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NSU, SLCC agreement allows civil survey/mapping credits to transfer into UPSA program

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University and South Louisiana Community College in Lafayette formalized an agreement in which students who earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in civil survey and mapping from SLCC can transfer into NSU’s bachelor’s degree program in Unified Public Safety Administration with a concentration in GEO Computation.  

 The agreement will help students fulfill requirements to become civil surveyors without having to go out of state for credentials. UPSA classes are offered online so students are not limited by time or location.

 “This is an in-state opportunity for students,” said Dr. Jack Atherton, UPSA coordinator. “Louisiana state statute requires a bachelor’s degree for state licensure as a surveyor.  This concentration meets an identified workforce need.”

 Expertise in geomeasurement is important to public safety, Atherton said, and fulfills needs in several fields, such as civil engineering, construction, architecture and real estate.  NSU was able to bundle several existing UPSA course offerings to create the GEO Computation concentration.

 “Geo Computation has a direct connection to safeguarding life, health and property and promoting the public welfare. Louisiana, especially in coastal areas, has a significant subterranean infrastructure with pipelines and cables and knowing where they are is crucial.  Damage to petroleum fuel lines could be devastating,” Atherton said. “Because a portion of the statutory mandate for surveying in Louisiana is grounded in public safety, this fits perfectly in a public safety administration program.”  

 “This is a gold star day for students,” said Darcee Bex, SLCC’s dean of STEM, Transportation and Energy.  “It saves students time and money when they can transfer credit hours and is a great foundation for work in oil and gas, construction and transportation.”

 “Our students have an opportunity here that they’ve never had before,” said SLCC Chancellor Dr. Natalie Harder.  “They can move into a four-year degree online so it’s convenient for them.”

             “This could not have happened without the hard work of faculty at both institutions,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio.  “These agreements are for the end goal of helping our students.”  

              NSU’s UPSA degree program is housed in the Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences and equips graduates for careers in federal, state and local agencies.  In addition to Geo Computation, concentrations are available in law enforcement administration, fire and emergency medical service administration, emergency management administration and public facilities management.

             Two years ago, NSU and SLCC formalized a 2 + 2 agreement in which students who earn an associate degree in criminal justice can transfer those credits towards a four-year degree in criminal justice at NSU.

             Information on NSU’s Unified Public Safety Administration program can be accessed at https://nsu.la/BSinUPSA.  Atherton can be reached at [email protected].  

  NSU, SLCC Agreement:  

 An agreement between Northwestern State University and south Louisiana Community College will allow students who earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in civil survey and mapping from SLCC can transfer into NSU’s bachelor’s degree program in Unified Public Safety Administration with a concentration in GEO Computation.   Formalizing the agreement were, seated from left, Dr. Francene Lemoine, dean of NSU’s College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Greg Handel, NSU’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs;  NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio, SLCC Chancellor Dr. Natalie Harder, Dr. Vincent June, SLCC’s vice chancellor for Student Services, and Dr. Darcee Bex, SLCC’s dean of STEM, Transportation and Energy. Standing are Dr. Mark Melder, dean of NSU’s Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences; Dr. Jack Atherton, coordinator of NSU’s Unified Public Safety Administration program, and Michael O'Pry, instructor for Civil Survey and Mapping at SLCC. 

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Enrollment is open for Call Me MISTER program

NATCHITOCHES – Enrollment is open for the Call Me MISTER program at Northwestern State University, an initiative aimed at recruiting African American males to be teachers and mentors, particularly at low-performing schools. The first cohort of students will begin the program in the Fall 2020 semester.  

 Call me MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) was founded at Clemson University in 2000 to address the critical shortage of minority male teachers in America’s classrooms. Student participants are largely selected from underserved, socioeconomically disadvantaged and educationally at-risk communities.

 Northwestern State has a rich legacy of teacher preparation and is proud to partner with Clemson University to fulfill this goal, according to Ramona Wynder, program coordinator.

