Alumni Columns (Volume Summer 2010)

2010·2 MB·English

by  Northwestern State University

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Dr. Randall J. Webb, 1965, 1966 AlumniColumns
OfficialPublicationof
I^residenl, Northwestern State University NorthwesternStateUniversity
Natchitoches.Louisiana f
Organizedin 1884
DearAlumni: AmemberofCASE
VolumeXXNumber2Summer2010
^^^^^^^1 This has been a challenging year for Northwestern TheAlumniColumns(USPS015480)ispublished
^I^H^^H byNorthwesternStaleUniversity.
State Universityaswellasall highereducation institutions. Natchitoches.Louisiana.71497-0002
A decline in state revenues becauseofthe recession has PeriodicalsPostagePaidatNatchitoches.Ln
led to a reduction of more than S8 million in state appropriations.And more cuts POSTManAdSTatLaRdd:itSieonnadlamdadirleisnsgcohfafincgees.stothe
could be coming in the next 12 months. AlumniColumns.NorthwesternStateUniveniit\. •i
Despitethedifficultfinancialtimes, thepeopleofNorthwestern arecontinuing Natchitoches.La.71497-0002.
to carry out their most important possible mission which is to provide the best AlumniOaffnidce88P8h-o7n9e9:-361488-6357-4414
possible education for our students. FAX:[phone]
This year, more than 1,400 students were added to the list of graduates E-mail:owensd(ansula.edu
who have broughtgreatdistinction to Northwestern formorethan 125years.We NSUALUMNIOFFICERS
know they have been prepared to go forward and make a positive difference in President JosephB.Stamey.
their communities. Natchitoches. 1983
VicePresident TommyChester.
There have been several positive achievements at Northwestern over the Natchitoches, 1969
past year. The Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Secretary-Treasurer Dr.LisaMathews.
PerformingArts hasbrought national and international acclaim tothe University. Benton. 1992
The NSU International Chorale performed in severalcathedrals in Englandduring ExecutivNeatDcihrietcotcohres.2004W..2D0r0a5keOwcnv
spring break. The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band was invited to march
in the 2011 New Year's Day Parade and Festival in London. Alumnus Terrence BOARDOFDIRECTORS
Daniels recently made hisdebuton Broadway inthe musical LaCageAux Folles. JMearlrtyBBariulnegyart NatchitocShhersc.vep1o9r6t9..21090713 1
Our online education programs are increasingly popular with students MontyChicola Alexandria. 1979. 1980
and are being recognized. The online programs in psychology and criminal LeonardEndris Shre\cport. 1974. 1975
KenCiuidrv' Natchitoches. 1972
justice were rated among the Best Values in Online Colleges by the web site Bobbyllcbcrt NewOrleans. 1983
GetEducated.com. TreyHill Carencro. 1985
Northwestern wascited as being among the national leaders among public APadtrriiacinaHWoiwgagridnsHrapmaiui NeAwrlOirnlgetaonns..Te1x9a7s3.. 11997889
master'sdegree institutions inclosingthe gap in graduation rates betweenwhite (.ailJones Natchez. 1981. 1998
and minority students, according to a report byThe Education Trust. MallKoury Leesville. 1995
The Office of Continuing Education was named "Best Place to Learn ABrnygaenltaLLeaw.siysone NaHtacv-hnietsovcihlelse.. 11995886
Something New in Louisiana" in a survey of individuals 50 and above. CarrollLong Longsiew.Texas. 1970
It has also been exciting to be part of a numberofactivities associated with DK.iip\iPdatMroirckgan WashAiunsgttionn..TeDxCas.. 11997935
Northwestern's 125" anniversary. It is gratifying and humbling to be part of such CliffPoimboeuf Shreveporl. 1984
agreat institution.Thankyouforallyoudotomake Northwesternaspecial place. DenjseOuezaire BatonRouge.2005
(ilennTalben Shrexepon. 1964
CaseyJoThompson Shreveport.2001
CarlosTreadw^y Northville.Michigan. 1992
MartiVicnne Natchitoches. 1982
William Drake Owens, 2004, 2005 Rick\ Walmsley Covington. 1985
J MichaelW'ilbum Shrcveport. 1975
Director ofAlumni and Development Dr.LeonardA.Williams NewOrleans. 1993
Charles-Buddy"Wood Many. 1981
My fellow alumni: STUDENTREPRESENTATIVE
MarkDaniels New Orleans
Graduation day is one of my favorite days of the SGAPresident
year, as I have the opportunitytovisitwith manyfriends, Publisher
parents and alumni who have returned to campus to W DrakeOwens.2004,2005
watch their child or loved one walk across the stage
Editor
in Prather Coliseum to receive their diploma. In my observation, it is a day in LeahPilcherJackson. 1994
which everyone is happy.
As the academic year concluded, so did our year-long celebration of Contributors
DavidWest
Northwestern's 125'" anniversary It was a year marked with commemorative DougIreland. 1986
activities, the releaseofacoffeetable bookand manyeventsthat acknowledged
the important role that NSU plays in the community and throughout northwest (iaPrhyotHoagrrdapahmyon
Louisiana.
