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Tell us "Why I Love NSU." Perhaps you met your spouse here, or a professor inspired you to go down a different path than you intended when you started college. We'd love to hear what NSU means to you. Email us at werneram@nsula.edu and put "Why I Love NSU" in the subject line. We'll post it on the website and your entry may appear in an upcoming issue of the Alumni Columns! Why I Love NSU"I am the third generation in my family to attend NSU and in many ways still feel like I am coming home when I return to campus. My grandmother attended in the 1920s, my mom in the 1940s-1950s, and my time was the 1970s. I love the town and the people there. Regardless of where in the world life takes me, I feel I will always have friends in Natchitoches and at NSU. I spent most of my time in Varnado Hall, Room 302 East (co-ed during my time) and met my bride in a summer class in 1975. The activities, the teachers, and the spirit of Northwestern has shaped my life in many very positive ways.
I love NSU enough that I was extremely proud that our son, Matthew became the fourth generation at NSU in 2002 when he chose Louisiana Scholars’ College. One reason he chose NSU was while other schools were ready to accept him, the folks at NSU and LSC really made him feel they wanted him to come to NSU.
Why do I love NSU? Well, like in lots of relationships, NSU loved me and my family first."
- David Burroughs (1977, '78) "Actually, my freshman year (1969-1970) it was still NSC I believe. It changed to NSU while I was there. I did not choose NSC (NSU). I was supposed to have gone to Ohio State, but my dad got transferred from Columbus to Shreveport my senior year of high school. I went on a hunger strike trying to persuade my parents to send me “back home,” but they insisted I stay in Louisiana, so they packed me up one Sunday and moved me into Varnado Hall, domain of the intrepid Mrs. Kirkland!
During the first week of orientation, I had to go to a welcome session for freshman at Prather Coliseum. A cute guy came and sat down next to me. In his welcome address, President Kilpatrick said, “Many marriages begin on our campus. Look at the person sitting next to you. You might be seeing him or her at the altar some day in the near future!” The cute guy and I exchanged phone numbers. Now we have been married 38 years this coming August!
I was one of a handful of French majors on campus. I have fond memories of Monsieur Demeule and Monsieur Wertelaers, the only two French instructors at the time. I became best friends with one of the other French majors, Karen Landrum. We still see each other frequently.
Some other fond memories: Tech weekend parties at the old Washington-Youree; panty raids; KA parties at the Fountain Blue restaurant; Shell Beach; parking by the lake and fearing campus security; polyester pantsuits; Mr. Lucky’s stuffed potatoes in the student union; campus concerts – John Denver, Stevie Wonder, and Oliver just to name a few!; room checks; the Funky Chicken; bell bottoms; Mrs. Dunham’s frequent all-calls in Louisiana Hall; Duty’s Pizza; wigs (we all wore them!); Old South lawn parties at Beau Forte; sorority rush parties (I pledged Phi Mu but didn’t go active); ChristmasLights; the old library (long gone!); my nudist pot-luck roommate; electric typewriters and CorrectTape; Bobby Harling before he was famous; College Manor apartment complex when it was predominantly inhabited by the KA’s.
I was only on campus for three years because I went to summer school every year. I never felt like I learned a lot about education until I did my student teaching. But my degree from NSU has taken me from a job at a small private academy to a job in a medium-sized public school to my current job as an assistant principal in charge of academics at Loyola College Prep. My husband and I still love to drive across campus and reminisce whenever we’re in Natchitoches. Maybe one of our four grandchildren will end up at NSU!" - Karen Jayne Dill (1972) "I attended and graduated from Northwestern in three years ('54-'57) by attending summers and all. Reading my old roommate's 'Stroll Down Memory Lane' by Don Elfert brought back some very good memories and a few bad ones.
It was the pattern for freshmen guys that their heads were shaved by 'upper classmen' upon arrival. Freshmen had to wear a skull cap (which I still have) and were referred to as 'Dog' by upper classmen. Freshmen were hazed in other ways such as being tallied up with a paddle. This practice was stopped after some upper classmen took it too far.
