This past week has been filled with vibrant events and productive engagements, each reflecting our university’s commitment to excellence and community. I’m pleased to share updates on these activities with you.

Federal Issues Update with Senator John Kennedy
On Tuesday, I joined faculty and staff from our CENLA campus for a Federal Issues Update with Senator John Kennedy hosted by the Alexandria Rotary Club and Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce. His discussion on federal priorities provided insight into the challenges ahead. We look forward to working closely with Senator Kennedy on securing grant funding and exploring congressionally directed opportunities that support Northwestern’s growth and development.

Patriotic Concert
Tuesday evening, I had the honor of attending the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society’s Patriotic Concert. Conducting the opening piece, Semper Fidelis March by John Philip Sousa, was a privilege, especially in a program dedicated to honoring our armed forces. The symphony’s talent was on full display as they performed an inspiring lineup, from a stirring rendition of Yankee Doodle to a powerful tribute to WWII veterans with film scores by John Williams. Their performances highlighted the rich history and sacrifices made for our freedom and ended with the NSU Men’s Chorus joining for Battle Hymn of the Republic and God Bless America—a fitting close to an unforgettable evening.

Lunch and Learn
On Wednesday, the Office of Economic Development and University Advancement hosted a Lunch & Learn at our CENLA Campus, where Monty Chicola, founder of Real Vision Software, shared insights into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence. With 30 in-person attendees and over 55 participants nationwide via WebEx, the event demonstrated the strong interest in AI’s role in today’s workforce. We are excited that Mr. Chicola will begin teaching an AI programming course through Northwestern’s School of Business in partnership with IBM in January 2025. This course will be available for both in-person and online students, providing invaluable skills to our students and aligning with industry demands. For more information, please visit nsu.la/ibm.

NSU Athletics Council
On Friday, the NSU Athletics Council held its inaugural meeting. This council will serve as a vital advisory body, focusing on student-athlete welfare, academic integrity, and compliance with NCAA and conference standards. It will play an important role in shaping policies that ensure our athletic programs remain committed to both high academic and ethical standards. Special thanks to Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith for leading this group as Faculty Athletic Representative.

Athletics Update
Basketball season begins at home this week. Our men’s team tips off at 6:30 Monday evening in Prather Coliseum, followed Tuesday by the women in their season opener at 6:30. I officiated high school basketball with my friend and fellow student Gary DeBlieux to help make ends meet when I was a Northwestern student, so I have a fond spot for this sport. I encourage you to support our teams and spirit groups this season.

Our soccer team couldn’t win at Stephen F. Austin Friday night in the regular-season Southland Conference championship game, but hopes to get another shot against SFA this week in the conference tournament at a neutral site in Corpus Christi. Competition begins Tuesday.

After an open date, our football team travels to Hammond to play Southeastern on Saturday night. That follows a Friday night women’s basketball game at LSU. Both contests give us opportunity to visit with alumni and friends at special events. Visit the NSUDemons.com website to register if you can attend the Friday afternoon social in Baton Rouge or Saturday’s gathering downtown in Hammond. I’ll hope to see you at one, or both!

Special Session
Governor Landry has called for a special legislative session to address fiscal matters, beginning on November 6 and concluding by November 25. The session will focus on addressing an estimated budget shortfall between $400 million and $700 million, which poses potential impacts on multiple state-funded areas, including higher education. Budget reductions at the state level could, if unaddressed, lead to substantial financial constraints for higher education institutions, impacting our ability to serve students effectively. We will be closely following the session and collaborating with lawmakers to advocate for policies that ensure sustainable funding for higher education in Louisiana.

Your Northwestern—A Call to Action
I reached out to our alumni this week, inviting them to join in supporting our beloved university. As we celebrate our 140th anniversary, I ask everyone to consider a $140 contribution to help restore Northwestern’s prominence and secure our future. Northwestern has provided us all with a foundation, friendships, and experiences that last a lifetime. Let’s work together to elevate Northwestern to the heights it deserves. For more information or to donate, please visit nsu.la/nsu140.

Looking Ahead
Wellness Fest will be held this week and I encourage all faculty and staff to explore the resources available and participate in this valuable on-campus event. For a full schedule, please visit NSU Wellness Fest.

As a reminder, Tuesday is Election Day, please take time to vote if you have not done so already.

Thank you all for your dedication and for making Northwestern a place of growth and opportunity.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University