Northwestern State Establishes Scholarship in Memory of Alumna Carley McCord

Northwestern State University has established a scholarship in memory of sports journalist and alumna Carley McCord, who was tragically killed in a plane crash last Saturday in Lafayette.

McCord family friend Danielle Cobb says Carley always made an impression wherever she went.

“We have amazing students, but you don’t come across Carleys every day,” Cobb fondly recalls sorority sister McCord..

“The minute she walked into any room, she made an impact. Everyone absolutely loved her, she had such a vibrant personality and was very driven. From the minute she stepped foot on campus, she knew exactly what she wanted to do,” says Cobb.

In addition to being a journalism major at Northwestern State, McCord also worked in the recruiting office where she gave potential students tours of the campus. Cobb says McCord continued to promote the University even after she graduated in 2011, but while there…

“Carley had a huge impact on all of the students that came thru for those campus tours.”

Before becoming an in-game host for The Saints and the Pelicans, McCord competed in the Miss Louisiana pageant and was 1st runner up twice. Cobb hopes future winners of the scholarship will have the same drive as McCord.

“She had a dream, she went for it and gave it a 110%, so I strongly encourage those young women to not give up and inspire to be like her,” said Cobb.

If you are interested in making a donation to the Carley McCord Memorial Scholarship visit http://www.northwesternstatealumni.com/donations/

The first funeral from the crash will be held Thursday for Gretchen Vincent and her 15-year old son Walker in Lafayette. Services for McCord will be Saturday in Baton Rouge.