NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University awarded degrees to a record 1,423 students Friday at Fall Commencement Exercises inPrather Coliseum. During 2011, Northwestern State conferred degrees on a record 2,331 graduates.

Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Jim Purcell was the commencement speaker. Northwestern State University presented an honorary doctorate of humane letters to Earl J. Barbry Sr. of Marksville.

Fall graduates by hometown from the Avoyelles area were:

Bordelonville – Charissa Stelly, Bachelor of Science;

Cottonport – Allison Juneau, Master of Education;

Lecompte – Crystal Atkins, Bachelor of Social Work;

Lettsworth – L'Kyra Stevenson, Associate Degree;

Mansura – Alacia Augustine, Wesley Maddox, Bachelor of Science;

Marksville –Jessica Gagnard, Associate of General Studies, Bachelor of Arts;

Alyssa Bordelon, Bachelor of Science;

Graduates who completed degree requirements at the close of the summer semester are listed as follows:

Effie -- Jeremy Dodge, Bachelor of General Studies;

Marksville -- Rachel Kerry, Associate of General Studies; Racquel Ravare, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;