Alumni Columns (Volume Spring 2016)

2016·17.7 MB·

by  Northwestern State University

SPRING 2016
Northwestern State University Magazine
Messages
Alumni Columns
Official Publication of
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Organized in 1884
My fellow alumni, A member of CASE
Volume XXVI Number 1 Spring 2016
The Alumni Columns (USPS 015480) is published
When visiting with high schoolers and other prospective students, I talk by Northwestern State University,
Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71497-0002
about the realities of the 21st century economy and the challenges and
Periodicals Postage Paid at Natchitoches, La.,
opportunities the emerging generation will face. One prediction that piques and at additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the
the students’ interest says 2 billion jobs currently filled worldwide will no
Alumni Columns, Northwestern State University,
longer exist in the year 2030. Of course, those will be replaced with new Natchitoches, La. 71497-0002.
Alumni Office Phone: [phone] and 888-799-6486
types of work that will be reserved to those who can think critically, solve
FAX: [phone] • E-mail: [email protected]
problems, communicate effectively and use technology. That is why it is
NSU ALUMNI OFFICERS
Dr. Jim Henderson so important for these students to choose a university that will help them President .........................Monty Chicola, Natchitoches, 1979, 1980
1994 develop these core competencies while also providing them the marketable 1st Vice President ..................Dr. P. Cade Brumley, Stonewall, 2002
President 2nd Vice President...................................Caron Chester Coleman,
Northwestern State skills relevant to today’s employment opportunities. .............................................................................Natchitoches, 2000
University Even as the importance of a college education increases rapidly, we have Secretary................Patricia Hrapmann, New Orleans, 1973, 1978
Treasurer......................................Mike Wilburn, Shreveport, 1975
immense opportunity to prioritize higher education in Louisiana. As you
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
know, recent weeks have been devoted to advocating for our students in the NSU President ........................................ Dr. Jim Henderson, 1994
face of further budget reductions. We are continuing to build support for a Vice President for External Affairs ....................Jerry Pierce, 1961
Assistant Vice President of External Affairs
solution to the budget crisis that invests in our future. In case you missed it, for University Advancement ................Drake Owens, 2004, 2005
Associate Director of
you can view a personal message from me here:
Alumni Affairs ....................................Vanner Erikson, 2011, 2014
https://vimeo.com/nsula/review/154799215/6bd3db31ad
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In spite of the financial uncertainties at the state level, we at North-
Wil Adams .............................................................Shreveport, 2009
western State are committed to strengthening our academic offerings Jerry Brungart .........................................Natchitoches, 1969, 1971
Tommy Chester .................................................Natchitoches, 1969
while providing a world class experience for all students. We have added a Leonard Endris ...........................................Shreveport, 1974, 1975
Allen Evans ............................................................Shreveport, 1989
number of high demand programs and many others are in development.
John Evans ..........................................................Natchitoches, 1992
As a result, the entering freshman class this fall will be one of our largest on Michael Gallien..........................................................Houston, 1981
Dr. Hayward Hargrove.......................Black Mountain, N.C., 1964
record. I could not be more excited about the future. Trey Hill ....................................................................Carencro, 1985
We have accomplished much in a short time, but our work has just Carlos Jones..............................................Round Rock, Texas, 1993
Gail Jones ..........................................................Natchez, 1981, 1998
begun. We confront change at an astounding pace and we must be willing Matt Koury ................................................................Leesville, 1995
Bryant Lewis .........................................................Haynesville, 1958
to learn, adapt and grow. The faculty and staff at Northwestern State have
Carroll Long ............................................Natchitoches, 1967, 1970
shown a remarkable willingness to collaborate, exchange ideas and work W. Lane Luckie .....................................................Tyler, Texas, 2008
Dr. Lisa Landry Mathews......................................Shreveport, 1992
with other institutions to provide opportunities for students and we are Leah Middlebrook .........................................................Dallas, 1986
seeing the benefits of our hard work. Kip Patrick ...................................................Washington, DC, 1995
Cliff Poimboeuf .....................................................Shreveport, 1984
Please do not hesitate to contact with questions or concerns. Michael Prudhomme................................................ Natchez, 1984
Joseph W. Schelette ...............................................Shreveport, 1969
Mark Spikes ..............................................League City, Texas, 1991
David Stamey .....................................................Natchitoches, 1982
Joseph B. Stamey ................................................Natchitoches, 1983
Dear alumni, Glenn Talbert ........................................................Shreveport, 1964
Taylor Townsend................................................Natchitoches, 1986
Carlos Treadway .............................................Northville, MI, 1992
A few weeks ago, I joined other administrators from Northwestern Marti Vienne ......................................................Natchitoches, 1982
Ricky Walmsley .....................................................Rogers, AR, 1985
State University in supporting our students as they participated in a Dr. Leonard Williams ........................................New Orleans, 1993
rally for higher education at the state capitol. It was tremendously STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
encouraging to see our students passionate, informed and engaged in Matthew Whitaker ................................Winnfield, SGA President

the legislative process and I was proud of the leadership they showed in Publisher .................................................Drake Owens, 2004, 2005
Editor ..........................................Leah Pilcher Jackson, 1994, 2011
representing our university.
