The NSU Alumni Association and Foundation sent out special thanks to all the donors who made contributions as part of #GivingTuesday. Janice Bolton from Bolton Realty donated $5,000 to the School Readiness Project (NSU Child and Family Network Project) at the NSU Foundation! Pictured are Development Officer Tiffany Chasteen and Janice Bolton.
Another donor, Carly Clark, will be graduating in December with her Master’s of Arts degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education. She works at Nicholls State as the Student Activities Coordinator and SPA Advisor. Carly contributed to the Columns Fund.
“I am giving to NSU because it has given me so much,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the education I earned at Northwestern State.”
Jeanne’s Country Garden donated to the NSU Foundation. This donation will support the NSU Columns Fund, a tax-deductible giving program that supports academic endeavors, scholarships and building renovations at NSU.
David and Bryan Stamey donated to the NSU Foundation. The Stamey’s have been connected to Northwestern State for years and were ecstatic to be a part of such an important day of philanthropy.
Britany Williams and her grandmother Marie Williams also contributed to the future of Northwestern State.
Britany says, “We’d like to help in any way possible. Northwestern State brings a lot of business to our store and because of that, we are grateful to be able to contribute back to their students.”
Mayor Lee Posey donated because, “It is important our community and others across the state of Louisiana support Northwestern State University. This university is thriving in many ways and continues to prove itself as a vital part of Natchitoches. Past, present, and future demons should be proud to invest in a university making huge advances on a local and national level. Join me and Fork’em Demons!”
Another donor, Dr. Paula Furr has been on NSU’s faculty full time since 2000 and now holds the title of department head for New Media, Journalism, and Communication Arts. When asked why giving back is so important to her she replied, “NSU has given a lot to me and my family. I started a second career after retiring from the Army. Sharing my professional experiences and helping students start their careers motivate me. Plus, students help keep me young!”
Donors Steve and Leslie Gruesbeck are both proud graduates and faculty members of NSU. Leslie has been a part of the Fine and Graphic Arts Department since 2006. Steve started at NSU in 2001 and has held many roles which include, academic advisor, coordinator of tutoring, Director of service-learning and is a faculty member in the Psychology Department.
When the couple was asked, “What does giving back to NSU mean to you?”, this was their response:
“NSU’s outstanding resources benefit our students and our community. Likewise, Natchitoches greatly enhances the college experience at NSU. When we were students here, these resources were invaluable to our educations. Giving back to NSU, whether through volunteering on campus and in our community or contributing to important initiatives like the Columns Fund, ensures our students and future students have the same. We’re proud to play a part in #GivingTuesday and to be a part of this great community.”
