Contact: David West
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
11/9/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - Kelli Rivere of Harvey has been named Miss NSU and David Deggs of Rosepine has been named Mr. NSU by students at Northwestern State University.
Rivere was also named Homecoming queen in October. A senior social science education major, she is the daughter of George and Laurie Rivere.
Rivere is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity where she serves as president. She is also a member of the Demon Dazzlers Dance Line, serving as captain for two years and co-captain for one year.
A dean's list student, Rivere has been selected for membership in three prestigious honor societies, Phi Alpha Theta, Phi Kappa Phi and Kappa Delta Pi. She is also a member of Purple Jackets, the National Order of Omega and Gamma Sigma Alpha Greek Honor Society.
Earlier this year, she was a Greek 1010 facilitator, a Student Helping Student peer orientation leader and served on a panel for the Parent Connection program.
"I'm just overwhelmed over everything that has happened the last few weeks, getting named Homecoming queen and Miss NSU," said Rivere "It's wonderful that people thought so much of me."
Rivere said her involvement in campus activities has made her time at Northwestern more enjoyable.
"Since I am a good distance from home, it was important to get involved and meet people," said Rivere, who plans to earn a master's degree and eventually become a school administrator. "The more I was involved, the more people I got to know. When you're involved, you're more aware of what is happening on campus."
According to Rivere, each organization she has been involved with has helped her develop different skills.
"Being on the Demon Dazzlers is a great way to entertain people and support our athletic programs. And I've always liked to dance," she said. "My involvement in Phi Mu taught me a lot about myself. I developed my leadership skills and helped in the community. The academic honor societies were important because they emphasize the reason why we are all here at Northwestern."
Deggs, the son of Dale and Evelyn Deggs. A senior general studies major, Deggs plans to graduate in May and begin working on a master's in student personnel services.
While at Northwestern, Deggs has been active in campus organizations including the Student Activities Board where he was president and vice president. Deggs is a member of Theta Chi Fraternity where he was chosen fund raising chair and risk manager.
In addition, he was also a member of the Interfraternity Council and the National Order of Omega, co-chairing weekly pep rallies in the fall and Greek Week activities.
"I couldn't think of a better way to prepare myself than to have been involved in so many activities," said Deggs. "I've had the chance to work with a lot of students while doing things I enjoyed doing."
Deggs was also a freshman connector, a participant in Greek 1010 and was in Students Helping Students. He was honored as NSU's Greek Man of the Year for 1997-98 and was named the recipient of the Dale A. Silvinskie National Scholarship by Theta Chi.
"Once I got involved, one thing led to another," he said. "Being active on campus adds a great deal to what you learn in the classroom. You learn to deal with people, and find out how to handle real situations."
Deggs said his year as president of the Student Activities Board was invaluable to him. In that position, he managed a budget and directed student workers and volunteers.
"It was a huge responsibility, but it was a lot of fun," he said. "There were a lot of details to handle. It was an unique experience."
Deggs and Rivere will be recognized at the Nov. 14 football game against Sam Houston and at other activities throughout the school year.