Contributors ....................................................................David West
I would like to thank everyone who reached out to us on campus and Doug Ireland, 1986
Cole Gentry, 2008
Drake Owens to our friends in Baton Rouge to express support for our alma mater. Photography Gary Hardamon
2004, 2005 With all the bad news you have heard about higher education since Karalee Scouten, 2015
Assistant Vice Design/Layout ..................................Beth McPherson Mann, 1975
President of External January, here is some good news: Northwestern State is growing. Our
Affairs for University momentum continues to build as we remain focused our providing
Advancement Northwestern State University is accredited by the Southern
academic excellence and a first-rate experience to our students. We have
Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
redoubled our efforts to develop partnerships with stakeholders outside (SACSCOC) (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-
4097; telephone number 404-679-4501) to award associate,
the university and are attracting some of the best and brightest students
baccalaureate, master’s, and specialist’s degrees.
from Louisiana and beyond.
This public document was published at a total cost of $12,500. 44,000 copies of
I believe our message of determination and resourcefulness resonates this public document were published in this first printing at a cost of $12,500.
The total cost of all printings of this document, including reprints is $12,500. This
with individuals and groups when we talk about the exciting things document was published by Northwestern State University Office of University
Advancement and printed by Moran Printing, Inc., 5425 Florida Boulevard,
happening at Northwestern State University and I thank you again for Baton Rouge, LA 70806 to foster and promote the mutually beneficial relationship
between Northwestern State University and its alumni, supporters and community
your role in supporting our mission. partners. This material was printed in accordance with standards for printing
by state agencies established pursuant to R.S. 43.31. Printing of this material
was purchased in accordance with the provisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana
Revised Statues.
Northwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, and veteran or retirement status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy
Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies (i.e., Title IX): Employees/Potential Employees – Veronica M. Biscoe, EEO Officer (318-357-6359); Students – Frances Conine, Dean of Students (318-
357-5286). For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns, contact the Disability Support and Tutoring Director, Catherine Faucheaux, at 318-357-4460. Additionally, Northwestern complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act. Information
about NSU’s campus security and crime statistics can be found at http://universitypolice.nsula.edu/annual-security-report/. Full disclosure statement: http://universityplanning.nsula.edu/notice-of-non-discrimination.
Students and faculty were recognized for their organization and participation in creating a colorful tile mural adjacent to Northwestern
State University’s Sylvan Friedman Student Union. From left are Emily Zering of Natchitoches, Professor of Art Leslie Gruesbeck, Sarah Hill of
Boyce, Matt DeFord, head of the Department of Fine + Graphic Art; Ethan Stelly of Natchitoches, Brandon Melancon of Shreveport, Matthew
Stevenson of DeRidder, Art Instructor Corbin Covher, Alicia Anderson of Quitman, Zane Bush of Rogers, Arkansas, and AJ Dempsey of Marrero.
