University of Louisiana at Lafayette 125th Anniversary

Since 1898, our University has provided service, vision and leadership to Louisiana and to its people.

Those words – Service. Vision. Leadership. Louisiana. – have retained immense meaning for us for 125 years. They are at the core of the work we have done and that we will continue to do, and that’s why we chose them as the theme for our year-long birthday observance.

Preparing students for lives of purpose and success is an act of service.

Anticipating challenges and harnessing the power of our brightest minds to answer them helps us envision a better future.

Bringing people together for a common cause is a hallmark of leadership.

And we do all these things – and more – for the good of Louisiana, the place we’re proud to call home.

We want you to be a part of our anniversary celebrations, and this website offers you an opportunity to do just that. As alumni, friends, employees, students – each of you has played a role in the University’s growth and success over the past 125 years. And together, we can lay a foundation to ensure the next 125 are just as extraordinary.

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Historical Highlights

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Robert Martin
In 1898, the Louisiana General Assembly adopted Act 162, authored by Sen. Robert Martin, to establish Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute. In January 1900, SLII’s Board of Trustees selected Lafayette as the institute’s permanent home.
Robert Martin
In 1898, the Louisiana General Assembly adopted Act 162, authored by Sen. Robert Martin, to establish Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute. In January 1900, SLII’s Board of Trustees selected Lafayette as the institute’s permanent home.
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DeClouet Hall 1904
DeClouet Hall was under construction in 1903. The Main Building, later named Martin Hall, is in the background.
DeClouet Hall 1904
DeClouet Hall was under construction in 1903. The Main Building, later named Martin Hall, is in the background.
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first graduation class
Shown are nine of the 18 members of Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute’s first graduating class.
first graduation class
Shown are nine of the 18 members of Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute’s first graduating class.
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SLII
The Corps of Cadets and Institute Brass Band form the S, the girl’s gymnasium class and girl’s basketball team shaped the L, and the football team and cooking school class, respectively, made the two Is.
SLII
The Corps of Cadets and Institute Brass Band form the S, the girl’s gymnasium class and girl’s basketball team shaped the L, and the football team and cooking school class, respectively, made the two Is.
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1922 aerial
In 1921, the Louisiana Constitution designated the school as one of the state’s institutions of higher education and changed its name to Southwestern Louisiana Institute of Liberal and Technical Learning.
1922 aerial
In 1921, the Louisiana Constitution designated the school as one of the state’s institutions of higher education and changed its name to Southwestern Louisiana Institute of Liberal and Technical Learning.
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1920s dancers
In 1928, a physical education class performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Cypress Grove. The grove, once a pig sty, was used for performances and commencement ceremonies before it was intentionally flooded during World War II.
1920s dancers
In 1928, a physical education class performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Cypress Grove. The grove, once a pig sty, was used for performances and commencement ceremonies before it was intentionally flooded during World War II.
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Babin gateway
Babin Memorial Gateway was dedicated in 1936.
Babin gateway
Babin Memorial Gateway was dedicated in 1936.
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1927 S Club
The “S Club” was composed of outstanding students who earned athletic letters in football, basketball, baseball, track and tennis. Shown in 1927 are eight members.
1927 S Club
The “S Club” was composed of outstanding students who earned athletic letters in football, basketball, baseball, track and tennis. Shown in 1927 are eight members.
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Campus arches in 1942
A covered walkway constructed in 1940. The brick structure, which linked all major buildings on campus, was the only one of its kind in the state, according to The Vermilion.
Campus arches in 1942
A covered walkway constructed in 1940. The brick structure, which linked all major buildings on campus, was the only one of its kind in the state, according to The Vermilion.
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V-12 Cadets
SLI operated Navy and Marine V-5, V-7, and V-12 military programs from 1943-1945. The infusion of military personnel kept enrollment high enough during World War II to prevent closure of the school.
V-12 Cadets
SLI operated Navy and Marine V-5, V-7, and V-12 military programs from 1943-1945. The infusion of military personnel kept enrollment high enough during World War II to prevent closure of the school.
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Cypress Grove
During World War II, SLI was thought to be a potential target of enemy aerial raids because of its military training programs. Cypress Grove was flooded to create a reservoir to be used to fight fires if the Germans or Japanese dropped bombs.
Cypress Grove
During World War II, SLI was thought to be a potential target of enemy aerial raids because of its military training programs. Cypress Grove was flooded to create a reservoir to be used to fight fires if the Germans or Japanese dropped bombs.
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Christiana Smith
In 1954, four Black students filed a successful federal lawsuit to enroll to SLI after they were denied admission based on their race. As a result, SLI became the first formerly all-white, state-funded college in the South to integrate.
Christiana Smith
In 1954, four Black students filed a successful federal lawsuit to enroll to SLI after they were denied admission based on their race. As a result, SLI became the first formerly all-white, state-funded college in the South to integrate.
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Hebrard Boulevard in 1957. It was named in honor of Gabrielle Hebrard, head of SLI’s French Department from 1910-1937.
Hebrard Boulevard in 1957. It was named in honor of Gabrielle Hebrard, head of SLI’s French Department from 1910-1937.
Hebrard Boulevard in 1957. It was named in honor of Gabrielle Hebrard, head of SLI’s French Department from 1910-1937.
Hebrard Boulevard in 1957. It was named in honor of Gabrielle Hebrard, head of SLI’s French Department from 1910-1937.
