By Kevin Shannahan

Coaches and athletic trainers from Northwestern State University’s various sports were joined by their colleagues from the parish’s public schools this Friday, Aug. 12 for a presentation and panel discussion titled “Concussion in Football: An Update.” The panel discussion was chaired by Lennis Watson, Lead Athletic Trainer at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.

The featured speaker was world renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Julian Bailes, Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at Northshore University Health System and Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Chicago Pritzer School of Medicine. Dr. Bailes is a Natchitoches native who played football for two seasons at NSU and went on to graduate from LSU and LSU Medical School. He is a pioneering expert in the area of concussions, their treatment and prevention. Dr. Bailes was joined on the panel by Doctors Stokes, Knecht and Kautz of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and Tommy Dean.

A concussion results from motion of the brain inside the skull due to a blow or sudden stop, such as a helmet-to-helmet hit. The brain literally bounces back and forth inside the skull. This stretches and strains neurons and fibers. Dr. Bailes stated that about 90 percent of concussions do not result in loss of consciousness, making them more difficult to detect. Symptoms include “seeing stars,” confusion and “being in a fog.”

A concussion is a temporary disruption of normal brain function. Dr. Bailes pointed out that it is extremely important that a person suffering from a concussion be symptom free before being allowed to gradually resume playing. This rest period also includes reading and avoiding any “screen time” as the brain needs a chance to rest. A subsequent injury before healing makes damage much more likely.

While the presentation was centered around football, the presenters pointed out that athletes of both sexes and every sport run the risk of concussions and therefore coaches of all sports need to be aware of them. Due to the nature of how concussions occur, there can be no such thing as a “concussion-proof” helmet. The answer lies in awareness, proper coaching and prevention.

The presentation was sponsored by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center as part of their Sports Medicine Program at each school in the parish. Lennis Watson leads a team of volunteer student athletic trainers and physicians who, along with an ambulance, are on the sidelines at every home football game.

BOM Branch Manager and Loan Officer Gretchen Dauzat is an Independent Community Bankers of America Lead FWD Summit Scholarship recipient. The scholarship, presented by the Louisiana Banker’s Association, provides attendance to ICBA’s Lead FWD Summit next month in Denver. The national event promotes education and innovation in the community banking industry.

Dauzat has been with BOM for six years and works in the Washington Street branch in Natchitoches.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The NSU Lady Demon Volleyball team did not let rainy weather stop them as they moved their fourth annual Demon Digfest indoors to Prather Colosseum. The popular fall and spring fundraiser was held Saturday, Aug. 13 and featured 12 teams from the community, friends and family in a fun filled tournament. This fundraiser is expected to raise $1,500 for practice equipment and extras while traveling for away matches. The Lady Demons invite everyone to their first home match Aug. 31 against the UL Monroe Warhawks.

St. Mary’s will hold its Steak Supper Scrimmage Friday, Aug. 19 against Rosepine. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, Aug. 15. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by contacting the office at 352-8394.

This year’s event will feature a blue/white inter-squad scrimmage with the 3rd-6th grade Tiger football team at 5:30 p.m, followed by the St. Mary’s Junior High team playing Natchitoches Junior High-Frankie Ray Jackson at 6:30 p.m. and the Varsity Football Team playing at 7:30 p.m. against Rosepine under the new stadium lights.

An All-Sports Pass that includes a steak supper or a steak supper ticket will include entrance into the scrimmage. Otherwise, the cost is $5 at the gate. Attached are forms to purchase Tiger Athletic Association Packages and Steak Supper Tickets.

Forms and money can be dropped off at the school Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

A LA CART ITEMS (1)

BLUE TIGER (1)

WHITE TIGER (2)

BIG TIGER (1)

SUPER TIGER (3)

Northwestern State University students affected by flooding in south Louisiana will have extended time for fee payment for the Fall 2016 semester, according to NSU President Dr. Jim Henderson.
“We want to reassure our students who may be flooded out of their homes that they will have extra time to complete fee payment, but they should contact the university to communicate with us about their situation when they are able to do so,” Henderson said. “Right now, we want our students to be free to focus on their safety, family and recovery.”

Students with questions or concerns should contact Dawn Eubanks, assosicate bursar in the Student Services Center, at (318) 357-5055 or email dking@nsula.edu.

The fall semester is upon us and students will arrive on Northwestern State University’s campus for Move-In Day Saturday, Aug. 20.