New mural brings life and color to revitalized courtyard
Northwestern State University’s Department of Fine and power of faculty and students and commu-
Graphic Art hosted a ribbon cutting earlier this year to for- nity and the beauty that they create,”
mally open the campus’s newest public art space, a colorful said NSU President Dr. Jim Hender-
mosaic tile wall in a revitalized courtyard next to the Sylvan son, emphasizing the impor-
Friedman Student Union. The mural depicts the beauty tance of the arts in every
of the NSU campus with tile, glass and recycled materials. day life and praising the
NSU students and faculty worked alongside several dozen talents of those who
students from NSU Elementary Lab, NSU Middle Lab, Natchi- contributed their
toches Magnet, the Louisiana School for Math, Science and time and talents to
the Arts and Bossier Parish Community College to manufac- the project.
ture tiles and install the finished work. The mural
“It took many hands to make this piece come to pass,” said is located off
Matt DeFord, department head. “This illustrates the power the southwest
and importance of the arts in communities.” corner of the
The mural is the result of a collaboration between NSU’s Student Union
School of Creative and Performing Arts and the Cane River facing Sam
National Heritage Area who enlisted ceramic artist Mark Der- Sibley Drive.
by of New Orleans to help with the tiled mural. The project Administrators
began last year when a design by student Angela Gourdon say the mural
of Natchitoches was selected for the wall, previously a large extends the
blank concrete space. Derby led workshops for students and area’s green
faculty, who designed and made many of the tiles, installed space from
them on the wall and glazed the mural. what was once
Coca-Cola provided umbrella tables and chairs for the a hard con-
space, as well as glass for the mural. Other sponsors were crete area.
CAPA, Home Depot, Pat Williams Construction, Creative Car- A video of the
pets and Sodexo, who contributed funds and supplies. ribbon cutting is
“This mural is symbolic of the life of Northwestern State available at https://
University. This represents creativity, innovation and the vimeo.com/155711083
1 SPRING 2016
Alumni News
ASHLOCK CAMPBELL HOLLY TALBERT WEBB
Five inducted into Long Purple Line
Northwestern State University honored five created the $1 billion Educational Excellence Fund for local
graduates by inducting them into the University’s schools from Louisiana’s Tobacco Settlement. In 2001 he
alumni hall of distinction, the Long Purple Line, with a coauthored “Do Not Call” legislation protecting consumers
from sales calls at home.
celebration held in March. The 2016 inductees are Greg
An avid sportsman, Campbell passed bills creating special
Ashlock of Los Angeles, Foster Campbell of Bossier City,
license plates celebrating the Louisiana Black Bear and
Dr. James L. Holly of Beaumont, Texas; Glenn Talbert of
Bobwhite Quail. Another Campbell bill established Youth
Shreveport and the late Dr. Randall J. Webb.
Hunting Days to encourage young people to get involved in
hunting. He was named “Conservationist of the Year” in 1997
Since 1990, 115 NSU alumni have been named to the Long
by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation.
Purple Line.
At the PSC Campbell has led efforts to prohibit wining and
Ashlock is executive vice president of operations for dining of commissioners and Commission staff by utilities.
iHeartMedia USA and president of iHeartMedia Southern He has pushed for lower rates, energy efficiency, renewable
California, where he is responsible for 500 employees in Los power and expansion of high-speed Internet service.
Angeles, the number one radio market in the U.S. Ashlock In 2004 Campbell made national and international news
manages eight radio stations and is responsible for talent by persuading the PSC to provide telephone service to the
management, ratings growth, revenue and expense con- Mink community in Natchitoches Parish. Residents of this
trols, public affairs, FCC compliance, legal affairs and market- small community in Kisatchie National Forest had lobbied
ing/promotions. for 40 years to get phone service.
He was named Clear Channel Communications’ Radio Ex- Holly, a 1965 graduate of Northwestern, is founder and
ecutive of the Year in 2003, 2004 and 2006 and by Radio Ink
chief executive officer of Southeast Texas Medical Associates.
as the Top Radio Executive in the country in 2007. Ashlock
He is a graduate of the University of Texas Medical School in
oversees the number one and three billing stations in the
San Antonio, where he is an adjunct professor of Family and
country and the top three rated stations in Los Angeles.
