Two graduates of Northwestern State University are featured in a new educational video produced by the National World War II Museum and New Orleans PBS affiliate WYES-TV. Sylvia Murphy and Mandi Ridgdell, were sweethearts of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity in 1957 and 2007, respectively.

The women were interviewed by the production crew for a segment in a video series that will be shown to middle and high school students around the country, promoting the museum and teaching lessons about that era of American history.

Murphy, who is also the wife of 1956 Beta Omicron Chapter chartering member Mike Murphy, is a volunteer at the museum. Professionally, Ridgdell is a member of the singing trio ‘The Victory Belles.’ The group perform often at the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen, around the museum and are also available to entertain at events around the country.

In the video, Murphy explains the influence of music and performers during the war, while Ridgdell teaches the other interviewees the ‘truck,’ a style of dance popular in the 1940s.