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Signature Wines program premiers with party;
inaugural collection honors Chancellor Marsala

Dianne Howell

November 13 was a night of surprises at the beautiful and historic Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, the site chosen for the Alumni Association’s first-ever Wine Tasting event.

First on the program was the premier of the Association’s new Signature Wines program, justly named The Vince Marsala Inaugural Collector’s Series and honoring the Chancellor’s 36 years of service. LSUS is one of only 32 universities in the nation to have its own signature wine.

Next came the unveiling of a limited edition poster celebrating the occasion. More than 200 guests, including Alumni Association members, Foundation members, faculty, staff and friends of the university, enjoyed lavish hor d’oeuvres and samples of the collection wines.

To close the gala evening, six ladies proposed toasts in the Chancellor’s honor. Carol Ann Marsala, his wife, and Shawne Marsala, their daughter, each offered a stroll down memory lane and original poems for the occasion. They were followed by Wanda Norman, Marsala’s secretary for more than 30 years; Dr. Gloria Raines, vice chancellor for student affairs; Pam Simek, vice president of the Alumni Association Board; and Dianne Howell, Alumni Association director.

The wine collection includes seven excellent varieties: Mirabelle North Coast Brut Sparkling Wine, Palomino Ridge California White Zinfandel, Blackridge Canyon Signature Series California Chardonnay, Monticello Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot, Robert Mondavi Coastal Select Pinot Noir, Henehan Hills Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon and Robert Mondavi Private Selection Central Coast Syrah.

The wine may be ordered by calling 1-888-968-7946 or by visiting the Web site at www.signaturewines.com/lsus. Wines are available by the case or in 4-bottle or 12-bottle collections. Limited edition posters may be purchased for $20 plus tax, shipping and handling through the Alumni Office at 318-797-5190 or alumni@lsus.edu.