Northwestern State University - Potpourri Yearbook (Natchitoches, LA)

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Natchitoches Northwestern: Tradition and The Northwestern State University campus is known as one of the most spacious and attractive campuses in the South. It is located in picturesque Natchitoches, known as the oldest per- manent settlement in the entire Louisi- ana Purchase Territory. Formerly the home of a major Indian tribe for which it was named, Natchitoches was forti- fied by the French in 1714 as an out- post of their New World empire. To date, there are many reminders of its colonial and antebellum heritage. Celebrating its 93rd anniversary this year. Northwestern is the oldest institu- tion under the jurisdiction of the Loui- siana State Board of Trustees for Col- leges and Universities. Sharing in tradi- tion and historical significance, Natchi- toches and Northwestern enjoy the rep- utation of warmth, charm and beauty. The main University campus extends over an area of almost 1,000 acres of rolling pine hills and rich river bottom land. The development of NSU over the decades has shown outstanding prog- ress and continuous growth. The growth of Northwestern is displayed in the increasing enrollment in the 1960 ' s and early 1970 ' s while stable enroll- ment continues in the mid-1970 ' s. More than $20 million in construc- tion over the years has transformed the NSU campus into a modernistic educa- tion center with broad academic offer- ings and extensive faculties for instruc- tion, research and involvement in cam- pus programs. Presently a $9 million athletic complex is taking shape on the NSU campus. The Harry Rags Tur- pin Stadium with its artificial turf seat- ing 15,000 fans was completed this year and is the second college or university football stadium in Louisiana to have artificial turf on its home field. Included in the complex is a 28.000- square-foot fieldhouse. Tartan surfac- ing for Prather Coliseum, a new track and track stadium, new tennis courts, and expansion and renovation of base- ball facilities. The unique $1.5 million student rec- reation complex that was planned and financed by the students is presently under construction. The first phase of the outdoor complex which included an Olympic-size pool and a pool serv- ice building, was completed this sum- mer. Other planned projects for the complex are tennis courts, golf course, golf and tennis pro shops, and picnic areas. Northwestern has shown its aca- demic leadership over the years with its extension programs in continuing edu- cation and by expansion of academic programs to include graduate, under- graduate and associate degrees in almost 100 areas of specialization. NSU offers bachelors, masters, special- ist, and doctor ' s degrees in addition to two-year associate programs. Pre-professional programs are offered in such areas as dentistry, engi- neering, forestry, law, medicine, opto- metry, pharmacy, physical therapy, speech pathology and veterinary medi- cine. Besides Northwestern ' s numerous auxiliary services and special pro- grams, the students of NSU may choose to participate in more than 90 organizations which hold campus char- 4 . . . Opening

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Contents Student Involvement 1 Opening Celebrity 17 Features Leadership 81 Administration People 113 Classes Frats and Friends 145 Greeks Sports Illustrated 169 Sports Clubs 233 Organizations Relating 295 Closing 303 Index 305 Opening ... 3

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Transition ters, some of them with national char- ters. Northwestern has gained a reputa- tion for educational, cultural and phys- ical development. Along with the advancement and development of the university, modern Natchitoches with a population of about 17,000 has developed a style all its own. Situated on the banks of beau- tiful Cane River, Chaplin and Sibley lakes, and in the heart of Louisiana ' s forest country, Natchitoches offers a real wonder for any outdoorsman. Reflections of the past can be found at such sites as the grave of the Unknown Confederate Soldier, Bayou Folk Museum (a tribute to the memory of Kate Chopin) and on the old brick Front Street where the annual Christ- mas Festival comes alive with a breath- taking display of fireworks and a maj- estic holiday lighting scene. The recently created Grand Ecore Amphi- theatre promises the excitement and fury of the past in the outdoor musical presentation, Louisiana Cavalier , staged every summer. Natchitoches and Northwestern, unlike any other places under the sun, are descriptive of color, charm, old and new. Opening ... 5