Community Medicine. Holly is an associate clinical professor
Ashlock earned an undergraduate degree in journalism at
in the Department of Internal Medicine at Texas A&M Col-
Northwestern State in 1991 and a master’s from the Univer-
lege of Medicine.
sity of Southern California Annenberg School for Communi-
Last year, on the occasion of their 50th wedding anni-
cation.
versary and the 50th anniversary of their graduation from
Campbell is an elected official, businessman and farmer Northwestern State, Holly surprised his wife, Carolyn Bellue
from Bossier Parish. He was elected to the North Louisiana Holly, at the NSU Golden Jubilee luncheon by announcing
seat on the Public Service Commission in November 2002, the establishment of Carolyn Bellue Holly Distinguished
representing 24 parishes and nearly one million people. He Professorship in Teaching and Learning. In addition to the
was re-elected in 2008 and 2014. Previously he served in the Distinguished Professorship endowment, the Hollys have
Louisiana Senate representing Northwest Louisiana. honored their mothers with the Marie Cobb Bellue Scholar-
Campbell, a 1969 graduate in business and economics, ship in Teaching and Learning and the Irene Woodruff Holly
owns and operates two insurance agencies in Bossier City. Scholarship in Health Care Education.
As a state senator Campbell led a three-year campaign The Hollys have advanced medical education at the
to regulate the rates charged by rural electric coopera- University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio,
tives, lowering electric bills for a million state residents. He making financial contributions to the school to establish The
2 SPRING 2016
Alumni News
Dr. and Mrs. James L. Holly Distinguished Chair of Patient- players of all time that was announced to kick off NSU’s cen-
Centered Medical Home; The Wirt Everett Bellue, Sr. and Wil- tennial football season in 2007.
liam Richmond Holly, Sr. Distinguished Annual Lectureship Webb, was the longest-serving president in the history
in Patient-Centered Medical Home; The Veritas Program for of Northwestern State, holding the position from July 1,
the mentoring of the next generations of medical students; 1996, to Dec. 31, 2014. He died in November.
The President’s Development Council; The Danny Duke An- Under Webb’s leadership, Northwestern State received
nual Music and Medicine Lecture at the Center of Medical unprecedented national and international attention for its
Humanities & Ethics and the Endowment of the Primary Care academic programs and student accomplishments. Univer-
Institute for promoting primary care in the United States sity facilities were renovated to better serve students and
James and Carolyn Holly have also received numerous two record-setting capital campaigns took place.
honors at the Health Science Center including the Dr. and Enrollment reached record levels during Webb’s tenure as
Mrs. James L. Holly University Auditorium and membership president and exceeded 10,500 for the first time in history
on The University of Texas Chancellors Council. In 2012, in the fall of 2004.  Webb led NSU toward higher admission
James Holly was named the 2012 Distinguished Alumni of standards, which has resulted in students at the university
the School of Medicine. having greater academic potential and aptitude. During
Under Holly’s leadership, Southeast Texas Medical Associ- Webb’s tenure, Northwestern State had the largest graduat-
ates has become a leader in healthcare informatics, winning ing classes in the university’s history.
numerous awards in the field.  Webb has also expanded the university’s outreach by
Talbert has been a successful agent for State Farm Insur- spearheading the development at NSU of the largest
ance in Shreveport for 44 years. electronic education network of any university in Louisiana.  
He is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Talbert has been a contin- Millions were obtained during Webb’s presidency for new
uous supporter of Northwestern since receiving his degree and renovated facilities.  The new facilities include the Well-
in 1964, serving on the NSU Athletic Council and the Alumni ness, Recreation and Activity Center, Student Services Center
Association Board of Directors. and University Place I and II. Morrison Hall, the Family and
Talbert came to Northwestern after graduating from Gillis Consumer Sciences Building, Williamson Hall, Russell Hall
High School, where he was All-State in football and track and and Caspari Hall were completely renovated and restored. 
