- coordinator at Premier Athletic na, Louisiana. '95 Rhonda Briggs Marcan-

Club. She is married and lives in '94 Anna Sepulvado Fletch- tel is a teller at City Bank & Trust Dothan, Alabama. er is married and lives in Las '95 Susan Austin Brittain is Company in Natchitoches. Vegas, Nevada. She is a secre- married and has one child. They Louisiana. She is married to '93 Julie Duggan Kuehler is tary/word processor for the State of live in Shreveport, Louisiana. She Thomas Marcantel (class of *96). married and lives in Pineville. Nevada Employment Security is an RN in NICU at LSU Medical Louisiana. She is a preschool Division. Center. '95 Donald Horton is mar- teacher at Lessie Moore Elemen- ried, has two children and lives in tary in Pineville. '94 Robert Greer is the '95 Bridget Bryant lives in Montgomery, Louisiana. He is an president of Einstein Digital Media Monroe, Louisiana. She was a electrician/instrument technician '93 Lisa Thompson was a in Broussard, Louisiana and lives member of Phi Mu. She is a third for Williamette Industries in Dod- member of Phi Kappa Phi. She has in Lafayette. He was a member of grade teacher at Central Elemen- son. two children and lives in Baton Sigma Tau Delta. tary in Calhoun.

Alumni Columns Spring 1997 I 13 Profiles & Class Notes

'95 Angela Hill Farmer is '96 Deborah Morrison Coe (Home Parenteral Services) in Deceased married and lives in Converse, lives in Pineville, Louisiana. She is Opelousas, Louisiana. Louisiana. She is an English/Histo- married and has three children. '35 Joe Nalda Averett, Sr., ry teacher and softball coach at She is a teacher with Rapides '96 Deborah Rutledge Webb Shreveport, Louisiana, April 27, Central School Corporation in Parish Schools. is an RN in the emergency room at 1996. Grand Cane, Louisiana. Willis-Knighton Medical Center in

'96 Shelby Cedars Cundiff Shreveport, Louisiana. She is mar- '36 Lydia Nicholson Lococo, '95 Bonnye Busbice attend- is owner/operator of Images Cus- ried to James Webb (class of '82) Bossier City, Louisiana, April 20, ed the Louisiana Scholars' College. tom Screen Printing and Offset and they live in Natchitoches. 1996. She is curator for Eugene V. Debs Printing in Natchitoches, They have one child. Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana. Louisiana. She is married and has '39 Woody R. Hargrove, She is also a history graduate assis- two children. '96 Brent Whiddon lives in Shreveport, Louisiana, January tant at Indiana State University. Hessmer, Louisiana. He is a 1997. '96 Michael Dyess was a teacher at Avoyelles High School in '95 Gail Nickson Adkins is member of SGA, SNA, and Sigma Moreauville. '41 Willard O. Hardberger, married and has three children. Theta Tau. He is an RN at the Doc- Redding, California, October 14, She is a law student at LSU Law tor's Hospital in Dallas, Texas. '96 Brenda Knotts Willis is 1996. Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. married, has one child and lives in '96 Sylvia Fields lives in Anacoco, Louisiana. She is an RN '46 Leonard V. Grems, '96 Casey Capel is a fourth Natchitoches, Louisiana. She is a at Byrd Regional Hospital in Bossier City, Louisiana, September grade teacher at Ross Elementary master control switchboard opera- Leesville. 21, 1996. School. She is engaged and lives in tor at KLAX 31 in Alexandria.

