SUMMER 2020 the Magazine of NICHOLLS STA TE UNIVERSITY

THECOLONEL the magazine of NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

SUMMER 2020 SBDC Works to Help Small Businesses Survive Page 8 Relive a Memorable Year on Campus Page 20 Nicholls Nursing Alums Put Their Patients Before Themselves Page 34 The Big Picture

Wish you were here. Nicholls Alumni Federation compiled commemorative commencement yard signs to celebrate the accomplishments of our Spring 2020 graduates. 2 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 1 THECOLONEL FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

the magazine of NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY A Campus to 20 Remember From the first day of class to another home playoff victory, relive some of our favorite 34 moments over the past year, as captured through the lens of campus photographer Misty Leigh 1 THE BIG PICTURE McElroy. 5 A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

A Promise Kept 6 COLONEL PRIDE 10 6 Ask the Experts They miss their students. They 26 8 Staying Afloat REDZONE miss their classrooms. They 9 Being There, From Afar 16 16 Opportunity Lost miss their labs. They miss 10 Rolling with the Punches 18 A Different Kind of Gametime their routines. The Nicholls 11 Keeping Campus Clean faculty have had to adjust their 12 Finding the Answers curriculum on the fly as their 14 Nicholls COVID-19 Timeline concerns shift from exams and 34 ALUMNI HOUSE papers to health and wellbeing. 34 The Frontlines 37 Changing Roles

38 CAMPUS CORNERSTONE 38 A Call to Action SUMMER 2020 A Different 39 Not Slowing Down 30 Point of View Author, photographer and Nicholls Alum Bill Guion 40 A COLONEL OF TRUTH captured the empty Nicholls State University campus through an infrared lense.

2 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University 11 Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 3 SUMMER 2020

THE COLONEL the magazine of NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY University President Dr. Jay Clune (BS ‘86) We Are Executive Vice President, Vice President for Enrollment and External Affairs Dr. Alex Arceneaux Executive Director of External Affairs Monique Crochet (BS ‘98, MEd, ‘00) Director of Alumni Affairs Katherine Mabile (BS ‘14) #NichollsStrong Director of Communications Jerad David (BA ‘00)

NICHOLLS FOUNDATION was pulling out of our driveway when the news broke of the first case of Executive Director Jeremy Becker (BS ‘95, MBA ‘97) NICHOLLS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS COVID-19 in Louisiana. At that time, my biggest concern was whether the Chairman Donald T. “Boysie” Bollinger headlining act for Crawfish Day would play the radio version of songs (rather President Christopher H. Riviere (BS ‘78) than the explicit version). Allison and I were on our way to Katy, Texas, to Vice President Daniel Duplantis (BS ‘69) I cheer on our men and women’s basketball teams in the Southland Conference Secretary/Treasurer Arlen “Benny” Cenac, Jr. (BS ‘79) Board Members Hunt Downer (BS ‘68) Championships. We stopped at Steamboat Bill’s Seafood Restaurant in Lake Alexis A. Duval (BS ‘92) Charles and talked about what might happen. Hugh E. Hamilton We made it as far as the Ikea in Houston before we had to stop. I spent five R.E. “Bob” Miller (BA ‘75) hours in the Ikea parking lot on calls about the immediate future of our campus. Pat Pitre (BS ‘72) Before I went to bed, the NBA suspended its season. By the time we woke NICHOLLS ALUMNI FEDERATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS up, the Southland Conference had canceled the tournament. Eventually, all spring President Brooke Huddleston (BA ’95, MEd ‘98) sports would be canceled. President-Elect Sheri Haydel Eschete (BS ‘84) I tell you this story to showcase how fast this situation is evolving and Vice President David Heltz (BS ‘84) Secretary Jennifer Smith (BA ‘09) changing. Treasurer Kevin George (BGS ‘96, BS ‘99, MA ‘03) The stories in this issue aren't going to focus on the latest news from this Board Members Thad Angelloz (BA ‘03) campus. Instead, they are going to showcase the lengths to which our people have LaToya Bailey (BA ’98) Gilberto Burbante (BA ’11) gone to support our students, employees and each other. Garett Charpentier (AGS ’12, BS ’18) In this issue, you will read about how our students have risen to the challenge Dr. J. Robert Field (BS ‘88, MBA ‘91) as leaders and communicators. You’ll hear from our coaches and student athletes Bart Folse (BS ’07, MBA ’16) who are frustrated at their lost seasons but focused on being ready for next year. Jennifer Hodnett Ledet (BS ‘84) Courtney Richard (BIS ’13) Our faculty will talk about how they’re adjusting their classes and working with John Warren (BA ’17) their students through the pandemic. And you can get a glimpse of what it’s like Business Admin. Chapter President Adam Lefort (BS ‘16) being on the frontlines as our nursing alumni describe what they are seeing in local Education Chapter President Aldrian Smith (BS ’17, MEd ‘19) hospitals. Culinary Chapter President Donald Kasten (BA ’04) This is a very different campus than we are used to seeing. It is devoid of THE COLONEL EDITORIAL STAFF students. But our mission remains the same. And even though the circumstances Editor Jacob Batte have changed, we are fully committed to educating and graduating our students. Art Director Jerad David (BA '00) We haven’t settled with just getting by. We are using this time to get better, Photojournalist Misty Leigh McElroy (BA '03) Contributors Jeremy Becker (BS ’95, MBA ’97) • Kylie Blanchard and we will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever. Emma Bourgeois • Jamie Bustos • Farren Clark Geaux Colonels, Monique Robinson Clark • Melissa Clay • Allison Clune • Dr. Jay Clune (BS ‘86) • Dr. Solomon David • Dr. John Doucet (BS '84) • Sharon Doucet (BA '78) • Sheri Eschete (BS '84) • Dr. Richmond Eustis • Dr. Anna Falcon • Jason Graham (BA '03) • Dr. Aimee Hollander • Dr. Jay Clune Tyler Legnon • Cain Madden • Jimmy Nguyen • Courtney Richard (BIS '13) • Bruno Ruggiero (BA '90) Dr. Alyson Theriot • Stephanie Slekis • Adam Tarver

