NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Ericca Reynolds (reynoldse@nsula.edu)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

10/04/2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Three Northwestern State University students have become certified through the American Humanics program offered at NSU's University College. The students are Marissa Bejarano-Fernbaugh, a political science major from Campti, Brooke Fair, a general studies major from Baton Rouge, and Lanette Matthews, a general studies major from Leesville.

The American Humanics program is an innovative course of study that equips college and university students to become skilled professionals and leaders in America's youth and human service organizations. The purpose of the program is to prepare and certify future nonprofit professionals to work with America's youth and families and to be the nation's preferred source of entry-level youth and human service nonprofit professionals.

"I felt going through this program was crucial to my understanding of how non- profits work," said Bejarno-Fernbaugh. "It has made me a better employee because I now know everything that is involved in running a nonprofit."

"All majors are eligible for this program," said David Deggs, University College academic advisor. "It's a way for students to add something to their degree and in today's competitive job market, it will give them an edge."

Since 1998, NSU has had a partnership with Louisiana State University at Shreveport in teaching the program. To date, 10 students have become certified and placed in jobs.

"This is a truly unique partnership between two universities," said Dr. Sue Weaver, dean of University College. "For the students, it provides a link not only to another university but to a national network."

All three recipients said they have chosen this field because it is a self-gratifying experience.

"To actually help people, who don't have the resources to do so, get on their feet is rewarding to me," said Matthews.

"Because of the events of last Sept. 11, there are lots of opportunities to help people who are in need," said Fair.

"My family has always spent holidays feeding the homeless and doing some sort of volunteer work," said Bejarno-Fernbaugh. "Also, my family is not from the country so we always felt the need to give something back."

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