Alumni Columns (Volume Spring 2009)

2009·2.2 MB·English

by  Northwestern State University

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AlumniColumns
(Official Publicationol
Dr. Randall J. Webb, 1965, 1966 NorthwesternState I niversit)
Natchitoches,Louisiana
President, Northwestern State University ized in ISS4
\member "i( \si
Volume MX Number I Spring :<«w
DearAlumni: IheAlumniColumns<t SPS015480)ispublished4
limes.1year h> Northwestern State University,
Natchitoches,I ouisiana 71497-0002
This year Northwestern State Universitycelebrates its Periodiacnadls.iiPo.isitlialgiieionP.ailidma.iiilNiantgchofiftioccehses,Ia
125th anniversary. In that time, the impact ofthis institution has PIisi\|\s11 k SendaddresschangestotheAlumni
been immeasurable. Those ofuswho have been privileged towork here have worked to Columns.NorthwesternState I Diversity,
Natchitoches,La 71497 0002
create an atmosphere in which students can undergo experiences that transform their AlumniOfficePhoi 4414
lives. and Bi
I have been fortunate to be partofthis universityfor more than a third ofits E-maIil\\ow;einssd)@5n7su1l2a2.5edu
erxeimsatiennecdeaanpdarmtyoffNamoirltyh'wseisntveorlnvefomrenstoglooengsbbeaccakumsuecIhfefeulrtthheirs.pIlaacmesiusrsepetchiaatl.I hWaeveare NSUAI l MM OFFICERS
President Jen) Brun
blessed with a picturesque campus, but it's notthe buildings orthe grounds that set Natchitoches
Northwestern apart. It has always been the people. I can think back overthe years and VicePresident.... Joseph B Stamey,
rememberthe many special people who gave ofthemselves to help me and others. Natchitoches. 1983
know each ofyou can do the same. I Siiui.ii> treasBuerenrton, 19D9t21 i-.i Mathews,
Overthe next year, Northwestern will host a number ofspecial events highlighting ExecutiveDirector v» DrakeOwens,
our 125th anniversary. I hope you will make plans tojoin us whenever possible on the Natchitoches.2004.2005
Natchitoches campus or atan alumni event near you.
As some ofyou are aware, Northwestern and other Louisiana universities are BOARDOl DIRK TORS
Jens Brungafl Natchitoches, 1969, 1971
currentlyexperiencing a difficultfinancial situation due to state budget cuts caused by a rommj Chester Arcadia, 1969
decline in revenues. The university suffered a mid-year budgetcut of$2.1 million and I eonard Endris Shrevepon, 197•
mayface furthercuts in the nextfiscal year. I want to assure you that the university will PVadtrriicainaHWoiwgagridnsHrapmann ArDleisntgrteohna,n,Te1x9a7s i"y''
work to make it through the currentdifficulties and continue to provide an outstanding Gail lones Natchez. 1981, l«ws
educational opportunityforourstudents. In these challenging times, yoursupport is MBraynanlKo1uienms Haylneeessvvrilllhe, 1993
critical. ( ,ni.>n I ong
Thank you forall you do to help Northwestern State University. Di I isa Mathews Benton, 1992
D.oul Morgan Vustin, lexas
Kip Patrick Shrevepon, il"»s
JosephB Stamey Natchitoches,1983
Glenn [albert Shrevepon.1964
William Drake Owens, Ricky Walmsley Covington
2004, 2005 i Michael Wilburn Shrevepon
Acting DirectorofAlumni and Development Di I eonard \ Williams New Orleans. 1993
STUDENTRl PR] si \| \||\|
Cody Bourque Splendors, lexas
My fellow alumni: SG VPresident
We began 2009 traveling the region to assistwith IhesprVilnug,mnsiumCmoelru,mnfasllisanpdubwliinstheerd.in
recruiting receptions and events. The office ofAlumni and
Publisher
Development feels these events are an important tool in \\ DrakeOwens,2004,2005
attracting bright students to Northwestern. But these events are always more
successful when alumni can tell their story and share their memories with prospective Ieah PilcheErditlaocrkson
students. You are our best recruiting tool! Keep an eye outforan event nearyou. Not
only would you serve as a wonderful ambassadorfor the school, you might even run CoDnatvriidbWutsotrs
into an old friend Doug Ireland i
2009 is also an exciting year for Northwestern as we celebrate the 125th \m\ Werner
anniversary ofour schools founding. We have many exciting events planned
Photograph)
throughout the year to commemorate this milestone. Ourathletes and spiritgroups will (;.u\ rlardamon
be wearing anniversary badges on their uniforms, and a special music selection has
been commissioned for a performance laterthis year. Check ourwebsite, Beth McHPih-eiurisioInaMyaouml., 1975
wwwnorthwesternalumni.com, for an up-to-date list ofall the exhibits, reunions and ssi Press PublicationsOffice
receptions being held to celebrate Northwestern's tradition ofexcellence. We have a
special section devoted to the 125thAnniversary and the events commemorating it.
