University of Louisiana at Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie was awarded the title of "Patron of Architecture" Friday at the Louisiana Architectural Association's annual conference in Lafayette.
The Louisiana Architectural Foundation selects a Patron of Architecture each year from persons or entities who have played a significant leadership role demonstrating the merits and quality of architecture in the state.
Upon becoming president of UL Lafayette in 2008, Savoie launched a Master Plan initiative for development of the university's campus.
Savoie was also recognized for championing the cooperative transfer o fabout 100 acres of university property, known as the Horse Farm, to Lafayette Consolidated Government so that the land could be preserved as a public park.
“I’m not sure if I deserve recognition for trying to do things that we all are responsible for doing,” Savoie said in his acceptance speech. “But I am pleased to accept this honor on behalf of our students, as a reminder to them of their responsibilities in the future.”
Savoie said that respect for history and a belief that the future can be better are responsibilities of society that can be fulfilled through architecture.