This past week has been the most enjoyable and fulfilling of my presidency, as we celebrated Homecoming alongside several other key events. From hosting the Louisiana Board of Regents to the investiture ceremony, attending various inductions, and joining our community for numerous Homecoming festivities, it was a truly memorable time. Thank you for your commitment to making Northwestern a welcoming and supportive environment for all who joined us in these celebrations.

Board of Regents Meeting
We were honored to host the Louisiana Board of Regents this week, welcoming Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Chairwoman Misti Cordell, and board members to Northwestern for their October meeting. During their visit, we took the opportunity to advocate for continued support of our faculty and academic endeavors. The Board toured key areas of campus, including our Food Pantry, where we shared how this vital resource supports students by providing food assistance and breaking down barriers to success. The tour also included a look at the construction progress for our state-of-the-art academic facility, Alost Hall, as well as upgrades in our athletic facilities. We’re proud to have showcased the meaningful progress happening here at Northwestern, affirming our dedication to creating a campus that meets the evolving needs of today’s students and prepares them for successful futures.

ULS Board Meeting
On Thursday, I traveled to Lafayette for the University of Louisiana System Board meeting, where I engaged in discussions focused on advancing the growth and development of our university system and Northwestern. This meeting was especially meaningful as the Board passed a resolution honoring the memory of Lola Dunahoe and her dedicated service to higher education and our community. Additionally, Robert “Skeeter” Salim, a proud Northwestern alumnus and longtime supporter, was sworn in by Edwin Dunahoe as a new board member. I look forward to working with Skeeter and other members of the board to carry out our mission and advance Northwestern’s priorities.

Board Reception and Demon Madness Tip-off
Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of attending a reception for our NSU Alumni Association and Foundation board members. It was inspiring to connect with these dedicated volunteers who give their time and resources to support our university. Following the reception, I joined “Demon Madness” at Prather Coliseum, where I channeled my days of officiating high school basketball while a Northwestern student and tossed up the jump ball to start a co-ed scrimmage involving our players. The spirited event included 3-point and slam dunk contests, a live DJ, and season ticket distribution for our basketball fans.

Investiture
Friday was a memorable day for me as I was formally invested as Northwestern’s 21st president. The morning began with a special breakfast thanking our generous donors and stage guests for their support. The investiture ceremony itself was a powerful experience filled with music, tradition, and heartfelt remarks from Student Body President Terrell “TJ” Woodard Jr., Faculty Senate President Dr. Frank Serio, and Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed. I was reminded of my own journey, from my days as an NSU student to 50 years of practicing law, and culminating with returning as president of this remarkable university. My relationship with Northwestern is personal. I look forward to leading this great institution into a promising future. I was truly honored to be surrounded by my family, friends, and colleagues, making it a day I will cherish always.

Long Purple Line Induction Ceremony
Following the investiture, Martha and I attended the Long Purple Line luncheon, where we honored six distinguished men who were inducted into NSU’s alumni hall of distinction. Congratulations to Jack Brittain Jr., Henry Burns, Dr. Steve Horton, Doug Ireland, Dr. Chris Maggio, and Robert “Skeeter” Salim. The Alumni Association also recognized several others with awards for their exemplary service and dedication to NSU. Congratulations to Leighann Westfall (Outstanding Young Alumnus Distinguished Service Award), Carrie Beth Hough (Outstanding Alumnus Distinguished Service Award), Patricia Hrapmann and Virginia Monceret (NSU Alumni Association Volunteers of the Year), and our very own Frank and Sid Hall (Distinguished Supporter Service Award). This ceremony was a fitting highlight during our 140th-anniversary Homecoming celebration, acknowledging the ongoing legacy and impact of Northwestern alumni and supporters.

Homecoming Parade
Friday evening, Martha and I joined the homecoming parade and pep rally on the downtown riverbank. It was uplifting to see our students, alumni, and community come together in celebration of Northwestern. Congratulations to Mr. and Miss NSU, Terrell Woodard Jr. and Hannah Davis, as well as Kaley Grace Koss and Chris James, who were named queen and king of the Homecoming court. We are proud of this outstanding group of students chosen by their peers to represent Northwestern on this special occasion. The energy and pride during the event were unmistakable, a testament to the strength of our university community.

N Club and Hall of Distinguished Educator Induction Ceremonies
On Saturday morning, I welcomed inductees in the largest class enshrined in the N-Club Hall of Fame, our highest athletic accolade. This year’s class included greatly accomplished competitors across a variety of sports who exemplified excellence and determination. Congratulations to Edgar Cooper, Samantha Ford Hatten, Olga Bazhanova Moore, Nathan Black, Michael Byars-Dawson, Diamond Cosby, Hillarie Marshall Coleman, Shannon Straty, Troy Conkle, Brad Hanson, Janice Miller Moore, the family of the late Kurt Rodriguez, and our Distinguished Service Award winner Carlos Treadway. It was an honor to recognize these individuals and celebrate the legacy of Demon Athletics.

After the N-Club Hall of Fame induction, I attended the Hall of Distinguished Educators induction ceremony, which celebrates alumni who have made significant contributions to education. This year’s honorees, Andrea Lisenbea Martin, William “Bill” Morrison, and Julio Toro, along with Outstanding Young Professional Jonathan Parish, embody NSU’s tradition of excellence and dedication in education. Their accomplishments and leadership are a source of pride for us all.

Athletics Update
Our football team showed significant improvement offensively on a beautiful Homecoming Saturday at Turpin Stadium, despite playing more true freshman for the first time this season. This team’s determination is inspiring.

Martha and I joined an enthusiastic crowd Sunday afternoon as our Demon soccer team completed its home schedule and moved into position to capture the Southland Conference championship. A victory this Friday night at Stephen F. Austin would accomplish that feat. Congratulations to coach Ian Brophy and his outstanding team for their success this fall, and good luck in the final match of the regular season.

Congratulations also go to Honoka Umeda of our tennis team. She reached the singles championship final of the inaugural Southland Conference Masters event in Hammond. The team has had a fine fall season. As a former Demon tennis player, I am very excited to watch Honoka and teammates compete this spring.

Fall Choir Concert
What a wonderful Sunday afternoon Martha and I enjoyed! Following the soccer victory, we hurried over to Magale Recital Hall and were tremendously impressed with the performance of “Fear Itself” by the Northwestern Chamber Choir, Lyrica and Orpheus under the leadership of Dr. Shane Thomas and Mr. Adam Philley. There is an abundance of talent at our university. Bravo!

140th Anniversary Campaign
As we continue celebrating Northwestern’s 140th Anniversary, I invite all our alumni and supporters to join a special fundraising campaign. I’m asking everyone to consider making a gift of $140 to Northwestern. Now more than ever, your involvement is crucial. We have a great university and provide an exceptional education, but we must spread the word. We need more students on campus, increased funding, and greater visibility. Please share this message. To contribute online, please visit: northwesternstatealumni.com/140th-anniversary/

Thank you for making this year’s Homecoming events and festivities truly special. Your dedication to our university’s mission is evident, and I am grateful to work alongside each of you as we continue to shape the future of Northwestern.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University