Alumni Columns (Volume Fall 1996)

20 Pages·1996·1.9 MB·English

by  Northwestern State University

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Northwestern State University
AMember ofthe University ofLouisiana System
Natchitoches, Louisiana
>.)
Alumni
COL, UMNS
Magazine
„: 't' 'f Fall 1996
.aS-ii: ''-,.--*;
Dr. Randall J. Webb, President
Northwestern State University
J_Jet me take this opportunity to thank each ofyou for the support
you have shown to Brenda and me since I was chosen as president.
Your letters, phone calls and words ofencouragement have meant a
great deal to both ofus.
Northwestern has always been an institution dear to the hearts
ot myfamily members. I am a Northwestern graduate as is mywife and
daughterTamara. Myyounger daughter Lauren is a current NSU student.
Approximately 50 members ofmy family attended Northwestern.
I sought to become president because I felt that NSU could be an even bet-
ter place. My predecessor Dr. RobertAlost did a magnificentjob, and I know
how difficult it will be to follow him. Dr.Alost did a wonderfuljob ofrevitaliz-
ingNorthwestern by attracting bright, capable students to our campus. I want
to continue creating the kind ofatmosphere that motivated, energetic students
want to be a part of.
All ofour alumni can play important roles in helping Northwestern
improve. Ofcourse,we appreciate it whenyou are able to assist us financially,
but your supportgoes beyond that. One ofthe best ways you can help North-
western is by tellingus about prospective students and encouragingthem to
attend Northwestern.
I'm excited about the fall semesterThe fall is always a special time to all of
us in higher education because it marks the start ofa new academic year
when first-time freshmen arrive to start a new phase in their lives and upper-
classmen return to continue working toward their degrees. Duringmytenure
as president, I plan to remain focused on the needs ofour students.At North-
western,we want to do all that we can to help our students earn a college
degree and carrywith them the lessons that they can use after they leave us.
Amajor part ofmyjob will be traveling throughout the region to meetwith
as many ofyou as possible. I look forward to getting acquainted with each of
you and sharingexperiences about our alma mater.
IfI can be ofassistance, feel free to contact me at [phone] or e-mail
me [email protected] and I look forward to hearing from
you.
AlumniColumns
OfBcialpublicationofNorthwestern
StateUniversity
Natchitoches,Louisiana
Organizedin1884
AmemberofCASE
VolumeDCNumber2Fall 1996
TheAlumniColumnslUSPS015480>ispub-
Ushed4timesayearbyNorthwesternState
University.Natchitoches.Louisiana.71497-0002
PeriodicalsPostagePaidatNatchitoches.L.\.
.t's the fall ofthe year - cotton in the andatadditionalmailingoffices.POST-
^L•\STER:SendaddresschangestotheAlumni
fields, leaves turningtheir beautiful colors, ColumnsNorthwesternStateL'niversity,
children dressingfor the first day ofschool Natchitoches.LA,71497-0002.
with nice new clothes and shoes. I am a September child, and AlumniOFfAEXc;e3P1h8o-n3e5:7-341282-5357-4414
maybe that's why I love the fall so much.
NSUALUMNIOFFICERS
September also brings pep rallies, football games, bobbingfor President TommyChester
apples and that first fi"ost.All ofthose things make you think of Arcadia,1969
home and we hope youwill want to come home to Northwestern 1stVicePresident ParkerWiggins
Monroe,1941
forthis year's Homecoming activities. Please check the agenda of Secretary-Treasurer. EhseJames
events in this issue oftheAlumni Columns. Natchitoches,1968
ExecutiveDirector EliseJames
As you know by now, Dr. BobbyAlost retired as president of Natchitoches,196S
Northwestern onJune 30. Dr.Alost took on a floundering ship in
BOARDOFDIRECTORS
1986 and turned it around. Enrollment soared to an all-time TommyChester -Arcadia,1969
high of9,040 in the fall of1995. DannyDison BossierCity,1969
GlennTalbert Shreveport,1964
Dr. Randall J.Webb was selected as NSU's new president on CarrollLong Tyler.TX.1970
April 26. Dr.Webb has deep roots at Northwestern. His wife, DaleBernard LakeCharles.1972
Brenda, his two daughters and parents are amongthe many Da\-idMorgan .Austin.TX.1973
GingerWiggins Jackson.MS.1987
members ofhis familywho have attended Northwestern over BryantLewis Haynes\"ille.1958
the years. His fatherwas a member ofthe faculty and staffat ParkerWiggins Monroe,1941
AdrianHoward -Arlington.TX.1989
Northwestern for more than two decades. ExOfficio
Dr. Webb is ready and willingto take overwhere Dr.Alost left RavTnond.Arthur Natchitoches 1964
offand carry this fine institution into the 21st century. He has a STUDENTREPRESENTATIVE
great challenge ahead ofhim, butwith yourhelp and support, CarltonDowney Hanunond.hA
Dr. Webb can help make NSU even stronger. He has committed SGAPresident
to work closely with alumni and attend chapter meetings.We TheAlumniColumnsispublishedin
hope to be at an alumni meetingnearyou in the next few Winter,Spring,SuiomerandFall.