4 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 5 ASK THE EXPERTS Q: What can we do to protect our families? We know the pandemic is complicated and there AF: You can also take steps to protect others by cleaning and disinfecting surfaces daily; is a lot of developing wearing facemasks if you are sick; cover all coughs and sneezes; and self-isolating if you information in the are sick after seeking medical care. media to digest. We Q: What is herd immunity? turned to science AH: When most of a population is immune to an infectious disease, this provides indirect education professor Dr. protection to those who are not immune to the disease. This is called herd immunity or Aimee Hollander (AH, left) herd protection. For example, if 80 percent of a population is immune to a virus, four out and campus physician of every five people who encounter someone with the disease won’t get sick (and won’t Dr. Anna Falcon (AF, right) spread the disease). This is how the spread of infectious diseases is kept under control. to explain what we know Vaccinations create herd immunity hence how we eradicated diseases like polio. so far. Q: Why is “let’s all get exposed and get over it” not a good idea? Q: Why is this scarier than the flu? Is it scarier than the flu? AH: If we abruptly end social distancing, we could overwhelm our healthcare system, which is already extremely busy with COVID-19 infected patient. People are still having : Both can spread from person to person when an infected person is coughing, sneezing or AF babies, still need to have surgery and are still getting sick with other diseases that need talking. This is because both viruses travel through the air. One difference is the transmission hospitals capable of taking care of these patients. Additionally, we see that people who through the airborne route since COVID-19 is found to stay in the air for several hours. seem healthy with no other diseases are getting severely ill and even dying. These social There are several other differences between the two, which reinforce why COVID-19 must distancing guidelines are to keep as many people safe and well as possible. In the next be taken so seriously. First, the incubation period for influenza is 1-4 days compared to year, we should have a vaccine for this disease. If enough people get vaccinated it should 2-14 days for COVID-19. This results in many people infected and asymptomatic potentially create herd immunity against the disease. exposing others for a longer time. Another difference lies in the hospitalization and mortality rates. With influenza, those numbers are 1-2 percent and 0.1-0.2 percent, respectively. With Q: Is it safe to exercise outside as long as we maintain our distance? COVID-19, they are 10-20 percent and 1.5 percent in the United States. Also, there is no : Avoiding close contact and "social distancing" does not mean to stay indoors at all times if you definitive treatment, nor is there a vaccine for COVID-19 at present. However, there are some AF are healthy. It is okay to go for a walk, hike or bike ride with someone else as long as you keep 6 medications that show promise treating coronavirus symptoms, and a lot of work is being feet apart. This is also a time to take advantage of the modern advances of technology by utilizing done to make a vaccine. services such as online meetings which can help you "virtually" gather with your best friends. Q: What can we do to protect ourselves? Q: It seems cases are leveling off; can I go out without a facemask? AF: Since there is no vaccine at present to prevent coronavirus disease, the CDC recommends avoiding exposure to AH: Currently, the CDC recommends you still wear a facemask when going to the store or other public places. These face this virus. This requires taking steps to protect yourself from getting sick and protecting others. The best ways to protect masks are to protect you from spreading the virus. Scientists now recognize that those who have recovered from the disease yourself include cleaning your hands often and avoiding close contact with others. The CDC recommends washing hands or are asymptomatic carriers could still be shedding the virus. with soap and water because it significantly reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemical. An alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol can also be affective. Another way to protect yourself is to proactive Q: What do you think of Nicholls' response? social distancing by staying at least 6 feet apart from others. This is also necessary to "flatten the curve" or to slow the rate of the virus' spread. We all need to do our part to slow the spread of this virus. This will help our hospitals handle the AF: You can always be grateful for being a member of the Nicholls State University family. Our university has done and numbers of people needing treatment, hospital beds, medications and ventilators. continues to do a great job of looking out for the health and success of its students at this stressful time.

6 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 7 Colonel Pride

Being There, From Afar STAYING AFLOAT lasses are essential to Nicholls’ mission, also crucial during quarantine as physical Cbut student services are a critical and mental health are interconnected. ouisiana small businesses have a lot of There will be fewer customers and even component to the Nicholls experience. They “For example if your anxiety is keeping Lquestions as they struggle to survive fewer opportunities. The businesses that aid in education, research, mental health, you up at night, you will not get a proper the COVID-19 pandemic. And Jimmy will survive this crisis, Nguyen says, are physical health and much more. night’s sleep and that causes a lot of Nguyen and the Louisiana Small Business the ones willing to work hard, evolve and “We needed to maintain some sense physical issues,” Bolton says. “If your Development Center at Nicholls State prepare for the future. of normalcy,” says Adrienne Naquin- mental health isn’t taken care of, you are University are helping with the answers. “This is going to make a lot of Bolton, director of the Counseling Center. putting your body in a compromised state.” businesses better because they’re going “We needed to provide students some The Ellender Memorial Library to have to be at the top of their game,” reassurance that the people they rely on offers a lot more than physical books. Adrienne Naquin-Bolton he says. “A lot of them were hardly will still be there for them, even if the Services include research consultations staying afloat, they weren't trying to be mode of delivery is different.” to students and faculty, digital books and competitive. They will go away. But the During COVID-19, services that could databases. ones who will make it, they are spending move online did. Library Director Elizabeth Batte and her their time honing their craft. They are The Academic Services Center contains staff are working to make what they can do giving their best effort and will come out many important resources to students and online, better. For example, they created a better business.” prospective students. Advisors and tutors tutorials to help students use them. As the world slowed around him, are working with freshmen through email The SBDC is playing a crucial role in Nguyen began reaching out to his clients and Zoom. Transfer transcripts are still “You may never even need keeping local business afloat during the and assuring them they were in this “We want to be prepared being reviewed. The Academic Testing it, but I think knowing it is pandemic. Nguyen, assistant director and together. Center is operating through a third party senior business consultant, says he works “The first thing that came to my mind for the next time something service. Dual enrollment students are there provides a comfort. with clients every day to identify solutions is what can I do to help,” he says. “I know meeting online. And we all need that in to survive this societal shut down. that we’re in this together and that we’re like this happens, that our “Some students are a lot more talkative this time as we try to stay In some cases, it’s pivoting operations, going to come out of it stronger. businesses can act quickly.” about what they want in advising over the such as the distillery that is now making As state and local governments began phone than they are in the offices,” said healthy and safe.” hand sanitizer or the restaurants that placing restrictions on businesses, David Zerangue, director of the Academic David Zerangue have become caterers. Other times it’s many of Nguyen’s clients were feeling our businesses can act quickly,” he says. Services Center. David Zerangue about identifying available funding overwhelmed. But he says he has started Nicholls and the Small Business A big challenge is providing quality “Our chat usage has very much and grants, such as the Facebook to sense a change in their mindset. Development Center are working closely tutoring. And it is one that is of particular increased,” Batte says. “It is funny that we Small Business Grant, the Verizon “They’re feeling optimistic,” he says. to help the local economy recover. A importance to many students. are getting chats about all kinds of things, Small Business Recovery Fund or the “They are seeing the programs available new business incubator sponsored by “You may never even need it, but I think some are not even library centric. But we Terrebonne Economic Development that can help keep them afloat and they the Office of Community Development knowing it is there provides a comfort," are happy to provide help and be an instant Authority Bayou Business Recovery feel like they will recover and that it’s will foster local entrepreneurial spirit. Zerangue says. "And we all need that in connection to students as they transition to grant. Nguyen is searching for those going to get better.” A pitch competition held by Nicholls, this time as we try to stay healthy and online courses.” opportunities and alerting his clients. Nguyen is encouraging his businesses the SBDC and Chevron will encourage safe.” The Counseling Center has remained Students also often share textbooks. “There are a multitude of programs to use this time to prepare for the innovation. And a relief fund developed in contact with clients virtually and even To help with this, Batte says they have available,” Nguyen says. “It’s about future. They can participate in the daily by the SBDC and the College of taken on new clients. been working to provide digital copies finding those that work for my clients webinars published at LSBDC.org. He Business Administration will support “Some students have existing mental of textbooks where available. Some are and letting them know.” is working with many of his clients on sustainability. health issues, and this is just exasperating more difficult to provide, though, and she The pandemic has dealt a blow to developing a resiliency plan. “We’re prepared to help the community it flipping their way of living upside down,” encourages professors to be mindful of how the economy and that will be tough to “We want to be prepared for the next and we have the resources to pick people Naquin-Bolton says. “Some older issues available your textbook is going forward. . – Jacob Batte overcome for a lot of small businesses. time something like this happens, that up,” Nguyen says might also resurface stronger. Many will All three directors believe this also be impacted by the isolation, so it is experience will make the university important to be someone they can reach stronger, and could even add to the options out t o.” that Nicholls provides students going Staying on top of your mental health is forward. – Cain Madden Elizabeth Batte