I attended college also by a working scholarship, thanks to Mr. Hal Townsend. I kept the fieldhouse clean, by working 25 hours per week at the rate of $.45 per hour. This 100 hours per month paid for my tuition, room and a seven day meal ticket. I was the one who cut hair at night with Loopy Langston being one of my clients. He wanted it high and tight and flat on top every week. I took Don's dorm monitor job when he graduated for the last year I attended.
The intramural program was a big part of campus life. The "Mighty Six" (plus one) volleyball team had five members from Kisatchie, one from Provencal and one from Reeves, LA. The team won the championship in volleyball two years in a row. From this team came three school principals (Theodore Booty, J.C. Reid from Reeves and Terry Booty), one coach and later LA State Representative (Billy Montgomery from Provencal), two LA Dept of Transportation Supervisors (Ed Bolton, Donnis Wise) and an oil refinery supervisor (Ken Hays).
I had some outstanding faculty members who made a positive impact on my life. Mr. Hal Townsend, Dean of Men, Dean Fulton, Coach Ledet, Mrs. Eve Mouton and Coach Marx were among those.
Here it is 53 years later. I have been married to my high school sweetheart Beverly for 52 1/2 years and have two sons (Kevin and Travis), three granddaughters and a ton of memories. I am retired now with 31 years in education and 20 years in the logging business. I'm pushing 74 years old, but remain very active. God is Good."
- William T. Booty (1957) "I came to Northwestern in 1960 as the first in my family to attend college. Since my high school graduating class (Gillis-Lake Charles) only had 26 people, NSC seemed huge to me. My childhood friend and freshman roommate, Bucky Talbert, and I were very homesick the first few days. After we got our hair cut off and I put on my 'Dog Dennis' hat, things got better. I lived in Rebel Hall my first year and I still remember the Confederate flag being raised each morning. I was a math major who had very limited high school math preparation. Fortunately, I had very good professors who helped me greatly. in addition, I had a friend, Bill Hyams, who helped me very much. Coach Ledet allowed me to be a walk-on in track after my freshman year and I ran for 3 years. At NSC, I met and became the roommate of Roy Gentry and we have had a lifelong friendship. Of greater importance, I met my future wife, Pat Kile, and we have been married almost 45 years. I greatly enjoyed my time at NSC and am glad I attended a college big enough to provide my educational needs, but small enough to enable me to be involved in many things (Blue Key, Student Gvt., athletics)."
- Maurice (Maury) Dennis (1964) College Station, TX " The year was 1953 and at the age of 22 I had been 'asked' to withdraw from the 'Christian' school of nursing that I was attending for several reasons. One was that I opposed the Bible teacher's interpretation of a Bible text, and challenging the dormitory dean regarding her keeping my car keys and to ask her permission whenever I wanted to use the car, and being the one to complain that our room lights not be turned off at 10pm since the 4 men in our section of the dormitory were in their 20's and 30's and didn't need someone to tell us when to conclude our studies, and among several other challenges to our age and intelligence. Therefore the faculty (3) decided I should withdraw for a year and return the next year. This was in another state so I went back home to Shreveport, LA.
I certainly had no intention of returning to that school and did not know of another school of nursing to apply. A nurse anesthetist friend of min was working at a charity hospital in Shreveport (later to become Confederate Memorial) and informed me of their school of nursing. So I went to see the director of that school only to find out that it was the Shreveport clinical division of Northwestern State College School of Nursing. The director advised me to go to Natchitoches and talk with the Dean of the School of Nursing regarding a transfer.
Now I had a dilemma. How does one go about asking to be admitted to a school when he had been 'expelled' from another one? I met with Ms. Hilda Burnham, Dean of the School of Nursing and I told her exactly all of the reasons for which I was asked to leave. When i finished, she just looked at me with a blank stare and asked me, 'How did you last that long?' I and all of my transcripts were accepted, but the school policy was that a transfer student had to spend one semester on campus before going to the clinical division. Spring semester was just beginning.
