Alumni Columns (Volume Summer 1997)

22 Pages·1998·2 MB·English

by  Northwestern State University

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imni Columns Periodicals
Northwestern State University Postage Paid
Natchitoches, LA 71497-0002 Postal Permit
USPS 015480
NSU
Choir sings in the Big Apple
aJr. Burt Allen would definitely
say music is a small world. Especially
when you consider how the Chamber
Choir he directs at Northwestern
State University ended up performing
at Carnegie Hall on Palm Sunday.
"I'vegottentoknow so manypeople
throughthis line ofwork and itjust so
happened I knew one ofthe employees
of Mid-America Productions in New
York who sponsored and arranged the
March 23rd event. He called me and
asked ifI would be interested in con-
ductingon Palm Sunday,"saidAllen.
The production company booked
Allen and another conductor but it
turned outthat onlyAllen's eventgen-
erated enough interest to warrant an
invitation to perform. During a follow arrangement by Allen and one by Students are selected to be in the
up phone conversation, Dr. Allen EugeneT Simpson. choir by audition. Allen says general-
eCcinxhopomhripaervasinpsnyeegdrbftoaohunregmihNntoitnrettrhaheeswstioedlsteotoa.ectrahpneacCcihotyam.mpbaTnheyer tsuwri"es,Tt"hiinssgawimdaysAlalaegrnrm.eatt"oIwtdatoyootikto,gsbaouimtneebIxopadomy- Tlfyohrteahepcrpherooiaxrriempa7e0trefslotyrumd3se2natstspowtcsohnoevaeacnuhtdiiyoteniasor,n.
reallygladwe did. Iknow peoplewho all-state choirevents,in recital series,
The three-part program featured came to the concert are probably say- during tours ofLouisiana and Texas
The New York Youth Honors Orches- ing'I didn't know Louisiana had any- and at otherlocal functions.
tra, The New England Symphonic thinglike that'." Allen founded the choir in 1987
eCbELaEvwoodehnnnhiuirsdsacil'eeeemoseteumsmfibnh.NbhabpeeNileenalsrSeanvHweUi,,ewNeCsi'nThaetwfsieoM.enchwnxie,odifarAgxnCca.srihdcch,EcruruosAnolWaicwomlt,gisntnabylstlge,gesiciaedsnpnonsnmlmneeegdhuesadrbAuisnidvlysentcleesS,ehsdTotynJohCuw,miiaocopenrnspohlascnhoaopcmldrfonNfhiuuaennor2adScdimieo5netorU-scm0do,-, ybgtesCtaeienrhthrroareeaoasTnornid,mhlssdruhuleti9aaasehun5tndsicadgedchsepsabonetmIieretraarsbeescNjnetpneiolSadusniribtbnUtseclauw.vioitotehsblmifhAhoteoipelewtcnoldoahias.mevsulonueet"samsrdhmsTeoeidahsoaicyaoatfrfrstCep3epctehem2rrthrnuaaeoiternmmpngioeduebordsyretueumearatlloo-rm---tyff wfwtsbcaslayooieheaedn,rntognrvadttgiateahsisrnleenmnha.wegdcaacravalesgatm"etlesdpooTorasvhyudtcgbelateoohnilerrhovvteivgpsiieeeeiornrlo,tvdoosigf"yefumamsfarioatuasrspfrhmissoeomydoaitmdrusrucmiAfisedRrealdioteeelszecrhncena.tpiamntta"rutni.osbiodnrgeiTsfeesg"hesnhxsSaiwsateipenrsonnsnociidndcccsootwheeunnttowhardaheitieonel-enrot
Brahms, three pieces by American ofthequalityofperformancethechoir
posers Michael Larkin,Albert Lee gives when they appear in public," 20th century music.
and Norman Dello Joio plus an saidAllen.
i
Northwestern State University
AMember ofthe UniversityofLouisiana System
Natchitoches, Louisiana
C0(LUMNS
Summer 1997
Dr.RandallJ.Webb,President EliseP.James,Director
Northwestern State University Alumni Development
As president ofNorthwestern, my As you read this issue of the
goal is to seek excellence in all Alumni Columns, summerwill
areas, including ourathletic program. We have settled in on campus. Students
want our alumni to be proud ofour stu- will be attending summer school, but
—
dent-athletes forwhatthey accomplish, bothon thefieldand will also be included in summer sports canoeing, soft-
offthe field. ball, swimming, sunning, etc.