It’s one of the most exciting days for new students and their families. Move-in will be held from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Natchitoches community is encouraged to come out and contribute towards these new students’ move-in experience. Community participation will provide the perfect opportunity for students to make connections with civic groups, service organizations, churches, financial institutions, restaurants and area businesses.

It’s also an opportunity for those who volunteer to share information on services and resources with the new students and their families. NSU encourages volunteers to pass out water, popsicles, energy snacks and information about the services each group provides. It is also encouraged to show Demon pride by wearing NSU t-shirts. Volunteers are needed to cover the following shifts:

7-9 a.m.
8-10 a.m.
9-11 a.m.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

To sign up to participate email Reatha Cox, director of first year experience, at coxr@nsula.edu.

Cane River National Heritage Area hosted a lunch and learn lecture titled, “Smothered, Fried & Baked: A Discussion on Cane River Cooking Traditions with Connie Jones” Friday, Aug. 12 at the Grand Ecore Visitor Center.

A licensed nutritionist and Assistant Professor at NSU, Jones moved to Natchitoches 24 years ago from Wisconsin. Ready to taste just about every food that comes her way, she has an amazing mother-in-law, Dottie May Monette Conant of Cloutierville, who taught her how to make meat pies; 1,200 at a time.

Jones discussed foods and cooking techniques that make Cane River cuisine stand out amongst traditional southern foods.

According to Jones, food is the heart and soul of the family; it’s what keeps it together. Families on Cane River have a vested interest in the history, food and culture, and appreciate their ancestors.

Often recipes are shared orally, so Jones said words can get changed. Her mother-in-law “keels” dough, although Jones suspects the word was originally “knead” and got changed in translation somewhere.

“This is why food in the Cane River region remains so good,” said Jones. “Our recipes have been passed down with a lot of reverence.”

Natchitoches Parish 4-H provided breakfast Aug. 8 for school principals and assistant principals to show its appreciation for all of their hard work throughout the school year. The event was held at Lasyone’s and served about 30 school administrators, including Superintendent Dale Skinner. State 4-H President Jill Wiltz and SET Board President Kate Dickson spoke to the principals about how 4-H has impacted their lives and the opportunities it has provided.

 

The Natchitoches Genealogical & Historical Association opens its new program year Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. at the NGHA Genealogy Library, inside the old Natchitoches Parish Courthouse Building at 600 Second Street. The speaker will be Dr. Pete Gregory, Professor of Anthropology at Northwestern State University. Dr. Gregory, who has been teaching at NSU since 1961, will offer helpful information on how to research Native American ancestors. He has been involved with Native American research for over 50 years. He grew up in Concordia Parish near the Poverty Point Indian mounds and has had an interest in Native Americans since his childhood.

The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information please call 318-357-2235.

Contestants sought for Miss Merry Christmas and Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageants

Contestants are being sought for the 2016 Natchitoches Queens Scholarship Program to be held Sunday, September 11, 2016 at the Natchitoches Events Center. The Natchitoches Queens Scholarship Program includes the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant as well as the Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant. Both events will be held at the Natchitoches Events Center on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. The deadline to enter either pageant is Friday, August 26, 2016.

The Miss Merry Christmas Pageant is open to young ladies who will be enrolled in the twelfth grade in a Natchitoches Parish high school. Participants compete in scholastic achievement, interview, eveningwear and onstage question. The winner will be crowned Miss Merry Christmas and will receive a NSU tuition scholarship, cash scholarship and other prizes and awards.  Christmas Belles will also be selected from the pageant. Miss Merry Christmas will serve as the official hostess of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival.  She and the Christmas Belles will represent Natchitoches at various events throughout the holiday season.

The Miss Natchitoches Teen Pageant is open to young ladies who will be enrolled in grades 9-11 in a Natchitoches Parish school. Participants compete in scholastic achievement, interview, sportswear, eveningwear and onstage question. The winner will receive a cash scholarship and other prizes and is eligible to compete in the Miss Louisiana Teen Princess Pageant in summer 2017.

There is a $75 entry fee to enter either the Miss Merry Christmas or Miss Natchitoches Teen pageants. Applications can be picked up at the Natchitoches Main Street Office Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. There must be at least 10 girls entered in each pageant for the pageants to take place.

All applications and entry fees for both pageants must be returned to the Main Street Office at 781 Front Street, Natchitoches, no later than Friday, August 26, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.  For more information, please contact Samantha Bonnette at (318) 352-2746.

