The community celebrated ULM President James E. Cofer, Sr. in a Celebrity Roast April 2 at the Atrium Hotel and Convention Center. Monroe's Mid-Town Merchants Association sponsored the roast, which attracted several ULM, Monroe, and West Monroe friends, including U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander.

Alexander's comments concerning Dr. Cofer were met by thunderous applause.

"We have a lot to be thankful for here in Monroe. There are a lot of good people," Alexander said. "If we put together a list tonight of the good and positive things taking place in northeast Louisiana, President Cofer would be at the top of that list. It's an absolute pleasure to work with him. I wish we had more like him."

Both the cities of Monroe and West Monroe declared April 2 "Dr. James E. Cofer, Sr. Day."

A snippet of Monroe's proclamation included "The faculty and staff of ULM, under the leadership of Dr. Cofer, equip the students with broad intellectual abilities, practical skills, hope for, and access to, a productive future in society."

West Monroe's proclamation stated, "Dr. Cofer believes in open, honest and direct communication with all constituents of the university, and he has earned the reputation of a 'hands-on' enthusiastic and committed administrator who interacts regularly with students, administrators and faculty be being highly visible and involved in all aspects of campus life."