Involvement in Northwestern alumni activities continues to grow. Several [X-signtayoul
new alumni chapters have formed with monthly events for alumni, their family \BSelthPMrcePshscPri>iholnicM.ialnmnns.O1f9fi7c5e
and friends. If you would like to organize an alumni chapter in your area,
please let us know and we will be happy to help. You can view photos from
gatherings and staycurrent on campus news and events byvisiting ourwebsite Niirlhwislrrn Sl:ili> I'niviTsitx is accri'dilrd hv ihc
at northwesternalumni.com. oIf'lCi'omlmlii'sKsosmnanodn.tS'ci)hlolio-l(s(i'(»l»o6ft>IhSi-ou.tShoeurtnherUn\nv.•.\slso>cciTi«itluiro.n
Alumniarethemostpowerfulvoiceforprospectivestudents, and encourage Crt-orKin:tOO;i;t-40«»7: Ti'lt-phonc nunilx-r4(M-679-4.'>01<to
I awardAssocinti'. Baccalaureate. Master's.Specialistand
you to share your experience and stories with these students. Please let us IVictoniledeRTM-s.
know if we can be of assistance to you in providing information about NSU to a
promising student. I hope to see you on campus this fall and I thank you again nItotist11l1udpi»Klcuryi"nfiNi'noartteh«oensUt'hneiShlaasliesl'onfivreanciei,lycoolroir,.oirieilisRiiaonna.
for all that you do for Northwestern. sex. nalional oripn. age.ordisabililv in itseducational
pn»(fmms.activitiesoremploymentpractices.
Alumni News
Meet the Excellence Campaign Steering Committee
NSU's Capital Campaign, "Excellence: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow," is moving forward with the
help ofsome very dedicated alumni willing to give oftheir time and expertise. With their help and
yours, we are proud to announce that we are more than halfway to our goal ofS25 million. We'd like
to thank all ofthose who havejoined the Excellence Team or donated monetarily and those who have
volunteered their time and talents, including our Steering Committee. We think you'll find they're a
very talented group with one thing in common- their love for NSU.
A 1973 graduate of NSU, David Morgan founded United
1 Butch BallardcametoNorthwesternfrom Bogalusain 1972 TeachersAssociatesInsuranceCompany,anationwidecom-
toplayfootball,buthehasturnedhisrelationshipwithNSU panyspecializingininsuranceproductsforactiveandretired
intoafamilyaffair. HemarriedNSUalumna,JodyFosterBal- teachers. He built a company worth more than $100 mil-
lardandoftheirthreechildren,oneisacurrentNSUstudent. lion and hasgoneonto own a numberofotherinsurance
HeisaloyalsupporterofNSUAthleticsandisamemberof companies.HecurrentlyservesasamemberoftheAlumni
the Select 100. Butch currently owns Mechanics Sourcing Association andwasinducted intothe Long PurpleLinein
Group, an industrial sales agency and lives in Huntsville, 1994. He and his wife Sherry, also an alumna, endowed
Texas. a professorship in the College ofBusiness in 1995. David
Butch Ballard David Morgan alsoestablishedthe"Extra Mile"scholarshipprogramforPi
KappaPhimembersatNSU.
Nicole Gray is a program managerforXO Communications Jill Cantrell Morrison isa nativeofMarthavilleanda 1993
in Dallas and president ofGrayVentures, LLC, a firm that
NSU graduatewith a degree in Journalism. Whileat NSU,
specializes in consulting services and event planning. She she was a member ofSigma Sigma Sigma and a student
received her bachelor's degree in journalism from NSU in
workerintheAthleticDepartment. Aftergraduateschool,
1995andspearheadedtheorganizationoftheBlackAlumni
sheworkedasanexecutiveassistantforDai-TileandWindle
Alliancein2008,wheresheservesasactingpresident.Nicole
Turley. JillisavolunteerfortheAlzheimer'sAssociationand
also established the James L. Oliphant Endowed Football
isinvolvedwiththeEducationisFreedomProgramthrough
ScholarshipwiththeNSUFoundation.
theJuniorLeagueofDallas. SheandherhusbandDaveare
NicoleGray JillCantrell regularhostsoftheDalias-areaNSUAlumniCrawfishBoil.
Morrison
Trey Hill is a 1985 graduate of the College of Business. LennPrinceisa1975graduateofNSUandreceivedhermas-
He currently serves as the director of public affairs for
ter'sdegreeinvocalperformancefromULM.Shewasaward-
Atmos Energy Corporation. He is very committed to civic edascholarshipfromtheUniversityofMiamitoperformand
involvement,servingasamemberofthePresident'sCouncil,
studyinSalzburg,Austria,withworldrenownedsingersand
theBusinessCollegeDean'sAdvisoryCouncil,ontheBoards
teachers. Lenn and her husband, Danny, own and operate
of Dirertors of the Louisiana Association of Business and
diversifiedbusinessesinseveralstates.Theyhavefouradult
Industries and the Public Affairs Research Council, among
childrenanddividetheirtimebetweentheirhomesinRus-
others. Hehasbeenmarriedtohiswife,Jackie,for24years,
tonandDallas.
andtheyhavethreechildren.
TreyHill Lenn Prince
Patty Wiggins Hrapmann is a third generation Demon. Caseyisa2001 cumlaudegraduateinBusinessAdministra-
She is married to Kenny Hrapmann, fellow 1973 graduate. tion.DuringhertimeatNorthwestern,shewasamemberof
Patty achieved National Board Certification in 2000 and Phi Mu Fraternityand PurpleJackets,among manyothers.
was inducted intothe NSU Hall ofDistinguished Educators ShewaschosenasMissLouisiana2002andcompetedinthe
in 2002. She isa proud memberoftheAlumni Board. She MissAmericapageant. Currently,sheisinhereighthyearas
presently lives in New Orleans where after retiring from a seniorsalesprofessionalwith Sanofi-AventisPharmaceu-
public education has become the director of Curriculum, ticals. Caseyis marriedtoMajorMikeThompsonand lives
Instruction and Professional Development at Holy Cross inShreveport.
