Ribbon-cutting for Northwestern State's $45M Alost Hall set for Friday, Oct. 3

Ribbon-cutting for Northwestern State's $45M Alost Hall for Friday, Oct. 3

NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University will hold a ribbon-cutting for Dr. Alost Hall, the university's state-of-the-art academic hub that opened this semester. The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 in conjunction with the university's Homecoming festivities. 

"This building represents the promise of Northwest State University," said NSU President James T. Genovese. "Dr. Robert Alost Hall stands as a commitment to academic excellence, innovation and service to Louisiana. As we open its doors, we honor Dr. Alost's legacy and look ahead to the students who will prepare here to lead in classrooms, hospitals, businesses, and communities across our state and beyond."

Alost was president of Northwestern State from 1986-1996 and is credited with initiating substantial progress in academic achievement, athletic success and facility enhancements during his administration.

Construction on the $45 million Alost project began in March 2023. Looming over Sam Sibley Drive in the heart of the campus, the 73,200-square-foot Alost Hall features large multipurpose classrooms that can open into one larger multi-functional area, simulation laboratories for graduate and undergraduate nursing and anesthesia programs, a social work/psychology clinic and training area, a cafe, a dozen 30-person classrooms, two 4-person classrooms and three 50-person classrooms. The building houses 60 faculty offices and an administrative suite for deans, department heads and administrative assistants, a large conference room and reception area. There are seating areas inside and outside the building for students between classes. 

Alost Hall is located at 160 Sam Sibley Drive, the former site of Caddo Hall, a 1960s residential facility that was razed in preparation for the new building. Alost Hall replaces John S. Kyser Hall, constructed in 1968, as the university's main academic building. 

Parking for the ribbon-cutting will be available at the adjacent commuter parking lot. 

The ribbon-cutting is one event in a full slate planned for Homecoming weekend. For a full schedule, visit www.northwesternstatealumni.com/homecoming.