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1960 Vermilion cover
On July 27, 1960, Gov. Jimmie Davis signed Act 123, changing SLI’s name to the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
1960 Vermilion cover
On July 27, 1960, Gov. Jimmie Davis signed Act 123, changing SLI’s name to the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
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In 1962, Life magazine published this photo of a frozen Cypress Lake. Students ignored no trespassing signs and went ice skating – with or without skates.
In 1962, Life magazine published this photo of a frozen Cypress Lake. Students ignored no trespassing signs and went ice skating – with or without skates.
In 1962, Life magazine published this photo of a frozen Cypress Lake. Students ignored no trespassing signs and went ice skating – with or without skates.
In 1962, Life magazine published this photo of a frozen Cypress Lake. Students ignored no trespassing signs and went ice skating – with or without skates.
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Martin Hall demolition
The new Martin Hall was built just a few feet behind the first building constructed on campus. First known as the Main Building, the original structure was torn down in 1963. This photo shows both buildings before demolition began.
Martin Hall demolition
The new Martin Hall was built just a few feet behind the first building constructed on campus. First known as the Main Building, the original structure was torn down in 1963. This photo shows both buildings before demolition began.
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USL joined NCAA Division 1 for all sports in 1974.
USL joined NCAA Division 1 for all sports in 1974.
USL joined NCAA Division 1 for all sports in 1974.
USL joined NCAA Division 1 for all sports in 1974.
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canoe races from the first Lagniappe Day
Lagniappe Day, a campus holiday that includes a crawfish boil and canoe races, began in 1974.
canoe races from the first Lagniappe Day
Lagniappe Day, a campus holiday that includes a crawfish boil and canoe races, began in 1974.
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Robotics
In 1984, USL formed the Center for Advanced Computer Studies. Since its inception, CACS has demonstrated a strong contribution to high-quality education and research in the fields of computer science and engineering.
Robotics
In 1984, USL formed the Center for Advanced Computer Studies. Since its inception, CACS has demonstrated a strong contribution to high-quality education and research in the fields of computer science and engineering.
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USL quad in the 80s
In the mid-1980s the Quadrangle got a new look when intersecting sidewalks were poured, drainage was improved and landscaping was added.
USL quad in the 80s
In the mid-1980s the Quadrangle got a new look when intersecting sidewalks were poured, drainage was improved and landscaping was added.
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Texas A&M game
Exuberant fans ripped down a goalpost after the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 29-22 win over Texas A&M on Sept. 14, 1996, at Cajun Field. A total of 38,780 people attended the matchup.
Texas A&M game
Exuberant fans ripped down a goalpost after the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 29-22 win over Texas A&M on Sept. 14, 1996, at Cajun Field. A total of 38,780 people attended the matchup.
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During a celebration of its centennial on Sept. 10, 1999, a new name made its debut: the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
During a celebration of its centennial on Sept. 10, 1999, a new name made its debut: the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
During a celebration of its centennial on Sept. 10, 1999, a new name made its debut: the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
During a celebration of its centennial on Sept. 10, 1999, a new name made its debut: the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
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Hilliard Art Museum
In 2004, the Hilliard Art Museum opened on the University campus; it is the largest exhibit space between Houston and New Orleans.
Hilliard Art Museum
In 2004, the Hilliard Art Museum opened on the University campus; it is the largest exhibit space between Houston and New Orleans.
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CAPE satelite
In 2007, UL Lafayette became the first university in Louisiana to design, build and launch a working satellite when engineering students launched CAPE-1. Two additional CAPE satellites would follow in 2013 and 2021.
CAPE satelite
In 2007, UL Lafayette became the first university in Louisiana to design, build and launch a working satellite when engineering students launched CAPE-1. Two additional CAPE satellites would follow in 2013 and 2021.
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Sscreenshot of the University's master plan
The Master plan was launched in 2012 to govern campus growth and development, the first such plan in University history.
Sscreenshot of the University's master plan
The Master plan was launched in 2012 to govern campus growth and development, the first such plan in University history.
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Student using virtual computer
In 2012, the Center for Visual and Decision Informatics was established in partnership with Drexel University. It is the nation’s only NSF center that focuses on data science, big data analytics and visual analytics.
Student using virtual computer
In 2012, the Center for Visual and Decision Informatics was established in partnership with Drexel University. It is the nation’s only NSF center that focuses on data science, big data analytics and visual analytics.
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Nurses working in simulation lab
In 2021, LHC Group invested $20 million in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences, the largest philanthropic gift in University history.
Nurses working in simulation lab
In 2021, LHC Group invested $20 million in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences, the largest philanthropic gift in University history.
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Stephens Hall
In 2021, the University earned R1 status, placing it among top 3% of nation’s higher education institutions.
Stephens Hall
In 2021, the University earned R1 status, placing it among top 3% of nation’s higher education institutions.

Looking Back

Produced in 1999, this Centennial video covers the first 100 years of the University. Experience the sights and sounds of UL Lafayette's first century.

View the Centennial Video
La Louisiane cover 2010

La Louisiane

Since publication began in 1989, more than 1 million copies of La Louisiane have been produced. Explore the University's history through our magazine.

La Lousiane digital archive
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