Patricia Hrapman SchoolwhereherhusbandKennycoaches. CaseyCrowder
Thompson
Cheryl Reese Wilson is the chiefoperating officer for the
GailJonesservesasthecommunityliasonfortheNatchitoches Rapides Healthcare System with 30 years of hospital
ParishSheriff'sOfficeandisaformerexecutivedirectorofthe management experience inTexas and Louisiana hospitals.
BoysandGirlsClubofNatchitoches. Shereceivedbachelor's Shereceived herbachelor'sdegreeinjournalismfrom NSU
andmaster'sdegreesfromNSUandhasestablishedtheGail in1972andwentontoreceiveamaster'sdegreeinStudent
M. Jones Mentor Scholarship. Gail currently serves on the Personnel Services from NSU in 1974. She also holds a
AlumniAssociationBoardofDirectors. master'sdegreeinHospitalandHealthCareAdministration.
CherylwasinductedintotheLongPurpleLinein 2002and
received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from
GailJones Cheryl Reese
Wilson NSU in 2006for her instrumental work in establishing an
Alexandria campus of the departments of Nursing and
Radiologic Technology. She currently serves on the NSU
FoundationBoardofDirectors.
^northwesternalumni.com AlumniColumnsSummer2010/ 1
Alumni News
H
Super Saints Celebration
NSU alum shares thoughts about the Saints'
magical season and his roots as a Demon
Hiscareerasa football coach, and Miller, the linebackers coach whose innova-
coach wasn't his idea. One of his tive strength training concepts soon afterward carried
players at Northwestern prodded him into the NFL ranks and made him a trailblazer in
iiim into asking out the sorority that held. Sitting in Peace's office in PratherColiseum,
girl who became his wife. And seeing his coach peering o\era metal desk with steely
\es, although he saw the logic eyes, was not a comfortable posture.
from a perspective only a few "They were ripping us pretty good, and to make
do/en people shared, he thought matters worse. I'd made a D in a class. I made prettN
it was crazy to tr>' an onside kick decent grades, but this was a D," said Johnson. "Coach
New Orleans Saints Defensive to open the second halfofSuper Peace gotonto me about that and asked what I was
Line Coach Bill Johnson and Bowl XLIV. going lo do after I graduated, if1 graduated. When I told
former Saints quarterback Bobby Crazy enough that it might him 1 figured I'd go home and get a papermilljob. he
Hebert spoke at the Super IList work. about popped.
Those forks in the road all "He looked at me and said. 'You're gonna coach
Saints Celebration, held in
Natchitoches in April. NSU Head lkendotwonfodrutruinnegshhiisndiangysonattNhoermtha-n yfeoaort.baTlhl,att'hsatw'shawthayio.u'^r'eouc"uretgouotintgotdoo,heclapn'mteyohuerseeenext
Football Coach Bradley Dale
western as Smilin" Bill Johnson, that?'" recalled Johnson. "Those coaches steered me in
Peveto also spoke. NSU class of 19S0. the right direction. So man\ times, ne\ermore so than
Getting into the doghouse right there, l'\e had angelscomedown and help me
shortly afterhis playing career along."
ended when the Demons drew Johnson began working with the offensive line-
the ire ofthen-NSU assistant men, but when Sam Goodwin look o\eras head coach,
coachesAl Millerand Joe was shifted to coaching defensi\e linemen as a gradu-
Raymond Peace. Theirtongue- ate assistant. That put him in charge ofacaustic Cajun
lashing started Johnson on a path defensive tackle. Fd Orgeron. who was also destined
that carried him to the sidelines fora coaching careerand a reputation as one ofcollege
at SuperBowl XLIVas the football's premiere recruiters. ForJohnson. Orgeron's
defensi\e line coach fortheNew eye for talent manifested when the pla\ertold his coach
Orleans Saints. about a Tri Sigma girl he knew in trainer Fugene Christ-
We all know how that mas'class, and Orgeron thought Dawn Dohertx would
ended. be a great match forJohnson.
"It's an unbclic\able stor\." "Ed wcut to a sororilN party andcameback and said
said Johnson, whocould have I ought to meet her. Doc Christmas told me, 'she's just
been referring to his personal road orthe Saints'ascen- a sweet girl, \ou ought to meet her." Well, I'm almost
sion to Super Bow1 Champions in his first yearwith the seven years older than her. I wasn't going todatea stu-
team. "Ole Rudy ain't got nothin"on olc Johnson." dent. But she was from Winnheld, and she was around
The tale traces all the way back to his days e\en on Thanksgiving week, and we took a ride and ate din-
before he played football forNorthwestern as a hard- ner, and we hit it ofT. Twenty six-plusyears later, it's like
nosed center from 197.^-78. Acoach at Monroe's Lee a dream. We got engaged at Christmas and got married
Junior High asked the strong-armed, curly-haired kid that next summer W hen \ou know it's right, it's right."
sitting on a heater in the hallway why he didn't play he said, beaming.
foolball. and "I ain't stopped since." grinned Johnson. "She's been strong enough to hang with me and
Raised b\ a single mother, he found a father figure in e\ci'\ time we've left someplace, it seems she's the one
legendar> Ne\ille High foolball coach Charlie Brown, thai left a mark. So there'sanothertime an angel was
who laterasked Johnsi>n lo make the presentation speech taking care ofthis Demon."
