NATCHITOCHES – Friends and colleagues of the late Dr. Claudia Moore Triche made a contribution to the memorial scholarship that honors the former chair of the Department of Social Work at Northwestern State University. The donation of $2,000, combined with a separate donation of $1,000 from BOM Bank, raises the scholarship amount to $7,127 with the goal of reaching $10,000 endowed status. The scholarship will benefit students pursuing a degree in social work.
Triche was a native of Shreveport who graduated from NSU with a degree in social work in 1970. She attended Louisiana State University, earning a Master’s of Social Work degree in 1972 and Licensed Clinical Social Worker certification in 1973. She began her tenure on faculty at NSU in 1974 as the director of field internships for the Department of Social Work, later to become professor and chair of the department.
Kirby Peddy, assistant professor of social work, said that Triche’s memory continues to impact the university and the Natchitoches community, particularly among her friends in the Krewe of Dionysos, who are currently preparing for Mardi Gras festivities. Triche and her late husband Ray were founding members of the Krewe and reigned as king and queen in 2008. Over the years, the Krewe has supported several initiatives at NSU as part of their community philanthropy.
In addition to educating hundreds of students, Triche operated her own private practice, Counseling Services Incorporated. She was also a contract social worker for the Veterans Affairs Office assisting veterans, including disabled veterans, and their families for over three decades. In addition, she advocated for thousands of children, families and individuals. She retired from NSU as Professor Emeritus in 2013 after 39 years of service. She lost her battle with Glioblastoma (brain cancer) in January 2020 and is remembered for her dignity and grace while living a life of humility.
“This donation honors Claudie and her legacy of compassion in social work and the invaluable impact she had in serving her community,” Peddy said. “We hope this donation will inspire others to support the scholarship and keep Claudia’s joie de vivre alive this Mardi Gras season.”
The Claudia Triche Memorial Scholarship in Social Work was created to honor her lifelong achievements. Gifts can be mailed to Office of University Advancement, 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497. Online gifts may be made at http://www.northwesternstatealumni.com/donations/claudia-triche-memorial-scholarship/.
NSU’s Bachelor of Social Work degree prepares graduates for careers in social work and human services ad is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Information on the degree program is available at https://www.nsula.edu/socialwork/ .