We love to hear from and see ouralumni, whether you graduated in 2008 or 50 Northweatern State UniveraitJ i1- accredited b) the
Commission on Collagaa "f the Southarn fteaociatinn ol
years ago Ifyou have not visited campus lately, thiswould be a great yearto do so. Colleges and Schools 11866 Southarn Lane, Decatur,
From the State Normal School to the Louisiana State Normal College to Northwestern award 'iiiirlnln. Baccia.llaeuprheoatnee,nMuamsbtaerr1!KMSp6ec7i9al1is6t01a1ntdo
State College to Northwestern State University, we have been proud to educate
students that make an impacton theircommunities after they graduate You are the
reason why Northwestern remains the excellent university it is today.
It is the policj "i Northwestern State Univenitj »t
ana not i" diaaiminata on the baals ol ran- color
religion, lex, national origin, age, or diaabilit) In its
educationalpi ctivitieaoremployment practical
Alumni News
Commemorating
125 years
NSU's history outlines contributions to education and quality of life
to the training ofteachers, were based on a system established
in France. These institutions were called ecoles normale,
relating to the norms or standards to be applied in teaching.
State Representative Leopold Caspari proposed that the school
be located in Natchitoches and, competing against several
other municipalities, marshaled the support ofarea civic and
business leaders to purchase the 100-acre site ofthe former
Academy ofthe Sacred Heart as the location ofthe Louisiana
State Normal School.
The selection ofNatchitoches was announced in October
1884. A short two-month session began in March 1885. That
fall. 60 students were enrolled, a third ofwhich had already
been teaching. The school administration also oversaw
teachers' institutes, two-week summer workshops designed to
train and update teachers already in the classrooms, at several
locations around the state, which became an expanding feature
in Normal's efforts to upgrade Louisiana's public schools. The
summer institutes would gradually evolve into a summer term.
Originally, the Normal program was a two-year course of
which six months was heavily concentrated on the practice of
teaching and other professional subjects. This was shortly
lengthened to three years in 1886 and four years in 1892.
Graduates received a three-year teaching certificate. In a time
when the importance ofpublic education wasjust beginning to
be recognized, there was a great demand for graduates ofthe
he history ofNorthwestern begins when a portion of Normal School. The age ofadmission was as low as 15 for a
property once owned by Natchitoches founder Louis female student and 16 for a male student. By 1894, Normal
JL Juchereau de St. Denis was eventually obtained by had sent 148 teachers into Louisiana's public schools.
CharlesAdams Bullard and his wife Julia Bludworth Wiley The small campus expanded in the early 20th century with
Bullard. In 1832. the Bullards completed a large 2-1/2 story the construction ofnew dormitories, classroom and
mansion on a hill facing east towards Chaplin's Lake, which administration buildings and athletic and recreational facilities.
was then a principal channel ofthe Red River.Years later in In tandem with this growth, the school's curriculum grew to
1850, a portion ofthe tract was purchased by Bishop Auguste offer courses for specialized areas ofteaching such as
Martin at a succession sale, including 45 acres, buildings and languages, science and math, as well as agriculture, public
improvements. In 1856, Father Martin sold the property to speaking, music and art. In 1906. the school began offering
Antoinette Bullion, superior ofthe Academy ofthe Sacred graduate courses consisting ofadvanced work for high school
Heart in Natchitoches. TheAcademy had been established in instructors, principals and superintendents.
1847 as the first Catholic school in north Louisiana. In 1856, By 191 1, the school's enrollment was over 1,800, and the
in appreciation for the dedication ofthe Sisters ofthe Sacred atmosphere became more collegiate with students participating
Heart, Bishop Martin ceded to them the Bullard site for a new in academic, athletic and extracurricular programs. The school
and expanded convent on the property. had varsity men's and women's baseball, football, track and
In 1857, the Sisters moved their convent to the new site, basketball teams. During this time, theAlumni Association
modified the old Bullard mansion to suit their needs and
constructed a large brick school building. In 1866, the
Religious ofthe Sacred Heart acquired an additional 50-acre
tract ofland to the south and west, which increased the
grounds to nearly 100 acres. TheAcademy's enrollment began
a decline during the Civil War and post-war years when
families could not meet tuition expenses and supplies offood
and necessities were scarce. The Religious ofthe Sacred Heart
struggled to keep the school open for 10 years until finally
closing its doors in 1875.
