NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Leah Jackson (jacksonl@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

10/05/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Two Engineering Technology students at Northwestern State University are the recipients of scholarships honoring the late Charles W. McPhearson Sr.

Matthew DeGama e Silva received a one-time $100 scholarship and Carrie Goodwin received a $25 scholarship. DeGama is a freshman engineering technology major from Campti. He is the son of Lugene DeGama and Ernesto DeGama. Goodwin, a senior engineering technology major from Natchitoches, is the daughter of Kenneth and Angie Goodwin.

A native of Marthaville, McPhearson was not able to finish high school because of family responsibilities, but went on to become an engineer with Phelps Dodge Corporation.

"I was looking on the application for a student who worked hard and was doing it on his own without a lot of help because that's the way my father was," McPhearson's daughter, Donna Smith, said, describing her father's strong work ethic and sense of independence.

"I know Matthew is only a freshman but his application stood out the most to me. He seemed sincere about working hard, trying to accomplish things on his own," said Smith, listing similarities between her father and DeGama. "I hope Matthew will have what it takes to complete the engineering program."

Goodwin, Smith said, stood out because of her academic record and high recommendations from instructors.

"I would like to thank all the applicants for taking time to apply," said Smith, who is employed with NSU's Division of Business Affairs.

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