for Brown's 2001 eiishrmemenl m the Louisiana Spons They have two kids, Billv and .Abbv. both students
Hall ofFame. Bui fiisi. Brown helped nurture Johnson's at the University ofGeorgia, rooted in that area because
football career xo the point that he found his ua\ onto the familv spent six years in .Atlanta when Johnson
the NSL' campus to tiy lo play college ball. broke into the NFL asdefensive line coach forcoach
lie made the most ofit, earninga scholarship along Dan Reeves and the Falcons in 2001. He weathered a
with four letters as a deep snapperand the starting cen- heat! coachingchange to Jim Mora Jr.. but anothershil^
ter for two seasons undercoach .\.\ \\ illiams. Heading leil him lo Mike Shanahan's stalVin Denver fortwo
tinsard graduation in spring 1979. he figured he'd go vcars (2()07-OS). After Shanahan's surprising dismissal
back to Mi)nroe and get a job working in a paper mill, last winter, he was about tochoo.se ajob in Green Bay
until heand Demon teammate Pete\ Perot got into "a over working back in his home state forthe Saints.
skirmish" while out one night. "S'ou'd look at thai and think 1 had a chance lo
Ihey were called in by Peace, the otVensive line come home, but 1 loved the idea ofcoachine in Green
2 / AlumniColimuisSnitiiiicr2010 Visit our websiteal
Alumni News
led by superstarquarterback Peyton Manning.
"Sean said to the coaches, 'it's a low possession game, and
down fourpoints about to give the ball to Peyton Manning to start
the second half, we'vegot to steal one. What about trying the
onside kick here?'Now that'll raiseyoureyebrows. But ifthey
take the ball and score a touchdown, we're down 11, two scores,
and it's a big hill to climb because it's tough to stop Peyton.
"We had seen something in film studywethoughtwould
open up forus, and worked the onside kick fortwo weeks going
in. Ourkickoffguy, Thomas Morstead. was a rookie from SMU
and he was doinganicejob in practice. Well, the word spreads
through the lockerroom thatwe're going to do it. and they found
Pictured left to right are Bobby Hebert, Coach him in the back throwing up. He had nevertried one in a game
Bradley Dale Peveto and Coach Bill Johnson. before.
"So we go out forthe second half, and we all know what's
Bay. I went up there and had a greatvisit. Then I visited \\ith coming. Nobody else does. 1 put on my best poker face, looked
(Saints head coach) Sean Payton, they had (quarterback) Drew around the stadium, and thought, these people ain'tgoing to
Brees, and (defensive coordinator) Greg Williams was probably believe this. 1 was standing right where the kick needed to end
coming on board. up. Ittookthe officials almost fourminutes to decide who hadthe
"I thought it was all lined up right as faras winning in New- ball. It was a great play by ourguys, a great coaching decision
Orleans, so I made a football decision, notacoming home deci- by Sean, because it createdacomplete change in the game. It
sion,"he said. "I feltgood about it, but itturned outto bea dream was high risk, high reward. We drove the ball and scored, andthe
cometme, an emotional ride." game turned ourway." he said.
Coming home had its definite perks, like opportunities to "It was so numbing, the feeling afterthe game. Think ofa
reunite with formerDemon teammates andNSU friends like Perot balloon blown up full, and then you let the airout. The season
(now coaching at Louisiana Tech), quarterback Butch Ballard (a was the balloon, gradually filling up to the brim at the Super
Bogalusa native and frequentvisitorto NSU and south Louisiana) Bowl. Youremotion and intensity is at a feverpitch, and then
andtheeffusive Bobby Hebert, theNSU and Saints starquarter- whenwe stopped them with44 secondsto go, we knew wecould
back now in a role as the lightning rod ofsports broadcasting in run outthe clock. I thought back to Lee JuniorHigh. Neville
New Orleans and on the Saints Radio Network. High. Northwestern, coaching fornine years atTexasA&M. all
Itdidn't take long forJohnson to sense something special through theyears," said Johnson. "They say itflashes through
was within reach. During lastApril's offseason training activities yourmind, and it did. It was a little tough to get yourarms
involving the team, "1 saw what we had and 1 was really excited," around. Butthe NFL people, they do a greatjob atthe end ofthe
he said. game ofgetting your family to youon the field. They understand
"We won the Super Bowl inApril, May, June, July andAu- v\hat that moment means and who you wantto share itwith.
gust. You could feel thechemistryon the team, and the work ethic "It was pure. It was special," he said. "I'dwonthe national
was tremendous. People were having fun getting a lot done." championship at Miami, played on a state championship teamat
In his 29"' season ofcoaching, 21 in college at stops such as Neville. Butthis one was different because it touched so many
A&M
Miami, Texas andArkansas, Johnson knew agood thing people, sodeeply.
when he saw it. He was a graduate assistant coaching lineback- "I've neverseen so many grown men cry in a 24-hourperiod
ers when the Jimmy Johnson-coached Miami Hurricanes won the as 1 did that night and the next day. It meant that much to all ofus,
1987 majorcollege national championship. because we knew how much it meant to the Saints fans every-
The 2009 Saints exploded on what was, forthem, an un- where, the city ofNew Orleans, the state ofLouisiana."
precedented run, staying undefeated through theirfirst 13 (of 16) The celebration, quickly dubbed Lombard! Gras considering
regular-seasongames. the NFL'sVince Lombard! Trophy forthe SuperBowl champs
"Itwas thebiggest grind I can everremember, from 8-0 to andNew Orleans'trademark, impending Mardi Gras festivities,
13-0,trying to protectthatwin streak." he said. "We were getting was epic. The afterglow lasted intoApril, when the Saints gath-
real beat up. The playerswere drained. But it still took a real good eredto begin offseason workouts for2010.
