Celebration of Rose Long

Senator Gerald Long will host a scholarship event to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of his late wife, Rose Landry Long. The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 in the Northwestern State University Student Union Ballroom and will feature Louisiana Chef John Folse, assisted by students from NSU’s culinary arts program. Proceeds will go towards two scholarships that will be awarded to first generation students.

Rose grew up in rural Vermilion Parish seven miles from Gueydan in the farming community of Klondike. Her parents Andy and Leontine Landry were hard working rice farmers who farmed land owned by her grandfather. Rose was the fourth of five children. She always had a desire to learn, which would become evident in her school work and pursuit of excellence. After graduating from Gueydan High School in 1965, she entered NSU on the recommendation of her high school French teacher who graduated from what was then Louisiana State Normal College, and that would later become Northwestern State University.

While a freshman at NSU, Rose met and fell in love with Gerald Long. They married one year later. Rose was the first member of her family to enter college, and her parents were so proud. In only three years, she would graduate with honors.

The Rose Landry Long Scholarship will allow other first generational students to fulfill their dream of a college education. The Louisiana State Senate passed Senate Resolution No. 107 in 2017 establishing this scholarship for students across Louisiana. Requirements are that a 2.5 GPA be kept and the student must be full-time, which is equivalent to taking at least 12 hours.

Two accounts are currently set up to fund two scholarships. It is the goal of Senator Long to raise $250,000, which will yield about $15,000 annually.

Tickets are $500 per couple, or $2,500 for a sponsored table, which seats 8 guests. The Long family thanks you for your support. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Rebekah Burleson at (318) 357-5213 or burlesonr@nsula.edu.