Form meets function in the College of Engineering at UL Lafayette. That’s at least true for a red steel structure outside of Madison Hall, the Engineering building on campus.
On Sept. 1, college and university administrators with alums E.R. “Ray” DesOrmeaux and David Huval cut the ribbon on this unique teaching tool.
“ This monument allows students to take what they learn in the classroom and from their professors and see how it applies,” said DesOrmeaux, who with Huval donated $17,000 for the structure and seating area around it.
The structure is one of five from the American Institute of Steel Construction. Universities with accredited engineering programs can erect these monuments using plans from the AISC.
Approximately 150 monuments currently exist across the country and are used as teaching tools for design and for building with structural steel.
Various types of structural elements are included in the monument and are attached with different connections including standard structural bolts.
“ It’s truly a combination of form and function. It reminds us that engineering is both of those,” said Dr. Terrance Chambers, associate professor in mechanical engineering. Both DesOrmeaux and Huval are UL Lafayette graduates from the College of Engineering and serve on the college’s advisory board.
DesOrmeaux, a 1963 graduate, is president of E.R. DesOrmeaux Inc., a commercial and industrial construction firm. Huval is president of Huval and Associates, an engineering design and construction firm, specializing in bridges and other unique projects. Both companies are located in Lafayette.