All-District in basketball. In his senior year at Gillis, Talbert set A 1965 graduate of Northwestern in mathematics and
the Class B State Long Jump Record with a leap of 23 feet 11 business education, Webb earned a master of science
¾ inches, a record that has stood for 57 years. degree in mathematics from NSU in 1966.  He received a
Talbert played on Northwestern’s1962 Gulf States Confer- doctorate in education from the University of Southern
ence championship team as the starting halfback. Talbert Mississippi in 1971 with a concentration in mathematics and
was named first team All-Gulf States Conference halfback research.
by the coaches and sportswriters in 1962 and 1963. He was  Webb was a member of the faculty of Longwood College
elected permanent team captain in 1963 along with fellow in Farmville, Virginia, and an administrator at the Louisiana
teammate Sammy Joe Odom. Talbert signed with the Kansas Department of Education and Southeastern Louisiana Uni-
City Chiefs after his senior year. versity before returning to NSU in 1989 as Dean of Instruc-
He was inducted into the Graduate “N” Club Hall of Fame tion and Graduate Studies and professor of mathematics.
in 1985 and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Demon
Coming Soon: The Summer 2016 Edition of Alumni Columns will feature honorees who were inducted into the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of
Creative and Performing Arts. The induction was held in conjunction with the President’s Command Performance, a spring gala to celebrate the arts, on March 18.
3 SPRING 2016
Alumni News
Emily Martin: Passionate about teaching and learning
Emily Martin credits her early years years, the timing is not right for me to the good ones and the not-so-good
in Mount Carmel Academy in New work on a terminal degree, but that is ones.
Orleans with instilling in her the Car- absolutely something I plan to pursue “I learned from them all the lessons
melite traditions of service, faith and down the line,” she said. She has spent that matter—how to treat people
education and she credits faculty in 13 years in the classroom and many with respect and how not to treat
Northwestern State University’s Gal- hours completing graduate courses people; how to solve a problem within
laspy College of Education and Human through NSU’s online degree programs given constraints and how to throw
Development with nurturing her en- Martin said her passion and philoso- constraints to the wind; how to honor
ergy and passion for educating others. phy for teaching come from a combi- deadlines and how to acknowledge
The Baton Rouge teacher carries that nation of her parents and her teachers. shortcomings; how to celebrate suc-
passion into her classroom at Iberville “For pretty my whole life, my dad cess, and how to learn from failure,”
Math, Science and Arts Academy East has been in graduate school exploring she said.
in St. Gabriel where she teaches gifted content areas ranging from geophysics
students in grades 3-12 and works to law to theology. He spent count-
to develop and communicate the less hours growing and learning
school’s unique culture, which she de- and experimenting and writing
scribes as the best kept secret in public and enjoyed a long, reward-
education. She also has a busy family ing career as a result of
life with six children under age 11. his efforts,” she said. “My
Martin’s teaching style is based on mother supported it,
positive collaborative experiences. sacrificed for it, and
“My skill set, passion and personal- kept me and five sib-
ity can easily set me up to just take lings on track with
control and fix things—and in many our homework and
cases, I do.  Sometimes that what is studies. Education
needed. However, over time, I have was not just a
truly learned the power of collabora- priority for me
tion and community as an approach as a child, it was
to both short and long term planning me as a child.” 
and development,” she said. “For that She was also
reason, it’s imperative that students influenced by
explore, learn and practice the skills her teachers,
necessary for collegial communica-
tion and build the capacity to be both
a valuable leader and member of a
team. The art of give and take, the
power of diverse perspectives, and
the joy of shared learning are the
intangibles that will continue to shape
the world. When education turns on
an axis rooted in those three things,
everything else falls into place—class-
room management, student learning
targets, test scores—all of it.”
In 2012, Martin earned National “I am so proud to tell everyone who
Board Certification as part of North-
asks that my credentials were earned at
western State’s M.Ed.—Teacher Leader
degree that she completed in 2013. Northwestern, and I hope to represent your
Last year, she completed the M.A.T.
programs with distinction. We get kids—
in secondary English and this year is
wrapping up +30 with a Gifted add-on. we get teachers—we get learning.”