Athletic Director Greg Burke and I have focused on I want to talk to you about anAlumni program that we
goals that underscore ourcommitment to a balance ofacad- started aboutten years ago. It involves the class thatgrad-
emic and athletic success. This season, we want the football uated 50 years ago. This year, ofcourse, is 1947 and we
team to win the Southland Football League. By the 1998-99 dedicate this yearto those 50 yeargraduates.
academic year, we want Northwestern to win the Southland We startby awarding these graduates a second diploma
ConferenceAll-SportsTrophy,haveeachteamattainagrade at the spring graduation. Areception is heldthe afternoon
point average ofat least 2.5, and achieve a high graduation ofgraduation for all returning for the event. At gradua-
rate forourstudent-athletes. tion, they march intoPratherColiseumin frontofthe 1997
In reviewing the past season, we have had a good mea- graduating class and during the ceremony they receive
sure ofsuccess. Our baseball program continues to excel, their second diplomafrom Dr. Randall Webb, President of
winning the Louisiana division of the Southland Confer- Northwestern.
ence. Once again, these distinguished graduates are honored
Thewomen's crosscountryteamhad its bestseasonever, at Homecoming with a reception and are presented at the
finishing second in the SLC. We turned in strong perfor- Alumni Luncheon and recognized at the afternoon ball
mances in football and women's tennis. The football team game.
finished third in the Southland Football League and ended In late fall, they are now eligible to become members
the year with a stirring win over nationally-ranked Stephen of the 50+ Club and are invited to a reception and lun-
F. Austin that received attention across the country. Our cheon to honorthat group.
women's tennis team was also third in the conference, turn- We feel all these events are important, because these
ing in a strong performance at the conference tournament graduates are vital to the continued growth ofNorthwest-
which Northwestern hosted. Both the women's and men's ern. By their accomplishments and examples ofthe suc-
track teams had good seasons, with the women finishing cess in their lives, we can encourage students to come to
third in the conference andthe men finishing fourth. Northwestern and receive the same wonderful education
The biggest turnarounds came in softball and men's bas- that they did. Alumni are our best recruiters and will
ketball, where both squads rebounded from last season to always be.
finish in the top halfofthe conference standings. One ofthe This past spring, graduation stories from the class of
highlights of the season for the softball team was an 8-0 1947, included an interview with Mary Lee Sigler Posey.
home win over nationally-ranked Louisiana Tech. Follow- In her interview, 50 years after she earned herdegree, the
ing a rebuilding year in women's basketball, there's no memories of her college experiences still burn bright.
doubt that we will be back near the top ofthe conference Posey, who lives in Natchitoches, said, 'We only had
next season. about 110 students in the senior class, so we were really
We are especially proud of those student-athletes who close." Thedepartment andclasses were small, so aclose,
make all-academic teams that honor achievement on the personal relationship developedbetween students andfac-
field and in the classroom. In fact, NSU's student-athletes ulty. Dr. Joe Farrar was seen walking around the campus
compiled an all-time highcumulative grade point average of talking to students. We have that same atmosphere now
2.72 for the Fall 1996 semester. Also a record 85 student- with our new President, Dr. Webb. He is a student orient-
athletes were named to the Dean's List. ed person and will be successful because ofit.
Athletics is an important part of the university, and We hope that the celebrations in 1997 will show the
through its successes brings invaluable recognition to the class of 1947just how much we love andrespectthem and
university. Ifpossible, I encourage you to attend Northwest- that they enjoy every minute oftheir"time in the sun!"
ern athletic events, support the NSU Athletic Association,
and notify our coaches about perspective student-athletes.
Each of you can make a positive difference in our athletic
program and in your alma mater.