months. I invite each ofyou to attend and meet Dr.Webb to hear STAFF
his plans for Northwestern.
Editor
Please plan to attend Homecoming on Oct. 18-19. 1 look Elise-James
forward to seeing each ofyou there. ManagingEditor
DonSepulvado
As you can see,we have made some changes in the design of CopyEditor
theAlumni Columns. These changes will allow us to provide you JoyceCollins
StaffWriters
with a better magazine that will keep you up to date about TeresaBryant
Northwestern. I know you will like it. Da%-idWest
Contributors
•JerryPierce
DougIrelsmd
Photography
InformationalSer^-ices
CONTENTS
Northwestern State University is accredited
bytheCommissionon CollegesoftheSouth-
ern Association of Colleges and Schools
Alumni Events page 7 (1866Southern Lane. Decatur.Georgia30033-
4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to
award Associate. Baccalaureate. Master's.
SpecialistandDoctoratedegrees,
Campus News page 3
ttisthepolicyo(North»»estemStateUnrverertyo«Lotiisiana
nottodiscnminateonthebasesofrace,cotof.religwn.sex.
nationalongin.age.orcksatxlityinitseducationalprograms,
Profiles & Class Notes page 8 aacntdivTiittileesVoIrIoe«mpthleoyCimwelnRtigphrtasctAicctesofas196r4e.quAigreedDbiyscTnimtlienaV-I
tionmEmptoymentActol1967.theEqualPayActof1963.
ItieAmencanswithOsabiMiesActo(1990.ExecutiveOrder
11246.Sections503andSection504oftt>erehaNlitahon
Acto(1973andSection402oftheViemamEraVeterans
Read|ustmentAssistanceActof1974.
CampusNews
JpQuestions
Oo
Answers
plan to make in the
J_Jr. Randall J. Webb took University?
over as Northwestern's 17th
president on July 1. He was Al
named president in a unani- When I sought the
mous vote ofthe Board of presidency ofNorthwestern,
Trustees for State Colleges I did so with one primary
and Universities on June 26. goal in mind: To help North-
western become the finest
He discussed his plans for
University it is capable of
the future ofNorthwestern
becoming. To accomplish
in an interview with NSU
this, certain changes will be
Assistant Director ofInfor-
necessary. I will encourage
mational Services David
the pursuit ofseveral initia-
West.
tives, including strategic
planning and assessment
IqfJ What are your priori- activities directed toward
ties as president? continuous improvement,
effective two-way communi-
Al
From its inception as emphasizes how vital each and cation systems, an emphasis
the State Normal School in 1884, every employee ofNorthwestern on academics and faculty input,
Northwestern has emphasized is in carrying out our mission in delegation ofincreased responsi-
excellence in teaching and caring the most effective way possible. I bility and accountability to
attitudes toward students. Pro- want a spirit ofcommunity and heads ofdepartments and budget
moting a student-oriented envi- cooperation to exist among all of units, increased use of technolo-
ronment is central to Northwest- us who are privileged to be mem- gy in both instructional and ser-
em's Mission Statement.We need bers ofthe Northwestern family. vice areas, assigning a priority to
to nurture and encourage stu- raising funds from individuals
I have such an affinity for the
dents so that they have the and corporations, and outreach
people who work for Northwest-
opportunity to develop to their efforts directed toward business,
ern; they are hard-working dedi-
fullest potential.Those ofus who industry, and the communities
cated employees, who, I know
have attended Northwestern served by Northwestern.
will give fully ofthemselves as
through the years are apprecia-
we seek to make Northwestern
tive ofthe academic preparation
a premier University. I hope to Iqfl Is thejob ofpresident
afforded us through this fine create an environment in which different than you imagined?