Crowley, Louisiana. '96 Angela Dye Fullerton is '56 Virgie B. McGuffee, '96 Dwayne Jones is a lead- a clinical supervisor at Northwest Harrisonburg, Louisiana, May 13, '96 Melissa Mabou Foshee ership and education consultant for Rural Home Health in Natchi- 1996. is married to Thomas Foshee III Theta Chi Fraternity International toches, Louisiana. She is married (class of '96) and they live in Baton Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indi- and has has one child. '57 Mary Nell Hamilton Rouge, Louisiana. She was Miss Giaroli, Memphis, Tennessee, June NSU and Miss Natchitoches City of '96 Kristen Hood lives in 27, 1996. Lights. She is an English teacher '96 Da'Shaun Howard is a Greensboro, North Carolina where at Live Oak High School in Den- graphic artist for the Alexandria she is an RN in surgical care at '60 Dr. Jo Ellen Jameson ham Springs. Daily Town Talk in Alexandria, Moses Cone Memorial Hospital. Uptegraft, Norman, Oklahoma, Louisiana. She was a member of She was a member of the Pom Pon July 23, 1996. '96 Thomas Foshee III is a BSA and Association of Student Line. biological engineering student at Artists. Coach Jack H. Clayton, LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. '96 Robin Riedinger is an Haughton, Louisiana, January 26, He was a member of SGA, Kappa '96 Alfred Marshall lives in RN at LSU Medical Center in 1997. Retired Demon football Sigma, and Blue Key. He is mar- Baker, Louisiana. He is a manager Shreveport, Louisiana. She lives in coach (1957-1966) and baseball ried to Melissa Mabou Foshee (class at K-Mart in Longview, Texas. Greenwood. coach (1967-1968). of '96).

'96 David Mulcahy is mar- '96 Christopher Sampite is Patricia Brown Milford, '96 Kevin Jones lives in ried to Kathy Mulcahy (class of '74) married to Daphne Gray Sampite Lake Charles, Louisiana, Septem- Tulsa, Oklahoma with his wife. He and has three children. He is the (class of '96). He is a sales repre- ber 29, 1995. is a video engineering technician at owner of David Martin's Formal sentative at the Community Coffee VYVX. He was a member of IEEE, Wear in Alexandria, Louisiana. Company in Natchitoches, the Bowling Team, and Advance. Louisiana. '96 John Pugh, Jr. is direc- '96 Kendra Perkins Bailey tor of Manpower Management with '96 Chris Slopak lives in is married and lives in Leesville, the LA National Guard in New Perryville, Missouri. He is a quali- Louisiana. She is a 2nd grade Orleans, Louisiana. He is married ty engineer for TG (USA) Corpora- teacher at South Polk Elementary and they have three children. tion. He was a member of NAIT School, Fort Polk. '96 Lori Gillespie Rayborn '96 Peter Holley is a family '96 Patricia Arseneau Bellis is married and lives in Bossier City, nurse practitioner at Northshore is a coordinator of grants and pub- Louisiana. She is an RN at Regional Medical Center in Slidell, lic information for Concordia Schumpert Medical Center in Louisiana. He is married and has Parish School Board. She is mar- Shreveport. three children. ried and lives in Vidalia, Louisiana. '96 Roger Richmond lives in '96 Janelle Hornsby '96 Cathy Porter Bennett Forest Hill, Louisiana with his wife Doescher and husband live in lives in Leesville, Louisiana. She is and two children. He is a teacher Leesville, Louisiana. She teaches married and has one child. She is at Oakdale Junior High. at Leesville Junior High School. a teacher at Anacoco High School.

'96 Laura Rose is a teacher '96 William Bond played with Cleveland Public Schools and baseball and was a member of FCA lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio. She and Phi Kappa Phi. He is a pilot is the author of the book "Talk for Legacy Aviation in Monroe, Show Queen." Louisiana. He lives in Dodson.

'96 Francis Saunders is an Gary Brown is a loan assistant band director at Mesquite processor at First Federal Savings High School in Mesquite, Texas. and Loan Association in Natchi- Louisiana. He was a mem- '96 Kristi Speir lives in

I Phi Beta Lambda. Shreveport, Louisiana. She is an assistant director of Financial Aid Tonya Stevenson Bryant at LSU-Shreveport.

l ried and lives in Libuse, Louisiana She is a teacher at '96 Mary Prejean Thi-

> Junior High. bodeaux is married and has three

children. She is a patient care coor-

l for Benoit Vital Care

Alumni Columns Spring 1997 I 14 Alumni Columns Official publication of Northwestern State University Natchitoches, Louisiana /jti^rh^ \i^o/iff^Xlo^ \Jfd*tt Organized in 1884 A member of CASE

