Southwestern Louisiana Institute - Lacadien Yearbook (Lafayette, LA)

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During this Diamond Jubilee of USL, significant events in the 75-year history of the University will be noted. The Diamond Jubilee is observed in conjunction with the nation ' s Bicentennial to emphasize the part that higher education has played in the development of this country and particularly the part USL has had in the development of Southwest Louisiana. One of the major events in that very important first year of the Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute, as the University was first named, was the ceremony held on June 15, 1901, to mark the dedication of the Institution ' s first academic building, referred to until 1921 as, the Main Building and later as Martin Hall in honor of its legislative founder. USL History — The present organization and status of the University of Southwestern Louisiana represent a process of growth covering a span of 75 years. It contin- ues to grow in order to meet the student and community needs even now when other colleges and universities in the country are struggling with declining enrollments and a tightening economy. Since its founding, USL has had five presidents: Edwin L. Stephens, 1900-1938; Lether Edward Frazer, 1938-1941; Joel L. Fletcher, 1941-1966; Clyde L. Roug- eou, 1966-1974; and Ray P. Authement, 1974 to the present. 1

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VCJtutLJCjcjcucjczjeiteucjeLjejcjczJCJtsJeLJcueLlcJCJ eu t±J tU ejt±J cLTtLI e FIRST ivIARTIN HALL: 190!-1%5 (VLMN BUILDING) SYMBOL OF GROWTH In the year 1976. when the nation gives pause to reflect on 200 years of its history, the University of Southwestern Louisiana also proudly takes note of its 75 years of educational development in Acadiana. A tree, as you know, is an ideal and traditional symbol of growth. It is this concept, perhaps, in addition to his love of Louisiana ' s live oak trees, that prompted Dr. Edwin L. Stephens, first president of this Univer- sity, to plant on the main campus, along Johnston and now University Avenue on the first day of this 20th century, a row of young live oak trees. The University, like these ' 20th Century Oaks, has grown and flourished. Through its graduates it has spread its influence around the world. In this 75th year of providing education for excellence, this Univer- sity is not only celebrating its Diamond Jubilee but also perpetuating its living traditions . . . traditions estabhshed by its students, its faculty and administration, its alumni and the friends of the University. The University of Southwestern Louisiana is dedicated to the principle that educational excellence is one of man ' s noblest works. The University ' s current enrollment of 13.078 is in sharp contrast with the 145 stu- dents who were enrolled on Sept. 18, 1901, when classes began. So, too, is its present physical plant. Through its many diverse facilities and its varied educational, social, cultural and recreational programs, USL, like the live oak trees which border its main campus, will continue to flourish and spread its influence over Acadiana and far-flung places of the world. Students, faculty, administration and friends of USL are sharply aware of the significance of the Univer- sity in the growth of this area and in the promise of its future in continuing to influence the area for the betterment of its people. There will always be those whose love of the University will find them willing and able to meet whatever challenges that will face it in the years to come. Rav Paul Authenient. President

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1898 — Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute was established by Act 162 of the Louisiana Legislature. The bill ' s author, Robert Martin, was a State Senator, whose intention was to provide Southwest Louisiana with a vocational educa- tional institute similar to one that had been provided in 1894 for North Louisiana in Ruston. 1900 — At the first Board of Trustees meeting. Dr. Edwin L. Stephens was elected president. Lafayette was chosen as the site, partly due to a donation of land for the school by Mrs. Maxim Girard and her son. Crow Girard, Pres. of the Bank of Lafayette. Also included was a donation of $8,000. 1901 — Mai Building was dedicated and later it was renamed Martin Hall in the 1920 ' s in honor of the Senator. September: School opened with its first enrollment of 145; 95 boys, 50 girls. Admission required candidates to be over 14 years of age and able to do 7th grade work. Salaries of first teachers: $1,000 for men and $600 for women. Curricula: English, French, Mathematics, Science, Music, Drawing, Gymnastics, Manual Training, Domestic Economy, Bookkeeping and Ste- nography. The library occupied one room in the Main Build- ing, and contained 675 volumes. Constructed first residence hall, which was later named Foster. 1903-1904 — Graduated first class of 10. President ' s residence erected. Students organized and published a newspaper. The Vermillion. The Southwest Alumni Association formed and is still active today.