University, but we also recall the
each has the potential to thrive,
faculty, administrators, staffand AZ
both personally and professional- It is difficult to provide a
students who befriended us and
ly. I will encourage each employ- completely informed answer to
encouraged us.
ee to suggest means by which this question since I have been in
I want the Northwestern com- we can build Northwestern into the position for only a briefperi-
munity to focus on excellence in an even better and stronger uni- od oftime. That is, I have not
every facet ofthe University's versity that provides exemplary completed a cycle ofone year's
operation, so that we instill in services to its clientele, whether service, which means there are
our students an appreciation for they be students, employees, events and responsibilities that I
adherence to high standards, alumni, or others vdth whom we have notyet experienced. I do
both in education and in life.We interact. I especially want to feel, however, that my years of
all know the importance of striv- bond our alumni as close to the experience in higher education
ing for excellence in classroom University as possible. We want administration and teaching
and laboratory instruction and in our alumni to be proud of have prepared me well to serve
academic and student services. Northwestern and its accom- as president. Also, I have
It is also important, however, plishments. worked closely with college and
that all units within the Univer- university presidents through the
sityhave similar goals. This Iqjl What changes do you years. My perception at this
Alumni Columns Fall 1996 I 3
CampusNews
point is that thejob ofpresident trators, faculty, and staffofthe
is much as I expected. importance ofbeing empathetic
ANSU graduate, Webbearned a toward and supportive ofstu-
tqfJ Former President Dr. bachelor'sdegree in mathematics dents.
RobertAlost often said and businesseducation in 1965. He
Northwestern was a Univer- earneda masterofscience in math- Q: The State Board of
sity "Where Students Come ematicsfrom NSU in 1966. Webb
Regents is currently consid-
First."You have a reputation received a doctorate ineducation
ering elimination ofacademic
as a very student-oriented fromthe UniversityofSouthern Mis-
person. How will you main- sissippi in 1971 with aconcentration programs that a team ofcon-
tain contact with students in mathematicsand research. sultants considers duplica-
and stay aware oftheir needs Webb hasbeen dean ofInstruc- tive. What is the University
doing to defend those pro-
and problems? tion and GraduateStudiesand a
grams?
professorofmathematicsat North-
western since 1989. UnderWebb's
A.I I am honored that people
leadership, graduateenrollmenthas J\l Northwestern has been
consider me to be a student-ori- increased by35percentand internal proactive in addressingthe mat-
ented person. When I speak to fundingforfaculty research has ter ofduplicative programs.We
parents ofprospective students, I increased by200percent. have made presentations at the
tell them that we at Northwest- Asdean, Webb proposedthe
public hearings scheduled
ern will strive to treat their sons conceptforNSU'ssuccessful Fresh- around the state. In doing so, we
and daughters the same waywe man Connection Program. Healso
would want our own sons and servedasa memberofthewriting have responded to the recommen-
daughters to be treated. This teamforagrantproposalthatresult- dations made by out-of-state con-
does not mean, ofcourse, thatwe ed in afive-year$1.7millionTitle III sultants and have provided data
grantto improvestudent retention. and letters ofsupport that, we
will grant any request made by a
student. It does mean that we mittWeeebfborcNhoaritrhewdetshteerSnt'eserSienlgf-CSotmu-dy fpereol,grianmdisc.aWteethhaevneeeddemtoonrsettraaitned
should seek to understand the
fortheSouthernAssociation ofCol- that, through the years, propor-
student's point ofview, consider
legesand Schoolsandwas in tionately more programs have
it in light ofapplicable policies chargeoftheAcademic Integrity been eliminated at Northwestern
and practices, and make a Subcommitteefor North- than at any other public four-
thoughtful, informed decision in western's NCAACertification Self- year university in Louisiana. We
the matter Study.