Volume X Number 1 Spring 1997 Please fill this page out as completely as possible We are constantl} n-\ ising our The Alumni Columns 1 1 SI'S 015480) is pub- lished 4 times a year by Northwestern State Uni- records and your information updates are vital to making the ByBtem work The versity, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71497-0002 Peri- information from this form is also used for entries in the "Class Notes" section. odicals Postage Paid at Natchitoches, LA, and at Please make a copy of this page and give it to any NSU graduate who may not \><- on additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send our list. We can't keep in touch with you if we can't find you' Thank you. address changes to the Alumni Columns North- western State University, Natchitoches, LA, 71497-0002. Date SSN: Alumni Office Phone: 318-357-4414 FAX: 318-357-4225 Name NSU ALUMNI OFFICERS Last First Middle Maiden President Tommy Chester Arcadia, 1969 1st Vice President Parker Wiggins Undergraduate Degree(s):. Year(s): Monroe, 1941 Secretary-Treasurer. Elise James Natchitoches, 1968 Graduate Degree(s): Year(s): Executive Director. Elise James Natchitoches, 1968 Years Attended: BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tommy Chester. Arcadia, 1969 Danny Dison Bossier City, 1969 Organizations involved with at NSU: Glenn Talbert Shreveport, 1964 Carroll Long Tyler, TX 1970 Dale Bernard Lake Charles, 1972 David Morgan Austin,Tx,1973 Ginger Wiggins Jackson Ms, 1987 Bryant Lewis Haynesville, 1958 Parker Wiggins Monroe, 1941 Adrian Howard Arlington TX, 1989 Current Address: Ex Officio Raymond Arthur Natchitoches. 1964 City:_ State: Zip: STUDENT REPRESENTATrVE Carlton Downey Hammond, La. SGA President Phone number:

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Northwestern State University is ac- Number of Children: _Ages:_ credited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Please send me information about the following: Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Geor- Admissions NSU Athletic Assoc. gia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679- 4501) to award Associate, Baccalaureate, LA Scholars' College Financial Aid Master's, Specialist and Doctorate degrees.

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NSU Choir sings in the Big Apple

Ur. Burt Allen would definitely say music is a small world. Especially when you consider how the Chamber Choir he directs at Northwestern State University ended up performing at Carnegie Hall on Palm Sunday.

"I've gotten to know so many people through this line of work and it just so happened I knew one of the employees of Mid-America Productions in New York who sponsored and arranged the March 23rd event. He called me and asked if I would be interested in con- ducting on Palm Sunday," said Allen.

The production company booked Allen and another conductor but it turned out that only Allen's event gen- erated enough interest to warrant an invitation perform. to During a follow arrangement by Allen and one by Students are selected to be in the up phone conversation, Dr. Allen Eugene T Simpson. choir by audition. Allen says general- expressed an interest to the company ly there are 70 students who audition in having the Northwestern "This was a great way to gain expo- Chamber for approximately 32 spots each year. Choir perform in a solo sure," said Allen. "It took somebody capacity. The The choir performs at conventions, twisting company bought the idea. my arm to do it, but I am all-state choir events, in recital series, really glad we did. I know people who during tours of Louisiana and Texas The three-part program featured came to the concert are probably say- The New York Youth Honors Orches- and at other local functions. ing 'I didn't know Louisiana had any- tra, The New England Symphonic thing like that'." Allen founded the choir in 1987 Ensemble and combined choirs from and has served as director since it Louisiana, Texas, Wisconsin, The choir is composed of 32 mem- Colorado, began. "The primary idea behind the and New Mexico, plus The bers, 95 percent of whom are under- NSU choir was to give those students who Chamber Choir. Allen guest conduct- graduates and who almost entirely were capable of performing on an ed the New England Symphonic are music majors. Allen says many of advanced level a more professional Ensemble, which was made up of 250 the students in the music program setting to do so," said Allen. "Second- enrolled voices. He conducted his own choir, at NSU because of the out- ly, the amount of music that is written standing reputation le bis wife, Christine Allen, a mem- the Chamber for small choirs is amazing and we N J*SU\s faculty, served as piano Choir has established. "That reputa- wanted to give our students exposure tion has been built over a period of t Arrangements included to a large variety of music." The choir years and I believe it is s by Johannes a direct result sings everything from Renaissance to pieces by American of the quality of performance the choir 20th century music. gives when they in public," rt Lee appear ian Dello Joio plus an said Allen. niversity iuisiana System

UMNS Magazine Summer 1997

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