inspired by experiences, pride in her university

Junior Katherine Putnam is a piano performance major from Oak Grove.

I am a member of the ULM Concert Choir and of the ULM Chamber Singers. I work as the contemporary service music director and pianist for First United Methodist Church in Monroe, and I am also a student worker in the Office of University Advancement and External Affairs at ULM.

I am the oldest of six children! (2 boys, 4 girls), and I come from a multicultural home. My mother was born and raised in Calcutta, India and my father is an American. I take pride in being part of such a culturally diverse university. I've had the opportunity of working with students and professors at ULM who are like me and come from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds.

I have studied classical piano and voice from a very young age, so I am very passionate about music! The life of a music major is very demanding and not for the weak of heart! In addition to 18 hours of classes, various musical performances, and a part time job, I practice four to five hours a day to improve my technique. Though being a music major can be very challenging, it is rewarding because it pushes me to give my best in every other facet of my life. After graduating from ULM, I plan to obtain a Doctorate in Piano Performance and later teach at the university level. I want to continue to use music as a wide door of communication to educate and inspire others so that they can benefit from music.

I absolutely love how beautiful ULM is at night, especially when the lights of the library reflect on the bayou. It makes our campus quite unique. When I'm in need of a study break, my friends and I walk the bridge overlooking Bayou Desiard. Not only is the view of the water and the wildlife beautiful, but the atmosphere is quiet and soothing--the perfect place to get away from it all.

President Cofer and First Lady Deborah Cofer have made such a positive impact on my life and the lives of so many others. From the first day that I set foot on this campus, I truly felt that I that I had a home here with the students and faculty. They have inspired me to strive for the best in everything that I do, and their legacy of excellence will continue to make a lasting impression on our students, our university, and our community.

This past June, I was privileged to represent ULM at the Miss Louisiana State Pageant where I won Preliminary Talent and received Top Ten Placement! As Miss ULM, I had numerous opportunities to impart my musical talents throughout my university and with the children in our community. I think that every girl's childhood dream is to grow up and be a princess, and I have truly been blessed to live that dream! It was truly a privilege to serve as the official hostess of my university.

The lessons I've learned at ULM have allowed me to mature both mentally and spiritually, and I fully appreciate every moment I have been given to make a difference in the lives of others. Life is a constant growth process, molding and shaping me into the individual I am today. My experiences at ULM continue to inspire me to live each day as an opportunity to impact lives and to give back to the university that I take so much pride in.