Southwestern Louisiana Institute - Lacadien Yearbook (Lafayette, LA)

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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.

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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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1904 — The Interscholastic Athletic and Oratorical Associ- ation was organized, and held its first contest on the cam- pus in 1906. The events were primarily track events. 1905 — Added faculty in Latin, Art, Geography, Drawing and Telegraphy. Graduated 62 students. 1907 — Requirements for admission raised to 8th grade level. Enrollment was up to 265. Completed second resi- dence hall which was later named De Clouet. 1908 — Began participating with area schools in football events. 1911-1912 — The first student annual, L ' Acadien, was published. Track team organized. 1914-1915 — Organized baseball team. Built Brown Ayres, the Arts Building, which cost $14,593. The building was destroyed by fire in 1972. TRANSITIONAL YEARS 1916-1917 — The school ' s curricula con- sisted of: four two-year teacher training courses; a four-year academic industrial course; a one-year commercial course, and stenographic course. Enrollment was 322, with 24 faculty members. Operational budget $45,000. The total cost for room, board, laundry, medical .services, books and supplies, lab fees and matriculation was $160 per session.