CONTENTS
An mi Evi \/s page 7
Campus Ni ws page 3
Profiles & a \ss Nous paw 8
3
(Win S \i us
NSU's Family
"3
Nursing ^j
Practitioner
Program
has
WandaThompson
Dr.knows first hand Rural Emphasis "Our program has a
rural focus." said Thomp-
about growing
son. "We encourage our
pains. As coordinatorof
nurses to seek jobs in
Northwestern State Uni-
versity's Family Nurse places where they arc-
lacking in medical exper-
PractitionerProgram, she
tise like in the rural sites
has seen the program at
That was not so when the
NSU's Shreveport campus
grow from 10 students when it began in the spring of 1993. Nurse Practitioner Program started. People worked in
urban areas."
to 52 the following fall.
Thompson says researchcapabilities are also a strong focus of
"There is a great demand for this program because so
the program. "The students do a major research project before
many nurses want to do this," said Thompson. "Personal-
ly, as soon as I entered my nursing practitioner program I theycan graduate. They have toshow research throughout all of
felt like it was what I had wanted to do all my life and I thecourse work. Research helpsanurse in theirpractice because
think that's how many nurses here feel." it gives validation for practice."
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has "Itell mynursesthatlegally it'sanawesomeresponsibilityto
advanced education and clinical training in a health care be inthisfield,"saidThompson. "Itell themtheyarenow legal-
ly responsible forthat consumer which not only involves med-
specialty area. NSU's program challenges the students to
ical management, but teaching and counseling. Ourgraduates
develop an advanced practice role in critical decision
arepreparedtodomedical management in minoracute illnesses
making and logical thinking and reasoning through
andtofollowchronicconditions.Addtothatteaching andcoun-
advanced knowledge, skills and clinical application and
seling and you get an idea ofthe responsibility. Collaboration is
requires completion of39 semestercredit hours. The grad-
uate program is accredited by the National League for essential inthe healthcarearenaintoday'sworld. Ittakes a team
ofprofessionals tomanage the health oftoday's population."
Nursing, as are the associate and baccalaureate degree
One ofthebiggestchangesThompson has seen in nursingare
programs.
the archaic customs that once existed that are now extinct.
Once a student has been accepted as a graduate or post
graduate student at NSU, and as a graduate student in the "When I was a student nurse in Chattanooga, we stood up when
doctors walkedtotheirdesks. Now, nursesarean important fac-
College ofNursing, the student wishing to continue in the tor in the team and well respected. We certainly have come a
Nurse Practitioner track must compete for clinical place-
long way."
ment in one area. The scores are standardized and selection
For more information or admission requirements to any of
is based on the highest achievers. The selection process is the four nursing programs call Thompson at [phone]
scheduled forMay andJune ofeach year.
orDr. Norann Planchock at [phone].
ABOUT THE COVER ILLUSTRATION : Known as the earliest and perhaps first truly professional
architect in Shreveport, N.S. Allen left his distinctive mark on over 30 local residences and public and commercial build-
ings including the old Line Avenue School which was renovated and became a part of Northwestern's 44.000 square-
foot complex that houses the Nursing Program in Shreveport.
The massive brick walls and arched windows and doors is typical ofthe Richardson Romanesque st)le that Allen
excelled in. Today, everything thatAllen did in this style is gone except the nursing building that is located on the corner
ofLineAvenue andWichita.
The school originally known as TexarkanaAnnex, was completed in November 1905. It was first used for a cit\wide
assembly marking the opening ofthe 1906 school year.
Allen was a Major in the Civil War. His name appears in the city directory published in 1875. where he is listed under
the heading "Sign Painters and Decorators." By 1889. he had been granted the prestigious honorary title o\ "Fellow of
theAmerican Institute ofArchitects." He continued working in Shreveport as well as out oftown until his retirement in
1912.
The building was added to the National RegisterofHistoric Places on June 3. 1981.
Alumni Columns SummerI997/
CampusNews
This is amajorstep in thatdirection."
AACSB
In its report, the peer
commissioner of Higher Educa- review team commended the College
tion Dr. E. Joseph Savoie ofBusiness for its: faculty dedication
encouraged graduates at Northwestern to providing individual attention to
to stay in Louisiana and help improve it individual students and advisees;
in his address to graduates at NSU's major contribution to the economic
spring commencement exercises. A development ofthe region through the
standing-room only crowd saw a spring Small Business Development Center;
commencement record 606 students well-attended J. Walter Porter Forum;
committed BusinessAdvisory Council
earn degrees.