 “Only two percent of America's public school teachers are African American men, according to the U.S. Department of Education, but there is a place for African American male teachers in our schools and classrooms,” Wynder said.  “African American men need to be viewed in positive contexts. What better place for that to happen than in our schools?  This program has the potential to change lives.”

 Antavious Roberson is a 2018 graduate of Northwestern State and is currently the fourth and fifth grade math teacher at Crawford Elementary School in Arcadia, his hometown.  He said his students definitely react differently to him than peers because a young African American man teaching elementary school is not the norm.

 “Typically, students matriculate through grade school not ever seeing a male in the classroom,” Roberson said.  “They’re more conditioned to seeing them in administrative roles such as a principal. The impact that I have on my students is quite noticeable. My students are more engaged and motivated about the material that I present to them. They’re more eager to listen and do as they are asked.”

 Roberson chose to pursue education as a career because of the influence of two African American teachers.

 “Prior to my sophomore year of high school, I had never had a black male teacher. Being able to see someone that not only looked like me, but came from the same circumstances, influenced me a great deal to choose teaching as a profession.”

   Applications for Call me MISTER will be reviewed on a competitive basis each spring for consideration for cohorts that will begin each fall semester. Preference will be given to graduating high school seniors; two-year community college transfers; and first-year college freshmen. Eligible candidates will be selected based upon their potential for teaching and their motivation for participation in the program.

 Prospective Misters must be a minority male and come from an underserved, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and/or educationally at-risk community. They must major in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health & Physical Education or Music Education and demonstrate record of high scholastic achievement and participation in extra-curricular and community service activities.  

 Misters will benefit from financial assistance to help cover tuition and fees, instructional support and preparation for licensure exams, a cohort system for social and cultural support and leadership development.  They will gain immediate exposure to a classroom environment and job placement assistance after graduation.  

 “Research shows that teachers of color boost the academic performance of students of color,” Wynder said. “Increasing teacher diversity is important for closing achievement gaps.”

 “The people who have inspired me as a student, and as a teacher are Cynthia Mason, my fourth grade teacher; Christopher Jackson, my 10th grade English teacher, and Dr. April Giddens, NSU College of Education. Those three phenomenal people have all instilled in me what it means to be an educator, and I thank them for that,” Roberson said.

 “What I would tell my peers who are looking to pursue a career in education is to be the teacher or person that you needed when you were their age,” he added.  “The students are looking to find some part of themselves in you. They want to know that you care about them. Once you show them that you have their best interest at heart, they will perform for you.

 For more information or to enroll in Call Me MISTER, contact Wynder at [email protected] or [phone].  

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Alpha Phi Alpha holding toy drive for CASA children

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Theta Chi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is holding a toy drive to benefit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) children and will collect toys through Dec. 6 at several drop-off locations around Natchitoches.  This is the fraternity’s second annual Joy of Toys toy drive.

 Drop-off locations are at City Bank, 430 Keyser Ave.; All Tangled Up, 516 Front St.; CASA Central Louisiana, 1200 Keyser Ave.; Platinum Kuts Barbershop, 725 University Parkway, and the NSU Student Union Lobby, 350 Sam Sibley Dr.  

 CASA of Central Louisiana works to provide quality advocacy and a strong voice to abused and neglected children in Natchitoches, Red River and Sabine parishes.  Through recruitment, training and supervising volunteers, CASA serves as the eyes and ears of the judge in working collaboratively to ensure that each child’s best interest is met.

 “We are simply doing this project to give back to kids in the Natchitoches area that aren’t as blessed as others,” said Alpha Phi Alpha spokesman Jordan Aery.  

 For more information on the Joy of Toys toy drive, call [phone].