8 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 9 KEEPING CAMPUS SAFE

mma Bourgeois was practicing message of what we hear from the “I think they’re in a state of major from Zachary considers hile most of our faculty and staff essential projects,” Williams says. “We Efor Songfest when news broke administration and the University of shock,” he says. “Things are communication one of his Whave begun working from home, want to work to move the university that the NBA suspended its season Louisiana System.” changing day-by-day and we don’t strengths. That's imperative some have stayed behind. Their job is forward but we also want to be safe, as after two of its players tested positive The SGA uses Zoom to hold know where they are going to end as the leader of an influential to keep campus safe and clean. When w e l l .” for COVID-19. She didn’t know it at committee meetings and for their up. We’re rolling with the punches campus organization. While he the students, faculty and staff return to Police officers also remain on the time, but that would be her last full senate meeting. Each meeting and letting them know that the is organizing video meetings to campus, they hope you only notice that campus to enforce the rules set on event on campus. is open to the public. university is trying their best to determine the BSU's direction, the facility projects have advanced. campus by the administration. “I’m still coming to terms with “Whatever gets thrown your make decisions that benefit our new reality is making that difficult. “We’re trying to keep the campus going “The police department acts as a the fact that I had my last class ever way, you just have to roll with the students in the best way.” “It’s a little harder because we can’t while everyone else is away,” says Scott support unit during a pandemic of this at Nicholls, that I won't even be able punches,” says Tyler Legnon, SGA Students and leaders are still meet. My role as a communicator Williams, superintendent of facilities and kind,” Chief Craig Jacuzzo says. to experience my last Crawfish Day,” vice president processing that we are even in hasn’t changed, but it’s getting our project management. That means focusing on protecting says the senior health sciences major A senior health sciences major this situation. people together,” he says. Custodians cleaned buildings in the days the buildings on campus and other from Thibodaux. “I didn’t savor my from Gibson, Legnon manages the Campus leaders also must after most of campus went home. Now, they assets. It also means enforcing any last events because I didn’t know SGA Senate. But since the shift to deal with the transition to online are wiping down entryways and labs with gathering rules or curfews put in place. they were my last ones. That has a virtual campus, he’s taken on a classes. Bourgeois had her study disinfectant. Custodians are on a rotating “We track and maintain who is on been so hard.” larger role as a communicator. Now, I'm still coming spot on campus and has had to find schedule with minimal time to high-risk campus inside of our facilities and the Since that afternoon, the reality he searches social media, looking for to terms with a new one at home. Legnon and workers to maintain their safety. allotted time they are on campus,” Chief of the Nicholls State University ways to answer questions. Blanchard are struggling with time “I’m really proud of our group. They’re Jacuzzo says. “We act as a resource for the fact that coming to work everyday with a positive our campus community on the latest campus has changed. All classes “We are a liaison between the I had my last management after their routines and labs are online. Employees are students and the administration. were upended. attitude, and they’re ready to work” information regarding restrictions set working from home. As Student We are taking questions and class ever at Everyone is maintaining their Williams says. “We’ll continue to do this as by the campus or state of Louisiana.” Government Association President, relaying that information to them,” Nicholls. sanity in their own way. Legnon has long as they allow us to. Hopefully, we’ll be Chief Jacuzzo says his group is also Bourgeois was involved in most of he says. “I spend more time on been vigilant in communicating with able to bring more and more people back prepared to assist with crowd and Former SGA President to campus.” traffic control should the situation those discussions. Twitter and Facebook, monitoring Emma Bourgeois the student body. Bourgeois stays “[My role] is changing every day, what questions our community is connected with friends and spends Maintenance has also remained on become more dire and the university and more people are reaching out putting out in the atmosphere so I “It was a heady time,” says time outside. Blanchard is doing a campus. Projects include the new Desalvo- have to serve another function for the to me than before,” Bourgeois says. can try to pass on that information Arrington Blanchard, president of lot of reading, listening to music and Callais Convergence Media Center and public such as testing or screening. “Students are really more interested or correct any misconceptions.” the Black Student Union. “People checking in with his siblings. Ameen Art Gallery in Talbot Hall. Williams When the time comes for the rest Above, Nicholls State University Police in this than other things the SGA Legnon says he can sense anxiety are just moving off of campus and “All of this is going to be alright, says construction will begin on the Barker of campus to return, it will be in part work to keep an eye on campus during has done in the past and everyone from his peers, especially his then you read about people who as long as we do what we’re supposed Hall Expansion Project soon, too. because of the hard work from facilities the pandemic. Below, custodian Kia – Jacob Batte is expecting answers. We’re doing international friends. They don’t know are dying. It’s tough.” to do." Blanchard says. "We’re going “We’re trying to limit our focus to and UPD. Johnson works to kill germs on a door in College of Sciences the best we can to help spread the if they’ll be able to return in the Fall. The senior psychology to be okay.” – Jacob Batte

10 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 11 Colonel Pride “Tragedies show us how much larger the world is than a single individual, and how impactful our actions can be together if we put ourselves in the shoes of someone less fortunate and act on that, rather than acting for ourselves.” Collin Brazan, Nicholls Worth Editor