This question is a cogent one. Before returningto NSU, Webbwas contend that, except in a couple
As my wife Brenda and I contem- an administratorandfaculty mem- ofinstances in which we concur
plated my seeking the presidency beratSoutheastern Louisiana Uni- with the consultants. Northwest-
ofNorthwestern, my main con- versity in Hammondfor 13years. ern should retain all ofits pro-
From 1983 until 1989, hewas regis- grams that have been defined by
cern was that serving as presi- traranda part-timefaculty member the Board ofRegents as duplica-
dent would not remove me too in mathematics.Webbwas director
tive.
far from students. I need to ofinstitutional research and EEO
spend some time out on campus, officerfrom 1976 until 1983.
visiting with faculty, staff, and From 1974 until 1976, Webbwas oIqpfiJngDoanyyonueawntaicciapdaetmeidcevperlo--
students, primarily for the pur- directorof Higher Education and
grams?
pose ofdemonstrating that I am TeacherCertification withthe j
tinetnetroeswtheadtentoheuyghhaivnetthoesmay.toIlis- WLoeubibsiwanaasDaempaermtbmeerntofofthEedufcaacutlitoyn. Al We plan to propose to the ,
will make myselfavailable to at Longwood College in Farmville, Board ofTrustees and Board of
Va.from 1966 until 1974. Hewas Regents that Northwestern be
the president ofthe Student Gov-
ernmentAssociation,just as I gserlaenctteeddtteonubreeiinncl1u9d7e2dainndthweas1973 approved to offer a bachelor's
degree in criminaljustice in the
will to the president ofthe Fac- edition of "Outstanding Educators
Alexandria area. This program,
ulty Senate. I need to know what ofAmerica."
for which both boards have previ-
students are thinking, what their
ously approved our letter of
concerns are, and how we might
intent, would complement a two-
best meet their needs. Also, I
year associate's degree in crimi-
will continue to remind adminis-
Alumni Columns Fall 1996 I 4
CampusNews
naljustice already offered by As we continue our quest for pursue a college education at a
LSU-Alexandria. excellence at Northwestern, the reduced cost. They can be role
Northwestern must be quality ofour programs and ser- models for other students by
vices will improve, and the image striving to perform well academi-
responsive to the needs ofstu-
ofthe University will become cally as many ofthem do, while
dents in its primary service area.
increasingly more prominent dealing with the demands ofath-
In considering potential new aca-
and positive. Our goal, of letic participation.
demic programs, we will consid-
course, will be to add value to the
er needs analyses in relation to degrees ofour currently enrolled We've all heard it said that
the availability of faculty and students who are pursuing them. athletic practice and competition
other resources as well as the We hope, also, through these build character, and I believe
overall feasibility ofprograms. efforts to add value to the that. Successful participation in
athletics requires a high level of
degrees ofour alumni.
self-motivation and self-disci-
Northwestern has
tqf• pline. It also requires the stu-
undergone tremendous Iqf2 You are a big fan of the dent-athlete to have faith not
enrollment growth over the intercollegiate athletics pro- only in his or her abilities but in
past 10 years. Do you expect gram, regularly attending those of teammates. Being a part
that trend to continue? games in all sports. Can you ofa team bent on success can be
explain the role ofintercolle- a marvelous learning experience,
Al I believe people around the giate athletics at NSU? whether it be in athletics, busi-
ness, or the classroom. Each ofus
state recognize Northwestern as
J\.l The role ofintercollegiate benefits from contributing to an
a very special University that
emphasizes quality in its acade- athletics at Northwestern is a effort that extends beyond the
mic programs and services. Par- prominent one. Many alumni individual.
ents and prospective students and friends tend to identify with Finally, athletics has much to
realize that Northwestern is a a university through its athletics teach us about life. The goal of
friendly, student-oriented Uni- program because it is so visible. participating in athletic competi-
versity, where people truly care When an athletic program is tion is to win. When we do, the
successful and operated within experience can be exhilarating as
about the welfare ofstudents.
Consequently, I feel Northwest- applicable rules and regulations, is the case with many ofour
ern will continue to be the Uni- it is a source ofpride to the fans. experiences in life. On the other
The athletic program has the hand, losing is almost always dis-
versity ofchoice for a significant
number ofnew students each potential to generate a high level appointing to the participants.
ofschool spirit that spills over However, ifthe players give it
year.
into other areas ofthe Universi- their best and execute well while
ty. It is for these and other rea- losing to a superior opponent,
Q: What role can NSU's sons that I support the intercol- there is room for some satisfac-
alumni play in helping legiate athletic program at tion on both sides. Sometimes we
improve the University? give the bestwe can offer and are
Northwestern and want it to be
still unsuccessful in some
successful.