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts recognized a member of its staff as the 2016 Outstanding School Support Employee during the first day of in-service held Monday, Aug. 8.

Erin King came to LSMSA in 2009 as an assistant administrator in the Outreach and Admissions Office. She served in two other support specialist posts before becoming the administrative assistant to the executive director in January 2012.

“Erin has given so much of herself to the school and its faculty, staff and students,” said Dr. Steve Horton, executive director. “This award is only a small representation of the gratitude and respect the school has for her abilities. I am really proud of all Erin has accomplished both personally and professionally.

“I look forward to working with her over the next year.”

Her responsibilities include coordinating recycling, working with Parents Council as school liaison, coordinating the matriculation, ring and senior recognition ceremonies and commencement, editing the weekly LSMSA bulletin and assisting as a computer troubleshooter.

In the fall of 2015, she earned her Master of Education degree in school counseling from Northwestern State University.

She also juggled two positions in the fall of 2015. She was a nonpaid counseling intern at LP Vaughn Elementary while also serving as the assistant to the executive director.
In the spring of 2016, she earned the National Certified Counselor licensure and is pursuing licensure as a licensed professional counselor.

“I am honored to be the recipient of the Outstanding School Support Employee award for the 2015-16 school year,” said King. “I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and support from the faculty and staff and am thankful to be a part of the LSMSA family.”

By Kevin Shannahan

The St. Mary’s Tigers started the upcoming school year with two open houses and registration sessions held Tuesday, Aug. 9 and Thursday Aug. 11. The first one was for grades 7-12 while Thursday’s was for the younger set, pre-k to grade 6.

At each session, fourth year principal Jacque Horton welcomed 54 new families to the 390 student pre-k to 12 school and introduced each faculty and staff member to the students and parents. The St. Mary’s family also welcomed its new Chancellor Fr. Blake Deshautelle, who also serves as the new pastor of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Associate pastor Fr. Brian Seiler is returning to Natchitoches in a somewhat different capacity as he previously worked in the NSU Demon Sports Information Department staff from 2004 to 2009 before entering the priesthood.

The high school session ended with a student council “fashion show” in which council members demonstrated various right, and some creatively wrong, ways to wear their uniforms. Parents then went on to register for classes.

St. Mary’s offers a dual enrollment option in co-operation with NSU in which high school students can earn college credit in advanced math, english, world history and speech. In addition to their well known athletic, danceline and cheerleading programs, the school offers a quiz bowl team, 4-H, FCA, National honor society, pro-life and student council.

Nine faculty in the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University will receive endowed professorships for the 2016-17 academic year.

Those receiving the professorships are J. Mark Thompson, Leah Forsyth, Magale Endowed Professorship, Corey Trahan, Francis Yang, Prince Endowed Professorship in Music, Nicholaus Cummins, Prince Endowed Professorship in Voice, Jeffrey Mathews, Dennette McDermott, Alford Memorial Endowed Professorship in Music, Phyllis Lear, Leslie Gruesbeck, Derby Endowed Professorship in Creative and Performing Arts.

Thompson is exploring several opportunities to enhance the trombone and low brass studio. This is likely to involve travel to and participation in one or more trombone and/or low brass conferences.

Forsyth will be using the professorship to travel with the oboe/sax duo, “Three Reeds Duo” on a CD release tour to Tennessee and Ohio in September. Leah Forsyth and Paul Forsyth will release their first CD, “Signals Cross” this summer.

Trahan completed a teaching internship at Germany’s International Performing Institute. He was mentored by Maryann Kyle, Bruce Earnest and a number of internationally recognized musical theatre pedagogues and performers. Trahan was joined by recent NSU alumnae Alexia Mullally, Holli Conway and Hally Lambert who will participate in the program. The experience culminated in Vienna, Austria for a week of auditioning for agents and companies that hire Americans to perform Broadway shows in Europe.

Yang will be a participant at the Golandsky Institutes’ Summer Symposium at Princeton University, where he will be researching the findings of piano pedagogue Dorothy Taubman, through lectures, clinics, and masterclasses. Taubman’s teachings advocate effortless and brilliant piano technique.

Cummins commissioned Dr. Michael Trotta to write a set of choral works for the Northwestern State Chamber Choir to be performed and premiered in March 2017. The selected texts will be by poet Sara Teasdale and will be part of a recording project that we will eventually put onto iTunes. This will be a concert, residency and commission with Trotta working with our choirs and hopefully area high school choirs as well.

