University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute On July 14, 1898, the Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute (SLII) was created through state legislation: Louisiana General Assembly, Act 162, introduced by Robert Martin of St. Martin Parish. [ 7 ] The new school needed to be located within Louisiana's 13th State Senate district . A number of communities sought the school, including Jeanerette and St. Martinville , but only three submitted formal bids—Lafayette, New Iberia , and Scott . Lafayette Parish voters approved a parish-wide tax of two mills for 10 years if either Lafayette or Scott was selected; neither Iberia Parish nor St. Martin Parish was able to do the same, instead passing only city-wide taxes. Lafayette's offer—the tax proceeds, $18,000 in cash, and 25 acres of land just outside the city limits, donated by Crow and Maxim Girard—beat out New Iberia's 5–2 in a board vote on January 5, 1900. [ 8 ] The first university president was Edwin Lewis Stephens. [ 7 ] On September 18, 1901, the first buildings were opened—initially Martin Hall (named for Robert Martin), Foster Hall (named for Governor Murphy J. Foster ), and a shop building. [ 7 ] The first class was 100 students enrolled and 8 faculty, and by 1903 the first graduating class was 18 students. [ 9 ] By 1920, the school changed to a four-year course culminating with a bachelor of arts degree. The following year in 1921, the school was renamed Southwestern Louisiana Institute of Liberal and Technical Learning (SLI). [ 10 ] By 1960, the school was renamed University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) . [ 11 ] In 1974, the College of Sciences was officially formed.

In 1984, following approval from the Board of Trustees for State Colleges and Universities (now UL System), USL officially changed its name to the University of Louisiana, which was overturned less than a month later by an act of the state legislature, although two schools had previously changed their names using the same technique without outside interference. [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] The school was renamed in 1999, to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette). [ 15 ] [ 16 ]

Martin Hall The campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is located in Lafayette, Louisiana , within the intrastate region of Acadiana . Main campus The historic main campus area originally consisted of only 25 acres, and its boundaries were Johnston Street, University Avenue, what is now Hebrard Blvd and to approximately Lee Hall in the Quad. By the 1930s the campus had more than doubled in size, to 60 acres, reaching to the newly constructed St Mary Street to its south, and McKinley Street to its east. This area includes such buildings/areas as: Martin Hall (Admin building), Girard Hall, Stephens Memorial, the Arcade, the Quadrangle (the Quad), Rose Garden dormitories, Judice-Rickles Halls, and Cypress Lake. Also, the two oldest extant buildings on campus are located in this area: Foster Hall (1902) and DeClouet Hall (1905). [ citation needed ] The Quadrangle Fleur-di-lis fountain in UL Quad The Arcade by Stephen Hall A tree in UL Quad The Quadrangle (Quad), which was completely renovated in 2015 (providing new walkways, landscaping and a fountain containing a 15-foot Fleur de Lis in its center), serves as the 'heart' of the university. It is surrounded by Martin Hall/FG Mouton Hall, as well as Moody, OK Allen, Lee, Broussard, Stephens, Mouton, M. Doucet, and Foster Halls. [ citation needed ] Some of the highlights of the Quad are: Martin Hall: Originally called "the main building" was the first building constructed on campus, and was completed in September 1901. [ 7 ] Now sometimes referred to as "Old" Martin Hall, it stood on campus until 1963, when it was demolished and replaced with the current "New" Martin Hall. It is where the university president and administrative staff for the university are located. The Arcade: A covered, brick walkway that both surrounds and defines the quad. Built in 1940, and consisting of 415 brick arches, It also is where the "Walk of Honor" begins.

Walk of Honor: This feature honors every one of the undergraduates of the university, from 1903 onward, with a paver engraved with their name and year of graduation. Originally contained in the Arcade only, it now extends to the sidewalks within the Quad, continuing outside the Quad along Boucher Ave, and then turning onto McKinley. Future plans are that it will eventually turn onto St. Mary, heading towards Boucher Street. The Fountain: Located in the center of the Quad is a circular fountain, with an aluminum, 15' three-sided Fleur de Lis sculpture as its centerpiece. Designed by over 100 UL students over a five year period, [ 17 ] the sculpture weighs over 3,000 pounds. Surrounded by benches it provides a popular gathering spot for students. Once the landscaping has fully matured, it is hoped that this will further give an oasis type feeling to the area.