Northwestern State University’s annual The Flavor of Louisiana fundraiser made a welcome appearance, as Prather Coliseum was once again transformed into what was arguably the finest restaurant in the state Friday, March 17. Twenty-six area establishments presented their best seafood cuisine and drinks to a hungry crowd of over 650 Northwestern State University supporters. The diners enjoyed some of the best seafood dishes to be found anywhere while supporting our hometown university.
In addition to the delicious food, NSU’s Phi Mu chapter held a fundraising raffle and the Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Fishing Tournament was on hand to raise awareness of this fun event held to raise funds for an NSU scholarship in Dylan Kyle Poche’s memory
The Flavor of Louisiana is a signature fundraiser for NSU’s Columns Fund. The money raised will be used to further the Columns Fund’s mission of supporting NSU students with scholarships and travel funds, as well as providing opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to reach out to the surrounding community. In the words of Drake Owens, Executive Director of the NSU Foundation, “The money can be used where there is the greatest need…” This year’s event is expected to raise over $105,000.00 for this eminently worthy cause.
Lt. Gov Nungesser’s office, in conjunction with the Louisiana Seafood Board, provided the seafood served at the event. The Louisiana Seafood Board is charged with promoting the use of seafood from Louisiana’s waters. The dinner featured each of the six species of fish, alligator, crab, oyster, shrimp, and crawfish that are native to our state. Lt. Gov. Nungesser and the Seafood Board thought of the Flavor of Louisiana event to both promote the use of local seafood and as a way to raise needed funds for our state’s colleges and universities.
The event is a true community effort on the part of the NSU family. NSU’s Purple Jackets and Blue Key organizations volunteered to help with the event. University employees from every area of the university contributed to help make the fundraiser a success. This year’s Flavor of Louisiana marks the fifth year of what will hopefully be many more. The Bayou State features some of the best seafood to be found anywhere!
The students attending NSU are a hardworking and talented group of young men and women who make life in our community richer and better. The money raised at the Flavor of Louisiana will help these young men and women achieve their dreams of a better life. Let us help make Northwestern State University an even better place!