Zeringue, as well as healthcare experts and various campus DJ when the bars closed on March 16. services personel. Stories have also leaned into campus news, such He says these experiences help him empathize with other as SPA and SGA meetings. But they also tackled angles such as students going through this and other issues. It helps him birthday celebrations during a pandemic, unemployment among recognize the importance of his role in student media. Nicholls students and how the release of Animal Crossing: New “I think it is important that we get the facts out,” McElroy Horizons might help you cope. And when the pandemic is over, says. “We are out of toilet paper and bottled water at the stores, Brazan says they will be here for exploring what returning to and that’s because people are treating this like a category five normalcy might mean for students. storm. They are misinformed, and we have to do what we can “Our job is to help students understand every aspect of the to change that.” crisis, and find answers to their questions so that they can be McElroy says the station is livestreaming their updates better informed, protected and hopefully find some sense of and music on live365.com for listeners who can’t pick up the comfort,” says Collin Brazan, Nicholls Worth editor. station’s broadcast. Reporters for the Nicholls Worth are working from home to The experience has been surreal, says Thomas. Earlier this conduct interviews. Brazan says keeping the Nicholls Worth semester, he recalls being quizzed on this virus developing in updated, along with his school work, was at the top of his China and now it is in our backyard and changing our way of life. priority list. “I had a general idea about how to cover a hurricane in the fall “Most importantly, it teaches us empathy,” he says. “Tragedies semester,” he says. "But in the spring? I never expected something show us how much larger the world is than a single individual, like this, Especially not to this magnitude.” and how impactful our actions can be together if we put ourselves One silver lining is this situation has made him grow. KNSU-TV Station Manager Brandon Thomas works with MACO Professor Lance Arnold to record a message to the community in the shoes of someone less fortunate and act on that, rather than Thomas says if a hurricane were to hit in the fall, he would from Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre. Next page left, KNSU-Radio Station Manager Dylan McElroy cuts a message from acting for ourselves.” know how to keep the station running and the student President Jay Clune for the airwaves. Right, Thomas makes sure his station is clean as he works on putting together a video. Radio Station Manager Dylan McElroy understands how this body informed. – Cain Madden pandemic can affect people more than most. His lost his job as a FINDING THE ANSWERS ith his sister and brother at home in Luling, it was tough “Today, it is all about what do I see on social media for how Wfor Brandon Thomas to convince his parents that he should remain at Nicholls. people get information. So we have to ensure that KNSU is Once classes moved online, he could come home. Yet, he is the putting out the right info, timely and accurate.” station manager of KNSU-TV. Though he was not required to stay, he wanted to keep fellow student informed. Brandon Thomas, KNSU-TV Station Manager “In a situation like this, it is important to make sure people have accurate information from their news about campus and Together with the Nicholls Worth and KNSU-radio FM 91.5, the community,” Thomas says. “Today, it is all about what do student journalists are reporting on not only the latest university I see on social media for how people get information. So we updates, but on ways to cope with this new reality. have to ensure that KNSU is putting out the right info, timely They have interviewed Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune, and accurate.” Lafourche Sheriff Craig Webre, Thibodaux Police Chief Bryan

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MARCH 18 MAY 1 JANUARY 21 Classes officially moved Dr. Jay Clune online through the First reported case of announces initial plan to remainder of the Spring novel coronavirus in the MARCH 11 MARCH 14 return to campus safely. semester. Remaining MARCH 23 United States. First presumptive case of novel coronavirus Southland Conference student residents Spring Commencement in Lafourche Parish. cancels spring sports urged to return home. postponed. Virtual Nicholls announces it competitions and University offers refunds Conferral Ceremony will test virtual classes championships. to students who have planned for May 16. on March 16. left theirs dorms. APRIL 3 Nicholls announces new MARCH 12 academic guidelines, Nicholls announces MARCH 19 giving students a chance classes will move online MARCH 15 to retake classes. MARCH 9 for the foreseeable Ellender Memorial Nicholls announces Library moves online First presumptive case future. Southland it will test employees of novel coronavirus in Conference suspends through the end of the working from home on semester. MARCH 27 Louisiana. all athletic play through March 17. March 30, cancels Nicholls student tested Men's and Women's positive for COVID-19. Conference Basketball Tournament. APRIL 2 Nicholls Foundation MARCH 13 MARCH 17 creates Emergency Fund to help students Remaining events, Nicholls announces impacted by the meetings and MARCH 22 employees will work pandemic. extracurricular Gov. John Bel Edwards FEBRUARY 5 from home for the activities canceled. issues statewide Nicholls prohibits travel foreseeable future. Drop date for classes shelter-in-place order. to China. extended to April 20.

NICHOLLS COVID-19 TIMELINE

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he Nicholls Women's Basketball “We did just that,” Williams says. Both players feel like all collegiate Williams says. “I met some great people team was on the bus, 30 minutes “There was no way we could go without basketball players were robbed. that I will never forget, and I got the from the arena in Katy, Texas, making it to Katy. We took each game “Although I would love to come back opportunity to make history and win Twhen the news broke. The Southland one at a time, and let nothing stop us and play for Nicholls another year a championship – which is one of my Conference had canceled the men's and from not making it.” and get a chance at the tournament main reasons why I chose Nicholls. So women's basketball tournaments. The Colonels knew they were a better championship, I highly doubt it will leaving Nicholls, having met a big goal, Senior guard Tykeria Williams says team than their record. Hamilton says it happen,” Williams says. I feel somewhat accomplished.” she didn’t believe it was real until later. was just a matter of stringing some wins Despite feeling like they were Hamilton’s next step is to marry her “ It took a minute for it to actually together for their confidence to really stripped of the opportunity to end their fiance, Corey Abraham, and then return kick in, but once we had our meeting kick in. And by the tournament, the basketball careers like they wanted to, to school to be an ultrasound tech. and I saw my fellow seniors crying, team was ready to show the world just the seniors had a good time at Nicholls. “It was a lot of fun,” Hamilton says. I knew that it was really over,” she how good they were. Now, it is time to move on, and “I have been through a lot on and off says. “I couldn’t believe I played in “We were the hottest team going into Williams says she plans to coach the court. It was a great journey. I am my last game of collegiate basketball the tournament,” Hamilton says. “I basketball and continue her passion happy that I chose to come to Cajun unknowingly.” felt like we would have shocked a lot of for the game by coaching others. Country.” -Cain Madden Just weeks before that, Nicholls people. We definitely would have been “My time at Nicholls was amazing,” making it to Katy at all seemed bleak. there a while.” The team had started off 6-16. In But they never got to the courts. Southland play, the Colonels had lost The spread of COVID-19 ended the their first five games. tournament before it began. And for “We had a rough rocky start,” says winter sports, like basketball, that was Airi Hamilton, a redshirt senior it. The NCAA ruled that athletes in guard. “It was frustrating because the spring sports – not winter – would the games were close but a lot was receive another year of eligibility. not going our way, and we were not “I was heartbroken,” Hamilton says. finishing well.” I had played my last game and didn’t At that point in the season, Williams even realize it was my last game. This says coach DoBee Plaisance was real with tournament, I was going to go out the team about the prospects of making there and leave everything on the the tournament. They’d have to win their court. That is how it was going to be, last seven games to have a hope. but I didn’t get the chance.”