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Martha Hopewell of Alexandria, an Early Childhood Education major and member of Phi Mu Fraternity at Northwestern State University, organized a second service learning project for the Kappa Iota Chapter to collect school supplies to support the NSU Early Childhood Education Cradle to College project. The Cradle to College project is an initiative that focuses on remapping the Cradle to Prison pipeline to a Cradle to College pipeline by providing early literacy resources and familial support to local children. Donations of school supplies and books are always needed. To make a contribution, contact Dr. Michelle Brunson at [email protected].

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Gold Star Mom delivers powerful Veterans Day message

NATCHITOCHES – Gold Star Mom, author and ambassador for the American Warrior Initiative Karen Vaughn spoke to two groups at Northwestern State University on Veterans Day to share the story of her son, fallen U.S. Navy SEAL Aaron Vaughn, and inspire listeners to value freedom and live lives worthy of those who are willing to die to preserve that freedom.  

 Vaughn was the featured speaker first at NSU Elementary Lab School’s Veterans Day program, presented annually by the 4-H Club, which included a breakfast reception for veterans where youngsters greeted and talked with the honorees, many who are parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors of the students.  4-H Sponsor Lisa Wiggins said the reception gives students experience interacting with adults and learning their stories first-hand.  

 4-H club members then escorted veterans to the gymnasium where a student-led program for a capacity crowd included pictures of veterans and service members with Elementary Lab families and Vaughn’s speech in which she thanked those who serve for protecting and defending her freedom.

             “Freedom was never, is never free. It comes at a cost,” she said. “The greatest gift ever known to mankind is freedom.  The mission of my life is to share the cost of freedom with civilians.”

             Later in the day, Vaughn spoke to NSU students to share a message of sacrifice and service.  

             Aaron Vaughn knew from age 8 that he wanted to be a Navy SEAL.  Inspired by the actions of passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001, he enlisted and overcame many setbacks before achieving his goal.  On Aug. 6, 2011, he was killed in action in the Tangi River Valley of Afghanistan when a chopper carrying 30 Americans was shot down while flying into battle.  Since then, Vaughn authored the best-selling “World Changer: A Mother’s Story” and speaks around the country and on many platforms to talk about the principles of endurance and service.

             “Blood-stained boots paved the path to freedom,” she said. “Aaron loved his country and knew it was worth dying for. Think how fortunate you are to live in America.  We’ve had horrific moments in our country but because of freedom, we can fix it. The sacrifice for your freedom has been tremendous. Live a life worthy of that sacrifice.”

             Vaughn also serves with the non-profit her family started in honor and memory of Aaron Vaughn.  Her appearance at NSU was supported by President’s Leadership Program and Alpha Lambda Delta first year honor society.  

 Information on Vaughn is available at https://officialkarenvaughn.com.

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Honorary Captains recognized

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University recognized three service members as Honorary Captains for the Nov. 9 football game, continuing the university’s tradition of honoring those who serve in the U.S. military.  Saturday was Military Appreciation Night at NSU, with tributes to each branch of service. The Honorary Captains, Capt. Kimberly Crosby, Capt. Jeff Christensen and Master Sgt. Christopher Bolden, performed the coin toss and received certificates of recognition from Congressman Mike Johnson.

 Crosby is a 2012 Northwestern State graduate.  She commissioned through NSU’s ROTC Program in the Army Engineer Corps and currently serves as the S3, Operations Officer, for the 46th Engineer Battalion at Fort Polk.  Crosby is a Shreveport native and was accompanied by her cousin and current NSU student Makayla Harris.    

 Christensen is ROTC’s assistant professor of Military Science.  He has over nine years of active Army service with one rotation to Afghanistan.  Christensen was joined by wife Rosie and daughters, Brooklyn and Rachael, who attend Natchitoches Central High School.  The Christensen family hopes to remain in Natchitoches for several years before moving on to their next military assignment.

 Bolden is an iInfantryman with over 19 years of active Army service.  With eight deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, he brings over four years of combat experience to NSU’s ROTC program as the senior military instructor.  Bolden has been awarded the Soldier’s Medal and Purple Heart. His daughter, Jaycee, is a first grader at L.P. Vaughn Elementary School.

