Let the Vermilion Bricks Show

[NewsCopy]

CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT TAKES ROOT AT LOUISIANA University of Louisiana President Dr. E. Joseph Savoie is taking immediate action on a recommendation he keeps hearing from students, faculty and staff. He’s ordered work crews to begin a cleanup and beautification process that will stretch across campus. “ One of the consistent concerns that I have heard is about the poor condition of some campus facilities and sidewalks,” said Savoie. “This campus has the advantage of having facilities with very traditional architecture surrounded by beautiful oak trees. Because of past budget restraints, many maintenance issues with these facilities were deferred.” Several buildings, especially those which sit under trees or in close proximity to trees, have had a buildup of green algae on the bricks. “ Now, we are ready to get our campus in its best condition,” Savoie continued. “Having a clean and attractive campus is a priority.” Pressure-washing crews are washing the buildings starting in the Quadrangle and working out to other parts of campus. “ We are using commercial grade fluid that will keep the buildings cleaner for longer,” said Bill Crist, UL’s director for Physical Plant. He estimated this cleanup phase to be especially intensive in the summer months and extend into the Fall semester. He noted the crews would be back on an as-needed basis in later years to spot clean buildings that sit under Oak trees. Campus sidewalks are also going to see repairs and some replacement. Crist said maintenance crews have started repairing and replacing broken sidewalks. He noted this project will also stretch across campus with all broken sidewalks being addressed. Another cleanup project includes the replacement of old windows, Crist said. Those at Maxim Doucet Hall have already been replaced and more across campus are scheduled to be replaced. “This beautification process is a good example of Dr. Savoie’s management style,” said Julie Simon-Dronet, UL's director for Public Relations and News Services. “He is a keen listener who addresses issues of concern aggressively. He heard consistent comments from students, faculty, staff and the community about the condition of campus and is committed to making the learning environment more attractive and inviting for our students and the community.” UL News Service

[ULtimateCajun]

I'm really pleased to see that Mr. Savoie has come in and is getting down to business. That Walk of Honor has been cracked and unkept for the past 7 years. We really do have a beautiful campus and after the maintenance is done it will be even better. Hopefully this is just a sign of things to come from Mr. Savoie, keep it up. Geaux Cajuns!

[billbeck451]

last time I was on campus, I noticed quite a few projects already underway. One was near Cypress Lake. It will be great to see how many new ones will be started this year when I return to visit campus.

On a different note, I hope that Doc S gets the Vermillion back on line. It was always one way that I liked to keep up with campus happenings even though I am quite a few hours away.

[HelmutVII]

_ last time I was on campus, I noticed quite a few projects already underway. One was near Cypress Lake. It will be great to see how many new ones will be started this year when I return to visit campus.

Looks like they are starting at the Corner of Johnston Street and University and working there way to St. Mary. While they have done some work in the quad it is now where near what it used to be. The covered walkway was rimmed inside and out with Camellias. Probably many from the Heyman Nursery. There are not many left. I fear most were a victim of "weed eater" disease. It is indeed unfortunate that this has happened because many of those were probably heirloom varieties.

There was an effort to resurrect the Rose garden in the quad inside the girls dorms on University but is appears that this has fallen by the wayside too. I don't think they realize that roses need to be replanted regularly. Oh well.

[Boomer]

While the cat is away----I think the mice were working their rears off getting ready for the Cat to return!!!! I think that this has been planned by the team for a while since T-Joe was appointed!!!! I am impressed with the speed of these operations---I could just see T-jOE HANGING kind of low key while inside rarrrrring to geaux!!!!!

[CajunCharlie]

_ Looks like they are starting at the Corner of Johnston Street and University and working there way to St. Mary. While they have done some work in the quad it is now where near what it used to be. The covered walkway was rimmed inside and out with Camellias. Probably many from the Heyman Nursery. There are not many left. I fear most were a victim of "weed eater" disease. It is indeed unfortunate that this has happened because many of those were probably heirloom varieties.

There was an effort to resurrect the Rose garden in the quad inside the girls dorms on University but is appears that this has fallen by the wayside too. I don't think they realize that roses need to be replanted regularly. Oh well. _

I am far from being a horticulturist, but roses in this part of the south need a lot of care, because of disease problems. One of these being black spot disease, which is deadly on certain varieties. Pruning is also essential to provide healthy blooming rose plants. All in all, care is almost a daily issue.

[NewsCopy]

UL — University of Louisiana President Joseph Savoie is giving the university a $1 million-plus detailing job. When Savoie took over as president July 2, he said a general beautification project would be one of his first priorities for the school. He said the work began earlier this week. “I didn’t want an idle pressure washer left in Lafayette,” Savoie said. The rest of the story By PATRICK COURREGES Advocate Acadiana bureau

[Cajunbander]

_ _

Wow, in a BR paper??

I'm anxious to see what campus will look like when I go back in the fall.