16 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 17 A Different Kind of Game Time

he Nicholls Beach Volleyball team was preparing for a stay in touch through group messages. Staffs are using this time to Ttournament in Houston when they found out their season emphasize academics and taking a mental break. The strength and was over. Many of the girls were looking forward to it for several conditioning staff have sent each player an individualized plan that reasons. One of those reasons was Lockhart's mom would cook for includes bodyweight workouts and conditioning. the team before the tournament. This was supposed to be a crucial spring for the Nicholls “I was excited to come play in front of my family, and my mom Football team looking to replace a historic group of seniors who was excited because she loves gatherings like this,” says Kylie led the Colonels to two Southland Championships and three Lockhart, a sophomore from Houston. “A lot of us wanted to play playoff appearances. Head Football Coach Tim Rebowe says that in the tournament because we know a bunch of the girls playing. A isn’t important, now. lot of girls from the Houston area sign with Southland schools so “First of all, we have to realize how serious this is. Things like we know each other.” football really get put on the back burner,” Rebowe says. “We’re But Lockhart knew something was wrong when head volleyball making sure all of our players are doing the right thing, staying coach Kallie Noble attended the team's workout. Sometimes she home and keeping away from contact. We’ll get back to football. would poke her head in to check on the team, but it was rare for Things will get better. Right now it’s about working out, staying in her to spend the whole workout there. shape and keeping themselves in the best condition.” "As soon as we got done, she called us over to talk to us. They Instead, the coaching staff is meeting online a couple times a stopped everything," Lockhart says. week, and each position coach is checking in on their players. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the country, sports were Rebowe says he is emphasizing to his staff that football isn’t as no longer a priority. Men’s and women’s basketball lost their chance important. at a Southland Conference Tournament title. Baseball, softball, beach “We’re not really talking much football. They are going to make volleyball and the outdoor track-and-field seasons were canceled as sure each of their guys is staying on their academics and staying in players and coaches from all sports were sent home. shape, but mostly just checking in on how they are doing,” he says. Coaches keep in touch through virtual meetings and teammates Head Track-and-Field and Cross Country Coach Stephanie They say, ‘Play every game like it could be your last.’

Slekis says her heart is with her players right now. Sophomore to follow the prescribed workout recommendations for the strength Omo Oboh just capped a successful indoor season and was and conditioning staff, he hasn’t decided if he will return for another looking forward to improving her time in the outdoor 400 meter season or begin his career as a financial advisor. hurdles. Last year, she cracked the Top-10 in the Nicholls record “It’s odd. I don’t really have a sense of closure. But I have put in books. Another sophomore, Jeremy Rogers, finished ninth in the my time and done everything I could do. It’s weird,” he says. “They Southland in javelin as a freshman, and was improving. Neither say, ‘Play every game like it could be your last.’ ” will get a chance this spring. Head Baseball Coach Seth Thibodeaux held team meetings as “Obviously they understand why they have to do this,” Slekis the threat of the virus grew closer. Tarver says that helped as the says. “It’s the correct decision but it’s hard when you have so many world around him became more and more uncertain. plans, and now they have to wait a whole year before they get to do “He did a great job communicating with us and letting us know those events.” what was going on,” he says. “And since we’ve been home, he’s been NCAA rules limit the contact between coaches and players. great. He lets us know that this is just an obstacle in life. It’s how That adds a layer of stress for coaches with international student- you get through it. He says, ‘Bad things don’t happen to you, they athletes who are back in their home country. Distance runner happen for you.’ It’s about how you handle adversity.” Augusta Marie Christensen is quarantined in Denmark and Julia Rebowe has taken to social media to spread the message of how Garcia Verges is under lockdown in Spain. important it is to stay home and stay safe if they want to watch “Through all of this, it’s crazy now that we can’t meet face-to- Nicholls football in the fall. face,” she says. “We are still going to meet as a team. We still have “I want to tell everyone reading this on behalf of Nicholls plans for next year.” Football and our athletes, we have to realize how serious this is,” The NCAA has added a year of eligibility for spring student- Rebowe says. “For us to get to where we want to be in the fall, it’s athletes. Baseball player Adam Tarver was in the middle of his important to heed the advice that’s coming from President Clune. senior season when everything came to a halt. Though he continues Let’s isolate. Let’s be smart.” – Jacob Batte

18 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 19 Past Homecoming King Jae'veric This is the face  Bradley and Homecoming Queen we'll make when Ken'nadi Broussard ignite the we see our students Homecoming Bonfire again in the Fall. in September.

The Nicholls experience doesn't just take place in the classroom. It also happens out in the environment.

THIS IS Our students were overjoyed when the new Bollinger Memorial NICHOLLS Student Union reopened. Nothing beats campus life at Nicholls State University. From pirogue races in Bayou Lafourche While The Quad is known for its to bonfires for homecoming to playoff games in Guidry Stadium. We can't wait to get back and numerous activities, it can also be a share a plate of Crawfish with you at Crawfish Day and congratulate our graduates as they walk perfect spot to study for class.  across the stage at Commencement. But until then, here's a look back at the memories.

20 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Is there anything more relaxing than resting in a hammock outside the Student Union on a sunny day?

Our students are given unique undergraduate research opportunities, such as finding new viruses as part of the SEA-PHAGES Research Program.

Pretty soon we'll be rocking into the night during Alive at 5.

The student section cheered the Colonels on to victory against North Dakota during the first round of the FCS Playoffs. 

Commencement brings out the joy in us all. 22 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Top Left: At Nicholls, students can learn from professors, like Dr. Solomon David, who love to get into the thick of their topic.

Top Middle: Students enjoyed hot chocolate and card games during Chi Alpha's In-A-Mug held in August.

Top right: Past Homecoming Queen Ken'nadi Broussard watches the flames of the Homecoming Bonfire in September.

Bottom Left: When we see you again, we'll be all smiles.

Bottom Right: Head Coach Tim Rebowe and the Nicholls Football team celebrate winning the Southland Conference Championship after defeating rival 24 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Southeastern in Hammond. hey should be enjoying THE BEST WE CAN spring break. They Many professors are continuing to should be thinking hold classes at their regular time about final projects and through group video sessions on exams. They should be Zoom or G-chat. Some have moved Tthinking about commencement the time of the class to work with and the students they have their students. Others are recording watched grow over four years. lectures and uploading them to But they’re not. Moodle, YouTube or Vimeo. If they KEEPING A Instead, professors at Nicholls need to have a 1-on-1 conversation State University are trying to with a student, they’re using Skype Dr. Richmond Eustis transition their classes online. or FaceTime. Discussions are

“I’m trying to boil down my classes to the bare essence of what I the essential lessons across. can convey to my students. I’ve likened it to trying to play guitar “It’s the interaction,” says Dr. Solomon David, assistant wearing oven mitts,” Eustis says. “I can see my students are professor of biology. “It’s the rattled and, frankly, I am, too.” acknowledgment you get when they are learning or the groan they make when I tell a dad joke. That’s That's because campus has become using message boards and group But that online environment the stuff I feed off of as a teacher.” virtual in the wake of the global messages. can’t replace the classroom Dr. David has had to figure COVID-19 pandemic. Routine has been important experience. Things get lost in out how he can replace the field “Whatever teachers have been for Dr. Alyson Theriot, associate translation, even if the resources experience component of his able to do, it’s been a difficult professor and department head of available allow the professors to get classes. In a normal semester he scramble,” says Dr. Richmond teacher education. Her only face- Eustis, associate professor of to-face course met three times a English and Spanish. “I’m in awe week at 7:30 a.m. for two hours. of what some of my colleagues Even though her students are no have been able to pull off. It’s super longer on campus, they still meet impressive and above and beyond at the same time. She uses the what anyone would expect.” breakout room feature on Zoom Eustis describes his new reality to replace the partner work her as, “triage mode.” students do in class. “I’m trying to boil down my “The biggest difference is that classes to the bare essence of what instead of delivering my lectures I can convey to my students. I’ve from the classroom, I’m doing likened it to trying to play guitar them from my kitchen,” she says. wearing oven mitts,” Eustis says. “I “Other than me being able to can see my students are rattled and, physically reach out and touch frankly, I am, too.” someone, I’m doing the same thing PROMISE that I would have done before BY JACOB BATTE Dr. Solomon David COVID-19.”