Mathews will be traveling to Manchester, England to serve as guest conductor of the Royal Northern College Music Wind Orchestra. The one- week residency will consist of rehearsals with the ensemble in preparation for a recording session that serves as the capstone event. The product of the professorship is a complete CD of entirely new works for the wind band medium. This is the fourth consecutive year Mathews has been asked by Studio Music Publishing and the RNCM to serve in this role.

McDermott plans to attend the Twin Cities Baroque Music Festival, where she will continue advanced studies of baroque flute and dance. At the Festival, McDermott will study with flutists, Wilbert Hazelzet of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and professor at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.

Lear will continue empirical research on baked clay objects (PPOs) from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Poverty Point. The PPOs excavated at affiliate sites in Mississippi will be examined and analyzed. Student research assistants will participate in the examination of PPOs, thus gaining a working knowledge of what empirical research entails. The students will be encouraged to develop research papers to be presented during NSU Research Day.

Gruesbeck will continue her studies at the Royal School of Needlework, the international center of excellence for the art of hand-embroidery. These studies will enhance the offerings of the Fiber Arts courses in the Department of Fine and Graphic Arts.

LP Vaughn faculty welcomed parents of students from Parks Elementary to its Open House Aug. 11. “We’ve successfully merged and the first two days of school have been great,” said Principal Kristie Irchirl.

Assistant Principal Trisha Weaver started her 20th year in education at LP Vaughn. She’s been primarily involved in Title 1 programming, which is the federal funding the schools get based on the number of low income students enrolled. The purpose of this programming is so all students can have access to an education.

With the merging of the two schools, LP Vaughn now have four computer labs and they’re upgrading the technology in the classrooms. The administration plans on focusing on literacy this year. Students that are good readers do well in all of their subjects.

Music and band teacher Danny Von Kanel spoke to parents about the LP Vaughn’s School of Fine Arts. Students at Vaughn will be eligible for $150 scholarships.

A 5K Walk/Run will be held Nov. 19 to raise money for the Fine Arts program.

The Northwestern State University Music Academy will begin its third year Monday, Aug. 22. The academy is under the direction of Northwestern State music faculty Dr. Christine Allen and Dr. Francis Yang and offers piano and guitar lessons for area students in pre-K through 12th grade.

A new initiative this year is group piano lessons which will be offered to beginning students. Yang said this allows students to learn together in the group piano lab and can serve as a stepping stone to private lessons.

Graduate music majors Robyn Tan and Melissa Quek will teach piano. Orlando Enrique Gonzalez will teach guitar.

Last year, academy students performed in a Christmas concert and a spring recital. Some students participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival and the Central Music Teachers’ Association Sonatina Festival.

State Rep. Kenny Cox presented a $500 scholarship to La’Kyn Besant Aug. 11. Besant, a Natchitoches native and NSU student, graduated from Natchitoches Central High School. Cox received the scholarship money from the Legislative Black Caucus and chose to give to to Besant because she chose to stay in Natchitoches to further her education. NSU is Cox’s alma mater.

Not in the Bo Derek sense of the numeral, though.

On a scale of 1-10, Thomas said he couldn’t be more convinced that his fourth Demon squad is poised to surprise pollsters who tabbed NSU for a middle of the pack finish in the 11-team Southland Conference race.

“Oh, it’s a 10, all the way. I’m very confident about where this team is heading. We want to start strong. That’s the key, we’ve got to be able to get out of the gate fast,” he said. “We need to take care of our business. We’re a lot better positioned to do that this season than last.”

Last year is stuck in the craw of the 10 senior players who spoke Wednesday during the annual Fall Sports Media Day luncheon in the Stroud Room of the athletic fieldhouse. The Demons, facing a demanding early slate, dropped their first five games, then rebounded to win four of the last six, losing only to playoff entries McNeese and Sam Houston State.

“We did start badly last year. We weren’t playing well, so talking to Coach (Daryl) Daye (the defensive coordinator), we said, what can we do better as a unit to get this thing kick-started. We were able to figure it out and got on a nice run in the second half of the season,” said senior safety Darius Poullard.

“We had a great spring. Now we are working to turn it into a great fall, and I like the direction we’re going,” he said. “The best thing for this defense is having Coach Daye back for a second year. We’re really comfortable being two years into his defense. We can hear the calls at night when we’re sleeping.”

Senior offensive guard Terrance Boyd said the Demons are short-sighted by design.