The Bullard mansion and convent buildings remained
vacant for nearly a decade until a bill was introduced into the
Louisiana legislature in 1884 to establish a state normal
school. Normal schools, those that were exclusively dedicated
continued on page 2
AlumniColumnsSpring2009/ 1
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Alumni News
125 VCcirS continued from page
1
established a small loan fund to assist school initiated correspondence courses by the Natchitoches Parish School
students with financial needs. The loans through an Extension service that also Board, a women's dorm (Varnado), a
were repaid from the graduate's first helped public schools locate suitable new infirmary and a power plant. Four
year's earnings and all were repaid teachers, loaned materials to area other facilities, a men's gymnasium, a
almost immediately. schools at no charge and provided other fine arts building, student center and
In 1909, the student body elected an resources specifically aimed at educating natatorium, opened in 1940.
editorial stall and published the first children in rural areas. In 1927. the During World War II. enrollment at
issue of Potpourri. In 1911. the fust school was granted accreditation by the Normal dropped as \oung men went to
Normal School band was formed. Southern Association ofColleges and war and main young women chose
In June I1)10. about 5.000 alumni, Secondary Schools and the American military sen ice or war-related
guests and state dignitaries convened in Association ofTeachers Colleges. employment Several campusactivities
Natchitoches for a two-day celebration Major construction programs saw an were suspended during the war years but
marking the schools 25th anniversary. expansion in academic buildings and a bright spot was the presence ofseveral
Moth the school and the city welcomed farm facilities, library, dormitories, thousand naval cadets who brought to
the visitors with electrical decorations dining facilities and the power plant. the college a military presence and
and purple and white Hags placed Main clubs and social groups, related programs.
throughout the town. The event including Purple Jackets. Blue Key, In 1944. the Louisiana State Normal
included concerts, banquets, public Greek organizations and student College became Northwestern State
addresses and tours ofthe campus. By societies were established during the College of I ouisiana bj a popularly
then, a majority ofparish 1920s, and athletics became extremely approved constitutional amendment. In
superintendents and many ofthe popular. In 1923. a contest was held in the post-War years, the school added
teachers in I ouisiana schools had which the student body was united to new course offerings, such as pilot
graduated from Normal or been submit suggestions for a mascot, and the training and nursing, and restructured
affiliated with the school Demon was introduced in 1924. itselfinto three schools: I ducation.
By 1913, the Bullard mansion had Though funds were restricted during which continued to locus on teacher
been condemned ami was dismantled, the Depression years, academic reforms training: \rts and Sciences, which
leaving four ofthe white support expanded curricula with the addition o\' offered a liberal or general education,
columns standing. One ofthe columns new departments and programs. In the ami Applied Arts and Sciences, which
was razed in 1937. he three that remain late 1930s, a large building project saw focused on vocational education such as
I
standing became an unofficial symbol o\' the construction of Russell I ibrar\ (now agriculture, business and home
the 20th century institution. Russell Hall), renovations to Warren economics New courses included
Normal became authorized to grant Easton Hall (currently the NS1 industrial arts. I aim and German
bachelor's degrees m 1918 and in 1921 Elementary I ab School), rebuilding o\ languages, medical technology and
was recognized with a new name: sidewalks and improvements to other journalism.
I ouisiana state Normal College. buildings on campus New buildings in The late 1950s, Il>o0s and earls
rhroughoul the ll>2()s. the school's 1939 included a concrete stadium, an 1970s were an era ofgrowth for
curriculum became more diversified and athletic dormitory (Caspari), a high Northwestern with the addition ofnew
admissions standards were laiscd I he school and a trade school, both financed dormitories and administration.
Alumni Columns Spring 2009 / Visit our websitoi:
Alumni News
c^ontinwued
<T
academic and athletic buildings.
Curricula continued to diversify with the Tell us why you love Northwestern
addition ofa Graduate School in 1954.
In the late 1950s, NSC granted masters 2009 is avery special yearinthehistoryofouruniversity. We celebrate our 125th
degrees outside education in the fields of year of educating tomorrow's leaders. To help mark this special year, we're
English, geography, history, social
sciences, speech, bacteriology, botany, asking for people to tell us "Why I Love NSU." Maybe you met your spouse
chemistry, mathematics, zoology and here ora professor helped you to figure out what you really wanted to do in your
business administration. Graduate life. Anything that brings back fond memories ofNSU is welcome. Send your
offerings in education expanded to thoughts tothe alumni centerat 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497
include the Specialist in Education
degree and in 1967 the Doctor of or submit them online at www.northwesternalumni.com. We have a special
Education and Doctor ofPhilosophy in section dedicated to the 125th anniversary. Yourmemory might be included in a
Education. future edition oftheAlumni Columns, posted onlineorincluded in a special event
Many traditions were begun by to commemorate this very, very special year.
students during the mid-century years,
such as freshman scalping, Howdy Days,
Christmas at Home, the election ofMr.
