NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

3/02/2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES ­Lisa Mathews will probably never get away from working with instruments, but the kind she works with today are far from what she the ones she used to help her receive a college education.

Mathews, a 1992 scientific inquiry major from the Louisiana Scholars' College, has a successful dental practice in Shreveport. Earning a spot in the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band at NSU played a major role in helping her earn a degree.

Mathews, along with her husband Jason, also a 1992 graduate of Northwestern, have made a three-year pledge to the NSU Foundation to establish the Lisa and Jason Mathews Music Department Fund. The fund will benefit the music program within the Mrs. H.D. Sr. and Alice Estelle Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts.

"Our experience at Northwestern and with the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band was very positive," said Ms. Mathews, who lives in Benton. "Jason and I talked about giving back in a way that could benefit a specific department or cause. That was one thing that attracted us.

"Being in the band gave me the opportunity to earn a scholarship and receive a student job through CAPA. If I would not have received that scholarship, I would not have been able to complete school. I feel indebted to those who provided me with an opportunity. We are glad to be able to contribute so that others can benefit and have the chance to have the wonderful career and live that we have."

Mathews said it was important to her to have an extracurricular activity away from academics.

"Band gave me a creative outlet," she said. "It also gave me an instant support group of 250 people. It gave me a way to get involved in a variety of activities."

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