Originally published in The News-Star newspaper, July 23, 2006

A few months ago, an audience gathered in Brown Auditorium to attend the latest President James E. Cofer Sr. Presidential Lyceum Speaker Series. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke about the environment, as well as about the dangers and deleterious effects of cronyism. There was lively discussion before, during and after his presentation. Once again, the auditorium had brought students, faculty, staff and members of the community into this wonderful venue, much the same as she had done since February 1932.

As you attend any event in the auditorium, take a look at the stage. President C.C. Colvert stood there and encouraged those first eager students to open their lives to education, and continued his enthusiastic encouragement for the next 13 years. There, commencement speakers, including the first, former Arkansas Gov. Charles Brough and the second, Dr. Alfred Leland Crabbe of Peabody College, gave their wisdom. Solemn memorial services were held for beloved faculty and staff members who had met untimely fates. And on that stage Cofer reassured victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

That stage also, of course, has played host to weekly chapel, speakers, concerts, plays, musicals, pep rallies, and student body meetings — the scope and variety of all that has happened there is stunning when thought about all at once.

Some of the giants of our history have been associated with that stage. Grace Ingledue in 1935 introduced oratory to the college, and George Brian taught so many students the enduring mystique of translating words into action.

Then there is Jerry Holmes, whose 29 years of masterful guidance over the concert series brought singing, plays, dance, musicals and so many Broadway stars to our midst. The scope of what has passed over those boards is almost immeasurable ... and that doesn't even count all those people in the audience who took away something special and precious from each performance.

We know a good deal about the first use of the auditorium. It was in February 1932 as part of the celebration of the opening of Ouachita Parish Junior College. More than 1,000 people attended that night and were treated to speeches by Colvert and Judge Percy Sandel, as well as a reading by Achsah Belt, a piano selection played by Olive Lusk, and a one-act play — "Jerry'' — staged and directed by Bess Mary Crider and starring June Hodge, Eleona Brinsmade, J.W. Cunningham and Delbert Evans ... and so began her long tradition of something enriching for so many people on so many days and nights of each week.

One thing remains uncertain: Are there ghosts in the auditorium? There is a story of lights turning on and off, and of drafts and strange sounds, but that is all I have heard. Do you know any more?

Have a great day at ULM.

Dr. John Knesel, ULM Professor