NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University unveiled signage designating the school’s athletic fieldhouse and surrounding facilities as the Donald G. Kelly Athletic Complex during the Sept. 30 football game. Kelly and family were recognized, along with his contributions to NSU while serving in state government for more than two decades.
A prominent alumnus and student-athlete, Kelly served as a delegate to the Louisiana Constitutional Convention in 1973 and was elected to five consecutive terms in the Senate from 1976-1996 representing Natchitoches, Winn, Sabine and Red River parishes. He was a floor leader for Governors Edwin Edwards and Buddy Roemer and served on powerful Budget and Finance committees.
Kelly was the driving force behind obtaining funding for construction of NSU Athletic Fieldhouse and the major expansion of Turpin Stadium, which gave NSU one of the most advanced athletic facilities for a university of its size at the time. NSU recently replaced and upgraded chairback seating and completed other Turpin Stadium improvements.
A former football player, Kelly is a member of the university’s N Club Hall of Fame and has been inducted into the Long Purple Line, the alumni hall of distinction, the highest honor of an alumnus of NSU. He is also a member of the Political Hall of Fame in Winnfield.
Pictured:
Former state senator Don Kelly was joined by family when honored at NSU Sept. 30. From left are Brandon Kelly, Callie Kelly holding Blaze Kelly, NSU Athletic Director Kevin Bostian, NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones, Keenan Kelly, Jennifer Kelly, Pat Kelly, Don Kelly, Anderson Kelly, Shelby Bedgood, Kaitlynn Bedgood, Melanie Bedgood, Hunter Bedgood holding Wyatt Bedgood and Ariel Rachal. On the back row are Mike Adkins holding Rhett Bedgood and Hunter Adkins.