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Lasyone, Nungesser named HMT Hospitalitarians

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Hospitality Management and Tourism program honored Natchitoches chef/restaurateur Angela Lasyone and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser as the first inductees into the New Hall of Distinguished Hospitalitarians Friday.  

 The distinction acknowledges the contributions to Natchitoches cuisine, culture and tourism of the Lasyone family and Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, an institution in the state, and Nungesser’s many accomplishments in promoting Louisiana as a tourist destination, particularly Natchitoches and NSU.

 They were recognized during a reception hosted by NSU’s HMT department.  

             Lasyone earned a degree in business administration at NSU in 1986 and was a member of Phi Mu Fraternity. She has spent her career working in her family’s business that began as a meat market and evolved to become a landmark restaurant in north Louisiana and a catering business recognized throughout Louisiana and the U.S.  Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant marked its 52nd year in October. Their world-famous meat pies have drawn attention to Natchitoches through magazine and book articles, national and international newspapers features, radio and television highlights, appearing Southern Living, The New Yorker, Gourmet Magazine, Calvin Trillin’s Third Helpings book, The Houston Chronicle, Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, papers from France, Italy and Spain, On the Road with Charles Kuralt and Good Morning America.

             Angela Lasyone and her sister Tina have been strong supporters of NSU over the years and established two scholarships in memory of their parents, Jo Ann and James Lasyone, awarded to students seeking careers in travel/tourism and culinary arts.

             Lasyone said anyone in the restaurant business has to have a passion for the work.

             “The meat pie has been very, very good to us,” she said.  “You have to have a niche and this has been ours.”

 Nungesser is no stranger to NSU, having been instrumental in establishing the university’s partnership with the Louisiana Seafood Board in presenting NSU’s largest and most popular annual spring fund raiser, Flavor of Louisiana.  Nungesser has been especially effective in promoting Louisiana destinations and attractions above I-10, encouraging Louisiana residents to treat themselves to stay-cations in their home state.  

 “We are recognizing the lieutenant governor for many of his accomplishments, but primarily for what he has accomplished for northern Louisiana in terms of tourism, his strong dedication to Northwestern State University and his support of our program,” said Connie Jones, HMT coordinator.

              “I love this city and this university,” Nungesser said. “It’s the people here who welcome everyone like they are family.  The best asset in Louisiana tourism is you.”

 NSU’s HMT program is commemorating its 25th year om 2019.  Housed within the School of Business, the program offers a four-year degree with concentrations of study in travel and tourism, hospitality services and culinary arts. The program is integrated with other disciplines, including business, social sciences, communications and public relations.  

 “Our program is a leader here at NSU in experiential learning,” Jones said. “We have a café run by students twice a month and cater multiple functions every month for our program, our college and the university.”

 HMT’s mission statement is to foster a student-centered learning environment that empowers individuals and prepares them to be successful industry professionals.  Coursework throughout the degree program emphasizes experiential learning and service-based involvement.

 Nungesser said the hospitality and tourism industry is the fourth largest employer in Louisiana.

 “The number of visitors to our state is growing, and much of that can be attributed to the work of hospitality management programs at our universities,” Nungesser said.  “One of the most resonating themes I’ve heard from people who have visited Louisiana is about the way they were treated, that they didn’t feel like strangers but family. Nowhere else in the world does that happen but in Louisiana.”

 Information on Northwestern State’s Hospitality Management and Tourism program can be accessed at https://hmt.nsula.edu. 

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NSU will assist City of Many with historical museum

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University signed a cooperative agreement with the City of Many to provide advisory services to the Many Cultural District Committee in selecting and exhibiting historic photographs, artwork and other items to exhibit at Many’s Sabine Parish Historical Museum, the former Kansas City Southern Depot.