While I was being given a tour of the campus, I met many of my high school classmates and track teammates that insisted I had to run track again. I had not run track for nearly 4 years, but the guys wouldn't take no for an answer. What a wonderful experience we had. I was amazed to find that I could get back in condition so quickly and be competitive again. I wasn't a great runner but we did win the Gulf States Conference Championship for the first time in the history of the school and I was lucky enough to be awarded the gold medal in the 880 yard dash.
In the Shreveport Clinical Division of nursing, I was accepted and welcomed with open arms by 12 wonderful female classmates. I believe I was one of the first two or three male nurses to graduate from Northwestern State College School of Nursing. The school was my life saver. It loved me and I love it!"
- Leroy Gillan (1955) " What did attending Louisiana State Normal/Northwestern State College mean to me? I opened up a whole new world to a 16 year old girl who had never been away from small town/country living! A time for me to be on my own, make my own decisions and meet new and exciting friends. But most of all to learn how to spell 'Natchitoches.' A friend said to smile when you said it to get it pronounce correctly.
A whole new way to teach myself to study, but at the same time be involved in other areas. To learn how to 'short sheet' a bed. To learn what areas of campus we could NOT be on after dark. And adhere to a curfew hours.
To go through most of the WWII era, which mean canceling the famous CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS AND 10 GIRLS TO EVERY CIVILIAN BOY. Football games with LA Tech. THEN SAILORS CAME TO TOWN. Which meant a married sailor list was posted in every girl's dorm.
We met men who had been on the famous warship YORKTOWN, SARATOGA, ENTERPRISE, ETC.
Dances were affected, too: instead of the SWING KINGS we had the SWING QUEENS. Remember the COURTNEYS? Mildred played the bass fiddle in the band and the Courtney twins were wonderful dancers.
Since we had a Navy pre-flight unit our food was not rationed as in other laces so we got bananas, huge pork chops and on Sunday nights many times, we had lobster salad and Ritz crackers.
The dream of every underclass woman was to be able to move into the FABULOUS VARNADO DORMITORY!
As I graduated in August 1946, that was the first summer graduation I was told.
Oh, I must not forget our beloved newspaper the CURRENT SAUCE. We rushed to see what tidbits of news there was to read.
Many beloved teachers I remember as well as the old buildings as well as the COLUMNS and the beautiful campus.
Does anyone remember the Italian restaurant 'DIPPIOLA'S'? It was located right off the campus. BEST BREADED VEAL CUTLET in the world!" - Frances J. Hennigan "As a 1960 graduate os NSC, my years on campus were a great experience for a cajun from the bayou country. My roommate at the time was Dub Carson and we resided in the brickshack. Dub later left NSC to become a minister and we are still the best of friends. The key to NSC is that lasting friendships were formed and maintained thru the years. Just to mention a few that come to mind are Ted Roberts, Jim Tuma, Roy Fair, Larry Rice and Earl Nolan. This special year will always be remembered by this band of brothers."
- Norbert Paul Vincent "NSU gave me a chance for a hope and a future. I did not excel in high school, but NSU helped me turn my life around. I graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and later a M.A. in Student Personnel Services. I also met my wife there, the former Vivian Carrasquillo, who also has a B.S. and M.S. in Education."
- Dana Hakes "My mother was the only child of 12 to graduate from college and did so at NSU. She succeeded in doing this after having three children and while working full time. I was in high school at the time and was very proud of what she accomplished. I later graduated from NSU with my sister following in my footsteps. While at NSU, I became a woman and a leader. The organizations I became involved with have molded me professionally and socially. I also met my husband Ryan at NSU, and Natchitoches is our home. Ryan's grandfather attended and played football at NSU in the 1940's. So far, Ryan is the only other member of the Huckaby family to graduate from NSU, making his grandfather very proud. These are the memories I will always carry with me and share with my son and generations to come."
- Leslie Ross Smith (2005) "I attended Northwestern from 1960-1964. I have such wonderful memories of those years. I met so many people that I still keep up with and participated in so many events. I was in Sigma, Sigma, Sigma sorority where I met many of the people I still know. I also participated in Student Government for 3 years and learned much doing that. I have visited the campus several times when I returned to LA and am astounded at the many changes. NSU has really grown!"
