NATCHITOCHES –– Northwestern State University’s oldest and most prestigious honorary service societies, Purple Jackets and Blue Key, welcomed new members, including Minden’s Anunye Thomas and Lorelai Beavers to start off Honors Week at the university.  Honors Week celebrates the university’s organizations that recognize student achievement in academics, research, leadership and service. 

Begun in 1927, NSU’s Purple Jackets are junior or senior level students selected based on scholarship, outstanding achievement, exceptional leadership and high ideals.  Members must have at least a 3.0 GPA by their junior year and must be in two other campus-affiliated organizations, serving as an officer in at least one organization. Dedicated to community service and serving as the official hostesses of NSU, members must demonstrate good scholarship, good character and a spirit of cooperation and unselfishness in serving Northwestern State.

This year’s Purple Jackets officers are President Madelynn Misuraca of Natchitoches, Vice President Cailen Wiltcher of Sondheimer, Secretary Camilia Adger of Shreveport and Treasurer Paulina Trejo of Morgan City.

Blue Key Honor Society bases eligibility for membership on all-around leadership and integrity in student life, high scholastic achievement and service to others. NSU’s Blue Key chapter was established in 1959.

This year’s Blue Key officers are President Cailen Wiltcher of Sondheimer, Vice President Owen Stutzman of Gonzales, Volunteer Coordinator Christopher Longoria of Shreveport, Secretary Alexa Metternich of Walker and Treasurer Alex Laurent of Lafayette.