teamto knock us offourperch, and Dallas did it." "You wantto holdon to those memories, but you betterreal-
Even though theteam entered the playoffs having lost three ize, that's done now. I've still got the fightand the hunger. When
straight, Johnson was confident. Amonth later, he was standing you win one, you really believe you can do itagain, andyou want
on the sideline in Miami as Carrie Underwood sang the national to prove you can," he said.
anthem with fighterjetsflying pastjustbefore kickoffofthe That's ajazzriffthat's music to the ears ofSaints fans, and
SuperBowl. it's a way oflife for Bill Johnson. The challenges neverend. but
"I was nevera pro football fan until 1 got into it myself, now his sense ofaccomplishment will neverfade, either. Norwill
butI knew theNew Orleans Saints had a lot ofyears when they his pride in NSU, as he told this year's Demon football team in a
weren'teven competitive. I'm taking in that scene, the game is spring visit.
aboutto start, and 1just felt something special was going to hap- "Everywhere I've been, every Sunday morning, I'mcheck-
pen, I really did," he said. ingthe paperto seehowthe Demons did," saidJohnson. "This
That began to unfold when the Saints went into the locker iswhere my life's destinywas set. I found what 1 was supposed
room at halftime having closed an early 10-0 deficit to a 14-10 to do. I found the woman to spend my life with. I made lifelong
gap, but about to kick offto the potent Indianapolis Coltsoffense friends. No matterwhere 1 go, this will always be home."
_v,Arw.northwesternalumni.com AlumniColumnsSummer2010/ 3
Alumni News
"t*
SPOTLIGHTS
O BillN Kidd (1957) was honored careerdevelopment careerat .AEiC affiliate KAIT-TV in
during ihc Keller. Texas, Independent specialist atArkansas Jonesboro,,\rk., v\here she covered
School District Hail ofFame ceremonies Tech University in Hurricane Katrina and Gustav evacuees
after49 years ofcoaching, teaching, Russellville. and several court cases including the
mentoring and encouraging countless The Office of West Side School Shooting.
young men and women across the Student Services O Grady Beard 983 has been
(1 )
Metroplex. assists College of named a fellow in The College of
"I am proud ofthis honorand want Business students Workers'Compensation Lawyers, an
to share the thoughts with others so that with the admissions organization that seeks the best workers'
they may also appreciate what NSU process, academic Brian compensation attorneys in the countrv.
Henderson
is giving them. 1 want to thank ail the advising, tutoring, Beard is a memberofSowell Gray
Demons everywhere forhelping me." careerguidance and Stepp and Laffitte LLC. Beard was
During the ceremony. Kidd was job placement; Cooperative Education otTicially inducted in March, during the
lauded for his unyielding desire to internships, and graduation checkout. American Bar.Association's Workers'
motivate others and serve as a model The office also coordinates professional Compensation Mid-WinterConference.
forall to follow. Aftergraduating from development workshops, networking He became the first attorney to represent iM
i
Northwestern and North Texas State events, and career fairs. South Carolina in the organization.
University. Kidd returned to his old high "I love the student services side of The College ofWorkers'
school, Dallas Sunset High School, and highereducation and the opportunity Compensation Lawyers honors lawyers
began a career in teaching and coaching. to meet new students and help them who have distinguished themselves
He coached in the Dallas area from grow professionally as they prepare representing plaintitTs ordefendants
i
1957-1970 and later served in the district fortheircareer," Henderson said. oracting asjudges in workers'
as a principal, assistant superintendant, "With the College ofBusiness have compensation cases. Fellows must have
1
demographic and building needs the goal ofpartnering and building practiced workers' compensation law tor
coordinator and athletic director. relationships with local, regional, and at least 20 years to be considered tojoin.
"1 guess that taught orcoached national employers as well as U.^LR Beard attended Louisiana State
I
over 10,()(){) students during that period alumni to connect each ofour students Universitv and graduated summa
oftime but probably had some influence to a company and work experience that cum laude from Northwestem State
on another 10.000 through my works. 1 best fits theirtalents, skills, education, University. He earned his law degree at
even coached a national champion shot and goals. 1 take pride in providing the Emory Universitv School ofLaw.
putter. But forall the success that 1 opportunities that help groom students Best Lawyers inAmerica has
may have had. my thanks go back to my into their professional careeras well as recognized Beard's skills as a workers'
teachers and coaches at Northwestern, helping them develop skills that will last compensation attomev bv including
especially Coach Ledet, Coach Turpm a lifetime." him in its annual publication every year
and Coach Brown. Their examples Henderson holds a masterof since 2008. His other practice areas are
oflife have given me direction in my education degree from Northwestern appellate advocacv. emplovnient lav\ and
work." State University and a bachelor's degree alternative dispute resolution.
During his tenure as athletic in physical education from the l'ni\ersitv
O
director. Kidd developed Keller's athletic ofthe ()/arks in Clarksxille. 1he Pittman sisters, all graduates
programs, implementing new programs ofthe College ofNursing, were
and overseeing the construction ofnew featured in an article in the November
^^HI^^H
facilities as the district grew from three Whitman (2007) 2009 issue ofSlice, a Shreveport
school buildings and l.SOO students to 32 ^H " ?^^ healthy lifestyle magazine. The article
campuses and (>\er 27.000 students. One \BC25.Clio. described the unveiling ofthe Pittman
^H^
ofthe many highlights ofhis tenure as .J^^^— \iich, reporter. Hall ofTradition, part ofthe College of
alhlctic director was the development o\' ^W^ ^^^^M At Northwestem, Nursing's 60"' anniversary obsenance
the girls" Softball program. 9^^H and NSU's 125''' anniversary celebration.
