By Kevin Shannahan

Since earning a PhD in Chemistry 36 years ago, Dr. Mary Striegel moved to Natchitoches, raised a family, and completed a successful 29 year career with the National Park Service’s National Center for Preservation Technology and Training. Never one to stand still, her retirement has seen her developing her talents in an entirely different area, art.

Mary Striegel is the current president of the Natchitoches Art Guild and has exhibited her works at their gallery as well as the State Museum in Shreveport and Centenary College’s Meadows Museum.

She is also quite possibly NSU’s oldest freshman and almost certainly the only one with a doctorate. Striegel is taking Painting III under Asst Professor Edgar Cano-Lopez, her first college class in 36 years.  Students in the class produce several paintings in different styles. Stiegel’s current piece is an oil painting entitled “The Debutante”

Senior citizens, at least 60 years of age, may take one class per semester at NSU free of charge. This is a wonderful opportunity to have fun, expand your horizons or take your life in a totally new direction. In Mary Striegel’s case, that direction will be printmaking next semester and possibly an MFA from NSU after that. For students of any age, NSU can change your life. Fork ‘em Demons!