26 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 27 forcing a recipe, we’re focusing would educational experience, and I miss on techniques. This week, for pandemic response, but in the take his that a lot.” “We have no choice. We have to ensure a example, we’re pureeing soups. I future, we’re probably going to have students out He commends his students for told them they can change out the quality education.” –Melissa Clay to go further.” on boats in the taking it as well as they have. vegetables as needed. If you can’t Dr. Theriot says her students bayou to study local “They’re doing their best,” find butternut squash, that's okay, and faculty have responded with fisheries. He is trying to Eustis says. “They’re rattled, but use whatever you have.” commitment and earnestness. She replicate that experience by sharing they’re continuing to work very believes that is because the College images and videos – some of which hard. I think they’re doing the FOCUS FORWARD of Education and Behavioral he captured – along with other best they can under the surprise It’s clear that students are anxious, Sciences has embraced technology. publications and media. circumstances.” confused and scared. Seniors “I have had a couple of students “There is no substitute for are even more emotional as they reach out to me to say they’re glad getting students out in the field. RECREATING realize they didn’t savor their last we’re continuing to meet at the But with the technology at our EXPERIENCES days on campus. same time because it’s the fingertips today it allows us to at Moving labs and clinicals online “We’re just trying to reassure our only normalcy they least be effective,” he says. has proven to be even more students and let them know they’re have in their lives Eustis says it’s in his literature difficult. They took longer to still going to get to experience right now,” she classes where the students are transition online and some things, like commencement,” says says. missing the most. Those classes professors have had scrap crucial Melissa Clay, instructor of nursing Having a aren’t about what students can components. and MSN program coordinator. routine doesn’t memorize but what they can Nursing undergraduates have She adds, “We have no choice. just help the analyze and contextualize from had to transition their in-person We have to ensure a quality students. the text. The real learning, he says, classes and labs to a virtual education.” “It helps to happens in the class discussions environment. Professors in the Chef Amelie Zeringue Clay only teaches online classes. see their faces,” and feedback. He estimates he’s Chef John Folse Culinary Institute But that is because her students are Dr. Theriot says. losing about one-third of what he have abandoned their professional working full-time while seeking “I can call on them. wants to get across. kitchens. to think how we could make their masters. It is her students who I have met all of their “In a classroom setting, there’s a Chef Amelie Zeringue has this work,” Chef Zeringue says. are feeling the direct impact of this fur babies, their parents, their feedback loop between the students transitioned two kitchen labs “[Provost and Vice President virus. Many of them – especially siblings and any children they are and the instructor. You can get a to an online version. Her for Academic Affairs] Dr. Sue those working in New Orleans babysitting. It seems to be going sense for when they’re with you, students no longer have Westbrook told us to just do the – are working 60 hour weeks in Melissa Clay really well.” and when you are losing them and access to professional best we can. That brought me back hospitals across South Louisiana Everyone is dealing with the need to go in a new direction,” he kitchens and she to reality. As a faculty, we started dealing with an abundance of pandemic differently. Dr. David has says. “It’s a shared performance can no longer collaborating, just trying to get upper respiratory-type illnesses. Even when the pandemic passes, tried to approach it as a scientist, art piece with little moments that observe them life experiences to discuss in our c re at i v e .” To help her students, Clay stays in its fingerprints will be all over with logic. But he’s human, and it’s can’t be repeated. Right now, we’re live while they classes with our students.” Now, Chef Zeringue films herself regular contact with each of them Nicholls for the foreseeable future, not that easy. not getting that. It’s not the same prepare that Clay says the nursing faculty every time she cooks at home and and adjusts the deadlines of their no more so than in the College of “Having my students and family week’s lesson. is using the current crisis as a shares it with her students. She homework to help them balance Nursing. to consider gives me purpose and Many students learning tool in their curriculum. encourages her students to do the work and school. “Right now we’ve been able a focus day-to-day,” he says. “It’s don’t have access to “We can talk about how nurses same. She maintains an ongoing “Our students are balancing to use it as a learning tool for important to have some optimism the pots, pans, utensils have to adjust to the current group message for her classes working overtime to keep up with how nurses have to adjust to the that we will be okay and we will and ingredients they situation,” she says. “We’ve been where they can have an ongoing the COVID-19 patients in their current situation,” Clays says, “We make it through this. We really would at the institute. able to use simulations and how discussion. hospitals, along with their school have always taught pandemic have to take care of each other “At first I was stressed out. I’m they would have to adjust if they “The main thing is being work, and that is a challenge,” response in our classes, but I think moving forward and know that Dr. Alyson Theriot a perfectionist and I was trying were currently learning in the realistic,” she says. “Instead of Clay says. moving forward we will have real hospitals. We have always taught things will be alright.”

28 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 29 Alumni House

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE Photos & Words by William Guion (BA '75)

Having worked in creative jobs much of my life, quiet time alone is no stranger. In fact, it’s a good friend for B most of my work projects. Still, the nearly deserted Nicholls campus has made my daily walks here feel like I stepped into an episode of the Twilight Zone. So, I used these odd circumstances to take a different perspective on the C Nicholls campus. I started recording the landscape and trees using a pocket-size, hand- held camera adapted to photograph the infrared light spectrum. With infrared photography, the light spectrum that we ordinarily see is stretched and transformed. This, makes things appear bright and otherworldly. This seemed fitting for a time when the normal world seems suddenly vacant, quiet, and yet full of the fresh greens and shining energy of spring. Empty yet full.

D E

30 | Summer 2020• The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 31 A F G I J K

H L

INDEX OF IMAGES: A. Oak and three benches, east side of Quad; B. Two oaks on Quad sidewalk, looking toward Beauregard Hall; C. Oak on the southeast corner of Candies Hall, view toward Powell Hall; D. Oak and bench, northeast corner of Quad, looking toward Powell and Elkins Halls; E. Oak limbs, south- east corner of Candies Hall; F. Looking east from the courtyard between Beauregard and Peltier Halls; G. Oak, table and benches, looking west toward the northeast corner of Polk Hall; H. Oaks along Hwy. 1, looking toward Ledet Culinary Building; I. Oak and bench, southwest corner of Quad; J. Pine trees and oak, northwest corner of Quad near Glenwood Dr.; K. Entrance path near Quad L. Elkins Hall from entry to Rienzi Circle. Fine-art prints of these photos of the Nicholls campus are available for sale through Guion's website www.williamguion.com in the "portfolios" section. Guion will donate 50 percent of all sales of these prints to the Nicholls State Art Department to support their ongoing work with students.

