Dr. Ray Authement walks home from work at Martin Hall on a Friday afternoon in July 2004. File photo by John Rowland

Ray Authement says he fell in love with UL the first time he set foot on campus.

"The minute I saw the place, I knew this was it," he says.

What was it that drew him in?

"The oak trees," he says, remembering back to the day, more than 60 years ago, when he was a high school student on a field trip with the speech and debate team.

"I loved the oak trees and the quadrangle. Kids were playing. They all thought the university was so special," he says.

As the long-time UL president approaches his last semester at the helm of the university, he does so with mixed emotions.

"It's time for me to do something different," he says.

The change in Authement is noticeable. He seems resigned in a way -- wanting to do all he can and should, but not wanting to meddle with what comes next. And not completely comfortable with the attention already coming his way.

After nearly 50 years at the university and 34 years as president, he -- and most everyone else with Acadiana roots or connections -- recognizes his devotion to UL and the impact he has had on the school, the city, the region and the state.

"He built the University of Louisiana into a major university -- and he did it with a shoestring budget," says Gov. Kathleen Blanco.

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By Jan Risher
jan.risher@timesofacadiana.com