 Many Mayor Ken Freeman and City Councilwoman Mary Brocato represented the Committee in formalizing the agreement saying they hope NSU faculty and staff with expertise in regional history, culture and preservation will help organize, curate and exhibit the items to tell stories of the area and people who have lived there.  

 “The immediate mission of the Cultural Committee on this endeavor is to select and obtain appropriate items to carry out the theme of No Man’s Land or the neutral strip which encompassed all of Sabine Parish,” said Brocato, who is president of the Cultural District.  “We will also include exhibits on the significance of the railroad industry in Sabine Parish and exhibits on the history and culture of the parish.”

 Many’s Cultural District Committee has previously renovated and restored the old Sabine Theatre and converted it to the Many Community Center where free movies, music concerts, plays, and other cultural events are hosted. They also organized Book Nooks, mini free libraries for sharing books, around town.

             NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio said the partnership is another example of how Northwestern State enhances the cultural fabric of northwest Louisiana by providing resources to rural communities in the area.  

             “This agreement has great potential for students and faculty interested in learning about and sharing knowledge in history, social sciences, cultural studies, art, anthropology and other disciplines,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio.  “We look forward to working with the Many Cultural District Committee on this on-going project.”

             Information about Many’s Sabine Parish Historical Museum is available by contacting Brocato at [phone] or emailing [email protected].  

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Students pen notes of gratitude for Thank A Donor Day

About 300 Northwestern State University students and student-athletes, faculty and staff penned about 1,500 notes of appreciation to donors who contributed to the NSU Foundation and the Demons Unlimited Foundation during NSU’s fifth annual Thank-A-Donor Day.  Many of the students are scholarship recipients, who expressed gratitude because they are able to continue their education through the generosity of NSU supporters.

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Columns Cafe will serve French-themed meal Nov. 14

NATCHITOCHES – The Columns Café at Northwestern State University will serve a French-themed dinner from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 in Room 225 of the Family and Consumer Sciences Building.  

 The menu will begin with Chef’s Choice assorted charcuterie plate served with pickles and house made stone-ground mustard, Consommé Adéle as the soup du jour and a salad of watermelon gelée, crab and avocado Napoleon with tomato vinaigrette. The entrée will be duck confit with brie and caramelized apple lasagna layered between thinly sliced aubergine and Bechamel sauce topped with duck lyonnaise demi-glace.  Dessert will be poached pears with Gewerztraminer (aromatic wine) with Tahitian vanilla and ginger served with vanilla créme anglaise and a crisp.  Brioche with brown sugar lemon butter will be serve along with the meal.

 The price is $45.

 To register online visit nsu.la/ColumnsCafe111419.  For more information contact Landon Amberg at [phone] or [email protected].  

 The Columns Café is a hands-on outreach of the Hospitality Management and Tourism program that debuted last year that serves lunches and dinners on select dates. The Café is located in Room 225 of the Family and Consumer Sciences Building. Guests must purchase tickets in advance and seating is directed so that all seats are filled.

 The Columns Café is student-run with seasonal, locally sourced meals prepared in the culinary arts lab and served by students. The Café provides students with experiential learning in the logistics and teamwork required to plan, prepare and serve a formal dinner. All proceeds go towards support of HMT students and academic programming.

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Maggios host Ledet Coffee Club

Northwestern State University President and First Lady Dr. Chris and Jennifer Maggio hosted the Walter Ledet Coffee Club for breakfast Thursday to share information on projects in which the university is currently engaged and initiatives that are on the horizon.  The Coffee Club is comprised of about 35 retired gentlemen who meet daily for coffee, fellowship and discussion of news and current events.  Many have ties to NSU as alumni or as retired coaches, faculty and/or administrators.  The Coffee Club began 25 years ago when the late Walter Ledet, a long-time coach and administrator at NSU, encouraged his friends and fellow retirees to meet regularly to stay active and engaged with NSU and the Natchitoches community.  The Coffee Club, which usually meets at Merci Beaucoup, often invites guests to speak to the group on civic or community matters and is annually treated to breakfast at NSU.