"Many people take greatjoy in criti- and outstanding Phi Beta Lambda
cizing Louisiana - and frankly I've had Chapter.
enough of it," said Savoie. "This is a beautiful state with wonderful people. The College ofBusiness was also
Louisiana is a multi-cultural tapestry made up ofFrench, Spanish, English, Ital- commended for a positive assess-
ian, German, African-Americans, NativeAmericans, Asians, people from all over ment of faculty by students. Webb
the world living together in arelatively balanced mixture ofcultures. We have no was also commended for his "deci-
significant ethnic majority, andthat makes us different from almost anywhere else sive action to provide appropriately
inAmerica." impressive facilities."
Savoie said those differences are one ofLouisiana's strengths.
"All ittakes isrespectforone another," he said. "Looking intoyourfaces, Ican
see that ourbest years are ahead."
Class of 1952
In his remarks, Savoie singled out six graduates and encouraged them to make
a difference. Accounting and business administration graduate Elizabeth Vinson, establishes
Anna Pizza from the Louisiana Scholars' College, education graduate Jonathan
a library fund
Gauthier, English major Sherry Talton, mathematics major Lane Norwood and
nursing majorDerekMackey werecalledupon by Savoietoplay arole in improv-
Northwestern State's graduating
ing theircommunities.
class of 1952 is heading an
effort to assist the university's
The College of Business has achieved library obtain up-to-date microfilm
AACSB readers. The current readers are
accreditation
quite old and require frequent
repairs. Students, faculty, staffand
The College of Business has achieved accreditation from the American
researchers using the library rely on
Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the primary
the readers to help them access
accrediting agency and service organization for business schools in the United
newspapers, periodicals andjour-
States.
nals stored on microfiche.
The accreditation coversbaccalaureate degree programs in business offered by
New machines cost about $7,500
Northwestern.
each. Ronald C. Martin, a Natchi-
Approximately 1,200collegesanduniversities inthe UnitedStatesofferunder-
graduate business degrees, but only 335 are accredited by theAACSB. toches attorney who is a memberof
Toachieve accreditation, business programs must satisfy the expectations ofa the class of 1952, learned about the
wide range ofquality standards related to curriculum, faculty resources, admis- library's need for new microfiche
sions, degree requirements, library and computer facilities, financial resources readers through a column in the
;md intellectual climate that are all mission-linked. During the accreditation Natchitoches Times by faculty
process. NSU was visited by a peer-review team of business school deans, member Neill Cameron and decided
accounting educators and corporate representatives with detailed knowledge of to do something about it
management education, applying standards widely accepted in the education Martin donated $100 to establish
imunity. the "Class of '52 Library Fund" at
I am especially pleased for faculty and students that AACSB has granted full the NSU Foundation. Martin chal-
>n to Northwestern's baccalaureate programs in business," said North- lenged other members ofhis gradu-
n President Dr. Randall J. Webb. "One of my goals as president is to gain ating class tojoin together to assist
dilation lor all academic programs lor which specialized accreditation exists. the library and NSU.
Mitmm Columns Summer 1997/ 4
Campus
A'/ \\s
Wise
is
honoredby
Knightsof
Columbus
M
aj. Gen.
Erbon
W. Wise ofSulphur, a 1941 gradu-
ate ofNorthwestern, has been
named as "Diocese ofLake Charles
Citizen ofthe Year" by the Msgr.
CramersAssembly, Fourth Degree
Knights ofColumbus in Lake
Charles. The NSU Retiree's first-everdutch treat luncheon, held Mon-
Gen. Wise is the publisherof day, May 19 atJust Friends Restaurant in Natchitoches, gave
eight Southwest Louisiana newspa- old acquaintances a chance to reunite and new friends the opportu-
pers including the Beauregard Daily nity to learn more about one another. Around 100 retirees gathered
News, Southwest Daily News, forthe event which was organized by DirectorofAlumni Develop-
Leesville Daily Leader, Westlake ment Elise James and NSU Retirees Chairman Melissa Peveto.
News, Vinton News, Iowa News, "We were so very pleased with the spectacularturnout," said
Moss BluffNews and Rosepine James. "This goes to show that so many ofour retirees still want a
News. He also contracts to produce reason to be affiliated with Northwestern. I feel like this luncheon
the Fort Polk Guardian. will be the first ofmany to come."
