A new sign on westbound I-20 welcomes travelers to the city of Monroe and to the University of Louisiana at Monroe. ULM President James Cofer expressed his gratitude to the Monroe Garden Club and other community members during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning.

Members of the Monroe Garden Club, (center) including Carolyn Dolecheck, Ellen Allums and Rene Cascio, celebrate the new sign, located on I-20. Also pictured are ULM President James Cofer, State Rep. Kay Kellogg Katz, Monroe Chamber President Sue Edmunds and Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo.

The sign, located near the Garrett Road Exit, is an invaluable asset to both ULM and Monroe, Cofer said.

"It's a great day for the city of Monroe. "It's also a great day for the University of Louisiana at Monroe because this is Monroe's university ... We're proud to be recognized."

ULM President James Cofer expresses his gratitude to the community.

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo, a ULM alum who received a business administration degree in 1979, praised the efforts of the Monroe Garden Club members, who, under the direction of Ellen Allums, began working on the sign project almost three years ago.

"I've had so many comments, even before [the sign] was complete, about how the sign looks and the fact that it states 'Home of University of Louisiana Monroe.' We're proud to be a part of this effort,” he said.

Photos by Laura Harris