I\l There are so manyways When I speak ofparticipants endeavors.This need not be a
oaulrmaalmuamtneri,csauncahiadsobuericnhgearcitsihveed isntuadtehnlte-taitcsh,leItreesf,ebretcoatuhseemthaesy smoeunrtcetoofusc.onAtlitnhuoiungghdwiseapmpaoyint-
have no control over some things
participants in their respective should be students first and ath- that happen to us, we do have
alumni chapters, making finan- letes second. They are young
control over our reactions to
cial contributions, encouraging men and women who have been
them. Whether we win or lose,
high school students to attend blessed with natural talents and
the manner in which we deal
Northwestern, and spreading abilities that enable them to
with the outcome speaks volumes
positive information about the excel in competition that is
about us as people.
University to anyone who will physically, mentally, and emo-
listen. Ifour alumni are solidly tionally demanding. Many of
behind Northwestern, we can them are rewarded with full or
accomplish great things working partial athletic scholarships that
together. grant them the opportunity to r^
Alumni Columns Fall 1996 I 5
CampusNews
NSU
through theyears.
My wife and two sonsgraduat-
Athletic edfromNorthwestern, so the uni-
versity has indeed been like a
family to me. Iwillforever be
Director
gratefulfor what this institution
has meant to me, and amforever
Retires
thankfulfor the opportunities it
has allowed me to enjoy. God
bless to all and...GODEMONS.'"
-L he faculty, staff, alumni and Webb's respect and admiration
friends ofNorthwestern State for Hildebrand is obvious; he
University have lost one of proudly acknowledges following
Northwestern's cornerstones in time helpingNorthwestern obtain Hildebrand and his many accom-
the area ofathletics. funding, steps which have allowed plishments as a fellow North-
us to improve ourathleticfacili- western alumnus and University
Athletic DirectorTynes Hilde-
administrator over a majority of
ties.
brand retired on June 30, leav- Hildebrand's tenure at North-
ingbehind numerous accom- During my 14 112year tenure
western.
plishments inhis 44-year affilia- as athletic director, we developed
tion with the University. an outstanding internshippro- "Tynes andJulia Hildebrand
gram. Theseyoung men and rank amongthe finest people it
In a letter to Northwestern women wore many hats during has been my pleasure to know,"
State University President Ran- theirstay, andIamproud that Webb said. "I not only count
dallWebb, Hildebrand reflected they now hold keypositions in ath- Tynes as a dear friend, I consider
oenmtphleasyeevderaanliymepaorrstNaonrttrhowleesitn- cleotuinctdrye.partments throughout the htriamtort.o bUendaetroph-insotccahpaabdlmeinleiasd-er-
his life. The letter said: ship, Northwestern's intercolle-
My 44-year relationship with Our teams have competed suc- giate athletic program has
cessfully in the Southland Confer-
thisgreat University is a source grown and prospered. This is a
ence despite having the league's
oftremendouspride and appreci- tribute toTynes' love for North-
ationfor myfamily and me. smallest budget. This is a tribute western as well as his leadership
to our coaches, who are to be com-
skills."
Iarrived atNorthwestern as a mendedfor their teaching tech-
student athlete in 1950 with niques that allow them to consis- Hildebrand leaves behind a
much hope and many dreams. tentlyget the most out oftheir tal- host ofsupporters who wish him
Looking back over thepastfive ent. well but also want him to remain
decades. Ican honestly say that close to Northwestern duringhis
The athletic department under-
many ofthesegoals have been retirement.
took a serious approach tofund
exceeded.
raising in the early 1980s, and our "I asked Coach Hildebrand to
Northwestern State is a haven success in this area has allowed us consider remaining as athletic
forgreatpeople, andI've been to continue tofield competitive director for a few months until
extremelyfortunate to learn and teams. Natchitoches has supported we were able to select a replace-
work with some ofthe best. Dr. this University more than thepop- ment: however, I respect his deci-
John Kyser, thefirstpresidentfor ulation ofany otherconference sion to retire at this time and
whom I worked as basketball school. Ourgraduates have donat- leave the interim responsibilities
coach, was a tremendous educa- edfunds and offered theirsupport, to someone else,"Webb said. "I
tor. Jack Clayton was the athlet- two attributes which havefigured wish him and his family the best
ic director who hired me, and I greatly in oursuccess. in the future. I encourage Tynes
will always remember his sense to offer his wise counsel to me
During my 15-year basketball
offairness while treasuring his and continue his strong support
friendship. coaching career, Ispent many ofNorthwestern and its intercol-
hours with some ofthefinest
legiate athletic program."