32 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 33 Alumni House

“My boss was in tears in the hallway after telling us this,” she says. “I’ve seen other nurses in their cars crying after shifts. I know this is not what the hospital wants. It’s not what anyone wants. They are not doing it as punish- ment. It is what it is. We will get through this.”

helsi Falcon is, by trade, been the biggest challenge in However, she also hopes this is betterment of the whole system.” an operating room nurse. taking care of patients.” a wake-up call. The hospitals are doing their Today, she spends more The changes at hospitals “I think with this pandemic; best to keep nurses and doctors Cof her time working in one of two are happening fast, as the we have realized how broken our safe. They are washing their COVID-19 designated wings at medical systems were not fully health system is,” she says. “I hope hands more often, and kept Our Lady of the Lake hospital in prepared for this outbreak. this realization will encourage quarantined in their wing during Gonzales. Falcon says she went through a the leaders and health committee shifts. They are being extra Falcon urges you to take this quick orientation before being board to work toward the careful to wipe everything down. pandemic seriously. Even in switched to the COVID-19 unit. communities like Gonzales that But she emphasizes the switch were not hit like New Orleans, the is almost like a job change in transition wasn’t easy. which you’d receive at least two “Stay home,” Falcon says. months of training under normal “People are dying alone in circumstances. hospitals because their families Nurses are receiving limited cannot be let in. If you want that orientation during a global to happen to one of your family pandemic, as thousands in the members, then don’t take it state are dying. But Falcon says seriously.” there isn’t another choice. Fellow nursing alum Binu “My boss was in tears in the Basyal works at Terrebonne hallway after telling us this,” she General Medical Center and says. “I’ve seen other nurses in at the time of this story, was their cars crying after shifts. I still working in the cardiac know this is not what the hospital unit. However, that doesn’t wants. It’s not what anyone mean her life hasn’t changed wants. They are not doing it as as undiagnosed and diagnosed punishment. It is what it is. We COVID-19 patients end up under will get through this.” her care. The hospitals didn’t get ahead “It has been a very difficult time of this because the U.S. didn’t as we have been encountering act fast enough, Basyal says. And more and more of COVID-19 she says she understands why it patients,” she says. “Not having happened because at first, she proper protective equipment has also underestimated the virus.

34 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 35 Alumni House Changing Roles

heri Eschete has spent more than Sthree decades in healthcare and she’s “Be prepared to serve the community at never seen anything like the COVID-19 pandemic. The assistant vice president ancillary its best and its worst time." services for Ochsner Health Systems But at the end of the day, they are being oversees labs, the pharmacy, infusion center exposed to it. Our Lady of the Lake and cardiopulmonary centers at Ochsner St. Anne’s Hospital in Raceland and the has been fortunate to have enough Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center in equipment to go around, but in many 19% Houma. hospitals nurses are reusing masks, of confirmed cases have Ochsner was monitoring the spread of goggles and gowns. COVID-19 from the beginning, but talks about South Louisiana began to “All you can do is be vigilant,” Falcon pick up in the first week of March. That was a lot to take in for Eschete. says. “We cannot social distance in been health care workers. “You talk about it, you hear about it, but you don’t think it’s going to healthcare. Everyone has a lot of happen to you in your town, in your small area,” she says. “That first week anxiety and fear about our safety, and seemed like an eternity. It just kept escalating really quickly. What really our patients’ safety.” brought it to light for me, was when the churches shut down.” Both nurses recommend following Eschete says the focus of her role now is to support hospital staff and guidelines from the Centers for make sure they have what they need. That includes physical supplies, like Disease Control and Prevention to masks, face shields, goggles, gloves, isolation gowns, ventilators and other protective gear. It can also be about providing moral support. protect yourself and limit the spread “My role pales in comparison to what the people on the front lines are of the virus. 9,300 doing,” she says. “We’re here to be empathetic to their situation. It’s new Basyal and Falcon say they lean U.S. health care workers to them, it’s new to all of us. We’re all scared. So we need to make sure we on the training they received in the support them and make sure they have what they need.” Nicholls nursing program. There have been challenges when it comes to supplies, but Ochsner “Like at Nicholls, the unit I work contracted COVID-19 has been able to get what they needed quickly because of their national with has a strong sense of family,” connections. That includes coronavirus tests that take 5 minutes to Falcon says. “In clinicals, that’s what produce results. we did. No one slept as they worked “We knew we needed to get testing and we needed to get a better turn on their care plans. Everyone was on around time on those test results. We needed transport media to send the verge of a mental breakdown, but them off. We needed supplies, and we really had two weeks to get this we had our family there going through done,” she says. “That’s the good part of being in such a large healthcare situation, we have been able to get these things and rely on guidance from it to pick us up. We all made it. I hope the system rather than figure it out on our own. Having relationships on a that applies to this situation.” national level has really helped us bring those services to our community.” Even when not in a time of global In times of crisis, Eschete says it’s important to hang on to hope. pandemic, nursing is a tough but Feeding her hope has been the support form the community. rewarding profession. If you are a student “Food always makes everyone feel better, and the communities in considering it, Basyal says to make sure 55% Raceland and Houma have stepped forward feeding the day and night your heart is in the right place. think they were exposed shifts at both hospitals,” she says. “Be prepared to serve the If there is anything good that comes from the pandemic, Eschete community at its best and its worst while at work believes it has raised awareness among the community to the sacrifices times,” she says. “However, It is a that healthcare workers make, and to the seriousness of taking care of blessing to be able to take care of the your health. people when they need us the most.” “Everybody plays a role and at this point, it makes us proud to see how Information from www.CDC.gov April 9, 2020 the community is reaching out with support and recognizing what our healthcare workers are going through,” she says. “There’s a saying written on one of our white boards and it says, ‘We fall, we break, we fail. But then we rise, we heal, we overcome.’ That’s perfect for our people and our situation.” –Jacob Batte 36 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 37 Campus Conerstone Campus Conerstone Not even a pandemic can stop the A Colonel Call to Action Nicholls campus from evolving. Supporting the Nicholls Campus Emergency Fund Our devoted maintenance staff have continued to move projects forward, even as faculty, students and most of the staff have been sent home. When you return, you’ll come back to a campus that is better and stronger.