“We got caught up looking too far ahead last season. We are only looking toward Sept. 2 at Baylor right now. The focus is getting better tomorrow than we are today,” he said. “It’s about how we handle our business, completely.”

For one of the senior speakers, wearing a purple jersey and speaking to media covering the Demons was a new experience. Graduate transfer quarterback Brooks Haack started 13 games and played in 21 over three seasons at UL Lafayette.

He’s very impressed at what he’s seen since arriving on campus and beginning workouts in January.

“Everywhere you look, there are weapons,” said Haack. “Two guys coming back at receiver (Shakeir Ryan, Tuff McClain) who can really make plays down the field and have done so in their careers here, very, very reliable guys. The stable of running backs we have – we don’t just have 1-2 guys, we have three great breakaway backs and others who add to the mix. I can’t say enough about the offensive line and the work those guys do. It’s a well-collected unit.”

The Demons worked out for two hours Wednesday morning. Thursday at 8:30, they pull on full pads for the first time in preseason camp, and begin aiming for the first major scrimmage Saturday morning in Turpin Stadium.
A light evening workout is slated Thursday evening at 7, the first two-a-day of four this month.

By Natalie Covher

The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches met Thursday, Aug. 11 at the NSU Recreation Complex. The club was excited to announce that they will induct two new members at its annual Awards Banquet Thursday, Sept. 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Events Center.

Dion Boyette decided to do something fun and different at this meeting. He tossed a ball of string into the crowd. As the ball of string was tossed from member to member it wove a web across the room. When a member received the ball they were asked a question about themselves.

“Now that everyone has caught the ball look around,” said Boyette. “We are all connected and that is what Kiwanis is about. The web we have created is unique just like our chapter.”

Many members just returned from a district Kiwanis conference in Shreveport. Lacarsha Babers, Dion Boyette, Nettles Brown and Richard Rose all shared how the conference benefited them.

Boyette encouraged every member of Kiwanis to be at the next meeting and bring guests. He said this is when they plan to unroll a major change for the club.

“This is a change we are going to have to vote on,” said Boyette. “We will talk about it three times and then cast our votes. I encourage everyone to embraces the change.”

Carrie Hough reminded the club about “Burke Bash: A Roast, Toast and Boast” set for Aug. 20 from 6-9 p.m. at Prather Coliseum.

Greg “Burkey Lurkey” Burke reminded the club about DigFest Saturday, Aug. 13 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Point Place Marina. There will be hamburgers and hotdogs for donations.

I was an underachieving little hellion.

I know that in the Baptist church they drew lots to see who would have me in their Sunday school class each year. I was the kid that teachers prayed to be absent. A Sunday school teacher could have a lesson planned about the Hebrews wandering in the wilderness and before it was over the Hebrews had fallen victim to a John Wayne shoot out at High noon with the Philistines and the teacher would be in prayer in the corner of the room about their eternal salvation. I caused more than one Baptist Sunday school teacher to quit and join the Methodist church!

Elementary school was no different. Recess was the only thing I liked about school. It was the only thing that made sense. At recess there was a ball and you kicked the ball and then you ran. The only reason to go inside was that Cindy Stinson was inside on the second row. All the boys loved Cindy. On Valentine’s Day, she received real Valentines cards and candy. All the boys wanted to attract Cindy’s attention. What better way of attracting attention than a little classroom destruction? Standing in the corner in the front of the room meant you were closer to Cindy. I am an expert at standing in the corner and slapping chalk board erasers together. In my early experience, staying after school happened almost daily.

I was that kid. In the third grade, my dog Missy and another dog hooked up in the backyard for canine love. A couple of months later I put two and two together and explained to my third grade class during show and tell where puppies came from. I was banned from further expressions of show and tell.

I would talk in class. I would not follow directions. I rarely colored within the lines. These notable traits have followed me into adulthood.

I was frustrating to my mom and to my teachers. My report cards indicated a child who was not inspired by the academic process. It pointed to a child who was not putting forth much effort except in the area of disruption.

My fourth grade teacher was Mrs. Sarah Napps. I must have caught her in the twilight of her career because in the 1930’s she taught my uncle and my mother. She was also my mother’s piano teacher. For some reason I took a shine to Mrs. Napps. Maybe it was the mythical stories of her teaching prowess I heard from my mother, maybe it was her grandmother demeanor. But in the fourth grade I discovered the rudiments of self-control.