- Sandra Joyce Bull ock
"I love NSU because it is a rich-in-culture home away from home. I often think about the friendly people that I met at NSU. I think about the simplicity of navigating Natchitoches and the campus. The NSU campus is isolated from busy streets so that one can enjoy a walk across campus without fear of being struck by a speeding automobile. The air is clean and free from big city smog. The folks in Natchitoches welcome NSU students. I can't imagine a trip back to Natchitoches without at walk down by the downtown river. The old city charm of Natchitoches, the beautiful river, NSU, LA cuisine and a peaceful environment form a melting pot of cultural charm.
I have been able to live in many locations in the US and Caribbean. Although NSU is a small school, my education has truly been acceptable by my employers. NSU has provided the value to my life that was an implied promise. I am truly grateful for my NSU education."
- Ron Kern (1976) " I may be one of the few alumni that may not remember all the knowledge they were provided. What I do remember and keep close to my heart are all the friendships and the life experiences that our NSU provided me with. I keep in touch with as many friends that I can find. With just a phone call we bring back old memories and laugh- what a way to stay young at heart. I love NSU for all the knowledge, life experiences and most important, life-long friendships."
- Antonio (Tony) Hernandez " My mother was the youngest of the three Williams sisters, living at 120 Amulet Street. The last thing her dad wanted was another dang girl, and he 'never could understand why she wanted to waste her time getting an education,' according to my Mom. But she was a determined, self-inspired and gifted lady in a time before women were appreciated for excelling. What I got out of it was a lifelong appreciation of learning, instilled by the kind of Mothers there are too few of these days." - Skip Hill "A wise man once said you only need 6 real friends in this world- 6 to carry you to your final resting place. In my 4 years at Northwestern I managed to meet 3 of these real friends, who will be half of the group that serve as pallbearers at my funeral. I am 61 years old, and in the 57 years outside of my stay at NSU, I have found the other 3. So, you can see that lasting friendships are made and maintained through being a student at Northwestern. Without my 3 friends I made while at Northwester, it might have taken me 57 more years to find the other three."
- Bart Stweart, Sr. (1970) "I remember the honeysuckle scented nights
the warm humid winds tangling my hair
the hugh yellow moon reflecting golden balls in the still river.
I remember the clatter of cars on ageless cobblestone streets
the whistle of trains and factories
the five-o-clock chimes ringing the dinner hour.
I remember the warm sun on my face
the cool lake lapping at my toes
the taste of ripe strawberries snatched from forbidden fields.
I remember the joys, the expectations, the ambitions, the sorrows,
the disappointments, the peace and contentment
Moments intense and so fleeting which will not come again to me
They are your gifts to each generation that passes your way
and leaves a part of their heart among the niched cobblestones and red clay bluffs.
This is why I love NSU and Natchitoches. The college and the town changed my life and gave me a future. I met my husband on the beautiful campus and we grew to love the area. We visit as often as we can." - Kathryn Bergeron Hammons 1966-69
"My love affair with NSU began early, probably 1948 or 49 when I was in the first grade at the lab school. School was truly a happy time. One vivid memory was the whole school going to the Shrine Circus at the fine arts auditorium. At that time it was considered a theater in the round. Children filled both the small and large auditoriums. Excitement was everywhere! My parents and teachers emphasized the fact that I needed to go to NSU with my parents even buying a home within walking distance so I could get a college education. (back then many students walked to and from classes) Upon graduating from NCHS my college days began. They were so full of fun and excitement. At first, my interest was more social than academic. I loved the ball games, dances, meeting new friends, going to the Wesley Foundation knowing I was going to have a good future because I was going to college! Eventually I did graduate and taught 27 years for Natchitoches Parish Schools.