The honor was presented to Gen. The luncheon began with an address by NSU President Dr. Ran-
Wise in recognition ofhis long-time dall J. Webb (pictured above) whosaid how delighted he wasat the
service to U.S. armed forces and to attendance. He urged the group to make known to him theirconcerns
the Southwest Louisiana civic com- as retirees and to always know how important they are to NSU.
munity. Northwestern honored Gen. Dr. Millard Bienvenu, a retired sociology professor, spoke on
Wise in 1990 as one ofthe charter behalfofthe NSU Retirees committee. Also welcoming the retirees
NSU
inductees into the Hall ofDis- wereJames and Peveto.
tinction, the Long Purple Line. Retirees were presented a benefits package from the universih
Aftergraduating from North- which included free photo identification cards, information on ser-
western, he entered theArmyAir vices they are entitled to plus NSU paraphernalia.
Corps, and participated in fourcam- Ifyou orsomeone you know is a retiree and not currently associ-
paigns in the European Theater ated with the group, please call Peveto at [phone] orJames
including the Normandy landing at at [phone]. The group's next luncheon will be held in the
Utah Beach and the liberation of
fall.
Paris. He served in all ranks from
private to commissioned officer.
Remaining in the armed forces
reserves, he was promoted to major
general in theArmy in 1967 and 25th anniversary is planned
retired in 1969.
Gen. Wise is the authorof 15 The Iota Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Theta
books onjournalism, local history Delta Chapter ofOmega Psi Phi at Northwestern State University
and genealogy. In 1991, Gen. and are planning their 25th anniversary reunion July 11-13 at NSU.
Mrs. Marie Wise established the Membersofboth organizations should have been contacted with informa-
Erbon and Marie Wise Education tion on the reunion. Ifyou have not been contactedorknow a memberofthe
organization who should receive information, contact Brenda Fowler at
Trust to fund advanced study in
newspaper-related fields. [phone] orLillian Priest at 631-7300.
AlumniColumnsSummer 1997/5
CampusNews
Terri Matthews o—fNatchitoches, Gary is the proudfather
/""^l alindo Rodriguez, an assis- ofthree children Nicholas (12), Randi (9) andLacy (7).
\Jtant professor ofmusic at "I manage to stay pretty busy," he says, laughing.
A
Ai NSU. has been invited to perform in 1984 honors graduate ofNorthwestern with abusi-
~~^^^^^H QVv^flf London and Gothenborg, Sweden as ness administration degree, Reasons is putting his col-
^m a memberofanAmerican Baroque lege educ—ation to good use, he says. Make no mistake
Trumpet Ensemble. The concert in about it amusement games are ahotly competitive,
^ m^B Gothenborg will be during the con- constantly evolving industry.
ference ofthe International Trumpet "Since 1993, 1 have amassed a fairly extensive
Guild onAugust 6. The London concert will be a collab- knowledge ofthe total operations and design qualities of
orative effort between theAmerican Baroque Trumpet this industry," says Reasons. "I know what it takes to get
Ensemble and the Florida State University Baroque thejob done."
Trumpet Ensemble. Aseparate program will be per- This also means he's a ringerin the arcade. Ifyou
formed on historical instruments with ensembles from happen to run across Reasons playing Ms. Pac Man, it
the Norwegian StateAcademy ofMusic and Gothenborg might not be a fair match.
University. In addition. Rodriguez has received an invita- "OK, I'll play left-handed," he deadpans.
tion to perform with the Festival ofTrumpets during one His involvement in the television business has kept
ofthe final programs ofthe annual conference. him close to football. His mostrecent assignment was as
sideline reporter at the Blue-GrayAll-StarClassic on
Christmas Day, one ofa dozen games he worked last
year forABC.
Gary Reasons is inducted He has worked games in every majorconference in
into the Louisiana the country, starting with his debut in 1994 on the side-
Fame line in front of 105,000 fans as Michigan played hostto
Sports Hall of
Boston College. Still, he keeps close tabs on his
Demons.
