Birthday celebration for university isn't finished

Originally published in The News-Star newspaper, October 8, 2006

Did I mention that I love birthdays?

Yes, I guess I did.

Last week all that I could have dreamed of in a birthday party came true on Sept. 28 when ULM celebrated her 75th on the anniversary of the opening of Ouachita Parish Junior College. The party was to begin at 4:30 in Brown Gymnasium, but long before - students, faculty, staff and members of the community began to arrive.

Everywhere one looked there were reminders of our history - the gym itself, site of so many athletic contests and dances and banquets, photo-boards detailing our history, perfectly decorated tables, and two huge, beautiful cakes.

And people everywhere.

President James Cofer welcomed the attendees with details of where we had come from and where we were going.

He asked us to pause and honor those who had gone before us to found and build this great university.

Among the special guests were former Presidents Walker and Vines.

It was especially wonderful to see George T. Walker not only honored for his contribution as president but also to realize that he was a faculty member during the days of the Northeast Center of LSU.

The hundreds there had a great time.

One of the highlights was a souvenir maroon and gold "snow" globe featuring the library inside. Anther was a display of the birthday cards that had been sent to ULM.

The birthday cards had come from on-campus, Monroe, Springhill, Winnsboro, West Monroe, Columbia and from current students, student organizations, and graduates ranging from NJC to NLSC to NLU to ULM.

Well, the birthday celebration is over but is it?

Fortunately, there are a number of things that we can continue celebrating: our first football game on October 10, 1931; the first issue of the PowWow in December of 1931; the arrival of our first faculty and President; Molly Lewis; the first classes; choosing our colors and mascot; the first assemblies; those first students; our first Alma Mater the list is almost endless. So let's continue to party.

If you want to continue the celebration, it is still not too late to send a card.

Address it to:

ULM Birthday

700 University Avenue

Monroe, LA 71209

If you are looking for a present to send, none would make ULM smile more than a copy of the sheet music to her original Alma Mater.

Have a great day at ULM!

Dr. John Knesel, ULM Professor

75th articles page