.agazi J ,^ ^ 7ikr[-^ u 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:318-357-4225 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 (318) 357-6278 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: