NEWS RELEASE

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

2/2/2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES- Proceeds from the first annual Northwestern State University-Serenity Point Deer Hunt will be used to create two scholarships at NSU. Funds generated were divided between the NSU Foundation and the NSU Athletic Association to create the Dan and Lilly Chase Serenity Point Academic Scholarship and the Dan and Lilly Chase Serenity Point Athletic Scholarship.

Both scholarships are under development, according to Dr. Chris Maggio, director of Alumni and Development, and Charlie Vienne, assistant athletic director for External Affairs.

The Serenity Point Deer Hunt is a fund raiser in which donors who contribute $3,500 each to the University Foundation receive a three-day hunting trip at Serenity Point, a lodge in the Tunica Hills owned by Dan and Lilly Chase. The trip includes meals, lodging and hunting in the wooded hills along the Mississippi River and a visit with Demon head football coach Scott Stoker. The Deer Hunt is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Chase, NSU Alumni and Development and the NSU Athletic Association. The inaugural Hunt took place in early January.

Carlton Golden, who took his 11-year-old son Levi along on the Deer Hunt, said the experience was wonderful.

"It was a great time for both of us. We both had time to relax and visit more than we usually do at home," Golden said. "When you sit in a deer stand for three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon with your son, you share some quality time that is like none other. Levi is already talking about next year."

Also participating were Mike Knotts of Haughton, a 1986 graduate of NSU; his son Christopher,14, and friend Michael Waldron, 21.

"We had a great time with good food and good camaraderie in a great place. It was something my son and I could do together," Knotts said. "Anytime I can give money to help a student fund their education I'm happy to do it. There are so many kids today that can't afford to go to college. When you donate money and have a good time to boot, what's better?"

The Chases are generous supporters of Northwestern. Mr. Chase, who is from Baton Rouge, is a 1957 graduate of Northwestern. Mr. Chase is a retired educator who is now chairman and chief executive officer of Dan Chase Taxidermy Supply Co Inc. He has served as a member of the NSU Foundation Board of Directors and is a member of the NSU President's Council and the Select 100.

Last year, a donation from the Chases to NSU created the Dan and Lilly Chase and daughters Marty Causey and Lisa Chase Endowed Professorship in the College of Education. The Chases have supported the university by hosting alumni meetings and NSU recruitment events at their home.

"Besides having an exceptional outdoors experience, the donors who participated in the Serenity Point Deer Hunt know their generosity is being used to further both athletics and academics," said Dr. Chris Maggio, director of Alumni and Development.

For more information on the Serenity Point Deer Hunt, contact Vienne at (318) 357-4295 or Jill Bankston in the NSU Alumni Center at (318) 357-4225.

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