Upon learning about NSU's program for senior citizens, I entered it and am receiving art instruction through it. Since beginning it, I have learned to draw, paint and improve my digital photography skills. The professor worked with me as much as he did his regular college students and showed no preference. It was thoroughly moving to be expected to learn at a time in my life when so many people in the world don't think older people can do anything, and they certainly do voice that opinion without realizing that all we want is to live peacefully and fulfill our dreams. Now my dream is to be a painter! My work can be seen at Art Gallery on Front Street, Natchitoche, LA. It is all because of NSU that I have come this far, and I am still progressing and always will. Thank You, NSU." - Joan Edwards
"NSU is one of the biggest blessings in my life. NSU took me as a 17 year old freshman and gave me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams. I was the first in my family to attend college and the positive impact NSU had on my life cannot be expressed in words. That impact is with me today. NSU has always had a genuine pride in the past and a tremendous promise for the future.
Why I Love NSU- not just for her beautiful campus, her buildings, her faculty or her students, but for experiencing her spirit and lifelong bonds. I am richly blessed to have been and am part of that experience and spirit."
- Hayward "Sonny" Hargrove, Jr. (1964)
"Going away to college opened a whole world for me. Growing intellectually and making and nurturing friendships made my college days (1950-54) at NSU very enjoyable.
During the spring of 1951, many airmen arrived on campus for training to be clerk typists. That summer, while attending summer school, I dated one of these airmen and we fell in love! On June 8, 1952, I married Bill Dougherty in the chapel on Shaq AFB, Sumter, South Carolina. Bill was deployed overseas November 1952 and I returned to NSC and graduated with my class June 1954 (B.A. Elementary Education).
My teaching experience was in Knoxville, TN, for two years while Bill completed his education at the University of Tennessee. I also taught two and one half years in Doraville, GA. I returned to NSU for the 50th anniversary in June of 2004. The Alumni Association did a fine job for this memorable occasion.
We moved to Arizona in December 1979 and live in Peoria, AZ."
- Billie Payne Dougherty
"What should I write about my four years at the Louisiana State Normal College in Natchitoches? Well, I loved everything about it! I loved being a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, the Newman Club and the Euthenics Club. I even loved my partner in Chemistry Lab. But I especially loved all my good friends.
I loved the classes, the teachers, the parties, the dances and the football games. And I found the love of my life! We sat next to each other when we graduated in 1943." - Mary Jean Swift Thomas
"I came to Northwestern in 1971 from a pretty tough high school in New Orleans East. I found a lot of solace along the Chaplin's Lake, at St. James Catholic Church and with new friends. I particularly loved my English professors, Dr. Walter Mosley, Mr. Joe Johnson and Mrs. Neuman. I thank them profusely for what they taught me. Mr Johnson made Shakespeare vibrant, relevant and profound. What Mrs. Neuman taught me about English structure fascinated me and encouraged me to minor in Linguistics for my master's degree. Dr. Mosely pushed me to pay attention to details, get precise and grow as a writer. He gave me the tools I needed for an array of writing projects, including a collection of poetry for my master's degree, a dissertation and eventually, a novel.
My time in Natchitoches was my introduction to the Louisiana cultures outside New Orleans. I was introduced to bluegrass music and the charm and graciousness of Southwest and Northwest Louisiana communities. Some friends spoke a unique English sprinkled with French. Some sang and played guitars with impressive musicality. I was blessed to have Eileen Perilloux as a roommate, who tried to teach me how to be a lady. I made friends who, 35 years later, are dearest and best loved friends, Donna Grimaldi and Burt Carlisle. Donna's parents, Maxine and Buck, kept me in one piece, physically and emotionally, during a challenging (translation: killer) semester of student teaching in Shreveport. I'll never forget their kindness and support when I needed it most."
- Karon Rilling (1974)
"Fifty-one years ago (Fall '59), five girls from Louisiana met on third floor West Varnado: Sandy Marx/Crenshaw from Crowley, Clotile Nattin/Berlin from Bossier City, Robbie Sue Knighton from Mooringsport, Mary Bergeron/Dranguet from Baton Rouge and Linda King/Simmons from Leesville. None of our lives have been the same since. As far as we are concerned, we are still the ROOMIES of third floor west. Our rooms were at the end of the hall across from each other; therefore, the suite-mates were formed.
