NSU celebrates grand opening of $45 million Robert Alost Hall

NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Northwestern State University celebrated the opening of Robert Alost Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 3, part of the university’s Homecoming festivities.

According to a news release, President James Genovese joined members of the Alost family, University of Louisiana System officials, former NSU presidents, faculty, students, alumni, and community leaders for the event.

The 73,200-square-foot, $45 million academic building opened this semester and features multipurpose classrooms, simulation labs, a psychology and social work clinic, faculty offices, and study spaces.

“Robert Alost Hall will transform how we teach, learn, and conduct research,” said Provost Greg Handel in a news release.

Alost Hall honors Dr. Robert Alost, who served as NSU president from 1986 to 1996. Alost co-founded the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts and served as its first director. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 85.