Drive-in movie to fund scholarships, LSUS programs

Although drive-in movies have largely vanished from the American byways, LSU-Shreveport hopes to bring the 1950s pastime back to life April 12 on the local campus.

The LSUS Foundation is throwing a retro shindig that will convert a campus parking lot into a drive-in movie location for one night as part of its “Starry Nights” fundraiser. Foundation Board President T. Brian Bond said, “The goal is to raise $60,000 to help support scholarships and other programs at LSUS. These monies are crucial to the university during this time of shrinking government support for higher education. We have to be creative in our approaches, but we also think this event will be fun and introduce some new people to our campus.”

The feature film will be the 2007 John Travolta musical, “Hairspray.” According to a release, the film is a family-friendly musical lending itself to dressing up in the style of the ’50s. Costume contests are planned, and the LSUS Alumni Association will also host a silent auction.

The retro flavor will extend to the concessions as well, where patrons can sample chilled soda, candy and unlimited popcorn, all with a commemorative tote to haul off the goodies. One of the campus’ larger parking lots will be transformed into the drive-in, complete with a large screen and wireless FM transmitters, enabling viewers to hear the movie soundtrack through their car’s FM radio.

There are levels of participation for moviegoers, LSUS Foundation Executive Director Laura Perdue said.

One is the VIP Date Night. “This is our not-so-retro option,” Perdue said.

For $150 per couple, movie patrons will be admitted at 6 p.m. and have the pick of the lot for parking in the best spots. They will also have admittance to the VIP tent, where beverages and heavy hors d’ouvres will be served. All of the food and refreshments are part of the ticket price, Perdue said.

For a $100 ticket, patrons receive the Family Fun Night option, which entitles them to four tickets, admission to the children’s bounce houses and special concessions. The price is all-inclusive in this category as well. Family Fun Night ticketholders will be admitted at 6:30 p.m.

For $30, individual and lawn seating tickets are available with admission starting at 7 p.m. This entitles patrons to unlimited concessions, as well.

Purdue said the foundation believes it is important for local residents to become more familiar with LSU in Shreveport.

“Shreveport is the perfect university sized city,” she said. “This is this community’s LSU.”

She said the board wants to fulfill its plan to create more programs designed to bring local folks to the campus to see what it has to offer. She said the goal is to provide an assortment of programs and events that make the campus a more integral part of the lives of the community.

Whether it’s attending a movie, researching a potential college for a youngster, or pursuing a graduate degree, Purdue said getting people to come to the campus is the first step.

She said the foundation wants to make local residents aware of what they call the “$1 million Secret.”

“The $1 million secret is the fact that, on average, $1,100,000 is the difference in earnings between a high school graduate and a college graduate. We want people to know this and how cost-effective LSUS is for getting that degree,” Perdue said. She said the money raised will be used to fund LSUS scholarships and programs. At the same time, the foundation hopes to spread the word about the affordability of an LSUS education.

In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be April 26. Information about the event will be updated at the website, www.lsusmovie.com and the LSUS Foundation Facebook page.

– Joe Todaro