and Miss NSC (NSU) and the selection
ofthe Lady ofthe Bracelet. Complex. Along with building, several Throughout the 1980s and 1990s,
In recognition ofits growth, public old buildings, Schieb Hall (the Brick Northwesterns academic programming
service and research endeavors, Shack), Agnes Morris, Audubon, continued to evolve to meet the
Northwestern State College was Carondelet and Kate Chopin buildings changing demands ofstudents. The
renamed Northwestern State University were razed. Unfortunately, two ofthe Louisiana Scholars' College was
ofLouisiana in 1970. The university original buildings in the old quad, established in 1987 as the state's only
opened education centers at Fort Polk in Guardia and Caldwell, burned in 1967 designated honors college. As the world
Leesville and at England Air Force Base and 1982, respectively. During those moved into a digital age, NSU blazed
inAlexandria, and its Shreveport years, student life also changed the trail in the field ofdistance learning.
campus was expanded. The Folklife dramatically when the school's strict Today, a student is as likely to be
Center began raising awareness of rules ofconduct were rejected by a enrolled in an Internet class as a
folklife studies and the establishment of generation coming ofage in an era of traditional class. In the 21st century, the
the Folk Festival. Many building social activism. But despite more school has opened several new
projects were completed in the 1970s, relaxed guidelines ofbehavior, some residential facilities, the Wellness
including theTeacher Education Center, traditions persisted, such as freshmen Recreation and Activities Center and has
the Post Office, the Biological Sciences wearing caps to the State Fair game and completed renovation projects on several
building, Watson Library, Health and participating in the Freshman Parade and academic facilities. The football
Physical Education Majors building, the pep rally. The week prior to the State program marked its 100th anniversary in
new athletic complex and the Rec Fair game against Louisiana Tech 2007.
included the selection ofthe State Fair Northwestern State University has
Queen and her court, pep rallies, the had a tremendous social and economic
burning ofthe Tech Bulldog and a impact in northwest Louisiana and
parade in Shreveport. beyond. For the last 125 years, the
NSU became the location ofthe school has provided resources for
Louisiana Sports Hall ofFame, educational and cultural opportunities
established in 1972 as a project ofthe and continues into the 21st century with
Louisiana Sports WritersAssociation. its mission ofbeing a student-oriented
The 1970s also saw the creation ofthe institution that is committed to the
NSU Press and the completion ofa new creation, dissemination, and acquisition
Creative and PerformingArts complex. ofknowledge through teaching, research
In 1984, the university and service.
commemorated its centennial with year-
long activities in the "Celebration ofa Informationfor this article was
Century"that included a Centennial obtainedfrom "Northwestern State
Extravaganza, the unveiling ofa University ofLouisiana: 1884-1984A
Centennial plaque and the formal History"byDr. Marietta M. LeBreton,
dedication ofthe Louisiana School for professorofhistory, who authoredthe
Math, Science and the Arts. book in conjunction the universitys
centennial.
'ww.northwesternalumni.com Alumni ColumnsSpring2009/3
"
Ai \i\i Ni \\s
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Alumna, 98, reflects on days
Normal and other adventures
at
Earlinc Hart Andrews attended Louisiana State Normal
College during a time when girls only left their dormitories at
prescribed times and students paid a quarter to watch silent
movies on Saturday evenings. The 98-year-oldTyler, Texas,
resident spent 43 years as a classroom teacher and said her
inspiration to travel the world came from a guest who spoke at
Normal during her student days. Andrews attended Normal Like many alumni of
from 1928-1931 and is one ofthe schools oldest living her generation. Andrews
graduates. recalls herdays at
"Back in those days, it was limited as to what kind of Normal as a time of
career someone could pursue,"said Andrews, who grew up in learning and forming
eastTexas, less than four miles from the Louisiana State line close friendships with
and graduated from Vivian High School. "Things were quite her classmates. Many
different. The most sought-after career was teaching." were from rural areas
She arrived in Natchitoches never having been away from and away from home for
home before, but with seven other girls from her class in the first time. Because
Vivian who had also enrolled for the fall of 1928. Some trips off-campus were
Normal students pursued a 2-yearcertificate, but Andrews limited, the students
followed the four-year curriculum and, by attending summer entertained themselves
school, was able to earn her degree in three years following the with social and cultural programs, athletic events and recitals.
schools' quarter system. "One ofthe highlights that I remember was the Lyceum
Andrews was awarded her diploma in the heart ofthe programs in which the administration brought in speakers and
Great Depression whenjobs were tight and some schools had entertainers."she said. A lecture by the American adventurer
to pay theirteachers with "scripts"that didn't always cover and author Richard Halliburton had a strong and lasting
their salary. She sought employment in an oilfield town near influence on Andrews and the paths she chose.
