Students statewide choose University of Louisiana

[ShowDog]

I don't pretend to have all the answers; but as a minimum, it is a strong reminder to the university's administration that this issue remains a "hot button" for this university and its student population. Now, is it important enough to bring up in the legislature right now given the current predictiment of this state? Probably not. But at the same time; what does the state lose if "UL" loses the "@ Lafayette". Nothing! What does the state gain? Hard to determine; but it gives the "perception" that this state has other deserving institutions besides just LSU. It potentially brings more recognition to the state from people (other universitys, businesses, etc) outside the state. I have read in the past that then-USL was not supported by Memphis (as an example) to join the ranks of CUSA because our "name" was too regional. Sadly, there is more to a name than meets the eye. Right? Wrong? Beats me; but perception is reality in many circles. And this is more than about just athletics. Just that athletics is a tool that can bring attention to a university because it is often in the news. I'd simply like the university to have the ability to "compete" with other schools for quality students, staff, and yes, student-athletes, without being suppressed. And, the name change is an important part of that progress - be it perception or reality.

Hard to believe Memphis would use "too regional" as an excuse as they are not even regional but just the name of a city. We didn't get into CUSA because we had a two bit AD

[BabbForHeisman]

The following resolution was passed unanimously by SGA today in the final meeting of the year:

Spring Semester 2006
Resolution #5
Submitted by:
Chris Ledet
Brennan Castille

WHEREAS the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) originally changed its name to the University of Louisiana (UL) on April 27, 1984. The decision was eventually overturned by state lawmakers. The official name of the university is currently the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

AND WHEREAS the university has continually proven itself worthy of the name University of Louisiana in the fields of academics, athletics, and research. This worth is constantly being proven on both a state and national level.

AND WHEREAS the name University of Louisiana would not only be more representative of the prestige and accomplishments of the university, but it would also provide for a more consistent and recognizable naming system.

AND WHEREAS the university has already become popularly know as “Louisiana” or “UL” by both local media and university supporters alike.

AND WHEREAS the students of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette were polled in the Spring 2006 SGA Elections to determine if they supported the university’s pursuit of the name University of Louisiana. A solid 72% percent of the voting members of the student body voted in support of the name change. In all, 2,391 students voted in favor of the name change, as opposed to only 940 students who voted against it.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Student Government Association, representing the student body of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, would like to urge Dr. Authement and other administrators to present the results of the student poll to the UL System Board, the Board of Regents, and the state legislature in an effort to begin the process of changing the name of our university to the University of Louisiana.

I actually attending a meeting with Dr. A this afternoon to present the resolution directly to him. He said that "this is a very good time" for this to happen because of all the potential restructuring that could happen in our state. He said that it will give us a potenital "bargaining chip," having to do with the LSU system wanted to take it Louisiana Tech. He seemed very excited about it (at least as excited as he could possibly look).

So, with that resolution, I accomplished the one goal I had in SGA. Now let's see that name change happen!

[DaddyCajun]

I actually attending a meeting with Dr. A this afternoon to present the resolution directly to him. He said that "this is a very good time" for this to happen because of all the potential restructuring that could happen in our state. He said that it will give us a potenital "bargaining chip," having to do with the LSU system wanted to take it Louisiana Tech. He seemed very excited about it (at least as excited as he could possibly look).

So, with that resolution, I accomplished the one goal I had in SGA. Now let's see that name change happen!

Thanks Chris more than you will ever be able to know. I really appreciate the efforts of you and your peers. This is a very important issue. This is about many things, and for those who say what is it with this name thing it won't help, I tell them, then what is the problem, just let it happen!! This will help the CONTINUED growth of UL, the UL System and the State of Louisiana!

Thanks so much,
DaddyCajun


ps We need even more good people like you!!!!!

[DaddyCajun]

Not that I pay attention to such things, but UCB goes by Cal in sports, and Berkley when hating the USA. When I was a young whipper snapper I thought there was a University of Berkley or Berkley University that saw evil in all things USA, except of course protesting.

To become despondent and lose faith because we have tried a hundred times and failed a hundred times is in my opinion missing the point. Regardless of how often the tyrant wins, each time he loses some of his zest for the fight because the fight is not really in his best interest. Slowly ever so slowly we are winning the name war. Even today in St John Parish I get the asked which UL on my gear. I simply say Ragin'Cajuns not the Cardinals of Louisville. They get it. To those that are not anti UL I send a copy of the battle for a name.