much can change in a very short purchase a webcam to add to are reading this article might be amount of time. their computer for testing and in a similar situation of having a What did not take two weeks their class. While this might not reduction in pay or even worse, to change was Nicholls going to be a large amount of money for losing a job; but I know that all online instruction and testing some, imagine being a student there are many who have been in just a couple of days as the with a part time job on the wait able to get through this horrific Student Media Center to Open in the Fall university was one of the first in staff at a restaurant or having a virus situation without much Construction has continued on Phase II of the Callais-Desalvo the state to do so. Overall, many job at a “nonessential” business loss. I ask you to consider making Convergence Media Center. Renovations are expected to be complete of the students, and even the and being told you have no job a gift to the Nicholls Campus this summer, with doors ready to open in the Fall. This new student faculty, have been able to adapt and still have to pay for taking Emergency Fund because you media center will bring the Nicholls Worth, KNSU Radio, KNSU- to learning in a new manner. tests, a cost you never expected never know, the Nicholls student TV and La Pirogue all under one roof. It was made possible by a However, the change has not when budgeting your semester. being assisted from this fund $300,000 donation from Tina DeSalvo-Callais and her husband, been easy for all students and On a different yet related note, might become the nurse taking Corey. that is where your support of now imagine being that same care of you in the future or the Nicholls Campus Emergency student and having to buy basic your grandchild’s teacher or the Fund is crucial. groceries. Here is where financial planner taking care of hen I was first asked to With online testing, Mom’s Pantry on your retirement. write this Colonel Call to W proctoring services campus plays an For more information on how Action to support the Nicholls are required for essential role by the Emergency Fund will support Barker Hall Construction Underway Campus Emergency Fund, the each test along being a stocked Nicholls students with the The $6.5 million Barker Hall extension project is noted for state of Louisiana had a total of with a cost for cabinet open 24 transition to online learning and including the largest donation in university history at $2.5 million. 196 known cases of COVID-19 each test. The hours a day, 365 Mom’s Pantry, please contact me Construction began on May 4 and is expected to be complete next with only four deaths related university was days a year for at 985-448-4006 or spring. Once complete, the renovated Barker Hall includes office to the virus. At the time of me able to negotiate a any student in [email protected]. and meeting space for all 17 athletic programs, as well as new completing this message two price reduction for need of food. The state-of-the-art facilities for football. weeks later, not only does the the testing, but students pantry is located on With Colonel Pride, state now have over 10,000 cases will have to pay an average campus to provide food to with 370 deaths, but the Bayou between $50 - $200 for testing students to help bridge the gap Jeremy Becker Region has over 300 cases with to complete the Spring semester. between hunger and success. Executive Director five deaths. My point being Many students also need to I understand that many who of the Nicholls Foundation Phase II of Nicholls Greenhouse is Ready to Begin Donor-funded Phase I of the Nicholls Greenhouse Renovation, which involves the classroom building, is underway. Phase II of the project, which will be paid for by the state, involves the glass greenhouse with hydroponic plant towers and other amenities. An architect has been selected for Phase II, and it is expected to begin after the completion of Phase I.

38 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 39 A Colonel of Truth

Illustration By Sharon Doucet (BA '78)

pringtime on Earth is campus would not see a dormitory to classes wasn’t the only devastated communities, meeting always a special time in for another 16 years. Nicholls innovation in distance education needs both locally and distantly the universe. It was in the would be a commuter campus, that Nicholls would offer. To from the New Orleans area. Offices springtimeS of 1916 when Albert with classwork in Thibodaux and accommodate the needs of offshore for enrollment, transfers, housing Einstein published his general assignments and study undertaken oil field workers in its oil-rich and faculty all extended operations theory of relativity, a set of ideas at home from a distance. service region, Nicholls began to help displaced students continue that updated understandings of The conundrum of getting its now well-known “7-and-7” learning and remediate lost gravity and the cosmos established students to campus from distant program in the summer of 1973 course time. 250 years earlier by Isaac Newton. bayou villages along craggy, — the first of its kind in the state In an historical parallel to One of the first things Einstein swampy highways was solved and likely the entire country. With today’s situation at Nicholls and taught the world was that, because in advance by innovative local this program, students employed around the country, Einstein’s the light we use to observe things leadership. For the first time in by seven-day shiftwork could predecessor in the arena of flows at constant speed, both the history of higher education in now take double-length classes gravitation theory, Isaac Newton, the time and distance of our Louisiana, parishes would provide in alternative onshore weeks and was forced to leave Trinity College observations change relative to one free transportation to college complete schoolwork and study in London in 1665 to avoid another. The idea that distance is students to and from their homes. both at home and the rig during contracting the plague, which had relative is particularly meaningful Beginning in 1948 in Lafourche off-duty hours. This innovative become epidemic. Sequestered at for higher education in the and Terrebonne Parishes and program was supported not only by his farmstead home, Woolsthorpe springtime of 2020, as universities continuing for almost four decades, the oil industry but also by faculty Manor, surrounded by sheep and around the country like Nicholls school buses would carry hundreds across disciplines who specially apple orchards, Newton took work carefully and diligently of students to and from Nicholls accommodated these students in advantage of distance and spent during the current pandemic to every weekday — a model soon addition to teaching classes during time deeply studying and thinking deliver the best avenues of distance adopted by neighboring parishes the normal weekly schedule. through the undergraduate learning to their students. and by other colleges around the Nearly 150 students enrolled for lessons of his professors. By the Nicholls is no newcomer to state. Nicholls students would learn the 7-and-7 program in its time he returned to campus, distance education. In 1948, when from professors on campus by first year. he had invented a new form of Einstein was still dreaming of a day and then by evening continue Further, seven decades of mathematics, which today we grand theory to unify all the laws of learning at a distance from home. tropical disturbances prepared call calculus. By embracing the physics, folks of the bayou region In between those times, the school Nicholls to deliver college new opportunities that distance were no longer dreaming of going bus served as a mobile student education from a distance. In late learning affords during these to college. The doors of Nicholls union, where commuting students August 2005 when Hurricane times, imagine what Nicholls Where is YOUR retreat? first opened in September of that could reinforce skills in English Katrina interrupted the lives students can invent from their Kick back and relax. Colonels Retreat is a state of mind. It’s a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere where you leave year. Those doors, however, were and math as well as card playing and Fall semesters for tens of professor’s lessons in a place where your worries at the door. It’s a trip to the camp, a Saturday tailgate or a crawfish boil with friends. thousands of university students in not doors to a dormitory where during rides that sometimes lasted falling tree fruit — like satsumas This beer is a celebration of Colonel Pride and the Nicholls spirit. Nicholls was founded on the banks of Bayou students would reside during two hours or more each way. Louisiana, Nicholls was well-versed or mespilus — is softer and less semesters of study. In fact, the The concept of busing students in accommodating students from concussive! – Dr. John Doucet Lafourche in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Down here in coastal Louisiana, the people are friendly, warm and inviting. So, crack open a beer proudly brewed on 40 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University the bayou, and get a taste of the refreshing, laid-back Nicholls South State LouisianaUniversity • The life. COLONEL • Summer 2020 | 41 THE COLONEL the magazine of NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY P.O. Box 2074 Thibodaux, LA 70310

Nicholls Forward Red and Gray

$1,000 to $2,499 Will receive all benefits of being a member of the Nicholls Foundation. President’s Circle

$2,500 to $4,999 Same as Red and Gray, plus invited to Dr. Clune’s “State of Nicholls” address and a reception that follows.

Colonel Proud visit nichollsfoundation.org

$5,000 to $9,999 Same as President’s Circle, plus invited Introducing The Nicholls Annual Fund to a special dinner with Dr. Clune. What is the Why are Colonel Inspired Gifts to the Nicholls State University Annual Fund are Declining funding from the state has resulted in a reduced Nicholls used in essential areas across the campus to sustain Annual operating budget. State funds and tuition dollars alone fail to Annual and improve campus facilities, provide opportunities for meet the entire budget of the university. Annual gifts augment faculty to further their skills, create stronger learning Gifts that money to help maintain existing programs and enhance Fund? environments, enhance the student experience and meet important? them by allowing for the planning and implementation of unexpected needs. potential new programs.

$10,000 plus Same as Colonel Proud, plus invited to a select roundtable and individual gatherings and meals with Dr. Clune. 42 | Summer 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University