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NSU will host reception for Briarwood Foundation Nov. 14

NATCHITOCHES – The Cammie G. Henry Research Center at Northwestern State University will host a reception to share information about the recovery process that has taken place since Briarwood Nature Preserve was struck by an EF1 tornado on May 8. The reception will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 on the third floor of NSU’s Eugene P. Watson Memorial Library.  

 The May tornado caused extensive property damage at Briarwood, birthplace and home of the late writer and naturalist Caroline Dormon. Major efforts have been taken to begin the repair and recovery process and the public’s help is still needed.  Photographs of the recovery will be on display and members of the Caroline Dormon Foundation will be on hand to share more information as they seek help in restoring the southern landmark and preserving Dormon’s work. Photographs of Dormon and her arkwork will also be on exhibit.

 Briarwood is located near Saline.  The Dormon Foundation maintain the area, carrying on the Dormon’s work of preserving native flora and educating the public about the natural forest ecosystem of Louisiana.  The preserve is temporarily closed while preservationists work to repair trails and buildings damaged last spring. Among the surviving trees is “Grandpappy,” a longleaf pine recently measured and named Louisiana’s new state champion longleaf pine.  

 The Cammie G. Research Center holds the Caroline Dormon Collection that includes correspondence, photographs, drawings, writings and maps relating to Dormon’s work in establishing Kisatchie National Forest,  identifying Spanish Explorer Hernando DeSoto’s route when she worked with the DeSoto Commission, chronicling and identifying irises, wild flowers, plants and trees and her research with Louisiana Native Americans.  The Cammie G. Henry Research Center also holds materials related to Caroline Dormon in the Melrose and Federal Writer’s Collections.

 For information about the reception, contact NSU Archivist Mary Linn Wernet at [email protected].  Information about Briarwood can be found at http://www.briarwoodnp.org/.

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Pi Kappa Phi breaks ground on new fraternity house

NATCHITOCHES – The Beta Omicron Pi chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Northwestern State University broke ground on a new fraternity house with active members, alumni, friends and NSU administrators joining the occasion, held in conjunction with Homecoming festivities.

 The new house will be located on NSU’s Organization Row with an expected completion date of July 2020.

 “This is a red letter day for Pi Kappa Phi Beta Omicron chapter,” said David Morgan, a 1973 NSU grad and long-time supporter of the fraternity and the university.  

 Tudor Construction is the contractor for the 5,300-square-foot house, which will cost an estimated $1,100,000, funded by Pi Kappa Phi alumni donations and Sabine State Bank.  The house will feature 12 single bedrooms, four study lounges, a large meeting room, den, full laundry and a kitchen.

 NSU’s Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi was an outgrowth of Phi Kappa Nu Fraternity founded in the 1920s at Louisiana State Normal College, as NSU was then known.  Pi Kappa Nu became part of Pi Kappa Phi is 1956.  Jack McCain of Natchitoches was president at the time and was initiated as member Number One.  The chapter was reorganized in 2000 and, with assistance from alumni, purchased a house on University Parkway.  

 “Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Omicron Chapter is the oldest fraternity at Northwestern State, dating back to 1956,” said Wes Breeden, alumni board president.  “Over the years, Pi Kappa Phi has attracted some of the very best students on campus who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field and in numerous elected organizational positions while at NSU. Once they graduated from our institution, many contributed Pi Kappa Phi as an instrumental building block to their post college success.”

 Breeden said the chapter’s alumni have not only provided members with financial support through scholarships but have also mentored students active in the organization.

 “This type of service work has earned the Pi Kappa Phi’s Beta Omicron Alumni Association the top alumni chapter award from its national fraternity about a dozen times over the last 19 years,” Breeden added. “The alumni chapter believes that building the new Pi Kappa Phi house is the next step in helping our active chapter continue to grow as well as help secure its future for many years to come.”