One afternoon Mrs. Napps and my mom were meeting for a parent-teacher conference. I was invited in to the room. Mrs. Napps said to me, “You are a smart young man. I think you can do much better in school. I expect you to do much better. You have made some progress and I am proud of you. Still I want you to work harder and I know your grades will improve.” All I took from that meeting was that Mrs. Napps believed in me.

Sarah Napps changed my life. Not that I became a scholarly saint immediately, but her words righted the ship and pointed me in the right direction.

The academic adventure called school has begun for most of students. I am praying for our teachers especially the ones who must deal with “that child.” I am praying that they would have patience and wisdom and that they would place on their students high expectations for behavior and learning. I believe that children live up to or down to the expectations that significant persons in their lives place on them.

My life was changed by a teacher. The stories I like best about Jesus are the ones that begin with, “Teacher…”

A Ribbon Cutting was held Aug. 11 for Nicole’s Creative Flowers, a new business on South Drive. Owners Nicole and Donnie Ezernack moved their store and family from Many to join the Natchitoches business community and the Chamber of Commerce. Their business operated in Many for 4 years.

 

Ross Williams Park is getting a makeover thanks to several grants secured by the City of Natchitoches. The park, located at 1401 Dean Street in Natchitoches in the heart of the Bailey Heights community, will see enhancements such as a basketball court, toddler play pod, fitness cluster and covered pavilion.

“The overall improvements to Ross Williams Park will benefit a wide range of ages from toddlers to senior citizens,” stated Dallas Russell, Community Programs Manager for the City of Natchitoches. “The goal of the improved park is to make it accessible and welcoming for all ages.”

Ross Williams Park currently has a small playground area and picnic table. The planned improvements will enhance the park by providing a walking track for those wanting to stay fit, a basketball court for youth, and a covered pavilion for community functions. Updated playground equipment in the form of a toddler play pod and fitness cluster will provide fun and exciting play opportunities for children under the age of 12.

“We are excited about the new park improvements and feel this will be great for our community,” stated Johnny Barnes, President of the Concerned Citizens Association for the Bailey Height Community. “We want our neighbors to take pride in this community and enjoy the activities available here. This will be a friendly, safe environment that was really needed for the kids in our neighborhood.”

Ross Williams Park improvements are being funded in part by the Union Pacific Foundation, a Healthy Behaviors Mini Grant from The Rapides Foundation, and Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. Improvements are expected to be completed by December 2016.

Northwestern State University renewed its agreement with Fundación Universitaria Tecnológico Comfenalco, a partner institution in Cartagena, Colombia. Comfenalco President Dr. Mauricio Ruiz, Academic Vice President Dr. Alejandro Dager and Raynel Mendoza, director of research, innovation and social projection, visited the NSU campus to discuss programming, curriculum and opportunities for dual degree programs, course transfer credits, student/faculty exchanges and joint research projects.

The administrators visited department heads and toured facilities in the College of Business and Technology, the Department of Engineering Technology and Department of Psychology. Comfenalco is one of the largest universities, based on student population, in Cartagena.

“Cooperation between institutes of higher learning contributes to cultural enrichment, scientific progress and the consolidation of friendship,” said Dr. Marcus Jones, who coordinated the visit and has led recruiting initiatives in Latin America. “The five-year agreement provides for the exchange of instructional information, research and curricula, faculty, students and joint research.”

Administrators from Fundación Universitaria Tecnológico Comfenalco in Cartagena, Colombia, visited Northwestern State University this week to renew its agreement that provides for student/faculty exchanges, dual enrollment and joint research projects.

Seated from left are
Dr. Mauricio Ruiz, president of Fundación Universitaria Tecnológico Comfenalco, NSU President Dr. Jim Henderson and Dr. Alejandro Dager, vice president of of Fundación Universitaria Tecnológico Comfenalco. Standing are Dr. Ali Ahmad, head of NSU’s Department of Engineering Technology; Raynel Mendoza, director of Research, Innovation and Social Projection at Comfenalco; Dr. Marcus Jones, vice president for University Affairs; Dr. Marcia Hardy, assistant professor in NSU’s School of Business; Sebastian Roldan, one of NSU’s international students from Colombia who is earning a degree in business; Dr. Margaret Kilcoyne, interim dean of NSU’s School of Business and Technology; Dr. Susan Barnett, head of the Department of Psychology; Steven Gruesbeck, director of service-learning and psychology instructor, and Telba Espinoza-Contreras, director of the International Student Resource Center.