El Dorado, Ark. and taught there for four years at a salary of "He had written his 'Book ofManels' and told about his
SI20 a month. She returned toTexas in 1934 to teach at travels. He told us about places we had onlv read about. I set
Overton near Kilgore at a salary of$100 per month and held my goal: when I got ajob and enough money. I was going to
that position for 14 years. She earned a master's degree in travel. 1 began a lifetime oftravel."
history at Stephen F. Austin and later retired afterteaching in Having only been to and from school and occasionally
Tyler for 26 years. "I was a very dedicated classroom teacher," taken the train to Shreveport or Marshall. Texas, Andrews
decided to visit all 48 states. She and a friend from Normal.
Nevada SelfSalter ofSabine Parish, began the journey with a
Her memories of Normal include month-long road trip in which the) set out from Many and
campus buildings and codes of headed east, along the (iulfand Atlantic coast slates, touring
state capital buildings and other points ofinterest from
conduct that arc long gone. Mississippi to Maine. Their return trip took them through the
Midwest and back to Shreveport. It was the first ofmain trips
she said the two would take over the years. Andrews also took summer
"Rules and regulations were tight,"she said, "for courses at universities in other areas, and one summer she
example, ifwe were going to go into town, we went through a worked in the office ofa defense plant in southern C ahlornia
social hall to go out and we were only allowed to walk on to satisfy her desire to visit that state. She eventually visited all
Second Street. Sometimes we went shopping, but not often 4S continental United States and embarked on overseas travel
because not main had much money, but on return, we signed in 1967.
back in. I he Dean ol Women. Mrs. [Ethel] Hereford, kept us in "I took in a lot On my 80th birthday, l was walking on
line. We were not allowed to rule m a cat unless our parents the (neat Wall ofChina. On my 85th I rode a camel in Cairo."
asked permission to lake us somewhere lot diversion, there she said She v isilcd every continent except Antarctica and
was a little eating placed called The Corner and we were Australia and her interest in the world spilled into her teaching
allowed to go there. It was a big deal to get a nickel Coke and "When I was teaching sixth grade, my supervisor had all
we'll save up our nickels and get a meat pie for a quarter, lor the teachers write a unit ofwork appropriate lor our levels, so I
entertainment on the campus, ever) Saturday night, there was a did research and came up with the idea ofwriting a unit on
silent movie with a young man playing the piano for us thai landmarks around the world." I he unit included aspects of
cost a quartet social studies, spelling, English, geograph) and history, as the
continued on page 6
Milium Columns Spring 2009 i Visit our web
Alumni News
Pi Kappa Phi founders reunion draws 50-year member honorees
Several Pi Kappa Phi alumni who represented the founding
members ofthe Beta Omicron chapter ofPi Kappa Phi Fraternity
gathered in Natchitoches last December for a bi-annual reunion
with their wives. Alumni who were initiated in to the Beta
Omicron chapter in 1957 and 1958 were honored during the event.
Jack McCain, who was the very first charter member, initiated in
the fall of 1956, presented framed Golden Legion 50-year
membership certificates to five chapter alumni. Also during the
weekend, the chapter's Ritual Team initiated Joe Sampite, who
served as major ofNatchitoches from 1980-2000, into the
fraternity as a NSU alumni initiate.
Several alumni of Beta Omicron chapter of Pi Kappa Phi The group hosted a banquet during which alumni members of
received 50-year Golden Legion Memberships during a Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Alpha Sigma Alpha and Chi
December reunion in Natchitoches. Members and the Omega were honored.
years they were initiated into the fraternity are, from left, Reatha Cox, director ofNew Student Programs at NSU and a
James Brister, 1957; Huey Fitch, 1957; Jack McCain, representative ofthe National Panhellenic Conference, presented
1956; Wayne Faraldo, 1958; Benny Reeves, 1958; and 50-year membership certificates to seven wives ofthe Pi Kappa
Paul Prince, 1958. McCain was recognized as the first Phi alumni who were initiated into their sororities during the same
chapter member initiated in 1956.
years.
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Members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity gathered in Members of Pi Kappa Phi recognized their significant others by
Natchitoches last December for a Beta Omicron Alumni presenting them with 50-year member certificates for their
reunion. Participating were, kneeling from left, Paul Prince respective sororities. From left are Mary Beth Person McCain,
(1961), Don Cook (1958) and John McTyre (1957). On the Chi Omega; Mildred Eckhardt McTyre, Tri Sigma (1957, 1965);
second row are John "Buck" Wheat (1959), Jack McCain Gloria Lawley Echols, Alpha Sigma Alpha (1957); Clois Warner
(1957), BuckTumminello (1960) and Huey Fitch (1960). On Witt, Alpha Sigma Alpha (1957); Reatha Cole Cox.Tri Sigma
the back row are Jim Brister (1960), Billy Plunkett (1958), (1987, 1994), who made the presentations on behalf of the
Ducker Varnell (1959), George Cameron (1964) and John National Panhellenic Conference; Peggy Kerr Plunkett, Alpha
Mize (1962). Not shown are Charlie Bice, Benney Reeves, Sigma Alpha (1957, 1992); Sue Weir Rainer, Tri Sigma (1960),
Wayne Faraldo and John Echols. and Sylvia George Murphy, Tri Sigma.
