NSU’s Jubilee has a bit of something for everyone

Thinking Nicholls State University’s 13th annual Jubilee has nothing to interest you?

You’re probably not looking closely enough at this year’s lineup.

Set for March 14 through April 16, Jubilee is a festival of the university’s arts and humanities. Be it music, art, dance, cooking or research into the issues that impact our lives, Jubilee promises a celebration of all things south Louisiana.

“The 13th year of our fest will stimulate artistic endeavors, our local and international connections and the educational and creative identity of our wonderful university,” said Angela Hammerli, festival coordinator, distinguished service professor of education, Orleans Pitre Endowed Professor and associate professor of human performance education.

In addition to the events highlighted in Gumbo’s Arts and Family Fun listings, the following are planned for March:

• The Herman Doucet Sr. Memorial Biomedical Lecture: “A Molecular and Medical Basis for the Historical Hatfield-McCoy Feud.” Ever wonder why families fight? Dr. John Doucet, of NSU’s Department of Biological Sciences and University Honors Program, fuses legend and modern medicine in his report on recent discoveries that underlie this immortal family fued. March 16, 101 Gouaux Hall, at 6 p.m.

• CNN national security analyst and author Peter Bergen discusses “The Longest War: the Enduring Conflict between America and al-Qaida,” his recently-published book. His wife, Nicholls alumna and TV producer/writer Tresha Mabile, will accompany him. March 17, Powell Auditorium, 7 p.m.

• Bonnie Bourg Lecture Series: Dawn Rose LaFont, principal of Oaklawn Jr. High. Named Louisiana’s Special Education Teacher of the Year 1991-92, Terrebonne Parish Elementary Principal of the Year 2005-06, Region 3 Elementary Principal of the year 2008-09 and Nicholls 2009 James Lynn Powell Award winner. March 22, Bollinger Memorial Student Union, Le Bijou Theater, 10:30 a.m.

• Women’s History Luncheon and Awards Presentation. Tickets are $15. Call (985) 448-4090 by March 25 to reserve seats. March 22, Bollinger Memorial Student Union, Le Bijou Theater, noon.

• The Last Natural Delta of the Mississippi River, 1519-1880: Discovery, Demise and Coastal-Restoration Implications.” LSU’s Dr. Richard Condrey prevents a fascinating investigation that combines writings of historical French and Spanish explorers with modern-day coastal science. 101 Gouaux Hall, 6 to 7 p.m.

• Research Week at Nicholls: Brown Bag Series. Events highlight the diversity of research in each college at Nicholls. Culminates with a reception and awards ceremony for students March 30 and faculty March 31.