LOUISIANA La. - As alumni return to the University o Louisiana campus for homecoming activities this weekend, they will honor some of the traditions that began a century ago.

Some of the first graduates of what has become UL formed the first alumni association during the 1903-1904 school year.

They formed the Alumni Association of the Southwestern Industrial Institute "to promote good fellowship among the members, to strengthen the ties of loyalty and devotion to their Alma Mater, and at all times to further the interests of the Institute."

Membership was open to any SLII graduate. Members met at the end of each session, paying 50 cents in dues at each meeting. Officers included a president, a vice president from each class, a secretary, a treasurer, and an Alumni Orator, who was to give the commencement address.

Pothier Voorhies of Lafayette was the first president.

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Jim Bradshaw