The first week of the fall semester brought renewed energy and excitement to our campuses as students returned to the classroom and reconnected with the Northwestern community. I am grateful to our faculty and staff for the preparation, care and enthusiasm that made the opening week so successful. Your commitment has created a welcoming environment and established a strong foundation for the semester ahead.
First Week of Classes and Demon Days Activities
We kicked off the fall semester Monday with the first day of classes and another installment of Demon Days, our series of events designed to welcome students back and help them become connected with campus life. It was wonderful to see the campus abuzz with activity. I had the pleasure of joining other volunteers for Destination Demons, where we drove new students to class on golf carts. It was a fun way to welcome students, help them find their way around campus and hear about their excitement for the year ahead.
During the first week, 1,850 students attended at least one of 43 Demon Days events, demonstrating tremendous enthusiasm for becoming involved in the Northwestern community. Activities ranged from the ever-popular Color Chaos on the first day of classes to Friday’s Service Kickoff, which placed students in service projects across campus and throughout the Natchitoches community. In total, students contributed 1,705 hours of service during Demon Days. I extend special thanks to University Police for their hard work and dedication to the safety of our students. Officers were present at the Information Station, residential community meetings and Demon Days activities throughout the week. Their visible presence and willingness to assist helped ensure a safe and successful start to the semester.
The participation and enthusiasm we witnessed throughout the week set a positive tone for the year ahead. We look forward to seeing how these new connections and experiences continue to strengthen our campus community.
Meeting with Representative Jason Dewitt
On Tuesday, Representative Jason Dewitt visited our campus with constituents who are interested in exploring opportunities to partner with the University. We appreciated the opportunity to discuss Northwestern’s programs, priorities and expanding role in supporting workforce and economic development across our region. Representative Dewitt continues to be a strong advocate for Northwestern in the Louisiana Legislature. I am grateful for his leadership and steadfast support of Northwestern.
Formula Funding Kickoff
Later Tuesday, I joined fellow University of Louisiana System presidents, Board of Regents representatives and System staff for the kickoff of a strategic review of Louisiana’s higher education funding model. This initiative will examine how the current funding formula affects our universities, identify opportunities and challenges, and help develop data-informed recommendations that reflect the distinctive missions of our institutions while advancing student success and the priorities of our state.
The initial phase will focus on listening and learning. It began with a briefing from the Board of Regents on the current formula, including its purpose, methodology, institutional impact and possible future considerations. Presidents and institutional leaders in academic affairs, finance, institutional research, academic advising and financial aid will participate throughout the process. Individual meetings with System presidents will be held in the coming weeks to better understand each institution’s experiences, priorities and challenges. This thoughtful review will provide Northwestern with an important opportunity to share our perspective and help shape discussions about the future of higher education funding in Louisiana.
Independence Bowl Kickoff Luncheon
On Thursday, Martha and I joined faculty, staff, alumni and supporters at Superior’s Steakhouse in Shreveport for the annual Northwestern State and Independence Bowl Kickoff Luncheon sponsored by proud alumni John and Lynne Manno. The luncheon was a wonderful celebration of Northwestern State and the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming football season. Head Coach Blaine McCorkle served as the keynote speaker and shared an inspiring preview of the team, its preparation and the culture being built within the program.
The strong turnout reflected the enduring pride of our alumni and friends throughout northwest Louisiana. Martha and I enjoyed visiting with so many members of the Demon family, and we are grateful to John and Lynne for their hospitality and continued support of Northwestern. The event generated tremendous excitement for Thursday night’s home opener, and I look forward to seeing that enthusiasm fill Turpin Stadium.
Faculty and Staff Appreciation Tailgate
All faculty and staff are invited to the NSU versus Louisiana Christian University Tailgate at Collins Pavilion on Thursday, August 27, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the NSU Alumni Association, Demons Unlimited Foundation and the NSU Foundation. This complimentary tailgate is one small way to express our gratitude for everything our faculty and staff do to serve our students and advance the mission of Northwestern. Your dedication is evident in every classroom, office, program and event across our campuses, and I hope you will join us for an evening of fellowship and Demon spirit. Please RSVP here by Tuesday, August 25, at 5:30 p.m.
Alumni Award Nominations
Nominations for Northwestern’s annual alumni awards remain open through August 28. The awards include Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Young Alumnus, Outstanding Alumnus and Distinguished Supporter. These awards provide an opportunity to recognize individuals whose service, accomplishments and commitment reflect positively on Northwestern and the communities they serve. I encourage you to help us identify deserving alumni and supporters by submitting a nomination. To learn more about the awards or submit a nomination click here.
Athletics Update
Excitement for the football season opener continues to build, especially with the Demons beginning the season at home in Turpin Stadium this Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. A home football game provides an incomparable opportunity to bring our community together in support of Northwestern’s students and Demon football. That includes not only our football players, but also the talented members of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band and our spirit groups, who have worked diligently this month to prepare an outstanding performance.
Alumni and supporters are invited to join Coach Blaine McCorkle for the season’s first NSU Quarterback Luncheon on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at Flying Heart Brewing and Pub. The luncheon is sponsored by Cross Financial, and the cost is $20 per person.
The Demons Legacy Club, the newly rebranded organization of former players supporting NSU football, gathered Saturday to provide a ribeye and shrimp lunch for this year’s team following morning practice. Special appreciation goes to Bryan Arceneaux for providing the cooks and the meal, as well as to the many former players who helped serve lunch and encouraged our Demons as they prepare for the season.
While our immediate focus is Thursday night’s opener, it is difficult not to anticipate the excitement of Saturday, September 5, when the Demons travel to Ruston to renew Northwestern’s longest football rivalry against Louisiana Tech. There is still time to register for the Wreck Tech Tailgate on the Louisiana Tech campus or reserve a seat on the Demon Fan Bus, which includes round-trip transportation and a game ticket. Both activities are sponsored by Demon Athletics. Registration is available by clicking here.
Our Demon soccer team faced another challenging week on the road, competing at Houston and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The team will travel to Alcorn State on September 3 before hosting Louisiana Tech in its home opener on September 6 at the Demon Soccer Complex.
The NSU volleyball team begins regular-season competition this weekend in a tournament at the University of West Georgia. An enthusiastic crowd at Prather Coliseum helped propel the Demons to a 4-0 exhibition victory over Alcorn State on Friday night.
Looking Ahead
Thursday will be an exciting day at Northwestern. The School of Kinesiology invites alumni, faculty and staff to attend its ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon as we celebrate this important milestone and the School’s continued growth. That evening, Demon football will open its season against Louisiana Christian University at 7 p.m. in Turpin Stadium. I encourage everyone to arrive early and join us at Collins Pavilion from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for the first tailgate of the season. Alumni and supporters may visit the Alumni Tailgating page for pricing information and the complete schedule of upcoming tailgates. For information about additional events and activities, visit our What’s Happening at NSU page.
Thank you again for your extraordinary work during the opening of the semester. The excitement across our campuses reflects the welcoming and supportive environment you create for our students. I look forward to building on this strong beginning and to seeing many of you Thursday as we celebrate the School of Kinesiology and cheer on the Demons.
President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University