I hope this message finds you refreshed and reenergized after an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. As we enter the final stretch of the semester, I want to thank you all for your hard work and dedication to our students and the Northwestern State University community.

Christmas Gala
The Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts will present the 36th Annual Christmas Gala this week on December 4-5 at 7 p.m. and December 6 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Directed by Dr. Sean Bartley, this year’s production celebrates Mrs. Claus and the Elves as they plan a festive party to welcome Santa’s return. Featuring over 300 talented students, faculty, and staff, the Gala showcases ensembles like the Chamber Choir, NSU Jazz Orchestra, and NSU Dance Company. Tickets are available at https://nsu.la/Gala2024.

Before the evening shows, our CAPA team annually provides a series of daytime performances that bring busloads of students to our campus and community. Five shows, beginning Wednesday, will entertain 5,500 young people ranging in age from elementary to high school students. They will travel from as far as the Lafayette area and northeast Louisiana’s Delta region. What a fabulous showcase for our university and community!

Natchitoches Christmas Festival
The 98th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival will be held on Saturday, December 7, featuring a spectacular parade, live music, food vendors, and the iconic fireworks display over Cane River. I encourage you all to join us for this cherished tradition and unforgettable celebration of the holiday season in Louisiana’s oldest city. For more details, visit natchitocheschristmas.com.

Athletics Update
Our basketball teams begin Southland Conference competition on the road this week. The women’s team, after posting a 35-point home win over Southern-New Orleans last Tuesday, plays at Incarnate Word in San Antonio Friday afternoon. On Thursday evening, our men’s team also plays at UIW, and will stay in Texas for a Saturday afternoon SLC game at Houston Christian.

Coach Rick Cabrera’s squad led LSU at halftime Friday night in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, the second time already this season that the Demons have held a halftime lead on the homecourt of a Southeastern Conference opponent. A very talented LSU team took control afterward, but it was encouraging to read Coach Matt McMahon’s postgame comments praising our Demons and Coach Cabrera.

Congratulations to Demon football linebacker Blake Gotcher, who was named last week as one of 35 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award, presented to the most outstanding defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision. He led the nation with 162 tackles, 29 more than any other player.

Texas Visitors
I want to commend our Athletic Department staff for quickly accommodating four Texas high schools seeking a neutral site for their football playoff games last week. This effort on a holiday week resulted in over 10,000 people visiting our campus Friday for two games involving east Texas schools. Greater than the welcome revenue from our split of the ticket sales, was the opportunity for the visitors to see the beauty of our campus, the construction projects that signal obvious progress, and the resulting economic impact for the city.

140th Anniversary Giving Campaign
I’d like to remind everyone about our 140th Anniversary Giving Campaign, a milestone opportunity to celebrate Northwestern’s rich history and invest in our promising future. This campaign directly supports initiatives that benefit our students, faculty, and programs, ensuring we continue to grow and thrive for generations to come. I encourage you to participate and share this effort with others who have a special connection to Northwestern. Your involvement, no matter the size of the contribution, makes a meaningful impact. For more information and to donate, please visit nsu.la/nsu140.

Looking Ahead
As we close out the semester, I am proud of what we have achieved together this year. From innovative academic programs to campus improvements, fundraising efforts, and new partnerships, Northwestern is on a strong path forward. Let’s finish the year with the same enthusiasm and determination that define our Demon spirit.

Thank you for all you do to make Northwestern State University a place of excellence.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University