As part of its Greek Life Centennial celebration, Northwestern State University recognized 100 distinguished individuals for their notable contributions to fraternity and sorority life at the university over the last century. Lane Luckie, a 2008 graduate and an alumnus of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, was among the graduates honored through…
Category: Northwestern State University
These posts address news topics specifically pertaining to Northwestern State University and its students and faculty.
Remembering General Erbon Wise, an extraordinary life of service
I was so very sad to hear of the passing of General Erbon Wise this week, just two days shy of his 100th birthday. I always looked forward to visiting with him every Fall in Natchitoches during our NSU Alumni Association/Foundation board luncheon. My college career was possible, in large part due to his generosity,…
Passing along some words of wisdom to Northwestern State University’s senior class
As president of the Northwestern State University Alumni Association, I recently had the distinct honor of helping present class rings to the graduating seniors. Before joining university president Dr. Chris Maggio in the presentation, I was asked to share some reflections as they prepare to receive their baccalaureate degrees. Congratulations on making it to this…
Lane Luckie elected president of NSU Alumni Association board
Lane Luckie is bringing more than a decade of experience to his new role as president of the Northwestern State University Alumni Association board of directors. In this volunteer capacity, the 2008 graduate will lead a 32-person board in working to promote the advancement of academic excellence by developing coalitions among alumni, students, friends and…
NSU J-Day, an opportunity to reconnect with my “why”
I’m always honored to be invited to speak at my alma mater, Northwestern State University. Their annual J-Day is connects future journalists with communications professionals to discuss trends in the industry, news philosophy, and career advice. High school students from around Louisiana and Texas are also participating in journalism competitions, listening to keynote lectures, and…
Legendary political consultant, journalist, professor heading into retirement
What a great privilege to spend an evening celebrating my former professor, Raymond Strother. The famed political consultant, author and journalist is retiring as the Erbon & Marie Wise Endowed Chair in Journalism at Northwestern State University. The university held a retirement reception for Strother on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the NSU Alumni Center….
Grateful for all my Alma Mater has given me
Northwestern State University’s annual Homecoming reunion is always one of my favorite times of year! It’s a great reminder of how special Natchitoches and NSU will always be for me. I was surprised, but so very honored to receive the ‘Outstanding Young Alumnus’ award from my Alma Mater at halftime of the football game. Perhaps…
A chance to chat with the next generation of journalists
Learning is a lifelong adventure for any committed journalist, a journey shaped by academic studies, real world application, and experiences shared by those working in the field. There’s always an opportunity to grow for those open to it. Looking back on my college years, I was fortunate to have been exposed to constant advice from professors…
Will people know the color of your heart?
I was very honored to have the opportunity to speak to the graduating seniors of my alma mater, Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. On Thursday, May 5, NSU threw a ‘Fork Em Farewell Crawfish Boil’ for seniors and their families. As a board member for the NSU Alumni Association, I was asked to share…
In memory of longtime NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb
It’s been a tough week for many at my alma mater, Northwestern State University, with the passing of former president Randall J. Webb. While he had been retired for almost a year — you’d never know. His devotion to the success of NSU never waned. You’d see him on campus, at alumni events in Shreveport, and doing…
Advice from a 105-year-old with no intent of slowing down
What a privilege and honor it was Wednesday morning to visit with Tyler resident Earline Andrews on her 105 birthday. She happens to be the oldest living graduate of my alma mater, Northwestern State University! I don’t think she could have been more delighted when we arrived with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on behalf…
General Erbon Wise’s impact on my education
Some truly exceptional individuals have connections to Northwestern State. This weekend, I got to catch up with General Erbon Wise, a noted author and the publisher of several newspapers in Louisiana and Texas. He wrote for our newspaper as a student at NSU and later served in World War II during the Normandy invasion. He…
Emotional ESPN film profiles heroic death, legacy of NFL great Joe Delaney
This month, the heroic story of NFL legend Joe Delaney will be shared with millions of people around the world in ESPN’s latest ’30 For 30′ film. Wednesday night, I got the chance to attend an advance screening of ‘Delaney,’ the short film profiling the life and legacy of the Kansas City Chiefs running back who died…
This Isn’t Your Daddy’s Journalism
I recently had the opportunity to return to my alma mater to participate in the 41st annual Northwestern State University J-Day. Journalism Day gives discerning high school students the opportunity to attend hands-on workshops and lectures at NSU. Professionals talk with students about the changing field of journalism and mass communications and give advice on how…
Meet the woman profiled in ‘The Armless Marvel’
Natchitoches, Louisiana is home to an extraordinary number of remarkable individuals. While Mary Belle de Vargas’ name may not be widely known, her story is deserving of attention and admiration. Born without arms, she refused to let others’ perceptions limit her abilities. She taught herself to paint using her toes and feet, gaining the attention…
Raymond Strother: The Father of Political Consulting
Using the word “colorful” to describe Louisiana’s political scene has become so cliché. With grandiose political personalities in every corner of the country from Senator Robert Byrd, to Governor Schwarzenegger and Senators Larry Craig and Ted Kennedy, Louisiana isn’t the only state with famous politicians. Louisiana, however, still maintains control of its own style of…
From the Town Talk: “Greeks Work to Change Stereotype”
It’s no secret that the Greek System at NSU is going through a rough patch. Low recruitment, retention, and accountability are among some of the biggest obstacles. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, however. Some very capable student leaders are at the helm of their respective organizations. Comittment to philanthropic service…
Is the state of Greek Life at NSU in danger?
In an effort to improve the current state of fraternities at Northwestern State University, the Interfraternity Council, or IFC, is undertaking a self-imposed reorganization. The IFC, which serves as the governing body of six chartered fraternities, voted earlier this semester to disband temporarily and to allow the group to restructure their operations. “Many fraternities felt…
New semester, new ideas
Upon arrival in Natchitoches in early August, I hit the ground running with re-tooling my duties with NSU22 News. I planned to return to anchoring this fall, but a class conflict will prevent me from scheduling around the newscast. This may prove to be a favorable coincidence because I have been named to the investigative beat…
Day 18: How do J-schools stack up?
Do I cut the red wire, or do I cut the blue wire? There are 10 seconds left on the timer. Tick tock, tick tock. The voice over the radio screams “Come on, you’ve got to cut the wire.” You know the inevitable is looming. If you cut the wrong wire, it’s over. Your heart…
Uncovering ‘Silent Killers’ on NSU’s campus
Everywhere you go, they’re hiding in places you can’t avoid. Waiting to take advantage of vulnerability. Growing stronger with every passing minute. Indiscriminate attacks on infants, adults, and the elderly. Are we safe? Can we protect ourselves? Or are we adding insult to injury? Who are these silent killers? Those are the first few lines…
WATCH: Welcome to NSU’s Department of Journalism
Click here to learn more about NSU’s highly-regarded Department of Journalism.
Lane Luckie 