NATCHITOCHES – Since 1983, Rick and Mary Roper have been the driving force behind the annual Chris Roper Memorial Golf Tournament that has raised thousands of dollars in scholarships for Northwestern State University students.
This year’s 44th annual tournament brought the series to a conclusion, but not before NSU’s School of Kinesiology, formerly the Department of Health and Human Performance, could publicly thank the Ropers by naming an important facility The Roper Biomechanics and Movement Analysis Lab. The surprise announcement took place April 24 during a tournament kick-off party where friends, previous scholarship recipients and faculty from the School honored the Ropers for their years of work to honor Chris by helping students who aspire, as he did, to become coaches.
“Rick and Mary Roper, their family and Chris’s teammates have been some of the most supportive long-term friends of NSU,” said Jill Bankston, Alumni Affairs. “I’ve been involved with the Chris Roper Tournament since I began working at NSU and on behalf of the Northwestern family, I offer gratitude and appreciation for what the Ropers have done by providing an opportunity for our students for 44 years.”
Chris Roper grew up in Camden, Arkansas, and attended NSU on a golf scholarship. He lost his life in a car accident while returning home for Christmas break in 1982. The following spring, his parents organized the Chris Roper Memorial Golf Tournament and established the Chris Roper Memorial Scholarship. Teammates and friends joined the cause, contributing money and prizes for the tournament since its inception. As a result, two students have been selected annually to receive $5,000 each for the academic year.
“Over the years, this scholarship has done far more than provide financial assistance. It has opened doors,” said Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith, director of the School of Kinesiology. “For many students, it has eased the burden of tuition and allowed them to focus more fully on their education, their academic experiences and their professional growth. It has helped shape future coaches, physical therapists, athletic trainers and sports professionals, individuals who carry forward the values that Chris Roper represented: dedication, leadership and a commitment to others.”
The Ropers, who both turn 90 this year, made the decision to bring the tournament to a close. NSU Alumni Affairs staff Terry Wilson and Cristy Bernard were instrumental in organizing this year’s tournament and pre-party.
“Looking to the future, the Chris Roper Memorial Scholarship will continue to be a catalyst,” Tietjen-Smith said. “As the fields of kinesiology and sport evolve, so too will the opportunities for these students. This scholarship will help ensure that talented, passionate individuals can step into those opportunities and lead. It will continue to allow NSU and the School of Kinesiology to invest in people who will go on to improve lives, advance the profession and strengthen communities.”
Friends can continue to contribute to the Chris Roper Memorial Scholarship at
https://northwesternstatealumni.com/roper-scholarship/
Information on NSU’s School of Kinesiology is available at: