By Madeleine Bechac
“As soon as I saw her, I knew right away I wanted her to be mine.”
It was love at first sight for 102-year-old alumnus William “Charlie” F. McCarthy, as he met his sweetheart of 75 years, Frances Anzalone McCarthy, 95, near Southeastern’s campus.
The year is 1948. University students buzz over Truman’s presidential win and fears about the Cold War following the recent commencement of WWII. Young men and women put on their dancing shoes to swing to the latest Fats Domino record streaming through a jukebox at the local soda pop shop. Life is simpler, slower, and full of economic prosperity and hope.
Charlie McCarthy was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, and served in the United States military during WWII. After returning home from the service, Charlie received a call from a dear friend who was attending Southeastern at the time. The friend boasted about the excellence of the university and encouraged him to follow his thirst for knowledge by pursuing his undergraduate degree. According to Charlie, choosing Southeastern was a no-brainer, as he stated that “campus felt like family.” His passion for basketball led him to receive an athletic scholarship to attend the university. Upon receiving the good news, Charlie packed his things, said goodbye to his hometown, and excitedly began putting down roots in Hammond, Louisiana.
In contrast, alumna and Louisiana native Frances “Frankie” Anzalone McCarthy chose to attend Southeastern so she could be closer in distance to her family. At that time in history, it was slowly becoming more societally acceptable for women to chase their academic goals rather than enter directly into wifehood or motherhood. According to Frankie, she initially wanted to pursue a degree in interior design; however, due to the lack of local offerings for that major, she decided on business due to its broad scope of potential job opportunities. Similar to his wife, Charlie chose business administration as his degree path.
Charlie and Frankie first crossed paths in downtown Hammond near Southeastern. Charlie recalled noticing her beauty upon first glance, and decided that no other woman would do. He knew it was destined for him to make Frankie his wife. After meeting, the couple felt an immediate spark and soon their romance began to bloom.
The couple was committed primarily to their studies, but they took an active role in many organizations on Southeastern’s campus, leading to the formation of lifelong friendships and memories. In relation to his love for the game of basketball and due to his athletic scholarship requirements, Charlie was a member of the official collegiate basketball team for the duration of his education. In 1948, Charlie was elected president of the Commerce Club, which was the largest and most popular club on Southeastern’s campus at the time. Thanks to Charlie’s influence and their budding romance, Frankie also joined the Commerce Club, and the couple worked together to achieve the club’s goals. Additionally, Charlie was a member of the athletic-centered “S” Club, even being named secretary in 1949. He also took great pride in his fraternity, Kappa Delta Tau, and participated in the social group’s events and helped to further their campus presence.
Known campus-wide for her beauty and kindness, Frankie was included in the 1948 and 1949 yearbook section “Southeastern Beauties.” She was chosen to stand as a maid in the Homecoming ball and take part in the Homecoming parade. In 1949, she was graciously bestowed the title of “Miss Southeastern.” Frankie’s eyes sparkled as she recalled winning the pageant, thinking back to how honored she was to receive the designation. “I studied piano for years, but could never play a tune,” Frankie laughed, “So, I was just thrilled and surprised to have won.” As a special honor, the editor of the yearbook had famous New Orleans artist Vaughn Monroe select the most beautiful girl out of a group of eligible women for the Miss Southeastern distinction, and he chose Frankie as his favorite. Frankie was heavily involved in her sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau, serving as president of the Panhellenic council in 1949. She also took part in the Press Club and was on the Le Souvenir yearbook committee staff.
Despite both graduating with their undergraduate degree in business, the couple’s career choices divulged upon entering the working world. Charlie accepted a position with State Farm Insurance company and worked diligently to serve the greater Hammond community until his retirement at 94 years old. Frankie, however, was offered a position as an educator in civics at Independence High School. She noted that this switch in career paths was influenced by the high demand for teachers, as at that time in history, there was an influx of students entering the school system as a result of racial integration. Frankie moved up the administration ranks, eventually being named assistant principal by the time of her retirement.
In reflection of her career, Frankie noted that her work was fueled by her own personal motivation each day, and the couple encourages students to choose a path that will “Make you want to get up each morning.” Upon seeing their photographs as young Southeastern students, the couple remarked that they were very lucky to have been given many opportunities due to their undergraduate education. In addition, they expressed their gratefulness to Southeastern, for without attending, their love story of 75 years never would have been possible.
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