Gary Reasons' knack forfinding the football was After working forABC at an afternoon game at Bay-
truly remarkable. It helped him become athree- lorlast Nov. 9, Reasons took aprivate plane to Natchi-
timeAll-American, the first in NCAADivision I-AA toches for the NSU-Troy State game. He participated in
a halftime ceremony honoring his 1996 induction in the
history, during his college career at Northwestern from
College Football Hall ofFame, sat in on the Demon
1981-83.
It led to a nine-yearpro football career. Reasons won Sports Networkradio broadcast as guest analyst in the
two Super Bowl championship rings during eight sea- third quarter, and visited with friends and family
sons with the New York Giants, as part ofone ofthe throughout the stadium.
most vaunted linebacking corps in NFL history. He is looking forward to a more relaxed visit for this
summer's Louisiana Sports Hall ofFame inductions.
Those accomplishments have earned him election, in
his first year on the ballot, to the Louisiana Sports Hall "Natchitoches is like a second home to us. From
ofFame. He was among eight 1997 inductees, including Terri's folks, George and Rose Matthews, to the friends
LSU and New Orleans Saints standout Dalton Hilliard, galore we have in Natchitoches and the Northwestern
honored in Natchitoches on Saturday, July 12. community, it's always fun to get back there and see as
Reasons' ability to be in the right place at the right many people as possible," says Reasons. "Everyone I've
time and make the right play continues to serve him well met through the years there has truly been abig part of
today. my life. I've been educated, inspired and encouragedby
Reasons is owner-operator ofGametime Inc., which so many people that I wouldn't dare to try to list them all.
supplies amusement machines to restaurants, clubs and "I hope they realize to some extent what they've
ties in the Greater Houston area. meant to me," he says. "This honor is truly unique and
He moonlights during the fall as a college football I'm very, very pleased to have the opportunity to enjoy it
or ABC Sports. Reasons is looking forward to with so many friends in Natchitoches."
fourth season as a color commentator and sideline For information on the July 11-12 induction activities,
\BC Television. highlighted by the Hall ofFame banquet July 12, call
mily, however, is foremost on his prioritj list. 318-357-6467.
Married for 13 years to his college sweetheart, the former
' Si VfMER IW7/6
\/( w\/ i'.\i \/s
Military Science Program
commissions record number
of graduates
Lt. Col. James Forlenzo sometimesjokingly refers
to Northwestern State University as the "West
Point ofthe South." That designation may not be so tar-
fetched. During the 1996-97 academic year, NSU com-
missioned a record 21 ROTC cadets as officers in the Northwestern alumni Bryant Lewis. Audra Allen and
U.S. Army. Two other cadets at LSU at Shreveport were June Coltharp are shown looking over a past issue
also be commissioned. The program at LSUS is overseen of the Northwestern yearbook, the Potpourri, at alumni
by Northwestern's Department ofMilitary Science. party held in Haynesville. Lewis assisted the NSU
"We have exceeded our expectations in the number of Alumni Association by paying for the food served at the
cadets that will be commissioned," said Forlenzo, who is party. Approximately 50 friends and supporters attended
head ofthe Department ofMilitary Science and a profes- the party held in the hometown of NSU President Dr.
sor ofmilitary science at NSU. "We were asked to com- Randall J. Webb
mission 15 cadets, that number was raised to 17 and that
number was exceeded."
Forlenzo says Northwestern's program has grown over
the last several years because of strong support from for-
mer NSU President Dr. Robert A. Alost and current Pres-
ident Dr. Randall J. Webb. Forlenzo also credited the
Office ofAdmissions and Recruiting under Director of
Enrollment Services Chris Maggio for helping to attract
solid students.
Northwestern provides an "ROTC Plus Package" for
all ROTC scholarship winners. The package currently
ROTC
provides $1,040 per semester while the scholar-
ship, is in effect, provided in the form ofa stipend, paid
by the university to the cadet and designed to defray the
cost ofroom and board.