We made EVERY 'Wednesday Night Prom' in the Field House where the Demonaires played 'Night Train' and Beverly Norman always sang 'My Funny Valentine.' Who could forget watching the submarine races on the banks of the Cane River, sun bathing in 'No Man's Land,' water skiing on the Cane and Black Lakes. We had to be in the dorm every night by 8PM (unless you signed out to the library 'til 9), Friday 'til 11 and Saturday 'til 12. We also went to Sibley's for cigarettes and Twinkie (most had a meal ticket or made gourmet chilli in the popcorn popper in your room), walked everywhere unless we were fortunate to borrow the White Virgin or Green Latrine. Other fond memories include State Fair weekend when the NSU Demons played LA Tech, Townhouse, Rendevous, Zesto, Maggios- Clo and Rob working the campus switchboard. ALL campus calls went through this (of course they NEVER listened). We survived with only ONE phone per dorm floor AND a communal bathroom! 1st Rodeo grounds- campus laundry where the total for sheets, towels and clothes usually cost around $1.50 (hard to come by when you only got $5 spending money every other week)- swimming at Kisatchie Creek and Gum Springs- closest pizza in Shreveport- never going home unless all the girls went, too- Grande Core- ALL THE GREAT FRIENDS WE MADE AND SHARED MEMORIES WITH ...... I could go on and on.
Our first reunion was in '65 to show off babies.... total 5... next one in '75 with the final count of 13. We now have a total (at the time of this submission) 20 grandkids. Who would have thought? In 1985, the weekend before Father's Day became "Roomie Weekend".... no kids, husbands, man friends... and to this day all our families know our weekend is sacred. At first we went to each other's homes (really disappointed the males because all we wanted to do was eat, shop, eat, watch movies, shop, etc.), then we branched out and went on weekend trips to where there was good food, shopping, plays, music, whatever.
These girls have shared all the GOOD, BAD and UGLY of my life (as I have shared theirs). I can't imagine my life without them being a part of it- they are the sisters of my heart.
THIS IS WHY I LOVE NORTHWESTERN!" - Linda Sue King Simmons (1961) "Gonna Take a Sentimental Journey:
Oh Yes! Northwestern State College is where I met the love of my life in 1944 who is Harold Stanley Riggs from San Jose, CA. At that time he was a cadet in training to become a Navy pilot. As a sophomore, I lived in Varnado dorm on the 3rd floor and was majoring in Primary Education. I was an active member of Tri-Sigma sorority, president of YWCA and a reporter for the Current Sauce newspaper.
Some of the girls were stealing the navy hats left behind in the Field House, and I was given one with his name on it. I looked at book satchels to see if I could get a glimpse of him. I did not know I had already casually met him while my best friend, Frankie Jones (Hennigan), and I were taking a birthday cake back to campus for my roommate, Yvonne Phillips. I did not know his name until I found his satchel in the Field House. Then I met Stan. We started dating.
One of our favorite get-acquainted places was sitting on a bench in front of the three columns or on the edge of a round lily pond. We liked to chat in the Field House while drinking those little bottles of grapettes. We enjoyed playing games in the lovely Varnado living room and making hamburgers in the kitchen. Often Stan became my partner at my gym P.E. square dancing class. We went on a class picnic at a nearby bayou. We discreetly held hands in the Methodist Church during Sunday morning worship. Louisiana hot-pies became a downtown restaurant date. Sometimes we rented a bicycle built for two and rode about town. We would walk across one of the bridges to take pictures on the grassy bank landscaped with lavender wisterias. He proposed to me with a diamond ring in a little garden near the river. He left Natchitoches in the spring of '45 to Athens, GA, for further training at the university. He used many quarters to call for our conversations and we wrote many letters. We both had spring fever and decided we could live on love and the quarters.
My mom, Margaret Walker of Waterproof, LA, and I rode a train on a 'Sentimental Journey' for our wedding in a very old Methodist Church on June 16, 1945. This June (2009) will be our 64th wedding anniversary and we are 85 and 83, richly blessed with three children- Susan, Edwin and Peggy- 8 grandchildren (like their parents, all graduated from college) and four young great-grandsons.