Wrong answer, my friend, not to say you will be wrong but I feel as though you are wrong now. The battle with the said powerfull LSU/legislature has been very long. We have fought them EVERY time we had a NAME CHANGE, EVERY time!!! EVERY time it took a while but each time the result was the same, we finally got what we wanted and this time is no different. Actually the only difference is who is in office and that WE(you and I) are going thru it here and now, together and it seems like forever. I

I agree that the name of the fore mentioned universities at said states officially still have the attachment of the city, but the difference is "CHOICE". We have been delegated within our University to use @ Lafayette everywhere and not be Known as "University of Louisiana"! University of Texas, U of Mississippi, U of Arkansas, U of California, etc are KNOWN to be U of _____, we are NOT. This is the change we are persuing!

First the system got the name "University of Louisiana" thanks to Dr A!! We were the Largest System in the State and the 13th Largest in the country at the time, and yet the other two systems in our state LSU and SU(both based in BR) had names(helps with recruitment of Research money, PHD's, and students, AND WE HAD NO NAME!! DONE!

Second the Name change From USL to University of Louisiana @ lafayette was worked out needing(not to our liking but atleast another step was taken)ULM to help out(they did not want it but they wanted IN the Sunbelt). DONE!

Next is dropping the tag @ lafayette to everything WE(university)does!

Students have spoken, Dr A is behind it and WE have a time now that is conducive change!

Lets see what happens!

I am for Change,
DaddyCajun

[cajunfan96]

Wrong answer, my friend, not to say you will be wrong but I feel as though you are wrong now. The battle with the said powerfull LSU/legislature has been very long. We have fought them EVERY time we had a NAME CHANGE, EVERY time!!! EVERY time it took a while but each time the result was the same, we finally got what we wanted and this time is no different. Actually the only difference is who is in office and that WE(you and I) are going thru it here and now, together and it seems like forever. I

I agree that the name of the fore mentioned universities at said states officially still have the attachment of the city, but the difference is "CHOICE". We have been deligated within our University to use @ Lafayette everywhere and not be Known as "University of Louisiana"! University of Texas, U of Mississippi, U of Arkansas, U of California, etc are KNOWN to be U of _____, we are NOT. This is the change we are persuing!

First the system got the name "University of Louisiana" thanks to Dr A!! We were the Largest System in the State and the 13th Largest in the country at the time, and yet the other two systems in our state LSU and SU(both based in BR) had names(helps with recruitment of Research money, PHD's, and students, AND WE HAD NO NAME!! DONE!

Second the Name change From USL to University of Louisiana @ lafayette was worked out needing(not to our liking but atleast another step was taken)ULM to help out(they did not want it but they wanted IN the Sunbelt). DONE!

Next is dropping the tag @ lafayette to everything WE(university)does!

Students have spoken, Dr A is behind it and WE have a time now that is conducive change!

Lets see what happens!

I am for Change,
DaddyCajun

DC,

How is the work going on the indoor facility? Have they poured a slab? Are the Saints comming to UL this summer?

[DaddyCajun]

DC,

How is the work going on the indoor facility? Have they poured a slab? Are the Saints comming to UL this summer?

The footings are being "layed or poured"! Have not been to the complex in the past several days, but I do not think they have the slab being "layed or poured"! No official word on the Saints other than they have toured, "The Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Sports Complex" with Gerald Hebert this past Monday!!

DaddyCajun

[cajunfan96]

The footings are being "layed or poured"! Have not been to the complex in the past several days, but I do not think they have the slab being "layed or poured"! No official word on the Saints other than they have toured, "The Louisiana Ragin Cajuns Sports Complex" with Gerald Hebert this past Monday!!

DaddyCajun

Is there any chance out of towners could get photos of the building?

thx, CF

[DaddyCajun]

Is there any chance out of towners could get photos of the building?

thx, CF

Are you wanting pictures of the picture of the Indoor Facility as it is depicted on the construction site sign? Turbine may have started the thread with a pic of the finished version!

The site now has wooden stakes at the corners and certain other spots along what I guess will be the walls. Some footins layed/poured at this point and a lot of dirt movement, compacting and leveling of dirt, and some water line or atleast some type of pipes layed!

Turbine, take some pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!

DaddyCajun that ought to do it!

[CDeb]

The site now has wooden stakes at the corners and certain other spots along what I gues will be the walls.

The wooden stakes are for utility rough-ins and for locating the forms for the slab.