Former members of Purple Jackets gathered for a reunion during Homecoming festivities last October. The occasion was
organized by Purple Jackets sponsor Frances Watkins Conine. Kneeling from left are current Purple Jackets Ronderia
Walker and Kacy Brown. Seated are Juanita Thornton (1958), Katina Manitzas Borras (1957), Wanda Huhner Ford (1986),
Rhetta Strickland Poole (1950), Sandra Methvin Melder (1980), Frances Elouise Sanders (1949), and Mamie Melton
Younger (1949). Standing are June Wallace Dyson (1950), Marie Cloutier Legrande (1949), MargaretAnn Nolan King
(1960), Pat Miley Ogelsby (1959), Melba Rogers Williamson (1964), Patsy Louise Black (1978), Mary Ruth Bradley Corley
(1967), Brenda Stanly Bealer (1971), Winnie Dowden Wyatt (1953), Kaye Mcintosh Payne (1963), Judge Patricia Carrier
Cole (1793), and Cecilia Bess Miller (1966).
AVw.northwesternalumni.com Alumni ColumnsSpring 2009/5
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Alumni News
Earline Mart Andrews continued from page 4
children wrote reports and had good faculty."she said. followed the history path and
made notebooks on their Students were housed m the culture ofthe people,
topics. Years later, one of dormitories A through D and which was and still is my
Andrews' former students the overflow slept in wooden interest."' she said. ""Now. I
acknowledged her in a travel buildings calledThe Camps. more or less travel \icariously
book he authored, citing her Andrews last visited campus but I still read books and
about years ago and maps. At one time thought
1 I
Those faraway recognized only two I'd write my memoirs, but it
places were a long buildings, the former seemed like everybody else
president's home, now the was doing that."
way from Normal, Alumni Center, and the She has notebooks that
where students ate in gymnasium that now houses contain her impressions of Nevada Self Salter and
a common dining the National Center for Russia. Bangkok. Singapore. Earline Hart Andrews stand
Preservation Technology and Japan. Istanbul. Scandinavia in front of one of the old
room, slept on Training. Most classes and many islands, but laments dormitories on Normal Hill.
Andrews attended were in that people overlook traveling
sleeping porches and
Caldwell Hall and she in the United States. Her years in the
were called to rise in remembered the columns, "They take offto Europe classroom were rewarding. "I
the morning, take which still loom over the and haven't traveled have very pleasant memories.
landscape. anywhere in our great One thing I have at the tender
meals and go to class In Andrews' day. students country."she said. age of98 is that in the last 15
with the ringing of canoed on Chaplin's Lake and In more recent years. >ears. more and more ofmj
attended basketball games at Andrews haunted libraries all former students have started
the plantation bell. night. over the country conducting looking me up. \isitmg me
"We were not allowed to genealogy research and and sending me cards."
as inspiring him to explore leave the dorms until the bell tracing her ancestors to the Throughout her teaching
the world. rang; then we would hustle 500s. She is active in DAR. years, Andrews enjoyed being
She remembered over to the gym to try to get a Colonial Dames and the around voting people, who
Normal President Dr. V.L. good seat." she said. "The Magna C'harta society. kept her in touch with a
Roy, English teacher Ralph Lyceum programs were all Genealogy research, she said, changing society W hen
Ropp. Dean Edwards wonderful and cultural and stimulates the mind and her faced with a problem student,
Varnado, librarian Scharlie the music department mental outlook is a verv she always found the
Russell and Coach 11. Lee performed recitals. We were important factor in her health. student's good traits and
Prather. A favorite history very serious about our "I am still mobile, still pointed them out in direct and
teacher was Mrs. [Catherine studies, but we surelv did health} and the grav matter is indirect ways.
\\ inters. Andrews not onl\ walk the line because we still working." said Andrews, "Those children would
earned a minor in history, but didn't want to be shipped whose husband is deceased. become the ones who would
also majored in music and she out." She had no children, but has remember me and seek me
remembered several teachers. Lea\ing the dorm early attentivenieces. "M> mental out now." she said. "Ever)
including a Blanche fay, who or going offcampus were outlook is that there is good person has some good trait,
directed the choir at the First majoroffenses. On Sundays m everything and I look for even though sometimes it is
Haplist ( lunch, her sister the students walked to church. the positive side I found one hard to locate. \l\ students
I ranees, Lillian McCook and "Some ofus who were thing in accelerated \ears: said I was firm but fair. I had
band director ( filbert Saetre. Methodist, would walk the one word that has tided a high level ofexpectation
All students, with no straight on past the Methodist me through is acceptance. If and I constantly raised m>
exception, were required to church to the Baptist church adverse things occur, if I can't standards to have the students
take two semesters ol or the Catholic church, just do anything about them. I grasping for higher levels."