“With my six kids coming into the
—Emily Martin
upper elementary/middle school
4 SPRING 2016
Alumni News
New faces in Alumni, Development hope to engage younger graduates
Northwestern State University’s Office of Alumni and
Development announces the addition of new staff members
Kimberly Gallow, assistant director of Alumni Affairs, and
Brittany McConathy, assistant director of University Develop-
ment.
“Kimberly and Brittany bring energy and fresh ideas to the
staff in Alumni and Development and will help us connect
with younger alumni through networking and social media,”
said Drake Owens, assistant vice president for External
Affairs and executive director of the NSU Foundation. “As
new staff members, they will be instrumental to our mission
as we grow our outreach and increase relationships with
alumni, supporters, corporate partners and other stakehold-
ers.”
Gallow is a native of Lafayette and a May 2015 graduate
of NSU, earning a degree in business administration. She
previously held a position at NSU as a recruiter for Acadiana
and the greater New Orleans area. As assistant director of Brittany McConathy and Kimberly Gallow
Alumni Relations, she will manage programs, events and
activities based on geographical region, class years and tion. She was an active student leader as president of Sigma
specifically target young alumni to increase engagement Sigma Sigma Sorority, 2015 Miss Northwestern State Univer-
with NSU. sity and 2015 Homecoming Queen. As assistant director for
“With my experience in marketing and event planning, University Advancement, she will help articulate the oppor-
I look forward to implementing fun and innovative tech- tunities available to support the life of Northwestern State.
niques to help further the reach of our alumni,” Gallow said. “I am very excited to have this opportunity to work at the
“Through our strategic event planning and direct contact place that I love most, Northwestern State University. Com-
with our alumni, I am very excited to help the Office of Uni- ing to work every day isn’t work to me, it’s fun,” McConathy
versity Advancement move to its next level of success and I said.
am thankful for this opportunity.” For information on how to connect with NSU’s Alumni and
A native of Pineville, McConathy is a December 2015 Development Office, events and other opportunities, visit
graduate of NSU, earning a degree in business administra- northwesternalumni.com.
Networking platform will link
students to alumni, career
opportunities
Northwestern State University’s Alumni register for Graduway using tant vice president for External Affairs.
Office of Alumni and Development has LinkedIn or Facebook so their network “We feel that their solution will take
signed an agreement with Graduway, displays the most up to date personal our engagement, networking, mentor-
an alumni networking platform, to and professional information. Network ing and career development efforts to
maximize engagement among alumni. expansion tools enable users to find the next level.” 
Graduway provides a platform to find others and reconnect. The platform “We feel very privileged to be
alumni not engaged with their alma also features the latest news identify- working with Drake, his team and this
mater, helps graduating students by ing alumni working in top companies institution in building a world class
making introductions to alumni in and exclusive jobs. alumni network,’’ said Craig Kulman,
their field and encourages networking “We are excited to be partnering vice president of Graduway.
for furthering connectivity, career with Graduway in our efforts to greater For more information on Graduway,
advancement, university advancement serve our diverse and vibrant alumni visit www.graduway.com.
and other opportunities. community,” said Drake Owens, assis-
5 SPRING 2016
Alumni News
COEHD seeking
nominations for Hall of
Distinguished Educators
Northwestern State University’s
Gallaspy College of Education and Human
Development Alumni Advisory Board
is seeking nominations for the Hall of
Distinguished Educators and Distinguished
Young Professional for 2016.

Nominees for Hall of Distinguished
Educators must have graduated from
Northwestern State’s College of Education
at least 30 years prior to nomination and
have made significant and/or impactful
contributions to the field of education.
Northwestern State University’s
Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi
The Distinguished Young Professional in
will celebrate its 60th anniversary
Education award recognizes an outstanding
during Homecoming festivities Oct. 21-22.
young professional who has made
Contact Alumni Chapter President Lane Luckie contributions in Pre-K through higher
[email protected] | http://pikappnsu.org/60th/ education or to the profession of education
facebook.com/pikappNSU | twitter.com/pikappNSU through teaching, research or community
service. Nominees must be 40 years old or
younger, have at least 10 years of meritorious
service to education and gained prominence
Classes join forces to fully fund
in some areas of teaching, administrative
post-baccalaureate scholarships achievement, contributions to research,
leadership in professional associations,
contributions to professional literature and
Northwestern State University’s Class of 1966 is partnering with the Class
outstanding community service. Nominees
of 1957 to fulfill a scholarship fund that will be awarded in 2017 through the
should be of high moral character whose
Board of Regents Support Fund. Details of the scholarship will be discussed
contributions have most fully expressed the
at the Class of 1966 Golden Jubilee May 6-7 as the class commemorates the
spirit of service the award represents.