Kidd and his wife ofmore than 50 withNSl 22News .Also recognized were Louise Sudburv
years, Annette, have a daughter, three Krytal and also won and Ciloria Morris, members ofthe
sons and seven grandchildren. Whitman iwo local Miss Class o\' 1953. the first graduating
America titles bv class ofnurses vsith four-yeardegrees.
O Brian Henderson (2004) of advocating for domestic \iolence victims NSU's degree program was initiated in
Kussellville. Ark., is the new director and volunteering for the iu>meless. After 1949 and is the oldest slate-supported
ofthe (Jllice ofStudeiil Services for the college she landed an internship at ABC nursing program in Louisiana. In 2008.
Univeristy ofArkansas I itilc Kock's affiliate KfRK in Houston. Iliere she it had the fourth largest undergraduate
College ofIkisiness. Ileiulerson. a covered the I nron scandal ami N'.XSA. enrollmenl in the nation.
native ofBerryville. Ark . is the former She began her professional broadcasting Ihc Pittmans grew up in Dubberly
4 / AlumniColumnsSummer2010 Visit our websitea
Alumni News
AYLEND Sherman Desselle (2007) a reporter/photographer at
KALB-TV inAlexandria, interviewed late night talk
show host and comedian Jay Leno, who was appearing at the
Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder earlier this year. "Jay is
an easy going, well seasoned 'plain ham sandwich" kind of
guy,"' Sherman said. "He's a billionaire who's not caught up
in the billions. He did the interview in old washed outjeans
and a denim shirt, then he perfomied an hour and 40 minute
stand-up like it was nothing. What is there not to like about
the guy?""
in a family of 16 children. The graduates Teacherofthe Year in 2006. He is an assistant pastorat Elim
are Thelma Pittman Walker (1959). In recognition ofthe honor, NSU Christian Fellowship, in Des Moines.
Juanita Pittman Strickland ( 1963). President Dr. Randall J. Webb presented
Shirley Pittman Smiley (1967), herwith a specially inscribed brick in the O Vera Martin (1948) was honored in
Victoria Pittman Kennedy (1973), Alumni Plaza. 2009 by the Women's Council ofGreater
Karon Pittman Hanushek (1976). Julia Baton Rouge as one ofseven women in
Pittman Baldwin ( 1978) and Michelle © Brian Brown ( 1990) provided the Baton Rouge area named as Silver
Pittman (1981 ). Michelle went on to the keynote address at the Grand Magnolias fortheir volunteer efforts and
medical school and became a surgeon. View University, Des Moines, la., dedication to humankind . The Silver
commemoration ofthe life ofDr. Martin Magnolia award honors women who
© Kendra Pullen (1998) was one of Luther King. Jr. in Januarv. A native ha\e made a positive impact on their
more than 100 teachers and mentors ofNew Iberia, Brown graduated from community.
from across the country honored by Northwestern with a bachelor's degree in Martin is very active in volunteer
President Barak Obama at the White industrial technology and safety. While efforts in hercommunity, working with
House in January fortheirwork in competing in track and field as a high several organizations, including BRAVE
science, math and technology. Pullen, jumper. Brown was ranked seven times HEART - Children in Need, a group that
a science and social studies teacherat in the top ten U.S. highjump list during assists abused children. Brave Heart
Riverside Elementary in Caddo Parish, his distinguished career, climaxed by is a nonprofit volunteergroupthatis
received the Presidential Award for being ranked No. 2 in the U.S. in 1997 expanding statewide. Martin invites the
Excellence in Mathematics and Science and 1998 and as well as No. 9 in the support ofthe Northwestern community
Teaching. The award is given annually to world in 1998. oranyone interested in volunteering.
teachers selected by a special panel. While competing forNorthwestern, For more information, visit www.
At a ceremony in the ornate East Brown won the 1989 U.S. Outdoor braveheartchildren.org ore-mail Martin
Room. Obama praised the teachers and Championships and the 1990 NCAA at vmartin5(acox.net
.
mentors fortheircontributions inside and IndoorTrack and Field Championships.
outside the classroom. He owns a personal best of7 feet 8 © Emily Hobson (1968) was
Obama told the educatorsthey are inches in 1990 and was the bronze recognized by the Marshall. Texas,
key to closing the gap between U.S. medalist at the 1998 Goodwill Games. News-Messengeras an "Ever>day
students and students in othercountries Brown, who owns the Drake Relays Hero," an ongoing series that spotlights
in leaming science. special invitational highjump record people who make an impact in the
Pullen is a key organizerofthe of7-7 in 1997. won the 1997 Milrose Marshall community. Hobson said the
Riverside Elementary Science Fair. Games and was second in the 1998 U.S. most rewarding part ofher careeras
She also serves on several committees, IndoorTrack and FieldChampionships. alibrarian is helping others, not only
including the Louisiana Science Brown received a master's degree in their academic pursuits, but also in
Standards and Benchmarks Commiuee. from the University ofMissouri in 1995 promoting a love ofreading. The article
She has a bachelor's degree in and completed his doctoral degree in stated that as an undergraduate atNSU,
elementary education from Northwestern May 2005. also from Missouri. Brian is Emily was undecided about what major
State and a master's degree in married to Drake head track and field to pursue. Noticing her love ofbooks, an
educational leadership from Louisiana coachNatasha Kaiser-Brown, a 1992 advisorsuggested she considerbecoming
State University in Shreveport. She was Olympic Silver Medalist. Brian and a librarian.