penmanship classes, using the because we wanted to go as think 'This is today, I live Andrews1 independent
Palmer w riting Book. far from campus as we todav and tomorrow I'll face spirit and w illmgness to do
"It didn't apph to your COUld," she said. it.' It took me a long tunc to things on her own helped her
degree, but you could not ofher travels, Andrews learn the word acceptance fulfill her dream oftraveling
graduate unless you passed has man) stories I verj com has two sides It's the world. She reflects fondlv
the penmanship course and "I made it a point that nn wa> of life I still live on her long life and sums up
some ofthe boys had to staj when I would gel to a city, I alone and take care ofm) heroptimistic outlook with a
in that class.'' she would go to the museums, business ,\\n\ all nn financial single phrase: "I[itch your
remembered then the major buildings and matters and am plagued onl\ wagon to a star, keep your
"In all departments, we the beautiful cathedrals b\ poor eyesight." seat and there you are."
I
Miimm Columns Spring 2009 6 Visit our wcbsi
Alumni News
SPOTLIGHTS
Joe Moreau ( 1976), who built a Eric A. DeFratis (1999) penned a and 1970 respectively and his Ph.D. from
cross country dynasty at Pineville High superhero science fiction story, "Shadows the University ofTexas Health Science
School in the 1990s and coached ofPatriotism,"and has been featured at Center in SanAntonio. He is a 3-year
Alexandria Senior High to state runner-up area book-signings. For information about Vietnam era veteran ofthe U.S. Army. He
cross country boys and girls finishes from the book, send an e-mail to is married to the former Ginger Foshee, a
1994-97, was honored in January with a edefratisUfhotmail.com Mansfield native, who also earned
.
LifetimeAchievementAward from the bachelors and master's degrees at
LouisianaTrack and Field Coaches Northwestern in 1969 and 1972 and is a
Association. Dr. J. Michael "Mike" Miller of former Miss Northwestern. They have
Moreau was one ofthree men Dunwoody, Ga., was named the 2009 three children. In 2004, Dr. Millerwas
presented with LifetimeAchievement recipient oftheAmerican Society for inducted into the Long Purple Line, NSU's
Awards at the LTFCA awards luncheon in Microbiology Founders Distinguished alumni hall ofdistinction.
Lafayette. ServiceAward.
AnAlexandria Senior High graduate, ASM is the largest life sciences
Moreau coached atASH and Bolton before organization in the world with over43,000 The board
building a cross-country dynasty at members. Miller is chiefofthe ofdirectors of
Pineville High (1985-1995). Moreaus Bioterrorism Lab Response Branch at the Citizens National
teams at Pineville won Class 4A state Center for Disease Control and Prevention Bank elected
championships in cross-country in 1990, inAtlanta, Ga. veteran banker
1991. 1992 and 1993. He also coached Each year, a recipient is selected Woody C. Schick
Pineville to two state track and field titles based on outstanding contributions and as president and
in 1993 and '94. commitment to theASM as a volunteerat chiefexecutive
Moreau's teams won 1 regional 4A the national level. Selection is based on officer. Schick, a
championships and 1 1 district titles in commitment to furthering the goals of native of
track, while capturing 14 district cross ASM, the ability to inspire commitment Shreveport,
country championships. He coached 17 from others and the significance of succeeded retiring Woody Schick
individual state champions and developed contributions to the members ofASM and President Ronnie D.
three NCAAAll-Americans. He won 25 its audiences. Sheffield and CEOWill C. Hubbard.
district coach ofthe yearhonors and was One ofthe most recognizable names Schick has 35 years ofbanking
named Louisiana's prep coach ofthe year in clinical microbiology in the world. experience in the Shreveport banking
in 1993. Millerwas recognized by his peers in 2003 market. Priortojoining Citizens National
Moreau served as president ofthe as the nations top clinical microbiologist Bank, Schick served as seniorvice
LTFCA from 2000-2002. with the bioMerieux SonnenwirthAward president and business banking managerof
for Leadership and Innovation in Clinical CapitalOne Northwest Louisiana.
Microbiology from among over 7,3000 He is a 1972 graduate of
Class of 1957 near clinical microbiology members ofASM. Northwestern, where he was a four-year
professorship goal He is sought after as a speaker throughout letterman in baseball and a memberof
the U.S. on microbiology, infectious Who's Who inAmerican Colleges and
disease diagnosis, laboratory safety and Universities. He was elected to the NSU
Members ofthe class of 1957 patient specimen management. Athletic Hall ofFame in 1993. He is also
have nearly reached their goal of Miller is a native ofWinnfield who a graduate ofthe Stonier School of
raising $40,000 to fulfill the Class of earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Banking at Rutgers University in New
1957 Endowed Professorship. More microbiology from Northwestern in 1967 Brunswick, New Jersey.
than $32,000 has been contributed to
the endeavor, which class members
College of Education seeking nominations
established in 2007 to commemorate
the goldenjubilee oftheir graduation. for Hall of Distinguished Educators
The group is the first graduating class
to establish an endowed gift. Northwestern's College of EducationAlumniAdvisory Board is seeking nominations for its
Donations are still being accepted Hall of Distinguished Educators for2009. Nominees must have graduated from NSU's
as the group strives to meet its goal, College of Education at least 30 years priorto nomination. The inductees will participate in
which will be matched with $60,0000 NSU Homecoming activities this fall.