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First Lady, student volunteers support literacy at local school

Northwestern State University First Lady Jennifer Maggio read to second graders at L.P. Vaughn Monday as part of her on-going service initiative Forks Up for Literacy.  Following a long career as a teacher and school administrator, Maggio has actively encouraged student groups and others to assist with needs in the community, particularly with literacy and mentoring. In the third year of her service initiative, Maggio and NSU students have been volunteering in the library at L.P. Vaughn Elementary to help Librarian Rachel Lyddy and be positive role models for the youngsters.

Bailey McConnell of Natchitoches, a freshman nursing major at Northwestern State University, is one of several student volunteers participating in NSU First Lady Jennifer Maggio’s child literacy initiative.  NSU students from the President’s Leadership Program and other student organizations volunteer in the library at L.P. Vaughn Elementary where they read to youngsters, help in reading centers, organize books and sort items for fund raisers.  

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Author, Navy SEAL mother Karen Vaughn will speak Veterans Day

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s President’s Leadership Program will host a Veterans Day program at noon Monday, Nov. 11 in the NSU TV Studio in Kyser Hall.  The program will feature best-selling author Karen Vaughn as keynote speaker.  

 Vaughn is the mother of fallen U.S. Navy SEAL Aaron Carson Vaughn (SEAL Team VI).  Vaughn will share the story of her son having a dream he never gave up on, becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL.  She will speak of his experience, teaching the principles of endurance, as well as “understanding and living up to your purpose and potential.”  Her goal is to make average citizens fully understand the sacrifices made on their behalf and encouraging them to live lives worthy of what’s been given on their behalf.  Her program is titled “Honor the Sacrifice:  Principles on Living Lives that Really Matter.” 

 Carrying on Aaron Vaughn’s legacy has brought Vaughn, a Gold Star mother, through the halls of Congress, into private meetings with Presidents Bush, Obama and Trump, into two national press conferences and onto dozens of national television sets, including CNN, NNBC, MSNBC, Fox News Channel and more. In 2017 she became the bestselling author of “World Changer:  A Mother’s Story.”

 The program is open to faculty, staff and students.  Local veterans are also invited to attend.

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Columns Cafe will serve lunch Wednesday, Nov. 6

NATCHITOCHES – The Columns Café at Northwestern State University will serve lunch from noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Room 225 Family and Consumer Sciences Building.  To-go service is also available.  

 This month’s lunch menu includes a shrimp taco plate with black beans and Mexican rice, chips and salsa and sopapilla cheesecake for dessert.  Tea and water are included. The price is $15.

             To purchase tickets visit https://nsulahmt.eventbrite.com or contact Landon Amberg at [phone] or [email protected] to place a to-go order.

 The Columns Café is a hands-on outreach of the Hospitality Management and Tourism program that is open for lunch and dinner on selected dates. Guests must purchase tickets in advance and seating is directed so that all seats are filled. The Café is student-run with seasonal, locally-sourced meals prepared in the culinary arts lab and served by students.

 For more information, contact Amberg at [phone] or [email protected].  

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Demon Rowing Crew will host regatta on Cane River Nov. 9

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Demon Rowing Crew will host a regatta in downtown Natchitoches on Saturday, Nov. 9. The public is invited to watch the 5K races.

 Teams will launch from the downtown riverbank and row to the north end of Cane River Lake for the starting lineup. Crews will race down from the north dam to the finish line near Beau Jardin.  

 Races will begin at 8 a.m.  

 Cane River will be closed to boat traffic from the north dam to the Church Street Bridge, including the Washington Street boat launch. South of the downtown area to the South Dam will remain open to all types of navigation.  All other landings will remain open.

 Crews from Rice University, Wichita State, Tulane University and several junior programs from Dallas, Houston and Tulsa are registered to participate.

 For more information, contact Jason Stelly, Demon Crew coach, at [email protected].