Louisiana State University - Gumbo Yearbook (Baton Rouge, LA)

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The Boyd Literary Society was named for Thomas Duckett Boyd, outstanding presi- dent of L.S.U. in the years 1896-1927. on the old campus until 1932. The campus was dedicated officially on April 30, 1926, the anniversary of the admittance of Louisiana into the Union. Several important changes in the schools and colleges were affected in 1931 giving new life and emphasis to the life and progress of the institution. The swelling enrollment comprised not only of stu- dents from Louisiana, but from other states and abroad as well created a demand for many new courses. As a result in a short period of only four years the Schools of Geology, Medicine, Library Sci- ence, Journalism, Forestry, Music, Dentistry, and Pharmacy were established as well as the College of Pure and Applied Science, the Institute of Industrial Research, the Graduate School, and the Depart- ments of Fine Arts and Religious Education. During the period immediately preceding the depression the enrollment almost doubled. This growth can be properly attributed to the wholesale enlargement of the University ' s program, the broadening and improving of the courses of study and the greater use of its facilities in promoting the educational welfare of the State. During this period the University expanded its program of activities to include almost every community in the State. And through extension work it has made its vast facilities available and useful to the professional, the business and agricultural groups of the state. During the administration of James Smith in the mid and late 1930s the Legislature generously ap- propriated funds and approved a constitutional amendment, subsequently ratified by the voters, provid- General Robert Lee Bullard de- livered the address at the formal dedication of the new campus April 30, 1926. The beginnings of modern dancing at L.S.U. can be seen in this Grecian tableau of 1928. The famous Huey P. Long, staunch sup- porter of L.S.U., joins the cheerleaders at the sidelines.

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In an effort to forget the impending war, students of the late JO ' s kicked up their heels to dances like the Big Apple. ing for a small insurance tax for the support of the University. This additional revenue made it possible for additional construction which included a large dormitory for women (the first ever des igned for women at LSU) , a Music and Dramatic Arts Building, a building for the School of Medicine in New Orleans, and a practice house for home economics students. The 1930s were years to brighten the hearts of any sports-loving alumnus and memorable ones for students. The spectacles included the 200 piece LSU band, the purple-clad women ' s cheering section, the football specials led by LSU ' s No. 1 fan, Huey P. Long and the coming of LSU ' s best-loved tradition, Mike the Tiger. By 1933 the Tigers had made the big time. They ranked second to Alabama in SEC, and fifth and sixth nationally. Under Bernie Moore the 1935 team was the conference cham- pions for the first time since 1908, tied for second place nationally with TCU and placed their first All-American Gaynell Tinsley into the ranks. The 1935 Tigers were the first to play a bowl game. On January 1, 1936, they were defeated 3-2 by TCU in the Sugar Bowl. Until the 1958 Tigers defeated Clemson 7-0, LSU had never won a Sugar Bowl game. Mike the Tiger came to the University November 21, 1936, and was welcomed by a student strike and a gigantic parade. Named in honor of Mike Chambers, who originally suggested the purchase, he was bought by student contributions. Mike the Tiger served the University as a mascot faithfully for almost 20 years before his death on June 29, 1956. The presidents of LSU in the early 1940s, Paul M. Hebert and Campbell B. Hodges, saw the be- ginnings of such structures as the new Arts and Science buildings, the French House, and several addi- tional residences for men and women. By this time enrollment had sky-rocketed to the 6000 ' s, creating even more expansion problems. The tenth man to serve as president of the University was William B. Hatcher. His appointment to the presidency in 1944 came as a recognition of his administrative abilities, his scholarship, and his years of devotion to public education. During his administration he faced the problems o f veterans re- turning from the War, physical problems of housing and classroom space, academic problems of ad- missions and credits, and problems arising from a greatly increased enrollment and a large proportion of students who were more advanced than usual students in experience and maturity. Hatcher, having to retire because of ill-health, was succeeded for a very short time by Fred C. Frey who acted as president for a period less than one year. He was replaced by Harold W. Stoke who remained for a period of four years before leaving the position. Normal life at the university was interrupted by the sudden advent of World War II.