from the State ofLouisiana Board of
Regents. To support the endowed To nominate an outstanding alumnus who has had a distinguished career in education,
professorship, contact: send the nominee's resume orotherdocumentation outlining the reason forthe nomination
Jill Bankston at [phone] or to Donna Perot, NSU College of Education, Teacher Education Center, Natchitoches, LA
Dr.VirginiaCrossnoat(318) 357-4108. 71497. For more information, call [phone] oremail Perot at [email protected].
-vw.northwesternalumni.com Alumni ColumnsSpring2009/ 7
AI l \l\l (i Mill RINGS
Tunks Cypress Inn Alumni Gathering
Alumni and friends gathered
at Tunks Cypress Inn
last fall for a wonderful meal.
Hope Sansing (1950) and Jessica Guillory and
Martha Catha (1951) Brian Setliff (2001)
Mary Guillory, Caitlin Guillory
and Michael Guillory (1992)
Regimental Ball
set for May 2 Don Page (1974). Ruth Page.
Sidney Bankston (1959).
Frances Tennie (2005) and Nell Bankston (1961) and
An exciting addition to the NSU Pat Deal (2005) Doc Bankston (1957)
events calendar will be the first
Regimental Ball. The Ball is
scheduled for Saturday. May 2 at the Northwestern going Green with health and
Student Union. The event is formal
and will be open to the public and will environmental initiatives campus-wide
be hosted by the Northwestern State In an effort to be more energy classes lend themselves well to service
Demon Regiment (NDR). efficient and environmentally responsible. learning."'Gruesbeck said. Undergraduate
"This is an opportunity for Northwestern has launched a green and graduate student research projects
everyone to participate in a traditional initiative. NSU Green, a program that across the curriculum are addressing green
encourages students and staffto make topics such as sustainability, recycling,
military ball and be a part of several
small changes that save encrgv and environmental protection and local,
historic traditions," said LTC Lee
promote a health) lifestyle, such as organic farming.
Pennington. The event will include recycling, walking instead ofdriving and In tandem with NSU Green's
pictures made during a social hour, pursuing service projects that are aligned paperless initiative, the Alumni (.'enter
an official receiving line, posting of vvith green concepts. invites readers who prefer to read Alumni
the Colors, toasts, a tribute to Fallen "I ucigv conservation, sustainability Columns on-line to \isil nsualumni.com.
Soldiers and recognition ofwell- and related green activities are now at the where issues arc available in a
forefront ofnational attention." said NSU downloadable pdf file. Current and back
tkhneowNnSUoffRicOeTrsCwhprooggrraadmuaatneddefarronmed ePxrpelsiodreinnlg Dorp.tiRoannsdatlolex.1c.iWteebabn.d "inNvSolUveis issue"sWweillwabnetavtoaidloabloeurfoprarvtieiwnipnrgo.moting
a place in the NDR Hall of Fame. The faculty, stall and students m these the university's sustainabilit) efforts and
ball will conclude with the singing of initiatives." arc offering our alumni the option to go
the Army Song followed by dancing I asi year, a campus survej conducted paperless bv posting the magazine on-
and a live band. bv \ ice President for I Diversity \Hairs line." said Drake Owens, director of
"Guests will also share in the Dr. Marcus Jones and Service I earning Alumni and Development. "Ifyou prefer
Director Sieve Gruesbeck revealed that this paperless method, please notifv the
tradition of receiving keepsakes, skits concerns about conservation are both office b> calling [phone]. Readers
and having a wonderful dinner, personal and global Consequently, NSU will be notified via e-mail when each
making for an overall memorable and Green includes not onlj campus issue becomes available Ifyou choose the
inspiring evening." Pennington said. beautification, bul also volunteerism, civic paperless option, hard copies will siill be
Tickets to the regimental ball are engagement, service learning and career available upon request"
$40. RSVPs can be made by development Gruesbeck is interested in "Northwestern encourages education.
coordinating volunteer efforts that research and action focused on the
contacting Christie Price at 357-5157
enhance students' fields ofstud) environment, encrgv conservation and
or e-mailing [email protected]. "(iioup projects .\^<-\ senior level sustainability,"(iruesbeck said.
.Milium ColumnsSpring 2009 8 Visit our websitet: