NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University inducted six distinguished alumni into its Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line, as part of Homecoming festivities Friday. This year’s inductees are, from left, NSU Vice President for External Affairs Jerry Pierce of Natchitoches, businessman Harvey F. Marcus Sr. of Monroe, state official Sujuan Boutte of Prairieville, former NSU faculty member Thomas Whitehead of Natchitoches and Fed Ex executive John A. Smith of Memphis, Tennessee. Not shown is Louisiana State University Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron of Baton Rouge. The Long Purple Line was established to provide recognition and appreciation to individuals whose career accomplishments or service to their fellow man have enhanced the reputation and prestige of Northwestern State. Selection may be based upon past or continuing achievements in individuals’ careers, exemplary and extraordinary service to community, state and nation or both career accomplishments and service to mankind including service to their alma mater. A total of 136 Northwestern State alumni have been inducted into the Long Purple Line. Detailed information on each inductee is available at https://www.nsula.edu/induction-for-long-purple-line-2020-honorees-will-be-oct-22/.
