Originally published in The News-Star newspaper, January 29, 2006

The University of Louisiana at Monroe has a rich history populated by people, places, buildings and events. As we view its early life, we can see the Depression, World War II, state politics and triumphs as well as tragedies. Certainly our university has a life worthy of our admiration, exploration and discovery.

One place to begin is by reading the comprehensive and excellent work by Dr. George T. Walker, "The Building of a University.'' Also, there is a thorough description of the founding of Ouachita Parish Junior College and its move into the LSU system, as well as the roles of Gov. Huey Long, James A. Noe and C.C. Colvert found in "A Junior College Man,'' the Ph.D. dissertation of Tom Hatfield, now dean of Continuing Education at the University of Texas. Colvert's writings can be found in "I think I can and I believe you will: Selected Writings of C.C. Colvert 1932-1943" by John Knesel and Holly B. Casey (whose father, by the way, was in the first graduating class of 1933).

In addition to these sources, the history of our campus can be found in the archives of the Monroe Morning World and Monroe News-Star and other newspapers. On campus, the PowWow and Chacahoula provide a written, as well as a photographic, history of the thousands of students, faculty, administrators and staff members who were and still are a part of the university. We also have extensive collections of presidential papers and the papers of James A. Noe Sr., overseen by H. Glenn Jordan, curator of special collections and a nominee for a "most helpful to researchers" award.

From these and other sources, we know many things: how the student body chose "Indians" as a mascot in 1931; that we played (and won) our first football game ever against Louisiana College at Forsythe Park; the names of the students and faculty who started classes in 1931 and the graduates of 1933. We know the words of the first Alma Mater and who wrote it. We know all of these and many more.

However, our Alma Mater has lived in this community for 75 years, and some things, while known from the earliest years, have been scattered to the memories of others, some misplaced, and some carefully placed but forgotten.

Do you know: What the first Alma Mater sounded like? How were the PowWow and Chacahoula named? Where are original photographs from our first 35 years? Who planted the pine trees in front of the library and fine arts buildings? How were blue and white chosen for the first school colors? What were the names of the cafeteria workers who worked for Mrs. Benson Holt? What was it like on campus during World War II?

We would love to hear from you.

Have a great day at ULM!

Dr. John Knesel, ULM Professor

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