Legislators such as Rep. young men this University has
Jimmy Long and Sen. Don Kelly everproduced. My respect and
have spent agreat deal oftheir lovefor all ofthem hasgrown ^^
Alumni Columns Fall 1996 16
AlumniEvents
Three Alumni to be Inducted into Hall of Distinction
The NSU Hall ofDistinction, and vocational education in around Christmas.
the Long Purple Line, has added Shreveport. He also received a doc- Another recent accomplish-
three members with the induc- tor ofscience degree from Cente- ment away from the entertain-
tion ofDr. Edward C. Greco, nary College for his contributions ment business is the restoration
Bobby Harling and Theodore H. to science and science education. ofOaklawn Plantation near
Roberts. They will be formally llarling, a 1973 graduate of Natchitoches which will be his
inducted as part ofhomecoming NSU, is a successful playwright home.
activities Oct. 18-19. and motion picture screenwriter.
Xvoberts, who was reared in
vJTreco, a noted He is the author of"Steel Magno- Zwolle, is a 1949 graduate of
research scientist lias" and was instru- Northwestern. Lastyear, he
from Shreveport, is mental in seeing that retired as president ofLaSalle
the film version was
a 1934 graduate of National Corporation, a $17 bil-
Northwestern. He shot in Natchitoches. lion multibank holding company
was a member of The film version in Chicago and chairman of
brought stars includ-
Northwestern's LaSalle Bank, an $11 billion fed-
ing Sally Field, Dolly
faculty for six eral savings bank.
years and worked for corpora- Parton, Shirley He was also chief
MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia
tions including Dupont, United financial officer
Gas Corp. and F.W. Corrosion Dukakis, Julia Roberts,Tom Sker- and executive
Control Inc. ritt and Sam Shepard to Natchi- management com-
toches, showing the beauty ofthe
In 1962, he was appointed by city and leading to a local boom in AmiBttNeAeMmeRmOber of
the National Science Foundation
tourism.
and the NationalAssociation of North America,
Corrosion Engineers as head ofa After earning his degree at the $70 billion U.S. banking affil-
team ofsixAmerican corrosion NSU, Harling attended Tulane iate ofa Dutch based internation-
engineers on a reciprocal Law School where he earned al banking organization.
money singing in a big band
exchange visit to the Soviet He was chairman and chief
Union. He was selected the next called "Jubilation" and acting in executive officer ofTalman Home
year by the State Department local theatre. He earned his law Federal Savings and Loan Associ-
and the NSF to serve as chaperon degree and headed for New York ation from 1985 until its acquisi-
for six Soviet corrosion scientists where he worked in regional the- tion byABNAMRO in 1992.
who visited research laboratories atre and found success as a com- Roberts assumed the position at
in the United States. mercial voice-over actor on televi- the request ofthe federal govern-
chaIinrhmiasnfioefldt,hGerIenctoersneartvieodnaals tsoiocnhisceklelinn.g ever3d;hing from chili wmaesntinwchreisnist.hHeethrreisfttoirnedduTstarlyman
Corrosion Council which he When Harling's sister Susan to sound condition and was able
helped form. This includes 1,100 died ofcomplications from diabetes to convert it into a publicly
members in 47 countries. The in 1985, her life inspired him to owned stock company.
turn his grieving into a creative
Council honored Greco with the From 1982 until 1985, Roberts
Edward GrecoAward which is storm as the story of"Steel Magno- was president and chiefexecutive
presented to an outstanding cor- lias." He wrote the play injust 10 officer ofthe Federal Reserve
days drawing on actual family
rosion scientist. Greco also served Bank ofSt. Louis. During that
experiences. The playwas an
as president ofthe International time, he was also a member of
instant success off-Broadway and
Congress on Metallic Corrosion. the Federal Open Market Com-
led to the film version. mittee which manages the
Greco also served as president
ofthe LouisianaAcademy ofSci- Harlingwas also the screen- nation's monetary policy. He
ence. He was responsible for orga- writer for"Soapdish" and was an began his banking career with
uncredited screenwriter for"Sister Harris Trust and Savings Bank
nizingthe Louisiana State Sci-
ence Fairs andwas state science Act I" and "SisterAct II." His cur- in 1953 where he was executive
fair director for 10 years. The rent projects include "FirstWives vice-president, secretary and
Shreveport Chamber ofCom- Club"which will be released in the treasurerwhen he left to accept
merce presented Greco with the fall. Harling also was the director the presidency ofthe Federal
Meritorious Civic ServiceAward and screenwriter for"Evening Reserve Bank ofSt. Louis.