50th anniversary of their graduation from Northwestern State.
The Class of 1957 established a scholarship in commemoration of their
Inductees will be honored during a brunch
Golden Jubilee with donors contributing about $30,000. The Class of 1966
and induction ceremony at the Teacher
would like their classmates to contribute funds to meet a $60,000 goal that
Education Center during Homecoming
will be matched with $40,000 from the Board of Regents to support graduate
festivities.
and first-professional students as well as post-doctoral fellows. Income from
the scholarship may be used for scholarships, fellowships and/or experien-
The deadline to submit
tial opportunities, including internships, externships, conference travel and
nominations is July 18.
fieldwork.
“We are grateful to the members of the Class of 1957 who initiated the
To nominate an individual for these
scholarship and contributed the majority of
awards, send the nominee’s resume and
the funds already collected,” said Sue Weaver,
other documentation outlining the reason
Class of 1966. “Our hope is that by combin-
for the nomination to NSU Gallaspy College
ing our efforts, we will reach the goal to be
of Education and Human Development,
matched and funds will be available as early as
c/o Janet Broadway, Northwestern State
next year to help students seeking advanced
University, Natchitoches, LA 71497.
degrees.”
For information on supporting the scholar-
Additional information is available by
ship, contact Jill Bankston at the NSU Founda-
calling Broadway at [phone] or
tion at [phone] or email bankstonj@
e-mailing [email protected].
nsula.edu.
6 SPRING 2016
Alumni News
Author, historian Flores pens 10th book: Coyote America
Dan Flores, a sor Emeritus of Western History at the Flores has written nine other books
prolific author University of Montana in Missoula and penned numerous essays and
and acclaimed and the scope of his expertise on the magazine articles on the environ-
expert on the American west encompasses geology, ment and culture of the American
American West, economics, environmental studies, west, garnering a long list of honors
has published ecology and Native American culture. from historic associations and literary
a new book, As a historian and restoration advo- societies.
“Coyote America: cate, he writes and lectures frequently, Flores attended Northwestern State
The Coyote in examining many facets of the art, in the late 1960s where he played
Continental History and Culture. ” geography, food, people and wildlife baseball.
“It tells the whole story of the coyote of the western United States, fostering During his career, Flores has ap-
in America, which, unlike wolves or connections with the past, present and peared in several documentaries about
bears, are distinctly native to North future of the American West. He retired the American West. His knowledge
America,” explained Flores who in 2014 and lives outside Santa Fe, of the people, history and geography
became fascinated by the animal as New Mexico. covers the broad sweep of the Ameri-
a teenager. The book examines how “I borrow from every field -- anthro- can west from Louisiana, Oklahoma
that creature has survived, despite pology, archaeology, climate studies, and Texas to the Southwest, the Great
-- or perhaps because of -- human wildlife studies -- and rely on science a Plains and the northern Rockies.
encroachment. lot,” he said. Copies of Coyote America will be
Flores is the A.B. Hammond Profes- In addition to “Coyote America,” available at bookstores in June.
Always colorful and often larger than life, artist George Wolfe’s legacy will live on
The family of a well-known Natchitoches artist created a
scholarship that will benefit a Northwestern State University
student majoring in fine and graphic art. The George Wolfe
Endowed Scholarship honors the legacy of a long-time artist
and educator who inspired creativity in those around him.
David and Vonna Wolfe of Austin, Texas, initiated the en-
dowed scholarship through a donation to the NSU Founda-
tion, matched by State Farm.
A native of New Orleans, Wolfe was locally known for
his dragons, life-size rhinoceros and 12-foot Don Quixote
sculptures.
“My dad truly enjoyed Natchitoches and the time he spent
both teaching and learning at NSU. He was indeed a lifelong The family of artist George Wolfe established a scholarship in his
learner,” David Wolfe said.  “We relish providing the scholar- memory to benefit a Northwestern State University student majoring
ship to say thanks while helping someone else grow.”   in fine and graphic art. From left are Dr. Greg Handel, director of NSU’s
School of Creative and Performing Arts; Jill Bankston, associate direc-
Wolfe graduated from Warren Easton High School in New
tor of development; donors Vonna and David Wolfe, Matt DeFord,
Orleans, Louisiana State University, University of New Or-
director of the Department of Fine + Graphic Art, and Drake Owens,
leans and Northwestern State, where he completed his third
director of the NSU Foundation.
master’s degree. He encouraged everyone to further their
education, expand their horizons and meet challenges with would encourage them to enjoy and embrace their work.
creativity. He passed away in 2014. “You may be working on an assigned art project, but
David Wolfe said the ideal recipient for the scholarship remember in the end it will be seen as your artwork, regard-
would be a person devoted to and as passionate about vi- less of why you did it so give it your best effort.    Stretch
sual art as his father was and someone who would give back, your boundaries. Always try new mediums although they
such as a student who plans to teach arts. David Wolfe said will often not feel natural or comfortable at first,” David Wolfe
that were his father could give advice to young students, he said.
7 SPRING 2016
Campus News
Dr. Burt Allen received a standing ovation on his return to the NSU stage earlier this year.
Choir alumni gather to honor Allen, perform together once more
Approximately 80 Northwestern “It was a good choir,” said Allen a musician and individual. He took the
State choral alumni returned to of the Reunion Choir. “They learned time year after year to care about his
campus to honor long-time Director quickly and did well. When we first students and make them feel valuable
of Choral Activities Dr. Burt Allen who started, we didn’t know who would be as individuals.”
completed a 32-year career last sum- able to come. But it worked out that Toledo said another quality was Al-
mer. we had a good balanced choir that len’s attention to detail and expression.
was able to do some “Singing under his direction again
difficult pieces.” was a dream come true and I was
It was wonderful to have students
Being part of the moved by the sounds and music that
from over a 32-year career come choir brought back we were able to make,” said Toledo. “Dr.
memories for the Allen has a way of enabling singers to
together, meet and form friendships
alumni and provided take ownership of their own artistic
based on the common experience them some new sensibilities and submit them in ser-
insights into their vice to the other singers in the choir.
they had at Northwestern.
former mentor. It’s truly remarkable. The true legacy
—Dr. Burt Allen “I was amazed of Dr. Allen’s work at Northwestern –
to hear story after beautiful music, sung with careful de-
“This was one of the highlights of story of people who were touched by tail and artistic expression by people
my life. It was fabulous. I loved it. The Burt’s teaching. I’ve had the privilege who are loved and love each other, is
event was a surreal experience,” Allen of developing a professional relation- something worth spreading.”
said. “To be able to stand in front of a ship with him after college and feel a Allen built Northwestern State’s
choir that included students from over special bond with him,” said alumnus choral program into one of the top
a 30-year period, rehearse and perform David Toledo of Keller, Texas, who is an programs in the state and region.
was enjoyable.” assistant professor, assistant dean of He founded the Northwestern State
The choral alumni had two days performance division at Southwestern Chamber Choir. Under Allen’s direc-
of rehearsals for a concert in Allen’s Baptist Theological Seminary. “I dis- tion, NSU choirs performed at Carn-
honor and were directed by Allen. The covered those ties have been duplicat- egie Hall and had two successful
Northwestern State Chamber Choir ed countless times over the past few European tours.
was conducted by Allen’s successor decades. Rather than being something Allen remains active as a conduc-
Nicholaus Cummins with accompani- unique to myself, I heard so many tor, leading the Red River Chorale in
ment by Christine Burcyzk Allen also describe the way that Burt invested in Alexandria.
performed. their lives and helped them develop as
8 SPRING 2016