In the late 60's, I became a student at the university in Hayward, CA to complete my degree and the 5th year for a credential to teach 1st and 2nd grades in Castro Valley. Stan flew over 10,000 hours (a year in Vietnam) and retired in 1972 at LCDR. We have wonderful memories of living in places such as Pensacola, FL, San Diego, CA, in Virginia near Washington, DC, Yokohama, Japan, and Bogota, Columbia. We now happily reside in Abilene, TX, where we see most of our families frequently. We are so thankful that it all began on the campus of Northwestern State College! Oh, yes, this is why I love NSU."
- Virginia Walker Riggs "Two weeks out of high school I was in boot camp training for participation in WWII. After NATTC and Aircraft Gunnery training, I was selected for pilot training and shipped out to Northwestern for refresher courses. I was hoping for somewhere near my home in Missouri so Natchitoches, which I could not pronounce or spell, did not sound like a good 'liberty port.'
As we crossed the Cane, I looked toward town and then downstream and held my breath. It appeared to be the size of my hometown in the bootheel, except it was absolutely beautiful. Continuing on to the campus, we passed the church that I would attend and, of course, the all important 'Rendevous Cafe.' When we got to roam the campus, everyone greeted us with 'hi' or 'hi y'all,' which made me feel right at home. We were pleasantly shocked when we realized all the students we had seen were female. Wow! I developed a close relationship with one of the students, but like so many during the war, we lost touch much to my disappointment.
Another loving relationship of every cadet was with our mascot 'Annabelle.' It's true she was a little selective because we always had a loving pat or a tidbit from the chow hall for that brat of a dog. 'Genevieve' is the song that we used to sing our tribute to our Annabelle. Many verses were composed by almost every cadet. I am frequently reminded of Annabelle since my son-in-law has a sausage hound.
One of the cadets I served with was 'Tiny' Steele. He was anxious to go to Missouri U. at Rolla, MO. I just wanted to go home. When I got home to that small cotton town, it didn't take long to see a dead end. My brother had already been discharged and was attending San Jose State in California. He and my mom harassed me into joining him. California is a great place to visit, but not for a small town guy to call home. So, after a year, I transferred to Southeast Mo. State, only an hour from home. I played football and late in the season we played Mo.U-Rolla, the league leader at that time. On one possession, I had to block for an off-tackle run. I was able to knock down their tackle and found myself on top him face-to-face. Guess what? It was 'Tiny' Steele! We got up and were pounding each other blabbing away when all the officials came over to break up the melee. They would have no part of our explanation, demanding we get on with the game. We had a long visit afterwards with most of the conversation being about Northwestern and all the wonderful folks, and of course, our Annabelle. The great everywhere spirit has blessed me with some beautiful memories to help diminish dark ones.
I regularly follow Demon scores in the sport section!"
- Fmr. Cadet Ely Mitchell "Probably one reason I love NSU and have through all the years is because it offered such a home-like atmosphere to a country girl going to a large campus. Friendliness was the thing. And the beauty of the campus meant so much.
I arrived there in the summer of 1941, knowing that I wouldn't get home until Christmas. And when I did get home, it was a long ride on the bus. Compared to college life of today, it was like another world. We had just come through the Depression, so we were not choosy about things. We had learned to do without so that was no bother.
When I graduated in the summer of 1945, I felt very confident that I was ready to teach. And I must say that the people there had prepared me for what lay ahead. I never felt that I was cheated in any way. There is not a day that passes that I don't express thanks for all the friends made and lessons learned. Three years I taught in high school and the rest in fourth grade. That was 30+ years of my life. Today, I go to Harrisonburg Elementary to do a unit on birds, so I'm still in touch with 3rd graders. I'm almost 85 and consider that the Lord has really blessed me.
My husband of 62 years passed away in November of 2008. He entered the same time I did, but left after Pearl Harbor. He had gone on a basketball scholarship. He was in the Army and served under Patton, Eisenhower and others. He was in the European Theater and saw some rough times.
I will always put in a word for Northwestern when given the opportunity. We have many students there now. When people ask me where I went to college, I'm always pleased to tell them. We had a great BSU at that time and it meant a lot."
- Grace Sampson Alpin |