Nicholls State University - La Pirogue Yearbook (Thibodaux, LA)

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lmagine being a student in a country where the language is different, local customs and habits are strange, even the weather is unpredictable. These are the conditions many stu- dents from other nations find themselves in when they enroll at Nicholls. Each semester an international delega- tion from over 30 nations is represented on campus, Not only foreign students, but minority students sometimes have the problem of associating or feeling they have the opportunity to contribute to the entire university and its community. Two organizations worked to bring for- eign and minority students into the active range of the university, the International Students Club and Delta Alpha Kappa fraternity. Helping the students from other nations studying at Nicholls are the advi- sors whose backgrounds showcase the diversity of the group, An ROTC instructor from the Philip- pines, Capt. Poy Manibusan has been active with the group for several years. An assistant professor of foreign lan- guages, Mrs, Margarita Swetman is a native of Colombia, South America. Dr. G. G. Varvaro has added an Ameri- can influence to the club as an advisor too. Presentations were made at club meet- ings by students who told of their homes and customs. The homes range from Mexico to Colombia, Venezuela to Thailand. Dr. Michelle Francois, head of the Eco- nomics and Finance Department is a native of Guadeloupe, French West Indies. l O International Students The club and its members have also helped foreign students find places to stay during the semester breaks when the dorms are closed, Members also competed on the soccer team, a club sport at Nicholls, With the dissolving of the Air Force ROTC program at Nicholls, Capt. Mani- busan was transferred from Nicholls. Mrs. Swetman took over as chief advi- sor to the club, Several open houses were held for the foreign students and American stu- dents to meet and mingle together. Formed to help minority students on campus, Delta Alpha Kappa worked to give students a chance to feel part of a recognized organization. Helping to improve communications 'x International Students Club: first row seated: Sherry Garland, Teresita Escobar, Maria Arce and Mrs. Margarita Swetman, Second row: Alfonso Arce, Luis Londono, Jesus Roman and Jorge Mar- cano. Third row: Humberto Duque, Carlos Estela, Rosa Arce, Dr, Michelle Francois, Dr. G. G. Varvaro, Alberto Escobar, Rene Caraballo and Capt. Roy Manibusan, between its members and other minority students with the rest of the campus has been the long-range goal of the fraternity. ln observation of Black History Month, DAK joined with Alpha Phi Alpha and the Student Louisiana Education Association CSLEAJ for a series of displays, programs and discussions. The sound system of the Student Union played historical facts concerning black history for a day, while posters and displays were set up in the library. Several faculty members joined stu- N

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Service groups bring students together 2 D 3? Q , J if ' ev ' I t 6, fi A 1 i he i Rotaract Club: sitting: John Weimer, Jeff Roshto, Mary Rae Hudgins, Margaret Canafax, Lelia Ray, Ellen Hotard, Melissa Vicknair and Chris Diket. Standing: Buckley Kessler, Gene Gouax, Kenneth Hanley, Chris Waguespack, Michael Hanley, John Hanley, Remy Chiasson and Dean Ridley Gros. R013 I'3Cf Rotaract has brought the Thibodaux community and campus leaders from the various academic collegestogether to meet and exchange ideas and informa- tion on business. Sponsored by the Thibodaux Rotary Club, the group held a cocktail party for foreign students in the Century Club Room of John L. Guidry Stadium. This gave both the rotarlans and the foreign students a chance to meet on an individual basis. ln the spring, West-Brothers manager James Cooley was a guest speaker on shoplifting and its effect on business and the public. Karate Club: kneeling: Libby LeBlanc, Ronnie Abshire and John David. Standing: Rick McBride, Myron Fonseca, Chris Cantrelle and Mark Domin- que. Karate Club While students engaged in intramural basketball competition on the floor of Sto- pher Gym, the top levels were also busy. White-clad students stretched them- selves vvith difficult exercises then began hours of practice in the martial arts. Two evenings a week, the Karate Club met to sharpen their skills in Tae Kwon do. At the South Louisiana Open Karate Tournament in Morgan City, Chris Cant- relle won first place in the green-blue belt division in the kata form. Cantrelle also placed second in the same division for Kumite. ln the yellovv-orange belt division Libby LeBlanc placed third in Kumite. Karate Club 149

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A,X- ui: 1 , in il 11 lin' W sd, 1 u i 1 ,J ' -we dent leaders in a lecture presentation in the Student Union concerning black his- tainment Board in thetall. Bobby Turner also boosted the spirits ot the intercollegiate teams in his role of cheerleader. Officers are Clarence James, presi- dent, Bobby Turner, vice president, Rachael Borne, secretary, and Betty Brent, treasurer. Advisor to the group is Cora Corcell. mittee chairman tor the Student Enter- tory in terms ot business, education and religion. Many ot the members are also active in Alpha Phi Alpha, the black social Creek group on campus. Delta Alpha Kappa continued to con- tribute to the Nicholls campus. Clarence James served as dance com- Delta Alpha Kappa: first row: Clarence James, Cora Majors, Marilyn Baloney, Eric Davis, Wanda Williams, Daisy Brickley, Brenda Ellis and Bobby Turner, Second row: Ivins Clark, lwanda Lacey, Whitney Edmonds, Leontine Glynn, Kim Bailey and Catherine Mack. Third row: Pam Robinson, Kenneth Majors, Arthur Dillion, Rachael Borne, Jerome l-larrison, Carrie Ross and Betty Brent. Reaching out to minority and foreign students Delta Alpha Kappa 151