named the Wal-Mart Local Teacher of Natasha have three children. Elle 9; Aftergraduating from Northwestern,
theYear in 2007 and the Caddo Parish Quinton, 7, and Kristian, 6. continued on page 6
Vww.northwesternaltiittni.com AlumniColumnsSummer2010/ 5
k\
Alumni News
Alumna, 103 years young, celebrates another birthday
Mittie Odcn Biyaii ot'Shrcvcporl
celebrated another landmark
birthday on Feb. 2 and was feted
with a luncheon on Feb. 6 that
was attended by about 75 family
and friends. Mittie, who reached
the age of 103, is possibly
the oldest living alumna of
Northwestern, having graduated
from Normal in 1925.
Mittie was born in Panola
County, Texas, in 1907 and
graduated from Greenwood High
School in 1923. She was one of
seven children growing up near
Bethany, a community on the
Louisiana-Texas state line, and
the first in her family to attend
college. Celebratingher 103"*birthday, MittieOden Bryan (1925), seated, waspresented
Mittie's first teachingjob was with special gifts from Northwestern, as the university's oldest known living
at Webb Elementary, a one-room Agsrsaidsutaatnet. DJioriencitnogrhoefrAwleurmeniCoal.nd(RDete.v)eVliorgpimneiantMe(t1c9a9l7f).(1953). andJill Bankston.
school on Greenwood Road,
where she taught first through
fifth grade lor SI00 per month. Guests from across the ofPuiple Jackets. Sigma Sigma
Webb Elementary closed in country attended the celebration. Sigma and the State Fair Court,
1929 and students transferred to Among them was Mittie's among other accomplishments.
Jewella Elementary. Mittie was a nephew Bob Lee ofKaty, Texas Alida is acti\e in the Baton
substitute teacher at four different ( 1965). and one ofMittie's former Rouge Alumni Chapter.
elementary schools - Jewella, students from Webb Elementar>', NSU President Dr. Randall J.
Judson. Hillsdale and Sunset whojust turned 90. Family friend Webb extended birthday wishes
Acres until 1965. Alida Bishop Casey (1950) was and sent Mittie a personalized
Virginia Metcalf( 1953), unable to be part ofthis year's stadium blanket.
Mittie's niece and a Wisconsin birthday celebration. Alida's According to her niece
resident, said she chose to attend mother, Elmyra Landry, was Virginia. Mittie enjoys good
Northwestern because her aunt Mittie's best friend and classmate general health and "is a role
spoke so highly ofthe school. at Normal. Alida was a member model for all ofus."
Spotlights continued from page 5 is presenled annually to a full-time Association ofComputer-Lsing
Emily earned a master's degree in library member ofthe LSU.A faculty who best Educators.
.science at the University ofNorth Texas. exemplifies the university's commitment She also is a former winnerofthe
She retired from the school system alter to teaching. ser\ice and professional \\illiam Craig Outstanding Uni\ersity
24 years as a school librarian and for de\elopment. liducator.Award presented by the
the past three years has worked at the In addition to teaching mathematics, Louisiana Science TeachersAssociation,
Marshall Public I ibrary. science and social studies methods. Beck and she is a formerdirectorofthe
is responsible for field placement and Region l\ Science fair
O Klaiiie Beck ( 1'>71 ), an assistant super\ision ofLSUA student-teachers.
professor ofeducation al LSU- Beck has been a member ofthe O Burl .lohn "B.J." Fumroy (\')91)
Alexandria. was honored with the faculty since 200.^. She is the most recent has been named athletic diiectt>r at
Bolton Award forTeaching Kxcellence. recipient ofPost-Secondary Educator Shepherd University. Shepherdstown.
The award is the university's highest ofthe \'ear for Region VI (nine Central W \'. Piimroy is the former athletic
recognition fora faculty member. It Louisiana parishes) by the Louisiana continued on page 7
6 / AlumniLohiniiisSuninicr2010 Visit our websiteat
Alumni News
'The FourFreshmen from the 1945 class met in Natchez. Miss.,
fora reunion, remaining true and close friends all these years and
now enjoying our 'Golden Years,'" wrote Janie Palmer Dobbins
ofBaton Rouge. Janie and Jettie Jane Johnson James grew
up together in Webster Parish and graduated from Doyline High
School. Marilyn Durbin Rife and Betty Hays Hazlip grew up in
Tensas Parish and graduated from WaterproofHigh School. Janie
and Jettie Jane were in Sigma Sigma Sigma while Marilyn and Betty
joinedAlpha SigmaAlpha. Janie and Jettie Jane graduated from
Northwestern in January 1949. "We have many fun and beautiful
memories ofourdays at Northwestern," she wrote. From left are
Janie, Jettie Jane, Marilyn ofFerriday and Betty.