NSU's ROTC program currently has 10 guaran-
teed slots into nursing clinicals that are not limited to
scholarship recipients. The slots are guaranteed as part of
the Partnership in Nursing Education program set up
between the Army and Northwestern's College of Nurs- Northwestern State University President Dr. Randall J.
ing. Webb and his wife Brenda have made a $10,000
"Another advantage we have is that this is an area of donation to the NSU Foundation to establish the Joe W.
intense patriotism," said Forlenzo. "Because ofour prox- and Narvis Almand Webb Scholarship at Northwestern.
imity to Fort Polk and Barksdale Air Force Base, there is The scholarship honors Dr. Webb's parents. His father. Joe
a great deal of support for the armed services, and that W. Webb, taught chemistry at Northwestern for 20 years
makes it easierto attract students." before moving into an administrative role. Dr. Webb
announced the establishment of the endowed scholarship
at a party for NSU alumni held in his hometown of Hay-
nesville. Shown from left are Narvis Almand Webb. Dr.
Randall J. Webb and Brenda Webb.
Alumni ColumnsSummer 1^97/ 7
Profiles & ClassNotes
y'ou
have heard the saying "All I ever
needed to know, I learned in kinder-
garten." Well, all George Olivierever
needed to know, he says he learned at North-
western State University. Notexactly, but
Olivierdid latch on to a very valuable, yet
simple, thing during his time at NSU.
"Northwestern taught me how to think," says
the 1965 graduate. "That has been key in help-
ing me establish and maintain somewhat ofa
successful business." Olivier says that lesson has ningham when the Fatherwas getting ordained." With
helped him not only in dealing with customers forthe plans from the church that he redesigned and the use of
last 32 years, but also in designing some very complicat- Dr. Pierson's shop, he nervously set out to make the altar.
ed pieces. The Louisiana native has owned Olivier's The project was finished in two weeks and became a
Cypress Furniture since 1965. common sight to worshipers for 14 years following that.
Ironically, Olivierchose to major in agriculture at It wasn't long afterPierson suggested to Olivier that
NSU because ofa sparked interest in that field. Even he go into business forhimself. In January of 1965, he
more unusual was his request to the head ofthe depart- opened his woodworking business at his first location in
ment, Dr. Ralph V. Fell. "I told Dr. Fell that when I came Mr. J.R. Hall's shop on the riverbank downtown, next to
to school, I want to live on afarm. When I got there, the Natchitoches Parish Library. "I rented it for $17.50 a
there was a shackby the NSU Horse Barn that became month and all it had in it was a lightbulb and a couple of
my home. Actually, they stored eggs in it. It had noth- machines. Occasionally, I built something, but mostly, I
ing, no air, no heat, no running water." Olivierfound a repaired and refinished. Today, Olivieris in his third
door and put it on some egg crates to make a bed. He location which contains over 30 machines, many hand-
says when his dad saw it, he almost fainted. "I tended to made, and much more than a single lightbulb. The shop,
the chickens and gardens at NSU which would now be established in 1967, is located at 115 Second Street and
considered work study. I traded eggs with the grounds houses his 3,000 square foot workshop in back and a
people in exchange forplumbing and heat. I neverdid showroom up front displaying some ofhis finest pieces.
have a phone ort.v. I was paid 50 cents an hour and I He is planning a fourth move to an even bigger location
paid $50 dollars a semesterto live in 'the shack'." sometime this yearornext.
Olivierdoesn't regret that decision or the one to major Although he can buildjust about anything anyone
in agriculture. "It gave me a great understanding about wants, he specializes in bedrooms, dining rooms and
biology and a better grasp ofthe natural sciences. Those office furniture. When asked what piece he is most
courses, especially biology under Dr. Buckley, made me
proud of, he doesn't hesitate in saying his Cloverleaf
a good worker because it taught me how step by step to Mallard Bed, an empire bed that stands nine and a half
isolate something, and then build it piece by piecejust feet tall. "It took me 29 years to build. I had refinished
like putting a puzzle together. I think that's important in one for Beth Cloutier and she said 'Ifyou could build
my line ofwork."
this, you would be good.'" That was challenge enough
Olivier's artistic ability was first noticed by Dr.Will for Olivier, although he didn't actually set out to build
>n, a Natchitoches native and father of Northwest- one until 20 years later. "I always wondered ifI could do
er ofAlumni Development, Elise James,
it. It took nine years to get the tools and the procedure
had been following me around and saw perfected." He has made three so far.
>rk even before I graduated from NSU. In He is equally as proud ofa Country Empire Chair for
ne to build an altar for FatherJohn Cun- which he had to design special machinery to build.
Alum IW7/S
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