Star"which will be released
for his contributions to technical Continuedonpage14
Alumni ColumnsFall 1996 17
Profiles & ClassNotes
Heyl then started selling candles at
A.
weekend craft shows and it grew into
Ithough she only spent her a little business called Notion Nanny.
At that time, she was operating out of
senioryear ofcollege at Northwestern
in the late 1970's, Dawn Heyl recalls her home. "I had to move the business
because pretty soon everythingwe ate
it fondly. "Itwas awild year for me,"
and wore smelled like candles" Heyl
Heyl said. "I had class from eight in said. "I moved into a portable build-
the morning until nine that night. My ing. Then I started
husband got me one ofthe demonstra- doing the major markets in the south
torvans from the car lot he owned, so like Dallas, New Orleans, andAtlanta.
that I could sit in the parkinglot of "I had road representatives and we
the library and study orwatch television.
moved the business into the old skating rink
"Lookingback I would have enjoyed spending behind the Chevrolet business,"Heyl added. I
all ofmy years in college at a local university like had 15 employees at that time in a seven thou-
Northwestern," Heyl added. "There is more ofa sand square foot building."
bonding and closeness that occurs at smaller
Then tragedy struck and Heyl's business
schools."
burned. Starting over, she now has four employ-
Aside from three years at LSU, a year in Col- ees and does most ofher sellingthrough maga-
orado and a year in Holland, Heyl has lived in her zine advertisements. "The second time around
hometown ofCoushatta. "This is home and I was easier in that I knew not to make the same
thinkhome is great," Heyl stated. "I love raising mistakes twice and I could restructure my busi-
my boys in a place like this, where it's safe. Ifit ness to fit my needs,"Heyl stated. "The first time
gets a little boring, all you have to do isjump in around my business overtook me with that many
the car or catch a plane and do whatever you u employees. I now realize you can do anything
want." thatyou setyour mind to."
Upon graduating from North-
Today, she ships votive candles
western with a fashion merchan- Looking back I in over 90 scents all over the coun-
dising degree, Heyl went to work try. She also has soap, bath gel,
in the dress business. "My mother would have lotion, bath salt and sachet
had a boutique which I bought envelopes available.
from her," Heyl said. "Fashion enjoyed spending
wasn't exactly happening in Heyl also learned sign lan-
Coushatta, so I started tryingto all ofmy years in guage at the Betty and Leonard
think ofsomething that I could do Phillips DeafAction Center so she
that was either a consumable college at a local could communicate with employee
product or something that I could Will Hicks. The two teamed up to
ship out and didn't have to university like give sign language presentations
depend on my local area." at local schools.
Northwestern.
Lightingher search, Heyl soon ^ In addition to the candle busi-
found her way into the candle ness, Heyl is also the president of
manufacturingbusiness. "I've the 68-member Red River
always been interested in scent, flowers and Parish/Coushatta Chamber ofCommerce. Excited
herbs," Heyl stated. "I saw lines ofcandles and I about the position, Heyl has big plans for
wasn't satisfied with them. I wanted it to burn Coushatta and Red River Parish. "We are in the
long and smell very strong.After six months, I growing process and the next two years are going
had developed the recipe that I liked. to be critical for Coushatta," Heyl said. "We've
been a sleepy, little town for ages and we haven't
"Developing a good candle takes a lot ofchem- had a whole lot ofhope ofindustry comingin to
istry," Heyl added. "I experimented a lot through our town.
trial and error. I also worked with wax people
who had more information about it than I did, but "However, we plan to turn all that around,"
I came up with the recipe and gave it to them." Heyl added. "Now we have the Grand Bayou
Reservoir and the Red River So this has given us
the hope that we need."
Alumni Columns Fall 1996 8
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