Originally published in The News-Star newspaper, June 18, 2006

Last Sunday we were treated to a wonderful description of the first commencement by Holly Bayne Casey, whose father was among the 125 graduates in the class of '33. On another page, there was a list of the graduates - in honor of their day on June 5, 1933, and we would love to hear from any of those graduates and their families.

Before we return to the story of Ouachita Parish Junior College and its move to LSU, remember we left off with a phone call from U.S. Sen. Huey Long and temporary funding - and a crucial role of Sen. James A. Noe - let's revisit dormitories. This week, Harris, Breard and Cosper halls are on their way to becoming a lovely and wonderful green space along Bayou DeSiard to be used and enjoyed by students, faculty, staff and the community - much the same way that Bayou Gardens behind the president's house once provided a lovely bayou setting for all kinds of events.

As part of this building of green space, Lemert Hall was also demolished. This dormitory, built in 1967, faithfully served as housing for students, visitors and summer campers since that time and was a lovely landmark on our campus.

I thought it might be interesting to think about Lemert a bit. The name Lemert can be found in many places on and off our campus - from that dormitory to the music of the first Northeast Louisiana State College alma mater to a portrait in the old Biedenharn Recital Hall to a presidency of the Monroe Rotary Club to the first conductor of the Twin Cities Symphony to a founding member of the Monroe Little Theatre and more places as well.

Harry Marion Lemert was born in Union Mills, Ind. He received his bachelor's of music education from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago in 1939 and came directly to Northeast Junior College as director of the college band and instructor of brasses and reeds. While on leave from NJC from 1941 to 1946, Lemert served in Europe and was awarded the Bronze Star. In 1946, he earned his master's of music education from the Vandercook College of Music in Chicago and in 1947 was promoted to head of the music department at NJC and continued these duties as NJC became Northeast Louisiana State College.

Typical of many faculty members at that time, Lemert continued his education and in 1953 earned his Ph.D from the University of Texas at Austin. He steadily assumed more duties at NLSC and was appointed dean of fine arts in 1957. By all accounts, Lemert was a unique figure who was at the same time a civic leader, capable administrator, church worker, educator, writer, speaker, conductor, fine musician and excellent composer.

Tragically in 1963, this young giant of NLSC was felled by a heart attack at age 46. However, his life at the college and in the community still stands as a beacon of excellence to guide us as we change and grow.

Have a great day at ULM.

Dr. John Knesel, ULM Professor