Spotlights continued from page 6 Nicholls State University. She rose the mapping sciences that include
directorat Valley City State University through the department, picking up photogrammetry, remote sensing,
in North Dakota. Previously, he was more academic credentials, eventually surveying, geographic information
the assistantAD at Truman Sate in becoming head ofthe department and systems, and related disciplines. The
Kirksville, Mo. Pumroy also served laterdean ofthe nursing school. With nominees must have made outstanding
as head baseball coach atTruman four decades ofexperience in nursing contributions in a recognized Society
State (1992-00), leading the team to and nursing education, Westbrook was specialization whether in practice,
conference tournament appearances sworn in on March 26. The purpose research, development, administration or
in 1994, 1998 and 1999. He earned a ofthe board is to serve the citizens of education in the mapping sciences. The
bachelorofscience degree in exercise Louisiana by assuring that registered awards were presented in April at the
science from Truman State in 1992 and nurses in Louisiana are competent and ASPRS 2010Annual Conference in San
a masterofeducation degree in sports safe, Westbrook said. Diego.
administration from NSU in 1997. Mugnier graduated from
© Clifford J. Mugnier (1967) was Northwestern in 1967. He attended
© Sue Westbrook was chosen by one offour members oftheAmerican the U.S.A.F.Aeronautical Chart &
La. Governor Bobby Jindal as the Society for Photogrammetry and Information Center Professional
nursing education representative on the Remote Sensing to be named 2010 Cartographercourse in St. Louis where
Louisiana State Board ofNursing. A ASPRS Fellow Award winners. The hefirstjoined theAmerican Society of
native ofRaceland, Westbrook became ASPRS designation ofFellow is Photogrammetry in 1967. He is currently
a nurse aftergraduating from NSU and conferred on active Society members general managerofthe Photogrammetry
later returned to the public university who have performed exceptional service Division ofOwen & White, Inc.
system by becoming an instructorat in advancing the science and use of Consulting Engineers.
The 2010 Southland Conference champion NSU tennis team
posed with two NSU tennis legends, Vicki Sims Newsom of
Austin (1992) and Shayne Fitzwilliam Duke ofBoca Raton,
Fla., (1989) who flew in for the championship match. From
left are head coach Patric DuBois, Adna Curukovic, Ma-
rie Scriba, Kathrin Lange, Duke, Olga Bazhanova, Andrea
Nedorostova, Martina Rubesova, Bianca Schulz, Dragana
Colic and Newsom. The Lady Demons claimed the regular-
season championship on April 10 by winning at defending
champion Texas-Arlington.
I
.northwesternalumni.com AlumniColumnsSummer2010/ 7
Alumni News
Bright lights of Broadway shine on actor
Terry Lavell has worked on cruise ships,
overseas, regional theatre and in touring com-
panies, but there's only one place he really
wanted to be, on Broadway. The Northwestern
State graduate made his Broadway debut April
6, playing the role of Mercedes in the revival of
"La Cage Aux Folles."
The show received positive reviews in Lon-
don, where it was honored with the 2009 Olivier
Award for Best Musical Revival. The New York
production adds five-time Emmy Award winner
Kelsey Grammer, who will make his Broadway
debut. Music and lyrics are by Jerry Herman
with book by Harvey Fierstein.
"It's wonderful. I am having a fantastic time and am enjoying every minute ofit." said Lavell. who was
known asTerrence Daniels at NSU. "Tm taking it in day by day. A lifelong goal ofmine has been achieved.
1 can't believe it is happening."
Lavell, a 2000 graduate ofNorthwestern has worked steadily since graduation. He appeared in Tokyo
in "Starlight Jazz" and worked on cruise ships. He was in regional theater then appeared in national tours
ofHairspray and Smokey Joe's Cafe. Lavell also appeared in "Happy Life," "Sex and the City"and on the
"Dave Chapelle Show."
'After Northwestern, 1 felt 1 wasn't ready to move to NewYork, so I worked in Japan and in the cruise
industry," said Lavell. "Going to college helped me a lot. It ga\c mc a depth 1 wouldn't ha\e had."
Lavell said the four and a halfmonths he spent working in Star Light Jazz at Tokyo Disney was an expe-
rience he will never forget.
COE seeking nominations for New directors for the Foundation Board
Chief Rufus Davis and J. Wayne Wilkerson
Hall of Distinguished Educators ha\c joined ihe board of Directors of the NSU
Foundation.
Northwestern's College of Education Alumni Da\is wears many hats as businessman.
Advisory Board is seeking nominations for in\enter,historianandtribalchiefoftheAdai hidian
its Hall of Distinguished Educators for 2010. Nation.
Nominees must have graduated from NSU s An inno\ati\c thinker. Da\ is has receixed
patents for two renewable energy products, a
College of Education at least 30 years prior to
hydroelectric generator and a "street energy"
nomination. Inductees will participate in NSU product. Both are designed to harness natural
Homecoming activities in the fall. energy that can be recycled and used to power
If you know of an outstanding College of ctMiimunities.
Education alumnus who has had a distinguished Da\is hasbeena longtime supportotNSL and
career in education, send the nominee's resume is a memberofthe President's Council.
Wilkerson is a registered representati\e
and/or other documentation outlining the reason of FSC Securities in Alexandria. He earned his
for the nomination to NSU College of Education, undergraduate degree from NSU and graduate
c/o Faye Megason, Northwestern State degree from LSU. He was formerh employed
University, Natchitoches, LA 71497 Additional as executive vice president of Rapides Bank and
information is available by calling Megason at TArluesxta.ndrHiea,isinicnl\uodli\negdtihnemLainonyscCilvuibc.eCndheaamvboerrs oinf
[phone] or e-mailing megasonm@nsula. CommerceandAmerican RedCross. Ilealsoserxed
edu as director of the .Alexandria Girl Scout Council
.
The deadline for nominations is July 16. and was invoked with the Louisiana Bankers
Association and United Wa\ ofCentral Louisiana.
8 / AlumniColumnsSummer2010 Visit our websiteat: